Longboat Observer 6.29.23

LONGBOAT

Observer JULY 2023

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

VOLUME 45, NO. 47

YOUR TOWN

Building back to full strength Longboat Key’s town budget includes a big investment in personnel. SEE PAGE 4

Courtesy photo

Road to recovery

Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce President Gail Loefgren has been working from home recently after a knee replacement surgery as the chamber approaches one of its most anticipated holidays — July 4.

Loefgren and Observer Vice President Lisa Walsh co-founded Freedom Fest 20 years ago. After many years of planning and managing the event, Loefgren finds it simple to put together. She organized most of the events before her surgery and has finalized the last details while around the comfort of her family.

Thankfully, her recovery has been smooth, for she has been spending it at her daughter’s house. Since Loefgren will not be fully recovered by July 4, she has prepared her new parttime assistant, Connie Darrah, to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Loefgren is bummed to be missing out on the 20th anniversary but has great faith in her team to make this Freedom Fest a memorable one.

Taking the

Steven Horton assumed the commodoreship of the Bird Key Yacht Club. PAGE 20

helm

People’s choice

Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department’s Station 92 is receiving high praise.

The building was nominated for the 2023 People’s Choice Award. The award is backed by the Florida Foundation for Architecture and the American Institute of Architects of Florida.

The station was built in 2021 and designed by Todd Sweet of Sweet Sparkman Architects.

Station 92 is well-equipped for its firefighter paramedics with a gym, kitchen, TV room, bedrooms and areas for writing reports. Of course aspects of public safety were paramount in the modern design, including a public medical center to provide residents basic medical care. The building is also built to withstand up to 165 mph winds, making it one of the most resilient structures on the island, according to the architect.

Voting is open until July 28 at FloridaPeoplesChoice.org to choose a winner.

Sidra Wali

Commodore Steven Horton shakes hands with outgoing Commodore Lisa Adams during the passing of the gavel ceremony.

Getting to know you

A+E

Turtle tracks LONGBOAT June 11-17 Nests False crawls

2023 118 222

2022 137 156

Totals since April 23 2023 2022 Nests 524 519 False crawls 679 523

The town recognized its workers with a barbecue, games and more.

SEE PAGE 16

Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

Petra Rivera

Town employees try to recite from memory the town of Longboat Key’s vision.

Stained glass stories PAGE 11

2

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

FDOT recommends redesign The roundabout and complete street projects for Gulf of Mexico Drive now require further design and ­discussion ­before moving forward.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

Proposed projects designed to improve Gulf of Mexico Drive and calm traffic near the intersection of GMD and Broadway Street are currently at a standstill due to the Florida Department of Transportation’s latest recommendations.

Town of Longboat Key Director of Public Works Isaac Brownman presented updates to two major GMD improvement projects during the June 20 Town Commission budget workshop: a roundabout at GMD and Broadway Street and a GMD complete street. Both projects are now in need of redesign, according to FDOT’s feedback.

The idea of a roundabout at the intersection of GMD and Broadway Street is something that was already being talked about when Brownman began his job in August 2017.

Since then, the town has been going through the design process and was nearly 100% complete with the plans.

As a state road, any improvements or changes to the roadway must be approved though FDOT, according to Brownman. The town was engaged in designing the roundabout with a local engineering firm, and after completing about 60% of the plans, they checked with FDOT before pursuing the plans further.

Brownman said, at that time, FDOT noted no concerns over the plan’s roadway banking. Banking is the way the road is angled to maintain friction for cars going around a curve.

There were some comments about drainage issues, which Brownman said they spent months working through.

“We proceeded to 90% design, actually nearly 100% design, because we had a lot of confidence

in the direction we were taking,” Brownman said.

When the town submitted the designs to FDOT at 90% completion, FDOT said the banking was now an issue. The almost completed plans are no longer something FDOT would approve, according to Brownman.

Because GMD is a state road, FDOT was going to fund $1.6 million of the total $2.2 million project. However, if the plans must be changed considerably, money may be an issue, according to Town Manager Howard Tipton.

When the update was brought up at the June 20 budget workshop, Mayor Ken Schneier suggested the possibility of looking into alternatives if costs become an issue. The main alternative would be to install a traffic signal. But having a traffic signal that close to a drawbridge may prove problematic, said Tipton.

“Roundabouts have a way of slowing traffic down without stopping traffic, and that’s what we were trying to get to, but if the costs get out of hand as part of the redesign, I think the mayor is absolutely right,” Tipton said.

Courtesy images

The proposed roundabout at the intersection of Gulf of Mexico Drive and Broadway Street is intended to slow traffic.

crete and expansions over time, and it’s got some heaving,” Brownman said. “It’s in pretty rough shape.”

The town proposed having a 12-foot trail, with the thought that an eight-foot trail would be too narrow for the high level of activity the trail currently sees with cyclists, pedestrians and their dogs.

Brownman said FDOT examined the idea for several months before Complete street returning the recommendation that The other project in question is the there would be too great of a need GMD complete street improvement. for drainage facilities and structures According to Tipton and Brownman, due to an increase in impervious surFDOT had proposed repaving GMD faces. Tipton would like to see GMD and replacing the sidewalk begin- get the additional 4 feet of sidewalk The town wanted to incorporate a 12-foot-wide pedestrian/bike path in the ning in fiscal year 2025. At the same but does share some concerns. time, Brownman said the town was “There are some, I think, legiti- complete street plans, which now must be discussed further with the Florida coming up with a vision for what it mate right-of-way concerns and Department of Transportation. wanted GMD to look like. Paramount potentially, depending on the surin those discussions was including face or material that’s used for the wider bike lanes and a wider mul- trail, there could be some drainage tiuse trail. Specifically, on the east concerns, as well,” Tipton said. side, they wanted to replace and For both projects, Brownman and widen the trail, which is currently Tipton are expected to have meetings not in great condition, Brownman with FDOT officials soon to discuss said. possible ways to move forward.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

3

Mangrove trimming under dispute The state has strict regulations for trimming mangroves because of the benefits they provide for their ecosystems.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

T

he Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently opened an investigation in response to people concerned with mangrove trimming conducted two years ago at the Longboat Key Club and Resort. But the regulations and permitting for mangrove trimming may be more complicated than a simple right or wrong.

“The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is currently investigating reports of unauthorized mangrove alteration at the Longboat Key Club,” DEP Press Secretary Brian Miller said. “DEP inspectors have been on-site to perform a preliminary inspection and are in the process of finalizing their inspection report.”

Mangroves are important hubs of biodiversity for estuaries such as the Sarasota Bay, so how much and when mangroves can be altered is a complex conversation between multiple stakeholders.

“Mangroves have been a big issue for us because we’re seeing a lot of illegal trimming going on, and we don’t see much enforcement,” said Rusty Chinnis, board chair of the Suncoast Waterkeeper organization.

Suncoast Waterkeeper is a nonprofit that strives to protect Florida’s environment through advocacy and enforcement.

According to Chinnis, Suncoast Waterkeeper can act as a middleman.

People who see environmental situations worth reporting, good or bad, can send those reports to the organization. If it’s seen as a violation, such as pollution in a river or mangroves trimmed too short, Suncoast Waterkeeper can further the report. In this case, Chinnis said his organization reported the mangrove trimming to the DEP. John Reilly, director of agronomy, has been with the Longboat Key Club for 15 years. In his position, he oversees landscaping and projects such as the honey beehives and composting. According to Reilly, the mangrove trimming done on the Longboat Key Club grounds was legal. The club has the correct permits, and it contracted a professional mangrove trimmer — Suncoast Environmental Group.

“Everything we did was thoughtful in our approach,” Reilly said.

The main dispute now is seen on Hole 4 of the club’s Blue golf course.

There, the mangroves two years ago were “flush cut,” or cut so that they meet the water level. A manmade pond separates the fairway and a row of houses. The mangrove roots

are still intact; they have not been excavated, Reilly said.

All in all, Reilly believes that the mangrove trimming was the best possible option for all stakeholders involved. When starting on the hole, the player drives the ball down the fairway. Before the mangroves were flush cut, players had a difficult time seeing where golf balls actually landed. That was the reasoning behind the trimming.

“This was so that the golfer could play the hole and enjoy it,” Reilly said.

While the main reason behind the trimming was to improve the golfer’s experience, Reilly said a possibly positive side effect was that now, homeowners across the pond have both a waterfront and golf view.

Other holes, like the Blue course’s Hole 3, utilize the mangroves in their landscaping. These mangroves have not been trimmed, but instead create a perfectly lined edge along the fairway.

“If it didn’t enhance the hole for the golfer, we let nature be,” Reilly said.

POLICY MATTERS

The DEP regulates mangrove trimming with the 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act, which affords the plant certain protections.

This act lays out regulations for trimming. For all general permitted trimming, a professional mangrove trimmer is required. Professional mangrove trimmers are also recommended for individual exempt permits, though not required.

General permits, which are the most common, state that mangroves “may not be trimmed so that the overall height of any mangrove is reduced to less than six feet as measured from the substrate.”

Special exceptions are possible, but according to the DEP website, individual permits are required to trim mangroves below the general six feet.

According to Reilly, the club trims mangroves every year to the six-foot line as permitted.

Two years ago was the last time it cut mangroves below that mark, to improve the line of sight for golfers. Because the pond adjacent to the mangroves is manmade, Reilly said any alterations fell under the jurisdiction of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Trimming was seen as maintenance for the pond.

An email chain went on for months among the Longboat Key Club, Suncoast Environmental Group and the DEP prior to the trimming in question. The club had indicated that it and Suncoast Environmental Group saw the pond as stormwater runoff, so no permit was necessary in its

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

John Reilly, director of agronomy at the Longboat Key Club, points to the fairway where players drive their golf balls on the Blue course Hole 3. Before the mangroves were trimmed, Reilly said players could not see where their ball landed.

view. It pointed to previous cases in which homeowners trimmed mangroves on their own properties in similar situations. The DEP was given a chance to respond but, according to Reilly, did not.

IMPORTANT ECOSYSTEMS

The term “mangrove” encompasses three distinct species: red, black and white mangroves. These trees are more than just vegetation, according to Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director Dave Tomasko.

“It’s not just a tree; it’s actually a habitat,” Tomasko said.

Mangrove ecosystems provide important nesting and resting grounds for birds, he said. The portions of the mangroves that are underwater also are hubs of biodiversity. Oysters that attach themselves to mangrove roots actively filter water. The root system itself provides habitats and safety for juvenile fish, which then work up the food chain to recruit larger fish.

The trees also protect shorelines and their properties from the impact of storms. While most areas don’t have enough to substantially reduce storm surge, Tomasko said, a lot of areas have enough mangroves to reduce wave height. This can lead to less property damage in the event of large storms.

Tomasko said mangroves deserve more credit.

“I think mangroves need to be given a lot of respect because they’re not just a nuisance to cut down to get a view of the water. When you have a Category 3 hurricane coming on shore, you might want to wish you had bigger mangroves,” Tomasko said. “I think we need to change our views of mangroves, to welcome into our landscape rather than view them as an obstruction to our view.”

They improve water quality and clarity.

A view of a section of mangroves at the Longboat Key Club trimmed two years ago and subject of a recent complaint.

They remove 6-8 times m ore CO2 from the atmosphere per acre than a rainforest.

They provide habitat for threatened and endangered species such as wood storks and roseate spoonbills.

They provide habitat for up to 80% of commercially and recreationally important fish species.

They prevent erosion and stabilize shorelines.

Data and graphics courtesy of Sarasota County

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

Carter Weinhofer

Improvements to mitigate storm impacts are slated for the 2024 fiscal year budget. This will include replacing Town Hall’s roof, windows and generator.

Investing in the future CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

T

he time to make investments is when times are good, not when times are bad. That’s Town Manager Howard Tipton’s philosophy going into fiscal year 2024.

A preliminary budget was presented at a Longboat Key Town Commission special workshop on June 20, which outlined the anticipated revenue and expenses for the upcoming fiscal year. The total anticipated budget of $25,611,028 is a 43% increase from 2023’s adopted budget of $17,796,775.

Of that, $20,511,028 is dedicated to operating expenditures, while the remaining $5.1 million will go toward

capital expenditures.

Some important but increasing expenditures include insurance.

Property and casualty insurance costs increased by 30% and flood insurance increased 20%. This part of the budget also includes a 15.25% increase in operating and personnel expenses from the current fiscal year. The updated union contracts for Longboat Key Police and Fire Rescue departments contributed to the increase.

