Longboat Observer 6.6.24

YOUR TOWN

Programs pop up

Sarasota County is adding new library programming this summer and will continue to host the Pop-up Library.

The library system will host Summer Storytime at Bayfront Park Recreation Center at 10:30 a.m. on June 19, July 24 and Aug. 7. The program is new this summer for kids on Longboat Key and is for residents or visitors.

The Pop-up Library, which visits the parking lot of Town Hall, will also be adjusting its hours for the summer. This month, the Pop-up Library will be on-site the first and third Tuesday of every month from 10-11:30 a.m.

With the Pop-up Library, residents can get a library card to borrow books, music, audiobooks and more.

Cleanup club

The Manasota Track Club is dedicated to keeping its span of Gulf of Mexico Drive clean.

The club is hosting a trash cleanup opportunity for its adopted span of Gulf of Mexico Drive at 9 a.m. on June 8. During the COVID-19 pandemic, board member Rob Loeffler proposed the club adopt a span of the bridge that he runs over frequently. The board thought it would be a great way to promote the club and give back to the community.

The club plans to clean up a section of John Ringling Parkway, starting at City Island Park before the bridge and over it. The cleanup will end just beyond Chart House.

Club members welcome everyone to try out the track club and join their members for a run at 8 a.m. over the bridge onto the Key.

The dangerous beach life of birds

takes a village (of volunteers) to protect the shorebirds who nest on LBK. SEE PAGE 3

Hands-in learning

Mote hosts camps for kids, whether they’re residents of the area or just visiting. SEE PAGE 24

Camper Xander Francois catches sea animals in Sarasota Bay while dip netting during a Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium summer camp.

Carter Weinhofer

Next chapter for public library

An estimate for the core library is $11.1M, but enhancements will require $3.5M from donors.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

Now with more detailed renderings, the town of Longboat Key and Sarasota County are ready to move into the fundraising phase of the public library project.

At the Longboat Key Town Commission’s June 3 meeting, Support Services Director Carolyn Brown updated commissioners about the project, including the new renderings, early price estimates and a donation-naming system.

“We’re excited; we’re on weekly calls,” Town Manager Howard Tipton said. “And the evolutions of the design, I think, have been positive.”

Sarasota County Libraries is currently working toward a 10,000-square-foot library facility that will be constructed on the Longboat Key Town Center Green.

The county is responsible for funding the construction and operation of the core library, but an opportunity for an enhanced version is on the table. But to make that happen, the town must find private donors to help fund the larger meeting room and terrace.

The enhanced meeting space will accommodate up to 200 people, Brown said.

The design also includes a partition for the meeting area.  Brown said that the architects, Borrelli & Partners, continue to work on the design while the construction manager, Jon F. Swift Construction, is working to finalize cost estimates.

The costs Brown presented to the commission are early estimates and still subject to change, but she said the core library is anticipated to cost around $11.1 million.

The enhancements are estimated to cost $2 million for the enhanced meeting room and $1.5 million for the terrace. That’s about $14.6 mil-

lion for the total construction estimate.

According to Brown, Sarasota County commissioners approved the name-giving guidelines at a May 22 meeting, which will provide a framework for future projects that include private donations.

“Sarasota County Libraries is also finalizing donation tiers and giving levels,” Brown said. “At this time, they anticipate a graduated methodology, offering power to name the building at the highest level and provide funding opportunities for smaller spaces and programs at lesser levels.”

The guidelines stipulate that a minimum of a 25% donation of the project cost is needed to have naming rights.

For example, if the project cost does end up around $14.6 million, then a donation of $3.65 million would be needed to give someone naming rights.

Brown and Tipton said, as they understand it, that if a donor were to donate the 25% necessary for naming rights to the entire library, then that would help defray the town’s necessary input for the enhancements.

Currently, there are no other local government buildings on Longboat Key that bear a donor’s name. The Town Center Green pavilion was named the Karon Family Pavilion after a $500,000 donation from Paul and Sarah Karon.

“The Longboat library will present an exceptional and reasonably priced opportunity for a donor to create a lasting legacy, as compared to other local naming opportunities,” Brown said.

“The highest level name donation will benefit the community by providing a space where residents and visitors can meet their neighbors, learn new skills, participate in educational workshops and enjoy the quality of life that makes Longboat

Key a premier community.”

Brown said the county is expected to finish creating fundraising marketing materials this week, which will allow the town and county to begin identifying potential interested naming donors.

Tipton said he recently spoke with Jim Brown of the Longboat Key

Foundation about working collaboratively on a fundraising effort.

“Our hope is that as soon as we get the information, we’ll be able to connect with the Longboat Key Foundation,” Tipton said. “We will work with them to get the fundraising effort started.”

Tipton said the goal is still to wrap

up fundraising by the end of August. To start the final design, architects need to know if the library will include any of the enhancements, which won’t be known until the funds are raised.

According to Brown, the county is still on target to finish construction in December 2026.

Courtesy images

May 2024 renderings of the Sarasota County library on Longboat Key.

Stewards for Sarasota’s shorebirds

Volunteers play a critical role in protecting nesting birds from natural and human-caused disturbances.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

On Florida’s beaches, sea turtles often steal the spotlight. But nesting shorebirds share a similar nesting season and can be more finicky nesters.

Shorebird breeding season — Feb. 15 through Sept. 1 — is a critical time for these birds to find safe places to lay eggs. And for most nesting shorebirds, struggles come daily. Crows, raccoons, humans and dogs all can play a part in disturbing nesting shorebirds, whether intentionally or not.

If the shorebirds do find a safe place to lay eggs, they do so on the open sand — no burying, no constructed nest. More danger.

Sarasota Shorebird Steward Coordinator for Audubon Florida Emily Briner runs the steward program, in which she enlists a team of volunteer stewards to lend a hand, preventing disturbances and educating beachgoers when necessary.

SHOREBIRD STRUGGLES

The shorebird nesting season is starting to pick up, which means busy days for Briner. Her day-to-day is determined by the birds but usually involves mornings spent on the beach observing the area’s various nesting colonies.

On the beaches of Sarasota County, there are two primary nesting shorebird species: least terns and black skimmers.

“It has been a mixed bag,” Briner said. “Our black skimmers are doing great.”

Black skimmers are listed as threatened in Florida but don’t currently have a federal status. Their large red-and-black bill aids in catching a meal. The lower part of the bill is longer, which they use to skim across the water and catch fish — a characteris-

GET INVOLVED

Interested in becoming a volunteer shorebird steward? Email Emily Briner at Emily.Briner@ Audubon.org.

tic that gives them their name.

Briner was happy to report that she found black skimmer chicks on the beach at North Lido.

The species lays about three to five eggs per nest, which are incubated by both parents for 23-25 days, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The North Lido colony had eight chicks when Briner checked on May 29.

Briner also recently celebrated another success: least tern nests on North Longboat. Even still, there was work to do to protect these shorebirds.

Least terns are also listed as threatened by Florida, and are “extremely susceptible to nest disturbance,” according to the FWC.

“Our least terns, on the other hand, have had a bit harder of a time,” Briner said. “Predation has really been a struggle for them.”

Predation often comes in the form of other wildlife, namely crows. Crows and species of gulls tend to attack nesting shorebirds. Crows got to the least tern colony on South Lido.

“They really weren’t able to settle. The fish crows were just relentless,” Briner said.

That caused the colony to move to Siesta Key, the first time in eight years that least terns tried nesting on Siesta.

But the crows got to them there, too. What started as about 35-40 nests dwindled to about six, according to Briner.

As of May 29, there were also four

least tern nests on South Lido and five on North Longboat Key.

According to Briner, least terns tried settling on Longboat last year as well, but that didn’t work out well.

“Maybe this year we’ll have some least tern chicks on Longboat,” she said.

HUMAN HELPERS

Human activities can also cause the birds to “flush,” or fly away from nests. Whether it’s humans walking too close to nests or dogs running around, human-caused flushing is a common issue for these nesting birds.

“People getting too close to the nesting area will absolutely cause the birds to flush and become uncomfortable,” Briner said. “Just 15 minutes off of their eggs can cause some serious damage to the eggs.”

But, there are humans who are doing what they can to protect these nesting shorebirds.

Briner said the effort is entirely a partnership between people at the city and county level, to the police departments and municipalities.

“Without building connections within the community, this job would be significantly harder,” she said.

For example, Briner recently worked with Longboat Key’s Public Works Department to put up perch deterrents on the beach near the nesting least terns. That will hopefully help the gull and fish crow predation issue, according to Briner.

Everyday beachgoers can also do their part by being mindful of the shorebirds and keeping a safe distance, even if the birds aren’t within a posted nesting area. Walking slowly and carefully around the birds decreases the chances of them flushing or flying away.

“Regardless of being inside or outside of the posted area, it’s very important that everyone gives them a little room to cool off and not be so scared,” Briner said.

Having a child run through the birds for a vacation picture isn’t the best idea for the birds, according to Briner.

“So many people think it’s really cool to post a video either walking through birds that are flushing, or running through birds that are kind of flying up in the air at the water line,” Briner said. “Unfortunately, that’s rather detrimental to our birds that are cooling off.”

Dogs on the beach are also an issue that Briner encounters frequently. That’s where help from local law enforcement can play a big role.  Dogs, or people, might not even realize there’s a nest nearby unless it’s in a posted area.

“People don’t often realize that these are beach-nesting birds,” Briner said. “Everyone thinks of birds nesting in trees. That’s not true for

many bird species.”

Shorebirds like least terns and black skimmers lay eggs on the open sand, without burying them or constructing a nest. The eggs also often blend in with the sand, making them difficult to spot.

Luckily, Briner manages a team of volunteer bird stewards who look out for the nesting shorebirds and educate beachgoers.

Shorebird stewards operate in three-hour shifts, with an emphasis on evenings and weekends. Typically, the evening shift is from 5 p.m. to sunset.

Briner said the stewards do sometimes help to protect nests from disturbances, but the focus is on education.

“It’s mostly about education,” Briner said. “They’re going up and they’re educating people and the public about Florida’s imperiled beach-nesting bird species.”

