Longboat Observer 2.23.23

LONGBOAT

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

The Temple turns 44.

PAGE 14

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

VOLUME 45, NO. 29

Job of a lifetime

YOUR TOWN

Project executive for the St. Regis digs into details of its construction. PAGE 3

It’s a Ruff Life

Lesley Dwyer

Flipping pancakes and art

Canines in costumes strut their stuff. PAGE 20

The residents of Seaplace may wear aprons as often as swimsuits. The grills and griddles were hot on Feb. 18 for the condominiums’ annual pancake breakfast.

It was a gorgeous Saturday morning, so breakfast stayed outside on the patio. The menu was fluffy pancakes with grilled sausages from Detwiler’s Farm Market and a side of art.

The clubhouse was turned into an art gallery for the day, where residents could display anything they’ve painted or made. The pieces ranged from original oil paintings to handmade cards and jewelry. Many of the items were up for sale, and Madeline Wikler gave a watercolor painting demonstration following breakfast.

Lesley Dwyer

Ruby and Kay Cox win for best costume at the Bird Key Yacht Club’s dog parade. The event raised more than $4,000 for Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue.

File photo

A+E

Bishop goes to Washington

A tour of music.

INSIDE

Commissioner BJ Bishop recently arrived back to the barrier island after a trip to Washington, D.C., where she acted as the Longboat Key representative to the Manasota League of Cities.

She acted as the Key’s representative when discussing with members of Florida’s congressional delegation key issues that affect municipalities.

Some of those issues include cybersecurity funding, community development block grants and reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program.

“It was a great trip,” Bishop said in a news release. “All of the Senate and House offices we were able to meet with gave us positive feedback on our key issues.”

Bishop was accompanied by more than 50 other city leaders from across the state.

Lauren Tronstad

Sips specializes in coffee, juices and smoothies.

Now open for business Sips coffee shop and a mental health practice open on the Key. PAGE 6

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Electric vehicles spark conversation The conversation has returned as the town debates how best to serve residents with electric vehicles.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

E

lectric vehicles have circled back as a hot topic on Longboat Key ahead of a workshop being held on the vehicles and other green initiatives.

The need for more charging stations has been an on-again off-again conversation in the town for some time.

Currently, the town only has one town-owned electric vehicle charging station. The station is located at

NEARBY CHARGING STATIONS Residents can also access other charging stations on both the north and south ends of the island: NORTH OF LONGBOAT n 1335 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach n 5418 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach n 505 Pine Ave., Anna Maria SOUTH OF LONGBOAT n 1703 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota (free with ChargePoint card) n 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota (free for use at Mote Marine Museum and Aquarium) n 50 Fillmore Drive St., Armands Key ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE n 47 North Adams Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236 n 407-415 Monroe Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236 n 700 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236 SARASOTA n Tesla supercharging station: 5903 Honore Ave., Sarasota, FL 34238

Bayfront Park. The station is free,but can only accommodate one car at a time.

Whitney’s on the north end has a charging station, but it only accommodates Tesla vehicles. Private charging stations include one for residents only at Marina Bay and a members-only station at Longboat Key Club.

The number does not account for visitors to the island who might be seeking a charge.

However, resident David Novak has taken it upon himself to begin discussions with Bank of America.

The idea came after he noticed the bank’s overflow lot, the corporation’s support of electric vehicles and a Florida Power and Light transformer nearby.

“It would certainly be a benefit to the community,” he said.

Earlier this month, the corporation announced new loan options that would allow buyers to finance their electric vehicles and charging stations at the same time.

He emailed the regional president of the bank, who expressed interest in moving forward with the idea and forwarded it on to higher-ups.

About three months have passed since then, with Novak only receiving correspondence that the bank needs more time to consider the idea and potential next steps.

Although no formal agreement has been reached, Bank of America representatives have been notified of the town’s workshop.

The possibility of adding additional charging stations within the town is not a new idea.

A program from Florida Power and Light’s “EVolution” grant program, which if approved in 2021, would have paid for the town to install up to four more stations on the Key. However, commissioners decided to vote against the installation after knowing the town would be responsible for paying for the electricity needed to power the stations.

After the contract’s seven-year term, the town would have had to purchase the charging stations to continue using them. The charg-

Lauren Tronstad

ELECTRIC VEHICLES ON LONGBOAT As of September 2022, the town has 176 battery electric vehicles and 39 plug-in hybrid vehicles registered within the town.

ing stations were estimated to cost between $35,000 and $55,000 each, in addition to about $2,000 in annual maintenance.

“As a town, we really didn’t want to get involved in paying for other people’s power,” Schneier said. “We were happy to facilitate discussions and work with condominium properties in terms of permitting and

whatever may be necessary to enable property owners to install charging stations. We weren’t so fond of creating a few stations here and there to have the taxpayer pay for whoever charges their vehicle.”

Some condominium properties allow their residents to have a private charging station installed and measured along with the residence uses so as to not increase costs for residents without electric cars.

However, Schneier said during conversations over time, condominium owners have voiced that some of their properties simply don’t have enough power coming to the property to allow for the individual stations.

“That’s an issue (the associations) are confronting, but I am not sure there is an answer to it,” he said.

We are excited to announce the Grand Re-Opening of our Port Charlotte Store. The community was devastated as was our store by the damage caused from Hurricane Ian. We are celebrating with a Grand Re-Opening Sale in all of our locations... Port Charlotte, Venice, South Sarasota, North Sarasota, Bradenton and Ellenton.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

LEADING THE ST. REGIS Project executive Josh Mutchler leads over 500 people every day on the Residences at the St. Regis Longboat Key project.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

N

o day is the same when working on the $800 million, two-and-a-halfyear-long construction of the Residences at the St. Regis Longboat Key. After more than 20 years working in construction, project executive Josh Mutchler is the one charged with overseeing the largest project to be developed on Longboat Key since Arvida started shaping the Key in the 1970s.

In a typical work week, which usually lasts from Monday to Saturday, Mutchler can spend as many as 11 hours per day on the project site.

He works for Moss, one of a few contracting teams that work together to build the hotel and condominiums. The primary two teams include a superintendent team, which handles the construction, and a project management team, which handles the paperwork, pricing and designs.

The majority of Mutchler’s days are spent working to collaborate with agencies covering the design and construction of the project.

“A lot of your days are in meetings going through that coordination between teams,” he said. “We do a lot of pricing changes. There’s a lot of changes on these jobs with additions and adjustments.”

As small issues arise, which the team prefers to call “management opportunities,” they will gather to discuss the origin of the issue, how to address it and ways to prevent it from happening again.

“My main focus on the management side is making sure we get that material to the gate,” he said. “A lot of our day is spent tracking deliveries and making sure we know when things are coming.”

Looking ahead as much as six months is crucial for a project of this size, he said, especially with the state of the supply chain and longer lead times.

As far as his responsibilities go, the safety of the employees is his top priority.

“They’re here to do a job and make a living, take care of their families,” he said. “The last thing we want to do is have anybody get hurt.”

Other responsibilities he has to keep in check include ensuring the project stays on schedule and stays within budget. Upon completion, the project is estimated to cost $800 million.

Mutchler works with superintendents on the project to ensure the entire team is getting along as best they can when each week workers tend to see one another more than their families.

WHAT IT TAKES

A project of this size requires a lot of different materials (and people) in high quantities.

These are just a few of the components going into the project. n 6,500 tons of reinforcing rebar, which is the equivalent of about 538 school buses n 850 windows, budgeted at about $9 million n 166 hotel rooms n 69 condominiums, which range in size from 1,553 square feet to 5.895 square feet n 29 elevators n 42 bodies of water, which include private pools n Four water features including a saltwater lagoon, hotel pool and a lazy river n $4 million planned for spending on light fixtures n 70,000 cubic yards of concrete. The amount is enough to fill 21 Olympic-sized swimming pools n More than 3,000 people will have worked on the project at one time or another by its completion. About 500 people work on site each day.

Photos by Lauren Tronstad

He also helps keep up communication with neighbors of the construction site. Weekly emails are sent to property owners around the property to keep them updated. If complaints arise, meetings can be scheduled with the neighbor on-site to discuss the issue and give them a clear view of what is going on and why certain noises are made.

“Our goal is to be super courteous to our neighbors,” he said. “We’re disrupting their lives for two years.

We’re making noise, making dust.

We want to be as respectful as we can.”

As one can imagine, a lot of materials — and people — are needed to successfully build a project, especially one of this size.

Materials, supplies and equipment for the project were purchased in advance in preparation for the likely long delivery times that developers across the country are facing following the pandemic.

A 40,000-square-foot warehouse was rented in Sarasota for storage of the materials that weren’t needed right away. For example, as equipment and steel poles were procured for the project, they were placed in the warehouse until crews got the go ahead to move them to the site.

At the moment, as the buildings are being constructed, materials needed for the current phase of the project are kept in spaces not being actively worked in.

About 500 workers show up to the site each day, but in lieu of not making traffic more congested in the area and just a lack of parking on the lot, workers park in a garage on St. Armands Circle before taking a shuttle to the work site.

A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE

When working on a project the size of the St. Regis project, it is easy to get stuck in the day to day. Mutchler tries to ensure he and his colleagues remember the grandeur of the proj-

Project executive Josh Mutchler spends upwards of 11 hours per day on the site.

Portions of the hotel already have windows in place.

ect they are undertaking.

“I’ve done condos of the size we’re doing condos here,” he said. “I’ve done hotels the size we’re doing here, but never at the same time. This is a unique job. You don’t see this kind of property on the beach being developed to this level.”

Mutchler’s favorite part of the project is the people he gets to work with every day.

“The biggest joy I get is watching people be successful on this team and work hard and be able to work on this iconic project,” he said. “I keep telling them ‘You’re not going to get this chance again.’”

Five buildings are working their way through construction, a fivestory hotel on the north end of the property, three five-story condo buildings on the south side of the property and a single-floor amenities building in between.

The project is in construction on a 17.6-acre lot of the previous home of the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort.

The last slab of concrete for the whole project was poured Feb. 16, Mutchler said. The final pour will be formally celebrated at a private topping-off ceremony Friday, Feb. 24.

The project remains on track for completion in July 2024.

More than a year into construction, project developer Unicorp wants to change parking plans and build a three-level parking garage on the northeast corner of the property.

If approved, the garage would replace a plan to install mechanical lifts in the already-approved ground level garage under the hotel building.

The multilevel garage would be built on the site of an already approved outdoor surface lot.

In replacing the mechanical lift spaces and surface lot, parking spaces would increase from 100 to 157. The proposal could go before the town’s Planning and Zoning Board as early as March.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Longboat couple show CARE for retirees Mike and Lynn Madden work to bring a program to their winter home focusing on the well being of retirees.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat Key snowbird couple Mike and Lynn Madden are hoping to bring a safety program to the barrier island.

The two founded the nonprofit Center for Aging Resources and Enrichment at LeMoyne College in New York about five years ago with the desire to help retirees explore their individualism and self-worth now that they are without a job title.

The idea was Lynn’s after working at the college and wanting to help colleagues who had retired.

Up north, the program focuses on three pillars: spirituality, health care and education.

The education component takes center stage in the program that the couple is hoping to circulate on Longboat Key, focusing on scams, fraud and safety in and out of the home.

With the help of town Code Enforcement Officer Chris Kopp, the Maddens have come up with ideas for about 12 modules to address “the increasing need of seniors to protect themselves in a changing environment.”

The program was previewed at a recent Kiwanis Club meeting, and Your home should reflect the couple said they received good who you are and how feedback.

“None of it was negative,” Lynn you want to live. We’ve said. “The videos prompted them designed over 1,700 luxury to share their own personal experiences.” homes on Longboat Key, She recalled common experiences Bird Key, and St. Armands. shared through emails and text mes- Owner, Brian Phipps sages stating people targeted needed to provide social security or bank $ information to regain access to their financial accounts.

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which is the process of luring someone into a relationship with a fake online persona.

The series is in its early stages, but the Maddens want to continue showing modules at Kiwanis. The next module would focus on driving safety — an area of particular interest as the town’s busy season has arrived and more people are on the roads.

As the program takes shape on the Key, the Maddens said they would be open to bringing more of the original program to the Gulf Coast. Combating loneliness is a focus that Lynn believes would be beneficial.

“It all depends on the support and receptivity we get,” Mike said.

Other organizations that have expressed interest in partnering with the Maddens include St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church and The Paradise Center.

The couple hopes that as word gets out about the program, more partnership opportunities will arise and allow them to get a better understanding of the needs of the area.

Although there is uncertainty surrounding where the program will go next, they expressed confidence that interest in the program’s topics will grow on the Key.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

5

Town works to fix north end flooding LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

F

looding is an issue for many neighborhoods on Longboat Key, leaving some feeling left behind as Buttonwood Harbour and Sleepy Lagoon neighborhoods get targeted solutions to their flooding problems.

Residents in other neighborhoods on the north end of the island find themselves wondering if their issues have been forgotten or if they are just further down the line.

“Several neighbors asked why Buttonwood Harbour and (Sleepy Lagoon) were chosen to study when (Tropical Storm) Eta proved the lowest locations on the island were located throughout the north end,” resident Ashlie Thomison wrote in a Facebook message to The Observer.

Thomison lives on St. Judes Drive near Joan Durante Park.

She cited that following the tropical storm in 2020, many residents in her neighborhood had to gut their homes due to damages.

“It’s just a question of triage or prioritization of what has to happen first,” Mayor Ken Schneier said.

The town’s Public Works department has worked with engineers, including Kimley-Horn, to identify areas prone to flooding and the damages related to help the Town Commission decide where to put dollars first.

“In light of the recent reports for Sleepy Lagoon and Buttonwood neighborhoods, we have asked Kimley-Horn and Associates to take another look at the Village studies and ensure they are in line with current recommendations,” Public

Works Director Isaac Brownman said in an email. “For pursuing grant applications, the town is including the Village area drainage as part of those grant requests.”