One of the largest investments in personnel comes with the addition of seven full-time positions, six being supported by the general fund and one by the building fund. The six positions for the general fund represent an expenditure of $486,042 and are: an accountant, a grants coor-

dinator, two information technology positions, fire administrative support and a parks service worker.

According to Tipton, some of these positions are not new. The positions in fire and IT are returning positions.

“Prior to the Great Recession, (the town) actually had a larger manning table than we have today,” Tipton said.

Tipton said the town is struggling a bit to keep up with grounds maintenance, so they felt a new position in parks service was necessary. Additionally, Tipton said the finance office wanted to do a better job applying for grants and wanted a position dedicated to grants. The town hopes that position will pay for itself.

From the building fund will come

the seventh new full-time position, which will be a plans examiner/ building inspector. The Planning, Zoning & Building Department also requested a managing software called Accela. The software costs $450,000 and is a cloud-based software suite that digitizes many processes relating to permitting, building inspections and public safety.

The building fund also budgets for a Town Hall hardening project, totaling $1.7 million. This project will make the building more resilient in the face of storms. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is expected to reimburse 72% of project costs, however the town is still waiting for the official confirmation.

Commissioner BJ Bishop shared the sentiment that now is the time

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

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BREAKDOWN OF NEW POSITIONS POSITION SALARY n Business Analyst (IT) n Cashier/Canal

Assessments (Finance)

$65,000 $57,000

+BENEFITS

$100,566 $91,144

n Support SVCS Logistics

Officer (Fire) $65,000

$100,566

n Service Worker (Parks)

$45,500

$79,366

$82,000

$120,598

(Finance) $75,000

$112,354

n Security Analyst (IT)

$130,029

n Plans Examiner/

Building Inspector

n Grants Coordinator

$90,000

to make these types of investments.

“Investing in our community with adequate staff and with technology is critically important,” Bishop said.

Other substantial investments come in the form of one-time infrastructure costs. The General Fund Reserve allocates $5.1 million to these capital investments, including a project to calm traffic near Broadway Street, digital display boards, road resurfacing and additional street lighting.

Special funds budget revenues primarily come from taxes, such as the Tourist Development Tax and Sarasota Infrastructure Surtax.

These revenues have specific guidelines for where they can be spent.

The Sarasota Infrastructure Surtax is being used to fund projects in public safety, facilities and parks and recreation. For 2024, the town plans to order a new fire truck costing $850,000. Another planned purchase is $175,000 to install artificial turf in the remainder of the dog park at Bayfront Park. Mayor Ken Schneier brought up the idea of a community member possibly funding this project, but the money has been set aside in the budget in case there are no prospects.

The gas tax is a main source of funds for much of the Road and Bridge Fund, which can only be used on

infrastructure such as roads, bridges and traffic signal maintenance.

Tipton and other ­commissioners ­discussed how this important revenue source may be changing in the near future.

“I think FPL has forecasted that one in four cars will be electric by 2027 on the roads in Florida, which is a dramatic decrease in gas tax revenue,” Tipton said. “Finding whatever that alternative solution is, I think, will be important, and sooner is better.”

Another big source of revenue for the town comes from property taxes. According to the budget, property values have increased 12.75% (14.06% in Manatee County and 12.16% in Sarasota County). The millage rate was recommended to go unchanged from 2022 at 1.99, which will provide about $1.78 million more with the increase in property value compared with 2022. This comes to a total property tax revenue of $15,915,542 if this millage rate is used.

“Longboat Key is in the enviable position of being the lowest (millage rate) in the surrounding communities,” Tipton said.

A final proposed budget is due on or before Aug. 1, with a first reading expected on Sept. 11. The budget will be adopted Sept. 30 before the fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

Training days for elected officials Commissioners Debbie Murphy and Gary Coffin recently attended the first of two sessions of the Florida League of Cities’ Institute for Elected Municipal Officials. of the town. The town manager oversees the functions of the local government and commissioners are essentially the policymakers.

Murphy said this was one aspect she struggled with at first. She wanted to be able to solve residents’ smaller problems but had to put it into perspective that that’s not her job. Murphy had to learn that her job was to listen to a person’s situation and connect them with the right person.

In Longboat, Murphy said this is common.

“There’s nothing that makes me feel better than to watch people be respected and appreciated,” Murphy said. “In this town, I will say, and especially under the leadership of Howard Tipton, that is very much alive and well.”

This has been one of the things Coffin has found most interesting, in a positive way, about the job so far.

He said, before taking the position, he was unaware of how much outreach the commissioners received from residents.

“That’s why we’re here,” Coffin said. “And it’s been great to listen to people telling their stories about things and try to get things done.”

They also learned technicalities involved in structuring commission meetings. There are certain parameters and best practices for meetings, like a proper notice, being held in an open location, availability of minutes and rules for making motions.

Also important is the right for the public to be heard, which is limited to three minutes at Longboat commission meetings.

Something that Murphy really

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat Key’s newest town Commissioners Gary Coffin and Debbie Murphy have a couple months of experience under their belt. Now, they have graduated from part one of a two-part training course for elected officials.

The two attended Florida League of Cities’ Institute for Elected Municipal Officials on June 9 and 10. During this first part, Murphy said the course was focused on some technical aspects of being an elected official and how municipalities operate.

One aspect was learning the importance of Home Rule Power, especially in a town like Longboat, Murphy said. In her words, home rule is the philosophy that “local people can make better local decisions than people at the state level.”

A local example of this comes with Longboat’s 30-day rental minimum.

Murphy said companies like Vrbo and Airbnb are trying to overcome the home rule of towns like Longboat to allow their customers to stay for shorter periods. The 30-day minimum is something ingrained in Longboat’s charter, Murphy said, so it’s important that residents bring issues like this to Tallahassee to show the importance of home rule.

The commissioners also learned about different types of municipality governance, including the “weak mayor” structure of Longboat. In this structure, the mayor facilitates meetings, attends ribbon-cutting ceremonies and serves as the face

Courtesy photo

Commissioners Debbie Murphy (back left) and Gary Coffin (back center) were sworn in on March 20.

Also pictured: Penny Gold, BJ Bishop, Debra Williams, Mayor Ken Schneier and Vice Mayor Mike Haycock.

valued from the IEMO training was connecting with like-minded commissioners. In Florida, Sunshine Laws prohibit commissioners from having conversations in public that can be construed by anybody. In that regard, Murphy and Coffin can’t have a conversation in public because people could interpret that as them having a conversation about something the council will talk about in the future. The two even had to sit apart from each other during the training, Murphy said.

Attendees were given a spreadsheet of all the others from that training session so they could connect with one another when something comes up. This created a sort of informal network, Murphy said.

Coffin also liked the ability to meet other local officials and being able to learn with others at the same level.

“What this organization does, which is absolutely fabulous, is it puts together most all of the localities on the same playing field so they’re able to communicate with one another and learn law and points of governing that some of us may not have had the exposure to,” Coffin said.

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“I think the most interesting part is being involved with a group of people that have the same dedication and interest.”

— Debbie Murphy

About three months into the role, Murphy said she has been impressed with the caliber of people drawn to be elected officials of Longboat.

“I think the most interesting part is being involved with a group of people that have the same dedication and interest of trying to make things better here in Longboat Key,” Murphy said. “I just like the fact that everyone has a genuine interest in looking together and listening to one another.”

According to Murphy, the two commissioners plan on attending the second step of IEMO’s training in October. The second round will include more in-depth discussions about comprehensive plans and sources of revenue, like millage rates.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

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Short on inspectors CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

T

he town of Longboat Key only has one full-time inspector currently on payroll, yet it receives an average of 65 inspection requests a day.

According to Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons, the department usually has two fulltime inspectors but had one vacancy at the time of publication. Due to a high demand for building inspections, the department has had to hire private providers to take on some of the work. Generally, these cost about $100 an hour, Parsons said, adding the town is utilizing them “pretty much on a daily basis.”

“We’re using private providers to cover for the person that’s out,” Parsons said. “But then on any given week, too, we use private providers to help deal with the demand that’s beyond the capacity of our two inspectors.”

The department has been down to one inspector for about a month.

Currently, Parsons said the average turnaround time for an inspection is one to two days.

“Our inspectors are pretty much running at maximum capacity, if not above that,” Parsons said.

The increase in demand began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the real estate market has continued to take off since then, Parsons said the demand for inspections has been steady and high.

Aside from the shortage in workers and high demand, Parsons said hiring private providers isn’t completely uncommon. All work that is done that requires building permits will require some sort of inspection. This could be done throughout the building process or at the end, depending on the situation.

Each inspection requires certain certifications, and if one of the town’s inspectors doesn’t have that certification, then the town must outsource that inspection.

Parsons discussed this shortage in front of town commissioners during the June 20 budget workshop meeting.

At that time, he brought up the addition of a new building inspector position in the department starting in fiscal year 2024.

If the vacant position is filled and the new position is created and filled, then Parsons believes three workers may help meet demand.

“It will alleviate it, I think, to a significant amount,” Parsons said.

$500 Prize. Cannons Marina is offering a $500 cash prize to the most patriotic business entry in the parade (as long as there is a minimum of 10 business entries). Floats may be any motorized vehicle with 4 wheels e.g. golf cart, auto, van, trailer, etc. To enter, please call the chamber at 383-2466. Parade starts promptly at 9am.

Kid Games & Butterfly Release. Fun games for kids of all ages after the parade with loads of prizes for everyone. Kids can also take tours of Longboat Key's biggest fire truck and rescue unit. Kids will get to release dozens of butterflies, supplied by the Longboat Key Garden Club.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Greatest civil document The Declaration of Independence was much more than a secession from tyranny.

It changed the world.

MATT WALSH

T

he founding of the United States of America has to be one of the Greatest Stories Ever. Let’s say in the top

five.

For nearly 250 years, that moment has changed the course of the world.

From the Pilgrims settling at Plymouth Rock to the Declaration of Independence to the writing and adoption of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, to everything those events spawned over the past 247 years, America’s founding has to be up there with Creation; Moses and the Israelites’ 40-year journey to the Promised Land; the birth of Jesus Christ; and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Assuming you agree, it makes sense then that the Fourth of July is celebrated the way John Adams hoped it would be celebrated. After the Founders voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence on July 2, Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail: The Declaration of Independence “will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America.”

He said the day should be “solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.”

Through the generations, we Americans have obliged Adams’ wish with gusto — red, white and blue parades, topped with the quintessential American feast of grilled ’dogs, mustard, potato chips, corn on the cob, watermelon, homemade brownies and, yes, Bud Light.

And the fireworks.

This is a guess: If you walked Siesta Key Beach and conducted Man (or Woman) on the Beach interviews, asking why we celebrate Independence Day, of course, many of us would cringe these days at the stupidity of so many Americans.

You can envision the interview: Interviewer: “Why do we celebrate Independence Day?” Interviewee: “Uh, because we beat the Germans and Japanese in World War I?” Ugh. Ever the optimist, we still want to believe most adult Americans (especially those older than Gen Zers) do indeed know why we celebrate Independence Day. (See box for the exact words.)

Forevermore, Americans have

WHAT FOUNDERS

“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.”

DECLARED

This is the final paragraph of the Declaration of Independence — the “what” the Founders were declaring: “We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do …”

instinctively invoked the words liberty and freedom with the Fourth of July. More specifically, of course, we are always reminded on this national holiday of Thomas Jefferson’s immortal words in the second paragraph of the Declaration: “We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

It’s probably true that most Americans at the time of the Declaration focused on the proclamation that they were no longer under the tyrannical rule of the British king and empire; they were free of his injustices, usurpations and pillaging. But in the words of the late President Calvin Coolidge, the Declaration “had a much broader and deeper significance than a mere secession of territory and the establishment of a new nation.”

In a 4,500-word speech July 4, 1926, in Philadelphia — on the 150th anniversary of the Declaration, then President Coolidge delivered what should be regarded as one of the most insightful explanations ever recorded of the profound meaning of the Declaration of Independence (see below).

Coolidge called the Declaration “the most important civil document in the world.” And among the reasons for such a noble title, Coolidge said: “Three very definite propositions were set out in its preamble regarding the nature of mankind and therefore of government.

These were the doctrine that all men are created equal, that they are endowed with certain inalienable rights and that therefore the source of the just powers of government must be derived from the consent of the governed.”

These were not new principles in the 18th century, but as Coolidge

THE DECLARATION’S RELIGIOUS ROOTS Here is an excerpt from President Calvin Coolidge’s July 4, 1926, speech on the Declaration of Independence. In this passage, Coolidge warns Americans that the ideals in the declaration flow from religion: “A spring will cease to flow if its source be dried up; a tree will wither if its roots be destroyed.

