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With flags flying and met by several launches and pleasure boats, the new steamer arrived from Tampa at Higel’s dock Monday afternoon, where it was met by the citizens, welcomed by the Sarasota Brass Band and christened “The City of Sarasota” by Miss Esther Edmondson.

Large numbers of citizens, visitors, many from the country were present. When news of the steamer’s coming was announced, the launch Siesta from the Belle Haven Inn and several other boats, carrying passengers, went up the bay to meet the steamer and on arriving presented a beautiful sight, with the smaller craft following behind.

As soon as the steamer drew alongside the dock and immediately after landing, they were greeted with music by the Sarasota Brass Band, under the leadership of Mr. Liebert. Three cheers were given for the City of Sarasota, and from the deck, Mayor H.S. Smith made a speech in which he said the handsome new steamer was quite in keeping with the advance in progress and the city’s growth of the past year.

Mr. Harry L. Higel gave a brief history of the boat since she first appeared in Sarasota fourteen years ago, as a one-deck fish boat, and the improvements that were from time to time added as the increased business made it necessary, until this elegant steamer with its splendid passenger and freight facilities, was a credit to Sarasota.

Another selection by the Band met with hearty applause.

Sir John Savarese, the owner, in a short address, thanked the citizens for their interest and the reception tendered the arrival of the steamer and hoped that sufficient patronage would be given it to make its tri-weekly schedule profitable.

Miss Esther Edmondson had been given the honor of naming the boat and daintily  gowned in white, she broke over the bow the bottle of champagne, distinctly saying “I Christen Thee, the City of Sarasota.” “America” was given by the Band and the citizens invited on board.

A full description was given last week, so will only say that the new steamer is very much larger, and in every way an improvement over the Mistletoe, which for many years was on the run from Tampa to Sarasota, and was deemed advisable by the owner to have her rebuilt and made larger; even her whistle, we hear, has been improved.

The compliment paid Sarasota by the change in name is greatly appreciated, and the efforts of Mr. Higel to secure a better steamboat line for Sarasota is deserving of much credit.

A number of people from Tampa came down on the first trip of the new steamer.

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