Residences on the north end, particularly The Village, were hit hard with storm surge and heavy rains from Tropical Storm Eta with waters rising into homes. However, it doesn’t take a tropical storm to flood roads on the island. Many neighborhoods on the north end are more susceptible to flooding during high tide or a heavy afternoon storm than their neighbors on the south end.

Two studies have already been completed in Longbeach Village as it has previously been identified as one of the lowest lying areas on the Key. In 2016, the town paid $35,940 to Venice-based DMK Associates Inc. to evaluate the stormwater system in the Village and suggest solutions.

New seawalls, stormwater valves or pumping systems were among solutions presented in the report.

In 2018, in hopes of combating some of the flooding issues, the town’s Public Works department installed WaStop Inline Check Valves. The valves are a flexible, hollow cone-shaped barrier with its apex facing inward and upward.

When stormwater fills the pipe, the pressure lifts the bottom of the barrier, allowing stormwater out.

When the tide rises above the valve, water fills the sealed hollow barrier, stopping it from flowing inward.

Even with the new valves installed, five years later, flooding is still an issue in the Village.

Lyons Lane was among the first problem areas addressed by raising the road and tipping it to change the direction of water flow. To Schneier’s knowledge, the improvement is serving its purpose, he said.

In February 2022, the town identified Buttonwood Harbour and Sleepy Lagoon neighborhoods as areas of concern and hired KimleyHorn to conduct the study.

Studies have been conducted in Longbeach Village and most recently Buttonwood Harbour and Sleepy Lagoon.

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

The final report was provided to the commission with possible next steps in December 2022.

Sleepy Lagoon neighborhood solutions focused on raising roads in phases including: n Phase 1: Norton Street, which could cost about $1.35 million n Phase 2: Bayview Drive and Penfield Street, which is projected to cost $1.86 million n Phase 3: General Harris Street and Marbury Lane, which is projected to cost $1.72 million n Phase 4: Da Narvaez Drive and Juan Anasco Drive, which could cost about $1.15 million Buttonwood Harbour proposed solutions included the following projects: n Project 1: Buttonwood Drive and Winslow Place road reconstruction, which is expected to cost $1.48 million

File photos

The streets around the Village flood during storms but also during high tides. n Project 2: Flow diversion, which is estimated to cost $540,000 n Project 3: Ditch optimization, which is estimated to cost $540,000 n Project 4: Longview shoreline stabilization and reconstruction, which is expected to cost $510,000 n Project 5: Buttonwood shoreline stabilization, which is expected to

cost $84,000 n Project 6: Monroe Street saltwater marsh, which is estimated to cost $104,000 The town dedicated about $1.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to be used to offset costs of recommended actions of the neighborhood and sea level rise studies.

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With several low-lying areas throughout the Key, the town considers its priorities to address flooding.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Two new businesses open on Longboat Sips coffee shop and a mental health private practice have opened their doors on the barrier island.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

T

wo new businesses have recently opened their doors on the north end of Longboat Key. One is a coffee shop in Whitney Plaza. The other is above the Lazy Lobster.

SIPS

A diary entry about a childhood dream to own a coffee shop has become a reality for Justina Condensa with the opening of Sips coffee shop.

The dream started coming to fruition when her father, Mike, who owns Performance Pilates in Whitney Plaza, heard of an opening and encouraged his daughter to take a look at the property.

After touring the property with her fiance, Chris Carter, he recalled saying to her “Let’s just do it.”

“It was kind of a spur-of-themoment decision,” Carter said.

The pair had been living in Atlanta working within their joint passion — fitness.

Condensa worked as a Pilates instructor and Carter as a personal trainer. They recalled growing tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and knew they wanted to look elsewhere.

The couple moved to the area in late July while the shop was being built out how they envisioned it.

“It took longer than I initially expected,” Condensa said. “We really learned the value of patience.”

She did not recall facing any particular hiccups in the process, but

when entering it, did not realize what opening a business on the barrier island would entail, such as permitting and the town’s approval process.

While the coffee shop is in its early days, the couple continues to do fitness instruction at Performance Pilates when the coffee shop isn’t open.

Condensa’s coffee shop, which is run with the help of Carter, celebrated its soft opening Feb. 13 in Whitney Plaza, 6828 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The shop specializes in coffees, smoothies and juices, leading to the name Sips.

“We were in the car moving down here brainstorming ideas (for the shop name),” Condensa said. “We had this giant list.”

When brainstorming, the couple continued with the notion “everyone can sip something” at the location, she said. Taking that idea literally, the couple decided to move forward with naming the shop Sips.

The official grand opening of the coffee shop is going to be held March 1. Currently, the shop’s hours are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. However, they have consistently stayed open later to meet the demand of customers happening upon the shop.

In the few days the shop has been open, the couple agreed the powerhouse smoothie has likely been their most popular menu item. It includes banana, strawberry, blueberry, cherry, almond milk and vanilla protein powder.

Other popular items include lattes and avocado toast. Condensa makes the mash for the toast before opening each morning to ensure freshness.

MENTAL HEALTH PRIVATE PRACTICE

Danae Koeper hopes to meet the needs of Longboat Key’s residents with her new private practice located above the Lazy Lobster, 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Lesley Dwyer

“There’s not a lot of mental health care on Longboat,” she said. “Mental health can be a stigma and can go unaddressed at times ... there’s a definite need for more mental wellness on Longboat Key.” The practice has only been open for a few weeks.

Koeper has been a licensed therapist for more than 20 years. Nine of those years were spent in the center of a lot of grief as she worked with hospice patients and their families.

“There is a lot of grief and loss out here,” she said of the barrier island’s demographic.

She is hopeful that her practice, and the convenience of not having to leave the island, will help residents improve their mental health.

Much like Condensa, she has known since she was young that she wanted to pursue a career that would link her passions of helping people and psychology.

“I’ve always had a passion for helping other people,” she said.

Koeper received her master’s degree in social work and license for therapy from the University of South

“Mental health can be a stigma and can go unaddressed at times ... there’s a definite need for more mental wellness on Longboat Key.”

Justina Condensa and Chris Carter own and operate Sips in Whitney Plaza.

— Danae Koeper

Florida. She has lived in the area since 1976 with some time spent in Sarasota, Siesta Key and Lido Key before she made the move onto Longboat Key just less than a decade ago.

Individuals or couples seeking therapy can make a free 15-minute consultation with Koeper before deciding whether to pursue fulltime care with her. She is accepting new patients and urges anyone interested to check out her page on Psychology Today, which also lists her contact information.

Make it a Day! Jump start your day with a cold brew coffee and sand volleyball before squeezing in a spa treatment and an afternoon of shopping. And as the sun begins to set, gather family and friends for dinner and drinks under the stars. Whether you’re in the shops, on the Plaza, or at the park, you’ll find new ways to spend the day at Waterside Place every time you come. Our year-round events, Sunday farmers’ market and weekly live music are open to everyone.

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Artist’s Rendering

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Artist’s Rendering

7

Artist’s Rendering

The Next Evolution of Legendary Luxury

Introducing 78 Grand New Residences on Sarasota’s Bayfront Presentation Gallery Now Open in The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.499.8704 | TheResidencesSarasotaBay.com

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Bay are not owned, developed or sold by Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates (“Ritz-Carlton”). KT Sarasota South, LLC uses The Ritz-Carlton marks under a license from Ritz-Carlton, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made herein.

PRESENTED BY

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Broker Participation Welcomed and Encouraged. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER 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.

8

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Mind the Mental Health Gap Nearly two years after forming a mental health district, the Sarasota County Commission has yet to distribute $8 million in funding. Now Commissioner Mike Moran wants to restructure the process — and what services get funded.

EMILY WALSH

O

nce the champion behind creating a mental health taxing district to raise funds for mental health services, Commissioner Mike Moran seemed visibly upset during the Nov. 15, 2022 Sarasota County Commission meeting after the board-appointed Behavioral Health Advisory Council (BHAC) presented its funding recommendations, commenting, “Boy, we’ve lost our way.”

After years of research, surveys and hundreds of hours of volunteer committee work, the commission wants more time to discuss the process of funding human services and behavioral health programs and exactly what services should be funded with taxpayer dollars at a March 8 workshop.

“I don’t think there is another county in the country, especially in Florida, that has done as much research and no action has been done since 2018,” said Jennifer Johnston of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and a member of BHAC. “The lack of action is not improving any outcomes, and many people are struggling.”

In 2018, a University of South Florida research scan of mental health services in Sarasota County commissioned by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation identified gaps in mental health, behavioral and human services. A year later, Moran first introduced the idea of a mental health taxing district. This prompted the county to launch its own survey on the proposed district in 2020, in which 79% of respondents said they would be willing to pay more taxes to support mental health services. Commissioners created the Mental Health Dependent Special District in June 2021 and discussed raising the millage rate 1/10 of a mill, which would generate $6.5 million for behavioral health funding.

Ultimately, the commission did not raise taxes but put together a task force to assess mental health needs and appointed seven behavioral health experts and professionals to the BHAC to recommend funding for agencies and programs with the potentially earned $6.5 million as a guide. In March of 2022, the commission allocated $8 million of APRA funds to be distributed by the BHAC over three years beginning in 2023. From June to September of 2022, BHAC conducted 18 site visits and volunteered 526 hours evaluating 35 program applications. It finalized its funding

recommendations for 12 programs that addressed eight of nine boardapproved priorities with a request to rebid priority eight: “Increase psychiatric and outpatient capacity, particularly child and adolescent psychiatry.”

The BHAC presented these recommendations to county commissioners in November 2022. That meeting is where Moran’s frustration surfaced, especially when it came to priority eight. The BHAC recommended that priority eight applicant, Teen Court of Sarasota, not be funded for its Mental Health Counseling Expansion and Screening program. Moran’s wife, Lori, is chief operating officer of Teen Court of Sarasota. (As of press time, Moran did not respond for comment.)

After much discussion, the commission decided to delay the funding decision until the newly elected commissioners were in place and continued the agenda item until January. Prior to the Jan. 31 commission meeting, Moran attended a BHAC meeting where he presented a new proposal to restructure the process and what programs should be funded, causing alarm among multiple human services and behavioral health agencies.

In Moran’s new proposal, the BHAC would be replaced by a fiveperson advisory board appointed by the county commissioners. This new board would give recommendations on where Sarasota County should be spending resources with the commission setting the final priorities and allocating funds to the county staff. Staff would then review grant applications and bring back their recommendations to the commissioners, who would discuss and vote on the final allocations.

Moran has also proposed that social economic programs, such as: housing subsidies, daycare subsidies, job training and free legal services, should be funded by nonprofits, community foundations, religious institutions and philanthropists. And that taxpayer dollars should fund the following: ■ Jail Diversion — Programs that help reduce jail population and/or diverts incarceration.

Examples: Substance abuse facilities, drug-free youth programs, youth court diversion programs and county jail programs.

■ Mental Health & Substance Abuse — Focus on individual & family counseling services. Examples: Any organization that directly provides or sub-contracts licensed counseling services to families or individuals for mental health and/ or substance abuse, including inpatient services.

■ Food, Shelter & Safety — Basic human necessities such as nutrition and shelter. Examples: Food distribution, children’s supervised visitation programs, early childhood court, senior meal delivery programs, youth shelters and emergency shelters.

At a Behavioral Health Stakeholders Consortium meeting on Feb. 17, chaired by P.J. Brooks, COO of Community Assisted & Supported Living Inc. (CASL),the group

AGENCIES/PROGRAMS POTENTIALLY TO BE DEFUNDED Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc. ■ Sarasota County Caregiver Connection Program Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Inc. ■ One to One Mentoring Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, Inc. ■ Boys & Girls Clubs ■ Teen Program Children First, Inc. ■ Early Head Start/Early Childhood Education (0-3 years old) ■ Early Head Start/Early Childhood Education (3-5 years old) ■ Family First Institute/ Nurturing Dads (FFI)

■ Senior Outreach Services Loveland Center, Inc. (The) ■ Adult Day Training (ADT) NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties, inc.

■ NAMI EEC (Education, Empower, Connect) Parenting Matters ■ Parent Partner Program Safe Children Coalition, Inc. ■ Achievers ■ Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) Sarasota Housing Funding Corp.

■ Sarasota Housing Authority Youth Thrive

Florida Center for Early Childhood, Inc. (The) ■ The Starfish Academy

School Readiness Coalition of Sarasota County, Inc. (The) d/b/a/ Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County ■ Child Care Quality & Training ■ Child Care Training Senior Friendship Centers, Inc. ■ Caregiver Resource Center ■ In-Home Case Managed Services ■ Senior Centers

Forty Carrots of Sarasota, Inc. ■ Parenting Program

Women’s Resource Center of Manatee, Inc. ■ Project UpLift

Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County ■ Girls Inc.

YMCA of Southwest Florida Inc. (FKA SKY Family Young Men’s Christian Association, Inc.) ■ Early Childhood Education Initiative ■ School Age Care

Community Assisted & Supported Living, Inc. (CASL) ■ 16th Street Renaissance Manor ■ Arbor Village Life Skills Support

Jewish Family & Children’s Services of the Suncoast Inc.

highlighted multiple agencies and programs have the potential to be defunded (see box), under Moran’s new proposal. These organizations collectively received $1,971,128 in county funding in 2022.

Jon Thaxton, Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s senior vice president for community leadership and former Sarasota County commissioner, reminds us how blessed Sarasota County is with philanthropy. “However, we have this expectation or sense of entitlement that foundations will do it. Government is responsible for the health, safety and welfare of its citizens.

With mental health there is a group of citizens in crisis and declining.

It’s the government’s duty to provide so people can live sustainable lives, not end up in jails or youth programs or become a suicide statistic. Foundations can add to that.

If it were working the way it should, Sarasota County would have the model for the country.”

