Longboat Observer 12.06.12

bserver O LONGBOAT

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

free • Thursday, DECEMBER 6, 2012

IN MEMORIAM DIVERSIONS Petesch helped frame Longboaters for 27 years.

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OUR TOWN

+ New community editor on Key beat You’ll be seeing a new face around town this week.

Katie Hendrick is the Longboat Observer’s new community editor. She’ll be covering events, writing features and keeping her eyes and ears open for the latest community news.

Originally from Inverness, Hendrick graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Wake Forest University and earned her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida.

She most recently worked as senior editor for the Society of American Florist’s trade publication Floral Management, in Washington, D.C. Hendrick may be new in town, but she has local roots: She is the granddaughter of Sarasota attorney William Harrison, and her mother, Susan Hendrick, grew up in Sarasota.

“I’m delighted to be back in my home state and getting to know the nice people of Longboat Key,” Hendrick said.

+ We don’t take judging ‘lightly’ Judgment Day is almost upon us.

We aren’t talking about that end-of-the-world thing that’s supposed to happen in 2012.

We’re talking about the Longboat Observer’s “Light Up the Key” judgment days.

We’ll be out snapping photos of the best and brightest holiday decors throughout the Key Wednesday, Dec. 12, and Thursday, Dec. 13, for categories including Publisher’s Choice, commercial, single-family homes and condominiums.

Winners will be announced in the Dec. 20 issue.

NEWS

LBK community celebrates 60 years of artistic success.

PAGE 1B

Home on Vamo Drive captures Old-Florida feel.

INSIDE

legal counsel change

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

Town attorney resigns

He thought the job would last an hour-and-a-half.

David Persson’s first day as the town attorney for Longboat Key was Oct. 8, 1990. He was 36 years old, had just opened his own law practice and had plans with his wife to celebrate his son’s first birthday that evening in their Longboat Key Estates homes.

Not more than two hours into his first day on the job, Persson thought for sure he was going to resign as the town attorney before his son blew out his birthday cake candles that evening.

“On my first day, I thought the town would only be my client for about an hour-and-a-half,” Persson said.

The town attorney completely underestimated himself.

More than 22 years later, Persson estimates he’s sat through more than 3,500 town meetings during his tenure with the town. During that timeframe, he has worked with 23 different commissions, four town managers, four town clerks, five police chiefs, four fire chiefs, two finance directors and six planning directors.

On Monday, Dec. 3, Persson decided his meeting attendance record at Town Hall, which likely will never be matched, was enough. He submitted his resignation letter to Town Clerk Trish Granger just before 5 p.m. and had informed the Longboat Key Town Commission of his decision that morning.

“Thank you for the privilege

new deal

David Persson cited a need to rebalance his law practice but plans to represent the Key from the podium in the future.

Kurt Schultheis

Town Attorney David Persson has sat through more than 3,500 town meetings in the past 22 years. of allowing me to serve as your town attorney,” Persson wrote in his brief resignation letter. “It has been an honor to serve the town of Longboat Key in that capacity for the past 22 years. The time has come, however, for me to chart a different course with my practice of law.”

Persson will stay on in his

Read the reactions from Town Hall / PAGE 2A capacity as town attorney no later than June 30, giving Town Manager Dave Bullock and the commission time to interview replacement candidates.

Persson formally made the an-

SEE PERSSON / PAGE 2A

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

Town offers fire contract with 3% raise The town of Longboat Key is offering firefighters a raise, but it is willing to go to impasse concerning the pension issue.

The town of Longboat Key has rejected the firefighters’ latest contract proposal, offering one last three-year proposal that includes a raise in year one of the contract and leaves the pension issue at impasse to be discussed at a future date.

The contract, though, comes with a catch.

By agreeing to the deal, the

union must agree not to litigate, arbitrate or contest the future freezing of the firefighter pension plan or a declaration of financial urgency that could be filed with the state to move forward with terminating the plan for future employees.

The town’s proposal, dated Nov. 19, states the town manager intends to appoint an employee

committee to evaluate firms that will apply to administer a future defined-contribution plan for employees. Bullock wishes to invite a bargaining unit fire union member to be a part of that committee.

In a letter sent to fire union attorney Jim Brantley Nov. 21, town labor attorney Reynolds Allen explained that the latest offer, in

INDEX Briefs....................4A Calendar............ 17A

nouncement at the beginning of the commission’s regular meeting Monday night. He explained his resignation was two years in the making.

“It’s been an absolute honor and a privilege to work with you,” Persson said. “Two years

Classifieds ........ 13B Cops Corner....... 12A

Crossword.......... 12B Opinion.................8A

Real Estate.......... 4B Weather............. 12B

Vol. 35, No. 20 | Three sections YourObserver.com

which firefighters expressed an interest in shifting their pensions to the Florida Retirement System, “is not acceptable.” “(The latest offer) still does meet the goals we have articulated from the beginning for the retirement approach for the town going forward, i.e., predictability, a cap on the town cost, no risks based on educated guesses by actuaries and a ‘pay

SEE CONTRACT / PAGE 14A

AMERICA’S NEWSPAPER

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

PERSSON / FROM PAGE 1A ago I was thinking about having a conversation with you, but I decided not to because it was becoming increasingly more apparent you were having troubles with your administration.”

Sitting in his Sarasota office Tuesday morning, Persson, 58, told the Longboat Observer he’s not saying goodbye to Longboat Key. He will just be serving in a different capacity.

“You may see me more at the podium now than you see me at the dais,” said Persson, alluding to the fact his knowledge of the Key and its codes could be beneficial for Key property owners in need of representation.

The town of Longboat Key will also still likely be a client for Persson on certain issues, including the overhaul of the Comprehensive Plan that’s coming with the help of a future planning consultant and community meetings.

“I may be actively participating in the process of arriving at a community consensus for a new community long-range plan,” Persson said.

Persson has always had a balance of private and public sector clients, noting he also represents Sarasota County, the city of Sarasota and the city of Palmetto, in various capacities.

But Longboat Key took up the majority of Persson’s time until Bullock arrived a year ago.

“Although the last few years became much more heavily weighted toward Longboat with everything going on, that workload has dropped about 40% since Mr. Bullock arrived,” said Persson, who explained Bullock is working with his department heads and letting them handle issues that used to fall on his shoulders.

“It’s allowed me to rebalance things and reach this decision,” Persson said.

“Representation from Longboat Key has prevented me from working with other

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

governmental entities in the past, and that’s no longer the case.”

Looking back

Persson lived on the Key from 1986 to 1996. He said it was hard to go shopping without being asked about town affairs.

“We loved living on Longboat Key and only left because it was too difficult shuttling the kids to school each morning,” Persson said.

Persson agreed to submit an application and accept the town attorney job after being approached by Commissioner Ray Metz and, then, by Commissioner Al Green.

“I had just gone out on my own, started my own practice and was representing private property owners,” said Persson, who said he thought he took on more than he could handle on his first day.

That’s because Person said his first three years were spent going through a myriad of 21 lawsuits that had been filed in response to a period of sweeping development Key-wide.

“I was putting fires out about which lawsuits had merit, which could be tried and which ones weren’t worth fighting,” Persson said. “It was a time in the Key’s history when we had to figure out if lots could be divided up and how we should develop.”

Persson declined to comment or discuss past cases in which he gave former commissions legal advice, although the Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber case, in which Klauber sued the town after it pulled his building permit for a luxury condominium project on the former Far Horizons property, was brought up briefly. In March 1997, the town settled with Klauber for $6.5 million in cash after years of legal wrangling.

“That was an exclamation case and one you had to try,” said Persson, who wasn’t the town attorney when the lawsuit was originally filed.

That case and the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s Islandside renovation-andexpansion hearings are the only ones he agreed to discuss.

Persson calls the Islandside hearings and subsequent approval (before the project approval was overturned) “a fascinating process.”

Persson refers to 2005 to 2009 as a time of inactivity for Longboat Key. Then came the Islandside application.

“I suggested the applicant consider changing the Comp Plan before filing an application,” Persson said. “That wasn’t the path the applicant was interested in taking.”

Persson calls the process fascinating, though, because the Key Club project ended up gaining approval and forcing the community to realize it needed a Comp Plan that dealt with redevelopment.

“The code was never designed for what the Islandside project called upon it to do,” Persson said. “The problem is everything needs to be readjusted, and it’s going to be a long and painful process that will eventually produce what the community wants for the next 20 years.”

Persson said the commissioners and residents he has met throughout the years stand out.

He is anxious to begin a new chapter in his practice that doesn’t revolve around a calendar filled with mornings and evenings blocked off for Town Hall meetings.

“This is all about going forward, not backward,” Persson said. “I will continue to be building personal and professional relationships with both people on the Key and off it.”

His advice for a future town attorney?

Persson is quick to give a couple of down-to-earth musings that commissioners and board members have grown to expect from the dais.

“The role of the town attorney is to de-

Town Hall ReactionS “This is a shock. I don’t know how you replace 23 years of knowledge. I didn’t expect it, and I wish it wasn’t so.”

— Mayor Jim Brown “It’s been a pleasure working with you, getting your insight on many things, and I’m going to miss you.”

— Commissioner Phillip Younger “In attending meetings, both in my tenure and in the prior four to five years, those meetings have at least been made tolerable by the illumination and wit provided as needed by David Persson.”

— Commissioner Terry Gans “David Persson is one of the best municipal attorneys I have ever seen, and I will be so sad to lose his presence at Planning and Zoning.

He’s a huge loss for this community.

I’m not sure we can replace you, but thank you for the honor of working with you.”

— Planning and Zoning Board Chairwoman B.J. Webb

termine what horse will run under the track conditions,” Persson said. “Your job is to give advice during a game, but never to give your opinion on the play that’s called. If the town wants to punt when everyone else is screaming for them to go for it, it’s not the town attorney’s job to call an audible.”

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Longboat Observer

home run

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Triton Bend breaks ground on two homes The homes in the long-awaited new subdivision are the first of 13 planned for the mid-Key development.

A Y ISLES PKWY

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Publix

Avenue of the Flowers Town Plaza

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HA R B O U R S I D E

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GULF OF MEXICO

NEPTUNE AVE.

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lines include better reliability in poor weather, fewer power interruptions and no poles or wires overhead.

Disadvantages include longer duration of outages when the power goes out; being more susceptible to outages due to flooding; longer repairs; and a shorter life expectancy than overhead services.

FPL has noted that after a hurricane it takes longer to restore power of underground power lines because the power lines and equipment are still flooded days after a storm.

FPL is still calculating the cost estimate for the town of Longboat Key to switch to underground facilities.

FPL schedules work to begin after a town, as the customer, provides payment.

It’s expected an underground conversion of power lines along an 11.5mile stretch of Gulf of Mexico Drive would cost the town hundreds of thousands of dollars.

FPL explains customers can make payments through special assessment on tax bills, establishing a municipal-service taxing unit or establishing an incremental-payment system.

Longboaters could choose whether to pay for the underground power lines by voting in a referendum.

“It’s something that’s important to look at and see if our residents are interested in paying for a more aesthetically pleasing Gulf of Mexico Drive,” Brenner said.

TRITON BEND

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The discussion on whether to bury power lines along Gulf of Mexico Drive has surfaced once again.

At the Longboat Key Town Commission’s regular workshop Monday, Dec. 10, Florida Power & Light Co. representatives will attend to discuss the possibility of burying the lines and present commissioners with associated costs.

Vice Mayor David Brenner has pushed for cost estimates since he became a commissioner.

“The power lines are ugly, and burying them as part of a long-term goal to beautify Gulf of Mexico Drive is something the town should be looking into,” he said.

Town Manager Dave Bullock asked FPL representatives to attend the workshop.

“We want to know what’s involved and what the costs to perform such a venture would be,” Bullock said.

FPL representative Dave McDermitt told the Longboat Observer his company has been installing underground service for approximately 40 years.

“More than 37% of our current system is already underground,” McDermitt said.

McDermitt said there has been increasing interest in recent years of communities looking into burying their power lines, both for aesthetic reasons and for increased reliability during adverse weather.

Advantages to underground power

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The power could be in Longboaters’ hands on whether to bury power lines on Gulf of Mexico Drive.

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Town to debate burying power lines on the Key

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by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

The lots aren’t located directly on the water but have two deeded beach accesses.

Builders for the project are Beach to Bay Homes and Todd Johnston, and Cliff M. Scholz is the architect.

“The homes will have a coastal, West Indies feel,” Najmy said.

Construction for a third home that is under contract at 613 Triton Bend will begin in January.

The property is located near the 2900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive and connects with Neptune Avenue. The location is just south of Publix and CVS.

609 Triton Bend 611 Triton Bend 613 Triton Bend

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according to Hackett.

“With the encouraging turnaround in the Sarasota-Manatee areas, we have placed this development on the front burner,” he said.

Home packages have not been listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Pricing has yet to be determined.

Floor plans have four bedrooms, fourand-a-half bathrooms and range from 2,400 to more than 3,000 square feet, although custom designs are available.

“It’s a whole lot of room for family and friends to gather,” Hackett said.

KEY LF

POWER MOVE

Robin Hartill

Triton Bend is located near the 2900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive and is adjacent to Neptune Avenue.

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The Triton Bend property is a rarity.

It’s on Longboat Key and is zoned singlefamily residential. And it hasn’t been developed — until now.

The town issued building permits for the vacant sites at 609 and 611 Triton Bend in the last two weeks, with total implicated costs listed at $375,000 and $350,000, respectively.

The homes will be the first of 13 that are planned for completion in the next two-and-a-half to three years in the longawaited subdivision. Each home will take approximately eight or nine months to complete.

“There has not been a new development on Longboat in eight or nine years,” said Walter Hackett, of Michael Saunders & Co., who is the developing agent for the property. According to Hackett, it is the last undeveloped single-family residential enclave available on Longboat Key. According to Barbara Najmy, also of Michael Saunders & Co., who is listing the project with Hackett, the current market has a lack of new building inventory along with a strong demand for new construction.

The property is owned by the Tampabased Collier Walker Real Estate Holdings, which purchased it as raw, undeveloped land for $1.25 million, in December 2003 and spent more than $80,000 paving and connecting Neptune and Triton Bend (formerly Triton Avenue) to form a half circle through the future subdivision.

The properties went on the market nearly five years ago and were originally being sold as individual vacant lots instead of turnkey homes. The project was put “on the back burner” because of the economy,

Underground Conversions Frequently Asked Questions What is FPL’s standard service?

FPL and other utilities use the overhead standard established by the Florida Public Service Commission as the most costeffective type of construction. However, we are open to putting lines underground provided the additional cost is covered by or for the customer.

Why was overhead established as the standard?

Overhead service was established as the standard construction for utilities because over time it has been the most cost-effective design. When alternatives such as underground service are requested by developers or mandated by cities, the customer benefiting from the alternative design pays the additional cost.

Is FPL opposed to underground service?

Absolutely not. Already more than onethird of the neighborhood power lines in FPL’s system are underground. However, we want our customers to understand the pros and cons of each type of service as it relates to performance, reliability and the cost of service, so they can make informed decisions if they are contemplating a change.

What are the different strengths and weaknesses of overhead and underground service that affect performance and reliability?

While underground facilities are not as susceptible to wind and debris-blown damage, they are more susceptible to water intrusion and local flood damage, which can make repairs more timeconsuming and costly. Overhead facility damage is easier to locate than underground and can generally be repaired quicker. Underground interruptions may be less frequent, but typically last longer due to more complex repair require-

ments. Following recent hurricanes, we’ve found that areas that took the longest to repair were generally those served by underground facilities still flooded days after the storm passed. Damage and corrosion of underground electrical systems often shows up days or even months later, causing additional outages and inconvenience to customers.

Storm winds can damage both types of systems, causing outages.

Overhead systems face outages resulting from trees and debris blowing into lines. Underground systems face outages from trees collapsing on above-ground transformers and switch boxes or from tree root systems uprooting buried cable when trees topple. While a neighborhood may be locally served by underground cable, all electric service eventually comes back above-ground and connects to overhead service, either in the surrounding neighborhoods, or further down the street. So, exposure to above-ground electric service from weather, animals and trees is never fully eliminated.

Why is there a differential cost for new underground service?

It is FPL’s position that it would be unfair to charge all customers a higher price to cover the cost of new underground service, because not everyone would get the benefit or necessarily be willing or able to pay the higher cost.

Why must the customer or requesting party pay for the conversion from overhead to underground?

Similar to new service requests for underground service, conversions take into account the requirement that FPL provides electric service to all its customers in the most cost-effective manner available and this is typically an overhead system.

(Source: Florida Power & Light)

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Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

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NEWSBRIEFS

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+ Lido Key condo fire prompts evacuation A fire at the Lido Regency condominium Tuesday, Dec. 4, sent 22 Sarasota Fire Department crews, two Longboat Key Fire Rescue crews and the Sarasota Police Department bomb squad to the scene to put out the fire and extract chemicals and materials from inside the unit.

At 8:30 a.m., the Sarasota Fire Department arrived to the scene at 1700 Ben Franklin Drive.

When crews arrived, residents were evacuating because the alarm system had been triggered. The fire was put out by 8:50 a.m., but firefighters observed an emergency situation where the fire originated in a 12th-floor apartment.

“When firefighters found the apartment where the fire started, they opened the windows to clear the smoke and discovered compressed gas tanks, oxygen tanks and unidentified chemicals,” said Sarasota Fire Department spokesperson Susan Pearson.

At that point, Pearson said, firefighters ordered the entire building evacuated and the approximately 40 residents inside at the time of the fire were shuttled to the Lido Holiday Inn conference room. None of the building’s residents were injured.

Pearson said the owner of the apartment where the fire started has been identified but not yet located.

Residents say the apartment, which was empty except for the chemicals and tanks found inside, was being rented.

Eight Sarasota firefighters were sent to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for possible chemical exposure and respiratory problems.

Longboat Key Fire Rescue Deputy

Meetings agendas

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 Town Commission Regular Workshop — 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10  Firefighters’ Retirement System Special Board Meeting — 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 17  Planning and Zoning Board Regular Meeting — 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 18

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

Chief Sandi Drake said the two crews sent to Lido Key to assist in building ventilation and cleanup and sustained no injuries.

+ Key resident frustrated by stalled redevelopment Country Club Shores resident Bob Gault sent an email to the Longboat Key Town Commission Thursday, Nov. 29, explaining that it’s “unconscionable” that the town is now prohibited from reviewing and approving redevelopment applications.

The email was written in response to the fact the town must change its codes and Comprehensive Plan before it can allow properties such as the Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort a chance to redevelop or build additional tourism units as part of a redevelopment application.

“It is not unreasonable to assume other potential resident and business investors are reading our papers, deciding to look elsewhere for a more hospitable investment environment,” Gault wrote. Gault suggests the town “needs a new perspective.”

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Dec. 8 - BRADENTON 50s, 60s, 70s show - 3 hours - 3:00

Bradenton show at Neel Auditorium - State College of Florida Dec. 30 - LAKELAND -2 shorter OLDIES shows - 4:30 & 7:00

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Observer LONGBOAT

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TO ADVERTISE: Display Advertising: To obtain information, call Donna Condon at 941-3663468, Ext. 301. Advertisers also may obtain all Observer Group Inc. advertising rates and editorial calendars online at www.YourObserver.com.

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Longboat Observer

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

public interest

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by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

Challengers arise for 2013 commission seats Three commission candidates with varied backgrounds will vie for seats on the Longboat Key Town Commission in the March town election.

Larry Grossman lives on St. Judes Drive near the middle of the Key and uses his bicycle as his main form of transportation.

Grossman has plenty of ideas for making Longboat Key a better place to live and frequently steps to the podium during the public-to-be-heard segment of town meetings.

He retired in the early 2000s after 30 years in the planning department of Alexandria, Va., where he frequently saw plans submitted by Longboat Key Mayor and architect Jim Brown, whom he is challenging for the District 4 seat. He worked in commercial real estate until 2008. He retired that year and moved to Longboat

Jaleski

Pastor

Key with his wife, Patricia Curran, who worked as a planner in the private sector.

Grossman began reporting on what he saw in the proposed Longboat Key Club and Resort plan, testifying as a planner at some of the 2010 public hearings. He saw it as a massive project that had no rules or consensus.

But Grossman was just getting started.

He spoke out in favor of removing 57 bicycle signs along Gulf of Mexico Drive that he saw as distracting, but he worries that GMD isn’t pedestrian-friendly and has pushed for pedestrian improvements from Sarasota to Anna Maria. He was also involved in the Vision Plan process and has ideas for a proposed community center and beaches.

L’Ambiance Condominium Association.

Pastor, along with Islandside Property Owners Coalition President Bob White, was listed as IPOC’s representatives for mediation in July between the town, Key Club and IPOC, according to court records.

In 2009, the Pastors and their son, Scott, opened Tasti D-Lite franchises on St. Armands Circle and at Westfield Southgate Mall.

Irwin and Sylvia Pastor owned and operated Pepsi-Cola Buffalo Bottling Corp. from 1963 to 2000, when they sold the business. They spend nine months of the year in their Longboat Key home and the remaining three months in their Manhattan, N.Y., condominium.

Irwin Pastor

Gene Jaleski

Pastor, who is challenging Gans for the one-year at-large seat, lives with his wife, Sylvia, in L’Ambiance, on the south end of the Key and is the past president of the

Longbeach Village resident Gene Jaleski, the challenger for Younger’s two-year at-large seat, is no stranger to Town Hall.

After losing to former Commissioner

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A former planner, a retired software engineer with some commissioner experience and a former Pepsi-Cola bottle company owner walk into Town Hall …

And walk into Town Hall they have, where they picked up paperwork and qualified to run for Town Commission seats for the March 19, 2013, town election.

Longboat Key will have three commission races next year.

• Irwin Pastor will challenge incumbent Commissioner Terry Gans for the oneyear at-large seat.

• Gene Jaleski will challenge incumbent Phillip Younger for the two-year at-large seat.

• Larry Grossman will challenge incumbent Mayor and District 4 Commissioner Jim Brown.

District 2 Commissioner Jack Duncan is running unopposed for his seat.

Robert Siekmann in 2008 for an at-large seat, Jaleski unseated incumbent Commissioner Randall Clair in 2009.

Jaleski resigned from the Longboat Key Town Commission May 25, 2010, in the wake of an email exchange in which he insulted Longboat Key Public Interest Committee members and called former Mayor Ron Johnson “the most ineffective mayor in recent times.”

Jaleski stated in his resignation email that he had been unhappy in his capacity on the Town Commission for some time, was not going to seek re-election in March 2011 and realized that the reasons he ran for a commission seat “were unobtainable.”

Jaleski, a retired computer software engineer, is also known for providing input at meetings. Two of his top issues are the management of the town’s beach and ways to provide better cellular reception to the Key other than cell towers.

This time around, he’s ready to tackle revitalization for a vacant gas station and Whitney Beach Plaza. He has a disdain for the use of consultants and is ready to run on a campaign of commission ineffectiveness.

In an email sent to Mayor Jim Brown Nov. 18, Jaleski asked Brown, “How long must the residents of Longboat Key suffer the current town lawyer?”

“It is past the time when the town needs to be put out of its legal miseries,” wrote Jaleski, referencing the recent judgment that favored the Islandside Property Owners Coalition in regard to a town code challenge. “Too much bad legal advice has cost the taxpayers countless of thousands of dollars and wasted years, from an unbroken string of land use court defeats, spanning decades.”

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6A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

bserved on YourObserver.com Read DAILY news online from the East County Observer, Pelican press and Sarasota Observer

East County Observer

Pelican Press

Sarasota Observer

+ Manatee Schools named finalist

+ A history of Siesta Village

The U.S. Department of Education announced Nov. 26 that the Manatee County School District was one of 61 finalists in the Race to the Top District Competition, which will dole out close to $400 million to support locally developed plans to personalize and further student learning.

