Longboat Observer 2.9.23

LONGBOAT

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Rare finds. PAGE 15

FREE • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

VOLUME 45, NO. 27

YOUR TOWN

Public enemy No. 1?

Residents complain about raccoons’ dumpster diving ways. PAGE 3

Fond Farewell Residents and colleagues bid Tom Harmer a final adieu. PAGE 4 Lesley Dwyer

A split decision

Mote’s manatees made their Super Bowl LVII picks on Tuesday morning, but it’s a split decision. Buffett swam his big snout straight to the Philadelphia Eagles sign, while Hugh pointed his flipper to the Kansas City Chiefs.

“We’ve done this for 15 years, and Buffet has selected right 11 out of 15 years, so he’s 11-4.

Hugh is only 6-9,” Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Vice President for Communications and Strategic Initiatives Kevin Cooper said.

The now 16-year tradition is based on target training, which is necessary for the manatees’ basic care. Knowing a treat will follow, the more than 1,000-pound mammals will happily agree to a blood draw or a Super Bowl pick.

Lauren Tronstad

Jack Daly recalled serving on the Town Commission that hired Tom Harmer as town manager. Harmer’s last day with the town was Monday.

Kat Wingert

Severe weather... in February?

Although hurricane season is still months away, we know that Longboaters are like Boy Scouts — they always like to be prepared.

Which may explain why the Town Commission declared Feb. 6-10 Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Both Mayor Ken Schneier and Fire Chief Paul Dezzi emphasized the importance of residents being armed with knowledge to keep themselves, their families and properties safe.

Hurricanes and tropical storms are just some of Florida’s extreme weather events. Not to be forgotten are extreme heat, heavy rain and the occasional tornado.

Rest assured, Dezzi said, he and the rest of the fire department have residents covered with educational resources and classes to make sure everyone’s prepared.

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Challenge accepted About 70 players compete in the 22nd Observer Challenge.

PAGE 12

Rose-colored glass.

INSIDE

Lesley Dwyer

Division 1 champions Caitlin McCormick, John Hutchens and Angie Eason.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

Major projects make progress on Longboat Over a dozen projects were included in the town’s January update.

sion voted to support the agreement as well.

GREER ISLAND SAND SPIT

LAUREN TRONSTAD

The town is getting closer to completing a plan to maintain the Greer Island spit. Tidal forces work to build up the spit around Greer Island, also known as Beer Can Island, over time.

This reduces navigation and water flow around the island.

In 2022, the town conducted an emergency clearing project to dredge the southern part of the spit to keep water flowing and sand from connecting it to the mainland. Spit growth reduces canal 1A access and flushing of the island’s lagoon.

The project of moving sand from the spit to the Gulf side has gone out for bids. Once those are received and approved, the department anticipates the project to take about 120 days from start to finish.

STAFF WRITER

W

ith nearly a dozen major projects in progress, the Longboat Key Public Works department provided town commissioners with an update to ensure they know what’s happening with each.

Here are the highlights from the January update.

TOWN CENTER GREEN

The town center project, which will completed in three phases, is well into phase two of construction.

Phase two includes installing pedestrian walkways, a master stormwater system, a donor-funded pavilion, restrooms, night-time walkway lighting, landscaping and electrical, sewer and water connections.

The construction contract was awarded to Jon F. Swift Construction for about $2.23 million.

Site work and the pavilion construction, which will be named after the primary donors Paul and Sarah Karon, is underway. The phase is on track for completion in June.

Phase three of the project has been classified as a “longer term effort” as the town has been in discussions with Sarasota County regarding a partnership toward a multi-purpose community center, which would include a county library location.

The county has budgeted $1 million in fiscal year 2023 for planning and design of the project. Prior to Tom Harmer’s departure as town manager, he and county officials worked to craft a “principles of agreement” document. The agreement has been reviewed by town commissioners and the Sarasota County Commis-

CANAL NAVIGATION MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

The town is still in the process of developing a canal navigation dredge program to maintain the town’s 81 canals in hopes of alleviating the need for a major dredge project every few years.

The last major dredge of canals the town completed was in 2003.

The town has identified 14 priority canals, but the list may grow since the original study was conducted in 2016. Priority canals were categorized as such due to the condition of the canal and its ability to meet its designed intent: navigation.

Department employees are continuing to work with canal-fronting property owners to assist with private dredging interest prior to implementation of a program.

An update to the Town Commission is scheduled for the Feb. 21 workshop.

SEA LEVEL RISE STUDY

The final phase, implementation, is all that is left to complete for the

File photo

A program to manage sand on the Greer Island spit are among projects in the works on the barrier island.

town’s sea level rise study. A final presentation to commissioners is expected at the Feb. 21 workshop.

The town already has American Rescue Plan Act funding of $1.8 million set aside to help offset costs of this project and the neighborhood drainage assessments, but the town is also seeking grant funding for these two projects.

NEIGHBORHOOD DRAINAGE ASSESSMENTS

Reports for assessments made for the Sleepy Lagoon and Buttonwood Harbor neighborhoods have already been completed and were presented to commissioners in December.

The town is pursuing grant funding for the first set of action items for both neighborhoods. The same $1.8 million in ARPA funding set aside for the sea level rise study is planned for use toward projects in this category as well.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES LEFT TURN LANE

The town’s initial project design has been completed and the Florida Department of Transportation per-

mit has been obtained. The town is seeking FDOT construction funding, which requires additional design review and new construction cost estimates. The project is currently targeted for fiscal year 2024 to bid the project.

BROADWAY AT GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE ROUNDABOUT

Design is about 90% complete for the north end roundabout project.

A complete design is expected this month.

COMPLETE STREETS CORRIDOR PLAN

The Gulf of Mexico Drive complete streets corridor plan is complete, and the town has applied for SUN trail grant-funding for the multiuse trail component. Next steps include discussing options with FDOT to fund a portion of corridor plan improvements.

TOWN HALL HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM

The town was awarded a grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to fund improve-

ments including replacement of the Town Hall generator, hardening and improving window openings and the roof. Improvements require additional funding, which the town is hoping to receive from federal grants.

Completion is pending budget and schedule feasibility.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES ASBESTOS PIPE REPLACEMENT

Design of all project phases has been completed with phases one and two being advertised for bid this spring.

The town budget currently has $7.1 million planned for the project.

If bids come in over budget, the town will re-advertise as a smaller, revised project.

STREETS RESURFACING PROGRAM

The department has been reviewing streets identified by residents, staff and vendors to develop priorities for resurfacing. The first round of repairs is underway. Jungle Queen Road is among streets next up on the list.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

3

BAD NEIGHBORS Courtesy photo

Raccoons have long been residents of Joan M. Durante Park, but lately have been showing up en masse to dine on Euphemia Haye’s dumpster.

Neighbors of Euphemia Haye have brought forth issues with the restaurant being overly attractive to raccoons.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

R

accoons have become the talk of the town again on Longboat Key. The barrier island and surrounding areas have always had some issues with the so-called “trash pandas,” but they have gained the spotlight again.

Resident John Frank has expressed continual issues with a nearby dumpster at restaurant Euphemia Haye. Frank, who lives near the restaurant, has a photo and video of dozens of raccoons scurrying around the dumpster, which has its lid open and the gates around it open. The video was shown to town commissioners Monday, eliciting gasps from those in attendance.

“That’s an unforgivable, unacceptable scene that we just saw,” Mayor Ken Schneier said of the video.

Frank says the state of the dumpster provides a sizable nuisance to himself and nearby property owners.

HISTORICAL PROBLEM ANIMALS n Raccoons: Not only are they a nuisance to humans, but it is crucial they are kept away from sea turtle nests during nesting season as they are notorious for digging in the nests and eating the eggs. n Peacocks: When peacocks had their moment as the town’s issue animal, some residents were displeased with other’s desire to limit their presence on the island. When the birds were frequenting the island, specifically Longbeach Village, the town’s approach was to remove all female birds, but allow for 10-12 male birds to maintain their residence. n Coyotes: The last time reports were made of coyote sightings in the town was in 2021. Reports to the town began in 2018 with a two-year break in between. The police department was the lead contact and aided in the issue and since then no additional reports of sightings have been forwarded to the town.

“I have recently learned in the last month of a number of our neighbors that have been attacked, both themselves and their pets, by raccoons that frequent the dumpster at Euphemia Haye,” he said. “...What has happened is the raccoons are no longer satisfied with frequenting the dumpster area. They have gone out into the neighborhood.”

He recounted instances of raccoons acting as greeters at the doors of the restaurant, friends and neighbors wary of taking usual walks in the neighborhood and a friend carrying a golf club with him on walks with his dog to ward off aggressive raccoons.

Commissioner Debra Williams recalled an email she had received from a neighbor about a year ago regarding an issue with raccoons at the same restaurant.

Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons said he wasn’t aware of that complaint, but the town has been working with Euphemia Haye to see if another type of dumpster might solve the issue.

“Our code enforcement officer has made contact with the restaurant to let them know about this and help facilitate a replacement dumpster,” Parsons said.

According to Euphemia Haye owner Amy Whitt, the new dumpster was already purchased by the town and is now in its new home.

“There’s only so much we can do,” she said. “More people might be seeing us have this issue than other restaurants because of the location of our dumpster.”

The dumpster sits in the restaurant parking lot, which is near Joan Durante Park, a historic favorite residence of many raccoons on the Key. “We don’t want to put anyone in

KEEPING RACCOONS AWAY Raccoons are pesky creatures, and the general public has little to no knowledge of removing them and keeping them away from their homes for the long term.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are a few humane ways to potentially rid your yards and garbage cans of raccoons.

For yards, repellent can be applied to the perimeter. The website lists capsaicin as a potential repellent. Keeping exterior lights on can confuse the raccoons

danger,” she said. “We just ask customers not feed or approach them.”

Whitt hopes the town will take a larger step into the situation and begin keeping tabs on the raccoons that live in the park.

The removal of the raccoons is a bit of a tricky subject, Parsons said. This is largely because Florida Fish and Wildlife does not consider raccoons to be a nuisance species.

“Even if there isn’t a specific tightly closed dumpster regulation, it’s pretty clear that what’s going on at that site would rise to the level of a public nuisance,” Schneier said.

While neither Schneier or other commissioners had a clear answer on how to solve the issue, they were all in agreement that something has to be done — and soon.

“I think it’s incumbent on us to ensure there isn’t an issue of these raccoons being rabid,” Commissioner Sherry Dominick.

In hopes of addressing this issue

and tip you off of their presence.

Sprinklers can also be used to frighten approaching raccoons.

Keeping raccoons out of trash cans be a slightly larger investment, physically and financially.

The organization suggests purchasing garbage cans designed to keep out wildlife, securing lids with bungee cords, ropes or weights and limiting the time the can is out by the curb. When the trash can is not out by the curb, it is suggested it be kept inside a shed or garage.

and others, the town is in the process of adopting new property maintenance codes. The new code would help residents and the town ensure garbage cans and dumpsters are not left out or are open or uncovered.

The current code does not require dumpsters and garbage cans have lids that are closed and secured, but the new code would.

Residents would also not be allowed to leave their garbage cans at the end of a driveway for longer than 48 hours before or after their designated pickup date.

However, commissioners were mindful of making the rules reasonable for residents to follow and the town to enforce. The Commission unanimously voted to forward the revised code to its March 6 regular meeting for second reading and adoption.

“Even if there isn’t a specific tightly closed dumpster regulation, it’s pretty clear that what’s going on at that site would rise to the level of a public nuisance” Lauren Tronstad

Raccoons are fond of Euphemia Haye’s dumpsters. The dumpster pictured has since been replaced.

— Ken Schneier

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

Town celebrates Harmer’s tenure Dozens of town staff, residents and county colleagues attended his retirement party Monday.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

F

ormer Town Manager Tom Harmer made his final trip to Longboat Key Town Hall Monday, opting to walk to give him the opportunity to soak in the town and reminisce on his career.

Dozens of town staff, residents and colleagues from surrounding jurisdictions stopped by to congratulate Harmer on his retirement and thank him for his years of service.

The celebration, which lasted about two hours, provided time for everyone to connect with Harmer, his wife, Dee, and one another — and to reflect on his five years with the town.

On Monday, Harmer attended his final Town Commission meeting as an aid to now Town Manager Howard Tipton. Originally, Harmer was set to retire in December, but he agreed to stay on when Tipton wasn’t able to start until Jan. 30. In characteristic fashion, Harmer said a smooth transition was more important than him adhering to his planned end date.

Following the meeting, he and his wife will be making the drive to Winter Garden, where he is moving to be near his sons and grandchildren.

Along with refreshments, town staff put together a sign with messages from members of staff wishing him well in his retirement.

“Congratulations on everything you have achieved both while serving the citizens of the Town of Longboat Key and Sarasota County,” a note from Special Services Director Carolyn Brown said. “You have exemplified everything extraordinary in a town manager and county

administrator, including incredible dedication, leadership and professionalism.”

People who attended the meeting were also able to write personalized notes to Harmer before placing them in a box that were given to him at the end of his party.

Assistant to the Town Manager Susan Phillips compiled a list of the challenges Harmer faced with her during their six years working together, including peacocks, coyotes, red tide, COVID-19, hurricanes, pickleball and 178 commission agendas.

“I assure you, the office was never dull — we went from coyotes to (COVID-19) pretty quickly among so many other surprises that are part of the job,” Phillips said in an email.

“I hope you take pride in knowing you left things better than you found them,” Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons wrote in his note to Harmer.

Commissioners took the first portion of their Feb. 6 meeting to wish Harmer well, and all of them expressed gratitude for projects he oversaw and communication between citizens and the kind of town government that he fostered.

Specifically, under Harmer’s management, the town posted monthly “Talk of the Town” videos to keep citizens updated on town projects and activities. The annual citizen satisfaction survey also began during his tenure.

