This week in history 8.13.15

Aug. 10, 2000

Visitors to Siesta Key lined the shores unsure of what was happening when 10  to 12 manatees were found mating in the surf. The group of manatees moved north along the beach during the morning before disappearing around the north end of the island toward Big Pass. Philip J. McAveety shared the photos with the Pelican Press. 

Aug. 16, 1984

Riding up to the front porch of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Museum of Botany and the Arts, Museum Director Pat Rachels tries out a bicycle among the collection of things that were used for the Bits ’n’ Pieces benefit that year. Selby volunteer Lillian Thurston looks on near the entrance to the Christy Payne Mansion. Thirty-one years later Marie Selby Botanical Gardens kicked off its 40th anniversary with a new exhibit located in the former residence of Bill and Marie Selby. 

Aug. 17, 1995

Cat was the new black for this mailbox. An August 1995 photo spread brought standout mailboxes into the spotlight. This "frisky" cat lived on Featherbed Lane. Other boxes featured included a fish on Higel Avenue, an elegant swan on Camino Real and a wolf on Island Circle.