Longboat Observer 4.6.23

Lesley Dwyer

Macumber, David Driscoll and Shahe Momjia

TRAFFIC TOPS SURVEY CONCERNS

efforts to keep citizens informed, only 38% are satisfied with current opportunities to participate in town government.

Residents remain generally unaware of town efforts to involve them, such as the Annual Hurricane Seminar, Citizen’s Academy or the Talk of the Town video series.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

The results are in — residents of the town of Longboat remain generally satisfied with their lives and the choices made by their governing body.

However, much like last year’s survey, residents’ main concerns focused on traffic and development in surrounding communities.

According to survey results, 68% of respondents noted they were either somewhat or very dissatisfied with traffic and congestion. The number made a jump from 57% of residents stating the same concern in 2021.

Town commissioners acknowledged that while they have limited control over traffic conditions or development decisions in neighboring jurisdictions, they can still provide information and updates as they are available.

This year marked the fourth time the survey was sent to residents on the island and the town contracted with the John Scotty Dailey Florida Institute of Government at the University of South Florida to complete it.

Stephen Neely of the University of South Florida’s School of Public Affairs delivered the report to commissioners Monday.

Approximately 50 questions were asked and all answers remain anonymous. Town commissioners were given a summary of results at their regular meeting April 3.

Of the 8,952 mailers sent out, 1,348 completed and usable questionnaires were received, putting the response rate at about 15%.

“The response rate remains very high for this survey methodology,

allowing for robust inference about the town’s population based on the collected responses,” the results read. Questions and results were broken down into eight categories:

n Quality of life

n Community amenities

n Government services

n Town communication

n Town priorities

n Hurricane preparedness

n Canal usage

n Airport transportation

The hurricane preparedness, canal usage and airport transportation

sections were new to the survey this year. In the quality of life section, 98% described their overall quality of life on the barrier island as excellent or good. Resident perceptions are among the highest and most positive in the state, according to Neely’s presentation.

Ninety-four percent of respondents said they were satisfied with the town’s beaches, 80% are satisfied with Bayfront Park and 73% with Joan Durante Park.

At least 90% of survey responses indicated they were satisfied with

the police, fire and ambulance services and parks and town facilities.

When it comes to town government, 80% of residents answered they were satisfied with the direction of the town and commission, but only 70% said they were satisfied with the town’s elected officials.

Resident reliance on the town’s e-notification system, particularly Alert Longboat Key, spiked with 84% saying they use the service in comparison to 50% in 2021. Less than half say they use the town’s website for information. While 75% said they are satisfied with town

The primary issues residents wish to see the town address are:

n Beach management and shoreline protection

n Infrastructure upkeep

n Traffic congestion

n Fiscal sustainability

After Hurricane Ian made landfall south of the barrier island, commissioners had particular interest in resident willingness to leave the island when given an evacuation order. Just under 90% of respondents said they are very likely to evacuate for hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher.

During Hurricane Ian specifically, 90% said they evacuated the island.

Canal usage has been top of mind already as the town’s Public Works department pursues ways to implement ongoing dredging of town canals since the last major dredge in 2003. Of survey respondents, 37% said they regularly use town canals and waterways for recreational purposes. Particular concerns raised with the town’s canals were their depths and the presence of large boats. Both can make navigation difficult or impossible.

In the final section, airport transportation, 90% identified the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport as their preferred airport.

Mayor Ken Schneier asked Neely to consider asking residents in future surveys about what airport they actually use. While SRQ might be the preferred choice, it does not always suit everyone’s travel needs.

When considering transportation to the airport, 75% said they would be at least somewhat likely to use ondemand public transit to and from the airport, if available. Such a service is available, but only to residents in Sarasota County.

File photo

Traffic on and off Longboat Key remains a top concern for residents who filled out the survey.

The 2022 Annual Citizen Satisfaction Survey yielded a 15% response rate.

2022 LONGBOAT KEY CRIME

BY THE NUMBERS

The increase in arrests is attributed to the higher visibility of the department’s officers under Chief George Turner’s leadership.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

Arrests were up on Longboat Key in 2022, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s cause for alarm.

Longboat Key Police Department

Chief George Turner attributes the change to the high-visibility policing he has enforced since he became interim chief in May 2021 and chief in March 2022.

“Our arrests are up a lot from last year to this year,” he said. “That has to do with a little bit more proactive law enforcement, a different philosophy of high-visibility.”

High-visibility means exactly what it sounds like — police vehicles are more visible to passersby on Gulf of Mexico Drive, acting as a deterrent and making it easier for officers to intervene when individuals are breaking the law.

“We’re doing a lot more traffic enforcement,” he said. “We’re trying to be really visible on the roads to keep the roadway safe, keep people looking to (commit) crimes out here off (the island).”

The majority of the 177 total arrests from 2022 were Part II arrests, meaning they were minor offenses. Of the major offenses, there were two aggravated arrests made, six arrests related to larceny and three related to vehicle theft.

One motor vehicle was stolen on Longboat Key last year and recovered in Sarasota.

“We get a lot of transient stuff,” he said. “A lot of people go from Sarasota to Bradenton or from Bradenton to Sarasota.”

That is where the majority of drug arrests come in. This year, there were 23. They largely start as regular traffic stops before the officer notices the driver is under the influence or has drugs in their possession.

By the numbers

1

The total number of stolen vehicles

0

The number of murders on Longboat Key in 2022

4

File photos

The number of violent assaults. The number increased from two in 2021

93.5

The percentage of total crimes that were property crimes

$169,364$28,045

The total value of stolen property on Longboat Key in 2022

418%

“We’re trying to be really visible on the roads to keep the roadway safe, keep people looking to (commit) crimes out here off (the island).”

Longboat Key Police Department

Chief GEORGE TURNER

“We think (there has been) a lot less burglaries and other crimes because we deter people from coming out here and (committing crimes),” he said. “I believe, and so does the town, that high-visibility law enforcement is a crime deterrent, makes our roads safer, makes our island more enjoyable for people that want to do lawful visiting and makes us a place that is not welcoming to people that want to commit crimes.”

Even so, the department hopes to continue improving its visibility on the island as it looks to fill five vacant officer spots. Fully staffed, the police department has 19 full-time police officers, three part-time officers, two reserve officers and three civilian employees.

The amount by which Part II arrests increased. Part II arrests represent “less serious” crimes and can include forgery, disorderly conduct, vandalism and violation of vehicle/boating laws.

177

The total number of arrests

23

The total number of drug arrests

The value of recovered stolen property on the barrier island

Greer Island dredge work to begin this month

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

Greer Island is set to get another facelift after a budget transfer was approved by Longboat Key town commissioners Monday.

After an emergency dredge was completed last summer, extra sand from the project has been awaiting its new home on the Gulf side of the island.

The sand will be placed in the newly established groin field in the vicinity of North Shore Road.

After bids for the project came back at over $1 million, town Public Works staff came before the commission to ask for a budget transfer.

“This project has always been funded out of the beach (account) not the canal because of its beneficial use of the sand,” Public Works Programs Manager Charlie Mopps said. “The sand will go back onto the beach.”

The sand is expected to stay out of the canal and on the beaches longer because of the five new groins on the north end that will help protect the shoreline and slow down sand movement back to the spit. The groins give the department confidence that it will be a longer time between dredge projects than has been needed before.

“The acceleration of that spit growth over the last couple of years through our beach nourishments on the north end and then with the storm events, it really did impact that area greatly and has increased the speed by which that spit has grown,” Mopps said. “The amount of material that we are taking is basically everything on the east side of the bridge and then a huge chunk of it on the west side of the bridge, so that way it is going to look like the conditions back in 2007 or 2008.”

During that time frame, the canal was much wider than it has been in recent years. Essentially, Mopps said, there will be no place to park a boat on the east side of the bridge where buoys had previously been placed to mark the area and prohibit boats.

With the approval of the budget transfer, preliminary work, such as removal of vegetation, is expected to begin the middle of this month.

“Towards the middle of May, they were hoping to start clearing Canal 1A, which is that area by the dock, in order to clear enough of a path to get in and dredge the little amount of material in Canal 1A,” Mopps said. However, the order of work has

needed to be adjusted to meet Florida Department of Environmental Protection standards of surveying seagrass during growing season, which starts in June. Instead, it is likely the contractors will begin with dredging material on the outer portion rather than starting with the canal.

The entirety of the project should be completed in July.

The budget account for the Canal Dredging-1A beneficial use had $197,477 before the transfer. The account has previously supported two emergency dredge efforts in Spring 2021 and Summer 2022 including the design, permitting and construction of both projects.

PREVIOUS DREDGE WORK

For work on this dredge to begin this spring, an additional $1,002,523 was requested to be transferred from the beach capital fund, bringing the dredge account balance to about $1.2 million.

