SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY
Under sails
Observer
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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2024
VOLUME 20, NO. 25
YOUR TOWN
11th best life under the sun Sarasota may not be a top 10 place to live, but it sure beats Green Bay. SEE PAGE 3A
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New resident
She’s the world’s fastest land animal, and she’s been tasked with getting new support for conservation off to a running start. Last week, Big Cat Habitat fulfilled a long-held dream when it announced the arrival of Zuri, its first cheetah. After working with cheetah facilities across the country, the rescue finally acquired Zuri, who had been a surplus animal at a Florida facility. She is planned to serve as an ambassador for Big Cat Habitat, and by extension, cheetahs in the wild, via events like fundraisers and special dinners. Clayton Rosaire, vice president and COO of Big Cat Habitat, said being raised by humans from birth will give her an ideal temperament for the role.
Height of athletics Local clubs offer Olympic sport opportunities to Sarasota athletes. SEE PAGE 11B
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All-terrain access
A beach-friendly accessibility chair that helps those with mobility challenges enjoy our sandy beaches is now available for public use at Lido Beach. The EcoRover is an electric, hand-controlled track chair with all-terrain treads that can easily traverse sand, allowing enjoyment of the beach. Based in North Port, the EcoRover chair was invented by company President Cordell Jeter, a paraplegic as a result of injuries sustained in an auto accident. The EcoRover chair includes storage for an oxygen tank, umbrella and tools. For those without the use of their hands, a remote control is available to allow a companion to walk alongside and control the chair. The EcoRover may be reserved for up to four hours at no cost from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Ian Swaby
Annabelle Hill supports Camille Wright as she emerges from the water during a Sarasota Sharks Synchro Team practice.
The way of the ninja
Turtle Tracks AS OF JULY 27 TOTAL NESTS: 2024 2023 Siesta Key 493 377 Lido Beach 189 186 Casey Key 1,807 1,946 TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS: 2024 2023 Siesta Key 819 680 Lido Beach 321 328 Casey Key 2,595 2,391 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory
Courtesy of American Ninja Warrior
Kyle McCreight has been selected to appear on “American Ninja Warrior” twice, and his semifinal effort will air this season on the NBC series.
‘American Ninja Warrior’ contestant draws inspiration from a three-legged friend. SEE PAGE 1B
A+E Time of your life PAGE 16A