Longboat Observer 1.11.24

LONGBOAT

Being Robin.

Observer

PAGE 22

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

VOLUME 46, NO. 22

YOUR TOWN

Town Hall to toughen up

Storm resiliency upgrades are a go after the town approves $250K in funding.

SEE PAGE 3

Courtesy image

Jane Donnantuono and Sandy Endres

Cold plunge

Seaplace Condominium started the new year in a refreshing way, with the annual Polar Plunge.

This year, about 100 Seaplace residents headed down to the beach to celebrate new beginnings on Jan. 1. About 40 people entered the chilly waters to continue the longtime Seaplace tradition.

Residents brought Champagne and leftover appetizers from New Year’s Eve celebrations. June Hessel, chair of the event committee, shared that a brisk swim lends significance to starting a new year.

“We have been doing this polar bear plunge for many years, more than I can remember, and each year it seems to get bigger,” said Hessel. “My favorite part is the Champagne that’s flowing. It’s so fun because you get to see the families and the kids that are visiting and everyone just bond out there.”

FAMILY

TIES

Father-daughter duo’s art exhibition opens at Plymouth Harbor.

SEE PAGE 19 Petra Rivera

Local artists Pamela and Richard Olin collaborated on a special art exhibition, “Expressions of Experience: Two Generations.”

File image

Survey says?

The fifth annual town of Longboat Key Citizen Satisfaction Survey will arrive in mailboxes starting this week.

The town is asking all residents to participate in the survey to provide feedback on aspects of Longboat life such as policy issues, the quality of town amenities and departmental services like police, fire rescue and Public Works.

In the mailer, a unique code is sent to residents along with a set of instructions for accessing the 50-question online survey. The survey can be completed on a device at home, or by utilizing a kiosk in Town Hall.

All answers are anonymous.

Town staff asks that all surveys be completed by Feb. 10, and expects the final report to be published by the end of April or the beginning of May. If residents do not receive a letter in the mail by Jan. 18, the town advises them to call or text 941-281-4985 to receive a response within 24-48 hours.

Any other questions can be directed to the town at 941316-1999.

A+E

File image

Trimming mangroves often requires a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

State of enforcement Longboat won’t be taking over mangrove protection duties, but the town will seek ways to aid state agencies’ efforts. PAGE 4

Pfaff’s pieces.

INSIDE

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

Unnamed storms’ impacts raise concern Residents and town officials say flood ­mitigation should be a focus for Longboat.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat Key residents are familiar with flooding during severe weather. But recently, residents and officials have taken notice of the growing intensity of flooding during less intense, unnamed storms.

Public comment at the Jan. 8 Town Commission meeting included residents Rusty Chinnis and Jim Whitman speaking about how they and their neighbors are growing concerned with the flooding happening during minor rainfall events.

Chinnis pointed to a recent rainstorm that drenched the Key for just an hour, but left much of the Longbeach Village flooded.

He said the flooding in lower areas of the island is a growing threat.

“I’ve lived in the village now in my house for almost 40 years,” Chinnis said. “My garage has been flooded four times. Two of those were in the last three months.”

Commissioner-at-Large BJ Bishop shared similar opinions and anecdotes, saying she went from 10 years of no water in the house to three water intrusions in five months.

Whitman said he believes this issue should be raised to a higher priority for the commission.

“This is an issue that is costing people thousands of dollars,” he said at the meeting.

“They’ve had their automobiles inundated. They’ve had their pools inundated … So these are not trivial matters; they are matters of great concern to the people in my neighborhood.”

Vice Mayor Mike Haycock also commented about the frequency and elevated impact of lesser storms.

Courtesy images

The intersection of Fox Street and Longboat Drive East after the Dec. 16-17 unnamed storm.

“I’ve been here 27 years now, and I’ve never seen flooding this bad,” Haycock said. “It’s more frequent per year than I have ever seen it and for what appears to be minor-type issues.”

Commissioners questioned Director of Public Works Isaac Brownman about planned flood mitigation projects.

While there are grants that the town applied for and funding available, Brownman said the earliest timeline he could give for any progress would be two to three years.

That’s due to complicated design and survey processes, he said.

In the meantime, commissioners suggested that Brownman and his staff look into the possibility of acquiring a temporary pump system that could be deployed on the island when needed. Brownman agreed it’s something to look into.

TAKEN BY SURPRISE

Before 2023 came to a close, Longboat Key was hit with a no-name storm that caused significant flooding and other issues.

Dec. 16-17, a storm brought heavy winds, rain and some storm surge

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UNDERGROUND INVESTIGATION Hurricane Idalia caused 20 of FPL’s new underground transformers to fail after becoming submerged in floodwater.

After that event, FPL said it would begin a thorough forensic investigation to determine the cause of the issue. The company said the investigation would take around 60-90 days, starting around September.

As of Jan. 8, FPL had not sent an update to the town, and Town Manager Howard Tipton was in the process of drafting a letter to FPL.

that impacted mainly the north end of Longboat Key. “We didn’t expect this storm to be what it was. It was worse than what we expected,” Longboat Key Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi said.

Around 1:30 a.m. Dec. 17, Dezzi was alerted to a higher-than-usual call volume on the island, with fire

Longboat Drive East on the north end of Longboat Key was one of the areas that flooded.

alarms and reported structure fires.

He decided to get ready and head out to the island to check on his crew.

Driving in from the south end, the roads were clear. But from about the 6500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive north, roads were heavily impacted by flooding. Heading farther north, the flooding worsened, according to Dezzi.

When he says “structure fires,” it’s not always the case that a house is up in flames. In this instance, he said water was getting into power areas, such as outlets, and causing some sparking and smoking.

Outside, Florida Power & Light’s underground transformer boxes were also having some issues.

“I was listening to the firefighters on the radio and they were saying they had some FPL boxes that were smoking,” Dezzi said. “After I heard a couple of those, I told the dispatch center that we needed to shut off the grid to the north end of the island.”

From around 1-9 a.m., the Fire Rescue Department was busy with calls. The department had to deploy its high-water vehicle to get to some calls, but no one was transported to the hospital from storm-related

injuries.

At the height of the storm and tides, Dezzi said Buttonwood Drive was impassable, most streets near the 6500 block of GMD were flooded and almost all of the Village was underwater.

Yet after the storm passed and the water receded, not much damage was left on the streets of Longboat Key. “By the time 11 a.m. came, a person walking through wouldn’t realize what had happened that night,” Dezzi said. “It was one of those storms that came in quick and left quick.”

Some houses were damaged by water intrusion, but Dezzi didn’t hear of any damage related to fires.

One of those houses impacted by water intrusion was that of JoDene Moneuse.

Moneuse has lived on Lyons Lane for 35 years. She said her garage has never taken on water from a storm until the past two years. This last no-name storm, she said, brought almost as much water as Hurricane Idalia.

“In my opinion, it was a heck of a lot more than anticipated,” Moneuse said. “It was really bad.”

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

3

ROOF

Price: $942,148 (4% price increase over past 10 months) Upgrade: Increase from 110 mph wind resistance to 150 mph resistance

WINDOWS Price: $381,980 (25% price increase over past 10 months) Upgrade: Increase from 110 mph wind resistance to 150 mph resistance

GENERATOR Price: $353,325 (11% price increase over past 10 months) Upgrade: New generator will be able to backup entire town hall building, and the Planning, Zoning and Building department. Old generator could only power town IT department and some other facilities

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

The Town Hall hardening project has three main components: a new roof, new exterior windows and a larger generator.

TOUGH ENOUGH A $250K investment from the town will enable Town Hall to receive overdue storm resilience upgrades.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat Key’s Town Hall building will finally receive storm resilience upgrades.

The Town Hall hardening project is estimated to cost $1.9 million, and will include three main components: a new roof, new exterior-facing windows and a new generator for Town Hall.

After almost seven years of back and forth with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and cost increases, town commissioners approved an additional $250,000 from the town’s budget to be used on the project to get the project underway.

The costs rose dramatically since the early, rough estimates in 20172018 put the price tag at around $969,000.

These increases since then are largely due to inflation amid delays in the project, according to Public Works Director Isaac Brownman.

Having been built in the early 2000s, the building has a roof and windows currently rated to withstand winds of 110 mph, Brownman said.

With this project, both the roof and windows will be upgraded to withstand 150 mph winds, which is in the range of Category 4 hurricanes.

Town Hall’s current backup generator can only power the Information Technology Department and maybe a little more of the building.

“It’s very small and only for criti-

cal elements,” Brownman said. “We need a generator that will power the whole building.”

The new, upgraded generator will be able to do that, as well as powering the Planning, Zoning and Building Department.

That being said, the generator is also substantially larger in size.

Brownman said part of the costs for that component includes building a new housing structure for the generator, as well as electrical upgrades.

As a whole, the project will allow for town staff to operate out of Town Hall sooner during or after a major storm event like a hurricane. It will also help protect the building in those events.

DELAYS COST TIME AND MONEY

The project dates back to 2017-2018, when the town was pursuing a Hazard Mitigation Grant through FEMA in response to Hurricane Irma. At the time, FEMA awarded the town about $700,000.

Afterward, it took a long time to get agreements in place before soliciting bids after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brownman said. That attempt at finding a bid failed.

The town then decided to retry the bid process in November 2022 and received one. But the bid came in substantially higher than the FEMA grant award, at about $1.6 million.

Brownman said he had those numbers checked at the time, and the estimate was sound.

The contractor is Jon F. Swift Construction, a company known on Longboat Key for its work on

The project includes an upgraded generator, which will also require a larger storage space than the existing generator.

Bayfront Park and the Karon Family Pavilion.

Following that bid, the town went back to FEMA to request an extension on the project timeline and more money. It took around 10 months for a response, in which FEMA granted more money and time, to the amount of about $1.2 million.

But by the time Brownman and his staff revisited the bid process in November 2023, costs had risen again.

The biggest increase was the cost of the windows, which increased 25%. Roof costs increased by 4% and the generator costs increased by 11%.

“We know that we can’t wait another eight-10 months for FEMA to approve another increase,” Brownman said. “We really need to lock in this project and get it going.”

With the granted time extension, the town only has 13 months to use the FEMA grant money. The deadline is February 2025.

WHAT’S A H ­ AZARD MITIGATION GRANT? The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is an initiative run through the Federal Emergency Management Agency that provides funding to governments to develop hazard mitigation plans and rebuild after storm events. The rebuilding must, in some way, mitigate future disaster losses. Local, state, tribal and territorial governments are able to apply.

According to FEMA’s website, applicants have 36 months from the close of the application period to complete the project. After that time, a final report is required to remain in compliance.

“And that’s not a lot of time to get this project done,” Town Manager Howard Tipton said. “Asking for another extension, in my opinion, is not a wise thing to combine with that money ask.”

That’s why Brownman approached the Town Commission at its Jan. 8 regular meeting to request an additional $250,000 for the project.

The $250,000 is drawn from the town’s capital reserve fund, which currently sits at $750,000 before this move. The fund is there for reasons exactly like this, Tipton said.

Once the project gets underway, then the town can pursue FEMA for a reimbursement for some or all of the $250,000.

The project’s current price tag is set at $1.9 million, which includes a $100,000 construction contingency suggested by Brownman, speaking from past experiences with contractors working on occupied buildings.

Sometimes, unexpected things come up when working on a building.

“It’s a different animal to work in an operating, occupied building.

And when you start pulling stuff apart and you find something, you don’t want to go back to another budget amendment process to deal with it,” Brownman said.

Town commissioners approved the $250,000 fund move unanimously. Now that the funds are in place, Brownman can start getting the project under contact.

Even so, he said it’ll take the contractor until around September to get the materials necessary due to long lead times.

During construction, Brownman said the crew will work with Town Hall staff to schedule some workers to potentially work remotely while windows near offices are being worked on. Brownman also assured the construction crew would be aware of the commission meeting schedule.

“We know that we can’t wait another eight-10 months for FEMA to approve another increase. We really need to lock in this project and get it going.”

— Isaac Brownman, Public Works director

4

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

Mangrove enforcement to stay under state’s authority Mangrove ­violation enforcement requires more staff and resources than the town can allocate.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

I

t’s possible for small municipalities to take over mangrove violation enforcement, but for the time being, it’s too tall a task for Longboat Key. Recent events on Anna Maria Island sparked conversation about mangrove enforcement from Longboat Key resident and Suncoast Waterkeeper Chairman Rusty Chinnis.

“I’m just trying to use everything that’s going on with mangroves just to kind of build a case for why these things are so important, why they should be protected, why they’re not being protected and what’s being done about it,” Chinnis said. “This whole case on Anna Maria is really spotlighting that.”

A recent controversial mangrove trimming on Anna Maria Island reduced a stretch of mangroves from 116 feet to about 49 feet, according to the Bradenton Herald.

Though recent investigations found the trimming was allowed under special permit, issues still arose in regard to how the mangroves were trimmed. Mangroves are vital components of many ecosystems, and serve as nursery grounds for important game fish, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Given mangroves’ environmental importance, Chinnis has raised the issue of mangrove enforcement on Longboat in the past.

At a Nov. 13 Town Commission planning retreat, Chinnis said he believed the town should take a more prominent role in follow-through on violations.

Currently, the FDEP handles all inspections and enforcement of potential mangrove trimming violations. But Chinnis feels that more hands on deck may be needed.

“I think there’s good people in

“I’m just trying to use everything that’s going on with mangroves just to kind of build a case for why these things are so important, why they should be protected, why they’re not being protected and what’s being done about it.”

— Rusty Chinnis, Suncoast Waterkeeper chairman

(the FDEP), and I think they really care,” Chinnis said at the commission retreat. “They are understaffed and they’re not being funded. We’ve been tracking a lot of mangrove violations through Suncoast Waterkeeper for over a year.”

Suncoast Waterkeeper is a grassroots environmental organization focused on protecting waterways.

“Eyes on the Suncoast” is a program organized by Suncoast Waterkeeper where anyone who sees a potential violation — such as excessive mangrove trimming — can report the suspicion to Suncoast Waterkeeper, which then takes the matter to the FDEP. The FDEP regulates trimming in accordance with the 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act, which affords mangroves certain protections. (The FDEP was unable to accommodate the Observer’s request for an interview or further information before press time.)

For example, all general permitted trimming must be completed by a professional mangrove trimmer. It’s

Courtesy image

Trimming mangroves often requires a permit from Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

also recommended that professional mangrove trimmers be used for individual exempt permits.

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

Individual exempt permits are required for trimming beyond that.

As of Nov. 29, there were five violations on Longboat Key that were in FDEP’s Oculus, an online, public database with files related to open violation cases.

After Chinnis began the conversation at the commission retreat, he and Mayor Ken Schneier continued correspondence. One instance they discussed was a violation at Longboat Landings, which the two said had been ongoing.

“I do think we need some more effort from the town standpoint … to try to get FDEP to pressure violators to fix what they’ve broken,” Schneier said at a Dec. 4 commission meeting.

Schneier recommended to town staff to look into the matter further.

WHAT CAN THE TOWN DO?

Chinnis previously proposed that

the town could take over mangrove violation enforcement. The idea was talked about briefly, but ultimately it was ruled that it would be too large of an investment.

According to Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons, there have been eight mangrove trimming violations on Longboat Key in the past three years.

“It’s not something that we do see often here,” Parsons said.

Sometimes, Parsons said citizens report the violations to the P&Z department, but the department then sends the violations directly to the FDEP. There are seven municipalities in Florida that have delegation over mangrove trimming violations, including Sarasota County, Pinellas County and the city of Sanibel.

