Longboat Observer 09.27.12

bserver O LONGBOAT

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

NEWS

Arts Center goes native to start season.

PAGE 14

OUR TOWN

beach protection

free • Thursday, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

DIVERSIONS

NEIGHBORHOOD

The Sarasota Opera’s Richard Russell returns to familiar surroundings.

INSIDE

Longboat Key Club hosts First Responders Golf Tournament.

PAGE 16

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

+ Wedding bells ring for happy couple Dr. Justin Iannello, son of Longboat Key residents Dr. Joseph and Karen Iannello, recently wed Dr. Maanasi Chandarana, daughter of Dr. Himanshu and Shurekha Chandarana, of Pinellas Park.

The May wedding took place at the Waldorf Astoria, in Orlando, over the course of four days.

A Christian ceremony proceeded a traditional Hindu ceremony. The couple are currently in their medical residencies out of state.

Photos courtesy of the town of Longboat Key

The photo of the north end of Longboat Key, after an emergency sand-renourishment project was performed in June 2011, shows a wide beach that connects Beer Can Island to Longboat Key.

Just a year after emergency sand was placed on the north end of Longboat Key, Tropical Storms Debby and Isaac swept away most of the sand on the north end. Beer Can Island is now disconnected from Longboat Key at high tide.

Sand structures move forward Longboat Key commissioners believe a north-end beach project may be necessary to save condominiums sitting dangerously close to rising waters.

Harriet Sokmensuer

Gladys Blair, middle, with Don and Charlotte McLean

+ Longboat resident celebrates 95 years Longboat Key resident Gladys Blair had a few more than 16 candles to blow out Friday, Sept. 14 — 95 candles, to be exact. Blair celebrated her 95th birthday with family, neighbors and friends over dinner Saturday, Sept. 15, at The Lazy Lobster on Longboat Key. Blair was born in Harvard, Ill., and has lived on Longboat Key for 15 years.

+ Pirates of Cannons Marina face off “If ye be brave or fool to face a pirate’s curse, proceed.”

Ay, ’twas International Talk Like a Pirate Day last Wednesday. To celebrate, Cannons Marina gave out free booty — i.e. 20 Cannons Marina hats — to those brave customers willing to talk like a pirate to Cannons mates.

The celebration drew seven pirate talkers — and a good time for those staffers who have boating in their blood.

With sand on the north end of the island disappearing at an alarming rate, the Longboat Key Town Commission agreed unanimously to move forward with a $6.2 million sand-and-structures project at its Monday, Sept. 24, regular workshop.

Commissioners reviewed several alternatives for the north end of the island that included doing nothing, building two groins to hold sand or building three groins

UNRESOLVED

to keep a beach in the area.

After spending a year analyzing the town’s options, Town Manager Dave Bullock told the commission he recommended moving forward with the construction of three groins — two permeable, adjustable-type groins near North Shore Road on town property and a non-adjustable groin that would stick out into Longboat Pass on Manatee County property to keep sand from flowing north into the

channel and into Sarasota Bay. Bullock noted that as far back as the town’s 1995 Beach Management Plan, groins for the north end of the island have been labeled a priority.

“There is a longstanding policy about using beaches to protect property and some types of structures that are needed for the north end of the island,” Bullock said.

To prove his point, Bullock displayed a variety of comparison

pictures of the north end, showing how sand on the north end of the island and Beer Can Island has disappeared as recently as a few months ago after Tropical Storms Debby and Isaac passed through the area.

“If we do nothing, the north end near Beer Can Island will be gone,” Bullock said. “It literally makes that beach disappear over

SEE BEACH / PAGE 2

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

Commission eyes new timeline It’s likely Colony Beach & Tennis Resort officials will receive an extension Oct. 1 to rebuild the resort, although it would come with contingencies and hinge on who controls the resort moving forward.

The Longboat Key Town Commission Monday postponed a decision, again, on extending the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association’s Dec. 31 deadline for re-opening the resort.

Instead, commissioners voted to continue the hearing on the request until its Oct. 1 regular meeting, at which time they will

review language for a new extension timeline that comes along with several requirements and conditions.

The commission agreed to create a hybrid of two extension options provided by Town Manager Dave Bullock. A decision on who will have future control of the resort still looms in a fu-

ture Tampa-based bankruptcy courtroom.

Following the final court ruling that decides who has control of the property or a future negotiated settlement between all the affected Colony parties, the town will grant a one-year ex-

SEE COLONY / PAGE 2

Photo by Rachel S. O’Hara

Colony Beach & Tennis Resort developer Andy Adams, who owns a 20% interest in the Colony resorts, made an appearance at a special meeting Monday but was not asked to speak.

INDEX Bridge Bites..........23 Briefs......................4

Classifieds ...........25 Cops Corner..........12

Crossword.............24 Permits.................17

Real Estate...........17 Weather................24

Vol. 35, No. 10 | Two sections YourObserver.com

be drawn up for commissioners to review Oct. 1 and were agreed upon after commissioners realized they can’t control how quickly the resort gets up and running again or how long the litigation continues.

“Whatever we approve is built on a house of sand, and it disturbs me we are proceeding without knowing what will happen,” said Commissioner Pat Zunz.

Commissioner Phillip Younger said talk about what kind of project will be built and whether it will be a new development or a rehabilitation of the existing units is a waste of time.

“We are spending a lot of time talking about rehabbing with one entity that may not have final control over this property,” Younger said.

Mayor Jim Brown agreed.

“I don’t think we can tell them what to do,” Brown said.

Commissioners agreed it’s in the town’s best interest to preserve the 237 units that exist on the property.

The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association came prepared to ask the town for a revised 36-month rebuild timeline beyond the Dec. 31 deadline.

Colony Association attorney Don Hemke quickly told commissioners, though, that the Association agreed with Bullock’s proposals. Hemke also noted that a landscaping contractor has already hauled away overgrown vegetation and was working to meet town requirements.

Former mayor and Longboat Key Revitalization Task Force Chairman George Spoll urged commissioners not to give the Colony Association an openended extension.

“We have discussed this at great length and are supportive of maintaining this as a tourism facility,” Spoll said. “At this moment, it would be a severe mistake to grant a long-term, open-ended time of extension because (the Association’s) past record has not been good. We see no reason that a decision has to be taken at this time. It should be continued, and we see short-term extensions as the best course of action.”

Attorney Charlie Bartlett, representing longtime Colony owner Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber, also maintained that a long-term extension of the “property may not provide the town the teeth necessary to keep this project on track.”

“There is a concern the Association has not made the right choice in terms of a developer to bring this project forward,” Bartlett said. “Our concerns are that plans are incomplete because they don’t include having a deal in place with all the stakeholders.”

Commissioner Jack Duncan proposed the motion to move forward with the conditions outlined by Bullock.

“The folks involved in this process are good people trying to do good things, but, at the end of the day, they are living in the same quagmire we are in about who owns this property, who’s in control and who’s on first,” Duncan said. “If ownership or control goes somewhere else, we stop our extension process and renegotiate that with the new controlling power.”

Commissioners hope affected parties can reach an amicable solution long before the courts can.

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Building no erosion-control structures on the north end of Longboat Key would result in: • Eventual narrowing of the beach from the North Shore Road seawall to the north end of Beer Can Island.

• 360 North condominiums continuing to see over-wash and/or wave action during storms.

• Water overtaking all or part of the Australian pines and mangrove areas of Beer Can Island.

• The sand spit under Longboat Pass Bridge continuing to grow, blocking tidal flow in the lagoon along North Shore Road buildings.

• The current public beach access at North Shore Road eroding away, with a permanent closure and elimination of that beach access likely.

for construction of three groins.”

Commissioner Pat Zunz and the rest of the commission agreed the project has to be done.

“We are surrounded by water, and I feel it’s part of our public policy to say we need to protect everything we have,” Zunz said. “I don’t see how we don’t do that to our fullest ability.”

The town’s voters already approved a $16 million beach project in March 2011, and the town will use that voter-approved money to pay for the future project.

If permitting is complete by early 2013, construction on the groins could begin as early as spring 2013.

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Beach Project Conclusions

time.”

Bullock explained how water came dangerously close to 360 North condominiums during both Debby and Isaac.

“Those storms caused the elevation of the beach in that area to go down, and at high tide now there is no visible dry beach in this location,” Bullock said. “With the slightest amount of storm surge now, there’s water just about up to the buildings there.”

Doing nothing would also cause Beer Can Island to eventually break away from the north end of the island, also cutting off tidal flow to a nearby lagoon.

Sand would also have to be placed on the north end every year if no structures are built.

Bullock explained that adding groins, even just two groins on Longboat Key property near North Shore Road, means the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will require the town to be responsible for the shoreline all the way to Beer Can Island, even though it’s listed on the tax rolls as Manatee County property.

Bullock said he will hold a future discussion with the Manatee Board of County Commissioners and ask for help funding the beach project in this area.

Once the structures are in, sand from Longboat Pass will still need to be placed on the north end every four to eight years. Over a 20year period, sand placement will cost the town anywhere from $4 million to $7.5 million.

“I am concerned for continued erosion and the likely impact to upland properties,” Bullock said.

“My recommendation is we continue with our effort to get permits

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tension if the Colony intends to re-open the existing buildings. If the Colony intends to tear down and rebuild the resort, a threeyear extension will be granted.

The extensions require the owner of the property to submit a complete development plan for the re-opening of the resort within three months of being labeled as the entity that controls the property. That plan must include: • Schedules for all planning, financing, design and construction phases.

• A specific timeframe for the submittal of site plans and building permits.

• A financing plan.

• A construction plan.

If the Colony fails to meet any of the above requirements, a public hearing would be scheduled to discuss whether to continue with an extension. Under this option, the Colony must also submit quarterly progress updates, settlement negotiations and pending litigation.

While the Colony waits to find out which entity is in charge, the town also plans to impose the following conditions on the property: • Secure any unsafe buildings.

• Maintain landscaping and irrigation on portions of the property that are visible to the public and nearby properties.

• Maintain town approved pest- and vermin-control programs.

• Submit to the town quarterly progress reports.

• Provide the town with a $50,000 cash bond guaranteeing the above conditions.

The myriad of conditions will

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

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COLONY / FROM PAGE 1

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

emergency request by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Commission denies Mote’s request for bigger nest egg Mote will continue its turtle-monitoring activities Key-wide despite a lack of funds but hopes that the town will consider long-term funding.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium didn’t get the $15,000 in emergency funding it asked the town for Monday night when the Longboat Key Town Commission adopted the 2012-13 fiscal year budget.

Mote will continue to monitor the town’s approximately 12 miles of beach, a service that includes a variety of activities such as monitoring and documenting nests, hatchling events and false crawls, and ensuring lighting compliance. But, for the future, the nonprofit will seek a funding model from the town along with other municipalities that includes turtle monitoring as an annual expense.

“We will do this,” Dr. Michael Crosby, Mote senior vice president for research, told the commission. “Mote is committed to funding (our) monitoring program. But we can’t continue it in

the manner we are accustomed to. We will follow through with our core mission, but we respectfully ask if there’s any finding for us during tight times.”

The town decreased its funding for Mote’s turtle monitoring from $86,700 in 2011 to $23,600 for the current fiscal year.

According to a memo from Public Works Director Juan Florensa and Finance Director Tom Kelley, the town was required by previous permit conditions to monitor its entire beach. But, after those permit conditions expired, the town was only required to monitor a 1.5-mile stretch of beach from Greer Island, aka Beer Can Island, to near Gulfside Road as part of a beach-renourishment project completed in June 2011.

The reduction in funding came during a record year for turtle nesting, with 1,094 nesting activi-

ties reported in 2012 on the Key, compared to 536 in 2011. Additionally, Tropical Storm Debby was the largest single tropicalstorm impact on turtle nests in 30 years, resulting in 77% of nests being washed away and/or losing marker stakes, which required extra staff hours and more monitoring, according to Mote.

Commissioners cited other organizations that had their funding reduced or eliminated from the budget in declining to increase Mote’s funding.

“Without a set of ground rules, you start picking and choosing and end up in hot water,” Vice Mayor David Brenner said. “I would ask the town manager if, perhaps, in the existing year’s operations if there were some monies not spent, perhaps we have a few dollars that could be made available.”

Commission approves 2012-13 fiscal year budget The Longboat Key Town Commission approved a 2012-13 fiscal year budget Monday, Sept.

24, that’s flat compared to last year’s budget and, as expected, includes no tax increases.

Based on the current millage rate of 1.8872 mills, the town will generate $8,362,000 in ad valorem revenues, or $137,000 less when compared to a year ago. One mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of assessed valuation.

Longboat Key commissioners are granting a one-year reprieve to residents who were bracing for tax assessments regarding the town’s upcoming beach project.

Instead of assessing Key taxMayor Jim Brown suggested that Mote promote itself more on Longboat Key to generate philanthropic contributions.

“Longboat Key has a lot of generous people out here who support a lot of things,” Brown said.

“I don’t think they are aware of the troubles you are facing.”

Crosby told the Longboat Observer that Brown’s suggestion is a good one.

But, he said that he would like

payers for a $16 million sandand-structure beach project starting this year, the town intends to assess taxpayers next summer.

When the commission approved the town’s budget on first reading earlier this month, it agreed to hold off on assessing beach debt millage taxes of .8 mills and .2 mills for Beach Districts A and B, respectively.

For taxpayers in District A, the beach-side of the island, a $500,000 home will see a $400 savings break in this year’s taxes. For taxpayers in District B, the Gulf-side of the island, a $500,000 home will see a $100 savings.

— Kurt Schultheis to see the funding model change in many municipalities, with turtle-monitoring funds becoming a part of the annual budget rather than the current model in which funding is required as part of a permit.

“We’re in discussion with other municipalities to evolve the funding model from one that is more reactionary and case-specific to one that is a standard operating procedure,” he said.

declaratory relief

the end by Robin Hartill | City Editor

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by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

Closing brings final chapter Town, IPOC spar over code changes Circle Books closed last week after 13 years on St. Armands.

Circle Books turned its final page last week when it closed after 13 years on St. Armands Circle.

Owner Eric Lamboley spent all day Wednesday, Sept. 19, calling the store’s regular customers to thank them for their loyalty before closing shop that afternoon.

By Friday, the voicemail greeting at Circle Books said: “I regret that we have closed permanently. Thank you for your patronage over the last 13 years.”

The story of Circle Books followed a plot line similar to that of many independent booksellers.

“It’s the song they’re all singing: eBooks and Amazon,” Lamboley told the Longboat Observer. “But, honestly, retail in general is tough. Everyone wants to buy things online. The last few months really forced our hands. Financially, it just wasn’t feasible.”

Lamboley said that independent bookstores can’t compete with large chains in terms of pricing because they can’t buy in bulk. When each “Harry Potter” book came out, for example, Lamboley said that he could go to Sam’s Club and pay less for each book than Circle Books would pay its distributor.

Lamboley and former coowner Debbie Stowell worked together at Paperback Booksmith in Sarasota in the 1990s and went on to open Circle Books in 1999.

The store was a popular setting both for local and national authors when they held book signings.

Novelist Tim Dorsey held his first book signing there. It was the store’s first book signing, as well, and Dorsey returned whenever he published a new book, according to Lamboley.

Best-selling authors such as Michael Connelly and Carl Hiaasen often held events there, as

A Sarasota County judge is expected to make his ruling next month on Islandside Property Owners Coalition’s claim that the town made code changes inconsistent with its Comp Plan.

File photo

Circle Books owner Eric Lamboley, pictured in 2006, spent Wednesday, Sept. 19, calling regular customers to thank them for their loyalty. well.

But, it was also a place where many local, self-published authors learned the book business.

Longboat Key author H. Terrell “Terry” Griffin, who sold the first copy of his first book, “Longboat Blues,” at the independent St. Armands bookseller, received one of Lamboley’s phone calls Wednesday afternoon.

Griffin said that he self-published his first two novels. The store placed “Longboat Blues” on its front shelves, causing many customers to ask about it.

He signed a deal with Oceanview Publishing after Stowell sent the company a manuscript of his third book, “Blood Island.”

“I think I owe whatever writing career I’ve had to Circle Books,”

Griffin said. “I feel like I’m losing an old friend.”

Lamboley said that Griffin is being modest when he attributes his writing career to the store.

Griffin and other writers needed advice about publishing, pricing and selling a book, according to Lamboley, but the bottom line was, they could write.

The book store was the only bookseller on the Circle and one of the last remaining independent booksellers in Sarasota.

Lamboley, who hasn’t determined what his next chapter will be personally, described closing as “emotional” but wasn’t considering the store’s closing to be an entirely sad ending.

“Thirteen years for a startup business is pretty good,” he said.

The town and the Islandside Property Owners Coalition headed back to the courtroom last week.

Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Lee Haworth heard arguments Thursday, Sept. 20, in a hearing to review the Islandside Property Owners Coalition’s challenge of the town of Longboat Key’s code changes.

The changes, made in part to make the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s Islandside renovationand-expansion project clearer under town codes, are still being challenged even though the development order for the most recent application of the project was quashed last month by an appeals court.

The three-hour hearing allowed both IPOC attorney Robert Lincoln and town assistant attorney Kelly Fernandez to make arguments to Haworth, who won’t make a ruling until both sides submit to his office by Oct. 1 closing written arguments.

Lincoln spent more than an hour arguing his client’s eight challenges to the town’s zoning-code changes; he said that amended zoning-code changes are not permissible. One of Lincoln’s main arguments focused on the use of tourism units at Islandside and whether the town can count density in Islandside using both residential and tourism units.

“We contend that tourism uses other than what was grandfathered in at Inn on the Beach were not allowed in the Gulfplanned development (GPD known as Islandside) under the Comprehensive Plan,” Lincoln

said. “We also contend the town needs to hold a referendum before it can allow tourism uses.”

IPOC is seeking declaratory relief from Haworth. It hopes he will determine that the zoning changes the town made to accommodate the Islandside application are inconsistent with the town’s Comprehensive Plan.

Fernandez, meanwhile, said the town has consistently viewed the use of density in Islandside while using both residential and tourism units.

“The Comp Plan, admittedly, is not the beacon of clarity and arguably has some inconsistencies,” Fernandez said. “But, there has been consistency with encompassing both dwelling (residential) and tourism units in the GPD (Islandside).”

Fernandez also disputed Lincoln’s claim that the Longboat Key Town Commission catered specifically to the Key Club when it made the code changes and approved the project.

“Commissioners don’t have the willy-nilly authority to do whatever they like,” Fernandez said. “Applicable criteria have to be met first in a GPD, which encourages flexibility to begin with.”

Haworth told both sides he will need additional time to review the materials and the closing arguments both sides are being asked to submit. He also said he is reserving the right to call another hearing if he has additional questions.

Town Attorney David Persson told commissioners Monday he expects Haworth to make a decision some time in October.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

+ Performance review time for town manager It’s time for the Longboat Key Town Commission to give Town Manager Dave Bullock an annual performance review.

