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SPECIAL ISSUE

THE BRIDGE The fixed-span Ringling Bridge celebrates its 10th anniversary.

An icon of our region, it has changed the way we live.

PAGE 2A

Bridge views: opinions then and now

Page 3A

Bridge history and timeline: from Ringling to Waters

Page 6A

The engineer and architect recall community support

Page 7A

Photos provide a visual span through time

INDEX Briefs..................... 4A Classifieds ..........24A

Cops Corner.........12A Crossword............23A

Neighborhood......15A Obituaries............14A

Opinion.................. 8A Our Town.............14A

Real Estate..........20A Weather...............23A

Vol. 36, No. 3 | Two sections YourObserver.com

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VIDEO Visit YourObserver.com to see a video featuring the Ringling Bridge, including interviews with community members who share their thoughts about the Sarasota icon.

TIMELAPSE: Watch the bridge go from day to night MAN ON THE STREET: Walkers and runners tell us why they use the bridge

PHOTO CONTEST Submit your photos of the Ringling Bridge, and you could win a weekend stay at the Hyatt Regency, Sarasota. Visit YourObserver.com for more information, and to submit your photos!

COVER PHOTO BY CLINT WELDON

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

NOW AND THEN

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Leaders remember their sides on the bridge Mollie Cardamone Sarasota city commissioner from 1993 to 2001; served as mayor from 1996 to 1997 and from 1999 to 2000 Then: “The commission thought we had a transportation problem and an environmental problem.

The tallest boats in the city wouldn’t fit through even a 65-foot bridge. We thought they were building a bridge that wouldn’t fit all of those perameters. At the same time, we knew we might lose this fight, and if we did and got a high replacement bridge, we wanted it to be a signature bridge.”

Now: “I guess the bottom line is, it’s a gorgeous bridge. Do I resent it? No. It’s probably been a better recreational resource than we ever could have imagined … I still would prefer a lower bridge, but I don’t hear people complaining about it.”

Brent Parker Supporter of the Good Bridge 2000 Committee; architect and co-owner of the Parker Walter Group who was developing the Phoenix condominium that overlooks the bridge at the time of the controversy Then: “We built a model of the bridge, and we knew what this view was going to look like and it’s pretty good and the bridge doesn’t fill up the whole view. It’s just a part of the view, so we thought it was a pretty nice enhancement.”

Now: “We’ve been around the world and we come home and we look out of our window and it’s like, ‘And why did we go there?’”

Kerry Kirschner Sarasota city commissioner from 1985 to 1991; current executive director of the Argus Foundation Then: “I never thought the fight should have been out there. I thought the whole thing was a waste of time.”

Now: “It’s like night and day. It’s a huge improvement. With the way it’s configured and the lighting, it’s a Sarasota landmark, just like the Van Wezel.”

Gil Waters Founder and co-chairman of the Good Bridge 2000 Committee, Sarasota city Commissioner from 1964 to 1968 Then: “The 45-foot bridge would have been a health hazard and a traffic hazard.”

Now: “The bridge is almost a decade old and nobody in town will say anything against it, so I guess our efforts were a success.”

John Redgrave Longboat Key town commissioner from 1997 to 2004; served as the town’s mayor in 2002 and 2003 Then: “We were in favor of it, so we didn’t have to stop for openings and closings.”

Now: “It’s done wonders for the commerce of the city. It’s a really beautiful icon for the city of Sarasota.”

Marty Rappaport Co-chairman of the Good Bridge 2000 Committee; current chairman of the St. Armands Business Improvement District Then: “From the standpoint of the city itself, no pun intended, it was the bridge between the 21st and the 20th century.”

Now: “The bridge itself is a 10. The traffic coming off the bridge (onto U.S. 41) could have been better.

They may have been able to make a circle and done it in a way that it wouldn’t cause a backup. The lights do create a backup.”

Richard Storm Spokesman for the Bridge Too High Committee; current executive director of Key Chorale Then: “Our position at the time was not well understood. The first thing is still the case, that it wouldn’t solve the traffic problems of people coming south off of Longboat Key. We didn’t think it made sense to spend an enormous amount of money on something that didn’t solve the problem. The second thing was our objection to the original design. It was a series of box girders, and we thought that was a shame.”

Now: “Though we got a good-looking bridge and we do not in any way dismiss that, it doesn’t solve the problem that was the focus of the original discussion.”

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

BUILDING THE BRIDGE

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Ringling Bridge: The long road home

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Feb. 7, 1926 — The first causeway opened to the public. John Ringling spent $1 million to build the bridge but donated it to the city for maintenance.

1958 — A new drawbridge opened to traffic. One year later, the remains of the original bridge were torn down.

1990-1991 — The drawbridge got stuck in an open position on multiple occasions, prompting discussion about whether to repair or replace the bridge.

November 1992 — The Sarasota City Commission and Longboat Key Town Commission passed a nonbinding resolution during a joint meeting to endorse replacing the bridge.

Yaryna Klimchak

Signature sight The John Ringling Causeway Bridge has become a Sarasota landmark in 10 years time — but has it fixed traffic woes and emergency access?

G

il Waters watched his vision take shape one concrete segment at a time.

The vision would require 150 million pounds of concrete, 575,000 hours of labor and so many cables that if you laid them end to end, they would stretch 470 miles, or the approximate distance from Sarasota to Atlanta.

There were 480 concrete segments in all — each precast in North Manatee County and transported by barge to the site of the new John Ringling Causeway Bridge.

Waters’ wife, Elisabeth, bought him a telescope so that he could watch the bridge come to fruition from the balcony of his Phoenix condominium unit on Golden Gate Point.

A decade has passed since its completion, but the bridge is still one of the first sights Waters sees in the morning.

It has become a city landmark, according to architect Brent Parker, who designed the bridge and also lives in the Phoenix.

“You turn on any news channel,” Parker said, “and this shot of downtown Sarasota with the bridge in the foreground is there every time. You go to the airport and look at the mural at the baggage claim and there’s the bridge.

It’s really become the signature.”

“Everybody uses it as a sight,” Waters said. “It’s a passing of a time in history.”

The time that’s long passed is the era of the drawbridge, which was completed in 1958 and stood until 2003, after the completion of the new Ringling Bridge.

That bridge was the second bridge to span the waterway between the mainland and St. Armands Key. It replaced the original bridge that was built because of another man’s vision: John Ringling dreamed of developing St. Armands, Longboat and Lido keys. But he knew that to build his vision on the islands, he needed to build a bridge.

He put $1 million of his own

money into building the bridge that was completed in 1926.

Ringling eventually donated it to the city.

To christen the bridge, John Ringling drove over it in his Rolls-Royce a month before it opened to traffic.

Waters’ vision was key to bringing about the third bridge — and a new chapter of history — when he formed the Good Bridge 2000 Committee to support a 65-foot, fixed-span bridge.

It took nearly a decade and a ruling from an appeals court judge that he and fellow supporters won. Now, he’s convinced that, despite the bridge’s divisive history, it falls on the right side of history.

“To this day, people come up to all of us and say we were right and the bridge is a success,” Waters said. “We, and the community, have been vindicated by our effort to get the right bridge in the right place.”

Supporters and opponents of the 65-foot bridge still disagree about how effective the bridge has been in alleviating traffic and improving emergency-vehicle access — two of the top priorities during discussions.

But, there’s one thing no one seems to contest.

“I guess the bottom line is, it’s a gorgeous bridge,” said former Sarasota City Commissioner and

January 1993 — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) presented three alternatives during a series of community meetings: a 21-foot-high drawbridge identical to the existing bridge, a 45-foot-high drawbridge and a 65-foot-high drawbridge.

July 1997 — Sarasota city staffers presented a compromise plan to FDOT’s 65-foot-high bridge: a 48-foot drawbridge that would reduce bridge openings by 53%. FDOT rejected the compromise.

August 1997 — The Sarasota City Commission prepared a legal position for the city on the replacement of the bridge. An attorney collected thousands of FDOT documents, revealing that the agency started planning for the fixed-span bridge before the public-comment period ended. That finding formed the basis for a city lawsuit against FDOT.

File photo

Sarasota resident Gil Waters drove over the new John Ringling Causeway Bridge for the first time in a vintage car during an Aug. 31, 2003, parade held for the bridge’s grand-opening celebration.

Mayor Mollie Cardamone.

Cardamone’s time on the commission spanned from 1993 to 2001 — the years in which the Sarasota City Commission was battling the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) about the bridge.

She and other opponents of the bridge feel there’s public misconception about what they were fighting.

They thought a 45-foot-high drawbridge would address the transportation problems the city faced, while still allowing the tallest boats to pass under it.

At the same time, the city realized it might be fighting a losing battle, so it had the vision to hold a planning charette to create a concept for a signature bridge, should a 65-foot-high structure be inevitable.

“We didn’t fight that bridge,”

Cardamone said. “We made that bridge happen.”

Conflicting visions

Parker remembers how, on at least two occasions, he drove north on U.S. 41, through Bradenton, and over the Cortez Bridge, to access the islands.

Traffic backups were inevitable, given that the drawbridge opened on the half-hour for boats. In the early 1990s, a series of breakdowns in which the bridge got stuck created both frustration and concerns about emergency access.

Island residents worried the bridge would get stuck during an emergency, meaning that an ambulance would have to drive through Longboat Key, to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton.

SEE BRIDGE / PAGE 4A

April 1998 — The city filed a petition challenging the state’s approval of the fixed-span bridge.

September 1999 — A judge ruled that FDOT acted properly in approving the bridge.

September 2000 — The U.S. Coast Guard issued a construction permit.

April 2001 — The First District Court of Appeals in Tallahassee affirmed the FDOT process leading up to the fixed-span bridge. The ruling meant that FDOT was allowed to begin construction.

August 2001 — PCL Civil Constructors Inc. began the design-build process.

Aug. 31, 2003 — More than 2,400 people participated in the 5K and 10K runs to celebrate the opening of the John Ringling Causeway Bridge.

Sept. 15, 2003 — The new bridge opened to traffic around 3 a.m. The opening was delayed by one day because of rain.

October 2003 — The demolition of the old drawbridge began.

In the early 1990s, a series of breakdowns in which the old Sarasota drawbridge got stuck created concerns about emergency access. The problems and age of the old drawbridge led to a new vision.

August 2008 — After a petition circulated to change the name of the John Ringling Causeway Bridge to the Gil Waters Bridge, the Sarasota City Commission opted to keep the name, but put up a plaque to recognize Waters for his vision.

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“The time required could be fatal,” said Marty Rappaport, chairman/leader of the St. Armands Business Improvement District, who became co-chairman and treasurer of the Good Bridge 2000 Committee after Waters made the case for a fixed-span bridge to him.

The Sarasota City Commission and Longboat Key Town Commission passed an informal resolution at a joint meeting in November 1992 to endorse a new bridge.

But it wasn’t either commission’s decision to make.

FDOT is responsible for managing most bridges, including the Ringling Bridge, in the state.

The agency presented three options for the bridge during community meetings in early 1993: a 21-foot-high drawbridge that was identical to the current drawbridge; a 45-foot-high drawbridge; or a 65-foot-high, fixed-span bridge.

The Longboat Key Town Commission favored a 65-foot bridge largely because of residents’ concerns about emergency access. The Sarasota City Commission wanted a 45-foot bridge.

When Longboat residents chartered buses to attend hearings that were held at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds because public interest was so intense, Sarasota commissioners complained that Longboaters were trying to steer the process even though they wouldn’t bear the aesthetic impacts.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization board voted 10-4 in favor of the 65foot, fixed-span bridge Nov. 22, 1993. It approved a $37 million bridge for completion in 2000. But the project was to stay dormant until 1997 to 1998 because funding wouldn’t be available until then.

Meanwhile, residents and officials began taking sides on the bridge.

Richard Storm and Piero Rivolta organized a group in the mid-1990s they called the Bridge Too High Committee — a name Rivolta now thinks might have been a misnomer.

Perhaps it should have been called the Wrong Bridge Committee, Rivolta said.

Rivolta was among many of the taller bridge’s opponents who believed the real solution to traffic woes was a bridge from the 10th Street area in Sarasota to Longboat Key. “When you put a big bridge between St. Armands and U.S. 41, you can put 20 lanes, but traffic remains the same,” Rivolta said with a chuckle.

Rivolta and others believed that a bridge to Longboat could split traffic with a repaired drawbridge, providing a measure of relief.

But Waters, who served on the Sarasota commission from 1964 to 1968, believed a fixed-span bridge was the commonsense solution.

He bought an ad in the Sarasota HeraldTribune that included a picture of a fixedspan bridge in St. Augustine and the headline “When will it be our turn?” along with a form for people to send their thoughts.

Of the 553 responses, about 500 were opposed. So, Waters formed the Good Bridge 2000 Committee. The committee would work to keep the pressure on FDOT to prevent the agency from moving the money to another county.

“After that,” he told the Longboat Observer in 2003, “the fight was on.”

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RINGLING BRIDGE / FROM PAGE 3A

From the time FDOT presented its first designs to the Sarasota City Commission in January 1996, it was clear that the two didn’t see eye-to-eye.

“The first design was a series of box girders,” Storm said. “We thought that was a shame.”

The “classical” design the agency proposed was a standard FDOT structure.

The commission-appointed Ringling Causeway Bridge Replacement Aesthetic Task Force came back with a design that was turquoise with champagne-glass support and a price tag that was $13 million more than FDOT’s budget.

The commission asked FDOT for a compromise: a 48-foot drawbridge that city staffers estimated would reduce bridge closings by 53%. FDOT rejected the proposal.

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PAGE 7A Lenobel scoffed ED ONFrench toast the said the only way a crowd is if the breakfast will draw “Freedom toast.”

Index food is renamed 7A Arts & Entertainm ent CONTINUED ON PAGE 1C Classifieds 13E Cops Corner 10A Crossword 13E Deal Us In Index 1C Dining Out ent 12E Arts & Entertainm 13E 14C Sports Classifieds 10A 10D Health Cops Corner 13E 14A Key Real Estate Crossword 12E 3D Opinion Deal Us In 14C 6A Store Around the Corner Out Dining 10D 4D Weather Sports 14A 11E Health 3D Vol. 24, No. 40 Key Real Estate 6A Five Sections Opinion 4D Corner the Around www.longboatobserStore 11E ver.com Weather

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Jack Elka

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Jack Elka

We’ve got a bridge to sell you …

The drawn-out Ringling Bridge saga made for some long meetings … and plenty of April Fools’ fodder. Here’s a look at the spoofs from our annual April Fools’ issue: In 2001, the Longboat Observer claimed it obtained a 90-page document outlining the Bridge Too High Committee’s strategy to create hysteria about traffic in Sarasota to force a bridge to Longboat.

But that couldn’t top 2003, when we ran a huge aerial photo of the new Ringling Bridge under construction, taken and doctored by photographer Jack Elka, that showed the bridge noticeably out of alignment. The story claimed water currents in Sarasota Bay had moved the 800-ton section of the bridge.

An engineer working on the construction of the Oakland Bridge in California, destroyed by an earthquake, called the Longboat Observer in distress and asked that we fax him the story NOW. He was serious … and less than amused when the Longboat Observer told him: “April Fools.”

Looking back, Rappaport believes FDOT made a mistake in its approach with the city.

“It sort of made the city feel as if they didn’t have a say, and I think that’s what made five commissioners get kind of heated,” he said.

But Kerry Kirschner believed the city’s challenge was a waste of time.

Kirschner, a city commissioner from 1985 to 1991 who is now executive director of the Argus Foundation, wasn’t an outspoken advocate for the bridge, but says the city clearly didn’t have jurisdiction of the bridge.

