Longboat Observer 6.22.23

LONGBOAT

Fresh kicks.

Observer

PAGE 4B

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

VOLUME 45, NO. 46

YOUR TOWN

St. Regis parking proposal: To be continued The Town Commission gave Unicorp a chance to present a new parking plan. SEE PAGE 4A

A dance of color

Courtesy photo

A paws-itively friendly worker

Mess up and play around, says artist Madeline Wikler.

SEE PAGE 2B

Pippa, a lively 9-year-old Yorkshire terrier, is a beloved resident and hardworking member of Longboat Key’s year-round community.

As the cherished companion of Pastor Rev. Brock Patterson, she has won her place in the heart of the island’s tight-knit community. She also has a job to do.

Pippa brings joy and excitement to Longboat Island Chapel members as she happily fulfills her role as the official greeter and security officer at the church.

She does her job in a warm and affectionate manner as residents and visitors alike report.

Outside of work, Pippa enjoys leisurely walks along the shoreline and the thrill of sniffing out bunnies in the gardens.

A touch of authenticity Though nearly 2,000 miles away from Mexico, La Villa Mexican Grill brings an authentic feel to traditional Mexican cuisine. If you want the full experience, complete with music, Wednesday nights are when to go.

That’s when the restaurant’s mariachi band plays from 5:309:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy their food while a mariachi band roams the restaurant, playing renditions from the Eagles, Jimmy Buffet and The Charlie Daniels Band. If you’d like to hear “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” mariachi style, then you may just be in luck.

La Villa began in the Tampa Bay region before opening their newest location at 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive in August 2022.

Their menu offers traditional Mexican foods such as Mexican street corn, chile relleno and flautas.

Nests False crawls

A+E

Hard to beat

Day dreaming in color.

PAGE 14A

A record number of tourists flocked here in 2022. And this year? SEE PAGE 3A

Turtle tracks LONGBOAT June 4-10

Courtesy image

A watercolor painting by local artist Madeline Wikler

2023 99 94

2022 134 135

Totals since April 23 2023 2022 Nests 406 382 False crawls 457 368 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

Photo by Carter Weinhofer

Both Sarasota and Manatee counties reported record-breaking tourism data for 2022.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

Courtesy photo

The Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department can deploy its personal watercraft, seen here during a training drill, in the event of a water rescue call.

Safety initiative aims to prevent accidental water deaths Local fire departments recently joined the ‘Stay Vigilant Initiative’ to raise water safety awareness.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat Key beaches do not have lifeguards, the traditional stations nor the colored flags on the beach that indicate safe swimming. But fire departments in the area are coming together for the “Stay Vigilant initiative” to try to prevent accidental water deaths.

The Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department is responsible for responding to any distress calls on the water. Public Information Officer Tina Adams said the department received 2,040 calls in 2022. Of those, 127 were “water rescue” calls.

This category could involve anything from a boating accident to swimmers in distress due to a rip current.

Rip currents are strong currents that flow away from the shore. They typically form at low parts or near

sandbars or structures such as jetties and groins. According to the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration, they could flow as fast as eight feet per second.

“Signs that a rip current is present are very subtle and difficult for the average beachgoer to identify,” NOAA’s website says. “Look for differences in the water color, water motion, incoming wave shape or breaking point compared to adjacent conditions.”

The National Weather Service tracks surf zone related deaths, which total 43 so far in 2023. Of those, 38 deaths were caused by rip currents in the U.S.; 15 rip current deaths occurred in Florida. An estimated 100 people die from rip currents every year, and rip current rescues account for 80% of all beach rescues, the U.S. Lifesaving Association estimates.

Although a rip current can happen on any coast, Adams said Longboat Pass and New Pass are where the fire rescue department has noticed the strongest rip currents occurring.

To try to combat this, Longboat

Key Fire Rescue recently joined the “Stay Vigilant Initiative” with the Sarasota County Fire Department, North Port Fire Rescue Department and the city of Venice Fire Department. The purpose of this initiative is to raise awareness of water safety and try to prevent accidental deaths related to water.

Residents who feel they can respond in case of a swimmer in distress can pick up a “water watcher” badge at these stations. This badge shows others that the person is capable of keeping an eye on children in or around the water. The idea is that volunteer water watchers are able to either help someone in distress in the water, or at least be able to call emergency services.

In the event that someone gets trapped in a rip current, NOAA makes it clear that the movement of a rip current is horizontal, not vertical — it will not inherently pull you under the water. The best practice, according to NOAA, is to stay calm and go with the current. Once you feel you are out of the pull of the current, swim parallel to the shore and

WHERE TO PICK UP A WATER WATCHER BADGE: Interested residents can pick up a badge at any of these locations Monday through Friday from June to September. n Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

1945 Fruitville Road, Sarasota

n Longboat Key Fire Station 91

5490 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key n Venice Fire Rescue Station 52 200 Grove St. N., Venice n North Port Fire Station 81 4980 City Center Blvd., North Port For more information on Sarasota County’s beach safety tips, visit their website.

then eventually back towards safety.

For more information about rip currents, visit the resources on NOAA’s website.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

A tough act to follow County officials and local businesses both report 2022 as being one of, if not the best, years for the tourism industry.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

L

ast year brought an influx of tourists, breaking records across the board, according to county tourism data.

After the record-breaking year for area tourism in 2022, numbers seem to be returning to more typical levels. Local businesses shared this sentiment, saying 2022 was a standout year, especially coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit Sarasota County, a nonprofit corporation contracted with Sarasota County, reported that, in April of this year, tourism industry metrics were down compared to that same time in 2022 (see sidebar at right).

“I think it’s important to remember that (the lower numbers) are compared to the most amazing year we have ever had in tourism in our history,” said Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County.

She mentioned how a friend had compared 2022 tourism to Secretariat the racehorse.

“All those years since that horse has ran, no one has ever beat that horse’s fastest time, and I think (last year’s tourism) will be our case. I think last year will always be a landmark year.”

To gauge who might be coming to the area to visit or to move permanently, Haley said they use something called SITs, or signals of intent, which are an indicator of when a customer is about to make a purchase.

Other metrics used are meeting leads, when a corporation asks the area to host a conference in one of its hotels, as well as through requests for visitor guides or relocation packages either in-person or online.

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council presented a similar trend during its June 5 meeting. Anne Wittine with Research Data Services Inc. presented tourism data at the meeting (see sidebar).

“Last year, we were seeing that extreme peak of pent-up demand,” Wittine said at the meeting.

Mote Marine Laboratory reported complementary statistics. In 2022, Mote recorded 378,000 visitors, which was a record year, according to their annual report. The previous year saw 306,650 visitors.

THE LOCAL VIEW

Some local businesses on Longboat Key shared the sentiment that 2022 was a groundbreaking year for the area’s tourism industry.

Bob McFarland owns Longboat Key Paddleboard and Kayak and Sarasota PaddleBoard Co.

He agreed, saying 2022 was “booming.” When comparing this latest season to last, he said it hasn’t been drastic.

“It’s kind of hard to say,” McFarland said. “I don’t think there’s a huge difference from this year to last year, but there is a difference.”

In fact, McFarland said his business has been beating numbers this year, too. He said every month he has the goal of beating the numbers of that month the previous year.

Recent years presented his industry with challenges. First was the devastating red tide event in 2018 that took a toll on businesses like water recreation. McFarland said that the 2018 bloom put them out of business for a couple weeks. But, natural events like the 2018 red tide and Hurricane Ian in 2022 are just part of the business, according to McFarland.

“You always have to account for one to two weeks of something,” he said.

McFarland’s businesses have tours and rentals that run almost every day of the year. For them, he said, missing out on two weeks isn’t completely devastating.

“For us it’s a little easier to make up,” McFarland said. “For the hotels, once they lose those room nights, they’re gone.”

Harold Cullison owns the Sandpiper Inn with his wife, Christine.

They said that 2022 was also a very good year for them.

“Last year was the best year that we’ve had in quite awhile,” Cullison said.

Cullison referred to the 2018 red tide as being the first in a series of setbacks. The following year was sort of a “hangover” from the red tide, he said. The Sandpiper Inn’s sales for 2019 had actually gone lower than 2018. Following that was the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, after which Cullison said business got a little better in 2021, but things still weren’t great.

“It wasn’t until 2022 until we finally went ahead of 2018,” Cullison said.

They measure success mainly in occupancy and revenue. Occupancy is how often the rooms are booked.

For the Sandpiper Inn, 2022 had about 86% occupancy. This was actually down from 2021, which was 89%.

The Sandpiper Inn is a unique entity on Longboat Key. They are a privately owned hotel, smaller than many of the condo hotels in the area.

One full-time employee helps them out, but Harold said he does all the laundry. His wife handles all the reservations, while Harold handles all

BY THE NUMBERS SARASOTA COUNTY Compared to April 2022, here are the county’s visitation numbers for April 2023: n Visitors: 136,800, which is a decrease of 8.2% n Visitor spending: $177,372,100, a decrease of 1.9% n Lodging occupancy average: 73.9%, a decrease of 5.9% n Lodging average daily room rate: $293.33, which is a decrease of 0.1% n Rooms sold: 332,400, which is down 5.2%

MANATEE COUNTY Compared to April 2022, here are the county’s visitation numbers for April 2023: n Visitors: 97,800, which is a decrease of 2.1% n Economic impact: $143,973,100, which is an increase of 3.4% n Room nights: 220,700, a decrease of 4.1% n Occupancy: 78.8%, which is a decrease of 2.8% n Average daily rate: $265.70, an increase of 7.9

Courtesy photo

The Sandpiper Inn on Longboat Key is the only privately owned hotel where the owners live on-site. They said 2022 was one of their best years for business.

the numbers through QuickBooks.

They bought the property in 2005 and moved in around 2010. According to Cullison, they are the only privately owned Longboat hotel at which the owners live on-site.

Being privately owned, rising costs have been their biggest challenge.

As costs go up, their net revenue decreases.

“When our occupancy goes down, our costs really don’t go down. Very little changes when a room is empty, because most costs are fixed,” Cullison said.

While they may no longer have a mortgage to pay, Cullison said property tax for each room is one major cost. On top of that, paying to file taxes is another cost.

Despite increasing costs, Cullison said 2023 has been a good year. Sales are a bit ahead, he said, but not occupancy. Around this time of year, the more common one-bedroom unit at the Sandpiper costs a little over $190 before tax.

“So far, the only thing that was down was that usually May is extremely good, but this May wasn’t as good as it normally is,” he said.

Photo by Carter Weinhofer

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

Continuance granted on St. Regis parking plans Tuesday’s public hearing ended in approval of a continuance in favor of Unicorp. The firm will have more time to provide new plans for parking at the St. Regis.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

Unicorp National Developments will have another chance to present plans for parking at the St. Regis project at a public hearing on Sept. 18.

During the June 20 special Town Commission meeting, Longboat Key town commissioners voted 7-0 in favor of granting Unicorp a continuance for a public hearing. This continuance will allow Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall and his team to provide a new fully developed plan for parking at the St. Regis.

Whittall said these plans will not have a structure involved.

Whittall was the first to speak during the June 20 public hearing and recognized the public did not want a two-story parking garage. He stated an “honest mistake” was made and that there was an overallocation for the residential parking and an underallocation for the commercial parking.

He described the process of wanting a “quick solve,” with Unicorp first considering a plan to install mechanical lifts in the alreadyapproved ground-level garage under the hotel building. After that idea was realized as being too problematic, they moved to the parking garage, which was denied at the last public hearing on June 5. Now, Whittall said Unicorp’s engineers are working on a new plan and requested the continuance to present the plan.

“We’re going to come back through with a reconfigured parking lot that we can fit the 62 spaces in without having to do the lifts,” Whittall said.

“And we don’t have to worry about

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Mayor Ken Schneier commented on the fact that the corporation has been a good community partner thus far, but wished the issue had been addressed sooner.

Whittall responded to Schneier’s comment by saying the town’s policies had been the reason behind waiting to present the parking garage plans. In most other jurisdictions, Whittall said they only require a basic site plan to be presented to the town council. For this project, Whittall said it took a lot of time and $200,000 to be able to present a plan in accordance with the town’s proposal requirements.

“In this case, we had to design the entire thing, which took a year,” Whittall said. “I would have loved to have brought it to you in 60 or 90 days after the fact, but it’s not possible based on your system.”

Commissioners were able to weigh in with their own thoughts or ask Whittall and town Attorney Maggie Mooney questions. Commissioner Gary Coffin said he wouldn’t apologize for the town’s requirements for a fully fledged plan, but had no issue with granting the continuance and seeing the new plans. Penny Gold, District 2 commissioner, also said she had no objection to the continuance and was interested to see the new plans.

In their final deliberations, the commissioners reinforced that they saw public feedback as crucial moving forward with this plan.

Bishop motioned to accept the continuance, requesting a completed and accepted application no later than July 6. She also motioned for that application to be fully reviewed by staff, including landscaping and traffic plans that conform with code.

This was passed unanimously 7-0.

Next, Unicorp must present its plans to the commission by July 6, which will be heard during two public hearings. The first hearing date is set for Sept. 18.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

5A

Higher pay for high standards Updated union contracts invest in future of Longboat public safety.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

T

hanks to less-than-competitive salaries and benefits, the Longboat Key Police and Fire Rescue departments have struggled to fill vacancies, but newly ratified and updated union contracts for each department are improving recruitment.

The new union contracts for the police and fire departments represent the “single largest investment to date” in public safety, according to Town Manager Howard Tipton. These contracts will help make positions in both departments more competitive in the workforce by increasing wages and other benefits.

Both were ratified unanimously at the June 5 commission meeting.