Commissioners were mailed a blank copy of an annual evaluation to complete and return to Town Hall

by Oct. 30. Evaluations will be summarized and included on the agenda for discussion at the Nov. 12 workshop.

The town manager’s employment agreement reads that commissioners shall review and evaluate the job performance of the town manager at least once each year of the employment agreement. Commissioners must also define annually the goals and objectives of the town manager.

+ Financial abuse workshop offered

The Rini family shares a cookie-in-a-jar recipe for ginger snaps along with a recipe for a raspberry soda drink from the book,“Do It Now! Crafts.”

The Sarasota Community Alliance Aging in Place Action Team and University of South Florida SarasotaManatee (USF) will sponsor a free educational event called “Last Will & Embezzlement: Protecting Yourself and Others from Fraud and Exploitation,” from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 5, at the USF SarasotaManatee Campus, Selby Auditorium, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

The event includes the showing of a short documentary featuring actor Mickey Rooney and local professionals in aging. A panel of local experts involved in the prevention and prosecution of financial abuse will address how exploitation happens.

Space is limited. Register online at lastwillandembezzlement.eventbrite.com, or contact Raquel Castillo at 861-2575 or Raquel_Castillo@ doh.state.fl.us.

MOST READ STORIES ONLINE LAST WEEK: 1. “Longboat the virtual reality” (Sept. 19) 2. “Circle Books closes after 13 years” (Sept. 20) 3. “In the Kitchen: Dale Sprintz” (Sept. 17) 4. “Census data shows 10-year loss of 40 businesses” (Sept. 19) 5. “LBK Cabinetry opens in Centre Shops” (Sept. 17)

Daily broadcast: Register on YourObserver.com and have our daily video broadcast delivered to your inbox.

Meetings &agendas Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1. 

 Code Enforcement Board Regular Meeting — 10 a.m.

Monday, Oct. 8.

Zoning Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting — 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, Oct. 11



Town Commission Regular Workshop — 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15.



All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, unless otherwise noted.

+ Publix update The new Publix looked pretty much the same for several consecutive weeks until last week, which brought constructive developments.

Gray corbel underneath the soffit, or roof overhang, is now in place, and roof structures have been dried in and framed. The entry facade has been framed and the windows put in place, all of which bring the store closer to the final look Longboaters will see in December upon its opening.

+ Correction Longboat Key Commissioner Pat Zunz was incorrectly quoted last week as stating she was a former chair of the Planning and Zoning Board. Zunz is a former planning board member and the past chair of the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

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Movie Magic with Popcorn Bob: Log on to YourObserver.com to read Popcorn Bob’s weekly movie reviews.

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Cool Today Weather Photo Contest: Submit your best local weather-related photos by visiting YourObserver.com and clicking on the “Contests” tab. Contest details, including prizes, are online.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

big tent

fresh catch By Robin Hartill | City Editor

5

By Robin Hartill | City Editor

Kiwanians plan ahead Fish Fry to net good old time for Gourmet Lawn Party Be prepared to take the bait and get If you go

hooked on Longboat’s annual fish fry.

Longboat Key got hooked on fish fries back in the 1940s when locals needed to raise money for area organizations.

It became an annual fundraiser sometime after 1953, the year the Longboat Key Volunteer Fire Department formed, then faded away over the years until 2005, when the Longboat Key Historical Society revived the tradition.

This year, the fish fry is back, and we’re sure Longboaters are ready to take the bait. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub, 760 Broadway, with dinner served from 6 to 8 p.m.

What’s new this year?

Well, last year’s “Pioneer Day Fish Fry” monicker is gone, and the “Old Time Fish Fry” title of years’ past is back.

But, aside from that, the

event will be the same fishy fundraiser that has netted hundreds of attendees for the past seven years.

Tickets are $30, which will get you a fish dinner of your choice of grouper and mullet, along with all the other fish fry favorites, two drinks and entertainment by Blues Pig. A raffle will also take place.

The fundraiser helps the Historical Society pay for its museum at Whitney Beach Plaza, along with its lecture series, which will consist of four programs between January and April, at Bayfront Park Recreation Center.

For many residents, the fish fry is the Key’s unofficial welcome-back party for those who headed north for summer.

“The Fish Fry is always so much fun because that’s when we get to see all of our friends who we maybe haven’t seen for a year or more and enjoy the good music and f o o d ,” s a i d Shirley B e a chum, president of the Historical Society.

The Kiwanis Club is already cooking up plans for November’s Longboat Key Gourmet Lawn Party.

Old Time Fish Fry When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19; dinner served from 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub, 760 Broadway

Don’t let the fact that the Longboat Key Gourmet Lawn Party lasts only two hours fool you.

The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key begins planning for the November event in June or July of each year, continuing up until the big day.

Where to Here’s the dish on this year’s buy tickets event: Longboat Observer owners Matt Tickets for the Friday, and Lisa Walsh are co-chairing the Oct. 19 Old Time Fish event, which is scheduled for noon Fry can be purchased to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at the at the event or at the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s Isfollowing locations for $30: landside golf course.

This year’s raffle-prize winner First Bank of Longboat will have the choice of $20,000 Key, 5390 Gulf of cash, $20,000 toward any vehicle Mexico Drive at Gettel Automotive Group dealLongboat Key Chamber erships or an exotic vacation courof Commerce, 5570 tesy of Admiral Travel.

Gulf of Mexico Drive The second prize will be a packMar Vista Dockside age from the Key Club, and the Restaurant & Pub, 760 third-prize winner will take home Broadway an oil painting by artist Malenda Steff’s Stuff, 5380 Trick.

Gulf of Mexico Drive, Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key Suite 101 members are giving themselves room to make the event even bigger and have an 80-foot-by-80foot tent, compared to last year’s 80-foot-by-40-foot tent.

But the Fish Fry isn’t the only “We’ve learned our lesson and fundraiser on the Historical will Society’s plate.

LBK - 2010 - I leave more room to maneuver inside an expanded-size tent,” said The inaugural Centre Shops Club President John Wild. of Longboat Key Fall LBK Festival, - 2010 -Kiwanis I Last year’s event netted more scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. than $69,000 for charitable orgaSunday, Oct. 28, will also be a nizations, and this year’s goal is to Historical Society fundraiser.

Save the date Gourmet Lawn Party When: Noon to 2 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 17 Where: Longboat Key Club and Resort Islandside golf course raise even more money, according to Wild. The club is also hoping to draw at least 30 participating restaurants for the event.

This is the third year in which the event will be known as the Longboat Key Gourmet Lawn Party instead of its former name, the St. Jude Gourmet Luncheon.

A small portion of proceeds will still benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., but most funds raised will stay closer to home, going toward the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Manatee counties, Child Protection Center, Children First and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarasota County — all of which, according to incoming Kiwanis Club President Jim Burmeister, relate to Kiwanis’ national motto: “Changing the world one child at a time.”

“We’ve rebadged it because Kiwanis has done this for seven or eight years,” Wild said. “We’ve been wanting a stronger brand identification for what Kiwanis does.”

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Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

planning process by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

code red

A consultant will hold community meetings to gauge where the town is headed in the future and if its codes support that way of thinking.

Longboat Key is encouraging residents to use an emergency-response network that will keep them abreast when emergencies arise on the island.

By Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

Town wants community Longboat updates emergency network input on island vision The town of Longboat Key has received six proposals from community consultants who are willing to review the town’s current codes and engage in community-wide discussions on where the town is headed.

The town put out a bid for request for proposals in May to find a consultant to help the town through an analysis and an objective review of existing town conditions.

“It’s a plan to review current codes with the community and encourage public discussion,” said town attorney David Persson. “It will help focus the town.”

In April, the Longboat Key Town Commission reached consensus to direct town staff to find a community consultant after commissioners rejected a proposal from The Urban Land Institute to organize a five-day panel of various professionals at a cost of $125,000.

The town-hired consultant who’s selected will spend more time looking at all aspects of the community and hold no less than 10 community meetings to discuss everything about the island, including its residential and tourism aspects.

“The town had a mindset and a policy that worked well until the Longboat Key Club’s application came along,” Persson said. “Times

have changed; there’s more of an attitude to redevelop, and this process helps lay everything out for us in that regard and in other regard while gathering public input.”

The five main areas of concern that the hired consultant is expected to review are residential, tourism, commercial, marketing and zoning.

“The goal is to see what we should be looking at in the future and if our codes and our Comprehensive Plan are set up to support those ways of thinking,” said Town Manager Dave Bullock. “A big part of that is what does Longboat Key want to be? How do we get there?

And who do we want to attract?”

Longboat Key commissioners are hopeful the consultant will help formulate how the town wants to redevelop properties in the future.

Although a voluntary rebuild ordinance on the island allows properties to redevelop to their current size, commissioners have noted that tourism properties that want to redevelop are looking for larger square footage in today’s market to compete with other rental properties.

Once a consultant is picked and community meetings are held, there will be follow-up meetings to discuss the consultant’s findings and get feedback on the issues.

Consultant Questions

Longboaters can be thousands of miles away from their island homes and still be kept up to speed with real-time weather alerts impacting their Florida properties.

In 2006, the town contracted with CodeRED, Emergency Communications Network LLC to provide high-speed notifications to residents via their telephones.

The system delivers telephone calls and/ or voicemail messages to targeted areas of the community, or to the entire island when needed.

The town of Longboat Key is hoping Longboat Key residents take the time to either join or update their contact information for the emergency-communications network used to deliver the notification updates.

Over the years, the system has been used to notify residents of gas leaks, road closures, bridge malfunctions, gas-line ruptures, precautionary boil water advisories, hurricane-evacuation information and other messages.

CodeRED includes a feature that

A consultant hired to review the town’s current codes and engage in community-wide discussions on where the future of the town is headed must help answer a myriad of questions, which include: • What methods should the town use to sustain its unique residential character and quality of life?

• How important is tourism to our local economy?

• Given the seasonality of demand, can we expect businesses to thrive or to barely survive?

• Do we need to do a better job of marketing the island, and, if so, how should we do it?

• Is our land-use plan and allocation of zoning consistent with our objectives for achieving a mix of mutually supporting uses and activities?

enables individuals and businesses the ability to add phone numbers directly into the system’s database.

And, with a growing trend of people abandoning landlines for smartphones, the town urges people to visit longboatkey.org and click on the CodeRED link to add their cell phones into the system and update their contact information.

CodeRED also offers free apps for iPhones and Androids that allow residents, as well as those visiting the area, to receive community and emergency alerts through their smartphones. The apps also work for those traveling, who can receive updates such as traffic backups or severe-weather alerts.

“We want everyone to have their information up to date, so we are using the system to the best of our ability,” said Town Manager Dave Bullock.

Questions should be directed to Assistant to the Town Manager Susan Phillips at sphillips@longboatkey.org or 316-1999, Ext. 243.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

7

popular spot by Robin Hartill | City Editor

LoCaL LuXury. InTErnaTIonaL CLouT. Gorgeous, 3600+ sq ft home w/beautiful lagoon, garden and golf course views This 3BR+den residence features hardwood floors, archways, columns, niches, and faux finishes throughout. The home includes a gourmet kitchen and family room, formal dining and living rooms, a den, master suite and two guest bedroom suites. A pool & spa with cascading waterfall, outdoor kitchen and a pool bath are added luxuries. MLS A3962300

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Mar Vista, Moore’s want to increase parking hours The Village restaurants are asking to extend parking along Broadway by two hours to 11 p.m. nightly.

Parking along Broadway between Lois Avenue and Bayside Drive in the Longbeach Village is currently prohibited between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

But the owners of Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub and Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant, both located on Broadway, want to extend parking by an additional two hours, to 11 p.m.

“Both Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant and Mar Vista Restaurant are proud to have a large following of international guests,” wrote Mar Vista owner Ed Chiles and Moore’s co-owner Alan Moore in an Aug. 21 email to Town Manager Dave Bullock. “The last thing we want is to have any of our vacationers issued a parking ticket.

We have been using this parking for more than 40 years without any problem.”

The Longboat Key Town Commission discussed the request at its Monday, Sept. 24, regular workshop and reached consensus to move the request through to first reading and public hearing at its Oct. 1 meeting.

According to a memo from Town Planner Steve Schield, the existing restrictions have been in place for a number of years, but, until recently, restrictions weren’t posted, and police were unable to restrict parking hours.

Signage was posted after Longbeach Village resident Samir Ragheb complained about parking along Broadway, describing it as “untenable” at the commission’s April 2 meeting.

“If both sides of the street are parked, which is a fact at the moment, then the street is only good for one way,” he said at the time.

Ragheb told the Longboat Observer in April, which is generally peak season on the Key, that Broadway fills up not only with diners but also with people traveling to and from Jewfish Key. The Longboat Observer was unable to reach Ragheb for comment.

According to Schield’s memo, police records show that one parking ticket was issued in the area since April. The ticket stemmed from a vehicle that was parked near a fire hydrant during the restaurants’ fireworks celebration July 2. Restrictions haven’t been in place during the height of season.

The memo states that prior to recent overnight parking

by Jewfish Key residents and guests, the town received few complaints about parking in the area.

“The police department staff does not have a concern that extending the parking time on the street would create a problem for the neighborhood,” the memo states.

“They pointed out that the 11 p.m. time would be consistent with other restricted parking time at our beach accesses and other public areas.”

Village resident Gene Jaleski spoke against the request at the workshop.

“There is no real reason to allow the steady encroachment of the business community into the residential lifestyle we enjoy,” he said.

Commissioner Jack Duncan wanted to hear more about the impact of the request on neighbors.

Vice Mayor David Brenner suggested moving the request through, expecting to hear resident reactions during public hearings.

Corner location, 1714 sq ft w/walls of windows on two sides of the living room that allows for stunning panoramic views all the way up the beach from this furnished, beautifully renovated modern masterpiece. Beautiful cool marble flooring in the major rooms and bamboo flooring in both bedrooms and both bathrooms have also been beautifully renovated. Two spacious terraces. MLS A3964597

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LONGBOAT Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

Observer opinion | our view LONGBOAT

Behind the amendments

“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 Editor & CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@ yourobserver.com Executive Editor / Lisa Walsh, lwalsh@ yourobserver.com Chief Digital Officer / Emily Walsh Parry, ewalsh@yourobserver.com Deputy Executive Editor / Jessica Luck, jluck@ yourobserver.com Managing Editor / Kurt Schultheis, kschultheis@ yourobserver.com Assistant Managing Editor / Randi Donahue, rdonahue@yourobserver.com Assistant Managing Editor/Design / Nancy Schwartz, nschwartz@yourobserver.com City Editor / Robin Hartill, rhartill@yourobserver. com Senior Editor / Dora Walters, dwalters@ yourobserver.com Web Editor / Eddie Kirsch, ekirsch@yourobserver. com Black Tie Editor / Loren Mayo, lmayo@ yourobserver.com Arts & Entertainment Editor / Mallory Gnaegy, mgnaegy@yourobserver.com Staff Photographer / Rachel O’Hara, rohara@ yourobserver.com Copy Editor / Maria Amodio, mamodio@ yourobserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, jraleigh@ yourobserver.com East County Advertising Manager /Lori Ruth, lruth@yourobserver.com; Digital Sales Manager / Kathleen O’Hara, kohara@yourobserver.com Sales Manager / Rosemary Felton, rfelton@ yourobserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, lritter@yourobserver.com; Advertising Executives / Victoria Baga, vbaga@yourobserver.com; Cynthia Berloni, cberloni@yourobserver.com; Penny DiGregorio, pdigregorio@yourobserver.com; Darcy Jahn, djahn@yourobserver.com; Chris Kelley, ckelley@ yourobserver.com; Robert Lewis, blewis@ yourobserver.com; Rose Mango, rmango@ yourobserver.com; Suzanne Munroe, smunroe@ yourobserver.com; Kenji Trujillo, ktrujillo@ yourobserver.com Sales & Marketing Coordinator / Leslie Gnaegy, lgnaegy@yourobserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Managers / Susan Leedom, sleedom@yourobserver.com; Rachel Livingston, rlivingston@yourobserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executives/ Maureen Hird, mhird@yourobserver.com; Courtney Callahan, ccallahan@yourobserver.com Interactive Art Director / Caleb Stanton, cstanton@yourobserver.com Advertising-Production Operations Manager / Kathy Payne, kpayne@yourobserver.com Advertising-Production Coordinator / Brooke Schultheis, bschultheis@yourobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Monica DiMattei, mdimattei@yourobserver.com; Marjorie Holloway, mholloway@yourobserver.com; Luis Trujillo, ltrujillo@yourobserver.com; Chris Stolz, cstolz@ yourobserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Keisacker, lkeisacker@yourobserver.com Accounting Manager / Lori Downey, ldowney@ yourobserver.com Accounting Assistant / Kathy Klein, kklein@ yourobserver.com Administration-Subscriptions Coordinator / Donna Condon, dcondon@yourobserver.com ©Copyright The Observer Group Inc. 2012 All Rights Reserved

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5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, Fla. 34228 941/383-5509 www.YourObserver.com

It happens every two years.

Florida’s general election ballots overflow with proposed constitutional amendments.

This year is no different. There will be 11 proposed state constitutional amendments on the November ballot.

And, as in most general elections, several of the proposed amendments are confusing and vaguely worded — purposely in some cases. And, like most elections, several of the proposed amendments have hidden agendas and consequences, of which voters would have no clue just by reading the wording on the ballot.

Our hope over the next three weeks is to help you understand the amendments.

To be sure, Florida has an unusual approach to its constitution. Unlike the U.S. Constitution, which voters and federal lawmakers have amended only 17 times in 223 years, Florida’s path to amending the constitution is not overly burdensome.

As a consequence, state lawmakers and special-interest groups — with voter approval — constantly are adding to and cluttering the state’s governing document with new constitutional laws. In fact, many of the amendments that have made it into the constitution over the past four decades should not be in the constitution; they’re more suited to be part of Florida’s statutes.

This year’s list of 11 proposed amendments is no different.

Why do lawmakers and special-interest groups seek the constitutional amendment route? For the power and authority of the constitution. Neither the courts nor the Legislature can overturn or change the constitution; only voters. Statutes, on the other hand, are vulnerable to judicial interpretations and lawmaker meddling.

For this election, legislators initiated all of the proposed amendments. And while each of the 11 amendments required three-fifths approval in the House and Senate (both dominated by Republicans) to be placed on the ballot, behind each amendment was one or more lawmakers seeking to tilt Florida’s laws in a special way. This is what voters need to understand — the why behind the amendments.

This is especially so for Amendments 1, 6 and 8 — dealing with Obamacare, abortion and religious freedom, respectively.

As we present and analyze each of the 11 amendments, we’ll provide our recommendation — a “yes” or “no.”

Our choice will be driven as it always is: We support amendments that will increase individual freedom; we oppose amendments that will decrease individual freedom and increase government intervention.

