Longboat Observer 5.2.24

Rare plant blooms

One day, Laurel Maul noticed something different outside her house in Bayou Circle.

“In two days, this 24-foot stalk appeared in the middle of our cactus for the first time ever,” said Maul. After doing some research, Maul discovered that this rare stalk is called a century plant. She said it is believed to bloom once every 100 years.

According to information from North Carolina State University, it is typically found in desert areas such as the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. It usually lasts for 10 to 30 years. Some century plants can grow to be 30 feet tall. The plant is known as the century plant because of its long lifespan. It will bloom flowers right before it dies.

“It was quite a shock,” said Maul. “It has not stopped growing. I can’t wait to see what happens with it.”

Lithium learning

The Longboat Key Fire Department is hosting a free online seminar 10 a.m. May 9 to discuss the “Do’s and Don’ts of Lithium Ion Batteries.”

Fire Chief Paul Dezzi and Fire Marshal Jane Herrin will lead the presentation about lithiumion batteries, which are a type of rechargeable battery with higher energy. These batteries are found in things like cellphones, laptops, e-bikes and scooters.

The presentation will talk about some of the potential fire hazards related to lithium-ion batteries, which can catch on fire, explode and release a toxic gas if not handled properly. Tips for how to prepare devices for hurricanes and storms will also be discussed. For more information and access to the event, contact the LBK Fire Rescue Department at 941-316-1944 or email TAdams@LongboatKey.org.

Peek inside the Longboat St. Regis

watch.

Petra Rivera

Club Leaf & Bean co-owners Mark Zini and Matt Kaltenberger

Petra Rivera

Barbara Jendrysik has participated in every Longboat Key town hall art reception.

Big shoes to fill now

Support Services Director Carolyn Brown will retire from the town after six years of service.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

Carolyn Brown’s role within the town of Longboat Key can’t be described in one sentence. From human resources to strategic planning and outdoor venue preparations, she’s been a part of many functions of the town.

But she has decided to move on from her role as support services director for the town of Longboat Key. Her last day will be July 8.

She worked with the town for almost six years, and although Town Manager Howard Tipton only knew her for a year, he said Brown played a big role in the town’s administration.

“I really have grown to appreciate the many things she has on her plate,” Tipton said. “For us, what I think we’ll miss the most, is that she’s a team player.”

Brown is ready to retire from Long-

“I really have grown to appreciate the many things she has on her plate. For us, what I think we’ll miss the most, is that she’s a team player.”

— Howard Tipton

boat Key and move on to one more thing, but she isn’t sure yet what that will look like exactly.

“I feel that there’s just one more thing that I can do,” Brown said. “But I’m not sure what that is.”

She started working with Longboat Key after she retired from Sarasota County after 30 years there. For the last eight years of her time with Sarasota County, she was the director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.

Former Town Manager Tom Harmer started at Longboat Key shortly before Brown. Brown said she knew Harmer from his time at Sarasota County, and she decided to join him in Longboat Key.

Brown’s wide-ranging skill set allowed her to fill any position, according to Tipton.

Her primary functions as support services director were within the realms of procurement, human resources and the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center. Over the years, her position evolved and she became more involved with strategic planning, library services and organizing the outdoor venue and the Town Center.

The people, she said, have been the most impactful part of her time with Longboat Key.

After being involved with strategic meetings and coordinating with the town’s departments, Brown said she has been impressed with the caliber of the town’s employees. The town is “blessed” with its leadership, she said.

Additionally, she noted that she enjoyed her time working with the “Green Team,” made up of community members and representatives of local environmental organizations concerned about the environment.

Another part of her job was to

be a liaison with the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce to work on events like concerts, art shows and the annual tree lighting.

“That was great because it allowed me to work with the chamber,” Brown said. “It was great to be able to meet some of those folks, just some of the best folks you’d want to meet.”

Brown also arranged for visits from the Sarasota County “Pop Up” library and, recently, she has been an integral part of the Sarasota County Public Library project on the Town Center Green.

“I think that will be an awesome thing for the town and the people here,” Brown said about the library.

“It’s been interesting and fun to get involved with that project.”

Within human resources, Brown enjoyed creating the quarterly employee newsletter, planning events for employee recognition and working on the town’s leadership development series for employees.

One of the fondest memories for her, she said, will be the tree lighting events at the Town Center Green. She’s also enjoyed being a part of the citizen satisfaction survey process, which began around the time she started with Longboat Key.

The town is fielding applications for Brown’s position and hopes there will be some overlap so that Brown can help train the new employee, according to Tipton.

“It’s a big loss for the town. Carolyn is a stand-up person, capable of doing many things,” Tipton said. Tipton said he wishes Brown the best in whatever her next chapter may bring.

His advice to her replacement: wear extra socks, because there will be some large shoes to fill.

Carter Weinhofer

Support Services Director Carolyn Brown will retire from the Town of Longboat Key in July.

File image

Nancy Ambrose and Carolyn Brown hosted the first season of Market on Longboat Key.

Gulf Coast chic

The Observer takes a sneak preview tour of the St. Regis Longboat Key.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

There’s still a lot to do, but St. Regis General Manager Winfred van Workum said the team is moving fast and is on track to open the Longboat Key resort this summer.

The resort’s reservation system is online, and van Workum said some wedding reservations are already on the books.

Before the grand opening, though, the resort still needs some construction and a staff. Van Workum said that most of the management positions have been filled and that hiring events for the rest of the staff positions are coming in a little more than a month.

Van Workum offered the Observer a behind-the-scenes tour of the resort. On the tour, he detailed everything from the four restaurants and the 20,000-square-foot spa, down to the woodwork used in the resort’s steakhouse.

ELEGANT ENTRANCE

When guests arrive at the St. Regis, they will either enter through the resort side or the ballroom side.

Through the hotel entrance, guests are greeted by an intimate reception area.

There, a unique mural stands as a central focal point. Behind it, guests can walk to the glass doors to get a view of the Gulf of Mexico.

The reception area is seated, so guests checking in can have a one on one with a receptionist.

“It was really designed to be this personal experience,” van Workum said.

Around the mural is a bar, with countertops made from high-end marble. Van Workum said the marble used around the resort was handpicked by Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall, and is something that shows the

amount of detail put into the resort.

Also in the reception area will be a grand piano that will feature live music at night. A little farther down the hall, guests can grab a cup of coffee at a small coffee shop or peruse the shelves of a luxury swimwear company that will have special St. Regis Longboat Key designs.

BEHIND THE MURAL

Every St. Regis destination has a mural that is a focal point for guests. It’s a welcome piece that exemplifies the feel of the resort and location.

For the St. Regis Longboat Key, designers worked with muralist William Savarese to create a mural that Savarese describes as abstract in its flavor but, at the same time, figurative in its representation.

“I think it’s very inviting but, at the same time, it’s very elegant,” Savarese said.

Savarese has created murals for more than 40 years, won awards for his work in Denmark and has done projects for cities like Jacksonville and Pompano Beach.

The St. Regis mural uses floral images to emphasize the location’s cultural history. Bromeliads are a key image that guests might be able to pick out.

Savarese said he was shown some renderings of the reception area and a general concept for a mural. He went to work analyzing the technical aspects of how to create this mural with elements like the right brush strokes and tones.

That led to several mock-ups that went back and forth, a process that eventually led to eight days of work to put paint to canvas.

“It was a process, and that’s what I love about doing murals, is that it’s always something that evolves and you get lost in it,” Savarese said.

When guests enter the St. Regis, the mural is one of the first things they will see. Behind it is a wall of glass that offers a view of the Gulf of

Mexico.

Savarese said because of that view, he tied in some subtle blues to connect the mural with the water.

It’s a piece that he hopes demonstrates Sarasota’s natural history, with hints of its legacy of arts and culture.

DINING TIMES FOUR

Within the St. Regis Longboat Key, there are four main restaurants, all with separate kitchens.

