Longboat Observer 2.2.23

Broadway’s big brake

Past & Present

Small bites. PAGE 16

YOUR TOWN

Courtesy photo

All shook up

When a former U.S. Marine trades his uniform for a bedazzled jumpsuit, it’s guaranteed to be a rocking good time.

Billy Lindsey is an award-winning Elvis Presley impersonator and played The King for a night at Longboat Harbour this past month. Lindsey is the 2014 champion of the Florida State Fair’s Elvis Extravaganza. He also won for best look-a-like and fan favorite. Residents were left all shook up from his performance last year, so the hunka burning love was invited back again.

“He really played to the room,” events coordinator Karen Pashkow said. “Us old ladies were swooning.”

Courtesy photo

Sailboat beached

A sailboat was found beached on the north end of Longboat Key this past week.

A marine patrol officer from the town police was dispatched to the Whitney Beach area Thursday after report of the grounded vessel, Midwinter Night’s Dream.

Because of weather conditions, the boat was unable to be immediately refloated, but the captain was unhurt and was able to disembark without issue.

Following improved weather conditions and in conjunction with high tide, commercial tow boats were able to remove the sailboat Saturday afternoon. No injuries were reported from the incident.

Lesley Dwyer

Defining the relationship

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

The town of Longboat Key put in writing recently what it considers important in its relationship with Sarasota County as the two governments move forward with initial plans for the Town Center library project.

Over the past few years, Longboat Key leaders have advocated for a community center and library to be built as a focal point for the development of the Town Center Green.

During the town’s joint meeting with Sarasota County Commission in 2022, the town requested the first bit of financial support for the notion.

The county ended up setting aside $1 million of its fiscal year 2023 budget to advance the planning and design of the proposal.

Of late, now-retired Town Manager Tom Harmer worked with county administration to develop a principles of agreement document.

The document outlines general responsibilities for the county and town regarding a land lease, design, construction, operations and maintenance, programming and funding of the project.

The County Commission reviewed the document and voted in support of the continued partnership on Tuesday.

“We look forward to collaborating with the town of Longboat Key to provide this much-wanted amenity in a way that complements the town’s vision for their Town Center Green project,” Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis said in a press release. “Our state-of-theart library facilities and services will

integrate seamlessly with the town of Longboat Key’s vision to provide arts, cultural and educational programming.”

Sarasota County has indicated that because the library would be a county facility, it would take the responsibility of design, construction, operation and maintenance of the facility.

As it stands, the library is planned to include a core library circulation component, reading and meeting rooms and a large multipurpose space.  Under the agreement, the town would have the ability to weigh in on elements it would like to see included. All planning and design phases would go through review of the town as well.

For starters, the county is anticipating entering into a 50-year land lease. Such a lease would require approval of a formal agreement by the Town Commission.

“Thank you to Sarasota County for recognizing the town’s vision for the Town Center and partnering to advance this important community amenity,” Harmer said in a release.

“We are excited to bring the latest library design and programming to the town of Longboat Key.”

The $1 million added to the county’s 2023 capital improvement plan budget of $171.9 million is the first component of a series of requests Longboat Key leaders made of their county counterparts.

Town leaders in 2022 approached county commissioners with a proposed timeline that kicks off with upgraded remote library services for island residents, followed by a path that includes the project landing on the county’s five-year, capital-improvement project budget to solidify its position in line for county tax dollars, beginning in next year’s budget with money for planning and design. Following along would be construction dollars in 2024 and operational dollars in 2025.

“We’re looking forward to collaborating with the town of Longboat Key to provide lifelong literacy and learning opportunities for residents and visitors,” said Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources Director Renee Di Pilato.

In a letter of expectations Harmer sent to county leaders, the former

“We look forward to collaborating with the town of Longboat Key to provide this much-wanted amenity in a way that complements the town’s vision for their Town Center Green project.”

Jonathan Lewis,

County Administrator

county administrator and recently retired town manager said “it is important that the county’s facility be developed consistent with the town’s vision of a gathering place on the island that will integrate into the overall site and all of the other amenities and activities that will occur.”

He added the town “looks forward to identifying potential additional space or amenities to the project as may be identified during the planning/design phase.”

The library proposal is the latest iteration of a plan to furnish some kind of public-gathering facility within the boundaries of the Town Center Green.

Now under construction, there is a privately funded stage for public events, but about four years ago, bigger and broader plans were considered. Town leaders worked with Ringling College of Art and Design to develop an Arts, Culture and Education Center on the same land.

The privately funded project was expected to cost upwards of $11 million but was shelved when Ringling President Larry Thompson cited  “negative feedback” and its likely effect on fundraising.

In the past year, a proposal to build a privately funded black box theater also arose for Town Center Green. It was promoted by a group of private backers but didn’t gain traction with town leaders.

Town, county set expectations for development of library project.

Lesley Dwyer

The Town Center Green is in phase 2 of construction with a privately funded stage.

Sarasota

WHOA!

Slowing traffic on Broadway Street in Longbeach Village has been a hot topic on the north end of the island in recent weeks, with plenty of proposals but no real consensus between residents and town leaders on moving forward.

At issue, residents say, is their way of life in the enclave, which features one tree-lined thoroughfare with popular restaurants on opposite ends. Residents have for years said speeding cars on Broadway Street pose a risk not only to their safety but also to the community’s laidback atmosphere.

In March 2022, town leaders and the Village’s Traffic Calming Committee met to work out potential solutions, taking into account the characteristics of the road, its users and property along it. Now, as recommendations come closer to implementation, the focus has shifted from possibilities to moving forward on choices.

The town worked with KimleyHorn and Associates, Inc. to analyze the street and develop traffic-calming options.

Four options were presented to the town:

n New lane markings

n Speed humps and crosswalks

n Center median islands

n Mini roundabouts

According to a town staff memo, speed humps, center median islands and mini roundabouts would be the costliest options, tend to be divi

sive and are difficult to undo should views on them change.

If mini roundabouts were installed, the town anticipates construction to cost between $25,000 and $45,000, depending on the size and location of the circles.

Pavement markings and striping were identified as a lower-cost solution, though residents aren’t immediately sold on their effectiveness.

“We do not have a cost estimate yet, though we have a pending work assignment with our engineer to develop a high-level striping plan with an opinion of cost,” Public Works Director Isaac Brownman wrote in an email. “We want to see the layout and cost to implement before we move forward. Striping and ADA improvements were considered relatively low-cost options in the report.”

A Traffic Calming Committee’s presentation from November 2022 showed residents’ preferred mini roundabouts built in each of the Village’s three intersections at Broadway Street. The installations would force drivers to slow each time to steer right, left, then right again at each of Broadway’s intersections.

A recent town memo confused some residents into thinking their preferences had been discarded and striping was proceeding in these steps:

n White edge lines on either side of the travel lanes.

n Yellow centerline skip/solid stripe

n Four or more markings called sharrows designed to remind drivers that they share the travel lanes with cyclists.

n Crosswalks , pedestrian signs and

n ADA ramps at two or three intersections.

According to the town-sponsored study, the proposed traffic-calming devices would help define the actual lanes of travel and provide a defined

center while leaving permit-only curbside parking in place.

The ADA ramps will need to be added where they do not exist at the crosswalk locations. All of the above will help complement the existing 20-mph posted speed limit and responsive speed signs.

Town Manager Tom Harmer and the town’s commissioners of late have been working to let residents know that such a project would have to have commission approval before moving forward, with opportunities for public input along the way.  No decisions have been made.

“There was absolutely no mention that the commission would be involved, that there would be a commission review or that there would be any opportunity for the Longbeach Village residents to comment or adjust the plan in any way,” Pete and Carla Rowan wrote in an email. “As a result, the neighborhood went into a panic mode of what we can do to stop the return of street paint from being implemented.”

The couple are members of the traffic calming committee and reside on Broadway.

“Over the years, we have experienced many changes, both good and bad. In the last few years we have seen a tremendous increase in traffic and people in this wonderful neighborhood we call home that has created some unfavorable conditions,” Village residents Benny and Becky Parrish wrote. “...We ask that you please take a few minutes to consider the residents’ views on what is best to deal with these problems as we are the ones who see what happens daily.”

After the staff memo, the Village committee’s focus has shifted in an effort to block the striping plan as ineffective and counter to several key objectives.

“It may allow all existing traffic to flow, but it’s not aesthetically pleasing,” Pete Rowan said. “It’s not self-enforcing, and we don’t think it’s going to slow speeds, so we don’t think it fits our objectives.”

Carla Rowan expressed willingness to help fund the placement of four-way stop signs at the three intersections if it meant street painting was off the table.

The group is in the process of scheduling a meeting with department staff to go over their concerns and work to come to a solution. The meeting date has not been set, but the committee intends to meet with staff before the issue goes to commissioners, Rowan said.