“In its main features, the Declaration of Independence is a great spiritual document. It is a declaration not of material but of spiritual

WHO IS THE STATESMAN-LEADER?

c ­ onceptions.

“Equality, liberty, popular sovereignty, the rights of man — these are not elements which we can see and touch. They are ideals.

They have their source and their roots in the religious convictions.

They belong to the unseen world.

Unless the faith of the American people in these religious convictions is to endure, the principles of our Declaration will perish.

We can not continue to enjoy the result if we neglect and abandon the cause.

(To read the entire speech, go to: YourObserver.com/Coolidge.)

— MW

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Biden

Trump

DeSantis

Pence

President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com

Kennedy

Haley

Christie

Scott

These are the eight presidential candidates leading in the polls. Keep your ears and eyes attuned to President Biden and all the Republican presidential hopefuls this weekend. Listen closely whether in their Fourth of July speeches they express a vision for the nation whose principles and values would be devoted to those the Founding Fathers established. Who among them has demonstrated the character of the statesmen-leaders who constituted our leading Founding Fathers?

noted, these three principles “had never been assembled before and declared in such a combination.

“It was not only the principles declared, but the fact that therewith a new nation was born which was to be founded upon those principles and which from that time forth in its development has actually maintained those principles, that makes this pronouncement an incomparable event in the history of government.”

WHO IS THE STATESMAN?

It is noteworthy that 150 years after the issuance of the Declaration of Independence, then President Coolidge spoke as he did about the profound nature and importance of Jefferson’s words — that they still stood steadfastly a century-anda-half later as the principles that defined the United States and that made the United States exceptional.

But now, nearly 100 years later, when, if ever, do you hear our so-called national leaders — specifically, the “presidential wanna-be’s” — discuss or profess an embracing conviction to the principles that all men are created equal and we all are endowed with the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Keep your ears and eyes attuned to President Biden and all of the Republican presidential hopefuls this weekend. Listen closely whether in their Fourth of July speeches they express a vision for the nation whose principles and values would be devoted to those the Founding Fathers established.

In that vein, who among the many presidential candidates has demonstrated the character of the statesmen-leaders who constituted our leading Founding Fathers? Who among them could set foot in the same room as George Washington?

In the 2000 book, “Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation,” historian Joseph J. Ellis gives readers a sense of the awe of Washington: “In the America of the 1790s, Washington’s image was everywhere … His commanding presence had been the central feature in every major event of the revolutionary era: the linchpin of the Continental Army throughout eight long years of desperate fighting from 1775 to 1783; the presiding officer of the Constitutional Convention in 1787; the first and only chief executive of the fledgling federal government since 1789. He was the palpable reality that clothed the revolutionary rhapsodies in flesh and blood, America’s one and only indispensable character.

“Washington was the core of gravity that prevented the American Revolution from flying off into random orbits, the stable center around which the revolutionary energies formed. As one popular toast of the day put it, he was ‘the man who unites all hearts.’ He was the American Zeus, Moses and Cincinnatus all rolled into one.”

Who among the candidates can rise to the statesman-leader level of, say, Abraham Lincoln or, in

modern times, Ronald Reagan?

Lincoln at Gettysburg: “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here have the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that the dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Reagan at the 1964 Republican National Convention: “It’s time we asked ourselves if we still know the freedoms intended for us by the Founding Fathers,” he said.

“James Madison said, ‘We base all our experiments on the capacity of mankind for self-government.’

“This idea that government was beholden to the people, that it had no other source of power except the sovereign people, is still the newest, most unique idea in all the long history of man’s relation to man.

“For almost two centuries we have proved man’s capacity for selfgovernment, but today we are told we must choose between a left and right or, as others suggest, a third alternative, a kind of safe middle ground.

“I suggest to you there is no left or right, only an up or down.

Up to the maximum of individual freedom consistent with law and order, or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism … ” When he concluded his Fourth of July address, Coolidge told his fellow Americans: “If we are to maintain the great heritage which has been bequeathed to us, we must be like-minded as the fathers who created it. We must not sink into a pagan materialism.

“We must cultivate the reverence which they had for the things that are holy. We must follow the spiritual and moral leadership which they showed. We must keep replenished, that they may glow with a more compelling flame, the altar fires before which they worshipped.”

BE RESILIENT

Deep down, we have to believe most Americans are longing for the end of the strife that has torn this great nation apart for the past 15 years.

They are wrought and withered over being told the country they love and its past are evil. The enmity that splits us in half has become our Gettysburg.

As you wave your flag or fire up your grill on the Fourth of July, we’ll encourage you as we did in 2021: Wave that flag hard. Be resilient, as resilient as the pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock and as courageous as the Founding Fathers who pledged their lives, their fortunes and honor with their signatures on the Declaration of Independence.

Continue to believe in the magnificent principles that all men are indeed created equal and stand strong for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Happy Independence Day.

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

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

INVALID LICENSE 11:22 a.m., 500 block of Bay Isles Road Traffic Citation: Police received a hit on their traffic camera system for a driver with a suspended license.

An officer located the vehicle and advised the driver the stop was made because the driver didn’t have a valid license. The driver said she knew her license was suspended, and she did not take the required driver’s course after a previous citation. The responding officer issued her another notice to appear and advised her she would go to jail if she was pulled over another time.

WARDROBE MALFUNCTION 4:27 p.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Incident: Someone called the police department about a person lying on the ground possibly needing assistance. On arrival, the officer found an individual who had seen the person in question. The person did not need assistance and was on the ground trying to get her shoe on. She successfully completed her outfit and left in a vehicle.

THURSDAY, JUNE 22

PARKING PROBLEMS 11:29 p.m., 600 block of Linley Street Citizen Dispute: A resident, who was out of town, called police and said a car was parked in the resident’s driveway without permission. The complainant said the car was visible via the security cameras on the property. Upon arrival, the police did not find a car in the complainant’s driveway but were told by the complainant that the complainant believed it was a neighbor’s car.

The neighbor, who lives across the street, was then contacted by police.

The neighbor also said the complainant was already in contact and threatened to tow the car, but it was established it was not the neighbor’s car. Police told the complainant that if security footage could be provided showing neighbors parking on their property, as well as witness statements, then they could be charged with trespassing.

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CASTAWAY 3:15 p.m., Longboat Pass Boat-Miscellaneous: While patrolling the water, an officer saw a flatmat float carrying four people. The float was drifting under Longboat Pass Bridge. The four said they had drifted from the beach and asked for assistance. Police got the four people on the police vessel and took them to safety on their friend’s boat, who also responded.

STRUGGLING SAILS 6:15 p.m., New Pass Boat-Miscellaneous: Marine patrol observed a sailboat taking crashing waves over its sides. The captain waved the police vessel over and said he was having difficulty getting back on course because the boat’s engine was disabled from a wave.

Police stayed near the boat while the captain and mate gained control of the boat with the sails. Since the sailboat did not have means of communication, police guided them to New Pass Bridge, where the police had to radio for an opening on behalf of the sailboat.

MONDAY, JUNE 19

AFTER HOURS 5:12 p.m., 300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Noise Complaint: Longboat police responded to a noise complaint due to after hours construction. An officer was directed to the dwelling, where roofers were actively working.

The supervisor was advised that no work could be done after 5 p.m. and could not be done on a federal holiday. The officer issued an ordinance warning to the supervisor.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 20

LOST AND FOUND 9 a.m., 5000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Found Property: A public works employee turned in a found bag to the police department. The employee said a swimmer handed in the bag after it had been discovered off Greer Island. In the bag, made of “hemp-type” material, was a lighter, soggy cigarettes, a vape device and an old iPhone that would not turn on. Police let the objects dry out at the station, but no identification was found.

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LOCKED BIKES 12:11 p.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: Police were dispatched to a resident who needed help with his bikes. According to the complainant, he allowed relatives to use his bikes weeks ago and after they were locked up, the keys were misplaced. He asked police to cut the locks for him, but the responding officer advised him to purchase a cutting instrument at a local hardware store.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

Keeping it shipshape

For info, visit YachtWave.com.

Features: Easy login, boat details, share with others, engines, assignable tasks, inventory, maintenance logs, checklists, cruise logs, notes, offline access, data privacy and security.

Available: on iOS, Android, web

The YachtWave app is intended to be a ‘one-stop shop’ for all needs related to boat care and use.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

A

fter the O’Keefe family started boating in 2009, they found a love for the pastime and let down an anchor in the boating community.

Yet, while the six boats the Lakewood Ranch family owned increased in size, so did the maintenance needs.

John O’Keefe decided to bring his background in software to the issue, leading the creation of the app called YachtWave, which made its debut at the Suncoast Boat Show held April 21-23. The app is available for iOS and Android or online.

“I can’t think of a better place (than Sarasota) to have built and launched an app,” he said. “Maybe Fort Lauderdale would be its rival, but Sarasota, which is a major hub for boating on the west coast of Florida, was the perfect place. It’s like the stars coming into alignment that I’m able to launch it here.”

Courtesy photo

While he said the online version of the app is complete, the next major step is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on Oct. 26-30, which will showcase a full-featured release of the mobile app.

AT THE HELM

Originally, O’Keefe used a spreadsheet to record his boat’s maintenance, inventory and identification information.

Mega-yachts, which are boats over 90 feet in size with a crew and a captain, use software to track their maintenance; that software costs thousands of dollars per year. But smaller boats have the same needs as larger ones, he said.

“When people ask us about the

EXCEPTIONAL RENTAL MANAGEMENT & VACATION RENTALS

boating lifestyle, my wife (Debbie) and I tell people, you have to love it.

It’s not only the cost of it; the amount of work that it takes to manage it is tremendous, and if you’re not loving it, then it’s not worth it.”

As O’Keefe searched the apps available, he found them to be fragmented. He was looking for a service that was professional and definitive, something that would bring together the features the average boater would need in one place.

Since the launch of YachtWave, he said, feedback has been promising.

“We’ve had a really, really good response, both from individual boaters, as well as businesses in the boating industry,” he said.

Unlike similar apps, the app is cur-

rently free to download.

“What I want for this app is adoption,” he said. “What I want is to get people to use it, provide good feedback and make it the best boating app out there.”

YachtWave is far from O’Keefe’s first venture in the realm of software.

Having earned a degree in engineering, in the early days of the internet he started a software company, Fine Point Technologies, which provided support automation for dial-up internet service providers, to help users connect to the internet and solve issues.

In 2005, he started a technology company called ITelagen, which provided IT services to the health care industry; he ran it for the past 15 years.

In his semi-retirement, he’s glad to merge his passion for software with his boating industry knowledge.

His boating qualifications are significant, as he boasts a 100-Ton Master Captain’s License from the U.S. Coast Guard, which certifies him to operate as a charter boat captain, although he does not use the license professionally.

O’Keefe said the app brings together maintenance, inventory and more, with additional features planned for the future to fully meet the needs of boaters.

Maintenance required on boats include two engines and a generator, which all have individual maintenance schedules.

Also, users must stay on top of components’ maintenance before they break.

In the family’s boat recently, he said, an exhaust fan broke, which would have caused a lack of air flow to the engine. Once on the way back from the Florida Keys, a fuel filter became clogged, but the family kept the boat moving by using a spare on board.

Stored in the O’Keefes’ boat are thousands of dollars of spare parts — propellers, impellers, filters and more.

The app helps users keep track of how many parts they need, and currently have, which John O’Keefe said is important in times of supply shortages, when inventories are slow to be replenished.

There are also receipts to be tracked, another need the app will address.

“If you don’t have that information and proof of maintenance, it becomes very, very difficult to sell the boat later,” he said.

Since the Suncoast Boat Show, the app has acquired just over 1,000 signups, he said. When that number reaches 6,000 or 7,000, he said, the app can incorporate additional features, including some currently available online.

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 29, 2023

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HONOR THY FATHER Ringling College curator creates a tribute to his Episcopal priest dad.

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

T

im Jaeger is the chief curator of galleries and exhibitions at Ringling College of Art and Design. He’s also an accomplished artist in his

own right. As a painter he’s, well, painterly.

His approach is gestural, with lots of multilayered impasto and loose, energetic brushwork. Coloring inside the lines is not Jaeger’s style. But a recent passion project took him out of his comfort zone.

Late in 2021, Jaeger accepted a commission to design and create 41 windows for a chapel in Tampa’s Berkeley Preparatory School. His art would comprise Biblical vignettes and nods to other faiths. It would speak to the hearts of students. It would also have a deep, personal meaning to the artist.

“Berkeley Prep is affiliated with the Episcopal Church,” Jaeger says.

“I’m the son of an Episcopal priest.

Receiving this commission was very humbling for me.”