Following his formal recognition and a standing ovation from audience members, Harmer described feeling “humbled, honored and fortunate” for his 45 years in public service ending on the barrier island. He said he garnered some interest from other municipalities when they learned of his retirement, but after working on Longboat, he knew this would be his last place of employment.

“I have no interest in working anywhere else,” Harmer said. “If I did, I would not be leaving the town.”

Photos by Lauren Tronstad

Brad Johnson, Howard Tipton, Ed Lavallee, Mark Cunningham, Jonathan Lewis, Tom Harmer, Steve Botelho and Sheriff Kurt Hoffman gathered at Harmer’s retirement party.

Tom Harmer and his wife, Dee, will be moving to Winter Garden to be closer to their sons and grandchildren.

Town staff submitted notes of congratulations and well wishes for Tom Harmer’s retirement as town manager.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

5

St. Armands’ Winter Spectacular: One and done?

Sarasota City Commission wants data from staff before deciding whether to permit a return of the Winter Spectacular.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

D

epending on whom is speaking, the first holiday season Winter Spectacular at St. Armands Circle was either a rousing success or a colossal nuisance.

Both sentiments were on clear display Monday as organizers of the sixweek festival were back before the Sarasota City Commission seeking to not make the first Winter Spectacular the last.

Twenty-three St. Armands-area residents, business owners and others spoke in roughly even numbers of support and opposition during Monday’s commission meeting, ranging in claims from taking an hour to get out of a driveway to traffic actually being lighter than usual. On the agenda was a request by Tom Leonard, owner of Shore restaurant and Jeff Koffman of Ride Entertainment to consider issuing a use permit for to operate the event again in 2023.

Leonard is also chairman of the St. Armands Business Improvement District board of directors. His involvement in the festival, though, is a personal endeavor not affiliated with the BID. In addition to generating more customers for Circle merchants, Leonard said the festival boosted revenue for the city parking deck just off the Circle. He said data from the city’s parking department reported 47% more fees collected in December compared to the year prior — not from more cars, but rather cars parked there longer.

Koffman told commissioners the festival attracted approximately 20,000 visitors, but because they were dispersed over time during

File photo

A synthetic ice skating rink was a main attraction during the Winter Spectacular at St. Armands Circle.

festival hours, the additional traffic generated was negligible.

“We can continue to control crowds through the disbursements of tickets through time slots, diminishing any concerns about traffic, and the issue is traffic,” Koffman said. “At our peak, we had 400 people in a two-hour period. If you assume three people per car, that’s about a car a minute.”

Those speaking in opposition ranged from traffic complaints to questioning the legality of permitting an event that charges admission to be held in a public space. City Attorney Robert Fournier reminded commissioners the circle park at St. Armands, as public right of way on a state highway, belongs to the Florida Department of Transportation, which has long-since ceded authority over use of the space, if not ownership, to the city. In addition, he

said, FDOT had no objection to the festival.

Leonard and Koffman pitched the Winter Festival to commissioners last October as a fitting celebration of the city’s $286,000 grant to replace St. Armands’ 20-year-old holiday tree. Pulling off the event in only 28 days, they brought their request early this year to facilitate more planning.

Citing most of the information provided by the two was anecdotal, commissioners unanimously voted to continue the matter to a future board meeting. They’re looking for traffic data, incident reports from the Sarasota Police Department, parking statistics and other numbers to take into consideration.

Commissioner Debbie Trice suggested continuing to an April meeting. Vice Mayor Liz Alpert asked if the research could be completed

“So that’s the rub. Does it belong to all residents or does it belong to a few residents?”

— Erik Arroyo

sooner. Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson responded that staff is already working under his direction to collect the data.

“We have been working on that since about mid-week last week, and as there are four or five different departments that are feeding into that I’m getting streams of information,” he said. “Instead of trying to piecemeal them out, I’d rather put something together and report back holistically on it, especially consid-

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ering there’s been additional comment and questions that have come out of some of the citizens’ input some of the businesses’ input.”

Among festival opponents’ claims were charges that commissioners favor business interests over residents. That didn’t set well with Commissioner Erik Arroyo.

“Everything we do is for our residents. Now however, the question that we have to ask ourselves is which residents?” he said. “Some people believe that St. Armands belongs to the residents that live on St. Armands, whereas there’s another whole group of residents that believe that St. Armands, as a commercial district, is for everyone. It’s for all the residents of the entire city and even beyond.

“So that’s the rub. Does it belong to all residents or does it belong to a few residents?”

Added Mayor Kyle Battie: “We look out for the residents. You may not agree with all the decisions that we make, but make no mistake about it, we do have to take in consideration the residents of the city no matter where they are.”

Merchants who support the return of the festival told commissioners they noted no traffic impact in the Circle throughout the event. Residents who live off the Circle painted a different picture. Trice said the forthcoming traffic report may clear up that inconsistency, positing that drivers traveling to and from Lido and Longboat keys might have avoided the Circle and instead traveled neighborhood streets. “”We have to take into consideration that the impact on the residents and what is being seen by the merchants on the Circle could be two different things,” Trice said. “I want to get the information on the staffing, on the cost and the impacts, and I want a better understanding of the impact on the actual stakeholders — the merchants, the business owners, the residents and the barrier island residents who have to go back and forth.”

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Religious Life From Sarah to Miriam, Rachel, and Rebekah, women have been an integral part of the Jewish experience. Today’s women carry on this rich tradition.

On February 10th at 5:30 pm, guest Rabbi Jennifer Singer will deliver the Shabbat sermon, “Reproductive Rights: A Jewish Perspective.” Rabbi Singer is Rabbi Emerita of Sarasota’s Congregation Kol HaNeshama and a member of the Renewal Movement of Judaism. All are invited.

The role of women in religious life was embraced January 13, with a Women’s Shabbat service.

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6

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

Millions for wastewater 75th St. W.

The funding will aid in covering costs for the portion of the project running under Sarasota Bay.

53rd Ave. W.

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LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

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Intercoastal Waterway Lift Station “D” Point of Connection Existing Force Main (Subaqueous) Manatee County Southwest WRF

Courtesy photo

underwater portion.

MAINLAND STATUS

When the town decided to feed a new, smaller and more durable pipe into the existing one, it was also able to reduce the total replacement costs for that portion of the project.

Previously, the plan was to build a new pipe parallel to the existing one, which went into service in the 1970s.

The original pipe was built to accommodate more than 50,000 residents on the Key. The reality is a peak season population of about half that number after a 1984 decision to rezone the island changed the trajectory of its growth and development.

Th reality of that smaller peak population allowed the town to pursue the alternate, cheaper replacement method for the pipe.

Upon completion of the mainland portion, about 5,000 feet of the pipe will have been lined. That portion is expected to cost about $2.6 million,

including engineering, permitting, materials and construction.

The entirety of the pipeline from the town to the county’s treatment facility measures about 4 miles.

About 1.2 miles were identified for work within the mainland project.

The total cost for replacing the entire sewer line was originally estimated to be about $24.8 million when the town was going to build the parallel pipe, but with the new method for the mainland portion the new estimated cost is about $21.7 million.

Due to the environmental damages caused by the sewer main break, the town entered into a consent order with FDEP in February 2021 to help offset some of the damages in lieu of a penalty payment. Payment was not entirely avoided as the agreement required the town to pay $15,000 to the Nature Coast Mitigation Bank.

Final steps in the agreement include the replacement of the

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In 2022, the town launched an incremental increase in water and sewer rates in anticipation of borrowing not only for the pipeline project but also to replace water pipes in Country Club Shores.

The town’s water and sewer rates were also reset last year to begin climbing to help pay for the sewer line and the work in Country Club Shores. From an average bill of $74.75 in 2021, bills will climb to $105.30 by 2029. With the additional revenue, the town will borrow the remainder of what it needs to complete the two water and sewer projects.

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new wastewater pipeline under Sarasota Bay is a step closer to its funding needs after receiving $3 million in federal grants for the project.

The project is one of two that is working to replace the town of Longboat Key’s sewer main after a break occurred in June 2020, spilling millions of gallons of effluent in Manatee County.

The other project focuses on relining the mainland portion of the pipe and is nearly complete.

When the town will receive the funding is still unknown, but depending on when and how the funds are received, the design-phase portion of the project under the bay could be completed sooner than anticipated.

The town said the $3 million it received matched its request when it applied for federal funds. The appropriation follows approval of the 2023 Omnibus budget approved by Congress in December.

“The portion under the bay still needs to be fully designed with potential permit modifications, so those would most likely be the next steps,” Public Works Director Isaac Brownman said in an email. “...

Originally, funding for final design completion was not anticipated until town fiscal year 2024, so depending on when and how this funding is disbursed, this could advance the completion of design sooner.”

The town has final permits from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and United States Army Corps of Engineers for the

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

7

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lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are suitable only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. Principal value and return of an investment will fluctuate with changes in market conditions. This presentation is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered a solicitation on our part with respect to the purchase or sale of any securities, investments, strategies or products that may be mentioned. The organizations represented by the speakers provided financial support for this Forum. Investments and CRC2901257 01/20 services offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC2345187 12/18 Morgan Stanley STAR Event 2020 AD.indd 1

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Individuals should consult with their tax/legal advisors before making any tax/legal-related investment decisions as Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax/legal advice. There will be no discussion of, or distribution of written materials relating to, specific products or investments at this presentation. Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. Principal value and return of an invest-ment will fluctuate with changes in market conditions.

This presentation is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered a solicitation on our part with respect to the purchase or sale of any securities, investments, strategies or products that may be mentioned. The organizations represented by the speakers provided financial support for this Forum. Investments and services offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC5410564 1/23

8

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

The War of Education The inevitable has been exposed: State-controlled, taxpayer-funded education doesn’t work. The power needs to shift from politicians to parents.

MATT WALSH

T

he second front of our nation’s Civil Cultural War continues: The War of Education: Who Will Control the Schools and Our Children’s Minds — the Progressive Elites and Professional Educrats? Parents? Or Politicians?

Perhaps another way to state the above is that we have reached the climax of the predictable results of our nation’s 175-year-old, government-controlled, taxpayer financed education system: Inevitable failure.

More and more parents aren’t going to take it anymore. The war for dramatic change — total parental choice — is underway. And Florida has become one of the fiercest battlegrounds.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican Legislature are using the force and power of the law as heavy artillery; ordinary, grassroots parents are in hand-to-hand combat with school boards; and the deeply entrenched, establishmentelitist, progressive educrats are scrambling inside their institutional fortresses to fortify the gates.

For nearly two centuries, the public-education rulers, university presidents, tenured professors and education union leaders have fooled most Americans into believing the taxpayer-funded, state-run public education systems have been the bedrock and source of America’s societal success.

But shame on us baby boomers.

More than any generation, baby boomers have ignored the obvious signs of what was always known about socialism and socialistic institutions: In time, they fail, leaving incalculable devastation behind.

Employers know the effects well.

Just talk to them about the quality applicants coming from our schools.

As these socialistic, central-government systems reach their end, as happened after more than a century with Communism and the Soviet Union, their failures are exposed for all to see. And that’s what happened with the Chinese coronavirus and resulting shutdown of our schools.

They brought to light what has been happening for decades in our children’s classrooms: The nation’s public education institutions became indoctrination factories and laboratories to spread anti-American, radical, leftist beliefs, emphasizing diversity, equity and inclusion at the expense of academic achievement and teaching students how to think.

For three generations, American students have flatlined in academic progress. U.S. fourth graders rank 36th out of 79 countries in math and 13th in reading, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. But from the pandemic in 2020 to 2022, average scores for 9-year-olds declined five points in reading and seven points in math, the largest average score decline in reading since 1990 and the first ever decline in math, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

As a state, Florida has been a rising star, compared to its longheld and earned reputation as a

terrible place for public education.

In the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress, Florida’s fourth graders ranked second in reading (behind Massachusetts and Wyoming) and third in math (behind Wyoming, Massachusetts and Nebraska).

While that is worth celebrating, when you look at student proficiency in these subjects, the percentage of students who are proficient is dismal. Reading proficiency: 39%; math: 41%.

Ok, we know the argument: The teachers and schools cannot control what parents are doing or not doing at home. Garbage in, garbage out.

But that goes back to pointing fingers at baby boomers. Products of an era when there was more emphasis on fundamental academics and almost none on saving the earth or DEI, baby boomers sent their children to the state-controlled public schools with confidence that the schools did what boomers experienced as students.

We boomers let our children be treated as wards of the state.

But public education succumbed over the decades to what Milton Friedman wrote: the Theory of Bureaucratic Displacement. That is, “in a bureaucratic system, an increase in expenditure will be matched by a fall in production.”

In Florida and every other state, per-pupil spending increased year after year. Teacher unions flourished, embedding themselves with their legislators. Lawmakers in turn meddled and increased the state’s control over what went on in the classrooms.

Education became monolithic; parents had almost no choice.State centralization reduced the power of the consumers (parents) and increased the power of the producers (educrats and the state).

In 1999, though, Gov. Jeb Bush single-handedly began the state’s shift toward school choice and vouchers. Since then, Florida has become among the top three states for offering choice to elementary, middle and high school students.

But expanding choice has been an intense battle for nearly 25 years.

Proponents of choice still encounter fierce resistance at every step from the public-school believers.

While Republican lawmakers continued to pass additional schoolchoice legislation, unbeknown to many, on the state’s university campuses the tentacles of the social justice believers (e.g. America is systematically racist) spread.

In May 2021, this space reported for our readers how the state’s major universities had entered the vortex of incorporating Critical Race Theory into every aspect of their operations.

Then UF President Kent Fuchs sent a letter to all students and faculty outlining the school’s plans: n “UF will require training of all current and new students, faculty and staff on racism, inclusion and bias. n “UF’s Office of Research will make available this academic year competitive grants to faculty on topics of race, equity, justice and reconciliation. n “The 2020-21 academic year will focus on the black experience, racism and inequity. Each of our colleges will feature speakers, seminars and courses.…”

Simultaneously, when the pandemic required Florida public school children to attend school remotely, many parents suddenly became shocked by what was being taught. The Sarasota County School Board became ground zero for parent-school board confrontations.

