Longboat Observer 12.7.23

LONGBOAT

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Beauty in simplicity.

PAGE 16 FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

VOLUME 46, NO. 17

YOUR TOWN

Unintended consequences Longboat considers new ordinances to improve its flood management and save homeowners premiums. State legislation may prevent changes — for now. PAGE 3

Petra Rivera

The next chapter

You can take the girl out of the chamber but you can’t take the chamber out of the girl.

Gail Loefgren repeated this phrase multiple times while reminiscing on her 25 years as president of the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce.

Loefgren’s retirement party was on Dec. 4 at the Longboat Key Club. She was joined by many friends, colleagues and family members.

Loefgren said she felt nervous about the party at first, but that it was great to catch up with everyone, especially those whom she hasn’t seen in a long time.

“I’m definitely going to miss the people the most,” said Loefgren. “They are what make the chamber, the chamber. But people say you will know when it’s time to retire. So, I know I’m ready for this new chapter of my life.”

Loefgren said she is now taking the time to organize her condominium and decorate for the holidays since she never had much time to do it before.

“I might honestly get a part-time job soon,” she said.

“Because I like to keep busy.”

FEAST FOR THE CAUSE The Kiwanis Club Lawn Party notched another success for kids. SEE PAGE 18 Petra Rivera

Michael Saunders, Winfred van Workum, Chris Jenkins, Michelle Young, Simon Bacon, Lynn Morris and Jillian Augustine enjoy the Longboat Key Kiwanis Club Lawn Party Dec. 2.

Petra Rivera

St. Nikoli with Sandra Johnson and Karen Pashkow

A+E

Tradition exchange On Dec. 3, the Longboat Island Chapel hosted 40 Ukrainian refugee families for a Christmas party at Christmas in the Garden.

Chapel members and the families decorated traditional Ukrainian Christmas cookies along with American gingerbread houses.

Karen Pashkow from the chapel said the event was an exchange of traditions.

The group shared Ukrainian Christmas stories and carols.

St. Nikoli was there to take photos and play with the children. The chapel also collected presents to give to the families as well.

Pashkow said it was beyond touching. “It was so amazing to spend time with these families and share in their traditions in our beautiful Christmas in the Garden.”

Petra Rivera

Michael Bodnyk leads Christmas carolers at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church.

Joyful sound on key St. Armands lights up for the holidays and sings along. SEE PAGE 20

Stocking stuffers.

INSIDE

2

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Town reaffirms infrastructure project priorities Two roundabouts, turn lanes and the complete streets project are still ­priorities for Longboat Key.

MEETING MPO GOALS To qualify for the MPO’s longrange plan, projects must relate to at least some of the main goals below and how the projects relate to national transportation goals.

Here’s the criteria the MPO is looking for:

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

O

ver the next couple decades, Gulf of Mexico Drive may see some significant changes.

On Dec. 4, Public Works Director Isaac Brownman presented to the Town Commission four infrastructure projects he suggested be prioritized by the Manatee-Sarasota Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The MPO, according to its website, develops plans and priorities for regional decision making on transportation issues.

Anticipated revenues available via the MPO between 2025 and 2045 include funds from state, federal and local sources, such as the Sarasota County and Manatee County Transit Agencies capital and operating funds.

The total funding from these sources identified by the MPO for Longboat’s priority projects comes to almost $30 million.

Identifying priorities for the MPO is an annual exercise, Brownman said. This year, four projects are being reemphasized.

“My suggestion is we continue to press on these projects as priorities for the town and keep their place in line and keep their funding,” Brownman said. “If the MPO sees that a community does not bring the same project forward one year, they might think: ‘The community must think this isn’t a priority anymore; let’s shift that money somewhere else.’

We don’t want that to happen.”

First on the list of priorities is the Country Club Shores left-turn lanes, from Channel Lane to the north entrance of Longboat Club Road.

The Florida Department of Transportation is already committed to the

File image

A center turn lane would benefit drivers entering Country Club Shores.

project, Brownman said. Approximately $1.4 million for the project has been set aside by the FDOT in the current fiscal year, and the plans are pending final approval.

Second is the roundabout at the intersection of GMD and Broadway Street.

Original plans for the roundabout were rejected by the FDOT in June when roadway banking was identified as a design issue.

Now, the roundabout is undergoing a redesign, and the FDOT has committed $1,685,000 toward construction. An additional $4.8 million was set aside in the MPO’s longrange plan.

Another roundabout being considered in the plan is at Longboat Club Road, which also has $4.8 million set aside by the MPO.

This roundabout, Brownman said, isn’t necessarily on the town’s immediate radar. He said the idea has been to wait for a developer to come forward to work on a project partnership.

“But we don’t want to lose our place in line with the MPO and the potential funding,” he said.

The Gulf of Mexico Drive Complete Street project is another priority for the town and the MPO, and the largest financial contribution from the MPO to Longboat Key at $18.3 million.

“That’s a big chunk, that’s almost half, really,” Brownman said.

Brownman also said that if other projects could be completed with more financial assistance, such as Manatee County assisting with the Broadway roundabout, then the town could potentially ask the MPO

to move some surplus funds from those projects to the complete street.

These four projects have already been identified by the MPO as “cost feasible” projects, meaning the organization has identified funding for its 2045 long-range plan. The organization will be able to provide the funding within the timeframe between 2026 to 2030.

The MPO plan is separate from the FDOT’s five-year work plan, Brownman said. But the goal is to get all these projects into the FDOT’s plan eventually. As of right now, only the Broadway Roundabout project is in FDOT’s draft tentative five-year plan.

Town commissioners voted 7-0 to approve these four projects to remain priorities for the MPO long-range plan.

1. Safety Security n Reduce crashes and conflicts, improve safety 2. Infrastructure Resiliency n Preserve and maintain existing system, retrofit and replace aging bridges 3. Mobility Reliability n Promote projects that reduce travel time, reduce congestion 4. Technology Autonomy n Improve operating efficiency using intelligent systems, identify needs for shared-use technology 5. Economy Tourism n Stimulate economic development, improve access to tourist destinations 6. Environment Conservation n Reduce miles traveled, support green infrastructure 7. Equity Livability n Increase access to public transportation, improve access for people with disabilities 8. Project Delivery n Prioritize projects with matches and partnerships, implement projects from recommendations and plans The Complete Street project is in line with: Equity Livability, Economy Tourism, Project Delivery, Infrastructure Resiliency, Safety Security and Environment Conservation. The two roundabouts meet criteria for: Mobility Reliability, Safety Security and Environment Conservation.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

3

File photo

The Buttonwood Harbour neighborhood is one of Longboat Key’s most flood-susceptible neighborhoods.

FLOODPLAIN POINTS PLAY Longboat is adopting Sarasota County’s new flood maps; paired with new ­ordinances, the town could earn discounts for homeowners on their flood insurance premiums.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

T

he town of Longboat Key is in the process of adopting Sarasota County’s newest base flood elevation map, which impacts flood insurance and certain building requirements on the island.

Staff with the Planning, Zoning and Building Department contemplated several new ordinances with the adoption of this new map. Those ordinances could have potentially led to a greater insurance discount for homeowners, but Town Attorney Maggie Mooney cautioned commissioners on taking any action at the moment.

Planning, Zoning and Building Department Director Allen Parsons discussed the updates with town commissioners at the Dec. 4 commission meeting, presented as the first of two public hearings on the matter.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency regularly updates base flood elevation maps as they pertain to flood insurance.

Manatee County’s latest update occurred in 2021, while Sarasota County’s maps hadn’t been updated since 2016.

“It’s not anything totally new, but it is a very interesting conversation about what some of these changes are,” Town Manager Howard Tipton said at the start of the hearing.

While the main voting matter pertained to adopting the new Sarasota County flood maps as an amendment to the Town Flood Control Code, Parsons mentioned that the town participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and the Community Rating System program.

With the adoption of new flood maps, Parsons presented the opportunity to also look into potential amendments to the town’s Flood Control Ordinance and other actions that could increase the town’s status in the CRS. “Those are things we are looking at that have the benefit long term not only on insurance discounts, but also resiliency structures,” Parsons said.

PLAYING FOR POINTS

The CRS grades municipalities on floodplain management practices.

Based on those points, municipalities are assigned to a “class” that then translates to flood insurance

premium discounts.

Longboat Key is currently classified as a Class 6 municipality, which is reflected with a 20% discount.

To qualify as a Class 6 municipality, the community must fall within 2,000 and 2,499 credit points.

The next level up, Class 5, requires between 2,500 and 2,999 credit points and would provide a 25% discount.

Actions to gain points are grouped by categories: Public Information, Mapping & Regulations, Flood Damage Reduction and Flood Preparedness.

During his presentation, Parsons mainly focused on the suggestion to raise the town’s freeboard requirement from one foot to something greater than two feet.

A freeboard is a safety factor for floodplain management. The addition of a freeboard accounts for unknown factors that could contribute to higher flood heights, according to FEMA. The Florida Building Code requires at least an additional foot of freeboard elevation on top of the base flood elevation.

The previous FEMA flood maps for Sarasota County require most structures in Zone AE to be at a base flood elevation of 10 feet above sea level.

Generally speaking, Zone AE corresponds to parcels east of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Toward flood source

DFE Freeboard

FEMA.gov

The design flood elevation is measured to the bottom of the lowest habitable floor, and is a combination of the required base flood elevation and freeboard.

But the new maps only require structures to be at a base flood elevation of eight feet.

“So it’s a reduction of two feet,” Parsons said. “It’s counterintuitive, given sea level rise, which you know is not a future phenomenon, it’s a current phenomenon.”

Parsons said this reduction was attributed to advances in technology, and that previous maps may have overestimated the requirements.

Due to this reduction, Parsons suggested a potential new ordinance

COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM POINTS

Some of the actions that Longboat Key can take to gain more points in the National Flood Insurance Program and the Community Rating System and potentially earn a bigger discount on flood insurance premiums for homeowners.

Series Examples Total Potential Points Public Information Elevation certificates 1,091 Map information service Outreach projects Mapping & Regulations

Floodplain Mapping 7,159 Higher Regulatory Standards Stormwater Management

Flood Damage Reduction

Acquisition & Relocation 5,082 Flood Prevention Drainage System Maintenance Flood Warning and Response 760 Levees Dams

Flood Preparedness

BFE

could be to increase the freeboard requirement in order to maintain a “status quo.”

For a given structure, the design flood elevation represents the elevation from sea level to the bottom of the first habitable floor. The design flood elevation is a combination of the required base flood elevation and freeboard.

Higher Regulatory Standards is a subsection under the Mapping & Regulations credit category. The section includes freeboard requirements, which can earn an average of 272 points.

Another suggestion that Parson’s staff outlined was to raise the minimum seawall height to fourand-a-half feet for all new or rebuilt seawalls. This was already a recommendation for the Sea Level Rise & Resiliency Comprehensive Adaptation Plan that staff is also working on.

PROCEED WITH CAUTION

With the potential for more credit points on the table, Parsons also pointed out that any actions taken must be carefully considered.

“Any changes to land development codes that are considered more burdensome or restrictive, there’s a flat out moratorium from Manatee County southward,” Parsons said.

“So if we were to have any regulatory changes, they would have to be structured in such a way that they wouldn’t be considered more burdensome.”

This is because of Senate Bill 250, which prohibits counties and municipalities within 100 miles of Hurricane Ian or Idalia’s landfall from adopting those more burdensome restrictions. The moratorium is set to last until October 2024, unless the state Legislature extends it.

The prohibition of adopting more restrictive codes puts the town in a difficult position when considering these new ordinances to get more credit points.

Mayor Ken Schneier questioned whether the freeboard requirement would be allowable because it would “eliminate the negative,” but Mooney said it would not be possible to consider the ordinance.

“Now, the reality is, is that I don’t know that the Legislature contemplated the consequences like this, preventing communities from creating more flood control and flood prevention by adopting that regulation,” Mooney said.

Mooney also said that Pinellas County was originally a part of Senate Bill 250, but, after showing there wasn’t significant impact up there, was not included in the latest iteration of the bill.

While Mooney suggested a point about the unintended consequences should be made to delegation members, Tipton doubted the possibility of Longboat Key receiving the same exemption.

Tipton said his assumption is based on the town’s proximity to North Port and Venice, which had significant impacts from the storms.

“We’re gonna have to get creative over the next couple of years rather than just sort of throwing up our hands and saying, you know, nothing we can do,” Parsons said.

One potential work-around that was suggested was to raise the maximum seawall height allowance, while continuing to not have a minimum.

This would allow landowners to build higher seawalls to prevent flooding, but would not be restrictive.

After lengthy discussion about the possibilities, commissioners directed Parsons and his staff to look into the freeboard, seawall and other optional ordinances to see if there were ways for them to be “creatively” adopted.

The main voting matter at hand, though, was the adoption of the new FEMA flood maps. Voting not to adopt the maps would have potentially kicked the town out of the CRS program, or at least down to the lowest class.

The maps were approved 7-0 to move to a second hearing on Jan. 8, 2024.

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he Bay Isles Association asked for no policing behind its gates just one year after asking for more enforcement.

On Dec. 4, town commissioners voted to terminate the existing memorandum of understanding between the Bay Isles Association and the town, while also approving a new MOU to be drafted.

Bay Isles and the town originally entered the agreement in November 2022, in which the association requested regular police patrols within the association for traffic enforcement. Under the agreement, the Longboat Key Police Department could write tickets for traffic stops such as running stop signs, driving through crosswalks while pedestrians are crossing and illegal turns.

The initial agreement was set for five years, with the provision that the agreement could be terminated without cause with a 90-day notice.

Recent discussions with Bay Isles Association representatives prompted the termination, according to Town Manager Howard Tipton. Both Tipton and the association representatives agreed that there were more effective ways to achieve the outcome the association desires.

Tipton said technology is advanced enough that surveillance cameras and other devices can catch the traffic violations the association wanted to curtail.

Second, Tipton said when officers are behind the gates of private property, it may lead to an opportunity for a bad impression.

While the association wants to handle enforcement behind the gates, it would like police enforcement on Bay Isles Parkway. The parkway is technically a private road owned by the Bay Isles Association.

Tipton said previous traffic studies indicated that the road is the second-most heavily trafficked on the island behind Gulf of Mexico Drive.

If the town were to forgo a new MOU giving the police department the right to enforce traffic violations on the parkway, then the police could not write tickets for speeding, illegal turns, car haulers and other minor violations on the road.

Officers would be able to respond to incidents such as car accidents on that road.

HOA Safety Committee Chair Mark Hullinger said the association is able to handle minor violations within the association by issuing rule violation fees, but can’t do the same on Bay Isles Parkway.

