Longboat Observer 4.25.24

Longboat Harbour says farewell

Longboat Harbour Condominiums threw a pizza party from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on April 18 to celebrate the end of another successful season on Longboat Key.

“People stayed out there until later than we expected,” said resident Karen Pashkow. “We love it when everyone is having fun because that is our goal, but we had to clean up so we had a wait a bit to do that. But, that’s how you know it’s a good party.”

This was the second-biggest event hosted by Longboat Harbour with 158 people attending. Along with pizza galore on the beach, residents danced the day away to live beach music performed by musician John Rinell.

Longboat Harbour had a busy season full of holiday events, new additions to its ever-growing Yacht Club and many watch parties in its clubhouse. The pizza party allowed residents to reminisce on the busy year and say goodbye to their Longboat friends until next season. Pashkow said that it is events like these make residents sad to leave Longboat and can’t wait for the season to start again.

Turtle season crawls toward us

Sea turtle nesting season officially begins on May 1. But nests may start appearing earlier, like in recent years.

With that in mind, the town’s “Flip a Switch, Save Our Turtles” initiative will soon be in effect.

That means any lights that are visible from the beach need to be turned off or shielded.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission encourages people to turn off any lights that aren’t necessary at night during nesting season.

Alternatively, turtle-friendly bulbs and fixtures can be installed. That includes replacing high-intensity bulbs, like iridescent, with amber, orange or red LED bulbs with the lowest wattage possible.

During nesting season, the town also requires property owners to remove temporary structures from the beach every night from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

KNITTING FOR JOY

Dolores Engelke spreads smiles with her lovable handmade creations.

SEE PAGE 14

Dolores Engelke has knitted and given away 2,500 bears since 2017. She says she

Courtesy photo Connie DiMaggio and Pam Blevins

Image courtesy of Marc Ellis

Commissioners think long-term at retreat

In their strategic retreat, commissioners discussed future major projects and reviewed the town’s initiatives for 2025-2026.

WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

On April 15, town commissioners met for a strategic planning retreat in preparation for the next fiscal year. The retreat was the next phase in budget preparations and a period of long-range planning for the town.

Previously, the town collected input from the citizen satisfaction survey and a public workshop with community organizations. The feedback provided from those methods helped drive some of the conversations at the April 15 workshop.

From the survey, the town noted that respondents had several common issues that were important for the town to address in the coming years, including beach management, sea-level rise, canal dredging and street flooding.

Town Manager Howard Tipton also introduced some of the budget talks, first by providing an overview of some budget positives.

The fiscal year 2023 change in fund balance was up $2.9 million as of Tipton’s presentation. That included $2.2 million in excess reserves and $750,000 in capital reserve.

The town continues to actively pursue grants, Tipton mentioned, which are important for projects like the drainage improvements in Sleepy Lagoon, Buttonwood and the Village.

Additionally, Tipton said the opening of the St. Regis Longboat Key is a budget positive on the horizon.

But there are some budget chal-

lenges that Tipton expressed to commissioners. First is to figure out a method for funding the canal maintenance program. Also included in the challenges was an increase in the cost for the town’s subaqueous force main project, for which costs have increased nearly 30%, by $8 million.

Insurance rates and inflation in general continue to be at the forefront of budget challenges as well, Tipton added.

PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE

With budget in mind, Tipton walked commissioners through a chart of long-term issues that the town will address from 2024 through 2032.

The presentation focused on 20242025.

Drainage improvement projects for Sleepy Lagoon, Buttonwood and the Village will advance through design in 2025, and, pending funding, the Norton Street project will begin construction.

The town’s canal maintenance dredging program received a resurvey in March, and Tipton said an update on that will be presented to commissioners in June before furthering the discussion around funding and methodology for the program.

For the Town Center Phase 3, the remainder of 2024 will be spent focusing on fundraising and working toward the final design. In 2025, design and permitting are slated to

“The rec center at Bayfront Park is one that’s going to last a few more years, but it is on our agenda, on our radar, to look to replace.”

Howard Tipton

wrap up, and construction could begin if applicable.

The Broadway roundabout is currently going through a redesign, and the Country Club Shores left-turn lane project should be constructed in 2024. Then, in 2025, construction of the Broadway roundabout could be on its way, depending on funding.

Tipton also mentioned that the Recreation Center at Bayfront Park is an opportunity down the road.

“The rec center at Bayfront Park is one that’s going to last a few more years, but it is on our agenda, on our radar, to look to replace,” Tipton said.

The commission approved design money to get a rough idea this year, but Tipton said staff wants to be mindful of not competing with the Sarasota County library if extra fundraising is needed for the rec center.

For now, any rec center improvements are a little ways away, but commissioners suggested maybe this would be another opportunity for Sarasota County to invest back into Longboat Key.

On the topic of space, Tipton said town staff began considering the need for more space for employees in the future.

“If we were to add additional positions, we are rapidly running out of space in town hall,” Tipton said.

Tipton said the town tries to be flexible with employees who could work remotely or share an office space, but it’s at a point where it will be an “interesting conversation,” he said.

For example, there is no conference room in Public Works, and Tipton said meetings in that building often have to take place in the break room where staff are trying to have some downtime.

The next step in the strategic planning process is the first budget workshop for fiscal year 2025. That will take place on May 20. A second budget workshop will be on June 17.

Finding

FY25 — FY26 STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVES

Tipton and staff updated the town’s strategic planning matrix to eliminate projects completed in 2024 and add some new initiatives in the five categories: Community Character, Fiscal Sustainability, Environmental/Resiliency, Infrastructure and Services. Below are some notable additions.

Community Character:

„ The town will look to ensure the Metropolitan Planning Organization and Florida Department of Transportation’s funding for a Planning, Development and Environment study for the Complete Streets Corridor Plan in 2026.

„ Along with improvements to the town dock, the town will work with Manatee County to establish a ferry landing site.

Fiscal Sustainability:

„ Increased funding will be explored for the town road resurfacing project.

„ The town will seek grants to help offset costs for a 1,300-square-foot addition to the police department and other projects.

Environmental/Resiliency:

„ An aerial mapping of the town’s mangroves will happen in 2025.

„ Staff will continue to look into the design and permitting of beach structure solutions for Gulfside Road.

Infrastructure: „ In 2025, the town will design and replace the existing entrance signs on the north and south ends with digital signage.

„ Construction of the County Club Shores asbestos cement pipe replacement project will be completed in Phases 1 and 2. Phases 3 and 4 are set to begin in 2025.

Services: „ The town hopes to complete a website redesign in 2025 and also implement a public-facing town performance indicator and dashboard.

CARTER

UNDERWATER COMMUNITY BUILDERS

During the week of April 22, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program deployed 24 concrete artificial reefs as part of a $150,000 program aimed at providing habitat for fish.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program recently deployed 24 artificial reefs across six sites in Sarasota Bay, the first project of its kind in about a decade. The reef modules, called deepcover modules, are large, concrete structures that are about four feet wide. Each site has four modules and will create an underwater ecosystem to support the growth of juvenile grouper, according to SBEP Executive Director Dave Tomasko.

Members of the SBEP went by boat

on April 23 to watch the first reefs deployed. Half were set in place the first day, and the remaining dozen would be installed the following day.

Reef Innovations, which has its plant in Sarasota, built the modules for the SBEP.

Money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Sarasota Sportsmens Association provided the estuary program with the $150,000 necessary to carry out the project. Donations from the Sarasota Sportsmens Association to SBEP totaled about $50,000.

About $4.5 million of funds from the BIL allowed the SBEP to embark on a series of habitat restoration projects — something that was previously not possible within the SBEP’s standard funding. Other projects include the F.I.S.H. Preserve in Cortez and improvements to Bradenton’s G.T. Bray Park.

