This week in history: May 7

May 5, 1983

Sarasota welcomed Mike Reagan, son of President Ronald Reagan, when he stopped through town to test a locally built, 38-foot race boat. He was especially interested in breaking his own speed record of 25 hours and 11 minutes to complete 1,027 miles of the Mississippi River. His next race from Chicago to Detroit was expected to collect $500,000 for the Olympics. 

May 9, 1991

That small outline of a figure on the rooftop is former Southside Elementary Principal John Spielman. How did he end up on the roof? In fall 1990 Spielman challenged all 605 students to read at least 26,000 books by May 1. Students beat his challenge by reading 28,418 books by April 1. The bet proved to be beneficial for Spielman, who overcame his fear of heights after spending the entire day on the roof.