In this first installment, we are focusing on what is likely to be the most emotionally charged and volatile issue on the ballot:

Amendment 6

Prohibition of public funding of abortions and “the construction of abortion of rights” When you read the text of this proposed amendment, it is clear it addresses two issues.

The first is easy to understand — at least on the surface. But there is much more to it than it seems. The second part of the

STATE AMENDMENTS Amendment 1: Health Care Services Amendment 2: Veterans disabled due to combat injury; homestead property-tax discount Amendment 3: State government revenue limitation Amendment 4: Property-tax limitations; property value decline; reduction for non-homestead assessment increases; delay of scheduled repeal Amendment 5: State courts Amendment 7: Removed from ballot Amendment 8: Religious freedom Amendment 9: Homestead property-tax exemption for suriviving spouse of military veteran or first responder Amendment 10: Tangible personal property-tax exemption Amendment 11: Additional homestead exemption; low-income seniors who maintain long-term residency on property; equal to assessed value Amendment 12: Appoint student body president to board of governors of the state university system

THIS WEEK’S ANALYSIS: Amendment 6 Prohibition of public funding of abortions and “the construction of abortion of rights”

“This proposed amendment provides that public funds may not be expended for any abortion or for health-benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion. This prohibition does not apply to an expenditure required by federal law, a case in which a woman suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would place her in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, or a case of rape or incest.

“This proposed amendment provides that the State Constitution may not be interpreted to create broader rights to an abortion than those contained in the United States Constitution. With respect to abortion, this proposed amendment overrules court decisions which conclude that the right of privacy under Article I, Section 23 of the State Constitution is broader in scope than that of the United States Constitution.”

Voters can find details on each amendment on the website of the Division of Elections, Florida Department of State: http://election. dos.state.fl.us/initiatives/initiativelist.asp?yea r=2012&initstatus=ALL&MadeBallot=Y&Elec Type=GEN

amendment is complicated, too, and also much more volatile.

Let’s start with Part I: prohibiting the use of tax dollars to fund abortions, with six exceptions.

Simple enough. And from our

THE CASTAWAY by Jorge Blanco

perspective, the first part of this amendment aligns with freedom test.

Prohibiting the use of tax dollars to fund abortions is good for individual freedom.

Here’s why: Flip the coin. Funding abortions with your tax dollars deprives you of the use of your money (your property) — it decreases your freedom — to provide an unearned benefit to a special class.

This amendment mollifies the prochoice advocates, of course, by making six exceptions when tax dollars could be used for an abortion.

But one of the primary motivations behind the first part of this amendment is to pre-empt provisions in Obamacare.

Under Obamacare, states are expected to set up insurance exchanges, into which consumers can enroll for health insurance coverage. These exchanges, according to Obamacare, are allowed to offer policies that provide abortion services.

Many of the people who join these exchanges are expected to be individuals and families who will receive tax dollars and subsidies to enroll. In effect, they could use some of their tax dollars for abortions.

But Obamacare allows states to prohibit abortion coverage in qualified health plans offered through the exchanges. Thus, the first part of Amendment 6; it would prohibit subsidized consumers from using tax dollars for abortions.

The second section of Amendment 6 is likely to generate a nuclear firestorm from pro-choice advocates over the next month.

You can’t tell by its wording, but it is intended to wipe out a 23-year-old Florida Supreme Court ruling that has given Florida one of the most protective legal climates for abortion in the United States.

In 1989, the Florida Supreme Court concluded in “In re T.W., A Minor,” that, because Article I, Section 23 of the Florida Constitution contains an express right of privacy, the Florida Constitution gives broader rights with respect to an abortion than the U.S. Constitution. Indeed, in legal circles on the issue of abortion, Florida is considered to have one of the strongest abortion rights in the United States.

This has meant trying to regulate abortions with such laws as prior-parental consent is unconstitutional — even though the U.S. Supreme Court has previously upheld other states’ parental-consent statutes under Roe v. Wade.

Thus, the proposed amendment is attempting to bring an end to the courts saying that Florida’s privacy guarantee in the Florida Constitution can provide broader or greater abortion-regulation protections than does the U.S. Constitution.

The authors of this amendment want to be able to craft laws that would increase the government’s intervention in minors’ decisions about abortion.

We oppose abortion. Tax dollars should not pay for it. Likewise, we oppose government intervention into individuals’ lives. Amendment 6, then, is a two-headed beast. One part supports greater freedom; one part would take it away. Pro-life advocates will support this measure. We can’t. It’s not honest with voters; there’s too much behind the words voters cannot see.

We recommend: No.

LONGBOAT Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR + Colony Association should pay consequences Dear Mayor Brown, Vice Mayor Brenner, Commissioners, Mr. Bullock and Town Officials: Although I sincerely respect and appreciate the thoughtful and impassioned discussions that took place among the Longboat Key town commissioners during the special meeting (Monday, Sept.

24), there continue to be some exceptionally complex issues that are barriers to the Colony Association being able to meet or even being realistically compelled to address what I heard and understand to be the concerns of the commissioners and the Colony’s neighbors.

To be clear, the last thing that I want for my fellow Colony condominium owners or for the town is a loss of density and property rights, however, as our Aquarius neighbors have so succinctly put it — “enough is enough.”

It is time to establish definitive plans and consequences for the Board, not give it more years to procrastinate! Without conditions that are enforceable, in light of the lack of meaningful action by the current Association Board at the Colony over their last six years of leadership, it is our position that serious consequences for failure to meet milestones, maintain promises and fulfill directives of the Longboat Key Building Department and the commission must be established.

An example of the Board’s past performance can be seen in its lack of fulfillment of its own commitment within the reorganization plan accepted by the unit owners and the Bankruptcy Court in April 2009: “Assessments will include amounts to cover the costs for administering the condominium property at The Colony including, without limitation, maintenance and repairs of the common elements of the condominium. The

Debtor has obtained a preliminary report from Karins to extend the usability of The Colony for a period of three years. The work will include long-lasting repairs, such as selected building foundations and support beams, and temporary repairs to other building components, such as selected siding repair. The estimated total project cost is $489,000. When the Plan is confirmed, the Debtor will implement these recommendations to be paid by special Assessments of the Unit Owners.”

The mid-rise building has recently been deemed unsafe for occupancy as a result of structural deterioration, which will require considerable expense to the unit owners to repair. Add to that the now well-publicized mold remediation that will be required in that building, and the unit owners are faced with a serious situation.

Little was discussed in the commission meeting to address the demands that the Longboat Key Building Department made on the Association to make immediate repairs to the mid-rise building — to quote the building official’s letter, “To preserve the building and prevent the building from becoming an imminent danger the following actions shall occur,” and a series of specific actions was listed. Without penalties with “teeth,” how will the mid-rise building be kept from becoming an “imminent danger”?

The pace of meaningful action by the Association Board that has been in control of the Colony Association for more than six years is slow at best and, given its years of refusal to pay for power and water for the midrise (and all other condo units on property), without immediate and definitive/ measurable plans with punitive consequences, allowing the Association to continue untethered will likely render the mid-rise building forever useless.

I have personally been funding

the utilities for the midrise since the Board’s refusal to pay, but why should I now maintain this burden if its neglect has caused me to be evicted from my home.

My wife and I feel thoroughly disgusted by the Board’s disrespectful and impudent act of not answering three letters from our attorney asking how it will address being ejected from our home and office because of its neglect.

I haven’t received the courtesy of a reply, or even a letter expressing concern or compassion for being torn away from our personal and business possessions. This is the nature of the Board to which you are potentially giving open and unconditioned extensions.

The list of expectations from the neighbors was more robust than what the Association’s attorney noted had been accomplished in the recent burst of activity that the Board has executed at the property. An example of embellishment of the reality is its implying that there is proper security on the property. By stating that the Association property manager is there “every day” from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (he’s really only there Monday through Friday and often tied up overseeing and meeting with owners, board and contractors coming for site visits) and occasional patrols by the Longboat Key Police Department (that ALL island tax payers are funding) is adequate, gives me, and I would assume our neighbors, little comfort that proper action has been taken to secure the property. This is no more than has been the practice for the last two years, and perhaps a visit to the police records would remind one of the prolific vandalism and concerns from the neighbors of vagrancy that have occurred with the current system.

Additionally, the pest-andvermin control that the neighbors asked for amounts to a handful of rodent bait stations set around the exterior of the buildings. What about those vermin that have already made a home in the buildings? Not bringing in a proper contractor with the ability to assess the whole of the situation, including serious problems with termites and bees, is barely scratching the surface of the expectations of our neighbors.

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Dear Editor: In Mayor Jim Brown’s response to my letter on the Sept. 20 editorial page last week, he made a number of points that are misleading and deserve response: • Building a 12-story hotel, 155 condos, a garage and convention center is a development, not re-development. I don’t think it’s wrong; it’s just out of scale and was in violation of the applicable codes.

• Mayor Brown said the community is “deteriorating.” If Publix and CVS thought the Key was deteriorating, why would they have made this investment?

• Mayor Brown said, “Even in your neighborhood, most of the houses that sell are demolished and new homes are built.” Not true. My neighborhood is more than 30 years old. Two houses were demolished and rebuilt four or five years ago. Houses that are selling today are being spruced up, both inside and out.

• Mayor Brown said, “If Longboat Key doesn’t keep up with the trends of today, you will be selling your home to people looking to buy cheap homes, not people looking to retire in an ‘elite’ community. Look around.

The Colony, Whitney Beach, etc., etc., etc.” An attempt to tie solutions for these properties to the Key Club’s development in an upscale neighborhood is a disingenuous argument at best and blatantly misleading at worst.

• Mayor Brown said, “Building and zoning codes are a fluid thing.” But changing them at the whim of a town government, to the detriment of one neighborhood for the questionable advantage of others, financial benefits to the town and the developer smacks as the worst kind of crony capitalism.

Mayor Brown said, “This is not about more money for the owners of the Key Club, it is about the salvation of the future of Longboat Key.” Salvation?

An island that was rated No. 2 in North America! Talk about hyperbole!

Ray Rajewski, Longboat Key

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And what about the “consequences” currently and vaguely outlined should the Board not meet the commitments it is making? The Association’s attorney already stated he doesn’t believe the $50,000 bond demanded by the commission is “legal,” so, then, how might he respond if the only recourse against it not meeting deadlines and milestones is to forfeit the bond … a lawsuit against the town?

Firm and meaningful penalties for failure to meet milestones or to cause (or continue to allow) other town policy violations have to be implemented. Without significant sanctions, perhaps including a revocation of the extension of the non-conforming use for failures to keep commitments, the town has little influence over the Board for meeting its promises to the town and its neighbors.

This current Colony Association Board, as mentioned earlier, has been in “control” of the maintenance and plans for repairs of common areas and condominium buildings since January 2007.

The commission was right to ask what will be different if it agrees to allow a 36-month extension of the non-conforming density … if this group hasn’t been able to make a single improvement of consequence to the property, meet its obligations to the bankruptcy court in its own reorganization plan or bring a proper and qualified developer to the table during its six-year tenure, what could possibly be different now?

I have always been, and continue to be, ready to establish a reasonable resolution for my interests in the global negotiations with all interested parties at The Colony. Not once has anyone from the Association attended a settlement discussion with any concrete financial means or evidence of ability to resolve the issues.

I await that day with eager anticipation and commit myself to you that I will maintain my willingness and readiness to find the best possible resolution for our beloved Colony — a passion and institution that has been my family’s life and love for the last more than 40 years.

Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber, Longtime Colony owner

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LONGBOAT Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

MY VIEW

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Our Constitution guarantees the rights of all its citizenry must be protected, even if some of them live in ‘12-story beachfront condominiums.’

It is an incontrovertible fact that the Longboat Key Club and Resort could be improved and enhanced and that it would be proper for some sort of economic engine to be created to make this improvement and enhancement feasible.

It would surely be beneficial to its membership, its neighbors and the general ambience in our community.

The courts have ruled, quite reasonably, that our town’s rules and regulations referencing development were neither vague nor ambiguous — but clearly understandable to anyone with a dictionary. The aspersions to the contrary were strictly an aberration in the minds of attorneys.

The subsequent changes — none qualifying as clarifications — to our zoning and amendments to our Comprehensive Plan were strictly an exercise undertaken to accommodate the approvals.

The inhabitants within the gates at Islandside bought into a community that had been clearly defined in our 1984 Comprehensive Plan as one that could contain only two more units.

Subsequently, however, the Town Commission approved — aided by the Planning and Zoning Board and, ostensibly, abetted by town counsel and associated attorneys — within the Islandside development, the Key Club’s proposal for 158 condominiums and 196 tourism units (all dwelling units), 354 dwelling units altogether. Also included were many other amenities and commercial entities. And this was approved in spite of the former director of planning, zoning and building recommending disapproval because it was “too dense.”

Recent changes to our zoning

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This provision had been scrupulously followed when 250 tourism units were proposed as Ordinance 2008-34, approved by the electorate March 18, 2008, and adopted by the Town Commission June 18, 2009.

Note that none of these tourism units was allowed to be construct-

Saturday, Oct. 6

Longboat Key Triathlon Volunteer Meeting — takes place at 6 p.m. at the Dattoli Cancer Center, 2803 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce is in the process of organizing its Oct. 28 triathlon and needs volunteer teams, especially team captains, to round up and organize their volunteers for specific team duties. For information, call 383-2466.

Sale for Sails Rummage Fundraiser — takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway. The rummage sale will offer bargains, food and beverages.

Proceeds will go toward providing scholarships and equipment to young sailors.

Only cash will be accepted. For information, contact Paula at 504-5477.

Networking @ Noon Luncheon — takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Le Colonne Restaurant, 22 S. Blvd. of the Presidents, St. Armands Circle.

Cost is $20 for members; $25 for guests. Call 383-2466.

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Article II, Sec. 22, (b) — Comprehensive Plan for town. The present density limitations provided in the existing Comprehensive Plan as adopted March 12, 1984, shall not be increased without the referendum approval of the electors of Longboat Key.

Wednesday, Sept. 26

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codes have now pushed aside these precise declarations of availability for additional units to the extent that several thousand units can now be built within these two PUDs (Islandside and Bay Isles).

This was accomplished by reincarnating the pre-Arvida zoning of 5.05 units per original acre for Islandside and 3.26 units per original acre for Bay Isles. This is notwithstanding the fact that these two PUDs are ostensibly completely built-out except for the recreational properties owned by the Key Club.

These two PUDs represent exactly what the original developers had in mind when they planned and built them, knowing full well that they could have requested approval for more units. But they chose, instead, to create the limited-density, beautiful gated communities, which epitomize Longboat Key. Our town, in its wisdom, had adopted a provision to the Town Charter in 1984 that stipulated that no increase in density can be approved without a referendum. It says:

ed within the existing PUDs. The Longboat Observer stated that the implementation of the Key Club’s proposal would “achieve what the commissioners and (and majority of Longboaters) wanted.”

I know full well that it is what the commissioners wanted. If you sincerely believe it is what the majority of Longboaters want, consider: Go to the electorate. Clearly spell out the facts. Follow the procedure of our Town Charter. Implement the “referendum” that our Town Charter demands for increasing the “density limitations” of the 1984 Comprehensive Plan. Then, in the event that you do, indeed, receive the approval of the electorate, file the original plans and proceed.

But, it would be helpful if the neighbors could be called in for collaboration and consultation before plans are finalized.

Please understand: We live in a nation constituted as a constitutional democracy. It guarantees that the rights of all its citizenry must be protected, even if some of them live in “12-story beachfront condominiums.” These people have a right to protect the interests, as the courts have affirmed are theirs and on which they should be able to rely. These people have a great investment in their homes and contribute into our tax base and the general ambience of our area.

I, personally, consider the town lucky that IPOC did not go after the town for reimbursement of their expenses in protecting their rights against the scent of malfeasance that engendered this collision.

Bradford Saivetz is a former member of the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board and 35year resident of Longboat Key.

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Buskers on St. Armands — will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on St. Armands Circle. The family-friendly event takes place on the first Wednesday of each month and brings live visual and performing arts to the Circle. For information, call 388-1554.

Tuesday, Oct. 9 Longboat Key Democratic Club — meets from noon to 2 p.m. at the Longboat Key Club and Resort Harbourside Dining Room, 3000 Harbourside Drive. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor will speak at the club’s first luncheon of the 2012-13 season. Cost is $25. Call 3834899 or email napablue@ comcast.net.

Wednesday, Oct. 10 Mote Volunteer Coffee and Open House — takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 10, at Mote’s Ann and Alfred Goldstein Marine Mammal

DON’T MISS Sarasota Bay Watch Fourth Annual Monofilament Cleanup What: Fishing line is often discarded throughout Sarasota Bay and can be life-threatening to shorebirds and other forms of wildlife. Help Sarasota Bay Watch remove this hazard from the bay at this volunteer event. Call 232-2363.

When: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 Where: Volunteer teams meet at Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway.

Research and Rehabilitation Center, 1703 Ken Thompson Parkway. Learn about Mote’s many volunteer opportunities and get free coffee, as well. For information about volunteering, visit mote.org/volunteer.

LONGBOAT Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

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LONGBOAT Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

Cops

LONGBOAT

Corner

Sept. 13

Dine and dash

2:50 p.m. — 4700 block of GMD. Larceny from Motel. A manager reported that a couple left the hotel bar without paying their tab and drove away in a black Porsche. Police were unable to find the vehicle but checked the vehicle registration through the license-plate number the manager provided and found that the Porsche owners are a Tarpon Springs couple. After police showed him the couple’s driver’s license photos, the manager said he believed the man was involved but not the woman. Police contacted the woman, who said that she no longer lives in Florida. She provided him with the man’s phone number.

Tennis, anyone?

4 p.m. — 1600 block of GMD. Suspicious Circumstance. A caller reported that an unknown person had possibly entered into the former tennis staff office of a shuttered resort. Police found a large handprint on the office window and a broken alcoholic beverage bottle inside the office. Police did not attempt to enter or obtain fingerprints because of a large wasp nest and couldn’t determine whether people or severe weather had caused damage to doors and windows reported at other parts of the property.

Lost at sea

10:33 p.m. — 100 block of N. Shore Road. Missing Person. A man and his friend were returning to a beach access from Greer Island when the man noticed that his friend, who had been drinking all day, was no longer with him. After a foot search, police found him sleeping in the mangroves. The man had no medical complaints and said he planned to keep sleeping until daylight.

Sept. 14

No quick fix

6:44 p.m. — 7100 block of Longboat Drive N. Property Damage. A woman went to her window after hearing a loud noise. She noticed a red car in front of her house and that her mailbox had been knocked down. Police found a vehicle parked nearby with the driver’s side door open and the windows down. Police couldn’t find damage on the vehicle or locate the car’s owner. The mailbox owner didn’t want the driver to get in trouble but just wanted her mailbox fixed.

