Longboat Observer 6.1.23

LONGBOAT

Observer

SEASON SUMMER 2023

T H E O B S E R V E R ’S G

U I D E TO T H E A R TS

AND SOCIETY

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

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VOLUME 45, NO. 43

YOUR TOWN

Home sales slowing for summer Longboat real estate is lingering on the market longer thanks to the change in seasons. PAGE 3

Courtesy photo

Linda and Richard Kanner celebrated Richard’s 100th birthday May 28.

100 years and counting

HAND MADE Fine arts fest brings artists from all over Florida to St. Armands. PAGE 20

Longboat Key resident and World War II veteran Richard Kanner celebrated his 100th birthday May 28.

In celebration of his 100 years of life, fellow residents at the Islander Club and friends surprised Kanner with cards commemorating the milestone in lieu of having a party.

“He was adamant about (not having a party),” said Linda Kanner, Richard’s wife. “That’s why I decided to invite people to send cards, which he loved.”

Friends have taken Richard and Linda out for meals to celebrate, and his family is coming into town from across the country this weekend. The couple has been married for 42 years, and Linda has only great things to say about her husband.

“He has a magnificent sense of humor,” she said. “He’s always making me laugh and other people laugh. He is very intellectual.”

Compassionate counties If you’ve ever felt like folks on Longboat Key and in the Sarasota area were kinder and more generous than people in other places in Florida, well, as it turns out, you were right. And now there are numbers to back up that feeling.

A new study from SmartAsset places Sarasota County as the sixth-most generous county in Florida based on the percentage of net income that residents donate to charity.

Only Collier, Monroe, Martin, Palm Beach and Walton counties outranked Sarasota, according to the study.

To create its index of Most Charitable Places, SmartAsset used tax return information to calculate the net income for Florida’s counties then measured the number of individual tax returns showing charitable donations.

All that math only seems to confirm what many already knew. This place is pretty special indeed.

James Peter

Artist Maykel Medina, of Cape Coral, grew up with sea life surrounding him. He incorporates that motif into his artwork, which he showed at the St. Armands Fine Art Festival on May 27-28.

The air up there

A+E

Some residents question the impact of departing flights over Longboat Key. PAGE 4

Turtle tracks LONGBOAT May 14-May 20 2023 Nests 59 False crawls 98

2022 38 44

Totals since April 23 2023 2022 Nests 136 56 False crawls 145 56 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

Sarasota gets first fringe festival.

PAGE 11

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

Hazards on the job Local firefighters learn about the profession’s elevated cancer risks.

RISK STATS

Firefighters are at a greater risk of getting a variety of cancers because of the hazardous substances they are exposed to when on the job. Cancers most responsible for the noted higher risk are respiratory, gastrointestinal and kidney cancers, according to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. Firefighters have a greater risk than the general public of getting and dying from cancers including:

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

I

n the hopes of saving the lives of those that save others’ lives, the Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute is teaming up with local fire departments to spread the word on occupational hazards and ways to reduce exposure to hazardous and cancercausing agents.

On May 23, members of the Longboat Key Fire Rescue and area fire departments, including North Port, Venice and Manatee County, heard from cancer institute leaders Kelly Batista and Richard Brown about the risks and resources available to them through the institute’s “Firefighter Cancer Collaborative.”

“As members of your team or their loved ones may have a suspicious finding or a confirmed diagnosis of cancer, they now have a point person in our navigation team that they can go to,” Batista said. “Many times a suspicious finding or a diagnosis is very scary for the individual, their family members or caregivers, so understanding that they have someone who understands what they are going through, who is very educated in next steps that are available to them and knows the right members of the care team to go to make sure they have a seamless process through their care is of utmost importance.”

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in firefighters. While there is not a known way to pinpoint the origin of a cancer diagnosis, studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the country’s general population.

“We need to do everything we can to understand what those risks are, try to mitigate them any way that we can by educating you and understanding that any cancer, if you catch

n Two times as likely to get mesothelioma, 129% more likely to die from mesothelioma n 62% higher risk of getting esophageal cancer n 1.39 times as likely to get skin cancer n 1.31 times greater risk of getting brain cancer n 1.21 times greater risk of being diagnosed with colon cancer n 1.14 times greater risk of a leukemia diagnosis

it earlier, is better than if you let it go,” Brown said. “Firefighters tend to be younger, fitter and tend not to think anything is going to happen to them. Unfortunately, that is not correct.”

A cancer diagnosis can come from a combination of two primary factors — genetics and environmental factors. For example, while someone might have a family history of lung cancer, if they smoke cigarettes the likelihood of a diagnosis increases.

“Everyone needs to understand what is going on in them as well as their environment to try and mitigate these things,” Brown said. “We also know that firefighters by virtue of what they do are at a higher risk …

We understand that there are a multitude of agents that you get exposed to on a daily basis that are carcinogenic in nature.”

Exposure to hazardous substances

Photos by Lauren Tronstad

Firefighter-paramedic Trey Bowlin shows what protective gear is worn when responding to a fire.

comes with the job and even the gear meant to protect them from the dangers of the job.

The International Association of Firefighters and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association released a joint statement in September 2022 warning firefighters of the presence of chemicals in their gear and the increased risk of liver and kidney cancers because of it. PFAS, or perand polyfluorinated substances, are a group of chemicals present in the gear and are used to repel oil and water.

The groups encouraged firefighters to only wear the gear when necessary, but to continue doing so when responding to fires as it is still the best first line of defense for limiting exposure to fireground contaminants such as benzene, arsenic, lead, asbestos and aldehydes. These substances are byproducts of combustion and the burning of certain materials in older structures.

Chief Paul Dezzi talks about safety measures in place at the department.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

Longboat real estate sales slow with end of season $4.19

million

Properties are typically on the market between two and three months with prices softening heading into summer.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

A

s the busy season on Longboat Key winds down, so does the demand for properties. The real estate market on the barrier island has slowed down alongside the greater Sarasota-Manatee area’s.

However, properties staying on the market for a longer period of time isn’t necessarily cause for alarm.

Typically, demand wanes during the summer months and ramps up during peak season.

“There’s always a market,” real estate consultant for RE/MAX Andrew Vac said. “The market is much more aggressive and much more busy and showing activity in our seasonal months when there are more people here. The market is much less busy, less aggressive and showing less demand in the offseason, which is what we are seeing now.”

In spring 2022, properties often stayed on the market for as little as two or three days. Now, two or three months on the market is about average for a property on the barrier island.

“We’re seeing price reductions pretty much across the board because the demand has slowed down,” Vac said. “Some properties that are priced properly are selling more quickly. The market is adjusting and listing prices are coming down. The market is slowing down and the demand is less, but there’s still activity.”

After the pandemic, it was common to see houses listed at high prices and buyers offering above asking price in hopes of securing the home with little inventory available.

Buyers were waiving inspections and contingencies to try to get their hands on their property of choice.

Now, Vac said, buyers have returned to being more conscientious with inspections, and negotiations over price have returned.

One thing that has stayed consistent over the years and is expected to continue are cash offers.

“A lot of people pay cash because they have the cash,” Vac said. “That’s always going to be the case in our market because that is just the way our market is.”

The typical buyer on Longboat Key has changed slightly. While buyers are still primarily looking for seasonal residences, more plan to stay in the area longer or are hoping to call Longboat Key a permanent residence.

“What’s happening is people want to come to Florida and they want to be here permanently or at least six months out of the year,” he said.

“That’s what created the demand after COVID-19 and the frenzy that we had because everybody wants to live here. They realized they don’t need to be in the cold when they can work remotely through

$4.59 million

Photos by Lauren Tronstad

The home at 603 Buttonwood Drive is listed at $4.19 million by Michael Saunders & Co.

their computers.”

As of May 30, there are 271 Longboat property listings on the Coldwell Banker Realty website. There are 221 listings on the Michael Saunders & Company website. The properties are a mix of condos and single-family homes.

The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee compiled data from Florida Realtors into a report focusing on Manatee County and Sarasota County’s specific markets. According to the report, pending sales of single-family homes and condos show signs of positive growth, but closed sales and new listings have declined.

“The numbers from April represent a market offering both opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers,” Brian Tressider, RASM President and Strategic Growth and Sales Manager at William Raveis Real Estate, said in a press release.

MANATEE COUNTY

Manatee County’s median singlefamily home sale price hit a record in April with a median price of $570,000. The new record marked a 10.7% increase from the previous year and a 15.8% increase from March 2023 when the median sale price was $491,988.

For condos in the county, the median sale price increased 8.8% from the previous year to $380,795.

Paired with the rise in price has come a decrease in closed sales.

Compared to April 2022, closed sales of single-family homes decreased by 4.3% to 662 sales. Closed condo sales decreased by 15.8% to 256 sales.

Amid a decline in sales, pending single-family home sales increased by 30.2% and pending condo sales increased by 4%. Pending sales are measured by the number of homes that went under contract in the time period.

In April, single-family homes went under contract within an average of 28 days, which is a year-overyear increase of 460%. Condos averaged 27 days on the market, a 440%

The residence at 610 Yardarm Lane is listed at $4.59 million by Michael Saunders & Co.

increase from last April.

The supply of inventory increased across both counties, according to the report. The months’ supply refers to the number of months it would take the current inventory of homes on the market to sell given the current sales pace. Historically, six months of supply is considered a balanced market between buyers and sellers. A lower level of supply tends to push prices up more rapidly, according to the National Association of Realtors.

In Manatee County, condo supply increased by 337.5% to a 3.5-month supply. Single-family home supply increased 237.5% to a 2.5-month supply.

SARASOTA COUNTY

Compared to last year in Sarasota County, the median sale price of single-family homes increased 7.7% to $520,000. Condo prices increased 1% to a $399,000 median sale price.

Continuing with a seemingly less successful month compared to Manatee County, closed sales of singlefamily homes decreased by 5.7% to 747 sales. Condo sales dipped 22.9% to 383 sales.

Pending sales also took a hit in the county. Single-family home pending sales decreased 12.5%, but condo sales increased by 6.9% compared to 2022. For condos, 2023 was the first time the market experienced yearover-year increases in pending sales since May 2021.

Time on the market increased in Sarasota County compared to last

$3.15 million

A home at 580 Putter Lane is listed at $3.15 million by Coldwell Banker Realty.

April. The average time a single-family home spent on the market before going under contract increased by 250% to 21 days. Condos spent an average of 22 days on the market, a 340% increase.

“The increase in median time to contract and months’ supply of inventory indicates a changing market, necessitating informed decision making for all stakeholders,” Tressider said in the release.

The months’ supply increased for both single-family homes and condos. Compared to a year ago, there was a 3.5-month supply of condos equaling a 337.5% increase. There was a 2.9-month supply of singlefamily homes, an increase of 190%.

At the end of April, there were 5,253 active listings for both property types in the North Port-SarasotaBrandenton area. The number represents a 166.8% increase in active listings compared to April 2022.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

Traffic shifts planned for Bradenton Beach sewer line project Two lanes will still be operating with the westernmost lane moved into the sandy parking area.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

As the season comes to an end, so do many of the traffic headaches that have plagued Longboat Key residents traveling to and from the island.

But traffic may not be completely a thing of the past with traffic shifts planned to accommodate the ongoing Bradenton Beach sewer line replacement project.

Beginning May 30, the contractor will be installing a new gravity sewer pipe along Gulf Drive South to the east at 11th Street South.

“In order to accommodate the pipe installation, traffic lane shifts will be implemented for the northbound and southbound travel lanes of Gulf Drive South through late June,” the project update said.

Two lanes of traffic will still be operating, but the western most lane will be shifted off the existing roadway and into the sandy area currently used for beach parking.

Through the end of this summer, 11th Street South will be closed to traffic for crews to install the new gravity sewer pipeline in that section of the project. A new parking area will be provided, but only for use by residents and tenants on the impacted street.

In February, the Manatee County Public Works Department began work on replacing and relocating a portion of the gravity sewer collection system for the city on Anna Maria Island.

The full project includes installa-

tion of about one mile of new sewer main along Gulf Drive. Twenty-one maintenance holes will be installed along with 100 new six-inch service laterals, which serve as connections between a private property and the sewer main in the right of way.

