Longboat Observer 2.16.23

LONGBOAT

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Oyster gardening.

PAGE 12

FREE • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

VOLUME 45, NO. 28

YOUR TOWN

Delays move to the north Seasonal traffic builds on north end as Bradenton Beach sewer project begins. PAGE 3

DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES

Paradise Center is the life of the party. PAGE 21

Lesley Dwyer

Estella Villegas makes a mean margarita.

A reason to margarita Get ready to celebrate your new favorite holiday. National Margarita Day is Feb. 22, which falls on a Wednesday this year.

The tequila bottles aligned with the stars because every Wednesday, La Villa Mexican Grill brings in a mariachi band from 5-8 p.m.

If you can’t celebrate and sing along in person for the special occasion, owner Estella Villegas has a couple tips for a DIY margarita party.

Start with a strong tequila.

Patron is great for shots, but 1800 or Jose Cuervo are better choices when mixing up a margarita. And for a richer, sweeter flavor, add a splash of either Grand Marnier or Gran Gala instead of triple sec.

Lesley Dwyer

Suzy Brenner, Amy Steinhauser, Irina LaRose and Carol Peschel dance at the Paradise Center’s annual fundraiser on Feb. 12. The event raised money for all the programs it provides Longboat residents.

Courtesy photo

Peacock sighting

A peacock took a minute to rest on a Longboat Key resident’s porch on Fox Street recently.

Peacocks have long been an animal of note on the barrier island, with some adoring their presence and others — not so much.

Some residents were displeased with others’ desire to limit their presence on the island.

When the birds began proliferating on the island, specifically in Longbeach Village, the town’s approach was to remove all female birds but allow 10-12 male birds to maintain their residence.

Raccoons have recently taken the top spot for problem animals, for they have made restaurant Euphemia Haye’s dumpster their go-to evening gathering spot.

A+E

Lesley Dwyer

Art in Common Places.

INSIDE

Serge Gauthier, host and director of the show Mariloup Wolfe, and Sonia Gauthier

The Big Move

French Canadian TV show documents couples’ move to St. Armands. PAGE 6

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Town settles after sewer main break Consultant Greeley and Hansen has agreed to pay the town $425,000 for damages incurred.

PIPELINE TIMELINE DEC. 2015: The town seeks engineers to evaluate the status of its sewer main AUG. 14, 2017:

Greeley and Hansen provided the town their evaluation report. The report estimated the pipe had at least 20 more years of useful life.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

T

he town of Longboat Key is entering into a settlement agreement regarding an incorrect sewer main life estimate it received from a consultant.

In December 2015, the town entered a contract with Greeley and Hansen, an environmental engineering firm, to perform a condition assessment on the town’s wastewater pipeline running under Sarasota Bay to Manatee County’s Southwest Water Reclamation Facility.

After conducting internal and external assessments of the pipe, the engineering firm concluded that at least 20 years of useful life remained in the sewer main and that it had minimal risk for “catastrophic failure.”

In June 2020, about three years after the inspection, a pipeline leak due to corrosion was discovered in an underground area of mangroves on the Manatee County side of the bay.

The corrosion resulted in about 14 million gallons of effluent escaping from the pipeline.

The town incurred fees of more than $440,000 because of the leaked wastewater and was required to address administrative enforcement action from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

An FDEP consent order required payment of more than $242,000.

The town was allowed to make the payment with a number of deliverables and in-kind projects rather than making a cash payment.

As of January, the town has completed all required deliverables and in-kind projects. It also paid $15,000 to the Nature Coast Mitigation Bank

JUNE 29, 2020:

Courtesy photos

as required by the order.

The town’s total costs included emergency repairs, engineers, lawyers, fines and penalties from FDEP, according to a memorandum from Town Attorney Maggie Mooney.

Representatives of residents on the Longbar Point property, where the leak occurred, have reached out to the town with intent to pursue damages against the town. The town hired Martin Garcia from the law firm Garcia Dell to act as litigation counsel and pursue potential claims.

After meeting with Greeley and Hansen, a settlement agreement was reached for the following terms and commission consideration: n The engineering firm will pay the town $425,000 as part of a resolution of the town’s claims and threatened claims against the firm. n The parties will enter into a mutual release relating to the claims presented, any potential or threatened claims and provide complete releases for the work performed by each party. n The release will include releases of the engineering firm’s agents, employees, former employees, consultants, affiliates, successors and insurers. The town’s release will

Above: Crews worked diligently after reports of the sewer main break. Left: The break in the pipe measured about 22 square inches.

include commissioners, employees, consultants and agents for any claims arising from or related to the assessment of the spill. n Payments will be made in no more than three installments. The last payment must be paid on or before Oct. 31, 2023. n Settlement is subject to mutually agreeable settlement documents and the town’s approval process.

Mooney and Garcia recommended the Town Commission accept the terms. Commissioners opted to forward the issue to a special meeting, which will be held immediately after the Feb. 21 workshop.

The special meeting is required as commissioners are not allowed to vote during workshop meetings because they are meant only for updates and discussion.

Construction begins on the mainland portion of the sewer main.

JAN. 2023: The town receives $3 million in federal funding for the portion of the pipeline that runs under the bay.

Town staff is continuing to seek additional funding to cover expected costs of design and construction.

The town believes replacing both portions will cost about $21.7 million.

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JUNE 30, 2020:

The town hires emergency engineers to repair the broken pipe.

SEPT. 2020: State seeks $242,000 in fines over the spill NOV. 2022:

Representatives of residents on the Longbar Point property, where the leak occurred, have reached out to the town with intent to pursue damages against the town.

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A leak is identified in the pipeline and spilled about 14 million gallons of untreated wastewater into the Sarasota Bay. The break measured about 22 square inches.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Photos by Lauren Tronstad

Traffic is heightened with the help of the area’s busy season.

TRAFFIC TROUBLES MOVE TO NORTH END The town braced for headaches associated with a Bradenton Beach sewer line project, but commissioners have received few complaints.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

T

raffic on the north end of Longboat has ramped up, but it is unclear whether the Bradenton Beach sewer line replacement project is the cause or if it’s just the annual culprit: busy seasonal traffic.

The Manatee County Public Works Department is working on replacing and relocating a portion of the gravity sewer collection system for the city on Anna Maria Island.

The project includes installation of about one mile of new sewer main along Gulf Drive. Twenty-one maintenance holes will be installed along with 100 new 6-inch service laterals, which serve as connections between a private property and the sewer main in the right of way.

The new pipeline will extend from the current pipe on Gulf Drive down each side street from Sixth Street to 13th Street.

Road repairs are included in the county’s plans.

The construction, although inevitable, caused some Longboat Key residents to prepare for the likely headache the project would cause in combination with the increase in traffic through the busy season.

“As if construction in Sarasota is not enough, this will be impacting our residents going to Bradenton,” Commissioner BJ Bishop wrote in an email.

However, Mayor Ken Schneier said he has not heard that it’s had an impact on residents so far.

“I have heard no complaints at all about north-end traffic,” he said.

He personally recalled a traffic problem he experienced last Tuesday afternoon. He sat on the Longboat Pass bridge for about 30 minutes before making the decision to turn around. Schneier said he could not say for sure if the issue was caused by the sewer line project.

According to the city’s website, no lane closures are expected, but it is shifting traffic as needed to complete the work. The city plans weekend work to be limited. The regular construction schedule runs 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Parking along Gulf Drive on the Gulf side is limited, pushing beach-goers further south.

The repairs and replacement of the sewer infrastructure will improve the resiliency of the Bradenton Beach sewer system, increase its capacity and reduce the risks of pipeline leaks, the city’s website said. The project is also supposed to reduce groundwater infiltration into the system, limiting the amount of water the sewer treatment plant is expected to handle.

The project was part of the county’s capital improvement plan. The final cost of the project is expected to be about $7.1 million.

As it stands, construction is planned for completion in late 2024, as weather conditions allow.

In the city’s list of frequently asked questions, a list of long-term benefits were provided and include: n Protects public and environmental health by preventing sanitary system overflows caused by aging sewer pipes. n Improves service reliability by relocating sewer connections to the county right of way. n Increases private property access and use by eliminating existing utility easements. n Extends the service life of existing roads by preventing gravity main leaks that cause pavement damage. n Improves pumping capacity and avoids costly replacement of the existing lift station by eliminating storm and ground water infiltration. n Alleviates potential sanitary sewer backups by removing multiproperty connections and providing each property with its own connection to the gravity main. n Reduces odor in the community

Crews works on the Bradenton Beach sewer line replacement Tuesday morning.

Detours are used for bikers and walkers since the bike lane is infringed upon in some places.

during the maintenance of the sanitary sewer collection system.

Longboat Key residents on the Manatee County side of the island will not experience an increase in sewer bill rates following the project, the project site says.

TRAFFIC CONGESTION CONTINUES ON SOUTH END

Motorists were told to expect daytime traffic delays Monday and Tuesday in the area of the roundabout at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue.

According to the Florida Department of Transportation Southwest Florida division, a lane closure was planned for the majority of both days starting at 7 a.m. and concluding at 4 p.m.

The northbound outside lane of U.S. 41 between Gulfstream Avenue and Fruitville Road remained closed while crews installed underground piping for storm draining on U.S. 41 at First Street.

The daytime closures this week are far from the only pains the new roundabout has caused a couple of months after its official opening.

While the roundabout itself opened at the end of 2022, FDOT is still working on finishing the project.

Hurricane Ian was the major hiccup in construction plans that were continually on track to be fully completed by the end of 2022 as materials, equipment and manpower were sent south.

One of the worst backups experienced by daytime closures occurred last month as motorists were stuck in traffic coming off the island for hours, causing some to miss doctor’s appointments and flights.

“I took an oath to ensure the health, welfare and safety of our citizens,” Bishop wrote after the incident. “That mission failed miserably this week. It cannot happen again.”

Since those unexpected lane closures, FDOT has sent notifications of lane closures ahead of time.

CONSOLIDATION CONVERSATION After word of state legislators potentially pursuing a consolidation study for the jurisdictions on Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, town commissioners and residents began to ask themselves: What would happen to Longboat Key? As of now, nothing, because the call for the study has been dropped.

In the past, Longboat Key has pursued a “one county” initiative to move the entirety of the town into Sarasota County rather than being split between the two.

The conversation lingers as the town moves to ensure quality relationships with both counties moving forward. For example, the town is working alongside Manatee County in the design development of a roundabout on Broadway at Gulf of Mexico Drive and with Sarasota County for the development of a library at the continually developing Town Center Green.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Photos by Lauren Tronstad

Chief Paul Dezzi leads the Feb. 10 CPR course.

Pat Watral (right) shows Pam Toft how to hold her arm while performing CPR while Toft’s husband, Graham, watches.

Longboat residents learn basics of CPR

IF YOU GO

Free 45-minute CPR trainings are available at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. on various weekdays through the rest of February and throughout March at the Fire Rescue Station 91, 5490 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Call the administrative personnel at 941-316-1944 or visit Facebook.com/ TownOfLBK for more information.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

T

he Longboat Key Fire Department’s CPR training course has returned for the first time since the pandemic, acting as a refresher course for some attendees and a first look for others.

The course does not certify attendees in hands-only CPR or the use of an automated external defibrillator, but it does provide them with the basic skills that can be the difference between life and death.

Fifteen people attended the department’s Feb. 10 course.

“We’ve done (CPR training) several times before, but that was years ago,” Pam Toft said. “We wanted to take this as a refresher.”

Toft and her husband, Graham, took the course together after encouragement from their daughter to keep their knowledge up to date.

Learning the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack and which case to use CPR for stood out to the couple as information they had not learned before.

When someone is experiencing a heart attack, CPR should not be administered as they are already conscious with a pulse, Fire Chief Paul Dezzi told attendees.

Ensuring no obstructions, such as a shirt or under garments, when administering CPR is key to performing it properly.

The individual performing CPR should aim to do between 100 and 120 compressions per minute, pressing about 2 inches into the chest.

For each minute chest compressions are not being performed, the likelihood of that person surviving decreases by about 10%, Dezzi said.

Of course, it is essential that emergency personnel are notified of the issue first, but compressions

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LONGBOAT

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546 Bay Isles Rd, LBK 941.383.6493 More Info: TheParadiseCenter.org

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rhythm, it will provide the prompt to either administer the shock or that a shock is unnecessary. Administering the shock is as easy as pushing the button labeled “shock.”

The department is hosting courses throughout the months of February and March. All the courses are free, but the majority of them have been fully booked. Courses last one hour and are free. Class sizes are limited to 18 people each. All of the March classes still have spots available.

“Usually, the later classes fill up once people have attended and tell their friends and neighbors about it,” Dezzi said in an interview last month.

It is not uncommon for residents to come back after their first training as a way to receive a refresher course, which the department encourages, he said.