The DEP is expected to select 15 to 25 grant winners no later than Dec. 31. Four-year awards will range from $5 million to $40 million, depending on the population of students served through the plan.

Called “Manatee County is F.I.R.S.T (Fully Integrated Reading Science Technology) in the Race to Student Success,” Manatee’s grant request asks for: $11.23 million to create STEM labs at up to 41 elementary schools; $3.29 million for elementary personalized learning environments, which incorporate digital learning with project-based learning; $9.29 million for elementary teacher leadership learning, to provide school professional development and district-wide curriculum alignment and redesign employing core curriculum; $1.09 million for creating program sustainability through community partnerships and evaluations; and $3.88 million for a Technology Zone for students at Manatee Technical Institute’s east campus.

The Siesta Key Village Association met Dec. 4 and discussed noise complaints, traffic safety and holiday events.

The agenda of the merchants association’s March 23, 1972, meeting was nearly identical.

A look at the history of Siesta over the past 40 years shows the core issues that affect the commercial district remained static, as generations of risk-takers, entrepreneurs, shakers and rollers have opened — and closed — shop in the Village.

+ City Commission postpones Laurel Park overlay decision After discussing a controversial proposal for an overlay district bordering Laurel Park, city commissioners Monday held off on making a decision, saying they want to consider more options.

The neighborhood was split about the idea of the overlay district, which, if approved, would change the development process for projects planned within 100 feet of the downtown neighborhood of Laurel Park. The neighborhood association took a vote supporting the measure, while several residents who spoke at Monday’s City Commission meeting spoke out against it.

Several variations of the overlay district have been proposed. The district would change the development process for projects in two major ways: requiring developers to hold public community hearings before applying for a building permit and making it easier for Laurel Park residents to appeal nearby developments the city approves.

Currently, city planners analyze and approve developments that meet the zoning code — without a public hearing.

+ Siesta condo sales strong Buyers are absorbing the existing supply of condominiums on Siesta Key at prices that are low considering the location, according to Siesta real-estate agent Dudley Carson.

Condo sales on Siesta Key increased 10% through Nov. 29 over the same period in 2011, according to recorded sales posted on the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s website.

Sale prices ranged from $103,000 to $1.85 million in the 2012 period, and $105,000 to $1.72 million in the previous year.

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Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

7A

SEASON OF SHARING

Ed Town and Steve Rubin Steve Rubin and Ed Town have donated to the Season of Sharing campaign for the past five years.

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Each week through December, The Observer will feature a local donor who is involved with Season of Sharing, a 13-year, community-wide fundraising partnership created by The Community Foundation.

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was really bad, there were a lot of people suffering, and this was the perfect opportunity to help,” says Town. “People are still in need — people always will be. So, you give once to the Community Foundation, and the money goes directly to the organizations they support. It’s a one-stop donor opportunity.”

The couple also feels confident in their donation, knowing that all the money is going directly to benefit needy families in the area.

“You don’t have to worry that the money is going to the right place,” says Rubin. “That’s critical.”

Town and Rubin have seen the campaign continue to grow, which they say is an indication of the community’s willingness to help those in need.

“It’s clear that Sarasota is a caring community,” says Town. “It’s gratifying to read the stories in the paper each week and learn about a different person who benefitted from this. You know that you played a part in the greater good.”

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Ed Town and Steve Rubin don’t describe themselves as philanthropists.

The couple, originally from New York City, retired in 2000 to the Sarasota area, and say they fell in love with the city and its caring nature. Upon moving to the area, they became involved with several local organizations, such as the Sarasota Ballet, the Suncoast Humane Society and Planned Parenthood. They say their main focus lies not in being recognized, but in helping others.

For the past five years, Town and Rubin have made an annual donation to Season of Sharing. Town says he first became aware of the campaign through his involvement with the Community Foundation.

An ALSO Out Youth board member, Town often submitted grant requests for the organization to the foundation, and he found that it was supportive.

“I’ve always been a strong supporter of them,” he says. “I really like what they do and the way they do it. They were always very supportive of ALSO, so when I was looking for things to support, financially, it was a no-brainer.”

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8A

LONGBOAT Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

Observer opinion | our view LONGBOAT

“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 / Peter Carlson, pcarlson@yourobserver.com; 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 / 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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All 22 years are what count Give Longboat Key Town Attorney David Persson credit. He submitted and announced his resignation Monday honorably, with dignity and integrity and as a gentleman. Frankly, we would not have expected otherwise.

For 22-plus years, that is how Persson conducted himself from the dais in the Longboat Key Town Commission Chambers. We cannot recall one time when the bow-tied barrister ever lost his composure in public — although he had many, many, many opportunities to do so dealing with some of the characters that have confronted him in the more than 3,500 town meetings he served as town counsel.

Although Persson was becoming an increasing target of criticism in the wake of two court decisions that thwarted the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s expansion plans, Longboat Key residents must not overlook that the body of Persson’s legal counsel over 22 years was that of an effective influence for good for Longboat Key. Sure, the town paid him a lot of money, a subject that periodically irked some taxpayers. But it wasn’t as if Persson was milking the town. Think about it: You might say over the past 22 years it has been in the town and Town Commission’s DNA to be constantly enmeshed in legal controversies.

So if you’re a lawyer, and your livelihood is based on the legal work your clients create, Persson knew Longboat Key was the place to be. Just think of some of the legal controversies: • The formation of beach-renourishment taxing districts in the early 1990s.

• Numerous “encounters” with Murf Klauber and the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort; • The sign ordinance; • The Einisman property behind Publix; • Jet skis and Casa del Mar; • Outdoor dining; • The restaurant at Cedars East; • The Lynch sisters and Lynches Landing; • Dogs on the beach; • Turtle light ordinance; • Parking in the Village; • Mar Vista and Moore’s Stone Crab; • Harry’s Continental Kitchens parking; • Town Hall labor disputes and firings; • Dozens and dozens and dozens of property owners and developers battling the town about zoning variances; • The resignation of Bruce St. Denis and securing his replacement; • And, of course, the two-year legal saga with the Longboat Key Club and Resort.

These just scratch the surface of Persson’s tenure. And knowing what you know about Longboat Key Town Commission meetings, can you imagine enduring what Persson did — sitting through more than 500 of those three- to four-hour sessions of often mindnumbing chatter? The money couldn’t have been that good.

To be sure, Persson was politically smart.

When you spend 22 years counseling politicians and bureaucrats, you can’t help but become adept, winning over some, alienating others. Persson did that.

Nonetheless, he will and should be remembered for his good humor. No matter

his motivation; he said his resignation has been in the works for nearly two years, delayed mostly by the turmoil of replacing former Town Manager Bruce St. Denis.

Given his record over the past 22 years, believe him. And give him credit. For all these years, Persson knew one of his jobs as town counsel was not to become the story, the center of the controversy. If you go out, take the high road, go gracefully, with integrity in tact. What you would expect from the barrister with the bow tie?

+ Longboaters need a sign

David Persson: Longboat Key town attorney for 22 years what the situation, you could count on him to lighten the atmosphere with a witty comment. And this is important: Until now, he was never the center of the controversy, an indication of how he carefully operated by the legal book. Indeed, in our experience with Persson as a news source, Persson was always careful about the comments he made.

We said “until now.” Persson was not the controversy until now. In the weeks leading up to his resignation, and in the wake of the two court rulings that quashed the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s expansion plans, there was a growing drum beat around town that the town and Key Club’s defeats resulted from poor advice from the town counsel.

In fact, criticism of Persson was rising from both sides — proponents and opponents to the project.

Former Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board member Brad Saivetz, a staunch opponent to the Key Club’s plans, last week requested documentation on how much money the town has spent on Persson’s services. Saivetz thinks Persson’s advice cost taxpayers.

On the other side, some proponents of the Key Club plans contend Persson’s advice should have led commissioners down a victorious path, not a legal drubbing. They wanted him out.

But as Persson reminded Longboat Observer Managing Editor Kurt Schultheis Tuesday, when the Key Club process began, he recommended amending the town codes and comprehensive plan before the approval process began. The club and commission took a different tack.

We also recall that Persson gave commissioners this warning: Even if the commissioners believe they made sound decisions, how a judge or jury sees those decisions is always a gamble.

Judging from last week’s “drum beat” around the Key about Persson, you can surmise that he saw trouble rising on the horizon and concluded that it would be best to step aside before the storm unfurls.

Persson told us the Key Club defeats weren’t

THE CASTAWAY by Jorge Blanco

Longboat Key Mayor Jim Brown has had quite a term: • The seemingly never-ending saga at the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort; • The redevelopment of Publix; • The resignation and replacement of longtime Town Manager Bruce St. Denis; • The death of popular Police Chief Al Hogle; • The legal defeats of the Longboat Key Club’s expansion plans; • The sale of the Key Club to Ocean Properties Ltd.; • And now the resignation of Town Attorney David Persson.

It’s enough to make you not run for reelection.

Sorry, mayor, no doubt you know this is no time to think about coasting to the end of your mayoral term. There’s an urgency for strong leadership.

In the wake of 12th Circuit Court Judge Lee Haworth’s recent court ruling — requiring substantial rewriting of the town’s zoning codes and comprehensive plan and effectively placing a moratorium on largescale development projects on Longboat Key — there’s a palpable feeling of worry among many residents about the future of Longboat Key. This is what they see: They see a new Publix and CVS. But those two positive projects don’t outweigh what they also see: the Key Club thwarted; the Colony tangled and stuck; the Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort redevelopment on hold indefinitely; Whitney Beach — more of its struggling past.

Longboaters can’t help but worry about the future. They know too well what happens in communities that sit stagnant.

They know what happens in communities where “the law” obstructs capital and intervenes excessively in property ownership. None of the outcomes is good.

While Mayor Brown, his fellow town commissioners and Town Manager David Bullock know the process of rewriting town zoning codes and comprehensive plan are likely long and arduous, they need to send signals to Longboat residents and the development community at large that the town and Town Commission are moving forward, in the words of late Longboater Jim Durante, with “deliberate haste.”

Here’s one suggestion: Look for a short-term legal remedy to allow Ocean Properties to proceed now with its redevelopment of the Hilton. This could be Town Attorney David Persson’s opportunity to go out a hero.

Longboaters need some reassurance.

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

1950-2012

9A

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Petesch framed Longboaters for 27 years Every week a piece of good news arrived wrapped in brown paper. It was signed: “A gift from Terry.”

The sender, Terry Petesch, scoured local newspapers each week in search of a positive story. Then, he framed it at his Terry’s Framing & Arts Supplies in the Centre Shops and signed the back of it before delivering the piece to the subject of the article.

Petesch spent 27 years “framing Longboaters,” as he put it.

He framed bits and pieces of their lives, such as masks, guitars, horseshoes, preschooler drawings and even the baby teeth of a dentist’s child who wanted to preserve them forever, along with artwork and photographs.

“Terry was an artist in his own right,” said Kip O’Neill, a friend of Petesch’s for 18 years. “I’m sitting here on my own couch, and everything — artwork, pictures — is framed by Terry.”

Petesch, of Cortez and formerly of Longboat Key, died Tuesday, Nov. 27.

He was 62.

Ask his many friends how they met him and there’s a good chance they’ll tell some version of this story: They walked into a store — either Longboat Framing Gallerie in Whitney Beach, where he worked from 1985 to 2000, or Terry’s Framing & Art Supplies, which he opened in 2000 — because they needed something framed.

They chatted with the framer, often about their families.

Petesch never missed a chance to talk about his beloved godsons, twins Clay and Cole Sidner, and David Radtke.

The customers always left with a friend — one who was a fabulous cook, host and guest and who never forgot to send a birthday card or a thank-you note after a party.

“I was going through his calendar and couldn’t believe how many birthdays he had written down,” said

File photo

Terry Petesch, pictured in 2010, framed many prized possessions, in addition to artwork and photographs.

friend Gloria Bocchetti, who estimates that the calendar contained at least 10 birthdays per month.

Petesch was born June 26, 1950, in Minneapolis. He was a partner in an Italian restaurant, Pronto, and owned a hole-in-the-wall bar called Terry’s Grand Central Station, both in Minneapolis, before moving to the Sarasota area.

He worked for a period as a buyer for Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus and began framing after taking a class in 1978.

“He just had great taste, a great way of putting things,” said Jessica Dirkes, owner of J.J. Arts Custom Framing in Sarasota.

“The frame became part of the art,” said Robbie Ball, owner of Blue Dolphin Café. “He never used a tape measure or level. He eyeballed everything.”

His unique frame of mind went beyond the studio.

He was quick with a joke or pun.

When O’Neill’s grandson received the chickens he had asked for on his Christmas list, Petesch dubbed their coop “the Chick Mahal.”

He found ways to commemorate special occasions.

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For O’Neill’s birthday, Petesch once created a giant cookie in the shape of a distorted map that had Longboat Key at the bottom, New York City at the top and Dutchess County, N.Y., at the center.

At Christmastime, he told people to “have a Terry Christmas.”

At Easter, he saved candies to make chocolate martinis a few months later during hurricane season with friend and neighbor Beaner Chandler.

But underneath his gregarious exterior was a private person who valued solitude, meditation and the teachings of Deepak Chopra.

He refused to own a cell phone or computer.

“He called them ‘time suckers,’” Dirkes said. “He wanted his time to himself. He didn’t want a cell phone buzzing in his pocket when he sat and enjoyed a cocktail.”

Petesch became ill approximately 18 months ago.

In his final days, his friends surrounded him at his Cortez home. He refused morphine until Sunday, the day he believed he would probably die. In the time he had left, he wanted to savor the things he loved, such as good company and conversation.

On Sunday, he looked to his friends, then the morphine.

“If you don’t mind,” he said, “I sure would like to get this party started.”

He died around 1:30 a.m. the next Tuesday.

Dirkes told Petesch that she would tend to Terry’s Framing & Art Supplies after his death, although those handling his estate haven’t yet determined if he left the business to someone.

But, whatever his wishes, he planned for a good time up until the end.

After he died, Bocchetti found a wrapped Christmas gift with her name on it in Petesch’s home.

She won’t open it until Christmas Day, but she is pretty sure it’s a framed picture of her and her boyfriend.

And she thinks that on the back it will probably read: “With love, Terry.”

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Terry Petesch died last week after an 18-month illness. He was 62.

10A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

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esPLanade on the bay 941.720.2053 $1,965,000

5008 64th drive west Martha Marlar

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casey Key

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3858 casey Key Road Cheryl Loeffler

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siesta Key 941.350.4500 $999,000

tidy isLand 60 tidy island boulevard Martha Marlar

LonGboat Key 3575 Mistletoe Lane Lisa Morris

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6429 Gulfside Road Cheryl Loeffler

941.302.3100 $1,749,000

6905 Point of Rocks Road Perry Corneau premiersir.com/id/A3963364

941.650.4626 $984,900

LaKewood Ranch 941.812.0455 $525,000

6409 Moorings Point circle, 201 Pat & Julie Warren premiersir.com/id/A3966191

boca RoyaLe 941.350.7044 $500,000

11 carisa Royale court Sandra Appignani

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

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south cReeK 941.441.6867 $1,450,000

431 south creek drive Tamara & Todd Currey premiersir.com/id/A3969173

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siesta Key 941.928.3424 $1,175,000

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5786 sandy Pointe drive Joel Schemmel premiersir.com/id/A3967129

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PRestancia 941.224.8602 $699,900

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soRRento shoRes 941.400.7676 $449,000

653 cedars court, 25 Dennis Girard & Joanne Zimmerman 941.809.0041 premiersir.com/id/A3968725 $328,000

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800 Golden beach boulevard, h Bradway Price Team

226 van Gogh drive Terry Herschberger

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hiGhLands 3352 highlands bridge Road Fernando Viteri

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downtown 512 Madison court Cheryl Loeffler

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6505 Gulfside Road Terry Hayes

7692 club Lane Joel Schemmel

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LauReL oaK PaRK 941.587.4894 $339,000

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12 offices, 45 countries worldwide and 18 locations along the Gulf Coast. vandeRbiLt | 239.594.9494 325 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, FL 34108

the GaLLeRy | 239.659.0099 4001 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34103

FiFth avenue | 239.434.8770 776 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102

MeRcato saLes centeR | 239.594.9400 9123 Strada Place, Suite 7125, Naples, FL 34108

the viLLaGe | 239.261.6161 4300 Gulf Shore Boulevard North, Suite 100, Naples, FL 34103

bRoad avenue | 239.434.2424 390 Broad Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102

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d with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. 11/30/12.

12A J.L. BAINBRIDGE & c o m pA N y, I N c .

Investment Advisors Established in 1981

Jerry L. Bainbridge

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

Corner

LONGBOAT

Nov. 21

Nov. 19

Parking problems Fay E. Bainbridge

K. David Schoonover

Maybe he had a meltdown?

8:52 a.m. — 5600 block of GMD. Parking. A truck driver told police he was parking in a manner that partially obstructed the sidewalk because it was safer than the alternatives in a convenience store’s small lot. Police thought the explanation made sense but discussed less obtrusive options.

11:18 a.m. — 4100 block of GMD. Lost/Missing Property. A property manager reported that various tools, a can of fuel and a 13-inch snowman were missing from the parking garage.

Nov. 23 Wrong turn 11:55 a.m. — 2100 block of GMD. Property Damage. An automatic gate closed, striking a bicyclist in the head after he tried to ride in after a car. The bicyclist wasn’t hurt and said that he was trying to enter the complex to turn around.

He offered to pay for the damages.

Joel G. oldham

Payment of management fee is contingent on client’s complete satisfaction.

Under control

John B. Leeming

7:11 p.m. — 3000 block of Grand Bay Boulevard. Fire. By the time police and firefighters arrived, a fire that started in a parking garage storage room had been extinguished by sprinklers.

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Nov. 24

An Educational Series Sponsored by the Parkinson Research Foundation and Brookdale Senior Living®

Dangers of drunk dialing 11:12 p.m. — 4700 block of GMD. Disturbance. An intoxicated woman called police because her intoxicated boyfriend was standing in front of her in an intimidating way. While grabbing the phone to call police, the woman accidentally knocked a lamp off a table. The man left the condo where the couple was staying before police arrived.

Nov. 25 NIGHT SWIMMING?

Shift change

Dementia matters

the driveway of a sign store and appeared to be trying to hide from the caller.

12:05 a.m. — 4700 block of GMD. Suspicious Vehicle. The driver of a reported suspicious vehicle in a hotel parking lot turned out to be an employee waiting for his roommate whose shift wasn’t over yet.

1:08 a.m. — 300 block of Broadway.

Trespassing. Police warned two people who were on the beach after hours and told them that the beach is closed between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Probable claws

Hide and seek 9:17 p.m. — Gulf of Mexico Drive and General Harris Street. Suspicious Person. A caller said that she saw a suspicious man near a church. The man then walked to

1:09 p.m. — 4400 block of GMD. Suspicious Circumstance. A man in a kayak in the Gulf of Mexico was removing crab traps from the water. Police confirmed the man is the owner of the traps.

Early Holiday Deadlines for

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Second Wednesday of Every Month 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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December 27, Year in Pictures Deadline: Wednesday, December 12, 4pm

Join us for lunch on the second Wednesday of every month for “Dementia Matters,” an educational and motivational series

January 3, Look Ahead to 2013 Deadline: Thursday, December 13, 4pm

for caregivers, family members and friends. If you face the challenges of dementia and need a helping hand, this upbeat and positive series will provide help, support, coping skills and resources. Featured guest Marilyn Tait, an experienced

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motivational speaker and educator, takes an uplifting look at the overwhelming challenges that caregivers face daily. Make plans now to be here.

941.366.3468 December 12

Happy Holidays from all your friends at The Observer

How to Give Up The Past, Engage in The Present and Hope for The Future

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The Observer Media Group offices will be closed from Dec. 24 until Jan. 2

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SARASOTA LONGBOAT EAST COUNTY PELICAN PRESS

Observer

Longboat Observer

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

13A

on the market by Robin Hartill | City Editor Former Con Edison chief exec home, neighboring home, listed for $6.7 million L o c a L L u x u ry.

I n t e r n at I o n a L c L o u t.

Seaside style residence with deep water dockage

Courtesy photos

The home at 491 Meadow Lark Drive features marble floors and overlooks Sarasota Bay.

This furnished 3 bedroom, 4 bath, 3,045 sq ft residence will take your breath away when you enter the penthouse from your private skylighted foyer. Walls of glass off the spacious living room lead to your private balcony. The master retreat has its own private balcony and sitting area.

MLS A3963869

$1,995,000

The home at 491 Meadow Lark Drive has six bedrooms and five bathrooms. the current owner of the lots as Sanford Schlitt.

The properties last sold for $634,000 in October 1993, according to property records.

The properties are listed by a team of agents at Sarasota Premier Properties Inc.

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Turquoise blue waters and sunsets year around can be viewed from this 2 bedroom condominium. The entire, corner location, condominium has been remodeled beautifully with stone tile flooring, two new bathrooms and a new kitchen. Great floor plan. MLS A3957661

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With more than one acre combined and more than 516 feet of waterfront access, the homes at 491 and 492 Meadow Lark Drive make up the largest lot on Bird Key. They recently went on the market for a combined $6,699,999.

The smaller of the lots at 492 Meadow Lark Drive was originally built for Harland C. Forbes, a former chief executive of Con Edison Co. According to an obituary in the New York Times following his 1990 death at age 92, Forbes joined the company in 1924 as an assistant to the chief electrical engineer and went on to direct a $530 million expansion program following World War II in which the company created new plants and improved existing ones.

He became president in 1955 and chairman in 1957 before retiring in December 1965, according to the obituary.

The properties are also available separately, with the home at 491 Meadow Lark Drive listed for $4,799,999 and the 492 Meadow Lark Drive property listed at $1,849,999.

The larger home was built in 1992, but a 95% remodel and addition took place in 1997. It has six bedrooms, five bathrooms, more than 6,500 square feet of living space and luxury features such as a separate butler’s kitchen, heated pool and spa and private roof deck.

It is a past recipient of the Founders Club of Sarasota’s Sun Dial Award, having been featured on the “Tour of Distinguished Homes.”

The 492 Meadow Lark Drive property was built in 1966 and has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms and more than 3,600 square feet.

Sarasota County property records list

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

as you go’ approach,” Allen wrote.

Allen said a shift to the FRS is not acceptable because it does not accurately define future costs for town obligations.

“It seems clear to us that except for wages and pension, we are on the same page with the IAFF (union) as far as a three-year agreement based on the status quo with the improvements the town manager has included in his prior package offers,” Allen wrote.

Allen outlined what he called “the town manager’s best and final three-year package proposal,” which includes a 3% wage increase in the first year retroactive to Oct. 1.

“We strongly believe the way to go is for the town and the IAFF

PROPERTY maintenance

(union) to execute a three-year contract leaving out any mention of pension,” Allen wrote. “We suggest that the pension issue is then at impasse and will be resolved through the statutory impasse procedure for final resolution.”

The town and the union will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, and Friday, Dec. 7, at Town Hall to discuss the contract.

But the contract proposal doesn’t appear to be one that firefighters are willing to accept during negotiations next week.

Firefighter/paramedic and Longboat Key Fire Rescue District Vice President Keith Tanner told the Longboat Observer the union intends to offer another contract proposal during the negotiation sessions, but declined to disclose the contents of the contract.

Town issues Colony requirements Town Manager Dave Bullock has put the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association on notice: The town expects further upgrades to the rundown property to make the outward appearance acceptable by Longboat Key standards.

