Longboat Observer 4.11.24

LONGBOAT

Observer

10 years of service

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

PAGE 16

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

VOLUME 46, NO. 35

YOUR TOWN

Longboat makes the grade Residents give their Key high marks in the annual citizen survey. SEE PAGE 3

TENNIS TOGETHER Petra Rivera

Gary Hagen

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.

Petra Rivera

Laurie Winter and Judy Tobias at Longboat Key Tennis Center as they helped celebrate its 25th anniversary on April 5.

Longboat Key Tennis Center celebrates 25th anniversary. SEE PAGE 18

A+E

File image

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.

Petra Rivera

Sarasota Youth Sailing hosted its 36th annual SailFest Regatta on April 6-7.

Come sail away, again More than 200 youth sailors competed in the annual regatta. PAGE 22

Closeness coordinator INSIDE

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

Seawalls up to 6 feet tall are now allowed

Residential rates will increase from $17.56 to $22.60.

File image

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

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

T

own commissioners voted unanimously on April 1 to approve an extension of the town’s contract with Waste Management.

The new contract will be effective for another three years and comes with a 28% increase in residential rates. Residential rates will increase from $17.56 to $22.60, which is $5.04 more. Commercial collection rates for multifamily commercial units will also face about a 28% increase.

The contract and rate increases were first presented at the Feb. 20 workshop by Director of Public Works Isaac Brownman.

Brownman said at that meeting that the rate increase was mainly due to increased labor and maintenance costs.

His presentation noted that direct labor costs rose about 26% since 2021, which includes things like hiring costs, sign-on incentives and wage increases.

Maintenance on trucks was also a factor in the rate increase.

The Feb. 20 presentation showed that the cost to replace a tire

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

CARTER WEINHOFER

increased 124% since 2020, from $811.11 to $1,008.81, according to Waste Management.

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.

STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat 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

File image

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.

In a 2022 report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, sea levels along U.S. coastlines are predicted to rise as much as one foot by 2050.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

Survey says …

Courtesy image

An aerial view of Quick Point Nature Preserve.

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

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

98%

satisfied with fire and ambulance services

90%

satisfied with police services

64%

ranked traffic as one of the most important issues the island faces.

59%

dissatisfied with traffic flow and congestion

FULL RESULTS Complete results of this year’s survey and all previous years can be found at LongboatKey.org/Residents/Citizen-Survey

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat 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.

IMPORTANCE OF TOWN POLICY PRIORITIES (AS % OF ROW TOTAL) In your opinion, how important is it for the town of Longboat Key to address each of the following issues in the coming years?

Important

Unimportant Very Somewhat Neither Very Somewhat Beach Management 82.4% 15.5% 1.7% 0.3% 0.1% /Shoreline Protection Sea-Level Rise 62.1% 22.7% 9.2% 2.9% 3.1% (Adaptation Plan) Canal Dredging 36.5% 39.0% 17.8% 3.4% 3.4% 69.3% 24.2% 5.1% 1.1% 0.3% Street Flooding Redevelopment of Aging 31.0% 38.4% 18.2% 7.1% 5.4% /Non-Conforming Properties Infrastructure Upkeep 80.4% 17.8% 1.6% 0.3% 0.0% Fiscal Sustainability 75.2% 20.4% 3.4% 0.7% 0.4% Traffic 0.1% 85.8% 11.9% 1.8% 0.4% (Congestion/Safety) New Waste-Water Line 56.7% 32.8% 8.8% 0.7% 1.0% to the Mainland

THREE-YEAR TREND OF MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING LONGBOAT KEY 2022 Traffic Congestion 63.6% Red Tide 50.8%

Beach Erosion 40.9%

2023 Traffic Congestion 69.7% Property Insurance Costs 51.8% Red Tide 44.1%

2024 Traffic Congestion 62.7% Property Insurance Costs 58.2% Beach Erosion 35.8%

TOWN RESIDENTS’ HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

How prepared is your household if a major hurricane were to impact ­Longboat Key? Frequency Percentage Very Prepared 674 48.5% Somewhat Prepared 625 45.0% Not Very Prepared 60 4.3% Not at All Prepared 15 1.1% Unsure 15 1.1%

METHODS OF CONTACTING THE TOWN Walk-in 20.7%

CITIZENS’ SATISFACTION WITH TOWN AMENITIES

Please indicate your level of satisfaction with the following characteristics of Longboat Key:

Neither Very Somewhat Satisfied/ Somewhat Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Beaches 65.0% 27.8% 3.3% 2.8% 1.0% Bayfront Park 42.5% 36.5% 19.3% 1.4% 0.3% Durante Park 40.2% 33.1% 26.0% 0.5% 0.2% Quick Point Nature Preserve 20.8% 27.8% 50.1% 1.0% 0.3% Tennis Center 21.0% 26.3% 51.5% 1.1% 0.1% Town Center 20.4% 36.9% 40.1% 1.9% 0.7% Way-Finding Signage 65.0% 27.8% 3.3% 2.8% 1.0%

Phone 53.2% Email 15.2% Via website 1.8% Other 9.1%

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

Amendment for AT&T

IS CONCIERGE MEDICINE RIGHT FOR YOU?

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

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

B

etter wireless service is on the way for AT&T customers on Longboat Key. On April 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 providers to install mounted devices on top of utility poles to bring service enhancements to the island.

“There 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

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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.

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File photo

The nine existing Verizon cell poles on Longboat Key are 25- or 35-foot-tall poles. The new AT&T antennas will be placed on top of smart street poles being installed with the underground utility project.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

5

Storms are coming, says Climate Adaptation Center The Climate Adaptation Center offered a forecast of 24 named storms during its Hurricane Day. IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

M

ultiple 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.

Ian Swaby

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

“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

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

season.

“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.

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Barcomb, Tanguay and Associates David A. Barcomb Managing Director Senior Financial Advisor

2024 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due-diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerance vary). SHOOK’s rankings are available for client evaluation only, are not indicative of future performance and do not represent any one client’s experience and available for investor help in evaluating the right financial advisor and not an endorsement of the advisor. Compensation was not received from anyone for the rankings study. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Details available at the SHOOK Research website. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and Member SIPC. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and MLPF&S are wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

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Courtesy image

A dead honey bee comb.