“We came up with the work plan a couple of years ago that said, we’ve got this opportunity to spend $4.5 million from the infrastructure law, and we’re not going to spend it on studies and reports. We’re going to spend it on restoration projects,” Tomasko said.

According to Tomasko, some artificial reef projects were completed by Manatee and Sarasota counties in the past, and the SBEP did similar projects as well.

“It’s not like no one’s ever done this before, but it hasn’t been done in about 10 years,” Tomasko said.

CREATING UNDERWATER COMMUNITY

When choosing a type of artificial reef, SBEP took part in a year-long monitoring process to pick the best one.

When Staff Scientist Jay Leverone saw about 40 gag grouper at one reef site with deep cover modules, he knew that was the type to use.

The reef sites are also accessible by kayak. Once populated with fish, Tomasko said the hope is that the reef sites will give people the opportunity to experience fishing for grouper without needing a big boat and going offshore. The four modules at each site will be spaced out, but not too far.

“The idea is to cluster them close enough to each other so that fish can swim from one to another,” Tomasko said. “And the idea also is that we don’t want to have these individual reefs scattered so far away that fish can’t go from one reef site to another.”

Creating a safe, interconnected habitat for juvenile fish to grow will hopefully help to stock the offshore fisheries.

“Fish have very high mortality and early life history stages,” Tomasko said. “So if you only focus on habitat for the adults, then you’re going to miss probably the most important thing, which is the habitat for the younger stages.”

After a couple weeks, there could be marine life like sponges growing on the reefs.

In about a year or two, the reefs will be “soaked,” according to Leverone. That means the artificial reefs will be fully immersed by then, and hopefully creating an underwater community.

Then, fish around the reefs could be tagged with the hope of becoming part of larger monitoring projects related to offshore fishing. That way, SBEP and other organizations can point to artificial reef programs like this as promoting the growth of juvenile fish that later go on to support offshore fisheries.

“The vast majority of the grouper you’re going to eat are not coming from Sarasota Bay, they’re probably coming from offshore,” Tomasko said. “But if you don’t have a Sarasota Bay, then you’re not going to be able to have a healthy offshore fishery.”

The six sites in Sarasota Bay will be Bayshore North Reef, Whale Key Reef, Bayshore South Reef, Walkers Reef, Harts Reef and Sportsmans Reef. These sites were previously permitted for artificial reefs, Tomasko said, which made the process easier.

Larry Beggs, with Reef Innovations, helps guide the crew in deploying the deep-cover artificial reefs.

The deep-cover modules are about the size of a large circular table.

Staff Scientist Jay Leverone and Executive Director Dave Tomasko suit up to examine sone existing artificial reefs. Photos by Carter Weinhofer Crews drop a deep-cover reef module into Sarasota Bay.

Neighborly discussions

Mayors from Longboat Key, Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach met on Longboat to address common issues.

other reports that might not have gone through the organization.

Elected officials from the Manatee County barrier islands met at Longboat Key’s Town Hall on April 17 to discuss some key issues relating to the municipalities.

Mayor Ken Schneier and Town Manager Howard Tipton were at the meeting to represent Longboat Key. Also at the meeting were Mayor Dan Murphy of the city of Anna Maria, Mayor John Chappie of the city of Bradenton Beach and Mayor Judy Titsworth of the city of Holmes Beach.

MANGROVE MATTERS

To start the meeting, officials heard from Abbey Tyrna, executive director for Suncoast Waterkeeper.  Tyrna said Longboat resident and Suncoast Waterkeeper Chairman Rusty Chinnis asked her to give a presentation to the officials concerning mangrove enforcement in the area.

“This is a crisis that is occurring throughout the Suncoast,” Tyrna said.

A recent incident in Anna Maria led to the removal of mangroves along a property’s seawall. The removal caught a lot of news attention, Tyrna said, and sparked conversation as to what more local municipalities could do to regulate mangrove trimming and removal.

In the last year, Tyrna said Suncoast Waterkeeper received 18 reports of over-trimming or removal of mangroves. That doesn’t include

“Now, more than ever, we need strong, local policies that protect our mangrove systems,” Tyrna said. “And what the good news is, is that local governments can actually take delegation of enforcement of the 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act.”

For example, Sarasota County, the city of Sanibel and the town of Jupiter Island are three municipalities that have taken on enforcement of the act. In those cases, the municipalities can be stricter than the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, according to Tyrna.

Along Longboat’s 81 canals, mangroves are unprotected since the

“Now, more than ever, we need strong, local policies that protect our mangrove systems. And what the good news is, is that local governments can actually take delegation of enforcement of the 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act.”

— Abbey Tyrna, executive director for Suncoast Waterkeeper

1996 act allows for the removal of mangroves along man-made canals.

This is an issue because of mangroves’ role in coastal protection, which can be more effective than alternative methods, Tyrna said.

She also showed an example of an MLS listing that stated mangroves would be removed from the property.

“That means there’s a lack of understanding of just how beneficial these systems are,” Tyrna said.

Taking over mangrove regulation enforcement has come up in conversation in the past for Longboat Key, but wasn’t something that staff thought about pursuing.

Tipton mentioned to the other officials at the meeting that a representative from the FDEP will attend a commission meeting in May to continue the conversation about mangrove enforcement.

The mayors discussed the possibility of joining forces in mangrove enforcement. Murphy suggested that maybe in the future it could be a joint effort through an interlocal agreement.

“The scalping is not going to stop. It’s going to continue until we do something about it,” Murphy said.

Tipton said that while Longboat Key doesn’t have the resources to

take on something like this, a cooperative effort could be possible.

TRAFFIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Chappie informed the mayors that the contractors associated with the Bradenton Beach sewer replacement project have about 140-169 days left on the contract.

“They’re moving along great,” Chappie said.  Schneier discussed the Gulf Islands Water Ferry and informed the other mayors that the town boat ramp on Linley Street was in consideration for becoming a future ferry destination. The ramp is also up for some repairs.

Tipton said the Florida Department of Transportation might come back to the Longboat Key town commission in June to discuss the Longboat Pass Bridge, which connects Longboat Key and Bradenton Beach.

Tipton also said that town staff met with the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization to talk about the corridor going from Cortez south into Longboat Key. He noted that traffic in that corridor was longer this year than in previous years.  “And so the MPO is looking to circle back around to the Barrier

Island Traffic Study and look at the rest of the recommendations that were implemented to see what else can we do to help with the traffic,” Tipton said.

Longboat Key is in communication with Manatee County about the topic, according to Tipton, and asked for participation from the other barrier islands as well.

One of the problems, Tipton said, is the Coquina Beach parking lot. Chappie confirmed that the latest construction added well over 100 spaces.  “Don’t misunderstand where the traffic is coming from,” Chappie said. “I would guess most of them are actually coming from Longboat Key, not the beach … I think the bridges are the big thing that’s going to help.”

Tipton noted that many cars waiting in traffic tend to turn into the beach parking lot and drive north and get back into the traffic line to cut ahead.

The solution may be closing the gates, which could prevent that situation, Tipton said.

At the end of the meeting, Schneier introduced the mayors to District 4 Commissioner Debra Williams, who was recently appointed as the commission’s Manatee County liaison.

File image

At their April 17 meeting, barrier island mayors discussed how they might collaborate to better enforce regulations preventing illegal trimming or removal of mangroves, like the one that occurred on Longboat in 2023.

Costs rise by over 1/3 for underwater sewer main

The project rose in cost by about $8 million and would replace the subaqueous line underneath Sarasota Bay.

The latest estimate for replacing Longboat Key’s subaqueous force main — one of the largest upcoming projects for the town — came with an estimated increase of about $8 million.

According to estimates from two private consultants, the cost of the project went from about $21.9 million to about $30 million.

“It’s not that it’s gone out to bid, but the market has changed dramatically,” Town Manager Howard Tipton told commissioners at the April 15 strategic planning retreat.