Visit our website for more Cops Corner reports. www.YourObserver.com

Battery charges

Police arrested two Longboat Key men Sept. 8 on battery charges after a taxi driver alleged that they assaulted him during a disagreement.

Leopold Tamba told police that he picked up Kelly Sullivan, Tyrone Mcnamara and Louise Filmer, all of 500 Schooner Lane, from downtown Sarasota and who agreed to be driven to the BP station on the Key for $15. Tamba told police that when he tried to drop them off there, the group became angry and demanded he drive them to their Schooner Lane home.

Tamba said that he began to suspect that he was being set up for a theft after the men made threatening remarks and demanded that the group get out of the car.

Sullivan then allegedly struck Tamba in his jaw area with a beer bottle before he and Mcnamara began punching Tamba with their fists with Tamba punching them back. Tamba told police that Filmer tried to pull the men apart but then she began punching him as well.

Dry Dock Restaurant employees broke up the fight but did not see how it started.

Sullivan told police that he didn’t remember what happened, while Mcnamara said that Tamba began yelling at them when asked to drive them further and then exited the vehicle and began battering them.

Filmer told police that she attempted to break up the fight and gave police $15 to give to Tamba for the ride. Sullivan and Mcnamara were arrested on battery charges.

Tamba told police that he went to the hospital four days after the incident because of jaw pain and learned that he sustained a fractured left cheekbone.

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LONGBOAT Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

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2109 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 1301 #A334195 $499,000 Robert Dardas

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-376-7591

1920 Magnolia St #A3965155 Susan Mondello

$499,000

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-544-3387

Veranda Beach Veranda Club Beach Club Veranda Beach Club verandabeachclub.com verandabeachclub.com verandabeachclub.com 800.411.5511 800.411.5511 800.411.5511 White Sands White of Longboat of Longboat White Sands ofSands Longboat whitesandsoflongboat.com whitesandsoflongboat.com 2016 Harbourside Dr # 356 whitesandsoflongboat.com #A3961999 $480,000 800.230.2428 800.230.2428 800.230.2428 Michael Yawitz

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-587-8091

448 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # A305 #A3965898 $440,000 Diana Kryszak

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-993-4078

250 Sands Point Rd # 5101 #A3937380 $309,000 Joan Boltax

Longboat Key 941-951-6660 941-350-6390

6750 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 172 #A3950633 $269,900 Sandi Layfield

Longboat Key 941-383-5502 941-914-2807

4900 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 202 #A3965794 $259,000 Bobbi Banan

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1620 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 634 #A3965224 $67,000 Susan Fox

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5155 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 9 #A3961759 Diann Thelen

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Mid Longboat 383.5502 • South Longboat 383.7591 • St. Armands 388.4447 • Main Street 951.6660 • Palmer Ranch 966.8000 • Siesta Key 349.3444

79892

ON ON THE THE GO? GO? ON THE GO?

14

LONGBOAT Observer

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

ARTFUL REPRESENTATION

by Mallory Gnaegy | Community Editor

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

Jen Awe, Mark Ormond, and Heather Kushner, with Ringling College of Art and Design

Andrew Vac and Jane Buckman, executive director of the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design

Sculptor Mark Humphrey stands in front of his work.

Dustin Jungel features native Florida animals in his work.

Arts Center gears up for season Man-made meets the natural at the “A Mighty Light Flight” exhibit at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design. The exhibit opened July 10, but the opening party was held Friday, Sept. 21.

Both of the artists whose work is featured in the Durante Gallery are Ringling College alumni. Dustin Juengel’s work features snakes, gators and other Florida native animals, which are unfamiliar to the artist’s native Germany. Mark Humphrey’s

sculptures are steel forms.

In addition to displaying their own pieces, Juengel and Humphrey also curated the work

by Ringling College and New College students featured in the Arts Center’s Cultural Media Room.

Cutter Hume, Katie Ancoin and Bianca Rylee are third-year finearts students at Ringling.

Anita and Hal Andrade

Pinebrook Ironwood

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Flu Shots Available All ages, infants to seniors (Medicare accepted) ❑ Visitors, tourists, snowbirds, full-time residents ❑ Worker’s compensation - drug screens, injuries ❑

A Special Event for National Pharmacists Month Bay Sarasota

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Independent Living Personalized Assisted Living Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care 730 South Osprey Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 Assisted Living Facility #AL8261

www.brookdaleliving.com

Join us on October 11 for “Two Brown Bags,” a special event in honor of National Pharmacists Month. Horizon Bay Sarasota, in conjunction with Vanguard Pharmacy and the LECOM School of Pharmacy, is offering you the opportunity to have all your medications reviewed and evaluated for possible drug interactions. All you have to do for your complimentary review is bring your pill bottles in a brown or plastic bag. We’ll also be offering a delicious brown bag lunch for $5, with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’sTM. Make plans now to attend.

Dr. Pamela J. Letts Board Certified Family Physician

We’re Back From Vacation Lab, X-Ray, EKG, Coumadin Testing

Centre Shops Family Practice & Urgent Care 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 205

(941) 387-1211

Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00

Appointments Preferred, Walk-ins urgent care only

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Reservations and Information: Please call 1-888-691-7694

by October 5 ® Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office. 20449-ROP02-1012 LMM

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From your

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

talking politics by Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

OBITUARIES

Republican Club members voice opinions at kick-off event

Irene Coulter

Irene Coulter, 78, of Longboat Key and New Brighton, Minn., died Sept. 16.

Born in Cologne, Minn., she graduated from Central High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a minor in art from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

In 1954, Mrs. Coulter married her husband, Tom, with whom she logged numerous nautical miles aboard the Miss Nan throughout the eastern United States, Gulf of Mexico and St. Croix River.

Mrs. Coulter enjoyed music, performing arts and hunting for a good yard sale. She was a founding member of the Village Gardenettes in St. Anthony Village and also enjoyed books, painting, playing bridge and collecting seashells.

Mrs. Coulter is survived by her husband, Tom; daughters Nancy Phillips and Melissa Swanson; sister, Karen; and four grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the organization of the donor’s choice. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

The Republican Club of Longboat Key held its kickoff social Wednesday, Sept. 19, at Sarasota Yacht Club. The 60 guests enjoyed a cocktail hour, dinner and a speech by Sarasota Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent. Club members stepped up to the podium themselves for an open-mic portion of the evening, during which each member was allotted three minutes to discuss his or her feelings about the upcoming election.

Club President Phyllis Black said she hoped the open-mic aspect would encourage members to express their opinions and share new ideas.

Republican Club of Longboat Key President Phyllis Black with John Dent and Sarasota Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent, guest speaker.

Phyllis ‘Phyl’ Goldstein

Phyllis “Phyl” Goldstein, 82, of Longboat Key, died Sept. 16.

Born Dec. 7, 1929, she was a former resident of Salem, Mass., and Swamscott, Mass.

Mrs. Goldstein is survived by her husband, Harold; daughters Anne and Beth; sons Alan and Carmen; sisters Do Younger and Barbara Younger; brother, Joseph Younger; and two grandchildren.

A service will take place at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, Fla., 34231. Toale Brothers Funeral Homes in Sarasota is responsible for arrangements.

Sharon Freeman and Lee Rugh

Jim Larson, Allen Hovis, Commissioner Lynn Larson and Marnie Matarese

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Bea and Ralph Einstein

Left: Art Herschberger and Audrey Marten

All Angels by the Sea

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

563 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

Welcomes you to Mass

CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Episcopal Church on Longboat Key

SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE

All are welcome. Please join us in worship!

Website: www.AllAngelsLBK.org

Sunday Services

8:00 a.m and 10:00 a.m.

The Rev. David L. Danner, D. Min., Rector

90878

383-8161

4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 383-1255

Saturday: 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM Daily Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM Confession before all weekend Masses Msgr. Gerard Finegan, Pastor

90409

Mark Schlobach and Kathy Anthony

15

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Come join us as you travel your journey of faith.

The Community Church on Longboat Key

Sunday Worship Service

10:00 a.m.

The Rev. Marilyn Lewis, Preacher Sermon: “What Is It Like To See?”

FIND THEIR FUTURE HERE

6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Florida 34228 Telephone: 383-6491 web: www.longboatislandchapel.org

The LORD’S WAREHOUSE Thrift Shop is open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Donate or purchase clothing, jewelry, furniture and other items. (941-383-4738)

Official educational partner for Premier Sports Campus

90520

90393

An InterfAIth CommunIty ChurCh founded In 1956

83251

6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive • 383.8833 • www.christchurchoflbk.org

89741

The Reverend Dr. Bruce Porter Sunday Service 10:00AM Sermon “The Lost Mood of Adventure”

Neighborhood B U S I N E S S | C L A S S I F I E D S | G A M E S | K E Y L I F E | R E A L E S TAT E | S P O RT S | T R AV E L | W E AT H E R

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

EVENT

Bird Key Yacht Club plays host to colorful luau.

PAGE 20

tee time

REAL ESTATE

WEATHER

Three-bedroom home on Lido Key sells for $1,475,000.

PAGE 18

PAGE 24

See this week’s weather photo contest winner.

by Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

Remembrance response Thirteen teams took part in the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s First Responders Golf Tournament Friday, Sept. 21, at the Key Club’s Harbourside golf course. Prior to hitting the links, players took a moment of silence in remembrance of late Longboat Key Police Chief Al Hogle, for whom this year’s tournament was named.

Luke Little, David Velez, Patrick Tryon and John Hennemann won first place with a score of 61. Dave Leach and first responders Donnie King, Bob Flynn and Matt Flynn, were close behind with a second-place score of 62.

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

The winning foursome: Patrick Tryon, David Velez, John Hennemann and Luke Little

Paul Bready tees off.

Jessica Haskett and Chuck Sealy Jack Ferguson holds a flag while one of his partners putts.

First responders Donnie King, Bob Flynn and Matt Flynn and teammate Dave Leach came in second place.

Mayor Jim Brown tees off.

Gail Callinan putts the ball.

Terry O’Hara, Key Club director of golf

Andy Sidlo gets a better view of his shot.

Clyde Alstrom

17

LONGBOAT Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

BIRD KEY Perfectly Positioned for Wide Water Views, this Stunning Home has been Meticulously Remodeled and Updated. Over 4600 Sq. Ft. of spacious Waterfront Living! $2,495,000

LONGBOAT KEY

Gorgeous enProvence unit w/3 Bedrooms Plus office. Full Gulf Views, Generous Terraces and Private 2-car Garage. $2,695,000

ANNA MARIA GULF FRONT

Casual Elegance on the Beach w/ almost 6500 SF of Meticulous Detail & Amazing Views! Very Private and Newly Constructed Custom Pool Home w/ Charming 1940’s Detached Guest House. WOW!$4,495,000

LONGBOAT KEY

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

Tranquil and Very Private Resort-Like Beachfront Estate on the Gulf of Mexico. $4,495,000

Bayfront Elegance! Almost 4,000 SF of Open Living Space in This Fabulous Sarabande Residence. Dramatic Sunset Views! $1,999,000

LONGBOAT KEY

L’Ambiance Sabal with 3 Bedrooms, 2 Spacious Terraces and Huge Gulf Views.

$1,690,000

LONGBOAT KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

Custom 4 Bedroom, 3 ½ Bath, Multi-Level Home with Beautiful Views of the Gulf and its Mesmerizing Sunsets. Very Open, Airy and Bright!$790,000

Sunny Corner Unit at Beachplace with New Tile, New Carpet and New Furnishings. $438,000

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

Gleaming Wood Floors and Panoramic Views of the City and Bay are Yours in this Plaza 5 Points 15th Floor 2 Bedroom with Office. $999,000

CASEY KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

Beautifully Updated 3 Bedroom Island Getaway w/ Tranquil Bay Views and Boat Dock. $1,499,000

Very Impressive Conrad Beach Beauty Just Steps to the Beach. $999,000

ST. ARMANDS

Modern Luxury Four Bedroom w/ over 4,000 SF of Brilliant Living Space and Sweeping Water Views. Very Private! $2,495,000

Distinctive homes presented by Cheryl Loeffler Today, it is not simply about creating a website or advertisement and waiting for buyers to find your listed property.

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To learn more about our exclusive marketing program, please call Cheryl Loeffler at 941.308.6554.

Cheryl Loeffler | MBA, Realtor | 941.302.9674 | Cheryl.loeffler@SothebysRealty.com Betsy Sublette | Realtor | 941.284.8483 | Betsy.Sublette@SothebysRealty.com The Plaza at Five Points, 50 Central Avenue, Sarasota, 34236236 www.CherylLoeffler.com Each office independently owned and operated

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Offering The Finest Services Of Real Estate

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

real estate | transactions

by Adam Hughes | Research Editor

18

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning Zoning and Building Department for the week of Sept. 14 through Sept. 20, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive)

Rachel S. O’Hara

This Lido Key home, which has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,563 square feet of living area, sold for $1,475,000.

Three-bedroom Lido Key home sells for $1,475,000 The following residential real-estate transactions took place between Sept. 10 and Sept. 14.

A home on Lido Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. W. Howard Rooks, of Sarasota, sold the home at 175 Morningside Drive to Dave and Merrill Marshall, of Dallas, for $1,475,000. Built in 1955, it has three bedrooms, four-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 3,563 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $600,000 in 2004.

viously sold for $779,000 in 2005.

Longboat Cove

Mark and Janis Sieve sold their home at 244 N. Adams Drive to James Turner and Laura Turner, trustees, of Sarasota, for $520,000. Built in 1952, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,332 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $210,000 in 1999.

J. Greg Ruthven, of Lakeland, sold his Unit 309 condominium at 5481 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Richard and Elizabeth Schimpf, of Cincinnati, for $635,000. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,516 square feet of living area. It pre-

Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

2333 GMD 5135 GMD 7150 GMD 3388 Bayou Lane 2045 GMD 1125 Bogey Lane 3030 GMD 3155 GMD 6981 Lois Ave. 3500 GMD 4420 Exeter Drive 784 Tarawitt Drive 1 Winslow Place 616 Lyons Lane 532 Ranger Lane 603 Longboat Club Road 5265 GMD 616 Lyons Lane 580 De Narvaez Drive 6413 GMD 511 Norton St. 539 Bayview Drive 4725 GMD 2105 GMD

Alteration Laura Vukovich, trustee Alteration William Frontera Alteration The Pink House Co. Ltd. Re-roof Anthony Crincoli Alteration Nora Kent Re-roof William and Debora Calpin Re-roof John Holcomb Alteration Diplomat Condo Association Alteration Mar Vista Pub Inc. Alteration David Ryan Alteration Robert Mazurek Alteration Ruben Roca Alteration Nelson Goldner, trustee Alteration Michael Smith Alteration James Eccleston Alteration 893793 Ontario Inc. Re-roof Larry Nolan Alteration Michael Smith Alteration Glen Boodram Alteration Richard Cox Alteration Nancy Walsh Alteration Vincent Moschetta Alteration Mark Krauss Alteration Sunset Beach Condo

$70,000 $64,200 $41,900 $31,950 $31,000 $24,255 $17,876 $14,460 $11,500 $10,500 $10,000 $9,500 $7,500 $7,500 $6,768 $6,500 $5,000 $3,750 $2,000 $1,600 $1,535 $850 $800 $0

Bird Key

Louis Dorff, of Sarasota, sold his home at 623 N. Owl Drive to Linda Miska, of Marathon, for $1.2 million. Built in 1968, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 4,435 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $1,095,000 in 2000.

St. Armands John Ringling Estates

Talk to Tina Today - Longboat Key’s International Connection

649 Dream IslanD roaD Looking for an unobstructed view of Sarasota Bay? Here it is! This lovingly cared for home on the open bay is situated on a little over 1/2 an acre and 100 ft of Bayfront. Remodel to suit your needs or tear down and start over with your own design. Lush tropical landscape surrounds this home. There’s even a large separate suite upstairs with lots of possibilities---mother-in-law apt, housekeeper quarters, artist studio, office or your own private retreat. A3962661 $1,450,000

Brand New Beach Front Residence

Longboat Key Realty

Tina Rudek -

595 Bay Isles Road, Suite 120 E, Longboat Key GRI, TRC, CPC • 941-920-0303 • Tina@LBKRealEstate.com

3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228

www.LBKRealEstate.com

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Approved Architectural plans for 5300 sq.ft.

5BR/6.5BA offering luxurious details on spectacular property with full Gulf and gorgeous sunset views. Offered at $3,995,000

Michael Saunders & Company Cathy C. Meldahl P.A. Licensed Real Estate Broker

PAMPER YOURSELF and live on the beach at the Beach Residences, a Ritz Carlton managed property. This 4100+ sf residence has 3 bedrooms, a family room, formal living room and dining room. It is exquisitely finished and decorated and has remarkable views of the Gulf, the Bay, and downtown Sarasota.....................................................Furnished $3,895,000 WINDWARD BAY - Penthouse with amazing bay views, tennis, 2 pools, boat docks, deeded beach access. 2 pets allowed .............................................................................................................................................................................$269,000 MARINA AND BAY VIEWS at Bay Harbour on the south end of LBK – just minutes to St. Armand’s Circle. 2/2 with screened porch ...................................................................................................................................................................................$315,000 WhItNEY BEAch - a 1/1 with views of Bishops Bayou. Beach, bay, tennis, boat docks, fishing pier. Pets allowed.....$225,000 BRADEN RIVER - 1/2 acre lot with majestic oaks and stately palms on the river. Build your dream home or vacation home and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle kayaking, canoeing, or fishing. This unique location is secluded yet minutes from shopping and dining............................................................................................................................................................................. $95,000 LONG BEAch - 2 charming homes in historic Longboat Village. This is truly a family neighborhood in walking distance to the Art Center, beach, fishing pier and restaurants................................................................. $395,000 and $399,000 BLAcKBURN POINt WOODS - Beautifully appointed maintenance free 4/3 villa with its own pool in an attractive neighborhood close to Casey Key. Amenities include tennis, community pool and clubhouse. .........................................$374,500 BAYFRONt cONDO ON LBK - 2/2 immaculate condo in a community that offers 2 pools, tennis, fitness, clubhouse, docks and deeded beach access. Furnished. Pet friendly. ................................................................................................ $259,000 BEAch hARBOR cLUB - This 2/2 condo has been exquisitely renovated with new kitchen, new baths, new flooring, new windows. Beach to bay community located mid-key offers a pool, clubhouse & boat docks. Furnished. ....... $265,000

Picture Perfect

PHOTO PRODUCTS

bobbiebanan@michaelsaunders.com

Available on

YourObserver.com

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL (941) 388-4447

90395

BOBBIE BANAN, REALTOR® 356-2659 • 383-2659

Ambassador’s Circle

LONGBOAT Observer

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

19

BUSINESSOBSERVER + Sentry Management opens Longboat Key office

+ The Salon at St. Armands offers a variety of services

Sentry Management’s Sarasota division has opened a satellite office on Longboat Key in the CEO Center of Mediterranean Plaza, 595 Bay Isles Road, Suite 120-D. The company’s main office will remain at 6901 Professional Parkway E., Suite 107, in Sarasota.

