Longboat Observer 5.5.22

LONGBOAT

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

Best job ever.

PAGE 22

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

VOLUME 44, NO. 39

YOUR TOWN

GOING GREEN

Nat Kaemmerer

Town accepts $123,000 for dog park turf. PAGE 5

Kitty Michael tees it up on Islandside It was almost time to get their game faces on, but golfers from Panama, Puerto Rico, Florida and other locales hit the practice green to put the final touches on their putting and chipping skills. The Kitty Michael International Invitational got to a swinging start on May 3 as more than 100 women set out for a practice round.

The eight golfers from Curacao got ready to head out for the practice round of the tournament, adjusting bags and straightening the flags on their carts.

“Curacao hasn’t participated in this tournament since 1999,” golfer Angelique Schoop said.

“We’re back after 22 years.”

Teams will play 54 holes on the Longboat Key Club’s Islandside Golf Course, enjoying one round a day until May 6. The tournament started in 1979 as a way for founder Kitty Michael to invite friends from different clubs and countries to play together in Puerto Rico.

Now it’s on its 42nd installment and brings golfers from Central America, the Caribbean and North America.

File photo

Fees paid in connection with the St. Regis project have added to town revenue for fiscal 2022.

’23 budget planning kicks off Before launching into new budget talks, town checks midway progress. PAGE 3

Eric Garwood

Natural turf has been problematic to maintain in the Bayfront Park large-dog enclosure.

A+E WIDE OPEN. PAGE 13 Courtesy photo

Manatee turtle mamas arrive

Nat Kaemmerer

The community center and library’s set-aside location is roughly that occupied by the former Amore restaurant. The conceptual building at right is placed to show scale, not design.

Cooperative signals sent Sarasota leaders float county library proposals. PAGE 2

Though turtles already have started showing up on the south end of Longboat Key, the mamas on the Manatee County side took their time.

Turtle nesting season started May 1, and the first Manatee County nest of 2022 on Longboat Key was found during turtle patrols May 3.

Mike Herron, a longtime Longboat Key Turtle Watch member, traced the tracks to a nest and marked it with the yellow-painted stakes that will soon become commonplace throughout the area. The first nest of 2022 in Sarasota County was found April 25.

2

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Dewey-eyed leaders come together on county-run library idea Cooperation between the town and its two counties could be considered once community center is constructed. ing. “Now, perhaps I say that at all the joint meetings, but I do mean it.”

“We are here, and I would just sort of repay the compliment with our favorite county,” Schneier said.

“There are several counties in Florida, and this happens to be our very, very favorite one.”

Town leaders came to the meeting with a proposed timeline that kicks off with upgraded remote library services for island residents this year, followed by a path that includes the project landing on the county’s fiveyear, capital-improvement project budget to solidify its position in line for county tax dollars, beginning in next year’s budget with money for planning and design. Following along will be construction dollars in 2024 and operational dollars in 2025.

Maio, who has been speaking with Schneier and Town Manager Tom Harmer about the proposal, told Harmer in the joint meeting that he would formally recommend to the County Commission that the library/community center be folded into upcoming budget discussions, which culminate in September with an adopted operating budget and a budget for longer-term projects.

“I will suggest to the commission at a budget hearing … that we set a capital improvement plan, give it a number … and it’s the first of several steps to at least get it memorialized that we are going to do something in the way of a capital improvement with libraries,” he said. “I hope that it’s taken in the spirit that it’s offered.”

Commissioner Christian Ziegler said it was fair that Sarasota County entities (perhaps including Sarasota

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

F

ollowing an exchange of verbal good vibrations between leaders of the Sarasota County Commission and the Longboat Key Town Commission, at least four proposals for financing a county-run library and community center on the island surfaced last week at a joint meeting in Sarasota.

Among them: potential cooperation with Manatee County and Sarasota County Schools on funding such a gathering place’s operating costs, state money to help propel the project, federal grant money and even tax money expected to begin flowing from the Residences at St. Regis Resort Longboat Key in 2025.

The gathering is an annual event, this year taking place at county government headquarters in Sarasota.

Although not a forum for decisions to be made, the meeting offered Longboat Key commissioners and staff a chance to publicly lobby for participation in the discussed-foryears project that picks up where the failed Arts, Culture and Education Center idea with Ringling College of Design and Art left off.

Also on the agenda were updates on county- and state-run transportation initiatives and a progress report on St. Regis construction.

But it was the library and community center talk that took center stage, preceded by an exchange of pleasantries from County Commission Chair Al Maio and Mayor Ken Schneier.

“This is our favorite joint meeting,” Maio said, opening the meet-

.com e s u ho

e War

re rnitu

Fu

The

Eric Garwood

Above: The town has set aside about 11,000 square feet of the town Center Green adjacent to the roundabout, generally on the site of the demolished Amore restaurant. Left: An early concept of what a two-story community center and library at the Town Center Green might look like.

Rendering courtesy of Town of Longboat Key

stand how much of a donor Longboat Key is in terms of the tax dollars that get sent to both counties,” Ziegler said.

Renee DiPilato, the Sarasota County director of libraries and historical resources, said the two counties use different systems for filing and tracking borrowed materials, but said the technical hurdles could be cleared.

Commissioners Nancy Detert and Ron Cutsinger reminded the town that there are untapped state and fed-

County Schools) budget for the cost of building a facility because of its location, but suggested Manatee County residents of Longboat Key could also use the finished product, leading to a suggestion that operational costs could be split. He added he’s had talks with three Manatee commissioners who expressed initial support of such an idea. Town leaders meet with Manatee leaders in a similar forum on May 26.

“I think both commissions under-

eral dollars that could help pay some of the cost, made more likely if multiple jurisdictions are participating, possibly even alongside private donors.

Commissioner Mike Moran, who in 2021 pushed for a reversal of the county’s single-member district voting system, said he retained an open mind about Manatee County’s participation but asked what he would tell his District 1 constituents across the northern portion of Sarasota County about funding a community center and library on Longboat Key in Ziegler’s District 2.

“I feel confident that in your countywide study of library services, Longboat Key is going to come out as a clear gap,” Harmer said. “If you compare us to other parts of the county and you talk about, say, drive times to libraries and access to libraries, it’s a service we really don’t have.”

“We are not underserved. We are unserved,” Schneier said.

TAX FREE HOLIDAY

12 MONTHS NO INTEREST*

PICK UP TODAY OR FREE DOOR DELIVERY** WE OFFER FULL-SERVICE DELIVERY AND SET-UP Need Help Shopping Online? Call 941-359-2255

699

$

comfort

A functional and fashionable set for your living room or family area.

Cottage

dining

Washed wood accented with natural wood.

Includes table & 4 chairs.

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

99

899

$

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

SOFA

99 5-PC

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

Modern

and sophisticated

Queen headboard, footboard, rails, dresser and mirror.

Queen

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

119999

$

49999

$

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

PORT CHARLOTTE 1241 El Jobean Rd (across Sam’s) 941-764-8700

* On Purchases $300 or more with the Furniture Warehouse credit card made between May 5, 2022 and May 4, 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 May 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 may 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 within 90 days 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. ** Next Day Delivery or Pick Up pertains to in-stock merchandise.

379634-1

Superb

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

3

HALFWAY THERE FIVE FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE 2021 BUDGET A FINE MESS Following the town’s increase in parking fines and the establishment of resident-only parking in most areas of Longbeach Village, the town gathered more than three times the budgeted amount for fines, taking in $168,691, nearly $116,000 more than budgeted.

BUYING AND SELLING Staff review fees and lien searches totaled more than $475,000, which ended up nearly $35,000 over budget, owing to increased real estate activity.

PAY EARLY AND SAVE The town gathered more than $93,000 more in property taxes than the budgeted figure of $12,398,165. Why? The budget assumes a larger portion of property owners will take advantage of a 4% discount for early payers. Fewer taxpayers than expected did so.

TAKING A HIT Income on investments came in $67,000 under expectations, owing to a weaker-than-expected financial market. The town budgeted for $91,500.

A BRAND-NEW CAR! (SORT OF) In determining how many days of reserves the town has in assigned and unassigned balances (it was 259 at the end of the last budget), the town uses the figure of $43,353 per day.

To compare, Kelley Blue Book in 2021 estimated the average new car on sale in the United States cost $42,358.

In the Public Eye

Longboat leaders happy at the 2022 budget’s halfway point.

In the six months of fiscal ending March 31, 2022:

6

ERIC GARWOOD

Regular Town Commission meetings

MANAGING EDITOR

I

n terms of Longboat Key’s most-recently enacted budget and its preparations in the next weeks and months for the 2023 model, the town is, oh, halfway there.

With all due respect to 1980s New Jersey rocker Jon Bon Jovi, though, commissioners and department heads are not living on a prayer, as they learned this week during a midway-point update, during which positive financial results of an audit completed in March were discussed.

Faced with some uncertainty ahead with inflation, domestic effects of war in central Europe and worries of some experts of a coming recession perhaps in late 2023 or early 2024, town leaders begin the process May 16 with a workshop on long-range capital-improvement projects — typically planned five years in advance — and on June 20 with a general fund workshop, at which time initial projections on housing valuations will be ready.

By June 1, the town will receive a preliminary look at property valuations in town, critical to estimating revenue and early consideration of the next budget’s millage rate.

By July 1, final valuations are due, and the town plans a rare Friday morning meeting to set the not-to-exceed millage rate for property taxes.

In summary, auditors found the town generated more revenue than budgeted in the 2021 spending plan and spent less than planned, ending up adding to budget reserves by about $1.6 million instead of digging into them by a budgeted $1 million. Some of that extra cash came from CARES act funding, proceeds from auctioned surplus property, fees charged as part of the St. Regis construction project, an increase in business tax receipts fueled by COVID-19 recovery and even-fewer-than-expected early property tax payments, nullifying a 4% discount.

“The good news is, revenues came in higher, expenditures came in lower,” Town Manager Tom Harmer said.

Here are some highlights and fun facts from the 2021 budget audt and the first six months of the 2022 fiscal year.

5

Regular Town Commission workshops

6

Special Town Commission meetings

2

Special Town Commission workshops

0

Out-of-the-Sunshine attorney/client sessions

File photos

Additionally, town commissioners took part in joint meetings with Sarasota City commissioners, Manatee County commissioners and the Sarasota Convocation of Governments meeting.

Going Up

In the six months of the fiscal year ending March 31:

1,911

Building permits issued (1,893 over the same period in 2021) Of those . . .

728 were general 319 were electrical 478 were for heating/air/ventilation 395 were for plumbing

5,970

Building inspections performed (4,941 in the same period in 2021)

Hello?

In the six months of the fiscal year ending March 31: Town staff has fielded:

81,132

Phone calls (77,429 over same period in 2021)

Down the drain

In the six months of the fiscal year ending March 31:

324,048

Emails (249,595 over the same period in 2021)

357.01

Millions of gallons of water used by Longboat Key utilities customers (338.7 million in the same period in 2021)

Book’em, Danno

318.11

2,210

100

27

42

In the six months of the fiscal year ending March 31:

Millions of gallons of wastewater sent for treatment by Longboat Key utilities customers (326.5 million in the same period in 2021)

Calls for police service (3,178 in the same period in 2021)

Arrests (32 in the same period in 2021)

Help!

In the Sunshine

1,025

305

In the six months of the fiscal year ending March 31:

Calls for fire-rescue service (990 in the same period in 2021) Of those, 640 were medical related and 385 were not.

345

Patients transported to hospital (324 in the same period in 2021)

5.2

Average response time in minutes (5.4 minutes in the same period in 2021)

In the six months of the fiscal year ending March 31:

Public record requests processed (302 in the same period in 2021)

29

Town ordinances, orders or resolutions completed (31 in the same period in 2021)

9,983

Town Commission e-mails distributed to the public (9,267 in the same period in 2021)

102

Purchase orders processed (93 in the same period in 2021)

Speeding and parking warnings issued (102 in the same period in 2021)

Marine-unit calls (59 in the same period in 2021)

108

Speeding and parking tickets issued (150 in the same period in 2021)

Let’s Get Physical

In the six months of the fiscal year ending March 31:

254

Memberships on file for the Public Tennis Center (239 in the same period in 2021)

1,957

Participants in fitness classes at Bayfront Park (537 in the same period in 2021, though parts of park were closed due to COVID-19)

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

NEWS BRIEFS

4

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Commissioners set 2023 priorities

line from the island to the mainland and other major capital projects.

The town commissioners have spoken – at least sorta, with a series of colorful stick-em dots as part of their recent strategic planning retreat, held last month.

To bring the planning session to an end, the seven commissioners were assigned a colored dot with which they voted on 45 priorities arrayed on a series of flip charts.

Based on a tabulation of votes, here are the eight that garnered at least four votes, moving to the top of the town’s collective consciousness as budget talks begin later this month: n Establish funding methodology for canals and develop a long-range navigational maintenance program; n Complete Town Center outdoor venue Phase 2 improvements, including stage. Other improvements include walkways, lighting and landscaping. That work was released to bidders last week; n Advance the concept of a community center with a public library, adult education and a multipurpose space on the south parcel at Town Center; n Advance planning with Sarasota County for library services; n Advance Gulf of Mexico Drive corridor plan concept. As part of the study, evaluate future plans for pedestrian crossings and a roundabout on the south end of the island at Longboat Club Road; n Seek a Unified Public Transit system on the island; n Improve conditions of the town’s multiuse trail along Gulf of Mexico Drive; n Seek state and federal appropriations to offset costs for a wastewater

Buttonwood Drive homes get final OK Without discussion on Monday, town commissioners gave final and unanimous OK to a pair of land-use measures allowing Brista Homes’ plan to build two houses at the northeast corner of Buttonwood Drive and Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Commissioners voted 7-0 in support of a comprehensive plan change and zoning change to allow Mark Ursini’s Brista Homes to build at 597 Buttonwood Drive, land that had previously been zoned for commercial use.

Ursini last fall had to ask town voters to approve upping the allowed residential density on the land from zero to three units an acre on the 0.86 acres.

Voters supported the request by nearly two-thirds. It’s the first such project to gain voter approval and advance to commission approval.

Still to come, though, is commission consideration of an easement on town land near Monroe Street to facilitate a master drainage plan that ties together not only the residential land but also an approved commercial-land project immediately to the north.

The town has said the homes could be built without connecting to the master drainage plan, which would also help alleviate flooding along Gulf of Mexico Drive.

File photo

Commission changes ticket rule Town commissioners on Monday granted final approval to a change in town code that gave the chief of police the authority to reduce parking fines.

The provision in town code, part of changes that in late 2020 raised

the base parking fine from $30 and in 2021 set up resident-only parking in Longbeach Village, allowed the chief’s fine reduction authority under a review routinely done with all parking tickets.

Chief George Turner ran across the provision and brought it to the attention of the town staff.

An example of how commissioners voted for priorities at their strategic planning retreat in April.

PUBLIC NOTICES 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.

www.CoolToday.com

381449-1

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

Longboat Key's Best Value!

377872-1

AUDITOR INFORMATION

Mother's Day! TREAT

EARLY DINING & HAPPY HOUR AT THE LAZY LOBSTER

MONDAY - SATURDAY

MOM

SUNDAY,

3:30 - 5:00*

NOON

*EXCLUDING MOTHER'S DAY

*EARLY

featuring

house brand cocktails or house wines - $7 most domestic beers - $4 martinis, manhattans & call brand cocktails - $8 (excludes premium brands)

plus

10 complete entrees under $20 4 lobster dishes under $30 RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED - CALL 941 383 0440

DINING

&

HAPPY

-

HOUR

ON

MAY 8:00 NOT

8TH

HOMEMADE, FAMILY MADE ICE CREAM SINCE 1984

PM* AVAILABLE

MOTHER'S

DAY

featuring

Mon - Thurs: 12 - 9 | Fri-Sat: 12 - 10 | Sun: 1-6 Located In the Centre Shops next to Lazy Lobster

OUR COMPLETE DINNER MENU PLUS MOTHER' S DAY SPECIALS $6 MIMOSAS & COCKTAIL SPECIALS RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED | CALL 941-383-0440 OUR OUTSIDE TERRACE IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED (WEATHER PERMITTING) TAKE OUT AVAILABLE, WHILE WE'RE ABLE

OPEN FOR IN-HOUSE DINING • LUNCH MON. - SAT. 11am - 2pm • DINNER: 3:30 - 9:00 EARLY DINING MENU & HAPPY HOUR: 3:30 - 5:00

SILVERBERG SILVERBERG SILVERBERG Luxury Property Realtor Luxury Property Realtor

Luxury Property Realtor

Longboat KeyKey • Key Lido Key Longboat • Lido KeyKey Longboat • Lido St. Armands • Siesta KeyKey St. Armands • Siesta St. Armands • Siesta Key Lakewood Ranch Lakewood Ranch Lakewood Ranch of Trail of Trail WestWest ofWest Trail Downtown Sarasota Downtown Sarasota Downtown Sarasota t em te o tdoa dy a y C o Cn ot an ct ta cm

91 9- e939-t 3o -6d39a65y9 5 C o n t 9a 4c 91t 4- m

941-993-3695

•Interested in moving to a No one will work •Interested in moving to a condo downtown?

•Interested in moving to a No one will work No one willharder work condo downtown? condo downtown?

•Purchasing a home on the harder harder •Purchasing a home onon thethe •Purchasing a home water? to findtheyou the water? water? to find you •Perhaps a home in a golf to find you the •Perhaps a home in a golf •Perhaps a home in a golf perfect home perfect home perfect home course community? course community? course community?

Let mememe help you your Let help youexplore explore youroptions options Let help you explore your options and with your and with yoursearch. search. and with your search.

I can start bybyemailing you today.

II can start emailing youlistings listings today. today. can start by emailing you listings Over2525Years YearsExperience Experience Over

Over 25 Years Experience

Broker Associate - Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Broker Associate - Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

381390-1

gigigigi gigi

XNLV2041 1 380687-1

5350 Gulf of Mexico Dr. lazylobsteroflongboat.com • 941-383-0440

Broker Associate - Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

5

Town accepts $123,000 for dog park turf Park’s shade trees are a big draw but also hinder growth of natural grass.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

M

uddy paws could be a thing of the past at Bayfront Park’s big-dog enclosure, courtesy of a six-figure donation this week from a town resident to fund installation of state-ofthe-art artificial turf.

Town commissioners on Monday accepted a $123,000 donation from Longboat Key resident Irene Hess and the Paul Klingenstein Family Foundation through the town’s Rotary Club charitable fund.

The donation will pay for removal of faltering sod on three-quarters of the dog park’s large-dog enclosure, allowing a quarter to remain with natural grass for canine visitors who might like a more natural setting in which to play, dig or . . . well . . . do what dogs do outdoors.