The new number takes into consideration construction and construction administration costs. Between the two consultants, the higher estimate was $28.7 million. Director of Public Works Isaac Brownman said staff went with the higher estimate to be conservative with rate assessments.

He also told commissioners on April 15 that some of his peers estimated the project would be $35 million to $40 million, so a $30 million estimate sounded pretty good.

“We still need to negotiate easements with Long Bar, and so by just rounding, $30 million is probably a fair number to do a new rate assessment on,” Brownman said.

The project would replace the force main that is underneath Sarasota Bay and leads from Longboat Key to the mainland. Permitting was already acquired for the project from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Another cost increase came for the Country Club Shores asbestos cement pipe replacement as well, Tipton informed commissioners.

“Between the subaqueous and Country Club Shores, we’ll be issuing debt that will be paid back with utility revenues,” he told commissioners at the planning retreat.

For the subaqueous project, the town has $6.8 million already secured.

Of that, $1.8 million is a general fund transfer of some of the town’s funds available through the American Rescue Plan Act. A 2023 Omnibus Community Grant Program sponsored by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan adds another $3 million, and a state appropriation provides

$2 million.

That still leaves about $20.8 million to $23.9 million that the town needs to head into construction.

Tipton said that staff hopes to pull in some grants for this project. Another opportunity could be to ask Manatee County for some assistance.

“That seems, to me, like one that we could make a pretty strong pitch to Manatee (County) to participate in,” Mayor Ken Schneier said about the project.

But most likely, the town will need to go into debt for the project.

“The biggest way that we’re paying for it is through the rates that our users pay, which is typically how utility work gets done,” Tipton said.

In 2021, the town approved utility rate increases of 5% each year. There are still two more years on that plan, so residents’ water bills would increase by 5% each year for the next two years. The rates would not roll back at the end of the program.

Tipton said staff needs to evaluate if these increases will be enough to cover what they now know.

In the meantime, he told commissioners that the town can utilize utility fund reserves and short-term financing, then issue long-term bonds when feasible.

WHY THE REPLACEMENT?

In June 2020, a leak in the old pipeline caused by corrosion was discovered. The break in the pipe was about

“The biggest way that we’re paying for it is through the rates that our users pay, which is typically how utility work gets done.”

Howard Tipton,Town Manager

22 square inches. The leak caused an estimated 14 million gallons of effluent to leak into the bay, which led to fees of more than $440,000 for the town.

The subaqueous replacement project was originally split into two parts. First was the mainland portion, which began construction in November 2022.

For that project, about 1.2 miles of the old pipeline was relined with new, upgraded material that was estimated to last between 75 to 100 years. The relining went from the leak point, about 400 feet north of Sarasota Bay, to the Manatee County meter.

The town opted to slip-line new pipe into the old pipe. That meant installing a new pipe, about 18 inches in diameter, into the old pipe, which was about 20 inches in diameter.

Construction wrapped up in May 2023 and the mainland portion was operational.

That portion of the project cost about $2.6 million, $2 million of which was funded by state appropriations.

Courtesy photo The purple line running from the Key to the orange dot represents the town-owned wastewater pipeline.

Lift Station

Residents lead rookery revitalization

Residents, staff and board members cut the ribbon on Earth Day for the revitalized bird rookery and peninsula at Plymouth Harbor.

Plymouth Harbor residents and staff spent Earth Day 2024 celebrating the completion of a year-long revitalization for the community’s bird rookery and peninsula.

The peninsula, about three acres in size, is home to a bird rookery where a variety of birds come to nest and create a small ecosystem in Plymouth Harbor. The project was a resident-led effort.

Now, residents and staff can enjoy a stroll around the new peninsula, with benches, a cushioned walking path, viewing areas, signage, a songbird garden and new vegetation.

Before cutting the ribbon, Plymouth Harbor board members, campaign Chair Bill Johnston and Save Our Seabirds Executive Director Brian Walton had a chance to give a few remarks.

Harry Hobson, former president and CEO, said the vision to revitalize the rookery began more than 12 years ago but couldn’t be fully realized at the time. Over the years, some modifications were made, and in fall 2021, a committee was formed to further the project’s vision.

Johnston chaired that committee and led the fundraising effort, which began in spring 2022. Later that year, the campaign surpassed the goal of raising $1.65 million and construction could begin.

Johnston said the rookery was a special place to him and his family. His father, who also lived at Plymouth Harbor, enjoyed the scenery of the rookery, which often made him smile later in life.

“The ability to see him smile, whether it was the waves, or birds or whatever, just made my mother as

“It truly is a remarkable place, an important place where diversity can take place in terms of our bird species.”

— Brian Walton, Save Our Seabirds

happy as anybody can be,” Johnston said.

In total, there were about 88 donors, according to Vice President of Philanthropy Beth Watson.   Construction lasted until last week, when finishing touches of replanting took place.

Walton spoke a little bit about the work that Save Our Seabirds does, and said that the few interactions he’s had with the rookery have made the place stand out to him.

“It truly is a remarkable place, an important place where diversity can take place in terms of our bird species,” Walton said. “That is an important contribution to the biodiversity of our environment and our community here.”

After the remarks, the ribbon was cut and guests were able to walk the peninsula, take in the views and enjoy refreshments with music from Sarasota Steel Drum and violinists from Prometheus Duo.

One resident who was invested in the project from the start was Lou Newman.

“Our goal was, number one, to restore our environmental jewel that all the residents could enjoy for years to come,” Newman said.

“Our second goal was to preserve the rookery.”

His apartment provides him with a good view, and he can get some good photographs from his neighbor’s balcony, he said.

But walking around the rookery is where he can point out all the nests he keeps an eye on, from a blackcrowned night heron to a green heron protecting her chicks.

For Newman and many of the residents — and staff — of Plymouth Harbor, the revitalization of the rookery and peninsula gives a fresh way to enjoy the environment within the community.

Newman traveled the world — all seven continents — often with three cameras at the ready. A veterinarian turned wildlife photographer, Newman looks out at the rookery daily.

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

Donors, Plymouth Harbor residents and staff cut the ribbon for the three-acre bird rookery.

Esther and JJ Kidd sit on the bench named for them to commemorate their donation to the rookery.

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An attack on religion?

A new Biden rule on immigration is forcing thousands of foreign-born clergy to leave their churches, temples and synagogues.

The arrogance of the Biden administration and its unelected, authoritarian regulators and the fecklessness of Congress know no bounds. You might also say the Biden administration’s obvious assault against Christians is marching forward with punitive force.

We say all of that in the wake of an announcement in this week’s Sunday bulletin at St. Martha Catholic Church.

Pastor George Suszko announced that the Rev. Krzysztof “Chris” Frost is leaving St. Martha and the United States because of the Biden administration’s surprise change in green card rules in March 2023 — and because of Congress’ subsequent lack of will to act. New rules — imposed by the Department of State and not legislated by Congress — are forcing Father Frost out of his job and back to his native country of Poland at the end of May. He must be out of the country before May 30; if not, he will be banned from entering the United States for 10 years.

Father Frost, 45, has been serving at St. Martha four-and-a-half years. Previously, he served parishes in Buffalo and Brooklyn. He started his ministry in the U.S. in 2012.

All the while, he has been working legally with an R-1 visa, with the intent to apply for a green card for permanent residency status.

The R-1 category is a religious worker visa that allows foreignborn religious workers — of all religions — to work 30 months in the U.S. Father Frost has extended his R-1 visa five times, legally.

After being settled at St. Martha for two years, in 2022, he qualified to begin the process to qualify to apply for a green card. He spent an entire year off and on gathering documentation about his health and history, proving he met immigration standards to apply for a green card.

In early March 2023, after exhaustive red tape, he finally completed the documentation and sent it to his lawyer in Buffalo. A week later, his lawyer called him with the bad news.

The Department of State — without notice to anyone — changed the rules. The federal government stopped the process on all religious worker applications for green cards. The change meant his R-1 status would end, forcing him to leave the country.

