Longboat Observer 4.4.24

LONGBOAT

Observer

Blessed baskets.

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

PAGE 8B

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

VOLUME 46, NO. 34

YOUR TOWN

Bridge too close to homes?

North end residents’ concerns grow over the new Longboat Pass Bridge. SEE PAGE 3A

ON THE HUNT Courtesy image

The new pedestrian hybrid beacon near Bayfront Park.

Walkway upgrades

The first pedestrian hybrid beacons are now up on Longboat Key. Two of the hybrid beacons are on the island, one at Bayfront Park over to the beach access and another near Country Club Shores.

The pedestrian hybrid beacons are crosswalks with masts that extend over the roadway.

Pedestrians press a button that causes the signals on the mast to flash yellow before turning red, telling cars to stop.

Director of Public Works Isaac Brownman said as of April 1 the beacons were operational after crews worked out a few minor issues. Brownman also said there are talks of a small “celebration” in the works to commemorate the crosswalks.

Petra Rivera

Bridget and Paige Palicka meet the Easter Bunny and show off their golden eggs during the Sand Cay Beach Resort party for Easter weekend.

Sand Cay Beach Resort’s Easter party offers fun for all ages. PAGE 1B Courtesy image

Kevin and Heidi Berry

Fun Fore Friars

The Friars golf group hosted its annual dinner, “Fun Fore Friars” on March 26 at the Harbourside Ballroom at the Longboat Key Club.

“Friars” stands for Friday Afternoon Recreational Society.

There were 168 guests in attendance. Elaine Dabney started planning the event in June.

The event had a whimsical theme based on the movie, “Caddyshack.” For the event, Dabney built a replica of Rodney Dangerfield’s golf bag from the movie.

Friar Frank Sulzman stepped down after leading the Friars for six years. Chuck Eldridge is taking over for Sulzman.

“This is the biggest turnout we have ever had at this event,” said Sulzman. “We have grown a lot this year. We just enjoy playing together and getting to know everyone.”

Honorees at the event included Sulzman and Matt Vito, who is the only founding member still playing with the Friars.

The Flinter award was given to Harold Seegmiller for being the most outstanding Friar.

A+E

Courtesy image

The core county library space will be about 8,000 square feet and include a lobby, collections space, community meeting space, public computers and room for offices.

Town: Bigger is better Town commissioners agree on a direction for the county library project. PAGE 5A

Greatest show.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

Carter Weinhofer

The town of Longboat Key had to redesign a potential roundabout at the intersection of Broadway Street and Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Roundabout redesign The FDOT required Longboat Key to change course on the design after realizing the roadway banking would pose a problem.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

T

he Broadway Roundabout is still on the way, but some recent changes recommended by the Florida Department of Transportation altered the scope and cost of the project.

Director of Public Works Isaac Brownman presented those changes to Longboat Key town commissioners at a workshop held on March 25.

The changes mainly deal with adding complete streets elements, drainage and elevation improvements.

Brownman began working for the town of Longboat Key in 2017, by

which time the Broadway Roundabout project was already in the works.

Plans for the project neared 100% completion when the FDOT stepped on the brakes last June.

The main issue was with the roadway banking, which is the way the road is angled to maintain friction for cars going around a curve.

There were also concerns about drainage.

“Due to the FDOT requirements, the roadway project has increased probably about 300-400 feet, and the scope has significantly expanded,” Brownman said.

The town had to fund a $158,000 redesign, which is now nearing 60%

completion according to Brownman.

The project is also included in the FDOT’s five-year work plan, with a commitment of $1.68 million for construction.

“The project will, in many ways, likely be more than that,” Brownman said, though exact estimates are still to be determined.

One of the changes in the new designs addresses the issue of roadway banking, and will change the road’s elevation.

This will make the interaction all one elevation, which means pedestrians won’t have to walk up and down a hill to cross Broadway Street. The elevation will be mainly increased on the southeast side, entering Whitney’s.

Flattening the road also means the road will need to be raised rather than flattening the road to its lowest point. The elevation will make the street more resilient but also impact the drainage.

Most, if not all, of the vegetation needs to be removed along the northwest side, closest to the beach entrance.

That’s because that side of the road will need to accept most of the drainage, according to Brownman. The vegetation will have to be removed so the ditch can be regraded.

On the northeast side, by the Century 21 building, a type of retaining wall called a gravity wall will be installed. This exposed wall will help with the elevation changes in the road.

“To accomplish what FDOT is looking for, we have to touch about 1,900 feet of roadway, including the intersection,” Brownman said.

Because of the significant changes, Brownman said he is speaking with nearby property owners about the updates.

Most are still on board with the project, he said, though some vegetation mitigation may be approached

in the future.

Adding elements of a complete streets project was something that was more of the town’s idea, according to Brownman. Those elements include: 7-foot-wide buffered bike lanes, a 12-foot-wide multiuse path on the east side, medians and some potential landscaping on the west side.

Mayor Ken Schneier asked commissioners and staff if this project was still worth pursuing.

The project is also listed on the Manatee-Sarasota Metropolitan Planning Organization’s long range plan, something that Vice Mayor Mike Haycock said was a sign to press on.

“We don’t get projects on the priority list very often … I don’t think we should contemplate taking this off the list right now until we get the revised construction cost,” Haycock said.

Brownman also discussed the main purpose of the roundabout, which is to slow traffic and provide a safer crossing for pedestrians. That’s something that was the main reason for the project’s initial draw.

Not many alternatives exist for safer pedestrian crossing at intersections like Broadway Street and Gulf of Mexico Drive. Pedestrian hybrid beacons and other crosswalk signals can only be mid-block crosswalks, according to Brownman.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Brownman said engineers are finalizing the 60% design, which should be submitted to the town and FDOT this week. After hearing FDOT’s comments, the engineers will proceed to 90% design.

Following the completion of the design and receiving estimated construction costs, Brownman said he expects to go back to the FDOT to request more funding for the project given the expected cost increases.

Costs will be increased mainly because of more materials and disruptions to the roadway.

When construction starts, Brownman said the current estimate is a 12- to 14-month construction time frame. The election complicates construction significantly since only one side can be built at a time.

The goal is to maintain two lanes of traffic throughout construction.

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2A

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

3A

Too close for comfort FDOT’s three options for Longboat Pass Bridge replacement concern north end residents.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

T

Carter Weinhofer

Carla Smith and Ben Ghosh look out of Smith’s bedroom window. A new bridge would be as close as just 30 feet from her unit, said Ghosh.

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to leave.

“This is heartbreaking for our families,” Smith said.

Smith now has kids of her own, who are growing the family and hoping to continue the generational history. But Smith said she’s anxious to continue in her condo unit given the project.

Ghosh and Smith are fond of a small “beach” which is even closer to the bridge. Even with the noises of cars passing on the current bridge, the spot offers a place to enjoy nature and view Coquina Beach. A large tree in the spot frequently makes for nesting grounds for ospreys and bald eagles, according to Ghosh.

Most of that spot enjoyed by Northgate residents would be gone with a new bridge.

E GAT RTH NO ONDO C

he new Longboat Pass Bridge alternatives would be built just a few dozen feet away from Carla Smith’s bedroom window.

Her condo at Northgate is the closest to the proposed bridges.

She already keeps most of the windows in her house closed in the afternoons. She has to, she said, or else she’ll hear the constant commotion of cars entering and leaving Longboat Key. Some days, she said the sound is “deafening.” She fears it will only get worse.

In the proposed bridge plans there’s also a pedestrian walkway, which will be almost at eye level with her window.

Ben Ghosh feels threatened, too.

He’s done his homework and marked the bounds of the 76-footwide proposed bridge with green tape around Northgate. Seeing the tape, Ghosh thinks that a new Longboat Pass Bridge would impact everyone in his north end community.

Northgate is one of the northernmost properties on Longboat Key, and it’s home for Ghosh.

With the Florida Department of Transportation’s proposed bridge projects for the Longboat Pass Bridge, Ghosh fears that his home and neighbors will be impacted.

The FDOT presented three new build alternatives to residents at a March 14 public workshop. All three alternatives would be about 76 feet wide and built to the west of the existing bridge. One would remove the drawbridge to become a fixed bridge.

The width of a new bridge would be like the length of two telephone poles.

The high fixed bridge alternative would be about 78 feet above the mean high water line, tying it for the fifth-highest bridge in Florida. By comparison, the Ringling Bridge is 65 feet high.

“It’s our home being threatened,” Ghosh said.

But for him, it’s more than just four walls and a roof over his head.

“It’s always been such an important part of my identity in life,” he added.

Ghosh’s grandfather, Henry Abuza, built the Northgate building in 1978. Now, the property at 490 North Shore Road is home to about nine residents with a total of nine condos.

Most of the residents have a clear view of Coquina Beach from the back windows of the condos. On that beach, Ghosh married his wife, Amanda Gray. The couple then had their wedding rehearsal dinner in the parking lot of Northgate.

Like Ghosh, Northgate has a generational history for Smith.

“This place is very special to me,” Smith said.

She moved to Northgate about 45 years ago when she was 15 years old.

Her parents moved the family into the unit in which she lives now and later added a second story.

It was an investment, she said.

One that she hopes she doesn’t have

NEED FOR CONSIDERATION

The Longboat Pass Bridge is a project that’s been on residents’ minds for a while, according to Ghosh.

He attended the virtual workshop held on March 12, in which he learned the details of the alternatives.

Ghosh said the FDOT did not notify residents as to how close the proposed bridge solutions would be to the community.

Then he attended the in-person workshop on March 14, where he spoke with several FDOT representatives.

“They were not willing to acknowledge that the proposals had a negative impact on our community,” Ghosh said. “They also offered to provide additional information as a follow-up, which we have not seen.”

Ghosh and Smith aren’t antibridge. But they both said they believe more consideration should be given to how this project would impact the north end community.

Ghosh also hoped the FDOT would

TOUCHDOWN Courtesy image

An aerial view of the proposed Longboat Pass Bridge solution shows the new bridge would be built to the west of the existing bridge. The gray areas running along both sides represent pedestrian walkways.

consider the recommendations residents sent in a letter three years ago.

In April 2021, the Longboat Key North community group sent a letter to FDOT Project Manager Patrick Bateman to “begin a dialogue” about the fact that a new bridge would be located to the east or west of the existing bridge.

“Both of those options present significant issues, including pedestrian safety, that we believe will result in ongoing, lengthy and unhealthy debate among neighbors/ neighborhoods. Sooner or later there will be winners … and losers,” the letter stated.

The view from Carla Smith’s window at Northgate. Residents are worried about the proposed bridge alternatives’ impact on the community.

Ghosh said he believes this first letter was ignored.

Co-Chair of Longboat Key North Maureen Merrigan sent another letter to Bateman on March 21, stressing the importance of more consideration.

While Merrigan is in favor of extending the life of the existing bridge, she said, “If the bridge is to be replaced, only the lower bridge would fit the scale of the community and surrounding areas.”

“The proposed width of the bridge in each of the new build options is excessive,” she continued in the letter. “The expansive width will increase the cost of the project unnecessarily and impact the vegetation, noise barriers and adjacent residential property.”

Like Merrigan, resident Jim Haft is also opposed to the highest bridge alternative.

Haft is on the board of the Land’s End Homeowners Association, a community on the opposite side of the Longboat Pass Bridge. The community includes 14 properties.

For the Land’s End Community, Haft said most residents favor a lower bridge, rather than the high fixed bridge.

“For those really close to it, like those at Northgate, they’ll be looking up at this enormous expanse of concrete,” Haft said. “The other issue about the fixed bridge is it’s going to be very dangerous for pedestrians and bikers.”

With Longboat Key’s median age around 71 years old, Haft said getting up the slope of a high fixed bridge more than 70 feet in the air would

present a challenge to many.

Since the March 14 workshop, Ghosh has attended a Town Commission meeting with his family and invited town officials to see for themselves. Town Manager Howard Tipton, Director of Public Works Isaac Brownman and some town commissioners have visited Northgate since.

“I was happy with their attentiveness to the issue and the proposed ideas that they suggested,” Ghosh said.

According to Ghosh, the town officials who visited Northgate offered to facilitate discussions between residents and the FDOT, attend further meetings with Longboat Key North and will be able to take a stance as a town as an opinion for the FDOT. Next steps in the process for the FDOT will be to evaluate the comments received from the workshop and residents. Project documents will be finalized and made available for a public hearing tentatively planned for 2025, according to an emailed statement from Bateman.

“The No-Build Alternative remains a viable option throughout the study process,” Bateman said in the statement. But the statement also said the no-build alternative could require bridge restoration that could result in temporary bridge closure for a year or more.

While the project is funded by the FDOT for design in 2026, there is currently no funding for future phases of the project.

4A

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

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Town of Longboat Key ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS Paid AdverƟsement.

The Town of Longboat Key is accepting applications for appointment to the following boards: Citizens Tax Oversight Committee Planning and Zoning Board Zoning Board of Adjustment Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizen Advisory Committee

Stephanie Janney, Administrative Assistant Published: 04-04-2024, 04-18-2024

New Pass protection After about four months of work, structural construction wrapped up at the start of March.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

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refurbished and stronger New Pass Groin is now on the south end of Longboat Key. At the start of March, the New Pass Groin Tightening Project wrapped up. The project team for this project included First Line Coastal, Sea & Shoreline LLC and Olsen Associates Inc. Assistant Director of Public Works Charlie Mopps said that the crew finished all of the structural work and final surveys were underway.

