Longboat Observer 3.9.23

Tick, tock. Turn forward your clock!

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

enforcement cut short of town

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

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.

Courtesy photo Hein Rusen, Erin McLeod and Harold Ronso

Courtesy photo

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

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

The 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.

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.”

Courtesy photo

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

MURKY WATERS

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

Acouple 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

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. cate the public at the same time,” he said. “I think Longboat Key should be an example of how a municipal ity 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

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

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

Courtesy photos

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

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

Town of Longboat Key ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS

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

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.

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

Stephanie Janney, Administrative Assistant

Published: 03-08-2023, 03-15-2023

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Buccaneer’s construction timeline uncertain

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

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

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

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.

PICKLEBALL PARKING

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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Board of Directors

George W. Hamlin, IV, Chairman • Garth Harding, Vice Chairman • Sam Guerrieri, President Mary Braxton-Joseph • David Gorin • Frank H. Hamlin, III • Larry Heilbronner-Kolthoff

Board of Directors

Christine Jennings • Nelle Miller • Bernice Skirboll • Janice A. Zarro

• Frank

H. Hamlin, III • Larry Heilbronner-Kolthoff Christine Jennings • Nelle Miller • Bernice Skirboll • Janice A. Zarro

George W. Hamlin, IV, Chairman • Garth Harding, Vice Chairman • Sam Guerrieri, President Mary Braxton-Joseph • David Gorin

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

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.

Afuture 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.

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

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.

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

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

Courtesy renderings

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

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

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.

Rental 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 Town noise ordinance 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

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.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON ONE PARK SARASOTA

One Park Sarasota is an 18-story, 123-residence tower wrapped in glass that pays tribute to the local architecture and promises exquisite attention to detail and a serene, holistic residential experience. Designed by Sarasota-based firm Hoyt Architects and developed by Property Markets Group (PMG), One Park will be a first-in-class luxury development in downtown Sarasota. To date, 75 people who love the Sarasota community have already purchased and are excited for the project to break ground.

The concept was to create an iconic tower, creating a gateway building that would connect the front yard of “The Bay” with the activity energy center of Quay Commons and the Waterfront District.

- Gary Hoyt AIA, Hoyt Architects Setting The Record Straight On One Park Sarasota

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.

By Comparison:

• One Park is 2 feet, 7 inches shorter than the new Ritz-Carlton Residences being proposed on Blocks 7 and 8 in the Quay.

• The VUE and The Westin Sarasota is significantly larger than any other completed or proposed property in the Quay, measuring at 859,000 gross square feet with a linear frontage (along Tamiami Trail and Gulfstream Blvd.) of 719 feet. This is almost double the linear frontage of Bayso and One Park.

• One Park’s linear frontage is smaller than Bayso, measuring approximately 360 linear feet whereas Bayso is approximately 365 linear feet. Lennar’s linear frontage (North and South along Quay Commons) is much larger than One Park, measuring 435 feet in length.

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

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.

ARTIST CONCEPTUAL RENDERING

LONGBOAT

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.

OPIOID RELATED MORTALITY BY SUBSTANCE

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

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Fentanyl 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.

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

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

— 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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ADRIAN MOORE AND JACOB JAMES RICH

Hurricane prep begins

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

Hurricane 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

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.

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.

File photo

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

Swan stories

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

It’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.”

“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.

A Longboat Key Landmark

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 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

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.

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

Lesley Dwyer

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

FRIDAY, FEB. 24

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.

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.

SATURDAY, FEB. 25

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.

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.

PULLED BY THE TIDE

11:33 a.m., Linley Street

Abandoned Vehicle/Boat: While on marine patrol, an officer observed

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.

Which way are the winds blowing?

With current Fed actions, a market downturn is imminent.

The 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.

Is this new “easing” strategy going to work, or will inflation, mountains of government debt and high interest rates finally create a serious market crash? A market selloff is imminent, but

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 home, and large build-up of debt, terribly harms people in countries allied with America. They didn’t create the high interest rates or the inflation — we exported it to them. This ultimately puts them in 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 LAST HIKE RESULT

October 1950 May 1953 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 commod-

ity 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.

MARKET WATCH GEORGE RAUCH

Alan A. Ades

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

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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.

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.

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

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.

with his beloved Ruth. 399902-1

His love for Israel and Jewish communities in need throughout the world led to more than 50 trips abroad over the years

Mary Lou Johnson

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

Kirkin’ 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.

