Longboat Observer 3.23.23

No swimming at Seaplace pool party

It was another indoor pool party with no pool on March 15, but Seaplace residents will carry on until the weather cooperates. The scheduled date seems to end up cold, rainy or both lately.

“We’ve decided that we have a curse. We have an X on our foreheads,” June Hessel, planner, said. “We have not had a party by the pool in quite a few years. But it’s an annual, and we always call it the pool party.”

Minus the swimming, residents did what they always do at clubhouse parties: They ate, drank and were merry. This year’s merriment was kicked up a notch with the addition of doo-wop and dancing. The Goldtones played a repertoire of oldies for over 100 guests.

Round and round in Village

Changing of the guard

Town recognized as storm ready

The town of Longboat Key has earned the recognition of a storm-ready community from the National Weather Service and the West Central and Southwest Florida Storm Ready Advisory Board.

The recognition is valid until March 8, 2027, at which time the town will have the opportunity to renew.

The assessment of the town to determine eligibility for the distinction followed review of the town’s policies, overall operation, response, sheltering, contracts and notifications.

“Your efforts, and those of your team, will better prepare the town of Longboat Key to protect life and property from the onslaught of hazardous weather through better planning, education and awareness,” Warning Coordination

Meteorologist Daniel Noah wrote in a letter bestowing the recognition.

Lauren Tronstad

Mayor Ken Schneier, Commissioner Deborah Murphy and Commissioner Gary Coffin take their oaths of office March 20.

Gary Coffin and Deborah Murphy were sworn into the Longboat Key Town Commission March 20. PAGE 3

File photo

Courtesy photo

June Hessel, Nancy Hjort and Sue Kemper helped plan the Seaplace party.

Broadway Street traffic calming issues made their way in front of the Longboat Key Town Commission formally Monday afternoon.

However, this is not the first time commissioners have been asked to take a stance on the issue.

When the town’s Public Works department made commissioners aware of the completion of a study by consultant Kimley-Horn and Associates that recommended the town paint stripes on the street, resident alarms went off and commissioner inboxes were flooded with messages from individuals urging them to not move forward with the suggestion.

The main issue residents appeared

to have was that it seemed like the town had decided to move forward with striping.

Commissioners assured residents of Longbeach Village that no decision had been made and any recommendations would need to come before them before any construction is carried out.

Speeding on the street has been a concern for years for residents, who have said the issue poses not only a risk to their safety but also to the laid-back atmosphere that drew them to the neighborhood on the north end of the island in the first place.

As such, the issue was before the commission for the first time for formal discussion and additional resident input.

About 15 people were present for

the traffic calming measures discussion, and some of them were members of the Broadway Traffic Calming Committee, which was formed by residents specifically to address speeding issues on the road. Potential solutions included in the Kimley-Horn report are as follows:

n Shared lane markings or “sharrows”

n Crosswalks and speed humps, which can be independent of one another

n Raised median islands

n Mini roundabouts at intersection

Public Works Director Isaac Brownman revoked the department’s earlier suggestion of moving forward with shared lane markings in favor of pursuing either the mini roundabouts or installation of additional stop signs.

“While Public Works was interested in trying striping, it is acknowledged that it brings no physical, geometric change,” the staff

presentation said. Broadway Street had previously been striped.

Mini roundabouts were the preferred method of traffic calming for residents in the Village and along Broadway Street.

“What we are really looking for here is a long-term solution,” resident Madeline Stewart said. “We feel the mini circles in our environment are the best solution ... We would really like to see this happen quickly.”

Town staff classified the street as having unique attributes compared to other residential roads in the town because of the restaurants present at the start and end of the street.

“The presence of pedestrians and bicycles on Broadway in between commercial uses is a unique fixture,” Brownman said.

Building a mini roundabout could cost anywhere from $25,000 to $45,000 per circle, which raised alarms of commissioners who were in favor of the roundabout.

Commissioners BJ Bishop, Debra Williams and Mike Haycock all spoke in favor of the construction of mini roundabouts but were not in favor of the potential costs associated.

Resident Pete Rowan, who has done extensive research on traffic calming strategies as another member of the Broadway Committee, assured commissioners that the committee’s desired strategy would likely not cost what was estimated by Kimley-Horn.

If the mini circles are built as the residents desire, the design would mix a traditional roundabout and a speed hump to elevate the circle and further motivate slower driving.

“Broadway is a town public thoroughfare,” Carla Rowan said. “It is not the small village street it once was.”

Commissioners came to consensus to direct staff to pursue mini circles as the chosen traffic calming strategy.

Staff was also asked to work with Kimley-Horn to produce more accurate cost estimates and to identify funding sources.

Broadway Street has three intersections. Residents expressed they would like to see a roundabout at each one, if possible. Commissioners directed staff to look into constructing at least two of them.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

Start of a new term

Gary Coffin and Deborah Murphy were sworn into the Longboat Key Town Commission on March 20.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

At Monday’s meeting, two new commissioners were sworn in to begin their service on the Longboat Key Town Commission.

Gary Coffin has taken over Sherry Dominick’s District 1 seat, and Deborah Murphy has taken Maureen Merrigan’s District 5 spot. Mayor Ken Schneier kept his District 3 seat.

“We have two highly qualified, highly motivated individuals in Gary Coffin and Deborah Murphy, who will join us today, and I am sure will continue the tradition of dedicated service that Longboat Key deserves and has come to expect,” Schneier said. “During their periods as commissioners-elect, each has gone above and beyond to prepare for their roles up here and we welcome them unconditionally.”

Neither earned their seat from a contested election, which is not uncommon in the town.

The last time an election was contested was in 2018. Since then, every individual that has shown interest in serving on the commission and submitted the necessary paperwork for qualification has been automatically slated to take the spot they were seeking.

There was potential for a contested election this year when Jeff Lenobel qualified for election of the District 1 seat alongside Coffin, but once the qualifying period closed, Lenobel withdrew his name from the race.

Given that elections are what make the United States a democracy and that contested elections allow for voters to make a choice between potentially different perspectives on important issues facing a town, city or nation, it begs a question: what does the lack of contested races mean for the commission and the town as a whole?

One way to look at it, said Town Manager Howard Tipton, is that if the board is without contested elections, then residents may be without issue with who is on the board, the way it is run or the decisions that are made.

If residents were unhappy with the town, it may lead to more people stepping up in hopes of making a difference and changing policy direction.

“I think the way that I would read

the community’s reaction to (uncontested elections) is that folks who have applied seem to be extraordinarily well qualified,” Tipton said.

“They seem to be very satisfied with their credentials and the prospect of them serving. When you have that kind of quality it can result in this recent run of uncontested elections.”

Since the creation of the town’s annual citizen satisfaction survey about four years ago, results have continued to show that of the residents that take the survey, 98% of them are satisfied with the town and its services.

Last year, commissioners discussed the potential for adding pay to the town charter in hopes of enticing people to serve on the commission and increase the number of contested elections.

However, commissioners decided not to move forward with the change out of fear that people would run for the wrong reasons and because the amount proposed would likely not make a difference to the residents of the island.

AS STEPPING STONE

P&Z

The Planning and Zoning Board has acted as a pipeline straight to the commission for the majority over the years. In the new board, Coffin, BJ Bishop, Mike Haycock, Debra Williams, Penny Gold and Schneier had previously served on the Planning and Zoning Board.

The board is often seen as a necessary step for commissioners as it helps to have the experience of deciphering large bodies of complicated text that usually accompany ordinances and site development plans that come before the commission on a regular basis.

However, it is not a formal requirement that a commissioner serves on the board before taking a seat on the commission.

Neither Merrigan or Dominick had previously served on the Planning and Zoning Board, but were touted for their skills and knowledge during time spent on the commission.

ENDING A TERM

Dominick and Merrigan’s final roles as commissioners were to sit in on the statutory meeting, which centered on the swearing in of new members and the start of another term as mayor for Schneier.

GET TO KNOW THE NEW COMMISSIONERS

DEBORAH MURPHY

Longboat Key was originally planned as a vacation spot for Murphy, but COVID-19 shifted her plans and she has since fallen in love with the island she now calls home.

Before moving to the barrier island, Murphy was a longtime resident of Montgomery County, Maryland. She served as the owner of Standard Supplies, Inc., a family owned business that sold construction materials and tools.

She currently serves as the Longbeach Condominiums president and has a year left on that term. Her interest in serving on the commission followed a phone call from former commissioner and Vice Mayor Maureen Merrigan, who was looking to find someone in District 5 to fill the seat she was vacating.

GARY COFFIN

Coffin has been a resident of Longboat Key with his wife, Lynn, for over 20 years. He has previously served as the homeowner’s association president for Country Club Shores 1 and 2, a role he served in for over 14 years.

As many other commissioners have, Coffin served on the town’s Planning and Zoning Board before making the decision to seek a seat on the commission.

He recalled his decision to go after the role similarly to Murphy — phone calls from residents he respects asking him to consider.

Both women were met with well wishes and appreciation for their time serving on the commission for their respective terms.

“The downside of today’s change is the loss of two exceptional commissioners,” Schneier said.

Each commissioner had the opportunity to speak on their experience serving with Merrigan and Dominick.

Merrigan’s time spent on the commission was marked by her relationship with Manatee County, which in turn was said to improve the town’s relationship as well. Dominick’s legal knowledge from serving as a lawyer in years past provided the commission with an attention to detail others didn’t possess, other commissioners said.

“It’s been a really special privilege to serve for the last two years,” Merrigan said. “I know we’re in great hands with our new commissioners. Thank you all for making Longboat Key a wonderful home for all of us.”

Dominick had similar reflections of her time on the commission.