CW Prime will be an upscale steakhouse. With 130 seats, guests can enjoy steak and seafood either indoors or out on the patio with a Gulf view.

Just through the entrance to CW Prime is a spirits room that van Workum said will give off a speakeasy vibe.

Cocktail connoisseurs can press a button in this room to receive a secret cocktail only made at this spot in the resort.

Van Workum said chefs will work to include tableside preparation with some dishes at CW Prime.

Riva is another restaurant in the resort, which van Workum described as a more approachable restaurant with an emphasis on pasta and fish. The word “riva” in Italian means shore.

Fresh pasta made at a pasta bar will be fun and interactive, van Workum said.

Two other restaurants are planned for the St. Regis Longboat Key: one that offers Latin cuisine, and one serving Asian and Peruvian flavors.

Within one of the four kitchens is a pastry room where chefs will bake fresh bread and wedding cakes. There’s also a chocolate room to create special chocolate pieces.

Down on the beach will be the Monkey Bar, a connection with local beachgoers and a nod to the site’s

predecessor, The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.

AMENITIES GALORE

Throughout the ballroom side of the St. Regis, there are plenty of meeting spaces, including a large circular boardroom.

Still, van Workum said the St. Regis Longboat Key isn’t focused on being a conference resort.

That’s where the large, oval ballroom comes into play.

The shape of the ballroom hints at the Ringling Brothers’ influence on the Sarasota area while giving off an elegant feel.

Van Workum said the St. Regis hopes to host galas, charity events and weddings in the ballroom, which seats about 400 people when set up banquet-style with round tables.

The 20,000-square-foot spa touches on the theme of the “healing powers of water.” A hair salon, manicure and pedicure stations are among the amenities van Workum hopes will be enjoyed by locals.

The spa also features 14 treatment rooms that offer massages and facials for private reservations. There’s also a treatment circuit where guests can go from a sauna to a steam room and a cold plunge.

Outside, the center of the St. Regis Resort continues the connection to water with a saltwater lagoon.

The saltwater lagoon will require 350,000 gallons of water and about 110,000 pounds of salt, according to van Workum. A team of marine biologists will take care of about 50 species, including several stingrays.

The goal, van Workum said, is to offer an educational experience that includes snorkeling in the lagoon.

He said they hope to tie that in with a kids’ program that will offer educational programs inside and immersive experiences outside.

“I think it’s very inviting but, at the same time, it’s very elegant.”

award-winning muralist

A rendering of the reception area of the St. Regis Longboat Key, featuring the mural and bar.

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

The mural stands as a focal point in the St. Regis Longboat Key reception area.

— William Savarese,

The St. Regis Longboat Key is scheduled to open this summer.

Abating grace

City paid parking changes include reducing grace period to one hour in city-owned garages.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

Among the multiple changes the Sarasota City Commission recently adopted to the city’s paid parking program, three of them required a legislative public hearing to amendment the city code.

On March 4, City Parking Division staff gave a presentation to the City Commission recommending proposed changes to the parking program, which received approval for all but the three required amendments to the code. Those changes included:

■ That parking meters accept credit card payments only.

■ To keep the exemption from paid parking and parking time limits on Sundays and holidays, while clarifying that public safety-related parking enforcement may still occur.

■ Reducing the initial free parking period in city-owned parking garages from two hours to one hour. It was determined by staff that no businesses would be impacted by the amendments, but they would result in a potential $150,246 in additional revenue from individual users.

with the amendment approved by a 3-2 vote with Erik Arroyo and Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch opposed.

Parking Division General Manager Broxton Harvey said enforcement of the new garage policy will be implemented gradually, mostly with warnings for the first three to six months until parkers become accustomed to the change.

“What is the possibility that I could get a ticket even if I stayed less than two hours?” asked City Manager Marlon Brown of the gap between old policy and new.

“If you stayed less than two hours, we’ll more than likely give you a warning.”

Harvey added that habitual offenders will likely not be so fortunate.

Previously, the city commission approved the adoption of other parking changes including:

That revenue is projected as a result of a reduction of the grace period — or free parking — from two hours to one hour in city-owned parking garages, prompting debate among commissioners divided over that issue.

The grace period reduction coincides with plans to implement a gateless garage system, which is intended to not only result in savings in maintenance and personnel costs, but also to more efficiently move vehicles, particularly as many leave at the same time following an event. Commissioners were sharply divided on losing that free hour,

■ Convert 80 free parking spaces on Benjamin Franklin Boulevard along Lido Beach from free parking to metered parking.

■ Eliminate parking citation waivers for first-time offenders.

■ Initiate Centennial Park boat ramp parking fees at $5 for single vehicles and $10 for vehicles with boat trailers.

■ Initiate a fee of $1 per hour for use of electric vehicle charging stations in city-owned garages.

■ Increase appeals fee from $7.50 to $25 to cover the cost of the magistrate. Customers who win the appeal do not pay the citation or appeals fee.

Turtle time

The sea turtle nesting season officially begins on May 1, which also marks the start to Longboat Key’s sea turtle ordinances.

“There are many simple ways to help protect sea turtles and their nests.

Hatchlings will have a better chance at surviving if everyone does their part.”

— Melissa Macksey

CARTER WEINHOFER

The 2024 sea turtle nesting season has begun.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium announced the first nest, a loggerhead’s, was recorded on Venice Beach on April 28. The official start to nesting season is May 1. It runs until Oct. 31.

“Now that we have identified the first nest of the season, we implore beachgoers to be conscious of the sea turtles while enjoying Florida’s unparalleled beaches,” Senior Biologist and Conservation Manager Melissa Macksey said in a news release. “There are many simple ways to help protect sea turtles and their nests. Hatchlings will have a better chance at surviving if everyone does their part.”

Mote monitors about 35 miles of beach. Beginning April 15, turtle patrols, like Longboat Key Turtle Watch, conduct daily walks until the end of turtle season. Longboat Key Turtle Watch’s public beach walks

REPORT A CONCERN

Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program can be contacted at 888-345-2335 for concerns about a sick, injured or stranded sea turtle, dolphin or whale in Sarasota or Manatee counties.

Outside that jurisdiction, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission can be reached at 888-404-3922.

Sea turtles, eggs and nest marking materials are protected by state and federal laws. If you suspect anyone is tampering with a turtle or nest, contact FWC.

begin on June 1.

As of April 30, there were no nests yet on Longboat Key according to Longboat Key Turtle Watch.

As May 1 marks the official begin-

ning of nesting season, that also means the start of Longboat Key’s various ordinances outlined in Chapter 100 of the town’s code.

The town initiative, “Flip a Switch, Save Our Turtles,” reminds residents that any lights that are visible from the beach need to be turned off, shielded or replaced with turtlefriendly bulbs or fixtures.

High-intensity bulbs should be replaced with turtle-friendly alternatives like amber, orange or red LED bulbs at the lowest wattage possible.

The town’s ordinances also include keeping the beaches clean and free of debris. That means structures like beach chairs need to be removed from the beach daily from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Failure to comply with any of these regulations during nesting season could result in code enforcement violations.

Longboat Key’s town code also

states that new single-family or multistory properties should use tinted or filmed glass on windows or doors within direct sight of the beach. Existing properties must take measures to reduce or eliminate the effects of artificial light. Those could include turning off unnecessary lights, applying tint or using window treatments like blinds or curtains.

For weekly nesting counts, visit Mote’s website at Mote. org/2024Nesting.

2023 IN REVIEW

Last year, there was a total of 4,284 nests recorded by Mote from Longboat Key to Venice. There were 4,091 loggerhead nests and 193 green turtle nests.

That was the fifth-highest number of nests in Mote’s 40-year program history. It was also the highest number of green turtle nests recorded in program history.

Nesting on Longboat Key had a strong and early start. There were 307 nests recorded in the first month of the 2023 season. By comparison, in the 2021 season, there were 165 nests on Longboat Key in the first month.