As a child, Jaeger grew up listening to his father’s sermons in the Grace Episcopal Church in Paducah, Kentucky. A well-behaved kid, he sat without fidgeting in a church pew.

He listened intently, while simultaneously drawing on church bulletins.

His father’s lessons took hold in his heart. But the training of his hand and eye would ultimately lead to his life’s work as an artist.

“I always knew I wanted to be an artist,” Jaeger says. “Following in my father’s footsteps just wasn’t my path. This commission is a magical way to honor his path. It’s not my usual medium — and I really wanted to do it right!”

The artist received the commission thanks to a drawing of St. Francis ministering to a flock of birds by the river. He showed it to Brandon Peete, the school chaplain. Jaeger explained that it would be one of many gentle religious scenes, including the baptism of Jesus and Jacob’s dream of a ladder to heaven.

Tapping a master glass artist for assistance, “I explained that the vignettes would be religious,” Jaeger recalls. “But I also wanted to give the students a sense of freedom and creative expression, whatever their belief system.”

Peete evidently liked the way the artist thought. Jaeger got the commission. Gentle scenes or not, it was an incredibly ambitious project — on a scale the artist had never before attempted.

To create the images he’d envisioned, Jaeger reached out to the master glass artists of our region. Jim Piercey was his first choice.

Courtesy photos

Ringling College Chief Curator Tim Jaeger (left) worked with stained glass artist Jim Piercey to bring Jaeger’s drawings to life.

Details of the stained glass windows that Tim Jaeger created for the chapel at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa.

“These windows are also my way of honoring my father’s legacy” — Tim Jaeger

SEE TIM JAEGER ON PAGE 12

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

Jaeger’s drawing for a window of Jacob’s Ladder.

“The fused glass art we created for this chapel was revolutionary — as far as I know, it’s never been done on this scale before.”

A closeup of a stained glass window at Berkeley Preparatory School’s chapel.

— Kathleen Bromley

TIM JAEGER, FROM PAGE 11

“Jim had the only studio space around equipped to do this project,” he says. “Jim taught me a lot of the technique and installed everything we created. This will be the first chapel in the United States with fused glass windows.”

What’s the difference between fused glass and stained glass?

According to Jaeger, it’s a big difference. “Stained glass art is like making a mosaic,” he says. “You create the image with different pieces of colored glass. You assemble the pieces and then solder them together with melted lead. With fused glass, you’re melting different transparent layers of glass together. You can get more of a painterly effect within the glass itself. I even painted directly on many of the pieces.”

Fused glass gives windows a painterly effect Jaeger adds that this painterly quality is the reason he chose the

fused glass process. That said, it’s a far cry from painting on canvas.

“Fused glass is a constructive medium,” he explains. “In painting, I can be spontaneous. With fused glass, it’s all planning — there’s no intuition involved. I have to design everything first. So, I’ll build a drawing in Photoshop. I create outlines of figures divided into segments — then plan out exactly what colors go where.”

Big job, needless to say. Jaeger didn’t try to do it alone. While working side by side with Piercey, Jaeger also collaborated with Kathleen Bromley and her team of glass artists at KatGlass Studio in Clearwater.

Everyone involved pushed their artistry to the limit — and loved every minute of it.

“Working on this project has been very rewarding,” says Piercey. “Fused glass takes us all out of our comfort zone, and that’s always a learning experience. I’ve learned a great deal from Tim, and I think he’s learned

quite a lot about glass as well. It boils down to telling the story the chaplain wanted to tell — and that’s been a fairly painless process.”

After the chaplain approved the mock-up for a specific window, Jaeger gave Piercey the design along with a general idea of the colors he wanted. “He leaves it up to me to interpret his color palette, and that’s pretty much it,” says Piercey.

“Everyone involved has been super accommodating. Window by window, it’s all gone smoothly.”

“The fused glass art we created for this chapel was revolutionary — as far as I know, it’s never been done on this scale before,” adds Bromley.

“Old-school leaded glass can be heavy-handed. Here, entire windows are made of fused glass with no divisions. When the sun hits just right, it’s like he’s painting with light.”

Bottom line? Jaeger had help. But it was still a lot of hard work.

How hard?

“Looking back, this was two years in the making. Over 7,000 miles back and forth from Sarasota to Orlando.

Two flat tires, one shattered windshield. Nearly 300 panes of glass.

Countless drawings and emails. 41 windows. One chapel.”

Jaeger smiles with satisfaction.

And notes that Berkeley Chapel was consecrated on April 15.

During the time that Jaeger created the stained glass windows, his father lived in a nursing home.

“He wasn’t in a good shape,” Jaeger recalls. “I did this for my father, on many levels. He passed away before I finished. I wish he could’ve seen it — but I did send him drawings and photos, and they really meant a lot to him. This art speaks to the hearts and minds of the students. But these windows are also my way of honoring my father’s legacy. I’m confident that they’ll shine for a long, long time.”

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Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues. This exhibition is supported, in part, by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation; The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Endowment; the Mandell and Madeleine Berman Foundation Endowment; and the Bob and Diane Roskamp Endowment.

Sponsored, in part, by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture; the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; and the National Endowment for the Arts. Special thanks to The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts for supporting the Curatorial Research Fellowship.

Jessica Osceola (Seminole/Irish, b. 1984), Portrait One, Portrait Two, and Portrait Three (detail), 2017.

Bas-relief ceramic, 20 × 38 × 13/16 in. Collection of The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, purchased with the support of Daniel J. Denton Florida Art Acquisition Fund, 2022.

2022.8.3. Courtesy of the artist and The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. 380875-1

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

EATING WITH EMMA

Get crackin’ on the best local lobster rolls In honor of my lobsterloving sister, here are some local dishes that remind me of home sweet home.

How We Roll: The colossal chunks of lovely lobster salad nestle within a traditional New England roll for an unbeatable, unbelievable price of $15.99. The surplus of shellfish in this cold-rendition roll is just as generous as it is delicious.

Detwiler’s is a fan favorite of a Boston transplant.

You Butter Believe It: While you’re at the sub shop, be sure to order a lobster bisque (12 oz. for $4.99 and 16 oz. for $5.99) or clam chowder for the same price. We can also head to the seriously splendid seafood counter and continue our lobster explorations in three more delicious ways — lobster-stuffed flounder, lobsterstuffed mushrooms and lobster cakes are available for purchase too.

EMMA JOLLY CONTRIBUTOR

A

s a native New Englander, during this time of year, I start really missing the place I will forever call home. I yearn for northern summer weather (sans humidity and afternoon tsunamis), chasing fireflies even in my 30s and eating the nation’s best lobster rolls with my sister.

My younger sister, Maddie, is a lobster enthusiast — to put it mildly.

She rates the buns, lobster meat and overall experience on her Instagram page, called Ladies Who Lobster.

In honor of Maddie’s upcoming birthday, I put on my thinking cap and eating bib and turned into a lady who lunches on lobster. I found the best luxurious summer seafood sandwiches in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Let’s get crackin’.

KELLY’S ROAST BEEF

5407 University Parkway, Bradenton; 941-263-1911; KellysRoastBeef.com Did you know that this chain has been in business since 1951? Kelly’s has come a long way from Revere Beach in Boston to the Gulf Shores of Bradenton but still holds true to its New England roots by serving up seafood that will have you salivating.

Photos by Emma Jolly

LAKEWOOD RANCH LOBSTER POUND SEAFOOD BISTRO AND FISH MARKET

8740 State Road 70 E., Lakewood Ranch; 941-755-3474; LWR­ LobsterPound.com

The Giant Connecticut roll ($34.99) from Lobster Pound tastes like home.

Kelly’s brings the Northeastern way of things to Sarasota.

THE MAINE LINE FOOD TRUCK

Locations updated weekly on website; 941-246-9090; TheMaineLine.net Owner Kurt was heavily disappointed in the lack of home-cooking vibes when he and his wife, Brenda, moved to town — so they brought the Pine Tree State to the Sunshine State in a scrumptious way. This gourmet food truck serves up some of Maine’s fin-

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

RIVERHOUSE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

995 Riverside Drive, Palmetto; 941729-0616; RiverhouseFL.com

How We Roll: New England or Connecticut style? If we’re offered chunks of lobster poached in butter, drizzled with lemon on a New England roll — the Burke girls are sold on Connecticut-style ($23.99). Jim and his chef pack on nearly a pound of fresh lobster.

You Butter Believe It: The Toss Up roll ($33.99) allows foodies to feast on both styles so you don’t have to choose. Want to see what a real storm looks like? Let’s try our best to nosh on the Nor’easter with sultry stacks of lobster on double buns — then we can roll into a nap time. Also, the clam chowder ($6.99) had my tastebuds doing cartwheels, so we can’t leave without that.

You Butter Believe It: Let’s take a short break from the lobster lifestyle and snack on the clam or scallop roll ($25.95 each) and treat ourselves to some cheese fries ($5.95) because we can. The seasoned fries are topped with melted cheddar cheese sauce with real bacon.

Yes, there are three options for waterfront dining with a mouthwatering lobster roll moments away from my front door. I’m ab-shelllutely ready for this last stop on the lobster tour.

The Maine Line Food Truck goes big or goes home.

est offerings. We’re lining up for the lobstah extravaganza.

How We Roll: The classic lobster roll with warm butter, lemon, coleslaw and chips ($22.95) takes me right back to New England. With each bite of lobster, the air gets less humid, and I feel like I’m home sweet home.

You Butter Believe It: Lobster tacos with cilantro lime sauce, lobster quesadillas, lobster grilled

4551 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

Riverhouse in Palmetto knows how to roll.

cheese, lobster mac and cheese and a crabster roll (crab meat and lobster) are offered to those who skip the classic. The next time you’re in town, Maddie, I can’t wait to munch on the Maine maniac mega lobster roll with 1 pound of lobster on a 12-inch roll, coleslaw, chowdah, chips and a bib ($64.95) with you.

DETWILER’S FARM MARKET

2881 Clark Road, Sarasota; 6100 N. Lockwood Ridge Road., Sarasota; 6000 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota; 1800

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

How We Roll: Order up a New England-style lobster roll (market price). It’s offered at both the Reef & Grill, the ground level with indoor and outdoor dining, as well as on the Second Floor. Chopped cold-water lobster, mayo, celery and onion are all positioned perfectly on a New England style roll.

U.S. 301, Palmetto; 1250 U.S. 41 BYP, Venice; 941-378-2727, Detwiler­ You Butter Believe It: Maddie, Market.com I have three words to end here — lobster pot pie ($18). Three more? I When I was starting my new job in love you. I can’t wait to bite into the Sarasota, I noticed my mentor’s Bos- blend of lobster, whitefish, shallots ton accent within moments of meet- and more tucked under a baked puff ing her. I noticed myself becoming pastry with you. Or we could get a distracted in my training session. I big lump of lobster and a big lump just wanted to ask her where to get a of knobs. The lobster corn chowder more than decent lobster roll. Where ($18) is defined as a house favorite. she sent me to “pahk the cah” surprised me in the best of ways.

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Owned by Jim and Kelly Pierzga, this market and bistro serves up seafood with staff hailing from Long Island, New England and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I was immediately transported back to Connecticut in a way that, no lie, brought a tear to my eye.

Order up to 30 minutes before closing time (6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday through Saturday).

How We Roll: We’re rolling with the succulent North Atlantic lobster mixed with the correct volume of celery and accurate amount of mayonnaise. This lobster roll ($24.95 and up) is served with an overwhelming selection of fantastic sides, including French fries, onion rings and a side of Kelly’s own tangy tartar sauce.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

THIS WEEK

DON’T MISS

THE SURFER BOYS 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. Four Broadway veterans bring The Beach Boys’ biggest hits to life with classics like “California Girls,” “Good Vibrations,” “Barbara Ann” and many more. Runs through Aug. 13.

IF YOU GO When: June 29, Runs through Aug. 13.

Where: FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1265 First St. Tickets: $18 Info: FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

THURSDAY

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

Courtesy photos

Circus fans of all ages can experience the best of the circus arts at affordable prices thanks to the ongoing partnership of The Circus Arts Academy and The Ringling. Master of Ceremonies Heidi Herriott, a third-generation American circus artist, presides over performances by hand balancers, clowns, jugglers and aerial rope artists, to name just a few genres.

Runs through Aug. 12.

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

The Surfer Boys brings the songs of the Beach Boys to the Sarasota stage at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret through Aug. 13.

In this world premiere by Franky D. Gonzalez, four Latino boxers all chase a world title to achieve their personal versions of heaven. But are the sacrifices required to win the championship belt worth it? Runs through July 9.

