Longboat Observer 12.15.22

Town tallies up storm season

Ian, Nicole could have been far worse and more costly, town says. PAGE 2

Paws-ing to pray

YOUR TOWN

Dog treats on three wheels

People love treating others around the holidays, but Lawrence Harry pedals his Christmas spirit year-round. Literally.

Harry, who has lived in Emerald Harbor since 2000, rides around the neighborhood on his bike with a bag of dog treats in his basket. He’s been doing it since the day he moved in.

The human neighbors love his kindness and generosity, and the dog neighbors love his tasty treats. At the first sight of Harry, Ollie got excited and started pulling on his leash, scrambling over to the bicycle as quick as possible to get his treat and hear the words every dog wants to hear, “Good boy.”

Reluctantly decorated

“I didn’t want to do a Ukraine tree,” Design 2000’s Irina LaRose said. “I hoped it would all be over, but here we are.”

The Ukraine tree is one of 24 specialty themed trees decorating the Longboat Island Chapel’s garden for Christmas. It’s covered in blue and yellow handmade ornaments and was a group effort from the local Ukrainian community.

“At Design 2000, people can come and make donations to help Ukrainian relief,” LaRose said. “Right now, everybody’s really working on things to help keep them warm through the winter, so blankets, sleeping bags and generators.”

Donations go to the Danube International Company, a nonprofit organization that assists refugees.

Lauren Tronstad

Lauren Tronstad

Lahni Brenner steps away after her blessing by Rev. David Marshall.

Lesley Dwyer Lesley Dwyer

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

Hurricane season came to a close on Nov. 30, a season of near misses on Longboat Key and less damage than initially feared.

Though Hurricane Ian’s threat prompted the first islandwide evacuation since 2017, the storm’s path ended up sparing the town significant damage or flooding, as took place as recently as 2020, when Tropical Storm Eta pushed enough water into neighborhoods to enter about 220 homes.  More than 200,000 cubic yards of sand was initially washed away from beaches in that storm, as well.

Tropical Storm Nicole, which approached from the Atlantic Coast, did not prompt evacuations.

The town reported spending approximately $645,000 for the season, broken up between debris removal and associated expenses, staff overtime and other costs.

Most of the town’s costs are subject to reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Administration and the bulk of the costs were related to debris removal and monitoring, a FEMA requirement.

Owing to the track of Hurricane Ian, even the town’s beaches fared better than once feared, when Ian was forecast to land near the mouth of Tampa Bay.

“Like Hurricane Irma, hurricanes Ian and Nicole were significant hurricanes to the communities where landfall was made,” Town Manager Tom Harmer said. “However, on Longboat Key, none of them brought

more than tropical storm conditions to the island as they passed.”

HURRICANE IAN

After Hurricane Ian, which made landfall farther south than expected 48 hours earlier, beach assessments were conducted. The town found minimal erosion and shifts in the beach contours, making a claim for assessment by an outside entity unnecessary.

“Our beaches actually fared really well,” Public Works Department Programs Manager Charlie Mopps said. “There was little to no impact.”

According to Mopps, the sea level during the storm was actually two to five feet below normal because of the offshore winds created by the storm’s counter-clockwise rotation.

By contrast, points south of Ian’s landfall experienced increases in sea level to 15 feet or more.

“It seemed like Hurricane Ian was basically taking the water from the north and pulling it to the south,” he said.

The primary cost of recovering from the storm came from debris cleanup from trees and construction. Cleanup provided by a towncontracted service started on the barrier island on Oct. 5 on public roads within the town. Private roads followed as right of entry agreements were required for contractors to make sweeps of those roads.

Because Gulf of Mexico Drive is a state road, the town was not allowed to pick up debris along the road ini-

tially. The Florida Department of Transportation  did one sweep of the road before private contractors were allowed to follow.

The loss of power was another issue that faced Florida Power and Light customers on the island. At its worst, more than 257,000 customers in Sarasota County were without power. In Manatee County, more than 135,000 customers were without power at one point in time.

The center of Hurricane Ian made landfall near Sanibel and Captiva Islands with 155 mph sustained winds just before 3 p.m. on Sept. 28. The storm made landfall as a Category 4.

TROPICAL STORM NICOLE

Impacts of Tropical Storm Nicole were minimal.

However, a quick look at the conditions of the island’s beaches was still completed as is customary for

the town’s Public Works department following a storm.

“Nicole did impact the beach a little,” Mopps said. “We see impacts with winter tides and storms similar to what we experienced with Nicole. Once we are through the winter months and the wind and tidal direction shifts back to the spring summer trend, we should see some of the sand return. All in all due to the heightened fill elevation of the sand we placed during the last nourishment, the town fared well throughout this storm season.”

Peak wind gusts at SarasotaBradenton International Airport reached near 50 mph Nov. 10 as the storm moved over the area. By 1 p.m. that same day, the National Weather Service had discontinued the region’s tropical storm watch.  Nicole first landed at Vero Beach around 3 a.m. the morning of Nov. 10 as a Category 1 hurricane.

File photo

town of Longboat Key fared relatively well from both Hurricane Ian and Tropical Storm Nicole.

RAISING QUESTIONS

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

Approaching the immediate issue of neighborhood flooding and longer-term sea level concerns, a pair of consultants this week delivered a pair of reports to town commissioners, each from their own vantage point.

About a dozen people listened to Kimley-Horn and APTIM Environmental and Infrastructure explain their findings and recommendations during a town workshop meeting.

While covering different topics, both consultants collaborated to ensure that recommendations made were within guidelines and feasibility of one another’s studies.

NEIGHBORHOOD FLOODING

The final report was sent to the Town Commission in late October by Kimley-Horn, a planning and design engineering consultant firm.

The town paid the firm just over $90,000 for the eight-month Sleepy Lagoon assessment and $78,733 for the six-month Buttonwood Harbour assessment.

The final report to the town consists of potential solutions the town could undertake to mitigate flooding in those two areas.

Buttonwood Harbour and Sleepy Lagoon are among the lowest-lying neighborhoods on the island.

STRATEGIES

Kimley-Horn Senior Stormwater Engineer Molly Williams presented solutions such as road reconstruction, additional stormwater inlets, the establishment of nearby wetlands to hold rainwater and check valves that keep draining water moving the right direction.

She also said rain barrels can be effective in controlling localized runoff, along with swales to hold and move water.

Suggested solutions for issues in the Sleepy Lagoon neighborhood centered on reconstructing roads to a higher elevation and were broken into phases:

n Phase 1: Norton Street, which could cost about $1.35 million n Phase 2: Bayview Drive and Penfield Street, which is projected to cost $1.86 million

n Phase 3: General Harris Street and Marbury Lane, which is projected to cost $1.72 million n Phase 4: Da Narvaez Drive and Juan Anasco Drive, which could cost about $1.15 million.

Commissioner BJ Bishop, who lives in one of the affected areas, raised the concern that while raising the roads would have benefit, the homes along those roads would still be sitting at the lower elevation.

“At some point in time, it is likely that these roads would have to be elevated again,” Williams said. “... Part of this project would be making sure we get all of the finished floor elevations surveyed so that we know exactly where those houses are and not having an impact on them. We want to make sure we are not creating more problems for them.”