The investment in the police force will be an increase of $95,750 for the remainder of fiscal year 2023 and $396,400 for fiscal year 2024. That includes a 29.7% increase in pay for officers and a 30.1% wage increase for sergeants. The second and third years of the agreement will also allow for a 2% adjustment to account for inflation and for the salaries to remain competitive.

This investment in the fire department will be $115,000 for the rest of this fiscal year and $716,850 for the upcoming fiscal year. A 23% pay plan increase for firefighter paramedics is anticipated, along with a 37.3% increase for lieutenants.

An interim memorandum of understanding for June to September will begin the updated agreement between the Longboat Key Police Department and the Southwest

Florida Police Benevolent Association. Following this memorandum, a three-year contract will go into place. The contract would have been negotiated this summer, but Tipton said it was necessary to negotiate and implement the MOU sooner due to the situation the department found itself in.

According to Tipton, the town found itself lacking “more than expected” when it came to wages, take-home vehicles and retirement contributions. He also said the departments were struggling to fill vacancies. Commissioner BJ Bishop was in full support of the contract.

“What concerns me is, with both police and fire, we got well out of the competitive range, and I am concerned at what point this was allowed to be this far out of the range that we are now down a considerable number of police officers,” said BJ Bishop. “I think we’re moving forward to hopefully never see this get this far out of kilt again.”

Chief of Police George Turner emphasized how the previous threeyear contract had left the department with a low, noncompetitive salary.

“These contracts last three years, so three years ago we may have been midrange, but by the end of the three years, we were definitely at the bottom,” Turner said.

Pay increases within the police department follow a set course of steps. Each year, officers or sergeants get a pay increase depending on the next step in the plan. The new contract reduced the number of steps in this plan, thus decreasing the time between higher salaries.

According to Turner, his department had as many as five full-time and a couple of part-time vacancies.

Before the new contract negotiations, he said no one had been applying. Now, he has already been able to hire two new officers with interviews underway for other positions.

Courtesy photo

Longboat Key Fire Rescue’s Station 92 opened its doors in 2021.

“We’re looking to hire the best. When we look at the numbers we’re investing in police and fire, it’s because that’s what our residents are asking for.”

—Town Manager Howard Tipton

“It has put me in a position as chief where I can recruit top-level transfers from outside of our area and that’s right now proving very successful,” Turner said.

A similar contract was ratified between the town, which employs the fire department, and the International Association of Firefighters Local 2546. Like the police department’s contract, this also reduced

the number of steps between salary increases. This MOU will remain effective from June 18 to Sept. 30, 2024, when a new contract will need to be negotiated.

According to Fire Chief Paul Dezzi, the new union agreement is helping the department be competitive once again. Dezzi hopes existing vacancies will be filled now that salaries are higher. He said the difficulty filling the vacancies has taken a toll on some of his responders.

“A lot of these guys have not been getting days off,” Dezzi said. “These guys have really been supportive and they understand the position we’ve been in.”

An added level of difficulty for recruiting fire rescue responders is the requirement that they also be paramedics. Emergency medical technicians can only operate basic life support and can also assist paramedics. Paramedics are able to administer advanced life support.

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For perspective, an EMT can get an IV ready, but only a paramedic can actually administer it. All firefighter paramedics with Longboat Key Fire Rescue are also trained in pediatric advanced life support.

“We’re competitive now; we were not before,” Dezzi said.

Dezzi, Turner and Tipton all share the sentiment that the investment is important to the community in order to provide the best level of service.

For police, Turner does not hire any officers fresh out of the academy. He requires all his new officers to have years of experience. In the case of fire rescue, the requirement to be a paramedic on top of the firefighter position is unusual.

“We’re looking to hire the best,” Tipton said. “When we look at the numbers we’re investing in police and fire, it’s because that’s what our residents are asking for.”

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

Courtesy photo

Oyster Boys Conservation recently installed 40 vertical oyster gardens under the docks at Bayfront Park.

Under the docks Vertical oyster gardens, though simple in structure, can improve water quality and provide habitats for marine life.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

T

he strings of oyster shells hanging from the docks at Bayfront Park may not look like much now. But over the next few years, those simple structures could evolve into hubs for crucial filter feeder organisms.

Oyster Boys Conservation

installed 40 vertical Oyster Gardens on June 2. The project is one of Longboat Key’s green initiatives in collaboration with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. The town has been partnered with SBEP for more than three decades, according to the organization’s executive director, David Tomasko.

Each VOG contains 20 recycled oyster shells, meaning the project at Bayfront Park brought a total of 800 oyster shells. Oyster larvae tend to grow on existing oysters, so the goal of VOGs is to promote the recruitment of oyster larvae and other organisms such as sponges and fish.

“These vertical oyster gardens are a great way to get more habitat

complexity and also to have a little bit more filter feeders in the water,” Tomasko said.

Oysters are a common filter feeder, making them an important part of the marine ecosystem. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a single adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day. Oysters are able to remove pollutants in the ecosystem, thus improving water quality. Oysters are also sessile organisms, meaning once they attach to a surface they remain there for their entire adult life.

Developed areas like Longboat Key pose a problem — not everywhere has a natural shoreline. Seawalls are good for protecting properties but

lack the ability to enhance the biodiversity of an area because of their flat metal surface. Projects like VOGs are a good way to stimulate an environment in less than ideal conditions.

“We’re trying to deal with it as it is, not as we’d love it to be,” Tomasko said.

Carolyn Brown, support services director for Longboat Key, said a group of residents that has a strong environmental interest brought forth the idea of VOGs. This recommendation complemented the town’s overarching sustainability goals, according to Brown.

“The town wants to make an impression, wants to do the right thing and be somewhat of a leader to the extent that we can,” Brown said.

The VOG projects hit two out of the four main goals outlined in SBEP’s Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan: Wildlife Action Plan and Community Engagement Action Plan.

The first is simple. The oyster gardens at Bayfront Park are intended to increase the abundance of marine organisms in the waters nearby.

“Anything we do to increase the complexity of this kind of shoreline is going to be good, and anything we can do to get more filter feeders in the bay is good,” Tomasko said.

Second, Tomasko hopes more public engagement will encourage others to implement oyster gardens on their own docks.

“Our goal is not to have dozens of these things out there; our goal is to have thousands of these out there and maybe tens of thousands,” Tomasko said.

Brown said the town is hoping to continue working closely with SBEP on upcoming projects. This sentiment was shared by Tomasko. He hinted at possible projects, such as softening shorelines in the area and implementing a type of panel that attaches to seawalls and could effectively allow filter feeders to grow on that surface.

“We think it’s everyone’s responsibility to preserve the environment for future generations,” Brown said.

“It’s important while we’re all here to be respectful of the environment, to take care of it and to do whatever we can to mitigate any impacts.”

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

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RESTAURANT AND TIKI BAR

Courtesy photo

Sand on Greer Island has begun encroaching on the Land’s End pier.

Dredging gets green light

A

fter some delays caused by wildlife, residents and visitors will soon be able to pass through Channel 1A along Greer Island (Beer Can Island). The dredging project will be underway by mid-July.

Currently, a buildup of sand that gradually washed down shore from the beaches has made it impossible to boat through the channel. Formally named The Greer Island Sand Spit Management Plan, the dredging project will fix this problem.

The contract for the dredge was issued in April, and the project was set to begin in May. But nature had a different plan. A colony of least terns, a species of seabird, established itself on the proposed dredging site. The town of Longboat Key then needed to obtain a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to continue the project with “minor activity.”

Meanwhile, the start of sea turtle nesting season presented another challenge when a nest appeared on the project site. After the appearance

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of the nest, the town worked with Mote Marine Laboratory to receive a nest relocation permit. Mote recently acquired the permit, and two new nests were able to be successfully moved from the site. However, since the first sea turtle nest was established prior to the permit being acquired, the town must let the nest hatch naturally.

Now, the least terns have vacated the site and all that’s left to do is wait out the turtle nest. The nest is expected to hatch by mid-July, according to Isaac Brownman, director of public works. In the meantime, workers have the green light to begin prepping the site without harming the turtle nest.

According to Tipton, residents can expect to see this activity begin around the first week of July.

Once removed and relocated back toward the beaches, the groins installed along the beach are able to block the sand from traveling down shore. The groin structures are positioned almost perpendicular to the shore and can trap sand as it washes down shore. This should prevent another buildup on Canal 1A from happening in the near future.

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Delays caused by wildlife shifted the timeline of the project, but the town expects it to begin by mid-July without any change in cost.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Big Step for the SPAF With the selection of Renzo Piano Building Workshop, the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation took a giant step toward bringing its vision to reality.

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com

EMILY WALSH

W

hile Sarasota’s new performing arts hall is years from reality, the selection of an architect marks a crucial step toward opening curtain and answering two big questions: How much will it cost? How long will it take?

While I know next to nothing about the process of constructing a building or architecture, I do know what steps are required to put on a show. While putting words to print, recounting the news and information you seek every week is a show within itself, a former career in the ballet world gave me experience in performing arts.

When premiering a new ballet, a choreographer first must be selected. Next the choreographer picks a concept and selects the music to which the ballet will be danced.

Then the formulation of the steps and movements the dancers will perform begins.

Following all that are countless rehearsals and coaching, costume design, set production, lighting design, stage management, marketing, ticket sales and more.

Finally: It’s curtain time for opening night. Without the choreographer, there is no show.

It’s not quite curtain time for the future Sarasota Performing Arts Center, but with the selection of the architect two weeks ago — Renzo Piano Building Workshop, the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation took a giant step toward bringing its vision to reality.

Renzo Piano’s selection, along with the caliber of the other 42 architects considered for the job, says a lot about Sarasota and what the other architects saw in this midsize city that is increasingly becoming discovered.

Indeed, each of the three finalists — Foster + Partners, Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Snøhetta — are all regarded as internationally acclaimed firms.

Snøhetta is currently leading the design of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s historic performance space, Powell Hall, with a 65,000-square-foot expansion to celebrate the performance hall’s centennial in 2025.

I recently visited the Winspear Opera House in Dallas, which is the center of the Dallas Arts District.

Designed by Foster + Partners, the performing arts hall is brightly lit in red with the glass horseshoe center revealing a sweeping staircase to the multilevel lobby areas and provides different plazas outside for the public.

Nearby is a Renzo Piano project — Nasher Sculpture Center, which is a museum and sculpture garden

Stock photo

Renzo Piano Building Workshop was commissioned to be the architecture firm of the New York Times building in New York, New York, through a competition in 2000.

Emily Walsh

Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas, was designed by finalist firm Foster + Partners.

that provides sanctuary among the downtown Dallas skyscrapers.

Seeing the latter two finalists’ projects firsthand in April, not knowing they would be finalists for the SPAC, I knew either architecture firm would create a worldclass project for Sarasota. Yet, this “newsie” is a bit biased. One of the most impressive buildings I’ve ever visited is the New York Times building in New York City. The Renzo Piano-designed, 52-story building takes up half a block in Manhattan and hums with people devoted to putting out a newspaper every day.

Now that Renzo Piano has been selected as the architect for the planned SPAC, the big overarching questions can be answered: n How much will it cost? n How long will it take until the first curtain rises?

Much like Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and The Bay Park, before design firms and partners were selected, master plans were aspirational. Once architects and consultants were selected, budgets and actual construction costs were then developed.

“You can’t really get an estimate of costs until you have a concept,” says Jennifer Rominiecki, president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Selby broke ground on its Master Plan in June 2021 and plans to host a ribbon cutting in November 2023. Rominiecki also shared that once an architect translates its design to reality, that’s when the costs come into focus.

After Renzo Piano goes through the city of Sarasota’s procurement process, the City Commission must vote on a concept from Renzo Piano and adopt an implementation

Courtesy photo

Newspaper executives visited the New York Times innovation lab in 2015 on the Innovation Mission through the Local Media Association.

agreement.

Having been through the same process, Rominiecki says the most important aspect is conveying the big picture vision and the need.

“The need is so important to the constituency understanding being patient,” she says. “If the need is there, the patience will be there.”

Renzo Piano’s first job will be a needs analysis to assess how to meet the needs of the community for generations to come. “They are doing a lot of diligence,” says Jim Travers, chairman of the board and interim CEO of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation. “This is much more than a building. They are engaging the entire 53-acres and how to broadcast what’s happening inside out so that children and entire families can understand the arts in an amazing way.

“To see that come to fruition is overall really exciting for the project and the community,” he says.

Travers added that the SPAC is a generational project and is expected to serve the community for the next 50 to 60 years, much like the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has performed since the 1960s.

“Sarasota’s history and reputation for the performing arts is why people are here and coming here,” Travers says. “This is about my grandkids and your kids being able to have something to support the current state of the arts and where things are going.”

Walking through Klyde Warren Park in the downtown Dallas Arts District makes the vision of having a Sarasota Arts and Cultural district more of a reality. Just think: With Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, The Bay Park and a world-class performing arts hall along our beautiful bayfront, our downtown core will rise to a new level, fulfilling untapped potential for decades to come.

In a former life, this ballerina couldn’t wait to step her toes on that stage. Now I’m looking forward to being an audience member.

Thankfully, the SPAF has taken the first step, or in ballet, first position, to get there.

Emily Walsh was a part of the Van Wezel Steering Committee in 2018 to help envision a new performing arts hall for Sarasota until she joined the board of the Bay Park Conservancy in 2019. She currently serves as secretary on the Bay Park Conservancy Board of Directors. Walsh served on the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Board of Directors from 2011 to 2017.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

Plans to meet demands On her first day on the job, Erin Silk, the new president and CEO of the Economic Development Corp., explains how the organization will meet the demands of the County Commission.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

D

uring three of her four-plus years with the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County, Erin Silk has worked under two interim executive directors who worked to transition it into the more responsive, results-oriented organization demanded by its primary benefactor, the Sarasota County Commission.

