Longboat Observer 10.13.22

LONGBOAT

Park picnic.

PAGE 6B

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 45, NO. 10

FREE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

Town back in business

Commissioners set to return on Oct. 17 with a full agenda following schedule changes prompted by hurricane. PAGE 2A

YOUR TOWN

Lesley Dwyer

A good kind of traffic Longboaters typically aren’t shy about complaining about traffic, either on the island or elsewhere.

But no one was likely griping on Monday morning as hulking grapple trucks scooped up Paul Bunyan-esque tree trunks, limbs, branches, leaves and other detrius left behind by the town’s close call with Hurricane Ian last month.

In some cases, Gulf of Mexico Drive was down to one lane as the town’s contracted teams cleared away piles of the stuff.

As a reminder, normal bluebin recyclable collection is suspended for the time being, and the town asks residents to keep their bins stored until collection resumes.

Water break Artist’s work a favorite among Longboat residents. PAGE 1B

Feeding those in need Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub served more than 700 meals to residents and workers in Charlotte County.

Chiles Hospitality also owns The Beach House on Anna Maria Island. The two restaurants, along with Gamble Creek Farms, partnered with World Central Kitchen, an organization that provides meals to communities in crisis. In total, more than 2,000 meals were served in three days in Englewood and Port Charlotte.

“Volunteers heard damage reports about roofs being ripped off and flooding,” spokeswoman Deborah Cooney said. “Most people wanted a hot meal and cold water. They served meals to linemen and contractors as well.”

Lesley Dwyer

Barbara Schwan holds one of her painting in Driftwood Beach Home & Garden, where she sells her work.

A+E New faces debut in ‘Premieres.’

INSIDE

Turtle tracks LONGBOAT Oct. 2-8 Nests False crawls

Lesley Dwyer

2022 0 0

2021 0 0

Totals since April 24 2022 2021 Nests 1,300 1,032 False crawls 1,521 1,441 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

SCAT’s OnDemand service operates with a fleet of minivans owned by a contracted company for Sarasota County.

Best ride isn’t always yours Uber? SCAT? We try both on for size. Then we race. PAGE 3A

2A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

Town Commission meeting to include Hurricane Ian report, smoking ban Town commissioners will hear from Town Manager Tom Harmer about the town’s response to Hurricane Ian and efforts moving forward.

lights or floodlights and the town’s code that regulates size and placement of temporary signs.

On the agenda are reports, which include discussion on Florida City Government Week, which runs from Oct. 17 through Oct. 21, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

HARMER’S CONTRACT

Items on the consent agenda, meaning no commissioner discussion will occur and likely all will pass unanimously, include Harmer’s contract extension to cover time between his original end date and Howard Tipton’s start date, which is set at Jan. 30, 2023.

Harmer’s new end date under the extended contract is Feb. 6, 2023 rather than Dec. 10. In the terms of the new contract, Harmer will receive a 3% raise starting October through his final day serving the town. His request for a housing allowance and permission to work with his son outside of town business is also included in the contract.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

A

fter the town postponed a pair of public meetings because of the effects of Hurricane Ian, town commissioners will gather on Monday, Oct. 17, to consider an agenda full of key issues.

Though additional measures could be added still, topics up for consideration are generally holdovers from the scheduled Oct. 3 meeting. Commissioners did meet that day briefly to pass the city budget, itself a meeting that was postponed from late September.

Town Manager Tom Harmer will give a report on how the town fared during the hurricane and the current operations to clean up after the storm.

Among the other topics of interest include:

OTHER ISSUES

BEACH-PARK SMOKING BAN

Main aspects of the agenda include the likely approval of the beach smoking ban and changes to code enforcement. Both were initially approved during their first reading at the commission’s Sept. 12 meeting.

The smoking ban, if passed, would not hinder use of unfiltered cigars and pipe tobacco use, which is protected by state law.

Before the commission’s traditional summer hiatus in July, commissioners got the ball rolling on the matter, asking not just for discussion but for town staff to have an ordinance prepared by the time they returned in September.

The first reading of the ordinance passed unanimously even with comments from commissioners about

Lesley Dwyer

Cleanup and repairs on Longboat Key have been underway since the passage of Hurricane Ian two weeks ago.

redundancy of the ordinance, if its main focus was to reduce littering.

Consideration of the ban is only possible because of recent statewide legislation, Florida’s Clean Indoor Air Act, which was signed into law June 24 and took effect July 1.

Approval of the ban would follow suit for a ban recently approved by the Sarasota City Commission.

Other local jurisdictions have also discussed smoking bans, including Holmes Beach and the City of Venice. Sarasota County has also been in

om se.c

re

rnitu

Fu The

u eho War

talks about a ban with the potential for upcoming approval.

CODE ENFORCEMENT CHANGES

Changes to code enforcement will also go through a second reading and public hearing Monday.

The ordinance reflects the makeup, organization and hearing processes, following a special magistrate replacing the code enforcement board in 2019. Changes to existing fees are only reductions, no existing fees are raised.

One of the most noteworthy changes includes violation reporting. Because of a state bill that went into effect July 1, 2021, anonymity of those reporting a violation is no longer an option.

If passed, some codes will be added to the list of ones eligible for immediate citation rather than needing to go through the hearing process. Codes added to the citation list include dogs or cats prohibited on beaches, property maintenance standards, sound regulations, spot-

The preliminary schedule for commission meetings for 2023 will be approved. In 2023, the commission’s summer hiatus will run from July 17 through Sept. 11.

A fee waiver, also included as a consent item, is being requested by the Paradise Center for the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk scheduled for Oct. 22.

The town has entered into a special counsel engagement agreement with Garcia Dell, who will act as special litigation counsel for the town in the Schweitzer, et al v. Town of Longboat Key litigation case. The agreement was already executed between the town and Garcia Dell on Sept. 26, but the commission is being asked to ratify it.

Under the town attorney comments section, there is a space that notes that an alternate special magistrate will also be approved. The town currently only has one special magistrate responsible for hearing cases monthly.

HOT BUYS!

OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO ALL RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE IAN

12 MONTHS NO INTEREST

*

PICK UP TODAY OR NEXT DAY DELIVERY AVAILABLE

F U R N I T U R E Entertain. Engage. Escape.

Sleek

design

Contemporary sectional creates a cozy place to relax.

Contemporary

casual

Combines modern accents with traditional looks. Includes table and 4 chairs.

Stores Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 11-6

99

1199

Smooth

99

799

Queen

$

$

SOUTH SARASOTA 5252 S. Tamiami Trail (at Phillippi Creek) 941-260-9601

5-PC

NORTH SARASOTA 4027 N Washington Blvd (Hwy 301) 941-351-8600

and functional

Queen headboard, footboard, rails, dresser and mirror.

mattress

Queen 9” gel memory foam mattress.

All sizes available.

BRADENTON 1100 Cortez Rd W (corner US Hwy 41) 941-749-6069

ELLENTON 5814 18th Street East (across Premium Outlets) 941-479-7900

69999

$

49999

$

VENICE 550 S Seaboard Ave (US Hwy 41 Bypass) 941-485-3211

PORT CHARLOTTE Closed for Hurricane Renovation

* On Purchases $300 or more with the Furniture Warehouse credit card made between October 13, 2022 and October 12, 2023. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within 12 months,

by October 2023. Minimum Monthly Payments required. Offer applies to only single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and October be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase.

Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. Furniture must be delivered by 12/31/22 for all financing offers. All prices include Hot Buys, Coupon savings or any promotional discounts. Terms of promotions - Previous purchase excluded, cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Promotion offers exclude Hot Buys, floor models or clearance items, sales tax, furniture protection plans, warranty, delivery, or service charge.

379658-1

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

THE

|

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

RACE

IS ON W

hen Longboat Observer reporter Lesley Dwyer found out about the Sarasota County OnDemand Service, she knew a story would be worth

pursuing. With the cost of $1.25 per ride, it was worth finding out more about the quality of the service.

She recruited fellow reporter Lauren Tronstad to aid in her story by using the popular rideshare app Uber to compare the speed and service of the much cheaper OnDemand for a ride from Town Hall to 1970 Main St., home of Observer Media Group.

SCAT OnDemand

You get what you pay for, right? That was my skeptical point of view when booking a Sarasota County OnDemand transit van. Rides cost $1.25; there must be a catch. (Those prices could rise slightly based on a proposal under consideration by SCAT.) OnDemand is the county’s version of Uber. The website reads, “Think of us like a van that comes when you want, where you want— give us your pickup and drop-off addresses, and we’ll provide the ride.”

But is it comparable to an Uber?

This is how we found out.

12:28 P.M.

Because the summoning feature is part of the experience, we booked our rides at the exact same second; and Tronstad is already ahead. Her Uber driver is only three minutes away. But wait a minute, or a measly six more, because the OnDemand driver is nine minutes away. And those six minutes cost her. She paid $16.95, and when she checked at a different day and time, the fare was nearly $23 to use Uber.

The OnDemand fare is $1.25, and passengers under 6 or over 80 ride for free. The van accommodates wheelchairs and pets, too.

Using the app was the best way for us to test the speed of the service, but it’s not necessary. Riders can call 300-1553 to order the van without having to download an app first.

WHERE TO, MACK?

Top destinations for the SCAT OnDemand Service include: n Longboat Key n Siesta Key n Englewood n North Port

During Dwyer’s ride, Arcuco told her that he often spends a lot of time in Venice, where the service acts like an Uber, taking riders to and from the grocery store or their jobs. One of the key differences between the OnDemand service and Uber, outside of the price, is the range of destinations and pick-up spots. Dwyer, who lives less than 10 minutes from the Observer Media Group offices, does not qualify for a pick-up or drop-off service from her home. Uber rides do not have the same interruptions in service as OnDemand.

12:30 P.M.

I quickly snap a picture of our phones because Tronstad’s Uber is around the corner.

12:31 P.M.

I’m looking at the taillights of Tronstad’s Uber on Bay Isles Road. They’re almost out on Gulf of Mexico Drive, while I’m still in the parking lot at Town Hall.

12:41 P.M.

The van pulls into the parking lot four minutes past the estimated arrival time, but I’m still only 10 minutes behind. The app has already provided the car’s make, model, color and license plate number, along with a photograph of the driver and his name. I forget to double check the license plate number, but everything else matches up and the van is clearly stickered “OnDemand by Sarasota County” in green and blue lettering.

The first thing I notice is that my ride is a lot bigger than Tronstad’s economy-sized Uber. It’s clean and cool on the inside, and there’s plenty of leg room in the back.

The driver, Juan Arcuco, greets me.

I have more questions than a regular passenger, but he happily answers each one. Arcuco started driving for OnDemand a year ago.

He was an Uber driver but says the price of gas is too high now. He prefers OnDemand because the gas and miles are on his employer. But Arcuco is not a county employee. The county provides the service using a third-party vendor, Via, a fleet management company.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

apologizing profusely to Arcuco for forgetting to bring a cash tip. Forgetfulness and technology have tripped me up in this leg.

I booked the ride but didn’t see an option to tip. Arcuco is gracious and says it’s OK. He even reassures me that he gets paid by the hour, but I’ve asked enough questions to know that this is one of two jobs for Arcuco, so even though this is a county service, tips should be calculated into the final fare.

As we’re cruising over the John Ringling Bridge, I’m fumbling around the app again looking for a way to tip and find an email for customer service if all else fails.

1:02 P.M.

With no other passengers to pick up, I’m back at the office, 10 minutes after Tronstad. But according to Arcuco, most people use the van to get back and forth to work. If we raced during rush hour, he said it could’ve taken an extra 20-30 minutes. The van only transports four riders at a time, so stops are limited.

Arcuco is pulled over in a turning lane to drop me off on Main Street, but he steps out of the car to take a quick selfie. As I wave goodbye and head into the building, the app is lit up with options for tips ranging from 15-30%.

I’m so ecstatic after having forgotten my cash that I click on 30% without doing basic math. On $1.25, I’ve just left him a $0.37 tip, which feels like more of an insult than not tipping at all.

A DAY LATER

OnDemand customer service responds to my prior day’s email and assists in getting a tip to Arcuco. The final review from a former skeptic: OnDemand is a bargain.

LESLEY DWYER

Uber Service

My ride was $16.95 before a tip and I ordered my ride at 12:28 p.m.

12:31 P.M.

As is typical for rides I have taken

12:52 P.M. Juan Arcuco drives a van for OnDemand by Sarasota County. The service is available across the county but not in all areas.

I get a message from Tronstad that she’s back at the office as I’m rounding a curve in St. Armands Circle, exposing myself as a reporter and

Lauren Tronstad gets into her Uber.

from the Uber app, my ride got to me quickly. As I got into the car, I first noticed the comfortable temperature the vehicle was set at compared to the heat and humidity outdoors.

The cupholders in the backseat were filled with mints and from what I could see, the interior of the vehicle was very clean.

My driver, Lance Roy, informed me that I was his ninth passenger of the day, slower than was typical for him.

I ordered my ride during one of the slowest parts of the day, Roy said.

With two kinds of rides to the mainland requested, the race was on.

12:41 P.M.

I arrived at St. Armands Circle quickly and felt comfortable with the ability and driving of Roy in the busy shopping district, a place that offers its own perils behind the wheel.

Funny enough, I learned that Roy is from my native Missouri too, just a few hours from my hometown. We made small talk of the weather, other drivers on our route and tidbits and stories from back in Missouri.

He was very friendly, easy to talk to and one of the least awkward Uber drivers I have ridden with in the six rides I have ordered since downloading the rideshare application.

