SARASOTA
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 13, NO. 30
FREE
LOOK OUT BELOW After concerns from residents about falling debris and other issues, Sarasota is examining its policies managing the side effects of high-rise construction. DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR
Rocking out with colors
PAGE 15 •
THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017
YOUR TOWN
File photos
In the running for Miss Florida Keep your eyes peeled for Sarasota native Lauren Nielsen. She’s competing in the Miss Florida pageant taking place between June 27 and July 1.
B
efore she won a seat on the City Commission in May, Jen Ahearn-Koch met with residents of the Essex House condominium on Palm Avenue. They told her about an aerial assault on their property. They attributed the problem to the construction of the neighboring Echelon on Palm, an 18-story condo building at 624 S. Palm Ave. They shared pictures of large pieces of metal and wood that fell from above onto their property, of concrete that splattered off the construction site and tarnished the cars and pavers below. The stories and images shocked Ahearn-Koch, then a neighborhood leader who provided advice for the condo dwellers who were seeking relief. SEE CONSTRUCTION, PAGE 4
Sheriff Tom Knight
Here’s to the chief The Republican Party of Sarasota County honored Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight on June 20. The party named Knight Elected Official of the Year. It’s the first time the honor has been bestowed since Nora Patterson was given the honor 2010.
TURTLE TRACKS AS OF JUNE 17 TOTAL NESTS: 2017 2016 Lido Beach 50 45 Siesta Key 280 139 Casey Key 755 664
Courtesy photos
An Essex House resident reportedly had a “close call” with a falling piece of wood.
Concrete spatters on a car on the Essex House property.
Summertime safety Alertness is key around water. SEE PAGE 3
TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS: 2017 2016 Lido Beach 79 49 Siesta Key 257 492 Casey Key 830 1,001 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory
A+E Weapon of choice INSIDE