Longboat Observer 8.31.23

LONGBOAT

Observer

Set sail.

PAGE 16

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

VOLUME 46, NO. 4

YOUR TOWN

Built to withstand nature New designs and material choices are toughening waterfront homes on the Key. SEE PAGE 3

Get the latest news on Idalia As of press time, Longboat Key was under an evacuation order for Tropical Storm Idalia, which was projected to make landfall as a major hurricane Wednesday on the northern portion of the Gulf Coast.

To see our latest coverage and news from the storm, including warnings, cancellations and damage reports, visit YourObserver.com.

HUNT IS ON

After a COVID-imposed hiatus, volunteers search for scallops again.

SEE PAGE 2

File photo

Commissioner Penny Gold in the 2021 Freedom Fest parade.

Gold for Gold

Longboat Key’s commissioners continue to earn high marks as they pursue further education in the ways of local government.

District 2 Commissioner Penny Gold was recently awarded a Gold Certificate of Excellence from the Certificate Program for Elected Municipal Officials, organized by the Florida League of Cities.

This past year was the program’s inaugural year, running from August 2022 to July 2023.

Commissioners attended training programs and online seminars related to local government and in return were awarded points for the sessions they attended. Each session was worth a different number of points, from one to 10.

Examples of sessions included Legislative Action Days, FLC webinars, state-mandated ethics training and the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials training.

To get the Gold Certificate of Excellence, Gold needed to earn at least 30 points since August 2022.

Petra Rivera

Ronda Ryan leading the Great Scallop Search hosted by Sarasota Bay Watch at Sarasota Sailing Squadron.

GOLDEN YEAR

A+E

Café L’Europe celebrates its 50th year on St. Armands Circle. SEE PAGE 18

Turtle tracks LONGBOAT Aug. 13-19 Nests False crawls

2023 0 0

What’s in mind?

PAGE 13

2022 6 2

Totals since April 23 2023 2022 Nests 996 1,297 False crawls 1,300 1,520 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

Petra Rivera

Café L’Europe recently went through a renovation to help celebrate its 50th anniversary.

2

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

Great Scallop Search returns Sarasota Bay Watch hosts first scallop search since COVID.

Martina Belanch snorkels to count creatures.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

T

he Great Scallop Search is back.

Sarasota Bay Watch on Aug. 26 held its first scallop search since 2019. The event was on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The citizen science event asked volunteers to spend a Saturday morning documenting data on scallops, shellfish, animals and seagrass in Sarasota Bay. “Scallops are considered the canaries of the water,” said Ronda Ryan, executive director of Sarasota Bay Watch. “If there are changes in the water quality, the salinity, the food source or any of that, it’s going to affect the scallop population. So we do the search to look at the status of the water.”

Volunteers got to Sarasota Sailing Squadron at 8:30 a.m. They were encouraged to bring their own boats, snorkels, sun protection and fins, but Sarasota Bay Watch provided equipment for those who needed it.

As people were registered, they had bagels and coffee while they listened to Ryan’s plan for the day.

“They’re going to come and register, and we’re going to give them a transect. And the transect, it’s going to have a five-gallon bucket that consists of a weighted line, a couple buoys and some heavy weights on each end,” said Ryan.

The transect is a weighted line used to measure a meter in the water.

“They’re going to put it down in the water. That weighted line is going to

The Bloom family snorkels during the Great Scallop Search

lay along the bottom. Then we have a snorkeler on each side of that line.

They’re going to swim along that and record what they see.”

Ryan said that volunteers recorded how many scallops and clams they saw, the type of seagrass present and if there are shells, sea horses, stingrays, fish, crabs, etc. Snorkelers will call out everything they see in the water for each meter to a data keeper on the boat, who will record it on a data sheet provided. Each boat is assigned to a different area of the bay.

The scallop searches are done along the coast annually in late summer.

Ryan said Sarasota, Tampa and Charlotte Harbor are all doing searches within a couple weeks of each other. This data will be given to Sarasota County, which has an ongoing scallop monitoring program.

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg is also interested in the information collected.

“The cool thing about scallops is that they filter about 14.7 liters per hour,” said Ryan. “They suck in water and it goes across their gills and then comes out. But they are extremely sensitive, so they die very easily.

In the ’60s, with the dredging and building and pollution, a lot of the seagrass beds that they require for their habitat were killed off and the scallops died. Red tides are another

Courtesy photos

Mollie Holland, Brooke Langston, Federico Vasquez, Josie Collazo, Tara Goldstein, Peter Peduzzi and Wendi Gengler.

problem as well.”

The first Great Scallop Search in Sarasota was 2008. It was Sarasota Bay Watch’s first formal event as a nonprofit organization. It was founded in 2006.

“You can just gather so much more data this way with it being a citizen science experiment,” said Ryan.

“If you had to rely on professionals for all this, it just wouldn’t happen because there’s not enough staff or enough time. But these volunteers love doing it, so it evens it out.”

Ryan emphasized that it has always been a family fun event. She said the same families have been coming for years and their children have grown up with this event.

“It’s about getting the community out there and getting their face in

Amber Whittle prepares for another dive.

“It’s about getting the community out there and getting their face in the water. It helps them get a better feel for the whole living system down there. It helps to make them stewards of the water.”

— Ronda Ryan, executive director of Sarasota Bay Watch

the water,” said Ryan. “It helps them get a better feel for the whole living system down there. It helps to make them stewards of the water.”

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

3

Courtesy Photos

This Bay Isles modern home on Longboat Key, designed by DSDG Architects, recently won the Aurora Award for Custom Home of the Year (5,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet) at the South Eastern Builders Conference. It features resilient design aspects such as faux wood made of aluminum and solar panels.

Gulf Coast RESILIENCE Local architects explain how resilient construction attempts to solve risks of beachfront living.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

W

aterfront real estate continues to attract new construction, despite the risks posed by tropical weather.

Building resilient homes in vulnerable locations requires a number of adaptations including, but not limited to, elevating houses and building them with more durable materials.

Local architects Daniel Lear of Lear Studio and Mark Sultana of DSDG Architects agree that building up is a key to improving storm resiliency, but materials are equally important and allow for a higher degree of creativity.

Sultana’s firm DSDG has done work on both the Aria and Infinity condos on Longboat Key. The firm also has a new construction listing currently active for $16,995,000 million at 6489 Gulfside Road.

In recent years, Sultana said resiliency has been on everyone’s minds, and his office ensures that from the start there are multiple resiliency measures in place.

“These structures are made to hold up,” Sultana said.

KNOW YOUR ZONE

Homes built in Zone V, i.e. on the beachfront, need to be raised to 18.3 feet off the ground, Sultana said.

These homes’ plans must first be approved through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, before getting the construction permits from the town of Longboat Key. Another issue when building a home so close to the water is resisting scour.

Scour occurs when heavy waves, such as storm surge, surround a

structure and wash away the sediment around it. Lear said that storm surge can often be a more pressing issue than wind impacts.

To combat this, Sultana said the beachfront homes need dozens of pilings — concrete cylinders that are driven as far as 30 to 40 feet into the ground to provide strength and stability to the foundation.

Sultana said after the pilings are driven into the ground, another layer of concrete goes over top of that, yet no one ever sees these important and expensive structures.

Farther from the beachfront, homes built in Zone A don’t require pilings, but still need to be raised about 10-12 feet off the ground, according to Sultana.

“Really, the biggest challenge by the water is having (to) build up,” Lear said.

One of the challenges is the fact that having a structure built so high can seem intimidating. Lear said he can use certain strategies to make the homes feel shorter, or closer to the ground. He likes to try to make the stairs seem like an adventure, rather than an obstacle.

But at the same time, a raised house gives him more to work with in terms of finding places for water to percolate. Raised houses can be designed to allow for natural areas under the house that allow water to drain.

To Lear, having a natural landscape is better all around, both for drainage and aesthetics. Mangroves are a more desirable choice than a sea wall a lot of times, Lear said.

Having a raised house with space underneath can also accommodate outdoor living spaces, which Sultana said are increasingly common.

With that design, Sultana said hurricane doors are a popular addition, with about half of his clients asking for them. With the flip of a switch, heavy doors can be lowered from the hidden overhead storage, making patio furniture and the house more storm resistant.

EVOLUTION OF WINDOWS

With houses built near the water, current Florida Building Code

Courtesy image

This Longboat residence was designed by Lear Studio.

requires windows in the Sarasota area to be able to withstand 160 mph winds, according to Sultana.

That’s near the minimum speed of sustained winds during a Category 5 hurricane.

While wind-resistant windows seemed like a big innovation years ago, they came with drawbacks at the start.

“It was really like a backward step in design,” Lear said The issue was how small they were. The smaller panes weren’t able to cover the larger windows, which required some adapting in the design phase. Often, steel bars needed to be used in between the small panes to cover larger areas.

“Now, we’re really not limited any more,” Sultana said.

Over time, the wind-resistant windows have grown enough to create large windows to allow for a view of the entire beach. Some companies even have sliding glass doors that are rated to endure these high winds.

Not only did larger, stronger windows allow for more creativity, but they also added to the sense of security for a homeowner. The added benefit is that if 160 mph winds can’t break through the windows, it makes it difficult for intruders to break through.

Even more secure are impactresistant windows, which Lear noted are also increasingly popular.

Impact-resistant windows are able to withstand projectiles crashing into windows, whereas windows with a certain degree of wind resistance may not be able to stop a heavy tree branch coming at the window.

SMARTER MATERIALS

Starting from the top, Sultana said there have been many different roof designs he has implemented in recent years.

A newer trend he’s seing is the desire for concrete roofs.

“I would say five years ago, we never did a concrete roof on a house,” Sultana said.

Now, he said he has dozens of projects with concrete roofs given their durability in storms, though they tend to be more expensive than other roofing materials.

Overall, concrete is a durable option for storm resistance. Lear said in previous projects he has enjoyed using inspiration from other architects to make concrete feel “lighter,” in the visual sense.

Both Lear and Sultana talked down using wood in modern, storm-resistant designs. The issue with wood is that it doesn’t hold up in Florida’s climate. Whether it’s termites, humidity or storms, both architects said finding creative alternatives is essential.

But a lot of people like the look of wood. That prompts the need for materials that look like wood from afar, but are easier to maintain.

Sultana often turns to a material that is made of aluminum, but gives the appearance of natural wood.

Lear uses materials like NewTechWood, a composite material that also looks like natural wood, and somewhat feels like it.

These materials are more adaptable to Florida’s climate, and are less likely to need renovations as frequently as wood, which would need to be refinished almost every year.

Whether it’s materials or laying the foundation, Lear urged the importance of adapting to the market, while also making sure the structures last.

“The question is how do we build something that’s resilient but also desirable?”

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

Sales tax holiday for storm prep until Sept. 8

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L’Shana Tova!

You are always welcome at Temple Beth Israel, but especially during the High Holy Days, when we celebrate the New Year with a sense of shared values, friendship, and faith. This is both our tradition and our fresh look to the future.

OBSERVER STAFF

High Holy Day Schedule Erev Rosh Hashanah – 9/15 at 7:30 pm Rosh Hashanah – 9/16 at 10:00 am Kol Nidre – 9/24 at 7:30 pm

Yom Kippur Afternoon – 9/25 at 4:00 pm Yizkor & Neilah – 9/25 at 5:00 pm Break-the-Fast – 9/25 at 6:00 pm

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ow that Florida has entered the heart of hurricane season, shoppers can take advantage of Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, which last until Sept. 8.

Sales tax will be suspended on a wide range of products that could come in handy should the state experience landfall of a major hurricane.

The sales tax holiday applies to products in a range of 11 price tiers, starting at $10 or less for pet food up to $3,000 or less for portable generators.

The product categories include:

$10 OR LESS Pet food

Yom Kippur Morning – 9/25 at 10:00 am

TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL

$15 OR LESS Manual can openers Collapsible or travel-size pet food or water bowls Cat litter pans Pet waste disposal bags Hamster or rabbit substrate $20 OR LESS Reusable ice Leashes, collars and muzzles for pets Pet pads $25 OR LESS Cat litter, 25 pounds or less $30 OR LESS Laundry detergent and supplies Paper products Hand soap, bar soap and sunscreen Dish soap and detergents Cleaning and disinfecting wipes and sprays, hand sanitizer Trash bags

Protecting the President on 9/11

Portable generators less than $3,000 are tax free until Sept. 8.

$40 OR LESS Portable self-powered light sources Pet beds

$50 OR LESS Portable self-powered radios, two-way radios, weather-band radios Gas or diesel fuel tanks Batteries including rechargeable in AA, AAA, C and D cells; and 6-volt and 9-volt $60 OR LESS Nonelectric food storage coolers Portable power banks $70 OR LESS Smoke detectors or smoke alarms Fire extinguishers Carbon monoxide detectors $1,000 OR LESS Tarps or other flexible waterproof sheeting Ground anchor systems Portable pet kennels or carriers Dog or cat food weighing 50 pounds or less Over-the-counter pet medications $3,000 OR LESS Portable generators

For more details, visit FloridaRevenue.com/DisasterPrep.