Eviction without notice After a utility crew eradicated a honey bee colony, neighbors wish they’d had a say in the pollinators’ fate.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

A

honey 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

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

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

CO N G R AT U L AT E S

Carter Weinhofer

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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.

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

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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.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

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.

MATT WALSH

I

t 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-

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

Town of Longboat How they settled matters ofKey,theifproposed elected I will, as such public official, abide by the following and promises: in early days of Longboat restrictions “I will oppose any additional real 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

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

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

(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.

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).

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / James Peter, JPeter@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Petra Rivera, PRivera@ YourObserver.com; Carter Weinhofer, CWeinhofer@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Digital Content Producer / Jim DeLa, JDeLa@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com Editorial Designer / Luke Reasoner, LReasoner@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Regional Sales Director / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal McGuinness, RMcGuinness@ YourObserver.com; Lexi Huelsman, Lexi@ YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@ YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver.com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Maura Templeton, MTempleton@ YourObserver.com; Brenda White, BWhite@YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Anna Reich, AReich@YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Manager Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com Advertising/Marketing Coordinator / Caitlin Ellis, CEllis@YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Marketing Specialist / Melanie Melone, MMelone@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@YourObserver. com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

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.

TUESDAY, APRIL 2 BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR 1:51 p.m., 1000 block of Longboat Club Road Suspicious Person: When an officer arrived at the scene, the complainant told the officer that there were several people on the beach using chairs and umbrellas that were for residents only. The officer went to the beach and spoke with the offenders, who said they didn’t know the equipment was reserved for residents only. The family relocated away from the condo.

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

COPS CORNER

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

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

someone with a valid license come and take the truck.

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

SERIOUS SUSPENSION 1 a.m., 3900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Vehicle Stop: A license plate reader sent officers an alert about a driver with a suspended license. One officer on patrol located and stopped the vehicle. The driver said he knew his license was suspended but said he had to drive. The officer confirmed with a database that the driver’s license was revoked for 60 months. The driver was arrested and a tow truck was called to take the driver’s vehicle.

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 MARRIAGE FIRST, THEN DRIVER’S LICENSE 4 p.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Vehicle Stop: A license plate reader received a hit on a driver whose driver’s license expired more than a year ago. An officer located the vehicle, stopped the driver and asked for the usual documentation. The driver provided a Turkish driver’s license and did not have proof of insurance. He gave the officer his old Florida driver’s license and admitted he never renewed it. The officer said since he was living in the U.S. for more than a year, the foreign driver’s license was invalid and he needed a Florida license. The driver said he understood, but said he was preoccupied with getting married. His father, who was in the car, had to drive the vehicle the rest of the way.

UNPROBLEMATIC CEREMONY 2:54 p.m., 5300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Officer Public Service: An officer was asked to be on standby at a ribbon-cutting ceremony because the business owner was worried about past employees causing a disturbance. All went on without incident, and the owner expressed gratitude to the police for being present.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

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

STAFF WRITER

W

ant to see a vertical oyster garden in action or take one home? Mar Vista is the spot then.

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub is now the first commercial partner of Gulf Shellfish Institute.

On April 8, the institute installed 50 vertical oyster gardens underneath Mar Vista’s docks and kicked off the VOG distribution box program.

Vertical oyster gardens, or VOGs, are strands of recycled oyster shells that are drilled through, strung together and tied onto the bottom of a dock to hang in the water. The idea is that the old oysters will promote the growth of new oyster larvae and add to the overall ecosystem by providing habitat for other marine life.

Executive 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

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

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

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’

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

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.”

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YourObserver.com

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11

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SATURDAY, APRIL 13 SUNDAY, APRIL 14

Scan for a full list of Open Houses, property details, driving directions and more

THE GULF COAST LUXURY LEADER

LONGBOAT KEY 4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive #402 Jo Rutstein & Hilary Souza

ALINARI

4112 5th Avenue #B Laurie Mock

$1,750,000 941.504.9910

GOLDEN GATE POINT $1,950,000 941.232.3665

226 Golden Gate Point #34 Kimberly Ide

$839,000 941.720.0408

7710 34th Avenue West #301 Nathan Mathers

HAWTHORN PARK 1007 93rd NW Street Nathan Mathers

2908 Avenue B $550,000 Maureen Morris & Rebecca Simmons 941.350.0807

3606 Fair Oaks Place Dennis Girard

$1,200,000 401.487.6928

$2,695,000 941.321.2292

301 Quay Commons #1809 Gregg Center

1700 Benjamin Franklin Drive #2D Nancy Endara & Peter Laughlin

2089 Gulf of Mexico Drive #201 Laurie Mock

8024 55th Street East Holly Switow

$2,000,000 312.636.5153

RENAISSANCE $1,100,000 941.323.1700

750 North Tamiami Trail #416 Moriah Taliaferro

$595,000 941.232.3665

1064 North Tamiami Trail #1505 Sharon Chiodi

$850,000 941.504.9910

BROADWAY PROMENADE

VILLAGES OF THOUSAND OAKS

$520,000 941.256.6775

$3,325,000 941.809.0041

BAYSO

SEAPLACE

$650,000 941.720.0408

LONGBOAT HARBOUR 4360 Chatham Drive #108 Kimberly Freiwald

990 Blvd Of The Arts #404 Roberta Tengerdy & Carolyn Collins

LIDO REGENCY

PALMA SOLA BAY CLUB

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

$6,500,000 941.587.9156

BEAU CIEL

800 North Tamiami Trail #PH1617 Moriah Taliaferro

VILLAS ON 5TH

QUEENS HARBOUR

$499,000 941.735.3186

$585,000 941.809.0380

ARTISAN LAKES EAVES BEND 6324 Laurelcrest Glen Cindy Pierro

$493,000 941.920.6818

The Next Evolution of Waterfront Luxury 78 Grand Bayfront Residences from $3.7 Million

Presentation Gallery Now Open at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Hotel 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.499.8704 | TheResidencesSarasotaBay.com ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. The renderings, terms, conditions, and statements contained in these materials are proposed only, and the Developer reserves the right to modify, or withdraw any or all of same in its sole discretion and without prior notice. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Bay are not owned, developed or sold by Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates (“Ritz-Carlton”). KT Sarasota South, LLC uses The Ritz-Carlton marks under a license from Ritz-Carlton, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made herein. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated.

