Longboat Observer 4.11.24

Instant

hit Lights, camera and action on Whitney Plaza. Gary Hagen has brought Hollywood to the island through his new cheesecake shop, Elegant Lady Cheesecake.

After working for about a year on opening the shop, Elegant Lady Cheesecake opened less than two months ago, but Hagen said that the success is already through the roof.

The shop is decorated with Hollywood memorabilia from Hagen’s years of working in California. He also just added a 10-foot Oscar Award statue as a finishing touch. He said everything in Elegant Lady Cheesecake represents a part of him, and that’s what he loves sharing with the community. “I had all kinds of food here, but it’s disappeared,” said Hagen. “The first month has been great. Customers love the attitude I have and then they love the food and will go to tell their friends. The people I’ve met have just embraced me here.” Hagen is consistently listening to customers’ feedback and adding new items to the menu by request. Along with his famous cheesecakes, he has ice cream, donuts, cupcakes, gluten-free pies, waffles, quiches, chicken pot pie, New York-style bagels, hot dogs and more. He said that this first month was more than he imagined. He is happy to finally settle in and become a part of the Longboat Key community.

Temporary outage

Residents and town employees experienced a temporary outage in wireless connections with Comcast on April 2. According to an email sent by Longboat Key Chief Information Officer Jason Keen, the outage was caused by a “major cut” on the south end of the island and St. Armands Circle. Frontier was used as a backup to continue town operations during the outage, which lasted more than four hours. Shortly after Keen sent an email to commissioners at 3:11 p.m. to notify them about the cause of the outage, the network was restored.

TENNIS

Petra Rivera

Laurie Winter and Judy Tobias at Longboat Key Tennis Center as they helped celebrate its 25th anniversary on April

Petra Rivera

Gary Hagen

Pickup gets hike

Longboat Key’s contract with Waste Management approved with rate increases.

Seawalls up to 6 feet tall are now allowed

The change raises the max height from 4.5 feet and aligns with the town’s longterm sea level rise plan.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

on trucks was also a factor in the rate increase.

The cost to replace one set of brakes on one axle has increased 185% since 2020, from $697.83 to $1,291.64.

Sarasota County also faced similar rate increases, with an average increase of about 24%.

The base term of the town’s contract with Waste Management began on July 1, 2014, and went through June 30, 2021. That base contract came with two optional, three-year renewals. This latest renewal will be the last of those.

This approved three-year extension will be effective until June 30, 2027.

“We are very satisfied with the service and the contract,” Brownman said. “Waste Management provides very consistent quality and reliable service and they really resource our area very well.”

Waste Management collects trash on Mondays and Thursdays, recycling on Mondays and yard waste on Wednesdays per this service contract.

Brownman added that one concern residents raised with the service was with the customer service call center. He said at the April 1 meeting that Waste Management is working on that issue and the company is looking to move to a more centralized call center service.

Commissioners voted 7-0 in favor of approving the contract extension.

The Feb. 20 presentation showed that the cost to replace a tire increased 124% since 2020, from $811.11 to $1,008.81, according to Waste Management.

Longboat Key residents looking to build or replace a seawall can now raise it — up to six feet tall.

Town commissioners approved a new seawall maximum height at the April 1 commission meeting. The ordinance changes the town’s maximum seawall height from four-anda-half feet to six feet.

This change is a short-term item that aligns with the town’s Sea Level Rise and Recurring Flooding Resilience Plan.  Planning, Zoning & Building Director Allen Parsons presented the first public hearing for this ordinance on March 4. No changes or recommendations were made for the ordinance after that meeting.

A minimum seawall height was a part of the original plan outlined in the Sea Level Rise and Recurring Flooding Resilience Plan.

Senate Bill 250 is still in effect until 2026. That bill was extended in 2023 and prohibits municipalities that were within 100 miles of Hurricane Ian or Nicole’s landfalls from adopting restrictive regulations of land development or comprehensive plans.

If the bill is not extended again, the town could revisit the idea of establishing a minimum seawall.

At the March 4 presentation, Parsons said seawalls at four-anda-half feet were uncommon in the town, though there may be a handful

of areas that are at that height.  Raising the maximum allowable height addresses sea level rise projections and concerns about flooding raised by residents.

Parsons previously presented data from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program that over the last 20 years, average sea level increased by six inches, which is a rate three times higher than the rate between 1947 and 2000.

“So allowing for these kinds of significant investments, long-term investments at the election of the property owner … is a real positive for property owners,” Parsons said at the March 4 meeting.

Replacing seawalls can also be costly. Parsons said on March 4 that the average lifespan of seawalls could be about 30-50 years, and cost anywhere from $650 to $2,000 per linear foot. On man-made canals, new seawalls can only be built where seawall exists on adjacent properties, according to Chapter 151 of the town’s code.

Town commissioners voted 7-0 to approve the ordinance on April 1.

Survey says …

Residents gave Longboat Key high marks in citizen survey, but traffic remains a concern.

CARTER

WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

Longboat Key is still held in high regard by residents.

That’s the theme of the 2024 Annual Citizen Satisfaction Survey, the results of which were presented to the Longboat Key Town Commission on April 1.  Overall quality of life was ranked as either excellent or good by 98% of survey respondents.

The town has conducted the survey every year since 2020. The survey is developed and analyzed in partnership with the Florida Institute of Government at the University of South Florida.

Results of the survey help town commissioners gather feedback from property owners about how satisfied they are with the town and town services, as well as how important certain quality-of-life issues are.

Town commissioners partake in a period of strategic planning in the spring leading up to the creation of the next fiscal year budget. These results are another piece for commissioners to take into consideration, the report said.

Each residence is assigned a unique code to ensure that responses are only received from property owners and residents and that there’s only one response per household. The survey was also promoted through the town’s social media channels and website.

The fifth annual survey launched the week of Jan. 8 and closed on Feb. 10. Out of 8,817 mailers, a total of 1,392 surveys were completed, which is 44 more than last year, according to the report.

That yields a 16% response rate, which is similar to last year’s response rate of 15%.

The report also stated that 36% of this year’s respondents indicated

they did not participate in the 2023 survey.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

In 2022, Longboat Key ranked the same in overall quality of life, with 98% of respondents marking positive sentiments.

Among those who used the services, about 90% were satisfied with the police department in 2022 and 2023. For fire and ambulance, satisfaction rose from 96% in 2022 to 98% in 2023. Parks and town facilities stayed almost the same, around 93%.

For those who completed the survey, traffic congestion remained a significant concern. About 59% of residents reported they were dissatisfied with traffic flow and congestion. The survey also showed that 63% of respondents ranked traffic as one of the most important issues the island faces.  Public transit was also an area for improvement, with 19% of respondents satisfied with current offerings. At the same time, 57% of respondents expressed interest in using an on-demand service for transit on the island.

In terms of the town’s communications, 73% of respondents felt sufficiently informed by the town, but there were some areas respondents felt unfamiliar with.

For example, 78.5% of respondents were either “not very familiar” or “not at all familiar” with the town’s fertilizer ordinance. Similarly, 66.4% of respondents said the same about the monthly town manager briefs.

Results of this year’s survey and all previous years can be found on the town’s website. The commissioners have a strategic planning retreat on April 15, which will be the next step in the fiscal year 2024-2025 planning stage.

Thomas Arne Jr., DO, FACC, proudly offers patient-centered care through concierge services, such as 24/7 access and same-day visits.

Call us to schedule your no-obligation meet & greet with Dr. Arne today.