With all the time, research and expertise allocated to getting mental health services and funding correct thus far, we must be able to come to some sort of consensus so lives are not disrupted by programs and services going unfunded. Reach out to your commissioners and attend the workshop scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 8, at the Sarasota County Administration building.

“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

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

9

Lack of convention space — again — concerns leaders With the pending demolition of one major property, a go-to ballroom spot for Sarasota events is being taken off the board.

A LOOK BACK

MARK GORDON STAFF WRITER

T

he lack of a large, or even midsize, branded convention center and meeting space in downtown Sarasota — long an issue for business and civic leaders — is inching closer to an inflection point.

The crux of the issue: New owners of the Hyatt Regency, at 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, plan to demolish the hotel and rebuild it into a Hyatt-branded Thompson Hotel. A timeline for that project, originally set for summer 2024, isn’t definitive. But whenever the Hyatt goes, a 10,000-square-foot ballroom that can seat some 750 people will go with it.

“The Hyatt has been our meeting lifeline,” says Virginia Haley, President of Visit Sarasota County, the county’s tourism marketing arm.

VSC works with dozens of groups and associations globally to hold and host meetings and events in the region. The Hyatt is in the upper end but still reasonably priced sector of the market, and a popular spot for both out-of-town groups and locals.

The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County are among the organizations that have recently held major events there.

Sarasota Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Heather Kasten says when the Hyatt is gone, there will be only one primary downtown spot left to hold a large lunch or dinner event with a “ballroom experience.” That would be The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, down the street from the Hyatt Regency. The Ritz has a 12,000-square-foot ballroom that can hold 800 people for a banquet and 1,200 for a reception, according

Courtesy photo

Kolter Hospitality intends to demolish the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota and rebuild it into a Thompson-branded hotel.

to its website.

Kasten says for meetings or events with 200 to 250 people, there are multiple choices across Sarasota County. “But when you get to 500 and 600 people you are running out of options,” she says.

Multiple business leaders in the Sarasota community have heard 2024 is when the Hyatt will come down. But Hyatt Regency Sarasota General Manager Wes Santos says there’s no definitive date on when the development firm that bought the property, Kotler Hospitality, will begin the transformation to a Thompson-branded flag.

Santos says he’s instead focused on the here and now. “We’re not shying away from any convention center business,” Santos says. “We’re at the peak of it right now.”

Officials with Kolter Hospitality, a unit of Delray Beach-based Kolter Group, declined to comment,

CAPACITY CRUNCH LOCATION The Ritz-Carlton Hyatt Regency Art Ovation Hotel The Westin Hotel The Carlisle Inn and Conference Center Michael’s on East

SQUARE FEET 12,000 9,879 5,588 5,510 5,000 4,800

CAPACITY 800 750 678 520 500 430

Note: The Westin and Art Ovation are theater seating; Source: Visit Sarasota County, individual locations

through a spokeswoman, on a date or timing of the project. In a statement last May, when Kolter bought the property, Kolter Hospitality President Scott Webb confirmed Thompson as the hotel. Webb added that the company was in the “initial stages of the redevelopment plan … which will feature innovative design, luxury and personalized hospitality.”

At the Ritz, meanwhile, General

Manager Rajesh “Raj” Khubchandani says it’s mostly business-as-usual at the property, which he boasts is in a higher echelon in the local meeting and convention marketplace.

“There’s a possibility we might get some business” when the Hyatt closes, Khubchandani says, adding that the hotel offers a broader array of services and options than most others in the market.

The pending Hyatt closure also exacerbates an issue that’s long confounded many leaders in the region: Why doesn’t Sarasota, with its arts and culture a national, even global, draw, have a convention center?

“It’s odd for a county of our size,” Kasten says, “with 400,000 people, that we don’t have a convention center.”

It’s an issue that, at some level, has been floating around since the 1990s. In 1994, a study from KPMG Peat Marwick of St. Petersburg found that Sarasota “needed both a hotel and a meeting facility and suggested a 300-500 room hotel with 70,000 to 125,000 square feet in meeting space,” according to a timeline of stalled convention center projects from the VSC. The report added that the project should “be under one roof.”

In 2004, Sarasota County officials paid $80,000 for a study that found a similar need, calling for a third hotel in addition to the Ritz and Hyatt Regency. Multiple other entities, from the initial team that worked on the Quay to local developer Charles Githler to the founders of the Sarasota Film Festival, have looked into a conference or convention center downtown in the past two decades.

In addition, according to the VSC timeline, in 2015 all five Sarasota County commissioners supported an effort to look at “conference center feasibility in Sarasota, driven by the need to fill the new hotels under construction in downtown Sarasota.”

And finally in 2019 VSC, in its draft of its 2025 Strategic Plan to Sarasota County Commissioners, called for exploration of a conference center.

All of those efforts, from a combination of cost, inertia, debate and more, have led to the same result: no conference/convention center in Sarasota County, with no one out there proposing one.

Haley says cost is a big issue developers face. She’s heard often that the SEE CONVENTIONS, PAGE 10

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Republican Club of Longboat Key, Inc. P.O. Box 8181 Longboat Key, FL 34228-8181

DINNER MEETING!

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Courtesy rendering

Conventions

Reception: 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM Dinner / Meeting: 6:00 PM to 8 PM

FROM PAGE 9

return on investment, higher than ever with inflation, supply chain and labor challenges, isn’t there when choosing to build more hotel rooms vs. a large meeting space. And given convention centers only really work in downtown areas, “with a lot of entertainment options,” she adds, that makes the cost, particularly in land, even higher to justify.

Longboat Key Club and Resort Harbourside Ballroom 3200 Harbourside Drive (North Gate by Publix) Longboat Key, FL 34228

UP NORTH

One part of the region where a convention center project has some momentum is 14 miles north of the Hyatt Regency — at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto, Manatee County.

Activity is happening there on two fronts. For one, officials with the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau are preparing to go before Manatee County commissioners in March to propose a convention center expansion project that could be worth up to $17 million.

If approved, the project would add some 20,000 square feet of space to the center, which is already 32,000 square feet. With capacity for 1,200 people under air conditioning in a banquet setting, it would be the largest convention center space from St. Pete through Naples, says Braden-

GUEST SPEAKER: David Verinder David has served as president and CEO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System since 2014. The health system provides the region’s greatest breadth and depth of care and has more than 1 million patient visits a year.

Sarasota Memorial has been recognized repeatedly as one of the nation’s best health systems, with superior patient outcomes and a comprehensive continuum of care. With more than 8,000 staff, it is Sarasota County’s largest employer.

Throughout his tenure, David has overseen the successful launch of new medical services and facilities to improve the community’s access to high-quality care. In November of 2021, David led the most significant expansion in the organization’s 96-year history, with the opening of a new hospital in Venice and the completion of a state-of-the-art Oncology Tower on the Sarasota campus. The two facilities have increased system-wide capacity from 839 beds to 1,005 beds, allowing the health system to better respond to evolving patient needs prompted by the ongoing pandemic as well as the community’s continued growth. In previous years, David was responsible for the opening of Sarasota County’s only Trauma Center, the construction of a state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Pavilion, and the start of physician residency and fellowship training programs. He is currently overseeing the development of a new, state-of-the-art behavioral health pavilion on the Sarasota campus and a new hospital in North Port.

ton CVB Executive Director Elliott Falcione.

The last time the convention center, built in 1985, was renovated was in 2007. That was a $6.5 million project. But in championing the expansion, Falcione says it’s a bit of apples and oranges to compare it to the Hyatt Regency, which is on the water.

“These are two different models,” he says.

In addition to the convention center expansion, a California-turnedFlorida developer is building a 252room Marriott connected to the convention center. Tony DeRusso, with Improvement Network Development Partners, is building the hotel, branded the Marriott Palmetto Resort. The eight-story project, including a roof-top pool and restaurant, in addition to 10,000 square feet of convention and meeting space, is on target to be open in January 2024.

DeRusso, who says he moved from northern California to the region to oversee this project, looks at the Marriott as a 50-50 partner with the convention center in being an economic development magnet.

“We want to be able to attract Fortune 500 companies and CEOs here,” he says. “And to do that you need a full-service upscale hotel and a convention center.”

396182-1

J

David first joined Sarasota Memorial in 2006 as chief financial officer, and later served as chief operating officer before being named CEO. Previously, he served in senior leadership at Scott & White Memorial Hospital & Clinic in Temple, Texas.

He received his Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and his MBA from Auburn University.

N US FOR OUR OI

Florida Trend magazine has included David on its list of Florida’s 500 most influential business leaders for the past three years. He has served on numerous boards and in community leadership roles, and is currently chairman of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida.

NEIGHBORHOOD

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

COOKOUT

MEMBERS: $70 NON-MEMBERS: $75

11:30 AM TO 1:00 PM

Because we must give a final number to the Club for dinner, the deadline for reservations is 3pm, Friday, March 10th.

Reservations will not be accepted after that date.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Thank you for your understanding.

Make your reservation online and pay securely with your credit card or register to pay by check by going to our website, rclbk.org.

Hello neighbors, friends, residents and visitors!

Christ Church of Longboat Key has been established for 11 years, creating a beautiful campus where friendly and inviting people gather and make up our membership.

In celebration, we would like to know you all better and invite you to our NEIGHBORHOOD COOKOUT. Here is a chance to meet us and some of your neighbors, friends, and other visitors, while enjoying good food and conversation.

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We do not accept credit cards at the door.

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

Improvement Network Development Partners is building an eight-story hotel next to the Bradenton Area Convention Center.

Call for Take Out or FREE DELIVERY

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6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Longboat Key

941. 383.8833 (Office) • www.christchurchoflbk.org

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Locally owned and Locally owned managed sinceand 1994 Locally owned managed sinceand 1994 managed since 1994

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE • 10:00 A.M. • F EBRUARY 22 Growing in Jesus’ Name

Sunday Service 10:00 AM The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard

Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00 Women’s Bible Study: Wednesday @ 10:00 Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchof lbk.org (follow YouTube link)

THE 9TH ANNUAL

KIRKIN O’ THE TARTANS SERVICE SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 26, 2023 • 10:00 AM Featuring Bagpipes, Tartan Banners, Procession & Drums

New for 2023 - Featuring The Lion Rampant Pipe Band VISITORS & RESIDENTS WELCOME • EVENT & PARKING ARE FREE

Longboat Key Lido Key St Armands Siesta Key Casey Key Lakewood Ranch Downtown Sarasota West of the Trail

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FREE Air Purifier FREE WiFi Thermostat $500 OFF Installation Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Must present coupon at time of service. Offer expires 2/28/2023.

The Area’s most Trusted Name since 1974 SEE HOW MUCH MORE YOU CAN SAVE! Air Conditioning

Worship With Us at Our Church

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

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The Home Service Pros Who Care

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F

ollowing the failure of the membership of the St. Armands Business Improvement District to renew the special district for another 10 years, its board of directors is preparing to take a second vote on the matter.

During the Feb. 6 Sarasota City Commission meeting, BID Business Manager Julie Ryan, a city employee, explained the shortfall in the required percentage vote of the 63 property owners at St. Armands Circle was largely because of technicalities.

Because it is a special tax overlay district, the voting is weighted by the relative value of the property owners who cast ballots. Of the ballots returned, 48.9% of the assessed value that returns ballots approved of the renewal. Ryan said two of the returned ballots were disqualified because they were improperly completed, either of which would have put approval over the top.

Ryan told commissioners that historically it requires two votes to renew the BID. At its Feb. 8 meeting, the BID board voted 3-0 to restart the renewal process, which will require several months to complete. The current timeline runs until August. Without timely renewal approval, the BID expires on Sept. 30. Absent from the meeting was Yamen Elsaid. The fifth seat is vacant and has yet to be filled

by City Commission appointment.

BID Chairman Tom Leonard blamed the first vote shortfall on confusing ballot instructions.

“I’ve talked to almost every one of these property owners, and we all filled them out,” Leonard said of the returned ballots. “I’m going to be honest with you. I had mine completely done, and I put it in the envelope and I said, ‘Dang, now I I’ve got to get my wife’s signature.’ She’s in California. So I spent I don’t know

how many dollars on FedEx going back and forth.”

Another property owner, he said, filled out the ballot while on the way to airport and, needing a witness signature, had her Uber driver sign.

The ballot was disqualified because the driver did not provide his or her address.

More education, Leonard said, should be included with the second ballot to ensure that the votes will meet all the criteria required by state special district statute.

Restarting the process starts with a petition that at least 13 property owners sign. That petition must then be presented at a meeting of the City Commission — the April 3 meeting is the earliest that can be placed on the agenda — and the commission must validate the petition.

Assuming City Commission acceptance of the petition, ballots must be delivered via certified mail, then returned. Renewal is approved by affirmative vote of greater than 50% of the assessed property owners.

“I’m really confident that we can get this done right, but it is a little bit of holding hands,” Leonard said.

To meet state statute, the voting period must conclude within 120 days, by Aug. 7.

The BID is governed by a board of directors that is appointed by the City Commission. The five-member board currently has a vacancy.

Rachel Burns, executive director of the St. Armands Circle Association, who along with her husband owns commercial property there, has expressed interest in filling that seat.

The association is an organization of merchants at the Circle.

Commercial property owners in the BID pay additional property taxes that are collected by the city, the revenues made available for improvements and service enhancements within the district.

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

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STAFF WRITER

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St. Armands BID to make second bid for renewal

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

COPS CORNER

THE LONGBOAT KEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FRIDAY, FEB. 10

EXTRA HELP NEEDED 4:49 p.m., 6500 block of Gulfside Drive Animal complaint: Officers were alerted of a beached dolphin. Once they arrived at the scene, they found multiple people working to keep the dolphin wet. Mote Marine Aquarium was contacted and once they arrived, they began treating the dolphin. Officers helped Mote employees carry the dolphin to their van.