“Three years has gone by extremely fast,” she said. “I think it’s really owing to the kind of almost magical amalgamation of personalities that we have here that it’s actually been a fun job.”

Both were gifted a plaque for their service, their official name tag that would typically sit on the dais and flowers.

After the new commissioners took their new seats, a mayor and vice mayor were selected for the next year.

Schneier was unanimously selected to continue serving as the town’s mayor for another year. Commissioner Mike Haycock was selected as the new vice mayor in a 5-2 vote.

Commissioner BJ Bishop and Debra Williams voted in favor of Williams taking on the role instead.

Former Commissioners Maureen Merrigan and Sherry Dominick are gifted plaques for their service from Mayor Ken Schneier.

Photos by Lauren Tronstad

Back: Commissioners Deborah Murphy, Penny Gold, Gary Coffin, BJ Bishop and Debra Williams. Front: Mayor Ken Schneier and Vice Mayor Mike Haycock.

Forbes’ 2022 Best-in-State Wealth Advisor

Gary S. Brochin Managing Director/Investments Portfolio Manager – Solutions Program

Contact

Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, April 7, 2022, based on the 12-month period ending June 30 of the year prior to publication. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and selected from a pool of nominations as indicated in the methodology. Neither SHOOK Research nor Forbes receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. The rankings may not be representative of any one client’s experience and are not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance. Investment performance is not a criterion for selection. Forbes is a registered trademark of Forbes, Inc. All rights reserved. For more information on the selection methodology, see www.stifel.info/award-disclosures.

Neither Stifel nor its financial advisors provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal or tax professional if expert assistance is required.

All underground infrastructure work is completed in Phases 1, 2 and 3 on Longboat Key.

Public Works Director Isaac Brownman provided a formal update of progress to town commissioners at their regular workshop March 20.

All underground work is complete in Phase 1, which includes switch orders. Phase 1 covers Country Club Shores and the Longboat Key Club.

All underground infrastructure work is complete in Phase 2 and Phase 3. The switch order process, which shifts electric power from the aerial poles to the new underground infrastructure, for Phase 2 is underway. Phase 2 runs from the north end of the island to Dream Island Road.

In Phase 3, FPL has approved redline drawings and the switch orders process is expected to begin soon. Phase 3 goes from the north end of Country Club Shores to the Sarasota County line.

In Phase 4, the final phase, nearly all underground work is complete excluding 10 switches on Gulf of Mexico Drive. The additional switches became necessary as FPL worked to update its infrastructure. FPL installed the new infrastructure at no additional cost. Phase 4 includes south of Dream Island Road to the county line.

“Switching can still take place outside of the areas where these remaining pieces of equipment fall to minimize any schedule impact,” the staff memo read.

Following completion of the switch orders, FPL can begin removing aerial poles that no longer serve a purpose. The pole removal is the sole responsibility of FPL. According to Brownman, the town has an expectation that such removal could start

as early as this summer.

All neighborhood street lights that can be installed without overhead power line conflicts have been placed in all phases.

Poles that cannot be placed will be immediately following aerial power line removal by FPL.

Contractor Wilco has installed all town fiber optic conduit. The town is still awaiting a final proposal from Wilco before the fiber can be connected to town facilities. Frontier and Comcast are actively working to complete their underground work and remove nonactive aerial wires and poles. Phases 3 and 4 are still in the midst of conversions from aerial fiber.

Currently, the project is coming in about $3.7 million under budget. For the town’s portion of the project, it estimates remaining work will finish up in July. The latest FPL pole removal could be finished as early as August.

CELL SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS

As part of the underground update, Brownman also included updates to agreements the town is seeking with cellular service providers following the installation of nine poles on the north end by Verizon.

AT&T is reviewing terms of a lease agreement with the town for use of streetlight poles to enhance its coverage on the island, too.

File photo

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LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

Underground utility work continues to move closer to completion in the town of Longboat Key.

FPL could have power lines removed by August.

Clear skies ahead

HIRING VS. TRAFFIC

LAUREN TRONSTAD

STAFF WRITER

The town of Longboat Key is not unique with its challenges in hiring and retaining employees.

Town Manager Howard Tipton, who previously served as St. Lucie County’s county administrator, said finding people interested in public service and serving within a government-based role has its challenges no matter where the entity is located.

“I think in general trying to attract people into public service is not

easy,” he said. “It’s not something that I think local governments or government agencies in general do a good job at ... There’s not as many folks going into public service, which makes attraction a little more of a challenge than it might be in other industries.”

The town announced three new openings last week after resignations and retirement paperwork were filed for a code enforcement officer position, planning manager and assistant fire chief roles.

Tipton said that planners and emergency services personnel can

TOWN JOB OPENINGS

Currently, the town has nine job openings listed on its website. The town employs about 130 people when fully staffed, which means it has about 5% openings, which Tipton says is about typical for a local government.

be hard to find, particularly with the town’s proximity to other municipalities like the city of Sarasota and Manatee County, who are likely also looking to hire people in those same roles.

“We find ourselves competing with one another quite a bit over the same talent pool,” he said.

The main disadvantage the town faces when looking to hire new workers and keep them on board long term is the commute to and from work; the vast majority of town employees do not work on the island.

“We’ve had success in bringing

Openings on the town’s website as of March 20 include:

n Code enforcement officer

n Firefighter/paramedic

n Full-time police officer

n Part-time marine patrol officer

n Part-time tennis maintenance

n Planning manager

n Security analyst

n Service worker

n Shift commander: assistant fire chief

people in, and we do have a degree of longevity here that actually was a little bit surprising to me only because of the fact that so many of our employees don’t live on the island,” he said.

Because traffic is largely a seasonal issue, Tipton said the town has and intends to continue allowing adjustments to hours and occasional remote work to alleviate some of the daily strain through the season.

Pay is an integral part of the town’s hiring and retention abilities since employees have to feel that their commute is worth their time and gas money.

The town completed a salary survey of general employees last year and has plans this year to negotiate higher police and fire wages.

“We’re looking to make sure that we remain competitive in the marketplace and maybe even a little more than competitive,” he said. “I think the town has a great history of having great, quality people (working here).”

He said increasing wages will not only attract people to jobs on the island, but for those same people, it can make a difference in keeping them and helping the town provide a high level of service to its residents and visitors.

Another way Tipton is hoping to help further increase longevity in employee time spent at the town is by working to ensure they feel appreciated for the work being done.

“Sometimes people aren’t aware of how much they are appreciated,” he said. “Sometimes we don’t stop and say enough just how much we think of you and celebrate some of the great accomplishments. I want to make sure in my communications that I am letting these folks know ‘it’s an honor and privilege to work alongside you.’”

Even with a handful of openings posted on the town’s website, Tipton said Public Works Director Isaac Brownman recently told him the department has returned to being fully staffed for the first time in nine months.

“I feel confident that we will get those positions filled,” he said.

“Hopefully (wage increases) will take (openings) down to about three or four at any one time, which is pretty good for a town that is asking

The town’s main hiring disadvantage is the seasonal traffic congestion faced by employees, who mostly live off-island.

Red tide responsibility

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

Given the recent bout of red tide and how it has affected the area, Longboat Key commissioners participated in a roundtable discussion on the topic hosted by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan.

“On the Suncoast, we rely on clean water and white sandy beaches to support our economy and our way of life,” Buchanan said in a statement. “Red tide has wreaked havoc on marine life, our waters and the many businesses that rely on Florida’s tourism-based economy.”

The roundtable, which was held March 17 at Beach House Waterfront Restaurant in Bradenton Beach, allowed local leaders to express concerns about the recent outbreak and bounce ideas off of one another for how to keep future harmful algal blooms from worsening.

Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier, Vice Mayor Maureen Merrigan and commissioners Mike Haycock and Debra Williams and Commissionerelect Gary Coffin attended Friday’s event.

Schneier told attendees about the town’s desire to act as a model community in terms of combatting red tide and ensuring clean waters and asked for recommendations for how the town could reach that goal.

All attendees were in agreement on one thing: Steps needed to be taken to combat red tide and keep it from worsening.

“Florida’s economy is built on the coast,” Ed Chiles, founder of Chiles

Hospitality, said. “We are seeing harmful algal blooms and water quality issues come more, longer and stronger.”

The importance of local estuaries to the area in terms of water quality and recreation was at the forefront of discussion as well.

“We have a responsibility to be the stewards of those estuaries,” Chiles said. “All of the things that we love, the habitat, the biodiversity, the fishing opportunities, the ability to be able to go out and recreate all depend on our ability to keep these estuaries healthy.”

Even though the current red tide conditions appear to be improving, Buchanan and fellow roundtable attendees agreed that the conversation needed to continue regardless of the presence and severity of a harmful algal bloom.

“Red tide is a natural occurrence, but at the end of the day, we are aggravating it even more so,” Buchanan said. “The goal is to do everything we can to minimize the red tide. Unfortunately, what I

have seen over the years is that we will have a bad bout of red tide, and everybody gets ramped up and then we don’t deal with it.”

He predicted that as people continue to move to the state in droves, red tide conditions will only worsen unless necessary steps are identified and taken.

Dave Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, was in attendance and asked to share his knowledge about red tide.

Although it is a naturally occurring organism, Tomasko has said that humans can make it worse with such behaviors as overfertilizing lawns. When hurricanes, tropical storms or even just heavy rains make their way to the area, fertilizer can be pushed into nearby waters, increasing the water’s nutrient loads and exacerbating the presence of the organism that causes red tide, Karenia brevis.

In Buchanan’s push to ensure red tide is taken seriously, he introduced a bill in January titled the Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Bloom Act.