FDOT told the city that it would no longer build drawbridges, but the commission took the attitude that the federal government was imposing its will upon the city, Kirschner said.

“It was very clear in the federal regulations that this wasn’t some whim that some federal bureaucrat imposed upon them,” he said.

In May 1998, the Sarasota City Commission filed a legal challenge of FDOT’s approval that the Bridge Too High Committee joined a month later. The suit alleged that FDOT started planning for the fixed-span bridge before the public-comment period ended. Waters and the Longboat Key Town Commission entered the lawsuit in support of FDOT. But, even the Sarasota City Commission realized it might be fighting a losing battle.

That’s why, in 1997, it organized a planning charette to ensure that if a 65-foot, fixedspan bridge were inevitable, it would be the best-designed 65-foot, fixed-span bridge possible.

They reached consensus for a “classic contemporary” bridge that would be the basis for the design of the new bridge.

FDOT ruled the city and the Bridge Too High Committee lacked legal standing for the challenge in January 2000, which paved the way for the agency to start the permitting process.

The First District Court of Appeals in Tallahassee affirmed the overall process leading up to the approval in April 2001.

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FDOT hired PCL Civil Contractors for the two-and-a-half-year construction process. Rising costs of building materials and labor meant that what was originally supposed to be a $37 million bridge was now a $67 million project.

“This is still a lovely bridge,” Rappaport said. “But it ended up costing taxpayers twice as much.”

Rappaport didn’t attend the opening ceremonies that occurred Aug. 31, 2003, for that reason.

“I felt very strongly about standing on the same dais as the commissioners who wanted to take credit for all this who were against it all this time and cost the taxpayers so much more money to eventually say, ‘Look what we were able to do,’” he said.

Waters, however, was there. He smiled and waved to the crowd from a vintage car in which he rode over the bridge during a parade.

He had been at the site throughout construction as the bridge went up in 50-foot pieces, but it was the first time he had driven over the bridge.

Sarasota and Longboat commissioners stood side-by-side in a ribbon-cutting ceremony before the bridge opened to traffic 16 days later.

A view of what’s to come

Here’s what will happen on an average day on the Ringling Bridge.

Approximately 41,250 drivers will use it to traverse Sarasota Bay. By 5:30 a.m., there will be walkers and joggers squeezing in an earlymorning workout.

At dusk, lights on the 31 poles that run along the bridge’s centerline will illuminate the bridge.

And the best views, according to Parker, will come 20 minutes after sunset.

When it comes to aesthetics and

BRIDGE STATS 150 million pounds — The weight of the bridge’s concrete $68 million — FDOT’s overall budget for the bridge 9 million pounds — The approximate weight of the bridge’s cables $1.5 million — The amount the city and private donors contributed for landscaping of the bridge 575,000 — The total hours of labor that went into building the bridge 200,000 pounds — The approximate weight of each segment of the bridge 41,250 — The average number of vehicles that cross the bridge daily 3,097 feet — The length of the bridge 107 feet — The width of the bridge 60 to 70 — The number of PCL employees who worked on the bridge during an average day of construction 28 — The number of months the construction process lasted recreational value, even opponents of the 65-foot bridge give the Ringling Bridge high marks.

But when it comes to traffic and emergency access, opinion is still divided between the faction lines that are more than a decade old.

“It’s nice to walk on, but for traffic it doesn’t do a damn thing,” said Rivolta, pointing to traffic backups that still occur during peak season.

“The whole thing was driven by short-minded big egos.”

Storm believes that reports of

traffic backups during the drawbridge days were exaggerated. He thinks the city got half a solution — albeit a good-looking one.

“There’s still a considerable amount of traffic,” Storm said. “We didn’t think it made sense to spend an enormous amount of money on something that doesn’t solve the traffic problems.”

Kirschner, however, describes the difference as “night and day.”

He remembers when his wife worked at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. During season, she wouldn’t leave work until after 6 p.m. because of traffic.

“It’s part of the progression of economic development,” Kirschner said. “You just don’t create bottlenecks for people in transportation and other means to create a community.”

As the 10-year anniversary of the new bridge approaches, both sides agree they rarely hear anyone complain about the structure.

And they know that their neighbors to the north in Manatee County are probably paying close attention to the Ringling Bridge saga.

FDOT is in the public-hearing phase to determine the long-term future of the Cortez Bridge, which was built in 1956. It recently surveyed residents about whether they prefer a rebuild or replacement.

The majority of Cortez and Bradenton Beach residents oppose a 65-foot bridge.

But Parker thinks the Ringling Bridge provides a model for other communities.

“There are similar issues,” he said. “There’s boat traffic and vehicular traffic, and it’s a conflict, and removing that conflict is a very good thing. But then turning it into the icon and the signature is an even better thing.”

5A

BRIDGE maintenance plan Like any 10-year-old, the Ringling Bridge requires regular checkups to ensure its health.

Less like any 10-year-old, the Ringling Bridge needs six different people — and two boats — to perform those checkups.

In January, two teams of inspectors from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) tackled the biennial task of inspecting the Ringling Bridge. Two inspectors, along with a lift-boat operator, went through the top parts of the bridge, including the superstructure, which supports the roadway. Below, two divers checked the larger support columns — part of the bridge’s substructure.

The final verdict: a clean bill of health. FDOT gave the bridge a 98.41 health-index rating, a tool the agency uses to measure the overall condition of a bridge. On the 100-point scale, an index below 85 is indicative of a bridge in need of some repairs, according to the FDOT website.

“The bridge is fairly new and is in excellent condition,” said FDOT spokeswoman Lauren Hatchell.

“Typically, bridges have about a 70-year design lifespan.”

— David Conway

BY THE NUMBERS Number of people it takes to perform a checkup on the Ringling Bridge.

98.41 Healthindex rating FDOT gave the bridge in January.

Below 85 is indicative of a bridge needing repairs.

Number of years the Ringling Bridge is expected to last.

The bridge is inspected every two years.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

by Nolan Peterson | Staff Writer

Ten years later, controversy is ‘water under the bridge’ An engineer and an architect involved in the design and construction of the the John Ringling Causeway Bridge reflect on the troubled water they faced and had to cross.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers originally planned on an “off-the-shelf” bridge design, Blivas explained. In an effort to preserve the architectural heritage of Sarasota, Blivas lobbied the Sarasota City Commission with his newly formed nonprofit, the Foundation for Excellence in Architecture, to lead a community effort to come up with a better design. Blivas formed an alliance with Eugene Figg, a world-renowned bridge designer based out of Tallahassee, to facilitate a design charette to tap the community for its input. The outcome was a set of parameters and design considerations that the state then presented to firms bidding for the project.

Despite the community’s involvement in the design process, the bridge was mired in controversy long before the first piling was ever dug in Sarasota Bay. The project stalled before the Sarasota City Commission for nearly five years due to residents’ myriad of concerns, including the bridge’s dimensions, its effect on the Sarasota skyline, traffic congestion coming on and off Bird Key and, of course, its cost.

“I remember people were concerned about whether it would be physically possible to walk over the bridge,” Blivas said.

“There was a lot of misinformation spread.

People on Lido were scared the bridge would come down in their backyards.”

Blivas said that while the debate about the bridge raged at City Hall, the cost of the project ballooned from $32 million to $62 million, and Figg’s vision for the project was clouded.

“It was not quite the bridge that (Figg) envisioned,” Blivas said. “The foolishness of the people who opposed the bridge

PCL Civil Constructors placed a palm tree on the last segment of the bridge as it was hoisted into place, symbolizing the firm had completed the project. kept it from being the world-class bridge it could have been.”

Although state requirements for the bridge guided Kermode, the Manatee County native said he remained faithful to the community’s vision and addressed concerns as they arose.

“We knew it was a hot topic,” Kermode said. “But we also wanted to build what the community wanted.”

The bridge design proposed unique challenges. The plans called for a smooth, seamless bottom slab for aesthetic purposes and a 107-foot-wide top deck to accommodate four traffic lanes and two 10-foot-wide sidewalks.

The engineering solution was to cast two massive concrete slabs in Manatee Coun-

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A picture of the the John Ringling Causeway Bridge hangs in Brett Kermode’s family room. The 18-by-24-inch framed photograph — a gift from his wife — shows the bridge from the air, its sidewalks full of runners and walkers enjoying the dual 10foot wide sidewalks that Kermode labored to engineer for more than three years. Kermode has other framed photographs of the bridge scattered around his home and office; reminders of a project that, despite its up and downs, ended up uniting more than just the mainland to the islands.

“I look back on that project as one of the best I ever worked,” said Kermode, an engineer for PCL Civil Constructors and a former project manager for the Ringling Bridge project. “We went from a divided community that had its doubts to one of the biggest celebrations I’ve ever seen to dedicate a bridge.”

Ten years after the bridge’s completion, those involved in the design and construction of the Sarasota landmark agree that despite the controversy and debate surrounding the bridge’s conception and construction, the end result was one that everyone could live with — and one with which most are still happy.

“Everyone in the community was thrilled with the way the bridge turned out,” said Donald Blivas, a Sarasota architect who led the effort to tap the community for input on the bridge’s design. “But it’s too bad that it took five years of fighting to get the bridge we wanted.”

Blivas was instrumental in the way the Ringling Bridge looks today. Not because he designed it, but because he fought back against what was originally proposed.

ty and then float the segments from Port Manatee to the bridge site.

“It was a real challenge,” Kermode said.

“At the time, it was the world’s widest segmental bridge.”

Kermode’s crew was able to complete construction in 969 days, one day short of the 970 days they were contracted for — even with a 100-day pause for an engineering gaffe.

“We had some struggles, but but we pulled together and had a good time,” Kermode said.

Kermode said he holds special memories tied the project, including taking a day off to watch the Fourth of July boat races from the bridge, eating lunch at Hart’s Landing and watching President George W. Bush drive over the old Ringling Bridge on his way to Booker Elementary School the morning of the 9/11 attacks.

“I grew up here,” Kermode said. “My dad remembers rabbit hunting on Longboat.

I worked all over the country, and to have the opportunity to move back home and work on the bridge and see how the community fell in the love with it — that was special for me.”

Blivas said the community’s ultimate embrace of the bridge was the final answer to its critics.

“Most of the opposition voices were silenced once the bridge was completed,” Blivas said. “It became a great thing for Sarasota, and I haven’t heard anything negative about it.”

The picture hanging in Kermode’s family room is a reminder that, despite divided opinions, Sarasota ultimately embraced, and fell in love with, its newest landmark.

“You better remember this,” Kermode recalled telling his crew the day of the bridge’s dedication ceremony, “because you won’t see this kind of celebration on other jobs.”

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

Timeline: A Visual Span Through Time

Photos tell the tale of how the John Ringling Causeway Bridge has become a community connector.

7A

LoCaL LuXury.

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John Ringling dreamed of developing St. Armands, Longboat and Lido keys. But he knew that to build his vision on the islands, he needed a bridge to the mainland. He put $1 million of his own money into building the bridge that was completed in 1926. A drawbridge replaced the original bridge in 1958.

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PCL Civil Contractors took two-and-a-half-years to complete construction of the John Ringling Causeway Bridge. Rising costs of building materials and labor meant that what was originally supposed to be a $37 million bridge became a $67 million project. Opening ceremonies for the bridge occurred Aug. 31, 2003.

One-of-a-kind 3,115 sq ft residence with gorgeous, direct beach front views and private stairs to the beach that gives it the feel of a private beach house. Beach front master with en-suite bath and glorious views, 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths and a huge wrap terrace.

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The Sarasota City Commission reached consensus for a “classic contemporary” bridge. Approximately 41,250 drivers use the bridge each day. By 5:30 a.m., walkers and joggers are using the structure for an early-morning workout. Many annual events, such as the Ringling Bridge Run, celebrate the landmark.

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The new bridge has really improved the community experience here. It transformed something that was a necessity — something to get people from point A to point B — into something that enhances our community.”

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In addition to serving as a physical connection between Sarasota and Bird Key, the bridge became a way to connect the people in the community.

“The bridge gives me an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and continue my lifelong commitment to health and wellness,” Katie Klauber Moulton says. “I love the diversity of all the people using the bridge, and it’s interesting to think that many of them are using it for the same reason as you. I’m constantly encouraged by that.”

— Katie Klauber Moulton, Sarasota resident and avid Ringling Bridge walker

8A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AugUST 22, 2013

Observer opinion | our view LONGBOAT

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DROP-dead disappointment

Don’t be overwhelmed by all of the numbers below. They are worth examining.

They provide great context and history to the present debates regarding the Longboat Key town employees’ pension plans.

All of this data is particularly relevant in light of last week’s 4-3 Town Commission vote to extend the Deferred Retirement Option Program to about a dozen Town Hall general employees.

Talk about a remarkable, indefensible disappointment. So much comes to mind.

In no particular order: • Undermined authority: Imagine Town Manager David Bullock now. Commissioners charged him with being the tough guy to negotiate ends to the town’s disastrous defined-benefit pension plans for all employees. And he did.

What’s more, in this latest pension issue, he recommended against extending DROP to the general employees.

But alas, what did the commissioners do?

They undermined the town manager and caved to the demands of the employees.

What message does that send? If you’re a town employee, here’s what it says: It doesn’t matter what Bullock says; they can bypass him and take their beefs to the pliable commissioners.

• $7 a year: Commissioner Jack Duncan essentially made the point that the $1.9 million DROP over 30 years would cost taxpayers about $7 more a year in property taxes for homes valued at $500,000.

Said Duncan: “I can afford $7 per year,

and I put that up against the issue of fairness and the commitment we have made to our employees. When you start nickel and diming employees, you affect morale and good employees get hurt.”

This is how politicians-turned-government advocates always rationalize spending other people’s money: Hey, c’mon, it’s only $7 a year.

That’s what they say about all taxation: It’s only … And look at where we are as a nation today. Look at the labryrinth of taxation, and the wasteful spending that grows by the day. Look at the unfunded pension liabilities facing taxpayers nationwide.

Talk about “fairness.” How is any portion of the town’s $30 million in unfunded liabilities fair to taxpayers?

On that point, it’s worth noting that, according to Shannon Gault, a member of a town pension board, actuaries showed that “65% of our unfunded liability came from benefit enhancements” town officials and commissioners approved over the past 10 years.” How was that “fair” to taxpayers?

• Nickel and diming employees, fairness and morale: Duncan and Commissioner Terry Gans, two of the four who voted to extend DROP, said they worried about the morale of town employees. Their view apparently was that it would not be fair for the town to extend the DROP option to some firefighters (as occurred in recent negotiation) but not to a dozen general employees.

There is a difference. A first responder

risks his life; a general employee works in an air-conditioned office his entire career.

Morale? It might be helpful for commissioners and town employees to undergo a few “reminder” sessions: 1) There is no such thing as job security — anywhere; 2) Benefits are not the same as death and taxes — absolute guarantees; 3) Compensation packages for the town of Longboat Key far outstrip those of the private sector.

If anything, commissioners and town employees might be reminded: Longboat Key’s town employees have an amazingly sweetheart deal. Losing the DROP option would hardly be unfair compared to the rest of the world. Worried about morale? In reality, town employees should be grateful for what they have!

• Taxpayers first: It’s axiomatic these days that once elected, representatives forget that “the people” are their bosses, not the other way around. They are in office to represent the people’s interests, not the government infrastructure.

• Consequences: Commissioners Duncan, Gans and Pat Zunz and Mayor Jim Brown forgot the adage of quit digging when in a hole. Unfortunately for them and Longboat taxpayers, the pension story is only going to get worse. Commissioners next must decide how to tax residents more to fund the unfunded pensions.

• Kudos: To Vice Mayor David Brenner and Commissioners Lynn Larson and Phill Younger. They remembered whom they represent.

