Longboat Observer 7.4.24

LONGBOAT

Observer

Pup’s paradise

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

PAGE 4

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

VOLUME 46, NO. 47

YOUR TOWN

Roundabout reconsidered, again With costs ballooning, it’s time for a gut check, says Public Works director. SEE PAGE 5

Courtesy image

Reggie Gurland and her two sons, Mel and John.

The big 107

A longtime member of the Longboat community, Reggie Gurland, turned 107 on June 23. Though Gurland recently moved to Englewood with one of her sons, Diana Spanos said her Longboat legacy continues. Spanos and Gurland were neighbors for many years and grew close.

For Gurland’s birthday, Spanos and a group of Longboat residents went to visit her for a party.

Gurland moved to Longboat in 1976 and had a house in Sleepy Lagoon.

She was very interested in ceramics and taught classes out of her Longboat residence.

She’s well-known for selling her artwork around the Key.

Petra Rivera Petra Rivera

Brigette Kubin and Mike Frashier

Giving thanks

Move over Christmas in July.

The Lazy Lobster threw its second annual “Thanksgiving in June” food drive as an excuse to eat everyone’s favorite meal of the year again and give back.

From June 24-27, customers could enjoy a traditional turkey dinner at the Lazy Lobster.

Everyone who brought five nonperishable items to donate to local food banks received a $10 “Lobster Loot” certificate or “Kacey’s Kash” certificate.

The deal also took place at the Lazy Lobster’s two sister restaurants, Kacey’s. All donations went to Meals on Wheels Plus and All Faiths Food Bank.

Co-owner Michael Garey said all restaurants were packed this week because of the popularity of the meal. General Manager Mike Frashier said the donations were overflowing each night with multiple packs of canned food in bulk and big jars of nonperishable items.

Rossy Weiss, Ashley Watts and Kim Verreault during Cafe L’Europe’s first fashion show on June 25.

FASHION FORWARD Cafe L’Europe hosts a St. Tropez-inspired summer fashion show. SEE PAGE 26

Dude’s abodes

A+E

Tube Dude finds a new home after five years in downtown Sarasota. PAGE 3

Turtle tracks LONGBOAT June 23-30 Nests False crawls

2024 180 259

2023 99 153

Totals since April 21 2024 2023 Nests 939 752 False crawls 1,352 988 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

James Peter

A Tube Dude egret mailbox stands, appropriately enough, on Bird Key.

Off the cuff PAGE 16

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

Existing signs for the town of Longboat Key

Smarter messaging Commissioners show support for installing new welcome signs for the town that would include digital display boards.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat Key town commissioners recently reaffirmed their support for the town’s Information Technology department to pursue digital display boards for the town to enhance mes-

saging.

At the June 17 budget workshop, IT Director Jason Keen presented initial cost estimates, while commissioners furthered discussions about design options and the use of digital display boards.

Out of the $9,164,258 budgeted for streets capital projects in fiscal year 2025, the town set aside $150,000 for the digital display board projects.

Town Manager Howard Tipton explained to commissioners that current town ordinances generally prohibit electronic signs.

“There is generally a prohibition against digital signage on the island, except for government,” Tipton said.

“Which is nice; it allows you to have

that uncluttered look as you go up and down GMD.” However, as long as the town is clear in its messaging, the display boards would be permitted.

“It would be government-related news … we just want to make sure that we’re clear with that,” Tipton said. “This is not as much a community signboard as it is a government signboard.”

That said, the boards would not be used to promote community events for Longboat Key organizations.

Rather, the boards could be used to inform residents about ordinances like the lighting restrictions for sea turtle nesting season or in emergency situations like flooding or gas

around $6,000 to $10,000 per sign, whereas the double-sided faux stone signs would cost about $15,000 to $50,000 per sign.

As for the digital display board itself, the board would come in full color with video and text, with a five-year warranty and all necessary software included.

Keen said the signs would be around the same size as the town’s current signs, or about 80-100 inches wide.

District 4 Commissioner Debra Williams was in favor of the doublesided board and asked if it would be possible to program them in a way that only one side would be used on a daily basis but both sides could be used in emergency situations to blast out messaging.

Williams and Vice Mayor Mike Haycock advocated for a third sign located mid-Key. Both said the location would be crucial for getting messages to residents who may not leave the island frequently, if at all.

“It’s really critical that people get information, who are maybe not leaving the island,” Williams said.

For example, in the case of flooding from storm events, residents going to Publix would be able to see the digital signs and be alerted to roads that may be flooded.

Tipton said staff would look into the option and whether the current location in front of Bicentennial Park would be the best place for a midKey sign.

Keen said he would take the information from the discussion and go forward with a plan for digital display boards that fit the look and feel of the community.

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File images

An example of a digital display board in Sarasota.

leaks.

There are two main options for digital display boards from the estimates Keen received from Robson Sign. Robson Sign has completed digital display signage projects for Manatee County and other municipalities.

The town could opt for single- or double-sided digital signs. With double-sided signs, the messaging would appear on both sides, whereas for single-sided signs, the messaging would only appear on the side facing traffic coming onto the island.

“The only caution to a dual-side is traffic coming from the other direction could be distracted,” Keen said.

Keen added that since Longboat Key has an active pedestrian community, distracted drivers may cause traffic issues that could affect pedestrians.

Additionally, there was a discussion about what the signs should look like. Commissioners and Keen agreed that the new digital signs should reflect the community feel of Longboat Key. “My recommendation is we would do a design that would fit the look and feel of Longboat,” Keen said.

Commissioners agreed that the digital display boards should look similar to the town’s new signs, like the ones at Bayfront Park or the Town Center Green.

The base of the sign could be anything from aluminum to faux stone.

Single-sided aluminum base signs could range in price from $30,000 to $50,000 per sign. For single-sided faux stone, the price would be around $35,000 to $76,000 per sign.

Double-sided signs with an aluminum base were estimated to cost

M

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

ETAL AGIC

Forced to move because of redevelopment, pipe-bending artist Scott Gerber (the Tube Dude) finds a new home.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

S

cott Gerber calls his Tube Dude creations “art a la carte.”

Given the nomadic his-

tory of his company in and around Sarasota, perhaps it could be called “art on a cart.”

Part sculptor, part metal fabricator and, most recently, part powder coater, Gerber’s multiple moves from downtown to St. Armands then back to downtown have been capped off with him landing in south Bradenton.

There, Tube Dude has more than twice the space he had before to create whimsical metal sculptures from the original classic mailbox to mermaid outdoor showers.

What began in 2010 as the former yacht builder found himself in the throes of a shrinking market due to the Great Recession has blossomed into a global business. Tube Dudes and Dudettes, along with mailboxes in the design of aquatic birds and sea life, pets, wildlife and large exhibition pieces, can be found on display around the world.

Tube Dudes and Dudettes are custom made to represent owners’ professions, recreation interests, lifestyles and more, all with the trademark face with a cheek-tocheek grin meeting large round eyes.

Now in his new 16,712-squarefoot space at 2306 60th Drive E., more than double the square footage he had at 1710 Main St., Gerber and his staff of five are in expansion mode. That includes an investment of some $100,000 for powder coating equipment necessitated by lagging turnaround in outsourcing that step in production.

Now he offers powder coating to other fabricators.

“One of the reasons why we moved into a building so large is we got into the powder coating ourselves,” Gerber said. “That’s a 500-degree oven, and every time that door opens, a lot

of hot air comes out. Now my painter has a whole area to himself, and he’s able to keep it super clean with no grinding, no cutting, nothing else on that side of the building.”

Gerber is also adding a line of marine furniture that, like the sculptures, are made of marine-grade aluminum and powder coated for coastal environment durability.

Tube Dude’s latest move wasn’t voluntary, but it is serendipitous — trading high visibility for square footage. The space the business occupied for five years at the corner of Main Street and Pine Place, along with the rest of the block, will be razed to make way for an apartment building.

“The city tried to kick us out when we first moved in because they said that what we were doing was industrial, but it just so happened that we didn’t meet the city’s definition of industrial, but we did meet the definition of an artist’s studio,” Gerber said of his prior location. “We had five wonderful years there, and it was great because very few places in a metropolitan situation can you do welding and grinding and cutting and all that. It was great for our customers because they would get to come see how the art developed.”

Examples of Tube Dude’s work are scattered throughout the city, St. Armands and Longboat Key, the most visible pieces being the wide variety of mailbox designs. Gerber said the mailbox is like the business card of a home, making an impactful first impression and providing a hint of the owner’s personality.

Mailboxes embedded in flamingos, ibis, sandhill cranes and others are prominent, but there are also surfers, octopus, tennis players and more, the portfolio limited only to the customers’ imaginations.

The vast majority of the more than 10,000 pieces produced by Tube Dude, Gerber said, start as custom designs by request.

THE CLASSIC

After shuttering his yacht-building company and laying off 40 employ-

BIG PRAISE FROM LITTLE DUDES Of all the accolades Scott Gerber has earned from customers, the most satisfying he said he receives are from kids.

“It’s when a 3-year-old would come into the gallery and has a vocabulary of maybe 100 words, and it just about brings tears to your eyes when they point to a piece and say the words ‘tube dude.’ It’s impossible to not smile.”

Andrew Warfield

Scott Gerber poses with a Guitar Dude mailbox made for country music star John Rich.

ees, Gerber sought a business that would help lift him out of his funk.

He turned to his expertise in metal fabricating and artistic inclinations to make people smile, thus the signature smiling face on all the dudes and dudettes that leave the shop.

He knew he was on to something while installing his first two pieces — identical classic mailboxes — one at a mansion in Tampa and one at a tiny bungalow locally.

“The first one I delivered was to a house that had to cost $20 million,” Gerber said. “It was all marble on the outside and they had three white Bentleys in the driveway. My second delivery was to a young couple whose house on a good day, maybe cost $50,000. It was the exact same mailbox, and no matter what their house cost, both customers loved their mailboxes just as much.”

The classic mailbox is now built, powder coated, delivered and installed — all by hand — for $1,800.

According to the Tube Dude website, a peacock mailbox is priced at $4,200.

In between are egrets, flamingos, mahi mahi, sailfish and more. There are also dudes and dudettes for gardening, sports, musicians, artists and dozens more.

The most expensive orders to date are the three-piece Piece, Love and Happiness installations in New York City and in Mexico City, commissioned at a price of $250,000.

Among the newest popular pieces is the mermaid outdoor shower, which sells for $4,200. Fully portable, all it requires is connection to an outdoor hose.

“They are all through the Caribbean,” Gerber said. “The whole East Coast is very receptive of them. It will cost you $3,000 just to have a plumber come out and install a piece of PVC pipe with a shower head on it. You can move it anywhere you want. One hand can hold your towels and your soap and you can hang wet bathing suits on the fingers.”

Also new are pool rails in the shape of blue herons, swans, dolphins, flamingos — practically any form aluminum tubes and sheets can be bent, welded, powder coated and installed.

GLOBAL REACH

Andrew Warfield

Tube Dude owner Scott Gerber makes cuts in an alligator head fabricated from scratch.

The move out of downtown into an industrial park north of SarasotaBradenton International Airport will limit Tube Dude’s foot traffic visibility, but not its reach. Gerber credits Gallery Manager Susan Clark for the company’s profile on its website and on social media platforms.

He said a recent posting of a picture of flamingo pool rails drew more than 6 million views worldwide. As a result, “We just built 20 flamingo pool rails,” Gerber said.

James Peter

Tube Dude also has a large customer base in the Northeast. The company’s contract installer is soon departing for The Hamptons with some 20 deliveries and a 6-foot heart to be installed at the New Jersey home of a top executive of Pulte Homes.

