Longboat Observer 7.14.22

LONGBOAT

Observer

Money for trash.

PAGE 10A

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

VOLUME 44, NO. 49

No butts about it

YOUR TOWN

Town begins working on beach ban. PAGE 3A

IN THE

DRIVERS’ SEAT

Lesley Dwyer

These little piggies…

Longboat couple dive deep into cause. PAGE 1B

Two little pigs wearing Santa hats have been riding a sleigh in the 2900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive since December, and if Tom Ruffino, the owner of the kitschy swine, has anything to do about it, they’ll stay.

“I’ve got pink flamingos. I thought they’d fit in nicely,” he said.

Ruffino found the pair in a thrift shop last holiday season and figured he’d store them once the new year got started.

But then strangers started writing him letters, all decrying the restrictions on such creative decorations at their condominium homes. They asked Ruffino to keep the sleigh riding pigs on display.

Lesley Dwyer

New doc at TPC Lesley Dwyer

Terri and Jeff Driver will be celebrating their 30th anniversary in November.

A+E

The direct approach Focused formula is town’s goal to find new manager when Harmer retires.

PAGE 5A

The Paradise Center welcomed a new acupuncture practice into its medical suite in the Tidewell Foundation building on July 12.

Dr. Dorian G. Kramer is a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s and doctorate degrees, along with 10 years’ experience in emergency medicine and more than 14 years experience in private practice. He is trained in both traditional and classic Chinese medicine, plus the Japanese Meridian and Hari systems of acupuncture, along with Shakuju, Zheng Gu Tui-Na, Die Da medicine, and orthopedic needling.

Turtle tracks LONGBOAT July 3-9 Nests False crawls

2022 150 172

2021 92 154

Totals since April 24 2022 2021 Nests 1,098 823 False crawls 1,353 1,055

Rock with a twist SEE PAGE 11A

Source: Mote Marine Laboratory File photo

Town Manager Tom Harmer announced he will step down in December.

2A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Police department replaces chronically broken patrol SUVs The town has replaced four mechanically troubled 2020 GM models with 2022 Ford Explorer police vehicles.

ERIC GARWOOD

1. “We have a hold on four of them.”

Two of those new SUVs could be on the road this week, outfitted and equipped for the police department.

Two others would likely be ready for patrol by the end of July. The department already operates several police-model Ford Explorers, and police department staff in early July was stripping necessary equipment from the Tahoes for use in the Explorers, Turner said.

“That is extremely lucky and unusual,” Town Manager Tom Harmer said, adding that the ordering process would ordinarily take at least a year.

According to town records, the four Chevrolets began experiencing fuel system and internal engine maladies over the last 12 months, spewing white smoke, accompanied by the strong smell of fuel inside the vehicles.

Each time the police SUVs were towed to a shop, the town said, technicians found multiple repair codes displayed by the vehicles’ diagnostic computers.

Following the expiration of the manufacturer’s 36,000-mile warranty, an extended warranty covered repair costs until June when General Motors alerted the town that Texasbased The Amynta Group refused to cover further service costs.

The town was told the coverage was not intended for “police service vehicles” and should not have been offered for sale by the Jacksonville area dealer that handled the sale.

The town has since been reimbursed $8,640 by Garber Auto Group for the remainder of the three SUV’s extended warranties. The fourth SUV was not covered with an extended warranty, Turner said.

“If we hadn’t had any warranty issue, we would have paid that money, they would have been happy and

MANAGING EDITOR

T

he town went car shopping in recent weeks for four police patrol SUVs following a spate of mechanical problems and related warranty headaches.

Town commissioners this month approved a budget shift to accelerate the purchase of four new Ford Explorer police-package vehicles to replace four ailing 2020 model Chevrolet Tahoes, none with more than about 65,000 on the odometer.

In their final meeting of the summer, commissioners voted 5-0 to move $185,200 from 2023 capital-budget spending into 2022 to facilitate the purchase, funded by money from the Manatee County infrastructure surtax.

Any proceeds from the Chevrolets at auction would flow back into the same fund. About $12,000 to $15,000 is expected for each of the used vehicles. About $19,000 was offered already for the four as trade ins, prompting the town to enter the auction market.

Although police-package vehicles are hard to find, owing to closeouts of Ford’s popular Crown Victoria police sedans and Dodge’s closeout of the police-version of the Charger sedan, Police Chief George Turner relied on contacts he’s made over the years to informally set aside four 2022 police-model Explorers with a Polk County dealership.

“There are only five in the entire state of Florida,” Turner said on July

com . e s ou

eh r a ureW

it

urn heF

.T www

File photo

Any proceeds from the Chevrolets at auction would flow back into the same fund. About $12,000 to $15,000 is expected for each of the used vehicles.

we would never have known,” Turner said. “But as soon as we started putting in repair requests . . . then they canceled us.”

Town Attorney Maggie Mooney said the town is also examining possible remedies through Florida’s lemon laws that are designed to protect owners of vehicles that exhibit consistent and chronic mechanical difficulties.

“I’m very surprised the Chevy Tahoes fell apart like they did,” Turner said, adding the new Fords will start out with three-year, 36,000mile factory warranties and that he expects the Fords to last longer than the last batch of Chevrolets.

Turner said the department has parked the four Tahoes and is avoiding driving them to avoid further repair bills in the event one of them breaks down again. In recent weeks, the town had to pay $800 to a Bradenton Chevrolet dealer for repairs.

In the interim, other police vehicles are being pressed into service but are rolling up patrol-vehicle mileage through extended use.

The 2022 budget also includes about $31,000 in spending for an unmarked car for detective use.

The 2022 Ford Maverick

AND SPEAKING OF FORDS… In initial rounds of budget conversations, town leaders expressed an interest in launching a pilot program for electric pickup trucks and charging stations in the building department and fire department, though questions arose about price and availability.

The town has since learned that pricing for true electric pickups can range from near $49,000 to beyond $72,000, and specific models are often rare and hard to locate.

As an alternative to the purchase of a $30,000 traditional pickup truck, the town is now considering the middle ground of a hybrid gas-electric pickup, such as the Ford Maverick, a light-duty truck with a sticker price that begins around $25,000 for the lowest-trim version. Even so, the 2022 model year of that vehicle is sold out and some owners, according to industry reports, are being told they might have to wait until 2023 for delivery.

We Are Closed Saturday!

Until 12 Noon

So our crews can mark down every item in the store!

Do Not Miss This Opportunity To Save Like Never Before!

NO INTEREST UNTIL NOVEMBER 2022* Pick Up Today Or Free Door Delivery Tomorrow** We Offer Full-Service Home Delivery and Set Up

Saturday 12 - 9pm & Sunday 11 - 6pm BRADENTON 1100 Cortez Rd W (corner US Hwy 41) 941-749-6069

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

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 July 14, 2022 and July 13, 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 July 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. Instant savings prices are reflected in current ad. 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. ** Pick Up Today or Free Door Delivery pertains to in-stock merchandise.

379645-1

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

SOUTH SARASOTA NORTH SARASOTA 5252 S. Tamiami Trail 4027 N Washington Blvd (at Phillippi Creek) (Hwy 301) 941-260-9601 941-351-8600

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

STRONG YEAR FOR TURTLES Nearly 2,800 sea turtle nest have been documented on 35 miles of beach from Longboat Key to Venice, according to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program.

Senior Biologist & Conservation Manager Melissa Macksey stated that STCRP has documented more than 2,713 loggerhead sea turtle nests, more than 40 green sea turtle nests and one Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nest so far this year.

According to Macksey, this year’s numbers will be at least the seventh highest documented throughout the program’s 41-year history.

“We’re excited to see that nesting numbers are staying high like we’ve seen in the last decade. It’s great news for our local population of loggerheads,” said Macksey. “We hope to see the great nesting numbers for the rest of the season and lots of successful hatches from these nests.”

BEACH

BUTT

BAN

Artist Erin Ernst created a sculpture of giant cigarette butts in the sand to help raise awareness.

When commissioners return in September, a proposal for parks, beaches is expected to be waiting for them.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

W

ith a new state law opening the door for towns, cities and counties to ban cigarette smoking on public beaches and parks, Longboat Key leaders expect to have a rule ready to vote on when the Town Commission returns from two-anda-half months of summer break in September.

The statewide-enabling legislation, which amends Florida’s Clean Indoor Air Act and was sponsored

by State Sen. Joe Gruters, took effect July 1. That morning, the Sarasota Republican spoke at a news conference on Lido Beach, alongside Director of Florida Conservation for Ocean Conservancy J.P. Brooker and Stephen “Dr. Beach” Leatherman, a recognized expert in creating the ratings to rank the world’s best beaches.

On the same day, as they wrapped up their final meeting before their traditional summer hiatus, the five present Longboat Key town commissioners indicated they didn’t want to wait until September to begin discussions on beach smoking.

Florida Sen. Joe Gruters sponsored the legislation that changed the state's stance on beach smoking.

Instead, they asked town staffers to skip that step and be ready Sept. 12 for the first of two public hearings on an ordinance written in the interim.

“I think a lot of communities are working on their approaches to this,” Mayor Ken Schneier said. “Just to suggest that staff and counsel begin work on an ordinance that addresses this for us that in my view would cover beaches and parks to the extent we can.”

At least one town in Florida, Indian Harbour Beach in Brevard County, had an ordinance pre-approved in June to take immediate effect July 1.

On the flip side, Palm Beach County said it would focus more on littering than lighting up with plans to promote proper cigarette-butt disposal with beach-placed canisters. “I don’t want to be the smoking police,” Eric Call, the Palm Beach parks and recreation director, told a local TV station.

“There are examples out there, and others are moving forward,” Longboat Key Town Manager Tom Harmer said. “I would take this direction to say we don’t need to come back to you in a workshop. We’re just going to come back to you with a proposed ordinance for you to consider.”

The city of Sarasota is already heading in the same direction, agreeing last week to proceed.

“I would say move as swiftly as possible,” Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch said of a beach smoking ban.

According to Ocean Conservancy, cigarette butts have been the most commonly found litter on Florida beaches during the organization’s annual Coastal Cleanup for the past 31 years. The butts are made of tightly packed plastic fibers that erode into smaller bits, which accumulate in fish and other organisms, adversely impacting sea life health and reproductivity as well as human health when consuming the affected fish.

Local governments remain barred from regulating the use of unfiltered cigars.

“Ocean Conservancy stood up and advocated for this very important law, and today we are beyond thrilled to see it officially go into effect,” Brooker said on Lido Beach. “For too long, cigarette butts have hurt our environment and Florida’s beaches.”

Cyndi Seamon, the vice president of Longboat Key Turtle Watch, said the organization’s turtle patrol volunteers typically pick up trash they see during the season and conduct beach cleanups at other times of the year. She said that they frequently see cigarette butts and plastic cigar tips in the sand.

She also said cigarette butts can also arrive on the shore through another path that doesn’t involve beachside smoking. “Some of our trash is due to runoff from roadways,” she said. “I am certain we have all seen the cigarette butts in curb area at intersections. When it rains,

Courtesy photos

guess where they run off to?”

Leatherman, who lobbied lawmakers in Tallahassee on behalf of the bill, extolled the success experienced by Hawaii when it moved to ban beach smoking.

“People said: ‘Oh, it can’t happen.

Waikiki Beach is a world-famous beach. People won’t come here and cause a dip in tourism,’” he said. “It had no effect on tourism. In fact, people are so glad there are not cigarette butts to litter the beach make it unattractive.

“We’ve got so many great beaches in Florida, and Hawaii has been beating out Florida with the number of top-10 beaches, and that can’t be right. We’ve got 825 miles of great, wide, sandy beaches while Hawaii has something like 100 miles, so I think it’s time for now for more Florida beaches to make the list.”

Two Florida beaches did make Leatherman’s top 10 list for 2022: Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin/Clearwater is ranked second, and St. George Island State Park in the Panhandle is fourth.

Enacting a ban here is one thing.

Enforcing it is another. Discussions among Sarasota city staff and commissioners might include options for smokers, such as a designated smoking area well away from the shore.

“Now comes, how do local governments tackle this issue?” Gruters said. “We’re hoping that through education campaign, hopefully by setting the example early on in by widespread the PR campaign at the local level, that we’ll be able to deal with some of those issues. But there’s no question law enforcement has to have a buy-in.

“We’ve talked with law enforcement and local communities, and the overwhelming response from local governments is they wanted to

have the ability to do this, and they thought they can manage the flipside once it actually happens.”

In 2013, a county judge ruled against the city of Sarasota in its attempt to begin issuing citations for outdoor smoking on beaches and other public, non-school outdoor areas. The American Civil Liberties Union fought the city ordinance, painting the smoking ban as a backdoor tool to fight homelessness.

The county legislation followed a city ordinance adopted in 2008 to prohibit smoking on public beaches and public beach parks, parks that are adjacent to the beach.

Chapter 386 of the Florida Statutes, the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act, prevents outdoor smoking by anyone under 18 within 1,000 feet of school property and gives the state power to regulate any other outdoor smoking. It was that chapter that was amended to create this new opportunity for local governments.

During last week’s Sarasota City Commission meeting, City Attorney Robert Fournier sought direction regarding any local action, reminding commissioners of differences between the city and county ordinances prior to being struck down in court.

“The city did not act to prohibit smoking in parks. The county did, but only when youth athletic organized events were going on,” Fournier said. “So the question right now is, if you want to address this, would you prefer to wait and see what Sarasota County does? Or if you know now that you either do not want to regulate or that you don’t, I could prepare an ordinance accordingly to be brought back.”

Sarasota Observer city hall reporter Andrew Warfield contributed to this report.

Participants in the July 1 beach smoking ban event ceremonially place giant cigarette butts in a trash bag, illustrating the state’s enabling legislation allowing localities to prohibit smoking on the beach.

“I would take this direction to say we don’t need to come back to you in a workshop.

We’re just going to come back to you with a proposed ordinance for you to consider.”

— Tom Harmer

3A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

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

5370 GULF OF MEXICO DR, LONGBOAT KEY SUITE 105 384678-1

4A

A Longboat Key Landmark

Drainage easement approved on town land Courtesy rendering

Stormwater runoff will be allowed to flow into the bay from commercial and residential projects.

Harry’s French Feast Wine Dinner Wednesday, July 20th | 6:30pm | $109/person+tax+gratuity

Harry's Restaurant

ERIC GARWOOD

Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner

MANAGING EDITOR

Monday - Pop that Bottle Night (No Corkage Fee) Wine Wednesday - 25% off Bottles of Wine(Restaurant) Tuesday + Thursday - Steak and Frites Special $32.99 4 Course Dinner Prix Fixe $48 with Wine Pairings $65 3 Course Lunch Prix Fixe $20.22

A

11 AM-7PM Take-Out/Curbside Pickup

Harry's Catering

Booking Parties For All Occasions

Private Patio Space Available Buy 2 Entrees Get a Free Dessert Slice Party Specialties Available 20% of Wine Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday

385219-1

Harry's Gourmet Deli

Restaurant Reservations Suggested

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

n undeveloped strip of townowned land will serve as a key stormwater-drainage feature for a proposed commercial development and pair of homes immediately to its south, following town approval.