There were 978 loggerhead and 12 green turtle nests on Longboat Key in 2023. Lido Key had 184 loggerhead nests and no green turtle nests. On Siesta Key, there were 364 loggerhead nests and seven green turtle nests.

Macksey previously told the Observer that disorientation rates were high in 2023, similar to those seen in 2022.

A disorientation occurs when artificial lights cause nesting mothers or hatchlings to become confused and veer off course. The artificial light mimics the natural moonlight that turtles usually go toward.

According to Macksey, Longboat Key had one of the highest disorientation rates in the state.

In 2022, 62 of Longboat’s 1,294 nests were disoriented, which meant a disorientation rate of 20.2%.

Macksey compared Longboat Key to Casey Key, which usually has a higher nesting density but is similar in terms of lighting. In 2022, Casey Key’s disorientation rate was 1%, according to Macksey.

Courtesy images

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has monitored sea turtle nesting for more than 40 years.

The first nest of the 2024 sea turtle nesting season was laid on Venice Beach.

David Green departs Planning & Zoning Board

David Green spent six years on Longboat’s Planning and Zoning Board. He resigned to move closer to family.

CARTER WEINHOFER

avid Green stepped down from his position after six years on Longboat Key’s Planning and Zoning Board, four of which were as board chairman.

“It was a hard decision to leave the Planning and Zoning Board,” Green said. “I really enjoy it a lot.”

Ultimately, Green and his wife, Linda, decided to move to North Carolina. As a new grandparent, Green said he wants to spend more time closer to family.

Because Green is selling his home on Longboat Key and will no longer be a resident, that means he wouldn’t be able to serve on the board. But he said he intentionally timed his departure around when new members are appointed to the board in May.

Green lived on Longboat Key for about 15 years but had been visiting for about 30 years. Over the years, he’s become involved with the community in more ways than one, such as serving as the president of the Friends of Tennis, a nonprofit group that helps enhance the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center.

TENURE OF SERVICE

A Florida native, Green practiced law, specializing in land use and environmental law. For 20 years, he served as in-house counsel for Waste Management.

“So being on the Planning and Zoning Board was very comfortable for me with my background,” Green said.

Green’s initial interest in joining the board stemmed from the town’s unique land use codes and density restrictions, he said. He admired the way that the Longboat Key Town

Commission and Planning and Zoning Board have continued to preserve the parts of Longboat Key that make it unique.

“People care about what’s going to be developed on a piece of property and what it looks like,” Green said. “Land use is a big part of what makes Longboat unique, and the Planning and Zoning Board is the tip of the spear.”

Green served as the board chairman since Commissioner-At-Large BJ Bishop became a town commissioner. Over the years, Green said he’s valued working with many other board members who have gone on to become town commissioners, like Penny Gold, Mike Haycock and Gary Coffin.

“His work on the board and as chairman over the last few years has been great,” Mayor Ken Schneier said. “I’ve sat in on a bunch of those meetings. He runs a great meeting, and there have been a number of difficult issues before him.”

The board is a volunteer position appointed by the Town Commission. There’s a monthly meeting, which could last anywhere from three to eight hours, Green said.

But there’s a lot of homework the board members need to do before meetings, which can mean reviewing extensive packages of information depending on what will go before the board. Overall, it could be a commitment of 20 hours a month.

Green said he remembers one of the most challenging parts of his tenure being the COVID-19 pandemic.

During that time, the board couldn’t meet face to face in the chambers. There were several meetings, he said, where he was the only person in the chambers.

It was an especially challenging

“It was a hard decision to leave the Planning and Zoning Board. I really enjoy it a lot.”

— David Green

time, he said.

But overall, Green said he’s valued the work he’s done with the board and commission.

“It’s been a pleasure to be on the Planning and Zoning Board all these years,” Green said. “We’ve done a lot of good work.”

Over the past six years, the Planning and Zoning Board worked to update the town’s land development code and rewrite the town’s comprehensive plan and approved many restaurants and developments like Sage Longboat Key.

“I think the most rewarding part has been to work with the town com-

mission and the Planning and Zoning Board to update the comprehensive plan for the town, and to update the land development regulations for the town. I’m proud of the work we did on both of those fronts,” Green said.

Schneier said Green and the board did a “wonderful” job on the revision to the comprehensive plan.

“Which made our work easy,” Schneier said. “Because then it comes to us, we review what they’ve done and we’ve approved it with very few, in many cases no changes. They did great work.”

Schneier added that as chairman, Green was the one who brought all that together with a calm demeanor.

“He’s a good example for all of us,” Schneier said.

Green’s last Planning and Zoning Board meeting was in March because the April meeting was canceled.

The next meeting of the Planning and Zoning Board will be in May when new members will be appointed.

Carter Weinhofer

David Green served on the Planning and Zoning Board for six years.

That’s one heckuva wrap!

Of course, there was fashion, food and fun, but the amount of money donated this year tops the charts as a season standout.

When co-proprietor

of Michael’s On East Michael Klauber took the stage as the auctioneer of his final paddle raise of the 2023-2024 social season Sunday at the Sarasota Ballet’s 2024 Gala at the Circus Arts Conservatory, he started the bids at $50,000.

One paddle shot up.

Calculating the math in our heads as Klauber asked for bids of $50,000, $25,000, $15,000, $10,000, down to $1,000, the total raised in support of the Sarasota Ballet’s performance, education and community programs was more than $550,000.

It appears that the generosity of Sarasota’s philanthropists and arts enthusiasts is at an all-time high.

And the Ballet Gala isn’t the only example. In early January, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation flashed names on a large LED screen when Hospital Gala-goers made their pledges during its paddle raise at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

Total: $1.2 million. The entire evening brought in $1,445,000.

One of the greatest examples of generosity this season didn’t even happen at a gala. Sarasota Community Foundation’s 2024 Giving Challenge, augmented by a Patterson Foundation match, raised $17,244,298 — $1 million more than the Giving Challenge in 2022.

And Sarasota’s season of giving is not quite over yet. The last fundraising gala of the season, the 19th annual Dick Vitale Gala, benefiting the V Foundation, will be May 3 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Last year, that gala raised a record $12.4 million.

Jessica Rogers, vice president of philanthropy at Children First, said the past two seasons were the most successful to date in the organization’s history.

“We started to see the shift last year, with people really coming back in full force post-COVID,” Rogers said. “They were feeling more comfortable and philanthropic at events.”

This year, at its annual Fairytale Ball in early April at Michael’s On East Children First generated record-breaking revenue — $575,000 from the event.

Klauber also served as auctioneer of Children First’s live auction. Rogers attributes the success to working with partners like Klauber and Phil Mancini of Michael’s On East and the Pachota family of Venice Pier Group, which hosts Children First’s fall fundraisers — Flip Flops & Fashion and Rockin’

SAVE THE YEAR!

To place your fundraiser on the 2024-2025 Black Tie Social Calendar visit Bit.Ly/SubmitBT and fill out the form.

Lobster.

“Michael was willing to help amplify the great selection items that we had in the auction and highlight the challenge match,” said Rogers.

Challenge matches were also a trend this year. Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center used a $20,000 challenge match — $10,000 from NextArrow and $10,000 from the Doris Carter Family Foundation — at its “SPARCCLE on the Runway” Fashion Show in March. At Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s “Cause 4 Hope: Kaleidoscope,” an anonymous match came in at the last minute of the paddle raise, matching every $100 bid. Almost every paddle in the room went up.

With nearly 1,000 people moving to Florida every day, getting invitations in front of new people in the community was a goal for Renee Phinney, vice president of sales at Palm Printing. Phinney saw print quantities increase and acquiring new mailing lists as top trends this season. To help organizations target potential new clients, Phinney can create mailing lists based on ZIP codes, home values, new home purchases and other specific demographics.

Attracting new people was top of mind for Children First as well. All of its events were sellouts. So Rogers asked sponsors to donate back tickets or seats if they weren’t using them to be able to invite new people not familiar with the organization.

“A lot of people in the community really heeded the call when we asked them,” Rogers said.