“We are looking for further information from staff as well as the village committee on solutions and what the cost of those solutions would be,” Commissioner BJ Bishop said. “Additionally, we are looking to Chief Turner for the speeds that the radar detectors noted.”

TRAFFIC STUDY

The most recent Broadway traffic study data was conducted in March 2022.

The study was conducted by the Longboat Key Police Department from March 3 to March 10, 2022. Traffic was tracked in the area of Broadway Street and Longboat Drive North for both east and westbound traffic.

n Westbound traffic for the time period totaled 6,852 vehicles

n Average speed for westbound traffic was 19.45 mph (In 2019, a November study indicated average westbound speeds of 17.7 mph.)

n The busiest day for westbound traffic was Wednesday, March 9. 1.045 vehicles were tracked.

n The average busiest time for traffic in the westbound lane 1 p.m. on weekdays and 5 p.m. on weekends.

n Eastbound traffic for the time period totaled 7,072 vehicles

n Average speed for eastbound traffic was 20.16 miles per hour. (In 2019, a November study indicated average eastbound speeds of 18.36 mph.)

n The busiest day for eastbound traffic was Monday, March 7 with 1,115 vehicles

n The average busiest time for traffic in the eastbound was 2 p.m. on weekdays and 7 p.m. on weekends.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

Options to slow vehicles in north end neighborhood include new striping, mini-traffic circles and more.

Photos by Lauren Tronstad

The posted speed limit on Broadway Street is 20 mph.

Residents of Longbeach Village hope to persuade drivers to slow down.

Four-way stops were also proposed on Broadway Street.

Town aims to keep an eye on rentals

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

Calling all vacation-rental owners: The town is one step closer to setting up a registration program for properties leased for fewer than six months.

The program intends to allow the town to keep tabs on properties within its jurisdiction that serve as vacation getaways to ensure its rules are being followed.

However, town commissioners recently discussed the difficulty in knowing everything about every short-term rental property in town, with or without the proposed program that would require property owners to self-report.

If passed, the program would begin Oct. 1 with education efforts and inspections as property owners begin to register. Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons said he is hopeful that outreach, media coverage and opportunities for public input at commission meetings would help spread the word about what the town is proposing.

Commissioner Debra Williams and Commissioner BJ Bishop had similar opinions: that unless someone pays close attention to meetings and keeps up with town news, it is unlikely they will know the program exists.

Short-term rental violations are the top complaint received by the town’s code enforcement officer. However, such violations can be hard to prove, Parsons said.

“Presence of different people at a residence is not necessarily evidence of a short-term rental violation,” Parsons said.

At the heart of the proposal is an overarching goal of maintaining the town’s character and avoiding the pitfalls of becoming a deeply touristoriented community.

The town is one of the few that

retains the power to regulate shortterm rentals, which are limited to 30 days or more. This is largely in part to the town passing an ordinance in 1982 that eliminated the tourism zoning distinction, having all properties fall to residential or commercial.

After a density referendum and comprehensive plan update in 1984, approximately 30 tourism properties were changed to a residential zoning distinction. In doing so, the town’s hope was to reduce the overall balance of tourism uses over time.

Those properties, which include Sand Cay, Zota Beach Resort, Sand Cay, Four Winds Beach Resort and eventually the Residences at St. Regis Longboat Key, would not be expected to register their properties with the town, as they already face additional regulations not expected of other residential properties. Those locations typically operate as hotels, not vacation rentals.

“In all of these actions, the town recognized the potential for unmitigable adverse impacts caused by tourism uses to the residential character, peace and quiet of the neighborhoods and the island as a whole,” a staff memo said.  Town staff listed vehicular traffic, parking, property maintenance and noise as a few of the potential impacts of unchecked tourism allowances.

To sign up for the required program, property owners would be expected to pay a fee of approximately $200 every two years to cover the cost of the certificate to be displayed in the home and town staff inspections of the property.

About 1,000 properties were identified by town staff when searching listings on popular online platforms including Airbnb, Homeaway and VRBO.

Parsons estimates that if all properties were to register, the town could expect an additional $200,000 in revenue every couple years.

Following such protocol would provide benefits to the town, including contact information of property

owners should something go awry.

The certificate, which would be required to be posted inside the property and be accessible to guests, would also list the owner’s phone number, means of certification and other safety information.

Along with the certificate, property owners would be given a number associated with their registration they would be required to include on

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listings and advertisements for the rental. They will also be required to ensure that the listing specifies that potential visitors will be expected to stay at the residence for at least 30 days.

The time period of six months or less was chosen because such rentals are required to pay tourism development taxes to Manatee or Sarasota counties, pay sales tax to the Florida Department of Revenue, meet Life/ Safety requirements for transient and nontransient lodging and obtain a business tax receipt from the town.

The staff memo listed neighboring jurisdictions that already have a program like the one the town is looking to start.

Bradenton Beach adopted a program in 2015. Anna Maria and Holmes Beach adopted their programs in 2016. Bradenton started its registration program in 2022.

If passed, registration program begins Oct. 1.

“Presence of different people at a residence is not necessarily evidence of a short-term rental violation.”

—

Allen Parsons

FRIDAY, JAN. 20

BIRD HERO

7:42 p.m., 7000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Animal complaint: While on a routine patrol, an officer saw an injured bird on the shoulder of the road. The officer approached the bird, and it did not fly away. The bird appeared to have a broken wing and was approaching the road. After putting on gloves, the officer was able to grab the bird using a blanket. The bird was transferred to the care of a Bradenton Beach Police Department officer, who operates an animal sanctuary, for treatment.

SATURDAY, JAN. 21

ALMOST AN EMERGENCY

2:03 p.m., 400 block of Longboat Club Road

Welfare check: An officer was dispatched to do a welfare check. The officer was given access to the apartment, but no one was home. As the officer was leaving, the individual was located and told the officer they were waiting at another location to be picked up.

SUNDAY, JAN. 22

PROTECTING NIGHT RIDERS

12:17 p.m., 500 block of Putter Lane

Traffic hazard: A resident called the police department to notify them of construction material on the road and let them know of the potential danger that could be caused at night. Later, officers went to the location to place orange cones near the material.

MONDAY, JAN. 23

GONE FOR GOOD

11:43 a.m., police headquarters

Lost property: A resident entered the police department to ask for help filing a lost property report.

The lost property was a purse that contained the individual’s Florida drivers license, vehicle insurance card and the only key to her vehicle. The individual was unsure of where she last had her purse, but noted it was missing since Jan. 11.

THIRD TIME ISN’T A CHARM

1:30 p.m., 600 block of Dream Island

Place

Noise complaint: The officer received a complaint about loud music at a condo building that was said to be disturbing neighbors. The woman told the officer this was the third time she had a noise issue with the same residence. However, the officer did not hear any loud music. The woman was told to notify the police if another issue occurred.

FORGETFUL FRIEND

2:41 p.m., 500 block of Harbor Cove

Circle Citizen assist: Officers were dispatched to a residence after word of an abandoned boat docked at the homeowner’s private dock was received. The boat was said to have

TUESDAY, JAN. 24

COULD’VE BEEN WORSE

2:28 p.m., 600 block of Bayview Drive Fire assist: Officers were dispatched to the scene of a potential gas line leak. Longboat Key Fire Department and Sarasota County Fire Department had already arrived and had identified the propane tank leak. Officers were asked to stay on the site until excess gas was burned off and the issue was resolved.

Observer managing editor leaves legacy of laughter

been present for about two weeks. It was believed no one knew who owned the boat. However, as officers worked to identify the owner, the dock owner called and told officers it belonged to a friend who was given permission to use the dock.

THURSDAY, JAN. 26

FORGOTTEN KNIFE

1:55 p.m., 6700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Lost property: Officers went to the home of a resident who told officers about his missing custom filet knife. The day before, he was preparing fish at a public park and forgot his knife on the table. When he returned the following day, the knife was gone. The knife is silver with a wood handle. The blade is engraved with the individual’s name.

TOO SHALLOW

2:30 p.m., Beer Can Island

Boat/Miscellaneous: Officers were dispatched to Greer Island after report of a sailing boat aground. Before the officers’ arrival, police learned there were no injuries reported and the captain was awaiting commercial assistance. No further police assistance was needed.

Every April, the Observer has a long-standing tradition for readers that has come to be a treat for some, a trick for others: our annual April Fool’s edition. Observer reporters and editors always work to be witty and clever and find the perfect mix of stories that are equally realistic and outlandish. But the past six years, one person has taken this edition — and anything requiring humor, satire and fun — to a whole new level: Managing Editor Eric Garwood. Which is why, upon hearing that he is hanging up his Observer hat to take a position to lead the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation’s newly created Community News Collaborative, we instantly felt the sadness of losing Garwood — and his trademark brand of comedy. But it’s not just his sense of humor that will be missed. Anyone who has worked with him knows that he’s a tour de force: He wrote many clear concise news stories keeping Longboaters and Sarasotans informed; he was the king of breaking news on YourObserver.com; he took pictures that showed something no one else saw; and he came up with story ideas that promised to surprise and delight readers with a fresh take on what could otherwise be tired issues. He has been a mentor, a leader and an editor in every sense of the word. As Executive Editor Kat Hughes said

at a recent company meeting, “He is the soul of his papers.”