The stewards, she said, play a key role in the process.

“There’s all kinds of signs out there, which is great,” Briner said. “But to be able to talk to a person and say, ‘Hey, let me tell you about this cool thing.’ Their passion comes through. And that’s what happens with most of our volunteers, they get very passionate about these birds and their stories.”

Sarasota Audubon is always looking for volunteer shorebird stewards. Briner will set volunteers up with the proper training and equipment to enjoy a couple of hours on the beach while educating people about the shorebirds. All that’s needed to sign up is interest and passion, Briner said.

“People don’t often realize that these are beach-nesting birds. Everyone thinks of birds nesting in trees. That’s not true for many bird species.”

Black skimmer chicks have started to appear on Lido Beach.

A pair of least terns.

— Emily Briner, Sarasota shorebird steward coordinator for Audubon Florida

Black skimmers cooling off by the water.

Photos by Lou Newman

$19.75M sale sets record

Sale of the Ohana estate breaks the record for Longboat Key and Manatee County homes.

a jaw-dropper. The 2.67-acre property at 6633 Gulf of Mexico Drive, known as the Ohana estate, has sold for $19.75 million in a private sale that closed on May 30, said Realtor Reid Murphy of Developers Realty LBK Inc.

The sale marks a new record for a home sale on Longboat Key, shattering the previous record of $16.5 million, which was set in 2020 with the sale of the Serenissima estate, located at 845 Longboat Club Road. Ohana is located in Manatee County, and its sale also sets a new record for a home sale in the county, which was previously held by the $16 million sale in 2022 of 100 Beach Ave. on Anna Maria Island.

The seller was Ohana Trustee LLC. The buyer was SISP 33704 as trustee of the LKF Land Trust.

The Ohana estate last sold for $11.4 million in 2019. Since then updates to the nearly 10,000-square-foot home have been minimal, but “it’s

beautiful. It’s (acreage) on the beach. It’s like a resort,” said Murphy. “It’s pretty much the same house.”

It’s his third time selling the property, Murphy added. And his third time setting the record on Longboat Key. He sold 825 Longboat Club Road in 2011 for $12.5 million and 6021 Gulf of Mexico Drive in 2020 for $13,000,001.

The estate was constructed in 2013. Sarasota architect Guy Peterson designed the home to incorporate Polynesian influences. Ohana means “family” in Hawaiian.

In 2014, the estate received praise and media attention for its design and construction team, including Peterson, builder Michael Walker and landscape designer Raymond Jungles, according to previous reporting by the Observer.

The property features three pavilions, a tennis court, balconies, terraces, a pool, six bedrooms and seven-and-a-half bathrooms. It also boasts a seawall to protect its beachfront from erosion. The home has two elevators.

“South Longboat for many years was considered to have most of the nicer homes,” said Murphy. But the north end of Longboat Key seems to be overtaking it. “It’s a little bit of land and timing. Things in south Longboat are a little older, and these are newer homes.”

The exterior of the Ohana estate at 6633 Gulf of Mexico Drive, photographed in 2013.

Courtesy image

Request retracted

Jewfish Key property owners take back their de-annexation petition before public hearing.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

There wasn’t much to say at the June 3 public hearing meant for Jewfish Key.

That’s because three days prior, the Jewfish Key Preservation Association retracted the voluntary petition for de-annexation that it submitted in January.

On Jan. 16, the Jewfish Key Preservation Association submitted a petition for Longboat Key to consider allowing the island to remove itself from the town. If approved, it would have made Jewfish Key a part of unincorporated Manatee County.

The petition submission triggered a series of events for the town of Longboat Key that included the completion of a feasibility study and a public hearing that would allow town commissioners to accept or deny the petition based on the findings of the study.

According to Florida statutes, the feasibility study and public hearing needed to be completed within six months of the petition submission.

On May 31, Aaron Thomas sent a letter to Town Attorney Maggie Mooney to notify her that the association retracted the petition. Thomas is the firm principal at Najmy Thompson Attorneys at Law, which represents the Jewfish Key Preservation Association.

“This decision comes as we are currently in the process of reassessing the Voluntary Contraction Petition in light of the findings and recommendations contained within the Requested Voluntary Contrac-

tion of Jewfish Key Feasibility Study conducted by the town of Longboat Key,” Thomas said in the email.

Neither Thomas nor any property owner from Jewfish Key attended the June 3 public hearing to speak.

Thomas had no comment for the Observer when contacted after the meeting.

Even though no public hearing was held on the matter, the Town Commission still held the meeting since it was scheduled and notified. Mayor Ken Schneier addressed the audience and other commissioners.

“So over the past six months, hundreds of hours of LBK staff, attorneys and consultants time and thousands of dollars of taxpayers’ money were expended in preparing the mandated study,” Schneier said. “Many Longboat residents also have spent a great deal of time in reviewing the issues posed by the proposed contraction and preparing their comments and opinions for presentation to this board.”

Schneier added that an estimated 267 residents submitted signatures in petitions against the contraction, and, to his knowledge, none were submitted in favor of the contraction.

The feasibility study and other materials were sent on May 22, and all interested parties were notified of the date of the hearing, which was set months ago, according to Schneier.

The preparations the town made for the hearing were “intense,”

Schneier said.

But since the Jewfish Key Preservation Association retracted the petition, no public hearing was held,

“It’s my sincere hope ... the petitioners saw the wisdom of terminating this matter and remaining a part of our community as they have been since its founding in 1955.”

— Ken Schneier, mayor of Longboat Key

therefore no record was created.

“While no reason was given for the withdrawal, it’s my sincere hope that — having reviewed the extensive study prepared by the town, our staff’s analysis of that study and the overwhelming opposition — the petitioners saw the wisdom of terminating this matter and remaining a part of our community as they have been since its founding in 1955,” Schneier said.

Schneier and Town Manager Howard Tipton both expressed gratitude for the town staff that put in the hours on top of their normal dayto-day work, especially Planning, Zoning & Building Director Allen Parsons, Planning Manager Elma Felix and Mooney.

WHAT LED TO THIS?

According to the original petition, the Jewfish Key Preservation Association voted on the resolution on Dec. 19, 2023. More than 15% of qualified voters on the island were in favor of the petition.

It was later deduced in the town’s study that there were three registered voters on Jewfish Key, and only one was registered as an active voter.

The association submitted the petition to the town of Longboat Key on Jan. 16.

In an interview with the Observer, Jewfish Key homeowner Steve Ellis said some of the reasons behind the petition were because of the town’s rental restrictions and to reevaluate services provided by the town to Jewfish Key.

The news of the petition led homeowners associations and residents on the north end of Longboat Key to submit their own petitions against the de-annexation.

As Schneier said, 267 unique signatures were submitted to the town prior to the June 3 meeting.

Land’s End resident Jim Haft coordinated a group of residents on the north end of Longboat Key who were concerned about the possible deannexation.

According to him, the No. 1 concern for Land’s End residents was the fact that Jewfish Key would not be subject to Longboat Key’s shortterm rental restrictions that require a 30-day minimum rental.

That led to other concerns, like a possible increase in partying if frequent short-term rentals would be allowed.

Another concern raised by northend residents was the looseness of Manatee County’s zoning, which could have allowed Jewfish Key property owners to rezone the island with a majority vote.

Those concerns are now moot.

On May 31, a letter was sent to Town Attorney Maggie Mooney to notify her that the Jewfish Key Preservation Association retracted the petition.

Funds for safety

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

At the May 20 budget workshop, Longboat Key town commissioners discussed a preliminary capital budget for fiscal year 2025. In it were some important purchases for the town’s police and fire rescue departments.

Many of the purchases are replacements or upgrades for the departments’ existing equipment, something that is routine for both departments.

The money for these purchases largely comes from the infrastructure surtax funds, or the 1% sales tax, from Manatee and Sarasota counties.

“The infrastructure surtax is very important for this town,” Finance

INFRASTRUCTURE SURTAX SPENDING

Director Sue Smith said at the workshop. “Public safety really relies upon it quite a bit for paying for their vehicles and their equipment.”

Of the town’s IST spending for FY25, about $2,462,235 is projected to be used on public safety vehicles and equipment.

That includes things like vehicles, defibrillators, bunker gear, in-car cameras and radios.

The costs of some of the major purchases are seen in the accompanying graphics.

Other purchases included upgrading the vehicles’ network from 4G to 5G to address connectivity issues, according to Smith.

When Smith recalculated some of the costs prior to the budget workshop, she said that there were some issues caused by inflation.

For example, the ladder truck and all its equipment was originally supposed to cost $950,000. Now, the price tag is about $1.76 million, which is up $811,000.

Ladder trucks are replaced about every 12-15 years, according to Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi. Ambulances are evaluated for replacement about every seven years.

Smith also noted that it takes about two years for ladder trucks to be ready off the assembly line after the purchase order is submitted. In that case, the cash needed to be available in FY25 to submit the purchase order.

Another issue Smith ran into was balancing the next phase of the IST funds. Phase 4 runs for 15 years, from 2025-2039, and begins in January 2025.

In that phase, the town expects a total of $15,127,000 in IST funds. Of that, $7,469,000, or 49%, will go toward public safety.

This was originally presented to town commissioners in 2021, and

the commissioners passed a resolution in 2022 in support of the plan. But since 2022, there have been major inflationary changes, Smith said at the recent workshop.

Projected funds needed for public safety rose from $7.5 million to $11 million.

The increase will require Smith to balance the funds, she said. That means patrol car replacements needed to be split strategically between Manatee County and Sarasota County IST funds, and scheduled when cash would be available for each.

Smith also proposed that the $1.76 million needed for the ladder truck replacement be moved from the IST Phase 4 budget and into the FY25 Miscellaneous Capital Fund, which would use General Fund reserves.

This will help balance the projected overages caused by inflation in Phase 4 of the IST funds, Smith told commissioners at the workshop.

The next budget workshop is scheduled for June 17 at 10 a.m.

Light it up!

Suncoast Charities for Children seeks community support to continue the annual bayfront Fourth of July Fireworks display. It’s time to rocket up the fundraising.