The bill, which would amend the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, would designate red tide as a major disaster. The change would require the Federal Emergency Management Administration to provide both technical and financial assistance to states suffering from outbreaks of red tide.

Outside of simply what steps can be taken, local officials highlighted actions underway to improve water quality, including Manatee County’s $1.3 billion investment in capital improvement projects over the next five years.

Projects include replacement of old sewer lines and rehabilitating two of the county’s three wastewater filtration systems.

“When it comes to the quality of life of our citizens and when it comes to the cleanliness of our water, we know that is a primary function of government and we know it is a focus and priority of our citizens, so it’s a priority for us as well,” Manatee County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge said.

Longboat Key town commissioners met with Rep. Vern Buchanan and other local leaders to discuss the current red tide outbreak and steps to lessen its impacts in the future.

Lauren Tronstad U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan hosted a roundtable with local leaders about recent red tide outbreaks on Florida’s Gulf coast.

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Part II: ‘Courage to Be Free’

The more you read Gov. DeSantis book, the more convinced you become that it is his way of giving voters a quick-read of from where he came; his principles; and that he wants to be in the White House.

EVER THUS: THEY ALWAYS MAKE IT WORSE

The chaos in the global banking system should surprise or shock no one. It is just as we published in this space Sept. 22, 2022: “It’s all ‘Planned Chaos.’” That is the title of a booklet of lectures by the late Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises.

One of the challenges for Gov. Ron DeSantis is the same one individual restaurateurs face: How to maintain standards when the boss is away.

We have all seen it: When the restaurant owners are in the house, the wait staff is on its game, the food prep is tip top. But when the owner is on an extended vacation or losing interest, service declines.

That’s the challenge for DeSantis as he hopscotches around the country promoting his book, “The Courage to Be Free,” and trying to gain national exposure to determine whether it makes sense to run for the presidency.

What will happen to Florida, and state government?

Each day we continue to hear political observers read the tea leaves that DeSantis is running for president, although as a Floridian, we’d rather he not. We’re still in the camp that DeSantis would be better off to prove to the nation that his first term in office wasn’t a oneterm wonder and that he could, in fact, keep Florida the freest states and best state in the nation in which to live for eight consecutive years.

That would be an accomplishment.

But now that we’ve completed the governor’s book, more than before, we’re convinced he has that belief in himself, that feeling that swells so many politicians’ heads.

In our judgment, “Courage to Be Free” was a surface-level, quickread narrative to address what DeSantis wants voters nationwide to know about him — from where he came; his core principles; what he learned in Washington (e.g. the Swamp is a terrible place); what he believes a leader

should do; and how he took on the establishment.

If you’re an above-average consumer of politics, read the book. A few points that struck us:

n The media. Because we’re part of it, we paid special interest to this topic. No surprise, he can’t stand the media, especially the “corporate media.” (Never before have we seen so many anti-media bills filed in the Legislature than in the past two years).

DeSantis gives the reader the impression that all media are the same. He rightly criticizes them for their lie-filled narratives, but he makes no mention of any medium or reporter who meets his standards of integrity. We’re not all alike.

n The irony is rich. DeSantis writes candidly about the disgustingly rigged caste system in the D.C. Swamp, specifically how the U.S. House of Representatives works:

“…[A]ll the power is concentrated in the leadership — and mostly in the speaker. While a single member can, in theory, shape the process either on a committee or by offering amendments on the House floor, in practice, the entire process — committee hearings, legislative markups, floor votes — is choreographed by the leadership.

… [V]ery little occurs outside the preordained contours of what leadership decrees.”

We can imagine everyone in Tallahassee laughing — lawmakers, lobbyists and legislative staffers — because that’s exactly the way it works there, too.

If you want to move up in

And it’s a play on words: As the book illustrated again and again: All government planning and intervention always bring the same thing: chaos and failure. Government always makes whatever it “plans” worse.

Mises: “All the methods of interventionism are doomed to failure.

… “No economist ever dared to

assert that interventionism could result in anything other than in disaster and chaos …

“What these people (politicians and bureaucrats) fail to realize is that the various measures they suggest are not capable of bringing about the beneficial results aimed at. On the contrary they produce a state of affairs which, from the point of view of their advocates, is worse than the previous state which they were designed to alter.”

As we said then and say now: “The end of the chaos is nowhere in sight.”

TIME TO MOVE ON, PROTESTERS

Unfortunately, no one can change the past.

And for sure, everyone involved with caring for the patients who died from COVID-19 will have lasting memories and pain from that experience. We’ll say it again: Given the circumstances, you have to believe everyone did his or her best.

What’s more, as demonstrated in the hospital’s report last month, the professionals at Sarasota Memorial learned from the experience and are taking steps to be even more prepared for the next pandemic.

the Legislature to a committee chairmanship or be part of the inner-circle leadership team, you need to kiss the rings (or worse) of the governor, Senate President and House Speaker. Don’t dare speak out against their agendas. Or, rather DeSantis’ agenda.

In his first term, DeSantis has exerted Al Haig “I’m-in-charge” leadership (authority). He doesn’t disguise it. In his book, he writes:

“I understood the authority I possessed under the laws and constitution of Florida, understood the various pressure points in the system and understood how to leverage my authority to advance our agenda through that system.”

n What motivates him. “Casey and I both see the battles we fight to be essential for the protection of

So what’s the point, protesters?

More reviews? More time-sucking efforts devoted to trying the past — at the expense of improving the now and the future?

Sarasota Memorial officials, we will believe, have learned from this experience. They don’t want it to happen again and will work so it doesn’t.

It’s time to let the hospital board focus on the business of the business — making and maintaining Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System among the best in its class.

freedom and opportunity for our kids and beyond. We want to leave our communities, our state and our nation in better shape for future generations, and to God, than we found it.”

In the final paragraphs of the last two chapters, DeSantis writes: “Florida has shown we have the capacity to win against [the] elites. It takes determination. It requires strategic judgment. It calls for strength in the face of attacks. Most of all, it requires courage.

“The Florida Blueprint is a simple formula: Be willing to lead, have the courage of your convictions, deliver for your constituents and reap the political rewards. This is a blueprint for America’s revival …”

It’s his blueprint to get to the White House.

Shortage of courts: It’s not that big of a pickle

This is always the dilemma on Longboat: At the height of the winter season, everything is crowded.

The restaurants; the Publix parking lot; the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center; the Longboat Key Club Tennis Gardens; the Key Club’s golf courses; and the town’s pickleball courts.

And, of course, no one likes to be told you can’t eat, play or park when you want. Waiting is annoying.

But does Longboat really need more public pickleball courts?

If you’re an avid pickleball player here during February and March, you’d probably say yes.

But when you talk to Mark Richardson, director of Longboat’s Parks & Recreation Department for 17 years, you can easily conclude the pickleball waiting game is not the crisis you may think it is. Consider:

At this time of year, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., there may be 30 to 50 people wanting to play pickleball on Longboat’s five courts. Of those, 20 are on court at a time. The games typically take 10 minutes; then the next 20 rotate in.

Ten minutes can go fast when you’re on the sidelines watching and socializing. And from everything we’ve heard about pickleball, the socializing is a big part of the enjoyment.

You get the picture from Richardson that the problem is not all that dire, and the need for a more expansive setup similar to the public tennis center isn’t really needed. If anything, one simple solution is to eliminate the basketball court

altogether.

As is, half of the full-size court is converted to two permanent pickleball courts. Does Longboat really need a basketball court?

Richardson says the court was kept because it was part of the amenities before the park was redeveloped. But seriously, given Longboat’s demographics, it’s difficult to make the case for keeping the court.

At the least, convert the halfcourt to two more permanent pickleball courts from February through March.

Richardson also points out that by his count, there are 57 other pickleball courts throughout the

island — most of those being tennis courts that double as pickleball courts at condominiums.

As for adding more public courts, it likely would take more than a packed Town Commission chambers of pickleball enthusiasts to persuade the commission to alter Bayfront Park. The town administration has been blunt. It has stated: “It is not the intent to make Bayfront Park a pickleball magnet.” And when you look at other public land options, there aren’t any.

The Town Commission eliminated an obvious one with the Town Center Green. As for parking, Richardson says

“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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the town is adding six more parking spaces in the grass on the south end, creating 66 parking slots altogether. If more parking is needed, surely Richard Gonzmart, owner of the former Pattigeorges restaurant site, could be persuaded to lease out some of his parking during season.

Yes, it’s annoying not to be able to get pickleball court time when you want it. But keep perspective: It’s a 10-minute wait for, at most, 60 days out of the year.

If anything, the town and avid pickleballers could consider ways to improve the courtside amenities for those who wait.

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned.

Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine

CEO / Matt Walsh

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1970 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468

MATT WALSH

Pickleball Courts

AQUARIUM CONFIDENCE IS

SKY HIGH

Mote executives celebrate vertical construction of the $132 million aquarium project.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

Dan Bebak, vice president at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, stepped outside his construction trailer and headed toward the construction site of the new Mote Science Education Aquarium that sits adjacent to Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.

As he drove toward the site, he continually looked up.

Yes, up.

Up is a celebratory word for Mote because it means its $130 million project (now a $132 million project) that was announced in February 2018 and broke ground in November 2020, has begun to make a visual impact on anyone who passes.

That’s a massive impact considering more than 50 million vehicles pass the 11.76-acre site along Interstate 75 in a year.

Besides the busy workers on the ground level, two huge cranes are on site, moving around building materials set to go skyward. Columns and elevator shafts already have stretched toward the sky and in May, the huge Gulf of Mexico acrylic windows that help form a tank that occupies both the first and second floors of the three-story, 110,000-square-foot building will be placed.