Amendment for AT&T

Commissioners voted to change the wording in the zoning code to allow AT&T to install cellphone service upgrades.

BOn

1, town commissioners voted in favor of changing the wording of some of the town’s zoning code for AT&T to install wireless service enhancements.  As a part of the town’s utilities undergrounding project, the town invited wireless cell service provid-

was one component of this project that we pushed very hard for a number of years, and that was to make sure we had improved cellphone communication on the north end of the island,” Mayor Ken Schneier said. “This is the second of probably the two major components that have come to fruition.”

According to Director of Public Works Isaac Brownman, Verizon and AT&T were the only two that showed interest.

In early 2023, Verizon opted to install nine separate poles instead of attaching to the poles the town offered. Seven of those are 35-foot poles placed along Gulf of Mexico Drive, and two are 25-foot poles located within north end neighborhoods.  AT&T, on the other hand, was on board with using the town’s utility poles. The extension that AT&T is proposing to install would bring the poles to 35.5 feet, and the current zoning code prohibits poles higher than 35 feet along Gulf of Mexico Drive. The company also requested permission to install a groundmounted unit next to the pole. The

box, according to Brownman, would be about 12 cubic feet and placed on a pad mount.

There will be six devices installed on the north end, Brownman said, and AT&T is also proposing to install another freestanding pole to fully connect the network.

The amendments proposed at the April 1 Town Commission meeting changed the maximum pole height to 36 feet and allowed AT&T to install the ground-mounted boxes.

Town commissioners approved a lease with AT&T in June 2023 for the company to start this cellular service upgrade. The annual lease fee for the town is $225. Brownman said that while the offer still stands for other carriers to install similar upgrades, there haven’t been any other responses.

Storms are coming, says Climate Adaptation Center

The Climate Adaptation Center offered a forecast of 24 named storms during its Hurricane Day.

Multiple attendees at the Hurricane Day event by the Climate Adaptation Center on April 4 came away feeling concerned about the increasingly significant annual forecasts but also armed with knowledge.

This year’s CAC forecast predicts a total of 24 named storms, 12 hurricanes and six major hurricanes.

It is the earliest forecast in the nation, according to Bob Bunting, CEO and chair of the center.

“People have no idea of the magnitude of what’s happening,” said Charlotte Tomaino, who has attended CAC forecasts for four years.

“Until you come to something like this, and you begin to realize the vulnerability you have, you just ignore it, and you can’t ignore it … It continues to grow every year.”

Held on the campus of USF Sarasota-Manatee, the event also featured speeches by Ric Kearbey, the Climate Adaptation Center’s senior scientist, who discussed the lessons of the three recent hurricanes with “I” names, Irma, Ian and Idalia, to impact the area; Tom Lewis, president of Tidal Basin Inc., who spoke on how to lower risks to infrastructure; and Guillermo Franco, of Guy Carpenter reinsurance firm, who discussed innovations in insurance in response to climate change.

Bunting creates the center’s forecasts, drawing from the input of colleagues and his decades of experience in atmospheric science. He said this year’s conditions are conducive to the formation of hurricanes, citing factors like warm water, low wind shear resulting from La Niña and abundant midlevel atmospheric moisture.

“We’re going to have a lot of hurricanes traversing the Atlantic into the Gulf, a busy year in the Gulf of Mexico.”

— Bob Bunting, CEO Climate Adaptation Center

A TIME TO PREPARE

Bunting indicated to audiences the full set of 21 hurricane names ending in “William.”

“I think we’re going to use all of these up,” he said, stating that names would have to be drawn from the backup list.

The record-setting hurricane season was 2020, when 30 named storms ran through both alphabets.

ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON

Named Major Storms Hurricanes Hurricanes

2024 Forecast 24 12 6

2023 Season 21 7 3

Average Hurricane Season 14 7 3

Source: Climate Adaptation Center

season.

This year, Bunting predicts slightly fewer storms but emphasized that he forecasts a year that will be to the higher side, with the chances of an impact from a major storm in the region being about twice that of last year.

Although August, September and October are typically the months of major hurricanes, he predicts these storms will occur earlier, in July. Bunting even said it was possible for a hurricane to form in the present conditions, prior to hurricane

“These are the warmest temperatures I’ve ever seen in my entire career, and this is early in the season,” Bunting said, noting that the Gulf saw 100-degree water temperatures during the summertime for the first time in 2023.

He offered a breakdown of many of the graphs for each month of the forecast.

In May, hurricanes might be forming, with a hint that one could form in the south Caribbean and head toward

Florida. In June, a swath of moisture from Africa to the Caribbean might serve as a potential storm track about two months earlier than that type of structure is normally observed. July looks to be a major month for hurricanes forming off Africa, with a hint of storms traveling up the U.S. east coast, and August does not appear better.

Bunting called September “a very strong hit.”

“We’re going to have a lot of hurricanes traversing the Atlantic into the Gulf, a busy year in the Gulf of Mexico,” he said.

For October, Hurricane activity is predicted over Florida, with a shift toward Caribbean storms due to lots of moisture and some dry air.

However, if all goes well, Sarasota may enjoy a pleasant winter with little rainfall.

The event emphasized the importance of preparation, and Bunting urged the audience to not procrastinate when it comes to planning for a storm.

He said residents should know factors like their flood zone, the hotel they would stay in and the parking garage where they would leave their car in, as well as make sure their insurance is up to date and go on a staycation instead of awaiting evacuation orders as a storm arrives.

“One of the most vulnerable coastlines in the world is right here because we have such a shallow continental shelf, and even an inch goes inland a lot further than it does on the east coast,” he said.

Despite their concerns about the upcoming season, attendees complimented the event.

“I think this was so informative and so instructive, not just to frighten people, but to give people information, and that’s really what counts, and that is so important,” said Karen Holbrook, regional chancellor at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus.

She called the experience inclusive of the audience and the tools they will need.

Ian Swaby

Michael Gregory looks out at the rough seas from Siesta Key Beach after Hurricane Idalia on Aug. 30, 2023.

Eviction without notice

After a utility crew eradicated a honey bee colony, neighbors wish they’d had a say in the pollinators’ fate.

Ahoney bee colony meant a lot to some members of the Bayou Hammock community at the north end of Longboat Key.   But on March 27, a pest control company came to the community to remove the colony. The colony lived in an old cedar log, propped up by some two-by-fours.

Resident Tina Anderson said it was clear from the wooden boards that it was an established part of the community.

Jim and Pat Gardner, who live in the house adjacent to the former colony, said the colony was there since they moved in about 24 years ago.

The colony lived on Larry Clark’s property. On the morning of March 27, he noticed the pest control workers around the colony.

By the time Clark got out there, the

workers knocked down the stump. He said they told him to go away.

Jim Gardner saw the same incident, but by the time he walked outside, the workers moved to spraying the bees with a pesticide. Jim Gardner asked the workers why this was happening, but he said no answer was given at the time.  Anderson was next to get there, by which time she said things were close to wrapped up.

“It happened so fast, we couldn’t do anything,” Anderson said.

The company — later discovered by Anderson to be A. Flynn Pest Control — was contracted by Lamberts Cable Splicing Co. to kill the colony.

According to Regional Supervisor Chad Mullet with Lamberts, one of the crew members working on-site was stung. The crew member was allergic, Mullet said.

But Mullet also said that the crew members didn’t know for sure what the insects were at the time, just that there was a threat.

AFTERMATH

The Gardners, Clark, Anderson and Edwina Nelson were among a group of concerned residents.