BROKERAGE | RENTALS | RELOCATION | NEW DEVELOPMENT MORTGAGE | INSURANCE | FINE ART CONSIGNMENT

PremierSIR.com VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500

RENTALS | 941.203.3433

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Property information herein is derived from various sources including,but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. Source: BrokerMetrics®.

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SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

New blooms on the Key Owner Christy James shared her hopes and plans for her new flower shop.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

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T Duette® Honeycomb Shades Operating System PowerView® Automation

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS heraldtribune.com

WINNER

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com 4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

Petra Rivera

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.

Christy James of the Longboat Key Flower Shop

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.”

Named one of Forbes’ Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams The Cornerstone Capital Group At Morgan Stanley Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams, 2024

If you would like to learn more about our team please visit our website or: Join us at our office Mondays at

9:30am for an Outlook on the Market and latest thinking from the Morgan Stanley Global Investment Committee.

Please RSVP to Amanda Lewis by calling 941-364-3549 or email Amanda.R.Lewis@morganstanley.com.

Susan Tomlinson Wilson

Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Family Wealth Advisor Alternative Investments Director Financial Advisor

2 North Tamiami Trail, Ste 1100 Sarasota, FL 34236

Website: advisor.morganstanley.com/ the-cornerstone-capital-group

Thomas Bardwell, CFP®

Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Senior Porfolio Management Director Family Wealth Advisor Financial Advisor

T. Michael Osterman

Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Financial Planning Specialist Financial Advisor

Rylan K. Lanham

Financial Advisor Financial Planning Specialist

Susan A. Knight

Sr. Registered Associate Financial Planning Specialist

Adrienne Lambers

Sr. Registered Client Associate

Amanda Lewis

Client Service Associate

Left to Right: Rylan Lanham, Adrienne Lambers, Mike Osterman, Tom Bardwell, Susan Wilson, Susan Knight, Amanda Lewis

Source: Forbes.com (Jan 2024) 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams ranking awarded in 2024. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) for the period from 3/31/22–3/31/23. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC, for placement on its rankings.

This ranking is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each Financial Advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC, and may not be representative of any one client’s experience; investors must carefully choose the right Financial Advisor or team for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with SHOOK Research LLC or Forbes. For more information, see www.SHOOKresearch.com.

CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S. © 2024 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC6240443 3/24

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Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

he 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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

Winston Monroe Register August 21, 1935 – March 28, 2024

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

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: In lieu of flowers donations may be made out to the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key. The address is PO Box 8097, Longboat Key, FL 34228.

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LETTER

TRIBUTES

Winston Monroe Register was born in Bismarck, ND to parents Clare E. and Elizabeth R. Register August 21, 1935.

Courtesy image

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YourObserver.com

IN MEMORIAM

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

Courtesy images

Cash and Snookie Register

The ‘mayor’ of Longboat PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

W

hether 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

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.

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

Petra Rivera

Garnett Black, Cash Register and Chris Sachs

WORSHIP

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

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

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.”

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

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

Chris Sachs, Police Chief Kelli Smith and Cash Register.

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

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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

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Growing in Jesus’ Name

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about Scripture and an issue in society.

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Join the Discussion Tuesday or Wednesday

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

15

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.

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smh.com/cancer

Classifieds 32 Games 31 Real Estate 29 Weather 31

APRIL 11, 2024

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Consistency is key

Longbeach Cafe celebrates 10 years at Whitney Plaza.

STAFF WRITER

T

ime 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

Colleen Collandra

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

Photos by Petra Rivera

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

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.”

Gary Koponen

Crystal Nimons

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PETRA RIVERA

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

17

#1 LONGBOAT KEY TEAM Michael Saunders & Company OVER $555MM SOLD SINCE 2007

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

Tennis center turns 25 T

he 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.”

Robert Jendelund and Dave Pfister Photos by Petra Rivera

Elaine Jessop and Rich Thoman

Ivan Yatsuk and Max Pettingell Rich McGrath, David Pitt and Andy Sawyer

— PETRA RIVERA

Harry’s Deli

CELEBRATING

Fresh Bakery | Take & Bake Entrees Sandwiches & Salads | Homemade Soups Party Specialties

Grooms Motors & Automotive is an independent, family-owned auto repair shop/NAPA AutoCare Center performing auto repairs and preventative maintenance including tire & wheel service.

Our technicians are ASE-certified who undergo continuous training to maintain their certification and stay up to date on the best repair practices for your vehicle.

Passover Take-Out Half Chicken Dinner $28.99 Beef Brisket Dinner $31.99

Check our website for current promotions and service rebate 941-896-7898 • www.groomsauto.com

Additional Items Available through the Deli 422584-1

5608 Marina Dr. (next to Dominos pizza) Holmes Beach, 34217

Order by: Friday, April 19th

Harry’s Restaurant

Krutz Family Cellars Wine Dinner Wednesday, May 1st | 6:30pm

$119/person (gratuity and tax not included)

Your Hometown Favorite For More Than Eight Decades!

LOCAL, VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1939 LONGBOAT KEY

to

LONGBOAT KEY

years!

View our Menu Reservations Suggested

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Steak & Frites Night Tuesdays $36.99 Wine Down Wednesdays 20% Off All Bottles of Wine MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH 9AM - 2PM

WagnerRealty.com

Breakfast | Brunch | Lunch | Dinner | Catering | Gourmet Deli & Bakery | Corner Store

www.HarrysKitchen.com • 5600 Gulf of Mexico Drive • 941-383-0777

> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC 597 Sutton Place | Sutton Place MLS#A4586008 2/1.5 - 1,008 sf | Deeded Beach Access | $542,900 Dia Wilson (941) 284-3667

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

Seeing eye-to-eye comes from meeting face-to-face

SIESTA KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

On your corner, in your corner.

Come say hello.

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

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

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

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

Financial Advisor

Longboat Key Office

422581-1

941.383.5577

422637-1

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

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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

Leading the market in 2024!