For now, Town Manager Howard Tipton agreed that it would be too large of a commitment for the town to handle.

“That’s where it’s just that much tougher for a small jurisdiction,” Tipton said. “The FDEP has lawyers all set up for this, they have specialists, they have equipment. It would be a huge investment to try to replicate the level of service that FDEP

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can give.”

To take over delegation of authority, the town would have to invest a lot more money into staffing and resources such as a boat or means of transportation. That’s easier to do in a larger municipality with a natural resources department, according to Tipton.

He did say, though, that the town could potentially help out more with educating the public about the regulations.

“And then when we do see violations, we need to be able to bring in FDEP and make sure they are aware of what we think is a violation and it’s theirs to follow up,” Tipton said.

Moving forward, Parsons said his department will compile a quarterly report of all ongoing mangrove trimming violations on the island to present to the commission.

This will serve two purposes: to keep commissioners and town staff informed, but also let FDEP be more aware the town is concerned with the violations.

“We’ll try to create a stronger relationship with (the FDEP) so that we can be an asset to what they’re trying to achieve,” Tipton said.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

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Wonder walls Seawall projects at Bayfront Park aim to improve oyster habitat, reduce erosion and bolster storm protection.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat Key’s Bayfront Park shoreline will soon undergo projects designed to improve marine habitat and reduce erosion.

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program’s fiscal year 2024 projects as a part of its funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law include two seawall-altering projects for Bayfront Park.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, according to the White House, invests in the country’s infrastructure and environmental initiatives, and identifies the National Estuary Program as a key partner.

The deal provides $132 million to the 28 National Estuary Programs from fiscal year 2022 through fiscal year 2026. The programs receive $900,000 per year.

From its share of money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program has allocated $2.7 million toward restoration projects for fiscal year 2024 through 2026. This year, $500,000 of the $900,000 is going toward the “Longboat Key Bayfront Park Shoreline” project.

SBEP Program Scientist Jay Leverone said the organization is still waiting for the funding to come through, but once it does, then permitting and contracting can begin the process.

with concrete. But when seawalls are replaced or built anew, they have been increasingly been made of vinyl, Leverone said.

“This is an irreversible trend to convert seawalls ultimately from concrete to vinyl,” Leverone said.

“No big deal for the most part. But we have discovered that — we don’t know exactly why — vinyl seawalls do not support the same oyster habitat.”

Vinyl seawalls have become increasingly popular, Leverone said, because they are cheaper and easier to install as opposed to concrete.

“If you look at it as a trend over the next decade or so, we will be losing a significant part of our oyster population simply due to the replacement of concrete seawalls (with) vinyl seawalls,” Leverone said.

The texture of concrete allows

oysters to attach and grow on the surface. Oysters are important ecosystem filter feeders. These organisms filter the water and improve the bay’s water quality. A single adult oyster could filter more than 50 gallons of water a day, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

NEED FOR NATURAL BARRIERS

The projects likely commencing in 2024 will change Bayfront Park’s seawall shoreline, which is currently a mix of concrete and vinyl.

About 250 feet of the park’s vinyl seawall will be used for SBEP to test a technology that has been used in other parts of the state: mangrove reef panels.

The panels are made of marinegrade concrete and are designed to look like red mangrove prop roots, according to Leverone.

Leverone found these panels when he discovered the creator Keith Van de Riet. Van de Riet is a professor at the University of Kansas and has been testing these panels.

Not only does the material of the panels allow for the recruitment of

WHY ALTER THE SHORELINE?

Much of Sarasota Bay is lined with seawalls. The main issue this project will attempt to mitigate is the unintended consequences of newer vinyl seawalls.

Traditionally, seawalls were built

Carter Weinhofer

The existing concrete seawall on the north end of Bayfront Park will be replaced with a sloped living shoreline.

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Courtesy image

Mangrove panels designed by Keith Van de Riet shown here in Fort Pierce.

oysters and other invertebrates, but they also have an aesthetic component in the way they mimic mangroves.

This is the first aspect that will be prioritized once the money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law becomes available, said Leverone.

Next will be a living shoreline project along the northern 50 feet of the park.

Living shorelines are a trend that has become increasingly popular in the last 10 years, according to Leverone.

“It’s a big movement sweeping the nation,” he said.

According to NOAA, there are many benefits of living shorelines, including: protecting shorelines from erosion, providing habitat, increasing stability and storm protection.

“Basically, they try to mimic natural shorelines,” Leverone said. “It’s a combination of structural material and living materials to try and mimic and stabilize it as a more natural shoreline.”

The concrete seawall at Bayfront Park is aging and is a good fit for the

type of living shoreline he’s been looking into, he said.

Leverone discovered International Subsea Services LLC, a company based in Pinellas County. The company works on lake, pond and wetland maintenance and restoration projects.

What piqued Leverone’s interest was the company’s “ShoreSOX” technology for living shorelines.

With it, the caps of Bayfront Park’s old seawall would need to be demolished before the whole seawall face would be covered with a mesh.

Over time, the mesh material grows into a natural, sloped structure. This type of living shoreline adds natural aspects to the area, changing the habitat and allowing for the growth of more vegetation and marine life.

Leverone said he and the team at SBEP still aren’t sure when the funds will become available from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but that they are set to get started when the money does come through.

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TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING & HEARING ORDINANCE 2024-04 JANUARY 16, 2024 – 9:15 AM Please take notice that a public meeting and hearing of the Town of Longboat Key’s Planning and Zoning Board will be held to consider proposed modifications to Title 15, Land Development Code, Chapter 151, Shoreline Construction, of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Longboat Key, as more particularly set forth in Ordinance 2024-04: ORDINANCE 2024-04 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY CODE OF ORDINANCES TO AMEND CHAPTER 151, SHORELINE CONSTRUCTION; SECTION 151.03, PERMIT REQUIRED, APPLICATION; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board on proposed Ordinance 2024-04 will be held on January 16, 2024, at 9:15 a.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, in the Town Commission Chambers at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, Florida.

All interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to proposed Ordinance 2024-04. Copies of Ordinance 2024-04 and related material associated with the amendment may be viewed at the Planning, Zoning & Building Department, 501 Bay Isles Road, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays prior to the hearing. Questions may be directed to the Planning, Zoning & Building Department at 316-1966. The proposed amendment will affect property within the corporate boundaries of the Town of Longboat Key as shown on the map appearing at the bottom of this advertisement.

No verbatim record by a certified court reporter is made of these proceedings. Accordingly, any person who may seek to appeal any decision involving the matters noticed herein will be responsible for making a verbatim record of the testimony and evidence at these proceedings upon which any appeal is to be based (see Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes). In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Town Clerk’s office at 941-316-1999 seventy-two (72) hours in advance of this proceeding. If you are hearing impaired, please call 941-316-8719.

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David Green, Chair Planning and Zoning Board Published: 01/11/2024

he Whitney Plaza Community Center may come to fruition this year, but one potential feature is now met with public opposition: a water taxi stop.

In December 2023, Manatee County unveiled the new Gulf Islands Ferry service that takes passengers from Downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island on weekends.

It’s anticipated that the county will add another stop at Coquina Beach, but it was also mentioned at the ferry’s inaugural ride that a stop may come to Longboat Key. There have been some informal discussions about a potential Longboat Key water taxi stop, but one idea that consistently popped up was adding it to the county’s community center project at Whitney Beach Plaza.

At a Town Commission meeting on Dec. 4, Maureen Merrigan, former town commissioner and current cochair of Longboat Key North, said north-end residents would not welcome the stop at Whitney Beach with open arms.

“We wanted to be really clear that we don’t support a water taxi landing at Whitney Plaza,” Merrigan said at the meeting.

Merrigan said that most people are in favor of a water taxi somewhere on Longboat Key, but having one at the plaza doesn’t make logistical sense.

That’s because to get back there, the ferry would need to leave the intracoastal zone and enter a slow speed, minimum wake zone. The trip, she estimated, would be 20 minutes in and 20 minutes out, which adds to the ferry’s already long trip.

On top of that, Merrigan said the ferry would be traveling through residential canals and an environmentally sensitive area. Manatees and dolphins frequent the canals, and the trip would pass a well-populated rookery, a breeding spot for a variety of birds. Merrigan said she believes that once the ferry operators take a closer look at the possibility, there would no longer be interest in the stop because of the logistical issues.

The canals back in that area are also a tight squeeze and in some areas not too deep, which may be difficult for the ferries to navigate.

Staff Illustration

“We wanted to be really clear that we don’t ­support a water taxi landing at Whitney Plaza.”

— ­Maureen Merrigan, co-chair Longboat Key North

A water taxi would need to navigate through slow residential canals to get to a potential Whitney Plaza stop.

“I don’t know if they’ll ever do it anyway if they really look at it,” Merrigan said.

Better spots on the north end may be near the restaurants like Mar Vista and Shore, Merrigan said.

Longboat Key North comprises 27 homeowners and condo associations, from just south of the Centre Shops all the way to the northern boundary of the island.

The group is active in the Longboat Key community and currently operates three committees, one of which is focused on the Whitney Plaza Community Center.

Merrigan said members of the committee range from former business owners to local artists, all of whom want to have a say in what the community space grows to become.

“I would just encourage you that, once a lease is signed … that we connect the powers in Manatee County to this group,” Merrigan said at the meeting. “So that when they start to think about programming, and they start to think about how that space is built, that it really meets the community’s needs.”

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

7

City moves toward expanding vacation rental regulation Commissioner Erik Arroyo maintains his opposition, comparing the ordinance to ‘using a sledgehammer to kill a fly.’

VACATION RENTAL ORDINANCE HISTORY On May 4, 2021, the city adopted Ordinance 21-5353, as amended, adding a new Chapter 34.5 of the Sarasota City Code, requiring qualifying vacation rentals in the Coastal Island Overlay District to obtain a certificate of registration.

Although initially more complaints were received about the operation of vacation rentals on St. Armands Key and Lido Key, vacation rentals have proliferated throughout the city and are not confined to the barrier islands.

At its meeting of Oct. 2, 2023, the City Commission directed staff to draft an ordinance to expand the regulations of Chapter 34.5 to apply citywide.

If adopted, proposed Ordinance No. 24-5506 would expand the vacation rental regulations of City Code Chapter 34.5 to apply to all qualifying vacation rentals citywide.

The requirements do not apply to owner-occupied vacation rentals, condominiums, cooperatives, or rentals for 30 days or more.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

E

ven as city officials grapple with the details of how best to expand Sarasota’s vacation rentals ordinance citywide, state legislation may very well preempt some aspects of local efforts to manage the proliferation of shortterm rentals throughout the city’s neighborhoods.

That includes, potentially, the city’s ability to recover its costs to implement a registration and monitoring program.

Just last fall, the City Commission approved an increase in registration, renewal, inspection and other fees associated with governing vacation rentals on the barrier islands.

Those included raising the initial application fee to $250, the annual renewal fee to $150 and a reinspection fee, should one be necessary, of $50. The fee hikes were part of an effort to help the city recoup its expenses to enforce the ordinance, particularly when it is extended throughout the city.

An update to current vacation rental legislation, Senate Bill 280, though, would limit local governments to an application fee of $150 and a renewal fee of $50.

“I guess the Legislature probably has the authority to do that, but on the other hand, there is case law that says when you have a regulatory fee like this, the local government is entitled to recoup its costs, so it’s definitely contrary to that,” City Attorney Robert Fournier told the commission during its Jan. 2 meeting.

For that reason and others, he recommended commissioners consider delaying a second reading of the ordinance until legislation is passed in its final form.

Courtesy image

A vacation rental at 24 N. Polk Drive on Lido Key

Several residents during the public comment period objected to a proposed section of the citywide ordinance that would allow additional occupancy of a vacation rental if it meets certain performance standards, incentives similar to those proposed as a compromise by an attorney representing three Lido Key properties in a Harris Act claim against the city.

Commissioner Debbie Trice motioned to remove that provision from the day’s discussion, which was approved unanimously. The provision could be considered as an amendment at a later date.

Fee limits aside, Fournier said the pending state legislation isn’t all bad news. Although it prevents local governments from prohibiting vacation rentals, it does preempt licensing to the state.

“It does specifically authorize the designation of a responsible party who is capable of responding to complaints, so that’s a good thing,” Fournier said. “And it does, and I think this bodes well for the Harris Act claims, recognize the authority

of the jurisdiction to state a maximum occupancy limit based on the number of bedrooms. That wasn’t in the law before, and I think that specific recognition is important and at least will undercut anything in a Harris Act claim that the city doesn’t have the right to limit the occupancy.”

Residents have also spoken frequently about nuisances associated with vacation rentals including noise, overflow parking, general disruptions to the ease and enjoyment of their property and permanent “For Rent” signs installed near the streets.

Commissioner Erik Arroyo maintained his consistent opposition to expanding the ordinance citywide, likening it to “using a sledgehammer to kill a fly.” He added the ordinance appears to do little to address the core issues brought forth by residents with regard to vacation rentals in their neighborhoods.

“Issues that we talked about like the noise issues, trash and traffic haven’t been mentioned today, but I often hear it will that be resolved

with an annual inspection,” he said.

“Should we be establishing nonlaw enforcement programs that will cost more than they generate? Because now we’re trying to play catch-up for a program that we established that costs way more for just a small number of vacation rentals on the barrier islands.

“I think the best course of action would be to hold off on this because we don’t know what’s going to happen with the Legislature. These are valid concerns.”

Commissioners eventually approved the ordinance on the first reading by a 4-1 vote, with Arroyo opposed, but not before Trice suggested new provisions be added by second reading. Those include all vehicles be parked on the vacation rental property; further refinement of the term “occupant” to mean only registered guests remain onsite after 11 p.m.; and that a simple guide to the city’s regulations be readily available to vacation rental operators and their guests.

Once approved on second reading, the initial application period for

existing vacation rentals will be July 1-Oct. 31. Staff will send letters to vacation rental owners in advance of the application period if their properties are required to be registered.

Staff will provide guidance and support throughout the application process.

Hiring and training of additional staff members could take as long as five months. Operation of a vacation rental anywhere in the city without a certificate of registration after Jan. 1, 2025, will be a violation of the ordinance.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Florida social media law: Unconstitutional Gov. DeSantis and the Legislature claim they are taking back the public square from big tech. But what they are doing is infringing on free speech.

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / James Peter, JPeter@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Petra Rivera, PRivera@ YourObserver.com; Carter Weinhofer, CWeinhofer@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com Editorial Designer / Luke Reasoner, LReasoner@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com

ADRIAN MOORE AND MAX GULKER

T

he U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case this year on Florida Senate Bill 7072, the 2021 state law regulating social media platforms. It’s yet another example of government reaching too far to squelch free speech.

At the time the bill passed, Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislative leadership lauded it as taking back the public square and standing up to big tech censorship. DeSantis said when he signed the bill, “Florida is taking back the virtual public square as a place where information and ideas can flow freely.”

The law prohibits privately owned social media platforms from removing content based on viewpoint. Texas’ Legislature passed a similar bill, which the Supreme Court is also reviewing.

The Supreme Court’s opinion in the cases — Moody v.

NetChoice and NetChoice v. Paxton — is expected to be highly consequential for the future of online speech, freedom of association and content moderation.

Reason Foundation and several co-signers submitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Court, agreeing with NetChoice that the Florida and Texas laws violate the First Amendment.