After the transfer, the beach capital fund account would still have just over $4 million. The acquisition of the permits needed for this dredge project are the start of the management plan the department has been hoping to start. Years from now, when dredge work needs to be done again, the town will already have the necessary permits. Staff will just need to update the information.

Last summer, an emergency dredge was completed to reopen access to Canal 1A near Greer Island. The passage was reopened between the lagoon and Sarasota Bay for wildlife access, tidal flushing and boats. About 1,500 cubic yards of beachcompatible sand was dredged from the waterway. Property owners of the Land’s End dock also benefited from the dredge as the accumulation of sand reaching up to the dock had created a hazard and a nuisance.

The entire project is expected to be completed in July.

Lauren Tronstad

An emergency dredge was completed in summer 2022, but another has become necessary.

The Bay is a career ‘top three accomplishment’

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

When Stephanie Crockatt joins the Bay Park Conservancy in about two months as president and CEO, it will mark the end of AG Lafley’s official role as volunteer founding CEO. At age 76, Lafley, the retired chairman and CEO of Proctor & Gamble, says he will use his newfound time to focus on startup businesses he is helping to grow as well as other community initiatives, likely including work with the BPC in other capacities as needed. Leading the BPC since it was founded in 2018, Lafley calls the opening of the first phase of The Bay and the groundwork laid for completion and sustainability of the city’s 53-acre bayfront park among his greatest professional and civic accomplishments. This week, he spoke with the Sarasota Observer to share his thoughts about how far The Bay has come in five years and about handing over the keys to his successor.

How did you become involved in the BPC?

I was one of the nine citizen volunteers who agreed to serve on the master planning committee. It was always a joke that I got up to go to the restroom at the second meeting and I ended up being named chairman. I chaired the master planning group from inception through recommendation of the master plan, which was approved by the city in September of 2018. They asked me to step off the board and to be the so-called founding part-time volunteer CEO, which is what I’ve done since the project was initiated.

Did you have any intention of being involved this extensively?

My commitment was to get the park open, and I’m really happy that we opened 14 acres last October.

We overcame Hurricane Ian and a whole bunch of other COVID- and recession-related challenges, but Job 1 was to get the park open to the public. And then Job 2 was to get the funding strategy and mechanisms in place. The tax increment financing is a huge piece of the capital funding.

Job 3 was to build an organization that will really become a park conservancy. That’s the piece that we’re working on now, and that’s why the announcement of Stephanie Crockatt is so important. She’s been doing this job for the last nine years leading Buffalo Olmsted Parks.

This isn’t the kind of job you can just advertise on a job board and find qualified candidates. What specialities are required?

These jobs are far more complex and in some ways more challenging than starting (businesses). That’s a lot simpler. You know, who is the customer, what your market is, what’s the product or service offering that’s unique and distinctive, and how to find the right employees who are going to deliver. You have all of that in a nonprofit park conservancy, but then when you’re in a public-private partnership with a government entity it just gets way more complicated. Your funding sources are more complicated, your stakeholders are much broader. It isn’t just the customer who uses the park. It’s every citizen who has a point of view about what they want their park to be. So these are chal-

A Longboat Key

the businesses, counting Center City development in Cincinnati, counting helping the comeback from the (1995) Kobe (Japan) earthquake. This is definitely a top three accomplishment, and it’s a community accomplishment. We have some 30 external partners that helped us to design plan and build the park. We have over 50 partners that help us program, maintain and operate the park. I love being a small part of putting this together because we did it like a any startup. We networked and we partnered everything we could because we want to spend every dollar on building the park and then we want to spend every dollar programming and activating the park. I’m just one of many volunteers.

What are your thoughts as you hand off what you helped create to Stephanie Crockatt?

lenging jobs, and there aren’t that many people who can do it.

In what areas did your business background and operating the BPC overlap?

There are leadership and management principles that are applicable, but you really have to think through that application in the public space. The city owns the land. The city owns all the buildings. The city owns all the improvements. We are an agent of the city, a partner of the city and parks are for the public. I try to walk in the park at least one time every day. It’s a joy to see that we’re delivering on Job 1. The whole genesis of this was to take these 53 acres and make them open and accessible and ultimately free and welcoming to everyone in our

community and our region.

I’m just so excited we had 50,000 in 10 days for the opening. We welcomed our 150,000th guest in February, so in a little over four months 150,000 people have through here. It’s not exactly if you build it, they will come, but if you build it, they will check you out. And then if you program it, they’ll come back. And then if it’s clean and well maintained and welcoming and safe, they’ll keep coming.

How does this compare to your other career accomplishments?

I’m not prone to overstatement. In fact, I’m probably more inclined to understatement. I’ll be 76, and this is one of the two or three proudest team and community accomplishments I can think of, counting all

This is a huge step up for us. It was a huge step up for us to open this much park and then continue to operate it. Now we’re going to take another big step. We’re going to do four capital projects in three to four years. The capital improvement cost is going to be $65 million, not $35 to $40 million. And oh, by the way, at the same time we’re going to be operating a park that’s attracting a half-a-million visitors in the first year. We might be approaching a million guests in the second year, so we need somebody who really has done this and has done all the parts of it.

Where do you go from here?

There are some obvious things (the BPC) could ask me to do and hang around, but at this time in my life I want to work on things that make a difference and I want to do work that I think clearly adds value. But I also care about the park and I care about the city, so I’m not going anywhere. This is my permanent home.

When Stephanie Crockatt takes over as president and CEO of the BPC, the volunteer founding CEO will step back, but not away from The Bay.

Courtesy photo

AG Lafley helped lead the formation of the Bay Park Conservancy and the opening of the first phase of The Bay.

Your Friends Are Waiting

When was the last time you swung a racket or hit a golf ball, biked the trail or simply took a long walk with your favorite person to talk to?

Joint pain can creep up on us, faster than we’d expect, robbing us of the activities and experiences we used to treasure. Shoulders get stiff. Hips hurt. Knees creak and the back aches.

Before you know it, you’re spending more time watching Friends than seeing your own.

At Sarasota Memorial, our award-winning team of orthopedic specialists and surgeons is nationally recognized for excellence in joint repair and joint replacement, using the latest robotic and minimally invasive techniques to rebuild and restore, so you can get back to the things you love and the people you love sharing them with.

smh.com/ortho

So don’t wait . Life’s too short to spend it on the sidelines.

LONGBOAT

DeSantis’ weapon: The law

WE ARE ON PATH TO DESTROYING OUR WAY OF LIFE

In last week’s edition on this page, we printed the commentary of historian Victor Davis Hanson, “Are We the Byzantines?”

Hanson revealed the frightening parallels of the destruction of the Byzantine Empire and the path the United States is on.

many times longer, and weathered many storms in its turbulent times — and yet it ultimately collapsed completely.

It has been estimated that 1,000 years passed before the standard of living in Europe rose again to the level it had achieved in Roman times.

That Barack Obama in office has done the exact opposite of what Barack Obama said as a candidate, on issue after issue, should not cause half the surprise and disappointment that it has produced in many people who pinned high hopes on him.

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

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com

MATT WALSH

No Florida governor in the past 50 years has wielded as much power and used the law the way Gov. DeSantis has. It’s all about the ‘BHAGs.’

Speaking at a luncheon two months into his term as Florida’s new secretary of education in early 2019, Richard Corcoran gave listeners a preview of what to expect from the state’s new governor, Ron DeSantis.

You could tell from his facial expressions, comments and tone

Corcoran was impressed. And it would take a lot to impress him. Up to that point, Corcoran had spent nearly three decades working the halls of the capitol — as a staffer to Republican House leaders and speakers; as a Republican political consultant; eight-year member of the House and ultimately two years as Florida speaker. In all that time, he had first-hand experience observing and working with previous Florida governors.

DeSantis impressed him like no other governor. Watch out, Corcoran told his listeners. Big things are about to happen. “He is all about the BHAGs,” Corcoran said. He is all about “Big Hairy Audacious Goals.”

Corcoran warned us. And he was right.

GOVERNORS IN THE MARGIN

Sure, every governor is different. And every governor, because of unforeseen circumstances — savings and loan failures, hurricanes, real estate depressions, mass shootings at bars and schools, pandemics — is forced to adjust to the moment.

But when you look back at the eight governors who preceded DeSantis, a simplified way to describe their terms and the Legislatures with which they worked is that of in-the-margin tradition. They operated mostly within legislative, political and fiscal guardrails, rarely straying into the extremes.

Throughout the previous 48 years, Florida’s governors and Legislatures annually focused on the fiscal state of the state — adopting a balanced budget; avoiding tax increases; managing Florida’s growth; and meddling with the perennial issue of education — its funding and how to improve Florida’s low-rated public schools and the state university system.

Of the rare, bold initiatives that governors shepherded through the Legislature, there was Lawton Chiles’ last-minute, $11 billion settlement against the tobacco industry, still being paid today. Jeb Bush triggered the school choice revolution that has grown every year in Florida and spread nationwide. Rick Scott pushed lawmakers to cut spending and regulations, igniting Florida’s economic turnaround and boom after the Great Recession. Unemployment dropped from 11% to 3%; and employment expanded by 1.5 million jobs during his two terms. But after DeSantis’ surprising election in 2018, he immediately began to deliver what Corcoran predicted — BHAGs.