Above all, the group wished things

Courtesy image

A dead honey bee comb.

were handled differently.

“It was just not done correctly,” Pat Gardner said.

Various crews worked in the area for the past three years as a part of the utilities undergrounding project, and the bees were never a problem in the past, Anderson said. The colony was about 6 feet away from the old utility pole where the company was working.

Further, Nelson said she frequently walked with her dogs to check on the colony. The Gardners and Clark said the bees wouldn’t bother them when they got close.

“They’re not aggressive bees,” Anderson said.

The residents also felt like Lamberts or the pest control company should have given them notice. Anderson said the residents would have been happy to find a local company to come and safely move the colony, had Lamberts given notice.

“This is private property; this is not association property,” Pat Gardner said.

Honey bee colonies play an important part in Florida’s agriculture development, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. But colonies can become a nuisance when bees pose a threat and sting humans or animals.

The department’s website states that honey bees can be removed or killed by a certified pest control company. It goes on to say that it is the property owner’s choice on how the colony is dealt with, but that it is not illegal for a pest control company to kill a nuisance colony.

Mullet said an easement acquired

The log that formerly had a honey bee colony used to be about 6 feet away from the utility work.

as a part of the undergrounding project gives utility companies the right to work on private property. If the bees were a threat to workers, he said it would have been within their rights to deal with the issue.

Anderson said she worked to track down people to talk to about the issue and spoke with Mullet about it.

Mullet said Lamberts would take care of cleaning up the stump where the colony lived.

The residents of Bayou Hammock advised that other neighborhoods should be cognizant of similar situations arising when utility workers are on-site and to let workers know if there’s anything to be careful about.

“We don’t want this happening anywhere else,” Pat Gardner said.

Carter Weinhofer

Courtesy image

A picture of the proppedup cedar log which was home to the honey bee colony.

It’s a difference of opinion

We all want what is best for the taxpayers of Longboat Key. Longboat history shows two cases of how that was done.

It is not personal.

Understandably, though, this library issue feels that way to Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier. No one likes to be criticized — worse in public.

But it’s not personal. And we wholeheartedly believe that, as the mayor stated in his letter to the editor last week, he has “taken every step and made every decision” in the best interests of Longboat Key.

Indeed, much gratitude goes to all the commissioners for being willing and having the courage to volunteer for what most of the time is a thankless job and a job that no doubt subjects them to gratuitous, unnecessary public criticism.

Unfortunately, that’s the nature of a democratic republic and the right of free speech.

This is not personal. It is a difference of opinions. It’s business.

On the library, we have a difference of opinion.

The mayor wrote of us last week: “You think that you and you alone know what’s best for our town.”

He has a right to think and say that. It’s his opinion. But be assured, I do not think I and I alone know what’s best for the town.

The mayor also stated the Observer had a “small but critical role in scuttling the town’s 2019 plan to create an Arts, Cultural and Education Center in partnership with Ringling College of Art and Design.” And he said the Observer “shot down” the Ringling project.

Again, opinion, debatable depending on your point of view.

We’ve posted online PDFs of all the editorial pages from 2019 and 2020 that addressed the town center and proposed arts, culture and education center (see YourObserver.com/Opinion). Readers can judge for themselves whether the Observer is the bad guy, or whether it has been doing what we believe a community newspaper should do: question authority, raise relevant questions and make people think.

At no time did the Observer rec-

ommend that the project be killed, scuttled or shot down.

Here is our difference in opinion:

In those pages and in this space in recent weeks, we raised the question of whether the Town Commission knows unequivocally that the Longboat residents want what the commissioners are proceeding to develop on the Town Center Green — the county library branch and (quasi) community center.

Ever since this quest for a community center began around 2001, there has been only one definitive, democratic answer to what Longboaters want (or don’t want).

That was in 2003, when Longboat residents voted in a referendum whether to construct a community center at Bayfront Park and pay for it with a $6 million bond issue.

Voters resoundingly rejected the plan — primarily because of the cost, but also because it was to be loaded with facilities for every want, including a swimming pool.

But in spite of recent suggestions from the Observer and others to find out specifically what voters want (a referendum?), commissioners have pointed to responses residents submitted on the annual town surveys as proof that residents want an 8,000-square-foot public library on the Town Center Green.

In the 4,645 written responses in the 2021, 2022 and 2023 town surveys, a search for the word “library” generated 13 individual hits. In contrast, the requests for music, concerts, art shows and more outdoor events topped 300. Sixty-six percent of respondents in 2021 favored space for live performances; 30% for a library.

But whatever. The unanimous consensus of the commissioners is to proceed as they are with a library on Town Center Green.

So, as you suggest, Mr. Mayor, we’ll step aside — of course not before a few final comments you and your fellow commissioners may or may not want to consider:

■ On the matter of whether a library is community driven, we’ll note the mayor’s own words.

After writing in his letter that the Observer “shot down” the Ringling project, he wrote: “Town Manager Tom Harmer and I set to work immediately to formulate a new plan … ”

Their plan.

Not a plan that first sought the support of the community or was actively shared with the community. That plan, in fact, didn’t garner public attention until after Harmer negotiated a principles agreement with the county for a new library. Even though a vote of the commis-

How they settled matters in early days of Longboat

The following are excerpts from the book, “Calusas to Condominiums,” a history of Longboat Key, on the town’s incorporation in 1955.

Guy Paschal was the leader of the movement to start a town in 1955. He described the process of starting a town in an article for The Longboat Observer: “When the Sarasota Commission decided to put a public beach in front of the new trailer parks, the Key rose up. There was enough interference by the county in Longboat affairs as it was, and the residents had nothing to say in decisions of zoning, taxation, roads, parks, beaches, subdivisions, businesses, liquor licenses, sewers, water, street lights and many others.

“The matter was presented to the Civic Club. It was voted down, because it was argued there would not be enough hands to do the work. There had been red tide on the beach for two years, and there weren’t enough volunteers to clean up the beaches.”

Those interested in prohibiting a public beach circulated a document

sioners was not required, nevertheless, there was no vote of the commissioners to create a principles agreement for a county library.

The news of that agreement brought to mind a similar situation in 2007-08. At that time, as the number of hotels and resorts were either being converted to condominiums or razed for new condos, town commissioners became concerned about two issues that could have damaging effects on Longboat Key as a future upscale, resortretirement community:

1) The lack of hotel rooms to draw future residents;

2) Town ordinances that would not allow grandfathered, nonconforming condos to be rebuilt with the same number of units if, say, a hurricane destroyed them.

Town commissioners proposed two charter referenda in 2008 — one to create a pool of hotel rooms that could be added to existing resorts and hotels; a second to allow grandfathered condos to rebuild with the same density.

In partnership with the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, commissioners spent two months before the March election explaining the referenda in town hall meetings in condo community rooms the length of the Key. The results were stunning: 90% and 81% approval — because commissioners met face to face to explain and listen to voters.

■ What is the master plan, overall strategy for the Town Center Green, the existing library site and Bayfront Recreation Center? Do The Paradise Center and Education Center figure into this master plan? Should they?

What is the future for the Bank of America and Truist Bank buildings and the post office?

When Arvida Corp. developed Bay Isles Road 40-plus years ago, it essentially created a town center for its time, clustering Town Hall, the library site, office buildings and the post office. Should all of this fit together for the future?

We’re not alone in asking these questions. This email came to us last week from a longtime resident:

“What is the plan for the old library property, the post office? Where are people going to park when more is added to the Green?

