Longboat Observer 3.9.23

LONGBOAT

Swan stories.

PAGE 10

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

VOLUME 45, NO. 31

YOUR TOWN Tick, tock.

Turn forward your clock!

Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. March 12.

Mangrove enforcement cut short of town

Illegal trimmings reveal state law’s limitations.

PAGE 3

Courtesy photo

Hein Rusen, Erin McLeod and Harold Ronso

Creating a safe haven for seniors Longboat Key philanthropist Harold Ronson partnered with Claire and Hein Russ to create a $2 million endowment at the Senior Friendship Centers in Sarasota.

Since 1980, the Caregiving Place has offered day services, such as art therapy and exercise classes, for adults with cognitive decline. On Feb. 27, the building was renamed the Ronson & Rusen Caregiving Place.

“I have supported this mission for more than 10 years, and through this gift, I will be able to support it long in the future,” Ronson said in a news release.

The donation is also in Ronson’s late wife Kay’s name. Kay died in 2012 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Spring cleaning

The annual Royal Rummage Sale drew record crowds searching for deals. PAGE 17 Lesley Dwyer

The Royal Rummage Sale at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church welcomed its largest early bird crowd in its history.

Courtesy photo

Sips owners Justina Condensa and Chris Carter celebrated their grand opening March 1.

Sips serves up grand opening Sips coffee shop celebrated its official grand opening March 1.

The shop has been open since Feb. 13.

The shop is owned by Justina Condensa and her fiance, Chris Carter. It specializes in coffee, smoothies and juices and is located in Whitney Plaza, 6828 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Vice Mayor Maureen Merrigan and Commissioner BJ Bishop helped the couple celebrate their ribbon cutting along with family and friends.

Whitney Plaza houses Condensa’s father, Mike’s, business as well, Performance Pilates.

The shop’s hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays; it is closed Mondays. However, the couple has said they consistently stay open later to meet customer demand.

Visit SipsLBK.com.

A+E

Hear the Rumble Tech company opens new headquarters on Longboat Key. SEE PAGE 2

Pattern play.

INSIDE

Courtesy photo

Rumble Chairman and CEO Chris Pavlovski cuts the ribbon at a grand opening party at the video platform’s new Longboat Key office Feb. 24.

2

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

YouTube competitor opens new Longboat Key headquarters In a rare interview, Rumble CEO talks about tech companies, freedom of speech principles and the YouTube competitor’s growth track.

MARK GORDON BUSINESS OBSERVER

T

he California tech company party balloon has landed on Longboat Key — along with a sweet bottle of rum.

The rum comes from Rumble.

The publicly traded video-sharing platform, which rose to national prominence by catering to a conservative-leaning audience, especially during the pandemic, officially opened its new U.S. corporate headquarters Feb. 27 on Longboat Key. It celebrated the opening with a party Feb. 24 attended by some notable video content providers and national and local convservative luminaries, including Donald Trump Jr. The company’s main corporate offices were previously in Toronto.

Traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol, RUM, Rumble has been operating in some capacity on Longboat for more than a year. It reported revenue of $22.36 million in the trailing 12-month period through February — more than double the $9.4 million it did in 2021. The revenue gains have been accompanied by heavy losses, including $20.8 million in the past 12 months. Rumble shares closed at $9.34 March 6.

Rumble, which went public Sept.

19 through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company, known as a SPAC, makes most of its money from ad revenue, where rates increase based on viewership metrics. On that front, Rumble has been on a tear: It hit 71 million monthly active users in the 2022 third quarter, according to a January report from Statista. That’s up 61.3% from 44 million in the 2022 second quarter.

The official office opening, announced in a short press release sent over the business news wires March 2, was both a news item and

a call to action: the company, said Chairman and CEO Chris Pavlovski, is hiring people to work from the Longboat office, mostly in engineering and software, but in sales and support, too. It seeks to hire at least 25 people right now, with more, said Pavlovski, “in bunches of 25,” to come.

In documents Rumble filed in 2021 with Sarasota County for a potential jobs-based incentive package — it never materialized — the company indicated it aimed to create 165 local jobs. It said at the time that management jobs would pay $170,000 a year, while nonmanagement positions would pay $80,000 a year.

LURE OF LONGBOAT

In a one-on-one interview the day the new office press statement was released, Pavlovski talked about Rumble’s history, his plans for the company’s near future (what he could disclose publicly) and the rapidly shifting video platform industry.

He spoke with sister publication the Business Observer from a secondfloor balcony as the occasional boat motored by and light chatter from Dry Dock could be heard nearby the building at 444 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

“My focus,” Pavlovski said, “is to live here and grow here and make us the free speech capital of the world.”

The free speech mantra is a throwback to when Pavlovski, 39, first thought of the idea of Rumble.

That was in 2010, when, he said, he saw YouTube, the pioneer in uploaded video content, had “been going with big brands and getting corporate. They weren’t for your aunts and uncles and friends and family anymore.”

His answer, Rumble, was founded in 2013. “I saw an opportunity to help provide tools YouTube was no longer giving people,” he said.

Courtesy photo

Rumble officially opened its new U.S. corporate headquarters Feb. 27 at 444 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The company picked up a lot of “little wins,” Pavlovski said, until summer 2020, when then-U.S. Rep. Devin Nunes, R-California, joined Rumble. Pavlovski said it took Nunes, a conservative and major ally of then-President Donald Trump, a decade to get 12,000 subscribers on YouTube. On Rumble, Nunes reached 300,000 subscribers in three months. “That was a key moment people in the conservative sphere noticed,” Pavlovski said.

More wins after Nunes came from election night 2020, when conservative comedian Steven Crowder surpassed 3 million views.

British comedian Russell Brand, citing Rumble’s free speechembracing platform, joined Rumble in 2022, another big win. Brand attended the opening night party.

Another big decision? The move to Longboat Key. Like many others who have moved businesses to the Sarasota-Bradenton region, Pavlovski had family here; his parents, he

said, have had a place on Longboat Key for more than 15 years.

“I’ve been to a lot of places all over America but once you come here, you don’t leave,” said Pavlovski, a Toronto native and lifelong Maple Leafs hockey fan. “It captivates you.

It’s a little piece of heaven here.”

That’s part of the pitch the company uses to recruit and retain employees — to live and work in a “piece of heaven.” Similar themes are part of employees’ social media posts.

A new Rumble employee, when they come to work at the firm’s new Longboat Key digs, will get a taste of what, pre-pandemic at least, had become the standard Silicon Valleystyle office. The stylish renovated, two-story office is in the back building of the Sailboat Square office complex, next to Dry Dock Waterfront Grill and across the street from the Resort at Longboat Key Club.

The back of the office, built in 1981, has docks and unobstructed views of Sarasota Bay.

While the views aren’t unusual for Longboat, what’s different is the inside. One floor has back-toback rows of tables with large computer monitors lined up, one next to another. Another floor has a sleek kitchen with a coffee bar, near a wall adorned in green faux grass. (Green is a primary Rumble color.) Another wall is painted with detailed comicbook style murals, including one with green fighting red, which is YouTube’s primary color.

The office’s inside, combined with the location, combined with Florida’s popularity, resonated with some of the company’s already 200-strong employee base when the Longboat move was announced.

Employees relocated to Longboat Key from Canada, California and other places. Pavlovski said he could see it in real time on the company’s internal Slack messaging channel.

“Within days,” he says, “people were posting pictures on Slack of the moving trucks.”

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

3

Mangroves near this Longboat Landings home were removed without a permit along Sarasota Bay.

A satellite photo from Google Earth shows what the property looked like with mangroves still present.

MURKY WATERS An illegal removal of mangroves along a Longboat Key property line raises questions about the town’s ability to enforce regulations.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

A

couple weeks ago, a local resident, Justin Moore, made his way to his favorite fishing spot along the Sarasota Bay on Longboat Key. Upon arriving, he realized he was not confident he was in the right spot.

He quickly noticed what led to his confusion was the lack of mangroves that had characterized the spot for years.

Knowing their importance, he made a call to resident and chairman of the Suncoast Waterkeeper, Rusty Chinnis.

Chinnis recalled Moore classifying it as a disorienting experience as the mangroves have acted as a landmark for his fishing excursions for years. “(Suncoast Waterkeeper) has gotten very involved in mangrove protection because we’ve seen a lot of mangrove destruction recently, particularly in Manatee County,” he said.

Mangroves are tropical plants that are adapted to loose, wet soils, saltwater and being periodically submerged by tides. They provide a slew of benefits including fish habitats, seabird protection, water quality improvements and shoreline protection from storm surges, which is why the state regulates their trimming or removal.

Chinnis said it could be possible that people are trimming or removing the mangroves simply because they are not aware of their

Courtesy photos

Mangrove trimming is regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

significance. There is potential, too, that people are illegally trimming and removing them knowingly to achieve a better view of the water from their property.

“If mangroves are trimmed properly, you can open up windows and have views through them,” he said.

“It will actually enhance the value of the property rather than just having a stark seawall.”

The belief that trimming mangroves shorter will make trimming a less frequent need is a common misconception, Chinnis said. It actually encourages the mangroves to grow faster.

“If you do it right, not only do you up the value of your property, but you get to have your views and keep the mangroves healthy,” he said. “It’s a win-win.”

Confusion surrounding who regulates the trimming of mangroves, what the town can do to help protect its own habitat and when to seek out a professional mangrove trimmer are just a few of the puzzling questions had by residents new and old wishing to protect the species.

An issue Chinnis brought up specifically is a lack of education as populations in communities with mangroves continue to grow across the state.

THE TOWN’S ROLE

The trimming and alteration of mangroves is regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

In 2015, the town had to amend its tree protection ordinance to comply with the state’s Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act, which created a comprehensive regulatory program for the alteration and trimming of mangroves within the state.

Unless there is a formal “delegation of authority” from the FDEP to a local government authorizing that local government’s regulation of mangroves, local governments are restricted from regulating the trimming or alteration of mangroves.

“When there is reported mangrove trimming, the town does coordinate with FDEP and their Compliance Assurance Program staff,” Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons wrote in an email. “In cases where trimming is done without a valid FDEP permit, FDEP can and does pursue enforcement actions that include restoration and fines.”

Suncoast Waterkeeper and the town filed a complaint with FDEP about the illegal mangrove trimming at the property in Longboat Landing.

Sarasota County is a “delegated local government” that the state has given the authority to implement the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act. Chinnis said he has talked with town staff about considering finding a way to take over the responsibility

of mangroves from the state.

“I see it as an opportunity to educate the public at the same time,” he said. “I think Longboat Key should be an example of how a municipality should act. I think we should be a model for other communities because this bay, it’s the lifeblood of the community and it’s not getting the attention it deserves.”

Although the town does not have authority to regulate the trimming or alteration of mangroves, code enforcement should still be notified of any observed issues as it can investigate the issue and report it to the state to begin its own investigation.

STATE ADVICE

According to state advice, removing all or most of the leaves, trimming mangrove roots, trimming mangroves below six feet and removing the mangroves entirely are all activities that should be avoided.

FDEP provided basic guidelines for homeowners when debating looking into trimming mangroves on their property. Outside of the below guidelines, all other mangrove trimming or alteration activities require a permit. n Homeowners may trim mangroves when the mangrove height exceeds 6 feet but is not taller than 10 feet. Mangroves cannot be trimmed below 6 feet. n Mangroves over 10 feet tall require a professional mangrove trimmer. n If trimming trees over 16 feet tall, trim in stages with no more than 25% removed annually n Trimming mangroves over 24 feet tall requires DEP authorization. n Homeowners can trim mangroves that were legally trimmed previously. Trimming must maintain the previous height and configuration. n When the property shoreline is greater than 150 feet in length, 65% of the mangrove trees can be trimmed.

For a first violation of the act, property owners could be required to restore the area in lieu of a fine.

Any subsequent violations will be met with a fine. For each mangrove illegally trimmed, the property can be fined up to $100. For each mangrove illegally altered, the property owner can be fined up to $250.

BENEFITS OF MANGROVES According to the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program website, mangroves have specific benefits to the bay, including protecting seabirds and giving them a place to nest and reproduce.

Mangroves also help to keep nuisance and harmful algal blooms under control, which can help lessen the effects and presence of red tide.

Other benefits of mangroves, according to FDEP, include: n Stabilize the coastline n Protect water quality n Reduce coastal flooding n Provide habitat for fish n Protect wildlife species n Protect young fish from predators n Serve as a nesting area n Contributes $7.6 billion annually to the economy and create 109,000 jobs in Florida

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

Town of Longboat Key

Buccaneer’s construction timeline uncertain

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

Developers are hoping to have building permits and cost estimates in hand by mid-May.

Planning and Zoning Board

All applications must be submitted to the Office of the Town Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on March 23, 2023. All applicants must be registered voters of the Town of Longboat Key. Late applications may not be accepted.

Any member who fails to attend two of three consecutive scheduled and called regular meetings without cause, and without prior approval of the chairman shall automatically forfeit the appointment, and the Town Commission shall promptly fill the vacancy.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

All members of the Planning and Zoning Board are required to file a financial disclosure form within 30 days after appointment and annually thereafter for the duration of the appointment as required by Florida Statues Chapter 112.

The Town Commission may schedule a Meet and Greet with applicants at a later date. Please call the Office of the Town Clerk at 941-316-1999 for an application or if you have any questions. Applications may be submitted to: Town of Longboat Key Office of the Town Clerk 501 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key FL 34228 399970-1

Stephanie Janney, Administrative Assistant Published: 03-08-2023, 03-15-2023

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The town is looking into possibly entering an agreement with the Columbia Restaurant group in hopes of alleviating seasonal, morning parking strain from pickleball demand at the adjacent Bayfront Park.

Such agreements are separate from site development plans and require additional discussion of terms. However, Public Works Director Isaac Brownman told town commissioners at their Feb. 21 workshop that the group showed interest in the potential agreement.

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When the Columbia Restaurant group will complete construction of new restaurant the Buccaneer and have it open for business is still unknown.

