Longboat Observer 1.03.13

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SEASON SPECIAL ThE ObSErvEr’S GuidE TO ThE ArTS ANd SOciETy | WiNTEr 2 0 1 3

Look inside for our winter guide to arts and social events.

free • Thursday, JANUARY 3, 2013

DIVERSIONS

BEST OF COPS CORNER

Start the year off right with fresh ideas.

INSIDE

Take a look back on the most intriguing Cops Corners of the year.

PAGE 19A

LOOKING AHEAD

OUR TOWN

Courtesy photo

+ Conrad Beach takes the cake At least six Conrad Beach residents got the same birthday present this year: Medicare.

That’s right, six of the community’s residents turned the big 6-5 this year. They celebrated the birthdays poolside Nov. 10, with a joint party and a cake shaped like a Medicare card.

The card cake was signed: Conrad Beach bums.

We dive into the top five stories to follow this year on Longboat Key. SEE PAGES 2A THROUGH 10A

+ McKitrick takes swing at 180th win Victory is par for the course when you’re Longboat Key golfer Arlene McKitrick.

McKitrick won her 180th victory Dec. 12, at the Breakers Rees Jones course in Palm Beach in an American Senior Golf Association tournament.

Photo courtesy of Jackie Dixon

“Chef” Wiley Osborne with Town Manager Dave Bullock

+ Christ Church hosts town manager Town Manager Dave Bullock spoke at Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian about “Important Lessons Facing Longboat Key in the Coming Months” Monday, Dec. 3.

The Men’s Club of Christ Church organized the breakfast event, although ladies were invited, as well. In addition to a serving of Bullock’s Town Hall teachings, those who attended got a full helping of breakfast prepared

by Christ Church member “Chef” Wiley Osborne.

INDEX Calendar............ 24A Classifieds ........ 29A

Crossword.......... 29A Letters..................9A

Longboat Lore.... 18A Neighborhood.... 19A

Opinion.................8A Travel................. 28A

Vol. 35, No. 24 | Three sections YourObserver.com

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Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

Public interest

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

Bullock keeps close eye on Town Hall Three candidates with different backgrounds will vie for seats on the Longboat Key Town Commission in March, as the town manager creates a new leadership culture at Town Hall.

The culture at Longboat Key Town Hall is changing.

Town Manager Dave Bullock has a completely different approach to management than his predecessor. There’s not an employee at Town Hall that will disagree with statement.

LOOKING that Bullock holds meetings not just with his directors, but also with all of his employees on a quarterly basis, at the very least. They gather in Town Hall and he tells them what’s happening and asks them if they have any concerns or questions.

Bullock has also pinpointed Town Engineer Anne Ross as a possible town manager successor. She currently is acting as a special consultant to a variety of topics that he has her studying.

Those topics include everything from cellular communications to pensions.

“I’m not going to be here forever,” Bullock said. “If there’s one problem I observed here before I arrived, it was that the town wasn’t prepared or comfortable

AHEAD

with someone who could step in as town manager as needed. I’m working to fix that problem.”

Bullock calls his employees “a high-performing team that needs to make sure it is in a continuous learning mode.”

In his second year, he plans to analyze all of his employees closely and make sure they are in the right positions and departments are running efficiently.

Bullock is also working to freeze current police-and-fire pension plans; oversee future redevelopment proposals such as the Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort; find a balance of good cellular service with which all residents can agree; and find a residential/commercial/tourism balance that residents agree upon through the work of a future consultant and public hearings.

And he must do all this with the knowledge that he might have to work with a completely revamped Longboat Key Town Commission.

There are three challengers for the March 2013 municipal election.

• Irwin Pastor will challenge

incumbent Commissioner Terry Gans for the one-year, 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, meanwhile, is running unopposed for his seat.

Pastor lives with his wife, Sylvia, in L’Ambiance on the south end of the Key and is the past president of its association.

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

Grossman rents a home on St. Judes Drive near the middle of the Key and uses his bicycle as his main form of transportation.

Grossman has 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,

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File photo

Town Manager Dave Bullock has created a new culture at Town Hall. after 30 years in the planning department of Alexandria, Va. Grossman worked in commercial real estate until 2008. He retired that year, and moved with his wife, Patricia Curran, who worked as a planner in the private sector, to Longboat Key. Longbeach Village resident Gene Jaleski, the challenger for Younger’s two-year at-large seat, is no stranger to Town Hall, either.

After losing to former Commissioner 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, in the wake of an email snafu in which he insulted Longboat Key Public Interest Committee members and called former Mayor Ron Johnson “the most ineffective mayor in recent times.”

Jaleski, a retired computer software engineer, is also known for providing input at meetings.

Jaleski is constantly looking at other ways, other than cell towers, to provide better cellular reception.

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

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

SEASONAL FORECAST

3A

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

New Pass and Longboat Pass are bustling with boaters and beachgoers anxious to anchor their vessel and enjoy the sun off the shores of Longboat Key.

File photo

Business and tourism The patterns of season are tough to predict, but indicators so far point to a strong season for hotels and businesses.

If you could predict the weather, you could forecast the outlook for the island’s resorts and businesses more accurately.

A snowstorm up North sends a flurry of last-minute visitors seeking refuge in the sun.

Warm winters and plenty of sunshine are good, of course, while an unusually cold winter like that in early 2010 is not so good.

But, although you can’t predict the weather, some indicators suggest that this season’s forecast is good.

Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County, wrote in a Dec. 18 email to the Longboat Key Town Commission that during the month of November, compared to the period in LOOKING same 2011, the county had a 10.4% increase in visitors who spent 13.7% more than they did last year.

In Manatee County, tourist development tax collection rose by 6.9% in November 2012 from November 2011, although collections in the Longboat Key portion of the county were down by less than 1%.

Sandra Rios, director of communications at the Longboat Key Club and Resort, said the resort is seeing a return of group business in early 2013, with some groups returning that hadn’t booked for five-to-seven years.

International travel remains strong, according to Rios, and got a boost earlier this year from the Swiss Edelweiss Air coming to Tampa International Airport, because Switzerland is one of the resort’s top-three international markets.

At Casa del Mar, General Manager Mark Meador said that bookings are up 2% to 3% compared to this time last year.

“January is good,” Meador said.

“We’re waiting for the weather.

We still have some empty spots, but snowstorms will bring in stragglers.”

Of course, local businesses and resorts are keeping an eye on the Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort’s proposed redevelopment plan — a project that, be-

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File photo

A crowd gathered at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 13 for the opening of the new Publix store. cause of a recent court ruling, could be almost as difficult to predict as the weather.

Two days after the Ocean Properties Ltd.-owned resort submitted pre-application documents to the town’s Planning, Zoning and Building Department Nov. 12, calling for the redevelopment of the existing 102-room resort and addition of 85 more rooms, Sarasota 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Lee Haworth ruled in favor of the Islandside Property Owners Coalition (IPOC) in its challenge of the town’s code changes that gave commissioners more flexibility when approving projects.

Essentially, that meant that applications for future Longboat Key projects, including a redeveloped Hilton, were put on hold.

The Hilton planned to close the resort in May 2013 for between nine and 12 months of construction.

The Hilton’s website currently isn’t accepting reservations for the stated construction period.

“Please be advised that this hotel will be closing for renovations beginning May 1, 2013, and will re-open during the second quarter of 2014,” it states.

“We’re leaving that (application) with our legal department

right now,” said Ocean Properties Ltd. Vice President Andy Berger.

“The town is working with us, and we’re hopeful the project can move forward, although the start of it might be delayed by a month or two.”

Other resorts are keeping tabs on tourists displaced because of the Hilton project.

“Those poor folks are going to have to go somewhere,” Meador said. “We’d like to get at least a piece of that.”

Of course, any project that affects tourism locally also impacts other Key businesses, which rely on tourist dollars on an island with a relatively small year-round population.

Business owners are mixed when it comes to the potential impact of the Hilton closing for a year.

Harry Christensen, owner of Harry’s Continental Kitchens and Harry’s Corner Store, said that tourism is vital for the island.

“People who use the Hilton use our businesses,” said Christensen, who believes that many Hilton guests will still come to the island but stay at other resorts or rent houses.

“That will be the third hotel we’ve lost,” said Stephanie Claussen, owner of Steff’s Stuff in

Loss of businesses The U.S. Census Business Patterns Survey determined that Longboat Key had 216 establishments — defined by the Census Bureau as a single physical location at which business or services or industrial operations are performed — and 2,129 employees on their payrolls as of March 12, 2010.

The 2010 data is the most recent set available for the Key and shows a decline over the past decade.

In 2001, the Key had 256 establishments and 2,909 employees.

Data from 2011 will likely show a further drop, because it will reflect the closing of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort in 2010 in which 75 employees lost their jobs.

At its peak, the Colony had approximately 350 employees.

Many residents and business owners believe that the loss of business was spurred by the closing of the Holiday Inn in 2003 and the decline and eventual collapse of the Colony, because the loss of hotel units translated to fewer customers each year. the Centre Shops, referring also to the Holiday Inn, which closed in 2004, and the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, which closed two years ago. “I don’t think it’s going to help.”

But David Miller, owner of Cannons Marina, said that the impact would be minimal, at most, on his business.

“There are enough other places here that people are still going to have a place to stay,” he said.

Design 2000 owner Sandy LaRose wasn’t concerned about the impact at Whitney Beach Plaza, which currently gets almost no foot traffic from tourists.

“I’m enthusiastic about anything that revitalizes the Key,” she said.

Many local business owners are also focused on developments at two of the island’s three shopping centers.

Publix re-opened Dec. 13, after closing for eight months of construction, and the Shoppes of Bay Isles remains under construction. Contractors recently began

the first steps of renovating the mostly vacant Whitney Beach Plaza.

Christensen, who got a significant boost in business at his convenience store during Publix’s temporary closure, expects some of that increase to carry over even after the supermarket’s re-opening.

“A lot of people who had never been in here before came in and saw it,” he said. “A lot of people will come back. Even with Publix opening, they’ll come back in. You get a tomato and a head of lettuce and a couple of steaks and have dinner.”

At the Centre Shops, Claussen said that merchants know they will face increased competition for customers. The Centre Shops has essentially been the Key’s only shopping center for the past year, but the new Publix shopping center and the possibility of a revitalized Whitney Beach will compete with local shoppers.

LaRose is excited about her salon’s prospects in 2013, now that construction at Whitney Beach has started. The salon has struggled in recent years with customers believing that it had closed because of the appearance of the shopping center. She estimates that she lost 40% of her staff and business.

“We’re excited about the future here,” she said. “We feel like we’ve paid our dues.”

Another factor that could affect tourism this year: Easter is March 31, and Passover is March 25 through April 2, meaning that both occasions fall relatively early this year. That means that the end of March is likely to be extra busy, and traffic will probably drop off earlier in April.

Although some merchants worry about the impact of a shorter season, others say it can be a good thing.

Christensen said that when Easter and Passover fall later in the year, many visitors have returned to their home states by the holidays.

But when they’re earlier they spend the holidays — as well as their money — here on Longboat Key. Like many business owners, Christensen is banking on a successful 2013.

“I think tourism will be wonderful,” he said, “as long as we don’t have a cold, cold winter like we did a couple years back.”

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Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

Renovations and Repairs by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

YourObserver.com NORTH AMERICA’S BEST OVERALL LOCAL NEWS SITE

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Key Club upgrades

Longboat Key Club Islandside, Harbourside and Longboat Key Club Moorings are receiving upgrades in 2013.

The new owners of the Longboat Key Club and Resort might not be filing an application at Town Hall for a massive redevelopment project, but the club’s most recent member newsletter outlines plans for improvements at Islandside and Harbourside in 2013.

In a newsletter sent to club members Dec. 13 under the “News Announcements” LOOKING and tab, it states: “Longboat Key Club and Resort is pleased to announce to its membership many operational and facility improvements that are occurring at the club as we go into the new year.

Members will continue to see enhancements made throughout the club in every area.”

Some of those improvements include: • Roof repairs and new landscaping at Island House that won’t affect any of the club’s businesses.

• A new fleet of golf carts for the Harbourside golf course.

• New tee markers and trash cans for all golf courses.

• New greens, tee boxes, cart paths and refreshed sand traps at the White Egret Harbourside golf course.

• New cart paths and refreshed sand traps at the Red Hawk Harbourside golf course.

• A new Rolex clock and landscaping project at the Harbourside golf course staging area.

• New seeding and grass for the Islandside golf course.

• A new location for the Island House Golf Pro Shop.

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A new fleet of golf carts for club members is one of several upgrades at the Longboat Key Club and Resort.

• New Wi-Fi in January for Inn on the Beach that will include access in the lobby, guest rooms, pool deck and on the beach.

• New landscaping for The Tennis Gardens at Harbourside.

• A new floor, sound system and staging for Mind & Motion Studio, which is moving where the Islandside Golf Pro Shop used to be located.

• More parking for marina and restaurant patrons at Longboat Key Club Moorings.

• New restaurant equipment and buffet display pieces for member/special events.

• New furniture for the pool deck and beach areas, as well as cushion replacements for cabanas on the beach.

• New club vehicles next year for club and resort usage.

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Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

Beach Profile

5A

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

Town plans sand project this summer AHEAD

Jack Elka

The north end of Longboat Key, after an emergency sand renourishment project was performed in June 2011, shows a wide beach that connects Beer Can Island to Longboat Key. Most of the placed sand is gone now. cussion with the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners and will ask them to help fund the beach project in this area.

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

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

The sand, which will be a little darker and coarser than what’s currently on the beach, will be coming from a borrow site miles out in the Gulf of Mexico, where a natural-gas pipeline is being placed in the next couple of years.

Bullock announced that he has signed the offshore lease with the U.S. Department of the

Interior (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management) for access to the sand that lies under the Port Dolphin LLC natural-gas pipeline project on the floor of the Gulf. Public Works Director Juan Florensa said the town has until June 2013 to take approximately 300,000 cubic yards of sand for use for a future beach project.

It’s expected, though, that Port Dolphin could ask for another year extension for its project, which would give the town another year to remove the sand.

Besides the north end, sand will be placed near Gulfside Road, the Islander Club and Seaplace.

The project is estimated to cost the town $9 million, although it’s eligible for a $5 million reimbursement from Port Dolphin LLC if it moves forward with its pipeline project as anticipated.

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Longboaters living That project, which will near an eroded beach on LOOKING deposit sand on some the north end can cross other high-erosion parts sand off their wish list for of the island, is expected 2013. to commence this sumWith sand on the north mer. end of the island disapCommissioners pearing at an alarming reviewed several alternarate, the Longboat Key tives for the north end of Town Commission agreed the island last year that unanimously in September to a included doing nothing; building $6.2 million sand-and-structures two groins to hold sand; or buildproject. ing three groins to keep a beach in the area.

After spending a year analyzBeach Project ing the town’s options, Town Conclusions Manager Dave Bullock recomHaving no erosion-control mended the construction of structures on the north end of three groins — two permeable, Longboat Key would result in: adjustable-type groins near North Shore Road on town prop• Eventual narrowing of the beach from the North Shore erty and a non-adjustable groin Road seawall to the north end that will stick out into Longboat of Beer Can Island.

Pass on Manatee County property — to keep sand from flowing • 360 North condominiums north into the channel and into continuing to see over-wash Sarasota Bay. and/or wave action during Bullock noted that as far storms. back as the town’s 1995 Beach • Water overtaking all or part Management Plan, groins for of the Australian pines and the north end of the island have mangrove areas of Beer Can been labeled a priority. Bullock Island. has also labeled the permitting • The sand spit under of those groins a high priority for Longboat Pass Bridge conhis administration this year. tinuing to grow, blocking tidal “There is a longstanding polflow in the lagoon along North icy about using beaches to proShore Road buildings. tect property and some types of • The current public beach structures that are needed for the access at North Shore Road north end of the island,” Bullock eroding away, with a permasaid. nent closure and elimination To prove his point, Bullock has of that beach access likely. displayed a variety of comparison

pictures showing how the north end of the island and Beer Can Island has evaporated as recently as a few months ago after tropical storms Debby and Isaac passed through the area.

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

Gulf water came dangerously close to 360 North condominiums during Debby and Isaac.

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

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

Sand would have to be placed on the north end every year if no structures are built, which is a costly expense the town can’t afford.

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

Bullock is planning a future dis-

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The town of Longboat Key will perform a hot spot beach project in summer 2013 to help high-erosion areas.

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Longboat Observer

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Open house

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Real estate: Lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle

Longboat Key has always had location working in its favor. But can it stay competitive in lifestyle offerings?

“Location, location, location.”

The old adage historically has summed up the three factors that matter most in real estate.

But, in 2013, there’s a new buzzword that sums up what is increasingly important to buyers of the future — one that is so important that it, too, bears repeating three times: “Lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle.”

On Nov. 17, the Longboat Key Revitalization Task Force made a presentation to the Federation of Longboat Key Condominiums titled “Real Estate Trends & Their Impacts on Longboat Key.” It included an imaginary real-estate advertisement dated Jan. 2, 2020: “Cozy condo on Longboat Key! 2/2 1,200 square feet with screened lanai. The complex is only 50 years old. Maintenance fees,

O, Canada Realtors expect an influx of Canadian buyers that they saw in 2011 and 2012 to continue, as many seek to take advantage of their country’s relatively strong economy and purchase vacation homes in Florida, where prices are beginning to appreciate.

The Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice area is the top Florida destination for Canadian buyers, accounting for 14.4% of all purchases from our neighbors to the north, according to the August 2012 Florida Realtors report “Profile of International Home Buyers in Florida,” which covered the period from July 2011 to June 2012.

The same report found that 31% of foreign buyers in Florida were Canadian.

insurance taxes & beach renourishment fees average — $3,300 monthly.

Price — Make an offer!”

At the top of the slides were the words: “We all want to avoid this scenario.”

The condo advertisement featured all the things that the buyers of 2013 and beyond don’t want.

They want open outdoor space, with features such as balconies, verandas and terraces, along with high-end features, such as a mini-gym and chef’s kitchen.

They want new construction — a rarity on the almost entirely built-out island of Longboat Key, where, according to data compiled by Task Force member Lenny Landau, 58% of condominiums were built in or after 1979.

They’re more aware of the overall costs of homeownership, including maintenance, insurance and association fees.

And they value lifestyle as much, if not more, than location.

The good news, heading into 2013, is that buyers are seeking out the Longboat Key lifestyle. And with most distressed inventory gone, buyers on the island aren’t just bargain-hunters.

“They’re looking for the lifestyle of the community first,” said Roger Pettingell, broker associate at Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate. “They often have already decided on the community, and many are looking on the waterfront … They’re looking for values now, not steals.”

They’re no longer looking for the biggest house on the block.