“Sentry has been successful because of our commitment to the satisfaction of community association boards and residents,” said Robin Spencer, vice president of Sentry’s Sarasota division, in the statement.

Spencer “One of the ways we foster communications is being in close proximity to the communities we manage.

The new office will help us better service Longboat Key as well as the other barrier islands off Sarasota, including Lido Key.” The Sarasota division has 19 employees, according to the company’s website, sarasota.sentrymgt.com.

The Salon at St. Armands, located at 24 N. Blvd. of the Presidents, second floor, offers a variety of services, including: hair design, hair extensions, permanent makeup, waxing, skin-care treatment and more. The salon is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and by appointment on Sunday. Call 7062506.

MOULTON Certified Residential Specialist

MICHAEL

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

+ Bradenton Area CVB announces rebranding effort The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) unveiled a new identity for the area that emphasizes Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island, along with Bradenton.

The CVB announced last week that it will now market the area as “Bradenton/Anna Maria Island/Longboat Key — Florida’s West Coast.”

The destination’s new name and logo will be tagged with the phrase “Real. Authentic.

Florida.”

BIRD KEy - Custom 2001 built 3,500sf bay front home, top of the line throughout. A3963202 $2,575,000

RITZ BEACH RESIDENCES -Elegantly designed 3,300sf 3BR condo. A3959431 $2,800,000

THE GRANDE - Exquisitely appointed Gulf front 3BR Penthouse w/ private garage. A3955033 $1,950,000

WATER CLuB - Coveted southern exposure 3,000sf furnished residence w/city view. A3919693 $2,495,000

ST. ARMANDS TOWERS - Sophisticated furnished 3BR Penthouse. A3953612 $1,695,000

COuNTRy CLuB SHORES - Canal front 3,300sf 4BR new construction residence. A3958487 $1,395,000

The Longboat Key Club and Resort celebrated International Housekeepers Week Sept. 9 through Sept. 15 with daily festivities in the housekeeping office, including breakfast buffets, pizza parties and a celebration cake. Each housekeeping staffer received a gift at the beginning of the week. for

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 Office 941.383.7591 | Mobile 941.928.3559 | SarasotasFinestProperties.com

#1 AGENT IN SALES VOLUME Sarasota and Manatee Counties in 2009

1 COLDWELL BANKER AGENT # 1#A G E N T I inNFlorida S AforL2009 ES VOLUME

TOP SALES ASSOCIATE for Sarasota and Manatee Counties in 2009

Ranked in the top .5% of Coldwell Banker Associates Worldwide

#1 COLDWELL BANKER AGENT REALTOR B A R B A RinAFlorida for 2009

Ackerman

®

Ackerman

am T“hT eh en an m e et ot ok k n no oww i ni n r reeaal l eesst taat tee ”

BARBARA

ING SALE PEND

REALTOR

As seen on Sarasota’s

“Hot ProPerties” Segment Every Wednesday!

www.barbaraackerman.com

®

ING SALE PEND

www.barbaraackerman.com

The name to know in real estate

Ringling Pointe – Stunning Direct Bay Front On 145 feet of deep water with 5BR/3.5 BA, a 2,200 SF master suite, 1,000 bottle wine room, private dock, wading & lap pool w.spa & 8-car garage. $3,850,000

BANK OWNED Bird Key - Outstanding Waterfront Opportunity Built in 2007 on a wide protected boat basin. Home has 8,071 square feet, 5BR/5.5BA, guest wing with separate entrance and more! Infinity edge pool, boat dock, and 4-car garage. $3,690,000

Bay Plaza - Sparkling Bay Views Beautifully renovated 2BR/2BA residence w/ bamboo floors, granite & stainless appliances on the 11th floor in exciting downtown Sarasota. $799,000

Ritz Tower Residences – Incredible Opportunity unique 4th floor walk-down to amenity level with four bedrooms, 4 baths and 3,659 square feet of easy living space. Soughtafter floor plan, marble floors, wood cabinetry and stainless appliances throughout. 2 valuable parking spaces incl. $1,395,000

Sleepy Lagoon - Direct Gulf Front Beautiful Hampton Style 4 bedroom/3 bath home on 100 ft of pristine beach front. Renovated, down to the studs, in 2007. Wood & marble floors, outdoor jacuzzi and 2-car garage. $3,690,000

Tessera - Downtown Sarasota Beautiful 3BR/3.5BA residence with higher ceilings, marble floors, expansive terrace & a private 2-car garage. Sought-after community located in the heart of downtown. $1,198,000

Lido Beach - Best Waterfront Value Gated Mediterranean inspired residence with protected Bay views located within walking distance to Lido Beach and St. Armands Circle. 6BR/6.5BA on 148 ft of waterfront. $3,499,900

The Bougainvillea House - Tudor Revival Renovated in 2006 on 3 lots with 4BR/3.5BA + separate guest house totaling 4,857 square feet. Home exudes old world charm while offering today’s modern conveniences. Wood floors, marble, pool, & 2-car garage. $1,290,000

Ritz Hotel Residences - 12th Floor Water views from all rooms! 2,011 SF w/ wood floors, custom-fitted closets, & unique Venetian plaster walls. Large master suite with sitting area & marble bath. $1,098,500

Fairway Bay - Longboat Key Townhouse 2BR/2.5BA turnkey furnished vacation getaway! Fresh, and bright with ceramic tile, central vacuum, fireplace, bonus area and private 1 - car garage. Bring the family! $359,000

www.barbaraackerman.com

ING SALE PEND

G NEW LISTIN

Grand Bay 1 - Beautiful Bay Views Spacious corner apartment with 3BR/3BA, nine foot ceilings, marble & wood floors, and new stainless kitchen appliances. $875,000 Great water views.

Meridian at the Oaks Preserve Fully upgraded former Avigon model corner apartment with sunsets from 14 windows! Three bedrooms, three bathrooms plus a den provide 2,600 square feet of living space. Two garage parking spaces. $329,000 Channel on to barbaraackerman1 to see my listings

81585

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, LLC

All of Barbara’s listings are linked Internationally in 13 languages.

Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC.

201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite #1, Longboat Key • 941-387-1820 Direct • 800-910-8728 Toll-Free

86875

Key Club celebrates International Housekeepers Week

20

LONGBOAT Observer

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luau time

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

by Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

BKYC members unwind island-style Members of the Bird Key Yacht Club enjoyed a night of luau fun Saturday, Sept. 22, at the club.

The evening included a Hukilau Hut with shaved-ice treats and a roasted pig for dinner.

Bill and Judy Stanford

O

Dan Crawford and Rob Kirchner, of Moving Target

Left: Juan and Renee Gutierrez inside the Hukilau Hut

John Tendall and Jean Glasser

Richard Stepp and Rebecca Taylor with Jamo and Kathleen Powell

Bonnie McIntyre, Bill and Annette Lloyd and Bill Noonan

S aint C acchiotti,

PA, Direct: 941.38.SAINT (387-2468) Cell: 941.809.0787 Toll Free: 877.581.3444 SaintCacc@aol.com

Judy and Duane Harms with Cynthia Stepp and Alexsandra Coles

Vote Smart

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with the Observer Media Group

Voters Guide

It takes a lifetime to become an experienced professional and only minutes to realize you’re working with one!

HomeS AND CoNDomINIumS

JUST LISTED

Just in time for early voting in October!

Inn on THe beACH - 3203

CorAL SHoreS bAyFronT

Pamper yourself in the amazing comforts this home has to offer including a chef’s dream kitchen, 2 wet bars, wine refrigeration, Ralph Lauren paint techniques, large terraces, outdoor summer kitchen, infinity edge pool, spa, and dock. $1,299,000

Surround yourself in luxury with fine dining, generous amenities and dramatic views of the Gulf in this graciously appointed condominium/hotel suite. 2011 Gross income = $59,592 $429,000

LoTS

Use the Voters Guide as a reference to compare local candidates so your vote will be an educated vote.

Profiles of the local candidates will include a Q&A that will be printed in the guide and will be included on YourObserver.com.

The Voters Guide will be published in the Sarasota Observer, Longboat Observer, East County Observer and Pelican Press. A page-flip e-Edition will also be available on YourObserver.com.

Look for the guide on

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18

SunSeT HArbor bAyFronT Enjoy spectacular sunsets and endless water views from this direct Bay front lot with deeded boat slip located in private and gated community. $699,000

SunSeT HArbor Build your dream home behind the gates of Sunset Harbor. Lot with marina views located in a private and gated enclave of 9 homesites with deeded boat slip. $450,000

2009 - 2012 Five Star:

Best in Client Satisfaction Real estate Agent!

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!

exclusive affiliate of Christie’s Great estates & Leading Real estate Companies of the World

YourObserver.com

90187

michael Saunders & Company, Licensed Real estate Broker 440 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, FL 34228 • 941-383-7591

77682

Access Virtual Tours & MLS at SaintCacchiotti.com

LONGBOAT Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

Lynne Koy ◆

941.387.1803 lkoy@coldwellbanker.com

21

presents her

Luxury

PrEMIEr COLLECTIOn◆

GRAND BAY - Enjoy expansive views across Sarasota Bay all the way to downtown Sarasota from this elegant 3BR/3.5BA furnished condominium residence. This custom home, on the market for the very first time, has been tastefully decorated and the two covered parking spaces right next to the elevator are an added bonus! $1,499,000

Tour Lynne’s properties at

www.lynnekoy.com At The Chart House on Longboat Key

Broker / Associate, CrB, CrS, GrI Previews International Property Specialist International President’s Premier, Involved Citizen: Sarasota Opera, SPArCC, Make-a Wish, Meals on Wheels, Breast Cancer Awareness

BIRD KEY - Stunning residence to be built on this spacious garden parcel in the well established neighborhood of Bird Key. This two story 2,970 Sq. Ft. home will have 4BD/3.5BA and a fabulous pool and spa. $1,199,000

BIRD KEY - 4 BR/3.3BA Location! Location! This beautiful custom home has it all - fabulous downtown views across Sarasota Bay, granite kitchen with milkglaze cabinetry, “Morning Room” with 8 Step crown molding, gorgeous pool, dock & lift. The first floor master suite has stunning Bay views and the second floor “Great Room” has “forever” Bay views from the terrace. $3,690,000

• Top AgenT in Closed sAles on longboAT Key • Top AgenT in Closed sAles on bird Key

Global Marketing: NYtimes.com Birdkeynews.com Coldwellbanker.com Worldproperties.com Trulia.com LynneKoy.com Rightmoves.com Greatwaterfrontliving.com Realtor.com Zillow.com

ST. ARMANDS - Spacious 4BD/3BA custom built home with elegant marble entryway set on a wide canal, just steps to shopping and dining in world renowned St. Armands Circle! $1,899,000

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS Charming CASTILLIAN - Direct Gulf views from 3BD/3BA Penthouse residence. Soaring ceilings, open floor plan and oversized windows that welcome the sun and the sea. The Eastern terrace was enclosed to welcome a “simply charming sun room.” $2,275,000

this 2BD/2BA fully furnished condominium home with beautifully updated lobby, tropical grounds, secured entry, pool and tennis for your pleasure. $489,000

Follow me on Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn / YouTube

You can search Lynne’s website in 13 languages – including English.

SEAPLACE - Northwest winter sunsets ISLANDER CLUB - Direct Bay to beach views! CASTILLIAN 2 BD/2BA Direct Gulf Views, New and sultry breezes will greet you from your two spacious terraces in this beautifully updated, furnished 3BR/2BA condominium home. $560,000

Kitchen and baths have been upgraded to include granite and stainless steel with rich wood cabinetry. This 2BR/2BA, 1,235 Sq. Ft. condominium home is located in the South tower and is priced to sell. $525,000

Carpet, Tile and Paint, fully furnished, move right in.

Property renovations include; repainting of building exteriors, resurfacing swimming pool and replacing lower mansard roofs. $519,000

DEDICATED TO LUXURY REAL ESTATE SM

SEAPLACE – Recently updated kitchen with BEACHPLACE - Priced to Sell! Unfurnished SEAPLACE – Enjoy tranquil views in this

warm pecan cabinetry and granite counters in 2BD/2BA residence w/Partial Gulf views w/new tropical setting. Open space, updated kitchen and this 2BD/2BA condominium home with Southwest paint and carpet! Seller will hold mortgage @ 5.5% baths, 2BD/2BA, sold furnished. $369,000 Gulf and bay views and miles of sand and beach. w/$100,000. $449,000

$375,000

91167

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

22

LONGBOAT Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

sail-abration by Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

Herb Berman and Jym Agem Allie and Greg Petrat with Jeff Birnbach Left: Laurie Birnbach, Kat Chadwick, Susan Cameron and Don Eggebrecht

SYC slip holders party on the dock The 106 slip holders at the Sarasota Yacht Club were treated to a party Saturday, Sept. 22, on the dock. The party was held to thank the slip holders for preparing their boats for Tropical Storm Isaac.

Betsy and Doug Elder

Phil Couture, Pamela Hill, Ken D’Agostino, Dana Magee and Burg Lemonte

WAGNER REALTY Bringing People Home Since 1939

www.WagnerRealty.com 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101, Longboat Key

Call 941-383-5577

90417

Harley, 3 months old

Margit and Dick Gravino

LITTLE SLICE OF AMERICANA

DOWNTOWN W/DIRECT BAY VIEWS! 3-4Br/3Ba/2CG w/pvt elevator, detailed & high ceil, crown molding, marble, builtins, gas fp, granite, imported cabinets, MBa w/jetted tub & bidet, state-of-theart sys, 2 balconies in secure bldg w/ amenities! MLS#A3943537 $1,369,000

on Longboat Key! Charming 1BR/1BA home located in popular bayfront, 55+ community of Gulfshore. Perfect for beach retreat or full time home.

Kelly Belisle $99,000 #M5829396

DOWNTOWN BAY VIEWS! 2Br/2Ba/1CG corner unit w/2 pvt balconies, tile flrs, Lr, sep. Dr, kitch. w/breakfast bar, MBr w/ walk-in closet and pvt bath; dual sinks & soaking tub, hurricane shutters & pvt laundry in secure building w/full service amenities! MLS#A3950907 $445,000

CONRAD BEACH Incredible opportunity to own 2 adjoining lots west of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Conrad Beach boasts timeless architecture, com. pool & clubhouse. Purchase separately or w/M5815731. Peter Uliano $260,000 #M5815734

BEAUTIFUL FLORIDA LIVING

9th FLOOR WITH BAY VIEWS - DOWNTOWN! Custom remodeled 2Br/2Ba/1CG w/ wood laminate flrs, tile, modern cabinets, built-ins, crown moldings, 2 pvt balconies, hurricane shutters & personal laundry in secure building with full service amenities! MLS#A3951357 $775,000

MANOR IN THE OAKS BAYSIDE! Over 4,300SF, 4-5Br/4Ba w/formal Lr, sep Dr, gourmet kitch., morning rm, study, fitness ctr & theatre rm seating 8, private picturesque grounds & time honored quality w/ fine finishes & custom details in gated CC comm.! MLS#A3963302 $1,295,000

Canal front, deep water access with no bridges. 3BR/2BA with pool in the amazing city of Cortez. Family living at its finest.

Debra Ibasfalean $385,000 #M5826860

SIESTA KEY, REMODELED & FURN! 2Br/2Ba/1CP w/bonus rm, den, raised ceil, tile, plantation shutters, granite, crown moldings, wood cabinets, & w/d included in Island Reef w/resort-like amenities; pools, tennis courts, docks, beach access & more!

MLS#A3943588 $389,000

PENTHOUSE BAY VIEW LBK 2BR/2BA designer furnished, boat docks, beach cabana, pets welcome. A must see. Great complex, shows like a model. Best value on LBK. Hurry.

Marc Turner $399,000 #A3926740

PRISTINE WATERFRONT

FURN W/PANORAMIC BAY VIEWS Downtown 2-3Br/2Ba/1CG w/faux & artisan finishes, crown moldings, wood cabinets, ceramic tile, granite, plantation shutters, walk-in closets, open-air balcony & pvt laundry in secure building w/ amenities! MLS#A3929596 $450,000

MODERN DOWNTOWN BAY FRONT! 2Br/2Ba/1CG w/marble, granite, Corian, tile & bamboo flrs, furniture quality cabinets, built-ins, architectural elements, fp, updated eat-in kitch. & baths, pvt balcony & laundry, secure building w/ amenities! MLS#A3942652 $400,000

3BR/2BA overlooking Palma Sola Bay. Assigned boat slip. Retreat to paradise.

Luscious landscaping, 2 minutes to beaches on Anna Maria Island. Fish heaven!

Debra Ibasfalean $495,000 #M5820999

FURN - DOWNTOWN! 2Br/1Ba/den + bonus rm, charming great rm plan w/ hardwood flrs, ceramic tile, mirrored accents, recessed lights, Palladian windows, wet bar, Corian, custom cabinets, built-ins & secure parking in historic bldg w/amenities! MLS#A3953067 $300,000

AMAZING VIEW. Gorgeous white sand beach & Gulf view as you walk thru the door. Nicely furnished w/lg. screened lanai. Gulf to Bay community w/heated pool, tennis & cabana w/BBQ. Teresia Bradford $569,000 #M5812253

77506

PENTHOUSE W/WATER VIEWS! 3-4Br/3.5Ba/2+CG w/travertine & marble flrs, high ceil., crown moldings, plantation shutters, built-ins, furniture quality cabinets, granite, Corian, MBr w/lg walk-in + 2 baths & pvt balcony in gated comm. w/amenities! MLS#A3958973 $925,000

LONGBOAT Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

23

games | bridge bites

By Brian Gunnell | American Contract Bridge League

Ian Addy & Gail Wittig

CHERCHEZ LA FEMME

North

♠ A873 ♥ Q 10 9 ♦ 985 ♣K32 West

East

♠4 ♥ 876542 ♦ Q J 10 ♣ 10 6 5

♠ Q65 ♥ AKJ ♦ 72 ♣AJ987 South

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

8347 Midnight Pass Road | Siesta Key | $4,490,000

941.387.0100

Michael Saunders & Company

K J 10 9 2 3 AK643 Q4

Licensed Real Estate Broker

440 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, FL 34228 GailWittig@michaelsaunders.com

Bidding: South West North

2 ♠ Pass 3 ♠ 4 ♠ All pass

912 Boulevard of the Arts | Condo on the Bay | $795,000

Vulnerable: East, West

Longboat Key Club & Resort | From the low $200’s to $1,000,000’s

BRIDGE HAND

240 Sands Point Road #4605/06 | Longboat Key Club & Resort | $849,900

Contact Brian Howard, owner/director of the Bridge Center of Bradenton, at 795-8981.