In a letter sent Nov. 28 to the Colony Association’s treasurer, Robert Erazmus, Bullock explained that town staff had conducted an inspection of the property in response to the commission’s request for an assessment of compliance with a resolution it passed this summer.

Erazmus sent an email to Bullock Nov. 9 indicating the association was in compliance with the resolution and the conditions imposed.

But after the town inspected the property, Bullock responded with a letter to Erazmus.

“Based on those inspections, the town does not find the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort in compliance,” Bullock wrote.

Planning, Zoning and Building Director Robin Meyer noted the following deficiencies the town expects Colony officials to rectify: • Irrigation that’s not being used throughout the site; • Flower beds near the entrance are covered in weeds; • Flower beds in the front of the property need mulch; • The entrance center island bed needs replacement plants and mulch; • Turf areas need to be upgraded; • Beds along the boundaries of the site where neighbors can see them need watering and mulch; • A shattered glass patio door in a unit needs to be repaired; • A glass door in the restaurant building that provides access to a door lock is broken; • Restrooms adjacent to the restaurant are open to the public; • Eight units that have been broken into need

Lower ASSUMPTION rates The town of Longboat Key’s unfunded liability for its three pension plans will continue to rise past the $27 million mark.

That’s because the boards of the police, firefighter and general employees’ plans are all planning to lower the assumption rates used to monitor the progress of all three town pension plans.

Although all three plans have had an 8% assumption rate for years, the pension plans have not met that mark, and other pension boards around the state have started to decrease their assumption rates to a rate that the plans can achieve.

The Police Officers Pension Board has agreed to lower its assumption rate to 7.5%, and

the firefighters’ and general employees’ pension boards will hold future special meetings to discuss lowering their rates, as well.

In the short-term, lowering the assumption rates for the plans from 8% to 7.5%, for instance, means the town will receive a pension liability bill for payroll that’s 3% to 5% higher than it is now.

Some pension board members are worried about making the change.

“If we change the rate, we are telling the town your funding is going up at a time when they are looking to close the plan,” said General Employees Board member Ron McDonough.

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The MW Group, which is vying to raze and redevelop the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort by soliciting unit owners through emails about its redevelopment plan, announced this week that former Longboat Key building official Randy Fowler has joined its team.

Fowler retired in 2010 as the town's building official after more than 30 years with the Planning, Zoning and Building Department.

In a press release, MW Group principal Manfred Welfonder said Fowler “confirms from his view that MW Group's detailed redevelopment project is the only viable and positive way for the future of the Colony property and doesn't see that a renovation would be feasible or even possible.” to be repaired; • One unit has been broken into and needs a beehive removed from a walkway above the door; • The maintenance area, which contains many chemicals, is not secure; • Storage closets are open and need to be secured.

Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association President Jay Yablon said he’s glad the town brought the issues to its attention and said the issues will be resolved.

Yablon said there’s still an internal debate raging among unit owners who are trying to decide whether the 15-acre portion of the resort should be fixed up now without any amenities or if all of the legal matters should be resolved first before the resort is revitalized.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

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Longboat Observer

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

6604 Gulf Of Mexico #A288788 Saint Cacchiotti

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990 Blvd Of The Arts # 903 #A3968584 $1,249,000 Linda A. Page

Sarasota 941-951-6660 941-504-0123

1800 Ben Franklin Dr # B-310 #A3959712 $1,150,000 Carol Aviles

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-356-6777

2105 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 3501 #A3952430 $995,000 Susan Mcleod

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-928-4445

628 Owl Way #A3967953 Audrey Singer

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800 N Tamiami Trl. PH 1608 #A3961090 $795,000 Linda A. Page

Sarasota 941-951-6660 941-504-0123

601 Longboat Club Rd # 303S #A3960190 $769,000 Ian Addy Pa

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-961-8850

2425 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 11B #A3965355 $769,000 Mel & Jan Goldsmith

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101 Ben Franklin Dr # 82 #A3969377 $599,000 Douglas Parks

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2385 Harbour Oaks Dr # 2385 #A3969437 $599,000 Jenifer Schwell

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2109 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 1201 #A3957661 $549,999 Hannerle Moore

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2045 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 105 #A3962998 $439,500 Sylvia Zimmerman

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5320 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 102 #A3969128 $439,000 Bruce & Jenine Meyer

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Sarasota 941-383-7591 941-350-7112

RENTALS

2625 Colony Ter David Simon

Sarasota 941-400-8764

#A3954850

$1,397,000 941-388-4447

1211 Gulf Of Mexico Drive # 502 Longboat Key #A3968453 $3,000-$5,000/month, 90 day min Diann Thelen 941-552-4200

1075 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 101 #A3969129 Diann Thelen

Longboat Key $3,500 941-552-4200

Search forfrom properties from smartphone Search for Search properties for properties your from smartphone your your smartphone at at at Search for properties from your smartphone at

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

79919

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

16A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ SHOPPING TRIP by Robin Hartill | City Editor Bridge Game!! Dec. 13, Publix: Be there with bells on

Improve your

Are you a social bridge player who wants to update your game?

Are you a duplicate bridge player who wants to win more?

Improve with 10 weeks of lessons and games!

ClAsses Begin:

Saturday, Jan. 12 • 9-11:30am Call Michelle Golden

Beginner Lessons Intermediate Lessons

In-Between BrIdge CluB

941-365-7875

Town & Country Plaza NW Corner Fruitville & Beneva Unit 612 ♦ Inside Courtyard ♦ Sarasota, FL 96170

Longterm & Vacation rentaLs ProPerty management Leasing distinctiVe ProPerties to extraordinary PeoPLe Four office locations in Sarasota & Manatee counties Sarasota - 129 N. Pineapple Ave., SRQ, 941-953-6000 S. Sarasota - 7222 S. Tamiami Tr., Ste. 104, SRQ, 941 - 927 - 7222

www.jennetteproperties.com www.sarasotasbestrentals.com

Eat In or Take Out

96945

E. Manatee/ LWR - 5899 Whitfield Ave., Ste. 200, SRQ, 941 - 359 - 3435 W. Bradenton - 5917 Manatee Ave. W., Ste. 609, Bradenton, 941-792-6900

The new 49,000-square-foot store will open at 8 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 13.

You’ve driven to Sarasota, Holmes Beach or Bradenton to go to Publix for the past eight months.

You’ve put extra miles on and gas in your car. Possibly, you’ve even endured a bridge closing or two as you’ve driven off the island in pursuit of a Publix shopping trip.

But, just as sleigh bells begin ringing and ting, ting, tingling, too, we’ll be hearing another ringing sound on the Key: the sound of cash registers ringing up customers at Longboat Key’s new-andimproved Publix.

The long-awaited Publix will open at 8 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, approximately eight months after the Lakeland-based Publix Super Markets Inc. closed and demolished its 41-year-old Longboat Key store.

The chain built a new 49,000-square-foot store that will include features such as an eventplanning center, seating area with Wi-Fi, soup and salad bar, and enhanced produce, deli, bakery and seafood departments.

The store will have approximately 200 employees.

Hours will be from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

“It is always exciting to open a new store and feel the enthusiasm it generates,” said Shannon Patten, manager of media and community relations, in a prepared statement.

“We look forward to being back on Longboat Key and are certain our customers will truly enjoy their experience in their new store.”

Photos by Robin Hartill

A seating area between Publix and CVS offers a shaded spot to enjoy the new shopping center.

The new Publix/CVS sign has been in place since last week on the east side of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Serving Longboat Key since 1996

OMA PIZZA & ITALIAN RESTAURANT

❑

All ages, infants to seniors (MCR & BCBS accepted) Visitors, tourists, snowbirds, full-time residents Worker’s compensation - drug screens, injuries

Dr. Pamela J. Letts Board Certified

• sore throats, colds, coughs, pinkeye, bruises • cuts, bites, allergic reactions, broken bones • lumps, bumps, rashes, burns • blood pressure, acute chest pain, shortness of breath

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Specializing in Veal • Chicken • Fish • Pasta Maker of the World’s Largest Pizza

1 off

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FREE DELIVERY

Any Size Pizza!

60324

Open 7 days • 11AM to Midnight 201 N. Gulf Dr., Bradenton Beach 778-0771 or 778-0772

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Family Physician

Lab, X-Ray, EKG, Coumadin Testing

5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 205 If your yourbank bank is moving If is moving off of Longboat Key, (941) 387-1211 Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00 off Longboat maybe you should stop Key, in for a visit at First Bank!

Appointments Preferred, Walk-ins urgent care only

98050

Centre Shops Family Practice & Urgent Care

maybe you should stop in for a visit at First Bank!

Longboat Key • Personal, Small Business, and Commercial accounts available • Family-owned and operated for over 100 years

• •Family-owned and operated for over 100Banking Online Banking/Bill Pay/Mobile If your bank is moving off of years Longboat Key, • Personal, Small Business, and Commercial accounts available maybe you should stop in for a visit at First Bank!

• Online Banking/Bill Pay/Mobile Banking Family-owned and operated for over 100 years Wealth Management •• •Mortgage/Refinance Personal, Small Business, and Commercial accounts available •• Wealth Management • Amazing, Private Banking style, customer service •• Amazing, Online Banking/Bill Pay/Mobile Banking Private Banking style, customer service • Wealth Management

& insurance group Invites you & your family to:

annuaL toys For tots 1st

When: December 15, 2012 @ 9:00AM till 12:00 Where: 6350 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, Fl 34228

Please bring a new unwrapped toy for a boy or girl of any age and join us for some holiday treats.

Santa will arrive at 10:00AM

94674

5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive in the Centre Shops • Amazing, Private Banking style, customer service on Longboat Key

FinanciaL

(941) 383-6847

Vice President Branch Manager

We will be collecting toys now thru December 20th.

Please stop in anytime.

97679

Arby Crawford

of Mexico 5390 5390 Gulf ofGulf Mexico Dr. Drive in the Centre in the Centre Shops Shopsfirstbanks.com on Longboat on Longboat Key Key (941) 383-6847 (941) 383-6847 firstbanks.com firstbanks.com

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

COMMUNITYCALENDAR

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

Thursday, Dec. 6 ‘How the Secret Illnesses of U.S. Presidents Have Affected World Politics: A Combination of History and Medicine’ Series — begins at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, and continues Dec. 20 and Dec. 27, at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Dr. Allan Schwartz, professor of medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, will present. Call 383-3428.

Friday, Dec. 7 Introduction to Swingolf — takes place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Longboat Key Education Center, 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Improve you golf game and learn to play safely with Swingolf creator Les Bolland. Cost is $40 for members; $45 for non-members. Call 383-8811.

Chancel Choir and the Team Spirit Singers Christmas Music Concert — takes place at 7 p.m. at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 N. Adams Drive, St. Armands Key. The program takes place after the tree lighting program on St. Armands Circle and will feature traditional and contemporary Christmas music. RSVP to the church at 388-1234.

Thursday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Dec. 9 13th Annual Observer Challenge — Players tournament party and mixed-doubles exhibition takes place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center, 590 Bay Isles Road.

The tournament runs from Friday, Dec. 7, through Sunday, Dec. 9, and is open to four levels of play, with four players per team (two men and two women). Cost is $25; or $10 for party and exhibition only. To register, call 316-8367.

Sunday, Dec. 9 Centre Shops Holiday Stroll — takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

DON’T MISS 34th Annual Holiday Night of Lights What: The event begins with a Christmas carol sing-along, followed by a parade, the arrival of Santa Claus in his sleigh and a tree-lighting ceremony.

Holiday entertainment and store specials will follow. Call 388-1554.

When: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 Where: St. Armands Circle Park at the Centre Shops, 5350-5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The event features holiday-themed sidewalk sales and exhibitors who will sell art, antiques, flea-market findings and produce, plus food booths, live music, wine tastings and food samplings. Call 383-1711.

17A

a new world needs new college

Tuesday, Dec. 11 Longboat Key Democratic Club — meets at noon at the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s Harbourside Dining Room, 3100 Harbourside Drive. Dr. Susan MacManus, professor of political science at the University of South Florida, will share her thoughts and reflections following the 2012 elections.

Cost is $25. Mail reservations to LBK Democratic Club, Luncheon Reservation, P.O. Box 8025, Longboat Key, Fla., 34228. Call Jane Albaum at 362-0590.

Thursday, Dec. 13 ‘Fundamentals of Caregiving: What, Where, When and How’ Presentation — takes place at 9:30 a.m. at the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Paula Faulk, of Senior Friends, will give the presentation as part of the Aging in Paradise series. Liz Yerkes, licensed massage therapist, will give chair massages. Contact Susan Schaefer at 383-6941.

Happy Hanukkah

LIC. #CFC057548

Name: Chris Mulholland Area of Focus: Biology Hometown: Bradenton, Florida Claim to Fame: Earned a Fulbright grant to conduct cancer research at the LudwigMaximillians-Universität in Munich, Germany.

New College students like Chris Mulholland benefit immensely from the College’s Student Research and Travel Grant Program (SRTG). Just last year, SRTG grants allowed 53 students to travel around the globe in pursuit of the latest research for thesis work, tutorials and independent study projects. That is one of the many reasons why New College is often called a “graduate program for undergraduates.”

A new world needs more students like Chris Mulholland.

Please consider a gift to the [New] College Promise to help more New College students participate in the Student Research and Travel Grant Program.

CPC1458020

401 Manatee Avenue • Holmes Beach

S 7 DAY N E P O 30pm

9: am to 0 3 : 1 1

Since 1967

Y HAPPR HOU m STONE CRAB p 4 to 6 RESTAURANT

98046

778-5622

Shipp in Crab g Stone s M Grea t Gift akes Holid s for the ay www Visit s! .ston ecrab .cc

It’s Our 45th Anniversary!

New College Foundation, Inc. (941) 487-4800 foundation@ncf.edu ncf.edu/foundation

To Celebrate We’ll be offering for a limited time...

All-U-Can-Eat Medium Stone Crab Claws (while they last)

Fall Back Pricing on Longboat Platter & Villager Platter.

98193

By Land: 800 Broadway St. • By Sea: Marker 39 on the Waterway North End of Longboat Key • 383-1748 Call Ahead Seating/Reservations for 5 or more

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is proud to partner with

Dec. 15th Boat Parade 6:00 from our dock • Santa Claus in our lobby 4 to 6 Face Painting • Cookies & Milk for the kiddos 4 to 5:30 Collecting Toys for Toys for Tot’s Open 7 Days Best Food, Best Service, Best View 11:30am - 9:30pm Any closer to the water and you’ll need a towel www.stonecrab.cc

18A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT LORE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Dec. 7, 1989: Town-owned Key Club facilities nixed The commission voted 4-2 on first reading to purchase the Longboat Key Club’s golf and tennis facilities. Two weeks later, commissioners reversed the decision.

98005

What will the future of the Longboat Key Club and Resort look like under Ocean Properties Ltd. ownership? Will there be a new Islandside project application?

These questions are currently the talk of the town on Longboat Key, following the Delray Beach-based company’s Nov. 1 purchase of the Key Club.

But, imagine how difLONGBOAT ferent the future of the LORE Key Club was poised to be following a 4-2 vote of the Longboat Key Town Commission in a Nov. 29, 1989, special meeting.

That’s when the commission voted on first reading to purchase the Key Club’s Islandside and Harbourside golf-andtennis facilities from Arvida.

As part of a longstanding agreement between the town and Arvida, the town had the first right of refusal for the purchase of the property’s golf-and-tennis facilities. When the Shannon Hotel Group announced its plan to purchase the facilities for $22 million in August 1989, the town had 120 days to match the offer.

The town’s options were the subject of many lengthy meetings over the next four months.

Could the commission purchase the facilities? Or should the decision go to voters in a referendum? Could the town buy the facilities and then lease them back to the Longboat Key Club Association?

Most residents who attended the Nov. 29, 1989, meeting opposed the purchase.

Not surprisingly, Shannon Hotel Group principal W. Shane Eagan also spoke out at the meeting against the purchase: “It will be absolute disaster if the town purchases it,” he said, pointing out that the commission was discussing charging a transfer fee of $4,000 to golf members and $2,000 to tennis members — all of whom had already paid a one-time initiation fee.

At a Dec. 7 meeting, the commission voted 5-2 against issuing bonds to finance the purchase. The purchase wasn’t on the

You’re invited...

agenda for Dec. 7, but after the commission voted against a bond issuance, Bob Wilhelm, representing Arvida, asked the commission to give his 250 employees a great Christmas present “ … and let them know who they’ll be working for.”

Ultimately, the commission voted 4-2 that day not to exercise its first right of refusal, paving the way for the Shannon Group’s purchase that closed four months later.

John - Norman tuck at Green

Ginger Hair design

Join us as we celebrate the season with our annual Holiday Open House. Delight in the holiday sights, sounds, aromas and tastes of this special time of year. Raise a cup of cheer with us, and enjoy a live holiday performance. The first 20 guest will receive a Brookdale Senior Living® Holiday CD, and everyone can register to win some great prizes, too.

While you’re here, enjoy our award-winning holiday decorations and tour some of our expertly decorated apartments. Make plans now to be here. We look forward to celebrating with you!

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RESERVATIONS: CALL TOLL FREE 1-888-379-3966 BY DECEMBER 5.

PLEASE NOTE This proof is for representing color only and is not intended to show actual printed color.

Variations in monitors, operating platforms and settings can produce wide variations in color.

Digital color specific proofs can be ordered from your ad coordinator.

Please follow event signs Parking available at our Golf View Apartments.

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1010 American Eagle Blvd., Apt. 114 Sun City Center, FL 33573 www.brookdaleliving.com

Signature

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98042

Need updated proof sent

95511

Sponsored by the Retired Officers’ Corp. Open to folks from all walks of life. ® Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office. 51111EF-ROP01-1212-LB

Longboaters have never been shy about telling developers what they want. And when it came to a planned shopping center called The Centre — i.e., the Centre Shops — that in early December 1984 was one month away from breaking ground, they were as vocal as ever.

The Longboat Observer ran the results of a survey conducted by marketing consultants for the property about what Longboaters wanted to see there.

Their top-10 wishes: A movie theater, 63%; high-end fashion department store, 58%; ice cream shop, 47%; fish market, 49%; book store/video rental, 43%; walk-in medical facility, 39%; Chinese restaurant, 39%; coffee shop, 33%; deli, 33%; and shoe repair shop, 32%.

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Your story continues here...

On this date

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

stop ’til you drop

OBITUARIES

by Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

Temple Beth Israel hosts Holiday Happening sale

Elizabeth Anne ‘Betty’ Beckmeyer

Temple Beth Israel was a shopper’s paradise during its Holiday Happening sale Sunday, Dec. 2, at the temple. Items for sale included See’s Candy, babkas from Greens of New York, and a variety of items in the gift shop including menorahs, fused glass, designer bags and designer aprons.

Elizabeth Anne “Betty” Beckmeyer, 78, of Longboat Key and Fort Thomas, Ky., died Dec. 2.

She was a homemaker.

Mrs. Beckmeyer is survived by her husband, Dr. William Beckmeyer, of Longboat Key; sons Dr. William Beckmeyer, of Cincinnati, and Chris Beckmeyer, of Fort Thomas; daughter Anne McSwigan, of Fort Thomas; and four grandchildren.

A memorial Mass will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at St. Thomas Church, in Fort Thomas.

Memorial donations may be made to the Brighton Center, 741 Central Ave., Newport, Ky., 41071.

Dobbling, Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home is responsible for arrangements. Online condolences can be given at dmefuneral.com.

Sue Mallick

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Bonney Libman picks out gourmet lollipops from See’s Candy.

Co-chairwomen Anita Devine and Leah Barker

Maurice and Julia Goldman

Ruth Orne buys a babka.

19A

Sue Mallick, 90, of Sarasota and formerly of Longboat Key, died Nov. 18.

Born in the Belgian Congo to Methodist missionaries, she was educated in Arkansas and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1941 from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where she was a Kappa Kappa Gamma member.

Mrs. Mallick taught for two years before earning a master’s degree from William and Mary’s School of Social Work at The Richmond Professional Institute in Richmond, Va. She went on to become a field director of Girl Scouts in Pittsburgh, where, in 1945, she met her husband, U.S. Navy Capt. Edgar Mallick, on a blind date. They married six weeks later and had three children.

The family lived in many homes across the United States and Far East. She often taught school in the locations where her husband was stationed overseas.

Mrs. Mallick was co-founder

and owner of The Gourmet’s Cup, the first coffee house in Annapolis, Md. After seven years, she sold her interest to take a 100-day University of Pittsburgh semester-at-sea voyage around the world with her husband on the USS Universe.

Locally, Mrs. Mallick served as president of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni Association of Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Mrs. Mallick is survived by her husband, Edgar, of Sarasota; children Kathryn Nissly, of Lancaster, Pa., Susan Stevenson, of Orlando, and Dr. Edgar Mallick Jr., of Annapolis; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is tentatively planned for spring 2013.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 171 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, Md., 21401; or Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, P. O. Box 38, Columbus, Ohio, 43216.

Norma Vlahides

Norma Vlahides, 75, of Longboat Key, died Nov. 23.

Born April 2, 1937, in Perth Amboy, N.J., she was raised in Edison, N.J. Mrs. Vlahides lived for 30 years in Brick, N.J., where she raised four children with her husband, Leo Coakley, who died in 1983.

Mrs. Vlahides lived in Upper Montclair, N.J., with her husband of 25 years, Anthony Vlahides, before moving to Longboat Key. Mrs. Vlahides is remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, nurse and teacher who brightened the lives of everyone she met.

Mrs. Vlahides is survived by her husband, Anthony; six children; and 18 grandchildren.

A service took place Wednesday, Nov. 28. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis, coalitionforpf.org.

All Angels by the Sea The Episcopal Church on Longboat Key

563 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key All are welcome. Please join us in worship!

Sunday Services

98051

An InterfAIth CommunIty ChurCh founded In 1956

98030

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

Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church

Visitors Welcome

40 North Adams Drive

Sunday Worship Schedule

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

Contemporary Service of Joy • 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School (Youth & Adult) • 10:12 a.m.

Traditional Worship Celebration • 11:00 a.m.

The Reverend Mark A. Bernthal

The LORD’S WAREHOUSE Thrift Shop Open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday

God’s work. Our hands.

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

www.saklc.com

Temple Beth Israel

CATHOLIC CHURCH Welcomes you to Mass

Jo i

A Center of Jewish Life and Learning in the Sarasota Area Share Shabbat and more:

MASS SCHEDULE

941.383.3428 www.tbi-lbk.org 97841

Saturday: 5:00 PM • Sunday: 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM Daily Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM Christmas Eve: 4:00PM & 9:00 PM 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive Carols at 8:30 PM Christmas Day: 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM Longboat Key, FL 34228 Msgr. Gerard Finegan, Pastor 383-1255

941-388-1234

98187

Wednesday - 10 a.m. Eucharist and Anointing.

n

U

s!

Friday Evening, 8:00 pm Fourth Friday of the Month, 5:30 pm Saturday Morning, 10:00 am Please visit our Judaica Shop

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

92624

Website: www.AllAngelsLBK.org

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

90878

383-8161

20A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

ROGER SELLS LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTY Roger has contracted and closed more than $50 million in local property in 2012.

360 NORTH

SANDS POINT

280northshoreroad9.com Direct Gulf front, beach home in a private community.