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

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Our services, led by Rabbi Stephen Sniderman and accompanied by an outstanding choir, reflect the spiritual meaning of the holiday in a beautiful and uplifting way.

If you would like more information, or to purchase tickets for our holiday services, please call us. We would be glad to hear from you.

And, of course, if you’re considering joining a vibrant Reform temple, whether you’re a full-time or parttime resident, you’ll find yourself right at home at Longboat Key’s Temple Beth Israel.

Sales tax won’t be collected on a variety of products to help weather the aftermath of a hurricane.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR HIGH HOLY DAY SERVICES RIGHT ON LONGBOAT KEY

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

5

Budget bits: Inside Longboat’s school tax payments L

et’s start with the obvious: Aside from tourists and visitors, Longboat Key is not a place thought of for its abundance of children. But Key residents make an important contribution every year to the kids of Sarasota and Manatee counties by doing a simple (but required) act: paying property taxes.

It’s no secret that Longboat is known as a “donor” community for the school districts. Its high property values mean it pays an outsized portion of the schools’ tax bill in proportion to the number of students the Key sends to public schools.

We took a dive into the numbers to provide some perspective — and also to show Longboaters a few things their property taxes help fund. ­— OBSERVER STAFF

gigi

LONGBOAT HAS ...

0.0882% Of students in Sarasota and Manatee county schools, combined. In Sarasota County, Longboat has 39 students who attend public schools, and in Manatee County, it has 42 students enrolled in the district.

LONGBOAT PROVIDES ...

$609,127

Price per pupil, if the total Longboat property owners pay in school taxes is divided by the number of students on the Key.

$9,185

State funding per student for Sarasota County in FY2022-23,

3,515

$49.34M

Students that could be funded in Sarasota County by Longboaters’ property taxes in that county in FY2022-23.

In local revenue for Sarasota and Manatee counties, combined. Longboaters pay $17.05 million in Manatee County and $32.29 million for Sarasota County, which is 6.7% of the total local funding for those two districts.

BY COMPARISON ...

6.522

The total school tax rate for Manatee County. It has fallen over the last 20 years from 8.296 in 2004 to 6.421 proposed for FY2024 as property values have risen.

$47.83M

$19.85M

Food service budget for Manatee County schools in FY2024.

The total projected for Longboat residents to pay in town property taxes for FY 2024. The town’s general fund revenues are $21.31 million, which means residents contribute nearly double to the schools what they do to the town.

34.6%

Amount of Sarasota County Schools’ $1.55 billion budget that comes from property taxes.

$14.95M

TRUTH IN MILLAGE For the FY2024 proposed budget, the schools tax rates are 6.18 mills for Sarasota County and 6.421 mills for Manatee County. A mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value. Despite the reduction in tax rates, the amount of tax revenue has risen with rising property values.

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BY THE NUMBERS

Cost of adding 30 minutes to the school day in Sarasota County in FY2024. Funded by the 1-mill referendum in 2022, which Longboat voters overwhelmingly supported.

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Longboat Key has fewer than 100 students who attend public schools, yet property owners pay nearly $50 million a year in school taxes.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

WORK HARD

PLAY

HARDER! Photos by Carter Weinhofer

The view from a Duffy electric boat.

The stillness of electric A local boat ­retailer highlights the benefits of electric boats, aka ‘floating living rooms.’

CARTER WEINHOFER

1/2 OFF

STAFF WRITER

*

E

d Kolodzieski described the Duffy boat as a “luxurious, floating living room,” where the typical, noisy aspects of other boats are removed.

But despite the potential appeal of Duffy boats, Kolodzieski said there may only be two in use around Longboat Key, aside from the ones in his shop.

“There isn’t high demand for electric boats because there isn’t much awareness,” he said.

Out on the water, Capt. Nic Cunninghame Graham showed how easy the 22-foot boat is to maneuver, with a steering wheel and a throttle. Spinning the wheel all the way left and then pushing the throttle forward allows the boat to turn sharper than most others on the water.

Kolodzieski said the boat is perfect for enjoying nature quietly.

“The only sound you’re going to hear is the music or the water,” Kolodzieski said.

Going 6 miles an hour, the boat can run for about 12 hours before needing to be plugged into any common three-pronged outlet to charge the 16 batteries stored in the keel.

“If you can plug in a hair dryer, you can plug in a boat,” Kolodzieski said.

Aside from saving on the cost of gas and the benefit of a quiet ride, Kolodzieski said the electric boats he sells are low maintenance.

“The pain-in-the-butt aspects of boating really aren’t there,” Kolodzieski said.

Like any boat, the electric Duffy boats should be rinsed with freshwater after being on the water, but unlike boats with gas-powered engines, the engine doesn’t need to be flushed and it doesn’t need to be filled with gas before each use.

In the showroom of the Whitney Beach Plaza Ultra-Duffy shop, there’s a Torqeedo motor on display, in a deep tank of water. The motor

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weighs about 37 pounds, which is lightweight compared to gas-powered motors.

Kolodzieski demonstrated how it can be taken apart in under a minute. This makes it easily transferable to other vessels, like the inflatable Zodiacs he also sells.

The Zodiacs are much smaller, only able to hold about two or three people. They’re more of a transporter, Kolodzieski said. He imagines people using these small boats to travel to and from waterfront restaurants, like Mar Vista.

Growing up around Tampa Bay, Kolodzieski was always interested in the water and boating. He moved to Longboat Key in 2010 and has been operating the Ultra-Duffy business since 2020. He currently opens for appointments only, giving him more one-on-one time for consultation and education about the electric boats and motors he has available.

Aside from the boats seen at his shop, Kolodzieski said not many other electric boats can be seen on the waters of Longboat Key. Kolodzieski said most people in Florida probably don’t know that electric boats like this existed, but electric Duffy boats have been manufactured since 1970.

According to Kolodzieski and the Ultra-Duffy website, all electric Duffy boats are made in Adelanto, California. Not too far from Adelanto is Newport Beach, where there are more than 3,500 Duffy electric boats.

With more marketing and awareness, Kolodzieski hopes that ­Longboat can catch up to Newport Beach.

Capt. Nic Cunninghame Graham controls the “highly maneuverable” Duffy Sun Cruiser 22.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

OPEN THIS SEPTEMBER!

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

Visitors to Longboat Key’s Quick Point Nature Preserve can now do more than just admire the area’s plant and animal life — they can contribute to a biodiversity survey.

A new sign was installed on Aug. 20 at the park, part of a project that was spearheaded by David Glosser.

The project was a collaboration of members of the spring 2023 Florida Master Naturalist Program.

“The class didn’t just end for me, I took the ball and freaking ran with it,” Glosser said.

Glosser said he’s always identified as a naturalist, with a background in geology and environmental science before switching to the horticulture business in his mid-30s. This April, Glosser was a part of a Master Naturalist class that included multiple field trips to nature spots in the area, such as Robinson Preserve and Quick Point Nature Preserve.

During the field trip to Quick Point, Glosser was intrigued by another Master Naturalist classmate who was using the free iNaturalist app.

After seeing the app in action, Glosser began exploring the app and said he was amazed at the biodiversity surveys he could look at from all around the world.

This inspired an idea. The class needed to do a project for the course, so Glosser threw out the idea of doing a biodiversity survey of Quick

Courtesy photo

Point using the iNaturalist app. The idea stuck.

The group consisted of Glosser, Ingrid Deckman, Mark Briefman, ­ ybulski.

Danny Enriquez and Rob C The Master Naturalist course instructor was Jason Robertshaw, project manager at Mote Marine Laboratory.

This project eventually led to the broader idea of creating a permanent “location” for Quick Point on the iNaturalist app so that others who visit the park can add to the survey.

Glosser took charge of getting the town of Longboat Key’s approval for a sign in the park, while everyone in the group contributed financially to the project. After three months of working with town officials, Glosser was able to put the sign into the ground.

USING THE iNATURALIST APP On the sign at Quick Point Nature Preserve, visitors can scan a QR code that takes users to a webpage for the park’s iNaturalist location.

With the app, an observer unfamiliar with a species can post a picture of it to the site’s location, which can then be specified by an identifier. As of Aug. 27, there have been: n 694 observations n 209 species n 301 identifiers n 81 observers

The QR code on the new sign at Quick Point Nature Preserve on Longboat Key takes people to the site’s location on the free iNaturalist app.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Idalia cannot be ignored For native Floridians, it’s easy to get jaded and to brush off another hurricane as ‘no big deal.’ But coming off last year’s devastating Hurricane Ian, it’s no time to be complacent.

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / James Peter, JPeter@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Petra Rivera, PRivera@ YourObserver.com; 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 / Luke Reasoner, LReasoner@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com

EMILY WALSH

H

ere we go again.

Our first storm of the season, Tropical Storm Idalia, is expected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday, Aug. 30 as a Category 3 hurricane.

By 9 a.m. Monday, the Longboat Key Mobil gas station was packed with residents filling up their gas tanks. Shortly after noon, Sarasota County parents got word that schools would be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday to prepare to serve as evacuation centers.

While Sarasota-Manatee is not in the direct path of Idalia, sometimes the effects of landfall north of our area can create equally as bad storm surges and flooding, especially on the northern end of Longboat Key. Nearly 11 months to the day (Hurricane Ian made landfall in Cayo Costa on Sept. 28, 2022), we must not forget lessons learned from that storm.

Before we recall some important tips to stay safe during this storm and those that may follow during the 2023 hurricane season, rest assured that we will be here to provide you news and information before, during and after the storm has passed.

First of all, you may be receiving your print copy a day early or perhaps a day later than your normal print delivery. Our weekly print editions are produced by the Villages Media Group, which is located just northwest of Orlando and east of Cedar Key, where Idalia plans to make landfall. To ensure their staff’s safety and that they have power to run the printing press, we’ve moved our deadlines up a day to get the print editions of the Longboat and East County Observers to you earlier.

Next comes the safety of our delivery drivers. Our drivers need to stay off the roads until conditions are safe, which means your Sarasota Observer will possibly arrive later on Friday. During the storm, stay informed on the latest news on YourObserver.com, which will provide you breaking news and information up to the minute. We will also be sharing this information on social media. Follow us on Facebook @Your Observer. And, in the event that print distribution is changed in the future due to storms, our e-Newspaper app will always have this week’s editions right on

File photo

time. Visit YourObserver.com/ Subscribe to learn more.

Lastly, because humans have short memories when it comes to unpleasant things, with the help of Coldwell Banker Realtor and Bird Key resident Roger Pettingell, here is a refresher on our top takeaways from Hurricane Ian for staying safe this season: ■ Gas: Fill up your car with gas and charge your electric vehicles up to 100%. And fill up multiple gas cans for generators. When a storm makes landfall north of our area, it may affect supply chain issues, making gas scarce days after the storm has passed.

■ Generators: If you have a generator, make sure you test it before the storm. Don’t wait to turn it on for the first time after the storm is over.

■ Water: It’s not about getting thirsty and having water bottles on hand to drink. You’re really talking about what happens when your water gets shut off. You should fill up your bathtubs and all the vessels you have when your water is running, so you have it on hand when your water is turned off. This is especially important for barrier island residents, whose running water was turned off for two to three days during Hurricane Ian. ■ Cars: When storm surge is a threat, a critical lesson we learned is to park your cars on a high level of a parking garage. If you’re out of town, make sure your keys are somewhere someone can access them.

■ Hotel: Pre-book a hotel in Evacuation Zone C or higher.

Also, look for a hotel that has been built in the past five years, has a

generator and is up to hurricane codes.

■ Power: Pettingell left his front door light on before evacuating Bird Key during Ian. He used his Ring doorbell app to check and see when his power came back on. The Ring doorbell is battery operated, so put in fresh batteries or fully charge it before you leave.

■ Insurance: Check with your insurance agent to make sure you’re adequately insured. Don’t wait until the last minute to do a walk around with a smartphone to video what the contents of your home are if you do have to make an insurance claim.

Create a family Dropbox with all of your important documents scanned so you can access them on your phone so you’re not running around looking for insurance papers.

■ Evacuation plan: When making your evacuation plan, keep in mind that the cone of uncertainty is just that, it’s uncertain. You may want to have a couple of places available to evacuate to, for example, out in east in Sarasota, farther east in Orlando or even up and out of the state.

This morning, I asked my husband, Pat Robinson, deputy city manager and public safety administrator of the city of Sarasota, what was the most important thing I needed to do to prepare for this storm. He replied, “Fill up your gas tank.” So, just like all those smart Longboaters, I’m off to the nearest gas station. Stay safe.