A fourth-generation Silk in Sarasota County, she said recalls her grandfather saying the Silks arrived here on horse and buggy. The Maryland native who began her career in the Baltimore area followed the family footsteps here in 2015 when she became CEO of Venice Main Street in 2015. She joined the EDC in 2019.

Last week, Silk was elected by the EDC Board of Directors as president and CEO, succeeding Lisa Krouse, who held the role on an interim basis for 18 months. She takes over at a crucial time, with the County Commission demanding greater communication and more measurables to justify the more than $1 million per year in county funding.

On her first day as the new leader of the EDC, Silk talked with the Observer about economic development activity in the county and how the seven-member organization will work to bring in new companies, help existing companies find new space to expand, address the shortage of light industrial sites needed to create those new jobs and meet the demands of the County Commission.

What brought you to Sarasota?

I was ready to be in Sarasota and Venice, and I was absolutely blessed and honored to get the position of

CEO of Venice Main Street in 2015.

Venice Main Street is an economic development and historic organization in downtown Venice. It was there for about four-and-a-half years before I moved over to the EDC here, and I have now held four different roles within the EDC. You joined the EDC at a time when the County Commission was questioning its effectiveness.

How do you assess the changes since 2019?

What has kept us going is a strong board of directors and a strong commitment from the community to say they expect something different from the EDC. Sometimes change brings out good. Sometimes challenge brings out the best, and that’s what I see happening. Dave Bullock was the absolute best leader for the time period that he was with us (18 months). He only thought he was going to be with us for three months. And then Lisa Krouse was the absolute best person to lead us at the time that she did. And I hope that as we look back, the same will be said about me.

The County Commission expects measurable results. In an endeavor that is often intangible, how will you meet that demand?

Right now in our project pipeline we have 80 projects. About 50 are out of market companies that have identified or we’ve had initial conversations with about Sarasota County, logistics companies included. There are about 30 local companies that are here and growing like light industrial and hightech manufacturing. They’re having trouble identifying sites, and we’re helping them with that. These are

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Courtesy photo

Erin Silk has been named president and CEO of the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County.

great companies and great fits for our community. We’re all working together for the greater good of our residents.

What we’ve done is above and beyond our contractual obligation for quarterly metrics. We are providing a monthly report to the commission that also goes to all of the interlocal partners. And it’s not just metrics, it’s also about seven projects that we are going to close (on the sites) in 2023. We have five more that are slated to close in 2024. It’s a deeper dive into our process of what is actually in our pipeline.

Additionally, we are having oneon-ones with our commissioners on a quarterly basis, and that’s brand new to us. We’re also inviting them to some of the projects that we’re working with and supporting our businesses. Getting to participate in our work I hope will have a real effect when you can see the connections being made. We can put that on a spreadsheet and it doesn’t mean anything until you actually get into our work, see it in action and hear from the people it impacts.

How do you define the personality of the local economy?

What we’ve seen in downtown Sarasota is this incredible attraction to entrepreneurs who are relocating to the Sarasota area, and they’re not just brand-new entrepreneurs that are on their first start up ... They could go launch their next endeavor anywhere in the world but they want to be here in Sarasota County.

Maybe they moved to Sarasota or Siesta Key with their family. Maybe COVID has brought them here and they find this is a great place for business. There’s been a really exciting and cool energy on tech entrepreneurialism particularly around downtown Sarasota.

Northport has immense opportunities with the land that they have.

We’re talking to manufacturers and logistics companies and also high tech-manufacturers who would be a really great fit in Northport because of the space that they have and the workforce that they have.

The beauty of our area is that it’s there’s a little something for everybody.

What is the economic future of the county?

We have become a serious destination for business. We have built a reputation as an exciting place for business, and I see it in the conversations that we’re having, the people that are reaching out to us.

Our center of influence has gotten broader and wider where we’re having people reach out from Canada and France and they have an interest to be in Sarasota County. I think the beauty of Sarasota County when it comes to our economic direction is it depends on where you are.

Economic development means a whole lot of things, and this organization continues to evolve. It’s been about diversifying the economy. We have fantastic hospitality, tourism, construction and health care. We need to be diverse and we need to not be relying on certain sectors.

Our niche is helping to diversify the economy, and it is a long-term investment. You can’t diversify an economy over the span of six months or a year. It isn’t a five-year or even a 20-year time frame.

Give Thanks & Give Back!

JUNE 26TH - 29TH | 3:30 - 9:00 Summer is a challenging time of year for hunger in our communities.

School closures limit access to available meals for many in our area.

Please help us by enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving dinner and giving thanks with a donation to our local food banks.

All guests are encouraged to bring non perishable food items to the Lazy Lobster, June 26 - 29. All those who donate items will receive $10 in “Lobster Loot” which will be valid on their next visit.

HERE IS A LIST OF CRITICALLY NEEDED ITEMS BOXED RICE

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MAC ‘N’ CHEESE

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100% FRUIT JUICES

PEANUT BUTTER

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JELLY

Our restaurants & our team members are proud to support Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee & All Faith's Food Bank.

Help us help those in need in our community:

It sounds like you are focusing on enhancing communications with the county.

You can’t have an impact on something as large and nebulous as an economy unless you’re a collaborator, a good communicator and are able to bring people together around something. Some of the things that we’re working on, you’re not going to see an end product for five to 10 years, A really good example of our work recently has been a partnership with the city of Northport as they have about 1,000 acres that they’re putting utilities out to off of Toledo Blade Boulevard and Sumpter Boulevard. Right now that is the only area of land in Sarasota County with the potential for significant job creation. We launched a video that was underwritten by FPL in collaboration with Northport and the EDC. It shows drone footage of buildings coming out of the ground, what could be there so you know when those buildings are up and running. It might not be for five years or more, but being able to visually show that and communicate it, to tell the story and to get the community buy-in is what will make us successful.

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All items collected will be donated to families in need through Meals on Wheels PLUS & All Faiths Food Bank

Bring a container of non perishable food items & receive a $10 "Lobster Loot" certificate, to use on your next visit.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

COPS CORNER

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941.383.6493

Stay Active all Summer!

Monday ~ 10am Stretch & Strengthen Mostly seated – great for balance!

Tuesday ~ 10am Qi Gong – outdoors weather permitting!

11:15am Yoga 1pm Mah Jongg (must RSVP!) Wednesday ~ 10am Tai Chi – outdoors weather permitting!

Thursday ~ 10am Zumba/Pilates, 1pm Open Games!

11:15am Yoga ~ Just added!

Friday ~ 10am Tai Chi, 11:15am Qi Gong & Meditation

SNAKE IN THE CLOSET 8:20 p.m., 3400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Animal complaint: Police were called to a resident’s home after a report of a snake in a closet. Sarasota Animal Services arrived on scene with Longboat police to confront the three-foot corn snake. The snake was removed and released.

Primary Care (941)225-2258

Daren Spinelle, MD Longboat Key Physicians

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STALKING BOATERS 1:39 p.m., 5000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Vessel: A homeowner reported that she believed two vessels were watching her. A beach patrol officer located the vessels and saw they were recreating and not in any violation; the case was cleared.

MONDAY, JUNE 12

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SUNDAY, JUNE 11

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14

ALMOST NUDE 4:05 p.m., 500 block of Bay Isles Road Suspicious person: Police were alerted to a nude man pouring water over his head outside a parked semi-truck.

No obscene acts or gestures were reported by the complainant. When police arrived on scene, the man was sitting in his truck. He later admitted to pouring water over his head while shirtless but said he was wearing boxer shorts.

INSURANCE IMPOSTOR 10:43 a.m., 3500 block of Fair Oaks Lane Suspicious incident: A homeowner alerted police to a phone call re-

ceived the previous week. The complainant said the caller claimed to be an insurance agent who needed to enter the home on June 13 to take pictures. No personal information was exchanged, and the complainant said the insurance company was called and assured the complainant no one from their office had reached out. The complainant said a friend would stay over at the house on June 13, and police recommended reaching out again if necessary.

TUESDAY, JUNE 13

AN ALARMING SOUND 2:35 a.m., 1900 block of Harbourside Drive Alarm: Police were called to respond to an alarm heard going off at a home. The complex security guard and responding officer were able to locate the source of the alarm as the garage, and tried knocking on the front door of the residence with no success. The resident was reached via phone but was out of the country. The owner gave permission to the security guard to use the spare key to enter the home. No signs of forced entry or fire were observed, nor could the source of the alarm be located.

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OUTLAW FISHING 8:38 p.m., 7000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Trespassing: Police were dispatched to a report of people fishing on the bridge in between signs that say fishing is not allowed. When police arrived on the scene, the fishermen were already moving their gear outside of the no-fishing area. They received a verbal warning.

KAYAK … RESCUE? 5:17 p.m., 4100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Water rescue: A woman in distress was reported as a water emergency, prompting the response of Longboat Key Police and Fire Rescue departments. Fire Rescue deployed fireboat 9 to reach the woman in her kayak. There was no emergency and she was in good health.

Medical Professionals Here on LBK Call each practice directly for appointments.

Dermatology (941)926-6553

NO DOGS ALLOWED 5:52 p.m., 100 block of Broadway Dog on the beach: Police were alerted of two dogs on the beach, which they found being walked by a woman on the beach. They advised her of the ordinance and she obliged without issue.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

$15 per class – FREE for Members!

Please Note: We close at 1pm on Fridays through September.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

A Freedom Fest first Chamber names the Longboat Key ­Garden Club grand ­marshals of the Freedom Fest July 4 parade.

JAMES PETER MANAGING EDITOR

A

lthough the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce’s Freedom Fest will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this Fourth of July, the annual event still managed to break new ground this year — by choosing for the first time an entire organization rather than an individual as grand marshal of its July 4 parade.

“The Garden Club was chosen because they have done so much to beautify Longboat Key over many, many years,” said Gail Loefgren, president and CEO of the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. “The money they raise from their fundraisers (is) plowed right back into making our island paradise even more spectacular. Our community owes them a debt of gratitude and the chamber appreciates their service.”

Prior to COVID, the club had about 300 members. But due to a lack of activities, membership dwindled slightly, said Susan Phillips, longtime garden club member and chair of multiple club committees.

Now the club is building back, with 270 members.

Among the club’s many projects during its 54-year history was creating the Bicentennial Park in Longboat, where the Freedom Fest will take place on July 4, said Phillips.

The shade trees in the children’s playground at Bayfront Park were a club donation as part of the Bayfront Park redevelopment in 2017. The club’s beautification and landscaping efforts and fundraisers have supported countless highly visible sites on the Key. “Our next project we are very excited about — a beautification project at the new Town Center Green and around the Karon Family Pavilion. This is a legacy project for us — something the entire community will enjoy for decades into the future,” explained Phillips. “We’ve also planted trees in every town park on the island.”

The club’s fundraising also supports a number of “meaningful missions” on Longboat, providing college scholarships to students in environmental, conservation, biology and marine sciences and sending children to summer camps at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

“We partner with Longboat Key Turtle Watch and the town for informational materials about turtle nesting and how to help sustain that species,” added Phillips. “Dozens of other organizations have partnered

Courtesy photo

Longboat Key Garden Club officers Susan Loprete, Sharon Meir, Susan Mason, Melanie Dale, Lyn Haycock and Susan Phillips at the club’s Arbor Day Picnic & Annual Meeting, which was held on April 28 at the Longboat Island Chapel.

with us or received grants annually.”

One of the club’s most beloved projects is the annual butterfly release as part of Freedom Fest.

Planning for the release starts long before July 4.

The club orders 100 individually wrapped butterflies seven weeks in advance of the event, said Phillips.

Prior to July 4, the club replants the Butterfly Garden in Bicentennial

Park.

This year at 8 a.m. on June 25 the club will hold a group replanting with probably 35-40 new plants, explained Phillips. The plants improve the habitat for butterflies, offering nectar and host sites.

The butterflies are kept on dry ice until just after the parade.

“Then I open the container up to let them warm as we give them

Call for Take Out or FREE DELIVERY

out to kids and then to parents and anyone else who wants to release one,” explained Phillips. “The grand marshal releases the first one, and then everyone else … It is the most delightful thing you’ve ever seen — the kids’ faces when their butterfly flutters away, lights nearby on a plant, and sometimes they light on the kid!”

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

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

Growing in Jesus’ Name

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

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Longboat, East County, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observers, Arts & Entertainment/Black Tie

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You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

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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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.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

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Every Moment Has Led You To This Point.

Introducing downtown’s newest water view community, The Owen Golden Gate Point.

An intimate enclave of 29 contemporary residences ranging from 2,265-3,073 square feet, with resort-inspired amenities and exquisite finishes. Now accepting reservations.

Priced from $2.4-$4.6 million.

GATEWAY TO THE INCREDIBLE 941-210-0987 / owengoldengate.com

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A+E INSIDE: < PUGILISTIC PREMIERE: “That Must be the Entrance to Heaven” packs a mean punch. 17A MUSICOLOGY TALE: “Black Pearl Sings” opens at FST’s Keating Theatre on June 28. 16A >

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 22, 2023

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CREATING A CANDY-COLORED WORLD Venice photographer Niki Butcher emerges from the shadow of her famous husband with a book capturing her pastel-hued work.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITOR

“Y

ou’re wearing my colors,” exclaims Niki Butcher when a visitor wearing

an aqua-and-pink dress arrives at the Venice gallery she shares with her husband, photographer Clyde Butcher.