Indoor swimming pool, elevator and a short walk to the beach. $1,095,000

sandspoint116.com ritztowerresidences503.com Gorgeous, direct Gulf views from this completely updated Enjoy stunning sunsets from nearly every room in this 2BR beachfront residence. Furnished. $1,295,000 exquisite 3BR, 2,990 sf residence. Furnished. $1,695,000

BAY ISLES

GRAND BAY

1561harborcaylane.com A boater’s dream! On a protected, deep water harbor this lovely 4BR has high ceilings, cook’s kitchen and open plan. $1,399,000

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES 561cutterlane.com Renovated with marble, granite and woodworking, this 3BR/3BA waterfront home is ready for you and your boat! $1,095,000 OPEN HOUSE

•

• 4pm December 9 1-

RITZ TOWER RESIDENCES

SARASOTA BAY

grandbay212.com Lovely 3BR/3½BA Biscayne plan with wraparound bay and pool views. In wonderful condition. May be purchased furnished. $799,000

LONGBOAT BAYSIDE 7100longboatdriveeast.com A boater’s dream with deep-water dockage and multiple boat lifts, this property offers two separate homes. $1,395,000

350southshoredrive.com Palatial estate with views of the bay and downtown Sarasota. 5BR plus office, formal living and dining rooms.

Heated pool. Spacious 3-car garage. $2,495,000

BEACHPLACE

GRAND BAY

beachplace7-103.com Light and bright 2BR/2BA with convenient walk-down to the beach. Turnkey furnished.

2 parking spaces. $519,000

SANCTUARY

SEAPLACE

535sanctuarydrivea603.com Southern corner with a huge wraparound terrace! City, golf course, and Gulf vistas. One covered parking space. $949,000 535Sanctuarydrive203.com This 3BR/3BA is light and bright. Includes one covered parking space. $799,000

seaplaceg8301.com Spacious corner residence. Light and bright with plenty of winter sunsets. Located in the popular G-8 building. Furnished. $595,000 seaplacem1313.com Lovely, renovated 2BR/2BA with sunset Gulf views. Covered parking. Furnished. $449,000 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 seaplaceg3205.com Recently updated 2BR/2BA beach retreat.

New master bath, newer carpet. Turnkey furnished, ready for your personal touches.

Just steps to the Gulf shore. $289,000

PENDING

510puttinggreenlane.com This 3BR home is on the sunny southern side of Putting Green Lane. Furnished. $779,000 1111bogeylane.com Charming 4BR/3BA on an over-sized corner lot, direct access to Sarasota Bay. $730,000

LONGBOAT HARBOUR TOWERS longboatharbourtowers1101.com Direct Gulf, 2BR/2BA penthouse has stunning views from nearly every room.

Updated and redesigned. $625,000

BAY ISLES 3386bayoulane.com This 4,500+ sq. ft. home overlooks the lakes on Harbourside Golf Course. $868,000

PENDING

grandbay446.com Relish Gulf sunsets and wonderful vistas of the twinkling lights of downtown. Walk-in, fall in love and move right in. $1,495,000

BEACH HARBOR CLUB beachharborclub101.com An ideal retreat or investment property with its own private beach access, heated pool and wonderful clubhouse. $249,000

beachplace3-303.com Drenched in sun, this southern-facing 2BR/2BA has views of the Gulf and pool.

Under-building parking space. $499,000

CASA DEL MAR casadelmar5b.com Wonderful beach getaway or investment property. Charming 2BR/2BA garden unit, turnkey furnished. $285,000

SAND CAY sandcay220.com Multi-year rental history, 2BR with Gulf view.

On-site rental program. Furnished. $349,000

PENDING

ROGER C. PETTINGELL LUXURY WATERFRONT SPECIALIST

941.387.1840 www.rogersmarketupdate.com

Sign up to receive a customized, monthly market snapshot. You will receive, by email, the industry’s most impressive market reports, packed with up-to-the-minute MLS market and property information, plus interactive photos, maps and graphs.

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

www.longboatrealestate.com Visit rogersbestdeals.info if you would like a copy of our list. You may also scan this QR code with your smartphone, call our office, or send us an email.

78445

roger@longboatrealestate.com

941.586.6668

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, DECEMBER 6, 2012

EVENT

REAL ESTATE

A two-bedroom L’Ambiance condo sells for $1,675,000.

PAGE 4B

Country Club Shores residents enjoy a holiday party. PAGE 9B

arts centered

WEATHER See this week’s weather photo contest winner.

PAGE 12B

by Yaryna Klimchak | Staff Writer

Dick and Joan Webster

Rae Whitney, Winnie Nelon and Meade Ferguson

Photos by Yaryna Klimchak

Dr. Samir Ragheb and Gene Jaleski

Creative

culmination Sarah Walcutt-Febish and Ed Brickman

K.C. Bitterman and Corinne Ragheb

Rae Reasoner with her sister, Allis Ferguson-Edelman

The Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of the Ringling College of Art and Design, celebrated 60 years of creativity, culture and community Friday, Nov. 30, at the center. The Arts Center was founded in 1952 and has grown into a popular arts center with the community.

More than 100 people attended the anniversary party during which they admired artwork from four artists important to the Arts Center’s early years: Marilyn Bendell, Isobel White, Frances “Fifi” Rowan and Patience “Pay” Morrisey, and enjoyed the evening with friends.

“Creativity, simply put, is looking at something differently,” said Arts Center Executive Director Jane Buckman.

The portrait of Winnie Leathem, the Arts Center’s second vice president, was the work of Marilyn Bendell.

Isobel White’s paintings, such as this depiction of the old Village Store, feature scenes from early Village life.

Susan Borozan, Dr. George Pappas and Dr. Sarah Pappas

2B

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Style show gives look and taste of Longboat Key

Construction & Design

LeeHeineman.com

Longboat Observer

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BAYFRONT POINT ESTATE

Gated 4BR home plus a separate 2BR guest house on private one acre+ !

Casual elegance with bayside pool & 2 docks w/lifts. $8,400,000 OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1 - 4pm

They’ve made names for themselves in everything from town politics to tennis.

But 14 local celebrities will be able to add a new title to their resumes after the Jan. 30 “Taste of the Keys” event: runway model.

The models (see sidebar) will strut their stuff in fashions from Island Pursuit. Meanwhile, the event is sauntering toward its third year, and organizers hope it will be bigger and better than ever.

For the first year, it will take place at the Longboat Key Club & Resort’s Harbourside Dining Room instead of the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design. The larger location means that at least 300 people can attend the event.

Also, for the first year, all money will go toward the Longboat Key Garden Club, which uses funds raised for scholarships and grants. In past years, the Garden Club and Arts Center split proceeds from the event.

Susan Landau, who is co-chairing the event with Barbara Kerwin and Jackie Salvino, hopes to recruit two more restaurants in the next month-and-a-half to add flavor to the event.

The following 12 restaurants have already signed on to participate: Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub; Dry Dock Restaurant Waterfront Grill; Chart House Restaurant; Harry’s Continental Kitchens; Lazy Lobster; Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort and Longboat Key Club & Resort on Longboat Key; Sarasota Yogurt Co. on St. Armands Circle; Lido Beach Resort on Lido Key; Old Salty Dog on City Island; and Bridge Street Bistro and The Feast on Anna Maria Island.

“It’s really about the keys, and there’s nobody in it who isn’t on the keys,” Landau said.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at Exit Art at the Chart House, Exit Art at the Centre Shops, Longboat Key Education Center, Design 2000 and Island Pursuit.

Save the date Taste of the Keys and Fashion Show When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 Where: Longboat Key Club and Resort’s Harbourside Dining Room, 3100 Harbourside Drive Tickets: $50 Contact: Madelyn Spoll, 383-4818 or Susan Landau, 383-8030

Meet the models The following Longboat Key “celebrities” will build up their modeling portfolios by walking the runway at the event: • Tennis professionals Sam Avillas, of the Longboat Key Club & Resort, and Claudio Retean, of the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center • Town Manager Dave Bullock • Ed Chiles, owner of The Chiles Group, and his mother, Rhea Chiles, former Florida first lady and operator of The Studio at Gulf and Pine • Rusty Chinnis, owner of Rusty Chinnis Contractor • Michael Drake, acting Longbeach Village Association president • Tom Freiwald, Longboat Key Revitalization Task Force member • Susan Goldfarb, executive director of the Longboat Key Education Center • Kate Honea, Sarasota Ballet principal • Cheryl Loeffler, Realtor with Signature Sotheby’s International Realty • Diane Muir, Northern Trust Bank branch vice president/executive director • Susan Phillips, assistant to the town manager, and her husband, Admiral Steve Branham

It’s stIll Mrs. rogers’

NeIghborhood

595 Dream Island Road, Longboat Key GRAND MARINER BAYSIDE $1,700,000 - $2,400,000 Luxury 3,200 - 3,600 SF 3BR condos with boat docks.

MEDITTERANEAN BAYFRONT ESTATE $8,700,000 5BR 10,000 sq. ft. masterpiece. Views plus dock.

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Michael Saunders & Company, DREAM ISLAND ROAD $1,625,000 4BR canal home on sailboat water w/dock & lift.

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GATED BAYFRONT ESTATE $2,850,000 4BR home w/billiard room, pool, dock & views of the city lights.

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Backstage with

Brunetti

L’AMBIENCE GULF FRONT 3BR CONDO $2,800,000 Southern exposure. Elegant designer upgrades.

A Fundraiser for the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training

98034

LIGHTHOUSE POINT CUSTOM HOME $4,150,000 Exquisite 5,000 SF waterfront 4BR home w/ dock.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 COOK THEATRE

EXQUISITE BEACH ESTATE $6,895,000 Gulfront 3BR home plus 3BR guesthouse & tropical pool.

Developers Realty Inc. Lic. R.E. Broker • 1266 1st St., Suite 9, Sarasota, FL 34236

98550

RITZ CARLTON TOWER RESIDENCE $2,295,000 Southeast corner 10th floor 3,750 SF. Incredible bay views.

Join us for a cocktail reception in the Mertz lobby followed by a musical master class by Broadway vocal coach David Brunetti and the FSU/Asolo Conservatory students.

5 p.m.: Cocktail Reception Sponsored by Mary Ann Robinson

6 p.m.: Cook Theatre Event Sponsored by

Tickets: $60

Box Office: 941-351-8000

FSU Center for the Performing Arts • 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

Longboat Observer

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

LONGBOAT KEY

The Views from this Privateer 8th Floor Southern Facing Corner Unit Provide a Wide Panorama of Gulf, Bay, City and Golf Course. $599,000

3B

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES Three Bedroom Two Bath Pool Home with Mexican Tile Floors, Neutral Colors and Boat Dock. Open and Bright with Mature Landscaping. Being Sold as a Short Sale. $699,000

LONGBOAT KEY

Behind the Longboat Key Club Gates, this Bay Isles Waterfront Home has over 4300 SF of Luxury Living! Four Bedrooms, Oasis Style Pool and Excellent Boating! Bank Owned $1,290,000

LONGBOAT KEY

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

ANNA MARIA GULF FRONT Casual Elegance on the Beach w/ almost 6500 SF of Detail & Amazing Views! Private and New Custom Pool Home w/ Charming 1940’s Detached Guest House. WOW! $4,495,000

LONGBOAT KEY

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

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

Historic Laurel Park Moderne Mediterranean Completely Updated and Loaded with Charm & Character. $399,000

$1,690,000

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! $2,395,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

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

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

SIESTA KEY

Peacock Bay Estate with 5 En-suite Bedrooms, Guest Suite, Superb Views and Unparalleled Architectural Finishes! Private Dock and Great Boating! $8,595,000

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.

It is about developing mixed-media strategies and integrated partnerships that position our brand and your home ubiquitously throughout multiple print and digital platforms, providing more relevant levels of engagement for consumers to seek out your home and the services offered by Premier | Sotheby’s International Realty.

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

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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

4B

Longboat Observer

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

real estate | transactions

By Adam Hughes | Research Editor

Two-bedroom L’Ambiance condo sells for $1,675,000 The following residential real-estate transactions took place between Nov. 19 and Nov. 23.

A condominium in L’Ambiance at Longboat Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Heluan Properties LLC sold the Unit C-603 condominium at 415 L’Ambiance Drive to Linda Schneider, trustee, of Pepper Pike, Ohio, for $1,675,000. Built in 1992, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,634 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $640,000 in 1998.

The Privateer North

Jerry and Kim Belisle, of Plainfield, Ill., sold their Unit 801 condominium at 1050 Longboat Club Road to Michael and Rae Blazer, of Pueblo, Colo., for $579,500. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,409 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $550,000 in 2002.

Parsons LLC sold the Unit 704 condominium at 1050 Longboat Club Road to Michael and Karen Demeo, of Wellesley, Mass., for $395,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,409 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $422,000 in 2003.

File photo

Unit C-603 at L’Ambiance has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,634 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,675,000.

minium at 2295 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Mark and Pamela Schneider, of Goshen, Ind., for $315,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,235 square feet of living area.

BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Nov. 26 through Nov. 29, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive) Address Permit Applicant Amount

New Walker Collier 609 Triton Bend construction Real Estate Holding $375,000

Lighthouse Point 90 Lighthouse Point Drive Docks Owners Association $70,197 3030 Grand Bay Blvd.

Shutters Melanie Simonsen $40,875

Pool, spa 560 Schooner Lane and deck Deborah Lynch, trustee $34,000 Alteration John Rhoder $33,825 4805 GMD 1591 Harbor Cay Lane Re-roof Turner Porter $27,146 725 Penfield St. Pool Mark Stratton $17,000 626 Buttonwood Drive Interior Carolyn Wedekind, trustee $15,000 520 Golf Links Lane Windows Jeffrey Carter $10,000 Pool Sally Ross, trustee $8,700 3348 Sabal Cove Lane 824 Bayport Way Window Allen Meis $7,000 732 Bayport Way Window Herbert Meis, trustee $7,000 700 Dream Island Road Doors Carl Harris Jr. $3,440

Privateer South 1000 Longboat Club Road Carport Condominium Association $3,400 5231 GMD Window William Bradley Jr. $1,800 512 Ranger Lane Window Doreen Dupont $1,168 1401 GMD Fire alarm Players Club $0 535 Sanctuary Drive Fire alarm Sanctuary $0

Windward Bay

Longbeach

Joseph Gallagher and Bethann Powers, of Downingtown, Pa., sold their Unit 206 condominium at 4540 Gulf of Mexico Drive to E.L. Abreu-Gonzalez LLC for $260,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,152 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $319,100 in 2009.

Paul and Lisa Snyder, of Tampa, sold their home at 600 Fox St. to Mary Moran and Diane Moran, trustees, of Bradenton, for $360,000. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,350 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $92,500 in 1995.

Islander Club of Longboat Key

LIDO KEY Lido Regency

Robert Thaler and Adam Thaler, of Sicklerville, N.J., sold their Unit 54-S condo-

John and Valerie Duval sold their Unit

11-E condominium at 1700 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Samuel Nickols, of Sarasota, for $550,000. Built in 1980, it has two

bedrooms, two baths and 1,382 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $475,000 in 2000.

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SaraSota Harbor EaSt - Light & bright end unit with bay views. 2 bedroom 2 bathroom turnkey furnished. full amenities.. $279,000

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Longboat Harbour - Beach getaway, canal $ views & boat dock. Turnkey furnished.

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PLaYErS CLub Spacious & updated 2BR/2BA condominium. $ Coming to the market soon. Be the first to see it!

670,000

Pamela J Hagan | (941)232 - 0788 | PamHaganSells@gmail.com

Longboat Harbour - 2 bed/2 bath condo with serene water views & available boat dock as well as private beach access. Turnkey furnished ready to move in and enjoy the Longboat lifestyle $255,000

VIzCaYa - One of the finest condo homes on Longboat Key. 3200 SF of sheer luxury in impeccable as new condition. 3 Bedrooms/3 baths. 2 car private garage.

Walk to the New Publix! Rarely Available. $2,400,000 Michael granston | (941) 504 - 8018 | mg@granston.com • homeslnlongboatkey.com • condosindowntownsarasota.com

before you buy or sell, let’s talk over lunch at our neighbor’s, the Dry Dock!

84606

941.383.1051 4 08 gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, Fl 34228 www.sarasotadocksiderealty.com

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

5B

TOP SALES ASSOCIATE – Ranked in the Top .5% of Coldwell Banker Associates Worldwide

Ackerman

BARBARA

Hot

REALTOR®

The name to know in real estate

pROpERTiEs Catch my Real Estate segment every Wednesday on Sarasota's

Also on Verizon Fios Channel 26

www.barbaraackerman.com barbara@barbaraackerman.com Direct 941-387-1820 Toll-Free 800-910-8728

Grand Bay 1 - Beautiful Bay Views - Spacious corner apartment with Ritz Hotel Residences - 12th Floor Water views from all rooms! 2,011 3BR/3BA, nine foot ceilings, marble & wood floors, and new stainless SF w/ wood floors, custom-fitted closets, & unique Venetian plaster walls. kitchen appliances. Great water views. $849,000 Large master suite with sitting area & marble bath. $1,098,500 NEW PRICE

Kenilworth Estates - New Construction West of the trail location will be Beaches of Longboat Key - Direct Gulf Front Sweeping Gulf, beach, city, and LBKC completed in 30 days! Two-story 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home with 4,363 golf course views from this SW corner sixth floor apartment. Private marble foyer, Sq Ft built by DR Horton. $849,990

custom lighting, 3BR, updated wood & granite kitchen and wet bar. $1,250,0000

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

Lido Beach - Best Waterfront Value Gated Mediterranean inspired Sea Gate Club - Direct Gulf Front Feels like a beach house! Gulf, residence w/protected Bay views, within walking distance to Lido Beach and St. Armands Circle. 6BR/6.5BA on 148 ft of waterfront. $3,499,900

beach and sunset views from every room of this 2BR/2BA split floor plan. $680,000 Offered entirely turnkey furnished.

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. $1,159,000

Beachplace - Direct Gulf Front Walk-Down Corner apartment, completely turnkey furnished with sparkling views of the Gulf of Mexico. 3 full bedrooms, new granite & stainless kitchen, and wood floors. $1,395,000

Sleepy Lagoon - Direct Gulf Front Beautiful Hampton Style 4BR/3BA home on 100 ft of pristine beach front. Renovated in 2007. Wood & marble floors, outdoor jacuzzi and 2-car garage. $3,390,000

Bay Plaza - Sparkling Bay Views Fairway Bay - Longboat Key Townhouse 2BR/2.5BA turnkey furnished Beautifully renovated 2BR/2BA residence w/ bamboo floors, granite & vacation getaway! Fresh, and bright with ceramic tile, central vacuum, stainless appliances on the 11th floor in exciting downtown Sarasota. fireplace, bonus area and private 1 - car garage. Bring the family!$359,000

$799,000

University Park - Whitebridge Court Beautiful 2BR+Den/2BA villa with Lido Shores - Direct Gulf Front Palazzo tile floors, soaring ceilings and surrounded by serene views of the tropical 200 ft. of sea-walled Gulf front with private Dock and Beach access. This grounds and pristine golf course. 2-car garage. $245,000 7,415 SF residence has 5BR/8BA, his and her bath & studies, 50 ft. pool/

spa & 5-car garage.

$7,600,000

Longboat Key - 150 Feet of Beachfront Gated privacy on 2+ acres directly on the Gulf of Mexico. New in '07 with 10,000SF, 7BR/6.5BA with attached guest wing.$10,450,000 Prestancia - The Estates Lakefront Beautiful lake views from this lovely, fully furnished 3 BR plus den/4th bedroom home built by Arthur Rutenburg.

Large pool patio, pool bath and grill area ideal for entertaining. $659,000

www.barbaraackerman.com Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, LLC 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite #1, Longboat Key

Coral Cove - Bay Front Dream Mainland Mediterranean perfection with 130' of direct waterfront, 5 bedrooms, home theater, library, family room, infinity-edge pool, boat dock with lift and 4-car garage. $3,295,000 All Barbara’s listings are linked Internationally in 13 languages.

Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

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n

6B

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

christmas cheer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

by Yaryna Klimchak | Staff Writer

Casa del Mar kicks off holiday season with Christmas party Casa del Mar held its 38th Christmas party Friday, Nov. 30, for neighbors to enjoy the evening.

Nearly 100 people attended the event during which they listened to music by Blues Pig and enjoyed fare from José’s Real Cuban Food.

“I just enjoy the camaraderie and everyone enjoying the evening,” said General Manager Mark Meador.

Photos by Yaryna Klimchak

Kathy Lazear with Tim and Jerri Walroth

Richard Perlman with Cheri and Jeff McCann

Judy and Roger Goldstein Above: Donna Callahan, Casa del Mar General Manager Mark Meador and Joyce Barclay Left: Maria Buerger enjoys the party with her granddaughter, Stephanie Valdes.

Jim and Elaine Tozar Left: Joe and Joanna Znorski and John Zefeldt

Congratulations MICHAEL

to Jocelyne Cloutier November winner of the CoolToday Weather Photo Contest

MOULTON Certified Residential Specialist

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

LISTI

NG

BAY ISLES - Spectacular 2011 built 4BR home, a must-see for its extraordinary beauty & design details. A3969494 $3,700,000

LISTI

LISTI

NG

Taken on Siesta Key

CASEY KEY - Spectacular extensively remodeled gulf front residence on 1.25 acres. A3968932 $4,850,000

NG

GRAND BAY - Completely remodeled and seldom lived in furnished bayfront condo. A3969282 $1,599,000

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

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

Each weekly winner of the Photo Contest will be entered into a drawing for that month.

The monthly winner pulled will choose from the iPad2 or CanonEOX T3 camera. For complete contest rules or to submit your photos visit the “Contests” page at

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

October winner Michael Baltzer receiving his iPad grand prize.

Sponsored by:

COUNTRY CLUB ShORES - Canal front 3,300sf 4BR new construction residence. A3958487 $1,395,000

98315

NEW

NEW

86885

NEW

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

7B

REAL ESTATE REPORTS

By Robin Hartill | City Editor

Ian Addy & Gail Wittig

+ Janet Bassett travels to Rome to discuss market conditions

www.WagnerRealty.com Call 941-383-5577

97866

Bringing People Home Since 1939

240 Sands Point Road #4307 | Longboat Key Club & Resort | $1,195,000 240 Sands Point Road #4301 | Longboat Key Club & Resort | $449,000

SUDOKU_120612

FIND YOUR LITTLE PIECE OF PARADISE in this charming 1/1 home in Gulf Shores.

Affordable living, offering beach & bay access, boat slips and more. Minutes to world class shopping and dining.

Kelly Belisle $99,000 #M5829396

SHORT SALE Excellent location, 4BR/2.5BA, w/den & fireplace. Needs updating. 51st St West and 10th Ave Drive W. Room for a pool. As is.

Marc Turner $115,000 #A3962668

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

JU

© 2012 Universal Uclick

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101, Longboat Key

D!

OL

S ST

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box. See answers on page 13B.

WAGNER REALTY

200 Sands Point Road #1103 | Longboat Key | 1,100,000

The Sarasota Association of Realtors announced that members’ sales were up 24% in October, compared to the same month in 2011.

Members sold 719 properties last October, up from October 2011’ s 577. Pending sales, a good indicator of future closings, were also up, with 954 in October 2012, compared to 772 pending sales in October 2011.

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

+ October home sales in Sarasota up 24% from last year

WWW. ATHOMESARASOTA.COM 8347 Midnight Pass Road | Siesta Key | $4,490,000

Janet Bassett, sales associate with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Longboat Key office, recently traveled to Rome, where she visited the city’s Sotheby’s International Realty office to discuss local market conditions and cross-border marketing between Rome and Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Bassett met with Silvia Ludica, a local expert in Rome who speaks fluent English and has traveled extensively to the United States and Florida, particularly in the past year.

With the European Union debt crisis and weakening euro, Bassett seized the opportunity to present opportunities on Florida’s Gulf Coast to potential European investors, while learning more about potential options available for American investors looking for vacation homes in Italy, according to a prepared statement.