SATURDAY, FEB. 11

FOUND WALLET, MISSING OWNER 1:19 p.m., 5300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Found property: An officer was flagged down by a citizen in front of the Blue Dolphin restaurant after a wallet was found on a bench in front of the establishment. Employees at the restaurant said no one had reported a missing wallet. The wallet is still being held at the police station.

2023

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

MORE TO IT THAN NO GAS 3:21 p.m., 2600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: An officer came across a broken down vehicle on the side of the road. The owner said she believed she had run out of gas. The officer took her to the Mobil gas station to get a gallon. However, even after the gas was put into the car, it still wouldn’t start. The officer attempted to jump the vehicle, but to no avail. The woman’s granddaughter was contacted and said she was coming to help. The driver was told to call the department if further help was needed.

Concert

Presented by

Longboat Saturday,Key March•4 2020 th

DOUG DEMING & THE JEWEL TONES

SUNDAY, FEB. 12

NOT THAT SERIOUS 8:00 a.m., 500 block of Gunwale Lane Noise complaint: An officer was sent to address after receiving a complaint of construction noise.

Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the worker who said he was picking up equipment to be taken to another job off-island. He assured the officer he was not doing any other work.

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

MONDAY, FEB. 13

RUNAWAY ROVER 5:01 p.m., 3300 block of Sabal Cove Lane Animal complaint: Dispatch reported a dog wandering the backyard of the residence. Once an officer arrived, they met with the owner who said their dog, Flynn, had escaped the yard and was wandering the neighborhood. Neighbors were out searching for the dog but had not found him by the time the officer left.

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

BYOPB! Bring a picnic basket and blanket.

(Lawn chairs, tables and coolers are welcome.)

Pre-order boxed dinners from Publix by calling (941)383-1326 ext. 228 or 229

TUESDAY, FEB. 14

Decorate your table or blanket!

$250 (Table of 8) Advance purchase only.

Limited availability.

General Admission

$25 in advance

CHANGING TOO SOON 12:58 p.m., 200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: An officer was sent to the intersection of GMD and Longboat Club Road after a complaint about the traffic light only allowing six cars to go through the intersection. The town’s Public Works Department was alerted of the issue.

ling, an officer noticed a vehicle parked in the lot of Ace Hardware.

A woman was found sleeping in the vehicle but said she was looking for Coquina Beach. The officer pointed her toward the north end before departing.

FINAL NOTICE 7:29 p.m., 3400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Abandoned vehicle/boat: An officer patrolled the area of the bay side beach access after word of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, the vehicle was still parked. The officer attempted to call the owner, but was unable to reach them. An abandoned vehicle notice was placed on the rear glass.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15

DOWNED LINE 10:27 a.m., 900 block of Spanish Drive Citizen assist: Following a call of needed assistance, the officer arrived at the scene where the fire department was already present.

The caller said the power line was down behind the residence, but no fire, smoke or visible arcing was noted. Florida Power and Light was made aware of the issue.

THURSDAY, FEB. 16

EVERYONE’S A WORKER 9:15 a.m., 6200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: An officer was dispatched after a call about a suspicious person entering a construction site. The officer met with one of the workers on the site, who said everyone there was a construction worker and they were not aware of any suspicious activity.

HELP ALREADY ON THE WAY 4:15 p.m., 300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Animal complaint: An officer was dispatched after a call about an injured snowy egret near the entrance to the property. While on the way, he received a call from a fellow officer that an employee at Save Our Seabirds was already responding to the incident.

NEW SALON ON ST. ARMANDS

$35 at the door

offering HAIR, NAILS, MAKEUP & more

DR. ZIGGY’S WELLNESS

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TIP of the week:

Weather permitting - No Refunds

Morning routines are essential to a balanced life!

Come in and tell me about your morning routine!

ADVANCE TICKET SALES Monday - Friday from 9 am to 5 pm Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce 5390 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, Suite 102

369 ST ARMANDS CIRCLE | 2ND FLOOR

941-388-5500

Previously Karma Luna Salon & Green Ginger Salon

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VIP Tickets

DAZED AND CONFUSED 1:47 a.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious vehicle: While patrol-

FRIDAY, FEB. 10

BEST DEAL IN TOWN Install Your New Water Heater Install Your New Water HeaterToday Today

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

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

13

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

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

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PRESENTED BY

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Holly Freedman, Susan Gorin and Bunny Skirboll

Ron and Marilyn Shapiro

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Honorees Rabbi Michael and Nancy Eisenstat

Temple Beth Israel celebrates 44 years

T Lois Freedman, Ron and Karen Ginsberg, Rabbi Stephen Sniderman, Jeffrey and Arlene Stiffman

Walter and Gale Frank

Executive Director Isaac Azerad and Co-president David Gorin

emple Beth Israel has been a part of the Longboat Key community for 44 years. To celebrate, the temple threw a “La Vie en Rose” soiree on Feb. 19 at Michael’s On East. To help see life through the lens of positivity, each guest was gifted a pair of pink, heart-shaped glasses.

About 165 members and guests attended the gala, which honored Rabbi Michael and Nancy Eisenstat.

“Rabbi Eisenstat is our rabbi emeritus. He served the congregation for a very long time, and he continues to participate in many of the activities,” Executive Director Isaac Azerad said. “We have something called the Rabbi Michael B. Eisenstat Miniversity of Judaism, and it’s a compendium of courses that are of Judaic nature.

We repeat it every year, and all the retired rabbis participate.”

Eisenstat led the temple from 1997 to 2008. In addition to being

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.

6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Longboat Key, Florida 34228 • 941-383-6491 Wednesday Bible Study 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

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

All are Welcome

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE • 10:00 A.M. • F EBRUARY 22

CONTEMPORARY STYLE WORSHIP Saturday at 5pm

Worship With Us at Our Church

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

Sunday Service 10:00 AM The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard

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

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES

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

WINTER CONCERT SERIES

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

CONCERTS ARE FREE • VISITORS & RESIDENTS WELCOME

Catholic Church

SUNDAY • MARCH 5, 2023 • 2:00 PM Todd Donovan & Dale Williams

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American Bass-Baritone, Todd Donovan, has been described by critics as a passionate performer with splendid acting and a stentorian voice.

He has graced the operatic, musical theater and concert stages for over fifteen years, and has been a frequent soloist for the Classical Music Festival in Eisenstadt and Vienna, Austria.

Mr. Donovan’s operatic roles include: Leporello in Don Giovanni with Opera Orlando, Olin Blitch in Susannah (Naxos Records DVD 2017), Figaro in Le nozze di Figaro with Winter Opera St. Louis, and Scarpia in Tosca.

Mr. Donovan’s musical theater roles include: Emile De Becque in South Pacific, Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady, the Baker in Sondheim’s Into the Woods, and Count Carl Magnus in A Little Night Music.

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

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

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

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.

Todd will collaborate with pianist, Dale Williams who has served as accompanist for the International Cathedral Music Festival in England and the Seminar für Klassiche Musik in Eisenstadt, Austria. She has played with the Tampa Oratorio Singers, the Florida Orchestra, and the Pass-a-Grille Community Church.

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 395652-1

Together they will present an eclectic program of art, song, musical theater, and inspirational selections.

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

February 22 - 12 & 7pm

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Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchof lbk.org (follow YouTube link)

567 Bay Isles Rd, Longboat Key, FL

941-383-3428

longboatkeytemple.org

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Growing in Jesus’ Name

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Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

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

— LESLEY DWYER

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.

the evening’s honorees, which the rabbi humbly said he was embarrassed by, he and wife Nancy recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

The ballroom was dimly lit with candles and decorated in black and white with pops of red. Some of the women wore roses in their hair, and a few of the men dusted off their tuxedos for the occasion.

The entertainment lineup included Dr. Mime Kenny DeCamp, the temple’s organist and Music Director Ann Stephenson-Moe and Sheri Nadelman and SoulRcoaster. Auction items ranged from restaurant gift cards to gold and diamond rings.

In a letter of acknowledgement, Chief of Police George Turner wrote, “Thank you for allowing me to share with you, and acknowledge, the celebration of 44 years of Jewish life, community service and leadership on Longboat Key.”

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

15

ENR ICHED LIVING. ® A SENSE OF PL ACE .

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Now Accepting Contracts • From the $6 Millions • 941-888-3131

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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.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Casual Elegance please join us for

Mahi Gold

Hinson Wu Trunk Show

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Marcie McGovern and Becky Smothers play backgammon.

Sheila Pizer organizes her cards.

TRUNK SHOW

Thursday, February 23rd Friday, February 24th Thurs, March 28th Saturday, February 25th 10 am - 6 pm 10am-6pm

Fri, March 29th • Champagne 10 am - 6 pm

• Cupcakes Sat, March 30th • Prize Raffle

Games day raises $10,000 for breast cancer T

10 am - 6 pm

Fashion, Fun and Refreshments!

S. Blvd. of the Presidents 9 S. Blvd. of9 the Presidents Armands Circle St. ArmandsSt. Circle 941.388.1677 941.388.1677

WEST OF TRAIL HOME NOW AVAILABLE

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OliviaSarasota

he ladies of the Longboat Key Club laid their cards and purses on the table Wednesday afternoon. The women gathered in the Harbourside ballroom for an annual games day to benefit Breast Health Sarasota Inc. “This started many years ago when Golf for a Cure took up the whole dining room, and people wanted to put money into breast cancer research,” Co-chair Marion Levine said. “It’s for those people that don’t play golf or tennis.”

After a COVID-19 hiatus, 137 members came out to play backgammon, canasta, mahjongg and bridge this year. So many that the raffle tickets sold out and $10,000 was raised, which doubles past donations.

“Last year, this group raised $4,500 just playing cards,” said Breast Health Saraso-

ta Inc. Chair Suellen Kaeb. “The Longboat Key Club, in 2022, raised over $85,000 with their combined events.”

Donations pay for screenings, mammograms, biopsies and breast MRIs. Breast Health also sponsors a mobile mammogram bus. In October, 50 women in Newtown received breast cancer screenings. They plan on sponsoring four more screenings in Newtown this year.

“We’re finding that women of color and the Hispanic community, they have a little bit of distrust going into the big hospital system. It’s intimidating, and there may be a language barrier,” Kaeb said. “So we do these mobile units in their communities, and they’re more apt to come out and be screened.”

— LESLEY DWYER

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Classifieds 32 Games 31 Real Estate 27 Weather 31

FEBRUARY 23, 2023

YOUR NEIGHBORS Beach

Gary Saunders returns to the radio after a 30-year hiatus. The Ho Dad is live and in color from the Monkey Room.

Lesley Dwyer

Gary Saunders reads some records on the beach.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

C

OVID-19 shut a lot of doors, but it opened the door to retirement for 64-year-old Gary Saunders. After a year of career detox and living like a tourist, he’s become happier and busier than ever living the Florida dream and hosting the Longboat Luau on WSLR. “When I envisioned retirement, I wanted to do things that I wanted to do, and my sports career was starting to feel like Groundhog Day,” Saunders said. “We also had several friends who either died young or developed serious illnesses, and it got us to thinking that our future is not guaranteed. If Longboat and greater Sarasota is where we want to be, let’s just go and we’ll figure out a way to make it work.”

Saunders only retired from his main gig, a 30-year career in sports marketing and sales, when there were no games to promote because of pandemic shutdowns. If you’re not listening to him on the radio, you can catch him over the loud speaker operating the sound board at spring training baseball games.

He also works in the fitness center at the Longboat Key Club a few days a week and assists the IMG Academy with special events.

“Thankfully, with all of the stuff I’m doing, I still have enough time every day to get a swim in, get in the hot tub, walk on the beach or ride my bike,” Saunders said. “I do my best thinking, whether it be creating playlists or ideas or my writing projects, when I’m out floating in the Gulf of Mexico.”

This isn’t Saunders’ first dip into the gulf. He lived on Siesta Key when marketing for the Cincinnati Reds.

After the team moved its spring training to Arizona in 2010, Saunders connected with IMG. He worked for the academy in various capacities for the next 12 years, about four of them at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama, selling advertising and tickets.

From there, he headed to the University of Mississippi in Oxford, where he stayed eight years. Before that, Saunders had lived and worked all over the country advertising for the St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, Colorado Rockies and Atlanta Braves. But it all started with radio.

“While I was at college at Virginia Tech, that was where I got hooked on radio because they had a student station there,” Saunders said. “I started there as a sportscaster because my interest at that time was baseball. I was a big player all the way through high school, so I thought I might want to do the sportscasting thing.”

The communications major stayed on track with sportscasting but began noticing more creative opportunities within the station. He started a “morning zoo” program called “The Bob and Bill Show” and another on his own called “Sunglasses After Dark.”

Bob and Bill — aka Gary and Jeff — did skits and employed funny voices and sound effects. “Sunglasses After Dark” was Saunders’ introduction to FM radio. His playlists were crafted with music from the 1950s and ’60s.

Saunders graduated and started working at a local radio station. But with his new co-workers going by on-air names like the Rooster and

Fub Nuggles, Bob wasn’t going to cut it, so the Rockin’ Fig was born.

The job turned out restrictive compared to working at a campus station. With a for-profit agenda, the playlists stuck to the Top 40 and were mostly curated by the bosses.

He moved to a larger station in Roanoke and got a morning spot from 5-10 a.m. six days a week.

Now, the hours were restrictive.

Saunders was in his early 20s, going to bed at 7 p.m. and waking up at 3 a.m. Then, the station switched to an easy listening format, which didn’t appeal to him.

So after watching the sales team

Courtesy photo

Cappy and Gary Saunders in the WSLR studio.

LIVE FROM THE MONKEY ROOM

The Monkey Room is a throwback to the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort.

Saunders hangs a stuffed monkey mascot on his microphone in the studio, Cappy the Capuchin monkey.