The parking is a problem now … I can’t understand why the obvious is not being discussed.”

Apparently, there is no master plan or much thought given to all of these questions. Here is what Town Manager Howard Tipton said at the second public library workshop:

“As we settle in and experience these two new community spaces

(the Sarasota library and Manatee County community center at Whitney Plaza), which are for all Longboat residents, if there is something missing — an element or an amenity — we have the current nonprofit library building adjacent to Town Hall, as well as the Rec Center at Bayfront Park, which both need to be replaced.

“One or both of these are opportunities to see reinvestment at some point in the future.” Is that “future” now? What’s the plan?

■ Where does the Longboat Key Education Center fit?

Mayor Schneier said it doesn’t fit in the library-community center. He said it could offer some of its programs in the Whitney Plaza community center; and perhaps it could build its center on the existing library site.

Education Center officials at Temple Beth Israel, where it is now housed, are uncertain what to do — expand the center’s space at the temple, perhaps build a center on its grass parking lot. Four years ago, it was discussed as part of the arts, cultural, education center. For sure, it needs more space for the 3,000-5,000 registrants who attend its classes and events.

The Education Center is an important, 40-year-old community asset. It’s a lifestyle attraction for the Key. It should not be given short shrift.

But it’s increasingly apparent as current commission discussions have gone the following question hangs unanswered: Should the Education Center — and perhaps The Paradise Center as well — see itself as a stand-alone not-forprofit or a partner with The Paradise Center that should determine its own destiny apart from whatever the town does?

■ Stake out the space and height. Seeing a rendering of the proposed combined county library-town community center is one thing. Indeed, we have heard residents wonder whether what is being proposed will be too big for the space. Many residents also have voiced whether the land for the librarycommunity center should remain green and open.

A good step: Rope or tape it off. Show the ultimate height with poles. See for real how it would fit. We could go on. But we’ll stop. Let the train proceed. It’s not personal. We’re no different than the commissioners.

The Observer always wants what is best for the taxpayers of Longboat Key. Sometimes, though, there is a difference of opinion on what that is. At the same time, rational debate and discussion can make the outcome better than it might otherwise be.

which said, in part, “… the two county commissioners are elected by a population of 90,000 people.

There are 196 voting freeholders on Longboat Key. Is it any wonder our government feels free to push us around? … ” A Florida attorney told Paschal that one resident of the Key could sign a form, and the whole community had to vote on incorporation within 30 days. Paschal said he signed the form that night and the selling job began.

The following Tuesday, a meeting was called of the entire community, and as Paschal describes, “The meeting went fairly smoothly, but Maj. J.B. Holt was the opposition, and Charles Flanagan, the most verbose.”

Paschal and Cecil Scholfield presented the arguments for and replied to the opposition arguments. These were put in writing for the next meeting.

In order to persuade the 196 eligible voters to approve the creation of the town, Paschal circulated the following among the voters:

“I do solemnly swear or affirm that as a nominee for public office

of the proposed Town of Longboat Key, if elected I will, as such public official, abide by the following restrictions and promises:

“I will oppose any additional real estate tax.

“I will oppose an occupational license tax.

“I will oppose the establishment of a public beach on Longboat Key.

“I will oppose stringent subdivision requirements such as those proposed by Manatee and Sarasota counties.

“I will oppose any type of deficit financing, or any other expenditures beyond the town’s income.

“I will oppose the payment of salaries to any municipal officials except to the town clerk, whose salary shall not exceed $1,200 per year.”

(One night, Paschal, “Chips” Morehead and Ed Sibole went) to the Mar Vista bar (to lobby for incorporation). “It was crowded, and Flanagan was there, ‘well in his cups,’” Paschal recalled.

Flanagan said he was a champion light heavy-weight boxer and that Paschal (5 feet, 9 inches tall but in great physical shape) was a coward because he would not fight.

Paschal said he would be delighted to fight with gloves on when Flanagan was sober. Paschal left, followed by Flanagan, who threatened to shoot him

Guy Paschal, leading organizer of Longboat’s incorporation, settled on Longboat Key in 1949.

An engineer, chemist and attorney, Paschal invented one of the first room air conditioners and the room aerator, Air Wick.

on sight and bomb his home. Then Flanagan struck Paschal as Paschal was getting into his car. Flanagan made a dash for his own car.

According to Paschal, someone yelled, “That’s where he keeps his gun.”

Not finding one, Flanagan approached Paschal with a tire iron, but Paschal pulled him away from the car.

After a few minutes of fighting, Flanagan was carried back into the bar. Paschal and Morehead then went to Sleepy Lagoon Club (later the Buccaneer Inn).

At the next meeting, Paschal sported a black eye … Flanagan was last seen sporting two black eyes …”

Finally the day came for a vote, Nov. 14, 1955. It was held in the new firehouse, and the votes were 98-3 in favor (of incorporation).

MATT

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

DOLPHIN IN DISTRESS

11 a.m., Sarasota Bay

Animal Problem: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium requested the help of Longboat Police to assist with a dolphin call. The officers transported Mote personnel from Ken Thompson Park to Long Bar. Mote staff evaluated and rescued the dolphin with the officers on standby. An additional Mote vessel was called to the scene to monitor the dolphin’s status, and the officers transported some Mote personnel back to Ken Thompson Park.

WHO OWNS THE BEACH?

4:27 p.m., 6600 block of Gulfside Road

Civil Disturbance: Dispatch sent officers to a report of a suspicious person. Upon arrival at the scene, the officers spoke with a homeowner who said there were random people in front of his residence on his private beach and that he would like them to leave. An officer spoke with one of the beachgoers, who said her deed allows her to also have beach access, but she agreed to move to another part of the beach to avoid further conflict.

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

PROBLEMS FOR A NEW BOAT

OWNER

2:50 p.m., New Pass

Vehicle Stop: A marine patrol officer stopped a vessel that did not have registration properly displayed. The vessel’s operator said it was recently purchased and provided the bill of sale to the officer. But it was past the 30-day grace period to have the boat registered. The officer also conducted a safety check, and it took the operator 10 minutes to locate a floatation throwable, which was not accessible according to the officer’s report. A citation was issued.

TRANSPORT TO SAFETY

5:37 p.m., Longboat Pass

Disabled Vehicle: While on marine patrol, an officer noticed a vessel disabled and anchored. Due to weather conditions and the state of the waters, the officer transported two women and two toddlers to a nearby restaurant, while the captain of the vessel waited for assistance for the boat.

MONDAY, APRIL 1

A QUICK COOL-DOWN

10:41 a.m., Bayport Way

Disabled Vehicle: An officer responded to a report of a semitruck in the roadway. The driver told the officer that the truck overheated and needed to sit there for about 30-40 minutes to cool down. The truck was in a northbound turn lane and obstructing the turn, but there was still room to turn, according to the officer’s report. A supervisor was notified of the situation.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3

PEDESTRIANS FIRST

9:03 a.m., 1000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Vehicle Stop: While sitting on GMD, an officer witnessed a pickup truck fail to stop for pedestrians at a crosswalk. The officer conducted a stop, and asked the driver for his license. The driver said he did not have a license, and the officer issued a criminal traffic citation along with multiple others, according to the report. The officer told the driver he needed to have someone with a valid license come and take the truck.

Dockside garden

WExecutive Director of GSI Stephen Hesterberg said it’s like landscaping but for a coastal environment.

“Vertical oyster gardens are a great way to add some life to otherwise pretty artificial and hard structures,” Hesterberg said.

