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More than 800 people gathered on Siesta Public Beach on Valentine's Day — Feb. 14 — to renew their wedding vows during the popular Sarasota County Parks and Recreation event Say I Do Again. County spokesman Curt Preisser told The Sarasota News Leader that 421 couples regis- tered for the ceremony, which was held close to sunset. Sarasota Magistrate Ed Wilson officiated. Jim and Anna Mae Duke marked the longest marriage of all the couples present, Preisser added: 72 years. Music, commemorative certificates and wed- ding-themed refreshments were part of the festivities. Staff Photographer Norman Schimmel was present to record the occasion. He and his wife, Patti, were among the celebrants. % The crowd of couples faces the magistrate for the ceremony as the sun begins to set. All photos by Norman Schimmel SIESTA BEACH IS THE SETTING FOR MORE THAN 400 COUPLES TO RENEW THEIR VOWS ON VALENTINE'S DAY 'SO HAPPY TOGETHER' Staff Reports