Longboat Observer 2.22.24

LONGBOAT

Observer

Trash to Treasure.

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

PAGE 4B

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

VOLUME 46, NO. 28

YOUR TOWN

Residents object to park proposal A plan to add attractions to Ken Thompson Park meets resistance. SEE PAGE 9A

Courtesy image

Rotarians take reads on road Longboat Key Rotarians visited Tuttle Elementary on Feb. 16 as part of the group’s “Books for Kids” program.

Five members of the Rotary Club of Longboat Key traveled to read to groups of first and second grade students.

After the reading, every child received a copy of the book from the Rotarians for their personal collection. The books were purchased by the club through their Rotary charitable fund.

Literacy is a main initiative for the Rotary Club of Longboat Key and for Rotary International. The Longboat Key Rotarians do this program once a month.

REPORTING FOR DUTY Residents take a peek inside Fire Rescue during its open house.

SEE PAGE 4A

Carter Weinhofer

Piper Dawson shows off her new firefighter helmet at Longboat Key Fire Rescue’s open house Feb. 14.

A+E

Courtesy image

Celebrate National Margarita Day Unfortunately for the true Jimmy Buffet loyalists, there’s no Margaritaville on Longboat to waste away in. But there is a solution to cure the craziness of the season.

La Villa Mexican Grill is the next best thing to satisfy your margarita craving. The restaurant will be celebrating National Margarita Day on Feb. 22. Come enjoy your favorite Mexican dishes such as chicken enchiladas, shrimp tacos and tostadas with your favorite flavor of margaritas.

The flavors include strawberry, mango, lime and jalapeno.

La Villa’s mariachi band will be providing live music both Wednesday and Thursday. That should make for a signature La Villa-style lively atmosphere to go with the wide variety of dishes and margaritas to choose from.

Carter Weinhofer

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program recently installed new educational signage at Quick Point Nature Preserve.

Makeover point Quick Point Nature Preserve amenities get needed refresh. PAGE 3A

Showstopper.

INSIDE

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

The bridge of the future Public workshops for Longboat Pass Bridge to be held in March.

Begin Study

Longboat Pass and Fishing Beach

Greer Island

North Shore Road

End Study Coquina Boat Entrance

789

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

N

ext time you find yourself stuck in traffic on the Longboat Pass Bridge, it might be an ideal time to think about what changes might be needed for the bridge in the future.

This March, the Florida Department of Transportation is holding public workshops to discuss possible alternatives for the future of the roadway leading from north Longboat Key to Coquina South.

In February 2020, the FDOT began a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study for State Road 789, also known as Gulf of Mexico Drive (or Gulf Drive for those farther north than Longboat Key).

The $2,125,000 study will examine the road from North Shore Road to the south Coquina Park entrance, a span of about 0.75 miles. The FDOT took on the full cost of the study.

According to the FDOT website for the project, the study looks at alternatives such as the rehabilitation of the bridge, or a new bridge. Need for the study was based on concerns over the bridge’s deficiencies, safety and “modal interrelationships,” which includes how different modes of transportation interact with each other on the bridge.

WHAT ARE THE CONCERNS?

Now four years in, the study evaluates bridge replacement options that considered factors such as emergency transportation, bicycle and pedestrian transportation and safety improvements.

The Longboat Pass Bridge was originally constructed in 1957, then was reconstructed in 2005 and 2020, according to the FDOT website.

The Longboat Pass Bridge study extends from the north end of Longboat (left of map) to the south end of Coquina

Coquina Beach Park

Image courtesy FDOT

UNABLE TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOPS? If you still want to submit comments, there is a clickable box to do so at SWFLroads.com/ project/436676-1. Comments can also be sent to Patrick.

Bateman@dot.state.fl.us.

But bridges built around the 1950s were only designed for a 50-year lifespan, according to the FDOT. The bridge is now classified as “functionally obsolete,” due to the age and design of the shoulders and traffic barriers on the bridge.

In 2021 the FDOT fielded comments from citizens and received 139 responses.

From those responses, there were 21 traffic concerns, 15 safety concerns, 11 bridge height concerns and 18 other, more specific concerns.

Safety concerns related mostly to bicyclists and pedestrians crossing the bridge.

There were also 10 supporters of building an alternative bridge, and five in support of no-build alternatives.

From that survey, the FDOT determined, “the primary public concern is vehicular traffic, second is safety, and third is bridge height in relation to boat traffic.”

Issues were raised such as traffic

m

e Fu

Th he T

WHAT IS A PD&E STUDY?

An FDOT article describes a PD&E study as “an environmental and engineering process” that determines multiple effects associated with an enhancement. The study looks at factors like social, economic and physical impacts.

These studies utilize data from engineers, planners and scientists to analyze the potential impacts on surrounding areas.

First is data collection, which includes existing characteristics, traffic studies, drainage and population demographics.

The next step is what the Longboat Pass Bridge study is currently in, which is “Alternatives Development and Analysis.” These alternatives can include both build and no-build alternatives, both of which will be presented at the March workshops.

That leads to the third step, which is public information meetings. After the public has an opportunity to give comments about the proposed alternatives, the project team will then go forward and choose the path.

Currently, there is no estimated timeline or cost for the remainder of the project, since that is to be determined by the results of the public workshops.

File image

NEXT STEPS

Longboat Pass Bridge was originally constructed in 1957, then was reconstructed in 2005 and 2020.

The first public workshop is scheduled for March 12 and will be onlineonly. Advanced registration is required.

But before that, the FDOT team will post workshop materials so interested residents can review the results of the study so far and prepare questions. Those materials are expected to be posted by March 5.

Then, on March 14, an in-person workshop will be held 5 to 7 p.m. at Christ Church on Longboat Key. As of now, the estimated completion date for the PD&E study is toward the end of 2025. According to the FDOT, after the workshops are completed, then project staff will take feedback from residents and come up with next steps.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

QUICK REFRESHER

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Sarasota Bay Estuary Program’s restoration of Quick Point Nature ­Preserve is underway.

An aerial view of Quick Point Nature Preserve.

Courtesy image

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

O

ne of Longboat Key’s final frontiers of undeveloped land, Quick Point Nature Preserve, is a hidden gem — and in need of a site refresh.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program recently began the site refresh in the Longboat Key preserve, which is part of a larger goal of enhancing three parks across Manatee and Sarasota counties: Quick Point, Sarasota Bay Walk on City Island and Leffis Key Preserve.

Quick Point is a 34-acre restoration site located on the southern tip of Longboat Key, easily accessible to residents of the Key and Sarasota.

“Longboat Key is so heavily developed,” SBEP Operations Manager Heather Moody said. “To actually be able to get out in nature and enjoy an unobstructed view of the bay like that is definitely unique.”

Moody has been with the organization for a little over two years.

When the three refresh projects were brought up, Moody said it was the right fit for her background in environmental education and park

QUICK POINT: A BRIEF HISTORY According to “From Calusas to Condominiums” by Ralph B. Hunter, Quick Point used to be called The Hook.

The land became homesteaded property of William Joseph Parrot in 1883.

Between 1920 and 1960, the site was “significantly impacted by human activities,” according to the new SBEP signage in Quick Point Nature Preserve.

Dredging of New Pass contributed to that impact, when spoil sand was placed on Quick Point. That sand covered the native vegetation.

Moody said that, usually, the first plants to colonize bare soil are aggressive, invasive plants, which is what happened at Quick Point.

It wasn’t until 1985 that the town of Longboat Key acquired the land and began taking steps toward creating the nature preserve.

The book by Hunter says that the project began with $100,000 from the town, which was followed by $100,000 from the Southwest Florida Water Management District and $165,000 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

An additional $100,000 was given by the FDEP for invasive plant removal.

In 1996, Quick Point Nature Preserve was officially dedicated to the town.

SARASOTA BAY WALK

COMMON INVASIVE PLANTS

The site refresh at Sarasota Bay Walk on City Island is following a similar timeline.

According to Moody, some new signage has already been installed at the preserve, but the bigger lift will be the boardwalk.

She said the area was heavily damaged by hurricanes about 12-13 years ago, and there are a lot of necessary repairs.

The SBEP allocated about $200,000 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to go toward the Sarasota Bay Walk refresh. That money has yet to be distributed.

management.

The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation was the primary donor for Quick Point’s site refresh, granting $25,000 for the project. The SBEP contributed $23,000 from its funds as well.

The first step of the project has already been completed: new signage.

Moody said much of the old signage was from when the preserve was officially established in 1996.

With brown letters with a plain tan background, the signs were outdated in style and information.

“It was well time to replace the signage and update it, and talk about some more relevant topics to current day like development and sea level rise,” Moody said.

The new signs include colorful maps, visual wildlife identification facts and, like Moody said, more updated information on environmental threats and how to protect the bay.

Next, the site is due for repairs to the wooden boardwalks and a thorough removal of invasive species.

Maintaining an open, wooden boardwalk is a struggle in saltwater environments, Moody said, especially when mixed with the impacts of storms.

For now, the available funds won’t cover a replacement of the whole boardwalk.

“We’re going to put the money to its best effect, by addressing the worst areas first as we continue to look for additional funding to address other areas,” Moody said.

“We and the town area are always looking for other opportunities to have more funds to complete the process.”

Carter Weinhofer

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program recently installed new educational signage at Quick Point Nature Preserve.

The last piece of the site restoration project is a removal of invasive species, like Australian pines and Brazilian peppers.

Removing plants like those requires more effort than just a onetime sweep.

“That becomes a continuous battle because new seeds are always being carried in by birds, by wind,” Moody said. ‘These non-native plants are very aggressive, they’re survivors.

That’s how they are so successful and they spread so well.”

To address the removal, Moody said the effort will be a combination of a third-party contractor and volunteers.

There may be some larger trees, bushes and stumps that would need to be handled professionally.

But for smaller plants, Moody said that would be the focus of volunteer work days, where people would receive a quick training on how to identify the invasive species and then work together to clear them out.

The plan is to have everything done by summer, Moody said. Quotes for the boardwalk restoration are just coming in, since the grant from the Barancik Foundation was approved at the start of February.

Invasive plant removal is something that the SBEP would want to

coordinate before the temperature gets too hot in the summer. If that’s not possible, then that component could be pushed back until the fall.

MISSION IN MIND

All three of the refresh projects align with SBEP’s overarching mission of protecting the Bay and its watershed.

“A lot of that work actually begins on land,” Moody said.

That includes keeping water quality and ecosystem health at the top of mind. By focusing on land and what is being put into the watershed, those trickle-down effects can be positively influenced by having a cleaner impact on land.

The restoration projects also provide habitat, something that is becoming increasingly limited with more development, Moody said.

In Quick Point, mangroves provide nursery grounds for breeding fish and native trees host nesting grounds for birds.

Aside from providing natural beauty, restoration sites like Quick Point also serve as protection.

“By providing a more natural buffer between our developed areas and the bay itself, we are helping to intercept some of that potential pollution,” Moody added.

AUSTRALIAN PINE Introduced to Florida in the 1890s, these are tropical evergreen trees that can grow up to 150 feet tall, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Australian pines are resistant to salt spray, which means they can easily grow in coastal environments.

These trees displace native vegetation, encourage beach erosion and negatively impact habitats for plants and animals in the process, according to the FWC. It is illegal in Florida to possess an Australian pine with the intent to sell or plant, without a special permit.

To spot them, look for needle-like branches and cone-like flowers. For those from up north, these may resemble pine trees.

BRAZILIAN PEPPER According to the FWC, the Brazilian pepper tree is the most widespread nonnative, invasive plant in Florida.

These small trees look more like shrubs, only about 15-30 feet in height.

Due to their physical characteristics, the Brazilian pepper creates too much shade that can suffocate other plant life of necessary sunlight. This also creates a poor habitat for animals.

A FWC fact sheet says the tree has a relationship to poison ivy, and some who come in contact with the Brazilian pepper tree’s sap can have skin reactions.

One of the most distinguishing features of the Brazilian pepper tree are the small, red berries that grow on them.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

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Longboat Key Fire Rescue holds first post-pandemic open house.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

H

ot dogs, free T-shirts and medical demonstrations: a unique way to spend Valentine’s Day. On Feb. 14, some Longboat Key residents spent the afternoon at Longboat Key Fire Rescue Station 91, where the department opened its doors for the first open house since before the pandemic.

Fire Rescue Fire Administration Manager and spokeswoman Tina Adams said that it used to be an annual event for the department, but it fell off due to the pandemic. Now, she said they’re trying to revive the annual tradition, along with continuing to participate in town hall’s open house.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE CULVERHOUSE

ACCESSIBLE BEACH-GOING

COLLECTION

The Fire Rescue Department recently acquired a beach wheelchair for residents and visitors to use. People who might have a hard time walking along the beach or who are disabled can stop by the fire station at 5490 Gulf of Mexico Drive and request to use the beach wheelchair.

A $10 deposit is required, but that money is returned to the renter upon return of the chair.

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At the entrance of the department, Adams and Logistics Officer Tara Pavgouzas greeted people with goodie bags packed with resident safety information and a T-shirt.

Guests were able to walk through the front office and learn about the various programs the department has to offer, like free CPR classes.

Guests were also given a tour of the fire station.

Around noon, Lieutenant Daniel Heath gathered people to watch the crew’s demonstrations.

The demonstrations drew a crowd of about a dozen, including Town Manager Howard Tipton.

First was a “patient” who called the department for chest pains, and ultimately fell unconscious when paramedics arrived on scene. The patient was in cardiac arrest.

The crew went to work quickly, demonstrating the urgency they would respond with in a real-life scenario. Firefighter Paramedic Wil-

Benefitting the Ministries & Outreach of

Firefighter Paramedic William Lewis performs chest compressions during a CPR demonstration.

liam Lewis began chest compressions while others started an IV and defibrillator.

After a couple minutes of work while Heath narrated the demonstration, the patient was revived on scene to be transported to the hospital.

The firefighter paramedics immediately went into their next demonstration: an injured roofer who fell and suffered a compound leg fracture.

In this scenario, it was important to carefully get the patient on the stretcher, by rolling him on his uninjured side and putting the board underneath him.

Also important was making sure the hospital staff knew that a tourniquet was applied. The tourniquet stops blood flow to the area and is used in extreme situations. One of the crew members would have to write on the patient’s forehead with a time to indicate when the tourniquet was applied.

After the demonstrations, families checked out the fire trucks, and the crew showed off new equipment, like the Hurst Jaws of Life that were recently purchased with a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant.

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Interested in a free hands-only CPR and AED training course?

The Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department has you covered.

Future class dates are March 5, April 16, May 8, July 10 and Sept. 10. All classes start at 10 a.m. and will be held at Fire Rescue Station 91. Classes are limited to 16 people each. For more information or to register, email lboggs@longboatkey.org or call 941-316-1944.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

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CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

T

he FPL underground utility project seems to be back on track.

In an emailed update to town commissioners, Town Manager Howard Tipton said that Phase 2 of the underground utility project is nearing the finish line, and that all required transformers for Phases 3 and 4 were delivered.

According to the update, Florida Power & Light has given the final residential switch orders for Phase 2, and they are expected to be converted next week.

Wilco Electrical is also continuing to convert overhead power to underground lines in Phase 2. Less than half a dozen are remaining, Tipton said, but all the ones remaining are ready to go.

Phase 2 pole removal will also tentatively begin within the next week.

For Phase 3 and 4, a total of 24 transformers were needed to correct an early oversight on FPL’s part.

Those 24 transformers have now been received by Wilco Electrical.

FPL and the construction team discovered the error in June 2023, when Wilco Electrical was opening existing underground transformers and realized those would not be compatible with the new system.

At the time, FPL estimated it would cost around $300,000 to $500,000 for those replacements. But the town would not be responsible for that cost.