Celebrities are also fans of Tube Dude, among them country singer John Rich. Tube Dude recently built a “Guitar Dude” mailbox that will be delivered to his new home in Franklin, Tennessee.

Marketing efforts include select art shows, the next one in Texas.

Gerber is designing pieces to appeal to that audience.

“Cowboys, of course,” he said.

“Maybe a football player colored silver and blue.”

Texas, Gerber said, is a fertile market. “We’ve never shown there, and we are right for Texas because everybody has a big yard, and they don’t like HOAs out there.”

Ironically, Gerber doesn’t have a Tube Dude mailbox at his own home.

“I don’t have one at my house only because I haven’t decided which one I want,” he said. “I would say that 99% of our creations are designs of our customers. I’m afraid to pull the trigger on one just because I know that my next great customer’s idea will be the one I really want.”

Until the next customer after that.

This Tube Dude stands on Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

Something to bark about The town paid $175,000 for artificial turf to be installed on the remainder of the Bayfront Park dog park.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

G

reener grass is now at Bayfront Park’s dog parks.

Well, not real grass, but artificial turf. The turf was recently installed on the remaining 25% of the large-dog park and the entirety of the small-dog park.

The dog park at Bayfront Park offers dog owners an area where they can allow their dogs to be off-leash.

The area is split between large- and small-dog areas.

ForeverLawn completed the project for a cost of about $175,000. The company uses K9Grass for dogfriendly spaces.

According to the company’s website, the artificial K9Grass creates cleaner and better-smelling areas for dogs and their owners. The knitted “flow-through backing” allows for quick drainage and easy cleanup.

Additionally, antimicrobial technology helps to prevent the growth of harmful microbes.

Artificial turf, like K9Grass, typically comes with long-term durability and less maintenance costs compared to natural grass.

Shortly after the new turf was installed, Diane Weisman enjoyed the dog park with Kibble and Parker.

As a frequent user of the park, Weisman said she liked the enhancements for aesthetics and canine enjoyment.

Originally, the Longboat Key Foundation had been attempting to collect donations for the project.

But at the “Bark in the Park” event on March 1, Town Manager Howard Tipton informed attendees that the town would pay for the cost of the artificial turf and that any donations already made to the Longboat Key Foundation for the turf would go toward future projects at the park.

At that event, Longboat Key Foun-

The new turf on the small-dog side of the park.

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

Kibble and Parker enjoy the turf at Bayfront Park’s dog park.

dation Chair Jim Brown said construction would start around May. The project then took until about mid-June to complete.

Tipton said it was beneficial for the town to install the turf sooner rather than later, mainly from a maintenance perspective. He added that Public Works was looking at replacing the grass in the small-dog park.

One of the top suggestions raised by residents at Bark in the Park was the addition of lighting at the dog park. According to Streets, Facilities, Parks & Recreation Manager Mark Richardson, that’s the park’s next addition, which is slated to be installed in the upcoming months.

Funds previously raised by the Longboat Key Foundation — about $16,000 according to Tipton — will be used for the lighting.

Richardson said in an email that the artificial turf brings benefits such as cost savings with staff not having to maintain the natural grass.

Staff won’t need to have the grass replaced as often, Richardson added.

The dog park at Bayfront Park uses an existing irrigation system to regularly wash the permeable turf.

In addition to the benefits for Public Works, Richardson said the dogs won’t get as dirty or muddy with artificial turf compared to natural grass. This issue was brought up by residents in 2021 and one of the reasons behind the first artificial turf project.

PROJECT HISTORY IN BRIEF

In 2022, 75% of the large-dog park area was redone with artificial turf after the project was funded by resident Irene Hess, a frequent user of the dog park. Hess’ donation totaled $123,000.

Town commissioners formally accepted the donation from Hess and the Paul Klingenstein Family Foundation. The late Klingenstein was Hess’ father and a Longboat

Key resident. He was also a founder of Temple Beth Israel.

The Rotary Charitable Fund paired with the Paul Klingenstein Family Foundation back in 2014 to make the project a reality. Hess partnered with the Rotary Club due to the organization’s community service goals and proven track record, according to previous reporting.

The project replaced failing sod in 75% of the large-dog park, but the rest of the park was left with natural grass. Construction lasted from August 2022 to October 2022.

Prior to the first artificial turf installment, residents complained about how the sod was causing dirty paws and coats on dogs. A resodding project was then completed in summer 2021, but another was needed following the winter 2021 busy season. The resodding projects typically cost the town around $6,250 each time.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

5

Roundabout hits roadblock After the price tag soared with a new design prompted by FDOT, the commission asked staff to revisit alternatives.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

N

ew designs for the Broadway Roundabout project came at a cost high enough for Longboat Key town commissioners to press pause on the project for now.

On June 28, Director of Public Works Isaac Brownman spoke with town commissioners at a special meeting to update them about the roundabout project.

Due to the Florida Department of Transportation’s previous notice of a necessary redesign, the project is now expected to cost more than $3 million more than what was ­expected — more than double.

Brownman explained that the Broadway Roundabout project has been in talks since about 2011, when a comprehensive plan discussion among commissioners led to the beginning of roundabout discussions.

“For a long time, this has been an intersection of use for pedestrians and bikers crossing it,” Brownman

“Basically, FDOT informed the town to create a normal-crowned roadway where one does not exist today, which is practically a full-blown road ­reconstruction.”

— Isaac Brownman

said. “It’s nothing new, but that has been enhanced as more development and other things happen.”

The idea for a roundabout specifically at the intersection of Broadway Street and Gulf of Mexico Drive was brought up in late 2014, which began the process for a feasibility study followed by a Project Development and Environment study by the Florida Department of Transportation.

The town’s fiscal year 2020 budget included $124,420 for the PD&E

Carter Weinhofer

Study. During that time, FDOT decided the intersection did not meet any of the warrants, or criteria, to implement a traffic signal.

Brownman explained that to install a traffic signal, the intersection has to meet just one of the criteria relating to vehicular volume, pedestrian volume, crashes or other factors.

From there, it was determined that a roundabout would be the best solution for intersection control to increase pedestrian safety.

The Broadway Roundabout project proceeded to design through 2022 and into 2023. Design costs

for the first roundabout were about $280,000, with Manatee County paying half of the cost, according to Brownman. The plans were at 90% when FDOT’s comments halted the project. According to FDOT, the road at the intersection needed a normal crown. Crowning is when a road is slightly elevated when going around a turn. A crown in the roadway typically increases speed, Brownman explained, and the purpose of a roundabout is to decrease vehicular speed.

The town of Longboat Key had to go back to the drawing board to redesign a potential roundabout at the intersection of Broadway Street and Gulf of Mexico Drive.

SEE ROUNDABOUT, PAGE 6

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

Roundabout FROM PAGE 5

“Basically, FDOT informed the town to create a normal-crowned roadway where one does not exist today, which is practically a fullblown road reconstruction,” Brownman said.

It was back to the design phase to redesign the roundabout to include a normal crown. The road has to be excavated downward on one side and upward on the other, which has impacts on the drainage around the road as well as the length of the project along Gulf of Mexico Drive, Brownman said.

The original roundabout design did not include elements of the town’s Gulf of Mexico Drive Complete Street Corridor Plan, which includes a 12-foot-wide trail, seven-foot-wide buffered bike lanes and raised medians. Brownman said since a redesign was required, the town asked the engineers to include some of those elements where feasible.

The town spent $158,000 for the redesign, which is currently at 90%.

The plans were recently submitted to FDOT and, according to Brownman, received a couple of negative comments, which staff would debate if necessary.

But the new design also came with a higher opinion of cost — about $5.6 million. That doesn’t include construction engineering and inspection, which would bring the total cost closer to $6 million.

“That’s obviously substantially higher than anything we were contemplating in the original project,” Brownman said, adding that the estimate for the original roundabout was closer to $2 million or $2.5 million.

FDOT committed $1,685,000 before the redesign, the town budgeted $600,000 for FY25 and Brownman said Manatee County agreed to financial support, possibly around $500,000. Altogether, that’s $2.8 million.

“Unless DOT came forward and said, ‘We have $3.2 million for you,’ and they haven’t yet, it may be difficult to get this project to the finish

line,” Brownman said.

The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization has $4.86 million set aside in its longrange “Transform 2045” plan, but the money would not be available until 2030.

Co-Chair of Longboat Key North Paul Hylbert said that something needs to be done at the intersection, but the resident group he represents felt the roundabout was no longer the way to go with all the changes.

“We really need to address that intersection from a safety standpoint,” Hylbert said.

REEVALUATE THE ROUNDABOUT

With the new information, town commissioners discussed what the next steps could be.

Brownman laid out several options, one of which was an interim solution — installing pedestrian refuges, or medians, to allow for safer crossing at the intersection.

While that remains an option, the main focus of the commissioners’ discussion was to suggest taking a step back to reevaluate the roundabout.

Brownman noted that since 2019 — when the original traffic signal study was conducted — the northend community has developed significantly, including the expansion of restaurants. This increased traffic flow may produce different results that may warrant a traffic signal, which would be a less costly option.

Commissioners advised Brownman that if that’s the route taken, to ask FDOT to survey during the peak season to see the full impact.

With the commission going on recess for the summer, Brownman said his next steps were to pause the design and go back to FDOT for a “gut check” to see if the traffic signal study would be worthwhile.

“I’m going to mention that the roundabout project has gotten too big. It’s way out of scale with what the town had in mind, and we don’t have the funding to cover the additional cost,” Brownman said.

Brownman said he would return in the fall with updates.

Register to lease short term Properties citywide that ­operate as short-term ­rentals are required to ­register by Oct. 31.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

T

he time has come for owners of vacation rental properties across Sarasota to begin registering their vacation rental properties with the city.

On Feb. 5, the Sarasota City Commission approved on second reading expanding the ordinance from the barrier islands to citywide. The ordinance goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025, but owners have between now and Oct. 31 to file their paperwork with the city.

The cost to register is $500, which includes an initial safety inspection by the city, with an annual renewal fee of $350 and a re-inspection fee, should one be necessary, of $100.

Until now, the city’s prior ordinance applied to the barrier islands only, about 135 properties.

The web-crawling Granicus software used by the city of Sarasota indicates more than 700 homes operated as vacation rentals on the city’s mainland, in response to which residents have complained about disruptions to the ease of enjoyment of their properties.

Requirements of legally operating vacation rentals within the city limits include: n Minimum stay of seven full days and nights. n All vacation rentals meeting the state’s definition are required to obtain a vacation rental dwelling license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. n Obtain a local business tax receipt certificate to operate as a vacation rental business. n Obtain a certificate of registration with the city to advertise or operate as a vacation rental.

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n Owners submit proof of active local and state licensure and tax requirements and inspection for minimum safety and informational standards. n Pass city inspection.

Homes zoned single family are limited to 10 guests, or two people per bedroom, plus two additional persons.

Additionally, only guests registered to sleep in the vacation rental may be on the property between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The city is required to post on its website a summary of the obligations of the property owner related to registration and operation of the vacation rental and the property owner is required to provide to guests details about the city’s noise ordinance.

Parking is limited to vehicles that can fit in the driveway.

In addition to safety monitoring, requiring vacation rental property owners to register with the city provides a point of contact with the city government for neighbors in the event of disturbances resulting from the short-term rental use of homes in residential neighborhoods.

More information and registration forms for vacation rentals is available on the city’s website at SarasotaFL. gov.

There are an estimated 700 vacation rental properties across the city of Sarasota.

FOR CITY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 2

Wishing You a Happy 4th of July!