3080 Grand Bay Boulevard #535 | Grand Bay | $549,000

Visit www.acbl.org for more about the game of bridge or email marketing@acbl.org.

WWW. ATHOMESARASOTA.COM

601 Longboat Club Road # S303 | Longboat Key Towers | $769,000

If it’s not too late already, try looking at just the N-S hands and decide how you are going to play that Spade suit. Where’s the lady?

That 1NT opening showed 15 to 17 HCP, after which the auction inches its way up to 4♠. West leads the Q♦, which your Ace wins. You have one loser in each of the side suits, so, to make your contract, you must avoid losing a trump trick.

In the play of the Spades you could choose to finesse against West, to finesse against East or to play “for the drop” (hoping that the suit is 2-2 or the Q♠ is a singleton). The general rule, when holding a nine-card fit, is to play for the drop; all things being equal that is about a 58% chance.

But, why settle for 58% when you can have 100%? Yes, it’s time for some counting. N-S have a combined 22 HCP, that leaves E-W with 18. West has already played the Q♦, leaving precisely 15 or 16 HCP in the East hand.

Because East has already advertised 15 to 17, he must have all the missing high cards with the possible exception of one of the missing Jacks.

So, at trick two you lead a Spade to Dummy’s Ace and, then, when East plays low on the second round, you finesse the Jack with complete confidence. That’s 10 tricks for those who count, but only nine for the rule-followers.

East 1NT Pass

• Leading Specialists at Longboat Key Club & Resort • 61+ Years of Combined Real Estate Sales Experience • Team Sales Exceed $195 Million Since 2005 • 2010 & 2011 Top Sales Team Michael Saunders & Company, Longboat Key

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box. See answers on page 25A.

Barbara Milian, Ian Addy PA, Gail Wittig

We invite you to take advantage of our team’s experience and allow us the opportunity to present you with a complimentary market analysis of your property.

SUDOKU_092712

91198

© 2012 Universal Uclick

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

TemperatureS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

Temps.

Weather Photo Contest Winner

Record Temps.

High

Low

High

Low

Tues., Sept. 18

90

77

95 (2005)

67 (1957)

Wed., Sept. 19

87

77

95 (1974)

65 (1928)

Thurs., Sept. 20

88

75

96 (1925)

60 (1981)

Fri., Sept. 21

90

74

96 (1951)

59 (1981)

Sat., Sept. 22

88

73

94 (1992)

60 (1913)

Sun., Sept. 23

93

73

96 (1987)

62 (1913)

Mon., Sept. 24

87

72

95 (1921)

59 (1916)

Dolores Walcker took this photo of a storm coming toward her as she crossed the New Pass Bridge.

PHOTO CONTEST:

Win an iPad 2 or Canon EOS T3 camera. Enter your

Average Gulf water temperature: 85

TIDE CHART

Highs — 11:41a

4:47a

Lows 5:42p

Fri., Sept. 28

12:14a 12:28p

5:32a

6:03p

Sat., Sept. 29

12:31a

1:11p

6:10a

6:20p

Sun., Sept. 30

12:47a

1:53p

6:46a

6:36p

Mon., Oct. 1

12:48a

2:05p

8:02a

7:36p

Tues., Oct. 2

—

2:40p

8:38a

7:57p

Wed., Oct. 3

1:14a

3:22p

9:16a

8:19p

Thurs., Sept. 27

MOON PHASES

Sunrise/sunset

Thurs., Sept. 27 Fri., Sept. 28 Sat., Sept. 29 Sun., Sept. 30 Mon., Oct. 1 Tues., Oct. 2 Wed., Oct. 3

sunset, sunrise or weather-related photos for The Observer’s weather photo contest, sponsored by Cool Today. To enter your photos, visit YourObserver.com, and click on the “Contests” tab in the upper-right corner. Weekly winners will have their photo printed in the paper and will be entered into a drawing for that month. The monthly winner will choose between an iPad 2 or Canon EOS T3 camera.

Sunrise 7:21 7:22 7:22 7:23 7:23 7:24 7:24

Sunset 7:22 7:21 7:20 7:18 7:17 7:16 7:15

Sept. 30 Full

Oct. 8 Last

Oct. 15 New

Oct. 21 First

facebook.com / GetTheBestFromTODAY

Repipe Specialists Tankless Water Heaters Zero Energy  Water Filtration Toilet Tune-Ups  Drains Cleared Whole House Plumbing Inspections

plumbing-today.com

(941) 343-8543

O B S E RV E R C RO S S WO R D Edited by Timothy E. Parker

1

22 24 25 26 27 29

30 31 32 33 35 37 42 45

1. V K V I Z N E Z V C U Y O O B I U E T Y S Z Y B U N O D B I V Q Q H V L K B O O Y L O N V O N B C D V T E S B O Y K VA N B I Y V O O N Y Q E AV Q U H K Z V C O N Y T Y I L B I U K VA N B I Y.

2. F J C Q G U A R V E F I I R X V Z K C G N . A Q Z Z O R A F K K R Y Z U F N N F J Q G Z W E F Z O B W K V B R F Y F Y Z V I U Z C C J G C Y R Z C Z O R AV G G V N Z R X F OFZ FZ.

*Some restrictions apply. Call for details.

Additional ladder charges may apply.

Must present at time of service.

Can’t be combined with others.

or FREE

ACROSS

21

CRYPTOGRAMS

We’ll Open the Drain or it’s Free!

Plus, it’s Guaranteed for 1 Year!

SMALLER VERSIOnS by Potter Stern

6 9 13 18 19 20

2

$93

Sewer Drain Clearing

91794

24

47 48 49 50 51 52 54 55 56 59 60 63

64 Gets a glimpse of 66 Start to buckle?

Christmas tree 68 Airport screener’s holder org.

Part of a skirt 69 Indulgent outing “No ___, no fuss!”

71 Muslim form of Steep in brine salutation Jouster’s protection 74 Casual noes Yale student 76 Emulate a ham Start of many 80 “Void” partner Grimm tales 81 Delhi stuffed pastry Like Warner Bros.’

83 Shipwreck locale Tunes 85 Homer Simpson’s Not so hot times in outburst August?

86 First one-term Salacious stuff president “It’s ___ and the 88 “Andy Capp” same” cartoonist Smythe Not licit 89 Mysterious Sports-shoe feature characters Prepares 91 “Blame It On Rio” marshmallows over star Michael a fire 93 Basketball net Hair coloring agent holder Assayer’s sample 94 Snake charmer’s Former Wisconsin target senator Feingold 96 Highland tongue Of the ear 97 Weasel-like Pressure-applying carnivore person, essentially 98 Goof off in the Little sounds of stable? disapproval?

101 The Wright IV contents brothers’ aircraft, Worldly rather than for one spiritual High-society roster 103 Affirms 104 Your neck supports Arctic bird it Turner and Wood Worshipper of Shiva 106 PC key near “Ctrl” 107 King Kong was one and Vishnu 110 Reddish-brown ___ de mer horse Largest division of 113 Wind-___ (carried Islam by the breeze) Finale 114 Guy with a route Fall month, briefly 116 Jimmy Carter’s Certain Fender Georgia hometown guitars 117 Traffic jam Web designer’s component creation 118 Where a little fun Orphan’s new justice is delivered? parent 120 Methuselah’s claim “... old lady who to fame lived in ___”

121 Crossword component 122 Possess 123 Consolation prize recipient 124 One of the senses 125 It may have stained-glass windows 126 Double or nothing, e.g.

127 Beautician’s board

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 21 23 28 33 34 35 36 38 39 40 41 42 43 44

dOwn

Appetizing In all sincerity Bountiful “Nuh-uh” Fabrics for sale Shaman or therapist Cambridgeshire’s Isle of ___ Wrongdoer Figure who encountered a burning bush Reveal one’s true identity Cottontail’s tail Game-match connection One-man bands, and others “Now that’s fancy!”

Numeros ___ (top dogs) Dropped in the mail They fit in sockets Hagman and King Has the courage to try Gruesomely graphic Books with maps Of some benefit Spying org.

Cut hair or coupons “You are not!” reply Porch for poi Sudden forward movement They’re blue when clear Pest on a pooch Arrive at the airport “Back up” command

46 50 53 55 57 58 61 62 63 65 67 70 71 72 73 75 77 78 79 82 83 84 87 90 91 92 95 97 99 100 102 105 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 115 117 119

Small-sized portion?

Towel word Less desirable berth Sewing junctions Cries of realization Start a tennis match Holy hymn It flew its last flight in 2001 “Look ___” (“Aren’t we a pair?”)

Match at poker Bone of the upper arm Campaign pros Wolf (down) Half of a TV transmission Camel’s Peruvian cousin Bob Crane TV role Mine access Ice cream holder Partner of “now” Shaded recess Disgruntled employee’s payback, maybe Leak slowly Search like vultures Like Travolta’s cowboy Song of praise “Come As You ___” Ultimatum’s end Asia’s ___ Peninsula Rancher’s rope Hindu loincloths Bemoan Wear away, as a beach Tickle the funny bone Peel-removing gadget ___-level job Catch a glimpse of Casa kitchen crock X-ray dosages Do a new parent’s job Weaving apparatus Ottoman overseer Have an outstanding balance

CROSSWORD_092712

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Items Under $200 For Sale

Merchandise Wanted

Homes For Rent

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

RADIO SHACK model Partner 1680X Chess Computer, 64 levels of play. Complete, original container, $30. 941-371-9047.

LOCALLY OWNED and operated since 2004 with three locations, America's Super Pawn will pay you top dollar for your estate jewelry, watches, diamonds, musical instruments, computers, motorcycles, cars and other unwanted items.

Call us at 758-PAWN OR ... fill our request form on our web and we'll contact you! www.americassuperpawn.com

ANNUAL LEASE or seasonal rental. Modern Beach Cottage, Large screened pool and the white sands of Gulf beach just 200 feet away.

Ron Johnson 941-387-7136.

BEACHPLACE

WOODEN DRESSER: Six drawers, very good condition. 33"x54”x18.5", $50. 941-751-0815.

Autos Wanted AUTOS WANTED! Let me take the hassle out of selling your car. Cash offered today! Call Mike, 941-713-2277.

Boat Slips For Rent/Sale BOAT SLIP FOR RENT/SALE BOAT HOUSE ON LONGBOAT KEY. MIDDLE-LEVEL COVERED AND SECURED UP TO 29.5 FEET. RENTAL $150.00 PER MONTH OR BELOW MARKET SALE. 313-343-0184.

FOR SALE OR RENT, fantastic high and dry boat slip, superb S. Longboat location. Call 941-371-1866.

LONGBOAT KEY Moorings Boat Slip for Rent.

Yacht Club Slip N-7, accommodates up to 45 ft.

Boat with Electric, Water, & Wi-fi. $400/mo.

941-928-1542.

Boats Boats are selling very well. Keeping it real simple, “Business on a Handshake”. I need more boats. Island Boat Sales. 941-228-3489.

Furnishings HERMAN MILLER Swag Desk, Perfect Condition, Like New, $1000. Bo Concept Sleeper Sofa, perfect Condition, $550, Desk $200. Design Within Reach and Room and Board outdoor furniture. must see all. Tampa, 813-839-7386.

LEATHER SECTIONAL: 8 piece, includes 3 Recliners (2 power), Med. brown, 4 weeks old.

Paid $2400. Reduced to $1400. 941-355-3327.

OUTDOOR COUNTER Height Table & (6) Chairs + (1) Lounge Chair, White, Mesh. Like New condition! $650. 941-383-1023.

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales ESTATE SALE 9a.m.-2p.m. - Friday, Sept 28 9a.m.-12p.m. - Saturday, Sept 29 1020 Bogey Lane Country Club Shores IV Longboat Key 3 Syd Soloman paintings, also R. Larsen, Zolan, Bohrod, & others.

8 pieces of vintage 5 band rattan, Deco china cabinet & server, china cabinet, secretary, desk, quilts, solid wood full bedroom set, 1930s beautiful bed set, leather Air Force jacket, mahogany dining set with buffet, set of silver plate, china, glass, lamps, vintage record player, area rugs, redwood porch furniture, Bohemian glass, 2 sets of china, old cameras, 5 HP mulcher, extension & 4 other ladders, lots of hand tools, paint sprayer, electric car washer, men's clothes, vintage luggage, vintage linens, older appliances, kitchenware.

SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, time pieces, coins, jewelry and antiques. Please call Marc, 941-321-0707.

Schools/Instruction SCULPTURE LESSONS with master sculptor Greg Marra in Sarasota. Explore the sculptor inside you. 267-885-9203.

DEEP WATER ACCESS Boater’s Dream: residential rental in south Longboat Key. 3BR/2BA, approx. 1720 sq.ft., only minutes to Sarasota Bay and open Gulf. 100/ft canal frontage with pool.

Yearly lease at $2500/month + utilities. Call 228-327-7801.

LONGBOAT KEY HOME FOR RENT 3BR/1BA, 1300 sq/ft. New roof, New A/C, Completely remodeled. Walk in Closet in Master, Covered Porch. Boat deck, Carport w/laundry room. Fully applianced. 1 yr. Lease. $1500/mo. $1500/deposit, 727-686-5037.

STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area.

941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.

Condos/Apts. For Rent 2BR GULF Front condo for rent for the season.

Available 12/1/12. 90 day minimum. Full amenities and covered garage. Behind the gates in the Pierre. 865-603-3126 or 865-549-5070.

BEACHPLACE BY owner. Stunning, updated, beautifully furnished 2bed/2bath. 2 parking spaces. Fabulous views. Heated pool, tennis, exercise rooms, clubhouse. Available Annual or Seasonal. Negotiable. Call 716-864-7911.

LONGBOAT BAYPORT BTC- 2BR 2BA Gulf front views- wifi-Monthly rentals 813-541-8876.

LONGBOAT HARBOR: 2BR/2BA, top floor, elegant, furnished, bay/harbor views, pool, tennis, activities, private beach. 941-544-4509.

Condos For Sale SEAPLACE: 3BR/2BA, NW corner view, see the sunset. Private parking, tennis court, 2 pools, $619,000. 941-383-1402.

Reservations: 941-383-5549 Visa/ MC Fax: 941-383-7925 “Take our video tour at” www.casadelmar.net

For Qualified Waiting Clients

Office Open 7 Days, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key 34228

Contact - Sarasota Luxury Rentals 941-225-1356 email: info@sarasotaluxuryrentals.com

WASHER/ DRYER IN EVERY UNIT BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS LARGE HEATED POOL GULFSIDE

Personalized attention with professional honest advice.

25 Years Experience - References available Part of the Florida International Realty of Sarasota Group.

FREE Wireless High Speed Internet

WANTED! 1-2 bedroom unit for month of February in LBK area. 515-231-9742.

“Where People Return Year After Year” “INTENTIONALLY BETTER”

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

Homes For Rent

392 FIREHOUSE LANE, LBK - Newer 2 BR home in charming seaside neighborhood. 1 block to beach...no busy roads to cross. Heated community pool. Clean & nicely decorated. No pets.

No smoking. Available short or long term.

Owner/agent, 941-544-0214.

3+ BEDROOM 2 Bath, Longboat Key. Annual or Seasonal. Across street from Beach.

Sunset deck, unobstructed views- Single car garage, washer/dryer, furnished, utilities. 55+ community. Non-smoking, No pets. Annual, $2700. 941-232-1357.

DID WE get your attention? You bet we did!

Visit online Make your ad us stand out withatCOLOR. Only in The Observer Classifieds. www.yourobserver.com Call 941-955-4888 to advertise.

DIRECT GULF FRONT at Beachplace: 2BR/2BA, nicely furnished, wireless internet. Available December 2012 through December 2013.

Non-smoking. Call Diane or Mike 847-913-4562.

Exceptional Vacation Rentals Since 1994 Homes & Condominiums Studios to Six Bedrooms Beachfront, Intercoastal or Garden Excellent Service & Staff FLORIDA VACATION CONNECTION www.FLvacationconnection.com 941-387-9709 877-705-2460 LBK BEACHFRONT 1BR & 3BR condos, heated pool, furnished. Starting at $900 weekly.

Outrigger Resort, 941-383-3844.

LBK BEACHPLACE Condo. Beachfront, 2BR/2BA. Elegantly furnished, internet access, heated pool, covered parking, exercise room.

Available Sept, Oct., Dec. 2012 only. Non-smoking/ pets. By owner. 941-383-1884.

LBK SANCTUARY. Beachfront SW corner 3BR/3BA. Available January thru March 2013.

Call 941-587-1700.

LBK SEAPLACE. Available January-April. Lovely 2BR, fully equipped, W/D in unit, lanai, garden view, steps to beach, pool, tennis, full clubhouse amenities. Great! Non-smoking. No pets.

770-314-6321.

COLLECTOR’S PLATES (55) and hangers. Come and make an offer. 941-926-8945.

This week’s Sudoku answers

RENTALS 4 NIGHT MIN. GULF FRONT/ GULF VIEW

WANTED LUXURY ANNUAL RENTALS

CENTRAL AIR: brand new, still in box, 10 year warranty all parts, $1449. Call 941-243-5236.

FIND IT!

CASA DEL MAR BEACH RESORT

WANTED 2BR/2BA unfurnished on Anna Maria Island. Professional non-smoking couple seeks annual rental. 941-348-7688.

General Merchandise

DID WE get your attention? You bet we did!

Make your ad stand out with COLOR. in The Only in The Observer Classifieds.

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BEACHPLACE ON LBK: Special pricing until end of December for beautiful 2BR unit, first floor, modern furnishings, enclosed parking. Call 941-807-0897 for details.

Real Estate Wanted

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Pictures: www.appraisals4u.biz & www.estatesales.net

THRIFT SHOP: THE LORD’S WAREHOUSE. Next to Longboat Island Chapel. Season Opening October 1, 2012: Wednesday & Saturday, 9a.m. to 1p.m. Clothes, jewelry, furniture, other items.

6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. 941-383-4738.

3BR, UPDATED, TASTEFULLY DECORATED. GULF & BAY VIEWS. CALL CYNTHIA 407-492-5749

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This week’s Cryptogram answers 1. A man who was getting overweight finally admitted that his favorite machine at the local gym was the vending machine.

2. I could be a winner at golf. But the biggest difficulty with my game is I stand too close to the ball after I hit it.

CROSSWORD_ANS_092712

26

26A Classifieds YourObserver.com

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals LBK: NEW YEARS’ WEEK. Veranda Beach Resort, 2BR/2BA, +LR queen sleep sofa. NEWLY FURNISHED, partial Gulf view. All resort amenities included. Photos available. December 29th to January 5th. By owner. 860-567-0122, E-mail: aheimler632@gmail.com LIDO BEACH CONDOMINIUMS Weekly - Monthly - Seasonal Resort Properties, Inc. Licensed Real Estate Broker Full Service Condominium Management 941-388-3921 - 888-388-3921 941-650-1857 Visit us at: resortproperties.pro LIDO BEACH Vacation paradise. 1 & 2 bedroom condos overlooking beautiful Lido Beach.