In a commission meeting in July 2023, Hau Tran said that more setbacks weren’t likely. Tran is the FPL project manager for overhead to underground conversions for the state.

“I can’t guarantee that we won’t have any more setbacks, but transformers are really the end of the line,” Tran said at the meeting. “I don’t

Carter Weinhofer

Florida Power & Light’s underground utilities project remains in progress, eyeing a finish line in early 2024.

foresee anything, but I can’t guarantee that there won’t be.”

Supply chain delays also slowed down the progress of getting the remaining transformers once the problem was realized.

Now with those transformers in hand, Wilco Electrical is getting FPL approval to authorize shutdowns, according to Tipton’s emailed update.

Phase 3 conversions will continue while Wilco Electrical works through transformer changing and scheduling with FPL. But for Phase 4, switching and conversions can’t start until Phase 2 is complete. Wilco Electrical will start working on changing out the transformers, though, while waiting for Phase 2 to wrap up.

Tipton said that “scheduling and coordination is key” when changing out transformers in Phases 3 and 4, since there is a large number of customers in those areas.

FPL representatives will be present at the Town Commission’s workshop on March 25 to share more updates and address possible future planning for adapting to flooding in lower-lying areas based on their recent investigation.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Clash of merit vs. politics After 11 years as Manatee’s supervisor of elections, Mike Bennett is retiring March 1. He has recommended an obvious choice: his chief of staff. But a surprise candidate has also applied: Commissioner James Satcher.

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

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“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com

MATT WALSH

T

he Marine Corps’ core values are honor, courage and commitment.

In the “Marine Leaders Notebook,” the first principle of courage is “do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons.”

Which brings us to this: Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett is retiring March 1, about 10 months before his third term in office ends.

As a result, he has created what should not be, but is a political dilemma for Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Time is running short for DeSantis. He needs to appoint Bennett’s replacement before the March 19 presidential primary.

Actually, he should have a supervisor in place by March 6. That’s the day all 67 of Florida’s canvassing boards — consisting of the supervisor, chief judge and county commission chairman — are required by law to oversee the testing of their counties’ voting equipment.

As with many of his appointments, DeSantis is faced with this choice: competence or politics.

The right thing, the right way, for the right reasons should be obvious.

Bennett thought that would be the case.

Bennett told us he decided to retire because of his age, lack of drive and his wife of 58 years, Dee. “My next birthday, I’ll be 80,” he said. (His birthday is Jan. 1.) “I want to spend more time with Dee as we’re getting up in years.” Declining specifics, he said her health is a factor as well.

In addition, he said, “With a major election coming, I really felt my heart wasn’t into it, and my drive wasn’t into it.”

So Bennett, an experienced politician himself, having served 12 years in the Legislature, strategized his own political calculus. He figured if he announced his retirement at the end of December, which he did, and submitted his resignation letter Feb. 1, which he did, those steps would do two things: • 1) Cause DeSantis to act swiftly; • 2) Make it abundantly clear the right person to succeed him — particularly as the primary approaches — is his No. 2 in the supervisor’s office, Chief of Staff Scott Farrington. Bennett wrote DeSantis a letter recommending Farrington.

“Scott is very cool under pressure,” Bennett told us. “And he is as cheap as I am about spending taxpayers’ money. He watches every nickel going in and out. The staff loves him and loves his leadership. I just can’t say enough about him.”

Manatee Commissioner George Kruse told us: “Scott Farrington, bar none, is the most qualified elections guy in the state of Florida.”

HELL-RAISER TO PUBLIC OFFICE

Bennett, a longtime Republican, is far from being in the inner circle of Gov. DeSantis. But his judgment and word should be an imprimatur.

His record of service to the state and nation and his business experience should be persuasive and convincing.

Including all of his time in elected office, Bennett has served Manatee

Jay Heater

Retiring Manatee Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett

Jay Heater

Manatee Commissioner James Satcher has applied for the supervisor job.

JUDGE’S LETTER TO BENNETT The following is an excerpt from an April 19, 2011, letter from retired Chief Judge Lynn Silvertooth: “I have followed your political career with special interest as a result of my interaction with you many years ago when I made the decision to give you an option to join the U.S. Navy as an alternative to a much less attractive one when you were a young man growing up here in Sarasota County.

“I have been pleased to see how well history has vindicated that decision in your life, and I have never been more proud of you than I am now.

“Congratulations and thank you for your strong leadership.”

and Sarasota counties and Florida for 23 years.

Manatee County voters elected Bennett to the Florida House in 2000. Two years later, they elected him to the Florida Senate, where he served until 2012.

In the Senate, Bennett authored legislation that cleared away growth management regulations that were adding burdensome costs to housing. His last position in the Senate was president pro-tem.

Before the Legislature, Bennett was an entrepreneur. He started Aladdin Ward, an electrical contractor, in 1985. He grew it to 175 employees before selling it in 1998.

While not in legislative sessions, Bennett then became a prominent developer and land purchaser in Manatee — until the 2008 crash.

It is most likely true that Bennett’s business and public service success in Manatee and Sarasota came as a surprise to Bennett’s Sarasota High School classmates.

He was a high school hell-raiser.

He appeared so many times before Chief Circuit Court Judge Lynn Silvertooth that an exasperated Silvertooth gave Bennett an ultimatum. Get out of town in two weeks or Bennett “wasn’t going to like the alternative.”

Silvertooth sent Bennett to the first floor of the courthouse, where the Marine and Navy recruiters had offices. Bennett chose the Marine recruiter. But he told Bennett it would take about three weeks before the recruiter could get him to Paris Island.

The Navy recruiter said: “I can get you on a bus in the morning.”

Bennett remembers his response: “I’m your boy.”

From there, 1963-1967, Bennett served four tours in Vietnam, flying in helicopters to rescue stranded, injured and dying soldiers.

“Judge Silvertooth saved my life,” Bennett said last week.

In 2011, retired Judge Silvertooth

Courtesy image

Manatee Supervisor of Elections Chief of Staff Scott Farrington

sent Sen. Bennett a letter: “I have been pleased to see how well history has vindicated that decision in your life …” (see box, above).

‘I’M NOT A POLITICIAN’

For the past 11 years, out of the legislative arena and development, Bennett has worked side by side with his chief of staff, Farrington.

Essentially, Farrington is the chief operating officer of the supervisor’s office, the guy in the trenches making sure everyone and everything is working properly.

Farrington has worked in supervisors’ of elections offices for 21 years — five years as chief of staff in Sarasota County and 11 in that role in Manatee.

His application to the governor includes the coordination and oversight of more than 50 elections, including five presidential and six gubernatorial elections.

“This includes everything from developing agency budgets to implementing new laws or technologies to creating efficient and effective policies and procedures.

“My strong background in technology and computer science supports me in the ever-evolving landscape of election technology and cybersecurity,” Farrington wrote.

Farrington is the only certified elections administrator in Manatee and is a Master Florida Certified Election Professional.

“I’m not a politician,” Farrington wrote in his application. “My only focus is honest, transparent elections, and I put in the work every day to make that happen.”

‘WHERE I CAN DO MOST GOOD’

Despite Farrington’s credentials, DeSantis apparently is weighing his options: politics or merit?

Bennett thought his March 1 departure and the impending presidential primary would prompt DeSantis to appoint Farrington quickly to keep continuity through the presidential elections.

But the only communication from the governor’s office has been acknowledgement of Bennett’s recommendation for Farrington.

When we inquired, the governor’s deputy press secretary responded: “There is no set time frame. Once the office is vacant, and the governor has appointed a replacement for

Yes, don’t derail the town project, but get control of it We are in agreement with Mayor Ken Schneier (see letter on Page 9A).

We don’t want Phase 3 of the town center project to be derailed.

But when we urged last week putting on the brakes, that was in

response to what clearly has come across: The tail is wagging the dog.

Sarasota County is in control and pushing a library.

Longboat Key taxpayers pay for their own police, fire rescue and pub-

lic works because they want ownership and control of those services.

Government is best when it is as close to the people as possible.

Likewise, with Phase 3 of the town center, Longboaters want to be in

said vacancy, our press office will announce the appointment.”

In addition to Farrington, the other candidate who has applied — as of press time — is Manatee County Commissioner James Satcher.

Asked why he applied, Satcher said: “Election integrity is important. I’m willing to serve in whatever way I can make the biggest difference.

“Don’t get me wrong,” Satcher added, “I have an amazing role right now. I love being the commissioner for District 1.”

Asked if his application suggests he no longer wants to be a commissioner, he said: “That has nothing to do with it. A public servant is generally going to be looking or open to the role where he can make the biggest difference and do the most good. That’s how I’ve made decisions my whole life, honestly.”

A Manatee commissioner is paid $98,743 annually; the supervisor of elections is paid $168,563.

FOLLOW THE MONEY

Gov. DeSantis likely has been catching up on much of the governor’s responsibilities since he dropped out of the presidential race Jan. 22, and that plausibly could be delaying his selecting the Manatee supervisor.

But it is also plausible this decision falls under the umbrella of politics. Gubernatorial appointments are often driven more by rewarding and favoring loyal supporters than by choosing competence.

Follow the money.

Among Gov. DeSantis’ contributors, Bennett is not one. But among likely influencers with the governor, two prominent Manatee people who are DeSantis and Satcher contributors are the homebuilders Carlos Beruff and Pat Neal.

DeSantis last year also reappointed Beruff to the Citizens Property Insurance board.

Beruff declined to comment. Neal did not respond before deadline.

Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, said he expressed the positives of Farrington and Satcher to the governor’s office. Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Lakewood Ranch, said he has not recommended either candidate to the governor.

MERIT SHOULD TRUMP POLITICS

Gov. DeSantis frequently touted on the presidential campaign trail how Florida has become the national leader in “running the most secure elections in the country.” He says Florida has “the best election integrity measures in America.”

But laws don’t do that. Competent people who enact the laws make them secure.

Selecting a Manatee supervisor of elections to replace Bennett should be an easy decision: Do the right thing, the right way, for the right reasons.

Merit and competence should trump politics. We shall see.

control of the outcome, not be at the mercy of the county.

If we had a magic wand, the county would appropriate a commensurate level of capital to the town, and the town would be in charge of developing what the town’s residents want, not what the county wants.

Let’s do that.

— MW

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

9A

Park proposal prompts protests Several speakers implore the PREP Board not to recommend a plan to activate City Island park.

A rendering of a portion of Ride Entertainment’s concept for Ken Thompson Park on City Island.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

A

proposed public-private partnership with the city to activate Ken Thompson Park has not yet had a formal hearing, but several residents had plenty to say about it during Thursday’s Parks Recreation and Environmental Preservation Board meeting.

In its first meeting since Ride Entertainment introduced the idea to the City Commission as a point of discussion on Feb. 5, the matter was removed from the PREP Board’s agenda. That didn’t stop the majority of the more than 20 public commenters from sharing their opinions on the idea.

Sarasota resident and principal of Ride Entertainment Jeff Koffman has proposed a plan to renovate the park’s green space and add some revenuegenerating attractions such as a small restaurant, an observation tower ride called Aerobar and a nine-hole “park golf” course, among others.

Koffman said the park’s activation will help replace the 300,000 annual Mote Marine aquarium visitors after that attraction moves to its new location at University Town Center at the end of the year. He said replacing those visits will help benefit businesses in St. Armands Circle.

A new boat dock, he said, will serve a water taxi service the company would operate between City Island and Sarasota to help reduce traffic congestion and enhance the experience of visiting City Island and St. Armands.

Ride Entertainment, he told commissioners, would assume all financial obligations for the improvements as well as maintenance of the park, which would remain under

Courtesy image

“We had many proposals to privatize some of the parks. The citizens of Sarasota were adamant that they didn’t want this to happen in any of the parks. Now you are being presented with another proposal to privatize another park. My ask to the PREP Board is not to allow this to happen.”

—Carl Shoffstall, Lido Key resident

city ownership. Ride Entertainment would also pay a fair rent to the city.

Commissioners voted 3-2, with Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch and Debbie Trice opposed, to refer the project to the PREP Board for further evaluation.

The PREP Board is an advisory committee and can only send recommendations to the City Commission.

Those who spoke on the subject at the

Thursday evening meeting encouraged its members to not endorse the concept. Among them was Lido Key resident Carl Shoffstall, who was an original member of the PREP Board when it was created in 2012. He served until 2018, chairing the committee for four years.

Sarasota County turned over park operations within the city limits to the city in 2012, at which time the city created its own parks department and created the PREP Board.

“We had many proposals to privatize some of the parks,” Shoffstall said of his tenure. “The citizens of Sarasota were adamant that they didn’t want this to happen in any of the parks. Now you are being presented with another proposal to privatize another park. My ask to the PREP Board is not to allow this to happen.”

Ken Thompson Park is among the largely untouched parks within the city’s network since the county turnover. The Sarasota Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which was adopted in 2018, guides park improvements. Public engagement

sessions for input on improvements on City Island is anticipated to begin within two years.

“Ken Thompson Park on City Island is a civic gem,” said resident Bob Thill. “It’s a habitat for shore birds and mangroves, and it’s essential for stormwater retention. It could use improvements of course.

More shade trees, benches and an enhanced playground can easily be envisioned. It can be implemented and maintained by the city’s parks department, keeping its already beautiful natural charm and public access to the bay and all its beauty.”

Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations President Richard Harris said opposition to commercializing is unanimous among leadership of the city’s officially recognized neighborhood groups.

“The idea of commercializing a park, which was before the City Commission on the fifth of this month, by a private company will soon be on your table,” Harris said.

“The direction of the member associations of CCNA are authoring a resolution against any commercial-

ization or privatization of any Sarasota park by any for-profit organization. It will be approved by every member neighborhood association citywide.”

In addition to the Aerobar, park golf and a restaurant, Ride Entertainment is proposing a fishing pier, topiary garden, tree climbing park, splash pad, new dock, refurbished beach, trails, zip-line course, kayak and paddleboard rentals, observation pier and more. Existing 350 parking spaces, mostly outside Mote Marine, would be used for the park.

Adding 1% more building coverage, according to Ride Entertainment’s presentation, would leave 97% green space in the park.

“For whom is this park being activated?” Harris asked the PREP Board. “Is it for the city residents or is it for tourists? That’s a big question. I suspect they want us to give them the land so that they can use it for an amusement park. We don’t want that. The environmental impact could overwhelm the natural balance of Sarasota Bay.”

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This is in response to your Feb. 15 editorial, “This is what LBK wants,” urging the Longboat Key Town Commission to “slam the brakes” on our proposed plan to build a library-community center at the Town Center Green in collaboration with the Sarasota County Library system.

Five years ago, the town was poised to finalize a plan with Ringling College of Art and Design to build a community center at the site we are discussing today.

Labeled an “arts, cultural and education center,” the plan in large part was designed to replicate and improve upon the arts center previously located at the north end of Longboat.

At the insistence of two of our then commissioners (out of seven) and the Observer, that project was scuttled.

After five years back at the drawing boards, we are at a similar inflection point with a new, and fully committed, partner to finally realize the 20-year vision of this community to create the first place on the Sarasota barrier islands for our residents and guests to gather to read, study, learn, experience music and theater and simply get together.

It is the third and final stage of

our long-planned Town Center to complement the park and pavilion already in place and actively used.

Far from presenting a final and complete plan for the proposed center, the meeting held at Town Hall Feb. 12 was the recommencement of the interrupted process to decide what features to include in the designated tract next to the Chase Bank.

The vision put forward by the Town Commission and former Town Manager Tom Harmer beginning in 2019 was for a countysponsored library (we are the only community in Sarasota that doesn’t have at least one) and dedicated facilities for adult education, connected by a community gathering space and multiuse facility for large meetings, lectures and performances.