Because that Gulf of Mexico exhibition tank is so massive, builders Willis Smith Construction and Whiting-Turner will have to place it before they can begin to construct the walls around it. That’s when the vertical construction takes off.

“Once you get vertical, it picks up,” said Michael Moore, special advisor to the office of the president at Mote.

“Up to that point, you have to be a visionary. Now the public is feeling the vibe.”

Moore said Mote has a commitment of $100 million toward the aquarium with “a couple” other large potential donors seriously considering coming on board.

But he said the vertical stage of any project often stimulates corporate sponsorships most.

“Corporate sponsorship is the last in,” he said. “They want to get closer to get real. Now it’s really happening.”

Bebak began working at Mote in 1981 as an intern and was permanently hired in 1985, eventually working his way up the ladder to overseeing a $7 million annual budget and a staff of 70.

“It’s great to actually walk out there,” he said of the construction site. “And it’s going to be nice to say, ‘There’s the Gulf of Mexico tank.’”

The two acrylic “windows” that make up the Gulf of Mexico exhibition tank weigh a combined 14 tons. That will be a sight in itself — although the acrylic will be covered by plywood — as those passing by will see the tank being constructed in May and June. The windows are being shipped from Reynolds Polymer Technology in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Then it’s off to the races.

As the project goes skyward, work on the second and third floors will be mostly complete before the firststory floor is completed. Bebak said heavy materials, such as the tanks, must be brought in on the first floor, which would ruin the flooring.

While people think about vertical construction being from the ground up, Bebak noted the 368 pilings that have been put into place to support

the construction are, indeed, vertical, with the pilings going 80 to 90 feet into the ground.

So far, Mote has spent about $30 million on site and below-theground construction.

“We are on schedule and looking at the fall of 2024 to open,” Bebak said. “Now that we are going vertical, we know what we have ahead of us.”

The tanks will be complete with wildlife months before the doors open to the public in fall 2024. The wildlife needs time to become acclimated. Mostly natural sea water will be used to fill the tanks.

“We will have a better idea of opening dates in a couple of months,” Bebak said. “And you never know what the weather is going to do.”

Half of the aquarium’s third level will be open air to give patrons an indoor-outdoor experience.

Moore said successful planning has allowed the project to stay mostly within its budget during a time of inflation. The original $130 million price tag had some inflation figured into it, but Moore said Mote had been buying materials for more than three years and had been locking in prices.

Bebak noted the construction

GROUND LEVEL: GULF OF MEXICO GALLERY

project is highly specialized because almost every part of the aquarium has life support systems and specialized pumps, filters, plumbing, air conditioning and heating systems.

All the support system, such as columns, must be extraordinarily strong. All that has been taken into account.

KEY

One section of the first floor of the Mote Science Education Aquarium.

1. Small Atlantic Fish

2. Moon Jellies

3. Burrowing Fish

4. Octopus

5. Ray Touch Pool

6. Lionfish

7. Deep Water Atlantic Habitat

8. Invertebrate Touch Pool

9. Gulf of Mexico Habitat

*Rendering subject to change

Mote executives Dan Bebak and Michael Moore are excited to see construction of their new aquarium go vertical.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

STOP BARKING

2:27 p.m., 600 block of Lands End Drive

Animal complaint: An officer was dispatched after an individual called to complain about a dog barking nearby. The officer was unable to get in contact with the property owner after knocking and announcing his presence. The dog in question was seen barking on the deck of the home. A neighbor called the homeowner who said they would have someone come by and take the dog inside.

LOST ON VACATION

4:48 p.m., Longboat Key Police Department

Found property: A resident came to the department to turn in a wallet she had found on the south end. Upon inspection, a phone number was unable to be found for the wallet’s owner. Department staff was able to locate the phone number and address of the wallet owner’s mother, who gave permission to give the wallet to her grandson, who was also vacationing on the island.

JUST NATURE

8:48 p.m., 500 block of Companion Way

Animal complaint: Police were called when a resident heard what seemed to be a raccoon attacking another raccoon. The officer told the resident such activities are natural.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

NO WORKING

ON THE WEEKEND

12:06 p.m., 6700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Noise complaints from land: A resident called the police to complain about construction noise going on in the unit above hers. The officer spoke with the remodeling company and told them about the town’s noise ordinance rules. The worker apologized, ceased work and promised to pass the information along to his colleagues.

MONDAY, MARCH 13

MUDDY SITUATION

9:34 a.m., 3500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

WORTHY OF CELEBRATION

1:07 p.m., Broadway Street

Pier

Citizen assist: While on marine patrol, the officer was flagged down by a man and a woman. The man told the officer he had just proposed and she said yes. The officer helped the couple celebrate by announcing their engagement over his PA system.

Traffic hazard: While on patrol, the officer noticed a landscaping vehicle stuck partially in the roadway. The driver said the rear of his vehicle was stuck in the mud. Shortly after, an excavator was used to push the vehicle out of the mud and back onto the road.

NO ISSUE

10:46 p.m., 600 block of Halyard

Lane

Suspicious incident: An officer responded to a call about a boat with no navigational lights on. Upon arrival, the officer noticed a cabin cruiser boat anchored offshore with a smaller boat tied to it. The larger boat had navigational lights on. After attempting to get the attention of people who may have been on the boat, the officer left as no violations were observed.

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

PROTECTOR OF TREES

12:19 p.m., 700 block of Longboat Court

Citizen dispute: A resident was upset by the choice of trees being cut down on the above property. However, she stated she was not

the owner of the property and did not want the owner cutting down the trees without speaking with her first. The officer spoke with the property owner who said she had hired the workers and the trees being cut down were on her property and were allowed to be removed.

PRIVATE PARKING

1:19 p.m., 3500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Citizen assist: An individual called police about an issue he was having with parking at his condominium unit. The resident said he usually parks in a private spot assigned to his unit, but the owner of the unit he lives in had parked their vehicle in that spot. Because of the issue, he has a violation against him by the homeowners association and his vehicle could be towed. The officer told the resident that he would need to speak to the association as the complex is private property.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15

TOO LATE

5:40 p.m., 600 block of Preserve Court

Noise complaints from land: A resident called police due to construction noise nearby. The officer arrived at the address and noticed a semi truck with a crane unloading construction supplies. The officer informed the worker of the town’s noise ordinance. The worker said he was unaware of the ordinance and ceased work.

AN EXCEPTION TO THE RULE

7:19 p.m., 3400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Dog on the beach: A call was made to police about the presence of a dog on the beach, which is not allowed in the town. The officer spoke with the dog’s owner, who said it was a trained service animal. The original caller was called back and told that because it was a service animal, the dog was allowed to stay on the beach.

Walsh’s column blind to DeSantis’ faults

Matt Walsh’s opinion piece on March 16 reads more like a love letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis than a description of presidential candidates. I’m afraid Mr. Walsh’s infatuation with the governor has led him to write something any 15-yearold boy could use as a template for next Valentine’s Day. It seems that Mr. Walsh has missed the latest statements by DeSantis where he expresses infatuation with Mr. Putin. Any real Republican knows that Ronald Reagan is spinning in his grave at the notion that the governor is behaving more like Prime Minister Chamberlain than Mr. Reagan. Has Mr. Walsh forgotten that while in Congress, DeSantis received a 0% rating from the Alliance for Retired Americans?

Let’s not forget how hard DeSantis tried to cut Social Security benefits to the old folks. As a member of Congress, DeSantis voted for three nonbinding budget resolutions calling for raising the retirement age and slowing future spending growth for Social Security. He also said he wanted to restructure entitlements like Medicare. If he felt so sure about cutting Social Security and Medicare as a congressman, what’s to say he won’t feel the same way if he is in the Oval Office? At one point

in 2012, he even talked about privatizing these benefits that Americans have paid into while they were employed. Do any of the happy folks hiding behind the gates in their Longboat condos have any idea that more than half (56%) of Florida’s 4 million children are living in or near poverty? Has anyone ever heard DeSantis speak about this pressing issue? Or is it more important that these hungry kids not get their hands on the biography of Roberto Clemente?

Florida’s KidsCount ranking for economic well being in 2019 was 42nd out of 50 states. In 2020 Florida spent less than the national average on basic assistance from the TANF program (assistance for needy families). Is that the governor’s way of fighting “woke?” Does anybody reading this paper even know what “woke” means? Mr. Walsh needs to do what many other elderly folks in America need to do also, turn off Fox News and turn on Major League Baseball. Take out your anger on an umpire. Enjoy America’s pastime, which by the way, is watching DeSantis as he fights diversity and inclusion in Florida and hope that MLB doesn’t pull spring training out of the state completely.

GERARD IANNELLI HADDON HEIGHTS, NEW JERSEY

Gov. Ron DeSantis

Lawn Party proceeds given to Children’s Guardian Fund

Over $100,000 was raised at the annual Kiwanis Club fundraiser.

The final dollar was tallied, and the Kiwanis Club’s Lawn Party by the Bay raised $108,959 for the Children’s Guardian Fund.

It was announced at the club’s latest meeting on March 16 at The Paradise Center.

Longboat Key’s first lady and CGF’s board president, Cynthia Craig, was on hand to accept the oversized check and account for how last year’s donation was spent.

“We have used your money, this year, 4,495 times to do something for our kids,” Craig said to close out her thank-you speech.

The kids are in foster care, and the something included 2,502 tutoring sessions, 843 birthday cakes and cards, 241 summer camps, 150 beds and bedding, 87 bikes and helmets, 22 prom outfits, 11 driver’s license fees and supplies for one memorial garden for a pair of sisters who miss their dad.