Niki’s pastel-tinted photographs have their own room in the gallery, which is dominated by the massive black-and-white works of her husband.

Clyde’s stark environmental photography is often compared to that of the legendary Ansel Adams, whom he cites as an influence on his work.

Niki’s photographs also capture nature. It makes sense since the Butchers own a home and studio in Big Cyprus National Preserve in Ochopee. They’ve also shared cars, campers and boats in their 60-year journey together, which began in Palo Alto, Calif.

Like her husband, Niki starts out by taking a black-and-white photograph. But then she applies pastel pigments to the print and uses cotton swabs and balls as paintbrushes. What’s left behind is a candy-colored dream.

A TRIP TO OLD FLORIDA

Earlier this year, Niki published her first book of photographs, “Daydreaming,” which brings together her work spanning more than five decades.

Step inside the gallery room with Niki’s photographs and you’ll discover that the much-ballyhooed Big Sky of Montana has nothing on the panoramas of Florida, especially when they’re enhanced by the artist. In addition to large photos of mangrove, cypress and palm trees and idyllic sandy beaches, Niki’s room and her book feature smaller scenes of Old Florida.

These run-down fishing shacks, general stores selling a little bit of everything and salty, sun-dried characters are still around in the Sunshine State. Long after they’re gone, these vestiges of Old Florida will live on in Niki’s photographs.

For a woman whose creations depend upon embellishment, Niki is remarkably free of artistry. She doesn’t try to smooth out the rough edges of her life.

At 78, Niki’s not in a hurry, but maybe she never was. She’s delicate

Niki Butcher

The horizon seems endless in this tinted photograph of a dock on Loggerhead Key.

but not frail and appears ready for whatever life sends her way. She’s the able first mate to Clyde’s skipper.

For many years, Niki was too busy helping with Clyde’s business and tending to her children to be a real artist. But then fate intervened.

As she recounts the story of her life, she pauses and asks: “Do you know what happens to a marriage when a child dies?”

Yes. Very few survive. What’s more, siblings also carry the weight of the loss.

Niki’s transformation from helpmeet to artist came after her son Ted was killed by a drunken driver in 1986. “Not long after Ted died, we were booked at an arts show in Ann Arbor, home of the University of Michigan,” she recalls. “Being around all those young people got me missing Ted so much.”

While the Butchers were in Ann

Arbor, Niki met a young man in a wheelchair who was cheerful and did not appear to feel sorry for himself because he was disabled.

BECOMING A REAL ARTIST

Shortly after that encounter, Niki said she decided to stop taking pictures of stuffed bears, rocking chairs and other saccharine subjects, work that was designed to open wallets at art shows.

She decided to create art that spoke to her. “It was Ted who helped me see what I needed to do,” Niki says.

When they got married in 1963 after meeting on a double date, Niki had studied fine art at a junior college, and Clyde was working as an architect. He was the breadwinner; photography was just a hobby.

But then he lost his job in one of California’s periodic real estate busts. According to Niki, a close

“The sun sets in the West, and I was used to sunsets over the ocean. I really liked that.

Once we moved to the Gulf Coast, I was happy again. The sun set in the right place.”

— Niki Butcher

friend suggested that Clyde take down his photographs that were hanging on the walls of the Butcher house and sell them at an upcoming art fair.

By this time, the couple had moved to Los Angeles. Clyde’s photographs found favor with Angeleno art lovers.

“He made more in that one weekend that he had in a whole month as an architect,” Niki says.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

Niki Butcher uses cotton swabs and cotton balls as her paintbrushes.

Niki Butcher

Niki’s embellished photograph of a mangrove tree on Money Key.

PRODUCING FOR THE MASSES

Clyde’s photographs were so popular that a friend approached him about starting a business to sell reproductions of Clyde’s images through department stores like Montgomery Ward and J.C. Penney.

“Back then, photography wasn’t really considered art, so we put a clock in the corner of the photograph and they became wall clocks,” Niki says.

Fast forward a few years. The Butchers and their financial partner own a company called Eye Encounter based in Akron, Ohio, with 200 employees. After selling Eye Encounter to a corporation, the Butchers decided to hit the road and then the sea, all the while raising two kids. Along the way, Clyde gave up color photography and destroyed all his negatives. According to Niki, he lost the rights to most of his images when they sold their company.

As former Californians, the Butchers love sunshine, the ocean and natural beauty. They didn’t

want to go home after selling their business in Ohio so they decided to give Florida a try.

But they didn’t get it right the first time — they settled on the East Coast. The people were nice enough, Niki says, but she couldn’t get her bearings.

“I was used to sunsets over the ocean. Once we moved to the Gulf Coast, I was happy again. The sun set in the right place,” she says.

The turning point in their lives, though, was when they were able to buy a property in Big Cypress, a stepping stone into Florida’s dark and wild interior. Clyde found the landscape that would cement his reputation as an environmental photographer.

But before visitors started coming to the Butcher Gallery in Big Cypress, Clyde and Niki had to hit the road to sell their art.

Long before the #vanlife craze hit social media, the Butchers were parking their camper in places like Central Park West in New York City to attend art festivals.

ALWAYS HAPPY TO COME HOME

Wherever the Butchers travel, Niki’s always happy to come back to Florida and its “weird and wonderful people,” she says. “There’s nothing like it.”

A visitor to a crowded open house in May at Clyde Butcher’s Venice gallery, located in a warehouse district, could rightfully assume that their success was predestined. That would be a mistake, Niki says.

“When you go to art fairs, you meet so many talented people. Why did we succeed with two galleries while other people are still selling at art shows? Because we had the experience of running a business,” she says.

These days, the Butchers’ daughter Jackie and son-in-law Neal Obendorf play a major part in the business, particularly since Clyde’s recent stroke. Even the grandkids are getting involved.

As Clyde and Niki celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this year, the couple knows their legacy is in good hands.

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Courtesy photos

Clyde and Niki Butcher are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this year.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

THIS WEEK THURSDAY

‘THE MAN I LOVE’ LECTURE 11 a.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail $10 Visit OlliRinglingCollege.org.

This Osher Lifelong Learning Institute class recounts the 10-year affair between Kay Swift and musical giant George Gershwin, which lasted until Gershwin died. Swift was the

OUR PICK

BLUESTAR BAND PRESENTS ‘REAL DEAL BLUES’ Offseason got you singing the blues?

The antidote might be “Real Deal Blues” with Bluestar Band, featuring Johnny Guitar, who claims to have been living the blues his entire life. Guitar will be joined by former retinal surgeon Oren “Doc” Plous on keyboards, Chicago blues veteran Kevin O’Connor on guitar and Sarasota radio host Velvet Hammer on bass. The band will play blues standards, plus some of Guitar’s original songs.

IF YOU GO When: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 24 Where: Old Packinghouse Cafe Tickets: Free Info: Visit BlueTarBand.com.

first woman to completely score a hit musical.

SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR 2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road $15-$20 Visit CircusArts.org.

Heidi Herriott, a third-generation American circus artist, presides over performances by hand balancers, clowns, jugglers and aerial rope artists, just to name just a few.

Tickets are affordable, thanks to a partnership between the Circus Arts Academy and The Ringling. Runs through Aug. 12.

‘FAIRY TALE’ 4:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail From $30 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Flutist Jasmine Choi and pianist Michael Adock play Dutilleux, while Jennifer Frautschi plays violin on Schubert’s “Piano Quintet in A Major.” The concert also features the works of Janacek, DeFalla/Kreisler and Kreisler. The festival continues through June 24.

‘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 “Singing in the Rain,” “Circle of Life” and “My Heart Will Go On.” Runs through June 25.

‘THAT MUST BE THE ENTRANCE TO HEAVEN’ 7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. $39 Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

In this world premiere by Franky D. Gonzalez, four Latino boxers all chase a world title to fulfill their dreams. But are the sacrifices required to win the championship belt worth risking one’s life for?

Runs through July 9.

THE SURFER BOYS 7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret,1265 First St. $18 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

From the group that brought you The Jersey Tenors comes a rousing tribute to the band that took America on a “Surfin’ Safari” in the early 1960s. Runs through Aug. 13.

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

artists who have been in residence on its Manasota Key campus.

Details of the show have not been announced.

‘Traditions and Transformations’ 7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. From $29 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

The works of Debussy, Ligeti, Beethoven and Mendelssohn will be performed. The festival continues through June 24.

SATURDAY

There’s been a murder in a Sarasota hair salon, and it’s up to FST audiences to outwit the suspects and catch the killer in this interactive comedy. Runs through July 2.

‘BEETHOVEN AND SCHUMANN’ 7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. From $30 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

FRIDAY

Nicholas McGegan conducts piano soloist Robert Levin playing Beethoven’s Piano Concert No. 4. The works of Emily Cooley and Schumann will also be performed.

‘RISING STARS’ 2:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail From $15 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

The works of Fanny Mendelssohn, Brahms, Strauss, Ravel and other composers will be performed by the fellows studying at the Sarasota Music Festival. The festival continues through June 24.

SHINDIG BAND 7 p.m. at Centennial Park, Venice Free Visit VeniceFL.org/Friday-NightConcert-Series.

The city of Venice kicks off its summer season of free concerts with ShinDig, which plays popular hits from Golden Oldies to the music of today. The series continues every other Friday through Sept. 8.

DON’T MISS

‘BLACK PEARL SINGS!’ Set during the Great Depression, “Black Pearl Sings” tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a Library of Congress musicologist who wants to record undocumented slavery-era music and an African American prisoner who has the knowledge that the researcher needs.

IF YOU GO When: June 28, Runs through July 30.

Where: FST’s Keating Theatre, 1265 First St. Tickets: $25 Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

SONGS FROM THE SAND: A HERMITAGE CABARET 7 p.m. at Waterside Pavilion at Lakewood Ranch, 1560 Lakefront Drive $5 Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

This evening of song will feature original songs and words created by

Courtesy photos

“Black Pearl Sings” runs June 28-July 30 at FST. The family friendly Summer Circus Spectacular runs at Historic Asolo Theater through Aug. 12.

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

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Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN

www.manasotaonline.com

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

Boxing meets black holes in Urbanite’s pugilistic premiere ‘That Must be the Entrance to Heaven.’

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

F

ranky D. Gonzalez’s “That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven” just premiered at Urbanite Theatre. The play revolves around a quest for the title of World Heavyweight Boxing Champion.

Fisticuffs aside, this isn’t your typical boxing play. It flips genre expectations. “Rocky” it isn’t. It’s more of an anti-boxing play. We’ll explain why later. For now, let’s talk about what it is.

There are four contenders vying for the heavyweight title. All happen to be Latino. All have paid a heavy price to be in the competition.

Armando (Edgar Miguel Sanchez) defected from Cuba to make the boxing big time. His father considers him a traitor to the revolutionary cause. Was it worth it? Armando’s starting to doubt it.

He’s discovered that boxers don’t age as well as wine.

Edgar (Peter Pasco) emigrated from Mexico as a child and blames himself for his mother’s death on the journey to America. He hopes that winning the title will earn him an “extraordinary ability” visa. (In the ring, Juan gives himself the visa’s name — “Extraordinary EB-1”.)

Juan (Juan Ramirez Jr.) hates the sport of boxing. But it’s the only thing he knows, and he keeps it up to support his family. Manuel (Rodney Nelson) is living in his champion brother’s shadow — and carries the weight of his sibling’s suicide after a powerhouse punch turned off his opponent’s lights.

Permanently.

The story builds from there, but I won’t spoil it. Let’s just say it’s far from basic.

Kathleen Capdesuner’s direction makes the most of Gonzalez’s shattered structure. In boxing, keeping an opponent off balance is a tried-and-true technique.

You feint, get the opponent to lunge, make them lose their center of gravity. That’s what the text demands. That’s what Capdesuner does.

Tom Hansen’s set isn’t a realistic boxing ring; it’s more like a boxing ring turned inside-out.

(An accurate re-creation would make it hard for the actors to move around on stage.) Caroline Eng’s sound design and Ethan Vail’s lighting smartly evoke the playwright’s half-worlds. The black hole is a key motif in this play. Vail brings it to life without elbowing you in the ribs.

The actors make me forget that they’re actors. This doesn’t feel like looking at a performance. It feels like I’m looking at different people. I don’t mean it as a compliment. It’s just a fact.

Diego Villada’s fight choreography is brilliant. It’s possible to fake contact — championship wrestling proves it. But Villada takes a different approach. He shows you the movement patterns without impact. But this is boxing not ballet. The fight direction conveys the brutal, visceral violence of the sport. The actors’ moves feel real.

(And so does their sense of pain and physical damage.)

You can tell that Villada’s fiercely trained them. Beyond accuracy, their punches, blocks

Courtesy photo

Edgar Miguel Sanchez and Rodney Nelson are two of four boxers in “That Must be the Entrance to Heaven,” which runs through July 9 at Urbanite Theatre.

IF YOU GO

“That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven.” Through July 9. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. $25-$39. Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

and dodges are characterization.

The boxers’ moves tell you who they are. (That’s baked into Gonzalez’s script — and he has a keen grasp of boxing’s in-the-moment strategy.) Villada gets it. And makes sure you get it.

Gonzalez’s work is a higher level of difficulty. The playwright has a long list of bravura techniques. Mundane realism isn’t

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one of them. Gonzalez’s speech is heightened. His dialogue feels like poetry — and sometimes feels like a contrapuntal fugue.

His well-drawn characters don’t sound like each other. His boxers often talk to people who aren’t there — ghosts, memories.

It’s soliloquy in disguise. These X-rays of the soul remind me of Chayefsky at his best. Or Shakespeare. Technique aside, Gonzalez’s implied philosophy sets his work apart. Yes, you heard right.