EMILY WALSH

Fireworks are essential to the Fourth of July. It’s a tradition that was started nearly 250 years ago at the first celebration of Independence Day in 1777 in Philadelphia. They represent what we sing about in our national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.” It’s when all Americans gather together to marvel at the glittering spectacle of rockets’ red glare and bombs bursting in air that culminate a day of American pride where we don our best red, white and blue regalia, march in parades and eat hamburgers and hot dogs at barbecues. Come on, even Katy Perry wrote a song about them.

Rising costs and an evolution of events may now put Sarasota’s bayfront fireworks display that attracts 15,000 spectators to downtown Sarasota every year in jeopardy.

For the past 14 years, Suncoast Charities for Children has organized the annual Fourth of July fireworks display in partnership with Marina Jack. The light show is staged and launched from the southernmost end of Bayfront Park. It starts after the sun sets around 9 p.m. and lasts for nearly 20 minutes.

Suncoast Charities for Children’s mission is providing support to children, teens and adults with special needs and their families. The organization raises funds for other nonprofits such as Children First and the Florida Center for Early Childhood through various events and festivals such as the Thunder by the Bay Music and Motorcycle Festival and the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (see box).

Two years ago, Suncoast Charities for Children stepped away from organizing the Sarasota Grand Prix P1 powerboat races. While the fireworks display was always its own independent event, when it came to marketing, the fireworks were lumped into the series of events surrounding the races, said Lucy Nicandri, Suncoast Charities’ executive director.

Without the marketing visibility of the races, finding sponsors for the annual fireworks display has

With only 119,000 of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II still alive, the vast majority of today’s 340 million Americans have no inkling of what occurred 80 years ago today on the shores of France — D-Day, June 6, 1944.

From Winston Churchill’s “Triump and Tragedy”:

“Our long months of preparation and planning for the greatest amphibious operation in history ended on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

… Heavy bombers of the Royal Air Force attacked enemy coastdefence guns in their eoncrete emplacements, dropping 5,200 tons of bombs … In the 24 hours of June 6, the Allies flew over 14,600 sorties. So great was our superiority in the air that all the enemy could put up during daylight over the invasion beaches was a mere 100 sorties.”

At noon on June 6, 1944, Churchill reported to the House of Commons: “… An immense armada of upwards of 4,000 ships, together several thousand smaller

SUNCOAST CHARITIES EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

■ Suncoast Summer Fest

■ Eighth annual Bob Rizzi Memorial Golf Classic

Friday, June 21, at the Meadows Golf and Country Club

■ ‘Friendliest Catch’ Fishing Fun Day

Wednesday, June 26

■ Waves & Wheels ‘Disco & Dice’ Party

Friday, June 28, at the Sarasota Event Center, 600 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota

■ Fun Run

Saturday, June 29, at Marina Jack

■ July 4 Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular

Thursday, July 4, at Bayfront Park

■ Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Saturday, Dec. 14, at Bayfront Park and Marina Jack

■ New Year’s Eve Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular

Sunday, Dec. 31, at Bayfront Park

■ Thunder by the Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival Feb. 14 to 16, 2025

proved challenging.

“Thunder by the Bay is three days that includes print and TV advertising spots,” said Nicandri. “There’s not a lot of brand awareness with the fireworks other than banner and website promotion and the opportunity to be there for the VIP viewing experience.” This year, Thunder by the Bay netted Suncoast Charities $204,000, and that was even with a day-and-a-half rained out.

While Thunder by the Bay has proved to be lucrative for the Suncoast Charities, the annual Fourth of July fireworks display has been the opposite. In 2023, total expenses to produce the event came to $37,367. The largest expense is the pyrotechnics themselves. “Fireworks cost $1,500 a minute now,” said Nicandri.

In a press release, Marina Jack’s General Manager Lana Jackson said prior to the 2023 event, only $14,000 in sponsorships were secured, which would have resulted in a loss to the charity. Thankfully, an anonymous donor came in at the last minute to cover the expenses and provided the charity with a $7,000 net gain.

When you look at the fireworks

File image

Fireworks light up Sarasota Bay at Suncoast Charities for Children’s 2023 Fourth of July celebration.

By the Numbers

craft, crossed the Channel … The Anglo-American Allies are sustained by about 11,000 first-line aircraft …

“So far, the commanders who are engaged report that everything is proceeding according to plan. And what a plan! This vast operation is undoubtedly the most complicated and difficult that has ever taken place.”

Indeed it was. And it was intended to do what Sun Tzu advised in the 300s B.C. in the “Art of War”: “In war, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.”

Among the objectives of D-Day: overwhelming force and surprise.

The scope of American resources dedicated to victory consisted of manufacturing 98,000 warplanes in 1944 alone. The U.S. had 18 shipyards (compared to four today), producing three ships every two days.

On D-Day, 73,000 American soldiers participated in the assault. Allied commanders expected to lose 10,000 soldiers.

from a business perspective, unless the community provides the financial support, organizing the timeintensive event with only two staff members, the return on investment is not worth it. “You can only slice it and dice it so many ways,” said Nicandri.

This year, costs are estimated to go up to $39,875, which doesn’t include Suncoast Charities’ two largest partners that donate in-kind services — Marina Jack and the city of Sarasota. For the fireworks display in 2023, the city donated $41,047 of in-kind personnel cost for police and public works services.

According to the city of Sarasota’s communications general manager, Jan Thornburg, the breakdown of those costs include $1,200 for the special events team working the event, $5,700 for public works to provide things like setting up security fencing and picking up recycling and solid waste, with the bulk of the expense for the Sarasota Police Department coming in at just over $34,000.

“We’re on the ground, in the air and on the water making sure any issues are addressed as they come up,” says Cynthia McLaughlin, public information officer with the Sarasota Police Department.

Thornburg adds that the Fourth of July Fireworks display is one of more than a dozen events that the city of Sarasota co-sponsors each year like the recent Memorial Day parade and the upcoming Juneteenth Celebration. “The city really values these events that they’re family friendly, bring residents together in a celebratory manner

and enhance the sense of community and quality of life,” she says.

“That is why the City Commission continues to support the events and in-kind services.”

This year, the charity has a $50,000 fundraising goal. “We want to continue to host the fireworks, but we don’t want to compromise the quality of event,” said Nicandri.

“We want to provide the community a free event that they can enjoy, but at the same time walk away with a little revenue to support our mission of providing support to children, teens and adults with special needs and their families.”

Suncoast Charities has organized a July Fourth bayfront fireworks donation campaign on its website at SuncoastCharitiesForChildren. org. Sponsorship opportunities range from $10,000 to $1,500 and include reserved seating at Marina Jack with complimentary food and beverage and various marketing opportunities.

If you think about it, investing in this year’s fireworks display is a win for the community in two ways — continuing our community’s annual patriotic celebration and benefiting worthwhile children’s organizations. Observer Media Group is committed. But we’re suckers for a good Fourth of July celebration. Blame it on my mother, Lisa Walsh, who was the co-founder of Longboat Key’s Freedom Fest. And we’re happy to carry on the tradition.

You can too, “’cause baby you’re a firework! Come on, show ’em what you’re worth!”

“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

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The U.S. reported 2,500 dead; Britain, 1,450. Now contrast that will for victory with what Joe Biden and the European Union are doing with Ukraine, and Biden’s meddling with the Israelis and their war with Hamas.

When Churchill reported to the House of Commons on D-Day, he told its members: “I shall not attempt to speculate upon its course. This I may say however. Complete unity prevails throughout the Allied Armies.

“There is a brotherhood in arms between us and our friends of the United States. There is complete confidence in the Supreme Commander, General Eisenhower, and his lieutenants, and also in the

commander of the Expeditionary Force, General Montgomery … (T) he whole process of opening this great front will be pursued with the utmost resolution both by the commanders and by the United States and British Governments whom they serve.”

On this 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Western World should express once again its gratitude for the courage, leadership and will that prevailed then and ultimately led to victory. Sun Tzu foretold one of the many lessons of D-Day that can be learned today: “He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign.”

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

Courtesy of the National Archives

SATURDAY, MAY 25

BOISTEROUS BOATERS

1 p.m., Jewfish Key Sandbar

Noise Disturbance: Dispatch sent an officer to a report of loud music coming from a boat on the Jewfish Key sandbar. The officer arrived by boat and saw more than 100 boats in the area, but one stood out with the loudest music, which could be heard from more than 300 feet away, the officer reported. When the officer approached the vessel with its lights on, the group of people on the boat didn’t notice the officer. It wasn’t until the officer activated the boat’s siren that one of the men on the boat turned off the

FRIDAY, MAY 24

NEEDED TO MAKE A DELIVERY

8:06 p.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Vehicle Stop: A license plate reader alerted officers to a driver with an indefinitely suspended driver’s license. An officer located the driver’s vehicle and conducted a vehicle stop. The officer spoke with the driver and advised him of the reason for the stop. While talking with the officer, the driver uttered that he knew the license was suspended and he owed money in order to get the license reinstated. When the officer asked why he was driving and if he knew the license was suspended, he said he was delivering food for a takeout service. The driver was issued a criminal citation and had to make arrangements for the vehicle.

SATURDAY, MAY 25

IF ONLY IT WERE UNDERGROUND

1:09 a.m., 2800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Fire: While on patrol, an officer noticed a bright white light and a loud noise. The officer investigated and found a utility pole sparking with

visible flames. Dispatch was notified, and Longboat Key Fire Rescue arrived on the scene to assist in troubleshooting the cause and assess any possible damage. The fire extinguished itself.

CALLING FOR (A) BACKUP

1:47 p.m., 3300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Officer Public Service: An officer responded to a citizen assist call from dispatch. When the officer arrived at the location, he met with the caller, who said she was unable to back her truck out of a parking spot. The officer assisted her with backing the truck out of the spot safely.

NOT SO FAST

5:25 p.m., Jewfish Key

Vehicle Stop: An officer on marine patrol witnessed two personal watercraft traveling too quickly in a minimum wake zone near Jewfish Key. The officer stopped both personal watercraft operators and issued them citations for violating the posted minimum wake zone.