An exit sign was blown onto the south end of Longboat Key beach after Hurricane Ian.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

Drone footage of Hunters Point shows the progress that’s been made since the concept of the net-zero community began in 2017.

“I really think that it only takes two or three big (companies) to blow this up into a standard. I think we’re close.”

— Marshall Gobuty, developer of net-zero homes

Dean of

GREEN Bradenton-based Pearl Homes was named a LEED Power Builder for its work on a net-zero community in Cortez.

AMANDA POSTMA BUSINESS OBSERVER

A

win for sustainability is in the books after B ra d e n t o n - b a s e d Pearl Homes was recognized by the U.S. Green Building Coun-

cil as a 2023 LEED Power Builder for building a community that developer Marshall Gobuty believes will soon set the standard for sustainability in the homebuilding industry.

The recognition came a few years after that community — Hunters Point — was just getting started.

Gobuty, president and founder of

Courtesy photo

Pearl Homes, and his team started working on Hunters Point in Cortez, an Old Florida fishing village in west Manatee County off of Sarasota Bay, in 2017. The 86-home community, with homes ranging in price from $1.49 million to $1.89 million, generates more energy than it consumes.

It’s been a lot of research, design, development and starting over; not all of the model homes built were winners at first. Gobuty said the team had completed a home in the center that was eventually scrapped because it wasn’t big enough for what consumers sought. It was 600 square feet too small. The team revised calculations and had the home design in six months.

“It was hard,” he said. “None of this is easy. But it is gratifying.”

The concept is a house that runs entirely on solar panels that are connected to a Sonnen battery, which is roughly the size of a refrigerator. The house generates more power than is consumed, thus eliminating a utility bill.

The company built a model home in a research and design center in Palmetto to monitor its performance for 18 months. After three months of operation, Gobuty said the house

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exceeded power generation. Now that people are living in the houses, that proof is tenfold.

“We can tell in one month we had 1,800 pounds of CO2 that we did not put out into the environment,” Gobuty said, adding that’s the same as the amount of air 14 trees can generate in a month. And according to the Arbor Day Foundation, it would take a year for 37.5 mature trees to absorb that much carbon dioxide from the environment.

Data collected that Gobuty provided shows that a net-positive Pearl Home exports 8,000 kilowatts per hour back to the grid. For perspective, one kilowatt per hour equals the amount of energy it takes to run a 1,000-watt appliance for an hour.

Gobuty, who refers to the U.S. Green Building Council as the “people who invented sustainability,” revels in the organization’s recognition, which is awarded to developers and builders committed to LEED and residential green building.

“For them to say we do a good job,” he said, “it means something.”

But just because Pearl Homes is a Power Builder doesn’t mean Gobuty’s work is finished. Really, he’s just getting started because now he’s focused on taking what he’s learned from creating a net-zero home and perfecting it. He wants to apply the concept to multifamily units.

“We’ve already proven that the model works,” he said. “It’s just applying it to different residential opportunities.”

Pearl Homes is working on a workforce housing community in downtown Bradenton named the Met that will begin leasing in the third quarter. Through the use of on-site battery storage technology and solar panels, the project will bring 200

9

sustainable units to the area, he said.

Then it’s onto the Met 2, also referred to as the Epic. The idea of this project is to create net-zero multifamily housing, but on less than an acre to prove sustainable living can be achieved within cities.

The two-bedroom units are being developed with battery and solar power on-site. The nearly 30 units should be underway in the next six months, Gobuty said.

MORE SUSTAINABILITY?

Earlier this year, Pearl Homes purchased 120 acres between Ellenton and Parrish in north Manatee County for 720 single-family rentals, which will be sustainable with market-rate rents, within a community called Ourlives.

While building these communities is a welcome addition to the area, Gobuty said the biggest contribution he can make is getting homebuilders on a national scale to get onboard.

“We’ve had builders come from everywhere to see how we do it,” he said, noting that local homebuilders aren’t buying into the concept — yet.

“It’s not as expensive as you think. I believe this is the future of home owning.”

Gobuty said after tax credits, the solar and battery system adds about $58,000 to the cost of each home.

Over the last two months, Gobuty said he’s seen more positive movement among homebuilders who have come to talk to him about it.

At first, “they just look at you like you’re crazy,” he said.

Having results after the first quarter of people living in the homes has helped.

“So we’re not just saying the model worked,” he said. “We’re actually showing hard numbers.”

On Aug. 1, he met with a company that owns hotels and Amazon buildings that was interested in how it can apply the concept to its business.

“I really think that it only takes two or three big (companies) to blow this up into a standard,” he said. “I think we’re close.”

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

COPS CORNER

10

FRIDAY, AUG. 18

WATER TROUBLES 6:02 p.m., 800 block of Spanish Drive South Citizen Assist: Longboat Key Police Department officers were dispatched to respond to a water main break. On the scene, an officer made contact with a foreman with Florida Power and Light. He had the situation under control. No further law enforcement assistance was needed.

ROWDY EVENING 11:15 p.m., 3000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Noise Complaint: An officer responded to a late-night noise complaint. Upon arrival, the officer located the source of the noise and told the offender to shut things down for the night.

FRIDAY, AUG. 18

MISSING PERSONAL WATERCRAFT 8:58 p.m., Beer Can Island Boat-Miscellaneous: A Longboat Key Police Department marine patrol officer was asked to assist Longboat Key Fire Rescue after a report of a personal watercraft operator who hadn’t returned after dark. The two agencies met the caller at a boat ramp in Bradenton Beach. The watercraft operator was being towed to the dock.

He had run out of fuel.

SATURDAY, AUG. 19

FALSE ALARM 6:04 a.m., 500 block of Putting Green Lane Suspicious Incident: Multiple officers responded to a reported burglary in progress. On scene, the complainant stated there were beeps coming from an alarm upstairs. Officers searched the residence in question but saw no signs of people or forced entry.

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SUSPICIOUS POOL PARTY 10:50 p.m., 6000 block of Longboat Drive South Noise Complaint: Longboat police officers investigated a report of a female screaming. On the scene, the officers heard some screaming and went on foot to find the source.

The officers located a group in a private pool making the loud noises.

A parent was advised of the noise ordinance and was issued a warning.

collection service on Longboat Key on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.

Residents and Businesses regularly serviced on Monday will be serviced the following day.

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MONDAY, AUG. 21

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ROAD BLOCK 11:57 a.m., 600 block of Norton Street Citizen Assist: A report of illegal parking that blocked traffic prompted police response. The responding officer saw a company pickup truck and trailer parked mid-block, but there was enough room for the patrol vehicle to pass.

A resident flagged down the officer

and said there had been three work trucks blocking the road, making it impossible for a trash collection service provider to pick up a neighbor’s garbage. The officer advised the resident to call trash collection service to let it know the road was clear. The workers were also told that in the future the trucks would need to be parked farther off the road.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 23

EARLY ROAD TRIP 3:02 a.m., 6000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen Assist: A disabled motorcyclist’s insurance company called Longboat Key PD to assist.

Officers were able to locate the motorcyclist and help jumpstart the battery. He was sent on his way, heading northbound.

EARLY START 7:45 a.m., 500 block of Norton Street Noise Complaint: An officer was dispatched to a noise complaint of construction occurring before 8 a.m., but the complainant was not on scene when the officer arrived.

The officer met with the crew, which was unaware of the ordinance. The owner of the construction company was notified over the phone about the allowable hours of operation.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

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The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Bay are not owned, developed or sold by Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates (“Ritz-Carlton”). KT Sarasota South, LLC uses The Ritz-Carlton marks under a license from Ritz-Carlton, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made herein. Broker Participation Welcomed and Encouraged. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Prices and availability are subject to change at any time without notice. Images are artist’s renderings and may not represent the final building. Furnishings and fixtures are for display purposes and are not included with the residence. Actual improvements, including, recreational facilities and amenities, may vary from those shown and views may not be available from all units.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

TRIBUTES Ivan Lewis Kushen 1935-2023

Son of the late Genevieve and Arthur Kushen. Beloved husband of Ellen Jones Kushen for 21 years until her death in 1979. Cherished husband of Marilyn Kushen for the past 39 years.

The best father of Anne (Mitch) Macknin, Karen (Ed) Weil, Ali (Irv) Kagan, and Geoff Ruttenberg. The loved forever grandfather of Ellen (Max) McCarty, Lucy Behn, Charlie Weil, Rachel Weil, Sammy Kagan, Joey Kagan, and Benjamin Kagan.

Great-grandfather of Asher McCarty. Dear brother of Richard (Arlene) Kushen and the late Barbara Kushen Dee, and brother-in-law of Richard (the late Jayne) Jones. Loving cousin and uncle to many. Lifelong devoted friend of countless people across the country.

Ivan was a proud University of Michigan graduate and ZBT fraternity brother. He joined the family furniture company, Kushen Brothers Furniture, out of college and later became a leading sales representative of Schnadig International Furniture.

Long-suffering White Sox and Bears fan, offset by the perennial powerhouse Wolverines football squad. Fast walker, fisherman, fun-loving friend, and grillmaster,

Fast walker, fisherman, funloving friend, and grillmaster, Ivan had a sharp wit, an infectious laugh, a boundless loyalty to his family and friends, and an unwavering patriotism.

Ivan had a sharp wit, an infectious laugh, a boundless loyalty to his family and friends, and an unwavering patriotism. His strength, wisdom, humor, and smile will be remembered forever.

Services have been held.

Memorial contributions may be made to Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee (https://jfedsrq.org/waysto-give/donor-programs/), Anti-Defamation League (https://www.adl.org/), and Chicago Lighthouse (https:// chicagolighthouse.org/).

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Ivan Lewis Kushen, of Highland Park, Illinois and Longboat Key, Florida, born August 10, 1935, passed away August 17, 2023.

Getting to know you, again T

he Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce held its monthly Networking At Noon luncheon on Aug. 24 at Lazy Lobster.

Andrew Vac, real estate consultant and broker, hosted the event, along with Gail Loefgren, chamber president. Vac said it was a great turnout for a month that is usually slow around the Key. This month, the chamber welcomed to the group one new member and got to know a few prospective members.

Isabelle Segal Roges, who has a window treatment business in Bradenton, joined this week after attending the last Networking At Noon. Leslie Johnson, of Teasdale Fenton Restoration, and Spencer Ohleyer, of Community Cable Consultants, are prospective members. Liz Yerkers, longtime member of the chamber, brought Maritza Rocha, who will be buying her business, Longboat Massage.

This luncheon was Loefgren’s first chamber event in months. The retiring president has been coordinating chamber business from home since she has been recovering from back and knee replacement surgery.

Her first day back in the chamber office was Aug. 22. She said interviews for her replacement had begun this week. Once the board has narrowed down the options, Loefgren will share her input on who would best fit the position.

Lazy Lobster offered a choice of fried chicken salad, Atlantic cod or a salmon BLT. Michael Garey, co-owner of Lazy Lobster, brought everyone in attendance a scoop of black raspberry ice cream from Tyler’s Ice Cream next door.

After mingling and introductions, Kelly Spring, sales and marketing representative for ServPro, led the traditional raffle with drop-by gifts chamber members donate from their businesses.

With its 50/50 draw, the chamber raised $180 thanks to contributions from members in attendance. Becky Smith won $90 in the draw and the rest will be donated to Manatee Children’s Services.

— PETRA RIVERA

Photos by Petra Rivera

Andrew Vac moderates introductions at Networking at Noon.

Maritza Rocha, Irina Bronstein and Liz Yerkers

Chamber members mingle after Networking at Noon on Aug. 24.

THE SU N SHI NES BR IGHTER

on the bay.

The calming quiet of the water.

The refreshing warmth of the Florida sun. This is your slice of paradise. Picture yourself here, ideally situated on Sarasota Bay at Plymouth Harbor.

With so much to explore and experience so close to Downtown Sarasota, St. Armands Circle and beyond, you’re never far from a new adventure.

Imagine a home where there is less reason to hurry or worry and more occasions to breathe, laugh, and drink it all in.

Learn more about Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay by calling (941) 200-0254 or visiting plymouthharbor.org.

408587-1

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A+E INSIDE: < SETTING SAIL IN SARASOTA: Check out the 75th Annual Labor Day Regatta. 15 X MARKS THE SPOT: Urbanite pushes the envelope in its 10th season. 14>

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 31, 2023

YOUROBSERVER.COM

FLYING SOLO AT

URBANITE MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

U

rbanite Theatre makes its home in Sarasota’s urban core. Its flexible

performance space seats about 65 people. Its fearless performances push the limits of live theater. That was Brendan Ragan and Summer Dawn Wallace’s goal when they founded the company in partnership with Harry Lipstein in 2014.