“Philosophy.”

“That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven” is a philosophical play with boxing gloves.

Its philosophy is why it flips genre expectations.

Boxing plays (and movies like

REVIEWS

Punching on heaven’s door

“Rocky”) typically get you rooting for one boxer to follow their dreams and win. Even if they lose, they’re still a winner. It’s a feelgood genre, with some notable exceptions like “Raging Bull.”

“Entrance to Heaven” is more of an anti-boxing play. (Anti-genre, not anti-sport. Just to be clear.)

Gonzalez makes you root for all four contenders. Then he makes you question their dreams of boxing glory. And all dreams, for that matter. “ ... The weight of a dream suffocates the soul,” says the boxer Armando. The price the pugilists pay just to be contenders doesn’t seem worth it. Winning the title doesn’t magically solve anyone’s problems. There are no winners.

Even if you lose, you win.

“Boxing” is clearly a metaphor for the human condition on this Earth. Life is a struggle. If you’re a Latino on the outside looking in, the struggle is harder. There are winners and losers. Your choices determine which one you are.

Time is a one-way street. There’s no going back.

Gonzalez contrasts that with another metaphor. A special kind of black hole (i.e., heaven’s entrance) that Juan’s mother told him about when he was a kid.

Within its singularity, life isn’t a struggle. Here, every possible choice happens simultaneously.

There is no time. And no need to go back.

And that’s just the short version.

This play has a lot going for it. Sometimes it feels like too much. And that’s my only beef. I sometimes lose the metaphysical thread in all its various complications — and keeping the thread is what I’m good at.

Gonzalez needs to play a game of creative Jenga and take out some of the philosophical meandering without making the narrative structure collapse. That’s a surface criticism. A matter of style, not the heart.

“That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven” has miles and miles of heart.

It’s not afraid to break your heart.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

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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. 401526-1

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Classifieds 16B Games 15B Real Estate 11B Weather 15B

JUNE 22, 2023

YOUR NEIGHBORS Cool reads for hot days Mystery, beach read or historical adventure? Longboat Library has new releases for every taste.

JAMES PETER MANAGING EDITOR

T

here’s no better way to beat the heat than with a good book and a little air conditioning, but with a dizzying array of new releases it’s hard to keep up with all the books worth your time.

Thankfully, the Longboat Library has a group of passionate volunteers willing to help readers sort through the stacks and find good reads for every appetite and imagination.

With help from her fellow Longboat library volunteers, Barb Torrence assembled the following list of picks from recent fiction and nonfiction releases to suit almost any taste. The Longboat Key Library, on average, purchases 25 new books each month plucked from top book lists and member suggestions, said Torrence. So whether you’re looking for a beach read, some thought-provoking literature or a historical adventure, chances are the Longboat Library has a fresh read just for you.

TOP OF THE STACKS

‘Fresh Water for Flowers’

by Valérie Perrin, 2020 Torrence said this bestselling novel translated from the French was one of the best books she’s read of late.

“It’s about a woman who is a caretaker at a cemetery and how she gets involved in the lives of the people who visit the cemetery,” Torrence said.

Photo by Sidra Wali

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Barb Torrence, Longboat Library volunteer

“There’s a lot of sadness, but she also finds joy.”

Through her encounters as a caretaker with the living and the dead, Violette discovers the power of love and resilience.

Torrence praised the lyrical writing style and language of the book along with its handling of the relationships among the characters.

‘ S ta r r y M e s s e n ge r : Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization’ by Neil DeGrasse Tyson, 2022 Astrophysicist and science commentator Neil DeGrasse Tyson brings a scientific perspective to heady topics such as war, politics, religion, truth, beauty, gender and race. Tyson emphasizes the importance of the rationality of science in addressing the polarization that afflicts discussion of these issues.

As always, Tyson writes in a clear and accessible manner as he reminds readers of our place in the universe.

MUSIC AND MYSTERY

‘The Violin Conspiracy’

by Brendan Slocumb, 2022 To r re n ce s u g ge s te d this novel for its musical connections, treatment of issues of prejudice and mystery plot.

In this well-reviewed page-turner, Ray McMillian, a talented Black violinist, learns that the battered fiddle passed down through his family is actually a priceless Stradivarius. With that rare instrument, he sees a chance to fulfill his classical music ambitions.

But on the eve of a prestigious competition, the violin is stolen. Ray embarks on a desperate quest to recover it, determined to prove his worth as a musician.

purchased their own copies.

It’s the 1960s in America.

Elizabeth Zott just wanted to be a research scientist, but after she loses her temper, she eventually finds herself (reluctantly) hosting a wildly popular cooking show.

SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE

A WEIGHTY READ

‘The Covenant of Water’

by Abraham Verghese, 2023 Torrence recommended this Oprah’s Book Club Selection based on her reading of Verghese’s 2008 novel, “Cutting for Stone,” a bestseller that sold more than 1.5 million copies in the U.S. according to publisher Grove Atlantic. “The Covenant of Water” is set in India and tells the story of multiple generations of a family in which in each generation at least one person drowns.

As you might expect, it’s definitely not a beach read, explained Torrence.

TRUE STORY

‘The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder’ by David Grann, 2023 The author of “The Lost City of Z” and “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI” turns his nonfiction talents to a real-life story of survival at sea in “The Wager.”

“It has great reviews,” said Torrence.

In 1740, the HMS Wager left England chasing a Spanish galleon carrying gold. In 1742, 30 members of the HMS Wager’s crew washed ashore on a makeshift boat.

They were barely alive. Their story of survival made them heroes. But six months later, three more men from the HMS Wager sailing another makeshift vessel made it to the coast of Chile. They had a different story to tell. One of mutiny and murder.

LAUGH LESSONS

‘Lessons in Chemistry’

by Bonnie Garmus, 2022 Torrence said this fun novel about a woman who teaches chemistry through cooking is one of the library’s most requested books and is almost always checked out. Due to the popularity of this New York Times No. 1 Bestseller, the library has ordered multiple copies and a couple library members

ON THE ROAD

‘West with Giraffes’

by Lynda Rutledge, 2021 One of the most popular books at the Longboat Library, this tale of a Great Depression-era journey across the U.S. weaves historical figures together with fictional ones. Inspired by actual events and set in 1938, “West with Giraffes” follows the adventures of two men tasked with transporting a pair of giraffes from New York to the San Diego Zoo.

2B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

A happy dance of art Longboat artist Madeline Wikler connects with her artwork through the viewer’s perspective.

SIDRA WALI CONTRIBUTOR

A

life lived in art is a life of exploration, where the artist’s spirit dances freely on the canvas.

Madeline Wikler, an artist and Seaplace resident, has such a spirit, which has been ingrained in her through a variety of arts. She has been painting, doing pottery, drawing and taking photos all her life.

But her painting didn’t take off until after she retired from her job working for a publishing company in 2001.

“I had a family and a job and I didn’t give myself permission to do it,” said Wikler. “A man was leading an art class that I went to and it’s like I had an epiphany. It started from there. Power of place.”

For Wikler, things just clicked.

“My watercolor journey actually started in Maine and I’ve tried pastels. It’s gorgeous. But I didn’t like the squeaky sounds or all the dust flying everywhere. I’ve even tried oils,” said Wikler.

Wikler has spent seven winters on Longboat Key and bought a home on the island in 2019.

Wikler explained that with watercolor, it’s either right or wrong.

“With oils, you can never truly finish,” said Wikler. “I believe that watercolor is the harder medium because you can’t correct anything.”

The paper, once pristine, comes alive as gentle waves of translucent pigments embrace its surface. Every stroke is deliberate. Her work is filled with an array of muted tones and soft hues.

Her artwork has been described as similar to stained glass.

Wikler paints in cycles, painting a series of works. For example, she

would selectively pour art and paint negatively around a subject. Another series she completed was in acrylics.

“I truly love to paint informal portraits as well as commissions if the reference photo is detailed enough,” said Wikler. “For me, my connection with a piece of art is with the viewer.

I do it for the reward of making the art and having someone enjoy it. It’s not a way to make a living.”

Wikler owns a summer home in Maine, where she regularly paints plein air.

“I want my process to be simple.

I have a watercolor palette, a light easel and a light chair. I have bug repellent and a hat and you’re good,” said Wikler. “I remember once I was out painting and some wild turkeys came by.”

Wikler explained how she was sitting outside and painting the coast of Maine. Someone approached her, quietly watched her paint and asked for her card.

“They asked me if I could email what the finished painting would look like because they wanted to buy it,” said Wikler. “It’s that connection that you make.”

Wikler has been featured in Longboat Key’s annual art exhibit at Town Hall for the past two years.

She graduated from Brown University and was a founding member of Gallery 302 in Bridgton, Maine.

Although she is no longer an active member.

“When I’m in Maine, I paint more landscapes — the water and blue hills. While I’m in Florida, I tend to work on series,” said Wikler.

Wikler’s advice to anyone interested in painting with watercolor is to just pick up the brush.

“It’s like anything else, the theory of 10,000 hours. Use up a lot of paint, mess up a lot, play around and figure it out as you go. It’s all about the water. It’s a happy dance between the lack of control and intention. Watercolor is never the same twice.”

Courtesy images

Watercolor paintings by Madeline Wikler

Madeline Wikler’s painting from her travels to India.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

Downtown Sarasota’s Premier Senior Rental Retirement Residence

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Kyle Pigott, The Haven resident, Tammy Hackney, Bird Key Yacht Club general manager and COO, and Jeff Ahlers, The Haven resident

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Yacht club donates new shoes to local athletes 405267-1

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BKYC commodore, Tammy Hackney, club general manager, and Gleason delivered the shoes to The Haven on June 9.

Once the athletes received their shoes, many began trying them on immediately, explained Adams.

“It has been a privilege for members of the Bird Key Yacht Club to support (The Haven Tennis For Fun) athletes and residents. Our members have a generous heart and step up when asked to support worthwhile Sarasota community charitable initiatives,” said Adams. “When Molly suggested this idea, I immediately asked Tammy to pull a team together to make it happen. And she did with the help and enthusiastic support of our members. And here we are today.”

Gleason explained that Adams was quick to put the wheels in motion.

“Good things happen when good people make the effort. The athletes’ faces were at first a mix of disbelief and astonishment when I said to them, ‘I need your shoe size and I want you to tell me exactly what color of tennis shoe you want. Brand new, just for you,’ and the looks were replaced by delight. I mean, how do you decide between pink and purple?”

OBSERVER STAFF

T

he Bird Key Yacht Club put smiles on local tennis players’ faces by raising more than $1,700 to purchase 34 pairs of tennis shoes for The Haven and Tennis For Fun athletes.

The idea started with Molly Gleason, a BKYC member and Tennis for Fun volunteer, who got the ball rolling, explained Brenda Shields, director of Tennis For Fun. Tennis For Fun is a volunteer organization with multiple locations in Florida and around the country, including Sarasota, that partners with the Special Olympics. It enables athletes to enjoy the sport of tennis, socialize and compete.

“Molly suggested the idea of providing new tennis shoes to The Haven athletes participating in the Tennis For Fun program. Her fellow club members at Bird Key Yacht Club raised enough money to purchase brand-new tennis shoes for The Haven’s TFF athletes along with many of their residents,” said Shields.

“This is an amazing example of local generosity and we are very excited to share this program with our friends, neighbors and the Sarasota area.”

The dedication of club members and support for their leadership fueled this initiative. Lisa Adams,

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

A season of service The Rotary Club of Longboat Key has been a steadfast pillar for the community, supporting philanthropy, youth literacy and conservation.

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It’s a very fun event,” said Driver.

Driver explained the Rotary Club also takes part in the Children Literacy Program at Tuttle Elementary School. The club provides books to students for them to read and volunteers also read aloud to the students during the school year.

“Adding to that, the club also participated in ‘Remake Learning Days’ at Tuttle Elementary in April where families completed art, music and cooking projects,” said Driver.

The Rotary Club of Longboat Key also helped pick up trash off the highway this year as part of their Adopt-a-Highway initiative.

For decades, the Rotary Club has served as a catalyst for change, embracing the Rotary International motto of “Service Above Self.” In addition to its local endeavors, the club is an active participant in global humanitarian initiatives.

Josh the Otter and Rotary Club of Longboat Key Administrative Secretary Janet Shapiro promoted water safety at the community open house at Bayfront Park in April.

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mid the sun-drenched landscapes and swaying palms of Longboat, the Rotary Club of Longboat Key has been a pillar of service, fostering a legacy of philanthropy, camaraderie and positive change. Jeff Driver, who became president of the Rotary Club in 2022, talked about what the club has done this past season.

“Each year, we have signature and ongoing events. One of the things we do is host annual speaker programs where we invite two speakers a month,” said Driver. “They are in-person at All Angels Episcopal Church or via Zoom on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.”

Driver explained that the programs are for residents to learn about ongoing matters of interest.

“They are always free. Back in March, we had the CEO of Save our Seabirds. We also had Bernie Quinn, who is the president and CEO of Manatee County’s Habitat For Humanity visit us in May,” said Driver. “He spoke about sustainable and affordable housing, which is quite important.”

Driver explained that the club’s season started off with last year’s Hot Diggity Dog Parade, which will also take place again this year as part of July 4 festivities.

“It’s a parade that we participate in with the Longboat Key Garden Club.