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

There’s been a murder in a local

hair salon, and it’s up to Sarasota audiences to outwit the suspects and catch the killer in this interactive comedy whodunit. Runs through July 16.

‘BLACK PEARL SINGS!’ Florida Studio Theatre 8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1265 First St. From $25 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

“Black Pearl Sings” tells the story of an unlikely friendship forged during the Depression between Susannah, a Library of Congress musicologist who wants to record undocumented slave-era music, and an African American prisoner, Pearl, who has the knowledge and memories that Susannah needs for her project.

Runs through July 30.

new music by Kristen Andersen.

What’s more, it’s only 60 minutes long, so it’s perfect for kids who get fidgety during long shows. Runs through July 2.

WEDNESDAY STEVE WHITE 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre $25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Steve White got his first break from hometown buddy Eddie Murphy when he was cast in “Coming to America.” White has also been a mainstay of Spike Lee films, with roles in “Do the Right Thing,” “Clockers” and “Malcolm X,” to name a few. Runs through July 9.

FRIDAY DISNEY’S ‘FROZEN’ KIDS SHOW 7 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $11.50-$20 Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com.

FST’s Independence Day improv show “Freedom!” will appear at the Bowne Theatre on Saturday, July 1.

OUR PICK FST IMPROV PRESENTS ‘FREEDOM!’ Feeling patriotic and looking for a laugh? FST Improv promises “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Laughter” in this one-night-only performance that reveals the secret history of the American Revolution.

IF YOU GO When: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 1 Where: FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St. Tickets: $15 Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Beat the heat with this stage adaptation of the popular Disney film “Frozen,” featuring favorite songs from the film such as “Love is an Open Door,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” and “Let It Go.” This For KIDS By KIDS Production also includes new songs from the Broadway production.

‘FINDING NEMO JR.’ 7 p.m. at The Players Centre, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $17 Visit ThePlayers.org.

This stage adaptation of the popular Pixar film “Finding Nemo” features

Third-generation circus artist Heidi Herriott is the master of ceremonies at the Summer Circus Spectacular, which runs through Aug. 12 at Historic Asolo Theater.

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YOUR NEIGHBORS Keeping

David Gorin’s

legacy alive

Michael Boorstein and Marion Levine plan to pursue big goals for the temple while following in the footsteps of their hard-­working predecessor.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

“S

haring values, friendship and faith” is the mission of Temple Beth Israel in Longboat Key. One of the people who exemplified this mission the best was former copresident of the temple, David Gorin.

Gorin died peacefully at home from pancreatic and liver cancer on June 11. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan, and sons Jesse Nathan and Daniel Eli Gorin.

A month before his death, Gorin stepped down from his position at the temple to allow Michael Boorstein to transition into the co-presidency with Marion Levine.

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Gorin was a longtime lobbyist and the chief executive for the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds from 1987 to 2001. Balancing his time as CEO and raising two sons, he also opened one of the early Play It Again Sports stores that sold new and used athletic equipment.

In 2016, he was inducted into the RV and Manufactured Housing Hall of Fame for his hard work in transforming the National Association of Campground Owners into the

DAVID GORIN’S VISION FOR THE FUTURE

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Started by David Gorin, the executive board of Temple Beth Israel plans to make several renovations to the temple.

Gorin’s legacy, as Co-president Marion Levine calls it, is to monetize one of their parking lots for the longterm financial welfare of the temple.

There are also plans for a minor expansion of the Education Center to have more space for its programs.

With his many years of experience in business, Gorin focused on how best to operate the temple financially. New Copresident Michael Boorstein said, “David was quite a visionary. He pushed for the temple to take the steps necessary to have the revenue to renovate the building.”

National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

After moving full time to Longboat Key in 2018 with his wife, Gorin became involved in the temple, starting out as a board member. In 2022, he, along with Levine, became co-presidents of the temple because of his dedication and involvement in the community. Levine was originally nominated to take over the position herself, but she felt that collaborating with Gorin would allow them to better tackle the responsibilities of the presidency.

Boorstein and Gorin were colleagues as well as friends, which has encouraged Boorstein to continue the hard work that Gorin poured into the temple. Both of them were dedicated to the temple’s poker group and bonded through it. Boorstein shared that Gorin was still playing with the group on Zoom until about two weeks before he died.

“I spoke to him every day, he was really very much part of my life,” said Levine. “I loved him as a person. He was very strong in his conviction.

There were times that we didn’t 100% agree, but we always came to some agreement because we really only got one vote. And I became very close with his wife and, you know, socially friendly. So, it’s hard, I lost a good friend.”

Courtesy photos

New co-presidents of Temple Beth Israel, Marion Levine and Michael Boorstein, are transitioning into their new positions while keeping the late David Gorin in mind.

everything the temple is involved in,” Boorstein said.

The co-presidency’s long list of responsibilities includes organizing Shabbat dinners, inviting scholars to teach programs, arranging security, as well as managing the membership committee, ritual committee and all other employees. Along with these, Boorstein plans to focus on Gorin’s plans for the temple renovation.

After being affected by the ­pandemic, the Education Center of Longboat Key merged with the NEW LEADERSHIP temple, which developed into a New co-president Boorstein plans collaboration. At that time, the to continue Gorin’s legacy. Boorstein center had been run for more than was the vice president of the Long 30 years by Susan Goldfarb, who is Range Planning Committee for the now the program director. temple while Gorin and Levine were “I actually developed a very big co-presidents together, so they all Jewish clientele,” said Goldfarb. worked closely on crafting plans for “Because the founder was Jewish, but the renovation of the temple. she always wanted to not publicize Boorstein formerly was a foreign that, she wanted to make sure everyservice officer with the State thing was secular. I said, ‘We can stay Department, which put him in secular, but I think what we need to charge of building and managing do is look at who our people are, who embassies around the world. These the students are that are coming and skills in negotiating arrangements really plug into that.’” with foreign governments made Goldfarb explained how supporthim naturally suited to serve in a ive the temple has been since the leadership committee and attracted merger, especially her boss Issac him to be more involved in the Azerad and Rabbi Stephen L. Sniderexecutive board of the temple. man. She mentioned that Boorstein Levine and Boorstein split the even taught a program for the Eduresponsibilities of the presidency to cation Center based on his diplomake everything run more smoothly. matic experience.

“The role of the president, if I can “COVID just basically caused her to just sort of combine the two of us go belly up. So she was about ready together, is to cover the gamut of to close her doors,” said Boorstein

David Gorin was inducted into the RV and Manufactured Housing Hall of Fame in 2016 for his work as the chief executive of National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

of Goldfarb. “We invited her in to be part of the temple. We made her an employee of the temple, and we’ve given her a lot of autonomy. She’s brought all of her programming skills, all of her contacts, all of her mailing list of people who supported the Education Center in the past, to make it part of the temple. We’ve used that as a way of attracting new members.”

As the temple moves into a new era, his friends said the spirit of the late David Gorin will continue to shine thanks to his loyal involvement over the years and the impact he made.

16

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

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

Photos by Petra Rivera

Barry Gaines aims perfectly to dunk people in the dunk tank while other employees cheer around him.

Camaraderie and cornbread

B

ayfront Park Recreation Center was filled with laughter and fun all afternoon on June 23. Employees from all departments for the town of Longboat Key got together for a luncheon celebrating the hard work they’ve done this past year.

The annual employee appreciation luncheon was an effort to help the town’s staff mingle and get to know each other better outside of their own departments. Staff was present from the Police Department, Fire Rescue Department, Public Works, the accounting department, the Town Commission, Planning and Zoning, IT and many other departments.

“These are the folks that are driving over the bridge in season when the traffic’s crazy,” said Town Manager Howard Tipton. “They are driving over the bridge when there is a hurricane coming and we are trying to get the town prepared; they are driving over the bridge after the storm to help us clear things up and keep everybody safe. They do a lot of stuff behind the scenes to make this place a wonderful place to live.”

— PETRA RIVERA

Ronica Jackson, Paul Dezzi and Tirso Guerrero

Commissioner Debra Williams works hard to finish a Longboat-themed crossword puzzle.

KINGLY READS: Michele and Richard Kaleida in front of Abu Simbel Temple in Egypt with the Longboat Observer.

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

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845 LongboatevClub 65 Lighthouse dPoint irD tRoad nioP esuohthgiL 56 aoR bDrive ulC taobgnoL 548 Regis 19,300 SF | A4440615 0845 0 0,Longboat 59|7$19,750,000 ,3$ |Club 181Road 834 4|ARegent | FS 3Court 39,4 4,933 SF |St.A4438181 0 0 0Residences ,057|,9$3,795,000 1$ #201 | 516| 0New 4 4 4Construction A | FS 0 03,91 19,300sf | 140’ on the Gulf | $16,500,000

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

LD SO

LD SO

Water Club #401 501 Halyard Lane enaL draylaH 105 104 # bulC retaW 70 Lighthouse Water 3,400 SF | A4421764 SF | A4448464 0 0 0,|5$2,575,000 99,1Point $ | 4Drive 64 8 4| 4Gated 4A | Community FS 043,2,340 2 0 0 0,5|Club 7$1,995,000 5 , 2#402 $ | 4| 6Longboat 7124 4AKey | FS 0 04,3 5,474sf | 4BR | Gulf Front | $8,000,000

401298-1

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

JUST LISTED ...AND UNDER CONTRACT 2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR.

3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SFSELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDING $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092 EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS ON LONGBOAT KEY

ON LONGBOAT KEY EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS BUILD YOUR JUST LISTED DREAMHOME! ON LONGBOAT KEY ...AND JUST LISTED UNDER CONTRACT 540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE

2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR. VACANT LAND LISTING ...AND 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF $3,400,000 Gorgeous Golf Course Harbour Villa in Bay Isles UNDER CONTRACT $1,225,000Oaks | MLS# A4550092 Residential MLS# A4534178 • Totally updated with • Porcelain tile flooring on 2217 Harbourside Dr. #302 2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR. Vacant Land MLS# A4535177

JUST LISTED

hurricane impact windows main...AND level 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF and doors • Main living area with raised BUILD YOUR $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092ceiling UNDER CONTRACT • Gourmet kitchen with and gas fireplace DREAMHOME! Viking appliances, custom • Two-car garage 2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR. wood cabinetry, granite • Heated saltwater pool with 540 HARBOR 3 BR | finish 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF countertops, and islandCOVE CIRCLE PebbleTec VACANT LANDYOUR LISTING BUILD $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092

LAST SIX MONTHS

$3,400,000

DREAMHOME! Residential MLS# A4534178

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

Vacant Land MLS# A4535177

Price Improvement

Under Contract 540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE BUILD YOUR

580 BIRDIE LANE VACANT LAND LISTING SALES IN LAST $3,400,000 SIX MONTHS SOLD HOME FOR $4,260,000 2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. SOLD FOR $1,275,000 2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE SOLD FOR $1,310,000 Beachfront Getaway

DREAMHOME!

Residential MLS# A4534178 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE Vacant Land MLS# A4535177 SOLD FOR $2,300,000

540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE

VACANT LAND LISTING $3,400,000 580 BIRDIE LANE SOLD FORPrivateer $4,260,000 South Residential MLS# A4534178 Vacant Land MLS# A4535177

2 BR | 2 BA LANE | 1,409 SF 3555 FAIR OAKS $1,200,000 | MLS# A4566900 SOLD FOR $2,300,000

HOME SALES IN LAST SIX MONTHS

2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE 580 BIRDIE LANE RECENT SALES 2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE SOLD FOR $1,310,000 SOLD FOR $4,260,000 L’Elegance | 1800 Benjamin Franklin Dr. #B206 | $ 2,850,000 Sea Gate Club | 2425 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #2E | $ 1,300,000 SOLD FOR $1,275,000 SOLD $2,300,000 Tangerine Bay | 340 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #135 | $ 2,100,000 Bay Isles | 2339 Harbour Oaks Dr. | FOR $ 1,200,000 Bay Isles | 2369 Harbour Oaks Dr. | $ 1,350,000 BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE

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BeverlySellsSarasota.com 818.416.2505

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61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.388.4447 | www.michaelsaunders.com beverlysthilaire@michaelsaunders.com JulieKlick@michaelsaunders.com 61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 914.388.4447 | MichaelSaunders.com BeverlySellsSarasota.com LivingonLongboat.com

JULIE KLICK

941.780.6001

BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE

34236 Longtime | 941.388.4447 | www.michaelsaunders.com residents of Longboat Key with over 30 years of

401272-1

Beverly St. Hilaire

818.416.2505 BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE BeverlyStHilaire@michaelsaunders.com

TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

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

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.