Buttonwood Harbour suggestions include:  n Project 1: Buttonwood Drive and Winslow Place road reconstruction, which is expected to cost $1.48 million n Project 2: Flow diversion, which is estimated to cost $540,000 n Project 3: Ditch optimization, which is estimated to cost $540,000  n Project 4: Longview shoreline stabilization and reconstruction, which is expected to cost $510,000 n Project 5: Buttonwood shoreline stabilization, which is expected to cost $84,000 n Project 6: Monroe Street saltwater marsh, which is estimated to cost $104,000

Projects one through three are suggested to be done together to maximize benefits. For example, if

Buttonwood Drive was reconstructed, but not in conjunction with the ditch optimization project, the ditch could be further taxed as water runs off from the higher elevation of the road.

At the conclusion of the report Williams made the suggestion that the town move forward with seeking funding for phase one of the Sleepy Lagoon projects and with projects one through three for the Buttonwood Harbour portion.

Once funding is acquired, final designs and costs will be determined and brought to the commission.  The town dedicated some of its American Rescue Plan Act funding, about $1.8 million, to offset the costs of recommended actions for both the neighborhood-specific studies and the sea level rise study.

SEA LEVEL RISE STUDY

APTIM Environmental and Infrastructure provided phase four of its sea level rise study to commissioners, which includes elements of a comprehensive adaptation plan that would be beneficial to include to ensure best practices are used going forward.

Public Works Department Programs Manager Charlie Mopps described the report as a “roadmap” that can help stormproof and futureproof the town.

The town’s Planning and Zoning Board has already been revising the town’s comprehensive plan. APTIM Climate and Coastal Resilience Lead Samantha Danchuk said adding concerns about sea level rise into future land use policies would contibute to future specific decisions.

“Policy can really be used to plan for the future and adapt to sea level rise,” she said. “It really is one of your most valuable tools. It’s really how you do successful long-term planning and sustainability for the community.”

Danchuk’s report listed new poli-

cies the town should consider to help ensure future resiliency.

She suggested minimum seawall elevation be set to at least threeand-a-half feet with the maximum height raised to six feet.

Maintaining beach access points and dune profiles are also crucial in reducing the risk of storm surge flowing past beaches and into neighborhoods.

New actions she suggested include adopting a future land use map that shows potential environmental conditions, requiring building officials to review permit applications for proximity to at-risk areas and requiring flood risk mitigation measures to be included in an application.

APTIM conducted the study for the town as it works toward implementing changes to deal with expected environmental changes.

Among the initial impacts discovered in phase one, APTIM found the town’s Public Works Complex, Recreation Center and Fire Station 92 are subject to occasional, low-level flooding whereas the Mid-Key Water plant is subject to more serious disturbance flooding.

APTIM’s report found the police station, Town Hall and South Key Water Plant have unlikely shortterm risks.

The report found the Mobil gas station, the town’s only filling station, is prone to disturbance flooding. However, other commercial businesses such as the Bank of America, Suntrust Bank complex, Cannons Marina and Harborside Marina are subject to nuisance flooding.

The post office, Publix, Mediterranean Plaza, First Bank and CVS Pharmacy have unlikely short-term risk.

As mentioned above, nuisance flooding is flooding that often happens during high tide.

Disturbance flooding is defined as flooding of more than 1 foot of water on the road where it is dangerous to drive; some parts of the road might close. Impact flooding is flooding from hurricanes or major storm surges.

The Town Commission will hear a final report and update at the Jan. 23 workshop meeting.

Photos by Lauren Tronstad Boats are docked at the Buttonwood Harbour Boat Basin. The neighborhood is part of a flooding study conducted by the town.

General Harris Street is one road that may be raised following the results of a sea level rise study.

Town’s dual look at flooding and sea level concerns begins with proposals to build up problematic roads.

With water surrounding both neighborhoods, the town embarked on studies of low-lying Buttonwood Harbour and Sleepy Lagoon.

“Policy can really be used to plan for the future and adapt to sea level rise. It really is one of your most valuable tools.”

— APTIM Consultant Samantha Danchuk

Three cell poles in service for the Key

The remaining six poles are expected to be on air in the coming weeks, according to a statement from Verizon.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

Verizon cell-service users are one-third of the way to the full improvement foreseen when the company first proposed building nine network poles on the north end of the island.

Three of the poles are energized and in service, company officials said of the project designed to bolster long-spotty cell service on Longboat’s northern half.

Florida Power and Light and Wilco, the town’s underground utilities contractor, are working to complete connections for the remaining six poles. When connected, an integration team will get those sites to a temporary on-air status then to permanent status as finishing touches are put on the town’s underground utility project, Verizon spokesman Chris Serico said.

All poles have been placed with seven 35-foot models along Gulf of Mexico Drive, ranging from North Shore Drive to the 5000 block. The 25-foot poles are on Binnacle Point Drive and at the corner of Broadway Street and Lois Drive in Longboat Beach Village.

Assembly of the nine poles was finished in July.

The poles were required to be black to match the color and general appearance of streetlights planned for installation as part of the town’s underground utility project.

While residents were eager for improved phone service, complaints during public hearings centered on the placement of the poles. Residents argued against different locations due to concerns for aesthetic, vis-

ibility and property value decreases.  Operators of MarVista Dockside, for example, were among those supporting the notion of better cell service but argued against the location of a 25-foot pole immediately adjacent to its sign at the corner of Lois Lane and Broadway Street in Longbeach Village.

However, Verizon engineers said the locations were chosen to optimize the operation of the network.

While customers of Verizon, including the town itself and its first responders, will initially benefit from the new network on the north end, company officials said their equipment is designed to accept another company’s gear.

But, they said, a company such as AT&T or T-Mobile would have to come to a business agreement with Verizon, and the locations of the poles would have to mesh with the other company’s network needs. Potentially, other carriers could make a similar application to the town to erect their own poles, though the town’s 60-foot spacing requirement and other specifications would still apply.

Total renovation overlooking the Oaks Club

A 35-foot pole was erected to the left of the town’s welcome sign on the north end of the island, though it’s shielded from direct view.

Ring Sarasota, Handbell Choir Dec. 15th Astralis Chamber Ensemble, Flute/Harp Duo Dec. 19th Christmas Caroling with Minister Emeritus Charlie Shook, Dec. 22nd Accompanied by Maurice Overholt, Director Music, Longboat Island Chapel Santa and his Super Elf will make a visit

Lauren Tronstad

Democratic Club hears from UnidosNow

DARIELA DELGADO STAFF WRITER

The Longboat Key Democratic Club held a luncheon with three UnidosNow leaders at the Sarasota Yacht Club on Dec. 8.

Recently retired UnidosNow Executive Director Luz Corcuera, incoming Executive Director Cintia Elenstar and Strategic Initiatives Director Lisa Ramirez gave a presentation on how Hispanics and Latinos in Florida view the Democratic Party and what Democrats can do to forge connections with these influential voters and earn their support.

“The Latino population has grown tremendously in Sarasota and Manatee, and it is projected that by 2060 we will have 111 million,” said  Corcuera.

According to Lisa Ramirez’s presentation, Hispanics comprise 30% of the total population in Florida, but 21% are registered Florida voters in 2022.