Carol Erker, treasurer of the Rotary LBK Charitable Fund, said Hess is a frequent visitor to the park with her dog, Georgie Girl. Klingenstein, Hess’s late father, was a Longboat Key resident, founder of Temple Beth Israel and philanthropist.

“She felt very strongly that the success of the park has been that the dogs love it,” Erker said. “And the people love it, and they’re there, and they’re using it.”

Erker said the shade provided by mature trees is one of the main draws to the dog park, but “the flip side is it’s hard to grow grass in the shade, and with the use the park gets, particularly with the big dogs, it gets dirty.”

Erker said Hess and her foundation joined forces with Rotary’s goal of community service and its track record in helping plan for the dog park beginning in 2014 to make the project come alive.

“Rotary thought it was a great social service program because it’s

Eric Garwood

After a summer resod in 2021, broad swaths of dirt have returned to the Bayfront Park dog park.

not just the dogs; it’s a gathering place,” Erker said.

Officially, town commissioners had to amend the fiscal year 2022 budget to accept the donation and fund the improvements. But before doing so, the town dug deep into how the turf product works and holds up.

Town Public Works Department staffers spent time recently researching artificial-turf dog parks in Hillsborough County, Public Works Director Isaac Brownman said, speaking to patrons, corresponding with agencies tasked with upkeep and generally understanding how the material holds up to dog and

“She felt very strongly that the success of the park has been that the dogs love it. And the people love it, and they’re there, and they’re using it.”

— Carol Erker

human traffic.

They even walked the parks with a discerning nose to determine if unpleasant odors could be detected.

(They could not, Brownman said.)

Commissioner B.J. Bishop joked that friends of hers recently installed a patch of artificial turf for their

dogs’ outdoor business, though her friends’ dogs have developed an aversion to it and instead head to neighbors’ natural grass. She said she was pleased a natural grass option will remain for dogs of a certain mindset, like her friends’ pups.

“We believe it’s worth giving it a

shot,” Brownman said. “I can’t speak to the dogs’ psychological preferences to it, however, but we did check into it fairly thoroughly.”

The turf material, approved for dog park use by state and national parks-industry trade groups, is permeable and often installed in conjunction with an irrigation system to wash it down periodically. Bayfront Park’s two dog enclosures already are equipped with such a system.

Sod has been a perennial problem, especially on the large-dog side.

About a year ago, dog owners complained to the town that their pets returned from the park with dirty paws and coats, prompting a decision to resod in the summer of 2021.

Closed from mid-July until September, the park was resodded at a cost of $6,250. After a high-traffic season from late 2021 until now, dirt and worn-away grass have returned.

“According to (town Parks Manager) Mark Richardson, they didn’t even get a year out of it, so it was like, ‘Wow, this is a vicious circle,’” Erker said.

Erker said Rotary was contemplating a dog park spruce up about the time Hess approached the town with the turf idea. She said Richardson recalled the cooperation between the town and Rotary when plans for the dog park were originally coming together and suggested Rotary and Hess get together.

“We intend to do more to make this a big project,” Erker said. “One suggestion has been to put more seating in. ... It was somewhat serendipitous that a person identified this as something worthy of support.”

Town commissioners thanked Hess for her donation and Erker for the Rotary Club’s efforts in helping coordinate it. No timetable for construction was noted.

“We’ve taken great pains to try to convince our dogs not to go on the carpet,” Mayor Ken Schneier joked.

(Nat Kaemmerer contributed to this report.)

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

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

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

5:00pm TuesdayHave - Saturday n free Call to schedule yourto pick up.

2095 17th n Sarasota Have largeStreet items donate?

Sarasota 2095 17th Street n www.habitatsrq.org (941Call ) 444-5783 to schedule your free pick up.

Have large items to Have largenitems to donate? donate? ( ) www.habitatsrq.org 941 444-5783 Our vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live.

Call Call to to schedule schedule your your free free pick pick up. up.

Our vision is everyone nndeserves a decent place to live. ((941 )) 444-5783 www.habitatsrq.org www.habitatsrq.org 941 444-5783 381380-1

370394-1

Our Our vision vision is is everyone everyone deserves deserves a a decent decent place place to to live. live.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

County approves higher tourist tax

SPRING

COOL CASH

After a record year in 2021, county qualified as a state-certified High Impact Tourism County.

IS BACK

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

T

ourist tax? What tourist tax?

Dave and Carol Arbritter of Reading, Pennsylvania, said last weekend they figured there must be some kind of tax on their national chain hotel bill, but as Dave said, the couple honestly couldn’t say what it was or if they would have even noticed the 5% levy if not brought to their attention.

“There always is in the fine print, right?” Dave Abritter said.

Chatting on Saturday afternoon at the pay kiosk of a city parking lot just off St. Armands Circle, the couple said they were staying in a Sarasota County hotel for a three-day weekend that started Thursday evening to see relatives and the sights of Southwest Florida. Extra charges are just to be expected, and no, word that Sarasota County recently OK’d a higher tourist-tax rate wouldn’t stop them from returning if travel plans pointed this away again.

“It’s really not a concern when you’re already paying maybe $100 a night anyway,” Dave Arbritter said.

Sarasota County commissioners last week, taking a cue from a Tourism Development Council’s unanimous recommendation in March, voted 4-1 without discussion to raise the county’s rate on vacation rentals, hotels, campgrounds and more for stays of less than six months from 5% to 6%. The new rate won’t take effect until the next budget year, which opens on Oct. 1.

Commissioner Christian Ziegler voted no.

The additional percentage will add about $5.2 million in revenue with which to fund capital projects and beach work. Sarasota County qualified to consider the upped percent-

THROUGH MAY 28, 2022

250 TODAY

$

SAVE

BOB’S BEST A/C DEALS

WITH NEW A/C* INSTALL

2,150

$

REBATES*

age rate after a record year of tourism that pushed the county past Florida’s threshold as a High Tourism Impact County with taxable receipts from qualified lodging operators of more than $600 million.

Once the county was certified in March by the office of Tax Research in the state’s Department of Revenue, Sarasota became empowered to continue at 6% for as long as it wishes.

The newest penny of tax on a $1 will break down like this: n 70% for capital improvements, such as Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s new aquarium attraction in Nathan Benderson Park; n 20% for beach maintenance; and n 10% for beach renourishment.

Sarasota County has pledged $20 million toward the construction of Mote’s aquarium, estimated to cost around $130 million to complete. Initial construction work is underway.

The additional percentage point adds to a tourism development tax that’s grown from 2% in 1988 to 3% in 1997, 4% in 2007 and additional half-points in 2010 and 2011.

Without the state’s designation of a High Tourism Impact County, the tax is capped at 5%. Once at 6%, the rate need not be renewed, said Kim Radke, the director of the Sarasota County Office of Financial Management at the advisory Tourism Development Council’s meeting in March.

Beachgoers head to the shore in Longboat Key.

0

Weather

&Nature

%

UP TO

Eric Garwood

The Observer’s

2022-23 PHOTO CONTEST

A R E F L E C T I O N O F N AT U R E ’ S B E A U T Y

FINANCING FOR 5 YEARS*

on Qualifying Carrier Systems

*Restrictions apply.

WANT TO MEET BOB? Bob may be our mascot, but he embodies all the great qualities you can expect from our team when you choose Badger Bob’s Services. That’s our promise. Give us a call and see for yourself.

Submitted by: Les Ireland

Sponsored by

941.777.2004 | badgerbobs.com 2022

Submit your photos of spectacular local weather and nature displays and you could win $500!

Emergency Service

License #: CFC1427129, CAC1815977, EC13009294

Go to Yourobserver.com/contests for details.

377600-1

24/ 7

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

370598-1

6

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

7

Featured Listings

River Hall Country Club | Ava

Hansen | Sarasota

16118 Herons View Drive | $1,000,000

1411 Quail Drive | $1,799,000

Timothy O’Hara Sr | 860.209.7043

Jennifer Thompson | 941.928.0790 Taylor Thompson | 941.928.2372

Harbour Towne | Siesta Key

Villas At Bellagio Harbor Village | Osprey

1311 Dockside Place #219 | $1,097,000

14021 Bellagio Way #304 | $1,200,000

Todd Nahrwold | 941.993.2395

Dawn Bear | 941.468.7224

Sandhill Preserve | Sarasota

Golf Club Estates | Sarasota

5919 Snowy Egret Drive | $1,300,000

7212 Hagen Lane | $599,900

Dawn Bear | 941.468.7224

Dawn Bear | 941.468.7224

Featured William Raveis Luxury Properties

Naples | Florida

Palm Beach | Florida

3595 Gin Lane | $27,900,000

1980 S Ocean Boulevard | $150,000,000

Naples 720 5th Ave S Office | 239.231.3380

Palm Beach Worth Ave Office | 561.655.6570

Recognized in 2018 as the #1 Luxury Brokerage by Luxury Portfolio International

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

376721-1

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

8

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

SMH board goes overboard?

SMH CEO David Verinder has shown no signs of wanting to leave. But the hospital board is making sure he won’t — going outside the industry norm.

S

arasota Memorial Healthcare and its flagship, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, have been and are a point of pride for Sarasota.

For nearly 20 years, the healthcare system has been on an uninterrupted streak of growth and success — medically and financially, thanks to a great degree to the noteworthy leadership of three CEOs — former CEOs Dr. Duncan Finlay and Gwen McKenzie and current CEO David Verinder.

Sarasota Memorial is frequently ranked among the nation’s best hospitals for a variety of measurements, and when you drive by the increasing physical stature of its campus on Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Memorial easily looks to be one of the region’s leading businesses and public institutions, if not the leading business and public institution. After all, more than 730,000 people a year receive treatment in the system; it employs nearly 8,000 people; and it generates $1.15 billion a year in revenues.

Consider how it has grown — in size and medical prestige. In 2015, it added a Level II trauma center; in 2017, it added a residency program with Florida State University and completed a new rehabilitation center. Last year, it opened its new Venice hospital and recently dedicated the new Jellison cancer tower.

And it is ranked among the best in the nation for heart treatment, rehabilitation services for serious diseases and robotic surgeries.

This two-decade transformation starts at the tip of the spear — the CEO and the leadership team the CEO assembles. Clearly, Verinder, who was named CEO in 2014, has guided SMH to high achievements on multiple, essential fronts: medical superiority (recruiting top doctors); customer service and outcomes (which require staff training and the right culture); and financial performance (an astute balancing of capital and business operations).

On the latter, financial performance, based on the way the Moody’s rating agency measures profitability, SMH is regarded as a high performer. As most CEOs know, it’s no easy feat to manage day-to-day challenges, while at the same time pursue multimillion-dollar initiatives such as the completion and opening of a new hospital in Venice and the completion of the new cancer tower. And then to do this during a worldwide health crisis and still manage to maintain what many financial analysts would consider a mountain of cash on the system’s balance sheet ($1.3 billion in cash).

How the hospital system performs financially is important to Sarasota County taxpayers because they have a financial stake and risk

COMPARISON OF HOSPITALS’ EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The following table shows the annual compensation of the top executives at Florida’s four tax-supported safety-net public hospitals.

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System 2021 Operating Revenues: $1,152,824,000 2021 Operating income: $63,413,000 Operating Margin: 5.5%

2021 Total Cash Compensation CEO / David Verinder...................................$1,495,125 Chief Operating Officer / Lorrie Liang.......... $825,618 Chief Med.Officer / James Fiorica...............$1,274,253 Chief Financial Officer / William Woeltjen.... $810,885 Chief Legal Officer / Carol Ann Kalish........... $802,621 Chief Information Officer / Pam Ramhofer.. $790,453

Lee Memorial Health System

2021 Operating Revenues: $2,471,292,000 2021 Operating Income: $218,971,000 Operating Margin: 8.8% 2020 Total Cash Compensation CEO / Lawrence Antonucci.........................$1,084,544 Chief Operating Officer / Scott Nygaard......$810,500 Chief Medical Officer / Venkat Prasad..........$385,059 Chief Financial Officer / Ben Spence........... $664,884 Chief Legal Officer / Mary McGillicuddy.......$555,838 Chief Information Officer / Rick Schooler....$375,390

HOSPITAL SEATS OPEN IN 2022 Five of the nine board seats on the Sarasota County Public Hospital District are up for election this November.

If you’re interested in serving on the hospital board and running for election, qualifying time to file as a candidate is from noon, June 13 to noon, June 17.

Go to one of the Sarasota County supervisor of elections offices to obtain a candidate’s packet.

Seats up for election and current incumbents: n Northern District, Seat 1: James Meister n Northern District, Seat 2: Richard Rehmeyer, M.D. n Central District, Seat 2: Joseph DeVirgilio Jr. n Southern District, Seat 1: Darryl W. Henry n Southern District, Seat 2: Gregory Carter

in its operations. As a public hospital taxing district, Sarasota Memorial imposes a current 1.042 millage rate on all county property. In the past two years, Sarasota County taxpayers contributed $64 million and $61 million in property taxes.

The risk to taxpayers is what happens if management messes up. The hospital board can raise the tax rate.

Fortunately, Sarasota County taxpayers can feel satisfied overall and comfortable that Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System’s management has been and is, for the most part, a competent steward of this important taxpayer-supported and community institution.

Sure, there was a controversy last year over management wanting to use $300,000 in hospital funds for a

South Broward Hospital District

2021 Operating Revenues: $2,339,546,000 2021 Operating Income: $45,194,000 Operating Margin: 1.9% 2018 Total Cash Compensation CEO / Aurelio Fernandez............................ $2,344,246 Ch. Transformation Off./Nina Beauchesne.. $631,852 Chief Operating Officer / Leah Carpenter.....$703,122 Chief Strategy Officer / Matthew Muhart.... $790,193 Chief Medical Officer / Marc Napp.......................... NA Chief Financial Officer / David Smith.......... $698,093 General Counsel / Frank Rainer............................... NA Chief Digital Officer / Jeffrey Sturman.................... NA

Halifax Health (Daytona Beach)

2021 Operating Revenues: $688,620,000 2021 Operating Income: $42,696,000 Operating Margin: 6.2%

2020 Total Cash Compensation CEO / Jeff Feasel............................................ $582,098 Chief Operating Officer / Albert Tineo.......... $374,548 Chief Med.Officer / Margaret G. Crossman.. $356,812 Chief Financial Officer / Eric Peburn............. $501,395 Chief Quality Officer / Steven Miles.............. $214,865 Chief Legal Officer / Kelly Parsons-Kwiatek.$348,269 Ch.Human Res.Officer / Kimberly Fulcher... $285,746

political action committee — which it rescinded. But over the tenures of Finlay, McKenzie and Verinder, Sarasota Memorial has avoided the public turmoil that engulfed the hospital in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Most recently, to acknowledge the hospital system’s success, the nine elected members of the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board have rewarded Verinder for his performance. In February 2021, the board voted to extend Verinder’s two remaining years on his contract by eight years. With only one member dissenting (Tramm Hudson), the board voted 8-1 to give Verinder a 10-year contract and to increase his base salary to $1,125,000. That raised him from being in 60%-plus percentile of peer CEOS to near the 75th percentile.

In January, the board boosted Verinder’s pay again. On another 8-1 vote, with Hudson against, the board voted to boost Verinder’s base salary 12%, to $1,263,000, and increase a short-term incentive plan. It gave him a plan allowing him to earn up to 45% of his base if he met certain short-term metrics.

The previous incentive was 35%.

Two weeks ago, members of the hospital board’s governance committee decided Verinder needed more. It is recommending a new long-term incentive plan that will give Verinder the opportunity to earn up to an additional 25% of his base if he hits certain targets by the end of fiscal 2024 — up to 12.5% if the system’s total revenues reach $1.55 billion; and up to 12.5% if the system averages a 5.3% operating margin over the term.

Both of those targets are not much of a stretch, given recent trends.

Altogether, you can figure Verinder is likely to be earning close to $2 million a year for the next three years — and beyond.

Is he worth it?

Source: Govsalaries.com, SMHealthcare

That, of course, depends on whom you ask. We’re strong believers in capitalism, merit pay-forperformance and you get what you pay for.

Verinder is worth a premium, and his performance certainly stands up well to his peers.

If there is to be any criticism or questioning, it’s not of Verinder. It would be of the elected members of the hospital board. It appears they have been quick and easy when it comes to increasing Verinder’s compensation.

In particular, they veered far out of the norm in the hospital industry and in business in general when they agreed to giving Verinder a 10-year contract. At the time of the extension, the hospital board’s outside compensation consultant was asked if she knew of other hospital system CEOs with 10-year contracts. She did not, acknowledging 10 years was out of the norm.

Typically, hospital CEO contracts are three to five years.

We are bringing Verinder’s compensation to light — in particular, his 10-year term — not to be at all critical of Verinder, but to shine some light on an elected board that has a fiduciary duty to the citizens of Sarasota County.

The eight board members who approved the 10-year term did so, they said, out of fear of losing Verinder, who, by the way, has made no indications of wanting to leave.

While that deal may have given comfort to current board members, it tied future board members in ways they do not know yet.

This is also worth noting: When public boards vote 8-1 and when the minutes of meetings show overwhelming agreement on many issues, taxpayers can begin to wonder whether the board members are doing enough to challenge the organization’s leaders and remembering their chief responsibility — that of fiduciaries to taxpayers.

“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 / Nat Kaemmerer, NKaemmerer@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Shawn Candela, SCandela@YourObserver.com Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; 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 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.

School board, part II: How to close the chasm Rumination on the Sarasota County School Board Chair Jane Goodwin and public comments …

Much of what has resulted between Goodwin and frequent school board critic Melissa Bakondy can be categorized as a matter of style. Or, more precisely, two styles that don’t mesh well. And communication, lack thereof.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

If you have ever attended many public meetings of city and county commissions, school boards, state legislative committee meetings, perhaps even mosquito board meetings, often times you will find each one of these bodies has a regular watchdog. He or she is that person who shows up and speaks at every meeting no matter what.

These watchdogs, or “gadflies,” come as all kinds of kinds — annoying, respectful, sarcastic, funny, looney, agitating, confrontational,

sometimes just downright, persistently trouble-making. But one of the most common characteristics of them is passion. They have a passion about a subject or about the government they are watchdogging.

They have passionate beliefs about what they think is right. The fact they are physically present tells you they care — more than most people.

No doubt, you have seen one of these watchdogs. And likewise, you have seen the faces of the commissioners who see these people come to the microphone during public comment. You know exactly what is going through their minds: “Oh gawd, here we go again.”

That’s the impression that comes over the school board dais when Melissa Bakondy walks to the podium. To some, Bakondy has become the gadfly. To many others, she is the voice of the people.

If you’ve watched her, you can see

how her style can get under board members’ skin — especially that of the three Democratic members, Goodwin, Shirley Brown and Tom Edwards. She asks them for explanations, mostly in an even tone.

At the April 5 board meeting, she began her remarks: “Why do we allow Pride flags, celebrating sexual perversion, to hang in the classroom? These are sexually suggestive flags that could be offensive to some people. I believe these would fall under the hostile environment and sexual harassment policy in 2.71.”