12:51 P.M.

I was dropped off along Main Street back at the office in a safe spot, which Roy ensured I was comfortable with. As I grabbed my belongings and began to get out of the car, Roy handed me his card, informing me that I could text him to schedule additional rides. I have since taken him up on his offer for a ride to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

At the conclusion of my trip, I rated my ride with Roy five stars.

If you are looking for a quick pickup and a guarantee of only one stop, spending the extra money on a ride from one of the many rideshare apps available would likely be the way to go.

Unlike the OnDemand service, rideshare apps are also available to everyone, not just stops within Sarasota County.

LAUREN TRONSTAD

I’LL DRIVE MYSELF OK, you got us. It is probably competitive to drive yourself.

But indulge us for a moment. In a car that gets 20 miles per gallon, you’d pay about $1.33 for the ride from Town Hall to the world headquarters of the Observer Media Group in downtown Sarasota. But where are you going to park?

On-street parking in the city will run you $1.50 an hour.

Public garages allow the first hour free, but the nearest one is probably on State Street, which we say is 0.6 of a mile from 1970 Main St.

3A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

Sarasota leaders OK St. Armands festival proposal Longboat Key leaders react with traffic concerns after City Commissioners’ 4-1 approval of the event that would run from Nov. 18 through New Year’s.

ANDREW WARFIELD

PROPOSED HOURS OF OPERATION

STAFF WRITER

S

t. Armands Circle is getting a new 60-foot holiday tree this year, and now it will have a six-week winter festival to accompany it. During its Oct. 3 meeting, the Sarasota City Commission approved by a 4-1 vote authorizing the city staff to approve a special-use permit to Tom Leonard and Ride Entertainment to hold the festival in the five-acre park inside the circle.

Citing the contentious nature surrounding the request, Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch opposed the motion to approve made by Hagen Brody. The controversy surrounds what St. Armands Circle Association Executive Director Rachel Burns said was a lack of communication between Leonard and her organization and the cancelation of at least one annual event to accommodate the new festival.

Longboat Key leaders said they plan to discuss the festival proposal over concerns about traffic.

Mayor Ken Schneier said commissioners could talk about potential actions they might take at their Oct. 17 meeting.

“The intensity of traffic is the main concern,” he said. “There is the worry about what the approval would mean for development and allowed uses.”

The prospect of the festival came before the commission at its Sept.

19 meeting during the pubic comments portion, when Leonard and

n Opens: Nov. 18, 2022. n Weekdays: 4-9 p.m. n Weekends: noon-9 p.m. n Holiday weeks: noon-9 p.m. n Breakdown: Jan. 3, 2023.

Burns spoke back to back on the matter. Leonard, chairman of the St. Armands Business Improvement District Board of Directors, emphasized he was not speaking on behalf of the board. Burns, whose organization is comprised of the merchants at the Circle, said she was left out of the conversation, that Leonard was attempting to circumvent procedures for an event permit.

The two appeared before the commission on Aug. 1 to request a $286,000 grant to replace the 20-year-old St. Armands tree.

Leonard said the festival is his effort to deliver on what commissioners at the time expressed as a desire to expand holiday activities there beyond the traditional tree-lighting.

Part of the controversy stems from a previous attempt by Ride Entertainment to install a permanent carousel in the circle, which met with opposition.

Leonard provided details during Monday’s meeting, including a site map of proposed attractions that include a synthetic ice skating rink, a trackless train, a carousel and more, all located within temporary fencing

Courtesy photo

inside the park. The new tree will face Ringling Causeway on the approach to the circle from the mainland.

The fencing, Leonard said, is not to deny access but to provide security while festival activities are underway. At a cost of $10, a wristband will provide access to all the attractions.

St. Armands Residents Association President Chris Goglia told commissioners a weeks-long event that limits access to the space within the circle is a right-of-way violation along a state road.

“Based on the feedback that we’ve gotten from our public works department, it is right of way, but they look at it as sort of like a median in the middle of a roadway where there’s green space,” said City Manager Marlon Brown. “And so we’ve always utilized that circle as sort of a median, so it’s green space and we do designate it as a park.”

City Attorney Robert Fournier said in his opinion, right of way applies to vehicular traffic, which will not be impeded, and therefore consideration of the festival does not require a public hearing.

“I think (you can) just decide that the ordinance applies, but it only applies when there’s actual public right of way that’s being used as such for vehicular traffic and it has to be closed,” Fournier said. “This will not require the closure of any right of way over which the public is traveling.”

Burns said the St. Armands Circle Association isn’t necessarily

“I’ve just heard about things going on behind the scenes where my events are attempting to be canceled.”

Among the attractions of the proposed winter festival at St. Armands Circle is a synthetic ice skating rink.

— Rachel Burns

opposed to the festival, but it objects to having been excluded from planning. She also took exception to Leonard meeting with the organizer of one of her group’s regular events, Porsches at the Park, requesting it be relocated, postponed or canceled.

“I’ve asked multiple times in emails to Mr. Brown and Mr. Fournier for more information. Since Aug. 26, I’ve received no information.

I’ve just heard about things going on behind the scenes where my events are attempting to be canceled,” she said. “We’re not against this nor have I ever tried to stop an expanded program. I just do not believe that we’re setting the right precedent by bulldozing over something. I would like you to direct city staff to have that meeting with us so we can try to work on something together that works for everybody.”

Leonard said he doesn’t necessarily envision the festival as an annual event and, for the time being, said it’s about highlighting what commissioners called a tree for the city, not just St. Armands.

WHAT TO EXPECT n Performance stage n Synthetic ice skating rink n Trackless train n Santa’s North Pole Experi-

ence n Carousel n Inflatable snow globe n Face painting n Crafting

SWIMWEAR | RESORT WEAR | ACCESSORIES

Downtown Store

OPEN access via

1st St.

donate & shop

www.SwimCity.com

SIESTA KEY

1960 Stickney Pt Rd 941.922.4545

DOWNTOWN

50 N Tamiami Trl 941.954.8800

LONGBOAT

3170 Gulf of Mexico Dr 941.383.2288

375304-1

Building Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories | Lamps

3 Stores n 1 Location Tuesday - Saturday n 10:00am - 5:00pm 2095 17th Street n Sarasota Have large items to donate?

Call to schedule your free pick up.

The Sarasota/Siesta Key, East County and Longboat Observers meet the legal requirements to publish legal and public notices in Sarasota & Manatee counties, per F.S. 50.011.

(941) 444-5783

AUDITOR INFORMATION Verified Audit 1101 Fifth Ave., Suite 270 | San Rafael, CA 94901 (415) 461-6006 | www.verifiedaudit.com

n

www.habitatsrq.org

Our vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live.

370405-1

PUBLIC NOTICES

389868-1

4A

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

5A

Dominick says she’s not seeking reelection Realtor serving first term in the District 1 seat of the Longboat Key Town Commission.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

F

irst-term Longboat Key Town Commissioner Sherry Dominick said last week she would not seek reelection in the spring, the first official announcement of the 2023 election season.

“It’s been a true honor and a pleasure to work with the town and for the town,” the District 1 representative said. “I find myself at a point where family commitments, other professional commitments and volunteering at the hospital are creating certain pressures that I would like to alleviate a little bit.”

Dominick took over the seat in March 2020. Her term expires following the election in March 2023.

Along with Dominick, Mayor Ken Schneier and Vice Mayor Maureen Merrigan are also up for election this cycle. Neither have announced plans to run for reelection or otherwise. No other challengers have yet filed in the qualification period that opened Oct. 1. The qualifying period remains open until mid-November.

She thanked the commissioners for her time in the seat and asked anyone who might be considering running for the seat to put their name in the ring.

Her seat on the commission is Dominick’s first position of public office. She launched her legal career in New England shortly after passing the bar exam in 1981. She currently works as a Realtor with Michael Saunders and Co. on the south end of the Key. She also spends her time volunteering at Sarasota Memorial Hos-

Courtesy photo

pital.

She and her husband bought their first property on the island in 2002 and moved to the island in 2017.

As of Tuesday, Oct. 11, Town Clerk Trish Shinkle noted that no resident has qualified for the commission race yet. One individual has come into the office for an informational booklet, but doing so does not mean they will seek election.

The close of the qualifying period is Nov. 21.

Candidates are required to submit petitions to the Supervisor of Elections in either Sarasota or Manatee counties by Nov. 21. The supervisor will then verify signatures and ensure the candidate qualifies to run for office in the district they listed.

Sherry Dominick was elected to the Town Commission in 2020.

MEETINGS UPCOMING

More Than A PLAN...

n 9:15 a.m., Oct. 18: Planning and Zoning Board regular meeting n 9:15 a.m., Oct. 28: Planning and Zoning Board regular meeting (comprehensive plan review) n 1 p.m., Oct. 28: Investment Advisory/Finance Committee regular meeting n 9:30 a.m., Nov. 17: Zoning Board of Adjustment regular meeting (Oct. 20 meeting canceled)

A Longboat Key Landmark

IT’S A PROMISE. Pre-planning does more than provide your family with peace of mind. It’s making a promise to keep them free of future financial burdens and the responsibility of carrying out rushed arrangements during their time of remembrance.

Harry’s Caymus Wine Dinner

For more than 30 years, the Toale Brothers family has

Thursday, October 20th | 6:30pm | $175/person+tax+gratuity

helped people make their choices now, so those decisions

Harry's Restaurant

don’t fall on their families later.

Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner

4 Course Fall Dinner Prix Fixe $49 with Wine Pairings $66

Create a plan and a promise for your loved ones. Give us

Wine Wednesday - 25% off Bottles of Wine(Restaurant) Tuesday + Thursday - Steak and Frites Special $32.99

11 AM-7PM Take-Out/Curbside Pickup

Harry's Catering

Restaurant Reservations Suggested

Booking Parties For All Occasions Party Specialties

389899-1

Harry's Gourmet Deli

a call today to start the conversation.

5600 Gulf of Mexico Drive|941-383-0777|www.HarrysKitchen.com

Downtown Sarasota’s Premier Senior Rental Retirement Residence

Call 941-955-9099 To Schedule a Tour and Delicious Meal!

AldermanOaks.com 727 Hudson Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 AL#8979

Proudly serving Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice since 1912.

370883-1

390371-1

941.955.4171 • www.ToaleBrothers.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS OCTOBER 18, 2022

Debris cleanup expected to span at least a month

ZONING CHANGE (QUASI-JUDICIAL) SPECIAL EXCEPTION (QUASI-JUDICIAL) SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (QUASI-JUDICIAL) AND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT (LEGISLATIVE)

Florida Department of Transportation’s initial sweep of Gulf of Mexico Drive was completed Tuesday morning.

Please take notice that public hearings of the Town of Longboat Key’s Planning and Zoning Board will be held at the request of Bruce Franklin, Land Resource Strategies, Inc., Authorized Agent, on behalf of WB Longboat Residences, LLC, Property Owner, for property located at 5630 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Specifically, the applicant is requesting:

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

D

ebris cleanup is in its initial stages for the town after Hurricane Ian. Monday was the sixth day of cleanup efforts.

Cleanup provided by a town-contracted service began Wednesday, Oct. 5, and started on public roads of the town. For private roads, typically those within gated neighborhoods, right-of-entry agreements had to be submitted before a contractor could enter.

“Many of those (agreements) are now in place,” Town Manager Tom Harmer said Monday. “We are still finishing the first pass on the public roads, which should wrap up before the end of this week.”

Due to the timing, it is likely that before the end of the week, contractors will be entering the neighborhoods that have the right-of-entry agreements on file.

To complete the entirety of the first pass on both public and private roads on the island, Harmer anticipates the process taking multiple weeks.

“Typically, the first pass picks up all the debris that was initially placed out there,” he said. “There is normally some level of additional cleanup that’s occurring.”

Because Gulf of Mexico Drive is a state road, the town’s FEMA representative advised that the town’s private contractor was not allowed to pick up debris along that road. The Florida Department of Transportation coordinated an initial sweep of the island, starting Oct. 6.

Harmer expects the state’s sweep along Gulf of Mexico Drive to be

1. A Rezoning to rezone the property from C-1 (Limited Commercial) and R-4SF (Single-Family Medium-Density Residential District 4 units/acre) to R-4MX (Medium Density Mixed Residential 4 units per acre); 2. A Special Exception to increase height for elevator overruns; 3. A Site Development Plan to permit an 8-unit multi-family residential condominium; and 4. A Comprehensive Plan (Future Land Use Map) Amendment to change the Future Land Use designations from CL Limited Commercial and RM-4 Medium Density Single-Family Mixed Residential, 4 units per acre to the RM-4 Medium Density Single-Family Mixed Residential, 4 units per acre. (Note: Pursuant to Florida Statutes 163.3184, the above referenced zoning, special exception and site development requests (#1-3 above) by WB Longboat Residences, LLC, are contingent upon the Comprehensive Plan Amendment becoming effective that changes the Future Land Use designations of 5630 Gulf of Mexico Drive The quasi-judicial public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Board on the Applicant’s Rezoning, Special Exception and Site Development Plan requests will be held on October 18, 2022, at 9:15 a.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, in the Town Commission Chambers at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, Florida. This hearing will be held in accordance with established quasi-judicial and legislative procedures.

All interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the request for Rezoning, Special Exception, Site Development Plan and Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals submitted by the Applicant. Copies of the Applicant’s proposals and related material associated with the requests may be viewed at the Planning, Zoning & Building Department, 501 Bay Isles Road, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays prior to the hearing. Questions may be directed to the Planning, Zoning & Building Department at 316-1966.

