Derek Butler and Melissa Teeter were juniors at Sarasota High School Feb. 9, 1989, when they cut the ribbon for Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Bay Walk Sanctuary. The boardwalk extends into Sarasota Bay and was built for student- and adult-education programs.

County Commission Chairwoman Jeanne McElmurray, Selby Executive Director Larry Pardue and Sarasota Mayor Rita Roehr all attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The boardwalk is still popular today; schools often organize field trips to allow students to learn about the mangroves.

“Almost everyone goes out there to see the bay and the mangroves,” said Selby Gardnes Director of Botany Bruce Holst.

 

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