The new pipeline will extend from the current pipe on Gulf Drive down each side street from Sixth Street to 13th Street. Road repairs are included in the county’s plans.

Installation of the main sewer line is complete on the west side of Gulf Drive South from Sixth Street South to 12th Street South. The contractor is currently installing the remaining concrete structures on the west side of Gulf Drive South near 13th Street South. Restoration between 10th Street South and 13th Street South is also underway with completion anticipated by the end of the month.

The beach parking areas currently being used as construction staging and storage will continue as such and remain closed to public parking.

The project is expected to be complete in late 2024.

On the city’s website, a list of frequently asked questions addressed long-term benefits of the project including: n Protects public and environmental health by preventing sanitary system overflows caused by aging sewer pipes. n Extends the service life of existing roads by preventing gravity main leaks that cause pavement damage. n Improves pumping capacity and avoids costly replacement of the existing lift station by eliminating storm and ground water infiltration. n Alleviates potential sanitary sewer backups by removing multiproperty connections and providing each property with its own connection to the gravity main.

Flight paths’ impact on Longboat questioned again A 270-degree turn­ introduced in 2006 has increased the number of departing flights over Longboat.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

A Longboat Key resident recently noticed more dirt and debris on her outdoor furniture than was typical and pondered whether the number of aircraft flying over the barrier island could be playing a role in the increase.

The question of negative impacts flights over the barrier island might be having on residents, specifically their properties, helped reopen a conversation that Longboat has had before.

As some residents leave for the summer, permanent residents remain and tourists continue to flock to the Key, the town of Longboat Key has revisited the conversation surrounding departing flight paths from the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

Town Manager Howard Tipton was brought into the discussion and the question has since restarted the conversation about the history of flights over Longboat Key and

the decision-making process that shaped flight paths over the island.

Flight paths were officially changed on June 8, 2006, after lengthy back and forth between the airport, the Federal Aviation Administration and Longboat Key residents.

The change first appeared as part of an updated noise compatibility plan in February 1997 and deemed the Runway 32 departure a “270-degree turn.” Per the plan, all aircraft would be instructed to turn left in a 270-degree radial and continue on that radial until they are beyond the barrier island and over the Gulf of Mexico before being allowed to turn north or south.

The old paths had aircraft passing over more northern portions of the Key. The new path was expected to cut 402 homes from the 65-decibel day-night average sound level zone.

The DNL is a metric used to reflect a person’s cumulative exposure to sound over a 24-hour period and is expressed as the noise level for the average day of the year on the basis

Current and former procedures for aircraft departures over Longboat Key

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

of annual aircraft operations. Sixtyfive decibels is the threshold of significant noise exposure per the FAA. “Noise abatement is a big deal,” Tipton said. “It’s more of an issue the closer you are to the runways. I think (airport and FAA staff) were trying to make adjustments based on the growth and the population around the airport.”

The path change was anticipated to reduce the noise exposure for residents on the northern portion of the barrier island but increase the exposure for the area starting at the Sarasota/Manatee County line running north for about 1 mile. The area was chosen because it has historically included the least amount of permanent residents, with the majority of properties being commercial or vacation rental properties.

After the FAA approved the turn, Longboat Key residents played a role in its delayed effect by submitting a number of appeals. A federal appeals court held up the FAA’s ruling in 2002.

Even so, the airport still had to meet FAA requirements of extending the runway before the turn could be implemented. The airport also installed noise barriers and purchased or sound-proofed neighboring homes.

Since it has taken effect, current conditions include: n The average altitude of aircraft crossing Longboat Key as measured from radar and GPS signals is 3,300 feet, with the occasional flight flying at 2,200 feet or 4,900 feet. n The average speed of aircraft crossing Longboat Key is 276 miles per hour, which is the equivalent of 4.5 miles per minute.

When the conversation last resurfaced in December 2021, graphics were included with the discussion and showed about 281 flights departing from Runway 32 and flying over the barrier island during an eightday period in March.

Commissioners at the time asked airport administrators if a change in path could be considered since 15 years had passed since the original discussion.

“The decision to modify the departure path off Runway 32 in 2006 was made to alleviate the most intense aircraft noise generated during takeoff to communities closest to

5

Courtesy photos

The town of Longboat Key has revisited the conversation surrounding departing flight paths from the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

the airport, while communities farther down the way from the airport are not as impacted,” airport officials said. “Sarasota County residents south of the airport see aircraft either taking off or landing every day.

Also, Bradenton and Sarasota receive 100% of all aircraft arrivals, while Longboat Key sees none. Arrivals are much closer to the ground than departures at equivalent distances.”

Even with the discussion surfacing again, Tipton does not foresee a conversation being revisited to request the airport take another look at its flight paths over Longboat Key. “I haven’t heard any (complaints) about noise or flight paths,” he said.

“Noise abatement is a big deal. It’s more of an issue the closer you are to the runways.

I think (airport and FAA staff) were trying to make adjustments based on the growth and the population around the airport.”

— Howard Tipton, Town Manager

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

Stock photo

The town is looking to education as the solution to a rise in rabbit populations.

Rabbits rankle resident Possible increase in miniature mammals may have repercussions for local landscaping.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

A

fter raccoons, coyotes and peacocks had their times as primary animals of concern on Longboat Key, rabbits have moved into the spotlight.

Town Manager Howard Tipton was looped into the supposed increase in rabbit population with an email from a concerned resident asking for the town to seek action on the matter before it worsens.

“There is a rabbit infestation on (Longboat Key) that has occurred since the coyotes left,” chairman of the Fairway Bay Community Council Gabe Roscia said in an email to Tipton. “They are eating the lawns and many low plants at our condominiums and homes, causing very unsightly landscaping and costing associations a great deal of money to restore and replace what they damage, only to have it eaten again in a

few days.”

Roscia further pleaded his case, citing the high costs of pest control companies using deterrents that he believes don’t get the job done.

“An islandwide solution is needed, and only the town can implement that,” he said in the email. “I would ask the town to investigate a solution. I am sure the condo associations and homeowners would be willing to contribute to the cost since we will be spending the money one way or another and would rather spend it on something that works.”

Tipton’s response recounted how during work in other parts of the state, the way that jurisdictions

would be able to tell there was an increase in rabbit populations was by the number they had to pick up as roadkill. From his personal account, he has not seen the same concentration that Roscia was referencing in his correspondence.

“To be honest, I’m not sure how the logistics of something like that might work islandwide nor do I see it as a priority for our scarce resources at the moment,” Tipton said in an email.

He assured Roscia that he would pursue conversations with town staff about how they might approach the issue, but directed Roscia to reach out to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences about steps that can be taken as an individual including utilizing certain plants that may deter the rabbits.

Mayor Ken Schneier shared his personal experience, which backed up some of what Roscia was saying about the population increase.

“From our perspective in Sabal Cove, the rabbit problem in Bay Isles began about two years ago and has gone from no rabbits to many since then,” he said in an email. “They do substantial damage to flowers and grass, and repellants have a limited impact. I don’t know what the solution is (since) they present no danger — unlike coyotes and raccoons — but it may be time for the town to look into the issue before it spreads even further.”

While there is uncertainty about how or if the town can or should use its resources to combat a rise in rabbit population, Tipton says for now the town will focus on educating its residents on how to protect their gardens and landscaping.

“What we’re trying to do is provide some education to our residents,” he said in an interview. “There’s a lot of natural ways to make it less desirable for the rabbits. You can put different natural products out. A rabbit’s (sense of) smell is extraordinary, so you can look into things to put out that are discomforting to them, but aren’t harmful to the environment.”

WHAT CAN YOU DO? On the University of Florida’s website, there are a few ways to make your yard and garden less attractive to rabbits.

“The simplest way to keep rabbits out of your garden is to make sure the area isn’t an ideal habitat,” the website says. “Rabbits like to have cover from predators. They like to hide in places like low-growing shrubs, tall grasses and brush piles.”

The use of chicken wire around a particular section of garden one is hoping to protect is another suggestion.

Another way to deter them that is a more likely solution, for condo associations in particular, is planting vegetation that is less favorable to rabbits including: n Vegetables, such as

asparagus, leeks, onions, potatoes, rhubarb and squash

n Herbs, such as

basil, mint, oregano, parsley and tarragon

n Flowers, such as

cleomes, geraniums, vincas and wax begonias

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

7

Raising Littles Takes A Lot And though mom and dad can take care of most of those bumps and bruises along the way, when the runny nose turns into a running fever, it’s comforting to know that a little help is right around the corner.

Whether it’s a quick fix at one of our six Urgent Care Centers, a check-up with a First Physicians Group pediatrician, or even the expert attention of our dedicated pediatric unit, where specialized pediatric hospitalists from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital are on-site 24 hours a day, Sarasota Memorial is always committed to being there when you need us.

That’s just what neighbors do.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

‘Session of the century’ Credit Florida lawmakers for going big with legislation that will change Florida for the better.

MATT WALSH

A

month has passed since state lawmakers closed their 2023 session, and now the fog is lifting to bring into clarity what they did.

We know lawmakers didn’t raise our taxes — ya-hoo.

Nor did they really reduce taxes for everyone. They continued their annual game of “look at us, we cut taxes” — that is, with a laundry list of sales-tax holidays (more on that in our next installment).

And it’s probably a safe guess most Floridians know Gov. Ron DeSantis, angling for his quest of the presidency, continued his culture war against wokeness.

With the support of his fellow supermajority Republicans in the House and Senate, DeSantis prioritized more legislation designed to squelch the spread of the destructive ESG, DEI and transgender movements.

While that legislation predictably attracted the attention and ire of the leftist press and TV talking heads, Florida’s lawmakers actually did so much more. So much, in fact, the James Madison Institute, the state’s premier think tank, dubbed it “the session of the century.” Not just for Florida, but for all 50 state legislatures around the country.

Bob McClure, president of the institute, says state lawmakers all over America are taking cues from Florida as the model for good policies that produce economic prosperity and protect and promote liberty.

When Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Lakewood Ranch, addressed a group of James Madison Institute supporters last week, Gregory, not one to be hyperbolic or effusive, echoed McClure: “It was the session of the century for the country,” adding, “We did more this year than we did in my previous four years combined.”

Indeed, whether you’re a Republican, Democrat or Independent, the breadth and scope of all they accomplished was stunning. Historic. We’ll predict: Decades from now the 2023 legislative session will be recognized as an apex for the Legislature, a turning or trigger point in Florida’s cultural and economic direction.

The numbers tell one story. In DeSantis’ first legislative session in 2019, the Legislature passed 171 bills. In the most recent session, it passed 317 — the vast majority of which will become law. It would take days for even a savvy policy wonk to wade through and understand the new requirements of so many new laws that will touch so many aspects of Floridians’ lives.

But more significant than the number of bills passed are a few landmark laws that have the ingredients to change the state’s educational foundation and Florida’s economy.

Topping that list of landmark legislation: • HB 1, universal school choice.

This will end public education as we’ve known it — and it will do so for the better. Universal choice will give 3.3 million Florida K-12 students about $8,000 a year in tax money vouchers and the freedom to choose a public or private school and other educational services.

• HB 837, tort reform. Rep. Gregory estimates the provisions of this complicated legislation will save every Florida family at least $5,000 a year, simply because of a reduction in liability lawsuits against businesses. For decades, Florida has been regarded as “Legal

Hell,” a result of previous laws that provided an economic boon to trial lawyers. But now lawmakers have turned off that legal spigot.

Those milestone changes to the state’s education and legal systems were historic because lawmakers have been chiseling away for 25 years at seemingly immovable obstacles in pursuit of visions that were often regarded as dreams that would never come true. But they did it.

