Moments in Time

1989: Coca-Cola Co. got Sarasota bubbling when it filmed a commercial in August 1989 on Siesta Key beach. The California-based production company Plum Production Co. filmed a 20-second commercial on the beach, complete with beach chairs, a beach shack and a spaceship, which took off at the end of the commercial. The commercial was a $500,000 production, and the extras were paid $33 each.
— According to the Aug. 10, 1989, Observer archives

1976: Florida became one of 10 states to welcome small, European-style motorbikes. The new legislation allowed anyone older than 15 to ride the bike with no helmet, operator’s license or insurance, as long as the bike was less than 1.5 horsepower and could not exceed speeds of 25 mph.
— According to the Aug. 5, 1976, Observer archives

1986: Juan Rodriguez, a Sarasota native and Riverview High School graduate, rode the wave of skimboard popularity in the 1980s when he created custom boards made in molds with wood and fiberglass. He produced about 5,000 boards each year and sold boards locally. He also exported them to Japan, Venezuela and Costa Rica. Each board boasted a custom paint job from Ringling students.
— According to the Aug. 7, 1986, Observer archives

Contact Nick Friedman at [email protected].