We are committed to implementing this long-held vision now. The worst thing we could do is to again derail this plan as it once again gets off the ground. We have a great partner in the county library system with whom we are confident we can agree on a project that will be an excellent contribution to Longboat and our barrier island neighbors.

Let’s do this.

— KEN SCHNEIER MAYOR OF LONGBOAT KEY

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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.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE SIX HOUSES OF WORSHIP ON LONGBOAT KEY AND ST. ARMANDS KEY invite you to a community event to discuss one of the most important issues facing our community.

Photos by Petra Rivera

Anne Marie and Jeffrey Jannuzzo

Promises renewed Longboaters renew vows at town Valentine’s Day ceremony.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

S

pending Valentine Day’s in paradise with her college sweetheart was already a dream for Carol Roscoe.

What Carol didn’t know was what tricks John, her husband of 32 years, had in store for her. Their surprise pit stop on that special day happened to be Longboat Key’s first annual vow renewal ceremony.

The free “Say I Do” event was held Feb. 14 in the Karon Family Pavilion in the Town Center.

The Roscoes are in town for the winter to spend time with their son who just moved to the area.

They were one of about 30 couples particpating in a vow renewal.

Each couple arrived early to take photos and receive their vow renewal certificate and flowers.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 9:00 - 10:30AM

Coffee and Pastries Available 8:30 - 9:00AM

Christ Church of Longboat Key Fellowship Hall 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key

Support Services Director Carolyn Brown organized the event, and Mike Sales played music. Couples enjoyed refreshments and mingled with each other after the ceremony.

Brown said everyone’s feedback makes her excited that this will become an annual event.

From Louisville, Kentucky, Don and Marjorie Burchett have been married for 58 years, making them the longest married couple in the group.

“When we got married, he told me he would make me laugh every day,” said Marjorie. “He has really lived up to that promise with his dad jokes.”

They met through Don’s brother, who Marjorie was calling one day and Don picked up the phone instead.

Through their similar humor and great times, they are grateful to have been together for most of their lives.

The Burchetts received a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates along with the couple that has been married for the shortest time — Ron and Jean Decicco have been married for seven years.

Area Rug Cleaning

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• Spreading the Word • The Signs of Trafficking: Our Response

Carpet Cleaning

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Christ Church of Longboat Key 941-383-8833

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TeasdaleSarasota.com | 941-229-7020 420139-1

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

TRIBUTES Albert “Jay” Graf 1947-2024 Albert “Jay” Graf, 76, of Longboat Key, Florida and Wolfeboro, New Hampshire passed away January 8th, 2024 from Alzheimer’s disease in Sarasota, Florida.

Ron Decicco, Jean Decicco, Lynn Pettigrew, Senior Federal Judge Jay Plager, Lynn and Gary Coffin

Another couple, Maria and Jorge Rodriguez, have been married for 52 years. They met in New York when they were working together and shared that it was love at first sight.

“He came up to me and said, ‘Are you married?’” said Maria. “I said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Do you have children?’

I said, ‘No.’ Then out of the blue he asked me, ‘Do you want to be my wife?’ And I looked at him and then said, ‘Yes.’ Then, he called my dad in Colombia to ask for my hand and now I have three children and seven grandchildren.”

Senior Federal Judge Jay Plager officiated the ceremony and wrote vows specifically for the event.

Couples swooned over his way with words. Multiple couples asked for a copy of Plager’s unforgettable vows, but he said he wants to save them to use for the following years of this new Longboat Key tradition.

“On this Valentine’s Day, we gather not just to celebrate love, but to honor its resilience,” said Plager in his speech. “You couples stand as a beacon of hope. You are the pioneers of perseverance, connoisseurs of the value of loving companionship in our world and role models of love. With this renewal, we affirm our journey anew in the presence of witnesses all in love and friendship.”

Carl and Gayle Pfirrmann

Jay was born in May of 1947 in Chicago, Illinois to Albert J. Graf and Doris E. Schenk.

Jay attended Northwestern Military and Naval Academy in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Jay graduated from Boston University with a degree in economics. He served from 1970 to 1974 in the United States Air Force including one year as a military advisor in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star. He achieved the rank of Captain. He later attended Indiana University, earning an MBA degree in finance and transportation.

Jay worked in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries for almost 40 years, including Eli Lilly, Physio Control, Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc and Guidant, later transitioning into venture capital work with New Enterprise Associates. Through his career, he was a trusted mentor and leader to many, touching numerous lives and guiding careers. He left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jay was a loving husband to his wife, Mary Ann, with whom he spent 54 years.

He left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was a lifelong fitness enthusiast. His love of exercise and the outdoors led him to be an avid skier, tennis player and novice golfer with his family. He enjoyed power boating on Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota and on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. He was actively involved in his children’s lives, helping with homework and projects. He was a constant presence at his children’s sports games and school band concerts. He had an extensive commitment to philanthropy for a multitude of causes.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, his sister, Andrea, his children Andrew (Tatiana) and Allison (Juan David) and one grandchild Ana.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association or to The Nick, a recreational park in Wolfeboro dedicated to athletic and recreational opportunities in memory of Jay. The Graf family would like to express their gratitude for the support and condolences received during this time.

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#BeTheOne who gives in support of growing local entrepreneurs by donating to the

Economic Development Foundation of Sarasota County (EDF) during the #GivingChallenge2024. Your one-time donation will be matched up to $100 by The Patterson Foundation.

Through our programs Sarasota County entrepreneurs who are making a capital investment can access services including liaison to government zoning, permitting, utility partnerships, and access to resources. An entrepreneur can call our team at any time for direct growth assistance and information on the best local resources for their needs.

The Economic Development Foundation of Sarasota County is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on carrying out initiatives that have a positive impact on business growth, the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and workforce development to further the tax-exempt purposes and mission of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC). To learn more, visit: https://www.edcsarasotacounty.com/foundation

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The 2024 Giving Challenge is presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Gary S. Brochin Managing Director/Investments Portfolio Manager – Solutions Program

Forbes’ 2022 Best-in-State Wealth Advisor Sarasota direct: (941) 329-6286 Atlanta direct: (404) 231-6535 (678) 575-1399 cell | broching@stifel.com www.brochinwealthmanagement.com

Carter Weinhofer

The pigeon’s eyes appeared to be in bad shape.

Pressed into service A Longboat reporter rescues an injured pigeon while on the job.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

T

Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and selected from a pool of nominations as outlined in the methodology. Neither SHOOK Research nor Forbes receives compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. The ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance. Investment performance is not a criterion for selection. Forbes is a registered trademark of Forbes, Inc. All rights reserved. For more information on the selection methodology, see www.stifel.info/ award-disclosures.

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated | Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com

2024 SPRING LUNCH & LEARN A Premier Event of the Season!

Sunday, March 17, 2024 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

Michael’s On East, Sarasota Only $39 Includes Lecture & Luncheon!

TED DEUTCH AJC Chief Executive Officer, Edward and Sandra Meyer Office of the CEO

The State of Jewish Affairs: Around the World with AJC There is never a dull moment for the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

Join us for an in-depth conversation as we tackle some of the most challenging current events and how they are impacting our community.

EVENT CHAIRS

David & Edie Chaifetz • Joel & Gail Morganroth • The Benderson Family

Advanced Reservations Required!

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To RSVP: Online at: AJC.org/sarasota/spring2024 Or Email: sarasota@ajc.org Or Call AJC: 941.365.4955

SPONSORED BY

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Neither Stifel nor its financial advisors provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal or tax professional if expert assistance is required.

aking pictures at Quick Point Nature Preserve was a pretty ideal assignment for a Friday afternoon. But sometimes nature has other plans.

When I got to the preserve, I noticed a pigeon standing still in the middle of the parking lot near the entrance.

As I drove past it, it didn’t move.

That was automatically alarming, since every other pigeon I’ve encountered at least tries to scurry away when something comes too

close. I parked, got out of my car and walked over to the pigeon. Again, when I got close to it, it mostly stayed put, aside from a slight pivot.

Something seemed off. I took a picture of it and sent it to my girlfriend, Abby. In St. Petersburg, she volunteers with a wildlife rescue organization called Birds in Helping Hands.

While I waited for her to respond, I went on with my assignment. I decided that if it was still in the same place by the time I was ready to leave, I would take action.

I spent about a half-an-hour in the preserve, taking pictures of the new signage installed by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. And I spent some time just exploring the preserve — a true hidden gem of Longboat Key. By the time I was walking back to my car, she responded and suggested I try to pick it up.

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17A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

TRIBUTES

Before trying to grab it, I got as close as I could to inspect it. From what I could see, the pigeon’s eyes were kind of crusted shut, possibly from an infection.

I called Abby and sent her more pictures while I took inventory of my trunk. Some old CDs, a beach towel, my rugby cleats and a DoorDash food transport bag from my college days.

She suggested I could take it to a rehabber she knows in Bradenton.

But at 3 p.m. on a Friday, that drive would have been at least an hour.

Then we realized I could take it to Save Our Seabirds. Only a threeminute drive from Quick Point Nature Preserve.

Perfect.

She hung up with me and called Save Our Seabirds to make sure they would take the pigeon, giving them information about its location and injuries.

Then it was my time to grab it.

This was my first time trying to rescue a bird by myself. I helped Abby with a couple rescues in the past — an anhinga trapped in barbed wire was the worst — but never alone.

I tried at first to grab it with the towel, but to my surprise the pigeon did have some energy in it. It couldn’t fly away, but it scurried quickly.

This method proved unsuccessful a couple more times.

Abby instructed that the best way to catch it was to lightly toss the towel on top of the bird and then wrap my hands around it. Two or three attempts at that did the trick.

She then confirmed that Save Our Seabirds was willing to take it, and SOS was waiting for my arrival.

I carefully put the pigeon into the DoorDash delivery bag and zipped it just halfway for the short ride down the road.

But the bird wasn’t going anywhere. It was “calm,” which really meant it was likely too injured or emaciated to act.

I got lucky with a green light turning onto Ken Thompson Parkway, and carefully made my way down the road to the back entrance of Save Our Seabirds.

When I got there, I handed the pigeon off to one of the workers who was waiting for me.

For now, the status of the pigeon is unknown, but it’s in the capable hands of Save Our Seabirds’ team.

Carmela Picardi 1930-2024

Carmela Picardi age 93 died peacefully on February 11, 2024, at Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Andri Anna (“Andy”) Youngs

and Rivers.

A visitation was held at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, 40 N Orange Ave Sarasota, Fl 34236 on February 14, 2024, between the hours of 6 and 8pm.

Mass services were at St. Jude Catholic Church, 3930 17th St, Sarasota, FL 34235 at 11:30am.

Born on July 30, 1930, in Isernia, Italy immigrated to America in 1948. She resided in Brooklyn and Staten Island, New York before moving to Longboat Key, Florida in 1998.

Employed at the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort as a seamstress until its closure in 2010. Using her skills, she continued to help many Longboat Key and Sarasota residents look impeccable at countless Sarasota galas and venues with her incredible seamstress talents.

Loving mother to Luigia, Aida, Maria and Joseph will be forever loved and missed by her family, children, grandchildren, Dixie Mae

Andri Anna (“Andy”) Youngs, 89, longtime resident of Longboat Key, Fl. passed away on February 8, 2024.

She leaves behind Luther, her loving husband of 67 years, and her adoring five children and two grandchildren.

Andy was born in New Orleans, La. to Maritza and Andrew Alach, originally of Croatia, and grew up on the beaches of Biloxi, Miss. with her three siblings. She earned her nursing degree from Hôtel-Dieu (University Hospital) in New Orleans, which is where she met and fell in love with Luther. Living in New Orleans inspired her passion for cooking to the delight of family and friends who throughout the years enjoyed her many specialties, including her award-winning Shrimp Étouffée and Bread Pudding.

Andy and Luther settled with their kids in Lakeland,

Fl. where Andy dedicated her life to caring for and raising her family. She also made the time to be active in the community, including as an energetic volunteer, where she promoted breast cancer awareness and assisted other organizations focused on family health.

Andy was a faithful Catholic and while in Longboat Key became a well-known parishioner of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church. She was passionate about the holidays and dedicated her time to church activities, her favorite being the annual Christmas Bazaar.

Andy was a loving (and fun-loving) wife, mother, grandmother, and friend and will be missed by many.

Memorial services will be held at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church on Longboat Key on Monday, February 26, 2024, at 11 am.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

A SHAKY STORY 1:24 a.m., 7200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Person: While on patrol, a Longboat Key officer spotted two men dressed in dark clothing walking onto Longboat Key from Longboat Pass bridge. The officer approached the two men, who said they work at a restaurant on the island and left work about an hour prior. They said they went home and then returned to go for a walk on Longboat Key, and that they parked their car on the other side of the Longboat Pass Bridge by the Coquina boat ramp. The officer checked out the ramp, and found just one car that came back as registered to someone else. The two men agreed to go back to their vehicle and return home.

Food for farmworkers

FRIDAY, FEB. 9

COME BACK LATER 6:30 a.m., 6600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Noise Disturbance: Dispatch sent an officer to respond to a noise disturbance caused by construction before allowable working hours. Upon arrival, the officer saw a truck backing into a driveway and heard the rear backing alarm blaring. The officer spoke with the driver and told him of the town ordinance that prohibits construction noise before 8 a.m. The driver said he would come back at 8 a.m. Then, another employee of the construction company showed up on the scene and apologized for the disturbance. No previous noise complaints or warnings were found for the employees, so the officer let the crew off with a warning.

Christ Church gives $40K to the Beth-El Farmworker Ministry in Wimauma for a new food pantry.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

C

hrist Church of Longboat Key gave a $40,000 grant in December to Beth-El Farmworker Ministry in Wimauma, Florida, to transform its food pantry for migrant farmworkers.

That pantry is set to open in March, according to Jerry Fox. Fox chaired the mission committee for Christ Church for the past 10 years.

The long-lasting relationship with Beth-El is important to the church and parishioners are excited to help this important project, said Fox. Beth-El’s mission is to provide hunger relief, education, health care and spiritual growth for the farmworking community in Wimauma.

The $40,000 grant will be used to build the new Client Choice Food Pantry. It will have three commercial refrigerators, two freezers, produce tables, shelving racks, shopping carts and reusable bags.

“Right now, the Beth-El food pantry has bags of canned food ready for the farmworkers, and they line up for two hours to get this,” said Fox. “We went last week and there were about 50 or 60 of the workers in line. Those foods they eat are unfortunately not healthy or they’re eating at fast food restaurants because it is cheap and fast. With this new pantry, they are partnered with local smaller farms that will provide fruit and vegetables for a small price and they can schedule when they come so it will transform the program and promote more nutritious meals for them.”

Along with making healthy eating accessible, Beth-El will offer educational materials and resources to promote healthy eating habits.

The grant is a recent addition of the mission work at Christ Church, Fox said. After the church paid off

SATURDAY, FEB. 10

A MINUTE TO COOL OFF 2:20 p.m., 2200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Disabled Vehicle: An officer saw a Cadillac parked on the side of Gulf of Mexico Drive, half in the grass and half in the bike lane. When the officer approached the vehicle, the driver said his car was overheating so he pulled over to let the engine cool down. He said he did not need any assistance, but the officer stayed around to make sure the driver could get the car started safely, which he did.

SUNDAY, FEB. 11

IT CAN WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW 2:56 p.m., 700 block of Norton Street Officer Public Service: A citizen called in to report a water leak that was forming a puddle in the road.

When the officer arrived on scene and found the water, the officer contacted a Public Works employee. The Public Works employee asked the officer to send a video of the leak so Public Works could assess the situation. It was determined that it was a small leak and that Public Works would address it first thing the next morning.

MONDAY, FEB. 12

PACKAGE PROBLEMS 4:10 p.m., 5300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Civil Disturbance: Officers were dispatched to a civil disturbance between two business owners. At the scene, one owner said his neighbor was blocking the entrance of his store with displays for her shop.