Ramirez’s presentation consists of information by UnidosUS and Mi Familia Vota. These are two national organizations that are dedicated to civic engagement work. She referenced a survey they conducted in July and August of 2022 of Florida Latino voters and its key findings.

“Despite what happened in Florida in the midterms, nationally twothirds of Latino voters did vote Democratic,” said Ramirez. “U.S. Latino voters–across the board–focus on life and survival priorities as well as women’s reproductive health.”

According to Ramirez, the survey responses show strong support for policies to address issues such as housing and rental assistance, health insurance assistance, investing and education assistance for students who fell behind during the

COVID-19 pandemic as well as universal background checks and mental health supports.

“Another big issue that our community is facing is the mis- and disinformation campaigns in Spanish language outlets,” said Ramirez. She said she believes that this is problematic because Spanish speakers don’t have access to the variety of resources that English speakers have and the quality of information found is lower. Ramirez gives an example when Google search is conducted in Spanish, it usually renders less credible information than when conducted in English.

“Partially, the reason for this is the lack of fact checking and scrutiny the English language media has to confront. Some national organizations like UnidosUS and Mi Familia Vota have called for FCC intervention on this. The FCC has not responded,” said Ramirez.

Another factor Ramirez mentioned is communication, messaging and leadership development. “Especially with language and symbolism that’s being used to promote participation, there’s a lack of cultural and

historical context for some Latino voters with this language and symbolism,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez gave two examples: the direct translation of the word, ‘progresista,’ which translates to progressionist and the image of the raised fist in the air. “These all have associations with leftist dictatorships for some voters — not everyone — for example some Venezuelians and Cubans. It can be very triggering and steer people to the other direction.”

Ramirez also emphasizes education as an important aspect of getting voters and civic participation at higher levels with Latinos and demystifying the voting process.

According to Ramirez, nationally, 30% of latino voters are 18 to 29 years old and 68% of Latino youth voted for a Democratic U.S. House candidate.

“It’s super important to register new voters, but if a new or young voter feels intimidated or ill-equipped to cast a ballot, then it doesn’t matter that they are really registered,” said Ramirez.

Group leaders present to the Longboat Key Democratic Club on the power of the Hispanic vote.

Recently retired UnidosNow Executive Director Luz Corcuera greets the Longboat Key Democratic Club members.

Incoming Executive Director Cintia Elenstar presents to the Longboat Key Democratic Club members.

Photos by Dariela Delgado Longboat Key Democratic Club board members Howard Veit, Francine Achbar and Bob Gary.

Strategic Initiatives Director Lisa Ramirez presents to the Longboat Key Democratic Club members.

Longboat church’s donations helps fight human trafficking

men own homes locally, too. Wood chaired the board for Selah Freedom in 2019.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

When a casual conversation over breakfast revealed a problem in Southwest Florida, Christ Church of Longboat Key members went to work.

Jerry Fox heads the church’s mission committee. He’s also been attending church services with Art Wood in their hometown of Lake Forest, Illinois, for 45 years. Both

Meeting for breakfast in July was nothing more than two old friends catching up, but it led to a $100,000 donation to Selah on Dec. 7 at their downtown Sarasota office. Christ Church donated $50,000, which was matched by The Patterson Foundation to cover start-up costs for Selah Consulting.

“I never knew there was a Selah a year ago,” Fox said.

Selah is a Hebrew word meaning to pause, rest and reflect. Selah Freedom is a nonprofit organization that provides housing, counseling and life skills to survivors of sex trafficking.

Now through Selah Consulting, they’ll be helping the helpers, too.

“In addition to the consulting and

Christ Church’s $50,000 donation was matched by The Patterson Foundation to help Selah Freedom form a new consulting branch.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Connor LaGrange of The Patterson Foundation, Stacey Efaw and Laurie Swink of Selah Freedom, and Jerry Fox of Christ Church of Longboat Key

mentoring services we do for other organizations, we also are building online courses for survivors,” cofounder Laurie Swink said. “A lot of times, we have organizations saying, ‘What is it that you’re using? What do you do with survivors when you get them?’ And so we are making those (resources) available to them.”

Swink says Selah has an 87% success rate of survivors finishing the program, and 100% of survivors in the residential program are working toward their individual education and career goals.

Just this year, 60 groups from across the U.S. and Canada have reached out to Selah for assistance. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Florida is third in the country, behind California and Texas, for the most trafficking cases.

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has a map on its website that dots reported cases. The area from Tampa down to Sarasota is as dotted in red as it is from West Palm Beach down to Miami.

“All of a sudden, you find there’s a major sex trafficking issue down in Sarasota and Bradenton. The area from Tampa down here is No. 1 in a bad way, being the worst areas for sex trafficking,” Fox said. “That really got our congregation very excited about this.”

In addition to the $50,000 check, the congregation added more people to its already lengthy Christmas list.

There are more than 25 girls and women in Selah’s residential program right now, and all will receive gifts thanks to church members.

The combined donation will send a ripple from the Sarasota community out to dozens more.

Selah’s research found that there is a nationwide lack of resources for trafficking survivors. There are 1,644 beds in residential programs dedicated to sex survivors, yet 10,836 victims were identified in 2020 alone.

The new consulting branch of Selah will provide a how-to on building a residential program, an in-person, survivor-approved group curriculum, individual online courses for survivors with 24/7 access and staff and volunteer training.

“We get to hit the ground running in 2023 when we thought we were still going to be raising money, but here we are six months later,” Swink said.

Right step for SMH board

meeting was, the board’s charge to the hospital’s quality committee to provide a transparent review of how SMH handled COVID-19 patients can produce two invaluable outcomes:

n An honest assessment of why COVID patients were treated the way they were.

n What not to do and what to do when the inevitable next pandemic strikes. What did the hospital learn?

It starts with “why?”

ing and respiratory therapy leadership, with our infection control staff, our clinical pharmacists and physician colleagues in infectious disease and other specialists,” he said. “We were aided in the evaluation of literature by our academic colleagues from the Florida State University residency program here at SMH. We monitored the national recommendations, and we applied those that were appropriate to local use.

ernment overreach.” Add to that the public factors of fear and, over time, distrust of government.

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

As it happened this past Nov. 29, this was an odd coincidence: Two of Sarasota’s most important public boards met for the first time with their newly elected conservative board members. And as it happened, each of their meetings was scheduled to address a highly volatile issue that was the underlying influence that drove the new board members’ elections.

For the Sarasota School Board, that issue, broadly speaking, was the spread of woke-ism in the schools. But it coalesced — however right or wrong — into holding one man accountable, whether to keep or dismiss Superintendent Brendan Asplen.

For the Sarasota Public Hospital Board, the issue focused on a higher scale — life and death … how Sarasota Memorial Hospital treated COVID-19 patients over the past two years.

Both meetings and topics were important. For sure, having the right leader as CEO of public schools is paramount for the community’s future — educating our children to be productive citizens.

But over time, the hospital board meeting has the potential to serve as a historic moment for the future of Sarasota Memorial, as well as for hospitals around the region and nation. Handled correctly — as the

That is always the question to be answered. That’s what many of the speakers at the hospital board meeting wanted to know: Why?