Join me in making Sarasota better every day VOTELIZALPERT.COM

Liz’s plan to keep Sarasota moving forward: Drastically reducing the number of homeless individuals in the City Creating and improving our public parks and green spaces, such as The Bay, Bobby Jones Golf Course and Nature Park, and the new playground and splash pad at Bayfront Park Creating incentives to preserve our historic structures Making our Downtown more vibrant and walkable while maintaining its charm Championing incentives to create more attainable workforce housing Increasing transportation options such as the trolley, electric scooters and bikes, and dedicated bike lanes Working with our Arts & Cultural Institutions to make sure their future in our City is protected Reducing violent crime and supporting law enforcement

LIZ ALPERT IS TODAY’S LEADER FOR SARASOTA’S FUTURE Paid for and Approved by Liz Alpert for Sarasota City Commission, District 2

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Presentation Gallery Now Open at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Hotel 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.499.8704 | TheResidencesSarasotaBay.com ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. The renderings, terms, conditions, and statements contained in these materials are proposed only, and the Developer reserves the right to modify, or withdraw any or all of same in its sole discretion and without prior notice. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Bay are not owned, developed or sold by Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates (“Ritz-Carlton”). KT Sarasota South, LLC uses The Ritz-Carlton marks under a license from Ritz-Carlton, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made herein. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Greatest civil document The Declaration of Independence was much more than a secession from tyranny.

It changed the world.

MATT WALSH

Editor’s Note: The original version of this was published June 29, 2023.

H

appy Independence Day. On this day 248 years ago, while Americans declared their independence and established a new nation, the world also changed for the better — in ways that few at that time could imagine.

There is no debating: The founding of the United States of America has to be one of the Greatest Stories Ever.

From the Pilgrims settling at Plymouth Rock to the Declaration of Independence to the writing and adoption of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, to everything those events spawned over the past 248 years, America’s founding has to be up there with Creation; Moses and the Israelites’ 40-year journey to the Promised Land; and the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Assuming you agree, it makes sense then that the Fourth of July is celebrated the way John Adams hoped it would be celebrated. After the Founders voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence on July 2, Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail: The Declaration of Independence “will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America.”

He said the day should be “solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.”

Through the generations, we Americans have obliged Adams’ wish with gusto — red, white and blue parades, topped with the quintessential American feast of grilled hotdogs, mustard, potato chips, corn on the cob, watermelon, homemade brownies and, yes, Bud Light.

And the fireworks.

But this is a sad guess: If you walked Siesta Key beach and conducted Man (or Woman) on the Beach interviews, asking why we celebrate Independence Day, of course, many of us would cringe these days at the stupidity of so many Americans. You can envision the interview: Interviewer: “Why do we celebrate Independence Day?” Interviewee: “Uh, because we beat the Germans and Japanese in World War I?”

WHAT FOUNDERS DECLARED This is the final paragraph of the Declaration of Independence — the “what” the Founders were declaring: “We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do …”

Ugh. Ever the optimist, we still want to believe most adult Americans do indeed know why we celebrate Independence Day. (See box above for the exact words.)

Throughout our history, Americans have instinctively invoked the words liberty and freedom with the Fourth of July.

More specifically, of course, we are always reminded on this national holiday of Thomas Jefferson’s immortal words in the second paragraph of the Declaration: “We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

THE DEEPER MEANING

It’s probably true that most Americans at the time of the Declaration focused on the proclamation that they were no longer under the tyrannical rule of the British king and empire; they were free of his injustices, usurpations and pillaging. But in the words of the late President Calvin Coolidge, the Declaration “had a much broader and deeper significance than a mere secession of territory and the establishment of a new nation.”

In a 4,500-word speech July 4, 1926, in Philadelphia — on the 150th anniversary of the Declaration, President Coolidge delivered what should be regarded as one of the most insightful explanations ever recorded of the profound meaning of the Declaration of Independence.

Coolidge called the Declaration “the most important civil document in the world.” And among the reasons for such a noble title, Coolidge said: “Three very definite propositions were set out in its preamble regarding the nature of mankind and therefore of government.

These were the doctrine that all

From a diary at Valley Forge Friday, Dec. 19, 1777 Papa came in from milking and said, “The soldiers are coming.”

Elisabeth, Sally and I hurriedly ate our porridge, then wrapped ourselves in our cloaks and scarves …

“I want to go see the soldiers,” Sally said. But Papa said we must stay by our fence.

“It’s too cold,” he said, as big flakes of snow began to fall. The fields were turning white, and the road looked like frosting with chocolate showing through.

Twice we went inside to warm ourselves, for the wind cut through our clothes. Finally through the gray we saw them. Three officers on horseback led. We ran outside to

cheer, but the men were quiet and thin. The sight of them took my breath away.

“They have no shoes,” Elisabeth whispered.

We watched for several minutes as they passed by. We were unable to speak.

Their footprints left blood in the snow.

As I write this upstairs, my candle low and our room cold, I think I shall never again complain. For many hours we watched the soldiers march single file into our valley.

Hundreds and hundreds were barefoot, the ice mud cutting their feet.

Some had rags wrapped around their legs because they had no trou-

men are created equal, that they are endowed with certain inalienable rights and that therefore the source of the just powers of government must be derived from the consent of the governed.”

These were not new principles in the 18th century, but as Coolidge noted, these three principles “had never been assembled before and declared in such a combination.

“It was not only the principles declared, but the fact that therewith a new nation was born which was to be founded upon those principles and which from that time forth in its development has actually maintained those principles, that makes this pronouncement an incomparable event in the history of government.”

Absorb that. In 1776, that was the first time in world history anyone put on a piece of parchment that all men are created equal and endowed with the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

WHO IS THE STATESMAN?

It is noteworthy that 150 years after the issuance of the Declaration of Independence, President Coolidge spoke as he did about the profound nature and importance of Jefferson’s words — that they still stood steadfastly a century and a half later as the principles that defined the United States and that made the United States exceptional.

But now, nearly 100 years after Coolidge, when, if ever, do you hear our so-called national leaders discuss or profess an embracing conviction to the principles that all men are created equal and we all are endowed with the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

Keep your ears and eyes attuned to President Biden, Donald Trump and any candidate for a legislative position. Listen closely whether they express a vision whose principles and values would be devoted to those the Founding Fathers established.

Likewise, who among the many candidates has demonstrated the kind of character of the statesmenleaders who constituted our leading Founding Fathers? Who among those running for office has the stature to set foot in the same room as George Washington?

In the 2000 book, “Founding Brothers,” the Revolutionary Generation,” historian Joseph J. Ellis, gave readers a sense of the awe of Washington: “In the America of the 1790s, Washington’s image was everywhere … His commanding presence had been the central feature in every major event of the revolutionary era: the linchpin of the Continental Army throughout eight long years of desperate fighting from 1775 to 1783; the presiding officer of the Constitutional Convention in 1787; the first and only chief executive of the fledgling federal government since 1789. He was the palpable reality that clothed the revolutionary rhapsodies in flesh and blood, America’s one and only indispensable character.

“Washington was the core of gravity that prevented the American Revolution from flying off into random orbits, the stable center around which the revolutionary energies formed. As one popular toast of the day put it, he was “the man who unites all hearts. He was

sers … no trousers, imagine! Mama cried to see their misery.

Without thinking, I ran up to a boy — he seemed to be Elisabeth’s age (15) — whose arms were bare. I threw my cloak over his shoulders, and the look of relief in his eyes is something I shall never forget.

Sally gave her mittens, and Papa wrapped his scarf around the neck of one poor boy playing a fife.

As the soldiers passed, I saw other families had done the same — if the Quakers had, I know not — but I recognized Mrs. Potter’s cloak, her blue one with red trim, and someone had draped a shawl over a small drummer boy. So many were coughing and had runny noses.

Elisabeth said, “Can we not please bring some of them in to warm by our fire?”

the American Zeus, Moses and Cincinnatus all rolled into one.”

Who among candidates today can possibly rise to the statesmanleader level of Washington, or, say, Abraham Lincoln or, in modern times, Ronald Reagan?

Lincoln at Gettysburg: “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here have the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that the dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Reagan at the 1964 Republican National Convention: “It’s time we asked ourselves if we still know the freedoms intended for us by the Founding Fathers,” he said.

“James Madison said, ‘We base all our experiments on the capacity of mankind for self-government.’

“This idea that government was beholden to the people, that it had no other source of power except the sovereign people, is still the newest, most unique idea in all the long history of man’s relation to man.

“For almost two centuries we have proved man’s capacity for selfgovernment, but today we are told we must choose between a left and right or, as others suggest, a third alternative, a kind of safe middle ground.

“I suggest to you there is no left or right, only an up or down.

Up to the maximum of individual freedom consistent with law and order, or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism …”

When he concluded his Fourth of July address, Coolidge told his fellow Americans: “If we are to maintain the great heritage which has been bequeathed to us, we must be like-minded as the fathers who created it. We must not sink into a pagan materialism.

“We must cultivate the reverence which they had for the things that are holy. We must follow the spiritual and moral leadership which they showed. We must keep replenished, that they may glow with a more compelling flame, the altar fires before which they worshipped.”

BE RESILIENT

Deep down, we have to believe most Americans are longing for the end of the strife that has torn this great nation apart for the past 15 years.

They are wrought and withered over being told the country they love and its past are evil. The enmity that splits us in half has become our Gettysburg.

As you wave your flag or fire up your grill on the Fourth of July, we’ll encourage you as we did in 2021: Wave that flag hard. Be resilient, as resilient as the pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock and as courageous as the Founding Fathers who pledged their lives, their fortunes and honor with their signatures on the Declaration of Independence.

Continue to believe in and practice the magnificent principles that all men are indeed created equal and stand strong for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

When we saw the horseman riding back and forth among the men we knew him to be the Commander in Chief, George Washington.

His cape fell below his saddle, and his tricorn was white from snow.

I shall remember him always. He called continually to his soldiers, words of encouragement, and he had a most dignified bearing.

Editor’s note: The preceding is an excerpt from “Dear America — The Winter of Red Snow, The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1777.”

The book is historical fiction by Kristiana Gregory, an acclaimed author of American history written for middle grade and young readers.

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

Friedrich Hayek

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

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

9

LETTERS

Beach watch Off-duty lifeguard saves seven people from rip current at Lido Beach.

OBSERVER STAFF

Courtesy image

Mike Moran, executive director of Florida PACE Funding Agency, was the subject of a June 27 opinion column that sparked a letter to the editor in response.

Setting record straight on PACE Outlined below are inaccuracies in your recent editorial, “Moran, tax collectors in a Supreme Court fight,” published on June 27.

MISLEADING PRACTICES AND TAX BILLS

The column stated “tax collectors have sued Florida PACE, alleging PACE’s lending practices are misleading, often resulting in large increases in property tax bills and assessments that surprise homeowners and, in many cases, also have resulted in long-term tax liens being placed on homes.”

It’s important to clarify that Florida PACE Funding Agency ensures transparency through a recorded confirmation call where all terms are reviewed with the homeowner.

This process includes multiple levels of affirmation to ensure understanding. Homeowners have the option to have another person on the call with them for support.

PACE LENDING PROGRAM VS. FPFA

The column uses PACE and FPFA/ Florida PACE interchangeably.

FPFA is one PACE provider among several. It’s crucial to differentiate between the broader PACE program and FPFA’s specific operations.

CONTRACTORS MISLEADING HOMEOWNERS

The column said: “Tax collectors opposed to this have argued” … that the program’s contractors often

have misled homeowners.

FPFA does not assign contractors and does not have any affiliation with contractors. Licensed contractors (licensed by Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board) are approved to work with PACE clients. Homeowners select their own contractors after being approved for funding by FPFA, maintaining full control over this process.

In the PACE program, the contractor selected by the property owner agrees not to receive payment until the property owner is entirely satisfied. This stringent consumer protection measure sets PACE apart from other financing options.