TUESDAYS

THURSDAYS

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

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

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

Call 383-6493.

MAHJONG From 1-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Fun time for experienced players. To check availability at the tables, email 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. Call Nancy Rozance at 203-605-4066 or email Info@­LongboatKeyRotary.org.

WEDNESDAYS

440 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228

100 OFF COMPLETE INSTALLATION $

Longtime residents of Longboat Key with over 30 years of combined experience specializing in Longboat Key real estate.

of Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant and Shutoff Device

61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.388.4447 | www.michaelsaunders.com

The Home Service Pros Who Care

on Homeowners Insurance Policies 61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.388.4447Saves | www.michaelsaunders.com Not valid with any other offer or promotion.

Expires 7/15/2023.

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

KIWANIS CLUB OF LONGBOAT KEY At 8:30 a.m. at Lazy Lobster, 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive. This service organization meets every first and third Thursday of the month for breakfast and a speaker. Breakfast is $15. Email Lynn Larson at LynnLarson@comcast.net to register.

SUNSET YOGA 7 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 3970 Royal Road, Longboat Key. Free.

Yoga instructor Angela Mali leads a holistic yoga class at 7 p.m. most Thursdays near the public beach access by Bayfront Park, weather permitting. Get in touch with Mother Nature in a tranquil beachfront setting during this relaxing and engaging yoga class appropriate for all ages and levels.

Enjoy the gorgeous sunset while practicing breath work, poses and gratitude. RSVP before class with a call or text to 618-789-7226.

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.

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

818.416.2505

beverlysthilaire@michaelsaunders.com combined experience specializing in Longboat Key real estate. BeverlySellsSarasota.com LivingonLongboat.com JulieKlick@michaelsaunders.com

FREEDOM FEST 9 a.m. at Truist Bank, 510 Bay Isles Road. Free. Kick off your Fourth of July celebration with the 20th annual Freedom Fest. A butterfly release will begin the parade at 9 a.m. starting at Truist Bank on Bay Isles Road and ending at the town hall. Festivities continue in Bicentennial Park with many games, crafts, waffles and the famous Hot Diggity Dog contest.

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

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JULIE KLICK

STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. This class is mostly seated and great for all fitness levels. Focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance.

Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

TUESDAY, JULY 4

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

Bay Isles | 2373 Harbour Oaks Dr. | $ 1,125,000

2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE 580 BIRDIE LANE JULIE KLICK BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE SOLD FOR $1,310,000 SOLD FOR Longtime residents of Longboat Key$4,260,000 with over 818.416.2505 941.780.6001 beverlysthilaire@michaelsaunders.com 30 years of combined experience specializing beverlysthilaire@michaelsaunders.com JulieKlick@michaelsaunders.com BeverlySellsSarasota.com BeverlySellsSarasota.com LivingonLongboat.com in Longboat Key real estate.

Julie Klick

818.416.2505

MONDAYS

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.

HOME SALES IN LAST SIX 1000 MONTHS 6701 Gulf of Mexico Dr #331 Longboat Club Rd. #604 2BR |HARBOUR 2BA | 1,520 SFOAKS CIR. 2341 $1,249,000 | MLS# A4560728 SOLD FOR $1,275,000

RECURRING EVENTS

BEST BET

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 3834738.

Open House This Sunday 1 to 4 pm

3 BR | 3 BA | 2,448 SF $1,399,000 | MLS# TBD

MUSIC BY CHAD TALLMAN Noon-3 p.m. at Whitney’s 6990 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Free. Enjoy the musical performance of New York native Chad Tallman over a meal. The guitarist and singer plays all styles of rock, pop and some jazz. Tallman provides the perfect atmosphere for a memorable time at Whitney’s with loved ones.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS

3,400sf | 3BR | Gulf Front | $3,850,000

finest tsenif ERS’ EXPECTATIONS GBOAT KEY Sellers’Expectationson Longboat Key Exceeding

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

SUNDAY, JULY 2

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

Expires 7/15/2023.

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

Plumbing

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

YOUR CALENDAR

18

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

19

STANDING UNITED WITH UKRAINE THE ACKERMAN THE GROUP ACKERMAN

GROUP 941.387.1820 941.387.1820

TOP PRODUCING SMALL TEAM IN SARASOTA COUNTY 941.387.1820

RYAN ACKERMAN ryan@ackermangroup.net

TOP PRODUCING SMALL TEAM IN SARASOTA COUNTY www.ackermansrq.com

BARBARA ACKERMAN barbara@ackermangroup.net

www.ackermansrq.com www.ackermansrq.com AVAILABLE PROPERTIES

RYAN ACKERMAN

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RYAN ACKERMAN

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BARBARA ACKERMAN

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BARBARA ACKERMAN

barbara@ackermangroup.net

AVAILABLE PROPERTIES

NEW LISTING NEW PRICE REDUCTION NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

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 WATER CLUB I $3,495,000 9008 THE SEA BREEZE MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 SARASOTA, FL 1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #704, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 9008 MIDNIGHT #5BREEZE SARASOTA, FL BAY POINT SIESTA | PASS THE SEA 1241VISTA GULF OF MEXICO DR., #704, LONGBOAT KEY, FL NEW PRICE $3,299,0003BR/3.5 BA KEY • 3,700 SF RD., • Private 2-Car Garage

NEW PRICE

3BR/4BA • 3,045 SF

3BR/4BA • 3,045 SF 128 GOLDEN GATE PT. #1002A | 3BR+DEN/3BA | 3,477 SF

Breathtaking sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico from this 7th floor residence with two Breathtaking sunset views over the Gulf of MexicoTOP fromTERRACE this 7th floor residence with two PENTHOUSE WITH PRIVATE ROOF terraces. terraces.

$3,199,000 $3,199,000 $2,900,000

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

9008 MIDNIGHT #5roof-top | 3BR/3.5 BAon| 3,700 SF with private elevator Rare 2-story PenthousePASS with aRD., private terrace Siesta Key Rare 2-story Penthouse with a private roof-top terrace on Siesta Key with private elevator access, deeded boat slip, hurricane&rated windows sliders, and oversized BOAT private DOCK 2-car garage.

PRIVATE 2-CAR GARAGE ROOF TOP and TERRACE | DEEDED access, deeded boat slip, hurricane rated windows and sliders, and oversized private 2-car garage.

LA BELLASARA - DOWNTOWN

$3,995,000

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

LA BELLASARA

$4,289,000

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

$4,289,000

464 3BR/4.5 GOLDEN BA GATE PT., #503 SARASOTA, FL • 3,490 SF •, 2-Car Garage

SIESTA COVE

$4,250,000

SIESTA COVE 5212 SIESTA COVE DRIVE, SARASOTA

$4,250,000

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

SARA SANDS

$2,290,000 Spacious, SIESTA COVE $3,495,000 a 120’ boat dock & 10,000 lb. lift.

Exceptional openpoint waterproperty views. on a clu-de-sace, with beautifully landscaped 2-story waterfront

fullavailable concierge services in a gated, pet-friendly community.

Rarely 5th floor residence offering expansive bay and city views, an open floor plan & 5182 SANDY AVE. | 3BR+STUDY/4.5BA | 3,398 SF full concierge services in aBEACH gated, pet-friendly community.

116’ OF WATERFRONT | WATERCRAFT STORAGE W/ UPLAND CUT

NOW PENDING

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

5212boat SIESTA COVE DR. | 5BR/6BA/2HB | 5,133 SF | ON 1.5 WATERFRONT LOTS a3BR/4BA 120’ dock & 10,000 • 3,045 SF lb. lift. Exceptional open water views.

120’ OF NEW DOCK | 1,000’ OFGulf SCREENED AND OPEN DECK AREAwith two Breathtaking sunset views over the of Mexico from this 7th floor residence terraces.

NOW PENDING

NOW PENDING

NOW PENDING NOW PENDING NOW PENDING NEW PRICE PENDING PENDING

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

FAIRWAY BAY 1930 HARBOURSIDE DR. #141 2BR/2BA | 1,442 SF

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

$934,000

LA BELLASARA

NOW PENDING

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

LA BELLASARA $3,699,000 WATER I impact windows and sliders. $3,495,000 private roof-top terrace, deeded boat slip, andCLUB hurricane 464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #503 1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #704 3BR/4.5BA | 3,490 SF 3BR/4BA | 3,045 SF

CONFUSED ABOUT NEW CONSTRUCTION OPTIONS?

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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

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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.

20

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

Yacht Club passes the gavel Bird Key Yacht Club installs new commodore and Board of Governors.

JAMES PETER MANAGING EDITOR

I

t’s a tradition that dates back centuries, to the days of wooden ships and the Royal Navy ruling the seas, when a ship’s captain would assemble the crew as he passed command to his successor.

The Bird Key Yacht Club’s annual Change of Watch ceremony was a more relaxed affair, interspersed with laughs, as the club’s membership assembled to recognize the previous Board of Governors officers for their service and install the new leadership.

During her remarks, outgoing Commodore Lisa Adams more than once reminded the assembled members that her term had been extended from a year to 16 months, because while the BKYC and its traditions date back to 1960, this was the first Change of Watch in June.

The change was made so the annual transfer of leadership would coincide with the club’s fiscal year.

“It has been an honor … it has not been without its challenges,” Adams said to the audience, before thanking many present for their support, including her husband, Payson.

After her remarks, Adams passed the ceremonial gavel to new Commodore Steven Horton, signifying the transfer of leadership and responsibility for the club and its 275 members.

Horton is the 56th commodore of the club and was vice commodore for the previous watch year. He served 28 years in the U.S. Navy in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

Horton and his wife, Ann, moved to Sarasota in 2012.

Michael Landis and Tony Britt will serve alongside him as vice commodore and rear commodore. They and their fellow members on the Board

Photos by Sidra Wali

Outgoing Commodore Lisa Adams and incoming Vice Commodore Michael Landis during the Change of Watch Ceremony

Newly appointed officers of the Bird Key Yacht Club for 2023-24

of Governors were sworn in by past commodores Jim Chadwick and Curtiss Schantz.

During his remarks, Horton explained that the club has been on the comeback trail the past two years and continues to improve in many facets, including its finances, dining, staff and facilities. The membership recently approved a master plan renovation, which is working its way through permitting.

Among the club’s goals is expanding its community outreach and growing its membership to 350-375 members.

“Our secret weapon is our personal touch,” said Britt. “We’re equally a social and tennis club.”

Following the ceremony, the club members enjoyed a dinner reception.

Rob Sartore, who grew up on Bird Key, provided the night’s entertainment — first on the piano and then out on the dance floor, singing with a touch of Sinatra.

Steven Horton was sworn in as commodore of the Bird Key Yacht Club on Saturday during the club’s Change of Watch Ceremony.

Irene Britt and Rear Commodore Tony Britt

405930-1

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

21

REID MURPHY PRESENTS

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LONGBOAT KEY MAGNIFICENT GULF FRONT ESTATE

$22,000,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY $3,545,000 EN PROVENCE

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

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

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

LONGBOAT KEY $7,250,000 • CANAL LOT#1 • CANAL LOT#2 Incredible 5BR/4BA home on 80’ of beachfront. Amazing LONGBOAT KEY GULF FRONT

LONGBOAT KEY $4,935,000 L’AMBIENCE

LONGBOAT KEY $1,995,000 BOATERS DREAM $2,850,000 $1,995,000 Meticulous 4 BD/3 BA wide deep water canal with direct

views. Open living w/ guest quarters on 1st & 2nd level + 3rd Build your dream home on one of north LBK’s most desirable level private master-suite. Amazing views & beautiful walking streets. Premier boating location. Great canal leads directly to Bay & ICW No bridges. Walk to beach. beach.

Developers Realty Inc Lic. Real Estate Broker

$3,650,000

Casually elegant, rarely available 3BR/4BA direct beachfront walk-out. Private staircase from your private Gulf front terrace leads directly to the beach & Gulf. Amenities include lobby

access to Sarasota Bay - no bridges! Great dock. 2 boat lifts.

Private beach access directly across the street.

CALL REID TODAY! | 941.232.3304

www.ReidMurphy.com

595 Bay Isles Road | Longboat Key, FL 34228

405680-1

LONGBOAT KEY WATER CLUB

22

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

Chapel overflows with generosity

T

he generosity was overflowing on June 20 at the Longboat Island Chapel.

The church’s Charitable Outreach Committee collected shoes, personal items, toiletries, clothing and care packages with a theme of “Father Knows Best.”

The donations filled a van headed to the Mount Carmel Resource Center, with another carload of donated items remaining at the church for another trip.

