Ray grew up in Massena, New York, right by the Canadian border, in a big, wild family. Nature and hard work weren’t just values; they were the way of life. After a short, energetic run as a reporter, Ray settled in at Alcoa, where he gained a deep respect for the immigrants who shaped the town’s industry. Steinbeck lit a spark in him, and seeing Our Town brought him to tears; it was enough to get him writing.

Dyslexia and low vision never slowed him down. If anything, those challenges made him dig in deeper. Ray writes with grit and heart, guided by the kindness and understanding he learned as a kid. You see it especially in his latest novel, Time Is A Thief. Ray Hazel is proof that a tough, uncertain childhood can turn into a life of creativity and curiosity.

What is one promise you have made to yourself in your lifetime?

The other day, as I’ve aged into an old man, I promised myself one thing: to finish the last book in the Lemon Bay Series with the title, Time is a Thief.

I will dedicate the book to the future of the young and old in this area and the United States of America with liberty and justice for all. Especially that young Cuban and his family. That includes the most lonely and vulnerable living and walking among us.

What do you most value in your friends?

Most of my friends are willing to give back more than they take from our friendship. We laugh a lot about our moms warning us not to hang out with the wrong crowds. As it turned out, we were the leaders of that crowd.          

Who are your favorite writers?

My favorite authors all write from their subconscious selves with the courage to reveal the good, bad, and the ugly.  

My favorite character was someone I related to, and remains the Old Man and the Sea by Hemingway.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

I have three historical heroes: Lincoln, Charles Bowen Persell, an Episcopal Bishop, and Winston Churchill. 

What is it that you most dislike?

My greatest dislike is a society that is not willing to take a personal inventory of itself. There are times I feel like I’m living back in the 60s.    

 As the author writing the Lemon Bay Series, I decided to stay local other than marketing. I feel once my name is on the book, I’m the only one that owns why it made you think. Made you cry. Made you laugh. Or disagree with its facts I uncovered.

What is your greatest regret?

I’ve often been asked, what do I regret? I answered I should have taken more time to say hello and be more kind to others and remain hopeful. 

As an author, I’ve come to believe strongly in the power behind the small army of the younger, hopeful generations. A young female aspiring author at Culture Coffee shared with me the other day to trust that God always has the last word. It’s stronger than any gun. 

I told her to be aware of the piracy of the first amendment taking place. I also told her to take the time to support your small local newspapers to help save the fourth estate before we lose them. I shared with her that from personal experience I know the small local newspapers should remain the heartbeat of every community.  

Englewood Examiner. very edition, Englewood REVIEW spotlights someone who stands out in the community. We ask each person to tackle The Proust Questionnaire; a classic set of questions created by Marcel Proust, the French writer.

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The donation, made to the Library Foundation for Sarasota County, enables the Sarasota County History Center to purchase large-format digitization equipment for maps, artwork, and other oversized archival materials. This initiative is part of the county’s broader mission to preserve local history and make it more accessible to residents and researchers.

In addition to enhancing archival capabilities, the funds support the launch of a new “Memory Lab,” a public-facing space where residents can digitize their own historical materials. This includes photographs, home videos, audio recordings, and documents stored on fragile or outdated media formats.

The pilot Memory Lab opens this week at the Sarasota County History Center in the Osprey Library, 337 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey. Residents can schedule appointments and receive hands-on training from library staff. More information on the Memory Lab can be found at sarasotacountylibraries.org/about-us/memory-lab. Future plans include expanding the Memory Lab program to other library branches across the county.

The donation supports the county’s ongoing goal to increase digital access to its collections while empowering the public to preserve their own family histories. For appointments and more information, visit SarasotaCountyLibraries.org or call 941-861-1110.

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SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — Sarasota County officials and community members gathered Thursday morning to celebrate the groundbreaking of the county’s new History Center and the expansion of the Fruitville Public Library, a dual project that aims to elevate local access to history, technology, and community resources.

The History Center will serve as a cultural and educational hub for Sarasota County, offering public access to the region’s vast collection of historical materials, genealogical records, and archives. Designed to meet museum-quality standards, the new facility will house historic photographs, maps, films, personal documents and more in state-of-the-art storage.

According to Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, the center will also include a digitization lab, a local history exhibit gallery, and public meeting spaces for classes and workshops.

“As a librarian, it is rewarding to see our Fruitville Library integrated into this project,” said Dr. Renee DiPilato, Director of Libraries and Historical Resources. “The library will be refreshed, expanded and modernized to include a makerspace, a dedicated area for teens and several additional meeting spaces.”

Renderings of the expanded site reveal a complex that unites modern amenities with a mission to preserve Sarasota’s heritage. County officials highlighted the project’s focus on accessibility and innovation, hoping it will serve both residents and visitors for generations to come.

The event was livestreamed on the Sarasota County Government Facebook page. Photos from the ceremony and architectural renderings of the facility are available online for media and public use.

For more information, visit www.scgov.net or contact Sarasota County Communications at news@scgov.net.

Facebook Live Recording
Event Photos & Renderings

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