Longboat Observer 7.20.23

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Longboat scoop

Tyler’s Gourmet Ice Cream always has something up its sleeve when it comes to creative flavors.

“Trash Can” is one of its most popular flavors, according to Michael Garey, co-owner of the Lazy Lobster and Tyler’s Gourmet Ice Cream on Longboat. He said it’s a mix of vanilla ice cream and every chocolate candy one can think of.

In 2021, Tyler’s Gourmet Ice Cream opened a location on Longboat Key, becoming the only local ice cream shop on the Key. This location is co-owned by Rob and Dan Alderson, along with business partners Garey and Bob Fracalossy. This was the beginning of a tight-knight collaboration between them and the Lazy Lobster, which is located next door.

How to save a life

Looking to learn how to save a life?

Longboat Key Fire Rescue will teach this most vital of skills in its monthly Hands-Only CPR and AED training courses. They’re on for the rest of the year, beginning on July 24. During these one-hour free courses, participants will learn basic lifesaving skills that can be used to aid someone experiencing a cardiac arrest, said Fire Rescue Public Information Officer Tina Adams.

The department’s firefighter paramedics will teach participants how to properly give chest compressions and use an automatic external defibrillator. Participants will practice chest compressions and AED use on mannequins.

If CPR is performed immediately during cardiac arrests outside of a hospital, the chance of survival is doubled or tripled according to the American Heart Association.

The upcoming class dates are July 24, Aug. 21, Sept. 27, Oct. 31 and Dec. 1. Interested residents can sign up by calling 941-316-1944 or emailing RBurger@LongboatKey.org.

Prep before the peak

ported with extra lines. There are some areas in both counties, Dezzi said, where vehicles can be stored and protected from major storms.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

Officials from the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department and Bay Isles Association say the time to finalize preparations for storms is now.

On July 13, the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department hosted a Zoom seminar for homeowners association representatives to talk about hurricane preparedness and what residents can do in the face of the 2023 season.

Meteorologists predicted 12-17 named storms, with five to nine being hurricanes and one to four being Category 3 hurricanes or higher, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Fire Chief Paul Dezzi said residents should always prepare for at least one storm per year.

But plans should be flexible, he said. It is important to have a plan in place, but as conditions change it’s equally important to be adaptable.

When an evacuation is ordered, Dezzi said everyone is expected to leave.

“We don’t want anybody on this island to be a statistic,” he said.

A shelter wouldn’t be Dezzi’s first recommendation for an evacuation plan. He said he would rather see residents evacuate to a friend’s house, or somewhere farther east or north.

In Sarasota County, Dezzi said shelters are more accommodating to pets, whereas only certain Manatee County shelters allow pets. It’s also important to remember to bring any food, water and medications that are necessary for the pets.

Cars should be moved to higher ground or into vehicle storage. Boats should be removed from a lift or sup-

“If you’re leaving the island and you see taillights from a fire truck, ambulance or police car, then you’ve left too late,” Dezzi said. Those vehicles are the last to leave the island.

Another important factor in hurricane preparedness is the Medical Dependent Program. Dezzi said Fire Rescue needs to be aware of any medical dependent residents, which includes people who are unable to walk, are oxygen dependent or are bedridden. As a storm approaches, the department contacts medically dependent residents to ensure they have a plan to evacuate if the order is called. If any medically dependent residents need help or need to get to a medically dependent shelter, the department can offer assistance.

For the most important updates in the wake of a major storm, aside from local weather, Dezzi said residents should enroll in Alert Longboat Key.

Residents can go to LongboatKey. org, and find “Alert Longboat Key” under the “Residents” tab.

UNDER THE RADAR

Some of the most important storm preparations begin with the structural integrity of buildings.

This includes specially designed windows and doors, said Patti Fige, Longboat Key building official. The current building code requires any modifications to meet certain design pressures. On Longboat Key, windows must withstand a minimum pressure of 150 mph winds. Impact rating is another factor in building design, which measures how resistant materials are to airborne debris.

If residents don’t want to spend extra money on the impact resistant design, the minimum is to incorporate wind pressure resistant windows, then add shutters on top to meet the impact rating. Recently, Fige said she has seen an upsurge in

impact-rated windows and doors instead of shutters.

Walking through the aisles of Ace Hardware, it can be easy to get lost in everything that may be necessary to buy in preparation for a storm. But some of the most sought-after storm preparation items often aren’t on official lists, said Dave Silvani, who has worked at Ace for about eight years.  Gas cans, Silvani said, are one of the more popular items during prestorm rushes. Tarps are another item people flock to, he said. These are used for protecting roofs, structures or other belongings outdoors.

But the store’s most in-demand items for storm prep are the $8.29 packs of washer wing nuts, according to Silvani. A small plastic package easily lost among the dozens of packs of fasteners is the key to securing home shutters.

“One year, there was one woman who came in and bought every single one we had in store,” Silvani said.

PATIENCE IS KEY

When the storm has passed, Dezzi said it’s important to follow reentry protocols, which ensure the island is safe before residents return.

Tier 1 allows first responders to return and assess damage. Tier 2 welcomes property managers while staff ensures water utilities are up and running. Residents are able to return in Tier 3. That last phase doesn’t happen until first responders make sure it is safe, so Dezzi asks for patience throughout the process.

Mark Hullinger currently serves as the safety chair and board member of the Bay Isles Association. He has lived as a full-time resident on Longboat Key since 2004. Through Hurricanes Irma and Ian, Hullinger has seen the importance of following the tiered return plans.

It’s important to wait until first responders restore electricity and water, he said. Not only that, but water must be safe for use before residents can return comfortably.

Longboat officials and workers share hurricane preparation insights.

Courtesy photo

Hurricane Ian made landfall Sept. 28, 2022.

Carter Weinhofer

Ace Hardware employee Dave Silvani said washer wing nuts are one of the most sought-after items during peak hurricane season.

Plaza centers on community

Manatee County considers a lease to create a community center at Whitney Beach Plaza, a project that has been in talks for years.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

Approval of the consent agenda at Manatee County’s July 25 commission meeting could mean a big investment in Longboat Key’s community.

The largest building in Whitney Beach Plaza may soon be revitalized and transformed into a community center, in a collaborative initiative between Manatee County and the School District of Manatee County to give back to the Longboat Key community.

The town of Longboat Key held a community discussion on July 12 to brainstorm ideas for what residents would want to see in this possible community space. Town Manager Howard Tipton said his hope is that Manatee County wouldn’t design the space without community input.

“It would be designed for the island, it would be designed for the residents here,” Tipton said. “Conversations will help drive the design of the programming.”

Hal Porter, current owner of Whitney Beach Plaza, can rent the 6,000-square-foot commercial space at 6810 Gulf of Mexico Drive to anyone. But Porter said he thinks the agreement with Manatee County would be good for everyone.

If the lease is approved, the space would look rough in the first year, mainly due to necessary buildout, said Tipton. After that, he said there is a lot of potential in this lease agreement.

“I think you have the opportunity to have something that shows community investment back into the island, and creates an opportunity for some gathering, some learning and socializing,” Tipton said.

One of the reasons the space is desirable for Manatee County, Porter said, is because it already has some of the necessary facilities. For example, the building has two handicapped bathrooms, which Porter said are generally expensive to install. He said the county could perform any aesthetic design it would want, without much building cost.

At the community meeting, some residents provided input about what programming they would like to see. Suggestions included computer classes, art classes, knitting, mahjong, chess, a golf simulator and exercise classes. The space could

also accommodate meeting space for groups such as Suncoast Waterkeeper and Longboat Key Turtle Watch.

Tipton sees this as an opportunity to appeal to many demographics on Longboat Key. Being operated by the school board, educational classes could be an integral part of the programming. According to Tipton, there are about 42 students on the Manatee County side of the island.

North island residents also brought up concerns. One concern residents raised was what would happen if the space isn’t successful. Some north island residents mentioned previous unsuccessful ventures in the space, like an art studio. Porter assured residents that the property is trusted to his sons. They plan to stick around for a while, and the family wants their investment to be successful.

Parking was another concern, which residents feared will be a problem as the community center attracts people to the plaza. Porter tried to assure residents that parking will not be an issue. He said there are plenty of spots available, and the current plaza tenants don’t have much overlap in operating hours.

Mike Condensa is one of the owners of Performance Pilates, a tenant for a year and a half in Whitney Beach Plaza. Condensa is at the plaza more frequently than Porter and doesn’t see parking being an issue either, he said. He said the only business currently open at night is Ventura’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Chubby’s Lounge and sometimes Pilates classes.

Overall, he is optimistic about the potential lease with the county.