NUDE BOATER 6:25 p.m., 2600 block of Gulf of

Mexico Drive Civil Disturbance: Dispatch sent an officer to a call of lewd behavior. The responding officer met with the complainant, who said there was a man on his boat without clothes on, and, before the officer’s arrival, the complainant asked him to put clothes on. The officer then met with the aforementioned boater, who was fully clothed. He said he just returned to the boat slip, was changing out of his clothes and was sitting on the bridge when the complainant asked him to put clothes on.

MONDAY, MAY 26

FAMILY ORDEAL

8:44 p.m., 5600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Vehicle Stop: An officer stopped a driver after a license plate reader notified officers of a suspended license. When the officer found the driver on GMD, the driver was traveling at about 28 miles per hour. The driver said he did not have a driver’s license and was not the registered owner of the vehicle. Both he and his wife, who was the passenger, presented the officer with foreign passports. When the officer asked why he was driving without a driver’s license, the driver said he was moving the vehicle because his son — the owner of the vehicle — was cited earlier for operating the vehicle without a driver’s license.

PLUMBING SERVICE

8:34 a.m., 3300 block of Bayou Sound Officer Public Service: responded to a water leak that a resident called in. Upon arrival, the officer found the water leak and spoke with the resident, who asked if the officer could cut off the water until a plumber could respond. The officer cut off the water and stopped the leak for the resident.

TUESDAY, MAY 27

TECH SUPPORT

6:20 p.m., 900 block of Spanish Drive South Officer Public Service: cer responded to a welfare check request when the caller said she could not get a hold of her father for the past 24 hours. When the officer arrived at the father’s house, he said his phone was not working correctly,

so the officer contacted his daughter for an update.

THURSDAY, MAY 29

SANDBAR RESCUE

11:18 p.m., Broadway Street & Firehouse Road

Marine Rescue: Longboat Key Police responded to a marine rescue call about a vessel that ran aground. While officers responded to the location through the beach access point and located the vessel offshore, another officer responded by water on the department’s boat. A commercial towing company was able to arrive on the scene, and the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department took the three occupants to safety.

The owner said the group was heading for the Longboat Pass Bridge and made contact with the bridge tower when suddenly they heard a loud noise and were on a sandbar. The group sustained no injuries.

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CAC receives $50K for outreach

CARTER WEINHOFER

STAFF WRITER

The Climate Adaptation Center will soon be able to expand its reach and science-based education within local communities.

The Sarasota-based nonprofit recently received a grant for $50,000 from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation that will go toward the organization’s annual conference, public outreach and will help support the work done by CAC scientists.

CEO and Chair of the Climate Adaptation Center Bob Bunting said providing science-based information to the public sector is something in critical need right now.

“We have all of these sectors where decision makers need to include climate and weather information in the decision-making,” Bunting said. “That was an acknowledgment on (the Barancik Foundation’s) part, and the impact our organization is already having on the community, which is gratifying. We’re really grateful to them for taking that step that’s going to allow us to do more outreach.”

The CAC is in its fifth year and began during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of that, Bunting said the organization was limited in its reach.

As the pandemic eased up, the CAC was able to start things like its climate conferences and climate champion awards ceremony.

This year, the organization held its first public, in-person announcement of its hurricane forecast. Bunting said the forecast was only posted on the CAC website for the first year, then became a Zoom conference.

The success of the Zoom conference led to the idea of making the event in-person, which was a success, according to Bunting.

Some of the grant funding will go toward the CAC’s Fourth Annual Florida Climate Conference, which will be held at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee on Nov. 14-15.

4,594

Money will also help support the work done by CAC scientists, which the CAC aims to share with local media and other sources.

The CAC also has a YouTube channel, which Bunting said will benefit from some more funding for video production. The channel is used as another outlet to disseminate climate information.

“It all starts with education,” Bunting said. “The bigger the footprint we have, the more outreach we can do and the more effective outreach we can do.”

By expanding its network, Bunting hopes the CAC can become more well known and attend more events and speeches within the community.

“It all helps us get the word out and the science out in a way that people can understand it so they can use that information to make better decisions,” Bunting said.

Bunting also said he has a “special connection” to Longboat Key, having lived there for many years and worked with the town numerous times in the past.

He said he hopes that the CAC can be a resource for communities like Longboat Key and Sarasota — efforts that can be increased given the latest grant.

“I hope that the CAC will be an asset for Longboat Key to help them know what’s coming and to do the things that can be done to lower the risk,” Bunting said. “We’re available to the town … we’re available to private events, homeowners associations, to the town government, to the chamber of commerce.”

Adaptation Center CEO Bob Bunting

Key relationships

Meet the planner behind one of Longboat Key’s most popular networking events: Networking at Noon.

The RSVPs were coming in even after the deadline. So it was no surprise the May Networking at Noon for the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce was packed with 45 attendees at Drift Kitchen and Bar at the Lido Beach Resort.

Marketing and Media Relations Manager Felicia McDermott planned her second event for May 29, which was a testament to the new team’s hard work.

With one Networking at Noon completed, McDermott felt more prepared going into this one. She suggested Lido Beach Resort after attending an event there in the past.  McDermott believes that picking the resort encouraged more people to attend due to its central location, delicious food and outstanding view. She thinks the convenience drew new members to register.

This was the first time Lido Beach Resort hosted a chamber event after being a member since 1996. Through these events, McDermott aims to strengthen connections with all members.

After forming strong relation -

ships with Zota Beach Resort and the Longboat Key Club, she thought this was the perfect time to dedicate to other members while maintaining other strong connections.

McDermott worked closely with Emily Linton and Jayme Kotowski, from Lido Beach Resort, to determine the best event space and menu items. The chamber team emphasizes having a different menu for each event. Lido Beach Resort was accommodating to people who signed up at the last minute and provided four menu options rather than the usual three, said McDermott.  “I just love creating new relationships with the resort team and our chamber members,” said McDermott. “Since I had a better understanding of the event, I felt like I had more time to sit back and  talk with more of the chamber members and get to meet new people.”

WORSHIP directory

High-end hiring

The St. Regis will hold a hiring event on June 12.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

The St. Regis Longboat Key management team is ready to meet its future employees.

The highly anticipated resort coming to Longboat Key is set to have its grand opening this summer, and General Manager Winfred van Workum and Hotel Manager Kara Hardiman will host a hiring event on June 12 to fill more than 400 positions.

The St. Regis Longboat Key is the only St. Regis opening in the U.S. in 2024 and is the largest development in Longboat Key in more than 50 years, according to a press release.

The management team is looking to hire people for a wide range of careers, from housekeepers and pastry chefs to butlers, divers and kids’ program coordinators.

“In general for us, the key to hiring great St. Regis hosts is to hire for the right attitude and hire people whose heart is really in service and creating an experience for our guests that’s really curated and bespoke, a level of elegance,” Hardiman said.

The technical aspects of the job are trainable, Hardiman and van Workum agreed.

There’s also the chance for Marriott employees to transfer into the St. Regis Longboat Key, since the company prides itself on career growth, according to Hardiman. She started with Marriott as a front desk host about 20 years ago and now will be the St. Regis Longboat Key’s hotel manager.

Van Workum also mentioned that the Marriott company boasts competitive benefits and “very significant” discounts on hotels.

Though the press release says over 400 positions, Longboaters shouldn’t fret about traffic, van Workum said. The St. Regis’ shifts will be staggered, and it won’t be 400 employees all coming onto the island at once.

With that, he said the St. Regis management is talking with Sarasota County’s Breeze system and Enterprise Rent-A-Car to think of possible alternatives for employee transportation.

Van Workum also said there are plans in place with the town of Longboat Key to manage traffic for any larger events.

TRAINING FOR SUCCESS

To train the more than 400 employees for the St. Regis Longboat Key

ABOUT THE EVENT

The hiring event will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 12 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Anyone interested in a job can apply online first, but the St. Regis said it will also welcome walk-ins at the event, where on-site interviews will take place.

If the process goes well for a walk-in candidate, the applicant can hopefully walk out of the event with a job.

— or any St. Regis around the world — is no easy feat. It includes an intense but intentional training atmosphere, according to Hardiman.

“Training is about giving people confidence,” Hardiman said. “Because if you’re confident, then you can execute at the level of luxury guests and the St. Regis luminary.”

Along with separate departmental training sessions, there’s also something unique to the St. Regis: the 10-day countdown.

In the 10 days leading up to the grand opening, employees will receive training focused on the history of the St. Regis brand and how to embody that in the resort’s many traditions.

Those traditions include an evening sabrage of Champagne, afternoon tea and a midnight supper — though the supper is earlier than midnight, van Workum said.

The management team will bring about 100 trainers from around the world for different areas, such as hospitality and spa treatments, according to van Workum.

Training goes as in-depth as learning how to properly open a bottle of wine — without a saber.

During this period, employees will also go through a “trial feeding,” and try every one of the resort’s seven dining outlets.

Courtesy image

A rendering of the St. Regis Longboat Key, set to open this summer.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

Photos by Petra Rivera

Deanna Mesghali and Felicia McDermott

Alison Kanter and Danielle Gladding

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

SUMMER CITY

Five arts events you won’t want to miss this summer.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Once upon a time in Sarasota, the calendar was divided into “season” (October through April) and “off season” (May through September). But in recent years, the line has blurred.  Yes, the snowbirds begin heading home after Easter and Black Tie events go on hiatus, but each year the area attracts new full-time residents. Cultural institutions like Asolo Repertory Theatre, Urbanite Theatre and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe have responded with seasons that now last into June.

For 60 years, the Sarasota Music Festival has been held each summer, bringing in faculty and fellows from around the world and delighting classical music lovers with three weeks of performances.

A Sarasota summer arts mainstay is Florida Studio Theatre, with a sizzling cabaret season as well as mainstage and improv performances. FST also hosts the Sarasota Improv Festival, which came back with a vengeance last year after being on hold in real life for years.