Fundraisers weren’t the only events sold out this year.

“We had a great season,” said Michelle Bente, marketing director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. “‘Hamilton’ was sold out all two weeks, and we still have shows to go.” She said that the Van Wezel’s entire Broadway series had a strong season because of the combination of programming and its appeal to a

wider audience. She also shared that the Van Wezel saw much bigger audiences than last year and that they are skewing younger.

Ringling College Library Association had similar success with its Town Hall Lecture Series, selling out two of its five lectures, which is the first time it had sold-out audiences since 2016.

Executive Director Lauren Kurnov said an influx of a younger audience radiated energy and enthusiasm. “Overall, the sales were up 30% over last year. That’s a really big jump,” said Kurnov.

One Longboat Key resident recently told me that after this year’s busy season, “I need to go home to rest from Florida.” However, there is no rest for others. According to Molly Maginn, corporate partnership associate at the Asolo Repertory Theatre, this is the first time the Asolo is producing a show this late in the season with “Twelve Angry Men: A New Musical,” that will premiere May 8 and run through June 9.

Phinney, who is co-chairing Forty Carrots Family Center’s Wine, Women & Shoes for the second consecutive year, said no one is resting on her laurels. “We’re thinking about what we are going to do next,” she said, “We’re going to continue creating experiences that are mission driven and fun.”

In fact, the Black Tie social calendar for next season is already filling up. Klauber’s wife, Terri, reached out earlier this week to make sure that Make-A-Wish Foundation’s 15th annual “Cooking for Wishes” event was on the calendar for Feb. 21, 2025. (See box on how to save your fundraiser’s date on the calendar.)

While the monies reported in this column total nearly $20 million, that’s just a small portion of the total dollars raised from the hundreds of fundraisers hosted in the 2023-2024 season. All of it calls for celebration. Sarasota’s philanthropists are truly the gift that keeps on giving.

Renee Phinney of Palm Printing said that every organization tried to stay consistent in its marketing and brand and elevate the design of its invite to be theme based. Some were even interactive, like Neuro Challenge Foundation’s spinning wheel for “Cause 4 Hope: Kaleidoscope.”

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

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1970 Main

Harry Sayer

Michael Klauber served as auctioneer of Children First’s most successful live auction at its Fairytale Ball in April.

EMILY WALSH

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24

DUCKLING POOL PARTY

4:46 p.m., 2700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Animal Problem: A caller reported four baby ducks in her pool, which prompted a police response. Upon arrival, the officer met with the caller, and she led the officer to the pool area where there were four small ducks huddled together and swimming in the pool. The caller said she had already called Save Our Seabirds, but no one was available until the following morning. She also said the same thing happened a couple of weeks ago, but the mother duck had returned to the pool. Now she was worried because the mother duck had not come back. The officer said if she was OK with the ducks being in her pool, it was probably best to wait until someone from Save Our Seabirds could respond.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

QUICK TRAFFIC DISRUPTION

3:40 p.m., 5000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Officer Public Service: While on patrol, an officer noticed a semitruck stopped along the side of Gulf of Mexico Drive. The driver was near the back of the truck and pumping air into a tire. After the officer told him that no parking was allowed along GMD, the driver said he was waiting to pull into the construction site across the street, which he did about a minute later.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

NO CAMPING

12:10 a.m., 500 block of Bay Isles

Parkway Suspicious Vehicle: An officer on patrol noticed a vehicle backed into a parking spot with its windows down and investigated the suspicious vehicle. When the officer approached the vehicle, he found a man asleep in the driver’s seat and a woman sleeping in the passenger seat. The two said they were homeless and waiting until the man started construction work on the island in the morning. The officer advised the couple that no overnight camping in vehicles is allowed on Longboat Key, and the two said they would leave the area until morning.

BEACH CHAIR DISPUTE

12:34 p.m., 5600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Officer Public Service: Dispatch sent an officer to a citizen assist call when a complainant reported

her beach chairs were moved. The complainant flagged down the responding officer upon arrival and took the officer to a stack of beach chairs. She said the chairs were hers and were moved up to the parking lot from the beach. According to her, she has deeded access to the beach and has left her chairs by the beach for over a decade so she does not have to move them back and forth from her house every day. She showed the officer where she usually keeps the chairs, which the officer identified as private property of a condominium complex. The officer was then approached by the management of the complex, who said they thought the chairs were abandoned and they did not want the chairs on their property anymore. The chair owner agreed to not keep the chairs on the complex property anymore.

MONDAY, APRIL 22

LONG SUSPENSION

2:14 p.m., 200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Vehicle Stop: A license plate reader alerted officers to a driver with a suspended license. An officer located the vehicle and its driver and conducted a traffic stop. The officer spoke with the driver and advised him that his driver’s license was suspended. The driver said he knew his license was suspended since 1999 and also admitted to not having insurance. The officer issued a notice to appear for the violation and called a tow truck to remove the vehicle.

Your blind way; go back to the catechism

It has been many years since I wrote to counter one of your Trumpsupporting political columns in the Longboat Observer. I had hoped you would have discovered the error of your blind way, but I now feel obliged to respond to your recent column (“An attack on religion?”) in the April 25 edition.

Too many Roman Catholics, like yourself, look for ways to attack President Biden (as well as Pope Francis) in their misguided effort to further what they perceive as their chance for eternal reward.

It would be helpful if they went back to their catechism and re-read the sections about God’s part in the kingdom. It is God’s place alone to judge, and he, in his wisdom, gave each of us free will. We are encouraged through faith and God’s good grace to pursue a life that lifts one another up.

I choose to support the efforts of Joe Biden, who to my mind, is a far better example of Christian fortitude than the former president. That said, you go your way, and I’ll go mine.

As I recall, it took weeks for the Observer to print my observation many years ago. We’ll see how this one fares.

Isn’t it funny how, when we seek to condemn, we often see the plank in our own eye? Also, that the truth is usually found somewhere in the middle?

“Power to the press” and all that.

LAVONNE SHEDIVY LONGBOAT KEY

Kudos to St. Regis project developers

As a longtime owner of property on Longboat Key (42 years) and having read and observed what has taken place at the St. Regis site, I would like to make some comments. I give enormous credit to the developer for taking 10 years out of his life to develop this property. Ten years of legal hassle day in and day out with former unit owners and the town at great expense. (Chuck) Whittall deserves every penny of

profit and then some for sticking with this project when other developers would have thrown in the towel. Mr. Whittall, job well done. Thank you. Not to be outdone by the owner, Moss Construction has done an outstanding job on a $750 million job flawlessly. No deaths, no major accidents, obtaining building materials when there was a shortage of building materials, getting hundreds of skilled workers for the trades when there was a shortage of skilled trades people, ferrying millions of building supplies to the site without disturbing the island residents, ferrying workers to the site in buses without noise and parking problems, keeping Gulf of Mexico Drive free of vehicles, dirt, dust and swept frequently are just a few of the multitude of items involved in a complex construction project. This Moss project deserves every bit of praise for a very large project built on schedule in a confined difficult work site. Longboat Key thanks Moss for a job well done, and we welcome you back anytime.

PAUL B. AHERN LONGBOAT KEY

Thanks for the smile

Thank you for the delightful article (“Stitched with love,” April 25) about Dolores Engelke and her adorable knit teddy bears. It brought a smile to my face when I saw the picture of Dolores surrounded by her cute creations. Dolores, if you’re reading this, I want one of those special bears for myself!

MARY RAYIS

LONGBOAT KEY

SEND US YOUR LETTERS

Have something to tell us?

Send your letters to James Peter at JPeter@YourObserver. com.

Behind the tinted windows

Club Leaf & Bean closes in on its membership limit for the new, private cigar lounge on Longboat Key.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

Since the word has spread, everyone has been wondering what is behind the tinted windows at the new cigar club on Longboat Key.

No one would ever guess that a building painted bright blue would be the place for select Longboaters to host colleagues and loved ones for a cigar or a quick gathering in a dark yet sophisticated interior.