He said it was an issue because her displays were affecting package deliveries. An argument broke out when he brought this up to her. An officer spoke with the other business owner, who said some of the packages in question blocked the entrance to her shop. The officer was able to work out the disagreement between the two business owners, and the two came to a compromise.

TUESDAY, FEB. 13

BUSINESS UNWELCOME 5:47 p.m., 5300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Disturbance: An officer met with a business owner (different from the ones mentioned above) for a report of a disturbance. The owner said a customer came in and was rude and cursing at her. She said she would like to have the customer trespassed next time he enters the store, and police advised her to call them next time he does.

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions • Worship services Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

• Live Stream the 10 a.m. service at AllAnglesLBK.org

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.

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Wednesday Bible Study 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

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

Growing in Jesus’ Name

9am & 11am

Join us for Fellowship & Coffee Hour at 10am

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

5pm

Visitors & Residents Welcome

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Contemporary Style Message • Communion

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

THE 10 TH ANNUAL

40 North Adams Drive, Sarasota, FL • 941.388.1234

KIRKIN’ O’ THE TARTANS

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church

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

SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 25, 2024 10:00 AM Sunday Service

Featuring Bagpipes, Tartan Banners, Procession & Drums

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

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

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

Questions? Email us at info@longboatkeytemple.org 941-383-3428

longboatkeytemple.org

Featuring The Lion Rampant Pipe Band VISITORS & RESIDENTS WELCOME • EVENT & PARKING ARE FREE 416973-1

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Fran Osborn, Sally Rauch, Wiley Osborn, Joyce Fox, Jim Seaton, Jerry Fox and Paul Rake during a Christ Church volunteer effort at Beth-El Farmworker Ministry in Wimauma, Florida.

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

Sunday Worship

567 Bay Isles Rd, Longboat Key, FL

its church bonds, it decided to put the money from congregants toward making a bigger difference with partner nonprofits.

Since 2021, Christ Church has been giving a sizable grant to different organizations. Fox explained the church wanted this grant to have a sense of transformation to the nonprofit, to push it forward to achieving its goals.

In 2021, the grant was given to Harvest House to pay for the first year’s salary of the director for its new mental health program. Last year, the Christ Church mission committee matched a $50,000 grant from the Patterson Foundation to Selah Freedom to cover the startup cost for its consulting services.

Fox is also leading a discussion on the dangers of sex trafficking in the area that is sponsored by the six houses of worship on Longboat Key and St. Armands. It will take place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 24 in Christ Church’s fellowship hall.

Representatives from the Sarasota Police Department and Selah Freedom will be there to share their stories and connections to the topic.

“Florida is the No. 3 state in the country for sex trafficking,” said Fox. “The area from Tampa Bay to Palmetto is tied for No. 1 in the state of Florida with Miami. I have lived in the area for almost 50 years; I didn’t know the numbers were so high until 2022. But Selah Freedom has a 90% success rate, so this isn’t a fundraiser, it’s completely free. It’s an awareness raiser.”

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

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

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

Courtesy image

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FRIDAY, FEB. 9

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

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

R ise TO A N E W V I E W

19A

VISTA RE

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Rising above the shores of the Caloosahatchee River — just minutes from the islands of Sanibel and Captiva — is Vista Cay, a collection of sophisticated waterfront residences featuring awe-inspiring vistas. For a limited time, future residents can choose their views and enjoy Shell Point’s resort amenities and award-winning lifecare while building is underway. This rare opportunity to select a new construction residence in Shell Point’s most renowned neighborhood won’t last long. Take a virtual tour, register for a seminar, or request an appointment by visiting MeetVistaCay.org.

Championship Golf • Deep-Water Marina • Fine Dining • Award-Winning Lifecare FROM $1.4 MILLION NOW ACCEPTING DEPOSITS MeetVistaCay.org • (239) 466-1131 Shell Point is located just minutes from the islands of Sanibel and Captiva, along the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida.

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Shell Point is a nonprofit ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation, Inc. All renderings, maps, site plans, photos, simulated views, floor plans and all other information herein are conceptual and should not be relied upon as representing the final detail. Dimensions, features, and specifications of the proposed development and residences are subject to change without notice.

Furnishings are represented for illustration purposes only. ©2024 Shell Point. All rights reserved. SLS-4921-24

SLS-4921-24 Longboat Key-Palm Coast Observer.indd 1

1/31/24 9:04 AM

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

5610 AVENIDA DEL MARE

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Your Siesta Key dream starts here, with this exceptional family compound or beach house rental opportunity, just a short sunny walk away from the infamous Siesta Key Beach. This unique property, comprising two oversized and beautifully updated dwellings on two combined parcels, offers the chance to own a piece of paradise with numerous possibilities. www.5610AvenidadelMare.com

SELLING LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTY FOR 39 YEARS

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With a spacious layout encompassing 3BR and an impressive nearly 3,000 SF of living space, prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking beach and sunset views as you step inside. Includes secure, covered parking! www.Pierre305.com

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Life in Sarasota’s Historic District is an enviable experience that places you within minutes of downtown, the bayfront, theaters, museums and more. This stunningly updated, 7BR family compound offers many exciting possibilities. www.1901MorrillStreet.com

1301 MAIN STREET #1701

$2,495,000

Step inside this downtown penthouse and discover the epitome of urban living at its best. This 3BR residence is ideally situated in a sunlit, top-floor spot, in the heart of the city center. Includes two parking spaces! www.1350Main1701.com

HUNTERS POINT

3572 FAIR OAKS WAY

Stunning, direct bayfront luxury living in Queens Harbour awaits at this gorgeously renovated 3BR + den getaway. www.3572FairOaksWay.com

$3,999,000

3030 GRAND BAY BLVD #346

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

Move-in and immediately enjoy! www.GrandBay346.com

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

2525 GULF OF MEXICO DR #7A

Striking direct beach and sunset views from every corner of this 7thfloor residence, boasting nearly 2,400 SF of luxurious living space.. www.IslandsWest7A.com

201 N. WASHINGTON DRIVE

The walkable location of this St. Armands home will draw you in.

Ideally situated on a 1/4-acre lot to design your dream home. www.201NorthWashington.com

$2,195,000

557 SOUTH PALM AVE #22

4317 MARINA VIEW WAY

4318 MARINA VIEW WAY

$1,550,000

$1,250,000

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

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

Inspired Italian architecture, notable features, 2,100 SF spread across three living levels, and luxurious courtyard all in the heart of downtown. www.BurnCourtVilla22.com

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD #152

1105 GULF OF MEXICO DR #404

$1,599,000

$1,495,000

$1,299,000

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

$2,245,000

$1,799,000

6910 SCRUB JAY DRIVE

1826 HAWKINS COURT

1920 LAUREL STREET

4004 CASCINA WAY

1974 HYDE PARK STREET

$1,029,000

$999,000

$995,000

$899,000

$699,000

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

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

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

Crafted in 2017 by Taylor Morrison, this 3BR home, nestled on a corner parcel, awaits your personal touch. www.4004CascinaWay.com

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

2437 TEMPLE STREET

225 SANDS POINT RD #6105

2039 GULF OF MEXICO DR #211

631 NORTH ORANGE AVE #107

5631 MIDNIGHT PASS RD #1005

$749,000

$649,000

$499,000

$395,000

$389,000

Southern exposure in Arlington Park!

Updated 3BR home offers 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

Step into this 2BR, furnished residence, where an abundance of natural light and lush views greet you. www.SeaplaceG3211.com

Experience the essence of urban living in the vibrant Rosemary Districtat this 2BR renovated retreat. www.MentoneCourt107.com

Bike to Siesta Key beach from this charmingly updated cottage. Boasting covered parking and lovely amenties. www.WhiteSandsVillage1005.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. 417126-1

20A

Classifieds 18B Games 17B Real Estate 13B Weather 17B

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Day at the top For the 14th year, Roger Pettingell is Sarasota’s best-selling Realtor. What’s the key to his success?

STAFF WRITER

A

s Realtor Roger Pettingell walks through his clients’ homes, he looks in every crevice. He asks what’s going on in the attic, looks to see what the bottom of the pool is like and opens every closet.

To Pettingell, there’s a special enjoyment in selling houses. He compared his passion for real estate to the classic tale of Cinderella: He’s the fairy godparent who takes the underappreciated and turns it into something remarkable.

In 2023, Pettingell notched his 14th year as the top individual real estate agent in Sarasota County by sales volume, according to the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

He also broke the record for closing the highest recorded condominium sale on Longboat Key, which he did in 2023 with an $11 million unit. After a busy day of listings, he celebrated that sale with dinner with his clients.

But let’s take a step back. What’s the key to Pettingell’s success? The answer is his day-to-day habits.

The Longboat Observer spent a day with Pettingell to see how he weaves together his drive for the Sarasota real estate market with his strong family ties.

EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM

Even though he said he isn’t a morning person, Pettingell is up and at ’em at 6 a.m. He meets his trainer for a morning workout and then heads back to his house to pick up his dog, Finn, on his way into the office.

“He will be following me around all morning until he knows he’s coming with me,” said Pettingell. “It’s nice to have him with me in the office. It humanizes the work space and gives it a family atmosphere.”

On his way to work, Pettingell calls his team to check in with everyone and review the schedule for the day. He wouldn’t call himself a micromanager, but he likes to see things executed correctly and to make sure everything runs smoothly.

MORE ROGER

Calls per day: 50 Texts per day: 100 Emails per day: 50 relevant, 300 in total Favorite Longboat Restaurant: Maison Blanche Most Recent Book You Read: “Elon Musk” by Walter Isaacson Fave movie: “I love rom-coms like ‘Pretty Woman’ or any sort of Cinderella story, which is a lot like the reason I love real estate. I love taking something that looked terrible and making it look pretty.”

Home improvement shows, yes or no? “Those are so staged, so ‘no,’ but it’s fun to see the before and after.”

DAY-TO-DAY CHANGES

Every day is different for Pettingell.

One day, he will be going to different listings to give them an evaluation.

Other days, he is meeting clients and giving them his advice on their renovations.

Pettingell prefers to spend as much time in the office because everything is in one place there, and it’s easier to connect with his team in person.

He said he has a great team that uses their unique skills together to get things done efficiently.

No matter where he is, he will most likely be answering the many phone calls, emails and text messages he gets throughout the day. Pettingell said he could never be one of those

“But we are good because we are experts in this area, and we grow with it when it’s constantly changing and keep our connections through that change.”

— Roger Pettingell

Photos by Petra Rivera

Roger Pettingell visits one of his listings.

people who has a backlog of unread messages, so he usually tackles them as soon as he sees them.

Just like his dog Finn adds a familial touch to his work, Pettingell asks his sons, Jake and Max, to help with his work whenever they can. Jake did an internship with Roger during the summer and often comes to help him film videos and take photos of listings.

On Wednesday mornings, he films “Real Talk” at 9 a.m. In these videos, he will promote different listings and give tips relating to real estate and the area.

MARKETING IS THE KEY

Originally from Manhattan, both of Pettingell’s parents worked in marketing. His plan was to go to medical school to become a pediatrician, but his genetic marketing skills were always present. Pettingell said that he was his college’s class president by being the social butterfly that he is and prioritizing the importance of personal relationships.

After not getting into medical school like he planned, Pettingell followed his mother to Florida to do marketing for the Arvida Corp., which was largely responsible for the development of Longboat Key. He said he realized that salespeople have more fun and make more money, so he wanted to join the party.

“I have definitely been a Longboat guy for a long time,” said Pettingell. “Marketing then was different. I made about $12,000 and lived in a tiny apartment by the beach.

But that time is instrumental for my career. I learned a lot and made

amazing relationships, which I have stayed in touch with. I came in with new ideas and those years made me the Realtor I am today.”

Thirty years later, those lessons stuck. Pettingell credits his success to pushing marketing on all fronts.

Along with this, he said that listening is the biggest part of his job and helps his clients feel more open to his process.

“I’m not the only successful Realtor in town,” said Pettingell. “I think that we all kind of gravitate to those people and clients that we work the best with. But we are good because we are experts in this area, and we grow with it when it’s constantly changing and keep our connections through that change.”

FAMILY MAN

Pettingell will usually end his work day between 5 and 5:30 p.m. He said the only time in his day that his phone is quiet is between 6 to 7 p.m.

During this free hour and most of his free time, he steps into the role of father, husband and friend. Usually, the season will call for celebration dinners and community events.

“I do pay attention to work after hours but to a certain extent,” said Pettingell. “I don’t think that somebody needs an emergency condominium on Longboat at 8 p.m. But I don’t have a problem with texting back, ‘We’ve got your message. We’ll give you a call in the morning.’ I’ve never gone on a trip or a vacation where I haven’t sold something. But I absolutely believe in work-life balance.”

Pettingell also uses his free time to support nonprofits. Since he had once planned to be a pediatrician, he likes to dedicate his time to helping organizations that help children, such as the Children Protection Center. He also supports Southeastern Guide Dogs Inc. and is on the board for the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. “I’m not saving the world, but I feel like I am helping people through their life,” said Pettingell. “It’s an important purchase to buy or sell your house. It’s a big part of people’s lives. And everybody wants to be good at what they do. I love working.

I can’t imagine not working and not doing what I’m doing.”

Roger Pettingell with his dog, Finn.

416676-1

PETRA RIVERA

2B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Top Realtors combine for nearly $1B sales PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

T

he Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee recently released its top individual real estate agents for 2023 ranked by total closed sales volume with several Longboat Key Realtors claiming top spots on the annual list. The list does not include Realtors who are part of a team of more than one agent.

Longboat Key-based Roger Pettingell is the top individual real estate agent in Sarasota County for the 14th year in a row.

He achieved more than $113 million in closed sales volume in 2023.

This sales volume also earned him the No. 7 individual agent ranking across Coldwell Banker offices.

His pending sales for the year include an $11 million property in L’Ambiance. This sale is the highest recorded condominium sale on Longboat Key. Also serving Longboat Key, Charles Buky was second on the list with $102 million in total sales volume.

“As a top team in the region, our commitment to excellence, extensive market knowledge and unparalleled dedication ensure that every client receives exceptional service and achieves the best possible outcomes in their real estate endeavors,” said Buky in an email. “I am very thankful for my father who started our team and instilled the commitment to constantly provide the best possible service to all who would need help in finding their piece of paradise.”

Bruce Myer, whose office is on Longboat Key, followed Pettingell and Buky with $99 million in sales volume.

“Being out here for 44 years, I

TOP 10 REALTORS

The top 10 individual Realtors in Sarasota and Manatee counties by total closed sales volume in 2023 as a selling agent or a listing agent.

Roger Pettingell..............$112 million Charles Buky..................$102 million Bruce Myer...................... $99 million Reid Murphy.....................$97 million Renee Preininger.............$87 million Cliff Glansen.....................$82 million Jay Travis.......................... $74 million Stacy Haas.......................$73 million Carissa Pelczynski...........$70 million Laura Rode...................... $69 million

Courtesy image

This L’Ambiance penthouse closed Jan. 31 at $11 million, making it the highest recorded condo sale on Longboat Key. The property is located at 415 L’Ambiance Drive.

Selling agent Roger Pettingell said the view is the penthouse’s most impressive feature.

Image courtesy of Bruce Myer

Bruce Myer of Coldwell Banker Realty

started my career with Arvida, so I sold almost every community out here,” said Myer. “Having that project knowledge gets your name out there and helps people trust that you will help them find what they are looking for.”

Reid Murphy achieved $97 million in sales volume in 2023. Murphy

Image courtesy of Renee Preininger

Renee Preininger with Sarasota Trust Realty Company

began his career on Longboat Key as a tennis pro at the Longboat Key Club in the 1980s.