“This is so flexible that over five years, this is a win-win for everyone there. I’m all for it,” Condensa said.

YEARS IN THE MAKING

The discussions about Manatee County investing in Longboat Key precede Tipton and begin with Maureen Merrigan. Merrigan was appointed to the Town Commission in 2021 to fill a vacancy and served in that position for a year before becoming vice mayor for another year.

According to Merrigan, the north end of the island became more organized about four or five years ago, with the foundation of Longboat North. This is a group of about 30 homeowners associations and condos to which each association appoints a representative. Almost three years ago, Longboat North began talking about the need for community meeting space on the island.

“From the get-go, it was a community ask, not a town ask,” Merrigan said.

Merrigan then began talks with Manatee County Commissioner

Kevin Van Ostenbridge. Van Ostenbridge and Merrigan discussed the community’s needs for a town center, and Van Ostenbridge identified the space at Whitney Plaza.

That’s when former Longboat Key Town Manager Tom Harmer and former Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes began shaping ideas for what the space could look like.

Merrigan said the community center at Whitney Plaza would solve two problems she saw at the time. The building at Bayfront Park is getting older, she said, and having a new space would push back the need to rebuild or continue investments in the older Bayfront building. Secondly, Merrigan said spreading out community programming to a new community center would alleviate the parking pressures faced at Bayfront Park because of high pickleball demand.

Manatee County had a lease agreement ready to go, according to Merrigan. But in February 2023, Hopes left his position with Manatee County at the same time Harmer’s time with Longboat Key came to an end. During the shuffling of staff, Merrigan said the town was advised Manatee County would no longer pursue the project.

After that, Merrigan sent an email expressing disappointment in the decision. Van Ostenbridge then said that the county would continue looking into it, and would ask the school board for assistance. The deal had been sparked again.

Now the decision is up to Manatee County. On July 25, the county will look to approve a motion to draft an interlocal agreement with the school district to operate the Longboat Key Community Center. Tipton assured residents that the July 12 meeting was the first of many conversations.

BRIEF HISTORY OF WHITNEY BEACH PLAZA

1963: Gordon Whitney builds the plaza. It originally consisted of a post office, a design shop and the office of Paul Neal, developer of Whitney Beach condominiums.

1970: Neal buys the plaza in 1970 and develops it into Longboat’s first shopping center. Food Way opens.

1978: Property value “peaked,” according to Neal.

1980-90: Rents declined until early 1990s, when Neal sold the property.

2002: Andrew Hlywa and his partner, Dawn diLorenzo, buy Whitney Plaza for $2.5 million.

2012: Ryan Snyder and JKI Investment Capital LLC purchase Whitney Plaza for $3.7 million.

2013: The town “amended the comprehensive plan to create the Whitney Beach overlay district, which encouraged redevelopment by allowing mixeduse projects” – individual ownership meant it was harder to redevelop.

2015: Snyder becomes sole owner of Whitney Beach Plaza.

2016: Town voters denied Snyder’s request to add residential density to build up to 18 homes in a mixed-use configuration, including commercial space. This was not the only time Snyder tried to develop the property in this manner.

2021: Snyder sold plaza to Hal Porter for $3.34 million.

At the community discussion on July 12, residents were invited to share ideas about what programming they would like to see at a community center.

The potential Longboat Key Community Center would be located in Whitney Plaza’s largest building, at 6810 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

Caution, turtles below

The new Sea Turtle Protection Zone in Sarasota County encourages boaters to slow down and look out for turtles.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

While cruising around Sarasota Bay and Longboat Key, boaters need to “Go Slow for Those Below,” per the urging of Mote Marine Laboratory.

A new voluntary Sea Turtle Protection Zone in Sarasota County aims to decrease the number of strandings and accidental boat injuries to sea turtles.

The zone is an extension of an existing initiative between Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach and the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research in Palm Beach, which enacted its own zone in 2021.

“I really am hopeful that this will be very much a community partnership and that with all of us working together, we can effect change and do a little better by these guys,” said Gretchen Lovewell, Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program manager.

The zone extends to 1.5 miles offshore and focuses on the sea turtle stranding hotspot areas that Mote has observed, including Longboat Pass, New Pass, Big Pass, Siesta Key and Venice Inlet.

If possible, boaters should avoid the zone. But if unavoidable, Mote advises slower speeds within the zone. Polarized sunglasses are also recommended because they can make it easier to spot sea turtles and other wildlife in the area.

“We’re visitors in their environment, so as any good visitor we want to do our best to take care of their home,” said Lovewell. “And that includes slowing down and looking

out for them.”

Sea turtle strandings happen when a turtle is found dead or alive, washed ashore or floating. Over 90% of boat injuries to sea turtles are fatal, but can be avoided by being more vigilant, said Valerie Nicole Tovar, conservation manager at Loggerhead Marinelife Center.

PROTECTION PARTNERS

Tovar said it was important to conduct field interviews with boaters to gauge their awareness of the issue and willingness to adapt. In interviews done before the first protection zone establishment, 42% of the subjects weren’t aware that interactions between boats and turtles were common, while 70% said they would be willing to slow down in voluntary protection zones.

Last year, the Archie Carr Center reached out to Mote and began talks to establish a zone in Sarasota County like the one in Palm Beach. Mote had well-established, robust data that made the lab a desirable partner.

Currently, Mote’s data on boat strikes and strandings is completely driven by public support. Mote monitors its hotline number 24/7 for people to report strandings. In cases where the animal is deceased, when possible Mote recovers the turtle and brings it back to the necropsy lab, where researchers determine the cause of death. The first step in the process is a human interaction exam. Boat strikes leave obvious marks, said Lovewell.

Mote will compare its baseline boat strike and stranding data with data to be collected after the zone’s

establishment. Along with that data, Mote’s other important measure of success will be boat speeds.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center interns monitor boat speed in Palm Beach, said Tovar. The center posts interns on a boat about a half mile into the zone, where they use radar guns to record the speeds of passing boats. Mote will implement the same monitoring throughout the Sarasota zone.

Behavior change and results take years to develop, according to Tovar. But the best outcome Loggerhead Marinelife Center has seen from its zone since 2021 has been the response from outreach initiatives.

With the zones being voluntary, Tovar said there were initial concerns about the efficacy of the program. Through outreach programming and

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Courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory

The newly established voluntary Sea Turtle Protection Zone in Sarasota County focuses on boat strike hotspots and extends to 1.5 miles offshore.

Monday Movie Matinees!

working with the community, Tovar said the outreach grassroots initiative has had an “overwhelmingly good reaction” from the boating community. Mote hopes to partner with local rental boat companies in the near future to promote the program. Lovewell said this is especially important since many boaters in the area may be from out of town and unfamiliar with potential interactions with sea turtles.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center has received a lot of constructive and positive feedback thanks to outreach events and interviews with boaters in the Palm Beach area, said Tovar.

“One of the biggest things we’ve always wanted to do is to work with the boating community and not work against them,” Tovar said. “We understand that collaboration is really the only way to get things done.”

Sea turtles are important parts

of ecosystems and can be environmental indicators, Tovar said. The species are important to ecosystems like seagrass beds and coral reefs, contributing to each food web. Sea turtles’ health is representative of the health of the surrounding environment, according to Tovar.

“As Floridians, we should be doing our job to protect them,” she said.

LEARN MORE

More information on the protection zone can be found on Mote’s website at Mote.org/ TurtleZone.

Mote also encourages anyone who sees a stranded sea turtle to call the hotline number at 888-345-2335.

Daren Spinelle, MD ~ Longboat Key Physicians

Rhett Bogacz, DC Bee Ridge Chiropractic

Cary L. Dunn, MD Luminary Dermatology

July 24 @ 1pm 402634-1

(941)926-6553

The newly established, voluntary Sea Turtle Protection Zone in Sarasota County focuses on boat strike hotspots and extends to 1.5 miles offshore.

Temporary change in water taste

Manatee County, which provides water to Longboat Key, announced July 10 that some of its utilities customers may experience a “temporary and non-harmful change in their water taste or odor.”

Conditions such as elevated temperatures tend to exacerbate algal blooms, and Manatee County officials noticed an increased presence of blue-green algae in Lake Manatee over the past several weeks. The algae in water can cause an odor that is earthy or musty.

The recent statement from Manatee County said officials began treatments, which the county says effectively remove the compounds and minimizes the effects on customers’ water. If the algae in the water exceeds the capacity of the treatment, that is when customers may notice the odor or smell.

The county says it is not necessary, but Manatee County residents can use a carbon water filter in their refrigerator or in a pitcher. Additional information can be found on Manatee County’s website.