Unfortunately, there have been cases where Florida PACE’s logo has been used by contractors on their advertisements. FPFA sues anyone who is illegally using their logos in a predatory manner.

EQUATING MIKE MORAN WITH FPFA

The column suggests that Mike Moran is personally suing tax collectors, stating “Moran and PACE also sued the collectors …” and referring to FPFA as “his” agency.

It’s important to clarify that Mr. Moran as the executive director represents FPFA. The lawsuits and press releases are issued by FPFA, not Mr. Moran personally.

— PACE PROGRAM FLORIDA

A

n off-duty lifeguard is credited with saving seven swimmers on June 22 when rip currents swept them more than 200 yards off Lido Beach, Sarasota County officials say.

Sarasota County Fire Department Lifeguard Mariano Martinez was relaxing at Lido Beach after his shift when he received a water rescue alert through a phone app, according to a news release from the county.

A storm had just passed through the area, creating conditions for rip currents — powerful channels of water capable of pulling even the strongest swimmers out to deeper waters.

Despite being off duty, Martinez said his instincts kicked in and he leapt into action, grabbing a rescue tube and entering the water.

Upon reaching the swimmers more than 200 yards offshore, Martinez discovered nine swimmers, most of them in distress.

Martinez, in Spanish, urged the group to stay as calm as possible. He quickly secured one swimmer with a rescue tube, helping a mother and daughter to shore before returning for five others. The remaining two people were able to swim out of the current and get to shore on their own.

He made multiple trips to rescue the remaining swimmers, using bodyboards to bring them back to shore safely.

“I have, always, in my car, or wherever I am, my rescue stuff because I love responding,” said Martinez, a six-year veteran lifeguard for the county, with 15 years of lifeguarding experience in his home country of Argentina.

“I can’t explain the feeling,” said Martinez. “You cannot explain when

Courtesy image

you are watching a person and his or her life is in your hands.”

Six of the rescued swimmers were evaluated, and one was treated and released at the scene by Sarasota County Fire Department personnel.

“It’s days like this that make the work we do so rewarding,” said Sarasota County Fire Department Lifeguard Chief Rick Hinkson.

Rip currents are dangerous. Swimmers are advised to always stay near a lifeguard and know their limits. If there’s ever a doubt about whether they should enter the water, don’t take the risk.

If caught in a rip current, remain calm, signal for help, and swim parallel to the shore until out of the current’s grip, then head diagonally towards the shoreline, the news release said.

For Sarasota County beach conditions, visit VisitBeaches.org. Sarasota County Fire Department lifeguards are on duty, in their stands from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily on six beaches: Lido, Siesta, Nokomis, North Jetty, Venice and Manasota.

Learn more about rip currents and rip current safety at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration site.

Sarasota County Fire Department Lifeguard Mariano Martinez

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

700 feet of Pride M

embers and allies of the LGBTQ+ community were highly visible the morning of June 29 on and around the John Ringling Causeway.

During the Grand Flag March led

by Project Pride SRQ, around 700 community members marched with what, at 700 feet, is one of the world’s largest progressive Pride flags. They began at Hart’s Landing and walked to the center of the bridge.

“Today is a day of love and celebration,” said Jason Champion, president of Project Pride. “We are built off the fact of honoring, celebrating and supporting the community, and today is a great way to wrap up Pride month with stretching out that 700-foot flag.”

This year’s event took on new meaning due to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “Freedom Summer” directive requiring all bridges be lit only in red, white and blue.

Jules Rayne, a community organizer at Equality Florida, was among the speakers to address the topic.

“LGBTQ+ is the prime example of what real patriotism is: the ­freedom from government tyranny, a place to live free, where everyone is created equal and imbued with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” she said.

The event featured additional speakers, including Neil McCurry, husband of Project Pride cofounder Katie McCurry; Kira-Lynn Ferderber, an educator for Planned Parenthood; Tsi Day Smyth, VP of Voices of Florida; Sarah Parker, president of Women’s Voices of Southwest Florida; and Zander Moricz, executive director of SEE Alliance.

— IAN SWABY

Attendees, including Devin Gulliver (front), walk across the bridge.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Cindy Effron brings some bubbles to the scene.

Kaia and Lucile Desvenain

Jessica Chapman and Cindy Lou Smith

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“Hot Diggity Dog!” Parade & Contest

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Photo by Petra Rivera, courtesy of the Observer.

Photo by Petra Rivera, courtesy of the Observer.

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

Source: Forbes.com (Jan 2024) 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams ranking awarded in 2024. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) for the period from 3/31/22–3/31/23. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC, for placement on its rankings. This ranking is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each Financial Advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC, and may not be representative of any one client’s experience; investors must carefully choose the right Financial Advisor or team for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with SHOOK Research LLC or Forbes. For more information, see www.SHOOKresearch.com.

© 2024 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC6240443 3/24

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> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC

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Join us for a casual discussion of current events, the economy and investing. We look forward to seeing you!

Coffee and dessert will be served.

When When

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FRIDAY, JUNE 21

STANDBY FOR SOS TRANSPORT 2:26 p.m., 200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Animal Problem: An officer saw a group of citizens on the sidewalk near an osprey. One of the citizens said the osprey appeared to be hurt and Save Our Seabirds was already contacted. The rescue organization arrived within minutes and took it for emergency care.

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

PACK UP THE PICNIC 1:21 p.m., 3000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Trespassing: A homeowners association representative alerted police to a family using a picnic table on private property. At the scene, the officer spoke with the representative, who said he confronted the individuals and told them they had to leave, but the group ignored him.

The officer then located the family eating at the picnic table and told them the representative wanted them trespassed. The two adults signed the trespass warnings without an issue and left the area.

MONDAY, JUNE 24

NO FIREWORKS, JUST FOOTBALL 9:40 p.m., 3400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Noise Disturbance: A caller claimed that fireworks were being set off by juveniles on the beach. When the officer arrived at the beach, he was unable to locate any juveniles.

The officer then spoke with the complainant, who said the juveniles were playing football and setting off fireworks, but they had left after she told them she was calling 911.

Then, the officer was able to spot a group playing football. The officer spoke with the father, who said they were playing catch when the complainant yelled at them for playing too close to the turtle nests. A bystander confirmed there were no fireworks involved and the children were playing football near the water and away from the nests. No violations were observed.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 25

RANDOM TIRE TRACKS 4:53 a.m., 6300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Incident: Longboat Key

SUNDAY, JUNE 23

HERON HELP 12:15 p.m., Jewfish Key Animal Problem: While on marine patrol, an officer was dispatched to check on someone yelling for the police. Upon arrival, the officer found the individual calling for help, who said he rescued an injured great blue heron bird. The officer took the bird from the boater and transported it to the town boat ramp. A Save Our Seabirds member met the officer at the boat ramp and took possession of the bird.

PD was sent to investigate reports of a golf cart driving on the beach.

An officer canvassed the scene and found fresh tire tracks leading onto the beach, which were not there when the officer last checked a couple of hours prior. The officer called the findings into a sergeant, who then advised the officer that he observed a Public Works employee driving an all-terrain vehicle in the direction of the beach access.

Pictures of the tracks were documented just in case.

DAMAGE DOCUMENTED 12:27 p.m., 800 Marbury Lane Civil Disturbance: Upon arrival at the scene, the complainant told police that a landscaping company had been parked in a neighbor’s driveway but also was blocking her driveway, which caused recent damage to her property. She claimed there was damage done to landscaping, underwater piping and other property items due to the large truck in an “extremely narrow street.”

Landscaping workers at the site at the time of the officer’s arrival had minimal English skills and did not provide any additional information, according to the officer’s report.

Shortly after the officer’s arrival, a supervisor from the landscaping company arrived on the scene and worked out an agreement with the complainant.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

13

COME FLY

Nesting defenses

FOR

FOURTH OF JULY

Shorebird colonies on Longboat continue to grow with help from beachgoers and stewards.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

Courtesy image

“Adult terns can be seen taking on and successfully defending against birds two or even three times their size,” Briner’s email said.

People and their dogs can cause shorebird nest disturbances, and Assistant to the Town Manager Susan Phillips distributed a brief to remind residents of town ordinances.

“Please help us protect nesting birds, chicks, and their nesting habitat,” the release said. “The presence of dogs, even service animals, can inadvertently disturb the natural habitat, affecting the nesting grounds and resting areas for migratory birds, turtles and other wildlife.”

All Longboat Key beaches are bird sanctuaries, according to Phillips. Dogs are not allowed on any of Longboat’s beaches, including beach access points. The town points dog owners toward the dog park at Bayfront Park, which recently received new turf in the remaining grassy areas of the park.

Humans often disturb nesting shorebirds by getting too close, Briner said in a previous article. Children running through a crowd of birds isn’t good for the birds, Briner said, especially if the birds are down by the water trying to cool off or catch a meal.

Briner is always looking for more volunteers to become shorebird stewards. The organization will provide all the necessary training and equipment, and it’s a way to spend a couple of hours enjoying the beach while educating people about the shorebirds, Briner previously said.

To get involved, email Briner at Emily.Briner@Audubon.org.

The least tern chicks on Longboat Key are said to be growing fast.

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S

horebird nesting is off to a good start on Longboat Key this season, and town officials are reminding beachgoers to be mindful of the nesting birds.

As of June 20, Longboat Key’s least tern colony was growing and able to defend itself against natural predators, according to Emily Briner, the shorebird steward coordinator for Audubon Florida.

In her weekly emailed update, she said there are 68 adults, 28 nests and eight chicks. She also noted that the eight Longboat least tern chicks are growing fast.

The weekly update on June 27 stated that new chicks are still showing up and the colony seems to be comfortable.

Shorebird breeding season runs from Feb. 15 through Sept. 1 and is an important time for the shorebirds to safely lay eggs.

Briner also said that protective measures were increased. This includes the addition of chick crossing signs on Longboat Key, with more on the way.

Least terns are classified as “extremely susceptible to nest disturbances,” according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Common predators and disturbances include crows, raccoons, humans and dogs.

Crow effigies were recently hung in the area around Longboat’s colonies, which act as a natural deterrent for crows. The deterrents are intended to keep crows from preying on the nests.

With new measures in place, Briner said in an update that her stewards reported few disturbances by crows or gulls lately on Longboat.

14

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

Rotary Area Gov. Sue McConnell and Jan Wallace

Photos by Petra Rivera

Jan Wallace, new president of the Rotary Club of Longboat Key

Leading lady Actress and philanthropist Jan Wallace steps up as Rotary Club president to maintain the chapter’s independence.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

A

ctress. Playwright. Philanthropist.

Jan Wallace can add one more title to her resume — president of the Rotary Club of Longboat Key. After stepping up when no one else would, Wallace followed in the footsteps of her husband’s late wife, Sydelle Pittas, who started the Longboat Key chapter 10 years ago. She has given her position of recording secretary to her husband, Philippe Koenig, and is prepared to lead the Rotary Club on its path of high

achievements.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Wallace has been an actress since her youth and later moved to New York to continue this passion.

She moved to Sarasota full time in 2013 and joined the club in 2022.

The Longboat Observer spoke with Wallace to learn about her love for the club and what she is looking forward to in her term as president.

What has been your main involvement in the club?

I work mainly with our Books for Kids program at Tuttle Elementary.

Each month, we donate books to the school to encourage the impor-

tance of reading. When we give the books to the children, we will do a read-aloud. Since I am an actress, I encouraged everyone to start acting the stories out to make them interactive. Then Nancy (Rozance) brought out all of her costumes, like Josh the Otter, and it was perfect.

I have worked with kids a lot. I am a Guardian Ad Litem, which is a group of advocates for abused, neglected and abandoned children.

So for 16 years, I have worked with kids who have been removed from their parents’ homes and are either in foster care or with other family members. When I lived in New York, I ran a children’s theater.