“We just don’t have the capacity, without your help, to take care of Bay Isles Parkway,” Hullinger said.

According to a previous traffic study, there are about 4 million trips per year on Bay Isles Parkway, Hullinger said. There are about 600,000 trips per year inside the gates, according to the association’s own data monitoring.

The last component of the conversation was the association’s idea of dedicating Bay Isles Parkway to the town, thus giving the town complete authority. Both Tipton and Public Works Director Isaac Brownman said multiple studies would need to be conducted to determine the status of the road before accepting.

Mayor Ken Schneier was opposed to the MOU for policing the parkway, claiming that any police enforcement on the private roads of Bay Isles would impact homeowners’ excess liability insurance, according to conversations with other residents.

Hullinger denied those rumors.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

5

Help wanted Full disclosure What’s the financial ­disclosure form that led to ­Commissioner Debbie ­Murphy’s resignation?

Longboat Key opens the appointment process for vacant District 5 commission seat.

CARTER WEINHOFER

CARTER WEINHOFER

STAFF WRITER

W

STAFF WRITER

ith a commission seat opening up soon, the town is looking for someone to fill the

vacancy.

District 5 Commissioner Debbie Murphy submitted her resignation letter to Town Manager Howard Tipton and Mayor Ken Schneier on Nov. 20. Her main reason for resigning was that she’s unwilling to submit new financial disclosure forms required by the state Legislature.

In her letter, she said her resignation would take effect on or before Dec. 31. But at the Dec. 4 commission meeting, she said she wanted to amend her resignation to take effect sooner.

Her first request was to move the date up to Dec. 11 at the conclusion of the commission workshops scheduled for that date.

“I really have enjoyed working with all of y’all. This has been an extreme honor for me to be an elected official, so thank you for this privilege,” Murphy said.

Discussion opened as to how the commission wanted to handle the vacancy. The two main options for the town were to appoint a candidate within 30 days after the resignation or to schedule a special election.

If an individual is appointed, then that person will serve a 14-month term until March 2025. At that time, the next general election would be held. That election would be to fill Murphy’s remaining term, which is supposed to last until 2026.

But the town charter also includes a two-term limit. Town Attorney Maggie Mooney said if an individual were to be appointed and then run for the March 2025 to March 2026 term, that person would be limited to one

A File image

more term.

If the commission were to hold a special election, then that election would not be held until August 2024, according to Tipton.

“So you would be flying in a missing person formation for a number of months,” Tipton said.

Commissioner-At-Large BJ Bishop suggested the appointment process has worked in the past and would work well this time around.

The appointment was originally set to take place at the Jan. 8 regular meeting.

District 4 Commissioner Debra Williams said that it may be too short of a timeframe to solicit applications and properly review them before the Jan. 8 date given the holidays in between. It was then agreed that it would be possible to move the appointment to the Jan. 22 workshop.

The town charter requires the commission to appoint an individual to fill the vacancy within 30 days, a timeline that would be impossible if Murphy moved her resignation up to Dec. 11. She agreed to make Dec. 24 the effective resignation date.

The Town Commission is set to solicit applications from interested individuals residing within District 5. Application materials should be sent to the Longboat Key Town Clerk.

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Deborah Murphy started her commissioner role March 20 but recently tendered her resignation.

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new financial disclosure requirement for local elected officials led to the resignation of District 5 Commissioner Debbie Murphy.

Murphy, who began her commission term in March, said that while it saddens her to leave the position, she felt the level of detail the new form requires is “intrusive.”

But what exactly is the disclosure form asking?

Florida Senate Bill 774 was passed in May and is titled “Ethics Requirements for Public Officials.”

Simply put, the bill outlines required annual ethics training for elected officials and specifies that elected officials must submit an annual financial report.

According to the Florida League of Cities, SB 774 has been in legislative recommendations since 2015 and various bills since then have contained versions requiring municipal officials to file Form 6.

But, it wasn’t until earlier this year in the 2023 session that SB 774 was passed, requiring mayors and elected officials to file the form.

Previously, elected officials needed to fill out Form 1 for the Florida Commission on Ethics, but SB 774 made it so now they must fill out Form 6. Government officials appointed to boards, councils and commissions are required to fill out Form 1. This includes consolidated retirement board and planning and zoning board members.

Form 1 only required officials to disclose intangible assets over $10,000 individually, but Form 6 requires disclosure of assets over $1,000, as well as household goods

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and personal effects collectively. A description of the asset and its value is also required.

One of the other major differences is that Form 6 requires officials to disclose their net worth, whereas Form 1 did not.

Net worth is calculated by subtracting the total of all liabilities from the total of all assets. In this case, assets would include intangible, tangible and real property assets over $1,000 individually.

Some of the most common assets, according to the Florida League of Cities, are bank accounts, property and stocks.

Liabilities over $1,000 also need to be disclosed in Form 6, with the exception of credit cards, indebtedness on a life insurance policy, taxes owed not reduced to a judgment and contingent liabilities.

Common liabilities may include car payments, mortgages and student loans.

Form 6 also requires that officials disclose public salary and sources of income over $1,000, where Form 1 only required sources of income over $2,500. The source name, address and amount are also required with Form 6.

Under Form 6 if elected officials own more than 5% of a business, then they must also disclose clients and customers if the clients or customers contributed more than 10% of the business’ gross income, and if the elected official earns more than $1,000 income from the business.

Under Form 1, the business income threshold was $5,000.

The form is required to be submitted on July 1 each year, and failure to submit will result in a $25 per day late fee.

Form 1 has over 35,000 filers within Florida, and Form 6 has about 5,000 filers. All of the forms are open to the public upon request.

6

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Say bye to muddy paws in Bayfront Park Approximately $175,000 is needed to cover the remainder of the Bayfront Park dog parks with artificial turf.

Petra Rivera

PETRA RIVERA

Gary Ulrich, Linda Ulrich, Pilar Goldstein and Neil Avison play pickleball.

STAFF WRITER

Paddles up

hawn Leven and her great Pyrenees, Daisy, come to the dog park at Bayfront Park twice a day.

These outings have been a good way to make friends for both her and Daisy since they moved to Longboat Key last December, Leven said.

“I wasn’t here before they added the artificial turf but just comparing it to the natural grass areas that aren’t covered, it makes a big difference,” said Leven.

Leven said that the artificial turf helps keep the dog parks looking tidy, making for easier cleanup and preventing muddy paws.

To complete installation of artificial turf in both dog parks at Bayfront Park, The Longboat Key Foundation is raising about $175,000.

Working with the Rotary Club of Longboat Key in 2022, Irene Hess started the project by donating $123,000. This allowed for new chairs and 75% of the big dog park to be covered with artificial turf.

Jim Brown, former mayor and current chair of the Longboat Key Foundation, is heading the initiative to cover the remaining 25% of the big dog park and the entire small dog park with artificial turf.

“This has been here for a year, and I don’t see any damage,” said Brown.

“It saves the town money because they don’t have to cut the grass. It’s neater and cleaner. And just in general, everybody likes it a lot better.”

K9Grass artificial turf was used for the completed portion of the big dog park, and the town plans to continue to use it for the remainder of the parks.

A Longboat Key Foundation brochure states that benefits of turf

Longboat Key Club opens new pickleball courts in Tennis Gardens.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

T

he pickleball courts at the Longboat Key Club are finally here.

The courts were in the works for about two years before the club hosted a ribbon-cutting for the new pickleball courts on Dec. 1.

These courts, at first, caused some controversy because neighboring residents were worried about the sound level of the sport. After a sound study was conducted and the town offered its support on the project, the plans for the courts were approved at the town’s Planning and Zoning Board meeting held on Nov. 15, 2022.

“We are just trying to be good neighbors and do everything that we needed to do to mitigate the sound,” said Briana Francois, the director of tennis at the Key Club. “That’s why we have barriers up. It’s pretty much that almost little sound can be heard.”

Construction began by redoing the pickleball courts next to Marina Bay. Then, the Key Club built four more courts in the Tennis Gardens.

The club now has eight new pickleball courts because of the high demand to play the sport, said Francois.

To play on the courts, you must be a member of club or a guest staying at the resort. The club offers pickleball lessons and clinics for all members.

“It was a demand because we have so many people that play pickleball,” said Francois. “I believe that our courts will honestly help alleviate the stress that the town of Longboat is receiving on the pickleball courts at Bayfront Park.”

On Dec. 15, the Key Club will hold its Winterfest Tennis and Pickleball tournament with Peyton Stearns playing. Stearns was a No. 1 collegiate tennis player and is ranked in the top 50 in the Women’s Tennis Association Tour.

Avid Key Club pickleball players joined the ribbon-cutting to celebrate. Longboat Key Chamber President Kim Verreault and chamber ambassadors Irina Bronstein and Deanna Mesghali joined as well. The first event was a fundraiser for Toys For Tots, which was held after the ribbon-cutting.

“We have been getting so many emails and phone calls from people asking, ‘When are those courts opening up?’” said Francois. “It feels amazing to finally see that we have totally fulfilled the needs of our community.”

S

Courtesy image

HOW TO DONATE

To donate to the Bayfront Park Dog artificial turf project, contact Jim Brown, chair of the Longboat Key Foundation, at Jim@LBKFoundation.org.

Donations of $10,000 and above will be acknowledged on a donor recognition plaque.

Shawn Leven’s dog, Daisy, and her dog-park friend, Jaxon

include quick drainage of liquids, easy cleanup for dog owners, prevention of the growth of harmful microbes, lower maintenance costs and a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing experience for dog park guests.

“You can see the difference with the natural grass because you don’t want to bring your dog here on a rainy day,” said Brown. “You don’t want your dogs to be muddy. So I think more people will want to use it.”

Leven said she thinks it’s great that this is a priority for the town, especially given the dog-owner community on Longboat Key. She said she hopes it will bring more people and pets to the park and that she knows Daisy will be happy to have more friends to play with daily.

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7

Republican Club of Longboat Key, Inc. P.O. Box 8181 Longboat Key, FL 34228-8181

James Peter

St. Armands Circle will soon have a new Italian restaurant, 15 South by Napulè, located at 15 S. Boulevard of the Presidents, which was most recently the home of St. Armands Oyster Bar.

More mangia on St. Armands 15 South by Napulè, a Neapolitan-inspired ­ restaurant, will feature pizzas made in a gold-tiled oven.

OBSERVER STAFF

D

iners in search of more options for Italian food on St. Armands Circle won’t have to wait long.

In early 2024, local restaurateur Alessandro Di Ferdinando will revive the “spirit” of 15 South Ristorante on St. Armands Circle under the new name of 15 South by Napulè at 15 S. Boulevard of the Presidents.

Di Ferdinando is best known for his restaurant Napulè, founded in 2017 and located at 7129 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.

With 15 South by Napulè, Di Ferdinando aims to pay homage to the original 15 South that was a mainstay of Sarasota’s dining and nightlife for almost 20 years.

While Di Ferdinando will handle the front of house operations, the food operations will be helmed by two of his longtime friends and collaborators.

Antonio Mancini, a former Napulè

pizza maker and owner of Vesuvio Wood Fired Pizza, will man the authentic, gold-tiled Neapolitan pizza oven located near the firstfloor bar, according to a media release. That multiton pizza oven is due to be installed next week when it arrives from Miami, said Di Ferdinando.

Chef Giancarlo Di Cosmo, who worked alongside Di Ferdinando at a Soho House concept in London, will handle the kitchen.

“And of course, we’ll have a lively atmosphere with a good martini and cocktail list and a dance floor upstairs,” said Di Ferdinando in a media release. “We’re going for eat, dance, love. And then maybe we eat again.”

The restaurant will offer an authentic Italian menu that includes scratch-made pasta dishes, Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza and a full bar on both floors.

Di Ferdinando said his goal is to offer delivery service, via his own team of drivers, for customers on Longboat Key, Lido Key and St. Armands, so customers don’t have to use third-party takeout delivery services. He’s already received positive feedback from area residents excited about the service.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

What ‘never again’ means to me The phrase came to light worldwide after the Holocaust. Will the phrase be a promise or a phony pledge?

MARK GORDON

M

any Jews have their own personal anti-Semitism story.

My dad had one in the 1980s that I recall vividly even some 40 years later.

He was working his second job — his first was being a sixth grade teacher in Queens, New York — as a waiter at Howard Johnson’s on Long Island. A big group of people came into the restaurant late one Friday night and a fellow waiter said to my dad, “Damn Jews. Hitler didn’t get them all.”

My dad, Jerry, froze for a second.

Then, as he has told me, in one of those rare moments when you think of the just-right comeback at the just-right moment, my dad said back to the other guy: “Yeah, he didn’t get me either.”

I’ve thought about that story on and off for years. It’s both jarring and inspiring. People can be cruel.

People can be ignorant. But sometimes you have to fight back. Even if it’s a put-them-in-their place comeback.

This is my fight-back moment.

The past two months — since Hamas’ horrific attack Oct. 7 on Israel — have been emotionally challenging. Heartbreaking. Frustrating. Difficult.

My day job is the managing editor of the Business Observer, sister paper of the Longboat Observer. We write about companies and entrepreneurs, breaking business news, how government intersects with business, etc. We don’t take political sides. Except for the editorials from our founder and owner, Matt Walsh, we don’t do opinion journalism. I have plenty of opinions — just ask my 15-year-old son who sometimes calls me the “mayor of get off my lawn city.” But I don’t publish them.

And, despite the raw emotions I felt — and still feel — from what

happened Oct. 7, I didn’t think or expect to write this column. But a speaker I heard recently made me realize I must.

BEAR WITNESS

PROUD JEWS

I am proud of being Jewish — for many reasons — despite all the times I tried to wiggle out of going to Hebrew School growing up.

(Sorry mom and dad.)

I celebrate all the big Jewish holidays, some of the smaller ones and sometimes celebrate Shabbat.

I read “The Diary of Anne Frank” in middle school, “Night” by Elie Wiesel in college. I’ve seen “Fiddler on the Roof” on Broadway. Twice.

My son’s Bar Mitzvah in October 2021, a Jewish coming of age ceremony, was one of the proudest moments of my life. Ditto for my wife, Elyse, also a proud Jew. (Elyse is my Beshert: Yiddish for soulmate or destiny.)

Team Gordon loves being Jewish, and we love being Jewish in Sarasota and Bradenton. My wife is on the board of our synagogue, Temple Sinai; our son is a volunteer at the religious school there; and I’ve been on the board of Jewish Family and Children’s Services in Sarasota for three years.

I’ve also long been a big defender and supporter of Israel. I have never been there. (I turn 50 next year, and I’ve thought for a few years that would be the ultimate birthday present.) But its significance to the Jewish people has never been lost on me — that of religious freedom and constantly overcoming obstacles and enemies.