Out of the norm for conservative Republicans, DeSantis promised to spend $2.5 billion over four years to clean up Florida’s waterways. He promised big educational reforms — eliminating and replacing Florida’s hated assessment testing; placing greater emphasis on vocational and technical training; and expanding school choice.

In his first inaugural address, DeSantis signaled he was going to be different — a standard promise

This week, we are printing the introduction to Thomas Sowell’s 2010 book, “Dismantling America.”

Like Hanson, Sowell, one of the best American philosophers, economists and commentators of the past 50 years, sends a chilling warning to Americans and our way of life.

— MW

To have what is called “a perfect storm,” many dangerous forces must come together at the same time. Those dangerous forces have been building in the United States of America for at least half-a century. By 2010, increasing numbers of Americans were beginning to express fears that they were losing the country they grew up in, and that they had hoped — or perhaps too complacently assumed — that they would be passing on to their children and grandchildren. No one issue and no one administration in Washington has been enough to create a perfect storm for a great nation that has weathered many storms in its more than two centuries of existence.

But the Roman Empire lasted

up to which few politicians live. But DeSantis pledged:

“I will not be a rudderless vessel in this endeavor; my compass will be the principles reflected in the constitutional oath I have just taken, and for which Americans have given their lives: that our rights are endowed by God, not government; that we the people loan power to government under the Constitution in order to protect our rights; that government’s role is not to run our lives for us but to provide what Lincoln called an ‘open field and fair chance for one’s industry, enterprise and intelligence.’

“Alexander Hamilton wrote, ‘Energy in the executive is the leading character in the definition of good government.’ I agree. So let there be no misunderstanding: As governor, I will lead with purpose and conviction … ”

He has done that and more. And because of forces borne from the chaos engulfing Donald Trump and Joe Biden over the past six years, DeSantis did what he said he would do — lead with conviction. He thrust himself into the vortex of a civil war over the soul of our nation.

HIS POWER SWORD: THE LAW

This is a political world totally different from that of his Republican predecessors. They were traditional conservatives (except for Charlie Crist) who professed allegiance to limited government, lower taxes,

The collapse of a civilization is not just the replacement of rulers or institutions with new rulers and new institutions. It is the destruction of a whole way of life and the painful, and sometimes pathetic, attempts to begin rebuilding amid the ruins.

Is that where America is headed? I believe it is. Our only saving grace is that we are not there yet — and that nothing is inevitable until it happens.

While the Obama administration in Washington is not the root cause of the ominous dangers that face this country, at home and abroad, it is the embodiment, the personification and the culmination of dangerous trends that began decades ago.

Moreover, it has escalated those dangers to what may be a point of no return.

(T)hat such an administration could be elected in the first place, headed by a man whose only qualifications to be president of the United States at a dangerous time in the history of world were rhetoric, style and symbolism — and whose animus against the values and institutions of America had been demonstrated repeatedly over a period of decades beforehand — speaks volumes about the inadequacies of our educational system and the degeneration of our culture.

less regulation. But DeSantis has been an activist warrior, leading the charge, waving his gubernatorial power sword as the protector of Floridians’ American values. He unapologetically and aggressively has used “the law” and his constitutional authority as powerful weapons to fight back, stop or eradicate the enemy — “the woke mob” as he calls it; the farleft, DC progressives and establishment; and against perhaps his most despised enemy, the media. Given his 1 million-vote margin in his reelection, Florida voters decisively approved his boldness. It’s as if his voters were saying: It’s about time someone stood up to the education indoctrinators and stood up for the parents and students. It’s about time someone told the BLM rioters they wouldn’t be tolerated here. It’s about time a governor stood up to the university CRT crowd. It’s about time someone said transgender men cannot and will not compete in Florida’s women’s athletics. It’s about time someone purged the school libraries of pornographic books that elementary school children should not be reading. It’s about time a governor stood up against progressive corporations that meddle in state politics. DeSantis did all that with the law — and with compliant Republican majorities in the House and Senate that will have passed by the end of the current legislative session the

THE PROPER FUNCTION OF THE LAW

It is not true that the function of law is to regulate our consciences, our ideas, our wills, our education, our opinions, our work, our trade, our talents or our pleasures.

The function of law is to protect the free exercise of these rights, and to prevent any person from interfering with the free exercise of these same rights by any other person …

But, unfortunately, law by no means confines itself to its proper functions … The law has gone further than this: It has acted in direct opposition to its own purpose. The law has been used to

The really painful surprise is that so many people based their hopes on his words, rather than on the record of his deeds.

What that means is that, even if we somehow manage to survive this man’s reckless economic policies at home and his potentially fatal foreign policy actions and inactions, the gullibility and fecklessness of those voters who put him in the White House will still be there to be exploited by the next master of glib demagoguery and emotional images, who can lead us into another vortex of dangers, from which there is no guarantee that we will emerge as a free people or even as a viable society.

Our concern is not with one man but with a country, though history has shown repeatedly that one man in a key position at a crucial time can bring down a whole country in ruins.

But history is just one of the things whose neglect has contributed toward the confluence of forces that can produced a perfect storm. When we look back at the decades-long erosions and distortions of our educational system, our legal system and our political system, we must acknowledge the chilling fact that the kinds of dangers we face now were always inherent in these degenerating trends …

most far-reaching conservative agenda in the past two years in the United States. The list of DeSantis BHAGs goes on: tort reform; school choice for all; constitutional carry of firearms; one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country; a prohibition of taxpayers’ funds invested in corporations following ESG governance policies, to name a few.

As one observer of Florida politics told us: “He is using Florida as an example for the country.”

THE MAN FOR THE TIME

Like him or not, give DeSantis credit for being bold, decisive and courageous; for operating according to his principles, not by the results of polls and the media narratives.

You can say he is a populist who fights for the people and every day takes on mano-a-mano the entrenched corporate and political elites (A Donald Trump of Florida?)

You can also say DeSantis certainly is not a traditional conservative. Late Austrian economist Friedrich Hayek described conservatives as having “widespread opposition to drastic change.” That is not DeSantis.

Likewise, Republican politicians have forever tried to portray themselves as proponents of limited and less government — a pledge up to which they have never lived. That is not DeSantis either.

DeSantis fully embraces the Alexander Hamilton quote that an active executive — a governor who uses the law to get his way — is the definition of good government.

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destroy its own objective: It has been applied to annihilating the justice that it was supposed to maintain; to limiting and destroying rights which its real purpose was to respect.

The law has placed the collective force at the disposal of the unscrupulous who wish, without risk, to exploit the person, liberty and property of others.

It has converted plunder into a right, in order to protect plunder. And it has converted lawful defense into a crime, in order to punish lawful defense.

— Frederic Bastiat, 1801-1850

He has used it as a cudgel against his enemies and as a sword to protect and expand Floridians’ liberties. Whether it’s good government depends on your perspective. But for sure, in the past 50 years, no Florida governor has exhibited monarchical power and authority like DeSantis.

Like all before him, he has adjusted to the times, and is the man for the times. So far, his activist warrior approach has worked. Our fear is the old saying about power: It corrupts. Like cancer, it can consume an ego.

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

President / Emily Walsh

Vice President / Lisa Walsh

Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles

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

Thomas Sowell

Longboat Key philanthropist dies at age 93

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

Ina Schnell lived in the third home designed by renowned architect Guy Peterson. His mega-masterpiece, Ohana, wasn’t built until 2003. When Schnell and her husband, Eugene, hired him 10 years earlier, they were taking a chance on an unknown.

“But we liked him,” Schnell told the Observer in 2014. “He understood the way we wanted to live.” Schnell had an eye for both talent and art. Several pieces from the Schnells’ personal art collection were donated to the Ringling Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Stanley Museum of Art at the University of Iowa.

Schnell, 93, died on March 29 in her room at Plymouth Harbor. Eugene died in 1999; they had one son together, Eric Schnell.

Just like her home, Schnell’s life made a statement and left a legacy. She supported numerous local organizations, including Florida Studio Theatre and the Library Foundation for Sarasota County. She also served on the board of directors at the Ringling.

“The amount of smart, phenomenal people that retire to Sarasota, Ina

was one of those kinds of people,” said Jocelyn Udell, Sarasota Orchestra senior director of donor engagement for leadership giving. “She was passionately invested in the arts and in the community and giving her time, talent and treasure and just a joy to be with.”

Udell used the words “classy,” “sophisticated” and “elegant” to describe Schnell, but as she recalled their time together, Schnell’s kindness outshined her glamour.

Schnell always asked about Udell’s son, Andrew, by name, even in the later years as her memory started to fade. On Andrew’s first birthday, Schnell sent him a stack of books to build his library.