GENERAL EMPLOYEES’ PENSION FUND INCOME, EXPENSE, PAYOUTS

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 TOTAL

Contributions

by Taxpayers $377,075 $412,014 $380,983 $414,964 $429,684 $400,059 $477,516 $578,017 $743,196 $831,624 $5,045,132

Contributions

by Employees $172,395 $179,564 $191,924 $200,887 $203,419 $187,795 $180,486 $160,263 $156,847 $149,304 $1,782,884

Investment Investment Net Investment Income Expense Income $597,342 ($55,265) $542,077 $479,768 ($85,721) $394,047 $561,437 ($80,152) $481,285 $469,010 ($82,344) $386,666 $868,853 ($90,083) $778,770* ($1,024,576) ($92,973) ($1,117,549)** $84,264 ($89,278) ($5,014) $368,357 ($130,256) $238,101* ($68,960) ($60,988) ($129,948) $1,002,355 ($64,908) $937,447 $3,337,850 $831,968 $9,333,898

Pension Payouts $238,601 $189,017 $185,432 $193,070 $560,072 $1,765,112 $450,925 $1,015,440 $437,851 $453,880 $5,489,400

Change in Assets +$852,946 +$796,608 +$868,760 +$809,447 +$851,801 -$2,294,807 +$202,063 -$39,059 +$332,244 +$1,464,495 +3,844,498

* Lump sum payout ** Lump sum payout; conversion of directors to 401a plan — payout $291,359

LBK GENERAL EMPLOYEES’ TOTAL COMPENSATION POSITION HIRE DATE DEPUTY CLERK 02/12/96 CHIEF ACCOUNTANT 04/13/87 BUDGET ANALYST/RISK 06/12/95 FINANCIAL SPECIALIST 11/26/07 ACCOUNTANT 3 10/10/11 ACCOUNTANT 2 11/30/09 SYSTEMS & NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR 11/15/94 COMPUTER OPERATIONS SPECIALIST 06/08/98 IT SPECIALIST 02/14/00 DISPATCHER 12/21/99 DISPATCHER 12/11/01 DISPATCHER 02/03/04 DISPATCHER 02/04/04 DISPATCHER 05/13/05 POLICE SERVICE TECHNICIAN

10/04/99

PAY GRADE 112 119 118 117 114 112 122 117 113 108 108 108 108 108 111

FY 2014 Total Pay 54,371.20 64,417.60 61,339.20 50,460.80 43,596.80 39,540.80 84,697.60 64,417.60 41,516.80 43,927.98 43,927.98 43,265.96 43,265.96 42,625.30

2014 Health Insurance 6,154.56 11,695.46 11,695.46 6,294.88 14,795.79 11,695.46 6,154.56 14,795.79 6,154.56 11,695.46 14,795.79 6,154.56 6,294.88 11,695.46

2014 Long Term Disability 239.23 283.44 269.89 222.03 191.83 173.98 372.67 283.44 182.67 188.26 188.26 185.42 185.42 182.67 224.50

2014 Life Insurance (1x annual 2014 WORK salary) COMP COST 132.00 119.62 156.00 141.72 148.80 134.95 122.40 111.01 105.60 95.91 96.00 86.99 204.00 186.33 156.00 141.72 100.80 91.34 103.20 94.13 103.20 94.13 103.20 92.71 103.20 92.71 100.80 91.34 124.80

112.25

2014 Social Security 4,159.40 4,927.95 4,692.45 3,860.25 3,335.16 3,024.87 6,479.37 4,927.95 3,176.04 3,360.49 3,360.49 3,309.85 3,309.85 3,260.84 3,903.21

2014 401K 1,631.14 1,840.18 1,513.82 108.99 98.85 2,540.93 1,932.53 1,317.84 878.56 1,297.98 -

2014 401A (Max 9%) 4,893.41 5,797.58 5,520.53 4,541.47 3,923.71 3,558.67 7,622.78 5,797.58 3,736.51 3,850.70 3,850.70 3,792.67 3,792.67 3,736.51

51,022.40

8,615.63

ADMINISTRATIVE ASST

09/03/85

110

51,563.20

11,695.46

226.88

124.80

113.44

3,944.58

EMERGENCY SVCS SPECIALIST

01/25/88

114

61,551.36

6,154.56

259.83

144.00

129.91

4,708.68

ADMINISTRATIVE ASST

09/01/93

110

52,332.80

6,294.88

230.26

127.20

115.13

4,003.46

1,569.98

4,709.95

PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT MGR

10/12/98

120

80,329.60

11,695.46

353.45

194.40

1,839.55

6,145.21

2,409.89

7,229.66

26,346.00

RECREATION MGR

07/24/06

118

64,417.60

11,695.46

283.44

156.00

2,112.90

4,927.95

5,797.58

OFFICE MANAGER

05/06/91

112

61,256.00

6,294.88

269.53

148.80

134.76

4,686.08

1,837.68

SERVICE WORKER 2

10/15/84

106

41,808.00

11,695.46

183.96

100.80

1,371.30

3,198.31

SERVICE WORKER 3

06/21/05

107

35,859.20

6,294.88

157.78

86.40

1,176.18

2,743.23

PLANNER

03/13/89

119

79,726.40

14,795.79

350.80

192.00

175.40

6,099.07

PLANNIER

03/25/13

119

58,427.20

14,795.79

257.08

141.60

128.54

4,469.68

1,546.90

4,592.02

FY 13/14 PENSION 17,832.00 22,715.00 20,116.00 16,551.00 14,298.00 12,969.00 27,775.00 21,126.00 15,017.00 15,017.00 14,791.00 14,791.00 14,573.00 16,731.00

Total Benefits 43,971.45 54,527.28 53,228.35 42,026.95 45,665.00 40,513.83 60,145.73 57,971.10 22,251.92 44,437.17 47,098.19 38,543.42 37,379.73 42,450.62 43,113.41

6 % of Salary Not Total Pay and going to defined Benefits benefit 98,342.65 3,262.27 118,944.88 3,865.06 114,567.55 3,680.35 92,487.75 3,027.65 89,261.80 2,615.81 80,054.63 2,372.45 144,843.33 5,081.86 122,388.70 3,865.06 63,768.72 2,491.01 88,365.15 2,635.68 91,026.17 2,635.68 81,809.38 2,595.96 80,645.69 2,595.96 85,075.92 2,557.52 94,135.81

3,061.34

4,640.69

16,911.00

48,013.84

99,577.04

3,093.79

5,314.61

20,200.00

45,721.59

107,272.95

3,693.08

25,860.95

78,193.75

3,139.97

65,623.71

145,953.31

4,819.78

21,126.00

55,201.33

119,618.93

3,865.06

5,513.04

20,088.00

47,782.86

109,038.86

3,675.36

1,254.24

3,762.72

13,709.00

44,377.88

86,185.88

2,508.48

1,075.78

3,227.33

11,761.00

35,624.68

71,483.88

2,151.55

2,391.79

7,175.38

17,346.00

57,336.32

137,062.72

4,783.58

33,861.14

92,288.34

3,505.63

-

-

-

5,258.45

-

-

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

02/09/98

112

41,516.80

6,294.88

182.67

100.80

950.73

3,176.04

1,245.50

3,736.51

13,616.00

38,713.22

80,230.02

2,491.01

OFFICE MANAGER TENNIS CENTER MGR HEAD TENNIS PRO

03/30/87 11/08/99 10/14/10

112 114 101

53,560.00 85,597.04 81,628.72

11,695.46 6,294.88 11,695.46

235.66 263.76 112.20

129.60 144.00 62.40

117.83 1,418.37 1,376.56

4,097.34 6,548.17 6,244.60

1,606.80 2,567.91 1,224.43

4,820.40 7,465.10 7,245.07

17,565.00 28,170.00 -

49,078.18 61,932.37 37,020.89

102,638.18 147,529.41 118,649.61

3,213.60 5,135.82 4,897.72

CREW LEADER

10/13/97

110

45,780.80

6,294.88

201.44

110.40

1,501.61

3,502.23

915.62

4,120.27

15,014.00

40,762.51

86,543.31

2,746.85

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR 2

12/16/85

108

45,406.40

6,294.88

199.79

110.40

2,878.77

3,473.59

1,362.19

4,086.58

14,890.00

42,698.33

88,104.73

2,724.38

SERVICE WORKER 3

04/15/81

107

44,553.60

11,695.46

196.04

108.00

1,461.36

3,408.35

-

4,009.82

14,609.00

44,590.03

89,143.63

2,673.22

SERVICE WORKER 3

11/05/90

107

44,553.60

6,154.56

196.04

108.00

1,461.36

3,408.35

-

4,009.82

14,609.00

39,049.13

83,602.73

2,673.22

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR 1

02/03/00

107

40,144.00

11,695.46

176.63

98.40

2,545.13

3,071.02

-

3,612.96

13,166.00

43,767.60

83,911.60

2,408.64

SERVICE WORKER 1

05/07/01

105

37,502.40

6,154.56

165.01

91.20

1,230.08

2,868.93

1,125.07

3,375.22

12,301.00

36,413.30

73,915.70

2,250.14

Chairman / David Beliles Editor and CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh

UTILITY SERVICE WORKER 2

09/08/99

109

43,596.80

6,154.56

191.83

105.60

1,669.76

3,335.16

871.94

3,923.71

14,298.00

38,070.62

81,667.42

2,615.81

UTILITY CREW LEADER

02/22/94

114

55,640.00

11,695.46

244.82

134.40

2,131.01

4,256.46

834.60

5,007.60

18,247.00

50,071.40

105,711.40

3,338.40

UTILITY SERVICE WORKER 4

10/30/06

112

50,460.80

14,795.79

222.03

122.40

1,932.65

3,860.25

1,513.82

4,541.47

16,551.00

51,059.50

101,520.30

3,027.65

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

UTILITY SERVICE WORKER 4

07/23/03

112

45,780.80

11,695.46

201.44

110.40

1,753.40

3,502.23

4,120.27

15,014.00

43,917.20

89,698.00

2,746.85

UTILITY SERVICE WORKER 4

11/19/08

113

45,780.80

6,154.56

201.44

110.40

1,753.40

3,502.23

1,144.52

4,120.27

14,661.00

39,167.90

84,948.70

2,746.85

PLANS EXAMINER

08/10/06

115

59,300.80

6,154.56

260.92

144.00

130.46

4,536.51

1,779.02

5,337.07

19,448.00

46,600.72

105,901.52

3,558.05

BUILDING INSPECTOR 3

12/08/08

114

63,627.20

14,795.79

279.96

153.60

1,457.06

4,867.48

636.27

5,726.45

20,867.00

58,193.64

121,820.84

3,817.63

BUILDING INSPECTOR

04/24/06

113

56,243.20

14,795.79

247.47

136.80

1,287.97

4,302.60

1,687.30

5,061.89

18,444.00

55,373.91

111,617.11

3,374.59

PERMIT TECHNICIAN

03/18/96

108

48,900.80

6,154.56

215.16

117.60

107.58

3,740.91

1,467.02

4,401.07

16,039.00

41,052.99

89,953.79

2,934.05

2,349,239.90

426,767.93

9,941.03

5,474.40

36,149.06

179,716.87

45,229.09

210,358.47

689,298.00

1,990,261.88

4,339,501.78

140,954.39

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned

Publishers of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Pelican Press, Plant City Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, Business Observer and Season Magazine

YourObserver.com ©Copyright The Observer Media Group Inc. 2013 All Rights Reserved

Page 1 of 1

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Source: Town of Longboat Key

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

drop drama

9A

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

Commission approves DROP and early-retirement incentives 22.99 15.99 A DROP option and an early-retirement incentive the town approved last week for general employees will cost the town $1,937,190 over 30 years.

Declaring it “the toughest decision I’ve had to make on the commission,” Mayor Jim Brown cast the deciding vote Aug. 14, at Town Hall.

That vote approved both a five-year Deferred Retirement Options Program (DROP) window and an earlyretirement incentive for general employees before their pension plan is frozen Sept. 30.

The 4-3 vote approved an additional annual cost of $58,332 for the DROP option that allows eight employees to enter the DROP before the plan freezes. The vote also approved a $6,241 annual cost for an earlyretirement incentive. That amounts to an estimated $64,573 increase annually for costs associated with both provisions, for an estimated $1,937,190 estimated total amortization cost over the next 30 years.

Those figures, though, are actuary estimates that count on a 7.5% return rate. If the pension plan continues to hit a 5.6% return rate, as it’s doing now, those numbers will increase further.

Mayor Jim Brown and Commissioners Jack Duncan, Terry Gans and Pat Zunz voted to give general employees both retirement incentives against Town Manager Dave Bullock’s July 1 recommendation to leave them out.

Vice Mayor David Brenner and Commissioners Lynn Larson and Phill Younger voted against the retirement incentives motion.

At the end of a staff presentation Monday, Bullock told commissioners that if they left out the DROP option and the early-retirement incentive, general employees could still avail themselves of a new 401(a) account that allows them to invest up to 15% of their salary into the plan. Coupled with an already existing 401(k) account that general employees with at least five years of

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Mayor Jim Brown, middle, cast the deciding vote Monday that approved two additional retirement incentives for general employees before their pension plan is frozen next month. service can use, and most employees at Town Hall are able to invest up to 24% of their salary into two retirement plans once their pension plan is frozen. The town also contributes 6.2% for Social Security, pays 100% for their individual medical insurance and provides long-term disability at no cost to the employees.

“Although it’s not a defined benefit, some would say it’s a healthy and very reasonable retirement option for employees,” said Bullock, noting the majority of the general employees already take advantage of the 401(k) account. “I think the range of options is fair and reasonable.”

The majority of the commission, though, voted to include the additional options, citing a fairness issue and noting the benefits were promised years ago to the longtime employees.

Gans said he believes the commission already reached its main objective by freezing the plan and

“staunching the bleeding.”

“Fairness is never attainable, but you have to try and reach for it,” Gans said.

Duncan noted that giving the employees both options would cost a taxpayer with a $500,000 home an extra $7.09 a year.

“I can afford $7 per year, and I put that up against the issue of fairness and the commitment we have made to our employees,” Duncan said.

“When you start nickel and diming employees, you affect morale and good employees get hurt.”

Zunz agreed.

“All they are asking for is the benefits they had under their previous plan to be continued,” Zunz said. “I do believe it’s wrong to take away these benefits for a limited amount of people.”

Brown didn’t give an opinion until he cast the deciding vote.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

DROP / FROM PAGE 9A “I’ve been all over the place today, and I didn’t know how I was going to vote until five minutes ago, and it’s the toughest decision I’ve had to make on the commission,” Brown said. “I’m voting yes for one reason. These are limited options just for the remaining eligible employees. We’re trying to stop the bleeding. This doesn’t stop it immediately, but it is stopping it.”

Larson was upset with the vote and almost walked out of the meeting after the 4-3 vote.

“We’re off the track here and adding more liability to a broken system,” said

Larson, who offered to agree to the less expensive early-retirement incentive, but refused to agree to the DROP option, too.

Younger noted the DROP option for general employees was more enticing than the DROP option afforded to firefighters as part of their new contract.

“We’re actually increasing benefits for the general employees,” Younger said.

“That’s certainly inequitable, and I cannot support the option on the table.”

Brenner said he couldn’t support the motion. He urged the town to take advantage of the predicament by creating a new compensation agreement for all employees in the future.

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“All these employees are asking for is the benefits they had under the previous plan to be continued. Our goal has been to stop the greatly increasing unfunded liability, which we are doing.

But I do believe it’s wrong to take away these benefits for a limited amount of people.”