Oysters also filter water and can help contribute to better water quality. Some estimates state that a single adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day.

Whether coming by land or by sea, Mar Vista guests can now see the VOGs under the docks, partially exposed at low tide. It’s the visibility that Hesterberg said is good for spreading awareness.

“Although hanging 48-50 VOGs off this dock isn’t going to solve all of Florida’s water quality problems, what it does do is it gets people thinking about, ‘Oh, what are some ways in which I can make a little bit of a positive difference?’” Hesterberg said.

Each of the VOGs also has a specific band of colored beads that identifies it. Researchers with GSI can come back to the site to collect data and check up on the VOGs.  With the restaurant’s new VOG distribution box as well, guests could take home more than just leftovers.

The distribution box is similar to an existing one at Robinson Preserve. On the box, there’s a QR code to scan to register a VOG and “adopt” it. Then guests can take the VOGs home and install them on their docks.

For people who don’t have water access, GSI encourages people to hang a VOG on a front porch or patio to raise awareness as an “Estuary Educator.”

These opportunities are available through GSI’s VOG Citizen Science Program, and the VOG project is largely funded by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program.

‘MAR VISTA MAGIC’

So why was Mar Vista chosen as the VOG promotion spot?

A lot of it has to do with Chiles Hospitality, which owns Mar Vista, Beach House, Sandbar, Gamble Creek Farms and Anna Maria Bake House.

“Most corporations have some cause they’re committed to,” Chiles CEO Chuck Wolfe said. “Ours comes naturally, pun intended, to our owner.”

Ed Chiles, the owner, has a “deep commitment” to environmental

stewardship, according to Wolfe.

Other initiatives within the group include implementing recyclable or compostable products where possible, a compost program with Gamble Creek Farms and an existing mini reef project at Mar Vista.

The restaurants under the Chiles umbrella also collect used oyster shells from guests’ finished platters, which could one day be turned into a VOG.

Another part of the “why” is the location, with Mar Vista located right on the water with a natural shoreline.

Wolfe said the group feels lucky to have the locations it does, and wants to continue the group’s trend of environmental stewardship.

The hands-on VOG program adds to what Wolfe calls the “Mar Vista magic” — a great dining experience that appeals to all the senses, from tasting the food and enjoying the waterside sights to now being able to take home a VOG.

“There are a handful of places in the entire state that can give you something like this,” Wolfe said. “We think (VOGs) add to the overall experience.”

Mar Vista’s oyster program helps diners become environmental stewards.

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

The vertical oyster gardens from Gulf Shellfish Institute have bands of colored beads that identify each unit for research purposes.

A row of vertical oyster gardens that were recently installed at Mar Vista.

New blooms on the Key

Owner Christy James shared her hopes and plans for her new flower shop.

The Key continues to blossom with new businesses. Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce hosted the ribbon cutting for the new Longboat Key Flower Shop the afternoon of April 4.

“My passion is flowers. It helps everybody smile,” said owner Christy James. “I have always loved ruffles and lace, so it made sense that I would love flowers.”

The flower shop is available to order flowers for pickup and delivery but is not fully open yet.

James’s passion has been owning gift shops selling refurbished antiques and one-of-a-kind knickknacks. In the 1980s, she started learning about flower design. She also worked at a funeral home as a floral designer.

“Me and my husband grew up very poor, and he never got me flowers,” said James. “Even at my wedding, thankfully the church had flowers because when we got there, I turned to my husband and said, ‘I don’t have any flowers.’ But my curiosity and passion for it started there.”

Originally from Indiana, her family owned an asphalt plant and paving business, but they came to Florida every winter. They purchased a home in Orlando so her sons could grow up near Disney World. Around this time, James opened a flower shop called Flowers Tickle Me Pink. She also opened a flower and gift shop in Kissimmee called The Pink Flamingo.

James had to close these shops to take care of her husband, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. They moved to the area six years ago.

James opened Siesta Key Flower Shop close to Sarasota Memorial Hospital in 2022 so it would be convenient for anyone who would need

LONGBOAT KEY FLOWER SHOP

Buy flowers by calling 941-303-0808 or visiting LongboatKeyFlowerShop.com.

The shop is located at 5360 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 107. James also is currently looking to hire employees.

to get flowers for loved ones in the hospital.

After feeling the tranquility of Longboat Key, she was determined to get involved in the community on the island. James signed the lease on the Longboat Key Flower Shop in August 2023.

With the Longboat Key Flower Shop, she will combine her passion for flowers and antiques to make it a one-stop shop for all gifts. James plans to host an open house before Mother’s Day when she finishes setting up her shop.

James also hopes to host floral design classes at her shop called “Boots and Bouquets,” teaching anyone who wants to learn how to handle and design flowers. She plans to incorporate her faith into her floral design classes. This class will be called “Teacups with Jesus.”

Petra Rivera

Christy James of the Longboat Key Flower Shop

without enhancements.

News for the mayor

Apparently, Mayor Ken Schneier is unaware that the primary mission of the press is to act as a watchdog on those who call themselves “public servants” (“The Observer needs new management,” April 4).  His assumption that everyone on Longboat Key wants everything he wants (e.g. a county library) is arrogant; his dismay that our local crusading newspaper called him out on it is downright laughable.

News for you, Mr. Schneier: There are lots of Longboaters who don’t see the need to have every space on the island devoted to your pet projects. Especially when we have to pay for them. Calling for the removal of the opinion page editor should be concerning to anyone who values free speech and a press unrestrained by an overweening government.

— MEREDITH ELLSWORTH, LONGBOAT KEY

SEND US YOUR LETTERS

Have something to tell us? Send your letters to James Peter at JPeter@YourObserver.com.

TRIBUTES

Winston Monroe Register

August 21, 1935 –

March 28, 2024

Winston Monroe Register was born in Bismarck, ND to parents

Clare E. and Elizabeth R. Register August 21, 1935.

He graduated from Bismarck High School with a less than spectacular academic diploma. He proceeded to the University of North Dakota with early ambitions of becoming a minister. He became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. It was there that he obtained the nickname Cash. Social activities soon replaced his early ministerial plans and followed him through his higher education experience. He did graduate in 3 ½ years and worked his way through school as a shoe clerk at Mork’s.

Upon graduation he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the US Army armored deployment. He served in peace time Korea for thirteen months where he attained the distinction of being the last 2nd Lt. to command a tank company in the 7th Infantry Division during that time frame.

Upon his return to Grand Forks he met and married his partner of 64 years, Evelyn, commonly known as Snookie.

For over 45 years he was favored to work with up to 60 of the finest people anyone has ever worked with. These fine folks, plus his

So now that his ride is over, take the saddle off and put it on another who can enjoy life with as much flavor as he did.

family, friends and business associates allowed him to travel to the far corners of the world, serve in the ND House of Representatives, be a member and president of the GF school board, a member of three bank boards, president of the ND Quarter Horse Association, and a member of the national AQHA board.

As a member of Earth Watch he was able to do study projects of wolves in Poland, humpback whales in the waters off of Mozambique, platypus in Australia and dolphins in the Mediterranean.

Quarter horses and the thousands of miles spent pulling trailers to shows became an extremely important part of family life. This to be replaced when it became obvious that hauling a tennis ball and racquet is much less stressful – at least to the vehicle.

