Longboat Observer 9.14.23

Still in season

Turtle season isn’t over yet.

Longboat Key Turtle Watch

Vice President Cyndi Seamon said the group is still doing spot checks on existing nests, and there are still some marked nests on the island. There may also be some unmarked nests.

Storm surge from Hurricane Idalia made an impact on Longboat Key beaches, but Seamon said turtle nests could still be hatching throughout the remainder of the season. She said the group hopes to have some hatchlings emerging soon.

The town’s turtle protection ordinance is in effect until Oct. 31. Keeping the beaches clean, refraining from digging holes and keeping the beaches dark during the night is still important this late in the season, Seamon said.

Longboat Key Turtle Watch also has T-shirts available at UPS and Design 2000 for fundraising.

Exotic Cars on the Circle

Boulevard of the Presidents was lined with exotic cars on Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Exotic Cars on the Circle was the perfect event for auto enthusiasts to admire iconic cars and mingle with others passionate about stylish vehicles.

All car owners registered had to pay a minimum of $25 to show their car. All proceeds went to Flight to the North Pole, a charity that provides financial and emotional support to terminally ill children and their families in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Volunteers also walked around collecting donations since it was a free event.

Maureen Phifer and her husband, David, just moved to Sarasota. They said they never miss a car event.

“This town has more beautiful, exotic cars than any place I’ve ever lived in,” said Maureen. “They’re just really unique. You don’t see this just anywhere, especially the collections like these.”

Nature’s surge defense

Beer Can Island dredge complete

First shorebirds and sea turtles caused delays. Then an abandoned power line slowed work down.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

Canal 1A on the north end of Longboat Key is traversable again.

The latest maintenance dredging of Longboat Key’s Greer Island (Beer Can Island) Spit Management Project officially wrapped up on Sept. 7.

About 19,000 cubic yards of sand were dredged from the canal and relocated to the groin field toward the end of North Shore Road.

The now dredged canal also allows for boat owners to freely navigate to the Gulf and restores their riparian rights.

According to Public Works Program Manager Charlie Mopps, the project had just about wrapped up before Hurricane Idalia made its way toward Florida’s coast.

The crew was in the process of

demobilization and final surveys, which showed the dredging was near completion.

But throughout the course of the project, which was originally scheduled to begin in May, Mopps said there were challenges the team needed to overcome.

“I’m not going to say that it was easy, but it wasn’t as difficult as it could be,” Mopps said.

First was a delay in the project due to wildlife.

A colony of terns, a type of shorebird, and sea turtles nested on the island. The crew had to wait for the birds to leave and the turtle eggs to hatch before moving forward with

the vegetation removal in late July to start the project.

Another hurdle was an old abandoned power line that Mopps said caused some confusion. Originally, it was a concern because it may have been in the dredging field. But after many conversations, the crew realized that it was a remnant of a power line from awhile ago and that it would not be an issue.

A couple times throughout the dredging, Mopps said the dredge exceeded the project’s turbidity allowance. Turbidity measures the cloudiness of the water due to particles.

To fix this, Mopps said the crew had to stop and let the water settle before continuing the dredge.

Under normal conditions, Mopps said that, with the sand being relocated to the groins, the project should lengthen the time in between required maintenance dredging.

“Because of the groins that are in place, it has definitely lengthened the periods between the time we have to do maintenance dredging,” Mopps said. “However when you have storm events, all bets are off.”

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

Longboat Key’s latest dredge maintenance project of Greer Island relocated 19,000 cubic yards of sand, which opened up Canal 1A.

The Greer Island Spit Management Project began the week of July 24 by clearing vegetation.

“Because of the groins that are in place, it has definitely lengthened the periods between the time we have to do maintenance dredging.”

— Charlie Mopps, Public Works program manager

File photo

A view of the narrow, unnavigable Canal 1A prior to dredging.

Line in THE SAND

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

Walking onto the Gulfside Road beach access, a recently unearthed seawall stands out among a row of large rocks.

Before the storm, people may not have even realized there was a seawall buried there.

This was one of the most striking differences in the beach that Longboat Key resident Cyndi Seamon saw after Hurricane Idalia.

Seamon is also vice president of the Longboat Key Turtle Watch. She was on the beach before and after the storm conducting turtle patrols.

Near where she lives on the north end, Seamon said she noticed a lot of the beach was lower and sand moved to the dunes.

“We just noticed how much water the dune system held,” Seamon said.

“It’s amazing how well they do.”

Further south, she noticed more of an escarpment, where sand steeply drops between the dune and beach face.

What impressed Seamon, though, was how well of a job the beaches — and the vegetation — did of holding up against storm surge.

ANATOMY OF A BEACH

Before Hurricane Idalia brushed past Longboat Key, Public Works Program Manager Charlie Mopps believed that storm surge would be the main concern for the island.

Mopps has been working on beach building since the 1990s. He studied marine affairs at University of Rhode Island.

He was optimistic that the beaches would hold up to Idalia’s surge.

Afterward, he went to look at the beaches and saw what he called “deflation,” i.e. a flatter beach profile. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

“Our beaches did what they were supposed to do,” Mopps said.

Beaches are built and replenished for three main reasons, according to Mopps.

One is for the environment, creating breeding grounds for turtles and birds.

Second is for recreation.

And third are the storm protection benefits.

“That’s why we do what we do as a town to replenish our beaches,” Mopps said.  The last time Longboat Key completed a beach nourishment project was in 2021. In that $36 million project, 1 million cubic yards of sand were excavated from the Gulf and the inlet to go to the beaches.

In 2016, a smaller project brought sand by truck and from the inlet. That $20.28 million project implemented 43,000 cubic yards of sand.

A beach’s berm is one of the top things Mopps said will mitigate the impacts of storm surge.

The berm is the area between the high-tide line and the dune, and it acts as a physical barrier against waves. As waves crash, sand will be pulled offshore from the berm area, which then moves back the breaking point of the waves.

Because of this, Mopps said the beaches may appear to lose some recreational area once the storm has passed, but the sand will naturally accrete back over time. Longboat’s beaches are built to a five- to six-foot berm height, Mopps said.

“Where we had the higher berm elevations, there was very little to no overwash,” Mopps said. “But because of that, the beaches did suffer an impact, which is that they kind of lost some of their elevation.”

Behind the berm is the dune, which is like a “final frontier,” as Mopps described it. If water gets past the berm, the dune is the last protector for the upland structures.

Vegetation within the dunes helps to secure sediment in place, providing an extra layer of protection against the surge.

All parts of the beach serve a purpose, Mopps said. Each is designed to absorb impacts of a storm.

Seeing the deflated beach prompted Mopps to reach out to coastal engineers to begin surveys.

The surveys will take about a month to complete, Mopps said. But the results could allow him to pursue a FEMA claim, which could provide funding for a future nourishment project.

With hurricane season still active,

Mopps couldn’t speculate on how a changed beach landscape would affect future impacts.

“There’s still plenty of beach; there’s still plenty of berm,” Mopps said.

FLOODING FRONTIERS

Beaches usually take the brunt of storms, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director Dave Tomasko said. And it’s important to continue placing importance on beach nourishment.

But with the latest flooding on Longboat Key from Hurricane Idalia, he said the greater issue is on the bay side.

Beach nourishment won’t solve all the flooding problems, Tomasko said.

While the dunes and berm protect the gulf side, that doesn’t help the bay side from getting flooded — especially in low-lying areas like north Longboat.

Through anecdotal evidence from north Longboat Key residents, Tomasko heard streets are flooding more often.

It’s like a perfect storm of cause and effect.

Tomasko said spring tides occur with new and full moons, and king tides are a special, more severe kind of spring tide.

But now, it doesn’t take a king tide to flood low-lying streets.

Over the last 20 years, Tomasko said there has been an estimated six inches of sea level rise, and another nine inches is expected over the next 30 years.

“So what’s happening now is, the water level is higher, causing more street flooding, more often,” Tomasko said. “And that’s not going to get better, that’s going to get worse.”

Because most of the bay side is private property to the water line, and much of that coast is made of hardened shorelines, there aren’t many options to address the issue.

Tomasko said there are some critics of beach nourishment, and others that think people should retreat from barrier islands all together.

“That’s not a conversation that’s going to get a lot of traction,” Tomasko said.  Beach economics, especially with barrier islands, are too important to ignore. Healthy beaches are necessary to those economies, according to Tomasko.

He said some other places try to harden beaches, or implement piles of rocks to protect the shoreline.

“Beach nourishment is probably the least long-term damaging way to keep those barrier islands in place,” Tomasko said. “But it’s going to happen more often in the future with sea level coming up and storms becoming more violent.”

birds to lay their eggs too close to the water, where they could be washed away

The beaches withstood Idalia’s surge, but Longboat was still flooded. How?

Photo by Carter Weinhofer

“Beach nourishment is probably the least long-term damaging way to keep those barrier islands in place. But it’s going to happen more often in the future with sea level coming up and storms becoming more violent.”

— Dave Tomasko, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director

Storm surge effects from Hurricane Idalia depleted the beach landscape at the Gulfside Road public beach access, exposing an old sea wall.

TO

Commission back in session

Public concern, project updates kick off Town Commission meeting.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

After a monthlong break, the Longboat Key Town Commission reconvened to deal with a few resolutions, receive project updates and address public concerns.

Before the main agenda, residents were allowed to speak on items not on the agenda.

Former Town Commissioner Lynn Larson shared personal, negative experiences with the Sarasota County dispatch system, including one in which dispatch said Larson was in Charlotte County and would not send help.

She was in Sarasota County, on Longboat Key.

Larson said she was on the commission that voted to move emergency dispatch services to Sarasota County, which eventually took place in 2016. She said at that time that the county made big promises.

“Nothing has been delivered,” she said.

Mayor Ken Schneier and other commissioners agreed it was the right time to look into the issue further.  Seven items were placed on the consent agenda, all approved with a 7-0 vote.