“The McMansion craze changed after Lehman fell,” Pettingell said. “There also seemed to be the concept where people expected to get something in Florida that

File Photo

The Triton Bend property represents a rarity on Longboat Key because it is a developable tract of vacant land. Construction recently began on two of 13 planned homes. would be big enough for their whole family to gather. But everybody’s so busy these days that people have difficulty getting everybody together at once.”

“Although there will always be flamboyance, I think real-estate bling is pretty much out,” said Cheryl Loeffler, sales associate with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

“Demand has shifted; taste, aesthetics and artisanship are more important factors.”

But the Key’s restrictive Comprehensive Plan and codes have made rebuilding properties difficult during the past three decades, creating a challenge that will extend far beyond 2013.

The Task Force presentation urged owners to start considering questions now, such as the age and amenities of properties, how they will compare to new condominium properties in competing markets and whether the condo investment is an effec-

tive hedge against inflation — to avoid the nightmare 2020 scenario.

Lifestyle amenities — such as open living space, high-end fixtures and the ability to walk, bike or kayak to work — will be especially important to millennials, the generation generally defined as those born after the early 1980s that will become the buyers of the future.

And, although millennials aren’t likely to take over anytime soon on Longboat Key, where the average age was 70.4 at the time of the 2010 U.S. Census, buyers are already looking for the features that will become more important to the younger generation.

Quality is especially important on Longboat Key, where new construction and vacant land are rarities.

“There’s not a lot of new construction to offer, but they’re keen on properties that are recently renovated,” said Richard Perlman,

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sales associate with Michael Saunders & Co., who cites Longboat Key Towers, which underwent a $12 million upgrade in 2008, as an example of a property that increased demand by renovating.

Buyers are looking for ease above all.

Many want turnkey properties, with some seeking furnished homes, as well.

In 2013, most local Realtors aren’t expecting drastic changes to Key real estate, barring an unforeseen disaster such as red tide or an oil spill. The first 11 months of 2012 were fairly similar to the same period the year prior, in terms of prices and the number of sales. (See box.) Realtors expect the uptick to continue, with the reduced inventory pushing prices upward, albeit modestly.

When sales data is compiled in early 2013 for December 2012, it will most likely show a bump in sales, as many sellers rushed to close transactions before the end of the year because of uncertainty in the economy and the likelihood of an increase in capital gains taxes.

Some sellers have even offered their Realtors bonuses for closing out their sale by year’s end, according to Perlman.

The Key will get a small dose of new construction in the next two-and-a-half years: Construction began in November on the first two homes in the planned 13-home, mid-Key Triton Bend subdivision.

“There has not been a new development on Longboat in eight or nine years,” Walter Hackett, of Michael Saunders & Co., told the Longboat Observer in November. Hackett is the developing agent for the project and is co-listing it with Barbara Najmy, also of Michael Saunders & Co. That project was put “on the back burner” because of the recession nearly five years ago, according to Hackett, but is now considered a “front-burner” project because of encouraging signs in the local real-estate market.

The future of another vacant property that could eventually result in new construction remains unclear:

7A

Longboat Key condominium sales Dates Total Average price Jan. 1, 2012, through Nov. 30, 2012 376 $563,193 Jan. 1, 2011, through Nov. 305 $592,206 30, 2011

Longboat Key single-family home sales Dates Total Average price Jan. 1, 2012, through Nov. 30, 2012 78 $1,146,924 Jan. 1, 2011, through Nov. 30, 2011 87 $1,048,533

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Longboat Key inventory (as of Dec. 17, 2012) Condominiums Single-family homes

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Sarasota MLS information compiled by Roger Pettingell

The owner of the site at 4765 Gulf of Mexico Drive has until December 2013 to obtain building permits for the proposed 11-unit luxury Bleu Claire condominium.

Another trend that’s sure to continue in 2013 and beyond: Buyers are savvier than ever and conducting their own research before visiting property.

That means future buyers, especially who aren’t familiar with the area, are likely checking out other waterfront communities in addition to Longboat Key. “I think the days are pretty numbered of people coming to Sarasota and not considering other Gulf properties,” Loeffler said.

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“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 Community Editor / Katie Hendrick, khendrick@ yourobserver.com Web Editor / Eddie Kirsch, ekirsch@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; Chris Kelley, ckelley@yourobserver.com; Robert Lewis, blewis@ yourobserver.com; Rose Mango, rmango@ yourobserver.com; Suzanne Munroe, smunroe@ yourobserver.com; Charlotte Owen, cowen@ yourobserver.com; Kenji Trujillo, ktrujillo@ yourobserver.com Sales & Marketing Coordinator / Leslie Gnaegy, lgnaegy@yourobserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Managers / Lori Downey, ldowney@yourobserver.com; 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 Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Danae DeShazer, ddeshazer@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. 2013 All Rights Reserved

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The word for 2013: freedom Happy New Year.

The word for 2013 is “freedom.”

Economic freedom. Personal freedom.

Freedom.

We have a tradition. Each year on New Year’s Eve, we announce at a family gathering our word for the year — the one word that describes how we are going to focus our lives during the New Year.

In our humble view, all of America should adopt the word “freedom.”

It is becoming increasingly lost in American culture and certainly lost in the minds of the American electorate and barely taught in the generations behind us.

Sure, out of the 127 million votes cast last November for a presidential candidate, you almost could expect 127 million different reasons why each voter selected MATT the candidate he did.

And while the following WALSH may be presumptuous, it also is correct to conclude that 50% of the Americans who voted in last year’s presidential election clearly did not make freedom their top priority when they cast their vote for Barack Obama.

If they truly believed in embracing and defending the principles that our nation’s founders inscribed and adopted in the U.S. Constitution, the outcome would have been far different. Freedom for the individual is nowhere to be found in Barack Obama’s philosophy.

This is not to devolve into a harangue against Obama. Rather, it’s to make the case that among the primary reasons the United States is an unstoppable train chugging down “The Road to Serfdom” toward the Europeanization of America (i.e. bankruptcy), is because too few people are advancing and too few people are living the cause for freedom — especially economic freedom.

How many times, for instance, did you ever hear Barack Obama or Mitt Romney even say the word “freedom” or “liberty” in their campaign sound bites?

Read the Republican and Democratic parties’ platforms. They are devoid of any references to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” You have to look hard even to find the words “freedom” or “liberty” or references to founding principles in the Constitution. The Republicans came closest to articulating founding principles in their preamble: “We possess an owner’s manual: the Constitution of the United States, the greatest political document ever written. That sacred document shows us the path forward. Trust the people. Limit government.

Respect federalism. Guarantee opportunity, not outcomes. Adhere to the rule of law. Reaffirm that our rights come from God, are protected by government, and that the only just government is one that truly governs with the consent of the governed.”

“Respect federalism”? “Guarantee opportunity”? Not a mention of freedom.

What would Jefferson say?

The absence of the defense and promotion of individual and economic freedom from our cultural-political lexicon is alarming enough. The absence of the teachings, or even debate, about economic freedom and free-market capitalism in our public education systems is criminal. If Americans truly believed in and understood the nation’s founding principles, if they truly believed in and understood free-market capitalism, we would not be where we are today — $16 trillion in debt.

Today, the United States is a nation of government entitlements, not at all a nation of free-market capitalism. Redistribution of wealth (taking from one to bestow an unearned benefit on another) and government confiscation of property (the income tax, estate tax, Social Security tax, Medicare tax, etc.) are thought of as nor-

HOW STATES RANK IN FREEDOM The Mercatus Center at George Mason University ranks the states on the basis of personal and economic freedom. When it combines the measurements, it arrives at an index ranking the states according to their overall freedom. New Hampshire is the freest state. To read the entire report, go to: mercatus.org.

1. New Hampshire 2. South Dakota 3. Indiana 4. Idaho 5. Missouri 6. Nevada 7. Colorado 8. Oregon 9. Virginia 10. North Dakota 11. Florida 12. Oklahoma 13. Iowa 14. Texas 15. Georgia 16. Tennessee 17. Kansas 18. North Carolina 19. Alabama 20. Utah 21. Wyoming 22. Arizona 23. Nebraska 24. Mississippi 25. Wisconsin 26. South Carolina 27. Michigan 28. Arkansas 29. Montana 30. Vermont 31. Pennsylvania 32. Kentucky 33. Maine 34. Minnesota 35. Louisiana 36. West Virginia 37. New Mexico 38. Connecticut 39. Delaware 40. Washington 41. Illinois 42. Ohio 43. Maryland 44. Alaska 45. Rhode Island 46. Massachusetts 47. Hawaii 48. California 49. New Jersey 50. New York

0.441 0.414 0.344 0.343 0.315 0.315 0.303 0.285 0.274 0.225 0.224 0.223 0.221 0.211 0.188 0.168 0.161 0.158 0.151 0.141 0.119 0.092 0.082 0.061 0.026 0.014 0.013 0.000 –0.007 –0.047 –0.050 –0.053 –0.060 –0.140 –0.143 –0.146 –0.178 –0.180 –0.196 –0.196 –0.200 –0.215 –0.268 –0.300 –0.383 –0.393 –0.445 –0.487 –0.505 –0.752

Source: Mercatus Center, George Mason University

mal, social norms, rights. But that makes us wonder: What would John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton say if they saw all of this? When they drafted the Constitution, they knew that American colonists would revolt a second time at even the suggestion of an income tax — it was so repulsive.

And yet, it’s astounding today that so many Americans believe “the rich” should be forced by the government’s gun to forfeit larger percentages of their income than everyone else. So much for equal treatment under the law.

Unequal treatment for all

You can thank Abraham Lincoln for initiating this “ability-to-pay,” progressive tax doctrine.

Start with Article 1, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution. It said, “No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken.”

Translated: When taxed, everyone was to be treated the same.

But when Lincoln needed funds to execute the Civil War, he persuaded Congress to adopt an ability-to-pay income tax (3% on anyone earning more than $600 a year); they called it an “excise” tax to skirt the Constitution. Luckily, the tax ended in 1872.

But 25 years after the war, proponents of ability-to-pay taxation and class warfare had gained full acceptance as political causes. The Populists of the 1890s targeted the “robber barons” and “bloated rich.” In 1893, newly elected President Grover Cleveland asked Congress for an income tax. It approved a 2% income tax. The Supreme Court later ruled it unconstitutional.

Class warfare continued. In 1913, the Populists were victorious again. The 16th Amendment became law, allowing Congress to tax incomes “without regard to any census or enumeration.”

Since then, Americans have not been “created equal.” It has become an article of belief in America that those who earn more than others must contribute more to the common good. Barack Obama says haughtily: “They can afford it.”

On this point, it’s worth invoking philosopher-novelist Ayn Rand: “America’s abundance was not created by public sacrifices to ‘the common good,’ but by the productive genius of free men who pursued their personal interests and the making of their own private fortunes.

“They did not starve the people to pay for America’s industrialization. They gave the people better jobs, higher wages and cheaper goods with every new machine they invented,” she wrote.

Most people forget that side of the coin.

While the late Steve Jobs may have accumulated billions upon billions of dollars in personal wealth, look at the hundreds and hundreds of millions of “free riders” who are able to afford and have the benefits of his creations? Through free-market capitalism, the iPhone became affordable; it was not just for the rich. All those voters who think the rich should pay more forget how they have benefited from the labor and ingenuity of the inventors, creators and producers.

The Mitt Romneys and Jeff Bezoses (Amazon) and Larry Pages (Google) of this country are not the villains. They shouldn’t be punished. They’re heroes.

Shout the meaning of freedom

But Americans don’t get that. The man in the White House doesn’t talk about individual freedom or economic freedom. He doesn’t embrace the concept that the freer we are, the more prosperous we become.

“Freer” means less taxation, fewer regulations, less government spending — removing as much of the state from our lives as possible.

In their 2011 detailed study of personal and economic freedom by state, authors William P. Ruger and Jason Sorens (“Freedom in the 50 States,” George Mason University), offered this unsurprising conclusion: “Two of the most intriguing findings of our statistical analysis are that Americans are voting with their feet and moving to states with more economic and personal freedom and that economic freedom correlates with income growth.”

As you watched Washington’s incompetence on “the fiscal cliff,” you had to become disgusted and disheartened. Look at that horrific mess we have let our “public servants” perpetrate on us, and then look at your children and grandchildren. They are destined to be slaves to the state and to a declining standard of living.

This is why freedom should be the word for 2013, 2014 and beyond. If the next generations do not understand and know the truths of our nation’s founding principles or the miraculousness of free-market capitalism, they are doomed. We will have doomed them.

We need to teach and shout the meaning of freedom.

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

+ Rats get eradicated but raccoons get a pass?

swiftly and forcefully in trying to eradicate a poor family of rats who had invaded the sanctity of the town offices.

A couple of years ago, I went before commissioners with a proposal to rid the town of raccoons for precisely the same reasons that the town’s death-dealing minions deprived those poor rats of the blessings of life: leaving a trail of debris and droppings, making a mess, potentially carrying disease and inhabiting space that rightly belongs to civilized people. I even proposed, to the commission, hiring a professional raccoon-trapper and selected the best (cheapest) from a list of six. I doubt town staff performed an extensive bidding review, as I did, before selecting the designated rat-trapper. If so, that would appear to be an abuse of staff’s government powers.

The town went even further when it notified the chief

Dear Editor: I find it highly amusing, somewhat ironic and grossly hypocritical that the town staff via its multiple arms should react so

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nization vehemently defends a citizen’s right to own a weapon as dangerous as an assault rifle.

The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence has pointed out that, “as a result of the NRA's lobbying, gun crime has soared” and a teenager can "purchase an AK-47 semi-automatic assault rifle at a gun show without having to show ID and without a background check.” Or as in the tragedy in Connecticut, a teenager can simply take his parent's weapons and commit murder starting, it appears, with the parent who provided the weapons.

It seems ludicrous that it would be easier for a teenager to buy an assault rifle than to adopt a kitten at the ASPCA. I can no longer remain silent, because I feel that apathy in light of the litany of horrendous shootings is like giving tacit approval to a situation that has destroyed too many innocent lives, both young and old. I encourage my fellow citizens to speak up and stand up for basic decency. This is not about denying hunters their firearms or a homeowner the right to a gun for their personal protection. It's about limiting access to a weapon that has no place in civilized society.

Let’s do the right thing and help protect the lives of our most vulnerable citizens.

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Dear Editor: I have been an outdoorsman since my first memories of fishing with my mother and father and have been an outdoor journalist for more than two decades. Although, I’m not a hunter myself, I have many friends and associates who are, and by and large, they are outstanding individuals who value the resource and understand the responsibilities of gun ownership.

However, though I may respect my friends and those who own guns, the most-recent senseless mind-numbing tragedy that unfolded in Connecticut has made me question whether I can simply stand back from the power of the gun lobby and those who would say that “guns don't kill people, people kill people.”

I’ve been uncomfortable with the gun laws in this country for many years, have voted my conscience, but have largely remained silent on the issue based on my respect for the gun owners I know. That being said, I have never understood how an organization like The National Rifle Association, (NRA) could be allowed to control the legislative agenda that represents 350 million citizens in this country, when that orga-

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+ We need to change the gun laws

97093

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

of police, thereby invoking supreme lethal force, if needed. I sense a strong double standard for town employees and office space versus us common taxpaying citizens and our private property. Rats get eradicated; raccoons get a pass.

My guess is, also, that there weren’t as many snide comments and jokes offered — such as I received in speaking before commissioner — when the rat problem was being discussed at such high levels of government.

Well, town staff, I’ll let you go so that you can get back to your rat-killing. If you find any dead raccoons on your doorstep you might guess where they have come from and pass an ordinance. Should that occur, I will await the heavy footfall of an arresting gendarme, and invoke Amendment XIV, Section 1. Hire another town attorney.

Weldon G. Frost Longboat Key

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The new Longboat Key Publix that opened Dec. 13 might be the only piece of major redevelopment that town residents will notice for quite a while.

That’s because even if applications for future Longboat Key projects, including a future Islandside project or a Colony Beach & Tennis Resort projLOOKING ect, were submitted, they could not be accepted or reviewed by the town.

Town attorney David Persson informed the Longboat Key Town Commission Nov. 21 that redevelopment applications that come before the town are in limbo until the town makes changes to codes and development processes.

The bad news for town officials was announced in early November.

A Sarasota Clerk of the Circuit Court judge issued a judgment that went against the town Nov. 12, two days after Delray Beach-based Ocean Properties Ltd. submitted pre-application documents to the town’s Planning, Zoning and Building Department. The documents called for the redevelopment of the 102 rooms at the existing Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort and the addition of 85 more rooms that would be built in a new guest tower.

Sarasota 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Lee Haworth favored the Islandside Property Owners Coalition, which challenged the town’s code changes that gave commissioners more flexibility when approving projects. The decision also dealt a blow to any past and future Islandside renovation project.

Commissioners promised to act swiftly to fix the problems, although Persson has suggested public-input processes that could take a year to complete cannot be rushed.

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THE COLONY

The town’s problems with its codes work in favor of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association, which is still debating whether to renovate its existing site or tear it down and rebuild. An ongoing debate among unit owners exists on that issue, while the larger legal dispute leaves control of the entire 18-acre site in question and is years away from being resolved unless all parties settle their differences outside of court.

In the meantime, while town residents would rather see an aging

Whitney Beach Plaza razed in favor of a new development, the north end plaza might be the next piece of redevelopment Longboaters see.

That’s because Whitney Beach Plaza’s ownership announced in November ownership modifications and an up to $2 million renovation overhaul for the aging and mostly vacant shopping center on the north tip of Longboat Key. The town has already approved a permit for a new roof that’s currently being installed at the plaza, and Building Official Wayne Thorne has confirmed discussions are in the works for more permits to renovate the entire plaza.

CONCLUSION

The bottom line, the town attorney says, is the town needs sweeping changes to its Comp Plan to make clarifications. A future public meeting process will allow residents the opportunity to provide input on how the Comp Plan should be changed and how residents want the town to look and redevelop in the future.

“The way ahead is not without problems, but it seems that the town has been presented with an opportunity for a community discussion on strategic issues that might lead to community consensus without having to defend a prior application,” Persson wrote to commissioners in November.

Redevelopment Hurdles Project Status Longboat Key Publix Completed

Permits for new roof approved; renovation permits being discussed Whitney Beach Plaza Colony Beach & Tennis Resort No application expected anytime soon

No Islandside project expected anytime Longboat Key Club and Resort soon

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public interview Dec. 11 that moving hastily solely for the Hilton project is not a good idea.

Despite the attorney’s opinion, both commissioners and Planning and Zoning Board members have expressed a need to move expeditiously for the Hilton project.

“I hope we can put in place whatever is necessary to permit the Hilton overhaul in a timely fashion,” Vice Mayor David Brenner said.

Also, at the planning board’s Nov. 20 regular meeting, board members Al Hixon and Jack Daly asked what could be done to speed up the process for the Hilton.

“It needs time,” said Persson at the meeting. “Urgency is what I’m detecting, and it just won’t work.”