According to Tim Steele, facility, construction and maintenance manager for the project, the restaurant is still in the middle of design.

Construction permits and costs are expected by the middle of May at the earliest, he wrote in an email.

“Only then will we know our start schedule,” Steele wrote.

The restaurant, planned for 4120 Gulf of Mexico Drive, sits just north of Bayfront Park and just south of Harbour Square commercial center, which the Columbia Restaurant owners bought in September 2017.

It is the former site of Pattigeorge’s, which was demolished in June 2018.

The plan is to build a 196-seat restaurant.

Because the restaurant submitted its application to the town in April 2020 — before the town’s June 2020 restaurant parking changes took effect — the project is grandfathered in to the town’s previous parking rules. The new rules mean that instead of requiring one parking space for every 150 square feet of floor area, the Buccaneer is only required to have one parking spot for every four seats.

With the restaurant’s plans for 196 seats, plans will need to show 49 parking spots instead of the 101 that would have been required under the new parking rules had it submitted plans later.

The Planning and Zoning Board

unanimously approved both the site development plan and special exceptions in May 2021.

At that time, representatives of the restaurant said there was no timetable for opening the restaurant, but estimated Columbia Restaurant group would submit documents to acquire a building permit in about two years. That two-year estimate meets Steele’s current expectations of having permits by May of this year.

Planning and Zoning Board members at the time approved the developer’s special exception to allow an elevator shaft to exceed the town’s maximum height by three feet and an outdoor dining space. The maximum height for buildings is usually 30 feet.

Concerns for the project’s outdated parking requirements were addressed by a condition added to the approval of site development plans by Planning, Zoning and Building staff. The condition states the group must submit an overflow parking plan before the town will consider issuing a building permit.

Before approving the plans, board members urged developers to keep in mind that if the Buccaneer Restaurant wanted to undergo renovations or modifications in the future, such redevelopment could trigger the new parking rules.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

5

Town explores options for GMD sidewalk An FDOT resurfacing project is planned for the sidewalk along Gulf of Mexico Drive that the town is hoping to widen. Plus, the town identifies new funding for the Broadway roundabout.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

Alternative trail detail

A

future Florida Department of Transportation sidewalk resurfacing project has caused a tricky situation for the town of Longboat Key. As part of the completed Gulf of Mexico Drive Complete Streets Corridor Plan, the town planned to replace the 8-foot sidewalk on the east side of the island with a 12-footwide multiuse trail.

Because GMD is a state road, the town has been working in concert with FDOT throughout the completion of the corridor plan and as it moves forward with desired projects. At the beginning of February, town staff met with the department as part of a transitional meeting as Howard Tipton took over town manager responsibilities from Tom Harmer.

FDOT has expressed plans to replace the sidewalk with one of the same size as part of its Gulf of Mexico Drive resurfacing projects.

Currently, FDOT plans to spend $4 million on the sidewalk replacement in addition to the $6.2 million planned for resurfacing the Manatee County portion of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The Manatee County resurfacing is planned in FDOT’s fiscal year 2025 budget. The Sarasota County resurfacing portion, which is estimated to cost $6.4 million, is planned in the fiscal year 2026 budget.

Since the money is meant for resurfacing existing infrastructure, the FDOT funds can only be used to replace the multiuse path as is.

“They were very clear that the dollars they use to resurface and replace like-for-like cannot be used to upgrade or enhance,” Public Works Director Isaac Brownman said.

The current state of sidewalks on the east side of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

After the town explained to the department its desire to increase the width of the trail, the department explained that because of the funding source those funds cannot be used to expand the roadway or the sidewalk.

FDOT told the town it would review the request and develop a cost estimate for the desired additional width and to address drainage.

Town staff has already submitted a SUN Trail grant application for the 12-foot-wide trail as part of this year’s grant cycle.

BROADWAY ROUNDABOUT UPDATE

Manatee County and FDOT have been working on an arrangement for the county to purchase a piece of property in Parrish from the transportation department.

The purchase is expected to cost about $1.68 million. FDOT has committed to the town that such funds would be earmarked for the Broadway roundabout construction.

Design for the circle is about 90% complete, and town staff are awaiting updates of the probable cost for completion. Manatee County has provided funding for half the cost of

Renderings include the possible design of a 12-foot-wide multiuse trail on the east side of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

CORRIDOR PLAN ELEMENTS Outside of the roundabout and multiuse trail, the town’s corridor plan included the following road improvements: n 7-foot-wide buffered bike lanes n Left-turn lanes at higher volume intersections n Raised landscape medians where feasible n 6-to-8-foot wide sidewalk on the west side Completing all improvements in the plan is estimated to cost about $28 million.

the design, $150,000.

The most recent estimate had construction costing between $2 million and $2.5 million. Any remaining costs over the $1.68 million from FDOT would be the responsibility of the town or Manatee County.

Brownman is hopeful that the change in county administration will not cause issues with previously agreed upon terms, including the

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Courtesy renderings

Design of the Broadway at Gulf of Mexico Drive is about 90% complete.

county carrying out the construction.

“All of that was agreed upon with (former county administrator) Dr. Hopes,” he said. “We will have to see how that all shakes out, but for now from our perspective Manatee County is handling construction.”

The procedural timeframe for FDOT to include funding in its work program is about two years from the time the purchase from the county is

completed.

Construction of the roundabout will likely take at least one year to complete.

According to the town, the goal of constructing the roundabout on Broadway Street at Gulf of Mexico Drive is to help slow down traffic, provide for safer vehicular crossings and left turns, address significant elevation changes and enhance bicyclist and pedestrian safety.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

Rental registration program starts Oct. 1 The program requires properties rented out for less than six months at a time to register with the town.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

R

ental property owners need to start scheduling inspections of their properties as soon as possible in preparation for a registration program to start Oct. 1 on Longboat Key. The program was passed unanimously by Longboat Key town commissioners Monday.

Even as the program passed, commissioners still had questions about the ordinance. Vice Mayor Maureen Merrigan asked staff why other jurisdictions programs also cover occupancy standards, but the one proposed for Longboat Key does not.

“Registration programs like those in the jurisdictions north of us are dealing with short-term rentals like weekly rentals where occupancy is a much bigger issue,” Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons said. “...We wanted to stay out of modifying anything that had to do with how we regulate short-term rentals...We’re not modifying anything the town has had on its books since at least 1982.”

The concern with making too many changes is the possibility of the town losing its grandfathered status, which allows the town to regulate short-term rental properties.

Mayor Ken Schneier questioned staff confidence in getting the over 1,000 rental property owners identified to register with the program.

“I think we have a high confidence level because all of the rentals that are taking place in the town today should have a business tax receipt,” Parsons said.

Each year, town staff sends notice to property owners about tax receipt renewal requirements. In this year’s notice, staff will include a notice about the newly required program.

The program intends to allow the town to keep tabs on properties

within its jurisdiction that serve as vacation getaways instead of residential uses. It will only affect properties that are rented out for six months or less.

To sign up for the required program, property owners are expected to pay about a $200 fee to cover the cost of the certificate to be displayed in the home and to cover town staff inspections of the residence. Submitting a renewal application will cost $150 and be required every two years after the initial registration.

Following such protocol is expected to provide benefits to the town including contact information of property owners should something go awry. Similarly, the certificate is required to be posted inside the property and be accessible by guests, providing the owner’s phone number, means of certification and safety information.

Other information that will be required to be posted includes: n The maximum number of vehicles allowed to park at the property n Tow n noise o rd i n a n c e requirements n Solid waste, yard waste and recycling pick-up dates n Emergency evacuation maps Along with the certificate, property owners would receive a number associated with their registration that they will be required to include on listings and ads for the rental. They will also be required to ensure that the listing specifies that potential visitors will be expected to stay for at least 30 days.

Starting in July, staff will be reaching out to property managers, homeowners associations and the Federation of Longboat Key Condominiums as well as posting on town social media pages to further get the word out about the program and its effective date.

At the heart of the program is an overarching goal of maintaining the

Lauren Tronstad

town’s character and avoiding pitfalls of becoming a tourist-oriented community like other barrier islands directly north and south of the town.

The town is one of the few that retains the power to regulate shortterm rentals. This is largely in part to the town passing an ordinance in 1982 that eliminated tourism zoning, having all properties designated as residential or commercial.

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

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

The time period of six months or less for the program was chosen because these rentals are required

to pay tourism development taxes to either Sarasota or Manatee counties, pay applicable sales tax to the Florida Department of Revenue, meet life/ safety requirements for transient and non-transient lodging and obtain a business tax receipt from the town.

According to the staff memo, town staff sees the program as acting as a proactive measure with benefits, including n Addressing the growing number of residential rental properties n Mitigating impacts to nearby residential properties n Encouraging appropriate management of these properties n Protecting the general, health, safety and welfare of residents and visitors to the town Town staff listed vehicular traffic, parking, property maintenance and noise as a few of the potential impacts of unchecked tourism allowances.

About 1,000 properties were identified by town staff when searching listings on popular online platforms including Airbnb, Homeaway and VRBO. If all the properties were to register, the town could expect an additional $200,000 in revenue every couple of years.

Residential properties rented out for six months or less will need to register with the town, but resort properties that have been grandfathered in follow different rules.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

7

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SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON

ARTIST CONCEPTUAL RENDERING

ONE PARK SARASOTA

By Comparison: One Park Sarasota is an 18-story, 123-residence tower wrapped in • One Park is 2 feet, 7 inches shorter glass that pays tribute to the local than the new Ritz-Carlton Residences architecture and promises exquisite being proposed on Blocks 7 and 8 in attention to detail and a serene, holistic the Quay. residential experience. Designed by Sarasota-based firm Hoyt Architects • The VUE and The Westin Sarasota and developed by Property Markets is significantly larger than any other Group (PMG), One Park will be a completed or proposed property in first-in-class luxury development in the Quay, measuring at 859,000 gross downtown Sarasota. To date, 75 people square feet with a linear frontage who love the Sarasota community have (along Tamiami Trail and Gulfstream already purchased and are excited for Blvd.) of 719 feet. This is almost the project to break ground. double the linear frontage of Bayso and One Park.

The concept was to create an iconic • One Park’s linear frontage is smaller tower, creating a gateway building than Bayso, measuring approximately that would connect the front yard of 360 linear feet whereas Bayso is “The Bay” with the activity energy approximately 365 linear feet. center of Quay Commons and the Lennar’s linear frontage (North Waterfront District. and South along Quay Commons) - Gary Hoyt AIA, Hoyt Architects is much larger than One Park, measuring 435 feet in length.

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Though referenced as the soon-tobe largest building downtown, One Park Sarasota will not overshadow its neighbors in The Quay Sarasota in height nor size once completed. The unique angle of the property with its glass-lined facade will be a stunning addition to the area, seamlessly blending with its surroundings both natural and built.

Thoughtful Development Approach Decisions regarding the size of the property were made meticulously and intentionally in order to increase the overall benefit to those who will call the city of Sarasota home, beyond the residents of One Park Sarasota itself.

The developer had the opportunity

to build 150 units on the site where One Park will be built. After internal discussions, thoughtful decisions about the size of One Park were made with future residents of One Park, neighbors in the Quay and the community in mind. The developer reduced the size of the building by 18% to total 123 units. Reducing the saleable square footage and number of units allowed the architect to substantially increase the distance from the building to the property line in order to maximize light and air for residents and neighboring buildings.

One Park Activates Community Connection Outdoors on the ground level, One Park Sarasota will deliver a 76foot wide, 22-foot high, beautifully designed, well-lit and safe breezeway above Quay Commons with access to The Quay and The Bay Park from the Boulevard of the Arts. This dynamic pedestrian walkway will not only bring safe, widened sidewalks and lush greenery to an otherwise vacant space, but will also activate the space for Sarasota locals and residents. While the City of Sarasota code does not require the project to have any retail space, the developers of One Park are planning more than 13,000 square

ARTIST CONCEPTUAL RENDERING

feet of retail, dining, and outdoor café seating. Whether someone is looking to grab coffee or find respite during a particularly rainy or hot summer day, this activated space will benefit all who visit The Quay by offering a seamless way to commute to and from its array of shopping and dining venues.

Developing With The City in Mind During the planning phase of the project, the developer had the opportunity to maximize two buildable lots on the future site of One Park Sarasota. Rather than constructing two larger towers and forgoing any retail component in the development, the developer has chosen to create one seamless property that will activate the pedestrian experience with shops, restaurants, and cafes for the community to enjoy, serving as a warm welcome for all to The Quay. The development team is making a commitment to Sarasota.

A commitment to provide not only the most architecturally significant building in downtown Sarasota, high-quality construction, mindfully designed interiors, sweeping vistas and best-in-class amenities for residents, but a commitment to the community to provide exciting retail offerings including shopping, restaurants, a café and expansive sidewalks, all as part of a well-lit and safe atmosphere for the community to enjoy.

To learn more about One Park Sarasota, visit OneParkSarasota.com or call 941-232-7035 to schedule an appointment at the Sales Gallery.

8

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

LONGBOAT

OPINION / OUR VIEW

Designating fentanyl as a WMD would increase overdoses Cracking down on drugs often has an unintended effect: The creation of more potent, and lethal, replacements.

Friedrich Hayek

OPIOID RELATED MORTALITY BY SUBSTANCE

F

HOW IT STARTED

Heroin overdoses began to increase in 2011, the year after law enforcement began mandating reductions in opioid prescribing across the country. Indeed, opioid prescribing rates have decreased

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Lesley Dwyer, LDwyer@YourObsever.com; Lauren Tronstad, LTronstad@YourObsever.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@ YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Lexi Huelsman, LHuelsman@ YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Manager / Lori Downey, LDowney @YourObserver.com

ADRIAN MOORE AND JACOB JAMES RICH

entanyl overdoses are devastating the entire country. In 2021, over 107,000 Americans died from a drug overdose, 71,238 of which were caused by fentanyl. In Florida alone, fentanyl ended over 5,000 lives the same year. This tragic crisis will not be resolved by doubling down on prohibition policies that have failed for decades and are actually fueling overdose deaths.