“We were able to collect so many things like clothing and household items that we filled up the van and couldn’t get the rest to fit,” said Karen Pashkow, event organizer and Longboat Island Chapel charitable outreach committee member.

Among the donations were 200 pairs of socks from Bombas. The New York-based apparel company donates a clothing item for each one purchased and partners with organizations across the country to help distribute donations to homeless people.

“I can’t thank Longboat Island Chapel enough. They collected personal items, socks, clothing and furniture,” said Shirley Pearson, executive director of Mount Carmel Community Resource Center. “This helps people that were once incarcerated, low-income families

Courtesy photo Sidra Wali

Laura Wallace, Walter Killings, Shirley Pearson, Karen Pashkow, Jurome Killings and Sandra Johnson

and homeless. This impacts their life today for success tomorrow.”

The monthly events grew from humble beginnings, with a simple chest and sign in the church fellowship hall, and turned into themed “Dine and Donate” nights. The Charitable Outreach Committee soon found that having a memorable theme and more eye-catching displays helped the event stick in church members’ minds and led to more donations.

Each month, the Charitable Outreach Committee selects a different cause and creates a

Longboat Island Chapel set each table with ties to fit the theme of “Father Knows Best.”

Courtesy photo

The Rev. Brock Patterson next to a life-sized stuffed version of himself.

fun theme around it to inspire more donations, culminating in a social hour during which church members package the donations and share in community fellowship.

“It’s amazing what people will donate. People get together and they do great things,” said Anne Summers, co-chair of the Charitable Outreach Committee.

“If you want to do outreach, this is the way to do it.”

— JAMES PETER

Sidra Wali

Longboat Island Chapel collected donations for its charity event with a theme of “Father Knows Best.”

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

23

REAL ESTATE BY A REAL EXPERT

NO REALTOR HAS EVER LISTED OR SOLD MORE LONGBOAT KEY PROPERTIES

PORTOBELLO 3235 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #A304 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,195,000 Direct Gulf front, stunning and meticulously maintained, furnished 2BR/2BA open floor plan, with an open balcony spanning the entire residence to savor breathtaking vistas day and night.

BAYPORT BEACH & TENNIS CLUB • JUST LISTED 516 BAYPORT WAY • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,275,000 Rarely available, and exceptional value for a 3BR/2BA residence featuring an open floorplan and serene, private outdoor spaces, all within walking distance to the beach.

BIRD KEY 632 MOURNING DOVE DRIVE • SARASOTA, FL • $2,995,000 Canal front 3BR/2BA pool home with a world of possibilities: live in, update, rent. A boater’s dream, set on a navigable canal with easy access to Sarasota Bay and beyond.

BEACHPLACE 1045 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #501 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,425,000 Prepare to be captivated by stunning vistas and embrace the ultimate beachfront lifestyle in this 5th floor, furnished, Gulf front, 2BR/2BA residence. Beachplace offers excellent rental terms.

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

QUEENS HARBOUR 3590 FAIR OAKS LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $2,995,000 Waterfront 4BR/3.5BA residence with private pool, private guest suite above the 2-car garage, and your private boat dock with quick access to open water.

LONGBEACH 7105 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #11 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $995,000

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

Beautifully done, 2BR/2BA, furnished corner residence, with first level access to the finest in beachfront living . The redone kitchen seamlessly opens to the living and dining areas, where sliding doors in the living room lead to the fully covered and screened terrace.

GRAND BAY V 3080 GRAND BAY BLVD., #532 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $899,000 Savor afternoon sun exposure and unobstructed views of the golf course, and sparkling Sarasota Bay. This 2BR/2BA residence presents an opportunity for your distinct touches and style.

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

OVER $79 MILLION PENDING AND SOLD 2023 OVER $97 MILLION SOLD IN 2022 • OVER $134 MILLION SOLD IN 2021

Bruce Myer

Realtor ®

941.376.5311

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

401500-1

Bruce@BruceMyer.com • www.BruceMyer.com

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

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

SIESTA KEY 9269 Blind Pass Road 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,920 Sq. Ft. Tammy Mast 941-256-6543 A4568691 $4,500,000

SIESTA KEY 1250 Sea Plume Way 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,917 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4559353 $4,400,000

SIESTA KEY 701 Treasure Boat Way 3 Beds 2/2 Baths 3,574 Sq. Ft. Richard Perlman 941-228-8580 A4563062 $3,200,000

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

SARASOTA 446 Burns Court 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,313 Sq. Ft. Susan Katanic 941-400-0601 A4567393 $1,595,000

LONGBOAT KEY 628 Lyons Lane Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4565151 $1,450,000

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

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

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

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

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

LONGBOAT KEY 6700 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 135 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,441 Sq. Ft. Richard Perlman 941-228-8580 A4563904 $750,000

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

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

LONGBOAT KEY 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

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

401861-1

24

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS JUNE 12-16

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Country Club Shores tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Martelli Longboat LLC sold the home at 572 Halyard Lane to William and Misty Ellis, of Longboat Key, for $4,085,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, fiveand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,682 square feet of living area.

REAL ESTATE

Country Club Shores home tops sales at $4.1 million

25

L’AMBIANCE AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

William and Donna Eacho, trustees, sold the Unit C-504 condominium at 415 L’Ambiance Drive to Robert Rubin and Nancy Neis, of Boston, for $3.43 million. Built in 1992, it has two bedrooms, two-and-twohalf baths and 2,634 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.75 million in April.

SANCTUARY AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Raymond and Gayle Sobieck, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit A-601 condominium at 535 Sanctuary Drive to Madhav and Sujata Mutalik, of Longboat Key, for $3.15 million. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,115 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1.25 million in 2011.

Madhav and Sujata Mutalik, of Southborough, Massachusetts, sold their Unit B-202 condominium at 585 Sanctuary Drive to Susan Santos Paulson, of Longboat Key, for $1,952,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,823 square feet of living area. It sold for $355,000 in 1990.

Larry Lucas and Elizabeth Rachael Lucas, of Cincinnati, sold their Unit A-103 condominium at 575 Sanctuary Drive to James Stewart Moore Jr. and Catherine Mary Moore, of Morristown, New Jersey, for $1.8 million. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,823 square feet of living area.

It sold for $800,000 in 2021.

QUEEN’S HARBOUR

David Doyle, of Birmingham, Michigan, sold his home at 3532 Fair Oaks Lane to Brian and Diane Coughlin, of Manitoba, Canada, for $2.7 million. Built in 1997, it

James Peter

This $4.1 million Country Club Shores home located at 572 Halyard Lane on Longboat Key has four bedrooms, five-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 4,682 square feet of living area.

has three bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 3,524 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.68 million in 2022.

two bedrooms, two baths and 1,213 square feet of living area. It sold for $440,000 in 2013.

BAY ISLES

Vlasta Zajicek, of Longboat Key, sold her Unit 503 condominium at 4401 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Don Swanson and Sandra Kurdas, of Sarasota, for $730,000. Built in 1972, it has one bedroom, one bath and 725 square feet of living area. It sold for $275,000 in 2010.

Maria Ineza Hart, trustee, of Longboat Key, sold the home at 3312 Bayou Road to Rand Stack and Constance Pollak Stack, of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, for $1.6 million.

Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,372 square feet living area. It sold for $670,000 in 1993.

FAIRWAY BAY

William David Lyden and Laureen Lyden sold their Unit 423 condominium at 2020 Harbourside Drive to Hugh Trigg Mitchell Jr., of Longboat Key, for $1,225,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,905 square feet living area. It sold for $255,000 in 1985.

LONGBOAT HARBOUR TOWERS

LONGBOAT HARBOUR

North Carolina, for $408,000. Built in 1969, it has one bedroom, one bath and 747 square feet living area.

It sold for $250,000 in 2019.

BEACH HARBOR CLUB

Joan Stapleton and Patricia Janssen, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the Unit C-308 condominium at to Laura Rothschild, of Nyack, New York, for $294,000. Built in 1970, it has one bedroom, one bath and 712 square feet living area. It sold for $69,500 in 1992.

Clark and Deborah Parrish, of Garden City, Idaho, sold their Unit 105 condominium at 4310 Falmouth Drive to West Ludwig, of Raleigh,

SPANISH MAIN YACHT CLUB

Kathleen Herbach, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the Unit 55 condominium at 941 Spanish Drive N. to Steven Burmeister and Janet Burmeister, trustees, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, for $950,000. Built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,357 square feet of living area. It sold for $560,000 in 2006.

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

LIDO SURF AND SAND

Joseph Benson, of Burr Ridge, Illinois, sold his Unit 611 condominium at 1102 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Magdalena Albertha Maria Brink, of Sarasota, for $885,000. Built in 1976, it has

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 17-22 in order of dollar amounts.

LONGBOAT KEY Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

1701 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Alt/Renovation

Aquarius Club

$306,502

Longboat Key

Condominiums 3568 Fair Oaks Ways

Alt/Renovation

Jacob Levitsky

$154,262

2105 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Alt/Renovation

Naomi Topper Trust

$131,212

Alt/Renovation

Margaret D. Meador

$127,950

15 Lighthouse Point Drive

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Marina Plaza Fernandez $107,208

2295 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Alt/Renovation

2295-93 Gulf of

3403 603 Longboat Club Road

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

1201 $98,000

93 S.

Mexico Drive

1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive 407 Electrical

Evelyn Rothbard Revoc. $81,948

6161 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Building - Other

Daniel C. Fangmeyer

621 Buttonwood Drive

Swimming Pool/Spa Vito Paul Giannioi

$75,825

591 Chipping Lane

Windows/Doors

Clara McGonigle

$72,634

711 Binnacle Point Drive

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Kenneth Kari

$66,800

1021 Longboat Club Road

Swimming Pool/Spa Alfredo Cordova

Downtown Sarasota

$77,920

$65,000

Thomas Wilhelmsen

7149 La Lenaire Drive

Electrical

Total Consciousness LLC $50,000

2945 Pyrula Drive

Swimming Pool/Spa Steven Marks

The Collection | 941.232.2868 | thecollection1335.com

$56,651 $50,000

5055 Gulf of Mexico Drive 525Alt/Renovation

Alcliff LLC

$40,810

670 Old Compass Road

Roof

Emerald Partners LLC

$37,900

2110 Harbourside Drive 556

Electrical

Francis Eugene McDaniel$34,000

7147 La Lenaire Drive

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Kaleta Island LLC

$33,930

610 Longview Drive

Electrical

Green Heron Dev.

$33,500

Source: Town of Longboat Key

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

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

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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

401837-1

1115 Gulf of Mexico Drive 202 Windows/Doors

26

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

TOP Sales Team in the state of Florida

$2.4 Billion Career Sales

Coldwell Banker Realty

Lori Lawson Judy Kepecz-Hays Steven Kepecz

941-587-1700 941-376-6411

JUDY KEPECZ-HAYS TEAM

423 St. Armands Circle Sarasota, FL 34236

Kepecz@JudyHays.com | www.LongboatKeyLuxury.com 1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr 907 | 3 bed, 2.5 bath | 3,057 SqFt | $3,990,000

Ritz-Carlton Managed

Instant enjoyment at this Ritz-Carlton Managed Residence."The Beach Residences" is an extraordinary corner residence Beyond the imagination, an extraordinary island living on Lido Key with "Five Star Amenities." From the moment you arrive, you will experience pure elegance. When you come home, park under the building. You have a few steps to your semi-elevator & which opens into your private entry foyer. Entering, you will be mesmerized w/magnificent ever-changing Sarasota Bay or Gulf of Mexico view with its spectacular sunrise and an epic sunset. Luxury knows no limits in this spectacular home in the sky.

Transferrable Beach Club Membership - Available Immediately

www.RitzCarlton904.com

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

Pending

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.

Wolf/Sub-Zero appliances. www,435LAmbianceH802.com 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. 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

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 3554FairOaksLane.com exude opulence. Countless decorator touches and upgrades elevate the overall aesthetic and provide a truly remarkable living experience.

1930 Harbourside Dr 122 | 2 bed, 2 bath | 1,312 Sq Ft | $998,000 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 404487-1

DEEDED BEACH ACCESS

YourObserver.com

27

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

High: 91 Low: 80 Chance of rain: 17%

Thursday, June 29

6:38a

8:29p

Friday, June 30

6:38a

8:29p

Saturday, July 1

6:38a

8:29p

Sunday, July 2

6:39a

8:29p

SATURDAY, JULY 1

Monday, July 3

6:39a

8:29p

High: 90 Low: 81 Chance of rain: 24%

Tuesday, July 4

6:40a

8:29p

Wednesday, July 5

6:40a

8:29p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, JULY 2 High: 90 Low: 81 Chance of rain: 22%

July 3 Full

July 9 Last

July 17 New

July 25 First

TIDES Highs Lows

Irene Phillips captured this red morph screech owl out hunting on Longboat Key.