We argue the editorial decisions and content moderation policies of social media platforms, large or small, are exercises of the freedom of speech, freedom of the press and freedom of association protected by the First Amendment. Efforts to force such companies to convey or associate with viewpoints or persons with which or whom they disagree or otherwise choose from whom to disassociate themselves clearly violate the First Amendment.

The Texas and Florida laws passed when state officials were concerned that Facebook and Twitter (now X) were removing content that expressed conservative views, particularly on the controversial issues of the COVID-19 pandemic responses and the validity of the 2020 election results. But the critical First Amendment issues upon which the court will rule are not related to the nature of these specific views or controversies or anyone’s right to speak about them.

Instead, the substance of the court cases focus on the rights of private organizations to build audiences and users by facilitating and moderating — many also would say censoring — content in ways the users find beneficial. Supporters of the state laws and lower court rulings repeatedly lose track of this distinction.

FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION

The decision of whom and what content to include or exclude on a social media platform is fundamen-

tal to the First Amendment rights of those organizing the platform and the individuals freely choosing to associate or not with that platform.

The rise of social media in the 21st century has combined the ways we communicate and acquire information from media sources in novel and sometimes disorienting ways. But the vast body of precedent from previous cases shows that this disruptive process and its propensity to raise legal questions are far from new.

Courts have decided related questions in cases involving, but not limited to, print outlets, broadcast and cable television media, public utilities, political advocacy groups, religious organizations and shopping malls. They have found in favor of these private organizations’ rights to include and exclude content and speakers with striking reliability.

Moreover, decisions by social media platforms to selectively include some speech or speakers and selectively exclude other speech or speakers fall under the rubric of protected speech of the editor or owner of the platform.

That’s what news editors do every day — selectively decide what to print or air and what not to.

Critics of tech companies often present social media as having little diversity and being susceptible to the whims of a few corporations.

But this is a restrictive and misleading view of the still-expanding array of online choices and the different ways social media communities are and can be arranged.

Some platforms are more pluralistic and diverse than others, but that does not mean they must tolerate any and all persons or speech.

And they are free to organize and prioritize how content is presented on their platform in ways they see fit.

Keep in mind they are competing in a market and are trying to please their customers, who ultimately decide the platform’s fate. That is the freedom of association that is protected by the First Amendment.

NOT COMMON CARRIERS

What’s more, the so-called common carrier doctrine, used at times to require government-regulated utilities and broadcasters to accommodate minority viewpoints, makes no sense in a dynamic technological environment that features firms with temporarily large market shares but an unprecedented array of outside options where individuals can speak.

Critics’ overly homogenous and static view of social media may have contributed to the misguided idea that the largest platforms should be declared common carriers. But such a policy would create perverse incentives punishing success.

What’s more, how to implement such rules practically strains common sense.

The temporary dominance of

EXCERPTS FROM SB 7072 The Legislature finds that: ■ (3) Floridians increasingly rely on social media platforms to express their opinions.

■ (4) Social media platforms have transformed into the new public town square.

■ (5) Social media platforms have become as important for conveying public opinion as public utilities are for supporting modern society.

■ (6) Social media platforms hold a unique place in preserving First Amendment protections for all Floridians and should be treated similarly to common carriers.

■ (7) Social media platforms that unfairly censor, shadow ban, deplatform or apply post-prioritization algorithms to Florida candidates, Florida users or Florida residents are not acting in good faith.

■ (8) Social media platforms should not take any action in bad faith to restrict access or availability to Floridians.

■ (9) Social media platforms have unfairly censored, shadow banned, deplatformed and applied post-prioritization algorithms to Floridians.

■ (10) The state has a substantial interest in protecting its residents from inconsistent and unfair actions by social media platforms.

one or two platforms does not at all impede new competing platforms or other methods of exercising individual speech.

As we said in our brief: “(T)he shifting choices and politics of different platforms create a constant churn that makes arguments based on market dominance, essential facilities or other antitrust analogies largely absurd.

“Twitter has transformed into X, with different views on content moderation, and new social media platforms come and go, with something for everyone, whether it is the proliferation of Reddit subgroups, Truth Social, Instagram, Threads, Tumbler or even 4chan for those who prefer the Wild West of social media.”

STILL FREE TO ASSOCIATE

Finally, governmental benefits provided to corporations and interactive platforms (including Section 230, which shields platforms from some liability from speech by third parties) do not require these organizations to forfeit other First Amendment rights.

The protections afforded by Congress to digital platforms from liability from some third-party speech — aka Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act

— remain a separate legal matter.

Those protections in no way require platforms to forfeit other First Amendment rights.

Congress as a deliberate matter of policy enacted Section 230 to clarify liability for social media platforms and their users for speech shared on those platforms. Those policies were not and cannot be conditions that sacrifice First Amendment protections.

Again, in our brief we explain the practical user experience of social media platforms and make clear the difference between Section 230 protections and the right to moderate content as a matter of common sense.

“The fundamental point of Section 230 is that platforms do not adopt the speech of others merely by transmitting it to others.” …

“Certainly, by excluding some content or users, the platform is saying something about what is allowed to remain. But what they are saying may be ‘this is interesting,’ ‘you might want to see this,’ or ‘this is acceptably tolerable’ rather than ‘this is right’ or ‘I agree.’”

The Supreme Court should find Florida SB 7072 unconstitutional.

Such a ruling would not make vigilance or concern over the moderation decisions of social media platforms unwarranted, as platforms could certainly still make bad or unfair moderation decisions. But that is their right. Our expanding social media environment provides private and individual solutions to these concerns.

Consider the plight of a group with strongly dissenting opinions — large or small, and irrespective of ideology. The country’s media have progressed through stages dominated by print, broadcast, cable television, online journalism and now social media. At almost every stage, the options open to such groups to speak to each other and make their views available to the world at large have grown in variety and shrunk in cost.

The opportunities for others to engage or exercise their right not to engage have expanded as well.

These positive trends are the result of an often messy and occasionally harrowing process that heavily favors the rights of individuals and groups to speak and decide to whom they will and will not speak. Trying to stop this process with politically motivated and short-sighted laws is counterproductive.

Adrian Moore is vice president of Reason Foundation and lives in Sarasota. Max Gulker is a senior policy analyst at Reason.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

If you want to actually keep those New Year’s resolutions, here’s the experts’ way.

MIRABAI HOLLAND CONTRIBUTOR

W

e’ve all heard the “new year, new you” propaganda. A chance to push the reset button on life and get a do-over. We’ve all been there, tried that, and we know life just doesn’t work that way. So why do we continue to make those New Year’s resolutions? And is there anything we can do to make them stick?

I’d say we make those resolutions because what we’re trying to achieve is important to us. We’re taking any opportunity to set up a structure that will help. The trouble is that most of the time we either set up the wrong structure or one that’s so ambitious and difficult that we can’t sustain it long enough to reach our goals.

So what’s the right strategy for success this year?

What I’m about to propose will work for any set of goals. But since I’m a health coach, I’m going to start with a story that will show you a formula I use with my clients.

You go to your annual checkup, and your doctor says: “Whoops, your blood pressure is up, and you’re 15 pounds heavier than last year. I can give you some meds, but you’ll have to lose weight and get into shape, OK?” You reply, “OK.” You walk out.

Then what?

Join a gym? Hire a personal trainer? Go on a diet? You might do one or several of these things because, after all, it’s a new year and a new you.

But how long before you throw up your hands and say, “Ugh, I got started, and now I’m off the track just like last year.”

What went wrong? Maybe noth-

ing, except you might not have been psychologically ready to take those steps.

For any change there is a process.

One of the models I use is the transtheoretical model of behavior change developed by psychologist Dr. James O. Prochaska.

There are five stages: n Pre-contemplation: Going along unaware of a need for, or not wanting a change. n Contemplation: Recognizing a need to do something to improve your situation and considering making some sort of change. n Preparation: Doing some research, making small changes, or at least thinking about what you’re going to do to help yourself. n Action: Actively making lifestyle changes. n Maintenance: Having made changes, maintaining the status of your goals.

All too often we jump from contemplation to action without being ready for the change. It can feel like getting off a plane in Antarctica wearing shorts and a T-shirt. You wanted to be there but you weren’t ready for what that change would be like, and what you’d need to do to stay there comfortably.

Here’s the formula that can help you define what’s most important to you, what you really envision for yourself. And by answering these questions, you brainstorm and formulate what you’re going to do and how you’re going to do it. n What is your wellness vision?

This vision can be about health or anything else. n Now, what’s motivating you? Why do you want to make this change and why is it so important to do it this year? n What strengths can you draw on to help realize this vision? It can be anything you’re good at.

Maybe you’re organized. Or have family or friends who will support your goals. n What are your challenges?

Stuff like procrastination, losing focus and getting discouraged.

KEY HEALTH

Set SMARTer goals this year

9

File image

If you want to keep those New Year’s resolutions, break them down into three-month goals and apply the SMART methodology. n What are the strategies that will help you realize the vision and meet your challenges? If you procrastinate or lose interest easily, maybe you want to partner with a like-minded friend. You can keep each other motivated. Maybe you want to get in shape, lose some weight, learn to sail, cook like a professional. This really does work with any goal.

Then there’s time. Some theoretical physicists say that time does not exist. It’s just a human construct based on the rotation of the earth, broken into 24 segments.

OK, but how we manage those segments is up to us. Time management can mean the difference between success and failure.

Start with the 21/90 rule. It takes about 21 days to make a habit and about 90 days to make it a part of your lifestyle. So, set three-month goals.

Start with just one that is your highest priority, the most important thing you want to spend your time

on, the main goal of your vision.

Break this three-month goal down into SMART goals. SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.

For example, I’m going to make time to take a brisk walk for 45 minutes, three days a week. A series of small SMART goals helps you create the habits that will lead you to permanent lifestyle changes.

It’s rare when anyone succeeds at anything right out of the gate. So if you fall off the wagon one day, just climb back on board the next. And remember you’re not a failure, you’re a success story in progress.

Mirabai Holland is CEO of NuVue LLC. She is a certified health coach, exercise physiologist and wellness consultant for Manatee County government employees and has a private practice. She holds an MFA from NYU and is also an artist who believes creativity enhances health. For more from Mirabai, visit MirabaiHolland.com.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

Reporting on the environment This letter is long overdue, but I think it’s important to acknowledge the commitment of the Observer Media Group to providing coverage of environmental organizations and their efforts to protect our local environment.

Since the 1980s, the Observer’s reporting has contributed to important initiatives like the Sister Keys Conservancy, Sarasota Bay Watch, Suncoast Waterkeeper, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and so much more by getting the information out to a wider audience.

The Observer Media Group understands the importance of protecting the engine that drives our economy and makes the lives of those blessed to live on the Suncoast so rich.

— RUSTY CHINNIS Co-founder of the Sister Keys Conservancy/Sarasota Bay Watch and chair of Suncoast Waterkeeper

Bayfront Park doesn’t need more pickleball courts Like clockwork, we can expect to read whiny editorial letters regarding the injustice of pickleball/tennis inequity on Longboat Key. The latest from a vocal pickleball voice is an encouragement for the authorities to use $100,000 from the St. Regis settlement to construct additional pickleball courts

at Bayfront Park.

Many outspoken squeaky wheels keep finding more wheels needing attention. It’s too bad they can’t be happy with what the town has already provided, including a substantial amount of new parking due to pickleball pressures. It’s wonderful there is this new growing activity; however, there is no reason for pickleball to dominate our charming park.

This sport is not completely noninvasive and without controversy.

Those of us who live nearby expecting to watch morning wildlife or view a peaceful, beautiful sunrise must often tolerate the 7 a.m. pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pounding disruptions. It’s amazing how the sound travels.

According to a recent article, the most grating sound in the entire athletic ecosystem may be the staccato pop, pop, pop, emanating from pickleball courts.

Pickleball players get to go home to their peace and quiet. We neighbors get to listen to this repetition all day.

Perhaps, if they want to be good neighbors, they will consider the required use of green-zoneapproved quiet paddles only.

Please say no to more pickleball courts at Bayfront Park! I’d hate to see a future pickleball enthusiast drooling to suggest a renaming of the park to Bayfront Pickleball and Other Stuff Park.

COPS CORNER

LETTERS

10

SATURDAY, DEC. 30

SOMETHING FISHY 3:55 a.m., 100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Person: While on routine patrol, an officer noticed three men fishing in Overlook Park after hours. The officer spoke with the fishermen and said the park would not be open until 5 a.m. The three apologized and said they had walked over the bridge from Sarasota not realizing the park was closed.

A quick search for any wants or warrants came back negative, and the three were asked to leave the park.

RANDOM VEHICLE FOUND 5:29 a.m., 6000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Vehicle: An officer on patrol was flagged down by a church pastor who said she noticed a white Thunderbird without a license plate in the parking lot taking up two spaces.

Upon arrival, the officer was unable to find a license plate or VIN. The pastor said the car was dropped off by a loud truck a couple days prior. The officer advised that she could have the car towed since it was on private property.

AVIAN TRANSPORT 10:33 a.m., 2300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Animal Problem: A resident flagged down an officer to draw attention to an injured bird in the center lane of GMD. The officer was able to locate the bird and get it in a container and transport it to Save Our Seabirds.

— ANN BRESLIN LONGBOAT KEY

FRIDAY, DEC. 29

WHERE’S THE WATER? 9:57 p.m., 3500 block of Mistletoe Lane Information: A Longboat Key officer was dispatched to a citizen assist call when a resident came home to find no water was flowing in the house. She said people were working on gas lines earlier in the week and she believed the water may have been turned off as a result.

The officer advised that she needed to call the homeowners association, a plumber or the company working on the gas lines since the property was not the town’s.

SUNDAY, DEC. 31 NYE news 5:51 a.m., 1900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Highway Obstruction: Multiple officers responded to help a driver stuck on GMD. The driver said she had attempted to make a U-turn and got stuck with two wheels off the road. A tow truck was called, but while waiting for the tow, an officer was able to free the vehicle and clear SEE COPS, PAGE 12

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Broker participation is welcomed and encouraged. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Prices and availability are subject to change at any time without notice.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

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TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING & HEARING ORDINANCE 2024-02 JANUARY 16, 2024 – 9:15 AM Please take notice that a public meeting and hearing of the Town of Longboat Key’s Planning and Zoning Board will be held to consider proposed modifications to Title 15, Land Development Code, Chapter 160, Comprehensive Plan, of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Longboat Key, as more particularly set forth in Ordinance 2024-02:

TROUBLE ON THE JOB 3:59 p.m., 2000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Civil Disturbance: A reported theft sent a Longboat Key officer to this call.

Upon arrival, the officer met with several individuals who spoke little English. It was determined that there were batteries that were possibly stolen by a worker.

The boss’ wife arrived on scene to help translate, and said her husband claims one of his portable power tool batteries was stolen by a worker. After speaking further, the worker went to the back seat of his truck and pulled out a battery with the other’s name written on it. He claimed he found the battery sitting in the bed of his boss’ truck and put it in his truck to keep it safe. The boss said there had been multiple issues with the worker in the past and that he would be fired.

the road. The report said the driver was able to continue on her paper route without further delay.

ORDINANCE 2024-02 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE 2022 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF THE TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY, PURSUANT TO SECTION 163.3184, FLORIDA STATUTES; AMENDING, DELETING, REPLACING, AND ADDING OBJECTIVES, POLICIES, AND STRATEGIES PROVIDED FOR WITHIN THE GOVERNANCE ELEMENT; THE HOUSING ELEMENT AND THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT; PROVIDING FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE COMMUNITY PLANNING ACT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board on proposed Ordinance 2024-02 will be held on January 16, 2024, at 9:15 a.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, in the Town Commission Chambers at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, Florida.

All interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to proposed Ordinance 2024-02. Copies of Ordinance 2024-02 and related material associated with the amendment may be viewed at the Planning, Zoning & Building Department, 501 Bay Isles Road, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays prior to the hearing. Questions may be directed to the Planning, Zoning & Building Department at 316-1966. The proposed amendment will affect property within the corporate boundaries of the Town of Longboat Key as shown on the map appearing at the bottom of this advertisement.

FIREWORKS ARE A GO 9:45 p.m., 3400 block of Bayou Sound Noise Disturbance: An officer was sent to investigate a noise complaint involving fireworks in the area. On the scene, the officer met with the caller and explained that fireworks are allowed on New Year’s Eve per Florida law.

MONDAY, JAN. 1

No verbatim record by a certified court reporter is made of these proceedings. Accordingly, any person who may seek to appeal any decision involving the matters noticed herein will be responsible for making a verbatim record of the testimony and evidence at these proceedings upon which any appeal is to be based (see Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes). In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Town Clerk’s office at 941-316-1999 seventy-two (72) hours in advance of this proceeding. If you are hearing impaired, please call 941-316-8719.

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David Green, Chair Planning and Zoning Board Published: 01/11/2024

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 3

LOOKING OUT 4:47 p.m., 5500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Welfare Check: An officer was dispatched to a call of a man, possibly in his 80s, walking around Durante Park for the past two days. On the scene, the officer was flagged down by the caller who said the man appeared to be old and frail, and was concerned about his health. The officer checked the park and nearby area but was unable to find anyone matching the given description.

PARTY INTO THE NEW YEAR 12:16 a.m., 500 block of Linley Street Noise Disturbance: Two officers were sent to a noise complaint of a large party with loud music. Upon arrival, the officers heard loud music in the backyard of the residence and realized they were advised of this party earlier in the week.

An officer spoke with the homeowner who said it was the last song. The party was allowed to play out the song, then guests began to disperse.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

13

65 Private Beachfront Residences THIS IS LIDO K EY. R EI M AGINED.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

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he Longboat Key Democratic Club started the new year with its monthly luncheon and speaker series on Jan. 2 at the Sarasota Yacht Club.

David Wilkins, the president of the Manasota Association for the Study of African American Life and History, spoke to the club about how ASALH is addressing concerns over the lack of Black History taught in Florida’s public schools.

Wilkins began by speaking about education policy in Florida. He said the Stop Woke Act, which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law in 2022, prohibits training for workers and lessons for students that violate any of the concepts about race and racism listed in the law.

“This vagueness of the banned concepts listed in the bill has led to uncertainty about the impact on lessons on race and racism and has also led teachers to avoid these lessons,” said Wilkins in his presentation.

Wilkins explained the goal of the Manasota ASALH is to start a movement prioritizing Black history in schools not only locally but all over Florida. The organization recently opened the Manasota ASALH Freedom School, which offers African and African American history to K-12 students in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

“We’re doing the Freedom School because we need to do it,” said Wilkins. “We’ll do it as long as we need to do it, but we want this material taught to all kids in all schools, so that we don’t have to have the Freedom School. It is a reinforcement of the obligation to teach African American history with the added requirement that this commitment be certified to the commissioner.”

Wilkins touched on the importance of teaching Black history in

Image courtesy of Seth Berman

schools and gave examples of how it affects world history as a whole.

“Learning our history of race and the predictable backlash accompanies any meaningful and potentially successful effort to build a truly multiracial society,” Wilkins said.

Program Chair Francine Achbar said that the club loves seeing the progress ASALH is doing and that Wilkins’s talk was well received.

The Manasota ASALH is the largest branch in the national network with over 400 members. Along with opening the Freedom School, the branch provides college scholarships and hosts monthly online Black history programs.

“I was asked, ‘So what do we do given where we are in Florida today?’” said Wilkins. “We educate and we inform just as we’re doing here today. We find an opportunity to tell the truth and challenge those who aren’t telling the truth. We have to resist this attack on this democracy we say that we love and then be prepared to find alternatives as we’re doing with the Freedom School.”

David Wilkins, president of the Manasota Association for the Study of African American Life and History, spoke to the Longboat Key Democratic Club on Jan. 2.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

The Milestone Milestone Financial Financial Group Group At At Morgan Morgan Stanley Stanley Proudly Proudly Presents Presents The The Milestone Financial Group At Morgan Stanley Proudly Presents

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Event courtesy of John Vita, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor, with local office at 1401 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205. The guest speakers are neither employees nor

affiliated with Morgan WealthStanley Management.

Opinions by theatguest their ownFL and do not necessarily reflect are those of Morgan Stanley.

Event courtesy of JohnStanley Vita, Morgan Financial Advisor,expressed with local office 1401 speakers Manatee are Ave solely W, Bradenton, 34205.

The guest speakers neither employees nor Individuals consult with Wealth their tax/legal advisors before making any tax/legal-related investment decisions as Morgan and its Financial Advisors not provide tax/ Morgan Stanley Management.

Opinions expressed by the guest speakers areBradenton, solely their and Stanley do not necessarily reflect thoseemployees ofdoMorgan Stanley.

Eventaffiliated courtesywith ofshould John Vita, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor, with local office at 1401 Manatee Ave W, FLown 34205.

The guest speakers are neither nor legal advice.

There will be no their discussion of,advisors orOpinions distribution of written to, specific products or investments at this Alternative are Individuals should consult with tax/legal before making anymaterials tax/legal-related investment asand Morgan Stanley andpresentation. itsreflect Financial Advisors do Investments not provide tax/ affiliated with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. expressed by the guest relating speakers are solelydecisions their own do not necessarily those of Morgan Stanley. speculative include a high degreeadvisors ofof,risk.

An investor lose all or arelating substantial amount of as his/her investment.

Alternative investments are appropriate only are for legal advice.

There will notax/legal discussion or before distribution ofcould written materials to, specific products or investments at its thisFinancial presentation.

Alternative Investments Individuals should and consult withbe their making any tax/legal-related investment decisions Morgan Stanley and Advisors do not provide tax/ qualified,There long-term investors whodegree areof,willing to forgo liquidity andmaterials put capital forspecific an indefinite period of time.

The at appropriateness of aAlternative particular orare strategy andwillinclude high of distribution risk.

An investor could lose allrelating orat arisk substantial amount of or his/her investment.

Alternative investments areinvestment appropriate only for legal speculative advice. be no adiscussion or of written to, products investments this presentation.

Investments will depend on an ainvestors investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. value andindefinite return of an invest-ment fluctuateinvestments with ofchanges market conditions.

This qualified, who are willing forgo liquidity and at risk for an period of time. Thewill appropriateness a particular investment or for strategy speculative andlong-term include high degree of risk.

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Alternative are inappropriate only presentation isinvestors for purposes only is notand to beobjectives. considered arisk solicitation onand our return part with respect to the purchase or sale of any securities, investments, strategies will depend on aninformational investor’s individual Principal of of antime. invest-ment will fluctuate changes in market conditions.

This qualified, long-term who are willing tocircumstances forgoand liquidity and put capital at for value an indefinite period The appropriateness ofwith a particular investment or strategy or products that may be mentioned.

The organizations represented by the aspeakers provided support this Forum.

Investments andsecurities, services through Morgan presentation isinvestor’s for informational purposes only and and is not to be considered solicitation on ourfinancial part withinvest-ment respectfor to the or salechanges of any investments, strategies will depend on an individual circumstances objectives.

Principal value and return of an will purchase fluctuate with in marketoffered conditions.

This Stanley Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC6177937 1/24 or products may be mentioned.

The organizations represented speakers financial support this Forum.

Investments and services offered through Morgan presentation isSmith forthat informational purposes only and is not to be consideredby a the solicitation onprovided our part with respect to theforpurchase or sale of any securities, investments, strategies Stanleythat Smith LLC. Member SIPC. CRC6177937 or products mayBarney be mentioned.

The organizations represented by the speakers provided financial support for this Forum. Investments and services offered through Morgan 1/24 Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC6177937 1/24

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR OBSERVER READERS

TRIBUTES

HAMILTON JEFFERSON

Jane Coxe Bassett Shellhamer Oaks 1932-2023 Jane Coxe Bassett Shellhamer Oaks passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN on December 20, 2023.

Jane was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert H. Shellhamer, Ph.D. who she married in 1955 and J. Howard Oaks, D.D.S. who she married in 1989 and also son-in-law David Emsweller. Jane is survived by her children Elizabeth Tysklind (Erik), Robert Shellhamer (Denise), Susan Emsweller, and Judith Kuhn (Mark), her eight grandchildren, Gunnar (Diana)and Christian Tysklind, Nathaniel (Monica)and Alexander Shellhamer, Duncan and Ethan Emsweller, and Logan Kuhn and Reilly (Aidan) Wojciehowski, and her three great-grandchildren Carson, Nora, and Liliana Tysklind.

She was born in New Haven, Connecticut on November 4, 1932 to Frederick H. Bassett and Josephine (Ne’ Coxe) Bassett. She lived in Philadelphia, PA, Rochester, NY, Columbus, OH, Chicago, IL, Indianapolis, IN, Carmel, IN, Bloomington, IN, Oak Ridge, TN, Long Island, NY and Longboat Key, FL. Jane’s educational journey included Tudor Hall for Girls, Indianapolis, IN, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN where she earned a Bache-

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Jefferson fought bitterly against

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served as the first

promoted an agrarian

Secretary of the

democracy built upon

Treasury, was like a

geographic expansion—

son to Washington and

an “empire of liberty.”

perhaps should have

Eventually he resigned

been like a brother to

as Secretary of State

Jefferson.

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Submitted by: Donna Brown

418345-1

Alexander Hamilton, the often

love of tennis, and have as many Nana Peanut butter Sundaes as you possibly can.

To her children: “Cheers” with a glass of Chardonnay or a Martini. A private family gathering is planned for the future. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the Class of 1969 Robert Shellhamer Scholarship fund at the Indiana University School of Medicine, c/o IU Foundation, PO Box 6460, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Arrangements entrusted to Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary.

Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.arnmortuary.com.

lor’s degree, and Methodist Hospital School of Medical Technology earning an MT (ASCP) degree. Professionally she worked at Ramey Tennis School, as a Medical Technologist, Area Manager for Leiter’s Designer Fabrics, and Weight Watchers.

Tennis was an important passion for Jane. She began playing tennis at age 8 and had played on several teams.

Jane had competed in many tournaments including the Mayor’s Cup Championship, Indianapolis, IN. She had a National Ranking as a senior player. She also enjoyed painting, sewing, knitting, reading, poetry, and letters-to-the editor. Jane’s volunteer activities included Girl Scouts, her Childrens’ schools, voting polls, and the Faculty Women’s Club of Indiana University School of Medicine. To her grand and great-grandchildren: watch your grammar, watch Jeopardy daily, develop your

417915-1

VS

Louis Masur is Board of Governors Distinguished Professor of American Studies and History at Rutgers University. He has been elected to membership of the American Antiquarian

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

17

TRIBUTES Phillip J. Kreis, Jr. 1934-2023

Pauline Martin 1940-2024

Hearts Forever in our

Phillip J. Kreis, Jr. of Sarasota, FL and formerly of Pittsburgh, PA and Longboat Key, FL passed away on December 18, 2023. Phillip (whose friends called him Phil or “Philby”) was born on June 29, 1934 in Union, NJ to Elizabeth Jahnke and Phillip J. Kreis, who worked as a butcher at the local A&P Supermarket.

Phil was a talented golfer, winning tournaments in high school and paying for tournament entry fees by caddying at a local country club. Phil graduated from Bucknell University in 1956 where he majored in economics. At Bucknell, Phil met his first wife, Nancy Brayman, while playing golf when he reputedly hit an “errant” golf shot over to Nancy’s fairway and the rest was history. After he served in the U.S. Army, Phil and Nancy moved to the Pittsburgh area as he started his career in the bridge building business with Brayman Construction, where he worked his entire career ending as President and retired in 1992. Phil also served on the boards of Constructors Assoc. of Western PA and General Contractors Association of PA. Phil had two children with Nancy, George and Phylliss, and, after losing her to

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print and online, a permanent record of a legacy your family will always cherish.

Hodgkin’s Disease in 1966, married Virginia Nichols in 1968, and welcomed a third child, John. Phil and Virginia divorced in1980 and he married Bettie Daily in 1983.

Phil and Bettie were married until 2004 when Bettie succumbed to cancer. His final love and long-time partner, Jane Perin, came into his life and they remained best friends and loving companions until Jane passed away in 2022. Phil established residency in Florida in 2010, after having spent winters on Longboat Key for many years. Phil and Jane loved to entertain as both were foodies and gourmet cooks.

An avid and accomplished golfer throughout his life, Phil was a member of Shannopin Country Club for 20 years, and was club champion twice in the mid-1960s.

He was an international member of Loch Lomond in Scotland, and a member at Oakmont Country Club

from 1977 to 2018. Over his golfing career, he had 6 holes in one and held a single digit handicap until he was well into his 70’s.

At the time of his death, Phil was living in Independent Living at Elance at Sarasota, where he enjoyed frequent visits with family.

Phil is survived by three children, George (Leanne) of Crownsville, MD; Phylliss Kreis Hill of Wellesley, MA and John (Caroline) of South Portland, ME; five grandchildren, Phillip, Katherine, Rey, Haven and Charlotte and one step-grandson, Graham. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on January 27, 2024 at 10:30 AM at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church on Longboat Key, FL. A live stream of the service will be available at http://www. revdavidmarshall.com/. The family welcomes donations in his memory to First Tee. https://firsttee.org/donate/

PROVIDED BY THE OBSERVER MEDIA GROUP

Pauline Martin, “The Lady with PAZZAZ” passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on January 4, 2024.

Born in Oshawa Ontario, Canada to Frank and Nora Baker. Wife of her beloved, surviving husband, Bill for 64 years. She is survived by her four children, Susan (Kenny, decd), Nancy (Bruce), Linda (Todd), and Peter (Joey) and her loving grandchildren, Sarah (Brian), George, Philip, and Olivia. Her great grandchildren are Dallas and Duke.

Her sister Beverley and late Brother Bill.

Pauline and Bill are true entrepreneurs, they built and grew two incredible businesses, one in Canada, and then the next one in Florida.

Pauline always put family first and loved every child with passion. She loved dogs

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WI LD

Call Adella at 941-366-3468, ext. 346; tributes@yourobserver.com or ask your funeral director for assistance.

Please Join Us in Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Close Encounters!

going

Submit your Loved One’s Obituary

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Experience

Come see what everyone’s

and horses, her beautiful dogs names were, Peppy, King, Duke, George, Gracie, Kramer, Clover, Ruby, and Sophie. She loved tennis and golf. She was a cub scout leader and a Beta Sigma Phi member. Pauline and Bill loved to travel the world from African safaris, riding donkeys in Peru and elephants in Tanzania. Pauline cherished her grandmother Margaret Teskey of Wellington, Ontario, Canada.

Her lifelong friend is Grace of Alberta Canada. Her sharp sense of humor and wit was amazing. She was almost always right about everything.

An incredibly strong woman who we will never forget, especially her laugh and her beaming smile. Donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital https:// shrinerschildrens.org

about!