In the years that followed, Wallace and Ragan took the road less traveled as Urbanite’s co-artistic directors — and never played it safe.

They staged edgy, risky, contemporary plays like “Chicken Shop,” “Isaac’s Eye” and “Woman Laughing Alone with Salad.”

Urbanite’s “Modern Works Festival” gave a voice to emerging female playwrights. Urbanite’s internships incubated a full spectrum of theatrical talents. The troupe’s dual commitment to art and artists paid off with outstanding theater on stage and invaluable theatrical experience off stage.

Thanks to that winning combination, Urbanite Theatre carved out a niche for itself in Sarasota’s fiercely competitive live theater scene.

Keeping that niche meant a lot of hard work for both artistic directors. Wallace’s job got even harder last spring when Ragan accepted a position as artistic director at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in the Chicago region.

Before he resigned, Wallace had been Urbanite’s co-artistic director for nearly a decade. Now, Wallace is Urbanite’s artistic director — period. What does she have in mind for the company? Here’s what she told us.

Summer Dawn Wallace talks about her singular vision for Sarasota’s ‘black box’ theater.

Are you planning a new direction for Urbanite Theatre?

Yes and no. Urbanite’s always taken new directions. That’s baked in our DNA. Contemporary theater’s always changing — and we change with it. That’s been our goal from day one.

I did an exit interview with Brendan in March. I asked him if Urbanite had achieved its original goals. His answer was “yes.” Do you agree?

Definitely. Creating a “black box” space for contemporary theater was what we wanted, and that’s what we did. But it’s not a one-anddone kind of thing. By definition, contemporary theater is a moving target. A play that was edgy in 2014 can still have power. But what’s edgy in 2023? That’s what Urbanite will be going for. And it’s the raison d’être of our 10th season.

It sounds like quite a ride.

There’s a ghost story rising from the South’s bloody past; a comedy about rescue dogs and classicism; a creative writing lesson that goes beyond words; and Shakespeare’s smarter sister. Is there a common thread tying these plays together?

The power of human resilience is the only common thread — but that wasn’t the basis of our play selections. Our primary focus was championing new work and artistfirst storytelling. We only noticed the shared theme after we put the season together.

“By Jove! These plays share a common theme!”

Exactly. (laughs) Our 10th season isn’t about “theme.” It’s about showcasing Urbanite’s commitment to new play development and supporting up-and-coming playwrights like Katie Bender, Brenda Withers, Terry Guest and Adam Rapp.

This season, we’ll be celebrating all the talents we’ve partnered with. That’s not limited to writers.

Over the last 10 years, Urbanite has also nurtured directors, actors, sound and lighting designers — you name it. We’ve put so many young apprentices and interns on the path.

In other words, Urbanite’s live theater isn’t a high-end consumer product. You’re not just putting on shows; you’re supporting the talents who make the shows possible. For some creatives, you’re the first rung on the ladder of lifetime theatrical careers.

That’s the Urbanite stamp. And the whole point of our intern program.

So many outstanding artists got their start here.

Courtesy photo

After sharing the artistic director role with Brendan Ragan for 10 years, Summer Dawn Wallace is running the show on her own at Sarasota’s edgy Urbanite Theatre.

I can tell you’re proud of that accomplishment.

I am. But it’s bittersweet. It means letting go. We nurture young talent and get them ready for their next big adventure. They cut their teeth working here at Urbanite. When they move on, it’s hard for me. I know I’ll have to start from scratch again — and find more young talent to mentor. It’s a never-ending cycle, but more than worth it.

And another moving target.

That’s true. But I think we’re moving in the right direction. In the 10 years of Urbanite’s existence, we’ve evolved to be an incubator — and not just on the creative talent and development side. We also incubate audience involvement. “Judith” is a perfect example of that.

How so?

Well, it’s a one-person show — and audience feedback is the heartbeat of any solo show. When an actor

like Livy Scanlon takes the stage, she’s constantly in tune with what’s working and what isn’t. So, if you’re sitting in the audience, your reactions help shape her performance.

You’re not just watching a show — you’re more like Livy’s scene partner. Like it or not, you’ll be a participant.

So, at the multiplex, you’re a passive spectator munching popcorn. At Urbanite Theatre, you’re part of the creative process. That’s an exciting idea.

Yes, it is. And audience participation is a constant at Urbanite.

We premiere a lot of new plays.

Before that, we’ll do readings in the workshop process. Audience talkbacks happen at every phase of the development process. It’s priceless information to the playwright. And they’re a great way to engage our audience.

SEE URBANITE, PAGE 14

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

X marks the spot The experimental ‘black box’ theater takes daring risks in its 10th season.

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

X marks the spot for pirates’ buried treasure and math’s unknown quantities.

Both definitions apply to the plays of Urbanite Theatre’s “Season X.” With one exception, the plays in the “black box” theater’s 10th season offer a variety of mousetraps, reversals, swerves and surprise endings. Any plot summary would ruin the ride. We’ll try to say something without saying too much. Listen up.

“In the beginning was the Word.”

Our species in particular just can’t shut up. Human lives are filled with arguments, agreements, dissensions, debates, insinuations and implied contracts that are never spelled out.

Trust is the key conditional clause in these contracts. If a friend says, “Close your eyes for a big surprise,” it’s understood he won’t punch you in the face. It happens — and worse things happen too.

Adam Rapp’s “The Sound Inside” revolves around the private lessons a writing professor gives her student.

Their words are all about words.

Some words become deeds. Some shouldn’t. What do their words become? I have no idea — and that scares the hell out of me. (Directed by Kristin Clippard. Oct. 20 – Dec. 3.)

Katie Bender’s “Judith” is the one Urbanite play I can talk about. No trapdoor, no twist ending. Shakespeare’s sister, Judith, turns out to be a better writer than the Bard. That’s how the story goes — and it’s no big surprise. When Judith’s brother gets in trouble with the law, she dons fake facial hair and men’s clothing and bails her big bro out.

Londoners think Judith’s a powerful man in the Elizabethan theater community — and give her R-E-SP-E-C-T. She likes it — and doesn’t want to go back to the second-class status of women in her time.

Fun fact: Bender got the idea from Virginia Woolf. That author had wondered, “Let me imagine, since facts are so hard to come by, what would have happened had Shakespeare had a wonderfully gifted sister, called Judith, let us say.” Bender belatedly answered that question with her one-woman play starring

Urbanite FROM PAGE 13

How do you plan to expand the Urbanite audience?

By any means necessary. If there’s a way to make theater more accessible, we’ll do it! We’re planning our first ASL (American Sign Language) performance. We’ll be creating a parents’ night out with a sitting service (for their kids).

Digital marketing has always been our strong point. We’ll build on that strength with the market oppor-

www.manasotaonline.com

Monica Roman Gagnier

Courtesy photo

Olivia “Liv” Scanlon stars as Shakespeare’s sister in “Judith” at Urbanite Theatre from Jan. 5 to Feb. 18, 2024.

IF YOU GO URBANITE SEASON ‘X’ Where: 1487 Second St., Sarasota When: Oct. 20 to June 30, 2024 Tickets: $28-$42 Info: Call 321-1397 or visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County President and CEO Brian Hersch, incoming Visit Sarasota County President and CEO Erin Duggan and Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County President and CEO Erin Silk

New Sarasota County leaders meet the community MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Olivia “Livy” Scanlon. (Directed by Brendon Fox. Jan. 5 – Feb. 18.)

Brenda Withers’ “Westminster” is a play about a rescue dog and the intricacies of classism. When dogs cross boundaries with humans, “Bad dog” is the typical human response.

When human friends cross boundaries with each other, communication is far more difficult.

When is “friendly” banter a notso-friendly way of putting somebody in their place? If you don’t know by now, you’re obviously a moron, and I’ll stop wasting my time. (Just kidding.) The play’s “titular dog” exists in the mind’s eye and doesn’t compete with the actors on stage. This isn’t a play about a dog.

Or is it? (Directed by Summer Wallace. March 22 – April 28.)

Terry Guest rattled cages and yanked chains with his genderbending “Wake of a Dead Drag Queen.” His “Oak” enters far more disturbing territory. This play feels a little like “To Kill a Mockingbird,” a little like “Night of the Hunter” and far too much like the Confederate South’s bloody, bloody legacy.

But it’s not all nightmare. There’s also a heaping helping of cute little rascals with nicknames like “Suga,” “Big Man” and “Pickle.” “Oak” is both a ghost story and a children’s story. The kids in Guest’s Southern gothic horror show believe in the ghost. Kids are smart. (Directed by Mikael Burke. May 31 – June 30.)

tunities of print media. We’ll also keep making real-world connections. We’ll be physically present at events like farmers markets and festivals. We’ll also network with other nonprofits, form partnerships and do everything we can to get new people in the door.

“If you stage it, the audience will come” is not Urbanite’s model?

No. We’re going to get our name out there and make more community connections. We’ll be coming to you. And if you’ve got something to say, we’ll listen.

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There’s been a changing of the guard at the organizations that support tourism, arts and economic development in Sarasota County.

On Aug. 22, the new leaders of Visit Sarasota County, the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County and the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County held a panel discussion at CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key moderated by Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon.

The event gave each of the three new leaders the chance to introduce themselves and their organization in three minutes or less.

Joining Gordon at the podium were incoming Visit Sarasota County President and CEO Erin Duggan, Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County President and CEO Brian Hersch and Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County President and CEO Erin Silk.

In some cases, the new leaders are filling the shoes of longtime heads of their respective organizations. When Duggan officially steps into her new job at Visit Sarasota County in September, she will replace Virginia J. Haley, who is retiring after 24 years at the helm of VSC. Duggan has held a variety of roles at the tourism organization since 2006 and is credited with creating the successful Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week.

In June, Hersch succeeded Jim Shirley, who took the helm as executive director of the organization formerly known as the Arts Council in 2009.

Hersch spent more than 20 years in nonprofit arts administration.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Hersch led Sarasota County Public Schools’ strategic approach to arts education.

At the EDC, Silk in June succeeded Lisa Krouse, who retired after leading the agency since August 2021.

Silk joined the EDC in April 2019 and was most recently chief operations officer.

At the panel discussion, Duggan, Hersch and Silk all acknowledged the contributions of their predecessors to the growth of tourism, the arts and new business in Sarasota while also acknowledging the town’s considerable built-in attractions, from beautiful beaches to friendly, laidback charm.

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Duggan noted that all three of the groups represented on the podium report to Sarasota County government. She said that in fiscal 2023, VSC had an operating budget of $5.2 million, which will increase to $8.5 million next year.

Sarasota County’s tourist development tax of 6% generates more than $42 million a year, with the majority (23%) going to beach replenishment.

The arts receives 8% of the total.

VSC works to attract visitors to Sarasota County year-round, Duggan said, and divides arrivals into three categories — those who are here for leisure, to participate in sports and for meetings.

She applauded the county’s approval of an indoor sports complex at Nathan Benderson Park. In May 2022, county commissioners unanimously approved devoting $20 million toward a new boathouse and a 100,000-square-foot event center on the second floor.

The Arts Alliance, which administers the tourist tax dollars allocated to the arts, has more than 200 arts organizations on its rolls, Hersch said, and that doesn’t include hundreds of individual artists. Sarasota is “Florida’s Cultural Coast,” he said.

Hersch believes the Alliance can help leverage the arts to promote health and wellness in the community, but he also says the organization’s goal is to support the well-being of artists who live here.

In her remarks, Silk noted the EDC’s mission is to promote a diversified Sarasota area economy that protects “against economic volatility resulting from pandemic, red tide and hurricanes.”

Her group targets CEOs on vacation in Sarasota who might consider relocating or expanding their company’s operations here. “Chicago is a big area where we market” the benefits of moving to Sarasota, Silk said.

Since 2019, the EDC reckons its marketing efforts have been responsible for $108 million in new capital investment and $85 million in new annual payroll in Sarasota, she said.

That was the year that the agency launched its “Work Where You Want to Live” to encourage job creation and remote work in Sarasota.

Both she and Duggan noted that after a frenzied recovery post-pandemic, spending and tourism remain strong but are continuing at more sustainable levels.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

THIS WEEK

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OUR PICK 75TH ANNUAL LABOR DAY REGATTA Hosted by the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, the Labor Day Regatta draws hundreds of sailors from 8 to 80 years old along with a thousand visitors.

Activities include five race courses, a fish fry, refreshments and an awards ceremony.

IF YOU GO When: 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2.

Where: Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway Tickets: Free Info: SarasotaSailingSquadron.org

THURSDAY

‘JOHN PIRMAN: DIVING INTO NATURE’ 10 a.m. at Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St. $26 Visit Selby.org.

The artwork of Sarasota-based designer and illustrator John Pirman is displayed both inside Selby Gardens’ Museum of Botany & the Arts and outside throughout the bayfront gardens. The show includes 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.

