Owen Burns - A Prolific Dredge-and-Fill Man

Mr. Burns and the Burns Dredging Company is responsible for joining the myriad of small islands in Sarasota Bay to form St. Armands and Lido Key. The dredge named the Sand Pecker was used to create Golden Gate Point and became the starting point of the first John Ringling Bridge which the Burns Construction Company built. Today one of Burns's dredges is sunken yet partially visible in the channel behind Otter Key.

Owen Burns's Dredge the Sand Pecker.

Monday Night New Owen Burns Book Release Party

There was a great gathering tonight of friends for Jeff LaHurd's new book "Owen Burns, The Man Who Bought and Built Sarasota" at Mattison's™ City Grille in downtown Sarasota. Diane and Pete Esthus, from the Friends of Sarasota County History Center, took care of the book sales while Jeff autographed copies for his many fans. And everyone happily posed for photos with Mr. Burns.

Owen Burns Kick-Off Party and Book Signing Today

Come Meet Owen Burns!
100 years ago Mr. Burns stepped off the train in this very location, catching the first glimpse of the town he would make his home.

Join us downtown today at Mattison's™City Grille for the official beginning of Owen Burns Week in Sarasota. Featuring the new book release and book signing of "Owen Burns, The Man Who Bought and Built Sarasota" by Jeff LaHurd. Free Event. Cash Bar.

Bring your camera and take your photo with Owen Burns! White fedoras will be on sale to complete your Mr. Burns look.

All proceeds benefit the projects of the Friends of the Sarasota County History Center, a designated 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation.

Links:
ABC Channel 7's Linda Carson interviewed LaHurd November 8 on "Noon Top Stories". The interview video starts at 1:09 minutes. http://www.mysuncoast.com/mediacenter/local.aspx

Reception and NEW Book Release
4:30 - 6:30pm
Mattison's™City Grille
N. Lemon and Main Street
Sarasota, FL

Jeff LaHurd giving an interview to Channel 7's Linda Carson.

Owen Burns History Cruise

The Historical Society of Sarasota County's 18th annual cruise on Sarasota Bay celebrated Mr. Burns. Narrator John McCarthy told fascinating stories about the legendary Owen Burns while Mr. Burns's youngest daughter, Harriet Stieff, added colorful details. 

Harriet will take part in the discussion about the family side of Owen Burns on Saturday Nov. 13 at 1pm at the DAR Chapter House, 1232 12th Street, Sarasota, FL. She'll also be attending the Burns Court Street Party on Sunday Nov. 14 at 4pm along with Sarasota's mayor Kelly Kirschner.

Now: Harriet Stieff, Owen Burns's youngest daughter

Then: Mother Vernona with the Burns children: Owen Jr. left, Leonard right,
and the girls Vernona “Sug” left, baby Harriet center, and Lillian right.

The Owen Burns Signs are UP!

Can you find all 32 signs posted around town? The signs mark the property locations Mr. Owen Burns developed in our community. You can use the special map in the new book "Owen Burns The Man Who Bought and Built Sarasota" by Jeff LaHurd as a guide. Pick up your copy at the book release party Monday Nov. 8 from 4:30 - 6:30pm at Mattison's™ City Grille.