The first two resolutions of the agenda dealt with the Utility Undergrounding Project. The resolution certified the annual assessment roll, including new eligible parcels.

Public Works Director Isaac Brownman delivered an update from Florida Power and Light after numerous underground generators failed in Hurricane Idalia’s storm

surge. He said the issue has been given top priority, and an investigation is underway.

The third resolution that passed dealt with the reallocation of remaining funds in the fiscal year 2023 budget.

An amendment to the ambulance fee schedule was proposed in the next resolution. Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi explained that a slight increase in user fee for medical transportation services was necessary.

The last time the town assessed the cost was 2007.

The fee generates an average of about $280,000 a year, according to Town Manager Howard Tipton. With the now-approved increase, an additional $20,000 in revenue is estimated.

Additionally, the commissioners voted to adopt the fifth batch of the comprehensive plan, which focuses on Conservation & Coastal Management and Recreation.

There was some discussion among the commissioners about the town meeting schedule for 2024.  Commissioners voted to reschedule every meeting that starts at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., and to schedule a June 28 meeting with the idea in mind to cancel the July meeting.

In new business, Tipton updated the commissioners on Manatee County’s potential community center lease in Whitney Beach Plaza.

Tipton said he heard from Interim Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop that Bishop directed his staff to pull together the necessary interlocal agreement to get going on the lease.

“It was certainly the strongest direction I’ve seen in this process,” Tipton said.

The Town Commission will hold a regular workshop on Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. and the next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 2 at 1 p.m.

Millage rate, town staffing key focus of budget hearing

The first public hearing for LBK’s fiscal year 2024 budget included a change to the millage rate and public comment about the personnel increase.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

The first public hearing for Longboat Key’s final 2024 fiscal year budget reduced the town’s millage rate and sparked conversation about new staff positions.

Town Manager Howard Tipton and the Finance Department brought forth the recommendation to reduce the millage rate to 1.9600, down from the 1.9850 millage rate Tipton recommended in August.

After discussion from commissioners, District 1 Commissioner Gary Coffin saw no problem in the 1.9900 millage rate. But he was the only commissioner who initially was hesitant to roll back the rate.

The commissioners approved the reduced millage rate 7-0.

Ad valorem revenues were $43,940 higher than the June property value estimates when the July 1 certified property values were released, which lead to the staff’s recommendation of a 1.9850 rate in August.

The certified property values were up 13.11% from fiscal year 2023.

Further review found an excess reserve of $216,647. This led Tipton and the Finance Department to reduce the millage rate further, to 1.9600.

Due to the increase in property values even with the new millage rate, there is an increase of $1,580,016 in ad valorem revenue. The total ad valorem revenue for the 2024 fiscal year is $15,718,886.

The total millage for gulfside residents is now 2.6712, and 2.1708 for bayside residents.

There was a net increase of $14,256 in General Fund expenditures.

HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

The town’s new grants coordinator, Kalee Shaberts, is already making progress during the inaugural year of her position. Since Shaberts started in July, she has applied for:

$12,492 in Justice Assistance Grants

$30,000Grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Coastal Partnership, focused on beach access dune walkovers

$3.36MGrant from Resilient Florida Grant Program, focused on Sleepy Lagoon issues

it’s a very sound budget and is very consistent with our strategic plan,” Haycock said. “Personally, I’m happy that we got a town manager that’s willing to stick his neck out a little bit and add the employees he thinks are required to keep our satisfaction levels.”

Commissioner-at-Large BJ Bishop and District 5 Commissioner Debbie Murphy backed Haycock’s statements and voiced support of the increased investment in personnel.

PERSONNEL CONCERNS

Additionally, a contingency fund of $110,000 was added to the Building Fund for the new Accela Software project. The software will help the Planning, Zoning and Building Department with permitting and inspections.

Finance Director Sue Smith and Tipton both acknowledged that the increased investment in town staff was significant. Of the Operating Budget, 81.5% of the fund goes towards wages and benefits.

Vice Mayor Mike Haycock voiced his opinion about staff cost increases. He said he is aware of some criticism toward the increase, but expressed his support.

“In spite of the criticism, I think

Longboat Key resident Jim Whitman said that several other residents have expressed concern about the increase in personnel costs.

“I’m not talking about pay adjustments, benefit adjustments, increase based on inflation, any of that,” Whitman said. “I’m talking about the increase in the headcount.”  He suggested some positions could be contracted out, and questioned the need for some of the fulltime positions, such as in the building analyst and position in the fire rescue department.

In response, Tipton reinforced the need for the analyst in stating the implementation of the Accela Software will be a long-term project, and other departments could need simi-

ST. REGIS PUBLIC HEARING

The first public hearing for the latest St. Regis amendment will take place on Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. This latest amendment is a revision to the final site plan, and no longer includes a parking garage structure. Instead, the developers have decided to increase surface parking throughout the site.

Based on the June 5 meeting, which saw disapproval over the garage, town commissioners were prepared to draft an Order of Denial following the second public hearing on June 20.

lar upgrades.  District 1 Commissioner Gary Coffin also commented, saying he heard of issues stemming from the fire department being understaffed. He also said with future business expansion, positions like another inspector are necessary.

Total expenditures for the General Fund for the proposed budget now total $25,695,614. But $5.1 million of those expenditures come from onetime transfers from the fund balance that was available for capital projects.

Those projects are primarily highway infrastructure, like work on the Broadway Roundabout, digital display boards, road resurfacing and streetlights.

“One-time moves in and out of a budget can be misleading to budget trends, I understand that,” Tipton said.

For this upcoming fiscal year, Tipton said the town had the opportunity to put these funds to use and, if completed, the budget will go down by that amount next year.

The resolution to tentatively approve the budget was approved 7-0 by the town commission. The final public hearing for the fiscal year 2024 budget will be held on Sept. 26 at 5:01 p.m.

At the June 20 meeting, the applicant, Unicorp National Developments Inc., asked for a continuance with the requirement to submit new plans to staff by July 6.

The new plans increase surface parking area from 38 spaces to 93 spaces, which requires a new departure due to a change in setback requirements.

The second change deals with the amount of pervious surface, which has been slightly decreased. According to a brief from Director of Planning, Zoning and Building Allen Parsons, the Public Works Department reviewed this change and recommended approval.

The developers also want to retain the amount of landscape screening proposed with the parking garage plans — albeit without the garage.

Photo by Lori Sax

Town Manager Howard Tipton and the Finance Department brought forth the recommendation to reduce the millage rate to 1.9600.

Film school

Ringling College

CARTER WEINHOFER

STAFF WRITER

In the coming months, residents may spot young film crews on Longboat Key’s beaches.

They’ll be making three short films about conservation and environmental stewardship.

Among them could be local environmental groups, such as Longboat Key Turtle Watch, Save Our Seabirds or Mote Marine Laboratory, as they collaborate with the Ringling College of Art and Design to produce documentaries.

Immediate past president of the Longboat Key Rotary Club Jeff Driver spearheaded the collaboration with local environmental groups for this project.

Talks about the project began at an Earth Day event organized by the Rotary Club, Driver said. There, members of groups like Mote, Save Our Seabirds and Longboat Key Turtle Watch came together.

This led to an idea for a collaborative project aimed at environmental education and outreach.

The Rotary Club had worked with Ringling College before, making signs for public beaches to encourage turtle-safe behavior. Driver was familiar with Ringling’s successful film department.

Driver and his wife, Terri, got in contact with Patrick Alexander, professor and interim film department head for the college.

Alexander was immediately interested in the idea.

The short-form documentaries will each have their own focus: con-

servation of seabirds, conservation of sea turtles and environmental stewardship.

Driver, also a volunteer with Longboat Key Turtle Watch, noted how iconic sea turtles are to this area.

“You see these turtles, and the hatchlings are so iconic,” Driver said. “They’re such great environmental stewards themselves.”

The Rotary Club of Longboat Key has many key pillars, one of which is supporting the environment.

“We all need to contribute to the solution in small ways, which become a cumulative impact regionally and globally for that matter,” Driver said. With this project, Driver hopes these environmental groups can use

these films to promote their causes and inspire even more environmental stewardship.  “I hope that what we do will stimulate the interest of the next generation of decision makers and environmental stewards,” Driver said. “That’s really our hope.”

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

After the Drivers presented the short documentary idea to Alexander, he recognized the project’s potential for the college’s INDEX program.  INDEX, short for industry experience, provides students with opportunities to gain professional experience.  This project would fall under

For more info about the project, or to support the project, visit LongboatKeyRotary.org.

“ Client-Sponsored Competitions and Immersives,” where students come up with a creative plan with the client, in this case the Rotary Club, and then work as professional contractors.”

Past projects with the INDEX project have created promotional films for brands such as L’Oreal, Disney and Doritos, according to the program’s website.

While projects for larger brands are just as good, Alexander is looking forward to seeing the local impact of the current project.

“It’s exciting to know that what we’re doing here might actually make a difference in where we live,” Alexander said.

This summer, Alexander took a crew of recent Ringling alumni to begin some filming for the project.

But with the academic year now started, the hope is to create a collab-

orative effort between faculty, staff, alumni and current students.

“So it’s kind of like using all the assets of the Ringling film department,” Alexander said.

Alexander anticipates around a dozen students will work on the project over the course of the academic year, touching on all aspects of filmmaking such as cinematography, film production, location audio, post-production editing and sound design.

By creating shorter-form documentary films, Alexander hopes to appeal to the modern attention span, which he says is much shorter.

“There’s a lot of value to these really high-quality, small-branded videos,” Alexander said.

Once completed, the films will be given to the clients, i.e. the Rotary Club and the environmental organizations.

The project will last all year, and Alexander hopes the films will be ready for the organizations by the end of spring 2024.

partners with LBK nonprofits to make three documentaries about conservation.