In all, the project took about four months to complete after beginning in November 2023.

The project cost about $489,415, according to a previous report from Director of Public Works Isaac Brownman.

The groin was originally installed back in the 1970s and was reconstructed in 1998. It was time for another repair and to tighten the structure.

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All applications must be submitted to the Office of the Town Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on April 26, 2024. All applicants must be registered voters of the Town of Longboat Key. Late applications will be held for one year for any future board or committee vacancies that may arise.

All members of the Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees, Planning and Zoning Board, and Zoning Board of Adjustment are required to file a financial disclosure form within 30 days after appointment and annually thereafter for the duration of the appointment as required by Florida Statutes Chapter 112.

The Town Commission may schedule a Meet and Greet with applicants at a later date.

Please call the Office of the Town Clerk at 941-316-1999 to request an application or for any questions. Applications are also available online at: www.longboatkey.org.

Completed applications may be submitted to: Town of Longboat Key – Office of the Town Clerk 501 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key FL 34228

Courtesy image

Construction on the New Pass Groin was completed in early March 2024.

Keeping a groin structure tight is important to prevent beach erosion.

This project added rock, as well as brought existing rocks tighter, to hopefully limit the amount of sand that passes through.

Overall, this project helps to keep the sand where it’s intended to be.

It also helps to keep the sand from accreting in New Pass, a popular channel for boaters in Sarasota Bay. As a part of the tightening project, Sea & Shoreline installed about 160 tons of underlayer stone and 150 tons of armor stone.

The crew also inserted about 1,500 square yards of geotextile material and 710 square yards of geogrid material, according to the company’s website.

Geogrid and geotextile materials are both synthetic materials used to stabilize soils and rocks. Geotextile is more of a fabric than geogrid, which is sturdier.

Both of the materials will help to keep the groin in place and make it less permeable. But the groin will still be semi-permeable to maintain the natural flow of the gulf.

The tightening project was originally supposed to start in January 2023, but after a holdup with the permits, work had to wait until after the 2023 turtle season wrapped.

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5A

Town backs bigger library An enhanced library would be nearly 10,000 square feet, part of which will require private funding.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

I

t was time to give Sarasota County some final direction on the public library project.

At the April 1 commission meeting, Town Manager Howard Tipton and staff asked commissioners to provide an agreed upon direction to give to the county as design concepts are finalized this month.

Support Services Director Carolyn Brown led the presentation on April 1. Brown has been the town’s lead on the project.

She recapped that at the March 18 meeting, Tipton mentioned the potential at the Whitney Plaza Community Center, which takes on some of the need for community space.

Brown also summarized Sarasota County’s previous presentation about core library elements and the enhancement suggestions.

The core library space will be about 8,000 square feet and include a lobby, collections space, community meeting space, public computers and room for offices.

Proposed enhancements bring the building to about 9,700 square feet, adding more space to the community meeting area and an exterior deck.

Sarasota County will incur the cost of the core library construction, and the town will be responsible for raising funds for the enhancements through private donors. The county will be responsible for operating costs once the library is up and running.

One of the key topics throughout the previous meetings was the enhanced community meeting

MEETING ROOM SPECIFICS At the March 18 meeting, commissioners asked the architects to provide an estimate as to how much the occupancy of the meeting room will change with different configurations.

Here is what was presented on April 1: Core Meeting Space 77 people with theater seating 56 people with banquetstyle round tables 38 people with a large square meeting 48 people with a classroom configuration Enhanced Meeting Space 200 people with theater seating 128 people with banquetstyle round tables 60 people with a large square meeting 126 people with a classroom configuration

space.

Brown said the architects may be able to increase the size of the enhanced room to accommodate up to 256 people in row seating, rather than the previous estimate of 200 people.

That’s still unfinalized, Brown said, for more work needs to be done to assess the impacts.

Aside from that, the elements of the library had not changed since the March 18 meeting.

Tipton clarified for commissioners that the direction needed was whether or not to go forward with the larger enhanced vision.

“We (staff) are recommending that we pursue the largest reasonable space that can be provided,” Tipton

Courtesy image

An early concept drawing shows the potential size of the enhanced library building.

said.

District 5 Commissioner Sarah Karon discussed ideas for the aesthetics of the building and said she hopes the architects will take into account the elliptical nature of the park and existing pathway.

She also recommended that the county include space for a Friends of the Library program early in the design rather than try to fit it in later.

Vice Mayor Mike Haycock said that the county promised a lot of programming for the library, much of which won’t be possible without an enhanced meeting space. He suggested this could lead to future discussions about a larger financial contribution from the county down the road.

Commissioner-At-Large BJ Bishop agreed.

“What (the county is) suggesting is programs that will need larger space than what they’re creating,” Bishop said. “I would probably urge those who are doing the negotiating with the county to ask the county to provide for what they plan on providing to the public.”

Some commissioners also added that mindful scheduling will be necessary to account for parking.

For instance, it wouldn’t be wise to

schedule a large library event on the same day as an event at the Tennis Center or Temple Beth Israel.

Former Longboat Key Mayor and Chairman of the Longboat Key Foundation Jim Brown provided the only public comment on the matter.

He asked why these types of conversations weren’t happening months ago, and he said he doesn’t believe the larger, enhanced library is what the people want. Rather, he said the community center element should be explored on a separate site.

Mayor Ken Schneier expressed his disappointment about Jim Brown’s change in attitude toward the project.

“I’m disappointed in your comments tonight, because I thought that we were going to be able to count on you as a participant in this project to get it right,” Schneier said. “I’m afraid there has been some backsliding since the last time you and I spoke, which is unfortunate, because this project is gonna go forward.

We’re going to do the best that we possibly can for this town.”

Schneier added that he hopes Jim Brown can become part of the project again down the road.

Commissioners reached a consensus to advocate for the largest rea-

sonable enhancements and await a more refined design from the architects.

NEXT STEPS

Carolyn Brown said the architects expect to have concepts finalized by mid-to-late April.

After those are finalized, the construction manager will provide a cost estimate, which will give a breakdown of how much is needed for the enhancements.

In Carolyn Brown’s presentation, she said the Library Foundation for Sarasota County will serve as the fundraising arm for the enhancements and that fundraising will need to occur from May to August to make the project happen.

Karon currently serves as the president of the Library Foundation for Sarasota County.

Schneier said that if not all the required funds are raised in this period, it might be an opportunity for further conversation with the county.

“We’re going to do the best we can to raise the money we can,” Schneier said. “And, if for some reason we fall a little short of what’s necessary, we’re going to talk to (the county).”

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

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

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t the April 1 regular meeting, Longboat Key town commissioners voted to pass an ordinance allowing for property owners to include up to 3 feet of freeboard — two optional feet on top of the required 1 foot.

An option to allow two more feet of freeboard — 4 feet total — was also on the table, but commissioners needed more research and development for that ordinance.

Base flood elevation (BFE) is the estimated level of surface water expected during a 100-year base flood event. Freeboard is a safety feature of floodplain management and is added on top of the BFE height to equal a property’s design flood elevation.

In January, Planning, Zoning, & Building Director Allen Parsons presented the new flood control maps for Sarasota County as prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Those maps generally had a decrease of 2 feet of base flood elevation recommendations across the town.

FEMA regularly updates the maps, and Manatee County received its own set of updates in 2021. Those maps showed a similar decrease, according to Parsons.

The Florida Building Code and the town’s code have a freeboard requirement of 1 foot, but Parsons said the Planning and Zoning Board put forth this ordinance to maintain the status quo after the new FEMA maps.

At a Town Commission meeting on March 4, Parsons presented both the

2-foot and the 4-foot options, and said that the Planning and Zoning Board recommended the optional 4 feet to do more for property owners.

After discussion at that meeting, commissioners voted to move forward with the 2-foot option and direct staff to begin exploring the additional 2 feet in select areas of the town.

Parsons brought back a little more information to the second hearing on April 1, including sea level rise prediction graphics prepared by Aptim.

Those maps were more confusing than clarifying for commissioners, though, and CommissionerAt-Large BJ Bishop questioned the validity of the maps after seeing her own house was marked as one of the properties with higher elevation.

“I have no faith in where this map came from, but it’s not correct,” Bishop said.

But the ordinance at hand was to allow for the 2 feet of optional freeboard and direct staff to further explore the 4 feet option, possibly limiting it to low-lying areas.

That comes with another caveat — defining “low-lying.”

Low-lying properties would most likely be those with an elevation less than or equal to 3.5 feet above sea level. There was also discussion as to how that would be measured, either an average of the whole property or just at street level.

Bishop urged that if staff hold on the 4-foot option it be explored quickly before the commission enters summer recess.

Realistically, Parsons said the ordinance would go back to the Planning and Zoning Board in May. There are two voting meetings in June before the commission’s summer recess, which is enough for two public hearings.

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the ordinance allowing for an additional 2 feet now and directed staff toward the 4-foot option.

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Community consideration STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat Key town commissioners and staff began the planning process for the upcoming budget cycle with a special workshop on April 1. Large community groups were invited to present key goals and objectives before the commission.

“This is the first community that I’ve been a part of where you actually have this opportunity,” Town Manager Howard Tipton said. “It is one of the great things of Longboat Key, the connectedness between the residents and the commission.”

After this workshop, commissioners have a strategic planning retreat on April 15, which will further fuel the path to the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget.

“It’s the beginning of a threemonth intensive period here in the town where we listen to members of the public,” Mayor Ken Schneier said. “This is the first instance of that — hearing your ideas, the major groups in town, about what you’d like to see on our agenda for key items to address.”

Commissioners heard each community group’s concerns and comments and discussed what could be done to address some key issues.

Among common concerns were traffic, flooding, infrastructure and community center space.

Co-Chair of Longboat Key North Paul Hylbert told commissioners that the group sees infrastructure, street flooding, canal dredging and Gulfside Road beach solutions as key issues to address in both the short term and long term.

Hylbert also said the group is engaged in being active community voices in projects like the Broadway

“This is the first instance of that — hearing your ideas, the major groups in town, about what you’d like to see on our agenda for key items to address.” ­— Ken Schneier, Longboat Key mayor

Longboat Key Turtle Watch President Tim Thurman told commissioners that Longboat Key remains among the top three highest areas for turtle hatchling disorientation in the state and that the organization is working with code enforcement on earlier preventative patrols for lighting infractions.

Commissioners wanted to see more data on the disorientations to explore potential solutions.

Suzy Brenner, executive director of The Paradise Center, emphasized that the center should be involved in conversations about the Whitney Plaza Community Center and the Sarasota County Longboat Key Library projects.

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Street Roundabout and the Whitney Plaza Community Center.

President of The Federation of Longboat Key Condominiums Margie Clarke also emphasized the importance of beach preservation and canal maintenance programs.

Terri Driver presented on behalf of the Longboat Key Green Team and said she feels Longboat Key could be a leader in environmental initiatives.

Among those, she suggested the town should further explore batterypowered landscaping equipment and mangrove enforcement.

Susan Phillips said that the Longboat Key Garden Club is focused on continuing partnerships and that the club is interested in a master plan for landscaping at the Town Center Green.

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Town embarks on budget ­planning phase with local ­organizations’ input.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Ready, set … give!

Philanthropy is like a sport in Sarasota-Manatee. It is no surprise Sarasota has its own Super Bowl of giving. Turn on your generosity engine.

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

Friedrich Hayek

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

EMILY WALSH

O

n GivingChallenge. org a countdown clock ticks off the days, hours, minutes and seconds until 728 nonprofit organizations in DeSoto, Charlotte, Manatee and Sarasota counties get to flex their fundraising muscles on the largest day of giving in our region.

From noon Tuesday, April 9, to noon Wednesday, April 10, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County will host the 2024 Giving Challenge, a 24-hour online giving event that has provided more than $75 million in funding since its inception in 2012.

While giving days are common, like Giving Tuesday, a global giving day that occurs annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, the Giving Challenge is unique to Sarasota. What sets the Giving Challenge apart from others is the Community Foundation’s partnership with the Patterson Foundation.

It provides an unlimited match up to $100 on all donations given.

Over the past eight Giving Challenges, the Patterson Foundation’s match has provided a stunning amount of more than $30 million, nearly half of all the funding.

Meant to incentivize donor participation, the Patterson Foundation gave $334,000 in matching funds in the first four minutes of the Giving Challenge’s first year in 2012. A decade later, the Patterson Foundation’s participation evolved to a one-to-one match on all unique donations from $25 to $100 that totaled $6,088,115 in 2022.

Patterson Foundation President and CEO Debra Jacobs recalls that in its initial year there was much speculation on how the Giving Challenge would work. Some seasoned fundraisers thought it would backfire.

“The telling moment was when we did a Giving Challenge during COVID,” said Jacobs. “It turned out to be the smartest thing to do, because we could do a virtual campaign. It was the highest giving ever, raising more than $19 million.