“I missed the deadline by one month,” Frost said. “After so many years here and filing all the papers — it’s just unbelievable. It’s like being told you were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, but they gave it to someone else.”

THOUSANDS FORCED OUT

Frost is far from being alone. He is one of thousands of foreign-born priests, nuns, rabbis, imams and other religious workers all over the U.S. who are being forced to leave their jobs and go back to their places of origin. The Los Angeles diocese is losing 30 priests; Brooklyn is losing 30. The diocese of Venice here will lose two other priests in August.

Why did the State Department change the rules?

Of the five people interviewed, in a report in the National Law Review and in documents from the American Immigration Lawyers Association, no one understands why the Biden administration did what it did. Nor has the Biden administra-

tion explained explicitly why. But here is what it did: State Department bureaucrats issued an immigration bulletin in March 2023 in which it said for the past seven years the green card applications for so-called neglected or abused minors from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras were being placed in the wrong greencard category. So by fiat, they decided to put the minors in the same category as religious workers and declared that applicants who applied prior to March 2018 would have priority.

This essentially gave preference to 55,000 slots previously set for religious workers to the minors who came through the southern border by the thousands as asylum seekers in 2014 and 2015.

“For religious workers and the communities they currently serve as R-1 nonimmigrants, this means they will not be able to become lawful permanent residents before their nonimmigrant status expires,” according to a letter the American Immigration Lawyers Association sent to Secretary of State Andrew Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Majorkas. “For most, the only option is that they leave” the country.

For more than a year now, the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops, the immigration lawyers association and other religious groups have written letters, lobbied the State Department and Congress.

The immigration lawyers provided Homeland Security with four detailed steps that could resolve the issue for religious workers. An assistant Homeland secretary responded last October in a onepage letter. Ultimately, she concluded: “… Only legislation can fully address the important concerns you raise.”

Frost gave us copies of responses to requests for help he sent to Rep. Greg Steube and Sen. Marco Rubio. As Frost interpreted them: “Blah, blah, blah.”

Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-California, filed a bill last June to fix the matter, but GovTrack, the legislative tracking site, gives the bill a 2% chance of it being enacted.

Frost is blunt about Washington not fixing the problem: “It’s a pure lack of will.”

Said Pastor Suszko: “It will have to be a new government. A new government can change it.”

Suszko himself is concerned. Unless the rules and law are changed, he too will lose his work visa and be forced to leave his pastorship at St. Martha and return in November 2026 to his home country of Poland. Suszko has been on his first assignment in the U.S. at St. Martha for the past two-and-ahalf years.

WORSENS CLERGY SHORTAGE

The adverse consequences of this ruling go beyond the clergy themselves. Suszko said St. Martha needs at least four priests to meet the demands of the parish, visiting the sick in hospitals and overseeing St. Martha Catholic School. Now it will be down to three.

What’s more, this brilliant regulatory decision-making comes when Catholic parishes around the country — as well as other Christian denominations — are already

Because of new Biden immigration rules giving

to their native homelands. Frost will return to Poland at the end of May.

struggling because of a shortage of clergy. According to The National Catholic Reporter, a Catholic University of America study of priests indicated 24% of priests serving in the U.S. are foreign-born (8,900). And of those, 15% were ordained outside the U.S., said Brandon Vaidyanathan, chair of Catholic University’s Department of Sociology and the study’s lead researcher.

“If we assume, for instance, that foreign-ordained priests are largely on visas — that’s a large chunk of your 15%, given just the priest shortage, and the number of parish closures,” Vaidyanathan told The National Catholic Reporter. “A single priest is sometimes responsible for three to five parishes. So you can imagine with that situation, losing 10% to 15% of your priests, that becomes a serious crisis.”

For now, the Diocese of Venice says it does not have a shortage of priests. “Not yet,” said diocese Chancellor Volodymyr Smeryk. “But we could in the long term. It takes up to six years to finish in the seminary.”

Nonetheless, when you hear the Rev. Frost’s story and frustrations, you can multiply that by the thousands across the country.

“You have to deal with all your belongings,” Frost said. “I’ve already shipped two boxes (back to Poland). I have two more. I’m selling my bike, my computer. I have to close my bank accounts.

“I still can’t believe after almost 12 years, I cannot do what I love to do,” he said.

Frost will be returning to his hometown of Chelmno, an 18,000-population city in northern Poland. “My mother is counting the days,” Frost said. He hasn’t seen her or his brother or sister in more than three years. Traveling back to Poland during that time would have jeopardized his visa status.

Frost said he would like to come back to the United States and continue his ministry, but it’s not likely.

HOW THE VISA SYSTEM WORKS

The following is excerpted from a National Law Review article written by lawyer Raymond G. Lahoud: The R-1 visa, a nonimmigrant or temporary visa granted by the U.S. government to individuals working in religious roles, lasts up to 30 months and can be extended for five years. This type of visa allows religious organizations to recruit proficient and skilled religious professionals from foreign countries. To become permanent residents, immigrants often apply for green cards. The number of green

cards available annually is set by Congress and is categorized based on factors like family relationships and employment skills. Unfortunately, the backlog for certain categories can be extensive.

Historically, faith leaders had shorter wait times for green cards.

But in March, the State Department announced that applications for neglected or abused minors from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador had been in the wrong queue for nearly seven years. These applications were then

To return, he would have to wait a year to apply for another R-1 visa, which then would take another six to eight months to obtain. A green card would likely take another five to 10 years.

“I see on YouTube thousands of illegal immigrants crossing the border and then get picked up by Uber and taken to a hotel,” Frost said. “I’m tired of the whole process and really discouraged.”

ASSAULT ON CHRISTIANS?

As we’ve often noted, the famed economist-philosopher Thomas Sowell said there are no solutions to problems, only tradeoffs. And in making the tradeoff — to give preference to unaccompanied (illegal) minors from Central America over religious workers serving millions of congregants, the federal government clearly demonstrated what the famous libertarian writer and newspaper columnist of the 1940s, Isabel Paterson, said about government:

“Government is solely an instrument or mechanism of appropriation, prohibition, compulsion and extinction; in the nature of things, it can be nothing else, and can operate to no other end.”

What’s more, she wrote: “It is a fundamental error to suppose that a law may do some good and cannot hurt anyone. Whether it does any good or not, a law enforced must hurt someone.”

As his administration has done throughout his term, Biden and his immigration bureaucrats are hurting thousands and thousands of clergy, their families and hundreds of thousands of Christian, Jewish, Muslim congregants throughout the United States. Whatever government touches, it always makes matters worse. What’s more, it’s difficult not to suspect or see this deporting of mostly Christian clergy as another Biden administration assault on religion and Christianity.

added to the general queue alongside those of clergy members. As a result, only applications filed before January 2019 are currently being processed. This change has left faith leaders whose visas are expiring with no other option than to leave their congregations behind. The wait time for green cards has become so long that some estimate it to be at least a decade. This lengthy wait is likely to discourage religious organizations from hiring foreign-born workers, even as there is a growing demand among immigrant congregations.

Matt Walsh

preference to unaccompanied minors who crossed the southern border in 2014, 2015 and 2016, the Rev. Krzysztof “Chris” Frost of St. Martha Catholic Church in Sarasota is one of thousands of foreign-born clergy and religious workers in the U.S. being forced to return

MATT WALSH

Why do we need a new library?

My wife and I are rare native Floridians from Tampa, and Longboat Key homeowners since 2019.

We enjoy the Observer’s no-nonsense “Opinion/My View.” It’s consistently fair, objective, informed and simply logical. I am compelled to write regarding the recent library battle after I read the mayor’s angry response simply because the opinion page doesn’t agree with Mayor Ken Schneier.