19

CE

W

NE

I PR

QUEENS HARBOUR | $2,575,000

3584 FAIR OAKS LN. | 3BR+STUDY/3.5BA | 2,959 SQ FT 2-Car Garage | Deep Protected Sailboat Water - Can Accommodate a Large Vessel up to 55 FT | New Roof

CE

W

NE

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FAIRWAY BAY | $735,000

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

CE

W

NE

I PR

WATER CLUB

$4,649,000 SORRENTO SHORES

$925,000

GRAND BAY II

$2,295,000 LAWRENCE POINTE

$1,895,000

1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #401 | 3BR/5BA | 3,400 SQ FT 449 SOUTH SHORE DR. | 3BR/3BA | 2,564 SQ FT Gulf Views | 3 Beachfront Terraces | Private Elevator Lobby | All En-Suite Baths | Gated Pet-Friendly Community Minutes to Siesta Key | Large Glass Sliders Outdoor Lap Pool w/Waterfall | Outdoor Covered Patio with Gas Grill

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

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

CE

W

NE

GRAND BAY I

I PR

$1,995,000 THE LAKES ESTATES

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

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

$859,000 CHEROKEE PARK

$5,695,000

1655 SOUTH DR. | 5BR/5 FULL BA & 4.5 HALF BA | 6,355 SQ FT Luxury Estate Home | 2,000 Bottle Wine Room | Whole-Home Generator

E

IC

W

NE

PR

OAKS

$1,595,000 BAYSO SARASOTA

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

$1,799,000 CONDO ON THE BAY TOWER II

$1,349,000

301 QUAY COMMONS #903 | 2BR+Study/3 Full BA | 1,828 SQ FT 988 BLVD OF THE ARTS #816 | 2BR/2BA | 1,555 SQ FT 9th Floor Location | Split Floor Plan | Positioned to Capture Optimal Incredible Bay, Bridge & Sunset Views | Split Floor Plan Views | 2 Side-By-Side Prime Parking Spaces Screened Balcony | Custom Updates | Pet-Friendly Community

PENDING

EN PROVENCE

NOW SOLD

$4,450,000 ROYAL ST. ANDREW $1,899,900 SIESTA SEA BREEZE $2,595,000 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 | 9008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 | 3BR/3.

3BR/2.5BA | 2,305 SQ FT | 9th Floor 1 & 5BA | 3,700 SQ FT | Private 2-Car Garage 1/2 Combined Residences and Roof Top Terrace | 10 FT Ceilings

$2,695,000 THE PROMENADE

$1,995,000

3330 SABAL COVE LN. | 4BR + DEN / 4 1211 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #801 | 2BR FULL & 2 HALF BA | Wide Lake Views + DEN / 3BA | 2,100 SQ FT | Rarely High Ceilings | Open Kitchen | New Roof Available Corner Unit | 180 Degree Bay

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

423277-1

NOW SOLD

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

EXCEPTIONAL EXCEPTIONAL EXCEPTIONAL VACATION RENTALS RENTALS VACATION VACATION RENTALS

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

Analyst discusses voter demographics

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

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

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER 416792-1

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

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

April is National

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION

M NTH

408975-1

How will you help?

L

ongboat 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

7

Petra Rivera

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

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.

CONTACT US FOR A PRIVATE VIEWING

ONE ONE PALM

711 S Palm Avenue #204 | Sarasota, FL 34236

NEW PRICE $2,095,000

3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 1,883 Square Feet MLS #A4602427

Rarely available Midrise condo - 5 stories, only 16 Units - located on highly coveted South Palm Avenue in downtown Sarasota.

Approximately $200,000 in upgrades exclusive to Unit 204. Now offering $65,000 in designer furnishings.

Upgrades to this unit include a walk-in wine room with Winezone cooling system, outdoor kitchen with Electrichef grill and U-Line refrigerator, recessed built-in Dimplex fireplace, Cucine Ricci imported Italian kitchen cabinetry and built-in floating dining room buffet and bar, and a workspace in the 3rd bedroom which offers a transition space as a workroom or guest area. In addition, the unit features a complete smart home package from Wicked Smart Homes comprised of a Lutron lighting and shading system, and a Sonos wireless music streaming system with Sonance ceiling speakers in the living room, kitchen, expanded master bedroom and 3rd bedroom/study.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY: 7 One One Palm features all new landscaping, Resort style amenities, on-site part-time concierge, fitness room, 50’ x 20’ heated pool and spa, firepit, beautiful Cabanas, 2 gas grills, air-conditioned storage, guest parking, and a pet friendly Paw Park. Each residence has its own air-conditioned storage space and 2 secured garage parking spaces with bike rack. No rentals allowed. 100% fully reserved.

Marni Hayden

Licensed Real Estate Sales Assoc.

941.809.5044

marnihayden@yahoo.com

Bret Lageson

Licensed Real Estate Sales Assoc.

941.961.0918

bretproperties@gmail.com

423398-1

20

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

21

WATER

on the

Reid MuRphy PResents

LONGBOAT KEY GULF FRONT $ 9,970,000

LONGBOAT KEY L’AMBIANCE $ 4,195,000

LONGBOAT KEY BEACHES $ 2,495,000

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

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

Gulf front sixth floor 2 BD/2 BA w/ southern exposure behind the gates of LBK Club. Completely renovated in 2023.

Expansive wrap around balcony & spectacular Gulf to Bay panoramic views include Golf course and Sarasota City skyline.

NEW LISTING

PENDING

LONGBOAT KEY EN PROVENCE

LIDO KEY NEW CONSTRUCTION

4,935,000

LONGBOAT KEY DREAM ISLAND ROAD LONGBOAT KEY WATER CLUB

$

$

$

Stunning 5BD/7BA 3 level coastal home w/elevator.

Beautiful Gulf, beach & downtown views from multiple balconies. Short walk to beach & St. Armands shopping.

Perfect family vacation home.

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

Double lot on a wide canal that is 1.06 acres with 200 ft of waterfront. Update the current 4BD/3BA retreat or build a new waterfront home, or possibly two canal front homes.

Great tranquil location.

5,500,000

3,595,000

$3,295,000 Spectacular Gulf front 3rd floor 3BD/4BA Brighton floor plan the south building of the sensational Gulf front Water Club complex on south Longboat Key. Private elevator to open floorplan & sensational views.