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

Created by Nancy Allen Productions, three female vocalists present four decades of songs made famous

by Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and other women who have earned the coveted title of “Diva.” Runs through Sept. 17.

‘CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REMIXED!’ 7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave. $18 and up Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

“The Jersey Tenors” and “The Surfer

File photo

Boys” veteran Vaden Thurgood has created his own musical revue for FST’s summer cabaret series. The show, which features a rotating cast with three men (including Thurgood for at least a month) and a woman, follows the life of Creedence Clearwater Revival founder John Fogerty through hit songs such as “Proud Mary” and “Bad Moon Rising.” Runs through Oct. 22.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 1 MUSIC ON MAIN 6 p.m. at 8100 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch Free Visit LakewoodRanch.com.

Dance to the funky sounds of the Taylor Opie Band, as well as today’s hits played by a DJ. Wander the

streets lined with food vendors, beer trucks and sponsor booths, as well as rides and kids’ activities. Chairs are welcome, but coolers are not.

Dogs must be kept on a short leash.

Overflow parking is available at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 5 GALLERY TALK ON ‘WORKING CONDITIONS’ PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT 11 a.m. at John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bayshore Road $30 ($5 plus museum admission of $25) Visit Ringling.org.

Celebrate Labor Day at The Ringling by examining photographs of labor and work with Christopher Jones, Stanton B. and Nancy W. Kaplan,

curator of Photography and Media Arts. The exhibit runs through March 3, 2024.

DON’T MISS SUNCOAST COMPOSER FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM CONCERT Chamber music group ensembleNEWSRQ has teamed up with Soundbox Ventures for the Suncoast Composer Fellowship Program. The group is producing the first concert of the new residency program for six emerging composers and nine classical musicians. The ticket includes a pre-concert lecture.

IF YOU GO When: 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5 Where: at First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave. Tickets: $25 Info: ENSRQ.org

2023 FALL FELINE FUN RUN! Help us Save Lives and Run for the Kitties!

V I RT UA L 4 3 R D A N N UA L J U R I E D PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION

Join us for our 4th annual virtual run in support of the cats and kittens we serve each year

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Heirloom-quality solid wood furniture custom built by Amish woodworkers

2023 Best in Show, Afternoon Repose by Gary McNulty

WINNERS ANNOUNCED! View the web gallery at selby.org

sidents' Day

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Labor Day Sale

Save 15% Storewide Aug. 31 - Sept. 5

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Early Bird Registration is now open and is $35 per registrant until August 31st.

After August 31st, registration is $45 per registrant.

All registrations will include a commemorative t-shirt, souvenir race bib, and certificate of completion.

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AUGUST 31, 2023

YOUR NEIGHBORS SAILING SQUADRON TIMELINE

new clubhouse begins.

Among the renovations are an additional wing, a new roof, and the relocation of the hoist.

Selected events from the history of the Sarasota ­Sailing Squadron:

1972: Member Lilly Kaighin arrives in Sarasota from Tampa. Shortly thereafter, she would persuade a group of six members to found the women’s sailing group “Sarasota Sailing and Sinking Society,” which quickly expanded in size and was later renamed to “Luffing Lassies.” The organization is still active today.

Late 1930s: The squadron is formed by a group of young Sarasota men, partly as an extension of the Sarasota Yacht Club and partly for those unable to afford membership in SYS. 1942: The squadron becomes inactive with the onset of World War II, as many members leave to take part in the war.

1946: The squadron is reactivated under the local YMCA. It hosts its first Annual Labor Day Regatta, drawing more than 100 boats and 5,000 spectators.

1948: During the annual regatta, a ketch (a type of two-masted sailboat) called Bonnie Kaye, runs aground on a sand shoal and sinks. Its owner, Matthew Van Leeuwen, a World War II veteran who lived aboard the vessel and wore an artificial leg, survives by clinging to a buoy overnight. Squadron members and other sailors begin a fundraiser for Leeuwen.

1950: The fifth annual regatta is canceled due to strong winds and rains from Hurricane Easy, although the year is still counted toward the total of regattas.

1957: The city of Sarasota prepares to demolish the city pier, and the club plans a relocation to its current home of City Island. Contract negotiations with the squadron make the northeast corner of City Island available to boating groups. Members had formerly met in the commission chambers.

1958: Construction on the clubhouse begins.

1961: During the 16th annual regatta, a storm capsizes 55 boats.

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1967: Planning for a

1976 to 1978: Amid slumping finances and attendance, the club enters a phase of relative inactivity, becoming primarily a storage facility for boats.

Courtesy photo

The 75th Annual Labor Day Regatta will be held Sept. 2 and 3.

LEGACY ON THE BAY The Sarasota Sailing Squadron Labor Day Regatta is the oldest of its type in the region, according to organizers.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

A

s the public gathers on the shores of City Island to watch the Annual Labor Day Regatta, spectators can often be heard reminiscing about their childhood experiences in the event, which dates back to 1946, said Regatta Chair Dave Hillmyer.

Held by the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, the event, which the organization says is the oldest continually held regatta in the Southeast, on Sept. 2-3 will host competitors ranging from 8 to about 80 years old, during its 75th anniversary this year.

Canceled only three times in its history, the event maintains a steady popularity, drawing clubs from areas like St. Petersburg, Davis Islands in Tampa and more distant locations such as Jacksonville, and even some individuals from other states.

“Everybody just knows about this regatta,” Hillmyer said. “This is such a historic sailing venue.”

CALLING ALL SAILORS

While the regatta originally featured about 50% adults, the last few years have been youth-focused, with about 150 kids signed up out of 175 competitors this year, Hillmyer said.

IF YOU GO...

A dinner catered by Nancy’s BBQ will be held at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron’s facilities at 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway on Saturday, Sept. 2. To purchase a ticket for the event, open to both regatta participants and nonparticipants, visit RegattaNetwork.com.

He said the occasion, which involves four different race courses in the bay, as well as racing closer to shore for the youngest participants, holds particular importance for youth.

For some younger people, it’s the first regatta of the school season, while for other kids, it may be their first regatta ever.

“This is the first time that they get to put their skills to the test on the water,” he said. “It’s kind of a big deal.”

Dave Hillmyer and his wife, Donna Hillmyer, who have both been involved with the club since about age 10, are no strangers to youth sailing, but they’ve also had the chance to watch other participants enjoy an experience similar to their own.

“We watch these kids like we

follow them throughout their lives,” Donna Hillmyer said.

Yet the event excites adults as well.

An inaugural sailing event, of sorts, for the fall season, it follows the relative lack of activity during the heat of summer, Dave Hillmyer said.

What really makes the event special, said Hillmyer, is the number of volunteers it receives.

None of the individuals assisting with the event, which includes about 40 on the water and 100 on land, are paid, he said.

Volunteers will staff the 15 to 16 support powerboats and will also help on shore through activities like serving food and drinks, monitoring parking, or taking out trash.

He believes participants will have a pleasant experience out on the bay or at the squadron’s clubhouse on City Island, where it has leased the land from the city of Sarasota.

“Out in the middle of the bay, you don’t see a lot of boat traffic, so it’s really nice,” he said.

He said members have even camped out at the clubhouse site in the past.

“I think people find it very comfortable here because we have such a low-key atmosphere,” he said.

Although there are other Labor Day events, such as a Labor Day night race on Davis Islands, the Sarasota event holds a special meaning for the public, he said.

“Everybody knows if you say ‘the Labor Day Regatta’ in Florida, it means Sarasota Sailing Squadron.”

1978: Member Pat Murphy, who joined the club at age 13, accepts the role of commodore following his proposal to reinvigorate the club, which included restarting its youth sailing program and opening every Saturday and eventually every Sunday.

1980: The Sarasota Sailing Squadron incorporates as a nonprofit.

1984: Susan Pether is elected as the first and only woman commodore in the history of the squadron. She bans alcohol at board meetings, a measure which increases the productivity of discussions.

1985: The 40th Annual Labor Day Regatta is canceled due to Hurricane Elena.

2003: Chris Branning is nominated as the club’s top youth sailor of the year. The nomination allows him to compete in the ISAF Youth World Championships and the U.S. National High School Singlehanded Championships. He goes on to race in over 50 major races. In 2007, he serves as navigator of a Disney-sponsored team aboard the 52-foot racer Morning Light and is featured in the 2008 documentary “Morning Light.”

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

Café L’Europe:

50 years and counting

The St. Armands Circle restaurant has served the area for 50 years and trained many local restaurateurs.

T

his season at Café L’Europe marks the 50th anniversary of the restaurant’s opening.

“There’s a lot of love for this restaurant from the community and families who have dined here for generations,” said Eleni Sokos, director of brand strategy for Oysters Rock Hospitality, which represents the café. “Grandparents come here with their grandkids. This is where they had their first date. Most of the locals had their first experience of fine dining at Café (L’Europe).”

The restaurant recently finished the second stage of renovations for a complete remodel of the iconic St. Armands Circle eatery. While designing for the future, the staff couldn’t help but reminisce about its rich history.

Titus Letschert and Norbert Goldner opened Café L’Europe on Jan. 21, 1973.

The two founders met while working in Manhattan at a restaurant called Sign of the Dove. Letschert moved to Sarasota in 1971 because the owner of The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber, recruited him to work at his restaurant.

Goldner moved to Sarasota to fulfill a dream of opening a restaurant alongside Letschert. They bought the popular Colombi’s Italian Restaurant on the Circle and renovated it themselves. The Café L’Europe name and concept were inspired by the ambiance of the De L’Europe Hotel in Amsterdam and the design of the Sign of The Dove restaurant.

The building was originally built in 1926 to hold the real estate office of John Ringling, then housed the Cocoanut Palms restaurant in the 1950s before becoming Colombi’s.

Goldner opened his own Café L’Europe in Palm Beach in 1980, while Letschert continued to head the Café L’Europe in Sarasota. Around this time, the “Titus Letschert University” started, as Michael Garey, pro-

prietor of Lazy Lobster, likes to call it.

“Dr. Klauber and Titus literally created their own competition with all the people that went on to open restaurants,” said Garey. “These restaurants were either owned or run by people that worked for Dr. Klauber of The Colony or Titus or both. We used to say when we would get together, ‘We could take our top 20 restaurants, and take Tampa restaurants on straight up.’”

Some of the area’s top restaurant titans worked at Café L’Europe back in the day. This list includes Harry Christensen of Harry’s Continental Kitchens, J.P. Knaggs of Bijou Café, Ray Arpke of Euphemia Haye, Garey and Bob Fracalossy of Lazy Lobster.

Garey said Letschert was one of the biggest influences on his life and not a day goes by without him or Fracalossy referencing Letschert.

“Norbert and Titus, they work their keisters off,” said John Horne, who is a current co-proprietor of Café L’Europe along with his wife, Amanda. “Everybody that worked here, that’s what permeated through to them, that hard work and hospitality that came from Titus. And we want to continue that. We want people to know that Titus is still influencing people here.”

The Hornes purchased Café L’Europe in February 2020. Staff emphasized the positive impact that they have on the restaurant.

Sokos compared John Horne to both Letschert and Ringling for their big and dedicated personalities.

“We have a tradition that anyone who’s been with the company for five years or more is invited on a fun outing with the staff,” said Sokos.

“Just on Monday, we went to the bowling alley. We did a bunch of fun contests, like blindfolded bowling, if you’re right-handed bowl with your left hand, and the best one was you had to hold a tray of water bottles and bowl. Those are the types of cultural things that John really prioritizes.

Just a few of the ways that we kind of make sure that everybody feels like family around here.”

Petra Rivera

Rogelio Lopez , Juraj Petry, Juan Carlos Buitrago, Eleni Sokos and Wolseley Rivera show the old and new of Cafe L’Europe.

“Everybody has a memory within these walls and people come in and tell us, ‘This was my mom and dad’s favorite spot. I can remember the first time as a child; it’s the first time I wore high heels.’ Stuff like that.”

— John Horne

Sokos said that Horne is the chair of the board of directors for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. Horne uses his position to advocate for important matters that affect his employees such as affordable housing and minimum wage.

As Café L’Europe looks forward, its leadership wants to keep the strong values and foundation of the past with the twist of modern times.

Phases one and two of their plan included renovating their private and semi-private dining areas while adding a new bar area with more seating. Plans for the last phase are still in development while the owners decide how to tackle the facade — the original and most iconic part of the building.

“We recognize that we have to make the experience a little bit more approachable to continue thriving for the next 50 years,” said Sokos.

“So there’s some hesitancy, but I think overall, we’ve navigated the transition pretty gracefully. The plan is for it to be a little bit more casual

• In-person worship service Sunday at 10 a.m.

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The Lord’s Warehouse will be closed during the month of September.

Sunday Coffee Hour at 9:00am All Are Welcome!