WHITNEY BEACH

Meanwhile, Town Manager Dave Bullock is investigating whether the town can make quicker changes to its codes and an Outline Development Process responsible for doling out a pool of 250 tourism units, in an attempt to get the Hilton project back on track while the larger Comp Plan change process continues.

But, even one of the two planning consultants being considered to help the town work its way through the code-change process suggested in a

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by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

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10A

Local News that’s

LOCAL NEWS!

96170

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

YEAR IN REVIEW

11A

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Delve back into ’12

One year ago, we helped you ‘Delve into 12,’ when we summed up 12 issues in our first edition of the year that we believed would define 2012. Were there signs of progress? Or more of the same? You be the judge, as we delve back into 12.

Town manager

New Planning, Zoning and Building director

Then: Wanted: someone “collaborative, diplomatic, a team player, highly energetic, affable, assertive.”

Although it may not have been a Match.com ad, the town was seeking the right match for its Planning, Zoning and Building director position through an advertisement at the start of the new year, following the resignation of Monica Simpson.

Now: Robin Meyer began the job of PZ&B director in May 2012, after the town hired him at a $93,000 annual salary from a pool of 62 candidates who wanted the job. Meyer most recently served as St. Lucie County assistant director of growth/ management/building and code regulation manager.

Fabulous corner location on the 11th floor with gorgeous panoramic views from every room with two penthouse sized balconies. Beautifully renovated throughout and picture perfect with a gorgeous kitchen, two redone baths, huge moldings, walls of windows on three sides. Two parking spaces.

File photo

The town has mandated the Colony Beach & Tennis resort spruce up its appearance.

The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort

Then: U.S District Judge Steven D. Merryday had reversed key rulings made by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May that ultimately gave unit owners control of their units.

Undeterred, the Colony Beach & Tennis Association, which represents owners of 232 of the resort’s 237 owners, vowed to continue with plans to redevelop the resort in partnership with Club Holdings Ventures LLC. The Association also planned to go before the commission in 2012 to seek an extension of a Dec. 31, 2012, deadline for re-opening the resort, without which it faced losing approximately two-thirds of the property’s tourism units.

Now: The Association and Club Holdings chose to terminate their relationship in May, in part because of Club Holdings’ concerns about the extent of legal issues.

The Association subsequently entered into an agreement with Coral Hospitality and longtime unit owner Andy Adams’ BreakPointe LLC. May chose a damages award for the Partnership that could amount to about $23 million, while leaving control of units with unit owners; the Association has vowed to appeal.

The commission ultimately agreed to extend the deadline for re-opening the re-

SEE LOOKING BACK / PAGE 12A

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Walls of glass off the spacious living room lead to your private balcony. The master retreat has its own private balcony and sitting area.

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Gorgeous views of the gulf from this direct beach front, Longboat Key Towers condo Corner location, 1714 sq ft w/walls of windows that allows for stunning panoramic views all the way up the beach from this furnished, beautifully renovated modern masterpiece. Beautiful cool marble flooring in the major rooms and bamboo flooring in both bedrooms. Two spacious terraces.

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This 3BR+den residence includes a gourmet kitchen and family room, formal dining and living rooms, a den, master suite and two guests bedroom suites. A pool & spa with cascading waterfall, outdoor kitchen and a pool bath are added luxuries.

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Then: Dave Bullock was two months into the job of interim town manager at the start of 2012.

He had survived his first two Longboat Key Town Commission meetings and as of Jan. 3, 2012, had met with 66 citizens. The Town Commission had a decision to make by Sept. 15, 2012, when Bullock’s one-year contract would expire: Renew the File photo contract or launch Town Manager Dave a search for LongBullock will assess boat Key’s next employees in 2013. town manager.

Now: The word “interim” was officially removed from Bullock’s title in July, when commissioners approved a threeyear extension of the contract with an option to renew for another three years at the end. The extension didn’t change Bullock’s compensation but allows for 20 weeks’ severance pay instead of the previous 30-day maximum.

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12A

LOOKING BACK / FROM PAGE 11A sort, but only by one year, instead of the three years unit owners wanted.

Meanwhile, the property has continued to deteriorate, drawing complaints from neighbors and attention of town codeenforcement and building officials. An agreement was also reached to maintain the property and upgrade its appearance while it sits vacant.

Courtesy photo

The new owner of the Longboat Key Club and Resort is evaluating the property.

Longboat Key Club and Resort

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Then: Judge Charles E. Roberts ruled in favor of the Islandside Property Owners Coalition and L’Ambiance and Sanctuary condominium associations Dec. 29, 2011, in their challenge of the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s proposed $400 million Islandside redevelopment plan that the Longboat Key Town Commission approved in June 2010.

Now: The 2nd District Court of Appeal upheld Roberts’ ruling in August, effectively quashing the Key Club’s application.

In October, after the Delray Beachbased Ocean Properties Ltd. announced plans to buy the resort, town officials confirmed that the application had been put on hold.

Sarasota 12th Circuit Court Judge Lee Haworth ruled in November in favor of IPOC in its challenge of town code changes that were meant to make the Islandside project clearer under town codes.

The town will take on a major review of its code and Comprehensive Plan with a planning consultant in early 2013; the review will include community meetings to gauge how the island’s residents want to face future redevelopment challenges through town codes.

In the short-term, however, applicants

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

could face difficulty in seeking to redevelop.

Vice Mayor David Brenner told the Longboat Observer after Haworth’s ruling that, although the judgment is “disappointing,” it will give Ocean Properties “time to revisit in depth what the project was about before submitting something that won’t be an issue in the future.”

Dogs: Longboat beach access?

Then: A dog beach feasibility committee formed to explore issues surrounding dog beach access, including health, safety and wildlife impacts, with plans to report back to the Longboat Key Town Commission at a later date.

Now: Expect to hear both sides barking back and forth about the issue at Longboat Key Town Hall.

Laurin Goldner, chairwoman of the committee that has since been named the LBK-9 Coalition, presented the report to the commission in December. The commission will discuss the report at a future workshop, most likely in February.

Cell tower

Then: Alpha-Omega Communications LLC and Ridan Industries II had agreed to put its application to build a 150foot cellular tower on the Longboat Island Chapel property on hold. The town was about to begin a study of island-wide telecommunications.

Now: TE Connectivity completed its telecommunications study in April. Representatives of TE Connectivity found that a distributed antenna system (DAS) network would provide a better solution for the island’s communications issues, a finding that Alpha-Omega Communications LLC and Ridan Industries II have contested; they argue that the DAS network would require more nodes and money than depicted in the report and that the visual impact wasn’t shown to scale.

Currently, there is no active cell-tower application on file with the town, because Ridan Industries II and Alpha-Omega Communications’ application remains on hold as part of a strategic decision to allow the town to make changes to its telecommunications ordinance and amend its Comprehensive Plan.

SEE LOOKING BACK / PAGE 14A

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LOOKING BACK / FROM PAGE 12A

Publix plans

Then: The Planning and Zoning Board had recommended the site plan and three outline development plans in December 2011, and the Longboat Key Town Commission plans called for a new CVS by October 2012, a new Publix by Christmas and a new shopping area.

Now: On Longboat Key, it’s rare that you can say: “Mission accomplished.”

But Publix officials can.

Publix closed its old store April 7, 2012, demolished it and began building a new store. The old CVS remained open as the new store was built.

CVS opened in August, one month ahead of schedule.

Publix opened its new 49,533-squarefoot store Dec. 13 to a crowd that gathered a half-hour before its opening. The supermarket has a variety of special features including indoor and outdoor seating with free Wi-Fi, salad bar, hot bar, Pacific wok station, an event-planning center and many enhanced departments.

Community center

Then: Discussions about a proposed community center at Bayfront Park Recreation Center were planned for 2012. The commission had approved the $452,500 purchase of a .71-acre parcel adjacent to the park that could enhance the community-center concept, and the possibility of taking the question to voters via a referendum question loomed.

Now: Suffice it to say that discussions about a community center happened in 2012. There were two community meetings, multiple discussions at commission meetings and workshops and a planned subcommittee that never met because commissioners decided that the group’s mission of compiling information about

Eat In or Take Out

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

programs that go on throughout the Key was a task best left to town staff.

In October, Town Manager Dave Bullock agreed to hold a discussion about a community center and its costs while continuing to poll people about what kinds of programming they would like at such a facility.

Medical center

Then: Dr. Pamela Letts, of the Centre Shops Family Practice and Urgent Care, had spoken about the difficulties of practicing medicine in a seasonal community such as Longboat Key during 2011 and had formed the Longboat Key Healthcare Committee to explore alternative non-profit models for providing services on Longboat Key. The committee was working with another group, the Bay Isles Health Care Committee, established by resident Joe Curl, to explore partnering with Sarasota Memorial Hospital to create a satellite clinic on the island.

Now: Letts had no update for the Longboat Observer about her practice. And Longboat Key doesn’t appear to be any closer to partnering with Sarasota Memorial Hospital to create a satellite clinic.

There is continuing discussion of other options, such as the possibility of a Community Foundation of Longboat Key, which could generate funding for a future clinic.

Pensions

Then: The town’s pension costs made up more than 15% of its total budget in the 2011-12 year, with the unfunded liability for the town’s three plans totaling more than $26 million.

Town Manager Dave Bullock was looking at funding options but emphasized: “We’re going to meet the obligations that we have. There’s no other choice. It’s the law.”

Now: In May 2012, Bullock proposed the town’s pension plans and transitioning employees to defined-benefit 401(a) plans

File photo

Dr. Pamela Letts, at her Centre Shops Family Practice and Urgent Care, has spoken out about the challenges of practicing medicine on Longboat Key.

in which employees would receive a town match of up to 13%. Current employees and retirees would be allowed to keep their vested benefits, as required by law.

A contract between the town and its firefighters in which the current plan would be frozen and all current and future firefighters would participate in the Florida Retirement System pension plan, with the town matching employee contributions up to 13%, is tentative.

The town’s general employees are seeking a vote on unionizing, which would force the town to negotiate with them before their pension plans could be changed.

Bargaining with the town’s police union, which has a contract that extends through September 2013, will likely begin in the spring after the police union declined Bullock’s request to start negotiations in January.

Erosion

Then: As of late fall 2011, approximately 77% of the 133,000 cubic yards of sand that was deposited on the north end during the summer, in a $4.5 million emergency beach project to control erosion,

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Then: Not much had changed at Whitney Beach Plaza in the year since the Boston-based Juliani Kenney Investment Capital LLC purchased the shopping center. And that was cause for frustration from residents who wanted life at the largely vacant shopping center.

Brian Kenney, the firm’s principal at the time, denied rumors that his company would walk away from the property.

Now: Investment company principal Richard Juliani confirmed that he plans to put a liquor store and bar in the plaza.

According to Juliani, Kenney departed from the project about seven months ago.

In November, Juliani formed a new corporation that, with Bradenton attorney Ryan Snyder and some other investors, now owns the shopping center. The corporation plans to inject about $1 million into the shopping center in the next three-to-six months, according to Juliani.

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remained. However, town officials had always emphasized that sand placement alone wasn’t a long-term erosion fix.

In November 2011, Coastal Planning & Engineering representatives presented the findings of the long-awaited Longboat Pass Inlet Management Study, which recommended the construction of three groins — one terminal groin at the northern tip of Greer Island (aka Beer Can) along with two permeable adjustable groins at the north end.

The commission hadn’t voted on the structures but had reached consensus to begin the permitting process.

Now: Tropical Storm Debby washed away approximately 150,000 cubic yards of sand from the north end over the summer.

The storm took the last of the emergency sand, and then some.

In September, the commission agreed unanimously to move forward with a $6.2 million sand-and-structures project, which could begin as early as spring 2013.

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16A

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Longboat Observer

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

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18A

Longboat Observer

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

Cops 1998: The seagrape saga continues Longboat Lore

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

LONGBOAT

Corner

Dec. 11

No need for a crackdown 8:25 p.m. — 500 block of Wedge Lane.

Suspicious Circumstance. Police found that the glass on a French door was cracked after a woman reported noise coming from her lanai and second-story window. Police found that the glass likely cracked because of internal strain within the door and not from an object thrown through it.

Gate gaffe

9:32 a.m. — 600 block of Longboat Club Road. Public Service. A man said that his community’s gate wasn’t opening for him and that the gate company wasn’t helping with the problem. A company representative told police that the gate was having problems because of power surges but was being repaired.

In January 1998, Key residents became upset when the seagrape hedge in the middle of the Key wasn’t cut back in November to restore the view of the Gulf.

The annual seagrape trimming in the middle of the Key was a controversial topic in the late 1990s on Longboat Key. Every year, the town cuts back the seagrape bush across Gulf of Mexico Drive from Bayport and the two mobilehome parks after sea-turtle nesting season is over Nov. 1.

The shrub is allowed to grow high enough to shield turtles from lights and is cut in November to restore the view of the Gulf for motorists driving along Gulf of Mexico Drive and residents.

But, in January 1998, the annual hedge trimming didn’t occur, and residents who lost their view became enraged.

A long dispute ensued about whether the town was going to trim the seagrapes so Bayport residents could regain their view of the Gulf.

The hedge doubled in height two months after nesting season was over and got so tall that residents coming back from the beach complained of getting lost in the hedge. They were also afraid motorists would hit them as they emerged from the hedge.

“It’s like emerging from a tunnel right onto Gulf of Mexico Drive,” Charles McKinney of Bayport wrote to town commissioners in January 1998. “I know my appearance is a surprise to drivers, and it’s a tragedy waiting to happen.”

The long hedge wasn’t trimmed that year because the town was in the middle of a dispute with the state and an environmental specialist about the

LONGBOAT LORE

Dec. 13

Phishing scam

Free ride

3:15 p.m. — 5100 block of GMD. Suspicious Circumstance. A person who claimed to work for an electric company left a voice message for a woman and asked her the name and number of her condominium in order to replace the power meter. The woman became suspicious and hung up. Police gave her basic identity theft and phishing scam information.

12:31 p.m. — 4000 block of GMD. Traffic. Police checked the license plate number of a vehicle and found that its plates were to be seized if the owner was driving the vehicle and that the vehicle’s owner’s license was suspended for financial reasons. The man received a citation for driving on a suspended license without knowledge.

File photo

Dec. 14

Dec. 12

Longboat Key Public Works employee Doyle Walker trimmed the sea grapes Nov. 1, 2011, along Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Differing perspectives

Beating the odds

5:17 p.m. — 300 block of Longboat Club Road. Reckless Driving. A truck driver said that a woman might have seen him swerve hard to the right to avoid an oncoming vehicle that was trying to pass another vehicle after she called police to report him for reckless driving. The woman told police that she didn’t see an oncoming vehicle and doubted what he said was true.

12:33 a.m. — 3200 block of GMD. Suspicious Circumstance. An admittedly intoxicated woman who took a cab home from Bradenton Beach told police she spent more than $300 gambling and had been paid out throughout the evening, and the machine stopped working when she was getting ready to win. The woman said that the bartender told her to return the next morning to get the last $30 and got thrown out after she and her friend got upset. Police told her that she and her friend would need to file a report on Bradenton Beach but advised them that they would improve their odds by sobering up first.

height of the hedge after sea turtlenesting season.

Residents were used to the hedge coming down to the metal railings that still exist there today; the state wanted the hedge to be 4 feet taller than the railing.

Town Manager Bruce St. Denis eventually ordered Public Works staff to cut the hedge back as usual, and no ramifications from the state were ever issued.

To this day, Public Works Director Juan Florensa says there is no official height for the hedge when it’s cut back to restore the Gulf view.

Florensa, though, hired a horticulturist to examine the hedge last year after he was afraid the hedge was becoming “too spindly.”

“We were cutting it too low and stressing the hedge out,” Florensa said.

Some Key residents already noticed the hedge wasn’t cut back as low this year as it has been in the past, but the view of the Gulf is still visible, and the town hasn’t been receiving complaints about it like it was in 1998.

Dec. 15 In need of fresh air 10:12 a.m. — 2500 block of Harbourside Drive. Fire. A reported fire turned out to be a kitchen cooking incident. Firefighters aired out the condominium.

Dec. 16 Purse pursuit 12:07 p.m. — 5100 block of GMD. Lost/ Missing Property. A woman flew into Tampa the day before and realized after leaving the airport that her purse was missing. She later discovered that someone tried to use one of her credit cards but was declined and charged approximately $100 to a second card. Police wrote a report to provide initial documentation but told her she would have to report the incident in Tampa.

Dec. 12 Wrong answer 1:08 p.m. — 5800 block of GMD. Soliciting. A man told police he had a state occupational license when police asked him if he had a Longboat Key solicitor license. Police gave him a copy of the ordinance that states that a town license is needed for solicitation.

All Angels by the Sea The Episcopal Church on Longboat Key

563 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

Sermon “Being New in the New Year”

All are welcome. Please join us in worship!

Sunday Services

99711

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

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The Rev. Dr. Vincent Carroll

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An InterfAIth CommunIty ChurCh founded In 1956

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Visitors Welcome

Sunday Services

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9AM Contemporary Service of Joy 10AM Fellowship & Education Hour 11AM Traditional Worship Celebration Rev. Mark Bernthal, Pastor

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

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

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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, January 3, 2013

SERVICES

Sarasota entrepreneur has a chin-up on smartphone apps.

PAGE 20A

Find a landscaper in the Observer Classifieds.

PAGE 29A

The Best of

LONGBOAT

It would be a crime if you missed any of last year’s best Cops Corner entries. Here are the top cop stories from 2012.

Accidents happen Jan. 1

Strike out 1:43 p.m. — Intersection of GMD and Longboat Club Road. Property Damage. A woman attempted to exit her community’s gate via scooter and struck the gate, instead.

March 9 No malfunctions here 8:49 p.m. — 600 block of Bay Isles Parkway. Property Damage. A man driving an SUV was tailgating another car and tried to go through a community gate without swiping a card. The gate went down on the SUV, possibly scratching its roof and passenger side. The security guard wanted the incident documented in case the SUV driver said that the damage was caused by a gate malfunction.

These are the people in your neighborhood Feb. 10

Coward calls 2:13 p.m. — 3100 block of GMD. Neighbor Disturbance. A man said that he and his wife were walking down a street when a neighbor accused him of trespassing. The man denied trespassing and said that the neighbor replied, “You $#*! coward.” The man told the neighbor: “Watch your $#*! mouth.” The man told police that the neighbor believes his road is private, but current homeowner association rules allow him to travel on the road.

Call of the wild 8:24 p.m. — 5100 block of GMD. Disturbance. The sound that a woman described as loud and “terrorist attack-like” turned out to be the call of a Chuck-will’s widow bird. Police suggested she close her window or learn to appreciate the sound of nature.

April 21 UFO sighting 8:37 a.m. — 5100 block of GMD. Public Service. A woman reported seeing 15 slow-moving balls of light from her condominium unit. She was unable to contact air-traffic controllers at the local airport but said she would report the incident to the UFO reporting center.