“Knowing the market has really been the key,” said Murphy. “People know me here and they trust me.

I’m grateful for that community and honored to be a part of it. We are

Image courtesy of Charles Buky

The Charles Buky team with Coldwell Banker Realty: Jim Ptak, Charles Buky, Matt Huffman and Taylor McFadden

already starting this year strong and looking forward to continuing that for the rest of 2024.”

Renee Preininger, who is based in Lakewood Ranch, rounded out the top five with sales of $87 million.

419061-1

The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee shared its annual list of the top real estate agents by sales volume.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

3B

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

JUST LISTED SCAN FOR MORE

SCAN FOR MORE

JUST LISTED 551 PUTTER LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $6,995,000 4BR+OFFICE/5.5BA • Canal front • Full Bay views

415 L’AMBIANCE DR., #D206 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $2,995,000 3BR/3.5BA • 2,820 SF • Gulf & Bay views • Walkdown to beachfront

SCAN FOR MORE

SCAN FOR MORE

JUST LISTED 486 E. ROYAL FLAMINGO DRIVE • SARASOTA, FL • $3,995,000 3BR+DEN/3BA • 3,854 SF • 3-Car Garage • Built in 2014

540 BIRD KEY DRIVE • SARASOTA, FL • $1,695,000 3BR/2BA • 1,924 SF • Best value on Bird Key

SCAN FOR MORE

SCAN FOR MORE

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD., #153 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,799,000 3BR/3.5BA • 2,550 SF • Full floor • Direct Bay views

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

SCAN FOR MORE

SCAN FOR MORE

3460 MISTLETOE LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $2,225,000 3BR+DEN+OFFICE/3.5BA • 2,831 SF • Direct Bayfront

SCAN FOR MORE

1065 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #10-402 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $949,000 2BR/2BA • 1,392 SF • Updated • Furnished • Covered parking space

SCAN FOR MORE

5757 GULF OF MEXICO DR.,# 102 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,195,000 2BR/2BA • 1,561 SF • First Level • Steps to the beach

2110 HARBOURSIDE DR., #514 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,395,000 2BR+DEN/2BA • 2,031 SF • Walk-down to Bay • Covered parking space

SCAN FOR MORE

SCAN FOR MORE

LIDO SHORES • 1130 CENTER PLACE • SARASOTA, FL • $1,999,000 13,000 SQ. FT. +/- Lot • In the iconic Sarasota school of architecture enclave

1055 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #8-502 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,475,000 2BR/2BA • 1,392 SF • Direct Gulf front • Updated • Covered parking space

SCAN FOR MORE

3080 GRAND BAY BLVD., #532 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $849,000 2BR/2BA • Golf course, and Sarasota Bay views

SCAN FOR MORE

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

BRUCE MYER

REAL ESTATE GROUP

Bruce@BruceMyer.com • 941.376.5311 • www.BruceMyer.com

417359-1

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

4B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

COASTAL ELEGANCE AT ITS FINEST! Open House Saturdays & Sundays 1- 4 pm 551 BROADWAY ST Longboat Key, FL

Listed for $4,450,000 MLS# A4555735

4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Baths 3,738 Sq Ft | 4 Car Garage

Now Complete and Ready for Occupancy BUILT BY EASON BUILDERS GROUP, KNOWN FOR QUALITY WORKMANSHIP AND ATTENTION TO DETAILS.

This new home features timely finishes including hard wood flooring, custom cabinetry, high quality solid surfaces, custom millwork throughout, and vaulted ceilings. There is a primary and secondary master suite and two en-suites. The home will have a private elevator, several covered lanais and an amazing tropical pool with spa surrounded by mature landscape. For the boaters, there is canal access, including a boat dock and 10,000 lb. lift with easy access to the ICW and the Gulf of Mexico. Conveniently located in the Historic Village of Longboat Key, you have easy access to the beach, which is a short 5 minute walk. You are also a short walk to three of the best local restaurants.

GREGG BAYER Broker

Photos by Petra Rivera

941.799.9096

gregg@amibeaches.com

seitreporp esitrepxe stluser

420331-1

AMI BEACHES REAL ESTATE “Old Florida with a new twist”

LANOITPECXE

941.928.3559

T

UNRIVALED t silaicep S lai tn edis eR defi it reC

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9553.829.149

moc.srednuasleahcim@notluoMle ahciM MichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com CE PRI

W NE

evirD tnioP esuohthgiL 56

Condo 0 0 0,5on 97the ,3$Bay | 1#101 8183| Sarasota 4 4A | F|SBay 33Front 9,4 2,325sf | 3BR | $4,450,000 | A4582024

W NE

daoR bulC taobgnoL 548

65 Lighthouse Key| Waterfront 0 0 0,0Point 57,9Drive 1$ | 5| Longboat 160 4 4 4A FS 0 03,91 4,941sf | 4BR + Den | $8,150,000 | A4593518

G DIN PEN

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Water 0 0 0,Club 599,#105 1$ | |4Longboat 64 8 4 4 4Key A |Gulf FS 0Front 43 , 2 2,585sf | 2BR + Den | $2,750,000 | A4587667

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Florida a di440 rolFGulf ,yeofKMexico taobgDr no|LLongboat | r D ocKey, ixeM fo f lu G 0 4 4

Kim Fenwick and Susie Hettmansperger

— PETRA RIVERA

416904-1

W NE

Pack the (club) house he doors weren’t open for more than two minutes on Feb. 16 before the clubhouse of the Gulfshore of Longboat Key mobile home park was packed.

It was the first night of the annual Trash to Treasure sale, and residents came to find the best deals and new trinkets for their home.

The first night of the sale was a residents-only cocktail hour to give them first dibs on the wares.

By 4:30 p.m., Kay Heigle was already rearranging her section because residents made a dent in the selection.

The second part of the sale took place from 9 a.m. to noon the next morning.

This was open to the public.

Sisters-in-law Barbara Long and Phyllis Long George have been in charge of the boutique section for the past few years.

George said she loved working with Long because they get involved in suggesting purchases. They also have Bill Long and James Christiano to model items and keep laughs going throughout the sale.

YRANIDEXTRAORDINARY ROARTXE

DELAVIRNU

Diane Lapinski, Karen Kroll and Peggy Klaasen

Barbara Long and Phyllis Long George

Home is Closer Than You Think FEATURED LISTINGS

Dianne Anderson

The Anderson Group

941.350.3513

dianne.anderson@compass.com

dianneanderson.com

1350 MAIN STREET, UNIT 803, SARASOTA | LIST PRICE: $825,000

7889 MAINSAIL LANE, SARASOTA | LIST PRICE: $2,250,000

Dianne Anderson is a licensed real estate agent affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.”

4

417098-1

420691-1

Elevate your real estate experience. Contact The Anderson Group today.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

WATER

on the

Reid MuRphy PResents

LONGBOAT KEY MAGNIFICENT GULF FRONT $ 17,500,000 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.

5B

LONGBOAT KEY GULF FRONT $ 9,970,000

LONGBOAT KEY BAY ISLES HARBOR $ 9,595,000

Casually elegant 3BD/3BA Key West style estate w/ privacy gates. Breathtaking views. Floor to ceiling pocket sliding glass doors open to the lanai expanding the living space to include above ground pool & spa plus expansive outdoor sitting area. Private master retreat w/ Gulf front terrace.

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.

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY L’AMBIANCE 4,195,000

LONGBOAT KEY EN PROVENCE

LONGBOAT KEY DEEP WATER

$

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.

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.

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

LONGBOAT KEY BOATERS DREAM

LONGBOAT KEY BOATERS DREAM

2,795,000

LONGBOAT KEY GRAND BAY

1,999,985

$

$

$

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.

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.

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

2,395,000

2,325,000

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY PRIVATEER 1,395,000

1,845,000

$

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

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

LONGBOAT KEY WESTCHESTER

$

$

1th floor luxury Penthouse, behind the gates of LBK Club & Resort. 2BD/2BA splitplan w/ two private terraces for Gulf, Bay and City views.

Many high-end updates and full resort ammenties.

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.

BUYING OR SELLING

CALL REID

1,200,000

for a successful real estate experience!

941.232.3304

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

REIDMURPHY.COM

416744-1

LONGBOAT KEY DEEP WATER

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

VACATION RENTALS

LONGBOAT KEY • LIDO KEY • ST. ARMAND’S

941-879-9300 FGCVacationRentals.com ✓ Monthly Furnished Island Rentals ✓ Luxury Hospitality Services ✓ Personable and Reliable Katie Benninghove

414225-1

Rick Benninghove

Photos by Petra Rivera

Debbie Andy, June Hessel and Maria Pozantidis

Mimosa morning

S

eaplace Condominiums started Presidents Day weekend with homemade pancakes, sausages and mimosas at their annual pancake breakfast.

The breakfast was held at 10 a.m. on Feb. 17 at the clubhouse. June Hessel, Maria Pozantidis and Debbie Andy made fresh pancakes as people came up and grabbed servings.

Sandy Endres was the bartender filling everyone’s cups with orange juice and Champagne. Mike Nuzzo and John Berg manned the grill outside with sausages and talked about their Saturday plans of going out into the Gulf to look for sharks.

Multiple residents said this was the perfect event to bring guests to and show them what the Longboat Key lifestyle is like. Rosita and Leone Louie came to visit Elia and Maria Pozantidis for the week.

Rosita Louie said the breakfast gave them the opportunity to meet the Pozantidis’ neighbors and feel the atmosphere of the tight-knit Seaplace community.

Welcome to Longboat Key. WATCH THE SUNRISE - Then see mainland lights at night, all from your bay view condominium located in a Beach to Bay community! This 3 bedroom, 3 bath residence, where you will enjoy an abundance of space for grandkids, family, and friends, is a rare find on LBK for under $1 million.

Vaulted ceilings and nicely updated throughout with tile and wood floors. Amenities include pool, tennis, pickle ball, fitness center and your own beach right across the street. Pet friendly.

Offered turnkey furnished for $750,000.

AMAZING BAYFRONT RESIDENCE! - You will 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, soaring ceilings and 3 balconies. The community offers pool, tennis, pickle ball, fitness and a day dock for launching your small watercraft, plus gulf side beach across the street.

Pets are welcome here. $925,000.

Nancy Hjort and Dottie Mueller

Island life

PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR MORE DETAILS.

Nowhere but here.

Bobbie Banan

Steve Nursey

REALTOR, 5 Star Real Estate Agent

begins here.

REALTOR, GRI

941.356.2659

941.356.7010

SteveNursey@michaelsaunders.com stevenursey.michaelsaunders.com

61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents Sarasota, FL 34236

416855-1

BobbieBanan@michaelsaunders.com bobbiebanan.michaelsaunders.com

John Berg and Mike Nuzzo

— PETRA RIVERA

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

LOCAL, VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1939 LONGBOAT KEY

1800 Benjamin Franklin Drive A602 3BR | 3BA | 1,980 SF A4587573 | $2,200,000

LONGBOAT KEY

Open House Sunday, 1-4 pm

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

793 Jungle Queen Way 4BR | 3 BA | 2,688 SF A4575835 | $2,100,000 Open House Sunday, 1-4 pm

4370 Chatham Drive, Unit 104| Longboat Harbour MLS#A4592435 | 2/2 - 1,040 sf | Great amenities | $550,000 | Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

SIESTA KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

1918 Harborside Drive 901 3BR | 2BA | 2,135 SF A4588451 | $1,850,000

2143 Harborside Drive 1201 3BR | 2BA | 2,224 SF A4592954 | $875,000

NEW PRICING

NEW PRICING 612 Marbury Lane | Sleepy Lagoon Pk| MLS#A4590263 | 2/2 - 1,128 sf | Canal Front | NOW $1,299,999 | Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

Living and Working on Longboat Key

1240 Dolphin Way #402 | Dolphin Bay MLS#A4595025 | 2/2 - 1,915 sf | NOW $1,349,999 Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

Julie Klick

RESIDENTIAL SALES - RENTALS - PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

REALTOR®, MBA 941.780.6001

VOTED “Favorite Real Estate Company” by readers of the local newspaper for 25 years in a row!

julieklick@ michaelsaunders.com

Longboat Key Office

Beverly St. Hilaire

REALTOR®, GRI, CLHMS 818.416.2505 beverlysthilaire@ michaelsaunders.com

941.383.5577

417202-1

5360 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 418390-1

6B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

7B

All the Ritz-Carlton Residences One realtor, One website: Sarasotacondominiums.com

Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Bay This iconic, new, 20-story Ritz-Carlton Residence, Sarasota Bay, residential tower enjoys a prime waterfront location in the heart of Sarasota’s walkable downtown cultural district.

Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Step into the essence of elegant downtown, waterfront living in the city’s most prestigious condominium community, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota, where legendary services and amenities are all yours to enjoy.

The Tower Residences Delight in captivating bay and city views coupled with unparalled amenities and legendary Ritz-Carlton service.

The Beach Residences Welcome to the epitome of luxury living on the shores of Lido Key at the Ritz-Carlton Beach Residences. These extraordinary residences boast unparalleled elegance and stunning panoramic views that encapsulate beach front living.

The Residences A slice of heaven located atop the original Ritz-Carlton hotel, downtown Sarasota with wonderful views of the bay and the city. Life at the Ritz-Carlton Residences is the perfect blend of luxury and unparalleled service.

Perry Corneau Luxury Real Estate Agent

(941) 650-4626 perry.corneau@compass.com

420359-1

www.sarasotacondominiums.com

Phone 941-556-9100 Mobile 941-737-4169 Email janjordan@atchleyrealty.com Website www.jansellssarasota.com 8B LONGBOAT OBSERVER |

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

5941 Emerald Harbor Drive Longboat Key

PET PICS

Canalfront Pool Home

Have photos of your four-legged family members? We want to see them! Share them at YourObserver.com/contests/petpics to be published online and for a chance to see them in print!

2600 Sq. Ft.

Jan Jordan Broker

941-737-4169

Associate/Realtor jan@jansellssarasota.com

jansellssarasota.com

420589-1

$2,900,000

J.D., REALTOR ® , LBK COMMISSIONER J.D., REALTOR ® , LBK COMMISSIONER J.D., REALTOR ® , LBK COMMISSIONER ®

J.D., REAL REALTOR , ESTATE LBK COMMISSIONER REAL ESTATE SIMPLY DONE SIMPLY DONE REALSIMPLY ESTATEDONE SIMPLY DONE REAL ESTATE ® ® J.D., REALTOR J.D., REALTOR , LBK COMMISSIONER J.D., REALTOR ® ®

203.605.9582 203.605.9582 203.605.9582 203.605.9582

412238-1

J.D., REALTOR REAL ESTATE SIMPLY DONE • Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist • On Longboat Key since 2002 • 35 years legal experience • On Longboat Key since 2002 • LBK Commissioner • 2020 Michael Saunders & Company Memorial Hospital volunteer • Sarasota LBK Former Commissioner • Sarasota Memorial Hospital volunteer “Top Sales Associates” • • Recent in: Bay Isles-Harbor | • 2020 Michael Saunders & Company Recent sales sales Westway Dr. | • 35 years of legal experience Promenade | The Pearl | Pointe Tangerine Bay | Sales Associates” Tangerine Bay | Emerald | “Top • 2020 Masters Award Winner Sands Point | Fairway Bay | Harbour Villa Bayport | Longbeach • 2022 President’s Award Winner Club | Perico Bay | Longbeach

PROACTIVE & COLLABORATIVE FLAWLESS EXECUTION

Member SIPC

You deserve a financial advisor who listens We’re just around the corner.

Michelle K Johnson, CFP®, CEPA®, AAMS™ Financial Advisor

AERIAL VIEW: Bella, the tree climbing standard poodle in Bay Isles on Longboat Key.