This year, instead of outsourcing training, the department has opted to use on-duty in-house firefighter/ paramedics to teach residents. This also allows for the department to host more training dates than if they were to contract out another agency to do it.

Dezzi led the entirety of the Feb. 10 course as firefighter/paramedics completed required training.

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The course covers the basics of hands-only CPR and the use of an AED.

should begin as soon as possible afterward.

Pat Watral was among attendees with past CPR experience. She used to be a lifeguard, which requires certification.

“I wanted to make sure my knowledge was current,” Watral said. “The updates he taught us were faster and easier to remember.”

Updates included how to determine where to place hands. Previously, Watral was taught to measure two fingers above the diaphragm, but Dezzi instructed the class to place their palms in the middle of the nipple line.

The placement is the same; it’s just a faster determination.

At the conclusion of the class, Dezzi gave a tour of the station to those interested and discussed further the responsibilities and day-today in the department.

Watral pinpointed the relationship between Manatee County, Sarasota County and the town as information she had always been curious about.

When learning how to use an AED, a few of the attendees commented that they were unaware that using one was as simple as placing patches on the patient and waiting for further instructions from the machine.

After the AED analyzes the heart

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

5

Town seeks solutions for Town Center parking Commissioners discussed the need for more parking to accommodate events for the development.

PLANNED OPEN SPACE TOWN CENTER STAGE

POTENTIAL SITE OF NEW COMMUNITY CENTER Courtesy rendering

Commissioners forwarded the proposed Town Center site development plan with 81 parking spaces to second reading.

ward for an event permit.

Commissioners and town staff discussed whether it would be best to move forward with parking plans for the 81 spaces or to plan ahead for large events and the community center by adding additional spaces to the current development plan.

The town’s planned unit development rules require parking spaces to have a certain setback from the road.

This limits the number of spaces that can be added to the existing parking lot and the development as construction progresses.

Street parking along Bay Isles Road is a possibility, but only on one side of the street. It would also not count toward required parking spaces for future events or developments.

“There will likely be some growing pains,” Town Manager Howard Tipton said of tackling the issue. “There

are going to be events that are too big for this spot.”

Commissioners unanimously approved the proposed site development plan, which will move forward for a second reading.

TOWN CENTER GREEN STATUS

The Town Center Green development is in phase two. Construction continues on the privately funded stage.

Phase three, which includes the development of a community center, has not been planned yet as design of the center still needs to be completed and agreed upon.

The town and Sarasota County commissioners have come to an agreement on what is expected of the relationship between the pair when moving forward with laying out programming for the center.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT PETS? When it comes to where Town Center Green attendees are able to have their pooches, staff proposed an ordinance that would allow pets as long as they are leashed.

Commissioners were split on their opinions on the issue.

Some said they preferred that the town prohibit dogs on the property. Others did not see a problem with allowing the furry friends on the green.

Ultimately, commissioners decided to move forward with rules that would not allow pets on the center oval, grassy area.

398759-1

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t the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce’s concert held Feb. 4 at the Town Center Green, the event had a sold-out crowd of about 324 people.

Although chamber ambassador and owner of Design2000 Irina LaRose said parking was not a big issue because of the event’s limited number of tickets and VIP parking available for attendees, it still came up as a subject of conversation.

“There was some frustration from people having to park at Publix and walk over,” she said.

LaRose said once construction around the Town Center clears up, some of the parking issues may be alleviated, but while everyone was presumably able to find a spot, close parking is limited at the Town Center.

“We definitely could use some more parking no matter how you slice it,” LaRose said.

At their Feb. 6 regular meeting, Longboat town commissioners agreed.

“One of the things people are going to complain about when they come to an event is parking,” Commissioner Mike Haycock said.

The agenda item that sparked the conversation discussed allowable uses for the Town Center development as construction moves forward.

The Planning and Zoning Board unanimously approved the site development plans for the new town facility, with the recommendation that commissioners look into ways to increase parking on-site.

The final site development plan includes 81 parking spaces, some of which are already developed. That does not include spaces that would follow the construction of a library or community center on the property, for the development would have to come back to the Planning and Zoning Board and commissioners for approval.

However, a study by consultant Kimley Horn and Associates estimated that 105 spaces are needed for a small event at Town Center Green; 480 spaces would be needed for a medium-sized event; and 1,000 spaces would be needed for a large event that has up to 2,500 people on the great lawn, such as the Fourth of July Freedom Fest.

“Even with the limited events we have had so far, everybody is trying to figure out how to squeeze in,” Commissioner Sherry Dominick said. “Parking is difficult with even what we have at this point, so I think we need to take the bull by the horns.

This notion of ‘we’ll figure it out’ ... when someone applies for an event is simply kicking the can ... I don’t think that is going to be helpful to us.”

That leaves the town looking for other ways to include more parking from surrounding businesses, churches and organizations. Commissioners said the town might be able to enter agreements with these entities for use of their parking lots when needed for large events. If the town is successful in forming such agreements, it could increase parking capacity for events by up to 681 spaces if events take place in the evening.

A special event transportation management plan for the Town Center Green was proposed with potential items including: n Event parking pricing n Off-site parking n Encouraging other modes of transportation, such as biking n Valet locations n Ride share drop-off and pick-up locations n Disabled passenger drop-off and pick-up areas The management plan also recommended consideration of signage, police control at intersections and ensuring the public is notified of parking options. The plan would be the responsibility of the event applicant to complete before coming for-

D ROA LES

STAFF WRITER

IS BAY

LAUREN TRONSTAD

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Canadians make ‘The Big Move’ A French Canadian television show filmed at the Gauthier Salon & Wellness Spa on Sunday.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

S

t. Armands Circle is the Rodeo Drive of Sarasota. The stores are flanked by palm trees and filled with designer labels. With the Gulf of Mexico serving as a backdrop, it’s a dream location for a business or a set. So, Sonia and Serge Gauthier are sharing their dreamcome-true on camera.

This past November, the couple changed the sign on 369 John Ringling Blvd. to read Gauthier. On Sunday, a television crew shot footage of the Gauthiers in their salon for a reality show called “Le Grand Move” or “The Big Move.”

The French Canadian series follows people moving from the province of Quebec to places all over the world. The first season followed families moving from the city to the countryside. Now in its third season, the series is following families making the big move to the United States.

“We have a main family that we’re following, and Sonia and Serge are the family that is already established,” producer Annie Beauchemin said. “For each episode, we always go to meet another family that did the big move before them, so they can tell them things about their move to help them.”

The Gauthiers both grew up in Quebec — Sonia, 38, in the city, and Serge, 42, in Nominingue, a small village in the province. They moved to Florida in October 2021 and spent time in Venice, Tampa and Clearwater before falling in love with Sarasota.

At the start, the Gauthiers only knew Florida was their destination.

While they’d never visited, Sonia called it paradise and said a mentor planted a seed in their hearts that they could be entrepreneurs in Florida and live the life they truly wanted.

A trip to a spa in Mexico transformed their dream into a plan. Sonia saw the spa and said, “This is what I want in Florida.”

“People call me Sonia Sunshine,” she said. “With 12 months of sunshine, no matter who you are, you can make it in Florida. You just have to have a lot of courage and a lot of determination. Everything is mindset. You have to believe you can make it.”

A little luck and a Facebook account can also help. When “Le Grand Move” was looking for families in Southwest Florida, a friend shared the show’s Facebook post with Sonia and encouraged her to apply.

Facebook is also where Sonia saw the salon’s real estate listing for the first time last May. It was posted by a real estate agent she’d worked with in Tampa and titled “out-of-market listing.” The Gauthiers jumped on the opportunity and opened their salon six months later.

Just after signing the paperwork, the sun took a respite and paradise got boarded up as Hurricane Ian made its way to land. With no damage done to their new business bet, the experience only watered the couple’s freshly planted roots.

“If we can go through a hurricane, we’re good.” Sonia said with her signature smile.

Locals may remember the now Gauthier Salon & Wellness Spa as either Karma Luna or the longbeloved Green Ginger Hair Salon.

Both brought with them a good number of French clientele, who can rest easy knowing the salon remains bilingual.

For now, the salon offers the basics of hair, nails, makeup and massage and offers permanent makeup. It also has an esthetician on staff, as well as a mascot — the Gauthier’s 8-year-old, 70-pound Australian

Lesley Dwyer

shepherd who loves nothing more than to greet and sit with customers.

Services yet to come are reiki and breath work.

“We’re little French Canadians who moved here with a big dream, put all of our life into this, sold every-

easy

thing, and sometimes, it’s hard,” Sonia said. “But we find that people here are very welcoming. They’ve taken us in their arms. They’re so nice. They want us to succeed.”

Serge and Sonia Gauthier

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

No longer inexpensive Housing costs (and government) have made Florida expensive. A great reason to fix policies.

MATT WALSH

“The fundamental (but recently forgotten) core mission of cities is to accelerate the upward social and economic mobility of its inhabitants.”

— Joel Kotkin, Chapman University

“Planners should maximize the extent to which people can plan their own lives.”

— M. Nolan Gray Author, “Arbitrary Lines”

L

ongboat Key residents — be they full or part time — are not likely to think or worry much about it, but the most pressing economic issue squeezing this region like a mean vice is the high cost of housing.

The adverse effects of this are being felt in everyday living throughout the region, and, as other regions have shown, they will only worsen in years to come. That is, unless policymakers and the public have the courage and goodwill for dramatic changes.

Surely, you have experienced the effects of high housing costs — and not just the price you paid for your home or condo. Here is one: You call your doctor for an appointment, and the automated answering voice apologizes and says the doctor’s office is short-staffed. That is the situation virtually everywhere.

At the same time, we hear story after story how the cost of housing has scared off job recruits from moving here. Business owners tell us how they hired candidates, only to lose them once the candidate tried to find affordable housing.

Talk to every business owner in this region, and she or he will tell you hiring skilled people is the number one challenge.

That critical shortage of skilled labor is a result of the shortage of affordable housing for the middle and starter classes of workers.

This imbalance certainly isn’t new. It has been a slow, tightening squeeze for two decades. But in the wake of the pandemic, the labor

shortage and rising cost of housing have become especially acute.

They are especially exacerbated in destination resort-retirement communities similar to Greater Sarasota-Bradenton.

But these conditions are not just affecting Sarasota. Here is the reality: Florida is no longer an inexpensive place to live.

Just the opposite.

The accompanying table shows Florida has 18 of the 100 most expensive metro markets ranked by median sales prices for single-family homes. That is nearly 20% of the total, and it includes every metro market in Florida, except Ocala, which ranks 106th.

The cause of this is simple economics: Supply and demand. Florida’s population growth — a 50-year phenomenon — has outstripped the growth in supply.

But go a step further. When you look into “why” the supply has not kept up, that’s when the issue becomes more complicated.

Multiple forces have restricted the supply.

One of the chief inhibitors is existing residents. Just as the sun rises in the east, throughout Florida, and especially in northern Sarasota County, the minute a developer proposes apartments anywhere or, say, a 100-home development in the suburbs, nearby neighbors show up at commission meetings in opposition.

To an extent, it’s understandable.

Few people like their neighborhoods and streets to change (e.g. more people). You can also say it’s an economic benefit for existing residents to restrict supply. Look what that has done to the value of homes on Longboat Key. Perhaps the biggest inhibitor to supply is at the governmental level.

Over the decades, elected officials have adopted encyclopedias of zoning and development ordinances that make it near impossible to build starter homes that would allow a builder to make a profit.

It’s routine for developers to go through multiple public hearings with their lawyers, engineers and architects at their sides, each running the clock on their fees and driving up the cost of housing.

Add to that the myriad impact fees and other regulatory requirements, and the costs keep rising.

Two examples: minimum lot sizes and parking requirements. Allowing smaller lot sizes and fewer parking requirements would reduce land and planning costs dramatically.

After Houston lowered minimum lot size requirements, it saw the construction of 25,000 new starter units around the city.

When the California Legislature

TOP MEDIAN HOME PRICES IN U.S.

The table shows the median home prices for the 20 most expensive U.S. markets and Florida’s metro markets for single-family homes and the change in prices from the fourth quarter of 2021 to the fourth quarter of 2022.