Craig also shared the story of her personal guardian child who is severely disabled. His parents couldn’t take care of him, so they took

him to the hospital for a surgery and never went back to pick him up. He’s since been placed with a family that loves him and is able to care for him.

“We try to give these kids, who had such a bad start, as happy a life as we can,” Craig said.

BECOME A KIWANIAN

In addition to the check presentation, the club held a regular meeting.

Right now, the meetings are held at 8:30 a.m. at the Lazy Lobster every first and third Thursday of the month. Garey says nothing is decided yet, but the club is looking to hold some evening meetings to accommodate those members and potential members who can’t make breakfast.

“It’s a civicminded social club that does good,” Lynne Larson said.

“Our speakers are contemporary subjects, who are of interest to anybody in the town. It’s an opportunity to meet your neighbors, have a good time and do something good for the community.”

A lot of work goes into planning the Lawn Party, so Kiwanis President Michael Garey had a long list of thank-you’s for the board, sponsors, volunteers and Craig, too.

“This year, we had the event at Ken Thompson Park, and Ken Thompson Park was a spectacular venue, but it came with a lot of other added expenses that we didn’t have in pre-

vious years,” Garey said. “The reason we cleared the bar from the year before is we had an additional check come into Kiwanis from Cynthia Craig and Ken Schneier, which put us over the top. It was a very significant number that made that reality happen.”

Larson is a former president. She’s one of eight women in the club; there are about 30 members total. Members can attend meetings and volunteer for the Lawn Party as much or as little as they’d like. And there’s a bonus with Garey as the presiding president — meetings are catered by the Lazy Lobster. Interested in joining? Call 960-2851 or email Michael@Lazy LobsterLBK.com.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

Town Manager Howard Tipton is the guest speaker.

Robin Nystrom, Rick Konsavage, Jim Brown and Mayor Ken Schneier

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Svetlana Ivashchenko and Cynthia Craig reveal the check with Michael Garey.

DA SILVA

Sarasota Downtown

GLENN DAVIS

Sarasota Central

RAENA EVERETT

Venice/Englewood

KAREN GEIGER Sarasota Central ANNIE GREEN Venice/Englewood

SHAUNE HARPER-KIMBLER

Sarasota Downtown

JAN HLYWA

Venice/Englewood

KAREN IANTORNO Siesta Key

JOCELYN JAMES Siesta Key

BLAKE JONES St. Armands

JESSE KELLEY

Sarasota Downtown TIM KELM

Venice/Englewood

THERESA KIMBRELL

Venice/Englewood

SAM KOTLIK St. Armands

GINA LAROUCHE St. Armands

BRIAN LEAKEAS Sarasota Downtown

JACLYN LIGMAN Lakewood Ranch North CINDY LOCKHART

Venice/Englewood

RANDALL MARKS Lakewood Ranch

DAVIDA MCDONALD Longboat Key

DIANA MICHEL Longboat Key ELENA MITCHELL Sarasota Downtown BEN NATHAN Sarasota Downtown

LISA O'HARA Longboat Key

MELODIE PALMER

Lakewood Ranch

MIRIAM PEARSON

Sarasota Downtown

MELISSA PERRIGOUE Longboat Key

JANE REES

Sarasota Central

JENS REUTER RUNYON

Venice/Englewood TERRY RILEY

Venice/Englewood

LINDA RILEY Siesta Key

SHELI RODRIGUEZ

Venice/Englewood

GAIL RUNYON Longboat Key CINDY SCHATZLE Sarasota Downtown

LINDA SCHELLER Longboat Key

KATHY SCOTT

St. Armands

DEE SILVESTRINI Lakewood Ranch

KAREN SINGLETON PLOTKIN

Lakewood Ranch

SUE SMITH

Venice/Englewood

SUE SWEENEY Lakewood Ranch

PATTI TEBO Sarasota Downtown

CHRIS THOMPSON Sarasota Central

JOHN THORSON St. Armands

MEREDITH VAN VAALS

St. Armands

MARK VANDUREN Longboat Key

KAREN WANTUCK St. Armands

JANICE WARD

Venice/Englewood

MARY WESTBROOK

Venice/Englewood

THE REEL DEAL

70 to 80 “differently abled” people as well as those who have been bullied on fishing charters. She does that through her nonprofit, Bradentonbased Chastenation, which has been garnering regional attention.

POSTMA BUSINESS OBSERVER

After getting her driver’s license in 2016, Chasten Whitfield drove a few friends out to a fishing camp on Anna Maria City Pier. That’s where she met Easton, a 4-year-old with spina bifida, a condition that affects the spine.

Every time Easton caught a fish that day, he would do a doughnut in his wheelchair and exclaim he had caught a fish. By the end of the day, Whitfield was so caught up in his joy she asked his mom to take him fishing in a boat.

“I blame it all on Easton now,” Whitfield, now 23, says. “That’s how I started taking the kids fishing.” Whitfield says she has since taken

To fuel the nonprofit’s growth Whitfield — who maintains a day job as an associate producer at Monster Jam, a Feld Entertainment motorsports competition, in Palmetto — has dipped into her entrepreneurial side. She has a strong social media presence, especially on Instagram and YouTube. She also has her own TV show that has led to an even bigger goal: to have her fishing show on Netflix.

Her TV show, “Their Life My Lens with Chasten Whitfield,” debuted in 2021. She set a five-year goal as a freshman at the Savannah College of Art and Design to pursue a degree in TV and film. Last year, her senior year, she was given the opportunity to film a pilot show and present it to the Sportsman Channel.

“It worked,” she says. “Now I’m on season two.”

What’s up at The Paradise Center?

MONDAYS: 10-11 Stretch & Strengthen, 1-3 Thinking Out Loud Discussion Group

TUESDAYS: 10-11 Qi Gong, 11:15-12:15 Yoga, 1 -3 Mah Jongg *

WEDNESDAYS: 10-11 Beginner Tai Chi

THURSDAYS: 10-11 Zumba & Pilates , 1-3 Open Mah Jongg

FRIDAYS: 10-11 Intermediate Tai Chi, 11:15-12:15 Qi Gong & Meditation Walk -ins welcome for fitness classes, discussion group and OPEN Mah Jongg. *For Tuesday Mah Jongg, RSVP Required: MaryAnnBrady@TheParadiseCenter.org

Veterans’ Canteen Sponsored by Rotary Club of LBK 1-2pm April 12

Join us on a fun outing this spring! After touring the museum and sculpture garden, we will lunch!

The Empath Tidewell Foundation welcomes you to the Tidewell Foundation Building showcasing an outstanding group of health & wellness organizations ready to brighten the

Chasten Whitfield has an ambitious plan to use her fishing and outdoors acumen to both grow a business and help others.

Photos by Lori Sax

Chasten Whitfield on a fishing charter with Nathan Corbett through a nonprofit she created.

“This is their day. I’m just the boat Uber driver. I’m their chauffeur for the day.”

Chasten Whitfield started a nonprofit while she was still in high school. Now she has a TV show that features the fishing charters she hosts through the nonprofit.

The show is even expanding, going on Waypoint TV and Destination America. Each episode consists of Whitfield taking someone out to fish until lunch and then they do an interview.

After wrapping up filming for season two, Whitfield hopes to expand Chastenation across the U.S.

Every charter is different, but Whitfield blocks off her entire day for a trip. Some of the people she takes out will be done after catching a fish or two. Others will fish until it’s time to go home.

“This is their day,” she says. “I’m just the boat Uber driver. I’m their chauffeur for the day.”

To fill the time for those who don’t like to fish nonstop, Whitfield takes them swimming or they’ll look for dolphins. Some just want to drive the boat around.

Whitfield grew up on the water, living on a canal, but she didn’t become serious about fishing until she was 11 or 12.

“Now, I like seeing the reaction of the kid or person that I take fishing,” she says. “Seeing their actual

reaction first hand is just amazing and worth everything right there.”

Her nonprofit has grown beyond the charters, too.

After a trip to Texas, she had a person reach out about a neighbor with cerebral palsy in Dallas. The mom was hopeful Whitfield could take the child fishing, but Whitfield knew nothing about the fishing laws in Texas. “I was just there to watch a rodeo,” she says.  Still Whitfield did as much as she could, using her source of sponsors to find a charter captain in Texas to connect with the person.

The schedules didn’t line up, so unfortunately, the child still hasn’t been taken fishing. But it hasn’t fallen off Whitfield’s to-do list, noting she dreams of the day she’ll be able to call that mom to set up a charter. In the meantime, she’s setting realistic goals.

“I obviously can’t take every kid in the world fishing, so my goal is to have a bunch of different captains in different states help me do that through Chastenation,” she says.

To help with funding more char-

Herman W. “Buddy” Herring, Jr. 1948-2023

Herman W. “Buddy” Herring, Jr., D.M.D., LTC(R), US Army, age 74 was born in Elberton, GA 25 June 1948 died Tidewell Hospice, Bradenton, FL 21 Feb 2023.

ters, because the nonprofit is reliant on donations, Whitfield started the Chastenation Gala last year, raising between $8,000 to $9,000 at the event, held on Bradenton Beach. After she’s wrapped up production of the show’s second season, she’ll get started on planning the next gala. The goal this year is to raise $10,000 to $12,000.

“If we raise $10,000, that’s 100 kids we can take fishing,” she says, noting it takes about $150 to $200 to fuel up the boat.

With the TV show just breaking even (Whitfield says it costs an “uncomfortable amount” to produce.) and the nonprofit reliant on donations, her ultimate goal is to make Chastenation her full-time job.

And word about Chastenation is getting out, with her social media following growing to nearly 6,000 followers.