Bradenton Beach sewer project update

The most recent update from the Bradenton Beach Sewer Improvements project announced that workers completed the sewer pipe installation on 11th Street South.

In the current phase of construction, contractors are working to install and switch over to the new sewer pipes on each of the side streets along Gulf Drive. While contractors continue switching services to the new system, 11th Street will remain closed. Due to the closure, the county will provide shuttles from a designated parking area to residential units on the closed street.

Strategic Affairs Manager Ogden

Clark III said this construction will involve temporary lane shifts on Gulf Drive South. After the switches are completed, the road will be reconstructed and final paving will round out the project with all other side streets.

Take precautions against mosquitoes

None of the seven malaria cases in Sarasota County originated from Longboat Key, but there are some things residents should be aware of, according to town officials.

In Town Manager Howard Tipton’s latest “Tip Talk” video, he interviewed Wade Brennan, the director of mosquito control for Sarasota County. Brennan’s department is one of the most sophisticated pest control operations in the state, Tipton said.

First, Brennan said that receiving all necessary vaccinations before traveling the world is important since malaria is a human-spread disease. Tipton said this advice is important for Longboat’s heavily traveled population.

Protecting yourself is how to protect others, Brennan said. This starts with wearing longsleeve clothing, especially when in mosquito-heavy locations at night.

Residents should avoid any activity at night, if possible, Brennan suggested. Using the proper mosquito repellent is important, too.

Standing water provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which is why Brennan said that should standing water sources should be emptied or eliminated. This includes any buckets of water or reservoirs for rainwater such as gutters. Other key mosquito attractors are plants that retain water, such as bromeliads, water hyacinths and cattails.

Residents should seek medical attention if experiencing any malaria symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches and other flu-like symptoms.

For more information on mosquito management, visit SCGov. net/mosquito.

Ferries arrive, service to start late summer

Ferries for Bradenton’s newest form of public transportation arrived in Cortez, Florida, marking a big milestone for the Gulf Islands Water Ferry System.

The two catamarans, named Miss Anna Maria and Downtown Duchess, are projected to begin service by later this summer. Up to 49 passengers per catamaran will be transported between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. The catamarans are energy-efficient and run on renewable energy sources, said a statement from the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau will work alongside Gulf Coast Water Taxi to operate and market the service. A one-way ticket will cost $8.

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Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said in a statement that the bureau anticipates people parking in downtown Bradenton to enjoy a ferry ride to the island, and visitors from Anna Maria can also use the ferry to travel to downtown Bradenton.

Over the next couple months, the Coast Guard trial will take place to finalize run times and port locations. Falcione said this is just the beginning of multi-modal transportation in the Manatee County area.

The possibility to expand to multiple ports is available, and a location on Longboat Key has been discussed.

But Commissioner-at-large BJ Bishop said in the recent Manasota League of Cities meeting that the issue is finding a port that can accommodate parking. The need is there though, she said, due to the high travel times many employees on the island experience to work

on Longboat Key.

“From our standpoint, it’s not so much a tourist need as it is getting staff on and off the island,” Bishop said at the meeting. “And there is not a restaurant on this island, or other business, that they are not short-handed.”

Town Manager Howard Tipton brought up the water ferry system at a community discussion on June 12, also noting that many staff on the island face traffic issues. For now, though, water taxi service on Longboat Key is just an idea. He said there have not been serious conversations about the possibility yet.

“Water taxis in the future, hopefully, will be a part of our traffic solution, which will not get any better,” Tipton said. “Having a resolution to water access I think will be an important part of our future.”

Courtesy photo

The new Gulf Island Ferry System utilizes two catamarans, providing residents with a new way to travel between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.

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PROPOSED COUNTY & CITY SPENDING FOR 2023-24

One of the benchmarks often used to determine whether a government entity’s spending is excessive is whether its percentage increase in spending exceeds the combined rates of population growth and annual inflation. Based on that, taxpayers should be looking closely at the proposed spending of Longboat Key (+43%), Sarasota County (+36%) and the city of Sarasota (+13%).

Part II of spend, spend …

Thanks to inflation, rising real estate prices and population growth, city and county governments are gushing with cash. And they can’t wait to spend it.

— thank you very much, Donald Trump, Joe Biden and the dunces in Congress — that Florida lawmakers went hog wild, filling next year’s budget with a record number of local earmarks (e.g. “bridges to nowhere”): more than 1,540 projects worth $3.2 billion.

MATT WALSH

The numbers were jawdropping. The town of Longboat Key’s projected spending for the 2023-24 fiscal year is estimated to increase 43.9%. Sarasota County: an increase of 36%.

These percentages are stunning.

Less shocking, but still noteworthy: The city of Sarasota’s preliminary budget projects spending to rise 13%, and Manatee County’s spending is expected to go up 10.4%.

When was the last time you increased your personal spending 36% or 44% over the previous year?

Probably never.

Throughout most of Florida, local government budgets are gushing with bursts of cash, a result of mushrooming real estate values, which translates into mushrooming property-tax collections.

Because of a 12.5% increase in property values over the past 12 months, Longboat Key can keep the same tax rate and rake in $1.77 million more in new property tax revenue than last year.

A 13.5% increase in property values in the city of Sarasota will generate an additional $5 million in new property tax collections while the city holds its tax rate at 3 mills.

A 13.2% increase in property values in Sarasota County will generate $29.7 million in new cash while the county maintains its millage rate at 3.25.

And a whopping 25.7% increase in property values in Manatee County is expected to generate $62.6 million in new property tax collections while the county holds its tax rate at 6.43 mills.

The money is flowing in from other revenue categories as well. In his June budget message, Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis noted that through April the county’s half-cent sales tax revenue is “24.5% greater than was anticipated”; the infrastructure surtax revenue is 30.1% higher than budgeted; and the tourist development tax was showing “record-breaking revenues” and up 59.7% higher than budgeted.

Hey man, happy days are here again in city halls and county administration buildings. And it looks like most of these government bodies are primed to party — and spend. It’s what they do.

You may recall two weeks ago in this space we pointed out how Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature are likewise taking advantage of the state’s robust economy and population growth.

We noted how state spending in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ first five years in office has risen 36%, or by $31 billion compared to the 31% increase, or $19 billion increase in state spending that accumulated in Rick Scott’s eight years.

The state has so much money pouring in from the growth in population and the 22 million Floridians paying more for everything because of inflation

So likewise, when you start digging into the details of the town, city and county budgets, you’ll see how many of the local government city managers and country administrators are doing two things:

• Almost none of them is lowering millage/property tax rate to the rollback rate. They’re keeping the same millage rate and doing what they always do: Telling you they are not increasing your tax rate. But you’ll still pay more because of the increase in your assessed value.

• Rather than giving back money to taxpayers with lower rates, they’re keeping the additional cash and spending it on as many projects as they can. The thinking is: Spend it while we have it, because who knows when the next recession is going to hit and we’ll have to cut spending.

In that vein, Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton, new to the job over the past four months, hasn’t caught on quite yet that Longboat Key town commissions have a long history of fiscal conservatism.

In Tipton’s early budget message, he is proposing to take $5 million from the town’s rainy day fund to apply toward infrastructure projects — the Broadway Roundabout, digital display boards on Gulf of Mexico Drive, road resurfacing, “pathway lighting” and streetlights.

Also in his budget: a 17% increase in personnel costs. That includes a 3.5% increase in pay for all non-

union employees, with the option to increase their pay an additional 2% to 5% based on merit reviews. But the big increases in pay will be going to firefighters and police officers, thanks to new union contracts: paramedics, +23%; lieutenants, 37%; police officers, 29.7%; and police seargeants, 30%.

In Manatee County, Acting County Administrator Lee Washington is requesting an increase of $18.6 million for a 10% increase in the Sheriff’s budget. That would include the hiring of 20 new people in the department — 11 deputies, five corrections deputies and four executives and administrators.

In Sarasota County, Sheriff Kurt Hoffman is hoping to add 24 people, increasing his payroll to 1,060 people at a cost of $183.3 million, an increase of $30.3 million, which would be a 19% increase.

Everything is going up in Sarasota County — except one category. The Government Relations department is expected to cut its budget by a mere $10,900, a 0.5% decline. But for just about every local government entity in this region the story is the same. When the money is there, it’s difficult to resist the urge to spend it or keep it in reserves.

Give some of it back to taxpayers?

Ha!

A recent exception has been the city of Sarasota, where City Manager Marlon Brown recommended — and the City Commission adopted — lowering the tax rate two consecutive years, largely because of the boom in downtown condo and hotel construction.