A sampling of other new legislation that can be considered transformational: n The ban on abortions after six weeks, except in the cases of rape, incest, human trafficking or medical necessity. n Not requiring a concealed weapons license to carry a concealed weapon. n The elimination of Enterprise Florida, its associated economic development groups and the millions of dollars it dispensed in subsidies to attract corporations. n The expansion of Kidcare, the state and federally subsidized health insurance for children, a measure estimated to enroll 16,000 children next year at a starting cost of $10 million for Floridians and $25 million for federal taxpayers and sure to grow as entitlements do. n Senate President Kathleen Passidomo’s $700 million bill designed to increase affordable housing via incentives and subsidies to builders and scaling back local zoning restrictions. n The easing of the teacher certification process.

OUTSIDE THE MARGINS

With the passage of more than 300 bills, there are many others that can be regarded as transformative. But the above bills are singled out to illustrate how this year’s Legislature is different from those of previous years in at least two respects: One: Typically, lawmaking is plodding, incremental and in the margins; rarely bold or dramatically disruptive to the status quo.

Entrenched institutional and societal ways of business are often impenetrable fortresses, even when they’re failing. That’s the nature of government.

Two: Typically, legislative bodies spend most of their sessions creating more laws that expand government interventionism.

And with each intervention, the citizenry loses more of its freedoms.

If you go through the 300 bills Florida lawmakers approved, the vast majority are injecting more regulations and expanding government to solve perceived problems. The Kidcare and affordable housing legislation are two examples.

But with universal school choice and tort reform, this year’s Legislature went outside the margins, went big and bold and actually did something that few lawmakers ever do: increased citizens’ freedoms.

EDUCATION HOLY GRAIL

With school choice, Florida reached the Holy Grail. The late economists Milton and Rose Friedman must be dancing in their graves, while former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is seeing the seed he planted becoming an oak.

The Friedmans first proposed school vouchers as a way to improve public education in the mid-1970s.

That idea finally began sprouting in the late 1990s. Gov. Bush sparked the revolution in 1999 in

his first term. Alarmed then that Florida’s public schools ranked near the bottom nationally, Bush was determined to upend that embarrassing status.

The thrust of his new education initiatives focused on accountability, introducing statewide testing and a grading system for schools and districts. But one small seed of his initiative was a school voucher program that would allow children in failing schools to transfer to better schools. The choice door opened ever so slightly.

Ever since then, Florida has been the national leader in spreading school choice options and spreading more freedom. “This is the next iteration of parental choice,” Bush told us. “Parents will ultimately be able to customize their children’s learning experience with hybrid offerings.”

Bush also believes this expanded choice won’t be the death of public education. Instead, it will inspire public school districts to “respond with better traditional school offerings and invigorated magnet schools.”

Let the competition begin.

INCREASED FREEDOM

Tort reform also increases Floridians’ freedom. Trial lawyers say otherwise, because they argue the laws will now protect businesses and deny poor and middle-class Floridians who can’t afford lawyers access to justice.

The increase in freedom comes from having $5,000 more in every family’s checking account.

More freedom: Ability to carry a concealed weapon without having a license.

More freedom: Elimination of corporate incentive subsidies. For every tax dollar used to subsidize or lure corporations to relocate to Florida, those are dollars taken out of the pockets of everyday Floridians and, often times, out of the pockets of existing businesses that end up at a competitive disadvantage to the subsidized corporate newcomer.

More freedom: Relaxing teacher certification requirements. This will give schools the freedom to tap the expertise of Florida’s welleducated but noncertified retirees.

Finally, how is a ban on abortions after six weeks more freedom? It’s giving unborn children the freedom to live.

HOW AND WHY?

Underlying the historic breadth and depth of legislation adopted in this year’s session are the questions of “how?” — how they did it, and why? — why were they able to push through so much?

An obvious answer is supermajorities. Republican have that in the House and Senate, rendering Democrats virtually powerless to stop whatever is on the Republicans’ agenda.

But the answer to those questions goes deeper than that. Republicans have controlled the House, Senate and governor’s office for two decades. But unlike in previous years, this time around there was an essential ingredient: strong and almost complete alignment on the issues among the top three leaders — Gov. DeSantis, President Passidomo and Speaker Paul Renner.

The three of them had multiple meetings over multiple months prior to the session, Renner told us. And in those meetings they “reiterated that we were going to try to do it a different way. It was not necessarily an explicit joint plan, but it was an ‘everybody wins’ approach.”

Renner explained how things

GOVERNOR WILL STILL BE PAID Asked if Gov. Ron DeSantis will continue to receive all of his $210,000 annual state salary while campaigning for president, Press Secretary Jeremy Redfern replied to the Observer in an email: “The governor remains serving

the people that he was elected to serve.”

When we emailed Redfern a second time, saying he did not answer the question, Redfern replied again: “Ron DeSantis is still the governor of Florida. Hope that helps.”

We’ll ask you: Could you do your job 100% and still run for president?

— MW

were different this year versus, say, 2022 and 2021, when businessman Wilton Simpson was Senate president and lawyer Chris Sprowls was speaker.

“I would point to a commitment that we made to each other to pass each other’s priorities as the No. 1 reason why we accomplished so much,” Renner said.

“Essentially, we made all those priorities the common priorities of the House, Senate and governor’s office. And that flowed down from the top to our leadership teams to the members.

“In times past,” he said, “you saw things devolve based on personality conflicts, egos or ‘If I don’t get what I want, your bill is not going to get moved.’ It was a traditional belief then that everything had to be leveraged — ‘If you want this, I’ve got to get something for it,’ a trading out of priorities of ‘I’ll do this for you, if you do this for me.’”

But there was one other ingredient: “It goes back to having people going big,” Renner said.

DeSantis has said in many speeches and in his book, “Be willing to take bold stands.”

Renner is of the same mind.

“That was my overarching goal — to get as much accomplished as we could during my (two years) as speaker. I wanted to make sure that every big problem that could be solved was solved.”

He added: “There is certainly more to be done.”

Passidomo declined to comment.

THE NEXT SESSION

Renner and Gregory already have priorities for the 2024 session. Near or atop the list: infrastructure.

Renner and Gregory both said given the amount of tax money the state is taking in with rapid population growth, the state’s infrastructure needs — roads, bridges, sewer systems, water treatment — will be an essential priority. Renner is forming a strategy commission to determine Florida’s needs 20 and 30 years from now.

Renner also listed health care costs and solving the shortage of physicians and nurses, adding, “Child welfare needs to be fixed.”

Better funding for the state’s overburdened court system is likely to be a high priority as well. As Gregory told the James Madison audience: “When the courts don’t have enough resources, that’s justice delayed and justice denied.”

FREEDOM COMES WITH RISKS

After watching the Legislature for 40-plus years, we’ve observed the standard post-session assessments.

Lawmakers go back to their districts and tout how wonderful they are and how they passed more laws to fix problems that were created by previous laws.

The media, in turn, pecks away at the politicians for what they failed to do or how they kowtowed to sacred-cow special interests.

And the constituents go “ho-hum.”

This time, it’s different. No one, of course, knows at this point what the unintended consequences will be of, say, universal school choice, tort reform, the six-week abortion ban, the concealed carry gun law, or, for that matter, the 300 other bills that will become law.

But whether you like or dislike Florida’s Republican controlled Legislature, the governor, Senate president, speaker and Republican lawmakers deserve positive recognition. They did what few politicians do: They went outside the margins and went bold — with the belief they will be changing Florida and Floridians’ lives for the better.

We hope, and we believe, history will prove them right.

When a former teacher told Gregory she worried about the effects of school choice on the state’s public education system, Gregory said he understood her concern. But then he added a comment that applies universally: “Freedom comes with risks.”

Risks worth taking.

“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

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

9

A view of the border

JAMES PETER MANAGING EDITOR

I

t’s not the job that pays the bills, but it’s the one that he’s most passionate about.

Allan Mestel has photographed the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent exodus into Poland.

He’s captured scenes of homelessness in Sarasota and Bradenton. He also owns the Longboat Key gym Beach Fitness 24/7 with his wife and runs a photography studio in Bradenton.

Most recently, Mestel was in Brownsville, Texas, shooting photos at the U.S.-Mexico border for five days in the leadup to and aftermath of the May 11 expiration of Title 42.

The public health restriction was implemented in response to ­COVID-19 and allowed U.S. officials to quickly turn away migrants and deny asylum seekers “on the grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19,” according to the Associated Press. “(There) were no real consequences when someone illegally crossed the border.”

After Title 42 expired on May 11, the U.S. returned to the stricter policies of Title 8 under which, “Migrants caught crossing illegally will not be allowed to return for five years and can face criminal prosecution if they do,” according to AP reporting.

The Observer spoke with Mestel shortly after he returned from his trip where he took thousands of photos of migrants, their living conditions and the border itself.

interested in documentary-style photography. I got more interested in 2016 with the election and … social justice movements.

I became involved with an activist group, Witness at the Border. I ended up at the border in 2019 photographing both sides of the border.

I’ve been all over the border in Texas.

Where exactly did you travel this time?

I went to Brownsville, Texas. I have contacts down there, with Team Brownsville. They are a team of volunteers who provide resources as best they can to (migrants) …

I made contact with them once I was in Brownsville, and I did some shooting there. The international bridge in Matamoros is just a short walk across the Rio Grande.

How do you approach this type of documentary project?

The lens provides its own commentary. My feeling was that for most people, they don’t have a chance to go to the border. To some degree, they are held hostage to the narrative that’s in the media.

My intent was to provide, for those who choose to seek it out, a pretty

ALLAN MESTEL PHOTOGRAPHY To view more of Mestel's documentary photos from his trips to Ukraine or the U.S.-Mexico border, visit AllanMestel.com.

How did you come to this project?

Basically, I spent the bulk of my career as a TV ad director and photographer in Canada. It wasn’t until I moved to the U.S. and set up my own studio that I became more

comprehensive visual narrative of what is happening at the border. My pictures are what they are.

I have certain protocols I adhere to when shooting people who are living in adverse circumstances. I never shoot down. If people are sitting or lying down, I crouch down or lie down. I want people to look at the subject eye to eye. I never want to be looking down on people.

I try to isolate a subject so you’re always looking at an individual.

When I shoot with a wide lens, I tend to shoot very close to the subject, so you’re getting a sense of immediacy. I like for the audience to look at an image and feel that they are there with someone they can’t look away from.

I’m really conscious of not engineering a photo so it feels staged. I will shoot with minimal interaction — just enough to feel that I’ve got the consent to shoot. It’s very much a process of feel.

What was the mood like at the border?

On Friday, the day after Title 42 was lifted, the bridge was pretty hectic. There’s a lot of traffic back and forth. A lot of people live on one side and work on the other.

I’ve been in migrant camps and refugee camps quite a bit. I was in Ukraine a week after the war started.

I’m always amazed by how upbeat the camps at the U.S. border are (despite) the people there living in the most primitive conditions in the Western Hemisphere. People are living in structures constructed with sticks and tarps. The living conditions are hellish.

Most of the migrants were from Venezuela. To think of the journey they’ve had through the Darien Gap, the jungle and some of the most violent countries in the world, mostly on foot — to make that journey and end up in that camp at the border and still have hope. There was definitely despair, but for the most part there was a sense of hope whether it was realistic or not. The chances of actually getting asylum

SMITTEN WITH KITTENS

A man in sits in a migrant camp in Matamoros, Mexico.

under the current rules are very difficult.

What do you think people misunderstand about the border issue?

There has been a demonization of migrants. I think there’s a perception that the majority of migrants are looking to cross the border as criminals. I think if people could go to the border and see who is actually living there they would be surprised. It’s families, looking for an opportunity. They’re not looking to come to the U.S. and involve themselves in criminal enterprises.

I have heard rhetoric that the camps are filled with military-age members, gang members — what you see at the camp, and it’s evi-

dent in the photographs is that it’s mostly families. Everyone from teenagers to babies.

The majority of people that I interacted with want to (enter the country legally). They want to come and do their best to convince a court that they are legitimately afraid for their lives or are living in conditions in their home country where they are in fear due to the levels of crime. Most of these migrants are Venezuelans escaping human rights abuse and persecution. Why do we not feel they are entitled to take advantage of the asylum law?

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Photos courtesy of Allan Mestel

A child in a migrant camp in Matamoros, Mexico, in May 2023.

