Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/247585
BEACH BLANKETS, ANYONE??? With sand stockpiled in the background for use in the construction, the dignitaries and the audience gather for the event to begin. All photos by Norman Schimmel COUNTY LEADERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF SIESTA KEY ORGANIZATIONS MARK THE FORMAL BEGINNING OF REFURBISHMENTS TO SIESTA PUBLIC BEACH Staff Reports Sarasota County Commission Chairman Charles Hines emailed Interim County Administrator Tom Harmer on Monday, writing, "Weather permitting — I think it would be fun for those Commissioners who are attending the Siesta Key ground break to wear Florida style outfits rather than the standard business attire. Any thoughts?" 12 mph. As Sarasota News Leader Staff Photographer Norman Schimmel, who was at the beach, put it, "It is freezing!" Most of the attendees may have been attired more appropriately for New York City in the winter than a tropical Florida beach visit, but the event nonetheless was festive. The $21.5 million project will put a fresh face Harmer's response: "I like the idea. Let me on facilities that county officials say are long know and the staff I am sure will be happy to overdue for upgrades. participate." Among the facets of the effort will be restoUnfortunately, the temperature at Sarasota- ration of the historic pavilion and the creation Bradenton International Airport just before of a 15-foot-wide esplanade along the entire the 11 a.m. ceremony began was 54 degrees, length of the beach park, to provide a safer with the wind blowing out of the north at means for people to get from one end to the