Dogs dress up in patriotic-themed costumes and their owners dress up, too. We get the fire department involved as well and they go down

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

7B

Queens Harbour - Bay Isles, Longboat Key 3554 Fair Oaks Lane | 5 bed, 4.5 bath | 4,493 sq.ft. | $4,200,000 Rarely does a home of this size and quality become available, providing a unique opportunity for discerning buyers. Boasting an all-level elevator, privacy, boat lift, and travertine floors, this home offers unparalleled convenience and elegance. Designed by the renowned Nancy Freedoff, every detail of this signature Gardinera model has been meticulously crafted to exude opulence. Countless decorator touches and upgrades elevate the overall aesthetic and provide a truly remarkable living experience. Within the prestigious Queen's Harbour community, this home offers exclusive access to the gated Harbourside Longboat Key Club.

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2251 Gulf of Mexico Drive 204 | Aria - LONGBOAT KEY | $10,500,000 3 bed + office, 3.5 bath | 4,032 Sq Ft Modern Oasis on the Gulf of Mexico. Discover the epitome of modern luxury living in this spectacular gulf-front home. With expansive glass walls, clean lines, and angular details, this coastal contemporary enclave offers depth and allure. Floor-to-ceiling walls of impact glass connect indoor spaces to the gulf and gardens views from terraces. You will love the oversized his/hers master bath, en-suite guest bedrooms, and outdoor grilling, offering comfort and convenience at every turn. This Beach Villa features a private infinity-edge lap pool, expanded terraces with planters, and direct access to community pool and beach and oversized, private humidity-controlled 4 to 5-car garage. www.Aria204.com Testimonial - 6/12/2023 - Closing of our 3030 Grand Bay Blvd #321 “I have worked with Judy Kepecz and her team for more than 25 years. They are impeccable in their diligence and follow-up with their clients. Judy is warm and friendly like the islands on which she sells! She and her team put forth their best effort to ensure that the buyer and seller come to a mutually beneficial result, always putting her client’s best interest at the forefront. They are helpful throughout the process which expedites the sale and subsequent move, which can be daunting. She and her team walk with you side-by-side, making sure that no detail or stone is left unturned. Their work ethic is outstanding, and their honesty comes through with the loyalty that her clients hold for her, very near and dear to their hearts. I would highly recommend Judy and her team. There is no better team to work with in Sarasota and her beautiful Islands - Dorothy Pollon”

435 L'Ambiance L207 | LONGBOAT KEY | $2,600,000 3 bed, 3 bath | 2,525 Sq Ft The almost new residence offers magnificent sunrise and sunset views from its wrap-around terrace. Elevator to your private foyer, where doors open to reveal elevated 10-ft ceilings and walls of glass, filling the room with natural light surrounded by tropical views. www.LAmbianceL207.com 435 L’Ambiance Dr #H802 | LONGBOAT KEY | $4,200,000 2 bed + den or 3 bed, 4 bath | 2,525 Sq Ft Updated to perfection is here and ready for enjoyment. Iconic luxury 270 degrees of endless views of the city and turquoise waters of the Gulf looking South.

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Sarasota Bay is your backyard. This residence has southeastern exposure with epic sunrises and Sarasota skyline views. Renovated two-bedroom, two-bath residence where a high-end interior designer selected impressive new finishes and features. www.1930HarboursideDr122.com

404486-1

DEEDED BEACH ACCESS

8B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAR AND SAVE

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

Get a $50 Prepaid Visa Card*

with Qualifying Brake Purchase of $250** or more!

Submit your rebate ONLINE ONLY at NAPARebates.com

by July 15, 2023

Offer Valid May 1 - June 30, 2023

Terms of Offer: Submit your rebate ONLINE ONLY at NAPARebates.com. Submit with installation receipt, showing the qualifying NAPA part numbers circled. Must claim online by July 15, 2023. Receipt must be dated during promotion period of 5/01/23 through 6/30/23 to be eligible for this offer. Offer may not be combined with any other offer or applied toward warranty service or replacement parts. Group or organization request will not be honored. Dealers, distributors, and other resellers are not eligible for this offer. Use of multiple addresses or PO Boxes to obtain additional reward is fraud and may result in prosecution.

Employees of participating stores and dealers, and their immediate families are not eligible for this offer. This offer is only valid to US residents. Limit of one (1) rebate per receipt or two (2) per household/address. *This card is issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., St. Paul, MN 55103, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. This card may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Use of this card constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions stated in the Cardholder Agreement. Card expires 6 months from issuance, per the “Valid Thru” date printed on hte card. See your Cardholder Agreement and associated materials for details. Void where prohibited. Vendor is not responsible for non-delivered mail due to inaccurate address supplied nor for misprints or typographical errors. By submitting this rebate, you have read and agree to the rebate terms and requirements of this offer. **$250 of qualifying products will be based on the final price paid, less any discounts, warranty reimbursements, extended warranty, core and resurface charges and excluding taxes, installation/labor, and shipping fees.

401211-1

5608 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH, 34217

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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

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

9B

ADVERTISEMENT

ARTIST CONCEPTUAL RENDERING

ONE PARK SARASOTA: AN EXCEPTIONAL RESIDENTIAL CENTERPIECE, DESIGNED WITH THE CITY IN MIND One Park Sarasota remains fully committed to fostering a good partnership with the City of Sarasota and the local community to bring this oneof-kind luxury development to life for the residents of Sarasota to enjoy. Nestled in the heart of The Quay, One Park has developed an unmatched presence and level of interest from those within the Sarasota real estate market. Boasting stunning residences and a high-end range of public and private amenities, it has caught the eyes of buyers looking for a wholly luxurious residential experience.

With its creatively inspired aesthetic, extensive offerings, and top-notch ambiance, One Park Sarasota is poised to not only redefine luxury, but also serve as a prime example of what luxury can be as the city expands and looks toward its bright future.

Beyond Elegant Interior Design One Park Sarasota is more than just a residence; it’s a commitment to an unparalleled quality of life for its inhabitants. Every aspect of this luxury property has been meticulously designed to enhance the comfort and convenience of its residents, creating an environment that is both elegant and inviting, exceeding the expectations of residents and visitors alike.

405158-1

One Park Sarasota’s residences, expertly designed by the renowned Hoyt Architects, exude an unparalleled level of sleek sophistication to perfectly capture the essence of elevated waterfront living.

They consist of 123 fully finished two, three, and five-bedroom units and six penthouse units that immerse residents into The Quay’s tranquil bayfront ambience. Every unit is equipped with 12-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, a contemporary lighting package with recessed lighting, dimmers, and lighting control, fully built-out closets, and a midnight bar in select primary bedrooms. Notable features also include expansive outdoor terraces with glass railing and summer kitchens, as well as an unprecedented level of efficiency through PMG smart home technology, delivering seamless personalization with a touch of a button. With these aspects in hand, one’s residential experience is not only pleasing to behold, but key for a more relaxed everyday life.

“One Park will be a one-of-a-kind development, with a flawless blend of finishes and understated designs, emphasizing beauty and functionality of the building, all while staying faithful to Sarasota’s established aesthetic,” said Gary Hoyt, President & Chief Executive Officer at Hoyt Architects.

Fostering Community Engagement A key element of luxury living is an engaged and thriving community. One Park Sarasota will foster just that for both its residents and those at The Quay through a spacious and exquisitely designed breezeway above Quay Commons. This secure passageway will provide convenient access to The

Quay and The Bay Park, transforming the common space into a dynamic pedestrian walkway adorned with widened sidewalks and vibrant greenery.

This one-of-a-kind communal area will serve as an engaging hub for both Sarasota locals and One Park Sarasota residents, creating a lively and safe atmosphere for making connections or taking a moment to enjoy the surrounding scenery as one travels.

One Park Sarasota will also deliver plentiful gathering and communal spaces on the ground floor for the general public to partake in and enjoy at their leisure. The developers of One Park have planned over 13,000 square feet of retail space at the building’s base.

This dedicated area will offer top-notch retail options, dining establishments, and outdoor café seating catering to individuals seeking to socialize with friends, seek shelter during inclement weather or hot summer days, or shop for the latest trends just steps away from home. This retail space will also contribute to the area’s vitality and commercial activity, ensuring the community’s energy and stability is sustained for years to come.

feet of expansive amenity space.

Elevated offerings include a private One Park Wellness Spa, a resort-style pool, a state-of-the-art fitness studio with high-tech exercise equipment, executive office suites, a wine room, a private theater room and golf simulator room, a children’s playroom, and hospitality suites. Additional services led by the dedicated concierge staff include valet parking, package delivery, and dog walking. Daily access to this dynamic range of amenities ensures residents never are far from enjoying serenity, comfort, and enriching activities, nor experiencing the greatness of waterfront living in Sarasota.

Embracing a New Standard of Luxury One Park Sarasota is establishing a new standard for luxury living in Sarasota.

Its ideal location, purposefully designed spaces that foster a seamless sense of community, and its meticulously crafted living spaces are second to none and showcase an appealing bayfront lifestyle unlike any other.

For One Park Sarasota residents, engaging experiences do not only exist outside the property or on the ground floor. Numerous leisure activities and five-star opportunities lie within the building itself, courtesy of 63,000 square

To witness this unparalleled residential experience firsthand, interested parties are encouraged to visit the One Park Sarasota sales gallery. With the finishing touches being placed on its new model primary bathroom and various other spaces to explore, it gives a pictureperfect glimpse into this iconic property coming soon to Sarasota.

ARTIST CONCEPTUAL RENDERING

To schedule an appointment at the sales gallery, located on 20 N Lemon Avenue, please visit OneParkSarasota.com or call 941-232-7036.

Amenity Spaces For Everyday Living

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

LONGBOAT KEY 876 Tarawitt Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,894 Sq. Ft. Brian Loebker & Jonathan Abrams 941-735-4393 A4564430 $6,500,000

LONGBOAT KEY 554 Jessmyth Drive 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,700 Sq. Ft. Sherri Mills 941-350-7112 A4557120 $2,995,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3010 Grand Bay Boulevard 493 2 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,550 Sq. Ft. Michael Nink, Pa & Sandi Layfield 941-914-2805 A4566091 $2,877,777

LONGBOAT KEY 699 Penfield Street 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,536 Sq. Ft. Cathy Meldahl, Pa & Susan Smith 941-724-7228 A4560631 $2,400,000

LONGBOAT KEY 455 Longboat Club Road 307 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,410 Sq. Ft. Mark J Baron 631-800-1125 A4563162 $2,395,000

LONGBOAT KEY 535 Sanctuary Drive B205 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,590 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4570237 $2,375,000

LONGBOAT KEY 793 Jungle Queen Way 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,688 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4569591 $2,299,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1211 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 601 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,100 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4566219 $1,995,000

LONGBOAT KEY 524 Halyard Lane 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,668 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4561273 $1,899,000

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 1055 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 205 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,503 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4571524 $1,795,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2217 Harbourside Drive 302 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,448 Sq. Ft. Julie Klick & Beverly St Hilaire 941-780-6001 A4571571 $1,399,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 5125 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 3 2 Beds 2 Baths 961 Sq. Ft. Lawrence Zeigler 941-228-2612 A4567572 $825,000

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 $750,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3806 Gulf Of Mexico Drive C404 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,514 Sq. Ft. Stephen Harris 941-780-2352 A4536940 $714,000

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

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

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

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

LONGBOAT KEY 718 Linley Street 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,688 Sq. Ft. Matthew Voss 941-237-0877 A4568823 $3,000,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

401860-1

10B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS JUNE 5-JUNE 9

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

T

he following residential real estate transactions took place between June 5 and June 9. A condominium in The Beach Residences tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Sandra Wuliger, trustee, of Moreland Hills, Ohio, sold the Unit 602 condominium at 1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Southern Harbor LLC for $3.91 million.

Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,964 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,175,000 in 2009.

BIRD KEY

James and Christina Mucha sold their home at 410 Meadow Lark Drive to Gregory Leonard, of Sarasota, for $3.45 million. Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,257 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.1 million in 2020.

THE BEACHES OF LONGBOAT KEY-SOUTH

Beaches LBK Properties LLC sold the Unit 906 condominium at 775 Longboat Club Road to Wayne Joseph DiBartola Jr. and Gloria Hawrylak, of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, for $1,675,000. Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,524 square feet of living area. It sold for $625,000 in 2021.

LIDO REGENCY

Donald Erwin and Patricia Provenzano, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, sold their Unit 2-A condominium at 1700 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Jennifer Nappi and Brian McQuoid, of Bristol, Rhode Island, for $1,375,000. Built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,492 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,511,000 in 2022.

THE PLAYERS CLUB

Jams and Karen Schlater, trustees, of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, sold the Unit 303 condominium at 1485 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Jascott Enterprises LLC for $1.3 million.

Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,569 square feet of living area. It sold for $821,000 in 2021.

REAL ESTATE

The Beach Residences condo sells for $3.91 million

11B

Courtesy photos

A three-bedroom, three-bath condominium in The Beach Residences recently sold for $3.91 million.

SLEEPY LAGOON PARK

Linda Wilson, of Yountville, California, sold the home at 530 De Narvaez Drive to Scott and Kerri Carlson, of Longboat Key, for $1.05 million. Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,944 square feet of living area. It sold for $310,000 in 2002.

LIDO BEACH HOUSE

Arthur Wineburg and Susan Tucker Brown, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 2 condominium at 945 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Fred Grote and Jaqueline Grote, trustees, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, for $1,025,000.

Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,518 square feet of living area. It sold for $780,000 in 2021.

The Beach Residences at 1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive

WHITNEY BEACH

William Jackman and Ingrid Ann-Charlotte Ehrling, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 134 condominium at 6700 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Richard and Lu Ann Parker, of W. Lafayette, Indiana, for $585,000. Built in 1970, it has one bedroom, one bath and 990 square feet of living area. It sold for $215,000 in 2010.