Why were their loved ones given the drug Remdesivir, a drug the World Health Organization declared that hospitals should no longer dispense because of the deaths and harm it caused. “I need to better understand why my mother received it,” Jenny Naylor told the hospital board.

Her father wanted to know why his request for Ivermectin for his wife was refused. “What right does Sarasota Memorial have to deny my request?” he asked the board.

Many family members of deceased COVID-19 patients wanted to know why they couldn’t be at their loved one’s bedside before they died.

Dr. Kenneth Hurwitz, director of critical care medicine at the hospital, like all the speakers, had five minutes to explain the hows and whys of the Sarasota Memorial clinical staff during the pandemic.

In his remarks, you can hear the hospital staff did its best and more.

“The nurses, therapists, physicians and support staff all pitched in by working longer hours and extra shifts, and especially before the availability of the vaccines, they did so at great risk — personal risk to themselves and to their families,” Hurwitz said.

“We met regularly with our nurs-

“Our goal,” he said, “has always been to treat patients based on up-to-date, respected, published, peer-reviewed, evidence-based medicine.”

When you absorb the comments of Hurwitz, other physicians and SMH staffers who spoke, you can picture a cloud of strain and stress permeating the hospital at the height of the pandemic and a degree of uncertainty, doubt and second-guessing because of all of the competing information flooding the internet and media.

If you were in the shoes of the hospital CEO or the chief of medicine, you can presume much of the decision making had to revolve around managing risk. The inclination would be strong and compelling to go with the protocols that were coming from the so-called experts in Washington — Dr. Anthony Fauci and the Centers for Disease Control. There was the expectation of trust.

But take Ivermectin. Fauci dissed it as quackery and never acknowledged its efficacy. What’s more, we’re now learning Fauci and his cohorts influenced social media to tar and censor from their sites world-renown physicians and researchers who had reputable data that challenged the Washington orthodoxy, that Ivermectin and other treatments indeed worked.

One of the speakers at the hospital board meeting condemned what came out of Washington as “gov-

Put all this together, and it’s not off base to compare the pandemic to the fog of war. Plans are foiled. Surprises occur. After the board heard from 33 speakers, roughly half of them sharing emotional, gut-wrenching stories, Dr. James Fiorica, chief of the system’s medical staff, noted: “This has been the most difficult two and a half years in my history in Sarasota.”

No doubt this period will stand forever in history as a benchmark for the hospital system. And not just for SMH. What occurred at SMH also occurred at the more than 6,000 other hospitals across America.

If this were post-war, our military leaders would do what they always do: Conduct detailed post-mortems. And to its credit, and as it should, the new hospital board, has ordered its quality committee to take the first step: “after-action reviews” of how and why patients were treated the way they were and a thorough, transparent assessment — “what did we do well, what did we do badly, what lessons did we learn, what things would we do differently, how can we better prepared for a future pandemic,” according to board Chair Tramm Hudson.

As Jenny Naylor, daughter of a deceased patient, admonished: “Please do the research and ask the really challenging questions … For my mother and for all others who seemingly died as a result of these protocols, I beg you to do your job.”

New board member Bridget Fiorucci cast the reviews in a broader context — that Sarasota Memorial can set the example for hospitals across the country. By doing its reviews, “We can be the change that everyone else needs in other healthcare systems.”

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Maybe he realizes it. And maybe he understands that if he doesn’t get this right, this could wipe out his chances of being elected president.

While Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is riding high as the nation’s leader against woke-ism and a potential white knight presidential candidate for the nation’s Republicans, long after he is gone from Florida politics, his legacy will be tied to the issue Florida legislators are addressing this week in Tallahassee: property insurance.

Ugh. Talk about a subject that makes your eyes glaze over, gives you headaches and ranks up there with root canals. That’s property insurance.

But at this moment in Florida history, the issue of property insurance is a catastrophic economic disaster worse in scope than the damage from Hurricane Ian.

While Ian wiped out and damaged an estimated $47 billion in insured property in Southwest Florida, the rising and increasingly prohibitive costs of homeowners’ property insurance affect every inch and corner of this wonderful state. Anyone who has a roof over his head has seen his/her property insurance premiums rise from year to year faster than Joe Biden’s inflation.

On Longboat, a property owner told us last week not to expect to see his annual Christmas lights because he is “hardening” the outside of his bayfront house. “I’m tired of paying $37,000 a year for insurance,” he said.

When a homeowners association on Longboat had its policies canceled this past summer, some of the residents in the development took what they could get for their $1 million single-family homes — a $50,000-a-year policy.

Those are top-end examples.

But everyone knows the story: The standard in Florida for has been in the range of 25% to 33% increases.

Pardon the cliché, but property insurance has gone through the roof.

Florida is the worst insurance market in the nation. And that’s primarily because of how Florida’s trial lawyers cajoled lawmakers in years past to adopt laws that created a feeding trough for a small group of unscrupulous lawyers, adjusters and roofers.

You’ve read and heard the stories: In 2020, Florida homeowners filed 8.8% of the insurance claims for all of the U.S., but Florida accounted for 79.1% of the property insurance lawsuits filed in the U.S. Those percentages have held each year going back to 2016.

We don’t have the space to explain, nor do you have the patience to read, all of the reasons behind this costly trend, but they bring a cascade of consequences: Insurance carriers keep raising rates to account for the costs of the lawsuits. They then must buy more reinsurance, but the reinsurers raise their

rates because of the unpredictable costs of litigation (on top of the damage costs from storms).

More effects: Since 2019, 10 Florida-based insurers went bankrupt — brought on by not having enough capital that would allow it to cover its policyholders’ claims from storms and litigation.

Ok, enough of the Death-Bed state of Florida’s property insurance market. Gov. DeSantis, a few legislators (most of them don’t know a thing about insurance) and everyone in the industry knew at the beginning of the year the industry was on the verge of total collapse and in the emergency room with just a few months to live. It would need triage and hours upon hours of open-heart surgery in 2022.

The first round of triage occurred in May, seven months before the November election. DeSantis knew Charlie Crist would try to blame him for doing nothing. So that brought on the first special legislative session.

The triage helped. In the scheme of things, the changes adopted were minor adjustments stanched the gush of blood and allowed the industry to hang on for surgery.

Once DeSantis’ re-election was complete, the governor turned his attention to scheduling the openheart surgery. That’s what is occurring this week.

Once again, Sen. Jim Boyd, RBradenton, is the governor’s point man in the Senate. He sponsored the main bill SB 2A, which was described as the “kitchen sink” bill. It was 105 pages — a monstrosity that few normal human beings would understand.

But here are three of the most important elements:

n 1) It would eliminate one-way attorney fees. Heretofore, if, say,

Opponents of the bill say this will hurt Florida’s middle class and poor, because they will be less inclined to file suits because they can’t afford a lawyer. And the trial lawyers will be less likely to take on small claim cases.

To be sure, this will reduce the number of lawsuits.

n 2) It would eliminate the practice of assignment of benefits altogether. That means after Jan. 1, 2023, a policyholder can no longer sign whatever benefits he obtains from his insurance company to his lawyer or contractor.

n 3) It would require the stateowned Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to charge actuarily sound rates. That means Citizens can no longer charge rates less than what is being charged by other insurers. This is to provide a disincentive for Citizens to grow — and potentially increase the taxpayers’ liabilities to cover Citizens’ losses.