Here, I taught kids theater and acting for several years at Venice Theatre.

So reading to the kids with Rotary has been the perfect fit for

me because I love connecting with them and being able to provide them with greater opportunities in their lives.

What do you like about being a part of the Rotary Club?

I joined the club because of my husband, but my friendships, like with Nancy and others, have truly grown throughout my time here.

It is a tight-knit group that loves to support each other, like they are always going to my shows.

I love the programming through the club that Jack (Rozance) provides for us. We have great speakers. I love that we’re helping organizations around the world and organizations in need.

For me, Rotary means communicating and doing good in the area.

It gives people the opportunity to either donate or do good for the area. I’m more of a doer but a lot of people are happier giving. It’s the perfect combination of that.

How are you feeling about becoming the Rotary Club president?

My husband’s late wife started this Rotary Club. So when nobody else stepped up, the most recent president, Ellen (Greenberger), said we would have to merge with another club if we didn’t get anyone. I knew how much this club meant to my

husband and how much Sydelle did for the club and community.

A couple of people asked me about doing it. I don’t know why.

Maybe it was because they were used to seeing me on stage. So I asked my husband, and he said to go for it.

I’m feeling a bit nervous because my experience in Rotary is limited, but I am lucky as we have so many past presidents still involved and they’re all going to back me up.

What are your goals as club president?

My main goal is to keep these members we have active. If we can bring in a few more on the way, that will be very nice. I hope that at every meeting we have as many people as possible attend. I just want everybody to come early to our meetings to mingle, feel the camaraderie and just give a lot of energy.

I’m looking forward to continue making a difference with this club.

Just this year, we raised so much money and were so involved, so I’m happy that people have trusted me with this. I just hope I live up to their expectations and that people want to come out and be a part of the organization and continue doing what they are doing.

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions

WORSHIP

Worship Service Sunday 10 a.m.

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

directory

427214-1

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

Please join us for worship in person on Sunday at 10 a.m. or online at our website and Facebook Live Stream at 10 a.m.

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00 Women’s Bible Study: Wednesday @ 10:00 Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchof lbk.org (follow YouTube link)

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org Lord’s Warehouse Summer Hours: M-W-SAT 9 am to 12 pm

Christ Church of Longboat Key Invites You to a

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

Special Worship Service - Sunday, July 7

Catholic Church

A FESTIVAL OF AMERICAN HYMNS 427388-1

Psalm 145:4 proclaims

“One generation shall laud your works to another.” America has been “on the scene” for just a fraction of Christian history, yet we have played our part in “lauding God's works” from one generation to the next. In honor of Independence Day, we will enjoy praising God with several American contributions to Christian worship!

Come and learn stories of beloved worship songs, written and/or composed by Americans. It will be a festive hour of song. Invite a friend in this wonderful way to celebrate the holiday as we worship the Lord. Sunday, July 7, at 10:00 a.m. Visitors & Residents Welcome.

Would like to Welcome & Invite You, Your Family Members & Friends to Celebrate Mass with Our Parish Community MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM, and 10:30 AM Daily Mass at 9:00 AM; Rosary at 8:30 AM Monday - Friday 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive Chaplet of Divine Mercy daily following Mass.

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

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

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

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

Questions? Email us at info@longboatkeytemple.org 427064-1

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

427012-1

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

567 Bay Isles Rd, Longboat Key, FL

941-383-3428

longboatkeytemple.org

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Growing in Jesus’ Name

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

15

Luxuriously Fresh Perspectives INSIDE AND OUT.

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

JULY 4, 2024

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

oy j The art

FST’s annual Sarasota Improv Festival creates spontaneous comedy with careful planning.

OF IMPROV MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

I

mprov comedy doesn’t just happen. No. Strike that.

Should’ve said …

Improv comedy does just hap-

pen. It’s spontaneous by definition.

That said, this spontaneous combustion of comedy needs a place to happen. A crucible, an incubator, a stage. A place where improv artists can sharpen each other’s skills. A place where an improv audience can gather and grow.

Creating that kind of space demands commitment and planning. That’s where Florida Studio Theatre comes in.

Back in 2001, it launched the FST Improv troupe. At the time, it was

Courtesy images

the only unscripted comedy game in town. The troupe rehearsed and learned backstage. They offered intermittent improv shows on FST’s cabaret stage. In 2004, they ratcheted it up to year-round performances.

In 2009, FST took it to a whole new level. The theater launched its first Sarasota Improv Festival. FST Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins was FST’s improv di-

“I actually had two goals,” she says.

“I wanted to expose local improv artists to the exciting national scene. I also wanted to expand the Sarasota improv audience.”

Hopkins adds that improv comedy was still an emerging art form in 2009.

“Sarasota was a sophisticated arts town, but we’d somehow missed out on the art of improv,” she says. “To get the festival off the ground, I had to find a way to explain it to them.

People would ask me, ‘What the heck is improv?’ I’d say, ‘If you’ve seen

“Whose Line is It Anyway,” it’s like that. So, we got the message across.

We sold tickets — and we sold out!

Our first festival was a total success.”

Hopkins laughs. “I was just as surprised as anybody.”

She had originally envisioned the Sarasota Improv Festival as a oneand-done event. Its surprising success led to a change of plans.

“We built it and they came,” she says. “More importantly … they stayed! Our 2009 improv festival had all kinds of challenges — including a total breakdown of our AC system.

The attendees left sweating, but they left happy. If we could pull off the festival under those conditions, why stop with just the one? We knew we had to do it again.”

FST decided to make the improv festival a yearly happening. Its repeat performance in 2010 was an even bigger smash than its inaugural event. Yet again, the shows all sold out, 2011’s festival was even bigger — and 2012 topped that.

As the improv festival blossomed, FST was simultaneously expanding its campus. It transformed the

Florida Studio Theatre’s 14th annual Sarasota Improv Festival takes place July 12-13.

rector at the time. Why create an improv festival? What was her goal?

IF YOU GO

The 2024 Sarasota Improv Festival When: July 12-13 Where: at Florida Studio Theatre campus, 1265 First St. Single tickets: $10 and $25 Passes: $75 for two days; $59 for Saturday; $49 for Friday Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org for a full schedule of performances.

The Austin, Texas, comedy troupe Available Cupholders returns to the Sarasota Improv Festival on July 12-13.

Tropical Punchlines will appear at the Sarasota Improv Festival on Saturday, July 13.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

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“The festival brought world-class improvisers to our doorstep, exposing local talent and audiences to the craft’s cutting edge,” Luera says.

“We’ve seen area performers grow by leaps and bounds after participating in festival workshops and sharing the stage with legends.”

FST’s annual festival also inspired the creation of several Sarasota improv groups, including Lazy Fairy Improv and the Early Bird Specials.

It also helped jump-start Tampa’s vibrant improv scene.

Nationally, the festival put Sarasota on the improv comedy map. Its honor roll of visiting troupes includes Dad’s Garage of Atlanta, the Upright Citizens Brigade, based in New York City and Los Angeles, and Available Cupholders from Austin, Texas.

These A-list improvisers definitely entertained area audiences. But they also interacted with local improv talents. As a result, Sarasota became part of a national (and international) improv network. And an improv destination rivaling the scene in Austin, Los Angeles and New York City.

ELTON JOHN | QUEEN | AEROSMITH | KISS | FOO FIGHTERS 80’S NIGHT | MOTOWN | BAD BUNNY | 90’S HIP HOP | U2 | PINK FLOYD BEASTIE BOYS | NIRVANA | The Rolling Stones | THE BEATLES JIMI HENDRIX | OUTKAST | RUSH | NO DOUBT | JOURNEY | BOB MARLEY LADY GAGA | Taylor Swift | DAVID BOWIE | LED ZEPPELIN | LIZZO THE DOORS | AC/DC | BRUNO MARS | VAN HALEN | METALLICA MICHAEL JACKSON | PRINCE | and more!

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INSPIRING THE CREATION OF NEW TROUPES

The Sarasota Improv Festival’s exponential growth made it the leading celebration of its unscripted art form in the Southeastern U.S. This growth continued until 2020.

Then the pandemic happened.

That was spontaneous, too. Unlike improv, it wasn’t funny at all.

Sarasota’s stages all went dark.

FST was no exception. It canceled the real-life 2020 Sarasota Improv Festival. But improv artists think fast. The show still went on — in virtual reality. The fest was a Zoomonly event that bummer summer.

In 2023, the Sarasota Improv Festival came back strong in the real world. Hopkins wasn’t surprised.

“The improv festival brings people together,” she says. “After COVID killed the party, the community was eager to share in the celebration — and laugh themselves silly.”

Hopkins laughs at the memory.

“It was kind of like hitting the reset dial,” she says. “Our last live festival was 2019. After that, we went through a three-year gap until our next live shows. During that time, Sarasota had a whole new crop of residents and visitors. We couldn’t assume they’d all been to the festival — or had ever been exposed to improv comedy.”

That old question popped up again: What the heck is improv comedy?

“We had to explain it all … again. It was back to ‘Improv Comedy 101.’

But we filled the seats — and the 2023 audience left happy this time, too,” Hopkins says.

She smiles. “I expect we’ll do it again.”

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old TheatreWorks auditorium into the Gompertz Theatre — a space comprising two cabaret stages and a mainstage. That allowed FST to keep ticket prices low by running three simultaneous improv shows at different venues.

The 21st century rolled on. FST’s more-is-more strategy worked like a charm. Year after year, the improv festival kept growing. Area improv artists grew with it.

Locally and regionally, the festival nurtured homegrown talents.

Will Luera is FST’s current improv director. He describes the festival’s regional impact as “transformative.”

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

THIS WEEK

OUR PICK

SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR If you’ve never seen a performance in The Ringling’s jewelbox venue, the Historic Asolo Theater, here’s your chance. Presided over by Ringmaster Jared Walker, the Summer Circus Spectacular 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. Runs through Aug. 17.

IF YOU GO When: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Friday, July 5 Where: at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road Tickets: $20 adults; $15 kids Info: Visit Ringling.org.

THURSDAY

‘RHINESTONE COWGIRLS’ 7 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave. $18-$42 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

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

‘THE MUSIC OF LAUREL CANYON’ 7 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota $18-$42 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

If you know, you know. But not everyone knows about Laurel Canyon, the neighborhood above West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip that became home to folk musicians such as Joni Mitchell, Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young and The Mamas and the Papas. Runs through Aug. 25.

‘DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE’ 7 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $29-$46 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Acclaimed playwright Ken Ludwig tells the story of his parents’ courtship during World War II. The play follows U.S. Army Capt. Jack Ludwig, a military doctor stationed in Oregon, who begins a life-changing pen-pal relationship with Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress living in the Big Apple. Runs through Aug. 11.

DON’T MISS

THE SARASOTA PLAYERS NEW PLAY FESTIVAL Not only is Sarasota a hotbed of live theater, it is also an incubator for playwriting, especially during the summer months.

For more than two decades, the Sarasota Players has hosted its new play festival, a week of readings of never-heard-before works with local directors and actors. Playwrights compete for the opportunity to have their plays produced with full sets, costumes, lighting and sound.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. July 8-12 Where: at 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130 Tickets: $10 each night Info: Visit ThePlayers.org.

FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTION FOR ‘GLOBAL RHYTHMS’ QUILT EXHIBIT 5-7 p.m. at Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Ave. Free Visit ArtOvationHotel.com.

Bradenton artist Michael R. Stevenson brings his bold quilts to the Art Ovation Hotel for a four-day residency. Stevenson comes from four generations of quilters but did not take up his textile art until retiring as a professor. His meticulously crafted quilts incorporate pieces he has collected from his travels over the years. Following the opening reception, Stevenson will be in residency each day from 4-8 p.m. through July 8.