— Commissioner Pat Zunz

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“We have a broken system and a huge unfunded liability on all three funds. If you have that, why in the world would you go add more numbers to it? What message do we send when we’re adding additional expenses to a sinking fund?”

— Commissioner Lynn Larson

“When you start nickel and diming employees, you affect morale, and good employees get hurt because they’ve been there a long time and you’re taking their benefits away. This is about fairness we should seek to attain.”

— Commissioner Jack Duncan

“Fairness is never attainable, but you have to try and reach for it. We’ve staunched the bleeding.

We have to think about making decisions in a manner that doesn’t reduce morale.”

— Commissioner Terry Gans

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“I’m going to vote no, but not because I’m mad at anybody. We ought to use this opportunity to re-examine our whole compensation plan and set a new compensation agreement going forward.”

— Vice Mayor David Brenner

“We’re actually increasing benefits for the general employees.

That’s certainly inequitable.

I’m open to other options, but I cannot support the one on the table.”

— Commissioner Phill Younger

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“I’m voting yes for one reason.

This is a limited plan. We’re trying to stop the bleeding. It’s not stopping it immediately, but it is stopping it. It’s the toughest decision I’ve had to make on the commission.”

— Mayor Jim Brown

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

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4825 gulf of Mexico drive, 203 Victoria Horstmann 941.518.1278 premiersir.com/id/M5835146 $565,000

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9:23 a.m. — 500 block of Harbor Cay Drive. Larceny. A man became suspicious after receiving a $5,000 cellphone bill. His son had lost his cellphone in June, but the man didn’t worry about it until the bill came.

Hatchlings gone astray

+ Old plaza building to come tumbling down

10:42 p.m. — 2500 block of GMD. Code Enforcement.

A marine laboratory official notified police that approximately 15 condo units facing the Gulf had their lights visible from the beach, and turtle hatchlings had became disoriented.

Marine laboratory officials gathered the lost hatchlings.

The town’s Code Enforcement Board will determine whether a violation occurred.

It took Town Manager Dave Bullock months to receive an answer, but Lakeland-based Publix Super Markets Inc. has told him when the final structure of the old Avenue of the Flowers plaza is being torn down.

Publix officials informed Bullock the demolition of the dilapidated structure, which sits next to the new Longboat Key Publix, will take place during the first two weeks of September.

What’s left of the old plaza was originally supposed to be torn down after Easter, but Bullock said Publix officials told him the demolition “ran into some internal rescheduling.”

Per an agreement reached with the town, Publix has until the end of the year to tear down the building.

Once the rest of the old plaza is torn down, Publix plans to put more parking spaces in its place before the Key’s seasonal population returns.

Aug. 11 119423

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Aug. 13

That’s a lot of talk

9:27 a.m. — 600 block of Broadway. Disturbance.

A man got in an argument with one of his workers who he said was giving him “attitude” that day. The supervisor said he asked the man to gather supplies but that he had gathered the wrong ones and started yelling when confronted. The employee said they have been arguing for three days and he had had enough.

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“Act Of the imagination” Sunday, Aug. 25 • 7:30 pm (Run Date Oct. 10-20) Gareth Gibbs, director

It’s a (court) date 2:15 p.m. — Off the Key. Boat Violation. During a boat traffic stop/safety check in which police rafted alongside a boat, police made a gesture to a second boater to slow down. The driver shouted “What?!” and made a large wake into the boat police had rafted alongside. Police went after the other boater, who couldn’t produce proper registration and said he had never heard about waking other vessels. The man told police to write him a ticket and that he would see the officer in court. The officer obliged.

Aug. 12 118993

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Collect call 11:27 a.m. — 500 block of

sleep king

Spinnaker Lane. Suspicious Circumstance. A woman’s ex-landscaper, who hasn’t worked for her for two years, showed up at her door and demanded $100 for a towing service for his truck. She didn’t give him any money, and he eventually left.

+ Bay Isles Parkway to be repaved this month Bay Isles Parkway, from Gulf of Mexico Drive east to Harbourside Drive, will be repaved Aug. 26 to Aug. 30.

Worn-out welcome 2:48 p.m. — 2600 block of Harbourside Drive. Disturbance.

Someone threw three cigarette butts into a man’s boat while it was docked over the weekend.

The owner believes a man staying on the boat next door who had just gotten out of jail could be responsible. The man who owns the neighboring boat said he had already told his guest he was no longer welcome on his boat.

+ Meetings & Agendas • Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 3.

• Code Enforcement Board Regular Meeting — 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9.

• Town Commission Regular Workshop — 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16.

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

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Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

10-year extension

13A

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

Circle improvements on hold pending vote St. Armands Key property owners must return ballots regarding an extension of the St. Armands Business Improvement District by Sept. 16 to Sarasota City Hall.

Making an impact

The St. Armands Business Improvement District (BID) has made the following improvements to St. Armands Circle during the past 10 years: • New street lighting with outdoor-music provisions • New and repaired sidewalks • Installation of 122 Bose outdoor speakers for music and emergency public-address system • Funded a city-approved St. Armands Master Plan • Constructed new neck-out medians and brick-paved crosswalks Some residents want to see at least two other improvements — buried powerlines and a newly landscaped median on John Ringling Boulevard heading onto the Circle from Sarasota — also completed if the city moves ahead with the parking structure.

St. Armands homeowners would like to see both improvements completed simultaneously when a garage is built.

The biggest unknown for the construction of a parking garage, though, is funding. And the BID needs to be extended to be a source of funding for the project.

“I think the referendum will be approved,” Rapport said. “All we have to do now is wait.

The BID’s second attempt at a voter referendum began last week after ballots were mailed to Circle landowners Aug. 9.

Ballots must be returned to Sarasota City Hall by Sept. 16, and the ballots will be counted Sept. 17.

Call today for an appointment!!

Monica Bedi, M.D. & Ann Neff, M.D. Welcome

Need a

Jean-Pierre Galliani, M.D. & Naomi Johansen, M.D.

New Golf

119450

The St. Armands Business Improvement District (BID) is essentially in limbo until it receives ballots back that will either approve or disapprove of a 10-year extension for the taxing district.

“Summer meetings are already slower than usual, but we’re really not doing much of anything right now until the referendum is approved,” said Marty Rappaport, chairman and organizer of the BID, a taxing district that St. Armands Circle property owners voted to create to finance improvements on the Circle.

“We’re waiting on our plans until we know those plans are supported through the 10-year extension.”

Those plans include a future parking garage that BID board members believe is the last piece of the puzzle for a bustling shopping district with parking woes.

The BID has already agreed to fund a $50,000 St. Armands parking feasibility study that the Sarasota City Commission supports.

The study will concentrate on two parcels — one at the corner of Fillmore and Monroe drives, on the south end of the Circle, and the other on a parcel on North Adams Drive behind the Columbia Restaurant.

If plans for a garage advance, the BID, along with the city, would co-fund the cost of the parking garage, Rappaport said.

Rappaport has pointed to an air of compromise between commercial property owners and merchants, who say a lack of parking spaces has been hurting business, and St. Armands Key residents, who are concerned about the impacts of a multi-level parking structure.

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Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

OUR TOWN

OBITUARIES Rae Ferguson Reasoner

Heather Merriman

United States Tennis Association Florida Section Foundation Executive Director Linda Curtis, volunteer tennis instructor Maxine Spitzer and Girls Inc. Executive Director Robin Rose with some of the Girls Inc. Summer Camp participants.

+ USTA Florida Section Foundation director swings by Girls Inc. Linda Curtis, executive director of the United States Tennis Association Florida Section Foundation, stopped by Girls Inc. of Sarasota County Aug. 9 to see in action the new addition to the Girls Inc. Summer Camp. USTA Foundation donated $8,750 in July to Girls Inc. of Sarasota County. The donation went toward the new tennis program, “Girls Raise a Racquet.”

“Longboat Key has a lot of wonderful women who love tennis and they come here to teach the girls,” says Kay Mathers, director of community relations at Girls

Inc. “Linda and our volunteers have known each other through tennis, so, because of that connection we have this strong support from the USTA. Without that kind of support and funding, we would never be able to do this.”

This is the first year USTA has partnered with Girls Inc. The “Girls Raise a Racquet” program includes new tennis equipment for the girls, including portable nets to use inside when the weather gets too hot in the summer months.

The Episcopal Church on Longboat Key

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

Sunday Service 9:00 a.m.

Website: www.AllAngelsLBK.org

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

113495

383-8161

117912 118041

SEAFOOD • PASTA • FISH • PASTA • BEEF • SALADS • LOBSTER

Casual Italian Cuisine Hand Tossed Brick Oven Pizza LBK ’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN RESTAUR ANT Since 1990

IA L A IT DINNER Nightly 4:30 - 10:00

Early Dining and 2 for 1 Wine or Tap Beer 4:30 - 6 pm Nightly

Located in Mid-Longboat Key in the Centre Shops • 5370 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

Beer & Wine • 383-0010 • Take Out Available

Ring

Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

Visitors Welcome

Vivien Marie England, 101, of Falmouth, Mass., and Longboat Key, died Aug. 14.

Born Nov. 12, 1911, in New York City, she was the daughter of Bernard Marie Borrebach and Adrienne Marie Borrebach.

She was a longtime resident of Winchester, Mass., and spent summers at her lakeside cottage in New Hampshire and winters on Longboat Key. Mrs. England was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Lawrence Russell England; two sisters, Virginia Marie Borrebach and Edith Carolyn Aldrich, of Cape Cod, Mass.; and brother, William Bernard Borrebach, of Pennsylvania.

She is survived by her two daughters, Virginia Thrien Snow, of Falmouth, and Vicky Loring England, of California; son, Lawrence Russell England Jr., of Wolfeboro, N.H.; brother, Edwin John Borrebach, of Pennsylvania; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are private. To send condolences, visit www.costellofuneralhome.com.

e g d i R ling B

The Rev. Dr. Bruce W. Porter Sermon: “The Nonchalance of Faith.”

An InterfAIth CommunIty ChurCh founded In 1956

Vivien Marie England

MUSSELS • LOBSTER • ANTIPASTO

All Angels by the Sea

MUSSELS • LOBSTER • ANTIPASTO

Rae Ferguson Reasoner, 81, of Bradenton and formerly of Longboat Key, died July 22.

Born Oct. 6, 1931, in Winnetka, Ill., she was the daughter of the late Arthur Ferguson and Allis Ferguson Colvin. She moved in 1938 to Longboat Key and attended the old school in the Longbeach Village.

She graduated from Reasoner Rosemary Hall, in Greenwich, Conn., as president of her senior class, and went on to attend Connecticut College, where she majored in botany.

Mrs. Reasoner was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bradenton, Selby Gardens, the Bradenton Country Club and the Tropical Flowering Tree Society. She was a former board member of the Junior Science Museum, the South Florida Museum, Manatee County Agriculture Museum, a life member of Entre Nous and a sustaining member of the Service Club of Manatee County.

Mrs. Reasoner was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Egbert Samuel “Bud” Reasoner.

She is survived by her sons Samuel Anderson “Andy” Reasoner, and Alan Ward Reasoner, both of Bradenton; daugh-

ter, Elizabeth Rae Reasoner, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; brother, Arthur Ferguson, and sister, Allis Ferguson Edelman, both of Sarasota; and six grandchildren.

A funeral took place July 25. Memorial contributions can be made to Palma Sola Botanical Park Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 14214, Bradenton, Fla., 34280.

118105

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o t o Ph

t s e t n o C

Guest preacher: The Rev. Don Jackson Sermon: “Giants, Grasshoppers, and Grit”

thnniversary

10 A

n of o i t a r b e In Cel ridge B g n i l g the Rin

The Rev. Dr. Vincent Carroll Senior Minister

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

The Lord’s Warehouse

THRIFT SHOP

open Wednesday and Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

Submit your photos online at:

CATHOLIC CHURCH Welcomes you to Mass MASS SCHEDULE

n

A Center of Jewish Life and Learning in the Sarasota Area

117921

s!

Friday Evening, 5:30 pm Saturday Morning, 10:00 am

941.383.3428 www.tbi-lbk.org

Please visit our Judaica Shop

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

WindaStaY

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Share Shabbat and more:

Thursday, August 22nd

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Contest Ends: Wednesday, September 11

Voting Begins: Thursday, September 12

Voting Ends: Thursday, September 19

For complete contest rules please visit the contests page on YourObserver.com

119584

Temple Beth Israel

Jo i

Contest Starts:

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

Saturday: 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM Confessions before all Masses Msgr. Gerard Finegan, Pastor

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, AUGUST 22, 2013

REAL ESTATE

Two-bedroom condo at Sands Point sells for $1,075,000.

PAGES 20-21A

SCHOLARSHIPS Kiwanis Club of LBK Foundation awards record amount.

PAGE 18A

WEATHER See this week’s standout local weather photo.

PAGE 23A

Jake Fath and John McClure Rusty Chinnis Max Arcard, Kathy Degrenier and Alex Degrenier

r t Edito

istan Tie Ass k c la B an | Merrim eather

by H

If you were out on the bay the morning of Aug. 17, you likely noticed a few more boaters and kayakers than usual — and many “diver below” flags and buoys. That’s because 165 volunteers were scattered across Sarasota Bay, from Palma Sola Bay down to Big Pass, in search of scallops.

The scallop search is Sarasota Bay Watch’s longest-standing event, filling to capacity with volunteers every year. Jim Cutler, senior scientist at Mote Marine, has been involved in the scallop search since its inception.

“The most important thing about this event is that it is not just scientific involvement, but the community gets involved in the collection of data — and in abundance,” he says.

Steve Traves, owner of Anna Maria Island Outfitters, was one of the volunteer searchers Saturday morning. He found his first scallop around 11 a.m.

“This one was a man-eater; he fought me,” said Traves about the scallop. This was Traves’ first time scallop searching.

The scallop search resulted in 11 live scallops in a number of locations throughout Sarasota Bay. The number of scallops found this year was significantly lower than pervious years, due to last winter’s red tide and a salinity change in the water from a recent storm runoff.

“Although we were hoping for higher numbers, it is encouraging that, despite the challenges, volunteers found live scallops and evidence of adult scallops in numerous places in the bay,” said Larry Stults, president of Sarasota Bay Watch.

Binah Frazier, from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Steve Traves dives for scallops.

Photos by Heather Merriman

Rebekah Leopold and Tanner Stults

The scallop shell, starfish and scallop that Steve Traves found.

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Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Holiday Inn murder shocked Longboat Key residents On a quiet summer evening Aug. 25, 1978, at the Longboat Key Holiday Inn, a tragedy unfolded that shocked the Key. That’s when two men who had recently escaped from a Washington state prison work-release program and a 15-year-old girl somehow found their way to the popular hotel on the north LONGBOAT end of the Key. One man, Steven LORE Critzer, began drinking volcanoes in the hotel’s lounge, where a Longboat Key detective was also having a drink. The bartender told the detective he thought Critzer had a gun, but the detective found nothing when he searched him.

But, within 30 minutes, Critzer had taken four hostages on the beach. He then shot and killed a 17-year-old tourist.

A two-hour, multi-agency manhunt ensued, with Critzer taking cover behind St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, and SWAT team members taking their pursuit to the Pattigeorge’s rooftop. Critzer was captured 12 hours after the shooting and eventually sentenced to life in prison.

his heroin and wasn’t a crack user.

+ Hit this baby one more time

+ Code Enforcement Board took shape

Police got a crack in their case when a 48-year-old Bradenton driver refused to stop for police Aug. 22, 2001.

After they caught up with him, the man held a crack pipe out of the window of his car and asked police for permission to take one more hit before they arrested him. He admitted to snorting cocaine and smoking crack since the afternoon prior.