Cash is survived by his sarcasm suffering wife, Snookie, four children Carmen (Ralph) Williams,

Kevin (Trish) Register, Paula Anderson, and Pam Register all who have done him proud and been world class travel companions, nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren who all have had his love and admiration. Especially to family, but also to friends, business associates and CK Mondavi, please always know that it was through you that you made him the “luckiest” person of all time and the ride he had was one that others can only dream about. So now that his ride is over, take the saddle off and put it on another who can enjoy life with as much flavor as he did. His remains will be cremated, and the ashes will be loaded into shotgun shells so that on opening day of next season, those of you who so desire can have “one last shot with the old man” who was arguably the worst shot ever to take a gun to the field.

DONATIONS:

Courtesy image

An early concept of the core county library at Town Center Green,

The ‘mayor’ of Longboat

at the University of North Dakota where he received his nickname, Cash, and went by it for the rest of his life. After graduating, Register was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served 13 months in Korea.

Once he returned to North Dakota after his service, he met Snookie and married her. They were together for 64 years.

Whether it was the Kiwanis Club pancake breakfast, Sunday service at Christ Church or the beach at 3 p.m., Longboaters always counted on Cash Register to be present.

He was called “The Mayor of the Beach” and “The Mayor of Longboat” by many. This was due to his kind heart and the dedicated involvement that Register brought to every aspect of his life.  Winston “Cash” Monroe Register died on March 28, at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn “Snookie” Register; his four children, Carmen, Kevin, Paula, and Pam; his nine grandchildren; and his 10 great-grandchildren.  “A friend stopped by yesterday,” said his son, Kevin Register. “They said, ‘What’s it like being the son of the most popular man in Longboat?’” Register was born on Aug. 21, 1935, in Bismarck, North Dakota. It was in his Sigma Chi fraternity

In his career, Register was the co-owner of a wholesale wine and liquor company. His family

described him as a personable man, always trying to get to know the people in the community around him. This dedication showed through his many community involvements.  Register served in the North Dakota House of Representatives.

He was also the president of the local school board, a member of three bank boards, president of the North Dakota American Quarter Horse Association and a member of the national American Quarter

Horse Association board.  “He was just so personal and wanted to interact with everybody,” said Kevin Register. “He was always telling jokes and made everybody feel comfortable.”

Curious about connecting with people and learning about their backgrounds, Register was an avid traveler.

One day, he was reading through National Geographic and saw on the back of the magazine the opportunity to participate in Earthwatch Institute projects. Earthwatch Institute is an international environmental nonprofit.

“They were looking for data entry people,” said Register’s daughter Paula Anderson. “It was perfect for him because he loved to travel and explore and mix with different people. So, he signed up and got to experience these amazing countries. I mean it was not your usual vacation. They were sleeping in the mountains of Poland studying wolves.”

Along with the wolves in Poland, Register helped with projects such as studying humpback whales in Mozambique, platypuses in Australia and dolphins in the Mediterranean. He shared his love for travel with his family, taking them along on many adventures around the world.  Register and Snookie moved to Longboat Key 32 years ago. They

became involved with Christ Church of Longboat Key and the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key. Lawn Party event chair and coproprietor of the Lazy Lobster Michael Garey couldn’t put Register’s dedication to the Kiwanis Club into words.

“He was a valued friend and one of the longest-tenured members of the Kiwanis Club,” said President Chris Sachs. “Even more so than his service, he was valued for his inimitable wit, wisdom and charm. He will be sorely missed and long remembered.”

He was always alongside Sachs at the Salvation Army bell-ringing station outside of Publix. Garey said he was the first one at Kiwanis pancake breakfasts flipping pancakes for everyone. Register also bought numerous tables every year at the annual Lawn Party. “Generous is the best word to describe him,” said Kevin Register. “That is something he instilled in us. He always taught us the importance of giving back and being humble too. He called himself the luckiest person alive because his family was very poor growing up. So, every time we would come back from being with a friend here on Longboat or anywhere, he would call himself the luckiest person alive because he was just so grateful.”

Loved ones celebrate Cash Register’s life and recall his kindness, dedication to community causes.

Courtesy images Cash and Snookie Register

Chris Sachs, Police Chief Kelli Smith and Cash Register.

Petra Rivera Garnett Black, Cash Register and Chris Sachs

Our Answer To Cancer

Our answer to cancer is an eight-story oncology tower outfitted with nine operating rooms and robotic surgery capabilities.

Our answer to cancer is a radiation oncology center equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, delivering individualized care with laser precision.

Our answer to cancer is a multidisciplinary team of oncologists and nurses, surgeons and support staff providing the full continuum of care, from diagnosis and intervention to remission and survivorship, and backed by one of the best public health systems in the nation.

Our answer to cancer is the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute, and we’re saying it louder every day.

smh.com/cancer

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Consistency is key

Time flies when you are having fun, and for the co-owners of Longbeach Cafe, the past 10 years have flown by.

April 2 marked the 10-year anniversary of the cafe. Over this time, the consistency of quality food and friendly service has kept people coming back to this Whitney Plaza staple.

“It really doesn’t feel like it’s been 10 years, but then I look at my kids and I see where the years have gone,” said co-owner Colleen Collandra. Co-owner Jeff Daly has been coming for years to visit his father, former commissioner Jack Daly. During his Longboat visits, he became a regular at Isabelle’s Eatery, a similar restaurant that operated in the Longbeach Cafe location. When he was back on the Key, he saw that Isabelle’s had closed in 2007 and was devastated.

“I like Harry’s and Blue Dolphin Cafe, but I really missed Isabelle’s,” said Daly. “I would go there with my mom all the time when I was around Longboat. It was just the perfect casual place that brought a lot of joy because of the amazing food.”

“I can guarantee that if you order something that you had from a year ago, it will taste exactly the same as it did last year.”

— Colleen Collandra

Longbeach Cafe celebrates 10 years at Whitney Plaza.

Remembering that Collandra was a cook at Isabelle’s, he approached her with the idea of starting a new restaurant. The two, along with Collandra’s husband, Pete, bought the restaurant and opened it on April 2, 2014.

“I originally wanted to open the restaurant on April Fools’,” said Daly. “I thought opening a restaurant on Longboat Key on April Fools’ Day made sense, right? It would have been so funny but unfortunately, it didn’t work out with the town to open it on April 1. But Longbeach Cafe is built as a replica of Isabelle’s, a homage to it with our own touches, of course.”

For the Collandras, it was a nobrainer for them to pay homage to Isabelle’s as it was actually where they met.  Pete was a Longboat Key firefighter for 30 years and used to stop at Isabelle’s every morning for breakfast. Colleen got to know all the regulars and their orders as an Isabelle’s cook. The two of them clicked after the everyday breakfast runs and the rest was history. The Collandras make the perfect in-house team with Colleen handling everything in the kitchen and Pete taking care of the business side. He also built and renovated the Longbeach Cafe space. Pete said their biggest accomplishment was putting in the back porch dining area. Customers will form a line out the door if it means they get to have waterside dining. Along with their customizations like the back porch, the Collandras and Daly made an effort to keep the

structure and atmosphere of Isabelle’s. Colleen said that they have similar food styles, restaurant set-up and personal service.

“Consistency is everything about this place,” said Colleen. “I can guarantee that if you order something that you had from a year ago, it will taste exactly the same as it did last year.”

Consistency is part of what keeps the regulars coming back. Colleen said that her favorite part is cooking and serving high-quality homemade food. She is always experimenting with new dishes but also makes sure to listen to her customers. She even notes her regulars’ favorite dishes so she can give them a call when she is making them.