“She was a huge proponent of reading. Ina is one of two people who started the reading festival in Sarasota,” Udell said.

The women met 30 years ago when Udell was the annual giving manager at the Ringling. They’d later cross paths through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Sarasota Orchestra.

“Back in 1993, Ina was one of the chairs of the Fan Fantasy Gala that we did where we sent 50 artists blank fans for them to create works of art that were then auctioned off,” Udell said. “That was all her idea.

They were incredible.”

Schnell was a pioneer from the start. She called herself a “career girl,” the term for working women in the 1950s. Born in New England as Ina Spelke, she earned a history degree from Skidmore College.

By 23, she was a buyer for Bonwit Teller, a top department store in New York City. She also worked as a designer but decided to follow other pursuits after 12 years with the store. Her boss and mentor was Walter Hoving, who went on to become the design director for Tiffany.

While married, Schnell traveled the world with Eugene. His family was one of the largest avocado growers in California in the 1970s. The couple shared a collection of preColumbian objects, most of which was donated to various museums.

Schnell also kept an impressive collection of modern art in her Plymouth Harbor apartment. She loved modern music, too.

“She was big on the music scene. Her claim to fame was that she

thought we were all a bunch of squares because we liked the traditional classical music,” friend Molly Schechter said. “She loved contemporary classical music. It was a passion with her.”

But for all her sophistication and finer tastes, Schnell appreciated the simple things in life too.

“She really liked bicycles,” friend Elisabeth Waters said. “When she met Arthur, she was really very happy they could do physical things.”

Dr. Arthur Ancowitz was Schnell’s longtime partner. They enjoyed tennis and kayaking. Ancowitz died last year, but the couple each had an apartment at Plymouth Harbor in their later years. They ate dinner together every night.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. April 20 in the MacNeil Chapel at Plymouth Harbor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Florida Studio Theatre Write a Play program or the Library Foundation for Sarasota County.

FLORIDA HOME TRENDS for a Leisurely Lifestyle

Today’s Homes Are Sophisticated, Yet Casual Entertaining Spaces

Remember the days of the beautifully decorated “formal” living rooms, used only when company came to visit? Those days are long gone.

Today we live differently. The world is more fast-paced. At home we’re looking for a relaxed sanctuary, while still retaining sophisticated style and design.

“What we’ve seen, especially here in Florida, is the gravitating toward a more casual, open great room style,” says Brian Phipps of Phipps Home Design.

This trend involves a large kitchen, where everyone gathers, facing the living areas, as well as the pool or lanai.

Phipps says that a result of the kitchen being an entertaining space is the need for an enlarged, hidden pantry to serve as the actual working kitchen. Pantries today house a secondary refrigerator and other appliances so that the exposed kitchen can remain pristine.

We’re also taking advantage of year round great weather. Backyards have become additional living rooms and kitchens have bars, grills and barbecue pits. Pools now rival resorts, equipped with slides, fountains and sun shelves. “They’re an aqua playground,” Phipps says.

With people coming in from the pool area, flooring preferences have shifted away from the traditional hardwood. Now wood-look porcelain tiles are a common choice, and so is luxury vinyl flooring. “It’s come such a long way, and it comes in different colors and patterns,” says Phipps. Wood is still present in homes, but you’ll find it in more unexpected places, like the ceiling, where tongue-and-groove pecky cypress or bamboo accents bring in a warm, natural feeling.

Bedroom walls also feature wainscoting and designs made of wood in place of a headboard. “It’s the entire wall,” explains Phipps. “It really becomes a piece of art.”

The exterior has evolved as well. Mediterranean architecture is giving way to West Indies and Cape Dutch looks, which are characterized by large verandas, symmetrical proportions, whitewashed facades and ornamental rooflines. Positioning is vital for curb appeal and livability. Phipps visits the home’s site before beginning the design process. Depending on where the best views are, he’ll twist the home accordingly to capture the water and avoid less sightly views, like power lines.

The existing landscaping impacts the way a house is situated on its lot. In particular, grand oaks and cypress trees are considered attractive assets. “Anytime you can preserve something natural, it helps anchor the house design,” Phipps says. “It is canopy, shade and character.”

Phipps Home Design can guide their clients through the entire process, from construction documents and permitting to selecting other professionals, such as interior designers and subcontractors.

Ina Schnell supported numerous local nonprofits and served on the board of the Ringling Museum.

“She was passionately invested in the arts and in the community and giving her time, talent and treasure and just a joy to be with.”

Jocelyn Udell, Sarasota Orchestra Senior Director of Donor Engagement for Leadership Giving

Courtesy photo

Arthur Ancowitz and partner Ina Schnell

FRIDAY, MARCH 24

JUST KEEP THE MUSIC DOWN

12:09 p.m., 500 block of Hornblower Lane

Noise complaints from land: An officer was dispatched due to a complaint of loud music and construction on a seawall. Upon arrival, the officer did not hear any music. He approached two construction workers who said they were working on a seawall but were currently taking a break. The officer asked that when they returned to work that they keep any music volume down.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

JUST IN CASE

7:13 p.m., 4400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Lost property: A woman called to report a lost ring. She was not sure if the ring was lost on the beach or in the water but wanted to make a report in case it was turned in before she returned to Boston.

‘FINE, I’LL JUST WALK’

9:51 p.m., 3700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Suspicious vehicle: While on patrol, the officer noticed a vehicle driving 10 mph in a 45 mph zone. When stopped, the driver told him

FRIDAY, MARCH 24

TAKING THE SITUATION

INTO OUR OWN HANDS

5:50 p.m., 100 block of Broadway

Animal complaint: An officer received a call about an injured bird on the beach. The caller was informed that Save Our Seabirds was closed and the officer had no way of transporting the bird himself. The caller and his wife decided to transport it themselves to the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center on Anna Maria Island.

her boyfriend had gotten out of the car and said he was going to walk home. She said there had been no physical altercation. The boyfriend eventually returned to the car, and the couple left the area.

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

CAN’T SLEEP HERE

11:22 p.m., 100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Suspicious vehicle: A vehicle was spotted parked at Overlook Park after hours. The driver was seen sleeping in the car with his son. The driver told the officer he was visiting from Poland and provided proper documentation. Nevertheless, the officer told him sleeping in the park was not allowed.

MONDAY, MARCH 27

BROKE DOWN UNDER NEW PASS

12:45 p.m., New Pass

Boat-miscellaneous: An officer was flagged down by two people on a personal watercraft while on marine patrol. The operators told him the safety lanyard malfunctioned and they were unable to restart the watercraft. Due to its proximity to New Pass Bridge and potential for it becoming a hazard, the officer assisted the watercraft to shore.

TUESDAY, MARCH 28

CAUGHT BEFORE THE ACT

2:29 a.m., 100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Litter, pollution, public health: While on patrol, the officer noticed a white plastic bag on the ground. Earlier that day, the same bag was seen stuck between a closed passenger door and the ground on a previously illegally parked vehicle. The vehicle had since left the area, but the owners were written a citation to be mailed for littering.

GOT IT HANDLED

4:13 p.m., Longboat Pass

Agency assistance: The marine officer responded to a Coast Guard broadcast about a vessel on fire near Longboat Pass. Upon arrival, the officer saw heavy black smoke emanating from the stern of the vessel. The captain said the diesel engine was burning oil, they were already heading in and did not need any further assistance.

The Observer plays dirty for April Fools’ Day

JAMES PETER MANAGING EDITOR

It was a dirty trick. But we played it anyway. Our annual April Fools’ edition was published on March 30, in accordance with our usual Longboat Observer publication schedule. We just couldn’t wait, and we just couldn’t resist.

So on Thursday, March 30, even though the front page of the paper was dated Saturday, April 1, we let our writers play fast and loose with the news — at least in the front section of the paper before we told you on Page 4: GOTCHA! But we promise it was all just a joke, admittedly a tricky one, and we won’t do it again — for at least a year.

No, Elon Musk will not be buying New College. Nor will the Van Wezel be turning into a casino anytime soon. Raccoon yoga might be a thing someday but not just yet. And the roundabouts will absolutely not be changing directions each and every day — some of you wonderful

readers were rightfully concerned about the safety issues involved with that little engineering project. We’re also happy to report that the guerrilla group placing dead fish back on the beaches was a complete work of fiction.

Some Longboat Key residents may be disappointed to learn that a heavy metal festival won’t be happening on the island — a few of you called to buy tickets — but most are probably relieved. If we learned anything this year, it’s that we’ll have to make the “GOTCHA!” on Page 4 even bigger, because we fooled quite a few of you. Naturally, you shared some of your concerns with us, along with a mixture of kudos, disbelief and even gratitude. Here are some of the thoughts you, the readers, decided to share with us. As you might expect, there was a wide range of emotions and responses to the not-real news. Names have been redacted in order to protect the innocent.

n “Thank you for the April Fools’ article about the Eye of Ringling on St. Armands. I’ve been burned by the Observer on April Fools’ Day before, so I knew what to expect.