The Town Commission on July 1 granted an easement on townowned right of way east of the paved portion of Monroe Street to serve as a conduit for drainage into Crane’s Bayou from land to the south owned by 3150 GMD LCC. The owner proposes to build a 14,000-square-foot multitenant commercial project at 3120 and 3150 Gulf of Mexico Drive and two homes at the corner of Buttonwood Drive and Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Town staff recommended the commission approve the easement as part of a coordinated plan for stormwater between the two development proposals.

During presentations to both the Town Commission and the Planning and Zoning Board this spring,

developer Mark Ursini of Brista Homes said that the stormwater plan was designed to not only satisfy the needs of both the commercial and residential proposals but also improve drainage for a wider area that is prone to holding runoff from nearby Gulf of Mexico Drive.

In discussion preceding both the residential and commercial project approvals, town staff and Ursini said that even without the easements, the stormwater plans for each project would be sufficient, but the addition of the outflow via the easement would accommodate the wider improvement plan.

Ursini’s Brista Homes plans to build two homes along Buttonwood Drive and the commercial project immediately to the north. Brista Homes would be responsible for upkeep of all the components of the drainage features.

The commercial proposal, approved in April, calls for 43 parking spaces, though 37 are required in the current configuration. Ursini he plans to open a Brista Homes office there, and he hopes a walk-in medical clinic can occupy one of the spaces.

A restaurant’s parking requirements were built into the plans, but based on 1,500 square feet of floor space.

A restaurant would require Planning and Zoning Board approval.

The commercial proposal, approved in April, calls for 43 parking spaces, though 37 are required in the current configuration.

ANNOUNCING THE RETURN OF:

donate & shop donate & shop donate & shop

2022 SUMMER LUNCH & LEARN SERIES

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

Proudly Sponsored by Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

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

July 19 and August 16 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Michael’s On East, Sarasota Only $39 Per Lecture—Includes Luncheon!

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

Rabbi Noam Marans AJC Director, Interreligious and Intergroup Relations TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

The Many Voices of Christianity on Israel: Not One Size Fits All Christians worldwide, and especially in the U.S., are not of one mind regarding support for Israel and diverse approaches for different denominations are needed.

Holly Huffnagle AJC U.S. Director, Combating Antisemitism TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2022

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

370398-1

America’s Wakeup Call: What Rising Antisemitism Means for the United States

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.

384859-1

AUDITOR INFORMATION

384972-1

Limited Seating Advanced Reservations Required.

RSVP Online at AJC.org/Sarasota/summer2022 Or Email: sarasota@ajc.org Or Call AJC at 941.365.4955

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

Antisemitism, the world’s longest hatred, is rising in the United States. Americans must wakeup to the fact that what begins with Jews, rarely ends with Jews. The current rise of hate, prejudice, and conspiratorial thinking should be a warning for all.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

5A

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Town hopes to directly identify candidates for Harmer’s job Between now and December, the town aims to target specific people to consider for the town manager position.

BY THE BOOK According to the town charter, a simple majority of town commissioners is insufficient to hire a town manager.

Article III, Section 1: The Town Commission shall, by an affirmative vote of a least five (5) members, appoint a town manager who shall serve at the pleasure of the Town Commission and for such compensation as determined by the Commission. The manager shall be appointed solely on the basis of professional and administrative qualifications.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

A

targeted approach to recruiting a new town manager has worked before, so the Town Commission has decided to first try that path to replace the retiring Tom Harmer by the end of the year.

Harmer in June told commissioners and town staff that he plans to step away in December, five years after coming to the town from his previous role as Sarasota County administrator. He would have been eligible for contract renewal in August.

Commissioners in 2017 focused on Harmer as their first choice, forgoing a broad search for candidates and signed him to a five-year deal on July 17 of that year to start Dec. 11, 2017. He replaced Dave Bullock, who had served for 14 years as a deputy administrator for Sarasota County and likewise was targeted as a potential job candidate for the town.

When seeking to replace Bruce St. Denis in 2011, the town first focused on a range of local candidates, many of whom pointed to Bullock instead.

Bullock stepped aside in early 2018 following about a month of overlap with Harmer, who arrived in December 2017.

Harmer leaves, his legacy will remain not only in the work he’s done but also with the department heads and managers he’s brought to the town.

HARMER’S LEGACY

‘SAD DAY’

“It’s a sad day for us, the commission and for the town,” Mayor Ken Schneier said of Harmer’s announcement.

“I’ve asked him to reconsider, but his plans are fixed and understandable. If there’s any good news is that we (have) time to fill this position.

It’s the biggest job that we have as a commission, bar none.”

Schneier said that even after

Public Works Director Isaac Brownman and Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons came to the town from similar roles in Sarasota County government; the town’s director of support services, Carolyn Brown, came from Sarasota’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department in late 2018.

Michael Regnier, the chief of Sarasota County’s fire-rescue department, came to Longboat Key in December 2021 to serve as an assistant chief after 33 years with the county.

“As I looked out, and my contract was coming to a natural term ending in December, that probably the timing was right, but it doesn’t make it any easier,” Harmer said. “When I was hired five years ago, I made a commitment to those commissioners back then to stay at least five years. And it was important to me to maintain that commitment.”

Harmer said he made his announcement in June to give the Town Commission ample time to begin recruiting. The sale of Harmer’s home in Bay Isles is pending, having been on the real estate market for 61 days.

“I don’t plan to apply anywhere else for a city or county manager. If I did, I would truly stay here because I think this is the best local government job in the state of Florida,” Harmer said, adding that colleagues

around Florida have asked him when he was going to “get out of the way” to allow someone else a chance at the role.

In recommending three approaches to recruiting, Harmer said commissioners could focus on: n Internal candidates; n A targeted effort focusing on specific people; and n External recruitment.

“You could rent a plane and fly it down the beach, you could take out an ad in the Wall Street Journal, you could do a Florida advertisement, you could take an internal candidate and make them an interim and see how that works,” he said.

PUBLIC HIRING

In a public hiring and recruitment process, Harmer said, candidates who already work for municipalities or counties can be reticent to apply to a general job solicitation. Identifying a candidate and then approaching them directly can eliminate some of that wariness on the way to finding a strong candidate.

Commissioner BJ Bishop said that if the targeted approach doesn’t show signs of progress by mid-August, the town needs to be prepared to move ahead on a new approach, such as looking at internal candidates or involving a recruiting company, though she said she hasn’t had good experiences with recruiters.

“The best people aren’t going to risk losing their job wherever they are without the certainty that this job is available,” Bishop said.

Commissioners also agreed that

File photo

Town Manager Tom Harmer plans to step down in December after five years on the job.

pursuing someone with experience dealing with Florida laws and agencies makes sense, which further points toward considering a targeted approach to recruiting.

Florida open government laws allow one-on-one conversations between elected officials and a job candidate, but discussions as an elected board must be public.

Harmer and Town Attorney Maggie Mooney can meet with candidates and discuss such topics as compensation, but they can’t offer a job.

“We can bring back a recommendation to you,” Mooney said.

Harmer said that when he was recruited in 2018, Mooney and Bull-

“The best people aren’t going to risk losing their job wherever they are without the certainty that this job is available.”

— BJ Bishop, town commissioner

ock brought him a draft contract to review. When he agreed to the terms, the contract was brought before the Town Commission in a public setting for a vote.

TENT SALE On Tile & Countertops JULY 16

TH

— JULY 30

TH

Exclusive tile & countertop sale under the tent.

Cash/credit & carry. While supplies last.

Sale ends 2pm on Saturday, July 30th.

Tent Hours: 8:00am – 4:30pm : Monday – Friday 10:00am – 2:00pm : Saturday Closed Sunday < Scan For Directions

941.355.2703

|

|

Flooring

|

Backsplash

|

Quartz

4500 Carmichael Ave., Sarasota, FL 34234

|

|

Granite

FloridaDesignWorks.com

385170-1

Tile

FLORIDADESIGNWORKS.COM

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

COPS CORNER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

FRIDAY, JULY 1

BE RIGHT THERE 11:40 p.m., 5300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Unsecured premises: An officer making a routine check of retail shops discovered the door to one of them unlocked. Inside, everything appeared normal with no sign of a break-in. The officer discovered the phone number of the proprietor who, when reached, assured the officer someone would come to lock up. The officer left a business card on the countertop.

SATURDAY, JULY 2

UNDER WATER 12:20 p.m., near Manatee County shoreline Agency assistance: A marine patrol officer investigated a report of a suspicious boat near the mainland Manatee County shoreline of Sarasota Bay. The vessel was partially submerged in seven feet of water while tied off to a mooring buoy and marked with a derelict-vessel buoy.

Another officer said the craft was known to be in the area.

THOSE PEOPLE 6:28 p.m., 5300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen dispute: A resident called police to complain about nearby renters who were said to be loud, vulgar and left beach furniture on the sand. The resident also called the unit owner, who said the renters were leaving soon. The renters were not present when police were there.

HAPPY JULY 2ND! 8:35 p.m., 2100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Fireworks: An officer told a family with several small children that fireworks were only permitted on July 4 and never in proximity of marked sea turtle nests. A family member said they had expended their fireworks supply for the night and would not ignite any more until the holiday.

SUNDAY, JULY 3

LOST AT SEA (SORT OF) 12:30 p.m., Sarasota Bay Boating call: A marine patrol officer was flagged down near the moorings by the operator of a personal watercraft who said she had become separated from her riding com-

panion and didn’t know where she was. The rider said she had rented the craft on Anna Maria Island. The officer escorted the rider north and learned her friend was waiting near the Cortez bridge. The officer made sure the two riders found each other.

LIVING, LEARNING 2:31 p.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Dog on the beach: Responding to a call about a man and two dogs on the beach, an officer found all three and informed the man he was in violation of a town code. The man left the beach with the dogs immediately and was issued a verbal warning.

MONDAY, JULY 4

THEY CAN BE SCARY 8:26 a.m., 3400 block of Winding Oaks Drive Animal complaint: A resident called police to say there were two snapping turtles in her yard and she was apprehensive about going outside with them nearby. The responding officer learned one of the turtles had been removed by a neighbor and the other was at large.

FULL OF MASKED MISCHIEF 9:24 a.m., 4700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: Police arrived at the scene of reported toppled-over trash cans to find staffers from the Public Works Department already working to clean up. Raccoons were suspected.

IT’S MINE 12:47 p.m., 3700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: A resident who reported to police someone parking in his assigned space was told that because it was private property, the matter was best addressed by the property manager, not police.

RIGHTING THE SHIP 2:48 p.m., near the 5300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Boating call: The town’s marine patrol officer responded to the site of a capsized catamaran. When he arrived, he watched as the sole sailor was initially unsuccessful in returning the sailboat to the upright position. Another boater assisted

and was successful. The sailor was uninjured and sailed off.

NATURE, AM I RIGHT? 4:35 p.m., 1500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Animal complaint: An officer responding to the beach told a concerned caller there was nothing police could do about birds congregating near a marked sea turtle nest.

LITERALLY, A DUMPSTER FIRE 10:56 p.m., 3100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Fire: An officer and the town’s fire department responded to a fire in a trash bin, likely ignited by discarded fireworks. The fire, on the north side of the parking lot, was extinguished by firefighters.

TUESDAY, JULY 5

UP ON THE ROOFTOP 6:30 p.m., 600 block of Linley Street Noise complaint: A resident alerted police to noise coming from afterhours work on a roof nearby. An officer encountered a language barrier in speaking to the workers.

The property owner said he would call the contractor’s office and have them shut down for the day. The officer alerted the property owner that another complaint about at-work noise would result in a civil citation.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6

UH, THAT ONE WENT LEFT 4:20 p.m., 400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Property damage, not vandalism: A driver across the street from a golf course flagged down a police officer to show him a softball-sized, circular crack in her windshield caused by a golf ball moments earlier. The officer saw a golf cart heading in their general direction and flagged down the two golfers, asking if one of them had struck an errant tee shot. One of them said he had. He exchanged information with the driver of the car, and the officer gave each of them a case number and a business card.

PALM DOWN 5:29 p.m., 5600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Noise: An officer responding to a call about after-hours work noise encountered a worker standing next to a trailer filled with palm branches,

with power tools nearby. The officer explained the town’s work-noise regulations, and the worker said he was finished for the day.

THURSDAY, JULY 7

OH, RIGHT . . . HIM 9:43 a.m., 600 block of Bowsprit Lane Citizen assist: Police investigated a report of people inside a residential garage without permission. The outof-town property owner reported the incident after receiving an alert via security camera. The officer sent to investigate learned the man in the garage was a bonafide property caretaker, and the owner had forgotten about the appointment.

HELP WHEN NEEDED 10:41 p.m., 700 block of Binnacle Point Drive Citizen assist: Police came to the assistance of a resident who needed help closing a water valve connected to a defective sprinkler system. The fire department was also called to check the sprinkler-control system, which was experiencing an electrical problem.

TUESDAY, JULY 5

THEFT? NOT REALLY. 11:03 a.m., 5300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: An officer was dispatched to learn more about a reported theft. A property owner told the officer that an appliance retailer had been engaged to deliver a new clothes dryer and remove the old unit. Instead, the retailer’s crew delivered the dryer and removed both the washer and dryer. The property owner said the retailer had already compensated him for the mistaken-washer removal. The officer said what remained of the dispute was civil in nature, not rising to the level of a crime. The property owner accepted the officer’s explanation.

The Republican Party of Sarasota and Manatee Counties proudly present:

Candidates Rally!

Free Pie from Yoder’s and Der Dutchman!

July 16 at Robarts Arena.

Doors open at 10 a.m. and speeches begin at 11:30 a.m.

Invited Speakers

Governor Ron DeSantis U.S. Senator Marco Rubio Truth Social Will Be On Site Congressman Vern Buchanan (District 16) Congressman Greg Steube (District 17) State Senator and RPOF Chairman Joe Gruters (District 23) State Senator Jim Boyd (District 20)

National Salem Radio Host Mike Gallagher will be live broadcasting!

handcrafted furniture for a lifetime. two locations

-

3737 Bahia Vista St. Sarasota, FL 34232 941.952.5646 6100 N Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 941.960.2942

scan here:

www.sarasotagop.com | (941) SRQ-4GOP | (941) 777-4467

dutchhausfurniture.com we have the largest selection of in-stock amish furniture in florida!

Paid for and approved by the Republican Party of Sarasota County and the Republican Party of Manatee County.

384597-1

includes Dining Bedroom Murphy Beds Office Living Room Outdoor Poly Bathroom Vanities Kitchen Cabinets

There will also be dozens of other incumbents and candidates from the Sarasota-Manatee region, including legislators, Sarasota and Manatee county commission and school board candidates, municipal candidates from Sarasota, Venice, Bradenton, Holmes Beach and more.

382154-1

6A

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

7A

HAPPY

NEWSIVERSARY NEWSIES TURN ONE TODAY! Time flies when you are having fun.

HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY to our Newsies members.

Thank you for supporting local journalism in our community.

We have some exciting NEWS to share: Shortly, we will be launching a new digital app and website and Newsie members will be the first to know.

383300-1

Here’s to another year of great reading together!

What’s a Newsie? Visit YourObserver.com/newsies to find out.

