SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY
Observer
Buried treasure
PAGE 16
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024
VOLUME 20, NO. 29
YOUR TOWN
Affordable options in vogue New projects capitalize on city regulations that incentivize affordable housing. PAGE 3
Ian Swaby
Griffin and Corey Crumpacker
Dog Day Afternoon
There are certain occasions that must be celebrated at Boo’s Ice House & Dog Bar, a bar that serves both dogs and their owners. One of those times is National Dog Day, which the business recognized Aug. 25 with a luau theme that decked out pups with Hawaiian leis. Because it took place during the dog days of summer, the event featured splash pools in the venue’s outdoor section. It also brought guests who offered live music, Italian ice with pup cups, adoptable puppies and grooming services. With the bar having been established a little more than a year ago, co-owner Mindy Kauffman said its attendance is starting to kick into gear. “It’s been summer, but it’s a pretty nice turn out for a summer event,” she said.
COOL FOR SCHOOL Music Compound unveils its new facility with its annual Back to School bash. SEE PAGE 17
Ian Swaby
Silvanna Escobar, 17, Jersey Baldini, 15 and Harper Weyant, 15, of The Heartbreakers, perform on stage during the Aug. 24 event at Music Compound. Carter Weinhofer
Lil’ Dougie returns to sea With the flap of her flippers, female loggerhead Lil’ Dougie dipped under a wave off Siesta Key and made her way back into the gulf Aug. 12. The release came 73 days after the sea turtle was rescued by Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Communications Specialist Doug Johnson and his wife, Susannah, when they spotted the injured turtle near Casey Key while paddleboarding. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium staff retrieved the turtle and took her to its City Island hospital to treat her. In honor of Johnson’s good deed, they named the turtle for him.
SRQ Airport welcomes $40 million investment A new company planning to create 350 jobs in the area announces its plans for SRQ. SEE PAGE 5
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Andrew Warfield
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport President and CEO Rick Piccolo addresses the media to announce the deal with Pilatus Business Aircraft.
A+E
Directing is his shtick. PAGE 12