941.387.0100

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

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

• Leading Specialists at Longboat Key Club & Resort • 61+ Years of Combined Real Estate Sales Experience

ATTRACTIVELY FURNISHED in light colors. 2BR/2BA w/beautiful water views from LR, BR and balcony. Updated kitchen w/built-in desk, guest BR/den, pools, tennis, marinas. 2 pets OK. Dorothy Cook $255,000 #A3968087

• Team Sales Exceed $195 Million Since 2005 • 2010 & 2011 Top Sales Team Michael Saunders & Company, Longboat Key

Barbara Milian, Ian Addy PA, Gail Wittig

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

We invite you to take advantage of our team’s experience and allow us the opportunity to present you with a complimentary BEAUTIFUL 2 BR 2 BA water front condo w/a great view of the bay!

Deeded 30’ boat slip, updated bath, kitchen & nicely furnished. Tennis, large heated pool, spa & comm. boat ramp. Turnkey furnished.

Marcia Bayard $379,500 #M5818101

market analysis of your property.

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

92032

PENTHOUSE BAY VIEW LBK 2BR/2BA

8B

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

opinion | market watch

Basket of stocks

by George Rauch | Contributing Columnist

Curb your appetite for high returns

This is not a market in which one should speculate in stocks. An examination of the least-expensive AAA stocks available right now shows the basket yields 3%, about double the return on bonds. These stocks are companies with the most outstanding performances of increasing earnings and dividends annually, and maintaining that record throughout the last 12 years. They are also selling at an average price earnings ratio that approximates the long-term average price earnings ratio on the Dow Jones Industrials.

Returns from the stock-and-bond markets aren’t what they used to be. Today, we are mired in an economy going nowhere, which provides limited investment opportunities because of the twin government sins of excess spending and overhanging future tax increases. Forty percent of taxpayers pay 90% of all income taxes, and the top 5% of taxpayers pay 40% of all income taxes. What is the “fair share” to be paid that government asserts the GEORGE taxpayers are not already RAUCH paying? Two huge pieces of misinformation cloud our view of what is really happening: 1. Should the government confiscate 100% of the income of the top 5% of taxpayers, there would only be another $350 billion to $400 billion of taxes. The government deficit is $1.3 trillion, annually. Taxing 100% of the income of the wealthiest taxpayers would provide less than onethird of the funds necessary to close the deficit. Further, all of that $350 billion to $400 billion gets reinstated in the economy, and there would be no capital to reinvest in our economy for growth.

2. The fiscal cliff. We are told that if the problems with the “fiscal cliff” are not resolved, spending cuts and tax increases of $675 billion will occur. As mentioned above, deficits of $1.3 trillion will not be resolved with only $675 billion of spending cuts and tax increases, half of what we need to close the gap. How do we invest in an economy with upside-down numbers of this magnitude?

Bonds. The 10-year Treasury bond pays

less than 2%, much less than inflation. The government says the CPI is increasing at about 3% annually. Private economists who measure the “everyday” price index say that price increases in our economy are close to 10% annually. Who is right? For purposes of buying bonds, it does not matter who is right. The interest rate on bonds is going to be less than inflation using any price index. Therefore, owning bonds is only going to depreciate one’s purchasing power as long as they hold the bonds, so bonds are not good investments.

Gold and silver. Both are in a 12-year bull market, the largest gold bull market since the 1920s. At the end of the last bull market, the Roosevelt administration confiscated the nation’s gold, which was priced at $20 an ounce, by redeeming it for $20.67 an ounce in 1933. In 1934, the government arbitrarily increased the price of gold to $38.50 an ounce, providing a huge windfall for the government, not for the people from whom the gold was confiscated. When Nixon refused to redeem dollars held by France for gold in 1971, all government spending discipline was severed. A commodity no longer backed our money.

Inflation and government debt soared, and gold is now priced at $1,750 an ounce.

With the above background, the current question is whether an investment in commodities such as gold and silver remains a viable option.

Scott Minerd, an analyst with Investment Rarities Inc., states that the ratio of gold to our total money supply is at an all-time low of 17%. He further states gold would sell at $12,000 an ounce. This is incorrect. He is using M1 (dollars in circulation), and he should be using M3, the total money supply*. The U.S. total gold

Visit YourObserver.com to see a chart of the least-expensive AAA stocks.

S aint C acchiotti,

PA,

supply is 8,200 tons. The U.S. total money supply (M3) is now a big secret of the Federal Reserve System, but reliable estimates put M3 at $15 trillion. In 1949, every single bit of the M3 money supply could be redeemed at $38.50 an ounce — 100% of our M3 money supply was covered by gold at $38.50. Today, dividing 8,200 tons of gold into the money supply (M3 of $15 trillion divided by 289 million ounces of gold) means that gold would be revalued to $53,000 an ounce to redeem our entire money supply. And that is what paper money will do when politicians are not faced with the discipline of spending restraints.

There are other additional mitigating reasons to purchase gold. Four years ago, governments were net sellers of gold, and now they are net purchasers of gold. China and India have been leading the way, and China holds more foreign currency than any other country. So, if China and other governments are now accumulating gold, that means there will be another huge purchaser in the market, creating demand. In addition to governments now accumulating gold, many funds investing in gold and silver, and big investors such as George Sorros and John Paulson, are in the market. They have hundreds of tonnes of investments in gold. Demand continues to grow. The growing demand for goods and services causes prices to increase unless the supply can be increased commensurately. It cannot. Mining strikes all over the world are inhibiting production increases and causing production in many areas to decrease.

With the above in mind, it is easy to understand how further investments in gold and silver will be profitable and will act as a hedge toward the government’s continued assault on the dollar through inflation.

Conclusion

Market Watch does not recommend anything. It is our job to provide ideas. The “idea” of the day is as follows: This is not a healthy market in which to speculate.

Bonds pay nothing and eat up your principal through inflation. Gold and silver are mathematically our best hedge against pending economic catastrophe. Finally, if one must invest in the stock market, do so with solid companies that have proven records and huge market shares in their own businesses, which businesses concentrate upon world markets and dominate those markets.

Investors should concentrate upon safety. We may need to curb our appetite for high returns in favor of ensuring our money that’s invested is returned.

Caveat Emptor. *One of Alan Greenspan’s last acts as Fed chairman was to eliminate M3 statistics, the total money supply. This was more government deception like the CPI. M3 included government debt in the money supply. Government debt is an obligation, like cash, that is owed to whoever holds it, and it is therefore the most significant part of our money supply.

George Rauch, Longboat Key, is chief ex-

ecutive officer of Bradenton-based General Propeller and a former Wall Street investment banker.

iday

Realtor®

ol > H

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

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Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

mix and mingle

9B

by Nick Friedman | Community Editor

A Wish Fulfilled. The Ones You Love.

The Luxury of Time.

Photos by Nick Friedman

Country Club Shores Neighborhood Association Board members Jack Kazanciyan, Ron Krum, Charlie Campbell, Gary Coffin, Joe Moccia, Sandie Cohen and Scott Schindler

Country Club Shores neighbors get festive at holiday dinner Members of Country Club Shores neighborhood associations I, II and II gathered Sunday, Dec. 2, at Bird Key Yacht Club for their annual holiday dinner. Twice a year the neighbors meet for a community-building celebration.

Louise Harrison, brother of the late George Harrison, of the Beatles, was the featured guest speaker.

Lynn and Bill Cook with Pat Pantello

Waterfront Resort Living on Florida’s Last Private Island.

Start with maintenance-included, energy-efficient homes designed for care-free coastal living. Combine with resort-style amenities like a private clubhouse, pool, cabanas and marina. Top off with the pleasures of Anna Maria Island. It all adds up to the Florida resort lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of. A place to gather family and friends today and celebrate all the tomorrows to come.

Chris Lynch and her sisters, Ethna Lynch and Helen Lynch

Greg and Mary Delgado Award-Winning Designs | Enduring Quality | Incomparable Value

Exquisite Island Coach Homes from the $370s to $500s.

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98038

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Enjoy the ultimate carefree lifestyle in this gated community with incredible amenities. Offered at $379,900

Longboat Key Realty

Tina Rudek -

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

www.LBKRealEstate.com

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Daily • Weekly • Monthly Rentals

3453 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key

FRee Wireless Internet Service in all Units “superior small lodging” White Glove Award TOLL FREE 866-383-2417

www.seahorsebeachresort.com

For more information about our award-winning homes and communities throughout Florida, visit mintofla.com 12300 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209 On SR 64.

On Anna Maria Sound, just east of the Anna Maria Bridge

Prices and availability subject to change without notice. Oral representations cannot be relied upon a correctly stating the representations of the developer. For correct representations, make reference to the purchase agreement and homeowner documents, including the documents required by section 718.503, Florida Statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee in condominium communities. Not an offer where prohibited by state statutes. CBC 1258779, CGC 1505726, CGC 1519880. 12/2012.

96362

expecting coMpany?

10B

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

BOAT BLESSING

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

by Yaryna Klimchak | Staff Writer

Bird Key Yacht Club lights fleet for the holidays Bird Key Yacht Club held its blessing and Lighting of the Fleet ceremony Saturday, Dec. 1, at the club. The Rev. Bill Hild, of First Baptist Church, blessed the fleet and said a prayer, and members showed off their decorated boats.

More than 200 people attended the ceremony, which has taken place for more than 40 years.

Richard Fountain, Elaine Coulter and Karen Gallagher

Ann and Norm Weber

Michael Tendall and Gordy Johnson

Sue and Jim Hanes

Nancy Carlton and Bill Bamberg

Ashley Ritter and Carol Ritter

Photos by Yaryna Klimchak

© 2012 DonalD Rusimbi & mathijs bettens, Ringling College of aRt anD Design

Susan and Mike Seery with Barbara Sanandres

Every day, families are challenged to maintain even the basics. To some, a simple trip to the grocery is unaffordable. Donating to Season of Sharing can make a profound difference in the lives of our neighbors and strengthen our community.

All of your donation – 100% – goes directly to helping those in need.

Giving a little means a lot.

97037

Visit CFSarasota.org or call 941-556-2399 to make a difference today.

Donations can also be mailed to PO Box 49587, Sarasota, FL 34230-6587.

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

11B

Lynne Koy

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

Headed on a great vacation? Make sure to take your Observer along!

Send your travel photos to nschwartz@yourobserver.com.

presents her

◆

PREMIER COLLECTIOn◆

SPICE BAY Located in the private gated community of Spice Bay on Siesta Key is the Bonaire a truly luxurious residence with a Dutch West Indies style built by Perrone Construction. With four en suite bedrooms, guest quarters and your own boat slip this beautiful home offers the best of everything!

$2,349,000

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS harming Elegance with Breathtaking

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 $1,395,000 to the elevator are an added bonus!

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

PLAYERS CLUB Fabulous Gulf views with endless winter

Gulf, Bay and City Views from this 3BD/3BA Penthouse residence. This was the home of Mr. Arthur Ferrante of Ferrante & Teicher fame now being sold by his wife. Soaring ceilings, open floor plan and oversized $2,175,000 windows welcome the sun and the sea.

SLOVENIA. Longboat Key resident Sue Reese brought her Longboat Observer along while vacationing at Lake Bled in Slovenia with her daughter earlier this fall. The two also visited Croatia on their trip.

sunsets from this 2BD/2BA furnished condominium with $575,000 courtyard entry and additional storage.

Top AgenT in Closed sAles on longboAT Key 2007-2011 Top AgenT in Closed sAles on bird Key 2011

SEAPLACE - Northwest winter sunsets and sultry breezes will greet you from your two spacious terraces in this beautifully updated, furnished 3BR/2BA $560,000 condominium home.

ISLANDER CLUB - Direct Bay to beach views! 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 $449,000 tower and is priced to sell.

SEAPLACE – Completely remodeled and beautifully furnished, 2BD/2BA with NW gulf views and spectacular sunsets. Every creature comfort is waiting for you, just bring $479,000 your bathing suit.

INN ON THE BEACH - Direct Gulf Front views! 1BD/1BA Club Suite with first class amenities and a fabulous rental $409,000 program.

BIRD KEY – Spacious corner parcel with mature trees and a pleasurable Northeast facing exposure in this well established neighborhood. Ready for you to build your $449,000 dream home.

SEAPLACE – Enjoy tranquil views in SAND CAY – 2BD/2BA with Gulf & this tropical setting. Open space, updated Bay views, fully furnished, great rental kitchen and baths, 2BD/2BA, sold furnished. property! Call us for rental history! $349,000 $324,900

VIRGINIA. Longboat Key residents Elise and Eric Warneke catch up on their hometown news at Great Falls National Park, on the Virginia side of the Potomac River.

ExpertMarketing Marketing Expert Expert Expert ExpertMarketing Marketing Marketing Expert Marketing International PropertyPromotion Promotion International Property International International International Property Property Property Promotion Promotion Promotion International Property Promotion SuccessfulSales Sales Successful Successful Successful SuccessfulSales Sales Sales Successful Sales Trusted ProfessionalGuidance.

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Jspaley@comcast.net Sheldon Paley, Realtor® Sheldon Paley, Realtor® Sheldon Sheldon Sheldon Paley, Paley, Paley, Realtor® Realtor® Realtor® Sheldon Paley, Realtor® www.SheldonPaley.com Signature Sotheby’sInternational International Realty Signature Sotheby’s Realty

Sheldon Paley, Realtor

®

SEAPLACE Rarely available Townhouse, 2BD/2.5BA with attached garage and spacious terrace overlooking tropical $449,000 garden views.

I I Inter I nte I nt I nte SEAPLACE – Updated kitchen with warm pecan cabinetry and granite counters in this 2BD/2BA condominium home with Southwest Gulf and bay views and miles of $375,000 sand and beach.

T T ru T r T r

Certified International Property Specialist

Signature Signature Signature Sotheby’s Sotheby’s Sotheby’s International International International Realty Realty Realty Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Transnational Referral Certification • Resort and Second Home Specialist • International Real Estate Federation Member ThePlaza PlazaatatFive FivePoints Points The The The The Plaza Plaza Plaza atatat Five atFive Five Points Points Points The Plaza Five Points 50 Avenue,Suite Suite110, 110,Sarasota, Sarasota, 34236 50 Central Central Avenue, FLFL 34236 JuSt SoLd: 6980 74th St. Circle 5050 50 Central Central Central Avenue, Avenue, Avenue, Suite Suite Suite 110, 110, 110, Sarasota, Sarasota, Sarasota, FL FL FL 34236 34236 34236 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110, Sarasota, FL 34236 Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.356.1857 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000

East in River ClubPaley, $350,000Realtor® Sheldon Sheldon Paley, Realtor® 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 941.356.1857 Sheldon Sheldon Sheldon Paley, Paley, Paley, Realtor® Realtor® Realtor® Sheldon Paley, Realtor® PEndinG: 7608 Camden Harbor in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 Heritage Harbour $400,000 Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Signature Sotheby’s International Realty 5 Star Best in Client Satisfaction Signature Signature Sotheby’s Sotheby’s Sotheby’s International International International Realty Realty Realty Jspaley@comcast.net | www.SheldonPaley.com 5 Star BestSignature in Client Satisfaction Signature Sotheby’s International Realty ThePlaza PlazaatatFive FivePoints Points The The The The Plaza Plaza Plaza atatat Five atFive Five Points Points Points The Plaza Five Points Reduced $100,000 50 Avenue,Suite Suite110, 110,Sarasota, Sarasota, 34236 50 Central Central Avenue, FLFL 34236 5050 50 Central Central Central Avenue, Avenue, Avenue, Suite Suite Suite 110, 110, 110, Sarasota, Sarasota, Sarasota, FLFL FL 34236 34236 34236 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110, Sarasota, FL 34236 Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.356.1857 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000

601 Longboat Club Road #404S -- $100,000 price reduction. Best price ever -- $775,000 for Gulf front with gorgeous sweeping gulf views in the prestigious Longboat Key Towers. This Unit is an incomparable value!

Largest 2/BR 2/BA at 1,560 sq. ft. Behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club. $11 million dollar completed building PENDING PENDING SOLD PENDING PENDING SOLD renovation includes hurricane windows, new roof, beachfront pool and spa, fitness center, etc.

PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING SOLD SOLD SOLD PENDING PENDING SOLD

Bayou Sound Grand Bay Bayou Sound Grand Bay Harbourside 2016 7323 Kensington Court, University Park $359,000 Bayou Bayou Bayou Sound Sound Sound Grand Grand Grand Bay Bay Bay Bayou Sound Grand Bay

$749,000

Islander Islander

Islander Islander Islander Islander $1,250,000 $999,000 $500,000 $1,250,000 $999,000 $500,000 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and$500,000 2462 SF with 2 bedrooms plus den, 2 baths 1802 $999,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $999,000 $999,000 $500,000 $500,000 $1,250,000 $999,000 $500,000 Spectacular Bay views SF with Lakefront views

Realtors - Licensed Real Estate Broker 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, Florida 34228 941 - 383 - 2500 (M-F) | 941-364-4014 (Sat -Sun) | premiersothebysrealty.com

Reduced $30,000

Bayou Sound Bayou Sound Bayou Bayou Bayou Sound Sound Sound Bayou Sound $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000

PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING

PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING Sabal SabalCove Cove Sabal Sabal Sabal Cove Cove Cove Sabal Cove $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000

1211 Gulf of Mexico

Grand Grand Bay Bay Grand Grand Grand Bay Bay Bay Grand Bay $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

QueensHarbor Harbor Queens Queens Queens Queens Harbor Harbor Harbor Queens Harbor $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000

$769,000 Staghorn in Deer Creek

2 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1827 SF with full Gulf views

PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING Sabal SabalCove Cove Sabal Sabal Sabal Cove Cove Cove Sabal Cove $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

QueensHarbor Harbor Queens Queens Queens Queens Harbor Harbor Harbor Queens Harbor $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000

98057

Bellagio at Osprey Harbor $799,000 Alinari at Rosemary Place

3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228

98242

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

$469,000 649 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, $304,000 housekeeper quarters, artist studio, office or your own private retreat. A3962661 $1,450,000

941.383.5502 or 941.724.7228 CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

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

S S Signa Sign Sig Sign

941.387.1803

Islander Islander Islander Islander Islander Islander $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000

36250

PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING

S S She Sh Sh Sh

50 50 50 50 50 C C en C e 50 C e lkoy@coldwellbanker.com

Tour Lynne’s properties at

www.lynnekoy.com

S

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

Global Marketing: NYtimes.com • Birdkeynews.com • Coldwellbanker.com • Worldproperties.com • Trulia.com •LynneKoy.com • Rightmoves.com • Greatwaterfrontliving.com • Realtor.com • Zillow.com RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE DEDICATED TO LUXURY REAL ESTATE SM

Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

Follow me on Facebook / Twitter LinkedIn / YouTube

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

97709

New ListiNg

12B

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

TemperatureS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

Temps.

Weather Photo Contest Winner

Record Temps.

High

Low

High

Low

Tues., Nov. 27

80

55

86 (1960)

38 (1962)

Wed., Nov. 28

77

57

87 (1958)

30 (1930)

Thurs., Nov. 29

80

54

86 (1990)

40 (1959)

Fri., Nov. 30

80

58

87 (1994)

30 (1959)

Sat., Dec. 1

81

56

88 (1991)

34 (1979)

Sun., Dec. 2

82

61

88 (1991)

35 (1963)

Mon., Dec. 3

83

73

87 (1991)

36 (1935)

Average Gulf water temperature: 68

TIDE CHART

Thurs., Dec. 6

Highs 4:30a 5:58p

7:03a

Lows 5:20p

Fri., Dec. 7

6:10a

6:37p

7:37a

5:55p

Sat., Dec. 8

7:54a

7:15p

8:53a

5:58p

Sun., Dec. 9

9:27a

7:56p

9:30a

7:17p

Mon., Dec. 10

10:46a

8:38p

4:07a

2:45p

Tues., Dec. 11

11:53a

9:22p

4:49a

3:25p

Wed., Dec. 12

12:52p 10:09p

5:50a

4:05p

MOON PHASES

Sunrise/sunset

Thurs., Dec. 6 Fri., Dec. 7 Sat., Dec. 8 Sun., Dec. 9 Mon., Dec. 10 Tues., Dec. 11 Wed., Dec. 12

Sunrise 7:07 7:08 7:08 7:09 7:10 7:10 7:11

Sunset 5:36 5:36 5:36 5:37 5:37 5:37 5:37

Dec. 6 Last

Dec. 13 New

Dec. 20 First

Dec. 28 Full

Betty Lupacchino-Goree submitted this sunset photo, taken on Longboat Key. PHOTO CONTEST: Win an iPad 2 or Canon EOS T3 camera. Enter your sunset, sunrise or weatherrelated 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.

Save

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Edited by Timothy E. Parker

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G LV W S L K AT V. ” 66

Big cat hybrid Freezing cold Inclination The peacock network A sister of Clio Eat at the beach?

Bullfighters’ entrance march “ ___ the ramparts ...”

Unconditionally Actress Charlotte of “The Facts of Life” Not intentional Linen sale purchase Garbage emanations The last one brings it up Yodeler’s mountain Rock for miners Liquidation sale Sea eagles Prefix meaning “new” Journalist Shriver Little troublemakers ___ Beach, Calif.

Powerful canine Barry of Green Beret ballad fame Tylenol target Make a decision Sing Sing disorder St. ___ (largest U.S. Virgin Island) Samurai, e.g.

Bridge supports Unpopular spots Tenth anniversary gift Deg. for an executive He’ll rub you the right way Greek letter after pi

67 Warning from the 122 Middle Eastern country on the Red postal service Sea 71 Genes material 123 Country crooner 72 Confession Tucker receivers 74 Jed Clampett’s find 124 ___ a clue (is naive) 75 Crumb runner 76 Letterman’s house? dOwn 77 The golden calf 1 What most college and others professors desire 2 One with pressing 78 Cut in thin strips, issues? as carrots 3 Certain meter 81 Ecological reader community 4 Marine mammals 82 Remove flawed with webbed feet ones 5 Prolific romance 83 Sales ___ writer Roberts (company agent, 6 Less harsh 7 Joule fraction for short) 8 Forfeiture 84 Buttonhole, e.g.

9 Potato named after 85 Intensely hot its state 86 Old word for 10 Discourage from 75-Across proceeding 88 Confused 11 Brief quarrel 90 ___ in comparison 12 Lancelot du ___ 92 Posed a question (knight of the 94 Hallow ending?

Round Table) 13 Burnout result 95 Window frame 14 Formerly, on the 99 New Testament wedding page section 15 Big fusses 101 Plus additional 16 Accuracy required things 17 Face hardship 104 Beatty in bravely “Network” 18 Family emblems 105 Spread in a tub 24 Twice as dumb 25 Rain in buckets 106 Odd-numbered 30 More than exalts page, often 33 ___ Beach, Fla. 107 Asian goatlike 35 Vegas game animal featuring shooters 109 Design in advance 36 What Santa checks 111 Nest egg option, twice briefly 37 Horse’s nibble 112 Warning from a TV 41 Indifferent to right announcer and wrong 43 Evil spell 117 Qtr. starter 44 Sculling need 118 “Bye!” 45 What to call an 119 Legendary elderly gentleman McQueen 46 Philosophy in an 120 Credits as a source Orwell novel 121 “With all ___ 48 From Dublin respect ...”

49 Kind of neckwear

50 Way out of date 51 Warning on some keys 52 Tell a tall tale 56 Enormous, destructive wave 58 Takes first place 59 Band of geishas?

60 Time you can’t relive 62 Rocky crags 64 Male lion’s distinction 65 Put on a scale of 1 to 10 67 Secluded valleys 68 Rogaine alternative 69 Wire measure 70 Camper’s water flask 73 Height of sanctity 76 Evergreen tree 78 Yanks 79 Yale collegian 80 Vote down 81 Jazz genre 83 “All ___!” (court phrase) 85 Icy wasteland 87 Prefix for “content” 89 Like some divers 90 “End of story!”