The proposed amendments will affect property within the corporate boundaries of the Town of Longboat Key as shown on the map appearing at the bottom of this advertisement.

No verbatim record by a certified court reporter is made of these proceedings.

Accordingly, any person who may seek to appeal any decision involving the matters noticed herein will be responsible for making a verbatim record of the testimony and evidence at these proceedings upon which any appeal is to be based (see Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes). In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Town Clerk’s office at 941-316-1999 forty-eight (48) hours in advance of this proceeding. If you are hearing impaired, please call 941-316-8719.

Lauren Tronstad

completed this week. The state will only be completing one pass.

Harmer noted that additional cleanup can already been seen along Gulf of Mexico Drive in areas where the state has already come through for their pass along the road. Debris left on roads following the initial pass is gathered during any additional passes through the island.

After a hurricane, it is typical that three passes through the island are necessary to complete all debris cleanup.

For Hurricane Ian, FEMA is covering 100% of costs for debris removal for the first 30 days.

FEMA regulations also require that the process of pickup is highly regulated and monitored. The town has put a debris monitoring contractor in place to ensure the town meets required processes and necessary documentation is in place.

During cleanup, the town’s waste management department has opted to suspend recycling services for the next two to four weeks because of storm priorities and limited resources, an email from Harmer to commissioners read. Similar actions have been taken in both Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Tree debris awaits pickup in Bayfront Park.

handcrafted for a lifetime of joy

David Green, Chair Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board Published: 10/13/2022

furniture cabinetry

our handcrafted furniture quality is displayed in our cabinetry Cabinetry + Furniture Showroom: 3737 Bahia Vista St. Sarasota, FL 34232 - 941.952.5646 Furniture Showroom: 6100 N Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 - 941.960.2942

389992-1

dutchhausfurniture.com 386808-1

6A

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

7A

Featured Listings

Siesta Key | Harbor Towne 1249 Dockside Place #110 | $899,000 Robert Ruiz | 941.544.3299

Lakewood Ranch | Lakewood Ranch Country Club

Sarasota | The Landings

7990 Royal Birkdale Circle | $2,395,000

5110 Kestral Park Way S | $1,799,999

Robert Ruiz | 941.544.3299

Carlos Santos | 941.735.8302

Taylor Thompson | 941.928.2372

Veronika Bajtala | 941.504.0307

Siesta Key | Peppertree Bay II

Myakka City | 10 Acres

1200 E Peppertree Lane #206 | $789,000

6410 Wauchula Road | $1,995,000

Michelle Borysek | 941.413.8597

Samantha Kasprzyk-Benge | 941.650.3732 Keith Redding | 941.894.4216

Featured William Raveis Luxury Properties

Palm Beach | Florida

Naples | Florida

299 Tradewind Drive | $19,500,000

1325 Murex Drive | $15,500,000

Palm Beach Worth Ave Office | 561.655.6570

Naples Broad Ave S Office | 239.307.4612

Nantucket | Massachusetts

Hobe Sound | Florida

105 Low Beach Road | $16,995,000

318 S Beach Road | $22,900,000

Nantucket Office | 508.228.9117

Jupiter Island Office | 722.546.2381

#1 Family-Owned Real Estate Company in Florida and the Northeast

376733-1

140 Offices 4,400+ Sales Associates $21 Billion in Annual Sales 8 States - CT, FL, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT

8A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Observer recommends A litmus test for constitution amendments is this: Will it increase or decrease your freedom? the lives of those the amendments are intended to affect. But you can be the judge of that once you know more about them.

AMENDMENT 1

MATT WALSH

E

very conversation you have with a Floridian for the first time since that horrible, fateful day always begins with: “How did you do? Is your family OK? Was your home damaged?”

And for the next five minutes or so, together you lament the destruction that Hurricane Ian inflicted on this great state and you pity with your heart the thousands of Floridians who lost so much.

All of us in Ian’s wake are still traumatized — PTSD, for sure — even if those of us in the SarasotaBradenton escaped as we did.

So it’s hard to shift your mindset and focus and get back to living the way we were living before Ian. But we must — and will.

Which brings us to one of the next milestones Americans will be facing over the next few weeks: How to vote in the Nov. 8 general election.

To that end, as we do with each election, we will attempt over the next few weeks to help readers see why some incumbents deserve reelection or not, or why some challengers deserve election instead.

We will explain some of the details, backgrounds, motivations, objectives and plusses and minuses of the state constitutional amendments and local charter amendments.

And, as we have traditionally done, we will continue to make recommendations — a practice most newspapers are abandoning. Too bad they are.

We continue to believe it’s worthwhile to offer a viewpoint that may help voters think more analytically about candidates and issues rather than making judgments merely based on TV and radio soundbites or on the negative campaign mailers stuffed into mailboxes.

In this week’s installment, we address the state constitutional amendments. And as we do with every proposed amendment, we will apply our litmus test: If passed, will the amendment increase or decrease individuals’ freedom? If it will increase freedom, we’ll likely recommend a yes. If it decreases freedom, no.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Thankfully, there are only three state constitutional amendments on the ballot this year. That’s a welcome relief from four years ago, when there were 12 state amendments on the ballot — all of which addressed multiple subjects that confused voters.

On top of that, in 2018, Sarasota County ballots contained another six bond and charter questions.

All of it was overwhelming for Florida voters.

That seemingly interminable and confusing list of amendments came to Floridians courtesy of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission, an appointed body of citizens that meets every 20 years and whose existence happens to be the subject of one of this year’s amendments.

Unlike then, this year’s three amendments are all courtesy of the Legislature. And thankfully, each of the amendments is limited to a single subject, making them easier to comprehend.

What’s more, unlike many citizen-initiated amendments, this year’s three amendments do not have nefarious interest groups working behind the scenes to pass or kill the amendments to gain special advantage.

Instead, you can say the intent of the amendments is to improve

Limitation on the assessment of real property used for residential purposes.

To authorize the Legislature, by general law, to prohibit the consideration of any change or improvement made to real property used for residential purposes to improve the property’s resistance to flood damage in determining the assessed value of such property for ad valorem taxation purposes.

In plain English, here’s what this means: If you own residential property in Florida and construct or install improvements designed to keep your property from being flooded (e.g. hurricanes, storms), county property appraisers cannot add the value of those improvements to the assessed value of your property.

Say the appraiser values your canal-front home at $700,000.

Then you add $50,000 worth of anti-flood improvements. When the appraisers assesses the tax value of your home, he cannot include the $50,000 value.

State statutes already apply that methodology to wind damage improvements (stronger roofs, hurricane windows, etc.). This amendment would apply the same exemption to flood improvements.

In the wake of Ian, most people would say this amendment makes sense. This amendment is in every property owner and taxpayer’s interest and in the interest of helping the state create a more favorable insurance market.

It makes sense to give homeowners an incentive to take steps to avoid flood damage. Likewise, any measure that limits or reduces taxation is an increase in freedom.

We recommend: Yes

AMENDMENT 2

Abolishing the Constitution Revision Commission.

To abolish the Constitution Revision Commission, which meets at 20-year intervals and is scheduled to next convene in 2037, as a method of submitting proposed amendments or revisions to the State Constitution to electors of the state for approval. This amendment does not affect the ability to revise or amend the State Constitution through citizen initiative, constitutional convention, the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission or legislative joint resolution.

On first thought, an initial reaction to reading this proposed amendment would be to vote no. It appears the Legislature wants to eliminate one of the avenues voters and taxpayers have to change state government. It appears to be an effort to take away some of your freedom and your ability to control your government.

But as with most issues, there are two sides to every story.

Florida Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, makes a persuasive case for eliminating the commission — persuasive enough that more than three-fifths of the Legislature voted in 2021 to put this measure on the ballot.

Brandes likens the commission to the movie “Jumanji” — a game with no rules.

“There are no rules,” he says.

“Good things can pop out, and bad things can pop out.”

All of that is true of the revision commission, in particular the part about no rules.

When Florida voters approved the creation of the commission in 1968, the provisions specifying its job and how to do that job were vague and open-ended. According to a legislative analysis in 2021, all that is required of the commission is that it “must convene at the call of its chair, adopt rules of procedure and ‘hold public hearings.’” That’s it.

Its job is “to examine the State Constitution and decide which, if any, amendments to propose to the voters.”

REPUBLICANS GROW; DEMOCRATS DON’T VOTER REGISTRATION Change 2022 Total % of Total from 2021 FLORIDA* Republican 5,233,366 36.3% +2.2% Democrat 4,963,722 34.5% -2.9% Other 4,198,193 29.2% +3.2% Total 14,395,281 100% +0.6% MANATEE COUNTY** Republican 123,634 44.1% +2.7% Democrat 79,589 28.4% -3.1% Other 76,675 27.4% +3.0% Total 279,898 100% +1.0% SARASOTA COUNTY*** Republican 153,630 43.5% +1.8% Democrat 101,468 28.7% -5.0% Other 97,770 27.2% 0% Total 352,868 100% -0.74% (As of *9.30.22;** 11.1.21; *** 10.5.22; )

For the first time in Florida political history, registered Republicans will outnumber registered Democrats going into the general election.

This was a long quest for Republicans.

Even though Republicans achieved a historic milestone in 1996 by taking the majority in the Legislature — the first time in 120 years, Democrats have always

outnumbered Republicans.

No longer.

What’s more, when you look at a county map of Florida, it would show the state to be bright Red. Of the 67 counties, Republicans outnumber Democrats in 52.

Offsetting that dominance, however, is that Democrats overwhelmingly control the state’s major metropolitan areas.

DEMOCRATS DOMINATE THE METROS The table shows the total registered Democrats and Republicans and the percentage of the total number of registered voters.

Broward Duval (Jax) Hillsborough Miami-Dade Orange Palm Beach Totals % of Party

Democrats % 596,774 47.9% 260,733 40.0% 341,597 37.2% 575,793 37.9% 360,389 41.7% 398,703 39.9% 2,533,989 — 51%

Republicans 263,491 228,883 287,419 433,113 217,061 288,547 1,718,51 32.8%

% 21.1% 35.1% 31.3% 28.5% 25.1% 28.9% —

Source: Florida Secretary of State; supervisors of elections

Brandes argues the open-ended nature of the commission results in what occurred in 2018 — a dozen amendments, most of them addressing different subjects; and many of them items that should not be in the constitution, but rather dealt with as state statutes.

What’s more, Brandes argues, the members of the commission are not really a wide cross-section of Florida’s populace. Of its 37 members, the governor appoints 15; the House speaker and Senate president each appoint nine; the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court appoints three; and the attorney general is a member.

The result tends to be friends and donors of the state’s elected leaders.

In the most recent commission, Republicans overwhelmingly dominated. “It’s a construct of unelected individuals,” Brandes says, deciding what to present to voters to change Florida’s most sacred, governing document.

For all those reasons, Brandes says, the best way to fix all that is wrong with the commission is to eliminate it.

Or, as Adrian Moore, Observer columnist and vice president of the Reason Foundation, wrote in a Sept.

8 column: “It would make much more sense to reform the CRC and the citizen initiative process than to eliminate it.”

Moore presented five doable and reasonable steps that would reform and fix the commission and preserve this avenue to amending Florida’s Constitution. It’s worth a try.

We recommend: No.

AMENDMENT 3

Additional homestead property tax exemption for specified critical public services workforce.

To authorize the Legislature, by general law, to grant an additional homestead tax exemption for nonschool levies of up to $50,000 of the assessed value of homestead property owned by classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States armed forces and Florida National Guard members. This amendment shall take effect Jan. 1, 2023.

This proposed amendment reeks of political pandering.

It also is rife with reasons to be critical of the 115 Florida House members (all of them at the time) and the 37 out of 38 senators who voted to put this measure on the ballot in the most recent legislative session.

First, to the good: If approved, the amendment would codify a property tax cut — and thus more individual freedom — for nine groups of Floridians. It would be a nice way to express the public’s perpetual appreciation for these indispensable and highly valued public servants; to let them know Floridians have their backs.

It would not be a precedent by any means.

Since 2010, Florida voters have approved six constitutional amendments giving property-tax exemptions and college-tuition waivers to combat-wounded military veterans, disabled first responders and the surviving spouses of these deceased veterans and first responders. In the process, Florida has become one of the most welcoming states in the country for veterans and first responders.

Now, state lawmakers want to broaden that net.

But wait. While we admire and respect the people who choose to serve in those crucial occupations and understand their risks and challenges and while we have supported the six previous amendments intended to help those wounded, disabled or killed in the line of duty, this amendment smacks of the policy making that lawmakers should always avoid: picking one group over another and bestowing benefits on one group at the expense of others.

This amendment is the classic example of the Milton Friedman rule of lawmaking: What you give to one you must take away from another. If you lower taxes for the people in these nine groups, others must make up the difference.

Florida lawmakers should quit pandering so they can say they voted to cut taxes. If there are to be tax cuts, give them to everyone.

We recommend: No. Next week: Proposed charter amendments and questions for Manatee and Sarasota counties and the city of Sarasota.

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Hughes, KHughes@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 A+E Editor / Spencer Fordin, SFordin@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 Burke, EBurke@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

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned.

Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine

CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles 1970 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468

YourObserver.com © 2020 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

SEEKING A TOW 12:39 p.m., 600 block of Marbury Lane Citizen assist: A resident contacted police to report his personal watercraft had come loose during Hurricane Ian and was drifting in Sarasota Bay. The officer told the resident the town’s policy prevents police from towing drifting boats back to their owners. The resident acknowledged that and said he wanted to check first before engaging the services of a commercial towing company that could charge several hundred dollars. The officer also said the bay was full of debris from the storm, making navigation even more tricky.