Last year, she took out 20-30 people on a charter. This year, she’s hoping to increase that to more than 50 with a goal of booking a charter once a week.

Buddy was a prosthodontist, teaching at the University of Mississippi Dental School from 1978 to 1983 and in the U.S. Army Dental Corps from 1983 to 2003. He was selected by the dental students as “Teacher of the Year” for 3 years while at the dental school and received multiple awards and honors while serving in the military. He was an enthusiastic Georgia football fan and military history buff.

Buddy and Patrice retired to Longboat Key, FL in 2004. He is survived by Patrice his wife, beloved little hound Lilly, cousin Sydonna Harden and brothers-in-law Allen L. Greene and Kerry L. Greene and other cherished family members. A service will be held at Longboat Key Island Chapel, April 15, 2023. Internment at Sarasota Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations to: Palmer Home for Children, 2608 S Main Street, Columbus, MS 39701 or any animal rescue organization.

SERVICE: Saturday, April 15 Longboat Key Island Chapel

He was selected by the dental students as “Teacher of the Year” for 3 years while at the dental school and received multiple awards and honors while serving in the military.

You

are

Growing in Jesus’ Name

&

Christ Church is pleased to feature Hope in The Shadows, a meditative musical journey on the path to the cross. Lead by our Director of Music, Robert Romanski, our Chancel Choir and a Chamber Orchestra will present this masterpiece during our regular Sunday Service on March 26, at 10:00 AM. Come and rejoice in God’s glorious plan of redemption, accomplished through our crucified, risen, and returning Savior.

Visitors & Residents Welcome

TRIBUTES

YOUR NEIGHBORS

SHOWCASE SHOWDOWN

LESLEY DWYER | STAFF WRITER

Former CEOs, athletes and even spies live on or around Longboat Key, so it’s not surprising there are enough writers to hold a showcase. Seven signed up for Longboat Library’s Author Showcase held March 19 on the library’s lawn.

One couldn’t attend. But two of the authors check the writer and spy categories. Both worked for the CIA, live on Longboat Key and are named Hughes. Since truth is stranger than fiction, there’s no relation. The showcase was their first introduction.

The Observer asked each author three questions: What’s your favorite book you wrote? What’s your favorite book someone else wrote? And what are you ordering from the Maine Line for lunch today?

The food truck has become a Longboat sensation. Outdoor events don’t feel complete anymore without dipping a lobster roll into drawn butter, so owner Kurt Turner answered three questions, too.

RALPH HUGHES

When an injury stopped Hughes from playing golf, writing took its place. The Longboat Key resident has since written two fictional books based on his experiences as a CIA station chief.

n “Doubled” is my first. My second is called “Delusional.” The second is definitely better. The first time around, you don’t know quite what you’re doing. The second time around, you think you know what you’re doing.

n I suppose “The Devil in the White City” is one of my favorites, but I think probably my favorite book is “Undaunting Courage.”

n I’m going to get a lobster roll, warm with butter.

KURT TURNER

Owner, Maine Line food truck

What’s your favorite dish on your menu? Probably the warm lobster roll with butter.

What’s your favorite dish on someone else’s menu? Probably pulled pork from Mouthhole BBQ.

What are you having for lunch today? Red snappy dog. It’s a Maine red snapper hotdog. They all come from a place in Bangor, Maine, and they’re made by a company that’s been making them since 1860, W.A. Bean. Maine hotdogs are traditionally red. So this red hotdog, I fly down, and it’s all natural, only it’s red. So it’s actually not a bad hotdog for you. We steam it, then we grill it and it goes on that same buttered roll you get your lobster roll on.

HELAINE MARIO

JEAN TARSY Tarsy was the only children’s author in the lineup. The Bird Key resident wrote both books about her beloved cocker spaniel Molly. All proceeds benefit animal rescues.

n My favorite would be “I’m in Heaven” because that’s where I’m going.

n It’s a hard question because I’ve enjoyed so many. Most of them turned into movies. How about “Gone with the Wind?”

n It was suggested I get the lobster with the butter, as opposed to the mayo.

Mario’s husband had an unexpected health issue, so she couldn’t attend or eat from the lobster truck. She sent her answers via email.

n “Shadow Music,” I think, is the best-written, with a dual World War II timeline added and themes of family, loss, courage and redemption.

n I am a fan of big, well-written stories that I can fall into and favor suspense, romantic suspense, historical and espionage genres. Kristen Hannah and Kate Quinn are two of my favorites. And Mary Stewart, no longer with us, was my greatest inspiration.

n My very favorite lunch on Longboat Key is the fish taco at the Lazy Lobster. I could eat on their terrace every day.

JANE HUGHES

Hughes has written four books, three novels and one about finances. The latter is due to her day job as a professor of finance.

n I guess my favorite book is “The Spy’s Wife”because it goes back to my time with the agency and to something that actually happened to somebody I knew there that gave me the germ of the idea for the book. And in the book, they travel all over the world, and so I loved writing all those travel pieces. They go to Jerusalem, they go to Paris, they go to Bermuda; that was a lot of fun.

MICHAEL JORDAN

Jordan’s debut novel was a hit with critics, winning over half-adozen awards. The book is historical fiction based on a series of murders that took place in the 1930s in Cleveland, Ohio.

n “The Company of Demons” is my favorite book I’ve written because this is the only book I’ve written so far, but the second is on its way. This is a crime thriller; the second one is a World War II thriller.

n I would say Robert Ludlum, “The Bourne Identity.” I thought that was a terrific book — the character development, the plot. His writing was at its peak at that time. It was just a terrific novel.

n I’ve had it before, and I’m going to have it again — the lobster roll with mayo.

SUSAN KLAUS

Born and raised in Sarasota, Klaus has published six books and won numerous awards. She was also named as one of Amazon’s top 100 authors in the mystery/romance category.

n “Secretariat Reborn” won the most awards, but if you ask me my favorite, I would have to say “Flight of the Golden Harpy,” which is dedicated to Brad Pitt. I spent 12 hours with Brad Pitt on the set of “Ocean’s Eleven,” and when he came on the set, he was mobbed by the extras wanting his autograph and picture. He was real sweet. He inspired the story about this beautiful preacher, who was a trophy, he was being hunted like a game animal. It’s an adult fantasy.

n The book I wrote my senior thesis on was “Middlemarch” by George Eliot. She wrote about everyday things. She wasn’t writing “War and Peace.” She was writing about neighborhood gossip and matchmaking and things like that, but the way she wrote it and the way she drew the characters, it was great literature even though it was just about who married who and who went out with who and who hurt who’s feelings and who inherited money, and it’s wonderful literature. She made it clear that you can write fiction, even light fiction, and still have it be meaningful.

n I can’t answer that because I can’t eat shellfish for religious reasons. I’m going to have leftover pasta from Venezia, which is my favorite pasta place.

CAROLYN ANGIOLILLO

Angiolillo describes herself as a storyteller. After people kept telling her to put those stories into a book, she paired up with Author Ron Kule and self-published a novel based on her childhood.

n “A Brooklyn Saga: Stories from the Stoop,” I wanted to capture the old neighborhoods in New York. I grew up in the Italian neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Around me were all different neighborhoods —Jewish, German, Irish, Puerto Rican and Italians, so I wanted to talk about what it was like growing up there in the 1950s through ’70s with the Mafia influence and the church influence and the Old World Italian culture.

n My favorite book is the Bhagavad Gita. It’s part of the Hindu scripture. It really captures the strengths and weaknesses we have as humans, and we have to also take in what we’re dealt with. It’s a story about a war between families, but it really highlights that when you’re born into a family, you inherit the ancestry. Sometimes you have no choice but to follow through.

n Maybe the clam chowder. I might order a couple of things, but the chowder is real clam chowder, that’s for sure.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

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Sex trafficking survivor speaks out at Christ Church

Christ Church began supporting Selah Freedom in December after making a $50,000 donation to the anti-trafficking nonprofit in Sarasota.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

Christ Church has an impressive and generous missionary program. On March 15, two of its partners spoke to the congregation: Agape Flights and Selah Freedom.

CEO and Pastor Allen Speer spoke for Agape, an organization that assists missionaries in the Caribbean by transporting cargo. As a longstanding partner, he’s spoken to the congregation before.

Selah is a new partner since the church made a $50,000 donation in December, which the Patterson Foundation matched. The money was earmarked for a new consulting branch to help anti-trafficking organizations nationwide.

Selah is an anti-human trafficking nonprofit organization based in

Sarasota with an 87% success rate of helping survivors transition out of the sex trade. In addition to consulting and supporting survivors, it also offers an education program to local schools.

“We cannot always be there to protect our children, so we have to teach them and empower them to protect themselves,” Executive Director Stacey Efaw said. “The actual Department of Education did a report. It’s a 12-year-old report — you can look it up — it says one in 10 children, from the time they’re in kindergarten to a senior in high school, will be approached by a school employee for a sexual relationship.”

As disturbing as that statistic is, the most impactful words of the evening came from Mia Braddock, a sex-trafficking survivor, who is now a prevention advocate and survivor mentor employed by Selah.

After Braddock shared her personal story of trauma and redemption, Mission Chair Jerry Fox took to the stage to open the floor for questions. But first, he paused for a moment to simply say, “Wow.”

Braddock’s story starts in a good home, but when she was molested at 12 years old, fear and shame stopped her from telling her parents. They only knew their daughter’s behavior had changed, not why.

“Their honor roll student was gone. Now, I’m suspended every other week. I’m in trouble at school, if I go, and I was just completely out of control,” Braddock said. “And then at the age of 16, I was raped at a party I wasn’t supposed to be at, so how can I tell my parents what happened? All those feelings I thought when I was 12 came flooding back, and it was kind of like the catalyst on this downward trajectory I was on.”