Weekly rates. Lido Dorset. Rental condo.

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LONGBOAT HARBOR: 2BR/2BA, top floor, elegant, furnished, bay/harbor views, pool, tennis, activities, private beach. 941-544-4509.

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LONGBOAT KEY: 2BR/2BA 10th floor, completely remodeled, excellent view of Gulf, Bay, beach, pool & tennis courts. Non-smoking. Available Oct., Nov. & Dec. 941-377-4177.

ON THE Gulf w/pool. 1BR condo, sleeps 4. Nicely furnished, cable, phone, full kitchen, living, dining area, W/D in building. Weekly or Monthly. May through January. $1600/mo. 351-5101.

SEAPLACE CONDO, TH. Special Offer $2000/Month plus tax. Sept. to Dec. 2012 and Jan. 2013. 2 month rental minimum. 2 bedrooms, 2 bath, fully equipped, direct beach access.

Ask: mandalka@gmx.de UNIQUE CONTEMPORARY 2BR/2BA Condo with gorgeous view of mangrove bayou on LBK. All amenities including kayak, best beach.

Available to mature, non-smoking couple or single for the season. 4 month minimum. $4500/mo. No pets. 770-335-9211.

WEEKLY RENTALS. Luxurious, fully furnished 1 - 4 bedrooms. Condominiums and Cottages.

Beach to Bay. On-site management. Pools, tennis, boat slips. Visit: www.FloridaRent.com for information and virtual tours. 800-333-7335, 941-383-3117.

LONGBOAT Observer

THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012 Thursday, September 27, 2012

www.yourobserver.com Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

Computer Services

Weekly/ Monthly/ Seasonal Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos

Cmagik - LBK resident, servicing our island year round for over 12 yrs. Bachelors Degree with 20 yrs. experience, PC or MAC. Professional help with computers, iPad/iPhones and tutoring.

References upon request.

Call Cort: 383-3878, 587-5588 cmagik.com

Reservations 941-383-6127 Visa/ MC 800-352-0367 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m. M-F Ask about our special rates!

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OWN A MAC/IPHONE/IPAD? MacTutor offers 21 years experience. Unlimited free telephone follow up. (941)812-3887 www.FLMacTutor.com

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Adult Care Services COMPASSIONATE COMPANION DUTIES Days or nights. Excellent references.

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KEY CLEANERS & LINEN has expanded our services. We now offer Residential Cleaning.

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Personal Services LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT We can help with...

Transportation, Personal Errands/Shopping, Doctor Appts, House Sitting, Home Organization, Social Events & Special Projects of all types.

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JOHN GUBERNAT SERVICES Residential/ Commercial. Handyman Repairs, Roof Repairs, Coatings, Painting, Power Washing, Property Management, Home Watching. LBK Resident. Lic./Ins. 941-962-4867.

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YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner

RETIRED LONGBOAT KEY police officer. Drive your car North or South and back. 941-713-1596.

QUALITY BOAT Cleaning and Detailing on a regular or one time basis. * Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly Plans * Weekly Wash starting at $1.50 per ft. * Free Estimates We service all sizes and types of boats.

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URBANTREND RENOVATION Tile & Marble expert installation Kitchen & Bath remodeling Fine carpentry & entertainment unit Stone floor restoration/maintenance 20 years experience in Sarasota Insured & Lic#CGC1519607 Free estimate call 941-306-7778

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O

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

48,229,946 MILLION REASONS TO LIST YOUR PROPERTY WITH ROGER PETTINGELL As you evaluate selling your property in the upcoming season, consider this: Roger has sold in excess of $48 million of Sarasota property in the first eight months of 2012!

He is the number one salesperson in all of Sarasota/Bradenton for 2012 with his properties selling in an average of 163 days. What does this mean to you? It means that Roger offers his Sellers a marketing plan which works. When you are ready to list your property, contact Roger first.

ROGER’S 2012 ACTIVITY (JANUARY 1 - AUGUST 30) BAY ISLES

WATER CLUB

BIRD KEY

BIRD KEY

SIESTA KEY

LONGBOAT HARBOUR TOWERS

longboatharbourtowers1101.com Direct Gulf, 2BR/2BA penthouse has stunning views from nearly every room. Updated and redesigned. $649,000

Sold Price $3,300,000 $3,000,000 $2,212,500 $1,900,000 $1,675,000 $1,650,000 $1,500,000 $1,300,000 $1,300,000 $1,200,000 $1,075,000 $1,075,000 $980,696 $975,000 $950,000 $950,000 $925,000 $856,250

SEAPLACE seaplaceg8301.com Spacious 3BR/2BA corner residence. Light and bright with plenty of winter sunsets.

Located in the popular G-8 building. $619,000 seaplaceg1211.com Spacious 2BR/2BA with separate upstairs living area. Light and bright and literally steps to the beach. Furnished. $349,000 seaplaceg4204.com Terrific value, this 2BR is located in the popular G-4 building. $299,000

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES 510puttinggreenlane.com This 3BR home is on the sunny southern side of Putting Green Lane. Furnished. $779,000

Sold Price $850,000 $850,000 $815,000 $760,000 $756,000 $750,000 $650,000 $635,000 $600,000 $592,500 $562,500 $560,000 $550,000 $547,000 $500,000 $475,000 $410,000 $350,000

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SANCTUARY

Pending Contracts 1. 607 Mourning Dove 2. Mourning Dove 3. 561 Cutter Lane 4. 601 Yardarm Lane 5. 523 North Spoonbill

List Price $3,995,000 $2,599,000 $1,295,000 $849,000 $725,000

* Represented the Buyer & Seller

SANCTUARY

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535sanctuarydrivea603.com Southern corner with more than 700 feet of wraparound terrace! Amazing city, golf course and bay views, plus southern Gulf vistas. Two covered parking spaces included. $995,000

1561harborcaylane.com A boater’s dream with over 200' of water frontage on a protected, deep water harbor.

Lovely 4BR with high ceilings, cook’s kitchen and open floor plan. $1,399,000 3386bayoulane.com Overlooking Harbourside Golf Course and its lakes, this 4,500+ sq. ft. home is ready for you and your family! $868,000

BEACH HARBOR CLUB

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grandbay446.com Relish Gulf sunsets and wonderful vistas of the twinkling lights of downtown Sarasota.

Walk-in, fall in love and move right in. $1,495,000

Sales 19. Grand Bay 172 20. Water Club 208 21. 1930 Wisteria Lane 22. Promenade 402 23. 581 Golf Links 24. 8419 Midnight Pass Road 25. Seaplace 412 26. 1125 Bogey Lane 27. 432 Partridge 28. 551 Yardarm Lane 29. 530 Wedge Lane* 30. Grand Bay 626 31. 512 Cutter Lane 32. 512 Halyard Lane 33. Beach Place 103 34. 552 Ranger Lane 35. Seaplace G7-403 36. Regency House 404

beachharborclub101.com This beach getaway can be the ideal retreat or investment. With its own private beach access, SIESTA KEY heated pool and wonderful clubhouse, there’s no reason to ever leave! $249,000 3969robertspointroad.com On one of Siesta’s most coveted streets, this deep-water home offers lovely views and great space. $1,395,000

Roger has listed and sold more than $1 billion in local property.

ROGER C. PETTINGELL LUXURY WATERFRONT SPECIALIST

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Sales 1. 100 South Warbler Lane 2. 611 Mourning Dove 3. Water Club 602 4. 9250 Blind Pass Road 5. 200 Bird Key Drive 6. 604 Mourning Dove 7. L’Ambiance H802 8. Grand Bay 466 9. Sanctuary A201 10. Water Club 204 11. 520 Harbor Cay 12. 2869 Alex McKay Place 13. 658 Mourning Dove* 14. Grand Bay 261 15. 658 Mourning Dove* 16. 485 E Royal Flamingo* 17. Grand Bay 211 18. Tangerine Bay 512

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE DEDICATED TO LUXURY ESTATES M OWNED AND OPERATED BY NRT, LLC

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Diversions YourObserver.com

Sarasota homecoming

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

“I’m an evangelist for opera, so I would like to see Sarasota Opera further that mission and to really expand it,” Richard Russell says.

Courtesy photo

familiar ROLE After a two-year hiatus, Richard Russell will return to Sarasota to helm the Sarasota Opera, for which he served as an apprentice artist more than 20 years ago.

I

n 1989 26-year-old Richard Russell came to the Sarasota Opera as an apprentice artist. His first performance with the company was in the chorus of “Rigoletto.”

The same production debuted

the newly renovated Sarasota Opera House in 2008 after Russell, then working as the marketing director, had spent countless hours overseeing the marketing strategy to fund the $20 million facelift.

Fittingly, “Rigoletto” will be the

production that welcomes Russell back to the Sarasota Opera in his new role — as executive director.

Russell has spent the past three seasons as general director of opera at Opera New Jersey.

COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

HOME & GARDEN A Hawthorne Street home boasts texture, composition and a grid layout design.

PAGES 4 and 5

BACKSTAGE PASS Multi-part performance tells the history of SRQ’s cultural transformation. PAGE 7

Spotlight The Ringling International Arts Festival features eclectic group of artists. PAGE 6

2 ■ Diversions

COVER STORY

“I’m very excited,” Russell says from his New Jersey office. He has missed the beach, espresso from Café Americano and pizza from Epicure.

The Sarasota Opera Board of Trustees approached Russell shortly after former Executive Director Susan T. Danis resigned earlier this month to take a position as the general director and CEO of the Florida Grand Opera, in Miami.

Russell’s good-standing relationship with the Sarasota Opera and its patrons was among the reasons he was sought for the position.

“I developed a lot of relationships in Sarasota (as the marketing director); a lot of friends among the donors and the board,” Russell says.

In 2010, after five years in Sarasota, he left the Sarasota Opera to take on a leadership position with a smaller opera company.

“When we left, we really felt like we were leaving a place that felt like home to us,” Russell says.

Russell began performing with the Sarasota Opera fresh out of Indiana University after earning a degree in voice performance and choral conducting. But he embraced a complete career change from 1993 to 2005 to work for Citigroup, in Manhattan, N.Y. Although banking was interesting, it wasn’t music.

Russell and his wife, Cynthia, continued to visit Sarasota each year. Their visits always centered around the Sarasota Opera season. “(The quality is) the highest level, and it’s why people come back far and wide, year after year,” he says of the Sarasota Opera.

■

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

(continued from page 1)

Russell’s Rundown:

Courtesy photo

The production of “Rigoletto” was the first Richard Russell performed in at the Sarasota Opera; this 2008 production debuted the newly renovated opera house. “Rigoletto” will kick off his first season as executive director Oct. 26.

In 2005, he was ready for a transition.

Russell’s friends encouraged him to try out the administrative side of performing arts, and that led him back to Sarasota Opera as the director of marketing.

“One of the things that attracted me to the job (in 2005) was the fact that I knew the company was about to begin that campaign (for renovation),” he says.

“I remember the opera house in 1989,” he says. This was before the balcony was open and before the lobby was renovated. It was exciting for Russell to see the space completely gutted for the renova-

tion; the flooring and seats taken away; and for them to dig the orchestra pit.

“There was a lake in the middle of the orchestra pit for a while,” he laughs.

But the renovation is only one of many of Russell’s Sarasota Opera memories.

One of his favorites was during Sarasota Opera’s Polish production of “Halka.” Russell had collaborated with the Polish embassy to put on a mini Polish festival.

When there was a mix up with a Polish couple’s tickets and they were left without seats, Russell sat them in the balcony.

“I watched tears roll down their faces during the performance,” he says. “That, to me, is the great experience of working in opera — to see people react like that.”

Russell doesn’t want to change the fundamentals of the Sarasota Opera but would like to make a few changes: The pavilion building needs attention, and he is talking about expanding endowments to ensure the opera house as a mainstay for another 50 years.

But Russell’s greatest desire is for more people to experience opera.

“The kind of company we foster is one that is welcoming and open to everybody,” he says. To Russell,

Favorite opera: Giuseppe Verdi’s “Otello” Favorite composers: Beethoven, Verdi or Puccini Favorite role ever played: Hoffmann in “The Tales of Hoffmann” Best opera ever seen: 1) “Der Rosenkavalier” at The Met with Carlos Kleiber conducting 2) “Otello” at the Sarasota Opera in 2011 First opera experience: “Carmen” by New York City Opera; Russell was 13 years old If you could play any role in any opera: Otello in “Otello” there’s nothing more exciting than the sound of the human voice in a live setting.

It was during his teenage years that Russell developed his passion for opera. The well-behaved, shy boy became an extrovert on stage.

“I became quite outgoing and quite fearless on stage,” he says.

“It sends a spark through me.”

Russell feels that same spark when he speaks to the public.

“I’ve learned a lot from this job, and I plan to bring that to Sarasota Opera,” he says of his experience at the helm of Opera New Jersey.

Join us at Sarasota Architectural Salvage to raise support and money for the

2012 Sarasota Chalk Festival.

This year’s theme: “Circus City, USA” will have over 500 artists participating, live music, various performances, live animals and more! Help us make this the most successful Chalk Festival yet.

Thursday, October 4, 2012, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm 1093 Central Ave., Sarasota

Independence Plus the Security of On-Site Healthcare Services Tours By Appointment Call Dana Moe (941) 552-3284

1301 N. Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, Florida 34236 www.SarasotaBayClub.com

To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.sarasotasalvage.com

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Advance Tickets $15.00 ($20 at the door) H H H Complimentary lite bites & Drinks H H H provided by: Broadway Bar, Carr’s Corner Cafe, Eco$mart, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, Local Coffee & Tea, Nellie’s Deli, Market & Catering & Sarasota Cupcake Company.

Additional Support from Observer Media Group.

A special thanks to Sarasota Architectural Salvage.

90443

>>

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

Diversions

YourObserver.com

■

3

COLUMN

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

+ The Beatles take Sarasota for a good cause It’s your chance to see The Fabulous Four — well, almost.

The Liverpool Legends are a Grammy-nominated tribute group founded

by Louise Harrison, George Harrison’s older sister and a Sarasota resident.

The group is playing three local shows Oct. 3 through Oct. 6, as a part of Louise Harrison’s non-profit organization, Help Courtesy Keep Music Alive.

The Grammy-nominated group The Liverpool Legends Liverpool Legends partnered with area schools and provided them with charts of music of favorite Beatles’ songs to rehearse.

The Liverpool Legends then perform a professional-level concert with the student choirs, bands and orchestras. Proceeds from the concert help benefit the music programs. And, for all the Beatles fanatics in Sarasota, there will be a Q&A with Louise Harrison during intermission.

The group will perform at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Manatee High School, 902 33rd St. Court W., Bradenton; 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at North Port High School, 6400 W. Price Blvd., North Port; and 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Booker High School, 3201 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Tickets are $25 and are available at liverpoollegends.com.

Follow me on Twitter @MalloryGnaegy and on my Facebook page, Mallory Gnaegy (Observer), to get the latest A&E scoop.

To submit A&E listings or news tips, call 366-3468, Ext. 364 or email me at mgnaegy@yourobserver.com.

+ FST announces 2012 to 2013 winter season

Florida Studio Theatre announced its upcoming season Sept. 21. The season kicks off Oct. 17, with 1950s doo-wop production developed by Richard and Rebecca Hopkins and Jim Prosser, “Let’s Twist Again: with The Wanderers.” Following the opener is musical revue “Smokey Joe’s Café,” starting Oct. 31, which features the music of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

Later in the season, the Mainstage series will offer “The Columnist,” “The Best of Enemies” and “In the Book Of.” And the Winter Cabaret will offer “Caribbean Soul” and “Urban Cowboys.”

And, a newly renovated Gompertz Theatre will open its doors in January. The $5.6 million project began this summer.

ONLINE Popcorn Bob’s latest Movie Magic reviews feature “End of Watch,” “Arbitrage” and “Stolen.” www.YourObserver.com

Sarasota Opera Guild Vice President Barbara O’Connor, Guild President Mary Cook and Sarasota Opera individual giving officer Max Kellogg

+ Sarasota Opera Guild is back in action The Sarasota Opera Guild met for the first time this season, Tuesday, Sept. 18. Two high school members of the Sarasota Youth Opera stopped by to serenade the group with works from their upcoming production, “Nemo in Slumberland.”

There are more than 550 members of the Sarasota Opera Guild, and the group’s doors are always open to welcome new members. To find out more information and how to get involved, visit sarasotaopera.org.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

>> HOME & GARDEN by Loren Mayo | Black Tie Editor

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The house was designed on a 5-foot grid, which helps the building and landscape come together. Zoysia grass was used in the front yard because it is more draught tolerant and likes edge conditions.

David Young, of DWY landscape architects, says the goal behind this Hawthorne Street home was to create a little drama but still keep it simple.

Everything came down to attention to detail. Nothing about the landscaping is organic, free-form or cutesy.

“It is good form, a nice composition in the courtyard and an interesting plant selection,” Young says. “The little water feature in the pool is on the axis with the dining room and, for us, it’s the total design that speaks to the way it is going to be used. No one thing stands out. There are no annuals staring at you. It’s understated that way.”

Palm trees frame the house on three sides.

The original driveway used to be covered in shell. Rainwater would run down and create a rut in the guest parking area. The architects designed two entry gates that close off guest parking from the courtyard and the main entrance. A sidewalk was also added to provide an easier path to the entry gate.

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>> HOME & GARDEN

Guy Peterson designed the pavilion, which gives the couple an additional place to sit.

The bamboo provides a linear garden view from the shower.

Wart ferns lend texture to the garden area.

The landscaping behind the house features mondo grass, an alternative to grass that does not have to be mowed, oil palms, heliconia, right, and veitchia palms, left. Veitchia palms can reach 12 feet in height.

This sculpture from California dates back to the 1960s.

Giant papyrus grows along the Nile River. With plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, it can reach heights of 10 to 15 feet.

A veitchia palm begins to bloom.

Blue elf aloe grows along the front gate.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

SPOTLIGHT by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

International artists to perform at RIAF

Courtesy photos

Mark Morris Dance Group

International artists have been visiting Sarasota as part of the Ringling International Arts Festival since 2009. And there’s a new crop of artists on this year’s bill Oct. 10 through Oct. 13. The festival, with acts curated by a collaboration of

Mark Morris Dance Group

the Baryshnikov Arts Center and The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, celebrates world dance, music and theater.

There are four events with repeating performances and a few special presentations. In addition to these exciting acts,

Film presentations

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band The Dirty Dozen Brass Band

Shantala Shivlingappa When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11; 5 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 12; and 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 Where: Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota Tickets: $10.

This will be a colorful performance of classical Southern Indian dance full of complex footwork in the Kuchipudi form. The Indiaborn Parisian is known for her impressive precision, beauty and grace.