MY BAD 5:18 p.m., 500 block of Juan Anasco Drive Alarm: A resident told a responding officer that his home’s intruder alarm had been tripped accidentally, and there was no cause for concern.

SNIFF, SNIFF, PART 1 5:48 p.m., 2200 block of Harbour Court Drive Fire assist: Police and fire-rescue personnel came to a home on a report of a gas leak. The leak was cut off and the gas supplying utility was alerted.

SATURDAY, OCT. 1

SNIFF, SNIFF, PART 2 8:19 a.m., 6300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Fire assist: An officer was flagged down to alert him of the smell of gas in the boiler room of a building. Fire personnel responded and ascertained the pilot light on one of the boilers had gone out. The fire department shut off the gas and recommended a professional examine the equipment before returning it to service.

WRONG END UP 3:36 p.m., 700 block of Hideaway Bay Drive Boating: The town’s marine patrol officer, while assessing damage from Hurricane Ian, found a boat hanging nearly vertically from a boat lift, its stern and engine underwater while its bow was pointing up. The officer found the adjacent home unoccupied and left a message with the

owner via phone in regards to the boat’s condition. The officer reported that commercial assistance was standing by to help. No fuels or fluids were found to be leaking from the craft.

SUNDAY, OCT. 2

ON THE JOB FIREWORKS 5:23 a.m., 6200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Fire assist: An officer on patrol witnessed the explosion of an electrical transformer and called in help from the fire department. As a result of the explosion, a power line fell into a wooded area, followed by the sight of smoke. Fire personnel arrived, along with an electrical utility crew and took over the scene.

MONDAY, OCT. 3

ALL’S WELL 8:12 a.m., 4600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Welfare check: Police went to the home of a resident who could not be reached by a relative. The resident told the officer there had been a power failure during the storm and her cell phone’s battery had run down. The officer allowed the resident to call a family member with his personal phone. The resident later said she was fine and needed no police assistance.

POWERED UP 10:48 a.m., 500 block of Bay Isles Road Citizen assist: Police went to the Public Tennis Center to check out a report of an extension cord connected to a receptacle on town property leading over the fence into an adjacent community. Following the cord back to its end, the officer found a resident who said he was concerned about the refrigeration of his insulin and saw that the tennis center power had been restored.

The man immediately unplugged the cord, however, he regained power shortly thereafter. The man was advised to seek permission first before again seeking to use publicly financed utilities.

GONE FISHIN’ 10 p.m., 6900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: Police encountered a small vehicle with fishing gear

inside parked in the driveway of a residence under construction. Upon the officer’s inspection, a man from Sarasota walked up and said he could find no other place to park before heading to the water’s edge to fish. The officer responded that the driveway was private property and that he should move the vehicle, which he did.

TUESDAY, OCT. 4

STUCK. NOT STUCK. 5:45 p.m., Longboat Pass Bridge Traffic hazard: Police on both sides of the bridge directed traffic away from the span while the bridge tender looked into the cause of a malfunction that caused the drawbridge to stop operating. Within a few minutes, the bridge was back in normal operation.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 5

SPICY! 12:15 p.m., police headquarters Found property: A man came to police headquarters carrying a ball cap and an apron bearing the insignia of a popular, bowl-based Mexican grill restaurant. The man tried to present a theory on how they ended up on the Longboat Pass Bridge for him to find, but a police evidence specialist was not able to substantiate any of it. The cap and apron remain in police custody as found items.

UP WITH PEOPLE 5:24 p.m., 1200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Fire assist: A police officer and firerescue personnel came to a condominium community on a report of a person stuck in an elevator.

Firefighters were able to gain entry to the elevator and free the stuck person. The officer departed the scene after receiving another call for assistance.

PIPE DOWN 10:28 p.m., 700 block of Broadway Street Suspicious vehicle: A resident alerted police to a vehicle in the neighborhood driving up and down the main road while the driver yelled out the window. No description was offered, and police could not find the loud-mouthed driver upon arrival in the neighborhood.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

9A

COPS CORNER

FRIDAY, SEPT. 30

|

SATURDAY, OCT. 1

TI-MING 2500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Traffic: An officer directed traffic at Bay Isles Parkway for a period of time, taking over for a signal with faulty timing. A town Public Works crew arrived to reset the timing of the traffic signal.

THURSDAY, OCT. 6

NOTHING WRONG HERE 12:36 p.m., 2000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Traffic hazard: An officer arrived to find traffic signals operating normally after a report of lengthy red light timing that prompted drivers to proceed without waiting for a green light. The officer reported no traffic at the time but witnessed the lights changing as normal.

DUST TO FUSS 4:17 p.m., 4200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: Incensed that his dark colored and recently detailed pickup truck was getting dirty, a man who works at a construction site called police inquiring about dust-abatement rules and what could be done. The man said the concrete dust likely originated from another construction site and that the president of the company performing that work refused to pay to have the vehicle washed. The officer reported the dust did not appear to be intentionally applied and that it likely was carried by the breeze. As to the truck owner’s inquiry about dust-abatement regulations, the officer referred the man to the town’s code enforcement officer.

INFINITE POSSIBILITIES. ONE SOURCE.™

TILE & STONE

|

|

MOSAICS

CABINETRY

|

COUNTERTOPS

|

FLOORING

FLORIDADESIGNWORKS.COM

INFINITE POSSIBILITIES. ONE SOURCE. ™ 941.355.2703

|

4500 Carmichael Ave., Sarasota, FL 34234

386887-1

VISIT OUR SARASOTA SHOWROOM

10A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

Christ Church members volunteer at an emergency food drive to benefit Our Daily Bread in Bradenton.

Britney Vela and Gina Bruttell in the food pantry before Hurricane Ian.

Food drive benefits Our Daily Bread cause the need is so great.”

ODB is also accepting donations daily. The best time to drop off is between 7:30-11 a.m. Vela said a lot of people are asking for baby items and that the pantry is stocked with peanut butter but has no jelly.

Vela, who was back to work Monday morning serving others, is homeless herself because of Ian. An oak tree fell through her roof at the start of the storm. Rain water destroyed the rest of the home.

Vela and her children left before the hurricane hit. She’s grateful to be safe and staying with family while waiting on FEMA and that she had a job to return to.

“This is my break away from everything else,” Vela said.

“We’re lucky. I just tell my kids and everybody who comes in here that God has a plan.”

To make a donation through Christ Church, call the office at 383-8833 or Sue Wertman at 383-1731. To make a donation to ODB directly, call 745-2992.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Another SUV is packed with supplies and ready to be delivered to Our Daily Bread.

—LESLEY DWYER

S E A F O O D E AT E RY I N S O U T H S I D E V I L L AG E

EAT LOCAL

TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAR AND SAVE BUY 3,

EAT FRESH

GET $25 BUY 2, GET $20 Get a Prepaid Visa® Card* when you buy a qualifying NAPA oil, air and cabin air filter or Get a $20 prepaid Visa® Card* when you buy a qualifying NAPA oil and air filter

ORDER ONLINE ReefCakes.com

1812 S. Osprey Ave. Sarasota, FL 34239 941-444-7968

5608 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH, 34217

(NEXT TO DOMINOS PIZZA) 941-896-7898 • GROOMSAUTO.COM

Spacious Condo Lives Like a Home 1915 Harbour Links Circle Emerald Pointe South - LBK ▪ 2476 Sq Ft Villa/Townhome ▪ Lots of Natural Light ▪ 2 Floors ▪ Primary Bedroom on First Floor ▪ 2BR w/ Ensuite baths on 2nd floor ▪ Private Pool ▪ Original owners ▪ Impeccably Maintained ▪ Lagoon View

Call me today to schedule a showing 941-993-3695Se Luxury Property Advisor

389890-1

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty www.gigisarasota.com

The Empath Tidewell Foundation welcomes you to the Tidewell Foundation Building showcasing an outstanding group of health and wellness organizations ready to brighten the lives of the Longboat Key community: 540-546 Bay Isles Rd, Longboat Key TidewellFoundation.org 941.552.7546

Essence of Soleil Massage Fitness Quest Physical Therapy JFCS of the Suncoast

Doc Side Audiology Empath Tidewell Foundation

546 Bay Isles Rd, LBK 941.383.6493 More Info: TheParadiseCenter.org MONDAYS

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

THURSDAYS

FRIDAYS

10-11am Stretch & Strengthen

10-11am Qi Gong

10-11am Beginner Tai Chi

10-11am Zumba & Mat Pilates

10-11am Intermediate Tai Chi

Walk-Ins Welcome for Fitness Classes! $10/Person . FREE for Members

1-3pm Thinking Out Loud Discussion Group Walk-Ins Welcome

1-3pm Mah Jongg RSVP Required:

MaryAnnBrady @TheParadiseCenter.org OR 941.383.6493

11:15-12:15 Qi Gong & Meditation

MEDICAL SUITE

544 Bay Isles Rd, LBK Call each practice directly to make your appointment!

The Paradise Center & Medical Suite Youthful Aging Home Care

Parkinson’s Combined Support Group

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Held at TPC on the 2nd Friday of each month.

Walk-ins welcome.

Benefits of Juvent

FREE Memory Screenings

Presented by Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s

Walk on LBK! 9:30am at The Paradise Center.

Join our team!

More info: 941.383.6493

Everything you need to know about our Micro-Impact Platforms.

Please register for this informational session by Oct 24: 941.383.6493

Only four 30-minute appointments available each date, starting at 11am.

Book yours today!

941.383.6493

Friday, October 14 1-2pm

Saturday, October 22 9:30am

Wednesday, October 26 1-2pm

October 27 November 17 December 15

MONDAYS & THURSDAYS Primary Care COMING SOON

Daren Spinelle, MD

TUESDAYS Acupuncture 941.556.8006 Dorian Kramer, DACM

WEDNESDAYS Podiatry 941.921.3000

SarasotaFootDoctors.com

FRIDAYS Dermatology 941.926.6553

LuminaryDermatology.com

Sponsored by Roskamp Institute

540 Bay Isles Road, #207 Dr. Kelly Breese Call or Text: 941.366.2240

390219-1

386132-1

Open Tuesday - Friday 11am to 9pm Saturday 3 to 9pm Closed Sundays & Mondays

390085-1

W

ith communities left scrambling after Hurricane Ian, members of Christ Church leaped into action on Oct. 5 by holding an emergency food drive. Volunteers collected more than $2,000 in checks, plus four truckloads of supplies for Our Daily Bread in Bradenton.

“They made our shelves whole again,” Britney Vela said.

“Usually, we try to space the shelves out. But in a time like this, you can’t give a family three cans of tuna when they have four kids.”

Vela manages ODB’s Loaves & Fishes Pantry. The food pantry only closed for one day during Hurricane Ian because of power failures and debris clearing. Normal pantry hours are from 8-11 a.m. on Mondays and Fridays.

But with so many calls coming in, ODB is letting people stop by on off hours for emergency boxes of food.

“We have never seen their shelves so empty,” Ann Quackenbush of Christ Church said.

“We will continue to collect in the coming weeks be-

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

11A

NORTHWEST BRADENTON 8413 9th Avenue NW Jayne Kocher

SANCTUARY

EPOCH

535 Sanctuary Drive #A603 Chris Wetzig

AQUA 280 Golden Gate Point #400 Lisa Rooks Morris & Amy Drake

605 South Gulfstream Avenue #PH 18 $16,350,000 Moriah Taliaferro 941.504.9910

$3,350,000 941.350.8083

SARASOTA $13,770,000 941.544.3332

1479 Bay Point Drive Louis Wery

LONGBOAT KEY 572 Halyard Lane Joel Schemmel

$6,900,000 941.232.3001

SLEEPY LAGOON $5,300,000 941.587.4894

6489 Gulfside Road Dennis Girard

LONGBOAT KEY VILLAGE 6821 Hughes Street Jayne Kocher

$3,995,000 941.809.0041

$2,999,000 941.915.6000

PALMA SOLA POINTE 9804 2nd Terrace NW Amy Royall

SANSARA 300 S Pineapple Avenue #602 Fernando Viteri

BAY HARBOUR $989,000 941.807.2863

MARK SARASOTA

$3,850,000 941.807.2863

111 South Pineapple Avenue #1018 Reid Gerletti

$1,600,000 941.724.1854

1350 Main Street #1502 Andrew Tanner & Peter Laughlin

THE MARK 111 South Pineapple Avenue #916 Carmen Baskind & Laura Pearson

$2,175,000 941.400.7676

HARBOR HILLS 835 Hillcrest Drive Amy Royall

$17,500,000 941.915.6000

448 Gulf of Mexico Drive #A206 Kathleen Wingate

$1,799,000 941.376.1159

1350 MAIN RESIDENTIAL $1,195,000 941.539.0998

LONGBOAT KEY $895,000 813.731.3332

641 Fox Street Dennis Girard

$499,900 941.809.0041

View a rea list ings

RESIDENCES FROM $840,000

Located in Sarasota’s eclectic Rosemary District, Villa Ballada will feature 22 contemporary residences above two ground-level retail spaces. Residents will enjoy exceptional urban living moments from the endless entertainment in downtown.