To say we’ll miss him is an understatement, and judging by the positive comments we get on his Cops Corner items, we know you will too.

Since 2017, he has been leading staff to create content that’s better, more engaging and different, so we weren’t necessarily surprised when the committee charged by the Barancik Foundation to hire an executive editor of the CNC arrived at Garwood as its top choice.

At the CNC, Garwood, 60, will oversee a team of four multimedia reporters supported through an initiative of nearly $600,000 from the Barancik Foundation. They will create free written, video and audio content for syndication to more than a dozen news outlets across the Gulf Coast with coverage in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties.

At the Observer Media Group, Garwood’s papers won too many awards to count, including in 2021 when both the Longboat Observer and the Sarasota Observer were recognized with the Florida Press Association’s general excellence awards in their respective circulation categories.

Before joining the Observer Media Group in 2017, Garwood served in a variety of editing roles for nearly 25 years at Florida Today, the Gannett Co. Inc. news site in Melbourne on Florida’s east coast, and the Winston-Salem Journal in North Carolina.

We wish him all the best in his new role. We know he’ll do great. As for April Fool’s, it is notorious for using pen names as bylines. But you’ll know if it’s him by the laughs.

After six years at the helm of the Longboat and Sarasota Observers, Eric Garwood is moving on.

File photo

Eric Garwood started as managing editor of the Longboat Observer and Sarasota Observer in 2017.

In the worst of times, you want the best of care. And you shouldn’t have to travel halfway across the country to get it. At the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute, we’re committed to providing world-class care this community needs, right here at home.

For us, that means utilizing the latest technology to diagnose symptoms early and accurately, employing state-of-the-art interventions to provide advanced cancer treatment, and delivering a lifetime of survivorship and follow-up care planning to help our patients live life to the fullest. It means building a radiation oncology center and a dedicated oncology tower — and now breaking ground on a new outpatient cancer pavilion to take you all the way through your journey.

For our patients, that means having access to the expertise they need and the high-touch care they deserve. It means staying close to family when they need it most. And it means always having the most important medicine of all:

Hope

smh.com/cancer

LONGBOAT

Declare fentynal a WMD

Joe Biden’s ineptness at stopping fentynal from China and Mexico has fueled Florida’s fentynal death toll — second highest in the U.S. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody makes a case for decisive action.

OVERDOSE DEATHS IN FLORIDA BY DRUG, 2019-2021

Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, is alcohol, typically consumed in beverages. Alprazolam is used to relieve symptoms of anxiety, including anxiety caused by depression. It is also used to treat panic disorder. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine, which is a medicine for central nervous system depressants,

Fentanyl analogs are illicit — and often deadly — alterations of the medically prescribed drug fentanyl. They mimic the pharmacological effects of fentynal.

“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

MATT WALSH

You have been living in a cave the past two years if you haven’t heard a daily report of the thousands of illegal aliens crossing our border; the lethal fentynal and related drugs many of the illegals are carrying; and the more than 100,000 Americans who died from fentynal in each of the past two years.

There is no other way to describe this situation than as an all-out foreign invasion and the use of lethal force against us. And yet, it just goes unabated. A few decent leaders are not giving up, and they’re doing as much as they can to fight this war.

One of those people is Florida

Attorney General Ashley Moody.

Last July, Moody sent a 1,100word letter to President Biden, urging him to declare fentynal a weapon of mass destruction.

She makes a good case:

Dear Mr. President:

58,220 Americans died in the Vietnam War. Seven months ago, the CDC released its provisional data for drug overdose deaths for 2021. For the first time in this country’s history, more than 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses.

75,673 of those overdose deaths were from opioids, primarily fentanyl. In the last two years, more than double the Americans who died in the entire Vietnam War have died from synthetic opioids.

Fentanyl has become the leading cause of death among adults ages 18-45, claiming more young lives than COVID-19, cancer, car accidents or suicide.

Fentanyl impacts more than those who use it. It can kill first responders and good Samaritans who seek to resuscitate overdosed users.

I am not equivocating overdose deaths of Americans to those of Americans who fought and gave their last full measure of devotion for this country. I provide those numbers to give context to the stark carnage that this country is experiencing.

Fentanyl has hit the state of Florida hard, like many other states across this country, and the death toll is increasing at an alarming, exponential rate. In 2020, fentanyl related overdose deaths increased by 59% to 5,806. In the first six months of 2021, deaths related to fentanyl increased again to more than 3,210. About 10 days ago, within 24 hours, 19 people overdosed on fentanyl, with nine people dying in rural Gadsden County.

That followed other mass poisoning events across the country, including another overdose event in Florida in March involving five vacationing West Point cadets, including two who were simply attempting to resuscitate their comrades.

In the nearly two years that your administration has been in office, you have done little to abate this American tragedy. Indeed, many of your policies have exacerbated the death toll, needlessly wasting America’s youth.

Almost a year ago on July 21, 2021, you described fentanyl as “a dead set killer of people.” You acknowledged in that town hall meeting that China was sending fentanyl to Mexico and that fentanyl was killing Americans. While record amounts of fentanyl have been interdicted by

law enforcement in the last year, the historic number of overdose deaths from fentanyl demonstrate that large amounts of fentanyl are still making it across our border.

As your Administrator of Drug Enforcement Administration (the “DEA”) said yesterday, fentanyl is “poisoning Americans at record rates,” and it is the “deadliest threat (the DEA) ha(s) ever seen.”

New, different and additional tactics are needed to curb this needless slaughter of American youth.

While there are many acts and steps that your administration could take, like stopping the overwhelming influx of illegal immigrants and further fortifying the Southern border, I realize that your administration will not or is incapable of taking those actions.

Your administration has dangerously failed to recognize the ties between criminal drug cartels and both the surge of illegal immigration and the flood of fentanyl into this country.

The state of Florida will continue litigating against your administration’s failure to follow federal law to force your administration to protect the border and effectively deal with the existential threat that the border crisis represents.

But, while that disagreement plays out in court, I would urge you to take a different action that has bipartisan support: Declare fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction pursuant to your authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“JEEP A”), 50 U.S.C. §§1701 et seq. or, alternatively, urge Congress to pass the “Fentanyl is a WMD Act.”

There is not serious dispute that fentanyl could be weaponized causing a mass casualty event. The Russian army purportedly weaponized fentanyl to end a hostage crisis 20 years ago, killing more than 120 hostages in the process.

The debate on this topic seems to center around some experts who believe that the likelihood of use of fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction is remote and that there are other chemicals more likely to be weaponized.

That may be true, but the same likely could have been said about a commercial airliner striking a building before Sept. 11, 2001. 9/11 happened, and we now have enhanced security because of the risk that a terrorist could utilize an airplane as a weapon.

Relying on nonstate criminal actors and terrorists to think or act as expected is a losing proposition.

The reality is that the deadliness of fentanyl combined with its sheer availability in Mexico to cartels and nonstate actors makes it an increasingly likely weapon for use.

The other criticism lodged against treating fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction is that fentanyl is a narcotics control problem. Again, that is true, but treating this solely as a narcotics control problem has failed to curb the proliferation of increasing quantities

FENTYNAL DEATHS BY REGION, 2021

The following table shows fentynal and fentynal analog deaths in Florida. The data are from the 2021 Annual Report of the Florida Medical Examiners Commission, released in December. The Sarasota region includes Bradenton.

TOP 10 STATES FOR OVERDOSE DEATHS, 2021-22

It’s no surprise that the most populous states have the highest number of deaths from drug overdoses. What may be surprising is how many more deaths occurred in Florida, the third most populous state, versus Texas, the second most populous state.

1. California 11,602 +2.3%

2. Florida 8,123 +2.0%

3. New York 6,230 +9.0%

Security and the Drug Enforcement Administration to coordinate with other agencies or parts of agencies, including the Department of Defense about fentany1.

Thinking about curbing the problem in different, new ways may disrupt what the Chinese companies and drug cartels involved are doing or at least make it more expensive or difficult.

BY

2021

of chemicals that can cause a mass casualty event. Fentanyl’s deadliness, combined with so much fentanyl being manufactured, make it unique compared to other narcotics.

Again, your own DEA administrator has called fentanyl “the deadliest threat (the DEA) ha(s) ever seen.”

We need bold action to meet that threat and end it. If treating fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction has the effect of also advancing narcotics control policy, what is the harm in making the declaration?

Given how many Americans are being murdered, the whole federal government and every tactic and capability that we have should be utilized to stop the death and destruction that fentanyl is causing.