But with inflation running between 6% and 8% a year, we are seeing how public officials are less inclined to lower tax rates. Like consumers, they will make the

TIME TO SQUAWK IS RUNNING OUT

Come next week, most local governments in Florida will present their recommended budgets and must decide upon the maximum millage rate they might charge.

That means elected officials have until Sept. 26 to make a final decision on the tax rate and the next fiscal year budget.

So time is running out. If you want to squawk about your government’s spending, you will have two chances at public hearings in September.

argument they are enduring the same inflationary effects as their constituents. The costs of goods and services are going up for them as well. Longboat Key’s Tipton is projecting up to a 20% increase in flood insurance rates and 10% increase in electricity. In Manatee County, employee health insurance is expected to increase 11% for an employee, 40% for an employee and spouse.

So taxpayers likely will hear their city and county administrators — and most elected officials — make a case over the next two months that they are being conservative fiscal stewards of taxpayers’ money all the while they propose 10%, 30% and 40% increases in spending.

This is what happens during good economic times.

As a wise business investor told us once, it’s easy to figure out how to manage your business during an economic downturn — you have no choice but to cut expenses. It’s more difficult when you are flush with cash. You put your guard down and lose fiscal discipline.

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

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

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

FRIDAY, JULY 7

DUDE, WHERE’S MY CAR?

12:20 a.m., 3400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Citizen Assist: After a long day, out-of-town visitors called police because they lost track of the public beach access point where their vehicle was parked. One officer located the car, and the callers were given a ride back to their vehicle.

MINOR INCONVENIENCE

4:31 p.m., 4200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Suspicious Incident: Dispatch reported a suspicious incident, identified as a car alarm going off. On the scene, police determined that a child activated the alarm. No arrest was made.

SATURDAY, JULY 8

PALM FROND POLLUTION

9:10 a.m., 600 block of Norton Street

Civil Citation: Police received a call about illegal dumping. When officers arrived on scene, the complainant claimed to have seen a nearby landscaping crew dumping palm fronds into the water. Officers located the landscaping crew and talked to the crew leader, who said one of the crew did dump the palm fronds. The worker was unaware that it was illegal, but officers issued a citation for unlawful dumping.

FALSE IDENTITY

12:56 p.m., 3400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Alcohol Offense: While on beach patrol, an officer spotted cans of alcoholic seltzer with some beachgoers’ belongings. The beachgoers were in the water, but when they left the gulf the officer approached them to ask about the alcohol. All four admitted the alcohol was theirs. One woman said she pays over $10,000 a month to live on Longboat Key. She said the beach was private, because alcohol is allowed on private beaches. When asked by the responding officer, she gave a fake name. The officer advised her that she could go to jail for providing a false name. In the end, she ended up saying she would take the citation for the incident.

MONDAY, JULY 10

LATE-NIGHT REPAIRS

12:32 a.m., 500 block of Bay Isles

Parkway

Suspicious Incident: A resident called police to report loud power tools or hammers at a store. Police located store employees working on the front door of the store. The workers were using hammers, but the responding officer determined there was no need to interfere. No power tools were being used. No criminal nature was occurring, just very late repairs.

COPS CORNER

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

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SUNDAY, JULY 9

UNUSUAL OBJECT

1:14 p.m., 4700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Suspicious Incident: Officers were called to respond to a suspicious device washed ashore at a beach access point. The responders found a seemingly empty canister, and dealt with it properly.

TUESDAY, JULY 11

EMPLOYEE IMPERSONATION

5:05 p.m., 6300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Citizen Dispute: When police arrived on scene, the two offenders had already left the scene. The complainant who called police said that two men in a white truck pulled into his private parking lot, then began a verbal altercation. One of the men in the truck got up close to the complainant and said “I work for the town of Longboat Key.” Police reviewed camera footage of the incident and the offenders’ truck, but no further information was available.

Sarasota Memorial Presents FREE LECTURE SERIES

August 2023

Advanced Orthopedic Solutions for Joint Pain & Injury

From head to toe, the human body contains more than 250 joints — each a potential hotspot for chronic pain as the body ages. But with continued advances in medical technology and technique, our physicians are learning how to replace, repair and restore these joints better than ever before. Join Sarasota Memorial’s Orthopedic Specialists this August to hear more about the latest breakthroughs and patient options. A brief Q&A will follow each presentation.

Tuesday, August 1, 4:30-5:30pm

} Ashvin I. Patel, MD - Innovations in Spinal Surgery: The Use of Custom Implants and Robotics

Thursday, August 3, 4:30-5:30pm

} Matthew A. Chin, MD - Treatment Guidelines for Low Back Pain

Tuesday, August 15, 4:30-5:30pm

} Patrick O'Neill, MD - How to Treat and Prevent Foot & Ankle Pain

Thursday, August 17, 4:30-5:30pm

} Michael J. Moustoukas, MD - Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears

Tuesday, August 29, 4:30-5:30pm

} Adam S. Bright, MD - Painless Total Knee: Attempting the Impossible

SMH-SARASOTA

Sarasota Memorial Hospital Auditorium - First Floor 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239

This is a FREE LECTURE SERIES with FREE VALET PARKING at main hospital entrance. Light refreshments served. RSVP required. Reserve your space by phone at (941) 917-7777 or online at smh.com/lectures.

Ashvin I. Patel, MD

Matthew A. Chin, MD

Patrick O'Neill, MD

Michael J. Moustoukas, MD

Adam S. Bright, MD

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT: Denise Orlando spends some time with the Longboat Observer in front of the Pont du Gard in France.

Get Behind the Headlines

Even in protected habitats, roads put wildlife at risk

In three months, vehicle collisions with wildlife in Myakka State Park killed 15 species of animals.

With most of its more than 37,000 acres undeveloped, Myakka River State Park offers critical habitat for our native flora and fauna. These tranquil lands also provide visitors the increasingly rare opportunity to experience and enjoy wild Florida ecosystems minimally impacted by humans.

To maintain the park’s natural essence, the majority of the park is unpaved and minimally developed.

Although State Road 72 bisects the park for more than 12 miles, 14,500 acres south of it are completely undeveloped. This includes Myakka’s Wilderness Preserve, an area specifically managed to preserve its unique natural appeal and value.

Even in protected lands such as Myakka, roads that cross habitats place wildlife at risk, because animals are forced to cross them to get to food, water and other resources. In fact, wildlife-vehicle collisions are the leading cause of mortality for many wildlife species, with an estimated 1 million vertebrates dying on our roads daily.  Traffic volume and speed are main

contributors to wildlife mortality on roads, with the highest rates of collisions occurring on busy two-lane roads, such as SR 72. Of the 42 vehicle collision mortality cases the park recorded in the past three months, more than 90% occurred on SR 72, with 15 species of birds, reptiles and mammals killed.

Negative impacts from roads are of particular concern for imperiled species, whose populations are already at risk. A juvenile crested caracara, a federally designated threatened bird, was recently killed while feeding on SR 72. Caracaras are fire-dependent and only recently started returning to the park, thanks in part to the reintroduction of fire. Scavengers like caracaras prey on carcasses of animals killed on roads, which increases the risk of death for this already endangered species.

Myakka forms an important link in a chain of protected lands, which could become critical for endangered wildlife such as the Florida panther. As development continues to encroach on the park and traffic volume continues to increase, the risk to our wildlife rises. Slowing down, especially at dawn and dusk when many wildlife species are more active, is a small but important step we can all take to help protect them.

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Follow us @FriendsofMyakkaRiver.

Miri Hardy

White-tailed deer often travel in groups. If you see a deer crossing a road or on a road’s shoulder, please slow down as more deer are bound to follow.

EATING

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

IMPROV COMEDY GETS REAL AT FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE

FST’s 13th annual Sarasota Improv Festival is taking the stage for the first time in three years.

Florida Studio Theatre’s 13th annual Sarasota Improv Festival is taking the stage in the real world. The festival’s improv talents can hardly wait.

The festival is making a real-world comeback. No computer screens. No Zoom calls. We’re not joking — these improv artists will be. Live. On stage. At Florida Studio Theatre. The unscripted silliness returns from July 20-22.

Will Luera, FST’s director of improv, has been waiting for the last three years. That’s how long it’s been since the pandemic pulled the plug on live performances worldwide. A multitude of shows did not go on in 2020. The 12th annual Sarasota Improv Festival was online only. Then the months of isolation began.

Luera’s improv skills didn’t get rusty during that downtime. He got better as an improv artist. How?

“I performed online with FST’s extended family of improv troupes during the pandemic,” he explains. “PGraph, Dad’s Garage and a few other companies invited me to join them in several online shows.”