A year later, as a 17-year-old runaway, Braddock met a 27-year-old man who would become her first trafficker. He got her off the streets, supplied her with drugs and made her feel special. He earned her trust,

then quickly flipped the narrative into one where she owed him for his kindness.

It took Braddock five years, two more traffickers and 13 drug arrests before entering Selah’s TYLA program, which stands for Turn Your Life Around. The one- to two-year prostitution diversion program is a choice between legal punishment or treatment that requires trauma therapy and drug testing.

“When I came to Selah, I did not identify as a sex-trafficking survivor. I was not kidnapped. I was not handcuffed. I was not tied up. It didn’t look for me the way it looks in the movies. I didn’t know that it could still count as trafficking — that being lied to, that being tricked, that being manipulated — I didn’t know that was a part of it,” Braddock said. “So now, I have the opportunity to go to different places and make sure that youths know that exploitation and trafficking can happen in different ways. Yes, kidnapping happens, but I get to be the person that brings reality to the situation and shows how it looks more often than that.”

VOLUNTEER FOR SELAH FREEDOM

Do you have a skill? Selah will put it to use no matter how useless it may seem to you. Take it from the prospective and eager volunteer who wanted to help but only knew how to crochet. She now teaches survivors the skill, and they call themselves “Chicks with Sticks.”

“Male volunteers are as important — if not more important — as females because it’s really important for the role of a healthy man to be redefined for these women who have been taken advantage of,” Co-founder Laurie Swink said. “Whatever it is you’d like to do, we’ll make that happen.”

To volunteer, call (888) 837-3363 or email Info@ SelahFreedom.com.

Selah Freedom Executive Director Stacey Efaw passes the microphone to survivor Mia Braddock.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Allen Speer, Mia Braddock, Laurie Swink, Jerry Fox and Stacey Efaw

St. Mary’s holds

Sara Campbell fashion show

For more than 25 years, new congregation members at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church have been strutting down a catwalk for a good cause.

On March 13, they did it again. Some 230 ladies enjoyed lunch at the Sarasota Yacht Club and a fashion show with a theme of Violets and Violins.

Donna Smith performed a violin serenade, and the outfits were supplied by Sara Campbell. Campbell has a shop in downtown Sarasota; all of the clothes are made in the U.S.

The money raised will go into the Ladies Guild’s charitable fund. The guild will then decide how to spend it. The church supports several local nonprofits, including Catholic Charities.

Kathy Callahan was this year’s chair but said she wouldn’t have been able to do it without her “guild angels.” In addition to the show, the women organized a silent auction and raffle.

“When it was at Father Pick Hall, members actually made the food, and we had a pianist,” former Chair Susan GilmoreClarke said. “It’s grown a lot in size and sophistication.”

— LESLEY DWYER

Sheila Gerling, Lorraine Rothbart, Dottie Mueller, Sandy Endres, June Hessel, Kitty Bystrom, Pam Rychlick and Peggy Schwass

Ushers Todd Callahan and Dr. Harry Kopelman

Nancy Gornto, Kathy Callahan, Bonnie Schneider and JoAnn DiFuentes relax after months of planning.

Kim Rummel with models Jenni Kopelman, Elise Fortin, Catherine Costello, Kay Kochenderfer, Marianne Kupiec and Madeline Reiber

Cindy Noble’s guest is her granddaughter, Sydney Adams.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer Elise Fortin works the runway.

Spanish Main Yacht Club celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

Mission BBQ was booked up Friday, so St. Patrick’s Day was held during the regular Wednesday happy hour on March 15 at the Spanish Main Yacht Club.

More than 100 residents filled the clubhouse and spilled out into the pool area. Walter and Karl Hasenfus had the best seats in the house, relaxing in two loungers across the pool from the music. Pam Jefferies played saxophone, and John Rinell was on guitar.

Green tablecloths and shamrock centerpieces covered each table, and for those feeling the luck of the Irish, there was a 50/50 raffle.

— LESLEY DWYER

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Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Party planners Kathleen Riley, Lynne Heuston, Donna Heffner, Vivian Fagan, Pat Clifford, Rudell Hickey, Pam Tselios and Judy Behny

Walter and Karl Hasenfus lounge by the pool.

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY

DREAM ISLAND ROAD $3,195,000

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

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY SANCTUARY $3,750,000

Direct beachfront w/ amazing views. 8th floor offers fully unobstructed Gulf and Bay views. 3BR/3BA has private east & west terraces for gorgeous sunsets & sunrises . 24 hr guarded gate + full Sanctuary amenities.

PENDING

LONGBOAT KEY EN PROVENCE $4,935,000 Spectacular 3BD/ 4BA 3,400sf open plan w/10’ ceilings & Gulf-side wrap around terraces. One of 21 in meticulously maintained Gulf front gated community w/ Gulf-side pool & spa. Conveniently located mid-key.

PENDING

LONGBOAT KEY WATER CLUB $5,100,000 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.

LONGBOAT KEY

L’AMBIENCE $3,950,000

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.

NEW PRICE

LONGBOAT KEY ISLANDER CLUB $585,000

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 BAYFRONT $5,695,000

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

KEY CUSTOM HOME $3,800,000

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

NEW PRICE

LONGBOAT KEY

GULF FRONT $7,775,000

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

PENDING

LONGBOAT KEY • CANAL LOT#1 $1,995,000

• CANAL LOT#2 $1,995,000

Build your dream home on one of north LBK’s most desirable streets. Premier boating location. Great canal leads directly to Bay & ICW No bridges. Walk to beach.

LONGBOAT KEY BOATERS DREAM $2,495,000

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

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

HOPE IN THE SHADOWS

10 a.m. at Christ Church, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The church’s choir and ensemble will be performing a meditative musical journey of Jesus’s path to the cross, as well as regular Sunday service. Call 383-8833.

JEWISH COMPOSERS AND THEIR ICONIC MUSIC

From 4-5:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. The Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota will be performing a concert of music by Jewish composers, presented in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. Tickets cost $75 and include a champagne reception after the show. Call 383-8222.

TUESDAY, MARCH 28

UKRAINIAN EASTER EGG

WORKSHOP

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Driftwood Beach Home & Garden, 6838 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Learn to make Pysanka decorative eggs. $65 per person, proceeds benefit Revived Soldiers Ukraine. Call 960-0568 to reserve a spot.

HOW THE U.S. FIXED THE KGBBUGGED MOSCOW EMBASSY

From 3-4:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Career Foreign Service Officer Michael Boorstein will tell the riveting tale of a three-year effort to address the inadequacies of our embassy in Moscow. $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 3832011.

MONDAYS GENTLE CHAIR YOGA

From 9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Improve flexibility, strength and overall physical functioning while stabilized in a chair. Six sessions through April 10, $70 for members; $80 for others. Call 383-8222.

STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN

From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance. Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

THINKING OUT LOUD: TIMELY

TOPICS WITH MIKE KARP

From 1-2:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Topics to include U.S. and world current affairs, popular culture and topics relevant to seniors. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

PUMPING THE PRIME

From 10-11 a.m. at Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Low-impact cardio and strength exercises to boost metabolism and strengthen

BEST BET

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

OFF THE CLOCK

From 5-6:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. The Chamber of Commerce is welcoming current and prospective members to network over appetizers and refreshments. $5 for members; $10 for others. Call 383-2466.

muscles and bones. Instructor is Mirabai Holland. Cost is $10 for members; $15 for others. Call (201) 956-1466.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS

LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT STORE

The thrift store will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Donations are accepted during business hours. Call 383-4738.

TUESDAYS

QI GONG FOR HEALTH AND VITALITY

From 9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Improve balance

and flexibility, plus loosen joints and relax. Six sessions from Mar. 7 to Apr. 11, $70 for members; $80 for others. Pay as you go available. Call 383-8222.

QI GONG

From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Qi gong is a mind-body-spirit practice designed to improve mental and physical health. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

YOGA

From 11:15-12:15 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road.

Debbie Debile of Feel Good Yoga & Massage leads a gentle yoga class

that can be done on a mat or in a chair. Cost is $15; free for members. Call 383-6493.

MAH JONGG

From 1-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Fun time for experienced players. To check availability at the tables, email MaryAnnBrady@TheParadiseCenter.org.

AT THE MOVIES

From 3-4:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Watch films that are playing locally and discuss them in class. Six sessions from March 7 to April 11, $95 for members; $105 for others. Pay as you go available. Call 383-8222.

ROTARY CLUB

Meets at 5 p.m. on first and third Tuesdays in All Angels Parish Hall, 563 Bay Isles Road. To learn more, call Nancy Rozance at 203-6054066 or email Info@LongboatKeyRotary.org.

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

BREATH BALANCE AND BLISS YOGA

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

WEDNESDAYS

BEGINNER TAI CHI

From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

JUST LISTED • THE HARBOR 541 HARBOR POINT ROAD • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $8,200,000

Completely remodeled and undeniably impressive 5BR/6.5BA waterfront residence leaving nothing to be done. This residence incorporates details rarely considered, and beautifully executed. From coffered walls in the striking dining room, to the clever master suite positioning, this residence from top to bottom is extraordinary.

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.

CONRAD BEACH 388 FIREHOUSE LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,995,000

Open and bright, furnished 2-story, 3BR+DEN/3BA coastal style single family home, featuring an expansive, enclosed terrace accessed through walls of sliders, plus an extended open deck. Two separate one-car garages, each also with under-building parking. This perfect property is only steps away from the community pool and a short stroll to the finest sand beaches on Longboat Key.