On Friday, January 12, Temple Beth Israel will conduct a special Sabbath Service to commemorate the life of Dr. King and the close bonds between the Jewish community and the aspirations and accomplishments of the civil rights movement. The service begins at 5:30 pm, and Professor Stephen Whitfield, a leading scholar on American political and cultural history and Professor Emeritus at Brandeis University, will speak on Jewish Lawyers Against Racial Segregation: How They Changed America.

A highlight of the evening features a special presentation by Temple Beth Israel’s extraordinary choir, as they perform a host of civil rights songs that have stirred us all for so many decades and which so much reflects the Jewish commitment to faith, freedom and justice.

Get friendly with some flamingos. Take your picture with a parrot.

Touch a tortoise. Play with our fun-loving lemurs. Our animal interactions and private experiences let you get up close and personal with an assortment of new friends.

Make some lasting memories today!

Professor Stephen Whitfield

Sarasota's Favorite Family Attraction®

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SarasotaJungleGardens.com • 941.355.5305

TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL Sharing Values, Friendship, and Faith 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228

Questions: (941) 383-3428 www.longboatkeytemple.org

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Please share this special occasion with us in the spirit of community, friendship and justice.

18

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

New year, new members

T

emple Beth Israel hosted a welcome back party after its Friday service on Jan. 5.

Esther Emmerman led the committee that put together this dinner to welcome back snowbirds and welcome new members to Temple Beth Israel. They started the party with the Temple Beth Israel choir singing traditional Jewish songs. Then everyone sat down for a Greek dinner.

Co-presidents Marion Levine and Michael Boorstein welcomed 49 new members to the temple. New members were introduced to the community and received certificates representing their membership.

Photos by Petra Rivera

Rabbi Stephen Sniderman

— PETRA RIVERA

Anita Cohen

Judy and Allen Saden

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions

WORSHIP

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

• Live-stream at AllAngelsLBK.org to participate on-line

directory

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Mike and Jana Kreisberg

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

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.

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor

Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00 Women’s Bible Study: Wednesday @ 10:00

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

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

567 Bay Isles Rd, Longboat Key, FL

“Gospel Shorthand: The Christian Journey in 13 Words”

941-383-3428

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Kristen Connelly, Susan Goldfarb, Elise Galinsky and Barbara Pressman

longboatkeytemple.org

3 - S U N DAY S E R M O N S E R I ES I N JA N UA RY

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.

January 14, 21, and 28 • 10:00 AM Have you ever wished for a focused way to think about what it means to be Christian, or for a non-pushy way to talk about your faith with others?

Dr. Piermont has created “Gospel Shorthand: The Christian Journey in 13 Words” to address these needs. Each Sunday will reveal a few of the thirteen words, the key event in Scripture on which it is based, and the key way Christians respond to that event. Invite a friend!

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Longboat Key, Florida 34228 • 941-383-6491 416816-1

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org Wednesday Bible Study 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

WINTER CONCERT SERIES

Lord’s Warehouse hours are 9:00 - 1:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays

Sunday • January 14, 2024 • 2:00 PM

Sunday Worship

String Quartet Concert

9am & 11am

Join us for Fellowship & Coffee Hour at 10am

On Sunday, January 14, acclaimed violinist Stewart Kitts will bring his String Quartet to our first Winter Concert. Stewart has performed two popular recitals for us in the past. He has put together his group with three of the finest musicians in the Southeastern United States. This program promises to inspire, dazzle and deliver a complete range of musical emotions.

5pm

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Contemporary Style Message • Communion

40 North Adams Drive, Sarasota, FL • 941.388.1234

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church

Stewart Kitts Violinist

Sandy Kitts Violinist

Abby Collins Cellist

Would like to Welcome & Invite You, Your Family Members & Friends to Celebrate Mass with Our Parish Community MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, and 11:00 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.

Daniel Cortes Violinist

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

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CONCERTS & PARKING ARE FREE • VISITORS & RESIDENTS WELCOME

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

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

Classifieds 32 Games 31 Real Estate 29 Weather 31

JANUARY 11, 2024

YOUR NEIGHBORS

All in the family Father-daughter duo’s art show opens at Plymouth Harbor.

STAFF WRITER

F

ather-daughter duo Pamela Olin, 65, and Richard Olin, 89, use different media, but both love to tinker, and their new art exhibition at Plymouth Harbor showcases their hands-on talents with a collection of three-dimensional works.

“Expressions of Experience: Two Generations” is open daily 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Feb. 29 and brings together the worlds of father and daughter.

Pamela and Richard worked on this collection independently, but both of them focused on themes of movement and interaction for the viewer.

Pamela focuses on light and shadow to encourage interaction with the art. Richard incorporates electronics to engage the viewer with his experiences of aging and technology.

“It’s very special to share this with my dad,” said Pamela. “It’s a dream come true. Dad has only showed his work twice. He never pursued art as a career because when it was time for him to make those choices, it wasn’t really an option.”

MAKER’S ART

Though art often took a secondary role in his life, that did not stop Richard from exploring different media.

“I’ve always been a maker,” said Richard. “When I was a little kid, I was always fabricating things. As I got older, I drifted more into artistic things. By the time I was a teenager, I was building mobiles because I love things that move.”

Richard majored in art at Northwestern University but ended up taking over the family businesses, a pharmaceuticals company and an ice cream business. In his spare time, he was always creating. Richard has experimented with welding, sculpting and painting.

Richard’s latest art fascination revolves around two-part epoxy clay, to which Pamela introduced him. His pieces included in the show are made out of this material. Some pieces include motion-sensors or sound.

“It’s so much fun for me to see my work with enough space around it,” said Richard. “Otherwise, it is usually jammed into my own space. I love interacting with people browsing my art. I love to watch people’s reactions, usually positive or thoughtful.”

WELDER’S WORK

Similar to her father, Pamela has been creating from a young age, curious about how things work. Richard said she has been taking objects in their home apart, such as the oven, and putting them back together since she was 3 years old.

Inspired by her curiosity and her open-minded parents, she grew up experimenting with different art forms in her dad’s studio.

Pamela went to the Art Institute of Chicago, University of Wisconsin in Madison, Rhode Island School of Design and Columbia College in Missouri. Welding is her medium of choice, with 30 years of experience.

She is a nationally recognized sculptor who has shown her art all over the country.

In this collection, she focuses on family ties and the idea of how important tight-knit communities are. Pamela said it’s important that each of her pieces are touchable to make it a thought-provoking and interactive experience.

“The beauty of showing in Sarasota is that I live my daily life here,” said Pamela. “They are my community. I know my audience and they are able to know me. I’m approachable and I encourage that kind of interaction, so I love the direct feedback of a great audience.”

Pamela said that inspiration from

Courtesy image

her tight-knit family is a theme of the show. Both she and her father showcase the impact her late mother had on them.

Pamela said her mother maintained an open environment for each of her family members to grow into who they wanted to be. This created a loving and supportive dynamic through difficult times in Pamela’s life.

“My dad and I make art for ourselves, as opposed to making for a market, which is a luxury as an artist,” said Pamela. “We really put ourselves into everything we do through our latest art fascination or existential thought. We both love automa-

tion and technology and things that make noise. So it’s the most special thing to be able to share our perspectives together at such a great place. I feel like life is coming full circle.”

Richard and Pamela Olin

Petra Rivera

“Butterfly transition” by Richard Olin

Courtesy image

Pamela Olin works on metal for one of her pieces.

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PETRA RIVERA

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

Holly Parker, Beth Gotthelf and Chris Goodwin enjoy the 2022 Observer Challenge.

Longboat Key Specialist • FHE Beggins Enterprises

941.822.6165 (Mobile)

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

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gotlbk.com

File image

BACK IN SWING The Observer Challenge will serve up a tournament Jan. 19-21 that’s all about teamwork.

IF YOU GO

OBSERVER CHALLENGE RECEPTION When: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Jan. 18 Where: at Harry’s Continental Kitchens, 525 St. Judes Drive, Longboat Key Entry fee: $30 for guests

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

C

Welcome to Longboat Key. Watch the sun rise and see mainland lights at night from this 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.

AMAZING BAYFRONT RESIDENCE 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

PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR MORE DETAILS.

Nowhere but here.

Bobbie Banan

Steve Nursey

REALTOR, 5 Star Real Estate Agent

REALTOR, GRI

941.356.2659

941.356.7010

SteveNursey@michaelsaunders.com stevenursey.michaelsaunders.com

61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents Sarasota, FL 34236

ERS’ EXPECTATIONS GBOAT KEY Sellers’

Exceeding

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BobbieBanan@michaelsaunders.com bobbiebanan.michaelsaunders.com

Expectationson Longboat Key

JUST LISTED

Reduced Price

elebrating its 23rd anniversary this year, the Observer Challenge will be held Jan. 19-21 at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center.

Typically, more than 100 people play in the tournament. The format of the tournament is what brings people back each year, Tennis Center Manager Kay Thayer said.

Each team consists of two men and two women. They’ll play around five or six games before moving to the next round.

First, a team of four is matched against another team of four. The two men and two women from each team play doubles. In the next match, one woman and one man play a game of singles. The team’s other man and woman play mixed doubles.

“I think the format helps neutralize the levels,” said Thayer. “I have seen many times on paper, one of the teams, you may think, is not as good as the other team. Because of the format, if they play it correctly, they can win. So that is a neat aspect of the tournament. It’s not so cut and dry.”

The entry fee is $50. This includes the tournament fee, tournament

TOURNAMENT When: Jan. 19-21 Where: at Longboat Key Public Tennis Center, 590 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key Entry fee: $50 Info: Call 941-316-8367.

shirt, tennis balls, equipment and the fee for the opening party. The party will be held the night before as a way for people to mingle and view the bracket to see who they are up against. It is catered by Harry’s Continental Kitchens every year. To bring a guest to the party, the cost is $30.

“Everybody gets busy in their lives,” said Thayer. “When the season starts, you kind of get stuck at your own clubs and stuff. So, it brings everybody together. People love coming out to watch their friends play the league matches and everyone loves watching tennis. I think that’s more exciting for people than going out watching people that they don’t know.”

Turning

Your Dreams

into an ADDRESS

Reduced Price

...AND UNDER CONTRACT 2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR.

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

ON LONGBOAT KEY 1145 Gulf of Mexico Dr #505 EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS 3BD | 2BA | 1,819 SqFt | Direct Beachfront | New Impact Windows | 2,500,000 BUILD YOUR JUST LISTED DREAMHOME! ON LONGBOAT KEY ...AND JUST LISTED UNDER CONTRACT 540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE $

CANAL VACANTFRONT LAND LISTING KEY WEST STYLE HOME $3,400,000

PRIZED OAKS BAYFRONT FAIRWAY BAY 2326 HARBOUR DR. ...AND 3 BR | 2.5TOWNHOUSE BA | 2,282 SF UNDER CONTRACT $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092 1918 Harbourside Dr. #901

JUST LISTED

793 Jungle MLS# Queen Way Residential A4534178 4 BR | 3 BA | 2,688 SF Vacant Land MLS# A4535177 $2,100,000 | MLS #A4575835

3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,135 SF 2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR. ...AND 3 BR | 2.5$1,850,000 BA | 2,282 SF| MLS# A4588451

BUILD YOUR

$1,225,000 | MLS# Elevator A4550092 UNDER CONTRACT • Custom • Rich Custom Cherry • Custom-built home in • Large enclosure with DREAMHOME! Access to Every Level Cabinetry Throughout private natural setting heated pool & spa HARBOUR OAKS DR. • Deeded Large, Deep 2326 • Resort-like Amenities • Extensive wrap around • Private dock & Deeded 540 HARBOR CIRCLE 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF WaterCOVE Boat Slip porches & balconies Beach Access VACANT LAND LISTING BUILD YOUR $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092

3556 E. Forest Lake Drive, Sarasota

5 BR/3.5 BA Lake view and completely remodeled | $1,695,000.00

LAST SIX MONTHS

$3,400,000

DREAMHOME! Residential MLS# A4534178

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

New Listing

Vacant Land MLS# A4535177

540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE BUILD YOUR

2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. SOLD FOR $1,275,000

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

2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE SOLD FOR $1,310,000

580 BIRDIE LANE SOLD FOR $4,260,000

HOME SALES IN LAST SIX MONTHS

DREAMHOME! 540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLE VACANT LAND LISTING $3,400,000 Residential MLS# A4534178 Vacant Land MLS# A4535177

1115 Gulf of Mexico Dr #305

3BD | 2BA | 1,819 SqFt | Gorgeous views of the reflection pond | $13,000/month

$875,000 | MLS # A4592954

BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE 2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE

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

Julie Klick

READY TO BUY OR SELL?

818.416.2505

Maggie Hicks, Coldwell Banker maggiehicks201@gmail.com 941.321.1759

Longtime of Longboat Key with over 30 years of 941.780.6001 boat Key with overresidents 30 years of JulieKlick@michaelsaunders.com combined experience specializing in Longboat Key real estate.

LivingonLongboat.com zing in Longboat Key real estate.

Maggie has been a realtor for 30+ years and focuses on luxury residential real estate in South Florida.

941.780.6001

818.416.2505 BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE BeverlyStHilaire@michaelsaunders.com

BeverlySellsSarasota.com 818.416.2505

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

JULIE KLICK

941.780.6001

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

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Beverly St. Hilaire

JULIE KLICK

2BD | 2 BA | 1,392 SqFt | Beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico | $1,499,000

SEASONAL RENTAL

2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE 6TH FLOOR UNIT WITH GULF, CITY, ONE-LEVEL LONGBOAT KEY VILLA SOLD FOR $1,275,000 FOR $2,300,000 AND BAY VIEWS WITH BAYSIX VIEWSMONTHS HOMESOLD SALES INPARTIAL LAST L’Elegance On Lido Beach Harbour Oaks in Bay Isles 2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE 580 BIRDIE LANE 2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE 1800 Benjamin Franklin, A601 2143 Harbourside Dr., #1201 SOLD FOR $1,310,000 SOLD FOR $4,260,000 3 BR | 3 BA | 1,980 SF SOLD FOR $1,275,0003 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,224 SF SOLD FOR $2,300,000 $2,350,000 | MLS # A4587573

1135 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #303

BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE

818.416.2505

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Ste. 1 • Longboat Key, FL 34228

DEDICATED TO LUXURY REAL ESTATE Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

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580 BIRDIE LANE VACANT LAND LISTING SALES IN LAST$3,400,000 SIX MONTHS SOLD HOME FOR $4,260,000

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

21

#1 LONGBOAT KEY TEAM Michael Saunders & Company Follow on Instagram @LongboatLife

BENCHMARK RESULTS • STR ATEGIC MARKETING • PERSONALIZED SERVICE

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545 SANCTUARY DR #B406 | $2,295,000

3605 FAIR OAKS PL | OFFERED AT $1,895,000 This 4 bed/3.5 bath private corner lot residence located behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club offers volume ceilings, a heated pool, 2 ensuite guest bedrooms, dedicated laundry room, 2 car garage, a new roof and membership to the Bay Isles Beach Club.

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1085 GULF OF MEXICO DR #302 | $975,000

Y O TOR D S ON HI C Y F E PS AT K $ T O ES GB H G N HI LO N EI L SA

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1055 GULF OF MEXICO DR #205 | OFFERED AT $1,670,000 This is the lowest price PSF of all the direct beachfront Beachplace offerings in the largest 2 bedroom floor plan. Expertly renovated with tumbled marble. raised ceiling, quartz counters, impact windows, top of the line appliances and direct azure water views from almost every room.

