Longboat Observer 7.28.22

LONGBOAT

Foodie tourism?

PAGE 1B

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

VOLUME 44, NO. 50

Power to the people ... soon

YOUR TOWN

Underground utilities work planned for completion by late 2022. PAGE 5A

Courtesy photo

Shell thief strikes

It was a shell-of-a-theft recently at Sheila Loccisano’s house.

Loccisano recently discovered three 5-gallon-sized buckets of shells she was waiting to use for a landscaping project at Gulfshore of Longboat Key went missing.

Not the buckets, just the shells. The buckets were returned empty.

Loccisano landscaped around her place using shells, and the community’s beautification committee liked the idea. The committee got approval to shell an area near the office and mailroom and asked Loccisano to help find supplies.

There are no immediate plans to find more shells.

“Shells are a funny thing,” she said. “It’s like fishing. Some days they’re all over, and other days, there are none. Lately, it’s not been real fruitful.”

Bay project cleans up

Courtesy photo

8-legged hitchhiker

Oyster shell gardens make a splash as a way dock owners can improve water quality. PAGE 3A Lauren Tronstad

Shaun Swartz, environmental specialist, holds up a vertical oyster garden that has been under a dock at Robinson Preserve for about a year.

A+E

When the Julian family pulled up their anchor near Jewfish Key and headed to Beer Can Island for a summer picnic recently, an unexpected guest boarded their boat. Hilary Julian called it “our hitchhiker octopus.” Delighted with their hop-on, they surmise it caught a ride on the anchor and then crawled off.

The family has split their time between Orlando and Longboat Harbour since 2019.

While on the water every other weekend, they’d never seen an octopus before.

Miles Julian, 11, made sure the hitchhiker got home safely by carefully releasing it back into Sarasota Bay.

Turtle tracks LONGBOAT July 17-23 Lauren Tronstad

Chief George Turner shakes officer Brett Miklos’ hand after Miklos was sworn in.

Petal power.

SEE PAGE 9A

On the road to police accreditation Officer hiring continues as work advances on agency’s goals. PAGE 2A

Nests False crawls

2022 59 53

2021 60 88

Totals since April 24 2022 2021 Nests 1,256 979 False crawls 1,495 1,346 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

2A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

Police department moves ahead with accreditation The accreditation process requires the department to meet strict guidelines set by Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

T

he Longboat Key Police Department is about six months into the process of seeking state accreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation.

Once completed, the accreditation marks approval from an outside authority that the department is living up to the standards that have been set.

“It’s really a stamp from an outside professional group saying that we are doing everything we’re supposed to do and for the right reasons,” Police Chief George Turner said.

The process entails the department reviewing policies to ensure each is being followed in its entirety.

“It requires us to meet very strict standards, training, hiring, how we handle calls, how we take complaints, equipment, the full gamut, everything we do,” he said. “It has to fit into a mold that outside professionals have determined to be the best course of action for us.”

The whole process can last upwards of two years as it involves detailed documentation of every action taken by the department.

A team from the commission will come to the department and analyze and observe everything the department does, Turner said. The team will take notes on what is done well and what needs improvement before deciding whether to recommend the department for accreditation.

The department’s staff will then go in front of a state accreditation board made up of members appointed by the governor, which includes members of law enforcement. The board will go through the report from

Lauren Tronstad

Officer Brett Miklos takes his oath as he is sworn in as the department’s newest officer.

the commission before voting on whether to award the accreditation.

The police department is still about six months out from signing a contract with the commission, marking the start of the judgment process.

In the meantime, the department has been updating the station’s security, placing new cameras in patrol vehicles and reviewing all policies and procedures.

A sampling of the points to be examined by the state board:

.com e s u o

areh W e r itu

On Friday morning, Brett Miklos was sworn-in as the newest addition to Longboat Key’s police department.

Prior to his move to the area, Miklos served as an officer in Cincinnati, Ohio for four years.

“It’s a smaller department, so you really get to know everyone as a family,” he said of the department’s appeal.

He looks forward to the change of pace and warmer weather the area and department will provide him.

The recent swearing in ceremony marks the second in two weeks as the department seeks to fill five vacancies after recent retirements.

SUMMER SIZZLE

heraldtribune.com

WINNER

* 12 MONTHS NO INTEREST PICK UP TODAY OR FREE DOOR DELIVERY**

Furn

The

n A written directive that regulates the types of off-duty employment in which agency members may or may not engage. n A written directive that requires that members receive copies of and are instructed in the agency’s use of force policy before they are authorized to carry lethal or less-lethal weapons. n A written directive that describes the proper use of the following equipment during emergency and non-emergency situations: Emer-

WELCOME, OFFICER MIKLOS

gency lights; sirens; hazard warning lights; spotlights, if equipped; and public address systems, if equipped. n A written directive that establishes an incident reporting system to include: Guidelines for when reports must be written; forms to be used; information required; procedures for completing incident reports; procedures for submitting and processing incident reports; and documented supervisory review. n Access to evidence areas is controlled to prevent the alteration, unauthorized removal, theft, or other compromise of evidence stored by the agency and to maintain chain of custody.

While the department is still in the early stages of the process, Turner is hopeful it will be concluded on the department’s end by late 2023.

The Barancik Foundation in 2021 awarded the town a grant of $274,850 over a three-year period. The town plans to apply the funding toward accreditation-related efforts, training, policy development and technology.

The department is backed by the support of the town commission, Town Manager Tom Harmer and the Key’s citizens.

“It’s important to Longboat Key,” Turner said. “It’s important to me.

It’s important to everybody who works here.”

Accreditations last three years before the department is visited again with higher standards to meet to achieve the status again. The process continues every three years to maintain the accreditation.

“It’s a never ending process,” Turner said. “It’s about police professionalism and wanting to keep up with the laws.”

Longboat Key Police Department is the last in the area to apply for the recognition. Bradenton Police Department has been accredited since 2003. Manatee Sheriff’s Office has been accredited since 1996 as well as Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. The Sarasota Police Department achieved the status for the first time in 2002.

WE OFFER FULL-SERVICE DELIVERY AND SET-UP

599

a statement

$

Uptown transitional style sofa.

Right blend of casual and modern.

Contemporary

casual

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

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

99

799

$

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

SOFA

99 5-PC

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

Smooth

and functional

Queen headboard, footboard, rails, dresser and mirror.

Queen

mattress

Queen 9” gel memory foam mattress.

All sizes available.

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

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

69999

$

49999

$

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

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

* On Purchases $300 or more with the Furniture Warehouse credit card made between July 28, 2022 and July 27, 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, Coupon savings or any promotional discounts. Terms of promotions - Previous purchase excluded, cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Promotion offers exclude Hot Buys, floor models or clearance items, sales tax, furniture protection plans, warranty, delivery, or service charge. ** Next Day Delivery or Pick Up pertains to in-stock merchandise.

379647-1

Make

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

“This community-based approach is pretty unique, especially a local government reaching across county lines and organizational boundaries. To the best of my knowledge, I don’t know of anyone else doing it like this.”

— Shaun Swartz

Solutions on the half shell Photos by Lauren Tronstad

Shaun Swartz, environmental specialist, shows where a small hole has been drilled into an oyster shell.

The ecosystem-improvement plan makes use of discarded oyster shells and unused space below docks.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

T

he oyster shells previously sitting on your dinner plate at one of your favorite seafood restaurants are likely now strung together as part of vertical oyster gardens designed to help improve Sarasota Bay water quality.

A vertical oyster garden is made of recycled oyster shells and suspended from beneath docks to create a hard surface in which juvenile oysters can attach and develop.

“There’s a lot of interest in creating artificial reefs under docks because it’s an unused space,” said Shaun Swartz, an environmental specialist at Manatee County’s Natural Resources Department. “These are an alternative to some of the ones that are plastic-based and don’t last as long.”

The new initiative was created to improve the area’s marine ecosystems.

“Clams and oysters filter water through just by living in the waterway,” he said. “They’re filter feeders.

They can remove nutrients from the water and increase water quality and clarity so much that you can get sea grasses and mangroves growing.”

Oysters can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day, which can aid in the growing concern of locals regarding the future of the area’s water quality, Swartz said. “(Oysters) are the superheroes of this ecosystem,” Swartz said while participating in a Longboat Key “Talk of the Town” video segment.

In the segment with Town Manager Tom Harmer, he illustrated the importance and benefits of the oyster shells in hopes of increasing community awareness of the program and encouraging participation.

Manatee County and the town of Longboat Key have partnered with Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Sarasota Estuary Program and Solutions To Avoid Red Tide as they begin dis-

The drop box can store between 10 and 15 vertical oyster gardens at once.

However, interest in upwards of 200 oyster gardens has been brought to Swartz, who has helped coordinate getting the shells to the homes.

Individuals who are interested in utilizing the drop box must fill out a survey using a QR code on the sign by the box to receive the code needed to open the lock.

The survey asks the resident if they are willing to participate in a citizen science monitoring effort. The effort is still in the works, but Swartz said the goal is to gather data about the oyster gardens and their progress.

Word-of-mouth and easy accessibility to the free product has aided in public interest in the initiative.

Swartz said he has yet to come across someone that was opposed to the idea.

While this initiative is newer, the concept is not to Swartz or the department. Vertical oyster gardens have been deployed before with some under fishing docks at the preserve for over a year. “(The program) engages the community, gets them involved and then raises awareness about oyster restoration on a larger scale,” he said.

GROWING OYSTERS

A sign explaining vertical oyster gardens stands in front of the drop box where locals can pick up their own to hang under their dock.

HOW TO GET YOUR OWN VERTICAL GARDEN A drop box for residents to collect their own oyster garden has been set up at Robinson Preserve.

Individuals must first fill out a survey, which can be done using the QR code on the sign by the

persing the oyster gardens to residents with docks as part of a recent initiative to improve local ecosystems.

The shells that are part of the gardens are quarantined for about six months before being woven together with other shells, allowing for the removal of harmful bacteria and foodborne illness that the shells might have been exposed to after being prepared and consumed at the restaurants.

“It’s basically taking what would otherwise be trash at our landfill and creating something out of it,” Swartz said.

About 12 restaurants work with the county and its partners to recycle used shells.

The oyster shells are strung together by volunteers who drill small holes

Buckets of vertical oyster gardens await deployment to local docks.

box or ahead of time. The survey asks where the garden is planned to be hung and how many are being taken.

Then, a code will be provided to open the lock on the box.

in the shells before stringing the twine, which has stainless steel wire in its middle, through the holes. The wire aids in ensuring the garden has a strong hold under the dock.

Swartz also takes piles of shells to local schools for the students to string up the oysters and learn about oysters and shellfish restoration.

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

Residents of the county and surrounding areas have the opportunity to pick up their own pre-made vertical oyster gardens for free at a drop box at the Robinson Preserve.

At the moment, the preserve drop box is the only location locals can pick up their vertical oyster gardens, but Swartz and the department are looking into ways to expand for easier access for the rest of the county.

It takes anywhere from six weeks to six months for life to establish itself on the shells tied under docks.

Within six weeks, it is typical to see barnacles, marine worms and crabs staying on the shells. The juvenile oyster growth takes longer.

“When you have a space for little slimy creatures like crabs and worms and juvenile fish to live, it attracts other things in the food web,” Swartz said. “It’s creating prey and space for that prey, so that larger fish can come in and eat. It’s supporting larger wildlife in the area.”

The project is estimated to continue for the long term with hopes of continuous community support to ensure optimal success.

“This community-based approach is pretty unique, especially a local government reaching across county lines and organizational boundaries,” he said. “To the best of my knowledge, I don’t know of anyone else doing it like this.”

One of the most recent deployments of the oyster gardens was at Longboat Key’s Joan Durante Park.

Swartz tied 50 strings of oyster shells to the bottom of scenic-overlook platforms along the park’s waterfront boardwalk.

“It is unlikely you will see any growth on those yet as they have only been under there a couple of weeks,” he said.

Although the shells need to remain underwater at all times, some of the gardens will be easily viewable.

The proposed solution for improved water quality and ecosystem sustainability was chosen for its durability and lasting impacts on the ecosystem.

“Once they’re set up they are virtually maintenance-free,” Swartz said. “I always go back and check on them just to make sure they’re doing OK and to monitor growth and establishment. They’re really easy to get involved with and they don’t require a lot of maintenance.”

Shaun Swartz, environmental specialist, points out crabs and worms on a vertical oyster garden at Robinson Preserve.