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

VILLA DOS PALMAS

Uta Preusse, of Germany, sold the Unit 3-B condominium at 781 Saint Judes Drive N. to Andrew and Brooke Agnini, of Lakeland, for $515,000. Built in 1972, it has one bedroom, one bath and 882 square feet of living area. It sold for $75,000 in 1995.

Downtown St. Petersburg

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

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of June 9-16 in order of dollar amounts.

Longboat Key

LONGBOAT KEY Address

Permit

Applicant

759 Marbury Lane

New Construction

Robert Spanos Jr.

$1,679,420

Amount

780 Emerald Harbor Drive

New Construction

Lane Smith

$1,175,000

1485 Gulf of Mexico Drive 103 Electrical

Gregg Meyers

$93,527

3341 Gulf of Mexico Drive

3341 Gulf of Mexico Drive $71,164

Re-roof

655 Longboat Club Road 14B Mechanical 6661 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Peter Bell

Plumbing, New con. Peter Laviolette Jr.

$52,000

Burges Le Monte

$38,996

1425 Gulf of Mexico Drive 501 Plumbing

Julie G. Skattum Trust

$35,000

1925 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Sea Place Oceanhomes $34,850

1425 Gulf of Mexico Drive 501 Mechanical

Julie G. Skattum Trust

$29,855

6701 Gulf of Mexico

Tiffany Ann Maurycy

$29,086

Windows/Doors

1 FINAL OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE

$53,100

448 Gulf of Mexico Drive 201A Windows/Doors Mechanical

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

Downtown Sarasota

Drive Unit 307 520 Harbor Cove Circle

Electrical - other

Jay Norman

$27,000

2410 Harbourside Drive 122

Mechanical - AC

Donna Heggie

$24,376

2450 Harbourside Drive 234 Mechanical - AC

Revocable Trust Yusuke Horiguchi Trust

$22,593

513 Cutter Lane

Martin Godbey

$12,950

1145 Gulf of Mexico Drive 604 Mechanical - AC

Sue M. Challinor

$11,549

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Electrical

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive $11,250

3235 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Mechanical - AC

Daniel

Windows/Doors

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

$10,853

2923 Gulf of Mexico Dr

Garage Door

Frances R Trulaske

mscdeveloperservices.com | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida

$9,249 Prices as of December 2022

Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota

Licensed Real Estate Broker

401836-1

#A502 Shoemaker

12B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

Turning

YOUR CALENDAR

Your Dreams

into an ADDRESS

1145 Gulf of Mexico Dr #505

3BD | 2BA | 1,819 SqFt | Direct Beachfront | New Impact Windows | $2,600,000

SUNDAY, JUNE 25

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.

LONGBOAT LIBRARY From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, 555 Bay Isles Road. Call 383-2011.

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

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

4BD | 3.5BA | 3,342 SqFtLake views | Office and Bonus Room | $1,274,000

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.

READY TO BUY OR SELL? Maggie Hicks, Coldwell Banker maggiehicks201@gmail.com 941.321.1759

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Ste. 1 • Longboat Key, FL 34228

DEDICATED TO LUXURY REAL ESTATE Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

2023 SUMMER LUNCH & LEARN SERIES

402882-1

Maggie has been a realtor for 30+ years and focuses on luxury residential real estate in South Florida.

experienced players. To check availability at the tables, email Amy@ TheParadiseCenter.org.

ROTARY CLUB Meets at 5 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday in All Angels Parish Hall, 563 Bay Isles Road. To learn more, call Nancy Rozance at 203-605-4066 or email Info@­ LongboatKeyRotary.org.

TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

1764 Oak Lakes Dr

GUITAR BY AKIEM ESDAILE 6-9 p.m. at Whitney’s 6990 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enjoy a drink or a meal at Whitney’s while listening to the sounds of a new generation of jazz guitar.

Clear your mind and enjoy the smooth sounds of one of Sarasota’s finest jazz guitarists.

MONDAYS

Lord’s Warehouse Thrift Store The thrift store will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

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

3BD | 2BA | 1,819 SqFt | Gorgeous views of the reflection pond | $1,399,000

FRIDAY, JUNE 23

RECURRING EVENTS

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS

1115 Gulf of Mexico Dr #305

BEST BET

CITY ISLAND TRIATHLON 7 a.m. at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. $45-$135. Run, bike and swim in a variety of race formats to suit different competitors. The main triathlon consists of a 1/4-mile swim, 10-mile bike and 3-mile run. There are also super sprint, duathlon (run/ bike), aquabike and swimrun categories available. Register at RunSignup.com/Race/FL/Sarasota/CityIsland by 11:59 p.m. on June 23.

MAHJONG From 1-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Fun time for

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.

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

FRIDAYS

INTERMEDIATE TAI CHI From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Reuben Fernandez teaches Chen-style class.

Outside if weather permitting. Free for members; $15 for others. Walkins welcome. Call 383-6493.

Exceptional Service by your Neighborhood REALTOR®,

SOLD

JoDene Moneuse

Proudly Sponsored by Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

June 28 | July 19 | August 23 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Michael’s On East, Sarasota Only $39 Per Lecture—Includes Luncheon!

LONGBOAT KEY

$2,500,000

Exceptional canal front home.

3342 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Rebecca Klein

SOLD

AJC’s Director of National Political Outreach WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2023

Finding Common Ground in a Hyper-Partisan Environment In an increasingly polarized political climate, finding areas of common interest can be challenging. Issues of concern for the Jewish community often bridge the partisan divide and provide an opportunity for meaningful conversations.

Benjamin Rogers AJC’s Director, Middle East and North Africa Initiatives WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2023

The United States, Israel, and the Arab World: Where do we go from here?

$1,450,000 LONGBOAT KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

Vacant canal front land with a 50 ft. dock.

628 Lyons Lane MLS#A4565151

SOL

As we prepare to celebrate the third anniversary of the Abraham Accords, where have there been successes, and where have there been challenges? Join us as we discuss the ever-shifting dynamics of U.S. – Middle East relations.

$1,050,000

Quintessential beach house, reimagined Captains cottage.

450 Firehouse Court MLS#A4564974

PEN

D

DING

Belle Yoeli AJC’s Chief Advocacy Officer WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2023

The State of Jewish Affairs: Around the World with AJC

Reservations Required.

RSVP Online at AJC.org/Sarasota/summer2023 Or Email: sarasota@ajc.org Or Call AJC at 941.365.4955

LONGBOAT KEY

$1,280,000 LONGBOAT KEY

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

$895,000

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

• 34 year Longboat Key Resident • Top 1.5% of Florida Realtors - Real Trends America’s Best Real Estate Agents • 2019-2022 Top Agent - Michael Saunders Mid Longboat Key office • 2019-2022 Five Star in Customer Service Award Winner • Institute for Luxury Home Marketing Million Dollar GUILD

941.302.4913 JoDeneMoneuse@michaelsaunders.com LongboatKeyLiving.com 401290-1

405038-1

There is never a dull moment for the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Join us for an in-depth conversation as we tackle some of the most challenging current events and how they are impacting our community.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

13B

ADVERTISEMENT

The Owen Golden Gate Point

A Luxurious Lifestyle in Downtown Sarasota

Ideally situated in one of downtown Sarasota’s most cherished historic locations, The Owen Golden Gate Point will put Ronto’s legendary commitment to creating a luxurious lifestyle on full display. Designed by MHK Architecture and Planning, the building’s contemporary design will be awash in the neutral tones of the shore with gentle curves suggestive of its setting on the Point. The site encompasses the southern tip of the Point, gracefully arcing from east to west while providing partial bay and marina views from the residences. The peninsula’s smart, relaxed personality is distinctive and perfectly suited to a luxury lifestyle. Urban dwellers appreciate Golden Gate Point’s easy access by foot, bike, car, or trolly to St. Armand’s Circle, the beaches, and the shopping, dining, and gallery venues that continue to proliferate in the Sarasota downtown district.

The Owen Golden Gate Point’s kitchens will be equipped to satisfy even the most discriminating gourmet.

The Owen Golden Gate Point’s amenities and common areas are being designed by Riley Interior Design Principal Carrie L. Riley, ASID. Around the clock secured building access and semi-private elevators with controlled access will ensure that residents will enjoy a welcomed sense of privacy. Owners and their guests will be

greeted in a grand two-story rotunda lobby with a reception desk, a concierge, and separate mail and package rooms. The lobby/amenity level will feature a club room with comfortable seating and a bar. A fitness center will offer state-of-theart equipment, and men’s and women’s locker rooms. A massage suite will allow residents to invite their favorite massage therapist to provide an on-site session. The fitness center will also include a separate stretching/yoga area, a steam room, and a spa. Residents may also invite

The Owen Golden Gate Point’s flowing great room and dining areas opens to a spacious covered balcony with glass railings and a built-in stainless-steel Artisan Professional Series grill with a hood.

personal trainers to work with them within the fitness center. Social seating and an indoor/ outdoor bar will be featured in a games room outfitted with an assortment of table and arcade games. Zoom rooms, work from home station areas, and a board/conference room will also be included. Secure parking under the building with two spaces per residence, one of which will be pre-wired for a 40-amp power outlet for electric vehicle charging using the vehicle owner’s charger, climate-controlled resident storage rooms, and secured bike storage are also included.

An infinity edge saltwater pool will be the centerpiece of The Owen Golden Gate Point’s expansive landscaped outdoor amenity deck.

Billowing palm trees and tropical container gardens, lounge chairs, a separate spa that will be ideal for soothing aching muscles or enjoying a perfect moonlight plunge, a fire pit seating area, and an outdoor bar and grilling area with seating will also be featured. Additional outdoor amenities will include a fenced dog walk/park area, guest parking, and bicycle storage.

Each residence at The Owen Golden Gate Point will showcase a private elevator lobby, an entry foyer and spacious island kitchen, and a flowing great room and dining area that opens to a spacious covered balcony with glass railings and a built-in stainless-steel Artisan Professional Series grill with a hood. Expansive impactresistant doors and windows will bathe the living areas with abundant natural light. The kitchens will be equipped to satisfy even the most discriminating gourmet. Standard appliances will include a SubZero side-by-side panel ready

refrigerator/freezer with an internal dispenser. A Wolf single wall oven, a transitional five-burner gas range top, a vented exhaust cooktop wall hood, a wall microwave, and a Bosch panel ready dishwasher will also be included. A designer collection of Del Conca floor and shower wall material as well as a designer collection of flat panel or shaker style Miralis cabinets in a wide assortment of colors are available. Quartz countertops are also available in a wide selection of colors. A Blanco Quatras 18-gauge stainless steel super single bowl undermount kitchen sink will be equipped with a House of Rohl pulldown faucet. The residences will also feature ten-foot ceilings except where dropped, recessed LED lighting in the kitchen, hallways, and baths per plan, contemporary five and one quarter-inch baseboards, smooth finish drywall walls, and ventilated wood shelving in the guest bedroom closets. Sensitive to the comfort of each resident, Owen Golden Gate Point’s concrete block walls and ample airspace between floors will make noise transmission nearly non-existent.

The Ronto Group is now accepting reservations for residences at The Owen Golden Gate Point. For additional information about this extraordinary opportunity, contact the LRM Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty located at the Plaza at Five Points, 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110 in downtown Sarasota. Call 941.544.3332.

owengoldengate.com

GATEWAY TO THE INCREDIBLE

405280-1

The Owen Golden Gate Point, a new midrise boutique building being developed by the award-winning Ronto Group in partnership with Wheelock Street Capital, has been designed to provide a select group of just 29 condominium owners with a highly amenitized, luxurious lifestyle in downtown Sarasota. Situated on a coveted 1.18-acre site, the building’s four three bedroom, three and a half bath open concept floor plan choices will range from 2,265 to 3,073 square feet under air plus a balcony with a gas grill. Three of the plans also include a study.

Framed by Sarasota Bay, the gated Owen Golden Gate Point will be the ideal spot to capture gentle bay breezes and the ever-changing colors of Southwest Florida’s glorious sunsets. The residences are fully customizable during the preconstruction phase of the project and extensive finish selections are available. The Owen Golden Gate Point is the only new downtown Sarasota building offering full customization for preconstruction buyers. Pre-construction pricing starts in the low $2-millions.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, JUNE 23

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

High: 87 Low: 78 Chance of rain: 39%

Thursday, June 22

6:36a

8:28p

Friday, June 23

6:36a

8:28p

Saturday, June 24

6:37a

8:29p

Sunday, June 25

6:37a

8:29p

SATURDAY, JUNE 24

Monday, June 26

6:37a

8:29p

High: 87 Low: 78 Chance of rain: 46%

Tuesday, June 27

6:37a

8:29p

Wednesday, June 28

6:37a

8:29p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, JUNE 25 High: 87 Low: 78 Chance of rain: 46%

July 3 Full

July 9 Last

July 17 New

July 25 First

TIDES Highs Lows

Gabriella Barone took this photo of the sunrise over Longboat Key.

Thursday, June 22

5:38a

2:27p

8:11a

11:12p

Friday, June 23

5:55a

3:18p

9:36a

11:49p

Saturday, June 24

6:16a

4:18p

11:06a

—

Sunday, June 25

6:40a

5:29p

12:25a

12:37p

Monday, June 26

7:06a

6:57p

1:01a

2:01p

Tuesday, June 27

8:04a

8:37p

1:36a

3:14p

Wednesday, June 28

8:37a

10:19p

2:10a

4:17p

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

Don’t fur-get the best flooring for everyone in your Family

celebrity cipher

40 Hammarskjold of the UN 41 Average fellow 1 Bolts and hitches?

42 Capable of performing 7 Gives a hard time 43 Alum 14 Dine-in drink freebie 44 Four quarters 20 Porto d’Italia 45 Ripken of the Orioles 21 Words of grave impor48 Bobby of the Bruins tance?