“When I worked for the Reds, I used to eat lunch out here at the Monkey Room. It was a really cool vibe because they had all this tropical monkey wallpaper everywhere,” Saunders said. “It was a relaxed atmosphere to sit and have lunch when you’re working, so I wanted to do something that tied in Longboat Key and the history of the key. So I thought when I’m on the air, I should just say I’m live and in color from the Monkey Room.”

He got the gig after the Latin Explosion aka Juan Montenegro heard him in the sound booth at a Pirates game.

It was Hispanic Heritage night, and Montenegro was impressed enough by the pregame playlist that he went to the press box and said, “You should have your own show.”

The Longboat Luau is live on WSLR from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays but can be replayed anytime on the station’s website or app.

“The last show I did, I played a song from 1929, and I played a song from 2020, so it was almost a 100year span of music that I was pulling from,” Saunders said. “I focus on nostalgia, and I focus on fun, primarily upbeat, positive-type stuff.”

The show is a labor of love. On its website, WSLR describes itself as “an innovative, listener-supported nonprofit, noncommercial FM radio station dedicated to serving the Sarasota community.”

Saunders’ love of music borders on obsession. When moving into his Seaplace condominium, his record collection didn’t fit. About 30 plastic bins filled with almost 3,000 records are currently in storage.

“Mrs. Ho Dad has been very gracious and patient with that,” Saunders said. “I tell her all the time there are worse hobbies one could have.”

With a mind filled with music, the Ho Dad prides himself on playing a few songs that “can only be heard on the Luau” like the Spanish version of “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.” But most of his playlists are cultivated from hits of the 1950s through the 1970s.

He says the ’60s are the most played decade with ’65 and ’66 being the most played years.

“I’m trying to get them to maybe reminisce a little bit but also forget about their problems for a couple hours and just relax and have fun,” Saunders said, “Everybody’s so stressed out these days, and there’s so much division as far as politics and everything else that’s going on.

I’m trying to pull everybody together and, at least for a couple hours, let’s agree on doing something fun and positive.”

WHAT IS A HO DAD? First came the pitch for the show.

“Just imagine this: Beach music, tropical music, Calypso, reggae, ’60s pop, the Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, surf guitar, maybe a little big band stuff, maybe some ’40s and ’50s like rhythm and blues that would all somehow flow together.”

Saunders was pitching to Jesse Coleman, WSLR’s station manager.

Coleman had two follow-up questions: What do you want to call the show, and what do you want to call yourself?

“One of the things that I’ve really gotten into recently is the surfing scene and surfing culture that emerged in the ’60s in California, and one of the characters in that scene was the Ho Dad,” Saunders said. “The Ho Dad is someone who likes to hang out at the beach, who enjoys being part of the surfing scene — the music, the dancing, the fashions, the cars, all of that but is not necessarily a great surfer.”

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Broadcasting from the

work normal hours, drive nice cars and have a life outside of work, Saunders switched gears. It took him three decades to get back on air with a wacky name, but the Ho Dad has arrived.

EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS 18 LONGBOAT OBSERVER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023 ON LONGBOAT KEY

YourObserver.com

|

EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS ON LONGBOAT JUSTKEY LISTED

Sip, shop and spy

...AND STUNNING CONTEMPORARY UNDER CONDO ATCONTRACT WHITNEY BEACH

NEW LISTING!

LISTED 2326 JUST HARBOUR OAKS DR. EXCEEDING EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS 6701 Gulf of Mexico Dr., #331 3 BR | ...AND 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF 2 BR / 2 BA 1,520 SF $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092 EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS UNDER ON LONGBOAT ON LONGBOAT KEY KEY $1,350,000 | MLS#CONTRACT A4560728 2326 HARBOUR ON LONGBOAT KEY ON LONGBOAT KEY Golf Course Villa OAKS with DR. Pool NEW LISTING! 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS GULFSIDE!

on Longboat Key!

BUILD YOUR $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092 EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS 2373 Harbour Oaks Dr ON LONGBOAT KEY DREAMHOME! JUST LISTED JUST LISTED 3 BR / 2.5 BA 2,245 SF ON LONGBOAT KEY ON LONGBOAT KEYLISTED JUST EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS $1,200,000 | MLS#A4561177 ...AND ...AND LISTED BUILD YOUR ...AND 540JUST HARBOR COVE CIRCLE ON LONGBOAT KEY UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT DREAMHOME! JUST LISTED VACANT LAND LISTING ...AND JUST LISTED Sea Gate Club $3,400,000 JUST LISTED 2326JUST HARBOUR OAKS 2326 DR. ...AND LISTED 2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR.HARBOUR OAKS DR. UNDER CONTRACT ...AND 3 BR 3| Residential 2.5 |BA2,282 SF 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF MLS# A4534178 on Longboat Key BR | BA 2.5 | 2,282 SF UNDER CONTRACT 540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE ...AND ...AND $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092 $1,225,000 | VACANT MLS# A4550092 $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092 UNDER CONTRACT Vacant Land MLS# A4535177 JUST LISTED LAND LISTING 2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR. UNDER CONTRACT 2425 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #2E 2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR. UNDER CONTRACT $3,400,000 2326 HARBOUR DR. 3 /BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SFBA 3 OAKS BR | 2.5 | 2,282 SF 2BR 2BA SF ...AND 2326 2326 1,470 HARBOUR OAKS DR. HARBOUR OAKS DR. $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092 Residential A4534178 $1,225,000 |MLS# MLS# A4550092 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF UNDER3BUILD CONTRACT $1,395,000 | A4558621 BR | 2.5 BA |YOUR 2,282 SF

Vacant Land A4535177 $1,225,000 | MLS# MLS# A4550092 A4550092 $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092 $1,225,000 | MLS# BUILD YOUR BUILD YOUR

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Golf Course Villa DREAMHOME! 540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE BUILD YOUR BUILD YOUR

BUILD YOUR 2341 HARBOUR CIR. IN LAST 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE onDREAMHOME! Longboat Key VACANT LAND LISTING DREAMHOME! HOMEOAKS SALES SIX MONTHS 540 DREAMHOME! HARBOR COVE CIRCLE 540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE $3,400,000 540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE SOLD FOR $1,275,000 SOLD FOR $2,300,000 2339 Harbour Oaks VACANT LAND LISTING VACANTDr. LAND LISTING BUILD YOUR Residential MLS# A4534178 VACANT LAND LISTING 540FAIR HARBOR COVE CIRCLE 540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE $3,400,000 $3,400,000 2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. 3555 OAKS 3BR / 2.5BA 2,396 SF LANE DREAMHOME! Vacant Land MLS# A4535177 $3,400,000 LAND LISTING 540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE VACANT LANDVACANT LISTING Residential MLS# A4534178 Residential MLS# A4534178 Residential MLS# A4534178 580 BIRDIE LANE SOLD FOR $2,300,000 $1,325,000 | MLS# A4559128 $3,400,000 $3,400,000 VACANT LAND LISTING Vacant Land MLS# A4535177

2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE SOLD FOR $1,275,000 SOLD FOR $1,310,000

540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE Vacant Land MLS# A4535177 Vacant Land MLS# A4535177 Residential MLS# A4534178 ResidentialFOR MLS# A4534178 SOLD $4,260,000

$3,400,000

VACANT LAND LISTING Vacant Land MLS# A4535177 Vacant Land MLS# A4535177 LANE 2101 HARBOURSIDE 580 BIRDIE HOME SALES INDRIVE LAST MONTHS $3,400,000 SIXResidential MLS# A4534178 Residential MLS#L’Elegance A4534178 SOLDPENDING FOR $1,310,000 SOLD FOR $4,260,000 SALE Land MLS# A4535177 HOME SALES Vacant IN LAST SIX MONTHS

2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. Vacant Land3555 FAIR OAKS LANE MLS# A4535177

on Lido HOMESOLD SALES HOME IN LAST SIX IN MONTHS LAST SIX MONTHS HOME SALES INSOLD LAST SIXBeach MONTHS FOR $1,275,000 FOR $2,300,000 HOME SALES INSALES LAST SIX MONTHS 2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE 1800 Benjamin Franklin Dr. #B206 SOLD FOR $1,275,000 SOLD $2,300,000 2341 HARBOUR CIR. 3555 FAIR OAKSFOR LANE 2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE 580 BIRDIE LANE 2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR.OAKS 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE 2341HOME HARBOUR OAKS 2341 CIR. HARBOUR 3555 OAKS FAIR CIR. OAKS LANE 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE 3BR / 3BA 2,070 SF SALES INFORLAST SIX MONTHS SOLD $1,275,000 SOLD MONTHS FOR $2,300,000 HOME SALES IN LAST SIX SOLD FOR $1,310,000 SOLD FOR FOR $4,260,000 SOLD FOR $1,275,000 $2,300,000 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE 580 BIRDIE SOLD FOR $1,275,000 SOLD FOR2101 $1,275,000 SOLDSOLD FOR $2,300,000 SOLD FOR LANE $2,300,000 $3,000,000 | MLS# A4555737 SOLD FOR FOR $4,260,000 2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. 3555$1,310,000 FAIR OAKS LANE BIRDIESOLD 2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE LANE 2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE 580 BIRDIE580 LANE SOLD FOR $1,275,000 SOLD FOR $2,300,000 2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE LANE SOLD FOR $1,310,000 580 SOLD SOLD FOR $4,260,000 2101 HARBOURSIDE 2101 DRIVE HARBOURSIDE BIRDIE DRIVE LANE 580 BIRDIE SOLD FOR $1,310,000 FOR $4,260,000

SOLD FOR $1,275,000 FOR $2,300,000 HARBOURSIDE DRIVEFOR $1,310,000 580 BIRDIE SOLD2101 FOR $1,310,000 SOLD SOLD LANE FORSOLD $4,260,000 SOLD FOR $4,260,000 PENDING SALE SOLD FOR $4,260,000

SOLD FOR $1,310,000

2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVEOaks Drive580| BIRDIE LANE 2369 Harbour $1,350,000 SOLD FOR $1,310,000 SOLD FOR $4,260,000

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Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Jane Hughes is a Longboat Key resident and author.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

J

ane Hughes only spent a few years working for the CIA, but she says the experience left her thinking a lot about secrets.

“I was in the Soviet bureau at the agency back in the days when there was a Soviet bureau,” she said.

That was in the late 1970s and early 1980s. On Friday, the now author and Harvard professor was signing copies of her books at J. McLaughlin.

The book signing was part of a Sip & Shop event to benefit the Longboat Library. From 1-5 p.m. on Feb. 17, the clothing store donated 15% of its sales to the library.

When Hughes dropped off a copy of her latest book, “The Spy’s Wife,” it was an instant hit with library patrons.

“I sat down and read it within 24 hours. I got hooked,” President Mary Baker said. “We’re not selling it. We’re just passing it around, and everybody who’s read it has said, ‘I love that book.’ I think that’s why all these people are here.”

Refreshments were laid out for the sip portion of the event, and the store stayed crowded around the register and Hughes’ signing table. Everyone wanted to know if “The Spy’s Wife” was based on personal experience.

“They all have some tiny, little grain of something that I observed sometime,” Hughes said.

The grain from “The Spy’s Wife” stuck with her for 40 years. While working for the CIA, Hughes met a woman in her 20s whose father was a top officer in the agency for her entire life, but the woman had only

Jan Menker and Linda Gidel buy both of Hughes’ books. “Nannyland” is available on Kindle.

just found out. Her mother didn’t know either. They thought Dad was in sales.

Hughes’ previous two novels center around famous historical mysteries. Both set in modern day, “Nannyland” looks back to July 1553 when the teenaged Lady Jane Grey held the throne of England and Ireland for a mere nine days, and “The LongLost Jules” delves into the mystery of Queen Katherine Parr’s baby.

Parr was the last of Henry VIII’s six queens.

“I would say that ‘Jules’ is about secrets,” Hughes said. “It’s about uncovering the secret of what happened to this lost baby and about uncovering secrets in the hero and her life.”

61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents 61 S. Boulevard | Sarasota,ofFLthe 34236 Presidents | 941.388.4447 | Sarasota, | www.michaelsaunders.com FL 34236 | 941.388.4447 | www.michaelsaunders.com

61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.388.4447 | www.michaelsaunders.com

Fox Leiter Team Navigating the Sarasota Real Estate Market for Over Four Decades.

The Fox Leiter Team puts customer experience at the forefront of every decision, negotiation, and transaction.

With Compass, the team has every tool imaginable to give their clients a competitive edge.

Contact the Fox Leiter Team to start the conversation today!

Fox Leiter Team Real Estate Advisors 941.544.6649 | foxleiterteam@compass.com foxleiterteam.com

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

19

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

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Bird Key dogs raise funds for Nate’s The event raised over $4,000 to go to Nate’s capital campaign. The rescue is seeking $10 million to expand its facility.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

The pampered pooches of Bird Key gave back to dogs less fortunate than themselves on Sunday, Feb. 19. They strutted down a catwalk and did their best tricks to raise money for Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue.

“One of the people on our committee has done this at another club, and we thought it would be a fun thing to do for the Women’s Association because so many people on Bird Key have dogs,” Jennifer Lackland said. “Anytime you walk down Bird Key, your dog will meet 10 other dogs.”

This was not just a stroll around the yacht club parking lot though.

This was a fashion event, complete with an elevated runway, DJ and lobster lunch. The Maine Line food truck was parked to the side, and chairs lined both sides of the runway.

DJ Jesse from STAAR Entertainment had each dog walking to their own tune. Piper the golden doodle, and winner of the Diva Dog category, was clad in the most risque outfit of the day. She wore only a pair of pink flowered panties and walked to “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. It’s unfortunate that Bird Key resident and former lead singer Brian Johnson missed it.

About 30 other dogs strutted their stuff too. DJ Jesse offered tidbits about each dog. Izzy walked to “Dancing Queen” by ABBA and knows the names of her favorite toys.

She matched her mom in a pirate costume that was handmade for her through an Etsy vendor.