430 Kumquat Court, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.920.1500 Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

WORTH MORE

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

Contact us for a confidential consultation PremierSothebysRealty.com LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500

RENTALS | 941.203.3433

382040-1

your home has never been

a S d o ? o y g a n G i p r pric e v y OG o o r S c a r y d S a v i n g s r e ! t y a eaS adveaidn g s SScca rSycaryGWhWhy oGaotoeorddHOverpay? uv i n g s S a o y W k LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

c r o Why Overpay? u Why Overpay? n k O Water Our Heater pricing l l i S c aWater rOury Water Gw Heater o Heater o d Spricing avings Our pricing will knock you dead! will knock you dead!

Why Overpay? willOurknock you dead!

Water Heater pricing will knock you dead!AC1818472 • 08 89 5 14

PC •C 6 95 26 4 1 CFC1426956 • CPC1458908 C • CAC1818472 CF

C

941-778-5622

www.lapenseeplumbing.com LIC. #CFC1429635|#CPC1459826 | #CAC1818472

390091-1

CFC1426956 • CPC1458908 • CAC1818472

426956 •CFC1426956 CPC1458908 • CAC1818472 • CPC1458908 • CAC1818472

Invest in the beauty and comfort of home this holiday season with Hunter Douglas shades.

SEPT 10 - DEC 5, 2022

Beginning to End Interiors & Blinds 941.924.4481 | www.B2END.com | 4453 Ashton Road, Unit C Sarasota, FL 34233

390029-1

Alan Gravley & Beau

Stage groundbreaking planned for November Though initial work on the Town Center Green site is underway, leaders have scheduled a formal groundbreaking ceremony in early November to honor private donors who have made the stage project possible.

The ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 7 on the Town Center Green.

Site work for the town center is town-funded with about $530,000, which included $445,000 from the town’s land-acquisition fund. Work includes raising and regrading the site with fill. Additional stormwater infrastructure will be installed to accommodate site work and anticipated future buildings. The town’s portion is funding walkways, streetlights, landscaping and space for food trucks.

For the stage, originally, the town had anticipated the project would cost about $500,000. One couple, Paul and Sarah Karon, opted to donate the entirety of that amount.

However, after going out to bids, the final total came back to the town at about $860,000. The remaining money was raised with the help of about 12 other individuals.

The Karons are expected to be on hand, and the town is working with the Longboat Key Foundation to alert the other private donors of the event. The majority of the work should be completed by the middle of June 2023.

Bank branch sets grand reopening

DUETTE® HONEYCOMB SHADES

Stan Writesel & Baylee

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

NEWS BRIEFS

A ceremonial grand reopening of Bank of America’s Longboat Key Financial Center is scheduled for mid-November at the site on Bay Isles Road.

Executives of Bank of America and the Longboat Key Chamber are expected for the event from 9-10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 17, at 500 Bay Isles Road.

Since the branch reopened June 27, location hours have been adjusted to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The branch’s initial closure was due to the COVID-19

pandemic and staffing shortages.

The branch is in the process of joining the Chamber of Commerce.

Blood drive planned next week A blood drive is scheduled next week at Town Hall by the Suncoast Blood Centers.

In observation of Florida Cities Week, the blood drive will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 501 Bay Isles Road.

Participants can sign up by calling 1-866-972-5663 or by visiting SunCoastBlood.org.

Each donor receives a $10 Publix gift card.

SMH fund gets help from philanthropists After establishing an employee hurricane relief fund, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation received a $250,000 gift.

The donation from Eliza and Hugh Culverhouse was given to “inspire others to support the dedicated staff at Sarasota Memorial who went to work 24/7 to care for our community during this disaster,” the press release states. The foundation is the philanthropic partner to the SMH healthcare system.

“Learning that over 2,000 staff members, nurses and physicians left their families and homes behind to care for the community was heartbreaking,” Eliza Culverhouse says in the release.

The fund was designed to ease any financial burden employees are facing in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Nearly 25% of SMH’s employees live in hard hit areas like south Sarasota County and the surrounding region. The healthcare organization employs more than 8,000 people.

In addition, the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, a private family foundation in Sarasota, gave the SMH foundation a $200,000 grant.

“Getting SMH employees help,” Teri Hansen, Barancik Foundation president and CEO, says, “and getting them back to normal is one of the most important things we can do right now.”

DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER? ZAGAT “Top restaurant in America”

SAFE DRINKING WATER IS FUNDAMENTAL TO LIFE Fehl Safe Water Treatment has more than 30 years of experience in making water safe.

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE WATER TESTING

941-322-8286 For all your water needs: Water Filtration & Purification Systems Softener Installation & Maintenance Salt & Maintenance Service Well & Pump Service Aerators & Pressure Tanks 24-hour Emergency Service 387023-1

941.778.6444 www.BeachBistro.com

fehlsafewatersystems.com

386903-1

12A

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

13A

Longboat goes back to school Temple’s Education Center launches season on Nov. 7.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

I

Courtesy photo

Jonathan Epstein

tion.”

FSU/Asolo Conservatory teacher Jonathan Epstein has taught a course on Shakespeare for the past nine years. The subject depends on which play he’s directing his acting students through.

“The class has been terribly loyal; maybe a third are newcomers,” Epstein said, “Very often they come and see the play once it’s produced.”

Love’s Labour’s Lost is this year’s play and class subject.

The performance will be held in April, most likely in the Jane B. Cook Theatre, but outdoor options are also

Lesley Dwyer

being explored.

Epstein says Love’s Labour’s Lost is the “slightest” play he’s directed.

“It’s more about the language and use of language than any of Shakespeare’s other plays.”

Epstein would know. He’s worked with Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Massachusetts, for 25 years — acting, directing and teaching.

Experience like Epstein’s is common among teachers at the Education Center.

“Last year, I had one of the world’s biggest architects for tall buildings,” Goldfarb said. “I get these people because they come here for the season.”

Susan Goldfarb is the program director for the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASICS

Registration: Register by mail or in person at 567 Bay Isles Road, email EdCenter@LongboatKeyTemple.org or call 383-8222.

Cost: Single memberships cost $60, $85 for a couple.

Memberships offer a discount on every class and event.

Single classes start at $15, some are even free, while multisession courses cost up to $175.

Class size: Boutique classes have a minimum of eight, a regular class averages 20 and a lecture can accommodate up to 90 people. Concerts max out at 350 guests.

HURRICANE SUPPORT NEEDED

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions • We’ve ramped up, anyone of any mobility is welcome • In-person worship services Sunday at 10 a.m.

379618-1

Cat Depot is in need of hurricane recovery support.

Cash donations, cat food, or anything on our wish list would be much appreciated.

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

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

Donate today at www.catdepot.org 941-366-2404 | 2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234

390071-1

t’s back-to-school season on Longboat Key. Classes start Nov. 7 at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel on Bay Isles Road. But leaving the house is not a prerequisite to learning something new.

“We’re the only lifelong learning center in this area that does hybrid classes,” Program Director Susan Goldfarb said. “You either sign up for in person or you sign up for Zoom, but it’s the same course.”

Concerts, yoga and gaming classes such as qigong are the exceptions.

The Education Center is open to anyone, regardless of location or religion.

Many of the class names are familiar from last year’s inaugural semester and years prior, when classes were offered through the Longboat Key Education Center, but the content is always fresh.

“Even though the title is ‘The World’s Greatest Novellas,’ we never do the same novellas,” Goldfarb said.

“I don’t really have too much repeti-

Worship WorshipWith WithUs UsAt atOur OurChurch Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM Sunday Service 10:00 AM The Rev. The Rev.Dr. Dr.Norman NormanPritchard Pritchard

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00 Masks AreWednesday Optional @ 10:00 Women’s Bible Study:

Visitors Welcome Visitors & & Residents Residents Welcome

www.bit.ly/cclbksermons www.bit.ly/cclbksermons oror (followYouTube YouTubelink) link) www.christchurchof lbk.org(follow www.christchurchoflbk.org 6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

People like to shop local. Supporting local retailers and frequenting independent restaurants is a great way to make an investment in the place where you live, work, and play.

(941) 303-4200

www.christchurchoflbk.org

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.

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

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

All are Welcome

Join us for OKTOBERFEST Saturday, Oct 29 from 12-4pm Live German band & great food!

Saturday at 5pm -

Contemporary Style Worship

Sunday Worship at 9am &11am -

390340-1 379700-1

Meet your new banker. Call us today.

•

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

Have you considered banking local? The money we lend at Gulfside Bank supports the families and businesses who are living and investing in our community. As Sarasota’s only locally owned community bank, we are your neighbors, we are your friends, and we care about your success.

Choosing Gulfside Bank is another great way to support and invest in your community.

941.383.8833 (office)

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956 390110-1

Sarasota’s Only Locally Owned Community Bank

•

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

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church

Would like to Welcome & Invite You, Your Family Members & Friends to Celebrate Mass with Our Parish Community SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE (May-December) Saturday: 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM Daily Mass at 9:00 AM; Rosary at 8:30 AM Monday - Friday Daily Chaplet of Divine Mercy following Mass

333 N. Orange Avenue | Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 303-4200 | gulfsidebank.com

390149-1

378139-1

Live here. Bank here.

389785-1

Watch AMService ServiceLive: Live: WatchOur Our10:00 10:00 AM

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

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

ROGER SELLS LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES MORE THAN $206 MILLION CLOSED IN 2021

5249 CAPE LEYTE DRIVE

$4,890,000

Direct waterfront, new construction is a rarity on Siesta Key. The modern, custom design of this 5BR John Cannon home in Siesta Isles will be built with exceptionally high standards.

Covering more than a half-acre, boaters will love the brand-new seawall, plus recently installed composite dock and lift.

www.5249CapeLeyte.com

3040 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #224

$2,495,000

Contemporary updates, stylish furnishings (included!) and stunning direct views welcome you to this 3BR Cayman residence at Grand Bay. Behind the exclusive gates of Bay Isles, this move-in ready retreat with two parking spaces is close to first-rate community amenities and is a sunny bike ride away from the private beach club.

www.GrandBay224.com

816 JUNGLE QUEEN WAY

$1,675,000

Turnkey furnished and move-in ready! This updated 3BR waterfront home on mid-Longboat Key is ready to enjoy today! You will love the deeded beach access and easy boating access to Sarasota Bay.

wwww.816JungleQueenWay.com

15111 GADDY UP RANCH ROAD 862 GRANDE PASS WAY Sunset views abound in the exclusive Hill Tide Estates community! This spectacular parcel boasts more than a 1/4-acre of direct beachfront property in a gated community to make your own.

www.862GrandePassWay.com

$2,795,000

$3,995,000

Country breezes rustling through century old oaks and pines welcome you to this unique, 821/2-acre property known as the fully-operational Gaddy Up Ranch, offering many possibilities for the family. Some equipment and livestock are also available for purchase separately.

www.GaddyUpRanchSRQ.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

390347-1

14A

OCTOBER 13, 2022

Classifieds 12B Games 11B Real Estate 9B Weather 11B

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Hand-painted cards by Barbara Schwan are on display at Driftwood Beach Home & Garden.

A necklace made by Barbara Schwan is for sale at Driftwood Beach Home & Garden.

Barbara Schwan’s art is influenced by her surroundings.

Barbara Schwan and Heather Rippy. Rippy calls Schwan a prolific artist.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Wall Street to watercolors LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

B

arbara Schwan started painting at age 62 in New Jersey.

These days, at 70, she’s a top-selling artist at Driftwood Beach Home & Garden in Whitney Plaza and recently met the owner of five of her works.

Jill Benkelman purchased a condo on Longboat Key a year-and-a-half ago, rehabbed the entire unit and is now decorating it, gravitating toward Schwan’s brand of watercolor art.

“I never thought I would be a collector of art, but now I say I am,” she said. “Each one is just so dear to me.

I love them.”

Schwan’s pieces range from $30 to $500, depending on the size, though she’s been advised to price them higher.

“The purpose of doing this for me is that I feel really amazed and wonderful about the fact that someone wants to hang something that I painted in their home,” Schwan said.

“I know how particular I am with my home, so when someone picks something out that they love like Jill just did, it makes me feel so good. I get as much out of it as anybody.”

Benkelman is not the only Schwan collector on Longboat Key. She’s sold more than 125 “Schwans” in a little more than a year.

The lanai off Schwan’s secondfloor condo has become an art studio. It has good light, and her husband puts up with the mess. She’s out there daily, sometimes for 15 minutes, other times she gets lost for hours in a painting. It’s an enjoyable and still profitable hobby.

“I’m not giving them away. It enables me to buy more supplies,” Schwan said. “I don’t feel guilty about going to the store and buying a special brush or a paint or something.”

Schwan and her husband, Ron, spent two seasons snowbirding from

New Jersey. Last October was supposed to be their third, but Schwan was diagnosed with breast cancer.

When she became a patient at the Moffitt Cancer Center, the couple decided to make the move permanent.

They met decades before on Wall Street, working in customer service for PaineWebber. Schwan trained Ron; after that, they started dating.

August marked their 40th anniversary.

“He’s my rock,” Schwan said. “He’s the one that drives me back and forth to Moffitt and takes care of me when I feel crappy.”

Ron is a golfer, not a painter and the realist to her artist, who says things like, “I’ve never seen a bird with that color.” But Schwan says if Ron is critical, it makes her rethink the piece, and he’s often right.

“He’s very supportive,” she said.

“He’s loving the fact that I’m getting so much out of this.”

The couple’s last home in Barnegat, New Jersey, was in an adult community. They offered a watercolor class, and Schwan fell in love.

SEE FOR YOURSELF Driftwood Beach Home & Garden is planning a show of Schwan’s work from 4-6 p.m.