Many politicians are initially motivated by a desire to serve. Unfortunately, most also become victims of their own hubris and self-importance from power. It appears to me Mayor Schneier is no exception. Why do we need a new library? Did we get to vote for a new library? It doesn’t seem to matter to the mayor who is attempting to accomplish nothing but contributing to the ever-growing bureaucratic monster that will never be tamed.

Let’s step back as Matt Walsh recommends and assess the residents’ desires. Who wants to pay more taxes for a service only a fraction will utilize?

Unfortunately, the internet information age has converted good old-fashioned libraries into relics of the past. Let it go — just order whatever book you want to be delivered to your doorstep, and let’s stop wasting our tax dollars on politicians’ pet projects. Mayor Ken, please try to fine tune the services we currently have rather than invent something that is sure to raise our taxes.

NICHOLAS M. KAVOUKLIS LONGBOAT KEY

Ted Sperling Park in need of enforcement

For the past many years, we have been trying to work with Sarasota city and county officials to address a weekly cycle of environmental infractions at Ted Sperling Park.

To date, after many meetings, phone calls with police and emails with park, city and county officials, the situation has only worsened. For whatever reason, officials respon-

sible for the park are not responding to our pleas to reduce the noise pollution, trailers putting Jet Skis in the water, boats coming on to the beach and staying all day, and to rid the park of pets that dig up turtle nests, chase the endangered birds and deposit their excrement on the beach. It is horrible here on Saturday and Sunday … simply horrible.

Residents that live and love Lido Key are at their wits end to address these issues. The park is at a cusp of being environmentally destroyed, and our only hope is the state will step in to require our city and county officials to follow more proactive measures, such as mandating park rangers and police to stay in the park all day (especially weekends) and enforcement (fines; not warnings) to protect Ted Sperling Park. We are not getting any tangible response from the city and county. (Many emails and phone calls to prove that.) Please help us!

JIM MUSEL LIDO BEACH

Pothole repairs no help to cyclists

I am an owner who enjoys biking along Gulf of Mexico Drive on a regular basis and am greatly disappointed in the LBK service department! They sent a crew out to fill a small number of potholes recently. Thank you from the drivers!

However, I am totally dismayed that the crew involved did NOT also broom and shovel the tailings in the bike lanes, specifically both north and south of the fire station in both the north and south bike lanes! I mean, come on!

A bike rider needs to leave the “protection” of the bike lanes, risk the 45 mph drivers’ courtesy and avoid a spill in the gravel/old hot mix from last year’s fillings! Isn’t there a road supervisor who inspects the crew’s work? I would give them all an “F” as a retired teacher!

While on the subject of the road work, I believe it is time to send out the street sweepers again on the entire GMD! Thank you for your help!

THOMAS M MORGAN LONGBOAT KEY

to work. A check for wants and warrants came back negative, and the officer let the man be.

DROP-OFF SERVICE

p.m., Greer Island

Stop: Marine patrol officers observed a man operating a pontoon boat in the vessel exclusionary zone on the east side of Greer Island. The officers approached the vessel and its operator, who admitted he knew of the exclusionary zone but was dropping off a passenger. The operator received a civil citation for the violation.

QUICK TRIP TO THE GAS

STATION

4:34 p.m., 6600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Officer Public Service: Dispatch sent officers to a citizen assist call after a caller contacted 911 because he ran out of gas. Officers arrived on scene and the driver said he was unfamiliar with the vehicle and had run out of gas. One of the officers provided him with a ride to the gas station and then back to his vehicle. After filling the car with some gas, the driver was able to continue on his way.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

FALSE ALARM

8:12 p.m., 100 block of North Shore Road Distress: A caller reported a possible person in distress who was flashing a white light about 300 yards off of Greer Island. Upon arrival, an officer saw the white light and identified it as the safe water navigational marker.

MONDAY, APRIL 15

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR DOGS

6:54 p.m., 100 block of Broadway Street

Animal Problem: An officer was dispatched to the beach in reference to a dog on the beach. The com-

SUNDAY, APRIL 14 ‘JUST GIVE IT A LITTLE GAS’

4:17 p.m., Jewfish Key Disabled Vehicle: While on marine patrol, an officer was waved down by a boater who could not free his anchor. The operator said the boat was a rental and he could not get the anchor free. The officer instructed the boater to go forward slightly to break the anchor free. The instructions worked, and the boater was in compliance with the officer’s safety check, so he was sent on his way.

MAD ABOUT MUSIC

5:51 p.m., Jewfish Key Noise Disturbance: A resident called 911 to report a boat playing loud rap music and flying a confederate flag. An officer spoke to the caller, who said the music was loud and vulgar and she wanted it to be turned down. Longboat Key marine patrol was unavailable at the time.

RACCOON RELOCATION

5:58 p.m., 200 block of Sands Point Road

Animal Problem: Dispatch sent an officer and animal control to a report of an adult raccoon with two babies in a pool area. The officer arrived first and found the raccoons taking shelter in a large planter. Animal services retrieved the baby raccoons and set a trap for the adult.

MONDAY, APRIL 15

PROBABLY SHOULD’VE WALKED

9:07 a.m., 1200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Vehicle Stop: A license plate reader notified officers of a red convertible traveling with an expired tag. But, the picture taken by the license plate reader camera showed the tag on a silver Honda. An officer located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver admitted to not having a valid Florida driver’s license and never received one. He also said he just purchased this vehicle and took the license plate off of his old red convertible and put it on the silver Honda. The Honda was not registered nor did it have insurance. In the end, the driver racked up three criminal citations with court dates and a traffic citation, and the officer took away the license plate and had the vehicle towed.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

POO PROBLEM

8:07 a.m., 1000 block of Bogey Lane

Suspicious Incident: Dispatch sent an officer for a reported suspicious incident. At the residence, the officer spoke with the homeowner who said she was concerned someone was putting dog feces in and around her pool, which is secured with a fence and locked gate behind the residence. The officer walked with the homeowner to the pool to see the feces, which the officer realized was from a raccoon and not a dog. Upon further investigation, the officer found that the residence was surrounded by shrubs that had more raccoon feces around it.

WARM WELCOME HOME

5:25 p.m., 3600 block of Fair Oaks Place

Suspicious Incident: A neighbor called the police to report suspicious individuals who showed up at a vacant home. The caller said he heard a loud bang in the house and saw one man exit the house. Police showed up at the residence-inquestion and spoke with the man inside, who identified himself as the homeowner with proper identification. He said he had purchased the home and was in the process of having some renovations.

Little Italy on the Circle

spot open with good food and a fun bar and dance floor. I think we will be able to bring that lively vibe back to give the people what they want.”

1The grand opening for the highly anticipated two-story restaurant will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 27. The public is invited to come to browse the restaurant, meet the staff and taste a sampling of appetizers and pizzas along with a complimentary glass of wine or beer. The restaurant officially opens the following Monday, April 29.

Owner of the new restaurant and Napulè on Tamiami Trail, Alessandro Di Ferdinando promised to bring back that lively atmosphere of the beloved 15 South Ristorante, the place to be in its heyday of the 2000s. The restaurant will have the same two-story concept as its predecessors.

“It was the talk of the town,” said Jennifer Rodriguez, a longtime friend of Di Ferdinando and employee helping out with the opening of the restaurant. “People to this day talk about it how much they miss that

The downstairs will be perfect for families and friends to enjoy a cozy, intimate environment while eating fresh pasta and pizza. As people head up the stairs, the second floor will provide an upbeat energy with a dance floor, full bar and balcony to look upon St. Armands Circle. Di Ferdinando plans to bring back the nightlife atmosphere with live bands, salsa dancing nights and DJ parties.

As Di Ferdinando plays the frontman, all things food will be handled by his longtime friends and business partners, Antonio Mancini and Giancarlo Di Cosmo. Di Ferdinando

IF YOU GO

15 SOUTH BY NAPULÈ

What: Grand opening

Where: 15 S. Boulevard of the Presidents, is having its grand

opening

When: 6-8 p.m. on April 27.

