By Sarasota Herald-Tribune. June 26, 2025
On the same day shovels hit the dirt to mark a new beginning for Garden Elementary School, another quiet milestone unfolded just steps away: a protected killdeer bird nest, long fenced off and monitored near the construction zone, hatched, offering a fitting symbol of renewal for a community rebuilding after the storm.
The discovery came as a welcome surprise to school officials and environmentalists, who had anticipated the eggs would remain through July. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission had been monitoring the site for months after the nest was discovered, and yellow tape was placed around the area to ensure protection during the pre-construction phase.