Courtesy photos

Jeffrey Driver, Natasha Thornton (Ringling Film Dept. alumnus), Troy Logan (Ringling Film Dept. alumnus)

Terri Driver with Ringling Film Department alumni Natasha Thornton and Troy Logan

LEARN MORE

How old do you want to be?

is associated with a 68% increase in risk of sudden death.

So how do you fix this?

Severe issues may require medical attention. But these simple but aggressive lifestyle changes will work together to help manage every one of those risk factors.

MIRABAI HOLLAND CONTRIBUTOR

September is Healthy Aging Month. How old do you want to be?

You have a choice. The lifestyle choices you make now can help you stay healthier, feel younger and probably live longer.

A blood test with your yearly checkup is your GPS to taking care of yourself. Test results that are outside the normal range are often marked in red. Borderline in yellow. Normal in green. Look at your numbers and don’t be shy about asking your doctor to explain what those numbers mean. Do you have high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDLs, belly fat, high blood sugar?

When you have three or more of these health issues, there’s a good chance you’ve got metabolic syndrome. It’s not a disease. It’s a name for the perfect storm that happens when these conditions interact with each other and make them all worse.

Check out the chart below. Metabolic syndrome increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and premature death. And your risk increases as you age.

A study by the National Institutes of Health found metabolic syndrome

Get on an exercise program. Start slowly and build up to 30 minutes five times a week of cardio, like brisk walking, 30 minutes of weight training every other day three times a week and stretch the muscles you worked. Exercise burns fat, raises your metabolism and reduces stress.

Stop eating junk food. Cut your junk food intake by a third, then half, then none. Gradually cut down on red meat. Go for chicken and fish instead. Try plant-based proteins like beans and nuts. Lose empty carbs like chips, bread and, yes, that one more beer. You’ll lose weight and have healthier yearly labs.

Drink in moderation. One daily drink for women, two for men — or fewer to help with blood sugar, eliminate calories and manage alcohol associated health risk.

Quit smoking if you smoke. Get help with this one. Free help is available. You can do this. It’s not as hard as you think.

Mirabai Holland is CEO of NuVue LLC. She is a certified health coach, exercise physiologist and wellness consultant for Manatee County government employees and has a private practice. She holds an MFA from NYU and is also an artist who believes creativity enhances health. Email her with your questions at AskMirabai@ MovingFree.com.

A confluence of health issues can lead to metabolic syndrome, but lifestyle changes can reduce risk factors.

A new path for local public transit

Despite population growth, county bus systems have seen a decline in riders.

These are trying times for transit agencies across the United States, and Sarasota County Area Transit and Manatee County Area Transit are not exceptions. As the accompanying charts show, ridership on both county bus systems was falling despite growing population even before the pandemic, fell more during the pandemic and shows little signs of recovery so far.

This is a real problem when both counties are planning on increasing transit use.

Across the nation in a postCOVID world, transit agencies are facing anemic ridership and spiraling budget deficits. Most agencies face a fiscal cliff next year once supplemental COVID funding ends. For SCAT, the drop in federal funding could be over $5 million, around 40% of annual operating costs, while for MCAT the hit will be smaller but still significant.

Yet, rather than steering their systems in a new direction, both agencies are largely hewing to a strategy of doing more of what hasn’t worked in the past. While there are some commendable experiments with new service offerings, such as the Breeze trolley and dial-a-ride services, more is needed to adjust to new realities.

Without major changes, SCAT and MCAT will either need major increases in local funding or steep service cuts. Local service cuts will harshly effect transit-dependent riders (those without access to a vehicle). Many of these riders have no other way of reaching their employer, leading to lost jobs and economic activity for both them and the local economies. But increasing county budgets for transit comes with major tradeoffs. What other services will have to be cut to free up money to sustain public transit?

Fortunately, there are five actions that SCAT and MCAT can take to increase ridership, reduce financial pain, and improve their long-run sustainability.

FIRST, is fully funding bus service for transit dependent riders. Over the past 30 years, too much focus has been on service for transit-choice riders (those with access to automobiles). This is partly due to both counties’ goals of increasing ridership — you have to attract choice riders if you want to increase the percentage of trips on transit. But very few transit agencies across the nation have found a way to increase choice rider transit use, even with large increases in expenditures.

Instead, agencies need to focus on their core bus customers. The best way to grow ridership is to provide more reliable service that comes more frequently, ideally

every 15 minutes. Houston provides a model. Led by transit consultant Jarrett Walker, ridership in Houston grew by up to 20%. The redesign also made the system more fiscally sustainable.

SECOND, transit fares are far below the cost of providing the ride. For transit dependent riders this makes sense, but for choice riders, even the full cost of a bus ride is less than the cost to drive including fuel, depreciation, tolls and parking. In many communities the cost to drive alone is about eight times as much as even a full cost transit fare. So, cost savings don’t really work to attract choice riders, so stop trying. Instead focus on providing appealing, reliable, pleasant service that riders might sometimes choose over driving. Expanding bus passes for students and similar programs focusing on transit-dependent riders will allow continued low fares for those users. Special passes for tourists could be an option as well to help increase their use of buses rather than driving and parking at local attractions.

THIRD, replace low ridership bus routes with paratransit or ondemand rideshare. Not every transit route in Sarasota and Manatee counties has the ridership to justify a 40-foot fixed-route bus. In many cases, variable-route, on-demand transit service is a better option.

Sarasota County has Breeze on-

demand service, but it could be expanded further. A number of cities have experimented with partnership with ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft and found the cost of providing rides on those services for the same as a bus fare can be a bit less than running a bus service on sparse routes.

FOURTH, contract out bus service. In Europe and Asia and some U.S. cities, bus services are contracted out to national bus transit companies. The two biggest advantages of contracting are more flexible and targeted service and lower costs. Contractor service is evaluated on performance-based criteria and focuses on how happy the service makes customers. Costs are lower because economies of scale eliminate the duplication of many management functions. Contracting brings accountability. If the private entity does not abide by the contract terms, then the public agency can fine the contractor or cancel the contract. If the contractor produces exceptional service, then the public agency can reward it. When the public agency provides the service, there is no incentive to improve service because the agency is not going to punish itself.

FIFTH, make greater use of intelligent transportation systems. There are many ITS features including transit priority for signalized intersections, electronic

message boards, sophisticated real-time apps and variable bus information systems. Each of these systems can improve the passenger experience at a minimal cost. For example, traffic signal prioritization has been proven to reduce delays by 20% on bus rapid transit lines. However, many systems only use TSP when they are behind schedule. TSP should be used all the time to keep buses on schedule, not wait until they are behind schedule. A change in focus based on best practices in public transit could help SCAT and MCAT be more successful at what transit is good at, which is providing mobility for people who don’t have other options. That is a much more solid foundation for the future of transit in the two counties than continuing to hope and dream that people will decide to use transit rather than drive. We’ve been trying that for decades and it hasn’t worked yet.

Baruch Feigenbaum is the Reason Foundation director of transportation policy, and Dr. Adrian Moore is the vice president of Reason Foundation. Moore lives in Sarasota.

LONGBOAT

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

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

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

ADRIAN MOORE AND BARUCH FEIGENBAUM

Restoration then renovation

Cafe L’Europe closes for repairs after damage from Hurricane Idalia.

Café L’Europe will be closed temporarily while the restaurant addresses damage sustained due to Hurricane Idalia. The restaurant plans to reopen in mid-September.

The restaurant was flooded with about a foot of water, delaying the third phase of the three-phase remodel, which was to include the building’s facade. Café L’Europe was celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The restaurants’ owners, Amanda and John Horne, decided to postpone the final phase of its renovation until next summer because of the damage. This caused a shift in focus from renovation to restoration, according to a media release.

“The flooding did give us an opportunity to look at some of the

bones and infrastructure of that front room,” said Eleni Sokos, director of brand strategy for Oysters Rock Hospitality, which represents the Café. “We got to see how much the level of construction is required there. I wouldn’t say it was worth it. But it helps us make a more informed decision.”

During the hiatus, Café L’Europe has a construction crew working on the restoration. Sokos said the crew removed the restaurant’s new wooden flooring, which was installed during the second phase of the renovation and replaced it with tiles that will withstand any future hurricane damage.

“We’ll be back to work next week and, when we reopen, we will have a new point-of-sale system,” said Sokos. “So that’s another thing that this gave us the opportunity to do. We are looking at going to brunch seven days instead of just the weekends. And we have been working really hard on the bar menu: bar bites and cool new cocktails. And of course, our award winning wine list. There’s some new additions coming out to that as well.”

SATURDAY, SEPT. 2

ACCESS DENIED

11:40 a.m., 1000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Incident: An officer was dispatched to investigate the report of an air conditioning company requesting access to a room in an apartment complex. The security guard, who called in the complaint, said the driver requested access to a room that didn’t exist, before changing his answer to a different room. According to the security guard’s story, he told the driver that no vendors were allowed in the complex on weekends unless it was an emergency, at which the driver left the premises and parked at another building. The officer was unable to locate the vehicle, but the security guard assured the officer that no access to the complex was given.

JUST WAITING

11:16 p.m., 1200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Person: While on patrol, an officer noticed a man sitting alone on the sidewalk in the dark. The officer claimed to be concerned for the man’s welfare, so he checked up on him. The man said he was just sitting and waiting for a friend and didn’t want to wait on the beach due to mosquitoes.

MONDAY, SEPT. 4

HELP IS ON THE WAY

12:01 p.m., 5500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen Assist: A vehicle illegally parked in a bike lane was checked by a Longboat Key officer. The officer made contact with the owner, who said the vehicle broke down and was waiting for a tow company.