Info: Officially open starting April 29. Restaurant hours will be Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays until 10 p.m.

Call 867-8081 or visit 15SouthByNapule.com/ for more info. information.

and Di Cosmo met when they worked together at a Soho House concept in London. After years of staying in touch and keeping tabs on each other’s careers, Chef Di Cosmo joined the team to head the kitchen with his creative dishes and love for authentic Italian food.

Former Napulè pizza maker and Vesuvio Frozen Pizza owner Mancini will man the multiton gold-tiled

“I feel excited to be opening up this week. We are prepared to adjust things as we go because things don’t always go as planned.”

— Alessandro Di Ferdinando

Neapolitan pizza oven. Customers will be able to watch his careful process from their seats as he makes his iconic wood-fired pizzas and fresh bread.

15 South By Napulè prides itself on the authenticity of its Italian cuisine.

“The flour is imported from Italy and everything is just made so fresh here,” said Rodriguez. “I have never worked with Giancarlo and Antonio, but I definitely trust Alessandro to bring in the best chefs to give the most authentic Italian experience.”  The menu will be similar to Napulè’s authentic Italian menu but will have Di Cosmo’s twist on it. It will include fresh pasta made from scratch, Neapolitan-style woodfired pizza and a full bar of with specialty cocktails, wine and beer on both floors.

Having Mancini, Di Cosmo and Rodriguez as part of his staff shows the family dynamic Di Ferdinando has wherever he sets up shop. Rodriguez started working with Di Ferdinando when she was 17 and now her daughter works for Napulè as well. They hope to provide the same close-knit, friendly dynamic with their customers, too.

“I feel excited to be opening up this week,” said Di Ferdinando. “We are prepared to adjust things as we go because things don’t always go as planned.”

Di Ferdinando emphasized that his team is doing everything to make 15 South by Napulè a place full of memories with loved ones, eating top-tier Italian cuisine and dancing the night away.

Highly anticipated Italian restaurant, 15 South By Napulè, will be the best of both worlds with an intimate restaurant downstairs and a lively bar and dance floor upstairs.

Photos by Petra Rivera Alessandro Di Ferdinando, Antonio Mancini and Giancarlo Di Cosmo

Antonio Mancini’s Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza made in multiton gold-tiled Neapolitan pizza oven.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Stitched with love

Dolores Engelke spends about five hours every day knitting to provide stuffed bears stitched with love and comfort.

Longboat Key resident Dolores Engelke is known as “the bear lady.” Not because of any affinity for the large, furry animals, but rather the miniature cuddly ones she creates herself.  Engelke, 90, knits football-sized teddy bears by hand, and then gives them away to anyone and everyone as a way of sharing joy.

Through her hobby, which she began in 2016, she has spread this joy to more than 2,500 people, ranging from people she meets around town to larger donations she makes to a variety of nonprofits and local organizations.

“It’s a comfort for me to knit,” said Engelke. “Just the act of putting something together makes me feel accomplished.”

Since her childhood, Engelke felt a strong connection to teddy bears and always preferred them to all other toys. If you walk into her bedroom today, you see subtle themes of bears scattered throughout. Most of the gifts that she’s received usually relate to bears in some way.

Soon after that, it became a part of her daily routine, a comfort to keep her grounded. Engelke said she can’t watch television without her knitting needles. She will also knit while sitting in the car since she can’t drive anymore.

Once her daughter heard of her new hobby, she sent Engelke a pattern to knit a bear because she knew her mother would enjoy it. She never made an afghan again. After many years, Engelke has a routine down, but that does not

But when she started knitting, she wasn’t thinking about bears. She was focused on healing. Her neighbor taught her how to knit as a way to pass the time while she recovered from back surgery. She started by knitting afghans. It would take her about two-and-a-half weeks to finish one.

mean each bear is the same. Every day, she will look in her box of yarn and pick different colors than the day before to avoid repetition. It will take her about five to six hours throughout the day to finish one bear.

“If I don’t finish a bear, I feel like I’ve wasted the day away,” said Engelke.

Engelke has given boxes of bears to the Red Cross, the U.S. Ambulance Corps, the Christ Child Society, Solve Maternity Homes and several pediatric wards. She even knitted a box full for her dentist’s office to give away.  Her friends persuaded her to send the bears globally.  Engelke’s fellow parishioner of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church Ginny Akhoury shipped some of her bears to children in Paraguay.

Along with giving her bears away for charity, Engelke is constantly giving them to people she knows. Friends, neighbors and loved ones from home have all asked her for bears for their grandchildren. Each of her family members has their own special bear. Her daughter will send her photos of her bears dressed up for different holidays.

Engelke’s work is such a family affair that, before her husband died, he would hug and kiss every bear as it went out to the multiple nonprofits where they were donated. This was his way of solidifying the love she stitched into them.

One day when she was in an ice cream shop, Engelke remembers overhearing a child crying. She couldn’t help but run to her car to

grab a bear to give to him. He immediately stopped crying once he received the bear. Recently, she was speaking with the man who was fixing the air conditioning at her condominium. After seeing her bears, he couldn’t help but ask for one. When she asked if he was giving it to a child, he told her it would ride alongside him in his truck every day.

Another day, she had given away a box full of bears to a nonprofit. She overheard the lady speaking to the bears as she walked away, “You are all going to good homes.” Now, Engelke loves to repeat this before she gives away each bear.  Her favorite bear story goes further than the ones she has given away locally.

When Engelke’s husband was in the hospital, she passed the time there by knitting her bears. One day, a nurse saw her knitting and shared that she had one of them. Her mother was a member of St. Mary and had picked one up for her when she was on Longboat. Engelke was amazed at how she had run into someone who owned one of her bears but whom she had never met.She marveled at the coincidence that that nurse was working the same weekend she was there.

“What were the odds that she’d be on the same floor on the weekend that my husband was a patient there?” said Engelke. “I thought that was pretty incredible. The bears have traveled so far and impacted people I never thought would have one.”

“It’s a comfort for me to knit. Just the act of putting something together makes me feel accomplished.”

— Dolores Engelke

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

Petra Rivera

Dolores Engelke has knitted 2,500 bears since 2017.

Courtesy image Dolores Engelke and her bears. She began her knitting hobby in 2016.

WINING AND DINING

Longboaters were transported to Italy with a wine tasting hosted by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. The event was an information session for residents to learn about the chamber’s trip to Tuscany in the fall. It was held the afternoon of April 17 in the garden of the Longboat Island Chapel.  From his hometown of San Gimignano, Italy, Gabriele Salvatori flew to Florida to provide an authentic Italian wine-tasting experience from his family’s winery estate, Tenuta Torciano, which attendees will be visiting on the Tuscany trip.

“I don’t just sell wine,” said Salvatori. “I sell a little bit of passion, poetry and love. I sell love.”

Most of the guests at the wine tasting weren’t yet signed up for the trip, but an afternoon of Italian wine and bites piqued their interests.

“When we heard about the wine tasting, we did not expect this,” said Longboat resident Michele De Luce. “We really thought we’d try maybe three wines and hear about the trip. Sort of like a quick thing, but this completely blew me away. Gabriele

IF YOU GO

Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce is hosting a nineday, seven-night trip to Tuscany from Oct. 12-20 for $3,479. This includes the flight, accommodations, transportation, several meals, guided tours and more. For more information, call (855) 438-0999, email Ops@ JetVacations.com or visit JetVacations.com/LBKTuscany.

is so fun and the wines are absolutely amazing. We are truly considering the trip now.”

Salvatori led guests through a tasting of about seven wines with commentary on when to drink them and what they are best paired with. Along with the wine, attendees had charcuterie bites with cheese, salami, and bread to dip in different types of olive oil that were also made in Tenuta Torcino. Zota Beach Resort’s Chef Brian Harmon also attended the event to make chorizo, spinach and Boursin cheese ravioli to pair with the wine.