MLS# A4571524

210 SANDS POINT RD #2603 | $2,712,500

I A N A DDY, PA

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W W W . L O N G B O AT L I F E . C O M

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

Comedy feast Comedian to bring Robin Williams to life in dinner show at Temple Beth Israel.

IF YOU GO TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL’S MEN’S CLUB DINNER AND COMEDY SHOW When: Jan. 14. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Temple Beth Israel.

Tickets — For dinner and the show: $75 for Men’s Club members; $80 for guests For the show only: $35 for Men’s Club members; $40 for guests. ­LongboatKeyTemple. org/Comedy

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

T

he next best thing to a Robin Williams comedy show is coming to Longboat Key. Robin Williams impersonator Roger Kabler will bring his nationally recognized stage tribute to the late actor and comedian to the inaugural Temple Beth Israel’s Men’s Club Dinner and Comedy Show.

The show will be held Jan. 14 at Temple Beth Israel.

Kabler has performed “The Ultimate Robin Williams Tribute Experience” all over the country. The actor-comedian grew up in Framingham, Massachusetts, performing in his local community theater with dreams of making it in Hollywood.

He found early on though that he had the ability to make people laugh, he said.

“When I was around 10, I would watch the TV show, ‘Copycats’ with my father,” said Kabler. “It was made up of all impressionists, and I loved it.

That’s when I first remember doing impressions. I would do Rich Little doing Richard Nixon and Columbo.

My mother would always say, ‘Please just leave me alone,’ but I started at a really early age.”

Living in both Hollywood and New York for many years in pursuit of his acting career, Kabler realized that his true calling was comedy. He worked in different cabaret shows, opening acts for groups and was on TV shows such as “The Carol Burnett Show.”

Courtesy images

Roger Kabler performing as Robin Williams

After roughly three decades of struggling to make it as an actor, Kabler decided to move back to his home state of Massachusetts to become a painter. During this time, he was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

“Shortly after I moved back to Massachusetts, that’s when it started to happen,” said Kabler. “I had always done Robin in my comedy act. When he died in 2014, I started to feel very haunted by him. I felt him experiencing life through me. It was scary. Then what happened was people are asking me if I would do a tribute.”

Kabler’s first show as “Robin Williams” was in December 2014 at a California casino. He said that first show helped him make the comeback he was trying to achieve for years. As a method comedian, Kabler said it felt like stepping aside and letting Williams do his work.

SEE WILLIAMS, PAGE 24

J.D., REALTOR ® , L BK COMMIS J . D. , R ESAIONER LTOR ® , LB K COM M I SSI ON E R J.D., REALTOR ® , LBK COMMISSION ER ®

J . D. , RE R EE A LTOR ,E L BK C OM DO M IE S S I ONE R P LY DO NE A Caribbean Coastal 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath home R E A L E STAT S I MPLY AL STAT SNE IM REAL SIMPLY DONE R EA L ESTAT E SIESTATE M P LY DO NE

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R E AL E STAT E SIMPLY D O N E Located on a peninsula at the end of Longview Dr. in • Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist • On Longboat Key since 2002 the Buttonwood Harbour Community, Longboat Key. • 35 years legal experience • On Longboat Key since 2002 • LBK Commissioner • 2020 Michael Saunders & Company This unique property features an Infinity Pool and Spa Memorial Hospital volunteer • Sarasota LBK Former Commissioner • Sarasota Memorial Hospital volunteer “Top Sales Associates” with a sun shelf and 170 ft of seawall on Cranes Bayou.

• • Recent in: Bay Isles-Harbor | • 2020 Michael Saunders & Company Recent sales sales Westway Dr. | • 35 years of legal experience Promenade | The Pearl | Tangerine Bay | Tangerine Bay | Emerald Pointe | “Top Sales Associates” Cathy C. Meldahl, P.A. Your Longboat Key Community Realtor • 2020 Masters Award Winner Sands Point | Fairway Bay | Harbour Villa Bayport | Longbeach • 2022 President’s Award Winner Club | Perico Bay | Longbeach Celebrating 50 YEARS of Living and Working on Longboat Key

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PROACTIVE & COLLABORATIVE FLAWLESS EXECUTION

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

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

JoDene Moneuse

LEIGHTON T. ALLENBY

239.537.4563

Leighton@LeightonAllenby.com www.LeightonAllenby.com FL Real Estate License SL3472211

New Cons truct ion

LONGBOAT KEY

$5,395,000 LONGBOAT KEY

$1,795,000

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

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

Spanish Main

Neighborhood Open House.

Join us on January 14, 2024!

From 12:00 - 3:00

Visit this beautiful property on Sunday to see four or more homes for sale.

LONGBOAT KEY

$1,250,000 LONGBOAT KEY

Build your dream home on canal front land in Longbeach Village! 521 Broadway St, Longboat Key

$850,000

Vacant lot in the Longboat Key Village

• 34 year Longboat Key Resident

• 2019-2022 Top Agent - Michael Saunders Mid Longboat Key office • 2019-2022 Five Star in Customer Service Award Winner • Institute for Luxury Home Marketing Million Dollar GUILD

941.302.4913 JoDeneMoneuse@michaelsaunders.com LongboatKeyLiving.com

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• Top 1.5% of Florida Realtors - Real Trends America’s Best Real Estate Agents

40 slip deep water marina; space for up to 40 ft vessel; electric and water. Condo community that lives like a single family home neighborhood Beautiful lush grounds and great neighbors!

Pet friendly, Amenities! Amenities! amenities! Deeded beach access, fishing, boating, kayaking, heated pool, Clubhouse with a plethora of activities.

55-plus community, purchase at any age and live here full-time at 50+ years.

Historic St. Armand’s minutes away with amazing restaurants and shopping | 20 minutes to downtown Sarasota | Affordable lifestyle that gives you milliondollar moments

OPEN HOUSES: MLS #A4590246 | 626 Spanish Dr S 2 bdrm 2 bath; 1,399 sq ft $450,000 MLS #A4583012 726 | 726 Spanish Dr N 2 bdrm 2 bath ; 1,093 sq ft $495,000 MLS #A4590909 | 564 Spanish Dr N 2 bdrm 2 bath; 1,399 sq ft $550,000 MLS #A4585691 | 730 Spanish Dr S 2 bdrm 2 bath; 1,405 sq ft $584,999 This is a multi-agent event.

PSA provided by Kim Friewald, REALTOR® & Sherrall Van Leeuwen, REALTOR® Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Sean Clark, REALTOR® Michael Saunders & Company

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Welcome home to this fabulous Longboat Key neighborhood Villa living at its best!

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Exceptional Service by your Neighborhood REALTOR®,

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

Leading the market in 2024!

23

NEW LISTING

Wishing you Happy 19,125,000 in Pending Resale VolumeHolidays and Peace in the New Year! $ 13,057,920 in Pending New Construction Volume $

NEW LISTING

TOP 0.5%

of 1.46M Realtors

Top Small Team Sarasota/Manatee Counties

$3+ Billion

OAKS - WEST OF THE TRAIL

Career Sales Volume

$1,795,000

360 NORTH POINT RD. | 3BR/3.5BA | 2,906 SQ FT | 2-Car DETACHED GARAGE New Construction | Rare Oversized Tropical Private Lot | High Ceilings | Fireplace Hurricane Impact Glass | Gas Cooking | Bosch Appliances | Tile & Wood Flooring Throughout

Top 100 Agents RealTrends — All Florida

6401 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE LONGBOAT KEY $5,875,000

54 Years

4BR/4BA | 3,037 SQ FT | 3-CAR GARAGE Custom Modern Masterpiece | 2022 Rebuild | Exquisite Outdoor Entertaining w/New Pool & Spa and Rooftop Lounge | Furnishings Available | Ready for Immediate Occupancy | All New Hurricane Impact Windows & Sliders | Full-Home Backup Generator

Combined Real Estate Experience

NEW LISTING

www.ackermansrq.com RYAN ACKERMAN (305) 205-7700

THE ACKERMAN GROUP

BARBARA ACKERMAN (941) 780-6045

GRAND FAIRWAY BAYBAY I - LONGBOAT KEY LONGBOAT KEY BAY BLVD., #112 $829,000 3060 GRAND | 3BR/2BA | 2,250 SQ FT

941.387.1820

$2,249,000

1922 HARBOURSIDE DR., #1101 | 2BR/2BA TOWNHOME Completely Updated | Fully Furnished | NW Corner Residence | Pet-Friendly Updated Kitchen & Baths | Finished A/C Bonus & Recreational Area | Private 2-Car Garage Socially Community Resort Style Amenities Wood Floors | Active Fireplace | Resort-Style| Private AmenitiesBeach Private Club Beach| Club Membership

NEW LISTING

GRAND BAY V - LONGBOAT KEY

CHEROKEE PARK WEST OF TRAIL

$975,000

$5,985,000

1655 SOUTH DRIVE $829,000 GRAND BAY V - LONGBOAT KEY $975,000 5BR/5 FULL BA & 4.5 HALF BA | 6,355 SQ FT 449 SOUTH | 2,564 1922 &HARBOURSIDE DR., #1101 | 2BR/2BA TOWNHOME 3080 GRAND BAY BLVD., 2 Large Private SHORE Terraces | DR. Rarely| 3BR/3BA Available Capri FloorSQ PlanFT | Floor-to-Ceiling Windows Sliders Luxury Estate Home | 2,000 Bottle Wine Room | Private Casita | Whole-Home Genera-#533 | 2BR/2BA | 1,413 SQ FT Minutes to Siesta Key ||Pet Large Glass Sliders Updated Kitchen & Baths | Finished A/C Bonus & Recreational 2 Large Private Terraces | Rarely Available Capri Floor Plan tor |Rear 3-Car Garage | Gourmet Cooks Kitchen | Resort Style Pool 15 FT Above Flood 2 Garage Parking Spaces Friendly | Sunrise & Sunset Views Impact Windows & Sliders| Fireplace Outdoor Lap Pool w/Waterfall | Quiet cul-de-sac Setting Area | Private 2-Car Garage | Wood Floors Floor-to-Ceiling Windows & Sliders | 2 Garage Parking Spaces

SORRENTO SHORES - MAINLAND 3080 GRAND BAY BLVD., #533 | 2BR/2BA | 1,329 SQ FT

$949,000

Spacious Family Room | Outdoor Covered Patio with Gas Grill

GRAND BAY I - LONGBOAT KEY

FAIRWAY BAY

Resort-Style Amenities | Private Beach Club Membership

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD., #112 3BR/2BA | 2,250 SQ FT Completely Updated | Fully Furnished | NW Corner Residence Fet-Friendly | Socially Active Community | Private Beach Club | Resort Style Amenities

$2,249,000

Pet Friendly | Sunrise & Sunset Views

GRAND BAY II - LONGBOAT KEY

3040 GRAND BAY BLVD., #221 3BR/3.5BA | 2,925 SQ FT Furnished | 2 Garage Parking Spaces | Wraparound Terrace | 10 FT Ceilings Pet-Friendly | Private Beach Club Resort Style Amenities

$2,375,000

PENDING SALE

CHEROKEE PARK - WEST OF TRAIL

$5,985,000

1655 SOUTH DR. 5BR/5 FULL BA & 4.5 HALF BA | 6,355 SQ FT Luxury Estate Home | 2,000 Bottle Wine Room | Private Casita Whole-Home Generator | Rear 3-Car Garage | Gourmet Cooks Kitchen | Resort Style Pool | 15 FT Above Flood

LAWRENCE POINTE - DOWNTOWN

101 SUNSET DR., #402 | 3BR/3BA | 2,179 SQ FT Updated | Quiet Downtown Location Low Condominium Fees | Under-Building Parking Unobstructed Sunset Views

$2,169,000

PENDING SALE PIERRE - LONGBOAT KEY

$4,750,000

455 LONGBOAT CLUB RD, PH #4 5BR/4.5BA + OFFICE l 1,100 SQ FT of TERRACE 17 FT Ceilings l Year-round Sunrises & Sunsets I 360 Degree Views of the Gulf, Bay, Downtown, Siesta Key & John Ringling Bridge I On-site Mgt, Guest Suites, Fitness & More

THE SEA BREEZE - SIESTA KEY

GRAND BAY II - LONGBOAT KEY

$2,375,000

3040 GRAND BAY BLVD., #221 | 3BR/3.5BA | 2,925 SQ FT Furnished | 2 Garage Parking Spaces | Wraparound Terrace 10 FT Ceilings | Pet-Friendly | Private Beach Club Resort Style Amenities

PENDING SALE $2,900,000

9008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 | 3BR/3.5BA | 3,700 SQ FT Private 2-Car Garage & Roof Top Terrace | Full-Floor Penthouse 10 FT Ceilings | 2 New A/C Units | Deeded Boat Dock

LAWRENCE POINTE - DOWNTOWN

$2,169,000

101 SUNSET DR., #402 | 3BR/3BA | 2,179 SQ FT Updated | Quiet Downtown Location | Low Condominium Fees Under-Building Parking | Unobstructed Sunset Views

ST. ARMANDS OFFICE LOCATION • 443 JOHN RINGLING BLVD., STE., F | SARASOTA, FL 34236

9008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 3BR/3.5BA | 3,700 SQ FT Private 2-Car Garage & Roof Top Terrace Full-Floor Penthouse | 10 FT Ceilings 2 New A/C Units | Deeded Boat Dock

$2,900,000

LONGBOAT KEY

$5,875,000

6401 GULF OF MEXICO DR. 4BR/4BA | 3,037 SQ FT | 3-CAR GARAGE Modern Masterpiece | 2022 Rebuild | Outdoor Entertaining w/New Pool & Spa and Rooftop Lounge | All New Hurricane Impact Windows & Sliders | Full-Home Backup Generator

PIERRE

$4,750,000

455 LONGBOAT CLUB RD., PH #4 5BR/4.5BA + OFFICE l 1,100 SQ FT of TERRACE 17 FT Ceilings l Year-round Sunrises & Sunsets I 360 Degree Views of the Gulf, Bay, Downtown, Siesta Key & John Ringling Bridge | On-site Mgt, Guest Suites, Fitness & More

ST. ARMANDS OFFICE LOCATION • 443 JOHN RINGLING BLVD., STE., F | SARASOTA, FL 34236

415549-1

THE SEA BREEZE

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

Home Maintenance Trusted

Williams FROM PAGE 22

Cleaning | Landscaping Home Watch | Storm Preparation & Various Other Services

Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

416947-1

414292-1

941-920-7065

coquinaservices@gmail.com

seitreporp esitrepxe stluser

YRANIDEXTRAORDINARY ROAEXTRAORDINARY RTXE

DELAVIRNU

Certified Residential Specialist LBroker-Associate ANOITPECXE

941.928.3559

properties expertise results

UNRIVALED UNRIVALED

t silaicep S lai tn edis eR defi it reC

e t a i c o s s A - r ek o r B EXCEPTIONAL EXCEPTIONAL

9553.829.149

MichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com moc.srednuasleahcim@notluoMle ahcMichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com iM

W NE

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W NE

G TIN LIS

“I’m alone in this world, but if we can share a laugh, then we are connected. If we can agree on something that’s funny, then we are brothers and sisters. That’s the thing that I have in common with him.”

