Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/108313
Sarasota News Leader February 8, 2013 Page 85 "If you came to Sarasota in 1920 and then again in 1950, you came to basically the same place," LaHurd began his remarks. The intervening 30 years were a period of recession, depression, stagnation and world war, he continued. That was all about to change. After World War II, Sarasota and much of Florida saw growth that has been unmatched by any other period of the state's history. And that was just when Ken Thompson showed up in town. "He built the thing from scratch. Sarasota went from a one-stoplight town to the city it is today," said former state Sen. Bob Johnson. Thompson shepherded the community through that period, and, by all accounts did much good. In LaHurd's book, mention is often made of Thompson's engineering background and his common sense approach to getting the infrastructure laid for the growth to come. "Thompson secured the Verna well fields, where our drinking water comes from, and planning for the needs and a future he would not live to see," said current City Manager Tom Barwin. "The wastewater facilities, the water treatment plants … it's amazing what was built under the direction of Ken Thompson. Sarasota will never be involved in those water wars rocking so many communities," Barwin added. "This is due to Ken Thompson." A prime mover in getting Feb. 1 recognized as Ken Thompson Day, Atwell read the City Commission proclamation marking the occasion. In the document, signed by all of the city commissioners, Atwell referred to Thompson's integrity, his visionary planning and his development of everything from Island Park to Marina Jack to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to the current City Hall, and the "many ways City Manager Tom Barwin addresses the audience. Photo by Scott Proffitt