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

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

Visitors Welcome Visitors & & Residents Residents Welcome

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Watch AMService ServiceLive: Live: WatchOur Our10:00 10:00 AM

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

Sundays at 10:00am

40 North Adams Dr., Sarasota, FL • 941.388.1234 • Questions? Contact: michael@saklc.com

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

www.bit.ly/cclbksermons www.bit.ly/cclbksermons oror (followYouTube YouTubelink) link) www.christchurchof lbk.org(follow www.christchurchoflbk.org

Summer Worship

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Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

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

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

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Courtesy photo

Titus Letschert and Norbert Goldner

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions

WORSHIP An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

upfront. A little bit more inviting; things like wine flights and charcuterie boards and bites are going to be part of the menu. Then if you want the duck a l’orange and the escargot, the back of the restaurant is where you can still have that super elegant experience.”

For the 50th anniversary, Café L’Europe has planned a yearlong celebration of events. The Legacy Chef Wine Dinner series hosts local chefs who got their start at the restaurant to share their personal experiences of Café L’Europe. The restaurant also invites anyone who is celebrating a 50th birthday this year to do so at Café L’Europe and get a complimentary glass of Champagne with the purchase of a main course.

“We’re honored to be stewards of such a legacy,” said Horne. “Everybody has a memory within these walls and people come in and tell us, ‘This was my mom and dad’s favorite spot. I can remember the first time as a child; it’s the first time I wore high heels.’ Stuff like that. That’s what restaurants are about: creating memories. We want to always be Café, we want to keep Café going and we are going to have another 50 years of Café.”

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STAFF WRITER

To learn more about our Temple and all our educational, cultural, and social programs, please call us. We’d be delighted to talk with you.

Questions? Email us at info@longboatkeytemple.org 567 Bay Isles Rd, Longboat Key, FL

941-383-3428

longboatkeytemple.org

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PETRA RIVERA

YourObserver.com

19

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

THE ACKERMAN GROUP 941.387.1820 TOP PRODUCING SMALL TEAM IN SARASOTA COUNTY

www.ackermansrq.com

RYAN ACKERMAN

ryan@ackermangroup.net

W

barbara@ackermangroup.net

ACTIVE LISTINGS NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING NE

BARBARA ACKERMAN

ICE

PR

GRAND BAY I - LONGBOAT KEY

$2,399,000

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD. #126 | 3 FULL BR/3.5BA | 2,925 SF Protected | 2 Side-by-Side Parking Spaces with EV Charging Station WATER CLUB ISouth Side Location in Bldg. I | 10 FT Ceilings $3,495,000 THE SEA BREEZE Open Kitchen & Views Spanning Over the LBKC Golf Course, Sarasota Bay & Downtown | Pet-Friendly 9008 MIDNIGHT PASSSkyline RD., #5 SARASOTA, FL Community 1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #704, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR/3.5 BA • 3,700 SF • Private 2-Car Garage

3BR/4BA • 3,045 SF

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

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

THE SEA BREEZE - SIESTA KEY

9008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 | 3BR/3.5 BA | 3,700 SF Private 2-Car Garage & Roof Top Terrace | Long Water Views & Spectacular Nightly Sunsets on the Horizon Unique Full-Floor Penthouse | 10 FT Ceilings | 2 New A/C Units | Deeded Boat Dock LA BELLASARA

$3,199,000

$4,289,000

G

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

LIS 3BR/4.5 BA • 3,490 SF • 2-Car Garage W E N 5th floor residence offering expansive bay and city views, an open floor plan & Rarely available full concierge services in a gated, pet-friendly community.

NOW PENDING

NOW PENDING

$2,900,000

SIESTA COVE

$4,250,000

5212 SIESTA COVE DRIVE, SARASOTA

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

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

NOW PENDING

NOW PENDING

GRAND BAY II - LONGBOAT KEY

$2,495,000

3040 GRAND BAY BLVD. #221 | 3BR/3.5BA | 2,925 SF Furnished | 2 Garage Parking Spaces | Beautiful Bay & City Skyline Views | Wraparound Terrace | 10 FT Ceilings | Open Kitchen Resort-Style Amenities | Pet Friendly Community | Includes Private Beach Club Membership $1,260,000 COREY’S LANDING

AQUARIUS CLUB

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

$1,899,000

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

LA BELLASARA

$3.395,000 LIDO REGENCY

464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #202, SARASOTA

NEW CONSTRUCTION

3BR+DEN/3.5BA • 3,153 SF • 2-Car garage

$549,000

1700 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DR.#5F, SARASOTA

1BR/1.5BA • 981 SF • Bay and city views

CONFUSED ABOUT NEW CONSTRUCTION OPTIONS?

DEMYSTIFY THE EXPERIENCE — CALL THE ACKERMAN GROUP! 941-387-1820

PRE-CONSTRUCTION

Set privately above the hotel, 35 spacious

PENINSULA GATE POINT THE GOLDEN EDGE PENINSULA SARASOTA

SOTA THE EVOLUTION residences city livingGate withPoint the Construction is underway on Golden Gate 111 Golden 290 Cocoanut Avenue 1703 Main Street pair stylish 223 Golden Gate Point Sarasota,An FLiconic 34236 modern Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 luxury of serviced simplicity.

Point as the Gault Family Companies Completion: 2025 Completion: Fall 2023 Completion: Spring 2026 Completion: Spring 2026 design Summer by the renowned Hoyt Architects of

Sarasota is paired with innovative interiors by the visionary firm Andre Kikoski Architect from New York City. Flow-through residences feature airy, light-filled interiors and spacious terraces overlooking the downtown skyline and streetscape below. Residences from $1.8 million.

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

has officially broken ground on Peninsula Sarasota, a 23-unit luxury condominium development at 223 and 283 Golden Gate Point. Units in the two mid-rise towers are priced from $2.6 million. The three-bedroom floor plans, and three-bedroom with den floor plans range from 2,400 to more than 3,000 square feet.

ROSEWOOD - LIDO KEY

This 65-unit property is a collaboration between

THE DEMARCAY 688 GOLDEN GATE PT Hotels & Resorts & Naples33 Rosewood S. Palm Avenue 688 Golden Gate Point Sarasota, 34236 based FL Ronto Group, & isSarasota, Rosewood’s first FL 34236 Completion:: Fall 2023 Completion: TBD all-residential development. Scheduled for

completion in 2025. Situated on 3.5 miles of Gulf-front property. Swedroe Architecture, with interiors by Lillian Wu Studio. Each condo will offer sweeping water views; on the ground floor, residents will have access to Rosewoodserviced amenities. Units range from 3,300 5,000 SF & prices start in the high $5 millions.

EN POINTE ZAHRADA 2 ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES ONE PARK SARASOTA 509 Golden Gate Point 1546 4th Street 1100 Blvd. of the Arts 1100 Blvd. of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 ARMANDS OFFICE LOCATION | 433 JOHNCompletion: RINGLING BLVD., STE. F | SARASOTA, FL 34236 Completion: Winter 2024 Fall 2025 Completion: Fall 2026 Completion:ST.Fall 2026

VILLA BALLADA 430 Kumquat Court Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion:: Fall 2025

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SOTA RESIDENCES & HOTEL

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

EXCEPTIONAL RENTAL MANAGEMENT & VACATION RENTALS

YOUR CALENDAR

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

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS! 3720 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 info@FLVacationConnection.com FLVacationConnection.com

Locally owned and managed since 1994

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941-387-9709

SATURDAY, SEPT. 2

SUNDAY, SEPT. 3

BREAKFAST WITH THE SHARKS 8-9:30 a.m. at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. Cost is $36 for members; $40 for nonmembers.

Start your day with sharks before the aquarium opens to the public. A continental breakfast will be provided while guests learn about Mote’s resident sharks. Hear about the breakthrough shark research during a guided tour of the aquarium. Buy tickets online at Mote.org/Experiences.

LIVE MUSIC BY ROSS DAVID From 1-4 p.m. at Lido Beach Bar and Grill, 400 Benjamin Drive. Stop by on your beach day to hear the musical performance of Ross David. He performs both covers and originals, from Jason Mraz to Jack Johnson, the Eagles, John Mayer, The Script, Maroon 5 and much more. He performs every Sunday.

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 3836493.

LABO R WEEK DAY E 15% O ND F SALE* F

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT STORE The thrift store will be closed for the month of September. Call 383-4738.

ADDIT IO 10% O NAL FF ALL CLEAR ANC ITEMS E

TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

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

*EXCLUDES SUNGLASSES & HARD GOODS. ALL CLEARANCE ITEMS ARE FINAL SALE. OTHER TERMS MAY APPLY. OFFER EXPIRES 9/4 AT 6PM.

TUESDAYS

SWIMWEAR | RESORT WEAR | ACCESSORIES

1960 Stickney Pt Rd 941.922.4545

DOWNTOWN

50 N Tamiami Trl 941.954.8800

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

Debby 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.

www.SwimCity.com

LONGBOAT

3170 Gulf of Mexico Dr 941.383.2288

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SIESTA KEY

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.

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.

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.

MARIACHI MUSIC From 5:30-8:30 p.m. at La Villa Mexican Grill, 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enjoy dinner and a serenade

by Mariachi Contemporaneo. Call 383-8033.

THURSDAYS

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

Email Lynn Larson at LynnLarson@ comcast.net to register.

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

— INTRODUCING THE — YOUR OBSERVER E-NEWSPAPER APP:

• 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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It's all about YOU. YOUR Neighbors.

YOUR Neighborhood.

440 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

Exceptional Service by your Neighborhood REALTOR® “You can’t go wrong with choosing JoDene Moneuse!

She handled the sale of my Longboat Key condo and the purchase of my Sarasota villa with professionalism, excellent real estate acumen, and a contagious enthusiasm. She displays a positive, exuberant effervescence that makes her a joy to work with.”

LIMITED TIME OFFER

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Scroll through the pages of the paper on any device, and take us with you, wherever you go.

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

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• Institute for Luxury Home Marketing Million Dollar GUILD JoDeneMoneuse@michaelsaunders.com LongboatKeyLiving.com

941.302.4913 View More of my Testimonials Here! >

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20

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

Reid Murphy Presents

Luxury

21

WATER

on the

LONGBOAT KEY MAGNIFICENT GULF FRONT ESTATE $ 22,000,000

Completion September 2023. New 5BD/8BA w/100ft frontage on pristine walking beach.

Expansive views from interior living space plus pocket sliders open to lanai/pool and outdoor sitting area for indoor/outdoor living. Exquisite finishes include fireplace, chef’s kitchen, glass wine room and service bar. First level master w/private lanai plus junior suite and 2 guest suites also have private terraces. Covered outdoor space has fireplace, outdoor kitchen & dining area. Dramatic infinity pool/spa w/ sundeck overlooks beautiful Gulf waters. 3 car garage.

Home elevator.

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY BAY ISLES HARBOR $ 9,850,000

Spacious 5BD/7BA 6,556sf custom home stunningly remodeled in 2022. Move-in ready. Large corner lot on bayou with stunning views down waterway to Sarasota Bay.10,000 lb. boat lift, saltwater pool. Remodel included all new custom finishes including painting, hardwood floors, lighting, hardware, countertops and designer upgrades. First floor master retreat has a sitting room and elaborate master bath. Pool lanai with fireplace, tv, outdoor kitchen and grill. Air conditioned 4 car garage. Behind security gates manned 24/7.

LONGBOAT KEY EN PROVENCE 4,935,000

$

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

LONGBOAT KEY

1,995,000 $ 1,995,000

• CANAL LOT#1 • CANAL LOT#2

$

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

PENDING

LONGBOAT KEY BOATERS DREAM 2,850,000

$

Meticulous 4 BD/3 BA wide deep water canal with direct access to Sarasota Bay no bridges! Great dock. 2 boat lifts. Private beach access directly across the street.

SOLD

LONGBOAT KEY WATER CLUB 3,750,000

LONGBOAT KEY L’AMBIENCE 3,650,000

$

$

Incredible 5BR/4BA home on 80’ of beachfront. Amazing views. Open living w/ guest quarters on 1st & 2nd level + 3rd level private master-suite. Amazing views & beautiful walking beach.

Spectacular 6th floor 3BR/4BA redesigned Dover plan. High-end finishes include private elevator. Floor to ceiling windows provide views of Sarasota Bay & city skyline, plus Gulf vistas from a master-suite terrace. Luxurious living on the beach w/ all resort style amenities.

This spacious walkout lives like a home directly on the beach with private steps from your beach front terrace to the sandy beach and Gulf of Mexico for enjoyment of beach walking and swimming.

Amenities include lobby concierge, 24hr guarded gate, olympic sized pool, 2 hartru tennis courts, fitness center & more.

BUYING OR SELLING

CALL REID

for a successful real estate experience!