49 Exam for an aspiring doc 22 Sheep 50 “___, Brute?”

23 Dirt, so to speak 51 Dreidel letter 24 Michelle’s successor 52 Hullabaloo 25 Didn’t hit 53 Hawaii’s Mauna ___ 26 “Leap onto Grandma’s 54 Hawaiian dish of slicedlap!” up fish 28 Hobbit hunter 55 Guide lines?

29 Reluctant 57 Rubbed some elbows 31 ...

60 Ceremonies 34 Canonized Mlle.

35 “The Man Who Knew Too 61 Metric measure of speed (Abbr.)

Much” actress 63 Rich, materialistic work39 Key point?

ers, colloquially 64 “I’m so good at sleeping, I can do it with my eyes closed,” say 65 Flowers also known as violets 69 First name in cosmetics 70 Reggae style combining vocals with a DJ’s patter 74 Bird on Australia’s coat of arms 75 Codon carrier (Abbr.)

76 Hobbit helper 77 Seventh Greek letter 78 Writing in the sky?

80 Peons on a manor 85 “Are we there yet?” setting 87 ___ value 88 Banned boxing move

90 Gorges 91 Driver’s licenses, say (Abbr.)

92 “You some kind of smart aleck?”

94 Squeeze (out) 95 Trigonometric function 97 Small songbird 98 “Don’t ___ stranger!”

100 Bronte heroine 103 Teeth on a gear 104 Apartment building divisions 107 Matter 109 Between continents, perhaps 110 Pot starter 111 Bob of “Fuller House” 112 Carne ___ 113 “On the double!”

HLFYXH TEY TYIIGEC VK GYFUAFUM TYEC HLI JSD ET ... LNHYIG.” CNYHFU PSHLIY AFUM ZY.

“UGBBHLS HL BRDW ... HO G XRTKBWAWBJ AMGLOXWLVWLA WCKWMHWLXW. HA’O BHEW WGAHLS KHFFG-UBGDRMWV HXW XMWGT.” THEW YHMYHSBHG

“DZKKYW TD PWHOJ NRTJPD TJ REZTDTHJH, REJS OTJPD TJ OUEKTJS, DXHPY EC YRKD HJP KHGRYD TJ JYO YJSRHJP.” © 2023 NEA, Inc.

HWVXTNHRP KHVRYTDX

sudoku

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

©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

402031-1

ACROSS

“PIH SX UEH XIIA HE XNHFXTK ESY

Puzzle Three Clue: N equals B

©2023 Universal Uclick

38 Some pledge drive 114Prideful look? rewards 116 Stations for the Hog45 David and the like warts Express?

46 Take in, as a rescue dog 118 Maiden fair 119 Grp. with many conveyor 47 Sarge’s superior 56 Corkscrew shapes belts 58 ___ and cry 120 D-Day commander’s 59 Board game reviewer nickname Garcia of “The Dice Tower” 121 One way Alaska ranks 60 Frolic without limits first among U.S. states 62 Three-time Olympic 122 [Achoo!] gold-medal-winning skater 123 Word screamed while Sonja jumping 64 Rice ___ 124 ___ Vegas 125 Nobel-winning Einstein 65 Fleshy fruit 66 French female friend DOWN 67 Unabridged Nightingale 1 Liberia’s official lang. treatise?

2 Mekong River native 68 Mule working the Erie 3 Photo ___ Canal, in song 4 More extravagant NBA 70 “Hang on a ___!” jams?

71 British dairy cattle seller?

5 Author T.S. 72 Busy as a bee 6 Savored, as wine 73 High-pitched barks 7 Pot shop?

79 Sounded reasonable 8 Chimpanzee, for one 80 . . . - - - . . .

9 Farm buildings 81 Fleecy mama 10 End’s opposite 82 Notorious ___ (nickname 11 Jouster’s weapon of a late Supreme Court 12 Front for center? justice) 13 “Q: How is a chicken 83 Seasonal scourge coop like finely stratified 84 Edamame essence sedimentary rock? A: 86 Try They’re both full of layers,” 88 Go a-courtin’? and the like?

89 Surfing spots?

14 Caesar’s time 92 ___ all costs 15 “Don’t Cry for Me Argen- 93 Swiss miss tina” musical 95 Burns 16 Problem in an undersized 96 Ithaca’s sea aquarium?

97 Little skirmish 17 Partners of outs 99 Thorny tree 18 Director Ang 101 Grim ___ 19 Acid, initially 102 Really rankles 27 Seventh planet 105 Curt 30 Smelly 106 Fajita option 31 Groundskeeper’s tool 107 Language whence 32 Decadent cake “catamaran” and “curry” 33 Central American animal 108 Japanese 1970 World with a ringed tail Expo city 36 Disney’s ___ Center 115 Remarks, slangily 37 Tent securer 117 NBC hit skit show

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: U equals F

COIN FLIPS by Alex Eaton-Salners, edited by Jeff Chen

Puzzle One Clue: D equals P

crossword

399841-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

6-22-23

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

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.

PANINI MAKER Cuisinart, like new, stainless steel $50 (941) 920-2494 RUBBERMAID DUEL action commercial carpet/floor sweeper.

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

M-F Ask about our special rates!

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auto

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Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

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Auto Transport

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

Painting

GARAGE SALE Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

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Vacation/ FIND CALL Seasonal Rentals 941-955-4888 BUYERS STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages & SELLERS BUY YourObserver.com/RedPages HERE! This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers This week’s Crossword answers DESPERATELY NEEDED Low mileage, cars and trucks.

Also rare or unusual vehicles.

Larry 941-350-7993

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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

Puzzle Three Solution: “Summer is drawn blinds in Louisiana, long winds in Wyoming, shade of elms and maples in New England.”

Archibald MacLeish

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2023 Universal Uclick

Relax. You’ve got better things to do. Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

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

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

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Puzzle Two Solution: “Falling in love ... is a completely transcendent experience. It’s like eating pizza-flavored ice cream.”

Mike Birbiglia

found here.

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Call 941-383-3338.

Puzzle One Solution: “Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of ... hatred.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

HEROES RED PAGES

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING

©2023 NEA, Inc.

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

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

SEASONAL RATES

Reservations 941-383-5577

Visit the

You’re only cheating yourself.

Items Under $200

48’X21’ 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

WEEKLY MONTHLY

Longboat Key, FL 34228

LOCK BOX, fire proof with key, 13X8X7 $15. Charlie’s Angels trading card, 1st set $40.

941-741-9727

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

101

peekers’ place

stuff

Deadline for the July 6th editions will be due Friday, June 30th at 2:00 pm.

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Items Under $200

NEW DIGITAL convection oven/toaster. Black+Decker, stainless steal. Model CT06335S 13X22X15. $85. 941-387-0567

The Observer Media Group will be closed on Tuesday, July 4th.

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

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

real estate

RED PAGES EARLY DEADLINE

Autos Wanted

home services

Made for where you live. Here!

YourObserver.com

17B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

Furniture Repair

Massage MediCupping & Massage Therapy services for healing

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Roofing

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Auto Service

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

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

SELL YOUR CAR!

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

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18B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

STANDING UNITED WITH UKRAINE THE ACKERMAN THE GROUP ACKERMAN

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CRYSTAL SANDS - SIESTA KEY

6300 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #101, SARASOTA, FL • 2BR/2BA • 1,240 SF • $1,395,000 Turnkey furnished walkout residence with split plan, porcelain wood floors & new hurricane impact sliders. A great investment opportunity!

WATER CLUB I

$3,495,000 THE SEA BREEZE

NEW PRICE 3BR/4BA • 3,045 SF WATER CLUB I

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$3,495,000 9008 THE SEA BREEZE MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 SARASOTA, FL

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

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

$3,199,000

9008 MIDNIGHT #5BREEZE SARASOTA, FL $3,550,0003BR/3.5 SIESTA |PASS THE BA KEY • 3,700 SF RD., •SEA Private 2-Car Garage

128sunset GOLDEN PT. #1002A | 3BR+DEN/3BA 3,477 SFwith two Breathtaking viewsGATE over the Gulf of Mexico from this 7th floor| residence Breathtaking sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico from this 7th floor residence with two PENTHOUSE WITH PRIVATE ROOF TOP TERRACE terraces. terraces.

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LA BELLASARA - DOWNTOWN

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LA BELLASARA

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

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SIESTA COVE

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SIESTA COVE 5212 SIESTA COVE DRIVE, SARASOTA

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5212 SIESTA COVE DRIVE, SARASOTA

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

3BR/4.5 • 3,490 2-Car Garage BA +beautifully 2 Half Baths • 5,133 SF • Situated 1.5property lots RarelyBA available 5thSF floor• residence offering expansive bay and city views, an open floor plan & 5BR/6 Spacious, 2-story waterfront point on a clu-de-sace, with WATER CLUB I landscaped - LONGBOAT KEY on $3,495,000

SARA5thSANDS $2,290,000 MAINLAND |&SORRENTO SHORES $899,000 fullavailable concierge services in a gated, pet-friendly community.

Rarely floor residence offering expansive bay and city views, an open floor plan & a 120’GULF boat dock 10,000 lb. lift.

Exceptional openpoint waterFL views. on a clu-de-sace, Spacious, beautifully landscaped 2-story waterfront property with 1241 OF MEXICO DR., #704, LONGBOAT KEY, full concierge services in aBEACH gated, pet-friendly community.

5182 SANDY AVE. | 3BR+STUDY/4.5BA | 3,398 SF 449 S. SHORE DRIVE, OSPREY | 3BR/3BA | 2,564 SF a3BR/4BA 120’ boat dock & 10,000 • 3,045 SF lb. lift. Exceptional open water views.

116’ OF WATERFRONT | WATERCRAFT STORAGE W/ UPLAND CUT

NOW PENDING

Breathtaking views over MINUTES sunset TO SIESTA KEYthe Gulf of Mexico from this 7th floor residence with two terraces.

NOW PENDING

NOW PENDING

NOW PENDING NOW PENDING P EPRICE NDING PENDING NEW

AQUARIUS CLUB

$1,260,000

COREY’S LANDING

$1,899,000

3414 FAIR OAKS LANE, LONGBOAT KEY 1701 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #207, LONGBOAT KEY $1,899,000 2BR/2BA •CLUB 1,551 SF • St. Regis Membership COREY’S AQUARIUS $1,260,000 4BR/4BALANDING • 3,729 SF • Bay, Golf Course views

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

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

NOW PENDING

NOW PENDING PENDING

LA BELLASARA

NOW PENDING PENDING

$3.395,000 LIDO REGENCY

464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #202, SARASOTA

$549,000

1700 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DR.#5F, SARASOTA

THE SEA BREEZE - SIESTA KEY LIDO NEW MOTIVATED LA BELLASARA $3.395,000 REGENCY 1BR/1.5BA • 981 SF •PRICE Bay and$2,900,000 city $549,000 views 3BR+DEN/3.5BA • 3,153 SF • 2-Car garage

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

SIESTA COVE $3,495,000 FAIRWAY BAY $934,000private LA BELLASARA $3,699,000 WATER CLUB I and sliders. $3,495,000 roof-top terrace, deeded boat slip, and hurricane impact windows 464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #503 1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #704 5212 SIESTA COVE DR. 1930 HARBOURSIDE DR. #141 3BR/4.5BA | 3,490 SF 3BR/4BA | 3,045 SF 5BR/6BA/2HB | 5,133 SF 2BR/2BA | 1,442 SF

CONFUSED ABOUT NEW CONSTRUCTION OPTIONS?

DEMYSTIFY THE EXPERIENCE — CALL THE ACKERMAN GROUP! 941-387-1820 CONFUSED ABOUT NEW CONSTRUCTION OPTIONS?

CONFUSED ABOUT NEW CONSTRUCTION OPTIONS? DEMYSTIFY EXPERIENCE CALL THE ACKERMAN GROUP! 941-387-1820 DEMYSTIFY THE THE EXPERIENCE —-CALL THE ACKERMAN GROUP! 941-387-1820

PRE-CONSTRUCTION

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 THE EVOLUTION 111 Golden Gate Point Sarasota, FL 34236 THECompletion: EVOLUTIONFall 2023

111 Golden Gate Point 1703 Main Street Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Summer 2025 Completion: Fall 2023

THE COLLECTION 1355 2nd Street Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Winter 2023

ONE PARK SARASOTA 1100 Blvd. of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Fall 2026

THE EDGE PENINSULA SARASOTA THE DEMARCAY 290 Cocoanut Avenue 223 Golden Gate Point 33 S. Palm Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Spring 2026 PENINSULA Completion: Spring 2026 THE Completion:: Fall 2023 THE EDGE SARASOTA DEMARCAY

290 Cocoanut Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Spring 2026

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

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

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

688 Golden Gate Point Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: TBD

SORRENTO $949,000 EN POINTE ZAHRADA 2 SHORES - MAINLAND ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES VILLA BALLADA 449 S. SHORE DRIVE, OSPREY 1100 Blvd. of the Arts 509 Golden Gate Point 1546 4th Street 430 Kumquat Court 3BR/3BA • 2,564 SF • Minutes toSarasota, Siesta Key Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 FL 34236 styled lap pool, Fall waterfall spa, a large, covered Completion: Winter 2024 Contemporary Completion: Fallhome 2025with oversized Completion:: Fall 2025 Completion: 2026feature, patio with gas grill and private backyard with firepit.

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

595 BAY ISLES RD., SUITE 250 | LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228 • 443 JOHN RINGLING BLVD., STE., F | SARASOTA, FL 34236

404538-1

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

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.