But that is how the owners want to keep Club Leaf & Bean: a place exclusive for its selected 55 inaugural members.

Pennsylvania natives Mark Zini’s and Matt Kaltenberger’s cigar lounge is a private, members-only club that hopes to provide like-minded men and women an exclusive experience for entertainment, work and social purposes.

“What I love about our two locations in Pennsylvania is that we are a community,” said Kaltenberger. “So it’s not a networking center here. It’s not a ‘pass our business cards out’

CLUB LEAF & BEAN

Club Leaf & Bean is currently interviewing to reach 55 inaugural members, in honor of Longboat being established in 1955. To be considered for a membership, call 941-491-9299 or visit ClubLeafAndBean.com/ Longboat.

place. It’s an opportunity to get to know the people that you live by. You don’t even have to like cigars to be a member.

“It is just to enjoy a nice drink together, enjoy the experience together and really build a community and a family.”

Zini and Kaltenberger declined to disclose how much the club costs to join, and they also did not allow photographs inside the club.

After 18 years of working in hospitality, Zini dreamed up the concept of the first Club Leaf & Bean in Washington, Pennsylvania.

“I wanted to create a place that I would enjoy,” said Zini. “It wasn’t going to be like a country club but still high-end, yet casual. It would facilitate nice events, just an atmosphere for professionals that just wanted to have a place to come to chill.”

After opening the first club in 2013, Kaltenberger was one of the founding members and became close friends with Zini. Together, they opened a second location seven years later in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, due to the growth of the first club.

The partners then thought, “How could we take this even further?”

Kaltenberger had vacationed on the Gulf Coast for years and determined it would be the perfect place to start their most exclusive club yet. Kaltenberger shared that Longboat checked off their goal with the number of locals to help them create a close-knit community.

Club Leaf & Bean is now open at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat

“It’s an opportunity to get to know the people that you live by. You don’t even have to like cigars to be a member.”

— Matt Kaltenberger

Key, to its inaugural members. Zini said they are close to hitting their mark of 55 founding members.

“We have been taking it really slow because we are super selective about who we pick,” said Zini. “They are from all over the area: Longboat, Sarasota and Bradenton. We also have had a lot of referrals, which is great because it helps us better create a like-minded group of people.”

Club Leaf & Bean opened to its current members in January. It is located next to the Longboat Key

Chamber of Commerce. Each member has a private locker to store their alcoholic beverages and belongings. The club provides glassware, ice and refrigeration. Premium cigars are available for purchase, but members can also bring their own. Zini said that one of their goals is to create partnerships with other businesses on Longboat. Their first partnership on the island was with Ventura’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar for their soft opening.

They hope to hold many events with exclusive tastings and products with other local businesses for Club Leaf & Bean members. Members will also be able to host their own private events at the club as well.

“Our members have been telling us, ‘Why didn’t you come sooner?’” said Zini. “The feedback has been very positive. They love the events, how we set up the building and the location. So, it’s been tremendous. We just met so many great people.”

Photo by Petra Rivera

Club Leaf & Bean co-owners Mark Zini and Matt Kaltenberger

Courtesy Image

The second Club Leaf & Bean opened in March 2021 in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

O Omazing Mother's Day Gift Guide

CAFE L’EUROPE

431 St Armands Circle • Sarasota, FL 34236

MCGRATH’S KITCHEN & COCKTAILS

8110 Lakewood Main Street Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-210-4398

Join us for Mother’s Day Buffet on May 12th from 10am - 3pm. Cheers to Mom! Celebrate with our bottomless Bloody Mary and Mimosa! Special brunch menu for everyone to enjoy. Fun for the whole family!

941-388-4415 • www.CafeLEurope.net/reservations

Join us at Café L’Europe this Mother’s Day for an unforgettable culinary celebration! Pamper her with exquisite dishes like Lobster Thermidor Quiche, Honey Curried Sea Bass, & our decadent Crème Brûlée Crepe Cheesecake. Visit our pop-up flower truck on St. Armands Circle to pick a stunning bouquet for Mom! Make it a day to remember & a meal to treasure at Café L’Europe.

SIRIUS DAY SPA, SALON & MED SPAS

MACARON 362 St Armands Cir • Sarasota, FL 34236 140 University Town Center Dr • Sarasota, FL 34243 941-552-8872 • www.LeMacaron-US.com

Handcrafted by our team of French chefs, these classic pastries come in unique flavors like Sicilian Pistachio & Mango Jam. We use the finest glutenfree ingredients. Visit our pâtisserie to enjoy French Macarons, quality French gelato, classic French pastries, European-style beverages & homemade candies. Order your gift boxes now!

BOCA BOUTIQUE

6969 S Tamiami Tr • Sarasota, FL 34231 941-529-1000 www.BocaBoutiqueSRQ.com

We have a superb collection of gift items to make Mother’s Day extra special! Rare finds to surprise and delight: Jewelry, glassware, candles, wall art, decorative, table and kitchen wares, pillows, purses, clothing, beauty products, faith gifts and more. Join us Saturday, May 11, for a Mother & Daughter Shopping Day, 9:30am-5pm. The first 25 mothers will receive a gift!

11585 E SR70 • Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 8512 Cooper Creek Blvd • University Park, FL 34201 941-357-4611 • www.SiriusDaySpas.com

The Perfect Gift for the Moms in your Life, a Gift Card from the #1 Luxury Spa, Salon & Med Spa. Featuring over 200+ services including Massages, Facials, Botox, Fillers, Permanent Make Up, Laser Hair Removal, CO2 Laser (Cool Peel), Morpheus8, IPL, Lash Services and More. Receive $15 Bonus card for every $100 Gift Card purchased through Mother’s Day! Happy Pampering!

the ultimate gift: relaxation from Massage Envy. Treat her to a personalized, rejuvenating experience designed to help her unwind and recharge. Give the gift of tailored ME time to show your appreciation for all she does. After all, Mom deserves a timeout!

MOLLY MAID OF SARASOTA, MANATEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES

1461 Tallevast Rd • Sarasota, FL 34243 941-753-2220 • www.MollyMaid.com/gift-certificates

What does mom really want this Mother’s Day? A CLEAN home and TIME to herself! Give her a Molly Maid gift certificate so she can take some time off from housework and enjoy some me time! Gift certificates are easy to get and easy to give. To all moms Happy Mother’s Day from Molly Maid!

DIAMOND BAY JEWELERS

Located in the Bay Street Village & Town Center 3976 Destination Dr, Unit 105 • Osprey, FL 34229 941-786-1013 • www.DiamondBayJewelers.com

From classy adornments to engagement specialties, Diamond Bay Jewelers has what you need to create your style for any occasion. Come enjoy the exquisite experience of fine jewelry and expert watchmaking. Jewelry repair, custom design and redesign services available with over 30 years of experience. As seen on celebrities exclusive Gabriel & Co Retailer.

A CHIC AND UNIQUE BOUTIQUE 1874 Stickney Point Rd • Sarasota, FL 34231

941-921-1221 • www.MollysSarasota.com

Your perfect Mother’s Day gifts can be found at Molly’s! Named Best Gift Store in Sarasota for 5 years, you are sure to find something special to give or get for yourself. Beyond gifts, enjoy their large selection of quality shoes, jewelry, apparel and accessories too.

MCCARVER & MOSER

1301 Main St • Sarasota, FL 34236

941-387-8000 • www.mccarvermoser.com

McCarver & Moser Jewelers has sophisticated design collections from around the world. We provide customer service that exceeds expectations with our knowledge, hand crafted designs and a personal concierge team that represents over 115 years of experience. Making our customers happy and beautiful is our passion.

Island traffic savings time

Town of Longboat Key operating hours change permanently.

ost Longboat Key town departments will continue operating under new hours year-round.

This season, from Jan. 2 to April 30, the town embarked on a pilot study to shift the operating hours one hour earlier, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Previously, most town departments operated from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The idea, according to Town Manager Howard Tipton, was to address concerns about traffic congestion getting off the island during peak times.