941.232.3304

DEVELOPERS REALTY LBK, INC. | LIC. REAL ESTATE BROKER

REIDMURPHY.COM

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LONGBOAT KEY GULF FRONT 7,250,000

$

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

SARASOTA 1405 Kimlira Lane 4 Beds 6/2 Baths 12,724 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4571477 $13,000,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 793 N Shore Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,102 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4574148 $5,850,000

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

SARASOTA 1924 Lincoln Drive 4 Beds 4/3 Baths 5,434 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4570095 $4,750,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 515 Bayview Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,928 Sq. Ft. James Sauter & Randee Long 941-999-8901 A4569730 $3,499,950

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 300 23rd Street N 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 2,314 Sq. Ft. Anita Jones 724-989-4824 A4575286 $3,100,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 703 S Bay Boulevard 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,593 Sq. Ft. Ken Kavanaugh, Jr & Kathy Harman 941-799-1943 A4561515 $2,675,000

LONGBOAT KEY 545 Sanctuary Drive B406 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,375 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4576305 $2,475,000

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. Beverly St Hilaire & Julie Klick 818-416-2505 A4575835 $2,300,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3605 Fair Oaks Place 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,713 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4578278 $2,200,000

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 215 65th Street 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,184 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4562386 $1,980,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 5265 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 304 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,453 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4574390 $1,200,000

LONGBOAT KEY 210 Sands Point Road 2304 1 Bed 1 Baths 650 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4574879 $1,050,000

LONGBOAT KEY 834 Bayport Way 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,601 Sq. Ft. Tryla Brown Larson 941-962-1122 A4569643 $972,500

LONGBOAT KEY 100 Sands Point Road 225 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,492 Sq. Ft. Nora Johnson 941-809-1700 A4574836 $799,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 6700 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 135 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,441 Sq. Ft. Richard Perlman 941-228-8580 A4563904 $699,000

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 2850 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 12 2 Beds 1 Baths 695 Sq. Ft. Marybeth Flynn 941-704-1477 A4570070 $450,000

SARASOTA 1389 Tangier Way 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,310 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4579881 $7,595,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 511 Bayview Drive 4 Beds 5 Baths 3,353 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4562528 $6,500,000

LONGBOAT KEY 876 Tarawitt Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,894 Sq. Ft. Brian Loebker & Jonathan Abrams 941-735-4393 A4564430 $5,972,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in John Ringling Estates tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. KB Invictus LLC sold the home at 352 N. Washington Drive to Andrew and Jennifer Gater, of Ontario, for $3.45 million.

Built in 1949, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,573 square feet of living area. It sold for $175,000 in 1986.

REAL ESTATE

John Ringling Estates home tops sales at $3.45M

23

LIDO

George Andrew Capps and Lindsey Capps sold their home at 1143 Morningside Place to Jon and Elizabeth Tilkemeier, of Sarasota, for $3.3 million. Built in 1959, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,013 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1,115,500 in 2014.

Courtesy of Zarghami Group with Keller Williams Classic Group

A three-bedroom home at 352 N. Washington Drive recently sold for $3.45 million.

Ilya Sinyak and Anna Sinyak, trustees, of Gilford, New Hampshire, sold the Unit E206 condominium at 159 Taft Drive to Clements Ripley and Ruth Gray Stone, of Sarasota, for $2.45 million. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,228 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1.42 million in 2017.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

Scio Southern LLC sold the home at 573 Outrigger Lane to American XXVIII LLC for $2.3 million. Built in 1964, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,120 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.7 million in 2006.

SEAPLACE

William Alan Wilson and Molly Johnson Wilson, trustees, of Pepperell, Massachusetts, sold the Unit M2-409A condominium at 1945 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Steven and Beverly Hornick, of Atlanta, for $1.05 million. Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,265 square feet of living area. It sold for $563,000 in 2014.

BEACHPLACE

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

PARK RESIDENCES OF LIDO KEY

Harry Eisenberg, trustee, sold the Unit 105 condominium at 1125 Gulf of Mexico Drive to 1125 GMD 3105 LLC for $800,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,819 square feet of living area. It sold for $320,000 in 1997.

AUGUST 14-18

PELICAN HARBOUR AND BEACH CLUB

Bruce Robbins, Nancy Nobis and Jeffrey Robbins, of Boston, sold their Unit G-2 condominium at 4234 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Christopher and Laurel Stevens and Morgan Stearns, of Fort Collins, Colorado, for $950,000. Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,636 square feet of living area. It sold for $160,000 in 1981.

BAYPORT BEACH AND TENNIS CLUB

Joseph Ernest Orzano, of Milan, Italy, sold his Unit 732 condominium at 732 Bayport Way to Subath Kamalasan, of Longboat Key, for $795,000. Built in 1983, it has two

HARBOUR OAKS AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

James and Margaret Theiss, trustees, of Cincinnati, sold the Unit 1004 condominium at 2115 Harbourside Drive to JSJ Realty Group LLC for $889,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,906 square feet of living area. It sold for $340,000 in 2016.

bedrooms, two baths and 1,456 square feet of living area. It sold for $435,000 in 2014.

SPANISH MAIN YACHT CLUB

Lester Brassington Jr. and Penny Klein, of Bradenton, sold their Unit 129 condominium at 583 Spanish Drive S. to Robert and Cheryl Venneri, of Longboat Key, for $639,000. Built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,399 square feet of living area. It sold for $300,000 in 2014.

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

Downtown St. Petersburg

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Aug. 18 - 25 in order of dollar amounts.

L O N G B OAT K E Y

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

ADDRESS 700 Old Compass Road 6171 Gulf of Mexico Drive

PERMIT APPLICANT AMOUNT($) Alt/Renovation Donald Johnson $350,000 Swimming Pool/Spa Eagles Sacred Space LLC $322,291

608 Cutter Lane

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Steven G Haussler

$201,975

1930 Harbourside Drive # 141 Alt/Renovation

2012 Spousal GST Trust Todd Sacks

$197,788

2525 Gulf of Mexico Drive # 7D Alt/Renovation 7073 Longboat Drive N. Alt/Renovation

Lillian Git Robert Benz

$138,630 $130,807

1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive # 201 Alt/Renovation Holdings LLC 2550 Alt/Renovation

Rachael Schwarz Fischer Family

$95,987 $95,432

Harbourside Drive # 322 300 Firehouse Lane Alt/Renovation

Real Estate Holdings Martin Allen

$87,000

Alt/Renovation 755 El Centro 1610 Harbor Cay Lane Re-roof

Timothy Gangloff Hopkins Developments, LTD

$80,375 $70,100

Bayport Beach

$69,881

Re-roof

Club Condo Association 580 Putting Green Lane Swimming Pool/Spa Hans-Peter Teuber Joseph Schena 545 Sanctuary Drive # B505 Alt/Renovation 5114 Gulf of Mexico Drive Re-roof White Sands of Longboat Condominium Association Inc. 1211 Gulf of Mexico Drive

A/C Change Out

814 Bayport Way Windows/Doors 4825 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Mechanical

- Alt/Renovation 340 Gulf of Mexico Drive # 135 Windows/Doors 25 Lighthouse Point Drive

Electrical - Other

Longboat Key

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

$60,000

Downtown Sarasota

$52,500 $46,242

Promenade Condo

$40,523

Owners Association Inc. Wilhelm Meierling

$38,508

Westchester Condominium $36,000 Apartments Unit Gordon Graber Trust

$34,173

Laurie Branch

$29,600

The Collection | 941.232.2868 | thecollection1335.com

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

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

Revocable Trust Source: Town of Longboat Key

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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

406133-1

Bayport Way

SOLD OUT

24

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

A TOP PRODUCING SMALL TEAM IN SARASOTA & MANATEE COUNTY

JUDY KEPECZ-HAYS TEAM 1108 & 1109

1001

Ritz-Carlton Managed - THE BEACH RESIDENCES Beach Club Membership Available Immediately 1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr. #1108 & 1109 $7,900,000

1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr. #1001 $5,995,000

4 bed, 6 bath | 6,682 Sq Ft

3 bed, 3.5 bath | 4,194 Sq Ft

Luxury knows no limits in this spectacular 11th-floor sprawling oneof-a-kind Bayview residence in the sky. The open floor plan includes 2 primary suites and 2 guest suites, plus a den and library or office6667 sq.ft. with 4 parking spaces. Upon arrival at this exclusive Gulf front paradise, the experience is pure refinement in a luxury beach resort setting; handcrafted interior finishes include wood and travertine floors in the living area, custom built-ins & 11ft. ceiling. www.RitzCarlton1109.com

With three exposures sweeping across the Gulf of Mexico to Sarasota Bay and panoramic views of the downtown skyline, this corner residence is an invitation to experience the beauty of natural light from sunrise to sunset. Instant enjoyment at this Ritz-Carlton Managed "The Beach Residences" on Lido Key. Luxury 10th-floor residence, nestled in the SW curve, 2 pets welcome, 2 parking spaces. www.RitzCarlton1001.com

50 Central Ave #16D | Downtown Sarasota | $2,350,000 2 bed, 2 parking, 2 pets welcome | 1,700 Sq Ft

3 bed + den or 4 bedrooms, 3 bath | 2,344 Sq Ft

3 bed + office or 4 bed, 3.5 bath | 4,032 Sq Ft

Experience panoramic views from this 16th-floor boutique condo in downtown Sarasota. With each room offering stunning sights and an additional 300 sq ft west-facing balcony, it's the perfect spot for enjoying breathtaking sunsets. Located amidst downtown's buzz, this quiet, private oasis lets you relish the vibrant city life from a serene retreat. www.50Central16D.com

Steps to St. Armands Circle! Residence with a private pool in a botanical setting with updates. The soaring ceilings create abundant space, complemented by tile floors, a wall of sliders, molding, wood accents, and recessed lighting.

Living in Aria is Instant enjoyment! Modern luxury living in this spectacular gulf-front corner residence that lives like a home on the beach. It offers a private gulf front 3400 sqft terrace with a private 49 ft. infinity edge lap pool and a summer kitchen for outdoor living. 4-5 car garage, social room, guest suite, fitness center, on-site management. www.Aria204.com

OPEN HOUSE - SAT. 9/2 (12 - 3pm) & SUN. 9/3 (12 - 3pm) www.408JacksonDr.com

435 L’Ambiance Dr. #H802 | Longboat Key $3,995,000

1930 Harbourside Dr. #122 | Fairway Bay | $978,000

2 bed + den or 3 bed, 4 bath | 2,525 Sq Ft This remodeled residence boasts views, quality, and casual elegance. 270 degrees of endless views of the city and truquoise waters of the Gulf looking South. The residence has newer windows and doors with walls of glass to bring the outside in. Custom Eurotech cabinets in kitchen and bathrooms. Offering concierge services, a resort-style pool & spa, three additional guest suites (bedrooms), 3 social rooms, on site management and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Pet welcome. www.435LAmbianceH802.com

2 bed, 2 bath | 1,312 Sq Ft This residence has southeastern exposure with epic sunrises and Sarasota skyline views. Almost new twobedroom, two-bath residence where a high-end interior designer selected impressive new finishes and features. Fitness center, pool & tennis.

THIS RESIDENCE HAS DEEDED BEACH ACCESS www.1930HarboursideDr122.com

A TOP PRODUCING SMALL TEAM IN SARASOTA & MANATEE COUNTY $2.4 Billion Career Sales 408271-1

408 Jackson Dr. | St. Armands | $2,988,000

2251 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #204 | Aria - Longboat Key $10,500,000

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

YourObserver.com

25

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, SEPT. 1

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

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

Thursday, Aug. 31

7:08a

7:51p

Friday, Sept. 1

7:08a

7:50p

Saturday, Sept. 2

7:09a

7:49p

Sunday, Sept. 3

7:09a

7:48p

SATURDAY, SEPT. 2

Monday, Sept. 4

7:10a

7:47p

High: 88 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 57%

Tuesday, Sept. 5

7:10a

7:46p

Wednesday, Sept. 6

7:11a

7:44p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, SEPT. 3 High: 88 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 21%

Sept. 6 Last

Sept. 14 New

Sept. 22 First

Sept. 29 Full

TIDES Highs Lows

Jenelle Alber took this photo of a spectacular sunrise from Bishop’s Bayou on Longboat Key.

Thursday, Aug. 31

1:42a

12:50p

6:52a

8:29p

Friday, Sept. 1

1:55a

1:44p

7:49a

8:58p

Saturday, Sept. 2

2:12a

2:40p

8:45a

9:22p

Sunday, Sept. 3

2:33a

3:40p

9:43a

9:43p

Monday, Sept. 4

2:58a

4:51p

10:45a

10:00p

Tuesday, Sept. 5

3:28a

6:33p

11:54a

10:05p

Wednesday, Sept. 6

4:06a

—

—

1:13p

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

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

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

celebrity cipher

117 Rapper Kanye 118 Blood bank VIP 119 Joyful internet cry 120 Speech therapist’s concerns

DOWN

©2023 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Senor living facilities?