Never underestimate giving — givers want to give.”

The Patterson match has incentivized donors indeed. Realizing the opportunity to double their dollars, Joe and Mary Kay Henson, gave $100 to all 667 nonprofits that participated in the 2022 Giving Challenge, donating $66,700 that became $133,400. In hopes of inspiring others to follow suit, the Hensons have committed again to give $100 to each of the 728 nonprofits participating in the 2024 Giving Challenge.

The Hensons’ commitment launched what the Community Foundation is calling the “100 Percent Club.”

Advisers to the Frank G. Berlin Foundation, a component fund at the Community Foundation, and trustees managing the H. Gladstone McKeon Trust have likewise committed to giving $100 to each of the nonprofits participating in the 2024 Giving Challenge. The three gift commitments with the Patterson match will become $436,800. That makes a record-setting start to the Giving Challenge before it even begins.

Roxie Jerde, president and CEO of the Community Foundation, said, “The three entities that have stepped up believe that the non-

Courtesy image

A direct mail piece from Catholic Charities is one example of how nonprofit organizations are marketing to current and potential donors about the 2024 Giving Challenge.

Friends of Manatee County Animal Services submitted this photo of Manny, a recipient of heartworm treatment during the 2022 Giving Challenge.

BY THE NUMBERS $25

Minimum gift to be matched by the Patterson Foundation

$100

Maximum gift to be matched by the Patterson Foundation

109

Nonprofits that participated in the first Giving Challenge in 2012

178 BEST GIVING CHALLENGE PHOTO CONTEST Submit a photo that captures the fun and excitement of the 2024 Giving Challenge for your chance to win $250 for the 20 nonprofits with the most public votes for their photo submission.

Submission: April 9 to 16 Voting: April 17 to May 1 Visit: YourObserver.com/ giving-challenge/

profit sector is vital to our community, and they are demonstrating that by supporting every nonprofit participating. It’s very inspiring to me.”

Jerde also credits the Patterson board of directors and Jacobs for having the courage to provide a match not knowing what the final number will total.

“It’s an informed risk, with no cap on the match,” Jacobs said.

“Every one of those 700 organizations can blitz this thing and then we would have a serious conversation and decision around budget time. It’s giving power to the organizations and people to be as generous as they like only with $100.”

The matching funds don’t stop there. Many organizations have leveraged additional matching funds from their own donors to increase giving. The Senior Friendship Centers has secured an additional $150,000 from its own donors to triple the impact.

The Bay Park Conservancy is also utilizing a previously announced community challenge match from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation to triple $100 donations, as well as individual donors who have committed to matching dollars raised during specific hours of the 24-hour giving event. (Full disclosure: I serve on the Bay Conservancy board.)

What’s more, plenty of partners are providing prize opportunities.

The Community Foundation has partnered with the Manatee Community Foundation and William G. and Marie Selby Foundation and multiple media partners (includ-

ing the Observer) to provide nearly 200 additional prizes that total $138,400.

The Observer is hosting the Best Giving Challenge Photo contest that will award a $250 prize each to the 20 nonprofit organizations that receive the most public votes for their 2024 Giving Challenge photo submissions. (See the accompanying box on how to participate.)

While the Giving Challenge is an excellent opportunity for nonprofits to receive additional unrestricted operational dollars, the Community Foundation holds each group accountable by requiring participating nonprofits to have updated profiles in the Giving Partner.

TheGivingPartner.org is a searchable, online database that includes information about an organization’s cause area, mission, financials, board governance, etc. The profiles also ensure that the nonprofits are 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organizations in good standing with the IRS. “Nonprofits have to be committed about being transparent about all aspects of their operation,” Jerde says. “It speaks a lot in itself for the nonprofits that take the time and effort to take part in this.”

The Giving Challenge will last only 24 hours, but the Community Foundation and nonprofits have been preparing for the big day for more than a year. As soon as the 2024 date was announced in March 2023, the Community Foundation has hosted multiple webinars, workshops and open houses on topics such as “Five Mental Fitness Tools to Enhance Leadership Resilience and Raise More Money,” donor stewardship and social media marketing.

So, get some rest, eat your Wheaties and set your browser’s bookmark to GivingChallenge. org and “be the one,” as the Giving Challenge’s tagline suggests, to help push the 2024 total dollars raised to more than 2022’s $16,204,718.

Jacobs suggests keeping an eye on the leaderboard that showcases what organizations have raised the most dollars.

“There’s something enticing about that leaderboard,” she said.

“It’s like a potato chip — you can’t just eat one.”

Prizes eligible to nonprofits in 2024

728

Nonprofits participating in the 2024 Giving Challenge. See the full list at GivingChallenge. org.

$14,356

Average dollar amount raised by each nonprofit in the 2022 Giving Challenge

$30,178,754

Dollars matched by the Patterson Foundation over the last eight Giving Challenges

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

— KEN SCHNEIER MAYOR OF LONGBOAT KEY

Won’t get fooled again

It’s quite fitting that Park Golf Sarasota (formerly Ride Entertainment) head Jeff Koffman’s letter to the editor appeared in the Observer’s April Fools’ edition.

Mr. Koffman explained that his blatant attempt to fool area residents into “activating” beloved Ken Thompson Park by turning it into a commercial amusement center is being misunderstood.

Without offering any counterpoints, Mr. Koffman asks the “minority” of uninformed residents to trust that his original plan for a sky bar, ziplines, a sort of miniature-style golf course and a skyline-obliterating restaurant will “bring our community together in a spirit of collaborative decision making.”

Mr. Koffman’s own rendering of this ill-conceived, half-baked plan could have easily graced the cover of the Observer’s always entertaining April 1 edition, right alongside wiener dog racing at St. Armand’s Circle.

The majority of Sarasota and Longboat Key residents won’t be fooled, and urge the Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Board at its upcoming April 18 meeting to recommend no to this foolhardy farce to the Sarasota City Commission.

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I’m sorry this has become personal.

When I first read Matt Walsh’s full-page editorial (“It was always a done deal,” March 28) chastising the town, and me in particular, for engaging in a conspiracy to develop a Sarasota County library and community center on Longboat Key (of all things!), I just assumed it was a part of the Observer’s April Fool’s edition.

Sadly, not so.

In an unfortunate déjà vu, like this paper’s small but critical role in scuttling the town’s 2019 File image plan to creKen Schneier, Mayor ate an Arts, Cultural and of Longboat Key Education Center in partnership with Ringling College of Art and Design, you think that you and you alone know what’s best for our town.

In my 12 years of volunteer service for the town, the last four (and next one) as mayor, I have taken every step and made every decision before me in what I believed to be the best interests of this community. I have had no agenda, no ax to grind and no benefit to gain.

I was shocked and disheartened five years ago when the Ringling project was shot down by your efforts and those of two (out of seven) commissioners. But Town Manager Tom Harmer and I set to work immediately to formulate a new plan that would preserve the idea of a town community center together with a new partner willing to fund most of its construction and all of its operations.

The result will be a Sarasota County Library and Community Center, the first on the Sarasota barrier islands, designed to meet the needs of our residents and guests.

As your editorial pointed out, this train is moving forward. You can get on board or step aside. Or, once again, you can try to frustrate the

efforts of this community and its elected representatives to create the best town center we can.

Better yet, maybe it’s time finally for you to turn over the editorial page of the otherwise excellent Observer to more responsible management.

LETTERS

Opinion page needs new management

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

BREAKING RECORDS: ROGER PETTINGELL’S $136** MILLION

160 BRYANT DRIVE

SOLD FOR $8,995,000 | ON 3/15/2024

415 L’AMBIANCE DRIVE #PH-A

SOLD FOR $10,995,000 | ON 1/31/2024

259 ROBIN DRIVE

SOLD FOR $5,995,000 | ON 2/22/2024

5005 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #3 SOLD FOR $9,800,000 | ON 2/9/2024

3572 FAIR OAKS WAY

SOLD FOR $3,900,000 | ON 2/28/2024

WORK WITH THE BEST PROFESSIONALS FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS 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.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

11A

2024 PENDING AND SOLD SIGNALS MARKET STRENGTH PETTINGELL’S 2024 FIRST QUARTER SALES

SOLD FOR $4,600,000 | ON 2/13/2024

245 BIRD KEY DRIVE

SOLD FOR $2,125,000 | ON 2/29/2024

Closed Price

Close Date

415 L’AMBIANCE DRIVE #PH-A

$10,995,000

1/31/2024

5005 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE UNIT#3

$9,800,000

2/9/2024

160 BRYANT DRIVE

$8,995,000

3/15/2024

265 CEDAR PARK CIRCLE

$7,700,000

3/7/2024

259 ROBIN DRIVE

$5,995,000

2/22/2024

876 TARAWITT DRIVE

$5,000,000

2/26/2024

1350 MAIN STREET #1704

$4,600,000

2/13/2024

3572 FAIR OAKS WAY*

$3,900,000

2/28/2024

1111 RITZ CARLTON DRIVE #1703

$3,800,000

3/15/2024

3030 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #316

$2,250,000

1/16/2024

455 LONGBOAT CLUB ROAD #801

$2,150,000

2/29/2024

245 BIRD KEY DRIVE

$2,125,000

2/29/2024

3464 MISTLETOE LANE *

$2,000,000

2/16/2024

3460 MISTLETOE LANE

$2,000,000

3/29/2024

3030 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #346

$2,000,000

2/28/2024

3040 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #251

$1,900,000

1/31/2024

4337 MARINA VIEW WAY*

$1,799,000

3/29/2024

3030 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #383 *

$1,600,000

3/8/2024

557 SOUTH PALM AVENUE #22

$1,599,000

3/28/2024

5635 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #201

$1,230,000

3/15/2024

1712 WORRINGTON STREET

$1,200,000

3/15/2024

1105 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #404

$1,150,000

2/23/2024

4835 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #304

$1,141,000

2/16/2024

9150 BLIND PASS ROAD #505

$725,000

1/3/2024

2437 TEMPLE STREET

$685,000

3/22/2024

1955 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #G6-202

$490,000

3/18/2024

4337 LINWOOD STREET

$335,000

1/12/2024

4120 OVERTURE CIRCLE

$320,000

3/27/2024

6513 HERITAGE LANE

$179,000

1/18/2024

$96,962,000

* Roger Represented the Buyer & Seller

** **

3464 MISTLETOE LANE

SOLD FOR $2,000,000 | ON 2/16/2024

TOTAL 2024 1ST QUARTER CLOSED SALES

TOTAL 2024 PENDING SALES: $39,111,885

9150 BLIND PASS ROAD #505 SOLD FOR $725,000 | ON 1/3/2024

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2437 TEMPLE STREET

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

Courtesy image

A conceptual drawing of Sarasota’s bayfront with The Bay Master Plan and a new performing arts center in place.

Divided on funding City and county commissioners clash over the release of TIF funds for performing arts center architect contract.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

T

ax increment financing district funding for development of The Bay park continues to garner full support of Sarasota city and county governments. As for the would-be crown jewel of the city-owned, 53-acre park, perhaps not so much.

During the March 29 meeting of the Bay Park Improvement Board, a panel that represents both the city and county commissions, members unanimously recommended approval from both bodies of the fiscal year 2025 deposit into the Bay Park Trust Fund from TIF revenues collected —

the 50% public share of construction costs for Phase II of the project. Those deposits are estimated at $2.55 million each from the city and county.

A second request for the release of TIF funds for a contract between the city and the architecture firm selected to design the proposed Sarasota Performing Arts Center, which is included in the interlocal agreement for funding of The Bay project, highlighted a stark contrast between the city and the county.

Jennifer Jorgensen, the city’s governmental affairs director, requested the BPIB recommend to the city and county commissions approval of an “envelope” of $44 million for archi-

WHO’S ON BOARD? The membership of the Bay Park Improvement Board.

Mark Smith, county commission, chair Debbie Trice, city commission, vice chair Liz Alpert, mayor Ron Cutsinger, county commission Jon Thaxton, community member

tectural services.

The actual payment to Renzo ­Piano Building Workshop, the selected firm engaged in contract negotiations with the city, isn’t the full $44 million, Jorgensen explained. It would actually be around $35 million.

The remainder is a contingency for cost overruns or change orders. Of that $35 million — which at this time is an estimate — Renzo Piano will be responsible for hiring and paying the architect of record and all of the subcontractors such as landscape architects, geo-technology engineers, structural engineers and others.

The estimate was provided by The Paratus Group, the city’s consultant to the project.

At $44 million, the city and county would be responsible for $11 million each and the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation $22 million. The public funds are not from the tax base at large, but rather taxes assessed on the improved value of properties surrounding the Bay — such as The Quay — measured against the baseline of the 2019 property tax assessment.

County Commissioner Ron Cutsinger first questioned whether it was understood when the agreement was drafted that TIF revenues, which are collected by both the city and county, for The Bay also applied to a new performing arts center.

“I’ve been here from the beginning, commissioner, and all along it was anticipated that we would include having a new performing arts center as part of this entire project,” said Mayor Liz Alpert. “So yes, it was anticipated at the very beginning of this.”

As the conversation continued, the board at times conflated the parallel tracks of the work of the Purple Ribbon Committee for repurposing the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and that of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation.