Nov. 18.

The instructor, Nancy Edwards, saw talent in her, so they continued on with private lessons. Edwards still checks in with her eight years after her first lesson to see what she’s working on.

Besides painting, Schwan is a beach lover and takes long walks collecting shells, but she doesn’t scour for the most perfect and beautiful specimens. She takes the shells that have been stepped on or washed up in pieces and gives them new life as mirrors and candle holders.

Schwan paints cards and creates holiday decor. She’ll take a conch shell and turn it into a pendant for a necklace. It’s as if her artistic talent lay dormant for so many years, it can no longer be contained.

389896-1

Barbara Schwan’s top-selling hobby grows from her love of creating.

Barbara Schwan uses a lot of shells in her artwork.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

EXCEPTIONAL RENTAL MANAGEMENT & VACATION RENTALS

If you own a rental property on St. Armand’s, Lido or Longboat, let us put our 28 years of experience and expertise to work for you!

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS!

941-387-9709 Locally owned and managed since 1994

377557-1

3720 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 info@FLVacationConnection.com FLVacationConnection.com

TRAVEL AGENT • CHRISTA’S TRAVELS

&

YOUR CALENDAR

LOCAL PERSONAL

NETWORKING AT NOON 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Pesto Bistro & Wine Bar, 8799 Cortez Road W. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce is inviting members and prospective members to network over lunch. $30 for members, $40 for guests. Call 3832466 for more information.

Specializing in Africa south of the Sahara ALSO: • US • Africa • Europe

• Asia • Down Under

941.539.5903

ALIDAMOOTY.INTELETRAVEL.COM

CHRISTA’S TRAVELS

CHRISTAMOOTY@GMAIL.COM

You dream,

I MAKE IT HAPPEN

Silhouette® Quartette® with PowerView® Automation

Sarasota’s Best Voted One of

YOUR HOME DESERVES Hunter Douglas!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14

PARKINSON’S COMBINED SUPPORT GROUP 1-2 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Sponsored by the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s, the group is held on the second Friday of each month and is designed for both people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. No fee.

Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16

28 Years in a Row!

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

TUESDAY AND THURSDAY

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 nonmembers. Call 361-6411 ext. 2212.

TUESDAY AND FRIDAY

RECURRING EVENTS

WEDNESDAYS

STRETCH & STRENGTHEN From 10-11 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 $10. Walk-ins welcome.

Call 383-6493.

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

affairs, popular culture and topics relevant to seniors. Cost is $10.

Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

WATER SKI SHOW 2 p.m. on City Island, 1602 Ken Thompson Parkway. Sarasota Ski-ARees will be performing a water ski show. This event is free and open to the public. Call 388-1666.

MONDAYS

388689-1

389120-1

• Accomodation • Trains • Resorts • Gatherings • Flights

File photo

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19

THINKING OUT LOUD: TIMELY TOPICS WITH MIKE KARP From 1-2:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Topics will include U.S. and world current

LONGBOAT LIBRARY The Longboat Library is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays at 555 Bay Isles Road. Call 383-2011 for information.

BEGINNER TAI CHI From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome. Call 3836493.

FRIDAYS

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, $10 for nonmembers. Call 383-6493.

The Home Service Pros Who Care

The Area’s most Trusted Name since 1974

99 OFF

$

Hot Water Heater Installation* *Must be purchased through Aqua Plumbing & Air* Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Contact Aqua Plumbing and Air for details.

Offer Expires 10/31/2022.

50 OFF

$

GARBAGE DISPOSER Installation of PRO750 Garbage Disposer Cannot be combined with other offers.

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 10/31/2022.

100 OFF

$

Reme Halo Air Purifier The Reme Halo is more effective than most air purifiers and filter technologies on the market.

Cannot be combined with other offers. Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details. Offer expires 10/31/2022.

FREE Water Quality Analysis ($99 value)

&

$100 Credit towards a New Whole House Filtration System Installed Cannot be combined with any other offers. Must be present coupon at time of service. Offer expires 10/31/2022.

SEE HOW MUCH MORE YOU CAN SAVE! Air Conditioning

Plumbing

CALL NOW! 941.866.6210

Electrical

Veterans & First Responders HVAC Discount

First Responders & Veterans receive a 10% discount on all HVAC service labor only.

Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Offer expires 12/31/2022.

No Interest* Financing Available on Select Carrier A/C Systems

Call today to learn about our no interest or low interest financing options. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Offer expires 12/31/2022.

or visit www.AquaPlumbingSarasota.com Lic # cAc1816020 • PLbg cFc1428223 • ELEc Ec13009313

Water Treatment

390383-1

2B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

3B

We are counting our blessings on Longboat Key and wishing all of our neighbors to the south a speedy recovery #FloridaStrong

BENCH M A RFKI NRDEI NSU • TO S TRY R AT G ILTS NVEN I S OEGIC U R S P EM C IA AR LTKYET • CIONG N N E•CPER T I O NSONA S M AT TLEIRZ! ED SERV ICE

RECENT ACTIVITY

D OL S ST JU

BENCH M A R K R E SU LTS • S T R AT EGIC M A R K ET I NG • PER SONA L I Z ED SERV ICE LD SO

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

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

on g b o at K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E

L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 MLS# A4178487

QUEENS HARBOR BAY FRONT

750 PENFIELD ST | $3,000,000

3550 | $3,600,000 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V FAIR E, #4OAKS LANE 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

& dGail L onThis g b o spectacular a t K e y | O4f fbedroom e re d a t $home 7 79, with 0 0 0 expansive bay views L onclosed g b o a tonKFriday. e y | OIan f f e re a t successfully $ 7 79, 0 0 0 represented the Buyers who secured the contract for this highly desirable location in Queens Harbour.

MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487

L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487 D L SO

MLS #A4541071

E

M CO

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

MLS# A4178487

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E

L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 MLS# A4178487

701 H PENFIELD ST | $1,225,000 2067 A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

U

7 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, SAND #4 CAY BEACH 2067 HRESORT A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

on g b o at K e y | O f f e re d a t $4725 7 79,GULF 0 0 0 OF MEXICO DR. #213 L on| OFFERED g b o at K eAT y |$869,000 O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487 MLS# vacation getaway income andA4178487 comes fully furnished.

2067This H A2 bedroom R BOUR LINKS DRearned I V E,over #4$63K in gross 2067 H AforR2021 BOUR LINKS DR I V E,The #4 beachfront pool, L on g b o a t K community e y | O f f e reofdSand a t $Cay 7 79,offers 0 0 0 owners excellent amenities L on g b oincluding a t K e y | aOheated f f e re d a t $shuffleboard, 7 79, 0 0 0 tennis courts, barbeque area and over 340’ of white sand beach to enjoy.

MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4539173

I A N A DDY, PA IRAEN DDY, PA A LA TO R ®, M B A R E A LT O R ®, M B A

IanAddy@MichaelSaunders. com IanAddy@MichaelSaunders.com

ER D N

L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487 T AC R NT O C

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E

L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 MLS# A4178487 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

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

G ABIRLOW K EIT R -T A IG SSOCI ATE

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

941.387.0100 941.387.0100

W W W . L O N G B O AT L I F E . C O M

389903-1

IN T N LE L E 7 H A R BOURXCLINKS DR I V E, #4 E on g b o at K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

PET PICS 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!

Now is a GREAT Now GREAT time is toaSELL! time to SELL!

WHY? WHY?

Our sellers are receiving Our sellers are receiving multiple offers and top dollar! multiple offers and top dollar!

Consider Selling Your Property In ThisProperty Robust Market Consider Selling Your

In This Robust Market

Consider Selling Your Property In This Robust Market Call today for a no-obligation, no-cost market analysis!

Home values are up. Inventory is low...it’s a seller’s market.

CallGet today for trusted a no-obligation, no-cost analysis! the most source of local market market conditions from Home values arereal up.estate Inventory is low...it’sata Wagner seller’s market. your local area professionals Realty.

Get the most trusted source of local market conditions from your local area real estate professionals at Wagner Realty.

Call our experts at Wagner Realty Call our experts Dia Wilson Rae Ellen Hayo at941.383.5577 Wagner Realty More than 35 years of combined experience 941.383.5577 Dia Wilson Rae Ellen Hayo Longboat Key Office • 5360 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Ste 101 • Longboat Key, FL More than 35 years of combined experience

Longboat Anna Maria Island • Sarasota Longboat Key Office • 5360 Gulf of Mexico Drive,Key Ste•101 • Longboat Key, FL

390161-1

Lakewood Ranch • East & West Bradenton

Longboat Key • Anna Maria Island • Sarasota www.WagnerRealty.com Lakewood Ranch • East & West Bradenton

DOG DAYS OF FALL: Cinder and Blue of Longboat Key take a quick lap nap.

www.WagnerRealty.com

FOR REGISTRATION AND EVENT INFORMATION VISIT LWRMINDFULTRI.COM Sponsorships Available

November 12 • Waterside Place

389702-1

4B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

5B

THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON To all the physicians and nurses, clinicians, technicians and support staff who stayed at their posts throughout the storm, away from their families and loved ones, we thank you.

Although words may sometimes fail us, you never have.

390252-1

THANK YOU TEAM SMH

6B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

Picnic in the Park

O A couple of dogs see the table and can’t resist getting a closer look.

Charcuterie boards are put out following the meditation session.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Reni Papalexiou serves mango pineapple juice after the meditation.

n Sept. 24, locals had the chance to attend a carefree morning of rest and relaxation provided by Sunserved Bespoke Picnics and Dharma Yoga SRQ. The women-owned, local businesses hosted a meditation picnic at Joan Durante Park to celebrate National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. September was National Yoga Month.

“Today, I’m centering everybody and giving them self-awareness and self-care since women put themselves on the back burner usually,” Noelle Segal said, “I’m going to take them through a little bit of reiki, and then I’ll do a meditation with some sounds bath and some special intentions towards women’s health.”

The public event turned into a private birthday party. Eight women registered, but one group of friends canceled at the last minute because of storm preparations. The five that remained had signed up to celebrate their friend Claudia Lopez’s 48th birthday. A cake was brought in, too.

“That’s what I do with my services, Reni Papalexiou said, “I attend to the needs of the client and try to do everything I can possible to accommodate it based on the occasion.”

After the 40-minute meditation session, the picnic was served. A low table was centered under the pavilion, decorated with flowers and surrounded by pillows.

Papalexiou served up charcuterie boards and mango pineapple juice in stemless champagne flutes to add a touch of luxury to a simple, natural setting.

Noelle Segal from Dharma Yoga SRQ leads the group in a sound bowl meditation.

—LESLEY DWYER

Claudia Lopez and her sister-in-law, Esti Valis, shoo bugs away.

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

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!

388618-1

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

JUDY KEPECZ-HAYS TEAM

|

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

7B

October 13, 2022

SARABANDE

340 South Palm Ave #75 3 bed, 3.5 bath | 2,761 Sq Ft www.Sarabande75.com Offered for $3,025,000 This stunning contemporary home is on Palm Avenue, in the heart of downtown. Instant enjoyment is yours in this 3 bedroom en-suite plus a powder room with a bonus of 2 underbuilding parking spaces & storage. Stunning views with wraparound, floor-to-ceiling windows, & doors bringing the outside in. Just a short walk to Marina Jack, restaurants, the opera, theaters, & Whole Foods Market.

THE BEACH RESIDENCES RITZ-CARLTON MANAGED 1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr #1009 2 bed + den , 3 bath | 3,582 Sq Ft 1300BenjaminFranklinDr1009.com Offered for $2,950,000

Create lasting memories! Enjoy panoramic views of the bay, city, & magical sunrises. The Beach Residences has extraordinary water views, dedicated staff, & legendary resort amenities. Minutes to St. Armands Circle with boutique shopping, dining, art festivals, & events.

MARBLEHEAD

2509 Marblehead Drive 3 bed, 3.5 bath | 2,869 Sq Ft www.2509MarbleheadDrive.com Offered for $1,235,000 Be amazed at every detail in this beautiful upgraded home in the heart of Sarasota. Quiet location within walking distance to Riverview High School a short distance to Phillippi Shores Elementary, Landings Shopping Center, downtown & Siesta Keys' world-famous beach.

This home is beyond expectation and ready for instant enjoyment!

Thinking of selling your Residence? Please call me!

