bserver O SARASOTA
You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.
SCHOOLS
Four local schools’ gardens will grow thanks to grant. PAGE 3A
WE REMEMBER | 9.11.01
OUR TOWN
Russ Hartvigsen
+ World War II vet receives new ride Disabled World War II vet Russ Hartvigsen received a wheelchair-accessible van just in time for his 89th birthday last Wednesday. Shot in the legs during the Battle of the Bulge, the Purple Heart recipient’s mobility was limited with a normal minivan. The new van was a surprise to Hartvigsen and was made possible by Governor Rick Scott.
+ Sarasota Observer announces changes Starting this week, you will see a familiar face around City Hall and the town. Roger Drouin, who worked for The Observer from 2004 to 2007 first as city editor of the Longboat Observer and then Drouin the Sarasota Observer, takes over Kurt Schultheis’ position as city editor of the Sarasota Observer. Drouin, who recently completed his master’s of fine arts in creative writing/ fiction from Florida Atlantic University, also published his first book in June, “No Other Way.” But his most notable recent accomplishment is marrying Rachel Gomez, whom he met in 2007 in Sarasota. “We’re happy to be back in Sarasota, which has always felt like home,” Drouin said. Schultheis is back on Longboat Key in his new role as managing editor of the Longboat Observer.
starting out
FREE • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 6, 2012
DIVERSIONS
SPORTS
Linda MacCluggage writes an emotional response: ‘nine/eleven.’ INSIDE
Riverview junior Mason Fox takes top golfing honors. PAGE 15A
by Roger Drouin | City Editor
Barwin’s Big Day
Computer-less and still unpacking, the new city manger takes the helm on his first day.
City Commissioner Paul Caragiulo breaks into a smile as Sarasota’s new city manager, Tom Barwin, peers into the half-open door to the commissioner’s office at City Hall. Barwin walks in. The two shake hands. “I like the tie,” Caragiulo says. “Are you going to be playing with The Duprees later?” Barwin has a slightly perplexed expression at the obscure reference to the doowop group known for its polished attire. “They’re a cover band,” Caragiulo explains. Barwin shakes his head, implying that, no, he wouldn’t be playing with The Duprees. “But, I really do like the tie,” Caragiulo says. “Vintage tie. Have to be tall to wear that tie. You don’t have a problem with that.” The 6-foot-3 city manager grins at the compliment, and the two begin to chat. Barwin tells Caragiulo about the Sarasota Sailing Squadron’s annual regatta and the Sarasota Farmers Market — two staple Sarasota events that he checked out his first weekend in town. But, now that Barwin has taken over as city manager, he won’t have much spare time. Before 11 a.m. Tuesday, Caragiulo was the 35th person — by Barwin’s estimated count — that he met with on his first official day at work as Sarasota’s city manager.
By the Numbers 8 a.m. — time Tom Barwin arrived for the first day of work as city manager 540 — full-time city employees 35 — residents, city employees or elected officials Barwin had met with by 11 a.m. 13 — short-list of police chief candidates Barwin will cull down 4 — total job offers Barwin had 2 — number of bobblehead dolls on his desk, thus far
It was a long day of shaking hands that started early and ended late with the new manager’s first commission meeting. It was also a morning without a computer, but Barwin was OK with that. While emails can be convenient, Barwin would rather meet Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara
SEE BARWIN / PAGE 2A
CRACKING DOWN
City Manager Tom Barwin attended his first City Commission meeting Tuesday on a day that started early and ran late.
by Roger Drouin | City Editor
Police make 55 vagrancy-related arrests The installation of a second camera downtown to monitor problems with the homeless population could lead to additional arrests. Following a call to action from city commissioners to address problems associated with a growing homeless population downtown, Sarasota police arrested 55 homeless people dur-
ing a four-week period. In addition, a two-day police operation led to another 24 arrests or citations. The installation of a second camera downtown to monitor
problems that might arise from the transient population is expected to lead to additional arrests. A recent incident involved a 47-year-old homeless man. Ac-
cording to police reports, an officer drove past the homeless man Aug. 26 as he tossed a half-lit cigarette near Selby Five Points Park. While the officer was issuing the man a warning, he noted the man was acting nervous. The
SEE HOMELESS / PAGE 9A
INDEX Briefs.................... 4A Classifieds..........23A
Cops Corner........10A Crossword...........22A
Opinion................. 8A Real Estate.........20A
Sports.................15A Weather..............22A
Vol. 8, No. 45 | Two sections YourObserver.com