845 LongboatevClub 65 Lighthouse dPoint irD tRoad nioP esuohthgiL 56 aoR bDrive ulC taobgnoL 548 Water Club Condo 19,300 SF | A4440615 $19,750,000 | A4438181 0 0 0,5on 9|7the ,3$Bay | 1#101 8183| Sarasota 4 4A | F|SBay 33Front 9,4 4,933 SF 0 0 0#707 ,057||,Longboat 9$3,795,000 1$ | 51Key 60 4| 4Gulf/Bay/City 4A | FS 0 0Views 3,91 2,325sf | 3BR | $4,450,000 | A4582024 T AC TR N O RC DE N U

2,965sf | $3,650,000 | A4593022

W NE

G TIN LIS

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2,585sf | 2BR + Den | $2,995,000 | A4589400

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416901-1

2,143sf | $1,399,000 | A4587667

In the nine years since, Kabler has performed “The Ultimate Robin Williams Tribute Experience” across the U.S. “Cindy Williams from ‘Laverne and Shirley,’ she saw me do a part of the show in Los Angeles,” said Kabler.

“She hugged me and said, ‘I feel Robin.’ That was an amazing experience for me because I know she was very close with him. That was very valuable to me to know that a few of his peers that know me and know what I’ve been doing have been very, very supportive.”

In 2023, he did around 30 shows.

He plans to go on a seven-show tour around Florida this year. He also produced and starred in a 2022 film called “Being Robin,” touching on how he is connected with Robin Williams through acting out different scenes in both Williams’ and his own life.

Kabler explained that he has studied all the material he could find to figure out what made Williams tick.

He watched Williams in interviews and on talk shows to learn about his thought process and better understand his improvisational skills.

Kabler said he tries to understand the psychology, heart and soul of each character he plays.

“Robin was a mime, so I had to incorporate that in the way,” said Kabler. “When you watch him, you’re pretty much watching a mime with a

—Roger Kabler

Courtesy image

Roger Kabler as Robin Williams

motormouth. I tried to take note of all his movements.”

“The Ultimate Robin Williams Tribute Experience” is broken into two parts.

Kabler explained that in the first part the audience is seeing Robin Williams live. Kabler does some of his most famous comedy routines. In the second part of the show, Kabler does impressions of other celebrities and his own comedy sketches.

He said in the second part he can play himself after letting “Williams” perform in the first part.

“Both me and Robin have a need to be seen and heard,” said Kabler. “It’s a need for attention. It’s very hard for me to just sit and be quiet while other people talk. I do need the attention, but not just for the ego, but to make a connection with you. I’m alone in this world, but if we can share a laugh, then we are connected. If we can agree on something that’s funny, then we are brothers and sisters.

That’s the thing that I have in common with him.”

Thrilling NEW Adventures Await!

SOLD

JUNGLE PLUM ROAD SIESTA KEY - $9,300,000

Zip•Climb Swing•Soar The Ground Is Overrated BRADENTON

Text 941-322-2130 www.TreeUmph.com

Swing In and See What’s NEW! • Choose Your Adventure • Double the Thrills • 13 New Games and Challenges • New Action-Packed Ticket Options

ZIP INTO 2024 WITH OUR LIMITED-TIME SPECIAL OFFERS! Cell. 941-350-8083 chris.wetzig@premiersir.com www.chriswetzig.com

$81 OFF*

ANGELA WETZIG

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

CHRISTOPHER WETZIG TEAM Your Longboat Key Real Estate Experts

ANNUAL PASSES

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CHRIS WETZIG

Fly all year for a fraction of the price!

Regularly $280 – Now just $199! * Offer ends Jan 31, 2024. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

SAVE 15%*

ON ADVENTURES TO CLIMB ON JANUARY 13TH–15TH * Use promo code MLK2024 and save 15% for adventures to climb on Jan 13, 14 and 15, 2024. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

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24

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

25

WATER

on the

Reid MuRphy PResents

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

LONGBOAT KEY BAY ISLES HARBOR $ 9,595,000

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

NEW PRICE

NEW LISTING

NEW PRICE

LONGBOAT KEY EN PROVENCE

LONGBOAT L’AMBIANCE

LONGBOAT KEY GRAND BAY

$

4,935,000

$

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

4,195,000

$

Fourth floor 2BD/3BA Sunset & panoramic views of Gulf & beach. East terrace views of the Bay & downtown. Fully furnished, available immediately. Private elevator, floor to ceiling windows. Two car parking. Resort style amenities.

Rarely available, Building 4 w/southern exposure. 3BR/3.5BA +4th bunk bedroom, totally renovated with designer features plus new furniture.

2,195,000

LONGBOAT KEY DEEP WATER

LONGBOAT KEY BOATERS DREAM

$

2,795,000

$

$

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

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.

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.

LONGBOAT KEY BOATERS DREAM

2,500,000

2,395,000

NEW PRICE

LONGBOAT KEY

$1,945,000

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 WESTCHESTER

1,200,000

$

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.

for a successful real estate experience!

941.232.3304

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

REIDMURPHY.COM

416737-1

LONGBOAT KEY DEEP WATER

YourObserver.com

YOUR CALENDAR

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

Cindy Fischer

Exclusive Island Properties

2410 CASEY KEY ROAD $3,895,000

SATURDAY, JAN. 13

HOW TO SECURE AND SAFEGUARD YOUR DEVICES 1-4 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Learn how to protect your privacy, troubleshoot and avoid scams.

Bonnie Hammer, computer consultant, covers both Android and Apple devices. Open to all levels of proficiency. Members $30; nonmembers $35. Call 383-8222 or email EdCenter@LongboatKeyTemple.org.

FOUNDATION TRAINING From 2-3:30 p.m. at Whitney’s, 600 Bay Isles Road. Free. Dr. Eric Goodman, the creator of Foundation Training, will lead this event. Foundation Training focuses on empowering individuals through strengthening core muscles and improving body posture. It is particularly beneficial for seniors, offering a great way to enhance mobility and maintain an active lifestyle. To register, visit https://bit.ly/LBKFT. MARKET ON THE KEY 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road. The Market on Longboat Key returns the second Monday of each month through April with live music and vendors. Follow The Market on Longboat Key or Markets by Nancy on Facebook 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 upon your arrival. Call 289-4141.

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,186 Sq. Ft.

680 BROADWAY STREET $2,150,000

RECURRING EVENTS MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

3 Beds 4 Baths 2,009 Sq.Ft.

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

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

PUMPING THE PRIME: CARDIO, STRENGTH & STRETCH 10 a.m. at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center. This low-impact class helps burn calories and increase stamina. It also includes strength exercises for a total body workout.

Participants should be able to get

7030 POINSETTA AVENUE $1,975,000 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,402 Sq.Ft.

BEST BET TUESDAY, JAN. 16

POP-UP LIBRARY 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road. The Sarasota County PopUp Library will be on location in the back parking lot of Town Hall the first and third Tuesday of each month. Call 861-5475.

FRIDAY, JAN. 12

MONDAY, JAN. 15

File image

down on the floor and get up readily.

(Please bring a towel.) Runs until the end of April/May 2024. Classes are $10 for rec center members; $15 for nonmembers. Contact Mirabai Holland at Mirabai@­MovingFree.com.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS

LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT STORE The thrift store will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Donations are accepted during business hours. Call 383-4738.

MONDAYS

ZUMBA & TONING 10 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Taught by Reena Malik, this class begins with 30 minutes of zumba and finishes with mat Pilates for flexibility and core strengthening. Free for members; $15 for nonmembers.

TUESDAYS

AT THE MOVIES 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Members $95; nonmembers $105. Join Gus Mollasis, professional movie maven and film columnist, for a cinematic adventure. Join anytime on a prorated basis. Call 383-8222.

AVAILABLE $3,325,000

6960 POINSETTA AVENUE $815,000 3606 Fair Oaks PL | A4555331 4 Bedrooms, Bay Front in Queens Harbour, Longboat Key

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,461 Sq.Ft.

AVAILABLE $1,850,000

SOLD

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

5131 JUNGLE PLUM ROAD $9,330,000

AVAILABLE $1,399,900

SOLD

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

6957 LONGBOAT DRIVE $2,575,000

Dennis Girard

CindyFischer.com CindyFischer@michaelsaunders.com 440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228

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

416935-1

Broker Associate

941.465.1124

417066-1

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

27

REAL ESTATE BY A REAL EXPERT NO REALTOR HAS EVER LISTED OR SOLD MORE LONGBOAT KEY PROPERTIES

SCAN FOR MORE

SCAN FOR MORE

JUST LISTED!

NEW PRICE! VILLA DI LANCIA • 2185 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #211 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,999,000 3BR/3BA • Walkdown to beach • Gulf views

3521 BAYOU POINTE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $4,350,000 3BR/4.5BA • 2,039 SF • 3,687 SF • Waterfront with Dock

SCAN FOR MORE

SCAN FOR MORE

3408 WINDING OAKS DRIVE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,195,000 2BR/2.5BA • 2,039 SF • Completely updated • Private Pool

SCAN FOR MORE

HIDEAWAY BAY • 700 HIDEAWAY BAY LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL $3,295,000 3BR/3.5BA • 3,306 SF • Waterfront • Easy access to bay

SCAN FOR MORE

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES • 520 CHIPPING LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $5,975,000 5BR+OFFICE/4.5BA • 4,412 SF • Waterfront • Built in 2022

5757 GULF OF MEXICO DR.,# 102 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 2BR/2BA • 1,561 SF • First Level • Steps to the beach • $1,295,000

SCAN FOR MORE

SCAN FOR MORE

GRAND BAY V • 3080 GRAND BAY BLVD., #532 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $849,000 2BR/2BA • Views of the golf course, and Sarasota Bay

SCAN FOR MORE

THE ATRIUM • 2110 HARBOURSIDE DR., #543 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,350,000 3BR/2BA • Direct Bay front views • Updated

SCAN FOR MORE

QUEENS HARBOUR • 3520 FAIR OAKS LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,995,000 3BR+DEN/3BA • 2,902 SF • Separate casita for guests

SCAN FOR MORE

GRAND BAY I • 3060 GRAND BAY BLVD., #153 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,999,500 3BR/3.5BA • 2,550 SF • Full floor • Direct Bay views

SCAN FOR MORE

FAIRWAY BAY • 1932 HARBOURSIDE DR., #224 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $659,000 2BR/2BA • 1,192 SF • Bay & City views • Excellent value

SCAN FOR MORE

THE ATRIUM • 2110 HARBOURSIDE DR., #538 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,429,000 3BR/2.5BA • 2,616 SF • Bay & City views • 3 Terraces

SCAN FOR MORE

SANDS POINT • 100 SANDS POINT RD., #211 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,495,000 Gulf views • 2BR/2BA • Within the gates of the Longboat Key Club

LIDO SHORES • 1130 CENTER PLACE • SARASOTA, FL • $2,290,000 13,000 SQ. FT. +/- Lot • Situated in the iconic school of architecture enclave

Bruce Myer

REALTOR®

941.376.5311

Bruce@BruceMyer.com • www.BruceMyer.com

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

FOR THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF EXCLUSIVE LONGBOAT KEY LISTINGS...

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR

417356-1

: LONGBOAT KEY FOR SALE

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

LONGBOAT KEY 876 Tarawitt Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,894 Sq. Ft. Brian Loebker & Jonathan Abrams 941-735-4393 A4564430 $5,850,000

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

LAKEWOOD RCH 8507 Pavia Way 5 Beds 5/1 Baths 4,185 Sq. Ft. Ann Martin & Joanna Benante 941-356-7717 A4592845 $3,500,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 545 Sanctuary Drive B406 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,375 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4576305 $2,295,000

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 370 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 432 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 2,900 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4588006 $2,100,000

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

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

LONGBOAT KEY 3605 Fair Oaks Place 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,713 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy & Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4578278 $1,895,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1918 Harbourside Drive 901 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,135 Sq. Ft. Julie Klick 941-780-6001 A4588451 $1,850,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1145 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 502 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,392 Sq. Ft. Debra Pitell-Hauge & Lisa Sebastian 941-356-0437 A4584859 $1,699,000

LONGBOAT KEY 610 Russell Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,688 Sq. Ft. Matthew Voss 941-237-0877 A4586583 $1,699,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1055 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 205 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,503 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4571524 $1,670,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 1075 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 101 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,172 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4592865 $1,500,000

LONGBOAT KEY 690 Longview Drive 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,645 Sq. Ft. Mackenzie Longueuil & Pat Mudgett 941-961-4023 A4586141 $1,495,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3040 Grand Bay Boulevard 214 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,369 Sq. Ft. Michael Nink, Pa 941-914-2805 A4592876 $1,475,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2295 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 115 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,235 Sq. Ft. Michael Nink, Pa & Sandi Layfield 941-914-2805 A4587000 $1,299,000

LONGBOAT KEY 569 Bayview Drive The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4594313 $1,250,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 3540 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 102 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,284 Sq. Ft. Camille Buck 941-894-4771 A4593069 $795,000

LONGBOAT KEY 619 Cedars Court 1 Bed 2 Baths 1,244 Sq. Ft. Simone Schaerf & Diane Fogo Harter 941-260-1550 A4584103 $650,000

LONGBOAT KEY 600 Sutton Place 303 2 Beds 2 Baths 992 Sq. Ft. JoDene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4592570 $625,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 648 Bayview Drive The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4569059 $4,495,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 416623-1

28

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

REAL ESTATE

Longboat Key home sells for $1.25 million

29

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home on Longboat Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Mark and Shanna Thompson, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 762 Jungle Queen Way to Danny and Danielle Madole, of Longboat Key, for $1.25 million. Built in 1970, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,714 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.25 million in 2023.

Petra Rivera

Mark and Shanna Thompson, of Longboat Key, sold their three-bedroom home at 762 Jungle Queen Way to Danny and Danielle Madole, of Longboat Key, for $1.25 million.

SEAPLACE

Rand Stack and Constance Pollak Stack, of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, sold their Unit M1-304-J condominium at 2045 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Maya Schon, of Longboat Key, for $1,175,000. Built in 1974, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,532 square feet of living area. It sold for $482,500 in 2016.

ST. ARMANDS TOWERS NORTH

Mary Ginsberg, of New York City, sold the Unit 61 condominium at 1 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Ian Knight and Andrea Claudia Knight, of Menlo Park, California, for $1.15 million. Built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,389 square feet of living area. It sold for $595,000 in 2009.

Image courtesy of Michelle Musto

This condominium at 2045 Gulf of Mexico Drive has three bedrooms and two baths and recently sold for $1,175,000.

Image courtesy of Doug Parks

Mary Ginsberg, of New York City, sold the Unit 61 condominium at 1 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Ian Knight and Andrea Claudia Knight, of Menlo Park, California, for $1.15 million.

In with the new

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

DEC. 25-29

NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Dec. 29-Jan. 4 in order of dollar amounts.