3A

4A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

Sister Keys purchase celebrates 30-year anniversary In 1992, the Sister Keys Conservancy and town of Longboat Key partnered to purchase the four islands.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

S

kimming over a 1988 edition of the Longboat Observer, Rusty Chinnis’ spotted an advertisement for the sale of the Sister Keys, a collection of four islands in north Sarasota Bay. The advertisement prompted Chinnis to pause, recalling recent developments on adjacent Jewfish Key, which had sprouted new homes and bright blue septic tanks.

“I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice if one island didn’t have a house on it?’” he said.

He and a group of like-minded individuals created the Sister Keys Conservancy to lobby politicians and host bake sales, fundraisers, a Music in the Park series and speaking engagements to help gain support.

The conservancy received letters of support from organizations including The Sierra Club, The Sarasota Audubon Society, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and Longboat Key Garden Club. Each letter touted the importance of preserving the keys.

However, after two years, the group had raised $46,000 of the $1.5 million needed to purchase the islands.

Knowing the remaining money

would unlikely be raised on their own, the group turned to the town of Longboat Key for support, Chinnis said.

Town commissioners opted to transfer $929,000 from the town’s open space acquisition fund to cover the remaining portion needed for the $975,000 offer that was accepted by the islands’ owners.

On July 10, 1992, the town purchased the Sister Keys. This year, the keys are celebrating 30 years of protection from development and conservation of their natural habitats.

After the purchase, the islands were restored with native plants, wetlands, salt marsh and gopher tortoise habitat with the help of the real estate branch of the St. Joe Paper Co. in 2006.

“I think it’s critical that we look to places like the Sister Keys to realize how an area can be rehabilitated, how it can be brought back to a natural state with a little love and care,” Chinnis said.

Before the town purchased what we now know as the Sister Keys, a map from the 1890s depicted the islands in the early stages of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, calling it the Otter Keys.

In the 1960s, the islands were owned by a group of investors that intended to create a tropical resort called Shangri Isles. If it went through, the development would have transformed the keys into a marina, an 18-hole golf course, luxury homes, a hotel and an even a 5,000-foot-long airstrip.

After the development fell through, it was years later that the

Ronda Ryan, president of Sarasota Bay Watch, and Rusty Chinnis tell volunteers about the Sister Keys during this year’s annual clean-up.

islands went back on sale, marketed as a “tropical paradise.”

Since the purchase of the islands, locals have banded together to participate in an annual clean-up of the islands sponsored by Sarasota Bay Watch and Suncoast Waterkeeper.

The cleanup, which typically occurs in early April, focuses on removal of invasive plant species and trash that has ended up on the shores, either on the tides or left behind by visitors.

Beer cans, bottles, food wrappers, lounge chairs and lumber are among the typical items pulled from the islands by cleanup crews. Less common, but not unheard of, include golf balls and an American flag or two.

Still, the islands remain as Chinnis hoped they would for three decades and beyond.

“It’s just so amazing to me, what can be done if you just give nature a chance,” Chinnis said. “It has turned into a really vibrant habitat.”

When the initial removal was done, Australian Pine trees and Brazilian pepper trees were of primary concern. Both species prohibit native plants and vegetation from growing

File photos

as they overtake areas.

Although the group still keeps a watchful eye on the potential reappearance of both plant species, the most recent cleanup focused on removing vines of vinca, more commonly known as periwinkle.

Participation in the annual cleanups is typically limited to between 75 to 100 volunteers.

Wendi Gengler, left, and Brooke Langton work to uproot vinca plants, an invasive species, during this year’s clean-up.

A Longboat Key Landmark

OODLES OF KITTENS

Adopt, Don’t Shop Harry’s French Feast Wine Dinner

379607-1

August 10th | 6:30pm | $109/person+tax+gratuity

Harry’s Going Down Under Wine Dinner

Thanks

August 18th | 6:30pm | $99/person+tax+gratuity

Harry's Restaurant

Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner

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

for Depending on our Reliable Service!

Starting in 1985...

37 Years & over 50+ Trucks Later...

Restaurant Reservations Suggested

Harry's Gourmet Deli

Harry's Catering

11 AM-7PM Take-Out/Curbside Pickup

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

385221-1

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

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

TRUCK #1

Luminette® Operating Systems PowerView® Automation

Sarasota’s Best Voted One of

28 Years in a Row!

LIC.#CFC1429635 ~ CPC1459826 ~ CAC1818472

941-778-5622

www.lapenseeplumbing.com

384693-1

401 Manatee Avenue, Holmes Beach

YOUR HOME DESERVES Hunter Douglas!

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS

PUBLIC NOTICES 941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

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.

AUDITOR INFORMATION 382861-1

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

384859-1

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

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

5A

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

Light at the end of the underground tunnel File photo

In some locations, new street lights have been installed before power lines and poles have been removed.

STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat Key’s underground cable project continues to move toward completion by the end of the year.

The town’s Public Works Department sent its most recent update to the Town Commission last week.

“We’re approaching this early fall time frame where the bulk of the physical construction will be done,” Public Works Director Isaac Brownman said. “Then, it will be in a time period where we are working with (Florida Power and Light) to finalize everything to a point where we can turn on the newly installed electrical system underground.”

The project, which launched in summer 2019 on the south end of island, was initially divided into five phases and was scheduled to take

gigigigi gigi

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

TOWN’S PROJECT MANAGER IS RETIRING James Linkogle, the town’s project manager in the Public Works Department, told coworkers last week he plans to retire this summer to spend more time with his family, including eight grandchildren.

Linkogle has been with the town for 23 years and most recently served as the point person on the underground utilities project.

Beyond that, though, he’s been involved with virtually every major undertaking by the department.

Aside from his day job, he’s also

finishing by the end of August. Phase four will follow phase three with expected completion in October.

FPL has been informed that the town is expecting to submit switch orders for customers by the end of August, preparing for work to be done by the utility to convert from aerial service to underground service.

Once those switchovers are made, then crews can begin removing poles

a musician with the Longboat Key band, Blues Pig, a frequent performer at island events.

In 2018, he and Public Works Director Isaac Brownman pulled three struggling children from rip currents on the north end of the key.

“I offer ascending prayers and hope for your every success in the future for all those I have enjoyed working with over the past 23+ years,’’ he wrote to co-workers.

A send-off party is planned for Linkogle on Aug. 3.

and overhead wires, as has been done on the southern end of the island.

“All the work that the town can do up to that point (switch orders) should be done by December and may be done earlier,” James Linkogle, project manager, said.

All neighborhood street light poles will be installed by the end of August.

All poles on Gulf of Mexico Drive will be installed by the end of August or early September.

However, 15 poles have been delayed due to shipping issues. Once the remaining poles arrive, it will take another two weeks to install those.

For the town fiber portion of the project, all boring and splice box installation is complete.

The town is waiting on cost proposals for connectivity to critical town buildings, which will allow for a variety of data connections to be shared via a new fiber network.

The town has completed its responsibilities of the Comcast and Frontier Communications portions of the project.

Final steps, including splicing of orange conduits sticking up out of the ground along Gulf of Mexico Drive, are the responsibility of the two companies.

In phases two and three of easements, the consent of the affected property owners has been obtained.

The majority of transformer pads have been set.

In phase four, four property owner consents are still needed. Transformer pad setting is in progress. Due to the timing of phase four, there is no anticipated impact to FPL switch orders.

•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

t em te o tdoa dy a y C o Cn ot an ct ta cm

Over2525Years YearsExperience Experience Over

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

Over 25 Years Experience

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

941-993-3695

382897-1

LAUREN TRONSTAD

about five years. The more streamlined project now is in four phases, with phase one taking place on the southern portion of the island, phase two on the northern end, and phases three and four in the middle.

The work on the $49.1 million project has consistently been completed without the need for contingency funds built into the taxes assessed annually on Key homes and businesses.

All major boring of primary and feeder circuits are complete, Brownman said.

In phase four, crews are completing final primary and secondary connections of underground conduit tubes along Gulf of Mexico Drive and neighborhoods, work that is expected to wrap up by the end of September.

As conduit work is completed, crews are pushing cables through the underground conduit in phases three and four.

That segment of work in phase three is projected to be finished by the end of August. Phase four is planned for completion in October.

Pad and equipment setting is complete in phase two. Phase three is ongoing with the expectation of

Broker Associate - Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Longboat Key's Best Value!

THROWBACK THURSDAYs

EARLY DINING & HAPPY HOUR AT THE LAZY LOBSTER

MONDAY - SATURDAY

BRINGING BACK THE CLASSICS

3:30 - 5:00* *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

+ = APPLE PIE ICE CREAM

JULY'S limited time flavor available at

plus

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

+

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.

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

XNLV2041 385214-11

Construction is planned for completion in the fall with the remaining work wrapped up by the end of the year.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

FRIDAY, JULY 15

Longboater’s stingray experience common but no less painful

TUESDAY, JULY 19

A TWO-FER 12:31 p.m., 6300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Alarm: An officer sent to investigate an activated intruder alarm at a home arrived to discover the homeowner and a housekeeper had accidentally triggered the device.

There was no sign of foul play, but the pair were also having trouble replacing a smoke-detector battery, so the officer helped with that, too.

HERE TO HELP 2:19 p.m., 5800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious vehicle: A resident alerted police to a vehicle he did not recognize after the driver parked in the resident’s driveway. An officer spoke to the driver who produced a photo ID indicating he was a utility technician who said arrangements had been made to replace a meter outdoors. The officer relayed his reassuring findings with the resident.

SUNDAY, JULY 17

CHILL 10:45 a.m., 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway Traffic hazard: A woman told police about an incident in the parking lot of a shopping center that started with a driver making a scene and then driving away from it. The caller said she honked her horn to alert the driver who was beginning to back in her direction. The driver of the backing vehicle got out, yelled and drove off erratically, the woman reported.

THE ULTIMATE IDLING MACHINE 7:08 p.m., 4800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious vehicle: Police responded to a call about a sports sedan, parked with its windows closed, doors locked and engine running.

During the course of the investigation, the owner came outside and said he had been moving boxes into a nearby residence, and all was well.

Hot water is the key to initial treatment and release, a physician and an EMS deputy chief say.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

D

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

IT’S A BAT, MAN 9:33 a.m., 700 block of Longboat Club Road Animal complaint: Police and an officer with Sarasota County Animal Control were called out to a report of an injured bat. The officer spoke to emergency dispatchers to let him know if police were needed at the scene.

MONDAY, JULY 18

THURSDAY, JULY 21

ONE EMERGENCY AT A TIME 12:06 p.m., west of 6500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Boating call: The town’s marine patrol officer, a sergeant and the U.S. Coast Guard headed into the Gulf of Mexico on a report of a sailboat with a broken rudder, taking on water with a passenger aboard experiencing a medical emergency. The Coast Guard took the patient aboard and headed for shore. The police ascertained from the stricken-vessel’s captain that the water situation was under control and that the craft was securely anchored while waiting for a tow. Police asked the captain to either call 911 or use his marine radio to call for emergency assistance if needed.

KEYLESS ENTRY 8 a.m., 6700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: A resident of a second-floor apartment called police for help when she realized she was locked inside behind a malfunctioning door. An officer responded and used a thin metal strip to disengage the door mechanism and open it from the outside. With a deadbolt to secure the door when closed, the resident was advised to use a strip of duct tape to prevent the door from re-engaging until a locksmith can make a more permanent repair.

oes everyone know the stingray shuffle? Stings are common in this area, especially during the summer beach season.

They’re also easy to treat in most cases, medical professionals say, though infections can happen.

“In urgent care, I used to see them all the time,” Dr. James Reed of the Reed Medical Group said.

But out of about 100 cases, he’s only had to cut out two barbs. A barb, the part of a ray’s tail used for defense, that is stuck in a person is more serious because there’s a greater chance of infection.

“I don’t know why they call it a sting. It is not a sting,” said Kathy Groob, who recently stepped on a stingray while on Longboat Key. She described the pain as pulsing, stabbing and burning all at once. At first, it felt like a crab pinch or getting stabbed with a stick, she said, but within 10 to 15 minutes, the pain spread up her leg.

Excruciating pain sets off a panic alarm, and people race to the emergency room when most stings can be treated faster and more easily at home with hot water.

“It breaks down the proteins and toxins,” Reed said.

He advises soaking the puncture wound and changing the water to keep it hot. If it’s still painful after a week, Reed recommends an X-ray to look for a piece of the stinger.

It was nearly five hours before Groob could stop soaking her foot, and two weeks later, it’s still swollen but painless.