Police didn’t arrest his passenger, who had jumped out of the moving vehicle. He told police he had already shot up all of

BRUCE MYER

The Longboat Key Code Enforcement Board held its first meeting Aug. 24, 1981, to discuss ground rules and procedures for addressing code conundrums.

Times have changed: Board members have called the last two meetings to address why they never have meetings anymore.

The answer: The town’s code-enforcement officer has been able to bring properties into compliance before their owners have to go before the board.

SELLING LONGBOAT KEY REAL ESTATE FOR OVER 33 YEARS

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FEATURED LISTINGS SEAGATE

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#D104 - 2BR/2BA ground floor residence. COMPLETELY redone home with views across community lagoon. $249,000

Gulf Front Listings LIGHTHOUSE POINT - 4BR/4.5BA+Office, beautiful home with pool, deepwater dock & serene water views.

LISTED WELL BELOW APPRAISED VALUE! $3,995,000 L’AMBIANCE - 3BR+Office/3BA/2HB Royal plan with direct Gulf views & sights over downtown Sarasota, plus 2 covered parking spaces and additional storage. $2,495,000 SANCTUARY #B804 - 3BR + Bonus room/3BA, 8th floor home with direct Gulf views. $2,190,000 LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS - #1001S Breathtaking sunrise and sunset views from this 3BR/3BA home on the 10th floor of the building’s southwest corner. $1,795,000 LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS - #1003S 2BR/2BA residence on the south tower’s 10th floor with endless views. $995,000 SHORE #109 - 2BR/2BA first floor updated home in pet friendly community offers garden & Gulf views. $459,000 PLAYERS CLUB - Beach and Gulf views from this 2BR/2BA second floor home in the “A” building. REDUCED! $449,000 BEACHPLACE - BLDG. 11-#103 2BR/2BA furnished with private walk down and 2 parking spaces. REDUCED! $449,000

BEACHPLACE - BLDG 11-#202 2BR/2BA unfurnished residence with 1 covered/1 uncovered parking space. $429,000 INN ON THE BEACH - #5103 Golf Course view. Great source of rental income. $249,000

bayside listings 530 HARBOR POINT RD - Freshly manicured canal front lot in Bay Isles Harbor Section. $1,495,000 EMERALD POINTE SOUTH - 3BR/3.5BA condominium home on private cul-de-sac with lake views. $599,900 LONGBOAT KEY MOORINGS - The west coast’s largest marina has a 45’ slip just for you! $79,500

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Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

40 MILLION CLOSED SALES

OVER

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

IN

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17A

Catch my

Hot pROpERTiEs Real Estate segment on Sarasota’s News Channel SNN6

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Ackerman

BARBARA

also on Verizon Fios Channel 26

REALTOR®

The name to know in real estate

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

For results, call Barbara!

PARIS. Longboat Key resident Bonnie Wilder, middle, received a birthday surprise from daughters Jill Schlossberg and Laurie Gerber — a week-long trip to Paris! They made sure to catch up on their Longboat Observer news in front of the Arc de Triomphe before celebrating Wilder's milestone birthday.

Headed on a great vacation? Make sure to take your Observer along! Visit YourObserver.com and click on the “Contests” tab in the upper-right hand corner to submit your entries. We can’t wait to see where The Observer will travel next!

Ritz Carlton Tower Residences Sarasota Below pre-construction price!

Best downtown price per SF of 3,751.

6th floor corner furnished apartment with gleaming wood floors 3BR + Den/3BA. 2 terraces for beautiful sunsets. $1,795,000

Country Club Shores - Direct Bay Front Lovely 3,700+ SF waterfront home at the end of a cul-de-sac with 3 bedrooms plus study/4th bedroom, stunning open Bay views, infinity-edge pool and two car garage. $3,500,000

Sea Gate Club - Direct Gulf Front Feels like a beach house! Gulf, beach and sunset views from every room of this 2BR/2BA split floor plan. Offered entirely turnkey furnished. $599,000

Siesta Cove - Waterfront Short Sale An incredible opportunity to live in a premier neighborhood, on a superb waterfront lot in a gorgeous 4,869 SF home.

Open waterfront views. $1,805,000

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Direct Gulf front 2 bedroom + Den/3rd bedroom with 2,800 SF. Sabal floor plan with gorgeous water views.

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Kenilworth Estates New Construction Below pre-construction price! Best downtown price per SF of 3,751. 6th floor corner furnished apartment with gleaming wood floors 3BR + Den/3BA. 2 terraces for beautiful sunsets. $734,990

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The Players Club - Gulf Views Fully furnished apartment in beautiful condition Gulfside on Longboat Key in a gated community. 1,800 SF, two bedrooms + a den off of the kitchen that could be a 3rd sleeping area. $549,000

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Country Club Shores Premier Bayfront Captivating City & Bay views with 4 bedrooms and 7,452 SF of quality and elegance. Outdoor living at its best! Infinity-edge pool, 2,460 SF $4,495,000 of terraces, boat dock & lift.

18A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

HIGHER EDUCATION

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor

Kiwanis Foundation awards record scholarship amount The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key Foundation awarded a record $42,500 to 25 recipients at its breakfast program Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Resort at Long-

boat Key Club’s Harbourside dining room. This year there were 94 applicants.

Among the scholarship winners was Abigail Oakes, who will

be a junior this year at New College of Florida. Oakes is the president of Circle K International at New College, which is a Kiwanis service leadership program.

Amanda Peebles accepts her scholarship certificate from Weldon Frost.

Longboat Key residents Steve and Scholarship recipient Kelsey Anthofer and her mother, Pam Savannah Schield

Photos by Heather Merriman

WAGNER REALTY Bringing People Home Since 1939

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

Call 941-383-5577

118153

The 2013 Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key Foundation scholarship recipients

Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key Lt. Gov. John Wild with foundation President Richard Crawford and Academic Scholarship SubCommittee Chairman Weldon Frost

AFFORDABLE, TURNKEY, LIGHT & BRIGHT 2BR/1BA mobile home. Deeded BURNS COURT-INCOME PRODUCING! 2 renovated downtown buildings w/potential & overnight quarters, 1300+SF, French doors, wood flrs, diagonal tile, fp, granite wet bar, custom cabinets, crown molding, skylight, rear paver parking & more! MLS#A3976290 $649,000

beach access with the benefit of a Bay Marina. Friendly, active 55+ community for you. Dia Wilson & Mary Moore #M5835321

WEST OF TRAIL BAY FRONT! Over 4,000SF w/wide-open water views, 4Br/4.5Ba, custom fixtures & fine finishes, marble, granite, travertine & hardwood flrs, natural stone, built-ins, furniture quality cabinets, gourmet kitch., pool, dock & lifts in S SRQ! M L S # A 3 9 8 0 318 $ 1, 9 5 0 , 0 0 0

$109,900

FANTASTIC INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU! This is the only unit offered for sale in this complex.

Updated, directly on the beach. Turnkey with upscale furnishings.

Weekly rentals available. Dia Wilson & Mary $249,900 Moore #M5835428

TROPICAL PARADISE ON BRADENTON BEACH Great income

BAY VIEWS ON LONGBOAT! 2-3Br/2Ba/1CG great rm plan w/travertine & tile flrs, glass block, custom finishes, built-ins, eat-in kitch. w/Euro-style cabinets, bkfst bar, pvt balcony, storm shutters & deeded storage in gated comm. w/resort amenities! MLS#3982355 $800,000

PENTHOUSE WITH VIEWS! 3-4Br/3.5Ba/2CG overlooking bay & city vistas w/diagonal tile, crown moldings, wood cabinets, granite, SS appls. & 2 pvt balconies in an inclusive downtown bldg w/ full amenities & great location in cultural district! MLS#A3982043 $800,000

investment. Brand new furnishings. Pet friendly. Private beach access just steps away. Onsite cafe & gift shop. Daily rates available. Mary Moore & Dia $269,000 Wilson #M5835837

ATTENTION INVESTORS & BOATERS! Value priced, ground flr, 2Br/2Ba/1CG w/ wood laminate flrs, tile, wet bar, pvt laundry, screened lanai & deeded boat slip along protected seawall 10m to bay, comm. pool, close to airport, museum area & downtown! MLS#A3977432 $107,000

AMAZING

VIEW! Gorgeous white sand beach & Gulf view as you walk thru the door. Nicely furnished w/ large screened lanai. Gulf to Bay community w/heated pool, tennis & cabana w/BBQ. Teresia $550,000 Bradford #M5812253

FANTASTIC 0NE STORY CANAL FRONT home, located on

elevated lot. Deep water canal opens to beautiful Sarasota Bay with dock and lift.

3BR/2.5BA plus office, granite counters, wood cabinets, tile floors, french doors to pool & hot tub. Dia Wilson & Mary Moore $789,900 M5839040

UPDATED & FURN ON LBK! Beachside 2Br/2.5Ba/bonus rm/1CG open plan w/views, granite, wood cabinets, crown moldings, tile, French doors, SS appls., pvt balcony, personal laundry & storage in resort-like community with amenities!

MLS#A3978898 $695,000

FRANCES CARLTON Downtown 1-2Br/1Ba w/historic designation, Lr, Dr, den/study, wood flrs, ceramic tile, carpet, custom cabinets, French doors, Palladian windows, pvt laundry & pool views in secure bldg w/ amenities; courtyards, pool & assigned parking!

MLS#A3974837 $184,000

WICKER INN GULF BEACH RESORT with charming cottage

UPDATED IN BAY PLAZA! 2Br/2Ba/den/1CG w/bamboo lam flrs, ceramic tile, wood cabinets, eat-in kitch. w/granite, modern cabinets & appls., 2 balconies w/views, pvt laundry in secure, full-serv bldg w/ amenities; concierge, valet, fitness ctr, pool & more! MLS#A3978547 $449,000

ambiance, decorated in Florida pastels, surrounded by gorgeous tropical trees and flowering landscape plants. Each suite has white wicker rockers on the porch or patio. Heated pool surrounded by flowers & white sand beach provide absolute serenity. Reservations: 941-387-8344

www.candyswick.com 105396

PROTECTED DEEP WATER! Mainland 3-5Br/3.5Ba/3CG w/teak, mahogany & bamboo flrs, tile, granite, marble, detailed ceil., builtins, custom finishes, wood cabinets, aquarium glass, butlers pantry, gourmet kitch., comb fam rm, saltwater pool/spa & summer kitch on loggia, dock & lift MLS#A3971649 $1,695,000

VACATION RENTALS

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

Lynne Koy ◆

941.387.1803

19A

presents her

Luxury

PrEMIEr CoLLECtIon◆

EN PROVENCE - 3BD/3BA condominium residence on the beach is an enchanted seaside hideaway with sweeping Gulf front views from the 800 sq. ft. terrace, complete with al fresco kitchen. $3,495,000

lkoy@coldwellbanker.com

tour Lynne’s properties at

www.lynnekoy.com Follow me on

Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn / YouTube

At The Chart House on Longboat Key Broker / Associate, CRB, CRS, GRI Previews International Property Specialist International President’s Premier

SPICE BAY - Antigua floor plan features 3BR/3.5BA, courtyard and pool. Builders - Perrone Construction. $2,200,000

BAY ISLES - Beautiful 3BD/3.5BA home situated on water’s edge. Custom features, upgrades galore! $749,000

ER uNDRACT! T N CO

Involved Citizen: Sarasota Opera, SPARCC, Make-a Wish, Meals on Wheels, Breast Cancer Awareness

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

CASTILLIAN - Gulf and Bay views! 3BA/2.5BA, turnkey furnished. End and corner unit condo. Pet friendly! $699,000

LIDO REGENCY - Full Gulf views from this 5th floor 2BD/2BA tastefully furnished condo residence on Lido Beach! $569,000

ER uNDRACT! T N CO

PLAYERS CLUB - Experience ISLANDER CLUB - Bay views from SEAPLACE - Direct Gulf Views! 2 paradise with partial Gulf views the terrace of this 2BD/2BA reno- BD/2BA first floor walkout condofrom the porch of this 2BD/2BA vated condo residence. minium. $395,000 $405,000 condo. $510,000

SEAPLACE M1-109............$549,000 SEAPLACE G6-409.............$384,900 SEAPLACE G3-302A...........$325,000 Search Lynne’s website in English and 19 other languages!

SEAPLACE - 2BD/2BA, 1076 sq. SEAPLACE - Completely renovated; LONGBOAT HARBOUR - Caft. condo with low maintenance 2BD/2BA condo features tranquil nal front 2BD/2BA condo resitile throughout. Garden views. Northwest garden views. dence with many custom touches! $309,000 $319,000 $279,000

DEDICATED TO LUXURY REAL ESTATE SM Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

LONGBOAT HARBOUR – Charm- LONGBOAT HARBOUR – 2BD/2BA LONGBOAT HARBOUR – 2BD/2BA ing 2BD/2BA condo overlooking corner residence with gorgeous first floor walk-out with canal views. canal and swimming pool. views of the canal.

Make it yours! $265,000 $259,000 $249,000

40 MILLIon “tHanK you’S” to My CuStoMErS and CLIEntS for tHEIr SuPPort!

117030

rEPort Card for 2012: 40 SaLES $40,000,000 In SaLES VoLuME

20A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

real estate | transactions

By Adam Hughes | Research Editor

Sands Point condo sells for $1,075,000 The following residential real-estate transactions took place between Aug. 5 and Aug. 9.

A condominium in Sands Point tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Arthur Buckingham Jr. and Linda Martin, of Northbrook, Ill., sold their Unit 116 condominium at 100 Sands Point Road to Patrick Johnson and Elizabeth Watson-Johnson, trustees, of Ontario, Canada, for $1,075,000.

Built in 1966, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,941 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $245,000 in 1988.

Casa del Mar

The Magson Co. sold the Unit 3 condominium at 4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Lionel Peltier, of Detroit, for $600,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 882 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $640,000 in 2003.

Club of Longboat Beach and Tennis

Steven and Kimberly Kitchens, of Atlanta, sold their Unit 515 condominium at 5055 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Kevin and Cathy Hart, of Delafield, Wis., for $550,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,484 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $529,000 in 2002.

Tiffany Plaza

James Krenik sold his Unit 208 condominium at 4325 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Roger and Elizabeth Clark, of Milwaukee, for $500,000. Built in 1975, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,411 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $275,000 in 1998.

Fairway Bay

Leonard and Caren Hardesty, of Downers Grove, Ill., sold their Unit 1903 condominium at 2008 Harbourside Drive to Julia Alexander, of Longboat Key, for $406,500. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,598 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $440,000 in 2005.

Sutton Place

Peter and Amy Daigle, of Springboro, Ohio, sold their Unit T-8 condominium at 515 Sutton Place to Mary Woodward and Valeta Baker, of Lakeland, for $293,000. Built in 1972, it has one bedroom, one bath and 756 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $280,000 in 2003.

ST. ARMANDS

John Ringling Estates

George Richardson, of Charlotte, N.C., sold his home at 216 Van Buren Place to Tommy Vayias, of Holmes Beach, for $450,000. Built in 1951, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,576 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $140,000 in 1990.

Kingston Arms

John Standiford sold his Unit 19-A condominium at 500 S. Washington Drive to Salvatore Coppolino and Donna Coppolino, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $240,000. Built in 1963, it has one bedroom, one bath and 770 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $224,000 in 2004.

YourObserver.com // See a map of this week’s real-estate sales.

Kurt Schultheis

Unit 3 at Casa del Mar, 4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive, has two bedrooms, two baths and 882 square feet of living area. It sold for $600,000.

LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER

114 N Warbler Ln #A3959493 $1,650,000 Timothy P. Field, P.A.

Bird Key 941-383-7591 941-350-0332

3481 Bayou Sound #A3981543 $1,475,000 Hannerle Moore

1713 Hawthorne St #A3975254 $990,000 Susan Mcleod

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-928-4445

1208 Casey Key Rd #A3982335 $949,000 Deborah Beacham

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-387-7300

Nokomis/North Venice 941-383-7591 941-376-2688

7175 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 24 #A3978960 $1,149,000 Sandi Layfield

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

2204 Harbour Court Dr #A3972270 $999,000 Michael Yawitz

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

5134 Gulf Of Mexico Dr #A3979634 $2,195,000 Ann Martin

813 Hudson Ave #A3976540 $889,000 Julia Mcclung

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-356-6499

1800 Benjamin Franklin Dr # B308 #A3977399 $849,000 David Simon

Lido Key 941-388-4447 248-342-3551

6338 Laguna Dr #A3957942 $795,000 Audrey Singer

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-356-7717

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-350-2588

513 Yawl Ln #A3976724 $795,000 Pat Mudgett & Mackenzie Mudgett

Longboat Key 941-951-6660 941-320-7758

FAMILIAR FACES. EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS. Showcase your property to over 6,500 affiliate branches in 52 countries.

3423 Winding Oaks Dr # 12 #A3981402 $729,900 Drew Russell

129 Main St #A3974692 $1,799,000 Nicole Dovgopolyi

Longboat Key 941-966-8000 941-993-3739

2055 Harbour Links Dr # 2055 #A3967455 $585,000 Douglas Parks

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-400-9087

Osprey 941-966-8000 941-356-5849

6821 Hughes St #A3982781 $575,000 Dana Westmark

Longboat Key 941-951-6660 941-356-5091

3527 Palonia Ct #A3974532 $549,000 Dede Curran

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-928-3255

578 Bayview Dr #A3978163 $515,000 Bobbi Banan

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-356-2659

2109 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 1201 #A3957661 $489,000 Hannerle Moore

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-387-7300

4700 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 206-D #A3980163 $427,500 Sharon Freeman

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-545-0899

3240 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 103 #A3975227 $365,000 Sylvia Zimmerman

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-350-5022

1930 Harbourside Dr # 124 #A3982406 $359,900 Saint Cacchiotti

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-809-0787

615 Dream Island Rd # 306 #A3969421 $349,000 Barbara Dumbaugh

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-350-3743

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

21A

michaelsaunders.com

BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Aug. 9 through Aug. 15, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive) Address Permit Applicant Amount 1135 GMD Alteration Joseph Russo $150,000

Aegis Security 3040 Grand Bay Blvd.

Kitchen remodel Insurance Co. $107,831 6633 GMD Re-roof Robert Hutcheson $89,170 Alteration Joseph Jacobson $74,576 1511 GMD Sliding doors Dale McBrier $27,475 521 Harbor Cay Drive Pool repair Vizcaya at Longboat Key $27,200 2355 GMD Re-roof Polymathic Properties Inc. $21,175 561 Ranger Lane

Longboat Terrace Pool resurfacing Condominium Association $17,277 5393 GMD Lanai alteration David Lynch $16,650 5280 GMD Sliding glass doors Laurence Weigand $15,620 4525 GMD Alteration William Chapman II $15,000 380 GMD Stuart Ross $14,914 2110 Harbourside Drive Shutters Windows Richard Russell $11,334 561 Yawl Lane Re-roof Francine Gietl $6,100 637 Spanish Drive N. Jorge Reynardus $6,000 2369 Harbour Oaks Drive Shutters Doors Lynne Cosler, trustee $4,420 2399 GMD Sliding glass doors L’Ambiance Association $2,490 423 L’Ambiance Drive 536 Spinnaker Lane Deck alteration David Aldrich $2,400 Concrete repair Charles McKinney, trustee $2,000 713 Bayport Way Doors Sea Club I $682 4141 GMD Dock and lift Steve Friedman $494 524 Gunwale Lane

IanExplore Addynow & on Gail Wittig your phone or tablet.

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Longboat Key 941.961.8850 | 941.228.1985 The Addy & Wittig team has garnered recognition as Michael Saunders & Company’s top sales team on Longboat Key for 2010, 2011 and 2012. As a consistent top producing Realtor® and Sarasota native, Gail has more than 33 years of local real estate experience. Ian brings a robust financial management background focused on valuation to complement his abilities as a skilled negotiator.

With the highest sale on Longboat Key in over two years, accomplished with only 51 days from listing to contract and the uncontested leader in sales at the luxurious Longboat Key Club & Resort, this team sets themselves apart from the competition. Focusing on exceptional service, which includes personally accompanying on each and every showing, this results driven team has distinguished themselves as among the very best in the profession.

Please visit www.athomesarasota.com to learn more.

6001 Gulf of Mexico Drive Sold for $6,800,000 2012/2013 Highest Longboat Key Sale

6600 Bayou Hammock Road Sold for $1,360,000 Pending in 6 days

8347 Midnight Pass Road Sold for $4,750,000 2012’s highest Siesta Key bayfront sale

Sylvia Zimmerman 440 Gulf of Mexico Dr. • Longboat Key 941.350.5022 Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-320-4261

4540 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 202 #A3979332 $279,900 Sharon Freeman

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-545-0899

4235 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # G203 #A3936274 $239,000 Eileen Burke

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-266-8949

3804 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 304 #A3978986 $189,900 Stephen Harris

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-780-2352

2800 Harbourside Dr # E-14 #A3954322 $135,000 Bruce & Jenine Meyer

Longboat Key 941-383-5502 941-266-8152

Sylvia Zimmerman attributes her reputation as one of Southwest Florida’s most outstanding real estate agents to her extensive business background, as well as her intense focus on customer service.

A longtime Sarasota-area resident, Sylvia builds enduring client relationships, possesses a profound facility for bringing buyers and sellers together and offers an intricate knowledge of the many unique communities that beckon newcomers to both Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Drawn to Sarasota by its natural beauty, exciting culture and remarkable weather, Sylvia’s love for tennis and golf found the perfect fit. Having lived on the bay (Siesta Key), on the beach (Casey Key), on a canal (Bird Key) and in two golf course communities (Lakewood Ranch Country Club and Laurel Oaks Estates), she can personally identify with the variety of opportunities available on Florida’s Gulf Coast—a unique advantage she passes on to her clients.

With her years of experience in real estate sales, no one knows the area better!

RE N TA L

4960 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 202 #A3979213 $324,500 Diane Otis Stirling

RE N TA L

Longboat Key 941-383-5502 941-225-3351

RE N TA L

691 Fox St #A3982523 $339,000 Tama Traberman

Please visit my website: www.sylviasellssarasota.com 541 Golf Links Ln #A3965064 Diann Thelen

Longboat Key $5,000-$8,500/month, 30 day min 941-552-4200

1104 Benjamin Franklin Dr # 619 Sarasota #A3967663 $3,500-$4,500/month, 30 day min Diann Thelen 941-552-4200

380 N Shore Rd # 3 #A3970841 Diann Thelen

Longboat Key $700/week, 7 day min 941-552-4200

4583 Windsor Park MLS# A3981469 $749,500

13950 Siena Loop MLS# A3980926 $549,500

VA C AT I O N R E N TA L S 304 Useppa Island #A3978924 $3,375,000 Terri Derr

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

Useppa Island 941-383-7591 941-356-6694

MLS# A3968129 $410,000

Veranda Beach Club verandabeachclub.com 800.411.5511 White Sands of Longboat whitesandsoflongboat.com 800.230.2428

113684

448 Gulf of Mexico Drive A106

22A

It’s stIll Mrs. rogers’

NeIghborhood

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

SMILING FACES

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor

Grande Dame of Real Estate 39 Years of Experience

Advising, Buying, and Selling with a Personal Touch!

941.284.7373 annetterogers@michaelsaunders.com

Michael Saunders & Company, 94064

Misty Hamilton and Debra Fortosis

Dr. Michael O’Neil, Adrianne French and Liz Yerkes

Longboat Key Chamber members nosh and network

Beach Residences - enjoy sunrises, sunsets and city lights from this southwest corner gulf front residence. Three bedrooms. 3.5 baths,great room, formal living and dining rooms all exquistely finished and decorated. 4100 sq.ft. Pets welcome.

Offered furnished. This is a Ritz Carlton managed property....................................................................................$3,895,000 LOnGBOaT KeY - charming 3/3/waterfront home privately situated across from a 7 acre preserve..........$515,000

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce held its Networking at Noon luncheon Thursday, Aug. 15, at Bridge Street Bistro in Bradenton Beach.

Longboat Key Dental’s new owner, Dr. Michael O’Neil, both sponsored and spoke at the luncheon.

LOnGBOaT KeY - Lowest priced vacant lot on the Key. Beach access............................................................$179,000 WindWaRd BaY - Penthouse with amazing bay views, tennis, 2 pools, boat docks, deeded beach access. 2 pets allowed ...................................................................................................................................................... SOLD........$249,000 MaRina and BaY VieWs at Bay Harbour on the south end of LBK – just minutes to St. Armand’s Circle. 2/2 with screened porch. ................................................................................................................................................ PENDING........$275,000 LOnG Beach - Elevated Longboat Village home with 4 car garage, vaulted ceilings and lush landscaping... PENDING...$375,000 BLacKBURn POinT WOOds - Beautifully appointed maintenance free 4/3 villa with its own pool in an attractive neighborhood close to Casey Key. Amenities include tennis, community pool and clubhouse. .........................................$374,500 WindWaRd BaY BaYfROnT--corner unit with updated granite kitchen,tile floors,great views. Amenities include fitness, tennis, pools, boat docks,beach access. Pet friendly. Furnished .................................................................. SOLD........$298,900 WindWaRd BaY - 2/2 with expansive view of Sarasota Bay. Community amenities include 2 pools, tennis,clubhouse, boat docks and deeded beach access. 2 pets allowed. ............................................................................................................ $257,900 BOBBIE BANAN, REALTOR® 356-2659 • 383-2659

Photos by Heather Merriman 118126

bobbiebanan@michaelsaunders.com

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

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

Chris Caswell, Dan Gagne and Ron Shields

Ambassador’s Circle

Traci Hamill and Tonya Atchison

Talk to Tina today SPECTACULAR Enchanting BEACHFRONT Bayfront PROPERTY Estate

Certified Residential Specialist

Your international real estate connection

Ich spreche Deutsch

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

n y O pe unda

(941) 920 - 0303

Drastically reducedatto Offered $1,650,000

$2,500,000

Completely private 5 BR, 4.5 Enjoy BA Spanish inspired residence with deeded Dazzling Gulf and Sunset views. two income producing bungalows currently beach access, deep water channel, boat lift and kayak dock, 4 car garage located on this 100 x 238 property, while planning your new beach residence. and RV parking surrounded by tranquility and lush tropical grounds.

At your service LBKRealEstate.com

e Hous

S

118087

MICHAEL

Call Tina Rudek

MOULTON

Living and Working on Longboat Key for 40 Years

Cathy C. Meldahl, P.A. Your Longboat Key Community Realtor • Consistent top producer on Longboat Key • In-depth knowledge of the real estate market • Active in our community with Longbeach Village Association Longboat Key Historical Society Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Longboat Key Center for the Arts Longboat Key Garden Club

O 118034

BAY ISLES - Spectacular 2011 built 4BR home, a must-see for its SANDERLING ON SIESTA - Rare over one acre 200’ gulf front estate, private gated community. A3981404 $5,500,000 extraordinary beauty & design details. A3969494 $3,550,000

3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 24228

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

941.724.7228 CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

Early Labor Day DEADLINES for September 5th Observers

CASEY KEY - Spectacular extensively remodeled gulf to bay residence on 1.25 acres. A3968932 $4,650,000

LONGBOAT, EAST COUNTY & DIVERSIONS O Space Reservation Deadline: 11am, Thursday, August 29

WATER CLUB - Direct Gulf front 3,400sf 3BR, 5BA, furnished condo. A3957287 $2,500,000

O Materials Deadline:

1pm, Thursday, August 29

SARASOTA OBSERVER & PELICAN PRESS O Space Reservation Deadline: 1pm, Friday, August 30

LBK BAYFRONT LOT - 115’ wide mid key location w/deeded beach access. A3971918 $1,975,000

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

O Materials Deadline:

3pm, Friday, August 30

Contact your advertising representative to reserve space or call 941-366-3468 or email advertise@yourobserver.com for more information.

119652

ST. ARMANDS TOWERS - Sophisticated furnished 3BR plus den Penthouse. A3953612 $1,545,000

118131

94064

Licensed Real Estate Broker

Longboat Key South • 440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

OBSERVER WEATHER

23A

Do you love taking photos? We want your best photos of sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, etc.

Submit your local weather photos for a chance to have your photo published in the paper!

See all of the winning photos each week by visiting The Observer’s Facebook page.

TemperatureS

Record Temperatures High

Low

High

Low

Tuesday, Aug. 13

91

75

99 (1973)

67 (1972)

Wednesday, Aug. 14

92

78

98 (1938)

68 (1981)

Thursday, Aug. 15

88

76

96 (1990)

67 (1924)

Friday, Aug. 16

90

77

99 (1995)

67 (1972)

Saturday, Aug. 17

92

75

97 (1993)

67 (1927)

Sunday, Aug. 18

92

74

96 (1995)

67 (1927)

Monday, Aug. 19

93

75

96 (1973)

69 (1949)

Average Gulf water temperature: 88

MOON PHASES

Sunrise / sunset

Aug. 28 Last Sept. 5 New Sept. 12 First Sept. 19 Full

Sunrise

Sunset

Thursday, Aug. 22

7:05a

8:02p

Friday, Aug. 23

7:05a

8:01p

Saturday, Aug. 24

7:06a

8:00p

Sunday, Aug. 25

7:06a

7:59p

Monday, Aug. 26

7:07a

7:58p

Tuesday, Aug. 27

7:07a

7:57p

Wednesday, Aug. 28

7:08a

7:56p

TIDES

 Teresa Alexander submitted this sunset photo.

Scan the QR code on your smartphone to submit your weather photos!

Or visit YourObserver.com and click on the “Contests” tab.

O B S E RV E R C RO S S WO R D

Edited by Timothy E. Parker

3

CRYPTOGRAMS 1. Q E D K C Z X H F T Z P S T S G Z B T O I B F E Q I B T S . G C P D I M T K C S Z QIOGCXZ CP SGZ MZXHCXF QIOGCXZ!

2. Q Z P B A B G C F P Q E W F N X J E S Q N N J F , “ N B K B O M X J V W J S Q V A F M M X F P F D J M X Q C J I F J P B V ? M X F S Q N N J F , D J M X Q M D J E M F N A P J V, P F Z G J F N , “ K F E , F I F V M O Q G G K . ”

Highs

Lows

Thursday, Aug. 22

1:44a

1:30p

7:54a

8:41p

Friday, Aug. 23

2:08a

2:21a

8:45a

9:09p

Saturday, Aug. 24

2:35a

3:13a

9:36a

9:35p

Sunday, Aug. 25

3:06a

4:09a

10:30a

10:01p

Monday, Aug. 26

3:40a

5:12a

11:30a

10:25p

Tuesday, Aug. 27

4:19a

6:33a

12:38p

10:44p

Wednesday, Aug. 28 5:07a

9:00p

1:57p

10:43p

VOLLEY BALL by Kam destin

68 Tree that provides 132 Salon colorings ACROSS 133 Pitchblende and wicker 1 Say a four-letter bauxite 69 Urban rodent word 70 Avocado 5 Willing to play 74 “Hail!” to Horace dOwn along 75 Relating to birds 1 “It’s Too Late” 9 “Now-this” insert 77 Bausch & ___ (lens singer King 13 Severs, as a branch 2 Planet discovered maker) 17 Wedge-shaped in 1781 78 Chops down mark 3 Complete a 79 Female sib 18 “Argo” prize sentence 80 “Honest Abe” 19 “The ___ of Night” 4 Coke is used for 83 Attracted a (soap opera) this trooper’s attention 20 Dentist’s request 5 Logistical 85 Least ornamented government org.