Designating fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction would require the Department of Homeland

While those agencies would develop federal policy, one could imagine techniques utilized to prevent proliferation or to detect the transportation of existing weapons of mass destruction could be used with fentanyl. As an example, the United States works to disrupt the supply chains of other chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons. It is not hard to imagine that similar tactics could reduce the flow of precursor chemicals and equipment to the criminal cartels in Mexico, reducing the resulting amount of fentanyl flowing into this country.

Mass deaths. Lives shattered. More than two hundred Americans die every day from opioids, primarily fentanyl, leaving broken families struggling with incomprehensible loss. I urge you take immediate and decisive action to protect Americans and declare fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction.

Sincerely,

Ashley Moody Florida Attorney General

BIDEN’S RESPONSE?

Seven months later: Still not a word.

For a comprehensive view of Attorney General Moody’s efforts against fentynal, go to: myfloridalegal.com and type “fentynal” in the search bar.

Staff Writers / Lesley Dwyer, LDwyer@YourObsever.com; Lauren Tronstad, LTronstad@YourObsever.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com

Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com

Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com

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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

Source: Florida Medical Examiners Commission, 2021 Annual Report

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

Aphoto of a beach sunset and two chairs has traveled with now Town Manager Howard Tipton from job to job over the past 25 years.

It’s more than a piece of artwork, now.

The shift from desire to reality was only realized by Tipton and his wife over the weekend as he decorated his

just beachy

new office before his official first day Monday on Longboat Key after making the move from St. Lucie County on Florida’s Treasure Coast.

“I’ve always thought, ‘That’s what I am working for,’” he said while looking at the framed picture. “I just never knew what beach it was.”

He has since realized that the beach he used to dream of is now his home on Longboat Key.

He recounted his first day on the job as filled with meetings and learning the who’s who of Town Hall. One of his first day meetings was with Manatee and Sarasota counties regarding the town’s desire for a more unified transit system on the key.

Final set up is also in the works with the town’s IT department,

which is still working on finishing touches to his computer.

“It’s been great,” he said. “There’s energy and excitement and anticipation that’s been building for four months. I’m just really honored to be here.”

While Tom Harmer had the goal of meeting 100 residents in 100 days, Tipton has a similar goal planned with the help of Assistant to the Town Manager Susan Phillips, but no set number in a certain amount of time is the end goal.

In helping him choose with whom to meet, Phillips said her goal was to have him make his way through citizen groups and condominium associations.

GMD bike lanes need attention

As the picture depicts, in some ways, riding on Longboat Key’s Gulf of Mexico Drive’s bike lanes reminds one of the Headless Horseman (my apologies to Washington Irving).

After our recent brush with another hurricane, GMD has suffered greatly with rippled paving, chuckholes/cracked paving and lots of loose gravel, driveway stones, sand, etc. Frequently, a rider has to steer around obstacles in their lane, including litter, palm fronds, materials blown off trucks, crushed glass, etc.

Does Longboat Key or the two counties own a street sweeper? Can it be used more frequently? Do these parties receive federal monies for maintaining the bike lanes? Do they own a  roller machine that could be used on hot days, when the asphalt is softened, to roll down and smooth out these horrible, corduroy-like, teeth-rattling bumps that frequent our bike lanes? I would appreciate seeing printed responses to a very neglected “tourist attraction” from the responsible parties!

Submitted by: Diane Suner

to come. Members of the town’s Planning and Zoning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Citizens Tax Oversight Committee, Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees and the Investment Advisory/ Finance Committee were recognized for their time and effort.

Recognizing excellence

kicked off the program by addressing the group of volunteers who were present at Friday’s ceremony and acknowledging the importance of the work that they do.

you make it easy for (the commission) because we know it’s professionally done. We have a lot of brain power here on the Key and in the various committees.”

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

Volunteers are a crucial part of Longboat Key’s government. Residents who have chosen to give their time to the town, helping its core functions run smoothly, were formally recognized for the first time in more a decade this past week at Town Hall.  Vice Mayor Maureen Merrigan, herself an unpaid volunteer, albeit one elected by town residents,

“If you look at this Key and you think about volunteers, we have volunteer opportunities and volunteers for everything from Kiwanis to sea turtles to Friends of Tennis,” Merrigan said. “If you think about the ones that most directly impact the town, it’s really you all, this group. You make our jobs as commissioners much easier. We are very appreciative of what you do.”

Following direction from commissioners, Town Manager Tom Harmer said that the intention is to ensure the program is recurring for years

The Planning and Zoning Board was the only board that had all of its members in attendance for the recognition program.

“I just want to say how pleased I am to work with this group on the Planning and Zoning Board,” board member Margaret Nuzzo said. “They’re fantastic. I feel very lucky.” Staff liaisons, including Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons were asked to not only provide the certificates to members but also give a description of the board and the work that goes into serving on it.

“We are very fortunate to have the staff we have at the Planning and Zoning Department,” said David Green, board chair. “The professionalism, the work they do, makes our job a lot easier because there is a lot of volume to it and it’s important work.”

“Thank you again, all of you,” Merrigan said at the closing of the program. “You make the town, the Key, a better place. When you hear about all the work that you do behind the scenes managing huge amounts of money, huge projects … we can’t thank you enough. We often see the end product of the work you do and

Because the recognition program only just returned, members of the Town Commission, who previously served on the Planning and Zoning Board, were also recognized. The board was recognized as often serving as a pipeline for interested parties to move on to a seat on the commission. Recognized commissioners included BJ Bishop, Penny Gold, Mike Haycock and Debra Williams.

Volunteers, commissioners and town staff also used the program as an opportunity to thank Harmer for his time spent working for the town and wishing him well in his retirement.

“This is a tough, tough week for us,” Commissioner BJ Bishop said. “Tom has been such a phenomenal town manager … I have spent a lot of years in public service both up north as well as here in Longboat. I can tell you from all of the town managers I have worked with in Virginia and here, he has been the finest person I have ever had the honor of working with, and he will be greatly missed.”

Board members were also given the opportunity to meet new Town Manager Howard Tipton, if they hadn’t already, as Tipton was set to formally take over the role Jan. 30.  Harmer will remain with the town until Feb. 6 to ensure a smooth transition in leadership.

Members of the town’s advisory boards were formally recognized for the first time in over a decade.

Photos by Lauren Tronstad Planning and Zoning Board Members Gary Coffin, Paul Hylbert, Jay Plager, David Green, Margaret Nuzzo, Ronald Ginsberg and David Lapovsky join Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons.

Carolyn Brown, left, is recognized for work on the Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees by Vice Mayor Maureen Merrigan and Finance Director Susan Smith, right.

Republican Club of Longboat Key, Inc. P.O. Box 8181

Longboat Key, FL 34228-8181

DINNER MEETING!

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Reception: 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM

Dinner / Meeting: 6:00 PM to 8 PM

Longboat Key Club and Resort

Harbourside Ballroom

3200 Harbourside Drive (North Gate by Publix)

Longboat Key, FL 34228

GUEST SPEAKER:

Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy, at age 97, is one of 5 remaining Tuskegee Airman pilots from World War II.

He is a motivational speaker and historical educator representing the World War II, AfricanAmerican pilots, known as the Tuskegee Airman.

For over 75 years, Lt. Col. Hardy has proven his worthiness. He is grateful for being given the opportunity to serve and fight for the United States of America. In his distinguished, more than 28-year military career, Hardy flew 136 combat missions in three wars: World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

MEETING SPONSOR IS:

Norton, Hammersley, Lopez & Skokos, PA Christopher Fowler and Kirsten Guerin 1819 Main Street, Suite 610 | Sarasota, FL 34236

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS

MEMBERS: $70

NON-MEMBERS: $75

Because we must give a final number to the Club for dinner, the deadline for reservations is Friday, February 3, 2023 up to 3:00 pm. Reservations will not be accepted after that date. Thank you for your understanding.

Make your reservation online and pay securely with your credit card through PayPal: rclbk.org

OR email Shawna West to RSVP: swestrclbk@gmail.com … and bring your check to the meeting (Please make check payable to RCLBK). Sorry – we do not accept credit cards at the door.

For more information, please contact our President: Garnett Black | gblackrclbk@gmail.com

Savor the Sounds returns to Longboat Key and the 1960s

Yesterdayze will perform at Town Center Green on Saturday night.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

Break out the picnic baskets and tie dye on Saturday, because Yesterdayze is the featured act in the first of three monthly concerts at Town Center Green.

Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce office during office hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets cost $25 for general admission, but chamber officials say they are going fast.

“We have about 173 people already coming,” vice president of marketing and development Christine Rothberg said. “We have 60 tickets we gave to Michael Saunders as well.”

The real estate company is the top sponsor for the event. The Longboat Key Club, Observer Media Group, Secur-All Insurance Agency, Cadence Bank, Wrightway Emergency Services and Grant’s Gardens are also sponsoring.

“Yesterdayze band is accessible music for all,” Rothberg said, “It’s so universal that it appeals to a lot of different people.”