Luera also expanded his improv universe. His new online connections include both improv troupes and individual artists, such as MC Hammersmith, this year’s festival headliner.

“I’d met him before, but I was thrilled to actually perform with him online during COVID,” he says. “My appreciation for him grew exponentially.”

Thanks to virtual reality, Luera sharpened his skills and added to his network of improv talent. That definitely helped his job as an improv director.

Planning the Sarasota Improv Festival’s return to reality has been a major part of that job. In close collaboration with FST Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins, Luera’s been working out the devilish details for the past two years.

Now the organizational heavy lifting is finally done — it’s satisfying. But creating the festival isn’t where Luera’s heart’s at.

Luera’s not just an improv director. He’s also an improv artist. Performing on the festival stage is his heart’s desire. Luera longs to get real.

“Virtual improv is a clever workaround,” Luera says. “But it’s no substitute for performing for a live audience.”

That’s happening starting July 20.

Is Luera excited?

Yes. That’s the understatement of the year.

The festival’s improv artists feel the same holiday-morning electricity. Area improv fans feel it, too. Tickets are selling fast. With 22 live acts on stage, they’ll have lots of exciting choices.

Here are just a few highlights:

ORANGE TUXEDO

He and she. Love and marriage. In the Periodic Table of Comedy, the couple is a basic element. It’s been a source of hilarity since Nichols and May, Tracy and Hepburn and Adam and Eve. This L.A. duo (Carla and Craig Cackowski) is a real-life married couple. Their improv goes to town with random audience suggestions.

“They turn that note into strong characters and very strong stories,” Luera says. “It’s not the craziness of some improv acts. Their scenes are grounded in the realities of human relationships. They’re hilarious in their simplicity.” 7 p.m. July 21; 5 p.m. July 22.

MC HAMMERSMITH

This UK export describes himself as “a middle-class Englishman from west London.” Depending on how you look at it, he’s a free-styling rapper who does improv comedy or an improv comic who does free-style rap. Either way, he’s funny as hell. When he isn’t belting out hip-hop lyrics, MC Hammersmith is a softspoken gentleman — with a strong resemblance to Daniel Radcliffe.

Don’t be fooled, Dear Reader. His wit can sting. Like the best British comedy, it isn’t always gentle. 10 p.m. July 21; 9 p.m. July 22.

BIG BANG

This Boston-based troupe gets a blast out of lightning-fast, freeform improv. They start with a premise and “follow the funny” from scene to scene with mad abandon.

The company showcases big names from ImprovBoston and the Boston comedy scene. Luera is one of those names. He’s both the company’s director and a performer. “For me, this is my home team,” he says. “We’ve taken Big Bang around the world, and I’m thrilled to bring it back to Sarasota.” 9 p.m. July 21; 6 p.m. July 22.

2-MAN NO-SHOW Not all the clowns are in the circus. Case in point: Isaac Kessler and Ken Hall. This two-man Toronto team clowns around with japes, jest, pratfalls, physical comedy, metaphysical comedy, funny faces and rude noises. (They skip the red noses and whiteface makeup, so coulrophobics needn’t fear.) But a

clown by any other name would be just as hilarious. These guys are. As far as we can tell, they’re not crying on the inside. But their “ClownProv” antics aren’t all funny business. Hall and Kessler tug at your heartstrings. You’ll laugh with them, not at them. But they will make you laugh. 8 p.m. July 21; 6 p.m. July 22.

AVAILABLE CUPHOLDERS

This Austin ensemble don’t need no stinking script. They can do “Fakespeare” on their feet, spoof old TV shows, new TV shows, Japanese monster movies, you name it. But they’re not a pack of superficial show-offs. Their improv comedy

< COOL CIRCUS ARTS: Beat the heat at Historic Asolo Theater with family fun. 14

WITH EMMA: On the trail to find Sarasota’s best buns. 13 >

Courtesy photos

The comedy troupe Big Bang will appear at the 13th annual Sarasota Improv Festival at 9 p.m. on July 21 and 6 p.m. on July 22.

The comedy troupe Available Cupholders will appear at the 13th annual Sarasota Improv Festival at 8 p.m. on July 21 and 7 p.m. on July 22.

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

is character-based, in The Second City tradition. “Their shows capture the silliness of improv,” Luera says. “They have so much fun pushing each others’ buttons and boundaries. They take it as far as they can go — and keep trying to take it further. They make the audience laugh; they make each other laugh. It’s the essence of the human comedy, and all you can do is laugh.” 8 p.m. July 21; 7 p.m. July 22.

ALL PLAY

In the art of theater, the play’s the thing. In the art of improv comedy, play is the thing. In the festival’s grand finale, the lunatics take charge of the asylum. Eighty or more improv artists pack the stage — and turn it into a giant playground for improv games, instant sketches and on-the-spot song parodies. These antic improvisers play around like a bunch of big kids. (And that’s exactly what they are.) They have far too much fun. And they’re insanely fun to watch. 10:30 p.m. July 22.

It’s MC Hammersmith time

MC Hammersmith is Scotland’s leading free-style comedy rapper and improviser. (For all we know, he’s Scotland’s only free-style comedy rapper and improviser, but let’s skip that for now.) The man is a multitalented performer on the level of Robin Williams. He thinks on his feet, pulls hip-hop songs out of thin air, launches into a dazzling stream of consciousness, then switches gears to song parody — and makes it look easy the whole time. He’s the headliner of this year’s Sarasota Improv Festival. We emailed him a few questions. Funny thing. He answered.

Hip-hop freestyle and improv comedy sound like two great tastes that go great together. What inspired you to mix them up?

I’ve been doing improv since I was 14. Then at Edinburgh University, I started performing an improvised musical show. We would always want to slam the rap break in the bridge of songs between choruses, but none of us were any good. I wanted to get better, but nobody else wanted to practice. So I decided to practice by myself — I’ve always loved hip-hop as well, so the chance to do both was a natural meeting point.

In terms of your hip-hop parodies, which artist do you most enjoy taking the piss out of? (Or “ridicule,” to use the American idiom.) I have a routine in my solo show in which I take an audience suggestion of a mildly embarrassing incident that happened to them. I’ll then take the backing track of Blackstreet’s R&B; classic “No Diggity,” and change the chorus to “No Dignity.” There’s plenty of scope for comedy with an auto-tuned, soulful chorus.

IF YOU GO

When: July 20-22

Where: FST campus, 1265 First St. Tickets: $5-$25; passes $79 for three days; $69 for two days; $49-$59 for one day on Friday or Saturday; $20 for Thursday night. Info: FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

When you do a “set,” do you have a rough structure in mind or is it like jumping into a swimming pool blindfolded and hoping for water?

Kind of a bit of both. My shorter comedy club sets are all improvised, but in a very structured way. Because you have to do your time very strictly in a club, the tracks have to be timed. In the longer solo shows, I get to use looping beats, so I can rap for as long as I want and get carried

away by fun ideas. Those are much more fun.

What’s your all-time best improv/ freestyle experience?

Getting to freestyle rap onstage with my favorite rapper (RA The Rugged Man). It was my first time freestyling at a hip-hop night instead of a comedy night, so the reaction from the crowd was just electric by comparison.

Worst experience?

About 20 years ago, rapping for a group of 80-year-olds in a hotel function room in rural Scotland — they just stared blankly at me in utter disgust. I take solace in the fact that most of them are now probably dead.

I presume that MC Hammersmith is an MC Hammer reference.

Quick question: Do your pants fit?

Bit personal.

I’m guessing your stage name is also a nod to the Clash’s “White Man in Hammersmith.” Actually, it’s not. I was born in Hammersmith in west London (hence the name), and I had literally never heard of that song. (No joking or word of a lie, completely sincerely, I had to Google it now.) I’m immensely surprised that no one ever pointed that out to me before you did! Well, this white boy has learned something.

What is your core message to today’s troubled youth? Or troubled old people, for that matter?

Troubled youth, follow your dreams. Troubled old people, if you do come to my gigs, at least pretend to enjoy it.

2-Man No-Show will appear at the 13th annual Sarasota Improv Festival July 21 and July 22.

IF YOU GO MC HAMMERSMITH

MC Hammersmith headlines the 13th Annual Sarasota Improv Festival.

Where to find Sarasota’s best buns (and burgers)

You’ll have a whopper of a time sampling these savory sandwiches.

EMMA JOLLY CONTRIBUTOR

Some beach babes might be focusing on their toned buns this time of year, but my summer sights are set on a different meaning to “sun’s out, buns out.” This sizzling summer, I’m eager to find that “bun-in-a-million” burger bite where sweet dreams are made of cheese. So come on taste buds, let’s bounce around to some of the best burger joints you’ll “meat” in Sarasota.