Photo courtesy of Kathy Groob

Kathy Groob in her art studio on St. Armands Circle.

Groob was stung by a stingray on Longboat Key.

File photo

EMS Assistant Chief Martin Szalbirak said first responders carry a hot water pack.

If the patient is staying at a resort, they’ll guide them to the hot tub, if available.

“That will relieve some of the pain,” he said. “There’s relief enough that it doesn’t require transport by ambulance.”

Stingrays are often just below the surface of the sand underwater.

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

Tile 941.355.2703

|

|

Flooring

FLORIDADESIGNWORKS.COM

|

Backsplash

|

Quartz

4500 Carmichael Ave., Sarasota, FL 34234

|

|

Granite

FloridaDesignWorks.com

385172-1

COPS CORNER

6A

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

7A

Featured Listings

Lakewood Ranch 14722 Secret Harbor Place | $1,350,000 Brandon Surline | 941.404.9334 Camille Surline | 941.914.2671

Myakka City

Osprey

6410 Wauchula Road | $1,995,000

14021 Bellagio Way #302 | $1,250,000

Samantha Kasprzyk-Benge | 941.650.3732

Dawn Bear | 941.468.7224

Keith Redding | 941.894.4216

Siesta Key

Sarasota

515 Cummings Street | $3,300,000

5110 Kestral Park Way S | $1,825,000

Jennifer Thompson | 941.928.0790

Carlos Santos | 941.735.8302 Veronika Bajtala | 941.504.0307

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

376727-1

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

8A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Observer recommends …

Elections for Sarasota County School Board and the Sarasota Hospital Board are crucial to the future here. They deserve your attention. be commanded to behave how the Democrat elites see fit.

The above paragraph is why you won’t find any recommendations in Democratic Party races this week and next. It would be dishonest and hypocritical to do so.

Our apologies to our Democratic Party readers and friends. It’s not personal. It’s philosophical.

With that, our recommendations: MATT WALSH

O

ver the next two weeks, this space will be devoted to attempting to enlighten readers on the candidates in the Aug. 23 primary elections in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

This is not an easy election for voters.

In the November general elections, the choices are pretty much Republican or Democrat. The differences between candidates are easy to discern.

But in a primary, when candidates from the same parties are running against each other, often times there is not much difference in their philosophies or on the issues.

Making this primary election more complex and more intense than others is the highly charged political atmosphere — particularly in the wakes of the pandemic and the tidal wave of parental discontent with local school boards.

In Sarasota County, that heightened fervor has elevated the importance of the contests for three seats on the Sarasota County School Board and five seats on the Sarasota Hospital Board. Even though these contests are called non-partisan, you can feel an undercurrent of national politics.

How Sarasota Memorial handled patients during the pandemic in part has compelled four candidates to seek seats on the hospital board.

And to be sure, the way the three Democrat school board members responded to parents over masks and critical race theory is high in the memories of voters, especially parents of public school students.

The races for hospital board and school board have even more importance now because they are not warm-ups for the general election. They are the final elections.

And let’s emphasize that these elections affect two of the most critical aspects of everyone’s lives in Sarasota County — health and the future of children. Each of these public institutions are billion-dollar enterprises, and together they directly employ 10,500 people. The school system has 42,000 students.

THE PROCESS

Long-time readers know our newspapers’ philosophy has always been unabashedly rooted in laissez-faire capitalism; the freedom philosophy of individual rights above the collective; strictly limited government; and the originalist view of the Constitution.

(After no longer able to tolerate the spinelessness of Washington Republicans or the fact there is so little difference between Democrats and Republicans there, yours truly renounced the Republican Party and joined the Constitution Party.)

To be sure, this philosophy presents few pleasant choices in elections. Which means Republican candidates are typically the default choice, always closer to the freedom philosophy than Democrats. That is even more so today. What’s more, Democrats’ increasing leftward shift prompted our declaration a few years ago that we would not recommend Democratic Party candidates in any partisan race.

Sorry. They’re not bad people.

But when anyone signs up with the Democratic Party, that person is declaring an allegiance to a party that has always advocated for expanding government controls and coercion. The Democratic Party always stands for policies in which the State or Government is Supreme, and that individuals are inferior underlings, slaves to

SARASOTA COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD This is one of the most important elections on the ballot — in large part because of the strife that engulfed the board over the past two years.

That strife cost the board dearly.

It lost much of the public’s trust, especially that of many of its most important constituents — parents of school children.

With the retirements of Jane Goodwin and Shirley Brown, two long-time board members who were at the center of the strife, this election presents voters with the difficult decision of figuring out which of the six candidates on the ballot can best: n Rebuild the public’s trust; n Work together collaboratively instead of antagonistically; n Focus on building positive momentum inside the district among teachers, parents, the teachers union and administration; n Keep Sarasota County schools’ A rating; n And propel all students to higher achievement.

This election is not supposed to be about party politics. But most of us know that isn’t so.

The Republican Party of Sarasota is supporting incumbent Bridget Ziegler (District 1) and two firsttime candidates, Robyn Marinelli (District 4) and Timothy Enos (District 5). The Democratic Party of Sarasota is supporting first-time candidates Dawnyelle Singleton (District 1), Lauren Kurnov (District 4) and Nora Cietek (District 5).

Sarasota County voters will vote in all three races.

When you evaluate these races, two of the three present decidedly logical choices — Districts 1 and 5.

In District 1, incumbent Bridget Ziegler, a two-term Republican board member, has a noteworthy conservative track record. During her terms, Ziegler has been a consistent, outspoken advocate for students and parents.

She is one of the leaders and cofounders of the region’s Moms for Liberty, an organization dedicated to liberty and limited government.

And during her past two terms, Ziegler has served as a countervailing voice to a majority board that showed its disdain for parents and taxpayers, and that backed a former superintendent who alienated the district’s teachers.

Taxpayers need Ziegler. What’s more, with the departures of Goodwin and Brown, Ziegler will serve the important role of having the most institutional knowledge on the board.

In District 5, the race is between Nora Cietek, a 30-year teacher in Schenectady, N.Y., who moved to Sarasota County three years ago, and Timothy Enos, school district police chief who has lived in and served the Sarasota community for 40-plus years.

While it is important to have one or more board members with classroom experience, which Cietek would bring, current board member Karen Rose fills that role. Rose served 28 years in the district as a special education teacher, principal and director of middle schools.

Enos hasn’t been a classroom teacher, but he has spent most of his career as a law enforcement officer, including the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and recently as chief of the school district’s police department. He is recognized nationally as a consultant and trainer for school safety models and youth mentoring. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance.

Given how school safety has

become such a high priority in every school district, Enos is a logical choice.

The most difficult choice for voters is the District 4 race between two first-time candidates, Lauren Kurnov and Robyn Marinelli.

Kurnov is a former University of South Florida assistant vice president and director of student success; mother of two public school students (the only candidate with children in the public schools); and holder of a 2021 doctorate in education from the University of South Florida.

Marinelli has been a teacher and administrator in public education for 40 years. She has a master’s in education. Before retiring in 2015, she served 15 years overseeing student services for the school district. She also served a counselor at Southside Elementary and for the Cyesis program.

The two have deep personal roots in Sarasota — Kurnov was born here and a product of the school system.

Marinelli and her husband have lived in Sarasota 40 years.

These two candidates also have strikingly similar goals: To return the board to putting students first; getting politics out of the board; restoring respect, collaboration and trust among board members and parents.

Fact is, each would make competent school board members.

What’s the difference?

Experience (Marinelli, age 69, 40 years in public education; ) versus youth (Kornov, 43, no professional experience at this level of public education).

Kurnov has children in the public schools — “skin in the game.”

Marinelli does not.

The Republican Party supports Marinelli. The Democratic Party supports Kurnov.

Kurnov has raised more than $208,000 in contributions; Marinelli, $72,000. (It’s worth perusing their contributor lists; go to: SarasotaVotes.gov/Candidates-Committees/Financial-Report-Search).

Over the years, we have favored new, younger candidates, with the belief they can bring fresh, innovative perspectives and ideas. Kurnov would fill that role. She reminds us of when Ziegler first appeared on the scene eight years ago — young, enthusiastic, determined to do the right thing for students.

But the one hang-up for Sarasota County Republicans is this: Even though school board elections are non-partisan, can they accept and vote for Kurnov, a Democrat?

In nearly five decades of following elective politics, we have yet to see an elected Democrat who did not act like one — for more government.

But in this instance, we will break our rule. Give Kurnov the benefit of the doubt. She is earnest, full of energy, thoughtful and passionate — especially passionate about focusing on education, not politics. And she would join Ziegler as another in the next generation of Sarasota leaders coming to the fore.

We need that.

We recommend: Bridget Ziegler, Lauren Kurnov and Timothy Enos

SARASOTA COUNTY HOSPITAL BOARD For the past decade, Sarasota voters haven’t had to think much or be concerned about its publicly owned hospital and its affiliates, altogether known as the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System.

CEO David Verinder and his team, under the eye of the Sarasota Hospital Board, have continued a transformation that began under his predecessor, Gwen MacKenzie.

Since his appointment as CEO in 2014, Verinder has taken the healthcare system to new levels and geographic reach. Annual revenues more than doubled, from $500 million to more than $1.2 billion.

Sarasota Memorial opened a hospital in Venice. And it is regarded as a top-performing hospital system among its peers — financially and in the caliber, breadth and depth of services it offers its patients and the community.

With this record, why disrupt the board that watches over SMH’s CEO and leadership team?

After all, an elected official’s performance in office is always a good gauge of whether re-election

OTHER RACES While this week’s Our View focuses on Sarasota County School Board and the Sarasota Hospital Board primaries, here are our recommendations in for the other Sarasota Republican races: State Senate, District 22: Incumbent Joe Gruters County Commission, District 2: Mark Smith County Commission, District 4: Joseph Neunder Sarasota City Commission: Carl Shoffstall Charter Review Board, District 1: Les Nichols

NEXT WEEK

Recommendations for Manatee County, federal and statewide offices.

See the candidates’ answers to the Observer’s election questionnaire at YourObserver.com/ opinion-election-answers

is deserved.

In that vein, it might be easy to conclude the five hospital board members on the Aug. 23 ballot deserve re-election.

But it’s not that simple. Nothing is perfect. No one is perfect.

That became apparent when earlier this year the board in an 8-1 vote awarded Verinder an extension on his contract to 10 years — unheard of in most industries. It boosted his pay three times since February 2021 with a base and performance incentives that can put his total cash compensation near $2 million a year.

These almost unanimous moves became newsworthy to the public and subsequently raised the question whether board members were becoming too complacent with management and less stringent with taxpayer money.

The votes also brought to the fore whether it’s time for new perspectives on the board. Three of the five incumbents — Joseph DeVirgilio, Gregory Carter and Jim Meister — are seeking their third four-year terms. Age will be a factor in those third terms.

The pandemic has also come into play. Four of the candidates on the ballot have formed a slate that wants the board to be more aggressive questioning management and the SMH medical staff about patient care.

The four candidates who formed the “Health Freedom Slate” decided to run because of the way COVID patients and their families were treated — or not treated or mistreated — during the pandemic. they want answers and change.

The slate includes: n Two 30-year registered nurses/ patient advocates who are dogged and passionate about patient care, Bridgette Fiorucci, who works at SMH, and Patricia Maraia, who runs her own patient advocacy firm; n Victor Rohe, a former Boston police lieutenant and president of the East County Republican Club; n Dr. Joseph Chirillo, who recently retired after 34 years of practicing family medicine in Englewood and serving twice as the chief of the Englewood Community Hospital Medical staff.

Altogether, the forces are such that the hospital board appears in need of an infusion of new energy and perspectives — even if the healthcare system is operating at a financial peak and continuing to expand its facilities and services.

Fortunately, voters have solid choices. In addition to those cited above, four other accomplished Sarasotans are seeking a seat — two long-time and well-known Sarasota business figures, lawyer Thomas Dart and entrepreneur Brad Baker; 17-year EMT and flight paramedic Andre Hoefer; and healthcare consultant and marketing entrepreneur Nick Altier.

It’s time for fresh minds and talents with different and well-honed skills to sit at the SMH board table.

We recommend: Thomas Dart, Brad Baker, Nick Altier, Patricia Maraia and Dr. Joseph Chirillo

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Hughes, KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Eric Garwood, EGarwood@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Lesley Dwyer, LDwyer@YourObsever.com; Lauren Tronsta, LTronsta@YourObsever.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

JULY 28, 2022

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT SPENCER FORDIN A+E EDITOR

W

illiam A. Ewing has spent a good portion of his life thinking about photog-

raphy, and he literally wrote the book on the history of flowers in photos. So you might imagine what

F U L L B L O O M PHOTOGRAPHY

Photo courtesy of Edwynn Houk Gallery

Flowers for Lisa #30 by Abelardo Morell

a shock it was for him to realize that the art form had come a long way since he’d studied it.