The band has performed all over the United States and in Canada; local events include Music on Main, Ringling by the Bay and Friday Fest.

“We’re playing Savor the Sounds for the first time and looking forward to it very much,” band member Alex Kinlaw said. “It’ll be a blast.”

Billed as the “Flower Power Happy Hour,” Yesterdayze plays top 40 hits from 1960-69, clad in head-to-toe tie dye, of course. The band covers everything from The Beatles to The Supremes.

Half the number of VIP tables are available this year because of construction at the Town Center Green.

The 10 that were available sold out, and general admission sales have gone swiftly as a result.

Capacity at the Town Center is 250 people, and this may be the first year tickets aren’t available at the gate.

UPCOMING SAVOR THE SOUNDS CONCERTS

All concerts are from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. The event is BYOPB: Bring your own picnic basket and blanket. Guests can also pre-order boxed dinners from Publix by calling 3831326 ext. 228 or 229. Tickets are available to purchase at the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 102.

n Saturday, Feb. 4: Yesterdayze

n Saturday, March 4: Tim McCaig

n Saturday, April 1: Shantel Norman and the Shantel Norman Group

Yesterdayze is performing at the Town Center Green on Saturday, Feb. 4, in the first installment of the Savor the Sounds concert series.

Come See What’s Happening!

We Would Love to Meet You!

Temple Beth Israel is a vibrant, growing community, with hundreds of people from Longboat Key and beyond sharing the experience of friendship, spiritual growth, community engagement, the pursuit of social justice and learning, and the celebration of Jewish culture that comes with Temple membership. And our membership continues to grow, with 32 new members joining just since June 2022, and more being added all the time. If you think you might like to be part of this special community, we would be happy to meet with you to answer any questions you may have, and, of course, to welcome you to a lovely Friday Shabbat service filled with music, followed by a special dinner. To learn more, please call our office at 941-383-3428. We look forward to meeting you!

Good Fashion is Never Out of Fashion

On January 23, Beth Israel Women (BIW) held its Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon at Michael’s on East. Attended by 160 Temple members and guests, the fashions were provided by Foxy Lady of St. Armands Circle and Siesta Key. In addition to growing their wardrobes, the event was an opportunity to get together with old and new friends.

If you’d like to stay up to date on all things happening at Temple Beth Israel, sign up at:

www.longboatkeytemple.org/email

Temple member Anne Virag wows the crowd!

Courtesy photo

Annual Fundraiser Dancing Through the Decades!

Sunday, February 12 4-7pm

Grab your poodle skirt, hippie beads, spandex pants – whatever attire got you through your very favorite decade – because The Paradise Center is turning back the hands of time for an awesome evening of music, food and fun!

Bid in our Silent Auction & buy raffle tickets for our Spin to Win wheel for the chance to win fabulous prizes! Savor delicious appetizers from Harry’s Continental Kitchens! Bop, twist or hustle your way to the dance floor for live music by Daniel Fugazzotto!

- CASH BARTicket Levels: The Bopper $80

The Twister $90 Includes 1 drink ticket

The Hustler $100 Includes 2 drink tickets

Held Indoors & On the Porch at The Paradise Center

Purchase Tickets by 2/6 at TheParadiseCenter.org

To avoid credit card service fees, pay in advance via check or cash.

546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

— TONY BRITT

The Milestone Financial Group At Morgan Stanley Proudly Presents The S.T.A.R. INVESTOR’S CONFERENCE

Monday, February 13, 2023 1:00 - 5:00 pm Art Ovation Hotel | 1255 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

FORUM TOPICS:

• Timely Ideas for Today’s Market Environment

• Alternative Investment Insights - Equity, Credit and Hedge

• Differentiated Strategies in Private Real Estate

• The Millennial Economy

Come learn what is happening in today’s marketplace.

Seating is limited. CALL TODAY! 941.714.7931

The Investment Forum is for investors defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as Qualified Purchasers (an individual with $5 Million or greater in investments).

The Investment Forum is for investors defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as Qualified Purchasers (an individual with $5 Million or greater in investments).

FEATURED SPEAKER: Robert C. Doll,

Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager, Chief Equity Strategist

CFA

Bob is a managing director, senior portfolio manager and chief equity strategist at Nuveen. Bob manages seven portfolios, including large caps and alternatives. He is a highly respected authority on the equity markets among investors, advisors and the media. As the author of widely followed weekly commentaries and annual market predictions, Bob provides ongoing, timely market perspectives.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Ned Davis

Senior Investment Strategist, Ned Davis Research

Prior to joining the firm, Bob held similar roles at other large asset management firms, including serving as chief equity strategist at Blackrock, president and chief investment officer of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers and chief investment officer of Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. Bob graduated with a B.S. in Accounting and a B.A. in Economics from Lehigh University and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Certified Public Accountant and holds the CFA designation from the CFA Institute.

Top Strategists and Portfolio Managers from:

Ned Davis, Senior Investment Strategist, founded Ned Davis Research Group (NDRG), in 1980. Ned has been professionally involved in the stock market for over 40 years. While arguing that forecasting reliably (“Being Right”) is impossibly difficult, he espouses a philosophy that he feels can consistently win (“Make Money”) through a disciplined strategy of following the weight of objective indicator evidence. Because he also believes flexibility (ability to adapt) is crucial, Ned Davis Research Group also produces many sentiment indicators warning investors to be wary at crowd extremes and helping them to be open-minded about potential trend changes. A self-proclaimed risk manager, Ned dedicates his research to avoiding major mistakes, cutting losses short, and letting profits run.

Ned is the author of Being Right or Making Money and The Triumph of Contrarian Investing. He has been the subject of numerous featured interviews in Barron’s and has been a featured guest many times on the late Lou

Wall

Week.

is widely quoted by various media and

sources. Ned

Top Strategists and Portfolio Managers from:

Event courtesy of John Vita, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor, with local office at 1401 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205. The guest speakers are neither employees nor affiliated with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Opinions expressed by the guest speakers are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley. Individuals should consult with their tax/legal advisors before making any tax/legal-related investment decisions as Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax/legal advice. There will be no discussion of, or distribution of written materials relating to, specific products or investments at this presentation. Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. Principal value and return of an invest-ment will fluctuate with changes in market conditions. This presentation is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered a solicitation on our part with respect to the purchase or sale of any securities, investments, strategies or products that may be mentioned. The organizations represented by the speakers provided financial support for this Forum. Investments and services offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC5410564 1/23

A little help in the kitchen

Stone retired from the Longboat Key Club this past May after 30 years. His brother died, and he decided it was time to hang up his apron and take care of his mom, Jan Stone. Jan’s been a member of the chapel for as long as Stone can remember. Before that, her parents were members.

Stone attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, straight out of high school. While he spent most of his career at the Key Club, longtime Longboat residents may remember the first resort he cooked for called Far Horizons.

“I was the only guy who couldn’t speak French,” Stone said laughing.

These days, he’s spending his free time in the chapel kitchen catering their bigger events. The cooking

class was a one-time special for now.

“This is a lot of work,” Events Chair Valerie Evanko said. “For him, not for me. I just go to Total Wine and buy the wine.”

Bonus, none of the wine pairings cost more than $12 a bottle.

Stone served five different appetizers, then demonstrated how to prepare each. Each recipe was printed for students to follow and keep for later use.

Rick Skerrett thought the crispy phyllo dough and creamy herb and feta cheese filling in the “Easy Spanakopita Triangles” was perfect. He attended with his wife, Claire, but said he’ll be the one to try to make them at home.

“I try, and she advises me,” Skerrett said, pointing to Claire.

THE EASIEST OF STONE’S ‘INTERNATIONAL EASY HORS D’OEUVRES’

CAPRESE TOMATO MOZZARELLA SALAD

n Cut one pint of mixed grape tomatoes in half.

n Mix with one tablespoon basil, ½ cup diced mozzarella, two tablespoons olive oil, one tablespoon balsamic vinegar and two cloves of chopped garlic.

n Drizzle with a balsamic glaze.

FRESH SALMON PATTIES

n Dice one pound of boneless, skinless salmon.

n Mix with ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, two tablespoons each of mayonnaise and sliced green onions and one tablespoon each of diced red pepper, fresh dill and lemon juice.

n Form into patties.

n Pan sear until brown, and finish in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes.

Former Longboat Key Club Chef David Stone holds a cooking demonstration at Longboat Island Chapel.

Sue Reese, Jamie Engel and Ginger Stefan sample some wine before the appetizers are served.

An easy appetizer from Greece: spanakopita.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Chef David Stone shows Karen Pashkow how to butter phyllo dough for spanakopita.

LESLEY’S TOP 5 TRASH TO TREASURE FINDS

A Longboat Key tradition

The annual Trash to Treasure Sale was held in the clubhouse of the Gulfshore mobile home park on Saturday.