The War on Education hit full scale — with Gov. DeSantis the Gen. Patton of being determined

DeSantis guillotine beheads NCF This is what we predicted for New College of Florida in this space Jan. 19: “[W]e can all expect another tumultuous chapter in the college’s

six-decade history, one that is likely to last at least two years … “[E]xpect a lot of headlines and controversy. Turnarounds and throwing out old ways are never easy or

to destroy education wokeness in Florida.

“We will never surrender to the woke mob,” DeSantis told his inauguration audience. “Florida is where woke goes to die.”

Yes, get rid of woke in the schools.

But in the process of eliminating woke-ism in education, DeSantis is also demonstrating what has been and will forever be a mortal flaw of State-funded and State-controlled education: It will be at the mercy of whatever politicians are in power.

Customers will never be in control.

To be sure, DeSantis is working on behalf of Florida parents and students to shift the state system’s focus back on teaching students how to write, read, do math and think. That’s the way it should be.

But consider his handling of New College of Florida and the Legislature’s new laws governing what books are allowed in the schools. n New College: Dissatisfied with the school’s performance, DeSantis used his authority to pursue what he wants — a state-supported version of Hillsdale College.

With his authority and the belief he is doing what is right, he handpicked conservative trustees to change the direction of the school.

In turn, the trustees abruptly fired President Patricia Okker, giving her and the board no time to determine whether she could do the job.

The perception of this to the public was not good: Authoritarian governor ousts university president because he thinks she is woke.

And then, DeSantis pledged, according to the Tampa Bay Times, an infusion of $15 million into New College to be spent on hiring new faculty and scholarships for students, with $10 million more every year thereafter.

Again, the perception: Authoritarian governor funneling taxpayer money into a university venture that in its 60 years of existence hasn’t proven to be financially viable. Call us a skeptical cynic, but it reminds us: Throwing good money after bad. n Book vetting: In DeSantis’ and the Legislature’s efforts to keep inappropriate LGBTQ and transgender literature and pornography out of elementary and middle schools (Hear! Hear!), the Legislature created a new layer of education bureaucracy. It has the right intention, but when you read about the labyrinthine process for vetting books and multiply that by 67, you can’t help but think: More government control, more bureaucracy.

The Politburo at work.

To be fair, you can argue DeSantis is doing what any governor would do — trying to shape state institutions to reflect what he believes is best for the taxpayers of Florida.

But therein is the fatal flaw of State-owned education: The power is in the hands of the politically powerful, not the hands of the marketplace or customer.

As long as Florida and the United States continue to have State-controlled, taxpayer-funded schools, the nation’s education system will be what it is today — in turmoil, mediocre at best, at the whims of political power. Ugh. Longtime readers know we have advocated over the years (12 years ago, the last time) that U.S. education should be entirely privatized.

It’s not a realistic proposition, given how Americans have been so bamboozled over the value of taxpayerfunded education.

But in this War of Education, great progress is occurring toward giving parents choice. Arizona is the model. For all Arizona children in kindergarten through high school, they can receive from $6,000 to $6,500 a year from the state to attend any private school or

comfortable. Often, they are nasty and ugly.

“But for sure, (Gov. Ron) DeSantis has sent his opening message: New College cannot and will not maintain the status quo …

“Whenever a business brings in new leadership and a new direction,

A FEW TRUTHS ABOUT PUBLIC EDUCATION

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

Milton and Rose Friedman “Free to Choose” First edition, 1979 n “Public education is, we fear, suffering from the same malady as are so many of the programs discussed in the preceding and subsequent chapters.

“More than four decades ago Walter Lippmann diagnosed it as the ‘sickness of an over-governed society,’ the change from ‘the older faith … that the exercise of unlimited power by men with limited minds and self-regarding prejudices is soon oppressive, reactionary and corrupt, … that the very condition of progress was the limitation of power to the capacity and the virtue of the rulers” to the newer faith “that there are no limits to man’s capacity to govern others and that, therefore, no limitations ought to be imposed upon government.” n “… Power has gravitated to professional educators. The sickness has been aggravated by increasing centralization and bureaucratization of schools …” n “There is no case for subsidizing persons who get higher education at the expense of those who do not. Insofar as governments operate institutions of higher education, they should charge students fees corresponding to the full cost of the educational and other services they provide to them.” n “We believe that the growing role that government has played in financing and administering schooling has led not only to enormous waste of taxpayers’ money but also to a far poorer educational system than would have developed had voluntary cooperation continued to play a larger role.”

Murray Rothbard “Education: Free & Compulsory,” 1971 n “… Since the State began to control education, its evident tendency has been more and more to act in such manner as promote repression and hindrance of education, rather than the true development of the individual.” n “One of the best ways of regarding the problem of compulsory education is to think of the almost exact analogy in the area of that other great educational medium — the newspaper.

What would we think of a proposal for the government, Federal or State, to use the taxpayers’ money to set up a nationwide chain of public newspapers and compel all people, or all children, to read them?

“What would we think furthermore of the government’s outlawing all other newspapers, or indeed outlawing all newspapers that do not come up to the ‘standards’ of what a government commission thinks children ought to read?”

purchase state-approved tutoring, educational courses and materials for home schooling.

The tax dollars go with the child.

In Florida, that should be the next step.

The results will create what is needed capitalistic competition — the true bedrock of America’s social success.

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Eric Garwood, EGarwood@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Lesley Dwyer, LDwyer@YourObsever.com; Lauren Tronstad, LTronstad@YourObsever.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com Editorial Designer / José Valle, JValle@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@ YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Lexi Huelsman, LHuelsman@ YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Manager / Lori Downey, LDowney @YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Marketing Specialist / Melanie Melone, MMelone@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Director of Information Technology / Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com

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those two things result in a lot of blood, executions and exoduses of the old guard.”

The new New College Board of Trustees fired NCF President Patricia Okker Jan. 31 in its first meeting.

— MW

1970 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

9

Passion for pickleball surges Bayfront Park pickleball courts sport long waitlists at peak play times.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

T

File photo

Citizen survey deadline nears

Lauren Tronstad

players aren’t present.

Levine said pickleball players would be informed of the court’s primary use and notified that if a group arrives wanting to play tennis, they must exit the court, move aside the nets and go to the front of the line of those waiting for the designated pickleball courts.

“I understand that is stretching our imagination in terms of how we could treat each other with civility and friendship, but I think we can do it,” he said.

The issue has begged another concern for commissioners. Is the demand for pickleball keeping others who may want to take a walk or bring grandchildren to the playground from enjoying the area? The answer is most likely yes.

“My biggest concern is that the park is just getting overrun and there being no parking for anybody else,” Commissioner Mike Haycock said.

“Our dog-lovers can’t use the park anymore because they can’t park anywhere; our beach-goers can’t use the beach anymore because they can’t park … there is just no parking for anybody.”

Commissioners came to a consensus to pick up the discussion again at their Feb. 21 workshop.

Jim Wolohan and Alice Green play pickleball at Bayfront Park Tuesday morning.

Residents have until Feb. 11 to complete town’s annual check up on services.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

T

he final week to fill out Longboat Key’s fourth annual citizen satisfaction survey has arrived.

In early January, the town sent each household a letter in the mail with a unique code and a set of instructions for completing the survey.

Anyone who missed the letter or didn’t receive one can still take part by contacting Support Services Director Carolyn Brown at CBrown@ LongboatKey.org or 941-316-1999.

The survey closes Feb. 11.

Homeowners can access the survey online from their home computers, tablet or phone. If desired, residents can also fill out the survey at digital the kiosk in Town Hall as long as they come prepared with their letter showing their unique code.

Forbes’ 2022 Best-in-State Wealth Advisor

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Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, April 7, 2022, based on the 12-month period ending June 30 of the year prior to publication. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and selected from a pool of nominations as indicated in the methodology. Neither SHOOK Research nor Forbes receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. The rankings may not be representative of any one client’s experience and are not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance. Investment performance is not a criterion for selection. Forbes is a registered trademark of Forbes, Inc. All rights reserved.

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For more information on the selection methodology, see www.stifel.info/award-disclosures.

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All answers to the approximately 50 questions included in the survey will be anonymous.

A variety of topics are covered in questions to residents and include the quality of town beaches, parks and town-owned amenities, departmental services such as police, fire and public works and events residents would like to see available at the Town Center. Many of these questions are asked annually as a means of tracking trends.

New questions for the 2023 edition of the survey include use of emergency personnel, levels of social media use, hurricane preparedness and the amount of time a resident actually lives on the Key. The final report is expected to be completed and presented to town commissioners in advance of their April strategic planning retreat.

The town remains contracted with the John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government at the University of South Florida.

The survey costs the town about $23,000 annually.

Hurricane preparedness is among topics introduced in the 2023 survey.

Neither Stifel nor its financial advisors provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal or tax professional if expert assistance is required.

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here can never be too many pickleball courts — or at least that’s the sentiment of the sport’s fans on Longboat Key. And they’re making it known to the Town Commission.

As the busy season has ramped up, so has the demand for use of the town’s pickleball courts.

Tuesday morning at around 10:30 a.m. about 25 people were waiting for their next turn to use Bayfront Park’s pickleball courts.

Even so, many said that such a crowd was milder than it would have been earlier in the morning.

“We wait upwards of 30 minutes sometimes for a 10-minute game,” Jim Wolohan said.

Wolohan has been playing for seven years and has seen firsthand the growth in popularity the sport has seen in recent years.

“The sport is really exploding,” he said.

Over the last few Town Commission meetings, fans of pickleball have taken the opportunity to ask for aid in the ever-present problem at the Bayfront Park courts.

As resident Dave Levine told commissioners, parking is nonexistent as upwards of 40 people wait their turn to use the pickleball courts at Bayfront Park. The park currently has five courts available, which allows for a maximum 20 people to play the sport at any given time.

However, the adjacent tennis courts typically remain empty. Residents have been asking commissioners to consider allowing pickleballers to use the tennis courts with privately funded rollaway nets when tennis

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

COPS CORNER

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

SATURDAY, JAN. 28

WATCH-IDENTIFIED NON-EMERGENCY 1:03 p.m., 4200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious incident: An officer was dispatched following word that a 911 text was received with no response.

Contact was made with the individual, who said he has had recurring issues with his Apple Watch sending the text messages.

TRASHY ROAD 2:36 p.m., 800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Traffic hazard: While traveling south, an officer noticed a large black trash bag blocking traffic. He removed the bag, placed it on the side of the road and requested the town’s Public Works Department to remove it.

SUNDAY, JAN. 29

NO PARKING 8:16 a.m., 600 block of Broadway Street Parking citation: An officer noticed a white Ford sedan parked illegally in front of a property. No Longboat Key parking permit or guest pass was on the vehicle. A parking ticket was issued.

NO PRIVACY ISSUE 1 p.m., 200 block of North Shore Road Citizen assist: A call was made to the police about a man piloting a low-flying drone near sunbathers.

After arriving at the location, the officer met with the individual who said he was filming for his business’ website and showed the officer his certification. The officer deemed

that no laws were being broken.

SUNDAY, JAN. 29

SHOO, SNAKE 1:43 p.m., 500 block of Bayview Drive Animal complaint: An officer was sent to a residence after the caller said a black snake was behind the sofa. The officer and homeowner worked together using two brooms to guide the snake back outside.

GAS MONEY REFUND, KEEP THE GAS 10:19 a.m., 400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: An officer was dispatched to help after a woman called about a suspicious charge to her credit card after buying gas.

The officer spoke with a gas station employee, who said the card was charged $50 when $43 was spent. The employee assured the officer the extra $7 would be refunded within a few days.

If the charge was not corrected, she was told to call back the police department.

MONDAY, JAN. 30

DEAD BATTERY 9:21 a.m., 3100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: The officer met up with the caller, who was with an individual needing assistance with their motorized wheelchair. The wheelchair’s battery was dead, making the individual unable to get home. The officer was able to put the wheelchair in the back of his vehicle and drive him back home.

TUESDAY, JAN. 31

REMINDED ANYWAY 5:12 p.m., 500 block of Putter Lane Noise complaint: Construction noise after hours warranted a complaint to the department. The officer dispatched did not observe a noise ordinance violation as workers were cleaning up the job site. Workers were still reminded of the ordinance.

ing the window, officers discovered grass clippings amid the damage.

The homeowner went on to say that the landscapers could have caused the damage as they usually come that afternoon. The resident did not want to file a criminal complaint, but would be calling the landscapers about the issue.

GRASSY WINDOW PAIN 8:54 p.m., 600 block of Old Compass Road Citizen assist: Officers responded to a call about a shattered window on a property listed for sale. The homeowner recalled the Realtor was there earlier that day before the window was broken. When inspect-

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1

MOON ADMIRER 3:30 a.m., 100 block of Broadway Street Suspicious vehicle: While on patrol, an officer noticed a vehicle parked illegally after hours near the Broadway Street beach access. The owner of the vehicle was nearby

and said they were trying to take photographs of the moon and had the camera with him to prove it. Officers told the photographer about the town’s ordinance about parking in beach accesses before sending him on.

FRIDAY, FEB. 3

HELP IS ON THE WAY 12:30 a.m., 200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: An officer was dispatched to the area regarding a broken-down vehicle. The officer was told that roadside assistance had already been called and was on its way. Roadside assistance arrived shortly after.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Division 1 champions Caitlin McCormick and Angie Eason

Division 2 champions David Campbell, Sandy Campbell, Shannon Elliot and Andy Elliot

Division 3 champions Bob Gary, Valerie Poley, Joyce Welch and Chip Elitzer

Observer Challenge volleys between competition and fun The 22nd annual Observer Challenge was held at the Public Tennis Center.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

R

ackets and spirits were high at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center this weekend for the 22nd annual Observer Challenge.

