Longboat Observer 5.4.23

LONGBOAT

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

Chef’s table. PAGE 17

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

VOLUME 45, NO. 39

YOUR TOWN

Pickleball expansion takes time out Commissioners vote down suggestions to bring more pickleball to Bayfront Park. PAGE 5

Kat Wingert

Jim Chirgwin and Andy Sawyer help pick up trash for the Rotary Club of Longboat Key April 29.

Rotary Club of Longboat Key keeps GMD clean Clad in neon yellow vests and armed with pole grabbers, members of the Rotary Club of Longboat Key scoured the southern portion of Gulf of Mexico Drive for trash the morning of April 29.

Jim Chirgwin and Andy Sawyer were part of the Rotary pickup crew that is responsible for the one to two miles of Gulf of Mexico Drive just north of Longboat Club Road. Sawyer said the club picks up trash about three times a year.

“You’d be amazed at the amount of cigarette butts we pick up,” Sawyer said. “But in general, it’s pretty clean.

There’s not too much for us to find.”

HANDS-ON TRAINING Longboat fire department gets refresher course on search and rescue. PAGE 4

Courtesy photo

Elaine Kaufman and Arlene Levy of the Jewish Federation of

Sarasota-Manatee

Lauren Tronstad

Lieutenant Brandon Desch assesses a room for obstacles and people during Thursday’s search and rescue training.

Finding allies, stamping out hate The Temple Beth Israel Social Action Committee on April 24 brought together more than 130 community members in person and 33 people on Zoom to learn about becoming allies against anti-Semitism.

The night started with the documentary, “Not in Our Town,” which focused on a Jewish family living in Billings, Montana, whose home was attacked during Hanukkah.

After reporting on the story, the local newspaper printed pictures of a menorah and the community displayed the pictures on their own windows showing their support.

Lindsey Mintz, director of community engagement for the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, concluded the event by explaining ways to counteract bigotry: become an ally, stop conversations that use words that may offend, speak to someone privately and explain that they may not understand the real meaning of their words.

A+E

LIFE ON THE REEF

Mote’s coral reef restoration will have far-reaching benefits.

PAGE 3

Courtesy photo

The growth of staghorn coral that was outplanted by Mote in 2019 near Key West.

Ready for his close-up.

INSIDE

2

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

Spotted: The first turtle nests of the season

Hurricane season motivates pole and power line removal LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

The nestings of loggerhead turtles and green sea turtles are typical on Longboat Key through the season, which is May 1 to Oct. 31.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

T

urtle nesting season has kicked off with a strong start. Twelve nests have been laid on the north end of Longboat Key. Ahead of nesting season, which started May 1, the town sent reminders of best practices and rules for protecting nests and hatchlings, which include keeping beaches dark and free of trash. Residents also need to keep beach furniture out of the way during the night for nesting turtles.

Thousands of sea turtles nest each year on Southwest Florida beaches.

The number of nests in the area is updated each week on Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s website.

The town released another installment of its video series “Tip Talk” (formerly known as “Talk of the Town”) hosted by Town Manager Howard Tipton. This installment covered turtle season, conservation reminders and more.

Longboat Key typically sees the nesting of loggerhead turtles and green sea turtles.

Mote Sea Turtle Conservation Manager Melissa Macksey said the organization estimates about 1,000 nests will be laid on Southwest Florida beaches this season.

In the video, Tipton asked what has led to the rise in the number of

Lauren Tronstad

A turtle nest was laid on Longboat Key last week.

turtle nests on Florida beaches over recent decades.

“A bunch of protection measures went into place (in the 1970s) to protect turtles in the water as well as the nests on the land,” Macksey said.

“Since then, they have a very long lifecycle, so we have a very big delay in the protection measures going into place, and now we’re starting to see nesting numbers rise.”

The town sent out another batch of reminders last week regarding the importance of keeping pets off the beach.

During marine turtle and shorebird nesting seasons, the town typically experiences an increase in complaints about dogs on the beach.

The town’s code prohibits dogs and cats on Longboat Key beach access and beaches. Only trained service animals are allowed on the beach and require leashes at all times. Therapy or emotional support animals are not allowed on the beach.

m

e Fu

Th he T

HOT BUYS!

Lauren Tronstad

The town is hopeful power lines and poles will be removed ahead of peak hurricane season.

LIVING LIVING LIVING S A L E ROOM ROOM ROOM

om .co seo.cuse uh hoe

re r eW eaWa ru r u t i t i n Fur rn

Town partners, such as Longboat Key Turtle Watch, have verified that when turtles see a dog, cat or other predator, they expend extra energy.

That stress hampers their nesting and migration. The presence of pets or other predators causes nesting turtles to flee and disrupts successful nesting.

To report animal complaints please contact one of the following: n Longboat Key Police Department: 316-1201 n Manatee County Animal Services: 742-5933 n Sarasota County Animal Services: 861-9500 The only Longboat Key park that allows dogs to be off-leash is the dog park at Bayfront Park. Outside the fenced dog park, dogs brought to Bayfront Park or Joan Durante Park must be on a leash no longer than eight feet. No other parks in the town allow dogs.

Aerial power lines and poles could be removed from the town of Longboat Key as early as August.

The town hopes to have poles removed by that time, or at the latest by September, to avoid damages that may occur during peak hurricane season.

“The town remains hopeful and working with (Florida Power and Light) to target pole removal throughout July, August and September 2023,” Public Works Director Isaac Brownman wrote in an email.

Pole removal is the responsibility of FPL. The town has been working with FPL to expedite work, but the town doesn’t decide scheduling.

“The town continues moving forward with switching orders and conversions, albeit taking a little more time than expected as electrical switching orders and conversions on a major system undergrounding are a complicated, integrated process between the town’s contractor, Wilco, and FPL,” Brownman wrote.

“There are many steps to that process and due care is required at every step.”

As of the most recent project updates, all work has been completed in Phase 1, and all FPL poles have been removed. Phase 1 covers Country Club Shores and the Longboat Key Club.

Within Phase 2, construction of FPL infrastructure is complete and the town is working with FPL to initiate switching orders. Switching orders is a process in which FPL energizes sections of the new underground utility. Then, the contractor is able to perform meter conversions to individual properties. Once all switching orders in a phase have been issued and meter conversion work completed, then FPL can begin scheduling pole and aerial wire removal.

Phase 2 runs from the north end of the island to Dream Island Road.

Much like in Phase 2, in Phase 3 infrastructure construction is substantially complete. Final equipment still needs to be placed within Twin Shores and Gulf Shore Mobile Home Park, which is expected to be complete by the end of September.

The town is continuing to work with FPL to initiate switching orders in the phase.

Phase 3 runs from the north end of Country Club Shores to the Sarasota County line.

In the fourth and final phase, nearly all underground work is complete, excluding 10 switches on Gulf of Mexico Drive. The additional switches became necessary as FPL worked to update its infrastructure.

FPL installed the new infrastructure at no additional cost. The phase includes south of Dream Island Road to the county line.

12 MONTHS NO INTEREST *

PICK UP TODAY OR NEXT DAY DELIVERY AVAILABLE

and enjoy Reclining sofa. Matching console loveseat & recliner available. Also in brown.

Cottage

dining

Washed wood accented with natural wood.

Includes table & 4 chairs.

Stores Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 11-6

$ 99 Storage 799 SOFA

799

$

SOUTH SARASOTA 5252 S. Tamiami Trail (at Phillippi Creek) 941-260-9601

99 5-PC

NORTH SARASOTA 4027 N Washington Blvd (Hwy 301) 941-351-8600

potential

Queen headboard, storage footboard, rails, dresser and mirror. Also in white.

Queen

mattress Queen 9” gel memory foam mattress. All sizes available.

BRADENTON 1100 Cortez Rd W (corner US Hwy 41) 941-749-6069

ELLENTON 5814 18th Street East (across Premium Outlets) 941-479-7900

999

$

99 SOFA

39999

$

VENICE 550 S Seaboard Ave (US Hwy 41 Bypass) 941-485-3211

PORT CHARLOTTE 1241 El Jobean Rd (across Sam’s) 941-764-8700 NOW OPEN!

* On Purchases $300 or more with the Furniture Warehouse credit card made between May 4, 2023 and May 3, 2024. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within 12 months, by May 2024. Minimum Monthly Payments required. Offer applies to only single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. Furniture must be delivered within 60 days for all financing offers. All prices include Hot Buys, Coupon savings or any promotional discounts. Terms of promotions - Previous purchase excluded, cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Promotion offers exclude Hot Buys, floor models or clearance items, sales tax, furniture protection plans, warranty, delivery, or service charge.

401570-1

Relax

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

Staghorn coral outplants at Eastern Dry Rocks reef in Florida’s Lower Keys.

REPLANTING THE ‘RAINFOREST OF THE SEA’ Mote Marine Laboratory will use a $7 million grant from NOAA to lead restoration of Florida’s Coral Reef.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

E

ven though there are no coral reefs in Sarasota area waters, local residents and wildlife will still reap some benefits of coral reef restoration efforts spearheaded by Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium following a nearly $7 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“What it means for Mote is not all that important when compared to what it means for the coral reefs of Florida and the world,” said Michael Crosby, Mote’s president and CEO. “It’s a grant that now allows Mote and our scientists to really build upon an incredible history of research that we’ve been working on in the Keys now for 30 years.”

Since starting restoration efforts, Mote scientists have had success in restoring over 200,000 corals.

The Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Award allows Mote to take a leadership role in partnership with NOAA in a “holistic, community-based restoration effort.”

The grant will cover a four-year, multifaceted project focused on implementing a holistically transformative coral reef restoration initiative at 10 reef sites along Florida’s Coral Reef, just offshore of the Florida Keys Archipelago, according to a news release from Mote.

Seven of the 10 reefs being targeted are NOAA’s iconic reefs and include: n Carysfort Reef n Horseshoe Reef n Checca Rocks n Newfound Harbor n Eastern Dry Rocks n Sombrero Reef n Looe Key Reef All seven iconic reefs are within sanctuary preservation areas or areas where activities such as fishing and anchoring are prohibited or tightly regulated.

“That only accounts for a fraction of a percentage of the reefs in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Florida’s Coral Reef,” Coral Reef Restoration Research Program Manager Jason Spadaro said.

“We wanted to include a series of sites that were outside of those protections to really demonstrate that we can do restoration in these areas where the public is allowed to use the resource.”

The remaining three reefs are in waters where people are more likely to recreate.

“We want to make sure that restoration is going to work in areas where the public is allowed to use the resources in those extractive ways,” he said. “If we need to go back to the drawing board and redesign how we are doing restoration in zoned versus nonzoned areas of the reef.”

Living coral cover, the proportion of the reef covered in living coral, on Florida’s Coral Reef is currently between 1% and 5%. The number is dramatically less than about 40 years ago, when coverage was more than 30%.

“Mote is all about restoring the entire coral reef,” Crosby said. “(The grant) also allows us to really have a statistical analysis approach of adaptive management strategies both within those seven iconic reefs and outside of them.”

Not only can extra work be done, but the additional funding allows Mote scientists to take additional time to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of programs that have already been in place.

The initiative, which is led by Spadaro, is seeking to expand the laboratory’s capacity to continue making strides toward restoring coral reef habitats. It is more than just outplanting coral. The work also focuses on placement of key members to a coral reef ecosystem such as Caribbean king crabs, which help keep down growth of macroalgae on the reefs. Twenty-five percent of the biodiversity of ocean species across the globe exist on coral reefs, Crosby said.

3

Erin Muller works with the coral spawning system at Mote’s International Coral Gene Bank in Sarasota.

requires a very healthy rainforest of the sea — coral reefs,” he said. “If you want to continue to breathe and live, you need a healthy coral reef.”

A Caribbean king crab hatchery is being completed at Mote’s Sarasota campus and is set to be operational in the near future. This species of crab will be placed in the 10 targeted reefs and are crucial to restoration efforts as they graze on macroalgae that would otherwise compete with the corals that are being restored.

The Sarasota campus is also the home to the international coral reef bank that has 6,500 genotypes of coral species being used to outplant in the Florida Keys and elsewhere across the globe.

“Sarasota is sort of that focal point for much of the research that is being implemented in the coral research and restoration program,” Crosby said.

DOES SARASOTA HAVE CORAL REEFS?

No. Sarasota borders a region where there is a shift from corals as a foundation species to sponges and oysters. The Sarasota area does not have the right conditions for a coral reef ecosystem to thrive.

“There are reefs,” Spadaro said.

“They’re just not coral reefs.”

The absence of coral reefs is largely because of latitude. By coral standards, the Sarasota area gets too cold.

“There are some reefs that occur further north, but they tend to be well offshore and deeper where the loop current keeps them warm yearround,” Spadaro said.

The Gulf of Mexico is not particularly conducive to coral reef building because it is categorized as a more temperate ecosystem. Moving north into temperate latitudes, the water gets cold enough in the winter that nutrient loads increase and can lead to microalgae blooms.

IMPORTANCE OF CORAL REEFS “Coral reefs are Mother Nature’s first line of coastal resiliency to storm waves and surges,” Crosby said. “The Florida Keys and much of the coastlines in tropical and subtropical areas around the world would not be able to exist without a thriving coral reef environment.”

Crosby likened coral reefs to the rainforest of the sea because they are home to more than a quarter of the ocean’s biodiversity.

In the same way the coastal resiliency element serves an environmental purpose, it also serves the area economically by providing additional protection from damages suffered from major storms.

HOW DO YOU RESTORE A CORAL REEF?

There is more than one way to restore a coral reef, but the primary method, and the one Mote is pursuing, is called direct or active restoration.

“You’re literally cultivating pieces of coral and then putting them back on the reef or outplanting them onto the reef,” Spadaro said. “The goal isn’t to literally restore the reef.

We’re not trying to produce or outplant the same amount of coral that we want to end up with. We’re trying to do it in a thoughtful way, so that we place corals in different genotypes within close proximity so that their probability of reproduction is much higher.”

HOW WILL THIS BENEFIT SARASOTA?

In Sarasota, Crosby said, between 50% and 80% of oxygen we breathe comes from plants in the ocean.

“To be able to produce that oxygen,

Courtesy photos

Jason Spadaro, Mote’s Coral Reef Restoration Research program manager, is spearheading restoration efforts.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

TRAINING DAY

Fire department practices search and rescue technique.

STAFF WRITER

T

he Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department dove back into the fundamentals of search and rescue during a special training Thursday at a two-story house on the 6400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive that is scheduled for demolition. “(The training) is just a reminder of a standard technique that is used worldwide,” said John Elwood, training captain. “As you look at all the new construction for single-family residences, they’re two stories. That is becoming more common for us.

It’s to reacclimate people to using this skill.”

Longboat Key averages about four to five fires per year, Elwood said.

“This helps to reinforce that (knowledge) because you have a tendency to use prime recognition decision-making, to go off what you did the last time. Hopefully, by doing this with some repetition, people will be able to draw from that and it will become more of an instinct.”

The training followed a technique called VEIS: Ventilate the atmosphere. Enter the area. Isolate, meaning keep doors closed to contain fire. Search.

Each firefighter at Thursday’s training followed the same basic path, starting with a ladder climb to the house’s second-floor balcony.

Once on the balcony, a shield was placed over the trainee’s mask to simulate the look of a smoky room.

The reduced visibility forced firefighters to use their tools to detect and avoid obstacles in the house, which included a ladder, decorative pillows and a bed frame.

Firefighters then climbed through a second-story window and crawled through the house, staying close to the walls.

“Whether you go left or right, you always maintain orientation in the building, so that way if you have to get out, you know which way is out,” Elwood said.

At the first door, the training firefighter opened it and hooked one foot on the door jamb to avoid becoming disoriented.