The Trash to Treasure Sale has been an annual event at the Gulfshore of Longboat Key mobile home park for as long as anyone can remember.

“I would say 30-plus years because we bought in ’94, so now we’re at 29 years, and it was going on when we first started coming,” Co-chair Susie Hettmansperger said. “I’ve got records that go way back that maybe

they made $230 this year and that was ‘whoo-whoo’.”

Friday night’s pre-sale brought in a little more than $1,000 right off the bat, and the clubhouse was immediately filled with shoppers when the doors opened to the public Saturday morning.

“Most of the residents came last night,” Hettmansperger said. “We had a little wine tasting and sale just for the community, so they get first chance at their stuff since they’re the ones that donate it.”

Residents donated so many items, it took a full day to stock the clubhouse. Proceeds pay for improvements and big-ticket items the board won’t approve. It’s undecided as to what this year’s haul will cover, but the clubhouse’s kitchen, artwork, TV and shutters have all been upgraded with past profits.

All the clocks were nice enough, but one was ahead of the pack. With a wolf howling up towards the face, it’s a clock meant for midnight and business. A close second in clocks, and possibly the people’s choice, was a juggling jester. Shoppers were split down the middle; it was love or hate and no in between for that clown.

The top spot goes to such a one-of-a-kind piece of 1980s Americana that neither a Google nor eBay search could turn up another like it. Why not eat a hamburger for breakfast, and why not spend $10 on this framed White Castle poster? After three decades, it’s now art.

4.

On to the collectibles, tiny statues often given as gifts when a person likes a particular thing. Judging from this collection, Gulfshore residents like teddy bears and cats. Sad cat in a hat took fourth place because anyone who has ever dressed a pet has seen that look.

5. PIRATE TEAPOT

It wasn’t easy to fill the last spot. The entertainment section had a Cat-opoly board game and a brand new pack of Kung Fu playing cards for sale. But both were eked out by a teapot shaped into the face of an unamused pirate. Thar she blows when this kettle heats up.

• We’ve ramped up, anyone of any mobility is welcome • In-person worship services Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. • Live-stream at AllAngelsLBK.org to participate on-line

• Discussion Groups on Tue & Wed at 10 a.m. 563 Bay Isles Rd • 941-383-8161 AllAngelsLBK.org

WorshipWithUsAtOurChurch

Growing in Jesus’ Name Worship With Us at Our Church

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church

SundayService 10:00 AM

SundayService10:00AM

TheRev.Dr.NormanPritchard

The Rev. Dr.Norman Pritchard

Men’sBibleStudy:Monday@9:00

Masks Are Optional

Women’sBibleStudy:Wednesday@10:00

Visitors & Residents Welcome

Visitors&ResidentsWelcome

Would like to Welcome & Invite You, Your Family Members & Friends to Celebrate Mass with Our Parish Community WINTER MASS SCHEDULE (January - April)

Saturday: 4:00 PM

WatchOur10:00AMServiceLive: www.bit.ly/cclbksermonsor www.christchurchoflbk.org (followYouTubelink) 395662-1

Watc hO ur 10:00 AM Service Live : www.bit.ly/cc lbksermons or www.christchurchof lbk.org (follow YouTube link)

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr. 9 41.383.8833 (office) www.christchurchof lbk.org

Sunday: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, and 11:00 AM Daily Mass at 9:00 AM; Rosary at 8:30 AM Monday - Friday

The Chapel of Divine Mercy following daily mass

To learn more about our Temple and all our educational, cultural, and social programs, please call us. We’d be delighted to talk with you.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

SAD CAT IN A HAT

3. ARMLESS LADY LAMP

Her arms are missing, but she’ll brighten any room. The third spot goes to the armless lady lamp. If she had arms, the fish lamp might have stolen the spotlight.

2. WOLF-OCLOCK

1. WHITE CASTLE FRAMED ART

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Paula Bender holds a lamp for a friend who’s not finished shopping.

Susie Hettmansperger points out that the box for this glass says it holds an entire bottle of wine.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

A PLACE BY THE SEA

Condo board member Sandy Endres bought her unit in 1977. She was introduced to Longboat Key by Murf Klauber when they were both residents of Buffalo, New York.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

There’s more to a community than concrete and lumber.

That’s evident in the difference between a building and a home, and that was the whole point of a celebration this past week at Seaplace, which marked its 50th anniversary.

“We’re not celebrating the day we put a shovel in the ground. That’s not what this is about,” Committee Chair Donna Cornell said. “We’re celebrating 50 years of joy and love and living and experiences.”

More than 200 residents, former residents and invited guests gathered at the clubhouse to reminisce and create another memory for the condominium community’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Endres worked for Eastern Airlines, and Klauber was an orthodontist and also the CEO of The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.

“My husband’s family had travel offices, so we used to upgrade him to first class on Eastern all the time, and my husband booked tennis groups,”

Endres said, “So Murf said any time you want a sabbatical down at the Colony — well, we did it three times. The third time, it was a rainy day. That’s when we bought our condo.”

Endres has been a full-time Longboat Key resident for the past 10 years. While her condo unit has been remodeled a few times since, she’s been quite happy with her purchase. And she’s not alone.

“Think about all the individuals that you know that either are original owners or they’re families of original owners. People don’t leave. There are

generations of people that have been here,” Board President Susan Pariseau said. “It’s one of those things. Seaplace is a very caring and friendly place, and I think that’s what we’re known for and what differentiates us from the rest.”

When residents do leave, they often come back. Mary Saunders was another long-time owner in attendance. She and her husband bought in 1978, but they lived and worked in Toronto their whole lives. She was a teacher, then a principal.

“We came down in early July when school got out for a few weeks and then whenever we could after that,” Saunders said.

The Saunders sold their unit in 2017 and have rented in other complexes on Longboat since. This winter’s stay will be their longest yet.

“Because we missed our friends here, we decided we’d come down this year to Seaplace. We rented for two months,” Saunders said.

The fond sentiment flowed throughout the clubhouse. Collages of black and white pictures and newspaper clippings were handcrafted and displayed on big poster boards. Attendees were leafing through old photo albums and writing notes for a time capsule.

Jerry Lutgen made a video of photos recent enough to come in digital format that played on a loop. He also had the idea for a time capsule and gathered documents, pictures and newspaper articles to bury inside.

“We basically have stuff from the beginning from ’73 up to the present. There’s a range of ages that are represented,” Lutgen said. “People are writing personal notes to the future.”

The time capsule is still above ground waiting on a group photo from the party and this edition of the Longboat Observer

Jeffrey Werner offered the history of Seaplace predating 1973.

It began in 1958 when Arthur Vining Davis started his namesake company Arvida. The following year, Arvida purchased 2,000 acres that included the southern half of Longboat Key, most of Lido Key and all of Bird, Otter and Coon keys from the John Ringling estate. The price tag was an estimated $13.5 million.

In 1971, Charles “Chuck” Cobb was hired to develop nearly selfcontained communities.

“During his 16 years at Arvida, the company developed multiple condominiums on the island including Seaplace, Longboat Key Towers, Beachplace, Inn on the Beach, Fairway Bay, Sunset Beach, Grand Bay and hundreds of single-family homes in Bay Isles,” Werner said.

But the next thing Werner said sent a roaring cackle throughout the crowd.

“Cobb exercised caution on Longboat Key, knowing that residents and commissioners were concerned with traffic and seemed hesitant to increase tourism on the island.”

The Longboat Key condominium complex celebrated its 50th anniversary on Jan. 25.

Displays of old photos decorate the Seaplace clubhouse for its 50th anniversary.

Seaplace residents celebrate 50 years.

Betsy Dattalo and Janet Knight look at old photo albums.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer Jeff Werner delivers some words on the history of Seaplace while Donna Cornell listens nearby.

“There’s a range of ages that are represented. People are writing personal notes to the future.”

— Jerry Lutgen

Michael Saunders & Company

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1770 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DR #201 | $1,050,000

2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE | $1,575,000

$779,000

2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4 Longboat Key | Offered

at $779,000

2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4 Longboat Key

| Offered at $779,000

2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4 Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487

2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4 Longboat Key

| Offered at $779,000

2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4 Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487

2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4 Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487

2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4 Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487

BENCHMARK RESULTS • STRATEGIC MARKETING • PERSONALIZED SERVICE

2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4 Longboat Key MLS# A4178487

2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4 Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487

2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4 Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487

2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4 Offered at $779,000

2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4 Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487

2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4 Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487

2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487

2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487

IAN ADDY, PA REALTOR ®, MBA GAIL WITTIG BROKER- ASSOCIATE IanAddy@MichaelSaunders.com GailWittig@MichaelSaunders.com 941.387.0100

#1 LONGBOAT KEY TEAM

Sampling ways to sweat

Fit Fest was a chance for the community to try out TPC’s various fitness programs.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

False alarm: Richard Simmons was not spotted in the parking lot of The Paradise Center on Tuesday morning. It was just CEO Suzy Brenner sporting a blue headband and rocking a Zumba class for Fit Fest.