But your article had me smiling the whole time, and I burst out in laughter at one point. Thank you for sharing your sense of humor, and for the satire!”

n “Apparently, you very cleverly did an April Fools’ joke. I’m so happy about that.”

n “The paper received 3/30/23 was probably the greatest paper EVER!!! My wife and I fell for the articles hook, line and sinker. It was clever, well-done and apropos. THANKS GUYS, ‘you done real good.’”

n “I’m questioning the headline: ‘Musk Ado About New College.’ Is this an April Fools’ joke? If it is, A.) It’s not funny. I hope it’s not true. And B.) I can’t find any news about Musk purchasing New College. Do you know something that the rest of the world does not know?”

n “I saw the article about changing the direction of the (roundabout). You guys are out of your mind. I don’t care what they’re doing in Scotland. You’ve got people here who can barely navigate it the way it is and you want to change it around on a daily basis? That’s criminal.”

n “This year’s edition (was) the ‘most inspired one’ yet.”

Some readers apparently forgot to check the date.

happy to report that the Eye of Ringling won’t be debuting on St. Armands Circle any time soon.

Michael Scott Kadish 1950-2023

Longboat Key resident

Mike Kadish died Sunday March 19th at the age of 72 after a 28 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Dianne (Derfler) Kadish, sons Zack (Camilla) Kadish, Zane (Annie) Kadish, Zeke (fiancee Emily) Kadish, grandsons Michael Judson, James Kenneth and John Michael Kadish and sister Cindy Kadish.

A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mike was an All-City and All-State football lineman at powerhouse Catholic Central, an All-American at Notre Dame and played 10 seasons in the NFL. He was recruited by legendary football coach Ara Parseghian, playing in two Cotton Bowl classics. He was named to the Playboy and Bob Hope All-American teams and played in the prestigious College All-Star game and Senior Bowl his senior year.

The Miami Dolphins made him their first-round pick in 1972. Just prior to the 1973 season he was traded to the Buffalo Bills where his career blossomed. Over the next nine seasons, he played in 127 games as a standout defensive tackle with the Bills. In 1977 he was named the team MVP, he was regarded as one of the NFL’s

top run-stoppers. In the presence of his family and friends, he was proud to be named to the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame. He will forever be remembered as one of the greatest football players that the city has ever produced. His personal goals were simple: he wanted to be a good husband and good father and he excelled at both. Although his battle with Parkinson’s was long and harsh, he never allowed it to define his life which he lived with passion and purpose, As a true Notre Dame man he not only “Played like a Champion”, he lived like one. His soul was blessed at a

Mass on March 25th at 10 am at St. Mary Star of the Sea on Longboat Key. In lieu of flowers the family suggests consideration of the following charities. A celebration of life will take place in Grand Rapids in June, to be announced. Neurochallenge Sarasota: https://www. neurochallenge.org/ The Wounded Warrior Project: https://support. woundedwarriorproject. org/ Tunnel To Towers Foundation: https://t2t.org/ Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. ManasotaMemorial.com for the Kadish family.

Nancy Mueller (Odgers) was born on May 17, 1938 in Dearborn Michigan. She graduated from Fordson High School and went on to attend both MSU and WSU where she earned her diploma in education. She retired from Livonia Public Schools as a middle school Language Arts/Social Studies teacher in the late 80s. After retirement she moved to Longboat Key Florida to live with her (late) husband Al Mueller. She enjoyed shopping, socializing with friends and golfing. She even scored her only “Hole In One” just a few years back. Nancy passed away peacefully on Sunday March 26th 2023 in Denver Colorado where she was a resident as Montage Hills Skilled

She even scored her only “Hole In One” just a few years back.

Nursing Center; for the last two and a half years. She is survived by her two sons Donald Kaump III (Judy) and Bryan Kaump.

Nancy also has five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Donald’s children are Megan Pugh (Brad), Chelsea Knouse, and Alicia Kaump-Clark (Brendan).

Bryan’s children are Krysta and Cody Kaump. With her great-grandchildren belonging to Donald; they are, Owen and Hudson (Megan) and Zachary, Payton, and twins Lily and Paisley (Chelsea).

Memorialize your loved one with a lasting tribute in print and online, a permanent record of a legacy your family will always cherish.

His personal goals were simple: he wanted to be a good husband and good father and he excelled at both.

Nancy Mueller 1938-2023

ONE PARK SARASOTA: DRIVEN BY QUALITY AND MINDFUL DESIGN

Showcasing a truly impressive level of detail and first-class design, One Park Sarasota’s 123 residences are second to none in Downtown Sarasota. A collection of masterfully crafted residences and amenity spaces has captured the attention of the community, who are driven toward its artistically inspired style, immense offerings, and first-rate atmosphere. One Park’s activated and thoughtfully designed community spaces on its ground floor will become a vibrant locale for residents and those living in the surrounding area once complete. With 75 buyers already taking part in this flight to quality, the excitement around One Park Sarasota is buzzing in Sarasota.

Michael and I are ecstatic about our upcoming move to One Park. We cannot wait to indulge in the breathtaking views of the iconic Bay Park as it steadily progresses. It brings us great joy that PMG has decided to set up their newest project in Sarasota. We are confident that their commitment to excellence will take condominium living to unprecedented heights of luxury and refinement in our community!

-Terri Klauber

Future Resident of One Park Sarasota

Exquisite Design

National development firm PMG has a long-standing history of impressing buyers with spectacular, eye-catching

residential design. To deliver its next masterful project with One Park, PMG partnered with Sarasotabased developer Kim Githler. Through her vast experience acquiring and developing real estate projects in Sarasota such as Beau Ciel, Githler plays a key role in ensuring One Park’s excellence and overall cohesiveness with its surrounding area.

To conceptualize both developers’ visions and bring the project to life, a team of renowned architects and designers was selected to execute One Park’s design. Sarasota-based firm Hoyt Architects, the architect of record for One Park, brings history of unique architectural spaces and, with their close ties to the city, will play a key role in marrying One Park’s surroundings with a fresh, first-rate blueprint all its own.

“The concept was to create an iconic tower, creating a gateway building that would connect the front yard of “The Bay” with the activity energy center of Quay Commons and the Waterfront District.”said Gary Hoyt, President & Chief Executive Officer at Hoyt Architects.

One Park will deliver a flawless combination of finishes and understated designs that emphasize the building’s natural beauty and functionality while remaining true to Sarasota’s existing aesthetic.

World-Class Experience in the Heart of Downtown Sarasota

As an extension of Downtown Sarasota’s arts and cultural scene, One Park will connect its residents and visitors alike through a series of activated and thoughtfully designed community spaces. On the ground level, it plans to deliver a 76-foot wide, 22-foot high breezeway above the Quay Commons. Featuring lush greenery and widened and well-lit sidewalks, the breezeway will offer safe access to The Quay and The Bay Park from the Boulevard of the Arts and facilitate the flow of pedestrian traffic throughout The Quay.

Along the space at the tower’s base, more than 13,000 square feet of retail, dining, and outdoor cafe seating will also engage those seeking either a relaxing escape from the elements or a fun daytime activity close to home. By providing easy access to the area and safe venues for people to explore, One Park’s ground floor space will function as an amenity for both its neighbors in The Quay and Downtown Sarasota as a whole.

New Developments By Comparison

One Park Sarasota will not be the largest building in downtown and will

not overshadow its neighbors in The Quay Sarasota in height nor size once completed. The unique angle of the property with its glass-lined facade will be a stunning addition to the area, seamlessly blending with its surroundings both natural and built.

By Comparison:

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

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

• One Park’s linear frontage is smaller than Bayso, measuring approximately 360 linear feet whereas Bayso is approximately 365 linear feet. Lennar’s linear frontage (North and South along Quay Commons) is much larger than One Park, measuring 435 feet in length. Featuring significant global and locally inspired design and a seamless marriage between high luxury and bayside living, One Park is committed to delivering a best-in-class lifestyle to Downtown Sarasota.

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

ARTIST CONCEPTUAL RENDERING

ARTIST CONCEPTUAL RENDERING

Talking development

Smith was hosted by Miracle on the Key at Temple Beth Israel on Tuesday afternoon.

Longboat Key residents were given the opportunity to meet their Sarasota County commissioner, Mark Smith, at the town hall hosted by Miracle on the Key on Tuesday afternoon.

During the event, Smith walked residents through his background and answered questions from audience members, who were primarily concerned with his opinions on local development and affordable housing.

Smith is a longtime Sarasota resident, having moved to the area in 1963. Prior to his election to the District 2 seat in November 2022, he was best known for the architectural firm he started in Siesta Key Village, Smith Architects. He still lives and works on Siesta Key.

Because of his experiences on Siesta Key, he was able to address concerns and common issues that face barrier islands and the SarasotaBradenton area.

