THIS WEEK IN HISTORY | May 21

May 21, 1981

I-75 opens 
In May 1981 Gov. Bob Graham helped cut the red ribbon for the opening of the 37.8-mile stretch of I-75 for Sarasota and Manatee counties. The extension was built with the intention of reducing congestion on U.S. 41. The article adds “for we who have traveled Route 41 at any time of the year, driving on I-75 is a treat. Gone is the heart-stopping rush of traffic, the crazies zig-zagging across lanes, cars shooting out of the businesses along 41 and the ugly distraction of billboards and myriad signs.” 

May 19, 1994

On having our cake …
An editorial titled “On having our cake … ” addressed the promise of a convention center for luring tourists yet easing seasonal congestion. “We Sarasotans are a pretty selfish lot. ... We don’t like the traffic of tourist season, yet we love the amenities tourists help support for our year-round entertainment. … A conference center would bring in people who would boost the economy, support the services and amenities, then disappear into the night.”

Business is Rough 
In the May 19, 1994, issue of the Pelican Press, Tony Little, right, looks around for a few customers, but he needs to look quickly before D.J. Rutkowski drinks all the inventory. The boys were working in a booth for their preschool during an event at the city’s new Laurel Park.