TAMIAMI TAP

711 S. Osprey Ave. #3, Sarasota; 941-500-3182, TamiamiTap.com

Vegans Unite: If you know me well, you know two things. First, my local watering hole of choice will forever be Tamiami Tap (hence my engagement shoot taking place at the bar). Second, I do not follow a vegan diet. However, the vegan burger served at this Laurel Park bistro makes me want to consider a clean, healthy lifestyle. The Impossible Burger ($15), topped with you-better-believe-it’s-notdairy vegan cheese, crunchy lettuce, tomato (except for me), diced red onion and a perfect portion of pickle is beyond “bunderful.” Bite into this offering at happy hour, 4-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Select this Side: My eyes are on the fries seasoned unlike any other local potato. Soon you’ll feel as golden as these crispy, crunchy slivers of heaven. Second potato option? The tater tots are just as sensational.

NEW PASS GRILL & BAIT SHOP

1505 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; 941-388-3050, NewPassGrill. com

Best Burger with a View: New Pass Grill & Bait Shop is the best scenic spot in all of Sarasota to smash a staple summer (and all seasons) sandwich. I wish I could keep this sensational location to myself for the rest of eternity, but it would be selfish to do so. Before your group bellies up to order, be sure to claim a table to ensure the best intracoastal views. If you are pulling up by boat, best of luck finding a docking spot at this seaside eatery. Order the classic cheeseburger ($11.99) and choose from add-ons including lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, mustard, mayo and ketchup.

Select this side:  If you’re hungry, grab the grouper bites basket ($20.99), if you want to keep it simple and want a sub for their fabulous French fries for your feast, go with the o-mazing onion rings ($4.99).

KNICK’S TAVERN & GRILL

1818 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota; 941955-7761, KnicksTavernAndGrill. com

Family Feast: Knickole Barger and her father, Knick, have been running our community’s answer to “Cheers” (where everyone knows your name!) for over 20 years. This Southside Village stop is a must on our burger tour. Why not start with a brunch burger with bacon, egg and cheese or a vegan option? Knick’s certified Black Angus half-pound burger ($11.50) is served simply, with lettuce, tomato and onion, showing off its succulence and satisfy-

ing your senses. Elevate your eating experience with toppings like jalapenos, grilled onions, mushrooms, green peppers, bacon and one of nine cheeses, including crumbled bleu, gouda, smoked ghost pepper or cheddar.

Select this side: You won’t be able to attack all the add-ons I’m about to recommend alongside this amazing burger but try your best — or make a reservation to come back. Real deal

potato skins with chipotle ranch, Knick’s famous salad with smoked gouda cheese, spinach artichoke dip with gluten-free corn chips or Ry’s fries with bacon and balsamic reduction. Dig in, diners!

FORK & HEN SRQ

2801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-960-1212, ForkAndHenSRQ. com

Big Ass Burger: Fork & Hen, which

opened in 2022, has a range of option for all foodies — especially those begging for a juicy, colossal “can I get box to take this home” burger. There Watching my husband eat The Hitman ($18) and graciously giving me a go at the towering sandwich has altered my vision of what it means to crave a burger. Make your mouth cheerful by ordering this smashed burger with pimento cheese, a massive hunk of fried mozzarella, the crispiest bacon and lettuce.

Select this side: The creole Brussels sprouts and cauliflower ($11) are tossed with chorizo, sorghum, parsley and green onion. The potatoes are Parm fries ($6.95). You can’t go wrong with Parmesan and garlic butter.

SHAKESPEARE’S CRAFT BEER AND GASTRO PUB

3550 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota; 941-365-5938, ShakespearesEnglishPub.com

Gorgeously Gourmet: The caramelized onion and brie burger ($15.75) is the local bun I want for the rest of my life. Cooked to your liking and paired with fries or coleslaw, this masterpiece “meats” its match with a mouthwatering cover of sweet balsamic caramelized onions and ooeygooey brie cheese. Not tickling your tastebuds? Shakespeare’s has over 10 gourmet burgers, plus veggie and chicken substitutes, ranging from my husband’s pick, the portobello mushroom and pepper jack cheese ($15.75), to the behemoth Texas cowboy ($14.75) with bacon, barbecue sauce, cheddar and a fried onion ring.

Select this side:  You can’t go wrong with whatever you order at Shakespeare’s, now getting its third shout-out in my column. (I’m not on the payroll, I swear!)

Tamiami Tap takes on the vegan burger (seen here as sliders) in a mouthwatering way.

Another column, another entree from Shakespeare’s Craft Beer and Gastro Pub.

Without a doubt, the award for best burger with a view goes to New Pass Grill & Bait Shop.

For over 20 years, Knick’s Tavern & Grill has been dishing out to-die-for burgers.

Photos by Emma Jolly

Fork & Hen SRQ’s colossal The Hitman burger with pimento cheese is nearly perfect.

THIS WEEK

OUR PICK OPENING OF JOHN PIRMAN: DIVING INTO NATURE

The retrospective of the Sarasota-based designer and illustrator John Pirman will display his works both inside Selby Gardens’ Museum of Botany & the Arts and outside throughout the bayfront gardens. The show will include Pirman’s signature Sarasota views as well as his earlier work from three decades as a freelance illustrator in New York. Runs through Sept. 17.

IF YOU GO

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, July

22

Where: Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St.

Tickets: $26

Info: Visit Selby.org.

THURSDAY SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR

2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road

$15-$20

Visit CircusArts.org.

Circus fans of all ages can experience the best of the circus arts at affordable prices thanks to the 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.

THE SURFER BOYS

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

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

DIVAS THREE

7:30 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $18 and up Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Three female vocalists present four decades of songs made famous by Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and other women who have won the coveted title of “diva.” It’s not just their voices that make them divas; it’s their costumes and their attitude. Runs through Sept. 3.

‘BLACK PEARL SINGS!’

8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1265 First St. $25 Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

“Black Pearl Sings” tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a Library of Congress musicologist who wants to record undocumented slave-era music and an African American prisoner who has the knowledge needed for the project. Runs through July 30.

FELICIA MICHAELS

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

A multitalented artist, Felicia Michaels was nominated twice for Funniest Female at the American Comedy Awards before winning the title. In addition to writing and producing her own material, Michaels has helped comedians such as John Fugelsang, Joey Diaz, Aida Rodriguez and Mitch Hedberg. Runs through July 22.

FRIDAY

FRIDAY FEST: ONE NIGHT RODEO

5-9 p.m. on the lawn of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Free

Visit VanWezel.org.

Founded in Bradenton, One Night Rodeo features Cory Hildreth on lead vocals, keys, guitar and mandolin, and Duane Allison on bass guitar and vocals. The country rock band has a 13-year track record and has opened for Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Montgomery Gentry.

IN THE ROUND

7 p.m. at Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300

$20

Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.

In The Round offers selected choreographers from across the country the chance to receive audience feedback at the Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company. This month’s featured choreographer is Camryn Nease.

DON’T MISS ‘COPPÉLIA’

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School presents the charming tale of a mysterious doctor, Dr. Coppelius. The doctor’s mechanical doll, Coppélia, is so lifelike that she turns the head of Franz, who is engaged to marry Swanilda, the village’s most beautiful girl.

IF YOU GO

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 22

Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.

Tickets: $50-$65

Info: SRQCubanBallet. org.

SEUSSICAL KIDS

7 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $11.50-$20

Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com.

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and other characters from Dr. Seuss books come to life in this

For Kids By Kids Production of the musical by Tony Award-winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

‘LATERAL MOVES’

The Players Centre

7:30 p.m. at 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 200 $17

Visit ThePlayers.org.

Written by Cece Dwyer and directed by Candace Artim, “Lateral Moves” is the winner of the Players Centre’s 2021 New Play Festival. It follows a family weekend on Martha’s Vineyard as a couple engaged to be married discover how their unattached parents have the upper hand.

SUNDAY BEATLEOLOGY: SPIRITUALITY AND THE BEATLES

10:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road

Free Visit ElaineSilver.com.

‘Rev. Fairie’ Elaine Silver examines how the Fab Four went from being Liverpool mop tops to students of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It’s a safe bet that George had something to do with it, though John had a spiritual side as well.

WEDNESDAY

WORLD PASSPORT TO JAZZ

6 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free Visit SarasotaMusicArchive.org.

Kevin Celebi and Harmonic Sanity Septet headline Jazz Happy Hour at Selby Library with a musical tour that includes the Deep South, New York City, New Orleans, Brazil and more.

OPENS SOON!