2021 IV 2022 IV 1675 1577.5 1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara 2. San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward 1310 1230 3. Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine 1150 1132 4. Urban Honolulu 1054.5 1090.2 5. San Diego-Carlsbad 845 857 6. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale 840.2 829.1 7. Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island 685 802.5 8. Boulder 775.1 759.5 9. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue 700 708.9 10. Barnstable Town, MA 642.1 668.1 11. Nassau County-Suffolk County, NY 644.6 664 12. Boston-Cambridge-Newton 635.7 657.9 13. Denver-Aurora-Lakewood 617.6 640 14. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 578.4 621.1 15. New York-Newark-Jersey City 566.8 594.3 16. Fort Collins, CO 556.1 585.3 17. New York-Jersey City-White Plains 544.9 577.3 18. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro 546.7 567.5 19. Reno 565.6 562.1 20. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria 537.4 550.1 FLORIDA MARKETS 21. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm 500 550 25. North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton 435 520 41. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford 380 422.7 47. Cape Coral-Fort Myers 380 414.3 48. Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin 395.7 403.7 50. Port St. Lucie 355 399.5 52. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater 355 399 55. Punta Gorda 341 392.8 57. Jacksonville 347 386 63. Sebastian-Vero Beach 335 366.8 325 355 68. Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville 70. Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach 309 353.8 72. Panama City 320 350.3 74. Lakeland-Winter Haven 297.5 338.3 80. Gainesville 306.3 330 91. Pensacola 300 316.3 92. Tallahassee 280 315 106. Ocala 250 280

% Chg. -5.8% -6.1% -1.6% 3.4% 1.4% -1.3% 17.2% -2.0% 1.3% 4.0% 3.0% 3.5% 3.6% 7.4% 4.9% 5.3% 5.9% 3.8% -0.6% 2.4% 10.0% 19.5% 11.2% 9.0% 2.0% 12.5% 12.4% 15.2% 11.2% 9.5% 9.2% 14.5% 9.5% 13.7% 7.7% 5.4% 12.5% 12.0%

Source: National Association of Realtors, www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/housingstatistics/metropolitan-median-area-prices-and-affordability.

MEDIAN PRICES ON LONGBOAT KEY March 2020 March 2021 March 2022 Jan. 2023

$987,500 $597,450 $1,037,500 $1,005,000 Source: Realtor.com

legalized accessory dwelling units (e.g. garage apartments) in 2016, those units grew from almost none in 2016 to 10,000 in 2021.

These examples show there are multiple paths to incentivizing the development of more affordable housing. In fact, there is a new organization sweeping the country — YIMBY Action (Yes In My Back Yard), a national not-for-profit with local chapters working to change laws and incentives in ways that bring about more affordable housing for working people.

If there is a market ripe for this

kind of effort, it is Greater Sarasota and the city of Sarasota in particular. (There is a YIMBY Tampa, YimbyTampa.com.)

Instead of addressing the question of what it can do to make it less costly to develop housing, Sarasota city commissioners are now seriously exploring becoming the developer and owners of belowmarket rate apartments. This is worse than the city thinking it can operate a golf course.

Suffice it to say, while it’s too late for Longboat Key ever to become a locale for more affordable housing, Longboat residents, and all Sarasota-Manatee residents, for that matter, have a financial and lifestyle stake in the region’s supply of housing.

Surely, everyone’s preference would be to have an economically flourishing region that offers great opportunities “for the upward social and economic mobility of its inhabitants.”

“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 Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Eric Garwood, EGarwood@YourObserver.com 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 Editorial Designer / José Valle, JValle@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@ YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Lexi Huelsman, LHuelsman@ YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Manager / Lori Downey, LDowney @YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Marketing Specialist / Melanie Melone, MMelone@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Director of Information Technology / Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com

Moody part 2: Declare cartels terrorists Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody escalated her and other attorneys general’s pressure on the Biden administration to respond forcefully to the Mexican drug cartels, demanding the cartels be declared foreign terrorist organizations.

This follows their request last summer to declare fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction.

Moody and 20 other attorneys general sent a letter to President Attorney Biden Feb. 8, a day General Ashley after the presiMoody dent’s State of the Union address.

“It’s evident that the Mexican drug cartels are terrorist organizations,” Moody said in a press release. “They are trafficking deadly fentanyl directly across the border, and it is killing tens of thousands of Americans every year. They are also fueling extreme violence at the Southwest border and beyond.”

Separately, Moody also continued

to criticize President Biden for his lack of action against the cartels and the flow of fentanyl. Asked to respond to Biden’s reference to the fentanyl crisis during his State of the Union address, Moody told the Observer: “Just like his terrible immigration policies, Biden’s plan to stop Mexican fentanyl from killing Americans is a total disaster and overlooks the fact that he created this crisis, and he alone has the ability to immediately reverse the skyrocketing death toll by simply doing his job, following the law and securing the border.

“Sadly, I am not surprised that at a time when we desperately need leadership on this important issue, all we are getting from this president is lip service.

“It was an insult to the men and women who wear the badge that have been dealing with the effects of his dereliction of duty—saying in his SOTU that they would now ‘launch’ a major surge to stop fentanyl.

“Biden caused this crisis, his policies have fueled it and he has buried his head in the sand …”

Also in an interview last week with the Observer, Moody expressed her incredulity at Biden

totally ignoring discussing fentanyl, the cartels and China’s involvement during his Jan. 9 meetings with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

“This is the number one killer of our working age population, and … it wasn’t even the main topic of conversation.

“If you’re the president charged with the security of our nation and protecting your people, why is that not your number one goal when meeting with these heads of state?

Moody says the governments of China and Mexico are well aware of what their manufacture and distribution of fentanyl is doing to the American people.

“This is the number one thing facing the health and vitality and success of our nation right now.

But it seems to be very far down the list in terms of priorities for this president. “[Biden]sets on his agendas to talk about diversity with the Mexican president over fentanyl … The approach of this administration is completely backward.”

Designating fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction and the cartels as terrorist organizations would

allow the federal government to engage the U.S. military with other federal agencies and give state and federal law enforcement agencies increased powers to freeze cartel assets, deny entry to cartel members and allow prosecutors to pursue tougher punishments against anyone providing material support to the cartels.

Unless these steps are taken to stop the flow of the drug, Moody says Floridians can expect the death tolls to continue to rise — in spite of the diligent efforts of Florida law enforcement agencies.

“Thankfully, we have a governor who is willing to address these challenges head on,” Moody said.

“When I said we’re going to need more resources so we can bring those to bear to our police and sheriffs’ agencies, he and legislative leaders have now proposed that so we can have specific strike teams against fentanyl.

“While our law enforcement officers have responded admirably, the challenge will only get more difficult if the administration remains on course with such a dangerous and reckless approach to the border.”

— MW

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

COPS CORNER

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

BACK IN THE DEEP END 2:46 p.m., Sarasota Bay Boat-miscellaneous: An officer was dispatched to Sarasota Bay in the area of Grand Bay Boulevard after reports of an aground personal watercraft. Once the officer arrived at the scene, he spoke to the operator, who said he was able to push his watercraft back into deeper water.

APP MISTAKE 4:36 p.m., 700 block of Putting Green Suspicious incident: Dispatch reported a suspicious incident involving an app that notified of an airbag deployment one mile east in Sarasota Bay. Two officers responded to the scene, one by water, but noticed nothing suspicious. Dispatch notes state the app alert was accidental.

SUNDAY, FEB. 5

NO ISSUE 2:27 a.m., 500 block of Cedar Street Suspicious vehicle: While on patrol, an officer noticed a vehicle parked and appeared unoccupied with the windows down. An area search was conducted and further investigation showed it likely the vehicle had been parked for a long period of time.

NOT ALLOWED, EVEN IF DAD SAID YES 2:00 p.m., Jewfish Key Boating citation: While on marine patrol, an officer observed two personal watercraft with excessive wake. The zone was posted as “slow speed, minimum wake.” The watercraft drivers were stopped and notified of their violation. However, one of the operators, a 15-year-old, was unable to produce the required

the meter, which was not making any noise. In the event the meter starts making noise, the caller was told to call 911.

ID card. The other was the child’s father, who said he had allowed the child to drive the watercraft. Regardless, the violation stood as such and the father was issued a citation.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

MONDAY, FEB. 6

PARK IN THE DRIVEWAY 12:36 a.m., 6800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: An officer was dispatched for reports of an illegally parked vehicle. The employee who made the call said they believed the car belonged to the resident on that property and had told them about the issue earlier in the day. The officer made contact with the resident who said it was his vehicle and he would move it into the driveway.

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

ALMOST SCARY 11 p.m., 4700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious incident: An officer was sent to the resort after reports of an Apple Air Tag in the caller’s rental vehicle.

After arriving at the scene, the woman told the officer she started receiving notifications of the presence of the location tracking device. Resort staff helped the woman locate the tag, which was found taped in the trunk of the vehicle. The woman said she had rented the vehicle through a third-party app. It was determined the tracking device was placed in the vehicle to keep track of its location while being rented.

TUESDAY, FEB. 7

NOT STOLEN, STILL NOT ALLOWED 2:33 a.m., 200 block of Broadway Suspicious vehicle: A pickup truck was observed parked in the back of a dirt lot, tucked away. Upon investigation, the officer concluded the vehicle was not stolen. A parking ticket was issued.

TOO EARLY TO RAKE 6:22 a.m., 200 block of Sands Point Road Noise complaints from land: An anonymous caller made a complaint about the beach being raked too loudly. The officer found a resort employee operating a tractor, raking the beach. The employee said she was almost finished and was still advised of the complaint and the town’s noise ordinance. The officer went on to speak with a front desk attendant who said he would pass along the complaint to the supervisor.

NO NOISE, NO ODOR 9:06 p.m., 3500 block of Fair Oaks Lane Citizen assist: An officer was dispatched to assist with a call about noise originating from a gas meter.

The resident said the meter was making a strange noise but did not smell any odor. The officer checked

DELAYED TOWING 8:30 a.m., 5300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: An officer responded to a call about a vehicle that had broken down and whose owner did not want to leave it overnight. The woman stated her vehicle had begun to smoke before dying in the parking space. A tow truck had been called but was not set to arrive for several hours. She was told her vehicle was allowed to stay in the spot. The officer provided the woman with a ride home.

ONLY DOING HIS JOB 11:35 a.m., 1400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen dispute: An officer was called after a man, who works as a process server, was denied access to a gated community by the gate guard. The officer escorted the man to the property office where he was given access to the property.

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

NEEDING EXTENSION 4:58 p.m., Police department headquarters VIN serial number inspection: A resident entered the department requesting assistance with a VIN verification order to be granted a registration extension from his other residence in Ohio. The number was checked for warrants before the Ohio DMV form was signed.

Town of Longboat Key

ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS

SWIMWEAR | RESORT WEAR | ACCESSORIES

The Town of Longboat Key is accepting applications for appointment to The Town of Longboat Key is accepting applications the following boards and committees:

for appointment to the following committees: Planning and Zoning Board

BUY ONE GET ONE

50

boards

and

All applications must be submitted to the Office of the Town Clerk by 12:00 Planning and Zoning Board p.m. on February 23, 2023. All applicants must be registered voters of All applications must be submitted to the Office of the the Town of Longboat Key. Late applications may not be accepted. Any Town Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on February 23, 2023. All member who fails to attend two of three consecutive scheduled and applicants must be registered Townof of called regular meetings without cause, andvoters without of priorthe approval Longboat Key.automatically Late applications may not and be the accepted. the chairman shall forfeit the appointment, Town Any member who fails to attend two of three consecutive Commission shall promptly fill the vacancy.

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scheduled and called regular meetings without cause, and

All members of the Planning of andthe Zoning Board are required to file a without prior approval chairman shall automatically financial form within 30 daysthe afterTown appointment and annually forfeit disclosure his appointment, and Commission shall thereafter for the duration of the appointment as required by Florida promptly fill the vacancy.

Statues Chapter 112.

All members of the Planning and Zoning Board are required to file a may financial disclosure within 30 days The Town Commission schedule a Meet and form Greet with applicants atafter a laterappointment date. Please call theannually Office of the Town Clerkfor at 941-316-1999 and thereafter the duration for an application or if you have any questions.

Applications be of the appointment as required by Florida Statuesmay Chapter submitted 112. to: SIESTA KEY

1960 Stickney Pt Rd 941.922.4545

DOWNTOWN

50 N Tamiami Trl 941.954.8800

LONGBOAT

3170 Gulf of Mexico Dr 941.383.2288

The Town Commission schedule a Meet and Greet Town ofmay Longboat Key with applicants at a laterof date.

Please Office the Town Clerk call the Office of the Town Clerk at 941-316-1999 for an application or if you 501 Bay Isles Road have any questions.