The trip is organized through Jet Vacations led by the father-son duo,

Gabriele Salvatori traveled from his winery in San Gimignano to provide an authentic wine-tasting experience to Longboaters considering traveling to Italy.

Carl and Angelo Monticello, who attended the wine tasting and mingled with guests.

“Discover Tuscany with the Chamber” will be a nine-day, seven-night trip from October 12-20. The trip spans the Italian cities of Montecatini, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence, Chianti and Lucca. Tours of Pisa and Cinque Terre are options for guests as well.

For those who seek a longer Italian adventure, Jet Vacations is offering a two-night pre-trip tour of Rome and a four-night post-tour of the biggest lake in Italy, Lake Garda.

The $3,479 price includes a roundtrip flight, first-class hotel accommodations in Montecatini, deluxe air-conditioned transportation, guided tours and admissions to tourist spots. Daily breakfast, four dinners and one lunch will also be included. Guests will also attend a wine tasting and a cooking class while on the trip.

“As you can already tell, food and

drinks are a very important aspect of this trip,” said Carl Monticello. “We’re very focused on making sure the experience is highlighted in the culture and meeting local people. We want everyone to get the full sense of the region of Tuscany that we are going to. People have no problem going back to Italy seven or eight times because you go to different regions and each has a different energy about them. It’s just a very fascinating place that everyone will find something to enjoy.”

“I don’t just sell wine. I sell a little bit of passion, poetry and love. I sell love.”

Photos by Petra Rivera

Carl Monticelli, Angelo Monticelli, Gabriele Salvatori, Kim Verreault, Lois Hefflefinger and Brian Harmon

Myra Hegmann, Nancy Richards, Deborah Frongil and Patricia Hurd

— Gabriele Salvatori

Courtney Rossler and Ashley Dawson

What’s Your Personal Inflation Rate? Inflation is not a one-size-fits-all number.

Inflation affects everyone, but differently. That’s why it makes sense to think about how inflation impacts your personal finances. After all, the most common measure of inflation, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) really only tracks inflation for the average urban consumer. And nobody in the Sarasota area is just average!

You can’t control inflation. But you can make financial decisions designed to reduce its effects.

– John B. Leeming, CFP® President at JL Bainbridge

Finding your personal inflation rate will help you manage your finances more effectively than just thinking of inflation as an average, slightly relevant number. In fact, you don’t need to think of this as a specific number. Instead, think of it as an exercise to evaluate which areas of your budget are most exposed to higher inflation.

Review your expenses and look at wide categories such as real estate, travel, healthcare, and entertainment. Spending priorities will vary by person, even within the same family.

Remember to revisit your inflationrelated information regularly, especially when economic factors change or for major life changes such as buying a house or funding a child’s education.

Knowing your personal inflation profile is crucial for smart financial planning. It helps you predict how much additional you’ll need to save based on rising costs. If certain expenses, like healthcare, are increasing, you might consider investing in those areas to benefit from their growth.

Understanding your inflation rate also helps you make more informed decisions about spending and saving for the long term, ensuring your budget fits your retirement planning needs as well.

JL Bainbridge family wealth advisors are fiduciaries with a duty to act first and foremost in their clients’ interests.

JL Bainbridge offers free hourlong financial reviews with one of their advisors. To reserve a time for yourself, visit their website, call, or scan the QR code below.

(941) 365-3435 jlbainbridge.com

Above and beyond

Representatives from the Children’s Guardian Fund share the impacts the Lawn Party will have on kids.

Tof Longboat

raised $102,150 for

ian Fund from Longboat’s most anticipated event of the year, The Lawn Party.  At the Kiwanis Club’s bimonthly meeting on April 18, Lawn Party Chair Michael Garey and President Chris Sachs presented the total impact of the annual event on Dec. 2, 2023. Some 800 guests attended the event to enjoy the endless food and drink options from local toptier restaurants, raffles with coveted prizes, and to raise money for the Children’s Guardian Fund.

Garey said that this year the funds raised were just short of last year’s record due to the absence of the silent auction. He thanked his committee, including his Lawn Party “MVP volunteer” Bill Totten, the sponsors, the attendees and everyone in Kiwanis for all the hard work this year.

The total proceeds from the event were $80,000 with the help of multiple sponsors and attendees. The Kiwanis Club brought its donation to $102,150 with multiple matches it received from community partners. The Doris M. Carter Family Foundation provided a match of $15,000 once the total proceeds from raffle tickets hit $20,000. The Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust provided a $1,850 match. The Michael Sanders Community Foun-

$80,000

Total proceeds from Lawn Party.

$102,150

Total raised for the Children’s Guardian Fund.

dation donated $750. The individual donations from Lawn Party attendees and supporters of the cause brought in an extra $4,550.

Gary and Sachs presented the check for the total proceeds to Svetlana Ivashchenko, executive director of the Children’s Guardian Fund, and Cynthia Craig, gold sponsor of the Lawn Party and Children’s Guardian Fund board member. The Children’s Guardian Fund focuses on meeting emergency needs and promoting normalcy and enrichment in the lives of foster children in Florida’s 12th Judicial Circuit.

Craig explained that most of the donation will help further its resources in providing academic tutoring to foster children, which is the biggest expense for the nonprofit.

“When we first started it, we could only pay for six weeks to six months of tutoring,” said Craig. “But if a child showed that he was engaged with the tutor, this is one-on-one tutoring that we want to and are willing to pay for. If the child wanted to keep learning, we eventually rounded up enough money to keep tutoring them as long as they are engaged in the process. It becomes the kind of work that more than just tutoring, it sometimes becomes a mentorship.”

Photos by Petra Rivera

Michael Garey, Cynthia Craig, Svetlana Ivashchenko and Chris Sachs

Farewell Snowbirds

The snowbirds are flying home.

After its weekly 10 a.m. service, Longboat Island Chapel hosted an end-of-season brunch on April 21 to say farewell to its members who are heading back to their home states for the summer.

“It was such a busy season but a good one,” said Becky Jones. “I got to spend time with my friends here, taking naps on the beach and going to all the fun events and services at the chapel. So I am sad to go home and leave the wonderful Longboat life for a bit.”

Chef David Stone made his coveted prime rib along with eggs Benedict, mini quiches, potatoes and various vegetables. Many washed down their brunch with mimosas.

Judy and Gordon Govalet, who live in Bradenton, discovered the chapel through friends and instantly fell in love with it. Gordon Govalet is now the vice president of the Chapel Board of Trustees. They find themselves inviting their neighbors and friends every chance they get.

“This place has amazing people and impacts so many different nonprofits,” said Judy Govalet. “That is probably our favorite part. We can get involved in making a difference and get to know amazing people, both snowbirds and full-timers, who come from different backgrounds.”

Many snowbirds are leaving at the end of April and beginning of May. Most of them said they will be spending the rest of the time with their Longboat Key friends and soaking in the sun before they head home.

—

RIVERA

PETRA

Photos by Petra Rivera Chef David Stone carves up prime rib.

Dia Wilson, Dona Petruccelli, Lori Halfpenny and Elizabeth Nichols enjoy mimosas before brunch.

Ginger Stefan, Becky Jones, Donna Dolan and Denise Leonard

Sheila Frayne, Mary Schultz and Gail Gallagher

YOUR CALENDAR

BEST BET

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

SENSORY SATURDAY AT MOTE

8:30 a.m. to noon at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium will open its doors an hour early, exclusively for individuals who have sensory processing differences or those with autism spectrum disorders. Individuals with disabilities who would benefit from a calmer sensory experience are also welcome. The exhibits can be enjoyed under soft lighting without crowds and with less noise and visual stimulation. Register with general admission tickets to attend at mote. org/Events/Details/Sensory-Saturday-At-Mote. Email Educate@mote.org with any questions.

combination of Motown and soul creates a body-moving experience. 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.