PENDING

LONGBOAT KEY BOATERS DREAM

LONGBOAT KEY GRAND BAY

LONGBOAT KEY DEEP WATER

LONGBOAT KEY BOATERS DREAM

2,795,000

$

$

$

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

Meticulous 4 BD/3 BA wide deep water canal with direct access to Sarasota Bay - no bridges! Great dock. 2 boat lifts.

Private beach access directly across the street.

Rarely available, Building 4 w/southern exposure.

3BR/3.5BA +4th bunk bedroom, totally renovated with designer features plus new furniture.

2,395,000

$

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

Large screened lanai w/ heated pool.

2,325,000

1,999,985

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY DEEP WATER

LONGBOAT KEY PRIVATEER

LONGBOAT KEY WESTCHESTER

LONGBOAT KEY, LONGBEACH LOT

$

1,845,000

$

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

Many high-end updates and full resort ammenties.

1,200,000

$

Meticulously maintained 3BD/2.5BA recently updated canal home w/new roof. 30ft dock, no bridges to Bay. Deeded beach access & Bay views.

1,395,000

$

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

Lot is located in The Preserve at Longbeach, an exclusive enclave of 12 new homes at the north end of LBK in Longbeach Village. Beach-to-bay access, kayak launch points, + neighborhood boat dock w/ ramp.

CALL REID

for a successful real estate experience!

941.232.3304

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

REIDMURPHY.COM

422576-1

BUYING OR SELLING

800,000

22

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

Gone with the wind T

he 36th annual SailFest Regatta was held April 6-7 at the Sarasota Sailing Squad-

ron.

SailFest 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.”

SAILFEST REGATTA RESULTS OPTIMIST GREEN 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.

— PETRA RIVERA

Natalie ­Hoffman and Dylan Lopez of Sarasota Youth Sailing

Krystal Sullivan and Nick Lovisa Eliott Kamenev of Sarasota Sailing Squadron

OLD meets NEW

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

1

TOP

23

%

$3.2 Billion Career Sales

IN THE WORLD

Kepecz@JudyHays.com | www.LongboatKeyLuxury.com 443 John Ringling Blvd, Suite F | St. Armands Circle, FL 34236

Leah George

941-780-0597

Judy Kepecz-Hays

941-587-1700

Steven Kepecz

941-376-6411 April 11, 2024

W

e

m SO ad L e D it ha pp en !

Coldwell Banker

55 Lighthouse Point | Longboat Key | $8,500,000 5 bed + 2 flex rooms | 4.5 bath | 6,159 Sq Ft | www.55Lighthouse.com

ARIA

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

3500 Bayou Louise Lane | Siesta Key | $10,750,000 5 bed | 5.5 bath | 6,300 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 www.Aria204.com garage.

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

3312 Sabal Cove Lane | Bay Isles | $3,380,000 4 bed en-suite | den | bonus room | 2 half bath | 5,150 Sq Ft Unsurpassed island living on Longboat Key! This Lakefront Home with southern exposure offers an easy blend of comfort, style, and privacy within the gates of Bay Isle Harborside.

It boasts 4 bedrooms en-suite, plus an office with 2 half baths spanning over 5,150 sq. ft of air conditioned living space, ensuring ample room for family and guests. The Chef's Kitchen has high-end stainless-steel appliances, custom cabinetry, and a generous island, a culinary enthusiast's dream. 3 car garage. DEEDED BEACH ACCESS. 3312SabalCove.com

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

The VUE

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

1155 N Gulfstream Ave #1407 | The VUE | $2,450,000 2 bed | 2.5 bath | 1,665 Sq Ft | Furnished!

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

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.

with the windows in 2021. Home chefs will enjoy creating culinary delights in the open kitchen with stainless steel Samsung appliances replaced in 2020. www.SunsetBeach1404.com

www.Vue1407.com

422945-1

AD

P JU RI ST CE M EN

T

Sunset Beach

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

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

PET PICS

• Consistent top producer on Longboat Key • In-depth knowledge of the real estate market NAL FRONT POOL HOME • Active in our community with 41 Emerald Harbor Drive 3 BR/2.5 BA $2,900,000 Longbeach Village Association Jan Jordan Longboat Key Historical Society Broker Associate / REALTOR® Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Atchley Properties Longboat Key Garden Club

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!

Phone 941-556-9100 Mobile 941-737-4169

941.724.7228

422607-1

Email janjordan@atchleyrealty.com

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.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

422568-1

Price reduced! $2,749,000

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deal?

Don’t miss exclusive promotions and deals from Observer partners.

BEACH BUMS: Jackson and Gracie of Longboat Key love the beach and are regulars at Bayfront Park.

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Island life begins here.

Open House Saturday 12-4 pm

DIRECT BAY FRONT AVAILABLE $3,325,000

Open House Sunday 1-4 pm Price Reduced!

3606 Fair Oaks PL | A4555331 4 Bedrooms, Bay Front in Queens Harbour, Longboat Key 6485 Gulf of Mexico Drive 3BR | 3BA | 2,000 SF A4600758 / $3,500,000

7137 Orchid Island Place Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 MLS# A4603278 | $785,000

PENDING

Open House Sunday 1-4 pm

DIRECT GULF FRONT $1,750,000 OPEN HOUSE 1-4 ON SUNDAY

2105 Gulf of Mexico Dr #3403 | A4599416 2/2, New Kitchen w/updates, Gulf Front, Longboat Key 1800 Benjamin Franklin Drive A602 3BR | 3BA | 1,980 SF A4587573 | $2,000,000

793 Jungle Queen Way 4BR | 3BA | 2,688 SF A4575835 | $1,995,000

PENDING $1,299,900

Open House Sunday 1-4 pm

1918 Harbourside Drive 901 3BR | 2BA | 2,135 SF A4588451 | $1,600,000

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

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

Living and Working on Longboat Key REALTOR®, MBA 941.780.6001

julieklick@ michaelsaunders.com

Dennis Girard

Beverly St. Hilaire

REALTOR®, GRI, CLHMS 818.416.2505

Broker Associate

beverlysthilaire@ michaelsaunders.com

417241-1

Julie Klick

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

423046-1

24

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

25

New on Lido Key FROM THE NAME TH AT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.