Applications may be submitted to: Longboat Key FL 34228 Town of Longboat Key Stephanie Janney, Administrative Assistant Published: 02-08-2023, 02-15-2023 Office of the Town Clerk 501 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key FL 34228 397172-1

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11

NORTHWEST BRADENTON 8413 9th Avenue NW Jayne Kocher

LONGBOAT KEY

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

3614 Fair Oaks Place Jo Rutstein & Hilary Souza

3606 Fair Oaks Place Dennis Girard

HUDSON BAYOU

$3,600,000 941.809.0041

LIDO BEACH $1,500,000 941.587.6660

1750 Benjamin Franklin Drive #4D Nancy Endara & Peter Laughlin

BAY ISLES QUEENS HARBOUR $1,425,000 941.323.1700

3503 Fair Oaks Court Kathleen Wingate

$2,495,000 813.731.3332

CONRAD BEACH 363 Firehouse Lane Kathleen Wingate & Steve Branham

MARK SARASOTA 111 South Pineapple Avenue #908 Christopher Bush & Angie Walters

$489,000 941.920.6818

SARASOTA $1,125,000 813.731.3332

1116 Cocoanut Avenue Robert Sherman

$699,000 941.920.1500

549 Spanish Drive North Kimberly Freiwald

GILLESPIE PARK 18571859 6th Street Frank Lambert & Anita Lambert

$1,750,000 941.404.9504

LAGUNA AT RIVIERA DUNES 610 Riviera Dunes Way #103 Cindy Pierro

$11,100,000 941.713.5458

QUEENS HARBOUR

$3,600,000 941.232.3665

1737 Bay Street Tom Hedge

759 North Shore Drive Shellie Young

$3,900,000 941.587.9156

NORTH POINT HARBOUR 723 Key Royale Drive Laurie Mock

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GILLESPIE PARK 1832 6th Street Robert Sherman & Janet Boyden

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SPANISH MAIN YACHT CLUB $535,000 941.256.6775

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Vertical oyster gardens grow habitats and communities Vertical oyster gardens are being deployed across Longboat Key to improve the water quality in Sarasota Bay. LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

J

anuary 28 was the kind of Saturday morning made for sleeping in — cold and windy. Still, half the neighborhood and four town commissioners and commissionerselect came out to Buttonwood Drive to string four giant buckets of oyster shells in the name of cleaning up Sarasota Bay. Town Commissioner BJ Bishop lives in Buttonwood Harbour and suggested the program as a neighborhood project.

“In the meantime, we’ve had a boat-basin beautification project here. We laid in new electrical, new water so that people didn’t have to be running hoses along here, laid out all these new pavers,” event organizer Carol Erker said. “So we thought here’s a good opportunity when our snowbirds are back, let’s have a ver-

Residents look at the display and ask questions about the project.

tical oyster garden event outside and showcase our newly refurbished boat basin.”

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program’s public outreach manager and assistant, Megan Barry and Christine Quigley, gave a presentation, the gardens were strung and a buffet of sandwiches awaited the volunteers.

The vertical oyster gardens are part of an effort to use oysters to create habitats for filter-feeding organisms that cleanse water in the bay (see box, below).

The morning was an everyday example of the common camaraderie amongst so many Longboat Key

communities and town commissioners. First, do good. Then, throw a little party to catch up with the neighbors.

Also, spread the word.

These won’t be the last vertical oyster gardens hung in Buttonwood Harbour.

“Some of the homes are right on the canal, and about a dozen of those folks have expressed an interest in hanging vertical oyster gardens from their docks as well,” Erker said. “We have five docks here in the harbor, so our association is committed to putting vertical oyster gardens hanging from each of these.”

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

The gardens are hung at a height where they’ll dip in and out of water during low and high tides.

FAST FORWARD SIX MONTHS

The vertical oyster beds are easily seen when walking out to the observation deck at Joan Durante Park.

The Observer first reported on vertical oyster gardens in July 2022. At the time, 50 gardens had been strung underneath the new observation deck at Joan Durante Park.

Six months later, the gardens are delivering as advertised. Once-pristine oyster shells that were bleached and disinfected under the sun for six months are now covered in barnacles and shades of black, brown, gray and green.

They don’t look nearly as pretty, but it’s exactly what the Estuary Program is looking to see. Volunteer Tim Thurman checked on the gardens and sent a report and pictures to Megan Barry.

“They have a lot of growth on them. So far, they’ve

been durable,” Barry said. “It really shows the perfect environment for the oysters. You can see a lot of colonization.

You can see different marine filter feeders on them.”

Marine filter feeders are important because they constantly take in and excrete water. That process is filtering the bay, and vertical oyster gardens attract them because the feeders like to attach to things.

Seeing growth is important for data purposes. Residents who deploy gardens are asked to report back with their sightings, and impact metrics are still being worked out because it’s a newer program.

“It’s a little more difficult to directly measure the water quality impact. We know that there’s a habitat value,” Barry said. “We’ve had people report that they’ve seen all the filter feeders, shrimp and fish, so we know that there is a qualitative benefit here.”

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ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Equal Housing Opportunity. Rosewood Residences Lido Key is owned and being developed, offered and sold by WSR—Lido Beach, LLC (“Developer”). The project is not owned, developed or sold by Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, L.L.C. or any of its affiliates (“Rosewood”). Developer uses the Rosewood marks pursuant to a license agreement with Rosewood, which may be terminated under certain conditions. Rosewood does not assume any responsibility or liability in connection with the condominium. Copyright 2023 © All Rights Reserved.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

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Headed on a trip? Snap a photo of you on vacation holding your Observer, then submit your photo online at YourObserver.com/ ItsReadEverywhere. Stay tuned for this year’s prize, and happy travels!

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DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER?

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Can you remember the last time you called your physician on his/her personal cell phone number and scheduled a same-day appointment to see your doctor with no hassle, no wait time, and no discussion on insurance coverage? No? Neither can I. However, that experience does exist in the world of concierge medicine.

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Concierge medicine (also known as boutique medicine, retainer-based medicine, and direct primary care) is membershipbased healthcare that pairs exclusive, personalized care with accessibility and convenience.

For a flat monthly fee, you can receive 24/7 phone availability to your physician, unlimited in-person office and telehealth visits that last as long as you need, as well as direct care from a doctor without worrying about copays and other charges.

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Physicians who participate in concierge or direct primary care typically have a patient panel between 300 to 600 people vs. traditional practices that may have up to 4,000. Dr. Reed just recently surpassed 240 patients on his path to 300. On a typical day, Dr. Reed treats six to ten patients and spends at least 30 minutes with FINALLY, you can each of them. “I enjoy treating patients here on Longboat Key on and the surrounding area. remain Longboat With a smaller patient base, I am able to know Key for all your primary my patients personally. I can spend the right amount of time it takes to properly diagnose, medical needs! discuss results, and develop an individualized Dr. James Reed care plan with each–patient.” explains Dr. Reed.

Dr. Reed is a board-certified Family Physician but treats more of a Medicare-aged clientele. Reed Medical Group treats a “full-scope” of medical issues and has extended care to include in-house laboratory services, Physical Therapy, and Clinical Psychology. Chiropractic services are also available within the building complex. Reed Medical Group’s location is: 6350 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 101, Longboat Key, FL 34228.

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If you enter the hospital, your concierge doctor will oversee your care plan.

Dr. James Reed III, opened Reed Medical Group on Longboat Key in February of 2022 and has just completed a full year in practice! Although his patient panel is almost at capacity, new patients are still currently welcome, and a variety of concierge care levels are available. During season, Dr. Reed attends to patients’ needs 6 days a week in the office and has a full clinical staff available for housecalls.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

HAPPY

Presidents Day

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778.5622

Photo by Lesley Dwyer

Ann Walborn and Ernie Smith volunteer to assemble care packages for Lutheran World Relief.

Quilting bee aids in disaster relief Members of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church met on Feb. 3 to assemble 1,000 personal care packages for Lutheran World Relief.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

I WM Valued Customer There will be NO GARBAGE or RECYCLING collection service on Longboat Key on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH in observance of Presidents’ Day. Residents and Businesses regularly serviced on Monday will be serviced on Tuesday.

Questions, please call WM at (941) 753-7591.

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16

The Home Service Pros Who

t only took a couple hours for members of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church to assemble 1,000 personal care packages for Lutheran World Relief, but it’s a year-long effort.

Of course, they had to raise money and buy supplies. Each care package contains a towel, toothbrush, comb, two bars of soap and a pair of slippers. But they also sent over 200 handmade quilts around the world.

The group meets at church every Monday for a quilting bee. At the start, they only made about 50 quilts a year. Now, the record to beat is 250 in one year.

“This is a project we’ve been doing here at the church for well over 15 years, probably at least 20 years,” Chair of the Community Service Ministry Ann Walborn said. “It started out as a bunch of ladies doing it in their homes.”

The packages don’t ship to their recipients immediately. First, they go to a warehouse in Maryland. Lutheran World Relief provides humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, so the packages eventually end up where the greatest need is. That’s unknown when the tractor trailer pulls away with the boxes.

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But because each box is barcoded, it doesn’t remain a mystery. Walborn said their care packages have gone to Uganda and all over the world.

Lutheran World Relief provides a tracking system through their website.

The Quilt & Kit Ministry is the organization’s longest running program. It started in Europe in 1945 after World War II, and now it distributes an average of 300,000 quilts each year.

“Even here in the United States when there was a big flood in Minot, North Dakota, quilts went there to that church,” Walborn said. “It made the ladies cry because they opened boxes and some of the quilts that they had sewn were some of the ones they got in return. They lost everything in their church and a lot of stuff in the town.”

“This is a project we’ve been doing here at the church for well over 15 years, probably at least 20 years.”

— Ann Walborn, Chair of the Community Service Ministry

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

17

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

THE LONGBOAT KEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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2023

nds Savor the Sounds Sou the or Sav Savor the Sounds Musical Series Concert

Presented by

Longboat Saturday,Key March•4 2020 th

DOUG DEMING & THE JEWEL TONES 5:30 pm - 7 pm (Gates open at 4:30 pm) 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Music by Mike Sales Town Center Green 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key GAME FACE: Phoebe relaxes in the bay off of Longboat Key on a floating beer pong table.

Come out and “Savor the Sounds,” and enjoy an elegant, yet casual, outdoor picnic setting.

BYOPB! Bring a picnic basket and blanket.

The Observer’s

Weather

(Lawn chairs, tables and coolers are welcome.)

Pre-order boxed dinners from Publix

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by calling (941)383-1326 ext. 228 or 229

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For cancellation information, call (941)383-2466 or check facebook.com/lbkchamber.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

19

COM I N G TO D OW N TOW N SA R AS OTA

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Broker participation is welcomed and encouraged. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Prices and availability are subject to change at any time without notice.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Guest speakers Susan Lowy and Pavitra Ciavardone

Bird Key Yacht Club members learn more about Goodwill Manasota’s work.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

G

oodwill is synonymous with a good deal, and Goodwill Manasota has proven to be the real deal. The “business with a charitable purpose” has a $90.1 million impact across four counties: Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto.

Susan Lowy is the manager of instructional design and training and is also a member of the Bird Key Yacht Club. She and Director of Community Engagement Pavitra Ciavardone spoke at the club’s Seafarers lunch and lecture series on Feb. 1.

In 2021, Goodwill Manasota served 5,346 individuals, provided 170 job placements, assisted 381 veterans, provided 102,608 hours of education and training, collected 212,436 pounds of food for local food banks and diverted 57.4 million pounds of

old stuff from local landfills. Currently, it has 750 employees.

Drive anywhere in America, and you’re bound to pass a Goodwill donation center, and Lowy says that’s by design.

“The reason we’re so successful with our large number of donations — we had over 900,000 last year — is because it’s convenient,” she said.

“People can drive in, drop it off.

There’s someone there to greet you, take in your donation, hand you a tax receipt, and you can leave.”

Goodwill Manasota is one of 155 independent affiliates. In the local area alone, there are 22 donation centers, 10 retail stores, two bookstores and two bargain bins.

“We are always one of the top two performing Goodwills in our network, which means that we’re in a position to help other Goodwills that are struggling,” Ciavardone said. “We have been on the forefront of innovation and workforce development.”

Manasota became an affiliate in 1981, and many of the affiliate programs were created in this area, including the Role Model Worker Program. The Job Connection program was the first self-funded program of all Goodwills, and it also has a consulting arm that serves as a training center for other affiliates.

“I’ve been in clubs for most of my career, and this is without a doubt the friendliest membership I’ve ever dealt with.”

Tammy Hackney, General Manager

Ann Syring, Rose Mary Mahoney and Helen Turner

Unlike the name suggests, the Bird Key Yacht Club is not only for residents of Bird Key. Anyone can apply, no yacht required. Currently, there are 286 members, less than half of which live on Bird Key. Members live in downtown condos, on neighboring keys and even in Lakewood Ranch. As a memberdriven club, an array of activities are offered. Yachting is at the bottom of the list under kayaking, cycling, trivia and stand-up comedy. That’s not a joke.

“Member-driven” means the members are leading the activities.

Anyone with an expertise or interest can start a group.

“I’ve been in clubs for most of my career, and this is without a doubt the friendliest membership I’ve ever dealt with,” General Manager Tammy Hackney said. “When they said ‘anchored in friendship,’ I was like OK, yeah, whatever. And then I’m like, ‘oh my gosh, they really live by it and they recruit by it.’ People just want to come here and have fun.”