In a letter by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody published in The Observer last month, she called upon President Biden to officially designate fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. The plea came a day after a House Energy & Commerce Committee hearing on the fentanyl crisis, which largely shared the same sentiment. Although much of the rhetoric blamed a porous Southern border, illegal immigration has little to do with fentanyl overdoses.

According to Customs and Border Protection, Southwest border encounters fell during the Obama Administration, increased during the Trump Administration, and have skyrocketed amid the Biden Administration — yet illicit opioid overdoses (like fentanyl) rose every single year of each presidency. Indeed, fentanyl increasingly infiltrated the country while President Trump reduced the unauthorized immigrant population. The fact of the matter is that the vast majority of fentanyl is trafficked through ports of entry and carrier packages — not on the backs of illegal immigrants and trafficker coyotes. And unfortunately, there’s no amount of enforcement that can stop it.

In fact, it’s the enforcement itself that has led to fentanyl being the preferred drug of traffickers, and labeling fentanyl as a WMD would only lead to more concentrated illicit drugs.

“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.”

every single year since 2010, and it is no coincidence that overdoses from black market opioids have increased in tandem, as CDC data in the accompanying figure shows. Attorney General Moody’s aggressive policies on prescription opioids doubles down on the very cause of the overdose crisis.

Drug Enforcement Administration data show that as heroin seizures rose over the past decade, production of heroin in Mexico began to decline.

Simultaneously, drug enforcement increasingly encountered fentanyl.

Although illicit heroin has a high overdose potential, it is still much less potent compared to fentanyl.

But it was the success in heroin seizures that motivated drug traffickers to begin engineering more potent substances, so that they could more easily conceal the product while transporting. During alcohol prohibition in the 1920s, bootleggers stopped supplying beer and wine in favor of liquor, since it was easier to conceal from police and provided more “bang for the buck” so to speak. These same incentives have motivated the cartels to supply fentanyl instead of heroin.

Now, after the Drug Enforcement Administration’s record year of fentanyl seizures in 2021, a new drug that can be 20 to 100 times stronger than fentanyl — isotonitazene — has started to appear more and more in the toxicologies of drug overdose victims. There is a pattern of futility here in addressing the problem with more prohibition. If Congress labels fentanyl as a WMD, the U.S. will increasingly see drugs like isotonitazene in the country and even more overdoses.

Some may think that there has been an increase in opioid addiction in the U.S., but the Substandard Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that opioid use and addiction have both been dropping since 2015, and in fact the misuse of opioids in the U.S. is now at its lowest rate in over 20 years.

The only reason why so many more people are dying is because the illicit drug market is so dangerous

Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Marketing Specialist / Melanie Melone, MMelone@YourObserver.com

— not because there are more drug users.

If we were to offer both legitimate pain patients and those addicted to opioids safer legal alternatives to cartel-supplied drugs, we would see a massive decrease in death.

Punishment rarely convinces those with drug abuse problems to quit, but help addressing their problems that cause drug abuse does. But that requires weaning them off the drugs, which is hard to do with prohibition. Prohibition also creates massive incentives for violence and ever more unsafe versions of drugs, creating an environment where helping drug users is very difficult.

It’s a circular problem and we have to break the cycle.

But until our policymakers recognize the factual reality that prohibition keeps failing, and doubling down on it with a WMD declaration is only doubling down on failure, expect drug overdoses to continue to rise.

Adrian Moore is vice president at Reason Foundation and lives in Sarasota. Jacob James Rich is a policy analyst at Reason Foundation and a researcher at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Value-Based Care Research.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

9

Hurricane prep begins LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

H

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we are going to have a lot of storm surge, we’re going to evacuate this island and we do hope that people take that seriously.”

He recalled that not all residents left the island when told to do so before Hurricane Ian. Although they lucked out this time around, it might not always be the case.

Dezzi showed a photo of damages to Sanibel Island, warning digital attendees that the same outcome isn’t an impossibility on the Key.

The town of Longboat Key has started conversations for 2023 hurricane season preparations.

DURING AND AFTER THE STORM

Dezzi also gave attendees an inside look into how the town operates during a hurricane. Emergency personnel leave the island and are not available for calls.

They and town staff stay in the Sarasota County Emergency Operations Center. Staff continues to keep residents updated on what is happening on the Key through Alert Longboat Key, social media and updates posted to the town website.

“Wait until we see the island is open before you get in line to try and get back over here,” he said.

Evacuation orders are given a couple days in advance to give residents and visitors the chances to get everything in order and leave.

Residents are let back on the island in tiers, including: n Tier 1: First responders n Tier 2: Property owners n Tier 3: Residents The department will hold a preparedness seminar on June 1, the first day of hurricane season.

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urricane season is still three months away, but the Longboat Key Fire Department wants new and longtime residents to start thinking about preparing for storms.

Hurricane season starts June 1 and concludes Nov. 30.

While it may seem early to start thinking about preparations, Chief Paul Dezzi said it is important for everyone from residents, town staff, emergency personnel and condominium and homeowners associations to be on the same page.

“We started early this year to get people who may be part time or seasonal residents, so we can try and answer some questions while they are here as well,” he said.

On March 1, Dezzi presented hurricane preparation tips and information via Zoom. Information covered included formal definitions of a hurricane, the difference between a watch and a warning and the different storm categories.

“The town’s mission is safety,” Dezzi said. “You may not want to hear us tell people to leave the island, but that’s our mission, to ensure a person’s safety and our residents’ safety.”

A main message the department wants to spread is that even if a storm seems to have passed and clear skies have returned, do not try to make your way back to the island until emergency personnel have given the all clear.

“Even though it’s clear in the sky, there could still be weather behind it,” Dezzi said.

He continued to stress throughout the online presentation the importance of evacuating the island when told to do so. Personnel will only tell residents to evacuate when absolutely necessary, he said.

“If we don’t feel the storm is going to be catastrophic or it’s going to be a major storm, then we would be a little more conservative in what direction we are giving to the public,” Dezzi said. “If we strongly feel that

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

Swan stories ‘The Swan Guy’ David Novak shared his tales with the Kiwanis Club.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

I

t’s true you learn something new every day. At the latest Kiwanis Club meeting, members learned how to catch a swan.

“Chase them out of the water.

Get them on land. Run them down to where you exhaust them. Get on top of them — don’t break anything when you get on top of them — and grab the neck,” said David Novak.

Also, be careful the wings are tucked in when you hug them from behind and tilt them up so their feet can’t reach you. Novak raised his forearms to show the audience the scars of his experience. For the past two decades, he’s been caring for Longboat Key’s royal flock of swans, who live on the Longboat Key Club’s golf courses and waterways.

When Michael Garey introduced him at the meeting, he said two words came to mind to describe Novak: dedication and commitment.

In addition to being the island’s unofficial swan keeper, Novak is also a veteran and an entrepreneur. He received a purple heart for his service in Vietnam, but he has no prior avian experience. Yet he checks on his “kids” daily. Right now, he’s feeding them a supplement that’s given to hens to produce stronger eggshells.

Unfortunately, a perfectly manicured golf course isn’t the ideal habitat for swans, so it takes some work to keep them happy, healthy and breeding. Novak had no idea what he was getting himself into when he bought the house next to Alan Stone in 2003, but he has completely embraced his now moniker, “The Swan Guy.”

Lesley Dwyer

Ed Krepela, Lynn Larson, Chris Sachs, David Novak, Jim Whitman and Michael Garey

“It’s kind of like, once you start something,” Novak said, “you made your bed, you’ve got to lie in it.”

Beyond supplementing their diet, Novak gathers nest supplies and performs the pinions himself. A pinion is a procedure to remove the flight feathers. By clipping the tip of one wing, the swan is left unharmed and off balance. The birds are also kept safe from inland predators, mainly alligators.

Members had their hands up for questions after Novak’s presentation. When are the next cygnets due?

By May 1. If not Longboat Key, where is a swan’s natural habitat? Eastern Europe. What about inbreeding? It doesn’t typically cause problems in birds. Why does the state require that one wing be clipped? The swan’s territorial nature lands them in the same category as a python — invasive.

The Kiwanis Club’s next meeting will be at 5 p.m. on March 16 at The Paradise Center.

SWANS: A ROYAL PAIN It’s only fitting that these swan descendants live in style at the Longboat Key Club. The original mated pair were a gift from Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 to the city of Lakeland after the city’s original population of swans died off in 1954.

“Their early migration to Florida came from seasonal residents wanting to have swans as pets on or near their winter homes,” the city’s website reads. “By 1926, Lakeland had a swan population of 20 and the city established a Swan Department to help oversee their care.”

But veterinarians can only do so much in the face of predators and disease. The population was decimated. So a former resident who was living in England at the time, wrote to the queen at Windsor Castle.

One of the queen’s many titles was “Seigneur of

A Longboat Key Landmark

Swans,” and she granted the request. A good Samaritan donated $300 for licenses and shipping, and a new chapter was almost started.

According to the city’s website, “An oil barge sank and contaminated the royal flock, including the two swans bound for Lakeland. The process to restore the oil-soaked birds to good health took over five months.”

On Feb. 8, 1957, the swans finally made their royal entrance. They arrived by air, were driven to Lake Morton by motorcade and greeted by hoards of adoring fans, but oopsie, nobody clipped their wings. The male was gone by morning.

He was eventually recaptured and clipped; then, the new chapter began. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department still monitors and cares for the swans today. Each year, they have a Swan Roundup to get them examined by veterinarians.

The first breeding pair from Lakeland, George and Gracie, arrived on Longboat Key in 1995 after Stone bought them at auction for his 40th wedding anniversary.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

11

On Sarasota’s Lido Beach TR A NQU ILIT Y. INSIDE A ND OU T.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

STOP WORKING FOR NOW 7:57 a.m., 600 block of Longview Drive Noise complaints from land: An officer responded to a call about construction noise. Upon arriving, the officer observed a group of construction workers, one of which was using a handheld circular saw. The officer informed workers of the town’s noise ordinance and work was stopped.

a small aluminum skiff adrift. The officer called the owner, who said it drifted from shore because of the tide. The officer brought the skiff to shore for the owner to retrieve.

VIOLATION VIA DISTRACTION 2:15 p.m., Jewfish Key Boating citation: While on patrol, a marine officer observed a vessel operating on plane with an excessive wake. The operator stated he was watching a nearby Coast Guard boat and thought the officer was going to back them up. The operator also said they did not see the posted slow speed minimum wake sign because they were watching the other boat. The operator was issued a citation for the wake zone violation.

TUESDAY, FEB. 28

MISSING INFORMATION 5:32 p.m., 3700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: Police were called after a woman said she observed construction vehicles driving at “fast speeds and going the wrong way.”

However, she could not identify the company’s name. She was instructed to call the department back if any further incidents occurred.

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NOT WHAT IT SEEMS 12:34 p.m., 400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen dispute: A woman called police in regard to a supposed bodyguard denying people entry to an event behind the address. She said the guard was also asking drivers entering the property for identification and questioning their presence.

However, upon meeting the guard, the officer learned the individual was not acting as a guard but was helping direct people attending the event. The officer did not observe the individual refusing driver access to or from the building.

NOT A FIRE HAZARD 11:27 a.m., 6100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: An individual called the police to notify them of a potential fire hazard at the thrift shop at a local church. The caller was worried there were too many people at the shop. Police checked out the facility and did not observe an excessive amount of people.

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OUT OF JURISDICTION 8:08 a.m., 2600 block of Harbourside Drive Information report: An officer was dispatched for a citizen assist. The citizen told police that his wallet was stolen from his vehicle at University Town Center. After taking down information about what was missing, police told the individual he would need to file a report with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office due to the incident not occurring on the island.

BACK TO MOM 3:01 a.m., 4900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious person: An officer was dispatched after word of a male pacing in front of the address.

The individual said he was walking southbound to his mother’s residence. The story checked out and the person was given a ride to the residence.

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MARKET WATCH

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

GEORGE RAUCH

Which way are the winds blowing?

With current Fed actions, a market downturn is imminent.

T

he last Market Watch article, published in June 2022, concluded: “It is hard to fathom any set of circumstances in the next 12-24 months that mitigate other than a continuously depressed market pushing stocks well below present values.”

At that time, the market was 33,000 points. It is now 34,000 points, so no change yet.

While the market has gone nowhere in the past 6 months, reviewing the Federal Reserve’s forecasts versus reality is telling: Every positive statement the Fed made just over a year ago has turned out to be wrong: Mortgage rates are much higher; inflation is higher; the housing business is suffering a significant slowdown; and we are officially in a recession.

An increase in credit card debt, a sure sign of times when cash is tight, is now higher than the last recession in 2008. Both Wall Street and the Federal Reserve System have done everything they can to mislead the public into believing we are looking at a “soft landing” as a worst-case scenario (see chart).

Market contractions represent 29% of the stock market’s time. Bull markets dominate 71% of the time.

Historically, it takes 19 months for a market to recover from a bear plunge. In the last downturn of 2018, it only took 5 months because the Fed started “Quantitative Easing” earlier than during recessions in the last century.

13

the depth of it we don’t yet know.

We are currently faced with what is known as a “debt yoke.” The government owes $33 trillion, $8 trillion more than our GDP. A sign of imminent governmental fiscal disaster is when government debt exceeds GDP. Ours exceeds GDP by 32%. It is “third-world government behavior,” and it always results in bankruptcy.

Current interest costs for the government are 4.5%, or theoretically, $1.49 trillion over the next 12 months. Most U.S. government securities mature in the next two-and-a-half years and will need to be refinanced at much higher interest costs, almost a fourfold increase in the cost of interest between this year and last year, and double our military budget of $722 billion dollars. This is called a “debt trap” because the bulk of our taxes go toward paying interest on debt that was created for nothing that is sustaining. No long-term assets to produce cash were created by this debt. The entirety of our debt trap is a result of the growth of the welfare state, which continues to drain our resources. We are clearly in store for a market selloff, but a serious market crash is impossible to predict.

