Moments in time

1978 — MAY 25. Siesta Key said farewell to its beloved Mote Marine Laboratory, when it moved to a new headquarters in Sarasota. When the staff and administrators realized they had outgrown the facilities at the Siesta Key location, it was decided that Mote Marine must move to a larger and more accommodating location. The new site, located on City Island, not only provided the staff with more space, but also new research equipment, innovative technology and state-of-the-art facilities. The new laboratory equipped the staff and researchers with a means of expanding and improving the aquarium for the future.

1974 — MAY 23. Florida Sen. Kenneth Myers proposed a bill in the Florida Senate that made it “unlawful for any person to ignite any flame or to smoke any tobacco or any other substance in the common areas of any public building,” according to the May 23, 1974, Observer archives. However, the bill did not make any headway, despite Myers’ best efforts. The senator was ahead of his time: Florida did not pass a statewide smoking ban in all enclosed workplaces (excluding bars) until July 1, 2003.

1985 — May 23. The Pelican Press offered the latest summer fashions to its readers. According to the article, what was in for men was also in for women, and that included oversized shirts, large jackets, baggy shorts and trousers of varying lengths. Innovative hairstyles were also in: short on top and long on the sides; even spiked in the front.