R E SI DE NCE SL I DOK EY.COM

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

417814-1

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Equal Housing Opportunity. Rosewood Residences Lido Key is owned and being developed, offered and sold by WSR—Lido Beach, LLC (“Developer”). The project is not owned, developed or sold by Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, L.L.C. or any of its affiliates (“Rosewood”). Developer uses the Rosewood marks pursuant to a license agreement with Rosewood, which may be terminated under certain conditions. Rosewood does not assume any responsibility or liability in connection with the condominium. © Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. The Ronto Group®. Rosewood Hotels and Resorts®.

YourObserver.com

YOUR CALENDAR

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

Cindy Fischer 2023 Top Performing Agent Exclusive Island Properties

SCAN FOR MORE

SUNDAY, APRIL 14

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 is now in 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 15

MARKET ON THE KEY 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road. Enjoy food trucks and live music while browsing clothing, flowers, plants, artwork, sunglasses, handcrafted goods and more in the market. Follow The Market on Longboat Key or Markets by Nancy on Facebook and Instagram to see who will be there and what they will be bringing. Some food vendors let you preorder pies, cakes, and breads so they will be ready and waiting upon your arrival.

For more information, call 941-2894141

BEST BET SUNDAY, APRIL 14

ARTIST RECEPTION FOR ICON EXHIBIT AT ALL ANGELS GALLERY 11:15 a.m. at All Angels By The Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road.

All Angels Gallery hosts a collection of Byzantine-style icons created by local iconographer Christine Hales. She will share over 20 icons from her collection crafted in the ancient Byzantine tradition using tempera paints and gold leaf gilding on wood panels. The exhibit is open from April 7 through June 28.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. Call 383-4606.

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

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

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.

SCAN FOR MORE

WATERFRONT HIDEAWAY WITH BOAT DOCK, LONGBOAT KEY | $2,250,000

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.

SCAN FOR MORE

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.

JUST LISTED

KEY-WEST INSPIRED BEACH BUNGALOW W/ GUEST COTTAGE, LONGBOAT KEY | 1,995,000 $

SCAN FOR MORE

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

2301 GULF OF MEXICO DR #33N ISLANDER CLUB | LONGBOAT KEY $1,600,000

SOLD

GULF FRONT | 2 BD/2 BA | 1,235 SF An oversized balcony and private rooftop terrace provide amazing panoramic views of the Gulf, sunsets and beach.The Islander Club is a sought-after community with 400’ of private beach frontage.

Islander Club offers residents on-site management, a heated pool, renovated clubhouse, billiards and table tennis room, fitness center, saunas, and 2 Har-Tru tennis courts. The shopping, dining, and cultural attractions of St. Armands Circle and downtown Sarasota are just a short drive away.

MAGNIFICENT BAYFRONT SANCTUARY, SIESTA KEY | $9,330,000

SOLD CHRIS WETZIG

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

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

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

422623-1

Your Longboat Key Real Estate Experts

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

ANGELA WETZIG, CFP®

CHRISTOPHER WETZIG TEAM

941.465.1124

422611-1

26

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

27

The Owen Golden Gate Point

Checks All the Boxes for a Luxurious Lifestyle

Artist’s Rendering

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 Owen Golden Gate Point’s 01 great room and dining area opens to a spacious covered balcony with glass railings and a built-in stainless-steel Artisan Professional Series grill with a hood.

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.

Artist’s Rendering

An infinity edge saltwater pool and a separate spa will be the centerpiece of The Owen Golden Gate Point’s expansive landscaped outdoor amenity deck.

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 grilling area with seating will also be featured. Additional outdoor amenities will include a walking path, a fenced dog walk/park area, guest parking, and bicycle storage.

The Ronto Group and Wheelock Street Capital have delivered five mid and high-rises since 2015. Two more are under construction, including Rosewood Residences Lido Key, and three more are on the way. Ronto is continuing to accept sales contracts for residences at The Owen Golden Gate Point. Contact the LRM Group at Douglas Elliman Real Estate located at 1350 Main Street, Suite 2, Sarasota, FL 34236. Call 941.210.0987.

Artist’s Rendering

The Owen Golden Gate Point’s 01 kitchens will be equipped with a SubZero side-by-side panel ready refrigerator/freezer with an internal dispenser. A Wolf single wall oven, a five-burner gas range top, a wall microwave, and a Bosch panel ready dishwasher will also be included.

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.

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.

Artist’s Rendering

The Owen Golden Gate Point’s amenities and common areas are being designed by Riley Interior Design Principal Carrie L. Riley, ASID, including an attractive, comfortable, and highly functional social room.

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-

www.owengoldengate.com

417584-1

Artist’s Rendering

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.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

SARASOTA 33 S Palm Ave 1501 3 Beds 3/1 Baths Lisa Allen and Philip Pisano, III 312-848-1636 A4596347 $7,200,000

LONGBOAT KEY 545 Sanctuary Drive B406 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,375 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy & Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4576305 $1,999,999

LONGBOAT KEY 793 Jungle Queen Way 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,688 Sq. Ft. Beverly St Hilaire & Julie Klick 818-416-2505 A4575835 $1,995,000

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

SARASOTA 1155 N Gulfstream Avenue 707 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,645 Sq. Ft. Judy Nimz 941-374-0196 A4604536 $1,975,000

LONGBOAT KEY 749 Penfield Street 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,905 Sq. Ft. Tammy Kitt 941-284-7274 N6131408 $1,874,900

LONGBOAT KEY 380 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 525 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,255 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs 941-374-2920 A4588216 $1,795,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 1055 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 301 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,172 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4603345 $1,649,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3605 Fair Oaks Place 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,713 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy & Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4578278 $1,625,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1918 Harbourside Drive 901 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,135 Sq. Ft. Julie Klick & Beverly St. Hilaire 941-780-6001 A4588451 $1,600,000

LONGBOAT KEY 610 Russell Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,688 Sq. Ft. Matthew Voss 941-237-0877 A4586583 $1,399,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1211 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 805 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,598 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4597057 $1,395,000