CREDENTIAL CHECK

12:54 p.m., Sister Keys Boat-Miscellaneous: While on marine patrol, an officer observed a catamaran vessel with nine passengers sitting in the bow area. The officer conducted a stop and asked about the charter service. The captain said he was indeed a charter and working for a company out of Longboat Key. Proper paperwork was then asked for by the officer. The captain was unable to provide a certificate of inspection. The officer spoke to passengers, and one stated

FRIDAY, SEPT. 1

SECOND WARNING

4 p.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico

Drive Boat-Miscellaneous: Longboat Key

Police Department marine patrol spotted a partially submerged vessel touching the bottom while tied to a dock. The officer contacted the owner of the vessel, who said he was unaware of the situation and would take care of it. But the owner had previously been cited for the same violation, which he claimed to have received. The officer advised the owner that he would be receiving a second citation for the violation.

they had organized the charter online for $150 per person. The captain was able to show a contract for the charter, but the officer stated the investigation would be turned over to the Coast Guard to confirm his credentials.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 5

POOL PROBLEMS

9:13 a.m., 600 block of Norton Street Citizen Assist: Longboat Key Police were asked to help a citizen. Upon arrival, the owner stated she had questions about how to empty her pool. The responding officers advised her that she cannot empty any water from the pool into the canal, and another officer was able to help her make contact with a pool service.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 6

MAN VERSUS NATURE

1:30 p.m., Longboat Pass

Boat-Miscellaneous: A marine patrol officer saw a man paddling an inflatable raft, having some trouble against a strong current. The officer assisted the paddler to shore.

Town of Longboat Key ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS

The Town of Longboat Key isacceptingapplications for appointment tothe following boards: Consolidated Retirement System BoardofTrustees Zoning Board of Adjustment

All applicationsmustbesubmitted to the Office of the Town Clerk by 12:00 p.m.onSeptember 20, 2023. All applicants must beregisteredvoters ofthe Town of Longboat Key. Late applications will be held for one year for any future board/committee vacancies that may arise.

All members of theConsolidatedRetirementSystem Board of Trusteesare required to file a financial disclosure form within 30 days after appointment and annuallythereafterfor the duration of theappointment as required byFlorida Statutes Chapter 112.

The Town Commissionmayschedule a Meet and Greet with applicants at a later date. Please call the Office of the Town Clerk at 941-316-1999 to request an applicationor for any questions.Applications are also availableonlineat: www.longboatkey.org Completed applications may be submitted to:

Town of Longboat Key – Office of the Town Clerk 501 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key FL 34228

StephanieJanney, Administrative Assistant

Published:09-07-2023, 09-14-2023

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

Courtesy photo

Cafe L’Europe is temporarily closed for repairs due to damage caused by Hurricane Idalia.

Collaborative solution search

CARTER WEINHOFER

STAFF WRITER

Some of Longboat Key’s town commissioners will have extra homework ahead of them this upcoming year.

District 1 Commissioner Gary Coffin, District 2 Commissioner Penny Gold and Commissioner-At-Large BJ Bishop have all chosen to take on the extra responsibility to collaborate with the Florida League of Cities on various committees.

Members of the committees were appointed by FLC President Greg Ross, mayor of Cooper City.

The FLC is a “united voice for Florida’s municipalities,”

Gary Coffin

District 1 Commissioner

Time on commission: Six months; was on P&Z Board for three years

FLC Committee: Land Use and Economic Development

What are you most excited about through working with the committee?

according to its website. Through committees and advocacy campaigns, the organization aims to promote local government voices.

The committees meet a few times a year and bring together local officials from all over the state. Each committee discusses relevant issues and allows officials to exchange ideas related to their topic.

Coffin, Gold and Bishop all served on the town’s Planning and Zoning Board for numerous years prior to becoming an elected commissioner. All three Longboat Key commissioners shared their excitement about embarking on the process and getting to meet other elected officials.

Penny Gold

District 2 Commissioner

Time on commission: Two years; was on P&Z board for two years

FLC Committee: Transportation and Intergovernmental Relations

What are you most excited about through working with the committee?

BJ Bishop

Commissioner-At-Large

Time on commission: Four years; was on P&Z board for 15 years

FLC Committees: Utilities, Natural Resources and Public Works; Public Policy Administration; and Federal Action Strike Team

Coffin recently completed the FLC’s Institute for Elected Municipal Officials and said the sessions were very informative.

Now, Coffin is looking forward to meeting with elected officials from all over the state to look into issues that may arise due to Florida’s growing population.

“It’s going to be a delicate situation to figure it all out,” Coffin said. “It’s going to take lots of heads from different parts of the state to do it.”

With the committee, Coffin said approaching this issue will be interesting while collaborating with officials from all types of cities, both smaller and larger.

How do you feel your skills and experience can contribute to the committee?

This is Coffin’s first appointment to an FLC committee

After about three years on the Planning and Zoning Board, Coffin said it felt like a natural progression to take on a role with the Land Use & Economic Development committee.

WORSHIP

Gold said an initial point of interest was the intersectionality of transportation issues with many other issues, like air quality and the workforce.

“I think advances in transportation, in clean, efficient, accessible transportation is an important element in addressing a lot of society’s issues,” Gold said.

Traffic congestion, Gold said, is an issue for people of Longboat Key, and she hopes working with a committee like this will allow her to stay on top of the relevant issues. Additionally, Gold is interested in staying on top of issues related to “home rule,” and being able to bring insight to conversations surrounding Longboat Key’s future projects such as the complete streets and Broadway Roundabout.

How do you feel your skills and experience can contribute to the committee?

Gold said she’s still on the learning curve with the FLC. But her background working on infrastructure projects and past experience in local government will be a benefit.

What are you most excited about through working with the committee?

Bishop has been working with these FLC committees for about three or four years. Working with colleagues on policies that are mutually important is something that piques her interest most. She said many delegations that represent county government have never served in local office, so it’s important to her to bring awareness to local issues. A lot of what we do is education, and trying to get people to understand (local government), those things that impact people’s day to day life in a town in Florida,” Bishop said.

How do you feel your skills and experience can contribute to the committee?

Having served on committees like this for a couple years now, this work isn’t new to Bishop. She’s also served on the Land Use and Economic Development council that Coffin now sits on. She also previously served as mayor and a commissioner of Leesburg, Virginia.

TheRev.Dr.NormanPritchard

Men’sBibleStudy:Monday@9:00

Women’sBibleStudy:Wednesday@10:00

Visitors&ResidentsWelcome

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.

Three Longboat Key commissioners were appointed to statewide committees to discuss issues with other local officials.

Photos by Carter Weinhofer Longboat Key Town Commissioners Penny Gold, Gary Coffin and BJ Bishop were appointed to serve on committees with the Florida League of Cities.

A+E INSIDE:

HOT TICKETS: ‘Hamilton’ is one of seven Van Wezel premieres during the 2023-24 season. 16 >

BLACK TIE INSIDE:

< LET’S TOAST: Children win at first Suncoast Charities Casino Night 15

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

Escape to Venice! (FL)

in temporary spaces.

Less than 18 miles south of downtown Sarasota lies the nearly 100-year-old city of Venice. While it may have been pegged as a sleepy town for arts and entertainment in the past, insiders say that has changed significantly in recent years. “Venice has become its own arts and culture destination,” said Christine Kasten, executive director of the Venice Symphony. Kasten cites both the quality and quantity of Venice’s shows, events and happenings.

Among the highlights of this year’s season are Michael Feinstein’s “Hooray for Hollywood” show with the Venice Symphony, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Other anticipated upcoming performances are “Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville” and Jeff Daniels’ “Pickleball,” at the Venice Theatre.

In a season filled with glittering events, one promises to stand out: the symphony’s Jan. 5 fundraiser “Venice Nights,” which will transform the town’s community center into a replica of its Italian namesake. It’s probably safe to assume the gondolas will be on wheels, but with plenty of water nearby, who knows?

After Ian destroyed its primary performance space on Sept. 28, 2022, the nearly 75-year-old Venice Theatre deserves some major “props” for rallying and producing a full season

Those include the 130-seat Raymond Center and the 90-seat black box Pinkerton Theatre, which reopened in January. To keep the show going, the Venice Theatre had to borrow physical seats from the Manatee Performing Arts Center and Theatre Winter Haven.

The Raymond Center is hosting mainstage musicals and plays that normally would be at the 432-seat Jervey Theatre, according to Executive Director Kristofer Geddie.

“A Christmas Carol” will play in December and, in what turns out to be a tribute to the recently departed singer, “Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville” will open in January.

The Pinkerton will continue staging Venice Theatre’s more inventive programming, Geddie added, with “Pickleball” playing from Oct. 27 through Nov. 19,  a festival of three one-person plays called “SoloFest” in December and more.

The Venice Theatre is also presenting concerts at three other local venues: Venice Community Center, Pine View School Auditorium and The Venice Performing Arts Center.

Murray Chase, the former Venice Theatre executive director who is now restoration supervisor, admits that the rebuild of the Jervey Theatre is challenging on a few fronts.

Chase is grappling with the need to upgrade outdated building and electrical facilities to meet modern standards, the escalation of the cost and the availability of building materials. “We can’t (just) replace what we had,” Chase said in an interview.

In a letter to its stakeholders last week, the theater said it has been working with Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors, Magnum Builders and Boone Law Firm to apply and be approved for rezoning, a height exception and the exterior redesign.

Due to increased costs, more damage being discovered and the complexity of the restoration, Venice Theatre needs to raise an additional $7 million to make a complete recovery, the letter said. The Jervey Theatre is expected to reopen in late 2024, it said.

In addition to the Jervey Theatre, VPAC is a key venue in town for performances of all kinds, including theater, music and dance.

Derek Blankenship, the new executive director of the Venice Institute for the Performing Arts, which manages and produces entertainment and educational programs at VIPA, said he is personally looking forward to seeing both Tony Danza and the Dallas Brass this season.

A professional trumpet player for more than 20 years, Blankenship waxes nostalgic when he talks about his high school experience playing with the Dallas Brass. The ensemble’s March 21 performance offers a mix of classical masterpieces, Dixieland, swing, Broadway, Hollywood and patriotic music.