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Longboat business owner and photographer Allan Mestel documents the migration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

COPS CORNER

TRIBUTES William A. Cook 1942-2023

FRIDAY, MAY 19

SUNDAY, MAY 21

BIRD IN NEED 9:56 a.m., 600 block of Roundtree Animal complaint: An officer was dispatched for a report of a bird hanging from a tree upside down.

While on the scene, the bird fell to the ground. The officer transported it to Save Our Seabirds.

NOT A THEFT 4:56 p.m., 100 block of Broadway Citizen assist: Officers were dispatched on report of a theft. They met with the caller, who said an unknown person had taken her purse, flip-flops and beach blanket and left the beach. One of the officers canvassed the area and was not able to locate any of the items but did notice a security camera. Officers asked the caller to show where she was sitting on the beach. She then realized she had placed her items farther down the beach. The officers walked with her to her belongings and made sure everything was still there.

AGAINST POLICY 9:25 p.m., 2600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: Police were called to the scene of a broken down vehicle.

Upon arrival, the driver asked if police could assist in jump starting their car. However, it is against police policy to jump start a citizen’s vehicle. The individual told police that AAA had already been contacted.

SATURDAY, MAY 20

HELPING OUT 12:22 p.m., 5500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: Police responded to reports of a water leak behind the Public Works maintenance facility at Durante Park. Personnel requested the officer turn off the pump to keep it from seizing up.

Bill Cook passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 15th at his home on Longboat Key from complications of Lewy Body and Vascular Dementias. He was a 6th generation Florida native from the Blackburn, Roberts and Knight pioneer families. He was born in Tampa and graduated from Sarasota High School.

He earned a PhD in psychology from the University of Florida and a post doctorate from Stanford University. He was a psychology professor at the University of Louisville, worked at DuPont in Wilmington DE then moved to New York where he worked at General Foods, Simmons Market Research

Bureau and Equifax NDS. He also began his own company e-Strategic Advantage while editing the Journal of Advertising Research for 20 twenty years. He finished his career at the ARF as Executive Vice President. After 30 years in NY, he retired and returned to Florida in 2011. Bill was a Volunteer Emeritus at Mote Marine Laboratory and a 10-year Turtle Patroller. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Lynn, their four sons (Monty, Damon, Darius and Jonathan), one daughter (Tiffani) and six grandchildren.

A Private Family Memorial Service will be held in New York. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Brain Foundation.

SUNDAY, MAY 21

TOMORROW’S PROBLEM 9:57 p.m., 5400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: The caller told police about a car parked at the address running with its lights on in the bushes. Upon arrival, the officer located the vehicle in question; it was not running. The vehicle had been parked in the same spot for two days with its lights on and belonged to the property owner. Police called the owner, who promised to turn off the lights upon returning in the morning.

staff stamped her DMV paperwork and sent her on her way.

FILLING UP 3:23 p.m., 400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Traffic hazard: A driver was using an air compressor filling up a flat left tire on the side of the road. The officer put on his safety vest and directed traffic around the vehicle until the tire was filled with air and the vehicle was back on the road.

MONDAY, MAY 22

TUESDAY, MAY 23

CHANGING REGISTRATION 1:02 p.m., Longboat Key Police Department VIN serial number inspection: A resident entered the department for assistance with VIN verification. She had driven her vehicle down from northern Michigan so it could be registered to her home on Longboat Key. After receiving a negative result for wants and warrants, department

FALSE ALARM 7:02 p.m., 7200 Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious incident: An officer was dispatched to reports of a fight on a boat near Longboat Pass Bridge.

While en route, dispatch notified the officer there was not a fight and the boat in question was leaving the area. Officers still checked out the area and did not see any fights.

THURSDAY, MAY 25

WORK DAY IS OVER 5:11 p.m., 600 block of Jackson Way Noise complaints from land: Construction work after 5 p.m. prompted a call to police. The responding officer met with the contractor and advised the workers of their noise ordinance violation.

Work ceased immediately and a written warning was issued.

JUST A LITTLE SNAKE 9:09 p.m., 500 block of Putter Lane Animal complaint: Police responded to a call about a snake in the property’s enclosed patio. A small orange and brown snake was located in the corner of the patio and the officer relocated it outside the enclosure.

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A+E INSIDE: < THIS WEEK: Savor Sarasota serves up lunch and dinner specials from June 1-14. 13 REVIEW: Audience favorite ‘Shear Madness’ is back on stage for the third time at FST. 14 >

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 1, 2023

YOUROBSERVER.COM

FRINGE THEATER TAKES

CENTER STAGE IN SARASOTA

Squeaky Wheel Fringe Festival features a smorgasbord of edgy performances.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITOR

V

ictoria Montalbano is excited.

The self-described “theater

kid” from Sarasota is coming

home for the Squeaky Wheel Fringe Festival, to perform her one-woman show, “The Princess Strikes Back: One Woman’s Search for the Space Cowboy of her Dreams.”

If you guessed that Montalbano is a “Star Wars” fan, you would be right.

She saw the original movie when she was 13 years old and immediately started crushing on Hans Solo, played by Harrison Ford.

But it wasn’t until she saw “Star Wars” again years later on the Disney+ streaming service that she realized that most of her romantic relationships resembled that of Solo and Princess Leia, the late Carrie Fisher’s character.

Being a performer, Montalbano

wanted to share that revelation with an audience. “Storytelling is how I do comedy, so I went to an open-mic night and talked about a crush I had on a boy when I was 13,” said Montalbano, who lives in Chicago.

That open-mic performance

evolved into a one-woman show that she has been performing at fringe festivals around the country since July 2021. But it wasn’t until now that she had a venue to present “The Princess Strikes Back” in Sarasota.

It’s all thanks to Megan Radish,

founder of the Squeaky Wheel Fringe Festival, which runs June 8-11 at the Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. In addition to “The Princess Strikes Back,” the fest will present eight other performances of roughly an hour each.

Like Montalbano, Radish is a Florida native. Before founding the nonprofit Squeaky Wheel Theatre Group in 2020, she worked in regional theater for nearly a decade, in a variety of roles at venues ranging from the Ogonquit Playhouse in Maine to the Utah Festival Opera.

About five years ago, Radish decided to get out of the theater business, which can be hard on the body for those involved in scenery, props, lights and the other nuts and bolts of production. But after a hiatus, Radish found herself being drawn back to theater and specifically to fringe.

‘What is fringe exactly?’ you might ask. Good question.

As its name implies, fringe is not mainstream. And it’s not one type of performance. It can be drama, dance, comedy, music or all of the above.

“Smorgasbord” is a word you hear a lot when people talk about fringe.

“I’ve been watching fringe for SEE FRINGE ON PAGE 12

“It’s really wonderful that Sarasota is getting a fringe festival. The city has such a strong theater community, and this is something that’s been missing.”

Victoria Montalbano

Courtesy art

Victoria Montalbano stars in the "The Princess Strikes Back," one of the selections at the Squeaky Wheel Fringe Festival, Sarasota's first fringe fest.

12

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

FRINGE FROM PAGE 11

years,” says Radish. “I’ve seen some very unique shows. I’ve seen classically trained musicians perform on Segways.”

In addition to offering a little of this and a little of that, fringe pushes the boundaries. It tests limits, so perhaps it’s best to leave the kids at home. If you’re easily offended or have rigid ideas about who and what is acceptable as entertainment, you should probably stay home too.

“Fringe is a home for things that may not get a stage elsewhere,” Radish says. “Most of what we do is about accessibility and advocacy, both for artists and audiences.”

Not sure if fringe is for you? Radish has come up with a way for you to find out. A fringe “teaser” showcasing the nine performances in the festival takes place on June 7. It costs just $5, plus $5 for a festival badge required to attend all of the shows.

In addition to the $5 button, all festivalgoers must buy a $12 ticket to each show they attend. All proceeds go to the shows’ creators, who are responsible for their own publicity.

In addition to prodigal daughter Montalbano, Sarasota-area artists presenting their works at the Squeaky Wheel Fringe Festival include Katherine Michelle Tanner, Jessica Pope and Scott Keys.

Tanner, an actress, musician, dancer and filmmaker, stars in “Shakespeare’s Lovers.” The play incorporates 29 of Shakespeare’s sonnets and 19 of Tanner’s own.

Asked to describe the play, Tanner replies, “It’s about a male poet and a female painter who meet in a pool of water, a river. There’s a narrator.

Things happen and it gets intense.”

The set of “Shakespeare’s Lovers” is built like a children’s pop-up book.

“What we use for the water is a surprise,” Tanner adds.

The Squeaky Wheel Fringe Festival is a trial run for “Shakespeare’s Lovers,” which Tanner’s new theater company, Tree Fort Productions, will perform later this year.

Even though fringe is new to Sarasota, it’s been around since 1947, when it got its start in Edinburgh, Scotland. According to Radish, there

are four fringe festivals in Florida, with Orlando hosting the longestrunning fringe festival in the U.S. Radish had the chance to meet with representatives from fringe organizations near and far at the World Fringe Congress held in Orlando last year. “We’ve got a WhatsApp and we’re always chatting,” she says. “It’s been a wonderful resource to getting started down here.”

Speaking of getting started, it wouldn’t have been possible without the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, says Radish, as well as the support of sponsor Deep Creek Eye Care.

Reached last week in Chicago by telephone, Montalbano was counting the days until her return to Sarasota. She’s invited her parents and friends from FST theater camp and high school to see “The Princess Strikes Back.” Says Montalbano, “I’m inviting everybody.”

It will be an old home week of sorts because Scott Keys, who is starring in “The Sequestered Jester” at the Squeaky Wheel Fringe Festival, was her high school drama teacher. Keys recently retired as chair at Booker Visual and Performing Arts High School.

“It’s really wonderful that Sarasota is getting a fringe festival,” Montalbano says. “The city has such a strong theater community, and this is something that’s been missing. I hope people will come out and see what it’s about.”

MORE SELECTIONS FROM THE FESTIVAL

IF YOU GO SQUEAKY WHEEL FRINGE FESTIVAL When: 7 p.m. on June 8-9, 11 a.m. on June 10-11 Where: Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU/Asolo Center for the Performing Arts Tickets: $12 each plus $5 festival pass Info: SqueakyWheelTheatre. org.

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Mauricio Martinez in Asolo Rep’s Man of La Mancha. Photo SRQ Headshots.

–The Observer

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THIS WEEK THURSDAY

OPENING RECEPTION FOR ‘IDENTITY: EXPLORING THE HUMAN CONDITION’ 6-8 p.m. at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail Free Visit ArtSarasota.org.

in four gallery spaces. Christy Paris, an art professor in the College of Education at the University of South Florida, is the juror. She will present her critique on Tuesday, June 6.

Runs through Aug. 11.

‘REEL MUSIC’ 6 p.m. at Florida StudioTheatre’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $34-$39 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

“Reel Music” celebrates the movies that helped create the soundtrack to the last century, with classics like “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Circle of Life” and “My Heart Will Go On.” This lively music revue reminds us that movies and music have always gone hand in hand. Runs through June 25.

‘MAN OF LA MANCHA’ 8 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $35 Visit AsoloRep.org.

Art Center Sarasota’s largest juried exhibition of the year highlights the diverse talents of artists from across the Southeast and will be on display

Incoming Asolo Rep Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein directs a modern-day version of the 1965 musical hit “Man of La Mancha,” based on the classic Cervantes novel about Don Quixote’s “Impossible Dream.” Runs through June 11.

‘SHEAR MADNESS’ 8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. $25 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

OUR PICK

LES MCCURDY AND GUESTS Join McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre founder Les McCurdy, above, in one of his rare Sarasota stage appearances.

Most of the time, he’s booking other comics, teaching comedy or visiting comedy festivals and performances with his wife and club co-founder, Pam McCurdy. Runs through June 8.

IF YOU GO When: 7 p.m. on June 7-8 Where: McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.

Tickets: $25 Info: Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

There’s been a murder in a local hair salon, and it’s up to Sarasota audiences to outwit the suspects and catch the killer in this interactive comedy whodunit. Runs through June 25.

MARK SCHATZ AND BRYAN MCDOWELL 7:30 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court $24 members; $20 nonmembers; students $12 Visit WSLR.org/Fogartyville.

