Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/129431
It was another very busy week for our local government boards, as evidenced by our news stories in this issue. Although I have been in this business since I was in college, it still never ceases to amaze me that topics totally unexpected can pop up to create as much if not more interest than those I anticipated during a meeting. The primary news this week focused on the expected City and County commission discussions — the 2050 Plan, sound enforcement in downtown Sarasota and road impact fees among them. However, outgoing City Commissioner Terry Turner gave City Editor Stan Zimmerman some unplanned good copy, with parting remarks about the state of the city's finances. The county commissioners also had the opportunity to weigh in again on the Warm Mineral Springs debate — with a twist they obviously did not expect. For our readers on Siesta Key, you can call this a "Bonanza Week," with news varying from the broaching of the idea of building a multi-level parking deck with a restaurant on top overlooking the Gulf of Mexico to the speed reduction petition on part of Midnight Pass Road to the next step in the process of improving the facilities at the public beach. On the much-needed lighter side, Cooper Levey-Baker offers a preview of the upcoming Community Baby Shower, Tyler Whitson gives us a glimpse into the accomplishments of illustration majors at Ringling College of Art and Design, Scott Proffitt puts students in the spotlight for their achievements and Otus provides us not only an update on Charlie the Great Blue Heron but tells us how we can try to identify the varieties of hawks that make their home in this area. I think it is safe to say we have something in this issue for almost every reader imaginable. Editor and Publisher