SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY
Observer
A+E Artrageous look back INSIDE
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024
VOLUME 20, NO. 46
YOUR TOWN
Ian Swaby
Lighting the way
Temple Emanu-El’s religious school extensively prepared for its visit to Aviva Senior Living on Dec. 15, practicing a play and songs, making cards and learning how to interact with seniors. Students performed the short play, a lighthearted retelling of the miracle of Hanukkah, the story in Jewish tradition of the oil to light the menorah at the temple in Jerusalem miraculously lasting eight days, after the Maccabees drove the Greeks from Judea. Rabbi Michael Shefrin called Hanukkah a “season of light.” He said he hopes it is a time where a divided world comes together, with a reminder of the gift of religious freedom. “It’s wonderful they have the opportunity to express themselves and to share their beliefs with others,” said resident Al Koral.
2024
THE YEAR IN PHOTOS
W
OCTOBER
SHIPWRECKS The wind of Hurricane Milton took boats from Sarasota Bay and tossed them around like this one that ended up in front of the Bayfront Park entrance in Sarasota.
hat we will remember most in 2024 is what we don’t want to remember. But what should be remembered are the exceptional
moments we as a community enjoyed. Sarasota’s dominant news story of the year is a oneword summary — hurricane. Pick one, Debby, Helene, Milton, all etched in city history. Before the trio of misery, we had moments of kids’ joy at the simplest things, chefs giving us tasty treats, moments shared at concerts and furry friends bringing smiles to our faces. After our despair and cleanup, we witnessed moments of a thrilling comeback and a return to normalcy where once again we smiled, laughed and welcomed
Ian Swaby
the holiday season.
Kwanzaa across the community
Sarasota proved its strength in its resurgence.
SEE PAGE 3
The African American holiday of Kwanzaa involves giving and celebrating the fruits of one’s labor, a concept embodied in the poetry readings, music and other offerings of the Kwanzaa Community Celebration at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library on Dec. 9. The Friends of Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, which organized the celebration, hopes to give its own gifts, not only to the African American community but also the wider community. The celebration continues today to Jan. 1, with Kwanzaa candlelight events being held in various locations, from the library to First Congregational United Church of Christ.
File photos
JULY
BIT OF BUBBLY During Bubbles Under The Banyans at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, a bubble collides with Alanna Phan, 2, and her father, Will Phan. The event at Selby Gardens featured Blaise Ryndes, of Tampa, owner of Spheres Bubble Show and a contestant on Season 13 of “America’s Got Talent.”
OCTOBER
PASSING FANCY Wendy Miller navigates Midnight Pass by kayak. After Hurricane Helene opened Midnight Pass slightly after 41 years, shovelers attempted to keep the pass open, but it started to close again. A week-anda-half later, Milton punched a hole in Midnight Pass that is still open today.
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MAY
GRAD NIGHTS Guadalupe Maldonado enters the stadium with eyes set on 2024 at Sarasota High’s graduation ceremonies.