Bakondy told us: “I don’t try to have a style. I try to be factual.”

She told us she began her interest in the school board in spring 2020 when mask mandates began.

At the time, her four children were in Sarasota public schools. She disagreed with the mandate.

“Anger developed,” she said.

After that, she said, “There was a wave of everything” — BLM, CRT issues. In the summer, there was anti-bias training, LGBTQ month.

In fall 2020, her third-grade child came to her and asked about seeing a Pride flag in an online supplemental curriculum program.

All of this fueled her passion.

What’s her goal? “To protect the innocence of our children,” she said.

“I’m passionate about this. But they don’t seem to listen.”

To some, Bakondy has become talking wallpaper. To Goodwin, it seems, Bakondy has become a annoyance. You can sense there is an unreconcilable chasm between them.

That can be closed. Asked if she has ever had a one-on-one conversation with any of the school board members, Bakondy said: “No.” In the confines of school board meetings, where speakers are relegated to two minutes, frank communication and building trust are virtually impossible. Face to face meetings can accomplish a lot.

— MW

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

ROUND AND ROUND 4:33 p.m., 5200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: An officer took possession of 17 bullets turned in by a resident. The ammunition was turned in to the department’s armory.

Nat Kaemmerer

Board Chair Kathie Roberts, Marc and Ruthellen Rubin and chamber of commerce ambassador Kellie Spring hold the ribbon while interim CEO Nelle Miller prepares to cut it.

JFCS celebrates opening Longboat Key facility The chamber of commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting, and representatives from JFCS spoke about the work on the island.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat Key now plays host to more counseling programs for seniors and caregivers, thanks to the new Jewish Family and Children’s Services campus in the Tidewell Building at 540 Bay Isles Road.

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting for JFCS’s new facility in the Tidewell Building on May 2. The organization has been operating out of the office for several months but invited board members and supporters to Longboat Key to celebrate the expansion.

A big portion of JFCS’s services is geared toward seniors, and a lot of its clients live on the island. Being able to meet them where they are will be important and have a powerful impact, said Stacy Lang, chief of behavioral health services.

“I really believe in proximity,” interim CEO Nelle Miller said. “It’s wonderful to be out here near so many people who have supported JFCS over the years. … We had a

FRIDAY, APRIL 22

problem in the nonprofit community with feeling like everything is over there (in Sarasota). Now, here we are.”

The JFCS portion of the building is named the Bradford and Temi Saivetz Center for Aging Services, after Longboat Key resident and JFCS supporter Ruthellen Rubin’s parents.

They lived on Longboat Key for several years and became entrenched in the community, and Rubin wanted to honor that legacy by committing to the community with JFCS. Rubin and husband, Marc, were caregivers for Ruthellen’s mother, Temi, and saw the challenges of the task. The Longboat Key campus will focus on providing mental health services, including those for caregivers.

“We were focused on physical health and stuff to get people together and out of their houses, but the big piece missing was mental health,” Paradise Center Executive Director Suzy Brenner said. “JFCS was perfect for that.”

One big part of the JFCS programming at the Longboat Key office has been the caregiver support group that happens every Friday and offers training and support for those caring for others. Rabbi Jonathan Katz, who used to be the lead rabbi at Temple Beth Israel down the road, has been leading a bereavement support group since February, as well.

MORE THAN JUST OK 12:19 p.m., 400 block of Longboat Club Road Welfare check: A police officer was sent to a residential community to check on the welfare of an 83-yearold man whom a caller to police had not heard from since the previous day. The property manager directed the officer poolside, where the man told the officer he was well and enjoying the pool. The man called the original caller to police to reassure her he was doing swimmingly.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

CAN’T STAY THERE 12:08 a.m., 4700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Noise: A police officer responding to a report of noise arrived at a public beach access point to find two vehicles parked with people talking nearby. The officer informed the people access to the parking area closed at 11 p.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24

LET’S PLAY: ‘NUDE? OR NOT NUDE?’ 7:15 p.m., 4500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious incident: Police hit the beach in search of a man, perhaps in his 70s, walking the beach without any clothes. Upon arrival, the officer

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

reported no first-hand sightings of the man, but in speaking with others on the beach watching the sun set, he learned the man was wearing a thong-style swimsuit referred to by the beachgoers as a “banana hammock.’’

MONDAY, APRIL 25

ON THE ROAD AGAIN 1 p.m., police headquarters Lost property: A man came to police headquarters telling an officer that his wife’s luggage had fallen out of their car two days previous and wondered if the bag had been turned in to police. The man said they had driven off from a town retail area with the car’s hatchback open, allowing the bag to tumble out. He said the bag contained several pairs of slacks and other clothing, valued at between $1,000 and $2,000. The man was issued a case number and a lost-property report.

9

COPS CORNER

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27

|

TUESDAY, APRIL 26

ARE YOU MY HOOMAN? 8:45 a.m., 4400 Gulf of Mexico Drive Animal report: A resident called police after finding a dog wandering alone near a community pool. She told an officer she would care for the dog until someone claimed it. Later that day, the owners came to the police station inquiring about a lost dog and were directed to the home of the resident who was caring for the canine.

THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE 7:57 p.m., 200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious incident: A caller to police at New Pass reported hearing two explosions followed by a splash nearby. The officer checked in with the bridge tender, who said he did not hear or see anything but remarked that jumping dolphins can make a lot of noise. No signs of an explosion or fire were found.

NO ROOM AT THE INN 6:58 p.m., 800 block of Broadway Street Citizen dispute: An officer was sent to a restaurant following a report of a man who created a disturbance when he was denied seating. The restaurant told the officer the man, who left, was turned away because he did not have a reservation.

Pirouette® Alustra® Operating Systems PowerView® Motorization

Sarasota’s Best Voted One of

28 Years in a Row!

YOUR HOME DESERVES Hunter Douglas!

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com 4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

HAIR • NAILS • SPA Les Ciseaux Salon & Spa has a new owner, Dawn Lewis!

An employee at Les Ciseaux for over 24 years, Dawn recently purchased the business and will continue its legacy of unparalleled service.

handcrafted hardwood furniture for every room of your home. includes Dining Bedroom Murphy Beds Office Living Room Outdoor Poly Bathroom Vanities Kitchen Cabinets

The weather is getting Humid!

Get a Keratin Treatment to tame the Frizz!

Stop in or call today to book your appointment with our talented staff!

-

6100 N Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 941.960.2942

381425-1

6 N Blvd of the Presidents | St Armand’s Circle | Above Columbia

two locations

3737 Bahia Vista St. Sarasota, FL 34232 941.952.5646

dutchhausfurniture.com

941-388-2176 374291-1

381429-1

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Work underway on first medical examiner’s office The Fruitville Road facility is being built under an agreement that will lease the facility to the county.

State records show the LLC’s managing partner is Frank J. LaCivita, the executive vice president of Lakewood Ranch’s Willis Smith Construction Inc. The county would pay between $4.4 million and $4.9 million for the 30-year lease annually. The lease would have an annual 3% escalator or the consumer price index value, whichever is higher. The county has the option to purchase the property and the building for $19.1 million after a minimum of three years.

The building under construction will house administrative offices on the 18,000-square-foot first floor of a two-story building on the west side of the property, with about 22,000 square feet of autopsy facilities on the east, separated by a courtyard. The second floor won’t be initially occupied but potentially leased for other uses in the future, possibly serving as a revenue source for the county.

The new facility is on 4.4 acres just east of McIntosh Road. It had to be placed within 3 miles of Interstate 75 to allow easy access to Manatee and DeSoto counties, which Vega and his staff also serve. Built to withstand Category 4 hurricane winds, it also will be equipped with a week of emergency water supplies and backup generating capabilities to operate off the grid in the case of a disaster.

Commissioners Ron Cutsinger, Christian Ziegler and Mike Moran took part in the groundbreaking, as did Lewis and members of the partnering construction and development firms.

Members of the medical examiner’s office staff also were on hand, some of whom walked gingerly around the early stages of construction with building project supervisors, getting the lay of the land, some referring to printed floor plans and artist renderings distributed at the event.

“We had a brainstorm session and said, ‘Hey, we can do this’ and present something to make it happen,” said John LaCivita, the president of Willis Smith, of the partnership

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

W

ork is underway on the Sarasota County home for the District 12 Medical Examiner’s office, a public-private partnership approved in 2021 and expected to be ready for occupancy in about a year.

Three county commissioners, County Manager Jonathan Lewis and Medical Examiner Dr. Russell Vega joined representatives from Willis Smith Construction Inc. and Hembree and Associates on Thursday for a groundbreaking ceremony at the construction site at 4480 Fruitville Road.

Vega said the project is a step forward for Sarasota.

“This is not a new medical examiner facility for the county; it’s the first time we’ve ever had a medical examiner facility for the county,” Vega said. “I don’t think a lot of people fully appreciate that — that’s what the value is. So we’re doing this to provide a critical service for the residents and citizens of the county that they’ve really not had before, and that really excites me.”

Although neighboring counties, such as Manatee County, have built autopsy facilities for cases, Sarasota County has been paying Sarasota Memorial Hospital to use its facilities. Vega had asked for a Sarasota County facility to house administrative offices and equipment for autopsies for nearly three years, leading up to County Commission approval in January 2021.

Instead of a conventional agreement to build a county-owned facility on county-owned land, commissioners voted to enter a lease with 4480 Fruitville LLC for the facility.

Photos by Eric Garwood

between his company and Hembree and Associates. “Luckily for us, the county commissioners had the trust in us and the belief we can actually make this happen, so they pushed forward, we pushed forward, and we got it across the finish line, and here we are today.”

Joe Hembree of Hembree and Associates said the public-private arrangement likely cut years off the project run time, adding that it was the first time the county entered into such an agreement.

Moran said the construction of the offices and autopsy facility and the mechanism that propelled the project forward were strong examples of how hard-to-launch projects can be moved forward.

“It’s a symbol of how an efficient government partnering with the private sector can accomplish a project that seemed like it would never happen,” he said.

PICKLEBALL BASICS

Thursday, May 12, 11:30am Terri Noyes (Pickleball Coordinator from Bay Front Park) will show us the basics of the game, including rules and scoring.

Takes place outdoors at The Paradise Center!

Walk-Ins Welcome $10/Person FREE for Members

546 Bay Isles Road TheParadiseCenter.org 941.383.6493

Above: John LaCivita of Willis Smith Construction speaks to the gathered crowd at Thursday’s ceremony.

Below: Dr. Russell Vega looks around the construction site on Fruitville Road.

MUSICAL MOVIE MATINEES IN MAY

Projected indoors, on a large screen. Popcorn & soft drinks included. Bring a friend!

Friday May 13, 1pm

MAMA MIA!

Thursday May 26, 1pm

WEST SIDE STORY (2021) Walk-Ins Welcome

$10/Person FREE for Members

OLLI LECTURES Streamed Live at TPC!

Thursday May 19, 2:30-3:30pm Juneteenth: The Destruction of Slavery in the Civil War with Richard “Rick” Bell Wednesday May 25, 3-4:30pm Presidents in Crisis: Their Response, Their Resolve, Their Leadership with Michael Scheibach Walk-Ins Welcome $10/Member $15/Non-Member

MONDAYS 10-11am Stretch & Strengthen

TUESDAYS 10-11am Qi Gong

WEDNESDAYS 10-11am Beginner Tai Chi

THURSDAYS 10-11am Zumba & Pilates

FRIDAYS 10-11am Intermediate Tai Chi

1-3pm Thinking Out Loud Discussion Group

1-3pm Mah Jongg

1-4pm Duplicate Bridge

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

11:15am-12:15pm Qi Gong & Meditation

Walk-Ins Welcome!

To play, email

MaryAnnBrady@ TheParadiseCenter.org

MEDICAL SUITE

544 Bay Isles Road

Call each practice directly to make your appointment!

MONDAYS & THURSDAYS Primary Care 941.748.8400

EmpathHealth.org

THURSDAYS ENT / Audiology 941.366.9222

FirstPhysiciansGroup.com

WEDNESDAYS Podiatry 941.921.3000

SarasotaFootDoctors.com

FRIDAYS Dermatology 941.926.6553

LuminaryDermatology.com

540-546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key TidewellFoundation.org 941.552.7546

To play, call Jeff 941.567.8078

540 Bay Isles Road Changing Lives Forever Group & Individual Counseling, Caregiver Support, Seminars, Discussion Groups & more.

JFCS-Cares.org 941.366.2224 JFCS is excited to be serving the LBK community!

The Tidewell Foundation and Empath Health welcome 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.

381316-1

10

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

11

C O M I N G T O L I D O B E AC H

65 P R I VAT E R ES I D EN C ES From the $6 millions

N OW AC C E P T I N G R E S E RVAT I O N S JULIA DECASTRO 941 812 5176 • DONNA DELOACH 239 825 1168

residenceslidokey.com

This project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Equal Housing Opportunity. Rosewood Residences Lido Key is owned and being developed, offered and sold by WSR—Lido Beach, LLC (“Developer”). The project is not owned, developed or sold by Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, L.L.C. or any of its affiliates (“Rosewood”). Developer uses the Rosewood marks pursuant to a license agreement with Rosewood, which may be terminated under certain conditions. Rosewood does not assume any responsibility or liability in connection with the condominium. Copyright 2022 © All Rights Reserved

377035-1

OR AL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Congratulations DR. MAHFOUZ EL SHAHAWY

48 YEARS

SERVING THE SARASOTA COMMUNITY The City of Sarasota proclaims February 4, 2022 as Dr. El Shahawy Day in recognition of his 48 outstanding years of dedication to our community healthcare and cardiovascular disease prevention

CARDIOVASCULAR CENTER OF SARASOTA

On behalf of the International Society for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention (ISCVDP) Jay Cohn, MD, FACC, Vice President, ISCVDP | Thomas Kelly, MD, Secretary/Treasurer ISCVDP

On behalf of the Cardiovascular Center of Sarasota (CCS) Sharon Wetzler, ARNP | Ramona Stevens, MA, CRC

380809-1

12

MAY 5, 2022

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

TAKING THEIR ACT

The Sarasota Orchestra’s Outdoor Pops concert is back after a two-year hiatus, and iconic songs of the ’70s are on the itinerary.

SPENCER FORDIN A+E EDITOR

T

hey’ve traded in their tux and tails for something more comfortable. The Sarasota Orchestra is braving the elements this week for its annual Outdoor Pops performances at Ed Smith Stadium, a tradition briefly curtailed over the last two years by the COVID pandemic.

That change of venue — a ballpark instead of a climate-controlled concert hall — introduces a host of challenges in terms of translating their normal performance, but if you ask conductor Christopher Confessore, it’s fun for everybody involved.

“I’ve been outdoors sweating to the oldies for many, many years,” says Confessore, the music director of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra.

“I know to be well-hydrated.”

Interestingly, Confessore says he has been to Ed Smith Stadium as a baseball fan but never in his professional capacity. But he says he led the orchestra in outdoor performances at the Phillippi Estate and does an annual Fourth of July performance with the Brevard orchestra.

Confessore also does outdoor performances with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and learned some simple fixes over the years.

“We have lights on our music stands. Sometimes those lights draw bugs,” he says. “Sometimes after our Fourth of July concert in Cocoa, either that night or the next morning, I’ll have to go through my music and shake out all the dead bugs and everything that’s in there.”

Lorenzo Mills, production manager for the orchestra, says the initial stages of preparation involve bringing the generators and the stage onto the field. The first pieces of equipment arrive in a truck, and the staff lays down plywood to protect the grass. That takes a couple hours; once the generators are installed, the next step is to unfold the stage.

A separate crew handles the lighting trusses. The audio equipment comes in the following day, says Mills of the arduous setup.

“All of the equipment we put up for this orchestra actually gets torn down completely,” he says.

The process starts as soon as the show is over. The instruments get taken away, some through the dugout and into the clubhouse, and the stage and chairs and music stands get covered with plastic. The audio company pulls all of its microphones.

The next day, they’re back setting everything up in the afternoon.

“I think for most people, it’s magic,” says Mills. “They walk in and think, ‘Wow, this is amazing. I wonder how they do this.’ And then that’s the last time they think about it.”

Mills says that when they set things up at a venue like the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, they don’t have to worry about teardown each night.

The venue is locked, and the stage is protected from the threat of rain.

But at Ed Smith Stadium, they have to prepare for any eventuality.

“We’ll do that Thursday night, we’ll do that Friday night and, weather permitting, we’ll do that again Saturday night,” says Mills.

OUTSIDE “Saturday night, we get to take it back to our building and put it away for the season. That last concert, I’d say we’re there until somewhere between 1 and 2 a.m.”

Is the crew moving a piano five times over the course of the weekend? No, says Mills, the orchestra can get that piano onto the platform, but it’s too hard to bring it in each evening. Mills says the hardest thing to move is probably the timpani.

“I would say it’s another couple hours for us to take all those instruments into the visitors’ clubhouse,” he says of the nightly teardown.

“We go down the steps to the dugout, up the steps to the visitors’ locker room and put all our percussion instruments and the keyboards there. Anything that could possibly get damaged or wet. Our timpani are too big to fit there; we take them and we put them in the first-aid room behind home plate.

“The Orioles have really made it easy for us to move some of that stuff around and find places for it. The timpani are quite large; the stairs are tricky to navigate. They’re slippery, and they’re made of concrete.”

OUTDOOR AUDITORIUM

Confessore says that one of the main

ASSEMBLY REQUIRED

The Sarasota Orchestra spends a lot of time assembling the stage and safeguarding the instruments each night to bring you this performance.

WHERE SUMMER FUN BEGINS!

For program details visit catdepot.org

2542 17th St, Sarasota • 941-366-2404 • info@catdepot.

379595-1

The performances might start on Friday evening, but the orchestra’s operations staff begins putting everything together Wednesday.

hazards for the musicians is being able to handle the wind.

“There are wind clips musicians have on their music stands to help keep the music from blowing away,” he says. “I’m turning my pages so much more frequently than the violin players. I usually have like a box that I put on top of the music stand, and the scores go inside the box.

“That gives me a wall around all four sides of the music, and it keeps it from blowing.”

The material on the bill, says Confessore, is based on pop hits from the ’70s from a wide range of artists, and it will be sung by the Nashvillebased duo of Swearingen & Kelli.

More importantly, he says, it’s been arranged for an orchestra by Don Bryn, which means that the sounds will all be working together.

“It’s a challenge when we do concerts that feature pop artists in front of the orchestra,” he says. “Sometimes you get a full band. Drum set.

Lead guitar. Rhythm guitar. Keyboards. The orchestra can get lost in the shuffle. This performance is just the singers, and I think one or both of them will be playing acoustic guitar. Otherwise, the backup band and support instrumentals are exclusively from the orchestra.”