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

390373-1

LongboatKeyLuxury.com | (941) 587-1700

8B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

LONGBOAT KEY 540 Harbor Gate Way

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 520 58th Street 5 Beds 3/2 Baths 3,414 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4545105 $3,999,000

Stacy Hanan 941-266-0529 A4548501 $4,500,000

#FloridaStrong

SARASOTA 100 Central Avenue PH01 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,764 Sq. Ft. Bibi-Ann Allard PA 941-685-0422 A4533365 $3,499,000

SARASOTA 1919 Irving Street 6 Beds 5/1 Baths 4,956 Sq. Ft. Stacy Hanan 941-266-0529 A4546099 $3,499,000

LONGBOAT KEY 540 Harbor Cove Circle 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,081 Sq. Ft. Julie Klick & Beverly St Hilaire 941-780-6001 A4534178 $3,400,000

LONGBOAT KEY 830 Tarawitt Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,447 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group & Steve Walter 941-232-2000 A4545868 $3,100,000

LONGBOAT KEY 609 Halyard Lane 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,069 Sq. Ft. Tryla Brown Larson 941-962-1122 A4546210 $2,950,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3342 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 3 Beds 4 Baths 3,410 Sq. Ft. Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4549127 $2,898,000

ST. ARMANDS KEY 315 Jackson Drive 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,514 Sq. Ft. Terri Derr & Rita Holbrook 941-356-6694 A4546074 $2,550,000

LONGBOAT KEY 311 Firehouse Court 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,352 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4534473 $2,395,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 218 82nd Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,802 Sq. Ft. Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4541555 $1,845,000

LONGBOAT KEY 350 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 225 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,210 Sq. Ft. Sherry Dominick 941-500-3774 A4548288 $1,700,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2550 Harbourside Drive 322 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,830 Sq. Ft. Rachel Benderson & Stacy Hanan 941-376-0218 A4547892 $1,700,000

LONGBOAT KEY 569 Rountree Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,832 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group & Steve Walter 941-232-2000 A4545250 $1,595,000

SIESTA KEY 5740 Midnight Pass Road 207 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,340 Sq. Ft. Melba Jimenez PA 941-356-3970 A4548376 $1,100,000

BRADENTON 383 Aruba Circle 401 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,456 Sq. Ft. Ken Kavanaugh, Jr 941-799-1943 A4546638 $998,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3240 Gulf Of Mexico Drive B402 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,505 Sq. Ft. Sean Clark 941-312-1146 A4544923 $990,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4800 Gulf Of Mexico Drive PH4 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,312 Sq. Ft. Tryla Brown Larson 941-962-1122 A4539305 $875,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4725 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 213 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,071 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4539173 $869,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3806 Gulf Of Mexico Drive C404 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,514 Sq. Ft. Stephen Harris 941-780-2352 A4536940 $845,000

LONGBOAT KEY 730 Spanish Drive S 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,255 Sq. Ft. Sean Clark 941-312-1146 A4541965 $740,000

ANNA MARIA 522 Pine Avenue 4D 2 Beds 1 Baths 822 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4546914 $675,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3320 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 203-C 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,187 Sq. Ft. Sandi Layfield 941-914-2807 A4542770 $519,000

ANNA MARIA 101 Mangrove Avenue 5 Beds 1/1 Baths 2,522 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4545903 $5,250,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3060 Grand Bay Boulevard 1101 4 Beds 5/1 Baths 4,413 Sq. Ft. Stacey Fredericks 239-823-0277 A4535637 $4,999,999

SARASOTA 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive 1703 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,276 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group & Steve Walter 941-232-2000 A4537226 $4,995,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 387861-1

SARASOTA 1718 Bay View Drive 6 Beds 5/1 Baths 4,644 Sq. Ft. Mackenzie Longueuil & Pat Mudgett 941-961-4023 A4536016 $3,650,000

Committed to our communities we love, serve and call home

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

9B

REAL ESTATE

Lyons Lane property sells for $3.9 million

|

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

SEPT. 26-30

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Sleepy Lagoon Park tops all transactions in this week’s real estate.

Jeffrey and Jeanne Dorn, of Buffalo, New York, sold their home at 700 Lyons Lane to William Mark Richter, of Nashville, Tennessee for $3.9 million. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, threeand-two-half baths, a pool and 4,763 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.2 million in 2016.

BIRD KEY

Michael and Paulette Walsh, of Rumson, New Jersey, sold their home at 567 Bird Key Drive to Holly McCarthy, of Westport, Connecticut, for $1.73 million. Built in 1964, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,414 square feet of living area. It sold for $815,000 in 2016.

OFF THE ISLAND

Real estate sales reporting is delayed because of Hurricane Ian. Here are some other sales from around the Sarasota area.

BENEVA OAKS Mario Comparetto, of Sarasota, sold the home at 3727 Beneva Oaks Way to Frank and Jayne Steuart, of Sarasota, for $3.1 million. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,422 square feet of living area.

Photos by Eric Garwood

Built in 2006, the home at 700 Lyons Lane has four bedrooms, three-and-two-half baths, a pool and 4,763 square feet of living area.

GRANADA James and Stephanie McCue, of New Hope, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 3602 Camino Real to Jack Hamlin, Megan Duran and Luke Coats, of Littleton, Colorado, for $890,000. Built in 1962, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,270 square feet of living area. It sold for $345,000 in 2017.

ALAMEDA AVENUE PFI 2201 Development LLC sold the home at 2201 Alameda Ave. to William Harper, trustee, for $670,000.

Built in 1959, it has two bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths and 1,176 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2021.

Built in 1964, the home at 567 Bird Key Drive has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,414 square feet of living area.

SOUTH HIGHLAND Albert George Joerger, of Sarasota, sold his home at 1837 Worrington St. to Jeffrey Devorkin, of Sarasota, for $600,000. Built in 1952, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,008 square feet of living area. It sold for $200,000 in 2015.

In with the new

SIESTA KEY

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

GULF AND BAY CLUB BAYSIDE JSK Properties Inc. sold the Unit 1204-D condominium at 1204 Siesta Bayside Drive to Wesolve Properties LLC for $725,000. Built in 1988, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 959 square feet of living area. It sold for $415,000 in 2020.

Longboat Key

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of September 23-October 6 in order of dollar amounts.

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS 455 Longboat Club

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From $2.4MM to $10.9MM | Call for appointment | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

PERMIT Interior Renovation

APPLICANT Jesse P. Levy

AMOUNT($) $425,367

Deck repair

Sanctuary II at Longboat

$253,354

Road #907 621 Yardarm Lane

Seawall repair

Charles W. Ford

$200,000

4525 GMD Unit 405

Remodel

James G. Leish

$126,592

3611 Bayou Circle

Reroof

Michael R. Stearns

$87,900

444 GMD

Interior alterations

Dry Dock LLC

$50,000

1930 Harbourside

Interior alterations

Joyce P. Jefferson

Downtown St. Petersburg

$47,118 400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $1MM’s | Call for appointment. | Residences400central.com

Drive #143 3459 Byron Ln.

Remodel

Watkins Family Trust

$35,205

760 Longboat Court

Solar install

James Lince

$34,336

5005 GMD Unit 8

Air conditioning

Paul Seed

$28,000

670 Old Compass Road

Plumbing

Emerald Partners LLC

$25,290

548 Hornblower Lane

Generator

Robert J. Henkel Living Trust

$24,913

3580 Fair Oaks Lane

Pool resurfacing

Karl Douglas Romine

$24,008

Revocable Trust

5757 GMD Unit 211

Air conditioning

Patricia M. Edwards

$20,354

551 Spanish Drive S

Reroof

Paul A. Robb

$20,300

572 Lyons Lane

Replace doors

Gregory Crawford

$16,471

565 Sanctuary

Air conditioning

Robert J. Steiner

$16,078

2 UNITS LEFT

Downtown Sarasota

The Collection | 941.232.2868 | From the $2MM’s | Call for appointment. | thecollection1335.com

Drive #B605 521 Birdie Lane

Foundation repair

Keith and Carole Wennik

$16,000

435 L’Ambiance

Air conditioning

2017 Decker Family

$14,440

Drive #J604

Irrevocable Trust

536 Reclinata Drive

Air conditioning

Richard Andrew Maass

$12,656

5135 GMD Unit 104

Interior alterations

Monica Veliz

$12,000

834 Evergreen Way

Air conditioning

Thomas K. Reedy

$10,291 $10,000

3421 Bayou Court

Air conditioning

Mark J. Huber

4140 GMD Unit 5

Air conditioning

Sam Heater

$9,597

1945 GMD #312

Interior alterations

Strothman Living Trust

$9,500

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

MichaelSaunders.com/New-Homes | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of February 2022.

Licensed Real Estate Broker

373674-1

537 Sanctuary Drive

10B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

WILD FLORIDA An exploration beyond the pavement.

Wildlife take different approaches to extreme weather

E

xtreme weather has long shaped our region and affected its inhabitants. Indeed, hurricanes are part of the natural environment to which native wildlife have adapted. Like us, animals must actively respond to avoid the injury, death and destruction storms bring.

Many animals can sense the large decreases in air and water pressure, caused by extreme weather events. In response, some leave before storms hit, but most shelter in place. Smaller birds and mammals might hide out in thick underbrush or other vegetation, while other species, such as woodpeckers and raccoons, take shelter in tree cavities.

Birds that roost on branches, such

PARK CLOSED Myakka River State Park is experiencing historic flood levels, with high water levels expected in the park for a while. The park is closed to the public until further notice. For updates, please visit FloridaStateParks. org/Parks-and-Trails/MyakkaRiver-State-Park.

ENJOY THE WILD Wild Florida is a monthly feature written by Miri Hardy, the first executive director of the Friends of Myakka River. Miri has been a Sarasota resident since 2014 and holds a doctorate in social psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. She is happiest exploring wild Florida, often on her bike, and capturing its beauty though the lens of her camera.

as crows and cardinals, have toes that literally lock around a branch when they rest or sleep. Thanks to this adaptation, they choose a thick tree branch close to the trunk on the most protected side and literally go into lockdown until the storm is over.

American alligators and turtles also hunker down, albeit deep in their aquatic habitats.

Research suggests that whitetailed deer take a different approach to storms. They actually increase their movements dramatically, possibly trying to avoid falling trees or windblown vegetation. Like many land animals, they seek higher ground (including human-made structures) to limit their exposure to flooding.

Rising waters from storms also force underground dwellers, such

as burrowing owls and gopher tortoises, to seek shelter in unusual spots. And widespread flooding, as is being experienced in our region, often results in wildlife showing up far from their homes.

Overall, most native species typically rebound quickly after storms, and some even benefit from newly created or restored habitat. However, many animals who do survive are displaced, and storms often change the availability of their food sources.

Unfortunately, endangered wildlife, such as manatees, typically fare the worst during and after a hurricane. And the major flooding and extreme winds associated with intensified weather systems due to climate change have the potential to devastate entire ecosystems. To help wildlife, we can report injured and

Miri Hardy

According to native American folklore, white ibis are last to shelter before storms and first to emerge afterwards, thus symbolizing both danger and optimism.

displaced animals after storms and support habitat conservation and protection efforts as much as possible.

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and

the Wild and Scenic Myakka River.

Together, we’re protecting and sharing Myakka’s Magic, to the benefit of future generations, and our own. Follow us @FriendsofMyakkaRiver

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 390122-1

941.724.7228

390134-1

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

383683-1

JODENE MONEUSE – YOUR LOCAL REALTOR® • 32 year Longboat Key Resident • Top Agent - 2019, 2020, 2021 Mid-Longboat Key office • Top 1.5% Florida Realtors - Real Trends America’s Best Realtors • Professional Stager • Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist • Voted Sarasota Magazine Best in Customer Service

941.302.4913 JoDeneMoneuse@michaelsaunders.com LongboatKeyLiving.com

It is time to plant gorgeous annuals!

Largest selection of plants & flowers Including those unique to our area • Locally Owned Beautiful Garden Accessories & Gifts • Statues & Containers

FARM & GARDEN 941-366-4954 • YourFarmandGarden.com 735 South Beneva Rd., Sarasota FL 34232

388077-1

We are your source everything yard and garden!

Your

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, OCT. 14

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

High: 79 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 10%

11B

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

|

Thursday, Oct. 13

7:28a

7:02p

Friday, Oct. 14

7:29a

7:01p

Saturday, Oct. 15

7:29a

7:00p

Sunday, Oct. 16

7:30a

6:59p

SATURDAY, OCT. 15

Monday, Oct. 17

7:30a

6:59p

High: 81 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 10%

Tuesday, Oct. 18

7:31a

6:57p

Wednesday, Oct. 19

7:32a

6:56p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, OCT. 16 High: 82 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 11%

Oct. 25 New

Oct. 31 First

Nov. 8 Full

Nov. 16 Last

TIDES Highs Lows

Richard Moskovitz captured this photo of the sun rising over the bay from Longboat Key.

Thursday, Oct. 13

1:23a

4:13p

9:43a

8:14p

Friday, Oct. 14

1:51a

5:37p

10:31a

8:17p

Saturday, Oct. 15

2:24a

—

11:29a

—

Sunday, Oct. 16

3:04a

—

—

12:39p

Monday, Oct. 17

4:00a

—

—

1:56p

Tuesday, Oct. 18

5:30a

10:39p

—

3:05p

Wednesday, Oct. 19

7:28a

10:44p

2:32a

3:59p

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.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 941.355.8437 | Bradenton

941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

celebrity cipher

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

e.g. (Abbr.)

32 Middle Eastern country 1 Real humdingers home to the world’s oldest 8 Sauna stuff dam 13 Snapback feature 17 Seasonal purchase that 34 What opens doors for counts down the days until journalists?

37 Aries symbol Christmas 38 Discontinue, like a show 20 Actor Reeves 21 Antiestablishment move- 39 The ___ Piper of Hamelin 40 Arroz con ___ (rice ment pudding) 22 Gets on an airplane 23 One might be in a cast 41 Triage places (Abbr.)

42 Indian state known for 24 Research specialties 25 Automatic garage door tea and silk 43 Woody frames? device 44 Word after “floppy” or 27 “Les Miserables” star “compact” Hathaway 45 Primatologists’ subjects 28 Melissa Joan ___ 47 Extend across 30 Glass of public radio 31 Howard or Alcorn State, 48 Common dog biscuit

shape 49 Ruby, e.g.