Another longtime participant in the summer arts scene is the Circus Arts Conservatory. It will be taking up residency in The Ringling Museum’s Historic Asolo Theater once again this summer. The CAC will also be heading to Massachusetts with a show called Summersaults in the Berkshires from July 19-28 at the Duffin Theater in Lenox.

We’ve scoured the summer calendar for five events that you absolutely won’t want to miss. All are surprisingly affordable and some are even free.

The meteorologists say it’s going to be a hot summer, but these mustsee events provide respite from rising temperatures with air-conditioned performances and screenings. All of our picks sell out quickly, so don’t wait to buy your tickets.

JACK DOWD’S ‘LAST CALL’

June 7 through Aug. 18 at the Stulberg Gallery, Ringling College of Art & Design, 1188 Dr. Martin Luther King Way. Tuesday through Saturday 12-6 p.m. Visit Ringling College. gallery.

Nearly everyone has their version of “Cheers,” the TV bar “where everybody knows your name.” Such a mythical tavern, where business types in suits mix with artists, musicians, socialites and a neighborhood character or two, will be inside the Stulberg Gallery at Ringling College of Art & Design this summer.

Sarasota artist Jack Dowd’s installation “Last Call” will open June 7 with a reception featuring free food for the first 250 visitors and a cash bar on the patio outside the gallery from 5 to 8 p.m.

The installation featuring a 22-foot-long mahogany bar and 13 life-size characters, including the late John F. Kennedy Jr. wearing roller blades, was first created in 2001 by the artist and his son, Jon Dowd. It was displayed at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art the same year.

In “Last Call,” the clock on the wall reads 3:55. That’s just minutes before 4 a.m. closing time in New York City, where the tavern is set. There’s just enough time for one more round, hence the title “Last Call.”

The diversity of the bar’s patrons and their realization that the long

IN THE

night is drawing to a close echoes the grittiness of the 1930s Ash Can School, according to Ringling College Chief Curator Tim Jaeger.  Dowd, who is in his eighties, will attend the opening reception, which promises to draw an eclectic mix of Sarasota artists and arts aficionados. There may never be another party quite like this one. You won’t want to miss it.

CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE

Select Fridays through Oct. 18, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $12. Visit SarasotaOperaHouse.com.

If you’ve got Turner Classic Movies on cable or the Criterion Channel streaming on your laptop, you can watch a great selection of films from Hollywood’s Golden Age. But as the events company Fathom has discovered with its screenings in AMC, Regal and Cinemark cinemas, there are plenty of people who still like movies on the big screen.

What about watching classic films in a premier venue like the Sarasota Opera House? Yes, please!

You’ve already been warned about the hazy definition of the off season in Sarasota, so don’t be surprised to see that one of our must-see events of the summer runs through October.

In fact, in a lineup that includes such fan favorites as “On the Waterfront,” “American Graffiti” and “A Fistful of Dollars,” the classic film on the top of our list is “The Greatest Show on Earth,” about the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

The highest-grossing film of 1952, Cecile B. DeMille’s “The Greatest Show on Earth” was filmed in Sarasota, the winter home of the Ringling

Bros. circus. It made its world premiere at the Sarasota Opera House, then known as the Florida Theater.  Given the cosplay that reigned at the screenings of Taylor Swift’s “Eras” concert tour movie last summer and the fun-loving spirit of Sarasota residents, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a few clowns, leotard-clad ladies and other bigtop denizens at the GSOE screening at the opera house.

URBANITE THEATRE’S

‘OAK’

Through June 30 at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. $7-$44. Visit Urbanite Theatre.com.

If you grew up telling ghost stories around the campfire or at slumber parties, “Oak” is the summer play you won’t want to miss. Written by Chicago’s Terry Guest, the Southern Gothic horror is making its world premiere at Sarasota’s black-box Urbanite Theatre.

In a 10th-anniversary season that had many edgy entries, Urbanite Artistic Director Summer Dawn Wallace thinks “Oak” is the best play of the season. And she is not even directing this one; Mikael Burke is. Oak is the name of a sleepy town in Georgia where nothing much happens except the periodic disappearance of African American children. The snatchings are attributed to a creek monster, Odella, who is reportedly the spirit of a runaway slave who drowned and who is Oak’s answer to the Bogeyman. The play “Oak” follows three restless Black cousins —16-year-old Pickle, her little brother Big Man and their cousin Suga — during one of the town’s “child snatching seasons.”  There are lots of twists and turns

Courtesy images

Jack Dowd’s “Last Call,” a life-sized installation of a mythical New York City tavern and 13 patrons, opens June 7 at Ringling College’s Stulberg Gallery.

Trezure B. Coles, William Rose II and Jaeda LaVonne star as three cousins in “Oak,” Urbanite Theatre’s final production of its 10th season.

Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

At the heart of the Faustian play lies the question: What deal are you willing to make with the Devil — or in this case, Odella — to escape a humdrum existence in a dead-end Georgia town? If you’re living in Oak, be afraid, not of Odella, but of the lengths you’ll go to escape.

The play could provoke some soulsearching among audience members, who may be less interested in escape than in things remaining the same in their town. Who are you willing to throw under the bus to maintain the status quo? Spooky stuff, indeed.

SUMMER CIRCUS

SPECTACULAR

June 14 through Aug. 17 at the Historic Asolo Theater, The Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road. $20 adults/$15 youth 15 and under. Visit Ringling.org.

If you’re not a circus fan, why not? You don’t like animals, scary clowns or bleachers? No worries. You won’t find any of those things at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s annual Summer Circus Spectacular.

Instead you’ll get a one-hour show filled with sophisticated, familyfriendly entertainment in the beautiful Historic Asolo Theater.

Did I mention the ticket prices? They are just $20 for adults and $15 for youth under 15.

This year’s summer lineup is different from what the CAC, under the direction of husband-and-wife team Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs, presented under their new bigtop at Nathan Benderson Park during season.

Presided over by Ringmaster Jared Walker, the summer circus includes contortionist Uranbileg Angarag, acrobatic hand balancers The Bello Sisters, hair hang artist Camille Langlois, slack wire performer Antino Pansa and clown Renaldo, a veteran of the Big Apple Circus.

If you’ve never seen a show in the Historic Asolo Theater, or The HAT

for short, this is your chance. First built in 1798 inside a palace in Asolo, Italy, the jewel-box theater’s elaborate proscenium, decorative panels, gilded stage boxes and other components were purchased by The Ringling in 1949.

The historic theater, which opened for Sarasota performances in 1952, has only 286 seats. It’s a theater fit for a king, or at least a duke.

Why not make a circus day of it at The Ringling? Before or after watching the Summer Circus Spectacular (shows are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday), why not visit the Circus Museum? For just $5, audience members can gain access to the museum on the day they attend the show.

This is a timely offer because the Circus Museum recently added a new installation on the second floor of the Tibbals Learning Center called the Greatest Show on Earth. The multimedia exhibit is dedicated to the modern Ringling Bros. circus as it evolved under the ownership of Feld Entertainment, which acquired it in 1967.

Also, the Circus Museum isn’t part of The Ringling’s free Mondays admission.

SARASOTA IMPROV FESTIVAL

July 12-13 at Florida Studio Theatre’s downtown campus, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $10 each show. Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

When Florida Studio Theatre announced the Sarasota Improv Festival’s return to real life in 2023 after a four-year hiatus (there was a virtual fest in 2020), it was hard to know what the reaction might be. Would fans have forgotten about the once-popular summer event, which began in 2009?

Not a chance. Last year’s festival, which was headlined by London hiphop comedian MC Hammersmith, sold out almost immediately. FST draws a faithful improv following with its Saturday night shows featuring its own FST Improv Troupe. These fans turned out in droves for the improv festival, featuring talent from around the world. When it comes to improv, Sarasota

is definitely on the map, along with places like Los Angeles, New York and Austin.

With $10 tickets, it’s hard to find a better live entertainment bargain in town than the Sarasota Improv Festival, which will be held July 12-13. Festival passes are available for $75 for two days, $59 for Saturday and $49 for Friday.

Headlining this year’s festival is Impro Theatre, a Los Angeles-based group that creates full-length plays inspired by the world’s greatest playwrights, but on the fly. This will be Impro Theatre’s second appearance at the Sarasota Improv Festival.

Also returning to the festival are fan favorites Available Cupholders (Austin, Texas, and Los Angeles), Big Bang Improv (Boston, Sarasota

and New York City), Dad’s Garage (Atlanta), Parallelogramophonograph (Austin), North Coast (New York City) and FST Improv.

Repping Chile at this year’s festival is the troupe Lospleimovil, which is making its debut.

Even if you don’t attend this year, be sure to add the improv festival’s traditional closing performance to your bucket list.

In the “All Play” finale, more than 80 festival artists jam themselves onto FST’s Gompertz Theatre stage for an unscripted show full of fun. Summer fun, that is.

The hand-balancing acrobats The Bello Sisters are among the featured acts at the 2024 Summer Circus Spectacular.

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

‘TWO, THREE, FOUR’

4:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail

$30-$42 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

The Sarasota Music Festival presents works for two, three and four musicians. The program includes Jean Francaix’s Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano, Erwin Schulhoff’s 1925 Duo for Violin and Cello, and Maurice Ravel’s Second Sonata for Violin and Piano. The Borromeo String Quartet performs String Quartet No. 6 by Grazyna Bacewicz.

‘RHINESTONE COWGIRLS’

7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave.

$18-$42

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Created by Nancy Allen Productions, this musical tribute features such country classics as Patsy Cline’s “Crazy,” Tammy Wynette’s “Stand by Your Man” and Carrie Underwood’s “Last Name.” Runs through July 28.

‘THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND’

8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. $39-$59 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Florida Studio Theatre kicks off its Summer Mainstage Series with “The World Goes ‘Round,” a musical

revue celebrating the works of John Kander and Fred Ebb. The show features memorable songs from hit Broadway shows such as “Chicago,” “Cabaret” and more. Runs through June 30.

‘TEA AND ARMAGEDDON’

7 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail

$6.50 plus fees Visit SqueakyWheelTheatre.org.

