Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/104211
Sarasota News Leader January 18, 2013 Page 43 "We put that wall up. That's our history," said He said the reason for the removal of the tile Amaryllis Park resident Barbara Langston. was bad adhesion. The beige-colored tiles kept falling off. The city's Public Works DeOne of the plaques, for example, recognized partment decided it would be better to replace educational pioneer Emma E. Booker, one of the tiles with stucco. the first teachers of African-American children in Sarasota (and the namesake of Booker Unfortunately, it takes new stucco 30 days Elementary, Middle School and High School). to dry before it can be painted successfully. It was at this stage between Christmas and The mystery was soon cleared up. The city mid-January when residents noticed their hisdid it — removed the brass and tiles, too. Was tory wall had vanished. the city planning to demolish the wall as well? Rumors were rife. Chalk it all up to bad public Now Kucharski is preparing to reinstall the relations. commemorative plaques. "We're ready to go. That's what I'm telling the community," he "I apologize for the miscommunication," said said. Todd Kucharski, general manager of landscape, parks and the environment for the City City staff will attempt to match the new paint of Sarasota. He repeated his apology Tuesday to the old beige shade; then, the plaques will night, Jan. 15, during the monthly meeting of be reinstalled. And a moment of panic will the Amaryllis Park Neighborhood Association. have passed. % Another section of the wall stands ready for painting mid-week.