8A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

LBK Commission shows how Rare is the day when elected officials turn away all they can get and then spend it. But to their credit, Longboat commissioners are leading the region in proposing to cut property tax rates for the next fiscal year.

L

ongboat Key residents and property owners are blessed.

Not just because of the great fortune to be able to live full or part time on this slice of paradise. But comparatively speaking over the past quarter-century, Longboat Key property owners and taxpayers have been blessed throughout most of its history with competent town commissioners and a competent, well-run town government.

So when the commissioners and town administration do good and do well, they should be recognized.

To that end, we’ve been watching how some of the area boards of commissioners and city councils are approaching this summer’s round of budget planning, in particular what they are proposing for the next fiscal year’s tax rates.

As many of us have heard and read, thanks to the euphoric jumps in real estate values, in most cases double-digit percentage increases, local governments will be collecting millions more next fiscal year in property taxes.

In Longboat Key, property values rose 14.39%, according to the Sarasota and Manatee counties’ property appraisers.

Sarasota County: 16.6% Manatee County: 17.3% City of Sarasota: 17.8% City of Bradenton: 16.2%

All of these increases mean these government entities are and will be awash in cash from property taxes.

Thanks to Florida’s Save Our Homes constitutional amendment in 1992, those increases, thank goodness, do not translate automatically to 14.39%, 16.6% and 17% increases in your propertytax rates. Save Our Homes limits tax-rate increases to 3% annually on homesteaded properties (fulltime residents) and up to 10% for non-homesteaded properties (snow birds).

Even so, the increases in taxable values are going to translate into higher tax collections even if each of these government entities keep the same ad valorem millage rates.

Take Longboat Key. If town commissioners kept the current operating millage rate of 2.114 per $1,000 of taxable value for the next fiscal year, the town would collect an additional $1.88 million in property taxes above its current collections.

That increase alone would be the equivalent of 13% of the town’s total budget. That’s huge.

To the town commissioners’ credit, though, they are on track to lower Longboaters’ tax rate. As the accompanying box shows, as of press time, the Longboat Key Town Commission is the leader of the pack among the two counties and the region’s two biggest municipali-

TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATES FOR 2022-23 The following are the preliminary proposed operating millage rates for the next fiscal year.

Current Proposed % Change Longboat Key 2.1140 1.9900 -5.80% City of Sarasota 3.1372 3.0000 -4.32% Sarasota County 3.4561 3.4463 -0.28% Bradenton 5.8976 5.8976 — Manatee County 6.3826 6.5326 +2.35%

LONGBOAT KEY’S TOTAL PROPOSED RATES

Longboat millage rates are different for owners on the east and west side of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Gulfside owners pay 80% of beach bonds; bayside owners pay 20%. The following are the proposed total millage rates, which include the operating millage, debt service and beach bonds.

Current Proposed % Change Gulfside 3.0250 2.7509 -9.06% Bayside 2.3847 2.2173 -7.02%

ties in terms of proposing lower tax rates.

Kudos to them. Rare is the day when elected officials turn away all they can get and then spend it.

At the proposed operating millage rate of 1.99, the town still is expected to collect an additional $999,819, a nice boost.

Although commissioners could still cut the tax rate more between now and the adoption of the budget Oct. 1, we won’t argue or get greedy.

When you see total tax rates for Longboat Key dropping 7%-9% as proposed, perhaps you can be inclined to thank town commissioners for recognizing what so many other elected officials do not: that they are handling other people’s money.

TAKE A BOW ON THE NEW STAGE More kudos: This time to former Longboat Key Mayor Jim Brown for raising more than $360,000 in private-sector donations in about two weeks to secure the funding needed to construct a covered stage at the Town Center Green.

We’ve always been a skeptic about the town center, in particular when the vision included a $17 million arts, education and community center.

But after Brown reported six contributions of $50,000 without hardly asking, it shows there’s ample appetite for the new vision.

We can’t wait to see the first performance on the new stage.

Fallacy of eliminating fossil fuels

MARK MILLS

Editor’s note: As the Biden administration forces Americans to shift to electric vehicles by choking off fossil fuel production, it neglects to tell Americans how unrealistic that goal is. In the following text, transcribed from a video produced

by Prager University, Mark Mills shows how it will be impossible to eliminate fossil fuels if we want to live the way we do.

Illustrations courtesy of Prager University

Fossil fuels currently provide 84% of all the world’s energy. That percentage has declined only 2 points in the past 20 years.

W

e’re headed toward an exciting energy future.

Wind and solar will power the energy of tomorrow. And tomorrow isn’t far off.

Time to wake up. We’re having a dream. Here’s the reality: Oil, natural gas and coal provide 84% of all the world’s energy.

That’s down just 2 percentage points from 20 years ago.

And oil still powers nearly 97% of all global transportation.

Contrary to headlines that we are rapidly transitioning away from fossil fuels — it’s just not happening.

After two decades and $5 trillion of government investing in green energy, we have barely moved the needle.

This was supposed to be easy.

Why is it so hard?

In a word: Rocks.

To get the same amount of energy from wind and solar that we now get from fossil fuels, we are going to have to massively increase mining by more than 1,000%.

This isn’t speculation. This is physics.

Copper, iron ore, silicon, nickel, chromium, zinc, cobalt, lithium, graphite and rare Earth metals like neodymium — we need them all.

And then those metals and materials need to be turned into motors, turbine blades, solar panels, batteries and hundreds of other industrial components.

That also takes lots of energy, which requires even more mining.

As a World Bank study put it, these green technologies are in fact significantly more material intensive than our current energy mix.

That may be the understatement of the century.

Raw materials account for 50% to 70% of the cost to manufacture both solar panels and batteries.

Until now, it hasn’t really mattered much because wind and solar still only account for a few percentage points of the global energy supply. They are an applause line for environmentalists, not a major energy player, and it’s unlikely they will be in the foreseeable future.

But for the sake of argument, let’s say we sharply ramp up mining.

Where would these new mines be located?

For one, China. That country is the single largest source of most of our critical energy materials.

The United States is not only a minor player, but it is dependent on imports for 100% of 17 critical minerals.

Do we want to give China more

political and economic leverage?

Europe has made itself dependent on Russia for 40% of its natural gas.

How well has that worked out?

Ironically, we have all the minerals we need right here in North America. But good luck trying to get them out of the ground.

Proposals to build mines in the United States and increasingly almost everywhere else meet fierce opposition if not outright bans.

To give one example, in 2022, the Biden administration canceled a proposed copper and nickel mine in northern Minnesota. This was after years of delays and navigating a maze of environmental regulations.

And yet the same environmentalists and green-leaning politicians who tout all the benefits of electric cars are the same people who make mining those materials that are essential to build those cars, like copper and nickel, all but impossible.

Try to square that circle.

So far, we’ve only talked about today’s energy needs. What about tomorrow’s?

Future energy demand will be far

greater than today’s. That has been true for the entire history of civilization. The future will not have more people but also more innovations.

Entrepreneurs have always been better at inventing new ways to use energy than to produce it.

It’s obvious, but worth stating: Before the invention of automobiles, airplanes, pharmaceuticals or computers, there was no energy needed to power them. And as more people become more prosperous, they will want the things others already have — from better medical care to vacations to cars.

In America, there are about 80 cars for every 100 citizens. In most of the world, it’s about five for every 100 citizens. More than 80% of air travel is for personal purposes.

That’s 2 billion barrels of oil a year.

Hospitals use 250% more energy per square foot than an average commercial building.

And the global information infrastructure — the cloud — already uses twice as much energy as the entire country of Japan, the world’s third-largest economy.

The massive data centers at the heart of the cloud alone almost consume 10 times more electricity than the world’s 10 million electric cars.

E-commerce has taken off, and it’s propelling record growth in warehouses, increasingly filled with energy-hungry robots.

America’s truck index more than doubled in the past decade to deliver to and from those warehouses.

These are today’s known trends.

While we can’t predict the future, we can predict there will be more innovation in robotics, drones, quantum computing, biotechnology in new industries not yet imagined.

All of it will require more energy.

A lot more. Fossils fuels, nuclear and, yes, renewables will be required.

But if you think we can get it all from wind and solar — dream on.

Mark Mills is a senior fellow at Prager University. The video can be viewed at YouTube.com/embed / wDOI-uLvTnY.

“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 Writer / Lesley Dwyer, LDwyer@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@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. 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

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

Each year the Rotary Club of Longboat Key chooses a new president.

This year, the gavel was passed to Jeff Driver. Having only joined a couple years ago, he’s a relative newbie to the Rotary, but he had the “do-goodery” down long before. Driver sat down with the Longboat Observer to answer some question about the Rotary and his leadership plans over the next year.

When and why did you join Rotary?

Over two years ago, Jack and Nancy Rozance, who we met through working with the Longboat Key Turtle Watch, suggested that my wife, Terri, and I consider membership with the Rotary Club of Longboat Key. Terri and I have had an ongoing intention to be involved in public and environmental health, wellness promotion, and service-oriented organizations. I was already familiar with Rotary International, and I have been involved in some of their key focus areas through my professional career and academic appointments, most recently at USF’s College of Public Health. The current Rotary Club of Longboat Key has a wonderful history of neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers uniting for “do-goodery” and creating positive change.

What is either your favorite or most rewarding act of volunteerism since joining?

Everything. When you give, you receive. So many great Rotary moments have already accumulated, including providing food

and other resources to families in need, providing and reading books to children that they can then take home with them, working with other service groups such as Shelter Box and SmileTrain, and engaging with talented persons who visit with us as part of our exceptional guest speakers program. The speaker’s program features local town and county government officials and staff and persons working on important regional, national, and global initiatives. For example, response to the COVID-19 pandemic, sustainable food and water sources, environmental conservation programs. scientific research programs regarding topics such as Alzheimer’s, space exploration, and the creation of sustainable green spaces, such as Robinson’s Preserve in Manatee County.

What prompted your interest in the presidency?

Being inspired by past presidents and their exemplary commitment and contributions and being asked to serve in this role by my colleagues. It is a privilege to work with so many talented people.

What goals have you set for your term?

I have developed a strategic plan for 2022-23 that focuses on public wellness and environmental sustainability. We are exploring opportunities and activities in this regard such as health and fitness promotion, conservation efforts for Sarasota Bay and collaboration with other ongoing green initiatives, including “microforesting” methods, which are efforts to bring flora and fauna into urban areas to combat climate change, and address other issues such as the prevention of non-point source run-off into waterways.

Our plan also emphasizes continuation of our previous successful initiates, for example Books for Kids and Literacy at Tuttle Elementary,

Longboat Key's Best Value!

Lesley Dwyer

support to the Children’s Guardian Fund, and groups such as Turning Points, hosting events such as the Longboat Key Hot Diggity Dog Parade on July 4, a November Veterans Day Event, and Adopt-a-Highway sponsorship on Gulf of Mexico Drive.

In addition, we are planning an exciting and educational Guest Speaker series and associated special events that focus on important local, regional, national and global issues.

Further, we intend to continue to collaborate with the town of Longboat Key, including our emergency responders, our local county governments, and other Rotary Clubs service organizations such as the LBK Paradise Center for Healthy Living, the Longboat Key Turtle Watch, our Chamber of Commerce and others.

As of July 1, Jeff Driver is the new Rotary president.

AT THE LAZY LOBSTER

MONDAY - SATURDAY *EXCLUDING MOTHER'S DAY

CALVES LIVER & ONIONS - $25

featuring

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

calves liver, sautéed in brown butter, with crisp applewood bacon & smothered with onions, potato gratin & vegetable

plus one other featured entrée rotated in from our collection of classics

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED - CALL 941 383 0440

CHARLES JOSEPH LONGBOAT KEY

BE HEARD Surely you have an opinion on a town issue. Let us hear it through a letter to the editor. Email them to Managing Editor Eric Garwood at EGarwood@YourObserver. com. Be sure to include your name and where you live.

+ = APPLE PIE ICE CREAM

JULY'S limited time flavor available at

plus

10 complete entrees under $20 4 lobster dishes under $30

Matt, your recent editorial on President Biden is unabashedly right on target.

This man has no idea where he is and what he is doing. We are in deep, deep trouble when you have leftist “woke” interns wind him up each day and tell what to say, where to stand, and when to leave.

God help us!

Hopefully, your op-ed is read and digested by the liberals on Longboat, but I doubt it.

Again great writing, keep it going.

+

BRINGING BACK THE CLASSICS

3:30 - 5:00*

Opinion piece was right on target

9A

Speak to a prospective member; why should they join?

Volunteering with Rotary and other organizations is an opportunity to help others and our planet, and in doing so, truly enrich your own life. If we are not giving, we are not fully living! Rotary also provides wonderful self-education opportunities, for example through our guest speaker’s program. We invite non-members, students, neighbors, and visitors to attend our meetings in person or via the web. Also, we enjoy having people participate in any of our projects. Just give it a try and see how the experience might inspire you.

THROWBACK THURSDAYs

EARLY DINING & HAPPY HOUR

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

LETTERS

Jeff Driver now steers ‘do-goodery’ as Rotary president

|

THURSDAYS 3:30 - 9:00 Call 941-383-0440 for Reservations or to Order Take-Out (while supplies last) OPEN FOR IN-HOUSE DINING • 5350 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

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

382895-1

gigigigi gigi

XNLV2041 385213-11

Monday - Saturday: Dinner: 3:30 - 9:00 Early Dining Menu & Happy Hour: 3:30 - 5:00 Closed Sundays lazylobsteroflongboat.com • 941-383-0440

Broker Associate - Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Town OKs trash-rate hike but vows to keep watching Waste Management Inc. gains approval for the 10.01% increase, but leaders will monitor the increases agreed to by surrounding communities.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

A

dd trash collection to the list of things that will cost you more this year.

And although town leaders said they understood the reasoning behind the recently granted request by Waste Management Inc. for a 10.01% rate increase for town residents and businesses, it doesn’t mean they were happy about it.

“I am usually never a fan of amending contracts, but I drive a Subaru, and yesterday it cost me at the pump $78 to fill up, so I know this is an extraordinary time for anyone who has vehicles on the road,” Commissioner BJ Bishop said. “Part of me wanted to say, ‘Let’s just do away with Thursday trash pickup,’ but coming into the summer, with only one power outage with one storm, there’d be a lot of stinky garbage in the street.”

No change in service is taking place, with twice-weekly garbage collection and once-a-week recycling collection remaining the norm.

But for the typical single-family household, the rate that appears on monthly bills will move from $16.19 to $17.72, taking effect on July 1 for billing on Aug. 1.

Condominiums that rely on central locations for trash pickup will see a similar increase charged to the governing association. James Linkogle, project manager for the Public Works Department, said what individual residents see on their bills would be a matter of how much of

More Than A PLAN...

File photo

the increase the associations pass along to residents.

Jason White, a representative of Waste Management, told commissioners that Longboat Key is the first of the municipalities it serves to see the rate increase, but he assured them the company’s other clients will follow.

Waste Management’s agreement with the town typically allows up to a 4% increase in annual rates.

In requesting the 10.01% increase, Waste Management cited the results of an economic formula that considered a 27.5% increase in fuel costs and an increase in the consumer price index of 8.07%.