Jill Hennessey, Marilyn Huseby and Carol Patulo play with the puppies.

Piper the Scotty is the most patriotic of all the dogs.

“This is her third dog parade. She loves dressing up,” Lynne Short, Izzy’s owner, said. “She knows that when she puts a costume on she’s going somewhere, so I dress her up and she goes to the door.”

Ruby the French bulldog won first place for best costume, and that diva didn’t even step a paw onto the runway. Her sidecar didn’t fit.

The remaining three categories were Best Trick, Owner/Dog Look Alike and Class Clown. Lackland’s dog Luna won Class Clown for dressing as a cow and lying down mid-runway.

It was fun and games with a purpose. The event raised more than $4,000 for Nate’s. Development and Fundraising Director Rob Oglesby said the money will go toward the current capital campaign.

The animal rescue is raising $10 million to expand its facility to include additional kennels and exam rooms, a maternity ward, walking trail, surgical suite and interactive education center.

Buddies Henry and Oliver play bunnies for the day.

Oliver and Penny refuse to leave the stage without treats.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Christina Shantz walks with Buddy the Yorkie.

The Longboat Key Garden Club is proud to present...

YOUR TICKET INCLUDES: • Live Music by Akiem • Gourmet Chef Catered Dinner Overlooking Sarasota Bay & Movie Under the Stars • Complimentary Beer, Wine, Champagne & Bottled Water • Fresh-popped Popcorn & Candy Concessions • Fantastic Prizes Awarded throughout the evening

Join us as we honor community treasures helping children and families in need.

EXCITING LIVE AUCTION ITEMS INCLUDE:

March 30, 2023

• Round trip for 2 on the Fast Cat Ferry to Opal Key West Resort for 3 day/ 2night stay in fun, funky Key West Florida!

• 3 day/ 2 night stay at the Worldclass Treasure Island Beach Resort on Treasure Island, FL. • 3 day/ 2 night stay at the exclusive Jupiter Beach Resort on Jupiter Island.

• Catered Sunset Cruise for 4 guests on a beautiful yacht with hor d’ oeuvres, wine, champagne and beer.

• President’s Gift - Private Wine Tasting for up to 12 guests. This 90-minute experience includes 8 bottles of wine, a wine consultant and appetizers!

• Behind the Scenes VIP Tour of Mote Marine Aquarium and Research Lab for 6 people.

• Dinner for 6 guests at Zota Beach Resort.

• Casa Del Mar Beach Resort Stay’cation with Longbeach Café breakfast for 2.

• Full Day Cannon’s Boat Rental, and much MORE!

Art Ovation Hotel 10:30 AM - 1 PM

2023 Honorees: Bob & Jen Keller - Advocates for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) awareness & support The Sorrento Gang of Esplanade - Neighbors who fundraise and volunteer for community causes Kim Williams, M.S., CCC-SLP - Developmental therapies specialist who impacted the lives of thousands of children.

Starting at 10:30 am, browse our 'Treasure Shops' featuring exciting retail merchandise. Enjoy complimentary mimosas while you find your own treasure to keep!

Proceeds will fund beautification projects at the Longboat Key Town Center, grants to local nonprofits for environmental projects and Scholarships for students focused on environmental and conservation-related studies.

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Tickets and Sponsorships Available at:

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Date: Friday March 10, 2023 Rain Date: March 11, 2023

Cocktails: 5:30pm Dinner: 6:00pm Live Auction: 7:00pm Movie: 8:00pm Location: Bayfront Park, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key Admission, $75 per person

To purchase tickets, Visit LBKGardenClub.org or call 941-387-1909 premier sponsor... Kathleen Wingate & Steve Branham Real Estate Advisors

sponsored by...

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

21

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.

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY DREAM ISLAND ROAD $4,850,000 LONGBOAT KEY L’AMBIENCE

$3,950,000 LONGBOAT KEY GULF FRONT

Boaters retreat w/ cottage-style home + guest house Casually elegant direct beachfront walk-out. Rarely 5BR/4.5BA Lushly landscaped 1/2 acre w/400’ dock, 2 boat available 3BR/4BA floorplan + amenities include lobby lifts on secluded street. Short stroll to beautiful beach. concierge, 24 hr guarded gate, olympic sized pool, 2 hartru tennis courts, fitness center & more.

SOLD

LONGBOAT L’AMBIENCE

$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

$3,700,000 LONGBOAT KEY BAYFRONT

$5,965,000 LONGBOAT KEY HARBOR VILLA CLUB $1,375,000

Beautiful views & sunsets from 3BR/3BA spacious w/Sabal floorplan. Build your dream home Bayfront on oversized lot. 100ft Rarely available corner walk-out 2BR/2BA condo. Newly Amenities include include lobby concierge, 24 hr guarded gate, on the Bay, beach access across the street & side canal for remodeled. Large floorplan w/ high ceilings. Panoramic olympic sized pool, 2 hartru tennis courts, fitness center & more.

Bay views & sunsets. Club amenities +new 60 ft. dock. privacy. PLUS elevated separate guest house.

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

LONGBOAT KEY LONGBOAT KEY $2,625,000 CUSTOM HOME $1,995,000 BOATERS DREAM $3,800,000 Behind the gates at the Longboat Key Club. $1,995,000 Meticulous 4 BD/3 BA wide deep water

beachfront getaway or extra space for guests. Build your dream home on one of north LBK’s canal with direct access to Sarasota Bay Beachside heated pool has incredible Gulf most desirable streets. Premier boating no bridges! Great dock. 2 boat lifts. Private views & wildlife. Club amenities include two location. Great canal leads directly to Bay & beach access directly across the street. 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

397854-1

LONGBOAT KEY ISLANDER CLUB

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Living and Working on Longboat Key for 40 Years Volunteers measure and funnel to pack thousands of meals.

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 395826-1

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

Courtesy photo

F UL L SERV ICE -F UL L T IM E

REA LTOR J OE SIKORSK I

L ong b oat K ey Resid ent 15 + Year s

Cont act Joe f or inf ormat ion about propert ies on L ongboat Key and surrounding areas:

9 4 1-2 2 5 -3 3 5 8 | K AYA K INGJOE2 @ VERIZON.NET A M IB EACHES.COM

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Feeding neighbors in need The church held a packaging event for Kids Against Hunger on Feb. 11 to benefit one organization in Bradenton and another in Fort Myers.

Chair Karyn Hawksley Smith said.

“This food will be very, very helpful to them. It’s amazing how much hunger there is right in our own backyard.”

Gladiolus Food Pantry should’ve been inoperable after Hurricane Ian. The building was under 4 feet of water with roof damage. The van was destroyed, and the food went bad. The building smelled so rancid of rotten meat, volunteers couldn’t go inside for three weeks.

“Now the only thing I’m missing is the computers, but I brought my laptop from work, and my assistant brought her laptop, so we’re open,” founder and Director Miriam Ortiz said. “We never stopped.”

It was business as usual, just outside. The building has since been repaired, but the internet was only fixed two weeks ago. Normally, the pantry distributes groceries once a week. Until the end of January, it was open every day.

Ortiz says it’s hard to keep up with the demand from donations alone.

She’s having to buy a lot of peanut butter, jelly and eggs lately. The donation from the church was delivered and gone within a week.

Founded in 2013, the pantry distributed 848,678 pounds of food in 2021 alone. Gladiolus also provides diapers and toilet paper. To help, visit GladiolusFoodPantry.org/donate.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

JoDene Moneuse –

A

Your Neighbor, Your REALTOR®.

Committed to exceeding your needs.

• 32 year Longboat Key Resident • Top 1.5% of Florida Realtors - Real Trends America’s Best Real Estate Agents • 2019- 2021 Top Agent - Michael Saunders Mid Longboat Key office • 2019-2022 Five Star in Customer Service Award Winner

941.302.4913 JoDeneMoneuse@michaelsaunders.com LongboatKeyLiving.com 398020-1

• Institute for Luxury Home Marketing Million Dollar GUILD

sk and you shall receive. St. Armands Key Lutheran Church asked for 100 volunteers, and 125 showed up to package meals for Kids Against Hunger on Saturday, Feb. 11.

It was a communitywide turnout with representatives from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota, local school children and their parents, 19 national honor students from the Classical Academy of Sarasota, 26 residents from the Lido Shores Property Owners Association and several Longboat Key residents.

In total, the group packaged enough meals to feed either 23,000 adults or 46,000 children. The packages were split between Gladiolus Food Pantry in Fort Myers and Feed Empty Little Tummies (FELT) in Bradenton.

“At FELT, they have people living in campers and people living in their cars,” Community Service Ministry

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WE BUY IT ALL

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

23

JEFF RHINELANDER 941-685-3590 | jef f@jef frhinelander.com

COURTNEY TARANTINO 941-893-7203 | cour tney.tarantino@floridamoves.com

BIRD KEY

BIRD KEY

526 BIRD KEY DRIVE ACTIVE LISTING $2,895,000

SIESTA KEY

BIRD KEY

424 PHEASANT WAY ACTIVE LISTING $1,675,000

651 AVENIDA DEL NORTE ACTIVE LISTING $2,795,000

440 MEADOW LARK DRIVE ACTIVE LISTING $10,995,000

BIRD KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

BIRD KEY

615 OWL WAY PENDING $2,195,000

2525 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE UNIT 4E SOLD $1,600,000

314 BIRD KEY DRIVE SOLD $4,600,000

443F John Ringling Blvd | Sarasota, FL 34236

397831-1

BIRD KEY

465 EAST ROYAL FLAMINGO DRIVE ACTIVE LISTING $3,695,000

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YRANIDREXTRAORDINARY OAEXTRAORDINARY RTXE

YourObserver.com

properties expertise results

UNRIVALED UNRIVALED

DELAVIRNU

Certified Residential Specialist LBroker-Associate ANOITPECXE

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

EXCEPTIONAL

941.928.3559

9553.829.149

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

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845 LongboatevClub 65 Lighthouse dPoint irD tRoad nioP esuohthgiL 56 aoR bDrive ulC taobgnoL 548 Chipping 19,300 SF520 | A4440615 A4438181 0 0 0Lane ,59|7|$19,750,000 ,Country 3$ | 18Club 1834Shores 4A | |FNew S 33Construction 9,4 4,933 SF | 3312 0Bayou 0 0,0Road 57|,9$3,795,000 1| Bayou $ | 51Bay 60Isles 4 4 4|A$2,600,000 | FS 0 03,91 4,412sf | 4br | Canal Front | $6,600,000 | A4553676

3,372sf | 3br | Lakefront & Golf Course | A4559740 G DIN N E P

LD SO

BEST BET SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, FEB. 24-25

File photo

FRIDAY, FEB. 24

DIY SUCCULENT DISH GARDEN From 1-4 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Watch a demonstration, then plant your own dish garden. $40 for members; $50 for others. Call 383-6493.

Water Club #401 501 Halyard Lane enaL draylaH 105 104 # bulC retaW St. Regis 3,400 SF | A4421764 |5$2,575,000 SF | A4448464 0845 0 0,Longboat 99,1$ Club | 4 6Road 4 8 4 4| Regent 4A | FCourt S 043,2,340 2 0 0Residences 0,5| 7$1,995,000 5 , 2$#201 | 4|6New 7124Construction 4A | FS 0 04,3 9,300sf | 140’ on the Gulf | $16,500,000

11,000sf | Longboat Gulf Front | $21,244,000

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

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FAMOUS COMPOSERS AND THEIR MUSES From 3-4:15 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. The stories of Chopin, Debussy, Rachmaninov, Gershwin and Hoagy Carmichael are brought to life by their muses in this showcase meant to educate and entertain. $20 for members; $25 for others. Call 383-8222.

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YOUR HOME DESERVES Hunter Douglas!

SUNDAY, FEB. 26

THE KIRKIN O’ THE TARTANS 10 a.m. at Christ Church of Longboat Key, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive. An annual tradition, this Sunday’s service will include Scottish banners, kilts and bagpipes. Call 383-8833.

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS

A SALUTE TO THE FLUTE From 3-4:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Rick Aaron will be playing classics to contemporary Spanish music on the flute along with Lee Dougherty Ross on the piano. $20 for members; $25 for others. Call 383-8222.

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

TUESDAY, FEB. 28

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

EYES IN THE SKY: THE NEW SPACE RACE From 3-4:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

Longboat Key

redu

ced!

Longboat Key

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

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

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

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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

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941.383.5577

392850-1

Longboat Key Office

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

SENSATIONAL SALADS, HERBS AND SAVORIES 10 a.m. to noon at Driftwood Beach Home & Garden, 6838 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Chef Tina Anderson is leading the class in the garden behind the boutique. $65 per person.

Call 960-0568 to reserve a spot.

RECURRING EVENTS THURSDAYS

KIWANIS CLUB OF LONGBOAT KEY At 8:30 a.m. at Lazy Lobster, 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive. This service organization meets every first and third Thursday 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.

2542 17th Street | Sarasota | 941.366.2404 | www.catdepot.org

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

bradenton

Bay Isles Road. This lecture will provide background on the development of man’s ventures into space. $15 for members; $20 for others.

Call 383-8222.

ADOPT. FOSTER. VOLUNTEER. DONATE.

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THE LONGBOAT KEY FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road.

An art showcase of 100 of the nation’s top fine artists representing an array of artistic media including painting, sculpture, jewelry, glass, photography, fiber, mixed media, metal, wood and more.

This is a free event and open to the public. Call (561) 746-6615.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

YOUR CALENDAR

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

25

THE ACKERMAN GROUP 941.387.1820 TOP PRODUCING SMALL TEAM IN SARASOTA COUNTY

www.ackermansrq.com

RYAN ACKERMAN

ryan@ackermangroup.net

NEW LISTING

BARBARA ACKERMAN

barbara@ackermangroup.net

NEW LISTING

WATER CLUB I

$3,495,000 THE SEA BREEZE

3BR/3.5 BA • 3,700 SF • Private 2-Car Garage

3BR/4BA • 3,045 SF

Breathtaking sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico from this 7th floor residence with two terraces.