LONGBOAT KEY Address

Permit

Applicant

635 Jungle Queen Way

New Con — Res

Luigi Matteucci

$1,100,000

Amount

3361 Bayou Gate

Re-roof

Robert And Janice

$139,840

Stone Revocable Trust

6040 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Dock/Seawall/Lift

David Miller

7065 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Alt/Renovation

Jdkracl Properties LLC $101,000

3342 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Windows/Doors

Harry Fryckberg

$91,237

4454 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Longboat Harbour

$76,540

$110,000

Unit 22

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

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

Owners 572 Cutter Lane

Dock/Seawall/Lift

De Kock Family Trust

$47,370

350 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Windows/Doors

David J Moore

$31,624

#238

Living Trust

1945 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Windows/Doors

William Pollak

$30,908

6321 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Demo

Robert Glanville

$24,350

549 Cutter Lane

Plumbing

Kristian Gibson

$21,750

#501

Alt/Renovation 2381 Harbour Oaks Drive

Windows/Doors

Klaus Tenter

$19,654

6700 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Windows/Doors

Bryan Roberts

$17,064

Mechanical

3080 Gulf Of

$15,960

A/C Change Out

Mexico LLC

549 Cutter Lane

Mechanical

Kristian Gibson

$13,000

2055 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Mechanical

Constantine Nanos

$8,667

#304

A/C Change Out

7175 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Mechanical

Andrew Aronson

$7,900

Robert McSparren

$7,851

Lee Disnoff

$7,400

Douglas Boynton

$7,145

Unit 135 3080 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

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

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

Alt/Renovation

A/C Change Out Mechanical

Unit 206

A/C Change Out

3425 Winding Oaks Drive

Mechanical

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

A/C Change Out 4500 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Mechanical

Unit 301

A/C Change Out

Prices as of November 2023

Source: Town of Longboat Key

416627-1

Unit 21 4500 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

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

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

30

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

3500 Bayou Louise Lane | Siesta Key $11,500,000 5 bed, 5.5 bath | 6,300 Sq Ft

2251 Gulf of Mexico Dr. 204 | Aria - LONGBOAT KEY | $9,995,000

Location, Location, Location - This gated estate on the northern tip of Siesta Key offers Gulf of Mexico views, a pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, boat lift, sports area, main level with bedrooms, library, chef's kitchen, elevator, and a 4-car garage. www.3500BayouLouise.com

Aria's modern, gulf-front corner residence features a gourmet kitchen, private 3400 sq ft terrace with infinity pool, summer kitchen, 4-5 car garage, social room, guest suite, fitness center, and on-site management. www.Aria204.com

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

55 Lighthouse Point | Longboat Key | $8,900,000

JU

ST

LI

ST

ED

A gated enclave of 16 luxury homes on the southern tip of Longboat Key, featuring this 6,159 sqft residence with 5 bedrooms, 2 flex rooms, 4 ½ baths, a resort-style outdoor area, and a boater's paradise with direct gulf access, almost new, luxurious amenities, all within Sarasota, Florida's cultural hub. www.55Lighthouse.com

2185 Gulf of Mexico Dr #214 | Longboat Key $2,350,000

2 bed, 2 bath | 2,180 Sq Ft Updated home features 2 bedrooms + flex room, 2 bathrooms, a living area of 2,180 sq ft.. Country Club Shores is known for its prime location near waterways and golf amenities. Southern Longboat Key with Deeded Beach Access. www.1180Bogey.com

3 bed, 3 bath | 2,448 Sq Ft Sunsets - walk down private stairs to beach & pool. This magnificent 3bedroom, 3-bathroom residence sprawls over 2,448 sq ft, showcasing breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico from the oversized terrace. www.VillaDiLancia214.com

RE

D

U

CE

D

1180 Bogey Lane | Longboat Key $1,200,000

Better than new two-bedroom, two-bath residence, impressive new finishes and features. Fitness center, pool & tennis.

LoriDEEDED LawsonBEACH

*** MOTIVATED SELLER - will entertain all reasonable offers *** www.1930HarboursideDr122.com

JUDY

3060 Grand Bay #122 | Longboat Key $1,200,000 3 bed, 3 bath | 2,250 Sq Ft This corner bay-view home boasts wrap-around terraces, 9-ft ceilings, 2 bedrooms plus a study or third bedroom with an en-suite. Deeded beach access, and Grand Bay's elite amenities: warm pools, fitness hub, tennis, security. 2 Pets welcome, no size limit. www.GrandBay122.com

We sincerely hope it was an exceptional holiday for you and your family, and as always, we thank you for being part of our success.

418023-1

1930 Harbourside Dr. #122 | Fairway Bay $899,000 2 bed, 2 bath | 1,192 Sq Ft

YourObserver.com

31

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, JAN. 12

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

High: 74 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 55%

Thursday, Jan. 11

7:21a

5:54p

Friday, Jan. 12

7:21a

5:55p

Saturday, Jan. 13

7:21a

5:56p

Sunday, Jan. 14

7:21a

5:57p

SATURDAY, JAN. 13

Monday, Jan. 15

7:21a

5:58p

High: 65 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 24%

Tuesday, Jan. 16

7:21a

5:58p

Wednesday, Jan. 17

7:21a

5:59p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, JAN. 14 High: 65 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 6%

Jan. 11 New

Jan. 17 First

Jan. 25 Full

Feb. 2 Last

TIDES Highs Lows

Donna Brown took this photo of a sunset at Longbeach Village on Longboat Key.

Thursday, Jan. 11

—

11:07p

7:13a

—

Friday, Jan. 12

—

2:53p

7:57a

5:49p

Saturday, Jan. 13

12:01a

3:07p

8:38a

7:00p

Sunday, Jan. 14

12:57a

3:25p

9:18a

8:15p

Monday, Jan. 15

1:57a

3:46p

9:54a

9:36p

Tuesday, Jan. 16

3:05a

4:12p

10:27a

11:03p

Wednesday, Jan. 17

4:29a

4:42p

10:57a

—

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

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

The Grounded Feeling Everyone will Enjoy

celebrity cipher

©2023 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

37 Public health agcy.

1 Chews on, like a dog with 40 Fencing equipment 42 “Paprika and vinegar? a bone Radical Filipino food!”

8 ___ Raton, Florida 44 Pirate’s plunder 12 Bitter beer ingredients 16 Tale’s bump in the road? 46 Whistle alternative 47 Fight 17 Continental cash 18 “Old MacDonald” refrain 48 Magically disappear 20 “The Indian vindaloo is so 49 The best 51 Used up rich and colorful!”

53 Ripped 22 On fire 55 On the ___ (fleeing) 24 Discolor 58 “The Japanese soy-and25 Shade trees 26 Symbol for some social citrus mix is top-notch!”

60 “The Oaxacan chilimovements 28 Bill who is known as the and-chocolate combo is astonishing!”

“Science Guy” 64 Divided, as windows 29 “Good grief!”

65 Dazzles 31 “Friends” friend 34 Transcendentalist author 66 Lanyards and collage 67 Robust of “Nature”

97 “The Cantonese sweet70 Commotion 71 Delicately thin pancakes and-salty glaze is extraordinary!”

72 Repeat aloud 100 Govt. mail agency 73 Songbird 102 Cost 75 Necklace made of links 103 All at once 77 “The milkiness of this 104 Loving refusal Mexican offering is stunning!”

106 Month with V-Day 79 “Indonesian spicy relish 108 Yank’s rival got game!”

109 Surveys 84 Home of “The Golden 111 Sets up an unfair title Bachelor” bout?

85 Redline, for example 113 Bob Marley, for one 86 Landfill site 117 Singer Keys 87 “Later!”

120 “The Italian basil paste 88 George Takei’s “Star Trek” ran away with it!” role, in brief 124 Express contempt 92 ___-Wan Kenobi 125 Cursive alternative 94 Vehicle that might be 126 Alumni gatherings articulated 127 Admission figs.

96 Move quickly 128 “Now!”

“AH IELWC O GOZ PT URN JCOBCNA SRZB HX LCCL RN SRBC IELWRZW AUC FHJCX HK AUC HVCOZ PT HZC JOMC.” CSMRN FXCNSCT

“ZKR LFZ EKM BEKY OM, VRM FM MIT UFP TEN KU NTJCFOP, MITPT OJ F YIOMT ASTFPOEX YITPT KET OJ FSLKJM IFCCZ.” HKFE VFTG

“MSPHEZ BI NLK VRK XHRAC SM CL KL ZLNR, VH YLSEK VRJH OSC LSP VHRKM GHVBAK LSP FAHHM.”

PLK MCHYRPC

Puzzle Three Clue: L equals O

“Vacationland” 61 Seasonal McDonald’s DOWN sandwich 1 Abundant supply 62 Places for Wizards and 2 Director and writer Ephron Warriors to duel 3 Heart parts 63 Nuke 4 From where 67 Often-conjugated word 5 Maritime plea 68 Activity with crampons 6 Suisse peak and axes 7 “Please, go on!”

69 Wheel part 8 Compadre 70 “Pinocchio” director 9 Unrefined type?

Guillermo 10 Informal discussion 71 College grounds 11 Italian city known for 72 Classic TV brand sparkling wine 73 Crumple 12 Visualization of data by 74 Ballpark fig.? color 75 Fort Collins sch.

13 Cure for creakiness 76 Fast-food standards 14 Architect I.M. 78 Grammer of 2023’s 15 Breathing, a pulse and “Frasier” eye movement 80 Was ahead 16 Mac competitors 81 Tiny solar panel, of sorts 17 Trap 82 Bronte heroine Jane 19 “What a card!”

83 Number of concern to 21 Angsty music genre the Fed 23 Hamiltons 86 French philosopher Denis 27 Arizona resort town 89 SAT checkers?

30 Canadian speed meas.

90 Member of the fam 32 Altar words 91 Ousts an incumbent 33 Rural cattle place 93 Where dreams are made?

35 Environmental prefix 95 Screen rating? (Abbr.)

36 Animated movie about a 97 Wife of Zeus blue macaw 98 First-year law students, 37 Short video in slang 38 Extinct bird 99 Supplement 39 Brothers behind “The Big 101 Peaceful Lebowski” 105 Have a bug 41 Home of the Oregon 107 Bathtub for a baby Ducks 110 “House” actor Omar 43 Fairy tale monsters 112 Slow-cooker dish 45 “Looney Tunes” devil, 114 Clog, for example familiarly 115 Theater award 50 Nyong’o of “Black Pan116 Kitten picture exclamather: Wakanda Forever” tions 52 “Don’t worry about it,” 118 Acquire, slangily in text 119 Glass of “This American 54 Cheer for a matador Life” 56 Picnic pests 121 One-named “Chande57 Booker T. & the ___ lier” singer 59 More wan 122 Incendiary letters 60 State sometimes called 123 Color tint

129 Todd of Broadway

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: X equals G

AWESOME SAUCE! by Michael Weinerman, edited by Jeff Chen

Puzzle One Clue: P equals B

crossword

417953-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

© 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

1-11-24

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM

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CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

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1 yr lease minimum.

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941-504-1492 Bring your boat & sail away!!

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

Call 941-383-3338.

Help Wanted

RECUMBENT CATRIKE 700.

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RETAIL SALES Full or part time Women's clothing, jewelry, housewares.

You’re only cheating yourself.

Sporting Goods

peekers’ place

jobs

WANTED TO BUY Vintage Costume Jewelry, porcelain, pottery, art. Jane M. (941) 356-1568

TREASURES FOUND HERE!

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

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

Visa/MC

2 Bed Condo Full Gulf Views$749,900

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE

Merchandise Wanted

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Wagner Realty

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Between

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This week’s Crossword answers

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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “To judge a man by his weakest link or deed is like judging the power of the ocean by one wave.”

Elvis Presley Puzzle Two Solution: “You may not know it, but at the far end of despair, there is a white clearing where one is almost happy.”

Joan Baez Puzzle Three Solution: “Surely if God had meant us to do yoga, He would have put our heads behind our knees.”

Rod Stewart

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2024 Universal Uclick

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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.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

7652 SANDERLING ROAD

$9,995,000

This spectacular Siesta Key beach home is a one-of-a-kind experience! Directly overlooking the coastal landscape of the Gulf of Mexico, this private estate rests on more than an acre, with 172’ of beach! Designed to highlight the sparkling Gulf and striking sunset vistas you can enjoy from any room of this gorgeous beachfront estate. www.7652Sanderling.com

ROGER SELLS LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES

1325 WESTWAY DRIVE

$15,000,000

Step into this deep-water, modern Lido Shores escape through the hidden tropical courtyard that connects the 3BR main home to a private 2BR guest house, as the perfect introduction to a contemporary direct bayfront masterpiece. www.1325Westway.com

97 SOUTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

$10,995,000

Situated on a double corner lot location, spanning more than a half-acre, this impressive 5BR residence is set among lush greenery on the deep waters of Sarasota Bay, just a few sunny steps from famed St. Armands Circle. www.97SouthWashington.com

5005 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #3

$10,995,000

A newer gem completed in 2020, this 5BR furnished beachfront home seamlessly blends modern innovation with the allure of West Indies-inspired architecture. Includes 5-car garage. Walk out to the beach in your backyard! www.BonaireLBK3.com

HUNTERS POINT

1111 RITZ CARLTON DRIVE #1703 This 3BR, bayfront Ritz-Carlton penthouse is offered completely furnished, and is the ideal city escape. Includes 2 parking spaces! www.TheResidences1703.com

$3,999,000

7180 MANASOTA KEY ROAD 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

$3,895,000

455 LONGBOAT CLUB RD #305 Prepare to be captivated by Gulf and sunset views as soon as you enter this perfectly placed 3BR, direct beachfront Pierre residence. www.Pierre305.com

$1,799,000

$1,450,000

Relish the convenience of brandnew construction at this stunning 3BR waterfront residence. www.HuntersPointFL.com

4322 MARINA VIEW WAY

12511 GULF BREEZE TERRACE

Panoramic direct views of the bay, golf course and downtown are the star of the show as soon as you enter this 3BR Antigua getaway. www.GrandBay346.com

$1,350,000

$1,350,000

1350 MAIN STREET #1701

3030 GRAND BAY BLVD #346

$2,499,000

$2,495,000

$2,345,000

Move right into this newer downtown penthouse in the heart of the city! Includes 2 parking spaces and separate storage unit. www.1350Main1701.com

4227 MARINA VIEW WAY

$3,295,000

3464 MISTLETOE LANE

You’ll love the contemporary updates, boating access and private beach club at this 4BR direct bayfront Corey’s Landing residence. www.3464MistletoeLane.com

4337 MARINA VIEW WAY

The pinnacle of modern luxury living is found at this brand-new, 3BR, furnished waterfront home. www.HuntersPointFL.com

You will love the option of choosing your own finishing touches at this brand-new contemporary 3BR home! www.HuntersPointFL.com

Sustainability marries perfectly with green living at this brand-new 3BR home in the heart of Cortez. www.HuntersPointFL.com

990 BLVD OF THE ARTS #603

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD #152

1105 GULF OF MEXICO DR #404

1712 WORRINGTON STREET

1826 HAWKINS COURT

$2,375,000

$1,495,000

$1,299,000

$1,249,000

$1,100,000

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

This bayfront, 5th-floor Biscayne at Grand Bay offers 2,250 SF, and is ready for you to make your own. www.GrandBay152.com

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

Nestled West of the Trail, within biking distance to downtown this newer family home is move-in ready. www.1712Worrington.com

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

6910 SCRUB JAY DRIVE

1920 LAUREL STREET

1974 HYDE PARK STREET

2437 TEMPLE STREET

225 SANDS POINT RD #6105

$1,049,000

$995,000

$799,000

$749,000

$725,000

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

Create your own city dream escape at this oversized parcel in Sarasota’ s historic district, walk to downtown. www.1920LaurelStreet.com

Explore the convenience of an ideal Southside Village lifestyle at this furnished, updated 2BR home. www.1974HydePark.com

Southern exposure in Arlington Park! This updated 3BR home offers a blend of historic charm and modern comfort. www.2437TempleStreet.com

Exciting opportunity for island living or enticing rental property at the exclusive Longboat Key Club. www.InnontheBeach6105.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. 417011-1

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