This is the tournament’s second year back since a forced hiatus due to COVID-19, so participation numbers are still recovering. Before the pandemic, the tournament typically saw over 100 players and had four divisions. The past two years, it’s down to about 70 players and three divisions. The upside is more play.

“We’ve always had to do single elimination because we didn’t have the courts,” Tennis Center Director Kay Thayer said. “But this time, everybody got to play at least two

matches.”

While Thayer estimates about 75% of participants are members, teams came from clubs in Sarasota, Bradenton and Siesta Key. The Division 2 champs live parttime on Longboat, but hail from West Virginia. When they won, David Campbell seized the chance to shout, “Cue ‘Country Roads!”

“At West Virginia University, when a football or basketball game is won, they play ‘Country Roads’ afterwards, and everybody stays in their seats,” Campbell said.

To which his wife, Sandy, interjected, “It doesn’t happen very often.”

Division 3 was swept by home teams. The champions and finalists were all from Longboat.

The Division 1 winners were from The Landings Racquet Club. Angie Eason can’t remember if this is her 12th or 14th year playing. She never actually signed up to play that first year, but she has every year since.

“I played with the guy that grooms the court here,” Eason said. “There

was a team from Indiana that was actually playing in it, and one of the people got hurt really badly, so I ended up going to their team and played with them for years.”

One of her teammates this year, Kaitlin McCormick, flew in from Chicago. The tournament is as social as it is competitive. Spectators surrounded the courts rooting for their friends. And the “Canada team” bought themselves patriotic red and white T-shirts that read, “Tennis and Beer: That’s why I’m here.”

“It’s a fun team event. There are very few team oriented events in tennis. It’s always kind of an individual sport,” Andy Sawyer said. “So we can cheer on the girls when they’re playing their ladies doubles, and they can cheer for us, and then we have the mixed and the singles.”

But don’t let the merriment or retirement fool you; professional athletes play this tournament. They got edged out this year for the Division 1 win, but finalists Enrique and Ute Vela are former national doubles

champions in Spain. Enrique also played for the national soccer team and vied for the Davis Cup. In 1972, Ute was an Olympic fencer.

“We won this tournament here at least four times, and we’ve been in the finals probably four or five times,” Ute said.

The team aspect and tournament format also allow for strategy according to longtime Observer Challenge competitor and champ Bob Dreyfus. Thayer agrees. Once the men’s and women’s doubles rounds finish, strategizing begins for the more seasoned teams.

“Maybe you put your strongest players in the mixed doubles, and then you put maybe your weaker players in the singles and hope that you’ll win the mixed doubles or one of the singles,” Dreyfus said. “It’s all strategy, and you don’t tell each other until the women’s doubles and men’s doubles are done. My team, we knew what we were going to do before we started because husbands and wives play together all the time.”

THE WINNERS

DIVISION 1 Champions: Caitlin McCormick, John Hutchens, Lou Desmarteaux and Angie Eason Finalists: Enrique Vela, Ute Vela, Yuka Pearl and Mark Halpin DIVISION 2 Champions: David Campbell, Sandy Campbell, Shannon Elliot and Andy Elliot Finalists: Nelson Cabrera, Tracy Fang, Melissa Stanley and Gustavo Gomez DIVISION 3 Champions: Bob Gary, Valerie Poley, Joyce Welch and Chip Elitzer Finalists: Silvava Nandin, Ken Gorman, Amy Davidson and Don Davidson

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

donate & shop Building Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories | Lamps

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Jan Van Iten, Sandy Finnegan, Margaret Lachman and Donna Pettinato

New members ace their golf group debut

T

he sugar bowls were on the floor instead of the tables at the Longboat Key Club on Tuesday.

“We’re improvising,” Managing Director Rick Konsavage said.

With no hole to putt toward in the Harbourside ballroom, the 18-hole Women’s Golf Association took shots at a sugar bowl.

“We’re having a little putting contest now,” Donna Pettinato said. “We have a little entertainment, brunch, and golf afterwards.”

The luncheon is held every year to welcome new members to the club. On a typical year, that’s about a dozen women. Pettinato doesn’t know what prompted the rise in membership this year, but the club welcomed 23 new golfers.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

15

Lesley Dwyer

Books, bargains and lobster on the lawn LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

T

he Longboat Library threw a lawn party on Saturday — not exactly, but it looked and felt like one. An ordinary book sale doesn’t have cafe tables set up and the Maine Line lobster truck parked next door.

There was also a broad selection of books at bargain prices. Nothing was tagged over $5 except the vintage and antique titles. Volunteers researched each old book online and discounted them 60% from their Amazon prices.

“There was something from the late 1800s, but somebody bought it,” library President Mary Baker said.

“It was a first edition with uncut pages, and it’s gone, so somebody recognized the value of that.”

Still on the table was a hardcover of Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass,” printed in 1926 and still in its original slipcase. The Amazon price is

$123.80; the library’s price was $20.

Not on the table was a machete and a reproduction of an antique firearm; both were donated with a box of books and good intentions. The strangest of donations to date, the weapons were passed on to Goodwill.

Every shelf in the library is stocked with donations. It’s a completely self-funded and volunteer-run operation, and with that comes a level of personal service that can’t be matched.

“We get to know our customers, and we try to make them happy,” Baker said. “It’s a service we provide.”

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

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Here are five of Baker’s recent favorites. She says many of the library’s patrons have enjoyed them too.

1. “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus 2. “Mad Honey” by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan 3. “West with Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge 4. “Horse” by Geraldine Brooks 5. “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt

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Photos courtesy of Marc Fors

The Braden River High School Chorus performs at Christ Church.

Karen Gardiner and Dawn Hallsten welcome people at the check in desk.

Sally Rauch, Lutie Uihlein, Bennie Dods and Andy Sawyer get ready to serve dinner.

Sue Hammond, Fred Finks and Bob Hammond

Christ Church enjoys Braden River choir

Lynn Baron, Joyce Wartinbee and Holly Finks

M

embers and friends of Christ Church of Longboat Key experienced a rare treat on Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Following a delicious multicourse meal, the elite Braden River High School Chorus performed a wide-ranging repertoire including classical songs, an African Freedom chant and a cappella arrangements.

The chorus, led by Steven Armstrong, will soon be competing in the Smoky Mountain Spring Choral Festival held in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

— MARC FORS

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions

Please join us for worship in person on Sunday at 10 a.m. or online at our website and Facebook Live Stream at 10 a.m.

• We’ve ramped up, anyone of any mobility is welcome An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

• In-person worship services Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

• Live-stream at AllAngelsLBK.org to participate on-line • Discussion Groups on Tue & Wed at 10 a.m.

6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Longboat Key, Florida 34228 • 941-383-6491

563 Bay Isles Rd • 941-383-8161 AllAngelsLBK.org

Wednesday Bible Study 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

395776-1

Lord’s Warehouse hours are 9:00 - 1:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays

All are Welcome

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00 Women’s Bible Study: Wednesday @ 10:00

Saturday at 5pm -

Contemporary Style Worship

Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live:

WINTER CONCERT SERIES CONCERTS ARE FREE

•

VISITORS & RESIDENTS WELCOME

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

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Catholic Church

www.christchurchoflbk.org

395650-1

•

4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 383-1255 • www.stmarylbk.org

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

To learn more about our Temple and all our educational, cultural, and social programs, please call us. We’d be delighted to talk with you.

Questions? Email us at info@longboatkeytemple.org

Featuring: Brian Bigley on uilleann pipes and flute, Kristen Bigley on violin, Ian Crane on Scottish smallpipes and vocals, Tiffany Schaefer on Celtic harp and vocals.

941.383.8833 (office)

Would like to Welcome & Invite You, Your Family Members & Friends to Celebrate Mass with Our Parish Community WINTER MASS SCHEDULE (January - April) Saturday: 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, and 11:00 AM Daily Mass at 9:00 AM; Rosary at 8:30 AM Monday - Friday The Chapel of Divine Mercy following daily mass

You are invited to join us in worship, song & friendship at Shabbat services every Sharing Values, Friendship, and Faith Friday evening at 5:30 pm and Saturdays at 10 am.

Born of a desire to marry the best of both Celtic and chamber music in exciting and creative ways, the Cleveland Celtic Ensemble blends Scottish and Irish bagpipes, whistle, flute, fiddle, and harp to create a Celtic style all their own. Revel in blazing bagpipe duets, sublime harp airs, soaring songs, and sweet fiddle tunes all in an intimate and ethereal chamber music ensemble setting.

•

(Coffee Hour at 10am) St. Armands Key Lutheran Church • 40 North Adams Dr., Sarasota, FL • 941.388.1234 • Questions? Contact: michael@saklc.com

SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 19, 2023 • 2:00 PM

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

Sunday Worship at 9am &11am -

398067-1 379700-1

www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchof lbk.org (follow YouTube link)

567 Bay Isles Rd, Longboat Key, FL

941-383-3428

longboatkeytemple.org

395884-1

Growing in Jesus’ Name

395800-1

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

Classifieds 30 Games 29 Real Estate 25 Weather 29

FEBRUARY 9, 2023

YOUR NEIGHBORS A MATCH.COM MADE IN HEAVEN Walter and Gale Frank are in their 80s and celebrated their first wedding anniversary last month.

STAFF WRITER

W

alter and Gale Frank were both married for 53 years, but not to each other.

Gale’s husband had a brain tumor and died after a stroke in 2017; Walter’s wife died in 2019 to emphysema, among other chronic conditions.

“My wife had been in declining health for a number of years, so I recognized the probability was that I was going to outlive her. The prospect of living alone for the rest of your life after you’ve been married 53

DATING ADVICE FROM THE FRANKS The Franks also volunteer at the Education Center. Gale was the director of an education program for homeless and at-risk children for 17 years. She leads a women’s group on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Walter spent a nearly 40-year career as a portfolio manager and financial advisor. He leads a financial roundtable on Wednesdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

In this case, their relationship success serves as their expertise, so the Observer asked the sweethearts for some Valentine’s Day dating advice.

Be social. Walter ended up on Match because COVID-19 left everyone stuck at home, but he initially thought he’d meet someone by virtue of how socially active he is.

“I’m involved with temple. I’ve gone to the Education Center. I’m part of the sailing community,” he said. “We’re fortunate because we have good health, but you have a lot of life to live.”

Be realistic. “We have another couple that we’re friendly with through the temple, and they met through Match.com. It does happen,” Walter said, “But you have to be realistic that the odds are not great.

You have to use different venues.”

Be careful. “It’s like anything else you do, you have to do a little bit of checking,” Gale said. “There’s nothing wrong with that. You’re not going into their personal bank accounts and stuff like that, it’s just to make sure somebody is legitimate.”

Be present. Once you’ve found that bashert connection, nurture it.

“At five o’clock, we stop everything, no matter what’s going on, and we make a drink. He puts on music. We sit down,” Gale said. “It’s a time just for us. Nothing goes on around us, and we do that every single day.”

years wasn’t appealing,” Walter said.

“Both of us really respect and honor the marriages we had, and it’s a new chapter for us.”

Gale, 82, and Walter, 85, celebrated their one-year anniversary Jan. 16.

The wedding was held at Grand Bay, where they reside part of the year.

Thanks to Gale’s encouraging and technologically savvy son, Charles, the Franks met online.

“I had been widowed for threeand-a-half years, and I said to myself ‘I’d like to get my life restarted,’” Gale said. “I wanted to get back to finding someone I could have dinner with and I could go to the movies and the theater and things like that.”

So she asked single, 49-year-old Charles how to meet people, and he told her to go online. Not the answer the self-described private and introverted Gale was hoping for, but she begrudgingly agreed to try it for one month.

Charles refused to write Gale’s profile for her, but he suggested Match.com, walked her through the process and background checked each suitor.

“I met a few very nice men. I have no argument on that part, but I got disappointed, so I decided to scroll down all the pictures instead of having them recommend somebody,” Gale said.

That’s when she saw Walter with the big smile, who loves to sail, did graduate work at New York University and was looking for intellectual conversation. Gale is originally from Westchester County, New York, so there was one hesitation.

“I thought to myself, ‘He’s New York and he’s looking for intellec-

The matchmaking son of Gale, Charles Hacker, and his date, Jody Roy.

Courtesy photos

tual conversation.’” Gale said. “Well, New York men who are looking for intellectual conversation usually means that they want to do all the talking.”

Walter quickly translated: “They’re snobs.”

The couple plays off each other like milk and cookies. When Gale told Walter that her maiden name is Frank, he dryly responded, “We might be related.”

It took Walter a whole six days to respond to Gale’s first message. He joked that she had “the world’s worst Match picture.” Gale shrugged her shoulders and said, “I took a selfie.

I didn’t care.”

But Gale fit Walter’s “checklist.”

She was close in age and shared similar interests. Proximity helped too.

Walter was in Cincinnati at the time, and Gale was living in Columbus.

When she offered to split the hourand-a-half drive with him, her considerate nature caught his attention.

Like teenagers, they shared twoto three-hour telephone calls before that first lunch date. Since then, they’ve done just about everything together, including a month-long cross-country road trip in their Cadillac SUV with their two dogs in the backseat.

The relationship has been fully

“We come from a generation where I think it is expected to mourn, maybe for the rest of your life.”

Walter and Gale Frank on their wedding day.

— Gale Frank

vetted, and not just in a confined space for 30 days, both families approve and were onboard from the start. Gale’s grandchildren, especially, took an immediate liking to Walter.

The couple have so many things in common that Walter refers to their relationship as “bashert,” which is a Yiddish term meaning a soulmate that’s meant to be.

“My husband had said many times that if anything happened to him, he would not want me to be alone or stay without someone, so I felt very comfortable.” Gale said. “We come from a generation where I think it is expected to mourn, maybe for the rest of your life, I guess.”

Not for this active couple. The Franks are out on the town at least two to three nights a week.