From the street, Brenner leading Zumba looked a lot like an outdoor dance party, which wouldn’t be all that unusual for the center. The Paradise Center, in fact, is holding an actual dance party on Feb. 12 called Dancing Through the Decades, but this was a sampler of all the center’s exercise classes.

The studio is too small to hold the 50 people who showed up, so the instructors and students took over the parking lot.

Reuben Fernandez led the crowd through Tai Chi; Sandi Love followed up with a Qi Gong session; and Debby Debile brought the zen with a gentle yoga flow.

“It’s a great way for the community to get a taste of all our fitness programs,” Outreach Manager Donna Sharp Blaney said.

THE PARADISE CENTER FITNESS SCHEDULE

Classes cost $15, and walk-ins are welcome.

MONDAYS n 10-11 a.m. Stretch & Strengthen with Suzy Brenner

TUESDAYS n 10-11 a.m. Qi Gong with Sandi Love n 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Yoga with Debby Debile

WEDNESDAYS n 10-11 a.m. Beginner Tai Chi with Reuben Fernandez

THURSDAYS n 10-11 a.m. Zumba and Mat Pilates for Seniors with Suzy Brenner

FRIDAYS n 10-11 a.m. Intermediate Tai Chi with Reuben Fernandez n 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Qi Gong & Meditation with Sandi Love

Fit Fest offered back-to-back classes for 15 minutes each. Normally, classes run an hour. TPC has a calendar on their website or call 383-6493 for information.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

The Paradise Center CEO Suzy Brenner leads the crowd in some stretches.

About 50 people attended Fit Fest at The Paradise Center.

Deb McGillen and Sandi Love stretch. Love teaches Qi Gong.

Debby Debile modified her yoga class so mats weren’t needed in the parking lot.

LONGBOAT KEY GULF FRONT $7,775,000

Incredible 5BD/4BA beachfront home on 80’ of frontage. Open living w/ guest quarters on 1st & 2nd level + 3rd level private master-suite w/ split plan + 2 quest suites. Amazing views & beautiful walking beach.

LONGBOAT KEY BAYFRONT $5,965,000

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

HOME $3,800,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY $2,475,000

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

JEWFISH KEY EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY $2,995,000

Waterfront home on a tropical island accessible only by boat. 6 BD/5.5BA Totally private. One of the only homes on the island with a private dock & beach. 18 feet elevation. Unique pod design creates space & privacy.

LONGBOAT KEY CANAL LOT#1 $1,995,000

LONGBOAT KEY CANAL LOT#2 $1,995,000 Build your dream home on one of north LBK’s most desirable streets. Premier boating location. Great canal leads directly to Bay & ICW No bridges. Walk to beach.

LONGBOAT KEY EMERALD HARBOR $2,495,000 Newly remodeled 3 BD/2 BA on wide canal w/new seawall, dock, and lift. High-end finishes & appliances. Deeded beach access. Convenient location.

LONGBOAT KEY ISLANDER CLUB $675,000 Gulfside 2BD/2BA condo is a perfect beachfront getaway or extra space for guests. Beachside heated pool has incredible Gulf views & wildlife. Club amenities include two tennis courts.

THURSDAY, FEB. 2

MEET THE DOCTORS

From 1-2 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Stop in to meet two of The Paradise Center Medical Suite’s providers: primary care Dr. Daren Spinelle and Nicci Kobritz from Youthful Aging Home Care. Call 383-6493.

FRIDAY, FEB. 3

MEET THE DOCTORS

From 1-2 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Stop in to meet two of The Paradise Center Medical Suite’s providers: chiropractor Dr. Rhett Bogacz and Brandy Mixon from Essence of Soleil Massage. Call 383-6493.

WELCOMING REFUGEES INTO

OUR COMMUNITY

5:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Temple member Esther Emmerman will discuss the importance of welcoming refugees into our community during Shabbat services. The presentation is free and open to the public. Attendees are invited to a cocktail hour after the service. Cost is $25. Call 383-3428 to make a reservation.

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

BOOK SALE

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Longboat Library, 555 Bay Isles Road. The Maine Line Food truck will be on site serving lobster and more. The rain date is Sunday, Feb. 5 at the same time. Call 383-2011.

SUNDAY, FEB. 5

HALLELUJAH! LEONARD COHEN AND FRIENDS

From 3-4:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Jay O’Brien, Susan Benjamin and Robert Hanson have prepared a multimedia presentation to share the music and stories of Leonard Cohen. $40 for members; $50 for others. Call 388-8222.

MONDAY, FEB. 6

NORDIC WALKING

From 11 a.m. to noon at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. This four-session beginner class covers technique and hiking poles. Call 383-6493.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

MY LIFE MY CHOICE

From 1-2:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. This education session covers topics including the importance of advance care planning. Free. Call 383-6493 to register.

VETERANS’ CANTEEN

From 1-2 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. A welcoming space for veterans to connect, relax, share and support one another. Free. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

RECURRING EVENTS

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY LONGBOAT LIBRARY

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, 555 Bay Isles Road. On Wednesdays, most books are on sale for $1 or less. Call 3832011.

MONDAYS GENTLE CHAIR YOGA

From 9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Improve flexibility, strength and overall physical functioning while stabilized in a chair. Eight sessions through Feb. 27. Cost is $95 for members; $110 for others. Pay as you go available. Call 383-8222.

STRETCH AND 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 $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS

MOVING FREE YOGA STRETCH & STRENGTH

From 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Strength training and body sculpting with weights, resistance bands and towels. Instructor is Mirabai Holland. Cost is $10 for members; $15 for others. Call (201) 956-1466.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS PUMPING THE PRIME

From 10-11 a.m. at Bayfront Park

BEST BET

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

SAVOR THE SOUNDS

File photo

From 5:30-7 p.m. at the Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road. Bring a picnic basket and blanket to the first concert of the threepart series. Yesterdayze will be playing music of the 1960s on the lawn. Tickets cost $25 in advance; $35 at the door; VIP tickets cost $250 for a table of eight. Advance purchase only. Call 383-2466.

Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Low-impact cardio and strength exercises. Instructor is Mirabai Holland. Cost is $10 for members; $15 for others. Call (201) 956-1466.

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

From 9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Eight sessions from Jan. 10 to Feb. 28. $95 for members and $110 for others. Pay as you go available. Call 383-8222.

YOGA

From 11:15-12:15 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Cost is $15, free for members. Call 383-6493.

MAH JONGG

From 1-3 p.m. at The Paradise

Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Fun time for experienced players. To check availability at the tables, email MaryAnnBrady@TheParadiseCenter.org.

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

From 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Cost is $10 for members; $15 for others. Call 3616411 ext. 2212.

WEDNESDAYS YOGA POTPOURRI

From 9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. A gentle, slowpaced blend of simple yoga. Eight sessions from Jan. 4 to Feb. 22. Cost is $70 for members; $80 for others. Pay as you go available. 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 $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

MARIACHI MUSIC

From 5-8 p.m. at La Villa Mexican Grill, 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Mariachi Contemporaneo performs. Call 383-8033.

THURSDAYS 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. Breakfast is $10. Email Lynn Larson at LynnLarson@ comcast.net to register.

SLOW FLOW YOGA

From 9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Simple yoga routines incorporating a range of several styles. Eight sessions through Feb. 23. Cost is $95 for members; $110 for others. Pay as you go available. Call 383-8222.

ZUMBA AND MAT PILATES FOR SENIORS

From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Come for 30 minutes or the full hour. Cost is $15. Call 383-6493.

FRIDAYS

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; $15 for others. Walkins welcome. Call 383-6493.

QI GONG AND MEDITATION

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

Lido Key home sells for $1.95 million

Ahome on Lido tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Bryan and Elizabeth Moylan, of Saunderstown, Rhode Island, sold their home at 350 Morningside Drive to John and Julie Boschelli, of Sarasota, for $1.95 million. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,674 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,417,000 in 2020.

ST. ARMANDS TOWERS

Richard and Susan Spears, trustees, sold the Unit 76 condominium at 101 Benjamin Franklin Drive to James and Carole Weyant, of Sarasota, for $1.35 million. Built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,275 square feet of living area. It sold for $685,000 in 2017.

SEAPLACE

Ethel Gordon and Jonas Nachsin, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit M-1-413-H condominium at 2045 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Phillip Mehlman, of Wesley Chapel, for $815,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,265 square feet of living area. It sold for $360,000 in 2002.