Tony Danza “puts on a great show,” said Blankenship. The star of TV’s “Taxi” and “Who’s the Boss?” is backed by a four-person band. He sings, tells stories and jokes and even breaks out a little soft shoe and ukulele playing, Blankenship added. Danza comes to Venice on March 9.

VPAC shows also include a bevy of tributes to stars such as Tina Turner, Neil Diamond and Rod Stewart.

Part of Sarasota Public Schools, VPAC serves as the education and performance center for Venice High School students. It also provides space for a trio of longtime area arts companies: the Venice Symphony, the Venice Concert Band and the Venice Chorale. It hosts about 300 events a year, said Blankenship.

The Venice Concert Band, under the artistic direction of Bob Miller, has six performances scheduled at VPAC between November and April. The Venice Chorale, led by new Artistic Director Brent Douglas, will stage three concerts during that time.

VPAC is also the semi-permanent home to one of only three mobile carillons in the western hemisphere. Five performances of the 48-bell Andrew W. Crawford Memorial Carillon are scheduled between December and March.

Because of the carillon’s construction and placement, the bells are fully visible during concerts. This is quite a sight since the largest bell, called the bourdon bell, weighs one ton. All 48 bells have a combined weight of 13 tons. Together, they produce four full octaves of sound.

The Venice Symphony celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023-24 with six concert weekends at VPAC, in what Music Director Troy Quinn predicted will be its “biggest and boldest season” ever.

Highlights include the symphony’s season opener Nov. 17-18, “A Symphony Fantastic!” with guest artist Andrew Bain, principal horn with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and “Disney’s Maestro: A Tribute to Alan Menken” Feb. 23-24, with guest

CONTRIBUTOR

Nearly a year ago, Hurricane Ian destroyed the Venice Theatre main stage, the 432-seat Jervey Theatre.

Tony Danza will sing, tell stories and jokes, and even do a little soft shoe and play the ukulele when he comes to Venice on March 9.

Courtesy photos

Michael Feinstein will perform with the Venice Symphony when his “Hooray for Hollywood” show comes to the Venice Performing Arts Center on Feb. 9.

artist Key Chorale of Sarasota.

In what promises to be an outstanding special event, “Hooray for Hollywood with Michael Feinstein” is at VPAC Feb. 9-10.

“The symphony has never presented a guest artist of (Feinstein’s) caliber before,” noted Kasten, the Venice Symphony president and CEO, who added that other milestone celebrations are in the works.

In April, the Venice Symphony hopes to present a free concert in a downtown Venice location featuring a chamber ensemble of its musicians.

“We are looking forward to our 50th anniversary celebration and fundraiser Venetian Nights, when the Venice Community Center will be transformed into the streets of Venice, Italy,” she added. Venetian Nights is scheduled for Jan. 5.  Venice also has attractions for visual art aficionados.

The Venice Gallery & Studio owned by Clyde and Niki Butcher, features the large, black-and-white works of renowned environmental photographer Clyde, as well as the candy-colored hand-painted photography of Niki.

Clyde Butcher, whose work has been likened to American wilderness photographer Ansel Adams, is primarily known for his evocative

photos of the Florida Everglades, Big Cypress Preserve, the Myakka River and other Florida landscape treasures.

The Venice Art Center has served Venice artists and art community for more than 65 years. The organization hosts a dozen exhibitions, mostly year-round, that feature local and national artists, plus hundreds of classes for the community and special events.

Want to get outdoors in Venice?

Five thousand years of Florida history is ripe for your exploration at Selby Gardens Historic Spanish Point.

The 30-acre campus is located just north of Venice on Little Sarasota Bay in Osprey. Visitors can opt for a guided walking or tram tour or wander on their own to discover archeological, botanical and history-based exhibitions that include a prehistoric shell midden and a pioneer homestead.

Long in the shadow of arts and entertainment powerhouse Sarasota, Venice is finding its own place in the A&E sun.

“We see more and different types of people coming from Sarasota, Fort Myers and elsewhere,” said Blankenship.

“Come by and see for yourself,” he added.

NEW VENICE ARTS LEADERS EARN UNEXPECTED PROMOTIONS

When Kristofer Geddie and Derek Blankenship met in July for a getto-know-you lunch, neither knew that each was about to become the head of their respective Venice organizations.

Today they are the executive directors of the Venice Theatre and the Venice Institute for the Performing Arts, respectively.

“What were the chances of that?” quipped Blankenship, who was named VIPA’s executive director almost exactly one year after he joined the nonprofit as director of education and general operations.

Blankenship succeeded Reno Manne, who died in March. A popular local longtime tennis coach, Manne served as VIPA executive director from 2021-23.

Blankenship’s new post is a multipronged position that includes managing the programming of the 1,090-seat Venice Performing Arts Center and overseeing VIPA’s arts education and programming.

Over at Venice Theatre, Geddie stepped into longtime Executive Director Murray Chase’s shoes when Chase decided that overseeing repairs and renovations after Hurricane Ian was a full-time job. Geddie, who holds a BFA in Musical Theatre and an MA in Arts Administration, was previously director of diversity at the Venice Theatre.

Before arriving in Florida, Geddie traveled the world as a company manager and principal singer for Jean Ann Ryan Productions on Norwegian Cruise Line. He directed productions such as “Once On This Island,” “Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” “Fences” and “Dreamgirls.”

As executive director, Geddie is managing Venice Theatre’s 2023-

24 season: Fifteen shows in total between the temporary 130-seat Raymond Center and the 90-seat black box Pinkerton Theatre, plus concerts at VPAC and other venues.

Geddie also oversees Venice Theatre’s extensive education arm. Prior to Hurricane Ian’s destruction of the main Jervey Theatre nearly a year ago, the Raymond Center was going to be renovated into a new Arts Education Center.

That renovation is on hold as the Raymond Center, which is only a third of the size of the Jervey Theatre, serves as the main stage until the Jervey is rebuilt.

As the Venice Theatre tries to recover from Ian with the help of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and other supporters, here’s how Geddie sees his role: “Right now and for the foreseeable future the impact I need is to make sure the Venice Theatre survives.”

EMILY LEINFUSS

Bogart Winnie Cheung

Guadalupe Garcia

Ghi

Silvio Grand

Courtesy photos Kristofer Geddie

Derek Blankenship

experiences.

Season 28 | Stars Ascending

NEXUS Chamber Music

October 1 • 4:00 pm • First Presbyterian Church Back by popular demand!

This Chicago-based chamber music collective creates engaging classical music experiences for a broad audience. Co-founder Alexander Hersh is joined by Marlboro Music Festival alums Stephanie Zyzak and Evren Ozel in a program of piano trios by Haydn, Brahms, and Ravel.

Ilya Yakushev, piano

October 10 • 7:30 pm

Historic Asolo Theater

Winner of the 2005 World Piano Competition, Yakushev will be joined by a string quartet, including Daniel Jordan, concertmaster of Sarasota Orchestra, for Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.”

Joseph Parrish, bass-baritone

October 18 • 5:30 pm performance followed by dinner

Plantation Golf & Country Club

Winner of the 2022 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, Parrish will sing traditional spirituals, opera arias, and music from the Broadway stage, accompanied by Joseph Holt on piano.

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota offers a diverse range of 26 concerts featuring emerging and accomplished classical, chamber, jazz, and pop artists from around the globe.

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

‘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 Boys” veteran Vaden Thurgood has created his own musical revue about Creedence Clearwater Revival founder John Fogerty. Runs through Oct. 22.

SATURDAY

‘TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY’ 10 to noon at the Children’s Garden, 1670 10th Way Adults $10; children (3-12) $6 Visit SarasotaChildrensGarden.com.

Aye, Matey, get your pirate on with stories by Pirate Pete, a visit to a pirate ship and a (temporary) tattoo parlor, and a treasure hunt.

OUR PICK

‘SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD’

The Manatee Players transports the audience for “Songs for a New World” from the deck of a Spanish sailing ship to a New York penthouse with a rousing score that weaves together pop, gospel and jazz. Runs through Sept. 24.

IF YOU GO

When: 7:30 p.m. on Thursday

Where: at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W, Bradenton

Tickets: $27

Info: ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com

DON’T MISS

JAZZ THURSDAY AT THE SAM

Gather on the Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza to hear Sarasota Jazz Project, a 17-piece jazz ensemble that plays both original compositions and familiar tunes all arranged in a Big Band style. Sip on refreshments and nibble on small bites from the Bistro.

IF YOU GO

When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday

Where: at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail

Tickets: $20 Info: SarasotaArtMuseum.org

JIM BREUER’S ‘TRUE BREU’

WEEKEND

6 p.m. at Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Ave. $135 and up Visit JimBreuer.com.

The evening starts with a pre-show mixer featuring music, games, drinks and appetizers before Jim Breuer records his “Breuniverse” podcast. At 7:30 p.m. Breuer performs his comedy show and Q&A.

TUESDAY

OPENING RECEPTION FOR JADE GRIFFIN ART EXHIBITION 5:30 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court

Free Visit WSLR.org/Fogartyville.

In “The First Theatre Production,” Jade Griffin explores themes of identity, politics and Black culture in her surreal, narrative-driven oil paintings. Exhibit runs through Oct. 15.

Courtesy photo

Children win at first Casino Night

Saturday, Aug. 26, at Sarasota Event Center | Benefiting Suncoast Charities

Suncoast Charities for Children held a Casino Night fundraiser Aug. 26 as part of its Suncoast Summer Fest series. The event capped off the series, which featured several events, including a golf tournament, a fun run and a fishing tournament.

The Sarasota Event Center was filled with patrons who gathered to try their luck in the name of a good cause. The Casino Night event raised $20,000, which will benefit a new children’s therapy fund in honor of Ron Foxworthy, a former Suncoast Charities board member.

Because of rising health care costs, many families lack the insurance coverage required for certain therapies. This scholarship fund will help children with special needs receive the care they require, such as speech, physical,

occupational, feeding and aquatic therapy. The James M. Doss Charitable Foundation provided seed money for the scholarship.