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LESLEY DWYER

18

YOUR CALENDAR

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

NEW THIS WEEK

10 to Feb. 28, $95 for members and $110 for others. Pay as you go available. Call 383-8222.

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

CLASSES IN THE GARDEN: BRUNCH BOARDS From 10 a.m. to noon at Driftwood Beach Home & Garden, 6838 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Resident chef Tina Anderson demonstrates how to make brunch boards for entertaining. The cost is $65; call 960-0568 to reserve a spot.

QI GONG From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Qi gong is a mind-body-spirit practice designed to improve mental and physical health. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $15.

Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

FRIDAY, FEB. 10

PARKINSON’S COMBINED SUPPORT GROUP From 1-2 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Designed for both people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Free, walkins welcome. Call 383-6493.

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS: A JEWISH PERSPECTIVE 5:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Guest Rabbi Jennifer Singer addresses the timely issue. Singer is a member of the Renewal movement of Judaism, which strives to shape Jewish law into a living way in the modern world. Free and open to the public.

Call 383-3428 for information.

SATURDAY, FEB. 11

ROOTS OF RHYTHM: DRUMMING AND DRUM CIRCLE ACTIVITIES From 1-2:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. An interactive percussion experience, no experience necessary and the instruments are provided. $20 for members and $25 for others. Call 383-8222.

TUESDAY, FEB. 14

ROBERT FROST, HIS OWN WAY OF FOOLING From 3-4:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. This lecture presented by Michael Lasser looks at Robert Frost’s life and poetry to illuminate the man and his work. $15 for members and $20 for others. Call 383-8222.

RECURRING EVENTS WEEKDAYS

LONGBOAT LIBRARY From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, 555 Bay Isles Road.

On Wednesdays, most books are

File photo

BEST BET

SUNDAY, FEB. 12

DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES From 4-7 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Dress up in clothes from your favorite decade and dance the night away at the annual fundraiser. Cash bar and Harry’s Continental Kitchens is catering. Tickets cost between $80 and $100 depending on drink tickets. Call 383-6493.

on sale for $1 or less. Call 3832011.

MONDAYS

GENTLE CHAIR YOGA From 9 to 10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Improve flexibility, strength and overall physical functioning while stabilized in a chair. Eight sessions through Feb. 27, $95 for members and $110 for others. Pay as you go available.

Call 383-8222.

STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN From 10 to 11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance. Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

THINKING OUT LOUD: TIMELY TOPICS WITH MIKE KARP From 1 to 2:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Topics will include U.S. and world current affairs, popular culture and topics relevant to seniors. Cost is $15.

Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS

MOVING FREE YOGA STRETCH & STRENGTH From 11:15 a.m to 12:15 p.m. at

Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Strength training and body sculpting with weights, resistance bands and towels. Instructor is Mirabai Holland. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for others. Call (201) 956-1466.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

PUMPING THE PRIME From 10 to 11 a.m. at Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Low-impact cardio and strength exercises to boost metabolism, strengthen muscles and bones. Instructor is Mirabai Holland. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for others. Call (201) 956-1466.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS

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

TUESDAYS

QI GONG FOR HEALTH AND VITALITY From 9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Improve balance and flexibility, plus loosen joints and relax. Eight sessions from Jan.

LONGBOAT KEY

3402 WINDING OAKS DR, UNIT 56 | PENDING $1,095,000

JEFF RHINELANDER 941-685-3590

BIRD KEY

526 BIRD KEY DR | ACTIVE LISTING $2,895,000

YOGA From 11:15-12:15 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road.

Debbie Debile of Feel Good Yoga & Massage leads a gentle yoga class that can be done on a mat or in a chair. Cost is $15, free for members. Call 383-6493.

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

ROTARY CLUB Meets at 5 p.m. on first and third Tuesdays in All Angels Parish Hall, 563 Bay Isles Road. To learn more, call Nancy Rozance at 203-6054066 or email Info@LongboatKeyRotary.org.

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS BREATH BALANCE AND BLISS YOGA From 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for others. Call 3616411 ext. 2212.

WEDNESDAYS

YOGA POTPOURRI From 9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. A gentle, slowpaced blend of simple yoga postures focusing on balance, alignment, strength, breathwork, flexibility and relaxation. Eight sessions from Jan. 4 to Feb. 22, $70 for members and $80 for others.

Pay as you go available. Call 3838222.

Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Class is outdoors, weather permitting.

Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

MARIACHI MUSIC From 5-8 p.m. at La Villa Mexican Grill, 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Enjoy dinner and a serenade by Mariachi Contemporaneo. Call 383-8033.

THURSDAYS

KIWANIS CLUB OF LONGBOAT KEY At 8:30 a.m. at Lazy Lobster, 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive. This service organization meets every first and third Thursday of the month for breakfast and a speaker. Breakfast is $10. Email Lynn Larson at lynnlarson@comcast.net to register.

SLOW FLOW YOGA From 9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Simple yoga routines incorporating a range of several hatha yoga styles for all fitness levels. Eight sessions through Feb. 23, $95 for members and $110 for others. Pay as you go available.

Call 383-8222.

ZUMBA AND MAT PILATES FOR SENIORS From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. The class, designed for active seniors, starts with Zumba and shifts to all-level mat Pilates at 10:30 a.m.

Come for 30 minutes or the full hour. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

FRIDAYS

INTERMEDIATE TAI CHI From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Reuben Fernandez teaches the class outdoors, weather permitting. Free for members, $15 for others. Walkins welcome. Call 383-6493.

QI GONG AND MEDITATION From 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, take qi gong and meditation with Sandi Love. Free for members, $15 for others. Call 383-6493.

BEGINNER TAI CHI From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise

BIRD KEY

465 E FLAMINGO DR | ACTIVE LISTING $7,250,000

SIESTA KEY

651 AVENIDA DEL NORTE | ACTIVE LISTING $2,795,000

jeff@jeffrhinelander.com

COURTNEY TARANTINO 941-893-7203 courtney.tarantino@floridamoves.com BIRD KEY

440 MEADOW LARK DR | ACTIVE LISTING $10,995,000

397830-1

443F John Ringling Blvd | Sarasota, FL 34236 | rhinelander tarantino.com

BIRD KEY

314 BIRD KEY DR | PENDING $8,145,000

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

19

#1 LONGBOAT KEY TEAM Michael Saunders & Company Follow on Instagram @LongboatLife

BENCH MBAE R KHRMEA SU ARRKK Z ED NC R K LTS RESU• LTSST• R S TAT R AEGIC GEGIC M MA ETET I N IGNG • P E•R SPER O NASONA L I Z E D SLEIRV I C E SERV ICE

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1770 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DR #201 | $1,050,000

MOONSHINE POINT

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on g b o at K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 L onBLISS g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 BEACHPLACE MLS# A4178487 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #305 | OFFEREDMLS# AT $1,195,000 2067 HA4178487 A R BOUR1085 LINKS DR I V E, #4 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L onThis g b o 3a tbed/2 K e y bath | O fcorner f e re d unit a t $offers 7 79, serene 0 0 0 golf course views,L multiple on g b o a terraces t K e y |and O fabundant f e re d a t natural $ 7 79, 0light 00 throughout.

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L on g b o a tLINKS K e y |DRIVE O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 2067 HARBOUR | $1,575,000 MLS# A4178487

G A I L W IT T IG

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BROK E R-A SSOCI ATE GailWittig@MichaelSaunders. co GailWittig@MichaelSaunders. com

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7 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

NEW PRICE!

Barbara Sylvester models some lion-print PJs for the ladies.

YOU OBSERVED

EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS ON LONGBOAT KEY

JUST LISTED

NEW LISTING! L’Elegance on Lido Beach ...AND 1800 Benjamin Franklin Dr. #B206 L’ELEGANCE CONDO UNDER CONTRACT 3BR / 3BA 2,070SF SELLERS’ ON EXPECTATIONS LIDO BEACH!

EXCEEDING $3,000,000 | MLS# A4555737 1800 Benjamin 2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR. Franklin ON LONGBOAT 3 BR | KEY 2.5Dr. BA B206 | 2,282 SF $1,225,000 MLS#SF A4550092 3 BR | 3 BA | |2090 $3,200,000 | MLS# A4553940

Sea Gate Club YOUR onBUILD Longboat Key DREAMHOME! 2425 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #2E ...AND JUST 2BR / 2BALISTED 1,470SF UNDER CONTRACT 540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE $1,395,000 | MLS# A4558621 ...AND VACANT LAND LISTING UNDER CONTRACT 2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR. $3,400,000

JUST LISTED

2326 OAKS 3Residential BRHARBOUR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF DR. MLS# A4534178 $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF Vacant Land MLS# A4535177 $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092

HOME SALES IN

Golf Course Villa on Longboat Key BUILD YOUR LAST SIX MONTHS 2339 Harbour Oaks Dr. DREAMHOME!

Partyin’ in Pajamas

3BR / 2.5BA 2,396SF 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE $1,325,000 | MLS# A4559128 SOLD FOR $2,300,000 540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE

2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. SOLD FOR $1,275,000

B

ird Key Yacht Club members were treated to an evening of stylish fun as models strutted their stuff on the runway with fashions courtesy of Sea Cup & Up of Sarasota.

VACANT LAND LISTING 2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE 580 BIRDIE LANE $3,400,000 Residential A4534178 SOLD FOR $1,310,000 PENDING SALE SOLD FOR MLS# $4,260,000 Vacant Land MLS# A4535177

2369 Harbour Oaks Drive | $1,350,000

— TONY BRITT

HOME SALES IN LAST SIX MONTHS 2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. SOLD FOR $1,275,000

3555 FAIR OAKS LANE SOLD FOR $2,300,000

2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE SOLD FOR $1,310,000

580 BIRDIE LANE SOLD FOR $4,260,000

JULIE KLICK

BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE

JulieKlick@michaelsaunders.com

beverlysthilaire@michaelsaunders.com BeverlySellsSarasota.com

818.416.2505

941.780.6001 LivingonLongboat.com

Longtime residents of Longboat Key with over 30 years of combined experience specializing in Longboat Key real estate.

JULIE KLICK

BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE

818.416.2505

941.780.6001

61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.388.4447 | www.michaelsaunders.com beverlysthilaire@michaelsaunders.com JulieKlick@michaelsaunders.com BeverlySellsSarasota.com LivingonLongboat.com

391905-1

Photos courtesy of Tony Britt

Carole Chrisman

Tamara Currey

Longtime residents of Longboat Key with over 30 years of combined experience specializing in Longboat Key real estate.

61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.388.4447 | www.michaelsaunders.com

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20

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

21

OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2023 NEW PRICE

LA BELLASARA - GOLDEN GATE POINT 464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #503 | $4,298,000

COMING SOON WATER CLUB - LONGBOAT KEY

SIESTA COVE - SIESTA KEY 5212 SIESTA COVE DRIVE | NEW PRICE $3,987,000

COMING SOON AQUARIUS CLUB - LONGBOAT KEY

COMING SOON THE SEA BREEZE - SIESTA KEY

TOP PRODUCING SMALL TEAM IN SARASOTA COUNTY

THE ACKERMAN GROUP A FAMILY OF REALTORS HERE TO GUIDE YOU HOME IN 2023

RYAN ACKERMAN

ryan@ackermangroup.net

BARBARA ACKERMAN

WWW.ACKERMANSRQ.COM

barbara@ackermangroup.net

SOME OF OUR PENDING & NEW CONSTRUCTION SALES

LA BELLASARA - GOLDEN GATE POINT 464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #202

LIDO REGENCY - LIDO KEY 1700 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DR., #5F

COREY’S LANDING - LONGBOAT KEY 3414 FAIR OAKS LANE

FAIRWAY BAY - LONGBOAT KEY 2010 HARBOURSIDE DR., #2003

NEW CONSTRUCTION

ARTISTRY - SARASOTA 9105 Bernini Place #194

ONE PARK - SARASOTA 1100 BLVD. OF ARTS #1709

CALL US TODAY! (941) 387-1820 Longboat Key Office: 595 Bay Isles Rd., Suite 250, Longboat Key, FL 34228 St. Armands Office: 443 John Ringling Blvd., Ste. FL, Sarasota, FL 34236 This is not a solicitation of another broker’s listing.. Market data supplied by Market Quest June 2021.

ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES 930 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DR.#805

SOLEMAR - POMPANO BEACH 1116 N. OCEAN BLVD. #PH01

THE ACKERMAN GROUP 395395-1

SAGE - LONGBOAT KEY 4651 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #304

22

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

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 Garden Club 395824-1

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

Boater’s Dream in Coral Shores Bradenton.

Courtesy photo

Michael Saunders Foundation donates to 47 causes Agents and employees of the Sarasota real estate company contribute to the twice-a-year grant distribution.

Completely remodeled home on wide canal 5 minutes from open water.

OBSERVER STAFF

T

Alice Bozza REALTOR

®

941.518.3906 aaalice1948@aol.com alice@livingvogue.com

REAL ESTATE

Fox Leiter Team Navigating the Sarasota Real Estate Market for Over Four Decades.

398063-1

LIVING VOGUE

he philanthropic arm of Michael Saunders & Co. continued its 11-year mission of providing assistance to nonprofit organizations across Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties during its year-end grant distribution last week.

Company agents, managers and executives gathered at the Lakewood Ranch sales office to present checks to 47 local organizations. Representatives from each of the nonprofits shared details about their cause and how the money will be used.

“Each organization represented here today is a critical part of the philanthropic effort the community counts on,” said Drayton Saunders, president of Michael Saunders & Co. and vice president of the MSC Foundation.

“You represent the best of what our community does. We are honored to recognize and support so many organizations that are committed to doing vitally important work.”

The foundation’s twice-a-year grant distribution is made possible through donations by agents who give portions of their real estate commissions and staff who make payroll deductions and special gifts throughout the year.

Since its formation in 2011, a total of $1.2 million has been donated to 256 organizations throughout the tri-county area — from youth, family, homeless and mental health services to underserved arts and literacy programs.