This is pretty gloomy.

What is the end game?

The end game is bankruptcy, which has happened to this country a handful of times in the past, or inflate our way out of debt. We are technically already bankrupt and have only avoided a terrible crash in the value of the dollar because the dollar, unbelievably, still represents the world’s most stable currency. The entire free world settles accounts in dollars. Our inflation at Is this new “easing” strategy home, and large build-up of debt, going to work, or will inflation, terribly harms people in countries mountains of government debt allied with America. They didn’t and high interest rates finally create the high interest rates or the create a serious market crash? inflation — we exported it to them.

A marketai167768910859_SW selloff is imminent, but This ultimately puts them Campaign-Beach-Observer-5.542x9.833-PRINT.pdf 1 3/1/2023 11:45:09 in AM an

uncompetitive position economically in world markets.

So far, both international and domestic investors have been burned by bets that 2021’s inflation surge was not “temporary” as promised by our government. Since the founding of the Federal Reserve in 1913, the Fed has given us four serious inflations, 18 recessions, and two depressions. That kind of record does not inspire one to believe the Fed can provide another “soft landing” or any meaningful or dependable actionable advice.

Knowing that government statistics are calculated to make the government look good, when can we really expect this bear market to fully express itself?

Bear markets usually start off slow and end up with a bang. In this bear market, we have had an initial significant selloff, coupled with a reflexive rebound where many investors feel that nothing more insidious will happen. These rebounds lure people back into the market at exactly the wrong time because we are still in a bear market. The last two bear markets, both in this century from 2000-2002, and 2007-2009, fooled investors.

From March 2000 to March 2001 the S&P declined 19%. Subsequent to March 2001, the S&P and the Nasdaq ended in a bloodbath, down again, substantially more than 19%. In October 2007 through September 2008, the S&P declined by 20%, and at the bottom by March 2009, the S&P experienced an overall decline of 50%. Usually, bear markets start off slowly and are fought by Wall Street, and the Fed, before a huge decrease in value, frequently after having lured investors back into the market.

This bear market will make itself known as long as consumer spending continues to go down.

Consumer spending is 67% of GDP, and it’s the key to an expanding economy.

RESULTS OF FED RATE HIKES SINCE WWII FIRST HIKE October 1950

LAST HIKE May 1953

RESULT Recession

October 1955

August 1957

Recession

September 1958

September 1959

Recession

December 1965

September 1966

Soft Landing

November 1967

June 1969

Recession

April 1972

September 1973

Recession

May 1977

March 1980

Recession

August 1980

December 1980

Recession

March 1983

August 1984

Soft Landing

January 1987

May 1989

Recession

February 1994

February 1995

Soft Landing

June 1999

May 2000

Recession

June 2004

June 2006

Recession

December 2015

December 2018

Recession

Are there any good signs that bode well for investments?

Economists note that commodity prices are down 30% from their 2022 highs, energy prices have backed off about 35%, base metals are down more than 25%, soft commodities like cotton are down 45%-plus, and textile prices are off 17%. That favorably affects inflation; however, this “good news” is offset by the following: increasing interest rates, inflation is more than 8%, and profit margins across the S&P 500 are declining.

Interest rates are taking a toll on housing, consumer spending, and business decisions concerning hiring and capital investments.

Cautious investors can see that the short term and intermediate term economic outlook bodes poorly.

That usually means the stock market will continue to under perform and seek lower levels.

While stock market performance may reflect these difficulties, underlying productive elements in this country are exceedingly well managed and aggressive in their markets. America remains amazingly innovative with thousands of small highly technical businesses that continue to make a huge difference in this country’s efficiency: in agriculture, manufacturing, electronics, and management systems.

CONCLUSION

There are many good things going on in this economy, although recent statistics indicate broadening weakness indicated by a second consecutive quarterly decline. Price increases and interest rate movements have dampened consumer spending. Retail sales are declining; single-family home sales are falling month after month; home construction is receding; job claims continue to be higher; and Congress has lost control of the budget.

The new $1.7 trillion budget will drive the Fed into even more destructive policies, the most significant of which is financing another huge federal deficit.

With all those negative variables, it’s wise to do nothing other than put as much of one’s assets in cash as reasonably possible. Very good long-term bond yields are becoming available and might be more attractive in 6-12 months. If a market crash occurs, an investor with cash can purchase stocks on sale, the best scenario for the stock market investor. The winds of the market are blowing south.

Caveat Emptor.

George Rauch, Longboat Key, is chief executive officer of Bradentonbased General Propeller and a former Wall Street investment banker.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

TRIBUTES Alan A. Ades

Mary Lou Johnson

Hearts

A true patriarch of his family, Alan A. Ades, 92, passed away peacefully at his home in Dedham, MA, on February 22nd, surrounded by his loving children.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Ruth z”l of 68 years. He is survived by his children Stephen, Philip (Ellen), Andrea Ades Woolner (Steven), and Sara Ades Goodwin, his brother Richard (Elaine), his sister Sherri Ades Falchuk (Kenneth), his brother-in-law Alan Flink and his sister-in-law Rebecca, his 22 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was also predeceased by his brother Harvey z”l and his sister-in-law Renee z”l.

Alan was a graduate of Yale and Harvard Business School. He served in the US Coast Guard as a Lieutenant during the Korean War before joining his family’s manufacturing business.

In his younger years, he enjoyed, golf, tennis, and skiing. He loved his family and watching it grow over the years and treasured their frequent visits. He taught them to work hard, live life to its fullest, and always give back to the community.

He was actively involved with many Jewish organizations both locally and nationally, including President of New Bedford’s JCC, Tifereth Israel Synagogue and The Jewish Federations of New Bedford and Sarasota, FL. It was Alan’s

Forever in our

Memorialize your loved one with a lasting tribute in

print and online, a permanent record of a legacy your family will always cherish.

His love for Israel and Jewish communities in need throughout the world led to more than 50 trips abroad over the years with his beloved Ruth. greatest honor to serve as International President of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and he was actively involved on the Board of the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). His love for Israel and Jewish communities in need throughout the world led to more than 50 trips abroad over the years with his beloved Ruth.

The funeral service was held on Friday, February 24, 2023, at Temple Israel of Sharon, 125 Pond Street. Interment followed at Sharon Memorial Park.

PROVIDED BY THE OBSERVER MEDIA GROUP

Mary Lou Johnson of Minneapolis, MN, and Longboat Key, FL, passed away on August 27, 2022, in her home surrounded by her three children. Mary Lou, affectionately called “Lou Lou” by her late husband Gordy, grew up in Southwest Minneapolis before attending the University of Colorado, Boulder. While at college, she met the love of her life Gordy. They had a long-lasting marriage of 56 years and enjoyed traveling, tennis, golf, boating, and more.

Soon after college, they started a family and enjoyed raising three children (Jacque, Debra, and Jeff). Gordy and Mary Lou were proud to see their children grow and flourish. They loved to spend time with their children at their lake home on Half Moon Lake near Milltown, Wisconsin, and in later years on Gull Lake in Lake Shore, Minnesota. Mary Lou loved

DONATIONS: Donations in Alan’s memory may be made to Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward St., Newton, MA 02459, Hebrew Senior Life, Attn: Development Office, 1200 Centre St., Roslindale, MA 02130, Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 145 Brownell Ave., New Bedford, MA 02740 or The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232.

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to play tennis and golf, but her favorite pastime, the last few years, was Mahjong, especially with her group of friends in Longboat Key, Florida. She loved to be with family and friends and was often the life of the party. Her time was shared between Longboat Key and Gull Lake, eventually settling in Longboat Key. Her infectious laugh will always be remembered. Mary Lou is survived by three children, Jacque Fryklund (Paul), Debra Booden, and Jeffrey Johnson; grandchildren, Justin Fryklund (Jinelle); Kali Anderson (Dustin), Erik Fryklund (Caitlin), and Ben Johnson; great-grandchildren Ella, Wyatt and Vivian Anderson, Emma, Quinnley and Gavin Fryklund; Mary Lou’s sister Janet and many nieces and nephews. Mary Lou’s life will be celebrated with family and friends in Minneapolis this summer.

Submit your Loved One’s Obituary Call Adella at 941-366-3468, ext. 346; tributes@yourobserver.com or ask your funeral director for assistance.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

Over 400 attend Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans at Christ Church Christ Church held its annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans service on Feb. 26.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Pam Gates and Mary Giroux

Marty Gray leads the band out.

Sandi Wolf in the Procession of Tartans.

Pritchard moved to the U.S. in 1996, but he’s originally from Glasgow, Scotland. He was dressed in the Macdonald tartan from his mother’s side of the family.

While the Kirkin’ ceremony is widely recognized by Americans as a Scottish tradition, Pritchard and the Scottish Tartans Museum will tell you it’s actually a Scottish-American tradition.

Of the legend, the Scottish Tartans Museum’s website reads: “If one searches the internet for information, stories abound of the Kirkin’s roots being in days of the Act of Proscription, when the wearing of the kilt was banned in the Highlands — according to the legend, Highlanders hid pieces of tartan and brought them to church to be secretly blessed at a particular point in the service. Ask any Scot or Scottish expatriate about the Kirkin’, and chances are you will be met with a questioning look and an admission of ignorance of this supposedly centuries-old Scottish tradition.”

The real story only dates back to the Second World War, when the

Rev. Peter Marshall gave a sermon titled, “Kirkin o’ the Tartan.” He was the pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., and also served as chaplain to the U.S. Senate.

Marshall was holding prayer services and raising money for British war relief. He died a few years later at only 46 years old, but a Kirkin’ service is still held each year in his honor at the National Cathedral

in D.C. Now, the funds raised go to scholarships.

“But it does have antecedents,” Pritchard said. “It used to be the case, in both Scotland and England, that the Sunday after local council elections, the new council would follow the mayor and all the robes of office, and they’d parade to church.

The pastor would pray for them to be given wisdom and strength and all the things they needed for their

The Rev. Norman Pritchard preaches to more than 400 people on Sunday.

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

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

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

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

St. Patrick’s Day Concert • 7 pm • 3.17.23 • Tickets: $20

Growing in Jesus’ Name

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

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

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

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

SAKLC SPEAKER SERIES

Worship With Us at Our Church

• Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium with Dr. Michael Crosby, CEO & President and Dr. Demian Chapman, Director of the Center for Shark Research | March 16th, 4pm

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

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

• Agape Flights with Allen Speer, CEO

Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchof lbk.org (follow YouTube link) 398071-1

March 27th, 11am

Christ Church of LBK Missions Committee Invites you to attend their

HELPING PEOPLE SAVING LIVES DINNER

CONTEMPORARY STYLE WORSHIP Saturday at 5pm

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

ALL ARE WELCOME

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

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church

MARCH 15 • 5:00 PM

Featuring a Delicious Catered Dinner and Informational Presentations

By Two of the Local Missions Supported by Christ Church:

SELAH FREEDOM 395844-1

An agency dealing with survivors of sex trafficking in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas. Florida is the third worst state for sex traffickers, and our region is tied with Miami as the worst area in the state. Hear how the program is serving girls caught in this web, and how an innovative new service is impacting programs around the country.

AGAPE FLIGHTS

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.

A program that survived a tumultuous 2022 in Haiti, including a burned-out plane, but is back in full operation serving the people of Haiti with a variety of services.

Dinner will served at 5:00, followed by the program at 6:00.

Cost is $15 per person, payable in church at time of Dinner.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED - PLEASE RSVP by 12:00 Noon on March 10.

Call: 941.383.8833 and provide the names of those attending. ALL ARE WELCOME!

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 395663-1

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

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irkin’ o’ the Tartans takes “put on your Sunday best” to another level — and country. It’s the one and only Sunday of the year that the Christ Church congregation gets to listen to bagpipes and see The Rev. Norman Pitchard’s knees peek out from behind the pulpit and his kilt.

The service is a favorite among Longboat Key residents, not just members. The church had a full house on Feb. 26, with 440 people filling nearly every seat, including extra folding chairs in the back.

new term in office.”

Another tie into history Pritchard points to is the gathering of the clans when troops would meet in a designated area where each clan chief would announce himself and his clan. Church members carried 23 tartan banners down the aisle to start the service.

Drummers were already in place on stage, then the bagpipe players blared down the aisle in perfect time and tune. The Lion Rampant Pipe Band is a traditional pipe and drum band based out of St. Margaret of Scotland Episcopal Church in Sarasota. Regardless of its origin, Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans celebrates Scottish history and religious freedom. It’s also fun and joyous, so arrive early next year or it may be standing-room only.

History of the Kirkin’ at Christ Church “It started with me,” said Pritchard. “After my predecessor retired, when they started looking for a new pastor, they put word out in the congregation, anyone with any suggestions or things like that, let us know. And Bill Buckley said, ‘Well, for a new pastor, I would really like a Scot, and I would really like him to promise to do a ‘Kirkin o’ the Tartans,’ and he won.”

Pritchard took to the pulpit on Nov. 30, 2014. And just as promised, on Feb. 8, 2015, the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans tradition began.

567 Bay Isles Rd, Longboat Key, FL

941-383-3428

longboatkeytemple.org

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Classifieds 32 Games 31 Real Estate 27 Weather 31

MARCH 9, 2023

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Carol and Norman Langlois

Janet Masiello and Sal Lauro snag some WilliamsSonoma plates for a dollar a piece.

Elaine Buckley, Maria Sangiorgio and Gail Buermann

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

RECORD RUMMAGE

Over 800 tickets sold for the early bird sale held on March 3.

STAFF WRITER

T Jane Macedonia works in the glassware section.

he beaches were less crowded on Friday and Saturday.

Longboat Key residents were busy seeking treasures at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church for the annual Royal Rummage Sale.

The sale that’s so big it needs a presale created a frenzy that included a maxed out parking lot and a line that started at Pick Hall and wrapped around the church. The main sale was on Saturday, but 809 people paid $5 a piece to shop early on Friday.