91 Quick impression 93 Big bucks?

95 “Houseboat” actress Loren 96 Metes out 97 Mariners 98 “I’m telling you the truth!”

100 “Without delay,” facetiously 102 Lovers’ engagement 103 Terra ___ 107 “Star Trek” phaser setting 108 Timely question?

110 ___-A-Sketch 113 Poetic form 114 Game played with counters 115 It props up a golf ball 116 League of 79-Down

CROSSWORD_120612

Thursday, December 6, 2012

The Observer Observer Classifieds ClassifiedsHoliday HolidayEarly EarlyDeadlines DeadlinesforforDec. Dec.20th, 24th, Dec. editions.

Dec. 27th 31st and Jan. 3rd 7th editions.

Dec. 20th Service Directory deadlines Dec. 12th, 3pm Classified Ads deadline Dec. 12th, 4pm Dec. 27th Service Directory deadlines Dec. 13th, 3pm Classified Ads deadline Dec. 13th, 4pm Jan. 3rd Service Directory deadlines Dec. 14th, 3pm Classified Ads deadline Dec. 14th, 4pm

97311

Boats

ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month, 15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

(No phone calls please.)

(Please provide your name and address) Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group P.O. Box 3169 Sarasota, Fl 34230 ATTENTION CAT Lovers: Special Christmas collector items of Anna Lee Cat Dolls. Unusual. $150. 941-383-1210.

Boats are selling very well. Season is here along with the buyers. Big or Small, we sell them all, quickly. My location or yours. We Buy Boats Too. “Doing Business On A handshake.” Islandboatsales.net - 941-228-3489.

Happy Holidays!

BOOKS. THE Story of Civilization by Will Durant. Nine hard-cover volumes. Like new, $75.

941-954-4706.

Call 941-955-4888

CANON PIXMA: iP3600 printer. Brand new, never used, $59. lauses6415@aol.com

Reserved Space LP Reserved Space 941-362-4808

ENTERTAIN PHONOGRAPH 4-1 CD/Cassette/ AM/FM Remote in oak wood cabinet, $50.

941-496-7694.

SAMURAI SWORD Set of three with wooden stand. Dragon bronze handles, $110.

941-924-5093.

SARAJEVO FAUX Leather Bed: brand new. Dark Brown. Full-size. Must sell, $185.00 O.B.O. Call 941-400-9099.

SHOWCASE 6FT with large storage drawers, $100. 941-929-7297.

WINE COOLER -Dual Zones, 48 Bottle, 2008 SS, Built-in 24"x34"x24", $125. 941-388-8582.

WROUGHT IRON Butterfly Chairs & Covers, (2), $150/obo. 941-955-3266.

Antiques/Collectibles 1880'S HEYWOOD Child's Desk and pedestal Chair, beautiful wood, rare matching combo, $485. Call 941-780-1334.

Autos For Sale

ChitwoodCharters.com Cruise or Fish Hyatt Sarasota Docks 32’/53’ Yachts - 2hrs./2 months 941-383-5232

4 EAsy WAys To Place your Classified Ad

Fax

Email classified@yourobserver.com

Online at

www.yourobserver.com/classifieds

ESTATE SALE

655 Mourning Dove Dr. Bird Key

Items Under $200 For Sale

DESK WOODEN w/bamboo and wicker overlay. Great for teen or guest room, $125.

941-746-3525.

Raw silk sectional sofa, Baccarat stemware, sterling Grand Colonial, Royal Doulton dinnerware, set of Tiffany flatware, gold jewelry, Venetian & Stuart stemware, lucite & glass table, wing chairs, mirrored cabinet, service plates, brass & glass jewelry or silver chest, 9 vintage quilts, 4 taupe club chairs, Eames design chair & footstool, Nevelson like wood sculpture, dinette set, mahogany wine cooler, Japanese kimono, dining set, Bohemian glass, wing chairs, lucite tea cart, fox, mink coats, standing lamps, art deco style chandelier, Santini Deco figures, brass chairs, cherry chest, 2 large oriental rugs, small glass desk or dining table, Chinese stone fruit, bed drapes, drop leaf table which holds chairs, large andirons, cornice boards & swags, ficus trees, nice patio set, mirrored console, mirrors, dresser, file, Tasco telescope, IBM typewriter, lady' clothes, International Collectors Library Books classics, 2 twin bamboo head & foot boards, treadmill, very nice lady's clothes, Christmas, lots of linens, garage items, & boxes not unpacked.

Sale by Julie McClure Pictures after Tuesday on: www.appraisals4u.biz or www.estatesales.net ****NOTE LATER OPENING PER BIRD KEY RULES. NUMBERS WILL BE GIVEN OUT AT THE BIRD KEY PARK ON THE CAUSEWAY (BY THE TRAFFIC LIGHT) FROM 7:30 AM UNTIL 9 AM AFTER 9 AM, PICK UP NUMBERS AT HOUSE

Classified Ads Bring Results 941-955-4888 General Merchandise

Find Treasure!

All major credit/debit cards accepted.

Autos Wanted

Boat Slips For Rent/Sale LBK MOORINGS: Slip N10 for discount rent, 48’ slip. Hurry, won’t last! Call 630-421-0000.

Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

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! Walk-ins welcomed, no appointment necessary. www.americassuperpawn.com SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, time pieces, coins, jewelry and antiques. Please call Marc, 941-321-0707.

Events TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Christmas Eve - 5pm Christmas Day - 10am Community Christmas Party - Dec. 16, 4pm Everyone invited to a Birthday bash for Jesus with exciting worship, games and a gift for each child present, birthday cake & Christmas treats, Walmart/Publix gift cards to first 100 families to register.

4150 S. Shade Ave. Sarasota 34231 924-7756 - www.iTrinity.org

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

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

Help Wanted CARPENTER, EXPERIENCED, own tools and trans exterior/interior work, clean cut, own Ins. preferable. Paul @ 941-238-8033.

Condos/Apts. For Rent 1BR/1BA OR Efficiency. Walk to Whitney Beach, adult community. Non-smoker preferred. Small pet. Application. 1st plus security. 941-565-1401, 941-792-0411.

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.

THRIFT SHOP: THE LORD’S WAREHOUSE. Next to Longboat Island Chapel. Season Opening October 1, 2012: Mon., Wed., & Sat., 9a.m.-1p.m.

Clothes, jewelry, furniture, other items. 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. 941-383-4738.

2007 BMW 328 Titanium Silver Gray. Premium and Sports package, Warranty remaining- 62,000 miles. Excellent condition, one owner.

Price $17,500. 941-400-2995.

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

Merchandise Wanted

FRI., DEC. 7 -10a.m.-3p.m.

SAT., DEC. 8 - 10a.m.-1p.m.

The Observer Classified Dept. will CLOSE Dec. 21st at 5pm for the holidays. We will reopen Wednesday, Jan. 2nd at 8:30am

Happy Holidays To You and Yours!

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales

LBK SPECTACULAR BAY VIEWS from every window. 2BD/2BA, Newly renovated. Available Dec. 15, 2012 - January 15, 2013. Also available, April 2013. Pets Ok. 5 min walk to beach. Bob 860-705-0111 or mysticpointmarina@att.net LONGBOAT BAYPORT BTC- 2BR 2BA Gulf front views- wifi-Monthly rentals 813-541-8876.

LONGBOAT KEY - ON THE BEACH AT THE PIERRE: Fabulous views. 2,410 sq/ft. 2 bedroom plus den/convertible 3rd bedroom. 3 baths.

Available 5/1/2013, 3/mo. minimum. Annual OK. Photos:ebstulberg@gmail.com TOP FL, 2BR/2BA Condo at Beachway: directly across from public beach. Heated community pool, view of Beach/Gulf, Cable and Internet included. Remodeled, all new appliances and furniture, HD Tv's. Available Jan. 15 - May 15, one month minimum rental. 618-534-1791 for details and pictures. Non-smoking, No pets.

Want to find a great deal on something you’ve always dreamed of?

Condos For Sale LBK TOWERS Condo For Sale By Owner.

2BR/2BA. Stunning gulf & bay views. Behind gate of LBK Club. 24hr security. Complete building renovation in 2008. $875,000.

Call (717)968-2001

This week’s Crossword answers

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.

HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 87127

HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 56733

You never know what you’ll find in the classifieds!

Your source for local Classifieds

2012

This week’s Cryptogram answers 1. Show me a thesaurus that features a synonym for synonym! Wow! 2. A wacky car repair man said to his client: “By the way, I couldn’t repair your brakes, so I made the horn louder.”

LV3446

This week’s Sudoku answers

CROSSWORD_ANS_120612

14B Classifieds YourObserver.com

Homes For Rent 3B, 2B, 1CG, Pool, 1,574/sf. Very clean, $1,500/mo, close to Hospital & Downtown.

Call 941-586-9444.

Homes For Sale BEST VALUE - ST ARMANDS A walled 3BR/3BA, pool, spa, gated, marble floors, granite kitchen. In the heart of the Key $699,000. Glenn Callaghan Re/Max Alliance Group, 941-928-9020.

LBK: SPANISH MAIN YACHT CLUB. Villa, on lake, 2BR/2BA, sunroom. Walk to beach. By Owner. Linda Adrian, 941-383-6650.

MOUNTAIN TOP HOME - TRADE OR SELL Will do a whole or partial trade for Florida home or condo with water view/front. Low taxes & Insurance. Viewable at: www.118highbluff.com Info from Broker or owner at: rvkdmc@aol.com NEWEST 2012 CONSTRUCTION ON NORTH LIDO PARK Mid 21st Century Eco-House 30 secs to beach, 3 mins to Circle, Reverse FPL meter, 4/3.5, south pool. $2,100,000. Glenn Callaghan Re/Max Alliance Group, 941-928-9020.

Lots/Acreage For Sale SARASOTA RANCH CLUB- Two adjoining 10 acre lots, $450,000.00. May trade up or down for waterfront preferred, condo or house.

Phone 941-955-0226.

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals BEACHPLACE 3BR, UPDATED, TASTEFULLY DECORATED. GULF & BAY VIEWS. CALL CYNTHIA 407-492-5749

BEACHPLACE GULFFRONT PENTHOUSE Largest 2BR/2BA, beautifully appointed.

Available Immediatley For Annual Lease or Full Season.

917-846-4416

CASA DEL MAR BEACH RESORT RENTALS 4 NIGHT MIN. GULF FRONT/ GULF VIEW Reservations: 941-383-5549 Visa/ MC Fax: 941-383-7925 “Take our video tour at” www.casadelmar.net Office Open 7 Days, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key 34228

WASHER/ DRYER IN EVERY UNIT BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS LARGE HEATED POOL GULFSIDE FREE Wireless High Speed Internet

“Where People Return Year After Year” “INTENTIONALLY BETTER” CONDO FOR rent: 2BR/2BA, on bay with beautiful view, beach access. Avail. Dec. through May. Bob, 502-216-5255, 941-383-0319.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES Huge 2BR/2BA, 2CG, Canal front home w/Dock. Last minute availability, 12/15/12 - 2/28/13. $6500/mo.

Email: longboatlarry@yahoo.com DIRECT GULF FRONT at Beachplace: 2BR/2BA, nicely furnished, wireless internet. Available February, March & April 2013. Non-smoking.

Call Diane or Mike 847-913-4562.

Longboat Observer

THE THURSDAY, LONGBOAT OBSERVER DECEMBER 6, 2012 Thursday, December 6, 2012

www.yourobserver.com Vacation/Seasonal Rentals 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 GOOD NEWS! Longboat Key still available .2BR/2BA, totally updated, first floor corner unit, granite counter tops, flatscreen TV, internet.

Tennis, fishing, deeded beach access. Looks like a million dollar house inside. $3570/mo. January through April 2013. For pictures: http://www.pfretour.com/archive/3492 Call 941-321-8848.

LBK ISLANDER CLUB Beautiful Direct Gulf & Beach View. Tastefully furnished 2BR/2BA. Available anytime Mid-January to Mid-March, minimum 30 days. $4900-$5100/mo.

773-456-5768.

Adult Care Services

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

CAREGIVER/COMPANION: ERRANDS, light meals, housekeeping. Caring and reliable.

Excellent references. Liz, 941-228-3982.

STEVE ALLEN FLOOR COVERINGS PROFESSIONAL TILE & MARBLE INSTALLATION

COMPASSIONATE COMPANION DUTIES Days or nights. Excellent references.

Barbara 941-926-7227.

20 YRS. EXPERIENCE

SUSAN SHAUGHNESSY, RN. Your private nurse for home/hospital. MA/FL Licensed (RN3001642).

References. 941-761-2656.

Awesome Hands Health Services

Masonry

When all you need is a hand!

Whether companionship or in-home medical care, we provide the services and support that is needed to ensure independent living at home.

ALL TYPES OF MASONRY Specializing in concrete driveways, pavers and decorative concrete and patios.

Call for free and honest estimates.

941-525-2435

522 Ninth Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208

Massage

License #30211476

Awesome healthcare Phone: 941-747-0999 professionals for Fax: 941-747-7839 www.myahhs.com your loved ones.

LIDO BEACH CONDOMINIUMS Weekly - Monthly - Seasonal

Auto Service

Resort Properties, Inc. Licensed Real Estate Broker Full Service Condominium Management

WE WANT TO BUY YOUR VEHICLE!!!

Any Make, Any Model, Any Condition.

No Title - No Problem! Bank Lien - No Problem!

Paying up to $30,000 for Vehicles. Call AJ now at 813-335-3794 for a Free Quote or 813-531-4298.

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.

1-800-734-3370.

LONGBOAT KEY. Gulf front, heated pool on beach, 1BR/1BA condo, full kitchen, dining, sleeps/4, king pillowtop. 617-328-7145, 857-939-1049.

LONGBOAT KEY: SUNSET BEACH condo: beachfront, direct Gulf, 3BR/2BA, 3 balconies, gated community, heated pool. 2 month min.

Available December 1 - April 30. $6500/mo. By owner, 860-633-3545 or 860-633-2502.

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE 726-1802 LIC/ INS

MASSAGE BY LOREDANA 941-400-3940 WWW.MASSAGEBYLOREDANA.COM LICENSE #MAOO21257

96312

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

Cleaning RESIDENTIAL/ COMMERCIAL/ Resorts/ Schools/ Churches/ House Checks.

We take pleasure in pleasing our customers.

941-756-4570.

Computer Services 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

Painting/Wallpapering CARLO DATTILO PAINTING. Licensed & insured.

Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing. Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable. Free estimates.

941-744-1020. 35+ years experience.

Personal Services LEAH JADE Personal Concierge: Graduate level professional available for personal concierge & life/business assistance, Errand & Chauffeur services, Grocery/Holiday shopping, Home organization & Cleaning, Home/Pet sitting, Appointment scheduling, Special Occasion planning, Relocation/Vacation/Travel assistance & more. Numerous references & impressive resume. Valid DL, organized "Type-A personality", multiple college degrees & competitive prices.

Clean background & scholarly/community achievements. Services starting at $25/hour.

Contact Jade 941-302-3085, OR Jade@mail.usf.edu for personalized assessment.

YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner

LONGBOAT PORTOBELLO BEACH FRONT 2BR/2BA Condo. Details and Virtual Tour at www.BeachAbodeLBK.com Phone 815-919-5357

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

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.

Furniture Repair

Personal & Business Bookkeeping Accounting/ Taxes

ANTIQUE AND FINE FURNITURE REPAIR by Danish craftsman. 941-778-5639.

I come to your home or office.

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.

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

Home Improvement/ Remodeling ISLE TILE

Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.wagnerrentals.com

Adult Care Services ADULT & SENIOR ASSISTANCE Chef, Driver, Meal Prep, Companion, etc. Experienced, References. Call Louise 941-416-3014.

Bill Paying & Account Reconciliation Organizing Personal and Business Files Budgets & Financial Reports Federal and State Tax Returns

FOR “QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE” BONDED & INSURED Over 25 yrs. experience

Floors, bathrooms, showers, backsplashes, patio and pool decks.

20 years design background.

Licensed - Insured - LBK Resident References upon request.

941-383-2659

Telephone: 941-749-5646 yourbookkeeper@tampabay.rr.com

TILE TILE TILE

DOGGY HOTEL. 24 Hour Daycare. Brown Avenue near Bee Ridge and 41 behind Sleep King (new owner). First day FREE. Grooming by Mark.

Meet and greet and get a treat. 941-554-4620.

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

   

Pet Services

All Variations of Ceramic Tile Supplied & Installed.

Free Estimates & Custom Designs.

Pressure Cleaning

Expert Marble & Travertine Installation Floor & Walls

RESIDENTIAL/ COMMERCIAL. Roofs, Window Cleaning, Pool Areas, Driveways, Lanais, etc.

When Quality Counts! 941-565-3935.

Grout Cleaning & Sealing Service Available

FIND IT!

Call Ashdown Flooring, Inc. LICENSED (941) 726-3077 INSURED

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

in the

Classifieds

Sell your service with success.

Advertise in the Service Directory Call 955-4888 for more information...

Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

www.yourobserver.com

PelicanPress sIesTA KeY

LV1597

14B

THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER Longboat Observer Thursday, December6,6,2012 2012 THURSDAY, DECEMBER

INTERIOR DESIGN

941-955-4888

100

$

Precision Carpentry & Remodeling, LLC Custom trim, molding, cabinetry, re-facing and/or built-ins.

ANY kitchen or bath remodeling that you may need

Since 1975

941.726.1560

www.chiconthecheap.net chiconthecheap@gmail.com

CARPENTRY

www.lightreno.com

jmaciver7@gmail.com

Mr.

R O8VYE EARS

MOW IT ALL

96729

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FLAT MONTHLY RATE PRICING

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Clean Professional Reliable Affordable

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359-1904

STERLING HOME CHECKING

HAPPY HOME

License#38412

REMODELING/HOME IMPROVEMENT

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In-Home Pet and Absentee Home Services

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FurnitureSales Sales &&Repairs Furniture Repairs #USHIONS s 3LINGS s 2E POWDERCOATING #USHIONS s 3LINGS s 5MBRELLAS

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941-755-6300

Sarasota.MrRooter.com

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Team Up Today With Classifieds • 941-955-4888

PATIO REPAIRS, INC PATIO REPAIRS

Licensed ‡

27 Years Experience

www.TheSarasotaPlumber.com

Independently Owned and Operated Franchise

FURNITURE REPAIR

941-504-0903

941-400-4864

Chuck Burns Owner

LAWN CARE OF G ALL SERVIN OUNTY FOR TA C O S A R SA

ALL PLUMBING REPAIR & DRAIN CLEANING

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CGC1507388 Lawrence Barnett (941)526-7750

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RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL RedeďŹ ning Interior Design

In-Home Consultation & Do-It-Yourself Plan

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YourObserver.com

95447

BOAT SERVICES

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Classifieds 15B 15B

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INSURANCE

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97168

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what you are missing...

Local News that’s LOCAL NEWS!

YourObserver.com

16B

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

Coldwell Banker

®

FLORIDAMOVES.COM Build your career with Florida’s industry leader. Visit JoinCBToday.com today.

Open Sun 1-4pm 1570 Harbor Cay Ln Longboat Key, Bay Isles. $4,499,000 5/6.5 MLS#A3956139 Judy Kepecz-Hays 941-587-1700

Open Sat/Sun 1-4pm 561 Hornblower Ln Longboat Key, Country Club Shores. $2,699,000 4/5.5 MLS#A3959244 Judy Kepecz-Hays 941-587-1700

Open Sun 1-4pm 1660 Harbor Sound Dr Longboat Key, Bay Isles. $1,995,000 3/4.5 MLS#A3953976 Mike Greve 941-806-9444

Sarasota, Sarasota Bay Club. $1,200,000 2/2 MLS#A3968184 Andree Huffine 941-232-4053

Longboat Key, North Longboat Key. $10,450,000 7/6.5 MLS#A3969165 Barbara Ackerman 941-387-1820

“Thank you”over 40,000 times!

We’d like to take a moment to thank our 40,000 clients this year. We are proud to be Florida’s real estate leader*.

Mainland Sarasota *Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate ranked number one in closed residential units in Orlando, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Naples/Fort Myers, Miami/Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach in data obtained by Real Trends Survey, May 2012.

One unit equals one side of a transaction (buyer or seller).

Sarasota, Hammocks. $650,000 Liz Klements, 941-388-3966 Gorgeous 5/4+ home in a gated community. Mature plantings. Space to spare.

MLS#A3968692 Sarasota, Oyster Bay Ests. $400,000 Faye Doyle, 941-366-8070 West of the Trail: Boutique 3/2 pool house, oversized shaded lot. MLS#A3968739 Sarasota, Alinari. $339,900 Martina Coppenrath, 941-724-3339 Elegant Alinari downtown condominium w/tons of high end developer upgrades.

MLS#A3962912 Sarasota, Stoneybrook. $199,900 Karin Swanson, 941-321-1111 Beautiful 2BR/2BA, ground floor condo; new paint, carpet & furnishings.

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Open Sun 1-4pm 580 Wedge Ln Longboat Key, Country Club Shores. $995,000 3/2.5 MLS#A3954792 Judy Kepecz-Hays 941-387-1825

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Diversions YourObserver.com

A&E

Hannah Beatt takes the lead as The Players’ ‘Annie.’

PAGE 2

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

food

Families share food traditions for Hanukkah.

PAGE 10

HOME&GARDEN | home of the month

BLACK TIE

Designing Women Boutique’s ‘Winter Wonderland’ PAGE 13

by Robert Plunket | Contributing Writer

Photos courtesy of Jon Stewart

Ron and Patsy Merriman’s home is a slice of Old Florida.

Golden Oldie Ron and Patsy Merriman found a slice of Old-Florida living — and a new adventure — in their 1920s-built home on Vamo Drive.

HOME&GARDEN COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

2 YourObserver.com

DIVERSIONS

Thursday, December 6, 2012

// Arts&Entertainment: broadway baby

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Marching to the Beatt Charasmatic 12-year-old Hannah Beatt will play Annie in The Players’ production of ‘Annie.’

The only thing getting in Hannah Beatts’ way is school. But she’s not a poor student — in fact, the seventh-grader made straight As at Booker Middle School last quarter.

“School isn’t my favorite this year — it has been hard to do it all,” she says.

On top of school work, she’s balancing two lead roles: Millie, in Booker Middle’s production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and Annie, in The Players’ production of “Annie.” If she could have it her way, she’d do musical theater and skip the bookwork.

After school, Hannah goes straight to rehearsal and gets home about 10 p.m. Some days she can’t keep her eyes open long enough to finish her homework.

But she’s not complaining, because her school encourages her performances, and she knows she will catch up.

She has already performed on Broadway in the production of “Shrek the Musical.”

In 2009, Cynthia Ashford, Hannah’s director at Spotlight Kids!, the Sarasota-based children’s musical-theater troupe, was watching Hannah and her younger sister, Julia, during the summer. Ashford saw something in Hannah and submitted a video to a DreamWorks Theatrical and Nickelodeon contest. “(Ashford) knew about the contest and she asked me if I minded submitting her,” Hannah’s mom,

if you go ‘Annie’ When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6. Runs through Dec. 16.

Where: Sarasota Players, 838 N. Tamiami Trail Cost: $25 Call: 365-2494

Online: See Hannah

“I want to do it as an adult,” Hannah Beatt says.”Working on Broadway is my dream. That’d be a huge accomplishment.”

Beatt’s experience preparing for “Shrek the Musical” and watch her debut performance at YourObserver.com.

Danielle, says. “I didn’t think anything of it … and then I got an email that she won.”

Winning meant Hannah, a fourth-grader at the time, would fly to New York City to play the role of Young Fiona on Broadway for one night — a dream come true for Hannah.