LA BELLASARA

$4,289,000

464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #503 , SARASOTA, FL

3BR/4.5 BA • 3,490 SF • 2-Car Garage

Rarely available 5th floor residence offering expansive bay and city views, an open floor plan & full concierge services in a gated, pet-friendly community.

NOW PENDING

AQUARIUS CLUB

NOW PENDING

$1,260,000

1701 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #207, LONGBOAT KEY 2BR/2BA • 1,551 SF • St. Regis Membership

$3,199,000

9008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 SARASOTA, FL

1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #704, LONGBOAT KEY, FL

COREY’S LANDING

$1,899,000

3414 FAIR OAKS LANE, LONGBOAT KEY 4BR/4BA • 3,729 SF • Bay, Golf Course views

Rare 2-story Penthouse with a private roof-top terrace on Siesta Key with private elevator access, deeded boat slip, hurricane rated windows and sliders, and oversized private 2-car garage.

SIESTA COVE

$4,250,000

5212 SIESTA COVE DRIVE, SARASOTA

5BR/6 BA + 2 Half Baths • 5,133 SF • Situated on 1.5 lots

Spacious, beautifully landscaped 2-story waterfront point property on a clu-de-sace, with a 120’ boat dock & 10,000 lb. lift. Exceptional open water views.

NOW PENDING

LA BELLASARA

NOW PENDING

$3.395,000 LIDO REGENCY

464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #202, SARASOTA 3BR+DEN/3.5BA • 3,153 SF • 2-Car garage

$549,000

1700 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DR.#5F, SARASOTA

1BR/1.5BA • 981 SF • Bay and city views

CONFUSED ABOUT NEW CONSTRUCTION OPTIONS?

DEMYSTIFY THE EXPERIENCE — CALL THE ACKERMAN GROUP! 941-387-1820

SOTA 1703 Main Street Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Summer 2025

THE EVOLUTION 111 Golden Gate Point Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Fall 2023

THE EDGE 290 Cocoanut Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Spring 2026

PENINSULA SARASOTA 223 Golden Gate Point Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Spring 2026

THE DEMARCAY 33 S. Palm Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion:: Fall 2023

688 GOLDEN GATE PT 688 Golden Gate Point Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: TBD

THE COLLECTION 1355 2nd Street Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Winter 2023

ONE PARK SARASOTA 1100 Blvd. of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Fall 2026

EN POINTE 509 Golden Gate Point Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Winter 2024

ZAHRADA 2 1546 4th Street Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Fall 2025

ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES 1100 Blvd. of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Fall 2026

VILLA BALLADA 430 Kumquat Court Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion:: Fall 2025

595 BAY ISLES RD., SUITE 250 | LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228 • 443 JOHN RINGLING BLVD., STE., F | SARASOTA, FL 34236

395397-1

PRE-CONSTRUCTION

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 240 Oak Avenue Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4555313 $4,495,000

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 3342 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 3 Beds 4 Baths 3,410 Sq. Ft. Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4549127 $2,649,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3312 Bayou Road 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,372 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4559740 $2,600,000

LONGBOAT KEY 699 Penfield Street 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,536 Sq. Ft. Cathy Meldahl & Susan Smith 941-724-7228 A4560631 $2,600,000

LONGBOAT KEY 549 Yawl Lane 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,702 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4550618 $2,195,000

LONGBOAT KEY 529 Bayview Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,808 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4550389 $1,945,000

SARASOTA 1155 N Gulfstream Avenue 707 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,565 Sq. Ft. Judy Nimz 941-374-0196 A4560941 $1,900,000

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 6979 Longboat Drive S 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,454 Sq. Ft. Alison Elizalde 941-928-9217 A4560856 $1,495,000

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 2120 Harbourside Drive 632 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,105 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4560625 $1,375,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3235 Gulf Of Mexico Drive A301 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,515 Sq. Ft. Steven Schield 941-650-1010 A4556863 $1,350,000

LONGBOAT KEY 6701 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 331 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,520 Sq. Ft. Julie Klick & Beverly St Hilaire 941-780-6001 A4560728 $1,350,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2339 Harbour Oaks Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,396 Sq. Ft. Beverly St Hilaire & Julie Klick 818-416-2505 A4559128 $1,325,000

LONGBOAT KEY 5757 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 307 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,561 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4560455 $1,250,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2373 Harbour Oaks Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,245 Sq. Ft. Beverly St Hilaire & Julie Klick 818-416-2505 A4561177 $1,200,000

LIDO KEY 1800 Benjamin Franklin Drive A603 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,350 Sq. Ft. Marybeth Flynn 941-704-1477 A4554471 $1,100,000

LONGBOAT KEY 5125 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 7 2 Beds 2 Baths 961 Sq. Ft. Sandi Layfield & Michael Nink, PA 941-914-2807 A4560817 $865,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3806 Gulf Of Mexico Drive C404 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,514 Sq. Ft. Stephen Harris 941-780-2352 A4536940 $799,900

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

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

FEB. 6-10

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

A

condominium in Orchid Beach Club Residences tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Kosberg Holdings LLC sold the Unit A702 condominium at 2050 Benjamin Franklin Drive to John and Carole Randjelovic, of Sarasota, for $3.35 million. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,242 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.21 million in 2019.

REAL ESTATE

Orchid Beach Club Residences condominium sells for $3.35 million

27

SANCTUARY AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Thomas and Susan Pluss, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit A-603 condominium at 535 Sanctuary Drive to James Miller and Kelly Ruggles, of Tampa, for $3 million.

Built in 1990, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,375 square feet of living area. It sold for $780,000 in 2013.

MARINA BAY

Jennifer Shimek, of Longboat Key, sold her Unit 312 condominium at 2550 Harbourside Drive to Maryann Tarnok, of Mount Kisco, New York, for $1.8 million. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,830 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.61 million in 2022.

TIFFANY PLAZA

Christopher Torbeck sold the Unit 304 condominium at 4325 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Qoomars and Leandra Mollanazar, of Longboat Key, for $1.09 million. Built in 1975,

Photos courtesy of Jo Rutstein

The condo at Orchid Beach condominiums has three bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths.

it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,336 square feet of living area.

It sold for $750,000 in 2005.

square feet of living area. It sold for $157,000 in 1996.

GRAND BAY

Edward and Gloriann Felicetta, of Brookhaven, New York, sold their Unit 136 condominium at 1930 Harbourside Drive to Jeffrey Jones and Erin Hogan Jones, of Mason, Ohio, for $720,000. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,270 square feet of living area. It sold for $525,000 in 2021.

Linda Ihle, trustee, of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, sold the Unit 546 condominium at 3080 Grand Bay Blvd. to Steven Peters, of Charlottesville, Virginia, for $1 million.

Built in 1996, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,270 square feet of living area. It sold for $660,000 in 2015.

FAIRWAY BAY

2050 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Unit A702

LONGBEACH ON LONGBOAT KEY

Janis Frawley, of Sarasota, sold the home at 751 Russell St. to Nicketta Guarino, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $779,000. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 900

In with the new

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of February 10-16 in order of dollar amounts.

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS 525 Spinnaker Lane

PERMIT Kitchen remodel

APPLICANT Mak Revocable Trust

AMOUNT($) $428,219

1975 GMD

New roof assembly

Seaplace Association Inc.

$278,638

2410 Harbourside Drive

Reroof

Marina Bay Association Inc.

$126,000

610 Longview Drive

Swimming pool

Green Heron Development

$84,900

3388 Bayou Lane

Impact windows

Steven F. Nicola

$82,733

519 Bayview Drive

Impact windows

Courtney E. Land

$77,825

Impact windows

Robert H. Baldwin

$66,769

and sliding

Revocable Trust

and sliding

Downtown St. Petersburg

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

glass doors 1445 GMD #201

glass doors 3580 Fair Oaks Lane

Reroof

Karl Douglas Romine

$65,123

Revocable Trust

521 Chipping Lane

Roof replacement

Trust U/A/D 04/15/1999

$49,218

511 Bowsprit Lane

Reroof

Derek A. Lambert

$40,000

521 Birdie Lane

Resurface pool

Keith and Carole Wennik

$38,000

and add sunshelf

551 Putting Green Lane

Reroof

Gamal Riyad

$34,086

660 Penfield St.

Roof

Michael Stephen Heath

$33,000

1445 GMD #405

Impact windows

Sandra J. Tilton Trust

$32,492

2343 Harbour Oaks Drive

Interior alterations

Debra J. McKenna

$32,000

Revocable Trust

1211 GMD #303

Interior alterations

3500 2nd Avenue LLC

$30,000

7075 GMD

Concrete repair

Longbeach Village

$28,000

Longboat Key

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

Downtown Sarasota

Condominiums

4960 GMD Unit 304

Kitchen remodel

Rosanna White

$25,800

4900 GMD Unit 204

Impact windows

Michael J. McKenna

$25,775

Myra Sandler TTEE

$24,382

Raymond W. Kamrath

$22,530

1425 GMD #108

$22,467

and doors 2295 GMD #12S

Impact windows and doors

799 Tarawitt Drive

Remodel kitchen and bathrooms

1425 GMD #108

Impact windows

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

504 Golf Links Lane

Pool cage

Charles C. Kirley

$18,509

940 Spanish Drive N.

Roof

Margaret A. Hoover

$17,399

10 Lighthouse Point Drive

AC change out

John W. Saputo

$14,037 Source: Town of Longboat Key

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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

395722-1

and doors

28

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

THE PERFECT END RESULT

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

S TA R T S W I T H A G R E AT B E G I N N I N G

Design Consultant . Wallpaper . Rugs . Upholstery . Custom Bedding

Beginning to End Interiors & Blinds 941.924.4481 | www.B2END.com | 4453 Ashton Road, Unit C Sarasota, FL 34233

397354-1

22 Years Experience.

EASY BREEZY: Maltese pups Zoey Violet and Phoebe Rose traveled from Plymouth, Michigan to enjoy a few months of relaxation.

397676-1

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

Theater... Music... Visual Art... Literature... Dance...

The Observer’s

where it all begins.

Weather

&Nature

HERMITAGE TURNS 20:

2022-23 PHOTO CONTEST

ANDY SANDBERG & Broadway Friends in CONCERT

A R E F L E C T I O N O F N AT U R E ’ S B E A U T Y

Monday, March 20th 7:30 pm at the Van Wezel

A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR HERMITAGE HURRICANE REPAIRS

Tickets start at just $25!

IT’S TIME TO

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary Season of this leading national arts incubator, Hermitage Artistic Director Andy Sandberg returns to his roots as a performer to sing a benefit concert at Sarasota’s iconic Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

This one-night-only event will raise funds for the Hermitage Artist Retreat following the impact of Hurricane Ian earlier this season.

VOTE! NOW THROUGH

In addition to his role at the Hermitage, Sandberg is a director, writer, performer, and Tony Award-winning producer. He will be performing a concert of Broadway songs and will be joined on stage by Broadway guest stars, accompanied by 2023 Grammy Award nominee and Hermitage Fellow Rona Siddiqui.

FEBRUARY 27 Remember you can vote up to once per hour.

Accompanied by 2023 Grammy Nominee

RONA SIDDIQUI

Sponsored by

ANDY SANDBERG

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

FOR TICKETS ($25, $50, $75, $250): Online: HermitageArtistRetreat.org In Person: Van Wezel Box Office, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

399136-1

Phone: (941) 263-6799

Yourobserver.com/contests

398576-1

YOUR VOTE could help someone WIN $500

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

29

REAL ESTATE BY A REAL EXPERT

OVER $97 MILLION SOLD IN 2022 • #8 REALTOR IN SARASOTA/MANATEE COUNTIES

JUST LISTED • ATRIUM - FAIRWAY BAY 2120 HARBOURSIDE DR., #611 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,295,000 Corner 3BR/3BA residence featuring the popular Banyan floor plan, with multiple terraces, and walkdown access to the tropical grounds bay.

JUST LISTED • FAIRWAY BAY 2020 HARBOURSIDE DR., #411 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $975,000 Renovated 2BR/2BA corner residence positioned to maximize its seamlessly flowing floor plan, set on the first living level with a walkdown to the bay.

ST. ARMANDS 515 S. WASHINGTON DRIVE • SARASOTA, FL 34236 • $4,495,000 Landmark 3BR+DEN+OFFICE/4BA waterfront estate with first floor primary suite featuring access to the pool, spa, fully equipped summer kitchen and private boat dock with lift, all moments to St. Armands Circle.

NEW PRICE • THE SANCTUARY 545 SANCTUARY DR., #B506 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $2,395,000 3BR/2.5BA residence with panoramic views of the city, Bay and the golf course from a large, open terrace.

Brittany floor plan, enhanced with opening up of kitchen for a seamless flow through dining and living areas.

NEW PRICE • FAIRWAY BAY 1930 HARBOURSIDE DR., #112 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $625,000 This 2BR/2BA ideally located residence boasts an extended terrace and direct walkdown access to a world of fabulous resort amenities – benefits exclusive to this living level.

GRAND BAY III NEW PRICE • BEACHPLACE 3030 GRAND BAY BLVD., #325 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $ 1,499,000 1095 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #504 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,150,000 Furnished 2BR+DEN/3.5BA corner residence with expansive wrap Breathtaking views through windows and sliders of high-impact glass from this 2BR/2BA updated residence. Includes 2 assigned parking spaces. around terrace offering views of the bay, city, marina and golf course.

GRAND BAY III 3030 GRAND BAY BLVD. #316 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $2,695,000 3BR/3BA residence with panoramic views of the marina, Bay and golf course. Antigua floor plan, set on the first level with a spectacular kitchen and an extended terrace.