Ewing, who delivered “Flora Photographica,” in 1990, was recently chatting with a woman who had enjoyed his work. And she stopped him cold by asking him what had happened in floral photography since his book.

Ewing had to admit he didn’t know.

“I was stunned,” says Ewing.

“Because I realized that for 30 years, I don’t know. I hadn’t followed it. So I quickly did a survey and decided, ‘Yeah, this is worth redoing.’”

Ewing drafted a Swiss curator, Danae Panchaud, to help him reassess the art of floral photography, and the result was a brand new book and a brand new museum exhibit.

Ewing and Panchaud brought their work, entitled “Flora Imagineria: The Flower in Contemporary Photography,” to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for a summer exhibition, and the result is dozens of photographs from celebrated artists in a number of styles.

You’ll see some images that come from electron microscopes and others that beautifully portray the flower or plant in full bloom. Some of the exhibits are inside and some are outside, and Selby Gardens CEO Jennifer Rominiecki says that’s in keeping with Selby’s mission.

“The whole idea of the living museum is that as a botanical garden, we’re operating just as museums do with changing exhibits,” she says. “And this one in particular, I think, really underscores the whole concept because we have works of art outdoors and indoors.”

Before you get to the exhibit, it helps to know some of the history.

Ewing says that from the beginning of photography, artists were pointing their lens at the natural world.

In fact, Ewing says the first photograph from Henry Fox Talbot — whom he identified as the inventor of photography — may have been of a flower. He also cited the work of Anna Atkins, an early photographer who gained distinction in the field of botany.

Photography, though, has had to fight for its place in the field. When photography burst on the scene, says Ewing, other art forms were much further ahead in their development.

“For botanical work, photography was rejected at the beginning,” he says. “Painting, watercolor, drawing, etching, engraving and lithograph were highly developed. Just think of the Dutch still life tradition; still lifes were so realistic you were tempted to brush a fly off a petal.”

Photography, by contrast, was still figuring out its own technology and how it could differentiate itself from other artistic genres. Early photography methods, says Ewing, yielded only black-and-white studies, and truthfully, photos were closer to a muddy brown-and-white.

How, then, could they expect to fully render the colorful world of SEE FULL BLOOM, PAGE 10A

10A

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

THE ARTISTS IN THEIR OWN WORDS Some statements are edited for brevity.

Photo courtesy of David Lebe

Full bloom FROM PAGE 9A

flowers and plants? And even if they succeeded, says Ewing, there was no way to get their work to the masses.

“There were people who tried to photograph and more or less succeeded even though it was blackand-white,” he says. “There was no means to reproduce photography in books until the end of the 19th century. So there was kind of a double jeopardy thing there.”

Now, in an age of digital technology, the genre has grown by leaps and bounds, and in many respects, it has become the default art form.

Now, anybody with a smart phone can indelibly capture an image.

DAVID LEBE “Photograms are a simple photographic process, but my workflow was mostly complex and layered, often culminating in the hand-application of color. I had many successes but also frustrations; there were times when the medium was not flexible enough to allow me to go where I wanted, evolve the image, or create the variations I wanted.

Twenty-five years later, learning digital photography, I realized those limitations were gone, and I couldn’t resist going back, reworking, and reimagining some photograms—resulting in pictures with two dates. “

VIVIANE SASSEN “Some of my earliest childhood memories are of flowers. I spent my years as a toddler in Kenya, where my father worked as a doctor in a local hospital. I vividly remember the gorgeous smell of the frangipani tree, which releases its scent in the evening when the sun has gone down. I remember the bright orange-red of the flamboyant tree in our garden, where the ‘banana birds’ used to nest. And the lovely lilac flowers paving the road when it was jacaranda season.”

PEDRO ALMODÓVAR “Since I began my brief life as a photographer, I have always tried to imitate painting, not photography, without resorting to any special technique except waiting for the light that comes through the windows.

My only task has been to wait for the exact moment, which varies depending on the season, and at times it’s a matter of a very few minutes. Without intending to, I was photographing the passing of time, in the light and in the flowers.”

Photo courtesy of Pedro Almodóvar

ROBERT WALKER “When looking through the viewfinder, I ignore the literal subject matter and compose the picture on the basis of purely abstract elements of form and color.

Forgetting the countless metaphorical significances usually associated with flowers, I compose my images as if on a blank canvas or flat surface.

This often enables me to conjure up relationships between styles and techniques evocative of abstract painting.”

Photo courtesy of Stevenson Gallery, SA

IF YOU GO

FLORA IMAGINARIA When: Runs until September 25 Where: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. Tickets: Free with admission Info: Selby.org

It also means that black-andwhite photography of flowers is largely a relic of the past.

There are some black-and-white images as part of the Flora Imaginaria exhibit, but Ewing estimates it’s only about 10%.

And that’s a sea change from his show from decades ago.

“The first project in 1990 was about 90% black-and-white,” he says. “That was the reality of photography. Anybody of note 30 years

ago was working in black-andwhite ... but this time around, the project is 90% color.”

The interesting part now isn’t just how perfectly rendered a flower can be in photos. It’s the many techniques an artist can employ in their work, including computergenerated effects.

So as you wander around Selby Gardens and ponder how certain images were created, you’ll also have the opportunity to appreciate the simple beauty of nature.

The outdoor exhibit of the photographs is colored by shadows and sun, and you might get a different sense if you arrive early in the day as opposed to sunset.

“Like I always say with exhibitions, it’s haute couture,” says Ewing. “It’s not pret a porter. If you’re doing the job well, you develop the project for the space.”

Photo courtesy of Robert Walker

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

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

PIZZA - SANDWICHES SALAD DELIVERY AND TAKEOUT

+1 941-383-6262

+1 941-822-0380

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

5370 GULF OF MEXICO DR, LONGBOAT KEY SUITE 105

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.

384680-1

5608 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH, 34217

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

384177-1

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

— 2 Guys —

GUN SHOW AUGUST 13 & 14

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

Robarts Arena • 3000 Ringling Blvd • Sarasota

2 H ou r CWP s Classe

$1OFF admission

Contact Guy

Tickets sold at the door

FREE Pa rki n g!

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

382403-1

385713-1

Saturday 9am - 5pm • Sunday 9am - 3pm

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

11A

DISTINCTIVE DISHES An occasional series on signature dishes from local restaurants.

WHAT’S THE DISH: This flavorful fungus concoction is the signature soup on the Indigenous menu, and it’s made from a blend of porcini, shiitake and cremini mushrooms.

Chef Steve Phelps says cooking mushrooms can be tricky because they’re 80% water and may need to be dried out before they’re used as ingredients. That’s interesting because the bisque comes out so thick you could eat it with a fork.

The earthy blend of flavors is popular with carnivores and vegetarians, and it’s the one item newcomers to Indigenous know they have to try.

“If I took if off the menu, there would be a mob out front,” says Phelps. “I even have people that I’ll freeze a couple quarts and mail it to them. That’s expensive, but if they want it, I’ll do it.”

HOW IT ALL BEGAN: The recipe followed Phelps from his early days as a chef in Cleveland. Phelps says he was classically trained as a French chef and began working on soups and sauces early in his career.

When he first made the wild mushroom bisque, he was trying to make do with extra ingredients from a beef stroganoff dish. And you can tell it has its origins in a meat dish; it has a rich and savory flavor that would be at home on any steakhouse menu.

“It doesn’t want to adapt,” says Phelps. “It doesn’t like evolutions.”

WILD MUSHROOM BISQUE AT INDIGENOUS Address: 239 S. Links Ave. Ambiance: Date night, homey and intimate atmosphere Price: Entrees from $24 to $38 Info: IndigenousSarasota.com or call (941) 706-4740.

Hot tip: The restaurant is as small as it is popular, so be sure to book a reservation by phone ahead of time.

Photos by Spencer Fordin

CHEF STEVE PHELPS

HOW IT’S MADE: Phelps slices the mushrooms really thin, and he caramelizes them with a mixture of vegetable mirepoix, garlic, fresh herbs, chicken stock and beef stock.

The mixture caramelizes for hours, and sherry is added as a de-glazer.

The final product has cream in it, says Phelps, but not a lot. Cream, butter and flour. Once the cooking process is done, The bisque is topped with rye croutons and a fried shiitake mushroom before it’s served.

“It’s just really clear on mushroom density,” says Phelps. “It basically cooks for two or two-and-a-half hours before we even add the cream to it.”

“We even get people to cheat on (being vegetarian), which is fascinating.”

— Chef Steve Phelps

MUSHROOM CONNOISSEUR: Phelps has loved mushrooms his whole life. He was the kid asking for mushroom on pizza when everyone else was asking for pepperoni or sausage.

Now, he can identify a mushroom in a blind taste test, and he also can probably tell you whether it was dried or roasted before it was cooked.

The key to preparing mushrooms, he says, is to cook them down and cook them down some more.

“Whether you’re roasting them in the oven or you’re cooking them down in butter or in oil, the longer they go, the umami flavor just keeps coming out,” he says. “Some people just make a mushroom soup or sauce and they just bring it to a boil and puree it, but you’ve got to reduce stuff. You’ve got to concentrate stuff. Changing the flavor profile from what you would taste sautéed to what you would taste roasted and that’s night and day too.”

FUNGUS AMONG US?: Phelps says shiitake mushrooms grow well in Florida, and he sources them locally from Petrichor Mushrooms and a smaller farm in Myakka. But you need more space to grow cremini mushrooms, and he supplements his stock with mushrooms from commercial growers in Pennsylvania.

A CHEAT DISH: Sometimes, says Phelps, vegetarians want to try the bisque, and they aren’t deterred when they learn it has both chicken and beef stock in it.

“We even get people to cheat on that,” he says of his vegetarian consumers. “Which is fascinating.”

ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT! THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY & THE RINGLING present

SEE FOR YOURSELF

Daniel Lind-Ramos, María Guabancex, 2018-2022, Assemblage, 110 x 84 x 148 in.

Courtesy of the artist, Photo: Ryan Gamma

Incredible Family Entertainment

Daniel Lind-Ramos Las Tres Marías

AT THE RINGLING

NOW – SAT AUG 13

SarasotaArtMuseum.org

1001 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 941.309.4300

12

$

The Ringling 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota

374721-1

11 AM & 2 PM 2 PM & 5 PM

383341-1

18

$

This exhibition is made possible, in part, with generous support from:

12 & UNDER

941.360 .7399

4/2/22 — 8/7/22

CHILD

ringling.org

TUE – FRI SAT

ADULT

TICKETS:

Found objects from the aftermath of Hurricane Maria serve as a testament to resilience and community.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

MONDAY

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

12A

FLORA IMAGINARIA Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St. Free with museum admission Visit Selby.org.

Come see the art of floral photography through the lens of some of the world’s most foremost photographers. The Selby Garden exhibit will be open until Sept. 25, and you’ll be able to stand amongst the foliage and peer deeply through the lens of the many different ways that photography can distill the image of the flower.

TUESDAY SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bayshore Road $18, $12 children Visit Ringling.org Larry Paul’s “Anna Maria Island Sunset 85” will be part of the artist’s show at Island Gallery West.

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

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

Carl Rimi has been touring the country for two decades, and he’s taken his act to clubs and cruise ships all across America. He’ll play five shows at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, beginning on Thursday and ending his run with a pair of shows on Saturday evening.

FRIDAY ‘THE MANAGER’ 7:30 p.m. at Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $21.50 Visit ThePlayers.org.

This isn’t the Bad News Bears. This brand new play is about a middleaged Little League manager who is facing a divorce and the final season coaching his son in youth baseball.

Will his family turn out to be safe at home? Runs through July 31.

U2 LASER LIGHTS 7 p.m. at Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W. $15 Visit BishopScience.org.

They want to run. They want to hide.

They want to use all the walls to show laser lights. The rich and deep catalogue of U2 hits will get the laser light treatment at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, and you can be up close and personal to sing along with Bono. It’s the

only U2 show left on the schedule; a Bob Marley showing at 9 p.m. has already sold out.

SATURDAY EXCERPTS FROM ‘LE CORSAIRE’ 7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $50-$65 Visit SRQCubanBallet.org.