Acoustic music “Renaissance man” Mark Schatz and multiinstrumentalist Bryan McDowell deliver a high-energy show full of fiddle tunes, songs, clogging and hambone.

TOM SIMMONS 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Tom Simmons’ TV appearances on major networks include Comedy Central, Showtime, BET, Bounce TV, Comedy.TV, Laughs on FOX and Comics Unleashed. Runs through June 4.

MONDAY

‘GRAND CARNIVAL — DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER’ 8 p.m. at Circus Arts Conservatory, 2075 Bahia Vista St. $75 Visit PPSRQ.org/GrandCarnival-2023.

The Grand Carnival features Ada Vox and Zee Machine, an open bar and light bites. The honorary chairs for the Project Pride SRQ event are Donna Koffman and family.

TUESDAY

‘MIDDLE EARTH AND THE SHIRE: THE WORLDS OF J.R.R. TOLKIEN’ 11 a.m. at Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail $10 Visit OlliRinglingCollege.org.

DON’T MISS

Ready, Set, Eat! Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week is back, and it’s bigger than ever.

Foodies, rejoice! It’s the most wonderful time of year —Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week, which is actually two weeks.

From June 1-14, more than 50 area restaurants will offer lunch menus (appetizer and entrée) for $25 per person and dinner specials (appetizer, entrée and dessert) for $40. Many eateries are also offering upgrades and wine and spirit pairings in honor of the occasion.

Savor Sarasota participants are located in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Nokomis/Osprey/Venice/Englewood and St. Armands Circle.

“Our restaurants stepped up and created some impressive lunch and dinner menus this year, like Organic Farmer’s Table’s Mushroom French Dip, A Sprig of Thyme’s Canard Pyrenees and Fins at Sharky’s Seafood Risotto,” said Erin Duggan, vice president of Visit Sarasota County, in a statement.

This year, there are several newcomers, including 481 Gourmet in the Rosemary District, Kona Grill at University Town Center, Grillsmith, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Maestrale Restaurant & Pizzeria in Sarasota, LobsterCraft on St. Armands, Lazy Lobster on Longboat and Kacey’s Seafood Lockwood Ridge, as well as the Kacey’s on Fruitville Road.

Savor Sarasota was launched in 2006 as Restaurant Week with the aim of helping local eateries attract business during the “off season.”For a full list of participating restaurants and to browse their menus, visit VisitSarasota.com/Savor-Sarasota/Restaurants.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) presents a lecture by Martha Hill on distinguished scholar and professor J.R.R. Tolkien, whose special subject was Old Norse.

Tolkien’s love of languages led to the creation of his own and the fully realized world of Middle Earth.

WEDNESDAY

FRINGE TEASER: SQUEAKY WHEEL FRINGE FESTIVAL 8 p.m. at Cook Theatre at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $5 with a $5 festival button. Tickets for individual shows are $12.

Visit SqueakyWheelTheatre.org.

The raw oysters are always fresh at Crab & Fin.

Sarasota’s first fringe festival shines a spotlight on affordable, no-holdsbarred theater, dance, puppetry, music, visual arts and spoken word.

Fringe fests don’t focus on a single genre but act as a performing arts potpourri. Runs through June 11.

Carved porcini-rubbed sliced iron steak at Michael’s On East.

Courtesy photos

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

REVIEWS

Soar with Dad and SAVE!

Courtesy photos

“Shear Madness” runs through June 25 at FST’s Gompertz Theatre.

‘Shear Madness’ brings hair-raising hilarity to FST Zip•Climb Swing•Soar

In this murder-mystery comedy, the play is never the same thing.

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hear Madness” has returned to the Florida Studio Theatre stage — for the third time. What kind of play is it? Let’s just say it lives up to its name. The show’s an audience hit, but it’s hard to describe.

In live theater, scripted plays and improvisation are usually kept as rigidly separate as peas and mashed potatoes on a high school lunch tray.

If the play’s got a script, the actors and director find their own interpretation, but don’t mess with the words on the page.

“Shear Madness,” which opened on May 31, is a rare exception. It’s scripted comedy, but the script isn’t sacred. Night after night, many lines wind up on the cutting room floor.

Other dialogue is made up on the spot. An actor might do some Robin Williams-style improv. Or audience interaction might create a new direction. It’s never the same play twice.

It’s been that way since Bruce Jordan and Marilyn Abrams first launched the show in 1978. They adapted it from Paul Portner’s “Scherenschnitt,” an interactive German language play about the killing of a concert pianist.

It was no laughing matter. “I was in a production of that play,” Jordan recalls. “Portner was a Swiss psy-

chologist. He wrote it as a serious drama about human perception — but the audience input could get so off-the-wall, it’d instantly turn into a comedy, and the house would just crack up. For our adaptation, Marilyn and I decided to take it in a comic direction.”

In Jordan and Abrams’ version, the action unfolds in the “Shear Madness” hair salon. The victim (still a pianist) is also now the landlady who lives directly above. Scissors are still the murder weapon — the unkindest cut of all. Two detectives appear, look for evidence and grill the suspects. (And everybody’s a suspect.)

At the end of the show, the audience becomes the jury that decides who’s guilty.

Each production fleshes out this story skeleton with local and timely references. The salon’s now in Sarasota. The hellish traffic on U.S. 41, Ron DeSantis and Bradenton’s arcane street names are now the comic targets of choice.

With the exception of Gina Milo, all the actors are “Shear Madness” veterans. The director’s none other than Jordan himself. When I attended a recent rehearsal, he was sitting close to the action with a big smile on his face. The actors were playing around. He lets them play and tosses out occasional notes.

The cast is rehearsing an early (pre-murder) scene. The laconic Nick (Gil Brady) sits in the barber’s chair awaiting a shave. The flamboyant Tony (Jordan Ahnquist) hops around him with nonstop chatter and the attention span of a West Highland Terrier. He’s giving Nick

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directions to his Bradenton house …

Tony: It’s real easy to get to. You just hop on U.S. 41. It turns to 14th Street West, but keep going. You’ll go past the Walmart, the wastewater treatment plant, the other Walmart, then follow …

Nick: Whoa! Stop with the directions, ’cause I am never going to Bradenton …

Jordan rewinds the scene. The actors replay it a few times and sprinkle in more local references, while the director and the other actors shout out suggestions.

Along with tweaking the dialogue, Jordan also fine-tunes the movement. In the next scene, Milo’s character Barb appears — the salon’s other hairdresser. They cross the space, then turn and go in opposite directions. At the turn, they almost collide — but spot each other just in time.

“Do it again, but don’t make eye contact,” Jordan suggests. “It’ll be funnier that way.”

The actors repeat the scene. Tony’s lost in thought, a motormouth as usual. He’s oblivious to Barb’s vector of motion. At the turn, he almost ploughs into Barb. But he doesn’t even notice the near-collision.

The director’s right. The scene is

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

15

funnier. But it’s only one of many.

“Shear Madness” is packed with physical comedy. It’s as much dance as dialogue. Along with being a director/playwright, Jordan’s also a choreographer.

At the break, the actors in the show express their love for “Shear Madness.” Its unpredictable improv isn’t their usual wheelhouse — and that’s why they love it. They get a kick out of the collaborative nature of the play, and their freedom to change lines and add new bits here and there.

Brady sums it up best. “There’s a reason we keep coming back to ‘Shear Madness,’” he says. “It’s the same reason audiences keep coming back. This play is so much fun. It’s insanely fun! And it never gets old because it changes every time.”

IF YOU GO

‘SHEAR MADNESS’ When: Through June 25 Tickets: $29-$49 Where: FST Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota Info: Call 366-9000 or visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

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Classifieds 28 Games 27 Real Estate 25 Weather 27

JUNE 1, 2023

YOUR NEIGHBORS Capping off

the school year Graduates with ties to Longboat Key take the next step in their education.

A

nother year down, another step forward — whether it’s college or continuing school locally, the next step is always an exciting one. Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

As the Observer likes to say, ad astra (to the stars)!

Here’s a selection of recent graduates with close ties to Longboat Key and a snapshot of their scholastic careers so far. This year’s class of Longboat graduates might be a small one, but it’s accomplished.

— JAMES PETER

Ian Swaby

REAGAN LEE WALTER

Reagan Lee Walter, daughter of Janet and Steve Walter, was born on Longboat Key and has lived there since, making her a Longboat Key native. She graduated on May 19 from Sarasota High School, where she was in the AICE and MAST honors programs.

Reagan was also chosen to represent Florida at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference.

She played four years of varsity lacrosse and golf during her high school career.

Outside of her studies, Reagan competes in equestrian eventing and enjoys boating and fishing with her family, along with drawing and weightlifting.

This fall, she is headed to Auburn University, where she’ll study architecture. She won’t be headed to college alone, though. She’ll be accompanied by her Dutch warmblood horse, “Ellie,” because Reagan will continue her equestrian career as a member of Auburn’s eventing equestrian team.

JORDAN TOBEY

Olivia Bergenholtz, daughter of Erik and Karen ­Bergenholtz, graduated from the Hun School of Princeton in Princeton, New Jersey.

She was a distance runner for the varsity cross country and track teams. As a junior and senior, Olivia was captain of both teams. She also took part in the Female Athlete Network. As a member, she helped support women athletes’ equity in sports.

She won a number of awards including the Coaches’ Award (three times) and the MVP Athlete Award (three times).

Outside of sports, Olivia was a senior member of the Red Shield Society, a group that promotes the school and shares student experiences with prospective students of the Hun School.

What’s next for Olivia? She’ll be attending Loyola University Chicago.

Courtesy photos

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OLIVIA BERGENHOLTZ

Jordan Tobey has lived on Longboat Key with her grandparents, Bradford and Debra Schinbeckler, since she was in preschool.

Jordan recently graduated from Anna Maria Elementary School. The theme of the graduation ceremony was “Aloha!”

Jordan’s scholastic career is off to a great start; she’s won a number of awards already, including the President’s Award for Academic Achievement, the Certificate of Achievement for the Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science Program at Anna Maria Elementary School and the Florida 4-H Certificate of Public Speaking. She also earned the Holmes Beach Police Excellence in Law Enforcement coin for safety patrol.

Next year, Jordan will be attending middle school at Inspiration Academy in Bradenton.

When she’s not busy with schoolwork, Jordan’s often found playing flag football or soccer. She also loves to water ski, and she’s a big fan of the Sarasota Ski-a-Rees water ski show.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

17

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

Honoring the fallen Bird Key Yacht Club pays tribute to the sacrifices service members made in defense of the country.

T

here were more than 135 people in the audience for the Bird Key Yacht Club’s annual Memorial Day Remembrance Monday night at the Bird Key Yacht Club. Among them were 40 club members who are veterans.

Bird Key Yacht Club Vice Commodore Steve Horton, in his address, reminded those in attendance that it’s the obligation of every American to ensure that the sacrifice of the country’s fallen soldiers is not in vain, to see that the freedoms we enjoy are preserved.

Horton, a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral, described an October trip to Normandy, France, and the magnitude of the sacrifice that is memorialized there. He also recalled how during the Vietnam War he and his fellow midshipmen at the Naval Academy were instructed not to wear their uniforms while on leave.

“The legacy of Vietnam remains complicated,” said Horton.

Horton concluded by contrasting the lack of freedom in Russia and Ukraine currently with those enjoyed in the U.S. It was not “a political statement,” he explained, but an “observation.”

The Young Marines of the Imagine School at North Port posted and retired the colors. Michael Kutner, club member and a former opera singer, sang the national anthem without accompaniment. Gemma Briggs, on bagpipes, played “Danny Boy,” before the “Tribute to the Fallen,” during which Horton paid tribute to the more than 600,000 soldiers who have died in service to the country since 1775.

Briggs concluded the ceremony with a rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

— JAMES PETER

Steve Horton, vice commodore of the Bird Key Yacht Club and a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral, presents the “Tribute to the Fallen.”

Photos by Sidra Wali

Young Marines from the Imagine School post the colors.

Gemma Briggs plays "Danny Boy" for the Song in Memory.