6 “Superfood” seed 10 Hurled 15 Super’s accessory 19 Sniff 20 Pompeii, e.g.

21 ___ couture 22 AXP, on the NYSE 23 Bank of America: “Our savings bonds will ___!”

26 Soprano Te Kanawa 27 Utah ski resort 28 Tigers, on scoreboards 29 Sioux speakers 30 Mixes 32 Minor criticism 33 Reese of “Touched by an Angel” 35 Number at a golf hole

1 Channel focused on D.C. 2 Aviator Earhart 3 Baseball pro whose mascot is a moose 4 Seltzer lead-in 5 Sneaky 6 The “C” in ASPCA 7 Move like a meteor 8 Suffix for junior’s junior 9 Years overseas?

10 Coordinated motion at a stadium 11 Zimbabwe’s capital 12 Regrets, big time 13 Sci-fi regulars 14 Amenities for cocktail parties 15 Crumbly breakfast 86 Appliance brand 62 Become expert in 36 Forked over treats 89 Warm up for a bout 37 Peloton: “Our equipment 63 Adrenaline, informally 16 Coconut ___ (soy sauce 91 Ecosystem 64 Zoom: “Don’t worry withstands ___!” alternative) about saying stupid things, 92 Keurig: “Sick of compli41 Itty-bitty 17 Chicken hawker Frank because so often, ___!”

42 “Wowza!” cated instructions? ___ and 18 Is real, like Santa to 69 A free country 43 Felonious fire buy our simple machines!” some 70 Muppet who often 44 Money charged for 98 Mediator 24 Danish birthplace of singes Beaker’s hair money (Abbr.)

99 Narrow inlet Hans Christian Andersen 46 Stimulating substance, 72 “I’ll take that as ___” 100 Tending to ooze 25 Subject 73 Soothing plant briefly 101 Before, in poetry 31 Middle management 74 Squealer 47 Singer DiFranco 103 Frankfurter course? (Abbr.)

75 Petco: “Buy one of our 104 Jazz musician with an 48 Potentially offensive 33 Take courses? restraints to give your dog Egyptian-inspired name (Abbr.)

34 Peace Nobelist Kofi ___!”

52 Castle defense 106 “We ___ All Completely 36 Jewish festival 53 French’s: “Our freshness 80 Nicolas of “Pig” Beside Ourselves” (PEN/ 38 Took off 81 French 101 verb seals are so strong, we Faulkner winner) 39 Cake recipe verb 82 Bio or chem guarantee they ___!”

107 Surrounded by 40 Bad reviews 83 Bigwigs in Vogue?

58 Anthem contraction 108 Pixelated Atari game 44 One-celled beings (Abbr.)

59 Street speed reducer 109 Formica: “Our coun45 Straightforward soccer 84 Weighing devices 61 Charlottesville sch. tertop is so magnificent,

posedly 50 Portend 51 Bank info of interest 53 “Somebody come get this man / I think he got lost in my ___” (Lizzo lyric) 54 Stage, as a play 55 NYC’s Park or Madison 56 “Yeah, I’ll pass” 57 Fill up 59 Actress Jessica 60 ___ Reader 65 When doubled, a Hawaiian fish 66 Hasbro card game 67 Blockheads 68 ___-de-France 71 Insulting profanely 76 “Up” voice actor Ed 77 “The Lion King” villain 78 Fall faller 79 Elba of “Luther” 80 Sleeveless top, for short 84 Coffee taster, at times 85 Senator Booker 87 Speck 88 Warded off 89 More polished 90 Rush drummer Neil 91 Result of too many sixpacks, ironically 92 Tropical fruit tree 93 Baltimore pro 94 Some sink traps 95 Not betraying 96 Not far from 97 Three-sided beef cut 102 Utopias 104 Fruit peel 105 Not many 107 Against 110 Telefono greeting 111 Sioux speaker 112 Subj. at Gallaudet

“RVBJTBJITBJ OH G RETGJOSOJM CONNTE, AYJ XVB’J FVEEM -- O’I STEM RGKGANT VL IGCOBU IMHTNL XOHRVBJTBJTX.” HOBUTE LNVETBRT FTNRP

“FG DJRV LK WVCVMONDG NZ ZNFBCG DPJD ZLFV LI EZ PJAV DL FJRV J MNUUVO ILLC LI LEOZVCAVZ DPJK LDPVOZ.” VCCNLDD ULECX

“FRDHD IHD FEW FRZCNM Z SCWE IOWKF XZAD. ... WCXP FRD NWWB BZD PWKCN OKF FRD HDIX VDHSM EZXX XZYD AWHDYDH.” © 2023 NEA, Inc.

XDEZM OXITS

Puzzle Three Clue: V equals J

kick people will ___!”

113 Alan of “Marriage Story” 46 Nightclub in a Manilow song 114 Privileged group 47 “Stat!”

115 Rebuke from Caesar 49 Cats and dogs, sup116 Writer Gertrude

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: C equals L

OFF-BRANDS by Lisa Senzel and Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen

Puzzle One Clue: K equals P

crossword

399841-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

sudoku

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

©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

8-31-23

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

RED PAGES Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card The Longboat Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Longboat Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Adult Care Services

WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RATES Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F

SELL IT NOW! 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Boat Memberships for Sale

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

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

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

RED PAGES AD RATES

real estate

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Adult Care Services

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

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

Call 941-383-3338.

OLD MOTORCYCLES WANTED *Before 1985* ALL Makes & ModelsAny Condition!

Running or Not! $Cash Paid$ Call 845-389-3239 cyclesndmore10@gmail.com

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

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

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.

FIND IT IN THE RED PAGES YourObserver.com/RedPages

•Meal Prep •Daily routines •Respiratory Therapy & Hospice Background •Doctor appointments

Motorcycles

Auto Transport

941-955-4888

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

sadlerLjames@gmail.com, Phone or text 954-336-7936

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

BUY & SELL HERE!

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

Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

Daily Living Activities •Hourly 24/7 Care •Affordable Rates •Licensed/ Bonded/ Insured HHA# 299994819

IN-HOME PERSONAL CARE

DOCK C-6 Longboat Key Moorings Marina For Sale

Merchandise Wanted

ROOM MATE wanted, furnished upscale Palm-Air CC villa. Golf course, water views. Large bedroom, private bath and own lanai. Pool, tennis/pickleball facilities. Credit / Background check. 1st mo., last, and security deposit. $1,800 Utilities included.

(941) 914-0066

•Caregivers/Companions •Personal Care •CNA’s/HHA’s •Assistance with

Phone (941) 809-1438

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

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

Asking $250,000 -55' x 20' with only 44' two tiered finger dock allowing bow or stern in docking. Membership to Longboat Key Club is optional and not required.

Room for Rent

Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

home services

DESPERATELY NEEDED Low mileage, cars and trucks.

Also rare or unusual vehicles.

Larry 941-350-7993

2BR/2BA LONGBOAT KEY Annual Rental PH, jaw dropping view of the Bay, completely upgraded and elegantly furnished. Fully equipped. All amenities wanted are included.

200 ft. from beach. $5,500/m plus first and last month's rent and $1,000 deposit. Available now. 407-451-7179

Wagner Realty

Perfect Solutions For Seniors

15+ yrs exp. Exc local ref.

Call Robyn: 941-685-7199

Property Management

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

WANT TO rent your home hassle-free? You want to rent your home but can't find the right property management? Look no further. We are property owners too and understand your needs.

(646) 498-3481 www.lbkvacation.com

This week’s Crossword answers

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

GARAGE SALE As low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Contentment is a creativity killer, but don’t worry – I’m very capable of making myself discontented.”

Singer Florence Welch Puzzle Two Solution: “My take on celebrity is simply that some of us have to make a bigger fool of ourselves than others.”

Elliott Gould Puzzle Three Solution: “There are two things I know about life. ... Only the good die young but the real jerks will live forever.”

Lewis Black

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2023 NEA, Inc.

PANINI MAKER Cuisinart, like new, stainless steel $35 (941) 920-2494

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Condos/Apts. for Rent

You’re only cheating yourself.

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

Autos Wanted

peekers’ place

Items Under $200

auto

stuff

Ask about our special rates!

We’ll SWEEP you off your feet!

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

©2023 Universal Uclick

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

YourObserver.com

Furniture Repair

MediCupping & Massage Therapy services for healing

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

Rest your mind & body. Connect with your spirit.

408229

941-504-0903

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

Building & Roofing Contractor

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

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

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

408401

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

Health

William J. Leininger, JD

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

1/10/23, 10:25 AM

Transportation

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

Auto Service

Luxury for Less

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224 408243

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

SELL YOUR CAR! WE COME TO YOU

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

408631

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

DESPERATELY NEEDED

Find anything in the RED PAGES | 941-955-4888

Home Watch

Low Mileage, Cars & Trucks.

Also Rare or Unusual Vehicles.

dan@shorelockhomewatch.com

Serving AMI, LBK and Bradenton for 25 years

Insurance

409368

941-778-2882 • 941-387-0607

MIC INSURANCE

Check out our 5 Star Reviews on Google Doors

Sliding Glass Door Repair

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

150

$

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

GROW

YOUR BUSINESS Advertise as low as $85 per week.

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

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

408236

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS CALL 941-955-4888

ows

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

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Showcase your products or services.

STANDARD WINDOWS

5

www.shorelockhomewatch.com

DRIES IN HOURS – NOT DAYS • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

25

UP TO

$

408633

(941)544-0475

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

Lic./Ins.

SPECIAL 00

Carpet Cleaning

Summer Clean Up!

Windows

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

FIRST RESPONDER OWNED & OPERATED

409157

UNIQUE SPORT & IMPORTS 941-350-7993

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

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Autos Wanted

10% off

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

407648

HoHoBuysCars.com

Airports, Concerts, Dinners & Cruises www.towncarservicebradenton.com

Res./Com.

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

5-Star Rated

941-248-4734

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

FAST • EASY • SAFE

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

408243

408630

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

LMT, CMCE

Roofing

Handyman

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

Chrissy Stites

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

408636

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.

409162

Heart & Sole Healing Space, LLC

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

Divorce without Lawyers

941.270.4400

Massage

408858

Attorney

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

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

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

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!

408638

RED PAGES

27

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

1/1

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

ROGER SELLS LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES #1 SARASOTA SINGLE AGENT

2008, 2010, 2012 - 2022

5005 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #3

$12,000,000

A newer gem completed in 2020, this luxurious 5BR home, offered turnkey furnished, is a rare find that invites you to immediately immerse yourself in the lap of waterfront luxury. Enjoying the Gulf’s gentle waves is just the beginning of what this remarkable retreat has to offer. Crafted with precision and built by Eason Home Builders, this home seamlessly blends modern innovation with the allure of West Indies-inspired architecture. The result is a masterpiece that stands as a testament to lavish living directly on the Gulf of Mexico.

www.BonaireLBK3.com

1350 MAIN STREET #1704

1211 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #802

$1,995,000

$5,495,000

3040 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #251 $1,999,000

Your exclusive downtown oasis awaits. “The One at 1350 Main”, a Penthouse residence perched on the 17th floor, boasts breathtaking panoramic views of downtown, the bay, and the Gulf. Offered furnished and move-in ready!

This bayfront 5th-floor Antigua at Grand Bay offers 3,000 SF, and is ready for you to make your own.

One of the largest floor plans in the community, these true 3BRs are rare. Includes 2 covered parking spaces and additional storage.

www.TheOne1704.com

www.GrandBay251.com

816 JUNGLE QUEEN WAY

$1,599,000

1105 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #5-404 $1,395,000

Embrace the captivating beach-to-bay views that stretch from the Gulf, the Bay, and downtown at this sunny, south-facing 8th-floor residence, offering an open and spacious interior plus two terraces.

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.

Beautiful, lush views of the Gulf are the perfect backdrop at this true 3BR, 4thfloor residence at Beachplace. Situated in a corner location, with beach and bay terraces. Covered parking included!

www.Promenade802.com

www.816JungleQueenWay.com

www.Beachplace5404.com

201 NORTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

$2,195,000

4525 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #404

$1,100,000

235 COCOANUT AVENUE #125D

The walkable location of this St. Armands homesite will immediately draw you in, offering an oversized, 1/4-acre lot for you to design your dream home. The best of Sarasota is a sunny bike ride away.

This furnished, direct Gulf-front residence is bathed in natural light. Offering a blend of comfort and relaxation, this 4th-floor retreat is an opportunity to relish inspiring beach and sunset views from every room.

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

www.201NorthWashington.com

www.TheCastillian404.com

www.MarqueeEnVille125D.com

$949,000

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.

401536-1

28