Prepare to go down the rabbit hole with Scott Keys and Company in this show inspired by the writings of Lewis Carroll. Continues June 9.

FRIDAY

‘BACH AND BEYOND’

7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.

$29-$50

Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Sarasota Music Festival faculty, fellows and the Borromeo String Quartet come together for a program featuring Bach and works inspired by the great composer.

THE RINGLING WONDERGROUND

8 p.m. at The Ringling Museum of Art Courtyard, 5401 Bay Shore Road Free with registration Visit Ringling.org.

A twist on the Ringling Underground, the Wonderground is part of the three-day Wonder Symposium

OUR PICK

‘COCONUT CAKE’

In Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s last show of its 2023-24 season, “Coconut Cake,” the daily routine of four chess-playing and coffeedrinking retirees is disrupted when a mysterious woman moves to town, bringing her recipe for a mouthwatering coconut cake. Runs through June 23.

IF YOU GO

When: 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12

Where: at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.

Tickets: $5-$50

Info: Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.

DON’T MISS

ADAM EZRA GROUP

Named 2023 Americana Act of the Year by the New England Music

Awards, Adam Ezra Group’s fusion of folk intimacy and rock energy has attracted a devoted fan base that travels with them from show to show.

IF YOU GO

When: 8 p.m. on Friday, June 7

Where: Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court

Tickets: $14-$28

Info: Visit WSLR.org.

at The Ringling. Wonderground features local, regional and national musical acts, including Sarah Santiago, Florida favorite NoFilter and the Brooklyn United Music and Arts Program. Local circus artist Cirque Vertigo also performs.

‘ARTHURIAN: THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE, AND OTHER FURNITURE. A BURLESQUE’

10 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $15.50 plus fees Visit SqueakyWheelTheatre.org.

Amanda Heisey Finnerty brings her show combining medieval times and burlesque to the stage for the Squeaky Wheel Fringe festival. Think renaissance fair for adults only. Continues June 8.

SATURDAY

SCD IN-STUDIO SERIES:

JESSICA OBEIDZINSKI

7 p.m. at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300

$11.50-$21.50 Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.

After a spinal injury left her exploring modes of healing beyond traditional medicine, Jessica Obeidzinski spent two weeks tapping into her subconscious at the Hermitage Artist Retreat. In this “sneak peek” performance, she reveals her

discoveries.

‘FESTIVAL FIRSTS’

7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.

$30-$70 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

“Festival Firsts” marks the debut of conductor Stephanie Childress and the festival solo debut of Rachel Breen, who plays Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1.

SUNDAY

‘COMMON AIR’

1 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $10 plus fees Visit SqueakyWheelTheatre.org.

Dancers from the former Soviet Union who met in the U.S. put aside any differences their former homelands may have to dance together.

SQUEAKY WHEEL FRINGE

WINNER

5:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Price TBA Visit SqueakyWheelTheatre.org.

Each of the nine acts featured in the Squeaky Wheel Fringe festival are allotted two slots on stage. After an audience vote, the winner of the festival gets to perform a third show. All proceeds go to the artists.

TIME TO SAVE AND SAVOR SARASOTA’S EATERIES

Dinner and a movie? How about a prix-fixe lunch and a museum? The Bistro restaurant in the Sarasota Art Museum is serving up a special lunch as part of Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week, which runs through June 14.

Diners at the Bistro will be able to enjoy a two-course meal of Stone Fruit Salad with toasted hazelnut, watercress and harissa vinaigrette followed by an Heirloom Tomato and Bacon Tartine with corn and basil for $25.

The lunch special, which will be offered for the entire month, is just one example of the many dining deals to be found during Savor Sarasota.

When the event was launched 19 years ago by Visit Sarasota County, “three-course dinners were $25; now they are $40,” notes Visit Sarasota President/CEO Erin Duggan.

But $40 for an appetizer, entrée and dessert is still a great deal in these inflationary times. Both lunch and dinner prices are unchanged from last year.

As much as locals enjoy Savor Sarasota, the two-week event is designed to attract visitors to town and “put heads in beds,” Duggan says.

Nearly 70 Sarasota area restaurants are participating this year, with newcomers like Boo’s Ice House & Dog Bar, Cafe Barbosso, Kolucan and the Original Wolfie’s and Rascal House joining veterans like Bavaro’s, Mattison’s Forty-One and Michael’s On East.

In the Lakewood Ranch/UTC area, there are at least seven eateries taking part in Savor Sarasota. Grove, which opened in 2018, is a first-timer, says Jennifer Bradtmueller, Grove general manager.

“Being part of Savor Sarasota raises our profile and invites new diners to enjoy our scratch kitchen, fresh fish program and our bakery. We make all our desserts in-house,” Bradtmueller says.

On St. Armands and Longboat Key, new arrivals to Restaurant Week include Chart House, Speaks Clam Bar St. Armands Circle and Tommy Bahama Restaurant.

For a complete list of participating Savor Sarasota restaurants, including eateries in the Nokomis/Venice area, go to VisitSarasota.com/savorsarasota-restaurants-menus.

Courtesy images

The Bistro in Sarasota Art Museum is offering an Heirloom Tomato and Bacon Tartine with corn and basil as part of its $25 two-course lunch.

Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

Shrimply the Best

Where to find the best shrimp dishes around town.

EMMA BURKE JOLLY CONTRIBUTOR

My family was inundated with celebrations in the summer. It started with Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, then my mom’s birthday, Father’s Day, my sister’s birthday, Fourth of July, my husband and my sister’s boyfriend’s birthday (yep, same day), my birthday, followed by my father’s, then Labor Day — all in 14 weeks.

My Mimi (grandma) would bring shrimp cocktail with homemade cocktail sauce as an appetizer to every gathering that took place on the porch of the house that I was brought home to and still fly home to for these special days. Leave it to a girl from Connecticut to get nostalgic about a seafood dish, but it’s shrimply the best. Here are the best shrimp samplings that remind me of simpler summers in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

BAKER AND WIFE

2157 Siesta Drive, Siesta Key; 941960-1765; BakerWife.com.

Don’t Be Shellfish: My love for Baker and Wife stems from not just from some the best food in the area; it was also the last place we went out to dinner as a family of five and laughed loud enough for all of Sarasota to hear. The jumbo black tiger shrimp and peanut noodles ($32) with broccoli slaw, spinach,

crispy shallots, thai mint and basil is a all-star dish that you must get your mouth on ... now.

One in a Krill-ion: If you like a small heaping of heat, order the crispy spicy shrimp ($14) made with siracha-yuzu mayo, mixed greens and furikake. The crunchy and bold flavors are shrimply special and perfect for two to share or for everyone at the table to get a taste before the main course makes its way to your table. Drinking? Order my ultimate favorite summer cocktail in Sarasota, the basil-cucumber martini ($14).

ANNA MARIA OYSTER BAR 6906 14th St. W., Bradenton, 941758-7880; 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, 941-778-2662; 6696 Cortez Road, Bradenton, 941-792-0077; 5405 University Parkway, Unit 110, Bradenton, 941-491-2662; OysterBar.net.

Don’t Be Shellfish: Don’t miss the AMOB coconut shrimp dinner ($23.99) served with apricot-horseradish sauce and your choice of two sides. The shrimp are the star, but just imagining the sauce is making me seriously salivate. Sides offered are coleslaw, french fries, red bliss potatoes, cilantro rice, season veggies, cheese grits or a house or Caesar salad.

the “girl dinner” trend. It’s an easy yet satisfying way to make dinner after a tiring day. My go-to girl dinner is a Caesar salad with fries and a Diet Coke. So when I’m feeling like changing out of my sweats and putting on a pair of shorts, I head right to AMOB for its Caesar salad ($11.99) with shrimp (+$7.99).

OWEN’S LAKEWOOD RANCH

are three reasons to venture to this Owen’s outpost. This grit dish is the best rendition of the southern staple that I have ever had the pleasure of shoving down my seasoned foodie mouth. I would wait longer than the average “two-hour wait” during season to just get a smell of this shrimp plate.

with my tablemates, but when it comes to Libby’s dynamite shrimp ($14.50) and its rock shrimp and blue crab lollipops ($17.50) — all bets are off. This starter plate is all for eating by Emma. The first is made with a crispy tempurabattered local Gulf shrimp, and the latter are luxurious lollipops of blue crab. Both are paired with a sambal aioli that has me saying, “Ay yo! Best aioli alert.”

One in a Krill-ion: The shrimp parade is plentiful at Libby’s between the Krabby Patty sandwich ($19) and the shrimp scampi ($24.50). But my entree adventure leans toward the scallops and shrimp ($39.50) offering. It features blackened scallops (Is there any other way to have seafood?) with Gulf shrimp, creamed corn and perfectly pickled onions.

WHITNEY’S

6990 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key; 941-383-4606; WhitneyLBK.com

One in a Krill-ion: If you watch TikTok videos and are between 18 and 40, I’m sure you’ve heard of

6516 University Parkway, Lakewood Ranch; 941-951-5052; OwensFishCamp.com.

Don’t Be Shellfish: Yes, the downtown location of this Sarasota eatery will forever put a smile on my face. But when Beaver, a manager at Owen’s Fish Camp, told us about the plans for Lakewood Ranch — my husband and I had to speed over to see, eat, drink and believe it. The massive canoes levitating above the incredibly designed eatery, the stacked-to-the-ceiling grand bar and the shrimp and grits ($26.99)

FREE MARKET ANALYSIS! 941-387-9709 3720 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 info@FLVacationConnection.com

One in a Krill-ion: Despite the surplus of shrimply delicious options, including cocktail and shrimp tacos, don’t forget to check out the cioppino ($32.99) plate packed with mussels, clams, shrimp, red snapper, tomato fennel broth and spaghetti.

LIBBY’S NEIGHBORHOOD BRASSERIE

1917 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-236-5826; 8445 Lorraine Road, Sarasota, 941-357-1570; LibbysNeighborhoodBrasserie.com.

