Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/92622
SARASOTA'S HISTORIAN Jeff LaHurd has had a passion for local history since he was a child, and he has been writing about it most of his life. Photo by Scott Proffitt JEFF LAHURD HAS BEEN TELLING THE TALE OF THIS TOWN FOR 22 YEARS, PARTLY THROUGH THE PUBLICATION OF 15 BOOKS By Scott Proffitt Staff Writer If you drive east on Bahia Vista Street until you can go no further, just after you cross Cattle- men Road you might notice small signs for the History Center. Take a right on Packinghouse Road and you will see a one-story, nonde- script building that re- sembles a bomb shel- ter. Its address is 6062 Porter Way. Ironically, inside this mundane structure you will find some of the greatest historical treasures in our com- munity. Mr. LaHurd has been called a stand-up historian, a local treasure and a walking encyclopedia of Sarasota history. … When you meet him, his modest manner conceals a man with a lifetime of information, and a willingness to share it. Sarasota County History Center Larry Kelleher Staff Member In fact, on many days, one of them will greet you when you walk through the door. His name is Jeff LaHurd, and his title is Saraso- ta County history spe- cialist. LaHurd has just fin- ished his 15th book on the history of this area. The building in