Ensemble Basiani

Ensemble Basiani When: 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11; 8 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 12; 2 p.m Saturday, Oct. 13 Where: Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota Tickets: $10 The Gregorian folk ensemble of men decked out in long black traditional gowns performs historic folk songs and chants.

The group is part of the Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral Church choir. In its 11 years performing, the group has held more than 200 concerts in 20 different countries.

Pig Iron Theatre Co. When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11; 2 and 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12; 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 Where: Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail

S AV E T H E D AT E !

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Phyllis Chen: toy piano When: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12 Tickets: $35 Sold Out Chen will make a toy piano sound like a professional instrument. The classical pianist has her doctorate from Indiana University.

She will perform her own compositions using an unconventional technique.

Tickets: $10 The Pig Iron Theatre Co. can’t be categorized. It was founded in 1995 and has performed all over the world with its daring subject matter inspired by history and biography.

The Philadelphia-based group refers to itself as the “dance-clown-theater ensemble” and will be sure to offer some entertainment with its avant-garde style of performance.

Opening-night performance When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10 Where: FSU Center for Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $30 to $50 When: 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11; 8 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 12; and 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct 13 Where: Mertz Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $10 Headlining this year’s festival is Mark Morris Dance Group. The rhythmic, modern and at some points humorous dance group will perform to its eclectic house band’s music beginning at the opening-night party Oct. 10. The New York-based group, founded in 1980, has performed internationally.

there are three films that will be presented and two sold-out piano performances in the James Turrell Skyspace. As a celebration for the festival, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band will perform at the closingnight party.

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 Where: The Museum of Art Courtyard, 5401 Bay Shore Road Tickets: $75 to $85 This group will perform at the closingnight party in the Ringling Courtyard. The New Orleans-style group has been around since 1977 and incorporates funk, bebop and R&B into traditional Louisiana sounds.

The group performed at the festival 28 years ago and is coming back exactly 28 years to the day. The party will feature fireworks, food and drink, all in a New Orleans theme.

James Turrell Skyspace Performances Adam Tendler: prepared piano When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 Tickets: $35 Sold Out This piano presentation will be entertaining and educational. Tendler is known for his lecture/recitals of American music and will be presenting John Cage’s sonatas and interludes from memory.

‘Carmen and Geoffrey’ When: 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 Where: Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota Tickets: $10 This film, by Linda Atkinson and Nick Doob, is about two dancers, Carmen de Lavallade and Geoffrey Holder. It follows them around the world for a two-year period.

‘Joseph Brodsky’ When: 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12 Where: Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota Tickets: $10 This film, directed by Jan Andrews, is about the Nobel Prize-winning writer Joseph Brodsky.

‘Park Avenue Armory’ When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 Where: Mertz Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $10 This film is about the Merce Cunningham Dance Company’s final performances and celebrates the choreographer’s work.

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By Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

Booker High School students practice for their upcoming performance.

“My Country, ’Tis of Thee” floats through the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s theater as they rehearse for the production Thursday, Sept. 20.

Sarasota community presents the city’s cultural transformation B

efore the 1950s, the landscape of Sarasota was different. Mirroring many other parts of the country, there were separate beaches, separate hospitals and separate schools to segregate races. Three landmark Supreme Court cases changed that: the Dred Scott decision, Plessy v.

Ferguson and Brown v. The Board of Education.

The aim of an upcoming collaborative production called “We Are Sarasota” is to share Sarasota’s transformation, through the help of the legal system, from a segregated community to the culturally diverse city it is today. The multimedia collaboration hopes to reach the younger generation and

IF YOU GO ‘We Are Sarasota’ When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2 Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets: $50 For more info: Visit wearesarasota.eventbrite.com

promote diversity even further.

The performance will take place Tuesday, Oct. 2, at the Sarasota Opera House.

Booker High School students will act out narratives; lawyers and judges will tell the legal narrative; and WBTT members will enhance the stories with powerful music reflecting black heritage. And, a few other community members from various organizations will help spread the message.

Local lawyer Charlie Ann Syprett and Judge Charles Williams conceived the idea with help of the Sarasota County Bar Association’s (SCBA) Diversity Committee; soon after, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Booker High School jumped on board. The main goal of the program is to educate the younger generation about how change is made through the legal system.

It’s fitting that both Syprett and Williams are on the SCBA Diversity Committee. Syprett met Williams at the public defenders office in the ’80s; she was the only woman and he was the only black man at the office.

Their mission is not only to educate, but to ensure the bar as-

sociation’s make up reflects the community.

The first black president-elect of the Florida Bar, Gene Pettis, was sworn in in July. Pettis will attend the Oct. 2 performance of “We Are Sarasota.” Syprett said the Florida Bar has been supportive of the Diversity Committee.

“We’re considered the gold standard of the diversity committees across the state … we received a coveted grant from the Florida Bar to do this program,” Syprett said.

But, it’s not just a “program.” As Syprett describes the end of the production, she begins to tear up.

It’s moving, and it suggests why everyone was so quick to get involved.

There’s been a lot of community support, including WBTT, which will “blow the roof off of the Opera House,” Syprett says.

When Nate Jacobs began WBTT in 1999, he didn’t know the history of Sarasota.

“The black community was astounded with how involved I was downtown,” he says. WBTT is the first and only black theater company in Sarasota/Manatee.

Assistant to the artistic director Will Little has helped organize the

show and select the music that WBTT will perform.

“We’re bringing our voice and our struggles into the piece to help show how the law has changed over the years to help bring equality to everyone, not just AfricanAmericans, but all individuals,” he says.

Christine Jennings, friend of Syprett’s and WBTT CEO, suggests that the city has come a long way, but that there’s plenty of room to grow.

“This town wants diversity — they want more of it, they’re hungry for it,” Jennings says.

Booker students of all colors, races and backgrounds, a reflection of present-day Sarasota, are rehearsing to the story of educational evangelist Emma E. Booker.

Booker was at the forefront of Sarasota’s civil-rights movement.

In 1923, when the school superintendent told Booker, “An eighthgrade education is enough for any Negro,” she persevered. Booker began the Sarasota Grammar School, which eventually fought for a high school, Booker High School. It graduated its first class of four students in 1935.

Scott Keys, acting teacher at

Booker High School, pulled historical documents and narratives to create the Booker portion of the script.

“For them to hear about it, that a school like this, a department like this wouldn’t have been considered — it’s hard for them to wrap their heads around,” says Keys.

Keys describes one student’s epiphany during a beach scene in which white students are sunbathing and black students are forbidden from stepping foot on the beach: “Wait, are you saying black people weren’t allowed to go to the beach?” the student asked.

It was a remarkable moment for Keys as an educator.

By the Numbers: 10 WBTT members 30 Booker students 5 judges on stage 5 lawyers 454 students being bused in

to watch the performance 9 representatives from community organizations

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Hidden talents shine at annual contest Sarasota’s got talent — plain and simple.

For the fourth year, the “Sarasota’s Got Talent” preliminaries Saturday, Sept. 22, at Plymouth Harbor made the case. There were contestants from age 5 up to the age where it’s not polite to ask. And the stage was littered with a variety of acts and talent.

The judges are all stage veterans: The Players Theatre Artistic Director Jeffery Kin; actress and former producer for The Golden Apple Dinner Theatre Roberta MacDonald Turoff; business manager of Julie Rohr Academy Matt McHugh; and Cory Boyas, artistic director of SRQ Dance Inc.

It was the contest’s biggest turnout ever with more than 50 auditions in four different categories. Those performers who make it to the final round will compete at 7 p.m. Oct. 13, at the Sarasota Military Academy. For more information, visit julierohracademy.com.

This year’s judges were: Cory Boyas, artistic director of SRQ Dance Inc.; Matt McHugh, business manager of Julie Rohr Academy; Roberta MacDonald Turoff, actress and former producer for The Golden Apple Dinner Theatre; and Jeffery Kin, artistic director of The Players Theatre.

Seven-year-olds Bridgette Marsh and Riley Sivla sing “High Hopes.”

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

Hannah Sisson and Elise Raimon, 11, perform in a dance group.

Five-year-old Skylar Chonaki sings “Do-ReMi” from “The Sound of Music.”

Twelve-year-old Emma Diner sings “Ma! He’s Making Eyes at Me.”

Ten-year-old Samantha Crawford sings “I Speak Six Languages” from the musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

Anthony Solerno performs two original songs and plays along on one of them with his djembe.

Doug Burns sings an original song.

See a sample of some of the talent Sarasota has to offer. www.YourObserver.com

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HIGHLIGHTS by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

Amy W. Miller and Jen Nugent

Volunteers Ashley Porter, Emily Steeb, Ken Tebo, Allison Kummery, Sue Ambrioso and Christine Schebilski

Kristen and Greg McGuigan

s/ART/q puts the ‘art’ in party

Natalie Andrewson

There were 12 prints to choose from at this year’s two-day print party, hosted by s/ART/q, Saturday, Sept. 22, at WSLR 96.5 LPFM. With options such as typewriters, a dog, ribbons, produce and fish — it’s no wonder there were so many people getting hip images transferred to their long johns,

jeans, aprons and plenty of T-shirts.

Live music and children’s crafts entertained the attendees while they waited for their screen-printed works of art.

Each print cost $5; the proceeds will help the group of local artists raise funds for SELECT Fair in December in Miami.

Luci Perales and Hannah Farley make a screen-printed craft.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

REVIEWS

TM

Joaquin Phoenix stars as Freddie Quell in “The Master.”

film >> ‘The Master’ Audiences either get director Paul Thomas Anderson’s films or they’re left reeling in the wakes they create: “The Master” is no exception. In this fiercely complex character study of two men, Anderson explores the search to belong — at any price.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman plays Lancaster Dodd, the charismatic founder of a 1950s movement called The Cause.

While on a yacht accompanied by his family and devotees, Dodd discovers a stowaway on board, a World War II Navy veteran turned drifter named Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix). When he senses Quell’s vast vulnerabilities, rather than kicking him off the ship, Dodd hones in on recruiting him into his ranks. He also takes a liking to Quell’s homemade cocktails laced with paint thinner, Lysol or whatever’s on hand.

Once Dodd has cleansed Quell’s toxic soul via “processing,” aka time-travel hypnosis therapy, Quell becomes a convert. Dodd’s wife, Peggy (Amy Adams), isn’t so anxious to welcome Quell into The Cause. She recognizes that his debilitating alcoholism and raging behavior could undermine their movement. Nonetheless, Dodd takes Quell on as his right-hand man. But, soon, the line between protégé and guinea pig becomes blurred as Quell realizes that Dodd is “making it all up as he goes along.”

A multimedia concert featuring classical excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, Hansel & Gretel and Prokofiev’s Cinderella.

Narration, actors and projected illustrations enhance orchestral music from th e world of fairy tales.

Saturday, Oct. 6, 7:30 pm Tickets $31 - $47, Student tickets $9 Opera House

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Anderson (“There Will Be Blood”) admits to using the beginnings of Scientology as a “backdrop” for “The Master.” There are similarities between The Cause and Scientology in recruiting, interrogations and the reliving of past events. But, he doesn’t go so far as to offend the organization. He does, however, delve into the detrimental effects associated with demanding absolute allegiance.

All of that can be set aside because “The Master” is overshadowed by the beyond-incredible performances of Hoffman and Phoenix. Hoffman, known for embodying his characters (“Capote”), is exquisitely riveting as the intellectual charlatan, Dodd. His systematic sly whispers slip brilliantly into violent rants with such ease, it’s amazing to watch. His portrayal of the didactic Dodd is simultaneously slimy and sophisticated. Perfection.

Phoenix (“Walk the Line”) is back from his so-called four-year retirement (thankfully) with a vengeance. His portrayal of the violently troubled and damaged Quell is positively unnerving. A hunched posture, furtive glances and slanted smirks speak volumes about his character’s rabidity. He owns this character, and you can’t take your eyes off him.

It’s difficult to ascertain who’s the master in “The Master.” Anderson has crafted a visually arresting (shot in 70mm) and thought-provoking piece of filmmaking, worthy of vast recognition.

Hoffman and Phoenix will, most likely, be contending for Best Actor Oscar at next year’s Academy Awards. All three are complicitous in having created a masterpiece.

— Pam Nadon

Come as you are. Leave different. www.SarasotaOrchestra.org

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

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by Molly Schechter | Food Editor

An annual visit with an old friend C

ome this time of year, I renew acquaintance with a recipe that I clipped from The New York Times Aug. 18, 1984, edition. It’s actually a Xerox copy, more than a little scarred by many hours on a kitchen counter. It is an easy plum torte from a feature called “De Gustibus,” written by Times food writer Marian Burros.

The recipe calls for purple plums, also known as Italian or prune plums. One thing that makes it special is that even in this day of year-round raspberries and asparagus in August, when most types of produce are available virtually 12 months a year, these plums are only in the markets in late summer and early fall. They are small and eggshaped and only about half the size of their kin that we eat out of hand. They are also firm to the point of being hard and much tastier cooked than raw.

Prune plums are available right now and

as is my custom, I bought enough to make a couple of tortes. They come around the time of the Jewish High Holy days, and the torte is well-suited to a Rosh Hashana dinner or a Yom Kippur break fast.

Apparently, I am not the only one who treasures this recipe.

The Times ran it annually for many years then announced that its 1989 appearance would be its swan song; it printed the recipe in large type with a broken-line border to encourage clipping. By then, Burros’ column was called “Eating Well,” and the rich little torte was not exactly a good fit.

Readers, however, objected — vociferously. And it continued to appear, nine times in all, from 1984 to 1995.

In 1991, Burros published the recipe in three versions with nutritional analyses. The original comes in at 278 calories per serving with 13.3 grams of total fat. Replacing some of the butter and sugar with ripe bananas and the eggs with egg substitute reduces the calories to 236 and the fat grams to 6.2.

And there’s an Twenty- inbetween verfour prune sion that replaces plums, enough some of the butfor two tortes ter with unsalted

margarine for 264 calories and 11.7 grams total fat per serving.

The first time the recipe appeared, Burros told the story of how she had discovered that the torte freezes well and developed an assembly line to produce it in quantity. She made a deal with a friend to store 24 tortes in the friend’s freezer in return for a couple of them. The friend left town, leaving her mother to watch the kids. Returning two weeks later, she found only 12 remaining. Apparently, mom either ate the other dozen or gave them away.

I make this treat two at a time, typically one to eat and one to freeze or give away. After nearly 30 years of doing this, my copy is scribbled with notes, and in the recipe here, I am giving quantities to make two and instructions consistent with my trial-anderror learning. For example, Burros says to bake it at 350 degrees for an hour; in several different ovens, mine are always finished after 45 minutes — at the most.

So, watch it in your oven.

This recipe will give you pleasure beyond the eating. The scent of cinnamon while it bakes is a treat in and of itself, full of nostalgia. It has perfumed many kitchens for me, and I hope it will do the same for my readers.

Photos by Molly Schechter

Ready to eat as is or topped with vanilla ice cream

RECIPE

Plum Torte (Adapted from Marian Burros) Yield: Two 9-inch tortes, each serving 8 Start to finish: 1 hour, 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups sugar 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature 2 cups unbleached flour 2 teaspoons baking powder pinch of salt

4 eggs 24 purple plums Topping: Juice of 1 small lemon 1/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

skin side up, on top.

• Sprinkle lightly with lemon juice.

• Combine cinnamon and sugar, and sprinkle evenly over plums.

• Bake for 45 minutes or until cake pulls away slightly from sides of pan.

• Cool to lukewarm and serve plain or with vanilla ice cream.

NOTES:

before adding.

• Marian Burros has experimented successfully with putting the plums in skin side down.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Halve plums lengthwise and pit.

• Butter two 9-inch springform pans.

• Cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add flour, baking powder, salt and eggs, and beat well.

• Spoon batter into the prepared pans. Place plum halves,

• Torte freezes well. Defrost and reheat briefly at 300 degrees.

• For a finer textured torte, sift the dry ingredients together

September 28 – October 20, 2012

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Annual Ringling College Staff & CSSP Faculty Exhibition & Art Center Faculty Exhibitions Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc. Galleries: Work by Ringling College staff and the faculty of the Continuing Studies and Special Programs; and faculty of Englewood and Longboat Key Art Centers.

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$10 museum admission

October 10–13, 2012

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

ensemble basiani shantala shivalingappa pig iron theatre company mark morris Dance group anD mmDg music ensemble

Sarasota / Bradenton, Florida

experience a riaf

FILM

film for only $10 Carmen and Geoffrey

Carmen de Lavallade and Geoffrey Holder, two living legends of American dance, are the subjects of this documentary by Linda Atkinson and Nick Doob. Filmed over several years in the US, Trinidad and Paris, the film features interviews and dance performances with Alvin Ailey, Herbert Ross, Lester Horton, Joe Layton, Duke Ellington, and Josephine Bake.

Directed by Linda Atkinson and Nick Doob (80 minutes) Thu, OcT 11: 2:00 hisTOric AsOLO TheATer TickeTs: $10

Joseph Brodsky: In the prIson of LatItudes

This film about Nobel Prize-winning poet and essayist, Joseph Brodsky blends interviews, cityscapes and audio of Brodsky to create a poetic homage to one of the 20th century’s great literary talents.

Directed by Jan Andrews (60 minutes) Fri, OcT 12: 2:00 hisTOric AsOLO TheATer TickeTs: $10

park avenue armory event

by The Merce cuNNiNghAM DANce cOMpANy AND LaByrInth WIthIn Directed by pontus Lidberg (90 minutes) sAT, OcT 13: 5:00 MerTz TheATre TickeTs: $10

THe DirTY DOZen BraSS BanD

The Merce Cunningham Dance Company’s historic final performances, concluding the Company’s globetrotting Legacy Tour and celebrating the late, great choreographer’s life and work.

AND A haunting take on jealousy, Labyrinth Within posits a man, a woman, and an elusive lover in a series of intense pas de deux.

Danced to a score by David Lang, the work features New York City Ballet principal Wendy Whelan, Giovanni Bucchieri and Pontus Lidberg, who also directed the film.

SaT, OcT 13: 6:30

riAf closing night pArty muSeum memBerS $75 nOn-memBerS $85

“Twenty-five years from its New Orleans debut, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band continues to be a national treasure: steeped in both the past and the present, impossible to categorize, and mighty funky.”

Escape to New Orleans for an evening at the Ringling International Arts Festival Closing Night Party! Sample your way through mouth-watering Cajun cuisine like Po Boy’s, muffalettas and a jambalaya station, then quench your thirst with a Hurricane at our New Orleans inspired bar.

Dance the night away to the world-famous New Orleans music machine, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, whose name is synonymous with genre-bending romps and high-octane performances. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a taste of chocolate bourbon pecan pie or sweet bread pudding with whisky sauce under a sky full of fireworks.

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