Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/130753
NEWS BRIEFS A Hands Across the Sand event will be held on Saturday at Siesta Public Beach. Image courtesy of Hands Across the Sand's Facebook page HANDS ACROSS THE SAND SET FOR SATURDAY ON SIESTA BEACH On Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to noon, area residents are encouraged to show their support for the protection of coastal economies, the oceans, marine wildlife and fisheries by participating in Hands Across the Sand. A news release notes that Hands Across the Sand is a movement of people from all walks of life. "It is not about politics. … It's about preserving our precious drinking water, air and food. The damage that continues to happen due to offshore oil drilling accidents, hydraulic fracturing, the Alberta tar sands, mountain top removal mining and the continuing proliferation of coal-fired power plants [is] a threat to us all." the intersection of U.S. 41 and Siesta Drive in Sarasota (3501 S. Tamiami Trail). Free bagels and coffee will be available for event participants, the release says, and Sarasota County Area Transit "will be handing out free roundtrip bus passes." At 10:30 a.m., a "Low-Carbon Caravan" will begin. The release encourages participants to "Ride your bike, board the bus or join an electric vehicle parade to the beach." At 11 a.m., everyone will meet on Siesta Public Beach. A tent will be set up in the shade about 100 yards east of the Pavilion, the release adds. There, people can pick up informational materials and learn from a variety of The release adds, "Embracing a clean energy speakers what they can do to reduce depenfuture now is the path to a sustainable planet. dence on fossil fuels. It's a path to ending global warming and climate change. It's a path to a better future for At 11:30 a.m., participants will join hands with each other "for a few minutes at the shoreour children and grandchildren." line as a symbolic act of resistance against Interested people are invited to meet at 10 offshore oil drilling and in protection of our a.m. near the northwest corner of the park- most treasured natural resource," the release ing lot at Westfield Southgate Mall, located at continues.