The latter is spearheading the effort to build a replacement for the Van Wezel and eventually start a capital campaign to fund 50% of the capital cost.

County Commissioner Mark Smith suggested waiting for the recommendation of the Purple Ribbon Committee before the city continues toward building the SPAC, for which the county’s TIF revenues will be responsible for 50% of the public cost of what has been estimated to be a $275 million project.

“I haven’t been convinced that a larger hall is actually necessary, so for me to suggest that we should send the architect on their way to even

start design or considering design of a new building, I’m not sure I could back until I see the Purple Ribbon Committee’s report on the existing building,” Smith said. “I just can’t support it.”

That report, however, isn’t due for another 18 months, Jorgensen said, and to keep the SPAC on track — and get the architect on board — negotiations must conclude soon.

City Commissioner Debbie Trice attempted to distinguish between the two missions.

“The future of the Van Wezel and the performing arts hall are separate and distinct, and we should consider them as separate decisions,” Trice said. “If the performing arts hall moves at the timeline that we anticipate it might not be ready for use for another seven or eight years, and any work that would need to be done on the Van Wezel to bring it up to resiliency wouldn’t be able to start until the new performing arts hall is ready for use.

“That might be 10 years from now. The way that Sarasota has been growing, I’m really sure that we can support both a 2,200-seat auditorium in the new hall and whatever size the renovated Van Wezel is.”

Both Cutsinger and Smith said they cannot make a recommendation to the full County Commission to approve TIF funds for the architect contract, Smith because he doesn’t see the need and Cutsinger because he is not yet fully informed of the issue.

Cutsinger said if the vote were held at that time he could not support the request, but that he would consider tabling the vote until the next meeting.

The previous meeting of the BPIB was held March 10. In 2023.

“How soon can we have the next meeting?” Alpert asked. “We can’t wait a year.”

The board unanimously voted to schedule another meeting within the next month. Jorgensen said that will be necessary to keep negotiators on schedule.

“We’d have to come back within the next month or so to be able to bring this in front of the county, bring this in front of the city and then bring the contract in front of the city as well,” she said.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

‘Portrait Ukraine’ Now at The Lexow Gallery, Allan Mestel’s photo project aims to create a connection between viewer and subject.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

L

ocal photographer Allan Mestel’s latest project is now on display at The Lexow Gallery in Sarasota.

The project, “Portrait Ukraine: Capturing Faces of Resistance Amid the Chaos of War,” will be on display until April 19 and spotlights over 30 photos from Mestel’s trips to Ukraine.

“The ‘Portrait Ukraine’ exhibition serves as a stark reminder of the dire conditions and ongoing challenges the Ukrainian people face, serving as a call to the world for more support,” a press release stated.

The portraits are meant to create a connection between the viewer and subject, and prompt the viewer to reflect on themes like the reality of war and shared humanity, according to the release.

“I define it almost as trying to create an encounter experience for the viewer, where you’re looking eye to eye with an individual and hopefully connecting emotionally with them,” Mestel told the Observer in September 2023.

Mestel’s portraits come from his most recent trip to Ukraine in September 2023, which he embarked upon alongside his colleague, photographer David Graham.

The two were in Ukraine from the end of August to early September visiting cities and small towns.

In September 2023, both recounted how this last trip differed from all the others. With the front line more solidified, Mestel and Graham said it was interesting to see how Ukrainians tried to continue their lives amid war.

Mestel’s work is ongoing, and he is planning his fourth trip to Ukraine.

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Courtesy image

IF YOU GO ‘PORTRAIT UKRAINE’ Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesdays through Fridays and 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Sundays. Through April 19 at Lexow Gallery, Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road. Free. Visit UUSRQ.org.

Mestel’s exhibition will be on display until April 19.

He hopes to get there in the first half of 2024, according to the release.

Originally from Canada, Mestel has a distinguished career in photojournalism and filmmaking. He moved to Florida in 2014 and opened a commercial photography studio.

Mestel also co-owns Beach Fitness in Whitney Plaza on Longboat Key with his wife, Robyne.

His work for human rights and social justice movements has been featured in places like CNN, NBC and PBS. Spotlight Ukraine is a volunteer initiative helping to promote Mestel’s gallery. The organization aims to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and supports Mestel’s work in documenting the stories of Ukrainians impacted by the war.

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Our Our vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live. vision is everyone deserves vision aisdecent everyone Our place vision deserves to live. is everyone a decent deserves place to alive. decent place to live.

CO N G R AT U L AT E S

Gary S. Brochin

Managing Director/Investments Portfolio Manager – Solutions Program

Sarasota: (941) 329-6286 direct Atlanta: (404) 231-6535 direct broching@stifel.com www.brochinwealthmanagement.com

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Forbes’ 2024 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors.

Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rankings are based on the 12-month period ending June 30 of the year prior to publication and selected by SHOOK Research, LLC from a pool of nominations as indicated in the methodology. The rankings may not be representative of any one client’s experience and are not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance. For more information, see www.stifel.info/award-disclosures.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

15A

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

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TUESDAY, MARCH 26

LET THE LOCK BE 5:12 p.m., 500 block of Ranger Lane Officer Public Service: Dispatch sent an officer to a resident’s call about a water line issue. Workers were at the scene when the officer arrived, and the officer spoke with the complainant. The officer learned that Public Works put a padlock on the water line switch because it violated city code, and that Public Works was supposed to remove the lock by the end of the day. The complainant was advised to not cut the lock and to let Public Works resolve the issue the following day.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 22

COASTAL ELEGANCE AT ITS FINEST! Open House Saturdays & Sundays 1- 4 pm

OUT OF TOWN 2:10 a.m., 100 block of Broadway Street Suspicious Vehicle: An officer on patrol noticed a car with an out-ofstate license plate parked at the beach access after hours. The car’s owner spoke with the officer and said she was on vacation. The officer advised her that no parking was allowed at the access after 11 p.m., and she was sent on her way.

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.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

ISSUE WITH LIGHTS AND LICENSE 3:47 a.m., 600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Vehicle Stop: While on patrol, an officer observed a vehicle with its tail lights out, prompting a traffic stop.

When the officer approached the driver and requested the usual documentation, the driver said she did not have a driver’s license and never had one. She was issued a criminal citation for the lack of a driver’s license, but she left with a warning for the tail lights.

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.

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MONDAY, MARCH 25

COP OR CAB? 4:34 a.m., 4500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Person: Dispatch sent officers to a report of a suspicious person. At the scene, officers located the man in question walking south on GMD. He said he was homeless and in need of some help. An officer gave the man a courtesy ride to Sarasota.

PROPERTY PROBLEMS 10 a.m., 4200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Civil Disturbance: Officers responded to a call about a civil dispute between an association board member and a contractor. Upon arrival, an officer spoke with the contractor, who said the dispute ensued over unpaid invoices. The dispute allegedly escalated to name calling before the contractor said he removed himself from the situation and contacted police. The officer spoke with the board member, who also informed police that he was new and did not know about the invoices. It was suggested that the contractor reach out to someone else about the matter.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

FOUND HIS WAY ON SHORE 2:25 a.m., 4400 block of Exeter Drive Disabled Vehicle: Two officers on patrol spoke with a man who said he was on Longboat Key trying to find his friend who was adrift near Bayfront Park. The officers canvassed the area with flashlights and found the man with his vessel. He said he was adrift in the vessel for over a day after some motor issues prohibited him from starting the vessel. He said he didn’t need any assistance from the police, but requested to tie up the vessel at a nearby dock until morning. The man called a rideshare service to get home.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

ALREADY ON IT 5:27 p.m., 500 block of Harbour Cove Circle Officer Public Service: Officers were dispatched to a call regarding a pontoon boat that appeared to be sinking. Before arriving at the scene, an officer checked for previous reports of the boat and found one that listed the boat’s owner. The officer called the owner, who was aware of the situation and arranged for a tow.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

SUSPICIOUS ROOM SERVICE 1:56 a.m., 6800 block of Pine Street Suspicious Incident: A Longboat Key officer responded to this suspicious incident call in the middle of the night. Upon arrival at the scene, the officer spoke with a group of people who said they were staying in the main house while their grandmother was in the other house in the back. The group was hanging out by the pool and when they returned inside, two previously unmade beds were made.

About 20 minutes later, the group said they found the third bed was also made. They said they didn’t see anyone on the property, and believed the grandmother was intoxicated enough to be ruled out.

One of the family members also said she was in her closet and a cloud of dust came out from the overhead attic access. The officer searched the house and didn’t see any signs of forced entry or a disturbance. The call ended with a consensus that the grandmother could have possibly made the beds without the family’s knowledge.

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SWIMWEAR | RESORT WEAR | ACCESSORIES

SIESTA KEY 1960 Stickney Pt Rd 941.922.4545

DOWNTOWN 50 N Tamiami Trl 941.954.8800

LONGBOAT 3170 Gulf of Mexico Dr 941.383.2288

www.SwimCity.com 420340-1

RUNAWAY CRAB TRAPS 10:49 a.m., 600 block of Rountree Drive Lost/Found Property: A citizen called police to investigate missing crab traps. When the officer arrived to speak with the caller, she said she set up several traps about two weeks prior and that she checked them weekly. On this day, the traps weren’t normal — one was missing and another was empty with no bait or crabs. She said one of her neighbors also claimed to be missing a crab trap, which was later confirmed to have drifted away. The caller said she was unsure if her trap was stolen, or if it drifted away with a strong current.

The responding officer reached out to a marine patrol officer, who said crab traps often get lost, drift away or are dragged away by boats. No further action was taken.

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*The Beverages in the Street program allows patrons to walk around with alcoholic beverages purchased from participating vendors within the town center.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

Easter worship on the Key LBK churches held Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter services for visitors and residents.

LONGBOAT ISLAND CHAPEL

ALL ANGELS BY THE SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

F

ive houses of worship on Longboat

Petra Rivera

The All Angels By the Sea Choir on Easter Sunday.

Key celebrated

Easter weekend March 28-31.

Pastor David Marshall presided over Easter weekend services. All Angels started with its Maundy Thursday services at 4 p.m. on March 28. The Good Friday service was at noon.

Easter Sunday was celebrated at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. with a full choir and trumpet.

Here are some snapshots from Easter around the island and how the churches ushered in the holiday.

Courtesy image

Longboat Island Chapel celebrates Easter at its 10 a.m. service.

ST. MARY, STAR OF THE SEA CATHOLIC CHURCH The Longboat Island Chapel began its Easter celebration with a 6 p.m. Good Friday service on March 29. On Easter Sunday, the chapel had a sunrise service in its Fellowship Garden on March 31. The second service was at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary with an orchestra.

CHRIST CHURCH OF LONGBOAT KEY

ST. ARMANDS KEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Petra Rivera

Father Robert Dziedziak during Easter Sunday Mass Petra Rivera

Petra Rivera

The Rev. Julia Piermont at the Good Friday service.

The Rev. Ken Blyth leads the 10 a.m. garden service.

Christ Church of Longboat Key had a communion service at 7:30 p.m. on Maundy Thursday, March 28.

This service was titled “As We’ve Been Done to” to remember the Last Supper. The choir sang “Hope of the World.”

On March 29, Christ Church hosted a Tenebrae service for Good Friday. It was written by the Rev. Julia Piermont’s husband, Dennis Piermont, as a “Shadows of the Passion,” a dramatic retelling of the drama leading to Jesus’ crucifixion using narratives from scripture with musical commentary.

The Easter Sunday service was at 10 a.m. on March 31 with the choir, organ and trumpet.

The Maundy Thursday services started Easter weekend for St. Armands Key Lutheran Church on March 28. It had services at noon and 7 p.m. Good Friday services on March 29 were at noon and 7 p.m. as well.

For people who couldn’t attend church on Sunday, the church had a 7 p.m. Easter Vigil service on March 30.

Easter Sunday began at 7 a.m. in the garden. The second garden service was at 10 a.m.

In the sanctuary, there were two services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. These were accompanied by a full choir, festive brass and timpani. The Rev. Ken Blyth presided.

WORSHIP

Holy Thursday started the Easter weekend at St. Mary, Star of the Sea with a 4 p.m. Mass on March 28.

At the “Mass of the Lord’s Supper,” St. Mary re-created the washing of the feet from the Bible.

On Good Friday, the Stations of the Cross started at noon on March 29.

The Good Friday service started at 3 p.m. with “Venerations of the Cross” liturgy.

On Holy Saturday, parishioners brought their Easter baskets to have them blessed by Father Robert Dziedziak.

The Easter Vigil Mass was at 6 p.m. on March 30. Easter Sunday Mass was held at 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on March 31.

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

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

directory

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

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

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

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions

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.

• Worship services Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

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

• Spring Fling, Thursday, April 11th, 5 p.m.

Enjoy some fellowship and Mission BBQ with your neighbors and friends.

Worship With Us at Our Church Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00 Women’s Bible Study: Wednesday @ 10:00

422571-1

Visitors & Residents Welcome

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

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

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

Sunday Service 10:00 AM Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor

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

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

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

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

941-383-3428

longboatkeytemple.org

422632-1

Growing in Jesus’ Name

422628-1

about Scripture and an issue in society.