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

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions • In-person worship services Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

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

New to You Art Sale, Sunday - Thursday, 9 am to 1 pm.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org Wednesday Bible Study 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

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

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

Lord’s Warehouse hours are 9:00 - 1:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays

All are Welcome

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

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Goodwill and good friends

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Tony Britt, Lisa Adams and Payson Adams

CONTEMPORARY STYLE WORSHIP Saturday at 5pm

SUNDAY WORSHIP at 9am & 11am (Coffee Hour at 10am)

Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00 Women’s Bible Study: Wednesday @ 10:00

Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live:

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES

February 22 - 12 & 7pm

398068-1 379700-1

www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchof lbk.org (follow YouTube link)

WINTER CONCERT SERIES

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

CONCERTS ARE FREE • VISITORS & RESIDENTS WELCOME

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 19, 2023 • 2:00 PM

Catholic Church

395841-1

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 Sunday: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, and 11:00 AM Daily Mass at 9:00 AM; Rosary at 8:30 AM Monday - Friday 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive The Chapel of Divine Mercy following daily mass

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

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.

Questions? Email us at info@longboatkeytemple.org

Featuring: Brian Bigley on uilleann pipes and flute, Kristen Bigley on violin, Ian Crane on Scottish smallpipes and vocals, Tiffany Schaefer on Celtic harp and vocals.

567 Bay Isles Rd, Longboat Key, FL

941-383-3428

longboatkeytemple.org

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Born of a desire to marry the best of both Celtic and chamber music in exciting and creative ways, the Cleveland Celtic Ensemble blends Scottish and Irish bagpipes, whistle, flute, fiddle, and harp to create a Celtic style all their own. Revel in blazing bagpipe duets, sublime harp airs, soaring songs, and sweet fiddle tunes all in an intimate and ethereal chamber music ensemble setting.

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr. • 941.383.8833 (office) • www.christchurchoflbk.org

Longboat Key, FL 34228 (941)383-1255 • www.stmarylbk.org

You are invited to join us in worship, song & friendship at Shabbat services every Sharing Values, Friendship, and Faith Friday evening at 5:30 pm and Saturdays at 10 am.

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Classifieds 34 Games 33 Real Estate 31 Weather 33

FEBRUARY 16, 2023

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Melody MoraShihadeh and Susan Landau share a laugh.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Suzy Brenner and Ronda Montminy join the dance floor.

PARTY CENTRAL

Vicki Lyons takes a spin and wins a prize.

The Paradise Center held its annual fundraiser on Feb. 12 to raise money for all the programs it provides Longboat residents. and Donna Sharp Blaney pulled up her leg warmers for a hot pink throwback to 1980s dance aerobics.

STAFF WRITER

T Richard and Deborah Pelton

he Paradise Center is a long-standing nonprofit that offers a range of services to the residents of Longboat Key. On the other hand, it’s kind of a party central.

Fittingly, the annual fundraiser was a dress-up dance party called Dancing Through the Decades.

“We have a reputation to uphold for having fun parties,” CEO Suzy Brenner said. “We have a couple people that literally only come to our parties because they like to dance.

They don’t want to sit down for dinner for an hour and a half. They want to come in, have a glass of wine,

MISSION AND FUNDING

Daniel Fugazzotto keeps the music loud and the crowd dancing.

dance, say ‘Hi’ to friends, and go.”

Over 60 people bought tickets for the dance, and for those who didn’t want to miss the start of the Super Bowl, it was playing in the other room.

Harry’s Continental Kitchens set up a buffet and passed around trays of appetizers. It was the perfect pregame party made more fun by trading football jerseys for wild outfits.

Guests fully embodied their decades and all the accoutrements.

Brenner was puffing on a cigarette with attitude, while Carol Paschel was waving her martini glass in the air as if she was ringing a bell.

Hippies filled the room with peace signs and headbands. But Irina LaRose added some 1950s greaser to the mix with a Pink Ladies jacket,

At the Paradise Center, fun and games are part of the mission.

“Our mission is to help prevent isolation and loneliness. Our average age on Longboat Key is 70, and loneliness is an epidemic among seniors,” Brenner said. “It’s bad for your physical health, your mental health and everything to be feeling alone and lonely.”

Another aspect to the mission has been to get healthcare providers practicing on the island, and the center has been successful with the medical suites it oversees in the Tidewell building. Doctors of varying specialties use the fully equipped offices on a rotating basis.

While the organization is well established, fundraising is challenging because of its location and the demographic it serves.

“There are grants around, but we just can’t compete with children who don’t get enough food to eat or sex trafficking, and I get it,” Brenner said. “But it’s a challenge.”

It costs about $300,000 a year to run the center, which started out of a room in the Longboat Chapel in 2008. It was called Aging in Paradise, and the chapel didn’t charge rent.

Over the past 15 years, the senior

Donna Sharp Blaney’s favorite decade is the ’80s.

center has expanded its services to include a range of classes, health screenings, entertainment options and even travel opportunities.

“We used to have a few angel donors that we could always count on if unexpected expenses popped up; unfortunately, they have either passed away or moved away,” Brenner said. “So that’s been an added challenge to our bottom line.”

One of those angel investors was Arnold Simonsen. He died in 2019 after spending the previous 17 years donating millions of dollars to various local causes from the homeless to the arts. When Brenner set up a fund for The Paradise Center at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Simonsen made the first donation of $500,000. The boardroom in the Tidewell building is dedicated to him.

The plaque outside reads, “Without Arnold Simonsen, The Paradise Center would not exist ... The Longboat Key community is indebted to Arnold for having the vision and passion for a full-service, year-round senior center. Arnold, you are missed.”

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LESLEY DWYER

22

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Dynasty Stars dance at St. Mary’s The dance troupe for children, teens and adults with special needs entertained at the church’s Galentine’s party.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

T

he ladies guild at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church celebrated Galentine’s Day on Monday.

While it was still a meeting and charitable work had to be discussed, it was done over desserts homemade by the committee and followed up with a dance performance.

Professionals and amateurs danced the waltz, tango, salsa and rumba.

The Dynasty Dance Club has four locations in Venice, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and St. Pete Beach. The Dynasty Stars program is for children, teens and adults with special needs.

While the professional dancers performed graceful lifts and dizzying spins, Georges Assif stole the show when asked to demonstrate how to ask a lady to dance. Before extending his arm to his partner as etiquette dictates, Assif showed off his cha-cha steps, much to the delight of

Dynasty Stars Samantha Allspach and Georges Assif

MEETING HIGHLIGHTS n The guild welcomed 22 new members. n 1,595 gifts were given to the children of migrant workers for Christmas. n Donations from the parishwide baby shower are being prepared for delivery to maternity homes across Sarasota and Bradenton. n Volunteers are needed to move furniture for the annual Rummage Sale coming up on March 3 and 4. n Only 30 tickets remain for the fashion show scheduled

for Mar. 13 at the Sarasota Yacht Club. n The church will be hosting the Day of Reflection on Mar. 30 because of damage from Hurricane Ian to Our Lady of Perpetual Health. OLPH will still be leading the day. n Jane Vorel was chosen to crown the statue of Mary on Mother’s Day. n The Lazy Lobster is catering the last guild meeting of the year being held on April 17.

Dynasty Dance Club owner Sarah Lototskyy dances with Dynasty Star Jordan Soriano.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

himself and the crowd.

As Assif exemplified with his impromptu cha-cha, the Dynasty Stars program was designed to build self-confidence. Dance also increases activity in the mind and body, while offering a new form of self-expression. There are about 200 Dynasty Stars across the four locations.

A 2022 study published in the “International Journal of Early Childhood” found that a rhythmic music program improved the performance of motor skills in children with Down syndrome.

The dance club also offers a Parkinson’s program approved by neurologists and physical therapists.

A 2021 study published in “Brain Sciences” determined that dancing once a week for three years will slow both motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The study also cites previous research that already found dancing improves balance, gait, speed and quality of life in patients.

Maureen Watterson, Cindy Noble, Mary Kupiec and Sue Adams

Dolores Engelke and Jane Vorel

JoDene Moneuse – Your Neighbor, Your REALTOR®.

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Committed to exceeding your needs.

Living and Working on Longboat Key for 40 Years

Cathy C. Meldahl, P.A. Your Longboat Key Community Realtor • Consistent top producer on Longboat Key • In-depth knowledge of the real estate market • Active in our community with Longbeach Village Association Longboat Key Historical Society Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Longboat Key Garden Club

• 32 year Longboat Key Resident • Top 1.5% of Florida Realtors - Real Trends America’s Best Real Estate Agents

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ACTIVE ACTIVE

Compass is a licensed real estate broker, licensed to do business as Compass RE in Delaware, Idaho, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, Compass Realty Group in Kansas and Missouri, Compass South Carolina, LLC in South Carolina, and Compass Real Estate in Washington, DC., Idaho and Wyoming and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

415 l ambiance dr, Unit C503 $3,450,000

2576 Prospect St 415 l415 ambiance l ambiance dr, Unit dr, Unit C503C503 $1,475,000 $3,450,000 $3,450,000

25762586 2576 Prospect Prospect St St $1,775,000 $1,475,000 $1,475,000

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2,822 SQFT

2,863 SQFT 3 Bed3 Bed | 2 Bath | 23 Bath | 2,822 | 2,822 SQFTSQFT

|| 23 Bath || 3,434 3 Bed33 Bed Bed | 3 Bath Bath | 2,863 2,863 SQFTSQFT

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25862586 Prospect Prospect St St $1,775,000 $1,775,000

941.350.3513 dianne.anderson@compass.com dianneanderson.com

941 dia dia

Home is Closer Than You Think Home Home isis Closer Closer Than ThanYou YouThink Think Dianne And D Dianne Anderson is a licensed real estate agent affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker Anderson and abidesis by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

Allwith material presented hereinreal is intended for informational purposes only. Information is material Dianne Anderson Dianne is a licensed areal licensed estate real agent estate affiliated agentwith affiliated Compass, Compass, a licensed areal licensed estate broker estate andbroker abides and by abides Equal Housing by EqualOpportunity Housing Opportunity laws. All laws. Allpresented material presented herein is intended herein isfor intended informational for informational purposes only. purposes Information only. Information is is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes incompiled price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without mayomissions, beerrors, virtually digitally may not actual property conditions." stagedinor from compiled sources from deemed sources reliable deemed butreliable isnotice. subject butPhotos to is subject errors, to omissions, changes changes price, condition, in enhanced price, condition, sale,and or withdrawal sale, orreflect withdrawal without notice. without Photos notice. may Photos be virtually may bestaged virtually or staged digitallyorenhanced digitally enhanced and may not andreflect may not actual reflect property actualconditions." property conditions."

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Let’s connect & take actionLet’s onLet’s your real &estate goals connect connect take & take action action on on your your realreal estate estate goals goals

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

23

#1 LONGBOAT KEY TEAM Michael Saunders & Company Follow on Instagram @LongboatLife

BENCH MBAE R KHRMEA SU ARRKK Z ED NC R K LTS RESU• LTSST• R S TAT R AEGIC GEGIC M MA ETET I N IGNG • P E•R SPER O NASONA L I Z E D SLEIRV I C E SERV ICE

ST JU

D TE S LI

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BENCH M A R K R E SU LTS • S T R AT EGIC M A R K ET I NG • PER SONA LD I Z ED SERV ICE ST JU

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

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

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THE SHORE ON LONGBOAT KEY

GULF OFI V MEXICO | OFFERED AT $1,250,000 2067 H A R BOUR 5757 LINKS DR E, #4 DR #3072067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

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

L onThis g b otop a t floor K e y 2| bed/2 O f f e re d aresidence t $ 7 79, 0offers 0 0 unobstructed views L onofg the b o aGulf t K efrom y | O f f e re every d a t $room.

7 79,Wind 000 bath almost MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487 down on the large terrace while the sun sets and enjoy the warm gulf breeze and the sounds of the waves kissing

the beach. Amenities include a large social room with kitchen, fitness center, gulf front pool and spa and beautifully maintained gardens. Your Longboat Life is waiting!

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

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

U

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

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E

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

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

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U

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ER D N

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on g b o at K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 L onBLISS g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 BEACHPLACE MLS# A4178487 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #305 | OFFEREDMLS# AT $1,170,000 2067 HA4178487 A R BOUR1085 LINKS DR I V E, #4 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L onThis g b o 3a tbed/2 K e y bath | O fcorner f e re d unit a t $offers 7 79, serene 0 0 0 golf course views,L multiple on g b o a tterraces K e y |and O fabundant f e re d a t natural $ 7 79, 0light 00 throughout.

Beachplace allows 1 month minimum rentals, 12 times a year allowing owners to MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487 maximize

income year round when not in residence. With resort-style amenities and convenient south Longboat Key location, all of the boxes are checked!

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I A N A DDY, PA IRAEN DDY, PA A LA TO R ®, M B A R E A LT O R ®, M B A

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L on g b o a tLINKS K e y |DRIVE O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 2067 HARBOUR | $1,575,000 MLS# A4178487

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

WILD FLORIDA

24

Local nature key in hospitality for real-life snowbirds In both public and private lands, native plants are critical for supporting these important winter visitors.