Courtesy images

www.manasotaonline.com

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

SUNDAY

CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘ON THE WATERFRONT’ 7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $12 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

Escape the summer heat with an air-conditioned screening of Elia Kazan’s classic film “On the Waterfront” at the Sarasota Opera House. The film’s stars, Marlon Brando and Eve Marie Saint, look different on the big screen than they do if you stream the gritty tale on your laptop. The famous words, “I coulda been a contender” take on a whole new meaning.

SATURDAY ‘FREEDOM THE MUSICAL’ 7:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St. $15-$18 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Feeling patriotic but looking for a laugh? Florida Studio Theatre Improv explores “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Laughter” in this one-night-only performance that promises to reveal the secret history of the American Revolution.

‘RADICAL CLAY’ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road Free with museum admission of $25; free Mondays and $15 from 5-8 p.m. on Thursdays Visit Ringling.org.

Like women in other parts of the world, Japanese female artists have historically faced opposition to pursuing careers. “Radical Clay,” an exhibition of 41 ceramic sculptures by 36 contemporary artists, includes the works of veterans such as Mishima Kimiyo and Tsuboi Asuka and relative newcomers Mori Aya and Kawaura Saki.

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CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘THE SLEEPING BEAUTY’ 1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $12-$20 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

Watch a film of the Royal Ballet’s timeless production of “The Sleeping Beauty,” the enduring collaboration between composer Tchaikovsky and choreographer Petipa starring Marianela Nuñez and Vadim Muntagirov. The fairy tale-inspired ballet is accompanied by the orchestra of the Royal Opera House conducted by Koen Kessels.

WEDNESDAY JAZZ HAPPY HOUR 6 p.m. at Geldbart Auditorium, Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free with reservation Visit JazzHappyHour.org.

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the Kevin Celebi Septet, “Hamonic Sanity.” Light refreshments are available.

STEVE HYTNER 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $31 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Film and TV actor Steve Hytner brings his considerable talents to stand-up comedy in this special onenight show. Hytner is well known to TV sitcom fans for his appearances on “Seinfeld,” “Modern Family,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and many other hits.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

19

What Florida state budget cuts mean for Sarasota arts Arts and Cultural Alliance CEO Brian Hersh talks about the community’s response.

ART CUTS

A snapshot of Florida Culture Grants in Sarasota County Organization Arts Center Sarasota Asolo Repertory Theater Florida Studio Theater Key Chorale Marie Selby Gardens Sarasota Ballet Sarasota Opera Sarasota Orchestra The Sarasota Players Venice Theatre

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

S

arasota arts organizations got some unwelcome news last month when they learned that $32 million earmarked for state cultural grants in fiscal 2025 had been rejected by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

When he signed the fiscal 2025 budget into law on June 12, DeSantis vetoed cultural and museum grants as part of $950 million in funding cuts. Of that, the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County estimates $3 million was destined for Sarasota’s vibrant arts community.

The Cultural Alliance says the cuts don’t make sense economically because of the valuable role the arts play in attracting tourism and generating income and employment in Sarasota, which has been trademarked “Florida’s Cultural Coast.”

According to the Cultural Alliance, nearly half (47.5%) of all attendees at arts performances and events are from outside the county, and 2.3 million attendees participate in cultural events in Sarasota County each year.

As employers, nonprofit arts groups contribute more than $176 million annually to household income within the county, the alliance says.

Brian Hersh, Arts and Cultural Alliance president and CEO, took time to discuss what the arts grants cuts, which are unprecedented in the history of the state’s cultural funding, mean for local cultural groups.

Were you surprised by Gov. DeSantis’ recent rejection of arts funding grants in the latest budget?

The cuts were unprecedented. It hasn’t happened since the state started the program in the late ’70s.

Will Sarasota’s arts and tourism be hurt by these cuts?

Expected Fiscal 2025 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $57,000 $70,500 $150,000 $70,500 $70,500 $72,000 $90,000

Received Fiscal 2024 $45,297 $106,444 $106,807 $57,050 $98,088 $103,693 $105,445 $104,900 $89,187 $102,629

— Sources: State of Florida, local organizations

a tremendous breadth of arts and culture.

In addition to the depth of arts and culture, Sarasota County produces performances and exhibitions of high artistic excellence.

These elements are what set Sarasota apart, especially when paired with our stunning beaches.

What is your view of government’s role in the arts?

Public support of the arts is incredibly important, especially while ensuring arts and culture is accessible to the community.

Is there any evidence that government funding of the arts helps stimulate economic growth?

Many studies have shown the economic impact and vitality of arts and culture. A recent survey from Americans for the Arts showed the return on investment was nine to one. For every dollar invested, the return was $9. That’s quite a positive impact.

Nancy Guth

Brian Hersh spent more than 20 years in the field of nonprofit arts administration before becoming president and CEO of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County in June 2023.

All of the organizations that will not receive funding from the state will be negatively impacted.

Sarasota’s cultural institutions have bounced back from pandemic disruptions to a greater extent that some of their peers across the country. Do these cuts have the potential to derail that progress?

Any funding cut is a setback.

How does Sarasota promote itself as an arts destination?

Our friends at Visit Sarasota County have trademarked Sarasota as Florida’s Cultural Coast. When you look at our population size and see how many arts organizations we have (as well as individual artists), you can see Sarasota County has

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Does the Arts & Cultural Alliance have any plans to help members offset these cuts?

We can continue to convene and collaborate across the arts and cultural sector among organizations and artists. There are opportunities, but many of these things take time.

What we want to continue to convey in Sarasota, across the state, country and international markets is that Sarasota is a vibrant community — with arts and culture as an important aspect of our identity.

Sarasota has generous individual donors and community foundations that help support the arts. Can they be counted upon to make up the difference in funding?

Support from donors and philanthropic organizations will be incredibly important. Individuals can help, of course, with donations.

In addition to making a donation, community members can also help support the arts by buying a ticket or entrance to an exhibition or by becoming a member.

Individuals can also volunteer.

Find a way to help fill a need for our many organizations by rolling up your sleeves.

Our organizations have great stories to tell. Be sure to share these stories on social media. These are just a few ways to help out now.

Arts and culture goes beyond economic impact. Arts builds community. Quality of life is important, and arts and culture go a long way toward stimulating the vibrancy and well-being within Sarasota County.

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JULY 4, 2024

YOUR NEIGHBORS The wedding planners Two event specialists explain how they make ­destination weddings memorable.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

A

couple’s wedding venue is an emotional decision, said Ayla Goggin.

As director of events and catering

at the Longboat Key Club, she sees how much the location affects a couple’s special day.

“When people pick a wedding venue, they’re gonna remember it for the rest of their lives,” said ­Goggin.

The Observer spoke with Goggin and Longboat Island Chapel Wedding Coordinator Diane Lehman to learn what it takes to plan a wedding at a destination location like Longboat Key. LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

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Goggin said that about 80% of her weddings are destination weddings taking place on the beach. Through its Weddings at Longboat Key Club Instagram page, the club has been able to reach people from around the country and show them how stunning a Longboat wedding could be.

When it comes to having a wedding on the beach at the Longboat Key Club, there are ample possibilities. Goggin said that some people just have a welcome barbecue or a ceremony on the beach. Other people request to put a whole dance floor and white tent on the sand for a ceremony and reception overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

No matter what your vision is, what makes Longboat Key beach weddings unique from other beach locations is the privacy. Goggin said the biggest concern people have for beach weddings is the possibility of disturbances. Having weddings at public beach parks like Lido and Siesta Key means you don’t have the same guarantee that the Key Club offers with a private beach. No beach runners or families of tourists will ruin the ceremony or parties of the

special day.

Along with the beach, Key Club has five lawn spaces, including Sandy Cove, which overlooks the marina, and the Harbourside Lawn and ballroom. Her team works with local vendors to provide as many options for the couples as possible. People can choose from several packages to customize their weddings including catering, photography, decorations, florals, etc. For budget-friendly purposes, Goggin said she always gives the total number upfront for couples to plan accordingly.

Every quarter, Goggin will throw grand tastings for all couples getting married at the club to try different meals and vendors. The restaurant team will make the entire wedding menu and her design team will bring many decoration options.

The grand tastings allow the team to provide as many options as possible for the couples as opposed to a private tasting where only a select number can be shown. It also allows couples to visualize what their wedding will look like with a greater number of people.

Originally from Wisconsin, Goggin started working in Sarasota at Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse. She cultivated many relationships in the restaurant and event space by planning its events. Through these connections, she was hired as the event manager at Longboat Key Club in 2016. In 2020, she became its director of events and catering.

From her eight years of working events and weddings, Goggin has seen it all. She said one time a couple threw a Batman-themed wedding without telling her specifically what the theme was. With the colors being black and purple and the bride walking down the aisle to the “Dark Knight Rises” theme song, Goggin had to put this together on her own and think on her feet.

Once, a bride requested turtleshaped butter because it was turtle season. Though Goggin thought the idea was endearing, the summer weather had other plans. Having to deal with random tidbits like bowls of melted butter, Goggin’s key to accommodating so many people is being flexible. She is prepared for any weather and guest concerns to make sure it’s the perfect day for these couples.

THE LONGBOAT ISLAND CHAPEL

At the Longboat Island Chapel, Lehman hosts unique weddings for all types of couples.

“What makes us so unique is that we are nondenominational,” said Lehman. “We do all kinds of differ-

Courtesy image

A wedding at the Longboat Island Chapel in its garden.

Petra Rivera

Petra Rivera

Longboat Key Club Director of Events and Catering Ayla Goggin.

Longboat Island Chapel Wedding Coordinator Diane Lehman.

ent ceremonies for all religions, all sexes; everything is on the table.”

The chapel’s arch and the scenery of the garden and Sarasota Bay have provided many couples with a simple and memorable spot for their special day.

Lehman said that she works closely with the Rev. Brock Patterson to host a wedding almost every weekend of the year without double booking.

Just like the Key Club, the chapel has multiple packages for customization for the ceremony and reception with the different locations of the chapel, garden and indoor reception space. The packages offer choices of decoration, music, flowers and connections with local vendors. Couples have the option to have Patterson officiate or use their own o ­ fficiant.

Lehman started planning weddings at the chapel 20 years ago after having her own event business. After doing it for a few years, she stopped event planning to go into hospital sales. When the opportunity arose again, Lehman didn’t hesitate to

become the chapel’s wedding coordinator because of the joy it gave her.

An upcoming chapel wedding is for a bride who was baptized at the chapel. Her parents and her grandparents were also married there.

Lehman said it is weddings like these that come full circle that remind her how much she loves her job.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Both Goggin and Lehman said it is common to work with each other or other venues, restaurants and businesses, such as Zota Beach Resort, St. Mary, Star of the Sea and Cafe L’Europe. Some couples will have a combination of venues for different parts of their weddings.

These venues maintain close relationships because they all have the same goal in mind: to give couples a unique experience to make their special day one they won’t forget.

“What makes us so unique is that we are nondenominational.

We do all kinds of different ceremonies for all religions, all sexes; everything is on the table.”

— Diane Lehman, Longboat Island Chapel wedding coordinator

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

21

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

On safari PETRA RIVERA

IF YOU GO

STAFF WRITER

T

The Longboat Key Garden Club plans first group trip to Africa.

he Longboat Key Garden Club is busting out its safari hats.

The club is planning its first group trip to Africa in October. Garden Club President Melanie Dale said there have been about 100 inquiries, but the trip is set to accommodate about 20 travelers.

The trip was suggested by new Garden Club member Debbie Mc Hardy. Originally from South Africa, Mc Hardy works as a private guide for the African Firefly travel company. Since joining, she’s talked to many members about wanting to share the beauty of her home country with them and how it ties in with the Garden Club’s mission.