After crawling back into the room, the door had to be closed and the firefighters made their way to the next door to repeat the process.

They had to make their way back to the first door before the training was deemed complete.

Some firefighters conducted their training earlier in the week, so the department could ensure others were available should an emergency occur.

The last time the department trained at a house scheduled for demolition was before Hurricane Ian hit the area. During that training, firefighters practiced breaking hurricane-resistant windows, which

Photos by Lauren Tronstad

Lieutenant Brandon Desch climbs a ladder as part of the first step of the search and rescue training Thursday.

“As you look at all the new construction for single-family residences, they’re two stories.

That is becoming more common for us. It’s to reacclimate people to using this skill.”

— John Elwood, training captain

Firefighter Brent Kruse assesses the area during training Thursday morning.

are challenging to break.

Without homes made available for use by the department, training has to take place off the Key because the town does not have its own training facility. If members of the department are training outside Longboat, personnel from Manatee County or Sarasota County help cover the area.

When a building is scheduled for demolition, the fire marshal’s office is notified of the permit. At that point, the department may contact the homeowner about using the space for training. More commonly, homeowners contact the department about a space’s availability.

“When we have the opportunity to use a real building it adds to the realism,” Elwood said. “We’re using the type of floor plans and construction that we (have) on Longboat Key.”

GO WILD AT CRITTER CAMP!

Forbes’ 2022 Best-in-State Wealth Advisor

SCIENCE LESSONS | GUEST SPEAKERS CRAFTS | CATS

Gary S. Brochin

AGES 8-14 | REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

401583-1

LAUREN TRONSTAD

941-366-2404 | 2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 | www.catdepot.org

Managing Director/Investments Portfolio Manager – Solutions Program

Alustra® Architectural Shades with PowerView Automation®

Sarasota’s Best Voted One of

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

28 Years in a Row!

YOUR HOME DESERVES

Contact me for a complimentary consultation

Hunter Douglas!

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS

Sarasota: (941) 329-6286 direct Atlanta: (404) 231-6535 direct (678) 575-1399 cell | broching@stifel.com www.brochinwealthmanagement.com

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

399381-1

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

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.

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

The Sarasota/Siesta Key, East County and Longboat Observers meet the legal requirements to publish legal and public notices in Sarasota & Manatee counties, per F.S. 50.011.

Verified Audit 1101 Fifth Ave., Suite 270 | San Rafael, CA 94901 (415) 461-6006 | www.verifiedaudit.com

401656-1

AUDITOR INFORMATION

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.

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

PUBLIC NOTICES

398998-1

4

YourObserver.com

5

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

Pickleball conversation paused, for now Lauren Tronstad

During peak season, demand for pickleball kept court lines long and the Bayfront Park parking lot full.

A proposal to address pickleball problems at Bayfront Park failed to gain support.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

I

n hopes of putting the pickleball issue to rest, the Town Commission took up the topic one more time.

Mayor Ken Schneier suggested the discussion be brought forward in an agenda item with the following considerations at the forefront: n There would be no elimination or movement of amenities at Bayfront Park now. n The second tennis court would be over-lined, adding two pickleball courts. In the absence of tennis players, pickleball players could use the courts. A condition of the arrangement would be that pickleball play-

ers would supply the nets and posts needed for pickleball on the newly overlined court. n The town would continue to explore additional parking opportunities for Bayfront Park. For example, conversations are still in the works for use of the lot on the Frontier property. n The town would continue to consider the demand for additional racket sport facilities, where to locate them and how to fund them.

“In my view, it says to everyone involved, we have limited space in this town,” Schneier said. “We’re happy that we have people that want to play pickleball. We’re also happy that we have people that want to take classes at the Bayfront (Park) Recreation Center and use the

other amenities there ... I think this should solve the short-term problem that we have as we move forward to try and figure out how to deal with longer-term issues.”

Ultimately, the conditions above were voted down 2-5, with only Schneier and Commissioner Penny Gold voting in favor.

The main concern, again, was the lack of parking at the park not only for pickleball players, but for other people wanting to use the space.

When the issue came before commissioners during peak season, striping the tennis court was voted down out of concern that additional courts would draw more people to play at an already overcrowded space.

“I still don’t think we’ve addressed the major problem, which is parking,” Commissioner Debra Williams said. “We’ve added six spaces and that’s great, but that’s not the whole picture here. We still have a lot of

people coming to Bayfront Park who want to park and play pickleball or play tennis or use the park for other uses. We still don’t have enough.”

Williams and the majority of other commissioners were in favor of a court scheduling system to cut down on large crowds that were waiting for courts and taking parking spots during peak season.

“I think that’s really the equitable way to take care of the parking,” Williams said. “It’s also the right way to take care of the use of the courts.”

Three residents spoke during public comment. All of them shared personal experiences with parking issues and concerns that restriping the tennis court would be favoring pickleball players over other users of the park.

“Where is the equity in striping the last tennis court for pickleball and hoping that play will move faster?” Donna Patterson said. “That’s just not realistic. It’s not equitable.”

She added that restriping would likely push tennis players looking to use the free space to other courts in the town, which require payment for use, whereas pickleball players are not expected to pay for using the town’s public courts.

“Our park is being taken over by a group that feels entitled to use all the courts, making their own rules and not considering that others can’t use the park because they have taken up all the parking spots,” she said.

To address parking, commissioners discussed the possibility of designating the six new parking spots on the south end of the park for recreation center use only during busy season.

As far as the reservation system goes, the only people interested in implementing one are the board members, said Schneier.

Implementing a fee for use of the courts was another idea suggested to help limit park traffic and parking strain.

“You can only accommodate so many people,” Commissioner BJ Bishop said. “This park may not be able to accommodate two more fulltime pickleball courts.”

Because of the failed motion, the remaining dedicated tennis court will not be restriped and, for the time being, use of the park will continue unchanged.

GETTING PAID IS EASY

Sell Us Your Valuables For The Highest Price

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

FRrEbE al

Ve isals ra App

We Buy & Sell All Precious Metal Coins & Bars

Did you inherit a collection? Eastern makes selling your valuables for top dollar easy and worry free. Our experts will work with you to quickly evaluate your collection. For more information visit our website : www.USCOINS.com

Call For an Appointment

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

5275 University Pkwy. Ste. 129, University Park, Fl 34201

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

12 Years at the Same Location

Call For The Current Price

402645-1

WE BUY IT ALL

6

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

Ian Swaby

Florida Department of Health employee Quiana Tolbert helps 11-year-old Beckett Hill into the Sarasota Aging Sensitivity Suit, alongside Aging System Policy Coordinator Susan Berger.

A new W point of view

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Interactive event on aging combines empathy and culture.

hile other children were dancing exuberantly to international folk music, 11-year-old Beckett Hill chose a more physically restrictive activity April 28 at the International Intergenerational Event at Senior Friendship Centers in Sarasota.

“I felt stiff and dizzy and tired,” he said, after experiencing the Sarasota Aging Sensitivity Suit.

Yet, he said he was glad for the experience and would even repeat it.

He wasn’t intimidated by trying on the unusual gear in a room of other attendees — at least, not too much.

“It wasn’t really hard; it was easy and hard,” he said.

Hill said he had wanted to know what it was like to be in one’s 70s and 80s. The experience was accomplished through the suit’s extensive features including bungee cords

that ran from the suit’s helmet to its waist, mimicking spinal curvature and limited spinal extension.

Based on the suit originally designed by MIT AgeLab, who called it AGNES (Age Gain Now Empathy System), the suit was re-created in Sarasota in January 2023 after the lab gave its blessing to the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County.

Erin McLeod, president and CEO of Senior Friendship Centers, said the center’s hope was that by mixing an experience of age and culture at the International Intergenerational Event, it might be able to bring more awareness to the larger world around it, including issues associated with aging.

Event organizer Jenny Macias said when she found out about the Aging Sensitivity Suit, she thought it was a great way to create more empathy for the elderly community.

McLeod said in requesting the

suit, the organization was seeking to help people understand not just the physical nature of aging, but its social nature as well.

“There’s a lot of ageism in the world, and I think as young people, we hustle around and push past people, not understanding they’re slowing down for a reason,” she said. “You instantly have empathy when you feel that extra pull on your back or the muddiness in your ears.”

In addition to the bungee cords, the suit included a neck collar to limit joint mobility, wrist guards to reduce wrist flexibility, gloves to reduce tactile sensation, earplugs for reduced hearing and glasses for reduced visibility, among other features.

McLeod said the suit demonstrates how issues like arthritis can make basic tasks more difficult, including picking coins out of a jar, buttoning one’s clothes and operating a smartphone or other device. It helps people understand hearing loss, which is often mistaken for dementia because it reduces communication, and neuropathy, which causes tenuous movements and difficulty feeling the ground under one’s feet.

McLeod added the suit was also important for helping others understand the sense of isolation older people experience.

“You become invisible to society, often you’re discounted as being old, so therefore your opinion, your idea doesn’t really count,” she said. “And that’s a challenge. A lot of people begin to feel marginalized, like they don’t matter anymore. Something that’s very important to us is that they feel like they matter and their voice can be heard.”

Since its creation in January, the department has been taking the suit to events and has even partnered with Suncoast Technical College for certified nursing assistant training for about 60 students performing geriatric rotations.

The students reported their reactions in surveys, mentioning physical restriction and fatigue while wearing the suit, and also, the following day, a sense of loneliness.

The event also mixed cultural experiences and community with the experience of aging.

Many seniors in the room were flexing their joints. The Sarasota Grapeviners demonstrated dances

FEATURES OF THE SARASOTA AGING SENSITIVITY SUIT n Reduced hearing (earplugs) n Clouded vision (goggles) n Limited joint mobility and

selection, and limited extension of the spine (neck collar) n Reduced shoulder mobility (elastic bands running from hip to wrist) n Reduced flexion and extension of the wrists (wrist guards) n Reduced tactile sensation and restricted hand movement (two layers of rubber gloves) n Compression of musculature, tightened joints, restricted movement, and fatigue (knee and elbow braces) n Restricted movement, reduced spinal extension mimicking spinal curvature, and reduced spinal rotation (bungee cords running from suit helmet, to hip) n Reduced sensation in feet (shoes) If you are interested in bringing the Sarasota Aging Sensitivity Suit to an event, contact Quiana Tolbert at 941-780-8074 or ­Quiana.Tolbert@FLHealth.gov.

from countries including Greece and Romania, sometimes accompanied by children in attendance who were eager to participate.

“I was really hoping for a little bit more kids,” said Macias. “But I think the ones that came had an enjoyable time.”

The event was part of Suncoast Remake Learning Days and promoted foreign language programs at the center and offered American, Italian, Mexican and Mediterranean food from Tamiami Tap. “I think it’s important to bring generations together, families and older adults together, to give people a chance to see each other as human beings and break down barriers, so, then pretty soon, you realize we’re all just people,” said McLeod.

A Longboat Key Landmark Harry's features a wide variety of craft cocktails, an extensive wine selection paired with coastal cuisine.

Breakfast | Brunch | Lunch | Dinner

MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH HARRY'S DELI

donate shop donate & & shop

401216-1

Mother's Day Special Three Course Dinner To Go Pick Up May 12th-14th

www.HarrysKitchen.com • 5600 Gulf of Mexico Drive • 941-383-0777

Building Materials Appliances Building Materials| |Furniture Furniture | | Appliances Art Art | Decorative | Lamps | DecorativeAccessories Accessories | Lamps

3 Stores n 1 Location n Location n 1 10:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Saturday Tuesday-Saturday 3 Stores n Sarasota 17th Street n 10:00am - 5:00pm Monday 2095 - Saturday large items to donate?

Sarasota 2095Have 17th Street n

Observer’s It’s Read Everywhere Contest HOW TO ENTER:

Enter for your chance to win a 7-night cruise in a balcony cabin on

Take your favorite Observer with you.

n www.habitatsrq.org large items to donate?

(941Have ) 444-5783

Take your best shot.

396348-1

(941) 444-5783 n www.habitatsrq.org Our vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live.

Enter at https://www.yourobserver.com/ contests/its-read-everywhere

Sponsored by:

Marc Bokoff of 403540-1

Call to schedule your free pick up.

Call toisschedule yourafree pick Our vision everyone deserves decent placeup. to live.

Where will you take us this year?

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

7

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.

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

400850-1

smh.com/ortho

8

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

He tried to fix the Navy Thomas Modly’s new book, ‘Vectors,’ gives the untold context to what was a national controversy in 2020.

MATT WALSH

M

ost of you probably don’t recognize the name — the Hon. Thomas B. Modly.

In early 2020, he was the national media’s villain. But in truth, Modly, now a Siesta Key resident, is an unsung American hero.

If you don’t remember Modly’s name, you most likely remember the story in the early stages of the COVID pandemic.

It was late March 2020, and news spread nationally and worldwide as fast as COVID spreads that it was quickly infecting the crew of 4,500 sailors aboard the USS Teddy Roosevelt in the Pacific.

Capt. Brett Crozier, commander of the ship, ignited the news with “a signal flare” email that he sent over an unsecure network to a small group of Naval aviators, bypassing his chain of command. The email, picked up by and published in the San Francisco Chronicle, was instantly interpreted around the world as a Code Blue cry for help from one of our nation’s most powerful military assets.

In the days that followed, as the “TR” firestorm continued to spread, Modly, then acting secretary of the Navy, flew to Guam and relieved Crozier of his duty for violating the Navy chain of command. The story exploded, as if a bomb blew a hole in the side of the ship.

In the aftermath, the national media characterized Crozier as the hero trying to save his crew from COVID. Modly became the villain, a Trump political appointee who unfairly threw the captain overboard. Social media posts called him a traitor, and Joe Biden implied Modly’s action was “criminal.”

Predictably, Trump was not happy and wanted to intervene.

But at 4 p.m., April 7, 2020, a week after Crozier’s departure from the ship, with the firestorm still red hot, Modly resigned. He had served as acting secretary for 19 weeks.

For three years now, while Americans’ memories of this incident have faded, the record still stands online: Modly was the villain.

That should no longer be the case. Modly told his story this month with the release of his book, “Vectors: Heroes, Villains & Heartbreak on the Bridge of the U.S. Navy.”

Modly gives his version of what happened with Capt. Crozier and the Teddy Roosevelt. And he does so in an even-tone voice, with straightforward, believable and honest storytelling. He provides what never came out — rich context

‘BEAT ARMY, SIR!’ The following is an excerpt from the Epilogue of “Vectors.” s first year midshipmen A (plebes) at the Naval Academy we were all required to shout “Beat Army, sir!” every time we turned 90 degrees to change our walking direction inside a building.

It eventually became an act of compliance — and defiance. The louder and more expressively we screamed “Beat Army,” the more it disturbed the peace that normally

and details that explain how and why the incident occurred.

Maybe some will say what we’re about to say is to be expected.

After all, the book is only Modly’s version. But when you read “Vectors,” you cannot come to any other conclusion than Modly’s dismissal of Crozier was the right thing to do.

In fact, Crozier said so himself.

On page 457, Modly recalls: “As I began to discuss my reasons (for dismissing Crozier), he abruptly interrupted me and said, ‘Sir, you don’t have to say anything more. I respect you as secretary.

I put you in a difficult position. If I had been in your shoes, I would have relieved me too … but I did it for the crew.’”

“Vectors” is vindication. It’s what good people in the news business often say and know: There are always at least two sides to every story, and we should not rush to judgment (almost an impossibility today in this tidalwave of instant, nonfact-checked information). Context matters, and Modly provides plenty of it with recollections of events and details that show and reveal much about the Navy, the Pentagon and the ugly politics of Washington, D.C. “Vectors” is so much more than vindication for Modly and so much more than the story of the Crozier and the “TR.” Altogether, “Vectors” is Modly’s memoir — of his service in the Trump years, from 2017 to early 2020 as the undersecretary of the Navy (the Navy’s COO) and ultimately, the acting secretary of the Navy (the Navy’s interim CEO).