John Pirman’s “Historic Spanish Point”

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School performs “Coppélia” at Sarasota Opera House.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Catch and release

years. They do everything they can to promote the volunteer opportunities at SOS.

ter for the world.”

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

“It’s more difficult than we thought it would be. Actually, chasing ducklings is crazy. They can literally run on top of the water for some period,” said David Gnass, longtime rescue and transport volunteer for Save Our Seabirds.

Two years in a row, David and Linda Gnass found themselves rescuing ducklings from a fountain the birds couldn’t climb out of. They were kept so busy that they almost didn’t realize an audience of nearby residents was watching them from their windows.

“It’s almost a comedy watching us. We were able to get all four of the ducklings finally but we had to capture the mother first, and then get the mother in a place where she could call to the ducklings.”

The husband and wife duo have been volunteering with SOS for 11

“From that comes a feeling of satisfaction and, frankly, gratitude that we’re at a point, in a situation that we can do this,” said David. “When it comes to the rescues and releases, it’s always so special, it always makes the purpose worth it.”

David and Linda built their dedication and knowledge on their favorite pastime, volunteering for SOS. The couple now trains new volunteers regularly. David also built many different facilities for resident birds at SOS. Through their different SOS experiences, the couple has acquired an ever-growing collection of equipment for every type of rescue.

“We have soft carriers in different sizes to transport (birds),” said Linda.

“We have a 24-foot pole that extends out. That way, if we have to cut a branch off or retrieve a bird from high up in a tree, we have that ability.

We also have a boat hook and kayak that comes in handy. We also have a net gun for rescues. It looks like a large flashlight, propelled by a CO2 cartridge. It will spew out. We have two sizes, we have an 8-foot square net, and we have a bigger one that is

10 feet. The openings are larger on that one for the larger birds.”

To become a rescue and transport volunteer, there is a mandatory class that is taught twice a year. It covers everything from the different species of birds, specifics on how to handle each one and put them in the car, the most common rescues one might encounter, how to operate the rescue equipment, etc.

Rescue and transport volunteering is just one of the many volunteer roles at SOS. These include being a greeter who welcomes guests and a docent who guides visitors around the bird sanctuary. People can also help with special events and public programs, assist with landscape and facility maintenance, or work in the office answering phones and dispatching rescuers.

“It’s all about commitment here. I think that a lot of people are really inspired by our mission,” said New Outreach and Volunteer Manager Sarah Rubin. “Over the last couple of weeks, people have just been looking us up. One by one, people are coming in here and being interested in the mission. And wanting to connect to something greater and being able to be involved in doing something bet-

David and Linda said they noticed the immense impact that the CEO Aaron Virgin, veterinarian Maria Passarelli, and Rubin have made to SOS. Specifically, Rubin’s emphasis for a positive work environment helped form a strong volunteer community.

“As volunteers, we’ve really come together over caring about our birds,” said Nate Kettler, who has volunteered at SOS the past two summers. “It’s great to be in a community with people that have that interest and that passion. I’ve already made some really wonderful friends in my months of volunteering here. Everyone’s pretty much focused on the welfare of the birds of the place. We all take a lot of pride in our work, and everyone is very friendly and lovely there”

SOS is always looking for new volunteers and is open to anyone who is interested. Rubin encourages people to reach out and fill out the application available on the organization’s website.

“It’s all about the mission statement here,” said Rubin. “Our mission is to release these birds and to provide an educational sanctuary for these animals here. So you have to believe in the mission, and you have to be willing to give something to someone who has that same mindset.”

Petra Rivera

Linda and David Gnass have been volunteer bird rescuers for 11 years.

Nate Kettler gives a tour of Save Our Seabirds. bird rescue.

Volunteering for Save our Seabirds is more than a pastime — it’s a passion.

Funding the future

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

The Longboat Key Garden Club recently awarded over $60,000 of grant and scholarship money to local nonprofit organizations and college students from around the state.

The club’s annual meeting was on April 28 in the Fellowship Hall at Longboat Island Chapel and hosted all of its grant and scholarship recipients. Along with awarding these recipients, the meeting highlighted the Garden Club’s accomplishments from throughout the past year.

The Garden Club gave $35,000 in grants to local nonprofits, which included Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Save Our Seabirds, Longboat Key Turtle Watch, The Paradise Center, Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto counties, Southside Elementary School, St. Martha’s Catholic School and the Florida Maritime Museum.

“I don’t think that the environment has been a strong educational point with schools anymore. That’s

my personal opinion,” said Melanie Dale, president of the Garden Club.

“I think that goes hand-in-hand with the grants that we give out because without the funding from organizations like the Garden Club and so forth, organizations like Mote Marine, Save Our Seabirds, Longboat Key Turtle Watch and the schools that we give the grants to, which promote taking care of the environment with their kids, wouldn’t happen.”

Along with these grants, the Garden Club gave $3,025 to enable kids to attend the Mote Marine Summer Camp. Recipients had to live on Longboat Key or have parents employed on Longboat Key.

The club is also funding a $10,000 beautification grant allocated to the Town Center pavilion/stage and entrance to the Town Center Green.

The Garden Club awarded $25,000 in scholarships to four students to use for any college expenses of their choosing such as tuition and books. Tori Guarino was awarded the $10,000 scholarship that was funded by then Janet Hartman and Charles T. Bauer Foundation. Guarino is studying at Florida Gulf Coast University in pursuit of a bachelor’s of science in biology with a minor in environmental education and chemistry. She plans to earn her master’s and doctorate in an environmental field with an emphasis in wildlife conservation and environmental remediation.

“They are really accomplished,” said Susan Phillips, immediate past president of the Garden Club and the current head of special projects. “These students are typically 4.0, 3.9, 3.8 caliber students. They’re already doing research projects and white papers, and they’re out in the field doing scientific studies. Their commitment to improving our ecology, the water quality, is just unbelievable.”

The rest of the scholarship money was given out in three $5,000 scholarships.

Devin O’Hara attends the Sarasota-Manatee Campus of University of South Florida and is majoring in biomedical science. Carter Oleckna is a biology major with a concentration in microbiology at Florida Gulf Coast

University and hopes to pursue his doctorate in agricultural sciences. Sophia Pearce majors in zoology at University of Central Florida focusing on working with animals in zoos, aquariums and rescue rehabilitation.

To qualify for a Longboat Key Garden Club scholarship, the student must be majoring in a field relating to environmental matters such as horticulture, floriculture, botany, landscape design, conservation, forestry, agronomy or plant pathology.

“Because of the Garden Club’s mission for beautification, conservation, environmental initiatives,” said Phillips. “Because of that narrow focus on the environment and natural resources, we have to award our scholarships to people who are in an environmental field.”

Applicants must have enough credits to be a college junior or above

WORSHIP directory

while maintaining a 3.0 or higher GPA. They must submit four letters of recommendation, a one-page resume of extracurricular activities, awards and job experience and a one-page essay describing their field of study, future plans and why financial assistance is requested.

“The scholarships are so important because we do promote protecting the environment and the animals and the sea life and the beaches,” said Dale. “The kids who are receiving these scholarships are just doing amazing work with their education and giving back not only to the community but to the environment here.”

The Longboat Key Garden Club awarded more than $60,000 in grants and scholarships.

Courtesy photos

The Longboat Key Garden Club presents grants to local nonprofits at its annual meeting.

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

Carter Oleckna, Tori Guarino, and Devin O’Hara were three of the four scholarship recipients at the Longboat Key Garden Club’s annual meeting.

Susan Phillips, the immediate past president of the Longboat Key Garden Club, at the club’s annual meeting

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Serve’s up

Lido Key hosted pro beach volleyball players for the July Independence Tournament.

Rockstar Beach Promotions hosted the July Independence Volleyball Tournament on July 15-17. Courts were set up at the entrance of Lido Key Beach and hosted volleyball players from around the state.

“We’re an organization that’s been running events all across Florida for almost 20 years now,” said tournament director for Rockstar Beach Promotions, Rachel Manzanares. “The main owner, Alex Kutsy, founded the group and he played AVP for many years. We are stationed on the west coast of Florida. St. Pete Beach is our home base.”

The day started with teams checking in at 7:30 a.m. Games began at 8 a.m. The divisions included men’s and women’s open play from all levels. Ages ranged from younger than 12 years old to college level. All players had to be registered with the Association of Volleyball Professionals to be a part of the tournament.

“We are hoping to continue to grow out here in Lido,” said Manzanares. “The

beach renourishment has added so much out here. There’s a lot of footprint that is not being used, and we want to continue to try to change that.”

