SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY
Observer
Keep an eye out.
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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026
VOLUME 22, NO. 41
YOUR TOWN
Building a city hub by the bay Plans for Phase 3 of The Bay park envisions a centerpiece for Sarasota. SEE PAGE 3
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Spreading the butterfly bug While growing up, Marc Minno found his love of butterflies not only in gardens but also in books, which inspired him to go outside and find them. At 9:30 a.m. May 28, the former president of the Southern Lepidopterist Society and research associate with the McGuire Center at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville is set to speak at the Sarasota County Butterfly Club at 1131 Boulevard of the Arts. “Most people don’t even know what’s in their own yard, and if you just planted one plant that would be good for butterflies or birds, it would make such a huge difference to wildlife populations,” he said. Guests can RSVP at 941-9219597. A $5 donation is appreciated.
Daniel Sanchez, Christopher Schrum and Griffin Shay head onto the field. Ian Swaby Courtesy image
Stage above the streets If you’ve been in Burns Court lately, you may have found your gaze drawn upward. A flutist, costume characters and people reading or singing are some of the sights seen on the balcony of the Burns Square Hotel. The Burns Square Intermezzo is managed and curated by the Sarasota International Chalk Festival, featuring performances focused on Saturdays, but also pretty much anytime. Chalk Festival founder Denise Kowal says the experience is growing and is focused on building community. “We just thought it’s a great balcony,” she said. “We think it’s a good location for people to be able to belt out whatever they want to want to create.”
Booker, Riverview and Sarasota grads set sights on future. SEE PAGE 17
COMING SOON
A+E
Fiddler from afar. PAGE 14
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If all goes to plans, the development that would see Shore return to St. Armands would include a cafe and retail on the first floor, restaurant on the second floor and an eight-room boutique hotel on the third floor.
Work begins on a new vision for Shore, with or without hotel rooms. SEE PAGE 5