One more pro-Israel nugget: The post World War II formation of Israel, while it can take books to explain, can also be summed up in two words: Never again.

After the Holocaust, when the Nazis slaughtered 6 million Jews — women, men and children — the world, or at least a lot of it, understood what “Never again” meant.

It meant never again will the world standby while terrorists attempt to annihilate Jews from the earth.

CLARIFYING POSITION

With that as a backdrop, I’ve been thinking, marinating, the past two months: Should I write something about what the Hamas attacks and Israel’s war to defend itself means to me? And what would I say?

Then, on Nov. 29, I met Maor Stranisky Elbaz. He’s the consul general of Israel in Miami. He has been a diplomat since 2006. But years before that, like every other young Israeli, he was in the IDF — the Israel Defense Forces, the country’s military. He was a commander in the IDF’s paratroopers unit.

Stranisky Elbaz spoke with Sarasota area reporters in a closed-door session at the Jewish Federation of

Mark Gordon

Maor Stranisky Elbaz, consul general of Israel in Miami, showed a video of the Hamas attacks for Sarasota and Manatee reporters. “This was like Nazi death camps,” he said.

Sarasota-Manatee that included never-before-seen videos of Hamas atrocities Oct. 7. The videos were horrifically graphic. They were also brutally clarifying: It was good versus evil in its rawest form.

Just as clarifying was a conversation I had with Stranisky Elbaz before the video. I told him I had been hesitant to come to the debriefing.

I had been struggling enough with what I had seen and read in the news. The words of my wife — you can never unsee what you will see — were paramount in my mind.

But Stranisky Elbaz, traveling across Florida to speak to Jewish organizations about what happened and what’s happening now in Israel, said something pretty meaningful: “When this first happened, I wanted to look away. I look like a tough guy, but I’m really not. I wanted to look away and not see this, but people need to see this.

People need to see through the lies.

You can’t get your news on this on a five-second TikTok clip.”

Stranisky Elbaz had a lot of other things to say. I found myself nodding in agreement in my mind as he spoke. A sampling of his comments: The brutality: “I don’t say this word a lot, but this was like Nazi death camps. This was done just like in Holocaust days. The Nazis even tried to hide what they did.

Hamas is proud of it.”

The timing: “They came to Israel on a Saturday, on Shabbat. Happy times. And they murdered, slaughtered, brutalized and raped people.”

On the difference between Israel defending itself and the plight of Palestinians under Hamas: “This isn’t a war against Palestinians. This is a fight between good and evil. This is a fight between light and darkness. If you think there is moral equivalence here, you are wrong. This is not about politics.”

The day that should live in infamy As time marches on, it feels like the decisive moments in American history are increasingly becoming yellowed, unread pages in the volumes of old books sitting on library shelves and lost among the digital impulses in the vast black hole of the ether world.

We can only imagine what would come out of the mouths of today’s college students, young adults and even 40-somethings if you asked them: What happened on Dec. 7, 1941?

Fewer and fewer Americans can actually recall were they were on that day the way most of can recall where Woody we were on Sept.

Wolverton 11, 2001. Indeed, on Longboat Key there are around 660 residents who were old enough to remember that December day first hand.

Dec. 7, 1941: The Japanese unleashed a harrowing, deadly surprise attack on the Pearl Harbor Naval Base and Hickam Field Army airfield and bomber base near Honolulu, Hawaii.

It was the 9/11 of its time. Shocking beyond imagination. We know 574 more people died in the 9/11

attacks than in Pearl Harbor, but the force with which the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and Hickam Field was beyond shocking.

The Middle East terrorists used three commercial jets on 9/11. The Japanese sent 353 aircraft, two heavy naval cruisers, 35 submarines, nine oil tankers, two battleships and 11 destroyers — all with the intent of completely wiping out the U.S. Pacific naval fleet in an overwhelming attack that lasted about 90 minutes.

As miracles go, the United States’ three Pacific fleet aircraft carriers were out to sea on maneuvers and escaped the attacks, saving the U.S. from total defeat.

But for those who were at Pearl Harbor and Hickam Field, it was 90 minutes of hell.

Longboat Key resident Woody Wolverton, now 89, was there.

We remember another Longboater, now deceased, who was there: the late Gen. Jim Edmundson, after whom Longboat Key’s post office is named.

Wolverton was 7. He lived with his father, an Army captain, mother and 3-year-old brother.

At the time of the attack, Wolverton’s father was 20 miles away at the Army’s Schofield Barracks.

Wolverton, his mother and brother

were getting ready on that Sunday morning to go on a picnic with other moms and kids living on base near Hickam Field.

When the Japanese planes started strafing Hickam Field and the nearby homes, the Wolvertons took cover underneath a mattress.

Wolverton remembers the next door neighbor’s home being blown to bits and aircraft bullets pelting the Wolvertons’ home.

“I remember seeing the face of one of those guys,” he said of a Japanese fighter strafing his neighborhood. “I wanted to go out and shoot that SOB.” Wolverton remembers his courageous mother: “My mom never panicked.”

While the Wolvertons hid for cover and survived the devastating ordeal, then bomber pilot 1st Lt. James V. Edmundson was running to rescue crew members from a B-17 that had landed in the middle of the Hickam Field runway, split in two and caught fire.

A Japanese bomb fragment hit Edmundson in the head. In a letter to his wife, Lee, after the attack, he wrote: “I felt a big bang and was knocked out. When I came to … I felt my head because I couldn’t see out of one eye. There was blood running down, and I felt with my

Israeli Ambassador to Florida and Consul General Maor Stranisky Elbaz in his recent visit to Sarasota said one of the reasons for his tour of Florida is to share Israel’s message in the face of manipulated narratives, disinformation and outright lies.

He likened his mission to that of President Eisenhower when he was Commanding General of the Allied Forces that defeated Nazi Germany.

Eisenhower was known to want as many soldiers as possible to tour Holocaust concentration camps, so they could bear witness.

Stranisky Elbaz repeated Eisenhower’s famous quote: “Get it all on record now — get the films — get the witnesses, because somewhere down the road of history some bastard will get up and say that this never happened.”

MORE INFORMATION If you want to help support Israel or get more information, go to: JFedSRQ.org/Israel.

On anti-Israel protests in big cities and college campuses: “People (on college campuses) are defending lies. They are saying evil things and supporting evil. There is no other way to say it when you say things like ‘from the river to the sea.’” (A catch-all phrase that symbolizes Palestinian control over the entire territory of Israel’s borders, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. The line after sea is “Palestine will be free.” In other words: the end of Israel.)

On the fallacy of a cease-fire: “There was a cease-fire. That was on Oct. 6. It meant nothing. Israel hasn’t been in Gaza since 2005. The Hamas charter calls for the destruction of the state of Israel, and they are doing everything they can to achieve that goal.”

One last quote from Stranisky Elbaz succinctly sums up my why — why I wrote this, why I want Israel to keep going, keep fighting. And why it’s important for non-Jews to understand the personal nature of this attack and why it threatens our religion, our culture and our community. It’s why we are asking people to stand with Israel.

“We are doing everything we can,” Stranisky Elbaz said, “to make sure the words ‘never again’ aren’t empty.”

frozen hand. It felt like I had a hole in my head big enough to put my fist into. “‘Well,’ I thought, ‘that’s all she wrote. That’s the end of the road.

I’ll just sit here and wait to die.’

“I sat there and waited to die, but nothing seemed to happen. Then, I reached up with the other hand and found out that all I had was a little nick in my head …

I got up and went back to work.”

(Gen. Edmundson went on to fly 181 combat missions through World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars Gen. Jim and later served as Edmundson mayor of Longboat Key.) Those of us who have never experienced the front lines of war can easily forget, dismiss or think nothing of the monumental dates that changed the course of our nation’s history — Bunker Hill, 1775; Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863 (7,863 soldiers killed combined; 48,165 wounded); D-Day, June 6, 1944 (4,414 Allied deaths, 2501 Americans); Sept. 11, 2001.

Dec. 7, 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor, is one of those dates, as we say about 9/11, we should “never forget.” Tragic as it was, it was the start of changing the course of the world for the better.

—Matt Walsh

“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.”

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

MY VIEW

Make a smart solar choice A Longboat resident highlights the financial incentives for installing solar panels.

LEONHARD KOROWAJCZUK

B

eing a new homeowner in Harbour Oaks on Longboat Key, I am exploring the possibilities of installing solar panels.

I was told that we must change our roofs soon, at an estimated average cost of $60,000. Why not install solar at the same time and use the federal credits offered?

According to data from the Florida Solar Energy Center, the average daily solar radiation in Longboat Key’s area is 5.97 kilowatt-hours per square meter per day.

The Longboat area falls in the highest category for solar resource potential in the state. It receives at least 10% greater solar energy than Miami.

I calculated that if I install 24 panels of 450 watts each, I will generate enough energy to cover my needs during the six months I am in Longboat Key (see net metering). I have two electric cars.

Florida has several incentives that encourage the installation

of solar energy systems. Keep in mind that incentives and policies can change, so I recommend checking with official sources or local solar installers for the most up-to-date information. Some incentives that are available in Florida include: n Federal tax credit. The Residential Clean Energy Credit is a solar tax credit that’s like a coupon for 30% off your home solar installation, backed and funded by the federal government. In the year that you install solar, the Residential Clean Energy Credit can greatly reduce or even eliminate the taxes that you would have otherwise owed to the federal government. As a homeowner, you can claim a federal solar tax credit for money that you pay toward installing solar and reduce the amount you owe when you file your yearly federal tax return.

(The solar tax credit does not apply to state tax or any local taxes.) The Residential Clean Energy Credit can be filed one time for the tax year in which you install your system using Tax Form 5695.

The credit received is then calculated dollar by dollar as a reduction of your federal tax liability, so if you receive $1,000 in credits, you’ll owe $1,000 less in taxes. Once you calculate how many credits you’ve received, you will want to add your renewable energy credit information to a typical Form 1040 while filing your taxes.

Note that a tax credit is different from a tax refund. To claim a tax credit, you must owe taxes to the government, so that the tax credit can cancel out some or all of

File image

Solar panels in 2019 on the roof of Longboat Key residents Rusty Chinnis and Chris Killeen’s house. Rooftop panels are a relatively rare sight on Longboat Key.

the amount that you owe.

If you don’t owe any taxes (for example, if you’re retired and don’t have any income), then you wouldn’t receive any money for the tax credit, because you didn’t owe any money to begin with. If you’ve already had those tax dollars deducted from your paycheck, then you can get that money back in the form of a refund, but you’re only getting back money that you’ve already paid. If you do owe less than your total Residential Clean Energy Credit savings for the year that you install your solar system, you can actually “roll over” any remaining credits to the following year, so that you don’t lose the value of those credits.

Lastly, the solar panel federal tax credit can be used against either the federal income tax or the alternative minimum tax, so regardless of how you calculate the taxes you owe, you can be eligible to claim the value of the federal income tax credit for solar. n Net metering. Florida has a net metering policy that allows solar system owners to receive credit for excess electricity they generate and feed back into the grid. This

credit can be used to offset the cost of electricity drawn from the grid during times when the solar panels aren’t producing enough power. n Property tax exemption. In Florida, the value added to your property through the installation of a solar energy system is exempt from property taxes. This helps reduce the financial burden of going solar. n Sales tax exemption. Solar energy equipment purchases are exempt from Florida’s state sales tax. This can significantly reduce the upfront cost of installing a solar system. n Low-interest loans and financing. Some financial institutions in Florida offer low-interest loans or financing programs specifically for solar energy installations.

These options can help make solar more affordable upfront. n Local utility incentives. Some local utilities in Florida offer their own incentives for installing solar systems. These could include rebates, performance-based incentives or grants. n PACE financing. Florida offers Property Assessed Clean Energy

financing, which allows property owners to finance renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements through assessments on their property tax bills. n Solar Co-ops and bulk purchasing. Some communities organize solar co-ops or bulk purchasing programs, which can help homeowners get discounted rates on solar installations through group buying.

Each incentive may have specific eligibility criteria and requirements, so it’s important to research thoroughly and potentially consult with local solar installers to understand which incentives you may qualify for.

Always verify information with current sources before making any decision.

In summary, by installing solar I will spend less money to change my roof, I will not pay for electricity, I will not pay for gas and I will contribute to a greener planet.

Leonhard Korowajczuk is a resident of Longboat Key.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

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LOST AT LUNCH 1:44 p.m., 5300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen Assist: Dispatch sent a Longboat Key officer to assist a woman who was unable to find her husband. She said she had dropped off her husband at the front door of a restaurant and then went to park the vehicle. When she entered the restaurant, she did not see her husband. The responding officer was able to find the husband having lunch at a different restaurant nearby. The wife was escorted to the restaurant and then to the table where her husband was.

DOUBLE DUTY 2:07 p.m., 500 block of Kingfisher Lane Citizen Assist: An officer was dispatched to help a resident with a water leak that had flooded a part of the roadway. Upon arrival, the officer witnessed the water spraying out of the meter box and sprung into action. He was able to dig out enough sand from the water meter box to get a pair of pliers in it and shut the water off. The officer then called Public Works and asked for assistance.

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LATE-NIGHT TALKS 1:22 a.m., 100 block of North Shore Road Suspicious Vehicle: While on patrol, an officer noticed a vehicle parked in a prohibited area. A records check of the vehicle came back as neither stolen nor abandoned. The officer first observed no one in the vehicle, but as the officer approached the vehicle he was met by the vehicle’s owner. The owner said he was just talking with his girlfriend, and the officer let him off with a warning.

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WHOSE FAULT IS IT ANYWAY? 2:38 p.m., Longboat Pass Boating Citation: Officers on marine patrol observed a vessel traveling at a high speed in a “slow speed, minimum wake” zone and stopped the vessel. The officers advised the operator of the reason for the stop, but had to escort the vessel to the Coquina Boat Ramp due to weather conditions. The operator said the boat was a rental, providing

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SATURDAY, NOV. 25

GRAND THEFT GOLF CART 11:30 p.m., 2000 block of Harbourside Drive CITIZEN ASSIST: Officers met a security guard in regards to a stolen golf cart. The security guard said his golf cart was stolen some time between 11:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. Multiple officers canvassed the area. They recovered the golf cart in a parking space. The keys were left in the ignition, and no damage was observed. The security guard was then reunited with his cart.

a brochure for the rental company when asked for boat’s registration.

Registration numbers were not displayed properly, and the registration came back as expired. The operator was unable to show that there was a flotation device for the infant on board. He claimed the rental owner said there was a life jacket on board, but the officers issued him a citation for the insufficient safety equipment. The officers said they would follow up with the owner in regards to the registration issues.