Traffic, water, air quality and affordable housing are the key issues

he discussed with audience members and plans to address during his term.

“What we have on Siesta Key is a growth issue as we do in all of Sarasota,” he said.

The area is not alone in its rapid growth over recent years. According to an analysis by the National Association of Realtors, Florida was the fastest-growing state in the U.S., with about 1,000 people moving to the state each day.

“We have so much development going up, and I am trying to persuade the folks that develop to make it affordable for the folks that work out there,” Smith said. “To me, that would make much more sense because we’re talking about the workforce, the folks that are taking care of lawns in front of houses, the nurses that staff the hospitals, folks working at Publix.”

Even though issues discussed didn’t always directly affect Longboat Key, attendees still had questions about plans for surrounding areas including three high-density hotels approved by county commissioners before Smith had taken his seat.

“I was disappointed to put it mildly,” he said.

Miracle on the Key began as an experiment to see if members of the town’s Democratic Club and Republican Club could meet on a regular basis, discuss their differences and find common ground.

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

To learn more about our Temple and all our educational, cultural and social programs, please call us. We’d be delighted to talk with you. Questions? Email us at info@longboatkeytemple.org

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

Lauren Tronstad

Paul Hylbert, Mayor Ken Schneier, County Commissioner Mark Smith and Bob Gary at Miracle on the Key’s town hall.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

HUGHES’ HISTORY OF THE FRIARS

Longtime member Ralph Hughes was kind enough to jot some of the club’s history in an email. Hughes ran the Friars from 2009 until 2019, when Frank Sulzman took over.

The club was established by Joe Curl, who was looking for some friendly competition. They started playing Friday afternoons, and the losers bought drinks after the games.

A few other “CEOs” ran the game in between, but when CPA Fred Smith stepped up in 1998, he changed the game from losers pay for the drinks to everyone pays a $20 ante.

“Fred ran the group with an iron fist, allowing no deviations from USGA rules,” Hughes wrote, “There were a lot of colorful Friars over the years, and by and large, most of them were notable. A finer group of guys would be hard to find. When I write this, I think of Billy Flinter, and I know he is looking down from above saying, ‘You better not forget to mention me and my triple eagle on White 8.’”

Friars celebrate friendship

The word “friar” is derived from the French and Latin words for brother, “frere” and “frater.” On March 28, Friars at the Longboat Key Club celebrated 30 years of brotherhood first, and golf second.

“The first year, we had, I believe, 24 people, and I was the youngest. They called me ‘kiddo.’ And at that time, you had to be a 14 handicap or less to join. The reason was we didn’t want to give shots on par-3s,” Matt Zito said. “Nobody can be a 14 anymore, from the original guys anyway.”

Zito, 87, is the only original member still playing after Frank Childs moved back to Iowa permanently last year.

When the group started, the Longboat Key Club wasn’t as luxurious as it is today. The greens on Blue 6 had no grass, so members took advantage of their reciprocal memberships and regularly played other courses.

Since the Key Club rose to be a top course, the Friars golf, drink and celebrate exclusively at their home club. About 140 members, wives and widows attended the anniversary held at the Harbourside ballroom.

A decked-out golf cart greeted guests as they arrived. Rhinestone-bedazzled drivers stuck out of the golf bags in the back, and a big group photo sat on top of the windshield.

One after the other, guests walked in, saw that display and took a step back to smile. The room was filled with friendship not limited to Friars alone.

“We do have our husbands here tonight,” joked Carol Westwood.

She and Marcie McGovern have a long history of celebrating their March birthdays together.

“We have our girl group, and they have their boy group,” McGovern said.

The men meet three times a week and have had some notable members and moments over the past 30 years.

Sam Seager and Herbie Epstein also received mentions. Seager was the captain of Harvard’s golf team in the 1950s, and Epstein is a former Canadian National golf champion. According to Hughes, “Dave Gallagher likes to brag that he beat the Canadian champ, but he doesn’t always confess that Herbie was 93 when he beat him.”

And before Tom Brady, Ted Boyer was TB12.

“When Ted turned 80, his son gave him a box of golf balls that were inscribed TB; 12, 21, 300.

TB for Ted’s initials, 12 for the number of holes-in-one he had, 21 for the number of club championships he won and 300 for the number of times he shot his age,” Hughes wrote, “I talk to Ted at least once every year, and now that he is in his early 90s, the number of times he has shot his age is approaching 600.”

The final fond mention went to “Carmen Trotta for driving his cart in the water more than anyone can

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

The men’s golf group has been playing together for 30 years.

Matt Zito with Jim and Pamela McKee

Marcie McGovern and Carol Westwood

Marie Watts and Bill Beckmeyer

Rich Irr dresses for the occasion.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

CEO talks future for The Bay

‘We want this conservancy to be sustainable,’ says the new president and CEO of the Bay Park Conservancy.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

When she arrives in Sarasota in May to assume her role as the first full-time president and CEO of the Bay Park Conservancy, Stephanie Crockatt will bring with her a rare skill set of landscape architecture, fundraising and operating a nonprofit park conservancy.

She started with designing irrigation systems for golf courses. Then Crockatt became tournament codirector for the Oldsmobile Classic LPGA event, parlaying that experience to the LPGA Tournament Owners Association, where she was president and executive director for nearly eight years. After another seven years of leading fundraising and awareness building at University of Georgia, she joined the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy in 2014. Within months, she ascended to the executive director position there.

Following the announcement of her new role in Sarasota, Crockatt spoke to the Observer about the progress so far of developing the conservancy, its primary mission of building The Bay and how she plans to build the organization for longterm sustainability.

How did you come to be involved in the specialized field of park conservancies?

My career started with golf as being my green-space forté. I was going to be a famous golf course designer and wound up working with a professional golf tournament for a number of years. That was my introduction to nonprofit work. It was a charitable nonprofit that ran the (LPGA) tournament, and that was very eye-opening. And from

that tournament, because of the title sponsor at that time (Oldsmobile), which was also the owner of the tournament, was a member of an association of many other owners and title sponsors and I was recruited to lead the nonprofit that was basically the chamber of commerce of all of those title sponsors.

Why did you move on from the LPGA?

I was spending a lot of time on the road. When my 5-year-old daughter threw a fit once because I told her that we had to go downstairs to eat at the breakfast buffet and she’s said, “We need room service!”, I knew that the road was getting weary. So I decided to do what I was doing at all of the tournaments, which was fundraising, and that’s when I went to the University of Georgia and did that for about seven years. It taught me all about just the relationships of fundraising. Then, once I felt like I really had accomplished that, it just seemed like a natural fit to try to go back into the nonprofit world and apply that there.

Why did you pursue the job?

This is an opportunity of a lifetime to enhance my career. I get to move closer to my kids, which is a super bonus. I’ve been able to work with people like AG Lafley and the people I’ve met on the board, and I’m blown away. My son just moved about a year ago to Tarpon Springs and he told me I’ve got to see this place. I have friends who live in Dunedin. I have friends who live in Naples, but I really didn’t know people in Sarasota. The day it was announced, so many people started getting a hold of me saying they’ve got a place

there. We’re going to have coffee on St. Armands. There’s just so much enthusiasm. People are really sincerely excited about this, even in Buffalo. It’s all been extremely positive.

As you learned more about what The Bay is, what do you see as unique about the project? Where I’m at now, I’m taking care of six major parks, and each one of them has a different personality. And the park in Sarasota definitely has its own personality. It is incredibly conservation based, but also public access based, inclusivity and connectivity. I’ve been schooled in the Olmsted principles of design and the social inclusion and democracy of space, and I think that this park has taken on a lot of those principles. They did a really outstanding playground that doesn’t look like a playground. It’s just so innovative and fresh. They want to get people connected to the water. They want to bring new vendors and business opportunities to help with the park, and the fact that it’s dotted with these other cultural institutions is very interesting.

This park is just very dynamic. When I was down there being interviewed, there was a salsa class going on at night. Everything about it is just very friendly. I have to tell you, Sarasota is one of the cleanest cities I have seen in a long time.

Other than a small paid staff, The Bay has largely been a volunteer effort. As a professional in park conservancies, how do you assess what’s been done so far?

Every conservancy is birthed through a friends group or some type of grassroots initiative. And this group, led by AG and their board and all who’ve been involved are incredibly savvy. They are a bunch of professional volunteers who have an incredible passion

for parks. You can tell that it oozes from them and gives you a lot of confidence when you talk to them about this initiative. They have done an absolutely outstanding job in getting this initiative off the ground, to put together a 501(c)(3) is outstanding for what the small group has done and bringing in a professional landscape architect and project manager like Bill Waddill, who is overseeing the capital side of this, is just knocking it out of the park.

When are you going to start?

My contract here has a 60-day notice clause, and my board does think it’s going to take 60 days to get them doing their own search, and I need to transition an interim director here, so my last day is May 18. But it could be sooner if stars align. I’m sure I’ll have many familiarization visits over long weekends to come down and see warm Sarasota and soak it in.