It’s a short period for a memoir.

But in the structure of the book — a chronological journey, this comes through: Thomas B. Modly is the kind of person this country needs in our military, the Pentagon and Congress.

He’s exceptional in his deep love of country and patriotism, and those characteristics repeatedly surface throughout the book. One moving section was his swearing in as undersecretary at the Naval Academy and his speech. Modly describes his time as a midshipman as “a life-defining experience.”

“For me, the swearing-in ceremony was surreal,” he writes.

“In all the years I’d spent walking through and past Memorial Hall as a midshipman, I’d never imagined that I would be there 30-plus years later being sworn in as the Navy’s undersecretary. It just wasn’t something that I thought would ever happen, nor was it a position to which I had realistically aspired … I wanted to make a statement that I wasn’t there for the pomp and circumstance but rather to have an impact on the future of the Navy and Marine Corps.”

He tried mightily to make that impact. He wasn’t in it for the political glory, like so many others.

permeated the halls.

That shout, that one phrase, shattered the silence of submissive conformity to which we were expected to comply.

Although we were the lowest of the lows at the Academy during that first year, the cacophony of “Beat Army” chants bonded us together as a class.

Its significance extended beyond just a football game, or the broader rivalry with West Point. “Beat Army” taught us the importance of maintaining relentless focus on our ultimate adversary.

It reminded us that we weren’t

Courtesy photo

Former Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly lives on Siesta Key.

As you read, Modly demonstrated a seriousness and intelligence that we wish everyone in Washington and the Pentagon would emulate.

His grasp of how to be an effective leader; of the world as it relates to the nation’s security; and of what needs to be changed and how to change an extraordinarily complex organization is, well, astonishing.

For 400 pages, 80% of the book, Modly chronicles in engaging storytelling his mission as undersecretary and acting secretary to change the Navy’s culture — from one of intransigence and resistance to that of agility and accountability.

Just imagine the near impossible task of trying to change the culture of a business with an annual budget of $250 billion, 520,000 employees and no motive to make a profit.

Colleagues told him in an oftrepeated refrain: “Tom, you can’t fix government.”

You can see through Modly’s experiences how that is 99% true.

As Modly chronicles his short terms as undersecretary and acting secretary, he opens wide the hull to the inner workings of the Navy, Pentagon and Washington, D.C. politics. And it’s shocking.

Shocking at how dysfunctional everything is there and how resistant to change the entire apparatus is. He may not have intended it, but his stories of what he encountered leave you with the impression that the Department of Navy and Pentagon have been an operational and business disaster, and if the United States goes to war with any of our foreign adversaries, we are not the superpower we think we are. Not even close.

Worse, our congressional politicians are oblivious, egregiously negligent and not at all inclined to do anything about it.

The structure of the book reflects Modly’s personality of thoughtfulness, his vast knowledge of so many subjects and impressive leadership style.

The first four chapters set up the narrative, filling in the reader on Modly’s family and background and his appointment as undersecretary.

Modly is of modest middle-class means, the son of Eastern European immigrants who escaped the Nazis in World War II, settled in Cleveland and lived ordinary, productive lives, always grateful for the freedoms afforded to them in America. They instilled in him a love of country.

The background chapters culminate in Chapter 5, with the resignations in 2019 of former Defense Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer. Both ran aground with Trump.

alone in that focus. It reinforced our understanding of what our team was about and who was on it. It taught us to never, ever give up the ship …

“Beat Army” gives us purpose — and hope.

So I say, “Beat Army” to the status quo, to time and to complacency.

“Beat Army” to complexity and to divided memories.

“Beat Army” to inertia, to empty rhetoric, and to arrogance.

“Beat Army” to isolationism and to detachment.

“Beat Army” to the dysfunctions of the network and to the fair share

And so begins Modly’s story as undersecretary of the Navy for the next 19 weeks.

He approached the job as he does everything — with deep thought and reflection. He researched the average time acting secretaries of the Navy lasted in their jobs — 110 days. He vowed that even though he was “acting” secretary, he was not going to be an actor or a pretender.

He was going to take action.

Modly’s first step was to do what he does with everything: He made lists. He made 11 lists of priorities by category, each with 10 objectives he wanted to accomplish — 110 objectives in 110 days.

“I knew it would be physically impossible to meet all 110 objectives,” he writes. “But I also knew each one was important.”

Modly also decided to do something a Navy secretary had never done — send out a weekly communication to every activeduty and reserve Sailor and Marine and all Navy civilian employees.

These weekly memos — sent via an unclassified email — were intended to give everyone insights and an understanding of what was on Modly’s mind. Modly called these weekly emails “Vectors.”

A “Vector,” he writes, tells you where to go and how fast.

Modly sent out 19 weekly Vectors, one for each week he served as “acting.” The Vectors became the frame for the book. Modly corresponded his Vector messages with his weekly calendar, enabling him to refresh his mind on the events of the weeks and reconstruct a captivating narrative of the hectic life of the secretary of the Navy.

Modly also includes at the end of each chapter a discussion of “Heroes” and “Villains.” The heroes were “people who were unsung, people who do things behind the scenes and are never the ones you ever hear about too much.”

Modly’s villains are obstacles that get in the way of and often prevent success — time, complacency, arrogance, pride, routines, cynicism. All of these and more abound inside the huge Navy and Pentagon bureaucracy.

Modly wrote the last half of the book at the Selby Library in downtown Sarasota, spending two to four hours in the morning in a cubicle on the second floor.

He finished the book a year ago. It took him a year to get it published.

“Vectors” is a book for every American who has an interest in our security. It should shock all of us into demanding more from our politicians in D.C. “Vectors” especially should be a must-read for everyone in the Navy, Marines, Pentagon and Congress.

Modly’s stories of what he did and why are great lessons in leadership — for the military and private sector.

Thomas B. Modly has been an extraordinary public servant for American citizens and taxpayers and has performed a great public service with “Vectors.”

Two years ago, when we first interviewed Modly, we asked if he still thought about the “TR.” “I think about it every day,” he said.

Last week, we asked again: “Oh, sure. I will think about it the rest of my life. I’m not obsessing over it.

It’s part of my story now.

“I think about it all the time.”

Once you read the book and have all of the context, you should surely conclude: He made the right decision.

Go to YourObserver.com/opinionVectors for an unabridged version.

myths.

“Beat Army” to pride and to the sexy stuff.

“Beat Army” to gracelessness, to fear and to frustration.

And most importantly, “Beat Army” to the cynicism that erodes both the trust we have in each other and the love we must have for our nation in order to defend it.

Say it loud. Live it louder. Confront the villains and defeat them.

“Beat Army” today. “Beat Army” tomorrow.

“Beat Army, sir!” Forever, and ever and ever more.

“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 Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / James Peter, JPeter@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Lauren Tronstad, LTronstad@YourObsever.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@ YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Lexi Huelsman, LHuelsman@ YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Manager / Lori Downey, LDowney @YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Marketing Specialist / Melanie Melone, MMelone@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Director of Information Technology / Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned.

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

CEO / Matt Walsh President / Emily Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles 1970 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468

YourObserver.com © 2020 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

We would like to call your attention to the article in the April 13 issue of the Longboat Observer, regarding the ongoing pickleball demands, “Pickleball raises commission concern.” The fourth paragraph in the article on Page 5 makes the case for those of us who do not play pickleball but use the park for tennis, exercise classes, the dog park and water sports, as well as the children’s play area.

The paragraph in question states, “The park currently has five courts available, allowing for a maximum of 20 people to play the sport at any given time. In February, resident Dan Levine told commissioners that more than 40 people are waiting to play on one court.” The math is simple, if 60 pickleball players are on the courts playing or waiting, and there are only 52 parking spaces at the park, then there are no spaces available for other activities.

The town has since installed six more spaces on the side of the property by Ace Hardware, bringing the total of the available parking spots to 58, which includes designated spaces. That is still not enough to accommodate everyone at the park at the same time. The exercise classes, of which there are two every morning, five days a week, pay a small fee to use the clubhouse, plus a class fee to the instructor who returns a part of her fee to the town. Oftentimes, neither class participants nor their instructors can find parking.

The issue for the town is trying to figure out how everyone can share in the amenities at the park. The commission has proposed possible solutions such as a scheduling app, to reduce the crowd size, and a fee for booking a court for a certain period of time.

Some pickleball courts in Sarasota are currently going to a fee system for a defined period of time.

Arlington has a registration/feebased system as do many other towns all over the country. Some towns, like Darien Court, use the

A hero or an ogre?

courts. Having their own pickleball park would allow the players to come and go when they please and socialize as long as they want, without preventing the remainder of the community from enjoying the amenities they use at Bayfront Park. If this is not a solution, then the fair way of proceeding is to create an online reservation system to minimize the number of people who show up at one time, and charge a fee to maintain the courts.

Half the current tennis courts should be left for tennis players, who were there first and are being displaced, and the other half could be for the pickleball players. We hope that an equitable solution can be reached before next season so that we don’t spend another six months writing letters and attending meetings to resolve a problem that other communities all over the country have already adopted in their towns.

I’ve been a Republican most of my life, but the current turmoil Gov. Ron DeSantis has created with The Walt Disney Co. is shameful. With all the strife, war and inhumanity evident around the world, how can you express such animosity toward a company that has brought joy and happiness to children everywhere?

Gov. DeSantis, I encourage you to ask your children what they think of Disney. Who their favorite character is and what they think of Disney World. Then think how they might feel as they get older about their dad’s attempt to destroy a company that has given us the adorable, and sometimes cranky, characters who make us sing, dance, pretend to be princesses, pirates, knights, superheroes. Disney-created animals to cuddle with at night. Maybe you should ask them before you continue to bash the company only to wake one day to learn your children are ashamed of the battle you waged with a beloved company. Would they embrace you as hero, or ogre?

It hurts my heart to think how sad it would be for children and grandchildren and even adults to have missed the relationships Disney espouses through diverse characters and stories. The sense of being part of a family. Experiencing sadness, love, loss, fear, achievement, power and selfconfidence they see portrayed

by Disney characters in movies, cartoons and theme parks.

Please find a way to get beyond whatever anger or outrage you’ve collected toward Walt Disney and be an adult. A leader. An example of what greatness we have in Florida. So far, I’m embarrassed to consider myself a Republican and a Floridian who has an ogre for governor. Your battle with a great company that has contributed hugely to the state’s coffers. Ogres are not worthy of my vote. Happy Earth Day, governor!

THE BAYFRONT YOGIS

PAMELA MONES

LONGBOAT KEY

SARASOTA

File photo

As pickleball courts are not hard to construct, perhaps some other spot can be found on the island for dedicated pickleball courts. reservation system to permit play for residents only. These suggestions were rejected by the pickleball group.

They were asked by the Town Commission to suggest ways that everyone could share in Bayfront Park. None were forthcoming.

The explanation given was that pickleball is a social event and many people come to spend an entire morning there, socializing between playing. Their answer was to convert the final tennis court to pickleball, look at parking under the clubhouse and be prepared for more players next season.

If Bayfront Park could be

­ ickleball expanded, adding more p courts might be a possibility.

Unfortunately, there does not appear to be enough space in this recently revamped community park of roughly 3 acres to expand and create more pickleball courts and parking to accommodate them. The Town Commission is considering converting the last tennis court to pickleball — effectively making recreational tennis players who may come to the courts when grandkids and other families visit, use the public courts. This makes no sense!

Town Commission is avoiding charging nonresidents to play pickleball but making residents who want to engage in some friendly tennis with their visitors pay to do so at the public courts!

Before the advent of pickleball, Bayfront Park was able to accommodate all of the other activities that took place at the park and provide adequate parking. So, what are the solutions?

As pickleball courts are not hard to construct, perhaps some other spot can be found on the island for dedicated pickleball

LET T ERS

Pickleball needs to make room for other park activities

9

Thank You Gratefully, Teresa & Bob Simmons

403277-1

Bob and I would like to show our gratitude to the “Observer” and thank our tremendous “Simmons Sole Mates” team and our generous community of family and friends. Together, we raised awareness for ALS and over $50,000 for the ALS Association of Florida in the “ Walk to Defeat ALS” April 15th, 2023.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

If you own a rental property on St. Armand’s, Lido or Longboat, let us put our 29 years of experience and expertise to work for you!

Smoking ban ordinance in the works for county, including Lido beaches

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS!

941-387-9709

County commissioners voted 3-1 to direct staff to prepare an ordinance that is enforceable.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

Following the lead of the cities of Sarasota and Venice and the town of Longboat Key, the Sarasota County Commission on Tuesday approved a staff recommendation to prepare an ordinance to ban smoking on county beaches and in county parks.

The legislative action is enabled

by House Bill 105, which was signed into law in 2022 and permits local jurisdictions to ban smoking on public beaches and in parks. The bill does not apply to unfiltered cigars.

The Longboat Key Town Commission and Sarasota City Commission banned smoking on beaches last fall except in designated smoking areas.

In a 3-1 vote with Commissioner Mike Moran opposed, staff was directed to draw up the ordinance and to contact other jurisdictions that have already approved similar bans to learn about effective enforcement measures.

Enforcement was one of two pri-

SWIMWEAR | RESORT WEAR | ACCESSORIES

SHOP In-Stores or Online NOW! www.SwimCity.com

SIESTA KEY

1960 Stickney Pt Rd 941.922.4545

BUTT-BANNED BEACHES?

DOWNTOWN

50 N Tamiami Trl 941.954.8800

LONGBOAT

3170 Gulf of Mexico Dr 941.383.2288

gigi

Sarasota County beaches where a smoking ban would be in effect: n Blind Pass Beach Park n North Jetty Park n Manasota Beach Park n Caspersen Beach Park n Nokomis Beach Park n Palmer Point Beach Park n Turtle Beach Park and Campground n Siesta Beach n Siesta Key Beach Accesses n South Lido Beach

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

SILVERBERG Luxury Property Advisor

Contact me today

Over 25 Years Experience Broker Associate Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

941-993-3695

Let me help you explore your options and with your search.

I can start by emailing you listings today.

100 OFF COMPLETE INSTALLATION $

The Home Service Pros Who Care

of Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant and Shutoff Device Saves on Homeowners Insurance Policies Not valid with any other offer or promotion.

Expires 6/30/2023.

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

mary objections raised by Moran during a discussion before the vote.

“I have great hesitation when the government tries to get involved in controlling people’s behaviors,” Moran said. “There’s an element of personal accountability on the one side of controlling people’s behaviors. I get it with the youth parks and where kids are around, and I get it that you have kids on a beach. I just feel a real slippery slope there of government intrusion into people’s lives.”

Commissioner Mark Smith took the opposite position.

“I believe the government’s role is to protect us from ourselves on occasion. That’s why we have speed limits, so I don’t have a problem with prohibiting smoking,” Smith said.

“We prohibit it in restaurants.”

Commission Chairman Ron Cutsinger struck a more conciliatory tone while coming down in favor of a smoking ban.

Litter is a secondary problem, with the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources reporting thousands of cigarette butts collected from the beach sand.

Moran also raised questions about enforcement, suggesting that if he asked the sheriff he’d hear his deputies have more important things to do than become the smoking police, and that he’d need more deputies to be able to enforce the ban.

Cutsinger said he would expect the enforcement issue to be mitigated by a robust education campaign including ubiquitous signage informing beachgoers that smoking is not allowed by law. Awareness and public pressure, he added, will be a necessary element in enforcement.

“I think a lot of the enforcement will come as people become more aware of it,” Cutsinger said. “We will have voluntary compliance and peer pressure, but beyond that maybe we won’t get 100% enforcement, but we’ll certainly cut down on the amount of smoking.”