Commissioners, who were asked to approve change in the form of a single-year resolution, said they were wary of being the first municipality asked to approve the increase.

“Being the lead pony in this is a somewhat awkward position for us,” Mayor Ken Schneier said. “That’s one point I’m hearing and two is we understand the difficulty and are sympathetic.”

Schneier suggested moving forward with the increase while monitoring what other nearby and similar municipalities are doing when Waste Management approaches them.

“If the result of that experience for them is that the 4% cap is holding or some middle ground is the norm, then we will request that they back us off, that we renegotiate the terms of this increase,” Schneier said.

For the typical single-family household, the rate that appears on monthly bills will move from $16.19 to $17.72, taking effect on July 1 for billing on Aug. 1.

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

For more than 30 years, the Toale Brothers family has helped people make their choices now, so those decisions don’t fall on their families later.

Create a plan and a promise for your loved ones. Give us a call today to start the conversation.

Sarasota’s Only Locally Owned Community Bank People like to shop local. Supporting local retailers and frequenting independent restaurants is a great way to make an investment in the place where you live, work, and play.

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

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

Meet your new banker. Call us today.

(941) 303-4200

Live here. Bank here.

941.955.4171 • www.ToaleBrothers.com

378134-1

Proudly serving Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice since 1912.

370880-1

10A

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

JULY 14, 2022

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

ROOTS

Nick Gallardo helped co-create the musical arrangements.

Mike Gallardo handles the drumming for Rock & Roll Reignited at FST.

Jared Mancuso, creator of the show, in full Buddy Holly garb.

Photos courtesy of Destiny Jackson

Aurora DuBois handles the bass.

RENAISSANCE ‘Rock & Roll Reignited’ at FST is taking on some of the songs you love best.

And bringing them back to the future.

SPENCER FORDIN A+E EDITOR

J

ared Mancuso and Nick Gallardo have sharpened their act in over 150 cities.

Sarasota offered them a chance to settle down.

Mancuso and Gallardo are the driving forces behind “Rock & Roll Reignited,” a show that brings roots rock songs into the present day and reimagines what they can sound like.

Here, playing in the intimate John C. Court Cabaret at Florida Studio Theatre, they’re working six nights a week and they can see every face, some singing along. And because

they have the opportunity to play in one house for two months, they’re seeing their show evolve to a new level.

“We’ve been working toward something like this for years,” says Gallardo. “So when it comes, you relish in it and the advantages you’re taking from it. This is eight weeks of consistent stage time, and we’re bettering ourselves just by being here.

It’s cool to have that consistency because that’s where new ideas come from. We’re more cohesive now.”

Gallardo and Mancuso have been exploring the classic roots catalogue together for about seven years, and they’ve seen their act evolve from a tribute act to a renaissance.

The pair, joined by bassist Aurora DuBois and bassist Mike Gallardo, play songs from legendary artists like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis, and they show the SEE ROOTS, PAGE 12A

The intimate confines of the John C. Court Cabaret serve as the backdrop for “Rock & Roll Re-Ignited.”

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Roots

IF YOU GO

FROM PAGE 11A

audience the way the music has influenced subsequent generations of artists.

At one point, they had a part of their show where they would play a rootsy sounding song and then ask the audience who wrote it and when.

The punchline: The song would probably be from 2016 or 2017, but it would sound like a time gone by.

The main thrust of this show, though, is the music that has been playing from jukeboxes for much of the last half-century.

With a modern touch here or a little tweak there, a song that has been familiar for most of your life can feel totally revitalized and renewed.

“There’s something very cool and honorable about playing the songs how they were played first and foremost,” says Gallardo of the show’s philosophy. “But there is immense growth when you’re able to infuse yourself into the music and then bring it authentically into the future.”

“They were just like picking up their guitar, playing in a chord and going for it,” adds Mancuso of the music’s enduring legacy. “We grew up listening to a lot of ’80s and ’90s music. You start to see more arrangement happening. The bass cuts out here. The guitar is doing this flourish instead of a standard chord. What we’ve done is taken that idea with the songs and said, ‘What if we cut out here? What if we add this guitar lick here?’ That’s what in our imagination is reigniting it.”

Both Gallardo and Mancuso say they’ve spent some time thinking about why the early songs in the rock and roll canon still resonate with people all these decades later.

In some ways, they say, it’s about the simplicity and the purity of the music. But it’s also about the way it was delivered; people gathered to watch the “Ed Sullivan Show” or waited to hear songs on the radio.

Today?

Well, people can stream whatever they want whenever they want.

“You were forced to plant yourself

‘ROCK & ROLL RE-IGNITED’ When: Runs through Aug. 7 Where: John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. Tickets: $36 Info: FloridaStudioTheatre.org

there,” says Gallardo. “It’s almost romantic. It’s cool to think that people took the time to say, ‘We’re going to sit next to the radio and listen to this song.’”

Gallardo, whose cousin Mike is the drummer for the Sarasota shows, said he grew up in a family much like the one portrayed in the movie Selena.

Everyone sat around playing music, and everyone was encouraged to pitch in however they were able to contribute.

Mancuso also had an early love affair with music and theater, and he says that he was playing shows in Manhattan with his early bands when he was just 14 or 15 years old.

Now, as mature performers, Mancuso and Gallardo are also developing another show, “Forever Everly,” that takes a unique spin on tribute acts. They explore the career of the Everly Brothers, but instead of it just being a straight concert, they’re accompanying a documentary.

That show was first performed in January, and it’s waiting to be fleshed out when Mancuso and Gallardo have some time after their Florida Studio Theatre residency.

“There’s moments where the video is playing them performing and we’re making the noise,” says Mancuso. “And the audience goes wild for it. I knew going into it that we were doing something very different.

A lot of the time, audiences coming to a tribute show think they’re going to get a full band. It was the first time we ever did a show where we didn’t say anything to the audience, and they stood at the end and were cheering for more.”

That’s the connecting tissue of the two shows they’re working on.

The songs are alive, receptive to tweaking and reinvention.

So is the audience.

Photo courtesy of Destiny Jackson

When Mancuso and Gallardo look out at the crowd on any given night, they’re never sure they’ll see. They might see students drawn to the songs through their own journeys of discovery, and they might see people who were literally alive when they were first played on the radio.

That keeps things interesting, but

T H E Y N E E D U S.

honestly, Gallardo and Mancuso are filled with gratitude to be able to play the music they love and to bring joy to people across the country.

“We just survived a pandemic both physically and emotionally. That was a beast to get through,” says Mancuso. “That was a scary time, but our hearts are so in it.”

Nick Gallardo (foreground) and Jared Mancuso are bringing roots rock back with a modern twist.

SEE FOR YOURSELF

We Need

You.

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.

Your help delivers so much more than a healthy meal.

Visitors experiencing Katrina Coombs’ I M(O)ther: Threads of the Maternal Figure at Sarasota Art Museum, Photo: Daniel Perales

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.

Katrina Coombs I M(O)ther: Threads of the

A passion for fiber, thread, and fabric becomes a quest to understand the conflicting roles of women in our society.

Maternal Figure

This exhibition is co-organized by the Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator and Sarasota Art Museum.

5/22/22 — 10/2/22

941.366.6693 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.

SarasotaArtMuseum.org

1001 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 941.309.4300 374719-1

MealsOnWheelsOfSarasota.org 421 North Lime Ave | Sarasota, FL 34237

374808-1

12A

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Lights, Camera, Opera Live performances may be out of season at the Sarasota Opera House, but you can still catch world-class artistry at the HD at the Opera series.

SPENCER FORDIN A+E EDITOR

Y

ou may have your defense mechanisms lined up for why you can’t attend the opera.

Perhaps your suit is at the dry cleaners or you have to wake up early tomorrow.

But what if you knew you could see an opera in the middle of the day on Sunday? And that you could wear shorts without anyone snickering that you’ve upset the dress code?

That’s the unspoken allure of Sarasota Opera’s HD at the Opera series, which puts you in the audience of a great European opera house without crossing the Atlantic.

It’s the next best thing to being live in the house with a talented orchestra and cast of singers, and it will help you scratch your opera itch until Sarasota Opera is back in season.

This is the only form of opera performance where the ovations are optional; the cast is recorded and can’t hear you, but you may still wind up wanting to clap and give them their due. And several of your fellow audience members will probably clap along with you.

Interestingly, when you attend a filmed performance at the Sarasota Opera House, you’re more or less seeing the building in its original intended purpose.

The Opera House opened in 1926 as a silent movie theater, and though it’s now mainly used for live performances, it retains the elemental allure of an old time movie house.

Every seat is a good one, and the sound is worthy of a full orchestra backing a baritone.

Then there’s the matter of the performances, which are top notch

Photo courtesy of Monika Rittershaus

and come from a variety of venues including the Staatsoper Hamburg, the Teatro Real in Madrid and the Royal Opera House in London.

The HD at the Opera series showed Verdi’s “Falstaff” on Sunday, and it was a rendering of a performance from the Staatsoper Hamburg recorded on Jan. 19, 2020.

Italian baritone Ambrogio Maestri starred in the title role, which was given a unique backdrop on the stage.

This Falstaff, directed by Calixto Bieito, is a prisoner of his prodigious appetites. Before the overture, and before a single note is song, Maestri’s Falstaff sits on stage slurping oysters.

He will later have chocolate seductively smeared all over his chest, and at another moment, he will attempt to conceal his frame with nothing but a lampshade over his head.

The comedy is broad and unrelenting in this opera, and there’s a giant cast of characters moving in and out of the story trying to catch Falstaff in a compromising position.

How does it end? Either you’ve seen it already or you should some day.

This isn’t your only opportunity to see a Verdi opera before the Sarasota Opera brings back “Ernani” in March.

The HD at the Opera series will show “La Traviata” from the Royal Opera House in London on Aug. 7, and it will show “Rigoletto” from the same venue on Sept. 11.

Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” will be shown on July 24, and Dvorak’s

The Staatsoper Hamburg performance of “Falstaff” played at the Sarasota Opera House on July 10.

Photo courtesy of Elyza Wylder

Every seat is the best seat in the house at the HD at the Opera House series.

“Rusalka” from the Teatro Real in Madrid will be shown in August.

The final performance of the HD at the Opera series — on Sept. 25 — will be a 1962 Strauss performance, “Der Rosenkavalier,” from Salzburg, starring the late Elisabeth Schwarzkopf.

What if you like the idea of beating the heat and seeing a movie at the Opera House, but you’re not really feeling the idea of an opera performance?

There’s also the Classic Movies at the Opera House series, which packs the house for Hollywood hits on Fri-

Love, L inda Music & Lyrics

Arrangements & additional musical

Cole Porter

Gary William Firedman

Book

Stevie Holland with Gary William Firedman

July 13-24, 2022 the timeless music and lyrics of Cole Porter weave through the compelling narrative of Linda Lee Thomas, the Southern beauty who was the driving force behind the legendary songwriter

the

manager 385127-1

by Douglas Gearhart

July 29-31, 2022

382161-1

2020 winner

13A

day evenings during the summer.

The Opera House will be showing “To Kill a Mockingbird” (July 22), “Fiddler on the Roof” (Aug. 5), “Double Indemnity” (Aug. 19) and “Harvey” (Sept. 23) before the building goes back to rehearsing and staging live performances.

The next scheduled performance for the Sarasota Opera is “The Secret Marriage” in October, which gives you plenty of time to get your clothes from the dry cleaners and to make your arrangements for a reason to sleep late the following day.

IF YOU GO

HD AT THE OPERA HOUSE When: 1:30 p.m. on Sundays; remaining shows are “Swan Lake” (July 24), “La Traviata” (Aug 7.), “Rusalka” (Aug. 21), “Rigoletto” (Sept. 11) and “Der Rosenkavalier” (Sept. 25) Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets: $22 Info: SarasotaOpera.org/summermovies

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

exhibit, which will feature the work of 49 internationally acclaimed photographers including Pedro Almodóvar, Valérie Belin, Vik Muniz and Viviane Sassen. Their target?

Flowers and the many different ways they can appear through the lens of a gifted photographer. This exhibit is just opening up to the public, and it will be on display until Sept. 29 if you’re not able to see it immediately.

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

WBTT’S STAGE OF DISCOVERY: WE DREAM 7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $27 adults, $17 students Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.

It’s the precocious performers of tomorrow getting their own chance at being on center stage. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s Stage of Discovery students will present a pair of live performances to punctuate the end of the theater’s fiveweek summer training program. The show — created, adapted and directed by Jim Weaver — will feature students singing songs envisioning the vision of a future world where peace, love and understanding are the norm.

THIS WEEK THURSDAY

FRIDAY

ARIELLA LIVE! 7:30 p.m. at Bownes Lab, 1265 First St. $25 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org

IN-STUDIO PERFORMANCE FEATURING MELISSA COBBLAH GUTIERREZ 7 p.m. at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Bouldevard of the Arts $20 Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.

Sarasota-based artists Ariella McManus and her husband, Nicolaas Kraster, are hitting the Florida Studio Theatre stage twice in July; once on July 14 and again two Thursdays later on July 28. Ariella’s powerful voice and dynamic stage shows have built a local following, and the duo effortlessly moves through genres and even songs in other languages.

JAZZ THURSDAY — THE RUCKUS LATE NIGHT’S 5:30 p.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail Free for art museum members; $20 for non-members Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org This drummer knows how to raise a ruckus. Miami-based Rodney Ruckus leads his band of jazz and hip hop fusion artists for an evening of music at the Sarasota Art Museum’s Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza. The galleries will be open until 7 p.m., and the event will run until 8. Cocktails will be available as will light bites in the museum’s Bistro.

HELEN KEANEY 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com Helen Keaney has built her act playing comedy clubs all across America, and she’s even entered your living room through hosting stints on TBS and HSN. Keaney planned to start touring again in 2020, but life got in the way. Now she’s back making people laugh, and she’ll play six shows at McCurdy’s running through July 17.

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

It’s the final in-studio performance of the season for Sarasota Contemporary Dance, and it will welcome Miami-based dancer and choreographer Melissa Cobblah Gutierrez to perform her work in progress entitled “Los Recuerdos de Mi Casa.”

Cobblah Gutierrez will be asking the audience what specific things remind them of being at home and dancing out her own answers.

ROALD DAHL’S ‘MATILDA THE MUSICAL JR.’ SHOW 7 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $9.80-$20 Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. org.

Come get in on the fun in a Manatee Performing Arts Center production of the Roald Dahl classic for kids and by kids. The Tony Award-winning hit and beloved film have made a generation of kids feel more at home in expressing themselves, and in this case, they’re ready to win your hearts with their high-energy dance numbers and singing.

POETS UNPLUGGED 3 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court $60 Visit WSLR.org/Fogartyville couple navigate differing views on the world they live in?

2022 HERMITAGE STARS 2 p.m. at Hermitage Great Lawn, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood $5, registration required Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org Join the Hermitage as they fete five of Florida’s best arts educators.

Brooke Adkins, Charles Eady, Jessie Leasure, Jennifer Rodriguez and Zoe Stayman will chat about their artistic disciplines, and this event will basically be an “arts buffet” that allows guests to sample from each of their respective creative practices.