Mc Hardy said several members have gone to Africa before but haven’t experienced it through an extensive and local trip like this one.

“When you’re part of a group, you feel a lot more comfortable doing things,” said Mc Hardy. “Perhaps, if you’re single, you could share a room with someone else and meet new people. Just having other people to be with encourages adventure and travel.”

The trip is from Oct. 12-22 for

You must be a Longboat Key Garden Club member to attend. To join the Garden Club, visit LBKGardenClub.org/.

Call Debbie Mc Hardy for any questions on the trip at 960-6099 or email at Debbie@ AfricanFirefly.com.

$6,682 per person including accommodations, tours and flights. It is only open to current Garden Club members.

The 10-day African adventure starts with four nights in Cape Town.

The group will go to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Table Mountain to see penguins and go on wine tastings at wineries. Mc Hardy said that Cape Town is the smallest of the six recognized floral kingdoms in the world with over 9,000 plant species, so it is perfect for gardening enthusiasts.

Following that will be four nights on a safari in the Sabi Sands private reserve. On the safari, members will see a variety of wildlife such as cheetahs, elephants, lions, rhinos, zebras, leopards, wild dogs and antelopes.

Courtesy images

Longboat Key Garden Club members will enjoy a four-day safari in the Sabi Sands private reserve with lots of wildlife.

File image

The last two nights will be spent in Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, where they will view the famous waterfall and go on a sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River.

“This trip fits right in with what we do as a club and the preservation that we’re trying to do,” said Dale.

“The magnificence of Africa will strike a chord with a lot of our members. It fits in with most of the beliefs and what we’re trying to accomplish

as a group through the attention to ecology and Mother Earth. Most of our members are very much aware of what’s going on environmentally, but this trip will give us a chance to connect with more than just Florida.

This is a chance to see a different part of the world that has a very different environment and connect to environmental issues on a more global level.”

Longboat Key Garden Club officers Susan Loprete, Sharon Meir, Susan Mason, Melanie Dale, Lyn Haycock and Susan Phillips at a 2023 event.

Longboat Key Garden Club member Debbie Mc Hardy will serve as a private guide for the trip’s four days in Cape Town.

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Mix and mingle

W

hitney Plaza was buzzing with residents for the first Summer Night Out of the year.

The businesses of Whitney Plaza partnered to offer a fun night for Longboat residents to explore new businesses, meet new friends and get involved in the community.

People started with free cheesecake samples from Elegant Lady Cheesecake Parlor before moving to Design 2000 Salon for mingling and pizza from Ventura’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. Next door at Driftwood Beach Home and Garden, people drank prosecco while browsing through trinkets and colorful clothes.

People ended their tour of Whitney Plaza at Sips for free samples at their new gelato shop, with Sips hosts Mike and Lorenzo Condensa playing music for the plaza. Ventura’s also extended its happy hour for people to enjoy more food and drinks after shopping and mingling.

Owner of Driftwood Beach Home and Garden Heather Rippy and co-owner of Design 2000 Irina Bronstein started this event last year. It has grown since then with the addition of Sips Coffee and Gelato, music for the plaza and more.

— PETRA RIVERA

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

3 BR | 3 BA | CONDO/VILLA | $1,299,000 3453 Winding Oaks Drive Condo/Villa, maintenance free - full Hurricane impact windows, sliders and garage door.

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Toni Giliberti Realtor

Bonnie Coughlin enjoys a free pistachio ice cream.

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Chris Carter, Emily Condensa, Micah Carter, Justina Carter and Gabriella Loccisano

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

WATER

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LONGBOAT KEY WESTCHESTER

$

1,395,000

$

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

Many high-end updates and full resort ammenties.

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

BUYING OR SELLING

CALL REID

1,150,000

for a successful real estate experience!

941.232.3304

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

REIDMURPHY.COM

427250-1

LONGBOAT KEY SLEEPY LAGOON $

26

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

St. Armands couture

S

t. Armands had a French makeover on June 25 and styled itself after St. Tropez.

Cafe L’Europe partnered with Sarasota boutique T. Georgiano’s for its first fashion show. Fashion enthusiasts and Cafe L’Europe regulars mixed and mingled in bright and elegant fashions to accompany the event’s St. Tropez theme.

“I have been wanting to do a fashion show for a while now,” said Ashley Watts, director of catering sales at Cafe L’Europe.

“After putting feelers out, everyone mentioned how great T. Georgiano’s and Tatyana were. She loved the idea and it turned out to be this fabulous event.”

After a cocktail hour with the cafe’s hors d’oeuvres, the show began with a runway that ran through the restaurant’s two back rooms and down its bar. Models strutted through the crowd of 90 people in a variety of unique looks, including swimwear and cocktail attire from T. Georgiano’s.

DJ Rossy Weiss curated an upbeat and fun environment with music for the models to dance to while the guests applauded them down the runway. Along with DJ-ing the event, Weiss is the designer of the line Aquamala Swimwear, which was featured in the show.

— PETRA RIVERA

Tami McDermott, Kim Verreault, Danielle Gladding, Melinda Foster and Alison Kanter

Photos by Petra Rivera

Cafe L’Europe Director of Catering Sales Ashley Watts

Ramona Glanz and Andrew Vac

T. Georgiano’s model Jessica Sandy Endres and Nancy Chanos

T. Georgiano’s models finish the show in bright orange blazers.

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

PENTHOUSE JUST LISTED GULF & BAY VIEWS $4,995,000

• Consistent top producer on Longboat Key • In-depth knowledge of the real estate market • Active in our community with Longbeach Village Association Longboat Key Historical Society Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Longboat Key Garden Club

941.724.7228

427356-1

535 Sanctuary Dr Apt C807 | A4612424 Totally Renovated, Penthouse 3/3, 2,580 Sq Ft, Longboat Key

DIRECT BAY FRONT $799,900

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

IS CONCIERGE MEDICINE RIGHT FOR YOU?

3070 Grand Bay Blvd #625 | A4608605 2/2, Direct Bay Views, Under Building Parking, Longboat Key DIRECT BAY FRONT AVAILABLE $3,325,000

3606 Fair Oaks PL | A4555331 4 Bedrooms, Bay Front in Queens Harbour, Longboat Key

Connecting with your doctor when you need them most is crucial.

At Gulfshore Personalized Care, it’s possible to meet your medical needs anywhere at any time. Thomas Arne Jr., DO, FACC, proudly offers patientcentered care through concierge services, such as 24/7 access and same-day visits.

Dennis Girard

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

Broker Associate

Dr. Arne

941-366-2194 | gulfshorepc.com

427818-1

1250 S Tamiami Trail, Suite 401, Sarasota, FL 34239

427454-1

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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

1

TOP

27

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

%

IN THE WORLD With Coldwell Banker

$3.4 Billion Career Sales

Leah George

Judy Kepecz-Hays

941-780-0597 941-587-1700 941-376-6411

Wishing everyone a Happy and Safe Fourth of July!

North Siesta Key A rare jewel! Beachfront & Bayfront Estate Size Home Site for your dream house or family compound. This prime homesite estate offers unparalleled vistas of the glistening waters, downtown Sarasota, Bird Key & Lido from its expansive 120-foot private beach with bay frontage. Included is a deep water dock on Big Pass as well as 2 deeded boat slips in the protected sailboat waters of Bayou Louise. This exclusive property is among the few that capture sunrise and sunsets. www.21LandsEndLane.com

Steven Kepecz

July 4, 2024

3500 Bayou Louise Lane | Siesta Key | $10,750,000 5 bed | 5.5 bath | 6,300 Sq Ft Location, Location, Location – Exquisite gated estate on the northern tip of Siesta Key. This home offers Gulf of Mexico views, a 40 x 20 pool, a spa, a 24K boat lift & a 12 x 20 platform to lift 5,000 lb. - kayaks or jet skis. The main level has the Primary & guest suites, a library, a chef's kitchen, an elevator, and a 4-car garage. Few steps to DEEDED BEACH ACCESS and is the most beautiful home on the north end of Siesta Key. www.3500BayouLouise.com

ARIA

Open House on Sunday 07/07 from 1 to 4 pm 2251 Gulf of Mexico Drive #204 | Aria - Longboat Key | $8,900,000 3 bed + office or 4 bed | 3.5 bath | 4,032 Sq Ft Modern Maintenance free home, almost new, and it’s a WOW! Live in this Gulf-front corner residence that feels like a home on the beach at the South end of Longboat Key. Enjoy your private 3400 sq. ft. terrace, with private pool & summer kitchen. This home has private stairs to the beach, a breathtaking clubhouse w/guest suites, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a 5-car garage. www.Aria204.com

65 Lighthouse Point Drive | South Longboat Key | $8,150,000 4 bed + den/office + bonus area | 4.5 bath | 4,941 Sq Ft Step into this modern Luxury Waterfront Architectural Masterpiece, where luxury knows no limits. 4 bed plus office/library/den and bonus area, stunning living room with fireplace, 3 car garage with ample of storage. The gourmet kitchen adjoins the spacious family gathering area that opens to the spa, pool, and patio with stunning water views to see and enjoy your private 40' dock and vessel on a wide protected basin with 7" of water at high tide, no bridges to the Gulf of Mexico. www.65Lighthouse.com

L’Ambiance 415 L’Ambiance Drive #A401 | L’Ambiance | $6,254,000 3 bed plus flex room | 3.5 bath | 3,380 Sq Ft Experience luxury living at its finest in this updated former model at L'Ambiance within the gates of "Islandside" Longboat Key Club. It boasts a coveted southwestern exposure with year-round sunsets. It features walls of glass with wraparound terraces that offer unparalleled vistas of the majestic Gulf of Mexico waters and pristine white sandy beaches.

L'Ambiance seamlessly blends casual elegance with upscale amenities. Step off the elevator into your private lobby and delight in the impeccable design details, including soaring 10 ft. ceilings, marble flooring throughout, and a state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen perfect for culinary enthusiasts. Almost new Home on the beach! Your pet is welcome.

LAmbianceA401.com

Open House on Sunday 07/07 from 1 to 4 pm 3312 Sabal Cove Lane | Bay Isles | $3,380,000 4 bed en-suite + den + bonus room | 2 half bath | 5,150 Sq Ft Unsurpassed island living on Longboat Key! This Lakefront Home with southern exposure offers an easy blend of comfort, style, and privacy within the gates of Bay Isle Harborside. It boasts 4 bedrooms en-suite, plus an office with 2 half baths spanning over 5,150 sq. ft. of air conditioned living space, ensuring ample room for family and guests. The Chef's Kitchen has high-end stainless-steel appliances, custom cabinetry, and a generous island, a culinary enthusiast's dream. 3-car garage. DEEDED BEACH ACCESS. 3312SabalCove.com

The VUE

1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive #105 | $2,575,000 2 bed + den or 3 bed | 2.5 bath | 2,585 Sq Ft | Turnkey Furnished The Water Club on the South end of Longboat Key is a rare jewel in condominium living.