398278-1

Locally owned and managed since 1994

396774-1

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

FREE WATER ANALYSIS AND $100 Credit towards a New Whole House Filtration System Installed Not valid with any other offer or promotion.

Expires 6/30/2023.

!

W O N L L A C 941.866.6210

or visit www.AquaPlumbingSarasota.com Lic # cAc1816020 • PLbg cFc1428223 • ELEc Ec13009313

Plumbing

Electrical

Water Treatment

403151-1

EXCEPTIONAL RENTAL MANAGEMENT & VACATION RENTALS

397814-1

10

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

O

11

g n i z a m

Mother's Day Gift Guide

MOLLY MAID OF SARASOTA, MANATEE & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES 1461 Tallevast Rd • Sarasota, FL 34243 941-753-2220 • www.MollyMaid.com/gift-certificates

What does mom really want this Mother’s Day? A CLEAN home and TIME to herself! Give her a Molly Maid gift certificate so she can take some time off from housework and enjoy some me time! Gift certificates are easy to get and easy to give. To all moms Happy Mother’s Day from Molly Maid!

CAFE L’EUROPE

431 St Armands Circle • Sarasota, FL 34236 941-388-4415 • www.CafeLEurope.net/contact/reservations Join us in celebrating Mother’s Day! Our all-day menu starts at 10am with a wide selection of Café favorites, including seasonal features for brunch and dinner. Brunch options include Florida Benedict, Quiche Florentine, Ham and Eggs, and Bread Pudding. For dinner, enjoy Coquilles St. Jacques, Chicken Milanese, and much more, from 4pm to close.

Reserve your table now!

BARTLETT JEWELERS

Creekwood Crossing I-75 & SR70 Bradenton, FL 34203 941-751-6600 • www.BartlettJewelers.com Show mom your love with a classic paperclip necklace from Ti Sento. Locally owned and operated since 1973, Bartlett Jewelers has been your full-service, jeweler offering the area’s finest collection of timeless jewelry pieces. We offer several styles of bridal and fashion jewelry as well as repair and remounts.

ELYSIAN FIELDS

LE MACARON

1273 S Tamiami Tr • Sarasota, FL 34239 8207 Cooper Creek Blvd • University Pkwy, FL 34201 941-361-3006 • www.ElysianFieldsGifts.com

362 St Armands Cir • Sarasota, FL 34236 140 University Town Center Dr • Sarasota, FL 34243 941-552-8872 • www.LeMacaron-US.com

Elysian Fields continues to be Sarasota’s ideal destination for one of a kind, hand selected gifts.

Now also located in The Shoppes at UTC, make sure to stop by to find something special for the mothers in your life. This year’s featured product comes from Penny & Rose - A Scent For Your Thoughts. Fill every room with warm nostalgia and excite your home this Mother’s Day!

Handcrafted by our team of French chefs, these classic pastries come in unique flavors like Sicilian Pistachio & Mango Jam. We use the finest glutenfree ingredients. Visit our pâtisserie to enjoy French Macarons, quality French gelato, classic French pastries, European-style beverages & homemade candies. Order your gift boxes now!

SIRIUS DAY SPA, SALON & MED SPAS

11585 E SR70 • Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 8512 Cooper Creek Blvd • Bradenton, FL 34201 941-357-4611 • www.SiriusDaySpas.com

The Perfect Gift for the Moms in your Life, a Gift Card from the #1 Spa, Salon & Med Spa in Lakewood Ranch/Sarasota/Bradenton. Full service Hair & Nail Salon, Spa, and Medical Spa featuring 200+ services including Massages, Facials, Botox, Fillers, Permanent Make Up, Laser Hair Removal, Morpheus8, IPL, Lash Services and More.

DIAMOND BAY JEWELERS

Located in the Bay Street Village & Town Center 3976 Destination Dr, Unit 105 • Osprey, FL 34229 941-786-1013 • www.DiamondBayJewelers.com From classy adornments to engagement specialties, Diamond Bay Jewelers has what you need to create your style for any occasion. Come enjoy the exquisite experience of fine jewelry and expert watchmaking.

Jewelry repair, custom design and redesign services available with over 30 years of experience.

ASPIRE POLY FURNITURE

MAE REID MERCANTILE

717 Cattlemen Rd • Sarasota, FL 34232 941-946-8887 • www.AspirePoly.com

817 Honore Ave • Sarasota, FL 34232 941-323-3815 www.instagram.com/MaeReidMercantile

Treat your Mom to outdoor furniture that they will love for years to come! Poly furniture is made of recycled plastics, free from rust and require no repainting, perfect for the Florida lifestyle.

Visit our showroom to see our large selection of products, & options to custom design your Mom’s favorite colors.

Or let her choose with a gift card!

One of Sarasota’s newest and truly unique shopping destinations. Find fanciful gifts & irresistible treasures in this nostalgic location!

Locally owned and proud to offer American made decor, accessories & gifts. Stop in, stroll and find something special for your Mom or Grandmother. Happy Mother’s Day!

1874 Stickney Point Rd • Sarasota, FL 34231 711 S Osprey Ave • Sarasota, FL 34236 941-921-1221 • www.MollysSarasota.com

Two locations for people seeking a fun and exciting personal shopping experience. Named best Gift Store in Sarasota for 4 years, you are sure to find something special to give or get for yourself. Beyond gifts, both locations have a large selection of quality shoes, jewelry, apparel and accessories too.

MONKEE’S OF LAKEWOOD RANCH

MASSAGE ENVY

1279 S Tamiami Tr • 941-308-7600 4055 Clark Rd • 941-927-6200 2855 University Pkwy • 941-556-6400 4734 Cortez Rd W • 941-909-0800 www.MassageEnvy.com Give the gift of ME time for Mother’s Day! The past couple of years have been...a lot. We could all use a little more self-care these days!

Encourage someone you care about to put themselves first with a gift card that lets them choose customized experiences and goes where they go. Massage Envy gift cards easy to give. Easy to love!

LEONARD’S NURSERY

1561 Lakefront Dr, Ste 104 • Sarasota, FL 34240 941-358-8868 • www.MonkeesofLakewoodRanch.com

8000 Fruitville Rd • Sarasota, FL 34240 941-302-3933

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching! Stop by Monkee’s Boutique in Lakewood Ranch to find all of your Mother’s Day needs. Brand new Julie Vos jewelry, Hammit Bags, and Lemon Jelly sandals all make fantastic gifts! We get new shipments daily, so stop by any day of the week and check out what’s new!

Show your Mother your appreciation by giving her a potted plant designed for this special occasion or a unique gift from our newly opened Gift Shop. Bring in this ad in between 5/9 and 5/13 and receive 10% off on all nursery stock (trees excluded) or our Gift Shop.

For those Mothers who are difficult to shop for, gift cards are available as well!

396213-1

MOLLY’S! A CHIC AND UNIQUE BOUTIQUE

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

COPS CORNER

Make Some Memories this

MOTHER’S DAY!

FRIDAY, APRIL 21

WELLNESS CHECK 8:48 a.m., 1400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: A driver on Gulf of Mexico Drive called police after spotting what appeared to be a vehicular accident on the side of the road. The caller said there was damage to the front of the vehicle and the driver appeared to be slumped over the steering wheel. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the driver, who said a tow truck was on the way and that there had not been an accident and the damage was from a previous accident.

TRAFFIC CUSHION 10:24 p.m., 6700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Traffic hazard: While traveling northbound, an officer noticed a large couch cushion in the middle of the road. The officer removed the cushion and disposed of it.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

HEAVY STREAM 12:22 a.m., 3600 Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: An officer was dispatched to the location in response to a broken water line. Upon arrival, the officer noticed a large stream of water coming from what appeared to be the irrigation system. Public Works staff were notified and advised police they were on their way to investigate.

SUNDAY, APRIL 23

SOURCE UNKNOWN 2:39 a.m., 500 block of Putter Lane Citizen assist: The officer met with a homeowner inside her residence where she told him that she had been reading a book when she heard a loud bang coming from the back bedroom. At first, she thought something had fallen down, but after investigating she noticed some of the lights in her home were not working properly. The officer checked the residence’s breaker box, but did not notice any sparks or smell of smoke.

He advised the homeowner to call an electrician in the morning.

*

Admission for Moms!

OPEN AND SHUT CASE 8:17 p.m., 700 block of Marbury Lane Suspicious incident: Police were

MAY 13-14

TUESDAY, APRIL 25

ON THE JOB 11:30 a.m., 3700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious vehicle: Police were sent to the area on a report of a vehicle parked in the area taking photographs. Upon arrival, the officer noticed a Florida Department of Transportation vehicle. The worker was waiting for the arrival of a contractor for underground utility work.

notified of a nearby neighbor’s suspicions after a garage door had been open for two days across the street. Upon arrival, officers checked out the area. There were no signs of forced entry and all other doors and windows appeared to be secure. It appeared the garage and downstairs of the residence was under remodel or construction, and the garage door had likely been left open accidentally. Officers were able to close and secure the garage door. The original caller was notified of the officers’ findings.

MONDAY, APRIL 24

A LITTLE CREEPY 1:42 p.m., 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway Suspicious person: An officer was called to the police station for a walk-in complaint originating at the above address. The woman stated that while at CVS a man had approached her and asked to see inside her vehicle and was being intrusive. She told officers her friend had met the same man at CVS later that day and they had further discussed her vehicle. The officer then patrolled the area in question but did not see any males matching the description given.

No job too BIG or too SMALL. Quick Response & Timely Job Completion!

• INTERIOR & EXTERIOR • DRYWALL REPAIR • STUCCO REPAIR • EPOXY FLOORING • POWERWASHING

RESIDENTIAL

50% OFF price of admission for Mothers and Grandmothers, PLUS moms can hold an exotic bird for FREE! Must buy online and use promo code: MD23

COMMERCIAL

• TEXTURING

For Your Free Quote & 10% Off call us Today!

Licensed & Insured • Over 15 years of painting experience in Sarasota and Bradenton area

401148-1

941-718-1863 or email angelspainting00@gmail.com

To keep pools pristine all summer,

*Restrictions apply.

Sarasota's Favorite Family Attraction®

SarasotaJungleGardens.com • 941.355.5305

401232-1

LIC.#CFC1429635 • CPC1459826 • CAC1818472

GIVE US A CALL!

402832-1

12

wwww.lapenseeplumbing.com 778.5622 • 401 Manatee Avenue, Holmes Beach

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

13

Your News. Your New Way.

Read Print Digitally!

NEW APP!

Get our e-Newspaper on your laptop, smartphone or tablet all in our new, easy-to-use app. Scroll through the pages of the paper on any device, and take us with you, wherever you go.

Scan to Watch Video

SHARE Love an article?

Share it with a link.

PRINT

BOOKMARKS

Print articles and crosswords.

Save articles for future reference.

A READ OFFLINE Download our digital edition on your mobile device and read it anywhere.

LISTEN On-demand narration is available for those who prefer to listen to their newspaper.

Download the Your Observer App

TRANSLATE

Our new tool offers instant translation in multiple languages.

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

ONLY 99

¢

FIRST MONTH

Limited Time Offer | Cancel Anytime

Have questions?

YourObserver.com/subscribe

400873-1

Call 941-366-3468, ext. 320 or email: CustomerSupport@YourObserver.com

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

CARIBBEAN ELEGANCE AT BIRD KEY

HARBOR ACRES ESTATE

MLS A4557763

THE SAND DOLLAR

MLS A4566256

THE WINDEMERE

118 N Warbler Ln, Sarasota, FL 34236

1550 S Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239

4,594 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 5.5 Bath | 3.5 Car Garage | Study | VIP Suite | Bonus Room with Bar | Infinity Pool | $7,250,000

4,189 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 3 Car Garage Study | Media Room | Pool and Spa $4,438,000 Including Furnishings & Fixtures

Stunning Waterfront Location No Bridges to Gulf

Furnished Model Home with Leaseback

WEST OF TRAIL HOME NOW AVAILABLE

FURNISHED MODEL HOME OPEN

Photos by Ian Swaby

Andrea O’Brien learns about “The Extraordinary UnOrdinary You” from its author, Simone Knego.

A literary feast MLS A4538727

THE LITTLE PALM

1616 N Lake Shore Dr, Sarasota, FL 34231

3,157 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4½ Bath | 3-Car Garage Study | Bonus Room | Spacious Outdoor Living Pool and Spa | West of Trail | $2,589,000

4,651 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 4-Car Garage TV Room with Wet Bar | His and Her Studies Split His and Her Master Bathroom

Estimated Completion Winter 2024 Contact for More Information

Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm and Sunday Noon - 4pm

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

O

Legendary Luxury. Innovative Design.

Complementing Heritage Builders’ unparalleled reputation for refined luxury homes and white-glove customer service is a stunning collection of innovative custom home designs.

Homes by Heritage Builders reflect cutting edge design trends, while maintaining an eye for timeless architectural styling, unprecedented livability and flawless quality.

Please contact us today to learn about our available new homes, portfolio of plans and custom home design-build services.

Call to Schedule a Private Tour Custom Homes | West of Trail Homes Available Visit us at HeritageBuildersWFL.com or call (941) 328-8272

All designs are the property of Heritage Builders of West Florida, LLC. CBC1259307 Plans, pricing and specifications subject to change without notice. Renderings are artist’s conception and not intended to show specific detailing. Square footages are estimated and may vary in actual construction.

HB Realty Group, Inc. | Licensed Real Estate Broker

utside Bookstore1Sarasota, downtown Sarasota visitors found new stories to experience and fresh conversation with local authors.

Taking place April 22 and 29, which was Independent Bookstore Day, the Local Author Book Fair spotlighted 28 local authors and was one of two fairs the bookstore holds throughout the year. The second book fair takes place in the fall.

“It was fantastic,” said Andrea O’Brien. “It was very inspiring to talk to authors and to see where they were coming from and what inspired them to write their book. I just learned so much from listening to their experiences.”

Among the authors looking to meet potential readers was Lucy Beebe Tobias, who wrote the 2008 book “50 Great Walks in Florida” as well as the 2015 book “Florida Gardens Gone Wild(er)”.

Tobias said in selecting the locations of the walks for the former

book, which all feature “wild Florida,” she wanted to hear from locals throughout the state rather than selecting locations based on their appeal to tourists.

A former writer and photographer for the New York Times in Florida, she spent a year wandering through Florida, talking to people for ideas on locations and cataloguing her walks through sites such as Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon.

Bryn Durgin, director of programming at the bookstore, said the event allows attendees to get to know the books through their authors instead of the other way around.

“People fall in love with the author before they fall in love with the book, which is a really unique experience,” she said.

Durgin said on both weekends some authors sold out of their book copies. She said even small numbers of purchases, such as four in one week, can land a book on the store’s bestseller list.

Author Brian J. Morra said he sold all but one copy of his book “The Able Archers,” a Cold War thriller

403122-1

THE BAHAMA

1625 Hansen St, Sarasota, FL 34231

Bookstore1Sarasota book fair spotlights 28 local authors.

398383-1

14

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

15

about one American and one Soviet participant who help prevent a global nuclear war, and had even received speaking engagements.

Durgin also said the event was valuable for allowing authors to network among themselves, for many accomplished writers are not sent on tour by publishers.

“It’s such a remarkable opportunity for authors to learn from one another and to connect because writing a book is such a solitary process,” she said.

WIDE RANGE OF GENRES

Lucy Tobias wrote “50 Great Walks in Florida” and “Florida Gardens Gone Wild(er),” but also offered the additional enticement of Ghirardelli chocolates.

fact that while all parents wait for the day that their child will say “Momma” or “Daddy,” not all parents get to hear those words.