21 “___ Ben Jonson” 87 Wise seasoning?

6 Face cream target (literary epitaph) 7 Chief steward 88 Big palooka 22 Bluegrass 8 Jagged-edged 90 Artist’s goof instrument 9 Some “sports” 93 One may require 23 Frequent fork injuries stitches location 10 Tokyo, before it was 94 Proficient 24 Workbench item Tokyo 97 Sporting sword 25 Get together 11 Medium in a petri 98 Gumshoe, briefly dish 27 Red dye used in 99 Took turns 12 Design over cosmetics 103 Scallions 13 J. Geils Band hit 29 Optimistic and 14 Narcotic 105 Potent Polynesian then some 15 Be a nudnik drink 31 Like an unsolvable 109 Sub-freezing temps 16 Displays contempt crossword 17 Spherical bacteria 110 It could clear you 33 Club version of a 18 Having a BMI over 112 Illness treated with pop song, e.g.

30 insulin 35 Glyceride, for one 26 Nightly broadcast 114 Cloth-stretching 28 Little brat 36 Hair extension? frameworks 30 “Things aren’t as 37 Kooky bad as they ___” 117 Bar for a bird 39 Limits or 32 Cookbook 119 Kind of block? boundaries direction 120 It’s heard in 42 OR hookups 34 Picture of bones, Islamabad 44 April 1 victim often 46 Deli sandwich filler 121 Four Corners state 38 Potential school 123 Garlic mayonnaise 47 Brief office note 40 Came to rest 125 Alternative to 49 Listed, in days of 41 “Give that ___ purchase cigar!” yore 126 “... ___ the twain 43 Mars’ Olympus 51 Yang’s go-with Mons, for one shall meet” 52 California 45 Everly Brothers winemaking valley 127 Unassisted sequel to a Beatles performances 56 Proved to be quite song?

128 “___ my pleasure!” a poser?

47 Brno is its largest 129 Decorate lavishly 58 He gave us a lift city with gems 60 Rusher’s foe 48 Crossword VIP’s 130 Classic Icelandic responsibility 62 Mentalist Geller poetry 49 Golden calf, for 63 Make a copy of example 131 It’s 1 on the Mohs 66 Mental germ scale

50 Queen who loved Aeneas 53 Rap sheet listing 54 Touchy 55 Collar, as a thug 56 “The Last Supper” and others 57 Lemonhead?

59 Feudal laborer 61 Prom night offering 64 None whatsoever 65 They’re big for conceited folks 67 Hairy beast 71 Music boosters 72 “What ___ is there?”

73 Climber’s challenge 76 Jim Carrey title role 81 Sad ending for “love” 82 Planner of long trips?

84 Fraudulent representation 86 Al Capone was one 8 9 Greek omelet ingredient 91 Emmy-winner Ruby 92 Went the right way?

95 Hebrides dialect 96 Relating to a famous oracle 98 Ruler opposed by the Bolsheviks 99 Make harmonious 100 Looked lecherously 101 Oversaw 102 Become extinct (with “out”) 104 Fuzzy fruits 106 “Relax!” in the military 107 Frost lines 108 Something of value 111 Plait 113 “The Hobbit” hero 115 Problem for the Tin Man 116 Athenian porch 118 Hockey great Gordie 122 Pledge of Allegiance ender 124 ___ Cruces, N.M.

24A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

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119122

• Best Price on Palm Trimming 780-2267 • Storm Preparation, Hauling Residential & Mulching & Commercial • Landscape Design Landscape & Installation Renovations • Monthly Shrub Pruning

Always reachable at

Buy 1 grab bar & get 1 FREE

Tile Roofs • Houses Pool Decks & Cages Paver Sealing Sidewalks & Lanais, etc.

Three SeaSonS LLC

Since 1974

Your Bathroom Safety Specialist

GRAB THIS DEAL

941-544-2058

QUALITY • VALUE PLUS Interior & Exterior Pressure Washing Outdoor Furniture

941-504-0903

www.patiorepairs.net

40 Years in Sarasota

With This Ad

119394

SUMMER SPECIAL

off

After

Fascia, Soffit Siding, Hardi Board, Painting, Carpentry, Etc.

www.PantherHydroCleaning.com

outdoor furniture experts

WOOD ROT?

20% 119274

941-737-4483

Before

juleskessler@tampabay.rr.com

THE Grab bar Guy

Pressure Cleaning & Soft Washing

Houses, Pool Cage & Decks, Fences, Driveway Stain Removal

941-720-8909

118338

www.WalyPainting.com

Serving Manatee and Sarasota since 1985

118813

Remodeling Drywall and Stucco Repair Interior/Exterior • Pressure Washing

Jules Kessler Carpet & Tile Cleaning, Inc.

119497

10% OFF

LICENSED & INSURED

Here is your cut-out-and-keep guide to the Home Improvement Specialists!

LV6497

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Boats

Business Opportunities

Condos For Sale

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

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES and electronic document processing website/service. We have software and we have customers, but we cannot advance it beyond the markets we already in.

Looking for marketing professional who can sell the product in new markets. If interested, send an email to aiatp3@gmail.com.

LONGBOAT KEY CLUB: 2BR/2BA, views of Gulf & Bay, 11th Floor, 1500 sq. ft., fully updated, quality finishes, furnished or not. $850,000 941-896-2810.

KAYAK: 2 person Wilderness, blue, w/1 paddle, $600. 941-383-3160.

MANICURE ? Pedicure By Mirian. Local in your own home. Sarasota area 941-879-1989

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales LABOR DAY HOLIDAY EARLY DEADLINES for September 5th Edition CLASSIFIED ADS Deadline Friday, August 30, 2:00pm SERVICE DIRECTORY Deadline Thursday August 29, 12:00pm The Observer will be CLOSED Monday, September 2 for the Labor Day Holiday.

We will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 3, 8:30am.

To Place Your Ad: Call 941-955-4888 or online at www.yourobserver.com/classifieds

Items Under $200 For Sale 6 DRAWER white louvered dresser, mirror, nightstand, $130. Toy chest, solid wood, $40.

941-345-6115.

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

(No phone calls please.)

(Please provide your name and address) Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group P.O. Box 3169 Sarasota, Fl 34230 LIONEL FREIGHT cars: 6119-50 cab, 2465 tnk, 6462 gond, 3461 log, 6357 cab $195.

941-735-1452.

BIRD KEY Moving Sale - Sat. 8/24 10am-2pm COLONY LBK collectibles, décor accents, furniture, artwork, books, cd's, cassettes, clothing, kitchen items, yard maintenance equipment including power washer and leaf blower, fire pits, Tiki torches and more! 316 W Royal Flamingo Dr.

General Merchandise BEST WINE cellar VINOTHEQUE cools 320 bottles $8000 new, 73"x 51"x32" w/L&R cooling. Medium Oak & glass. $2995 OBO. 941-822-3967

THRIFT SHOP: Longboat Island Chapel, 6140 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Open Wednesdays & Saturdays, 9a.m.-1p.m. Volunteers welcome! 941-383-6491.

Merchandise Wanted CASH FOR Old Military Items. Swords, uniforms, insignia & old guns. Call 941-416-3280.

I PAY cash for vintage clothing! All eras wanted.

Safe and discrete house calls. Call Emma, 941-451-7847.

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

Musical Instruments GRAND PIANO: Yamaha C-3, 6'3" Conservatory model. Satin ebony. Exc. cond. Superb, stable instrument. Replacement value now: $54,999.

P'vt. Sale appraisal: $14,800. Moving; will sell for less. Info: 941-794-5345.

Personals MY DREAM is to move www.kellysmoneyblog.com

to

Florida.

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

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

Help Wanted CAREGIVER FOR Longboat lady: 12-hours, Friday, Saturday, other days as needed. Experience in healthy cooking, personal care, wheelchair transport. Seeking patient, intelligent individual, college degree preferred, pet friendly, flexible.

Clean driving record, no smoking, references. $14+/hour. (941)780-5490 or avanga42@aol.com RINGLING COLLEGE of Art and Design seeking qualified candidates for Groundskeeper. For more information and to apply on-line https://ringling.simplehire.com EOE.

Condos/Apts. For Rent 2BR/2BA LONGBOAT Key (LBK) condo on the bay with ocean/bay views. 2 Balconies, modern and renovated with brand new kitchen. Building has pool, tennis court and private beach access.

1/4 Mile from grocery store and LBK shopping center. Available January-April 2014. $4500 a month for 4 months. Contact: Shira Sternberg 802-733-3076 shira.sternberg@gmail.com BEACHPlACE, lBk. Casual beachfront living in 2BR/2BA, balcony condo. Olympic pool, health club, tennis courts. Available June through December, $2000/mo. Also available January through March, $5000/mo. Call for info. Contact Elizabeth/NYC. 212-570-2950.

OVERLOOKING ANNA MARIA SOUND. Gated community, 3BR/2BA, tennis & geo-thermal all season pool, private elevator, vaulted ceilings from 10 to 15/ft., on a peninsula with saltwater views from every room. Spacious foyer, living room with 30/ft. of 8/ft. high sliding glass doors, dining room, 23/ft. kitchen/breakfast area, 2700/sq.ft. with wrap-around terraces. Mexican and Brazilian tile, oak and teak floors, 2 fireplaces, Italian marble in master bedroom. Enormous garage and storage.

Located at The Pointe in Cortez (north of Cortez Rd.). Less than 3 minutes to Island beaches. Must see to believe! Only $699.000.

Call Steve Goldman, Broker/Associate, Wagner Realty, 941-374-1019.

Homes For Sale ''SHORT STORYES"'.. rental. South LBK. 3 bed, 2 bath, pool, dock, view of bay. Turnkey furnished, walk to beach. New furniture & kitchen, granite, 2 car garage. Available summer and winter. Call for detail's. 941-321-8848 Jerry Cunningham, K.W. Realty.

Open House LONGBOAT KEY: OPEN HOUSE. Sunday, August 25, 12:30-4p.m. 840 Tarawitt Dr. Waterfront: City/Bay Views; elevator; hardwood floors; 2200sq.ft., 2 docks. Must see. You will be Surprised!! Bank approved. $1,230,000. Brokers paid. 941-650-9761.

Real Estate Wanted

LBK: TIFFANY Plaza Beachfront Condos, 1st floor, 2BR/2BA, W/D in units, walk out to beach.

Furnished, heated pool, covered parking. 1 mo. min. 941-383-3338.

WANTED LUXURY ANNUAL RENTALS

SPANISH MAIN: Annual Rental or Lease Purchase.

2BR/2BA with inside laundry. Completely renovated including new kitchen and granite. $1500/mo. 865.603.3126.

For Qualified Waiting Clients Contact - Sarasota Luxury Rentals 941-225-1356 email: info@sarasotaluxuryrentals.com

Condos For Sale LBK: SEAPLACE. Totally renovated 3BR/2BA, 1600/sq.ft., 2 pools, tennis, clubhouse. First floor, end unit with 2 lanais and private garden seating area. Full Gulffront views! Covered parking.

Contact: distreal@aol.com offered for $749,000.

Personalized attention with professional honest advice.

25 Years Experience - References available

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

Available Aug., Sept., Oct., Dec., 2013 & Feb. & March, 2014. Non-smoking/ pets. By owner.

941-383-1884.

Autos Wanted WE BUY CARS. TOP $$ PAID FOR YOUR VEHICLES. Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

Boat Slips For Rent/Sale

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

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT, up to 25’. High, dry, indoor marina. Excellent boating location. By the month or yearly. Private owner, 941-371-1866.

FOR RENT. Inside boat slip at The Boat House, Longboat Key. Up to 25’ LOA. Great location. $225/mo. 352-634-4788.

LBK MOORINGS Slip Rental, 65’ Open Water View (R/8) Dock, $500/per month annual.

813-500-0566.

FloRIDA VACATIon ConnECTIon www.Flvacationconnection.com 941-387-9709 877-705-2460

SLIP RENTAL- LBK Moorings. By Owner.

M18, premier slip, 58 ft. $600 month.

941-316-9372

Boats Boats are selling very well. Let’s talk about selling yours. Please visit: www.Islandboatsales.net I also buy boats.

Call Dave, (owner) 941-228-3489.

DID WE get your attention? You bet we did!

Visit us online at Make your ad stand out with COLOR. Onlywww.yourobserver.com in The Observer Classifieds.

Call 941-955-4888 to advertise.

This week’s Crossword answers Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

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

This week’s Sudoku answers

HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 56733

www.yourobserver.com Your Choice for local Classifieds 2013 LV2908

HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 117730

Ready When You Are Classified Ads … the Way to Sell

This week’s Cryptogram answers 1. My friend goes to the local gym a lot. His favorite machine is the vending machine!

2. A pro golfer asked his caddie, “Do you think I can get there with a five iron? The caddie, with a twisted grin, replied, “Yes, eventually.”

26A

Longboat Observer

THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013 Thursday, August 22, 2013

YourObserver.com

26A Classifieds Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

www.yourobserver.com Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

LIDO BEACH CONDOMINIUMS Weekly - Monthly - Seasonal Resort Properties, Inc. Licensed Real Estate Broker Full Service Condominium Management 941-388-3921 - 888-388-3921 941-650-1857 Visit us at: resortproperties.pro

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

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. 941-351-5101.

SINGLE PERSON, non-smoker looking for condo rental on Longboat Key, February 2014. Reply to: mhgolin@yahoo.com WEEKLY RENTALS. Luxurious, fully furnished 1 - 4 bedrooms. Condominiums and Cottages.

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

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

“Your Home by the Sea”

ISLE TILE

www.casadelmar.net

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

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

4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228

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

Fully equipped 2BR/2BA condos with washer and dryer, and wireless internet in each unit.

Extra Large Heated Gulf View Swimming Pool!

OUR GUESTS RETURN FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.

PROFESSIONAL TILE & MARBLE INSTALLATION 20 YRS. EXPERIENCE

PRE-FORECLOSURE OPPORTUNITY. Luxury Condo, Sarasota Bay views. 3 bed 3.5 bath.

Brooke O'Malley, CLUB REALTY. Call 941-726-2677, 941-366-8390.

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE 726-1802 LIC/ INS

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

Cleaning

SELL IT! 955-4888

30 YEARS experience. We take pride in pleasing customers. Homes, schools, churches, resorts, offices. 941-756-4570.

NV CLEANING Services. We care for what you care for! 941-536-7226

Expert Marble & Travertine Installation Floor & Walls

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

Masonry

I come to your home or office.

4 Bill Paying & Account Reconciliation 4 Organizing Personal and Business Files 4 Budgets & Financial Reports 4 Federal and State Tax Returns

Massage LONGBOAT MASSAGE rates. A one hour massage till October 1, 2013. 4134 Suite 208, Longboat Call 941-387-0857 or longboatmassage.com MM

Pet Services DOGGY HOTEL/GROOMING. 24 Hour Daycare.

FREE Daycare with groom (we are the best).

3925 Brown Avenue behind Sleep King. doggyhotel.net 941-554-4620.

Pressure Cleaning PRESSURE WASHING: Residential and Commercial. ECO Cleaning. Roofs, lanais, pool areas, etc. Roof coating also. 941-756-4570.

Transportation

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

Call for free and honest estimates.

941-525-2435

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

References upon request.

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

Personal & Business Bookkeeping Accounting/ Taxes

All Variations of Ceramic Tile Supplied & Installed.

Free Estimates & Custom Designs.