The music is different from the orchestra’s normal Beethoven and Mozart fare, Confessore says, but it’s timeless. The orchestra might see an audience twice as large as the ones it sees on a normal night at an indoor venue; that’s part of the allure for the musicians, too.

“For any performance, the connection with your audience is one of the greatest things,” says Confessore. “As a performer, you can’t help but raise your level of performance.

That’s true for any type of concert the orchestra gives, and I think it’s true for pop artists, too.”

Courtesy photos

It might feel like a ballgame, but it’s an orchestra performing outdoors.

IF YOU GO OUTDOOR POPS: ICONIC SONGS OF THE ’70S When: 8 p.m., May 6 and 7 Where: Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St. Tickets: $15$48 Info: SarasotaOrchestra.org

Happy Mother’s Day

Call for Take Out or FREE DELIVERY

www.lapenseeplumbing.com

778.5622 • 401 MANATEE AVENUE, HOLMES BEACH

379321-1

378701-1

CFC1429635 • CPC1459826 • CAC1818472

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

The legend of

Mari Taylor Floyd A great designer helps the actors transform into their characters. With “The Legend of Georgia McBride,” that transformation is the heart of the story.

This comedy follows an Elvis impersonator who’s dethroned as The King and becomes a hit as a drag queen.

In spring 2020, FST was gearing up to stage this show – until the pandemic crashed the party. It’s a new year, and “Georgia McBride” has been born again.

Mari Taylor Floyd is FST’s new costume shop supervisor and the show’s associate costume designer. From nightgowns to jumpsuits, if an actor is wearing it, it’s her responsibility. No pressure.

—MARTY FUGATE

When did you start as FST’s costume shop manager?

In June of 2021. When Lea (Umberger) had to step away, I also took on the “Georgia McBride” project. That’s when I became the production’s associate costume designer.

372864-1

4420 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941.260.8905 www.shellysgiftandchristmasboutique.com

And that’s when “Georgia McBride” became your baby. I’m guessing it’s a big baby?

Definitely. If you do the math, there are a total of 50 costumes — with 27 in the drag look. We’ve also got 24 wigs in production.

Monday - Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm

Did you start with a blank slate on the costume designs?

No, I’d been working with Lea throughout the year — our collaboration was a great experience. She’d already created the basic design concepts for this show. Before she left, she said, “I don’t want you in the dark on this. Before I go, let’s sit down for two hours. We’ll go through every single costume and the creative choices behind it.” So that’s what we did. And then she handed the project over to me.

OK. You knew Lea’s mind about the costume designs. I’m guessing you still had creative work to do on the costumes.

Well, we tried to stick to Lea’s original design intentions as much as we could. Realistically, that’s not always possible.

A design might look amazing on paper, but these things morph in live theater. You meet the new actors and watch the show taking shape in the rehearsal room, and that changes everything. You see what the director’s actually trying to conceive in the show. What works and what doesn’t.

How do you know what works?

Like, what are the key factors?

Characterization, obviously. And time.

The clock is ticking.

Yeah. From scene to scene, the time for costume changes is very limited.

We sometimes have to simplify the designs to accomplish it. And the designs are specific to each actor.

That applies to wigs, too. Put a towering wig on a big actor, and he’s suddenly 8 feet tall. An inch or two taller, and the wig’s a fire hazard.

So you have to make those calculations.

That actually happened on this

Chabad of Sarasota & Aviva Senior Living Present: ChabadofofSarasota Sarasota&&Aviva AvivaSenior SeniorLiving LivingPresent: Present: Chabad

SOAR AND SAVE

SARASOTA-MANATEE SARASOTA-MANATEE SARASOTA-MANATEE

CHABAD CHABAD CHABAD

Chabad of Sarasota & Aviva THE Senior Living Present: DR. LEONARD SCHWARTZBAUM

THEDR. DR.LEONARD LEONARDSCHWARTZBAUM SCHWARTZBAUM THE CHABAD

This Summer!

SARASOTA-MANATEE

LONGEVITY LONGEVITY LONGEVITY LONGEVITY SYMPOSIUM SYMPOSIUM SYMPOSIUM LONGEVITY LONGEVITY LONGEVIT SYMPOSIUM THE DR. LEONARD SCHWARTZBAUM

Chabad of Sarasota Chabad & Aviva of Sarasota Senior Chabad Living & Aviva Present: ofSenior Sarasota Living & Aviva Present: Senior Living Present: SARASOTA-MANATEE

SARASOTA-MANATEE

CHABAD

SARASOTA

CHABAD

CHA

THE DR. LEONARD THE SCHWARTZBAUM DR. LEONARDTHE SCHWARTZBAUM DR. LEONARD SCHWARTZB

Learn to live longer and better

THURSDAY, THURSDAY,MAY MAY12, 12,2022 2022•• •10:00 10:00AM AM---2:30 2:30PM PM THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022 10:00 AM 2:30 PM

SYMPOSIUM SYMPOSIUM SYMPOSIUM

Michael’s On East • Cost: $49, LCSW, RNs, LPNs & CNA: $10 THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022 • 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Chabad of Sarasota & AvivaMichael’s Senior Living Present: OnEast East• Cost: • Cost: $49,LCSW, LCSW,RNs, RNs,LPNs LPNs&&CNA: CNA:$10 $10 Chabad of Sarasota & Aviva Senior Living Present: Michael’s On $49, SARASOTA-MANATEE SARASOTA-MANATEE Lunch Included | RSVP: 925-0770 or GeriatricSymposium.com CHABAD Lunch Included RSVP: 925-0770 GeriatricSymposium.com CHABAD Michael’s On • Cost: $49, LCSW, RNs, LPNs & CNA: $10 Lunch Included | |East RSVP: 925-0770 ororGeriatricSymposium.com

THURSDAY, THURSDAY, MAY 12,THE THURSDAY, 2022 MAY 10:00 2022 MAY AM • 10:00 -12, 2022 AM PM•-10:00 2:30 PM AM - 2:30 P Lunch Included |• 12, RSVP: 925-0770 or2:30 GeriatricSymposium.com DR. LEONARD SCHWARTZBAUM THE DR. LEONARD SCHWARTZBAUM Michael’s On EastMichael’s • Cost: $49, OnLCSW, East • Michael’s Cost: RNs, LPNs $49,On LCSW, & CNA: EastRNs, •$10 Cost: LPNs $49,& LCSW, CNA: $10 RNs, LPNs & CNA FEATURING DISCUSSION ON FOLLOWING TOPICS: FEATURING DISCUSSION ONTHE FOLLOWING TOPICS: Lunch Included | Lunch RSVP:Included 925-0770 | THE or RSVP: Lunch GeriatricSymposium.com 925-0770 Includedor | RSVP: GeriatricSymposium.com 925-0770 or GeriatricSymposium FEATURING DISCUSSION ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS: DISCUSSION ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS: • FEATURING Longevity and aging well

LONGEVITY LONGEVITY SYMPOSIUM SYMPOSIUM Longevityand andaging agingwell well • •Longevity

• Longevity and aging well • Preserving functionality andTHE maintaining lifestyle.

Today andFOLLOWING FEATURING FEATURING DISCUSSION DISCUSSION FEATURING ON FOLLOWING DISCUSSION ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS: ON THE TOPICS: TOPIC • Preserving functionality and maintaining lifestyle.

Today and

• Preserving and maintaining tomorrow’sfunctionality treatment for hips and knees lifestyle. Today and

• tomorrow’s Preserving functionality and maintaining Today and treatment hips and knees • Longevity and• aging Longevity well andfor aging •for Longevity well and aginglifestyle. well tomorrow’s treatment hips and knees

treatment forneed hips and knees •Preserving It’stomorrow’s not all heart.

Why you healthy arteries and veins THURSDAY, MAY 2022 •maintaining AM - 2:30 PM functionality • 12, Preserving and •10:00 Preserving lifestyle. functionality maintaining Today and lifestyle. maintaining Today lifestyle. Today and THURSDAY, MAY 12, •2022 •not 10:00 AM -functionality 2:30 PMand It’snot all heart.

Why you need healthy arteries and veinsand • •It’s all heart.

Why you need healthy arteries and veins LUN C BELSUNH WILL LUNERCVH W E

tomorrow’s hips treatment and tomorrow’s knees forhealthy hips treatment andarteries knees for hips knees • It’s nottreatment alltomorrow’s heart.for Why you need and and veins

Aging in the Bible OnRNs, East LPNs • Cost:& $49, Michael’s On •East • Cost:Michael’s $49, LCSW, CNA:LCSW, $10 RNs, LPNs & CNA: $10 •Aging Aging in the Bible in the Bible not all heart.

• It’s Why not you all heart. need • healthy Why It’s not you all arteries need heart. healthy and Why veins you arteries needand healthy arteries and veins Lunch Included | RSVP: 925-0770 or GeriatricSymposium.com LUN veins Lunch Included•| •It’s RSVP: 925-0770 or GeriatricSymposium.com • Aging in the Bible CH W CH W

Zip Climb Swing•Soar •

The Ground Is Overrated

BC D ILL LUN BCE SE SHEW IL ERILVRVELD BE S H W LED ERV LUN ED

PRESENTED BY THE DOCTORS: PRESENTED BY THEFOLLOWING FOLLOWINGDOCTORS: DOCTORS: PRESENTED BY THE FOLLOWING DOCTORS: PRESENTED BY THE FOLLOWING FEATURING DISCUSSION ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS: • Aging in the Bible • Aging in the Bible • Aging in the Bible

BE S

BE S

ILL ED

ERV

LUN C BE S H ER

ILL ED

ERV

FEATURING DISCUSSIONPRESENTED ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS: PRESENTED

BY THE FOLLOWING PRESENTED

BY THE FOLLOWING DOCTORS:

BY THE FOLLOWING DOCTORS: DOCTORS: Longevity and aging well • Longevity and aging• well

Zorba

Russell

Ed Stolarsky, MD

• Preserving functionality and maintaining and Paster, MDand lifestyle. Today Samson, MD • Preserving functionality and maintaining lifestyle.

Today treatment tomorrow’s treatmenttomorrow’s for hips and knees for hips and knees World renowned Professor of vascular surgeon, • It’s all heart.

Why you need healthy arteries and veins LUN Family • It’s not all heart. Why younot need healthy arteries andMedicine, veins LUN C C BE S H WILL BE S H WILL Sarasota FL ERV Madison WI ERV ED ED • Aging in the Bible • Aging in the Bible Rabbi Aaron Glatt, MD Ed Stolarsky, MD Zorba Paster, MD Russell Samson, MD

Hip and knee surgeon at Kennedy White, Barry Stein, MD Sarasota FL

Rabbi Aaron MD Rabbi Barry Aaron Stein, Glatt, MD MD MD Barry Rabbi Stein, Aaron Glatt, Rabbi Aaron Glatt, Barry Stein, MD MD Ed Stolarsky, MD Ed Stolarsky, MD Ed Stolarsky, ZorbaZorba Paster, MD Russell Zorba Paster, Samson, MD MDSamson, Russell Zorba Samson, Paster, MD MD Russell Samson, MDAaron Moderator Rabbi Glatt, MD Stein, MDMD Stolarsky, MD Glatt, Paster, MD Russell Samson, MD EdEd Stolarsky, MD Zorba Paster, Russell MD Rabbi Aaron Glatt, MDMD Barry Barry Stein, MD Ed Stolarsky, MD Zorba Paster, MDMD Russell Samson, MD Moderator Moderator Moderator Moderator

BRADENTON

941-219-4457

BY THE FOLLOWING DOCTORS: PRESENTED BY PRESENTED THE FOLLOWING DOCTORS:

Barry Stein, Moderato

Moderator

4.0 CE’s forforPhysicians, Nursing, Pharmacy, LCSW, &beLMHC LMHC willwill beLCSW, 4.0 CE’s for Physicians, 4.0 CE’sNursing, for Physicians, Pharmacy, 4.0 Aaron CE’s Nursing, LCSW, for Physicians, Pharmacy, & LMHC will Nursing, LCSW, available. &Pharmacy, LMHC beavailable. available. & LMHC will be available.

Rabbi Barry Stein, MD 4.0 CE’s Physicians,Nursing, Nursing, Pharmacy, &&& will be available.

4.0 CE’s forPhysicians, Physicians, Nursing, Pharmacy,LCSW, LCSW, LMHC will be available.

4.0 CE’s for Pharmacy, LCSW, LMHC will be available.

Glatt, MD MODERATOR “In support improvingofpatient “In support care, this of improving activitycare, patient Nurses “In care, support Credentialing this activity of improving CenterNurses patient (ANCC), Credentialing care, to provide this activity Center(ANCC), (ANCC), Nursesto provide “Inofsupport improving patient this activity Nurses Credentialing Center toCredentialing provide Center (ANCC), to p

“In support of has improving patient care, this activity Nurses Credentialing Center to provide has been planned and implemented beenby planned Chabad and implemented has been byeducation Chabad planned and implemented

by Chabad continuing for the continuing healthcare education team. for(ANCC), the healthcare continuing team. education “In support improving patient care, this activity Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide for the healthcare Spokesman for has been planned and implemented by Chabad continuing education for the healthcare team.

Family Practitioner, “In support of of improving patient care, this activity Nurses Credentialing (ANCC), to provide of Sarasota and Sarasota Memorial of Sarasota Health andCare Sarasota Memorial ofChabad Sarasota Health and Carecontinuing Sarasota Memorial Health Care has been planned and implemented by Chabad education forCenter the healthcare team. has been planned and implemented by continuing education for the healthcare team.is an approved provi Sarasota Memorial is an approved Sarasota provider Memorial of is an approved Sarasota provider Memorial of Infectious Disease of Sarasota and Sarasota Memorial Health Care Sarasota FL has been planned and implemented by Chabad continuing education for the healthcare team.

System(SMHCS).

SMHCS and is jointly System(SMHCS). accredited SMHCS by is jointly System(SMHCS). accredited bySarasota SMHCS is jointly accredited by of Sarasota Sarasota Memorial Health Care Memorial is an approved provider Continuing Education for theContinuing Florida Board Education ofan for the Florida Continuing Board Education of of for the Florida Boa of Sarasota and Sarasota Memorial Health Care Sarasota Memorial is approved provider of Society of America, System(SMHCS).

SMHCS is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council forthe Continuing Accreditation Medical Council for Continuing theCare Accreditation Medical Council for Continuing Medical of System(SMHCS).

Sarasota and Sarasota Memorial Health Sarasota Memorial is an approved provider of of Clinical Social SMHCS is jointly accredited by the Nursing and Board of Clinical Nursing Social andWork, theisfor Board of Clinical Nursing Social and Work, the Continuing Education for the Florida Board ofofBoard Sarasota Memorial an approved provider Continuing Education the Florida Board of System(SMHCS).

SMHCS is jointly accredited by EducationSystem(SMHCS).

(ACCME), the Accreditation Education Council (ACCME), fortheaccredited Accreditation Education Council (ACCME), for Continuing the Accreditation Council for for the Florida Board of Woodmere, NY the Accreditation Council Continuing Medical SMHCS isfor by Education the Accreditation Council forjointly Continuing Medical Marriage and FamilyContinuing Therapy, Marriage and Mental andBoard Family Healthfor and Marriage Mental and Health Family Therapy, and Menta Nursing and the ofTherapy, Clinical Social Work, Education the Florida Board of and the of Clinical Social Work, the Accreditation Council Continuing Medical Pharmacy Education Pharmacy andStein, the American Education (ACPE), and Pharmacy the American Education and theBoard American Rabbi Aaron Glatt, MD Barry Stein,Nursing MD(ACPE), Stolarsky, MD ZorbaMD Paster, MD Russell MD Rabbi AaronEd Glatt, MD (ACPE), Barry Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for the Accreditation Council forfor Continuing Medical Counseling under Provider No. Counseling 50-1749 under Provider No. Counseling 50-1749 under Provider No. 50-1749 Ed Stolarsky, MD Samson, Russell Samson, Education (ACCME), theMD Accreditation Council for Moderator Nursing and the Board of Clinical Social Work,

www.TreeUmph.com Zorba Paster, MD

Marriageand andFamily Family Therapy, Mental Health Nursing and the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage Therapy, andand Mental Health Moderator Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council Pharmacy and Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council forfor Counseling PharmacyEducation Education(ACPE), (ACPE), and the American American Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health under Provider 50-1749 Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling under Provider No.No. 50-1749 Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Counseling under Provider No. 50-1749 Counseling under Provider No. 50-1749 4.0 CE’s for Physicians, Pharmacy, & LMHC Sponsored by:Nursing, Sponsored by: LCSW, Sponsored by:will be available.

4.0 CE’s for Physicians, GIFT CERTIFICATE & ANNUAL PASS SALENursing, Pharmacy, LCSW, & LMHC will be available.

$70 OFF

**

REGULAR PRICE OF Annual Passes

*Limit 2 purchases (4 gift certificates) per person. Must be used before August 31, 2022. **Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Sponsoredby: by: Sponsored Sponsoredby: by: Sponsored

“In support patient care, Center this activity “In support of improving patient care, this activity of improving Nurses Credentialing (ANCC), toNurses provideCredentialing Center (ANCC), to provide been planned and implemented healthcare team. has been planned and implemented byhas Chabad continuing educationbyforChabad the healthcarecontinuing team. education for the SARASOTA-MANATEE SARASOTA-MANATEE of Sarasota of Sarasota and Sarasota Memorial Health Care and Sarasota Memorial Health Care Sarasota Memorial is an approved provider of CHABAD CHABAD Sarasota Memorial is an approved provider of System(SMHCS).

SMHCS is jointly accredited by System(SMHCS). SMHCS is jointly accredited by Continuing Education for the Florida Board of forMedical the Florida Board of AccreditationContinuing Council forEducation Continuing SARASOTA-MANATEE **the Accreditation Council for ContinuingtheMedical SARASOTA-MANATEE Nursing and the Board of Clinical SocialNursing Work, and the Board of Clinical Social Work, Education SARASOTA-MANATEE Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Marriage Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Healthand Family Therapy, and Mental Health SARASOTA-MANATEE Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Counseling under Provider No. 50-1749 Counseling under Provider No. 50-1749

25% OFF

SARASOTA-MANATEE

CHABAD

CHABAD CHABAD

CHABAD CHABAD

REGULAR PRICE OF

2-Pack Adventure Sponsored by: Sponsored by: Admission Gift Certificates or 2-Pack Ape Up Gift Certificates*

Jeffrey & Nikki Jeffrey &Family Nikki Practice Judith Judith Judith Sedacca SedaccaAssociates Skornicka-Schwartzbaum Skornicka-Schwartzbaum Skornicka-Schwartzbaum

Judith Judith Skornicka-Schwartzbaum

Judith Skornicka-Schwartzbaum Judith CHABAD Skornicka-Schwartzbaum Skornicka-Schwartzbaum SARASOTA-MANATEE

Jeffrey & Nikki Jeffrey & Nikki Sedacca

SARASOTA-MANATEE

Jeffrey Nikki Sedacca Jeffrey && Nikki CHABAD Sedacca Sedacca

Practice JeffreyFamily & Nikki Associates Sedacca

Family Practice Family Practice Associates

Family Practice Associates Family Practice Associates Associates

Family Practice Associates

373623-1

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE APRIL 23 - MAY 15

371531-1

14

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

15

T H E Y N E E D U S.