MONDAY, NOV. 27

IS ANYONE THERE? 9:37 p.m., 5700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Incident: Police were dispatched to help a resident who stated someone may be in her house. At the scene, the woman said she believed there was someone or some animal inside her bedroom and that she saw something moving around. The officers entered the apartment with her and checked around but could not find any person or animal. The officers said she could call back if anything else happened.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Sarasota recriminalizes cannabis possession In lieu of citations, ­officers will direct offenders to alternative mitigation, like the state’s pre-arrest ­diversion program.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

G

File image

In lieu of citations, Sarasota police will direct cannabis offenders to alternative mitigation, such as the state’s pre-arrest diversion program.

Cannabis citations in the city of Sarasota Noncompliant

Noncompliance Percentage

1 73 130 175 379

100% 84.88% 86.66% 92.1% 88.75%

* Through Nov. 8

things where folks are not going to be held criminally responsible.”

Those alternatives include referral to APAD. With that alternative available and rampant noncompliance with the civil citation, Armstrong and City Manager Marlon Brown made the case that repealing the ordinance combined with referral to APAD will streamline disposition of cannabis possession cases and ensure compliance short of criminal prosecution.

“I think it makes it more difficult for SPD to administer a program when there are duplicative programs

for the same issue,” said Mayor Liz Alpert. “I think it streamlines and makes it a lot simpler for officers to do simple citations. We can always bring (the city’s ordinance) back if there is some change, so I think we should eliminate this at the moment and rely on the APAD program.”

Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson confirmed Alpert’s assertion that, should the APAD program be altered or not yield the desired results, or if it should be eliminated, the city can reinstate its own ordinance.

“Now that we have an alternative, we can really streamline it, roll

it into one thing that doesn’t get rid of the opportunity for officers to utilize discretion and issue the marijuana civil citation. That would just be handled administratively by the state,” Robinson said. “If there was some legislative change, we could always bring this back and reenact it if they acted in the way that we didn’t care for.”

Arroyo’s objection to repealing the ordinance is that what was initially a City Commission directive was not enforced until the law was enacted.

The point of the law, he added, wasn’t to generate revenue but rather to prevent police from making arrests for minor crimes.

“The decision to repeal the marijuana civil citation ordinance is a step backward for our city,” Arroyo told the Observer. “This program was initiated as a directive from the commission, focusing on reducing unnecessary arrests for minor offenses, not as a revenue generator. Nonpayment of the fine could be due to numerous factors such as

EARLY HOLIDAY

DEADLINES 2023 DON’T MISS

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DECEMBER 21

Christmas issue: Letters to Santa, Holiday Traditions Deadline: Wednesday, 12/13, 4pm

DECEMBER 28 Year in Review Deadline: Thursday, 12/14, 4pm

JANUARY 4 Issues to Watch in 2024 Deadline: Tuesday, 12/19, 4pm The Observer Media Group offices will be closed starting December 25 returning on January 2.

RESERVE YOUR ADVERTISING SPACE TODAY! Contact your OMG representative at 941.366.3468 or email advertise@yourobserver.com

414794-1

Year Citations Paid Community Service Completed 2020 1 0 0 2021 86 13 0 19 1 2022 150 2023* 190 15 0 47 1 Total 427

394818-1

iven a nearly 89% noncompliance rate with the city of Sarasota’s cannabis civil citations ordinance, city commissioners at their Nov. 20 meeting approved 4-1, with Erik Arroyo opposed, repeal of the 2019 ordinance and will instead funnel possession cases into the state’s adult pre-arrest diversion program.

Since the city adopted the ordinance brought forth by former Commissioner Hagen Brody to keep minor marijuana cases out of the court system, the State Attorney’s Office for the 12th Judicial Circuit Court enacted the pre-arrest diversion program, available to qualifying subjects.

Now, rather than issuing a civil citation that permits voluntary compliance of a $100 fine or completing community service, the Sarasota Police Department will refer misdemeanor cannabis possession cases to the State Attorney’s Office for follow-up and completion of the program.

The repeal of the ordinance was brought to the commission by Heather Salzman, the administrator of the Independent Police Advisory Panel, which has expressed concerns over the lack of compliance with the city’s civil citation program intended to decriminalize the offense.

“We have issued 427 cannabis citations,” said Capt. Robert Armstrong, who heads SPD’s Patrol Division. “The noncompliance percentage is 88.75%, so basically most folks are not paying the fine and not doing anything as a result of the program.

If it’s repealed, we’ll continue to use the alternatives and diversion and

socioeconomic status or incarceration and should not be the reason to undo a policy that aims to bring fairness and pragmatism to our justice system.”

Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch said she was comfortable with the advisory board’s recommendation to repeal the ordinance.

“I attended two of the IPAP meetings, and they really discussed this and asked all kinds of questions and dug into it,” she said.

“They really did look very deeply into this, and they do recommend that we take this action. It wasn’t a decision that they took lightly or quickly. I feel confident with their recommendation.”

The APAD program doesn’t apply only to cannabis possession and use but also to other minor misdemeanors.

Repeal of the city’s ordinance permits cannabis citations to be funneled into the program as well, an option Armstrong said SPD Chief Rex Troche is prepared to mandate immediately.

Commissioner Debbie Trice said the scofflaw practice since the ordinance was passed is a slippery slope that can spread to other criminal activity.

“I think we all on the commission were very disturbed to hear the 88% noncompliance, so since APAD has been successful for other misdemeanors, I think it makes sense for us to just move over and use that program,” said Commissioner Debbie Trice. “And 88% noncompliance sort of sends the message, ‘Don’t worry about breaking the law. You can get away with it.’ And that moves on to other misdemeanors.”

Arroyo said he would prefer to keep such minor offenses out of the State Attorney’s Office.

“It’s more restrictive and less predictable, potentially subjecting our citizens to a system that could change on a whim,” he said. “We should be striving for more consistent and equitable approaches in our law enforcement, not retracting them.”

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Picking up pickleball at any age A Longboat Observer reporter learns the fundamentals of the Key’s fastest-growing sport.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

I

gave into peer pressure and now have a new addiction.

Pickleball.

From the moment I started at the Longboat Observer, I heard about the growing popularity of the sport, and how the courts at Bayfront Park are often packed with pickleball players.

After several months, I decided it was time to see what the sport actually was and get some tips for beginners from local pros.

I met certified instructors Terri Noyes and Elizabeth Apmann at the Bayfront Park courts around 3 p.m.

Dec. 1. In the afternoons, the park is less busy.

One of the first questions they asked was about my athletic background. Rugby, yes, but I told them I hadn’t had any serious paddle sport experience.

They assured me I was already off to a great start and that the hand-eye coordination skills I had picked up in rugby would help on the courts.

Apmann said the main pickleball injuries are to the eyes — if a player gets hit with a paddle or ball — and the calves. The most common injuries she sees are from when players walk backwards and pull something or trip. Never go backwards, she said.

One of Noyes’ spare paddles would be mine for the afternoon. She taught me how to properly hold the paddle.

Not too tight, and more toward the bottom of the handle, like a hammer, she said.

Next, it was time to learn how to hit the ball. It seemed simple enough at first; there’s the forehand and the backhand.

Once that was established, Apmann said the only way to really

Photos by Petra Rivera

Elizabeth Apmann helps instruct the newbie.

Terri Noyes says pickleball is about three main things: fun, friends and fitness.

TRY IT YOURSELF

Noyes runs regular beginner courses at The Paradise Center.

No paddle is necessary, but it’s recommended that players wear court shoes. The next program will be held on Dec. 11 at 11:30 a.m. in the east parking lot of the center.

to the park to play a full match, but we started with just the three of us to learn the mechanics.

It was overwhelming at first. Serving was one of the concepts I struggled with: who stays back, how you need to serve to the opposite side and a rule that requires the ball to bounce on both sides of the court before it can be hit midair.

And then the scoring really threw me for a loop. Just saying the score out loud at the start of each point was confusing, but I eventually understood at the end of my lesson. Before each point, the server calls out the server score, receiver score and (for

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doubles only) the server number of one or two.

Players can only score points when their team has the serve. That was one of the strangest rules to me, but it’s a rule that really keeps the game going and adds to the competitive nature.

Soon there were all sorts of sayings I had never heard in an athletic context.

“Stay out of the kitchen.”

“Down the middle solves the riddle.”

I forgot to mention to them that I played baseball growing up, because when Apmann said to me, “You’re

up,” I thought she meant it was my turn to serve. She really meant it was my turn to move up to the kitchen line.

“Keep your eye on the ball,” was a piece of advice that transferred from baseball.

Once our fourth player arrived, the real fun began.

Did I win a game with the veteran Apmann by my side? No. But by our last game, the difference between scores had dwindled.

Noyes told me if I stayed at it and kept playing, I would excel in no time. The main thing I realized I need to focus on is hitting the f­ orehand

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

more than the backhand, which seemed more instinctive for me.

Did I find myself perusing online stores for pickleball paddles that night? Yes. WHY PICKLEBALL?

Noyes said pickleball, to her, is three main things: fun, friends and fitness.

It’s a growing sport, she said, and a great way to meet new people. During open play hours — the best times to go to Bayfront Park, she said — anyone can drop his or her paddle in a slot and ask to join a game.

“For people that are beginning, it’s a great way to meet people, and that’s why people like it,” Noyes said.

The crowd at Bayfront is a bit older, but Noyes said other places like G.T. Bray Recreation Center has superb courts and often younger players.

The game, Noyes said, is great for people as they age.

“As people get older, it’s hard for them to find activities that are this enjoyable. It’s very social; people make great friends out of it,” Noyes said.

15

HOLIDAY MUST-HAVES The pickleball experts weighed in on some good gifts to get for the pickleball players in your lives. Here are some of their choices: n Pickleball-related ornaments n Personalized bag clips n T-shirts, hats and other pickleball-related apparel Of course, new paddles, bags, protective sleeves and other accessories would make for fine gifts albeit at a higher cost.

But more than staying fit, Noyes said one of the best parts of the sport is the competitiveness that sparks something in older players.

“It’s a great reawakening for that fun part of your life,” Noyes said.

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Longboat Observer reporter Carter Weinhofer returns a ball.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key TheParadiseCenter.org

941.383.6493

Weekly Activities: Monday 10am Stretch & Strengthen 1-2:30pm Thinking Out Loud Tuesday 10am Qi Gong 11:15am Yoga / 1pm Mah Jongg (RSVP!) Wednesday ~ 10am Tai Chi Thursday ~ 10am Zumba & Mat Pilates [No Yoga 12/7] 11:15am Yoga / 1pm Open Games Friday ~ 10am Tai Chi / 11:15am Qi Gong [No Qi Gong 12/8] $15 per class – FREE for Members!

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Petra Rivera

Janice Newman’s art will be on display at All Angels through Jan. 29.

In search of balance

).

. 11 @ 11:30

Veterans’ Canteen

Dec. 13th 1-2pm Gather with fellow U.S. Military Vets! Sponsored by Rotary Club of LBK

December 21st 1-2pm Lots of fun, great for your brain & no experience necessary! $20 ($10 for members) RSVP by 12/18

This holiday season, give the gift of fun, fitness & friendship with a Paradise Center Membership! Stop by, call or visit TheParadiseCenter.org/Membership

Janice Newman focuses on creating community around art to use it as a tool for discovery and meditation.

Medical Professionals Here on LBK! Call each practice directly for appointments:

Primary Care (941)225-2258 Daren Spinelle, MD ~ Longboat Key Physicians

PETRA RIVERA

Chiropractic (941)210-3637 Luminary Dermatology (941)926-6553 Rhett Bogacz, DC Doc Side Audiology (941)366-2240 Bee Ridge Chiropractic

L 414771-1

540-546 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key TidewellFoundation.org 941.552.7546

STAFF WRITER

ocal artist Janice Newman uses art as an outlet for expression and discovery.

“Art is where I can express some of my deepest feelings,” said Newman. “Also, it’s where I play, so I don’t lose the child in me either. I get to play with all these materials.

I might have a vision of where I’m going with a certain piece, but then the materials might lead me somewhere else. There’s always that ele-

ment of surprise. My goal is to just show how life is amazing. These are all these different slices of life that I tried to capture.”

All Angels By The Sea Episcopal Church will display her newest art collection in the All Angels Gallery.

The collection opened Dec. 3 and will be on display through Jan. 29.

Originally from Rhode Island, Newman first explored art her senior year of high school when she chose it as one of her electives.

“We had a very eccentric art teacher,” said Newman. “She put my work in the Scholastic Art Awards, which was the state competition.

And actually I won a gold key there.

But right before that happened, she pulled me aside and she wagged her finger at me. At first, I thought she was agitated. She said, ‘You’re very special.’ And I have to tell you that, that stuck with me. I knew that I had

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions

“Art is where I can express some of my deepest ­feelings. Also, it’s where I play, so I don’t lose the child in me either.”

• In-person worship services Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

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

Your Home for Christmas:

Christmas Tea and Concert, December 9th at 3 pm.

Blue Christmas, December 20th at 7 pm.

Christmas Eve, December 24th at 5 pm.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

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

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

Lord’s Warehouse hours are M/W/Sat, 9-1

Saturday Evening Worship Saturdays at 5pm

Courtesy images

“Blue Daze” by Janice Newman

Contemporary Style Message • Communion

build up a supportive community of women artists in Sarasota. She said she wants it to be more than just supporting each other as artists but supporting each other as people and friends. Because of her background in art integration, Newman tries to branch out into many different art forms. She said that she is mostly known for oil pieces and has won multiple awards for these.

For the months of December and January, Newman’s latest collection “Finding Balance” will be displayed in All Angels Gallery.

Newman said she can’t wait for her friends and family to come see it because it might take everyone by surprise that it is not her usual oil paintings. She themed it “Finding Balance” after her love for rocks and used mostly watercolors and a new medium called alcohol ink. Newman said she challenged herself to see mundane things like rocks and elevate them to be extraordinary.

“This is a very careful, detailed study of rocks and cairns,” said Newman. “Working on this rock series has been a direct pursuit of mindfulness and meditation for me. I find it calming and healing to the spirit.

My rocks represent the simultaneity of the past, present and future. They are deeply symbolic, celebrating both permanence and transience.”

All Angels Gallery is open to browse from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays.

Sunday Worship 9am & 11am

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Join us for Fellowship & Coffee Hour at 10am

40 North Adams Drive, Sarasota, FL • 941.388.1234

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church

Would like to Welcome & Invite You, Your Family Members & Friends to Celebrate Mass with Our Parish Community MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM Daily Mass at 9:00 AM; Rosary at 8:30 AM Monday - Friday 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive Chaplet of Divine Mercy daily following Mass.

Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-383-1255 • www.stmarylbk.org

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

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

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

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

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM

941-383-3428

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“Zen Light” by Janice Newman

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

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

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certain academic gifts, but she just touched something, and I really did feel special.”

This moment inspired Newman to become an art teacher. She wanted to build other young artists the way that her teacher did and help them grow into their greatest potential.

Newman went to Rhode Island College for her undergraduate degree in art education and Lesley College for her master’s degree. Newman taught for 40 years in both public and private schools, including at Rhode Island School of Design.

Newman moved to Sarasota in 2016 and decided she wanted to dedicate more time to her own art after years of helping others. She was invited to join the local organization, Women Contemporary Artists.

She is also a member of the National League of American Pen Women and the Petticoat Painters, one of the oldest continually exhibiting groups of women artists in the U.S. Newman served as president of Women Contemporary Artists for two years. Now, she is the exhibitions co-chair and on the scholarship committee. She is also the secretary on the board of directors for the Petticoat Painters.

During her time as president of Women Contemporary Artists, Newman was able to double membership and make more communitythemed events.

In these groups, Newman uses her skills as an art educator to help

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563 Bay Isles Rd • 941-383-8161 AllAngelsLBK.org

­—Janice Newman

longboatkeytemple.org

Christmas in the Garden 2023

Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00 Women’s Bible Study: Wednesday @ 10:00

Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchof lbk.org (follow YouTube link)

A Celebration of Lights and Music December 7 - December 31, 2023 | 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Special Performances at 6:00 pm Performances Have Limited Seating In case of rain, performances will be moved inside.

Admission Free

Special Christmas Messiah

Sarasota Academy of the Arts Chorus .......................................................... Dec. 7th Bryan Eagan, Director

December 10 at 10:00 AM

John Patti, Steel Drums ................................................................................. Dec. 11th Ring Sarasota, Handbell Choir..................................................................... Dec. 13th Brian Gurl Trio, Piano, Violin, Cello........................................................... Dec. 19th Alyssa Adamson, Soprano & Stephen Fancher, Piano.............................. Dec. 21st Pine View Elementary School Chorus

Christ Church is pleased to feature the Christmas portion of Handel's crowning achievement. Our Chancel Choir, professional soloists and orchestra will present this joyful holiday event during our regular Sunday Service.

New Year’s Eve .............................................................................................. Dec. 31st John Rinell, The Voice of Solid Gold Complimentary Appetizers (This evening’s entertainment begins at 4:30 pm)

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

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Visitors & Residents Welcome • Free Event

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Christmas Eve Communion & Candlelight Service Sunday, December 24 • 5:00 pm

Classifieds 32 Games 31 Real Estate 29 Weather 31

DECEMBER 7, 2023

YOUR NEIGHBORS

A FEAST OF TASTES The Longboat Lawn Party reaches a raffle sales goal of $20,000, while attendees enjoy bites from over 25 local restaurants.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

A

HITTING THE MARK

The club was able to reach its goal for raffle sales of $20,000, which helped it receive a match for the first $15,000 from the Doris M. Carter Foundation.

The first raffle prize of $5,000 went to Commissioner Gary Coffin. Coffin decided to donate the $5,000 to the Children’s Guardian Fund. Maureen Kerrigan and Wendi Bundy won the second raffle prize of a Universal Orlando VIP experience. Joan Elder won the Florida Beach Getaway prize to Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort.

Carol Pandis won the last prize of a four-course dinner for 10 at Lazy Lobster.

“Once we opened, everything went pretty much the way we planned,” said Michael Garey, Lawn Party event chair and co-proprietor of Lazy Lobster. “We are just so

“It is like one big neighborhood block party. It’s just a great cause.

‘Helping Kids in Need,’ like the Kiwanis Club’s motto. It’s amazing to see the community pull together for this.”

— Michelle Waldon, restaurant chair

Photos by Petra Rivera

Dave Rogers and Bill Willith sample some ice cream

John Wheeland and Jane Hunter

excited to have hit the raffle goal and get the match for $15,000 from the Carter Foundation. Gary Coffin, who won the $5,000 prize, also gave the money back to us, so it is just incredible that we will be able to give that all to the Children’s Guardian Fund.”

The sponsors of the Lawn Party included the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort as the platinum sponsor and Ken Schneier and Cynthia Craig as the gold sponsor. The silver sponsors include the Longboat Key Foundation, Robert E. Dods Family Foundation and Graci and Dennis McGillicuddy.

THE FEAST

“The best part about the Lawn Party is that you can fill up your tray with all the amazing food, clear your tray and then you have a clean slate to go try more things,” said Susan Phillips, assistant to the town manager.

“It’s like the food was never there.

So it doesn’t make me feel bad about stuffing my face every year here.”

People enjoyed options from more than 25 local restaurants. This year, the menu included seafood gumbo, sushi, pasta, oysters, bundt cake, ice cream and more. Scuderia Italia Cuisine and Gecko’s Grill and Pub were new to the Lawn Party this year.

TRIED-AND-TRUE TRADITIONS

With more than 30 years of fun at the Longboat Key Lawn Party, traditions are bound to be formed. Seasoned guests used to bring their own special trays to be able to carry more food and maximize the tastes.

So this year, the Kiwanis Club was one step ahead and gave each

Nick Gladding, Danielle Gladding, Andrew Vac, Cynthia Craig and Ken Schneier

guest a tray. These were provided by the Tryla Brown Larson team with Michael Saunders and Co. With a turnout of almost 800 people, Longboaters were able to catch up with close friends and revel in how delicious all the food was. It was also an opportunity to discover new restaurants and try new dishes.

“I’m so happy that the event was well supported, especially in a year that seems to be slower by so many standards,” said Chris Sachs, president of the Kiwanis Club. “But this, yet again, was wonderful. I could not have hoped for better, certainly from the vendors but from the crowd as well.”

Gary and Lynn Coffin won the first raffle prize of $5,000.

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beautiful Saturday, endless food and drink options and 800 of your closest friends and neighbors. No one does a lawn party quite like the Longboat Key Kiwanis Club.

The annual Longboat Key Lawn Party was held Dec. 2 at Ken Thompson Park. It’s the biggest fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club and benefits the Children’s Guardian Fund. The nonprofit provides emergency services to children removed from abusive and neglectful homes in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties.

“It is like one big neighborhood block party,” said Michelle Waldon, the restaurant chair for the Lawn Party. “It’s just a great cause. ‘Helping Kids in Need,’ like the Kiwanis Club’s motto. It’s amazing to see the community pull together for this. It kind of restores your faith in humanity a little bit.”

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

19

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Light up the night

T

he Holiday Night of Lights was the place to be for holiday spirit on Dec. 1. All the businesses on St. Armands Circle were decked out in holiday decor for the annual tree lighting.

The Holiday Night of Lights is held in partnership with Flight to the North Pole, a charity that provides financial and emotional support to terminally ill children and their families in Sarasota.

“This is literally the perfect way to start the holiday season,” said Carol McCarthy, who attends the event every year with her friends.

“We always get dinner on the Circle first, and then get to see the special presentation of the tree being lit up. It is an absolutely gorgeous tree, and we also love dressing up festively, so it really is quite a special night.”

The presentation started with the annual Christmas carol singa-long. Families were also able to take photos with Santa. There were special performances by different groups such as the Sarasota Academy of the Arts and Future of Dance. Then, the St. Armands Circle Association led the count down to illuminate the 60-foot Christmas tree.

The holiday magic continued a little ways away at the St. Armands Key Lutheran Church with a live Nativity scene.

The cast comprised families from SAKLC, along with two donkeys and two camels. Pastor Kenneth Blyth said the church has been putting on this live Nativity scene for years as a communitybuilding tradition that people look forward to every year.

— PETRA RIVERA

Photos by Petra Rivera

The Holiday Night of Lights in St. Armands Circle on Dec. 1

Jesse Kelley, Judah Williams, Reign Williams, Kandais Williams, David Goins and River Goins

Gracie Lapointe with the Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company

Bruce Shelton, David Lawrence and Kurt Wilkening play the three wise men in the St. Armands Key Lutheran Church live Nativity scene.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

21

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

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

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

AVAILABLE $3,325,000

3606 Fair Oaks PL | A4555331 4 Bedrooms, Bay Front in Queens Harbour, Longboat Key

AVAILABLE $1,850,000

Photos by Petra Rivera

Jim Chirgwin and Nancy Rozance wrap gifts to donate to children.

1485 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #104 | A4582339 3/3, Totally Renovated, Gulf Front, Longboat Key

It’s a wrap (party)

AVAILABLE $1,399,900

A

t a “wrap” party Nov. 28 at All Angels Episcopal Church, the Rotary Club of Longboat Key donated about 50 gifts for children ages 12-16 and $300 to Stillpoint Mission in Bradenton.

Stillpoint Mission is a nonprofit that helps local, disadvantaged people meet their basic daily needs of food, clothing, hygiene and financial assistance.

The club also wrapped around 80 gifts for its Big Brother/Big Sister project with Stillpoint Mission, where club members picked the names of children from an “Angel Tree” and bought gifts for them.

The club collected the donated gifts for Stillpoint Mission on Nov. 25 at the fifth annual Light Up Longboat.

“We get a lot of toys for younger children, but it’s usually these middle schoolage kids who get left out,” said Marge Slepica, Stillpoint vice president.

2101 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #2504 | A4565766 2/2, Penthouse, Totally Renovated, Gulf Front, Longboat Key

UNDER CONTRACT

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Under Contract 111 Golden Gate 503 | A4443174 New Construction on Golden Gate, Sarasota

Direct Gulf Front, Holmes Beach, 4 bedrooms, totally renovated, great rental property.

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SOLD $3,317,500

Gulf Front Land, Longboat Key

Oyster Bay, New Construction, 4 bedrooms, oversized lot, under air 3,875 sq ft.

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Judy Achre shows off her wrapping technique.

— PETRA RIVERA

Andy Sawyer, John Brill and Al Hixon help wrap presents for the Rotary Club.

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2109 Gulf of Mexico Dr #1203 2/2, Updated Kitchen, Gulf Front, Longboat Key

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4325 Gulf of Mexico Dr Unit 304, 3 bedrooms, direct gulf front, mid Longboat Key.

4725 Gulf of Mexico Dr Unit 220, 2 bedrooms, on-site rental desk, mid Longboat Key.

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Welcome to Longboat Key. 3465 Gulf of Mexico Dr Unit 225, 1 bedroom, direct gulf front, on site rental desk, southern Longboat Key

You’ll be awed as you walk through the door and see the expansive full bay views. This 3 bedroom, 3 bath residence has tile floors in every room, an updated kitchen, high ceilings and 3 balconies. The community offers pool, tennis, pickle ball, fitness and a day dock for launching your small water craft, plus the beach across the street. Pets are welcome here. $925,000

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Bobbie Banan

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941-809-0041 | dennis.girard@premiersir.com 517 Bay Isles Pkwy Longboat Key, FL 34228 dennisgirard.premiersothebysrealty.com

941.356.2659

BobbieBanan@michaelsaunders.com bobbiebanan.michaelsaunders.com

Steve Nursey REALTOR, GRI

941.356.7010

SteveNursey@michaelsaunders.com stevenursey.michaelsaunders.com

61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents Sarasota, FL 34236

414638-1

Both Gulf and Canal/Bay Access 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, Assigned Slip, Income Producing, Casey Key

Bay view condo in a Beach to Bay community This 3 bedroom, 3 bath residence is a rare find on LBK for under $1 million. Nicely updated through out with tile and wood floors, vaulted ceilings, you’ll find plenty of room for grandkids, family and friends. Amenities include pool, tennis, pickle ball, fitness and your own beach right across the street. Pet friendly. Offered turnkey furnished for $799,000.

415785-1

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

A TOP PRODUCING SMALL TEAM IN SARASOTA & MANATEE COUNTY

23

Coldwell Banker Realty

Lori Lawson Judy Kepecz-Hays Steven Kepecz

423 Saint Armands Circle Sarasota, FL 34236

941-587-1700 941-376-6411

$2.4 Billion Career Sales

JUDY KEPECZ-HAYS TEAM

2251 Gulf of Mexico Drive #204 | Aria on Longboat Key | $10,500,000 3 bed + office or 4 bed, 3.5 bath | 4,032 Sq Ft Aria offers the essence of modern luxury with this almost new, stunning gulf-front corner residence. It's like a beachside home, featuring a gourmet kitchen, a private 3400 sq ft gulffront terrace with a 49 ft. infinity lap pool, and a summer kitchen for outdoor enjoyment. The residence includes a 4-5 car garage, a social room, a guest suite, and a fitness center, all complemented by on-site management. Experience the joy of upscale living the moment you step in! www.Aria204.com

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435 L’Ambiance Drive #H802 | Longboat Key | $3,995,000 2 bed + den or 3 bed, 4 bath | 2,525 Sq Ft On the beach, experience unparalleled coastal elegance. Enjoy sweeping vistas of the Gulf and Sarasota’s skyline, accentuated by stunning sunrises. This updated residence merges interiors with the outdoors through a wraparound terrace and walls of impact glass.

L’Ambiance boasts a private elevator, concierge service, resort-style pool, spa, 3 extra guest suites, 2 tennis courts, and a premium gym. Relish in elegance, set against Sarasota’s rich cultural backdrop. www.435LAmbianceH802.com

Kepecz@JudyHays.com | www.LongboatKeyLuxury.com

Beach Club Membership Available Immediately

Ritz-Carlton Managed - “THE BEACH RESIDENCES” 3060 Grand Bay Blvd #122 | Longboat Key | $1,200,000 3 bed, 3 bath | 2,250 Sq Ft THIS RESIDENCE HAS DEEDED BEACH ACCESS - BAY ISLES BEACH CLUB

www.GrandBay122.com

1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive #1001 | Lido Key | $5,995,000 3 bed, 3.5 bath | 4,194 Sq Ft www.RitzCarlton1001.com

FEATURE PROPERTY 1930 Harbourside Dr. #122 | Fairway Bay

$959,000

$929,000

2 bed, 2 bath | 1,312 Sq Ft

Better than new two-bedroom, twobath residence where a high-end interior designer selected impressive new finishes and features. Fitness center, pool & tennis.