The funds raised during Summer Fest are particularly important because they come during a time of year when donations typically slow. Suncoast Charities supports six local nonprofits throughout the Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto and Charlotte County areas. Last year, the Suncoast Summer Fest raised $154,000.

OBSERVER STAFF

It’s Never Too Late to Learn Something New OLLI Fall Term Begins Sept. 26

OLLI offers courses year-round on topics including history, science, literature, current events, arts and entertainment, music, and more. Register now for these special programs.

Collette Travel Information Session with Deb Sculley

Tuesday, Sept. 19 11 am-12 pm

Medicare with Janet Lambert Thursday, Sept. 28

Opera is for Everyone with Martha Collins

Mondays: Oct. 2, 9, 16 2:30-4 pm

Course fee $60 (plus $25 OLLI membership required)

Connections, Documentary Film Series with Julie Cotton

Tuesdays: 2:30-4:30 pm

10: AUDREY Nov. 7: Sam Now

OLLI is located at Sarasota Art Museum on the Ringling College Museum Campus 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-309-5111 OLLIatRinglingCollege.org

Electric Bass-ics with Paul Gormley

Wednesday, Oct. 18 3-4 pm

The Real Reason for the Loss of the USS Scorpion with Steve Frasher

Thursday, Oct. 19 2:30-4 pm

Exploring Florida’s Historic African American Homes with Jada Wright-Greene

Monday, Nov. 6 2:30-4 pm

$15

Empowering Dementia Caregivers with Louise Gallagher

Thursday, Nov. 9 2:30-4 pm Free

Chairs Stephanie and Paul Kotlarczyk (center) with Courtney Poppell and Brittany Ingles.

Photos by Nancy Guth Josh Boothby and Leigh Thornton

Hot tickets at the Van Wezel

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER

A+E EDITOR

Hot tickets — how do you get your hands on them?

That’s the burning question for Mary Bensel, executive director of the city-owned Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, the purple pride of Sarasota.

In a season where demand for “Hamilton” is off the charts, everyone wants to know how to get a seat for the no-holds-barred show about the nation’s first treasury secretary and his wanton ways.

Sure, it’s been a while since LinManuel Miranda’s boundary-breaking musical swept the Tony Awards in 2016. Since then, the touring show of “Hamilton” has been to Tampa’s Straz Center three times.

It’s coming to the Van Wezel from March 26 to April 7 and everyone in town wants a ticket now.

Here’s the deal. The best way to get a seat for “Hamilton” is to become a Van Wezel subscriber and get a ticket as part of a package of shows. The date for single-ticket sales has not been announced, but Van Wezel subscribers will get the first shot.

Can’t afford to become a subscriber? Become an e-club member at no cost — yes, you read that right — and get a jump on the masses. The day after tickets go on sale to subscribers, they will be opened up for e-club members, Bensel said.

Last but not least, members of the general public will get their turn on day three.

Whatever you do, Bensel says, don’t go to the top of the Google listings and buy from a ticket reseller unless you want to pay a hefty markup and maybe even get left out in the cold. “Some resellers advertise tickets that they haven’t even got yet,” she says.

Some trigger-happy ticket buyers make the mistake of clicking on the first offer in Google listings instead of scrolling down the list to buy on the Van Wezel website.

“I once saw a lady crying at the box office when she found out the ticket that she had bought online for $300 (from a reseller) was selling for $40 at the box office,” says Bensel. “I’m not kidding.”

There are rules regarding the resale of tickets by government entities such as the Van Wezel and nonprofits like The Straz, but suffice to say they are not strictly enforced.

Some people might not know artists have the ability to dictate who can buy tickets first, Bensel says. Case in point: When single tickets for 2023-24 Van Wezel events went on sale Sept. 1, one of the Oct. 22 shows for America’s reigning King of Comedy, Sebastian Maniscalco, was already sold out.

How could that be? According to Bensel, members of Maniscalco fan clubs got first dibs. Those were the terms dictated by the white-hot comedian, who hit the silver screen (and a window) earlier this year in “About My Father,” also starring Robert DeNiro.

“There was a pre-sale for fan club

members for one show, and our subscribers got to buy tickets for the other,” Bensel explains.

Unlike some people, Bensel doesn’t have a problem with that. “Sebastian’s fans made him who he is today. It’s great that he looks after them,” she says.

With “Hamilton” in the Van Wezel lineup, Bensel says this promises to be the biggest and best season for the purple performing arts venue since “The Lion King” played in 2019.

The more than 37,000 theatergoers who attended “The Lion King” from March 14-31 that year spent a collective $3.5 million at the box office, according to the Van Wezel, which makes such financial information public because it is a government entity.

If 2019 rings a bell, that might be because it was the high water mark for the arts and entertainment world.

A year after “The Lion King” came to Sarasota, the pandemic shut down theaters and other performance venues across the country. Many haven’t returned to their 2019 attendance levels and have been forced to curtail their seasons, lay off staff and even close their doors.

With “Hamilton” in the mix, Bensel said the 2023-24 season is shaping up as a record-breaker for the Van Wezel.

It’s going to get some help from other high-profile shows, including “Hadestown,” a modern musical retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. It comes to the Van Wezel from Jan. 30 through Feb. 4.

Personally, Bensel is fired up about “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations,” a musical about the Motown superstars (Feb. 21-25); “The Cher Show,” a tribute to the enduring singer who is one of rock’s original divas (Jan. 10-12); and “Phantom of the Opera” star Sarah Brightman’s Christmas concert (Dec. 14).

IF YOU GO

For more info about “Hamilton” and other Van Wezel shows, visit VanWezel.org. Don’t forget to join the free e-club to be next in line to buy single tickets after subscribers.

She confides that William Shatner, the original Captain Kirk in “Star Trek,” is also on her personal mustsee list. He’s at the Van Wezel Nov.

11. “Some people don’t know it, but I’m a Trekkie,” Bensel says.

Other shows sure to bring out faithful fans include doo-wop royalty Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, coming to the Van Wezel on Nov. 18, and the Allman Betts Family Revival on Dec. 12. The revival features an

array of guests performing two sets — one for the songs of Greg Allman and the other for the songs of Dickie Betts.

Even though tips about how to get hot tickets dominate the conversation, anyone talking to Bensel would be remiss if they didn’t ask: Does Sarasota really need a replacement for the Van Wezel?

As plans are drawn up for a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center, the beloved purple venue has been named one of “11 to Save” by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.

There’s no question Sarasota is ready for a world-class performance venue and the Van Wezel isn’t it, Bensel says without hesitation.

She is not exactly an impartial observer. Bensel was a member of the four-person task force that selected Renzo Piano Building Workshop to design a replacement for the aging Van Wezel, which was built in the

1960s.

It’s not just the size of the Van Wezel, which has 1,741 seats, that is a problem, Bensel says. It’s the technology, which hasn’t kept up to date with the needs of touring Broadway shows.

When “The Lion King” came to the Van Wezel, Bensel says the head carpenter told her, “I’ve had every problem before that I’ve had here but never all at the same time.”

The city has agreed to split the $300 million cost to build a new 2,250-seat venue with the Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation. Filling those extra seats won’t be an issue, Bensel says. “Just look at the growth in the number of people moving to Sarasota and visiting,” she says.

A top-notch venue “changes the level of talent you get. It will open the door to bigger acts,” Bensel adds. In other words, “If you build it, they will come.”

Demand for ‘Hamilton’ is expected to surpass 2019’s ‘The Lion King.’

“Hamilton” is one of seven Van Wezel premieres during the 2023-24 season.

Courtesy photos

The Allman Betts Family Revival, featuring the songs of Greg Allman and Dickie Betts, comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Dec. 12.

Mary Bensel is the executive director of Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and served on a task force that selected Renzo Piano Building Workshop as architect for Sarasota’s new arts venue.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Building a lacrosse foundation

which is the governing body of international lacrosse that spans over 85 countries. We would be competing against Germany, Switzerland, all the European teams. We’re also really working to identify all the Armenian lacrosse players in Canada and the United States to take a group of diaspora lacrosse players, both girls and boys, and connect them back to their roots.”

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

Longboat Key resident Johnny Mouradian and his close friend, the Rev. Shnork Souin, just returned from Armenia, where they coached the first camps and clinics of the Armenian Youth Lacrosse Mission.

“A sport and two Armenians,” said Mouradian. “That’s what we want to do: change lives through the sport and our Armenian roots.”

They partnered with three different Armenian nonprofits to build opportunities for Armenian children to learn and play lacrosse competitively.

Mouradian said it has been an incredible experience to bring his favorite sport to Armenian children and serve the place he holds dear to his heart.

“I grew up like three doors down from the Armenian church (in St. Catharines),” said Mouradian. “Father Souin was the pastor at our church. He tracked me down and got me reconnected to the church. About 30 years ago, he started a trip called Canadian Youth Mission to Armenia. When I started going, we said, ‘One day, we should start a lacrosse team here.’ I took some little soft lacrosse sticks there, and the kids were running around; they’re having a blast. It took years because the timing was never right, but we finally got it up and running.”

On July 3-14, Mouradian and Souin hosted two camps and two clinics focusing on creating national teams that will compete internationally.

The Armenian Youth Lacrosse Mission worked closely with Children of Armenia Fund, Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer and Ayo! which fundraises for the Fund of Armenian Relief. Those organizations helped connect Mouradian and Souin with places to practice and children who were interested.

“Our next step is to compete internationally,” said Mouradian. “The end goal is to join World Lacrosse,

Mouradian went to Ithaca College and earned his bachelor of science with a teacher certification in 1976. Later he earned a master’s degree in exercise and sports science in 1998. His years of playing lacrosse and hockey during his childhood and collegiate years inspired him to be a physical education teacher. In his hometown of St. Catharines, Ontario, in Canada, he taught for 18 years a variety of high school courses such as special education, leadership, history, English, fitness, journalism, health and physical education.