Curtiss Schantz and John Roble

Michael Landis speaks during the Memorial Day ceremony at Bird Key Yacht Club.

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

Saturday Contemporary Style Worship | 5pm

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

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

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

Worship WorshipWith WithUs UsAt atOur OurChurch Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM Sunday Service 10:00 AM The Rev. The Rev.Dr. Dr.Norman NormanPritchard Pritchard

Catholic Church

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

Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00 Masks AreWednesday Optional @ 10:00 Women’s Bible Study:

Visitors Welcome Visitors & & Residents Residents Welcome

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

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

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

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.

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An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

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.

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All Are Welcome!

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 567 Bay Isles Rd, Longboat Key, FL

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

Sunday Worship | 9am & 11am

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

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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? $2,245,000 SIESTA KEY | THE SEA BREEZE

SIESTA KEY | SARA SANDS

$2,900,000

5182 SANDY BEACH AVE. | 3BR+STUDY/4.5BA | 3,398 SF — CALL THE 9008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 | 3BR/3.5 BA | 3,700 SF DEMYSTIFY THE EXPERIENCE ACKERMAN GROUP! 941-387-1820 116’ OF WATERFRONT | WATERCRAFT STORAGE W/ UPLAND CUT PRIVATE 2-CAR GARAGE & ROOF TOP TERRACE | DEEDED BOAT DOCK

PRE-CONSTRUCTION

SIESTA COVE- SIESTA KEY

$3,987,000

5212 SIESTA COVE DRIVE, SARASOTA

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

MAINLAND | SORRENTO SHORES

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

449 S. SHORE DRIVE, OSPREY | 3BR/3BA | 2,564 SF MINUTES TO SIESTA KEY

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

SORRENTO SHORES - MAINLAND

S. SHORE DRIVE, OSPREY $899,000449 LONGBOAT KEY | FAIRWAY BAY

3BR/3BA • 2,564 SF • Minutes Siesta Key 1930 HARBOURSIDE DR.to#141 | 2BR/2BA | 1,442 SF

$949,000

$895,000

Contemporary styled home with oversized lap pool, waterfall feature, spa, a large, covered RARELY | LARGEST CORNER patio with gasAVAILABLE grill and private backyard with firepit. UNIT

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

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

20

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

One fine show Fine arts festival draws crowd to St. Armands Circle, where local artists showed off their work.

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t. Armands Circle turned into an open-air fine art gallery May 27-28, with artists’ tents covering the green for the annual St. Armands Fine Arts Festival.

The artists showing their work were accomplished in a variety of media, including oil and acrylic paints, metalwork, ceramics and fossilized shark teeth. The one common denominator among the artists was that most were from Florida.

Painter Victoria B. Cooley of Sarasota described her work as “more traditional and coastal.” The Ringling College graduate said the beauty of festivals like St. Armands’ is that it brings artists into contact with “hundreds of different people” in a short time period.

She shows her work at about 30 shows a season. Cooley explained that she’s received a number of commissions through the festivals, with commissions booked through July.

“Summer is when I replenish my work,” she said. Cooley offers a variety of special prints and artwork, including pocket-sized canvases on mini easels, perfect for fitting into a suitcase or carry-on.

“I just want people to have art,” she said.

One artist’s tent stopped passersby with a simple sign, “Yes, they are paintings.”

Ken Orton’s paintings prompted a number of double takes from festivalgoers who might have mistaken them for photos. The Venice-based artist hails from Birmingham, England, and taught art in Spain at the Centre de Arte Joan Miro of the Baleares International School in Palma de Mallorca, where among other

Ken Orton of Venice, Florida

Photos by Sidra Wali

lessons he imparted the power of the ellipse and transparency to students.

“I can build anything from that,” he said.

His Venice studio is called The Workhouse, which he jokingly described in Dickensian terms. While Orton paints there he said he prefers the cadence of baseball broadcasts or audiobooks. Music would overpower or distract from the painting, which itself is “very musical.”

After years of attending 40 shows a year, Orton said he plans a more sensible 20 or so shows in the future, yet he still paints “most of the night.”

With tongue in cheek, he advised, “Every time someone takes a photo of an artist’s work without permission, a kitten dies.”

Victoria B. Cooley, of Sarasota, paints with acrylic and oils to create beach scenes.

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

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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, JUNE 1, 2023

21

REID MURPHY PRESENTS

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

941-232-3304

LONGBOAT KEY MAGNIFICENT GULF FRONT ESTATE

$22,000,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY GULF FRONT

LONGBOAT KEY $7,775,000 EN PROVENCE

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.

LONGBOAT KEY $4,935,000 L’AMBIENCE

$3,650,000

LONGBOAT KEY $3,195,000 BOATERS DREAM

$2,850,000

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.

Casually elegant, rarely available 3BR/4BA direct beachfront walk-out. Private staircase from your private Gulf front terrace leads directly to the beach & Gulf. Amenities include lobby concierge, 24hr guarded gate, olympic sized pool, 2 har-tru tennis courts, fitness center & more.

PENDING

LONGBOAT KEY WATER CLUB

LONGBOAT KEY $3,750,000 DREAM ISLAND ROAD

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.

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.

PENDING

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

Developers Realty Inc Lic. Real Estate Broker

LONGBOAT KEY $1,995,000 • CANAL LOT#1 Updated & meticulously maintained split-plan 4 BR/3 BA pool • CANAL LOT#2

LONGBOAT KEY $3,695,000 EMERALD HARBOR

home on wide canal w/ direct Bay access. A boater’s dream w/new dock and 10,000lb boat lift.

Deeded beach access.

$1,995,000 $1,995,000

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

CALL REID TODAY! | 941.232.3304

www.ReidMurphy.com

595 Bay Isles Road | Longboat Key, FL 34228

404521-1

LONGBOAT KEY SANCTUARY

22

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

EXCEPTIONAL RENTAL MANAGEMENT & VACATION RENTALS

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!

PET PICS 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!

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS!

941-387-9709 Locally owned and managed since 1994

396778-1

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

SWIMWEAR | RESORT WEAR | ACCESSORIES

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SIESTA KEY

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www.SwimCity.com

KING OF THE KEY: William Weaver, king of north Longboat Key

Celebrating 50 YEARS of Living and Working on Longboat Key Cathy C. Meldahl, P.A. Your Longboat Key Community Realtor

941.724.7228

440 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

401309-1

401270-1

• 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

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

COMING THURSDAY, JUNE 29 Reach Southwest Florida's affluent residents and visitors

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as they plan to celebrate the 4th of July holiday.

Space Deadline: Wednesday, June 7 Reserve Your Space Today

845 LongboatevClub 65 Lighthouse dPoint irD tRoad nioP esuohthgiL 56 aoR bDrive ulC taobgnoL 548 19,300 SF | A4440615 0 0 0,59|7$19,750,000 ,3$ | 181834 4A | FS 339,4 4,933 SF | A4438181 0 0 0,057|,9$3,795,000 1$ | 5160 4 4 4A | FS 0 03,91

advertise@yourobserver.com 941-366-3468

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mo|c.Longboat SEITREPORKey, P Florida SATOSARAS 440 Gulf of Mexico Dr

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Water Club #401 501 Halyard ena520 L dChipping raylaH 1Lane 05 | Country Club 104 # bulC retaW Shores | NewLane Construction 3,400 SF | A4421764 | A4448464 0 0 0,|5$2,575,000 99,1$ | 4 644,412sf 8 4 4 4A| 4br | FS| 0Canal 43,2,340 2 FrontSF| $5,975,000 0 0|0A4553676 ,5| 7$1,995,000 5 , 2$ | 4 67124 4A | FS 0 04,3

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

23

REAL ESTATE BY A REAL EXPERT

NO REALTOR HAS EVER LISTED OR SOLD MORE LONGBOAT KEY PROPERTIES

CLUB LONGBOAT BEACH & TENNIS 5055 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #115 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $824,000 Ground level 3BR/2BA, completely renovated open floor plan residence with walk-out access to a private patio, and the tennis courts, community amenities, and beach.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES 510 CHIPPING LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,795,000 Classic 3BR/2BA, canal front residence presenting the opportunity to update to your taste, build new on a fantastic lot, or take advantage of rental income potential. New seawall currently being installed.

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

LONGBEACH 7105 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #11 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $995,000 Beautifully done, 2BR/2BA, furnished corner residence, with first level access to the finest in beachfront living. The redone kitchen seamlessly opens to the living and dining areas, where sliding doors in the living room lead to the fully covered and screened terrace.

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.

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, furnished 2BR/2BA corner residence with recent renovations designed to open the living spaces.

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 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.

BEACHPLACE 1095 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #504 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,015,000 Breathtaking views through windows and sliders of high-impact glass from this 2BR/2BA updated residence.

Includes 2 assigned parking spaces. Beachplace offers favorable rental terms.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 $63 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

401498-1

Bruce@BruceMyer.com • www.BruceMyer.com

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

LONGBOAT KEY 876 Tarawitt Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,894 Sq. Ft. Brian Loebker & Jonathan Abrams 941-735-4393 A4564430 $6,750,000

LONGBOAT KEY 648 Bayview Drive 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,157 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4567089 $5,495,000

LIDO KEY 1168 Westway Drive 3 Beds, 3 Baths 2,858 Sq. Ft. Sherry Dominick 941-500-3774 A4556113 $2,795,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3402 Fair Oaks Lane 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,510 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4559729 $1,850,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 1910 Harbourside Drive 501 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,135 Sq. Ft. Judy Nimz 941-374-0196 A4561559 $1,685,000

LONGBOAT KEY 6701 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 331 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,520 Sq. Ft. Julie Klick 941-780-6001 A4560728 $1,249,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1000 Longboat Club Road 604 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,409 Sq. Ft. Julie Klick & Beverly St Hilaire 941-780-6001 A4566900 $1,200,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1085 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 305 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,819 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4556271 $1,045,000

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 3080 Grand Bay Boulevard 515 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,276 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4570436 $935,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2115 Harbourside Drive 1004 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,906 Sq. Ft. Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4566654 $895,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 4900 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 203B 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,312 Sq. Ft. Richard Perlman 941-228-8580 A4561732 $849,900

LONGBOAT KEY 4725 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 213 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,071 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4570860 $794,000

LONGBOAT KEY 6700 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 135 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,441 Sq. Ft. Richard Perlman 941-228-8580 A4563904 $775,000

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 448 Gulf Of Mexico Drive A106 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,474 Sq. Ft. Philip Pisano, III 941-468-8603 A4568837 $724,900

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

LONGBOAT KEY 542 Sutton Place 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,450 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4568132 $580,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4320 Falmouth Drive B102 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,072 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4554376 $564,000

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 2850 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 12 2 Beds 1 Baths 695 Sq. Ft. Marybeth Flynn 941-704-1477 A4570070 $500,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 4710 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 1 Bed 1 Baths 812 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4570894 $435,000

LONGBOAT KEY 5910 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,210 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4559091 $6,295,000

LONGBOAT KEY 520 Chipping Lane 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,412 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4553676 $5,975,000

LONGBOAT KEY 781 Hideaway Bay Drive 4 Beds 4 Baths 5,469 Sq. Ft. Mark J Baron 631-800-1125 A4554268 $5,500,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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YourObserver.com

25

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

Shirsyl Inc. sold the Unit 425 condominium at 5055 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Francis and Patricia Grey, of Easttown Paoli, Pennsylvania, for $725,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,484 square feet of living area. It sold for $172,000 in 1989.

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Emerald Harbor tops all transactions in this week’s real estate.

Eileen Hassel and Joseph James Fleming, of Edina, Minnesota, sold their home at 700 Old Compass Road to Donald and Sally Johnson, of Pekin, Illinois, for $2.25 million.

Built in 1960, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,982 square feet of living area. It sold for $799,000 in 2001.

BIRD KEY

JRMR Florida Bird LLC sold the home at 526 Bird Key Drive to Bird Key Piano House LLC for $2,225,000. Built in 1965, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,350 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.3 million in 2022.