July 4 Ruffling feathers 11:38 a.m. — 7100 block of Longboat Drive N. Animal Nuisance. A woman reported that a male peacock keeps attacking her car when it sees its reflection in the gloss finish on the side of her car and asked whether the bird could be removed.

PAGE 28A

Suspicious people Feb. 19

‘Candid Camera’: abandoned gas station edition 2 p.m. — 6900 block of GMD. Suspicious Circumstance. A man reported that two males were taking pictures of a possibly underage female wearing “provocative” clothing at an abandoned gas station. The female told police that she had asked her friends to take pictures of her for personal use. Police found that all subjects were of age and properly clothed.

March 6

Feb. 29

In shell shock

make like a tree and leave

9:17 a.m. — 500 block of Lyons Lane. Disturbance. A man told a driver that he ought to “kick his (expletive)” after the driver accidentally backed into his yard while trying to do a U-turn.

The man said that he yelled at the driver, who may have damaged the plastic landscape trim that retains the shell in his front yard. But he had since calmed down and wanted nothing done.

Lovers’ spat

April 20

Check out the Observer’s latest world travels.

COPS CORNER

April 15

Wildlife encounters

TRAVEL

BUSINESS

7:10 p.m. — 1000 block of Longboat Club Road. Assault. A 73-year-old Longboat Key man’s 23-year-old girlfriend had been drinking and picked up a steak knife during an argument. The woman, who was visiting from Chicago, said that she had no idea what he was talking about and just wanted to catch a flight home. Police gave her a ride to the airport after both the man and the woman refused to give statements.

May 8 Letter-writing campaign 8:58 p.m. — 800 block of Broadway. Suspicious Circumstance. A woman found a typed note attached to her car telling her to remove her Obama 2012 bumper sticker from her vehicle.

June 1 Open-and-shut case 12:45 a.m. — 500 block of Sutton Place. Disturbance. A man reported that his neighbor opened and closed her garage door multiple times between 12:41 a.m. and 12:48 a.m. The neighbor told police that she was retaliating for the man’s loose floorboards that keep her awake at night.

SEE MORE BEST OF COPS / PAGE 24A

11:51 a.m. — 600 block of Bay Isles Parkway. Suspicious Person. Police were unable to locate a nondescript subject reportedly standing by a tree waving his hands.

March 25 Brief encounter 1:48 a.m. — 5800 block of GMD. Suspicious Circumstance. A man who was standing outside in the rain in front of his vehicle stopped along Gulf of Mexico Drive wearing his underwear and a small T-shirt said he was attempting to change his van’s windshield wipers, which weren’t working, and that he just happened to be wearing his underwear. Police changed the windshield wipers, escorted the man to the south end of the island and gave him directions to U.S. 41 from there.

March 5 No shortcuts 11:38 p.m. — Intersection of GMD and Spinnaker Lane. Suspicious Person. A caller said that a 6-foot white man wearing plaid shorts was ducking in and out of bushes while cars passed him.

Police found the man, who said that he was walking home from Sarasota after getting into an argument with his father at a dog track. The man said that he had a few drinks and possibly cut through a few yards to get home.

20A

Remodeling By Design...

YourObserver.com

Startups

Lee Heineman

Longboat Observer

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

by Mark Gordon | Contributing Writer

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Go Crazy It really is all fun and games for toy entrepreneur Tim Walsh. But — no joke — the Sarasotan thinks he might have a big hit ready for market.

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Tim Walsh, left, a toy inventor and designer, founded Crazy Chins in 2011. The Sarasota-based company sells a toy that combines live play with software apps.

Soon after Tim Walsh graduated from college, back in 1989 in a one-bedroom apartment in Sarasota, he and two buddies invented TriBond.

The idea was to create an adult board game that combined trivia with problem solving, which players connect three clues to one answer.

Even in his wildest fantasies, Walsh — maybe — thought he would sell a few thousand games. But after five years of rejections and multiple revisions, TriBond became a mega-hit. By 1996 it had sold 1 million units, and by 2010 it had surpassed 3 million sales in 14 countries. It’s one of 22 board games in production for more than a decade with continuous sales, a list that includes Monopoly, Othello and Yahtzee.

Now, 20 years later, Walsh is back with another startup business that faces long odds.

This time it’s Crazy Chins, a new product for a novel category of toys called AppCessories — real toys that connect with devices and gadgets, like smart phones and tablets. Crazy Chins, says Walsh, allows kids to make and share goofy upside-down chin-face videos.

The first part of the products is chin masks, anything from monkeys to squirrels to scary monsters. The next part is portable, fold-up screens and green screens, with a hole where the chin mask fits through. The third part is an iPhone or iPad app that connects the first two parts through dozens of backgrounds.

The app is free, but additional background settings, from a blue sky to a bamboo jungle, cost 99 cents each — a key part of the Crazy Chin hardware/software revenue model. The final product, a recorded skit, can then go to the ultimate showoff land for kids: YouTube.

Walsh’s business partner in the venture, Sarasota entrepreneur Chris Abbott, handles the technology-app side of the business. Abbott runs the Abbeton Accelerator Fund, a startup seed money operation that assists local companies, both with advice, and actual funds. Abbott works out of the HuB in Sarasota, a business incubator.

Abbott says the AppCessories model, the ability to monetize the same idea twice, is what drew him to the project. “There

FOR STARTERS Name: Crazy Chins Founder: Tim Walsh Founded: December 2011 Initial investment: $20,000 Sales: Less than $6,000 Product sales projected for 2013: $1.5 million to $2 million (firm projects an additional $200,000$500,000 in sales through software apps.)

Fun fact: Walsh played professional baseball in Mexico, and he earned a tryout with the Chicago White Sox in 1989, when the team held spring training in Sarasota. He also was also a wide receiver for Colgate University in upstate New York, though he was recruited to play quarterback. could be no products on the shelf,” says Abbott, “and we will still make money.”

That’s exactly what happened in 2012.

The software app launched over the summer, and there were more than 60,000 free downloads of it through mid-December.

Even though the actual chin masks haven’t been released, Abbott says the company made $5,000 or so in 2012 through selling the background screens at 99 cents apiece.

Those sales give Walsh a jolt of confidence. Walsh thinks like someone who wears T-shirts with funny designs to work, smiles a lot and has been in the toy industry for 20 years. In other words: He dreams big. “This is the kind of product that could spree and fade away or we can sell 25 million,” he says. “This is a very unique item.

It could be a Furby.”

The Furby, a plush electronic toy that looks like an owl and speaks its own language, sold 40 million units in the late 1990s.

To reach anything close to Furby level, Walsh and Abbott say 2013 will be a telling year for Crazy Chins. Key tasks include: securing licensing deals with at least two prominent kids characters; finding an American manufacturing partner; and, possibly most importantly, making sure

SEE CHINS / PAGE 22A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

21A

From Our Family To Yours...

Wishing You A Happy Healthy New Year!

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$1,495,000 ∙ Bird Key 444 Partridge Circle 135’ on deep water. Bay views, southern exp, 11’ ceilings in most rooms, 4BR, pool, dock.

$449,900 ∙ The Shore 5757 Gulf of Mexico Drive #113 Beachfront enclave, only 53 residences, beautifully maintained tropical gardens and a spectacularly serene view of Longboat key beach and the Gulf.

$399,000 ∙ Islander Club 2295 Gulf of Mexico Drive #25S Live on the beach with lush garden views and 38 foot terrace. Two bedrooms tastefully decorated in the Tommy Bahamas style. Updated kitchen, stainless appliances, and granite countertops.

$1,999,900 ∙ The Sanctuary $949,000 ∙ The Sanctuary ∙ Furnished Choice corner residence w/wraparound terrace & walls of glass 3BR within the Gates Islandside golf course

$639,000 ∙ Lido Beach 1750 Ben Franklin #9A Southwest Corner with Gorgeous Gulf Views, this 9th floor Lido Key Tower Residence offers forever sunsets, and panoramic views of our beautiful avian wildlife and mesmerizing turquoise waters.

$4,399,000 ∙ Water Club 1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive #201 Rare, southwest corner walk down to beach. Pet friendly building. Furnished 5,300 sqft. w/same maintenance fees as other units but much larger. One of a kind.

Country Club Shores, LBK

$4,500,000 ∙ 608 Halyard Lane $3,500,000 ∙ 600 Wedge Lane $3,049,000 ∙ 596 Halyard Lane $2,800,000 ∙ 585 Hornblower Lane $2,699,000 ∙ 561 Hornblower Lane $995,000 ∙ 580 Wedge Lane $895,000 ∙ 570 Golf Links Lane $670,000 ∙ 561 Birdie Lane 100313

$4,499,000 ∙ New ∙ 1570 Harbor Cay Ln Magnificently designed elegant custom waterfront home in Harbor section of the Bay Isles. Boaters dream with deep and protected water channel, seawall frontage and docks. 5 bedrooms, Private Beach Club.

22A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

Lynne Koy 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

G DIN

Mark Wemple

Tim Walsh

CHINS / FROM PAGE 20A

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS harming Elegance with Breathtaking

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 windows welcome the sun and the sea. $2,175,000

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

the final product resonates with children consumers, a notoriously fickle bunch.

Says Walsh: “It will be an interesting 12 months.”

GRAND BAY - Enjoy expansive views across Sarasota Bay all the way to

downtown Sarasota from this elegant 3BR/3.5BA furnished condominium residence. This custom home, on the market for the very first time, has been tastefully decorated and the two covered parking spaces right next to the elevator are an added bonus! $1,395,000

‘Screen time’

PLAYERS CLUB Fabulous Gulf views with endless winter

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

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 condominium home. $519,000

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 $424,999 tower and is priced to sell.

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

SEAPLACE – Completely remodeled and beautifully furnished, 2BD/2BA with NW gulf views and spectacular sunsets. Every creature comfort is waiting for you, just bring your bathing suit. $429,000

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

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 sand and beach. $375,000

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 dream home. $449,000

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

941.387.1803 lkoy@coldwellbanker.com

Tour Lynne’s properties at

www.lynnekoy.com

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

DEDICATED TO LUXURY REAL ESTATE SM

Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

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

99486

Global Marketing: NYtimes.com • Birdkeynews.com • Coldwellbanker.com • Worldproperties.com • Trulia.com •LynneKoy.com • Rightmoves.com • Greatwaterfrontliving.com • Realtor.com • Zillow.com Follow me on Facebook / Twitter LinkedIn / YouTube

“

Tim Walsh, toy inventor/designer, Crazy Chins: “This is the kind of product that could spree and fade away or we can sell 25 million. This is a very unique item. It could be a Furby.”

Crack up

At The Chart House on Longboat Key

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

In addition to those internal challenges, Walsh faces a possible external huddle that has short-circuited many startup projects: market timing.

Indeed, Jim Wilson, editor of Timetoplaymag.com, a toy industry website, says Crazy Chins and other like-minded AppCessories might be too futuristic.

Wilson says the category shows promise, though the industry has been slow to embrace it. One reason, he says, is many parents, in general, seek to separate hard toys from rationed “screen” time. He also says some products just didn’t correctly make the connection between toy and app.

“It’s a category that will grow,” Wilson says, “but right now the market hasn’t been too well executed.”

Wilson, nonetheless, says Crazy Chins could catch on, especially if the marketing proves how this way of play can’t be duplicated with homemade toys or online. Big toy players, like Disney and Fisher-Price, have been somewhat successful with AppCessories in that regard.

Of course, the marketing budget for Crazy Chins is miniature in comparison to those companies. Low-cost help came in October, when Crazy Chins won a contest sponsored by American Airlines that sought the best ways entrepreneurs use travel connections to boost their business.

The crux of the contest, Flights Camera Action, was to create a video, which Walsh turned into a 60-second commercial for Crazy Chins. (See the video: http://www. youtube.com/watch?feature=player_ embedded&v=LWOC2jwTizI). Walsh’s entry not only earned the company some exposure, but the prize included 60,000 Business ExtrAA points for flights and two tickets to the Inc. 500/5000 conference in Phoenix.

A native of Voorhees, N.J, a small south Jersey town, Walsh got into the toy industry after TriBond in 1990. That game was born from a conversation Walsh and his friends had one night while they sat around the dorms at Colgate University, in upstate New York. The group had heard a rumor that the creators of Trivial Pursuit went to school there.

Walsh and his friends decided that despite its huge commercial success, Trivial Pursuit was lacking. Players who didn’t know an answer, just didn’t know.

Their response was to create TriBond, where the questions are clues. It made its debut at a toy fair in 1990.

Another million-selling product Walsh, 48, invented, is Blurt!, a vocabulary-building board game for children. Born on Christmas, Walsh, furthermore, is a professional speaker on the toy industry and how to inject fun into the workplace. He also was a creative consultant and featured in the 2010 documentary Toyland, which was bought by the Documentary Channel.

Walsh, who has written two books on toys, including Wham-O Super Book, a historical account of some famous toys, says the Crazy Chins concept is simpler than it might appear. It’s really just kids goofing around, and the advances of technology make it easier to share than ever before.

“There are a lot of toys that are extension of physical play,” Walsh says. “People threw pie plates before the Frisbee.”

“

PEN

Great potential

The Crazy Chins, idea, meanwhile, goes back to when Walsh was 10 years old. That’s when he drew upside down chin characters, covered his face with a towel and made his sister crack up with laughter.

Walsh called the made up character Chinface Man. “It was (and is) a pretty funny thing to see,” Walsh writes on his toy blog. “It’s also a bit unsettling, which I think adds some freakiness to the fun. You know you’re looking at a human mouth, but the tiny face makes it weird in a wonderful way.”

Walsh began to think more seriously about the business a few years ago. At one point, he even licensed it to a company in Orlando that wanted to make it into a face-painting toy. That effort flopped. “It never even got off the shelf,” says Walsh.

“They didn’t do well with it at all.”

That experience taught Walsh the lesson of being sure to find the right partners.

He has since had discussions with a wide range of possible distribution entities. The list includes toy giant Hasbro and Kevin Harrington, a well-known Tampa TV products entrepreneur and chairman of As Seen on TV. The company is exploring other opportunities, too. It’s working on several licensing deals, with characters popular among children. Walsh will also spend the first few months of 2013 going to toy shows with Crazy Chins, from Hong Kong to New York.

“I’m definitely excited about it,” says Walsh. “The potential for this is greater than anything I’ve ever done.”

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

23A

Coldwell Banker

®

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

Open Sun 1-4pm 596 Halyard Lane Longboat Key, Country Club Shores. $3,049,000 4/4 MLS#A3968576 Judy Kepecz-Hays 941-587-1700

Open Sun 1-4pm 309 South Washington Drive

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

Open Sun 1-4pm 3548 Fair Oaks Lane

Sarasota, Saint Armands Division. $1,995,000 4/3.5 Longboat Key, Queens Harbour. $1,950,000 4/4.5 MLS#A3969417 Carolyn Donnelly 941-387-1835 MLS#A3970148 Judy Kepecz-Hays 941-587-1700

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Sarasota, Coral Cove. $3,295,000 5/4.5 MLS#A3968463 Barbara Ackerman 941-387-1820

Every one of our Florida properties is now featured on the website of leading UK real estate company Hamptons International, in addition to more than 550 high-traffic sites reaching 15 million home buyers daily.

Across the street or across the Atlantic, our global network connects your home with more buyers.

Mainland Sarasota Sarasota, Alinari. $560,000 Faye Doyle, 941-366-8070 A splendid new beginning awaits you in this fascinating 2BR/2+BA condo. MLS#A3969391 Open Sun 1-4pm. 800 North Tamiami Trl., 1506, Sarasota. $339,900 Martina Coppenrath, 941-724-3339 Elegant Alinari downtown condominium w/tons of high end developer upgrades. MLS#A3962912 Open Sun 1-4pm. 4163 Entrada Ct., Sarasota. $285,900 Cindy Taliaferro, 941-894-7269 Treat yourself to this tempting, 2BR/2+BA home in a gated community. MLS#A3969584

The Keys Open Sun 1-4pm. 1570 Harbor Cay Ln., Longboat Key. $4,499,000 Judy Kepecz-Hays, 941-587-1700 Beautifully designed cust built wtrfrnt home in gated Harbour section. 5BR. MLS#A3956139

Longboat Key, Villa Di Lancia. $1,499,999 3/3 MLS#A3955494 Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

Open Sun 1-4pm. 561 Hornblower Ln., Longboat Key. $2,699,000 Judy Kepecz-Hays, 941-587-1700 Boater’s paradise 180’ of waterfront. Almost new 4BR, pool & beach access. MLS#A3959244 Longboat Key, Country Club Shores. $899,500 Gail Kayajian, 941-3871845 A splendid new beginning awaits you in this tile-roofed 3BR/2BA residence. MLS#A3969445 Longboat Key, Beaches. $799,900 Patrick DiPinto, 941-387-1866 Best direct gulf front value. 3BR/3BA with upgrades; exclusive location.

MLS#A3968327 Sarasota, Siesta Key. $595,000 Kathy Hoonhout, 941-388-3966 Gulf views! 2/2 beach front complex. Best location with great rental income.

MLS#A3969740 Open Sun 1-4pm. 100 Sands Point Rd 226, Longboat Key. $489,000 Tom Fynes, 941-504-9282 2 bed, 2 bath; 1,492 sq ft; South Longboat beachfront complex; on-site marina. MLS#A3968299

Open Sat/Sun 12-5pm 1220 Sharswood Lane Sarasota, Spice Bay. $2,349,000 4/4.5 MLS#A3968053 Lynne Koy 941-387-1803

Longboat Key, Country Club Shores. $730,000 5/3 MLS#A3968771 Roger Pettingell 941-387-1840

Longboat Key, Seaplace. $445,000 Roger Pettingell, 941-387-1840 Make an upscale move to this impressive condo in a gated community. 2BR. MLS#A3968908 Longboat Key, Fairway Bay. $339,000 Barbara Ackerman, 941-387-1820 Take pride in this rewarding 2BR/2+BA condo in a gated community. Garage.

MLS#A3962665 Longboat Key, Longboat Key. $334,900 Jackie Kleppinger, 941-3883966 Investment! Full gulf views. Rental program on site, allows rentals daily.

MLS#A3964216 Sarasota, Lido Towers. $285,000 Barbara Miller, 941-388-3966 Beautiful & completely updated 1BR/1.5BA with partial gulf & bay views! MLS#A3969995

Manatee Sarasota, Ballentine Manor Ests. $345,000 Ellen O’Day, 941-366-8070 West of the Trail, 3/3 on oversized lot. Just steps from the bay. Updated!

MLS#A3969813 Bradenton, Wildewood Springs. $160,000 Scott Norris, 941-387-1880 Open and airy 3BR/2BA condo with big lake views and spacious lanai.