“The food and the people that work there make Longbeach Cafe so wonderful,” said longtime regular Pat Dupps. “We’ve gotten to know them through the years. Her biscuits are just fabulous. My kids always want to go to get them ... They seem to keep a lot of people coming back, which says a lot about them.”

Sonja Wasmuth has worked at Longbeach Cafe for four years and said that it’s hard to compare Longbeach Cafe to other restaurants she has worked in because of the reaction from the customers.

“In other diners or cafes like this one, usually the plates have food all over the place and they don’t think about plating too much, but here we value every part of what we do,” said Wasmuth. “Our plates always look clean and the food is plated nicely. But nothing can beat the reaction of when people try our food. When I walk past the tables, I’m always hearing, ‘This is so good.’ That is what keeps everyone coming back: that consistent satisfaction with our food.”

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

Colleen Collandra

Photos by Petra Rivera

Sonja Wasmuth, Colleen Collandra, Pete Collandra, Paul Sheehan, Crystal Nimons and Ivan Rojas

Gary Koponen Crystal Nimons

Tennis center turns 25

The Longboat Key Tennis Center hosted its end-of-theseason party on April 5. And this year, the center celebrated its 25th anniversary, honoring John Mrachek and the late Dick Schlorf who were instrumental in its founding.

“It has been an amazing 25 years,” said Tennis Director Kay Thayer. “We started as a little hut, and now we have a whole pro shop with clothing, league play and more than we could imagine. It’s amazing that we can offer all this on our little island.“

The event had drinks and a food spread. Supporters of the Tennis Center came to show how much they value the center. Thayer thanked everyone for coming, including league captains, who received gift certificates for their hard work throughout the season.

“The special thing about the tennis center is that we can always find a place for everyone,” said Thayer. “We always do round robins and the leagues are always open to welcoming new players.”

Thayer then introduced the players for a special exhibition of a pro men’s doubles match between Max Pettingell, Robert Jendelund, Ivan Yatsuk and Dave Pfister.

“This is the jewel of Longboat Key,” said tennis center member Judy Tobias. “Since it invites members of the tennis center and anyone from the public, everyone can find their place. Everyone I know has made their friends here at the center and they are truly lifelong friends.”

— PETRA RIVERA

Photos by Petra Rivera

Elaine Jessop and Rich Thoman

Robert Jendelund and Dave Pfister

Ivan Yatsuk and Max Pettingell

Rich McGrath, David Pitt and Andy Sawyer

Analyst discusses voter demographics

Longboat Key Democratic Club had its last luncheon of the season April 2 at the Sarasota Yacht Club.

President Lucie Lapovsky introduced Professor Susan MacManus, speaker for the luncheon. She is a political analyst and a distinguished professor of political science at the University of South Florida.

With the presidential election this year, MacManus focused on how the Florida electorate is changing in her speech.

She shared multiple studies with statistics on the changes of registered voters depending on race, ethnicity, generation and gender. She also covered how these changes impact candidates and election efforts for all parties.  MacManus stated that the most registered voters are women and in the three youngest generations. These are split between the Democratic and Republican parties. She said that because Florida has one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the country, it is important to understand how minorities are voting.

She emphasized the importance of connecting to younger voters through communication techniques that are effective with them, such as social media, and inspiring them by speaking on issues that affect them directly.

For this upcoming election, MacManus said that 63% of voters expected to be misinformed by social media and news outlets. She called the 2024 election the “Misinformation and Litigation election” because of these statistics.

“This is the hardest election I have ever covered my entire life,” said MacManus. “The mood of the public is dreadful and so negative.

Also, media habits are a tremendous change since social media platforms

are where most people go for news these days. You can clearly see it is a different world.”

Five candidates who are running in August came to address the club as well. This included Liz Barker and Tom Edwards for Sarasota County School Board, George Davis for Hospital Board, Derek Reich for District 73 State Representative, Diane Shoemaker for Manatee County Commission and Manny Lopez for Congress in Florida District 17.

Club member Francine Achbar said that she found MacManus’ data fascinating and important to understand before voting in the upcoming election.

Petra Rivera

Susan MacManus is professor of political science at the University of South Florida.

Gone with the wind

TSailFest is Sarasota Youth Sailing’s biggest fundraiser of the year. SYS Program Administrator Krystal Sullivan said children from across Florida train for the weekend starting the previous summer; 215 sailors registered for this year’s regatta.

Sailors have been training in one of three types of sailboats. Optimus sailboats are usually for sailors 7 to 12 years old. Laser sailboats are usually for sailors 13 to 18 years old and 420 sailboats are for a two-person team, with sailors 14 to 18 years old.

Getting the kids on the water is the best part,” said Sullivan. “These kids have been training for a while now and for a lot of them, it is their first race. Seeing the smile on their face when they are doing what they love and feeling accomplished makes it all worth it.”

— PETRA RIVERA

SAILFEST REGATTA RESULTS

GREEN

OPTIMIST

1. Asher Bartning, Coconut Grove Sailing Club in Miami

2. Wenceslao Raspo, Coconut Grove Sailing Club in Miami

3. James Summerour, Sarasota Yacht Club

OPTIMIST

1. Benjamin Dreyfuss, Sarasota Yacht Club

2. Eddie Miersch, Sarasota Yacht Club

3. Briggs Kossmann, Sopraventus Yacht Club in Tampa

ILCA 6 (LASER)

1. Alvington Mckenzie, Sarasota Yacht Club

2. Ryder Ellis, St. Petersburg Yacht Club

3. Jan Mistak, St. Petersburg Yacht Club

ILCA 4 (LASER)

1. John Hartney, St. Petersburg Yacht Club

2. Finnegan Cox, St. Petersburg Yacht Club

3. Reese Ellis, St. Petersburg Yacht Club

420

1. Jason Folvig and Ava Cohen, Davis Island

Yacht Club

2. Curt Wheeler and Brynn DeJongh, Sarasota

Yacht Club

3. Matthew Ray and Jade Campbell, Sarasota

Yacht Club

Photos by Petra Rivera Optimist Green boats take part in the 36th annual SailFest Regatta, which drew 215 young sailors.

Eliott Kamenev of Sarasota Sailing Squadron

Natalie Hoffman and Dylan Lopez of Sarasota Youth Sailing

Krystal Sullivan and Nick Lovisa

941-2894141

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 PUMPING THE PRIME: CARDIO, STRENGTH & STRETCH

10 a.m. at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center. This low-impact class helps burn calories and increase stamina. It also includes strength exercises for a total body workout. Participants should be able to get down on the floor and get up readily. (Please bring a towel.) Runs until the end of April/May 2024. Classes are $10 for rec center members; $15 for nonmembers. Contact Mirabai Holland at Mirabai@MovingFree.com.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT STORE

The thrift store will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Donations are accepted during business hours. Call 383-4738.

MONDAYS ZUMBA & TONING

10 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Taught by Reena Malik, this class begins with 30 minutes of zumba and finishes with mat Pilates for flexibility and 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, Cost is $13 for members $13; $15 for nonmembers. Eight sessions: members $95; nonmembers $110. Call 383-8222 or email EdCenter@ LongboatKeyTemple.org.