Sarasota Skyline and Sarasota Bay is your backyard - Instant Enjoyment THIS RESIDENCE HAS DEEDED BEACH ACCESS - BAY ISLES BEACH CLUB

415775-1

www.1930HarboursideDr122.com

3500 Bayou Louise Lane | Siesta Key | $11,500,000 5 bed, 5.5 bath | 6,300 Sq Ft On the Northern tip of Siesta Key on Sarasota's Big Pass, the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico, this prestigious gated estate is ready for instant enjoyment to create new memories. The home showcases vast and hypnotizing water views and has an open floor plan with views from every room. A resort-style 40 x 20 pool and spa, outside terraces w/summer kitchen, a 24k lb. boat lift, and a sports/hobby area (with A/C). On the main living level, you have a high ceiling, a Primary Bedroom, a guest bedroom, a Library, a Clive Christian Chef's Kitchen, and an elevator to 2nd level with w/3 bedrooms en-suite. There is a 4-car garage with a Tesla charger and ample storage. Opulent features throughout this gated estate. a 4-car garage with a Tesla charger and ample storage. Opulent features throughout this gated estate. www.3500BayouLouise.com

24

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Celebrating 50 YEARS of Living and Working on Longboat Key Cathy C. Meldahl, P.A. Your Longboat Key Community Realtor • Consistent top producer on Longboat Key • In-depth knowledge of the real estate market • Active in our community with Longbeach Village Association Longboat Key Historical Society Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Longboat Key Garden Club

411827-1

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

Carter Weinhofer

Exceptional Service by your Neighborhood REALTOR®,

Longboat Key Turtle Watch volunteers on present checks on Dec. 1 to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

New Cons truct ion

Donation honors ‘turtle lady’s’ memory

JoDene Moneuse THIS WEEK’S FEATURED LISTINGS

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

LONGBOAT KEY

$5,395,000

4 bdrms/4.5 baths on 170ft. of canal 619 Longview Dr, Longboat Key

$1,250,000 LONGBOAT KEY

Build your dream home on canal front land in Longbeach Village!

521 Broadway St, Longboat Key

$1,795,000 LONGBOAT KEY

Historic 4 bedroom home in Conrad Beach 7040 Firehouse Rd, Longboat Key

Vacant lot in the Longboat Key Village

$850,000

RECENT Longboat Key SALES: • 628 Lyons Lane - $1,225,000. Represented the seller • 380 N Shore Rd - $575,000. Represented the seller • 450 Firehouse Crt - $1,550,000. Represented the seller and the buyer

• 3342 Gulf of Mexico Dr - $2,500,000.Represented the seller • 3637 Fair Oaks Place - $1,350,000. Represented the buyer

• 34 year Longboat Key Resident • Top 1.5% of Florida Realtors - Real Trends America’s Best Real Estate Agents

• 2019-2022 Five Star in Customer Service Award Winner • Institute for Luxury Home Marketing Million Dollar GUILD

UNDER CONTRACT

AVAILABLE

The $15,000 donation from Longboat Key Turtle Watch went toward Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program, Stranding Investigations Program, Hatchling Hospital, Turtle Hospital and Education Department.

The Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program received a large chunk of the money, at just under $9,000.

This money will fund tagging equipment for sea turtles and replacing stakes that were lost in Hurricane Idalia. Two new GPS units are in the expenses, which the department said will provide more accurate GPS data.

The hospital requested funds to purchase two large stretchers to transport injured and diseased sea turtles, and the stranding team asked for help in purchasing a new basket and stretcher for their crew.

The donation was around the same amount as last year, which was the largest in the organization’s history.

VILLAGE WATERFRONT Rare and Sought after Village Waterfront. Fully Renovated 2000sf residence with 85ft on private canal.

Beautifully upgraded inside and out.

Brand new everything. 3Bd / 2 Bth with dedicated office. 10,000Sf Lot with no neighbors across the water.

Walk to Everything- Beach, Bay, Docks, Restaurants, Shopping, Etc…

PENDING ST. REGIS #408 LONGBOAT KEY - $7,995,000

MULTI- FAMILY Two residences for the price of one. Fully renovated and beautifully appointed property. New inside and out. 2 Bd / 2 Bth with an attached 1Bd/ 1 Bth Apartment. Flexibility is yours.

Excellent options and rental potential.

Deeded Beach Access and private Joan Durante Park access.

Excellent walkability to Beach, Bay, Restaurants, Park, Clubs Etc..

SOLD TRITON BEND LONGBOAT KEY $2,400,000

VILLAGE VACANT LAND Here is your opportunity to build your dream. Make your dream a reality on one of the last available lots in the highly sought-after Historical Village of Longboat Key. Beautiful corner lot with the rare and desirable rear alley access.

CHRIS WETZIG

Longboat Key Specialist • FHE Beggins Enterprises

Cell. 941-350-8083 chris.wetzig@premiersir.com www.chriswetzig.com

941.822.6165 (Mobile) gotlbk.com

@JesseGriffinLBK • JesseGriffin@c21be.com 7000 Gulf of Mexico Dr • Longboat Key, FL 34228

412905-1

PRICE ADJUSTMENT

JoDeneMoneuse@michaelsaunders.com LongboatKeyLiving.com

406055-1

941.302.4913

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

DONATION DOLLARS

ANGELA WETZIG

Cell. 614-260-0038 angela.wetzig@premiersir.com

CHRISTOPHER WETZIG TEAM Your Longboat Key Real Estate Experts

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LONGBOAT KEY

L

ongboat Key Turtle Watch continued its annual donation to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, made in honor of late member Freda Perrotta.

The donation, a 15-year tradition, has grown over the years, reaching nearly $15,000 in 2022 and 2023.

Perrotta was key in making Longboat Key Turtle Watch the organization it is today, said President Tim Thurman and Vice President Cyndi Seamon. Perrotta was the reason many of the volunteers got involved, including the president and vice president.

“She was a pretty special lady,” Seamon said.

She was the “turtle lady,” Thurman and Seamon agreed. Everyone on the beach could recognize her, and many still talk about her to this day.

She died in September, but the donation to Mote has been made in her name for nearly a decade.

“She just was one of those people that, for many, many years, even when she wasn’t doing stuff on the beach, she was still very involved,” Seamon said.

Perrotta helped found many programs the organization still holds today, said Seamon, like the “Name the Nest” program, through which

donors can have their name on a turtle nest stake and be informed of the nest’s success.

When Perrotta died in September, her family requested that in lieu of flowers that people make a memorial gesture to Longboat Key Turtle Watch — money that went to this year’s donation to Mote.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

25

Turn What You Love

Into Where You Live

Lido Shores | 1199 Westway Drive $12,000,000 | Land | Web# A4587932

Longboat Key | 4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 102 $6,595,000 | 4 BR, 5.5 BA | Web# A4588197

Lisa Morris: M 941.544.3332

Lisa Morris: M 941.544.3332

Lido Key | 2050 Benjamin Franklin Drive, B704 $4,400,000 | 3 BR, 3 BA | Web# A4585484

Sarasota | 401 S Palm Avenue, 1002 $3,200,000 | 3 BR, 3.5 BA | Web# A4588609

Lisa Morris: M 941.544.3332

Lisa Morris: M 941.544.3332

Sarasota | 1331 Quail Drive $2,600,000 | 3 BR, 3 BA | Web# A4588224

Sarasota | 955 Whitakers Lane $2,500,000 | LAND | Web# A4589274

Lisa Morris: M 941.544.3332 Julie Guirguis: M 440.503.3713

Inbal August: M 917.957.8111

Bradenton | 5634 Mulligan Way $1,975,000 | 6 BR, 4 BA | Web# A4587672

Sarasota | 2245 Desoto Road $1,400,000 | 4 BR, 5 BA | Web# A4589265

Inbal August: M 917.957.8111

Inbal August: M 917.957.8111

Visit Our Elliman Gulf Coast Offices 1350 Main Street, Sarasota, FL | O 941.867.6199 800 Harbour Drive, Naples, FL | O 239.799.5300 536 Park Street, Naples, FL | O 239.799.5303 100 Beach Drive, Ne, Suite 102, St. Petersburg, FL | O 727.698.5708

elliman.com

414235-1

1350 MAIN STREET, SARASOTA, FL. 941.867.6199. © 2023 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Longboat Key, Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, FL Realtor dedicated to assisting Buyers, Sellers, and Investors in navigating the dynamic real estate market.

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE Headed on a trip? Snap a photo of you on vacation holding your Observer, then submit your photo online at YourObserver.com/ ItsReadEverywhere. Stay tuned for this year’s prize, and happy travels!

239.537.4563

Leighton@LeightonAllenby.com www.LeightonAllenby.com

413181-1

LEIGHTON T. ALLENBY

FL Real Estate License SL3472211

WagnerRealty.com Your Hometown Favorite For More Than Eight Decades!

LOCAL, VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1939 LONGBOAT KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

597 Sutton Place | Sutton Place MLS#A4586008 2/1.5 - 1,008sf | Deeded Beach Access | $524,900 Dia Wilson (941) 284-3667

4380 Exeter Drive, Unit 306| Longboat Harbour MLS#A4589316 | 2/2 - 1,168sf | Great amenities | $624,900 | Sherry Flathman (941) 592-3433

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

LONGBOAT KEY

612 Marbury Lane | Sleepy Lagoon Pk| MLS#A4590263 | 2/2 - 1,128 sf | Canal Front | $1,325,000 | Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

1801 Gulf Dr #268 | Runaway Bay | MLS#A4584838 2/2 - 1,080sf | Deeded Beach Access | $549,000 | Becky Smith /Elfi Starrett (941) 773-1954

RESIDENTIAL SALES - RENTALS - PROPERTY MANAGEMENT VOTED “Favorite Real Estate Company” by readers of the local newspaper for 25 years in a row!

Longboat Key Office

RACETRACK READING: Jen Kelly and Nicole Buck brought the Longboat Observer with them to visit the Saratoga Race Course to see the American Oaks.

5360 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 412981-1

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3527 FAIR OAKS LANE | LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228 $2,595,000 | #A4583932 THE LIFESTYLE YOU DESERVE WITH

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415716-1

YourObserver.com

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228

KATHY CALLAHAN 941.900.8088 | kathy@lbkathy.com TODD CALLAHAN 941.224.0624 | todd@lbkathy.com LBKathy.com

414900-1

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

27

WATER

on the

Reid MuRphy PResents

LONGBOAT KEY MAGNIFICENT GULF FRONT ESTATE $ 19,500,000

LONGBOAT KEY BAY ISLES HARBOR $ 9,850,000

Completion November 2023. New 5BD/8BA situated Gulfront on100 feet of pristine beach. Expansive views from interior living space plus pocket sliders open to lanai/ pool and outdoor sitting area for indoor/outdoor living. Exquisite finishes include fireplace, chef’s kitchen, glass wine room and service bar. First level master features a private lanai. Top floor has three guest suites with private terraces. Covered outdoor space has fireplace, outdoor kitchen & dining area. Dramatic infinity pool/spa and sundeck overlook the beautiful Gulf waters. 3 car garage. Home elevator.

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.

NEW PRICE

LONGBOAT KEY EN PROVENCE 4,935,000

LONGBOAT KEY GRAND BAY 2,395,000

$

$

Spectacular 3BD/ 4BA 3,400sf open plan w/10’ ceilings & Gulf-side wrap around

Rarely available, Building 4 with southern exposure. 3BR/3.5BA w/4th bunk bedroom, totally renovated with designer features plus new furniture. Beautiful views overlooking Harbourside Moorings and Sarasota Bay. 24 hour security. Private elevator. Grand Bay world-class amenties include fitness center, 2 tennis courts, 2 pools & spa.

terraces. One of 21 in meticulously maintained Gulf front gated community w/ Gulfside pool & spa. Conveniently located mid-key.

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY WESTCHESTER

LONGBOAT KEY DEEP WATER

LONGBOAT KEY BOATERS DREAM

1,200,000

$

$

$

Canal front 3BD/3BA indoor/outdoor multi level living w/ lush landscaping, boat dockage, extra storage. Large screened lanai w/ heated pool.

Beachfront southern exposure 2 BD/ 2 BA split plan, corner condo. Exceptional sunsets from 2 screened lanais. Remodeled w/ outstanding finishes. Designated covered parking, 2 pools, tennis, pickleball & shuffleboard courts and more.

100 ft of frontage, third home from Sarasota Bay. Fully renovated 4BR/3BA Beautiful Bay views from the pool deck and dock. Easy access boating waters.

2,795,000

2,395,000

NEW PRICE

LONGBOAT KEY

$1,995,000

Meticulously maintained 3BD/2.5BA recently updated canal home w/new roof.

30ft dock, no bridges to Bay. Deeded beach access & Bay views.

• CANAL LOT#1 • CANAL LOT#2

1,995,000 $ 1,995,000 $

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

BUYING OR SELLING

CALL REID

LONGBOAT KEY BOATERS DREAM

2,500,000

$

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

for a successful real estate experience!