Delbert Heath Jr., trustee, of Mokena, Illinois, sold the Unit 114 condominium at 5055 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Robert and Jamie Voskovitch, of Ft. Myers, for $665,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,484 square feet of living area. It sold for $134,000 in 1987.

SPANISH MAIN YACHT CLUB

James Peter

This home at 700 Old Compass Road has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,982 square feet of living area.

at 775 Longboat Club Road to Ari and Zoe Paxinos, of Western Springs, Illinois, for $1,495,000.

Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,602 square feet of living area. It sold for $915,000 in 2016.

Gilmore, trustees, of Louisville, Colorado, for $1.04 million. Built in 1996, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,270 square feet of living area. It sold for $515,000 in 2001.

HARBOUR OAKS II

Nicholas Gallinaro and Elaine Gallinaro, trustees, sold the Unit 347 condominium at 2016 Harbourside Drive to Katherine and Matthew Sperling, of New York City, for $995,000. Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,442 square feet of living area. It sold for $455,000 in 2012.

Danny Snyder, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 517 Madison Drive to E. Denison Holder, of Big Sky, Montana, for $2 million.

Built in 1953, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,951 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2004.

Peter and Susan Lanzavecchia, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 2362 Harbour Oaks Drive to Gary Friedland and Jeanne Calderon, of Tarrytown, New York, for $1,367,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,409 square feet of living area. It sold for $625,000 in 2021.

EMERALD POINTE NORTH

SEA GATE CLUB

JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

Houston and Betty Little, of Brentwood, Tennessee, sold their Unit 4 condominium at 2067 Harbour Links Drive to Teresa South, of Longboat Key, for $1.55 million. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,643 square feet of living area. It sold for $705,000 in 2018.

THE BEACHES OF LONGBOAT KEY

Robin Davis Delgado and Anthony Joseph Delgado, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 505 condominium

MAY 15-19

REAL ESTATE

Emerald Harbor house tops this week’s sales at $2.25 million

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Richard Newman, of New York City, sold the Unit 2-E condominium at 2425 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Kevin and Arlene Crute, of Harbor Springs, Michigan, for $1.3 million. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,470 square feet of living area. It sold for $73,500 in 1977.

FAIRWAY BAY

WINDWARD BAY

Victor Cuco and Melissa Rodocker sold their Unit 9-V-32-C condo-

minium at 4810 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Richardson and Elizabeth Hendee, of Deep River, Connecticut, for $839,900. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,422 square feet of living area. It sold for $465,000 in 2021.

SANDS POINT

Ruth Wheeler, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the Unit 220 condominium at 100 Sands Point Road to Brian Donahue, of Collierville, Tennessee, for $760,000. Built in 1966, it has one bedroom, two baths and 1,492 square feet of living area. It sold for $43,800 in 1980.

CLUB LONGBOAT BEACH AND TENNIS

William Jameson Roberts, of Bradenton, sold his Unit 118 condominium at 578 Spanish Drive S. to Laura Lynn Smith, of Longboat Key, for $545,000. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,337 square feet of living area. It sold for $385,000 in 2021.

LONGBOAT ARMS

Barbara Dietz and Gerald Fernandez, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, sold their Unit 104-C condominium at 3320 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Richard Paul McKeown Jr. and Sheray Elaine McKeown, of Dana Point, California, for $455,000.

Built in 1971, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,080 square feet of living area. It sold for $239,000 in 2013.

ST. JUDES

David Kaylor and Catherine Kaylor-Bean, of Temple Terrace, sold their Unit 3 condominium at 571 Saint Judes Drive to Steven Earl Kemp and Lisa Kemp, of Colfax, Wisconsin, for $400,000. Built in 1957, it has one bedroom, one bath and 611 square feet of living area.

It sold for $159,900 in 2014.

In with the new

GRAND BAY

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Corrine Schaffer, trustee, and Sol Schaffer, of Morristown, New Jersey, sold the Unit 541 condominium at 3080 Grand Bay Blvd. to Patrick Gilmore and Mary Ann

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 May 19-24 in order of dollar amounts.

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

ADDRESS 5965 Gulf of Mexico Drive

PERMIT APPLICANT New Construction James A. Holanda

675 Longboat Club Road #26A Alt/Renovation 3100 Harbourside Drive

Other

AMOUNT($) $12,000,000

David G. Massad

$896,938

LB 500 LLC

$388,500

601 Longboat Club Road #403 Alt/Renovation

Donald A. Miller

$274,850

601 Longboat Club Road

Roof

Longboat Key Towers

$257,500

606 Bayport Way

Alt/Renovation

Benjamin Franklin Johnson

$255,900

5056 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Dock/Seawall/Lift Fairhomes Florida Oceans

$250,000

4320 Falmouth Drive Unit 201 Alt/Renovation

Gregory Lowell Janssen

$145,000

1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive #906 Alt/Renovation

Patrick B. Morrow

$127,000

549 Ketch Lane

Betty J. Bowe TTEE

$102,450

415 L Ambiance Drive #B202 Alt/Renovation

Gerry Van Geyzel

$90,000

1115 Gulf of Mexico Drive #405 Windows/Doors

Sara Kingston TTEE

$89,329

6750 Gulf of Mexico Drive Unit 145

Alt/Renovation

Edward C. Cassel

$76,000

3804 Gulf of Mexico Drive #B201

Alt/Renovation

Marilynn Regan

$70,000

2333 Gulf of Mexico Drive #1C2

Mechanical

Gordon A. White

$68,885

Roof

640 Emerald Harbor Drive Dock/Seawall/Lift Eugene P. Rooney &

Mary Bryan Rooney

$59,665

650 Emerald Harbor Drive

Dock/Seawall/Lift Jeanne T. Musorofiti

$58,665

1125 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Windows/Doors

Fred Sciuto

$53,351

3591 Bayou Circle

Roof

James A. Harkins III

$50,149

629 Kingfisher Lane

Dock/Seawall/Lift Francisco Family Trust

$50,000

565 Sanctuary Drive #A102

Mechanical

$49,926

3614 Fair Oaks Place

Dock/Seawall/Lift Adam Ehret William

$48,879

3591 Bayou Circle

Mechanical

James A. Harkins III

$45,000

3802 Gulf of Mexico Drive #A101

Alt/Renovation

Katherine Vendikos

$44,000

5700 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Dock/Seawall/Lift Spanish Main Yacht Club

J&J Lozinski Florida Trust

$42,531

Source: Town of Longboat Key

SOLD OUT

Longboat Key

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From $2.4MM to $10.9MM | Call for appointment | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com 1 FINAL OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE

Downtown Sarasota

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

401833-1

L O N G B OAT K E Y

YourObserver.com

YOUR CALENDAR

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

BEST BET

PUBLIC TURTLE WALKS 6:45 a.m. at 4795 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Free. Join the Longboat Key Turtle Watch every Saturday in June and July. Learn about protecting sea turtles. Participants will learn about turtle tracks and how volunteers scout the beaches for signs of turtle nesting. The walk will also provide information about keeping beaches safe for sea turtles. Please arrive by 6:45 a.m. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring water and sunscreen. No unattended children.

In the event of severe weather, the walk may be canceled.

TUESDAY, JUNE 6

LONGBOAT NETWORKING AT NOON 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ventura’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, 6814 Gulf of Mexico Drive. $30 for members; $40 for prospective members. Join Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce members and your fellow Longboat Key residents for this luncheon opportunity to catch up, shoot the breeze and get to know one another. Menu options include linguine and clams in white or red sauce, Mama Deb chicken Milanese or meatball Parmigiana sub. RSVP with menu choice to 383-2466 or info@LBKChamber.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 6

LIFE IN THE UN-FREEDOM STATE Noon to 1 p.m. Virtual event. Free.

The Longboat Key Democratic Club welcomes Andrew Warren, Florida District 13 state attorney, who will speak as part of a free Zoom presentation that will address the governor’s latest legislative and policy moves, including his retaliation against Disney. A Q&A will follow the presentation. Register online at LBKDems.com/Events.

RECURRING EVENTS WEEKDAYS

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

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

MONDAYS

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 3836493.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS

LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT STORE The thrift store will be open 9 a.m. to noon at 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Donations are accepted during business hours. Call 383-4738.

394810-1

TUESDAYS

ter, 546 Bay Isles Road. Qi gong is a mind-body-spirit practice designed to improve mental and physical health. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

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

Debbie Debile of Feel Good Yoga & Massage leads a gentle yoga class that can be done on a mat or in a chair. Cost is $15; free for members.

Call 383-6493.

MAHJONG From 1-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Fun time for experienced players. To check availability at the tables, email Amy@ 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 203-6054066 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 3836493.

QI GONG From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Cen-

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AT OUR PALMETTO FACTORY

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402414-1

26

YourObserver.com

27

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, JUNE 2

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

High: 84 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 58%

Thursday, June 1

6:34a

8:20p

Friday, June 2

6:34a

8:20p

Saturday, June 3

6:34a

8:21p

Sunday, June 4

6:34a

8:21p

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

Monday, June 5

6:33a

8:21p

High: 83 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 58%

Tuesday, June 6

6:33a

8:22p

Wednesday, June 7

6:33a

8:22p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, JUNE 4 High: 84 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 23%

June 3 Full

June 10 Last

June 17 New

June 26 First

TIDES Highs Lows

Mary Kondrat captured this photo of an incoming storm on Longboat Key.

Thursday, June 1

10:06a

—

4:31a

6:21p

Friday, June 2

12:41a

10:33a

4:53a

7:05p

Saturday, June 3

1:48a

11:04a

5:11a

7:51p

Sunday, June 4

3:03a

11:42a

5:20a

8:40p

Monday, June 5

—

12:25p

—

9:33p

Tuesday, June 6

—

1:13p

—

10:29p

Wednesday, June 7

—

2:08p

—

11:25p

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

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

SHOWROOMS!

celebrity cipher

JUMBO FREESTYLE 7 by Adrian Johnson, edited by Jeff Chen 110 Big name in razors

45 Toots and the Maytals

111 Off ___ (tangential)

genre

112 Pros at selling promos

46 “Don’t make that joke

113 Prepares for laundry day yet” 114 Fire sign?

47 Little rascal

115 Informal eves

48 109-Down, for one

116 Filipino bread

50 “Crazy Rich Asians”

117 Casablanca-to-Algiers

director Jon

dir.

51 Photo ___

118 Sweetie

54 “Never sounded right

2 Sheep’s environment?

3 “It was nothing, really” 4 “CSI: NY” actress Ward 5 As, for chemists 6 Threw out there 7 Vex 8 Home to baseball’s “Green Monster” 9 “Wouldn’t have expected anything else” 10 Cousin of old TV 11 Trendy NYC neighborhood 12 AOC’s workplace, informally 13 Kitchen glove

1 Amps (up) 5 “Hah, you wish!”

9 Crossword solver’s aid 13 Light spray 17 Worse for driving but better for skating 19 Like hens’ teeth, idiomatically 20 Texter’s “Then again ...”

21 Strong cotton thread

pachinko parlors

56 “if ur asking me ...”

87 “That’s yucky!”

31 Public craze

58 Genre for Little Simz

88 Big name in supple-

33 High figs. for brainiacs

59 Chinese entree served

ments

34 Wall St. debut

with hoisin sauce

89 Catches, as a thief

35 “That’s incredible!”

62 Places for rotten Apple

91 Roadside Mexican treats

37 Possibly risky

cores?

94 “A little,” in music

39 Some casino giveaways

65 Singer McEntire

95 Feed, as a fire

41 Manual reader, say

66 401(k) alternative

97 Maltreat

42 Hairstyle for Angela

67 Some NFL linemen

98 Cry after too much

Davis

68 “Silly me!”

tickling

44 Wildlife watcher’s perch 69 Clear to see

22 “Don’t wanna hear about 46 Nicholas I, for one 47 “Crank up the heat!” it ...”

26 Dubiously dubbed

49 Hitting a pinnacle

27 Conservation org. with a 50 Membership-based wholesaler panda logo 28 “How frustrating!”

29 Near-impossibility on a par 5 30 Currency at many

52 Wannabe banker’s deg.

99 Keep private, for now

72 Backs from the stands

100 Enjoy home cooking

74 “Wayne’s World” refrain

101 “Ah, makes sense”

77 Things to crack

102 “Watch your ___!”