“It seemed to go well. It’s one of those fixes that doesn’t cost anything, but can make something better,” Tipton said.

Traffic congestion remained the No. 1 concern for the town to address in the 2024 citizen satisfaction survey, with 63% of respondents agreeing that it is one of the most important issues. About 59% of residents were dissatisfied with traffic flow and congestion, according to the survey.

Tipton said the town received similar responses in an employee survey, which prompted the pilot program.

Similar hours are worked by neighboring barrier islands, like Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. Tipton said he believes Longboat Key was the only barrier island working later hours.

Tipton said he heard that ending the day one hour earlier helped employees get off the island about 15-20 minutes faster, which then put them ahead of traffic elsewhere, like downtown Sarasota.

According to a memo sent out by Tipton in December 2023, 97% of

“Certainly the building customers loved it, in particular, because they get their day started earlier.”

Howard Tipton

—

town employees live off-island.

The Longboat Key Police and Fire Rescue Departments were not a part of the pilot study and did not have a change in operating hours. Tipton also previously said that the majority of Public Works and Tennis Center employees already began work at earlier times.

In some cases, the earlier hours helped to enhance the customer experience, Tipton said.

“It seemed to work, and the customers seemed to adjust easily,” Tipton said. “Certainly the building customers loved it, in particular, because they get their day started earlier.”

For the Planning, Zoning and Building Department, Tipton said the majority of contractors want to get an earlier start to the day, which could happen with the office opening at 7:30 a.m.

Tipton said if the fix helped maintain or enhance the town’s customer service at no cost, then “why not” implement it year-round.

Book buddies

Christ Church sponsors a reading of local authors’ new book for children, ‘Jamani’s Lucky Day.’

PETRA

RIVERA STAFF WRITER

hrist Church of Longboat Key hosted new children’s book authors Pamela Marck and Ellie Fernands to debut their book “Jamani’s Lucky Day: Searching for Endangered Gorillas” on April 25 at the 13th Avenue Dream Center in Bradenton.

The Dream Center provides a safe and free after-school program for elementary school students living in downtown Bradenton. They offer homework help, tutoring, art and sports programs to encourage meaningful learning experiences for the students.

Christ Church has been partnering with the organization through a program called Reading Buddies for years.

During the school year, congregants from the church will come every other week and read with children in grades kindergarten to third grade. Beverly Sutton from Christ Church has been the chair of the program for 17 years.

“The kids are the absolute best part about running this program,” said Sutton. “They are such beams of light and are so open to learning. I love that we get to know them and impact them even just a little bit. We are always going into this thinking we are going to teach them something, but in reality, we learn a lot from them too. So, it is really this amazing relationship we are building.”

Sutton and her committee also

‘JAMANI’S LUCKY DAY: SEARCHING FOR ENDANGERED GORILLAS’

If you are interested in purchasing Pamela Marck’s and Ellie Fernands’s new book, you can visit JamanisLuckyDay. com. Profits from the sale of the book will be donated to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to help conservation efforts.

organize enrichment programs for the children. For previous enrichment programs, they have hosted an artist and two volleyball players from the University of Texas.

Marck and Fernands led the reading of their new book, “Jamani’s Lucky Day: Searching for Endangered Gorillas.”

The two Sarasota-based authors are former educators and best friends who travel together.

Recently, they had life-changing experiences visiting Africa to see endangered gorillas. The book is about their trip from the point of view of a young tour guide leading them through the jungle.

Marck and Fernands hope their book will educate children about endangered animals and encourage them to be passionate about environmental conservation. Proceeds from the book will be donated to the Dian Fossey Gorilla

Fund to support conservation.

Christ Church purchased 40 signed copies of “Jamani’s Lucky Day” for each of their reading buddies to get one. Marck and Fernands led them through the first half of the book with an interactive version of the story and fun facts about gorillas.

The students were invested in the story and said that their favorite part was learning gorilla facts, such as gorillas have emotions just like humans do.

“The kids were so attentive and interested in the story, which is what we wanted,” said Fernands. “We hope that this will help them become interested in conservation on our planet. Just by doing this locally, we hope they can share the information with someone. Then maybe they will start to notice things in nature and just appreciate the world around them.”

WORSHIP directory

Photos by Petra Rivera

Pamela Marck and Ellie Fernands read “Jamani’s Lucky Day: Searching for Endangered Gorillas.”

Elyssa Ackerman, Saleeah Kofar-Naisa and Naomi Flores

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Cultural currents

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

Over the past 21 years, the Longboat Key Town Hall art exhibit has featured 114 local artists and 1,721 pieces of artwork.

These artistic contributions from Longboat neighbors and residents have grown the Key’s cultural reputation, so perhaps it should be no surprise that the latest exhibit was one of the largest in terms of attendance, according to Susan Phillips, assistant to the town manager.

On April 23, Longboat Key held its eighth annual artists’ reception celebrating 10 local artists for their work featured at town hall.

The 10 artists included Lynn Armstrong-Coffin, Judy Herman, Marie Therese Lacroix, June Morse, Lynn Wellings, Ena Carroll, Barbara Jendrysik, Joni Ross, Cheryl Taub and Madeline Wikler.

The Longboat Observer spoke with five of the artists to learn what drives their creativity.

ENA CARROLL

Originally from Serbia, Carroll moved to the U.S. when she was 12. While living in Eastern Europe, her next-door neighbor was a wellknown artist and was good friends with her family. She said she was always playing in the studio.

“My earliest memories in life are using paints in that studio,” said Carroll. “He would give me a piece of wood to paint on or some paper or scraps. He just sort of awoke this need to use paint and create.”

Carroll paints mostly realism-style paintings, especially landscapes and portraits of her daughters. Lately, she has been experimenting with different materials such as sea glass, which she finds along the shore of Lake Michigan where she is from.

CHERYL TAUB

Taub said that her father sparked a love for art in her from a young age.

When she was growing up, they would always draw together as a way to bond.

Originally from New York, Taub got a master’s degree in art education and started teaching art classes for the elderly. When she moved to Sarasota, she started taking art classes herself and was inspired by a local artist, Joseph Mallana. Working with him pushed her to enter art competitions, shows and art groups.

Taub works with mostly acrylic paints on canvas. One of her favorite techniques is crumbling vintage photos from flea markets and out of old yearbooks and then painting over them.

“Art is the perfect way to just put all my feelings out,” said Taub. “It’s just so consuming, focusing and cathartic.”

MADELINE WIKLER

After years of denying her passion for art, painting a barn in the fields of Maine gave Wikler an epiphany. She has been hooked on being an artist since then.

“I always loved to draw, but I never really gave myself permission to pursue it,” said Wikler. Wikler is mainly a watercolorist who paints landscapes and portraits. She also teaches a watercolor class.

Wikler said that she loves events like the town hall exhibit because of the connection that artists can build with each other and art lovers as well.

JONI ROSS

Last year, Ross debuted as an artist at the town hall artist reception. Ross didn’t know that her collaging hobby would turn her into a full-on collage artist in a community of encouraging artists and art lovers.

“I think the fact that anyone is calling me an artist is mind-blowing,” said Ross. “I feel very lucky to live where I live, to have this community of great artists where we can share our work. Events like these are so important to get our work out there.”

Ross started collaging during the COVID-19 pandemic. She started mentioning her new hobby to her friends and soon became a local name. She used it as a creative outlet to express herself and connect with others.

“Last year, I was diagnosed with lymphoma very unexpectedly,” said Ross. “It has been quite a journey, but I did quite a bit of collaging during that time. I’m completely selftaught. I’ve never been to art school or taken an art course. Collaging has been such a great resource for me.”

Ross makes collages of faces, animals and nature. All proceeds from sales of her art will be donated to the Lymphoma Foundation.

BARBARA JENDRYSIK

Jendrysik is a seasoned exhibitor at the town hall. She has participated in every one of the town hall art receptions.