There are other provisions addressing reinsurance and the state catastrophe fund, including transferring $1 billion in taxpayers’ general revenues to help subsidize Florida insurers in need of additional reinsurance.

By the time the session ends, here’s what you can expect: Gov. DeSantis, Sen. Boyd and the Senate and House leadership will characterize these changes as extraordinarily successful heart surgery. The trial bar will castigate them.

And consumers: It will take at least 18 months for the changes to have any effect. By then, Gov. DeSantis will either be a hero and onto the national scene or have more work to do on property insurance.

Prediction: The latter. But that’s OK. At least he is addressing one of Florida’s most pressing economic challenges.

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

Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles

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

“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.”

CEO / Matt Walsh

MATT WALSH

Hearing the stories of families who lost loved ones during the pandemic was a gut-wrenching baptism for SMH’s new board members. But they responded the right way. Rather than look for blame, they chose to learn.

Sarasota roundabout opens this weekend

months.

Through Thursday, Dec. 15, paving and other work on U.S. 41 between Main Street and Fruitville Road will occur nightly.

Activities will include:

• Excavation of roadway subgrade on U.S. 41 between Gulfstream Avenue and Fruitville Road

• Installation of light poles on U.S. 41 between Gulfstream Avenue and Fruitville Road

Although traffic will begin using the entirety of the roundabout on Dec. 17, work will continue for months on the approaches from Main Street to Fruitville Road.

WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

y this weekend, motorists can look forward to driving in the roundabout at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue. Although the entire project won’t be completed until next spring, changes in the traffic pattern are expected to put the circle itself into operation on Saturday, Dec. 17.

The Florida Department of Transportation had expected to finish all of the roadwork portion of the project close to Thanksgiving, but the aftermath of Hurricane Ian diverted manpower and materials.

By the end of the weekend, though, motorists will be able to traverse the roundabout while work along U.S. 41 approaching and exiting the project area between Main Street and Fruitville Road will continue for several

• Video inspection of installed drainage pipes and structures throughout the project

• Paving of recently completed roadway base areas on U.S. 41 between Main Street and Fruitville Road

Motorists can expect lane closures, trucks and equipment entering and exiting the work zone. When complete, a new traffic pattern will put the Gulfstream Avenue and U.S. 41 intersection into the roundabout configuration, and the crossover patterns at Main Street and Sunset Drive will be removed.

The pattern switch will occur at night.

That work will require lane closures starting at 7 p.m., and motorists are advised to seek alternatives routes between 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, and 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17.

ANDREW

Workers will begin to reset traffic patterns on Friday evening, eliminating barriers and crossover lanes, opening up the entire circle to vehicles.

Harry Sayer

St. Mary’s celebrates 49 years

St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church has come a long way in 49 years. For one, its congregants now worship in a church with air conditioning.

“Father (Edward) Pick started the church in a firehouse with no air conditioning,” chair Linda Olsen said.

Pick’s memory lives on in the dining hall, which bears his name. About 250 church members gathered there on Dec. 8 to celebrate the anniversary. In 1973, over Thanksgiving weekend, St. Mary’s was officially designated a parish. Parish Feast Day has been Dec. 8 ever since.

Father Robert Dziedziak joked that with 50 years on the horizon, 49 may not be that big of a deal, but the congregation should spend some money on themselves sometimes. He both seriously and humorously added that he’d be asking for more. The crowd laughed and enjoyed the bar-

becue buffet because this group earned it through hard work and generosity. Both the women’s guild and men’s club raised money throughout the year. This year, they’ve supported hurricane relief, the Beauty Bridge Foundation, Catholic Charities and other local nonprofits.

The anniversary was a day of devotion to fun and games. The raffle prizes were decks of personalized St. Mary’s playing cards with pictures of the church and priests on them. Parishioners played Name That Tune, and there was even a fire truck on display, but it and the firefighters tending to it had to leave early on an emergency.

What has and will continue to stay is Father Pick’s legacy.

— LESLEY DWYER

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Father Robert Dziedziak welcomes the congregation.

Alex, Asli, Jorge and Adriana Hoggard with Maria Georgiev

Dennis and Marilyn Swinteck with their daughter and grandchildren Stephanie, Michael and Max Milford.

Personalized playing cards are the raffle prize.

NO SMOKE, NO FIRE

10:01 a.m., 1100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Alarm: Police and fire-rescue personnel converged on a residence at which a smoke alarm had been triggered. Once first responders arrived, though, they learned from a maintenance worker the alarm had been set off by a faulty switch on which he was working. No smoke or signs of a fire were found.

NO EMERGENCY

10:58 p.m., 1200 block of Bogey Lane

Alarm: An officer called to a home by an activated personal medical alarm initially knocked on the door of the residence with no answer. He found an unlocked sliding door on the home’s patio area and announced himself, along with firerescue. The resident said she had likely rolled over while sleeping and accidentally pushed the necklacependant’s activation button. She told the first responders that she was fine and needed no emergency assistance.

SUNDAY, DEC. 4

HERE’S WHAT TO DO

4:41 p.m., police headquarters

Citizen assist: A dispute with a contractor prompted a property owner to come to the police station to speak with an officer. The officer recommended the owner call either 911 or the police department’s front desk after 9 a.m. on the following business day to request a civil stand-by officer while the contractor removes tools from the property. No threats of violence had been passed, the owner said, adding he had been on contact with a lawyer.

MONDAY, DEC. 5

TRICKY NAVIGATION

10:30 a.m., 500 block of Ketch Lane

Boating call: Police and the Public Works Department worked together to help clear Hurricane Ian debris floating in a residential canal that threatened to impede boat navigation in the bayfront community. Numerous items were removed and carried off by a city vehicle.

TUESDAY, DEC. 6

WORD IS GETTING AROUND …

7:18 a.m., 500 block of Jessmyth Drive

Noise complaint: A report of construction noise earlier than the allowable hour of 8 a.m. was investigated but determined to be unfounded. An officer arrived to see several contractor vehicles parked in the area, though he did not hear any noise. The work team’s foreman said he was aware of town rules regarding work noise and that he and his crew had just arrived. He added he would make sure not to begin work until 8 a.m.

… WELL, MAYBE NOT

7:20 a.m., 500 block of Putter Lane

Noise complaint: A cement mixer and pumping equipment were making noise when an officer arrived to investigate a report of earlier-thanallowed construction. The officer explained the town’s 8 a.m. threshold for such activities and issued a warning for the violation.

NOT A STONE-COLD LOCK 10:05 p.m., 6800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Unsecure premises: An officer making a routine security check of a business found an unlocked door

it to be so.

and stepped inside to investigate. He found nothing out of the ordinary and no one inside. The officer left a business card on a desk and locked the door behind him as he left.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7

NOT HUMAN 9:46 a.m., 3000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Suspicious incident: The Medical Examiner’s office determined that a bone found along the shore by a beachgoer was not human. An officer sent to investigate the report was not immediately able to ascertain the bone’s origin and sent a photo for deeper investigation. Less than two hours later, an answer was received from an Medical Examiner’s office investigator.