Mouradian also played and coached for the Canadian national lacrosse team. He was the general manager when they won the inaugural World Indoor Championship in 2003. In 2011, he was appointed the Canadian National Indoor Lacrosse program director. He was head coach of the Costa Rican Men’s national team that competed at the World Indoor Championships held in Canada in 2019.

Mouradian and his wife, Michele, moved to Longboat Key seven years ago. While on the island, Mouradian focuses on the lacrosse training program he created with Dr. Greg Shelley, director of sports leadership at Cornell University. Their program, Lacrosse Tough, provides highperformance training modules for lacrosse players, teams, coaches and sports organizations.

Along with teaching private and small group lacrosse lessons, Mouradian is working on creating lacrosse clinics for children on Longboat Key. He said that since the island is attracting more families it would be

great to create a space for children to bond with others in their area.

“It would be fantastic if we had a group of kids on Siesta Key, a group of kids on Longboat and a group on Anna Maria,” said Mouradian. “We could play a little, fun game against each other.”

Mouradian emphasized that the whole point is to learn about a new sport and just have fun.

“There’s so many life lessons learned in team sports,” said Mouradian. “Team sports, in general, is a metaphor of life. The lesson you learn in sports, you take over into real life. What we really like about it is not everybody’s a soccer player, right? Not everybody’s a basketball player. Some kids will just fall in love with a stick and a ball. And that’s what we’re excited about.”

Johnny Mouradian merged his Armenian roots and his passion for teaching physical education to create a lacrosse camp in Armenia.

Courtesy photos

Johnny Mouradian coached a clinic for The Armenian Youth Lacrosse Mission at Debi Arach Children’s Center.

The Armenian Youth Lacrosse Mission’s clinic at Debi Arach Children’s Center.

“Team sports, in general, is a metaphor of life. The lesson you learn in sports, you take over into real life.”

— Johnny Mouradian

The ‘tai chi family’

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

“Tai chi family” is the first lesson you’ll learn when you go to a Reuben Fernandez tai chi class.

“Everybody is there to support one another,” said Fernandez. “It’s a big message in our philosophy that everybody should be there to help everybody else to improve in tai chi. Check your ego at the door. You don’t come in here thinking you’re going to be better than anybody. You just come in here to do your training and to help others to get better.”

For three years, Fernandez has hosted tai chi classes at the Paradise Center but has taught for six years overall. He has practiced for more than 20 years under Master Yan Gao Fei and implements the teacher’s lessons of community and family into his own classes.

Before Fernandez came to tai chi, he practiced a number of other martial arts.

“When I was a teenager in Brooklyn, a couple of my friends got jumped, and they got beat up pretty bad,” said Fernandez. “So they said, ‘We’re going to start taking judo lessons. You should join us.’ Three months later, I was the only one who was still going. I stuck with it for years and ended up becoming one of the youngest high-ranked judo players in the whole city.”

Shortly before he was to earn his black belt, Fernandez’s family moved to Staten Island his senior year of high school. That ended up being too far of a commute to continue his training. He then explored other types of martial arts in high school, including different styles of karate and aikido.

After living in Miami for 30 years, Fernandez moved to Hollywood,

Florida, to be closer to his parents. Taking an interest in martial arts again, he started practicing tai chi under Master Yan in Hollywood. Originally from China, Master Yan taught in New Hampshire and Hollywood for many years.

Four years ago, Fernandez moved to Sarasota and started teaching tai chi at Elite Health Medical Center, where he taught for one year. At the time, he was friends with Town Commissioner BJ Bishop, and she told him he was a perfect fit for the Paradise Center. He said that it was fate for him to end up at the Paradise Center, and he is eagerly awaiting for all the snowbirds to come back to have a full class again.

Fernandez’s students are dedicat-

ed to his classes and most are regulars. He said that he loves the variety of people in the class because he gets to learn from them as much as they do from him. The regulars exemplify the art of tai chi family with how well they know each other and by their comfort in the class.

John Sackler has been attending Fernandez’s classes for four years. He said that what makes him different from other teachers is how personal Fernandez is with each student.

“You can’t hide anything from him,” said Sackler. “As soon you get to class, he will go up to you and try to help you with whatever he can.”

Fernandez teaches a beginner’s class on Wednesdays and an intermediate class on Fridays. Both are

at 10 a.m. at the Paradise Center. He said tai chi is the perfect balance between physical, mental and spiritual health. It helps with reducing pain, increasing range of motion and promoting relaxation through deep breathing.

Fernandez said that once the season starts he plans to do a class with Master Yan to bring the tai chi family together once again. He explained that he really values the effort Master Yan puts into uniting everyone over a love for tai chi.

“The biggest thing is that people support each other emotionally, psychologically and physically,” said Fernandez. “Everybody’s concerned about everybody else and so everybody wants to help out.”

Reuben Fernandez teaches tai chi students how to implement balance and stability in their lives.

Photo by Petra Rivera

Reuben Fernandez (left) teaching his Friday 10 a.m. intermediate tai chi class at the Paradise Center.

“Everybody is there to support one another. It’s a big message in our philosophy that everybody should be there to help everybody else to improve in tai chi.”

— Reuben Fernandez

This 4 bed/3.5 bath private corner lot residence located behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club offers volume ceilings, a heated pool, 2 ensuite guest bedrooms, dedicated laundry room, 2 car garage, a new roof and membership to the Bay Isles Beach Club. MLS# A4578278

Expertly renovated 2 bed/2 bath with tumbled marble flooring, raised ceiling, quartz counters, impact windwows, top of the line appliances and direct azure water views from almost every room. MLS# A4571524

Big-screen conservation

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium hosted an ocean film festival to share marine research with the public.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium livened up research on Sept. 9 with a cinematic presentation of five films made by award-winning filmmakers.

“Maybe people don’t want to read a research report, but they definitely want to come in and watch a movie,” said Andria Piekarz, chief development officer at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

That’s why Mote hosted the 2023 International Ocean Film Festival in its WAVE center.

At the Mote International Film Festival, Pop’s Sunset Grill Food Truck provided a variety of food and drink options for people to enjoy during films. The films spanned a variety of different marine topics.

Piekarz said the goal was to keep everyone from children to adults engaged while learning new things.

The festival combined a mix of short films and longer pieces.

The first film “Horseshoe Crabs: How 350-Million-Year-Old Sea

Creatures are Vital to Human Survival” by Andrea Kramer, was an animated film bringing awareness to the role horseshoe crabs play in testing the safety of vaccines.

“Blue Carbon” by Paul Nicklen was a three-minute film exploring the relationship among oceans, air and land and how they are critical for a healthy ecosystem.

“Bottle Cap,” by Marie Hyon & Marco Spier, at five minutes long, told the story of Shelton, a fiddler crab, who finds what he thinks might be a useful implement.

The two longer films were “Plant-

ing Coral Forests” and “Impossible Wave.” “Planting Coral Forests” by Johann Vorster focuses on the coral reefs along Kenya’s coastline.

“Impossible Wave” by Jessica Frankovelgia and Jay Johnson is the story of bringing surfing to the Olympics. It won the 2023 Female Filmmaker of the Year award in the international Asian Film Festival.

The event concluded with a piece on Mote’s senior shark researcher, Dr. Demian Chapman.

“A film festival, in our objective, is to tell a bunch of different stories and get people connected to the importance of our oceans,” said Piekarz.

“So we try to weave in stories of what Mote’s doing.”

Piekarz started working at Mote as director of development in 2019. Before she came to Mote, she served as director of philanthropy for the Conservation Foundation of the

Gulf Coast. She brought her passion for philanthropy to Mote in leading growth in its fundraising efforts across more than 20 marine science programs.

Mote has a full slate of events as the season approaches. On Sept. 21, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., it’s hosting Women of Mote, a panel featuring women scientists who have had an impact on Mote.

On Oct. 14, from 7-10 p.m., the craft beer festival, Sharktoberfest, will take place after hours in the aquarium. Guests will be able to enjoy live entertainment, receive gift bags and sample different brews for $55. There are also multiple opportunities coming up to attend Mote’s marine science 101 course.

Registration for these events is available on Mote.org/Events/.

Photos by Petra Rivera

The Mote International Film Festival was held on Sept. 9.

At the Mote International Film Festival, Pop’s Sunset Grill Food Truck provided a variety of food and drink options for people to enjoy during films.

Andria Piekarz hosted the 2023 Mote International Film Festival on Sept. 9.

ACTIVE LISTINGS

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NEW CONSTRUCTION

SOTA RESIDENCES & HOTEL

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PENINSULAGOLDEN GATE POINT

Construction is underway on Golden Gate Point as the Gault Family Companies 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

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for adjustment

Learn everything under the sun

Program Director Susan Goldfarb has planned a year jam-packed with new courses for the 300 Education Center members.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel wants to teach Longboat Key everything under the sun, which is the theme for the year.

The newly designed course brochures were released to members, and classes opened for registration on Sept. 11. Nonmembers will be able to get brochures and start registration by mid-September.

“We have about 75% new things every year because we have a lot of returning students,” said Program Director Susan Goldfarb. “I don’t want them to see the same old stuff. Even if we have the same teachers, we have them teaching different things because they’re very diverse.”

The programs are divided into three terms: fall, winter and spring. The fall term starts on Nov. 6 with many new courses and events to attend. Goldfarb said the perennial favorites are back, such as yoga, qigong, bridge, canasta, mahjong, painting, movie discussions, film

festivals and nature walks.

The winter term, which starts Jan. 4, will have 12 programs per day. These include courses in piano, about the Supreme Court, American history, art, music and literature appreciation.

Standouts for Goldfarb are the feng shui for perfect harmony workshop, previews of upcoming operas at the Sarasota Opera House and musical biographies. The Education Center will be hosting multiple happy hours, highlighting popular jazz groups. Goldfarb also mentioned the new programs Wisdom for Widows and theatrical poem readings by five women from the Sarasota Jewish Theatre.