The talented student dancers of the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School will take the stage with guest artists Francisco Serrano and Charlotte Tonkinson from The Royal Ballet and Ariel Martinez from The Washington Ballet. Former SCBS students who are now professional dancers will also participate in the show, which features excerpts from the fulllength ballet “Le Corsaire.”

SUNDAY BENEVA FRUITVILLE DRAG QUEEN BINGO 8 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

This is the final show and farewell performance for Beneva Fruitville’s Drag Queen Bingo, which has been on stage for 12 yeas in Sarasota and for seven at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre. Beneva Fruitville will be back at some point as a visiting artist, but this is her final performance as a Sarasota institution.

JAZZ CLUB SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PRESENTATION 4-6 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court $15, $5 students Visit JazzClubSarasota.org They’ve worked hard to master their instrument and to move on to the next step in their lives and their careers. Now you can help them celebrate. Fogartyville will serve as the host for the Jazz Club of Sarasota’s annual scholarship presentations, and several of the winning artists will be on hand to perform with a trio of talented local musicians.

Step right up and watch the supertalented cast of the Summer Circus Spectacular, which will blow your mind with an incredible combination of strength, dexterity, artistry and flexibility. You’ll see balancing artists, contortionists and even some comic relief from Chris Allison, a graduate of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College.

CLASSIC FRENCH COOKING CLASS 6 p.m. at Publix Aprons Cooking School, 2875 University Parkway $55 Visit ApronsCookingSchool.Publix. com.

Learn how the great chefs make classics like French onion soup, ratatouille, beef Bourguignon and creme brulee at this cooking class, which takes place at the Publix location on University Parkway. This is a handson cooking class, which means you’ll split time behind the grill and in preparing ingredients with your classmates, and you’ll receive instruction from the Aprons chefs.

DON’T MISS

ELEANOR MERRITT: REMEMBRANCE The rich and colorful palette of the late Eleanor Merritt, who moved to Sarasota in the ’80s and created decades of her work here, is entering its final month on display at the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Merritt, a former board member of The Ringling, was named “Artist of the Year” by the Sarasota Visual Arts Center in 1994. Her work will be on display until Aug. 21, and the exhibit will take you from work she created in the 1950s all the way through to her final painting, Blue Embrace, in 2018.

IF YOU GO When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., every day of the week Where: John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road Tickets: Free with museum admission Info: Ringling.org.

COME VISIT US

385002-1

Our Showrooms are OPEN

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

4551 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

CALL TODAY

to speak to one of our specialist

manasotaonline.com

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

INMOTION This select group of student dancers came to Sarasota from ballet schools all over the country, and they’ve spent the last several weeks working with the highly skilled instructors of the Sarasota Ballet.

Now’s their chance to take show what they’ve learned in four performances.

FEATURED ARTIST: LARRY PAUL 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Island Gallery West, 5367 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach Free Visit IslandGalleryWest.com.

Larry Paul is the featured artist for Island Gallery West in the month of August, and you can see his colorfully abstract paintings that pay tribute to the colorful sunsets of Anna Maria Island and the historic village of Cortez. The artist will be on hand at the gallery from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 28 to answer questions about his work.

WEDNESDAY ‘SMOKE AND MIRRORS’ 8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. $25 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

13A

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m., July 28; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on July 29; 2 p.m. on July 30.

Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $25-$35, $10 children Info: SarasotaBallet.org.

THROUGH AUG 28 How does a top Hollywood director get what he wants when a movie’s screenwriter stands in the way?

Smoke and Mirrors. This story, penned by Will Osborne and Anthony Herrera, centers on a director’s quest to get a movie under his umbrella and the nefarious lengths he’ll go to do it. Runs through Aug. 21

INFORMATION + TICKETS

ringling.org

MET SUMMER ENCORE: ‘LA BOHEME’ 1 and 6:30 p.m. at Regal Hollywood, 1993 Main St. $10.70 Visit RegMovies.com.

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

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.

Here’s your chance to visit Lincoln Center without leaving Sarasota.

Relive the experience of seeing one of Puccini’s classics, “La Boheme,” with the star-studded cast of a Metropolitan Opera production from 2018. Soprano Sonya Yoncheva stars as Mimi and tenor Michael Fabiano stars as Rodolfo.

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

Viktoria Binschtok (Russian, lives and works in Germany, born 1972), Snow White Apron Cluster, 2014 (installation view). Four digital c-prints, 100 x 88 cm, 80 x 58 cm, 74 x 58 cm and 43 x 60 cm. Image courtesy of the artist and KLEMM’S, Berlin.

380827-1

OUR PICK

|

Back-to-School

39th Anniversary Sale

Up to 3 K ids FREE

copenhagen imports

Ba s h !

*

JULY 23-31 Celebrate with

10% off

your purchase*

12 Months Interest Free**

Save extra on floor samples, one-of-a kinds, and more.

Plus discounts on special orders and many in-stock items.

Shop early for best selection!

Book Online!

Go to SarasotaJungleGardens.com and use code BTS22 to save.

August 6 & 7

*Restrictions apply.

FREE entry for up to 3 kids aged 12 and under with the purchase of a same-day, full-price adult admission.

Explore. Interact. Learn.

®

SarasotaJungleGardens.com • 941.355.5305

381557-1

Sarasota's Favorite Family Attraction

7211 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34231 *Vendor exclusions apply. **On approved credit.

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

385131-1

FURNITURE+LIGHTING+ACCENTS+INTERIOR DESIGN

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 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

635 MOURNING DOVE DRIVE

$5,795,000

This direct bayfront boater’s retreat on one of the most soughtafter streets in Bird Key is waiting for you to renovate or begin your dream home. Situated on a parcel spanning more than a quarter-acre, you will love its 100’ of bay frontage, newer seawall (2014), dock and lift, plus easy access to the Gulf of Mexico.

www.635MourningDove.com

5249 CAPE LEYTE DRIVE

$4,890,000

319 BIRD KEY DRIVE

$4,500,000

551 CHIPPING LANE

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.

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.

www.5249CapeLeyte.com

www.319BirdKeyDrive.com

www.551ChippingLane.com

15111 GADDY UP RANCH ROAD

$3,995,000

862 GRANDE PASS WAY

$2,795,000

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.

Sunset views abound in the exclusive Hill Tide Estates community! This spectacular parcel boasts more than a 1/4-acre of direct beachfront property in a gated community to make your own.

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.862GrandePassWay.com

www.816JungleQueenWay.com

$2,495,000

$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

384975-1

14A

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

JULY 28, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS F

or die-hard Longboat Key visitors who don’t wilt under the summer sun, this can be the most wonderful

time of the year. Many of the heat-fragile snowbirds have left the shore, but there are still plenty of vacationers bopping around the island, visiting friends and family or scoping out longer-term digs for the future.

So, while we love you permanent residents, and we adore our snowbird pals, we’re talking to you guys from up north who are here at a slower time of year.

With few crowds to get in the way, we’re

WHAT KIND OF TOURIST ARE YOU?

wondering what kind of tourist are you?

Because we have some great ideas to get out of grandma’s hair for a while.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

—LESLEY DWYER

A stand-up paddleboard yoga class launches from Overlook Park.

Nature lovers

Animal lovers

Take an early morning walk on the beach. Sea turtle nesting season is from May through October. The most common thing to see are turtle tracks. It’s hard to mistake those clear flipper lines in the sand. But if you get lucky, you could see a mother laying eggs or a hatchling “boil.” It’s called a boil because so many hatchlings emerge from the sand, it’s akin to a pot boiling over. Oh, and keep your distance and don’t blast away with a camera flash. Take it in without feeling the need to take a selfie.

Over on the south end of the island, check

out the jellyfish in the man-made tidal lagoon of Quick Point Preserve.

When you first see the lagoon sign, keep walking. The best viewing area is up ahead.

Take a sharp left and follow the boardwalk out to a deck. The floor of the lagoon is dotted with upside-down jellyfish, called Cassiopea.

Along the bay-facing beach, marine life abounds, but you’ll have to get your feet wet to see it. Sea urchins are the most common, but leopard crabs and seahorses have been spotted, too. The park is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 100 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Foodies

Classic French coq au vin, but it’s boneless.

Eat a four-course meal prepared by a Michelin Star chef. Summer is the time to try Chef Jose Martinez’s Longboat Key restaurant, Maison Blanche. The popular second-coming of Martinez’s Maison Blanche in Paris books out four to five weeks in advance during snowbird season.

But these days? Not so much. From amuse bouche to dessert, everything is made from scratch, even

the lemons are squeezed by hand.

The $75 prix fixe menu is curated by Chef Martinez himself. Don’t wait, they’ve already booked reservations for New Year’s Eve. Maison Blanche is located in the Four Winds Beach Resort, 2605 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Take a tour of desserts. If you’re the kind of foodie who enjoys death by chocolate, Euphemia Haye’s dessert bar can accommodate.

Upstairs from the main din-

The mangroves open up along the boardwalk to offer waterfront views.

who lives here and understands sunscreen. They’ll know).

The park is open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is located at 5550 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

ing room in the Haye Loft lies your sweet tooth’s dream. A drool-worthy display of cakes, pies and pastries stretch across the bar. Because everything is made in-house from scratch, selections vary from night to night. Euphemia Haye is located at 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

SEE TOURIST TYPES, PAGE 4B

384622-1

Longboat Key Turtle Watch offers public turtle walks during June and July.

Sheila Loccisano has nearly 95,000 followers on Instagram because of the pristine shells that wash ashore on Longboat Key. She wouldn’t recommend an exact location to find them because “Mother Nature decides daily,” she said, but searching on the north end usually yields better results.

No matter where you hunt, go early, Loccisano says, adding she starts at about 5 a.m.

If shells aren’t your thing, or you traveled with a carry-on only (you wise and seasoned voyager), then take a walk through the mangrove forest at Joan Durante Park. The boardwalk twists and turns through a tunnel of mangroves that provides shade on even the sunniest days.

Surrounded by mangrove roots on either side, fiddler crabs are often skittering up trees and along the boardwalk. In several spots, the mangroves open up to offer spectacular views of Sarasota Bay. And pay attention to what the locals call The Tourist Trees (just ask someone

2B

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

YOUR CALENDAR

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

SUNDAY, JULY 31

Lesley Dwyer

THURSDAY, JULY 28

MOVIE MATINEE: ‘JULIA & JULIA’ From 1-3 p.m. at the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Fresh popcorn and soft drinks are included. Free for members and $10 for non-members.

Call 383-6493.

SATURDAY, JULY 30

LAST TURTLE WALK OF THE SEASON 6:45 a.m. at the public beach access, 4795 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Look for turtle tracks and nests with the Longboat Key Turtle Watch. Also, learn how to take action to protect sea turtles. Walkers of any age are welcome if able to walk a mile in the sand.

RECURRING EVENTS MONDAYS

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

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS 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.

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. Call 383-6493.

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.

SUMMER GARDEN CONCERT 4 p.m. at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 N. Adams Drive.

Enjoy the Island Swing Band playing traditional jazz and dance songs in the garden. Free.

TUESDAY AND THURSDAY

BREATH BALANCE AND BLISS YOGA From 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

Call 361-6411 ext. 2212.

Lesley Dwyer

Longboat Island Chapel awards 10 scholarships

TUESDAY AND FRIDAY

LONGBOAT LIBRARY The Longboat Library is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays at 555 Bay Isles Road. A halfprice sale on the library’s collection of used books is held every Wednesday. Call 383-2011 for information.

The students each received $1,500 for tuition, boarding and books.

WEDNESDAYS

BEGINNER TAI CHI From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $10. Call 383-6493.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

THURSDAYS

B

ack-to-school season is just around the corner, so the Longboat Island Chapel gave 10 local students going-away

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

gifts.

“They’re all outstanding students,” Scholarship Committee Chair Peggy Lammers said. “They’re just dynamic.”

Each student received $1,500 to put toward tuition, boarding and books. Three of the 10 scholarship recipients were able to attend a party after Sunday’s service: Samantha McLeod, Jessica Burdette and Grace Lucas, all 18 years old and headed off to college for the first time.

McLeod and Burdette will be Gators at the University of Florida.

McLeod went to Riverview High School and will be majoring in behavioral neuroscience. Burdette attended Manatee High School and will be majoring in English.

Lucas went to Palmetto High School and is off to the University of Arkansas for its nursing program.

She also received a scholarship from the university. She will have to repeat the process, she said, but earned enough to cover her freshman year.