“If I can help one person, who knows what that one person will go on to do in life?” said Messina. “It’s wonderful because this is what community is about, helping one another survive and struggle.”

Sara Jonas wrote the children’s book “Ham’s Big Adventure” for the benefit of The Tidewell Foundation in honor of her friend, Jamie Meyers, who died of brain cancer in 2016.

The book’s main character, Ham, is a young pirate who travels to outer space on a mission to find where love is hidden.

“I think it’s great that they put this on for local authors to help support them and get the word out because it’s so hard to get the word out, and as somebody who was born and raised local, this is great for giving back to the local people as well,” she said.

BOOKSTORE1SARASOTA

394808-1

Store location: 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota Contact: 365-7900 or 365-7902 To sign up: To receive notification when applications open for the book fair, visit SarasotaBooks.com/LocalAuthorBookFair.

401594-1

The authors and their books spanned the spectrum of genres, with some authors taking a more fantastical direction in their work, but for Eddie J. Morales, that direction was still tied to his past.

Morales said he has enjoyed writing horror fiction since he was entertaining his high school classmates with writing assignments. Although he worked as a business analyst previously, he began self-publishing five years ago.

His 2022 autobiographical horror novel, “Haunted by Life: A Paranormal Coming of Age Story,” follows a boy named Javier who is followed by a ghost while moving from Puerto Rico to New Jersey while dealing with dark family secrets.

Morales said he lived in both locations when he was younger; in fact, he claimed a ghost haunted his home in New Jersey and helped inspire the story.

Launching a book can be a challenge, he said, especially as he manages the process independently, creating his own covers and using his own photographs. He said book fairs can be “very helpful” for local authors.

For Lakewood Ranch resident Lucille Messina, the book fair was a chance to reach people struggling while caring for a disabled or medically fragile child.

Messina’s daughter, Jacklyn Messina, who was born in 1984 and lived for just over 11 years, had a degenerative neurological disease and could not walk, talk or see. After her death, Lucille Messina wrote the book “Waiting to Hear ‘Momma’ — A Mother’s Memoir.”

She said the title comes from the

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

Mary T. Delpup, Marilyn Davol, Cindy Noble, Linda Olsen and Susan Gilmore-Clarke

Mary Skirta, Vanda Soper, Carol Basi, Carol Cain and Debbie Subbionda

St. Mary welcomes new officers at Mass and luncheon

Maureen Minion, Carol Fischbein, Beth Waldman, Susan Field, Donna Winter, Sandy Finnegan and Donna Pettinato

The church’s women’s guild celebrated its members after installing five new officers.

members for their support,” said Noble. “It was a time for celebration to talk to friends and celebrate each other. This is our second year doing it. We were supposed to do a luncheon during (COVID-19), but that was canceled.”

Susan Gilmore-Clarke, recording secretary, explained the funds they receive go to good use.

“Funds we earn go to charitable organizations in the greater Sarasota area,” said Gilmore-Clarke.

“I’m glad we can get together to celebrate who we are.”

Photos by Sidra Wali

Mary Jane Tolpa and Stella Kelley

— SIDRA WALI

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

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

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

• Live-stream at AllAngelsLBK.org to participate on-line • Discussion Groups on Tue & Wed at 10 a.m.

Lord’s Warehouse hours are 9:00 - 12:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays The Lord’s Warehouse will be closed during the month of September.

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard

Saturday Contemporary Style Worship | 5pm

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

Sunday Worship | 9am & 11am

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

Sunday Fellowship Hour | 10am

All Are Welcome!

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

Christ Church of Longboat Key invites you to

THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church

Thursday, May 4th, 2023

Would like to Welcome & Invite You, Your Family Members & Friends to Celebrate Mass with Our Parish Community SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE (May - December) Saturday: 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM Daily Mass at 9:00 AM; Rosary at 8:30 AM Monday - Friday 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive The Chaplet of Divine Mercy following Daily Mass

Visit any time between 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM

Come to our welcoming

401314-1

sanctuary and take a moment to pray, celebrate, and reflect.

In these tumultuous times give yourself and your friends, relatives, and neighbors this opportunity to appreciate all that we have through the power of prayer.

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

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

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

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

Visitors & Residents Welcome

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

401458-1

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

401186-1

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

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

401244-1

corresponding secretary will respond to all correspondence of the organization in correspondence with the bylaws. The recording secretary will keep minutes as well as call the meetings to order if the president and vice president are absent. The vice president will preside at all meetings and assume the president’s duties. The president will have many duties and will be the leader of the guild.

Noble explained that new officers were chosen because of their ability, their willingness to serve and the interest they hold in the church.

“Our guild is continuing to grow, and usually we have a speaker at the luncheon meetings, but this was more of a way to thank the

567 Bay Isles Rd, Longboat Key, FL

941-383-3428

longboatkeytemple.org

401327-1

S

t. Mary, Star of the Sea held an installation Mass for new officers followed by the Star of the Sea Women’s Guild luncheon.

“Every year, officers are installed for another year for the Star of the Sea Women’s Guild, and we had a total of five installed during Mass at 11 a.m.,” said Cindy Noble, president of the guild. “It is the time when those who have carried the responsibilities of leadership for past administration are returning to the ranks.”

The guild installed a new treasurer, corresponding secretary, recording secretary, vice president and president.

According to Noble, the treasurer will serve as the custodian of all the funds of the organization. The

401197-1

16

Classifieds 32 Games 31 Real Estate 29 Weather 31

MAY 4, 2023

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Taste the rainbow A local personal chef cooks colorful cuisine.

SIDRA WALI CONTRIBUTOR

M

401174-1

ost chefs have culinary idols they look up to — someone whose example was worth following into a career in the culinary arts.

British chef and TV personality Gordon Ramsay inspired local personal chef Bruno Wu, who serves more than 200 clients in Longboat and the surrounding area.

While other children were watching Saturday morning cartoons, Wu’s eyes were glued to the Food Network. Wu started cooking when he was 13 years old.

His eyes darted back and forth as the colors of fresh spices and herbs danced before his eyes. The dicing and slicing fascinated Wu. “I was absolutely enamored by it,” said Wu. “I’ve always had a passion for cooking. Once a month, I’d cook dinner for my family when I was 13 years old.”

When Wu entered high school, he was in charge of holiday dinners. He prepared beef Wellington for Christmas and a standing rib roast for New Year’s.

“After a decade of home cooking, I received formal training,” said Wu. Wu graduated from the International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California, Los Angeles, and has worked in almost every aspect of the restaurant business from washing dishes to being a general manager. But after 12 years, Wu walked away from the restaurant scene to start his own business as a personal chef in 2018.

“I helped a colleague with a personal chef gig in LA, and I realized that this was a great opportunity for me to start my own business. I wanted to own my own business,” said Wu. Two years after he started his business, Wu moved to Sarasota County in 2020 during the height of the pandemic.

“I think (COVID-19) definitely helped my business because many people weren’t wanting to go out to eat during that time, and they were more comfortable having a personal chef come to their home to prepare them a meal,” said Wu. Currently, Wu has clients that are local, seasonal and some who vacation in the area.

“I cover Sarasota and Manatee counties, but I’m willing to drive to the surrounding counties as well,” said Wu. After two years of building his

18-hour sous vide pork belly

Sous vide filet mignon topped with compound herb butter served with creamed spinach and potatoes au gratin

Courtesy photos

Chef Bruno Wu started cooking when he was 13 years old.

Artisan chévre salad comprising mixed greens tossed in a sweet vidalia onion dressing topped with pickled red onions, strawberries, walnuts and a chévre croquette.

business in the area, he has a client list of over 200 people.

THE CHEF BRUNO EXPERIENCE

Wu explained that he tries to curate a culinary experience for his clients instead of just cooking them dinner.

“I custom-tailor the entire menu to each client and I try to figure out the best dishes that would work for them while taking into consideration any food allergies or food restrictions,” said Wu. Most of Wu’s dinners are five courses: two courses of hors d’oeuvres and three courses of plated dinner, which includes appetizers, salad and an entree followed by dessert.

Wu envisions the flavors and textures of each ingredient, imagining how they would come together, creating a symphony of taste to satisfy his guests’ palates.

“The fact that I can have a shared

SAMPLE MENU ITALIAN n Focaccia n Marinara mussels n Shrimp and mascarpone ravioli n Gnocchi alla vodka n Tiramisu SEAFOOD FEAST n Chesapeake Bay crab cakes n Lobster tortellini n Prince Edward Island mussels n Pan-seared salmon with potato gratin n Créme brûlée

experience with my clients is what’s fulfilling to me,” said Wu. “Having that connection with who I am cooking for makes it that much more special.”

Wu travels with everything he needs to prepare his five-course dinners.

“I’ll have table settings with me, linen, napkins, centerpieces and everything related to the cookery.

Because I’m in a different kitchen every night, I like having the consistency of bringing my own set of knives and what I need to cook with,” said Wu. “I also bring cleaning supplies and the motto is, ‘leave the space cleaner than you found it.’”

Wu serves anywhere from a dinner for two to a party of 70 people.

“When it’s up to 70 people, it’s more of a buffet style,” said Wu. Wu has also launched a catering business with his partner, Marko Radisic, called East West Catering.

“We started doing events at the beginning of April, and I wanted to scale what I built as a personal chef to accommodate more people,” said Wu. “We can actually accommodate

over 100 people, but we can also cater smaller ones, too.”

Wu explained that after two years of working with his clients, he has a few different set menus clients can choose from.

“I have an Italian menu, a steakhouse menu, a Southern feast and Asian (menu),” said Wu. He explained he was booked for 29 days in the month of April and expects to be busy this month as well.

“I think what makes a Chef Bruno experience special is just my personal interaction with my clients. I find that I can give them a unique and delightful experience because I can relate to many people from different walks of life because of everywhere I’ve lived.”

To book Wu for a dinner event or to contact him, email Bruno@­ ChefBrunoWu.com.

18

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

JOIN US AS WE HONOR

CASEY DESANTIS

AS 2023 STATESWOMAN

OF THE YEAR

MAY 24TH • 5PM

Hyatt Regency Sarasota 1000 Boulevard of the Arts

Courtesy photo

Jack Dean, Tryla Larson, Mayor Ken Schneier, Estella Villegas, Antonia Munos, Deanna Mesghali, and Scott Kuykendall

General Admission Tickets: $200 VIP Tickets (Including a Beverage and Appetizer): $300 Sponsorships are also available, along with VIP Senator’s and Governor’s table arrangements.

Ribbon-cutting marks opening of La Villa Café in Longboat La Villa Café is officially open and serving healthy breakfast items and empanadas.

SIDRA WALI STAFF WRITER

Scan QR code to go to website for tickets and information.

A

BIRD KEY 410 MEADOW LARK | $3,795,000 | PENDING

JEFF RHINELANDER 941-685-3590 jeff@jeffrhinelander.com

LAKEWOOD RANCH 5527 PALMER CIRCLE, UNIT 206 $485,000 | ACTIVE LISTING

BIRD KEY 526 BIRD KEY DR $2,295,000 | PENDING

BIRD KEY 449 E. ROYAL FLAMINGO DR. $5,600,000 | SOLD BUYER REPRESENTED

BIRD KEY 465 E. ROYAL FLAMINGO DR. $3,500,000 | SOLD

SAN REMO 3740 TANGIER TERRACE $8,350,000 | SOLD BUYER REPRESENTED

BIRD KEY 615 OWL WAY $2,049,000 | SOLD

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

443F John Ringling Blvd | Sarasota, FL 34236 | rhinelander tarantino.com 398041-1

403279-1

For more information on tickets or sponsorships, contact Leslie Williams by email at lesliewilliamsrpos@gmail.com or by phone at (513) 404-7611.

new cafe has opened its doors, bringing a fresh and welcoming space for coffee lovers and foodies alike.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at 10 a.m. April 27 to celebrate the opening of La Villa Café, next door to La Villa Mexican Grill, which opened in September of last year.

Many diners awaited the unveiling of the new establishment, owned by Estella Villegas.

“We’ve been open since midApril, and we’re finally having a ribbon-cutting to signal its official opening,” said Villegas. “When we first opened our restaurant (in Hillsborough County) 10 years ago, we

started with selling this type of food, and I always loved it. So I’m excited to be selling breakfast food again.”

Villegas explained Latin flavors inspired the menu that includes freshly made empanadas alongside coffee, juices, fruit bowls and smoothies.

“We make Colombian and Argentinian empanadas, and in the future we’d like to make Cuban sandwiches,” said Villegas.

“We are so excited because we have so many healthy options, and it just takes me back to the beginning of when we decided to open our very first business.”

The café boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere for anyone in need of a cozy and convenient spot to grab a cup of coffee or have a quick bite to eat.

La Villa Café is now open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays and is located at 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

19

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

BENCHMARK RESULTS • STR ATEGIC MARKETING • PERSONALIZED SERVICE

ED C DU RE

BY

K! 0 5 $1

RECENT ACTIVITY

R DE N U

T AC R NT O C

535 SANCTUARY DR #C508 | $4,950,000

BEACHPLACE BLISS

1085 GULF OF MEXICO DR #305 | OFFERED AT $1,045,000 This 3 bed/2 bath corner unit offers serene golf course views, multiple terraces and abundant natural light throughout due to the end unit location. Beachplace has an excellent rental policy allowing owners to maximize income year round when not in residence.

MLS# A4565707 U

ER D N

N CO

CT A R

T

M CO .

E AT T S YE E K TA S E SI

2067 HARBOUR LINKS DR | $1,599,000

LD SO

MOONSHINE POINT

1250 SEA PLUME WAY | OFFERED AT $4,400,000 This 4 bedroom property offers the ultimate in island lifestyle amenities! Vaulted ceilings, bay views, 2 primary suites (1st and 2nd floor options), chef ’s kitchen, elevator, saltwater pool, putting green, deep water dock with 2 lifts, sandy beach, 2 car garage with apartment suite and 2 minutes from the gulf beach access across the street.

Call for a private showing.

MLS# A4559353

5757 GULF OF MEXICO DR #307 | $1,200,000

I A N A DDY, PA

G A I L W IT T IG

IanAddy@MichaelSaunders.com

GailWittig@MichaelSaunders.com

R E A LT O R ®, M B A

A SSOCI ATE

941.387.0100

401257-1

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

20

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

Donna Pettinato, Sandy Finnegan, Margaret Lachmann

Women’s Golf Association tees off end of season Rick Konsavage and Terry O’Hara present Margaret Lachmann with her own sign that will be hung at the back of the locker room building.

Club members gathered for a luncheon at the Harbourside Ballroom to celebrate another great season.

Gloria Hartman, Marcy Klein, Joyce Paladino, Joann Stein

T

he Longboat Key Club & Resort’s Women’s Golf Association celebrated the end of the season on Longboat Key after teeing off together during the year.

Over 90 women attended the luncheon at the Harbourside Ballroom at 12:30 p.m. on April 25.

There was a variety of delicious food served buffet style.

“We play all summer but this marks the end of the season, and it went so well. We played with amazing women and had so many new members, too,” said Sandy Finnegan, former president.

The WGA has more than 188 members in total, with 23 members who joined this year.

During dessert, members voted

Jan Van Iten and Amy Rivotto

on their new president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.

“Lyn Haycock is our president, Mary Taylor is our vice president, Cindy Ray is our secretary and Gloria Hartman is our treasurer,” said Finnegan. “It was my pleasure and honor to have served the girls. It’s just a wonderful group of women and the camaraderie is inexplicable.”

Margaret Lachmann, past president, was awarded the honor of having the back of the locker room

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

Photos by Sidra Wali

building named “Margaret’s Way.” The room roared with laughter and applause.

Terry O’Hara, director of golf for Harbourside and Links, gave a rundown of all the winners that day.