“We’ve broken our record,” Chair Ginny Akhoury said.

Akhoury wore a badge that read “Sheriff of Rummage.” Her pistol was a microphone used to announce blue light specials and help friends find each other amidst the maze of donations.

Even with the early bird turnout,

Pick Hall was overflowing with artwork, housewares, linens and more on Saturday. Much of the furniture had been sold. Piles of clothing had been reduced by two to three feet, and the tabletops were starting to peek out from the inventory. But there was still plenty.

It was a choose your own shopping adventure. The presale offers first choice, but Saturday offers the discounts. As the day goes on, more and more departments are put on markdowns. Janet Masiello and Sal Lauro were happy to scoop up $1 William-Sonoma plates during a blue light special in housewares.

Everything must go is the mission. It eases the volunteer load when the rummaging ends. The sale takes 100 volunteers to operate. They collect, sort and sell first. Then, they pack up the leftovers to distribute among three nonprofits: Disabled American Veterans and Stillpoint Mission in Bradenton and St. Michael Catholic Church in Wauchula.

It gets tricky. Disabled American Veterans can only take small items and 25 boxes. Stillpoint won’t take housewares, only clothing. And then there’s the lamp situation.

“That’s why we have to give it to different charities because one charity can’t sell so many lamps,” Akhoury said looking around at a full garage-worth yet to sell.

With all that stuff and shoppers, the sale ran smoothly under the Sheriff of Rummage. Each department had its own register, so there was no waiting past the initial morning rush to get into the building. But that morning rush was like camping out for Black Friday with some shoppers arriving at 7 a.m.

“Early bird was controversial though because they didn’t do it in the beginning. They added it a few years later,” volunteer Nancy Gornto said. “Some people felt like nobody would want to pay $5, and now we’ve got the line wrapped around the church.”

Mary Jane Tolpa, Mary Kupiec and Nancy Ross

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LESLEY DWYER

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

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Residents will be selling everything from cookies to artwork on March 11 at the annual craft market.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

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R

esidents are gearing up for the annual Gulfshore Marketplace on Saturday. The sale is in its third year.

Every vendor lives in the mobile home park, and everything for sale is either handmade, homegrown or freshly baked.

“We typically have about 10 crafters, and last year that pretty much filled our clubhouse,” Gulfshore resident Beverly Miller said. “The beautification group always gets into it, and they have all kinds of plants and fresh flowers.”

One member has been busy growing cherry tomato plants from seeds.

The plants are in hanging pots and close to harvest. Cookies, breads and small cheesecakes will be among the baked goods.

Vendors keep their profits but pay to rent a spot. Last year’s fees bought 22 new books for the library. While an instant hit among residents, the marketplace has had a rocky start reaching beyond the park.

“The first year, we barely got in before everything shut down for COVID,” Miller said. “We had it on Saturday and things got shut down on Tuesday. Our pool closed, everything.”

Last year’s sale was met with a downpour that flooded the streets.

Fellow residents put on their rain gear to support their neighbors, and the vendors still did well.

Third time’s a charm, so the hope for this year is that the weather will be nice enough to welcome more shoppers from outside the park.

The creativity among the handmade items ranges from useful to

BIRD KEY

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

JEFF RHINELANDER 941-685-3590

Lesley Dwyer

Beverly Miller is one of ten vendors participating in the Gulfshore Marketplace on Saturday.

IF YOU GO

GULFSHORE MARKETPLACE When: The sale runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 11.

Where: 3710 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Vendors will be set up in the clubhouse by the pool.

Info: Bring cash; credit cards are not accepted.

decorative. Miller combines the two with a dish towel scarf. The fabric is pretty enough to wear, and the towels are thick enough to double as potholders.

Beyond sewn items, vendors craft jewelry from sea glass and fan pulls from shells. There will be T-shirts, coffee mugs, coasters and more. Art mediums run from wood to epoxy.

With 10 vendors, there’s a wide variety from which to browse and buy.

SIESTA KEY

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

BIRD KEY

424 PHEASANT WAY | $1,675,000

ACTIVE LISTING

BIRD KEY

526 BIRD KEY DR | $2,895,000

ACTIVE LISTING

jeff@jeffrhinelander.com

COURTNEY TARANTINO 941-893-7203 courtney.tarantino@floridamoves.com LAKEWOOD RANCH

5527 PALMER CIRCLE, UNIT 206 | $515,000

ACTIVE LISTING

BIRD KEY

615 OWL WAY | $2,195,000 PENDING

443F John Ringling Blvd | Sarasota, FL 34236 | rhinelander tarantino.com 398038-1

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

19

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

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

RECENT ACTIVITY BENCH M A R K R E SU LTS • S T R AT EGIC M A R K ET I NG • PER SONA LACITZ ED SERV ICE ER D UN

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

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

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E

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

MOONSHINE POINT

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5757 GULF OF MEXICO DR #307 | $1,250,000

1250DR SEAI PLUME 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS V E, #4 WAY | OFFERED 2067 HAT A R$4,400,000 BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

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

This ultimate 2 primary L on g b4obedroom a t K e y |property O f f e re offers d a t $the 7 79, 0 0 0 in island lifestyle Lamenities! on g b o a tVaulted K e y | ceilings, O f f e re bay d a tviews, $ 7 79, 000 st nd suites (1 and 2 floor options), chef ’s kitchen, elevator, saltwater pool, putting green, deep water dock with 2 MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487

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

lifts, sandy beach, 2 car garage with apartment suite and 2 minutes from the gulf beach access across the street.

Call for a private showing.

MLS# A4559353

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

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

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

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E

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

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

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

311 FIREHOUSE CT | LINKS $1,950,000 DR I V E, #4 2067 H A R BOUR

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

U

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

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

on g b o at K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0BEACHPLACE 0 L on g b o atUNIT K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 CORNER 1085 GULF OF MEXICO DR #305 | OFFEREDMLS# AT $1,170,000 MLS# 2067 HA4178487 A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 2067 H A R BOURA4178487 LINKS DR I V E, #4 This 3 bed/2 bath corner unit at Beachplace comes fully furnished and move-in ready. New impact windows

L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 are scheduled to A4178487 be installed at Sellers expense. Excellent rental policy allows for A4178487 shorter term rentals and MLS# MLS#

maximum income. Available to show Fridays from 1pm - 4pm during month of March.

MLS# A4556271

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

IanAddy@MichaelSaunders. com IanAddy@MichaelSaunders.com

ER D N

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

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E

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

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

G A I L W IT T IG

G ABIRLOW K EIT R -T A IG SSOCI ATE

BROK E R-A SSOCI ATE GailWittig@MichaelSaunders. co GailWittig@MichaelSaunders. com

941.387.0100 941.387.0100

W W W . L O N G B O AT L I F E . C O M

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

TR N CO

LONGBOAT OBSERVER THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023 ERS’20 EXPECTATIONS GBOAT KEY

YourObserver.com

ExceedingExpectations

JUST LISTED Sellers’

on Longboat Key

...AND UNDER CONTRACT 2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR.

3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SFSELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDING PENDING EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092 LONGBOAT KEY ONON LONGBOAT KEY EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS BUILD YOUR LISTED KEY DREAMHOME! ONJUST LONGBOAT ...AND JUST LISTED

540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE

VACANT LAND LISTING $3,400,000 Stunning Contemporary Residential MLS# A4534178 Beachfront Getaway Vacant Land MLS# A4535177 on

North Longboat Key

6701 Gulf of Mexico Dr #331 2BR | 2BA | 1,520 SF $1,350,000 | MLS# A4560728

LAST SIX MONTHS 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE SOLD FOR $2,300,000

UNDER CONTRACT

...AND 2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR. UNDER CONTRACT 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF

JUST LISTED • Smart home automation

$1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092 • Located on 6 acres of 2326 HARBOUR beachfront at WhitneyOAKS DR. throughout ...AND with Lutron 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF lighting Beach Gulfside $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092 UNDER CONTRACT BUILD renovation YOUR • Hurricane Impact Win• Sophisticated DREAMHOME! with exceptional quality dows and Doors OAKS DR. 2326 HARBOUR and custom architectural • Direct Gulf Sunset 3 BR | 2.5 BAand | 2,282 SF 540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLEviews! features BUILD YOUR $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092

VACANT LAND LISTING $3,400,000 Residential MLS# A4534178 Vacant Land MLS# Open House Sunday 1 toA4535177 4pm Open House Sunday 1 to 4pm

DREAMHOME!

540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE BUILD YOUR VACANT LAND LISTING

DREAMHOME!

VacantFAIR LandOAKS MLS# LANE A4535177 3555 SOLD FOR $2,300,000

540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE

580 BIRDIE LANE $3,400,000 SALES IN LAST Residential SIX MONTHS MLS# A4534178 SOLD HOME FOR $4,260,000 2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. SOLD FOR $1,275,000

2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVEBay Isles 580 BIRDIE LANE Sea Gate Club SOLD FOR $1,310,000 SOLD FOR $4,260,000

VACANT LAND LISTING $3,400,000 Residential Bay Isles MLS# A4534178 Vacant Land MLS# A4535177

HOME SALES IN LAST SIX MONTHS 2425 Gulf of Mexico Dr #2E 2339 Harbour Oaks Dr 2373 Harbour Oaks Dr 2BR |HARBOUR 2BA | 1,470 SFOAKS CIR. 2341 $1,395,000 | MLS# A4558621 SOLD FOR $1,275,000

YOU OBSERVED

|

3BR | 2.5BA | 2,396 3BR | 2.5 BA | 2,245 SF 3555 FAIRSFOAKS LANE $1,325,000 | MLS# A4559128 $1,200,000 | MLS# A4561177

SOLD FOR $2,300,000 HOME SALES IN LAST SIX MONTHS

Courtesy photos

Eileen Robb, Britney Pinardi, Paul Robb, Ginna Freed, Judy Behney and Nancy Wentzel

Celebrating service T

he Spanish Main Yacht Club thanked board members for their service and dedication on Feb. 15 with a barbecue disco.

Members mingled over hamburgers and hot dogs by the pool, then danced the night away.

— LESLEY DWYER

PENDING SALES 2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE 580 BIRDIE LANE 2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE SOLD FOR $1,310,000 SOLD FOR $4,260,000 L’Elegance | 1800 Benjamin Franklin Dr #B206 | $3,000,000 SOLD FOR $1,275,000 SOLD FOR $2,300,000

Spanish Main Appreciation Celebration Chairs Melissa and Dr. Edward Nelson

Bay Isles | 2369 Harbour Oaks Dr | $1,350,000

2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE

580 BIRDIE LANE SOLD FOR $1,310,000 $4,260,000 Longtime residents of Longboat with over BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE SOLD FORKey

JULIE KLICK 818.416.2505 941.780.6001

beverlysthilaire@michaelsaunders.com JulieKlick@michaelsaunders.com BeverlySellsSarasota.com LivingonLongboat.com

Julie Klick

30818.416.2505 years of combined experience specializing

in Longboat Key real estate. beverlysthilaire@michaelsaunders.com BeverlySellsSarasota.com

Longtime of Longboat Key with over 30 years of boat Key with overresidents 30 years of 941.780.6001 combined experience specializing in Longboat Key real estate. zing in Longboat KeyJulieKlick@michaelsaunders.com real estate.

LivingonLongboat.com

941.780.6001

Beverly St. Hilaire BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE

818.416.2505 818.416.2505

BeverlyStHilaire@michaelsaunders.com

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

JulieKlick@michaelsaunders.com

JULIE| Sarasota, KLICK FL 34236 | 914.388.4447 | MichaelSaunders.com BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE 61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents

391909-1

JULIE KLICK

Longtime residents of 941.780.6001 Longboat Key with over 30 years of 818.416.2505 beverlysthilaire@michaelsaunders.com combined experience specializing in Longboat Key real estate.BeverlySellsSarasota.com LivingonLongboat.com

Cari Aslan thanks board members for their generosity of time and talents to help the community work together.

34236 | 941.388.4447 | www.michaelsaunders.com JulieKlick@michaelsaunders.com

Longtime residents of Longboat Key with over 30 years of combined experience specializing in Longboat Key real estate.

61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents | Sarasota, 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

Interested in learning more?

Scan the QR code!

388629-1

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.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 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

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY LONGBOAT KEY DREAM ISLAND ROAD $3,200,000 SANCTUARY

Your Dream House, lovely & tranquil on Dream Island Road. Completely remodeled 1,755sf updated home on lushly landscaped 1/2 acre. 100’ wide canal w/ great boat dock, open living & saltwater pool/spa.

LONGBOAT KEY $3,750,000 L’AMBIENCE

LONGBOAT KEY $3,950,000 WATER CLUB

$5,100,000

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

$7,775,000

Direct beachfront 3BR/3BA 8th floor w/ unobstructed Gulf views. Private east & west terraces for gorgeous sunsets & sunrises. 24 hr guarded gate + full Sanctuary amenities.

Casually elegant direct beachfront walkout. Rarely available 3BR/4BA floorplan + amenities include lobby concierge, 24 hr guarded gate, olympic sized pool, 2 har-tru tennis courts, fitness center & more.

Spectacular Water Club penthouse, 4BR/5BA. Unique views of the Gulf & Sarasota skyline.

Complete remodel includes new floor plan w/ 3 en-suite bedrooms & designer finishes throughout. Private elevator.

PENDING

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

Boaters retreat w/ cottage-style home + guest house - 5BR/4.5BA Lushly landscaped 1/2 acre w/400’ dock, 2 boat lifts on secluded street. Short stroll to beautiful beach.

Build your dream home Bayfront on oversized lot. 100ft on the Bay, beach access across the street & side canal for privacy. PLUS elevated separate guest house.