Thursday, June 29

8:37

11:56a

2:41a

5:14p

Friday, June 30

9:15a

—

3:09a

6:07p

Saturday, July 1

9:57a

—

—

6:59p

Sunday, July 2

10:44a

—

—

7:50p

Monday, July 3

11:34a

—

—

8:41p

Tuesday, July 4

—

12:28p

—

9:30p

Wednesday, July 5

—

1:23p

—

10:16p

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

The grounded feeling everyone will enjoy

celebrity cipher

showy flowers 39 Wall St. debut 1 Old spelling for a Korean 40 *Event with recruiters War landing site and employers 7 Corn unit 41 Young ‘un 10 HSN rival 42 Iowa college 13 Argue over price 45 “My dude!”

19 Chocolate-dipped Pep47 Mumbai melodies peridge Farm cookie 20 Bird that can run 30 mph 49 1950s prez 52 Condition treated with 21 Strike caller, for short SSRIs 22 Followed 53 Chips with a “Chili 23 Flurried Cheese” flavor 24 *Chemist’s cooler 55 Something popped in 26 Total bore viral TikToks 27 Italian mount 56 ___-Manuel Miranda 28 “It’s freezing!”

57 *Urgent note 29 Zero, in tennis 30 Belief in a higher power 59 *First game of the year 33 Came down in icy pellets 61 M, on a form 62 “Wheel of Fortune” 37 Van Gogh painting of

purchase 63 Donkey 64 ___ Alto, CA 65 Call that might result in a charge?

69 Beyond fatigued 71 Higher admissions specialist? (Abbr.)

74 *Nuclear discharge type 76 Place for a pea 77 *Web surveys during election season 78 Boxer Muhammad 79 Palindromic title 80 Lawyer’s title (Abbr.)

81 It’s often around a foot 82 Lawyers’ org.

84 “___ been something I said!”

86 Artist’s apartment,

AIZBGTME VICEBMNL R BOCTMZO. MPMEV TRV IL VICE NGLM, ODGZS: DIF ARZ G GUXEIPM?”

ZGAS ILLMEURZ

“Z GTU GA IFDL ZNYXD XRXU, XMN GLY AMYD GLXG RZKK MAG KYXOY WY XKAMY XTY GLY AMYD GLXG FKGZWXGYKU YMN FI LXIIYMZME.”

B.B. XPTXWD

“MYBMUY ENBXUA MXDEXY VNCF FNYW’DY MCEEKBOCFY CPBXF. FNCF VKUU HCRY FNYH NCMMKYD FNCO MDYFFW HXTN COWFNKOS YUEY.” YUBO HXER © 2023 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

402032-1

ACROSS

“GL VIC FRZO OI HM DRXXV GZ NGLM,

Puzzle Three Clue: P equals B

©2023 Universal Uclick

49 Jittery 122 Paradises 50 One fighting for the 123 It’s hot in there! queen?

124 Not false 51 Belgian painter James 125 Incompetent 126 Place for a blacksmith 54 Brief excerpt 55 Things to mind 127 Running jokes 128 Thanksgiving dish, often 58 ___ market 129 Word with “stress” ... or 60 ___ market 66 Capital of Italia causes of students’ stress 67 It’s in your blood (Abbr.)

DOWN 68 Vector’s counterpart 1 “All good from me” 70 Greek goddess of the 2 Final baseball inning, dawn usually 71 Loud sleeper 3 Replicate 72 “Say Yes to the Dress” 4 The Aloha State channel 5 I, on a clock 73 Medieval spear 6 Give the ___ 75 Expressive texted images 7 Sushi fish sometimes 77 Certain Honshu resident smoked 78 It pumps up the volume 8 Reddit event (Abbr.)

83 Rocker Rose 9 ___ duckie (bath toy) 85 Raising a glass to 10 Minecraft item found in 87 Observe Yom Kippur, the Nether perhaps 11 “The West Point of the 89 Typesetting measure South” (Abbr.)

91 High eye in the sky 12 EMT’s procedure done to 93 “Wide Sargasso Sea” the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” author Jean 13 “In what world?”

95 “___girl!”

14 “Honest” prez 98 Charcuterie board 15 Go on a spree, in slang offering maybe 16 Dish with roots in the 99 Choo-choos 88 Go a few rounds at a dojo Ottoman Empire 100 ___ market 90 County near London 17 “Get out!”

101 Talkative 92 Capital of Mexico?

18 Cusps 102 “Stop right there!”

93 Indian title 25 ___ market 103 “The Book ___” (Markus 94 Swedish furniture store 31 Bond film genre, in slang Zusak novel) 96 Orange covering 32 Parks at a pier 104 Rajon with two NBA 97 *1983 holiday comedy 33 Nova ___, Canada rings 103 Like tabloid TV 34 Enclosed bodies of water 105 Ed of “Up” 106 Athlete/talk-show host 35 Creepiest 108 Mounds Michael 36 Soap operas, e.g.

109 Jumped up 107 Collapse, as a Jenga 37 Author Calvino 110 Makes a long story tower 38 Nevada senator Jacky short?

111 Ding Dong maker 42 Pink cocktail, for short 112 Polluted haze 113 Actor Butterfield 43 Water color 114 Bread choices for 114 Came from behind 44 “Sound of Music” tune pastrami sandwiches 115 Belly button type about a flower 117 Actress Mendes 116 *Comedian in “Brides46 Talk trash about 118 Segment of a trip maids” 48 It might display Waze 119 British pop star Rita 121 ___ Lama ways (Abbr.)

120 ___ and Coke

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: O equals V

UP AND DOWN MARKETS by Garrett Chalfin, edited by Jeff Chen

Puzzle One Clue: H equals B

crossword

399842-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

6-29-23

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

RED PAGES real estate

home services

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

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

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

Adult Care Services

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

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

Call 941-383-3338.

CNA: 22 years experience, with doctors recommendations.

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

941-536-5339

GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE!

Auto Transport

WEEKLY MONTHLY

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

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

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.

RUBBERMAID DUEL action commercial carpet/floor sweeper.

New in box. Model 4213-88 $30.

941-387-0567

SWEET DEALS HERE! www.YourObserver.com/RedPages

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale

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

48X21 BOAT SLIP P07, at Longboat Key Club Moorings FOR SALE! Slip runs north and south, and provides views of Sarasota Bay. Asking $248,000 and will consider serious offers.

Slip does not require membership at the moorings.

Also, same slip available for annual lease for $950.00/month.

Items Under $200 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 NEW DIGITAL convection oven/toaster. Black+Decker, stainless steal. Model CT06335S 13X22X15. $85. 941-387-0567 PANINI MAKER Cuisinart, like new, stainless steel $50 (941) 920-2494 PANINI MAKER Cuisinart, like new, stainless steel $50 (941) 920-2494 PIANO ROLLS - 40 Aeolian piano rolls with 40& 50 music. $100 for all. (941)926-7254

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

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

RED PAGES AD RATES

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

SEASONAL RATES Beachfront, Bayfront and In

First 15 words ................ $ 17.50 per week Each add’l word ..... 50¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC

Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com /RedPages

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101

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

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

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

auto

stuff

Call or E-mail: 941-724-9486 brent@diffley-wright.com

DESPERATELY NEEDED Low mileage, cars and trucks.

Also rare or unusual vehicles.

Larry 941-350-7993

You’re only cheating yourself.

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

Autos Wanted

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

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

This week’s Crossword answers

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “If you want to be happy in life, consider yourself a student. Every day of your life, think: How can I improve?”

Nick Offerman Puzzle Two Solution: “I try to push ideas away, and the ones that will not leave me alone are the ones that ultimately end up happening.”

J.J. Abrams Puzzle Three Solution: “People should pursue what they’re passionate about. That will make them happier than pretty much anything else.”

Elon Musk

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2023 Universal Uclick

HEROES found here.

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

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

©2023 NEA, Inc.

Items Under $200

peekers’ place

RED PAGES EARLY DEADLINE

Paint the town RED!

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

YourObserver.com

29

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

Health

Massage

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Divorce without Lawyers

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

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

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

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING, LLC

Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

High-End Interior Painting Services

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

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

William J. Leininger, JD

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

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Auto Service

Home Watch

SELL YOUR CAR!

FIRST RESPONDER OWNED & OPERATED

Roofing

404379

405295

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

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

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

FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU 405073

MIC INSURANCE

404782

Low Mileage, Cars & Trucks.

Also Rare or Unusual Vehicles.

UNIQUE SPORT & IMPORTS 941-350-7993 Doors

Sliding Glass Door Repair

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

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

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

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

405074

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

404977

Furniture Repair

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

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

NEED HELP?

404970

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

941-504-0903

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

Insurance

DESPERATELY NEEDED

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

Find local business and service professionals in the Observer Red Pages.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

Transportation

www.shorelockhomewatch.com

Autos Wanted

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

1/10/23, 10:25 AM

405079

dan@shorelockhomewatch.com

HoHoBuysCars.com

Luxury for Less

10% off

941-248-4734

All Airports, Hourly & Tours www.blacklabelcarservice.com

Booked Referral Program Next Ride with Booked Referral

Windows Res./Com.

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

1/1

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s ing s a S u n n w r o i s n e k W Sun y ind erl Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

150

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

405359

(941)544-0475

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936 405076

941.270.4400

5-Star Rated

405080

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

LMT, CMCE

Painting

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

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

Chrissy Stites

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

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

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

404790

Heart & Sole Healing Space, LLC

404786

Attorney

Insurance

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

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

STUFF found here.

The Red Pages is the perfect store to buy and sell locally! You’ll find a wide selection from antiques to furniture to condos!

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

405071

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

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

1325 WESTWAY DRIVE

$15,000,000

1642 SHORELAND DRIVE

$1,895,000

This enchanting 3BR + office and family room residence guides you through meticulously landscaped grounds consisting of three distinct courtyards, majestic live oaks, vibrant tropical foliage, exotic bamboo, graceful papyrus, intricate lattice accents, a charming gazebo, and welllit pathways. This beautiful getaway in a central location is a must see!

www.1642Shoreland.com

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

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

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

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

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

www.GrandBay346.com

www.GrandBay316.com

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

201 NORTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

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

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

www.GrandBay251.com

www.201NorthWashington.com

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

www.1325WestwayDrive.com

415 L’AMBIANCE DRIVE #PH-A

$2,195,000

$12,000,000

Discover the finest penthouse in Sarasota at this gorgeous residence at L’Ambiance, only a few steps from the famed Longboat Key Club. Spectacular views from the Gulf to the Bay, with recent designer updates throughout the 3BR, nearly 5,000 SF interior welcome you.

www.415L’AmbiancePHA.com

816 JUNGLE QUEEN WAY

7652 SANDERLING ROAD

$1,599,000

235 COCOANUT AVENUE #125D

$995,000

Turnkey furnished! This lovely 3BR waterfront on Longboat Key is ready to enjoy! You will love the deeded beach access and easy boating access to Sarasota Bay.

Only a few minutes from downtown Sarasota, this townhome is in a central location. You’ll feel right at home with its contemporary 2BR design and move-in ready condition.

www.816JungleQueenWay.com

www.MarqueeEnVille125D.com

$9,995,000

This spectacular Siesta Key beach home is a one-of-a-kind experience! Directly overlooking the coastal landscape of the Gulf of Mexico, this private estate rests on more than an acre, with 172’ of beach! Designed to highlight the sparkling beach and striking sunset vistas from any room.

9150 BLIND PASS ROAD #505

www.7652Sanderling.com

469 EAST ROYAL FLAMINGO DRIVE

$3,595,000

$839,000

173 CIPRIANI WAY

$549,000

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

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

www.FishermansHaven505.com

www.173CiprianiWay.com

5693 CABRERA COURT

$499,000

549 SUTTON PLACE

$499,000

Move right into this beautifully maintained, waterfront Bird Key home. The light and open layout is spread across nearly 3,300 SF, offering access to outdoor entertaining from nearly every room.

Boaters will appreciate the newer seawall, rebuilt dock and deep-water lift.

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

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

www.469EastRoyalFlamingo.com

www.5693CabreraCourt.com

www.549SuttonPlace.com

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE TOUR (941) 387-1840 443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F | Sarasota, FL 34236 Pettingell.com | www.bestSarasotarealestate.net Twitter.com/RealRoger | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell | Roger@Pettingell.com The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. 401527-1

30