“When I started in 2009, we probably had about 80 to 90 members in the WGA and look at

us now,” said O’Hara.

Toward the end of the luncheon, Finnegan took the podium to express her gratitude and say her farewells as president. She received an engraved vase and flowers for the duration of her service and contributions to the WGA. — SIDRA WALI

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

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

Contact the Fox Leiter Team to start the conversation today!

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

Interested in learning more?

Scan the QR code!

388633-1

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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

REAL ESTATE BY A REAL EXPERT

JUST LISTED • BIRD KEY 618 OWL WAY • SARASOTA, FL • $2,295,000 Remarkably maintained 3BR+DEN/3BA garden home, which presents one of the best values to come available for this sought-after location. Expansive pavered pool area, with oversized covered sitting area.

JUST LISTED • SEA GATE CLUB 2425 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #6A • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,795,000 Indulge in the ultimate Longboat Key lifestyle with this stunning 6th floor, 2BR/2BA corner residence with recent renovations designed to open the living spaces and accentuate the stunning Gulf of Mexico views.

GRAND BAY III 3030 GRAND BAY BLVD., #316 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $2,495,000 Panoramic golf, city, bay and marina views from this 3BR/3BA residence in one of the best locations in Grand Bay. Popular Antigua floor plan, featuring an expansive, extended terrace.

NEW PRICE • PRIVATEER SOUTH 1000 LONGBOAT CLUB RD., #301 • $1,495,000 Rarely available 3BR/3BA corner residence offering over 1,700 sq. ft. of living space, with direct Gulf front views from multiple terraces.

CONDO ON THE BAY 988 BLVD. OF THE ARTS #1114 • SARASOTA, FL • $1,750,000 Recently renovated and spacious 2BR/2BA residence with world-class bay views. From the Chef’s kitchen to the two terraces, the attention to detail is evident at every turn.

L’AMBIANCE 435 L’AMBIANCE DR., #K905 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL• $4,200,000 Sprawling penthouse Sabal floor plan, offering over 2,800 SF, and views spanning the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota Bay and Links golf course. Soaring 12’ ceilings, high-impact glass, and 2 covered parking spaces.

GRAND BAY V 3080 GRAND BAY BLVD., #532 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $925,000 Savor afternoon sun exposure and unobstructed views of the golf course, and sparkling Sarasota Bay. This 2BR/2BA residence presents an opportunity for your distinct touches and style.

THE HARBOR 541 HARBOR POINT ROAD • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $7,950,000 Completely remodeled 5BR/6.5BA waterfront residence. From coffered walls in the striking dining room, to the clever master suite positioning, this residence from top to bottom is extraordinary.

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

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

OVER $60 MILLION PENDING AND SOLD 2023 OVER $97 MILLION SOLD IN 2022 • OVER $134 MILLION SOLD IN 2021

Bruce Myer

Realtor ®

941.376.5311

595 BAY ISLES ROAD, SUITE 250 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228

401496-1

Bruce@BruceMyer.com • www.BruceMyer.com

21

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

Amber Austin, owner and founder of South Florida Ballroom, leads a private dance lesson at the Paradise Center.

WagnerRealty.com Your Hometown Favorite For More Than Eight Decades!

LOCAL, VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1939 LONGBOAT KEY

Courtesy photo

Pending 826 Bayport Way | Bayport Beach & Tennis Club MLS#A4554124 | 2/2 - 1,676sf | Bay View | $859,000 Matt Faul (941) 345-3255

Paradise Center emphasizes importance of brain health in May

4310 Falmouth Dr. #202 | Longboat Harbour MLS#A4554378 | 2/2 - 1,071sf | Bay View | $679,000 | Jon Patella (941) 228-1613

LONGBOAT KEY

595 Bowsprit Ln | Country Club Sh. | MLS#A4562940 3/2.5+ - 2,582 sf | Bay View | NOW $3,099,000 John Gubernat (941) 962-4848

Center will host ballroom dance lessons and improv classes to aid cognitive function and physical health.

612 Marbury Ln. | Sleepy Lagoon | MLS#A4552342 2/2 - 1,128sf | Canal Front | $1,325,000 Rebecca Samler (941) 737-7955

SIDRA WALI

BRADENTON

Pending

CONTRIBUTOR

B

rain health is important for everyone, but as people age, it takes on increased importance.

The Paradise Center is hosting ballroom dance lessons and improv classes in the month of May that will help cognitive function as well as the body.

“There are a lot of things with the aging body you have no control over, but you can do a lot to stay mentally healthy,” said Suzy Brenner, director. “Everybody knows that doing puzzles is good for the brain, but if you do them every day, not so much.”

Brenner explained that participating in new activities is what keeps the brain young. She cited a study conducted in 2018 that explains how simultaneous movement and memory training maximizes the benefits of both.

383 Aruba Cir. #301 | Marina Walk/One Particular Har. MLS#A4552479 | 2/2 - 1,456sf | $975,000 Becky Smith (941) 773-1954 Elvira Starrett (941) 720-3528

546 Freeling Dr., Siesta Key | Bay Island MLS#A4564995 | 11,884 sq ft lot | $1,950,000 Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

RESIDENTIAL SALES - RENTALS - PROPERTY MANAGEMENT VOTED “Favorite Real Estate Company” by local newspaper for more than 24 years in a row!

941.383.5577

401340-1

Longboat Key Office

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

“According to a (University of California Los Angeles) study, out of the 55 participants, 29 were assigned simultaneous exercise and 26 were assigned aerobic exercise,” said Brenner.

After four weeks, the results showed those who participated in simultaneous exercise saw sufficient improvement in memory, attention and reasoning abilities.

“The ballroom classes help with memory because you’re memorizing steps and it gets you moving,” said Brenner.

Brenner explained that there are many ways to improve brain health, such as learning a new language or learning how to play an instrument.

“One of my board members at Florida Studio Theatre (Will Luera) is coming here to host an improv class on May 17 and May 31 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.” said Brenner. “The process of brain-to-brain and social-emotional interaction strengthens many aspects of the brain from dealing with anxiety to creative thinking.”

Ballroom dance lessons have begun; the next lesson will be from 1-2 p.m. May 24 at the Paradise Center. To register, visit TheParadiseCenter.org.

VISIT OUR NEW

SHOWROOM & DESIGN CENTER

to CUSTOM-ize your outdoor furniture.

WHY PAY MORE WHEN YOU CAN BUY THE DIRECT MANUFACTURER

from

QUALITY

UNIQUE LOCAL CONTENT

OPEN to the PUBL IC

• A guide to local fireworks and events • Featured patriotic stories and photos

COMING THURSDAY, JUNE 29

OUTDOOR FURNITURE HIGH END LOOK & QUALITY AT WHOLESALE PRICING

Reach Southwest Florida's affluent residents and visitors as they plan to celebrate the 4th of July holiday.

Space Deadline: Wednesday, June 7

CUSTOM MADE

Reserve Your Space Today

AT OUR PALMETTO FACTORY

advertise@yourobserver.com

OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 9-5.

CLOSED SUNDAYS.

EXTENDED WARRANTY ON ALL FURNITURE

941-366-3468

FLORIDAPATIO.NET 941-722-5643

2500 US BUSINESS 41 NORTH

|

PA L M E T T O , F L 3 4 2 2 1

403234-1

FLORIDA PATIO FURNITURE, INC. 402412-1

22

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

23

REID MURPHY PRESENTS

LUXURY ON THE WATER BUYING or SELLING Call Reid for a successful real estate experience!

941-232-3304

LONGBOAT KEY MAGNIFICENT GULF FRONT ESTATE

$22,000,000

Under Construction. New 5 BD, 8 BA, 100ft frontage on pristine walking beach. Expansive views from open living space & connected lanai. Fireplace, chef’s kitchen, glass wine room, service bar. First level master w/lanai. Junior suite and 2 guest suites have private terrace. Covered outdoor space has fireplace, outdoor kitchen & dining area. Dramatic infinity pool/spa w/ sundeck overlooks Gulf waters. 3 car garage. Home elevator. Hurricane screens. Completion date estimated for March 2023.

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY 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.

LONGBOAT KEY BOATERS DREAM

LONGBOAT KEY L’AMBIENCE

$3,750,000

LONGBOAT KEY $7,775,000 DREAM ISLAND ROAD

$3,195,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY $3,100,00 GULF FRONT

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.

LONGBOAT KEY $3,750,000 WATER CLUB

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.

Spectacular 6th floor 3BR/4BA redesigned Dover plan.

Highend finishes include private elevator opening to Sarasota Bay & city skyline views from floor to ceiling glass and mastersuite terrace offers Gulf vistas.. Luxurious resort style lving on beautiful beach w/all amenities.

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.

Another satisfied client writes...

“

“

~ David & Lisa Massad

Developers Realty Inc Lic. Real Estate Broker

LONGBOAT KEY • CANAL LOT#1 • CANAL LOT#2

LONGBOAT KEY $1,995,000 EMERALD HARBOR $2,495,00 $1,995,000 Updated & meticulously maintained split-plan 4 BR/3 BA pool

Build your dream home on one of north LBK’s most desirable home on wide canal w/ direct Bay access. A boater’s dream streets. Premier boating location. Great canal leads directly w/new dock and 10,000lb boat lift. to Bay & ICW No bridges. Walk to beach.

CALL REID TODAY! | 941.232.3304

www.ReidMurphy.com

595 Bay Isles Road | Longboat Key, FL 34228

403374-1

My wife and I were working with a realtor for months and getting pretty frustrated trying to find the right condo for us. A friend recommended we call Reid Murphy. He wasted no time finding us the perfect place.

We couldn’t be happier. His great reputation is well deserved!!!!

24

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

seitreporp esitrepxe stluser

YRANIDR OAEXTRAORDINARY RTXE EXTRAORDINARY

941.928.3559

properties expertise results

PET PICS

UNRIVALED UNRIVALED

DELAVIRNU

Certified Residential Specialist LBroker-Associate ANOITPECXE

YourObserver.com

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

EXCEPTIONAL

9553.829.149

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

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

W NE

CE PRI

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

W NE

CE PRI

3,103sf | 4br | $3,350,000 | A4561890

G DIN N E P

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

tsenif

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

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

finest

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

401294-1

3,372sf | 3br | $1,995,000 | A4559740

Downtown Sarasota’s Premier Senior Rental Retirement Residence

Call 941-955-9099

To Schedule a Tour and Complimentary Meal AldermanOaks.com

386512-1

CAT’S IN THE BAG: Ragdoll Monty takes a load off on Longboat Key.

RESULTS...

that will move you!

Leading, guiding and empowering the most distinguished Sellers and Buyers of Luxury Real Estate on Longboat Key.

941-201-2114 www.rickcusack.com

403092-1

1575 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236 Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

25

STANDING UNITED WITH UKRAINE THE ACKERMAN GROUP

941.387.1820 941.387.1820

TOP PRODUCING SMALL TEAM IN SARASOTA COUNTY

RYAN ACKERMAN ryan@ackermangroup.net

BARBARA ACKERMAN barbara@ackermangroup.net

www.ackermansrq.com

www.ackermansrq.com AVAILABLE PROPERTIES

RYAN ACKERMAN

ryan@ackermangroup.net

NEW LISTING NEW LISTING

BARBARA ACKERMAN

barbara@ackermangroup.net

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

MAINLAND | THE LANDINGS CRYSTAL SANDS - SIESTA KEY 4816 PEREGRINE PT. CIR. WEST | 4BR+OFFICE/4.5BA | 4,698 SF | CUSTOM 2-STORY POOL HOME ON QUIET CUL-DE-SAC 6300 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #101, SARASOTA, FL • 2BR/2BA • 1,240 SF • $1,395,000

$2,599,000

Turnkey furnished walkout residence with split plan, porcelain wood floors & new hurricane impact sliders. A great investment opportunity!

WATERNEW CLUB I LISTING

$3,495,000 THE SEA BREEZE

NEW PRICE

$3,199,000

9008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 SARASOTA, FL

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

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

3BR/4BA • 3,045 SF

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

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

LA BELLASARA - DOWNTOWN

$3,995,000

464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #503, SARASOTA, FL 3BR/4.5 BA • 3,490 SF • 2-Car Garage Rarely available 5th floor residence offering expansive bay and city views, outdoor grill, an open floor plan, and full concierge services in a gated, pet-friendly community.

WEST OF TRAIL | CHEROKEE PARK

$2,595,000

3BR/2BA | 2,193 SF | 1&½ LOTS | FULLY FENCED ON A QUIET TREE LINED STREET

NEW PRICE LA BELLASARA

$4,289,000

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

3BR/4.5 BA • 3,490 SF • 2-Car Garage

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

SIESTA COVE

$4,250,000

5BR/6 BA +CLUB 2 Half Baths • 5,133 SF • Situated WATER I - LONGBOAT KEY on 1.5 lots

$3,495,000

5212 SIESTA COVE DRIVE, SARASOTA

Spacious, beautifully landscaped 2-storyLONGBOAT waterfront point property on a clu-de-sace, with 1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #704, KEY, FL a3BR/4BA 120’ boat dock & 10,000 • 3,045 SF lb. lift. Exceptional open water views.

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

NOW PENDING

NEW PRICE

NOW PENDING

NOW PENDING

LONGBOAT KEY | FAIRWAY BAY 1930 HARBOURSIDE DR. #141 | 2BR/2BA | 1,442 SF RARELY AVAILABLE | LARGEST CORNER UNIT

$934,000

NOW PENDING

SIESTA KEY | SARA SANDS $2,295,000 5182 SANDY BEACH AVE. | 3BR+STUDY/4.5BA | 3,398 SF 116’ OF WATERFRONT | WATERCRAFT STORAGE W/ UPLAND CUT

NEW PRICE $1,260,000 COREY’S LANDING

AQUARIUS CLUB

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

$1,899,000

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

THE SEA BREEZE - SIESTA KEY LIDO NEW MOTIVATED LA BELLASARA $3.395,000 REGENCY PRICE $2,900,000 $549,000

9008GOLDEN MIDNIGHT PASS #5,SARASOTA SARASOTA, FL 464 GATE PT.,RD., #202, 1700 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DR.#5F, SARASOTA 3BR/3.5 BA • 3,700 SF • Private 2-Car Garage 981full SF floor • Baypenthouse and city views 3BR+DEN/3.5BA SFsunsets • 2-Car 360 degree views •& 3,153 glorious ongarage the Gulf of 1BR/1.5BA Mexico from• this with a private roof-top terrace, deeded boat slip, and hurricane impact windows and sliders.

CONFUSED ABOUT NEW CONSTRUCTION OPTIONS?

DEMYSTIFY THE EXPERIENCE — CALL THE ACKERMAN GROUP! 941-387-1820 DOWNTOWN SARASOTA | VISTA BAY POINT $3,750,000 SIESTA KEY | THE SEA BREEZE PRE-CONSTRUCTION 128 GOLDEN GATE PT. #1002A | 3BR+DEN/3BA | 3,477 SF 9008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 | 3BR/3.5 BA | 3,700 SF PENTHOUSE WITH PRIVATE ROOF TOP TERRACE

PRIVATE 2-CAR GARAGE | PRIVATE ROOF TOP TERRACE SIESTA COVE- SIESTA KEY 5212 SIESTA COVE DRIVE, SARASOTA

$2,900,000 $3,987,000

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

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

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

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

LA BELLASARA | LEASE-PURCHASE OPPORTUNITY 464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #503 | 3BR/4.5 BA | 3,490 SF 2-CAR GARAGE | AMAZING BAY, MARINA & CITY VIEWS

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

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

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

- MAINLAND $949,000 $3,699,000 SORRENTO MAINLAND SHORES | SORRENTO SHORES $925,000 449 S. SHORE DRIVE, OSPREY 449 S. SHORE DRIVE, OSPREY | 3BR/3BA | 2,564 SF 3BR/3BA • 2,564 SF • Minutes to Siesta Key MINUTES styled TO SIESTA KEY Contemporary home with oversized lap pool, waterfall feature, spa, a large, covered patio with gas grill and private backyard with firepit.