50 Worked (up) 52 Mint Mobile and TMobile 54 Stop motion game?

56 Poet’s “before” 57 Hockey Hall of Famer Willie 58 “That’s a ___ to process” 59 “Ooh, ooh, let me!”

60 Fuel additive brand 63 “That’s fantastic to hear!”

65 Mariner’s guiding light 67 Donut-shaped cake type 68 Subj. for some aspiring polyglots 69 Nimble for one’s age 70 Makeshift swing

71 Malek of “Bohemian Rhapsody” 72 “Kisses, my love!”

74 Not off the chain?

75 In high spirits 76 “So cool, dude!”

77 “Awesome, great to hear” 79 Wild pig 80 Maritime forces 81 Programmer Lovelace 82 Mischievous sprite 84 “That’s too nice!”

85 Bartenders and detectives appreciate them 87 GI fare 88 Diatribe 89 Largest continent 90 Thoroughly 93 Like Jupiter and

“BNX’F ENZLJF FOJ JYZFO’R YTNSF EVHJ FONSRYXB WVKKVNX UJYZR NKB, YF KJYRF. GON AYX YEENZB FN KVHJ VX FOJ DYRF?”

OYZNKB DVXFJZ

“P’T XPDS UH BXEV E NHCJS, OEAV BSHBXS UNPAD P EXCSETV NEIS. SPUNSC SAT HW UNS NHCJS YHFXT ZS WPAS.” ZCPUPJN EMUCSJJ TEYA WCSAMN

“HNHGB RPYSZH EUPE XHEM ZTE TY EUH SPGJ GVVD DWME OHHZ P ZTEEZH GHKHRETVY OGVD EUH SPGJYHMM PGVWYS TE.” © 2022 NEA, Inc.

JTGJ RPDHGVY

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

389473-1

38 “___: The Origins of Our Discontents” (2020 bestseller) 39 Gift for a calligrapher 43 “You wanna fight?!”

44 Specifics, in slang 46 Mastermind piece 48 In search of stimulation 49 Sound from an empty stomach 51 Country that’s the world’s second-largest producer of olive oil DOWN 53 ___ game hen 1 Policy for “Dreamers” 54 Crayola color renamed (Abbr.)

Peach 2 A durian has a pungent 55 Sleeping bag fastener one 60 Add while cooking 3 Egg cell 61 Did some road repair 4 ___ garden (meditation work spot) 62 Hunts for food 5 As a team 63 Chew on this!

6 Undying 64 “That’s pretty cool!”

7 Cellphone surface 66 Plant-based sweetener 8 Stack of unsolicited 67 No-goodniks manuscripts 69 Standardized test 9 Business card no. conveniences 10 Walked into 71 Period before television 11 Many are still kids at 73 “Yeah, yeah, the joke’s heart on us” 12 Colt’s mom 74 Parking meter insert 13 Seashore 75 Getting by 14 Unusual specimen 76 Rodent catcher 15 Certain speedway racers 78 Developmental sites?

16 Places where the past 79 “It’s all my fault” can be present?

80 Hardly a perfect person 18 Inits. aptly found in 83 Wander the web “Obamacare” 84 Lively Carnival dances 19 Some family secrets 86 Stretch at work?

20 Pond carp 91 Bat Appreciation month 22 Aggressively bold (Abbr.)

26 Performance history 92 Mario Kart character 27 Esoteric with a mushroomlike head 29 Final boss in the video 94 “Yes, monsieur” game “God of War” 95 “SNL” segment?

32 Artist Johns 96 Qatar ruler 33 Like bargain bin items 97 Meshes well 35 Snail’s trail 100 West African staple 36 Ship’s navigational crop route 101 Yellow Monopoly bill

Neptune 95 Ankle’s place 98 Archaeologists dig them 99 “Thanks so much for the help” 102 “Things ___ as they seem” 103 Whirling “Looney Toons” character 104 Blast from the ___ 105 Judges to be 106 High-minded individuals?

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Three Clue: N equals V

JUMBO FREESTYLE 4 by Adrian Johnson. Edited by Amanda Rafkin

Puzzle Two Clue: F equals U

crossword

Puzzle One Clue: E equals F

Sarasota

390393-1

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

CARPET

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

10-13-22

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM 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.

Merchandise Wanted

GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE! THOMASVILLE CHERRYWOOD Dining Table 6 Chairs 2 Captains.

Great condition asking $175.00 OBO Table pad & extension 662-420-1980 VINTAGE QUILT ‘41, sunbonnet gal, 64”x69”, pink/multi $45; Hull pottery vase,13”x4, $30.

941-320-8345

Merchandise Wanted ESTATE DEALER Cash for Coins, Sterling Flatware, Jewelry, Comics, Toys, Collectibles, Military, Antiques, Bronzes, Marbles, Stamps, Circus, Antique Guns, Zippos 941-209-2136

jobs

FLOAT YOUR boat in the Ritz/ Hyatt basin from your beautiful marina townhome. 3BR/3.5BA, furnished, 2/car garage, 3/balconies, 24/hr security. Large boat dock available. Annual $5,500/month +utilities. Available October 1st. Service pets only.

No smoking. 847-331-6961

Rentals Wanted

Help Wanted FEMALE ELDERLY WIDOW seeking a female dinner companion/caretaker that resides on Longboat Key. Part time or full time.

941-545-4471

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage

CALL 941-955-4888

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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.

Want Some Mad Money?

Sell Your Item for Free! $200 or less YourObserver.com/RedPages

UNDAMAGED LONGBOAT KEY beachfront Seaplace 2BR/2BA turnkey furnished condo with greenbelt & bay views, W/D in unit, guard gated, no smoking/pets. $4100/mo + elec & internet. Avail Oct & Nov if you need to repair your home/condo after Ian hit. Jim 440-623-9068

RENTAL WANTED Retired gentleman (no kids, pets or smoking) seeks LBK home or condo for 6 to 12 month rental commencing November 1st.

(619) 347-1888

SELL IT NOW! 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

Looking for something? Your lucky discovery is closer than you think.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 941-955-4888 or visit YourObserver.com/redpages

CAREGIVER AVAILABLE for morning shower, business assistant, nights & some weekend travel. Call Diane (941)545-5992

RED PAGES AD RATES First 15 words ................. $ 17.50 per week Each Add’l word ...... 50¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Call

SEASONAL Rates

941-955-4888

Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between

Online YourObserver.com /RedPages

Houses or Condos

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Reservations 941-383-5577

CNA: 22 years experience, with doctors recommendations.

Available for days, nights, and traveling. COVID vaccinated.

941-536-5339

wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

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

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

Painting

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

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

Call 941-383-3338.

This week’s Crossword answers

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.

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Don’t forget the earth’s about five thousand million years old, at least. Who can afford to live in the past?”

Harold Pinter Puzzle Two Solution: “I’d like to play a horse, many people think I already have. Either end of the horse would be fine.”

British actress Dawn French Puzzle Three Solution: “Every candle that gets lit in the dark room must feel a little rejection from the darkness around it.”

Kirk Cameron

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2022 Universal Uclick

TREASURES found here.

Adult Care Services

©2022 NEA, Inc.

OUTBOARD MOTOR 2 HP Yamaha, very little use, needs cleaned. 1 owner $199.

(941)274-6400

YourObserver.com/RedPages

ISLANDER CLUB LBK, on the beach. Beautiful, direct gulf view from all rooms. 1,300 sq. ft., 2BR/2BA, turnkey furnished. Close to publix and CVS. Newly updated kitchen.

Available now or anytime after until October 2023 with potential for longer. $6,900-8,900, rent varies with lease length. 4 months minimum. Prefer 4+ months.

773-456-5768

WEEKLY MONTHLY

You’re only cheating yourself.

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

941-955-4888

Condos/Apts. for Rent

peekers’ place

Items Under $200

FIND BUYERS AND SELLERS HERE!

auto

stuff

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

real estate

Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

home services

Made for where you live. Here!

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

Health

Insured I Free Estimates

Douglas | 941.405.5615 | Over 1 5 Years Experience

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

Rescreening & Repairs • Pool Cage Restoration • Rescreening Specialists • Specialty Screens • Paint • Doors and more!

Satisfaction guarantee Satisfaction Guarantee Pool cage Restoration/ Rescreening specialists Manufacture and Workmanship Warranties

389771

Health & Fitness FUNCTIONAL FITNESS TRAINING Helping seniors stay fit and independent since 2009 Brian M Simpson NASM, AMFPT, CPR, AED & First Aid Certified

Furniture Repair

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

389772

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

REPAIR

LITHIUM B AT T E RY

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. (941) 345-5264 • Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roofing Repair & Installation • Metal Roofing & Tile Roof Repair Specialists

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Transportation

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

389779

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s ing n s a S u n u n w r ise Win S erly kno d Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

MediCupping & Massage Therapy services for healing

Painting

150

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880 389775

We only use the finest quality Benjamin Moore paints!

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

SPECIAL 00

High-End Interior Painting Services CALL OR TEXT 941-900-9398 TODAY! OWNER: DON HUBIAK

25

UP TO

Rest your mind & body.

Connect with your spirit.

388408

388407

Res./Com.

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING, LLC

Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

All Airports, Hourly & Tours www.blacklabelcarservice.com

Windows

Massage

LMT, CMCE Heart & Sole Healing Space, LLC 5610 Gulf of Mexico Dr Unit 2 Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-263-3948

941-248-4734

Booked Referral Program Next Ride with Booked Referral

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

Chrissy Stites

Luxury for Less

10% off

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

CONVERSION

Advertise as low as $85 per week.

Warranties

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

GOLF CART

YOUR BUSINESS

Manufacture and workmanship

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

Golf

GROW

Roofing

Building & Roofing Contractor

MIC INSURANCE

gulfcoastestateauctions.com • Free Consultations 941-274-6537

S H S R

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

Insurance

Let Gulf Coast Estate Auctions organize & hold an estate sale for you.

I T O T E R EPAI

941-345-5264

(614) 395-5854 · linkedin.com/in/brian-simpson-aba37093

ESTATE SALES • DOWNSIZING SENIOR TRANSITIONS • ONLINE AUCTIONS

941-504-0903

389797

Clinical Exercise Specialist · Private In-Home Services

388409

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Gulf Coast EstatE auCtions

I F T K L U E T O P E A K ENERAL R

Houses | Cages | Decks Driveways | Roofs | Paver Sealing

389780

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

Estate Sales

L B S G

ABRACADABRA PRESSURE CLEANING

389985

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

Power Washing

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

CREATE BUZZ!

Advertise your business in the Red Pages. Call 941-955-4888

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY

Sandra Smith

| 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!

CALL 941-955-4888 / YourObserver.com/RedPages

390231

388405

Free Estimates Licensed & Insured

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Sliding Glass Door Repair

2007 Whitfield Park Ave Sarasota, FL 34243

Serving Flagler County Since 1987

We seal cracks & holes

389777

390226

Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

Doors

cwccustomscarts@gmail.com

386-445-6198

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

5-Star Rated

390215

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

HoHoBuysCars.com

(941) 704 - 7512

WE PAINT HOUSES, POOL DECKS, DRIVEWAYS & DOCKS

389956

WE COME TO YOU

CHASE COURNAN

Visa/MC/Amex/Discover

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

FAST • EASY • SAFE

941.270.4400

Painting

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

SELL YOUR CAR!

13B

388410

Auto Service

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

|

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

ADVERTISEMENT

COMMUNITY HELPING COMMUNITY What a week! Thankfully, our beautiful Sarasota and her islands weathered Hurricane Ian – businesses are back open, neighbor is helping neighbor, and the call to action for those that sustained more extensive damage is being met with government and volunteers alike.

It’s truly that wonderful sense of community that is making such a difference.

We are sincerely saddened for our surrounding cities, for our friends and neighbors who lost everything. Literally. Ryan, his wife, Sepi, and their children drove to Fort Lauderdale after the storm and witnessed people actually being rescued off the highway in airboats due to the North Port Dam breaking and flooding everything in a matter of minutes. These people left their homes in the blink of an eye.

While in Fort Lauderdale they, along with our other Ackerman family members, worked on their own plan to help. There are an abundant amount of supplies on the east coast right now; provisions needed badly in the most affected areas. They rented a U-Haul, sent out a Facebook and e-blast asking if anyone wanted to donate, and were humbled by the number of people who donated — $12,000 of money and additional goods to the cause in just three days.

All the Grandchildren at the Dollar Store

The supplies that they collected were loaded up and delivered to the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties, and the Ocean Church. They have an incredible organization and are in contact with Lee County Emergency Services and were not just helping residents, but also giving supplies to all the lineman in the area helping.

Our hearts are heavy, but we are so grateful. Our children were witness to what the power of community coming together can accomplish.

Thank you, everyone, who helped make all this possible.

Ryan & his sister, Jaime Shusterman in Fort Lauderdale

Ryan & his wife, Sepi, with Debbie Sanford, Director of Jewish Federation of Fort Myers

Delivery to Pastor Josh Hall and volunteers at Ocean Church, Estero, Fl

Together we can make a difference.

RYAN ACKERMAN ryan@ackermangroup.net

BARBARA ACKERMAN barbara@ackermangroup.net

www.ackermansrq.com

OTHER WAYS TO SHOW SUPPORT: SUNCOAST DISASTER RECOVERY FUND

VOLUNTEER FLORIDA

The Patterson Foundation is matching donations dollar for dollar - double your impact!

There are numerous opportunities to donate your time and assist in relief efforts.

thepattersonfoundation.org

volunteerflorida.com

Ryan Ackerman 941.387.1818 Barbara Ackerman 941.387.1820 www.ackermansrq.com THE NAME TO KNOW IN REAL ESTATE

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY | 443 JOHN RINGLING BLVD., STE., F | SARASOTA, FL 34236 387697-1

14B