NEW PRICE

LONGBOAT KEY ISLANDER CLUB

LONGBOAT KEY $595,000 • CANAL LOT#1 • CANAL LOT#2 Gulfside 2BD/2BA condo is a perfect

Rarely available corner walk-out 2BR/2BA Incredible 5BR/4BA home on 80’ of condo. Newly remodeled. Large floorplan w/ beachfront. Amazing views. Open living high ceilings. Panoramic Bay views & sunsets. w/ guest quarters on 1st & 2nd level + 3rd level private master-suite. Amazing views & Club amenities +new 60 ft. dock. beautiful walking beach.

NEW PRICE

LONGBOAT KEY LONGBOAT KEY $2,495,000 CUSTOM HOME $1,995,000 BOATERS DREAM $3,800,000 $1,995,000 Meticulous 4 BD/3 BA wide deep water Behind the gates at the Longboat Key Club.

beachfront getaway or extra space for guests. Build your dream home on one of north LBK’s canal with direct access to Sarasota Bay - no Custom built, 5 en-suite BR + office space on most desirable streets. Premier boating bridges! Great dock. 2 boat lifts. Private beach lush Islandside golf course. Expansive patio Beachside heated pool has incredible Gulf location. Great canal leads directly to Bay & access directly across the street. views & wildlife. Club amenities include two area w/60’ lap-pool. Deeded beach access & ICW No bridges. Walk to beach. tennis courts. attached three car garage.

CALL REID TODAY! | 941.232.3304

www.ReidMurphy.com

595 Bay Isles Road | Longboat Key, FL 34228

397856-1

Developers Realty Inc Lic. Real Estate Broker

22

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

Christ Church holds community cookout T Bob Dods and George Rauch are on grill duty.

On March 4, the church invited members and neighbors to come by and enjoy some good food and conversation.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Fran Hall, Karen and Marc Fors and Joan Pritchard

he expectations were low, but who doesn’t love a cookout on a sunny Saturday afternoon?

“This exceeded my expectations. I said, ‘This is like insurance stuff; people throw away the advertisement.’ We might have 10 people, maybe 20, and I think I’ve counted at least 40 here already,” Jerry Roslund said. “We’re just trying to let people know that we’re here, and we have a church if they’re looking for a nice place.”

Members and neighbors mingled over a barbecue of hot dogs and coleslaw on March 4 at Christ Church. Tables and chairs lined the shadiest side of the parking lot, and the charcoal grill smoked in the corner.

“All you have to do is mention free food; they will come,” joked Tom Vitro.

Christ Church was established 11 years ago. There was a membership table set up if anyone was interested, but the day’s mission was to simply bring neighbors together for good food and conversation.

“We’ll probably do it again,” Bill Wartinbee said. “We might even do coffee and donuts next time. It’s kind of a good location because everybody can see it.”

Christ Church is located at 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Worship services are 10 a.m. Sundays. Call 383-8833 for more information.

Joyce Roslund puts mustard on her hot dog.

Tom Vitro and Jerry Roslund

— LESLEY DWYER

Ravi Venkataraman brings his grandaughter Addy with him.

Part Nature. Part Playground. all home.

Waterside is more than just a place for living. It’s a place for outdoor exploration and adventure, for shopping, dining, and socializing. Nestled among seven lakes, every neighborhood in Waterside will be connected by trails to each other and to Waterside Place town center. It’s Lakewood Ranch living with a twist!

New Homes from the High $400s // Lakefront Homes in Sarasota // 9 Unique Neighborhoods Planned Resort-Style Amenities // Coastal Architecture // Single-Family Homes // Rental OPTIONS // Senior Living Town Center Living Available // Walkable to Waterside Place

new neighborhoods coming soon!

Learn more at Lwrwaterside.com

398839-1

© 2023 Lakewood Ranch. Product, pricing and amenities subject to change without notice.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

23

REAL ESTATE BY A REAL EXPERT

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

JUST LISTED • BIRD KEY 622 S. OWL DRIVE • SARASOTA, FL 34236 • $10,000,000 This palatial, waterfront residence brings a level of elegance, character and panache befitting its world-class location, with 4BR/4.5BA and 5,635+/- sq. ft. of living area. First floor primary bedroom retreat is set in a separate wing with access to the pool, spa, dock, and wide open views of the Bay.

JUST LISTED • CONRAD BEACH 388 FIREHOUSE LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,995,000 Elevated 3BR+2 OFFICES/3BA single family residence with 2 separate garages, open floorplan,vaulted ceilings, a large covered, screened lanai, plus two additional terraces, located in a quiet north Longboat Key community, a short distance from the Gulf of Mexico..

NEW PRICE • PRIVATEER SOUTH 1000 LONGBOAT CLUB RD., #301 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,845,000 Rarely available 3BR/3BA corner residence offering over 1,700 sq. ft. of living space, with direct Gulf front views from multiple terraces.

GRAND BAY V 3080 GRAND BAY BLVD., #541 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • 1,150,000 Corner 2BR/2BA penthouse level residence featuring popular Arunba floor plan and an expansive wraparound bayfront terrace to take in the golf course and direct bay views.

NEW PRICE • SEASCAPE 5135 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #202 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,175,000 Spacious 3BR/2BA residence located in a direct Gulf-front community of only 8 units. Includes 2 highly coveted covered parking spaces.

NEW PRICE • GRAND BAY II 3040 GRAND BAY BLVD., #263 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $2,195,000 Direct bay panoramic views from this sprawling 2BR+Den/2.5BA residence offering the popular Cayman floor plan and two covered patios.

GRAND BAY III 3030 GRAND BAY BLVD., #316 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $2,695,000 Panoramic golf, city, bay and marina views from this 3BR/3BA residence in one of the the best locations in Grand Bay.

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.

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.

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

BEACHPLACE UNDER CONSTRUCTION 1350 MAIN 1095 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #504 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,150,000 2945 PYRULA DRIVE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $3,345,000 1350 MAIN ST., PENTHOUSE 1704 • SARASOTA, FL • $7,500,000 THE ONE - Redesigned 3,208 SF entertainers penthouse offering jet liner Exceptional quality, untouched refinement, 2-story, 5BR/5BA, 3,815 sq. ft. Breathtaking views through windows and sliders of high-impact glass views of the city, Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Completely remodeled by one residence. Features abound, including a separate in-law suite and large from this 2BR/2BA updated residence. Includes 2 assigned parking spaces.

Beachplace offers favorable rental terms.

3-car garage. Expansive outdoor area with heated pool and spa. of the region’s finest builders.

Bruce Myer

Realtor ®

941.387.1847

395310-1

Bruce@BruceMyer.com • www.BruceMyer.com

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

YOUR CALENDAR

24

JoDene Moneuse – 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

941.302.4913

• 2019- 2021 Top Agent - Michael Saunders Mid Longboat Key office • 2019-2022 Five Star in Customer Service Award Winner • Institute for Luxury Home Marketing Million Dollar GUILD

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9553.829.149

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

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

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BRUNCH BOARDS From 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.

BEST BET

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

DINNER AND A MOVIE From 5:30 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enjoy a gourmet dinner, live auction, popcorn, concession candies, and then settle back to enjoy the movie “Maverick” under the stars. Tickets cost $75; rain date is March 11. Call 387-1909.

‘DOMINIQUE MORISSEAU: SHE AIN’T TOO PROUD!’ From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. This lecture highlights Morisseau’s life and delves deeply into each play with clips from the production and investigates its contemporary impact on the American theater today. $15 for members; $20 for others. Call 383-8222.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE From 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Nate Jacobs, WBTT founder and artistic director, will bring his troupe members to deliver their signature excitement in a performance that includes a selection of musical highlights from their current and prior seasons. $40 for members; $50 for others. Call 383-8222.

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

BEST ART EXHIBITS: NATIONAL, STATE AND LOCAL From 3-4:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. This visual presentation will offer a quick overview of upcoming exhibits across the U.S. and locally. $15 for members; $20 for others. Call 383-8222.

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE From 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enjoy a mini-market with select vendors and a food truck. Call 316-1999.

3,103sf | 4br | $3,500,000 | A4561890

Water Club #401 501 Halyard Lane enaL draylaH 105 104 # bulC retaW 3,400 SF | A4421764 SF | A4448464 0 0,|5$2,575,000 9Road 9,1$| Bay | 4Isles 64 8| 4Lake 4 4A | FSFrontage 043,2,340 2 0 0 0Residences ,5| 7$1,995,000 5 , 2$ #201 | 4 6|7New 124 4Construction A | FS 0 04,3 33120Bayou & Golf St. Regis

mo|c.Longboat SEITREPORKey, P Florida SATOSARAS 40 Gulf of Mexico Dr

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

GULFSHORE MARKETPLACE From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gulfshore, 3710 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The market features handmade items, plants and baked goods.

G DIN N E P

3,372sf | 3br | $2,600,000 | A4559740

LORD’S WAREHOUSE FASHION SHOW 11 a.m. at the Longboat Island Chapel, 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Fashion worn in the show can be bought at the thrift shop. Tickets cost $50. Call 383-4738.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

845 LongboatevClub 65 Lighthouse dPoint irD tRoad nioP esuohthgiL 56 aoR bDrive ulC taobgnoL 548 1143| A4438181 Morningside Chipping 19,300 SF520 | A4440615 0 0 0Lane ,59|7|$19,750,000 ,Country 3$ | 18Club 1834Shores 4A | |FNew S 33Construction 9,4 4,933 SF 0 0 0,05Place 7|,9$3,795,000 1|$Lido | 51Shores 60 4 4| 4Mid-Century A | FS 0 03Modern ,91 4,412sf | 4br | Canal Front | $6,600,000 | A4553676

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP From 1-2 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Sponsored

by Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s, this group is designed for both people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. No fee; walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

UNRIVALED UNRIVALED

DELAVIRNU

Certified Residential Specialist LBroker-Associate ANOITPECXE

properties expertise results

398022-1

JoDeneMoneuse@michaelsaunders.com LongboatKeyLiving.com

NEW THIS WEEK

RECURRING EVENTS WEEKDAYS

DOWN TO EARTH CLIMATE CHANGE From 1-3 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. This lecture will discuss climate change and how to take action. $30 for members; $35 for others. Call 383-8222.

LONGBOAT LIBRARY From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, 555 Bay Isles Road.

On Wednesdays, most books are on sale for $1 or less. Call 383-2011.

GETTING PAID IS EASY

Sell Us Your Valuables For The Highest Price

Coins l Currency l Diamonds l Gold l Jewelry l Military l Platinum l Silver l Sports Cards l Comic Books l Better Watches

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Call For an Appointment

Eastern Numismatics The Coin & Jewelry Exchange 1-800-835-0008

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Business Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

12 Years at the Same Location

Call For The Current Price

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WE BUY IT ALL

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

25

STANDING UNITED WITH UKRAINE

941.387.1820 RYAN ACKERMAN ryan@ackermangroup.net

BARBARA ACKERMAN barbara@ackermangroup.net

www.ackermansrq.com

AVAILABLE PROPERTIES

NEW LISTING

CRYSTAL SANDS - SIESTA KEY

6300 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #101, SARASOTA, FL • 2BR/2BA • 1,240 SF • $1,395,000 Turnkey furnished walkout residence with split plan, porcelain wood floors & new hurricane impact sliders. A great investment opportunity!

NEW PRICE

LA BELLASARA - DOWNTOWN

$3,995,000

WATER CLUB I - LONGBOAT KEY

$3,495,000

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, outdoor grill, an open floor plan, and full concierge services in a gated, pet-friendly community.

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

3BR/4BA • 3,045 SF

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

NEW PRICE

THE SEA BREEZE - SIESTA KEY

NEW MOTIVATED PRICE $2,900,000

9008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5, SARASOTA, FL

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

360 degree views & glorious sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico from this full floor penthouse with a private roof-top terrace, deeded boat slip, and hurricane impact windows and sliders.

SIESTA COVE- SIESTA KEY

5212 SIESTA COVE DRIVE, SARASOTA

$3,987,000

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

SORRENTO SHORES - MAINLAND 449 S. SHORE DRIVE, OSPREY

$949,000

3BR/3BA • 2,564 SF • Minutes to Siesta Key

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

395399-1

Contemporary styled home with oversized lap pool, waterfall feature, spa, a large, covered patio with gas grill and private backyard with firepit.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

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 535 Sanctuary Drive A601 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,115 Sq. Ft. Michael Nink & Sandi Layfield 941-914-2805 A4561108 $3,799,000

LONGBOAT KEY 554 Jessmyth Drive 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,700 Sq. Ft. Sherri Mills 941-350-7112 A4557120 $3,449,900

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 $2,890,000

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 695 Marbury Lane 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,530 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4560667 $2,500,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 524 Halyard Lane 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,668 Sq. Ft. Steve Walter & Janet Walter 941-809-0907 A4561273 $2,195,000

LONGBOAT KEY 529 Bayview Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,808 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4550389 $1,850,000

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 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 530 De Narvaez Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,944 Sq. Ft. Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4553308 $1,339,000

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 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

LONGBOAT KEY 1085 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 305 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,819 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4556271 $1,170,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1110 Bogey Lane 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,614 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4551888 $1,095,000

LONGBOAT KEY 100 Sands Point Road 208 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,492 Sq. Ft. Steve Walter & Janet Walter 941-809-0907 A4550818 $995,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4900 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 203B 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,312 Sq. Ft. Richard Perlman 941-228-8580 A4561732 $875,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 4420 Exeter Drive L104 1 Bed 1 Baths 837 Sq. Ft. Cathy Meldahl & Susan Smith 941-724-7228 A4561711 $460,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 1630 Harbor Cay Lane Steve Walter & Janet Walter 941-809-0907 A4557741 $5,495,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

395688-1

26

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

REAL ESTATE

Home in Corey’s Landing sells for $4,284,000

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

FEB. 20-24

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Corey’s Landing tops all transactions in this week’s real estate.

Steven and Mary Wiltse, of Cornelius, North Carolina, sold their home at 3496 Mistletoe Lane to Peter and Susan Lanzavecchia, of Longboat Key, for $4,284,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,429 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1.75 million in 2014.