Drayton Saunders and Michael Saunders pose with representatives of all of the organizations that received grants during the Jan. 26 grant distribution event at the company’s Lakewood Ranch office.

The Fox Leiter Team puts customer experience at the forefront of every decision, negotiation, and transaction.

With Compass, the team has every tool imaginable to give their clients a competitive edge.

Contact the Fox Leiter Team to start the conversation today!

Fox Leiter Team Real Estate Advisors 941.544.6649 | foxleiterteam@compass.com foxleiterteam.com

Interested in learning more?

Scan the QR code!

388626-1

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

23

REAL ESTATE BY A REAL EXPERT

NO REALTOR HAS EVER LISTED OR SOLD MORE LONGBOAT KEY PROPERTIES

JUST LISTED - GRAND BAY III 3030 GRAND BAY BLVD., #325 • $ 1,499,000 Furnished 2BR+DEN/3.5BA corner residence with expansive wrap around terrace offering views of the bay, city, marina and golf course.

JUST LISTED - PRIVATEER SOUTH 1000 LONGBOAT CLUB RD., #301 • $ 1,895,000 Rarely available 3BR/3BA corner residence offering over 1,700 sq. ft. of living space, with direct Gulf front views from multiple terraces.

NEW PRICE - SEASCAPE FAIRWAY BAY 5135 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #202 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,199,000 1930 HARBOURSIDE DR., #112 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $675,000 Spacious 3BR/2BA residence located in a direct Gulf-front community of only 8 units. Includes 2 highly coveted This 2BR/2BA ideally located residence boasts an extended terrace and direct walkdown access to a world of covered parking spaces. fabulous resort amenities – benefits exclusive to this living level.

COREY’S LANDING 3447 BYRON LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,149,000 Splendid views and superb appointments come together in this 3BR/2.5BA, 2,227+/- sq.-ft. attached villa, perfectly set on a corner to maximize a serene panorama of the meticulous golf course and its tranquil lake.

GRAND BAY II 3040 GRAND BAY BLVD., #263 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $2,295,000 Direct bay panoramic views from this sprawling 2BR+Den/2.5BA residence offering the popular Cayman floor plan and two covered patios.

BEACHPLACE 1095 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #504 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,295,000 Breathtaking views through windows and sliders of high-impact glass from this 2BR/2BA updated residence.

Includes 2 assigned parking spaces. Beachplace offers favorable rental terms.

THE SANCTUARY 545 SANCTUARY DR., #B506 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $2,495,000 3BR/2.5BA residence with panoramic views of the city, Bay and the golf course from a large, open terrace.

Brittany floor plan, enhanced with opening up of kitchen for a seamless flow through dining and living areas.

1350 MAIN 1350 MAIN ST., PENTHOUSE 1704 • SARASOTA, FL • $7,500,000 THE ONE - Redesigned 3,208 SF entertainers penthouse offering jet liner views of the city, Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Completely remodeled by one of the region’s finest builders.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION 2945 PYRULA DRIVE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $3,345,000 Exceptional quality, untouched refinement, 2-story, 5BR/5BA, 3,815 sq. ft. residence. Features abound, including a separate in-law suite and large 3-car garage. Expansive outdoor area with heated pool and spa.

OVER $97 MILLION SOLD IN 2022 • OVER $134 MILLION SOLD IN 2022

Bruce Myer

Realtor ®

941.387.1847

395308-1

Bruce@BruceMyer.com • www.BruceMyer.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

LONGBOAT KEY 520 Chipping Lane 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,412 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4553676 $6,600,000

LONGBOAT KEY 540 Harbor Gate Way 5 Beds 6/1 Baths 5,048 Sq. Ft. Stacy Hanan 941-266-0529 A4548328 $4,500,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3527 Fair Oaks Lane 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,154 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4554063 $3,149,000

LONGBOAT KEY 830 Tarawitt Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,447 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4545868 $2,995,000

LONGBOAT KEY 600 De Narvaez Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,971 Sq. Ft. Olivia Marciniak 941-400-1623 A4545926 $2,995,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3342 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 3 Beds 4 Baths 3,410 Sq. Ft. Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4549127 $2,649,000

LONGBOAT KEY 549 Yawl Lane 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,702 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4550618 $2,295,000

LONGBOAT KEY 529 Bayview Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,808 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4550389 $1,945,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2550 Harbourside Drive 322 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,830 Sq. Ft. Rachel Benderson & Stacy Hanan 941-376-0218 A4547892 $1,550,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3235 Gulf Of Mexico Drive A301 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,515 Sq. Ft. Steven Schield 941-650-1010 A4556863 $1,450,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2425 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 2E 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,470 Sq. Ft. Beverly St Hilaire & Julie Klick 818-416-2505 A4558621 $1,395,000

LONGBOAT KEY 530 De Narvaez Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,944 Sq. Ft. Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4553308 $1,380,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2339 Harbour Oaks Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,396 Sq. Ft. Beverly St Hilaire & Julie Klick 818-416-2505 A4559128 $1,325,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1110 Bogey Lane 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,614 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4551888 $1,195,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1085 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 305 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,819 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4556271 $1,195,000

LONGBOAT KEY 100 Sands Point Road 208 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,492 Sq. Ft. Steve Walter & Janet Walter 941-809-0907 A4550818 $1,050,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3630 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 201 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,486 Sq. Ft. Sean Clark & JoDene Moneuse 941-312-1146 A4548094 $895,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2303 Harbour Oaks Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,327 Sq. Ft. Lawrence Zeigler 941-228-2612 A4555300 $825,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3806 Gulf Of Mexico Drive C404 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,514 Sq. Ft. Stephen Harris 941-780-2352 A4536940 $799,900

LONGBOAT KEY 4401 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 503 1 Bed 1 Baths 896 Sq. Ft. Michael Nink & Sandi Layfield 941-914-2805 A4556888 $797,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4320 Falmouth Drive B202 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,072 Sq. Ft. Bill Anderson & Adrienne Scott 941-313-4059 A4558803 $749,000

LONGBOAT KEY 730 Spanish Drive S 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,255 Sq. Ft. Sean Clark 941-312-1146 A4541965 $699,500

LONGBOAT KEY 4320 Falmouth Drive B102 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,072 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4554376 $645,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4400 Exeter Drive J-208 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,168 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4550333 $550,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4310 Falmouth Drive A105 1 Bed 1 Baths 747 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4553673 $485,000

LONGBOAT KEY 781 Hideaway Bay Drive 4 Beds 4 Baths 5,469 Sq. Ft. Mark J Baron 631-800-1125 A4554268 $6,500,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4975 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 305 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,122 Sq. Ft. Steve Walter 941-809-0907 A4557519 $5,495,000

LONGBOAT KEY 545 Kingfisher Lane 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,646 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4553162 $4,995,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

395684-1

24

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

25

REAL ESTATE

Lido Key condominium sells for $2.63 million

|

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

JAN. 23-27

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

A

condominium in Park Residences of Lido Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. LP Holdings I LLC sold the Unit E105 condominium at 159 Taft Drive to Winston Taft LLC for $2.63 million. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,228 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,496,700 in 2016.

JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

Brian Moran and Lenore Savio, of Lavallette, New Jersey, sold their home at 165 Tyler Drive to Tyler LLC for $2 million. Built in 1939, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,184 square feet of living area. It sold for $440,000 in 2011.

MARINA BAY

Edward Joseph Kelly, of Stamford, Connecticut, sold the Unit 242 condominium at 2450 Harbourside Drive to Brian Scott Harris, of Longboat Key, for $1,995,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,830 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,025,000 in 2016.

BIRD KEY

Lynn Marmer sold her home at 519 Blue Jay Place to Mindy Renee Wright, of Franklin, Tennessee, for $1,725,000. Built in 1968, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,415 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1,875,000 in 2022.

SLEEPY LAGOON

Patrick and Saundray Bogert, trustees, of Ontario, Canada, sold the home at 6500 Gulfside Road to 6500 Gulfside Road LLC for $1.4 million. Built in 1967, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,015 square feet of living area. It sold for $53,700 in 1978.

Courtesy photo

159 Taft Drive, Unit E105 sells for $2.63 million.

FAIRWAY BAY

Leonard and Tina Scavron, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 1701 condominium at 2044 Harbourside Drive to Mary B. LLLC for $860,000. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,370 square feet of living area. It sold for $770,000 in 2021.

THE RIVIERA OF LIDO BEACH

Jeffrey Thomas Marchand and Cheryl Allison Marchand, of Quebec, Canada, sold their Unit 4-A condominium at 131 Garfield Drive to Mark and Amy Doyle, of Pittsford, New York, for $730,000. Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,215 square feet of living area. It sold for $458,000 in 2021.

SUTTON PLACE

Michael Chevalier, trustee, of Queensbury, New York, sold the Unit 101 condominium at 605 Sutton Place to Brit Remodeling & Construction LLC for $525,000.

Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,148 square feet of living area. It sold for $152,000 in 1997.

SPANISH MAIN YACHT CLUB

Frederick Beyerlein and Karen Weissenstein, trustees, of Colchester, Vermont, sold the Unit 1122 condominium at 546 Spanish Drive S. to Dana June Wilson and Christopher Leigh Bringle, of Ellenton,

SARASOTA HARBOUR APARTMENTS

for $500,000. Built in 1966, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,241 square feet of living area. It sold for $96,000 in 1981.

SEAPLACE

Jay Schlorf and Michelle Lynn Proft Schlorf, of Maple Grove, Minnesota, sold their Unit G6-306-C condominium at 1855 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Paul Howey and Lisa Howey, trustees, of La Salle, Michigan, for $454,000. Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 933 square feet of living area. It sold for $212,000 in 2011.

In with the new

David and Michelle Sylvester, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 26 condominium at 763 John Ringling Blvd. to Marianne Elizabeth Felice, of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, for $650,000. Built in 1963, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 816 square feet of living area. It sold for $300,000 in 2018.

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

Downtown St. Petersburg

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Jan. 27-Feb. 2 in order of dollar amounts.

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS 611 Bowsprit Ln.

PERMIT Replace dock and

APPLICANT Dane R. Cornell

boat lift

Revocable Trust

560 Broadway

Interior alterations

Glen Fabian

548 Cutter Ln.

New swimming pool 548 Cutter Lane LLC

$77,090

3030 Grand Bay

Interior alterations

$71,500

Blvd. #326

AMOUNT($) $86,401

400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $1MM’s | Call for appointment. | Residences400central.com SOLD OUT

$84,600

Thomas R. Murphy Revocable Trust

6572 Gulfside Rd.

Interior alterations

Patrick M. Dunn

$60,037

628 Buttonwood Dr.

Impact doors

Mary Susan Reeves

$59,110

585 Hornblower Ln.

A/C change out

Michael H. Klein

$50,622

630 Emerald Harbor Dr.

Reroof

OSG Coastal LLC

$49,800

1211 GMD #202

A/C change out

Dirk W. Vandongen

$28,827

2945 GMD

Replace deck

Apollo West

$26,565

Condominiums

3060 Grand Bay

Electrical

Stephen B. Jeffords

$25,000

550 Putting Green Ln.

A/C change out

Paul J. Wheeler

$23,830

4325 GMD

Concrete repair

Tiffany Plaza

$20,000

501 Harbor Gate Way

A/C change out

Kevin B. Colon

$14,477

Longboat Key

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From $2.4MM to $10.9MM | Call for appointment | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com 1 FINAL OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE

Blvd. #175

2045 GMD #113

Sliding glass door

Darren F. Brewis

$13,950

4311 GMD Unit 503

A/C change out

Michael E. Berman

$11,597

784 Tarawitt Dr.

A/C change out

Ruben Roca

$9,979

435 L’Ambiance

Interior alterations

Kenneth Alan Goldblatt

$9,875

2071 Harbour Links Dr.

Impact door

David W. Phillips

$9,424

2509 GMD #406

A/C change out

Veranda Beach Club

$8,649

Downtown Sarasota

Dr. #G701

Condominiums

603 Longboat Club

Thomas V. Guarino

A/C change out

$8,600

Rd. #601 3557 Fair Oaks Ln.

A/C change out

Richard G. McGrath

$8,570

554 Sutton Pl.

A/C change out

Anna Rosa Quattrone

$8,098

5231 GMD Unit 202

Rewire kitchen

Elizabeth Dobb Hudepohl

$7,600

4425 GMD Unit 102

A/C change out

Bishop Real Estate Holdings

$7,387

Source: Town of Longboat Key

Sales galleries open and available for virtual or in-person presentations.

Virtual home tours | OnDemand local experts | Interactive site and floorplans

mscdeveloperservices.com | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of December 2022

Licensed Real Estate Broker

395720-1

The Collection | 941.232.2868 | thecollection1335.com

26

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

|

PET PICS JoDene Moneuse –

Have photos of your four-legged family members? We want to see them! Share them at YourObserver.com/contests/petpics to be published online and for a chance to see them in print!

Your Neighbor, Your REALTOR®.

Committed to exceeding your needs.