About 30 people gathered in the dining hall to congratulate and celebrate the young women with acco-

ZUMBA AND MAT PILATES FOR SENIORS From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. The class, designed for active seniors, starts with Zumba and shifts to all-level mat Pilates at 10:30 a.m. Come for 30 minutes or the full hour. Cost is $10. Call 383-6493.

FRIDAYS

QI GONG AND MEDITATION From 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road.

Free for members, $10 for nonmembers. Call 383-6493.

INTERMEDIATE TAI CHI From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Reuben Fernandez teaches the class outdoors, weather permitting. Free for members, $10 for nonmembers.

Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

WORSHIP

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956 384706-1

directory

lades and a “good luck” cake.

With an expanded program this year, the scholarship committee reached out to high school guidance counselors to find applicants; 35 applied. Narrowing them down to 10 took six months.

The applicants submitted essays, transcripts and financials. All their grades were impeccable, so the committee had to also consider their extracurricular activities and jobs outside of school.

The scholarship program was started through a legacy fund in 1994. Longboat Island Chapel, along with interest from that fund, paid for the 2022 scholarships. Lila Jones was a recipient this year; her mom was a recipient more than 20 years ago.

Jones graduated from Southeast High School and will be attending Ringling College of Art and Design.

The other recipients: n Ty’anna Ash graduated from Booker High School and will be attending Florida State University. n Kayla Chapa graduated from Booker High School and will be attending the University of South Florida. n Alaya Knowlton, also a Booker graduate, is headed to the West Coast to attend the University of Southern California. n Asnaica Alexandre went to Bayshore High School and will be attending Palm Beach Atlantic University. n Jared Anthofer went to Riverview High School and will be attending the University of Florida. n Gabriel French went to Braden River High School and will be attending the University of Central Florida.

Scholarship Committee Chair Peggy Lammers with recipient Grace Lucas, recipient Samantha McLeod, Jeffrey Nunes and recipient Jessica Burdette

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.

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions

St. Armands Key

LUTHERAN CHURCH

• We’ve ramped up, anyone of any mobility is welcome

JOIN US

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

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

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

Growing Growing in in Jesus Jesus’’ Name Name

385965-1 379700-1

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

384636-1

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

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,

Worship With Us At Our Church Worship With Us at Our Church Worship With Us At Our Church Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM Sunday Service 10:00 AM Sunday Service 10:00 AM Sunday Service 10:00 AM The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard

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

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

Visitors Welcome Visitors & & Residents Residents Welcome Visitors Welcome Visitors & & Residents Residents Welcome

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr. 6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

• •

941.383.8833 (office) 941.383.8833 (office)

• •

www.christchurchoflbk.org www.christchurchoflbk.org

384748-1

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

384664-1

Watch AMService ServiceLive: Live: WatchOur Our10:00 10:00 AM Watch Our AMService Service Live: Watch Our10:00 10:00 AM Live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or

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

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 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 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 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 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 SLEEPY LAGOON2067 SANCTUARY

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

Perfectly situated on a deep water canal with easy access to Sarasota Bay, this 2 bedroom home offers 2 docks, a 2 car garage, a new roof and an ideal north Longboat Key location 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E,with #4deeded beach 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 access.

L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4537570 L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0

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 at K e y | O f f ere 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

L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 701 PENFIELD STREET | OFFERED AT $1,499,000 MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487

MLS# A4178487

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

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

CT A R

T

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

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

I A N A DDY, PA R E A LT O R ®, M B A

IanAddy@MichaelSaunders.com

RESORT 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E,AT#4LONGBOAT 2067 KEY H A RCLUB 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 0 549 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

POINT L on g b o a t K e y | O f240 f e re SANDS d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 RD #4401 | OFFERED L on g b o a tAT K e$949,000 y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS#corner A4178487 A4178487 Rarely available Junior Suite offering direct gulf views. This unit isMLS# currently in the hotel program and earned over $120K 2021 gross income with over $100K reported through June 2022 thus far.

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

384719-1

U

ER D N

N CO

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

4B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

TRIBUTES Louis Gene Sanandres April 2, 1941 – July 11, 2022 The Man, the Myth, the Legend, passed away on July 11, 2022, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Lou was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to all – except fish and hoofed ruminant mammals.

Born in Union City, New Jersey, Lou was a true Renaissance man, deeply religious, with a wicked sense of humor, and his family was by far his greatest achievement. He met Barbara (née Carmody) through mutual friends in New “Joisey” when they were in their mid20s. They quickly married and so began their amazing life together.

Lou and Barbara then moved abroad with his employer, Citibank, and this was the beginning of a successful career and adventurous life that spanned 32 years and transported them all over the globe – including long assignments in Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, Greece, Japan, and Singapore. While living abroad, Lou possessed a paper Zaire driver’s license and if ever pulled over while on holiday in U.S. he would get a twinkle in his eye as he welcomed the repartee with the poor unsuspecting officer who wouldn’t know what do.

After retiring at 55 years

More recently, he loved spending time with his grandkids teaching them to fish and delighting them with all sorts of stories from which they never tired. old, Lou and Barbara settled on Longboat Key, Florida. Lou (aka “Sea Dog” by this time) enjoyed golfing with The Mulligans, fishing on “The Barb”, and being the 43rd Commodore of Bird Key Yacht Club. More recently, he loved spending time with his grandkids teaching them to fish and delighting them with all sorts of stories from which they never tired.

Lou was a Reiki Master, an opera lover, maker of the “World’s Best Grilled Cheese”, and loved wandering around The Frick

Museum. Nothing made him happier than watching a holiday movie that possessed Christmas magic. There was nothing he wouldn’t try to fix with one of the many tools in the garage or multiple trips to the home depot. Lou was an avid outdoorsman whom, he liked to say, fish and deer feared. He had eclectic taste buds and the ability to eat just about anything – which was tested over and over with various international delicacies and spice levels. However, his true talent, as witnessed by many, was his ability to fall asleep anywhere holding a glass of wine and never spill a drop.

To his children, Meredith and Aaron, he was Captain Algebra complete with cape, holder of the African “Lie Detector”, story-teller extraordinaire, and frequently ended emails and texts “Yo Pappa” in case there was ever a question of who the

sender was or their paternal line.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Barbara and his two children, Meredith Sanandres of New York City and Aaron Sanandres of Sarasota and daughterin-law Adriana Sanandres.

He is also survived by his two grandchildren Sebastian Sanandres and Lucas Sanandres. His only sibling Andrea Sanandres predeceased him in 1967.

Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate Lou’s life in their own way, however raising a glass of red wine in his memory would be appropriate. Services will be held at Saint Simon the Apostle in Green Pond, New Jersey on September 9th and a Celebration of Life at Bird Key Yacht Club in Florida in October.

St. Simon’s is a small church and certain to be packed with legions of Lou’s friends, so in lieu of flowers we ask that you will do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness in his name. For those inclined, a donation in his name to The Lustgarten Foundation is welcomed as 100% of your donation will go to fund pancreatic research.

Lesley Dwyer

Tourist type FROM PAGE 1B

Yogis

Unwind with sunset yoga on the beach.

Angela Mali offers a yoga class every Thursday night. Right now, the classes run from 7:15-8:15 p.m. “When the light changes on us, we’ll have to adjust,” Mali said. The class is free, but donations are accepted. Park at Bayfront Park, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive, then walk across the street to the public beach access at 4001 GMD. Or paddleboard to your next yoga class.

SUP Yoga SRQ offers a Saturday morning paddleboard yoga class out of Ski-a-Rees or Overlook Park, depending on the wind.

If you’re not a yogi but would like to be, no experience in either yoga or paddleboarding is necessary. It’s a quick paddle to the “yoga studio” and the instructor offers options for different poses, ranging from beginner to advanced. Falling off the board is called swimming and highly recommended on a hot morning. Classes are held Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $65; registration is required. VisitSUPyogaSRQ.com or email SUPyogaSRQ@gmail.com.

SERVICE: Friday, September 9 Saint Simon the Apostle Green Pond, New Jersey October (date tbd) Celebration of Life at Bird Key Yacht Club DONATIONS: For those inclined, a donation in his name to The Lustgarten Foundation is welcomed as 100% of your donation will go to fund pancreatic research.

385980-1

Sunset yoga classes are held Thursdays from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. at the public beach on Longboat Key.

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 8/31/22.

250 OFF

$

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

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 8/31/2022.

100 OFF

$

LET AQUA HELP YOU ON YOUR NEXT ELECTRICAL PROJECT!

Reme Halo Air Purifier

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

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 8/31/2022.

FREE

AND SO MUCH MORE!!

Water Quality Analysis ($99 value)

!

W O N L L A C 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 8/31/2022.

Lic # cAc1816020 • PLbg cFc1428223 • ELEc Ec13009313

Air Conditioning

Plumbing

Electrical

Water Treatment

381411-1

SEE HOW MUCH MORE YOU CAN SAVE!

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

5B

100 TOP

HOSPITALS TOP 40

TEACHING HOSPITALS

Healthcare That Measures Up Surrounded by the best beaches in the world, some of the finest dining in the state, and a community that never says quit, we know the bar is set high and the people we serve expect nothing less than the best. Which is why we’re honored to be recognized not only as one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the nation, but a Top 40 Teaching Hospital as well.

Conducted by Fortune/Merative (formerly IBM Watson Health), this annual ranking measures patient care and patient outcomes in hospitals across the nation, singling out the highest quality institutions and most dedicated staff for their achievements in patient care. In light of this recognition, we’re thankful for the leadership of our Hospital Board, and we’re proud of every nurse, every surgeon, every physician practice and the hundreds of community doctors who go to every length for the people in their care.

But we’re most proud of what it means for our community — fewer complications after surgery, shorter hospital stays and, most importantly, more lives saved and more patients going home to their families.

Because some things in life can afford to fall short.

385556-1

But healthcare isn’t one of them.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

Former temple president dies at 85 100 starfish were handed out at his funeral service by the family.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

M

urray Blueglass was always fond of The Starfish Story.

So much so that he kept a starfish in his office and would frequently tell the tale written by essayist Loren Eiseley, which was often thought to represent “one step toward changing the world.”

In the story, a rabbi and his pupil walk down a beach, only to find thousands of starfish dying on the sand. The rabbi immediately begins returning as many of the starfish to the sea as possible as they make their way along the shore.

The boy questions the rabbi, “What difference does it make when so many others will die?”

The rabbi picks up another starfish, returns it to the sea and says, “It makes a difference to this starfish.”

Then the boy picks up a starfish and does the same. “I made a difference to that one,” he tells the rabbi.

Blueglass, a lifelong educator and the former president of Temple Beth Israel, died at the age of 85 on July 15.

His fondness of that story prompted family members to pass out starfish to mourners at the memorial ceremony.

Bluegrass believed if you helped one person, you made a difference, and he practiced what he preached.

“One could always call him for advice,” said Stuart Sinai, who succeeded Blueglass as the temple president in 2020.

Blueglass was a lifelong educator and a loving family man who led by example. He called education the “family business.” His wife, two children and three of his grandchildren all followed suit as teachers and principals.

Blueglass was born in the Bronx, New York, where he began his career

File photo

as a fourth grade teacher. His working life was spent in New York and New Jersey. He eventually became superintendent of schools, first in Tarrytown, New York, and then Mahwah, New Jersey.

After retirement, he became an active member of the temple. As TBI president, he led with the same passion he had for education and enjoyed connecting with the congregation. Blueglass also served as the president of the Longboat Key Democratic Club.

TBI Executive Director Isaac Azerad said Blueglass was a “consummate leader,” and “Murray always rose to the highest office of any club, organization or agency he joined.”

His style was described as approachable and fair to all. Blueglass was a problem-solver who would listen to all sides of an issue but kept things moving ahead and running smoothly.

“What endeared me to Murray’s management style was his ability to elevate the human factor above other considerations,” Azerad said.

“His high sense of ethics and his thoughtful interpersonal comportment made him a formidable leader and a valuable mentor.”

Sinai was older than Blueglass but said he felt he could always turn to Blueglass for help.

“I was a lawyer for 50 years, and now I had a mentor,” he said. “He

gave me terrific guidance and support.”

He came to know Blueglass as a decisive leader. He wasn’t afraid to challenge others or to be challenged himself, but he was also quite persuasive.

“Frequently by the time he was done talking, the group would give him unanimous support. He related to people extremely well,” Sinai said.

“We’ll miss his leadership.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund of Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. He is survived by his wife, Alice, married for over 62 years, two children, Michael and Wendy, and five grandchildren.

Murray and Alice Blueglass were married over 62 years.