MLS#A3963466

Sarasota, One Watergate. $599,000 2/2 MLS#A3960972 Kathy Hoonhout 941-388-3966

Bradenton, Esplanade On The Bay. $595,000 4/3 MLS#A3970177 Dyrk Dahl 941-366-8070

Bradenton, Spring Lakes Condo. $125,900 David/Wendy Leventhal, 941387-1877/941-387-1843 3BR/2BA single story villa in a tropical preserve setting; many amenities. MLS#A3967766

Residential ❙ Commercial ❙ Mortgage ❙ Rentals ❙ Corporate Relocation ❙ Closing Services 99650

FLORIDAMOVES.COM © 2012 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International, the Previews International logo and “Dedicated to Luxury Real Estate” are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification.

24A

Longboat Observer

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

Friday, Jan. 4

LOOKING AHEAD

Epiphany Concert and Party — takes place at 5 p.m. at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road. The concert will feature sacred and secular holiday music followed by a party with hors d’oeuvres, beverages and more holiday music.

Concert is free; cost of party is $15.

Registration is required. Call 3838161.

These are the people in your neighborhood

What: The event will raise money for the Longboat Key Garden Club and includes samplings from 14 restaurants and a fashion show with local “celebrities.” Tickets are $50.

For information, call Madelyn Spoll, 383-4818 or Susan Landau, 383-8030.

Saturday, Jan. 5 ‘Ageless Grace’ Workshop — takes place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Longboat Key Education Center, 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 212. Gail Condrick will lead the program, providing 21 simple tools for lifelong comfort and ease. Cost is $30 for members; $35 for nonmembers. Call 383-8811.

Republican Club of Longboat Key Luncheon Meeting — takes place at 11:30 a.m. at Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd. Longboat Key town commissioners who are seeking re-election and their challengers will speak. Cost is $23 for members; $25 for nonmembers. Call Ruth Strauss at 383-5349. Mail checks to RCLBK, P.O. Box 8181,

Sept. 30 Foreign concept 12:46 a.m. — 5800 block of GMD. Disturbance. A woman told police she brought a Polish man to her home from Texas to paint her house.

She told police the Polish man began to call her names, and she didn’t appreciate his attitude. They both agreed to go to their separate rooms and stay away from each other until the man flew back to Texas.

Friday Afternoon Live: ‘The Roots of Rhythm and Drumming’ — takes place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Longboat Key Education Center, 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 212. Professional drummer and percussionist Scott Blum will lead an educational and interactive presentation. Cost is $15 for members; $20 for non-members. Call 383-8811.

Oct. 13

Sunday, Jan. 13

6:16 p.m. — 5700 block of GMD. Trespassing. A man apologized for being rude to a condominium resident who told him and three others, who were staying at a hotel across the street, weren’t allowed to enter the beach from the condo property.

The man said that the group was trying to be clandestine because they were trying to watch a man propose to his daughter.

Wednesday, Jan. 16 Save Our Seabirds Wine Tasting — takes place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Harry’s Continental Kitchens, 525 St. Judes Drive. The event includes wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music.

Cost is $20. RSVP is required. Call 383-0777.

9:04 a.m. — 4100 block of GMD. Harassing Phone Call. A dog groomer reported that a man has called, texted and emailed her multiple times because he wasn’t happy with the service.

Police told her to inform the man that she no longer wants him as a client.

Feb. 26

Water-gun control 7:26 p.m. — Intersection of GMD and North Shore Road. Suspicious Circumstance. A man told police that an object that looked like a handgun fell out when his daughter grabbed a beach towel from a chair. The object turned out to be a toy water gun.

Police gave the water gun to the man’s children.

Updated Penthouse

MICHAEL

Dazzling Bay views highlight this inviting 2BR/2BA with completely private terrace, nicely remodeled kitchen & bath.

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

MOULTON Certified Residential Specialist

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

LISTI

NG

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

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

BIRD KEY - Custom 2001 built 3,500sf bay front BAY ISLES - Custom designed 6,000sf 5BR home in home, top of the line throughout. A3963202 $2,575,000 exclusive gated neighborhood. A3970216 $3,650,000

NG

941.383.5502 or 941.724.7228 CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

99852

LISTI

Cut calls

Lost and found

Rules of engagement

Temple Beth Israel Gala: ‘An Evening at Grossingers’ — takes place at 6 p.m. at Michael’s On East, 1212 East Ave., Sarasota. For ticket information, contact Dr. David Solomon at 755-3244.

Dec. 3

Talk to Tina Today - Longboat Key’s International Connection

NEW

NEW

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

7:55 a.m. — 7000 block of Longboat Drive N. Disturbance. Police responded to a report about a screaming woman. The woman said that she was having a heated phone conversation and was yelling but told police she would no longer call that person.

Longboat Key, Fla. 34228.

Friday, Jan. 11

Dangers of drunk dialing

Silent treatment

Where: Longboat Key Club and Resort’s Harbourside Dining Room, 3100 Harbourside Drive

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church Scholars in Residence Program — kicks off at 9:30 a.m. at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 N. Adams Drive, with a Sunday adult forum with Dr. Henry Rowold, who served as a missionary in Asia and has written at-length about China, Christian missions and the Old Testament.

The theme of his talks will be “When Things Go Bad: Walking With God’s Servant Job.” Discussions on related topics will follow from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 9 through Jan. 23. Call 388-1234.

Nov. 24

June 28

When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30

Sunday, Jan. 6

Happy New Year!

BEST OF COPS / CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19A

Taste of the Keys and Fashion Show

99728

COMMUNITYCALENDAR

YourObserver.com

3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228

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

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

It’s stIll Mrs. rogers’

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

NeIghborhood Grande Dame of Real Estate 39 Years of Experience

Advising, Buying, and Selling with a Personal Touch!

941.284.7373 annetterogers@michaelsaunders.com

LBK GULF FRONT LOTS - 2 lots totaling 2.25 acres w/ 200’ of gulf frontage. A395884 $6,000,000 Michael Saunders & Company, Longboat Key South • 440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228

93197

Licensed Real Estate Broker 93197

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

99990

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

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

25A

PARTY TIME by Pat Anderson | Guest Contributor

Ian Addy & Gail Wittig

Pat and Jim Anderson

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box. See answers on page 29A. © 2012 Universal Uclick

SUDOKU_010313

www.WagnerRealty.com

Bringing People Home Since 1939

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

Call 941-383-5577

99845

WAGNER REALTY

WATER VIEWS

from this 2BR/2BA TKF condo. Updated kitchen, W/D, new A/C June 2012, 2 pools, tennis & beach access. $12 per month for boat slip. Pets OK. Seller to pay 1/2 of main. fee for 1year.

Dorothy Cook $249,000 #A3939881

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

1st Floor Walk-Out To Pool Area | Gross Income $90,000+ | $950,000

Longboat Key Club & Resort #5401

Longboat Key Club & Resort #1103

941.387.0100

Longboat Key Club & Resort #3101

Amazing Pool & Beach Views | Gross Income $60,000+ | $465,000

Bonnie and Skip Wilder

Longboat Key Club & Resort #4307

1st Floor Walk-Out To The Beach | Gross Income $103,000+ | $1,100,000

The Longboat Key Physics Club held its holiday party Monday, Dec. 17, at Bird Key Yacht Club. The club, which was founded by Pat Anderson and Leonard Biberman, meets monthly for lunch and a speaker — most of whom are Physics Club members.

Gorgeous Sunset Views All Year Round | Gross Income $56,000+ | $449,000

Club gets holidays down to a science

Lowest Priced Deluxe 2 BR in Hotel | Gross Income $113,000+ | $1,195,000

Gwen Watson, Marvin Baker, Carol Baker and Phil Segerstorm

Breathtaking Bay & Golf Course Views | Gross Income $73,000 + | $699,000

WWW. ATHOMESARASOTA.COM

Longboat Key Club & Resort #4301

Longboat Key Club & Resort #3504

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

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

RARELY AVAILABLE GULF FRONT CONDO ON LBK

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

Barbara Milian, Ian Addy PA, Gail Wittig

We invite you to take advantage of our team’s experience and

Spacious, TKF, 2BR/2BA w/fabulous views.

2 large private lanais, 2 beach front pools, gorgeous grounds on 7 acres. Best valued Gulf front condo on LBK. Marc Turner $475,000 #A3969797

allow us the opportunity to present you with a complimentary FULL BAY VIEWS This property is located at end of street w/ mesmerizing views of Sarasota Bay w/canal access for boating. 2BR/2BA each side, could be single family residence or keep for steady income.

Teresia Bradford $975,000 #M5832504

market analysis of your property.

Amazing views from main home. 3BR/2.5BA with over 3100 SF. Big balconies, Spanish tile floors, fireplace, dock w/lift & boathouse.

Historic guest house. Over an acre. Foster Lewis $1,100,000 #M5832655

99452

SNEAD ISLAND RIVERFRONT ESTATE

26A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

Round up

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Circle gets down to business The new year will bring new offerings on St. Armands Circle.

The Circle’s parking woes are totally 2012.

The new year will bring plenty of new shopping and dining opportunities, along with the old favorites, only this time when you make the rounds, you’re less likely to get a parking ticket.

Here are a few of the new business that will round out St. Armands Circle in 2013.

Marcello Sport has incorporated many Taffy’s favorites with newer styles.

That’s because Taffy’s owner, Jack Peffley, is its manager, and Peffley’s wife, Nancy, along with Don Povec, both of whom are veteran Taffy’s staffers, work at the store as well.

“There’s still a lot of the old Taffy’s but we’ve incorporated a lot of the styles in with a lot of the contemporary sportswear from Marcello Sport,” Peffley said.

The store has many Taffy’s customer favorites, along with more cutting-edge men’s fashions such as long-sleeved sports shirts, trimmed contrasting cuffs, leather jackets, brushed-cotton trousers in new fashion colors and more European-influenced sweaters.

Marcello Sport owners Mike Apel and his son, Darren, own Fashion Concepts, a manufacturing company that was a longtime Taffy’s supplier. They own a second Marcello Sport store in Fort Lauderdale.

+ New boutique has male Influence

Samantha Beebe and Liz Murray, sisters and co-owners of + Marcello Sport Influence Style, open a second clothing boutique, Influence brings familiar feel Men, in early December. The new The 49-year-old Taffy’s Expert Marketing Expert Marketing store sells a variety of contempoExpert Expert Expert Marketing Marketing Marketing Expert Marketing Menswear has closed but International Property Promotion International Property Promotion rary men’s clothing.

International International International Property Property Property Promotion Promotion PropertyPromotion Promotion Marcello Sport, which moved International in Successful Salesthere was a niche Successful Sales “We thought Successful Successful SuccessfulSales Sales Sales Successful Sales at 18 S. Blvd. of the Presidents,Trusted Professional Guidance.

Trusted Professional Guidance. in Sarasota for the guy who Trusted Trusted Trusted Professional Professional Professional Guidance.

Guidance.

Guidance.

Trusted Professional Guidance. ® might have a familiar feel. Sheldon Expert Marketing Expert Marketing Paley, Realtor wants everyday clothes,” Beebe Expert Expert Expert Marketing Marketing Marketing Expert Marketing Certified International Property SpecialistPromotion International Property 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 941.356.1857 Trusted ProfessionalGuidance.

Guidance.

Trusted Professional Trusted Trusted TrustedProfessional Professional ProfessionalGuidance.

Guidance.

Guidance.

Trusted Professional Guidance.

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

said.

The sisters moved to the area from Michigan to open the business and found that St. Armands Circle, which attracts a strong seasonal crowd, has been a great location decision.

So great, that when independent bookseller Circle Books closed in September after 13 years, the sisters pounced on the vacancy. They spoke with the landlord and had a lease agreement in place within a few weeks. Murray, the designer/ buyer side of the duo, spent the fall traveling to fashion shows, in places like Las Vegas, Miami and New York, to get the store’s inventory ready. Beebe handles the business side of the stores.

“We had played around with the idea for months,” Beebe told the Gulf Coast Business Review.

“There is a very big risk with it, but if you see an opportunity you have to do it, otherwise you will always wonder.”

+ Wine D’Vine to fill up former Reasons Shoes Wine D’Vine will open at the former Reasons Shoes location in December, according to a sign in the window at 57 S. Blvd. of the Presidents at press time.

The sign advertises “wine and beers to flatter every taste” and more than 100 wines available for sampling

Sheldon Paley, Realtor® Signature Signature Signature Sotheby’s Sotheby’s Sotheby’s International International International Realty Realty Realty Signature Sotheby’s International Realty

ThePlaza Plaza FivePoints Points • Resort and Second Home Specialist The atatFive Transnational Referral Certification The The The Plaza Plaza Plaza atatat Five atFive Five Points Points Points The Plaza Five Points 50 Avenue,Suite Suite110, 110, Sarasota, 34236 50 Central Central Avenue, Sarasota, FLFL 34236 International Real Estate Federation Member 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, Realtor® Sheldon Paley, Realtor® Sheldon Sheldon Sheldon Paley, Paley, Paley, Realtor® Realtor® Realtor® Sheldon Paley, Realtor® 941.356.1857

Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com EastSheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com in River Club $350,000 Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com PEndinG: 7608 Camden Harbor in www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 Heritage Harbour $400,000 Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Signature Sotheby’s International Realty 941.356.1857 941.356.1857 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 5 Star Best in Client Satisfaction 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 Jspaley@comcast.net 5 Star Best in Client Satisfaction Signature Signature Signature Sotheby’s Sotheby’s Sotheby’s International International International Realty Realty Realty| www.SheldonPaley.com Signature Sotheby’s International Realty

New ListiNg

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

Photos by Robin Hartill

The new, 2,000-square-foot Green Ginger Hair Design overlooks St. Armands Circle Park.

+ Green Ginger Hair Design grows its presence Green Ginger Hair Design has a bigger presence on St. Armands Circle since it moved to its new location at 369 St. Armands Circle, located upstairs between Tommy Bahama and Garden Argosy, in late November.

“An opportunity presented itself for new location that was perfectly situated right on St. Armands Circle,” said Gordon Hall, who co-owns the salon with his wife, Lynda.

The new salon has a balcony overlooking St. Armands Circle Park, separate facial room, barber area for men and approximately 2,000 square feet, making it significantly larger than its former location at 10. S. Adams Drive.

+ New Pass Grill to bait Circle customers The New Pass Grill will open its second location at 19A N. Blvd. of the Presidents in the location of the old China Pavilion.

Contractors were working on the new location at press time, but according to server Joey Hicklin, the goal is to open by the end of 2012.

The restaurant will start out with the same menu as its City Island restaurant. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Contractors work on the second New Pass Grill location, where China Pavilion was previously located.

Happy New Year

S aint C acchiotti,

PA,

Realtor®

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

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

HomeS AND CoNDomINIumS

1241 Gulf of Mexico #808D - SOLD in 3 weeks 2/3 BR/ 4 BA. Direct Gulf and Bay views. Ann Folsom Smith designed and furnished. Water Club ...... $1,999,999 PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING

PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING

524 Hornblower -Grand SOLD Bayou Sound Bay Bayou Sound Grand Bay Harbourside 2016 7323 Kensington Court, University Park Lane $359,000 Bayou Bayou Bayou Sound Sound Sound Grand Grand Grand Bay Bay Bay Bayou Sound Grand Bay

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD Islander Islander $749,000 Islander Islander Islander Islander

$1,250,000 $999,000 $500,000 $1,250,000 $999,000 $500,000 3 bedrooms, 2462 SF with 2 bedrooms plus½den, baths 1802 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 ................................. $750,000 $1,250,000 $999,000 $500,000 3BR/2 BA2 canal front in Country3 baths Cluband Shores Spectacular Bay views SF with Lakefront views

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

$304,000

36250

PENDING SOLD PENDING SOLD 603 Longboat Club Rd. #N-802 SOLD Gulf front 2BR/2BA with sweeping direct PENDING PENDING PENDING SOLD SOLD PENDING SOLD Sabal Queens Harbor SabalCove Cove Queens Harbor gulf views.Sabal Gorgeous renovation.

Incomparable quality in additions and Sabal Sabal Cove Cove Cove Queens Queens Queens Harbor Harbor Harbor Sabal Cove Queens Harbor $1,194,000 $975,000 $1,194,000 $975,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $1,194,000 $975,000 finishes to this elegant home. Longboat Key Towers behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club ................................................................................ $975,000 800 N. Tamiami Trail #404 1070 sq. ft. Turnkey furnished in desirable downtown Alinari. Great rental investment now and into the future$280,000 Gorgeous Bay Isles Bay front beauty. Panoramic views and every amenity.

Call for info ........................................................................................ $3.2 million If you are planning to list or buy a home, please call me at 941-357-1857.

If your property is currently listed, do not consider this a solicitation for that listing.

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 100438

Inn on The BeACh - 3203

CorAL ShoreS BAyFronT

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

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

LoTS

DeSIrABLe LoCATIon on LBK

Magnificent subdivided parcel on LBK with 4 buildable lots, approximately 1.95+/- acres. $2,999,000 Purchase an individual lot w/plans to begin construction on a beautiful 4,000+ SF home. $2,895,000 Purchase the individual lot & build to suit. $700,000

$600+ SunSeT hArBor Build your dream home behind the gates of Sunset Harbor. Lot with marina views located in a private and gated enclave of 9 homesites with deeded boat slip. $450,000

2009 - 2012 Five Star:

Best in Client Satisfaction Real estate Agent!

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!

