SARASOTA
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 12, NO. 45
FREE
A+E Ringling International Arts Festival lineup INSIDE
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SEASON Fall edition
INSIDE TODAY THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016
Are we having fun yet? Some people think officials and downtown residents are resisting a more vibrant city, but ‘fun’ is all a matter of perspective. PAGE 3
YOUR TOWN Because we’re happy Sarasotans know a thing or two about being happy according to Coastal Living magazine. The city of Sarasota was named among the top 10 for “America’s Happiest Seaside Towns 2017.” The contest to rank the cities ends midnight, Oct. 17. The winner will be announced Jan. 11 to be featured in the May 2017 issue.
David Conway
Chris Winzenread serves a few fun-loving patrons at Smokin’ Joe’s. Downtown bar owners think the city can strike the right balance of activity for all residents, but there’s broad skepticism about whether the necessary conversations will actually happen.
Builder beware
Courtesy photo
Temple Emanu-El Rabbi Brenner Glickman with preschoolers Mirabel Nieman and Maxwell Link
Shanah Tovah Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, began at sundown Sunday. Temple Emanu-El Rabbi Brenner Glickman helped Temple Emanu-El Early Learning Center preschoolers Maxwell Link and Mirabel Nieman learn to blow a shofar, the ram’s horn traditionally sounded on the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah.
Katie Johns
DOG BLESS Furry friends observe St. Francis of Assisi feast day. SEE PAGE 17
Hutch and his four-legged friends listen carefully as the annual animal blessing begins Sunday at Church of the Redeemer.
A controversial property owner is investing in Siesta Key — which has residents concerned. PAGE 6