We Need

You.

Photo courtesy of Florida Studio Theatre

Why do they love you?

Well, actors create and become their characters. That’s their job.

And the right costume helps them do that. It’s something specific they can wrap their minds around. A suit, a dress. … It helps them visualize what their characters look like.

And who they are.

So, who’s the main character in this play?

Well, that’s Casey, the Elvis impersonator, who’s hilariously played by Britt Michael Gordon.

But Georgia McBride is also the main character. (Britt plays her, too; she’s Casey’s drag persona.) So, Casey transforms into Georgia and becomes her all the way.

A straight white boy embraces his femininity and learns to walk in heels?

You got it. That’s a big part of the story. In a greased-back wig and gold lamé jumpsuit, Casey turns into Elvis. In a pompadour wig, he turns into a beautiful woman. It’s all about transformation.

And your costumes make it possible. Wow! Your job sounds insanely fun.

It is a ton of fun, but there’s also a ton of painstaking calculations.

Costume design is like any other form of design. The specifications can be very narrow.

Your first design doesn’t always

work, or your second or third design.

And that can get frustrating. Like the Elvis wig in this show. How hard could that be? But Susan Haldeman, our wig designer, went through constant trial-and-error perfecting that design.

If the wig hangs flat, you’ve got Moe from the Three Stooges. If the wig’s too comical, you wind up with Camp Elvis — and that’s not the vision for this play. So Susan kept going back to the drawing board until she finally got it right. That’s her process and mine too.

If you’re a costume designer, you can’t just fool around, even if you want to.

I’m constantly stifling my inner child. “No! You can’t do that!”

Is your work always that hard?

No. Creating a Dolly Parton drag performer’s dodgeball-sized boobs was easy.

What’d you use?

Dodgeballs. (laughs) I really love my work as a costume designer. It’s a beautiful whirlwind of craziness.

Who are some of the unsung heroes you work with?

The interns, absolutely. They’re the backbone of Florida Studio Theatre.

And the interns working on “Georgia McBride” are rock stars.

We call them “The Glam Squad” — and they’re amazing.

This show has so many costumes, so many changes. We couldn’t make it happen without them.

Mari Taylor Floyd and Erin Barnett stand behind their handiwork.

Sandra, 54, has stage 5 ovarian cancer and cares for two mentally disabled sons and a 14-year-old in middle school. Meals On Wheels feeds all 4 family members.

IF YOU GO

Your help delivers so much more than a healthy meal.

‘THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE’ When: Through May 22 Tickets: $25-$39 Where: FST Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota Info: Call 366-9000 or visit FloridaStudioTheatre. org

Without federal funding, Meals On Wheels of Sarasota has been serving seniors, expecting mothers, veterans and disabled people of all ages in our community since 1971.

Your generosity doesn’t just make it possible – it makes it happen. Donate today. Simply scan the code below to learn more or make a donation.

941.366.6693 MealsOnWheelsOfSarasota.org 421 North Lime Ave | Sarasota, FL 34237 Meals On Wheels of Sarasota, Inc. delivers nutritious meals to persons in need in the Sarasota community who are unable to provide or prepare a meal for themselves in their homes.

5.542" wide x 9.833" deep

374806-1

show. And the lighting designer hates me for it. The actors all love me, so that’s OK.

DANCING UNDER THE STARS (Special Needs Program)

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2022

5-8 P.M. | UMBRELLA HOUSE, SARASOTA

$50 per person

Light hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and a tour of the Umbrella House Casual Attire

R O T C E P S ES N N A O J H E T N A R E N V O A J L y B NCA y BIA

For more information visit Face-Autism.org or contact info@face-autism.org.

b Directed

An

THANK YOU SPONSORS

DY E M O C E V es EXPLOSI

David & Myrna Band Family Foundation David S. Band as Trustee of the Joan Mendell Family Foundation

n do e h w “ , s t h a t a s k e THEM?” US becom

Kathy Herman Hibiscus Fund In memory of Lisa Desenberg - one of the Dynasty Stars Kimberly and Jay Whipple

MAY 11–JUNE 4

IN-KIND SPONSORS Carrie Seidman

MEDIA SPONSOR

941.351.8000 | 800.361.8388 | asolorep.org

SPONSORS

CH27589 A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE (l-800-435-7352)WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT,APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

381269-1

381434-1

SPECIAL THANKS: Chairman Pamela Hawkins • Hosts Anne & Robert Essner

16

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

|

A Longboat Key Landmark

5 6 0 0

G U L F

O F

M E X I C O

D R I V E • 9 4 1 - 3 8 3 - 0 7 7 7

379258-1

Harry's Restaurant, Gourmet Deli/Take-out, Catering and Corner Store all hold to Harry's standard of true epicurean excellence.

THIS WEEK THURSDAY

RESTAURANT - PIZZERIA - DINE IN PATIO - TAKE OUT - CATERING PRIVATE CHEF - WINE TASTING WINE DINNER PRIVATE PARTY ROOM LANORMARESTAURANT.COM LANORMARESTAURANT@GMAIL.COM 5370 GULF OF MEXICO DR, LONGBOAT KEY

PIZZA - SANDWICHES SALAD DELIVERY AND TAKEOUT

+1 941-383-6262

+1 941-822-0380

T.J. MILLER 7 and 9:15 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theater, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $40 Visit McCurdysComedy.com

379308-1

5370 GULF OF MEXICO DR, LONGBOAT KEY SUITE 105

This is a funny man with a familiar face and voice. You might recognize T.J. Miller from his costarring role in the “Deadpool” film franchise, and you’ll know his voice if you’ve seen the first two animated “How to Train Your Dragon” films.

YING LI 4 p.m. at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road $40 Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org Ying Li, 23 years old, was the firstprize winner at the 2021 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, and she’ll be supported by a capable group of musicians including Daniel Jordan, concertmaster of the Sarasota Orchestra. Li will play selections from Dvorak, Mozart and Stravinsky in her afternoon performance.

‘THE PSYCHIC’ 7:30 p.m. at The Island Players Theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria $25 Visit IslandPlayers.org.

This play, directed by James Thaggard, is centered around a struggling writer who hangs a sign in his window offering discounted psychic readings. The writer soon finds himself well over his head in this comedy, which runs through May 15.

IN-STUDIO PERFORMANCE SERIES FEATURING MARSI BURNS 7 p.m. at SCD Home Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts $10-$20 Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.

Marsi Burns and Dancing in the Moment, an improvisational group, will be the featured guests for Sarasota Contemporary Dance.

Dancing in the Moment is a diverse group made up of dancers from their 20s to their 70s, and in this performance they’ll be taking cues from each other and the audience.

SONGS FROM THE SCREEN & STAGE WITH LINDA EDER 7:30 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice $38-$58 Visit VeniceSymphony.org.

This show, originally set to take place in 2020, will feature Broadway star Linda Eder running through classic tunes from plays and movies.

Eder was nominated for a Drama Desk award for her work in “Jekyll & Hyde.” If you can’t get out to see her Friday, you can also see her perform at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

OUTDOOR POPS: ICONIC SONGS OF THE ’70S 8 p.m. at Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St. $15-$48 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Do you like the orchestra indoors?

How about a different setting? The Sarasota Orchestra returns to Ed Smith Stadium, bringing the fantastic skill and artistry of their musicians. Have a hot dog and listen in as Nashville-based duo Swearingen and Kelli provide the vocals for many of the best-loved songs of the ’70s.

‘CARRY ME’ 3 p.m. at Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $10 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org

FRIDAY CHORAL SPLENDOR IN 40 PARTS 7:30 p.m. at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, $30-$40 Visit KeyChorale.org.

It’s billed as a concert 450 years in the making, but you can see it on back-to-back evenings. The Chamber Voices will welcome special guest Les Canard Chantants to take on music of the Renaissance. The spectacular voices will work through “Spem in Alium” by Thomas Tallis and tackle Alexander Striggio’s “Mass in 40 Parts.” Key Chorale will take its act to First Presbyterian Church to play the same show on Saturday, but that show will start at 4 p.m. instead of 7:30.

DON’T MISS

‘KNOXVILLE’ There’s a small window for you to see Knoxville, birthed here at the Asolo Repertory Theatre and quite likely on its way to bigger things in the world at large.

The musical, based on James Agee’s “A Death in the Family,” will run through May 11 at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, and then its creative team will try to figure out what’s next.

Jason Danieley stars as author James Agee, who looks back on his childhood and writes about the death of his father.

371303-1

369510-1

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. May 5; runs through May 11 Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $36-$108 Info: AsoloRep.org

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

4551 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN Special Financing Available

www.manasotaonline.com

YourObserver.com

SOUNDING THE DEEP 6:30 p.m. at Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road $5, registration required Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org Hermitage Fellows Jessica Huang and Scott Lee present early readings of their work in a beautiful setting.

Huang, a playwright, explores the ways the future might be impacted by climate change, and Lee, a classical composer, will play selections from his latest album, “Through the Mangrove Tunnels.”

SATURDAY SEEING STARS 6:30 at Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton Free; advance registration required Visit BishopScience.org Have you seen the Big Dipper? The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is celebrating Astronomy Day with a program designed for students in third through 12th grade but open to stargazers of all ages. A number of telescopes will be trained on the cosmos. Weather permitting, you’ll have a chance to peek up close at the moon and stars.

SUNDAY VIENESS PIANO DUO 3 p.m. at State College of Florida Recital Hall, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton $40 Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.

Eva Schaumkell and Vijay Venkatesh are formidable alone or together.

The pair formed their duo act in 2017 at the University of Southern California, and they’ve toured extensively in America and abroad.

HARD HEART BURLESQUE 8 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $37 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

OUR PICK

‘BLACK + WHITE’ It’s a Rorschach test for art lovers.

Nine artists will combine to have their monochromatic works on display at MARA Art Studio + Gallery, and you can come see sculpture and painting at the opening.

The artists include Grace Howl, Jack Shapiro, Jana Millstone, Ralph Berger, Lisa DiFranza, Craig Palmer, Dan Wilkerson, Sam Wuerfel and MARA Torres; the exhibit will run through May. IF YOU GO When: 5:30 p.m. May 6 Where: MARA Art Studio + Gallery, 1421 Fifth St. Tickets: Free Info: MaraStudioGallery.com

|

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

17

HELLO SPRING. HELLO SAVINGS.

ANNUAL FREE LEATHER UPGRADE

Burlesque is back. Hard Heart Burlesque hopes to pick up where Black Diamond Burlesque left off in stoking your intrigue and leaving you wanting more. It’s a feast for the senses and pushes boundaries.

Stressless® Mike with steel base shown in Paloma Rock Stressless® Max with wood base shown in Paloma New Cognac

MONDAY CHIARA IZZI 7:30 p.m. at FST’s John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $35-$39 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Expressive singer Chiara Izzi, based in New York but born in Italy, has built her reputation on performance, and she’ll be supported by guitarist Perry Smith.

April 15 through May 31

WEDNESDAY

Save $300 off the Newest Max and Mike Power Recliners, and Save $50 each on Stressless®

‘EUREKA DAY’ 8 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $28 Visit AsoloRep.org.

Adjustable Dining Chairs with a purchase of four.* FURNITURE+LIGHTING+ACCENTS+INTERIOR DESIGN

“Eureka Day,” written by Jonathan Spector, centers on an epidemic pervading through a school and the ways the community reacts to it.

7211 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34231 *See Sales Associate for Details

Mon.-Sat. 10-6 • Sun. 12-5 941-923-2569 copenhagen-imports.com

BESTOF 380646-1

Live the story of four women trying to end slavery before the Civil War. This play, part of the Richard and Betty Burdick Play Reading Festival, is still being developed.

copenhagen imports

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

Have an UnFURgettable

Mother’s Day!

2022-23 SEASON at the Venice Performing Arts Center

Admission MAY for Moms!* 7-8 50% OFF price of admission for Mothers and Grandmothers when booked online at SarasotaJungleGardens.com.

PLUS moms can hold an exotic bird for FREE. *Restrictions *Use promo apply.

Make some lasting memories today! code MD22.

SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS AND GROUP SALES AVAILABLE NOW Music Director Troy Quinn Venice Performing Arts Center Free Parking and Valet The Venice Symphony: 941-207-8822 Box office: 700 U.S. 41 Bypass North, Suite 4, Venice, FL 34285 thevenicesymphony.org

SarasotaJungleGardens.com • 941.355.5305

381347-1

380202-1

Sarasota's Favorite Family Attraction®

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Visit our award-winning building designed by FL architect Guy Peterson

ELLING EIDE CENTER

Learn more at www.ellingoeide.org

JOIN US FOR AN EVENT: Photos by Harry Sayer

Director Iain Webb and Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri 378221-1

Weekly arboretum tours of the property and library, which holds one of the largest private collections of East Asian literature in the US Public lectures on East Asian art, religion, and history Workshops and conferences on Chinese Culture

Register online at www.ellingoeide.org

Theater... Music... Visual Art... Literature... where it all begins.

Above: Laurie Fitch with Brian and Kim Calka Below: Geoffrey Fulton and Emelia Perkins

The Hermitage brings the world’s leading artists to Sarasota for free public programs...

14 Pulitzer Prize Winners, plus Tony, Oscar, Emmy, Grammy Winners, and more!

Michelle Roy and Nicole Winter

Fri, 5/6 @ 6:30pm “Sounding the Deep: Words and Music Inspired by Nature” @ Hermitage Beach

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

Fri, 5/13 @ 6:30pm A New Play Reading with Hermitage Fellow and Tony Award Nominee Bess Wohl @ Hermitage Beach Fri, 5/20 @ 5pm “Hermitage Poet’s Corner: The Contemporary Word” @ Bookstore1 (Downtown Sarasota) To register for upcoming programs:

EAT FRESH

Open Tuesday - Friday 11am to 9pm Saturday 3 to 9pm Closed Sundays & Mondays 370462-1

363310-1

HermitageArtistRetreat.org

ORDER ONLINE ReefCakes.com

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

Broadway on the Bay

— 2 Guys —

GUN SHOW MAY 14 & 15

May 17-20 6:30pm

ht e magical

at

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Robarts Arena • 3000 Ringling Blvd • Sarasota Saturday 9am - 5pm • Sunday 9am - 3pm

Guns, knives, accessories, ammo, parts and so much more!

$1OFF admission

Contact Guy

Tickets sold at the door

FREE Pa rki n g!

For more information: 727-776-3442 • 2guysshows.com

Berry Ayres

Jennifer Baker

Alana Opie $25/ $14 student

Kathryn Parks

1534 Mound St., Downtown Sarasota 381435-1

2 H ou r CWP s Classe

381063-1

18

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Above: Chairs Betty and Bud Shapiro Right: Ricki Bertoni, Danielle Brown and Ricardo Rhodes

19

Photo: Daniel Perales

Olivia McAlpine, Ivan Spitale, Morgan Rust and Marco Corcella

FALL IN LOVE WITH SARASOTA’S ONLY CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM Photo: Ryan Gamma

Photo: Matt Holler

Photo: Rich Schineller

Crystal Gala T

he Sarasota Ballet celebrated Director Iain Webb’s 15 seasons of performance and production during the Crystal Gala on May 1.

Guests met at the Sarasota Opera House for a ballet performance from past and present members that paid tribute to Webb’s time with the company. They then left for the Sailor Circus Arena to enjoy an indoors dinner and program.

Longtime supporters mingled and admired the venue’s dazzling white color scheme and decor before sitting down for dinner. Webb later took to the stage to thank the audience and speak to his years with the ballet company.

The crowd took to the dance floor to end the night.

—HARRY SAYER

ART + SHOP + BISTRO EXPLORE new exhibitions first ENGAGE early access tickets to Member’s only events ENJOY discounts at SHOP and Bistro BECOME A MEMBER

SarasotaArtMuseum.org/Membership

1001 South Tamiami Trail| Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.309.4300

374710-1

Sunday, May 1, at Sailor Circus Arena | Benefiting Sarasota Ballet

2nd Annual

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

SPRING

CRAFT FAIR May 7th - 8th Sat./Sun. 10am - 5pm

Outdoors on Central Ave. & First St. in Downtown Sarasota, FL

CANTAVE CASSEUS

378898-1

FREE ADMISSION

Classifieds 34 Games 33 Real Estate 29 Weather 33

MAY 5, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS SLOW SEASON PERKS UP FULL-TIMERS NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat Key loves its parttime residents. They’re old friends, folks who help fill the social calendar and people who love the island just as much as any full-timer. However, they’re also extra cars and dinner reservations on an already small Key. You love to have them here, but you also kind of love to watch them leave. As spring heats up into Floridian summer, snowbirds are flying back north. On some levels, full-timers breathe a sigh of relief.

Terry O’Hara, who lives on the north end of the Key and is the director of golf at the Longboat Key Club, has been counting car carriers over the last few days. As the island empties out, there’s one thing he’s most excited about.

“It’s going to be nice to walk into a restaurant and they look excited to see you, because it’s not so crazy busy for them, and it’s not going to be a two-and-a-half hour wait,” O’Hara said.

Celia Moore has lived on Longboat Key since 2007, also on the north end.

When it comes to season, she doesn’t leave the island unless she has to, and she doesn’t go to restaurants because there are few reservations to be had at a reasonable dinner hour. Now that things are slowing down, she’s looking forward to a relaxed pace while running errands.

“You learn to live with it,” Moore said. “If you make an appointment and it’s in Bradenton, you make it for like 11 a.m. and plan to do a million errands.”

Moore, a chamber of commerce member and owner of Technology Solutions and Security, recently went to a meeting at the chamber building at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Headed south, it took her five minutes to get there. It took nearly an hour to get home.

“I was like, ‘Are you kidding?’”

Moore said. “Don’t get me wrong, I

love the business … I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s island life, and we’re accustomed to it.”

Suzy Brenner, who lives midisland and is the executive director of The Paradise Center, had a specific benefit at the top of her mind.

“I can’t wait to turn left and not have to wait five minutes,” she said.

Brenner has to budget extra time in the morning to get to work and extra time at lunch to walk over and get a sub from Publix. The grocery store has been packed with vacationers and residents hoping to get in and out as quickly as possible.

Also, takeout is about to get easier for Brenner. She’s called La Norma and Solarzano’s for a pizza to go, only to find that they’re too busy with reservations to do takeout — a common restaurant dilemma on Longboat Key. Traffic thinning out along Gulf of Mexico Drive is a big thing yearround locals look forward to. Lyn Haycock, whose home is right along the main road, said she’s looking forward to being able to pull right out of her driveway without waiting for traffic to create a gap.