SHIP YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV anywhere in the United States. Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.wagnerrentals.com

YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner

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

TILE TILE TILE

Grout Cleaning & Sealing Service Available

Auto Transport

Personal Services PERSONAL SHOPPER & Errand Services mature woman 35 years experience - food, cosmetics, meal preparation, appointments.

941-350-9884

BONDED & INSURED Over 25 yrs. experience

Adult Care Services CAREGIVER IS available for traveling, baths, meds. Possible live-in. Full time or part time.

References. 941-545-5992.

RICK STEAKLEY PAINTING. Interior/Exterior.

Pressure Washing. Wallpaper Removal. Drywall Repairs. Reasonable. Reliable. Professional.

30+/years experience. References available.

Free Estimates.

Lic./Ins. 941-228-7605, rlsteakley60@gmail.com

STEVE ALLEN FLOOR COVERINGS

Waterfront Property

GULFSIDE A/C & Heating, LLC. SALES & SERVICE, FREE ESTIMATES! 10 MINUTE RESPONSE. Visa/MC/Disc. Lic. #CAC1816929 941-962-6863.

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m. M-F

www.yourobserver.com

20 years design background.

Licensed - Insured - LBK Resident References upon request.

941-383-2659

Reservations: 941-383-5549 Fax: 941-383-7925

Air Conditioning

Reservations 941-383-6127 Visa/ MC 800-352-0367

Painting/Wallpapering CARLO DATTILO PAINTING. Licensed & insured.

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

941-744-1020. 35+ years experience.

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

Weekly/Monthly Condominium Rentals 4 Night Minimum LIDO BEACH Vacation paradise. 1 & 2 bedroom condos overlooking beautiful Lido Beach.

Weekly rates. Lido Dorset. Rental condo.

1-800-734-3370.

Computer Services OWN A MAC/iPHONE/iPAD? MacTutor has 21+ years experience teaching Apple products.

I speak English, not “Geek”! (941) 812-3887 www.FLMacTutor.com

announces summer for $65! Good June 1 Gulf of Mexico Drive Key, FL 34228. book online at: 12915

ISLAND SEDAN Serving Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, West Bradenton and St. Armands Towncar Service Rates: To or From: Tampa International Airport: $80 St. Pete/Clearwater Airport: $75 Sarasota/Bradenton Airport: $35 Call for rates to other locations Local and Long Distance 941-730-8803 islandsedan@gmail.com www.islandsedan.com

Sell your service with success.

Advertise in The Observers’ $ 00* 92 Service Directory

ACTUAL SIZE

*12 week commitment required

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thE rEgulAr pricE with a 12-week commitment

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$

20* LV3018

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PelicanPress sIesTA KeY

THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER Thursday, August 22, 22,2013 2013 THURSDAY, AUGUST

Longboat Observer

www.yourobserver.com

AIR CONDITIONING

CONSTRUCTION

MO V I N G Dave McCarthy

Complete Systems Starting at

225000

$

115037

941-465-5208

)NSURED s ,ICENSE #!#!

“Will move anything from a couch to a household�

BOAT SERVICES DOCKSIDE BOAT REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

119029

SMS Mobile Marine Service *36 )LVKILQGHU ,QVWDOODWLRQ ‡ 2XWERDUGV , 2ªV ‡ ,QERDUGV Call for appointment ‡ 941-232-3523 CERTIFIED & INSURED

CARPET CLEANING

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UNFORGETTABLE

Make an appointment to see our �hurricane impact� model home located on three lusciously landscaped acres. This is the demonstration model of our quality and detailing.

A MUST SEE if you are considering remodeling – even just a kitchen or bathroom or building new from scratch.

Call 926-7676 & ask for Tim

SPINERGY STONE CARE SOLUTIONS /, 6 ,/ Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; , Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; , / Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;- / Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;/ ,, <<" ,iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x160; Â?i>Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160;-i>Â?Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2030;Ă&#x160;-Ă&#x152;>Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;,iÂ&#x201C;Â&#x153;Ă&#x203A;>Â?

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Dave McCarthy Operator/Owner

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

118165

Commercial & Residential

YourObserver.com

MOVERS

Service, Sales, Installation

www.integrityiscool.com

Classifieds 27A 27A

The Service DirecTory

WorkS for you!

Call 955-4888 to reserve your space.

Please visit our website: oldworldmasterbuilders.com

PAINTING

119505

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ELECTRIC

Since 1974

CERTIFICATION CERTIFIED FIRM

Free Service Call!

100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

($59 value) We install and repair all things electrical!

CLEANING

Krow Cleaning Co.

PLUMBING Any Plumbing Service in July-August receives FREE Advantage Plan

941-363-6333 www.boltelectricďŹ&#x201A;.com

Residential/Commercial/Events/Storms Clean Up

Tim

941-735-5778

EC13005160

117838

LIC# CFC1427462

119114

call for more information about The service directory!

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

KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING

INSURANCE

INSURANCE

FREE

INSTALLATION

118756

119031

Buy 1 grab bar & get 1 FREE

www.drgrabbars.com

OR 778-4461

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DEPENDABLE & ON TIME "7-

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GRAB THIS DEAL

941-966-0333

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RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL

PATIO REPAIRS, INC PATIO REPAIRS

Your Bathroom Safety Specialist

25 Off That Day Service!

$

PLUMBING

FURNITURE REPAIR

941-504-0903

s $ VALUE 9EAR 0LAN s OFF 0RICING ON &UTURE 7ORK FOR 9EARS s 4OP 0REFERENCE FOR 3CHEDULING 3ERVICE

CHRISTIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 778-3924

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COMPUTER

941-755-6300

Sarasota.MrRooter.com

This space could be yours!

119500

Move In/Move Out Clean Up Foreclosures Clean Up Storms Clean Up Events Clean Up House/Condo/Apartment/OfďŹ ce Next Day Guaranteed Call for Free Estimates

119406

of INSPECTION CLEANING and RESTORATION

118587

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Specializing in Large & Dangerous Tree Removal.

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118819

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117839 38056

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LV6437

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YourObserver.com

28A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

ROGER SELLS LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTY For the third time in five years, Roger has been named: #1 Realtor in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties • #1 Single Coldwell Banker agent for all of Florida

ROGER SELLS

GRAND BAY

❺

Grand Bay is a wonderful community, with warm people who are pet friendly! The views of the bay, city, bridge, marina and golf course are truly amazing! There are seven different floor plans, ranging from well-appointed two bedrooms to spectacular penthouses. The amenities include pools, jacuzzis, private club with bayfront workout center, tennis and a wonderful Beach Club.

1. grandbay263.com Beautifully upgraded 2BR/3½BA Cayman. Media room, wine storage, cook’s kitchen and custom features throughout. $1,595,000

❹ ❶

2. grandbay156.com Southern exposure! 3BR/3½BA, Antigua plan offers sprawling bay, city and golf course views from every room. $1,349,000

LA FIRENZA

lafirenzas301.com Direct Gulf front, southern exposure 4,800+ sf penthouse with designer details throughout. Extended wraparound terrace with summer kitchen and three car garage. $4,995,000

❸

3. grandbay241.com Lovely 3BR direct bayfront Antigua with wraparound terraces and 2,900+ living space. Many upgrades throughout. $1,195,000

PENDING

SARASOTA BAY

❷

4. grandbay212.com 3BR/3½BA Biscayne plan with wraparound bay and pool views.

In wonderful condition. May be purchased furnished. $759,000

PENDING

5. grandbay542.com 2BR/2BA, 4th floor, Bimini abounds in custom details and views of the bay, golf course and downtown.

Furnished. $699,000

ROGER SELLS COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

350southshoredrive.com Palatial 5BR/3½BA estate with views of the bay and downtown Sarasota. Heated pool.

Spacious 3-car garage. $2,445,000

SORRENTO SHORES

RITZ TOWER RESIDENCES

1015bogeylane.com

$1,895,000

4 bedrooms, 5½ baths

Stunning 4 BR plus den newer home with views down the canal out to the bay. Upgraded finishes and designer features. Country Club Shores is a lovely waterfront community comprised of custom-built homes. Access to Longboat Key’s private beach is just steps away.

ritztowerresidences503.com Enjoy stunning sunsets from nearly every room in this exquisite 3BR, 2,990 sf residence.

Furnished. $1,495,000

LONGBOAT BAYSIDE

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

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Three Things: Timeless Treasures PAGES 4 and 5

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

ONLINE

Read film critic Pam Nadon’s review of ‘Blue Jasmine’ at YourObserver.com.

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT | Best dressed

Black Tie The Festival of Stars PAGES 6 AND 7

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Made from

scratch One man’s trash is another designer’s costume in the State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota’s exhibit, The Art of the Costume ‘Reinvented.’

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

// Arts&Entertainment: Best dressed

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor (continued from page 1)

Made from Scratch One man’s trash is another designer’s costume in SCF’s exhibit, The Art of the Costume ‘Reinvented.’

A

SCF Studio 84 Productions: Ken Erickson’s design involves hundreds of postage stamps, coffee filters and dry cleaning bags.

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

The Glenridge Performing Arts Center’s design features shredded theater programs, garbage bags and seashells.

SCF Studio 84 Productions: The trim of Ken Erickson’s Eizabethan design involves Scrabble tiles and Bingo markers. A crown of Sixlets, gummy bears and Erickson’s daughter’s retainer adorn the mannequin’s tortellini hair.

Asolo Repertory Theatre: David Covach’s design mimics the style worn in “Showboat,” an upcoming Asolo Rep production. The jewelry is made from chewing gum and breath mints.

Venice Theatre: Becky Evan’s design, made from children’s books, will have a puzzlepiece trim and Elizabethan collar when it’s finished.

costume designer’s medium is typically fabric — not puzzle pieces, coffee filters or retired dental retainers. But, that’s not the case at SCF Fine Art Gallery’s upcoming The Art of the Costume “Reinvented.” In fact, no fabric is allowed, and anything unconventional goes.

The idea man behind the exhibit is Ken Erickson, the director of theater at the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota as well as manager of Neel Performing Arts Center. He was kicking around ideas with the curator and manager of the gallery, Joe Loccisano. Loccisano had success in 2009 with the first and only costume exhibit SCF hosted — The Art of the Costume, which featured 20 costumes from Asolo Repertory Theatre productions. The goal was to create an exhibit of the same caliber, but with a new spin.

The exhibit will open Sept. 6, about the same time the 2013/2014 theater seasons begin. Erickson thought the timing would make for a collaborative exhibit that would kick off and highlight area theaters’ seasons; each theater would supply a costume representative of one of its programs. Then, he took it one step further: The costumes could only be made from unorthodox material.

Ten theaters gladly committed to the exhibit, and most designers have found the rare opportunity a fun one to undertake — even though they traditionally haven’t sewn with dental floss, attached pieces with glitter glue or had to steam children’s picture books just to get the right shape of a piece.

The project came naturally for Erickson.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

3

// Arts&Entertainment Before studying theater at the State College of Florida, he studied art, which is evident in the elaborate detail in his quasi-sculptures.

For instance, he created an Elizabethanstyle dress from a combination of used Bingo cards, biohazard waste bags, packing foam, rope, Bingo markers and Scrabble tiles; and a collar made from veterinarian X-rays and gold-painted doilies. And he adorned the mannequin’s tortellini-haired head with a crown made of candy — Sixlets and gummy bears ­— and where an expensive jewel would be is, instead, an expensive orthodontic retainer that his daughter used to wear. His other costume design is just as elaborate and involves hundreds of postage stamps, coffee filters and dry cleaning bags.

He was nearly complete when he saw David Covach’s coffee filter dress.

“It really set the bar!” he says.

So, he stepped it up a notch. He tried several different materials for the jacket on the bodice before deciding the packing foam typically used for mailing dishes worked the best. He took care spraying the costume with bug spray so no bugs got to the pearls, emeralds and rubies that adorned his costumes (Sixlets and green and red gummy bears).

He hopes people will appreciate the costumes, not only on first glance, but will also spend time discovering the small details — such as the word “design” spelled out with Scrabble tiles on the hem or stencil-painted ivy on the red medical hazard bags. “(Usually) costumes are one of those things people look at on stage with someone in them, but they aren’t ever appreciated by themselves,” he says.

if you go The Art of the Costume ‘Reinvented’ opening reception When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6.

Exhibit runs through Oct. 16.

Where: SCF Fine Art Gallery, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton Cost: Free | Info: Call 752-5586 ONLINE: See some of the designers featured in the exhibit speak about their creations at YourObserver.com.

re-imagine  “Spamalot” is Florida Studio Theatre’s biggest production this season. A team of four women, headed by Mary Angermann, work to create The Lady of the Lake, a character in the musical. As of Aug. 13, they were about halfway through creating the costume made from fishing net, soda cans plastic drop cloths, crayons and, of course, cans of Spam.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

// HOME&GARDEN by Robert Plunket | Contributing Writer

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7706 Westmoreland Drive Architect Thorning Little is responsible for some of Sarasota’s most lavish homes.

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Older homes can be a challenge. They often need extra effort to bring them into the present while still preserving their unique charm — not so with these three vintage beauties. An expert in the field has beautifully updated each with style and imagination, and the results blend the old and the new to near perfection. For those who value character and history along with the ease of modern living, here are three of the best pre-war homes currently on the market.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

5

// HOME&GARDEN

2. Architectural History 1025 S. Orange Ave. Thomas Reid Martin came to town in 1910 to build Bertha Palmer’s legendary home, The Oaks, in Osprey. During his long career he designed more than 500 structures in Sarasota, one of the most charming being this Colonial Revival gem located just south of downtown. With its crisp white siding and dark-green shutters, it perfectly evokes the upper-middle

class lifestyle before World War II. Set on more than a half-acre of mature landscaping, the home has four bedrooms, four baths, a full attic and a cypress-paneled Florida room. There is also a guest cottage and a second-floor balcony that runs the length of the house, affording a view of the old oaks draped with Spanish moss.

Priced at $899,000. For more information, contact Carolyn Collins of Premier Sotheby’s at 941-320-0722.

Photos courtesy of Michael Saunders and Co.

3. Cottage Charm British born and educated, interior designer Pamela Hastings is known for her high-end residential and commercial projects all over the world. For her own home in Southside Village, she transformed a 1926 cottage — complete with white picket fence — into a chic yet informal residence set on a 100-foot-wide lot. The home has three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. In addition to enhancing the old-fashioned charm of the

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home, the designer added a new master suite and bath, complete with a large walk-in closet. In the back garden there is a 378-square-foot studio/guest cottage.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

// BLACK TIE: Camera ready

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

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// BLACK TIE

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KEn KiEsEWEttER: sr. Real Estate Advisor/REALtOR. 20 Years Real Estate Sales, Siesta Key and South County Specialist, Ken has consistently been a top producing agent: his expertise includes Condominiums, Investment Properties, and Waterfront Properties.

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10 Years Management at one of the most Elite Wellness & Fitness facilities in the country; whose clients included A-list Celebrities and Professional Athletes Amy Robinson Real Estate Advisors Group is also adding a Property/Vacation Rental Management Advisor, several Jr. Buyer’s Advisors; and through her affiliation with RE/MAX Alliance Group, Amy will be aggressively growing her market share and much of that will be through growing her team.

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When asked what drives Amy, her response is not surprising, “I strive to provide strategically simple yet superior results to every client on every transaction. I absolutely love selling real estate, it is my true passion; anyone who knows me knows how fortunate I consider myself to be able to do what I love everyday! RE/MAX is the #1 recognized brand in the world - and the RE/MAX Alliance Group is a Top tier organization that I am proud to be affiliated with; I am continually impressed with Peter Crowley and his awesome team of professionals.”

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

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