Don’t Be Shellfish: I try and share the wealth when starting a meal

Don’t Be Shellfish: The Gulf-side drive down to this retro restaurant is half of the fun. Pull up, order a frozé — that’s right, a frozen rosé ($14) and pretend you’ve taken a time machine back to the ’70s in the chicest of ways. Ask for the LBK Bowl ($13) and feel like a healthy goddess. The bowl features wild rice, quinoa, roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted carrots, corn relish, queso fresco, and salsa verde. Add shrimp (+$11) to get all the nourishment your body needs before hitting Beer Can Island.

The Theater Latté Da World

One in a Krill-ion: The shrimp Louie ($19) salad is balanced and bountiful. It’s made with poached shrimp, lettuce, avocado, marinated tomatoes, hard-cooked egg and luscious Louie dressing (a mayoand-heavy-cream-based, chili sauce and herb-packed accoutrement).

Courtesy image

Baker and Wife’s crispy spice shrimp ($14).

YOUR NEIGHBORS

NATIVE TO THE KEY

Sharon Meier and her sister, Mimi Dolan, re-create a photo of them on the island taken 50 years ago.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

The year was 1974 and the Dolan girls were enjoying a sunny day in their hometown of Longboat Key. Sharon Dolan (now Meier), 10 years old at the time, and her little sister, Mimi Dolan, 5 years old, had to be at the beach on such a beautiful day with the Gulf of Mexico right in their backyard. Being regulars at the Longboat Key Youth Center, a photographer pulled them aside that day, along with his son, to be on the cover of that year’s Key Notes phonebook.

This year, that special photo turns 50, which prompted Meier to reminisce about growing up in paradise.

LONGBOAT KEY YOUTH CENTER

The Longboat Key Youth Center was founded in 1949 to provide opportunities for children on Longboat and the surrounding areas. Informally known as the Recreation Center, children had various options to learn, make friends, play sports and do fun activities during the summer and throughout the school year. After moving from location to location, the town drew up plans in 1982 to build a permanent home for the rec center, but the Town Commission turned down the offer. Bayfront Park Recreation Center was created in 1994 for more general purposes.

“We would ride our bikes and walk the beach to go to school thinking our parents were torturing us,” said Meier.

“But now that is so weird for someone to be from Longboat; I think we had it so lucky. We would see this beautiful beach every day, when people pay so much just to spend a couple months here.”

EVERYONE KNEW EVERYONE

Longboat Key in the 1970s was much different than the island today. Australian pines covered most of the island and hid the beach. Meier has vivid memories of running into her house when she got off the school bus to avoid the rattlesnakes that inhabited the island.

Gulf of Mexico Drive had a speed limit of 55 mph, with no sidewalks, making it hard to cross the road to explore spots on the bay side. Meier recalled staying in her house during hurricane season, emphasizing how hard it was to get six women out of the house in a timely manner.

Everyone on the Key knew the Dolan girls, the six sisters that were at all the parties. The island was a community of close-knit families, which meant everyone knew everyone. The Youth Center and the Longboat Key Art Center kept them busy throughout the year, so it was hard to spend time elsewhere.

The center hosted the children of Longboat Key and surrounding areas throughout the summer. Meier said there were about 50 children who lived on the island who attended classes at the center when she was there.

Children could take dance classes, tennis, sailing lessons, karate and more. Meier became a seconddegree black belt from the karate lessons at the center.

“We were constantly being active through the many things at the Youth Center,” said Meier. “That impacted me a lot, actually, because I do prioritize health and fitness, which is one of my passions in life. I was 13 in the Youth Center with no air conditioning doing 100 knuckle push-ups. I mean, where do you go from there? It just sends an intensity.”

The counselors would take them on trips throughout the year to go roller skating, bowling, the theater, etc. The center provided the perfect opportunity for children from the north and south ends to get to know each other and make quality friendships.

Meier said the atmosphere started to change when the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort put Longboat on the map. Her first job was working at the Colony Resort restaurant.

BACK TO HER ROOTS

Meier’s father sold her childhood home in 1986, when she was 23. After living in Orlando for 12 years, Meier knew Longboat Key was her true home. She moved back in 2022 and is a Realtor for Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

“You can take the girl off the island but can’t take the island out of the

KEY NOTES

Key Notes was an annual phone book publication produced by the Youth Center as a way to raise funds for its programs. It ran from 1953 to 1985 and included a directory of everyone on the island at the time, according to LongboatKeyHistory.com. Sharon Meier said the children of the Youth Center would deliver them to each house on the Key during the summer.

girl,” said Meier.

In 2014, Meier shared the photo on Facebook and connected with many of her childhood friends who grew up on the island. She hopes to make a reunion with all the Longboat natives in the future to share more about the distinct experiences they had growing up on the island.

Meier and Dolan recently contacted the current owners of the land that they grew up on and re-created the photo. She said it was a surreal experience to meet the people on the lot and get to share the love of the land with them.

Since moving back, Meier has noticed a big difference in the demographics and atmosphere of the island. She was sad to hear about the decrease of children and families on the Key. Meier hopes more families will move back out on the Key so they share the priceless memories such as she had growing up on Longboat.

“It wasn’t until later in life that I appreciated what I had,” said Meier. “When I was in Orlando, I got so homesick. The only thing that would calm me down was to close my eyes and envision driving over that Longboat bridge. It makes me sad to think that these memories that I have of Longboat Key, people won’t have them anymore. So, I try my hardest to keep that spirit of community alive.”

Photos by Petra Rivera

Sharon Meier and Mimi Dolan

Courtesy image

Children from the Longboat Key Youth Center in the 1970s

Sharon Meier and Mimi Dolan re-created the Key Notes cover from 1974 on Longboat Key.

Fresh energy

Amy Steinhauser and Debby Debile plan to make The Paradise Center an invigorating space for new and returning members.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

There are two new leading ladies of The Paradise Center on Longboat Key.  New Executive Director Amy Steinhauser and Program Manager Debby Debile hope to bring a fresh start to the Center and offer opportunities for everyone to create a community on Longboat.

Steinhauser became program manager of the center in April 2023. She moved to Longboat Key in 2021 to be close to her childhood best friend and former Executive Director Suzy Brenner.

Along with managing membership and administrative items in her program manager position, Steinhauser started offering sound baths once a month to share her passion for reiki and sound healing.

After working there for almost a year, Steinhauser was a natu -

ral replacement for Brenner, who recently resigned after seven years.

Debile is the founder of Feel Good Yoga and Massage in Mediterranean Plaza. She started teaching yoga classes at The Paradise Center two years ago after she had to close her yoga studio because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Debile has dived into the community at The Paradise Center since she started, by helping out at different events and attending other classes. When Steinhauser’s position opened, Debile’s dedication and previous experience as a program manager for another nonprofit made her a good fit to take over the position.

Steinhauser and Debile committed to the level of teamwork required to lead the center because they are both into energetic practices such as yoga and sound healing.

Steinhauser’s spirited personality,

matched with Debile’s calm headspace, allows them to workshop ideas from different perspectives.

Their first order of business was to freshen up the space and make it more their own with new decor and organization of the rooms. Steinhauser said members commented positively on the bright new atmosphere.

The duo is planning to redesign the board room and turn it into a community space. Since they only have a board meeting once a month, they think the room will provide a “third place” for people to meet when there isn’t a class or to stay after events.

Although the Tidewell Foundation building is for sale, Steinhauser said they’re not worried about what is going to happen to the building. The center currently has a year lease, but if for any reason, they said they would be ready to find a new space.

Debile said the support of the community and the needs the center

“It’s not just a job to us. When you love what you do, it bleeds in a beautiful way into everything. That is how we feel about it.”

— Debby Debile

meets will be enough to ensure their future on the island.

Their current priority is bringing new people to diversify the demographic. Debile has started introducing clients from her other business to the center and has encouraged them to get involved. They also are trying new social media tactics and renovating their Google Business site.

The team wants to rent the space out to new instructors and start

offering more classes. Steinhauser said they are focusing on creating opportunities for men to find community in the area. With their demographic being mostly women, they plan to start offering events that appeal to men, as well, such as trivia nights and free movie nights.

Steinhauser has been networking with different people from organizations across the island. This process began with Brenner, but she has loved branching out on her own and getting to know people more on a personal level.

“It’s not just a job to us,” said Debile. “When you love what you do, it bleeds in a beautiful way into everything. That is how we feel about it. So we are really dedicated to making this a space where anyone can find friends, healthy activities and just be a comfortable place to be themselves.”

Debby Debile and Amy Steinhauser

Debby Debile and Amy Steinhauser high-five.

Photos by Petra Rivera

A New Era of Luxury Living Begins on Siesta Key’s Pristine Shores

Siesta Key, renowned for its pristine white sands and vibrant community, is set to welcome a new landmark of luxury living. Tidewater Builders, Architura, Melissa DeMore Designs, and Molly Higdon of Keller Williams on the Water Sarasota gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony of Azure Siesta Key, a boutique condominium project that promises to redefine upscale coastal living.

Conceptualized nearly a decade ago by Ed Eible of Architura, Azure residences will feature three exclusive units, each designed with meticulous attention to detail for a seamless blend of modern elegance and coastal charm. The sleek and contemporary design merges with the natural surroundings creating an effortless transition of indoor-outdoor living.

Units will range in size from 4-bedroom 4-bathroom to 5-bedroom 6.5-bathroom and crafted with the highest quality of materials and designer finishes throughout. Each unit is equipped with a private pool, two car garages, and multiple balconies. Azure is nestled along Windsong Lane, a private road with deeded beach access allowing residents to be just steps away from the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The project is slated for completion mid to late 2025 and has already garnered significant interest locally and nationally. While there are many new condominium projects coming to Sarasota, it is rare to find new construction condominiums on Siesta Key. Azure offers an incredible opportunity for those looking for the convenience and luxury that new construction provides, while reaping the benefits of location in proximity to the beach. Whether you seek a serene retreat or an active coastal lifestyle, Azure Siesta Key is your gateway. Visit azuresiestakey.com for more information about the project. For sales inquiries email Molly.Higdon@kw.com.

Give thanks, give back

Lazy Lobster celebrates Thanksgiving in June with food drive.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

Lazy Lobster said no more waiting for everyone’s favorite meal of the year.

During a conversation with business partners in 2019, Chef Bob Fracalossy asked his co-owner, Michael Garey, “What is your favorite meal of the year?”

Garey didn’t hesitate with his answer of Thanksgiving. The two of them continued questioning why they only had the iconic turkey dinner once a year and then realized they didn’t have to wait.

Lazy Lobster will host its second annual Thanksgiving in June food drive from June 24-27.

Everyone who comes for dinner can bring five nonperishable items for a $10 “Lobster Loot” certificate or “Kacey’s Kash” certificate. Garey and Fracalossy’s other restaurants, including Kacey’s in Bradenton and Sarasota, will also host this event.

People will get a traditional turkey dinner for $28 including turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed sweet potatoes, mashed buttered Idaho potatoes, green beans with fried onions and cranberry sauce. For an extra $8, people can order pecan pie for dessert.

Garey said Thanksgiving is the busiest night of the year for the restaurants, so he is excited to be able to bring back their Thanksgiving dinner for another week.

All nonperishable items will be donated to Meals on Wheels Plus and All Faiths Food Bank. People can bring items such as boxed rice, boxed pasta, breakfast bars, baby cereal, baby formula, mac and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, 100% real fruit juices, canned soups, meat, fruit and vegetables.

IF YOU GO

Thanksgiving in June will be from 3:30-9 p.m. June 24-27 at Lazy Lobster, 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive, and Kacey’s Seafood. People can have a traditional turkey dinner for $28. For a $10 “Lobster Loot” certificate or “Kacey’s Kash” certificate, bring five nonperishable items to donate to Meals on Wheels Plus and All Faiths Food Bank.

“This is a really tough time for the food banks because no one really thinks about giving back during this time,” said Garey. “Demand spikes for them because a lot of winter residents and snowbirds have gone home. But the children are still here, and their need is still there. It’s a really good time for them to receive these efforts.”

Groundbreaking Photo by Rana Tierney - Roohi Photography RenderingprovidedbyArchitura

Petra Rivera

The traditional turkey dinner at Lazy Lobster

ARIA ARIA

Hands-on experience

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium launches new kids camp themes for summer.

After redesigning its camp program this past year, the education department of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is starting this summer camp season fresh by introducing new themes for its incoming campers. After cultivating these themes with her team all year, Education Programs Coordinator Madison Royer is ready to take on another successful summer from June 3 to Aug. 9. Children can sign up for a morn-

MOTE SUMMER CAMPS

If you are interested in summer camp at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, call 388-4441 or visit Mote.org/ Education/Kids-Families/ Summer-Camps.

ing, afternoon or full-day camp for the week. Each camp includes a water day or multiple for a hands-on experience. Last year, parents signed up their children for multiple weeks in a row for the chance to try different camps since they change each week.

For the “Tidal Tykes” age group from 5-7 years old, one of the new themes Mote is offering is Tales of Tails: Marine Mammals. This camp will teach the children about a new marine mammal every day. In the

“Aqua Kids” age group of 8- to 10-year-old children, the new camp, Wildlife Warriors: Animal Rescue, will inform the children about the different animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts at Mote.

For the “Sea Sleuths” age group of 11- to 13-year-olds, Sustainable Fisheries: Fish for the Future, will explore how to support a healthy fish population by maintaining a balance between fishing and conservation. Royer said that she is looking forward the most to this camp because the department will teach the children how to make their own fly for fly fishing.

After launching day camps this year, Mote’s summer camps have been able to attract a whole different demographic of children.

The one-off day camps allowed children on vacation and those visiting relatives on the Key to attend and learn about Mote’s mission in a more personal way. Many local children were also able to use the day camps as

a test run to see if they wanted to sign up for the longer summer camps.

With the new Mote campus in progress in Sarasota, the education department is looking forward to taking advantage of new possibilities for summer camps. Royer said they will continue to offer their adventure-based camps on City Island to keep the integrity of the classic camps with different water activities in Sarasota Bay.

Over at the new Mote Science Education Aquarium, they will focus more on the education side with STEM-based camps that will provide more hands-on laboratory

experience about Mote research.

“Our goal is to make sure that campers leave happy always, but also with knowledge of our research and everything that Mote does for our community and our world,” said Royer. “I’m most excited to see how some of these new themes play out. Also just seeing how much the campers learn and grow through their time with us.”

After finishing their training for the summer, Royer and her team are eager for the children to come and excited to see Mote’s mission in action through the education programs.

Photos by Petra Rivera

Instructor Shannon Powers holds a sea urchin for camper Isabella Ford.

Campers Xander Francois, Brooke Turner and Nicky Korenek find sea urchins while dip netting.

Campers Nicky Korenek, Kennedy Legler, Brynn Legler and Isabella Ford gather around to show off the different animals they caught.

$12,000,000

PET PICS

Have

Sleepy Lagoon Park home tops sales at

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Ahome in Sleepy Lagoon Park tops all transactions in this week’s real estate.

Laurel Phillips and Jeffrey Vaughn, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 525 Norton St. to Christopher Baker and Tori Baker, trustees, of Wesley Chapel, for $2.5 million. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,601 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.61 million in 2016.

JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

E. Denison Holder, of Sarasota, sold his home at 517 Madison Drive to AJM Dreams LLC for $2,376,000. Built in 1953, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,950 square feet of living area. It sold for $2 million in 2023.

THE AQUARIUS CLUB

2254165 Ontario Inc. sold the Unit 1-D condominium at 1701 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Derek Robert Ham and Nancy Diana Cooper, of Ontario, Canada, for $1.5 million. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,551 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2013.

THE PLAYERS CLUB

Elizabeth Woods, trustee, of Marquette, Michigan, sold the Unit 204 condominium at 1445 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Michael and Tiffany Brennan, of Tampa, for $1.2 million. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, three baths and 1,859 square feet of living area. It sold for $225,000 in 1989.

SLEEPY LAGOON PARK

Scott and Kerri Carlson, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 530 De Narvaez Drive to De Narvaez Longboat Key LLC for $1.15 million. Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,944 square feet of

$2.5 million

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS MAY 20-24

living area. It sold for $1.05 million in 2023.

BAY ISLES

Debra Akerley, of Apollo, Pennsylvania, and Stacey Sobek, of Trafford, Pennsylvania, trustees, sold the home at 3651 Bayou Circle to 3651 Bayou Circle LLC for $1 million. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,202 square feet of living area. It sold for $710,000 in 2001.

GRAND BAY

Elise Corcoran, of Debary, and Noel Carey, of Oviedo, trustees, sold the Unit 214 condominium at 3040 Grand Bay Blvd. to Benjamin Addison Robinson and Benjamin Todd Johannemann, of Longboat Key, for $964,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,369 square feet of living area. It sold for $857,500 in 2003.

CLUB LONGBOAT BEACH AND TENNIS

David Dillon, trustee, of Calabasas, California, sold the Unit 332 condominium at 5055 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Hernando Moreno and Brooke Wetherington Moreno, of Valdosta, Georgia, for $885,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

1,484 square feet of living area. It sold for $124,500 in 1979.

BAYPORT Stewart and Lauren Smith, of Duxbury, Massachusetts, sold their Unit 745 condominium at 745 Bayport Way to John David Beckley, of Longboat Key, for $715,000. Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,456 square feet of living area. It sold for $480,000 in 2019.

LIDO SURF AND SAND

Robert Caravaggio, of Ontario, Canada, sold his Unit 709 condominium at 1102 Benjamin Franklin

Drive to Michele Ann Plosker and Shayne Plosker, of Tampa, for $610,000. Built in 1976, it has one bedroom, one-and-a-half baths and 918 square feet of living area. It sold for $290,000 in 2009.

SPANISH MAIN YACHT CLUB

Karl and Lisa Ausserlechner, of Harwich, Massachusetts, sold their Unit 101 condominium at 714 Spanish Drive S. to Franz Ausserlechner, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $565,000. Built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,234 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 2018.

Image courtesy of Steve Walter

Laurel Phillips and Jeffrey Vaughn, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 525 Norton St. to Christopher Baker and Tori Baker, trustees, of Wesley Chapel, for $2.5 million.

YOUR CALENDAR

pavilion of blue sails. Call 444-7495.

RECURRING EVENTS

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS

LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT

STORE

The thrift store will be open 9 a.m. to noon 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 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

BEST BET

MONDAY, JUNE 10

THINKING OUT LOUD

1-2:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Retired Lawyer Mike Karp will lead a discussion on current topics, such as world affairs, politics and local issues. Call 383-6493.

learn more, call Nancy Rozance at 203-605-4066 or email Info@ LongboatKeyRotary.org.

TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

LONGBOAT LIBRARY

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday and Friday. 555 Bay Isles Road. Call 3832011.

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.

SATURDAYS

PUBLIC TURTLE WALKS

6:45 a.m. at 4795 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Free. 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 info 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.

Petra Rivera

Suzy Brenner and Amy Steinhauser at The Paradise Center.

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

JUNE 8

MOON PHASES

TIDES

famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. “P ITGF NTZNFSPZA TZHGIPZA, P’J ‘GIF MIEX JCMG AE EZ’ JFZGTSPGH. PL HEC NTZ NUTXS, HEC NTZ GTBF GIF MGTAF.” MCKP YCTGUE “UGAL CEZR WBEDWLF GXR UGAL UDFJGALF. DJ’F GZZ JBEFL JBDXNF JBGJ GRR TV JE JBL VLPFEX OET CLWEUL.” GXNLZDXG SEZDL

“VHPN ZHJMZ RNS TKIS VHPN OFKTLNSJ. VHP LHJ’G URJG GH FSRN, ‘VHPN IKL KZ PMTV.’” OHBDHZSN ENKRJ BOIJKMFG

EMERGING PRIDE by Owen Bergstein and Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen

By Luis Campos

Jenelle Alber captured this photo of the sunrise over Bishop’s Bayou

Longboat Key.

The