SATURDAY ‘FLORA IMAGINARIA’ EXHIBITION OPENING DAY 10 a.m. at Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St. $25, free for members Visit Selby.org.

LASER LIGHT NIGHTS: AEROSMITH 9 p.m. at Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W. $15 Visit BishopScience.org.

Janie’s Got a ... Laser? It’s the first of two Laser Light performances for the iconic rockers who burst on the world scene back in the ’70s and have maintained their star-power for nearly a half-century. What will you hear? Who knows? It could be “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” and “Love in an Elevator” timed to pulsing lasers in the Bishop Museum’s planetarium.

The “Year of Photography” will continue at Selby Gardens with this

PLAY READING: BATON 3 p.m. at Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $10 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org This is a work in progress spelling out a specific moment in time.

Support this developing piece by playwright Deneen Reynolds-Knott, which follows a couple on a first date interrupted by the civil unrest in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody. Can the

4551 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

Learn how to express yourself with spoken word artist Melanie Lavender. This is the start of a six-week writing workshop that will help you develop your thoughts and your ability to communicate them to an audience. Students will learn different writing techniques and how to deliver them, and the program will culminate with a live performance on Aug. 26.

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

DON’T MISS FRIDAY FEST: KETTLE OF FISH Things are pretty quiet at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall during the summer, but Friday Fest is a notable exception.

The fest went on a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, but it returned in June and will also feature events in August and September. Kettle of Fish will keep things rocking on Friday, and a sunset over Sarasota Bay will be their backdrop. Kettle of

Fish will play rain or shine. If it rains, the show will move indoors to the Grand Foyer or the main stage.

IF YOU GO When: 7 p.m., July 15 Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: Free Info: Visit VanWezel.org

OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN Special Financing Available

www.manasotaonline.com

385000-1

14A

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

|

15A

THROUGH AUG 28

OUR PICK

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m., July 12 Where: John C. Court Cabaret, Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First St. Tickets: $36 Info: FloridaStudioTheatre.org

INFORMATION + TICKETS

ringling.org

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

MONDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT THE CABARET 7:30 p.m. at John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $34-$39 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

PAT GODWIN 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

It’s “Love & Bossa Nova” night at the cabaret, which means that Nate Najar and Daniela Soledade will take their intimate act full of love songs and jazz to the stage. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for food and beverages, and the show will start an hour later.

What’s behind a picture? The term “metadata” is used to describe the information that travels with a digital image file but is unseen within the image itself. In our moment, we are becoming increasingly aware that understanding the information that circulates unseen around photographic images is just as important as seeing what they represent.

taking Mondays off, and will be at Florida Studio Theatre until Aug. 7.

Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

Pat Godwin’s comedy includes his own signature songwriting and singing, and his website boasts that he’s never done any job outside of entertainment since the age of 20 except for a two-month stint at TGI Fridays.

Godwin, the son of a theater professor and an actress, has the stage in his blood, and he’ll play six shows for the McCurdy’s faithful audience.

Support for this exhibition was provided by Gulf Coast Community Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; The State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; Herald Tribune; Sarasota Magazine; Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen; and The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art Endowment.

This exhibition is a part of the Stanton B. and Nancy W. Kaplan Photography and Media Arts Program at The Ringling.

Penelope Umbrico (American, born 1957), Sunset Portraits from 8,462,359 Sunset Pictures on Flickr on 12/21/10 (detail), 2010. Machine C-prints, 10 × 15.2 cm each. Courtesy of the artist.

380825-1

‘ROCK & ROLL REIGNITED’ I’m going to tell you how it’s going to be: You’re going to hear some Buddy Holly.

Jared Mancuso and Nick Gallardo and their band, Not Fade Away, have brought their roots rock revival act all around the country, and now that they’re in Sarasota for an extended run, they’ve had a chance to reimagine their act for their specific setting. The show plays six nights a week,

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Heroes SAVE When They SOAR!

THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY & THE RINGLING present

Zip•Climb Swing•Soar The Ground Is Overrated

Incredible Family Entertainment

BRADENTON

941-219-4457

AT THE RINGLING

www.TreeUmph.com

NOW – SAT AUG 13

The Ringling 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota

ANY REGULARLY PRICED ADVENTURE ANYTIME YOU CLIMB! For Active or Retired Military, First Responders and up to 4 family members!

Military use Promo Code: Military | First Responders use Promo Code: FirstResponder *Military members and first responders must show qualifying ID at check-in. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

371533-1

12

20% OFF

*

383339-1

18

$

SPECIAL MILITARY & FIRST RESPONDERS PRICING ALL YEAR ROUND

12 & UNDER

941.360 .7399

$

11 AM & 2 PM 2 PM & 5 PM CHILD

ringling.org

TUE – FRI SAT

ADULT

TICKETS:

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

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

97 SOUTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

$11,995,000

Experience this stunning bayfront estate in person! Just a sunny walk from famed St. Armands Circle. Situated on two lots in a corner location, spanning more than a half-acre, this impressive 5BR residence is set among lush, professionally managed greenery beside the coastal landscape of Sarasota Bay.

www.97SouthWashington.com

2425 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #2A

$1,299,000

Gorgeous direct views of azure Gulf waves are the highlight throughout this lovely residence at Sea Gate Club on Longboat Key. Offered furnished and move-in ready, the sunny ambiance welcomes you with bright vistas from every room. The 2BR interior is nearly 1,700 SF, close to newly updated community amenities.

www.SeaGateClub2A.com

635 MOURNING DOVE DRIVE

$5,795,000

5249 CAPE LEYTE DRIVE

$4,890,000

319 BIRD KEY DRIVE

This direct bayfront boater’s retreat on the most sought-after street in Bird Key is waiting for you to renovate or begin your dream home, with its 100’ of bay frontage, newer seawall and dock.

Southern exposure! This 5BR modern John Cannon home on Siesta Key is currently under construction. Built to the highest standards, plus brand new dock, lift and seawall. Bike to the beach!

Impressive updates and inspired exterior features create the picture-perfect environment to move right into. This 4BR designer home was completely renovated recently with a sleek, modern vibe.

www.635MourningDove.com

www.5249CapeLeyte.com

www.319BirdKeyDrive.com

15111 GADDY UP RANCH ROAD

$3,995,000

551 CHIPPING LANE

$2,495,000

816 JUNGLE QUEEN WAY

Country breezes rustling through century old oaks and pines welcome you to this unique, 821/2-acre property known as the Gaddy Up Ranch, offering many possibilities for family ranch living.

This charming 3BR waterfront home is perfectly placed in Country Club Shores, central to the best that island life offers.

Boaters will love the 100’ of water frontage, deep-water dock and lift.

Turnkey furnished and move-in ready!

This beautifully updated 3BR waterfront on Longboat Key is ready to enjoy today!

You will love the deeded beach access and easy boating access to Sarasota Bay.

www.GaddyUpRanchSRQ.com

www.551ChippingLane.com

www.816JungleQueenWay.com

$4,500,000

$1,695,000

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

384973-1

16A

Classifieds 14B Games 13B Real Estate 11B Weather 13B

JULY 14, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Driving change LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

“I

t was science-nerd love at first sight,” when Jeffrey Driver met Terri Scott.

Fast-forward to Nov. 25 of this year, and the Drivers will be celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary. They both thank LASIK surgery that they won’t be wearing matching Coke bottle glasses like the day they met.

“We were working in a laboratory. I remember it very well,” Jeff said.

Two proverbial peas in a pod, their shared interests and nerd love has blossomed over three decades and can be seen all over Longboat Key. Whether patrolling for turtles or rallying for Rotary, the Drivers are side by side.

The couple became full-time Longboaters 11 years ago after buying a condominium in the Banyan Bay Club. Before then, they were annual tourists from Virginia to visit Terri’s parents in Bradenton.

They’d stay longer each year at the Beach Castle Resort until a one-week vacation turned into a monthlong stay. During that time, they became informally involved with the Longboat Key Turtle Watch.

“We’d go for a run up and down the beach, we’d see Mike and Melissa (Herron) out there, and we’d be running and picking up trash,” Terri said.

At the time, she didn’t know what a false crawl was, but she’d ask Mike how the turtles were doing, and he’d take the trash they collected.

Then one day, they came across members of LBKTW trying to shoo away a flock of birds that were aggressively trying to feed on a batch of hatchlings. When asked to help, neither hesitated.

“We were running around like maniacs going, ‘Go away birds, go away,” Terri said. Jeff laughed at the memory and called it a “turtle emergency.” They’ve both been through extensive training and have been on the official LBKTW roster for nine years now.

Recently, they helped with a disorientation, which is when a turtle

gets confused and mistakes artificial lighting for the moon. A little girl found a confused turtle swimming in a hot tub at the Zota Beach Resort.

LBKTW was already on the beach performing a nest excavation, so she approached Jeff and another member, Cyndi Seamon, to give them the turtle. Because it was exposed to chemicals in the hot tub, it was sent to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. The Drivers’ three grandchildren have aptly nicknamed the pair Grandma and Grandpa Turtle.

Their love for fitness led them not only to turtle patrol but also to become certified yoga and indoor cycling instructors. They used to teach classes at the Longboat Key Club and still teach at the GT Bray Recreation Center.

“We teach yoga classes literally side by side. It’s kind of like, you know, this comedy show. So we’ll make jokes and just carry this conversation on with students,” Jeff said. “It’s a little unconventional, and people love it. Usually, you only have one instructor. It’s like this Zen thing. We’re more like Laurel and Hardy.”

The do-gooder duo can be found joking and laughing every other Tuesday at the Rotary Club, too.

They’ve been members for two years, and Jeff just took on the role of president.

Recently, they brought the Rotarystyle “do-goodery” home. The Banyan Bay Club is about to get a bayside makeover thanks to the Drivers securing an $8,800 grant from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.

“The idea for this is to remove invasive species and restore the entire area with native species that will help prevent runoff into the bay,” Jeff said.

He compared the project to “microforesting,” planting highdensity plants to sequester carbon as a climate change strategy and to prevent water runoff. “So this is kind of that same concept. But obviously, Sarasota Bay, one of the key issues for maintaining water quality is the runoff prevention,” he said.

The Drivers will match that grant in labor. Brazilian peppers will be replaced by native red cedar trees, along with 15 species of native plants.

Volunteers will help.

The couple’s shared passion for environmental protection led them

Lesley Dwyer

“We teach yoga classes literally side by side. … It’s a little unconventional, and people love it. Usually, you only have one instructor. It’s like this Zen thing. We’re more like Laurel and Hardy.”

Terri and Jeff Driver are active members of the LBKTW, Rotary and the Green Team.

— Jeffrey Driver

to join the Green Team, an offshoot of organized north-end residents.

The citizen group formed during the COVID-19 pandemic and represents hundreds of property owners on the Manatee county side of the island.

Terri is the Green Team’s chair.

The Drivers attend commission meetings and offer ideas on how Longboat Key can be more environmentally responsible. Both agree the town has been receptive to most of their recommendations, but Terri joked that not all of them are hits.

“It was pretty cute because Mayor Schneier, he’s like, ‘I’m going to tell you this one’s a no right now.’”

The couple had proposed a conversion to electric landscape equipment, and the mayor amended his

no with a “not right now.” He was concerned workers could be displaced due to the cost, but the town is leading by example and bought an electric blower.

This do-gooding duo doesn’t just volunteer together; they work together too. Jeff is a toxicologist, and Terri is an environmental scientist. In the late 1990s, they left their steady, well-paid jobs and started consulting for themselves.

Risksciences.net LLC took off.

They now manage a network of consultants hired to assist with scientific and regulatory issues. Whether at work or play, the Drivers drive change and take every step together.

384620-1

Jeff and Terri Driver work, play and volunteer around their new home.

2B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

One act of kindness leaves a lasting mark

TRIBUTES Robert (Bob) Lachmann 1935-2022

Nearly $100,000 gift to Christ Church on Longboat Key goes a long way to help.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

A

Robert (Bob) Lachmann age 86 died July 1 at his summer address in Montauk, NY, winter address was Emerald Harbor Drive, Longboat Key, FL. Survived by his wife Margaret of 42 years and three children: Robert Jr. and William of Waterville, NY and Jill Bryant of Clover, SC. A stepson Edward ‘Skip’ Golden died before him.

Loved collecting antique cars and he was an avid fisherman both in Florida and New York. collecting antique cars and he was an avid fisherman both in Florida and New York. He was a Member of Longboat Key Club for over 35 years and loved playing golf with his wife and his friends especially the group known as the Friars.

Funeral services will be in New York but there will be a celebration of his life in Longboat in the Fall.

He served in the military for 2 years in 1958.

Six grandchildren: Tiernan, William, John & Luke Lachmann and Kyla & Olivia Bonikowski and a step granddaughter Mindy Lachmann. Also survived by a sister Paula Hengel of Vero Beach, FL. Bob was retired. Loved

385125-1

n act of kindness in the will of a former town resident led to a $94,000 surprise for Christ Church of Longboat Key. Mission group’s Chair Jerry Fox said no one saw the gift coming, and all he could say about their deceased benefactor was that he lived on Longboat Key but moved to the mainland in later years, and that he was a founding member of the church.

The church’s mission supports local and worldwide organizations with an annual budget of $142,000.

“We didn’t want to simply parcel it out to the 12 or 14 we normally fund.

We thought we should do something different with it,” Fox said.

The church focused on organizations serving the homeless and requested proposals. One year later, the impact of one donation can be seen throughout the community and as far away as the Bahamas.

Hope Seeds is the only international organization to receive a grant.

It received $13,000 to expand its food program beyond Africa and Haiti and into the Bahamas. The group provides crop seeds and education.

Our Daily Bread in Bradenton received $25,000 to retrofit a house for food storage. The house needed a new roof and had to be tented for insects. They also paved around the exterior to create additional parking and to grade the blacktop up to the door. Now, pallets of food can easily be rolled in and out.

Donations prior to this one paid for the house adjacent to its food pantry and kitchen, but this donation paid for the needed repairs. ODB was able to accept it without having to line the halls of its main building with cans of green beans and jars of peanut butter.

“Of course we could have started loading it in here, but it sure made it awfully convenient to buy that building and for their help in doing

Lesley Dwyer

Herb Moller, Sue Forbrook, Jack Jones, Maria DiMenna, and Terry Campbell in the kitchen at Our Daily Bread.

the roof, blacktop and the tenting,” President Mark McLaughlin said.

ODB serves hot meals 364 days a year to about 200 people a day. The pantry typically aids 220 people a week. Outside of eight part-time employees, the entire administration and staff are volunteers.

ODB shares a parking lot with Turning Points. Each organization is its own entity but their proximity creates a convenient compound of resources. Christ Church gave TP $20,000 to pay one year’s salary for a clinic outreach coordinator. The one-year marketing blitz resulted in 809 new patients.

“We have all these services, and we want people to know if you may have lost your job during COVID,” Director of Development Margi Dawson said. “We know how much health care expenses are. If you don’t have any health care, Turning Points is an option.”

In addition to the medical and dental clinics, there is also a pharmacy on-site. Patients must be uninsured and between the ages of 18 and 64 with an income up to 200% of the poverty level guidelines, which equates to about $12 an hour, Dawson said. “So that covers a lot of working people.”