“I guess good luck fell on me that day,” Hannah says of winning. But her talent as a singer and dancer begs to differ; it was more than luck.

“I remember how scared I was,” Hannah says. “I remember trying not to let my family down because I only had a couple of days to practice — it was a humongous deal to me.”

role, Hannah did make it to the final 13 for “Annie.” Hannah chalks the loss up to a great experience.

Plus, getting cast as Annie in The Players’ production is just as exciting for her.

Her first community experience was at age 6, as Gretel in The Players’ production of “The Sound of Music.” Since then, she’s been in two community theater productions of “Annie” at Manatee Players and Venice Theatre; and one at a professional theater, Broadway Palms in Fort Myers. But this is her first time playing Annie.

“I’ve never been the star (before),” she says, flashing her big, trademark smile. “And I got it!”

Danielle Beatt says Hannah

Mallory Gnaegy

The experience was addictive. As soon as Hannnah got off the stage, she knew performing was how she wanted to spend her time. Her parents, Grant and Danielle Beatt, continue to help her reach her Broadway goal.

They got her an agent and since 2009 have been flying her to New York City for auditions.

“I like the auditioning process,” Hannah says. “It’s good for people to know who I am in the New York world.”

During the past year, she’s tried out for six Broadway productions: “Shrek the Musical,” “Annie,” “Evita,” “Mary Poppins,” “Billy Elliot” and “Les Miserables.”

Although she didn’t get cast in a

used to cry if her mom left rehearsals.

“But now she’s comfortable,” Danielle Beatt says. “(Each production) is like going home for her.”

Although performing on Broadway remains her dream, she’s not in a rush. Being a child actor is something she does for fun — not for a full-time job.

“Working isn’t a kid’s main job,” she says. “Plus, all the child actors I know crash and burn.”

Being on stage makes Hannah tick. She says she becomes the character, enjoys sharing her image and feelings of the character and connecting with the audience.

Her mom chimes in to relay that though Hannah is modest, she doesn’t mind the sound of applause and the immediate feedback. Hannah blushes a little, but she agrees.

Hannah is driven to do her best — she’s a young perfectionist.

“When (director) Bob (Trisolini) gives me a note, I want to do as much as I can to make (the next time) better,” she says. “I always want to leave an impression on people.”

And that, she has. Multiple people have told Danielle Beatt how mature, talented and well-spoken her daughter is.

“I want them to say, ‘Did you see that girl up there?’” Hannah says. “She’s the best Annie we’ve ever had!”

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2012

“I love the beauty of living on the bay, yet still so convenient to fine dining and the arts. Sarasota Bay Club Lynn Trefzger was definitely the rightBelle Canto Comedy Ventriloquistchoice – this is the place!”

A Very Merry Holiday Concert

Performances

2012

Lynn Trefzger

Comedy Ventriloquist

- Shirley Fein Sarasota Bay Club Resident

Choru Chorus of

Holiday Harmonies Nutcracker

Jazz Juvenocracy with Imaginiq

Holiday Variations Holiday Holiday Variations Holiday Harmonies Harmon Contemporary Ballet Company Students Sarasota Ballet Students fromfrom The The Sarasota Ballet Chorus Chorus of theofKeys the Keys

Belle Canto

Nutcracker $15

Holiday Variations

A Very Merry Holiday Concert

Jazz Juvenocracy with I Contemporary Ballet Co

See Tomorrow’s Ballet Holiday Harmonies Stars Today!

Chorus of the Keys Holiday Holiday Variations Variations

Students Students from from The Sarasota The Sarasota BalletBallet

11:30 am – 1:00 pm. RSVP (941) 552-3284

Holiday Harmonies Chorus of the Keys

$15

Men’s A Capella At Its Finest!

Join us for lunch and discover the value Sarasota Bay Club has to offer.

time,” says GPAC Theatre Manager Ben Turoff. “It took me 5 Produced by GPAC. is especially designed to teach committed and talented young theirHoliday mindsVariations when they Holiday Variations will feature will classical feature classical variations variations from several from several But whether it’s a chorus years to find a great comic who does a clean show! Lynn is students to become professional artists in the area of classical hear the phrase “a capfamous famous balletsorsuch ballets assuch Lewhether Corsair, as Le Corsair, Don Quixote, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Swan Lake, a quartet, it’s dance. The program is overseen by Ms. Margaret Barbieri, a absolutely hilarious! Don’t miss her!” pella.”

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Please Attend Our Luncheon Event Produced by GPAC. when hundreds of men bershop singing is evocative, thrilling andofexhilarating.

This sota Ballet. sotaCome Ballet. support Come support and seeand the ballet see the stars ballet stars tomorrow. of tomorrow. practice artGPAC. weekly of music and merriment will send goose wonderful afternoon Holiday Variations will feature classical variations fromProduced several Call For YourStudents Personal Tour Today!

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DIVERSONS

YourObserver.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012

3

// Arts&Entertainment: COLUMN

HEARD

Hot Ticket

By Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor | mgnaegy@yourobserver.com only show in which they participate — because they love it.

“The customers who come are loyal, and they have been coming for years,” says Linda Whitney.

There’s only one thing missing, according to Rothbard. “Thousands of people who live in Sarasota just don’t get to the show,” he says. “It’s silly, because it’s such a treat.”

Ñ End of the world

Å Putting on a show It was the 20th anniversary for the Sarasota Craft Show, which took place Nov. 30 through Dec. 2, at Robarts Arena, but it was only the third show that Richard Rothbard, of American Art Marketing, organized.

When Minneapolis-based American Craft Council decided not to organize the event, artists were frantic.

“They emailed me because they know the shows I run up North, and they said, ‘Richard, do something!’” he said.

Rothbard got in touch with every artist involved and made the show happen, and he’s planning to run it “forever.” Other than the Sarasota Craft Show, Rothbard is a New Yorker who has no ties to Sarasota.

He’s an artist, himself, and runs galleries in various locations throughout the country, as well as shows, such

as this one.

The term “craft show” is a slightly misleading. The work of the 100-plus featured artists is of mostly fine art.

At the show were large bronze-cast bear sculptures displayed across from unique Sunday hats, sitting adjacent to intricate metal and leatherwork and located down the aisle from large oil paintings.

Artists travel across the country, take an average of six hours to set up their booths and show their works for three days. People who attend the festival get to talk to the artists about the unique pieces they buy.

“Sales are excellent,” says local artist John Whitney. He and his wife, Linda, have participated in the festival since Rothbard took over. The artist couple typically sells their work wholesale to galleries and museums, and the Sarasota Craft Show is the

Courtesy

“Rest on the Flight into Egypt,” by Paolo Veronese

‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ — Get in the holiday spirit at PLATO’s ByKids4Kids presentation of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, Dec. 12 and Dec. 15, at The Ramada Waterfront, 7150 N. Tamiami Trail. Tickets are $8 for children and $10 for adults.

Jazz Juvenocracy

Å Jazzed up ‘The Nutcracker’ There is an abundance of creative “Nutcrakers” taking place this season, one of which will be presented

by Jazz Juvenocracy.

The group of young professionalsounding, talented jazz musician teens has created original arrangements based on Tchaikovsky’s themes, as well as original arrangements of Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker Suite,” John Coltrane and

Courtesy

David Berger.

Imaginique Contemporary Ballet Company, including former members of the Sarasota Ballet, will perform the ballet that scripts Drosselmeyer as a music director and Clara as a trumpeter who falls asleep during rehearsal for the holiday party.

Performances take place at 8 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 21, and run through Dec. 23, at The Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way. Tickets are $25. For more information, visit jazzjuvenocracynutcracker.com.

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Sarasota artists John and Linda Whitney at the Sarasota Craft Show

Will it be the end of the world as the Mayans knew it? South Florida Museum is hosting events that place the Mayan belief into context in the “End of the World” program.

A notable Mayan expert from our backyard, research scholar Dr. Gabriele Vail, of New College of Florida, along with Jeff Rodgers, director of Bishop Planetarium, will discuss what the Mayan calendar has to say about the end of the world, Dec. 5.

And coming up Saturday, Dec. 15, is another interesting program called “The Return of the Goddess,” which was inspired by the Mayan mythology and gravitational waves predicted by the Theory of Relativity. The program features composer Paul Ramshaw, but don’t expect conventional music — it uses reorganized samples of operatic and choral voices in different frameworks of time. And it will be complimented with projected graphics on the planetarium dome.

In case the world doesn’t end, tickets to the event are $10. Call 7464131 for more information.

‘Paolo Veronese: a Master and His Workshop in Renaissance Venice’ — The exhibit, which features more than 50 of the artist’s paintings and drawings in classical tradition, opens Dec. 7, at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road. It runs through April 14 during museum hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. General admission is $25. Call 359-5700.

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4 YourObserver.com

DIVERSIONS

Thursday, December 6, 2012

// Arts&Entertainment: reviews

Music // Sarasota Orchestra Masterworks II concert with Conductor Thomas Wilkins In my many years of interviewing famous classical musicians, I’ve never met an instrumentalist who didn’t want to be a singer.

Thomas Wilkins, with his incredibly clear conducting style, turned the entire Sarasota Orchestra into singers this past weekend, and even the crummy acoustics of the Van Wezel couldn’t muddy this performance.

Wilkins conducts music, not beats, and, in doing so, elicits a warm but transparent sound that is electrifying. There are lots of really fine conductors around ­— from Los Angeles’ Gustavo Dudamel to New York City’s Alan Gilbert ­— who are miles apart in style but manage to achieve the right results. Wilkins does it, stylistically and musically, with an understated musicianship that generates passion and excitement from his players.

As the music director of the Omaha Symphony, Wilkins has impeccable bi-coastal credentials as the principal guest conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and the Youth Concert Conductor of the Boston Symphony.

But credentials mean zilch if that baton he

THEATER // ‘MID-LIFE! The Crisis Musical’ The Venice Theatre’s Cabaret audience found the over-the-hill antics presented in the musical revue, “MID-LIFE! The Crisis Musical” amusing and entertaining. The show is a compilation of clichés associated with aging baby boomers performed to song and dance, with book, music and lyrics written by Bob Walton and Jim Walton. Act I covers such iconic states of life in one’s 40s as biological clock ticking for women, and the weekend warrior phenomenon for men. The basic concept is best exemplified by a parody of big Broadway musical numbers, in which nurses and technicians burst into song and dance, in hyper-Broadway style, on the topic of mammograms.

Act II progresses to the 50s and begins with the funniest bit, “What Did I Come in Here For?” when a metal detector becomes necessary to find the car keys. Under the direction and choreography of Jared E. Walker, a stalwart and well-cast group of veteran performers, takes on its task with great gusto and pluck. Tony Boothby as Man 1 fears turning into his dad and gives a fine imitation of a homeboy. Man 2, who bemoans prescription medicine, “which may cause comb-overs,” is nicely performed by Chris Caswell. Randy Mennella plays Man 3, comically mourning for his lost hair. Andrea Keddell and Cathy Baudrit-Noeth are funny and appealing as Woman 1 and 2. Melissa Cripps brings in Woman 3 with verve and zest.

The three of them click in a scene involving divorced women at a reunion.

Music Director Rick Bogner has done a fine job with a lackluster score. The final song, “I’m Not Ready,” is poignant, bespeaking a truth that we all feel in our hearts, in the words of the director’s mother, “It’s like you’re still 18 and trapped in some old body ... how did it happen so fast?”

— Paula Atwell

93804

Finally, Brad Pitt goes noir and nails the defining role of his career. In the new film, “Killing Them Softly,” Pitt plays a hitman who has no illusions pertaining to his job or the way our country conducts its “business.”

It’s all the same to him. Killing them softly refers to the manner in which Jackie Cogan (Pitt) prefers to whack his victims at a distance, because up-close-and-personal gets “embarassing.” When asked to take out some idiots (Scoot McNairy and Ben Mendelsohn) who robbed a mafia poker game, he’s on it.

Seems Johnny Amato (Vincent Curatola) thinks it’s a brilliant idea to set up Markie Trattman (Ray Liotta), the guy who runs the game, and make it look like an inside job.

Markie’s done it before so, naturally, the mob will think that he’s at it again and take him out.

Instead, the mafia gets wise and calls in Jackie to make sure everything is jake.

Andrew Dominik (“The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”) writes and directs this brutal, and often hilarious, masterpiece with panache, it’s a thrill to watch. His camerawork is slick and artful.

Utilizing slow motion close-ups of gruesome murders set to incongruous music is simultaneously repugnant and beautiful. The dialogue-ridden script is smart, sharp and right to the point.

“Killing Them Softly” scores high marks for casting. Liotta is back on track (nothing notable since “Goodfellas”) as the fall guy who takes one of the most vicious, bone-cracking beatings ever filmed. Richard Jenkins is sublimely effective as a mob lawyer who has the gall to ask Jackie to stop smoking in his car. Mendelsohn and McNairy are so perfectly scuzzy, it’s difficult not to cringe when they’re on screen. But the ultimate coup is James

wields isn’t eloquent.

In this weekend’s cleverly-aligned program of Mozart’s “Jupiter Symphony (No. 41)” and “The Planets,” by Gustav Holst, Wilkins brought out more than the best from the Sarasota Orchestra, an ensemble that is positively blossoming as it gets to play under new people with new ideas. Together, Wilkins and the Sarasota musicians became a true Mozartean ensemble, expansive ­­— even in the brisk finale of the Jupiter ­— but never rushing and always breathing and singing through phrases. Much of their performance, especially in the second movement’s gorgeous Andante cantabile, reminded me of a great Mozart recitative and aria such as “Dove sono,” from “Le Nozze di Figaro,” sung by a greatly capacious soprano, molding phrases with arcs that are inherent but too often missed in Mozart.

The Holst was accompanied by some truly magnificent photos of the planet and astounding visuals that brought this old friend-of-apiece a freshness and vibrancy. Rather than detracting from the music, they added a new inspiration and showed how far ahead of his time Holst was with his musical dream of our solar system.

In this intense, visually popping, audibly exhilarating performance, just a few of the highlights included a brief but captivating euphonium solo in “Mars, the Bringer of War,” some masterful playing from concertmaster Daniel Jordan, cellist Abraham Feder and the great wind section of this ensemble throughout the piece. The majesty the orchestra and Wilkins brought to the famously flamboyant “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity” was striking, particularly for the veddy British hymn that, in their hands, might transport the entire royal armada to the stars without a ripple. We can’t overlook the woman behind me who, when seeing that “Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age,” was next in line, whispered, “Yeah, we needed THAT!” And the offstage voices of the women of Gloria Musicae, under the direction of Joseph Holt, added just the right otherworldly manifestation to “Neptune, the Mystic.”

— June Lebell

Photo Carol LoRicco

// ‘Killing Them Softy’

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The parallels between capitalism and organized crime are not so subtly referenced as the 2008 presidential campaign winds down via bar room television sets. But the politics were all but lost on me. Watching Brad’s coolbad-cat performance was such an intoxicating elixir, all else paled in comparison. ­— Pam Nadon

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012

5

// Arts&Entertainment: backstage pass

A new role

Kaylene Torregrossa started as an intern at Florida Studio Theatre in 2010. Two years later, she’s playing the lead role as FST’s general manager.

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Mallory Gnaegy

“As long as I’m working in the arts, I don’t care what I’m doing,” says Kaylene Torregrossa.

“I could be sweeping the floors, as long as it’s part of the bigger picture — and I’ve had to sweep the floors!” managing the Cabaret because she went into it with no customer service experience. “You think you wouldn’t be good at it because you haven’t done it before,” she says. She was wrong.

All of her FST positions have given her a more developed understanding about the inner-workings at the contemporary theater.

“I have a good knowledge base of FST and what we do from all different perspectives: I’ve read the plays, I’ve cleaned the kitchen, I’ve sold tickets,” she says.

“You get a really well-rounded view that way.”

At first, Torregrossa was worried that she’d become a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none. But it was all rehearsal for her latest role, which requires a variety of knowledge.

“The joke is in the title,” she says. “I generally manage everything.”

Her responsibilities include company management; guest relations; keeping up with residential and commercial properties (that house actors, directors and in-

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The employees at Florida Studio Theatre are accustomed to actors shouting across the open-floor-plan office space.

Be it actors Eric Collins, Kevyn Morrow or director Arthur Marks, the yelling is all the same: “Kaylene!”

Everyone at the theater knows and loves Kaylene Torregrossa, but this season, they’ll get to know her as general manager. She took over for former General Manager James Lemmons as of Nov. 30. Lemmons took the job as executive director of Lake Placid Center for the Arts in New York.

The 25-year-old started as an intern in the literary department in 2010. That was her first role at FST after graduating from the University of Arizona. Since then, Torregrossa has been the volunteer coordinator, the assistant box office manager, assistant Cabaret manager and, most recently, the literary manager.

She has proven she’s willing to take on any role, even it if is just part of the ensemble. It’s been that way since she was 8 years old when she played Captain Hook in a Tucson, Ariz., acting-class performance of “Peter Pan.” She knew she wanted to do theater since then.

Ten years after that first experience, her parents sat her down and said, “Are you sure you want to major in the arts?” She was sure.

“I told my dad that I don’t care what I’m doing,” she says. “I could be sweeping the floors as long as it’s part of the bigger picture —and I’ve had to sweep the floors!

Someone’s gotta keep it clean!”

It’s even Torregrossa’s voice on all of FST’s voicemail greetings.

She says her most eye-opening role was

terns); and making sure everything is up to par with the construction process at the new theaters. But what she looks forward to the most is connecting with the people — from the interns and volunteers, to the staff and the patrons.

Torregrossa wasn’t expecting the promotion, but it makes sense based on the experience she has acquired during the past two years. She also wasn’t expecting Sarasota’s art scene to be what it was when she first arrived from Arizona.

“I remember driving down 41 (for the first time), saying, ‘There’s a theater.

There’s a community theater. There’s an ad for the opera,” she says. “It was really impressive. I wasn’t expecting to see such a supportive arts environment here.”

She initially came to Sarasota because her mother, Margaret O’Connor Torregrossa, was born and raised here, and her Scottish ancestors, the Brownings, were a founding family of the area.

But, now, Torregrossa has made Sarasota her home. She recalls her first Thanksgiving as an intern when FST staff had an “orphaned Thanksgiving dinner” and spent the day together, cooking and laughing.

“When you work in the arts community, you have your chosen family,” she says. “ … (There’s) a really great feeling of support and that we are all in it together.”

Torregrossa is all for teamwork.

“I enjoy working with others to make something happen,” she says. “There’s nothing worse than a selfish personality in a collaborative environment.”

Although, someday, she hopes to run her own theater and direct productions, she’s content where she is now — embracing her new role at FST. “I’m going to dive in,” she says.

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6 YourObserver.com

DIVERSIONS

Thursday, December 6, 2012

// HOME&GARDEN by Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

Outdoor Oasis Ronald Giarrusso says his most spontaneous purchase was his home in Sarasota. Giarrusso and his partner of 23 years, Steven Van Lenten, bought their second home eight years ago. After they came to visit friends, they fell in love with the area. Giarrusso and Van Lenten have aspirations to retire early and live here full time but, for

now, the two spend part of the year in New Jersey. Giarrusso, who does interior and exterior design, has enjoyed customizing his Sarasota home.

Although the inside of their home is impressive, what makes Giarrusso’s home interesting is the utilization of the outdoor spaces that surround it. Each outdoor room has its own feel, style and use. Whether

you are looking to get sun, enjoy a cup of coffee or get cozy around an outdoor fireplace, there is a room for every purpose.

Giarrusso describes his design style as eclectic and does not discriminate when it comes to where he gets his plants or furniture.

“I buy what I like. It could be from Crowley’s, Home Goods or Home Depot,” says Giarrusso.

Ronald Giarrusso has found serenity through outdoor living. É An orangeand-fuschia Vanda orchid blooms in Giarrusso's backyard.

Giarrusso's outdoor rooms ...

É Ronald Giarrusso bought this Buddha statue while on a trip to Thailand.

Giarrusso is a big fan of the Buddha and what the Buddha represents and has multiple Buddha statues and pieces of art around his home and in his outdoor rooms.

Å This room on the side of Giarrusso’s home is decorated with Moroccan lanterns, a Buddha art piece and decorative pillows.

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Å Although not technically an outdoor room, this is Giarrusso’s favorite place to enjoy a cup of coffee and look out upon his garden. The screened porch area makes the home feel open.

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Thursday, December 6, 2012

7

É Giarrusso bought two of these side tables at Kirland for his front outdoor room. The fact that they looked like fabric intrigued

Ñ The outdoor room near the front of Giarrusso's home includes curtains that he can close to make it feel even more like he and his guests are lounging in an actual room.

Å Giarrusso enjoys aligning decorative pieces along the fences, because they give your eyes a place to rest. Å Giarrusso’s mom gave him this decorative yard lizard to go with his other colorful yard ornaments.

Ç A bromeliad in bloom in Giarrusso's backyard

Å Giarrusso enjoys hosting parties with his friends and family in his outdoor room near the front of the house. Giarrusso is constantly updating all of his rooms and considers his home a work in progress.

Å Giarrusso’s sun room is one of his most popular outdoor rooms, especially when he has family and guests visiting.

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8 YourObserver.com

DIVERSIONS

Thursday, December 6, 2012

// HOME&GARDEN (continued from page 1) Photos courtesy of Jon Stewart

Ñ The Merrimans' house sits on more than a half-acre of land, which is home to one of Sarasota's most spectacular oak trees.

in search of

Old Florida Old Florida is getting harder and harder to find. There’s even disagreement as to exactly what it is. But, as Ron Merriman puts it, “You know it when you see it.”

Ron and his wife, Patsy, were looking for it one day in 1999.

Seeking an escape from Ohio winters, the couple had been searching the streets in southern Sarasota, south of Stickney Point and close to the bay. The area was just what they were looking for — pleasant, unpretentious and affordable, but still, nothing they saw quite had the Old Florida-feel on which they had their hearts set. Then, at the southernmost end of Vamo Road, they turned down a little dead-end street called Vamo Drive and they

knew they had found it.

Just about everybody who discovers Vamo Drive feels the same way. Seeing it for the first time, the visitor is immediately transported back in time to a Florida without McMansions, overbuilt lots and over-designed landscaping, to a Florida where life revolved around sitting on the porch, fishing, cooking dinner, tending the garden and maybe listening to the radio — if the reception was good enough.

The houses on Vamo Drive — there are 15 or so — were all built in the early-1920s, and they are a quirky bunch. Over the years additions have been built, second stories added, pools and pool cages attached. The owners, rather than architects, have designed

most of the additions, and the result is like those New England farmhouses that seem to grow organically over the generations.

Likewise, the landscaping can be pretty individualistic. Vamo Drive has escaped the tyranny of perfect design, and the result is a charm that money can’t buy.

The Merrimans talked to Norma Martin, a Realtor and Vamo Drive resident. (At 97, she’s still going strong, still living on Vamo Drive and currently has the distinction of being Sarasota’s oldest Realtor.) Unfortunately, there was nothing on the market at the time.

The Merrimans were considering buying a lot nearby and building, when Martin came up with a suggestion. Could they wait awhile?

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The house right across the street might be coming on the market soon. With the perfect sense of timing that life sometimes hands us, the Merrimans could, and did, wait, for it seems that life had another adventure waiting for them.

*** Ron and Patsy Merriman are southwest Ohio through and through. A graduate of Miami University, Ron’s first love has always been building — he still cherishes the toy saw he got from his grandmother when he was 4 years old — and he worked for many years as a contractor, licensed electrician and plumber. His specialty was constructing grain silos, which, as he remembers, was hard on the

fingers and toes during freezing winter weather.