Access Virtual Tours & MLS at SaintCacchiotti.com michael Saunders & Company, Licensed Real estate Broker 440 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, FL 34228 • 941-383-7591

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

77689

Reduced 762 Siesta$30,000 Drive on Siesta Key - PRICE REDUCED Bay front w/Dock and two lifts. Can accommodate up to 90 ft. boat. 4651 PENDING PENDING SOLD PENDING PENDING SOLD sq. ft. including guest house. Large poolSOLD overlooking bay, and casual PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING SOLD SOLD PENDING PENDING SOLD Bayou Sound Grand Islander Bayou Sound Grand Bay Bay Islander Bayou Bayou Bayou Sound Sound Sound Grand Grand Grand Bay Bay Bay Islander Islander Islander Bayou Sound Grand Bay Islander elegance throughout home includes wood, tile and granite ........... $1,950,000 $1,250,000 $999,000 $500,000 $1,250,000 $999,000 $500,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $999,000 $999,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $1,250,000 $999,000 $500,000 PENDING SOLD PENDING $999,000 SOLD PENDING PENDING PENDING SOLD SOLD SOLD PENDING SOLD Sabal QueensHarbor Harbor SabalCove Cove Queens Sabal Sabal Sabal Cove Cove Cove Queens Queens Queens Harbor Harbor Harbor Sabal Cove Queens Harbor 601 Longboat Club Rd. #404S PRICE REDUCED $1,194,000 $975,000 $1,194,000 $975,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $1,194,000 $975,000 Staghorn indirect Deer Creek $469,000 1211 Gulf of Mexico Lowered to sell$769,000 NOW. Sweeping gulf views in largest 2BR/2Ba. corner 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1827 SF unit atviews 1560 sq. ft. Live in luxurious Longboat Key Towers behind the gates with full Gulf of Longboat Key Club ............................................................................ $775,000

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

27A

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 Ritz Carlton Hotel Residences - 12th Floor Water views from all rooms! Lido Beach - Best Waterfront Value Gated Mediterranean inspired 2,011 SF w/ wood floors, custom-fitted closets, & unique Venetian plaster residence w/protected Bay views, within walking distance to Lido Beach walls. Large master suite with sitting area & marble bath. $1,098,500 and St. Armands Circle. 6BR/6.5BA on 148 ft of waterfront. $3,499,900

E PRIC C I ST ON DRAEDUCTI R

Lido Shores - Direct Gulf Front Palazzo Fairway Bay - Longboat Key Townhouse 2BR/2.5BA turnkey furnished 200 ft. of sea-walled Gulf front with private Dock and Beach access. This vacation getaway! Fresh, and bright with ceramic tile, central vacuum, 7,415 SF residence has 5BR/8BA, his and her bath & studies, 50 ft. pool/ fireplace, bonus area and private 1 - car garage. Bring the family!$359,000 spa & 5-car garage. $7,600,000

Sea Gate Club - Direct Gulf Front Feels like a beach house! Gulf, Prestancia - The Estates Lakefront Beautiful lake views from this lovely, beach and sunset views from every room of this 2BR/2BA split floor plan. 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 $680,000 Offered entirely turnkey furnished.

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. $2,950,000 The Bougainvillea House - Tudor Revival Renovated in 2006 on 3 University Park - Whitebridge Court Beautiful 2BR+Den/2BA villa with lots with 4BR/3.5BA + separate guest house totaling 4,857 square tile floors, soaring ceilings and surrounded by serene views of the tropical feet. Home exudes old world charm while offering today’s modern grounds and pristine golf course. 2-car garage. $245,000 conveniences. Wood floors, marble, pool, & 2-car garage. $1,159,000

Coral Cove - Bay Front Dream Mainland Mediterranean perfection with Ritz Carlton Hotel Residences - 14th Floor Amazing Bay & city views 130' of direct waterfront, 5 bedrooms, home theater, library, family room, from this lovely furnished residence featuring two bedrooms + den and three full baths. infinity-edge pool, boat dock with lift and 4-car garage. $3,295,000 Custom interiors, wood floors, lots of storage. Lives like a home! $1,450,000

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

$799,000

Kenilworth Estates - New Construction West of the trail location will be completed in 30 days! Two-story 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home with 4,363 Sq Ft built by DR Horton. $849,990

Beachplace - Direct Gulf Front Walk-Down Corner apartment, Beachplace I - Gorgeous Direct Gulf Front Updated two bedroom, two bath apartment in end Building 1 offers completely turnkey furnished with sparkling views of the Gulf of Mexico. 3 full $719,000 maximum privacy to the beach! Beautiful Gulf views. bedrooms, new granite & stainless kitchen, and wood floors. $1,395,000

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

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. $3,950,000

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

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

Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

97705

n

28A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE Headed on a great vacation? Make sure to take your Observer along! Send your travel photos to nschwartz@yourobserver.com.

SPAIN. Longboat Key residents Mike and Cyndi Seamon read their Observer news while cruising through Barcelona, Spain, for Cyndi’s birthday. Her parents and uncle had wished her a “happy birthday” on the front page of the Longboat Observer that week in the paper’s Our Town column.

AFRICA. In August, part-time Longboat Key residents Bob and Diane Kinsey enjoyed carrying their Longboat Observer all the way to the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The couple is seen petting Ola, a 6-year-old female cheetah at the Daniell Wild Cats Project in Kirkwood, South Africa, while proudly — and cautiously — displaying their Longboat Observer. The Kinseys also enjoyed a seven-day hunting safari and visiting the Schotia Game Reserve and Addo National Elephant Park.

CANARY ISLANDS. Longboat Key residents Donna and Bob Winter catch up on their Observer news while cruising in November to the Canary Islands.

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CROSSWORD_010313

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Autos For Sale 2000 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS GS only 38k seasonally driven miles, less than 3k mi/year.

Excellent condition, silver w/ grey cloth seats.

Must see! $6200. 941-587-2440.

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

Boat Slips For Rent/Sale BOATHOUSE ON LBK. Unit 1224, 31', 2nd level. For Sale/Rent. If interested, call Melissa, 941-383-0308.

LBK MOORINGS: Slip N10 for discount rent, 48’ slip. Hurry, won’t last! Call 630-421-0000.

Boats Boats are selling very well. 17 Year Island resident. Many references. “Doing Business on a Handshake.� We buy boats too!

Islandboatsales.net, 941-228-3489.

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

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales FLEA MARKET. Sarasota Municipal Auditorium.

Tuesday, January 8, 10a.m.-5p.m. & Wednesday, January 9, 10a.m.-4p.m. For info: 954-4165.

General Merchandise 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.

Lost & Found LOST BIRD - tame, yellow white cockatiel named Sake (Socky). Please call 941-539-9467.

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

Homes For Sale

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

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.

Need More

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

Your Seasonal Guests?

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. $1,999,000. Glenn Callaghan Re/Max Alliance Group, 941-928-9020.

CASA DEL MAR BEACH RESORT

ROOM for

RENTALS 4 NIGHT MIN. GULF FRONT/ GULF VIEW Reservations: 941-383-5549 Visa/ MC Fax: 941-383-7925

Introduce your guests to a tropical winter stay at an unforgettable haven on the beach.

“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

Out-of-State Property PREMIER CATAWBA Island Condo 2BR/2BA. Lake Erie waterfront. Rarely available. Pool, sandy beach, garage, turnkey. 941-928-4424.

B E A C H

Real Estate Wanted WANTED LUXURY ANNUAL RENTALS

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

C L U B

Luxurious suites & penthouse accommodations

FREE Wireless High Speed Internet

'ULF OF -EXICO $RIVE s ,ONGBOAT +EY s 6ERANDA"EACH#LUB COM

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

For Qualified Waiting Clients Contact - Sarasota Luxury Rentals 941-225-1356 email: info@sarasotaluxuryrentals.com Personalized attention with professional honest advice.

25 Years Experience - References available

Charming Gulf-to-bay cottages 99535

Items Under $200 For Sale HOLIDAY BARBIES: (6) perfect, 5 good to perfect, 1 no box, 1 ornament. $195 for all.

941-301-1788.

'ULF OF -EXICO $RIVE s ,ONGBOAT +EY s 7HITE3ANDS/F,ONGBOAT COM

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

LBK: BEACHFRONT. BOOK NOW for your next season rental. 1BR & 3BR condos. Starting at $1250. The Outrigger Resort, 941-383-3844.

GULFFRONT: LONGBOAT TERRACE 2BR/2BA condo. Seasonal rental. Tastefully decorated.

321-279-3610.

FLORIDA VACATION CONNECTION

BEACHPLACE

www.FLvacationconnection.com 941-387-9709 877-705-2460

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

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.

Exceptional Vacation Rentals Since 1994 Homes & Condominiums Studios to Six Bedrooms Beachfront, Intercoastal or Garden Excellent Service & Staff

ISLANDER CLUB: 11th floor, full bay view, Gulf front condo, 2BR/2BA, updated granite kitchen, heated 75/ft. pool, Har-Tru tennis, exercise room, clubhouse. 2/mo. minimun through 12 months.

516-458-8758.

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

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.

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

Seminars REPLACE YOUR LOST INCOME QUICK START FOREX TRADING SEMINAR SARASOTA JAN, 23, 24, 25 WWW.FX365I.COM FOR INFO & REGISTER

Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.wagnerrentals.com

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

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

Condos/Apts. For Rent

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 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 LONGBOAT KEY Towers Condo Beachfront.

2BR/2BA. Nicely furnished. W/D. Gulf and Bay views. Non-smoking. No pets. Available now.

Call (717)968-2001.

Condos For Sale SEAPLACE: 3BR/2BA, RARE first floor corner unit. Beautiful Gulf and Garden views from every room, furnished, turn-key unit, new paint, new carpet, updated kitchen. Covered parking and another uncovered parking, 10/ft. ceiling in master BR. Lots of new furniture. $419,000. Mark, 941-383-4381, bradtma@yahoo.com

This week’s Sudoku answers

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

This week’s Crossword answers Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

Go online 24/7 to place your ad in The Observer Classifieds

HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 56733

www.yourobserver.com Your Choice for local Classifieds

2012

This week’s Cryptogram answers LV2908

HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 87127

Ready When You Are Classified Ads ‌ the Way to Sell

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Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

Catering

LIDO BEACH CONDOMINIUMS Weekly - Monthly - Seasonal

BLUE DOLPHIN CAFE

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1-800-734-3370.

LONGBOAT HARBOR Towers: 2BR/2BA, Gulf front, recently renovated. Available January through April, 2013. 2 month min. 407-694-0156.

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.

THE PIERRE: Behind the gates, 2BR Gulf Front condo for rent for the season. Available 1/1/12.

90 day minimum. Full amenities and covered garage. 865-603-3126 or 865-549-5070.

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.

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

References. 941-761-2656.

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THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013 Thursday, January 3, 2013 Home Improvement/ Remodeling

Masonry

ISLE TILE

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

Call for free and honest estimates.

941-525-2435



FOR “QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE” Floors, bathrooms, showers, backsplashes, patio and pool decks.

20 years design background.

Licensed - Insured - LBK Resident References upon request.

941-383-2659

FRIDAY **JANUARY 4**

JIM ZALLER'S Carpentry & Home Repairs LLC. Carpentry, doors, door inserts and much more.

Call 941-232-6744.

 LIVE MAINE LOBSTER  BLUE FIN CRAB CAKES  PRIME RIB  GROUPER OSCAR

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

ALL ENTREES SERVED WITH CHEF’S CHOICE STARCH & VEGETABLE

Painting/Wallpapering CARLO DATTILO PAINTING. Licensed & insured.

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Personal Services YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner Personal & Business Bookkeeping Accounting/ Taxes

STEVE ALLEN FLOOR COVERINGS

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FRIDAYS NOW OPEN 8A.M.-8P.M. FULL MENU AVAILABLE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER

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383-3787 CALL FOR RESERVATIONS BEER & WINE AVAILABLE

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All Variations of Ceramic Tile Supplied & Installed.

Free Estimates & Custom Designs.

Cleaning GREEN CLEANING. FREE ESTIMATES. Quality, detailed cleaning (House, office, apartments) Reasonable rates, Licensed, References, Call Vangie 941-315-0820.

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.

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Expert Marble & Travertine Installation Floor & Walls

O

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

Say You Saw it in

Make A

Pet Services

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.

Professional Services

TIM SMITH Marine Services LLC: new 2nd office on Longboat Key. Over 35 years experience.

Full Service Yacht / Boat Repair and Restoration: Licensed. Insured. All work guaranteed.

Free Estimates: electronics, fiberglass, woodworking, engine and generator service plus more.

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THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER Longboat Thursday, Observer January 3, 2013 Thursday, January3,3,2013 2013 THURSDAY, JANUARY

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Phone (941) 704-4278 Fax (941) 538-3781 dmccarthy114@hotmail.com

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941.726.1560 941.726.1560

www.chiconthecheap.net www.chiconthecheap.net chiconthecheap@gmail.com chiconthecheap@gmail.com

FULL FULL PLUMBING PLUMBING SERVICES SERVICES

941-755-6300 941-755-6300 Sarasota.MrRooter.com

No No Trip Trip Charges Charges Same Pricing Pricing 24/7 24/7 Same

Sarasota.MrRooter.com LIC# CFC1427462 LIC# CFC1427462

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INSURANCE INSURANCE

Ted Geeraerts 941-730-5045

weatherside@gmail.com

Ed Tumolo 941-737-5934

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PATIO REPAIRS, INC PATIO REPAIRS

941-373-5143

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Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

u a 3! o y g s 201 n i h s Wi sperou pro LONGBOAT KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

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

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

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

LONGBOAT KEY

Direct Bay Front Estate-Size Property Comprised of Three Buildable Lots. $3,249,000

CAsEY KEY

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

DOWNTOWN sARAsOTA

Exquisite Alinari 15th Floor Unit w/ Magnificent Views of Bay Out to Gulf!

$499,000

LONGBOAT KEY

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

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

LONGBOAT KEY

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

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

$1,590,000

LONGBOAT KEY

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

Tranquil and Very Private Resort-Like Beachfront Estate on the Gulf of Mexico.

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

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Offering The Finest Services Of Real Estate

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

$4,495,000

Diversions YourObserver.com

A&E

THURSDAY, January 3, 2013

HOME

Read our picks for the top events in the new year.

PAGES 2-3

Top off your wine bottles with creativity.

PAGE 13

BLACK TIE

Mark your calendars for the must-attend events of 2013.

PAGE 14

FOOD&COOKING | by Yaryna Klimchak | Staff Writer

Photo by Yaryna Klimchak

Healthy ingredients, such as beets, zucchini, tomatoes and Himalayan pink sea salt, are the cornerstone of some area chefs’ creations.

Fresh start Area restaurants share healthy offerings to satisfy your cravings and your healthy resolutions at the same time.

FOOD&COOKING COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

2

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

// Arts&Entertainment

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Season in Picks January

February

‘Nik Wallenda: His Journey Continues’

HERB RITTS: L.A. Style

Circus Sarasota Jan. 25 through Feb. 15, at The Big Top Tickets $10 to $25. Call 355-9805.

Courtesy photos

Feb. 23 through May 19, at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Tickets $25.

Call 359-5700.

It’s the greatest show on Earth — or at least in January. Ring in the new year with the annual Circus Sarasota show. Nik Wallenda will take the center ring, rather the air, high above the center ring, to perform a night of daredevilry. It’s his first full performance in Sarasota since braving 300 feet of wire as the first man to successfully cross Niagra Falls.

“It’s always an honor to perform for my hometown,” Wallenda says.

During the past five years, the only circus in which he’s performed is Circus Sarasota because, as Wallenda says, it’s better than a five-star circus: “Once you step in the tent at Circus Sarasota, your feet never touch the ground again!”

Between stunts performed by the King of the High Wire and the Wallenda family’s acts will be 27 performances from internationally-acclaimed artists. © Herb Ritts Foundation

Understudies

Versace Dress, Back View, El Mirage, 1990, Herb Ritts, gelatin silver print. Gift of the Herb Ritts Foundation.

‘You Can’t Take it With You’

Masterworks: ‘The Emperor’

Runs from Jan. 11 through Jan. 13, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Tickets start at $30. Call 953-3434.

Asolo Repertory Theatre Runs from Jan. 4 though April 20.

Tickets $20 to $75.

Call 351-9010.

Understudies Sarasota Opera’s ‘Turandot’ Feb. 9 through March 23, at Sarasota Opera House.

Tickets $19 to $120. Call 328-1300.

‘9 to 5: The Musical’

Feb. 14 through Feb. 24, at The Players Theatre Tickets $25. Call 365-2494.

The modern exhibit is coming to Sarasota, thanks to the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, and features the fashion, celebrity and nude portraits of the late Herb Ritts.

Ritts’ fine-art photography emerged in the ’80s and was celebrated in the glossy pages of Vogue, Vanity Fair, Interview and Rolling Stone. Before he died in 2002, he was photographing campaigns for the likes of Chanel, Valentino and Calvin Klein and closed the gap between art and business.

Discover What Makes Sarasota Bay Club So Different!

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by

S

Moss Hart & George S. Kaufman Directed by Peter Amster

“Recently widowed, I heard about what was going on at Sarasota Bay Club and knew I wanted to be a part of it.

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ONE OF THE

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JAN. 4

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OPENS

Luncheon & Tour! Thursday, January 10th

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

3

// Arts&Entertainment

March

rooms, concert rental center and banquet facilities complete with a catering kitchen.

The full construction will not be finished until early summer.

The musical is a pop-opera based on Puccini’s classic “Madama Butterfly.” Set during Vietnam, it tells the story of a Japanese woman who is left-behind by her American lover. The sky’s the limit for what they could do with the helicopter scene from “Miss Saigon” in its new space!

‘Miss Saigon’ Manatee Players March 28 through April 14, at Manatee Performing Arts Center Tickets: TBD. Call 748-5875.

This production will be the first to take place in Manatee Players’ new state-ofthe-art Manatee Performing Arts Center.

It’s a demarcation and celebration for the $15 million project, which contains an educational wing, community meeting

The new Manatee Performing Arts Center

Understudies ‘In the Book Of’

March 27 through May 19, at Florida Studio Theatre. Tickets $19 to $36. Call 366-9000.

April

‘Clybourne Park’

March 15 through May 2, at Asolo Repertory Theatre. Tickets $20 to $75. Call 351-9010.

May ‘Theatre of Dreams’

Sarasota Film Festival April 5 through April 14, at Regal Hollywood 20 Tickets TBD. Call 800-435-7352.

May 3 to May 5, at FSU Center for the Performing Arts

Get the popcorn and Sour Patch Kids ready because Sarasota’s 15th film festival is right around the corner.

It’s a can’t-be-missed week full of the best and newest cinema. Last year’s festival brought more than 235 films, documentaries, shorts and family-friendly picks from around the world; the filmmakers and crew that made them; and actor appearances by the likes of Frank Langella ‘Candida’ Art Center Sarasota’s and Dominic Monaghan, to name a few.

April 9 through 5th annual iconcept The festival gets better each year, emApril 28, at FSU/ Runway Fashion Event phasizing the best in cinema and those April 5, at Sarasota Asolo Center for creative people that make them happen. the Performing Arts Municipal Auditorium The festival is still taking submissions, Tickets $28 to $29. Tickets $45 to $125. but stay tuned for more information.

Call 365-2032.

Call 351-9010

Understudies

File Photo

The cast of Kate Honea's ballet "Headlines" from the 2012 "Theatre of Dreams" program.

The seventh and final program of The Sarasota Ballet season will highlight a side of the dancers that can only be seen once in a season — their talent for choreography. The program will highlight five world-premiere performances choreographed by Sarasota Ballet dancers. It’s a program that has become an audience favorite and an end-of-season tradition that is full of fun, entertaining and unique performances.

re-imagine

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4

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

// Arts&Entertainment: COLUMN

scene

HEARD

By Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor | mgnaegy@yourobserver.com

 Patron Playbill 

98809

On average, ticket sales only account for around 20% of the cost it takes to put on a production. The following patrons are representatives of some of the area’s arts organizations; these people are helping to keep our cultural mecca flourishing well into the New Year.