Harvest House focused on the future workforce and spent its $35,000 grant on their youth center.

“We need to raise about $80,000$85,000 a year,” said CEO Erin Minor. The donation covered about five months of operating expenses, including the salaries of a case manager and an outreach youth liaison.

There is no cost to youths between ages 16 and 24. Some are fresh out of foster care and have no place to go.

Others have dealt with instability at home due to substance abuse and violence. It’s a drop-in center where they can eat, shower, do laundry, and charge electronics. They’re provided help applying for jobs and college.

“Our goal is to ultimately get them housed and employed,” Minor said.

The anonymous donor left his donation in the right hands. Charitable bequests reduce estate taxes, but more importantly, they make a lasting difference.

YOU CAN HELP, TOO

The majority of Christ Church’s donations stay within Sarasota and Manatee counties, but they also support four international organizations. Mission efforts combine financial and hands-on giving with a focus on the hungry and homeless.

To donate to the Christ Church Mission Program, visit christchurchoflbk. org/give/ or call 383-8833.

St. Armands Key

WORSHIP

LUTHERAN CHURCH JOIN US

385245-1 379700-1

directory

Saturday at 5pm - Contemporary Style Worship Sunday at 10am (Coffee Hour at 9am) Free Garden Concert on Sun 7/31 at 4pm Island Swing Band

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

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions

Catholic Church

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

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

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

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!

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

Visitors Welcome Visitors & & Residents Residents Welcome

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

•

941.383.8833 (office)

384704-1

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

•

384662-1

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

www.christchurchoflbk.org

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

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

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

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

941.383.3428 | www.tbi-lbk.org

RABBI STEPHEN L. SNIDERMAN, D.D.

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

384759-1

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

Temple Beth Israel

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

www.bit.ly/cclbksermons www.bit.ly/cclbksermons oror (followYouTube YouTubelink) link) www.christchurchof lbk.org(follow www.christchurchoflbk.org

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

385339-1

Growing in Jesus’ Name

384746-1

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

384634-1

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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

3B

#1 LONGBOAT KEY TEAM 2021 Michael Saunders & Company & TOP 1.5% OF AGENTS NATIONWIDE!

I NADRI N IN V ELTS N TO I SAT OU R S P EMCAI ARLT Y •I NG C O N•NPER E C TSONA I O N S LM T ESERV R! BENCHFM K GR E SU • RY STR EGIC K ET I ZAT ED ICE

RECENT ACTIVITY

SE M U P HO 1 - 4 EN Y OP NDA SU

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

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 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 at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

D

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

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

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

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 750 PENFIELD ST | $3,000,000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 SLEEPY LAGOON SANCTUARY

701 PENFIELD STREET | OFFERED AT $1,499,000 IanAddy@MichaelSaunders. com situated on a deep water canal with easy access to Sarasota Bay, this 2 bedroom home 2067 HPerfectly A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 offers 2 docks, a 2 car garage, a new roof and anLideal L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 on g bnorth o a t KLongboat e y | O f f eKey re d location a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 with deeded beach access.

MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4537570

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

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

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

L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 549 YAWL LANE | $1,600,000 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 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

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

230 SANDS POINT ROAD #3907 | $2,703,000

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

384717-1

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

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Silhouette® Quartette® with PowerView® Automation

Sarasota’s Best Voted One of

28 Years in a Row!

YOUR HOME DESERVES Hunter Douglas!

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Kaitlyn Garcia, Luis Garcia, Angel Rua, Vanessa Collado, Martha Collado, Peter Collado and Ana Garcia

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com 4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings 382859-1

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

Robert Franklin

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

LONGBOAT N O KE D Y CB

Jazzy day in the Circle

S

THC FREE PRODUCTS PET PRODUCTS DELTA 8 PRODUCTS

SLEEP

PAIN

USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC THIRD PARTY LAB TESTED COLORADO SOURCED

INFLAMMATION

ANXIETY

LOCATED IN THE CENTRE SHOPS 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key (Same location as Pilates LBK)

NaturesGemCBD.com

385222-1

t. Armands Circle Park got jazzed up July 9 thanks to the St. Armands Business Improvement District in partnership with Sarasota County and Next-Mark.

“The goal of this is to get people out in the summer,” Next-Mark President Joe Grano Jr. said.

With people filling the tented area and spreading out to the lawn and sidewalks, that goal was largely accomplished. The five-piece Hot Tonic Orchestra entertained the crowd with jazz-styled pop music.

Grano Jr. said the district hopes jazz appeals to different generations of visitors. “It enhances the whole flavor of their experience on the Circle,” he said.

Martha Collado proved him right. The Longboat Key resident was happy to see

a concert scheduled in the Circle just in time for visitors. She brought her husband, daughter, granddaughter, niece and nephew to the concert. The family kicked off their shoes, unfolded chairs and blankets under the tent, and enjoyed an afternoon of live music.

Collado and her husband have been visiting Longboat Key for 30 years and retired six years ago in the Aquarius Club.

Her family was visiting from Miami and Texas.

There are two more concerts scheduled for this summer: Aug. 13 and Sept. 17. The concerts are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are rain or shine. Call 263-6282 for information.

—LESLEY DWYER

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 7/31/22.

250 OFF

$

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

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 7/31/22.

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 7/31/22.

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 7/31/22.

Lic # cAc1816020 • PLbg cFc1428223 • ELEc Ec13009313

SEE HOW MUCH MORE YOU CAN SAVE!

Air Conditioning

Plumbing

Electrical

Water Treatment

381409-1

4B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

5B

With the option to donate a portion to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

FRIDAY, JULY 15

YOUR CALENDAR

File photo

OFFER VALID July 1 - August 31, 2022 at NAPA AUTO PARTS

Get a $20 Prepaid Visa® Card* with qualifying** purchase of NAPA and AAA Batteries, and NAPA Starters and Alternators.

5608 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH, 34217

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

384175-1

Stores and participating NAPA AutoCare Centers. Claim ONLINE ONLY at NAPARebates.com and enter Promo Code: NAPAAUTOCARE by September 15, 2022. This offer is only valid to US residents. LIMIT OF ONE (1) BATTERY, ONE (1) STARTER AND ONE (1) ALTERNATOR REBATE PER INVOICE. LIMIT TWO (2) INVOICES PER CUSTOMER, HOUSEHOLD ADDRESS AND EMAIL ADDRESS FOR THE LENGTH OF THE PROMOTION. *This Card is issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., St. Paul, MN 55103, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. This card may be used everywhere 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. Void where prohibited. See rebate form for full details. **$20 consumer rebate on the purchase of one NAPA Legend, AAA-branded, or NAPA Legend Premium AGM automotive battery and/or one NAPA remanufactured starter or alternator.

Memory challenges are

CLAWS FOR A CAUSE From 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Whitney Plaza, 6838 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Shop the plaza. The Maine Line food truck will serve lobster rolls. Save Our Seabirds will have a booth and be receiving 10% of the event’s proceeds from participating merchants. Call 387-9807 for information.

complex

Let's figure it out together are

THURSDAY, JULY 14

ics relevant to seniors. Cost is $10.

Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

MOVIE MATINEE 1 p.m. at the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. The One-Hundred Foot Journey will be projected indoors. Popcorn and refreshments are included. Walk-ins welcome. Free for members and $10 for non-members. Call 383-6493 for information.

Join us for an upcoming

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS

Dementia Live

LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT STORE The thrift store will be open 9 a.m. to noon at 6140 GMD. Donations are accepted during business hours.

Call 383-4738.

SATURDAY, JULY 16

LOTUS CARS ON THE CIRCLE From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle.

Join Lotus Car and British car owners as they line up their cars in the park. This event is free and open to the public. Call 388-5550 for information.

interactive presentation

941.218.2331

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.

RECURRING EVENTS MONDAYS

We take care of Moms and Dads

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.

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.

1900 Phillippi Shores Drive Sarasota, FL 34231

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

941.218.2331 | www.InspiredLiving.care 377654-1

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 top-

A Purpose-Built Memory Care Community

ALF# AL12463

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 384736-1

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

Now is a GREAT Now GREAT time is toaSELL! time to SELL! Our sellers are receiving Our sellers are receiving multiple offers and top dollar! multiple offers and top dollar!

www.instagram.com/observergroup

seitreporp esitrepxe stluser

properties properties expertise UNRIVALED expertise results EXCEPTIONAL results

YRANIDREXTRAORDINARY OAEXTRAORDINARY RTXE

DELAVIRNU

Certified Residential Specialist LBroker-Associate ANOITPECXE

941.928.3559

UNRIVALED

Consider Selling Your Property In ThisProperty Robust Market Consider Selling Your

t silaicep S lai tn edis eR defi it reC e t a i c o s s A - r ek o r B EXCEPTIONAL

In This Robust Market

9553.829.149

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

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

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

CallGet today for trusted a no-obligation, no-cost analysis! the most source of local market market conditions from

LD SO

Home values arereal up.estate Inventory is low...it’sata Wagner seller’s market. your local area professionals Realty.

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

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

845 LongboatevClub 65 Lighthouse dPoint irD tRoad nioP esuohthgiL 56 aoR bDrive ulC taobgnoL 548 Rivo Sarasota 19,300 SF | A4440615 0845 0 0,Longboat 59|7$19,750,000 ,3$ |Club 181Road 834 4|ARegent | FS 3Court 39,4 4,933 SF | A4438181 0 0 0Penthouse ,057|,9$3,795,000 1$| |Downtown 5160 4 4 4A | FS 0 03,91 19,300sf | 140’ on the Gulf | $16,500,000 LD SO

2,873sf | 3BR + Den | $2,975,000 | A4532280 LD SO

More than 35 years of combined experience

Longboat Anna Maria Island • Sarasota Longboat Key Office • 5360 Gulf of Mexico Drive,Key Ste•101 • Longboat Key, FL Lakewood Ranch • East & West Bradenton

Water Club #401 501 Halyard Lane enaL draylaH 105 104 # bulC retaW 70 Lighthouse 35 Lighthouse 3,400 SF | A4421764 SF | A4448464 0 0 0,|5$2,575,000 99,1Point $ | 4Drive 64 8 4| 4Gated 4A | Community FS 043,2,340 2 0 0 0,5| Point 7$1,995,000 5 , 2Drive $ | 4 6| 7Gated 124 4Community A | FS 0 04,3

tsenif

mo|c.Longboat SEITREPORKey, P Florida SATOSARAS 40 Gulf of Mexico Dr

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

4,430sf | 4BR | Bay Front | $3,300,000

finest

www.SARASOTAS

finest

PROPERTIES.com

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

384743-1

5,474sf | 4BR | Gulf Front | $8,000,000

www.WagnerRealty.com

384771-1

385328-1

WHY? WHY?

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Welcome to Extraordinary William Raveis wins the Best Luxury Real Estate Agency in Florida Award from the global luxury experts at Luxury Lifestyle Awards (LLA)

2022 WINNER BEST LUXURY REAL ESTATE AGENCY In Florida, Connecticut and Massachusetts Recognized as a leading luxury real estate company among world-renowned brands such as Chanel, Dom Perignon, and Ferrari, William Raveis wins three top Luxury Lifestyle Awards. LLA is a worldwide organization on a mission to connect luxury clients to superior international brands and services. Spanning 400 categories and 10,000 goods, LLA receives thousands of nominations from over 60 countries.

Learning more about joining the LLA-winning real estate agency is easy.

Simply call today 941.894.1255 #1 Family-Owned Real Estate Company in Florida and the Northeast 140 Offices 4,400+ Sales Associates $21 Billion in Annual Sales 8 States - CT, FL, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT 376726-1

6B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Featured Listings

Osprey 14021 Bellagio Way #302 | $1,250,000 Dawn Bear | 941.468.7224

Sarasota

Lakewood Ranch

5110 Kestral Park Way S | $1,950,000

14722 Secret Harbor Place | $1,350,000

Carlos Santos | 941.735.8302

Brandon Surline | 941.404.9334

Veronika Bajtala | 941.504.0307

Camille Surline | 941.914.2671

Sarasota

Siesta Key

5305 Bartolomeo Street | $799,000

515 Cummings Street | $3,300,000

Dawn Bear | 941.468.7224

Jennifer Thompson | 941.928.0790

Featured William Raveis Luxury Properties

Naples | Florida

Naples | Florida

3595 Gin Lane | $27,900,000

818 Nelsons Walk | $24,750,000

720 5th Ave S Office | 239.231.3380

720 5th Ave S Office | 239.231.3380

Jupiter | Florida

Naples | Florida

19661 Riverside Drive | $13,900,000

260 Channel Drive | $13,900,000

Palm Beach Worth Ave Office | 561.655.6570

Gulf Shore Drive Office | 239.594.2226

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

384971-1

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

7B

8B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

OODLES OF KITTENS

WILD FLORIDA An exploration beyond the pavement.

Florida butterfly orchids thrive in Myakka’s oaks 379605-1

Adopt, Don’t Shop 941-366-2404 | 2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 | www.catdepot.org

EXCEPTIONAL RENTAL MANAGEMENT & VACATION RENTALS

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

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS!

941-387-9709 Locally owned and managed since 1994

377554-1

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

To keep pools pristine all summer,

LIC.#CFC1429635 • CPC1459826 • CAC1818472

GIVE US A CALL!

384691-1

wwww.lapenseeplumbing.com 778.5622 • 401 Manatee Avenue, Holmes Beach

MOVE IN READY NEWLY LISTED

537 Spinnaker Lane, Longboat Key

M

yakka River State Park provides critical, protected habitat for many native forms of life. And each species, whether plant, animal or microorganism, has a role in Wild Florida’s ecosystems.

One such species, the magnificent Florida butterfly orchid (Encyclia tampensis), is a slow-growing, perennial epiphyte, which typically blooms between May and July.

Considered the most diverse plant family, orchids represent about 10% of all flowering species. And, as they thrive in warmth and humidity, Florida is home to at least 106 species.

But when railroads first came to Florida in the late 1800s, orchids were among the first natural resource to be exploited. Millions of orchids were removed from their natural habitats, and sent north as potted plants. And since, logging, dredging and development has reduced or degraded habitats. Indeed, today, over half of Florida’s orchids are listed as endangered or threatened.

Most orchids are epiphytes: plants that grow on other plants. As butterfly orchids thrive on old, damp, oak bark, you’ll often spot them in Myakka’s mesic hammocks, where towering old-growth live oaks are abundant. These mature trees provide a textured, well-drained environment where orchids germinate in a symbiotic relationship with fungi.

Like all air-plants, butterfly orchids merely use their host trees as anchors, thriving high in the canopy, where their light and moisture needs are met.

The orchids’ honey-like fragrance attracts a variety of bees, which are their primary pollinators. And their beautiful petite flowers, which flutter in the wind like tiny butterflies, also attract a plethora of human Wild Florida aficionados.

Butterfly orchids grow in almost every county in the state. But, like other orchids, they’ve been commercially exploited. Moreover, some

Miri Hardy

ENJOY THE WILD Miri Hardy is the first executive director of the Friends of Myakka River. Hardy has been a Sarasota resident since 2014 and holds a doctorate in social psychology from Washington University in St. Louis.

