Selby Gardens also hit by the economy
Economic woes have drizzled down into the plant world in Sarasota, wilting some staff at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
Chief Executive Officer Tom Buchter told the Pelican Press Monday that seven employees had been laid off.
"We tried to retain all our assets," he said of the personnel reduction, "and we tried to keep people in all areas. We just won’t have as much back-ups in some programs, but we’re keeping all our programs.
"Like all not-for-profits," he added, "we’re struggling to keep on going."
The seven-employee drop is out of the 49 full-time staff members.
The gardens, at 811 S. Palm Ave., is a popular Sarasota bayfront attraction. It also has received worldwide acclaim for its orchid expertise.
"Since 2004, we’ve been in a deficit," Buchter said. "We’d like to restore our research efforts."