L’AMBIANCE AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Timothy and Dawn Horth, of Zionsville, Indiana, sold their Unit C-303 condominium at 415 L’Ambiance Drive to Timothy and Patricia McDonald, of Longboat Key, for $3.7 million. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two-andtwo-half baths and 2,634 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.48 million in 2014.

MARINA BAY

Susan Weisel, trustee, sold the Unit 343 condominium at 2550 Harbourside Drive to Ira Philip Buchwald, trustee, of Atlanta, for $1,825,000.

Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,830 square feet of living area.

JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

Jean Parent, trustee, of Paxton, Massachusetts, sold the home at 236 N. Boulevard of the Presidents to Thomas and Tracy Frascone, of Sarasota, for $1.8 million. Built in 1951, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,754 square feet of living area. It sold for $800,000 in 2017.

Frank Joseph Creede and Janice Rosalie Creede, trustees, sold the

27

Courtesy photos

The home at 3496 Mistletoe Lane sold for $4,284,000.

home at 150 S. Washington Drive to William Miller IV, trustee, of Sarasota, for $1.25 million. Built in 1958, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 945 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.05 million in 2021.

SLEEPY LAGOON PARK

Michael and Tracey Fitzgerald, of Northfield, New Jersey, sold their home at 738 Norton St. to Richard and Jeanne Briggs, of Southlake, Texas, for $1.1 million. Built in 1967, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,291 square feet of living area. It sold for $470,000 in 2014.

HARBOUR OAKS AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Joan Wheeler, trustee, of Somerset, Pennsylvania, sold the Unit 1001 condominium at 2119 Harbourside Drive to David and Jennifer Wheeler, of Windermere, for $1,045,000.

Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,219 square feet of living area. It sold for $785,000 in 2020.

Built in 1989, this Corey’s Landing house has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,429 square feet of living area.

FAIRWAY BAY

Karmel Sarasota Inc. sold the Unit 613 condominium at 2120 Harbourside Drive to Terence and Diane Boyden and Edward Clark and Deborah Swinehart, of Grove City, Ohio, for $885,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,031 square feet of living area. It sold for $388,000 in 1999.

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Feb. 24-March 3 in order of dollar amounts.

Downtown St. Petersburg

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS PERMIT 573 Cutter Lane Remodel

APPLICANT Steven Gordon Fraser

AMOUNT($) $480,577

Revocable Trust

2721 GMD Reroof

Longboat Beachcomber

$445,423

2450 Harbourside Drive #242 Remodel

Brian Scott Harris

$400,000

2089 GMD Reroof

Seaplace Association Inc.

$345,598

1945 GMD #208 Remodel

Mark S. Troum

$330,730

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

kitchen and bathrooms 1935 GMD Reroof

Sea Place

$268,550

Oceanhomes Owners

601 Buttonwood Drive Master suite

Carrie Cimino

Longboat Key

$196,664

and lanai addition 585 Schooner Lane Windows and doors Michael S. Schmidt

$95,062

2295 GMD Replace carport Islander Club of Longboat

$89,076

columns 673 Dream Island Road Reroof James Gregory Ruthven

$80,000

550 Harbour Point Road Replace dock and lift Arrowhead Management

$79,465

510 Putter Lane Windows and doors Ramsea LLC

$74,135

3431 Bayou Sound Reroof Eric Goldenberg

$66,485

2371 Harbour Oaks Drive Windows and doors Heutel Revocable Trust

$63,600

3808 GMD #E103 Remodel kitchen Jeffrey M. Veltri

$60,000

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

and bathrooms 7001 GMD Unit 14 Renovation Shawn Leven

$59,900

3615 Fair Oaks Place Reroof Branton C. Miller

$50,322

3536 Fair Oaks Lane Reroof Kathleen Louise Singer Trust $49,351 670 Old Compass Road Electrical Emerald Partners LLC

$49,239

590 Companion Way Plumbing Dana Wilson

$48,000

3617 Fair Oaks Place Reroof Bertram A. Rapowitz

$40,940

Revocable Trust 525 Outrigger Lane Windows and doors Jean Marie Lucas

$40,000

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

3509 Fair Oaks Court Reroof Jeff Willings

$38,165

621 Spanish Drive Windows and doors John Compitello

$29,329

717 St. Judes Drive S. Reroof Saint Judes Apartment

$27,750

Source: Town of Longboat Key

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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

395724-1

Revocable Trust

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

The Resource for Rescue, Adoption, and Education

PET PICS

It’s Almost Kitten Season!

2542 17th Street, Sarasota | 941-366-2404 | www.catdepot.org

394752-1

28

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!

ADOPT TODAY

Living and Working on Longboat Key for 40 Years

Cathy C. Meldahl, P.A. Your Longboat Key Community Realtor • Consistent top producer on Longboat Key • In-depth knowledge of the real estate market • Active in our community with Longbeach Village Association Longboat Key Historical Society Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Longboat Key Garden Club 395828-1

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

GOLFING

FORE GOOD

ROTARY CLUB OF ANNA MARIA ISL AND

IMG ACADEMY GOLF CLUB Monday, April 3, 2023 11:30am registration - 1pm scramble Proceeds benefit Anna Maria Island Elementary, high school youth leadership training & Title I Learn to Swim program.

For Details or to Register visit: ami-rotary-golf.square.site/ 399938-1

RISE AND WOOF: Charlie enjoys the sunrise over Bayfront Park on Longboat Key.

ADVERTISMENT SPONSORED BY:

The Observer’s

Weather

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LOCAL, VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1939 Longboat Key

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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

826 Bayport Way | Bayport Beach & Tennis Club MLS#A4554124 | 2/2 - 1,676sf | Bay View | 899 NOW $949,000 Matt Faul (941) 345-3255

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

Longboat Key

Longboat Key

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

bradenton

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

2023-24 PHOTO CONTEST

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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

29

Orchid Beach . . .

Quite Simply The Very Best Beachfront Penthouse

Fabulous Unobstructed Views Located at the Quiet Tip of Lido Key

7,795 sf Including Terraces Soaring 11 ft ceilings 4 Bedrooms with En-suites 3+ car private garage in main garage World-Class Amenities Lush landscaped Dog Walk 2 dogs any size 7 minute drive to downtown Sarasota Sooo many more exquisite features Too many to detail here $ 13,900,000 MLS A4560144

Sylvia Babineau Director Public Relations

Broker-Owner

My Realty Company

sylviababineau@gmail.com 399972-1

Cutie Pie

941/504.0551

30

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

TOP Sales Team Florida in the state of

Lori Lawson Judy Kepecz-Hays Steven Kepecz

$2.3 Billion Career Sales Kepecz@JudyHays.com | www.LongboatKeyLuxury.com

JUDY KEPECZ -HAYS TEAM

(941) 376.6411or (941) 587.1700 March 9, 2023

LIDO KEY ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE

!

E C

W E N

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

I R P

408 Jackson Dr 3 bed + den, 3 bath The Gem of all Jewels on St. Armands Circle!

Location makes this spacious home with a pool an exceptional opportunity for those who want to be minutes from the circle, Lido Beach, and Main Street-in-the-heart of the city. This residence is brimming with updates and remarkable touches to add texture and style. The family room/office can easily be converted to a 4th bedroom with its glass wall. Walk out to the garden, pool and patio.

Offered for $3,085,000 $2,988,000

LIDO KEY ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES Pre-Construction New on Lido Key! Sugar-soft sand and the glistening Gulf will soon be home to the 65 owners of Rosewood Residences. Five unique floorplans, measuring from 3335 to 4942 (air-conditioned sq. ft.) plus terraces with additional living space, are bathed in natural light.

Offered from $5.9 million

January 19, 2023 January 19, 2023

JUDY KEPECZ-HAYS TEAM JUDY KEPECZ-HAYS TEAM

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS 601 Longboat Club Rd #603S

601garage Longboat ClubSq RdFt#603S 2 bed, 2 bath, 1 car | 1,458 601 Longboat Club2Rd #603S 2 bed, bath, 1 car garage | 1,458 Sq Ft Enjoy sunrises and sunsets!

Bright great Enjoy Sunrise and Sunsets. and sunsets!

Bright great room, diningEnjoy area sunrises facing private beach and The beach is in your frontarea yard facing and golf course room, dining private beach and community pool.

Washer/dryer in the kitchen is in your backyard.

The pool. view this residence community Washer/dryer area offers convenience andfrom comfort with in kitchen is EPIC! Bright and happy, instant enjoyment is area offers convenience and comfort with side door access to the entry hallway yours in this 2 Bdrm 2 baths, 1458 sq. ft. residence. side door access to the entry hallway and semiprivate elevator.

Community offers a and semi-private elevator, on-site semiprivate elevator. manager, pool, spa, guest suite, social room, and www.LBKtowers603S.com fitness room. www.LBKtowers603S.com Offered for $2,000,000 www.LBKtowers603S.com Offered for $2,000,000 $1,850,000

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 $$2,350,000

W PARK RESIDENCES eM S L’AMBIANCE PARK RESIDENCES OF LIDO KEY adeOItLD Ha OF LIDO KEY pp

en 159 Taft Dr #E305 3 bed, 3 bath | 2,500 Sq Dr Ft #E305 159 Taft PLUS a 2,250 sq ft 3Private Terrace bed, 3Rooftop bath | 2,500 Sq Ft with wrap-around across from Terrace PLUS aviews.

2,250Directly sq ft Private Rooftop the Gulf of with Mexico and features a resort-style wrap-around views.

Directly across from heated swimming pool and spa, two un- a resort-style the Gulf of Mexico and features der-building parking spaces withpool an additionheated swimming and spa, two un415 L’Ambiance Dr. #C703 al storage room, and is overlooking the der-building parking spaces 110with an addition3 bed, 3.5 bath | 2,822 Sq Ft | Sold for $3,250,000 acre waterfront south Lido Park Reserve. al storage room, and is overlooking the 110acre waterfront south Lido Park Reserve. www.159taftdriveE305.com Offered for $3,500,000 – Furnished www.159taftdriveE305.com

399492-1

Thinking of selling? Please call us for similar results!

Offered for $3,500,000 – Furnished JUDY

KEPECZ -HAYS TEAM (941) 587-1700 or (941) 376-6411 THE STRAND THE STRAND 1709 N Tamiami Trl Unit #221

YourObserver.com

31

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

High: 78 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 18%

Thursday, March 9

6:46a

6:36p

Friday, March 10

6:45a

6:36p

Saturday, March 11

6:44a

6:37p

Sunday, March 12

6:43a

6:37p

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Monday, March 13

6:42a

6:38p

High: 76 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 24%

Tuesday, March 14

6:41a

6:38p

Wednesday, March 15

6:40a

6:39p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, MARCH 12 High: 77 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 14%

March 21 New

March 28 First

April 5 Full

April 13 Last

TIDES Highs Lows

Mary Kondrat captured this cloud formation over Longboat Key.

Thursday, March 9

12:46a

12:53p

7:31a

7:54p

Friday, March 10

1:29a

1:12p

7:49a

8:38p

Saturday, March 11

2:18a

1:37p

8:06a

9:29p

Sunday, March 12

4:19a

3:07p

9:20a

11:32p

Monday, March 13

5:53a

3:44p

9:17a

—

Tuesday, March 14

—

4:32p

12:51a

—

Wednesday, March 15

—

5:40p

2:25a

—

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/contests. All submissions will be entered for the 2023-24 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2024, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

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celebrity cipher

ACROSS 1 Crab catchers 5 Explore Amazon 9 AP math course, briefly 13 Character voiced by Donald Glover 18 Love at the Louvre 20 ___ of shame (collar for a dog) 21 Jake of country music 22 Adversary 23 Carrot buying option?

25 New England lobster appetizer?

27 Put one’s foot down 28 Legendary Greek queen 29 Snow day transports 30 Carrot on a snowman 31 Words of concession 33 ___ work (drudgery)

34 Swimmer’s wrap 37 “Molly of ___” (animated series) 39 Place that has no bars 43 “Found it!”

44 “Secure item tightly to workbench”?

47 Oven setting 48 Put on eBay 50 “Talking in the theater, seriously?!”

51 New Balance alternative 52 One-named Nigerian Grammy winner 53 Tolkien franchise, for short 54 Spoils 56 Jif or Nutella 58 Scrabble square 59 Painter’s prop 61 Big name in arcades

62 Squared things up 64 Slugger’s stats 65 Snoop ___ (2023 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee) 68 Doesn’t exist 70 Contented sounds 71 ___ d’Arc 73 Tunnel digger 75 King march site 77 Trouble spots?

78 Oust in November 80 Spellbound 82 One-named Irish Grammy winner 85 “Whatever ...”

86 Amanda of “Trust Me” 87 Bad sign 89 Pellet launcher 91 Act like 92 Surveys about online

scams?

95 Film set challenge 96 Colorful lunar phenomena 98 Popular brunch cocktail 99 Paul of “Breaking Bad” 101 Shows one’s humanity, in a way 102 Sibling clashes 103 Dragon’s digs 105 “Godmother of Soul” LaBelle 107 James of “Queen Bees” 108 Sporty car options 112 Bunny grooming products?

114 One undeserving of a seat at the round table?

116 Capital city on the Gulf of Guinea 117 New Haven students

“PVB ‘60X TNX YHB YE PVB EDLXP PDOBX PVB JYTBL YE OAXDG TNX AXBI WM N KBHBLNPDYH PY WDHI PVBO PYKBPVBL.”

HBDC MYAHK

“V OTFS GWJIJW CSJ WKZX. ... CSJWJ VN Z NCJWVBJ JMDVWKMOJMC CK Z NCTXVK CSZC XKJNM’C OZPJ OJ BJC AK.” NCJGSJM NCVBBN

“M NWMVV YBDX BF MFNBFX CAMDX WJ SAXBWX BFC XPIAXNN GUNXVZ ...

MW’VV FXDXA NWJI ... M CJF’W TFJE YJE WJ NWJI MW.” © 2023 NEA, Inc.