Butterfly orchids are considered commercially exploited in Florida and may not be harvested or sold without a permit.

areas in Florida have become so urban that the native habitat and healthy ecosystems these orchids need to survive are scarce.

To support these significant members of our Wild Florida ecosystems, we can protect the old-growth trees they require to survive. And, when spotted in the wild, we can leave orchids where we find them, to the benefit of future generations, and our own.

—MIRI HARDY FRIENDS OF MYAKKA RIVER

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Together, we’re protecting and sharing Myakka’s Magic, to the benefit of future generations, and our own. Follow us @ FriendsofMyakkaRiver

One of a kind Tidy Island Estate

LIVE THE LUXURIOUS FLORIDA LIFESTYLE In this stunning waterfront double lot home on Sarasota Bay’s Tidy Island! This palatial Parker Walter Group-designed home offers three levels of indoor/outdoor living space with a total of 11,330 square feet! Brazilian cherry floors and cypress-lined ceilings exemplifies the highest-end material and finishes. Complete with an elevator, the accessible 3-floors offer 5 bedrooms (plus a bonus room), 4.5 bathrooms, and a 4-car garage. Entering the home, the breathtaking staircase leads you to the 2nd level with an expansive view of the bay, a chef’s dream kitchen including a Wolf oven, large gas range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, dual Fisher-Paykel dishwashers, expansive counter space, beverage station with wine cooler, and storage. Enjoy this open concept living with limitless entertainment space for your family and friends with the master suite, guest, and bonus rooms nearby. Ownership on Tidy Island is the distinctive opportunity for you!

MLS #: A4537194

BOATING TO BEACH LIFESTYLE - $2,375,000 This charming home feels larger than 2,046 of living space, w/ a great split floor plan, open to the beautiful pool and patio, a true 3+BD/3BA w/an ensuite den enjoying peaceful water views. Location, waterfront luxury lifestyle & move in ready are all possible to start living the dream you deserve!

KATHY CALLAHAN 941-900-8088

385209-1

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228

REAL ESTATE... REAL PARADISE

Shandra Holbrook REALTOR® daltonwade.com Office: (502) 905-8528

s.holbrookfl@gmail.com Dalton Wade Real Estate Group

383853-1

KathyCallahan@michaelsaunders.com LBKathy.com

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

9B

REID MURPHY PRESENTS

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

941-232-3304

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.

LONGBOAT KEY CUSTOM HOME

$17,900,000

$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 SANCTUARY

$2,575,000

SARASOTA PENTHOUSE

$6,875,000

Ready for remodel. 5th Floor 3BD/2.5BA w/floor to ceiling windows + spacious east & west terraces for expansive views. 24 hr guarded gate + great sanctuary amenities.

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

LONGBOAT KEY

$2,750,000

LONGBOAT KEY BAYFRONT ESTATE

$5,975,000

Coastal contemporary 4 BR/5BA home in The Preserve of Longbeach. Light & open indoor/ outdoor living areas. Former model w/ high-end appliances & finishes.

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.

Developers Realty Inc. Lic. Real Estate Broker

www.ReidMurphy.com

595 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL 34228

384675-1

CALL REID TODAY! | 941.232.3304

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

LONGBOAT KEY 2161 Gulf Of Mexico Drive PH3 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 6,002 Sq. Ft. Jenifer Schwell 941-780-0968 A4534425 $8,950,000

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

CORTEZ 12925 42nd Terrace W 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,138 Sq. Ft. Joanna Benante & Ann Martin 941-356-7717 A4537365 $4,750,000

SARASOTA 988 Blvd Of The Arts 1910 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,870 Sq. Ft. Nora Johnson 941-809-1700 A4540125 $4,675,000

SARASOTA 1359 Harbor Drive 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,223 Sq. Ft. Rachel Benderson 941-376-0218 A4536349 $4,500,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 820 N Shore Drive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,953 Sq. Ft. Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4524887 $3,999,999

LONGBOAT KEY 540 Harbor Cove Circle 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,081 Sq. Ft. Julie Klick & Beverly St Hilaire 941-780-6001 A4534178 $3,600,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 421 Alamanda Road 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 2,116 Sq. Ft. Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4534408 $3,425,000

SARASOTA 1771 Ringling Boulevard PH302 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,873 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4532280 $2,975,000

LONGBOAT KEY 597 Bayview Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,450 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group & Steve Walter 941-232-2000 A4537864 $2,750,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 537 Spinnaker Lane 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,046 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4536497 $2,375,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1465 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 504 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,837 Sq. Ft. Lindsay Nock 941-735-7005 A4534263 $1,775,000

SARASOTA 1654 Arlington Street 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,514 Sq. Ft. Ryan Heers 941-726-1703 A4538711 $1,697,000

LONGBOAT KEY 518 Bayview Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,740 Sq. Ft. Cathy Meldahl & Susan Smith 941-724-7228 A4534262 $1,595,000

LONGBOAT KEY 701 Penfield Street 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,736 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA 941-961-8850 A4537570 $1,499,000

LONGBOAT KEY 775 Longboat Club Road 906 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,524 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4527843 $1,199,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3080 Grand Bay Boulevard 522 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,276 Sq. Ft. Ann Martin & Joanna Benante 941-356-7717 A4540091 $989,000

BRADENTON 2112 51st Street W 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,805 Sq. Ft. Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4529879 $895,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3806 Gulf Of Mexico Drive C404 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,514 Sq. Ft. Stephen Harris 941-780-2352 A4536940 $895,000

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

SARASOTA 435 S Gulfstream Avenue 804 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,705 Sq. Ft. Dana Westmark 941-356-5091 A4537863 $849,000

SARASOTA 707 S Gulfstream Avenue 207 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,247 Sq. Ft. Marybeth Flynn 941-704-1477 A4526957 $795,000

SARASOTA 101 S Gulfstream Avenue 15A 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,200 Sq. Ft. Ethel Lovelace & Mina Johnson 941-586-7390 A4538174 $759,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4400 Exeter Drive J106 2 Beds 2 Baths 992 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4534112 $595,000

SIESTA KEY 4205 Higel Avenue 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 8,571 Sq. Ft. Maurice Menager & Lin Dunn 941-238-8119 A4539090 $8,900,000

SIESTA KEY 1321 Point Crisp Road 5 Beds 6/1 Baths 6,572 Sq. Ft. Lawrence Zeigler 941-228-2612 A4540074 $7,500,000

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

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 373739-1

10B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

JUNE 20-JULY 1

GRAND BAY

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

condominium in Grand Bay tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Martin and Barbara Slagowitz, of Highlands, North Carolina, sold their Unit 151 condominium at 3060 Grand Bay Blvd. to Steven Wake and Evan Wake, of Hudson, Ohio, for $3.25 million.

Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,781 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.85 million in 2020.

LIDO

Seaward Lido Key LLC sold the home at 1121 Morningside Place to Brian Doan and Laura Randa, of Sarasota, for $3,075,000. Built in 1960, it has three bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,454 square feet.

LONGBOAT KEY

Alison Estrin, of Longboat Key, sold her home at 6555 Bayou Hammock Road to Jacob Martin, of Anna Maria, for $2.5 million. Built in 1953, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,846 square feet.

LONGBEACH REVISED

Douglas Rhodes and Katherine Rhodes, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the home at 430 N. Shore Road to Anthony Marterie, trustee, of Tarpon Springs, for $1.9 million.

Built in 1974, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,893 square feet.

MARINA BAY

Bank of America and Susan Dziedzic, trustees, of Gurnee, Illinois, sold the Unit 243 condominium at 2450 Harbourside Drive to William Bierce and Martha Lynne Kenerson, of Longboat Key, for $1,790,500. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,830 square feet.

11B

REAL ESTATE

Grand Bay condo sells for $3.25 million

|

Yvette Fishman, of Los Angeles, sold the Unit 135 condominium at 3060 Grand Bay Blvd. to Jack Arthur Pankoff and Jacqueline Marie Alice Pankoff, of Longboat Key, for $1,625,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths and 2,143 square feet of living area.

THE CASTILLIAN

Barbara Sasser, of Galveston, Texas, and Carol Roberts, of Billings Montana, sold their Unit 506 condominium at 4525 Gulf of Mexico Drive to J. Gregory Hale, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, for $1,551,000.

Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,738 square feet.

File photo

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS

Shari Perlmuter, trustee, of Pepper Pike, Ohio, sold the Unit N-604 condominium at 603 Longboat Club Road to Michael and Lisa Feldbusch, of Newburgh, Indiana, for $1.5 million. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,560 square feet.

Marc Solomon, of Sarasota, sold the Unit N-701 condominium at 603 Longboat Club Road to Steven Solomon, of Sperryville, Virginia, for $950,000. It has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,420 square feet.

LONGBEACH

Jacob Martin and James Brearley, of Anna Maria, sold their home at 791 Broadway to Bartram Connelly and Kristy Kaye Connelly, of Cape Coral, for $1,425,000. Built in 1995, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,236 square feet.

KEY TOWERS SOUTH

Dena Perez sold the Unit 10-B condominium at 1750 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Robert Consani, trustee, of Sarasota, for $1,395,000.

Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,364 square feet.

Unit 151 at 3060 Grand Bay Blvd. was built in 1994.

condominium at 775 Longboat Club Road to Frank and Nancy Fasulo, of Port Charlotte, for $1,332,000. Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,524 square feet.

SLEEPY LAGOON PARK

David and Cheryl DeBickero, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 551 De Narvaez Drive to Jason Tyler, of Chalfont, Pennsylvania, for $1.3 million. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,697 square feet.

THE WATER CLUB

John Gaburick and Christopher Bozel, of Brentwood, Tennessee, sold their Unit 108 condominium at 1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive to John Thomas McCarthy III and Diane Whelton McCarthy, of Longboat Key, for $1.25 million. Built in 1999, it has two bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths and 1,827 square feet.

5055 Gulf of Mexico Drive to William Kerrane and Catherine Kerrane, of New Hyde Park, New York, for $950,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,484 square feet of living area.

STARFISH LONGBEACH

Wayne and Suzanne Kimmel, of Lakeview, Ohio, sold their Unit 24 condominium at 7125 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Gregory and Kim Peterson, of Loudon, Tennessee, for $935,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,170 square feet of living area.

WINDWARD BAY

Aspen Assets LLC sold the Unit 205 condominium at 4600 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Lauren Barrons, of Longboat Key, for $875,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,312 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2021.

CLUB LONGBOAT

Sam Ross, trustee, of Reno, Nevada, sold the Unit 516 condominium at

BEACH WALK

Francis Fiore, trustee, of Cincinnati, sold the Unit 12 condominium at 6825 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Michael and Laura Dailey, of Longboat Key, for $1.35 million. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,392 square feet.

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

THE BEACHES OF LONGBOAT KEY SOUTH

Marie Fazzary sold her Unit 306

Longboat Key

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of July 1-7 in order of dollar amounts.

L O N G B OAT K E Y

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

ADDRESS 1215 Bogey Ln.

PERMIT New construction

APPLICANT K and K Longboat LLC

2185 GMD #221

Interior alterations

Scott M. Welch

AMOUNT $1,530,193 $493,000

6201 GMD

Pool

Randall S. Welch

$191,050

575 Sanctuary Dr. #A501

Windows and doors

Fager Family Trust

$166,500

762 Jungle Queen Way

Pool

Charles Richard Bielejeski

$62,260

651 Broadway

Interior alterations

Paul Timothy Tario

$62,000

680 Fox St.

Interior alterations

Skol/Licciardello

2045 GMD #611

Interior alterations

Thomas S. Windmuller

$59,000

635 Marbury Lane

Windows and doors

Craig J. and Katherine

$55,533

Cather

825 Tarawitt Drive

Joseph C. Dominguez

$50,256

3010 Grand Bay Blvd. #4102 Windows

Robert M. Solmson QPRT

$50,000

1701 GMD

Aquarius Club

$48,000

Concrete repair

Downtown St. Petersburg

$61,470

Windows and doors

NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

Condominiums

845 Jungle Queen Way

Windows and doors

Edward B. Sobel

$47,624

6661 GMD

Demolition

Peter P. Laviolette

$45,920

1000 Longboat Club

Interior alterations

Robert William Petril

$42,000

Replace existing

Scott L. Petersen

$42,000

400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $1MM’s | Call for appointment. | Residences400central.com 2 UNITS LEFT

Downtown Sarasota

Rd. #701 572 Gunwale Lane

pile lift 6320 GMD

Windows and doors

David F. Halfpenny

$41,370

451 N. Shore Road

Reroof

Stephen P. and

$27,843

Carolyn Kranz

620 Buttonwood Drive

Thomas D. Tucker

$27,350

Pierre Association Inc.

$23,000

canopy 455 Longboat Club Road

Concrete repair

3440 GMD #16

Windows and doors

Mandok Inc.

621 Linley St.

Reroof

Edward B. Fischer

5393 GMD Unit 115

$20,657.00 $20,311

Interior alterations

Rosemary Olson

$20,000

415 L’Ambiance Dr. #D506 Interior alterations

Dahlgren Family

$19,000

Living Trust

673 Dream Island Road

James Gregory Ruthven

Windows

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

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

$15,000

Source: Town of Longboat Key

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

2022.

Prices

Licensed Real Real Estate Estate Broker Broker Licensed

373661-1 373661-1

Install aluminum

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

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Coldwell Banker CONGRATULATES the TOP team!

JUDY KEPECZ-HAYS TEAM

Queen's Harbour

Sarabande

OPEN HOUSE 7/17 1 TO 4PM

PRICE IMPROVEMENT!

3633 Fair Oaks Place| 3 bed, plus den, 3.5 bath | 2,892 Sq Ft www.3633FairOaksPlace.com | Offered for $1,925,000

340 South Palm Ave #75 | 3 bed, 3.5 bath | 2,761 Sq Ft www.Sarabande75.com | Offered for $3,300,000

Longboat Key Towers

The Ritz Carlton

601 Longboat Club Rd Unit #302S | 2 bed, 2 bath | 1,458 Sq Ft www.LongboatKeyTowers302.com | Offered for $1,750,000

1111 Ritz Carlton Dr #1204 | 3 bed, 2.5 bath | 3,582 Sq Ft www.Ritz-Carlton1204.com | Offered for $3,299,000

L'Ambiance

Embassy House

435 L’Ambiance Dr #G601 | 3 bed, 3 bath |3,380 Sq Ft | Updated to Perfection www.Lambiance-G601.com | Offered for $6,880,000

770 South Palm Ave #503 | 2 bed, 2 bath | 1,520 Sq Ft www.EmbassyHouse503.com | Offered for $1,098,500

Waterside in LWR

The Beach Residences

PRICE IMPROVEMENT!

RITZ-CARLTON MANAGED

8052 Grande Shores Dr | 4 bed, 4.5 bath | 4,027 Sq Ft www.cbhometour.com/8052-Grande-Shores-Drive-Sarasota-FL34240/index.html | Offered for $2,350,000

1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr #1009 | 3 bed, 3 bath | 3,582 Sq Ft Ritz-Carlton Managed |1300BenjaminFranklinDr1009.com Offered for $2,950,000

SCAN TO VIEW ALL LISTINGS! Thinking of selling your Residence? Please call me!