“It doesn’t matter which way I’m going,” Haycock said. “Either way, it takes a while.”

As social as season is, the summer is social in a different way for Lisa Baskfield, who lives mid-island and owns Nature’s Gem CBD in the Centre Shops. Busy days are good for business, but she’s missed taking strolls to chat with other business owners in the plaza or the people who hang out at the tables outside of Tyler’s Ice Cream.

“I look forward to visiting all the restaurants again and honestly just sitting and getting to talk with the locals again and having that connection,” Baskfield said. “All of us get busy and it’s like, ‘Yeah, yeah, see you in May,’ and now I get to see my friends again … It’s great and we will miss our part-timers, but I get to see this whole new rotation of people now.”

She also teaches Pilates classes, so her schedule has been jampacked.

Even finding time to unwind and read a book or spend time recharging her batteries can be tough during season.

“Island time” in the winter reaches a frenetic pace, but in the summer the slowness is much appreciated.

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Lisa Baskfield and Julia Yesler

File photo

Above: Mike and Lyn Haycock Left: Terry O’Hara is excited for restaurants to be excited to see him again.

“I can stop and talk with Michael (Garey at the Lazy Lobster) or the hairdressers, or walk down and see what’s going on and what’s new and exciting in everyone’s worlds,” Baskfield said.

Andrew Vac, a longtime resident and Realtor on Longboat Key, isn’t so sure season is winding down just yet. He sees people moving to Florida every day, and a lot of the people he knows who would normally be flying north around this time of year haven’t yet. But of course, when it starts to slow down, the main thing he’s looking forward to is lighter traffic: 15- or 20-minute drives rather than 30- or 45-minute ones.

Suzy Brenner and Lahni are looking forward to more relaxed walks.

379193-1

Though season gets longer every year, yearlong residents look forward to less traffic and a lighter calendar.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

21

#1 LONGBOAT KEY TEAM 2021 Michael Saunders & Company

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

&

T D AC E T R IS NT L ST R CO U J E D UN

RECENT ACTIVITY

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 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

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

RESORT AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

2067 H A R BOUR230 LINKS I V E,DRIVE #4 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 SANDSDR POINT #39072067 | OFFERED AT $2,350,000 L on g b o a tDirect K e y |full O fviews f e re d ofa tthe $ 7Gulf 79, 0 greet 0 0 you from everyL room on g b oofa tthis K e completely y | O f f e re drenovated a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487 Deluxe two bedroom residence. Gross income for 2021 was over $296,000!

Call us to get on our preferred Buyer list today!

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4MLS# A4532282 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

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

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 750 PENFIELD ST | $3,000,000 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, #4 D LLon g b o at K e y | O f f e re d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 SO MLS# A4178487

T AC R NT O C

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

I A N A DDY, PA

R E A LT O R ®, M B A BEACHPLACE CORNER RESIDENCE

com 1145 GULF OF MEXICO DR #401IanAddy@MichaelSaunders. | OFFERED AT $1,599,000 2067 H A R2BOUR LINKS DR IBeachplace V E, #4 residence2067 HAR E, #4 This bedroom/2 bath corner is directly onBOUR the beachLINKS with fullDR GulfI V views

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

2109 GULF OF MEXICO DR 1404 | $1,266,000

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

G A I L W IT T IG

BROK E R-A SSOCI ATE GailWittig@MichaelSaunders.com 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

941.387.0100

L on enjoyed g b o a t Kfrom ey | O f f e re every d a t $room!

7 79, 0Ideal 0 0 as an investment L on b o a t K egetaway y | O f f ewith re d an a t ideal $ 7 79,south 000 almost orgvacation MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487 Longboat Key location and excellent rental policy. Call us to schedule a showing before it’s too late!

MLS# A4530559

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

I A N A DDY, PA R E A LT O R ®, M B A

IanAddy@MichaelSaunders.com

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

7360 POINT OF ROCKS | $4,850,000

G A I L W IT T IG

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

941.387.0100

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

379346-1

ER D UN

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

22

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

YOUR CALENDAR

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

File photo

SATURDAY, MAY 7

Courtesy photos

CORVETTES ON THE CIRCLE From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Armands Circle Park, join the 24th annual Corvettes on the Circle event and view more than 150 Chevrolet Corvettes from the 1950s to 2022. The event is put on by by the Skyway Corvette Club of Sarasota/Bradenton, Sunset Chevrolet and the St. Armands Circle Association. The show is free and open to the public. For information on registering, call 9934201 or visit SkywayCorvetteClub.com to download a registration form.

THURSDAY, MAY 12

LEARN PICKLEBALL From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, learn pickleball from Terri Noyes.

Learn the basics of play and scoring while participating in demonstrations. Fee is $10 for nonmembers.

Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

FRIDAY, MAY 13

MOVIE MATINEE At 1 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, watch “Mamma Mia.” There will be popcorn and soft drinks. Free for members and $10 for nonmembers. Walk-ins welcome.

Call 383-6493 for information.

RECURRING EVENTS MONDAYS

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.

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

Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

TUESDAYS

QI GONG From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Qi gong is a mind-body-spirit practice designed to improve mental and physical health. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

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

Moments of motherhood From mom to grandma to great-grandma, Longboat Key residents have loved every minute.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

N

o two mothers are the same, and plenty of people swear they have the best mom of all time. But what’s it like to become a mom and get “promoted” as life goes on and your own kids become moms? Luckily, Longboat Key has plenty of moms willing to share their secrets. Three Longboat Key moms talk about the stages of motherhood, from mom to grandma to great-grandma, and what they’ve learned along the way.

IN THE THICK OF MOTHERHOOD

Heather Rippy, whose daughters

Customized just for you1 you!

Mary Lou Johnson with daughters Erica and Randi and granddaughters Carlin, Ellie and Lucy.

Bliss and Lark are 10 and 12, respectively, is in the middle of motherhood. But it keeps getting better.

“Being a mom is the most special thing I will do in my life,” Rippy said.

“It’s something that people can try to tell you about, but until you actually are in the situation itself, it’s not a feeling you can describe. It’s a continual practice in love and acceptance and accepting change, because your children are always growing and changing. It’s so sweet and fun and exciting and challenging.”

As her girls have gotten older, they’ve just gotten better, Rippy said.

It’s surprising and lovely, because she remembers thinking her little toddlers were so sweet and funny.

“Then the 12-year-old is that same person,” Rippy said. “They grow and change but they do stay the same in so many ways, and it’s fun to see that growth and and also still see that little person in the big person.”

One thing that’s surprised her is how fun it all is. Her daughters are

You could receive

ALL 6 offers!

50% OFF All Cabinets when you Replace or Reface

FREE KITCHEN SINK

With Purchase of Granite or Quartz Countertop

FREE CABINET HARDWARE

With purchase of cabinet Replace or Reface

FREE ROLLOUTS With Purchase of Kitchen Replace or Reface (Limit 4)

FREE INSTALLATION

FOR A FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION OR VISIT OUR INSPIRATIONAL SHOWROOM

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1998 2015 Cattleman Rd. Sarasota, FL 34232 941.341.0143 x0912 KirkplanKitchens.com

CGC1524705 FO-1903312

Replace or Reface Cabinets Only

EXTRA 10% OFF *Not valid with other offers. Any of the 6 offers with purchase of any Kirkplan refacing or cabinet systems.

377043-1

CONTACT US TODAY

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

Lark, Heather and Bliss Rippy

each other’s best friends, and she loves watching them with each other and how kind they are.

NEW EXPERIENCES FOR NUNU

Mary Lou Johnson is “Mom” to daughters Randi and Erica. But to her four grandkids, she’s “Grandma,” “NuNu,” or even sometimes “NuNi.” “L’s are hard to say, so ‘LuLu’ became ‘NuNu’ with Carlin, our first one,” Johnson said.

Johnson said being a mom has been her favorite role in life, and she’s loved every second of becoming NuNu with the newest members of the family. Luckily, the grandkids all live in Florida, so she can see them often and tells her daughters to call her before they call a babysitter.

“I love teaching them new things to see, to think about and to experience,” Johnson said. “I love seeing our world through their eyes. I never tire of just hanging out with the little ones or my daughters and now sons. I’ve now taught three of them (grandchildren) my love of picture taking. (It’s) a whole new world.”

23

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

TRIBUTES

by the tribute.

“It’s wonderful,” she said. “My background is in early childhood education, so you can imagine how thrilled I am to have an infant in the family again.”

When she became a mother, Achre said everything was new to her. She worked 24 hours a day to take care of her children while her husband worked full time. As she’s seen life change over the years, she’s seen dads take a more active role.

“It’s a beautiful thing to see and such a healthy way to raise a child,” Achre said. “The basics are still there, the need for love and affection, whether it’s a mom or dad or grandma or great-grandma.”

Now that she’s removed from the main mothering aspects, Achre said it’s gotten more relaxed over time.

The same responsibilities aren’t there anymore — and now she gets to have plenty of fun. Her time with Henry was spectacular, she said, and she’s already planning to go visit him again soon.

“As a grandma and great-grandma, you’re more relaxed,” Achre said.

“You’re not in charge, and there’s a whole team, but the same wonderful, warm, fuzzy feeling is there whether you’re a mother, grandmother or great-grandmother.”

Carolyn Ann Connors Etten 1943-2022 It is with profound sadness that we share that Carolyn Ann Connors Etten, 78, of Longboat Key, Florida, and formerly Hinsdale, Illinois was born into heaven on Friday, April 1, 2022 surrounded by her adoring family at home. Carolyn’s final decade was a beautiful reflection of living a life of valiant endurance, selfless love and everlasting grace with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Carolyn was born on December 16, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois as the youngest of two children to Harry and Virginia Connors. Carolyn attended St. Cajetan Elementary School, Mother McAuley High School and Rosary College. Carolyn majored in Elementary Education and Economics.

As a high school junior, Carolyn was introduced to Nick Etten and it was love at first sight. This began an epic love story which unfolded as they joyfully spent each day together from that day on. During their collegiate years, Carolyn never missed one of Nick’s football games at Notre Dame and they were married just 4 weeks after Carolyn graduated from Rosary College.

During Nick and Carolyn’s intensely devoted 56 years of marriage, they were blessed with 4 children and

ONE GREAT GREATGRANDMOTHER

Just a few months ago, Judy Achre got promoted to great-grandma — or ‘Grandy,’ as they’re calling her. She finally got to meet baby Henry, who lives in California, a few weeks ago.

Henry was Achre’s late husband’s middle name, and she was touched

|

Judy Achre and Henry

11 grandchildren. Carolyn was an extraordinary wife, mother and grandmother whose unfailing kindness, calming demeanor, exquisite beauty and steadfast faith are legendary. Carolyn’s abundant compassion, sublime brilliance and unparalleled ability to maintain peace will forever serve as an illuminating legacy for all who were blessed by her indelible presence.

Beyond acting as the heart and soul of her family, Carolyn enjoyed working at her children’s schools, caring for the elderly, and participating in several investment clubs.

Carolyn was exceedingly enthusiastic about fitness and loved to run, bike, hike and play tennis.

Carolyn will be deeply missed by her beloved husband, Nick Etten; her brother, Jerry Connors; her four children and their spouses, Susan and Phil Rooney, Nick and Amy Etten, Jim and Tracy Etten, Brian and Anne Etten; and her eleven grandchildren, Philip Rooney,

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions

Caroline Rooney, Clare Rooney, Connor Rooney, James Etten, Maddy Etten, Liam Etten, Henry Etten, Ryan Etten, Nicholas Etten, and Thomas Etten. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Virginia Connors. A celebration of Carolyn’s magnificent life will be held at Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, June 11th at 9:00 AM with a reception to follow.

Messages of remembrance, stories from Carolyn’s life, and condolences are welcomed and will be cherished by Carolyn’s family at www.legacy.com.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations will be gratefully received in Carolyn’s honor by Lorenzo’s House at www.lorenzoshouse.org. Lorenzo’s House shifts the narrative of families living with Alzheimer’s Disease from isolation and suffering to connection and joy so that the entire family is supported through innovative Alzheimer’s care.

381448-1

St. Armands Key

LUTHERAN CHURCH

• We’ve ramped up, anyone of any mobility is welcome • In-person worship services Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

• Live-stream at AllAngelsLBK.org to participate on-line

JOIN US WORSHIP

379701-1 379700-1

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church • 40 North Adams Dr., Sarasota, FL • 941.388.1234 • Questions? Contact: michael@saklc.com

SPECIALPRAYERS PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL FOR THE THEUKRAINE UKRAINE

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

Sunday AMAM SundayService Service10:00 10:00

Catholic Church

The Pritchard The Rev. Rev.Dr. Dr.Norman Norman Pritchard

Would like to Welcome & Invite You, Your Family Members & Friends to Celebrate Mass with Our Parish Community

Please forfor Pleasejoin joinusus

PRAYER THE NATIONAL NATIONALDAY DAYOFOF PRAYER

Thursday, May AM - 2:00 PMPM Thursday, May5 5• •10:00 10:00 AM - 2:00

6400 Gulf of of Mexico (office) • •www.christchurchof www.christchurchof lbk.org 6400 Gulf MexicoDr. Dr.• •941.383.8833 941.383.8833 (office) lbk.org

379333-1

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

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

The Lord’s Warehouse is OPEN Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 9am - noon.

379400-1

or lbk.org (follow YouTube or www.christchurchof www.christchurchof lbk.org (follow YouTube link)link)

379229-1

• Masks • Masks Visitors ResidentsWelcome Welcome Optional Visitors &&Residents Optional

Watch 10:00AM AMservice service live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons Watch our our 10:00 live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons

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

WINTER MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:00, 9:30 & 11:30 AM Daily Mass at 9:00 AM- Monday through Friday Confessions after daily Mass or by appointment

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

Temple Beth Israel

The Center of Jewish Living on Longboat Key

Please join us for Friday Evening Shabbat Services at 7:30pm each week in our Sanctuary, and morning Shabbat service & Torah Study at 10:00 am every Saturday.

Check our website for more information on upcoming events & programs, including the NEW Education Center at TBI offerings!

If you’d like to join our mailing list, send an email to office@tbi-lbk.org to stay up to date!

Due to the rise of Covid cases in our area, we will require masks & encourage social distancing until further notice.

941.383.3428 | www.tbi-lbk.org

RABBI STEPHEN L. SNIDERMAN, D.D.

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

379412-1

Growing Jesus ’ Name Growing inin Jesus ’ Name

Saturday at 5pm Sunday at 9 & 11am or worship with us online at saklc.com/live or via Facebook

381499-1

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

379206-1

• Discussion Groups on Tue & Wed at 10 a.m.

24

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

CANT SLEEP??

Nature's Gem CBD Health & Wellness Products Can Help!

All Natural and Certified Organic THC Free Products Delta8 THC Products Third Party Lab Tested Kalo Seltzers Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Awarded small business of the year 2021

Above: Attendees mingle around the bar.

Left: Chris Daniels, Joy Daniels and Jessica Bell chat about business.

380473-1

Store location - 5360 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key FL

Shop online at NaturesGemCBD.com

Memory challenges are

complex

Let's figure it out together are

Join us for an upcoming

Chamber at Chubby’s

Dementia Live

interactive presentation

T

he Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce made time for some last-minute libations at Chubby’s Lounge on April 26. About a dozen members and guests met up to wet their whistles and network during a Business After Hours event.

Chamber President Gail Loefgren organized the event in short order; although the chamber has tried to hold Business After Hours at the lounge in the past, the happy hour hadn’t happened in several

941.218.2331 We take care of Moms and Dads

1900 Phillippi Shores Drive Sarasota, FL 34231

377644-1

941.218.2331 | www.InspiredLiving.care

years. This year, members jumped at the chance to meet in a casual environment and decompress from the busy season as things wind down on Longboat Key. Members trickled in and grabbed drinks and snacks before settling in to chat with their fellow businesspeople. Some members brought new guests, who introduced themselves and their businesses throughout the evening.

—NAT KAEMMERER

GET THE BEST

AIR CONDITIONING, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL SERVICE

A Purpose-Built Memory Care Community

ALF# AL12463

SWIMWEAR | RESORT WEAR | ACCESSORIES

Cleaner Air

ONLY $59

Drain Cleaning *

A/C TUNE-UP Includes our 6 Month no breakdown guarantee *With recommended repairs Must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offers

Safer Home

ONLY $99

BOGO

ANY TIME DRAIN CLEANING

LANDSCAPE LIGHTS

*

*

Residential Drain Cleaning Only

Buy one light, get one free!

Up to 3 BOGO deals per customer.

*Some restrictions and fees may apply if access is limited.

Excluding main drain line. Cannot be combined with any other offers Expires 3/31/22

Must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offers

/CallTodayCoolToday 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

Call Today. CoolToday.

TM

Never an Overtime Charge h 7 Days a Week h Call Today to Schedule!

(941) 343-8543 h CoolToday.com

377867-1

375296-1

www.SwimCity.com

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

25

REAL ESTATE BY A REAL EXPERT OVER $134 MILLION SOLD IN 2021

1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #201 • , LONGBOAT KEY, FL

3040 GRAND BAY BLVD. #276 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL

2179 HARBOURSIDE DR., #501 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #201 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL $6,995,000 Water Club • Double the luxury and lifestyle with two sweeping stories of front-row views of the Gulf of Mexico from this 5BR/6.5BA, 2-level residence with private walkdown to the beach

PENDING $2,995,000 3040 GRAND BAY BLVD. #276 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL Grand Bay II • Superbly appointed furnished 3BR/3.5BA residence with direct Bay, city skyline and golf course views that serve as your backgdrop through walls of windows, and the added convenience of 2 assigned parking spaces..

2179 HARBOURSIDE DR., #501 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL

PENDING

$949,000

Harbour Oaks • Furnished 3BR/3BA villa in one of the best locations with golf course views.

Bruce Myer

Realtor ®

941.387.1847

379725-1

Bruce@BruceMyer.com • www.BruceMyer.com

26

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Scores trickled in throughout the afternoon.

Above: Betsy Granite, Jean Griffin, Dee Wainstein and Pam Reiter Left: Carol Swed and Joyce Welch

Women’s golf goodbye

T

he Women’s Golf Association of Longboat Key held a yearend fiesta to celebrate another season of hitting the links together on April 26. More than 50 women attended lunch at the Harbourside Ballroom after playing one last 18-hole round.

Attendees caught up with their fellow players before lunch was served. Appropriately, they served tacos on Tuesday.

After lunch, the board gave a rundown of the previous year.

Membership Chair Donna Pettinato said the organization is up to 182 members and gained 16 this year, and Treasurer Arleen Klein gave an update on the funds the group raised during their Go For the Cure event. They brought in a total of $88,500 for breast health and cancer research.