Jendrysik said art has been a lifetime passion, but she didn’t decide to dedicate more time to it until she moved to Longboat Key in 1997.

The eighth annual exhibit gave residents a chance to support Longboat artists whose art hangs in town hall.

When she started taking art classes on the Key, she ran into her neighbor, Leona Sherwood, who was a wellknown artist in the area. Sherwood took Jendrysik under her wing.

“She became my mentor,” said Jendrysik. “She used to tell me, ‘Barbara, you have to get looser in your art.’ I love to do realistic paintings. She encouraged me to use bigger brushes and cover whole canvases. She wanted me to paint all over and start getting bolder with my work.”

Jendrysik said that since Sherwood pushed her out of her comfort zone in her art, she has been open to painting a variety of styles. She has done a lot of realism-style paintings such as portraits and illustrating children’s books.

Recently, Jendrysik has been inspired by famous paintings and tries to put her own spin on them.

Select paintings in her latest collection were inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and will be displayed in the Art Ovation Hotel in May.

“Art is the perfect way to just put all my feelings out. It’s just so consuming, focusing and cathartic.”

— Cheryl Taub

Photos by Petra Rivera

Joni Ross

Ena Carroll

Barbara Jendrysik

Madeline Wikler

Cheryl Taub

United fight against hunger

t. Armands Key Lutheran Church on April 27 hosted more than 100 volunteers to pack 30,000

for Kids Against Hunger during its second annual meal-packing event.

Karyn Hawksley is the chair of community service at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church and organized the event.

Along with members of the church, 100 people signed up to volunteer from area communities such as the Lido Shores Property Owners Association, Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties and Second Chance Last Opportunity. Volunteers could also show up on the day of the event without signing up.

Children from the Boys and Girls Club were team leaders at tables to give instructions and answer questions.

April Glasco from Second Chance Last Opportunity was also there to help and take meals directly to people her nonprofit serves immediately after the event.

The volunteers packed 30,000 adult meals, which provides 60,000 meals for children. The meals will go to nonprofits including Second Chance Last Opportunity, Harvest House, All Faiths Food Bank, Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Englewood Food Pantry and Schoolhouse Link.

The event was funded by the St. Armands Key Lutheran Church Foundation, providing $10,000 to purchase the food.

— PETRA RIVERA

Photos by Petra Rivera Judeah D and Leonela Tase from the Boys and Girls Club

Joan Elder helps pack meals.

Nina Moroney and the Rev. Ken Blyth

Karyn Hawksley and April Glasco

Bonnie Vannucci packs meals.

Environmental leaders

Longboat Key Garden Club awards $89,200 in local scholarships and grants.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

The Longboat Key Garden Club awarded a total of $89,200 in scholarships and grants to local students and nonprofits pursuing environmental studies and efforts.

The club hosted the recipients for an Arbor Day picnic on April 25 at the Longboat Island Chapel.

Fourteen grants were given to different organizations that are focused on environmental initiatives, environmental programs and camps for underserved youths, school edible gardens, native planting and beautification opportunities. The club awarded $59,200 in total to these nonprofits.

The recipients included Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Save Our Seabirds, Longboat Key Turtle Watch, Southside Elementary School, St. Martha’s Catholic Elementary School, The Paradise Center, Florida Maritime Museum, Cortez Village Historical Society, Ballard Elementary School and the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast.

Along with these grants, four academic scholarships were awarded to students who are studying for either an undergraduate, master’s or Ph.D. in environmental studies, such as ecosystem remediation, wildlife conservation, water quality sustainability, coastal plant restoration and restoration and cultivation of coral.

A total of $30,000 was awarded to these students.

Tori Guarino, at Florida Gulf Coast University, received the $15,000 Charles T. Bauer Foundation scholarship. Guarino plans to earn a bach-

elor’s degree in biology, along with a master’s and doctorate in wildlife conservation and environmental education.

Camille Haupt, from the University of Florida, received an $8,000 scholarship. In pursuit of a degree in biology, biotechnology and sustainability, Haupt hopes to engage in both field and lab work to protect and conserve wetlands.

Carter Oleckna, from Florida Gulf Coast University, received a $5,000 scholarship. After he graduates with a degree in microbiology, Oleckna is planning to pursue a doctorate in agricultural studies to study coastal plant restoration methods.

Jamie McHardy, from Florida Atlantic University, received a $2,000 scholarship. Studying marine biology, McHardy hopes to research projects in coral cultivation and solutions to coral bleaching.

President Melanie Dale said in a press release that it was a successful year for the Garden Club, and they are excited about their continued ability to impact the environment in our area.

The Longboat Key Garden Club awarded four academic scholarships to Jamie McHardy, Tori Guarino, Carter Oleckna and Camille Haupt (not pictured).

Courtesy image

Locally owned and managed since 1994

since 1994 Specializing

941-387 -9709

941-387 -9709 3720 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 info@FLVacationConnection.com FLVacationConnection.com

3720 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 info@FLVacationConnection.com FLVacationConnection.com

Pickleball rivalry begins with Island Challenge

Two pickleball groups go head to head.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

It was Bayfront Park versus the Longboat Key Club in the first Island Challenge pickleball tournament. Both teams vied for the chance to take home The Golden Paddle.

The two groups met at the Longboat Key Club pickleball courts in the Tennis Gardens on the afternoon of April 24. About 30 players participated, each representing either the Bayfront Park team or the Longboat Key Club.

For two hours, the rivals faced off in a series of double matches throughout eight rounds. Players utilized all four of the new pickleball courts that opened this past December.

The winning team of each match earned one point for their group. If the losing team scored at least six points, then that counted as half a point for their group.

Cynthia Long, a player for the Longboat Key Club side, played four matches throughout the afternoon. She said she’s an avid pickleball player and has played all over, from Colorado to the Carolinas to Chicago.

“It is absolutely the friendliest sport ever,” said Long. “It’s a fabulous way to meet people.”

For newcomers to Longboat Key, she said it’s the best way to make new friends.

A Chicago native herself, Long compared the Island Match to the rivalry between the Chicago Cubs and White Sox.

“It’s great; it’s kind of like a crosstown rivalry,” Long said.

Jeff Lenchner with the Longboat Key Club team and Director of Rac-

quet Sports at The Longboat Key Club Briana Francois helped organize the event on The Longboat Key Club side. Captain of the Bayfront Park team Alan Williams and President of Friends of Pickleball Inc. Shawn Leven were organizers on behalf of Bayfront Park.

According to Leven, the idea came up about a month ago when Lenchner reached out to her after she recently established Friends of Pickleball, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

The Bayfront Park pickleball team plays competitively every week, and Sheila Loccisano said the Longboat Key Club group wanted to get in on the action. The idea of a mixer came up, which led to the Island Challenge. Players on both sides agreed that the cross-island match, while competitive, was a good way to meet players from the other team and develop new friendships that might lend themselves to future matches.

Williams and Loccisano thought the first Island Challenge turned out to be a success, and Bayfront Park ended up taking home The Golden Paddle.

The two groups hope to make the match an annual tradition and pass The Golden Paddle back and forth.

“We look forward to more,” Williams said.

Shawn Leven returns a ball during the first match of the tournament.

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

Kathie Williams, Alan Williams, Sheila Loccisano and Barry Levine pose with The Golden Paddle after the Bayfront Park team won the challenge.

YOUR CALENDAR

FRIDAY, MAY 3 GUITAR BY AKIEM ESDAILE

6-9 p.m. at Whitney’s, 6990 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Akiem Esdaile is the new generation of jazz guitar. Enjoy Sarasota’s most refreshing jazz guitarist. Call 383-4606.

RECURRING EVENTS

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY LONGBOAT LIBRARY

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 555 Bay Isles Road. Call 383-2011.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT STORE

The thrift store will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Donations are accepted during business hours. Call 383-4738.

