This week in history

Feb. 14, 1985
The Pelican Press featured the Humane Society of Sarasota County for the cover of its B section, which came out on Valentine’s Day.

Bill Garvey, who was the executive director of the society at the time, explained to reporter Jean Reed how the budget of the shelter operated.

In 1984, the shelter received 6,500 animals.

Garvey said the Humane Society was resigned to the fact that critics insisted it not only make money on its adopted animals, but that its fees were exorbitant, he said.

But Garvey had some ideas to get more animals adopted: He wanted to persuade nursing and retirement homes to adopt a pet for the residents to enjoy.

He cited Bay Village as an example. The retirement community adopted Peter the cat, who gave residents there joy.

According to a write-up after Peter’s death: “Preened, petted and pampered by residents Raymond and Pearle Rodger and many others, Peter had the best of care and veterinary attention and his close friends paid the bills. In gratitude, Peter ably kept the rat population in check.”

Garvey was enthusiastic about the idea’s potential. “We’d be thrilled, and it would do them all so much good,” he said.

Feb. 14, 1991
The Siesta Breakers Condominium on 6480 Midnight Pass Road received the Siesta Key Association’s Sea Grape Award for the most improved landscaping. These awards were given out for SKA’s beautification and conservation contest on the Key.