I

n winter months, cold weather to the north brings mass migrations of birds to our region in quest of warmer climes.

Some, just like human snowbirds, choose to stick around in Sarasota County for the season. But as an important stopping point on the Atlantic Flyway — a major northsouth avian superhighway in North America — South Florida also provides critical food and shelter to migratory birds heading to breeding or overwintering sites further afield.

Whether they’re here for several months or mere days, migratory birds are important members of our natural systems who provide ecosystem benefits such as pest control and pollination of plants. And, as parts of the food chain, they are a food source for other wildlife.

Notably, the Atlantic Flyway is the most densely populated and developed out of the four major flyways

Photos by Miri Hardy

Robins are one of several migratory birds that rely on resources locally during their winter journeys.

crossing the United States. Indeed, loss, degradation and fragmentation of important migratory bird habitats is potentially the largest individual

Unlike brown pelicans, who live here year-round, American white pelicans migrate to Florida from the northern United States and Canada during winter.

threat to migratory birds. And much of this threat is caused by human development.

Protected public lands, such as Myakka River State Park, support migratory birds by providing the natural habitats, diversity of food and native plants these bird species depend on.

Because native plants evolved to exist in our environment, they are well adapted to Florida’s climate, soil conditions and wildlife. And, as native vegetation is the foundation of healthy wild Florida ecosystems, a key focus of Myakka’s Florida Park Service staff is the removal of highly invasive plant species, which were introduced to Florida either purposefully or accidentally. Such plants actively damage ecosystems by displacing native plants, therefore reducing wildlife habitat quality. Invasive plants also can change important ecological functions, such

as water flow.

To support migratory birds, oftentimes all that is needed are small areas of protected land, with native plants that provide shelter and food along their migration route before they continue on to their final destinations. Even on private lands and urban areas, restoring suitable wildlife habitats by replacing nonnatives with native vegetation is a powerful conservation tool for maintaining healthy bird and other wildlife populations.

— 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

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2023 NEW PRICE

SIESTA COVE - SIESTA KEY 5212 SIESTA COVE DRIVE | NEW PRICE $3,987,000

LA BELLASARA - GOLDEN GATE POINT 464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #503 | $4,298,000

THE ACKERMAN GROUP TOP PRODUCING SMALL TEAM IN SARASOTA COUNTY

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LA BELLASARA - GOLDEN GATE POINT 464 GOLDEN GATE POINT

LIDO REGENCY - LIDO KEY 1700 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DRIVE

COREY’S LANDING - LONGBOAT KEY 3414 FAIR OAKS LANE

FAIRWAY BAY - LONGBOAT KEY 2010 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE

NEW CONSTRUCTION

ARTISTRY - SARASOTA 9105 Bernini Place

ONE PARK - SARASOTA 1100 BLVD. OF ARTS

CALL US TODAY! (941) 387-1820 Longboat Key Office: 595 Bay Isles Rd., Suite 250, Longboat Key, FL 34228 St. Armands Office: 443 John Ringling Blvd., Ste. FL, Sarasota, FL 34236 This is not a solicitation of another broker’s listing.. Market data supplied by Market Quest June 2021.

ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES 930 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DRIVE

SOLEMAR - POMPANO BEACH 1116 N. OCEAN BLVD.

THE ACKERMAN GROUP 395396-1

SAGE - LONGBOAT KEY 4651 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE

25

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

NEW THIS WEEK THURSDAY, FEB. 16

BEREAVEMENT GROUP From 10:30 a.m. to noon at the JFCS of the Suncoast office in the Tidewell Foundation Building, 540 Bay Isles Road. Led by Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz, participants will learn how others deal with grief, explore how loss affects us, gain coping skills and cultivate resilience. The group will meet for five successive Thursdays. The cost is $36 for all five sessions. Call 366-2224 ext.

166 to register or email JKatz@ JFCS-Cares.org.

FRIDAY, FEB. 17

LOVE LABOUR’S LOST From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. An introduction to the Shakespeare play and a guide for those who play to attend the Asolo Conservatory’s production. Two sessions through Feb. 24, $40 for members; $45 for others. Call 383-8222.

ELTON JOHN: PROLIFIC PERFORMER From 1-2:15 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. This course discusses examples from both John’s personal and professional life to illustrate the struggles and triumphs of the musical icon. Two sessions through Feb. 24, $40 for members; $45 for others. Call 383-8222.

SIP & SHOP AND BOOK SIGNING From 1-5 p.m. at J. McLaughlin, 515 Bay Isles Parkway. 15% of sales benefit the Longboat Library.

Author Jane Hughes will also be signing copies of her new book, “The Spy’s Wife” from 2-4 p.m.

THE THOMAS CARABASI JAZZ QUINTET From 5-6:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. The quintet will be covering songs from jazz legends like Cole Porter and Duke Ellington. $25 for members; $30 for others.

Call 383-8222.

TUESDAY, FEB. 21

AMY HERZOG: A SIGNIFICANT TALENT IN AMERICAN THEATRE From 3-4:30 p.m. at the Education

Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. This lecture will cover Herzog’s family life and work.

Audience participation will follow the lecture. $15 for members; $20 for others. Call 383-8222.

tion 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. Eight sessions from Jan. 4 to Feb. 22, $70 for members; $80 for others. Pay as you go available. Call 383-8222.

RECURRING EVENTS WEEKDAYS

MARIACHI MUSIC From 5-8 p.m. at La Villa Mexican Grill, 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Enjoy dinner and a serenade by Mariachi Contemporaneo. Call 383-8033.

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 383-2011.

File photo

MONDAYS

BEST BET

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, $95 for members; $110 for others. Pay as you go available. Call 383-8222.

THURSDAYS

SUNDAY, FEB. 19

THE CLEVELAND CELTIC ENSEMBLE 2 p.m. at Christ Church, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Listen to the ethereal sounds of the Celtic world presented in a chamber music ensemble setting. This is a free event, open to the public. Call 3838833.

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.

and strength exercises to boost metabolism, strengthen muscles and bones. Instructor is Mirabai Holland. Cost is $10 for members; $15 for others. Call (201) 956-1466.

THINKING OUT LOUD: TIMELY TOPICS WITH MIKE KARP From 1-2:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Topics will include U.S. and world current affairs, popular culture and topics relevant to seniors. Cost is $15.

Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

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.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS

TUESDAYS

QI GONG FOR HEALTH AND VITALITY From 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. Eight sessions from Jan. 10 to Feb. 28, $95 for members; $110 for others. Pay as you go available. Call 383-8222.

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

QI GONG From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Qi gong is a mind-body-spirit practice designed to improve mental and physical health. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $15.

Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

PUMPING THE PRIME From 10-11 a.m. at Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Low-impact cardio

YOGA From 11:15 a.m. until 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 $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 Angels Parish Hall, 563 Bay Isles Road. To learn more, call Nancy Rozance at 203-6054066 or email Info@LongboatKeyRotary.org.

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

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.

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

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 hatha yoga styles for all fitness levels. Eight sessions through Feb. 23, $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. 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 $15. Walk-ins welcome. 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.

WEDNESDAYS

YOGA POTPOURRI From 9-10 a.m. at the Educa-

EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS ON LONGBOAT KEY WagnerRealty.com Your Hometown Favorite For More Than Eight Decades!

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ON LONGBOAT 3 BR | KEY 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF

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Sea Gate Club YOUR onBUILD Longboat Key DREAMHOME! 2425 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #2E ...AND JUST 2BR / 2BALISTED 1,470SF UNDER CONTRACT 540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE $1,395,000 | MLS# A4558621 ...AND VACANT LAND LISTING UNDER CONTRACT 2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR. $3,400,000

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826 Bayport Way | Bayport Beach & Tennis Club MLS#A4554124 | 2/2 - 1,676sf | Bay View | NOW $949,000 Matt Faul (941) 345-3255

5393 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #207| Longboat Ter MLS#A4553218 2/2 - 1,300sf | Gulf View | $989,900 Trish Carruth (601) 212-7476 Jonna Humphries (941) 465-2357

Longboat Key

Longboat Key

2326 OAKS 3Residential BRHARBOUR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF DR. MLS# A4534178 $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF Vacant Land MLS# A4535177 $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092

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Golf Course Villa onBUILD Longboat Key YOUR HOME SALES IN LAST SIX MONTHS 2339 Harbour Oaks Dr. DREAMHOME! 2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. SOLD FOR $1,275,000

3BR / 2.5BA 2,396SF 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE $1,325,000 | MLS# A4559128 SOLD FOR $2,300,000 540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE VACANT LAND LISTING

bradenton

612 Marbury Ln. | Sleepy Lagoon | MLS#A4552342 2/2 - 1,128sf | Canal Front | NOW $1,349,900 Rebecca Samler (941) 737-7955

Cortez

383 Aruba Cir. #301 | Marina Walk/One Particular Har. MLS#A4552479 | 2/2 - 1,456sf | $975,000 Becky Smith (941) 773-1954 Elvira Starrett (941) 720-3528

Vacant Land MLS# A4535177

2369 Harbour Oaks Drive | $1,350,000

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HOME SALES IN LAST SIX MONTHS

2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE SOLD FOR $1,310,000

580 BIRDIE LANE SOLD FOR $4,260,000

JULIE KLICK

BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE

JulieKlick@michaelsaunders.com

beverlysthilaire@michaelsaunders.com BeverlySellsSarasota.com

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RESIDENTIAL SALES - RENTALS - PROPERTY MANAGEMENT VOTED “Favorite Real Estate Company” by local newspaper for more than 24 years in a row!

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3555 FAIR OAKS LANE SOLD FOR $2,300,000

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4510 125th St. W. | MLS#A4556067 | 6/5+ - 5,107sf Bay View | NOW $4,999,999 | Custom designed estate w/Guest House - Rae Ellen Hayo (941) 920-0364

5360 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228

2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. SOLD FOR $1,275,000

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BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE

818.416.2505

61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.388.4447 | www.michaelsaunders.com beverlysthilaire@michaelsaunders.com JulieKlick@michaelsaunders.com BeverlySellsSarasota.com LivingonLongboat.com

Longtime residents of Longboat Key with over 30 years of

391906-1

4310 Falmouth Dr. #202 | Longboat Harbour MLS#A4554378 | 2/2 - 1,071sf | Bay View | $749,900 Jon Patella (941) 228-1613

2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE 580 BIRDIE LANE $3,400,000 Residential A4534178 SOLD FOR $1,310,000 PENDING SALE SOLD FOR MLS# $4,260,000

396499-1

YOUR CALENDAR

26

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

TOP Sales Team Florida

27

in the state of

$2.3 Billion Career Sales

Lori Lawson Judy Kepecz-Hays Steven Kepecz

Coldwell Banker Realty 423 St. Armands Circle Sarasota, FL, 34236

Kepecz@JudyHays.com | www.LongboatKeyLuxury.com

January 19, 2023

(941) 587.1700 JUDYJUDY KEPECZ-HAYS TEAMTEAM KEPECZ-HAYS February 16, 2023

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS 601 #603S 601 Longboat Longboat Club Rd #603S and Sunsets.

2 bed, Enjoy 2 bath,Sunrise 1 car garage | 1,458 Sq Ft Enjoy sunrises and front sunsets! great The beach is in your yardBright and the golf room,isdining area facing private beach course in your backyard.

The view from and this community pool. Washer/dryer in kitchen residence is Hypnotizing!

Bright and happy, area offers convenience comfort with instant enjoyment in thisand 2 Bdrm 2 baths side access to the entry hallway 1458 sq.door ft. Community offers a semi-private semiprivate elevator, and on-site manager,elevator. pool, guest suite, social room, and fitness room www.LBKtowers603S.com www.LBKtowers603S.com Offered for $2,000,000 $1,850,000

KEY PARKLIDO RESIDENCES ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE OF LIDO KEY 408 Jackson Dr 159 Taft Dr #E305 3 bed + den, 3 bath 3 bed, 3 bath | 2,500 Sq Ft The Gem of all Jewels on St. Armands Circle!

PLUS a 2,250 sq ft Private Rooftop Terrace Location makes this spacious home with a with wrap-around views. Directly across from pool an exceptional opportunity for those the Gulf of Mexico and features a resort-style who wantswimming to be minutes Lido heated poolfrom andthe spa,circle, two unBeach, and parking Main Street-in-the-heart of the der-building spaces with an additioncity.