PRIVATEER SOUTH GRAND BAY II 3040 GRAND BAY BLVD., #263 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $2,295,000 1000 LONGBOAT CLUB RD., #301 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $ 1,895,000 Direct bay panoramic views from this sprawling 2BR+Den/2.5BA Rarely available 3BR/3BA corner residence offering over 1,700 sq. ft. residence offering the popular Cayman floor plan and two covered of living space, with direct Gulf front views from multiple terraces. patios.

1350 MAIN 1350 MAIN ST., PENTHOUSE 1704 • SARASOTA, FL • $7,500,000 THE ONE - Redesigned 3,208 SF entertainers penthouse offering jet liner views of the city, Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Completely remodeled by one of the region’s finest builders.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION 2945 PYRULA DRIVE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $3,345,000 Exceptional quality, untouched refinement, 2-story, 5BR/5BA, 3,815 sq. ft. residence. Features abound, including a separate in-law suite and large 3-car garage. Expansive outdoor area with heated pool and spa.

SEASCAPE 5135 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #202 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,199,000 Spacious 3BR/2BA residence located in a direct Gulf-front community of only 8 units. Includes 2 highly coveted covered parking spaces.

Bruce Myer

Realtor ®

941.387.1847

395309-1

Bruce@BruceMyer.com • www.BruceMyer.com

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

TOP Sales Team Florida 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 23, 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 Community Offered for $625,000 - Furnished

RECENT SALES

Sold Price Address $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 LongboatKeyLuxury.com | (941) 587-1700

Thinking of selling? Please call me for similar results!

Judy Kepecz-Hays (941) 587-1700

397314-1

30

YourObserver.com

31

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, FEB. 24

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 202324 contest and prize information.

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

High: 78 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 9%

Thursday, Feb. 23

7:00a

6:27p

Friday, Feb. 24

6:59a

6:28p

Saturday, Feb. 25

6:58a

6:29p

Sunday, Feb. 26

6:57a

6:29p

SATURDAY, FEB. 25

Monday, Feb. 27

6:56a

6:30p

High: 77 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 8%

Tuesday, Feb. 28

6:56a

6:30p

Wednesday, Feb. 29

6:55a

6:31p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, FEB. 26 High: 76 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 7%

Feb. 27 First

March 7 Full

March 14 March 21 Last New

TIDES Highs Lows Thursday, Feb. 23

1:54a

2:02p

8:37a

9:12p

Friday, Feb. 24

2:53a

2:26p

8:55a

10:15p

Saturday, Feb. 25

4:06a

2:54p

9:08a

11:25p

Sunday, Feb. 26

6:05a

3:28p

8:58a

—

Monday, Feb. 27

—

4:11p

12:45a

—

Tuesday, Feb. 28

—

5:13p

2:10a

—

Wednesday, March 1

—

6:44p

3:23a

—

Jenelle Alber captured this photo of a white ibis at Beer Can Island on Longboat Key.

IT’S TIME TO VOTE!

Remember you can vote up to once per hour.

Weather

&Nature

2022-23 PHOTO CONTEST

YOUR VOTE COULD HELP SOMEONE WIN $500

Sponsored by

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

A REFLECTION OF NATURE’S BEAUTY

celebrity cipher

©2023 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Races, as an engine 5 Whiz 8 Lids 12 “Epic” inspiration for the poet H.D.’s “Helen” 17 “Here’s an ___ ...”

18 Minus’ opposite 20 French farewell 22 Punch bowl scoop 23 Apt bit of feedback for a web developer?

25 Religious ceremonies 26 Bouncy tunes 27 *Cardiologist’s song request? (Demi Lovato, 2011) 30 Like Galileo, by birth 31 Fawn’s mom 32 Singer Redding 33 Boot tip

57 “Hahaha” 59 L.A.’s country 60 Play about robots 63 Nine-digit ID 67 Corn serving 68 Prefix for “pleasure” 69 “My turn!”

70 Indent key DOWN 71 Flashback game console 1 Tease maker 2 Academic URL ender 72 “For real!”

3 Crunchy lunch option with 73 Bathtub part a tortilla 74 Up and about 4 Indian bridal garments 75 Good, in Mexico 5 Tacks on 76 Striped gem 6 Be overly sweet 80 “Forget what I just said!”

7 100 cents, in Italy 81 Compete to win 8 North Carolina athletes 82 Stances at a photo shoot 9 “Garfield” dog 84 Not interested in finding 10 Bread served with love, briefly hummus 85 Apt rhyme of “muck” 11 Oracle 86 “The Simpsons” store12 “Fine, tell me more” keeper 13 Animals’ retreats 87 Evaluate 14 Inactive 89 Aid and ___ 15 Opposite of 88-Across 90 ‘60s atty. general 16 Office fixture 93 Birth control pill 19 Starter earring hormone 21 “So do we!”

97 Talk down?

24 Actress Noblezada or 98 Perseverance rover’s org.

Mendes 100 Secular 34 Banned pesticide 64 Sandra Day O’Connor 99 *Surgeon’s song re28 Kind of tomato 101 Convinced (of) College of Law’s Southwest- quest? (Bryan Adams, 1983) 37 Ran into 29 Very much 104 Every ___ way 39 Turnip or beet ern sch.

102 108-Across eggs 30 Not well 108 Absurd comedy 40 “Well, well, well!”

65 “C’___ la vie!”

103 Bird of prey 33 Burglary 110 Gumbo vegetable 43 *E.R. physician’s song 66 Health care guideline, or 105 Greek H 35 Unlimited ___ plan 112 British lav request? (The Fray, 2005) each starred clue’s answer? 106 UFO crew 113 Desert shrub 48 *With 96-Across, OB74 Legal org.

107 Some boxing victories, 36 ABC VIP, e.g.

38 Polynesian carving 114 Greek poet’s inspiration GYN’s song request? (The 77 Prepare to toss a beanbag briefly 39 Depend (on) 115 Where Vietnam is Eagles, 1976) 78 Mil. alliance based in 108 Salmon or sturgeon 40 Common phone signoff 116 Kind of bean in Vietnam50 Goof Brussels 109 ___ Grande 41 Buzzy spots? ese cuisine 51 ___ Aviv 79 Answer an invitation 111 More crafty 42 Praiseful poet 117 Blah in color 52 Dia de los Muertos head 83 *Endocrinologist’s song 114 *Anesthesiologist’s song 44 Pacific Northwest 118 Leafy green 54 “Well, duh!” request? (The Archies, request? (LL Cool J, 1990) carving 119 “Death on the ___” 55 Alternative to heels 1969) 122 Take by force (Christie novel) 56 Skating leap 88 Low, in Spanish 123 Name that anagrams to 45 Choice words?

46 Justice Kagan 120 Shout 58 *Ophthalmologist’s song 90 Math comparison “cigar” 121 Great Plains tribe request? (The Weeknd, 91 Run like the wind 124 Like a style that’s back 47 Good times 49 Hardship 125 Nest egg initials 2020) 92 Future butterflies in style 53 Word after “course” or 126 Compound in weed, for 61 Variety 94 Comedian Delaney 127 Because “oversize” short 62 Biblical name seen back- 95 Terminates at work 128 Actress Bailey who will ward in “walks on eggshells” 96 See 48-Across star in 2023’s “The Little

“LT CAOBTL UYB ANAO MTLTOAH ETO UMYV MA OAPAXNAH. MTLTO MYB FAAL VMA OAUYOH ETO UMYV MA DYNA.” PYKNXL PTTKXHDA

“W’XH VHXHZ MHHV NTZH IZTDE WV NL RWBH CT MH F UTDZVFRWPC. ... CAH UTM WP PT WVKZHEWMRL WNITZCFVC.” VTZFA T’ETVVHRR

“EB NRC’TH GCTERCP, NRC’UU DTRIOIUN IH O YRRS XRCTZOUEPA IHGOCPH MH BRUURM RCT GCTERPEAN UEFH GOAP.” SEOZH POMNHT © 2023 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

395909-1

Mermaid” 129 Soothing plant 130 Pasta nutrient, for short 131 Enthusiastic 132 “It’s ___ real” 133 Directed 134 Not very much

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: X equals J

DOCTOR’S ORDERS by Amie Walker and Jeff Chen, edited by David Steinberg

Puzzle Two Clue: B equals F

crossword

Puzzle One Clue: F equals B

397847-1

NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 27

The Observer’s

2-23-23

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

RED PAGES AD RATES

RED PAGES redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

Land for Sale

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card The Longboat Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Longboat Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

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

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales

A. one lot on a corner... $865,521

Items Under $200

Boats SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING

auto

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Call (941)704-9382

SEASONAL RATES

Rentals Wanted

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

RENTAL WANTED Mature couple, no pets, no kids.

Want to rent a 2BR condo on Longboat Key, south of Beachplace. Please call 917-484-0222

941-955-4888

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage

CALL 941-955-4888

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

WE OFFER PRIVATE IN-HOME CARE SERVICES PERSONAL CARE

BEYOND HOME SERVICE 941-730-3027

941-915-4588

BLUE DOLPHIN CAFE

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNERS ARE BACK AT OUR LONGBOAT KEY CENTRE SHOPS LOCATION!!

Between Houses or Condos

NEED HOME HEALTH CARE?

Reservations 941-383-5577

SPECIALIZE IN T.L.C ATTENTION

wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com

PEACE OF MIND FOR CLIENT

Visa/MC

FRIDAY ** FEBRUARY 24TH **

 LIVE MAINE LOBSTER  BLUE FIN CRAB CAKES  GROUPER OSCAR  PRIME RIB

RETIRED TEACHER RELIABLE AND REASONABLE

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101

CALL OR TEXT CRIS

Longboat Key, FL 34228

847-217-3722

Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

ALL ENTREES SERVED WITH CHEF’S CHOICE STARCH & VEGETABLE

Painting

M-F

ENTIRE REGULAR DINNER MENU ALSO AVAILABLE!

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.

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

INCLUDING HOMEMADE PIES! AND MUCH MORE... JUST ASK...

FRIDAYS OPEN 5P.M.-8P.M. SERVING DINNER ITEMS

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

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

Call 941-383-3338.

941-383-3787 CALL FOR RESERVATIONS BEER & WINE AVAILABLE

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Auto Service

Beauty

SELL YOUR CAR!

Amanda Abizaid Hairstylist Colorist Makeup Artist

FAST • EASY • SAFE

941.270.4400

PRE & POST SURGERY SERVICES

Restaurants

Health Services

Beachfront, Bayfront and In

WE COME TO YOU

ALZHEIMER/ DEMENTIA ASSISTANCE

support@filamprivatedutyhomecare.com

397440

NEED PRIVATE CARE?

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Ask about our special rates!

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

941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.

Adult Care Services

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE

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

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

WEEKLY MONTHLY

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

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

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

Auto Transport

BUY STUFF HERE!

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Professional, mobile bottom painting.

Call for a FREE Evaluation!

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

HoHoBuysCars.com

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

5-Star Rated

424.333.0713

398643

YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

L’AMBIANCE, LONGBOAT KEY Beach front 2BR/3BA condo on high floor with wrap-around terrace, 270 degree views over the Gulf, Sarasota Bay and LBK Club.

Sunrises, sunsets through floor to ceiling windows. View at: www.thephotos.smugmug.com Call John at: 203-984-8477 or E-mail: garment@optonline.net

397538

941-955-4888

Painting ES HANDYMAN & REMODELING. Hardwood flooring, kitchens, drywall, painting and electrical.

Honest and best prices.

30+ years exp. Fully ins/lic.

716-474-8492.

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

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

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING

Help Wanted

Autos Wanted

Online: YourObserver.com /RedPages

Carol Spiegel 941-323-6365 Jerry Cunningham 941-321-8848 shortstorieslongboatkey@gmail

real estate

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

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

CALL FOR DETAILS...

jobs

stuff

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

Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

Adult Care Services

B. one lot on a canal... $969,930

Merchandise Wanted

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

imagine an island of opportunity

located just outside of sarasota two buildable lots in a historical village on north Longboat key

Appliances (large and small), Furniture, Clothing, Sports Equipment, Jewelry, Linens, Books, Bikes. Something for Everyone!

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

by jerry cunningham, jr

521 broadway

ANNUAL FLEA MARKET Sunday February 25, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM 2400 Cortez Rd Palma Sola Harbour Condos,

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

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

rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com www.rockstarmobilehairsalon.com

LOS ANGELES HAIRSTYLIST NOW IN SARASOTA

YourObserver.com

33

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Carpet Cleaning

Home Watch

Personal Services

FIRST RESPONDER OWNED & OPERATED

We Love Our Customers!

dan@shorelockhomewatch.com

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This week’s Crossword answers

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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.”

Calvin Coolidge Puzzle Two Solution: “I’ve never been more proud in my life to be a journalist. ... The job is so incredibly important.”

Norah O’Donnell Puzzle Three Solution: “If you’re curious, you’ll probably be a good journalist because we follow our curiosity like cats.”

Diane Sawyer

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Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY 510 BAY ISLES ROAD, SUITE 1 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL (Next to SUNTRUST BANK)

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

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

97 SOUTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

$11,500,000

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

www.97SouthWashington.com

1172 HORIZON VIEW DRIVE

$6,995,000

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

www.1172HorizonView.com

3030 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #346

$3,000,000

3040 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #251

$2,695,000

455 LONGBOAT CLUB ROAD #603

Panoramic, direct views of Sarasota Bay, Harbourside golf course and downtown’s twinkling skyline are the star of the show as soon as you enter this lovely 3BR Antigua residence at Grand Bay.

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.

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.

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101 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DRIVE #91 $1,495,000

5311 10TH AVENUE DRIVE WEST

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.

Experience the Lido Beach lifestyle at St. Armands Towers. The perfect place to escape, situated just a few steps from Lido Beach and a sunny walk or bike ride to enjoy St. Armands Circle.

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www.201NorthWashington.com

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201 NORTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

$2,195,000

$2,345,000

$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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