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

WHY? WHY?

9 4 1 . 3 4 3 . 9 3 9 6 | w w w. G r a n t s G a r d e n s . c o m

383372-1

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

LONGBOAT N O KE D Y CB

Consider Selling Your Property In ThisProperty Robust Market Consider Selling Your

In This Robust Market

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

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

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

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

THC FREE PRODUCTS PET PRODUCTS DELTA 8 PRODUCTS

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

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

www.WagnerRealty.com

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

385224-1

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.

384772-1

6B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

REAL ESTATE BY A REAL EXPERT

OVER $134 MILLION SOLD IN 2021 • OVER $68 MILLION PENDING, AND SOLD IN 2022 WESTON POINTE 617 WESTON POINTE COURT LONGBOAT KEY, FL $3,250,000 Spacious and spectacular in every way, this special 4BR/5BA, 2-story courtyard style home boasts an expansive tropical courtyard with pool, spa and a detached, fully equipped cabana. Walls of windows overlook the water and landscape. Just steps from Weston Pointe private mooring and moments for a world of nautical adventures.

617 WESTON POINTE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL CEDARS EAST 852 EVERGREEN WAY LONGBOAT KEY, FL $599,000 Furnished 2BR/2.5BA townhouse surrounded by lush landscaping.

Beautifully updated interior and an oversized garage. Excellent dog friendly, 2-week rental policy, up to 26 times per year.

852 EVERGREEN WAY, LONGBOAT KEY, FL FAIRWAY BAY 1904 HARBOURSIDE DR., #204 LONGBOAT KEY, FL $1,145,000 This 3BR/3BA corner townhouse in Fairway Bay offers 2,258 sq. ft. and has been completely remodeled and includes a rare 2-4 car garage with bonus room. Deeded beach access and private beach club, 24-hour gated security, pool, tennis courts and exercise facilities. Longboat Key Golf & Tennis Country Club memberships and deepwater slips are available.

1904 HARBOURSIDE DR., #204, LONGBOAT KEY, FL - NEW PRICE

VIZCAYA 2333 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #1C2 LONGBOAT KEY, FL $4,895,000 Stunning Gulf and Bay views from this luxurious and sprawling 4BR/4.5BA residence with a wraparound terrace, separate guest suite, voluminous 2-car garage, and private elevator.

2333 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #1C2 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL WATER CLUB 1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #201 LONGBOAT KEY, FL $6,495,000 Double the luxury and lifestyle with two sweeping stories of front-row views of the Gulf of Mexico from this 5BR/6.5BA, 2-level residence with a private walkdown to the beach.

1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #201 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL TWO NEW HOMES TO BE BUILT 2315 WEBBER STREET SARASOTA, FL $1,895,000 The Laurel Oak model is a 4BR/5.5BA, 3,250+/- sq.-ft. contemporary-style residence by Vertical Design+Build, professionally designed for leisurely entertaining and elegant living. Fine appointments and luxury features are found at every turn to create a brilliant showplace of both form and function, from the decorative porcelain tile floors flowing throughout to the private gate entrance, 20,000+sq. ft. lot and everything in between.

2315 WEBBER STREET • SARASOTA, FL - NEW CONSTRUCTION

Bruce Myer

Realtor ®

Bruce@BruceMyer.com • www.BruceMyer.com

385437-1

941.387.1847

7B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 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

LONGBOAT KEY 597 Bayview Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,450 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group & Steve Walter 941-232-2000 A4537864 $2,699,000

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

SARASOTA 1350 5th Street 301 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 1,928 Sq. Ft. Heidi Lusk 941-681-5227 A4540753 $2,195,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 218 82nd Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,802 Sq. Ft. Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4541555 $1,895,000

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

SARASOTA 1646 7th Street Valarie Wadsworth 941-780-3858 A4531752 $1,369,000

SARASOTA 770 S Palm Avenue 901 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,532 Sq. Ft. Barbara Dumbaugh & Victoria Lear 941-951-6660 A4538482 $1,250,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4545 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 309 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,340 Sq. Ft. Julia Mcclung 941-356-6499 A4540729 $1,250,000

SARASOTA 1111 N Gulfstream Avenue 3C 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,736 Sq. Ft. Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4533731 $1,145,000

SARASOTA 707 S Gulfstream Avenue 1003 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,305 Sq. Ft. Marybeth Flynn 941-704-1477 A4535832 $1,050,000

SARASOTA 3113 6th Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,500 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon 941-234-3991 A4540438 $1,000,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4311 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 401 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,293 Sq. Ft. Victoria Lear 941-350-1064 A4522542 $995,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 240 Sands Point Road 4401 1 Bed 1 Baths 739 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4542676 $949,000

SARASOTA 628 42nd Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,506 Sq. Ft. Francoise Borel 941-228-3768 A4534123 $899,000

SARASOTA 1709 N Tamiami Trail 510 1 Bed 2 Baths 1,332 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4539807 $899,000

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

SARASOTA 707 S Gulfstream Avenue 207 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,247 Sq. Ft. Marybeth Flynn 941-704-1477 A4526957 $759,000

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

SARASOTA 1652 7th Street 2 Beds 1 Baths 712 Sq. Ft. Valarie Wadsworth 941-780-3858 A4531550 $697,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4400 Exeter Drive J106 2 Beds 2 Baths 992 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4534112 $575,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2600 Harbourside Drive C-12 Joanna Benante & Ann Martin 941-356-7717 A4526188 $185,000

SARASOTA 309 Ringling Point Drive 5 Beds 3/2 Baths 7,009 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4535001 $8,950,000

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

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

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 373741-1

8B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

JULY 11-15

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home on Lido Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Bruce and Kimberly Peterson, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1125 Center Place to Donna Wetzler, trustee, of Harbert, Michigan, for $3.75 million. Built in 1960, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,371 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.95 million in 2019.

LIDO BEACH

Paul Rowland and Christine McDevitt, of Sarasota, sold their home at 540 Polk Drive to 540 S POLK 2022 LLC for $2,125,000. Built in 1947, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,990 square feet of living area.

BAY ISLES

3481 Bayou Corp. sold the home at 3481 Bayou Sound to Marc and Clothilde Gagliardi, of Longboat Key, for $1.65 million. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,391 square feet of living area.

BAYVIEW ESTATES

James Ray Cull and Vicki Lee Ogden, of Mount Dora, sold their home at 548 Bayview Drive to Holmes Beach B LLC for $1.3 million. Built in 1970, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 1,084 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2017.

SUNSET BEACH ON LONGBOAT KEY

Aaron Lee Stein and Eileen Barbara Stein, Elizabeth Rachel Stein and Rebecca Susan Stein, of Potomac, Maryland, sold their Unit 1103 condominium at 2109 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Mark Pennink, of Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania, for $1.1 million. Built in 1984, it has

9B

REAL ESTATE

1960 Lido Key home sells for $3.75 million

|

Photo courtesy of Lisa Rooks Morris, Premier Sotheby’s International.

The home at 1125 Center Place on Lido Key was built in 1960. It has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,371 square feet of living area.

two bedrooms, two baths and 1,463 square feet of living area. It sold for $265,000 in 1985.

BAYPORT BEACH AND TENNIS CLUB

Sylvain and Bonnie Houle, of Ontario, Canada, sold their Unit 817 condominium at 817 Bayport Way to Terrance Forbord and Rebecca Ann Hopf, of Shorewood, Minnesota, for $941,000. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,456 square feet of living area. It sold for $479,000 in 2006.

John and Patricia Nicholas, trustees, of Wellsville, New York, sold the Unit 811 condominium at 811 Bayport Way to Harold and Carol McCleery, of Greenwich, Connecticut, for $925,000. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,456 square feet of living area. It sold for $660,000 in 2020.

baths and 1,248 square feet of living area. It sold for $739,000 in 2021.

Rhonda and Christopher Daniels, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 101 condominium at 2100 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Larry and Dosha Mittelman, of Hilton Head, South Carolina, for $750,000. Built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths and 1,172 square feet of living area. It sold for $330,000 in 2019.

CEDARS EAST

Arthur Charles Price and Angela Marie Price, of Clever, Missouri, sold their Unit 6 condominium at 505 Forest Way to AM Gulf LLC for $679,000. Built in 1990, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,440 square feet of living area. It sold for $318,000 in 2019.

LIDO HARBOUR SOUTH

John Texada and Courtney Ferris sold the Unit 104 condominium at 2110 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Oak Forest Inc. for $840,000. Built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, two

Jason and Laura Alphonso, of Winter Park, sold their Unit 10 condominium at 513 Forest Way to Brian Stevenson and Junea Butts, of Riverview, for $645,000. Built in 1990, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,440 square feet of living area. It sold for $326,000 in 2020.

LIDO BEACH CLUB

Trail Plaza Shopping Center LLC sold the Unit 1105 condominium at 1212 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Michael Yeager LLC for $425,000.

Built in 1974, it has one bedroom, one bath and 1,116 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2019.

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

TOP BUILDING PERMITS Longboat Key

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of July 15-21 in order of dollar amounts.

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS 7147 La Lenaire Drive

PERMIT Interior/exterior

APPLICANT Jewfish Holdings, LLC

AMOUNT($) $900,000

renovations

NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

3480 Bayou Sound

New construction

Marek Lochnicki

$900,000

2425 GMD

Pool and spa

Sea Gate Club

$850,000

Condominiums

415 L’Ambiance Drive E507 Windows and doors

James M. Whitehurst

$259,621

875 Tarawitt Drive

Seawall

James R. Holbrook

$154,880

5055 GMD Unit 116

Interior alterations

Alan B. Davies

$149,876

701 Lands End Drive

Renovations

John Edward Hansen

$142,787

4401 GMD Unit 101

Interior alterations

Genevieve M. Potthast

$134,000

100 Sands Point Road 123 Interior alterations

Elizabeth Dubbs

$103,175

1000 Longboat Club

Interior alterations

Phil and Jody Brott

$95,375

Tile re-roofing

Richard A. Smith

$75,000

Road 603 3324 Sabal Cove Lane

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

Living Trust

2045 GMD #201

Interior alterations

Scott L. Freilich

$68,344

Terese Thompson

$66,400

1945 GMD #316

Interior alterations

1590 Harbor Sound Drive

Generator and gas line Sachin S. Kamath

$46,969

4310 Fallmouth Drive

Windows

Lawrence J. Pakkala

$45,000

Downtown St. Petersburg

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

Downtown Sarasota

Unit 203 796 Marbury Lane

Dock and boat lift

Robert P. Emery

$40,000

525 Spinnaker Lane

Re-roofing

Mike Kniepman

$39,675

1000 Longboat Club

Interior alterations

David Silverman Estate

$39,474

Interior alterations

Alice Fishman

$39,350

3280 Bayou Sound

Windows and doors

Paul R. Trauger

$39,000

5310 GMD

Dock

McCalls Beach

$37,336

Road 802 3080 Grand Bay

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

Blvd. 523

Castle Owners

Re-roofing

John Shehadi

$36,550

6800 GMD Unit 183

Windows and doors

Nicketta Guarino

$32,600

571 Putter Lane

New construction

Kristin B. Herendeen

$31,320

Douglas E. Herrington

$29,000

- mechanical 750 El Centro

Interior alterations

Source: Town of Longboat Key

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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

373663-1

3448 Mistletoe Lane

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

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

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

Living and Working on Longboat Key for 40 Years

PET PICS

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

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

384737-1

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

Senior Living Questions? are

Start Here

Interactive Senior Living Guide

ALF# AL12727

5424 Lena Road Bradenton, FL 34211

377656-1

941.229.0336 | www.InspiredLiving.care Gracious Assisted Living & Memory Care

FOR US? Sara & Sota of Sleepy Lagoon on Longboat Key don’t care what’s inside, they just love boxes!

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

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

9553.829.149

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

LD SO

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

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

tsenif

mo|c.Longboat SEITREPORKey, P Florida SATOSARAS 440 Gulf of Mexico Dr

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

384906-1

10B

handcrafted furniture for a lifetime. two locations

-

3737 Bahia Vista St. Sarasota, FL 34232 941.952.5646 385982-1

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

6100 N Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 941.960.2942

JODENE MONEUSE – YOUR LOCAL REALTOR® scan here:

382155-1

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

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

941.302.4913

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, JULY 29

Sunrise Sunset

High: 92 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 48%

11B

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

|

Thursday, July 28

6:52a

8:21p

Friday, July 29

6:52a

8:20p

Saturday, July 30

6:53a

8:20p

Sunday, July 31

6:53a

8:19p

SATURDAY, JULY 30

Monday, Aug. 1

6:54a

8:19p

High: 90 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 43%

Tuesday, Aug. 2

6:54a

8:18p

Wednesday, Aug. 3

6:55a

8:17p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, JULY 31 High: 92 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 20%

July 28 New

Aug. 5 First

Aug. 11 Full

Aug. 18 Last

TIDES Highs Lows

Katen and Wayne Smith stumbled upon a snake walking to the beach from Cedars West on Longboat Key.