MONDAYS ZUMBA & TONING

10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Taught by Reena Malik, this class begins with 30 minutes of zumba and finishes with mat Pilates for flexibility and strengthening core muscles. Come for 30 or 60 minutes. Free for members; $15 for nonmembers.

TUESDAYS QIGONG

From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Qigong is a mind-body-spirit practice designed to improve mental and physical health. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

YOGA

From 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Debby Debile of Feel Good Yoga & Massage leads a gentle yoga class that can be done on a mat or in a chair. Cost is $15; free for members. Call 383-6493.

MAHJONG

From 1-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Fun time for experienced players. To check availability at the tables, email Amy@ TheParadiseCenter.org.

BEST BET

SATURDAY, MAY 4 — SUNDAY, MAY 5 ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE ART AND CRAFT FESTIVAL

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Armands Circle, 1 St. Armands Circle. Free. The event offers art from mediums including sculpture, photography, glass, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, and more. In addition to fine art, this festival will feature a craft marketplace on the street. Call 561-746-6615.

ROTARY CLUB Meets at 5 p.m. on first and third Tuesdays in All Angels Parish Hall, 563 Bay Isles Road. To learn more, call Nancy Rozance at 203-605-4066 or email Info@ LongboatKeyRotary.org.

WEDNESDAYS

BEGINNER TAI CHI

From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 3836493.

MARIACHI MUSIC

From 5:30-8:30 p.m. at La Villa Mexican Grill, 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enjoy dinner and a serenade by Mariachi Contemporaneo. Call 383-8033.

THURSDAYS STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN

From 10-1 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. This class is mostly seated and great for all fitness levels Focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance. Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota

Networking newbies

Tplanned for the chamber. Attendees raved about the open atmosphere and the beauty of Zota.

“I really enjoyed planning it and getting to know so many new members,” said McDermott. “I am looking forward to more networking events in the future.”

President Kim Verreault and her team members have kept themselves busy reaching out to businesses in the area and getting new members, which is one of her biggest priorities since she started.

Over 30 new members have joined since October 2023. New members included the Humane Society of Sarasota County and the Illyrian Symphony Orchestra. This lunch was the first networking event with the chamber for many attendees.

“This is the biggest crowd that we’ve had since I have started here,” said Verreault. “There was actually a waitlist to attend, which is great feedback for us.”

— PETRA RIVERA

Julia Thaggard and Casey Martin

Photos by Petra Rivera

Reva Jackson, Chrissy Kuykendall, Andrew Vac and Celia Moore

Kim Verreault, Rosemary Kaminski and Ted Wint

Carlos Carreno, Irina LaRose and Kim Meissner

Condo in L’Ambiance

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Acondominium in L’Ambiance at Longboat Key Club tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Thomas Sweet, trustee, sold the Unit M-908 condominium at 435 L’Ambiance Drive to James and Lauren Whitehurst, of Longboat Key, for $5.7 million. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, three-and-two-half baths and 3,220 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.8 million in 2014.

SANCTUARY AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Terrance and Kimberly Schneider, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit C-107 condominium at 535 Sanctuary Drive to Susan Paulson, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $2.8 million. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,580 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.18 million in 2020.

JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

Coralea Nan Wennberg, trustee, sold the home at 556 N. Washington Drive to Susan Frost Davis, of Sarasota, for $2.75 million. Built in 1950, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,799 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.26 million in 2020.

COREY’S LANDING

Jennifer Shimek, of Longboat Key, sold her home at 3575 Mistletoe Lane to Russell and Dina Kruk, of Longboat Key, for $2.1 million. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,436 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.6 million in 2023.

GRAND BAY

Mary Beth Beasley, trustee, of Franklin, Tennessee, sold the Unit 435 condominium at 3010 Grand Bay Blvd. to 3010 Grand Bay LLC for $1.95 million. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths and 2,143 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,435,000 in 2022.

PELICAN HARBOUR AND BEACH CLUB

Jacquelyn Allen, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, sold her Unit N-1 condominium at 4234 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Kelleen Burns-Amighi, of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, for $1,075,000. Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,636 square feet of living area. It sold for $140,000 in 1991.

Kelleen Burns-Amighi, of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, sold her Unit L-1 condominium at 4234 Gulf of Mexico Drive to James Joseph Dietz and Jane Frances Esckilsen-Dietz, of Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, for $735,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,150 square feet of living area. It sold for $305,000 in 2007.

CLUB LONGBOAT BEACH AND TENNIS CLUB

Todd and Barbara Hart, of Ada, Michigan, sold their Unit 122 condominium at 5055 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Barbara Pratt and Gregg Mecherle, of Bloomington, Illinois, for $925,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,484 square feet of living area. It sold for $505,000 in 2021.

ISLANDER CLUB OF LONGBOAT

Michael Freda and Laria Freda, of Westfield, New Jersey, sold their Unit 84-S condominium at 2295 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Alexander and Donna Aldama, of Longboat Key, for $884,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,235 square feet of living area. It sold for $509,000 in 2019.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

of April 19-25 in order of dollar amounts.

BEACHPLACE

Larry and Priscilla Mitchell, of Bryson City, North Carolina, sold their Unit 302 condominium at 1085 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Ashley Belinda Rutledge, of Ontario, Canada, for $865,000. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,392 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,000 in 2015.

THE PRIVATEER SOUTH

Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust HB7 sold the Unit 302 condominium at 1000 Longboat Club Road to Mohamed Elkasri, of Tampa, for $750,000. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,290 square feet of living area. It sold for $175,000 in 1989.

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

APRIL 15-19

KINGSTON ARMS

Daniel and Donna Perry, trustees, sold the Unit 16B condominium at 500 S. Washington Drive to Janet Hroncich and Joanne Arehart, of Bradenton, for $510,000. Built in 1963, it has one bedroom, one bath and 770 square feet of living area. It sold for $255,000 in 2017.

GULF KEY

540 Neptune Series, a Separate Series of R.E. Associates LLC, sold the Unit 4 condominium at 540 Neptune Ave. to Peter Keith Eide and Jennifer Eide, of Dayton, Ohio, for $494,200. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,044 square feet of living area. It sold for $362,000 in 2020.

LIDO TOWERS

Wayne Lehman and Robin Lehman, trustees, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, sold the Unit 512 condominium at 1001 Benjamin Franklin Drive to LT 512 LLC for $450,000. Built in 1980, it has one bedroom, one-and-a-half baths and 813 square feet of living area. It sold for $285,000 in 2017.

SPANISH MAIN YACHT CLUB

Halle Makahito, of Ipswich, Massachusetts, sold her Unit 19 condominium at 653 Spanish Drive N. to Hadrian Rori, of W. Bloomfield, Michigan, for $391,000. Built in 1971, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,540 square feet of living area. It sold for $465,000 in 2022.

ST. JUDES

David Woods, of Bradenton, sold his Unit 4 condominium at 571 Saint Judes Drive to John Hill, of Celebration, for $310,000. Built in 1957, it has one bedroom, one bath and 372 square feet of living area. It sold for $170,000 in 2018.

File image

Thomas Sweet, trustee, sold the Unit M-908 condominium at 435 L’Ambiance Drive to James and Lauren Whitehurst, of Longboat Key, for $5.7 million.

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

MOON PHASES

TIDES

Thursday, May 2 10:21a 7:36p

“SP SN PLMX PGZP S GZTX GZJ GXZLPZKGX ZFJ PLZWXJU SF CU BSYX. ... NMYYXLSFW SN PGX OLSKX IY DXSFW ZBSTX.” EMJU KIBBSFN

“KGJ YJXZFV YRV/OSZP JWWFYK KF WFURI FV OFBJV’I USVUJY GSI BA OGFZJGJSYKJH IRDDFYK SVH TYSKMKRHJ.” HOSAVJ NFGVIFV © 2023 NEA, Inc.

BEAUTY TREATMENT by Adam Simpson, edited by Jeff Chen

By Luis Campos

Jenelle Alber took this photo of small shorebird on Whitney Beach.