> edwardjones.com

MKT-5894O-A AECSPAD

AVAILABLE $3,325,000

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

PRICE IMPROVEMENT TOTALLY UPDATED

Get Out and Enjoy Spring

SEASON

AVAILABLE $1,325,000

COMING THURSDAY

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

FEB. 29

NEW LISTING $1,750,000

The Observer’s

GUIDE to the arts and society

2105 Gulf of Mexico Dr #3403 | A4599416 2/2, New Kitchen w/updates, Gulf Front, Longboat Key

Season Magazine is your ultimate guide to arts and entertainment events in Sarasota and Manatee.

From theater and music to art galleries and black tie events, if it

Dennis Girard

is happening in the area’s culture scene, it’s in Season.

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

Photo courtesy of Rachel Neville

YourObserver.com

420209-1

Broker Associate

416941-1

417796-1

595 Bay Isles Rd, Ste 260 Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-263-7821

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

9B

February 22, 2024

Ritz-Carlton Managed Beach Club Membership Available Immediately

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

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

Living in this Ritz-Carlton residence will be beyond your expectations. Be prepared to be hypnotized by this 10th-floor southwest corner residence in the sky with its wraparound terrace. Enjoy epic sunrises, moonrises, sunsets, and Sarasota’s skyline day and night. The ladies and gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton are available for the owners 24 hours a day. The Building amenities include a private swimming pool/spa, social rooms, movie theatre, and fitness center. The Beach Residences is on the same site as The Ritz-Carlton Members Beach Club. The location is perfect for walking the beach or biking into St. Armands Circle to shop and dine. Beach Luxury knows no limits. www.RitzCarlton1001.com

DIRECT BEACH FRONT! SUNSET VIEWS ON SOUTH LONGBOAT KEY FROM THIS VILLA DI LANCIA RESIDENCE This direct beachfront magnificent 3-bedroom, 3bathroom residence sprawls over 2,448 sq ft, showcasing breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. This furnished residence greets you with an open, sundrenched layout, thanks to expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.

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

2251 Gulf of Mexico Drive #204 | Aria - Longboat Key | $9,200,000 3 bed + office or 4 bed | 3.5 bath | 4,032 Sq Ft

Location, Location, Location – Exquisite gated estate on the northern tip of Siesta Key. This home offers Gulf of Mexico views, a 40x20 pool, a spa, an outdoor kitchen, a 24K boat lift & a 12x20 platform to lift a 5,000 lb. kayaks or a jet skis. The main level has the Primary & Guest suites, a library, a chef's kitchen, an elevator, and a 4-car garage. This home is a few steps to deeded Beach Access and is the most beautiful home on the north end of Siesta Key. www.3500BayouLouise.com

This home is almost new, and it’s a WOW! Live in this Gulf-front corner residence that feels like a home on the beach at the South end of Longboat Key. Enjoy your private 3400 ft.² terrace, w/your private pool, summer kitchen. This home has private stairs to the beach, a breathtaking clubhouse w/guest suites, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a 5-car garage. www.Aria204.com

1930 Harbourside Dr #122 | Fairway Bay | $879,000 2 bed | 2 bath | 1,312 Sq Ft

521 Wedge Lane | Longboat Key | $1,975,000 3 bed | 2 bath | 1,677 Sq Ft

3 bed, 3 bath | 2,448 Sq Ft

Sarasota Bay and skyline is your backyard from this two bedroom, two bath residence that is almost new and ready for instant enjoyment. Features: fitness center, pool, tennis and on-site manager.

DEEDED BEACH ACCESS 1930HarboursideDr122.com

Sailboat Water Front home on the southern end of Longboat Key in Country Club Shores with DEEDED BEACH ACCESS. The home showcases a NEW WINDOWS & DOORS, NEW ROOF, a NEW SEAWALL with a CoolDeck® dock, and a 10,000-pound boat lift. This residence also has a newer kitchen, newer baths, a split floor plan, a family room, and solar panels for the swimming pool—instant enjoyment. www.521WedgeLane.com

55 Lighthouse Point | Longboat Key | $8,900,000 5 bed + 2 flex rooms | 4.5 bath | 6,159 Sq Ft

1180 Bogey Lane | Longboat Key | $1,098,000 2 bed + flex room | 2 bath | 2,180 Sq Ft

WHERE LOCATION, SOPHISTICATION AND LUXURY MEET. A gated enclave of 16 luxury homes on the southern tip of Longboat Key and minutes to the Gulf of Mexico to enjoy the beach. Instant enjoyment in this newer home with a resort-style outdoor patio, pool, and spa. This location is a boater's paradise (no bridges to the gulf), a golfer's paradise, or a tennis or pickleball lover's paradise. This home has luxurious finishes, as well as close to the cultural hub of Sarasota. www.55Lighthouse.com

Updated, 2 bedrooms + flex room, 2 bathrooms, 2,180 sq ft. Country Club Shores is known for its prime location near waterways and golf amenities, tennis, boating, and exclusive beach sunsets with a low HOA fee of only $200 per year. Minutes to the new St. Regis on the Gulf of Mexico. South Longboat.

DEEDED BEACH ACCESS www.1180Bogey.com

419661-1

www.VillaDiLancia214.com

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

416950-1

10B

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

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

Photos by Petra Rivera

Heather Rippy and Tina Anderson in the back garden of Driftwood Beach Home and Garden 416915-1

LEIGHTON T. ALLENBY

239.537.4563

Michael Nink, PA, Broker- Associate, GRI Trust. Value. Faith.

Your Local Longboat Key Realtor

Direct Longboat Key Bayfront at popular Pelican Harbour 3 full bedrooms—water views on all sides furnished $1,079,000 | MLS#A4589473

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-914-2805

Chef Tina Anderson will teach cooking inspired by Blue Zones research at Driftwood Beach Home and Garden.

All classes are $65 each and held in the back garden of Driftwood Beach Home and Garden, 6838 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Call 960-0568 to reserve your spot.

3-5 p.m. March 13: The Blue Zones: Healthy Inspirations 3-5 p.m. March 20: Saints of Old Florida: Gulf Coast Cuisine 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 27: Boards and Bubbles: Brunch

STAFF WRITER

E

Portobello’s finest-look outside and all you see is blue!

Direct Gulf Front | 2 bed Turnkey Furnished $1,299,000 | MLS#A4597667

418776-1

MichaelNink@michaelsaunders.com michaelnink.michaelsaunders.com

IF YOU GO

PETRA RIVERA

The stunning sunrises from this 2 bedroom 3.5 bath Grand Bay Bldg 4 residence are some of the most beautiful In the world. Light and Bright Great room well situated for gatherings and Conversation Now $1,395,000 | MLS#A4588579

Always a Holiday at Grand Bay Bldg 2, 3 bedroom 3 bath‐2 large balconies, one with Sweeping Bay View— great for indoor/outdoor living Now $1,299,999 | MLS#A4592876

Entertaining 101

ntertaining guests is a stressful task when you don’t know where to start.

Tina Anderson’s cooking classes at Driftwood Beach Home and Garden should ease worries about what to make when hosting and give attendees a newfound appreciation for locally sourced food.

Anderson teaches in Driftwood owner Heather Rippy’s back garden and uses fresh herbs and flowers from the garden. The class is a demonstration focused on dishes for entertaining guests.

Anderson said she makes the classes accessible to all skill levels.

She emphasizes the importance of using fresh ingredients from local vendors, such as the farmers and fish markets of the area.

The first class in March will be about making food based on “Blue Zones.” This concept is based on five cities around the world where most people live to be 100 years old. In Anderson’s class, she will be teaching how food is used in these zones and how to apply those lessons to everyday life.

The other two classes will be on

Turning

Your Dreams

into an ADDRESS

1145 Gulf of Mexico Dr #505

3BD | 2BA | 1,819 SqFt | Direct Beachfront | New Impact Windows | $2,500,000

Fox Leiter Team

SOLD

Navigating the Sarasota Real Estate Market for Over Four Decades.

3556 E. Forest Lake Drive, Sarasota

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

Promenade $1,900,000 Fairway Bay $715,000 1211 Gulf of Mexico Drive #408 2000 Harbourside Drive #1503 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Longboat Key, FL 34228 1135 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #303

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

S

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Players Club $1,400,000 Longboat Harbour 1445 Gulf of Mexico Drive #204 4440 Exeter Drive #104 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Longboat Key, FL 34228

1115 Gulf of Mexico Dr #305

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

$585,000

READY TO BUY OR SELL? Maggie Hicks, Coldwell Banker

Fox Leiter Team

maggiehicks201@gmail.com 941.321.1759

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

417084-1

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

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

419169-

Real Estate Advisors 1575 Main Street Sarasota, FL 34236 941.544.6649 | foxleiterteam@compass.com | foxleiterteam.com

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

11B

Cindy Fischer 2023 Top Performing Agent Exclusive Island Properties

SCAN FOR MORE

Heather Rippy and Tina Anderson curating the menu for cooking classes held at Driftwood Home Beach Home and Garden.

Gulf Coast cuisine and brunchthemed charcuterie boards. She uses multiple cookbooks that Rippy sells in the shop to curate menus for the classes.

“I try to focus on helping people not feel intimidated when coming to the class,” said Anderson. “I just want people to be creative. These ladies will watch me put a board together that looks incredible. And they’re like, ‘I could never do that.’

I’m like, ‘Yes, you could.’ They just have let go of that fear and try something new. Have a little fun. It’s not about duplicating my plate. It’s about using those fundamentals to be creative and make your own.”

Originally from Tampa, Anderson said that she has been experimenting in the kitchen since her childhood.

When she was working in advertising in Chicago, she started working in restaurants for extra money.

Anderson realized how passionate she was about making food. She then decided to start her own catering business. Anderson trained at the Culinary Institute of America in California.

Although Anderson is Rippy’s neighbor, they were introduced by Rippy’s outgoing daughter, Bliss.

Anderson and Rippy connected over similar interests and decided it would be fun to add classes to the shop. They did a test run by making a recipe video for the Longboat Key Garden Club’s Taste of the Keys during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rippy then started offering Anderson’s classes at her shop in season since it opened in 2021.

“The classes are so fun,” said Rippy. “Tina is really innovative. She does things that people who have been cooking for a long time have never thought to do, so she’s super creative with food. Also, the aesthetic of the food is absolutely beautiful.”

Anderson said she never thought she would be teaching cooking classes but has come to really love it. She shared that she loves teaching women how to use food as a form of connecting with their loved ones.

“I just love the ladies that I have met,” said Anderson. “They’re just having a great time together, and bonding over food and drink, which is everything to me. All we are doing is tasting and Heather brings out the little bubbles, and then we have just a nice little visit. It is a really nice class.”

200FT OF BAY FRONTAGE, CASEY KEY | $3,795,000

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WATERFRONT HIDEAWAY WITH BOAT DOCK, LONGBOAT KEY | $2,750,000

SCAN FOR MORE

Exceptional Service by your Neighborhood REALTOR®,

HISTORIC BUNGALOW & GUEST COTTAGE, LONGBOAT KEY | $1,995,000

JoDene Moneuse

SCAN FOR MORE

35 year Longboat Key Resident/Realtor Celebrating 5 years on the Michael Saunders “Best of the Best” list

3 bdrms/2 baths renovated, on a great canal 548 Lyons Lane | $1,450,000

COASTAL COTTAGE WITH BACKYARD OASIS & POOL, LONGBOAT KEY | $1,750,000

2 bdrms/2 bath renovated with a full Bay view 600 Sutton Place $599,000

TION TRUC S N CO NEW

4 bdrms/4.5 baths on 170ft. of canal 610 Longview Dr | $5,350,000

E PRIC NEW

SOLD

Historic 4 bedroom home in Conrad Beach 7040 Firehouse Rd | $1,695,000

E PRIC NEW

MAGNIFICENT BAYFRONT SANCTUARY, SIESTA KEY | $9,330,000 Build your dream home on canal front land in Longbeach Village! 521 Broadway St | $950,000

Vacant lot in the Longboat Key Village 521A Broadway St | $750,000

SOLD Updated and high and dry! 3 bdrms/2 baths on a nice canal. 550 De Narvaez Dr | $1,650,000

Seaplace #G3-305. Beautifully remodeled 2/2.

2045 Gulf of Mexico Dr | $665,000

COASTAL SOPHISTICATION, LONGBOAT KEY | $2,575,000

11,250 sf lot with 3 bdrm/2 bth renovated house New seawall, docks and 10,000 lb lift 690 Jungle Queen | $1,495,000.00

941.465.1124

941.302.4913 416892-1

JoDeneMoneuse@michaelsaunders.com LongboatKeyLiving.com

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

419094-1

Canal front 2 bdrm Palm cottage plus a vacant lot 13,747 sf total 7012 Palm & 521A Broadway combined | $1,650,00

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

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 525 Norton Street 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,601 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4595862 $3,295,000

LONGBOAT KEY 545 General Harris Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,294 Sq. Ft. Marta Altizer 941-544-4437 A4593444 $3,000,000

LONGBOAT KEY 524 Cutter Lane 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,378 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4598081 $2,995,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1241 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 105 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,585 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4589400 $2,750,000

HOLMES BEACH 622 Emerald Lane 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,950 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4584812 $2,595,000

LONGBOAT KEY 699 Penfield Street 2 Beds 3 Baths 2,536 Sq. Ft. Cathy Meldahl, Pa 941-724-7228 A4593104 $2,200,000

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 680 Broadway Street 3 Beds 4 Baths 2,009 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4587392 $1,995,000

LONGBOAT KEY 575 Sanctuary Drive A104 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,785 Sq. Ft. Ryndie Brusco 941-809-6913 A4598966 $1,900,000

LONGBOAT KEY 7030 Poinsetta Avenue 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,402 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4587406 $1,750,000

LONGBOAT KEY 7040 Firehouse Road 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,780 Sq. Ft. Maureen Horn & JoDene Moneuse 941-539-3384 A4584884 $1,695,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3010 Grand Bay Boulevard 422 2 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,143 Sq. Ft. Michael Nink, Pa 941-914-2805 A4588579 $1,395,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3040 Grand Bay Boulevard 214 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,369 Sq. Ft. Michael Nink, Pa 941-914-2805 A4592876 $1,299,999

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

LONGBOAT KEY 5265 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 304 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,453 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4574390 $1,100,000

LONGBOAT KEY 569 Bayview Drive The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4594313 $1,100,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3070 Grand Bay Boulevard 616 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,380 Sq. Ft. Julia Mcclung 941-356-6499 A4591919 $975,000

LONGBOAT KEY 6960 Poinsetta Avenue 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,461 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4583722 $815,000

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

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 4234 Gulf Of Mexico Drive E2 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,248 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4585739 $759,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3806 Gulf Of Mexico Drive C404 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,514 Sq. Ft. Susan Mondello 941-544-3387 A4596318 $669,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2039 Gulf Of Mexico Drive G3-305 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,257 Sq. Ft. Nancy Moore 941-313-5159 A4590280 $665,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4870 Gulf Of Mexico Drive V-12 2 Beds 2 Baths 973 Sq. Ft. Tryla Brown Larson 941-962-1122 A4589845 $449,000

LONGBOAT KEY 648 Bayview Drive 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,157 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4567089 $4,495,000

SARASOTA 888 Boulevard of the Arts 101 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2315 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4582024 $4,450,000

CASEY KEY 2410 Casey Key Road 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,186 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4586886 $3,795,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

419909-1

12B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

REAL ESTATE

John Ringling Estates home tops sales at $4M

13B

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in John Ringling Estates tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Christopher Paul Quinn and Reyna Rosanna Quinn sold their home at 426 Cleveland Drive to Gregory Leonard, of Sarasota, for $4 million.

Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,396 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.45 million in 2011.