Emerald Harbor home sells for $4.7 million

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

Ahome in Emerald Harbor tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Christopher and Joyce Dumas, of Longwood, sold their home at 701 Old Compass Road to Douglas Robert Brown, of Indianapolis, for $4.7 million. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,493 square feet of living area.

BIRD KEY Ploutus LLC sold the home at 615 Owl Way to Frank Joseph Creede and Janice Rosalie Creede, trustees, of Sarasota, for $2,049,000. Built in 1966, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,360 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.15 million in 2020.

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS

Niklas Eklund, of Sweden, sold the Unit S-602 condominium at 601 Longboat Club Road to Safeway Acquisition Co. LLC for $1.6 million. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,458 square feet of living area. It sold for $685,000 in 2013.

ST. ARMANDS TOWERS NORTH

Michael and Maureen Guirguis, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, sold their Unit 123 condominium at 1 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Timothy Watkins and Tina Watkins, trustees, of Greenwood, Indiana, for $1.6 million. Built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,389 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.26 million in 2021.

LONGBOAT HARBOUR TOWERS

Charles and Sallie Carey, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 701 condominium at 4401 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Scott Harding Boehne and Mary Hasskamp-Boehne, of Bloomington, Minnesota, for $1.35 million. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,314 square feet of living area. It sold for $800,000 in 2018.

LONGBOAT KEY

Jay Claeys, trustee, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, sold the home at 673 Tarawitt Drive to Gregory and Sonia

Nelson, of Manhattan, Kansas, for $1,275,000. Built in 1961, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,841 square feet of living area. It sold for $845,000 in 2021.

SEASCAPE

NAH Holdings LLC sold the Unit 203 condominium at 5135 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Joshua Mark Pierce and Stevie Mark Pierce, of Austin, Texas, for $1.2 million. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,516 square feet of living area. It sold for $530,000 in 2021.

SEA PINES

SPE #231 LLC sold the Unit 12 condominium at 6937 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Zachary and Monica Charlton, for $1,035,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,170 square feet of living area. It sold for $405,000 in 2017.

PORTOBELLO

Janet Rivkin, of New York City, sold the Unit B-501 condominium at 3240 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Steven Pederson and Carol Pederson, trustees, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, for $915,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,519 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2019.

BEACH HARBOR CLUB

Anne-Karine and Edgard Wiklund, of Alpharetta, Georgia, sold their Unit F-401 condominium at 3810 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Michael Humes and Sierra Humes, of Paul Smiths, New York, for $750,000. Built in 1970, it has three bedrooms,

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

three baths and 1,753 square feet of living area. It sold for $205,000 in 1993.

FAIRWAY BAY Thomas and Suzanne Nickelson, of Avalon, New Jersey, sold their Unit 124 condominium at 1930 Harbourside Drive to Linda Hillier Novak and Eric William Novak, of Franklin, Michigan, for $685,000. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,192 square feet of living area. It sold for $432,000 in 2021.

THE PRESIDENTIAL

Robert Ohanesian and Cheryl Moore sold their Unit 111 condominium at 845 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Vito Zivoli and Virginia Vargas, of Sarasota, for $605,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 991 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2022.

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS MARCH 6-10

SPANISH MAIN YACHT CLUB

Marjorie Storch, trustee, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 10 condominium at 581 Spanish Drive N. to Kyle Sheperd Thorne, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $550,000. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,063 square feet of living area. It sold for $206,000 in 2011.

SEAPLACE Lewis Giammaria and Kathleen Sheehe sold their Unit 301-C condominium at 2039 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Tracy Leigh Papp, of Longboat Key, for $460,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 933 square feet of living area. It sold for $280,000 in 2020.

Courtesy photo

The home at 701 Old Compass Road sold for $4.7 million.

Savor the Sounds Savor the Sounds Savor the Sounds Musical Concert Series Savor the Sounds Savor the Sounds

Presented by

Date night with the Garden Club

The Garden Club held its annual dinner and a movie on March 11 at Bayfront Park.

The weather was good, and the company was better at the Longboat Key Garden Club’s annual Dinner and a Movie. Friends and neighbors gathered at Bayfront Park on March 11 for a gourmet dinner, live music, an auction, a movie under the stars and snacks to curb any craving. Red tide delayed the event for one night, but winds shifted quickly. By Saturday evening, Mel Gibson was on an inflatable big screen overlooking Sarasota Bay. This year’s movie was the 1994 comedy Western, “Maverick,” also starring Jodie Foster and James Garner.

— LESLEY DWYER

Last show of the season!

Longboat Key • 2020

Saturday, April 1st

SHANTEL NORMAN and the Shantel Norman Band

5:30 pm - 7 pm (Gates open at 4:30 pm) 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Music by Mike Sales

Town Center Green

600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

Come out and “Savor the Sounds,” and enjoy an elegant, yet casual, outdoor picnic setting. BYOPB! Bring a picnic basket and blanket. (Lawn chairs, tables and coolers are welcome.)

Pre-order boxed dinners from Publix by calling (941)383-1326 ext. 228 or 229 Decorate your table or blanket!

VIP Tickets

$250 (Table of 8)

Advance purchase only.

Limited availability.

General Admission

$25 in advance

$35 at the door

Weather permitting - No Refunds ADVANCE TICKET SALES

Monday - Friday from 9 am to 5 pm

Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce

5390 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, Suite 102

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

Courtesy photos

Auctioneer Jim Smith

Residents enjoy dinner and a movie on March 11 at Bayfront Park.

Susan Phillips and Mike Haycock

JUDY KEPECZ -HAYS TEAM

THE BEACH RESIDENCES LIDO KEY

1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr #601

3 bed, 3.5 bath | 4,200 sq. ft.

March 23, 2023

BEYOND IMAGINATION, with unparalleled amenities and a lifestyle of privacy and comfort await you here to create everlasting memories. Instant enjoyment with hypnotizing views from this ultimate southwest corner residence. Generously proportioned wrap-around terrace with sliding floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors offer stunning views in this meticulously designed ALMOST NEW residence.

Offered from $5,500,000

L’AMBIANCE LONGBOAT KEY

435 L’Ambiance Dr #H802

2 bed + den or 3 bed, 3 bath | 2,500 sq. ft.

Perfection is here. Iconic luxury, 270 degrees of endless views. Welcome to L’Ambiance, Longboat Key’s spectacular residence defined by sophistication, casual elegance, and gracious living. Surrounded by gentle breezes off the water, set as one of the most prestigious residences to live on Longboat Key. Endless amenities plus three guest suites. Legendary service, extraordinary Bay and Gulf of Mexico views. COMPLETELY UPDATED.

Offered for $4,500,000

ST. ARMAND’S CIRCLE LIDO KEY

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 $2,988,000

ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES LIDO KEY

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

Driftwood Beach celebrates 2 years in business

Driftwood Beach Home & Garden celebrated its second birthday in February.

Friends, family and customers gathered to chat, shop and eat food prepared by talented chef and cooking instructor Tina Anderson.

“When you come into this shop, it’s so happy,” exclaimed Patti Purcell.

And when you buy something, not only are you loving a local, female-owned business, but you are also supporting local artists and talented artisans across the globe.

“I appreciate all (owner) Heather (Rippy) does in her shop to support local artists,” said Peg Stanton, who creates oil paintings and is one of the 20 artists to display work in the shop.

Customers also appreciated the yard in the back of Driftwood Beach Home & Garden, which includes eight beds of U-pick herbs and flowers, as well as picnic tables that are often in use for culinary and artistic workshops.

The store, which opened two years ago, features carefully curated goods from its owner.

“Heather and her store have heart,” Patti Medter said.

“It’s always such a bright spot in my day to come here,” added Mary Scheilble.

safety in our community.

Please join us in celebrating their outstanding achievements on Friday, April 7, 2023 at The Grove 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

Guest Speaker: Jason Mozo, J.D., Florida Chamber Safety Council MC: Sarah Jacobs, iHeart Media

Tickets: $200 per person

Purchase sponsorships and tickets on www.aquacaresfoundation.org

— LARK RIPPY

Clothing designer Sigrid Olsen and owner Heather Rippy

Resident chef Tina Anderson

Courtesy photos

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ROGER SELLS LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES

#1 SARASOTA SINGLE AGENT 2008 - 2021

$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

$6,995,000

Direct beachfront opportunities are a rarity on Siesta Key! This lovely beach home offers more than 100’ of water frontage and is waiting for you to add your custom touches, or move right in. The three leveled, nearly 4,000 SF of living space welcomes you with walls of glass, clean lines, cathedral ceilings, Olympic pool, and beach in the backyard. www.1172HorizonView.com

Directly overlooking the coastal landscape of the Gulf of Mexico, this 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 gorgeous beachfront estate. www.7652Sanderling.com

$10,880,000

3030 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #346

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.

www.GrandBay346.com

$2,795,000

3040 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #251

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.GrandBay251.com

$2,495,000

455 LONGBOAT CLUB ROAD #603

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. www.ThePierre603.com

$2,345,000 217

An ideal Bird Key lifestyle awaits at this charmingly updated, contemporary garden home. The 3BR layout encompasses nearly 2,500 SF. Just a sunny walk or bike ride from the bayfront Bird Key Park. www.217BirdKeyDrive.com

$2,195,000

From almost any room in this direct bayfront, 3BR, 3,363 SF residence, you can look out to enjoy beautiful sunny views of Sarasota Bay that stretch out to downtown’s city skyline. www.MarinaBay142.com

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

$2,195,000

2410 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE #142

BIRD KEY DRIVE

201 NORTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

97 SOUTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

7652 SANDERLING ROAD

1172 HORIZON VIEW DRIVE