79 “The Bronx Bombers”

103 Quite the crowd

83 Former Bolivian Presi-

104 ___ da Cunha (British

dent Morales

Overseas Territory)

53 “I double dog dare you!” 84 Tribe with an annual

106 Crank (out)

55 Completed the last leg of spring Bear Dance

108 Canadian dollar coins,

an Ironman

86 It’s all relative?

informally

14 “Am I being punked?!”

15 Places to go out on a train?

16 It’s more than fear 18 Depend (on) 21 Fiery types, it’s said 23 Iditarod transport 24 Absolutely dominate 25 Some summer b-day parties 31 Confused Nick Young, e.g.

32 “___ Flux” (2005 film) 36 Not prone to crushes, for short 38 Many a chess move

Ballet Theatre dancer 60 “Like THAT’s happening” 61 Pantry stock 63 Aphrodite’s son 64 Apt rhyme for “conk”

MTUVNOT GXL ZTHLU.” FGCP BEEHNP

“Y LID’W WGYDT Y UXUJ JUNVVK TDUC WGU JYOGW CIJLH WI ‘GNXN DNOYVNG,’ CGYBG YHD’W OJUNW PIJ N SUCYHG HYDOUJ.”

70 Short promises?

71 “This date is over” 72 Tenants’ solidarity protest 73 Fifth Avenue retailer 74 Calligraphy purchase 75 Wii Miis, e.g.

76 Field full of unpaid

“HZL HZCDY C’O HZL OBPH EUBXT BK CD OV ELUPBDWM MCKL CP HZWH OV TWXYZHLU WSHXWMMV HZCDJP HZWH C’O KWIXMBXP.”

workers 78 In great shape 80 Episodes of self-indulgence 81 Puts into a cipher 82 Some teatime offerings 85 Bygone times 87 Laverne Cox, to the trans community

YLYDN AUDFUV

IUBBJL PZCLMTP

© 2023 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

90 Place to get a wax job?

92 Puts up, as a monument 93 “Make it snappy!”

94 Groundbreaker 96 From A to Z 99 Jazzy sound?

105 Doesn’t sit 107 Fully informed 109 Garfield once dropkicked him into next week

40 Access, as an email account 41 Maritime vessel letters 43 Gap Inc. subsidiary ©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

402028-1

©2023 Universal Uclick

57 Trailblazing American

ZTHL, WXO OCT EHVHENOJ OG HEO

Puzzle Three Clue: S equals C

1 Two-person lumber tool

to me”

“EGXLHST NU PGO OCT HWUTPET GZ

Puzzle Two Clue: F equals Z

DOWN

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 One Clue: M equals D

crossword

ACROSS

399843-1

COME SHOP OUR

6-1-23

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card 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.

GARAGE SALE As low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888 LONGBOAT KEY MOORINGS 2630 Harbourside Dr., Longboat Key 65 Foot Deep Water Boat Slip For Sale. $350,000.00 Please call Jennifer 727-831-3133

DESPERATELY NEEDED Low mileage, cars and trucks.

Also rare or unusual vehicles.

Larry 941-350-7993

FIND BUYERS AND SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area.

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

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

M-F

real estate

Ask about our special rates!

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals 1BR/1BA 1350 Main St, in heart of Downtown Sarasota. Beautiful 3rd floor, turn key, furnished condo in upscale building overlooking main street.

Amenities include: concierge, reserved in-building parking, pool, fitness center, and more.

Available for seasonal rental starting June 1 through Sept. $3,500/mo. Includes all.

Call George: 516-993-3324.

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

Call 941-383-3338.

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

Adult Care Services CNA: 22 years experience, with doctors recommendations.

Available for days, nights, and traveling. COVID vaccinated.

941-536-5339

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

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com /RedPages

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Auto Transport

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

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

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

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage CALL 941-955-4888

Health Services ELITE CONCIERGE NURSING Private Duty RN HOSPITAL QUALIFIED, COMPASSIONATE CARE, CUSTOMIZED TO MEET YOUR PERSONAL NEEDS. MEDICATION MANAGEMENT, TRANSPORTATION FOR SAME DAY SURGERIES, DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENT SUPPORT, RESPITE CARE, ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA CARE, STROKE CARE, PARKINSON’S CARE, POST-OP SURGERY CARE. LICENSED & INSURED KELLY KOESLAG RN (941)350-2204

This week’s Crossword answers

Painting CARLO DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

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

Advertise your business Honest reliable.

Observer or service in&the Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

RED PAGES SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING CALL TODAY

941-955-4888 HIGH-END INTERIOR PAINTING WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the capacity to act despite our fears.”

John McCain Puzzle Two Solution: “I don’t think I ever really knew the right words to ‘Hava Nagilah,’ which isn’t great for a Jewish singer.”

Idina Menzel Puzzle Three Solution: “The thing I’m the most proud of in my personal life is that my daughter actually thinks that I’m fabulous.”

Brooke Shields

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2023 Universal Uclick

YOUR HOME found here.

Find a place where you can visit listings, not just imagine them.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 941-955-4888 or visit YourObserver.com/redpages

©2023 NEA, Inc.

48’X 21’ BOAT SLIP P07, at Long Boat Key moorings for sale.

Slip runs north and south, and provides views of Sarasota Bay. Asking $250,000 and will consider respectful offers.

Slip does not require membership at the moorings.

PH: 941-724-9486

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Between

Longboat Key, FL 34228

You’re only cheating yourself.

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale

Autos Wanted

Beachfront, Bayfront and In

Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

peekers’ place

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

auto

stuff Items Under $200

SEASONAL RATES

101

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

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

WEEKLY MONTHLY

The CRYSTAL choice!

The CRYSTAL CLEARCLEAR choice!

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

home services

RED PAGES

YourObserver.com

29

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

Health

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

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

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.

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High-End Interior Painting Services

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FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

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

William J. Leininger, JD

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

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Auto Service

404379

404288

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

CREATE BUZZ!

Home Watch

Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

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

WE COME TO YOU 5-Star Rated

Call 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Roofing

Dave and Connie Grundy

Autos Wanted

404191

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

404176

HoHoBuysCars.com

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

FIRST RESPONDER OWNED & OPERATED

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

DESPERATELY NEEDED Low Mileage, Cars & Trucks.

Also Rare or Unusual Vehicles.

941-626-3194

(941)544-0475

Doors

dan@shorelockhomewatch.com

Sliding Glass Door Repair

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936 404181

403492

UNIQUE SPORT & IMPORTS 941-350-7993

WITH THE RED PAGES

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

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404177

MIC INSURANCE

Patio Furniture Repairs.com 403791

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

941-504-0903

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

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EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

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TIME TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS

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

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

403809

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

Windows Res./Com.

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

WITH THE RED PAGES

All Airports, Hourly & Tours www.blacklabelcarservice.com

Booked Referral Program Next Ride with Booked Referral

Insurance

Furniture Repair

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

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

Transportation

www.shorelockhomewatch.com

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1/10/23, 10:25 AM

404186

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STANDARD WINDOWS

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INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

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Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

404385

SELL YOUR CAR!

404187

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

LMT, CMCE

Painting

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

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

Chrissy Stites

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

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

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

403518

Heart & Sole Healing Space, LLC

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

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941.270.4400

Massage

403521

Attorney

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!

404192

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

ROGER SELLS

LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES #1 SARASOTA SINGLE AGENT 2008, 2010, 2012 - 2022

1325 WESTWAY DRIVE

$15,000,000

435 L’AMBIANCE DRIVE #J603

$3,950,000

As soon as you step into this exquisite, custom-designed residence at the sought-after L’Ambiance on Longboat Key, you’ll be captivated by its stunning and unobstructed Gulf-to-Bay views. This fully furnished getaway, including two parking spaces, invites you to move in and immediately start enjoying its beauty.

www.435LAmbianceJ603.com

3030 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #346 $2,595,000

3030 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #316 $2,495,000

Panoramic direct views of Sarasota Bay, Harbourside golf course and downtown’s skyline are the star of the show as soon as you enter this lovely 3BR Antigua getaway.

Prepare to be enchanted by the stunning, awe-inspiring views that await at this luxurious 3BR Grand Bay residence.

Fall in love with its sprawling 2,925 SF and modern updates.

www.GrandBay346.com

www.GrandBay316.com

3040 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #251 $2,295,000

201 NORTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

Sunny bay views welcome you to this 5th-floor, nearly 3,000 SF retreat, featuring an open, 3BR layout waiting for you to add your personal touches. Includes private beach!

The walkable location of this St. Armands home will immediately draw you in. Ideally situated on an oversized, 1/4-acre lot for you to design your dream home.

www.GrandBay251.com

www.201NorthWashington.com

Step into this tropical escape through the hidden courtyard that connects the 3BR main home to the private 2BR guest house, as the perfect introduction to a contemporary masterpiece designed by DSDG Architect Mark Sultana and built by Voigt Brothers Construction.

www.1325WestwayDrive.com

415 L’AMBIANCE DRIVE #PHA $12,000,000 Discover the finest Sarasota penthouse at this gorgeous 3BR L’Ambiance residence, offering spectacular views from the Gulf to the Bay, with gorgeous recent designer updates throughout the nearly 5,000 SF interior.

www.415LAmbiancePHA.com

$2,195,000

7652 SANDERLING ROAD $9,995,000 This private, custom estate, situated on over an acre with 172’ of beachfront, offers unobstructed views of the Gulf’s coastal landscape, complemented by a design specifically crafted to accentuate the breathtaking beach and sunset panoramas from any room.

www.7652Sanderling.com

1172 HORIZON VIEW DRIVE

9150 BLIND PASS ROAD #505

$839,000

1350 MAIN STREET #712

$679,000

Beautiful recent updates (include added square feet, impact windows) and sunny water views create the perfect spot to move right into at this FURNISHED, 2BR beach-to-bay getaway.

Welcome to sublime city living, steps from downtown Sarasota’s “Cultural Coast”, where you can walk to the best this city offers. This newer retreat is move-in ready!

www.FishermansHaven505.com

www.1350Main712.com

$6,995,000 Indulge in this delightful beach getaway boasting over 100’ of water frontage, inviting you to personalize it with your unique touches. However, it is equally perfect for immediate enjoyment in its current state.

www.1172HorizonView.com

816 JUNGLE QUEEN WAY $1,599,000 Turnkey furnished! This lovely 3BR waterfront on Longboat Key is waitingt for you to make it your own. Positioned in a central locale, you will love the deeded beach access and easy boating access to Sarasota Bay.

173 CIPRIANI WAY

$575,000

5693 CABRERA COURT

$499,000

You will love the convenience of moving right into this wellmaintained home, with its sunny, open interior, 3BR+den layout, and many resort-style amenities a short walk away.

Constructed by DiVosta Homes, this exquisite 3BR townhome on the exclusive grounds of Palmer Ranch, offers a private courtyard lifestyle that exudes beauty, light, and warmth.

www.173CiprianiWay.com

www.5693CabreraCourt.com

www.816JungleQueenWay.com

235 COCOANUT AVENUE #125D

$995,000 Nestled only a few minutes from the heart of downtown Sarasota, this townhome is perfectly positioned in a central location. With its contemporary 3BR design and move-in ready condition, you’ll feel right at home.

www.MarqueeEnVille125D.com

549 SUTTON PLACE

$499,000

20091 RAGAZZA CIRCLE #202

$439,000

Delight in the best of both worlds at this beach-to-bay townhome at Sutton Place on Longboat Key. Offered furnished and move-in ready, with deeded beach access.

Revel in the convenience of carefree living and proximity to all the amenities of Wellen Park at this well-maintained, contemporary 3BR residence at Gran Paradiso.

www.549SuttonPlace.com

www.GranParadiso202.com

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE TOUR (941) 387-1840 443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F | Sarasota, FL 34236 Pettingell.com | www.bestSarasotarealestate.net Twitter.com/RealRoger | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell | Roger@Pettingell.com The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. 401523-1

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