LongboatKeyLuxury.com | (941) 587-1700

423 St. Armands Circle | Sarasota, Florida 34236 595 Bay Isles, Suite 250| Longboat Key, FL 34228 385205-1

12B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

13B

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, JULY 15

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

|

Sunrise Sunset

High: 88 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 58%

Thursday, July 14

6:44a

8:27p

Friday, July 15

6:45a

8:27p

Saturday, July 16

6:45a

8:27p

Sunday, July 17

6:46a

8:26p

SATURDAY, JULY 16

Monday, July 18

6:46a

8:26p

High: 87 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 55%

Tuesday, July 19

6:47a

8:25p

Wednesday, July 20

6:47a

8:25p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, JULY 17 High: 87 Low: 78 Chance of rain: 58%

July 20 Last

July 28 New

Aug. 5 First

Aug. 11 Full

TIDES Highs Lows Thursday, July 14

Mary Kondrat captured this glowing sunset on Longboat Key.

—

12:20p

—

9:14p

Friday, July 15

4:21a

1:15p

6:37a

9:58p

Saturday, July 16

4:35a

2:12p

7:57a

10:38p

Sunday, July 17

4:53a

3:10p

9:18a

11:14p

Monday, July 18

5:15a

4:14p

10:42a

11:48p

Tuesday, July 19

5:42a

5:29p

—

12:09p

Wednesday, July 20

6:12a

7:04p

12:19a

1:36p

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

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 383368-1

941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

crossword

celebrity cipher

JUMBO FREESTYLE 2 by Adrian Johnson. Edited by Amanda Rafkin 108 Grow weary 109 Certain outdoor art exhibit 110 Dedicated poem 111 Think too much (about) 112 To boot

48 “Duck!” and “Think fast!,” e.g.

49 Like a thick fog 50 Bible distributor 51 Bit of throat tissue 52 Zodiac sign for Halloween birthdays DOWN 53 Pigs’ digs 1 Russian dough 55 “Go introduce yourself!”

2 Wretched 56 Caught on 3 “Gotcha” 57 The Hulk’s emotion 4 Where two pairs is better 61 Part of a stock exthan three of a kind? change?

5 CPR expert 62 Foley artists’ specialties 6 Mo. with the longest 65 Pull off the ultimate name diamond heist?

7 Spanish painter Joan 68 Eastern Indian state 8 Jouster’s getup 69 Portrayer of Elle in 9 Government vehicle “Legally Blonde” 10 Seek advice from 72 ___ grease 11 Any number to the 74 Backyard pool fillers power of zero 76 Have a crush on 12 Like some windows 78 Grow pessimistic 13 “Nothing new, I’m 79 Country where the afraid” Amazon river begins 14 Forward-thinking 81 Number of U.S. states person? that start with O 15 Al ___ (firm) 83 Legumes in dhansak 16 Flag maker Betsy 84 Microblogging site 17 Vehemently dislike since 2007 ©2022 Universal Uclick 18 Big 12 sch. in Fort Worth 85 iPhone-unlocking 28 Really urgent 78 ___-Manuel Miranda 56 ___ fiction (“FrankenACROSS 19 Music style that means technology 79 Exemplified model stein” genre) 1 ___ the roof (makes lots 31 Reduce, ___, recycle “new wave” in Portuguese 86 Ornate furniture style 33 Shoe cushion 58 “I pity the fool” speaker behavior? of noise) 21 Live and breathe 88 Groups of three 80 Ways of walking 59 “Ain’t that the truth!”

7 Mr. Peanut, for Planters, 35 Cosmic specks 29 Actor Elba 89 Power spikes 38 Scottish horse 60 Spots for restaurants, 82 Exams loathed by those e.g.

30 Really regrets 90 Resulted in afraid of needles say?

13 Cover, as some ground? 40 Unexpected delights 32 Titan of food distribu- 92 Smallest ones in litters 42 Bring up the rear?

61 Large, unsightly building 85 Romanticized figures 16 “Tough this one out!” tion 95 Serena Williams, 43 Formula One racer 87 Guaranteed winners 63 Triage sites in hosps.

19 Like athletes in ESPN’s 34 Secrecy contracts, for agewise, when she won her Hamilton 90 Shaving foam 64 Desires “The Body Issue” short first Grand Slam 44 Cause of inflation?

66 When ties are untied? 91 Deed holder 20 Ability to know things 36 Minneapolis’ Target 98 Texting letters 45 Royals’ headwear?

93 Artists’ inspiration (Abbr.) exist even when they can’t Center, e.g.

100 Graphic novel about 47 “That’s a bummer ... ” 94 Humdrum routine 67 Wading birds be seen 37 Characteristics WWII 96 “HELLO ... Hello ... hello” 22 Its national animal is the 50 Inheritance from one’s 68 “Murder, She ___” 39 Competitive video 102 Shrek, e.g. parents? effect 70 “Hi! I’m an owl!”

Arabian oryx gaming 105 Where many home 51 Comedian Notaro 97 Upper-left PC key 71 Boo-boos 23 Aerodynamic 41 Pie slices, often births take place 52 Palindromic philanthro- 73 Wrinkly-faced dog 99 ___ a ride (hitchhike) 24 Tugboat sounds 43 “Time to change the 106 Big ___ (London 101 French for “black” 74 Shoes worn in many pist George 25 Prom attire for some subject” landmark) 103 Judge to be drag shows 54 Low-lying land women 46 Enabling, like a security 107 A long time ___ 104 You might unpack it 75 Spy’s info 55 Hindustani classical 26 Religious offshoot system with a therapist 77 Under the weather music instrument 27 Brief moment

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“T WTHL IEL TXLD ZO EDKTPF GSTWI IETJ GLDSITOSW LVUTNL, GSI T JITWW WTHL IZ IETPH ZO VAJLWO DJ D JIDGWL GZA.” – FTZNFTZ DNVDPT

“EKBOEWTIBTSL TD CS CXZ, OKWX EKBO TD ZJP YCSNCD, VPTLJZD CXP OKWX EXWDJ CSB SWZXTZTKS TD OKWX RCTSZ.”

– GCT LXPPSP

“NL NU ASUUNRCX LS PSJJNL VS JNULMOXU MVG ULNCC CSUX. LZML NU VSL DXMOVXUU; LZML NU CNHX.” – AMLTNPO ULXDMTL Puzzle Three Clue: Z equals M

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

Puzzle Two Clue: N equals V

Sarasota

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

Puzzle One Clue: X equals D

CARPET

© 2022 NEA, Inc.

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

7-14-22

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

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

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

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

GARAGE SALE Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Cleaning

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.

Available July and August 2022, June to December 2023.

Owner/renter. Flexible terms.

570-239-0431 marketreps@aol.com

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

Homes for Rent LONGBOAT ANNUAL Lease Town home on water. Spanish Main Marina 2b/2b. Utilities, I-net, beach access, pool. Over 55, no pets, no smoking. 5k month.

(941) 545-7460

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

Call 941-383-3338.

jobs

stuff

SELL YOUR STUFF FAST!

Condos/Apts. for Rent

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

FIND IT IN THE RED PAGES 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

RED PAGES AD RATES First 15 words ................... $ 15.00 per week Each add’l word .........25¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com /RedPages

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.

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

This week’s Crossword answers

WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com

BICHON FRISES! Hypo Allergenic, Registered, Health Certificate & Guarantee..

Paper trained. Born 5/5 & 5/13 Proceeds benefit local 501c3 Charity.

Females $1400 Males $1,200 (941) 806-9882 www.pet-therapy.org

DINING SET, Table, glass top, 4 chairs, cushions, matching bakes rack, all 4 $199. 941-914-1498 DURABUILT PORTABLE Air Compressor: Model #1552, 6 gal tank, 125 PSI, on wheels.

Good condition, $50. Please call: 941-358-5130 DUTCH OVEN, Le Creuset, Large 8 and 3/4 Quarts, Like New. Photos available, $199 (973) 356-8898

YourObserver.com/RedPages

METAL CHANDELIER, brown, hardware included. Like new, $20.

(941) 920-2494

Autos Wanted

SALTWATER REELS Mitchell 302N,402Salt, Shake 2081 & PENN 500. VGC 352-613-6015

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Merchandise Wanted BUYING BASEBALL card collections! Looking to free up space and make $$? Need to sell sports cards? Collector looking to expand collection.

Pay top dollar. Text/call 941 548 6492 with photos.

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.

real estate

GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE!

Want Some Mad Money?

Sell Your Item for Free! $200 or less

auto

CAR AMPS (2). Sherwood XA1180 Coustic Power Logic 260 $200. (352) 613-6015

COASTAL SPECIALTY Store on St. Armands Circle. Brands include Tommy Bahama, Brighton and Gretchen Scott. Seeking sales clerk, FT/PT positions available. Please call (407)765-1400

Condos/Apts. for Rent FLOAT YOUR boat in the Ritz/ Hyatt basin from your beautiful marina townhome. 3BR/3.5BA, furnished, 2/car garage, 3/balconies, 24/hr security. Large boat dock available. Annual $6,000/month +utilities. Available August 1st. Service pets only.

No smoking. 847-331-6961

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

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

©2022 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236

Help Wanted

peekers’ place

Pets

home services

Items Under $200

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I like the idea of having built this beautiful empire, but I still like to think of myself as a stable boy.”

Giorgio Armani Puzzle Two Solution: “Bodybuilding is an art, your body is the canvas, weights are your brush and nutrition is your paint.”

Kai Greene Puzzle Three Solution: “It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not weakness; that is life.”

Patrick Stewart

This week’s Sudoku answers

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.

SEARCH the RED PAGES for GREAT DEALS Visit YourObserver.com/RedPages

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

Health & Fitness

384832

Clinical Exercise Specialist · Private In-Home Services Brian M Simpson NASM, AMFPT, CPR, AED & First Aid Certified

941-345-5264

(614) 395-5854 · briansimp32@gmail.com

WE COME TO YOU

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

Insurance

5-Star Rated

Beauty SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

Roofing

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

MIC INSURANCE

383879

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. (941) 345-5264 Building & Roofing Contractor

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

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

384837

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

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

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

AMANDA 424-333-0713 | rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com www.rockstarmobilehairsalon.com

CREATE BUZZ!

Advertise your business in the Red Pages.

Call 941-955-4888

Windows

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood Res./Com.

Doors

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

385162

Sliding Glass Door Repair

For

Massage

LMT, CMCE

609-820-4251

By appointment only

384845

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

MediCupping & Massage Therapy services for healing

STANDARD WINDOWS

Rest your mind & body.

Connect with your spirit.

Personal Services

5

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

384838

384246

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

PRESSURE WASHING

House Washing, Roofs, Screen Cages, Pavers, Driveways and Walkways.

FREE INSTANT ESTIMATES when you Call RICK for SCHEDULING

$100 COUPON

University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

SOFT WASH

941-CLEAN IT 2 5 3 - 2 6 4 8

384299

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

WE ARE THE SOFT WASH PRESSURE WASHING PROS

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

$100 COUPON

GROW

YOUR BUSINESS

Power Washing

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

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

Health

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

senior citizen discount.

Purified water window cleaning available!!

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

150

$

SPECIAL 00 $

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

ws

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

Furniture Repair

941-504-0903

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

UP TO

384245

Chrissy Stites

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s i Sun merly known as Sunrise Windo ng

384261

HoHoBuysCars.com

384247

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

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

Helping seniors stay fit and independent since 2009

FAST • EASY • SAFE

941.270.4400

Rescreening & Repairs

FUNCTIONAL FITNESS TRAINING

SELL YOUR CAR!

15B

385150

Auto Service

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

|

Advertise as low as $85 per week.

NEED HELP?

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

384839

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Find local business and service professionals in the Observer Red Pages.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY | 941.383.3388

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

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

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

383889

Sandra Smith

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

REAL ESTATE BY A REAL EXPERT

OVER $72 MILLION PENDING AND SOLD IN 2022 • OVER $134 MILLION SOLD IN 2021

BRUCE MYER - 6 MONTH RECAP - 2022 MARKET LEADER

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES 573 YAWL LANE PENDING - $3,195,000

WINDING OAKS 3411 WINDING OAKS DRIVE PENDING - $1,695,000

BAY ISLES BAYOU 3610 BAYOU CIRCLE PENDING - $1,995,000

SLEEPY LAGOON 550 NORTON STREET PENDING - $2,995,000

SANCTUARY 565 SANCTUARY DR. #B106 PENDING - $2,199,000

FAIRWAY BAY 1904 HARBOURSIDE DR., #204 PENDING - $1,195,000

PLAYERS CLUB 1465 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #504 PENDING - $1,775,000

ST. ARMANDS KEY 130 BLVD. OF PRESIDENTS SOLD - $1,900,000

GRAND BAY IV 3010 GRAND BAY BLVD. #485 SOLD - $2,011,000

FAIRWAY BAY 1930 HARBOURSIDE DR. #135 SOLD - $699,000

FAIRWAY BAY 2016 HARBOURSIDE DR. #311 SOLD - $827,000

PLAYERS CLUB 1445 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #304 SOLD - $1,500,000

ISLANDER CLUB 2295 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #95-S SOLD - $817,500

GRAND BAY IV 3010 GRAND BAY BLVD. #463 SOLD - $1,887,250

LONGBEACH 7125 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #24 SOLD - $935,000

FAIRWAY BAY 2120 HARBOURSIDE DR. #623 SOLD - $875,000

COREY’S LANDING 3467 BYRON LANE SOLD - $1,075,000

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES 500 HALYARD LANE SOLD - $2,445,000

SOUTH SIDE PARK 2073 GROVE ST. SARASOTA SOLD - $1,250,000

HARBOUR OAKS 2179 HARBOURSIDE DR. #501 SOLD - $1,105,000

BIRD KEY 411 PHEASANT WAY SOLD - $3,295,000

LIDO KEY 129 TAFT DR. #W303 SOLD - $2,995,000

FAIRWAY BAY 2110 HARBOURSIDE DR #526 SOLD - $820,000

QUEENS HARBOUR 3632 FAIR OAKS PLACE SOLD - $2,725,000

BIRD KEY 525 BIRD KEY DRIVE SOLD - $2,900,000

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA 624 S. PALM AVE. #3 SOLD - $3,100,000

LONGBOAT LANDING 5320 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #203 SOLD - $850,000

LONGBOAT LANDING 5320 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #103 SOLD - $780,000

GRAND BAY I 3060 GRAND BAY BLVD. #175 SOLD -$1,655,000

FAIRWAY BAY 1918 HARBOURSIDE DR. #902 SOLD - $1,423,427

INN ON THE BEACH 225 SANDS POINT RD. #6203 SOLD - $675,000

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS 603 LONGBOAT CLUB RD. #1204N SOLD - $1,750,000

LONGBEACH NAUTILUS 7065 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #22 SOLD - $870,000

GRAND BAY 3040 GRAND BAY BLVD. #276 SOLD - 2,975,000

PROMENADE 1211 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #401 SOLD - $1,905,000

Bruce Myer

Realtor ®

941.376.5311

Bruce@BruceMyer.com • www.BruceMyer.com

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY • 595 BAY ISLES ROAD, STE. 250 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228

385135-1

16B