Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/231222
Sarasota News Leader December 20, 2013 Page 44 for them. "The Friends of Gulf Gate Library really appreciated my can of dirt. It was would like to give you personally a piece of authentic … They have the real thing [from your new property." the parcel]." With laughter resonating through the Commission Chambers in the County Administration Center on Ringling Boulevard in Sarasota, Erb walked to the dais to present each commissioner a tin can the color of gold, with a red ribbon on top. "You might not want to open it right now," she cautioned them. "I don't know how often they vacuum in here." "It's dirt and grass," board Chairwoman Carolyn Mason explained to audience members with another laugh. "We'll just put this in our showcase." In an interview with The Sarasota News Leader this week, Erb said, "I think everybody She added, "That was my idea. … We just wanted them to have a look at what they were getting." With her board members in the audience, Erb told the commissioners, "This comes from the bottom of our hearts." In her remarks, Erb credited Jone Weist, who has been treasurer of the Friends of Gulf Gate Library since 2011, with making the property purchase a reality. "She really persevered. She stalked the owner of the property," Erb said. "And we are just now very happy that we can turn that property over to Sarasota County." The lot at 7115 Curtiss Avenue is being used for parking by construction workers at the site of the new library. Photo by Norman Schimmel