BAYPORT BEACH AND TENNIS

CLUB

Joann Lowe sold the Unit 719 condominium at 719 Bayport Way to Donald and Janet Mindy Crawford, of East Quogue, New York, for $750,000. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,260 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2016.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of January 20-26 in order of dollar amounts. LONGBOAT

KEY

Courtesy photos

101 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Apt. 76 sold for $1.35 million.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

JUST LISTED

JUST LISTED

ASPIRE POLY FURNITURE

717 Cattlemen Rd • Sarasota, FL 34232

941-946-8887 • www.AspirePoly.com

Treat your Valentine to outdoor furniture that they will love for years to come! Poly furniture is made of recycled plastics, free from rust and require no repainting, perfect for the Florida lifestyle. Visit our showroom to see our large selection of products, & options to custom design your Valentine’s favorite colors. Or let them choose with a gift card!

VALENTINE’S GIFT GUIDE

BARTLETT JEWELERS

Creekwood Crossing I-75 & SR70 Bradenton, FL 34203 941-751-6600 • www.BartlettJewelers.com

We pride ourselves in providing the highest quality jewelry, outstanding customer service & the best possible value. Find just the right gift for your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day. Choose from the latest styles by designers including Gabriel & Co, Allison Kaufman, Ti Sento & Charles Garnier. Pictured are fashion bangles in yellow and white gold by Gabriel & Co.

MOLLY MAID OF SARASOTA, MANATEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES

1461 Tallevast Rd • Sarasota, FL 34243 941-753-2220 • www.MollyMaid.com/local-house-cleaning/fl/sarasota-manatee-charlotte-counties

Not sure what to gift your loved one this Valentine’s Day? Why not give them some hours back in their day? Some time to enjoy doing something they love? Real love is saying “Don’t worry about cleaning the house, I got someone to do it for you!” Gift certificates are easy to get and easy to give. Happy Valentine’s Day!

ANNA MARIA OYSTER BAR

Find a location near you • www.OysterBar.net

Fall in love all over again with our Seafood Towers! Maine lobster, fresh crab, Gulf shrimp, tuna sashimi, and oysters, of course. And what better way to share the love with your honey on Valentine’s Day? Your neighborhood Anna Maria Oyster Bar has everything to make a romantic evening special: impeccable service, five-star fun, and a delectable selection of fresh seafood.

LE MACARON

362 St Armands Cir • Sarasota, FL 34236

140 University Town Center Dr • Sarasota, FL 34243 941-552-8872 • www.LeMacaron-US.com

Handcrafted by our team of French chefs, these classic pastries come in unique flavors like Sicilian Pistachio & Mango Jam. We use the finest glutenfree ingredients. Visit our pâtisserie to enjoy French Macarons, quality French gelato, classic French pastries, European-style beverages & homemade candies. Order your gift boxes now!

SIRIUS DAY SPA, SALON & MED SPAS

11585 E SR70 • Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 8512 Cooper Creek Blvd • Bradenton, FL 34201 941-357-4611 • www.SiriusDaySpas.com

The Perfect Gift for Your Valentine, a gift card from the #1 Spa in Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch/Bradenton. Full service hair salon, spa and medical spa featuring state of the art services, 11 treatment rooms (including couples room!), Serenity Lounge, 200+ services including Massages, Facials, Botox, Fillers, Laser Hair Removal, IPL, Morpheus8, Lash Services & More.

MAE REID MERCANTILE

817 Honore Ave • Sarasota, FL 34232 941-323-3815

www.instagram.com/MaeReidMercantile

One of Sarasota’s newest and truly unique shopping destinations. Find fanciful gifts & irresistible treasures in this nostalgic location! Locally owned and proud to offer American made decor, accessories & gifts. Stop in, stroll and find something special for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day!

DIAMOND BAY JEWELERS

Located in the Bay Street Village & Town Center 3976 Destination Dr, Unit 105 • Osprey, FL 34229 941-786-1013 • www.DiamondBayJewelers.com

CARLISLE GIFTS

3713 Bahia Vista St • Sarasota, FL 34232 941-955-4009 • www.CarlisleGifts.com

Come to Carlisle Gifts to find the perfect presents for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day! Shop our exquisite jewelry lines, beautiful home and garden décor, boutique purses, gorgeous handbags as well as fun items for the kids! Can’t decide what to buy? Our gift cards let your valentine select their favorites. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

From classy adornments to engagement specialties, Diamond Bay Jewelers has what you need to create your style for any occasion. Come enjoy the exquisite experience of fine jewelry and expert watchmaking. Jewelry repair, custom design and redesign services available with over 30 years of experience.

MCCARVER & MOSER

1301 Main St • Sarasota, FL 34236 941-387-8000 • www.MccarverMoser.com

McCarver & Moser Jewelry stores are sophisticated with extensive design collections from all around the world. We provide customer service that exceeds expectations with our knowledge, hand crafted designs and personal concierges team that represents over 115 years of experience. Making our customers happy and beautiful is our passion.

MOLLY’S!

A CHIC AND UNIQUE BOUTIQUE

1874 Stickney Point Rd • Sarasota, FL 34231 711 S Osprey Ave • Sarasota, FL 34236 941-921-1221 • www.MollysSarasota.com

Two locations for people seeking a fun and exciting personal shopping experience. Named best Gift Store in Sarasota for 4 years, you are sure to find something special to give or get for yourself. Beyond gifts, both locations have a large selection of quality shoes, jewelry, apparel and accessories too.

MONKEE’S OF LAKEWOOD RANCH

1561 Lakefront Dr, Ste 104 • Sarasota, FL 34240

941-358-8868 • www.MonkeesofLakewoodRanch.com

Stop by and treat yourself or someone special!

Specializing in clothing, shoes, and accessories, we have something for everyone and new arrivals daily. Join us Wed., Feb. 8th from 6-9pm for our Galentine’s Day Sip & Shop - doorbusters, giveaways and more surprises. Grab your girls and see you then! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for details.

1273 S Tamiami Tr • Sarasota, FL 34239 8207 Cooper Creek Blvd • University Pkwy, FL 34201 941-361-3006 • www.ElysianFieldsGifts.com

Looking for Valentine gift ideas?

Look no further than Elysian Fields. From crystal hearts to jewelry to beautiful cards, we are sure you will find the right thing you are looking for. Replicate the feeling of a real hug with the Demdaco Giving Heart Weighted Pillow. A special gift for all the cherished people in your life!

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

/

MOON PHASES

TIDES

By Luis Campos

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“GTUFU’I LCGTYLD ZYXU GTYI USGULJUJ

OBPYZW GTBG YI OZUUGVCCJ PBA. ...

GTUFU YI ... B DFUBG JUBZ CO ZCNU.” YMKJWHM XMKFJSMI

“EV AWD OJCI XFJHI VYEHOF, EF RICIY HWIX JKJA. LDF ... EX FOI BIA FW FOJF

TJHESJP MIYVWYTJRSI LISJDXI WV FOI VIJY?” XFICEI RESBX

“CIX PHTJX ZD DAGXKON IHN HTMHVN RXXK H KHCJAHT CIGKL. G SAXDXA CZZ

UHKV CZ CZZ DXM.” UGFW DTXXCMZZO © 2023 NEA,

THE LITTLE THINGS by Stella Zawistowski, edited by David Steinberg

#1 SARASOTA SINGLE AGENT 2008 - 2021

Direct beachfront opportunities are a rarity on Siesta Key! This lovely beach getaway, offering more than 100’ of water frontage, is waiting for you to add your custom touches, but can also be enjoyed as is for now. The three leveled, nearly 4,000 SF of living space welcomes you with walls of glass, clean lines, a neutral palette, and cathedral ceilings. www.1172HorizonView.com

$6,995,000

97 SOUTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

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 on the deep water of Sarasota Bay. www.97SouthWashington.com

Beautiful updates and stunning, direct bay views are the highlight as soon as you enter this top-floor residence. Offering a lovely courtyard entry, two terraces, impact windows and sliders throughout, two-story, 2,800 SF layout, plus its own 2-car garage. Residents love the resortstyle amenities and access to private beach club (available separately).

15111

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

$11,500,000

Direct bayfront Corey’s Landing boater’s dream is ready to move right into! The gorgeous 3BR, nearly 3,500 SF interior highlights sunny, sweeping views of Sarasota Bay. Deeded beach access!

www.3482MistletoeLane.com

$3,995,000

201 NORTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

The walkable location of this St. Armands home will immediately draw you in. Ideally situated, offering an oversized, 1/4-acre lot for you to design your dream home. The best of Sarasota is a sunny bike ride away. www.201NorthWashington.com

$3,150,000

455 LONGBOAT CLUB ROAD #603

Gorgeous Gulf-to-bay views are the star of the show as soon as you enter this 6thfloor, 3BR residence. Behind the exclusive gates of Longboat Key Club, you will appreciate making this getaway your own.

www.ThePierre603.com

$2,500,000

Enjoy the best of Florida living in this beautifully updated, well maintained, 3BR pool home. Just a few short miles from the beaches of Anna Maria Island, you will love moving right in! www.FairwayManor5311.com

$2,495,000

$599,000

GADDY UP RANCH ROAD

3482 MISTLETOE LANE

5311 10TH AVENUE DRIVE WEST