THE COLLECTION EN POINTE ZAHRADA 2 ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES VILLA BALLADA ONE PARK SARASOTA 1355 2nd Street 509 Golden Gate Point 1546 4th Street 430 Kumquat Court 1100 Blvd. of the Arts 1100 Blvd. of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 595 BAY ISLES RD., SUITE 250 | LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228 • 443 JOHN RINGLING BLVD., STE., F | SARASOTA, FLSarasota, 34236 FL 34236 Completion: Winter 2023 Completion: Fall 2026 Completion: Winter 2024 Completion: Fall 2025 Completion:: Fall 2025 Completion: Fall 2026

403370-1

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

26

YourObserver.com

YOUR CALENDAR

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

to 1 p.m. at 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Donations are accepted during business hours. Call 383-4738.

VETERANS CANTEEN 1-2 p.m. at the Paradise Center, Tidewell Foundation Building, 546 Bay Isles Road. Veterans’ Canteen sponsored by the Rotary Club of Longboat Key. A welcoming space for our U.S. veterans to connect, relax, chat, share and support one another. Free.

TUESDAYS

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.

RECURRING EVENTS WEEKDAYS

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

On Wednesdays, most books are on sale for $1 or less. Call 3832011.

MONDAYS

STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. This class is mostly seated and great for all fitness levels 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 SATURDAYS

LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT STORE The thrift store will be open 9 a.m.

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.

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 203-605-4066 or email Info@­ LongboatKeyRotary.org.

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. This service organization meets every first and third Thursday of the month for breakfast and a speaker. Breakfast is $15. Email Lynn Larson at LynnLarson@Comcast.net to register.

ZUMBA AND MAT PILATES FOR SENIORS From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. The class, designed for active seniors, starts with zumba and shifts to all-level mat Pilates at 10:30 a.m.

Come for 30 minutes or the full hour. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

File photo

A red Corvette on display at the 2019 Corvettes on the Circle car show at St. Armands Circle.

BEST BET

FRIDAYS

SATURDAY, MAY 6

INTERMEDIATE TAI CHI From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Reuben Fernandez teaches Chen-style class. Outside if weather permitting. Free for members; $15 for others. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

CORVETTES ON THE CIRCLE — 25TH ANNIVERSARY 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Armands Circle. One of largest classic Corvette shows in Florida will feature more than 150 models of classic American cars. A range of cars will be on display with Corvette models from the 1950s through the present.

Trophies will be awarded to the top three Corvettes in each generation, as well as Best in Show, and Skyway Corvette Club Favorite. For additional information visit SkywayCorvetteClub.com. The event is free for spectators, but car registration proceeds will be donated to the Honor Flight of West Central Florida, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing Sarasota/Bradenton-area veterans with honor and closure.

QI GONG AND MEDITATION From 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, take qi gong and meditation with Sandi Love. Free for members; $15 for others. Call 383-6493.

Living and Working on Longboat Key for 40 Years

Cathy C. Meldahl, P.A. Your Longboat Key Community Realtor

401307-1

• Consistent top producer on Longboat Key • In-depth knowledge of the real estate market • Active in our community with Longbeach Village Association Longboat Key Historical Society Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Longboat Key Garden Club 401268-1

941.724.7228

ERS’ EXPECTATIONS GBOAT KEY

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

ExceedingExpectations

JUST LISTED Sellers’

JoDene Moneuse – Your Neighbor, Your REALTOR®.

Committed to exceeding your needs.

on Longboat Key

...AND UNDER CONTRACT 2326 HARBOUR New Listing OAKS DR.

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

540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE

VACANT LAND LISTING $3,400,000 Privateer South GulfResidential MLS# A4534178 front with VacantCondo Land MLS# A4535177

LONGBOAT KEY

$3,200,000

Luxurious canal front home, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3957 sq. ft.

3590 Fair Oaks Lane MLS#A4564100

UNDER CONTRACT

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

JUST LISTED

1000 Longboat Club Rd. #604 2 BR | 2 BA | 1,409 SF $1,200,000 | MLS# A4566900

| MLS# A4550092 Windows and Doors • Located$1,225,000 on pristine white 2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR. beaches behind the gates • Updated kitchen and ...AND 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF of the Longboat Key Club baths $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092 UNDER CONTRACT BUILD YOUR • Large two bedroom • Bamboo flooring DREAMHOME! condo with open split • Turnkey furnished OAKS DR. 2326 HARBOUR floor plan • Gulf, Bay, Downtown 3 BR | 2.5 and BA | 2,282 SF 540Impact HARBOR COVE CIRCLE • Hurricane Views BUILD YOUR $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092

3555 FAIR OAKS LANE SOLD FORPending $2,300,000

Residential MLS# A4534178 Vacant Land MLS# Open House Sunday 1 to 4A4535177 pm

Panoramic Views

LAST SIX MONTHS

VACANT LAND LISTING

DREAMHOME! $3,400,000

LONGBOAT KEY

Sold 540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE BUILD YOUR VACANT LAND LISTING

DREAMHOME!

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

540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE

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

2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVEBeachfront 580 BIRDIE LANE Bay Isles Villa Getaway

$1,695,000 LONGBOAT KEY

Vacant canal front land with a 50 ft. dock.

628 Lyons Lane MLS#A4565151

$1,595,000

Quintessential beach house, reimagined Captains cottage.

450 Firehouse Court MLS#A4564974

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

HOME SIXFORMONTHS SOLD SALES FOR $1,310,000IN LAST SOLD $4,260,000 2373 Harbour Oaks Dr 6701 Gulf of Mexico Dr #331 2339 Harbour Oaks Dr 3BR |HARBOUR 2.5 BA | 2,245OAKS SF 2341 CIR. $1,150,000 | MLS# A4561177 SOLD FOR $1,275,000

2BR | 2BA | 1,520 SF OAKS LANE 3BR | 2.5BA | 2,396 SF 3555 FAIR $1,249,000 | MLS# A4560728 $1,200,000 | MLS# A4559128

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

RECENT SALES 2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE 580 BIRDIE LANE 2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE SOLD FOR $1,310,000 SOLD FOR $4,260,000 L’Elegance | 1800 Benjamin Franklin Drive #B206 | $2,850,000 SOLD FOR $1,275,000 SOLD FOR $2,300,000 Bay Isles | 2369 Harbour Oaks Drive | $1,350,000

LONGBOAT KEY

2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE

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

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

Julie Klick

30818.416.2505 years of combined experience specializing

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

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

LivingonLongboat.com

941.780.6001

• 34 year Longboat Key Resident • Top 1.5% of Florida Realtors - Real Trends America’s Best Real Estate Agents

Beverly St. Hilaire BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE

• 2019-2022 Top Agent - Michael Saunders Mid Longboat Key office

818.416.2505 818.416.2505

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

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

• 2019-2022 Five Star in Customer Service Award Winner 391917-1

JULIE KLICK

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

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

$999,000

Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo behind the gates of Bay Isles in Harbour Oaks Longboat Key. 2115 Harbourside Drive MLS#4566654

• Institute for Luxury Home Marketing Million Dollar GUILD

941.302.4913 JoDeneMoneuse@michaelsaunders.com LongboatKeyLiving.com 401283-1

JULIE KLICK 818.416.2505 941.780.6001

$1,280,000 LONGBOAT KEY

Situated on 100x100 canal front lot. The lowest priced waterfront property on Longboat Key. 530 DeNarvaez Drive MLS#A4553308

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

May 1, 2023

NEW LISTING

ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES

BANYAN BAY on the Bayside

L'AMBIANCE

PRE-CONSTRUCTION New on Lido Key! Sugar-soft sand and the glistening Gulf will soon be home to the 65 owners of Rosewood Residences.

Five unique floorplans, 3335 to 4942 sq. ft.

Offered from $5.9 million

5260 Gulf of Mexico Drive 404 | LONGBOAT KEY 3 bed, 3 bath | 1,453 Sq Ft Rarely on the market! This Gulf to Bay community is a pet-friendly (no weight limit), 44 residences only, that offers tennis courts, pool and day dock fishing pier.

Offered for $749,000

535 L'Ambiance L207 | LONGBOAT KEY 3 bed, 4 bath | 2,525 Sq Ft Almost new within the gates of the exclusive Longboat Key Club. From sunrise to sunset, this residence offers an abundance of natural light and lovely views from the wrap around terrace.

Offered for $2,600,000

408 Jackson Dr | St. Armands - LIDO KEY 3 bed + den, 3 bath | 2,344 sq.ft.

The Gem of all Jewels on St. Armands Circle!

Location makes this spacious home with a pool an exceptional opportunity for those who want to be minutes from St Armands 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. Newer windows improve energy efficiency, and high ceilings give an open and airy feel. With its glass walls, the family room/office can be readily transformed into a fourth bedroom. 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, 4 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 $4,200,000

RITZ-CARLTON MANAGED THE BEACH RESIDENCES

1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr #601 | LIDO KEY 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 proportioned wrap-around terrace with sliding floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors offer stunning views in this meticulously designed, ALMOST NEW residence.

Offered for $5,500,000

3030 Grand Bay Blvd #321 | LONGBOAT KEY

Thinking of selling? Please call us for similar results!

JUDY KEPECZ - HAYS (941) 587-1700

403088-1

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.

JUST LISTED! Offered for $2,750,000

27

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

SIESTA KEY 5131 Jungle Plum Road 6 Beds 6/1 Baths 6,369 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4564288 $9,980,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3010 Grand Bay Boulevard 493 2 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,550 Sq. Ft. Michael Nink & Sandi Layfield 941-914-2805 A4566091 $2,997,000

LIDO KEY 1168 Westway Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,858 Sq. Ft. Sherry Dominick 941-500-3774 A4556113 $2,969,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 132 49th Street 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,709 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4565960 $2,599,999

LONGBOAT KEY 3150 Bayou Sound 3 Beds 4 Baths 3,540 Sq. Ft. Maureen Horn 941-539-3384 A4566865 $2,250,000

LONGBOAT KEY 775 Longboat Club Road 906 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,524 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4565474 $1,775,000

LONGBOAT KEY 628 Lyons Lane Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4565151 $1,695,000

LONGBOAT KEY 450 Firehouse Court 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,390 Sq. Ft. Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4564974 $1,595,000

LONGBOAT KEY 763 Saint Judes Drive N A & B 1,780 Sq. Ft. Bill Anderson & Adrienne Scott 941-313-4059 A4564196 $1,375,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1085 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 305 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,819 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4556271 $1,095,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4234 Gulf Of Mexico Drive G2 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,636 Sq. Ft. Mark J Baron 631-800-1125 A4568318 $995,000

LONGBOAT KEY 5125 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 3 2 Beds 2 Baths 961 Sq. Ft. Lawrence Zeigler 941-228-2612 A4567572 $875,000

LIDO KEY 1001 Benjamin Franklin Drive 302 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,224 Sq. Ft. The Collier Group 941-313-1212 A4558467 $825,000

LONGBOAT KEY 6700 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 135 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,441 Sq. Ft. Richard Perlman 941-228-8580 A4563904 $798,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4401 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 503 1 Bed 1 Baths 896 Sq. Ft. Michael Nink 941-914-2805 A4556888 $767,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3806 Gulf Of Mexico Drive C404 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,514 Sq. Ft. Stephen Harris 941-780-2352 A4536940 $764,000

LONGBOAT KEY 730 Spanish Drive S 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,255 Sq. Ft. Sean Clark 941-312-1146 A4541965 $599,900

LONGBOAT KEY 525 Sutton Place 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,450 Sq. Ft. Sandi Layfield & Michael Nink, PA 941-914-2807 A4560415 $599,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 441 63rd Street 2 Beds 1 Baths 950 Sq. Ft. Felix Power 941-586-8958 A4567346 $599,000

LONGBOAT KEY 542 Sutton Place 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,450 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4568132 $579,000

LONGBOAT KEY 719 Spanish Drive S 210 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,237 Sq. Ft. Bill Anderson & Adrienne Scott 941-313-4059 A4567236 $559,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4310 Falmouth Drive A105 1 Bed 1 Baths 747 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4553673 $449,500

LIDO KEY 170 Roosevelt Drive 21 1 Bed 1 Baths 601 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon 941-234-3991 A4554335 $439,900

LONGBOAT KEY 4420 Exeter Drive L104 1 Bed 1 Baths 837 Sq. Ft. Cathy Meldahl & Susan Smith 941-724-7228 A4561711 $439,500

LONGBOAT KEY 3808 Gulf Of Mexico Drive E307 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,007 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon 941-234-3991 A4556404 $439,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 511 Bayview Drive 4 Beds 5 Baths 3,353 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4562528 $6,900,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 240 Oak Avenue 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,847 Sq. Ft. Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4555313 $4,495,000

LIDO KEY 1143 Morningside Place 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,013 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4561890 $3,350,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

401853-1

28

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Manchester Bay tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Russell and Mary Meloche, of Rochester, Michigan, sold their home at 3614 Fair Oaks Place to William Adam E ­ hret and Julia Suzanne Ehret, of Westfield, Indiana, for $3,675,000.

Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 4,050 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.7 million in 2011.

REAL ESTATE

Manchester Bay home tops week’s sales at $3.7 million

29

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS

Barbara Horowitz, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the Unit S-603 condominium at 601 Longboat Club Road to LBKT LP for $1,725,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,458 square feet of living area. It sold for $315,000 in 1994.

SLEEPY LAGOON PARK

Cari Steed, of Longboat Key, sold the home at 553 Juan Anasco Drive to Brian Bevel, of Galien, Michigan, for $1,715,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,337 square feet of living area.

It sold for $745,000 in 2019.

FAIRWAY BAY

Maryann Tarnok, of Mount Kisco, New York, sold her Unit 512 condominium at 2110 Harbourside Drive to Judith Weber, of Lady Lake, for $989,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,039 square feet of living area. It sold for $745,000 in 2017.

Paul and Marilyn Blankman sold their Unit 411 condominium at 2020 Harbourside Drive to Bradley and Carla Bower, of Knoxville, Tennessee, for $967,500. Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,442 square feet of living area. It sold for $435,000 in 2011.

COREY’S LANDING

Philip Kreis, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 3501 Mistletoe Lane to Lola Ans Holding LLC for

Courtesy of Jo Rutstein, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

The home at 3614 Fair Oaks Place sold for $3,675,000.

$985,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,049 square feet of living area. It sold for $570,000 in 2001.

LONGBOAT BEACH HOUSE

Charles and Barbara Elliott, of Duxbury, Massachusetts, sold their Unit 604 condominium at 4311 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Todd and Elizabeth Way, of Exton, Pennsylvania, for $975,000. Built in 1977, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,239 square feet of living area. It sold for $141,000 in 1988.

sold for $519,000 in 2016.

ISLANDER CLUB OF LONGBOAT

William Whistler, of Dayton, Ohio, sold his Unit 55-N condominium at 2301 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Kevin and Carolyn Giordano, of Longboat Key, for $749,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,235 square feet of living area. It sold for $397,500 in 2019.

SPANISH MAIN YACHT CLUB

Margaret Richlin, of Columbia, Maryland, sold her Unit 182 condo-

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

APRIL 17-21

minium at 699 El Centro to Nancy Steger, of W. Bend, Wisconsin, for $472,500. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,327 square feet of living area. It sold for $382,000 in 2021.