Thursday, July 28

2:56a

11:56a

5:45a

8:31p

Friday, July 29

3:04a

12:35p

6:31a

9:00p

Saturday, July 30

3:10a

1:14p

7:19a

9:27p

Sunday, July 31

3:21a

1:55p

8:10a

9:54p

Monday, Aug. 1

3:36a

2:41p

9:04a

10:21p

Tuesday,Aug. 2

3:58a

3:32p

10:03a

10:50p

Wednesday, Aug. 3

4:25a

4:33p

11:08p

11:20p

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

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 941.355.8437 | Bradenton

941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

celebrity cipher 49 Fumbles, say 51 Philanthropist French Gates 52 Creamy bowlful by the chips 53 Swallow 54 Scorpion attacks 55 Ski resort in New Mexico 56 Buccaneers’ home 57 Ancient Egypt’s King ___ 58 NYC’s nation 62 Shakespeare, with “the” 65 Purring pet 66 MLB hitter’s stat 67 Union fees DOWN 68 Keto, for one 1 Square dance move 69 Fireplace shelves 2 Detach, as from a zip line 72 Gobble (up) 3 Tooth care org.

73 Stack at a rock concert 4 Part of “LOTR” 76 Bit of lotion 5 Merges 77 Cookie with a Birthday 6 Singer Gomez Cake flavor 7 Mother, in Spanish 78 Wheel’s spokes, e.g.

8 The “r” in “how r u” 79 Craft activity at camp?

9 Welding alloy 80 Raggedy doll 10 It may be citric 82 Animals with antlers 11 Fractions of gigs 86 Like green logs 12 “___! Humbug!”

87 Taro paste 13 Tony alternative 88 Ski resort in Utah 14 Comparative word 89 Contradictory word to 15 Shinbashi Enbujo drama call out 16 Ten reps, perhaps 90 Commerce 17 Funnel-shaped 91 Miami newspaper 21 Sediment 92 “Despite that ...”

23 “Maybe ...”

93 Competitive “Fortnite,” 25 Wailing sound’s source e.g.

28 Water in un rio 94 Intriguing objects 31 People sue for them 95 Since forever 33 Sneaker brand 96 “Hold on, don’t tell me!”

34 Pointers 97 Longtime film critic 35 Singer Grande, for short Roger 38 Bike trail 101 Computer shortcut 40 Really bug 104 All over again 41 Opening on some 105 Org. protecting orcas pajamas 106 Open a crack 42 Jon Snow, for the Iron 108 “Now!” Throne 111 “For shame!”

44 Ski resort in Colorado 112 Glass’s lip 46 Disney’s Lady, for one 113 German for “I” 47 Light beer?

114 Southwestern native 48 Pack away 109 Amaze 110 “Machete” star (Last four letters + ...)

113 Confectioner’s supply (... first five) 115 Otherwise 116 Shankar’s instrument 117 Snapping reptile, briefly 118 Wiped out on the halfpipe, say 119 ___ Jones 120 Blue Light Special store 121 Stockings 122 Nuisance

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

the dogs out?”

32 Ancestry 1 ___ monitor setup 34 Driveway coating 5 West Point sch.

36 Bar barrel 9 Brazilian dance 37 Bargain for less time 14 Bout stopper, briefly (Last four letters + ...)

17 Home with fees 39 Guaranteed successes 18 Close to (... first four) 19 “Aquaman” setting 43 The “m” in F = ma 20 One may move every 44 By way of second 45 Type of skiing 22 Dorian Gray’s creator (Note the last two letters in 46 Sudden flood 48 Cul-de-___ this answer + ...)

24 Jedi weapon (... the first 49 H H, in Greek 50 Coming-out words, for five in this one) some 26 Scoreless score 54 Camisole part (Last 27 Postpone three letters + ...)

28 Inserts 57 Soup vessel (... first four) 29 Occupied 30 Guilty reply to “Who let 59 Yarn 60 Early ISP

61 It can be abstract 62 Its wheels go round and round 63 Fall behind 64 How most home purchase deposits are held 67 Private Twitter convos 68 Analyze, as a large set of information 70 Name hidden in “miniature” 71 Muscles hidden in a dad bod 72 Have dinner 73 What surrounds you 74 No ifs, ___ or buts 75 Italian ice creams (Last five letters + ...)

77 Slot machine (... first two) 81 Iditarod transport

82 Historic periods 83 Suitable 84 Like beer in a 36-Across 85 More plentiful 88 They pop up a lot 89 “Smooth Operator” singer 90 2010 postapocalyptic film starring Denzel Washington (Last four letters + ...)

94 Urban border (... first four) 98 MLK title 99 Kate, to Pippa, for short 100 Ringing bells, to Pavlov’s dogs 102 Wine “expert” 103 Regions 105 Dad 107 Sports stadium

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“EBAU OESBPUKZU UDBTFDU; OX IBT VBRG ABEGBZG, UGVV DOE BP DGP, XBP IBT ZGRGP LZBC CDKU UBEBPPBC EKI DKRG OZ AUBPG.”

– CKVUGP SKIUBZ

“V’CD ODHLYDU FPHF BKGGDBB GIWDB VY H CDLN SLVGXON SHGXHJD. TPDFPDL NIK GPIIBD FI HGGDSF VF IL YIF VB KS FI NIK.”

– BHYULH MKOOIGX

“BPOSDBA DH CPLOS WPLU OSXB GXFASOUL. DO DH HOLUBAOS OP GXFAS XBN OP XJXBNPB PBUHUGY, OP JU – SCTHM MAEKAT

GDASO.”

Puzzle Three Clue: F equals X

SPREAD HAPPINESS by Hanh Huynh. Edited by David Steinberg

Puzzle Two Clue: W equals M

crossword

Puzzle One Clue: O equals T

Sarasota

383370-1

STOP BY ONE OF OUR SHOWROOMS TO SEE OUR COLLECTION OF PERGO® EXTREME™ LUXURY VINYL - WHERE TOUGH MEETS TASTEFUL

© 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

7-28-22

Made for where you live. Here!

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

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

WEEKLY MONTHLY

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

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

CASTING NET for fishing $50, gazing ball with stand $65, metal knight 3 foot tall $60, fertilizer spreader $20. (941)359-8460 DINETTE SET- solid oak, scalloped, octagonal table. Glass cover, 4 cushioned chairs, on wheels. $200. 941-213-9550 DINING TABLE- solid oak with 3 legs. 42” X 42”, with 3 leaves 42” X 73”. 813-363-1774 DVD SETS:10 Johnny Carson/Tonight Show, $25. 13 Victor Borge, $13. (941) 966-6816

SANWA BICYCLE- 10-speed, lightweight bike. $100 OBO. (941)356-1456

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.

auto Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

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.

Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F

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

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

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

SELL IT FAST HERE! POST YOUR AD WITH EASE YourObserver.com/RedPages

Ask about our special rates!

jobs

OUR ONLINE TOOLS MAKE IT EASY TO PLACE YOUR AD

FRONT DESK Attendant Wanted: reliable FT/PT front desk person for a resort on Longboat Key. Hours will include nights, weekends, and holidays. Basic computer and customer service skills required. Send resume to fwkathleen@gmail.com

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN Looking for reliable FT/PT maintenance technician for Longboat Key resort. Hours include weekends & holidays.

General building/pool maintenance skills required. Send resume to fwkathleen@gmail.com

Visit the RED PAGES

YourObserver.com/RedPages

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.

Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE!

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

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

This week’s Crossword answers

PUBLIC NOTICE LOST OR ABANDONED PROPERTY Held by Longboat Key Police Department 5460 Gulf of Mexico Dr. THE LONGBOAT KEY POLICE DEPARTMENT IS HOLDING A BLACK & YELLOW TOOL BOX, DIRECTV STREAM BOX, AND BLACK FLIP FLOPS ALL TURNED IN AS STOLEN. IF YOU FIND THESE ITEMS MISSING FROM YOUR VEHICLE AS OF 6/22/2022, PLEASE CONTACT 941-361-1976 x1928. IF NOT CLAIMED BY OWNERS, ITEMS SHALL BE DISPOSED OF AS AUTHORIZED BY F.S.S. 705.103.

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Most important thought; if you love someone, tell him or her, for you never know what tomorrow may have in store.”

Walter Payton Puzzle Two Solution: “I’ve learned that success comes in a very prickly package. Whether you choose to accept it or not is up to you.”

Sandra Bullock Puzzle Three Solution: “Just be your authentic self because there’s nothing sexier or more beautiful than that.”

Carol Leifer

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2022 Universal Uclick

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

©2022 NEA, Inc.

BIKE CRUISER, NEW SEAT & TIRES, LIKE NEW $75 (941) 920-2494

FLOAT YOUR boat in the Ritz/ Hyatt basin from your beautiful marina townhome. 3BR/3.5BA, furnished, 2/car garage, 3/balconies, 24/hr security. Large boat dock available. Annual $5,750/month +utilities. Available August 15th. Service pets only.

No smoking. 847-331-6961

Help Wanted

You’re only cheating yourself.

ANTIQUE ROYAL Doulton Toby Mugs, set of 9, large and small.

Perfect condition $185.

941-349-4875

Between Houses or Condos

home services

Condos/Apts. for Rent

peekers’ place

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

Beachfront, Bayfront and In

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

Wagner Realty

Pets

Items Under $200

SEASONAL Rates

real estate

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.

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

Cleaning

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

Chrissy Stites

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

LMT, CMCE

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU

609-820-4251

By appointment only

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

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

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

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

385420

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Beauty

941-345-5264

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

Doors and more!

Roofing

Manufacture and workmanship

384837

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

Warranties

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

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

AMANDA

Health & Fitness

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

FUNCTIONAL FITNESS TRAINING

941-626-3194

Helping seniors stay fit and independent since 2009 Clinical Exercise Specialist · Private In-Home Services Brian M Simpson NASM, AMFPT, CPR, AED & First Aid Certified

Sliding Glass Door Repair

MIC INSURANCE

384845

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Estate Sales

Res./Com.

ESTATE SALES • DOWNSIZING SENIOR TRANSITIONS • ONLINE AUCTIONS

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

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

We get you the highest rate of return on your items gulfcoastestateauctions.com • Free Consultations 941-274-6537

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

Furniture Repair

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

150

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

384838

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

385162

Patio Furniture Repairs.com FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s ing s a S u n n w r o i s n e k W Sun y ind erl

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

Gulf Coast Estate Auctions

941-504-0903

Windows

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

Insurance

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

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

384832

Doors

595 Bay Isles Rd. Suite 215 941.554.8909 | www.micinsurancefl.com GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

Find anything in the RED PAGES

941-955-4888

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY

Sandra Smith

| 941.383.3388

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

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

STUFF

found here.

The Red Pages is the perfect store to buy and sell locally! You’ll find a wide selection from antiques to furniture to condos!

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

385422

385788

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

384839

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

385862

HoHoBuysCars.com

Rest your mind & body.

Connect with your spirit.

Rescreening & Repairs

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

5-Star Rated

MediCupping & Massage Therapy services for healing

385150

SELL YOUR CAR! 941.270.4400

Massage

385776

Health

13B

385783

Auto Service

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

|

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

Coldwell Banker CONGRATULATES the TOP team!

JUDY KEPECZ-HAYS TEAM Sarabande

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

SCAN TO VIEW MORE INFO!

The Beach Residences

Ritz-Carlton Managed

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

SCAN TO VIEW MORE INFO!

Longboat Key Towers

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

SCAN TO VIEW MORE INFO!

The Ritz Carlton

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

Queen's Harbour

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

SCAN TO VIEW MORE INFO!

SCAN TO VIEW MORE INFO!

Waterside in LWR

8052 Grande Shores Dr 4 bed, 4.5 bath | 4,027 Sq Ft www.cbhometour.com/8052-Grande-Shores-DriveSarasota-FL-34240/index.html Offered for $2,250,000

Thinking of selling your Residence? Please call me!

SCAN TO VIEW MORE INFO!

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

LongboatKeyLuxury.com | (941) 587-1700 385915-1

14B