Goldfarb said she is looking forward to this year’s Education Center fundraiser. Kickin’ Karaoke and Dancing through the Decades will be on Feb. 10 from 8-10 p.m. People will be able to mingle, sing, dance and wear their best decades outfit for a chance to win a prize for best costume. Members will pay $50, while nonmembers pay $60.

“Our mission is to make lifelong learning available to everyone, regardless of previous education, regardless of age,” said Goldfarb. “It’s to keep the mind active in the spirit young and to have camaraderie.”

It’s like hitting the easy button. That’s how Dr. Rhett Bogacz describes going to the chiropractor.  He started going to chiropractic appointments when he was a child because of his terrible headaches. Ever since his first appointment, he knew he wanted to become a chiropractor.

“I got adjusted the first time, and it was a little bit scary,” said Bogacz. “Because I didn’t know what was going on. After, I felt so much better. And then a couple more adjustments, I was like, ‘Hey, I haven’t had a headache this whole week. Haven’t had a headache this whole month?

Is it seriously that easy? Why isn’t everybody getting adjusted?’ So I just became an advocate.”

Bogacz is the owner of Bee Ridge Chiropractic. A year ago, he started a partnership with the Paradise Center Medical Suite to provide easy access to chiropractic care for patients on Longboat Key every Tuesday and Thursday.

“During the pandemic, I worked over here at Beach Place,” said Bogacz. “I was the pool guy. So on Saturdays and Sundays, I sat around the pool and I would hang out with everyone. Once they knew I was a chiropractor, they were like ‘What are you doing out here?’ They would all come and ask me questions, and I would give them advice. Then they started telling me, ‘You should have an office out here.’”

While helping out at the Senior Open Tennis Tournament on the island, Bogacz started asking if there were any open spaces for rent for a chiropractor. He learned about the Medical Suite at the Paradise Center.

He started seeing patients there at the beginning of 2022.

Bogacz earned a degree in psychology at the University of South Florida and then studied chiropractic at Life University in Georgia. After graduating in 2011, he practiced in South America for four years. He then moved back to Sarasota to start his own practice in 2015.

At the Paradise Center, Bogacz offers a class called Foundation Training. It focuses on how to manage tension in the body and use the breath to expand from the inside.

The class helps people improve their range of motion, balance and stability. The next class will be held at the end of October and then will be held each Thursday when everyone is back for the season. Class times are still being determined.

Bogacz said that chiropractic helps people with everything: insomnia, dizziness, headaches, tight muscles and pain in the neck, back, shoulder, knee, ankle and most other joints. He explained that his favorite part about his job is making his patients’ lives more enjoyable.

“The thing I like about being a chiropractor is I get to know my patients; I have to see them repetitively enough,” said Bogacz. “I love being a part of people’s lives because my chiropractor was part of my life.”

THE SUN SHINES BRIGHTER

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.

Susan Goldfarb previews the newly released brochure for the 2023-24 year at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

Dr. Rhett Bogacz provides accessible chiropractic care at the Paradise Center Medical Suite every Tuesday and Thursday.

‘Easy button’

Courtesy photo Dr. Rhett Bogacz adjusting a patient.

Photo by Petra Rivera

LONGBOAT KEY MAGNIFICENT GULF FRONT ESTATE

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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.

Country Club Shores home tops sales at $5.25M

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Ahome in Country Club Shores tops all transactions in this week’s real estate.

KCDC Properties LLC sold the home at 560 Putter Lane to Richard and Geri Ann Bradley, of Longboat Key, for $5.25 million. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,304 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,995,000 in 2019.

SANCTUARY AT LONGBOAT KEY

CLUB

Fred Lawson and Debbie RechterLawson, trustees, sold the Unit B-805 condominium at 545 Sanctuary Drive to Jerald and Catherine Pollard, of Longboat Key, for $3.4 million. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,580 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.8 million in 2019.

LONGBOAT KEY

Jennie Bruno, of Avon, Colorado, sold her home at 6533 Bayou Hammock Road to Denis McFarlane, of Longboat Key, for $3 million. Built in 1950, it has four bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths and 2,284 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 1987.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

Carl and Sasivimol Horsley sold their home at 562 Ranger Lane to Ahmet Ozgun, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $2.5 million. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,149 square feet of living area. It sold for $863,500 in 2017.

LONGBEACH

Stephen and Carolynn Kranz, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 451 N. Shore Road to Xen Eleven LLC for $1,575,000. Built in 1994,

it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,136 square feet of living area. It sold for $995,000 in 2022.

BEACHPLACE

Bradley Gene Murray and Melissa Ann Murray, of Lakeland, sold their Unit 501 condominium at 1085 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Neil and Patty Kaplowitz, of Atlanta, for $975,000. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,172 square feet of living area. It sold for $885,000 in 2021.

Dominick Bracero and Gloria Gulle sold their Unit 203 condominium at 1085 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Alexander and Nina Multak, of Longboat Key, for $672,000. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,503 square feet of living area. It sold for $457,900 in 2020.

THE DOCK ON THE BAY Daniel and Andra Spurr, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 11 condominium at 3440 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Manchester Holding LBK LLP for $735,000. Built in 1981, it

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,207 square feet of living area. It sold for $360,000 in 2020.

LIDO TOWERS Albert and Joyce Dombrowski and Andrea Dombrowski, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 213 condominium at 1001 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Daniel and Suzanne Bohen and Kate Bohen, of Buffalo, New York, for $719,000. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,293 square feet of living area. It sold for $320,000 in 2010.

BAYPORT BEACH AND TENNIS CLUB Manro Consulting Services Ltd.

sold the Unit 708 condominium at 708 Bayport Way to Ricardo Hoffman and Rebecca Hullinger, of Bradenton, for $712,500. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,601 square feet of living area. It sold for $192,000 in 1997.

LIDO DORSET Gordana Oldja, of Totowa, New Jersey, sold the Unit 108 condominium at 475 Benjamin Franklin Drive to 1819 Stigger LLC for $505,000. Built in 1963, it has one bedroom, one bath and 593 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2005.

Photo courtesy of Kimberly Dunn

KCDC Properties LLC sold the home at 560 Putter Lane to Richard and Geri Ann Bradley, of Longboat Key, for $5.25 million.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 21 WOMEN OF MOTE

4:30-5:30 p.m. at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. A behind-thescenes event about the women of Mote, their work and their discoveries. With a panel format, which will be available virtually, participants will get to know the women of Mote. More information at Mote.org/ Events/Details/Women-Of-Mote2023-Ocean-Crusaders.

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.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT

STORE

The thrift store will be closed for the month of September. Call 383-4738.

TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

LONGBOAT LIBRARY

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

TUESDAYS QI GONG

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

YOGA

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

SUNDAY, SEPT. 17

MORNING PADDLE — KAYAKING

WITH MOTE

8:30-10 a.m. at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. $40.50 for members; $45 for nonmembers. Start the day off right with a guided kayak tour of Sarasota Bay. Paddle across shallow seagrass beds and take in the wildlife that depends on this ecosystem. Soak up some sun and look for dolphins, manatees, birds and more. Ages 12 and older. Participants 12-17 years of age must be accompanied by at least one registered adult/guardian participant. Pre-registration is required and can be done at Mote.org/Events/

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.

MAHJONG

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

ROTARY CLUB

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

WEDNESDAYS

BEGINNER TAI CHI

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

NATURE’S BEAUTY Highs Lows Thursday, Sept. 14 12:58a 12:27p 6:45a 7:41p Friday, Sept. 15 1:03a 1:03p 7:20a 7:59p Saturday, Sept. 16 1:11a 1:41p 7:55a 8:15p Sunday, Sept. 17 1:25a 2:20p 8:32a 8:32p Monday, Sept. 18 1:44a 3:05p 9:13a 8:50p Tuesday, Sept. 19 2:09a 4:00p 10:00a 9:06p Wednesday, Sept. 20 2:39a 5:16p 10:57a 9:16p

Sunrise Sunset Thursday, Sept. 14 7:15a 7:36p Friday, Sept. 15 7:16a 7:35p Saturday, Sept. 16 7:16a 7:34p Sunday, Sept. 17 7:17a 7:33p Monday, Sept. 18 7:17a 7:32p Tuesday, Sept. 19 7:17a 7:31p Wednesday, Sept. 20 7:18a 7:29p

Corder Sept. 22 First Sept. 14 New Sept. 29 Full Oct. 6 Last

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Puzzle One Clue: M equals U Puzzle Two Clue: A equals Z Puzzle Three Clue: Z equals Y WEATHER 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 be able to vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE by Aaron Rosenberg, edited by Jeff Chen

ROGER SELLS LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES

#1 SARASOTA SINGLE AGENT 2008, 2010, 2012 - 2022

A newer gem completed in 2020, this luxurious 5BR home, offered turnkey furnished, is a rare find that invites you to immerse yourself in the lap of Gulf-front 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 Indiesinspired architecture. The result is a masterpiece that stands as a testament to lavish living directly on the Gulf of Mexico. www.BonaireLBK3.com

455 LONGBOAT CLUB ROAD #807 Gorgeous Gulf-to-bay and city views are the star of the show as soon as you enter this 8th-floor, residence at the soughtafter Pierre. Ideally placed behind the exclusive and secure gates of Longboat Key Club, this 3BR, 2,400+ SF

3040 GRAND BAY

1211 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #802

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.

www.Promenade802.com

$1,995,000

816 JUNGLE QUEEN WAY

Turnkey furnished! This lovely 3BR boater’s escape on Longboat Key offers 125’ of water frontage, easy boating access to Sarasota Bay, plus deeded Gulf beach access.

www.816JungleQueenWay.com

$1,599,000

1105 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #5-404

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.Beachplace5404.com

$1,395,000

$949,000

201 NORTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

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. www.201NorthWashington.com

$2,195,000

5005 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #3