Longboat Observer 5.30.24

LONGBOAT

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

Happy meal PAGE 16

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

VOLUME 46, NO. 42

YOUR TOWN

Considerations for de-annexation If Jewfish Key leaves the town of Longboat, what services would be affected? SEE PAGE 5

Carter Weinhofer

Stay vigilant

The Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department has once again teamed up with area departments in Sarasota County with the Stay Vigilant Initiative.

The purpose is to raise awareness of water-related incidents and accidental drownings. Whenever possible, it’s best to swim near a lifeguard.

But on Longboat Key, there are no lifeguards. That’s where the initiative comes in with designated “water watchers.”

Residents who feel able to respond to incidents of swimmers in distress are encouraged to pick up a water watcher badge from one of the participating departments.

The badge lets others in the area know there is someone who will supervise the water.

To pick up a badge, visit the Longboat Key Fire Station 91 at 5490 Gulf of Mexico Drive from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Always prepared Longboat Fire Rescue trains for airlifting trauma patients. SEE PAGE 3

Petra Rivera

Irina Bronstein, Heather and Bliss Rippy

Night on the town

As the snowbirds fly away and the temperature rises, there’s a lot more free time on the island. Summer Night Out at Whitney Plaza hopes to allow full-time Longboaters to discover more local businesses and meet more of their neighbors.

The first Summer Night Out will be on June 27. Residents can start at Driftwood Beach Home and Garden for free prosecco while shopping. Right next door, Design 2000 Salon will be open for mingling and free pizza bites from Ventura’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar and cheesecake from Elegant Lady Cheesecake Parlor.

This year, Sips will be offering new gelato samples.

Ventura’s Kitchen and Wine Bar will also extend its happy hour with various drink and food specials.

Carter Weinhofer

Caitlyn Buell shows the Longboat Key Fire Rescue crew the helicopter’s interior.

A+E

Turtle tracks LONGBOAT May 19-25 Nests False crawls

File image

2024 99 118

2023 87 119

Totals since April 21 2024 2023 Nests 203 221 False crawls 294 262 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

Flights departing Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport have changed course per the FAA and now cross Longboat Key farther north.

Cleared for takeoff Flight patterns from SRQ over Longboat Key have taken a turn. PAGE 4

Festival of note INSIDE

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

TURTLE NESTING NUMBERS The latest weekly nesting summary from Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium showed that Longboat Key had 203 nests as of May 25.

There were also a total of 294 false crawls for the season.

False crawls occur when a sea turtle comes up the beach but turns back to the water without nesting.

That puts Longboat Key right behind Casey Key (231 nests) for the most nests so far this turtle season, but Longboat Key tops all other areas in Mote’s patrols for total activity.

Courtesy image

Longboat Key resident Cyndi Seamon brought up concerns about the possibility of sea turtles being disoriented by new street lighting, like this light near Bayfront Park.

Issues come to light Town to investigate resident’s lighting concerns affecting sea turtle nesting.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

A

t the Longboat Key Town Commission’s May 20 workshop, resident Cyndi Seamon began a discussion with commissioners about lighting issues she’s witnessed while on the beach at night. The issues relate to the town’s ordinances that protect nesting sea turtles on the beach.

Seamon also serves as the vice president for Longboat Key Turtle Watch, though she said at the workshop she was not necessarily rep-

resenting LBKTW. She said she was there as a concerned citizen who has observed lighting issues on Longboat Key for many years.

“I need to bring this to your attention to see if we can get a solution sooner versus later,” Seamon said.

Town ordinances relating to lighting visible from the beach help to minimize disorientations for sea turtles, which are typically more of an issue for hatchlings but also affect nesting mothers.

Disorientations occur when artificial light disrupts adults from finding a place to nest or confuses hatch-

“I wasn’t even standing that far down the beach, and it’s beaming down the beach.”

— Resident Cyndi Seamon on the lights at Bayfront Park

lings who otherwise would follow the moonlight to find the Gulf.

There were two main issues that Seamon brought up to commissioners: the St. Regis construction and the new Gulf of Mexico Drive street lights.

Seamon showed pictures of the St. Regis construction site, which appeared to have lights on in the

majority of the complex, which could be seen from the beach.

According to Town Manager Howard Tipton, the St. Regis construction crews have met with the town’s code enforcement department and said the lighting system is enabled through a wireless system. That system is still in the process of being installed, Tipton said.

Tipton went on to say that the site superintendent was committed to getting the issue solved. But the developer failed to meet the deadline to resolve the issue and, according to Tipton, will be fined $500 a day until it is fixed.

Director of Planning, Zoning and Building Allen Parsons said that the town’s ordinance calls for 45% opacity on windows in which lights are visible from the beach. The ordinance also states that 45% opacity may not block all light seen from the beach and, if that’s the case, then additional measures would be required.

Parsons stated at the workshop that he believes the St. Regis’ windows are at 42% opacity. With opacity, the lower the percent, the more light that’s blocked.

The St. Regis may be an example of where additional measures would be needed since light is still visible despite the 42% opacity.

“This is what fully bright lights behind approximately 45% window opacity can look like. It’s still pretty

bright,” Parsons said.

Mayor Ken Schneier suggested that the town keep the pressure on the St. Regis crew and continue conversations aside from just fining the team.

“We’ve spent so much time trying to protect the turtles here and do the right thing, and we are very aware of the disorientations we’ve experienced that are higher here than other islands and places, so this shouldn’t be,” Schneier said.

The other issue that Seamon brought up was with the new street lights on Gulf of Mexico Drive that were installed as a part of the project to bury utilities islandwide.

Seamon said that during nighttime beach walks, those lights are obvious from the beach, along with other lights like the new crosswalk lights near Bayfront Park.

“I wasn’t even standing that far down the beach, and it’s beaming down the beach,” Seamon said about the light at Bayfront Park.

Parsons said his department was aware of the issue with the new lights. He said the Planning, Zoning and Building Department was working through various ownerships of the different lights to see what the best solution would be.

“We are working on getting these lights shielded and/or off,” Parsons said at the workshop.

According to the latest update from Parsons, he said the town is working on getting the lights shielded for now and will evaluate the effectiveness of the shields.

Then, if additional measures are needed, the town would follow up on that.

Those additional measures could include figuring out how to time the lights to turn off if they are still too bright with the shielding.

Sea turtle nesting season officially began on May 1, but the first nest was found on Longboat Key’s Manatee County side on May 3 by LBKTW volunteers.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, sea turtles have an incubation period of about two months. That means the first nests on Longboat Key most likely won’t hatch until July, when disorientations become more of an issue.

422674-1

2

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

Longboat Key Fire Rescue sharpens skills in support of helicopter crews that handle trauma patient airlifts.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat Key firefighter paramedic Trey Bowlin took command on May 23 in setting up the landing zone for a helicopter inbound from Tampa General Hospital.

The helicopter — manned by a pilot, nurse and medic — operates through Aeromed Flight Services.

In a worst-case scenario where the services would need to be used, the helicopter could transport patients from Longboat Key to Tampa General Hospital or Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, also in Tampa.

Bowlin and the rest of the A-shift crew first prepared the landing site — a large grassy patch on Ken Thompson Parkway, just east of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

After the crew ensured the site was clear of debris, four firefighter paramedics spread out in a large square.

The landing site needs to be at least 100-by-100 feet, but the site on Ken Thompson Parkway is slightly larger.

Longboat Key Fire Rescue called for airlifts more frequently before 2015. That’s when Sarasota Memorial Hospital opened its own trauma center. Now Longboat Key Fire Rescue usually transports trauma patients there.

But three days before the department’s May 23 training, a worst-case scenario arose when the firefighter paramedics needed to call in an airlift to All Children’s.

Longboat Key firefighter paramedics responded to a drowning call for a 2-year-old. Before Longboat Key Fire Rescue’s arrival, CPR was in progress. At the scene, the firefighter paramedics assessed the child’s condition and continued care while transporting the patient to Ken Thompson Parkway, accord-

ing to Fire Administration Manager Tina Adams.

The young patient was airlifted from Ken Thompson Parkway after receiving care from Longboat Key Fire Rescue — the type of real-life scenario the firefighter paramedics planned on training for days later.

TRAINED FOR THE WORST

Aeromed primarily transports trauma patients. Patients’ conditions could include anything from cardiac issues, pulmonary issues, strokes, spinal cord injuries, pediatric trauma and amputations.

With a trauma patient, Longboat Key Fire Rescue’s first option would be to transport the patient to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. But if the trauma center couldn’t take on another patient for any reason, Tampa General would be the next closest trauma center.

For any child trauma patient, the priority is to transport to All Children’s in Tampa.

Firefighter paramedics would respond to the scene, and then call for airlift services if necessary. The local firefighter paramedics would continue care and help load the patient onto the helicopter when the medic and nurse on board would take over.

One of the most important topics of the training was safety around the helicopter.

In a real-life situation, the firefighter paramedics would need to be cautious maneuvering around the hot (or running) helicopter, especially near the blades.

That includes making sure they aren’t wearing anything loose, like a hat or a stethoscope. If one of those objects gets picked up by one of the helicopter’s turbines, it could prove dangerous and cause damage to the helicopter.

When setting up the landing zone,

Firefighter paramedic Trey Bowlin takes a ride in the helicopter after the training.

Caitlyn Buell shows the Longboat Key Fire Rescue crew the helicopter’s interior.

ONLINE For in-flight video from inside the helicopter, go to YourObserver.com

there isn’t much trouble on a sunny, clear day.

But add in some weather conditions and the situation can get complicated. Some rain would be fine, but the helicopter can’t operate in a thunderstorm.

The flight crew also has to be aware of conditions near the landing site, like fog in the early morning. For that, the Aeromed crew said they are usually in tune with various weather tools on their devices.

Daytime landings also require less prep on the ground for the firefighter paramedics setting up the site. Firefighter paramedics might need to relay to the flight crew landmarks via radio, like a large cell tower on Ken Thompson Parkway.

But during the night, the firefighter paramedics would need to use special markers visible from the helicopter. The Aeromed crew also said they frequently look for the lights of firetrucks or ambulances to guide the way.

Ideally, the crew aims to be “skids up to skids down” in 10 minutes.

The Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department’s goal is to complete this training every two years, which consists of an hour of classroom training followed by an hour of training in the field with a helicopter.

The idea is for Longboat Key personnel to familiarize themselves with the functions and feel of the helicop-

Lorenzo Giannetti and Caitlyn Buell brief the Longboat Key Fire Rescue crew during training.

ter in a training situation, while the helicopter is cold, or not running.

That way, if the firefighter paramedics do need to use the airlift, then they know how best to help the flight crew and take care of a trauma patient.

3

Firefighter paramedic Brian Kolesa gets a feel for the pilot’s chair. All the firefighter paramedics had the chance to learn where the emergency shut-off switch was.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

Angle of departure Flight path from SRQ changes direction over Longboat Key. CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

A

nearly two-decade-old flight path over Longboat Key has changed, according to recent communications between Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport staff and Longboat Key. On May 21, SRQ Senior Vice President, Operations & Public Safety Lionel Guilbert emailed Town Manager Howard Tipton to notify him of the change in air traffic procedure made by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Up until earlier this month, aircraft departing from SRQ’s Runway 32 made a left turn after take-off on a 265-degree heading and crossed Longboat Key just north of the county line, according to an email from Guilbert to Tipton. This was called the “SRKUS” procedure.

According to Guilbert in the email to Tipton, the SRQ Airport Authority was notified by the FAA that it was proposing a change to this path in November 2023, after which SRQ reached out to the FAA seeking background information and the reason behind the change.

“The FAA stated the SRKUS departure needed to be amended mainly due to safety reasons filed by the Air Traffic facilities of Tampa Approach Control. Also, FAA separation criteria changed, which we were told was another reason for the procedural change,” Guilbert stated in an email

75

301

62

275

64

to Tipton.

This led to a new departure, dubbed the “TIDES” departure. This still requires the same left turn, but now at a 270-degree heading, said Guilbert in an email to Tipton.

A five-degree change in heading results in a shift in the flight path over Longboat Key of about one mile north.

“It appears that this has been a conversation between SRQ and the FAA and as accurately noted with no town or LBK citizen engagement,” Tipton said in an email to commissioners.

The FAA conducted an environmental review for the new departure, which satisfied the requirements for the National Environmental Policy Act and meant no public engagement was required, according to Guilbert’s email.

Further, Guilbert stated that the FAA said there was a 30- to 45-day comment period on the FAA Gateway website for public comment.

“When the airport first became aware of the proposed change, the Airport Authority expressed serious concerns,” Guilbert said in the email.

Guilbert went on to state that the airport asked the FAA why it did not reach out to SRQ and the community in the early stages of the process.

Longboat Key SRQ

70

N 41 72 File image

The previous departure SRKUS (green) with the newly implemented procedure TIDES (orange) from SRQ.

This led to a meeting with the FAA group in charge of the new procedure, and Guilbert said that SRQ advised the FAA group that Longboat Key residents would take notice of the changes.

“The airport urged the FAA to reconsider and engage the community … Our pleas appear to have been disregarded as all suggestions were ultimately not implemented,” Guilbert said in the email.

In an emailed briefing to town commissioners, Tipton mentioned this may be added to the June 3 agenda as a discussion item.

VOICE YOUR CONCERNS Residents can reach out to the FAA directly to voice concerns over the change at the dedicated portal, or to personnel who are familiar with this issue: ■ Reginald.E.Davis@faa.gov ■ Joseph.B.Tinsley@faa.gov

FLIGHT PATH HISTORY

Flight paths from SRQ over Longboat Key have been commonplace for a long time.

The FAA first approved the SRKUS turn procedure in 1998.

But, implementation of the turn was delayed because of additional FAA requirements and Longboat Key residents’ appeals.

The appeals went to a federal appeals court which, in 2002, sided with the FAA and stated that the flight path would have no significant environmental impact on Longboat Key residents.

In June 2006, the SRKUS procedure was implemented.

This flight path meant that aircraft were leaving Runway 32, making a left turn after takeoff and following a GPS path across Sarasota Bay and Longboat Key at an average speed of about 276 mph.

In a previous study, flights were tracked departing from Runway 32 over eight days. From March 1-8, 2021, there were a total of 281 flights.

75

“It appears that this has been a conversation between SRQ and the FAA and as accurately noted with no town or LBK citizen engagement.”

— Town Manager Howard Tipton in an email to commissioners.

LONGBOAT

Observer 1970 Main St., Third Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236 PHONE: 941-366-3468 | WEBSITE: www.YourObserver.com

TO EMAIL US Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Kat Wingert, kwingert@yourobserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Display Advertising: To obtain information, call 941-366-3468, Ext. 319.

Classified Advertising / Service Directory: For information and rates, or to place an ad, call 941-955-4888. Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To place a classified ad online, visit www.YourObserver.com, or email your ad to classified@yourobserver.com.

TO SUBSCRIBE Free home delivery: The Longboat Observer offers free home delivery to single-family homes on Longboat Key, Bird Key, St. Armands Key, Lido Key and Lido Shores.

donate &&shop donate donate &donate shop shop & sh

Building Materials | Furniture | Appliances Building Materials Building | Furniture Materials Building | Appliances | Furniture Materials | |Appliances Furniture | Appli ArtArt | Decorative | Lamps Art | Decorative Accessories | Decorative Art |Accessories Lamps Accessories | Decorative Accessories | Lamps | L

The Longboat Observer also delivers to every condominium, resort and commercial building on Longboat Key and Lido Key. To subscribe: Please call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301, or email dcondon@yourobserver.com.

MAIL DELIVERY SUBSCRIPTION RATES Standard First-Class One year / $95 One year / $200 Six months / $76 Six months / $160 Three months / $61 Three months / $128

Canada One year / $250 Six months / $200 Three months / $160

PUBLIC NOTICES The Sarasota/Siesta Key, East County and Longboat Observers meet the legal requirements to publish legal and public notices in Sarasota & Manatee counties, per F.S. 50.011.

Verified Audit 1101 Fifth Ave., Suite 270 | San Rafael, CA 94901 (415) 461-6006 | www.verifiedaudit.com LIKE US

www.facebook.com/ObserverGroup

FOLLOW US

www.instagram.com/observergroup

WATCH US

www.youtube.com/user/YourObserverVideo

FOLLOW US

https://twitter.com/observergroup

large items tolarge donate?

Have large Have items Have to large donate?

Have items to donate? items to donat Call toyour schedule free pick up.

Call to schedule Call to schedule freeCall pick toyour up. schedule free pick your free pic Call to schedule ayour courtesy pick up.up.

n www.habitatsrq.org (941 ) n444-5783 n www.habitatsrq.org n www.habitat (941) 444-5783 (941 )www.habitatsrq.org (941 ) 444-5783 444-5783

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

Our vision is everyone deserves vision aisdecent everyone Our place vision deserves to live. is everyone a decent deserves place to alive. decent plac 422880-1

AUDITOR INFORMATION

n 1nLocation n Stores 3 Stores n 13 Location 3 Stores 1 3 Location Stores 1 Location Tuesday -n Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm Tuesday - Saturday Tuesday 10:00am - Saturday Tuesday -n 5:00pm -nSaturday 10:00am -n 5:00pm 10:00am n Sarasota n Sarasota 2095 17th Street Sarasota 2095 17th Street 2095 17th Street 2095n 17th Street n Saraso

414947-1

4

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

De-annexation complications If Jewfish Key were no ­longer a part of Longboat, what would the change in ­jurisdiction affect?

PUBLIC MEETING

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

T

he results of the feasibility study are in — the deannexation of Jewfish Key would present substantial challenges, and town staff recommends rejection of the petition.

On June 3, the Longboat Key Town Commission will consider the petition, which was for the voluntary contraction of Jewfish Key. Recently, town commissioners received information packets regarding the feasibility study required to be completed within six months of the town receiving the contraction petition. Town commissioners will review the materials before the public meeting on June 3.

In January, the homeowners association for the island, the Jewfish Key Preservation Association, submitted a petition to the town that stated more than 15% of the registered voters on the island voted in favor of submitting the petition to have Jewfish Key removed from the town of Longboat Key. If that were to happen, Jewfish Key would become a part of unincorporated Manatee County.

That change raised concerns for many north-end residents, and many of the homeowners associations on the north end — like Bayou Hammock, Longbeach Village and Land’s End — submitted petitions to the town against the contraction, or de-annexation. Impacts from short-term rentals, different zoning considerations and environmental issues were among the top concerns voiced by residents.

The staff memo in the June 3 agenda packet stated that Jewfish Key was ineligible for contraction for various reasons.

First, the submitted petition for contraction failed to meet the 15% resident signature threshold, since there were only three registered voters on Jewfish Key, according to the Manatee Supervisor of Elections.

The Longboat Key Town Commission will review the materials of the feasibility study prior to the June 3 meeting. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. in the Town Commission Chambers, 501 Bay Isles Road, and will be open to the public. Members of the public who wish to be heard will have three minutes at the podium.

The agenda packet states that none of the qualified voters signed the resolution.

It’s also the town staff’s opinion that the contraction of Jewfish Key would create an enclave, or an unincorporated area surrounded by another municipality. In that regard, Jewfish Key would meet the criteria for annexation and be ineligible for contraction.

The memo also detailed some scenarios with various town departments, which outlined how things would change if Jewfish Key became a part of unincorporated Manatee County.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS

The town of Longboat Key restricts residential properties from being rented for fewer than 30 days. That means that residential property owners could choose to rent out their properties through platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo, but for a minimum of 30 days.

According to the memo sent by Town Manager Howard Tipton, Manatee County does not have restrictions for tourism uses in residential properties, meaning residential properties could be rented for any length of time.

“If Jewfish Key is granted contraction from the town and became a part of unincorporated Manatee county, this difference, in allowances for tourism and residential uses, may result in a significant change in character in a location with both immediate proximity and potential impact to a longstanding residential area of the town,” the memo states.

File images

Due to this system, Longboat Key Public Works has not provided services to Jewfish Key, and contraction would not have much impact on the department.

FIRE RESCUE & POLICE

Boaters anchor near Jewfish Key, a favorite area of boaters.

ZONING

Longboat Key is a low-density community, and the Charter and Comprehensive Plan restrict growth and density. To increase the allotted density limits on a given parcel, a referendum approval would be required.

However, Manatee County lacks similar density restrictions, according to the memo. That said, if Jewfish Key were to become a part of unincorporated Manatee County, that could open the possibility of developing the island with more homes, or even for commercial use.

Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge touched on this during an April 30 joint meeting with Longboat Key. He said that Manatee County is “very pro-property rights” and, unlike a ­homeowners association, would not restrict zoning as such.

“The county’s not an HOA … we don’t run an HOA and our landuse restrictions are not as strict as yours (Longboat Key). So if you have concerns about what the island will become, you should be concerned.

I am,” Van Ostenbridge said at the meeting. “If it ends up in just the county, I’m concerned about the looseness of the land-use restrictions.”

PUBLIC WORKS

Courtesy image

A sandbar near Jewfish Key is a popular spot for boaters, particularly during weekends.

Not much would change in terms of Public Works for Jewfish Key. That’s because the island uses wells for water and septic tanks for sewage. Septic tanks are used to treat wastewater and protect groundwater quality. Household waste enters the septic tanks and is then separated and treated. The waste is then discharged into a drain field, a set of pipes that disperse it below ground.

The Heat is Here.

Is Your AC Summer Ready?

Currently, the town’s fire rescue department “provides consolidated fire and emergency medical response services that are not provided by a single agency in Manatee County,” according to the staff memo from Tipton.

The staff memo also states that the town’s fire chief and fire marshal have concerns about fire risks on Jewfish Key due to limited water sources on the island. Concerns include the possibility of fire spreading on the island and embers being carried through the air and landing on other areas.

If Jewfish Key were to become a part of unincorporated Manatee County, there would be complications in terms of who would provide fire rescue services, and “Manatee County does not provide fire and rescue services,” the memo states.

In that case, Manatee County would likely have medical jurisdiction on Jewfish Key, but the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department would still respond to fire calls due to existing mutual aid agreements with neighboring jurisdictions.

Similarly, the Longboat Key Police Department would most likely be called to assist the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for calls on Jewfish Key as a part of mutual aid agreements. But the memo says that situation would decrease officer availability on Longboat Key itself depending on the nature of calls on Jewfish Key. Additionally, the Longboat Key Police Department expressed concern about the possibility of shortterm rentals on Jewfish Key if the island is de-annexed. The memo states that the police department would expect those circumstances to lead to a rise in partying.

The town’s police department would continue to enforce noise complaints on the water within Longboat Key limits but, if Jewfish Key were de-annexed, the police department would not be able to enforce the town’s noise ordinances on Jewfish Key. Those noise complaints coming from Jewfish Key would then be handled by Manatee County.

Several public services would be affected if Jewfish Key were to be de-annexed.

Member SIPC

The power of personal attention working for you.

Our process? We listen.

Really listen. Stop by.

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

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

941-778-5622

www.lapenseeplumbing.com

401 MANATEE AVENUE, HOLMES BEACH

424153-1

424177-1

LIC.#CFC1429635 ~ CPC1459826 ~ CAC1818472

MKT-5894O-A

> edwardjones.com

5

6

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

Fresh walks around the park Explore a revitalized Joan ­Durante Park with a new, more durable boardwalk. ­CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

I

f you haven’t visited Joan M. Durante Park in awhile, now’s a good time to change that and check out the latest upgrades.

The 32-acre park recently received some upgrades with a complete replacement of the park’s boardwalks. The boardwalks were replaced with composite material, which is more durable and lasts longer than wood.

Streets, Facilities, Parks & Recreation Manager Mark Richardson said the project wrapped up in March.

Originally, the boardwalk replacement was budgeted for $200,000.

The project was completed by MKM Quality Construction and came under budget, with a final cost of around $150,000.

The boardwalk is now made of MoistureShield Composite Decking, which Richardson said comes with a 50-year limited warranty. For example, he said that if the deck needs to be replaced in 26 years, the warranty would cover half the cost.

Though the foundation of the boardwalk is still wood, the composite material is waterproof and more durable than a wood surface.

“You’re not going to have splintering and broken pieces of wood,” Richardson said.

On top of that, the new material adds a nicer look to the park.

“Aesthetically, it looks a lot better,” said Richardson.

The replacement project also required the boardwalk to be elevated in some areas since flooding often occurs in the park. The increased elevation should help prevent the boardwalk from being submerged during floods, Richardson said.

Composite material is something that the Public Works Department has begun using more often, according to Richardson, like past improvements at Bayfront Park.

“Anything we do now will be composite,” Richardson said.

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

“You’re not going to have splintering and broken pieces of wood.”

f­orests to a plethora of birding opportunities and a view of Sarasota Bay from one of the park’s observation decks — now made from durable composite material.

— Mark Richardson, Streets, Facilities, Parks & Recreation manager

ABOUT JOAN M. DURANTE PARK

In 2022, the department needed to complete some spot replacements of the boardwalk with composite materials after a high tide damaged a portion of the boardwalk. The boardwalk was found floating among the mangroves, according to previous reporting.

The boardwalk was taped off for a year and a half while it was repaired.

This latest project replaced the entire boardwalk in the park so that everything matched those previous repairs.

Richardson also said the park’s pavilion and bathroom could be future improvement projects, but those are both still in early talks.

Durante Park offers some shaded areas along the walking paths, which may make it a more appealing attraction than the beach on the upcoming sweltering summer days.

Around the 32-acre park, there’s plenty to explore from mangrove

Joan M. Durante Park offers scenic views of Sarasota Bay.

One of the observation decks at Joan M. Durante Park, now made of composite material.

Located at 5550 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Joan M. Durante Park was completed in 1995. A year prior, James Durante offered the town $750,000 to develop the park and property in honor of his late wife, Joan.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service then gave the town a $195,000 grant to create wetlands and coastal hammock forests and clear the area of invasive vegetation such as Australian pines and Brazilian peppers.

In 1998, the park won the Outstanding Ecosystem Restoration Award from the Florida Urban Forestry Council. Durante Park went on to win numerous other awards, including the Public Landscape Award” from Keep Manatee Beautiful.

The park is open from dawn to dusk. The gates are locked at dusk.

Durante Park also offers a pavilion, which can be rented for $50 per event. For more information on pavilion rentals, call 941-316-1988.

and

DISCOVER THE POWER OF LIFESTYLE MEDICINE

experience · expert local knowledge · commitment integrity · honesty

LIVE EVENT

3 JUNE 2024 1:30 - 2:30PM

Don’t miss out on this life-changing event • Meet Dr. Ashby!

• Transform your health • Elevate your life • Learn about unlocking your full potential through simple lifestyle changes

Whether Buying or Selling You can expect Concierge Level Service

Contact Me Today to Discuss How I Can Help You

FREE

Nageba (Gigi) Silverberg Douglas Elliman Real Estate

ZOOM Call Amy or Debby at (941) 383-6493 to receive a Link

941-993-3695

gigi.silverberg@elliman.com

546 Bay Isles Road | Longboat Key, FL 34228

425840-1

The LBK Paradise Center for Healthy Living

425639-1

1350 Main Street | Sarasota, FL 34236

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

Some imperiled species, such as the gopher tortoise, crested caracara and pine lily, wouldn’t survive without occasional fires.

F

ire, as a result of lightning, is one of the primary natural forces that shapes Florida’s ecosystems.

Indeed, from an ecological perspective, fire is a normal and often beneficial process. It is critical for the health of 78% of the Myakka River State Park, where numerous natural communities depend on fire to maintain their plant composition and structure.

Importantly, these communities support flora and fauna that couldn’t survive without fire, including imperiled species such as the gopher tortoise, crested caracara and pine lily.

In Florida, natural wildfires historically burned seasonally, typically at a low intensity. They slowly meandered across large areas, where rivers and wetlands eventually stopped their spread.

Suppression of natural wildfires began in the 1930s to protect forests for lumber. As we observe National Wildfire Awareness Month, it is important to recognize the critical role that prescribed fires, which safely reintroduced fire into our ecosystems, play in protecting both our natural and human communities.

In contrast to wildfires, prescribed fires are set on purpose. This crucial natural resource management tool is used by trained professionals who safely mimic natural lightning-set fires. These burns benefit the large number of Florida’s imperiled plant and animal species which are dependent on periodic fire for their continued existence.

But prescribed fires also protect our human communities, as firedependent natural communities gradually accumulate flammable vegetation. Regular and smaller burns can lower the intensity or

to

ADVERTISEMENT

WILD FLORIDA

Fire plays critical role in Myakka park

7

Miri Hardy

A gopher tortoise, an imperiled species, makes its way through Myakka River State Park. It needs occasional fires to sustain its habitat.

even prevent wildfires by consuming “fuels” like pine needles, dead grass, fallen trees and thick brush that would otherwise build up and could produce intense, destructive wildfires.

Though prescribed fires do emit smoke, the net benefit is less smoke pollution overall.

Current climate trends of abovenormal temperatures, with varied precipitation forecasts, could exacerbate dry conditions in wildfireprone areas like Florida. Research underscores that these climate conditions are closely linked to increased wildfire risks.

With encroaching development progressively restricting the park’s ability to effectively use prescribed fire, the importance of supporting and maintaining undeveloped buffers around conserved lands is highlighted. Raising awareness about the importance of fire for ensuring the health of our natural areas, and our own, is paramount.

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

years!

The financial costs point to the answer.

Healthcare costs in retirement can be high, so only thinking about Medicare as health insurance can be a big mistake. Medicare helps cover hospital stays and medical services for those 65 and over. It also offers options like Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage. But the maze of options during initial

Many people underestimate the impact their Medicare choices can have on their retirement.

Lunch Prix Fixe for Two $45 Dinner 4 Course Prix Fixe $45 Harry’s Island Nights Specials! $10 Cocktails $12 Tapas $29 Entrees

Without proper planning, he adds, medical expenses can quickly drain retirement savings. And that doesn’t even include the significant annual financial penalties that can come from late enrollment.

Everyone wants to enjoy their retirement years without worrying about financial challenges. Like it or not, though, healthcare costs are simply part of the retirement experience. That’s why it makes sense to consider Medicare as part of one’s retirement and financial planning approach.

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

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

and ongoing Medicare enrollment make it extremely complex, and every choice can have significant long-term implications, including financial ones.

“Many people underestimate the impact their Medicare choices can have on their retirement,” says John B. Leeming CFP®, president at JL Bainbridge.”

Harry’s Restaurant Specials

Steak & Frites: Tues. & Thurs. Nights $36.99 Wine Down Wednesdays: 20% off Bottles

Should Your Retirement Planning Include Medicare?

To learn more about JL Bainbridge or to set a time for your Free Financial Review, call (941) 3563435 or visit jlbainbridge.com.

JL Bainbridge offers free inperson Medicare seminars in its office on Main Street in Sarasota.

Please call us or click the QR code below to find dates and times available soon.

Harry’s Deli Specials Buy Two Entrees, Get a Free Dessert!

Buy Two Soups, Get One Free!

20% OFF Wine Wednesday & Thursday

(941) 365-3435 jlbainbridge.com

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

J.L. Bainbridge & Company, Inc.

424167-1

View our Menu Reservations Suggested

1582 Main Street Sarasota, FL 34236

since 1981

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

www.HarrysKitchen.com • 5600 Gulf of Mexico Drive • 941-383-0777 Designer Screen Shades | Fabric: Empire 5% | Color: Gray Mist

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS heraldtribune.com

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

424447-1

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

Disclosure: JL Bainbridge is a registered investment adviser. J.L. Bainbridge & Co., Inc., is not a broker dealer and does not offer tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisor for assistance regarding your individual situation. Registration of an Investment Adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. It should neither be assumed that future results will be as profitable or that a loss could not be incurred. For more information on our firm and our investment advisor representatives, please review our Form ADV, Privacy Notice, and Form CRS at jlbainbridge.com and reference the SEC website for more information on the firm and its advisors: https://adviserinfo. sec.gov/firm/summary/108058. Identifying the SEC as our regulator does not imply any level of skill or training.

AD0524

419420-1

WINNER

8

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Title IX rules: tyrannical fiat When Washington bureaucrats shove their views on us by imposing new rules and new laws, blame Congress for giving the unelected wonks so much power.

‘GOD DID NOT MAKE A MISTAKE’

MATT WALSH

Article I, Section 1: All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

Article II, Section 1: The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. Section 3: … he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed …

U.S. Constitution

B

y now, it goes without saying — but we’re going to say it anyway — anything Sarasota County School Board member Bridget Ziegler proposes is going to be vilified, tarred, spat upon. Just her name brings convulsions to her opposition.

But if you can be open-minded for several minutes, try to put aside the person who proposed what became a controversial resolution at the May 7 Sarasota County School Board meeting.

The resolution was titled: “A resolution … to commit that no policy or procedural changes shall take place or be considered in response to the April 19 Title IX rules changes.” The accompanying box spells out the specifics of that resolution.

This resolution came in response to the U.S. Department of Education issuing a 1,577-page amendment (essentially, new rules and regulations) to the Title IX law that Congress adopted and the president signed in 1972. That law, most of us know, says: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

That’s the law that essentially required all schools receiving federal funds to offer classes and sports in equal levels to boys and girls and men and women.

But as of April 19, the policy bureaucrats in Joe Biden’s Department of Education decided to change the law.

Did you get that? Bureaucrats decided they would make law. Congress did not.

Now, before we get into the farce behind this rule change, the fact unelected Department of Education bureaucrats decided to make new law should make your blood boil.

That is one of the most annoying aspects of Washington politics — how the unelected political, bureaucrat class floods us every day with wealth-sapping, libertykilling rules and regulations.

Who do they think they are?

Take special note above, for instance, of the first sentence in Article I of the U.S. Constitution: “All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress … ” Nowhere in the Constitution is there one letter giving law-making authority to the hired help.

But alas, Congress is the guilty one. It has been and is indeed stupid enough and lazy enough to abdicate the details of new legislation to the unelected political class.

For more than 100 years, this is how it has worked. Our elected representatives have voted for thousands of supposedly magnanimous laws intended to improve our lives (Ha!) and then told their staffs to make the rules and enforce them.

The devil indeed is in the details.

There it is: “20 U.S. Code, 1682 — Federal administrative enforcement.” That federal code “empowers” and “authorizes” “each federal department and agency” “to effec-

“… [T]he United States is especially in need of a moral renewal, and not only a power struggle for the power, for their own power, but also a moral renewal against drugs, against all this abuse of minors and all this wrong things of selfdestruction.

“The change of your sexes and genders is absolutely stupid, because God did not make an error when he created you or me or everybody as men or women in our personal individual body. That is

a gift to be born as a man or as a woman, because all the possibilities for later, for the marriage, to become fathers and mothers, to live in the family.

“And therefore, it is very important to teach the young people of the importance of their existence.

Everybody is loved by God, and everybody is loved in his situation, in his condition, as male or female condition, or in whatever condition he is born in Asia, Africa, America or Europe. Everybody has the same closeness and friendship to God …”

—Cardinal Gerhard Muller March 3, 2024

tuate” (enact) Title IX “by issuing, rules, regulations or orders of general applicability … ” And whatever rules the D.C. wonks want, all they need is presidential approval. Congress’ approval is not required.

This is tyrannical fiat.

This is letting 3-year-olds run loose in a candy store. Every day is a play day — another day to suck up millions of Americans’ tax dollars, spending hours and weeks writing 1,577 pages of new rules and law to alter the social construct of this nation to reflect their view of the world. In this case, it means declaring that the word “sex” in the 1972 Title IX law does not mean biological sex. For them, a person’s biological sex now encompasses sexual orientation and gender identity.

It means, frankly, Biden’s Department of Education wonks have declared it is legally acceptable for men who think they are women to participate in women’s sports and shower in women’s locker rooms.

And it means so much more. The devil is indeed in the details.

reports: “According to the ‘findings’ section of that proposed law, congressional action was necessary because ‘federal statutory protections expressly address discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability and national origin’ but ‘do not expressly include sexual orientation or gender identity.’” The bill failed.

A year later, the Department of Education’s civil rights division attempted a work-around toward its goal, proclaiming in a “guidance” document that “Title IX’s sex discrimination prohibition extends to claims of discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.”

The next year, in 2015, another bill came before Congress attempting to make official law what the civil rights division declared. “The bill was nearly identical to the one that failed in 2013,” the attorneys general lawsuit states. But “once again, Congress did not pass the legislation.”

Not once, but twice, Congress presumably expressed the will of the people: No. Nevertheless, according to the AG lawsuit, “As the failed attempts to amend Title IX piled up, so did the pressure from outside groups demanding that the government change Title IX through unilateral executive action.”

In May 2016, nearing the end of the Obama administration, the Department of Education issued a “Dear Colleague” letter to schools taking federal funds. The letter said the department would “trea(t) a student’s gender identity as the student’s sex for purposes of Title IX and its implementing regulations.”

It told school administrators “because a student who asserts a female gender identity must be treated identically to a biologically female student under Title IX, any attempt to restrict shower, bathroom or locker-room use according to biological sex would be unlawful.

It also warned schools that failing to ‘use pronouns and names consistent with a student’s gender identity’ constituted unlawful harassment under Title IX.” Once again, new law by presidential and bureaucrat fiat.

Thirteen states sued, alleging that the 2016 letter was unlawful under the Administrative Procedure Act. A Texas court agreed and issued a temporary injunction.

In their current lawsuit, the attorneys general cite nine other lawsuits where the courts repeatedly have affirmed that the word “sex” in Title IX “was widely understood to refer to immutable, biological differences between males and females.”

As far back as 1982, an Arizona court warned, “(D)ue to average physiological differences, males (will) displace females to a substantial extent if they (are) allowed to compete” in women’s sports, and “athletic opportunities for women (will) be diminished.”

Three years after the adoption of Title IX, even the late liberal Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, then a college professor, wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post “advocating for constitutional guarantees of the privacy rights recognized by Title IX,” the AG

A 15-YEAR CAMPAIGN

In a lawsuit attempting to stop implementation of the new rules, 15 attorneys general, including Florida’s Ashley Moody, have illuminated how the move to upend 40 years of accepted legal and social norms came about. It didn’t start with Biden. It started with Barack Obama’s promise to transform America.

This has been a relentless, 15-year campaign.

Starting in 2009, shortly after Obama’s inauguration, “Through guidance and aggressive investigations, that administration tried to expand Title IX to include gender identity, broaden the scope of actionable sexual harassment and relax procedural protections for the accused,” the AGs’ lawsuit states.

One of the administration’s legislative attempts occurred in 2013.

A bill to extend Title IX’s sex-based provisions to gender identity came before the House of Representatives. The attorneys general lawsuit

20 U.S. CODE § 1682 This is the federal code that gives federal bureaucrats the authority to make rules — er, to make law: “Each Federal department and agency which is empowered to extend Federal financial assistance to any education program or activity, by way of grant, loan, or contract other than a contract of insurance or guaranty, is authorized and directed to effectuate the provisions of section 1681 of this title with respect to such program or activity by issuing rules, regulations, or orders of general applicability which shall be consistent with achievement of the objectives of the statute authorizing the financial assistance in connection with which the action is taken. No such rule, regulation, or order shall become effective unless and until approved by the President.”

SCHOOL BOARD RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the United States Department of Education released a final rule, making significant changes to the regulations implementing Title IX, that run afoul of Federal and State Laws; and WHEREAS, Title IX, enacted by Congress in 1972, provides that “no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” 20 U.S.C. §1681(a); and …

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Education’s unlawful attempt to redefine “Sex” to include “Gender Identity” would have disastrous impacts to girls and women’s safety in restrooms, locker rooms, and sports; and …

WHEREAS, The Commissioner of Education of the State of Florida, at the direction of the Governor of the State of Florida, has instructed that “no education institution should begin implementing any changes while legal challenges ensue”; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the School Board of Sarasota County, Florida, in a public meeting duly called and assembled: 1. Affirms that “sex”: is defined as biological male or biological female (only two sexes); is an immutable characteristic that cannot be changed, fluid or altered; 2. Affirms that inherent biological differences and abilities exist between the two sexes and commits to protecting female sports; 3. Commits to ensuring the safety, privacy and protection of all students, and acknowledges the importance of single sex facilities; 4. Provides that no person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity within Sarasota County Schools; 5. Supports Gov. DeSantis, on behalf of the State of Florida, legal challenge of the U.S. Secretary of Education and the U.S. Department of Education’s rule changes to Title IX; 6. Commits that no policy or procedural changes will be implemented or considered as legal challenges ensue, and hereby acknowledges the paramount duty of the District to make adequate provisions for the education of all children residing within its borders.

lawsuit says. Ginsburg: “Separate places to disrobe, sleep, perform personal bodily functions are permitted, in some situations required, by regard for individual privacy.”

Two years after that, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights concluded “the personal privacy principle permits maintenance of separate sleeping and bathroom facilities” for males and females under Title IX. And in a 2023 lawsuit challenging the Biden administration’s interpretation of Title IX, the court ruled: “(T)he government has repeatedly issued guidance to the public at odds with the interpretation it now asks us to adopt. And surely that counts as one more reason yet to question whether its current position represents the best view of the law.”

The sum of all these rulings is the courts have sided with the original view of Title IX — that sex discrimination is about biological sexes, males and females, and not gender identity.

The Trump administration held to that view as well. In May 2020, it rejected a request “to treat gender identity the same as biological sex and to subject students to formal

“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; 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

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned.

Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Key Life Magazine, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine

CEO / Matt Walsh MWalsh@YourObserver.com President / Emily Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles Vice President / Lisa Walsh (1995-2023) 1970 Main St. Third Floor Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468

YourObserver.com © 2024 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

IGNORING CONGRESS

But after Biden started in 2021, the efforts that started with Obama revved up again — this time more aggressively and ignoring Congress.

In June 2021, the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the Department of Education issued a fact sheet that declared it discriminatory under Title IX for schools to exclude transgender students (particularly transgender girls) from participating in school sports or excluding them from school bathrooms in line with their gender identities; and also said failure to use transgender students’ names and pronouns is discriminatory.

The fact sheet went even further.

It removed innocent-until-provenguilty protections for the accused in sexual harassment cases — the right to present witnesses; to inspect the evidence against them; and to a live hearing.

Once again, Republican state attorneys general sued, with the judge in the case eventually granting the AGs a temporary injunction against enforcement.

The Biden administration appealed; that suit is still ongoing.

But at the same time that “fact sheet” lawsuit was underway, the Department of Education was proceeding to write its new rules, including once again that sex discrimination encompasses gender identity and sexual orientation.

As per law, these new rules required a period for public comments. The public had a lot to say.

According to the AG lawsuit, the Department received more than 240,000 comments — “the vast majority of which were negative.” “(S)ignificant opposition (came) from concerned observers spanning both sides of the aisle, numerous major faith groups and generations old and new,” the AG suit says.

Despite the preponderance of court cases rejecting the department’s views and despite public opposition, on April 29, the Department of Education issued its “final rule” and declared the new regulations will go into effect Aug. 1. Any school that violates the rules will be subject to losing its federal fund-

SUNDAY, MAY 19

ing. Clearly, billions of dollars are at stake around the country.

Meanwhile, the attorneys general lawsuit to stop the new rules is awaiting a July 1 hearing in U.S. District Court in Northern Alabama.

IN NEED OF A NAP 9:33 a.m., 3300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Person: Dispatch sent a Longboat Key Police officer to investigate a report of a suspicious person sleeping in a pool area. Upon arrival, the officer met with the two people in question, who said they were on the property to visit a grandmother. The boyfriend said he had traveled 17 hours and was taking a nap until his check-in time.

The caller arrived at the scene, was informed of the situation and apologized for the call.

SHAKEDOWN ORGANIZATION

Everyone would agree discrimination of any sort is wrong. What’s more, common sense would tell us it’s not right or wise as a society to make a law requiring men wanting to be women be granted legal right to use female bathrooms and locker room showers.

It’s worse, however, when unelected Washington bureaucrats make such a law — and equally bad that Congress is letting this unconstitutional activity occur.

All of which leads to what should be obvious: This Title IX dispute demonstrates the too-often overreach of the federal government.

Just what good does the Department of Education actually do?

If you think it through, the department is just an interventionist, wealth-transferring, shakedown organization that takes $80 billion a year from U.S. taxpayers; siphons about $2 billion a year in salaries for 4,400 employees (whose average salaries, by the way, are $112,725 a year); and then redistributes billions of dollars back to the states and congressional members’ and presidents’ specialinterest schools and groups.

But there is a catch: To get the money, you have to follow the Department of Education’s rules — rules that cause taxpayers to waste more millions in legal bills for our governments to fight each other.

None of this horrible waste — not to mention, local school board resolutions — would occur if our elected representatives had the courage to do what they did in 1868 — eliminate the Department of Education.

Education should be the sole domain of the private sector. Government intervention at every level of education, demonstrably, has produced the rotten fruit that has splattered across our country today.

Go ahead, dismiss the Sarasota School Board’s Title IX resolution as political grandstanding.

But more people need to speak out against tyrannical fiat.

KEEP THE DOGS AT HOME 6:14 p.m., 4100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Animal Problem: Officers responded to a report of a beachgoer with two dogs. The officers arrived at the beach and saw the two unleashed dogs near a group of people. The owner spoke with police and said he was unaware that dogs were not allowed on the beach, and left without issue.

MONDAY, MAY 20

BRAWLING BUILDERS 9:20 a.m., 1200 block of Bogey Lane Suspicious Incident: A resident called to report construction workers possibly fighting. An officer arrived at the scene and did not see anyone fighting or in distress, and no one attempted to flag the officer down. There were construction workers throwing debris into a truck, though. The officer contacted the complainant and asked if she could provide a better description of the subjects, but she was unable to give any more description of the alleged brawlers.

PAID FOR WHAT HE GOT 2 p.m., 2800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Civil Disturbance: An officer responded to the scene of a civil disturbance and met with the complainant and his handyman. The complainant said the handyman was supposed to complete his deck and would be paid $800. But, according to the complainant, the handyman only completed part of the deck, so the complainant only paid $500 for the work. The handyman was

THE TRUSTED CHOICE // We know that choosing where to receive care after a life-changing illness or injury is an important decision.

When you choose our hospital for your rehabilitation, you receive compassionate care from an expert team that works together to help you meet your unique goals. Our clinicians combine innovative technologies and advanced therapies into a treatment plan that helps you achieve what’s important to you.

Your dedicated care team includes: • Occupational, physical and speech therapists

• Pharmacists • Case managers

• Physicians • Registered nurses • Dietitians Conditions we treat: • Brain injuries • Neurological disorders • Parkinson’s disease

• Spinal cord injuries • Stroke • And many more

You have a choice for your rehabilitative care.

Choose to get back to what matters most.

encompasshealth.com/sarasotarehab

©2024:Encompass Health Corporation:MyTurn

MONDAY, MAY 20

NEED A LICENSE FOR THAT 2:42 p.m., 300 block of North Shore Road Vehicle Stop: While on patrol, an officer witnessed a yellow forklift traveling on the roadway that failed to stop at a stop sign before making a turn. The officer followed the forklift to a parking lot and attempted to speak with the operator. The operator handed the officer a foreign identification card and a co-worker arrived on-scene to assist in translation. It was discovered that the forklift operator did not have a driver’s license, and he was issued two traffic citations and a notice to appear in court.

9

COPS CORNER

discipline for failing to use a classmate’s preferred pronouns.”

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

expecting full payment even though he didn’t complete the work. Both agreed it was a civil issue and nothing criminal happened. The officer facilitated a conversation between the two, which led to the handyman being asked to leave for the day for things to cool down.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22

DUST IN THE WIND 4:02 p.m., 700 block of Marbury Lane Officer Public Service: An officer was sent to a citizen assist call when a report came in regarding pavers cutting with the wrong type of saw, which was throwing dust in the air.

At the scene, the officer observed a worker cutting pavers for a new driveway. The officer then spoke with the complainant, who said he had health-related issues with his lungs and the dust from the pavers was causing irritated breathing. He said he believed the worker was in violation of the town code by not using a wet saw, but the officer checked the town ordinances for “dust” and “wet saw” but came up empty-handed. The officer advised the complainant that he couldn’t make the worker stop, but the complainant could contact code enforcement for more information.

Please join us at an upcoming

Community Education Program.

Learn from healthcare experts on a variety of topics, hosted by Encompass Health.

Community Health Seminar “Get Your Life Back: Understanding Leg Pain and Venous Disease”

Presented by Dr. Jeffrey B. Edwards of Sarasota Vascular Specialists Wednesday, May 29, 2024 • 5PM Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota 6400 Edgelake Drive, Sarasota Light dinner provided.

RSVP 941.921.8625

Community Cardiac Support Group Thursday, June 6 • Noon-1:30pm

Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce 2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte Lunch provided.

RSVP 941.376.2747 For more information on these programs and others, please scan the QR code or call 941.705.7070.

417695-1

YourObserver.com

10

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

Remembering the fallen O

n Memorial Day, Steve Horton remembers his next-door neighbor in Washington, D.C. Richard Higgins was an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps commissioned immediately after college. He served combat tours in Vietnam.

In 1987, Higgins was assigned to be the chief of the United Nations observation group in Lebanon. Six months later, he was abducted by Hezbollah terrorists and killed.

Horton said he remembered working with Higgins at the Pentagon. He also would see him in the Pentagon Athletic Club and their children grew up together.

This is who Bird Key Yacht Club Commodore Horton honored on Memorial Day as he led the presentation at the club’s annual ceremony.

“Each year, I try to personalize this by addressing one person who has given the ultimate sacrifice among the many men,” said Horton. “Let us remember the price of freedom. As the living, our obligation is not to let our fallen service members’ sacrifice be in vain but always to rise up and continue to fight for freedom. God bless those serving, especially those employed today in harm’s way, providing us the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful day.”

The Bird Key Yacht Club honored 40 veterans at its event. Lemon Bay High School’s Navy Junior ROTC conducted a flag ceremony followed by the national anthem sung by Courtney West and performances by bagpiper Gemma Briggs.

John Roble enlisted in the U.S. Navy when he was 20 years old and served until the end of the Cold War in 1991.

HUMBLE HERO Photos by Petra Rivera

Commodore Steve Horton, Vice Commodore Michael Landis and Rear Commodore Tony Britt

— PETRA RIVERA Elmer Berkel, Diane and Bo Fairey

Lemon Bay High School’s Navy Junior ROTC raises the colors in its flag ceremony for the Bird Key Yacht Memorial Day ceremony.

Mitchell and Courtney West and their four children, Cason, Galleria, Raelynn and Forest

WORSHIP

Longboat Key native John Roble was in junior college when President John F. Kennedy made his famous inaugural address.

“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country,” said President Kennedy on Jan. 20, 1961.

Those words rang in Roble’s head as he visited a naval boot camp with a high school friend a year later. When he saw the men dressed in their blue naval uniforms, he knew he was making the right choice. Roble enlisted in the U.S. Navy when he was 20 years old.

Roble was commissioned as a U.S. Navy officer in 1963 and served in Vietnam, starting in 1965. Throughout his career, he returned to his home state of Florida and finished his education at the University of South Florida in 1970. He participated in the invasion of Grenada in October 1983 and served until the end of the Cold War in 1991.

After attending the Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Roble flew radar planes for the Navy. He maneuvered five aircraft carriers, a destroyer and a command and control ship. One of these aircraft carriers is still in commission today.

“I witnessed everything good about our world and unfortunately, everything that’s bad about our world,” said Roble.

“I flew all over, from the Arctic Circle to the International Dateline and through the Pacific into the Indian Ocean into the Mediterranean. Where haven’t I been?”

Roble shared that his most monumental moment in the Navy was watching a ship he helped build be commissioned.

He said it was awe-inspiring to see the USS George Washington launch in 1990 from Norfolk, Virginia.

The Navy was also instrumental in finding the love of his life. Roble’s late wife worked for the Navy as a civilian logistics system analyst for 45 years. The two met at a Navy base picnic while the squadron was across the street from where she worked. He said they truly were a Navy family.

After 32 years of service, Roble now is a member of Bird Key Yacht Club. On a normal day visiting the club, he will run into friends that at one time he never thought he would see again.

Since joining the club, Roble has become close friends with Pete Bruder, who will often come as a guest for lunch. The two flew in the same squadron in 1973.

He said that this interaction is different than with a former co-worker you might run into years later. Their experiences bonded them for life and made Roble the man that he is today.

Roble was honored along with 40 other veterans at the Bird Key Yacht Club Memorial Day ceremony on May 27.

“In 32 years, I learned who I am,” said Roble. “I think about before I joined. You really take all this for granted. Those years reinforced again that the liberty, the freedom and justice for all of this country are a part of our lives. That is very important to me as our way of life for everybody in this great country.” ­— PETRA RIVERA

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

424186-1

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

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

Lord’s Warehouse Summer Hours: M-W-SAT 9am to 12:00pm

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: 8:30 AM, and 10:30 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 Service Sunday 10 a.m.

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

Join the Discussion Tuesday or Wednesday

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

424138-1

Visitors & Residents Welcome

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

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

941-383-3428

longboatkeytemple.org

424227-1

Growing in Jesus’ Name

423315-1

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

424129-1

about Scripture and an issue in society.

Classifieds 24 Games 23 Real Estate 19 Weather 23

MAY 30, 2024

YOUR NEIGHBORS ART IN ALL FORMS From stainless steel to international jewelry, the fest hosted artisans from around the world to share their unique work and stories.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

T “It is all about the right temperature from the torch to shape it and give it the color you want. This was just years of hard work and practice, but now I’m addicted to making them.”

— John Grammer

he St. Armands Fine Art Festival hosted a creative break from the many barbecues and pool parties happening over Memorial Day weekend.

Visitors and locals perused an array of artists on May 25-26 on St. Armands Circle.

Each one started with a childhood passion and worked to create diverse artwork such as stainless steel art, world-renowned sculptures and international jewelry. These artists enjoyed the hot day of showcasing their art and picking the brains of Sarasota’s top art fanatics.

Here are a couple of the standout artists from this year’s St. Armands Fine Art Festival.

JOHN GRAMMER

John Grammer spent the past five years perfecting the delicate technique of stainless steel art.

“It is all about the right temperature from the torch to shape it and give it the color you want,” said Grammer. “This was just years of hard work and practice, but now I’m addicted to making them.”

Since he was a child, Grammer always wanted to be an artist. He only pursued it as a side hobby for a time, but people could always find him making art such as the sculp-

tures he crafted on-site at his construction job. At age 55, these sculptures inspired him to quit his job and make art full time.

Grammer said that stainless steel art is rare because of how expensive it is and how difficult it is to work with. After five years of practicing the technique, Grammer knows just by touch how hot the torch needs to be to make a specific color on the material.

Grammer moved to Sarasota in 2019. He focuses on making art based on fish caught by local fishermen. He loves that his stainless steel pieces are unique and will last forever.

RUBEN MEDINA

Originally from Cuba, Ruben Medina is a world-renowned artist with sculptures in the United States, Cuba and Italy.

Medina said that he knew since he was 11 years old that he was destined to be a sculptor. In 2003, Medina opened his own studio in Milan, Italy, and lived there for 17 years.

“In the land of Donatello, Cellini, and my inspiration, the great Gian Lorenzo Bernini, I had the opportunity to enrich and perfect my technique of processing these materials,” said Medina on his website. “There I learned to work with marble with a process based on an archaic 19thcentury classical technique, which did not involve the use of industrial machinery. I created marble and bronze sculptures, and above all figurative subjects.”

His sculptures are displayed throughout Milan at churches, in plazas and other public places. Medina moved to Cape Coral, Florida, nine years ago to continue sculpting with the inspiration of a tropical atmosphere.

Medina’s latest collection is inspired by ancient sea myths such as that of Neptune. He also made sculptures based on horse races in Milan. He also included interactive aspects in his work such as lights and mirrors.

DREW ALLAN

424109-1

Ruben Medina’s art features nautical themes.

Artist Drew Allan was focused on another art form for most of his life: music.

After chasing his rock star dreams for a few years in the 1990s, he eventually settled down to pursue a career in environmental science. Still practicing music on the side, Allan started painting as another creative outlet.

Now Allan combines all three passions on the easel and is eager to share them with the community. He

Photos by Petra Rivera

John Grammer creates his art using stainless steel.

moved to Sarasota in 2010.

“My art is just another expression of me,” said Allan. “I mean my guitar pieces are all about my music, and then you go into the sea life and the painted surfboards you feel my love for the water and the environment.”

Allan describes his art as a mix of abstract and impressionism. He adds texture to his art with items such as guitar strings. He also paints on unique objects relating to his life such as his surfboards.

Allan said, “I think it’s cool that I can just share my life with everything through these two amazing art forms.”

TAGUA ART BY LULU

Each piece of jewelry from Tagua Art

By Lulu is uniquely made with “love and hope.”

Lourdes Gloekler’s colorful jewelry is crafted from the South American nut “Tagua,” which is collected by Ecuadorian families from Gloekler’s hometown.

Gloekler started making jewelry as a little girl. She said that her first pieces were made from watermelon.

This pushed her to start experimenting with different items. Gloekler learned the “Tagua” technique from her grandmother as it was passed down through many generations.

Tagua was originally crafted by the native Ecuadorians into vegetable ivory and worn as protection. They would leave the tagua nut in the sun every day for a couple of months so its interior texture of jelly would harden. Then, the piece could be crafted by hand into the desired shape and permanently infused with vibrant colors.

Gloekler uses this technique today.

The process takes a year overall. She designs pieces with various colors and styles in advance to take them to her brother on her annual Ecuador trip. The families will craft the tagua through the ancient process and send it to Gloekler to sell them. She donates a portion of the proceeds back to the Ecuadorian families.

Gloekler now lives in Ormond Beach. She uses her business as a source of education for the families making the jewelry. She also loves to share her culture and traditions with everyone who buys the jewelry in Florida.

“These pieces are so special because they are made through hard work and love,” said Gloekler.

“People will tell me every time they wear a piece they feel happy because they feel that positive energy. And I feel it too just touching them. The people who made it are so special and deserve opportunities for better education and this is just a small thing to help them get that.”

Lourdes Gloekler’s art features tagua beads.

12

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

Photos by Petra Rivera

Amy Steinhauser taps and circles each singing bowl with her mallet to provide a mix of different frequencies.

Surround sound Paradise Center director uses varied sound frequencies to help Longboaters let go of stress and pain.

STAFF WRITER

F

irst, a tap on a crystal singing bowl.

The hum from the bowl grows louder as Amy Steinhauser circles it with her mallet.

With every tap on the singing bowls, the frequency changes and stirs a different emotion.

No one knows what she will do next: Will she run her fingers across the chimes, tap on a tube or turn the rain stick?

Then comes the gong.

“You might not like each sound you hear,” said Steinhauser.

Steinhauser, the Paradise Center’s new executive director, uses these

E PRIC NEW

different frequencies and Reiki energy to cultivate a healing sound bath for The Paradise Center members and any Longboaters interested. She holds a sound bath at The Paradise Center once a month.

She has also held a few sessions on the beach.

“I would say I use some form of Reiki or sound healing certainly on a weekly basis,” said Steinhauser.

“Because of that, it is much harder for anyone to get me upset. It’s now easy to stay pretty calm in situations that can be stressful or that would have really been challenging for me.”

Reiki is a type of energy healing, according to Medical News Today.

The Reiki practitioner can aid the flow of Reiki energy and pass it to

“I get so much from the act of sharing this with other people and having them benefit from it.”

— Amy Steinhauser

FIRST EXAM FREE*

Proudly representing these fabulous Longboat Key properties

Your trusted Longboat Key Resident REALTOR®,

JoDene Moneuse

FOR NEW CLIENTS

Valid until 7/31/24. mu st mention at time of booking or present ad to staff

35 year Longboat Key Resident/Realtor

3 bdrms/2 baths renovated, on a great canal 548 Lyons Lane | $1,275,000

Amy Steinhauser lets the sound from the crystal pyramid wash over Jon Rios’ head.

*Includes exam fee only. Does not include diagnostics or treatment fees.

Celebrating 5 years on the Michael Saunders “Best of the Best” list

2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 For pricing and services, go to www.catdepot.org

Realtor JoDene

CAT CARE CLINIC

Affordable Veterinary Services

E PRIC NEW

WagnerRealty.com Build your dream home on canal front land in Longbeach Village!

521 Broadway St | $950,000

Your Hometown Favorite For More Than Eight Decades!

LOCAL, VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1939

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

LONGBOAT KEY KEY LONGBOAT

ANNA MARIA ISLAND NEW PRICE

1801 Gulf Dr N, #268| Runaway Bay Condominium 4370 Chatham Drive, Unit 104| Longboat Harbour MLS#A4584838 | 2/2 - 2nd fl | Great amenities | MLS#A4592435 | 2/2 - 1,040 sf | Great amenities | Now $499,000 | Becky Smith/E.Starrett (941) 773-1954 $530,000 | Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

Updated and high and dry! 3 bdrms/2 baths on a nice canal.

550 De Narvaez Dr | $1,450,000

Seaplace #G3-305.

Beautifully remodeled 2/2.

2045 Gulf of Mexico Dr | $665,000

LONGBOAT KEY

612 Marbury Lane | Sleepy Lagoon Pk| MLS#A4590263 | 2/2 - 1,128 sf | Canal Front | $1,250,000 | Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

JoDeneMoneuse@michaelsaunders.com LongboatKeyLiving.com

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

Longboat Key Office

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

Bringing you HOME is my Business 424236-1

941.302.4913

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

RESIDENTIAL SALES - RENTALS - PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

11,250 sf lot with 3 bdrm/2 bth renovated house. New seawall, docks and 10,000 lb lift 690 Jungle Queen | $1,350,000

423129-1

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

SIESTA KEY

941.383.5577

422660-1

PETRA RIVERA

another person without touch to help heal physical and emotional pain.

More than 800 hospitals around the country offer Reiki services.

Steinhauser said she doesn’t understand Reiki entirely but has seen the effects in her healing journey. She first experienced it through a friend looking for someone to practice on. This experience inspired her to learn more about it and become the Reiki master teacher she is today.

During her Reiki exploration, Steinhauser bought her first sound bowl. She knew that it would help her during stressful times. Steinhauser led her first sound bath at The Paradise Center in February 2023.

Steinhauser starts each sound bath by grounding everyone in the present through their breath. Then she will begin with the singing bowls and follow with instruments including chimes, a rain stick, a gong, tubes and a crystal pyramid.

Through the different frequencies, she leads the attendees through sound meditation and encourages them to let go of all negative tension in their lives whether physical or emotional. Everyone experiences it differently, Steinhauser said.

Tori Newman brought Margy Rich to Steinhauser’s sound bath on May 22 to release some stress. Being an artist, Rich pictured herself drawing with the sound energy during the sound bath.

Betty Heron also attended the same session and said that she felt a release of pressure from her knee during the sound bath.

Previous attendees also shared with Steinhauser that sound baths have helped improve their sleep, reduce pain and lower stress. She said that it helped one woman through grief for her late husband.

“It helps me build a lot more confidence and trust in myself and not just from playing the actual instruments,” said Steinhauser. “I get so much from the act of sharing this with other people and having them benefit from it.”

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

13

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

BENCHMARK RESULTS • STR ATEGIC MARKETING • PERSONALIZED SERVICE

S EN E QU

R OU B R HA

O LL E B TO R PO

535 SANCTUARY DR #202

3605 FAIR OAKS PLACE

3235 GULF OF MEXICO DR #A405

LONGBOAT KEY | $2,100,000 MLS# A4597299

LONGBOAT KEY | OFFERED AT $1,625,000 MLS# A4578278

LONGBOAT KEY | OFFERED AT $1,249,000 MLS# A4602938

RT O YP BA

I AR N I AL

UB CL

EY K T OA B NG O L

800 N TAMIAMI TRL #317

831 BAYPORT WAY

250 SANDS POINT RD #5105

SARASOTA | OFFERED AT $899,000 MLS# A4594771

LONGBOAT KEY | OFFERED AT $749,000 MLS# A4601460

LONGBOAT KEY | OFFERED AT $599,000 MLS# A4598746

LD SO

CE A L HP C A BE LD SO

B LU C EY K T OA B NG LO

G IN D N PE

1055 GULF OF MEXICO DR #205

225 SANDS POINT RD #6106

HIGEL AVENUE

LONGBOAT KEY | $1,485,000 MLS# A4571524

LONGBOAT KEY | $849,000 MLS# A4459754

SIESTA KEY | $16,995,000 MLS# A4537883

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE LISTING DETAILS

I A N A DDY, PA

G A I L W IT T IG

IanAddy@MichaelSaunders.com

GailWittig@MichaelSaunders.com

R E A LT O R ®, M B A

A SSOCI ATE

941.387.0100

W W W . L O N G B O AT L I F E . C O M

424195-1

LD SO

RY A U CT N SA

14

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

Healing arts Dr. Coeurlida Ashby’s presentation at The Paradise Center will introduce the concept of lifestyle medicine and its benefits.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

D

r. Coeurlida Ashby loved working as a doctor at her internal medicine practice until she realized how little time it allowed for patients to heal.

“There were a lot of patients that needed time, and the system isn’t really set up for giving them that kind of time,” said Ashby. “I realized very early on in my career that I was practicing medicine in a way that I knew wasn’t sustainable for me as a healer.”

This led to an existential crisis.

Ashby didn’t know if traditional medicine was the best outlet for “her healing art.” So, she went to the only thing that made her feel better: health and fitness.

Ashby poured most of her free time into bodybuilding and learning about nutrition. She started teaching her health techniques to clients after hours and saw a significant difference in her mood. She also noticed that implementing a healthy lifestyle reversed chronic diseases for most of her clients.

In 2017, Ashby discovered the lifestyle medicine concept and immediately knew it was her calling.

The Paradise Center will host Ashby for an exclusive presentation on lifestyle medicine from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on June 3.

Lifestyle medicine focuses on implementing lifestyle changes that promote healthy fitness and nutrition to prevent chronic diseases.

Ashby said that lifestyle medicine is based on six pillars from ancient Chinese tradition. The pillars include sleep, nutrition, fitness, social connections, mental health and toxins you put in your body.

Courtesy image

Dr. Coeurlida Ashby

IF YOU GO

Dr. Ashby’s free presentation on lifestyle medicine is from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on June 3 at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Call 383-6493 for any questions. A Zoom link is also available.

Ashby’s presentation will serve as an introduction to lifestyle medicine for Longboaters. It will provide an interactive discussion for participants to understand and see the benefits of incorporating these lifestyle changes.

She will cover how it improves overall health, boosts energy and vitality, manages stress and prevents and reverses chronic diseases. She will mainly focus on heart disease and metabolic health.

Ashby earned her medical degree in internal medicine from Yale University School of Medicine. She completed her residency training at Yale New Haven Hospital where she served as chief resident of the Yale Internal Medicine Primary Care Program.

Ashby got a lifestyle medicine certificate in 2020 and has become

Petra Rivera

Physical fitness is one of the pillars of lifestyle medicine. Here qigong instructor Sandi Love leads a class at The Paradise Center.

a leader in the field through her recognition in the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. She now runs her own practice, Conscious Health, in Sarasota.

Ashby hopes the presentation will interest Longboaters to start thinking about their everyday habits and how their lifestyle affects their health.

She is open to giving consultations at The Paradise Center’s Medical Suite if people are interested.

“I think lifestyle medicine is a missing resource right now on Longboat,” said Ashby. “It is incredible the potential impact it could have on reducing suffering and disease burden. I love the atmosphere of having a space for movement at The Paradise Center, having a physical therapist in the same building and having potential other providers. It is just the type of setting that lifestyle lends itself to. They’re definitely on the right track and this would be adding right in the mix.”

Island life begins here.

PENDING

Petra Rivera

Another pillar of lifestyle medicine is social connections, like the ones made in Reuben Fernandez’s tai chi classes at The Paradise Center, where he emphasizes the concept of “tai chi family.”

NEW LISTING - DIRECT BAY FRONT $799,900

NEW LISTING

3070 Grand Bay Blvd #625 | A4608605 2/2, Direct Bay Views, Under Building Parking, Longboat Key 6485 Gulf of Mexico Drive 3BR | 3BA | 2,000 SF A4600758 | $3,500,000

2383 Harbour Oaks Drive.

3BR | 2.5 BA | 2,222 SF $950,000 | A4609474

PENDING

NEW LISTING | PENDING

DIRECT BAY FRONT AVAILABLE $3,325,000

3606 Fair Oaks PL | A4555331 4 Bedrooms, Bay Front in Queens Harbour, Longboat Key 1800 Benjamin Franklin Drive A602 3BR | 3BA |1,980 SF A4587573 | $2,000,000

2121 Wood Street, #105 2BR | 2BA | 885 SF A4610352 | $225,000

DIRECT GULF FRONT $1,699,900

Open House Sunday 1-4 pm

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

424412-1

Julie Klick

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

425889-1

1918 Harbourside Drive 901 3BR | 2BA | 2,135 SF A4588451 | $1,500,000

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

Leading the market in 2024!

15

CLUB LONGBOAT BEACH & TENNIS 2 INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITIES G

W NE

IN IST

L

5055 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #436 | $1,089,000

3BR/3BA | 1,632 SQ FT | Former Developer’s Unit | Unique 2-Story Floor Plan Completely Updated | Turnkey Furnished | Tennis Mecca Community Pet-Friendly | Covered Parking

+

5055 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #535 | $1,995,000

2BR/2BA | 1,509 SQ FT Transformed Beachfront Penthouse | Desirable Building 5 Turnkey Furnished | Spectacular Gulf & Sunset Views | 2 Gulf Front Balconies N ING CTIO T S LI RU W NST E N CO R DE N U

OYSTER BAY ESTATES

CE

W

NE

I PR

$5,995,000

CONDO ON THE BAY TOWER II

$1,295,000

QUEENS HARBOUR

$2,550,000

GRAND BAY II

$2,295,000

GRAND BAY I

$1,899,995

BAYSO SARASOTA

$1,739,500

CHEROKEE PARK

$5,695,000

THE LAKES ESTATES

$859,000

OAKS

$1,595,000

WATER CLUB

1429 N. LAKE SHORE DR. | 5BR/5 FULL BA & 2 HALF BA | 4,545 SQ FT | Under Construction | Open Plan | Gourmet Kitchen | Wine Room | Summer kitchen | Resort-style Pool & Spa | Large Private Lot

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

CE

3584 FAIR OAKS LN. | 3BR+STUDY/3.5BA | 2,959 SQ FT | Deep Sailboat Waterfront with Expansive Private Dock - Can Accommodate Large Vessel up to 55’ | New Roof | 2-Car Garage

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD., #112 | 3BR/2BA | 2,250 SQ FT | Never Lived In | Completely Updated NW Corner Residence | Large Wrap-Around Terrace w/ Bay Views | Fully Furnished | Pet-Friendly

1655 SOUTH DR. | 5BR/5 FULL BA & 4.5 HALF BA | 6,355 SQ FT | Luxury 3-Story Estate Home in Sought After Neighborhood | Completely Walled-In | w/ Electric Gate | Summer Kitchen

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 w/EV Charger

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

301 QUAY COMMONS #903 | 2BR+Study/3 Full BA | 1,828 SQ FT | 9th Floor | Split Floor Plan Positioned to Capture Optimal Views | 2 Prime Side-By-Side Parking Spaces

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

$4,649,000

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

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

423617-1

W

NE

I PR

16

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

Say (grilled) cheese F irst responders were all smiles over their free lunch from the Big Blue Grilled Cheese Co. food truck.

The Longboat Key Police Department, Fire Department and Public Works Department enjoyed gourmet grilled cheeses on May 24 outside Longboat Key Fire Rescue Station No. 91, at 5490 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The Rotary Club of Longboat Key sponsored the lunch as its annual May event in recognition of all the hard work these workers put in for the community.

There was a variety of gourmet options from the truck, such as the “Jam” grilled cheese with goat cheese, basil pesto and blueberry jam and the “Spinner” grilled cheese with spinach artichoke dip, Parmesan and red pepper. Each grilled cheese came with chips, homemade tomato soup and a beverage.

The favorite among the group was the “Caprese” grilled cheese with mozzarella, tomato, pesto and balsamic reduction.

The Rotary Club picked the grilled cheese truck because of the group’s love for comfort food.

Rotarian Nancy Rozance said it was the perfect way to relax on the hot summer day.

“We are always talking about how much the Rotary Club does for us,” said Fire Department Logistics Officer Tara Pavgouzas.

“We appreciate how much they care about us and we know we can always count on them to make us smile.”

Photos by Petra Rivera

Chase Opela enjoys a free grilled cheese after coming back from a call with the Longboat Key Fire Department.

Nancy Rozance congratulates Capt. Robert Bourque on being Manatee County Hundred Club’s 2023 Officer of the Year.

— PETRA RIVERA

Jack Rozance bites into the vegan grilled cheese from the Big Blue Grilled Cheese Co. food truck.

Brenna Foster and Terri Driver Kerri Brooks

LONGBOAT KEY

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS SEMINAR

424254-1

TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY

LONGBOAT KEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Presenting Sponsor

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

JUNE 5, 2024 REGISTRATION 3:00 - 3:45 PM SEMINAR 3:45 - 5:30 PM

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

941.724.7228

424204-1

“Stay Informed & Be Prepared”

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

BRIAN LAMARRE Meteorologist-in-Charge, National Weather Service Tampa & NOAA Gulf of Mexico Regional Collaboration Team Lead

3000 Harbourside Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228

-FREE ADMISSIONComplimentary Light Refreshments Provided

FOMO no mo.

RSVP: (941) 383-2466 or email info@lbkchamber.com

Find exciting events for the whole family in Sarasota and Manatee.

Grand Prize Sponsor

425279-1

Sign up at

YourObserver.com/newsletters 422157-1

LONGBOAT KEY CLUB HARBOURSIDE BALLROOM

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

17

REAL ESTATE BY REAL EXPERTS OVER $78 MILLION PENDING AND SOLD JUST IN 2024

SCAN FOR MORE

SCAN FOR MORE

JUST LISTED

JUST LISTED ISLANDER CLUB • 2295 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #64-S • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $650,000 2BR/2BA • 1,235 SF • Bay & Golf course views

THE MARK • 111 S. PINEAPPLE AVE., #1010 • SARASOTA, FL • $1,895,000 2BR+DEN/2.5BA • 1,746 SF • Bay & City Views • 10th Floor • Modern floor plan

SCAN FOR MORE

SCAN FOR MORE

NEW PRICE COUNTRY CLUB SHORES • 1180 BOGEY LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $997,000 2BR+DEN/2BA • 1,636 SF • Furnished • Large fenced yard

BEACHPLACE • 1065 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #10-402 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $929,000 2BR/2BA • 1,392 SF • Updated • Furnished • Covered parking space

SCAN FOR MORE

SCAN FOR MORE

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES • 551 PUTTER LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $6,199,500 4BR+DEN+OFFICE/5.5BA • Full Bay view • 2 Primary suites • 6-Car garage

BUTTONWOOD HARBOUR • 602 BUTTONWOOD DRIVE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,325,000 3BR/3BA • 2,107 SF • Updates • Screened pool lanai

SCAN FOR MORE

SCAN FOR MORE

WESTON POINT • 617 WESTON POINTE COURT • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $3,495,000 4BR/5BA • 4,395 SF • Canal front w/dock • Courtyard with casita

LBK TOWERS • 603 LONGBOAT CLUB RD., #1102N • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,799,000 2BR/2BA • 1,458 SF • Gulf, bay, golf course views • Extended Gulf front terrace

SCAN FOR MORE

SCAN FOR MORE

SCAN FOR MORE

SCAN FOR MORE

ISLANDS WEST • 2525 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #11B • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,499,000 2BR/2BA • 1,491 SF • Gulf front Penthouse • Updates

FAIRWAY BAY • 1930 HARBOURSIDE DR., #111 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $795,000 2BR/2BA • 1,442 SF • Full bay views • Walkdown to bayfront

SCAN FOR MORE

SCAN FOR MORE

THE SHORE • 5757 GULF OF MEXICO DR.,# 102 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $895,000 2BR/2BA • 1,561 SF • First level • One pet no weight limit • Steps to beach

SANCTUARY • 585 SANCTUARY DR., #B202 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,895,000 3BR/2.5BA • 1,823 SF • Gulf and Golf Course Views • Updates

THE BAYOU • 3221 BAYOU WAY • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,650,000 3BR/3.5BA • 2,639 SF • Spacious split floor plan • Screened pool

SCAN FOR MORE

QUEENS HARBOUR • 3520 FAIR OAKS LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,699,000 3BR+DEN/3BA • 2,902 SF • Separate casita for guests

FAIRWAY BAY • 2016 HARBOURSIDE DR., #327 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $899,000 2BR/2BA • 1,532 SF • Corner residence • Direct Bay front • Covered parking

BRUCE MYER GROUP

RANKED #10 COLDWELL BANKER INDIVIDUAL REALTOR IN THE NATION

www.BruceMyer.com

CHASE MYER (941) 315-5318

BRUCE MYER (941) 376-5311

417366-1

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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

LONGBOAT KEY 2333 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 1B1 2 Beds + Den 2/1 Baths 3,238 Sq. Ft. Robert Delaney 941-315-3185 A4599566 $4,500,000

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 680 Broadway Street 3 Beds 4 Baths 2,009 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4587392 $1,795,000

LONGBOAT KEY 7030 Poinsetta Avenue 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,402 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4587406 $1,650,000

LONGBOAT KEY 7012 Palm Drive 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,104 Sq. Ft. JoDene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4598828 $1,650,000

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 $1,500,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 1000 Longboat Club Rd Unit 603 603 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,409 Sq. Ft. Jenine Meyer 941-266-8303 A4608728 $1,285,000

LONGBOAT KEY 610 Russell Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,688 Sq. Ft. Matthew Voss 941-237-0877 A4586583 $1,249,900

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 578 580 Companion Way 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,792 Sq. Ft. Bill Anderson & Adrienne Scott 941-313-4059 A4598090 $1,145,000

BRADENTON 1708 80th Street Court W 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,829 Sq. Ft. Jody Shinn 941-705-5704 A4606007 $1,125,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2077 Gulf Of Mexico Drive T1-109 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,387 Sq. Ft. Judy C Beck 941-320-2825 A4605868 $1,100,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2110 Harbourside Drive 547 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,039 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4595861 $1,048,850

LONGBOAT KEY 2123 Harbourside Drive 903 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,224 Sq. Ft. Camille Buck 941-894-4771 A4611265 $975,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2383 Harbour Oaks Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,222 Sq. Ft. Beverly St Hilaire 818-416-2505 A4609474 $950,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 5270 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 504 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,498 Sq. Ft. Bobbie Banan 941-356-2659 A4588989 $850,000

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

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

LONGBOAT KEY 5260 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 412 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,453 Sq. Ft. Bobbie Banan 941-356-2659 A4587964 $675,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 4770 Gulf Of Mexico Drive V-6 2 Beds 1 Baths 812 Sq. Ft. Ann Martin & Joanna Benante 941-356-7717 A4592314 $499,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3808 Gulf Of Mexico Drive E307 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,007 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon 941-234-3991 A4610677 $440,000

LONGBOAT KEY 6940 Longboat Drive S 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,550 Sq. Ft. Bill Anderson & Adrienne Scott 941-313-4059 A4602353 $2,599,000

LONGBOAT KEY 7160 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,056 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4598119 $2,250,000

SARASOTA 8076 Grande Shores Drive 3 Beds 4 Baths 3,553 Sq. Ft. Victoria Turner 662-614-2783 A4607590 $2,249,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 424042-1

18

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

condominium in L’Ambiance at Longboat Key Club tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Steven and Becky Thomas sold their Unit B-902 condominium at 415 L’Ambiance Drive to Timothy and Dawn Sweeney, of Longboat Key, for $3,325,000.

Built in 1992, it has two bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths and 2,385 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.55 million in 2016.

JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

Stanley Shulman and Janet Kahan, of Gloucester, Massachusetts, sold their home at 454 N. Washington Drive to Jacqueline Ritchie and William John Peter Ritchie, of Fife, United Kingdom, for $2.9 million.

Built in 1955, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,208 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.34 million in 2016.

THE WATER CLUB AT LONGBOAT KEY

Catherine Armitage, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 506 condominium at 1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Anthony Thomas Sajan and Elizabeth Sajan, of Las Vegas, for $2.8 million. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,650 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,575,000 in 2017.

HARBOUR COURT

George Klett, trustee, sold the home at 2224 Harbour Court Drive to Harvey Sheldon and Laura Traeger, trustees, of Longboat Key, for $2.3 million. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,959 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1.85 million in 2021.

BEACHPLACE

John and Sharon Donnelly, of Rochester Hills, Michigan, sold their Unit 505 condominium at 1145 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Victor Thomas

REAL ESTATE

Condo in L’Ambiance tops sales at $3.3 million

19

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MAY 13-17

Isbell and Rhonda Isbell, trustees, of Westfield, Indiana, for $1.9 million. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,819 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in 1989.

BP 7101 LLC sold the Unit 101 condominium at 1075 Gulf of Mexico Drive to E. Denison Holder, of Big Sky, Montana, for $1.15 million.

Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,172 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.3 million in 2021.

LONGBOAT KEY ESTATES

Robert and Emily Hamel, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 554 Rountree Drive to Erich Albert Hamel, of New York City, for $1,325,000. Built in 1958, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,708 square feet of living area.

It sold for $239,900 in 1988.

LONGBEACH

Nancy Greenhouse and Patrick Canavan, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 7057 Longboat Drive N. to Gregory Watts and Kerry Watts, trustees, of Moultonborough, New Hampshire, for $1.25 million. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 1,999 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2020.

Linda Callagy sold the home at 610 Broadway to Michael Wayne Zerangue and Stacy Lynn Prescott, of Longboat Key, for $1.2 million. Built in 1947, it has two bedrooms, oneand-a-half baths, a pool and 1,270 square feet of living area. It sold for $600,000 in 2020.

LIDO AMBASSADOR

Sharon Ann Finizio, of Leesburg, Virginia, sold her Unit 111 condominium at 800 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Linda Merrill, trustee, of Spring Valley, Ohio, for $1,135,000.

Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,125 square feet of living area. It sold for $625,000 in 2017.

Image courtesy of Andrew Vac

Steven and Becky Thomas sold their Unit B-902 condominium at 415 L’Ambiance Drive to Timothy and Dawn Sweeney, of Longboat Key, for $3,325,000.

their Unit 11 condominium at 621 Cedars Court to Thomas Scott Thompson and Cynthia Thompson, of Knoxville, Tennessee, for $410,000. Built in 1988, it has one bedroom, two baths and 1,244 square feet of living area. It sold for $195,000 in 2014.

WINDWARD BAY

Peter and Heather Lareau, of Lady’s Island, South Carolina, sold their Unit PH-6 condominium at 4500 Gulf of Mexico Drive to David and Nancy Simon, of Lakeland, for $690,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,376 square feet of living area. It sold for $470,000 in 2019.

CEDARS EAST

Graham and Lynne Cherrington sold their Unit 40 condominium at 817 Evergreen Way to John and Donel Hakes, of Carmel, Indiana, for $710,000. Built in 1991, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,440 square feet of living area. It sold for $219,000 in 2011.

SEAPLACE

David Myers, trustee, of Buffalo, New York, sold the Unit G-5-304-C condominium at 1965 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Timothy Tracy Hall, of Longboat Key, for $499,900. Built in 1977, it has one bedroom, two baths and 933 square feet of living area. It sold for $130,500 in 1983.

ST. JUDES

Steven Earl Kemp and Lisa Kemp, of Colfax, Wisconsin, sold their Unit 3 condominium at 571 Saint Judes Drive to March21 LLC for $349,000.

Built in 1957, it has one bedroom, one bath and 611 square feet of living area. It sold for $400,000 in 2023.

In with the new NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

John Holcomb and Mary Beeson Holcomb, of Longboat Key, sold

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of May 17-23 in order of dollar amounts.

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

LONGBOAT KEY Address

Permit

Applicant

5030 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Alt/Renovation

Alice Wellington

Amount

7155 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Re-roof

Longbeach

$1,000,000

Alt/Renovation

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

$743,101

Condominium 435 L’Ambiance Drive #M908

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

DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG

Jim and Lauren

$500,000

MOVE-IN SPRING 2024

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

LONGBOAT KEY

Whitehurst 2120 Harbourside Drive

Plumbing — Sewer

Fairway Bay III

$430,950

Association 601 Longboat Club Road # 1201 Alt/Renovation

Dean Eisner

Revocable Trust

$300,000

5960 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Top LBK LLC

$268,900

2105 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Alt/Renovation

Mark Pennink

$265,393

5125 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Concrete Repair

Sea Grape Inn

$227,931

1211 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #906

Alt/Renovation

Grace Lucky LLC

$150,000

4234 Gulf Of Mexico Drive

Alt/Renovation

Paul Samuels

$118,000

GOLDEN GATE POINT

Swimming Pool

Kevin Coyne

$102,347

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

$88,790

#3303

Unit R2 525 Sloop Lane

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

Spa 720 Tarawitt Drive

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Top LBK LLC

570 Putting Green Lane

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Michael L Konig Trust $79,885

1900 Harbourside Drive # 104

Windows/Doors

William Wheeler III

$79,500

1085 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #101

Windows/Doors

Trust U/A/D

$74,548

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

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

01/22/1996 780 Emerald Harbor Drive

Electrical

Lane Smith

$70,000

New Construction Paul Gold

$53,526

605 Buttonwood Drive

Joachim Winter

$49,480

John Keelin

$48,684

William Stein

$33,869

Re-roof

1055 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #602 Windows/Doors 530 Harbor Point Road

Electrical — Solar

Source: Town of Longboat Key

MichaelSaunders.com/New-Homes | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of November 2023

424058-1

1965 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #308 Windows/Doors

YourObserver.com

YOUR CALENDAR

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

CHECK OUT OUR

NEWSAPPER

FRIDAY, MAY 31

BEST BET

MUSIC BY AKIEM ESDAILE 6-9 p.m. at Whitney’s, 6990 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enjoy the sounds of Sarasota’s most refreshing jazz guitarist. Call 383-4606.

SATURDAYS

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

MUSIC BY JOYCE CORBERT 6-9 p.m. at Whitney’s, 6990 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Joycelyn Corbert’s show is filled with songs from artists such as Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Etta James, Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye, The Righteous Brothers, The Temptations and many more. The experience combines Motown and Soul. Call 383-4606.

RECURRING EVENTS

PUBLIC TURTLE WALKS 6:45 a.m. at 4795 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Free. Join the Longboat Key Turtle Watch every Saturday in June and July.

Learn about protecting sea turtles. Participants will learn about turtle tracks and how volunteers scout the beaches for signs of turtle nesting. The walk will also provide information about keeping beaches safe for sea turtles. Please arrive by 6:45 a.m. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring water and sunscreen. No unattended children, please. In the event of severe weather, the walk may be canceled.

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.

MONDAYS

ZUMBA & TONING 10-11 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.

TUESDAYS

QIGONG From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Qigong 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

File image

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.

9 4 1 . 3 4 3 . 9 3 9 6 | w w w. G r a n t s G a r d e n s . c o m

Access your weekly Observer paper, anytime, anywhere with our Print Edition app. You can read page to page, section to section like a newspaper or article to article in full text view.

FIRST 2 MONTHS

99

¢ LIMITED TIME

413080-1

GET THE NEWSPAPER LOOK YOU LOVE WITH ALL THE BENEFITS OF AN APP.

Downtown Sarasota’s Premier Senior Rental Retirement Residence Join Us for a Presentation on the

Historic Photographers of the Sarasota Region Wednesday, June 5, 2024 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Scan here or visit us online at YourObserver.com/subscribe If you have questions about using the app, please contact us at 877-231-8834 or customersupport@yourobserver.com.

John’s presentation highlights the work of three professional photographers who captured Sarasota history on glass plates and film, featuring photographs from the 1880s to the 1940s, showcasing the growth and development of Sarasota over six decades.

DRAWINGS TO BE HELD FOR FREE PASSES TO SELBY GARDENS & HISTORIC SPANISH POINT

425877-1

John McCarthy, Vice President of Regional History Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

419261-1

20

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

21

We are a collaboration of savvy real estate professionals with decades of local experience. We focus on selling exceptional properties located in downtown and on our local islands. We represent buyers and sellers in our marketplace with a unique viewpoint, as we live in the communities that we sell. This local perspective makes us experts in our field, allowing us to provide you all the information for you and your family to make the best decision in your real estate endeavor.

6489 GULFSIDE ROAD

109 N WARBLER LN

1212 CENTER PLACE

$16,995,000 – Under Construction 4 Beds 5 Baths 6,614 Sq. Ft. 100’ of Beachfront

$11,750,000 – Under Construction 4 Beds 5 Baths 5,292 Sq. Ft. 125’ of Bird Key Bayfront

$6,995,000 – New Construction 5 Beds 6 Baths 4750 Sq. Ft. Rooftop Terrace and Private Beach

3621 SAN REMO TER

1325 WESTWAY DR

4136 HIGEL AVE

$9,750,000 – Under Construction 5 Beds 7 Baths 5,328 Sq. Ft. 400’ Wide Bay Inlet

$13,995,000 – Under Contract 5 Beds 8 Baths 6,590 Sq. Ft. Deep Boating Water

$16,995,000 – Under Contract 5 Beds 7 Baths 8,964 Sq. Ft. 1 Acre Modern Compound

94 1 - 3 8 8 - 2 0 2 1

53 S PALM AVENUE, SARASOTA, FL 34236 The p r o p er ty info r matio n her ein is der ived fr o m var io us so ur ces that may include, b ut no t b e limited to , co untr y r eco r ds and the M ultip le Listing Ser vice, and it may include ap p r o ximatio ns. Altho ugh the info r matio n is b elieved to b e accur ate, it is no t war r anted and yo u sho uld no t r ely up o n witho ut p er so nal ver ificatio n. Affiliated r eal est ate agents ar e indep endent co ntr acto r sales asso ciates, no t emp lo yees. Co ldwell Banker . All r ights r eser ved. Co ldwell Banker and the Co ldwell Banker lo go ar e tr ademar ks o f Co ldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Co ldwell Banke r System is co mp r ised o f co mp any o wned o ffices which ar e o wned b y a sub sidiar y o f Anywher e Adviso r s LLC and fr anchised o ffices which ar e indep endently o wned and o p er ated. The Co ldwell Banker system fully sup p o r ts th e p r incip als o f the F air Ho using Act and the Equal O p p o r tunity Act.

425707-1

WWW.THEDIPINTOGROUP.COM | @THEDIPINTOGROUP

22

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

1

TOP

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

%

$3.4 Billion Career Sales

IN THE WORLD

Coldwell Banker

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

Leah George

Judy Kepecz-Hays

941-780-0597 941-587-1700

Steven Kepecz

941-376-6411 May 30, 2024

ARIA

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

2251 Gulf of Mexico Drive #204 | Aria - Longboat Key | $8,900,000 3 bed + office or 4 bed | 3.5 bath | 4,032 Sq Ft

Location, Location, Location – Exquisite gated estate on the northern tip of Siesta Key. This home offers Gulf of Mexico views, a 40x20 pool, a spa, an outdoor kitchen, a 24K boat lift & a 12x20 platform to lift 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

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

North Siesta Key

3312 Sabal Cove Lane | Bay Isles | $3,380,000 4 bed en-suite + den + bonus room | 2 half bath | 5,150 Sq Ft

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

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

L’Elegance

The Water Club 1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive #105 | Water Club | $2,575,000 2 bed + den or 3 bed | 2.5 bath | 2,585 Sq Ft | Turnkey Furnished

1800 Benjamin Franklin Dr #A403 | L’Elegance | $1,118,000 2 bed | 2 bath | 1,350 Sq Ft Discover luxury beachfront living at L'Elegance on Lido Key. Enjoy a casual and inviting floor plan with panoramic views from every room. Top amenities include a resort-style 85' pool & spa, 2 tennis courts, fitness center, and private beach access. Embrace Sarasota's vibrant arts, dining, and walk to St. Armands Circle. 2 pets welcome - under building parking.

Experience coastal living at its finest at L'Elegance. www.1800BenFrank403.com

Sunset Beach

The VUE

2109 Gulf of Mexico Dr #1404 | Longboat Key | $1,298,000 2 bed, 2 bath | 1,358 Sq Ft | Turnkey 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 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

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

423934-1

The Water Club on the South end of Longboat Key is a rare jewel in condominium living.

Almost new 2,585 sq. ft. under air, features a garden, and partial Gulf views. Southern exposure w/walls of glass, 10 ft. ceilings, wood flooring, extended 1,000 sq. ft. terraces.

The residence has 2 bdrms + den or 3 bdrms, 2.5 bath on the Plaza level. The Water Club is exceptionally well-run w/strong reserve fund, a magnificent clubhouse, an Olympic-sized pool, tennis, and 2 pets under 35 lbs. welcome. www.WaterClub105.com

YourObserver.com

23

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, MAY 31

Sunrise Sunset

High: 89 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 24%

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, May 30

6:34a

8:19p

Friday, May 30

6:34a

8:19p

Saturday, June 1

6:34a

8:20p

Sunday, June 2

6:34a

8:20p

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Monday, June 3

6:34a

8:21p

High: 91 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 39%

Tuesday,June 4

6:33a

8:21p

Wednesday, June 5

6:33a

8:22p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, JUNE 2 High: 90 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 15%

May 30 Last

June 6 New

June 13 First

June 21 Full

TIDES Highs Lows Thursday, May 30

8:22a

5:58a

1:22a

1:04p

Friday, May 31

8:41a

7:33p

2:11a

2:37p

Saturday, June 1

9:02a

9:14p

2:55a

3:52p

Sunday, June 2

9:26a

10:47p

3:34a

4:56p

Monday, June 3

9:51a

—

4:08a

5:52p

Tuesday, June 4

12:12a

10:19a

4:34a

6:43p

Wednesday, June 5

1:38a

10:51a

4:48a

7:32p

Jenelle Alber took this photo of a snowy egret walking through the rocks 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

Flooring Made for Your Family

crossword

celebrity cipher

DOUBLE TALK by Paul Coulter, edited by Jeff Chen Arizona

51 Irritates

119 Ledger column

52 Classic arcade name

120 Ding and dong

55 R.N.’s forte

121 Breaks off a relationship 56 Belgrade locale

3 Assigner of a G or R 4 ___ method (teaching technique) 5 Jargon suffix 6 Can’t stand 7 Milk dispensers 8 Arouse 9 Introductory course?

10 Amin of “The Last King of Scotland” 11 Calzone’s center?

12 PH-neutral vitamin brand 13 What a dump!

14 Kitchen addition?

15 Got an eyeful, and then some 16 Like adult male walruses 17 Chip slogan of the 1990s 18 Choosing rhyme’s starting word 22 Part of CBS ©2023 Universal Uclick

1 Character in many fairy tales 7 Employ additional employees 13 Nickname for a white terrier 19 Husband, in Honduras 20 Circuit board components 21 Brings into accord 23 *Hush-hush?

25 “Peter the Great” of the NHL 26 Jack who hosted “The Tonight Show” 27 Prepare to drive

32 Be of one mind

58 House shower?

minister

34 Seafood that may shock

60 Ethiopia’s ___ Selassie

91 Alternatively, online

you?

63 Miss Hawkins of Dog-

92 Color, as a cartoon

35 Soldiers can get drinks

patch who has her day

93 *”Nudge, nudge”?

from them, in two ways

64 Esau’s father

97 Not a fan of

38 *”Chop chop!”?

67 *Din-din?

100 Opposite of trans, in

42 Crush an exam

70 Newspapers, collectively gender studies

43 Muffin stuffin’

71 Classic name in wafers

101 Bog mosses

44 Like some wine or

72 Karate schools

102 Threat ending

martinis

73 Operatic villains, usually

103 Hairpin curve feature

45 It absorbed the WHA in

75 Non-jolting joe

106 Woman’s name derived

1979

76 Farm layer

from the Greek word for

46 *Can-can?

77 Joan of art

“peace”

50 “Nineteen Eighty-Four”

78 TV series with “NY,” “Mi-

107 Mention, with either

superpower

ami” and “Cyber” spinoffs

praise or approbation

53 Has way too much at the 81 Unblinking hieroglyph in

111 Phrase with a wave

buffet, in slang

112 *”Well, well”?

Egyptian mythology

28 They’re pressed to gener- 54 Movie magnate Marcus 83 *”All right, all right!”?

55 Screener at LAX and LGA 88 Aurora’s counterpart ate carriage returns 30 On dry land

57 Inclined, in a way

89 Burma’s first prime

116 Summon for duty 117 Still buggy 118 State that borders

24 Brightly colored, perhaps 29 Call for 31 Famed American clockmaker Thomas 32 “Sad to say ...”

33 Cotton pickin’ contraptions 35 Head of some families 36 Battery contents 37 Realizes, to a CFO 38 Sellout sign letters 39 Manhattan sch.

40 Restaurant with a green and red vegetable logo 41 Makes up?

43 “Forgot 2 say ...”

47 Matterhorn or Mont Blanc 48 Ancient mariner for 40 days and nights 49 Bare

60 “The ___” (Uris novel) 61 Year abroad in Mexico?

62 Freudian basics

YSKWL YAS AHXW ZSBOAM HLG GEWG ZSF MAWEF PSBLMFU EJ MAW ZFWWGSK YW WLVSU HJ HKWFEPHLJ.”

64 Completely committed

NBPEHL HGHKJ

65 “Later” 66 They’re often swiped at offices 68 Many millennia 69 It’s a long story 74 Ground cover 76 Manually operated fillers

“ZE UVV Z SX ZJ CI VZEP ZB BXXRAP BXCPXJP’B BNZOZR KZRA U BXJH, RAPJ VPR CP SX RAUR UJS Z’C AUNNI.”

77 “Nothing special”

HVUSIB MJZHAR

78 Salad veggie, for short 79 Foul mood 80 SSN, often 82 Seek a House seat 83 Dirty coat 84 Dirt bike cousins, briefly 85 Adversary 86 Letter openers 87 Halfway home?

“RMEXXEA, TVSX ELRSXUA, YLD’U MTJMGA UMSX LHH LD UVZX. UKX UEVRS VA UL MTJMGA SXXB UKX XDOVDX EPDDVDO.”

90 ___-friendly 94 Additional employees employed 95 Have high hopes 96 Tough it out 97 Circus sites 98 Peddle

© 2023 NEA, Inc.

OMEG AVDVAX

Puzzle Three Clue: P equals U

2 Between ports

59 Jeer

“MAW NWOHPU SZ RFHXW KWL HLG

Puzzle Two Clue: O equals R

1 Star who played Sparrow

58 Chocolate source

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: V equals J

DOWN

ACROSS

417954-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

sudoku

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

99 Go by 102 Be bombastic 103 Premium channel choice 104 Queen of the gods, once 105 Drawn tight 106 Dire day for Caesar 108 NYSE debuts 109 Hatcher, Garr or Polo 110 QED’s “E” 113 Peace activist Yoko 114 Kimono’s closer 115 Harry and Hermione’s pal ©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

5-30-24

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

RED PAGES real estate

home services

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

Condos/Apts. for Rent

Adult Care Services

LONGBOAT KEY: SUNSET BEACH oceanfront condos (2 br & 3 br).

Beachfront, direct Gulf, 3 balconies, gated community, heated pool. $9-11k / mo. for the next rental season. Videos available. Call 860-558-9234

CAREGIVER - LICENSED CNA 6 years experience w/ dementia & other ailments.

4-12 hrs, 5 days/ week & some weekends. $25-$30/ hr.

Best care for your loved one.

References avail. Marina 786-906-8103

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.

Merchandise Wanted

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Pets 4PAWZ Overnight pet sitting in your home "Your Pet's Comfort is My Passion" Licensed and Insured Text: 612-508-2628 Becky

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale 48X21 BOAT SLIP P07, at Long Boat Key moorings FOR RENT Slip runs north and south, and provides views of Sarasota Bay. Asking $800 per month + utilities Call 941-724-9486

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

Discrete/ Confidential. Call David 813-439-2694

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

THE BUSINESS OBSERVER newspaper is seeking a fastpaced, detail-oriented Proofreader / Typist for a full-time position in Sarasota, Florida. Hours are 9am5pm, Mon-Fri. Candidates must be able to type at least 75 WPM with great accuracy and proofread typed material and make corrections. Attention to detail is a MUST. Proofreading entails finding errors in the typed print that varies from the original document, not actually editing the documents for errors.

WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RATES Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC

The ideal candidate will have strong computer software and hardware skills. Familiarity with Adobe InDesign and Filemaker Pro is a plus. Florida notary certification is also a plus.

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

Ask about our special rates!

*This position must be performed in the office. No remote work is available.

www.rentalsonlongboat.com

M-F Wagner Realty

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

RED PAGES AD RATES First 15 words ......................... $17.50 per week Each Add’l word ...........................................50¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: redpages@yourobserver.com Online: yourobserver.com/redpages

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

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

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

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

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

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

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

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

Professional Services

Since 1939

Personal Services CAPTAIN FOR HIRE & boat caretaker services. Call Seven Mile Captain services.

USCG retired.

(772) 486-8085

Competitive pay, holiday pay, and health insurance available STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area.

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

Auto Transport

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

Please email your resume and WPM typing speed for immediate consideration to kboothroyd@businessobserverfl. com. Please also specify your available date to start.

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE YourObserver.com/RedPages

You’re only cheating yourself.

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

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

Call 941-383-3338.

Help Wanted

auto

Items Under $200

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

This week’s Crossword answers

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

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “The legacy of brave men and women who have fought and died for their country is the freedom we enjoy as Americans.”

Lucian Adams Puzzle Two Solution: “If all I do in my life is soothe someone’s spirit with a song, then let me do that and I’m happy.”

Gladys Knight Puzzle Three Solution: “Careers, like rockets, don’t always take off on time. The trick is to always keep the engine running.”

Gary Sinis

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2024 NEA, Inc.

BUY STUFF HERE!

peekers’ place

stuff

WANTED TO BUY Vintage/Old Costume Jewelry in large amounts. 941-356-1568

jobs

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

Paint the town RED!

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

©2024 Universal Uclick

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

YourObserver.com

25

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

Handyman

Insurance

MIC INSURANCE

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES 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.

424356

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 Christopher Byrne ~ Samantha Ryan Jaimie Simpkins ~ Amanda Nazario

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

William J. Leininger, JD

424359

424368

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. Building & Roofing Contractor

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

FAST • EASY • SAFE

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

424357

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

WE COME TO YOU

Home Services

5-Star Rated

Cleaning and Landscaping 424369

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

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

Luxury for Less

Home Watch

10% off

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

Windows

CARING HANDS WHILE YOU’RE AWAY FROM HOME.

Professional Contractors Network, Inc.

424342 425757

Email Project Information: PCNestimating@gmail.com 941-527-9414 Trades welcome to join our network! Please send email

Doors

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

CALL TODAY FOR PEACE OF MIND.

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

941-281-5539 | kathy@longboatkeyhomewatch.com

UP TO

GROW YOUR BUSINESS Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

INCLUDING SCREENS, TR ACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING, LLC

5

$

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880 425451

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

424370

senior citizen discount.

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

High End Interior & Exterior Painting Services

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

150

25 $

STANDARD WINDOWS

WITH THE RED PAGES Painting

Sliding Glass Door Repair

1/1

Exclusively serving Longboat Key residents.

Storm-ready home preparations Handyman & concierge services

Let our Network Handle All your Building Needs Construction Estimating • Custom Homes Design Build • Restaurants-New/Remodels Office Remodels • Financing

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

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Contractor

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

941-248-4734

424355

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

424373

coquinaservices@gmail.com

424358

Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

941-920-7065

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

Transportation

424374

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

424372

Divorce without Lawyers

410036

Attorney

CREATE BUZZ!

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

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY 510 BAY ISLES ROAD, SUITE 1 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL (Next to SUNTRUST BANK)

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

424371

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

7944 MATERA COURT - THE LAKE CLUB

$2,300,000

This stunning, never-lived-in home, built in 2023, offers three bedrooms and is fully furnished with high-end pieces, ready for you to move in and enjoy. Situated on over a quarter-acre of land within the secure confines of this prestigious community, this residence boasts exquisite designer upgrades and custom finishes throughout. www.7944MateraCourt.com

MORE THAN $150 MILLION PENDING AND SOLD SINCE JANUARY 2024

6603 GULFSIDE ROAD

$15,000,000

97 SOUTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

$10,995,000

500 HARBOR POINT ROAD

$7,999,000

6923 WESTCHESTER CIRCLE

$4,695,000

1300 BEN FRANKLIN DRIVE #504

$4,495,000

7180 MANASOTA KEY ROAD

$3,595,000

3464 MISTLETOE LANE

$3,500,000

601 LOTUS LANE - SIESTA BAYSIDE

$3,495,000

455 LONGBOAT CLUB ROAD #305

$2,995,000

201 N. WASHINGTON DRIVE

$2,195,000

3825 SARASOTA GOLF CLUB BLVD

$1,799,000

4305 MARINA VIEW WAY

$1,700,000

380 GULF OF MEXICO DR #513

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD #152

225 SANDS POINT RD #6105

743 ANNA HOPE LANE

4235 SHOREWOOD STREET

$1,695,000

$1,395,000

$629,000

$599,000

$450,000

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

This exquisite 5BR Arthur Rutenberg home is on nearly 1/2acre of Lakewood Ranch lakefront property. Offering 6,600 SF inside, with luxurious finishes, contemporary upgrades, and resort-style outdoor areas. www.6923Westchester.com

This JUST RENOVATED (in 2024) 4BR direct bayfront residence comes completely furnished, and move-in ready! Immerse yourself in brand-new windows, chef’s kitchen, new dock/lift. www.3464MistletoeLane.com

The walkable location of this St. Armands homesite offers an oversized, 1/4-acre lot for you to design your dream home. The best of Sarasota is a sunny bike ride away. www.201NorthWashington.com

Beautiful direct bay views welcome you to this 3BR residence offering nearly 3,400 SF, 2-car garage. www.TangerineBayClub513.com

Experience this stunning bayfront estate! A sunny walk from St. Armands Circle, on two private lots in a corner location, spanning more than a 1/2-acre, this impressive 5BR residence is on the deep, calming waters of Sarasota Bay. www.97SouthWashington.com

Experience luxurious beachfront living on Lido Key. This 3BR +den & office residence offers the opulence of a Ritz-Carlton managed property while exuding the charm and privacy of a single-family home, with 3,500+ SF and 2 parking spaces. www.BeachResidences504.com

Escape to paradise at this 3BR + office residence. Exuding quality, with gated entry, outdoor entertaining that blends effortlessly with the chic interior, plus dock and lift. www.601LotusLane.com

Five lush acres to design your own home in East Sarasota! Located amongst oversized luxury estates, this property offers many possibilities! www.3825SarasotaGolfClub.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

Exciting opportunity for island living or enticing rental property at the exclusive Longboat Key Club. www.InnontheBeach6105.com

Boasting 4BR and nearly 7,000 SF of meticulously updated interior and exterior, this Bay Isles Harbor boater’s sanctuary offers many bonuses including 4-car garage with golf simulator, new (2022) dock and lift. www.500HarborPoint.com

This remarkable 4BR Key West-style, direct Gulf-front home with guest cottage spans 3,200+ SF and has undergone an extensive renovation inside and out, creating an extraordinary beach experience. www.7180ManasotaKey.com

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

Nestled within a secure gated community, this brandnew 3BR home is where contemporary coastal living blends effortlessly with luxury and sustainability. www.HuntersPointFL.com

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

This lovely freshwater canal, 3BR home is on a 1/2-acre double lot with no close neighbors. www.4235ShorewoodSt.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.

417311-1

26