SARASOTA
On the road.
Observer
PAGE 19
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 17, NO. 39
FREE
YOUR TOWN
•
THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021
Hotel plan advances County Commission will hear contentious Siesta proposal. PAGE 3
File photo
Drop the sand
Yes, Siesta Key sand is white, soft and pretty cool. No, you may not have any. If you’re one of those beachgoers compelled to fill a zip-lock bag with sand from any county beach, officials have a message for you: Stop, thief! Nicole Rissler, the director of Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, appeared in a recent county YouTube video reminding visitors that it’s against the law to purposely take sand off the beach. “We ask that you leave it here, other than the sand that might be in your bathing suit when you leave,” she said.
Cool for school Back-to-class bash includes ice cream. SEE PAGE 22
Spoken history
Newtown neighbors and leaders paid tribute to the area’s rich history with style during a spoken-word and jazz event Aug. 24. Locals gathered at the event, organized by the Newtown Farmers Market, and picked up fresh food and drinks before sitting down for the event. Although storm clouds were nearby, the guests heard about the history of the city from local storyteller James Brown. Local figures Fredd Atkins, Willie Shaw, Bernice Heggs and Jetson Grimes were recognized during the afternoon as well. Saxophone player Gerald Augustin also performed.
Turtle Tracks
SINCE APRIL 25 TOTAL NESTS: 2021 2020 Siesta Key 521 464 Lido Key 107 52 Casey Key 1,469 1,513 TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS: 2021 2020 Siesta Key 602 580 Lido Key 279 220 Casey Key 1,773 1,983 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory
Harry Sayer
Kayden and Kassie Mallow enjoy something sweet at the Music Compound’s weekend celebration of all things back to school.
A+E
Mask plan on the way District works to enact details of board’s 3-2 decision. SEE PAGE 5
File photo
Arthur Jeffery, 6, was ready with a mask and a pose on the first day at Tuttle Elementary.
Art space feeds collaboration. SEE PAGE 16