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Join the Discussion Tuesday or Wednesday

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

19A

Luxuriously Fresh Perspectives INSIDE AND OUT.

R E SI DE NCE SL I DOK EY.COM

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

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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, APRIL 4, 2024

6603 GULFSIDE ROAD

$15,000,000

Introducing a rare gem of contemporary luxury on Longboat Key: a brand-new, direct Gulf-front masterpiece crafted by Vertical Design Build. Still in the beginning stages, there is plenty of time to make your personal selections! Set on over a quarter-acre of lush beachfront property, this architectural marvel offers an unparalleled coastal living experience. www.6603GulfsideRoad.com

SELLING LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTY FOR 39 YEARS

1325 WESTWAY DRIVE

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$13,995,000

This home is a boater’s paradise offering many boating options! Situated on two lots in a corner location, spanning more than a 1/2-acre, this impressive and private 5BR residence is set along the deep waters of Sarasota Bay. www.97SouthWashington.com

97 SOUTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

$10,995,000

7652 SANDERLING ROAD

$8,995,000

500 HARBOR POINT ROAD

$8,900,000

5610 AVENIDA DEL MARE

$6,600,000

6923 WESTCHESTER CIRCLE

$4,695,000

Boasting 5BR and nearly 7,000 SF of meticulously updated interiors and exteriors, this Bay Isles Harbor sanctuary is a boater’s dream with new dock and lift (2022). www.500HarborPoint.com

Gorgeous updates and investment possibilities abound at this 7BR compound, located just a short sunny block from famed Siesta Key Beach! www.5610AvenidadelMare.com

This private estate is on over an acre of land with 172’ of beachfront, offering unobstructed views of the Gulf, complemented by a design specifically crafted to accentuate the breathtaking beach and sunset views. www.7652Sanderling.com

This exquisite 5BR Arthur Rutenberg home is situated on nearly 1/2-acre of lakefront property. Boasting nearly 7,000 SF inside, with luxurious finishes and contemporary upgrades. www.6923Westchester.com

HUNTERS POINT

4305 MARINA VIEW WAY

Move right in and begin enjoying an ideal, sustainable lifestyle at this beautiful 3BR waterfront residence. www.HuntersPointFL.com

$1,700,000

4317 MARINA VIEW WAY

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$1,550,000

4318 MARINA VIEW WAY

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$1,250,000

7180 MANASOTA KEY ROAD

601 LOTUS LANE

$3,895,000

$3,595,000

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

Escape to paradise on Siesta Key at this 2017-built waterfront 3BR + office residence that exudes quality and style. Dock, lift, 3-car garage. www.601LotusLane.com

455 LONGBOAT CLUB RD #305

1901 MORRILL STREET

1350 MAIN STREET #1701

201 N. WASHINGTON DRIVE

255 COSMOPOLITAN COURT

$2,995,000

$2,950,000

$2,349,000

$2,195,000

$1,499,000

Prepare to be captivated by Gulf and sunset views from this 3BR, direct beachfront Pierre residence. www.Pierre305.com

Completely updated inside and out! This 7BR compound or rental is in Sarasota’s Historic District. www.1901Morrill.com

Move right into this newer downtown penthouse in the heart of the city!

Includes 2 parking spaces and storage. www.1350Main1701.com

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

Fall in love with moving right into this 2016-built, 3BR downtown townhouse with 2-car garage. www.255CosmopolitanCourt.com

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD #152

4004 CASCINA WAY

1974 HYDE PARK STREET

743 ANNA HOPE LANE

631 N. ORANGE AVENUE #107

$1,495,000

$899,000

$699,000

$629,000

$395,000

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

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

This sunny 3BR residence in Rivendell boasts a brand-new roof (2023), and newer A/C in 2021. www.743AnnaHope.com

Experience the essence of urban living in the vibrant Rosemary District at this 2BR renovated retreat. www.MentoneCourt107.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. 417303-1

20A

Classifieds 18B Games 17B Real Estate 15B Weather 17B

APRIL 4, 2024

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Egg-cellent Easter party Families return to Longboat Key every year to spend Easter weekend with the Easter Bunny and hunt for eggs.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

T

he party was hopping at Sand Cay Beach Resort on Easter weekend.

Sand Cay hosted its annual Easter party at 9 a.m. on March 29.

Families from all over the country return every year to spend Easter weekend for the Easter party thrown by the Sand Cay team.

This was Resort Assistant Manager Melissa Ciolino’s ninth year putting on this event. The Sand Cay Easter team includes General Manager Lyn Sorensen, Heather Diggins and Sara Whitney.

Ciolino said this is the biggest annual event at Sand Cay because of the families that come back every year. Sand Cay started planning for the Easter party in December.

She shared that the families are the ones that make the event fun and successful. Some of the children are second or third-generation since their parents and grandparents came to the Sand Cay Easter event as children too.

“One of the boys here, I have known him since he was little and his family just keeps coming back,” said Ciolino. “I cannot believe he

“Our boys love discovering the eggs and being with the Easter Bunny.

And Sand Cay is right on the Gulf. We love that we can walk right out to the beach.”

— Robert Reese

is so big now, but that is one of my favorite parts of this event. We get to see great kids come back every year and watch them grow up.”

The party started early Good Friday morning with an Easter egg hunt. Children of all ages spread out across the Sand Cay pool and courtyard looking for the brightly colored eggs.

The incentive to find the golden eggs was high since the golden eggs were the ticket to getting first pick of the Easter baskets. Some eggs were easy to discover for the younger ones.

For the pre-teens and teenagers, there were eggs to find that provided

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The water slide and inflatable bouncy house were popular.

Photos by Petra Rivera

Blake Ricci, Kiera Bourke and Leighton Ricci at the Sand Cay Beach Resort Easter party.

more of a challenge. Everyone wins in the end though because the Sand Cay team made sure to order enough baskets for everyone to receive one.

After the hunt was finished, children headed to play on the water slide and the inflatable bouncy houses. Families headed to the beach for a stroll before the lunch catered by Publix. The Easter Bunny also made an appearance.

“We have only been here for two years, but I love that this has become our Easter tradition,” said Robert Reese, a renter at Sand Cay. “It is the perfect way to spend Easter. Our boys love discovering the eggs and being with the Easter Bunny. And Sand Cay is right on the Gulf. We love that we can walk right out to the beach. It was also great weather this weekend. We always have the best time.”

Mikey Lepczyk plays on the bounce house.

Quinn, Keira and Kellan Sedlacek with the Easter Bunny

2B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

Prayer and paintings All Angels Gallery will be displaying Christine Hales’ Byzantine-inspired art from April 7 to June 28.

IF YOU GO CHRISTINE HALES’ ICON EXHIBIT Where: 563 Bay Isles Road When: Opens April 7 to June 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. (No Sundays in June) Her artist reception will be at 11:15 a.m. on April 14.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

I

conographer Christine Hales’ first icon exhibit on Longboat Key will open April 7 at the All Angels By The Sea Episcopal Church Gallery.

Over 20 Byzantine-style icons painted by Hales will be displayed.

“Iconography is all about bringing prayer into your art practice,” said Hales. “It brought me closer to God in a new way and allowed me to maintain my prayer practice consistently and on a deeper level. I’m very inspired by the technique of the most famous iconographer, Andrei Rublev. He was all about combining your breath, and your prayer with what you’re doing with your paintbrush.”

Originally from Boston, Hales graduated from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a bachelor’s in painting and art education. She got her master’s degree in art therapy from the College of

“In a convent in France, I met an iconographer named Sister Miriam.She explained to me about icons and it just changed my whole world.”

— Christine Hales

New Rochelle. Before discovering iconography, Hales was a contemporary painter.

After getting married, she and her husband in 1994 spent time exploring France and England and visiting different monasteries.

“In a convent in France, I met an iconographer named Sister Miriam,” said Hales. “She explained to me about icons and it just changed my whole world. It just seemed to encompass great art. Before that, I was not really floundering, but my direction was not clear. So icons gave me clarity of purpose.”

Hales began studying iconography that same year with private teachers and through her own practice. She specializes in combining traditional Byzantine icons with modern contemporary art and themes.

Hales said that Byzantine iconography started in the sixth century. It uses ancient materials such as dried powdered pigments, gold-leaf gilding and rich, deep color sets.

Her process starts with prayer and meditation in the morning before she goes to her art studio. She said that reading the Bible and prayer inspires her art daily. She also incorporates current events and situations happening in her everyday life.

“We modern artists have a lot to

Photos by Petra Rivera

Christine Hales’ icon exhibit will be at All Angels Gallery and opens on April 7.

learn from these icons,” said Hales.

“They really encapsulate what I think is all the best in art. What I find challenging for today is that the Byzantine art reflected the needs of the people at that time. So when we copy Byzantine art, we’re copying what was important to them. The challenge today is to create icons that reflect what’s important to us in the 21st century.”

Hales moved to Sarasota in 2019.

Her icons are displayed in churches, colleges and private collections across the country. She wrote a book on the art of iconography titled “Eyes of Fire.” She also teaches iconography classes remotely.

“This is my first exhibit on Longboat Key so I’m really looking forward to sharing it with everyone there,” said Hales. “I haven’t done a big exhibit of my icons for quite a while here in Sarasota. It is right in time for the Easter season so I want people to be able to take away a feeling of peace and comfort from it. I’d like them to look at everything and walk away feeling really good.”

All Angels Gallery is hosting Christine Hales’s Icon exhibit from April 7 to June 28.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

3B

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ocal band SoulRcoaster wrapped up the Savor the Sounds concert series by setting off a dancing spree.

“This is the most people that have gotten up to dance out of the whole series,” said Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce President Kim Verreault.

The chamber hosted the event on March 30. This event was rescheduled to that day from the original March 16 date due to inclement weather. The Sarasota/ Manatee branch of Bank of America was the presenting sponsor for the series.

Mike Sales opened for SoulRcoaster as people arrived at the venue.

SoulRcoaster has been together as a band for 15 years. Tony Rizzo is a founding member and the lead guitarist. Sheri Nadelman is the lead singer and plays acoustic rhythm guitar. Jim Klein plays bass guitar, Mike Poncelet plays the keyboard, Joe Hornberger plays the electronic drums and Art Nadelman is their sound and stage technician.

Rizzo said that they started as a smooth jazz band that came together gradually.

They now play a variety of music from classic rock to Motown, ballads, disco, country and today’s top hits.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

5B

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

Catch of the month

Cindy E Fischer

very year, Spanish Main Yacht Club residents worry there might not be enough fish to feed the many guests at everyone’s favorite event: the Fish Fry. But not with these expert fishermen. The fisherman of Spanish Main were up at dawn all of March to get the best fish for this event.

The fishermen caught about 70 pounds of fish, which is about 200 fish, for Spanish Main to host its 19th annual Fish Fry on March 28 at its clubhouse.

Fisherman Rich Knudson said the event was started casually 19 years ago. They invited people over for dinner one night after fishing.

The fresh fish and camaraderie attracted more residents every year.

Soon, it became the most anticipated event at Spanish Main.

One of the founders of the event, Lou Salemi, passed down his restaurant’s secret fried fish recipe to the fishermen with a special homemade sauce.

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Lynn Heuston serves fish at Spanish Main Yacht Club’s Fish Fry.

Jim Entwistle and Kevin Knudson

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6B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

7B

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8B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

Photos by Petra Rivera

Father Robert Dziedziak and Irene and Tim Vincent

Realtor JoDene

Blessed be thy baskets

Proudly representing these fabulous Longboat Key properties

S

haring family traditions is just another day at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

Father Robert Dziedziak invited parishioners to have their Easter baskets blessed the morning of March 30 before Easter Sunday. After the blessings, congregants shared the meaning behind the items they put in their baskets.

A parishioner made Dziedziak a traditional Polish basket. It included bread, butter and a special lamb cake.

Irene Vincent had a traditional Ukrainian basket. She included lamb and decorated eggs that she painted a couple years ago.

Her favorite part of the basket is the butter lamb she had shipped from a Polish store in her hometown of Chicago.

Congregant Donna Pettinato’s basket was a traditional Italian Easter basket. It had a loaf of bread made by her husband and a special Italian bread for Easter.

“We actually break our Lenten fast today on Saturday, so we celebrate big for Easter with baskets like these and lots of good food,” said Pettinato. “We are having a big party tonight on Holy Saturday, and it’s basically a party all weekend.”

Your trusted Longboat Key Resident REALTOR®,

JoDene Moneuse

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

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

9B

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

NEW LISTING

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NEW PRICE

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3520 FAIR OAKS LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,965,000 3BR+DEN/3BA • 2,902 SF • Separate casita for guests

BRUCE MYER GROUP

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

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

417362-1

RANKED #10 COLDWELL BANKER INDIVIDUAL REALTOR IN THE NATION

10B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

PET PICS

NAL FRONT POOL HOME 41 Emerald Harbor Drive 3 BR/2.5 BA $2,900,000

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!