NOT ANY OLD LUG WRENCH

1:37 p.m., 2100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: Sent to investigate a report of a disabled vehicle blocking the road, an officer arrived to find an imported sport coupe with a flat tire. The driver said emergency road service was on the way. A special tool was required to remove the wheel, so the officer waited until help arrived.

THURSDAY, DEC. 8

PARKING LOT DUST-UP

10:50 a.m., 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway

Citizen dispute: At police headquarters, a resident reported an encounter in a shopping center parking lot that prompted her visit. She said a man in a black sedan yelled at her and accused her of driving too fast, then began video recording her from his car while threatening to report her to police. No threats of violence were made. The man was last seen heading west on Bay Isles Parkway. The woman was told to call 911 if she sees the man in the car again.

BLINKY LIGHTS

8:40 p.m., 3700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Citizen assist: A resident notified police of an all-terrain vehicle with its caution lights still operating parked near a Public Works Department installation. The caller said he was concerned about the equipment’s battery dying. The officer said he was unable to find the vehicle’s light switch, so he alerted the Public Works Department. A staffer there said the machine did not belong to the town, but that he would alert the contractor who owns it.

Park’s wildlife recovers faster than its infrastructure

Hurricane Ian substantially damaged Myakka River State Park’s infrastructure, as well as its ecology. As part of the Myakka River watershed, which holds flood waters thus minimizing their impact farther afield, the storm also illustrated the importance of public lands for safeguarding our communities.

As the Myakka River is primarily rain-fed, its levels vary seasonally. During our wet summer, areas around the river, such as floodplain marshes and hydric hammocks, commonly flood. Florida’s native habitats are adapted to this seasonal fluctuation. And the normal hydrocycles of wetlands are crucial for our native flora and fauna.

As result of extreme rainfall associated with Ian, the river, already at flood stage before the storm, crested at 12.73 feet — well above major flood stage. With the park’s 7-mile long

ENJOY THE WILD

drive under water, park management surveyed storm damage by airboat.

Most structures and buildings in the park, including the historic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, were flooded, and the park’s utility infrastructure, including waste and drinking water, was submerged.

Once the flooding receded, extensive recovery efforts commenced. To assure visitor safety, to date, more than 18,000 cubic yards of vegetative debris — enough to fill 5.5 Olympic swimming pools — have been removed from just the main roads, picnic areas and campgrounds in the 58-square-mile park. Road shoulders, eroded from flooding, are being back filled, and the park’s utility infrastructure is being repaired.

While rangers work to return Myakka to those who love the park, its flora and fauna are proving more resilient than park infrastructure.

Once the park reopens, expanses of unspoiled wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pine lands, though clearly bruised, will once again be available for the rest of us to appreciate and enjoy.

—MIRI HARDY, FRIENDS OF THE MYAKKA RIVER CONTRIBUTOR

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

STILL CLOSED

Myakka River State Park remains closed while recovery efforts continue.

For updates, visit FloridaStateParks.org/ Parks-AndTrails/Myakka-RiverState-Park.

An exploration beyond the pavement.

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

Miri Hardy

With the park closed to the public, a redshouldered hawk uses what is typically a highly trafficked bridge as a hunting perch.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

SWITCHING ON HOLIDAY CHEER

Santa is always busy in December, but when visiting Longboat Key, he’s not just busy. He’s active. Although he hasn’t been spotted playing pickleball yet, he has been surfing, fishing, Jet Skiing and steering both a rocket and pirate ship. Inflatable Santas and holiday cheer are lighting up the island. Stroll through the garden at the Longboat Island Chapel, cruise down St. Judes Drive North, or stop at the Spanish Main Yacht Club’s marina for the most lights in one spot because if one neighbor decorates, others will follow.

First stop on the light-seeing tour has to be the Longboat Island Chapel. Congregation members and local businesses have transformed the church’s garden into a winter wonderland.

There are 24 specially themed trees. Longboat Ace Hardware’s tree is easily recognizable. It’s trimmed with tape measures and has a paint bucket tree topper.

For those who prefer the Grinch to Santa, there’s a separate kiddie section dedication to Dr. Seuss and pink flamingos.

Some

the houses in this neighborhood would make Clark Griswold proud. They’re decked from roof to stoop in lights so bright, they shine across the marina. There are a few boats glistening in the harbor, too.

— LESLEY DWYER

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Christmas in the Garden at the Longboat Island Chapel

GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE

No navigation required to find these decorations, the lights are strung along the main strip of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

From homes to condominiums, GMD is temporarily colored red, white and green.

LONGBOAT ISLAND CHAPEL

700 block of St. Judes Drive North ST. JUDES DRIVE NORTH Santa doesn’t need his sleigh on this street. He’s got a Jet Ski, surfboard, pirate ship and pickup truck to ride.

He has animal friends too, all of the marine variety, of course. There’s a fish, turtle, crab, lobster and even a narwhal wearing a red scarf.

LONGBOAT VILLAGE

From quaint and classic white lights to an inflatable dinosaur playing a guitar, the Village has a little holiday something for everyone.

The news must have spread on Longboat Drive North and Fox Street that lights were going up. Those neighbors, in particular, went all out this year.

SPANISH MAIN YACHT CLUB

of

700 block of Longboat Drive North

3300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

800 block of Spanish Drive South

The evening ends with lighting the menorah.

RECURRING EVENTS

WINTER SPECTACULAR

From 4-9 p.m. and from noon-9 p.m. on holiday weeks and weekends in St. Armands Circle. See the circle transformed into a winter wonderland until Jan. 3. Wristbands for attractions cost $10.

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY LONGBOAT LIBRARY

The Longboat Library is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday at 555 Bay Isles Road. Call 383-2011 for information.

MONDAYS

GENTLY CHAIR YOGA

9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Improve flexibility, strength and overall physical functioning while seated in a chair. Runs through Dec. 19. Students can join at any time on a prorated basis. Fee is $70 for members; $80 for others. Call 383-8222.

STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN

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

THINKING OUT LOUD: TIMELY TOPICS WITH MIKE KARP

1-2:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Topics will include U.S. and world current affairs, popular culture and topics relevant to seniors. Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS

LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT STORE

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

TUESDAYS

QI GONG FOR HEALTH AND VITALITY

9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Improve balance and flexibility, plus loosen joints and relax. Runs through Dec. 20. Students can join at any time on a prorated basis. Fee is $70 for members; $80 for nonmembers. Call 383-8222.

QI GONG

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

YOGA

11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Debbie Debile of Feel Good Yoga & Massage leads a gentle yoga class that can be done on a mat or in a chair. Cost is $10; free for members. Call 3836493.

MAH JONGG

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

ROTARY CLUB

Meets at 5 p.m. on first and third Tuesdays in All Angles Parish Hall, 563 Bay Isles Road. Call Nancy Rozance at 203-605-4066 or email Info@LongboatKeyRotary.org.

TUESDAY AND THURSDAY BREATH BALANCE AND BLISS

YOGA

10:30-11:30 a.m. at Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Cost is $10 for members; $15 others. Call 361-6411 ext. 2212.