What are your first priorities?

From a project standpoint, I think things are pretty well in hand. The funding is there, the staff are there, so from a Phase 1 standpoint going into Phase 2, I think they’ve got the right recipe. What I think I’m going to need to focus on is getting the conservancy as an organization more established. There’s going to be some HR; there’s going to be some finance; there’s going to be some team-building. I’m going to have to do some assessing. I’m going to be meeting with a lot of folks who have a keen philanthropic interest. So it’s going to be getting to know the fabric of all of it. It’s all about sustainability. We can build and build and build, but we want this conservancy to be sustainable, to be there for the long haul to make sure that the investment has a long life. The TIF funding is pretty well established, and it appears as though the numbers are going to come up pretty well ahead

of what their initial projections were.

What about on the philanthropic side of the funding equation?

How do you feel about where it’s at right now and what the potential is for more private investment?

I’m hoping it’s kind of like a field of dreams in some ways where you build it and they come. But I do think that there’s a very robust private philanthropic community there, and I’ve heard that there are kind of three buckets of giving in Sarasota. If you take a Venn diagram of all three of those buckets and overlay them, parks are at that intersection. That’s because they are culturally rich and bring people together for great experiences. They are about the environment and conservation and healthy living and wellness. Having access to open, clean, healthy spaces is important to quality of life and our physical and mental health.

Those three buckets are really kind of brought together by parks, and so I’m hoping that through more investigation into private resources that we can see some solid investment to make sure that this has a good, long, sustainable life.

Q+A WITH STEPHANIE CROCKATT

Courtesy photo Stephanie Crockatt is the first full-time president and CEO of the Bay Park Conservancy.

Seaplace residents bury time capsule

Residents gathered under the flagpole on March 30 to bury a capsule that was filled with 50 years of history.

Past, present and future collided at Seaplace on March 30 as residents gathered to bury a time capsule filled with 50 years of history.

The idea came from resident and board member Jerry Lutgen, who also happens to have a company called HistoryTec that conducts independent historical research. Instead of burying treasures, they dig them up.

“Our work is digging old stuff out of the ground,” Lutgen said. “Unfortunately, you find it’s not always well preserved.”

For both preservation and space purposes, all the papers and photographs, plus extras, were included on a USB drive and micro SD card. Everything is sealed in plastic, and getters were added to combat the elements. Getters manage moisture and air inside the time capsule.

There’s going to be a cement frame built around it so it stays in place and doesn’t wander away, Lutgen said. “Tell your grandkids because they might be the ones to dig it up.”

— LESLEY DWYER

TIME

CAPSULE

CONTENTS

n Message from Board President Susan Pariseau

n Feb. 22, 2023 edition of the Longboat Observer

n Messages from owners

n List of board presidents

n Photograph of the current board

n Agenda and minutes from the January board meeting

n 2022-23 annual budget

n 2022-23 events calendar

n List of occupancy dates for each residential building

n 2017 aerial photo of the property

n Construction photos

n Early promotional map and advertisement

n Photo of Seaplace’s new neighbor, the St. Regis

n Historical photos

n Red tide video from 2018

n Photo of residents gathered for the 50th anniversary party

Jerry Lutgen and Donna Cornell Lesley Dwyer

Longboat Key residents to walk to cure ALS

Bob and Teresa Simmons will be leading the Simmons Sole Mates at the Walk to Defeat ALS at Payne Park.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

Bob Simmons is known as a leader on Longboat Key. He’s been on the board of every association he’s been involved with. He’s a founding member of the Longboat Key Foundation, and he and wife, Teresa, started a food pantry at a local elementary school.

IF YOU GO

When: 9 a.m.

April 15

Where: Payne Park, 2010 Adams Lane Info: Visit Donate. FL.ALS.org/team/ 488120 to make a donation to the Simmons Sole Mates.

So when Bob started losing his voice due to ALS, it didn’t stop him from having one or carrying on as a leader. Bob and Teresa are currently focused on finding a cure for ALS, familiarly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The initials stand for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is a neurodegenerative disease. Bob was diagnosed in December.

“There are so few people diagnosed, it takes a long time. It’s a process of elimination because they want to make sure that they don’t misdiagnose you.

It took us over a year,” Teresa said.

“Bob’s symptoms started in the winter of 2021, and it took us all of 2022 to chase down what it was. We were looking at everything except neurological. And then, one of Bob’s doctor friends got him into the hospital for extensive testing.”

ALS attacks the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control muscle movement. Symptoms present in two forms, limb or bulbar onset, which either affect walking or

talking first. In Bob’s case, and that of 30% of ALS patients, the disease struck his speech first. He’s learning how to use EyeGaze, which Teresa described as being like an iPad. Bob types, and the device speaks.

When Teresa starts gushing too much about what a wonderful man he is, Bob simply waves one hand in front of his neck to give her the universal sign to cut it out already.

He also still drives over to the tennis courts three times a week to organize the Ruff Men’s Tennis Group at the Longboat Key Club. Bob doesn’t play anymore, but Teresa helps him set up and they stay to watch.

On April 15, the couple will lead a new team, the Simmons Sole Mates, at the Walk to Defeat ALS at Payne Park in Sarasota. They’re asking all friends and neighbors to join them. Donations aren’t required, but the 16-member team is racking them up. As of March 29, the Sarasota chapter of the ALS Association had raised $55,381 total.

Courtesy photo

Teresa and Bob Simmons

SUNDAY, APRIL 9

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE

7 a.m. at the Longboat Island Chapel, 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The service will be held outside in the Friendship Garden. Call 383-6491.

TUESDAY, APRIL 11

REPUBLICAN CLUB

DINNER MEETING

From 5:30-8 p.m. at the Longboat Key Club Harbourside Ballroom, 2300 Harbourside Drive. Ronna Romney is the guest speaker. Cost is $70 for members; $75 for others. Register at RCLBK.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12

VETERANS’ CANTEEN

1-2 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. A welcoming space for our U.S. Veterans to connect, relax, share and support one another. Free, walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

RECURRING EVENTS

WEEKDAYS LONGBOAT LIBRARY

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, 555 Bay Isles Road. On Wednesdays, most books are on sale for $1 or less. Call 383-2011.

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. Cost is $70 for members; $80 for others. Pay as you go available. Call 383-8222.

BEST BET SUNDAY, APRIL 9 EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE

From 6:30-7:30 a.m. near the Lido Beach Pavilion, 400 Benjamin Franklin Drive. The Church of the Palms will be hosting and live streaming the sunrise service. Bring chairs and blankets. Call 924-1323.

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 will 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, strengthen muscles and bones. Instructor is Mirabai Holland. Cost is $10 for members; $15 for others. Call (201) 9561466.

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 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 March 7 to April 11. Cost is $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 a.m. to 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.

MAHJONG

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. Cost is $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.

MARIACHI MUSIC

From 5-8 p.m. at La Villa Mexican Grill, 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enjoy dinner and a serenade by Mariachi Contemporaneo. Call 383-8033.

THURSDAYS KIWANIS CLUB OF LONGBOAT KEY

At 8:30 a.m. at Lazy Lobster, 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Breakfast is $15. Email Lynn Larson at LynnLarson@comcast.net to register.

PENDING

LONGBOAT KEY

WATER CLUB $4,995,000

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.

NEW LISTING

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.

NEW PRICE

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.

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY INN ON THE BEACH $875,000

Exceptional south facing one-of-a-kind studio residence with unique views of wildlife + downtown skyline. Recently updated with high-end custom treatments. Quality location, views, and furnishings

LONGBOAT KEY

L’AMBIENCE $3,850,000

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.

PENDING

LONGBOAT 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

PENDING

Wild Kingdom stars speak up for National Wildlife Week

National Wildlife Week was established in 1938. It runs from April 3-9 this year.

The Florida panther population is estimated to be at over 200, compared to the 1970s, when only 20-30 of the big cats remained. The panther’s growth amid Florida’s rapid development is an example of what conservation efforts can accomplish. Preserving and connecting panther habitats, along with posting 60 wildlife-crossing signs on their behalf, saved a species.

The first National Wildlife Week was held in April 1938 and takes place from April 3-9 this year. It was designed to celebrate wildlife and get people involved, so the Observer interviewed National Wildlife Federation Naturalist David Mizejewski and Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom host Peter Gros by telephone to ask a few questions about conservation and also that giant blob of seaweed lurking offshore.

The blob is scientifically known as sargassum. Reports have Floridians fearing the worst, but Mizejewski offered a less gloomy perspective.

“My educated opinion, based on a few articles I’ve read, is that it seems like one of those things that might be a little overblown by the media. There’s sort of a grain of truth in there that there might be a little more that’s coming this year,” he said. “It’s actually a really important habitat. It’s almost like a floating coral reef. You’ve got the open water, and the sargassum is floating in this wide band across the surface.

