SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY
Observer
Robot battle.
PAGE 6B
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023
VOLUME 20, NO. 4
YOUR TOWN
Board faces ‘lengthy’ question Can a building be too long? The Planning Board narrowly approves 224 units. SEE PAGE 5A
BACK IN TOWN Courtesy image
Raina Kurnov, Aaron Jawitz, Drew Levine, Sami Gordon
New traditions
It started as a response to COVID precautions, but the Tiki torch menorah has become a regular feature of Hanukkah at Temple Emanu-El. During the pandemic, the members of Temple Emanu-El wanted to celebrate the holiday but had to do so outside — where anyone who’s ever tried can tell you, it’s tough lighting candles. So, a handy synagogue member, Steve Weinberger, constructed the towering menorah in 2020, explained Rabbi Brenner Glickman. And Temple Emanu-El members enjoyed the outdoor gathering so much that it has since become a tradition. “It has an ancient look to it,” said Glickman. A large group of Temple Emanu-El members gathered Dec. 13 to celebrate Hanukkah, light the giant menorah and contribute to relief efforts for Israel.
Ian Swaby
Harper Krull, 8, receives a candy cane from Santa Claus (Jim Maxa).
Courtesy image
Santa and the Grinch paid a visit to the Southside Baptist Church Christmas Town Celebration. SEE PAGE 4B
Give back
Irena Nowak has a simple idea behind what goes into being a good caregiver. “Every time, I repeat, if you love people, you can do this job,” she said. “They need a little good heart, and a little smiling love.” Yet when her co-workers invited her to lunch one day, the Sarasota resident and employee of Homewatch CareGivers of Sarasota didn’t realize she was about to receive some of that appreciation in return. After she found herself at the company’s office instead of a restaurant, she was greeted with what she calls a “big, big, big surprise” which made a “beautiful memory,” with the group offering her congratulations and kisses. Nowak was presented with the Caregiver of the Year award by Authority Brands and went on to be honored at the Authority Brands Annual Convention in Orlando on Nov. 9.
A+E Father photos. INSIDE
Misled by the lights Prelim data shows another strong season for area turtle nests, but disorientation rates are concerning. SEE PAGE 3A
Carter Weinhofer
Sea turtle nests are marked with bright yellow stakes connected with fluorescent tape. This is meant to protect them from beach rakers and everyday beachgoers.