TM

Sarasota Opera

Florida Studio Theatre

Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Bagby History with arts: We got a radio at our house and I started listening to the Saturday afternoon broadcasts with Milton Cross as the narrator. I fell in love with opera at 14 years old, and I’m 91 years old now ... Saturday afternoon I would sit there following (the radio broadcast) on librettos; it wasn’t easy. I went to Europe in 1935, and I got there and my cousin said, “What do you want to do tonight in Paris?” And I said, “I want to see ‘Die Walkure,’” and I went to the opera (for the) first time.

Years with the organization/history: 50 years How you became affiliated with organization: They had the Asolo Opera (at the time I moved here) and that got me into the Sarasota Opera. Now, I go to every opera four times — you can never see enough of the opera.

Why you donate: Because of my love! Oh my goodness, think of having an opera company in your city — and this is an opera city.

Upcoming 2013 performance looking forward to: “Turandot.”

Dennis (and Graci) McGillicuddy, board chairman Years with the organization: I have been on the board of FST for 25 years ... and Graci and I have been supporters of the theater for that long.

How you became affiliated with organization: We moved here in 1970 and I was a young entrepreneur working really hard. And sometime in the ’80s, Graci took me to a Sunday event that I didn’t really want to go to at Florida Studio Theatre. I met Richard Hopkins and that was the beginning of a deep relationship that we’ve had for about 25 years.

Why you donate: I love the theater; I love the staff and the mission of FST, which is to provide affordable and accessible theater.

When I think about the fact about how many subscribers we have and the breadth of how we touch the community — so many people from every walk of life — it makes me very proud to be apart of it.

Upcoming 2013 performance looking forward to: We have not seen “Smokey Joe’s Café” yet, and I know that’s a hit.

CABARET Stars straight from New York stages belt out Broadway Favorites.

Sarasota Orchestra conducted by Andrew Lane

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Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

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Sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.

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Teddy Tinson and Eric Collins. Photo by Brian Braun.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

YourObserver.com

5

Asolo Repertory Theatre

Sarasota Orchestra

Joan Mendell, executive board member History with arts: I spent a summer (studying art) in Provincetown; my teacher was Hans Hoffman, who became one of the all-time greats … watching him paint is when I discovered that I would never be a great artist, so I stopped painting … I started collecting after I got married. I always enjoyed the symphony, and reading and writing.

Years with the organization: 15 years How you became affiliated with organization: The head of the board at the time, appointed my husband, Ira “Tubby” Mendell, and then afterward said, “Joan, I bet you’re offended, I should have asked you,” and next thing I knew, I was appointed to the board.

Why you donate: The arts are an important part of our lives. They’re nourishing and wonderful. If we didn’t have the arts here, (think of) how many people would be unemployed.

It’s an essential part of the community …

It brings in tourists, it brings in money and brings in taxes — it’s a win-win situation and we can’t stop supporting the arts.

Upcoming 2013 performance looking forward to: I’m hoping that (the season) remains on a high plain (set by “1776”) and I’m expecting that it will.

Anne Folsom Smith, board chair History with arts: I started playing piano at 5 years old. My mother was a piano teacher, so I’ve had a love for music since I was old enough to walk. I sang in high school and college choirs and always played piano. As far as arts are involved, it’s always been leading me to music, but I (also) love all kinds of theater.

Years with the organization: More than 20 years; came on board in 2003.

Brief history with affiliation and how you became first affiliated: As a young designer, I had (mentors) who have been in the orchestra symphony associations around the town for years and they said to me, “You need to do something outside of interior design!” I jumped in with both feet.

Why you donate: Music is the harmony that makes the world work. My role in the orchestra is to bring a level of pleasure; that feeling — when they come out of (a performance) they are different , that’s my goal. The more you give, the more you get. It’s not a question of “can I give?” it’s “who should I give to?”

Upcoming 2013 performance looking forward to: The big buzz is this Anu Tali, but I’d have to say every guest conductor we’ve had has raised the bar.

Sarasota Ballet

got involved with the ballet.

Why you donate: It’s important to give back. I was raised in Sarasota, so I happen to love it, and I want to help the city and people. It makes me feel good. I’m so involved with the ballet that I know the dancers and the organization, and being the board chair, I have an inside view and can see how tight of a budget they are on.

Upcoming 2013 performance looking forward to: I’m looking forward to “La Fille,” although, I love them all.

Hillary Steele, board chair History with arts: I’ve always been exposed to it. I’ve gone to theater, ballets and all of these kinds of things, as a child. And I’ve just kept up with all of it.

Years with the organization: 10 years How you became affiliated with organization: I had several friends on the board, so I came on because they were. We had a good time; it was fun. When Iain (Webb) came six years ago, that’s when I really

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

// Arts&Entertainment: Spotlight

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Joining the troupe In 2008, actor Don Laurin Johnson was under his truck making repairs and adjustments when he got a text from his mother, Sybil Barnes-Johnson. BarnesJohnson was the director of the theaterarts program at Hillsborough Community College, in Tampa, where the founder and Artistic Director of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Nate Jacobs was holding auditions.

“She said, ‘Look … you really need to come audition for these guys,’” he says.

And because he’s a self-admitted momma’s boy, Johnson rolled out from under his automobile and went straight to the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe audition wearing a white tank top covered in grease and oil. His audition was charismatic enough to get him cast in “A Soldier’s Play,” in February 2008, and shortly after, “Hot Mikado,” in March.

Thirty-two-year-old Johnson is currently appearing in WBTT’s “August Wilson’s Jitney” that runs through Feb. 3.

The show is set in late-’70s Pittsburgh when unlicensed cab drivers, or jitneys, were struggling to find accomplishment in their surrounding environment. Johnson plays the role of Booster, the son of Jitney Cab Service owner Jim Beckett, who has just returned from a 20-year incarceration. Johnson describes his character as “the feeling of being privy to a conversation you shouldn’t be allowed to hear.”

It was Johnson’s mother who helped develop his interest in theater. She was the first black woman cast on stage at the Falk Theatre in Tampa decades ago. She was cast as the fairy godmother in “Cinderella.” “(Because of my mom), I was always around actors, poets, dancers — the people who have cool stuff to talk about,”

Mallory Gnaegy

“I just keep smiling because life is really short and, one day, we’ll all be a part of the sun,” Don Laurin Johnson says is his life motto.

Johnson says.

Johnson was exposed to theater and positioned around performers at an early age. In fact, he learned to read when he was 6 years old because he would run lines with his mom in the car. He grew up reading comics during her rehearsals.

Aside from “the many (plays) my mom forced me to do as a kid,” Johnson was not bit with the acting bug until college.

In 2002, Johnson was working with the South Carolina Shakespeare Company.

He was in “Twelfth Night,” “Othello” and “Much Ado About Nothing.”

“It was my first time on stage as an adult with a real sense of craft, seeing how plays are built,” he says.

At the time, Johnson was studying Japanese language and culture at Benedict College, a small liberal arts school in South Carolina.

“I have always had a love affair with East Asian culture,” he says, “It started when I was 3 years old. My dad asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up and I said ‘Chinese.’” Johnson laughs deeply, explaining that he always loved Bruce Lee and Chinese food — so it made sense.

He studied Kung Fu as a child and continues to study it today. Johnson tries to use his knowledge and language skills when he’s eating at restaurants, but has come to find that most of the restaurant employees aren’t even Japanese.

His experience with WBTT has led him to become even more serious about professional acting, and he plans to work with WBTT as long as it will have him.

Aside from acting, Johnson is currently enrolled in an Africana studies program at the University of South Florida. But Johnson’s not all work and school these days, he’s got bigger — or, in this case — smaller things on which to focus.

On Dec. 10, he and his wife, Sophia, welcomed their second daughter, Sophia Naomi, to the world — he smiles big when he talks about her. Their other daughter, Ruh, is 11 years old. Throughout the interview, it’s clear he’s anxious to get home because he keeps circling back to his family.

“If I’m not on stage performing, I’ll be doing it in the mirror or for my daughters,” he says. “I’m always trying to get people to laugh or take notice of what I said.”

In 10 years, Johnson says he sees himself with a 21-year-old daughter probably calling and asking for money, and then laughs a contagious laugh.

“I want to be really good at being a human being,” he says. “I just want to be the best at that that I can be.”

if you go ‘August Wilson’s Jitney’ When: 8 p.m. Jan. 2; runs through Feb. 3 Where: WBTT Theatre, 1646 10th Way Cost: $28 Info: Call 366-1505

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

// Arts&Entertainment: Backstage Pass

7

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Because he says sew It’s every actor’s nightmare to be naked on stage, but costume shop manager David Kovach has them covered.

Fifty-two-year-old costume shop Manager David Kovach is in his 18th season at Asolo Repertory Theatre. In a career for which he has designed more than 100 productions and worked on at least 100 more, his memories could fill more than a few closets.

The costume shop not only produces costumes for Asolo Rep and Asolo Conservatory, but is commissioned by other community organizations — such as Sarasota Ballet — and additional clients from around the country.

Kovach remembers a particular commission for an opera outside of Boston that needed a knock-off of the late highfashion designer Alexander McQueen’s famous “oyster” dress — a cream-colored gown made of hundreds of layers of circular-cut silk organza giving it an oystershell resemblance. “(It) took someone three days to cut, and another person 30 hours to sew — and that was just the skirt,” Kovach says.

“By the time we finished that garment, we worked on it non-stop for about a month, and (they needed) three of them.”

But the task did not unravel the costume shop.

“The more intricate the garment, the more fun it is,” Kovach says.

Kovach’s own wardrobe is simple. He will “absolutely not” dress in costumes for Halloween, and if a button falls off, he’s the type of guy to fix it with a safety pin.

“It’s something I do for work and other people, not for myself,” he says.

Kovach started his career as an elementary school teacher in Michigan. He worked for three years before he got “completely burned out” and went into acting

in the early-’80s. He’s been a performer from as early as he can remember. But he found out he could make additional cash doing laundry and repairs in the wardrobe department. He moved to Manhattan, N.Y., and within a two-year period, he learned to construct and design garments.

Back in those days, he’d work 24 hours a day getting costumes ready. One day, in a sleepless daze, he accidentally cut a hole in the center of a dress an actress had to wear the next day. But he doesn’t have mishaps like that anymore.

He gained freelance experience working low-budget jobs for which he had to make costumes from curtains and bedspreads he found at Goodwill, to the opposite end of the spectrum “spending minutia on costumes that would just rack up the bill” for Broadway shows such as “Cats,” he says.

“Asolo sits at the high-end of the middle,” he says. “It’s not the biggest budget, but we certainly make gorgeous things without having to scrounge around through dumpsters.”

The costumes are dependent on the designer of each production. Once Producing Artistic Director of Asolo Repertory Theatre Michael Donald Edwards selects a show and director, that director then selects a designer who pinpoints the shapes and looks.

“They set to paper what each of those characters looks like,” Kovach says.

Kovach then works with the designers to produce costumes that fit their artistic direction. Kovach talks about one of his favorite memories working with designer Eduardo Sicango on “Plexi Glass Slipper,” in 2008. It was a Cinderella story with gar-

Mallory Gnaegy

“You can make something out of nothing as long as you love it and as long as you have an eye (for it),” David Kovach says. ments full of elegance, glitz and glamour.

“Every experience and each designer brings an entirely new set of challenges and visions,” Kovach says. “There are things I would never put together on stage that when you (finally) see it through their eyes, and it’s put together — it really is an art form.”

Approximately 50% of the costumes are constructed new and the other half are found or already on-hand — but every piece must be fitted and worked on by Kovach’s staff of 10.

“I always try to challenge them and give them projects that are rewarding to them,” he says.

One such costume is featured in the upcoming Asolo Rep production of “You Can’t Take it with You,” about the daughter of the zany and eccentric Vanderhof family who falls in love with the son of a sophisticated Wall Street banker. It’s a costume worn by The Grand Duchess and

it’s regality stands out against the other American-style costume and fabrics. The Duchess’ costume is more challenging than some of the simple alterations the costume shop staff makes. But, it’s all just a stitch in time.

“It doesn’t matter what the project is, we enjoy each other, so we enjoy what we’re doing,” he says.

if you go ‘You Can’t Take it With You’ Asolo Repertory Theatre When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4; runs though April 20 Where: Mertz Theatre Cost: $20 to $75 Info: Call 351-9010

Fellner On Film Series Conducted by Rabbi Azriel Fellner

Rabbi Fellner will discuss three films, each of which has to do with the idea of the “stranger,” the “alien,” the “other.”

‘You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the feelings of the stranger, having yourself been strangers in the land of Egypt.’ (Shemot 23:9) The films are NOT shown in their entirely, rather a discussion using clips from the film. $10 per session / $20 for series

RSVP: www.jfedsrq.org/events.aspx or Joan Hanley at 941.371.4546 x100 • January 6, 7:00 pm - The Ten Commandments at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall Presented in partnership with The Jewish Club at Lakewood Ranch – The movie depicts not only the enslavement of the anceitn Israelites but also reveals a pattern of human oppression as real today as when the Bible first describes it.

• January 7, 11:00 am - The Secrets at Temple Beth Israel, Longboat Key – A much acclaimed Israeli film which tells the story of the daughter of a famed Ultra-Orthodox Rabbi who discovers something about herself which makes her a stranger within her community.

ExclusivE NEWsPAPER PARtNER:

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

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• January 7, 7:00 pm - “The Yada Yada” at the Federation in Beatrice Friedman Theater on the Federation Campus – This ‘Seinfeld’ episode deals with someone who converts to Judaism; behind the humor lies a very pernicious and insidious attitude, bringing us back to the theme quoted from the Book of Exodus.

This program is underwritten by Leonard & Helen Glaser

8

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

// Arts&Entertainment: Preview

Music // New Year Roundup It’s almost laughable to think we can stuff all the music events for 2013 into a column. In 2012, we learned that, based on a recent national study, Sarasota was voted No. 1 in the arts in the U.S. for communities of its size. On top of that, a portion of the tourist tax here provides about $1.3 million dollars to arts organizations in Sarasota County every year. There’s more.

Sarasota County has more than 5,500 people employed in the arts and living among us. And, more than $180 million a year is spent on the arts, in one way or another, including salaries, fees, tickets and revenue. Not bad for a place that also has the No. 1 beach in America!

So, what’s happening in music for the rest of the 2012-2013 season? A lot. Among the more exciting is the future of the Sarasota Orchestra.

As you know, there is a search on right now to find the ensemble’s next music director, and, according to Gordon Greenfield, vice president of marketing, “We want an innovative music director with a respect for the classics, a great fundraiser and a strong leader who collaborates well.”

Greenfield admits, “That is a lot, and that’s why this isn’t a quick or easy search. Few cities our size can boast of an orchestra of this quality, and such passionate and generous community support. That makes this position attractive to exceptional conductors who might not otherwise consider a city our size as the next step in their careers.”

Meanwhile, great musicians from around the world are getting to work with the orchestra and they’re spreading the good word. This is a topclass ensemble and it deserves the best, just as its musicians are some of the finest I’ve heard anywhere. We’re blessed to have this ensemble here.

We’re also very fortunate to have some really first-rate choruses. Key Chorale, conducted by Joseph Caulkins, is a large community-based group that offers fascinating choral repertoire in unusual spaces. This March, for example, you’ll find them in collaboration with Sarasota Young Voices, Circus Sarasota and the Cirque Orchestra for a third season of “Cirque des Voix,” a star-studded circus-of-a-choral event.

Led by Dr. Joseph Holt (recently retired from the United States Army Chorus), Gloria Musicae is an all-paid, all-professional vocal ensemble that presents concerts of a variety of music, with guest soloists, in major halls in our area. In April, they’ll get together with jazz icon Dick Hyman for a concert at the Opera House called, “Reel

Time Plus,” that will feature a world premiere written by Hyman for Gloria Musicae, along with songs arranged by Hyman for the movies, from Woody Allen favorites to “Moonstruck.” And, Belle Canto, a small chorus of some of the best female voices in town under the direction of Elizabeth Goldstein, is planning several concerts this season including “Music in Motion,” featuring vocal music and dance, this March in the beautiful new space of First United Methodist Church.

Also at First Church, you’ll find “Powerful Pipes,” the inaugural season of recitals by a pair of New York’s greatest organists bound to blow you away: Kent Tritle (organist with the New York Philharmonic and director of music at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine), and Kenneth Dake (organist and music director at Marble Collegiate Church on Fifth Avenue).

Sarasota also has several world-class chamber music festivals, starting with the illustrious winter residency of the (Itzhak) Perlman Music Program, which is going on right now and will culminate in a special concert this weekend at the Sarasota Opera House. Their enthusiasm, which is catching, can only be topped by their talent! La Musica, a long-lived chamber festival continues this April and the Sarasota Music Festival is back for its 49th season in June for more spectacular programming performed by top-notch students and their world-renowned mentors. The great thing about these festivals is that you’re also invited to sit in on many of the rehearsals, something invaluable to music lovers.

Sarasota Opera, one of the few companies in America to own its own house, opens its 54th season with “Turandot,” “Pearl Fishers,” “Of Mice and Men” and “A King for a Day,” in repertory over the next couple of months.

There’s a lot more, but I’m out of space. It makes me a little spacey to think I moved from Manhattan,N.Y., to Sarasota and have all this excitement right in my backyard without having to fight anyone for a taxi or a parking space.

— June LeBell

Courtesy photos

Sarasota Orchestra

Robert Levin, of the Sarasota Music Festival

Joseph Caulkins, conductor of the Key Chorale

Kent Tritle, organist with the New York Philharmonic, will perform with Kenneth Dake, organist and music director at Marble Collegiate Church on Fifth Ave during powerful pipes at First United Methodist.

Belle Canto, a small chorus of some of the best female voices in town

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YourObserver.com

9

// Arts&Entertainment: reviews

European Traditions

Sheffield Chastain and Stephanie Weeks in FST’s “The Best of Enemies.”

THEATER // ‘The Best of Enemies’ Richard Hopkins has directed an astounding production of “The Best of Enemies” as tight as the strings of a violin, each note resonating a variation of a wide range of emotion. Mark St. Germain, whose best-known work, “Freud’s Last Session,” was among Off-Broadway’s longest-running plays, wrote the drama inspired by Osha Gray Davidson’s book, in turn based on a true story.

In 1971, Durham, N.C., was forced by law to act regarding desegregation of schools.

C. P. Ellis, Grand Cyclops of the Ku Klux Klan, and Ann Atwater, African-American activist, two understandably bitter antagonists, were likewise forced to work together to come to some sort of resolution for the town. The action takes place during their many conversations and confrontations completing this task and beyond.

The play is immensely successful in its realistic dialogue and insight into the human heart. It’s so inspirational as a blueprint for better race relations that I would love to see a mandatory performance at every high school in the United States. The writing makes the subject matter not only edifying, but highly entertaining, and at times, genuinely comical.

Sheffield Chastain’s portrayal of C.P. Ellis is so realistic, you can taste the grits on his

Courtesy

lips. He brings this radical character to complete believability throughout a wild rollercoaster ride of feeling.