BIRD KEY

Anthony and Nadia Rendina, of West Chicago, Illinois, sold their home at 464 Meadow Lark Drive to William Caine Jr. and Temmy Caine, trustees, of Sarasota, for $3.93 million. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,437 square feet of living area. It sold for $3,617,500 in 2023.

Gregory Leonard, of Sarasota, sold his home at 410 Meadow Lark Drive to John Michael Holland and Katherine Holland, of Lake Forest, Illinois, for $3.4 million. Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,257 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.45 million in 2023.

SLEEPY LAGOON

Larry Gary Reagan, trustee, of Nashville, Tennessee, sold the home at 6605 Gulfside Road to 9403 Gulf Drive LLC for $1.75 million. Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,235 square feet of living area. It sold for $230,000 in 1993.

FAIRWAY BAY II

Dennis Jarosh and Joseph Petri sold their Units 434 and 435 condominiums at 2020 Harbourside Drive to Ellen Kent, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $1,735,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,462 square feet of living area. It sold for $710,000 in 2017.

LIDO AMBASSADOR

John and Lorraine Cross, of Walnut

Courtesy image by Greg Orquera

Christopher Paul Quinn and Reyna Rosanna Quinn sold their home at 426 Cleveland Drive to Gregory Leonard, of Sarasota, for $4 million.

bedrooms, two baths and 1,334 square feet of living area.

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

CEDARS EAST

FEB. 5-9

Creek, California, sold their Unit 411 condominium at 800 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Laura Harper, trustee, of Sarasota, for $1,235,000.

Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,125 square feet of living area. It sold for $542,500 in 2010.

BAYPORT BEACH AND TENNIS CLUB

Ellis Hyman, trustee, of Alexandria, Virginia, sold the Unit 26 condominium at 651 Cedars Court to Stephen Eric Sandstrom and Jennifer Jeannine Sandstrom, of Longboat Key, for $650,000. Built in 1988, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,440 square feet of living area. It sold for $430,000 in 2021.

ISLANDER CLUB OF LONGBOAT

Brian Bennett sold his Unit 24-S condominium at 2295 Gulf of

Richard and Nancy Pollock, trustees, sold the Unit 834 condominium at 834 Bayport Way to Marilyn Katzmark, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $825,000. Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,601 square feet of living area. It sold for $477,000 in 2021.

Mexico Drive to Emad Zeitouneh and Nada Kiwan, of Longboat Key, for $550,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,235 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2023.

LONGBOAT HARBOUR

Donna and Alexander Aldama, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 205 condominium at 4400 Exeter Drive to Craig Burg Schilder and Linda Schilder, of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, for $465,000. Built in 1970, it has one bedroom, one bath and 837 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2022.

In with the new NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

WINDWARD BAY

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Edward Cohen, of Bradenton, sold his Unit 19-V-32 C condominium at 4974 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Michael and Denise Perrone, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, for $675,000. Built in 1974, it has two

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Feb. 9-15 in order of dollar amounts.

Longboat Key Address

Permit

Applicant

760 Lyons Lane

Alt/Renovation

Timothy Anderson

$400,000

Amount

1211 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Alt/Renovation

Lisa Crye

$287,300

741 Fox St.

Alt/Renovation

Bradley Tirpak

$250,000

100 Sands Point Road

Mechanical

Sands Point

$240,390

Alt/Renovation

Condominium Association

Alt/Renovation

Edward Raimonde Jr.

#802

4401 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

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

LONGBOAT KEY

$149,265

Unit PH2 2450 Harbourside Drive #211 Shutters

Longboat Key Holdings LTD $74,547

3348 Sabal Cove Lane

Valerie M. Utley Revocable

Re-roof

$66,991

Living Trust

3040 Grand Bay Blvd. #261

Shutters

Richard Illgen

$62,539

3060 Grand Bay Blvd. #185

Shutters

John Obiala

$53,890

520 Putter Lane

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Jay Plager

$31,509

4621 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Windows/Doors

Glenridge Park

$28,708

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

Unit 5B

Investments Of Florida LLC

775 Longboat Club Road #408 A/C Change Out

Marie Kropp

$24,633

2377 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

A/C Change Out

Catherine Goshorn

$23,486

711 Emerald Harbor Drive

Re-roof

Patice Fanning

$23,450

1945 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Windows/Doors

Daniel J. Applefield

$20,145

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

#2D4

#209

Living Trust

664 Cedars Court

A/C Change Out

Geoffrey Smith

$16,874

621 Buttonwood Drive

A/C Change Out

Paul Giannioi

$13,881

3553 Fair Oaks Lane

Windows/Doors

John Cottrell

$13,631

704 Bayport Way

A/C Change Out

Lisa Lombardi

$11,872

5635 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Windows/Doors

Sowell Giles

$11,740

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

Source: Town of Longboat Key Prices as of November 2023

419897-1

Unit 104

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

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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

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

EXCEPTIONAL EXCEPTIONAL EXCEPTIONAL VACATION RENTALS RENTALS VACATION VACATION RENTALS

Specializing in Specializing Specializing Longboat Keyininand Lido Key Longboat Key Lido Longboat Keyand andHomes, LidoKey Key Private Vacation Condominiums Private Vacation Homes, and Beachfront Private VacationResorts Homes,Condominiums Condominiums and Beachfront Resorts and Beachfront Resorts

941-387-9709 941-387-9709 3720 Gulf of Mexico Drive 941-387-9709

info@FLVacationConnection.com FLVacationConnection.com info@FLVacationConnection.com FLVacationConnection.com FLVacationConnection.com

416788-1

Locally owned and Locally owned managed sinceand 1994 Locally owned managed sinceand 1994 managed since 1994

3720 Gulf Key, of Mexico Drive Longboat FL 34228 3720 GulfKey, of Mexico Drive Longboat FL 34228 info@FLVacationConnection.com Longboat Key, FL 34228

SATURDAY, FEB. 24

LONGBOAT HOUSES OF WORSHIP DISCUSS THE DANGERS OF SEX TRAFFICKING 9-10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Christ Church of Longboat Key, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Free.

Coffee and pastries will be available from 8:30-9 a.m. Representatives of the nonprofit Selah Freedom and the Sarasota Police Department will be sharing their stories and connections on the topic. Selah Freedom is a local organization that rehabilitates victims of sex trafficking and will be speaking about its response to the trafficking problem. Register at any House of Worship: All Angels Episcopal Church (383-8161), Temple Beth Israel (376-3170), Christ Church Presbyterian (383-8833), Longboat Island Chapel (383-6491), St. Armands Key Lutheran Church (388-1234) St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church (383-1255).

KOSHER HITS WITH DAVID MILBERG 3-4:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. David Milberg (aka “Radio Dave”) popular broadcaster since 1965, will spotlight Jewish versions of popular music from the past 70 years. Featured artists will include Johnny Mathis, Connie Francis, Pat Boone, Allan Sherman and many others. Members $20; nonmembers $25. Email at E ­ dCenter@LongboatKeyTemple.org. Call 383-8222.

GO FOR A CURE GOLF TOURNAMENT 8:30 a.m. at the Education Center at Harbourside Golf Course. Teams are being formed to support Breast Health Sarasota and are looking for individuals who would like to join them. Sign up and wear your pinkest outfit. Please contact Pam Snauwaert at PSnauwaert@­comcast. net if you can play, would like to join a team, make a donation or have questions.

941-778-5622

www.lapenseeplumbing.com

NOW OPEN IN SARASOTA

LONGBOAT KEY FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS IN SARASOTA COUNTY 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road. Free.

Experience the vibrant Longboat Key Town Center Green. Stroll through the complex and see life-size sculptures, paintings, jewels, photography and ceramics. Plus, meet and chat with both local and national artists about their creative inspirations and works.

Patron parking is on Bay Isles Road in front of the show. Call 561-746-6615 or ArtFestival.com.

RECURRING EVENTS

Friday. 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 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.

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY LONGBOAT LIBRARY From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday-

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420797-1

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941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

15B

Luxuriously Private INSIDE AND OUT.

R E SI DE NCE SL I DOK EY.COM

Now Under Construction • From the $6 Millions • 941-888-3131

417808-1

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. Equal Housing Opportunity. Rosewood Residences Lido Key is owned and being developed, offered and sold by WSR—Lido Beach, LLC (“Developer”). The project is not owned, developed or sold by Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, L.L.C. or any of its affiliates (“Rosewood”). Developer uses the Rosewood marks pursuant to a license agreement with Rosewood, which may be terminated under certain conditions. Rosewood does not assume any responsibility or liability in connection with the condominium. © Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. The Ronto Group®. Rosewood Hotels and Resorts®.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

ADVERTISEMENT

There’s a Lot More to Learn About Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson

EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR OBSERVER READERS

HAMILTON JEFFERSON VS

THE RIVALRY THAT SHAPED AMERICA BEFORE YOU SEE THE SHOW, HEAR THE HISTORY

Historian Louis Masur recounts rivalry between Hamilton, Jefferson during a recent lecture.

A fascinating presentation on March 7 at The Ora explains how their rivalry shaped the future of our country.

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Of course, the musical Hamilton changed all that. In 2015 Hamilton received a record-breaking 16 Tony nominations and won 11 awards, including Best Musical, and then went on to receive the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

When: Thursday, March 7 10 am - Noon Where: The Ora Event Venue, 578 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota | Free Parking Cost: $49 per attendee To purchase tickets, visit: YourObserver.com/hamilton-tickets

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420571-1

16B

YourObserver.com

17B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, FEB. 23

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

High: 73 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 59%

Thursday, Feb. 22

7:01a

6:27p

Friday, Feb. 23

7:01a

6:27p

Saturday, Feb. 24

7:00a

6:28p

Sunday, Feb. 25

6:59a

6:28p

SATURDAY, FEB. 24

Monday, Feb. 26

6:58a

6:29p

High: 65 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 2%

Tuesday, Feb. 27

6:57a

6:30p

Wednesday, Feb. 28

6:56a

6:30p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, FEB. 25 High: 67 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 1%

Feb. 24 Full

March 3 Last

March 10 March 16 New First

TIDES Highs Lows

Donna Brown took this photo of a group of sanderlings on Whitney Beach.

Thursday, Feb. 22

12:49p

10:42p

6:14a

5:09p

Friday, Feb. 23

12:53p

11:21p

6:41a

5:51p

Saturday, Feb. 24

12:55p

11:58p

7:03a

6:29p

Sunday, Feb. 25

—

1:00p

7:22a

7:07p

Monday, Feb. 26

12:35a

1:09p

7:40a

7:46p

Tuesday, Feb. 27

1:14a

1:23p

7:57a

8:27p

Wednesday, Feb. 28

1:57a

1:42p

8:13a

9:12p

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

Flooring Made for Your Family

crossword

celebrity cipher

TRI-CITY AREAS by Jill Singer and Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen Johnson Wax

56 Ceremonial assent

114 Danish filmmaker von

60 Containing no meat or

Trier

dairy

115 Queen of Arendelle

61 Center courtyards

116 “Need You Tonight” band 62 “So confusing!”

117 French star of “Lupin”

64 Hindu deity

118 Key action?

65 Cajun cooking pod

119 “Uh-huh”

66 Description that’s bee-

DOWN

fitting?

4 Seal the deal 5 Heist film props 6 Plus 7 “I don’t wanna” 8 Holy place 9 “Yer darn ___!”

10 Field day contests 11 Boat for a famed couples cruise 12 Texter’s “Beats me” 13 Cluck of shame 14 Icy road hazard 15 Makes a mental image 16 Shot requiring chemistry 17 Off-roader, in brief 19 All steamed up

©2023 Universal Uclick

1 “Made You Look” rapper 4 “Terrible” tsar 8 Hormuz, for one 14 Actress Ward 18 Hardly a pro 20 “Artemis” org.

21 Greedily amasses 22 Entanglement 23 Yemeni port city 24 Cannabis strain 25 *Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren feature 27 American light lager

39 Farm workers

62 Diagnostic tool, briefly

92 Evian offering

40 Anthem contraction

63 *Ancient clay soldier

93 Reject

41 Hospital dept.

unearthed in Xi’an

95 One streaking at night?

42 Wrinkle-resistant

71 Apt name for a sculptor

96 Discipline that helps sites

polyester

72 Singer Kristofferson

stand out (Abbr.)

44 Person who doesn’t feel

73 Sport fish

97 *Bubbly Italian herbal

erotic attraction, for short

74 2-2, for example

aperitif

45 A giant one was taken on 75 “Who’s there?” answer July 20, 1969

78 ___ and bear it

104 Loser to the tortoise

47 British ref. set

79 Liver secretion

105 One percenters

48 “Wha ... ?”

80 Clung onto

106 Expansion at the edges

49 *Visual representation of 81 *Traditional song at a

31 *Flawlessly synced state 36 Govt. ID 38 Giants of wrestling

of big cities ... as exhibited in the answers to the starred

integers

Jewish wedding

54 Go-getter

85 Rose, as stocks or spirits clues 87 Singer Rita who was a

110 Regular guy’s muffin?

judge on “The X Factor”

111 James or Howard

58 Reduces a burden

88 Cupid’s counterpart

112 “___ Little Rich Girl”

59 NPR’s Flatow or Glass

89 Diarist Anais

(nickname for Barbara

60 Paw parts

90 Holder of an official seal

Hutton)

61 Tall, in Turin

91 ___ XING

113 Wisconsin home of

29 Feature of the Apple logo 55 Makes free (of) 30 Sedgwick who starred in 57 Slithering fish Andy Warhol shorts

102 “In your face, loser!”

26 Hankering 28 Corporate notes 29 Curvy 32 Shape studied in topology 33 Feet bottoms 34 Clairvoyant 35 Thumb-sucking phase 37 Overexposed pics?

42 “Ta-da!”

43 Love, in Liguria 44 “Then what?!”

46 French name that means “stone” 50 Projecting, as an opera aria 51 Early app versions 52 “Let’s ___ this popsicle stand”

KNHZD EAPBVUA. GS ISPY MSP GKA USHHSD RSSX VE GKA RPAZGAEG UPAAX.”

ISSXPSI IVWESD

67 Feel unwell 68 Done through repetition 69 Crude ship 70 “I Am Woman” singer

“FDW KWCXFAOW AV FDW WYJAOXEWKF

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RM FDW URSBRVWT’V VURTW, XKP FDW

75 Breakfast spots

BTAKF AV FDW BWTMRTSXKUW.”

76 Golf club used for low shots

BDRFRCTXBDWT XKVWE XPXSV

77 Punch air, perhaps 78 Fill the tank 79 Russian pancake 80 Excessive negativity, in slang 82 Region 83 Linguist Chomsky

“B REW XEJVFN EWHJVBWZ, NEW. B GFDC LBJBWZ FXX NFKC JVEW B REW RVCU EWM XBZAKBWZ BJ FAJ.” MBKCRJFK OFKMEW YCCGC

84 Accustom (to) 86 Juice 93 Gives birth to

© 2023 NEA, Inc.