LONGBOAT KEY 548 Lyons Lane 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,560 Sq. Ft. JoDene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4596628 $1,275,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3235 Gulf Of Mexico Drive A405 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,260 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy & Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4602938 $1,249,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2311 Harbour Oaks Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,691 Sq. Ft. Beverly St Hilaire 818-416-2505 A4601371 $1,225,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3010 Grand Bay Boulevard 422 2 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,143 Sq. Ft. Michael Nink, Pa 941-914-2805 A4588579 $1,195,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2077 Gulf Of Mexico Drive T1-109 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,387 Sq. Ft. Judy C Beck 941-320-2825 A4605868 $1,190,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2295 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 115 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,235 Sq. Ft. Michael Nink, Pa 941-914-2805 A4587000 $1,189,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 2213 Harbourside Drive 303 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,224 Sq. Ft. Maureen Horn & Sherry Dominick 941-539-3384 A4601150 $799,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 542 Sutton Place 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,450 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4603180 $595,000

LONGBOAT KEY 600 Sutton Place 303B 2 Beds 2 Baths 992 Sq. Ft. JoDene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4592570 $569,000

LONGBOAT KEY 565 Sutton Place V-9 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,198 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4594253 $549,000

LONGBOAT KEY 65 Lighthouse Point Drive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,941 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4593518 $8,150,000

LONGBOAT KEY 525 Norton Street 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,601 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4595862 $2,950,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3010 Grand Bay Boulevard 493 2 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,550 Sq. Ft. Michael Nink, Pa 941-914-2805 A4566091 $2,150,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

422400-1

28

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MARCH 25-29

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

REAL ESTATE

Lighthouse Point home tops sales at $8.5M

29

home 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.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

Nancy and Garry Goudy sold their home at 524 Cutter Lane to Kevin and Heidi Berry, of Longboat Key, for $2,925,000. Built in 1966, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,378 square feet of living area.

It sold for $580,000 in 2001.

BIRD KEY

Linh Vu and Michael Boggs, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 217 Bird Key Drive to Barrett Ray Crook and Elaine Crook, of Columbus, Ohio, for $2.4 million. Built in 1962, it has three bedrooms, twoand-two-half baths, a pool and 2,460 square feet of living area. It sold 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,

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.

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.

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.

HARBOUR OAKS II

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

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.

FAIRWAY BAY

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.

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.

In with the new NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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.

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

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

Longboat Key Address

Permit

Applicant

4401 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Re-roof

Longboat Harbour Towers $404,100

455 Longboat Club Road

Alt/Renovation

Jonathan Sisler

$385,000

730 Longboat Court

Alt/Renovation

Jesse Griffin

$380,000

1135 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Alt/Renovation

Carl & Jackie Ondracek

$280,000

Alt/Renovation

Robert Russell

$250,000

Alt/Renovation

MLD1211 LLC

$210,000

Alt/Renovation

Ira Federer

$141,720

6850 Pine St.

Dock/Seawall/Lift

David Miller

$131,570

961 Longboat Club Road

Re-roof

Craig Milton

$130,800

961 Longboat Club Road

Re-roof

Craig Milton

$130,000

500 Harbor Cove Circle

Swimming Pool

IT Living Trust

$115,000

548 Spinnaker Lane

Roof

Trading Waves FL LLC

$71,020

Triple M Partners LP

$68,370

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

Amount

MOVE-IN SPRING 2024

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

GOLDEN GATE POINT

LONGBOAT KEY

#504

#404 1211 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #1005 1211 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #708 2525 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #11D

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

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

Spa New Construction 530 Yardarm Lane

Swimming Pool

721 Emerald Harbor Drive

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Mary Hirschmiller

$63,188

2550 Harbourside Drive

Mechanical

Daniel West

$55,264

#354

Alt/Renovation

6151 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Electrical — Solar

Steve Tsangalias

$50,516

4545 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Windows/Doors

John Jones

$50,000

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

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

Spa

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

Source: Town of Longboat Key

Prices as of November 2023

422412-1

Unit 507

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

29 luxury residences from 2,200 to over 3,000 square feet, with designer finishes and generous amenities set in a coveted location between downtown Sarasota and pristine beaches.

941-210-0987 | OwenGoldenGate.com Priced from the mid $2 Millions.

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS MAKE REFERENCE TO THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. COMMUNITY FEATURES, AMENITIES AND PRICING APPROXIMATE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. 419919-1

30

YourObserver.com

31

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

Sunrise Sunset

High: 75 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 3%

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.

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Thursday, April 11

7:08a

7:52p

Friday, April 12

7:07a

7:53p

Saturday, April 13

7:06a

7:53p

Sunday, April 14

7:05a

7:54p

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

Monday, April 15

7:04a

7:54p

High: 79 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 2%

Tuesday, April 16

7:03a

7:55p

Wednesday, April 17

7:02a

7:55p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, APRIL 14 High: 80 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 3%

April 15 First

April 23 Full

May 1 Last

May 8 New

TIDES Highs Lows Thursday, April 11

3:40a

1:33p

7:48a

10:11p

Friday, April 12

5:10a

2:06p

7:38a

11:11p

Saturday, April 13

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2:43p

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Sunday, April 14

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3:29p

12:21a

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Monday, April 15

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4:33p

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Tuesday, April 16

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6:24p

2:50a

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11:15a

8:24p

3:48a

3:32p

Wednesday, April 17 Jenelle Alber captured this photo of a stunning sunset at Beer Can Island on Longboat Key.

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

The Grounded Feeling Everyone will Enjoy

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89 Hari of “Barbie” 90 See 21-Down

RSPXIK PCKKFK

“MGSLFIGDN MFFUM DA ZF J KIAZVFU

“Friday,” for one

68 “Te ___” (“I love you,” in

19 Fictional island involving 44 Words of wisdom 48 Like some land and lore Excalibur

JFST’?”

80 Craig and Smokey of

33 Cues

71 “Alright,” in slang

DMCEC IEC LMC ‘UPCITCT’ IKB ‘LMIKZ

65 Prix ___ menu

66 Tina of “A Haunting in what will happen in the sky Venice” on April 8, 2024 74 Like a doily 4 Mexican street corn

CEFTXFK FH GIKKCET. XL’T YCEJ TNIEJ.

Puzzle Three Clue: Z equals W

2 Great score for a duffer

64 April 8, 2024, for those

“X HXKB XL SUTCLLXKW LF TCC LMC

Puzzle Two Clue: N equals Y

1 Glowing

62 ___ a clue (is befuddled)

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle One Clue: Y equals V

DOWN

ACROSS

417953-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

sudoku

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

106 Protest at Stonewall 107 About, on a memo 109 Swear up a blue streak 111 Swallow anxiously 114 “Hey!” in Jalisco 115 “The Last of Us” streamer 116 Letters of debt 117 Negative conjunction 119 Long of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”

©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

4-11-24

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

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.