• 32 year Longboat Key Resident • Top 1.5% of Florida Realtors - Real Trends America’s Best Real Estate Agents

941.302.4913

• 2019- 2021 Top Agent - Michael Saunders Mid Longboat Key office • 2019-2022 Five Star in Customer Service Award Winner • Institute for Luxury Home Marketing Million Dollar GUILD

seitreporp esitrepxe stluser

YRANIDREXTRAORDINARY OAEXTRAORDINARY RTXE

properties expertise results

398018-1

JoDeneMoneuse@michaelsaunders.com LongboatKeyLiving.com

UNRIVALED UNRIVALED

DELAVIRNU

Certified Residential Specialist LBroker-Associate ANOITPECXE

t silaicep S lai tn edis eR defi it reC

e t a i c o s s A - r ek o r B EXCEPTIONAL EXCEPTIONAL

941.928.3559

9553.829.149

MichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com moc.srednuasleahcim@notluoMle ahcMichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com iM

LD SO

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845 LongboatevClub 65 Lighthouse dPoint irD tRoad nioP esuohthgiL 56 aoR bDrive ulC taobgnoL 548 19,300 SF | A4440615 SFChipping | A4438181 0845 0 0,Longboat 59|7$19,750,000 ,3$ |Club 181Road 834 4|ARegent | FS 3Court 39,4 4,933520 0 0Lane 0,0|5Country 7|,9$3,795,000 1$ |Club 516Shores 0 4 4 4|ANew | FConstruction S 0 03,91 19,300sf | 140’ on the Gulf | $16,500,000

4,412sf | Canal Front | $6,600,000 | A4553676 G DIN N E P

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Water Club #401 501 Halyard Lane enaL draylaH 105 104 # bulC retaW 70 Lighthouse St. Regis0Residences 3,400 SF | A4421764 SF | A4448464 0 0 0,|5$2,575,000 99,1Point $ | 4Drive 64 8 4| 4Gated 4A | Community FS 043,2,340 2 0 0,5| 7$1,995,000 5 , 2$#201 | 4 6| 7New 124Construction 4A | FS 0 04,3 5,474sf | 4BR | Gulf Front | $8,000,000

11,000sf | Longboat Gulf Front | $21,244,000

SARASOTAS .com of Florida a di440 rolFGulf ,yePROPERTIES KMexico taobgDr no|LLongboat | r D ocKey, ixeM fo f lu G 0 4 4

395832-1

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BE MINE: Vivie, of Longboat Key, wishes everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day.

WagnerRealty.com Your Hometown Favorite For More Than Eight Decades!

LOCAL, VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1939 Longboat Key

redu

ced!

Longboat Key

Celebrate the joy of 826 Bayport Way | Bayport Beach & Tennis Club MLS#A4554124 | 2/2 - 1,676sf | Bay View | NOW $949,000 Matt Faul (941) 345-3255

5393 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #207| Longboat Ter MLS#A4553218 2/2 - 1,300sf | Gulf View | $989,900 Trish Carruth (601) 212-7476 Jonna Humphries (941) 465-2357

Longboat Key

Longboat Key

INSPIRED COASTAL LIVING Key Life is a new magazine publishing February, May and November from the Observer Media Group.

4310 Falmouth Dr. #202 | Longboat Harbour MLS#A4554378 | 2/2 - 1,071sf | Bay View | $749,900 Jon Patella (941) 228-1613

bradenton

Key Life shines a light on the people, experiences, culture, arts, architecture and business that set the keys apart – and makes them so special.

612 Marbury Ln. | Sleepy Lagoon | MLS#A4552342 2/2 - 1,128sf | Canal Front | $1,375,000 Rebecca Samler (941) 737-7955

Cortez

383 Aruba Cir. #301 | Marina Walk/One Particular Har. MLS#A4552479 | 2/2 - 1,456sf | $975,000 Becky Smith (941) 773-1954 Elvira Starrett (941) 720-3528

Register for a FREE digital edition delivered directly to your inbox.

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4510 125th St. W. | MLS#A4556067 | 6/5+ - 5,107sf Bay View | $5,500,000 | Custom designed estate w/Guest House - Rae Ellen Hayo (941) 920-0364

RESIDENTIAL SALES - RENTALS - PROPERTY MANAGEMENT VOTED “Favorite Real Estate Company” by local newspaper for more than 24 years in a row!

395420-1

941.383.5577

396011-1

Longboat Key Office

5360 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

27

REID MURPHY PRESENTS

LUXURY ON THE WATER BUYING or SELLING Call Reid for a successful real estate experience!

941-232-3304

LONGBOAT KEY MAGNIFICENT GULF FRONT ESTATE

$22,000,000

Under Construction. New 5 BD, 8 BA, 100ft frontage on pristine walking beach. Expansive views from open living space & connected lanai. Fireplace, chef’s kitchen, glass wine room, service bar. First level master w/lanai. Junior suite and 2 guest suites have private terrace. Covered outdoor space has fireplace, outdoor kitchen & dining area. Dramatic infinity pool/spa w/ sundeck overlooks Gulf waters. 3 car garage. Home elevator. Hurricane screens. Completion date estimated for March 2023.

LONGBOAT KEY DREAM ISLAND ROAD $4,850,000 LONGBOAT KEY BAYFRONT

$5,965,000 LONGBOAT KEY GULF FRONT

LONGBOAT KEY

$2,650,000 LONGBOAT KEY EMERALD HARBOR

Boaters retreat w/ cottage-style home + guest house Build your dream home Bayfront on oversized lot. 100ft 5BR/4.5BA Lushly landscaped 1/2 acre w/400’ dock, 2 boat on the Bay, beach access across the street & side canal lifts on secluded street. Short stroll to beautiful beach. for privacy. PLUS elevated separate guest house: a bonus structure no longer permitted for new builds.

$2,475,000 LONGBOAT KEY BOATERS DREAM

LONGBOAT KEY ISLANDER CLUB

Meticulous 4 BD/3 BA wide deep water canal with direct access to Sarasota Bay - no bridges! Great dock. 2 boat lifts. Private beach access directly across the street.

LONGBOAT KEY $675,000 • CANAL LOT#1 Gulfside 2BD/2BA condo is a perfect • CANAL LOT#2 beachfront getaway or extra space for guests.

Beachside heated pool has incredible Gulf views & wildlife. Club amenities include two tennis courts.

Developers Realty Inc Lic. Real Estate Broker

$2,495,000

Newly remodeled 3 BD/2 BA on wide canal w/new seawall, dock, and lift. High-end finishes & appliances.

Deeded beach access. Convenient location.

JEWFISH KEY LONGBOAT KEY $1,995,000 EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY $4,500,000 CUSTOM HOME $3,800,000 Behind the gates at the Longboat Key Club. $1,995,000 Waterfront home on a tropical island

Build your dream home on one of north LBK’s most desirable streets. Premier boating location. Great canal leads directly to Bay & ICW No bridges. Walk to beach.

accessible only by boat. 6 BD/5.5BA Totally private. One of the only homes on the island with a private dock & beach. 18 feet elevation.

Unique pod design creates space & privacy.

Custom built, 5 en-suite BR + office space on lush Islandside golf course. Expansive patio area w/60’ lap-pool. Deeded beach access & attached three car garage.

CALL REID TODAY! | 941.232.3304

www.ReidMurphy.com

595 Bay Isles Road | Longboat Key, FL 34228

397852-1

Coastal contemporary 4 BR/5BA home in The Preserve of Longbeach. Light & open indoor/outdoor living areas.

Former model w/ high-end appliances & finishes.

$7,775,000

Incredible 5BD/4BA beachfront home on 80’ of frontage.

Open living w/ guest quarters on 1st & 2nd level + 3rd level private master-suite w/ split plan + 2 quest suites.

Amazing views & beautiful walking beach.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

TOP Sales Team Florida in the state of

$2.3 Billion Career Sales

Lori Lawson Judy Kepecz-Hays Steven Kepecz Kepecz@JudyHays.com | www.LongboatKeyLuxury.com

Coldwell Banker Realty 423 St. Armands Circle Sarasota, FL, 34236

(941) 587.1700 January 19, 2023

JUDY KEPECZ-HAYS TEAM JUDY KEPECZ-HAYS TEAM JUDY KEPECZ-HAYS LONGBOAT TEAM KEY TOWERS

February 7, 2023

January 19, 2023

601 #603S 601 Longboat Longboat Club Rd #603S sunset views fromSq this 2Enjoy bed,sunrise 2 bath,and 1 car garage | 1,458 Ft Enjoy sunrises Bright 2 bed, 2and bathsunsets! | 1,458 Sq Ft great room,and dining area facing private beach and Bright happy great room, dining, kitchen 601 Longboat Club Rd #603S pool. Washer/dryer in kitchen community all with forever Gulf of Mexico views.

2 bed, 2 bath, 1offers car garage 1,458 Sqwith Ft area offers convenience and| comfort This community semiprivate elevator, Enjoy sunrises and Bright great side door access tosunsets! the entry hallway onsite manager, pool, guest suite, social room, dining area facing private beach and androom, semiprivate elevator. and fitness. community pool. Washer/dryer in kitchen area offers convenience and comfort with www.LBKtowers603S.com www.LBKtowers603S.com side door access the entry hallway Offered forto $2,000,000 Reduced $2,000,000 and semiprivate elevator. $1,850,000

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS

www.LBKtowers603S.com Offered for $2,000,000

S. LONGBOAT KEY PARK RESIDENCES COUNTRY CLUBKEY SHORES OF LIDO 511 Putter Lane 159 Taft Dr #E305 3 bed + den, 2 bath 3 bed, 3 bath | 2,500 Sq Ft Updated home with no bridges to Sarasota PLUS a 2,250 sq ft Private Rooftop Terrace Bay, on deep and very wide sailboat water. with wrap-around views. Directly across from Dock, Lift, Landscaping, Roof, AC and Duct.

159 Taft #E305 the Gulf of Mexico andDrfeatures a resort-style With deeded beach access. bed, 3 bath | 2,500 Sq Fttwo unheated3swimming pool and spa, PLUS a 2,250 sq ft Private der-building parking spacesRooftop with an Terrace additionwww.511PutterLane.com with wrap-around views.

Directly across from al storage room, and is overlooking the 110Offered for $2,700,000 the Gulf of Mexicosouth and features a resort-style acre waterfront Lido Park Reserve. heated swimming pool and spa, two under-building parking spaces with an additionwww.159taftdriveE305.com al storage room, and is overlooking the 110Offered for $3,500,000 – Furnished acre waterfront south Lido Park Reserve.

PARK RESIDENCES OF LIDO KEY

RECENT SALES Sold Price

Address

www.159taftdriveE305.com Offered for $3,500,000 – Furnished

THE STRAND

Community

1709 N Tamiami Trl Unit #221

$3,625,000

2152 Gulf of Mexico Dr #4

$2,950,000

1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr #1009

$2,800,000

408 Jackson Dr

$2,500,000

340 S Palm Ave #75

$2,420,000

575 Sanctuary Dr #A504

$2,000,000

1800 Benjamin Franklin Dr #PH-A-05

$1,840,000

3633 Fair Oaks Place

$1,625,000

601 Longboat Club Rd #302S

from the long canal that leads out to Sarasota Saint Armands 1709 N Tamiami Trl Unit #221 Bay. The Strand is a private gated community 1.5style bathpool | 1,013 offering1abed, resort andSq spaFt, fitness Sarabande Exquisite water views station, center, dog park, EV charging from the longand canal that leads out to Sarasota Sanctuary boardwalk, a kayak and paddle-board Bay. TheGet Strand a private gated community launch. readyis to create lasting memories!

L’Elegance on Lido Beach offering a resort style pool and spa , fitness center, dog park, EV charging station, www.1709NTamiami221.com Queens Harbour boardwalk, a kayak and paddle-board Offeredand for $625,000 - Furnished Longboat Towers launch. GetKey ready to create lasting memories!

$600,000

1709 N Tamiami Trail #221

The Strand

$3,300,000

PENDING 415 L’Ambiance Dr. #703

L’Ambiance

Thinking of selling your Residence? Please call me!

LongboatKeyLuxury.com | (941) Thinking of selling your587-1700

Residence? Please call me!

En Provence 1 bed, 1.5 bath | 1,013 Sq Ft

STRAND Exquisite water views The BeachTHE Residences

www.1709NTamiami221.com Offered for $625,000 - Furnished

423 St. Armands Circle | Sarasota, Florida 34236 595 Bay Isles, Suite 250| Longboat Key, FL 34228

423 St. Armands Circle | Sarasota, Florida 34236 595 Bay Isles, Suite 250| Longboat Key, FL 34228

LongboatKeyLuxury.com | (941) 587-1700 397312-1

28

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, FEB. 10

Submit your photos at YourObserver. com/Weather.

All submissions will be entered for the 2022-23 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2023, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

29

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

|

Sunrise Sunset

High: 77 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 36%

Thursday, Feb. 9

7:11a

6:18p

Friday, Feb. 10

7:11a

6:18p

Saturday, Feb. 11

7:10a

6:19p

Sunday, Feb. 12

7:09a

6:20p

SATURDAY, FEB. 11

Monday, Feb. 13

7:09a

6:21p

High: 67 Low: 50 Chance of rain: 24%

Tuesday, Feb. 14

7:08a

6:21p

Wednesday, Feb. 15

7:07a

6:22p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY,FEB. 12 High: 65 Low: 52 Chance of rain: 6%

Feb. 20 New

Feb. 27 First

March 7 Full

March 14 Last

TIDES Highs Lows Thursday, Feb. 9

1:26a

2:17p

8:42a

8:52p

Friday, Feb. 10

2:14a

2:40p

9:05a

9:48p

Saturday, Feb. 11

3:11a

3:07p

9:27a

10:53p

Sunday, Feb. 12

4:27a

3:41p

9:45a

—

Monday, Feb. 13

6:37a

4:23p

12:11a

9:45a

Tuesday, Feb. 14

—

5:18p

1:39a

—

Wednesday, Feb. 15

—

6:30p

3:03a

—

Jenelle Alber captured this willet on Whitney Beach, Longboat Key.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

crossword

397845-1

941.748.4679 | Venice

celebrity cipher

I’M EXHAUSTED! by Fred Piscop, edited by David Steinberg 113 The ___ said “I’m shot!”

116 Pub offerings 117 Fencer’s weapon 118 “Gladiator” wardrobe item 119 Husk-wrapped food 120 35mm camera initials 121 Org. with wands 122 Emulate a 53-Across 123 Homes to missiles

52 Overdo the praise 55 BART part 56 Not as congenial 57 Big-box store walkway 59 Suffix with “Gator” or “Power” 62 Woodstock drug 63 Whopper creators 64 Useful attribute 65 “Peachy keen!”