This residence is brimming with the updates al storage room, and is overlooking 110and remarkable touches to add texture and acre waterfront south Lido Park Reserve. style. The family room/office can easily be converted to a 4th bedroom with its glass wall www.159taftdriveE305.com to Offered walk outfor to the garden, pool and patio. $3,500,000 – Furnished Offered for $3,085,000

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

W PE eM N ad D e I IN tH G ap pe n

511 Putter Lane 3 bed + den, 2 bath | 2,576 Sq Ft | Offered for $2,300,000

W eM

L’AMBIANCE THE STRANDadSOL e D It

H

1709 N Tamiami Trl Unit #221app e n 1 bed, 1.5 bath | 1,013 Sq Ft Exquisite water views from the long canal that leads out to Sarasota Bay. The Strand is a private gated community offering a resort style pool and spa , fitness center, dog park, EV charging station, and a kayak and paddle-board 415 L’Ambiance Dr.boardwalk, #C703 launch. to create lasting memories!

3 bed, 3.5 bath | 2,822 Sq Ft |Get Soldready for $3,250,000 www.1709NTamiami221.com

LongboatKeyLuxury.com | (941) 587-1700

Thinking of selling? Please call me for similar results!

Judy Kepecz-Hays (941) 587-1700

397313-1

RECENT SALES

Sold Price Address Community Offered for $625,000 - Furnished $3,625,000 2152 Gulf of Mexico Dr #4 En Provence $2,950,000 1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr #1009 The Beach Residences $2,800,000 408 Jackson Dr Saint Armands $2,500,000 340 S Palm Ave #75 Sarabande $2,420,000 575 Sanctuary Dr #A504 Sanctuary $2,000,000 1800 Benjamin Franklin Dr #PH-A-05 L’Elegance on Lido Beach $1,840,000 Fair Oaks Queens Harbour Thinking3633 of selling yourPlace $1,625,000 Longboat Club Rd #302S 423 St. Armands Longboat Towers Circle |Key Sarasota, Florida 34236 Residence?601 Please call me!

SuiteStrand 250| Longboat Key, FL 34228 $600,000 1709 N Tamiami Trail #221 595 Bay Isles,The

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

REAL ESTATE... REAL PARADISE

Courtesy photos

Patty Buck, Joan Sherry and Wendy Duerkop

Spanish Main Yacht Club cheers residents’ return

T THE KING OF QUEENS HARBOUR

Gorgeous Renovated Contemporary in Bay Isles, move right in...

3527 FAIR OAKS LANE | QUEENS HARBOUR, LBK $3,149,000 | MLS# A4554063

he Spanish Main Yacht Club is heating up with the return of its residents for season. First was the Chili and Soup Cook-Off on Jan. 19, and up next was the 26th annual welcome back party on Jan. 28.

When Patty Buck sent out invitations for the welcome back party, she wrote, “This gathering reminds us of how fortunate we are to live in such a wonderful place as SMYC — full of fun, love, joy and caring.”

— LESLEY DWYER Eleanor McConnell and Dr. Jay Smith

Tom Gary and Rudell Bullis enjoy the welcome back party.

PERFECTION IN COREY’S LANDING Privacy & Serenity abound...

3402 FAIR OAKS LANE | LONGBOAT KEY $1,895,000 | MLS# A4559729

The clubhouse is full for the Soup and Chili Cook-Off at Spanish Main Yacht Club.

BOATING TO BEACH

Beautiful Remodel in Country Club Shore 549 YAWL LANE | LONGBOAT KEY $2,195,000 | MLS# A4550618

the realtors who deliver GROUP

KATHY CALLAHAN | 941.900.8088 | LBKathy.com TODD CALLAHAN | 941.224.0624 | LBKathy.com

383690-1

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228

398760-1

28

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

29

REID MURPHY PRESENTS

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

941-232-3304

LONGBOAT KEY MAGNIFICENT GULF FRONT ESTATE

$22,000,000

Under Construction. New 5 BD, 8 BA, 100ft frontage on pristine walking beach. Expansive views from open living space & connected lanai. Fireplace, chef’s kitchen, glass wine room, service bar. First level master w/lanai. Junior suite and 2 guest suites have private terrace. Covered outdoor space has fireplace, outdoor kitchen & dining area. Dramatic infinity pool/spa w/ sundeck overlooks Gulf waters. 3 car garage. Home elevator. Hurricane screens. Completion date estimated for March 2023.

LONGBOAT KEY DREAM ISLAND ROAD $4,850,000 LONGBOAT KEY BAYFRONT

$5,965,000 LONGBOAT KEY GULF FRONT

Boaters retreat w/ cottage-style home + guest house Build your dream home Bayfront on oversized lot. 100ft 5BR/4.5BA Lushly landscaped 1/2 acre w/400’ dock, 2 boat on the Bay, beach access across the street & side canal lifts on secluded street. Short stroll to beautiful beach. for privacy. PLUS elevated separate guest house: a bonus structure no longer permitted for new builds.

PENDING

LONGBOAT KEY

$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.

NEW LISTING

$2,475,000 LONGBOAT KEY BOATERS DREAM

Coastal contemporary 4 BR/5BA home in The Preserve of Longbeach. Light & open indoor/outdoor living areas.

Former model w/ high-end appliances & finishes.

$2,625,000 LONGBOAT KEY HARBOR VILLA CLUB $1,375,000

Meticulous 4 BD/3 BA wide deep water canal with direct access to Sarasota Bay - no bridges! Great dock. 2 boat lifts. Private beach access directly across the street.

Rarely available corner walk-out 2BR/2BA condo. Newly remodeled. Large floorplan w/ high ceilings. Panoramic Bay views & sunsets. Club amenities +new 60 ft. dock.

PENDING

LONGBOAT KEY $675,000 • CANAL LOT#1 Gulfside 2BD/2BA condo is a perfect • CANAL LOT#2

LONGBOAT KEY LONGBOAT KEY $2,495,000 CUSTOM HOME $1,995,000 EMERALD HARBOR $3,800,000 Behind the gates at the Longboat Key Club. $1,995,000 Newly remodeled 3 BD/2 BA on wide

beachfront getaway or extra space for guests. Build your dream home on one of north LBK’s canal w/new seawall, dock, and lift. HighBeachside heated pool has incredible Gulf most desirable streets. Premier boating end finishes & appliances. Deeded beach views & wildlife. Club amenities include two location. Great canal leads directly to Bay & access. Convenient location. tennis courts.

ICW No bridges. Walk to beach.

Developers Realty Inc Lic. Real Estate Broker

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.

CALL REID TODAY! | 941.232.3304

www.ReidMurphy.com

595 Bay Isles Road | Longboat Key, FL 34228

397853-1

LONGBOAT KEY ISLANDER CLUB

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

LONGBOAT KEY 520 Chipping Lane 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,412 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4553676 $6,600,000

LONGBOAT KEY 540 Harbor Gate Way 5 Beds 6/1 Baths 5,048 Sq. Ft. Stacy Hanan 941-266-0529 A4548328 $4,500,000

LONGBOAT KEY 554 Jessmyth Drive 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,700 Sq. Ft. Sherri Mills 941-350-7112 A4557120 $3,499,900

LONGBOAT KEY 3527 Fair Oaks Lane 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,154 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4554063 $3,149,000

LONGBOAT KEY 830 Tarawitt Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,447 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4545868 $2,995,000

LONGBOAT KEY 600 De Narvaez Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,971 Sq. Ft. Olivia Marciniak 941-400-1623 A4545926 $2,995,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3402 Fair Oaks Lane 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,510 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4559729 $1,850,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2550 Harbourside Drive 322 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,830 Sq. Ft. Rachel Benderson & Stacy Hanan 941-376-0218 A4547892 $1,550,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3235 Gulf Of Mexico Drive A301 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,515 Sq. Ft. Steven Schield 941-650-1010 A4556863 $1,450,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2425 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 2E 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,470 Sq. Ft. Beverly St Hilaire & Julie Klick 818-416-2505 A4558621 $1,395,000

LONGBOAT KEY 530 De Narvaez Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,944 Sq. Ft. Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4553308 $1,380,000

LIDO KEY 1800 Benjamin Franklin Drive A603 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,350 Sq. Ft. Marybeth Flynn 941-704-1477 A4554471 $1,300,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1110 Bogey Lane 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,614 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4551888 $1,195,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1085 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 305 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,819 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4556271 $1,195,000

LONGBOAT KEY 100 Sands Point Road 208 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,492 Sq. Ft. Steve Walter & Janet Walter 941-809-0907 A4550818 $1,050,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3630 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 201 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,486 Sq. Ft. Sean Clark & JoDene Moneuse 941-312-1146 A4548094 $895,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4401 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 503 1 Bed 1 Baths 896 Sq. Ft. Michael Nink & Sandi Layfield 941-914-2805 A4556888 $797,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4320 Falmouth Drive B202 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,072 Sq. Ft. Bill Anderson & Adrienne Scott 941-313-4059 A4558803 $749,000

LONGBOAT KEY 730 Spanish Drive S 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,255 Sq. Ft. Sean Clark 941-312-1146 A4541965 $699,500

LONGBOAT KEY 4320 Falmouth Drive B102 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,072 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4554376 $635,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4380 Exeter Drive H103 2 Beds 2 Baths 992 Sq. Ft. Maruta Miluns 941-374-9702 A4552083 $619,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4400 Exeter Drive J-208 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,168 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4550333 $550,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4310 Falmouth Drive A105 1 Bed 1 Baths 747 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4553673 $479,900

LONGBOAT KEY 3802 Gulf Of Mexico Drive A203 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,007 Sq. Ft. Stephen Harris 941-780-2352 A4556190 $475,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4760 Gulf Of Mexico Drive V-7 1 Bed 1 Baths 812 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4556478 $425,000

LONGBOAT KEY 781 Hideaway Bay Drive 4 Beds 4 Baths 5,469 Sq. Ft. Mark J Baron 631-800-1125 A4554268 $6,500,000

LONGBOAT KEY 5910 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,210 Sq. Ft. Steve Walter & Janet Walter 941-809-0907 A4559091 $6,295,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4975 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 305 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,122 Sq. Ft. Steve Walter 941-809-0907 A4557519 $5,495,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 395685-1

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

JAN. 30-FEB. 3

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

A

home in John Ringling Estates tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Maurice and Ellen Guinan, of Littleton, Colorado, sold their home at 408 Jackson Drive to BL LaRue Real Estate LLC for $2.8 million.

Built in 1955, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,344 square feet of living area. It sold for $750,000 in 2004.

THE WATER CLUB AT LONGBOAT KEY

Jacqueline Taylor, of Buffalo, New York, sold the Unit 303 condominium at 1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Thomas Eaton and Elizabeth Marie Fernandez, of Alpharetta, Georgia, for $2.71 million. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, four baths and 3,054 square feet of living area. It sold for $827,800 in 1999.

JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

Michael and Sandra Podolak, trustees, of Sarasota, sold twoproperties at 136 Coolidge Drive to 136 Coolidge Drive LLC for $2.5 million. The first property was built in 1947, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,124 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1973, and it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,120 square feet of living area They sold for $317,500 in 2000.

BIRD KEY

Trudy Blackwell Barry, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 429 Pheasant Way to Thomas Andrew Vella and Cynthia Jean Vella, of Lake Angelus, Michigan, for $2 million. Built in 1975, it has three

REAL ESTATE

St. Armands home tops sales at $2.8 million

31

Photo courtesy of Judy Kepecz-Hays

The home at 408 Jackson Drive sold for $2.8 million.

bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,706 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,166,500 in 2020.

SPANISH MAIN YACHT CLUB

Barbara Zena Dulko Speed, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the Unit 72 condominium at 948 Spanish Drive S. to Margaret Richlin, of Columbia, Maryland, for $1,005,000. Built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,399 square feet of living area. It sold for $145,000 in 1992.

COREY’S LANDING

Frank and Kathleen Burke, of University Park, sold the home at 3565 Mistletoe Lane to Gary and Cynthia Adams, of Longboat Key, for $1.8 million. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,158 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,015,000 in 2016.

LONGBEACH

Robert and Lorraine Kenny, of Bradenton, sold their Unit 12 condominium at 7135 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Ronald Pawczuk and Nicole Pawczuk, trustees, of Bloomfield, Michigan, for $865,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,170 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2018.

TANGERINE BAY CLUB

Peter and Virginia Mermin sold their Unit 426 condominium at 370 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Marc Schupan, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $1.5 million. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,310 square feet of living area. It sold for $700,000 in 2019.

LONGBOAT BEACH HOUSE

HARBOUR VILLA CLUB AT BUCCANEER

Patrick and Mary Kondrat, trustees, of Naples, sold the home at 4311 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Patricia Nelson, trustee, of Cleveland, Oklahoma, for $1,159,000. Built in 1977, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,140 square feet of living area. It sold for $645,000 in 2021.

Susan Drew, Mary Van Til and H. Hames Shuck, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, sold their home at

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

615 Dream Island Place to Steven Peters, of Charlottesville, Virginia, for $859,000. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,293 square feet of living area. It sold for $200,000 in 1994.

INN ON THE BEACH

Equity Properties Ltd. sold the Unit 5203 condominium at 250 Sands Point Road to John Cowley Jr., of Bradenton, for $825,000.