That July weekend was only a taste of Rockstar volleyball events. The headline event takes place in November. This year it will be the third annual “Thanksgiving Stuffers” on Lido Key Beach. Sarasota Mayor Kyle Battie, who attended the event, said it’s the perfect way to spend time with loved ones during the holiday.

— PETRA RIVERA

Longboat Key Landmark

ON A BOAT, AT THE BEACH OR BY THE POOL

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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2023 RAIN OR SHINE 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

You are invited to a special intimate performance put on by the Sarasota Jazz Project.

Enjoy listening to Jazz selections from this talented group either out in our gardens or indoors, depending on the weather.

FRIDAY, JULY 21

GUITAR BY AKIEM ESDAILE

6-9 p.m. at Whitney’s 6990 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enjoy a drink or a meal at Whitney’s while listening to the sounds of a new generation of jazz guitar. Clear your mind and enjoy the soothing sounds of Sarasota’s most refreshing jazz guitarist.

MONDAY, JULY 24

MONDAY MATINEE

From noon to 1 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Fee is $15 for nonmembers; free for members. Enjoy fresh popcorn at the Paradise Center’s showing of “The Fablemans.” The film was directed by Steven Spielberg and is loosely based off his adolescence. Call 383-6493.

RECURRING EVENTS

MONDAYS STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN

From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. This class is mostly seated and great for all fitness levels Focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance. Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS

LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT STORE

The thrift store will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Donations are accepted during business hours. Call 383-4738.

TUESDAYS

QI GONG

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

TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

LONGBOAT LIBRARY

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

YOGA

From 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The

BEST BET

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26

PARADISE CENTER FIELD TRIP

11:30 a.m. 546 Bay Isles Road. $20. Travel with the Paradise Center to Cafe L’Europe and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for some community bonding and exploration of the areas outside Longboat Key. Individuals will pay for their own lunch. The Paradise Center plans to carpool and is looking for volunteers to drive. Call 383-6493.

Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Debbie Debile of Feel Good Yoga & Massage leads a gentle yoga class that can be done on a mat or in a chair. Cost is $15; free for members. Call 383-6493.

MAHJONG

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

ROTARY CLUB

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

WEDNESDAYS BEGINNER TAI CHI

From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 3836493.

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Message in the sand

The mystery beach mural artists have finally come forward to claim their fame. New Longboaters Leighton Allenby and Michele De Luce took a month to create the beloved “I love LBK” beach art at the public beach access near Bay Isles Road. The mural was made from more than 500 pounds of seashells they collected on their morning beach walks.

“We’re looking for shells all the time anyways,” said De Luce. “So we started with a small heart and then we made it bigger. Then we wrote ‘I love LBK.’ People would come up to us while we were doing it. And so we’re just meeting a lot of the neighbors that way.”

Ever since they moved to Longboat Key in December, Allenby and De Luce have not missed a beach walk. Their six-mile early morning stroll near the water is not only the best way to start their day, it’s the experience that made them expert seashell collectors.

“There are certain times of the year where certain kinds of shells come in, like sand dollars and the conch shells,” said De Luce. “One time, it had been a full moon and we were out on the beach, lower tide. I was walking along the edge looking for shells and there were like millions. It was unbelievable, so thick and so wide and filled with every kind of shell you could imagine. They were all in perfect condition.”

These beach walks began when Allenby and De Luce lived in St. John’s, Florida. They started bringing bags on their walks to fill with shells. Allenby, who considers the beach his personal gym, always tested his balance on the walks by perching the heavy bag on his head for three or more miles.

While living in St. John’s, they became inspired by beach art that was trending on social media. This led to their first beach art attempt, which was writing “Love City” with stones. De Luce also got in the habit of writing messages in the sand, such as “good morning” to her neighbors.

They worked on their Longboat

masterpiece daily for a month, each time bringing two bags of shells that weighed 35 pounds. They made approximately 16 walking trips from the Bay Isles Beach Club to the far end of the beach.

“People will come up and thank us,” said De Luce. “They’re so excited. They take their pictures. And then they add to the mural. And then little kids will go to grab the shells. Some adults will go to grab them. And we’ve heard parents say, ‘We told our kids they cannot touch the shells.’ It’s still intact. I couldn’t believe it at first.”

The couple continues to add to the mural. Currently, they are working on making a mermaid and plan to make a turtle later on. These creative endeavors on the beach helped them find community here on Longboat Key. Allenby said that he has lived all over the U.S. but because of the welcoming experiences here, Longboat feels like home.

“It gives people a way to connect, which is really kind of cool,” said Allenby. “They wouldn’t otherwise, right? Somebody can be standing at the murals looking at it. Another topic comes up and they engage in conversation.”

— PETRA RIVERA

Photos by Petra Rivera

Michele De Luce works on the “I love LBK” mural on Bay Isles Beach.

Michele De Luce shows off her collection of Longboat Key shells.

Bird Key home tops weekly sales at $1.88 million

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Ahome on Bird Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Kendall and Lynn Smith sold their home at 618 Owl Way to Robert Caine, trustee, of Sarasota, for $1.88 million. Built in 1977, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,434 square feet of living area. It sold for $800,000 in 2012.

FAIRWAY BAY

Alan and Nancy Port sold their Unit 501 condominium at 1910 Harbourside Drive to Regions Bank, trustee, for $1,563,700. Built in 1982, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,135 square feet of living area. It sold for $510,000 in 2010.

THE PRIVATEER SOUTH

Roberta Hoffman, of Longboat Key, sold her Unit 301 condominium at 1000 Longboat Club Road to Jason and Mya Zoracki, of Longboat Key, for $1.35 million. Built in 1972, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,736 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2002.

Douglas Wray, of Tampa, sold the Unit 604 condominium at 1000 Longboat Club Road to Terry and Denise Rehfeldt, of Bradenton, for $1.05 million. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,409 square feet of living area. It sold for $738,000 in 2021.

HARBOUR VILLA CLUB

AT BUCCANEER

Michael James Hodges and Wendy Marie Wilkins-Hodges, of Bradenton, sold their Unit 210 condominium at 615 Dream Island Place to 615 Dream Island #210 LLC for $1,145,000. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,293 square feet of living area. It sold for $480,000 in 2017.

LIDO TOWERS

John MacDonald and Jeanne Brown, trustees, of Mountain View, California, sold the Unit 409 condominium at 1001 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Michelle Laser, of Sarasota, for $699,000. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,224 square feet of living area. It sold for $114,900 in 1980.

BUTTONWOOD COVE

Mary Ellen Meyer, Personal Representative, John O’Mahony, Daniel O’Mahony and Cathryn O’Mahony sold their Unit 101 condominium at 3500 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Circle K 2.0 LLC for $692,500. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,486 square feet of living area. It sold for $400,000 in 2001.

KINGSTON ARMS

Catherine Coffield sold her Unit 11A condominium at 500 S. Washington Drive to Raymond and Kelley Ann Longo, of Islip Terrace, New York, for $640,000. Built in 1963, it has

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

two bedrooms, two baths and 1,034 square feet of living area. It sold for $375,000 in 2016.

LIDO HARBOUR David Bailey, trustee, of Springfield, Virginia, sold the Unit 1 condominium at 1900 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Luis and Francisca Romero, of Longwood, for $575,000. Built in 1967, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,242 square feet of living area. It sold for $79,500 in 1980.

BEACH HARBOR CLUB

Joan Stapleton and Patricia Janssen, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the Unit C-310 condominium at 3806 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Susan Scavron, of Longboat Key, for $375,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,046 square feet of living area. It sold for $36,000 in 1973.

Courtesy of Bruce Myer

This home $1.88 million home at 618 Owl Way on Bird Key has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,434 square feet of living area.

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Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Sarasota Real Estate

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2251 Gulf of Mexico Drive 204 | Aria - LONGBOAT KEY | $10,500,000

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Pre-Construction ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES

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THIS RESIDENCE HAS DEEDED BEACH ACCESS

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Building Features

Designed by award-winning SB Architects and reflecting a fresh, modern attitude, this iconic new, residential tower enjoys a prime waterfront location in the heart of Sarasota’s walkable downtown cultural district.

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Dramatic glass walls throughout residences and spacious terraces provide abundant natural lighting throughout the building while showcasing sweeping views of Sarasota Bay, the harbor, downtown Sarasota cityscape, and the Gulf of Mexico

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SILENCE IS GOLDEN by Michael Berg, edited by Jeff Chen By Luis

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Jenelle Alber took this shot from Beer Can Island, just off the coast of Longboat Key.

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 Gulf and striking sunset vistas you can enjoy from any room of this gorgeous beachfront estate.

ROAD