A coveted downtown Sarasota location? Check. An assortment of spacious open-concept floor plan choices? Check. Resort-style amenities? Check. As homebuyers have discovered, every facet of The Owen Golden Gate Point is designed to provide a remarkably luxurious lifestyle in the heart of Sarasota’s thriving downtown district. The new mid-rise boutique building is being developed by The Ronto Group in partnership with Wheelock Street Capital. The Owen offers a select group of just 29 condominium owners an opportunity to experience a lifestyle that is not only exceptionally comfortable, but also replete with a comprehensive array of amenities and immediate access to Sarasota’s dining, cultural, and shopping attractions. What’s more, The Owen Golden Gate Point is the only new downtown Sarasota building offering full customization for pre-construction buyers. Pre-construction pricing starts in the mid-$2-millions. Sales contracts are being accepted.

Situated on a 1.18-acre site that encompasses the entire southern tip of the interior point of Golden Gate Point, one of downtown Sarasota’s most cherished historic locations, The Owen’s contemporary design will be awash in the neutral tones of the shore with gentle curves suggestive of its setting on the Point. The site encompasses the southern tip of the Point, gracefully arcing from east to west while providing partial bay and marina views from the residences. The peninsula’s smart, relaxed personality is distinctive and perfectly suited to a luxury lifestyle. Urban dwellers appreciate Golden Gate Point’s easy access by foot, bike, car, or trolly to St. Armand’s Circle, the beaches, and the shopping, dining, and gallery venues that continue to proliferate in the Sarasota downtown district.

Designed to provide the ultimate in both comfort and functionality, The Owen’s four three bedroom, three and a half bath open concept floor plans range from 2,200 to 3,000 square feet under air plus a balcony with a gas grill. Three of the plans also include a study. The three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath 01-residences epitomize Ronto’s commitment to creating a luxurious lifestyle. At just over 2,500 square feet under air, the 01 floor plan offers a southern exposure that wraps the southeast perimeter of Golden Gate Point. The residences will showcase a stylish private elevator lobby that will serve as a pleasing welcoming space. Inside, an entry foyer will lead to a spacious island kitchen and a flowing great room and dining area that opens to a 198 square foot covered balcony with glass railings and a built-in stainless-steel Artisan Professional Series grill. Expansive impact-resistant doors and tall windows, along with ten-foot ceilings, except where dropped, will bathe the living areas with natural light. The glass will capture extraordinary water views from the main living areas and the owners’ suite. The kitchen’s oversized 10-foot island will be perfect for entertaining and meal preparation. Standard kitchen appliances will include a SubZero side-by-side panel ready refrigerator/freezer with an internal dispenser. A Wolf single wall oven, a transitional five-burner gas range top, a vented exhaust cooktop wall hood, a wall microwave, and a Bosch panel ready dishwasher will also be included. A designer collection of flat panel or shaker style Miralis cabinets in a wide assortment of colors are available. Quartz countertops are also available. A Blanco Quatras stainless steel super single bowl undermount kitchen sink will be equipped with a House of Rohl pulldown faucet. The residences will also feature recessed LED lighting in the kitchen, hallways, and baths per plan. Typical 01 residences are pre-construction priced from $2,565,000 to $3,610,000.

The Owen Golden Gate Point’s resort-style amenities and public areas have been designed by Riley Interior Design Principal Carrie L. Riley, ASID. Secured building access and semi-private elevators with controlled access will provide a welcomed sense of privacy. Owners and their guests will be greeted in the building’s two-story rotunda lobby. The lobby/amenity level will feature a club room with seating and a bar. A fitness center will offer state-of-the-art equipment, and men’s and women’s locker rooms. A massage suite will allow residents to in-

vite their favorite massage therapist to provide an on-site session. The fitness center will also include a stretching/ yoga area, a steam room, and a spa. Residents may also invite personal trainers to work with them within the fitness center. Social seating and an indoor/outdoor bar will be featured in a game room outfitted with table and arcade games. Zoom rooms, work from home station areas, and a board/conference room will also be included. Secure parking under the building with two spaces per residence, one pre-wired for a 40-amp power outlet for electric vehicle charging using the vehicle owner’s charger, and climate-controlled resident storage rooms are also included.

An infinity edge saltwater pool will be the centerpiece of The Owen Golden Gate Point’s expansive landscaped outdoor amenity deck. Billowing palm trees and tropical container gardens, lounge chairs, a separate spa that will be ideal for soothing aching muscles or enjoying a perfect moonlight plunge, a fire pit seating area, and an outdoor bar and

Ahome in Lighthouse Point tops

all transactions in this week’s real estate.

Sharon and Michael Tetterton sold their home at 55 Lighthouse Point Drive to Walter George Glaser, of Cos Cob, Connecticut, for $8.5 million. Built in 1995, it has five bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 6,159 square feet of living area. It sold for $4.5 million in 2017.

of Sarasota, sold the home at 560 Broadway to Matthew Strollo and Laura Sciocchetti, of Tampa, for $1.75 million. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,370 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,598,000 in 2022.

HARBOUR OAKS II

for $1,765,000 in 2023.

GRAND BAY Jay and Nilly Dor, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 346 condominium at 3030 Grand Bay Blvd. to Debbie Massey, of Miramar Beach, for $2 million. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,781 square feet of living area. It sold for $690,000 in 1998.

VILLA DI LANCIA

Kenneth Paul Jones, trustee, of Tampa, sold the Unit 211 condominium at 2185 Gulf of Mexico Drive to William and Sally Finissi, of Arlington, Ohio, for $1,965,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,485 square feet of living area. It sold for $950,000 in 2020.

LANDWIRTH

Glen and Lori Fabian, trustees,

Steven Aron, of Sarasota, sold his home at 2377 Harbour Oaks Drive to Neal and Marianne Robin, of Bingham Farms, Michigan, for $1.17 million. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,487 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2019.

Purvi Patel Dennis and Robert Dennis sold their home at 2303 Harbour Oaks Drive to Richard Barone and Jackie Wise, of Lyndhurst, Ohio, for $905,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,327 square feet of living area. It sold for $670,000 in 2023.

INN ON THE BEACH Sarasota Fox LLC sold the Unit 4206 condominium at 240 Sands Point Road to Milam Realty LLC for $1.1 million. Built in 1982, it has one bedroom, one bath and 640 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,000 in 2014.

Kola Properties LLC sold the Unit 4205 condominium at 240 Sands Point Road to Milam Realty LLC for $1 million. Built in 1982, it has one bedroom, one bath and 640 square feet of living area. It sold for $925,000 in 2022.

FAIRWAY BAY

William and Maryl Levine, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 543 condominium at 2110 Harbourside Drive to Darrell and Claudia Moore, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, for $1.09 million. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and

2,031 square feet of living area. It sold for $740,000 in 2018.

SEAPLACE Christopher and Maura Kearns, of Ship Bottom, New Jersey, sold their Unit G-2-104A condominium at 2055 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Samuel Carubba and Mary Lynn Carubba, of Pinehurst, North Carolina, for $592,500. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,257 square feet of living area. It sold for $380,000 in 2015.

Source: Town of Longboat Key

Courtesy of Judy Kepecz-Hays

Sharon and Michael Tetterton sold their home at 55 Lighthouse Point Drive to Walter George Glaser, of Cos Cob, Connecticut, for $8.5 million.

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

“X HXKB XL SUTCLLXKW LF TCC LMC

CEFTXFK FH GIKKCET.

DAYJN. G’Y IJDWFI ZF DIHF JSY WJDFY

DWJS ZF RJVMF JSY RAAV KFAKVF.” TIGMDFS MDFOJID

“SHNK LOTKD NKHNAK PHHY, O AHV HE

VSK VXLK. UHR SHNK EHC O JCXPSVKC

ERVRCK, OMY CKDKMVLKMV XD

HRVZKXPSKY.” YOXDU CXYAKU