SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY
Observer
Yoga with new friends.
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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2023
VOLUME 19, NO. 18
YOUR TOWN
Musk ado about New College The carmaking and social media mogul plans to take the school private. SEE PAGE 2
Courtesy rendering
Raccoons to grace roundabouts In January, the city’s Public Arts Committee narrowed its options for art for the center of the Fruitville Road roundabout to three options. But after a commissioner pointed out that the “snowbirds” used in one weren’t even local, it sparked a new idea. At the committee’s March workshop, a local artist, I.B. Skullpten, presented a new vision for the roundabout art. He proposed replacing the “snowbirds,” with year-round Sarasota residents — raccoons. “From the trash cans at Ted Sperling Park to the backyards of Arlington Park, raccoons are a ubiquitous presence here,” Skullpten said. “Why not honor their intelligence, ingenuity and resilience as a proud marker for our city?” Committee members balked at the proposal, but knowing the commission usually picks the opposite of their selections, they forwarded it as a finalist. The commission will select the winner April 1.
Wheelin’ and Dealin’ A public-private partnership brings a Ferris wheel to St. Armands. SEE PAGE 4
Courtesy rendering
The 400-foot-high “Eye of Ringling” Ferris wheel will give visitors to St. Armands a whole new view of the coast.
File photo
Guerrilla group revels in red tide While red tide is considered a problem by most residents, a guerrilla group calling themselves Let Them Eat Fish considers tourism to be a bigger issue. After Sarasota County raked all of Siesta Key’s beachfront on March 8, residents woke up to more dead fish 10 days later, but it wasn’t a resurgence of red tide. While revelers were out listening to bagpipes and drinking green beer to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, a group of grumpy leprechauns hauled pots o’ fish kill to the beach to scare away tourists. Piles of stinky fish and a sign that said “Go home” were found in front of the Siesta Key Public Beach Pavillion. If you have information, police ask that you call 366-3468.
Gambling problem? Casino opens downtown
A+E Things get weird. INSIDE
A circus-themed hotel and casino will soon replace the Van Wezel. SEE PAGE 3 xxxx
Signage on the site of the former Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall already reflects the change in ownership.