Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/136775
Although I believe our staff is comprised largely of "news junkies," we try very hard to offer a lot of diversity in the topics we cover. This week proves no exception. If anything, we have an even broader mix than usual. Associate Editor Cooper Levey-Baker tackled quite a complex story about a Sarasota couple mired — almost literally — in an effort to see a canal cleaned up in the downtown area. City Editor Stan Zimmerman was all over the place this week — from Main Street to St. Armands to Sarasota Police headquarters, where he saw a number of new officers get their badges. On Siesta Key, I learned from Sarasota Audubon members, more malicious damage was inflicted on a buffered area designed to encourage the successful procreation of the endangered snowy plovers that visit our county each year. You do not have to be a wildlife lover to find the circumstances heart-wrenching. Back downtown, the County Commission held two workshops this week — one that included the latest decisions about a proposed bus rapid transit system along U.S. 41 and another on its operating funds budget for the 2014 fiscal year. Whenever the budget is figuratively on the table, you may rest assured that the topics will be many and varied. On June 12, recommended pay raises for non-union county employees and new sports facilities were the focus of some pretty intense discussions. Finally — and most assuredly not the least of our offerings this week — Staff Photographer Norman Schimmel drove up to Nathan Benderson Park to watch high-wire Wunderkind Nik Wallenda practice for his Grand Canyon crossing on June 23. Norm took some excellent shots from a wide variety of angles to give you a great overview of the training. Enjoy! Editor and Publisher