Finally, before everyone headed off for the day, President Sandy Finnegan took the time to recognize a longtime member of the association. Sylva Langton, who had been part of the group for more than 30 years, will be leaving, so Finnegan gave her a shoutout and presented her with flowers as a thank you for her contributions.

—NAT KAEMMERER

Above: Lyn Haycock and Regina Repenning Left: Past President Margaret Lachmann, President Sandy Finnegan and membership Chair Donna Pettinato

Above: Marlene Wilkening and Judy Brostron Right: Marcie McGovern, Gigi Silverber, Kim Sheffield and Beth Scheible

VISIT OUR NEW

SHOWROOM & DESIGN CENTER

to CUSTOM-ize your outdoor furniture.

WHY PAY MORE WHEN YOU CAN BUY DIRECT from THE

MANUFACTURER

QUALITY

OUTDOOR FURNITURE HIGH END LOOK & QUALITY AT WHOLESALE PRICING

CUSTOM MADE AT OUR PALMETTO FACTORY

EXTENDED WARRANTY ON ALL FURNITURE

FLORIDA PATIO FURNITURE, INC.

FLORIDAPATIO.NET | 941-722-5643 2500 US BUSINESS 41 NORTH | PALMETTO, FL 34221

OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 9-5. CLOSED SUNDAYS.

378491-1

OPEN to the PUBLIC

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

27

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

REID MURPHY PRESENTS

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

941-232-3304

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY GULFFRONT

New resort-style estate now under construction on Longboat Key. Home + Guesthouse w/100’ of frontage on rare 1+ acre. 10,400 sf of A/C + 2,850 sf of decks & patios w/ Spa & fitness, 60 ft. lap-pool and eight car garage.

$17,900,000

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY BAYFRONT ESTATE

$6,595,000

Rare opportunity! Build your dream home Bayfront on oversized lot, 100ft on the bay, beach access across the street & side canal for privacy. PLUS elevated separate guest house is a bonus structure no longer permitted for new builds.

LONGBOAT KEY SEA GATE

$1,895,000

Direct Gulf Front, 2BR/2BA 2nd floor end-unit. Floor to ceiling windows, covered beachside balcony. Resort-like amenities include beachside heated pool & tiki huts.

PENDING

LONGBOAT KEY - BAY ISLES

LONGBOAT KEY CUSTOM HOME

$4,395,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY UNIQUE BAYFRONT

$7,850,000

Best views on Longboat Key. 6,000 sf, 4 en-suite bedrooms + 5th den/bedroom. Bruce Saba luxury built with panoramic views & pool at treetop level.

SARASOTA PENTHOUSE

$6,995,000

LONGBOAT KEY BOATERS DREAM

$1,985,000

Downtown Ritz Carlton 3BR Ensuite Residence. Magnificent 4,276 sf open floor plan. Spectacular views. World class amenities.

PENDING

$3,495,000

Exceptional 4,600sf 4BR/7BA estate on 1/4 acre w/ views of Bayou Sound. Private beach, personal gym in 6 car garage. Golf club just outside the gates.

LONGBOAT KEY WATER CLUB PENTHOUSE $4,495,000

Completely remodeled 4BR/4BA in south tower. Designer touches w/ added windows offer unique Bay, city, and amazing sunset views. Just minutes shopping, golf, marinas, Mote Marine, St. Armands Circle & downtown Sarasota.

Waterfront 2BD/2BA renovated home on 135 feet of canal, second in from Sarasota Bay. Newer seawall, dock+ lift and room for other water toys. Deeded beach access.

Developers Realty Inc. Lic. Real Estate Broker

www.ReidMurphy.com

595 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL 34228

379244-1

CALL REID TODAY! | 941.232.3304

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

SARASOTA 1423 Hillview Drive 6 Beds 7/2 Baths 11,588 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs & Kim Ogilvie 941-374-2920 A4525534 $21,600,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 820 N Shore Drive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,953 Sq. Ft. Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4524887 $4,350,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 112 Mangrove Avenue 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,577 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4502423 $3,849,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 20706 79th Avenue E 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,077 Sq. Ft. Chris Baylis 941-735-4713 A4531620 $3,650,000

SARASOTA 105 N Isle Drive 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,258 Sq. Ft. Phyllis Garfinkel 941-302-6400 A4530323 $3,599,000

MANASOTA KEY 6860 Manasota Key Road 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,867 Sq. Ft. Maryann Casey 941-468-3741 D6124931 $3,475,000

SARASOTA 1771 Ringling Boulevard PH302 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,873 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4532280 $3,200,000

SARASOTA 473 Partridge Circle 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,226 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4511642 $3,195,000

SIESTA KEY 3913 Roberts Point Road 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 2,793 Sq. Ft. Denise Mei 941-685-3198 A4522985 $2,950,000

SARASOTA 1547 Sandpiper Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,136 Sq. Ft. Michael Hays 941-376-1826 A4531554 $2,850,000

BIRD KEY 628 N Owl Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,534 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4526783 $2,495,000

LONGBOAT KEY 585 Sanctuary Drive B103 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,823 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs & Sara Boudarga 941-374-2920 A4533224 $1,599,000

SARASOTA 1762 Bay Street 401 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,183 Sq. Ft. Barbara May & Fred Sassen 404-822-9264 A4532452 $1,500,000

SARASOTA 1350 Main Street 1408 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,336 Sq. Ft. Bibi-Ann Allard PA 941-685-0422 A4533306 $1,350,000

LONGBOAT KEY 775 Longboat Club Road 906 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,524 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4527843 $1,299,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4401 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 702 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,013 Sq. Ft. Tony Boothby 941-799-1948 A4531435 $1,250,000

SARASOTA 1350 Main Street 1010 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,336 Sq. Ft. Marybeth Flynn 941-704-1477 A4533180 $1,200,000

SIESTA KEY 5760 Midnight Pass Road 404D 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,361 Sq. Ft. Joseph McDonald 941-375-9646 A4531860 $1,100,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1926 Harbourside Drive 1304 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,135 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer & Mark J Baron 941-465-1124 A4528490 $1,095,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4600 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 205 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,312 Sq. Ft. Ann Martin & Joanna Benante 941-356-7717 A4529849 $875,000

SARASOTA 4918 Taywater Dell 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,279 Sq. Ft. Connie Lyke Brown 941-302-1214 A4531212 $799,000

SARASOTA 2275 Arlington Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,452 Sq. Ft. Denise Gagne 941-400-6358 A4532616 $699,500

SARASOTA 2423 Walker Circle 2 Beds 1 Baths 780 Sq. Ft. Nora Johnson & Klaus Lang 941-809-1700 A4533253 $650,000

SARASOTA 1064 N Tamiami Trail 1125 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,592 Sq. Ft. Marcia Salkin, PA 941-376-6121 A4532464 $625,000

SARASOTA 4793 Tivoli Place 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,726 Sq. Ft. June Howell 941-350-7521 A4533152 $599,000

SIESTA KEY 7722 Sanderling Road 2 Beds 3 Baths 2,580 Sq. Ft. Brian Loebker 941-735-4393 A4527041 $9,000,000

BRADENTON 5708 Inspiration Terrace 4 Beds 5/1 Baths 6,326 Sq. Ft. Fran DeDona & Pam Goodwin 941-812-5023 A4528037 $4,995,000

SIESTA KEY 7108 Midnight Pass Road 6 Beds 5 Baths 4,697 Sq. Ft. Stephen Weeks & Jeff Hinrichs 941-504-3689 A4523915 $4,950,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

373729-1

28

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

condominium in The Beach Residences tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Jerry and Susan Roth, of Longwood, sold their Unit 1001 condominium at 1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Carmine and Shari Cacciavillani, of Sarasota, for $5.5 million.

Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths and 4,194 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.85 million in 2010.

Skipper Hamilton LLC sold the Unit 24A condominium at 675 Longboat Club Road to Theodore Romanow and Kim Redfield, of Marion, Massachusetts, for $4 million. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,564 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,071,600 in 1995.

THE WATER CLUB AT LONGBOAT KEY

Laura Jacobson, trustee, of Sugarcreek, Ohio, sold the Unit 402 condominium at 1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Maura Anne Johnson, of Broomfield, Colorado, for $3.85 million. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, five baths and 3,400 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.3 million in 2014.

JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

239 South Polk LLC sold the home at 239 S. Polk Drive to David and Michelene Caruso, of Sarasota, for $3.5 million. Built in 1950, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,890 square feet of living area. It

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

APRIL 18-22

sold for $935,800 in 2011.

Stark Ventures LLC sold the home at 540 N. Washington Drive to Snow Bird or Bust LLC for $3,375,000. Built in 1951, it has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 3,836 square feet of living area. It sold for $3,375,000 in 2021.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

Peter Intermaggio and Denise Roberts, of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 581 Putting Green Lane to Michael and Jamie Burwell, of Sarasota, for $2.96 million. Built in 1966, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,813 square feet of living area. It sold for $970,000 in 2017.

Courtesy photo

Built in 2005, Unit 1001 of The Beach Residences at 1300 Ben Franklin Drive has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 4,194 square feet of living area.

Zentra Castle Inc. sold the home at 521 Birdie Lane to Keith and Carole Wennik, of Longboat Key, for $1.7 million. Built in 1967, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,433 square feet of living area. It sold for $450,000 in 1993.

QUEEN’S HARBOUR

EMERALD HARBOR REGENT PLACE

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

REAL ESTATE

Beachfront Lido condo sells for $5.5 million

|

Preston and Merrillanne Speers, of Parker, Colorado, sold their home at 781 Binnacle Point Drive to John Louis Olliges and Mary Olliges, of Longboat Key, for $2.7 million. Built in 1976, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,269 square feet of living area. It sold for $770,000 in 2013.

LONGBEACH ON LONGBOAT KEY

Island Cottages Invest LLC sold the home at 7140 Longboat Drive E. to LBK Invest LLC for $2,645,000. Built in 1945, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,032 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,655,000 in 2018.

ISLANDER CLUB OF LONGBOAT

Heidi Ansted, trustee, of Maumee, Ohio, sold the Units 85S and 86S condominium at 2295 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Pointe Santo D37 LLC for $2,544,000. Built in 1970, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,470 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,325,000 in 2014.

Carla Muggio, trustee, of Pittsburgh, sold the home at 3533 Fair Oaks Lane to Naudain Street LLC for $2.1 million. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, four-and-two-half baths, a pool and 3,909 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.7 million in 2007.

GRAND BAY

Frank and Mary Fitzpatrick sold their Unit 172 condominium at 3060 Grand Bay Blvd. to Howard and Susan Slotnick, of Armonk, New York, for $1.75 million. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,143 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,085,000 in 2018.

HARBOUR LINKS AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Edward Kruske, of Bloomfield Township, Michigan, sold his Unit 2027 condominium at 2027 Harbour Links Drive to Joan Rachlin and Seymour Small, trustees, of Longboat Key, for $1,253,900. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,001

square feet of living area. It sold for $355,000 in 1989.

HARBOUR HOUSE SOUTH

Richard and Amy Cox, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 23 condominium at 400 Golden Gate Point to Charles Blevins, of Vienna, Virginia, for $1.25 million. Built in 1965, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,388 square feet of living area. It sold for $875,000 in 2021.

LONGBEACH

James and May Zack, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 791 Broadway to Jacob Martin and James Brearley, of Sarasota, for $1.2 million. Built in 1995, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,236 square feet of living area. It sold for $750,000 in 2020.

SLEEPY LAGOON PARK

Arden Kreisch, trustee, of Longboat Key, sold the home at 650 Norton St. to Magnus and Christina Almtun, of Stockholm Sweden, for $1.05 million. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,536 square feet of living area.

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of April 22-28 in order of dollar amounts.

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS 1281 GMD #902

PERMIT Interior alterations

APPLICANT Charles Alex Ratner

415 L’Ambiance Drive

Interior alterations

James M. Whitehurst

522,043

Interior alterations

Harold M. Brierley

493,000

Interior alterations

Robert Adam Serling

441,000

601 Longboat Club #901

Interior alterations

Mary S. Talarico

425,000

10 Lighthouse Point Drive

Building

John W. Saputo

340,000

1425 GMD #103

Interior alterations

Julie G. Skattum TTEE

275,000 272,586

Longboat Key

AMOUNT($) 550,000

#E507 655 Longboat Club

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

Road #19B 565 Sanctuary Drive

NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

#B606

595 Bowsprit Lane

Interior alterations

Daniel Lee Duenkel

1055 GMD #604

Interior alterations

Heather and David Goodman 249,000

603 Longboat Club

Interior alterations

Doreen A. Finissi 10/7/16

Road #503

Revocable Trust

Downtown St. Petersburg

208,750

5055 GMD Unit 534

Interior alterations

Craig R. Martin

202,753

7175 GMD Unit 13

Interior alterations

John A. Mehan

201,000

545 Sanctuary

Interior alterations

Francisco Family Trust

3010 Grand Bay Blvd #466 Interior alterations

Arnold H. Crane TTEE

157,000

1965 GMD #106

Dale R. Zuckerman

140,940

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

169,472

2 UNITS LEFT

Drive #A403 Interior alterations

Irrevocable Trust

727 Dream Island Raod

Re-roof

Charles Reid Murphy

92,000

1281 GMD #902

Electrical

Charles Alex Ratner

86,450

6750 GMD Unit 154

Interior alterations

Jeri Vail Van Den Bosch

80,000

580 Bowsprit Lane

Interior alterations

Paul A. Tomass

75,300

541 Chipping Lane

Demo and

James W. Green

72,991

Downtown Sarasota

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

and spa 981 Longboa Club Road

RE-roof

HCCZ Investments LLC

4330 Falmouth Drive

Windows and doors

Richard F. Catapano

50,880

561 Chipping Lane

Re-roof

Ihan Rodriguez

46,350

615 Dream Island Road

Landings, stairs,

Harbour Villa Club

41,402

47,410

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

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

Unit 101

Joachim Winter

40,810

4390 Exeter Drive Unit 301 Windows and doors

Virginia M. Leon

40,000

3563 Fair Oaks Lane

William E. Weber

38,960

605 Buttonwood Drive

Pool resurface Re-roof

Source: Town of Longboat Key

373651-1

handrails

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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

29

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

GET A $40 PREPAID VISA® CARD* WITH QUALIFYING BRAKE PARTS PURCHASE OF $250** OR MORE!

Garden Club reaps philanthropic harvest Arbor Day offered nice time to honor scholarship and grant recipients.

OFFER VALID May 1- June 30, 2022 Ask your Service Advisor for details. Offer valid May 1 - June 30, 2022 at both NAPA AUTO PARTS Stores and participating NAPA AutoCare Centers. Claim online by July 15, 2022. *This Card is issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., St. Paul, MN 55103, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa®? debit cards are accepted. Use of this card constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions stated in the Cardholder Agreement.

Card expires 6 months from issuance, per the “Valid Thru”date printed on the card. See your cardholder agreement and associated materials for details. **$250 of qualifying products will be based on the final price paid, less any discounts, warranty reimbursements, extended warranty, core and resurface charges and excluding taxes, installation/labor, and shipping fees.

375659-1

5608 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH, 34217

NAT KAEMMERER

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

STAFF WRITER

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 379357-1

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

properties UNRIVALED expertise EXCEPTIONAL results

EXTRAORDINARY

MichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com

LD SO

W NE

The Longboat Key Garden Club pic(nic)ked a perfect day for its annual meeting April 29. About 60 members and representatives from local organizations gathered at Bayfront Park to celebrate Arbor Day and learn about the past year of the club.

The club welcomed 10 organizations plus two scholarship recipients to its picnic. Through grants, three scholarships and summer camp funding, the club donated a total of $73,660 around Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties the past year.

Each organization spoke about what the money will be used for.

Many of the funds will go to summer camps, including at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, where six middle school children will be able to attend a full week of Sea Sleuth camp, at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, where 375 children will be able to take educational summer field trips,

LD SO

SHOW ME THE MONEY

LD SO

70 Lighthouse Point Drive | Gated Community 5,474sf | 4BR | Gulf Front | $8,000,000

and at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, where 12 elementary school children will attend camp at both the downtown and Historic Spanish Point campuses.

Afterward, attendees enjoyed lunch made by chef Jean Caldwell from St. Martha Catholic School, which has received grants to establish and grow an edible garden.

Attendees took home pesto made by the students and got to see some of the herbs and produce they’ve grown, like one oversized zucchini that got forgotten under some leaves.

Scholarship recipients Chloe Schwab and Carter Oleckna attended the picnic.

G TIN LIS

Rivo Penthouse | Downtown Sarasota 2,873sf | 3BR + Den | $3,200,000 | A4532280

845 Longboat Club Road | Regent Court 19,300sf | 140’ on the Gulf | $16,500,000

Nat Kaemmerer

www.SARASOTAS

finest

PROPERTIES.com

440 Gulf of Mexico Dr | Longboat Key, Florida

379385-1

35 Lighthouse Point Drive | Gated Community 4,430sf | 4BR | Bay Front | $3,300,000

GRANTS n Marie Selby Botanical Gardens field trips: $5,000 n Mote Marine Laboratory camp scholarships: $3,420 n Mote Marine Laboratory aquaculture research and technology: $5,000 n St. Martha School hands-on teaching garden: $2,000 n Save Our Seabirds: $10,000 n Visible Men Academy edible garden project: $2,500 n The Paradise Center expansion of garden beds: $2,000 n Longboat Key Turtle Watch: $2,500 n Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto counties: $2,500

n Beautification projects at north and south fire stations: $3,000 n Beautification project, tree lighting at Town Center Green: $3,000

SUMMER CAMPS n For Longboat Key residents or children of a person employed on Longboat Key: $3,990 SCHOLARSHIPS n Chloe Schwab, University of FloridaGainesville (Marine Sciences): $10,000 n Carter Oleckna, Florida Gulf Coast University (Biology and Microbiology): $10,000 n Cody Oleckna, Florida Gulf Coast University (Environmental Engineering): $10,000

The Home Service Pros Who Care

The Area’s most Trusted Name since 1974

New AC System Starting at

4,800!

$

+ 12 Months 0% Financing Available!

Some restrictions apply. This offer applies to a 1.5 T, 14 SEER HVAC System with heat strip and thermostat included. Includes reconnection to existing ductwork, wiring, refrigerant piping and drain. Not valid on prior purchases and cannot combine offers.

Limited time offer.Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 5/31/2022.

250 OFF

$

Whole House Water Treatment System Cannot be combined with other offers.

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 5/31/2022.

100 OFF

$

LET AQUA HELP YOU ON YOUR NEXT ELECTRICAL PROJECT!

Reme Halo Air Purifier

SERVICES INCLUDE: Complete Home Rewiring Standby Generators & Service Repairs on All Generators Surge Protection

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 5/31/2022.