Jan Jordan Broker Associate / REALTOR® 422626-1

at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Atchley Properties Phone 941-556-9100 Mobile 941-737-4169 Email janjordan@atchleyrealty.com Website www.jansellssarasota.com

5941 Emerald Harbor Drive Longboat Key Canalfront Pool Home 2600 Sq. Ft.

Jan Jordan Broker

Associate/Realtor jan@jansellssarasota.com

941-737-4169 jansellssarasota.com

422566-1

Price reduced! $2,799,000

Michael Nink, PA, Broker- Associate, GRI

Trust. Value. Faith.

Direct Longboat Key Bayfront at popular Pelican Harbour 3 full bedrooms—water views on all sides furnished $989,000 | MLS#A4589473

Sweeping Bayviews in this gorgeous totally updated “Manhatten Style” Condo $1,189,000 | MLS#A4587000

9th floor Grand Bay featuring sweeping Gulf and Bay views of downtown skyline -- Must See! $2,150,000 | MLS#A4566091

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 $1,175,000 | MLS#A4592876

418779-1

Your Local Longboat Key Realtor

STANDARD POSE: Bella, a 3-year-old standard poodle, poses outside of the Longboat Key Flower Shop.

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 MichaelNink@michaelsaunders.com michaelnink.michaelsaunders.com 941-914-2805

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9553.829.149

941.928.3559

moc.srednuasleahcim@notluoMle ahciM MichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com

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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

Condo 0 0 0,5on 97the ,3$Bay | 1#101 8183| Sarasota 4 4A | F|SBay 33Front 9,4 2,325sf | 3BR | $3,975,000 | A4582024

G DIN PEN

Navigating the Sarasota Real Estate Market for Over Four Decades.

REDUCED PRICE

enaL draylaH 105

St. Regis 0 0 0,Residences 599,1$ | 4#201 64 8 4| New 4 4A Construction | F S 0 43 , 2 11,000sf | Longboat Gulf Front | $21,244,000

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Promenade $1,850,000 Fairway Bay $715,000 1211 Gulf of Mexico Drive #408 2000 Harbourside Drive #1503 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Longboat Key, FL 34228

SATOSARAS

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Water Club0#707 0 0,5|7Longboat 5 , 2$ | 4Key 671| 2Gulf/Bay/City 4 4A | FS 0Views 04,3 2,965sf | $3,650,000 | A4593022

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422615-1

G DIN PEN

Fox Leiter Team

Be the

REDUCED PRICE

first to

Players Club $1,300,000 Longboat Harbour 1445 Gulf of Mexico Drive #204 4440 Exeter Drive #104 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Longboat Key, FL 34228

know

$585,000

Stay ahead with the latest news from Sarasota and Manatee.

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

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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.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

11B

April 4, 2024

North Siesta Key A rare jewel is available: A Beachfront & Bayfront Estate Size Home Site for your dream house or family compound. This prime homesite estate offers unparalleled vistas of the glistening waters, downtown Sarasota, and the keys of Bird and Lido from its expansive 120-foot private beach and bay frontage. Included is a deep water dock on Big Pass as well as 2 deeded boat slips in the protected sailboat waters of Bayou Louise. This exclusive property is among the few that capture downtown views and the beauty of western sunsets. www.21LandsEndLane.com

3500 Bayou Louise Lane | Siesta Key | $10,750,000 5 bed | 5.5 bath | 6,300 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 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

ARIA

The VUE

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 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 sq. ft. terrace, with 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

1155 N Gulfstream Ave #1407 | The VUE | $2,450,000

2 bed | 2.5 bath | 1,665 Sq Ft | Furnished!

At The Vue - It is all about the Epic forever VIEWS! This fantastic, almost new residence is on the 14th floor with 10-foot ceilings. The home, accessible via a semi-private elevator, has extensive floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering a 180-degree hypnotizing forever view of Sarasota and her islands, including sunrise – moonrise, and sunsets—It is an excellent split floor plan. The Vue offers a concierge, on-site management, a social room, a swimming pool, and valet parking. It offers a southern exposure in the city's heart, and your pet is welcome. www.Vue1407.com

422944-1

Sunset Beach

2109 Gulf of Mexico Dr #1404 | Longboat Key | $1,325,000 2 bed | 2 bath | 1,358 Sq Ft | Furnished!

1180 Bogey Lane | Longboat Key | $1,050,000 2 bed + flex room | 2 bath | 2,180 Sq Ft

Exquisitely updated two-bedroom corner residence at Sunset Beach showcases turquoise water views and spectacular sunsets. Wood flooring, crown molding, and tasteful appointments accented the bright, open floor plan. The main terrace overlooks the Gulf of Mexico through brand new hurricane impact sliders that were replaced along with the windows in 2021. www.SunsetBeach1404.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

521 Wedge Lane | Longboat Key | $1,975,000 3 bed | 2 bath | 1,677 Sq Ft Sailboat Water Front home on the southern end of Longboat Key in Country Club Shores with DEEDED BEACH ACCESS. The home showcases NEW WINDOWS & DOORS, NEW ROOF, a NEW SEAWALL with CoolDeck® dock, and 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 | $8,500,000 5 bed + 2 flex rooms | 4.5 bath | 6,159 Sq Ft www.55Lighthouse.com

3060 Grand Bay Blvd #122 | Longboat Key | $1,100,000 3 bed | 3 bath | 2,250 Sq Ft www.GrandBay122.com

2185 Gulf of Mexico Dr #214 | Villa Di Lancia | $2,350,000 3 bed, 3 bath | 2,448 Sq Ft www.VillaDiLancia214.com

435 L’Ambiance Dr #H802 | L’Ambiance | $3,650,000 2 bed, 4 bath | 2,525 Sq Ft www.435LAmbianceH802.com

12B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

A Caribbean Coastal 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath home currently Under Construction with 3,793 sq ft on an oversized lot.

Located on a peninsula at the end of Longview Dr. in the Buttonwood Harbour Community, Longboat Key. This unique property features an Infinity Pool and Spa with a sun shelf and 170 ft of seawall on Cranes Bayou.

Cathy C. Meldahl, P.A. Your Longboat Key Community Realtor Celebrating 50 YEARS of Living and Working on Longboat Key 422606-1

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 4/7

Photos by Ian Swaby

The Rev. David M. Svihel leads the walk.

Walking in faith

B

onnie Daiello wanted to take the time to “smell the roses,” after she was shaken by a recent cardiac ar-

7363 Divot Loop, Lakewood Ranch. Country Club East Sale Price: $939,000 MLS # A4602141

TIM FINK

Realtor

Cleveland St. Joseph Ohio University Alumni

The Brewer Team

417160-1

941.347.0507

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

LOCAL, VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1939 LONGBOAT KEY

rest.

“It was very important for me to do it,” said Daiello, who was among the hundreds in attendance at the Stations of the Cross walk on the morning of Good Friday, March 29. “It meant a lot.”

A Good Friday tradition in countries around the world, the walk grew out of the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem and involves a journey between 14 stations along a path that represent different stages in the story of Jesus’ passion and death.

Established in Sarasota by the Men’s Breakfast Prayer Group at Church of the Redeemer in 1996, the event is held jointly by the church and the Sarasota Ministerial Association, while also involving clergy from different area congregations.

Although it originally took place on the church grounds, the walk grew in attendance and came to encompass the current route from Regal Hollywood to Church of the Redeemer.

LONGBOAT KEY

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

— IAN SWABY

Dave and Nancy Morgan

4380 Exeter Drive, #306| Longboat Harbour MLS#A4589316 | 2/2 - 1,168 sf | Great amenities | $574,900 | Sherry Flathman (941) 592.3433

SIESTA KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

Joshua Santos, 14, and his father, Fernando Santos, came from Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Orlando to attend the walk.

The crowd proceeds down Main Street.

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

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

1240 Dolphin Way #402 | Dolphin Bay MLS#A4595025 | 2/2 - 1,915 sf | NOW $1,297,777 Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

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 ® ®

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

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

Longboat Key Office

Luxury Property Advisor

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

941.383.5577

203.605.9582 203.605.9582 203.605.9582 203.605.9582

PROACTIVE & COLLABORATIVE FLAWLESS EXECUTION

• Longboat Key • Lido Key • St Armands • Siesta Key • Casey Key • Lakewood Ranch • Downtown Sarasota • West of the Trail Call or text me 941-993-3695 Over 30 years Experience

Broker Associate ~ Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

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So many real estate options ... let’s start exploring yours today.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

13B

1632 Floyd Street, Sarasota

3381 Bayou Sound, Longboat Key

$2,990,000 | 4 BR, 4.5 BA | Web# A4593582

$2,850,000 | 4 BR, 3.5 BA | Web# A4599569

Lisa Rooks Morris: M 941.544.3332 Julie Guirguis: M 440.503.3713

Lisa Rooks Morris: M 941.544.3332 Julie Guirguis: M 440.503.3713

3540 Bayou Circle, Longboat Key

340 S Palm Avenue, 15, Sarasota

$1,999,000 | 3 BR, 3 BA | Web# A4588697

$1,890,000 | 3 BR, 3.5 BA | Web# A4596801

Inbal August: M 917.957.8111

Amy Drake: M 941.376.9346 Julie Guirguis: M 440.503.3713

5634 Mulligan Way, Bradenton

301 Quay Commons, 708, Sarasota

$1,785,000 | 6 BR, 4 BA | Web# A4587672

$1,499,000 | 2 BR, 2.5 BA | Web# A4597281

Inbal August M: 917.957.8111

Lisa Otte: M 941.281.5472

1101 Lake House Circle, C-206, Sarasota

3119 Rose Street, Sarasota

$799,000 | 2 BR, 2 BA | Web# A4590623

$675,000 | 3 BR, 2 BA | Web# A4604028

Ken Ipox: M 941.993.7279

Allison Werner: M 941.961.3212

420044-1

1350 MAIN ST, SARASOTA, FL 34236. 941.867.6199 © 2024 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

elliman.com

Make Your Next Move Exceptional

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

LONGBOAT KEY 2333 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 1B1 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,238 Sq. Ft. Robert Delaney 941-315-3185 A4599566 $4,625,000

LONGBOAT KEY 545 General Harris Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,294 Sq. Ft. Marta Altizer 941-544-4437 A4593444 $2,850,000

LONGBOAT KEY 575 Sanctuary Drive A104 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,785 Sq. Ft. Ryndie Brusco 941-809-6913 A4598966 $1,775,000

LONGBOAT KEY 550 De Narvaez Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,758 Sq. Ft. JoDene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4598789 $1,450,000

LONGBOAT KEY 690 Longview Drive 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,645 Sq. Ft. Mackenzie Longueuil & Pat Mudgett 941-961-4023 A4586141 $1,395,000

LONGBOAT KEY 690 Jungle Queen Way 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,317 Sq. Ft. JoDene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4599997 $1,350,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1075 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 101 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,172 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4592865 $1,198,000

LONGBOAT KEY 578 580 Companion Way 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,792 Sq. Ft. Bill Anderson 941-313-4059 A4598090 $1,195,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3040 Grand Bay Boulevard 214 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,369 Sq. Ft. Michael Nink, Pa 941-914-2805 A4592876 $1,175,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2120 Harbourside Drive 616 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,031 Sq. Ft. Bibi-Ann Allard PA 941-685-0422 A4592661 $1,095,000

LONGBOAT KEY 591 Hibiscus Way 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,490 Sq. Ft. JoDene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4605005 $965,000

LONGBOAT KEY 5270 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 504 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,498 Sq. Ft. Bobbie Banan 941-356-2659 A4588989 $900,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3070 Grand Bay Boulevard 616 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,380 Sq. Ft. Julia Mcclung 941-356-6499 A4591919 $899,999

ANNA MARIA 520 Spring Avenue A 2 Beds 1 Baths 492 Sq. Ft. Deborah Schlener 651-894-3916 A4591412 $899,000

ANNA MARIA 520 Spring Avenue C 2 Beds 1 Baths 720 Sq. Ft. Deborah Schlener 651-894-3916 A4595638 $895,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2143 Harbourside Drive 1201 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,224 Sq. Ft. Julie Klick 941-780-6001 A4592954 $875,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2213 Harbourside Drive 303 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,224 Sq. Ft. Maureen Horn & Sherry Dominick 941-539-3384 A4601150 $849,000

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 2089 Gulf Of Mexico Drive G1-203 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,214 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy & Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4598036 $749,000

LONGBOAT KEY 831 Bayport Way 831 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,456 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy & Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4601460 $749,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3540 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 102 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,284 Sq. Ft. Camille Buck 941-894-4771 A4593069 $725,000

LONGBOAT KEY 529 Forest Way 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,440 Sq. Ft. Cathy Meldahl, Pa 941-724-7228 A4603909 $725,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 250 Sands Point Road 5105 1 Bed 1 Baths 634 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy & Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4598746 $599,000

LONGBOAT KEY 729 Saint Judes Drive S 3 1 Bed 1 Baths 630 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4596268 $375,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 7100 Longboat Drive E 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,625 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4601866 $3,759,000

LONGBOAT KEY 6485 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,000 Sq. Ft. Julie Klick 941-780-6001 A4600758 $3,500,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

422399-1

14B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

REAL ESTATE

Lido Beach home tops sales at $9 million

15B

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MARCH 18-22

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home on Lido Beach tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Douglas Libertore, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 160 Bryant Drive to Thomas and Jane Freeman, of Sarasota, for $8,995,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, fiveand-a-half baths, a pool and 5,486 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

Eugene and Sandra Kravitz sold their home at 609 Yawl Lane to Kenneth and Sandra Doonan, of Wichita, Kansas, for $5.5 million.