941.232.3304

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

REIDMURPHY.COM

411888-1

LONGBOAT KEY DEEP WATER

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

LONGBOAT KEY 876 Tarawitt Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,894 Sq. Ft. Brian Loebker & Jonathan Abrams 941-735-4393 A4564430 $5,925,000

SARASOTA 888 Blvd Of The Arts 101 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,315 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4582024 $4,950,000

LONGBOAT KEY 648 Dream Island Road 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,631 Sq. Ft. Maureen Horn & JoDene Moneuse 941-539-3384 A4587088 $3,999,950

SARASOTA 1703 Main Street PH-3 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,408 Sq. Ft. Lisa Allen & Brittany Clemen 312-848-1636 A4589041 $3,990,000

SARASOTA The Ritz-Carlton Tower Residences, 701 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,751 Sq. Ft. Beth Afflebach & Joan Dickinson 941-914-0496 A4552951 $3,500,000

SARASOTA 401 S Palm Avenue 301 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,172 Sq. Ft. Bibi-Ann Allard PA 941-685-0422 A4579421 $2,999,000

SARASOTA 609 Golden Gate Point 301 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,750 Sq. Ft. Carol Aviles 941-356-6777 A4590149 $2,850,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3527 Fair Oaks Lane 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,154 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4583932 $2,595,000

SARASOTA 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive 1107 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,170 Sq. Ft. Beth Afflebach & Joan Dickinson 941-914-0496 A4587569 $2,500,000

SARASOTA 1703 Main Street 1406 2 Beds 3 Baths 2,144 Sq. Ft. Lisa Allen & Brittany Clemen 312-848-1636 A4587379 $2,225,000

LONGBOAT KEY 793 Jungle Queen Way 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,688 Sq. Ft. Beverly St Hilaire 818-416-2505 A4575835 $2,200,000

LONGBOAT KEY 680 Broadway Street 3 Beds 4 Baths 2,009 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4587392 $2,150,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3605 Fair Oaks Place 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,713 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA 941-961-8850 A4578278 $1,995,000

LONGBOAT KEY 7030 Poinsetta Avenue 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,402 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4587406 $1,975,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1918 Harbourside Drive 901 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,135 Sq. Ft. Julie Klick 941-780-6001 A4588451 $1,950,000

LONGBOAT KEY 380 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 525 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,255 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs 941-374-2920 A4588216 $1,950,000

SARASOTA 111 S Pineapple Avenue 1004 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,513 Sq. Ft. Lee Dillon 941-928-5012 A4588173 $1,735,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4545 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 212 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,738 Sq. Ft. Susan Smith & Cathy Meldahl, PA 941-302-3440 A4590193 $1,550,000

SARASOTA 446 Burns Court 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,313 Sq. Ft. Susan Katanic 941-400-0601 A4567393 $1,500,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3030 Grand Bay Boulevard 325 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,143 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4587667 $1,399,000

LONGBOAT KEY 615 Dream Island Road 210 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,509 Sq. Ft. Tryla Brown Larson 941-962-1122 A4589568 $1,145,000

LONGBOAT KEY 6960 Poinsetta Avenue 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,461 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4583722 $850,000

LONGBOAT KEY 5260 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 412 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,453 Sq. Ft. Bobbie Banan & Steve Nursey 941-356-2659 A4587964 $799,000

LONGBOAT KEY 806 Bayport Way 806 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,260 Sq. Ft. Maruta Miluns 941-374-9720 A4589330 $629,000

LONGBOAT KEY 730 Spanish Drive S 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,405 Sq. Ft. Sean Clark 941-312-1146 A4585691 $599,900

LONGBOAT KEY 610 Longview Drive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,793 Sq. Ft. JoDene Moneuse & Susan Smith 941-302-4913 A4586153 $5,395,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 6609 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,132 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4587168 $4,995,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 411751-1

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

REAL ESTATE

Water Club condominium tops sales at $5.5 million

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

NOV. 20-24

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

condominium in The Water Club I tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Rachael Schwarz, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 201 condominium at 1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive to George and Hope Gronwall, of Longboat Key, for $5.5 million. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, six baths and 5,225 square feet of living area. It sold for $3 million in 2013.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

29

Images courtesy of Bruce Myer

Rachael Schwarz, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 201 condominium at 1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive to George and Hope Gronwall, of Longboat Key, for $5.5 million.

Todd Kirby, of Winter Park, sold his home at 511 Spinnaker Lane to Joy and Mark Stevens, of Longboat Key, for $3,495,000. Built in 1965, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,586 square feet a. It sold for $1.75 million in 2020.

GRAND BAY

Neal Colton and Eric Felix, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 126 condominium at 3060 Grand Bay Blvd. to Richard Buchanan III and Julie Andrews, of Longboat Key, for $2.36 million. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,781 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.2 million in 2009.

THE PROMENADE

Sarona Inc. sold the Unit 802 condominium at 1211 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Lisa Crye, of Brentwood, Tennessee, for $1.8 million. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,100 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,000 in 1993.

FAIRWAY BAY III

Kenneth Bowes, trustee, of Suwanee, Georgia, sold the Unit 648 condominium at 2120 Harbourside Drive to William Levine and Maryl Levine, trustees, of Longboat Key, for $1.4 million. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,550 square feet of living area. It sold for $525,000 in 2000.

HARBOUR OAKS II

Adriana Carvalho Muzzi Pereira sold her home at 2264 Harbour Oaks Drive to Carlos Rodriguez and Krista Rodriguez, trustees, of Bakersfield, California, for $1,124,200. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,245 square feet of living area. It sold for $580,000 in 2021.

COREY’S LANDING

Ari Klionsky, trustee, and Nicole Klionsky, of Belvedere, California, sold the home at 3488 Byron Lane to Gregory and Stephanie Ann Thompson, of Fishers, Indiana, for $1,029,300. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,206 square feet of living area. It sold for $545,000 in 2003.

In with the new NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

BEACHPLACE

Paul and Barbara Blake sold their Unit 202 condominium at 1065 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Christopher and Karen Vito, of Huntington, New York, for $865,000. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,392 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2020.

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

SOTA Residences & Hotel | 941.462.3900 | From $1.8M | Visit the Main Street Gallery | thesota.com

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Nov. 24-30 in order of dollar amounts.

DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG 400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $900,000s | Call for an appointment | Residences400central.com

MOVE-IN SPRING 2024

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

GOLDEN GATE POINT

LONGBOAT KEY

LONGBOAT KEY Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

2295 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Concrete Repair

Islander Club

$277,510

Of Longboat

4401 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Alt/Renovation

Michael Thurston

$185,573

Swimming Pool

Jack Brown

$108,220

David Johnson

$78,000

Unit 100 531 Harbor Cove Circle

Spa 700 Old Compass Road

Swimming Pool Spa

3634 Fair Oaks Place

Re-roof

Jeri Drucker

$56,200

454 Firehouse Court

Windows/Doors

Jacqueline Russell

$54,855

1561 Harbor Cay Land

Windows/Doors

James McLeod

$43,000

5393 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Windows/Doors

Theoharides Theoharis

$37,970

537 Reclinata Drive

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Vincent Cavell

$26,838

4430 Exeter Drive Unit 107

Alt/Renovation

Jacqueline Murphy

$25,000

4485 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Electrical - Other

Arbomar Apartments

$25,000

4485 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Building - Other

Arbomar Apartments

$20,000

853 Tarawitt Drive

Windows/Doors

853 Tarawitt LLC

$18,187

En Pointe | 941.685.1598 | enpointesarasota.com | From $2,775,000

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

Unit 207

$17,894

2020 Harbourside Drive #422 Building - Shutters Richard Buchanan

$16,906

3431 Bayou Court

$14,776

Mechanical

George Workman

MichaelSaunders.com/New-Homes | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida

A/C Change Out Prices as of November 2023

Source: Town of Longboat Key

411727-1

2020 Harbourside Drive #452 Building - Shutters Robert Fischer

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

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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

YOUR CALENDAR

ADVERTISEMENT SATURDAY, DEC. 9

PORSCHES IN THE PARK 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle.

Some of the most spectacular Porsches from all over Florida will be on display for the Annual Porsches in the Park car show at St. Armands Circle Park.

SATURDAY, DEC. 9-10

SARASOTA SAILING SQUADRON WINTER SERIES NO. 1 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway. The Sarasota Sailing Squadron, in conjunction with the Viper Class, is hosting another Viper Florida Winter Series. The series will consist of two-day events in December, January and February. Contact Travis.Y@ GXG.org for more details concerning logistics or registration.

BEST BET DEC. 7-31

CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDEN: ‘A CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS AND MUSIC’ 5-9 p.m. at the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Free. The gardens at the Longboat Island Chapel will be enhanced with holiday music and lighting and decorated Christmas trees donated by community organizations, businesses and friends. This will take place every evening until Dec. 31.

On the evenings of Dec. 7, 11, 13, 19, and 21, there will be special musical presentations, refreshments and treats for children, with performances beginning at 6 p.m. Join the chapel on Dec. 31 for a special New Year’s Eve celebration from 4:30-6:30 p.m. with complimentary appetizers and a special performance by John Rinell.

MONDAY, DEC. 11

MONDAY FILM CLUB 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Members $40; nonmembers $45. Join Gus Mollasis, professional movie maven and film columnist, to watch two full-length, quality films you have probably never heard of, much less seen. Enjoy freshly popped popcorn and a stimulating discussion following the movie.

Call 383-8222 or email EdCenter@ LongboatKeyTemple.org.

File photo

MONDAY, DEC. 11

MARKET ON LONGBOAT KEY From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road.

The Market on Longboat Key will be back for the 2023-24 season. Join the fun on Mondays, Dec. 11, Jan. 15, Feb. 12, March 11 and April 15. There will be food and food trucks, along with holiday shopping at the market where you will find artists, apparel, sandals, fresh flowers, plants and more. The Market String Band will also be strolling the market. The Manatee School for the Arts Jazz Choir will perform in the amphitheater on Dec. 11 from 10-10:30 a.m., 10:45-11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to noon. The group, under the direction of William Coleman, is raising money via donations to attend the Puerto Rico Choir Festival in spring 2024.

Follow The Market on Longboat Key or Markets by Nancy on Facebook

Help Our Community’s Children Dream, Believe, Achieve

SCC - a community-based care agency - is a public/private partnership that worked with nearly 10,000 children across Sarasota, DeSoto and Manatee counties last year. The record number of kids includes an increase in difficult cases. “We have definitely seen children with significant mental health issues, significant criminal history and significant substance abuse issues,” says President and CEO Brena Slater.

On the positive side, SCC has also achieved a reduction in the number of children removed from their families, which means case workers have fewer children in their caseloads. “When caseloads are lower, staff have more time to spend with kids and make sure all their needs are met, whether it’s medical, dental, scholastic,” Slater says.

While SCC has full-time staff members and receives funding from state and local governments, it also relies on volunteers and donations to ensure that it can serve all the children who require assistance.

Two programs that are not a part of the child-welfare system are the Achievers program for firstgeneration middle and high school students who aspire to go to college or pursue a trade career, and the HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) program, which focuses on in-home literacy instruction for preschoolers and their parents. SCC also supplements the state funding to completely cover high-cost expenses for foster families, like daycare and extracurricular activities.

“SCC really strives to provide comprehensive care for kids that are coming into the child welfare system,” says Jacqueline House, Vice President of Communications and Community Engagement.

Another way the organization helps children is through its youth shelter, which is currently located in a smaller, temporary structure while raising funds for a new building.

“Our shelter is for the community,” Slater says. “We want the children safe there as opposed to someplace else.”

House says that “the community has embraced the need for the youth shelter and come along side us for support so we will be able to serve more children.”

and Instagram to see who will be there and what they will be bringing.

Some food vendors let you pre-order pies, cakes and breads to be ready and waiting upon your arrival. Call 289-4141.

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.

The Choice is Clear

Local citizens are also helping on a more personal level. Whether tutoring a struggling teen or fostering a kindergartener who has just begun to thrive, community involvement is paramount for the success of SCC and the children under their care.

House encourages anybody who might have interest in fostering to look into the process. “We need foster parents, especially for siblings and teens,” says House. She emphasizes that anyone can be a foster parent, regardless of marital status, homeownership, or other factors.

Clearview

SCC also partners with many community organizations to create a safety net for families - for such needs as daycare or parenting skills.

“No matter the issue, we’re building bridges to make sure we’re all a village,” Slater says. “The goal is to help the children grow up in a safe, healthy environment and, in return, that helps our community.”

SERVICES AND DOORS A Preferred Vendor With More Than 25 Luxury High Rise Properties

If you want to contribute to SCC’s mission, you can make donations at www.sccfl.org/donate. The organization’s second annual Giving Breakfast, set for March 14, 2024, at Michael’s on East is also still seeking sponsors.

Custom Sliding Screen Doors Manufactured in Sarasota Frame Refinishing

“We want to thank the community for supporting SCC,” Slater says.

Sliding Glass and Screen Door Repairs Door Maintenance Plans Free Estimates

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414403-1

It’s said that it takes a village to raise a child. Safe Children Coalition (SCC) believes in the power of the community to help their kids dream, believe, and achieve.

396678-1

30

YourObserver.com

31

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, DEC. 8

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

High: 75 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 5%

Thursday, Dec. 7

7:07a

5:36p

Friday, Dec. 8

7:08a

5:36p

Saturday, Dec. 9

7:08a

5:36p

Sunday, Dec. 10

7:09a

5:36p

SATURDAY, DEC. 9

Monday, Dec. 11

7:10a

5:36p

High: 78 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 6%

Tuesday, Dec. 12

7:10a

5:37p

Wednesday, Dec. 13

7:11a

5:37p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, DEC. 10 High: 75 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 84%

Dec. 12 New

Dec. 19 First

Dec. 26 Full

Jan. 3 Last

TIDES Highs Lows

Leighton Allenby took this photo of a ghost crab on a Longboat Key beach.

Thursday, Dec. 7

8:13a

7:54p

2:50a

2:08p

Friday, Dec. 8

9:32a

8:15p

3:40a

2:41p

Saturday, Dec. 9

10:41a

8:39p

4:23a

3:09p

Sunday, Dec. 10

11:45a

9:06p

5:04a

3:33p

Monday, Dec. 11

12:46p

9:38p

5:46a

3:52p

Tuesday, Dec. 12

1:49p

10:16p

6:28a

4:06p

—

10:58p

7:14a

—

Wednesday, Dec. 13 Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/contests. All submissions will be entered for the 2023-24 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2024, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

Flooring Made for your Family

celebrity cipher

DOWN

©2023 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Enjoy a soak 6 It might be dropped unexpectedly on a date, in slang 11 Fall bloomer 16 Theater worker 17 “Everything okay?”

19 Jewish mourning period 20 Cut wool from a sheep 21 Brass instrument akin to a euphonium 23 Mr. Spock’s forte 24 Carried 25 Rollerblade product 27 Place for a French beret 28 Llama’s feature?

30 Punjabi music genre 32 Lubricates 33 Unreactive, like some

gases 38 Cash drawer 39 The “A” of A.D. 40 Popular East Coast homes 44 Gullible sort 46 Go backpacking, say 47 Fragile state after a dethroning 49 Czech or Serb 51 Middle East chieftain 52 Charged particles 53 “___ real nowhere man” (Beatles lyric) 54 Voice that millions hear 55 Stimpy’s cartoon pal 56 Workout count 57 “I love,” in Latin 60 Soprano Jenny, called the “Swedish Nightingale”

62 Environmental prefix 63 Brain scan, for short 64 Westernmost Aleutian island 65 GPS precursor 66 Where Samson slew Philistines with a donkey’s jawbone 67 French seasoning 68 Singer DiFranco 69 Deviled egg topping 72 Sheepskin boot brand 74 Does a graphic artist’s job 78 Happen again 79 Chanel fragrance 83 ___ nous (between us) 84 Included in an email 86 Palindromic lady’s title 88 Full-length

89 Police officer 90 Hungarian philanthropist George 92 “Not going to do it!”

94 Singer Rita ___ 95 Wanted poster letters 96 Certain snake’s poison 98 Alaska or Hawaii 99 Kimono closer 100 In shape 101 Kittens’ cries 102 One of Alcott’s “Little Women” 104 Smooch 106 Campaign pro 107 Kermit’s solo in “The Muppet Movie” ... and this puzzle’s theme 112 Some head coverings 114 Campari-and-sweet-

40 Commandeer 41 Confesses (to) 42 Fashion designer Bartley 43 Girl in “Calvin and Hobbes” 45 Ludicrous comedy 46 ___ and now 47 Shell casing?

48 Bros’ embrace 50 Cello’s ancestor 56 Mountains that go on for miles 57 Hyped 58 Artist Chagall 59 Poppy-derived drug 61 Free one’s car from a snowbank 68 Put on TV 70 “Yuh-huh!”