FREE

AND SO MUCH MORE!!

Water Quality Analysis ($99 value)

CALL NOW! 941.866.6210

or visit www.AquaPlumbingSarasota.com

Cannot be combined with other offers. Must present coupon at time of service.Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 5/31/2022.

Lic # cAc1816020 • PLbg cFc1428223 • ELEc Ec13009313

SEE HOW MUCH MORE YOU CAN SAVE!

Air Conditioning

Plumbing

Electrical

Water Treatment

381399-1

30

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

31

THE ACKERMAN GROUP 941.387.1820 TOP PRODUCING SMALL TEAM IN SARASOTA COUNTY RYAN ACKERMAN

www.ackermansrq.com

ryan@ackermangroup.net

BARBARA ACKERMAN

barbara@ackermangroup.net

FEATURED PROPERTIES SIESTA KEY — SIESTA COVE

SARASOTA — DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT

ROYAL ST. ANDREW – 555 S. GULFSTREAM AVENUE #501/502 3BR+Office/4BA | 3,281 SQFT | 2 Parking Spaces Stunning double unit completely renovated with amazing views.

SIESTA COVE – 5215 SIESTA COVE DRIVE $2,489,000 4BR+Study/4 Full & 2½ BA | 5,022 SQFT | 4-Car Garage New Roof, Hurricane impact doors & windows, finished ground floor play/storage area.

HARBOR ACRES ESTATE

$2,895,000

MERIDIAN 3 — OAKS PRESERVE

HARBOR ACRES - 1309 VISTA DRIVE $18,000,000 230’ Open Bay Front | Gated Estate | Endless Sunsets, City Views | Expansive Views of Ringling Bridge | One-of- a- kind Masterpiece. MLS #A4491997

MERIDIAN 3 - 401 N. POINT ROAD #703 $949,000 3BR/3BA | 2 Parking Spaces | Hurricane Shutters | Unobstructed Gulf and Intracoastal views, screened terrace,7th floor residence.

Winner of SRQ Magazine Readers “Best of SRQ 2022 Top Realtors” RYAN ACKERMAN NEW CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES

LIDO KEY ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES

DOWNTOWN ONE PARK SARASOTA

LONGBOAT KEY ST REGIS LONGBOAT KEY

EAST SARASOTA ARTISTRY

GOLDEN GATE POINT PENINSULA

DOWNTOWN THE EDGE

GOLDEN GATE POINT EN POINTE

GOLDEN GATE POINT SIX88

595 BAY ISLES RD., SUITE 250 | LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228

•

443 JOHN RINGLING BLVD., STE., F | SARASOTA, FL 34236

This is not a solicitation of another broker’s listing.. Market data supplied by Market Quest June 2021.

380327-1

— OVER $35 MILLION IN NEW CONSTRUCTION SALES THIS YEAR —

32

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Coldwell Banker CONGRATULATES the TOP team!

The #1 sales team in the state of Florida $134 Million Sold in 2021

1

#

Small Team

Lori Lawson

941.735.4385

Judy Kepecz-Hays 941.587.1700

Steven Kepecz 941.376.6411

Judy Kepecz-Hays Team $2.3 Billion Career Sales

CE EN I PR STM JU D A

T

May 6, 2022

EMBASSY HOUSE

Ritz-Carlton Managed Residence 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive residence 1204 Offered for $3,750,000. $3,495,000 www.Ritz-Carlton1204.com Luxury Knows No Limits! Sought after residence at the Ritz-Carlton in the heart of the city. Beyond Imagination, this home affords terrific views of the marina, Sarasota, and her islands.

770 South Palm Avenue residence 503 Sarasota, FL 34236 Offered for $1,098,500.

Superb Location! You will be HYPNOTIZED in this residence with 30 feet of glass walls offering vistas of Sarasota Bay, Her Islands, & Sunsets into the Gulf of Mexico. The moment you exit your semi-private elevator & walk into this home on the 5th-floor, it will be instant enjoyment. Updated 2 BDRM & 2 BA boasts 1520 square feet of inspired living. Covered parking-2 cats welcome.

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS

BAY ISLES 3312 Bayou Road Longboat Key, FL 34228 Offered for $2,600,000.

Pristine and Private residence nestled in the Bayou Section of Bay Isles on an 80-acre lake, with magical views. Beautiful kitchen w/ fireplace opens to large family room w/fireplace, 3 bedrooms-reception room w/fireplace, guest/children wing, the pool is on living level overlooking the lake. This home features fine architectural details, an elevator, and flex rooms for hobbies.

603 Longboat Club Road residence 604 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Offered for $1,798,000.

Beyond imagination with exceptional amenities and a lifestyle of comfort & instant enjoyment awaits you here. This corner residence with walls of windows & glass door has 2 BDRM 2 BA with epic views of the Gulf of Mexico, Sunsets & SRQ Skyline. Beautiful views from sunrise to sunsets envelope this meticulously designed updated corner residence.

Call us today for similar results 941-587-1700 $2.3 BILLION IN CAREER SALES

Judy Kepecz-Hays | 941.587.1700

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY 423 St. Armands Circle | Sarasota, FL 34236 595 Bay Isles Road, Suite 250 | Longboat Key, FL 34228 Email: Kepecz@JudyHays.com Website: LongboatKeyLuxury.com

$134 MILLION IN CLOSED SALES IN 2021

381447-1

If you’re thinking of buying or selling, please call us for exceptional service.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, MAY 6

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.

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

33

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

|

Sunrise Sunset

High: 83 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 7%

Thursday, May 5

6:48a

8:06p

Friday, May 6

6:47a

8:06p

Saturday, May 7

6:46a

8:07p

Sunday, May 8

6:46a

8:08p

SATURDAY, MAY 7

Monday, May 9

6:45a

8:08p

High: 81 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 55%

Tuesday, May 10

6:44a

8:09p

Wednesday, May 11

6:44a

8:09p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, MAY 8 High: 82 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 24%

June 7 First

June 14 Full

June 20 Last

June 28 New

TIDES Highs Lows Thursday, May 5

—

2:13p

—

11:25p

Friday, May 6

—

2:56p

—

—

Saturday, May 7

—

3:50p

12:25a

—

Sunday, May 8

—

5:05p

1:28a

—

Monday, May 9

9:55a

6:42p

2:25a

1:54p

Tuesday, May 10

9:58a

8:18p

3:15a

3:28p

10:09a

9:38p

3:57a

4:29p

Wednesday, May 11 Monique Palladino captured this bald eagle near its nest on Buttonwood Drive.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC KARASTAN, MOHAWK, ARI. O, SMARTSTRAND, ALL PET 941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

celebrity cipher

PUTTING MONEY DOWN by Hanh Huynh. Edited by David Steinberg class just for kicks?

122 Weasel with a winter coat 125 Crane game part in “Toy Story” 126 Obtained 127 Breezes along 128 Cruel ones 129 Waiting like a caller 130 Computer pros

DOWN

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

31 High schooler, usually 32 Arguing 1 Old Greek marketplace 34 Malek of “Bohemian 6 Sporty Mazdas Rhapsody” 12 Things moved upon 38 Meetup with a match graduation from an app 19 Like a goat’s hoof 42 Assist 20 Give in 44 Fake name 21 Get comfortable with 46 Palindromic stories 22 Voting rights activist 47 Seattle rock genre Stacey 49 Bill Withers hit with the 23 Budget car words “When you’re not 24 Cord for an ID card strong” 25 With parts of 2-Down 51 CPR expert and 46-Across, odorless 52 Bit of fluid for a canal? home hazard 54 Noted Apache leader 26 More bleached 55 Boats like Noah’s 28 With parts of 14-Down and 54-Across, Star Wars or 57 From Japan’s thirdlargest city James Bond 30 Ambient musician Brian 59 Inlets that anagram to

“sari” 60 Clear a path 64 With parts of 48-Down and 83-Across, falls off a surfboard 65 Plunders 67 Quarantines 69 Vietnamese New Year 71 It’s pressed once or twice 76 Broadcast again 78 ___ Lanka 80 Elemental variant 81 Papa’s partner, perhaps 83 Bean ___ (stir-fry veggie) 85 Set with a sharp image 86 Figure in a will 89 Portuguese dessert wine 92 With parts of 73-Down and 102-Across, hot pepper

93 “You can’t be serious!”

95 Steamy rooms 96 NBA legend Shaquille 99 “I love you,” in Peru 100 Aptly named runner Usain 102 Woman from France’s capital 104 With parts of 61-Down and 125-Across, Islamic code 105 Tidy 107 Biblical garden 108 www.cdc.___ 109 Needs nothing more 112 French tower name 115 Speak with crossed fingers 116 Sicilian cooking wine 120 One who may have a

1 Neighbor of Greece 2 “Wall Street” character who thought greed was good 3 Eggs 4 Sleep stage initials 5 Respond 6 Tomato-based pasta sauce 7 “SVU” actor 8 Adolescent skin concern 9 Aquarium fish 10 Tooth care org.

11 Only you can take one 12 Like a giraffe 13 Actor Driver 14 California birthplace of the United Nations 15 Double agent, e.g.

16 JFK landing stat 17 Paper size (Abbr.)

18 Nursery grass 19 ^ marks 27 Word before “fund” or “maze” 29 “___ be all right” 31 Exam 33 Official permission 35 “Welcome to Maui!”

36 Short skirts 37 Alpo competitor 39 Young woman, in old literature 40 Legal thriller writer Scott whose surname rhymes with “Thoreau” 41 Breaks up 43 Muscle above an ab 45 “Understand?”

48 Purple fizzy drink

50 Main arteries 53 Friend 55 French 53-Down 56 Dorm monitors, for short 58 Dissenting votes 61 Monuments honoring soldiers 62 Order to relax 63 Assenting vote 66 Maker of Aurora Berryalis nail polish 68 Possible sib for a bro 70 Align 72 Gas found in “more than enough” 73 Bowler’s movement to “steer” the ball, say 74 Appropriate 75 Show off before a drag race 77 Spinning speed stat 79 Rocker Turner’s memoir 81 Book after Jonah 82 Nice smell 84 Certain Jamaican believer 86 Sombrero or beret 87 Fleecy females 88 Bawl 90 Exciting discovery 91 Onstage whisper 92 Parking meter insert 94 Zero 97 Blesses with oil 98 Banks’ safety features?

101 “Time to head out!”

103 Choose 106 Six minutes, for an hour 110 Narrow strip of wood 111 Tools that might buzz 113 Analogy words 114 Sense instinctively 116 Fuji and Kilimanjaro (Abbr.)

117 “Eureka!”

118 Tomato’s color 119 ___-fi 121 Long time 123 Caviar source 124 Computer choice

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“UKKJKRZC UPZ CPKERYJUYT MSUG U NJW MUIK JP TG SJVC. J WCK CLHJKCZ UNFRK KEC KEJPWY KEUK JPYMJIC TC.” – ZOUGPC XFEPYFP

“UHAY JPVYO DC CXDKJOXU EDKKPY OJVM OJP VTPYVKP JAWVM JPVYO, EAO OJVO’C EPBVACP UHA’YP V OPVBJPY.” – VVYHM EVBVXX

“XKF ZBIF JRUX RLTMX LFBZY R JFPPBDBPX BP XKRX ETM RUF ITZPXRZXSE LFBZY FBXKFU JUTOFZ UBYKX TU JSFRPRZXSE PMUJUBPFC.” – YFTUYF GBSS © 2022 NEA, Inc.

Puzzle Three Clue: D equals M

crossword

381452-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

Puzzle Two Clue: V equals T

Sarasota

Puzzle One Clue: L equals X

CARPET

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

5-5-22

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

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

BEACH HARBOR CLUB, LONGBOAT KEY FLORIDA: 2 Bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,046 sq. ft. 3rd floor, water view.

Fully upgraded and equipped.

Walking distance to Sarasota Bay and Gulf. Rent is $2,0004,000/month. Contact (440)371-5008 lin44139@yahoo.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.

WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In

Autos Service

FRAMED CANVAS Print Mt. Vernon Ships by James Mitchell 26"(w) x 23"(h) $10 (412) 527-7434

RESTORATION HARDWARE 5 Drawer Chest. Restoration Hardware St. James collection chest. Excellent condition- very solid piece 51"W X 43"T X 22"D $400 (615) 414-4024

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE! 941-955-4888 PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE: YourObserver.com/RedPages

General Merchandise BUYING CARD collections!

Looking to free up space and make $$? Need to sell cards?

Collector looking to expand card collection. Pay top dollar. Text/call 941-548-6492 with photos.

SELL YOUR STUFF FAST!

GARAGE SALE Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

real estate 2BR/2BA NORTH Longboat key Spanish Main Marina Water front view out your patio door. Deeded beach access. Town home stand alone includes utilities, attached parking for 2. Annual lease. Over 55 community. No pets or smoking please. (941) 545-7460

Furnishings HENREDON DINING Table with 8 Leather Dining Chairs. Top of the line furniture manufacture Henredon beautiful Seafoam Marble top Dining Table with 8 Leather Chairs. Have to see to appreciate! Rarely used in a non rental second home so like brand new $4,000. (615) 414-4024

Condos/Apts. for Rent

FAMILY SECURITY DRIVER 941-735-4732.

Ask for Eddie.

Many years experience with rock stars, wild teens, children, elderly, and foreign families.

Feel safe, Be safe 24/7 Licensed and Legal.

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

15% DISCOUNT

FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com/ RedPages

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

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.

LUXURIOUS CONDO on Anna Maria Island For Rent - Upgraded granite/strainless kitchen.

Incredible water views through floor length windows. Waterfront patio, luxury furnishings, 2BD/2BR, king bed. Pool, tennis, walk to the beach. Private carport.

Monthly rent May-November.

Owner/renter. Flexible terms.

570-239-0431 marketreps@aol.com

Homes for Rent 3BR/2BA SLEEPY Lagoon.

Monthly rental, available May 2022 and next season. Heated pool, large screened lanai, one car garage, breakfast nook, quiet street, on canal $3,500.

Ask for Bruce (302) 420-4289

Homes for Sale LONGBOAT KEY Incredible views Private boat dock Owner/agent $650,000 The Lake Club LWR 4 bed 4.5 bath Pool/Spa Dazzling with upgrades 2.5 Million

Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Rentals Wanted RENTAL WANTED. Individual wanting Gulf front condo, Beachplace or similar, for 2 month or longer commencing June.

(619) 347-1888 SEAPLACE OWNERS Inquiring about a 2 or 3 bedroom rental for next (2023) season.

We are seeking an updated rental with a water view.

I was an original owner in G-5.

Contact with dates & photos. rnelson137@outlook.com

Painting CARLO DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

SELL IT FAST! Place Your Ad Online YourObserver.com/RedPages

Transportation

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

LONGBOAT LIMOUSINE

RED PAGES

101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Your local luxury transportation provider since 1994.

New luxury Sedans and SUVs. Fully Licenced and insured.

Wagner Realty

Call/Text 941-383-1235

Since 1939

E-mail: longboatlimousine @yahoo.com

www.rentalsonlongboat.com

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

This week’s Crossword answers REAL LOCAL STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

Adult Care Services

Buy or Sell with Brooke O’Malley as your Realtor, and CLUB REALTY will Pay your title insurance.

Call 941-726-2677.

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

Visa/MC

home services

Items Under $200

auto

stuff

Between

Cleaning

Paint the town RED!

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

Epic Home Care Personal Care-Respite Care Alzheimer’s Care Light Cleaning Med Administration Meal Prep Shopping, Errands & More

©2022 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

peekers’ place

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Attitude and enthusiasm play a big part in my life. I get excited about the things that inspire me.”

Dwayne Johnson Puzzle Two Solution: “Your heart is slightly bigger than the average human heart, but that’s because you’re a teacher.”

Aaron Bacall Puzzle Three Solution: “The nice part about being a pessimist is that you are constantly being either proven right or pleasantly surprised.”

George Will

This week’s Sudoku answers

Call for a FREE Evaluation!

941-536-6372 EpicHomeCare@yahoo.com Rosa Torres- Owner

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

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

©2022 NEA, Inc.

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

Auto Service

Handyman

FAST • EASY • SAFE

Naji Aoun

WE COME TO YOU

Personal Services

GladysKhabbaz@gmail.com 805 Molly Circle, Sarasota

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

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

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

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224 380070

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

941-345-5264

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

AMANDA

Doors and more!

Roofing

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

424-333-0713 | rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com www.rockstarmobilehairsalon.com

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. (941) 345-5264

University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

Doors

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Sliding Glass Door Repair

381313

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

Insurance

MIC INSURANCE

381324

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Dog Grooming

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Windows

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

Res./Com.

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

STANDARD WINDOWS

380572

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

SHOP LOCAL. SUPPORT LOCAL.

LMT, CMCE

609-820-4251

By appointment only

YourObserver.com/RedPages

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

MediCupping & Massage Therapy services for healing

Rest your mind & body.

Connect with your spirit.

GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE RED PAGES

Call to reserve your ad space: 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!

HEROES found here.

Relax. You’ve got better things to do. Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

381028

380109

5

$

381314

380107

941-504-0903

Chrissy Stites

140

$

SPECIAL 00

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

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

ows

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

25

UP TO

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

Furniture Repair

Lic./Ins.

ndow & Pressure Clea et Wi nin s n wn as Sunrise Win g Su erly kno d

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

Registered member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA)

381311

Beauty

380575

381025

HoHoBuysCars.com

381315

Health

5-Star Rated

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

35

381323

941.270.4400

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

CONSTRUCTION HANDYMAN • Home Repairs & Maintenance • Interior & Exterior 941.504.2745 • Garage Floor Paint 941.400.1563 • Power Wash

381026

SELL YOUR CAR!

|

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

ROGER SELLS

LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES MORE THAN $206 MILLION CLOSED IN 2021

3731 INDIAN BEACH ROAD

$6,495,000

Built in 2006, this gorgeous 5BR estate offers exceptionally high quality construction, designed with energy efficient and sustainable materials. The enviable central locale, minutes from downtown, with spectacular bay and sunset views, perfectly complement the lavishness at this custom residence.

www.3731IndianBeach.com

15111 GADDY UP RANCH ROAD

$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

862 GRANDE PASS WAY

$2,995,000

842 MOLLY CIRCLE

Create your dream beach home at this private, gated enclave on the southern tip of Boca Grande. One of only 19 homesites in the exclusive Hill Tide Estates, this spectacular parcel boasts more than a 1/4-acre of direct beachfront property to enjoy, with its own private beach access and community fishing options.

Delight in the convenience of newer construction at this 2016-built, Ashton Woods home in the maintenance-free Whitaker Park (lawn maintenance and irrigation provided by HOA). This beautiful 3BR garden home is move-in ready, offering some furnishings available to purchase separately.

www.862GrandePassWay.com

www.842MollyCircle.com

$625,000

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 379687-1

36