WEDNESDAYS

POTPOURRI

YOGA

From 9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. A gentle, slow-paced blend of simple yoga postures focusing on balance, alignment, strength, breathwork, flexibility and relaxation. Runs through Dec. 21. Students can join at any time on a prorated basis.

Fee is $70 for members; $80 for others. Call 383-8222.

BEGINNER TAI CHI

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

THURSDAYS

CLUB OF LONGBOAT

KIWANIS

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

SLOW FLOW YOGA

9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Simple yoga routines incorporating a range of several hatha yoga styles. Improve spinal flexibility and core strength for all fitness levels. Runs through Dec. 22. Students can join at any time on a prorated basis. Fee is $70 for members; $80 for nonmembers. Call 383-8222.

ST. ARMANDS KEY LUTHERAN CHURCH BRIDGE CLUB

1 p.m. at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 N. Adams Drive, join an ACBL-sanctioned game of contract bridge with a certified teacher. All skill levels are welcome. There is an $8 suggested donation for each session. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP to 952-9251.

ZUMBA AND MAT PILATES FOR SENIORS

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. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

FRIDAYS

QI GONG AND MEDITATION

11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, take qi gong and meditation with Sandi Love. Free for members; $10 for nonmembers. Call 383-6493.

BEST BET

FRIDAY, DEC. 16

CLAWS FOR A CAUSE

10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Whitney Plaza, 6838 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The Maine Line food truck will serve lobster, and 10% of merchant sales benefit the Longboat Library. The library will also have books for sale.

INTERMEDIATE TAI CHI 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.

Memorial garden opens with pet blessing

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

uppies get even faster blessings,” the Rev. David Marshall quipped as a rambunctious 5-month-old puppy frolicked near his feet.

“P

Marshall quickly recited the blessing. As he stood, his blue stole swayed like an invitation Paco couldn’t resist. The puppy jumped up and tried to bite one end of the reverend’s stole during All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church’s pet blessing on Dec. 8.

Two bowls of water were set out — one holy and one for lapping. Marshall also consecrated the new pet memorial garden.

The garden is visible from the Bay Isles Road and accessible from the sidewalk. Not a memorial for parishioners only, anyone can lay their pet to rest. A statue of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, watches over the garden.

Before the blessings began, Rev. Fred Emerich read Robert Frost’s “One More Brevity.” Emerich’s dog’s name Gustie came from the lines, “So I spoke in tones of adoption thus: Gustie, old boy, Dalmatian Gus.”

The push for the garden came from condominium living, garden organizer and planner Jerry Bowles said, adding that the multifamily lifestyle

isn’t always conducive to saying goodbye to pets.

Bowles brought a watering can filled with yellow roses for anyone who wanted to lay their companion to rest.

Spaces were left between plants so there are places to scatter ashes.

Marshall consecrated the garden saying, “God, remember before you this day, all of those animals that we love and see no longer and that we have set aside a particular piece of your creation for the purposes of remembrance and renewal.”

Jeff and Laurel Vaughn watch as the Rev. David Marshall digs a hole for their dog Harvey’s ashes.

Ed Ortiz, Paco, Jerry Bowles and the Rev. David Marshall

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

In loving memory of my brother

Emily Valdes Executive Assistant

Steven

Charles Buky & Family Realtor

John this holiday. May you always be surrounded by family, friends, love, and laughter throughout the New Year.

Judy Lori & Elle Lawson Realtor & Intern Wishing you the blessings of Peace, Love & Joy Dear Friends and Neighbors, Happy Holidays from our home to yours. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy new year filled with lots of love, good health, and much happiness. May 2023 be extraordinary for you and your loved ones, filled with joy, laughter, and peace.

Judy & John

Lori &Elle 340 South Palm Ave #75 3 bed, 3.5 bath | 2,761 Sq Ft Sarabande75.com Offered for $2,888,000 SARABANDE SARABANDE THE STRAND THE STRAND December 15, 2022 1709 N Tamiami Trl Unit #221 1 bed, 1.5 bath | 1,013 Sq Ft www.1709NTamiami221.com Offered for $625,000 - Furnished KEPECZ-HAYS TEAM SARABANDE THE STRAND Judy Kepecz-Hays Team 941.587.1700 393901-1

Off the Clock visits Harry’s

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce celebrated Christmas at Harry’s Continental Kitchens on Thursday, Dec. 8. It was a warm winter evening as members sipped cocktails, networked and had a merry time on the patio.

Each year, members are asked to bring ornaments that represent their businesses.

Wagner Realty’s Jonna Kinney brought a tiny red door decorated with a wreath.

Reva Jackson looked for a dollar sign or something money-related to represent Cadence Bank, but couldn’t find anything, so she decided on a little red drum and focused on cadence.

“Some people don’t know what that means,” she said. “But it means to march in rhythm together. We want to be in sync with our customers.”

Kim Urbuteit from Home-tech represented with a golden lock box.

And because hands-on and active so well describes the young team at Fitness Quest, Gabriella Giordano hand painted a sand dollar ornament.

To kick off the new year, Off the Clock will head to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Sarasota from 5-6:30 p.m. on Jan. 11.

— LESLEY DWYER

Chamber ambassadors Jack Dean and Patti Mae Bosco

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Massage therapists Debby Debile, Brandy Mixon and Liz Yerkes

JUST LISTED THE ATRIUM

2120 HARBOURSIDE DR., #613

LONGBOAT KEY, FL $949,000

The best value and opportunity on Longboat Key. The sparkling water of Sarasota Bay immediately catches your eye and sets the stage for tropical elegance. The open and expanded kitchen flows to the dining and living areas, all enhanced by the gorgeous backdrop of water. Just beyond the wall of sliders is an open, spacious terrace with a private walk-down to the bay.

NEW PRICE

BEACHPLACE II

1095 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #504 LONGBOAT KEY, FL $1,295,000

Spacious and furnished 2BR/2BA, 1,503 SF residence. Two assigned parking spaces, with one covered under building, Views through windows and sliders of high-impact glass spanning the community grounds and lake and beyond to the Gulf of Mexico. Generous rental policy of one month minimum, 12 times per year.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

510 CHIPPING LANE LONGBOAT KEY, FL $1,695,000

Opportunities abound in an exceptional location with this property. Options to update the existing 3 bedroom pool home to your taste, build anew on this esteemed lot to realize your complete vision for luxury waterfront living, or simply continue taking advantage of the rental income of this gorgeous vacation destination.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2945 PYRULA DRIVE LONGBOAT KEY, FL $3,345,000

Exceptional quality, untouched refinement, 2-story, 5BR/5BA, 3,815 sq. ft. residence. Features abound, including a separate inlaw suite and large 3-car garage. Expansive outdoor area with heated pool and spa.

NOW PENDING

SAINT ARMANDS 408 JACKSON DRIVE SARASOTA, FL $2,595,000

A prized, rarely available St. Armands location makes this spacious home an exceptional opportunity. This 3BR+Den residence is brimming with updates. Accommodate guests with ease in the 3rd bedroom, separate casita, with a mini kitchen, and living room. Open pool with covered patio, privacy fence, and raised deck.