LABYBG FBNY

sudoku

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

©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

395911-1

©2023 Universal Uclick

42 Suit fabric 45 Riding the bench, say 46 British cracker brand since 1831 49 Person new to the job 52 Wrinkle remover 55 Stale, say 57 Sock purchase 60 1040 fig.

61 Taj Mahal locale DOWN 63 Kilmer of “Top Gun: 1 Big ___ (nickname for Maverick” David Ortiz) 64 Yummly posting 2 Persian Gulf country 66 Fixate (on) 3 Santa’s sleighful 67 “Pride ___ before a fall ...”

4 Like a luger 69 Recipe amt.

5 Tweetstorms that go on 71 “Aladdin” villain and on 72 Giddiness 6 British bonnet in Boston 74 Eddie Redmayne or Tom 7 Yoko of Tokyo Hiddleston 8 Family member with a 76 List ender (Abbr.) microchip, perhaps 79 Dusseldorf dissents 9 Arrives, like the tide 80 Seized vehicles, briefly 10 Not clueless 81 Yucatan years 11 Darth Vader’s daughter 83 Much-maligned Serbian 12 24-hr. news channel auto 13 Hide away 84 Soon, poetically 14 Coastal features 88 Grp. in charge 15 Dwindling lake by Hoover 90 Ultimatum from mom Dam 92 Play the role of 16 German imports 93 Roadblock 17 Spanish interjections 94 Staples Center pro 19 Big name in carpet 97 Downtown street sights, cleaners often 24 Certain NFL linemen 100 Potter, for one 26 Luxury Cadillac SUV 102 Delhi wraps 28 Most saintly 104 Double-booked boat?

31 What’s fed to a computer 105 It might be picked up 32 Baker’s shortening in a race 33 Vintage photo tint 106 Parentheses, essentially 34 Word with “tale” or 107 “RC” follower “order” 108 Righteous ring 35 Only Midwestern state 109 Stare at rudely with more than one NFL 110 Some frat letters team 111 Amtrak listings, briefly 36 “Leave no trace” camp- 112 Common sandwich layer ground policy?

113 Grandpa Walton, to 38 Architect Saarinen friends 39 Go headlong 114 Craven of horror movies 40 Common closet item?

115 Yellowstone herd 41 Bunches

Puzzle Three Clue: U equals Y

118 “Cosmo” alternative 119 K.T. of country music 120 Needing a bib, perhaps 121 Politician’s core supporters 122 Hershey chocolate toffee bar 123 Harper of “Breaking Bad”

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 Two Clue: F equals C

TWO-WAY SWITCHES by Pam Amick Klawitter, edited by Jeff Chen

Puzzle One Clue: J equals P

crossword

399841-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

3-9-23

Made for where you live. Here!

Auto Transport

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Homes for Sale

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

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

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

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Professional, mobile bottom painting.

Call (941)704-9382

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales WONDERFUL ESTATE SALE 4913 Three Oaks Blvd Sarasota, FL 334233 March 10 th & 11 th 9 am to 4 pm Numbers go out at 8am 1939 Mason & Hamlin Piano, Great artwork by listed artist, bedroom suits, leather sofa & loveseat, kitchen items, an amazing collection of Diamond & Gold Estate Jewelry with the appraisals and Sterling Silver Flatware set.

Antiquesandchatchkes.com For More Information Call Ken at: 941-356-3318.

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

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

Help Wanted 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

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

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 101 Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

Restaurants

Ask about our special rates!

Longboat Key, FL 34228 M-F Rental office 9a.m.

- 5p.m.

Wagner Realty Rental office 9a.m.

- 5p.m.

Ask about our special rates!

M-F

BLUE DOLPHIN CAFE

Since 1939 M-F Wagner Realty rates!

Ask about our special www.rentalsonlongboat.com Ask about our special Since 1939 Wagner Realty rates!

by jerry cunningham, jr

“happyland”

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

Wagner Realty www.rentalsonlongboat.com Since 1939 Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com www.rentalsonlongboat.com

FRIDAY ** MARCH 10TH **

2BR/2BA Anna Maria, Longboat, Bradenton, Sarasota Area. ***Look No further!

PENTHOUSE Condo in Harbour Isle*** This Home has stunning views of Sapphire Lake and looks East and North into the Perico Preserve. This beautiful 2 bed, 2 bath almost 1500 sqft home was built in 2018 and is only 4 years young! This home has rarely been rented and shows like new.

It is ready with three lockable owner doors, Kitchen cabinet, hall linen closets, and custom master closet area.

This well-appointed home is being offered TURN-KEY, with a separate agreement to be negotiated for all furniture and accessories. This home is located less than a mile from the sugar sand beaches of Anna Maria Island.

This is truly Paradise. $799,000 (407) 492-5587 commercial2residential.com KW on the Water

Rentals Wanted LOOKING FOR a 2BR furnished beach home or condo.

1 or 2 months: June, July, August. 2 Adults.

Non-smoking, no pets.

Will provide local references.

Call or text: 727-224-4859.

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE YourObserver.com/RedPages

real estate

SUNCOAST BOTTOM PAINTING

jobs

Announcements

Boats

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING

Visa/MC wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Reservations 941-383-5577 Reservations 941-383-5577 Visa/MC wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com

521 broadway located just outside of sarasota two buildable lots in a historical village on north Longboat key A. one lot on a corner... $865,521 B. one lot on a canal... $969,930 CALL FOR DETAILS...

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

This week’s Crossword answers

ENTIRE REGULAR DINNER MENU ALSO AVAILABLE! INCLUDING HOMEMADE PIES! AND MUCH MORE... JUST ASK...

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

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

This week’s Sudoku answers

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

WE OFFER PRIVATE IN-HOME CARE SERVICES PERSONAL CARE

Puzzle Two Solution: “I much prefer the road. ...

There is a sterile environment to a studio that doesn’t make me let go.”

Stephen Stills

Puzzle Three Solution: “I still have an insane drive to create and express myself ... it’ll never stop ... I don’t know how to stop it.” Graham Nash

Auto Service

NEED PRIVATE CARE?

SELL YOUR CAR! FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU

ALZHEIMER/ DEMENTIA ASSISTANCE

941.270.4400

PRE & POST SURGERY SERVICES BEYOND HOME SERVICE 941-730-3027

ALL ENTREES SERVED WITH CHEF’S CHOICE STARCH & VEGETABLE

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “The ‘60s was one of the first times the power of music was used by a generation to bind them together.”

Neil Young

Adult Care Services

support@filamprivatedutyhomecare.com

 LIVE MAINE LOBSTER  BLUE FIN CRAB CAKES  DUCK L’ORANGE  PRIME RIB

©2023 NEA, Inc.

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

$210 (CASH) 240-422-2180

Reservations 941-383-5577 Between Houses or Condos wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577

Autos Wanted

BUY STUFF HERE!

TWO TICKETS SARASOTA OPERA DON GIOVANNI MARCH 18, 2023 ROW D SEATS 106/107

Houses or Condos SEASONAL RATES Between Beachfront, Bayfront and In Beachfront, Bayfront and In Houses or Condos Between

941-915-4588

HoHoBuysCars.com

5-Star Rated

399418

WHIRLPOOL LARGE capacity gas dryer. Under two years old. $199 firm. 575-649-3405

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

Honest and best prices.

30+ years exp. Fully ins/lic.

716-474-8492.

©2023 Universal Uclick

MALIBU PILATES CHAIR. instructional photo chart included. $75. 214-587-6878

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

RATES WEEKLY MONTHLY Call 941-383-3338.

Beachfront, Bayfront and In SEASONAL RATES WEEKLY MONTHLY Between WEEKLY MONTHLY Beachfront, Bayfront and In SEASONAL RATES

home services

CHANDELIER BROWN METAL, MANY BULBS, LIKE NEW $25 (941) 920-2494

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.

Longboat Key, FL 34228 101 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite Rental office 9a.m. Dr., - 5p.m.

5360 Gulf of Mexico Suite Longboat Key, 101 FL 34228 M-F 101 Rental office 9a.m.

- 5p.m.

Longboat Key, FL 34228

Land for Sale

399416

4 KUMHO tires 265 70R16 like new, $185.00 Best offer.

941 536 5075 Bob. Leave message.

2BR/2BA ANNA Maria, Longboat Bradenton, Sarasota Amazing Condo at Anna Maria Sound in Harbour Isle $799,000 (407) 492-5587 commercial2residential.com

Westbrook@Creekwood SR70/I75. Home for Sale. $595,000.

Make this “As Is” house YOUR home.

This comfortable 2 bedroom/ 2 bath open floor plan with lake and nature preserve view as you sit and relax on your large lania.

Room for a pool. Block built.

Wonderful neighbors.

Pet friendly.

Nearby Shopping and Dining all can be yours if the price is right.

Contact Ms. Martin @941-360-6533

You’re only cheating yourself.

2 BENT WOOD counter stools$15 each. Excellent condition.

St. Armands. 724-846-1739

Condos/Apts. for Sale

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!

peekers’ place

Items Under $200

auto

stuff

2BR/2BA LONGBOAT KEY furnished Beach front condo.

Jan Feb Mrch 2024. Looking for 5 yr same month in following years. Retired couple no pets, non smoking. (304) 483-5161

Painting

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

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

Condos/Apts. for Rent

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM 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.

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

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

YourObserver.com

33

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

Handyman

Painting

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

Divorce without Lawyers

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING, LLC

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

399438

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772 KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

Divorce is never fun, but it does not have to be nasty & hateful! Protectyour family relationships and assets from expensive Court litigation. Consider Divorce Mediation, the peaceful alternative.

High-End Interior Painting Services

Health

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Call me for a free 30 minute consultation before you call a Divorce Lawyer!

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

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

We have mediated divorces involving up to 10 million dollars of assets over past 27 years.

398642

Attorney

Personal Services

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224 Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

William J. Leininger, JD

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

399446

Beauty

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

Amanda Abizaid

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Hairstylist Colorist Makeup Artist

399423

Home Watch

Carpet Cleaning

MediCupping & Massage Therapy services for healing Rest your mind & body. Connect with your spirit.

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

LOS ANGELES HAIRSTYLIST NOW IN SARASOTA

Heart & Sole Healing Space, LLC

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

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

CARPET, TILE, UPHOLSTERY CLEANING ODOR CONTROL • AREA RUG SPECIALIST

FIRST RESPONDER OWNED & OPERATED

399426

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

LMT, CMCE

Roofing

Dave and Connie Grundy

Lucky to Have Our Customers!

Chrissy Stites

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

941-626-3194

DRIES IN HOURS – NOT DAYS • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

941-778-2882 • 941-387-0607

Serving AMI, LBK and Bradenton for 25 years

1/10/23, 10:25 AM

www.shorelockhomewatch.com

Call to reserve your ad space

941-955-4888

MIC INSURANCE

Sliding Glass Door Repair

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

399421

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

399007

399006

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

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

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

All Airports, Hourly & Tours www.blacklabelcarservice.com

Windows

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

Res./Com.

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

Furniture Repair

941-504-0903

941-248-4734

Booked Referral Program Next Ride with Booked Referral

Insurance

Doors

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

10% off

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

1/1

Lic./Ins.

ndow & Pressure Clea et Wi nin s n wn as Sunrise Win g Su erly kno d Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

150

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

399877

dan@shorelockhomewatch.com

WITH THE RED PAGES

Luxury for Less

399432

(941)544-0475

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE 399425

Like Us on Facebook

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

Transportation

399414

Check out our 5 Star Reviews on Google

399431

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

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

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

399415

398643

424.333.0713

rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com www.rockstarmobilehairsalon.com

Massage

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

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

www.thewinwinservices.com

support@thewinwinservices.com

399428

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

398648

Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator 677 N. Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 SarasotaDivorceMediator.com 941-727-5555

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023

ROGER SELLS LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES #1 SARASOTA SINGLE AGENT 2008 - 2021

97 SOUTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

$11,500,000

This home is a boater’s paradise offering many boating options! Situated on two lots in a corner location, spanning more than a 1/2-acre, this impressive and private 5BR residence is set among lush greenery on the deep waters of Sarasota Bay.

www.97SouthWashington.com

7652 SANDERLING ROAD

$10,880,000

Resort-style living at this spectacular Siesta Key beach home is a one-of-a-kind experience! Directly overlooking the coastal landscape of the Gulf of Mexico, this beautifully private estate rests on more than an acre, with 172’ of beach! Designed to highlight the sparkling Gulf and striking sunset vistas you can enjoy from any room of this delightful beachfront estate.

2410 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE #142 From almost any room in this direct bayfront, 3BR residence, you can look out to enjoy beautiful sunny views of Sarasota Bay that stretch out to downtown’s city skyline. Includes secure, deeded parking.

www.7652Sanderling.com

1172 HARBOR VIEW DRIVE

www.MarinaBay142.com

$6,995,000

3030 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #346

$2,795,000

3040 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #251

Enjoy the beach in your backyard! This lovely beach getaway, offering more than 100’ of water frontage, is waiting for you to add your custom touches, but can also be enjoyed as is for now.

Move right in and begin enjoying the panoramic, direct views of Sarasota Bay, Harbourside golf course, Moorings Marina, and downtown abounding throughout this lovely 3BR, corner residence.

Sunny bay views welcome you to this 5thfloor Antigua residence, featuring a open concept, 3BR layout waiting for you to add your personal touches. Includes 2 deeded parking and private beach club access.

www.1172HarborView.com

www.GrandBay346.com

www.GrandBay251.com

455 LONGBOAT CLUB ROAD #603

$2,195,000

$2,345,000

2550 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE #341

$2,150,000

5311 10TH AVENUE DRIVE WEST

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

Contemporary upgrades, hardwood flooring, and designer finishes are the perfect complement to the striking, sunny bay and marina views that greet you at this 4th-floor Marina Bay residence.

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

www.ThePierre603.com

www.MarinaBay341.com

www.FairwayManor5311.com

$2,695,000

$579,000

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

399440-1

34