Puzzle Three Clue: A equals U

3 Avoids

“GKAPA VE DS KVRKAP PAWVRVSD GKZD

Puzzle Two Clue: J equals U

2 Giant of wrestling

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 One Clue: N equals U

1 Racial justice org.

ACROSS

417954-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

94 Road hog?

95 Music note that’s the name of a programming language 97 Amanpour’s network 98 “Why Can’t I?” singer Liz 99 Collarless dog, maybe

sudoku

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

100 Taunt 101 Letter-shaped “Oh no, you didn’t!” gesture 103 Sculling gear 106 News org. since 1958 107 Great letters for play producers 108 Big name in cooking spray 109 Co. that gave its name to a jack 110 Sandwich known by its initials

53 Depilatory brand ©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

2-22-24

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Homes for Sale

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

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

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

5 ACRES Lake Barn Near Fruitville I-75 Call for Price

WEEKLY MONTHLY

Bradenton: Condo, 2 bed, 2 bath$229,900 Pet friendly 55+

SEASONAL RATES Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between

Sarasota: 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Car Garage House $359,000

Houses or Condos

2/2 Condo Plantation Golf Club Venice, Call for Price

Reservations 941-383-5577

TWIN BED Vintage Spool Bed with like new mattress & box spring. $100 (941) 387-7444

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales DYNASTY ESTATE SALE February 23rd, 9 am to 5 pm February 24th, 9 am to 5 pm February 25th, 9 am to 3 pm 763 Cedarcrest Ct Sarasota, FL 34232

Visa/MC

Brooke O’Malley | Club Realty Call 941-726-2677

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Numbers out at 8am High-end collection of Asian antiques including Tang dynasty, listed artist artwork, bedroom suits, Sleep By Number king size bed, midcentury by Johannes Anderson, high end kitchen items, dining room table and chairs, patio furniture, rugs, women’s clothing including shoe collection and handbag collection, beautiful leather sofas, beautiful Italian 1970s marble table by Carrara, occasional lamps, garage items, amazing collection of period Chinese antiques, porcelain vases, German steins, concrete outdoor statutes.

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

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

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

real estate

auto

stuff Items Under $200

Adult Care Services

wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com

Pool Home, New windows, hvac, Completely Updated $699,000

Merchandise Wanted 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

home services

Made for where you live. Here!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 Custom Canal Front Home with 4 bd/3 full baths & 2 half baths with 2,641 sq. ft. + huge bonus room on first floor, heated salt water pool, oversized garage, boat & jet ski docks w/ electric & 10,000 lb lift; deeded beach access. Private back yard overlooking mangrove preserve.

723 Jungle Queen Way

FAIRWAY BAY 1,300 SQ.FT., 2 bed, 2 bath (en suite) furnished condominium w/ w/d, sleeps 6. Extended patio. Direct water views of downtown Sarasota.

Pool, fitness room, beach club included. Available May - Dec 2024 . $5,500/month. Jan - April 2025. $7,500/ month. No Pets.

Call 941-545-4471

$2,900,000 Call Lori Madden Mangrove Realty 941-780-8443

LUCKY FINDS...

Condos/Apts. for Rent 2BR/1.5BA LONGBOAT KEY This apartment is nestled near nature park and short walk to private beach access. Easy access to Sarasota Bay and Bradenton. This is an annual rental. $2,500 (201) 681-7297

Condos/Apts. for Sale 1BR/1BA WHITNEY BEACH Enjoy daily a beautiful waterfront view onto Bishops Bayou where dolphin, manatee & pelicans feed. Recently renovated, fully furnished, contemporary condo at Whitney Beach. Realtor selected. $595,000 (770) 335-9211

Want Some Mad Money?

Sell Your Item for Free! $200 or less YourObserver.com/RedPages

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EPIC HOME CARE Personal Care-Respite Care Alzheimer’s Care Light Cleaning Med Administration Meal Prep Shopping, Errands & More Call for a FREE Evaluation!

941-536-6372 Epichomecareprovider@gmail Rosa Torres- Owner

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

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

SELL IT FAST!

LONGBOAT KEY

Condos/Apts. for Sale

Lovely 3/2/2 furnished home w/ heated pool, dock, walk to beach.

Washer/dryer. Screened lanai.

New roof. No pets/no smoking.

2BR/2BA BAYPORT Beach and Tennis Club. Perfect updated furnished condo with great rental potential. Beach to bay access, beautiful maintained grounds, and an amenity rich community. $714,000 (509) 948-9989 https://listing.thehoverbureau. com/bt/827_Bayport_way.html

$8,500 / month + tax. 30 day min Avail. March 2024 - May 2024

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Available Now! $4,500 / month.

Annual lease

Painting

Owner: 941-504-1492

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals BEAUTIFUL, LARGE renovated Bayport condo w/ private beach & bay access. 1,720 sq. ft. 2 bd / 2 ba w/ sitting room on 26 acre preserve. Tennis courts, pickleball courts, large heated pool.

Place Your Ad Online

Bring your boat & sail away!!

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING

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

Call 941-383-3338.

HIGH-END INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

FIND IT IN THE RED PAGES 941-955-4888

Call 941-565-4879 or 336-848-3094

YourObserver.com/RedPages

CARLO DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos.

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Merchandise Wanted GOLD, SILVER BUYING w/ CASH. RETIRED INVESTOR Diamonds, Coins, Jewelry, Antiques. Free House Calls.

Discrete/ Confidential. Call David 813-439-2694

AMI TURTLE WATCH OFFICE ASST. 20 hr/wk. Work from home near AMI. Skills: Scheduling, Inventory, Purchasing, Data Entry, Website. Some local travel. Email director@islandturtlewatch.com

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

HoHoBuysCars.com Furniture Repair

Handyman

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

941-504-0903

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES 1/10/23, 10:25 AM

Landscaping & Lawn

Transportation

Gardener On Call

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

Luxury for Less

LANDSCAPING • LANDSCAPE CLEANUP • PRUNING • WEEDING Flowers, Palms, Container Gardening, Tree Trimming

CALL 941-302-3933

419590

941.270.4400

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

5-Star Rated

420647

BUY STUFF HERE!

Help Wanted

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

941-248-4734

10% off

Airports, Concerts, Dinners & Cruises www.towncarservicebradenton.com 410036

SARASOTA ANTIQUE SHOW Saturday, February 24, 10:00 am-5 pm Sunday, February 25 10:00 am-4:00 pm, 801 N Tamiami Trail at the Municipal Auditorium: Booths of Beautiful Antiques, art, jewelry & more. adm $8.00/ $1.00 off one admission with this ad www.sarasotaantiqueshow.com

WE COME TO YOU

FAST • EASY • SAFE

419593

10115 Bud Rhoden Rd, Palmetto

SELL YOUR CAR!

Sliding Glass Door Repair

419589

Friday. & Sat. Feb 23 - 24.

9 am - ?

Doors

420652

HUGE DOWNSIZING SALE. All Christmas & Easter items discounted. Old collectible bottles & other types of collectibles & antiques. Furniture, other holiday, and household items, plus too many misc. items to mention!

Auto Service

419925

Or Visit: AntiquesandChatchkes.com Estate Sales Conducted by: Antiques & Chatchkes

jobs

For more information call Ken at: 941-356-3318

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

1/1

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Attorney

Caregiver/Companion

Windows

Divorce without Lawyers

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

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

Insurance

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

MIC INSURANCE

419576

William J. Leininger, JD

941-955-4888

BLUE BOX

5

$

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

CREATE BUZZ!

Advertise your business in the Red Pages. Call 941-955-4888

This week’s Crossword answers

419983

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING, LLC

Health

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

High End Interior & Exterior Painting Services

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

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

©2022 Universal Uclick

Power Washing Pressure Washing

Pressure Washing

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

Honesty, Integrity and Pride

• Roofs • Pool Cages • Decks • Driveways Roofs • Pool Cages • Decks • Driveways ••Deck/Paver Sealing • Gutter Cleaning • Deck/PaverAnd Sealing • And Much More Much More!

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

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

419981

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

Home Services

419946

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

AFTER

BEFORE

941-544-1066 | scaperotta@aol.com Italian American Owned

Roofing

Cleaning and Landscaping

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

Handyman Services Home Watch Storm Preparation & Other Services

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

Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

You’re only cheating yourself.

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

peekers’ place

CALL OR TEXT 941-900-9398 TODAY! OWNER: DON HUBIAK

419921

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed.”

Woodrow Wilson

Puzzle Two Solution: “The negative is the equivalent of the composer’s score, and the print is the performance.”

Photographer Ansel Adams Puzzle Three Solution: “I can fathom anything, man. I love biting off more than I can chew and figuring it out.”

Director Jordan Peele

This week’s Sudoku answers

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

419592

941-626-3194

419982

coquinaservices@gmail.com

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Painting

Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling • Concrete • Sheeting Drywall • Painting • Fence • Parquet • Stone Flooring • Tiles

941-920-7065

senior citizen discount.

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

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

419967

804.318.0022 | 941.279.5317

SPECIAL 00

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

H A N DY M A N

©2022 NEA, Inc.

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

510 BAY ISLES ROAD, SUITE 1 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL (Next to SUNTRUST BANK)

CHUBB, AIG, UNIVERSAL, UNITED, SAFECO, PROGRESSIVE, VAULT, FLOOD, WE HAVE YOU COVERED!

419591

Alex Demir

INCLUDING SCREENS, TR ACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

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

Handyman

150

25 $

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

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

Find anything in the RED PAGES

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

419594

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

419980

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

Divorce is never fun, but it does not have to be nasty & hateful! Protect your family relationships and assets from expensive Court litigation. Consider Divorce Mediation, the peaceful alternative.

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

19B

20B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Leading the market in 2024!

G

W NE

IN IST

L

Wishing you Happy Holidays and Peace in the New Year!

NEW LISTING

TOP 0.5%

of 1.46M Realtors

Top Small Team Sarasota/Manatee Counties

$3+ Billion

THE PROMENADE - LONGBOAT KEY

$2,195,000

1211 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #801 | 3BR/3BA | 2,100 SQ FT Rarely Available Corner Unit | 180 Degree Bay, City & Gulf Views | Split Floor Plan | Expansive Living Room & Dining Area | Well Appointed Kitchen w/ Separate Breakfast Room | Main Bedroom w/ Custom Built-In Features | Resort Style Amenities | Concierge Services

Career Sales Volume

Top 100 Agents RealTrends — All Florida

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

E

IC

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

W

Combined Real Estate Experience

NE

PR

NEW LISTING

www.ackermansrq.com RYAN ACKERMAN (305) 205-7700 (941)387-1818

THE ACKERMAN GROUP

EN

OP

UN

BARBARA ACKERMAN (941) 780-6045 (941)780-6045

941.387.1820

$2,695,000

1922Wide HARBOURSIDE DR.,| High #1101Ceilings | 2BR/2BA| TOWNHOME Lake Views Open Kitchen | New Roof | Expansive Covered Patio Updated Kitchen & Baths | Finished Bonus & Recreational Area | Private 2-Car Garage Screened-In Pool and Spa A/C | 2-Car Garage Wood Floors | Fireplace | Resort-Style Amenities Private Beach Club Membership

1-4

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LAWRENCE POINTE DOWNTOWN

$2,045,000 WATER CLUB I

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

I PR

GRAND NEBAY V - LONGBOAT KEY

$975,000

3080 GRAND BAY BLVD., #533 | 2BR/2BA | 1,329 SQ FT 2 Large Private Terraces | Rarely Available Capri Floor Plan | Floor-to-Ceiling Windows & Sliders 2 Garage Parking Spaces | Pet Friendly | Sunrise & Sunset Views

TANGERINE BAY CLUB

$4,900,000 ROYAL ST. ANDREW

1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #401 | 3BR/5BA | 3,400 SQ FT Panoramic Gulf Views | 3 Waterfront Terraces Private Elevator Lobby | All En-Suite Baths | Gated Pet-Friendly Community

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SABAL COVE - LONGBOAT KEY FAIRWAY BAY 3330 SABAL + DEN / 4 FULL EN SUITE & 2 HALF BA LONGBOAT KEY COVE LN. | 4BR $829,000

CHEROKEE PARK WEST OF TRAIL

CE

$5,985,000

W

NE

I PR

1655 SOUTH DRIVE 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 Impact Windows & Sliders

$1,090,000 EN PROVENCE

370 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #416 | 3BR/3.5BA | 2,476 SQ FT All New Hurricane Impact Doors and Windows New A/C | Gated Pet-Friendly Community | Excellent Amenities | 2-Car Garage

$1,899,900

555 S. GULFSTREAM AVE. #901/901A 3BR/2.5BA | 2,305 SQ FT | 9th Floor 1 & 1/2 Combined Residences | Gorgeous Bay & Sunset Views | Gourmet Kitchen

$4,450,000 CONDO ON THE BAY TOWER II

2151 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #5 | 3BR/3BA | 3,400 SQ FT Outstanding Sunset Views | Gourmet Kitchen | High Ceilings Private Elevator to Residence | Summer Kitchen | 2-Car Garage

$1,349,000

988 BLVD OF THE ARTS #816 | 2BR/2BA | 1,555 SQ FT Incredible Bay, Bridge & Sunset Views Screened-In Tiled Waterfront Balcony | Custom Updates | Pet-Friendly Community

E

IC

W

NE

PR

GRAND BAY I - LONGBOAT KEY

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

OAKS

$2,249,000

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

$1,645,000 GRAND BAY I

PENDING 360 NORTHSALE POINT RD. | 3BR/3.5BA | 2,913 SQ FT Brand New Construction | High Ceilings | Gourmet Kitchen w/ Center Island | 2-Car Detached Garage with EV Charger

$2,375,000

$2,125,000 CHEROKEE PARK

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD., #112 | 3BR/2BA | 2,250 SQ FT Completely Updated | 1st Floor Residence | Large Bayfront Terrace | Fully Furnished | NW Corner Residence | Pet-Friendly

$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 | Whole-Home Generator

NG

I ND

PE

PIERRE - LONGBOAT KEY

$4,750,000

THE SEA BREEZE - SIESTA KEY

$2,900,000

LAWRENCE POINTE - DOWNTOWN

$2,169,000

9008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 | 3BR/3.5BA | 3,700 SQ FT 101 SUNSET DR., #402 | 3BR/3BA | 2,179 SQ FT 455 LONGBOAT CLUB RD, PH #4 Private 2-Car Garage & Roof Top Terrace | Full-Floor Penthouse Updated | Quiet Downtown Location | Low Condominium Fees 5BR/4.5BA + OFFICE l 1,100 SQ FT of TERRACE 10 FT Ceilings | 2 New A/C Units | Deeded Boat Dock Under-Building Parking | Unobstructed Sunset Views 17 FT Ceilings l Year-round Sunrises & Sunsets I 360 Degree GRAND II Downtown, Siesta Key & John Ringling $2,330,000 GRAND BAY II $2,495,000 FAIRWAY BAY $829,000 Views of theBAY Gulf, Bay, 3040 GRAND BAYGuest BLVD., #221 | 3BR/3.5BA | 2,925 SQ FT 3040 GRAND BAY BLVD., #283 | 3BR/3BA | 2,550 SQ FT 1922 HARBOURSIDE DR., #1101 | 2BR/2BA TOWNHOME Bridge I On-site Mgt, Suites, Fitness & More

Furnished | 2 Garage Parking Spaces | Wraparound Terrace Custom Updated Kitchen | Built-In Office Area | New Porcelain ST. ARMANDS OFFICE LOCATIONTile • 443 JOHN RINGLING F | Foyer SARASOTA, FL 34236 10 FT Ceilings | Pet-Friendly & Oak Wood Floors | BLVD., PrivateSTE., Elevator | Pet-Friendly

Updated Kitchen & Baths | Finished A/C Bonus and Recreational Area | Private 2-Car Garage

NG

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PE

$895,000 THE SEA BREEZE

3080 GRAND BAY BLVD., #533 | 2BR/2BA | 1,413 SQ FT 2 Large Private Terraces | Rarely Available Capri Floor Plan Floor-to-Ceiling Windows and Sliders

$2,900,000 PIERRE - LONGBOAT KEY

9008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 | 3BR/3.5BA | 3,700 SQ FT Private 2-Car Garage and Roof Top Terrace | Full-Floor Penthouse | 10 FT Ceilings

$4,750,000

455 LONGBOAT CLUB RD, PH #4 | 5BR/4.5BA + OFFICE 1,100 SQ FT of TERRACE | 17 FT Ceilings l Year-round Sunrises & Sunsets I 360° Views of the Gulf, Bay, more

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

415555-1

GRAND BAY V