71 Poisonous Asian snake 73 Spirit in a Negroni 74 Joltless java 75 Japanese mushroom 76 March honoree 77 Ace’s tricky pitch 79 =] and 8-) 80 Feature of some dresses 81 Muscle car’s super-

1 Shrub 2 Hearth residue 3 Disney film set in Africa 4 Top draw 5 Make a goof 6 She played Jennifer on “WKRP in Cincinnati” 7 “___ appetito!” (“Mangia!”)

8 Shrek, for one 9 Scale that measures hardness 10 Tome 11 Gallaudet Univ. course 12 Toast holder?

13 Orange flowers with black spots charger 14 Politician played by 82 Amazon’s sphere Madonna 85 Broth from the French 15 Go like the wind for “complete” 17 Rant and rave 87 Roused from slumber 18 Lacking pizzazz 91 Baker’s need 21 Letters important to Wile 93 Sparrow’s digs E. Coyote 97 Timesaving Excel 22 To the ___ degree shortcuts 25 Weigh-___ (fight rituals) 98 Meshed 26 Have a bite 101 Drizzles 29 “Evil Woman” rockers, 103 “Li’l ol’ me?” familiarly 105 Instrument for Bolly31 Palindromic diarist Anais wood soundtracks, often 33 ___ du Vent (Windward 108 Soothing lotion additive Islands) 109 Gradually withdraw 34 Word often with 110 Zippo “neither” 111 Animal in a pod 35 Ltr. container 112 Old pro 36 Coastal indentation 113 Org. monitoring AQI 37 Dash gauge, for short 116 Poetic “before” 39 Anouk of “La Dolce Vita” 117 Down in the dumps

“Z KJZLC RNS TBKSTUUR JTYW KN JTYW TUU NX RNSA GAWTPM BNPW KASW KN AWTUZDW KJWR TAW KJW VANLH GAWTPM.”

PTKKJWV OWAAR

“RWNDRV EXP’VR KVXFWSK XV EXP’VR LRABEWSK; NDRVR’O SX TWLLCR KVXPSL. WM EXP’VR ONBSLWSK ONWCC, EXP’VR LRABEWSK,” BCBS BVJWS

“JWG SGCF PKE’F FKDM KEJFVNEO JWG RKEF WGF WX HNXM RNFVWGF AGFFNEO CWYMFVNEO IKPD NE MTPVKEOM.” ANAMU HKGUNM Puzzle Three Clue: Y equals M

vermouth cocktail 115 Forest makeup 118 Disney theme park 119 “Too funny!” in a text 120 Genesis garden 121 Capital of Ghana 122 Viewpoints 123 Microscope part 124 June honorees 125 Acted the fall guy?

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: A equals C

COLORING OUTSIDE THE LINES by Kelly Clark & Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen

Puzzle One Clue: R equals Y

crossword

399481-1

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more

© 2023 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

12-07-23

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

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

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

ISLANDER CLUB LBK, on the beach. Available any time after Jan. 1st. Beautiful view of gulf & beach from every room. Furnished 2 BR / 2 BA. 40 ft. balcony, updated kitchen. $8,900/ month.

Prefer 3 month lease. Rent lowered w/ longer lease term.

773-456-5768

stuff GREY LEATHER desk chair.

Excellent condition. $35. Pickup in St. Armands. 724-846-1739

Merchandise Wanted SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential.

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

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

This week’s Crossword answers

Adult Care Services

Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos

3BR/2.5BA LONGBOAT Key Walking Distance to St Armands 2 car garage Partial Bay views $1,450,000 (941) 321-6449

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

Homes for Rent

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

3BR/4BA BEHIND Gated Bay Isles in Longboat Key. 3 lanai's with 2 overlooking beautiful water views. Excellent locationsteps to kayak/paddleboard launch w/2 included in oversized 2 car garage. Private beach access to Bay Isles Beach Club. Workout facility, pickleball, tennis, pool and hot tub just steps away.

Sleeps up to 12. 3 bedrooms plus den. Email Tessa at terdei@me.com.

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2 Bed Condo Full Gulf Views$749,900

Travel

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YourObserver.com/RedPages

Painting

WEEKLY MONTHLY

Condos/Apts. for Sale

Homes for Sale

REAL LOCAL STUFF HERE!

CUSTOMIZED CARE TAILORED •COMPASSIONATE, •COMPASSIONATE, TO YOUR NEEDS •COMPASSIONATE, CUSTOMIZED CARE CUSTOMIZED CARE TAILORED TAILORED •COMPASSIONATE, CUSTOMIZED CARE TAILORED •COMPASSIONATE, TO YOUR NEEDS TOSKILLED YOUR NEEDS CUSTOMIZED CARE TAILORED •HIGHLY & HOSPITAL TO YOUR NEEDS CUSTOMIZED CARE TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS TRAINED TO YOUR NEEDS •HIGHLY SKILLED & HOSPITAL •HIGHLY SKILLED & HOSPITAL •HIGHLY SKILLED & HOSPITAL TRAINED TRAINED •HIGHLY SKILLED & HOSPITAL CALL TO SKILLED DISCUSS PLAN OF TRAINED •HIGHLY &AHOSPITAL TRAINED CARE FOR YOU OR YOUR TRAINED CALL TO A PLAN CALLLOVED TO DISCUSS DISCUSS A PLAN OF OF ONE TODAY. CALL TOFOR DISCUSS A PLAN OF CARE YOU OR YOUR CARE FOR YOU OR YOUROF CALL TO DISCUSS A PLAN CARE YOUTODAY. OR YOUROF CALL TOFOR DISCUSS A PLAN LOVED ONE LOVED ONE TODAY. CARE FOR YOU OR YOUR KELLY (941) 350-2204 LOVED ONE TODAY. CARE FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE TODAY. LOVED(941) ONE350-2204 TODAY. KELLY KELLY (941) 350-2204 KELLY (941) 350-2204 KELLY (941) 350-2204 KELLY (941) 350-2204

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

Call 941-383-3338.

Reservations 941-383-5577

Items Under $200

PROFESSIONAL CAREGIVER looking for care-giving, companionship position. Long experience, good references, healthy cooking, high education.

Helen- 941.402.5495

Visa/MC

EPIC HOME CARE Personal Care-Respite Care Alzheimer’s Care Light Cleaning Med Administration Meal Prep Shopping, Errands & More

©2023 Universal Uclick

Call for a FREE Evaluation!

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You’re only cheating yourself.

D De ec ce em mb be err 2 21 1 •East Decemb& r 21 •East County County &eLongboat: Longboat: Thursday, 12/14 noon •East County12/14 & Longboat: Thursday, noon •Sarasota Siesta Key: Thursday, //12/14 •Sarasota Siestanoon Key: Friday, 12/15 noon •Sarasota / Siesta Key: Friday, 12/15 noon Friday, 12/15 noon

real estate

CLASSIFIED CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ADVERTISING EARLY CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING EARLY DEADLINE DEADLINE EARLY DEADLINE

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

Adult Care Services

peekers’ place

HOLIDAY HOLIDAY EARLY DEADLINES HOLIDAY EARLY DEADLINES FOR DEC EARLY FORDEADLINES DEC 21.

21.

FOR DEC 21.

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Health Services

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Pe errffe ec ctt S So ollu uttiio on nss P PerF Ffe ocrr tS SSe eo nliiuo otrrissons o n ocr tSSeo nliuotrisons PerFfe •Caregivers/Companions F o r S e n •Caregivers/Companions P•Personal erfect SoliuoCare trisons •Caregivers/Companions •Personal Care F o r S e n i o rs •Personal Care CNA’s/HHA’s •Caregivers/Companions ••CNA’s/HHA’s • CNA’s/HHA’s • Assistance with •Personal •AssistanceCare with •Caregivers/Companions •Assistance with Daily Living Activities Activities •CNA’s/HHA’s Daily Living •Personal Care Daily Living Activities •Hourly 24/7 Care •Assistance with •Hourly 24/7 Care •CNA’s/HHA’s •Hourly 24/7 Care •Affordable Rates Daily Living Activities •Affordable Rates •Assistance with •Affordable Rates Licensed/ Bonded/ Insured •Hourly 24/7 Care ••Licensed/ Bonded/ Insured Daily Living Activities •Licensed/ Bonded/ Insured •Affordable Rates PLicensed/ ho o•Hourly ne e ((9 94 4Bonded/ 124/7 )8 80 0Care 9--Insured 14 43 38 8 •P h n 1 ) 9 1 Pho•Affordable ne (94299994819 1) 8Rates 09-1438 HHA# 299994819 HHA# •Licensed/ Insured HHA# Bonded/ 299994819

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I think you actually have to have all of your dreams come true to realize they are the wrong dreams.” Matthew Perry Puzzle Two Solution: “Either you’re growing or you’re decaying; there’s no middle ground. If you’re standing still, you’re decaying.”

Alan Arkin Puzzle Three Solution: “You just can’t take anything you want out of life without putting something back in exchange.”

Piper Laurie

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2023 NEA, Inc.

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Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals 2BR/2BA LONGBOAT KEY Gated Seaplace 1st floor condo w/ neutral décor & wood-style floors in kitchen, LR/DR & 2nd BR/den (w/sleeper sofa). 2 pools on Gulf of Mex, fitness & tennis steps away. Non-smokers & no pets. $6,000/mo + fees.

2 months min. sbersh22@gmail.com 2BR/2BA LONGBOAT KEY Stunning water views from private balcony. 2 bed/2 bath condo w/updated kitchen, Wifi, washer/dryer, pool, tennis court, deeded beach access...All yours $5,500 monthly plus standard fees. $5,500 (941) 920-0758 Rentgulfhomes.com

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24 Hour Care • Full Service Home Health Care www.tlchomecaresrq.com • (941) 320-9678 Now Hiring HHA’s & CNA’s

414758

Autos Wanted

RENTAL WANTED Retired, single gentleman, n o children, smoking or pets, seeks 6 to 12 month rental on Bay Isles property. (619) 347-1888

Attorney

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Rentals Wanted

YourObserver.com

33

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Carpet Cleaning

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Transportation

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Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

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Insurance

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

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Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

97 SOUTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

$10,995,000

Discover this captivating bayfront estate, just a stroll from the vibrant heart of St. Armands Circle. Nestled across two sprawling corner lots, encompassing over 1/2 an acre, this 5BR home rests on one of the largest parcels in the neighborhood. Offered turnkey furnished, this exquisite residence spans nearly 8,000 SF, with bay and city views from nearly every room. Transition seamlessly to the outdoor living spaces through vast glass pocketing sliders on both floors, where you’ll find the ultimate in outdoor entertainment and relaxation. www.97SouthWashington.com

ROGER SELLS LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES

1325 WESTWAY DRIVE

5005 GULF OF MEXICO DR #3

7652 SANDERLING ROAD

1350 MAIN STREET #1704

7180 MANASOTA KEY ROAD

$15,000,000

$10,995,000

$9,995,000

$4,950,000

$3,895,000

This 5BR, direct bay modern marvel offers main and guest homes connected by a stunning hidden courtyard. www.1325Westway.com

Direct beach and sunset views welcome you to this newer gem, just built in 2020. Move right into this gorgeous, furnished getaway. www.BonaireLBK3.com

Resort-style living at this spectacular 4BR Siesta Key beach home, directly overlooking the Gulf, is a one-of-a-kind experience. www.7652Sanderling.com

Your exclusive downtown oasis awaits at this turnkey furnished penthouse, boasting panoramic views of downtown, the bay, and the Gulf. www.TheOne1704.com

This gorgeous, updated 4BR beach home, with its inspired Key West style architecture offers stunning Gulf views and a resort-style experience. www.7180ManasotaKey.com

455 LONGBOAT CLUB RD #305

3464 MISTLETOE LANE

1350 MAIN STREET #1701

3030 GRAND BAY BLVD #346

990 BLVD OF THE ARTS #603

$3,295,000

$2,499,000

$2,495,000

$2,495,000

$2,375,000

Prepare to be captivated as soon as you enter this perfectly placed 3BR, direct beachfront Pierre residence. www.Pierre305.com

245 BIRD KEY DRIVE

You’ll love the contemporary updates and boating access at this 4BR direct bayfront residence. www.3464MistletoeLane.com

Move right into this downtown penthouse! Includes 2 parking spaces and separate storage unit. www.1350Main1701.com

Panoramic, bay and city views abound throughout this lovely 3BR, 2,900+ SF corner residence. www.GrandBay346.com

Indulge in the pinnacle of downtown living at this 6th-floor residence boasting 2,300+ SF of luxurious space. www.BeauCiel603.com

201 N. WASHINGTON DRIVE

3040 GRAND BAY BLVD #251

4337 MARINA VIEW WAY

1105 GULF OF MEXICO DR #404

$2,195,000

$1,999,000

$1,799,000

$1,395,000

Every inch of this 3BR pool home has been renovated, promising contemporary comfort. www.245BirdKeyDrive.com

Ready for you to design your dream home, this parcel is in an ideal walkable St. Armands location. www.201NorthWashington.com

1826 HAWKINS COURT

6910 SCRUB JAY DRIVE

225 SANDS POINT RD #6105

549 SUTTON PLACE

6513 HERITAGE LANE

$1,100,000

$1,049,000

$725,000

$419,000

$189,000

$2,250,000

This charming 3BR West of the Trail residence is offered furnished and immediately ready to enjoy! www.1826HawkinsCourt.com

Move-in ready, this 4BR+family room home is the ideal blend of privacy and convenience. www.6910ScrubJay.com

This bayfront 5th-floor Antigua at Grand Bay offers 3,000 SF, and is ready for you to make your own. www.GrandBay251.com

Exciting opportunity for island living or enticing rental property at the exclusive Longboat Key Club. www.InnontheBeach6105.com

This brand-new 3BR waterfront home at Hunters Point is the pinnacle of luxury and sustainable living! www.HuntersPointFL .com

Indulgent beach-to-bay living awaits at this fully furnished townhome on Longboat Key. www.549SuttonPlace.com

Beautiful, expansive views of the Gulf are the perfect backdrop at this 3BR, 4th-floor residence. www.Beachplace5404.com

A tranquil getaway overlooking peaceful lake waters, this lovely villa is waiting for you to make it your own. www.6513HeritageLane.com

CA L L TO DAY FO R YO U R EXC LU S I VE TO U R ( 9 41 ) 3 8 7-1 8 4 0 443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F, Sarasota, FL 34236 | Pettingell.com | www.bestSarasotarealestate.net Twitter.com/RealRoger | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell | Roger@Pettingell.com The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. 401550-1

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