SARASOTA
Gator growl.
Observer
PAGE 16
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022
VOLUME 18, NO. 8
YOUR TOWN
On the move Transportation priorities line up for funding. SEE PAGE 3
Blake Fussell
Out-of-Door and under the water Out-of-Door Academy lowerschool students are working on ways to give Siesta Key’s aquatic life a boost. Resident Jean Cannon showed off their work at a recent Siesta Key Association meeting, pointing out that the oyster shell and steel rod contraptions make attractive homes for all kinds of underwater life in the community’s canals. The oyster gardens will be installed along docks where fish, other oysters and ocean vegetation can thrive. The gardens are just one of the projects to preserve the underwater environment along the key. “Builders have put in sea walls that are made of concrete, which has left very little habitat for sea life to hide and grow,” Cannon said. “That’s why projects like these can play a huge role.”
Artist cultivates her winning message Teacher’s experience in the garden inspires Embracing our Differences artwork. SEE PAGE 19
Harry Sayer
Samantha Miller has her digital artwork blown up to poster size.
Courtesy photo
Mayor’s citation
Jordan Letschert, president of the Project PRIDE SRQ board, has been hard at work during the pandemic. Letschert — who at one point served on a police advisory board to review internal affairs complaints and hold public hearings for transparency — has spent much of his time promoting LGBTQ rights with his advocacy group. That effort has included establishing a city-approved street mural, organizing a rainbow flag walk across the John Ringling Causeway and helping June 2021 be proclaimed “Pride Month” by the city. It’s work that’s been noticed. Letschert was given a citation for his work in the community by Mayor Erik Arroyo on Jan. 18. Letschert met with Arroyo and city commissioners at City Hall to receive the citation.
In a new owner’s court
A+E
Time machine. INSIDE Courtesy rendering
The redevelopment plan includes retail and residential space, along with court sports.
Sarasota’s Bath & Racquet Club sold again, this time for $15.3 million, as renovation plans solidify. SEE PAGE 5