66 Just ___ (not much) DOWN 67 Marie Osmond’s brother 1 Gym dance of old 68 Signaled hello or 2 Nerve cell transmitter goodbye 3 Human-powered 69 One-named British transport pop star 4 When Brutus struck 72 Ton of bricks, e.g.

5 Far from long-winded 75 Island north of Ven6 H, in a frat name ezuela 7 Proposal-defeating votes 76 Update the decor of 8 Four-handed piano tunes 78 Call-in show medium 9 Subway handhold 79 Tie for a Texan 10 Tire problem 80 Played for a fool 11 Victimizes, with “on” 81 “A ___ formality!”

12 Wasabi-coated veggie 83 Arched parts of the feet 13 Subway wall art, 84 Closing bars perhaps 86 It’s measured in gigs 14 Adler of Holmes stories 88 Join the Merchant 15 First known asteroid Marine, say ©2023 Universal Uclick 17 BBQ rod 89 “Swan Lake” heroine 29 James portrayed by 82 Out of the rat race, say 58 Petty complaint ACROSS 19 Caterer’s fuel 90 Star pilot Beyonce 59 “Float like a butterfly” 84 Child’s “Please?”

1 Smoking or nail-biting, 20 Berry in some jelly 95 Hummus holders 31 Shows mercy to 85 “Place” of 1990s TV boxer e.g.

22 Release from prison 96 Pastoral poem 32 French city where Van 87 High on pot 60 Soother in baby wipes 6 Some receivers in 24 Like a 3-4-5 triangle 97 Pursuer of Bugs Gogh painted 88 The ___ said “I’m tired!”

61 ___ Royal Highness football 27 Soothsayer’s deck 98 Armada components 33 Heat rub target 91 ___-Caps (theater 62 After the whistle 10 Android download 30 Partner of 102-Down 99 Poolside number 37 One of two on a 1959 candy) 63 The ___ said “I’m 13 Karaoke need, for short 33 On the topic of 100 Boorish sort Cadillac 92 Peculiar bushed!”

16 Rust and laughing gas, 34 Chuck wagon fare 102 Help in a heist 39 Geneticist’s single 93 Smart TV brand 67 The ___ said “I’m for two 35 Cry like a wolf 103 Greedy monarch of 94 Airplane ___ (phone wiped!”

18 Like a tuned piano string strand 36 Fumble or stumble myth 40 Apple pie ___ mode setting) 70 “Got it” 19 Stud horse, perhaps 38 Like Sherpas 106 Neighbor of Ghana 41 The ___ said “I’m fried!”

95 Mary-in-mourning 71 Contraction in “America” 20 Medical researcher’s 40 Home of Iowa State 108 ___ Valley (Los Angeles 46 Made good as new sculpture 72 Hang in a hammock, find 42 Works like a dog suburb) 98 Regular date, in old maybe 21 The ___ said “I’m all in!” 50 Waterskiing need 43 ___ disc (retina part) 109 Plus others, briefly 51 Sweet wine slang 73 Throw in 23 The ___ said “I’m 44 Chopper spinner 110 Beer pong cup brand 52 Non-Mormon, to a 101 Mild Dutch cheese 74 Happy ___ clam spent!”

45 Canadian tribe 112 Butterfly catcher Mormon 104 Twiddled one’s thumbs 75 GPA part 25 Loch monster, infor47 Bluesy Washington 114 Bit of skin art, slangily 53 Hogwarts bird 105 Stressful position 77 Off base with permismally 48 Socially superior 115 Low-___ graphics sion 107 Nile waders 26 Like elms or mansions 54 Repeat 49 Stave off 79 Mooch, as a cigarette 56 Reason to protest 111 The ___ said “I’m beat!”

28 Wrecking ball swinger

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“H’D U MHX TKAUSAS. H’D ZSRHBX ZP SAHB HZ HB MJZ H VP ZCHBL HZ’T U BHIA TAUTPBHBX PG WUBXJUXA.” PWHFHU IPWDUB

“SY S EDFKA WLC WDRSCP S MXDWLWKU TDFKA WFI S’KK IZKK UDF SC IBZ GLNZ WXZLIB, S KDOZA SI PXDTSCP FM.”

HDCLIBLC WLCVG

“XW AGAECJIA UDP D FXOOFA ZXO IXRAE OJ MAJMFA, OTA UJEFV UJBFV ZA D HBRT ZAOOAE MFDRA.”

TDEEC POCFAP

Puzzle Three Clue: W equals F

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

Puzzle Two Clue: R equals X

Sarasota

KARASTAN, MOHAWK, ARI. O, SMARTSTRAND, ALL PET

Puzzle One Clue: L equals K

CARPET

© 2023 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

2-9-23

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

stuff

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.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236 WHIRLPOOL LARGE capacity gas dryer. Under two years old. $199 firm. 575-649-3405

Merchandise Wanted Tired of polishing your sterling?

I buy sterling flatware, etc.

(530)701-1906

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

BUY STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

CHANDELIER, BROWN METAL, MANY BULBS, LIKE NEW $25.

(941) 920-2494 SAW horses $40/ea.

Convection oven, $40. Portable “bag” chairs $15. White Golf shoes (9) $50. 941-228-9467

Merchandise Wanted SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

This week’s Crossword answers

Puzzle Three Solution: “If everyone was a little bit nicer to people, the world would be a much better place.”

Harry Styles

First 15 words ................. $ 17.50 per week Each add’l word ...... 50¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com /RedPages

EPIC HOME CARE Personal Care-Respite Care Alzheimer’s Care Light Cleaning Med Administration Meal Prep Shopping, Errands & More Call for a FREE Evaluation!

941-536-6372 Epichomecareprovider@gmail Rosa Torres- Owner

Auto Transport SHIP YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States.

Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Health Services NEED HOME HEALTH CARE? SPECIALIZE IN T.L.C ATTENTION PEACE OF MIND FOR CLIENT RETIRED TEACHER RELIABLE AND REASONABLE

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RATES Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com

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

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

WE BUY cars. top $$ paid for your vehicles.

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Rentals Wanted

CALL OR TEXT CRIS 847-217-3722

Painting 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.

GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE!

Visa/MC SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

HIGH-END INTERIOR PAINTING WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

M-F

Pressure Cleaning

Ask about our special rates!

30 YEAR HOMEOWNERS on South Longboat Key seeking four month rental.

House or condo, prefer updated 1500+ sq.ft. from January through April 2024.

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

Your home will be well cared for!

Contact 941-388-7996 gfitzee211@gmail.com

PRESSURE WASHING/ PAINTING. 30 years experience. Houses, Mobile homes, pool/patio areas, paver cleaning & sealing. I am prompt, reliable & reasonable.

I take pride in my work.

Small jobs welcome.

(941) 402-6376

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage CALL 941-955-4888

This week’s Sudoku answers

Adult Care Services

Auto Service

NEED PRIVATE CARE? FIL-AM PRIVATE DUTY HOME CARE LLC THE CARE THAT YOU CAN TRUST

WE OFFER PRIVATE IN-HOME CARE SERVICES PERSONAL CARE

941-915-4588

HoHoBuysCars.com

5-Star Rated

397538

BEYOND HOME SERVICE 941-730-3027

FAST • EASY • SAFE

941.270.4400

PRE & POST SURGERY SERVICES

support@filamprivatedutyhomecare.com

SELL YOUR CAR! WE COME TO YOU

ALZHEIMER/ DEMENTIA ASSISTANCE

©2023 NEA, Inc.

397440

You’re only cheating yourself.

peekers’ place

Puzzle Two Solution: “If I could ban boxing I probably would but I’ll tell you in the same breath, I loved it growing up.”

Jonathan Banks

RED PAGES AD RATES

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Autos Wanted Puzzle One Solution: “I’m a big swearer. I’m trying to rein it in but I do think it’s a nice seasoning of language.”

Olivia Colman

ADMINSTRATIVE ASSISTANT Longboat Key Condominium is looking for a administrative assistant responsible for performing administrative and clerical tasks. Duties include providing support for our management company and Board members. The candidate needs excellent interpersonal & communication skills. Create a welcoming environment for owners and renters. Handle owner/renter inquires, answer the telephone, schedule appointments and manage relationships with vendors in a professional manner. Have experience with word processing, spreadsheets and email. Working knowledge of printers, copiers, scanners and fax machine.

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE

2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC300 Loaded, beautiful SUV. Two sun roofs, heated seats nearly new tires. Garmin navigation. No accidents.

No pet or smoke odors. $19,975.

(941) 928-3960

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Help Wanted

abbie144@gmail.com

Autos for Sale

©2023 Universal Uclick

SPACIOUS 1,300 SQ.FT., 2 bed, 2 bath furnished condominium, extended patio overlooking Sarasota Bay and city views of Sarasota. Pool, fitness room and beach club included. March & April 2023. $6,000/month. All utilities included. Call 941-545-4471

Please send resume and salary requirements.

auto

Items Under $200

Adult Care Services

LONGBOAT KEY: Beachfront Condos, 1st or 2nd floor, 2BR/2BA, W/D in units, free Wi-Fi, heated pool, & parking.

Call 941-383-3338.

real estate

Items Under $200

$6000/month (plus taxes) Call 214-986-2287

jobs

The Longboat Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Longboat Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

LONGBOAT KEY Bayside Condo with Gulf View Available January-March 2024 3 month minimum 2 bedroom/2 bath Portobello 4th Floor Spectacular views

home services

Made for where you live. Here!

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

Home Watch

Hairstylist Colorist Makeup Artist

Located in salons by jc 200 Central Ave. Suite 15, Sarasota

rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com www.rockstarmobilehairsalon.com

Dave and Connie Grundy

LOS ANGELES HAIRSTYLIST NOW IN SARASOTA

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

Carpet Cleaning

397370

396423

424.333.0713

Painting

Pinnacle Home Watch.com Stop Worrying About Your Home While Away

Amanda Abizaid

31

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING, LLC

High-End Interior Painting Services FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

CALL OR TEXT 941-900-9398 TODAY! OWNER: DON HUBIAK

Health

396989

Beauty

|

Personal Services

GET YOUR LIFE BACK! Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

We Love Our Customers!

CARPET, TILE, UPHOLSTERY CLEANING ODOR CONTROL • AREA RUG SPECIALIST

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

DRIES IN HOURS – NOT DAYS • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Doors

Sliding Glass Door Repair

Building & Roofing Contractor

397541

The Only Thing You Have To Lose ... Is The Pain!!

Insurance

MIC INSURANCE

Patio Furniture Repairs.com Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

396972

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936 1/10/23, 10:25 AM

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

397536

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

396976

Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

For

396607

Chrissy Stites

5610 Gulf of Mexico Dr Unit 2 Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-263-3948

FIRST RESPONDER OWNED & OPERATED

LMT, CMCE

397543

Made for where you live. Here!

RED PAGES YourObserver.com/RedPages

Lic./Ins.

indow & Pressure Clea W t e ni s Sun merly known as Sunrise Windo ng

Rest your mind & body. Connect with your spirit.

Home Watch

www.shorelockhomewatch.com

CALL 941-955-4888

Res./Com.

MediCupping & Massage Therapy services for healing

dan@shorelockhomewatch.com

Showcase your products or services.

Windows

595 Bay Isles Rd. Suite 215 941.554.8909 | www.micinsurancefl.com

Heart & Sole Healing Space, LLC

1/1

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

Massage

Call 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

All Airports, Hourly & Tours www.blacklabelcarservice.com https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#search/royaltreasurecasino%40yahoo.com?projector=1

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

CREATE BUZZ!

(941)544-0475

941-248-4734

Booked Referral Program Next Ride with Booked Referral

Mike Mailliard ~ Lacey Weaver Allen Hovis ~ Marshall Bruce Matthew Mailliard ~ Julia McIlrevey Haley Jestings ~ Samantha Ryan Jaimie Simpkins

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

Luxury for Less

10% off RED PAGES

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

Transportation

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

Our team of professionals provides superior service and expertise for all of your insurance needs.

Handyman

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roofing Repair & Installation • Metal Roofing & Tile Roof Repair Specialists

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Furniture Repair

941-504-0903

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239

397540

New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

Roofing

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

www.thewinwinservices.com

support@thewinwinservices.com

397548

Like Us on Facebook

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

ws

150

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

398256

397555

Check out our 5 Star Reviews on Google

397549

Serving AMI, LBK and Bradenton for 25 years

397436

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

941-778-2882 • 941-387-0607

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY | 941.383.3388

510 BAY ISLES ROAD, SUITE 1 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL (Next to SUNTRUST BANK)

CHUBB, AIG, UNIVERSAL, UNITED, SAFECO, PROGRESSIVE, VAULT, FLOOD, WE HAVE YOU COVERED!

397550

Sandra Smith

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

Congratulations

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY C O N G R AT U L AT E S

ROGER PETTINGELL Individual Residential Real Estate Agent in Sarasota Individual Agent in Florida – Coldwell Banker Realty Individual Agent in the Nation – Coldwell Banker Realty

A SELECTION OF ROGER’S LUXURY WATERFRONT LISTINGS

SARASOTA | ST. ARMANDS/JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

SARASOTA | TORTOISE ESTATES

LONGBOAT KEY | THE PIERRE

LONGBOAT KEY | MARINA BAY

97 South Washington Drive 5 bedrooms, 5 full and 1 half bathrooms $11,500,000 www.97SouthWashington.com

455 Longboat Club Road #603 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms $2,495,000 www.ThePierre603.com

1172 Horizon View Drive 4 bedrooms, 3 full and 1 half bathrooms $6,995,000 www.1172HorizonView.com

2410 Harbourside Drive #142 3 bedrooms, 3 full and 1 half bathrooms $2,195,000 www.MarinaBay142.com

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE TOUR (941) 387-1840 443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 595 Bay Isles Road, Suite 250 | Longboat Key, FL 34228 Pettingell.com | www.bestSarasotarealestate.net | Twitter.com/RealRoger | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell | Roger@Pettingell.com Owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC 397827-1

32