Built in 1982, it has one bedroom, one bath and 640 square feet of living area. It sold for $320,000 in 2018.

WINDWARD BAY

Lee Abrahamson, trustee, sold the Unit 6-V-11 condominium at 4770 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Jeffrey Lane Harrington, of Oxford, Mississippi, for $505,000. Built in 1974, it has one bedroom, one bath and 812 square feet of living area. It sold for $460,000 in 2022.

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Feb. 3-9 in order of dollar amounts.

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS 603 Weston Pointe Court 1975 GMD #302

PERMIT Impact windows

APPLICANT Katherine M.

and doors

Coopersmith

Kitchen remodel

Deborah K. Deal

AMOUNT($) $151,205 $106,580

Revocable Trust

590 De Narvaez Drive

Anthony J. Marterie

SecoRock over

$84,400

wood deck and

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

TPO roof system 4390 Exeter Drive Unit 208 Interior alterations

Downtown St. Petersburg

Shawn A. White

$40,000

plus windows and doors 551 Broadway

Electrical

551 Broadway LLC

$40,000

6011 GMD

Generator

Elizabeth A. Dods

$39,974

Bathroom

Jon B. Baldwin Jr.

$26,948

550 Wedge Lane

Longboat Key

renovations 2309 Harbour Oaks Drive

Pool cage

569 Roundtree Drive

Demolition of single James J. Cardi

Margery L. Meltzer Trust

$17,067 $16,500

family residence 3419 Winding Oaks Drive

AC change out

Bonnie L. Platten

$15,300

1135 GMD #404

AC change out

Judy Lighter

$15,206

3522 Mistletoe Lane

Replace exterior door Victor Heckler

$13,850

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From $2.4MM to $10.9MM | Call for appointment | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com 1 FINAL OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE

and sidelites 2284 Harbour Court Drive AC change out

Patricia L. Gondelman

$13,617

2120 Harbourside Drive #615 AC change out

Thomas W. Keaveney

$13,000

1135 GMD #102

AC change out

Anne N. Slater

$11,490

3210 Bayou Sound

Replace garage doors Indenture of Trust

578 Jessmyth Drive

Impact sliding

Downtown Sarasota

$11,076

of Terrie L. Ducray Cengiz Aygun

$10,459

Joseph E. McDonough

$10,400

glass door AC change out

Revocable Trust

6600 GMD

Roof repair

Paul Gould

$10,000

680 Lyons Lane

AC change out

Nuruzzaman Syed

$9,969

100 Sands Point Road #115 Interior alterations

Muller Family Trust

$9,500

3030 Grand Bay Blvd. #326 Electrical

Thomas R. Murphy

$9,200

Revocable Trust

3740 GMD #116

AC change out

Diane M. Brandlein Trust

3710 GMD #C10

AC change out

Joseph Neri

$8,599

1105 GMD #201

AC change out

Susan Korbuly

$8,568

The Collection | 941.232.2868 | thecollection1335.com

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

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

$9,145

Source: Town of Longboat Key

mscdeveloperservices.com | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of December 2022

Licensed Real Estate Broker

395721-1

3561 Fair Oaks Lane

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

RESHAPING THE FACE OF HIV SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2023, 6:30 PM THE TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART

HONORARY CHAIR: RONALD A. CHRISTALDI

LAVERNE COX FEATURING

PRESENTED BY

FOR TICKET AND SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION VISIT: CANCOMMUNITYHEALTH/RED-RIBBON-GALA CALL: 941-300-4440 X10182

398601-1

32

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, FEB. 17

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

High: 76 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 24%

Thursday, Feb. 16

7:06a

6:23p

Friday, Feb. 17

7:05a

6:23p

Saturday, Feb. 18

7:05a

6:24p

Sunday, Feb. 19

7:04a

6:25p

SATURDAY, FEB. 18

Monday, Feb. 20

7:03a

6:25p

High: 74 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 1%

Tuesday, Feb. 21

7:02a

6:26p

Wednesday, Feb. 22

7:01a

6:27p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, FEB. 19 High: 75 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 6%

Feb. 20 New

Feb. 27 First

March 7 Full

March 14 Last

TIDES Highs Lows

E.J. Benioni captured this photo of a crab coming out of its shell on Longboat Key.

Thursday, Feb. 16

—

7:51p

4:13a

—

Friday, Feb. 17

—

9:07p

5:10a

—

Saturday, Feb. 18

12:59p

10:13p

5:59a

4:16p

Sunday, Feb. 19

1:05p

11:12p

6:40a

5:22p

Monday, Feb. 20

—

1:15p

7:17a

6:21p

Tuesday, Feb. 21

12:06a

1:27p

7:48a

7:18p

Wednesday, Feb. 22

1:00a

1:43p

8:14a

8:14p

Voting for this year’s contest is open through Feb. 27. The photo that receives the most votes will receive a $500 gift card. To vote, visit YourObserver.com/contests. Stay tuned for the 2023-24 contest and prize information.

IT’S TIME TO VOTE!

Remember you can vote up to once per hour.

Weather

&Nature

2022-23 PHOTO CONTEST

Sponsored by

YOUR VOTE COULD HELP SOMEONE WIN $500

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

A REFLECTION OF NATURE’S BEAUTY

celebrity cipher

DOWN

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sudoku

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

©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

395908-1

128 Less fatty 129 Red and Black 130 Craze 131 Lays down the lawn 132 Get away from

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Three Clue: R equals F

SPLIT PEAS by Sam Koperwas and Jeff Chen, edited by David Steinberg

Puzzle Two Clue: Z equals B

crossword

Puzzle One Clue: K equals F

397846-1

NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 27

The Observer’s

2-16-23

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

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

WEEKLY MONTHLY

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

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE! SAW horses $40/ea.

Convection oven, $40. Portable “bag” chairs $15. White Golf shoes (9) $50. 941-228-9467

Items Under $200

Boats

CHANDELIER, BROWN METAL, MANY BULBS, LIKE NEW $25.

(941) 920-2494

SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING

GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE!

Professional, mobile bottom painting.

MALIBU PILATES chair (bold) instructional photo chart included. $90. 214-587-6878

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

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

Sporting Goods NEW BIKE Never used top-rated rust-resistant Priority 26" 3-speed cruiser bike. Pix/reviews available.

Value $750. Make offer.

917-626-8884.

RED PAGES

AD RATES

First 15 words .................... $ 17.50 per week Each add’l word ..........50¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com /RedPages

Call (941)704-9382

The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice!

stuff

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

Merchandise Wanted

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

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty

Help Wanted

Since 1939

HOME & Office Cleaners Wanted $620/Weekly Cleaning Position: Available Working Days: Mon-Fri Time Schedule: 11 AM - 2 P Minimum Requirement Email: candice75312@gmail.com

www.rentalsonlongboat.com

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

home services

Items Under $200

SEASONAL RATES

jobs

The Longboat Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Longboat Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

This week’s Crossword answers

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

Health Services

Autos Wanted This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I knew Rita Hayworth only enough to know that she was just a tender, sensitive, beautiful human being.”

Kim Novak

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Puzzle Two Solution: “Love is friendship on fire.” -- Susan Sontag / “We love because it’s the only true adventure.”

Nikki Giovanni

STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area.

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

Puzzle Three Solution: “Most grown-ups forget what it was like to be a kid. I vowed that I would never forget.”

“The Simpsons” creator Matt Groening

WE BUY cars. top $$ paid for your vehicles.

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

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

Call 941-383-3338.

PEACE OF MIND FOR CLIENT RETIRED TEACHER RELIABLE AND REASONABLE CALL OR TEXT CRIS 847-217-3722

EPIC HOME CARE Personal Care-Respite Care Alzheimer’s Care Light Cleaning Med Administration Meal Prep Shopping, Errands & More

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE YourObserver.com/RedPages

Auto Transport

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

NEED HOME HEALTH CARE? SPECIALIZE IN T.L.C ATTENTION

Call for a FREE Evaluation!

941-536-6372 Epichomecareprovider@gmail Rosa Torres- Owner

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

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

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

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

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING HIGH-END INTERIOR PAINTING WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

This week’s Sudoku answers

Adult Care Services

Auto Service

NEED PRIVATE CARE? FIL-AM PRIVATE DUTY HOME CARE LLC THE CARE THAT YOU CAN TRUST

WE OFFER PRIVATE IN-HOME CARE SERVICES PERSONAL CARE

941-915-4588

HoHoBuysCars.com

5-Star Rated

397538

BEYOND HOME SERVICE 941-730-3027

FAST • EASY • SAFE

941.270.4400

PRE & POST SURGERY SERVICES

support@filamprivatedutyhomecare.com

SELL YOUR CAR! WE COME TO YOU

ALZHEIMER/ DEMENTIA ASSISTANCE

©2023 NEA, Inc.

397440

peekers’ place

You’re only cheating yourself.

©2023 Universal Uclick

real estate

auto

Adult Care Services

YourObserver.com

Beauty

Home Watch

Amanda Abizaid

Pinnacle Home Watch.com Stop Worrying About Your Home While Away

Hairstylist Colorist Makeup Artist

Located in salons by jc 200 Central Ave. Suite 15, Sarasota

Dave and Connie Grundy

LOS ANGELES HAIRSTYLIST NOW IN SARASOTA

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

www.thewinwinservices.com

support@thewinwinservices.com

397436

rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com www.rockstarmobilehairsalon.com

Personal Services

397370

424.333.0713

398643

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Roofing

Doors

Home Watch

Sliding Glass Door Repair

FIRST RESPONDER OWNED & OPERATED

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

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

dan@shorelockhomewatch.com

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

www.shorelockhomewatch.com

1/10/23, 10:25 AM

Handyman

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES 397536

Health

GET YOUR LIFE BACK! 396976

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS Showcase your products or services.

CALL 941-955-4888

150

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

Chrissy Stites LMT, CMCE

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING, LLC

5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

High-End Interior Painting Services FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

CALL OR TEXT 941-900-9398 TODAY! OWNER: DON HUBIAK

SPECIAL 00 CREATE BUZZ!

Call 941-955-4888

398642

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

397541

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

ows

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

Painting

Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239

25

UP TO

Rest your mind & body. Connect with your spirit.

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

Lic./Ins.

STANDARD WINDOWS

5610 Gulf of Mexico Dr Unit 2 Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-263-3948

1/1

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

MediCupping & Massage Therapy services for healing

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

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

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

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

397550

RED PAGES

Res./Com.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#search/royaltreasurecasino%40yahoo.com?projector=1

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

Heart & Sole Healing Space, LLC

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

All Airports, Hourly & Tours www.blacklabelcarservice.com

Windows

Massage

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

941-248-4734

Booked Referral Program Next Ride with Booked Referral

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

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772 KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

10% off

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

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

Luxury for Less

398256

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

398648

941-504-0903

396972

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

397549

MIC INSURANCE

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

Transportation

Insurance

Furniture Repair

397548

(941)544-0475 397540

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

397543

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

ROGER SELLS LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES #1 SARASOTA SINGLE AGENT 2008 - 2022

3030 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #346

$3,000,000

Panoramic, direct views of Sarasota Bay, Harbourside golf course and downtown’s skyline are the star of the show as soon as you enter this lovely 3BR Antigua residence at Grand Bay. Perfectly placed in a corner spot on the best side of Building III, this sun-drenched getaway spans nearly 3,000 SF, and comes complete with two parking spaces.

www.GrandBay346.com

101 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DRIVE #91

$1,495,000

Experience the ideal Lido Beach lifestyle at St. Armands Towers. This custom residence offers breathtaking Gulf and sunset views, with lovely upgrades throughout. Offering 2BR, open layout, and spacious terrace, there’s plenty of space to relax and entertain. Lovely amenities, covered parking, and convenient beach access complete this inspired getaway.

www.StArmandsTowers91.com

97 SOUTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

$11,500,000

1172 HORIZON VIEW DRIVE

$6,995,000

3040 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #251

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.

Enjoy the beach in your backyard! 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.

Sunny bay views welcome you to this 5thfloor Antigua residence, featuring a open concept, 3BR layout waiting for you to add your custom touches. Also includes deeded parking and private beach club access.

www.97SouthWashington.com

www.1172HorizonView.com

www.GrandBay251.com

455 LONGBOAT CLUB ROAD #603

$2,495,000

201 NORTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

$2,500,000

5311 10TH AVENUE DRIVE WEST

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

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.

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.ThePierre603.com

www.201NorthWashington.com

www.FairwayManor5311.com

$2,695,000

$599,000

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE TOUR (941) 387-1840 443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F | Sarasota, FL 34236 595 Bay Isles Road, Suite 250 | Longboat Key, FL 34228 Pettingell.com | www.bestSarasotarealestate.net Twitter.com/RealRoger | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell | Roger@Pettingell.com Owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC

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