Sanctuary condominium sells for $3.45 million

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Acondominium in Sanctuary at Longboat Key Club tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Pleasant Real Estate LLC and Pleasant Real Estate LLC II sold the Unit B-604 condominium at 545 Sanctuary Drive to Thomas and Susan Pluss, of Longboat Key, for $3.45 million. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,115 square feet of living area. It sold for $707,100 in 1991.

LIDO

Anna Maria Nekoranec and Bengt Niebuhr sold their home at 1189 Center Place to Gregg and Karen Sweeney, of Sarasota, for $3.4 million. Built in 1965, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,589 square feet of living area. It sold for $429,000 in 1999.

BIRD KEY

William and Stephanie Sparks, of Sarasota, sold their home at 499 Partridge Circle to Jason Tackitt and Megan Tackitt, trustees, of Las Vegas, for $2.2 million. Built in 1970, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,537 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.35 million in 2020.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

Ronald and Arlene Krum, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 513 Sloop Lane to Victoria and Michael Percopo, of Longwood, for $1,757,200. Built in 1962, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,933 square feet of living area. It sold for $315,000 in 1997.

QUEEN’S HARBOUR

Paulette Livesay, of New Canaan, Connecticut, sold the home at 3532 Fair Oaks Lane to David Doyle, of Birmingham, Michigan, for $1.68 million. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,524 square feet of living area. It sold for $594,100 in 1997.

THE PLAYERS CLUB II W.A.S. Tower L.B.K. LLC sold the Unit 302 condominium at 1465 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Kenneth and Carol Hochman, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, for $1.65 million. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,548 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2017.

EMERALD POINTE SOUTH

Sunny Side Up Homes LLC sold the Unit 14 condominium at 1906 Harbour Links Circle to Francis Donald Kelly III and Tracy Albert Kelly, of Longboat Key, for $1.4 million. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,180 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.1 million in July.

William and Bonnie Vancelette, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 1915 Harbour Links Circle to Michele De Santis and Leighton Allenby, of Longboat Key, for $1.2

million. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,462 square feet of living area. It sold for $749,900 in 2005.

SLEEPY LAGOON

6381 GOM LLC sold the home at 6381 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Julie Omsberg, of Sidney, Maine, for $1,267,200. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,224 square feet of living area.

INN ON THE BEACH Star Leaf LLC sold the Unit 4205 condominium at 240 Sands Point Road to Development Solutions Group LLC for $925,000. Built in 1982, it has one bedroom, one bath and 640 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2019.

ST. JUDES APARTMENTS

Brooke O’Malley and Thomas O’Malley, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 23 condominium at 741 Saint

Judes Drive to Scott and Lindy Terry, of Oneida, Tennessee, for $565,000. Built in 1967, it has one bedroom, one bath and 868 square feet of living area. It sold for $205,000 in 2012.

LONGBOAT ARMS

Doris Metheny, of Tampa, sold her Unit 203-C condominium at 3320 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Jose and Maria Flores, of Miami, for $495,000. Built in 1971, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,187 square feet of living area.

LONGBOAT HARBOUR

Marshall and Heidi Sinick, trustees, of Bethesda, Maryland, sold the Unit 208 condominium at 4390 Exeter Drive to Shawn White and Chad White, of Beavercreek, Ohio, for $425,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,168 square feet of living area.

In with the new

File photo

Sanctuary was built in 1991 at 545 Sanctuary Drive within the gates of the Longboat Key Club.

In this season of giving, a gift of as little as $25, $50 or $100 will enable The Bay to be a world class, central park for Sarasota.

Your help and support will ensure this new public park looks incredible and delivers surprisingly delightful experiences to every park guest every day -- every year.

The Bay preserves, restores and transforms 53 acres of precious city-owned land along Sarasota Bay into a blue and green oasis - providing a sustainable bayfront gathering place for the community to experience a wide range of park uses.

Everyone who came to The Bay for the ten-day grand opening, everyone who enjoys a walk in the park, and everyone who participates in free park programs and events is encouraged to become a Friend of The Bay.

Every dollar donated by a Friend goes to operate, maintain and program the park. Your gift of only $25, $50 or $100 will enable you, your family and friends, neighbors and visitors to enjoy The Bay, and enable others to experience that same joy. EVERY

Park guests and other supporters who choose to become Friends of the Bay will help enable The Bay to be one park for all – open and accessible, free and welcoming to the full and rich diversity of our community, now and for generations to come.

Please help SHARE THE JOY of The Bay to ensure more park is built, maintained and enjoyed by all.

Become a Friend of the Bay Today!

BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

FRIDAY, DEC. 16

High: 69 Low: 57

Chance of rain: 10%

SATURDAY, DEC. 17

High: 67 Low: 55

Chance of rain: 24%

SUNDAY, DEC. 18

High: 63 Low: 50

Chance of rain: 24%

TIDES

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Dec. 15 7:12a 5:37p

Friday, Dec. 16 7:12a 5:38p

Saturday, Dec. 17 7:13a 5:38p

Sunday, Dec. 18 7:14a 5:39p

Monday, Dec. 19 7:14a 5:39p

Tuesday, Dec. 20 7:15a 5:40p

Wednesday, Dec. 21 7:15a 5:40p

MOON PHASES

Dec.

Thursday, Dec. 15 3:33a 6:15p 11:49a

Friday, Dec. 16 5:00a 6:41p 12:18a 12:32p

Saturday, Dec. 17 6:40a 7:08p 1:39a 1:14p

Sunday, Dec. 18 8:16a 7:35p 2:43a 1:53p

Monday, Dec. 19 9:43a 8:06p 3:37a 2:30p

Tuesday, Dec. 20 11:00a 8:39p 4:28a 3:03p

Wednesday, Dec. 21 12:13p 9:18p 5:17a 3:32p

Marc Preininger captured

Commercial Property for Rent

ST

Homes for Rent

LOVELY FURNISHED HOME for Rent annually on Longboat Key. 3BR/2BA,

Homes for Sale

December 22

•East County & Longboat: Thursday, 12/15 noon

•Sarasota / Siesta Key: Friday, 12/16 noon

D December 29

•East County & Longboat: Friday, 12/16 noon

•Sarasota / Siesta Key: Monday, 12/19 noon

J January 5

•East County & Longboat: Thursday, 12/22 noon

•Sarasota /Siesta Key: Tuesday, 1/3 11am

The Observer Classi ed Dept. will CLOSE on December 23rd at 4:00pm for the Holidays. We will reopen on January 3rd at 9:00am. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO

Rentals Wanted

Personal Care-Respite Care Alzheimer’s Care Light Cleaning Med Administration Meal Prep Shopping, Errands & More Call for a FREE Evaluation! 941-536-6372

Epichomecareprovider@gmail Rosa Torres- Owner

Life at this gorgeously updated, Siesta Key beach home is a one-of-a-kind experience! Set among lush, Florida-friendly greenery directly overlooking the coastal landscape of the Gulf of Mexico, this private estate rests on more than an acre of property, featuring 172’ of beach! Sanderling Club is the only guard gated, single-family neighborhood on Siesta Key. Originally designed by famed architect Robert Geddes to highlight breathtaking Gulf views, you can look out into the sparkling Gulf and enjoy striking sunset views from almost any room of this beachfront estate.