Then, in 1999, just as they were scouting their new Florida home, their son Dwight had a favor to ask. An Internet entrepreneur (he co-founded DoubleClick and Gilt, among other companies) he and his wife, Jodi, had just purchased an 1837 brownstone in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village and Dwight wanted his dad to serve as contractor during the extensive renovations they had planned.

“He knew he could trust me,” Ron Merriman says. So, the Merrimans were off to New York City.

The 18 months the Merrimans spent living in the middle of Greenwich Village and supervising the renovation of their son’s

DIVERSIONS

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Thursday, December 6, 2012

Ç The fireplace, flanked by candle-light fixtures, is original to the house.

Ç The kitchen was hardly touched. It has older — though not original — woodent cabinets and tile countertops.

Ă… The windows and doors are original to the house. There are more than 200 panes of glass in the house. house provided an adventure they’d never forget. “We saw things we’d never seen before,â€? Patsy Merriman recalls with a smile. The colorful neighborhood was about as far away from small-town Ohio as you could get, but the Merrimans came away with a new appreciation of diversity and alternate lifestyles. They also came away with good remodeling ideas for their new home in Florida.

The trick to renovating an older home from a specific period is knowing what to save, what to replace and what to restore. The

Ç From the screened front porch, you can see the sunlight gleaming on the bay.

Ă… This slab of tempered glass was shipped to Florida from New York when it didn't fit in the Merrimans' son's apartment.

Vamo Drive house is a good example of how to navigate this tricky mix. The kitchen, for instance, was hardly touched. It has older — though not original — wooden cabinets and tile countertops.

Even though it’s hardly the latest thing, the room has a homey character and comfort level on which that would be hard to improve.

The closets — not so much.

Homes from the 1920s are notorious for containing tiny closets, so Ron Merriman designed and built new ones. He studied the way closets were built back in those days and adapted the design to

a larger scale, with storage space that goes all the way up to the nine-and-a-half-foot ceilings.

But, it’s the master bath that contains the real surprise. It seems that while work was in progress on the Manhattan townhouse, a large slab of inch-thick, tempered glass was delivered, to become part of a glass floor. But the piece was sized wrong. Rather than return it, Ron Merriman had it shipped to Florida, where it now provides a dramatic, back-lit glowing wall of glass in the shower — a glamorous link to the Merriman’s New York sojourn.

9

Ă… Ron Merriman studied how closets were built in the 1920s and adapted the design to a larger scale.

The home still has many original features. The windows and doors are intact (there are more than 200 panes of glass in the house) plus yellow pine floors, a fireplace flanked by candle-light fixtures, a back porch and patio, a large garage and on the more than a half-acre of land, one of Sarasota’s most spectacular oak trees.

From the screened front porch you can see the sunlight gleaming on the Bay. And at the end of the block is a boat ramp, with some of the best kayaking in the area.

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1711 Vamo Drive is priced at $439,000. For information, call Debra Robinson, of ReMax Alliance, at 928-2745.

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10 YourObserver.com // FOOD&COOKING

DIVERSIONS

Thursday, December 6, 2012

by Yaryna Klimchak | Staff Writer

hanukkah traditions Treats to Eat and to Share Rachel Lenerz teaches her children the value of charity with a few tasty traditions during Hanukkah. Lenerz makes sufganiyot, or Israeli donuts, with Ava, her 4-yearold daughter, and Leo, her 6-year-old son.

Asked what is Hanukkah about, Leo says, “It’s about giving and not just presents.”

Lenerz and her children make sufganiyot for the seniors at the Kobernick House and other holiday events. The children spend time with the seniors and enjoy a sugary treat that they helped create. Lenerz never made the donuts with her family growing

Three families share their sweet and savory Hanukkah food traditions.

Latke Experiment

up but decided to begin the tradition when she had children.

“I try to instill in the kids one should try to give back in any aspect you can,” she says.

Sufganiyot is considered to be more of an Israeli treat that has made its way to the U.S. Leo and Ava insert the jelly and chocolate filling into the donuts before rolling them around in powdered sugar. As they take a bite of the sugary treat, powdered sugar gets on their noses. It’s clear Lenerz has created a lasting family tradition for her little helpers.

Ingredients • 2 1/2 cups self-rising flour • 1 cup and 3 tablespoons low-fat vanilla yogurt • 4 tablespoons granulated sugar Ñ Rachel • 3 teaspoons vanilla Lenerz makes sufganiyot with • 2 eggs her 4-year-old • 6 cups canola oil daughter, Ava, • 1 cup powdered sugar and her 6 -year• 1 cup strawberry jam old son, Leo.

Ricky Burton has been cooking — and eating — latkes since he was a child. He remembers his mother, a Romanian immigrant to Canada, making them at home.

Fried foods are eaten during Hanukkah to celebrate the story of a miracle when a one-day oil supply burned for eight days in the Temple in Jerusalem. Burton has always loved to experiment with cooking, and it shows because he uses zucchini and carrots, in addition to the potatoes and onions in his latkes.

“He is an inventive cook and always likes to try something different,” says Lin

Burton, Ricky’s wife. “It gives them a different flavor.”

When his children were young, Burton went to their kindergarten class and made latkes with the students. He showed the kids how to grate the vegetables and squeeze the vegetable mix to release the water. Burton then fried the latkes on a portable electric stove while the children eagerly waited to see what they had helped create.

He continues to fry his multi-vegetable latkes and always adds applesauce or sour cream on top at the end.

Ingredients • 3 or 4 Yukon gold potatoes (you can also use sweet potatoes) • 1 sweet onion • 1 or 2 carrots • 1 or 2 small zucchini • 2 eggs • 2 tablespoons flour, matzoh or potato starch • 1/4-inch vegetable oil in a frying pan • Salt and pepper to taste Ñ Ricky and Lin

Instructions • Mix together self-rising flour, vanilla yogurt, granulated sugar, vanilla and eggs.

• Knead the dough (it gets sticky).

• Cover the dough with a dishtowel and let it sit for 30 minutes.

• While the dough is rising, heat canola oil on medium heat.

• When getting ready to put the mixture in, turn heat to medium high.

• Use a spoon to gather a ball of the mixture.

• Drop mixture into the hot oil. You will know the oil is hot enough because the mixture will float to the top. One ball, or donut, cooks for about two to three minutes.

• While the donut mixture is in the pot, continue turning it until it turns golden brown.

• Scoop out the donut with a slotted spoon and put on a paper towel for the oil to drain.

Let it sit and cool for a few minutes. Inject the jelly into the donut with a pastry syringe.

• Roll the donut in powdered sugar. Enjoy and eat.

Burton have been Instructions married for 40 years.

• Peel the potatoes.

• On the coarse side of a grater, grate carrots, zucchini, onion and potatoes into one bowl. Longer pieces tend to hold together better.

• Squeeze out excess water from vegetables with your hands.

• Add in two eggs and flour, matzoh or potato starch.

• Add salt and pepper to taste.

• Mix it all up.

• In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil on medium-high heat.

• Using a large spoon, deposit the latkes into the oil. Flatten them a little. Do not crowd the pan with too many latkes, and be careful of splashing hot oil.

• Fry for a of couple of minutes, until golden brown, then flip over and fry the other side.

• Take the fried latkes out of oil and put them on a paper towel.

• Pat them down and enjoy.

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DIVERSIONS

Thursday, December 6, 2012

YourObserver.com

11

// FOOD&COOKING

Grandma’s Strudel: A Delicious Memory

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Instructions • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Melt one tablespoon of butter in the pan, and add sugar, stirring. When the sugar dissolves, add the apples, golden raisins, cinnamon and walnuts in a saucepan, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until tender. Let stand for 10 minutes to cool.

• Take one piece of phyllo and lay on a work surface. Using a pastry brush, lightly butter entire sheet, then sprinkle cookie crumbs, then add another sheet on top, butter, and sprinkle with cookie crumbs. Add a third sheet, butter, then spread the apple mixture across the bottom of the phyllo. Roll the phyllo in a jelly roll-like fashion. Brush the top with melted butter.

• Place the roll on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray or use parchment paper and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Arrange on serving plates.

• Serve with vanilla yogurt or frozen vanilla yogurt and top with mint and raspberries.

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the kitchen as Zildjian talks about continuing the tradition with her children.

“It’s a family recipe because the kids can peel the apples and butter the phyllo,” she says. Zildjian also serves Bubbie’s Strudel to customers who order from her catering business. When she pulls the golden flaky pastry out of the oven, the smell immediately permeates the air.

“This smell in my house brings back memories of my grandmother,” she says.

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Alyson Zildjian has been cooking and making apple walnut strudel since she was a child. She remembers making the flaky pastry with her Austrian grandmother.

“The strudel is more Eastern European than anything,” Zildjian says. “We would always have a pastry with our tea.”

She remembers eating latkes, brisket and her grandmother’s apple walnut strudel during Hanukkah. The aroma of sweet apples and melted butter drifts through

12 YourObserver.com

DIVERSIONS

Thursday, December 6, 2012

// FOOD&COOKING: COLUMN

TIDBITES

by June LeBell | Contributing Columnist | june@junelebell.com Ñ LWR celebrates the holidays

Do I hear little hooves and jingling bells coming from Lakewood Ranch? Yes. The Polo Bar and Grill, at 10670 Boardwalk Loop, on LWR’s Main Street is getting ready for the holidays with a trio of culinary events that will please everyone from grandma to grand-princess: From 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, its offering a “Breakfast with Santa” at prices so reasonable (adults: $15, children 12 and under: $10, children under 4: free), Santa, himself, may show up. From noon to 5 p.m. Christmas Day there’s an extraordinary buffet ($35). And the restaurant even planned a “Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party” that includes a four-course dinner, glass of champagne, live entertainment, dancing and all the NYE fixings from noisemakers to hats for the special countdown for just $70 per person.

Suggestion: One of our favorite ways to spend New Year’s Eve when we were still living in New York City was to go to a movie and then either have a quiet dinner at home or go to a local restaurant for a late supper. Remember, Lakewood Ranch has that great multiplex movie house, Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, and it’s just walking distance from The Polo Grill and a bevy of other fine and diverse restaurants.

Ñ In Venice, Kumo Japanese Steakhouse opens

Down to the south in Venice, a brand-new eatery has just opened its doors: The Kumo Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Restaurant at 1657 U.S. Highway 41 Bypass. You’ve probably encountered this group of restaurants in other locations. They’re owned by Sam Chen and Lily Ren, but this new Venice site is enormous. It seats 250 people in an ample 6,000 square feet that includes a full-service bar, hibachi chefs, table-side cooking, noodle bowls, tempura creations, bento-boxes and my favorite, sparkling fresh sushi and sashimi.

Oh, there’s a branch up in Lakewood Ranch, too, in case that one’s more convenient.

Ñ Libby’s continues its tradition of excellence

File photo

Between Venice and Lakewood Ranch is Libby’s Cafe + Bar, the excellent all-around restaurant that’s great for everything from lunch and brunch, to romantic evenings and parties. And Libby’s Café + Bar has a great winter menu that’s combining its innovative small plates (Kobe meatloaf sliders, incredible “sandwich filled eggrolls” and “double dragon seafood flash fry”) with what it calls “large plates,” but are really humongous portions of everything from prime pork chateaubriand with bacon and cheddar grits, to the new blackened jumbo shrimp with blue crab-red bean gumbo. Libby’s, at 1917 S. Osprey Ave., is in the always-hopping Southside Village, right across from Morton’s Market, whose parking lot is available to Libby’s diners.

Speaking of parking lots, we’re waiting, expectantly, for the new restaurant to open on the ground floor of the downtown parking

Steve Seidensticker, middle, with his sons, Joseph and Patrick, will be converting the space under the city-owned Palm Avenue parking garage into a restaurant named Louies Modern and The Francis, a catering and banquet facility. Not pictured: partner Jeff Greco. garage on Palm Avenue. Owned by the same people as Libby’s, we know of several major parties already booked for the space, but every time we walk past, all we see is scaffolding, windows covered with paper and a large empty space with nothing but electric stuff hanging from unfinished ceilings.

Ñ Another new place to eat

Sean Murphy, of the illustrious and luscious Beach Bistro on Anna Maria and the variously located Eat Here restaurants, has concluded his work out at The Concession Bistro which he says, “ … is in great shape and I’m leaving it in capable hands.” Murphy is off

to his newest project, another Eat Here, this one on Siesta Key, just inside The Village.

Ñ The Bijou CafÉ receives prestigious distinction

In case you hadn’t heard, The Bijou Café, one of Sarasota’s classic downtown restaurants, has been given a Fodor’s Choice 2012 Distinction Award. This designates Bijou as “a leader in its field for service, quality and value in 2012.” That means the iconic restaurant will receive special recognition in the upcoming Fodor’s guidebook to the Sarasota area and will also have a special listing and place of distinction at fodors.com.

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INSIDE: SPARCCle for the Holidays Gala PAGE 18

YourObserver.com

Models Suzy Kalin, Jan Grzep, Melba Jimenez, Pamela Hill and Kim Niemann

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 06, 2012

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Vicki Hornberger as the Snow Queen

Frosty Fortress

By Loren Mayo | Black Tie Editor

Designing Women Boutique’s 10th anniversary “Winter Wonderland” gala and style show was a shimmering good time for all who attended the affair Friday, Nov. 30, at Michael’s On East. From the glitzy golden-covered table tops and snowfetti-filled runway, to the glamorous models fashioned in Planet Togs’ latest European designs, CoChairwomen Jean Weidner-Goldstein, Margaret Wise and Diane Roskamp impressed their guests.

Wendy Feinstein

See more photos / Page 14

Designing Women Boutique founders Diane Roskamp, Jean Weidner-Goldstein and Margaret Wise with Designing Women Boutique Board President Carol Phillips, second from left Jerome and Sydney Goldstein

Butch Anderson, event and decor director, and Annie Sundeen, silent auction coordinator and store operations manager

Renee Sheade

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Beth Waksom

14 YourObserver.com

Custom Homes

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// BLACK TIE

DIVERSIONS

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Continued from page 13

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RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN, SPRING ART. Each year the College opens its studios to invite the public to participate in the workshops of renowned visiting artists.

Mary Ann Robinson and Jennifer Gemmeke with Ernie and Ida Zito

Join us this season to study under the expert direction of celebrated author and master of watercolor, CHARLES REID to learn the techniques he uses to create paintings that are fresh, fluid and spontaneous, while you further develop your understanding of light and color, and figure drawing skill. March 4-8.

For a traditional Renaissance approach to the figure learn with one of today’s foremost draftsman and instructors in drawing and painting. GLENN VILPPU will teach his unique approach developed over years of Character Animation with Walt Disney Animation Features and the UCLA Masters Program. In addition he will present a structural approach to head, hands and feet, as well as clothing and drapery in the concentrated afternoon program. March 4-8.

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ONLINE Registration and catalogs at www.ringling.edu/cssp.

Contact us for details on more creative classes this spring in digital arts, photo, drawing & painting, art history, letterpress and more. Go online, call or drop by at Continuing Studies at Ringling College of Art and Design.

We look forward to seeing you on campus!

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DIVERSiONS

YourObserver.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012

// BLACK TIE: COLUMN

blacktie tales

6” POINSETTIAS!

W/POT COVERS! 10”-12” TALL & FULL!

by Loren Mayo Black Tie Editor

FLORIST QUALITY COMPARE TO $6.99!

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Christmas in Candy Land When: Noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 Where: Michael’s On East Tickets: $35 for adults; $10 for children age 12 and younger.

Contact: 952-WISH or visit christmasincandyland.kintera.org Join Santa Claus and your favorite holiday characters as you decorate holiday cookies, get bedazzled with glitter tattoos and satisfy your sweet tooth with mountains of candy!

The event benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida, Sarasota region.

Å Ice, ice, baby

Confession: BT has never worn fake eyelashes. Thank goodness Cutting Loose salon makeup artists were hired to assist in placing them on the eyelids of the models for the Designing Women Boutique gala, otherwise BT would probably have accidentally glued them to her forehead. The makeup artists also used eyelash glue to give models a sexy “It just snowed in Sarasota, but only on our eyebrows, temples and forehead” look.

If anyone knows the secret to removing the stuff without removing your eyebrows in the process, please call The Observer office.

BT has also never been laced into a corset, hence Anne Chauvet’s lovely corset quote below. What’s more, not only did BT wear the corset, she also wore a spiked dog collar!

Ñ Lean, mean snow queen

Vicki Hornberger stirred up quite a reaction from Designing Women Boutique supporters when she hit the runway Friday, as the gala’s snow queen. Her costume came from Sarasota Ballet costume designer Bill Fenner, who had the costume unused and just hanging around.

“Jean (Weidner-Goldstein) put it up on a

Quote Box After Hot Dogs and Cool Cats …

“Yes, I’m quite the embroiderer. I embroidered all of these sailboats myself” — John Chapman joking around about his Lilly Pulitzer pants at State Street Eating House & Cocktails

ladder and cut the whole front out of it,” said Lauren Walsh. “She was cutting and cutting and cutting. She just had this vision of how she wanted it.”

Hornberger took the costume home to embellish it even more by spraying it with fake snow and glitter and designing a cape. “We had glitter everywhere!” Walsh said.

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Ç Tidbits

Multi-purpose man … Guests at Designing Women Boutique’s 10th Anniversary Gala might have done a double take when Brent Greeno, the much-admired audio-visual director of the production, came out of the kitchen with both arms loaded with dinner plates. No need to worry … in an earlier life, Greeno learned the restaurant business from the ground up, and he was more than qualified for his volunteer task …

Goo goo for Gaga ... Planet Togs owner Lyne Butterworth constantly has her eye on up-and-coming designers. Beyond Paris, Milan and New York, she likes to jet to Singapore for fashion week and bring back to Florida boatloads of funky pieces.

Designs for her most recent affair, during which she outfitted women for a Designing Daughters fashion show, included what she calls “the Gaga dress” — basically what Lady Gaga would wear on her day off — and even dresses made from medical gauze!

Sold-out magical moment … a new record of attendees has been set for the JFCS annual gala, “Magical Moments.” At the sold-out Dec. 16 gala, to be held at the RitzCarlton, Sarasota, guests will be entertained

by Ilan Smith, two other roving magicians and singer Maria Wirries. The gala benefits Jewish Family and Children’s Services and will feature cocktails and dinner, plus a special musical performance by the Sarasota Orchestra.

Sign up on line for our mailing list and we’ll send you a coupon for a

Sarasota Orchestra’s Season Opener Brunch and the Sarasota Jewish Federation Women’s Day “Look at my new shoes!” — Bunny Skirboll

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16 YourObserver.com

DIVERSIONS

Thursday, December 6, 2012

// Designing Daughters Evening Runway Fashion Show // Benefiting Designing Women Boutique | Thursday, Nov. 29, at Designing Women Boutique

Dr. Christine Cauffielo, Shelley Lister and Designing Daughters President Jane Thompson

Sandy Greenberg, Renee Sheade and Harry Kartoz

Diane Roskamp, Joleen Roskamp, Stephanie Shaw and Deborah Van Cleve

Kym Smith and Jan Loomis

Gabrielle Slater and Tatyana Sharoubim

Kara Nally

NOOA DANcers froM Tel MonD, Israel

Planet Togs owner Lyne Butterworth

Photos by Loren Mayo

Montana Taplinger

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98028

December 10, 2012

98184

Monday

Enjoy the fabulous NOOA Dancers -21 dancers from Sarasota’s Sister City, Tel Mond, Israel.

Hanukkah reception and refreshments to follow!

Covered Deck!

New Menu Items!

Dock and Dine!

By Land...760 Broadway St. • Longboat Key

By Sea... Marker 39 • Intracoastal Waterway

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012

17

// black tie: camera ready

Rebecca and Richard Hopkins with Betty Hegner

// Next Act Gala //

Benefiting Florida Studio Theatre Thursday, Nov. 28, at the Gompertz Theatre

Co-Chairwomen Patricia Courtois and Carol Buchanan

Photos by Loren Mayo

Gardner and Dannie Sherrill

Millions of Lights.

Magical Nights.

Holiday Lights 2012 December 7-9, 14-24

Lee and Sheila Upshaw

Linda MacCluggage, Christine Alexander and Reid MacCluggage

6-9 pm Featuring Santa, Live Music, Magician, Dinner, Roasting S’mores and so much more.

Adults: $11* Children 3-12: $6* Kids 2 & Under: Free Dinner: $6.75* *All prices are plus tax. Coupons, discounts or other offers not valid for special events.

941.355.1112 ext. 306 3701 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, FL 34234 SarasotaJungleGardens.com

Me-Me and Robert Kramer

Tom and Tracy Hayes

95514

Please tail us on:

18 YourObserver.com

DIVERSIONS

Thursday, December 6, 2012

// black tie: camera ready

// SPARCCle for the Holidays Gala //

Benefiting Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) Sunday, Dec. 2, at The Oaks Club

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Janice and Frank Cook

David Krombeen, Luisa Goldman, Richard and Barbara Kistler and Jerry Strom

Laura Corella and Co-Chairwoman Patti Good, back; with Co-Chairwoman Carol Chiarella and Valarie McKay, front

Judy Armano, Marlys Hildreth, Sheila Davis and Gail Cox Sandy Drettmann models the Judith Ripka diamond-and-hematite ring that was raffled off at the event.

Olivia Thomas, SPARCC executive director, Jane Krombeen and Sandy Strom

Bruce and Sandra Brookshire

Goodwill is the home of irresistible prices and extraordinary finds! Thousands of items arrive daily, ensuring something new and unique can be found at each visit. Check back often so you don’t miss that special item.

Visit the Goodwill Boutique & Art Store, a wonderful new experience for the Sarasota community, for upscale ladies apparel, accessories, artwork, and more. The secret is out — come discover for yourself!

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Goodwill Boutique & Art Store 5831 Derek Ave, Sarasota near Clark & McIntosh 941-308-0119

Find our other fabulous locations at 98141

Pat Edwards and Susan Lanier, SPARCC Board president

98291

Ross Allen plays the bagpipe as guests arrived.

WWW.experiencegoodWill.org

Chicos Michael Kors Kate Spade Nine West

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012

19

// black tie: camera ready

// Sea Lion Soiree //

Benefiting Mote Marine Laboratory Friday, Nov. 30, at the aquarium

Mote Marine President and CEO Kumar Mahadevan and his wife, Linda

Mote Director of Marketing Stacy Alexander and Chief Advancement Officer Tom Waters

Trainer Stefi Sarnova rewards the sea lions for performing tricks. Just like pets, she trains them with a reward system.

Judy Bennett and Tom Benjamin

Victoria DeRosier and Karen Lima

Photos by Yaryna Klimchak

Nolia and John Stephan with Ann Hayes

Carla Hancock and Spyder Broussard

Mote volunteers Diane Glaesel and Steve Stockdale

Jenah Victor, Kim George, Karen Abel and Sheri Clinard

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98135

Ashley Morrison with her father, Lowe

20 YourObserver.com

DIVERSIONS

Thursday, December 6, 2012

// black tie: camera ready

// Y Angels Holiday Fashion Show and Luncheon // Benefiting YMCA Foundation Thursday, Nov. 28, at Michael’s On East

Terry Chandler, Donna Simmons, Paul Bowman, Co-Chairwoman Dawn Epstein and Lainie Van Winkle

Photos by Loren Mayo

Evella Feldhacker

Maria Baird, Susan Mitchell, Melba Jimenez, Melissa Dunlap and Joanna Freij

Dan Dannheisser and Karin Gustafson with Sarasota YMCA CEO Kurt Stringfellow and his wife, Charlotte

Joanne Colkitt and Will Brown

Michelle Butler and Denise Mei

Amy Ochsner and Nancy Trivisonno

Tim Macksey, Elizabeth Moore and Pam Sullivan