Condos/Apts. for Sale

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

Painting

LONGBOAT KEY Portobello Seasonal Rental.

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.

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

No pets. $7,000 - April and/or May (2024) $5,000 June-Dec (2024) 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.

WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RATES

Items Under $200 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

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

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

FIND IT IN THE RED PAGES 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE!

SELL YOUR STUFF FAST!

GARAGE SALE Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

CALL

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages 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

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

Call/txt 804-366-7650

Condos/Apts. for Rent FOR RENT: ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDO May to December GREAT VALUE 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

wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC

101 Longboat Key, FL 34228

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 Bradenton: Condo, 2 bed, 2 bath$229,900 Pet friendly 55+ Sarasota: 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Car Garage House $359,000

Bradenton: Pool Home, New windows, hvac, Completely Updated $689,900 Brooke O’Malley | Club Realty Call 941-726-2677

Rentals Wanted

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

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

Professional Services Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES

Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

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

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

This week’s Crossword answers LUCKY FINDS...

HERE!

www.yourobserver.com/redpages

Adult Care Services

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

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

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING

M-F

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

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

941-955-4888

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

LONGBOAT KEY 537 Halyard Ln.

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

real estate

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

Discrete/ Confidential. Call David 813-439-2694

Reservations 941-383-5577

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

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

Merchandise Wanted

Between Houses or Condos

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

Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

Beachfront, Bayfront and In

home services

auto

stuff

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. $575,000 (770) 335-9211

GARAGE SALE

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

©2022 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

peekers’ place

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Paint the town RED!

RED PAGES

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I find it upsetting to see the erosion of manners. It’s very scary. Where are the ‘pleases’ and ‘thank yous’?”

Julian Lennnon Puzzle Two Solution: “Sincerity seems to be a problem today.

I’d rather be true and hated than be false and fool people.”

Kristen Stewart Puzzle Three Solution: “Hope makes people good, a lot of the time. You hope for a brighter future, and resentment is outweighed.”

Daisy Ridley

This week’s Sudoku answers

Call for a FREE Evaluation!

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

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

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

©2022 NEA, Inc.

RED PAGES. MADE FOR WHERE YOU LIVE. HERE! TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT YOUROBSERVER.COM/REDPAGES

YourObserver.com

Handyman

Insurance

MIC INSURANCE

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

Divorce without Lawyers

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772 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.

421640

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

Health

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

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

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

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.

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

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

William J. Leininger, JD

421253

421262

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

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

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

Auto Service

Roofing

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

SELL YOUR CAR!

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

FAST • EASY • SAFE

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

421251

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

WE COME TO YOU

Home Services

5-Star Rated

Cleaning and Landscaping 421263

HoHoBuysCars.com

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Handyman Services Home Watch Storm Preparation & Other Services

Caregiver/Companion

1/10/23, 10:25 AM

Transportation

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

Luxury for Less

Home Watch

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

410036

1/1

421249

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

423479

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

CALL TODAY FOR PEACE OF MIND.

941-281-5539 | kathy@longboatkeyhomewatch.com

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

GROW YOUR BUSINESS 421264

WITH THE RED PAGES

UP TO

Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888

421250

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

INCLUDING SCREENS, TR ACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING, LLC

SPECIAL 00 5

$

High End Interior & Exterior Painting Services

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

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

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

422722

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

150

25 $

STANDARD WINDOWS

Painting

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

CALL 941-955-4888

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

Exclusively serving Longboat Key residents.

Storm-ready home preparations Handyman & concierge services

Furniture Repair

Showcase your products or services.

10%BOOST off YOUR BUSINESS Showcase your products or services.

CARING HANDS WHILE YOU’RE AWAY FROM HOME.

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

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

Windows

Sliding Glass Door Repair

941-504-0903

941-248-4734

CALL 941-955-4888

Doors

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

421268

coquinaservices@gmail.com

421252

Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

941-920-7065

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

421269

941.270.4400

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

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

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

421267

Attorney

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

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

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

421266

RED PAGES

33

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

500 HARBOR POINT ROAD

$8,900,000

This waterfront masterpiece, crafted by Murray Homes, epitomizes luxury living. Boasting 4BR+office and gym, with nearly 7,000 SF of meticulously updated interior and exterior, this private sanctuary features an oversized 4-car garage with golf simulator, plus a newly installed 30’ dock and 10,000-lb. lift (both added in 2022), ensuring seamless access to Sarasota Bay. www.500HarborPoint.com

MORE THAN $146 MILLION PENDING AND SOLD SINCE JANUARY 2024

6603 GULFSIDE ROAD

This a brand-new, direct Gulf-front masterpiece, set on over 1/4-acre and crafted by Vertical Design Build is still in the beginning stages so there is plenty of time to make your personal selections! www.6603GulfsideRoad.com

$15,000,000

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

1325 WESTWAY DRIVE

$13,995,000

97 SOUTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

$10,995,000

7652 SANDERLING ROAD

$8,995,000

5610 AVENIDA DEL MARE

$6,600,000

6923 WESTCHESTER CIRCLE

$4,695,000

This private estate is on over an acre of land with 172’ of beachfront, offering unobstructed Gulf views, designed to accentuate breathtaking beach and sunset views. www.7652Sanderling.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 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 the bay. www.97SouthWashington.com

This exquisite 5BR Arthur Rutenberg home is situated on nearly 1/2-acre of lakefront property. Offering 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

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

$1,550,000

4318 MARINA VIEW WAY

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

$1,250,000

7180 MANASOTA KEY ROAD

601 LOTUS LANE

$3,795,000

$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

8052 GRANDE SHORES DRIVE

$2,995,000

$2,950,000

$2,349,000

$2,195,000

$1,975,000

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

Move right into this beautifully furnished (included), 4BR+loft lakefront, 2021-built home! www.8052GrandeShores.com

255 COSMOPOLITAN COURT

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD #152

4004 CASCINA WAY

743 ANNA HOPE LANE

631 N. ORANGE AVENUE #107

$1,499,000

$1,495,000

$899,000

$629,000

$375,000

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

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

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

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