“There’s nothing else out there, so all sorts of fish and other marine creatures, including baby sea turtles, utilize it.”

The seaweed provides shade and protection from diving predators,

and as most Longboat residents already know, only about one in 1,000 sea turtle hatchlings survive. While panthers live in the state, the sea turtles in the area have also suffered population decline. Gros points straight to this community for another success story.

“We’ve had problems in the past, but thinking about the turtles that migrate to Longboat Key, the numbers are gradually increasing,” he said. “People were disturbing nests; people were confusing them with light — all of these problems that seemed insurmountable but have been managed so well.”

By talking about the successes, the men want to deliver a message of hope and encourage individual involvement.

Not sure how to get started? The National Wildlife Federation has a list of ideas on its website at NWF. org.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

File photo

“Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom” films at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium on July 13, 2022.

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

Headed on a trip? Snap a photo of you on vacation holding your Observer, then submit your photo at YourObserver.com/ ItsReadEverywhere for a chance to win a seven-night cruise for two, sponsored by Marc Bokoff - Cruise Planners.

PUMPED ON THE PEAK: Jennifer Mott-Mueller brought the Longboat Observer on a climb to the highest peak in Africa to raise money for Africa New Life’s Food and Care program.

TOP Sales

408 Jackson Dr | St. Armand's - LIDO KEY

3 bed + den, 3 bath | 2,344 sq.ft.

The Gem of all Jewels on St. Armands Circle!

The location makes this spacious home with a pool an exceptional opportunity for those who want to be minutes from St Arman d's Circle, Lido Beach, and Main Street in the heart of the city.

The residence has many modern updates and unique features that add to its overall appeal. The newer windows improve energy efficiency, and the high ceilings feel more open and airy. 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

435 L’Ambiance Dr #H802 | LONGBOAT KEY

2 bed + den or 3 bed, 3 bath | 2,525 sq. ft.

Updated perfection is here, ready for enjoyment. 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

1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr #601

3 bed, 3.5 bath | 4,194 sq. ft. BEYOND IMAGINATION, with unparalleled amenities and a lifestyle of privacy and comfort awaits you here to create everlasting memories. Instant enjoyment with captivating views from this ultimate southwest corner residence. Generously proportio ned wrap-around terrace with sliding floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors offer stunning views in this meticulously designed, ALMOST NEW residence.

Offered for $5,500.00

3030 Grand Bay Blvd #321 | LONGBOAT KEY

3 bed, 3.5 bath | 2,925 sq. ft.

Be prepared to be WOWED! Upon arrival home, you take your private elevator to your residence. Here you are hypnotized by the captivating views of the Sunrise, Bay, City, and the Longboat Key Mooring Marina. Every room has a sliding glass door with access to your wraparound terrace to enjoy Sarasota and her islands. Three bedrooms and three and a half baths await its new owner.

This gated community includes 24 hr. security, clubhouse activities, heated swimming pools and spa, tennis courts, a library , a fitness center, and deeded beach access via Bay Isles Private Beach Club.

Offered for $2,750,000

Bird Key home sells for $3.5 million

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Ahome on Bird Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Jeffrey Rhinelander and Jacqueline Bohannon sold their home at 465 E. Royal Flamingo Drive to Gregory Leonard, of Sarasota, for $3.5 million. Built in 1973, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,383 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.5 million in 2021.

BIRD KEY Gregory and Susan Leonard sold their home at 114 N. Warbler Lane to Warbler LLC for $3 million. Built in 1961, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,936 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,462,500 in 2020.

JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

George Duke, of Bradford, Pennsylvania, sold his home at 81 Fillmore Drive to DMS Capital Holdings Inc. for $1.4 million. Built in 1952, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,665 square feet of living area. It sold for $65,000 in 1974.

KEY TOWERS SOUTH

Kabir and Mona Khalid and Nina Khalid, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 4-D condominium at 1750 Benjamin Franklin Drive to James Joseph Sebra, of Exton, Pennsylvania, for $1,375,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,403 square feet of living area. It sold for $685,000 in 2017.

HARBOUR OAKS II

Jorge Reynardus and Patricia Buttenheim sold their home at 2369 Harbour Oaks Drive to Susan Danielle Thurber Buckon and Gregg Gordon Sears, of Arnold, Maryland, for $1.35 million. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,424 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2013.

BAYPORT BEACH AND TENNIS CLUB

Lois Portnoff, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 716 condominium at 716 Bayport Way to Kelly Smith and Astrid Monsalve-Smith, of Norwalk Connecticut, for $1.3 million. Built

in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,134 square feet of living area. It sold for $630,000 in 2012.

FAIRWAY BAY R. Lee Stucky and Sharon Stucky, trustees, of Lenexa, Kansas, sold the Unit 357 condominium at 2016 Harbourside Drive to Jean and Jeffrey Malick, of Wilmington, Delaware, for $1.1 million. Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,442 square feet of living area. It sold for $605,000 in 2020.

BEACHPLACE

Anthony Raimondo Jr., trustee, of Columbus, Nebraska, sold the Unit 201 condominium at 1115 Gulf of Mexico Drive to 4115 Spring Grove LLC for $975,000. Built in 1979, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,172 square feet of living area. It sold for $515,000 in 2020.

Mike and Michele McKee sold their Unit 105 condominium at 1075 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Gregory McKee, of Longboat Key, for $539,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,819 square feet of living area. It sold for $638,900 in 2020.

GRAND BAY Edward Drew, of Green Cove Springs, sold his Unit 525 condominium at 3080 Grand Bay Blvd. to Michael and Andrea Lynn O’Connor, of North Easton, Mas-

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

sachusetts, for $940,000. Built in 1996, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,276 square feet of living area. It sold for $589,000 in 2020.

BUTTONWOOD COVE

Mary McGrath, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 201 condominium at 3630 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Andrew Callahan and Andrea Okun, trustees, of Cincinnati, for $835,000. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,486 square feet of living area. It sold for $600,000 in 2008.

WINDING OAKS

Mary-Ian Smith Ltd. sold the Unit 22 condominium at 3443 Winding Oaks Drive to Christopher Smith, of Longboat Key, for $800,000. Built in 1988, it has two bedrooms, two

MARCH 20-24

baths and 2,112 square feet of living area. It sold for $270,000 in 1990.

SPANISH MAIN YACHT CLUB

Stephen Densberger and Linda Jacoby, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 914 condominium at 724 El Centro to Robert Macke and Tamara Hurley Macke, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, for $535,000. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,353 square feet of living area. It sold for $230,000 in 2013.

Courtesy photo

The home at 465 E. Royal Flamingo Drive sold for $3.5 million.

Forbes’ 2022 Best-in-State Wealth Advisor

Gary S. Brochin

Managing Director/Investments Portfolio Manager –

Solutions Program

Offering Comprehensive Wealth Management Asset Management Retirement and Estate Planning Tax Planning Reviews

Contact

Sarasota: (941) 329-6286 direct

Atlanta: (404) 231-6535 direct (678) 575-1399 cell | broching@stifel.com

www.brochinwealthmanagement.com

PET PICS

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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.

The Empath Tidewell Foundation welcomes you to

What’s up at The Paradise Center?

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

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

A welcoming space for our U.S. Veterans to connect, relax, share and support one another.

FREE Admission WALK-INS WELCOME

will lead two classes featuring bodyweight exercises that teach your body how to adapt with muscular support rather than compensate with compressed joints

FREE for Members

$15/Non-Member WALK-INS WELCOME

MULTITASKING: Noah is a rescue from Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue and equally enjoys his playtime and naptime in Emerald Harbor on Longboat Key.

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CRACKING OPEN A BOOK by Guilherme Gilioli, edited by Jeff Chen

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

RED PAGES

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com •

The Longboat Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only.

*All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher.

*It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Longboat Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

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

L’AMBIANCE, LONGBOAT K KEY Beach front 2BR/3BA condo on high oor with wrap-around terrace, 270 degree views over the Gulf, Sarasota Bay and LBK Club. Sunrises, sunsets through oor to ceiling windows. View at: www.thephotos.smugmug.com Call John at: 203-984-8477 or E-mail: garment@optonline.net

ISLANDER CLUB: 11th floor, full bay view, Gulf front condo, 2BR/2BA, updated granite kitchen, heated 75/ft. pool, 2 Har Tru tennis courts, exercise room, updated clubhouse. 3 months or more Available starting 12/23. 516-458-8758 or peggygl@optonline.net

941-323-6365

LIDO BEACH GULF FRONT 1BR/1BA, WALK OUT THE DOOR AND ONTO THE BEACH. $2,500 FOR WEEK OF 5/20-5/27. SLEEPS

Two Solution: “Worrying is like praying for something that you don’t want to happen.” Robert Downey Jr. Puzzle Three Solution: “Music played at weddings always reminds me of the music played for soldiers before they go into battle.” Heinrich Heine

Divorce without Lawyers