SANDS POINT

Ann Louise Lance, trustee, of Tallahassee, sold the Unit 208 condominium at 100 Sands Point Road to David Burke and Jennifer Pokriefka, of Bay City, Michigan, for $935,000.

Built in 1966, it has one bedroom, two baths and 1,492 square feet of living area.

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

SEA GRAPE INN

Allison Hessell LeBuhn, trustee, of Denver, sold the Unit 6 condominium at 5125 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Georgia Tsarnas, trustee, of Peninsula, Ohio, for $869,000. Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 961 square feet of living area. It

Downtown St. Petersburg

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of April 21-27 in order of dollar amounts.

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS PERMIT 2120 Harbourside Drive #628 Alt/Renovation

APPLICANT Carl and Patricia Cooper

AMOUNT($) $250,000

565 Sanctuary Drive #A102

Alt/Renovation

J&J Lozinski Florida Trust

$250,000

4600 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Alt/Renovation

Bruce C. Forster

$223,361

640 Rountree Drive

Dock/Seawall

Michael Patrick Rutz

$180,950

775 Longboat Club

Alt/Renovation

Michael Demeo

$178,805

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

Longboat Key

Unit 303

Road #506 615 Dream Island Road Unit 310 Dock/Seawall

Ronald A. Heinrichs

$177,480

2045 Gulf of Mexico

Andrew K. Glaub

$165,875

2333 Gulf of Mexico Drive #1C2 Windows/Doors Gordon A. White

$116,718

3420 Fair Oaks Lane

Cage/Screen

Rhodes-Thayer Trust

$107,328

1105 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Windows/Doors

Joan L. Gastman

$89,329

573 Cutter Lane

Roof

Steven Gordon Fraser

$83,636

551 Harbor Cove Circle

Cage/Screen

Suzan F. Gaynes Revocable

$73,737

Drive #A102

2410 Harbourside Drive #628 Alt/Renovation

Heather and Charles Annaloro $73,350

600 Bay Isles Road

Roof

Town of Longboat Key

584 Hornblower Lane

Roof

Donald M. Robinson

$66,870

561 Ketch Lane

Roof

John S. Gray

$62,900

1105 Gulf of Mexico Drive #404 Windows/Doors Peter C. Fischer

$58,506

Avenue of the Flowers AC

$56,750

2016 Harbourside Drive #343 Alt/Renovation

Ileana Alvarez-Jacinto

$55,600

3436 Mistletoe Lane

Ronald Allen Fromm

$45,810

360 Gulf of Mexico Drive #321 Alt/Renovation

Dennis R. Hall & Mary K. Hall

$39,000

521 Wedge Lane

Roy James

$37,623

Roof Roof

1 FINAL OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE

Downtown Sarasota

$68,250

525 Bay Isles Parkway

Plumbing

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

2343 Harbour Oaks Drive

Windows/Doors

Debra J. McKenna Revocable

$32,638

513 Sloop Lane

Alt/Renovation

Victoria Percopo

$29,594

3610 Bayou Circle

Alt/Renovation

Mark Ostrander

$28,760 Source: Town of Longboat Key

The Collection | 941.232.2868 | thecollection1335.com

Sales galleries open and available for virtual or in-person presentations.

Virtual home tours | OnDemand local experts | Interactive site and floorplans

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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

401829-1

Alt/Renovation

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

Orchid Beach Penthouse Quite Simply . . . The Very Best Beachfront

Spectacular Views of the Gulf, Bay & City Skyline On the Beach 7,795 SF 3+ Car Garage Fabulous Amenities 24/7 Security Pet Friendly, 2 Pets No Size Restriction At the Quiet Tip of Lido Key $13,900,000

Sylvia Babineau 941/504.0551 Broker-Owner My Realty Company sylviababineau@gmail.com

http://www.orchidbeach-onlyexpert-residentrealtor.com/

Cutie Pie

Director Public Relations

403481-1

30

YourObserver.com

31

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, MAY 5

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

High: 84 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 3%

Thursday, May 4

6:48a

8:04p

Friday, May 5

6:47a

8:05p

Saturday, May 6

6:46a

8:05p

Sunday, May 7

6:45a

8:06p

SATURDAY, MAY 6

Monday, May 8

6:45a

8:06p

High: 83 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 5%

Tuesday, May 9

6:44a

8:07p

Wednesday, May 10

6:43a

8:08p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, MAY 7 High: 84 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 15%

May 12 Last

May 19 New

May 27 First

June 3 Full

TIDES Highs Lows Thursday, May 4

John Harkness captured a shot of this dolphin midjump off the coast of Longboat Key.

12:29a

11:24a

6:02a

7:16p

Friday, May 5

1:19a

11:44a

6:20a

7:55p

Saturday, May 6

2:13a

12:10p

6:35a

8:39p

Sunday, May 7

3:15a

12:42p

6:45a

9:28p

Monday, May 8

—

1:20p

—

10:26p

Tuesday, May 9

—

2:05p

—

11:31p

Wednesday, May 10

—

2:59p

—

—

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

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC Pur-fect for the Whole Family

celebrity cipher 55 Celebrity gossip source

noises

56 Take a mulligan

DOWN

57 Mild-mannered folks, metaphorically

1 Dell offerings (Abbr.)

58 X, in math

2 Opaque brew

59 “In yo’ face!”

3 So

62 Charm

4 Big brand in appliances

63 Charm

5 Ceramic worker

64 Smells to high heaven

6 Actress Thompson of

66 People who wrangle with

“Creed III”

Python?

7 Sum to

68 Meteor shower radiating

8 People making delivery

from the Little Bear

orders?

71 Replenishes

9 Stray

72 Bruises

10 Lowdown, in slang

73 License info

11 Like the Arctic Ocean

74 The Fates or the Magi

12 Shellfish often cooked

75 “To thine own ___ be

into fritters

true”

13 Spout

76 Blemish

14 Silent types?

77 More welcoming

15 Takes care of business

85 Davidson of “Meet Cute”

16 Will’s strength, in “Good

86 Note that follows fa

Will Hunting”

88 Golfer Michelle

17 Breakfast times (Abbr.)

89 Shrek, for one

“EUNK UNVVAXAM KZ DZYS UNXM?” “PK FZK UPK WD N CPSSZS.” “UZE’M KUNK UNVVAX?” “P BZRK CD KACVAS NK CDRABI.”

“CZZXSPRA GPXFMZC”

“WU RSJ ELGF FS LXYWCNC LGRFYWGB PHCXWLO WG OWUC RSJ YLNC FS ESDA, ESDA LGV FYCG ESDA PSIC ISDC.” VLNWV ZCXAYLI

“CFL UFS’H XRPWWC OPZR HF DPC KLVO MORS CFLX ORPUWTSR TD ‘UXPB ALRRS XFJD JLXBRX NTSB.’”

19 Avatar for some Nintendo 91 Seaweed

©2023 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Broadcaster of the 2022 Earthshot Prize awards 4 “___ girl!”

8 ___ Moines 11 Warhead carrier (Abbr.)

15 A peeling place?

18 Of lower quality 20 Mork’s home planet 21 “Gladiator” venue 23 *Figure eights?

26 Kvetches and moans 27 Grassy Spanish plain 28 Botox target 29 It might go off with a bang (Abbr.)

30 *Grand old times?

33 “OMG, stop already!”

35 Sounds of satiation 37 Fashionable

players

92 Org. fighting piracy

22 Federal loan agcy.

95 Certain splinter groups

24 Sound often made by

96 Pipsqueak

38 Imp’s year-end comeup-

rupting Cow” knock-knock

94 Harangue

flutes

pance

joke

97 Spine-tingling

95 Like some uphill climbs

25 Labors

39 *Perfect score in Vegas?

71 *A penny for your

99 Shape of an Archimedes

98 Tibetan capital

29 Letters preceding Q

43 *Woman with a six-pack? thoughts?

screw

102 Former Labor Secretary

31 Brand for lighting and

47 ___ studies (discipline

78 Lament

100 Japanese cartoon genre

Robert

writing

championed by Du Bois)

79 Fall for, in a way

101 Flight path?

106 Producer of shear

32 ___ Alpha

48 To the ___ degree

80 Ref. named for a British

103 Ancient Aegean region

fabric?

34 ___ de la Cite

51 December decor, for

university

104 Vehicle driven to the

107 *Four corners monu-

36 Certain vowel sounds

some

81 Goads into bungee jump- ment?

52 *Fiver, famously?

ing, say

113 “Caught you!”

57 Canadian brew

levee, in song 38 Big name in high fashion 105 Kinky items?

40 Be a blue-collar worker? 107 Very, at Versailles

82 ___ Paolo, Brazil

114 *Double-header?

41 Dump

60 Perilous place

83 “Our God Is Marching On” 117 Whopper, e.g.

61 Like some old houses

orator (Abbr.)

118 Certain additional

65 “Famous” cookie

108 Jabba the ___ 42 Play part ... or play a part 109 Canadian gas brand 44 Who says?

110 H.S. stats

84 Some tea and juice

partygoers ... and a hint to

45 Subway option

producer

blends

the adjustments needed for

66 Bengals, on scoreboards 87 Bucks, on scoreboards

the starred clues

67 End of a college’s address 88 Nintendo accessories

111 Faire adjective 46 Andy who wrote “Project 112 Clad in a birthday suit Hail Mary” 115 ___ free (label on

121 Uncommon delivery

48 D.C. pro

69 Fabric that might make

bottles)

90 *Eleventh hour hap-

122 Naughty tot

49 Celebrity gossip source

you look FA-BU-LOUS!

116 Fraternal order member

pening

123 Supplement

50 “Shaq” airer

70 Punchline to the “Inter-

119 Envy or greed

93 Scrape

124 Resonates with

53 Fashionable

120 NBA extra periods

EAR NXMASRZX’R

IFLXSPWTDH MTWWTR BRTDH © 2023 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

402024-1

54 Perfected

126 Tot toys making animal

Puzzle Three Clue: K equals M

125 Crosses (out)

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: J equals U

NEXT-LEVEL THINKING by Rich Katz and Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen

Puzzle One Clue: I equals F

crossword

399844-1

Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

5-4-23

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM

WEEKLY MONTHLY

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

Merchandise Wanted

Items Under $200 PANINI MAKER Cuisinart, like new, stainless steel $50 (941) 920-2494

GARAGE SALE

As low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888

BUYING BASEBALL card collections! Looking to free up space and make $$? Need to sell sports cards? Collector looking to expand collection.

Pay top dollar. Text/call 941-548-6492 with photos.

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

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

This week’s Crossword answers

Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Condos/Apts. for Rent

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

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

RED PAGES AD RATES First 15 words .................. $ 17.50 per week Each Add’l word ....... 50¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888

Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

2BR/2BA Whitney Beach Condo for Rent. North End LBK, 1st floor bay side condo, updated kitchen and baths.

Waterview and great beach access, chairs on the beach, tennis/pickleball. Min. 1 month. $4500/Month + tax.

Available May 15 - June 23, Aug, Sept, Nov, Dec. (301) 767-7217 g3rmany@yahoo.com SARASOTA CITY 1 or 2 Bedroom Cozy Getaway.

Quaint Sarasota Apartment.

Walk to City. Five Minutes From The Beach.

2 Night Minimum Stay 1 Bedroom $250 Per Night And 2 Bedroom $290 Per Night Call Joe (908) 507-4146

home services

GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE!

Between

Wagner Realty

auto

stuff

ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236

Beachfront, Bayfront and In

MOW OVER the competition!

Items Under $200

SEASONAL RATES

real estate

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.

Auto Transport

SELL IT FAST!

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

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

Place Your Ad Online YourObserver.com/RedPages

Painting

Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

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

Call 941-383-3338.

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

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888 Painting CARLO DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos.

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

Puzzle One Solution: “What happened to your hand?” “It got hit by a mirror.” “How’d that happen?” “I lost my temper at myself.”

Wes Anderson’s “Moonrise Kingdom” Puzzle Two Solution: “If you want to achieve anything special in life you have to work, work and then work some more.”

David Beckham

Attorney

Auto Service

SELL YOUR CAR!

Divorce without Lawyers

Puzzle Three Solution: “You don’t really have to say much when your headline is ‘Drag Queen Robs Burger King.’”

Journalist Willie Geist

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

This week’s Sudoku answers

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

FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU

941.270.4400

5-Star Rated

HoHoBuysCars.com

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

402347

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Carpet Cleaning

William J. Leininger, JD

Let Us Help With Your Spring Cleaning!

Find anything in the RED PAGES ©2023 NEA, Inc.

941-955-4888

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

DRIES IN HOURS – NOT DAYS • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

941-778-2882 • 941-387-0607

Serving AMI, LBK and Bradenton for 25 years Check out our 5 Star Reviews on Google

Like Us on Facebook

402678

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

402346

peekers’ place

You’re only cheating yourself.

©2023 Universal Uclick

YourObserver.com

33

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

Doors

Home Watch

Power Washing

Sliding Glass Door Repair

FIRST RESPONDER OWNED & OPERATED

Pressure Washing

Honesty, Integrity and Pride

• Roofs • Pool Cages • Decks • Driveways Roofs • Pool Cages • Decks • Driveways ••Deck/Paver Sealing • Gutter Cleaning • Deck/PaverAnd Sealing • And Much More Much More!

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE” dan@shorelockhomewatch.com

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004 403250

(941)544-0475

402688

www.shorelockhomewatch.com

941-544-1066 | scaperotta@aol.com Find us on Google!

Italian American Owned

Insurance

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

402338

941-504-0903

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

Handyman

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

Building & Roofing Contractor

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

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

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

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

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

402676

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772 KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

Health

1/10/23, 10:25 AM

402345

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

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

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

Windows

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Massage

STANDARD WINDOWS

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

403259

Home Watch

Chrissy Stites LMT, CMCE

Painting

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING, LLC

150

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

High-End Interior Painting Services

WITH THE RED PAGES

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

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

ows

Purified water window cleaning available!!

401925

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

402350

Dave and Connie Grundy

25

UP TO

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

1/1

Lic./Ins.

Call 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Heart & Sole Healing Space, LLC

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

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

ndow & Pressure Clea et Wi nin s n wn as Sunrise Win g Su erly kno d

401933

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

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

All Airports, Hourly & Tours www.blacklabelcarservice.com

Res./Com.

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

941-248-4734

Booked Referral Program Next Ride with Booked Referral

Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

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

Luxury for Less

10% off

CREATE BUZZ!

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

Transportation

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

402352

MIC INSURANCE

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

Roofing

403264

Furniture Repair

BEFORE

AFTER

402353

402348

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

Pressure Washing

Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Insurance

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

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

SEARCH the RED PAGES for GREAT DEALS To place an ad

Call 941-955-4888

402351

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

Modern Living

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

YourObserver.com

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

1325 WESTWAY DRIVE Modern marvel in Lido Shores! Step into this tropical escape through the hidden courtyard, with its 60’ lap pool lined by royal palms and unique fire bowls, as the perfect introduction to a contemporary masterpiece designed by DSDG Architect Mark Sultana and built by Voigt Construction. Boasting all the amenities required for modern living, the inspired architecture highlights spectacular views from every room of this home’s 6,500+ interior, and 360-degree vistas from the private rooftop deck. The options for enjoyment are endless, offering a separate guest house, secluded master on its own level, gym, studio and office, plus summer kitchen, 4-car garage, multiple waterfront terraces and boating options.

6,590 square feet heated 5 bedrooms + gym, office 6 full and 2 half baths

$15,000,000 www.1325WestwayDrive.com

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE TOUR (941) 387-1840 443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F | Sarasota, FL 34236 595 Bay Isles Road , Suite 250 | Longboat Key, FL 34228 Pettingell.com | www.bestSarasotarealestate.net Twitter.com/RealRoger | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell | Roger@Pettingell.com Owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC

401519-1

34