Atwater, known by some as “Rough house Annie,” played by Stephanie Weeks, is angry, angry, angry. And it’s justifiably so, because she’s just witnessed the assassination of an 18-year-old-girl for the crime of being black, among many others in the history of crimes against color. She exhibits a learning curve during the play, but it appears more understated.

Kevyn Morrow (director/choreographer of “Smokey Joe’s Cafe”) shows us yet another side of his wide-ranging talent as Bill Riddick, the black government official who brings the lead characters together. When he introduces himself to Ellis as a community organizer, Ellis replies, “Does that make you a Commie?” Doesn’t this ring a contemporary bell?

Amanda Duffy gives a fine portrayal of Mary Ellis, a wiser long-suffering counterpoint to her husband.

— Paula Atwell

6030 Clark Center Ave. • Sarasota, FL 34238

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if you go ‘The Best of Enemies’

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YourObserver.com

// FOOD&COOKING

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

(continued from page 1)

Feeding your New Year’s resolution As we say hello to 2013, many of us are also welcoming New Year’s resolutions of health and happiness. We asked four area restaurants which menu items they recommended to satisfy your health goals and your taste buds at the same time. Here is what they offered:

Bibb lettuce salad $9.50 with no meat or tofu $11.75 with meat or tofu Station 400 When Station 400 400 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota opened its doors four 906-1400 years ago, owner and Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., daily chef Eric Bein wanted to add a salad that was unique, yet classic. That is how the Bibb lettuce salad came to be created. He fell back on a classic, roasted beet-andgoat-cheese combination.

“It really has grown in popularity, “ Bein said. “The beets throw people off at first, but when they try it, they are won over.”

The ingredients include crisp Bibb lettuce, roasted beets, shaved fennel, orange, goat cheese, toasted almonds and a citrus vinaigrette. Guests can choose to add grilled chicken breast, seared tofu or poached sockeye salmon, from Alaska. Even without the meat, the high-fiber beets fill people up, making this a satisfactory meal.

Beet Benefits

• Combat cancer: Several studies suggest a diet rich in carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, which is found in beets, fights cancer.

• Head off heart disease: Beets contain folate, a heart healthy nutrient that lowers levels of homocysteine in your blood. Homocysteine, a by-product of protein metabolism, can damage your arteries, leading to heart attack and stroke.

• Beats high blood pressure: Beets are high in potassium, which helps keep blood pressure down.

• Helps lose weight: Foods high in fiber control appetites by keeping people full longer. One cup of beet slices has almost as much fiber as a cup of cooked oatmeal but contains only 75 calories.

• Keeps bones strong: These red roots are rich in three nutrients — potassium, magnesium and beta-carotene — all of which keep bones strong.

(Facts from Eat & Heal by the editors of FC&A Medical Publishing) Photo courtesy of Eric Bein

Thank you for 40 years!

Please join us the month of January and recieve a complimentary glass of select wine with the purchase of any lunch or dinner entrée from our regular menu.

Don’t miss our Anniversary Celebration January 3rd at 11:30 and be the first to see our new logo!

941-366-0007

www.BestFood.com

Please call 941-388-4415 for more details.

Visit our menu online at cafeleurope.net Valet Parking

941.388.4415

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11

// FOOD&COOKING

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Build your drEAM Call us now to start building your dream! 941.366.7280 205 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL (by City Hall)

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Zucchini Zinger

• Helps with weight loss: Zucchini has dietary fiber, which prevents constipation, aids in digestion, maintains low blood pressure, and curbs over eating.

• Lowers cholesterol: The dietary fiber in zucchini helps lower cholesterol. The high levels of vitamin A and C prevent cholesterol from oxidizing in the body’s blood vessels, thus hampering the onset of atherosclerosis.

• Anti-Inflammatory: The copper and vitamins A and C found in zucchini deter the development of inflammatory disorders such as asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• High in manganese: Manganese, a mineral and nutrient found in zucchini, helps the body produce energy and builds bones and joints.

• Prostate health: The phytonutrients in zucchini aid in reducing symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy, a condition that leads to complications in urination and sexual function in men.

Conveniently Order On-Line at: www.GalleyGrocer.com Or contact us at 941-840-7195

(Facts from http://www. healthdiaries.com & Eat & Heal by the editors of FC&A Medical Publishing)

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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$11.95 The raw lasagna at Simon’s is not your typical Italian lasagna. Zucchini is used instead of noodles to layer the lasagna.

The cheese is not dairy cheese, but rather a blend of soaked cashews, garlic, onion, parsley and lemon juice.

SurprisSimon’s ingly, this blend 5900 S. Tamiami has a cheesy texTrail, Sarasota ture. Tyler Kirby, owner Simon 926-7151 Kirby’s son, and Hours: 8 a.m. to one of the chefs 4 p.m. Monday at the restaurant, through Saturday makes a marinara sauce with sundried tomatoes, dates, onions and bit of garlic. They soak mushrooms in an amino multi-protein liquid to give the dish more nutrients.

“When you are eating, you are either fighting or feeding disease,” Kirby explains. The zucchini, “cheese,” marinara sauce, bruised spinach and mushrooms are all layered together with herbs and spices. None of the ingredients is baked at more than 100 Fahrenheit, which means all the nutrients are preserved. Kirby sprinkles a finishing touch of coconut over the top for a meal filled with vitamins and essential nutrients. The dish is served with a side of kale-tabouli salad.

PLAYERS THEATRE | (941) 365-2494 | theplayers.org Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues

367 St. Armands Circle (Between Garden Argosy & Tommy Bahamas Retail stores)

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The raw lasagna

12

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// FOOD&COOKING

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

(continued from page 11)

Zucchini fettuccini Appetizer $12 Meal $24 The scent of garlic and tomatoes floats through the restaurant, as Chef Raymond Arpke makes a healthy zucchini fettuccini. He uses a mandolin to slice the zucchini into thin, pasta-like slivers. His simmered tomato sauce includes garlic, fresh basil, onion and olive oil. He sautÊs the zucchini in garlic oil, which pumps up the dish’s flavor.

Arpke came up with this recipe for his daughter, who developed Type 1 diabetes as an adult. He wanted to make a healthy,

Himalayan pink sea salt

Euphemia Haye 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key 383-3633 Hours: 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and Sunday. 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday

• Water works: Regulates water content throughout the body. • Brain cell booster: Promotes a healthy pH balance in your cells, particularly the brain cells. • Tummy health: Absorbs food particles through the intestinal tract. • Breathing room: Promotes sinus health. • No sugar high: Promotes blood sugar health. • Youth restored: Reduces signs of aging. • Calcium builder: Helps with bone strength. • Potassium provider: Prevents muscle cramps.

yet tasty, alternative to pasta for her. The zucchini fettuccini at Eupehmia Haye can be ordered as an appetizer or a meal. It is topped with an award-winning Wisconsin Parmesan cheese, and the appetizer portion is only 152 calories.

Tomato Tomah-toE • Conquer cancer: Lycopene is only found in a handful of plants. It gives tomatoes their red color and also lowers the risk of developing stomach, lung, breast, colon, mouth or throat cancer. • Heals hearts: Lycopene breaks down cholesterols, keeping blood flowing free through arteries. Folate cleans up homocysteine, an amino acid that is linked with cholesterol. • Beats bacteria: Nutrients in tomatoes encourage your body to produce white blood cells that attack bacteria and viruses. The antioxidants protect these white blood cells from free radicals.

(Information provided by Chef Larry Eppler) Yayna Klimchak

Walu sashimi $14.99 The walu sashimi is a thinly sliced Hawaiian escolar fish flown in from Hawaii and served on a Himalayan pink sea salt stone at The Cottage, on Siesta Key. The fish melts in your mouth, and the saltiness the pink sand-stone gives off makes it a delectable treat. Chef Larry Eppler has been cooking since he was a teenager but only recently discovered the stone at a health store in Venice. The fish is beautifully presented on the pink stone as micro-greens, black seaweed, wasabi, seaweed salad, ponzu sauce and ginger adorn the plate. “I wanted to create an unforgettable experience for customers,� Eppler said.

(Facts from Eat & Heal by the editors of FC&A Medical Publishing) Yayna Klimchak

“That is why I have been in this industry for 30 years.�

Humans began to mine this 250 million-year-old stone from the Himalayas once they discovered its health benefits.

The stone is filled with minerals and nutrients essential to people’s health. It stays chilled for up to 45 minutes while customers rub the sashimi on the stone.

It gives the fish a different salty taste while the house-made ponzu sauce gives the fish a sesame kick.

The Cottage 153 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key 312-9300 Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training presents

941-377-8777 www.metrocabinetcompany.com

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

13

// HOME&GARDEN

Crafty Genes

by Mallory & Leslie Gnaegy | DIY Editors

PROJECT: Wine-bottle toppers SUPPLIES: TIPS:

Skill level:

• corks • screws • liquid nails • trophy tops • drawer pulls • any knickknacks that a screw could go through

Price:

$$$$$

Average time: One day

before ...

If you’re using recycled corks, make sure you try them out on different wine bottles so you can be sure they fit a variety.

The skinnier the cork, the better.

1 Select your topper

3 Process 2: drawer pull

This is the fun part. We went to Sarasota Architectural Salvage, 1093 Central Ave. because it’s like hitting jackpot for those rustic-looking odds and ends that make the best wine-bottle toppers.

(Did we mention they have free beer on Saturdays?)

 Sarasota Architectural Salvage, 1093 Central Ave., has a whole room of decorative doorknobs and drawer pulls perfect for this project.

(or any topper a screw can go into) This process works best with a recycled cork. Measure the length of the screw with the cork and topper, and cut the cork so enough of the screw is left to fit inside the topper.

Screw into the smoothest side of the cork up through the top and into the drawer pull or into the knickknack. We found using a dab of liquid nails really secures this type of topper.

We settled on a fence post topper, a few tops of trophies and decorative drawer pulls — anything that a cork can fit snugly inside of, anything that has a screw that can go up through the bottom of a cork and into the topper’s hole or anything with a screw attached to it will work.

 Attach the topper onto the screw and a dab of liquid nails.

2 Process 1: liquid nails, cork and a topper • Most major craft stores sell corks that start wide and get thinner toward the bottom. These are your best bet.

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Pre-drill a hole into the top of the cork using a screw that’s the same width as the screw that sticks out of the trophy head. Apply liquid nail to the inside base of the trophy head, screw the cork on and clean the edges.

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4 Process 3: trophy topper

The fence post top was the easiest to put together. We filled the inside of the fence post top with liquid nails, put the cork in it and cleaned the edges.

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Black Tie

INSIDE: Black Tie Calendar PAGE 15

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, january 3, 2013

// BLACK TIE: Party Rock

Five in the house for 2013 SMOA Inaugural Bash

by Emily Walsh | (Former!) Black Tie Editor

Dressing up for this former social editor has had to do a lot more with Power Rangers, Batman, cowboys and Army guys as of late, thanks to a cute little 2-year-old that I know.

However, there are five events in 2013 that this party-girl-at-heart will most definitely dig into the old dress closet for … or maybe even spring for a new fancy number. You never know … I may even bring my camera.

The Sarasota Museum of Art 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, at Sarasota High School Tickets $125. Call 309-0118 If getting a chance to see artist Patrick Dougherty’s “stickwork” sculpture isn’t enough, getting to explore the historic Sarasota High School building and imagining its transformation into an art museum — with cocktail in hand — definitely does it. But that’s not all … this “lawn-party casual” affair chaired by Dottie Baer Garner and Brooke Callanen also offers food and drink from the Sarasota Originals and dancing on the Sarasota High lawn to Ace Factor.

Courtesy photo

 Patrick Dougherty's "Close Ties" is an example of what to expect for his upcoming installation.

The Inaugural Ball Honoring Dr. Donal O’Shea New College Foundation 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at New College Bayfront Tickets $350. Call 487-4800 Hmm … Looks like we’re doing a lot of inaugural partying on lawns this year, but why not? This time, don your best Black Tie attire for the Don — Donal O’Shea, that is, New College’s new president. This is only the second time in its history that New College has hosted an official inauguration so don’t miss this affair chaired

by BJ Creighton, Renee Hamad, Kathy Coffey and Pat Johnson.

File photo

 New College president Donal O’Shea

Orchid Ball ‘Midnight at the Oasis’ Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 6 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at Selby Gardens Tickets $300. Call 366-5731, Ext. 229 Think “Sex in the City 2,” when Carrie and crew are wearing ball gowns and heels in the souk in Abu Dhabi … that’s what this year’s Orchid Ball is aiming to be — a sultry and sophisticated desert experience. Chairs Wayne and Mindy Rollins promise to rock the casbah with their creative and downright cool charisma at this year’s event. Expect Middle Eastern influences from the food and drink to the décor and from the music and entertainment to the attire.

File photo

 Kelly Engel at last year’s Orchid Ball “An Evening at Versailles”

Florida Wine & Balloon Festival Florida Winefest & Auction April 4 to 7, at various locations Call 952-1109

File photo

Picture this: Taking off in a hot air balloon at 6 a.m. on a cool April day, floating over East Sarasota and landing only to enjoy an elegant champagne brunch. Um, yes, please! The festival also includes winemaker dinners around town; wine tasting on the bay at the Van Wezel; a Balloon Glow Dinner (where the balloons are lit up and floating overhead); Grand Brunch & Charity Auction; Cigar Dinner; and “Sip & Soar” all Premier Sports Complex, in Lakewood Ranch.

An Evening at the Avant-Garde: ‘A Novel Idea’ Ringling College of Art and Design 6 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at Ringling College Call 359-7589 A party girl can be nerdy too, so anything that has to do with books always piques my interest. Plus, doesn’t everybody love dressing up? So getting to dress up like your favorite literary characters sounds like a perfect combination. Add to that some cocktails, good food, music and dancing, and you’ll be sure to have volumes of fun at this event chaired by Larry and Ann Garberding.

File photo

 Vicky Randall and Jill Lerner strut their stuff on the red carpet at last year’s An Evening at the AvantGarde: “Hollywood Premiere.”

Backup Dates

You know, sometimes you just need a backup date. If our five party picks don’t work with your social calendar, here are a couple of other options: Cooking for Wishes Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Suncoast 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at Michael’s On East Call 952-9474.

An interactive lunch with lots of wine.

Need we say more?

Sarasota Exotic Car Fest United Cerebral Palsy Feb. 22 to Feb. 24, at various Locations Call 201-1480.

This year’s events celebrate 50 years of James Bond.

Cattle Barons Ball ‘Let’s Give Cancer the Boot’ American Cancer Society 6 p.m. April 13, at Gettel Automotive Call 328-3760.

Besties Kelly Gettel and Anne Weintraub head up this event.

DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

15

// BLACK TIE: CALENDAR

social calendar January SUNDAY

See more events online at YourObserver. com.

20

MONDAY

 2012 Women in Power Luncheon honorees Margaret Callihan, Eva Slane, Anne Weintraub and Betsy KaneHartnett

7

6

TUESDAY

1

WEDNESDAY

2

THURSDAY

3

8

9

10

Technion Annual Celebration. 10 a.m. at Michael’s On East. Tickets $75. Call 378-1500 Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival: The Grand Tasting Noon at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Courtyard. Tickets $85 (sold out). Call 955-3663

5

11

Starry Night Dinner ‘The Heidi Chronicles.’ 6:30 p.m. at the home of Russell and Susan Samson. Tickets $250. Call 351-9010, Ext. 4702 or specialevents@ asolo.org

12

14

15

16

31st Annual Women in Power Luncheon. Honoring Judy Cahn, Dolly Jacobs, Maureen Maguire and Gloria Moss. 11:30 a.m. at Michael’s On East. Tickets $65. Call 342-1855.

17

18

19

21

22 Monday, Jan. 14:

23

24

25

26

29 Historic Spanish Point 30

31

SMOA Inaugural Bash 6 p.m. at Historic Sarasota High School. Tickets $125. Call 309-0118 or lhalasz@ringling.edu

Town Hall Lecture Series featuring Walter Isaacson. 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall . Tickets $100. Call 924-1343

14th Annual Sarasota Women’s Cancer Awareness Luncheon Doors open at 10:30 a.m.; luncheon at noon at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Tickets $125. Call 813-745-4860

Scramble for SPARCC Ladies Golf Tournament 12:30 at Laurel Oak Country Club. Tickets $150.

Call 365-0208, Ext. 106.

28

Annual Luncheon 11 a.m. at Michael’s On East . Tickets: $75. Call 966-5214, Ext. 295.

Masterworks Showcase — A Symphony of Kitchens. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at locations throughout Sarasota.

Tickets $25. Call 358-6673

Circus Sarasota Gala ‘Under the Big Top 6:30 p.m. at Sailor Circus Big Top. Tickets $195.

Call 366-0156

Sarasota Orchestra Gala: Bravo Broadway and Our Leading Ladies. 5 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Tickets $500. Call 487-2737.

Red Hot. 6 p.m. at Michael’s On East. Tickets $150. Call 954-1600, Ext. 162 Catholic Charities Ball 6 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Tickets $250. Call 355-4680, Ext. 311

 2012 Catholic Charities Ball Co-Chairwomen Linda Whitacre and Mary Kenealy-Barbetta with Bishop Frank Dewane and Co-Chairwomen Bridget Spiess and Julie Delaney

S A R A S OTA

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CLUB

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27

SATURDAY

 2012 Perlman & Pearls Co-Chairwoman Debbi Haspel

Temple Beth Israel Gala ‘An Evening at Grossingers’ 6 p.m. at Michael’s On East. Call 7553244 for tickets.

20

4 Saturday, Jan. 5: Perlman & Pearls Gala 7 p.m. at Michael’s On East Tickets $500. Call 366-0007

 Sheri Weinstein at the 2012 Red Hot

13

FRIDAY

16

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

ART OF OUR TIME / NEW STAGES Contemporary performanCe at the historiC asolo theater / ringling museum of art

“ . . . a gift from a father to a son

steeped in such unbridled passion that it’s a gift from every father to every son: from every mother to every daughter . — Maui tiMes

© JaTi lindSay / word becoMeS fleSh

© andy phillipSon

© yoShio iTagaKi

© JaTi lindSay

January 24-26, 7:30 pm word becomes flesh

by Marc Bamuthi Joseph for the Living Word Project

© Keira heu-Jwyn chang/garden

”

february 7-9, 7:30 pm beyond words

by Bill Bowers

february 21-23, 7:30 pm leo Produced and Created

by Circle of Eleven

march 7-9, 7:30 pm Kate Weare Company

tickets: $25, $20, $15 | 941.360.7399 or ringling.org The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art The STaTe arT MuSeuM of florida | The florida STaTe univerSiTy 99964

Art of Our Time is made possible by Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

AOOT_Observer_FPDV.indd 1

12/17/12 11:18 AM