Built in 1966, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,931 square feet of living area. It sold for $430,000 in 1987.

ORCHID BEACH CLUB RESIDENCES

Jeffrey and Laura Deane, trustees, of Annapolis, Maryland, sold the Unit W301 condominium at 2052 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Timothy and Jana Hourigan, of Acworth, Georgia, for $4.8 million. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths and 4,229 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.4 million in 2010.

QUEEN’S HARBOUR

Joseph Contorno and Elaine Linker, of Charlotte, North Carolina, sold their home at 3527 Fair Oaks Lane to Richard and Faith Morningstar, of Marin, Massachusetts, for $2,547,500. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,154 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,399,000 in 2021.

Nicholas Etten, of Wilmette, Illinois, sold the home at 3590 Fair Oaks Lane to Kristine and Karl Kazmierczak, of Longboat Key, for $2.5 million. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,957 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1,185,000 in 2002.

GRAND BAY

Matthew Rammes, trustee, sold the Unit 221 condominium at 3040 Grand Bay Blvd. to William Shaheen, trustee, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for $2.18 million. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,781 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.55 million in 2017.

LONG BEACH REVISED

Barry Walsh, of Longboat Key, sold

Courtesy of Roger Pettingell

Douglas Libertore, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 160 Bryant Drive to Thomas and Jane Freeman, of Sarasota, for $8,995,000.

her home at 350 N. Shore Road to Joseph Angello and Katharine Halper-Angello, of New York City, for $1.8 million. Built in 1966, it has three bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths and 1,878 square feet of living area. It sold for $310,000 in 1998.

LONGBOAT SANDPIPERS

JJS&S LLC sold the Unit 201 condominium at 5635 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Michael Concannon III and Susan Concannon, trustees, of Madison, Connecticut, for $1.23 million. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. It sold for $780,000 in 2003.

TANGERINE BAY CLUB

boat Key, sold their Unit 408 condominium at 1102 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Mousa and Sadaf Abadi, of Columbia, Missouri, for $830,000. Built in 1976, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,213 square feet of living area. It sold for $610,000 in 2019.

SEAPLACE

Judith Achre, trustee, of Indianapolis, sold the Unit M2-210-C condominium at 1945 Gulf of Mexico Drive to David Moelker and Pamela Moelker, trustees, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, for $715,000. Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 928 square feet of living area. It sold for $225,000 in 1998.

Mark and Marcia Sherwin, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 415 condominium at 370 Gulf of Mexico Drive to David and Anne Alden, of Villanova, Pennsylvania, for $1.1 million. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,380 square feet of living area. It sold for $680,000 in 2003.

Rebecca Blanton sold her Unit 416 condominium at 370 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Mildred Castrucci, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $975,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,476 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in 1994.

Michael and Maureen O’Hare, of Manchester, United Kingdom, sold their Unit G6-202-A condominium at 1955 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Edward and Susan Devine, of Fox Point, Wisconsin, for $490,000.

Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,257 square feet of living area. It sold for $349,000 in 2008.

SUTTON PLACE

Mary Jo Woodward, trustee, of Tampa, sold the Unit T-8 condominium at 515 Sutton Place to University II Gas Station LLC for $550,000. Built in 1972, it has one bedroom, one bath and 1,450 square feet of living area. It sold for $293,000 in 2013.

In with the new NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

WINDWARD BAY

William and Kathleen Colantano, of Lebanon, New Jersey, sold their Unit PH-1 condominium at 4540 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Robert and Sally Wilson, of Sahuarita, Arizona, for $837,500. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,337 square feet of living area. It sold for $429,000 in 2015.

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

LIDO SURF AND SAND

Kevin and Nicole Glass, of Long-

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

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

MOVE-IN SPRING 2024

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

GOLDEN GATE POINT

LONGBOAT KEY

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of March 22-28 in order of dollar amounts.

Longboat Key Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

524 Halyard Ln

New Construction

524 Halyard CCS LLC

7095 Gulf Of Mexico Dr

Re-roof

Longbeach

$1,800,000 $743,102

Condominium Owners

690 Old Compass Rd

Alt/Renovation

MDB LBK LLC

$350,000

585 Schooner Ln

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Michael Schmidt

$165,204

3040 Grand Bay Blvd #251

Alt/Renovation

David Newton (TTEE)

$97,500

619 Jungle Queen Way

Swimming Pool

Jess Goodman

$95,000

Kpassa Lbk Llc

$92,100

Spa 5620 Gulf Of Mexico Dr

Mechanical

Unit 2

Alt/Renovation

566 Jessmyth Dr

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Kfk Longboat Llc

$81,677

1 Winslow Pl A

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Berend Bracht

$80,000

670 Penfield St

Siding

Claire Gertz A Irrevocable

$65,720

Living Trust DTD

4320 Falmouth Dr Unit 106

Windows/Doors

Jeffrey Hecklau

$49,728

5481 Gulf Of Mexico Dr

Windows/Doors

Laura Jenkins

$49,293

520 Bowsprit Ln

Re-roof

Michael Uhran

$45,974

711 Emerald Harbor Dr

Windows/Doors

Patrice Fanning

$44,866

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

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

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

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

Unit 406

Peter J Shaw Trust

$41,610

Source: Town of Longboat Key

Prices as of November 2023

422411-1

2425 Gulf Of Mexico Dr #14F Alt/Renovation

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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

The Observer’s

YOUR CALENDAR

Weather

&Nature

2024 -25 PHOTO CONTEST

A R E F L E C T I O N O F N AT U R E ’ S B E A U T Y

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

MUSIC BY CHAD TALLMAN Noon to 3 p.m. at Whitney’s, 6990 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Chad Tallman is a guitarist and singer from New York and now Bradenton. He plays all styles of rock, pop and jazz from the 1930s-1960s. He is a graduate of Ithaca College’s School of Music.

Call 383-4606.

MONDAY, APRIL 9

PACKING FOR HOPE SEEDS AT CHRIST CHURCH 1-3 p.m. at Christ Church of Longboat Key, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Please join Christ Church congregants as they come together to pack seeds, which are sent worldwide to feed the hungry in our world. Many of the seeds are sent to Haiti. This is the last packing event until October.

Call 383-1731 to reserve your place.

BEST BET APRIL 6-7

36TH ANNUAL SAILFEST REGATTA 1-3 p.m. at Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway. Sarasota Youth Sailing will hold its largest sailing and fundraising event of the year, the 36th Annual SailFest Regatta. This longstanding event draws more than 200 sailors and their families to the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Register at RegattaNetwork.com/Event/27414#_ Home.

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

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

Submitted by: Diane Suner

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.) It runs until the end of May. Classes are $10 for rec center members; $15 for nonmembers. Contact Mirabai Holland at Mirabai@­MovingFree.com.

Sponsored by

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.

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

MONDAYS

Submit your photos of spectacular local weather and nature displays and you could win $500!

Go to Yourobserver.com/contests for details.

422896-1

ZUMBA & TONING 10 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Taught by Reena Malik, this class begins with 30 min-

File image

utes of Zumba and finishes with mat Pilates for flexibility and strengthening core muscles. Come for 30 or 60 minutes. Free for members; $15 for nonmembers.

GENTLE CHAIR YOGA From 9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Remain stabilized in a chair and enjoy all the benefits of traditional yoga with certified yoga teacher Emme Shapiro. Join anytime on a prorated basis. Pay as you go, members $13; nonmembers $15. Eight sessions: members $95; non-members $110. Call 383-8222 or email EdCenter@LongboatKeyTemple.org.

TUESDAYS

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

Debby Debile of Feel Good Yoga & Massage leads a gentle yoga class that can be done on a mat or in a chair. Cost is $15; free for members.

Call 383-6493.

SUMMERTIME SHOULD BE THE BEST PART OF THE YEAR.

Sadly, OVER 40,000 local kids will need food this summer.

YOU can change that. $ for $ match April 1 - May 15 END SUMMER HUNGER AT ALLFAITHSFOODBANK.ORG

Thank you to our lead investors

Your Observer is a proud supporter of All Faiths Food Bank

417714-1

16B

YourObserver.com

17B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

High: 74 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 0%

Thursday, April 4

7:17a

7:50p

Friday, April 5

7:16a

7:50p

Saturday, April 6

7:15a

7:51p

Sunday, April 7

7:14a

7:51p

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Monday, April 8

7:13a

7:52p

High: 71 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 1%

Tuesday, April 9

7:12a

7:52p

Wednesday, April 10

7:10a

7:53p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, APRIL 7 High: 77 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 3%

April 8 New

April 15 First

April 23 Full

May 1 Last

TIDES Highs Lows

Donna Brown took this photo of the sunrise from Longbeach Village.

Thursday, April 4

11:44a

9:17p

4:42a

3:48p

Friday, April 5

11:43a

10:32p

5:27a

5:01p

Saturday, April 6

11:51a

11:36p

6:05a

5:58p

Sunday, April 7

—

12:04p

6:36a

6:49p

Monday, April 8

12:36a

12:20p

7:02a

7:38p

Tuesday, April 9

1:35a

12:40p

7:23a

8:27p

Wednesday, April 10

2:34a

1:04p

7:39a

9:17p

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/contests. All submissions will be entered for the 2024-25. Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2025, 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

Come Shop our Showrooms!

celebrity cipher

WORDUCKENS by Adam Wagner, edited by Jeff Chen 129 Home Depot competitor 54 Some trig curves 130 Type of day that refers to 55 Tight buds Earth’s rotation with respect 56 Bother to distant stars

DOWN

58 Military higher-up 61 Give off 63 Booker T. & the ___

1 German automaker

66 “My pleasure”

2 Sound from a hot tub

67 Coke or Pepsi

3 Hopping the fence, say

68 Flow like lava

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“VNI XNZ’C CELY XPFY HY GRY ANTKX HEK ORN REC SIEPKC YKNTXR GN HELY E VNNU NV RPHCYUV!” INSYIG UNTPC CGYFYKCNK

4 Spiny desert creature

71 ID and press pass 5 Agcy. whose existence was 72 Maa-ladies?

ACROSS

74 Tic-tac-toe winner

99 Shining bright

75 Gin berry

101 Checks, as boxes

77 Web destinations, for

103 Commander and chief

45 Amazon delivery?

short

105 Sarge, for one

47 Chin feature

78 Big gulp

106 Grain in Cheerios

50 Use an index for direc-

79 Snoopy cartoonist

109 *African ( October (

tions?

Charles

Walkers, briefly ) birthstone

51 Aced it

81 Egypt’s region

) nation

39 “Love me ___”

1 Social media dogpile mark- 41 Biologist Charles 44 One glass, or two cups ers, in slang 9 Salt’s “halt!”

14 More than lionize 19 “Yeesh” 20 Narrow lane 21 Metals industry giant

22 Question asked in a daze 53 *Asks ( Big ( Minus ) amount ) desperately 23 *Private ( Actress ( Reword ) Jessica ) eye 25 ___ Arbor 26 Tire gauge fig.

for short

115 Type of bread

55 Thorny bush

86 Vibes

116 Pittsburgh’s ___ Park

57 Cylinder

87 *Deli ( Spanish ( Sneaker 117 *Water ( Smallville

59 Twerps

brand ) eight ) orders

( Mononymous singer )

91 Maker of Crunch bars

surname ) line

93 Rapp of 2024’s “Mean

120 Turkish fruit exports

64 Amish tractor pullers

Girls”

125 Final Greek letter

65 Big name in RC cars

94 Fail to blink

126 Berlin’s metro

69 Apt rhyme for “snit”

95 Man found in both the

127 Eerie electronic instru-

70 *Old ( Small ( Ire ) talk

Bible and “thesaurus”?

ment

) loves

96 Unaccounted for

128 Hose down

28 Meme depicting dejected 60 Molten meal 62 Mass that’s not massive actor Reeves 29 *Starbucks ( High-fat ( Rests ) diet ) size 35 “BTW ...”

36 Gatekeepers? (Abbr.)

38 “Star Wars” queen

84 Class with supply curves, 111 Climbing gym pouch

73 Sing like Ella

6 Reddit event (Abbr.)

76 Run the show

7 Group of whales

80 One swaying in Hawaii

8 Salon sounds

82 Furniture giant

9 Singer DiFranco

83 Donut-shaped

10 By way of

85 Author Zora ___ Hurston

11 Knee connectors

87 Part of a cereal grain

12 Bundle

found in many cereal names

13 Roosevelt’s nickname

88 Cause of a hamstrung

14 Court ... or word after

hamstring?

“court”

89 Rubbernecker

15 Idris of “Hijack”

90 Bay Area industry

16 “Arguing with you is

92 Took to court

impossible”

95 Catch sight of

17 Not getting distracted

97 Singer Rita

18 Creature in a Mongolian

98 Drug for Timothy Leary

polo variant

100 “___ Lisa”

23 “___ mio!”