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.

as Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Etta James, Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye, The Righteous Brothers and The Temptations. The

Photos by Petra Rivera Annabeth Howell and James Nicholson at the stingray touch tank at Mote Marine Aquarium

& TONING 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center,

TUESDAYS QI GONG

From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Qi gong is a mind-body-spirit practice designed to improve mental and physical health. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

YOGA

From 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Debby Debile of Feel Good Yoga & Massage leads a gentle yoga class that can be done on a mat or in a chair. Cost is $15; free for members. Call 383-6493.

MAHJONG

From 1-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Fun time for experienced players. To check availability at the tables, email Amy@ TheParadiseCenter.org.

ROTARY CLUB Meets at 5 p.m. on first and third Tuesdays in All Angels Parish Hall, 563 Bay Isles Road. To learn more, call Nancy Rozance at 203-6054066 or email Info@LongboatKeyRotary.org.

WEDNESDAYS BEGINNER TAI CHI

From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 3836493.

MARIACHI MUSIC

From 5:30-8:30 p.m. at La Villa Mexican Grill, 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enjoy dinner and a serenade by Mariachi Contemporaneo. Call 383-8033.

THURSDAYS STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN

From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise

Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. This class is mostly seated and great for all fitness levels Focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance. Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 3836493.

KIWANIS CLUB OF LONGBOAT KEY

At 8:30 a.m. at Lazy Lobster, 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive. This service organization meets every first and third Thursday of the month for breakfast and a speaker. Breakfast is $15. Email Lynn Larson at LynnLarson@comcast.net to register.

FRIDAYS INTERMEDIATE TAI CHI

From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Reuben Fernandez teaches Chen style class. Outside if weather permitting. Free for members; $15 for others. Walkins welcome. Call 383-6493.

QI GONG AND MEDITATION

From 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, take qi gong and meditation with Sandi Love. Free for members; $15 for others. Call 383-6493.

Sandi Love leads qi gong and meditation at the Paradise Center on Fridays.

Acondominium in Vizcaya at Longboat Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Reel Funding Inc. sold the Unit 1A1 condominium at 2333 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Kevin Theroux and Christine Carol Theroux, of Lone Tree, Colorado, for $4,999,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,349 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.3 million in 2007.

SLEEPY LAGOON PARK

Mark and Christina Zeitouni, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 601 Norton St. to Bruce Dragt and Angie Dragt, trustees, of Lutz, for $1,575,000. Built in 1986, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,560 square feet of living area. It sold for $665,000 in 2017.

PELICAN HARBOUR & BEACH

CLUB

Bonnie Schneider, of Bradenton, sold her Unit MH-5 condominium at 4239 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Eric Van Severen, trustee, of Davenport, Iowa, for $1.25 million. Built in 1950, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,286 square feet of living area. It sold for $480,000 in 2004.

BEACHPLACE

SABAL COVE

Jack and Judith Bloch, of Sarasota, sold their home at 3330 Sabal Cove Lane to Ronald Whitehouse, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $2,565,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, four-and-two-half baths, a pool and 4,529 square feet of living area.

ISLANDS WEST

Alan Pryor and Pamela Ray Price Pryor, of Wellesley, Pennsylvania, sold their Unit 7-A condominium at 2525 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Thomas and Heidi Oas, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, for $1.81 million. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,460 square feet of living area. It sold for $750,000 in 2015.

Roger Pettingell, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 401 condominium at 1125 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Jay and Amy Stemler, of Mound, Minnesota, for $1.2 million. Built in 1979, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,172 square feet of living area. It sold for $700,000 in 2021.

PROMENADE

Belinda Berman sold her Unit 306 condominium at 1211 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Francis and Mary Mahoney, of Harwich Port, Massachusetts, for $1.2 million. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,598 square feet of living area. It sold for $230,000 in 1985.

WINDING OAKS

Jill Considine sold her Unit 3 condominium at 3405 Winding Oaks Drive to Christine Hersberger, trustees, of Longboat Key, for $1.2 million. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,555 square feet of living area. It sold for $839,000 in 2006.

HARBOUR VILLA CLUB AT BUCCANEER

Earl and Tryla Larson, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their Unit 212 condominium at 615 Dream Island Place to Lipton Properties LLC for $1,125,000. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,293 square feet of living area. It sold for $432,500 in 2018.

SANDERLING SEA PINES

Andrew Groesch sold his Unit 11 condominium at 6945 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Lisa Schneider, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $848,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,170 square feet of living area. It sold for $799,000 in 2021.

BAYPORT BEACH AND TENNIS Maria Baartz-Douwen, of Surrey, United Kingdom, sold her Unit 823 condominium at 823 Bayport Way to Jeffrey and Caroline Schneider, of Longboat Key, for $787,000. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,456 square feet of living area. It sold for $175,000 in 1994.

LONGBOAT HARBOUR

Julie Doughty, of Osprey, sold her Unit 102 condominium at 4320 Falmouth Drive to Daniel Sommer and Cynthia Sommer, trustees, of La Vista, Nebraska, for $521,000. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,072 square feet of living area. It sold for $459,000 in 2021.

SEA CLUB

CONTINENTALS

David Long, trustee, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, sold the Unit 22 condominium at 4141 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Diana and Scott Silk, of Topsfield, Massachusetts, for $380,300. Built in 1960, it has one bedroom, one bath and 564 square feet of living area. It sold for $43,000 in 1978.

ADAM HUGHES

Courtesy image by Gigi Silverberg

Reel Funding Inc. sold the Unit 1A1 condominium at 2333 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Kevin Theroux and Christine Carol Theroux, of Lone Tree, Colorado, for $4,999,000.

Raptors keep rodents in check

Widespread use of anticoagulant rodenticides is a growing threat to Florida’s birds of prey.

With their keen eyesight, sharp talons and hooked beaks, birds of prey — or raptors — are adept at hunting.  The word “raptor” comes from the Latin word rapere, which means “to seize or take by force.

As they prey on a wide variety of species, including insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and fish, carnivorous birds such as owls, hawks and eagles are important links in the animal food chain. They play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of Florida’s ecosystems. A primary concern for our region’s raptors is habitat loss. And though the state-protected lands of Myakka River State Park provide crucial habitat for numerous raptor species, human activities in the park can still pose threats.

For example, recreational activities, such as photography, hiking and boating, can disrupt nesting and foraging behaviors. As raptors are highly sensitive to disturbances, constant human presence in their habitats can lead to the abandonment of nesting sites and reduced reproductive success.

Encroaching development also poses a threat to Myakka’s raptors. Increased traffic, in and outside of the park, results in higher collision risk for birds that forage at the same height as vehicles, such as owls. And rising use of anticoagulant rodenticides for pest control in our communities is having a deadly impact on our region’s birds of prey.

Anticoagulants prevent blood from clotting and cause animals to bleed to death internally.

As these poisons don’t kill rodents immediately, but rather slowly

A primary concern for our region’s raptors is habitat loss. And though the state-protected lands of Myakka River State Park provide crucial habitat for numerous raptor species, human activities in the park can still pose threats.

— Miri Hardy

weaken them, they become easier prey for raptors. Consuming poisoned rodents has disastrous consequences for raptors and their chicks.

Poison use in our environment exacerbates pest infestations, as it threatens native rodent-controllers who keep pests in check.

We can help protect animals in the wild, including raptors, by always giving them plenty of space. At home, we can research pest-control solutions to avoid using hazardous poisons.

Opting for preventative practices, such as rodent-proofing human structures, trimming foliage and tree limbs away from houses and reducing rodent attractants, such as trash, pet food, spilled birdseed and fallen fruit can effectively protect both our homes and our environment.

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Together, we’re protecting and sharing Myakka’s Magic, to the benefit of future generations, and our own. Follow us @FriendsOfMyakkaRiver.

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