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

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions

• In-person worship services Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

• Live-stream at AllAngelsLBK.org to participate on-line St. Patrick’s Day Concert • 7 pm • 3.17.23 • Tickets: $20 563 Bay Isles Rd • 941-383-8161 AllAngelsLBK.org

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM

The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard

Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00

Women’s Bible Study: Wednesday @ 10:00

Watch Our 10:00 AM Ser vice Li ve: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchof lbk.org ( follow YouTube link)

Christ Church of LBK Missions Committee

Invites you to attend their

HELPING PEOPLE SAVING LIVES DINNER

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

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

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!

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

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.

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. An

6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Longboat Key, Florida 34228 • 941-383-6491 Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

Wednesday Bible Study 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

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

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

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

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Pam Gates and Mary Giroux

Marty Gray leads the band out.

Sandi Wolf in the Procession of Tartans.

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

YOUR NEIGHBORS

RECORD RUMMAGE

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

The 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.”

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

Mary Jane Tolpa, Mary Kupiec and Nancy Ross

Jane Macedonia works in the glassware section.

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

Carol and Norman Langlois

Elaine Buckley, Maria Sangiorgio and Gail Buermann

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

EXCEPTIONAL

EXCEPTIONAL VACATION RENTALS

EXCEPTIONAL VACATION RENTALS

Locally

Gulfshore Marketplace sells handmade and homegrown goods

941-387

941-387 -9709

3720

3720

info@FLVacationConnection.com

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

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

Residents 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

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.

Lesley Dwyer

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

#1 LONGBOAT KEY TEAM

Michael Saunders & Company

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

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

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NEW PRICE

LONGBOAT KEY ISLANDER CLUB $595,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY SANCTUARY $3,750,000

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LONGBOAT KEY L’AMBIENCE $3,950,000

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car garage.

Christ Church holds community cookout

The 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.

— LESLEY DWYER

Part Nature. Part Playground. all home.

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

Bob Dods and George Rauch are on grill duty.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Fran Hall, Karen and Marc Fors and Joan Pritchard

Ravi Venkataraman brings his grandaughter Addy with him.

Tom Vitro and Jerry Roslund

Joyce Roslund puts mustard on her hot dog.

JoDene

NEW THIS WEEK

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

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.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

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.

‘DOMINIQUE MORISSEAU:

SHE AIN’T TOO PROUD!’

941.302.4913

JoDeneMoneuse@michaelsaunders.com LongboatKeyLiving.com

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.

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.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

RECURRING EVENTS

WEEKDAYS 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.

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

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Ahome 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

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.

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.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

LONGBOAT KEY

Courtesy photos

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

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

JUDY KEPECZ -HAYS TEAM

LIDO KEY ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE

408 Jackson Dr 3 bed + den, 3 bath

LIDO KEY ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES

Pre-Construction

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Offered from $5.9 million

March 9, 2023

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January 19, 2023

January 19, 2023

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LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS

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601 Longboat Club Rd #603S

2 bed, 2 bath, 1 car garage | 1,458 Sq Ft

601 Longboat Club Rd #603S

601 Longboat Club Rd #603S

Enjoy sunrises and sunsets! Bright great room, dining area facing private beach and community pool. Washer/dryer in kitchen area offers convenience and comfort with side door access to the entry hallway and semiprivate elevator.

2 bed, 2 bath, 1 car garage | 1,458 Sq Ft

Enjoy Sunrise and Sunsets. The beach is in your front yard and the golf course is in your backyard. The view from this residence is EPIC! Bright and happy, instant enjoyment is yours in this 2 Bdrm 2 baths, 1458 sq. ft. residence. Community offers a semi-private elevator, on-site manager, pool, spa, guest suite, social room, and fitness room.

Enjoy sunrises and sunsets! Bright great room, dining area facing private beach and community pool. Washer/dryer in kitchen area offers convenience and comfort with side door access to the entry hallway and semiprivate elevator.

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PARK RESIDENCES OF LIDO KEY

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3 bed, 3 bath | 2,500 Sq Ft

159 Taft Dr #E305

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3 bed, 3 bath | 2,500 Sq Ft

PLUS a 2,250 sq ft Private Rooftop Terrace with wrap-around views. Directly across from the Gulf of Mexico and features a resort-style heated swimming pool and spa, two under-building parking spaces with an additional storage room, and is overlooking the 110acre waterfront south Lido Park Reserve.

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Offered for $3,500,000 – Furnished

www.159taftdriveE305.com

Offered for $3,500,000 – Furnished

By Luis Campos

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

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

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

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.

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$579,000

LONGBOAT CLUB ROAD #603

5311 10TH AVENUE DRIVE WEST

97 SOUTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

7652 SANDERLING ROAD