102 Metal band with a mis-

24 “Just playing”

spelled name

27 NFL “scorigami,” for one

104 Hope (to)

29 Briefly touch on?

107 Original “American Idol”

30 French friend

judge Paula 31 Ingrid’s “Casablanca” role 108 Aerobics portmanteau 32 Tarnish

110 Three-____ (sports

33 Nits to pick

dynasty achievements)

34 Classic NBC courtroom

112 Onetime Nintendo

drama

competitor

37 Colonizing insects

113 “Mercy me!”

40 Exponential, as growth

114 Chew (on)

42 Church section

117 Jan. and Dec.

43 Bird home

118 Most common word in

46 Lose the battle but win

English

the war, say

119 ___ and outs

48 Paper fortunetellers,

121 Eagles’ city, for short

geometrically

122 Outer color of a rainbow

49 Belief

123 Aunt, in Argentina

52 “Fair point”

124 NBC sketch show

“LB LWUKWV PCK YKVB SWMK ZKY GVBAJV TWKPB, SM SB WKM L DKGOGKDSM IJBSWVBB, IJM MCV GVPLGZB LGV OGSAVRVBB DKG XV.” VXXURKJ CLGGSB Puzzle Two Clue: T equals K

©2023 Universal Uclick

once a secret

“CFAAJIP EGVN LJT KOAXS BAVDD ASOA’B IGA OYYNGYNJOAF DGN ASFJN OPF JB GIF GD ASF MJPPFN RJBAOLFB EGV XOI ROLF.” © 2023 NEA, Inc.

WFIIJF PONAS

Puzzle Three Clue: K equals W

crossword

Puzzle One Clue: L equals K

421803-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

sudoku

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

53 Chicago landmark, with “the” ©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

4-4-24

Made for where you live. Here!

RED PAGES Homes for Rent

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

LONGBOAT KEY 537 Halyard Ln.

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.

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

King sized beds. Washer/dryer.

Screened lanai. New roof. No pets/no smoking.

Available Now! $4,700 / month.

Annual lease Owner: 941-504-1492 Bring your boat & sail away!!

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

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. $499,000 (770) 335-9211

Boats 1986-22 FT. CATALINA SAILBOAT, retractable keel, 10 h.p. outboard. Needs work.

Giveaway price: $1,500 941-758-1105

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

Discrete/ Confidential. Call David 813-439-2694 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

jobs

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Help Wanted DOCK MASTER Part-Time Dock Master Position Available 8-10 hours per week Dock On The Bay Marina Contact: 941-313-6496

SELL YOUR STUFF FAST!

GARAGE SALE

WANTED TO BUY Vintage/Old Costume Jewelry & Clothing in large amounts.

Jane (941) 356-1568

Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

Pets

CALL 941-955-4888

ISLAND PET CARE Longboat resident, background checked/profile on Rover. Daily walks or overnights.

Call/txt 804-366-7650

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

real estate Condos/Apts. for Sale

YourObserver.com/RedPages

GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE!

Homes for Rent 1BR/2BA LONGBOAT KEY Luxury Furnished Townhome at Cedars East Tennis Resort-w/ full resort privileges. Floor-through luxury bedroom suite with 2 walk-in closets, large sundeck w/views. Separate living-diningkitchen floor with full bath, convertible Queen couch and Smart 65" TV. $3,900 Annual Per Mo. (347) 661-9404 https://www.airbnb.com/hosting/listings/editor/26081247/details/photo-tour

Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

SELL STUFF HERE!

BAY ISLES RENTAL WANTED Seeking rental of condo or townhouse in Bay Isles.

Ideally a 6 to12 month lease for retired gent, non-smoker.

Call 619-347-1888 or email EL18@live.com

L’AMBIANCE, LONGBOAT KEY Beach front 2BR/3BA condo on high floor with wrap-around terrace, 270 degree views over the Gulf, Sarasota Bay and LBK Club.

Sunrises, sunsets through floor to ceiling windows. View at: www.thephotos.smugmug.com Call John at: 203-984-8477 or E-mail: garment@optonline.net

Adult Care Services

YourObserver.com/RedPages

LONGBOAT KEY Portobello Seasonal Rental.

Available Now!

Call 908-692-4756 LONGBOAT KEY: Beachfront Condos, 1st or 2nd floor, 2BR/2BA, W/D in units, free Wi-Fi, heated pool, & parking.

Call 941-383-3338.

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888 AdvertisePAGES business RED CALLyour TODAY or service in the Observer 941-955-4888

RED PAGES CALL TODAY Auto Transport 941-955-4888

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

CALL TODAY Great rates, fast quotes. Call 941-955-4888 Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

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

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

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

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

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

941-955-4888

$7,000 - April and/or May (2024) $5,000 June-Dec (2024)

Advertise your business

or service in the Observer RED PAGES AdvertisePAGES your business RED or service in the Observer

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING

SELL IT NOW!

Beautifully renovated condo, 2BR/2BA. 1,260 sq.ft. Pool, tennis court, private beach. 1 month min.

No pets.

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

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

This week’s Crossword answers

Professional Services

UBA PRESSURE WASHING AND SEALER (941) 320-6172 www.ubapressurewashing.com

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “For God’s sake give me the young man who has brains enough to make a fool of himself!”

Robert Louis Stevenson Puzzle Two Solution: “As anyone who goes into dog rescue knows, it is not a for-profit business, but the rewards are priceless for me.”

Emmylou Harris Puzzle Three Solution: “Letting your kid watch stuff that’s not appropriate for their age is one of the bigger mistakes you can make.”

Jennie Garth

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2024 Universal Uclick

©2024 NEA, Inc.

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Between

Rentals Wanted

ISLANDER CLUB / Gulf front condo: 11th floor, full bay view, 2BR/2BA, updated granite kitchen, heated 75/ft. pool, 2 Har Tru tennis courts, exercise room, updated clubhouse. 3 months or more. Available starting Dec ‘24 - April ‘25 516-458-8758 or peggygl@optonline.net

Beautiful upgraded 2BR/2BA. Incredible water vew. Waterfront patio. Pool, tennis, pickle, walk to the beach. Private carport.

Excellent rental terms.

Owner/Renter Call/Email for pics.

570-239-0431 marketreps@aol.com

Beachfront, Bayfront and In

YourObserver.com/RedPages

May to December

48’ BOAT Slip for Sale: Longboat Key Moorings. No club membership. 941-812-3395.

941-955-4888

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

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

GREAT VALUE

SEASONAL RATES

Bradenton: Pool Home, New windows, hvac, Completely Updated $689,900

FOR RENT: ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDO

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

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

WEEKLY MONTHLY

Venice: 2/2 Condo Plantation Golf Club. Call for Price

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Sarasota: Pool home, 4 bed. $649,900

Condos/Apts. for Rent

You’re only cheating yourself.

ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236

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

Autos Wanted

peekers’ place

Items Under $200

auto

stuff

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

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

The The CRYSTAL CRYSTAL CLEAR CLEAR choice! choice!

The The CRYSTAL CRYSTAL CLEAR CLEAR choice! choice!

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

YourObserver.com

19B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

Handyman

Painting

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING, LLC

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

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.

High End Interior & Exterior Painting Services

Health

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

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

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

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

We have mediated divorces involving up to 15 million dollars of assets over past 30 years.

Roofing

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

William J. Leininger, JD

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

421262

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

941-626-3194

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

SELL YOUR CAR!

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936 1/10/23, 10:25 AM

Transportation

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

FAST • EASY • SAFE

421263

Handyman Services Home Watch Storm Preparation & Other Services

Caregiver/Companion

421268

Cleaning and Landscaping

HoHoBuysCars.com

941-248-4734

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

10% off

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

RED PAGES

coquinaservices@gmail.com

YourObserver.com/RedPages 421252

941-920-7065

Windows

Insurance

MIC INSURANCE

421249

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

Sliding Glass Door Repair

421264

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

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888 Furniture Repair 421253

Patio Furniture Repairs.com 421250

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005 Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

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

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

1/1

Made for where you live. Here!

Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

941-504-0903

Luxury for Less

Home Services

5-Star Rated

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

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

421251

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

WE COME TO YOU

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

410036

Auto Service

941.270.4400

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

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

422722

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

421640

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

421267

Divorce without Lawyers

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

CREATE BUZZ! Advertise your business in the Red Pages.

Call 941-955-4888

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows UP TO

150

25 $

STANDARD WINDOWS

INCLUDING SCREENS, TR ACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

421269

Attorney

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY 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!

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

421266

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

20B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

Leading the market in 2024!

Wishing you Happy Holidays and Peace in the New Year!

NEW LISTING

TOP 1%

of 1.46M Realtors

Top Small Team Sarasota/Manatee Counties

$3+ Billion

CHEROKEE PARK | $5,695,000

Career Sales Volume

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

Top 100 Agents RealTrends — All Florida

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

54 Years

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

Combined Real Estate Experience

NEW LISTING

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

THE ACKERMAN GROUP

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

THE PROMENADE | $1,995,000

FAIRWAY BAY 1211 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #801 | 2BR + DEN / 3BA | 2,100 SQ FT LONGBOAT KEY $829,000

941.387.1820

WATER CLUB

Rarely Available Corner Unit | 180 Degree Bay, City & Gulf Views 1922 HARBOURSIDE DR., #1101 | 2BR/2BA TOWNHOME Updated Kitchen & Baths | Finished A/C Bonus & Recreational Area | Private Split Floor Plan 2-Car Garage Wood Floors | Fireplace | Resort-Style Amenities Private Beach Club Membership

$4,649,000 QUEENS HARBOUR

$2,795,000

1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #401 | 3BR/5BA | 3,400 SQ FT 3584 FAIR OAKS LN. | 3BR+STUDY/3.5BA | 2,959 SQ FT Gulf Views | 3 Beachfront Terraces | Private Elevator Lobby | All En-Suite Baths | Gated Pet-Friendly Community 2-Car Garage | Deep Protected Sailboat Water - Can Accommodate a Large Vessel up to 55 FT | New Roof

GRAND BAY V - LONGBOAT KEY

CHEROKEE PARK WEST OF TRAIL

$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

GRAND BAY II

$5,985,000

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

$2,295,000 LAWRENCE POINTE

3040 GRAND BAY BLVD., #283 | 3BR/3BA | 2,550 SQ FT Custom Updates | Porcelain Tile & Oak Wood Floors | Private Elevator Foyer | 2 Balconies | Sunset & Sunrise Views

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

GRAND BAY I

$1,895,000 CONDO ON THE BAY TOWER II

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

$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

$1,995,000 THE LAKES ESTATES

PENDING SALE 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

PIERRE - LONGBOAT KEY

$4,750,000

THE SEA BREEZE - SIESTA KEY

$2,375,000

$899,000 FAIRWAY BAY

1755 OAK LAKES DR. | 3BR + ST/2 BA | 2,583 SQ FT 2-Car Garage | Largest Lakefront Lot in the Community | Fully Renovated and Move-In Ready | New Roof

$2,900,000

$1,349,000

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

$799,000

1922 HARBOURSIDE DR., #1101 | 2BR/2BA TOWNHOME Updated Kitchen & Baths | Finished A/C Bonus and Recreational Area | Private 2-Car Garage

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 OAKS $1,799,000 THE SEA BREEZE $2,595,000 Views of the Gulf, Bay, Downtown, Siesta Key & John Ringling $1,645,000 BAYSO SARASOTA 360 NORTH RD. | 3BR/3.5BA | 2,913 SQ FT 301 QUAY COMMONS #903 | 2BR+Study/3 Full BA | 1,828 SQ FT 9008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 | 3BR/3.5BA | 3,700 SQ FT Bridge I On-site POINT Mgt, Guest Suites, Fitness & More

Brand New Construction | High Ceilings | Gourmet Kitchen w/ 9th Floor Location | Split Floor Plan | Positioned to Capture Optimal Private 2-Car Garage and Roof Top Terrace | Full-Floor ST. ARMANDS • 443| 2JOHN RINGLING BLVD., STE.,Spaces F | SARASOTA, FL 34236 Penthouse | 10 FT Ceilings Center Island | 2-Car Detached Garage with EV OFFICE ChargerLOCATIONViews Side-By-Side Prime Parking

PENDING

NOW SOLD $4,450,000 ROYAL ST. ANDREW $1,899,900 TANGERINE BAY CLUB $1,090,000 SABAL COVE

2151 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #5 | 3BR/3BA | 3,400 SQ FT | Outstanding Sunset Views | Gourmet Kitchen

555 S. GULFSTREAM AVE. #901/901A | 370 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #416 | 3BR/2.5BA | 2,305 SQ FT | 9th Floor 1 & 3BR/3.5BA | 2,476 SQ FT | All New 1/2 Combined Residences Hurricane Impact Doors and Windows

$2,695,000 PIERRE

$4,750,000

3330 SABAL COVE LN. | 4BR + DEN / 4 455 LONGBOAT CLUB RD, PH #4 | FULL & 2 HALF BA | Wide Lake Views 5BR/4.5BA + OFFICE | 1,100 SQ FT of High Ceilings | Open Kitchen | New Roof TERRACE | 17 FT Ceilings

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

422897-1

EN PROVENCE