SIESTA KEY
Observer Formerly the Pelican Press
FST play spotlights girls’ empowerment. PAGE 1B
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE
VOLUME 48, NO. 39
Who pays security bill?
•
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018
YOUR TOWN
Deficit looms for schools. SEE PAGE 3A Photo courtesy Toasted Mango
Best waffle in Florida
IN THE JUNGLE
Sarasota’s Toasted Mango Cafe has the best waffles in all of Florida, according to The Food Network’s “50 States of Waffles” list of the tastiest waffles in each state. The waffles are topped with fresh mango slices, toasted coconut flakes, a dusting of coconut sugar and dollops of whipped cream. “I couldn’t be more honored,” said owner Kimberly Duffy.
Fundraiser a roaring good time. SEE PAGE 2B
Shane Donglasan
Sculpture dedicated Shane Donglasan
Brielle and Charlene Culp hang with bears April 7 at the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary during its Jungle Jam fundraiser.
A+E Locals grace the big screen at Sarasota Film Festival. INSIDE
Van Wezel’s future remains murky Would a new bayfront venue mean curtains for the purple icon? SEE PAGE 5A File photo
A consultant recommended replacing the Van Wezel with a new performing arts hall.
Developer Mark Kauffman, Alfstad & Contemporary gallery and the city of Sarasota partnered to place a sculpture by artist Boaz Vaadia outside the Sabal Palm Bank Plaza building at the intersection of Ringling Boulevard and Golf Street. The statue, entitled Ba’al and Yizhaq, is the newest addition to the city’s public art program. On April 10, members from organizations involved with the project dedicated the piece.
Can you stop summer hunger? Here are the week’s donation totals for All Faiths Food Bank’s Campaign Against Summer Hunger, which runs through May 15. To donate, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org. Goal: $1.3 million matching challenge Amount raised to date: $775,000