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

The Water Club is exceptionally well-run w/strong reserve fund, a magnificent clubhouse, an Olympic-sized pool, tennis, and 2 pets under 35 lbs. welcome. www.WaterClub105.com

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

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

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

427541-1

The Water Club

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

LONGBOAT KEY 3341 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,718 Sq. Ft. JoDene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4611557 $10,500,000

LONGBOAT KEY 545 General Harris Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,294 Sq. Ft. Marta Altizer 941-544-4437 A4593444 $2,850,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 4805 2nd Avenue 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,634 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4613722 $2,550,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 303 68th Street 4 Beds 3 Baths 1,729 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4578683 $2,249,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2185 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 212 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,448 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4600599 $1,999,000

LONGBOAT KEY 370 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 432 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 2,900 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4588006 $1,950,000

LONGBOAT KEY 380 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 525 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,255 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs 941-374-2920 A4588216 $1,749,900

LONGBOAT KEY 775 Longboat Club Road 804 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,602 Sq. Ft. Douglas Parks 941-400-9087 A4609780 $1,695,000

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 300 23rd Street N 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,149 Sq. Ft. Anita Jones 724-989-4824 A4603195 $1,375,000

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

LIDO KEY 1212 Benjamin Franklin Drive 309 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,812 Sq. Ft. Pat Rodriguez 941-685-5805 A4595720 $1,200,000

SARASOTA 1771 Ringling Boulevard 604 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,735 Sq. Ft. Bibi-Ann Allard PA, Kelley Callaway 941-685-0422 A4603447 $1,075,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2110 Harbourside Drive 547 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,039 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4595861 $998,850

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 409 72nd Street 409 2 Beds 2 Baths 945 Sq. Ft. Matt Eichel 609-992-7077 A4610700 $925,000

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

HOLMES BEACH 5608 Gulf Drive 108 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,092 Sq. Ft. Kathy Bergloff 941-962-0309 A4585838 $850,000

BRADENTON BEACH 1007 Gulf Drive N 208 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,349 Sq. Ft. Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4588518 $785,000

SARASOTA 1709 N Tamiami Trail 502A 1 Bed 2 Baths 1,050 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4593941 $760,000

BRADENTON BEACH 117 10th Street N 122 2 Beds 2 Baths 873 Sq. Ft. Deborah Schlener 651-894-3916 A4588152 $759,000

LONGBOAT KEY 6700 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 139 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,305 Sq. Ft. Maruta Miluns 941-374-9720 A4611612 $679,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 4255 Gulf Drive 116 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,220 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4607469 $599,900

LONGBOAT KEY 730 Spanish Drive S 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,405 Sq. Ft. Sean Clark 941-312-1146 A4585691 $559,900

LONGBOAT KEY 6750 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 161 1 Bed 1 Baths 936 Sq. Ft. Maruta Miluns 941-374-9720 A4613966 $495,000

SARASOTA 1268 11th Street 2402 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,122 Sq. Ft. Michael Yawitz 941-587-8091 A4586457 $399,900

LONGBOAT KEY 3351 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,276 Sq. Ft. JoDene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4611662 $10,500,000

SARASOTA 605 S Gulfstream Avenue 6N 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,333 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4605840 $8,100,000

SARASOTA 111 S Pineapple Avenue 1206 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,507 Sq. Ft. Nora Johnson 941-809-1700 A4594119 $3,395,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

427578-1

28

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

JUNE 17-21

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Corey’s Landing tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Thomas Connaughton, trustee, of Englewood, sold the home at 3580 Mistletoe Lane to Ronald and Marilyn Horner, of Longboat Key, for $3.8 million.

Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,333 square feet of living area. It sold for $3,414,300 in 2023.

REAL ESTATE

Home in Corey’s Landing tops sales at $3.8 million

29

SLEEPY LAGOON PARK

Christopher Warren Crawford and Melissa Crawford, of Easton Park, sold their home at 598 Lyons Lane to PAV088 LLC for $2.2 million.

Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,659 square feet of living area.

SANCTUARY AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Fraser and Heather Latta, of Ontario, Canada, sold their Unit B-304 condominium at 535 Sanctuary Drive to Jennifer Elizabeth Latta and Alexandra Margaret Latta, trustees, of Ontario, Canada, for $2.05 million. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,590 square feet of living area. It sold for $460,000 in 1991.

THE CASTILLIAN

Winding Brook Delaware LLC sold the Unit 401 condominium at 4525 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Graeme Lockwood, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $1,475,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,738 square feet of living area. It sold for $775,000 in 2010.

LIDO REGENCY

Basil Harcourt Ford and Madalyn Lenore Ford, trustees, of Roswell, Georgia, sold the Unit 8D condominium at 1700 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Renee Thalheimer-Vasey, of Darien, Connecticut, for $1.4 million. Built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,492 square feet of living area. It sold for $218,000 in 1985.

Courtesy image by William Glade

Christopher Warren Crawford and Melissa Crawford, of Easton Park, sold their home at 598 Lyons Lane to PAV088 LLC for $2.2 million. It has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,659 square feet of living area.

LIDO AMBASSADOR

Elisabeth Zwaantina De Boer and Ross Alan Reddern, of Ontario, Canada, sold their Unit 608 condominium at 800 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Cyrus Mohebbi and Barbara Bennett, of Millburn, New Jersey, for $1.35 million. Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,350 square feet of living area. It sold for $265,000 in 2000.

Audrey Freeman, of Bradenton, sold her Unit 206 condominium at 800 Benjamin Franklin Drive to George and Kristen Ferullo, of Peabody, Massachusetts, for $900,000. Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,150 square feet of living area. It sold for $480,000 in 2020.

two bedrooms, two baths and 1,316 square feet of living area. It sold for $445,000 in 2009.

TIFFANY PLAZA

Joseph Fitzgibbons, of Estherville, Iowa, sold his Unit 302 condominium at 4325 Gulf of Mexico Drive to John Fitzgibbons and KayAnne Fitzgibbons, trustees, of Kenilworth, Illinois, for $700,000.

Built in 1975, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,336 square feet of living area. It sold for $532,000 in 2012.

WINDWARD BAY

Wendy Lynnette St. John, of Longboat Key, sold her Unit PH-5 condominium at 4900 Gulf of

Mexico Drive to Brett and Courtney Zachary, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, for $700,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,312 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2021.

LONGBOAT KEY YACHT AND ­TENNIS CLUB

Jeffrey and Christine Gooderham, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 2 condominium at 4140 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Michele Reynolds, of Longboat Key, for $690,000.

Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,144 square feet of living area. It sold for $405,000 in 2018.

LIDO SURF AND SAND

Rachel Martinez sold the Unit 308 condominium at 1102 Benjamin Franklin Drive to David Recker, trustee, of Sarasota, for $845,000.

Built in 1976, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,213 square feet of living area. It sold for $585,000 in 2016.

FAIRWAY BAY

Janice Ojserkis, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, sold her Unit 1101 condominium at 1922 Harbourside Drive to Darren and Laura Degreef, of Waterford, Wisconsin, for $705,000. Built in 1982, it has

In with the new NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of June 21-27 in order of dollar amounts.

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

LONGBOAT KEY Address

Permit

Applicant

540 Harbor Cove Circle

New Con — Res

Dominic Zaccone

Amount $1,677,200

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

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

(TTEE) 2425 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Re-roof

Sea Gate Club

$732,000

Condominium Association

760 Lyons Lane

Re-roof

Timothy Anderson

$400,000

3010 Grand Bay Blvd. #453

Alt/Renovation

Mary Ann Rader

$350,000

MOVE-IN SPRING 2024

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

LONGBOAT KEY

Revocable Trust

2055 Gulf of Mexico Drive #201 Alt/Renovation

Michael Paton

$309,077

1115 Gulf of Mexico Drive #104

Alt/Renovation

Jay R. Stemler Jr. Trust

$251,170

5220 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Alt/Renovation

Douglas Scheflow

$250,000

435 L’Ambiance Drive #K806

Windows/Doors

Timothy Ruark

$240,932

4234 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Alt/Renovation

Thomas Cathey

$214,191

Windows/Doors

Ludmila Ozeruga

$125,149

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

Unit 103

Unit W1 1110 Bogey Lane

Revocable Trust

1930 Harbourside Drive # 143

Windows/Doors

Joyce Jefferson

$115,911

3590 Mistletoe Lane

Alt/Renovation

Charles Sauers

$100,368

1930 Harbourside Drive #133

Windows/Doors

Ronald Stoller

$93,569

5757 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Alt/Renovation

Graham Cherrington

$75,000

600 Bowsprit Lane

Windows/Doors

Cynthia F. Lowery Trust

$68,140

2191 Harbourside Drive #405

Deck

Stephen Coyle

$48,399

660 Marbury Lane

Cage/Screen

Christopher Norem

$45,493

4540 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Alt/Renovation

Winward Fun LLC

$40,000

Windows/Doors

Kelleen Burns-Amighi

$36,870

Windows/Doors

Gregory Thompson

$36,395

Unit 110

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

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

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

Unit 306

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

Unit N1 3499 Byron Lane

Source: Town of Longboat Key

Prices as of November 2023

427630-1

4234 Gulf of Mexico Drive

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

EXCEPTIONAL RENTAL MANAGEMENT & VACATION RENTALS

If you own a rental property on St. Armand’s, Lido or Longboat, let us put our 30 years of experience and expertise to work for you!

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS! 3720 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 info@FLVacationConnection.com FLVacationConnection.com

Locally owned and managed since 1994

WagnerRealty.com Your Hometown Favorite For More Than Eight Decades!

LOCAL, VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1939 LONGBOAT ANNA MARIAKEY ISLAND

BRADENTON

416797-1

941-387-9709

YOUR CALENDAR

30

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

STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. This class is mostly seated and great for all fitness levels. Focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance. Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $15.

Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

BEST BET WEDNESDAY, JULY 10

CONFLICT RESOLUTION 1:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Hosted by Youthful Aging Home Care, Erin Mace will present on developing conflict resolution skills. Mace will cover this topic as it relates to different stages of life and relationship dynamics such as parent/adult children, siblings and other family members. Mace will teach how to successfully navigate shifting roles in family matters by using mediation and deescalation techniques. Call 3836493.

THINKING OUT LOUD 1-2:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Retired Lawyer Mike Karp will lead a lively discussion on current topics such as world affairs, national politics and local issues. Bring questions, thoughts and an open mind. Call 383-6493.

TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

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

376 Aruba Cir. #301| Marina Walk on One Particular Harbour|MLS#A4577373 | 2/2 - 3rd fl |Spacious condo $750,000 | Becky Smith/E.Starrett (941) 773-1954

LONGBOAT KEY

612 Marbury Lane | Sleepy Lagoon Pk| MLS#A4590263 | 2/2 - 1,128 sf | Canal Front | $1,150,000 | Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

154 Crescent Dr, | Anna Maria | MLS#A4610140 3/3 - 1,421 sf | Beautifully remodeled exquisite home $1,995,000 | Rennie Evans (310) 437-9336

SIESTA KEY NEW PRICE

1240 Dolphin Way #402 | Dolphin Bay MLS#A4595025 | 2/2 - 1,915 sf | NOW $1,277,777 Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

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

Longboat Key Office

5360 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 427428-1

941.383.5577

TUESDAYS

PILATES SCULPT From 9-9:50 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Pilates Sculpt is a combination class mixing traditional Pilates exercises into a fun, challenging workout to upbeat music. It will make you sweat, encourage your body to burn calories, and make you stronger and more flexible. This class is for all levels.

Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

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.

THURSDAYS

ZUMBA & TONING 9:45 to 10:30 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.

Bring Friends. Bring Family.

Bring Everyone.

Lakewood Ranch has a home for every life stage & style NEW HOMES FROM THE $300S TO OVER $1M 427855-1

© 2024 Lakewood Ranch

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

31

T H E G R O U P

Tracey Stetler

Steven Moore

Patrick DiPinto

Rene DiPinto

Nicholle DiPinto McKierman

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

610 YARDARM LN

405 28TH STREET

109 WARBLER LANE

$4,699,000 - 1 House from the Bay 4 Beds 4 Baths 4,138 Sq. Ft. 130’ of Water Frontage

$3,600,000 - Anna Maria Island 5 Beds 4 Baths 3,735 Sq. Ft. 80’ of Waterfront

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

3621 SAN REMO TER

1212 CENTER PLACE

6489 GULFSIDE ROAD

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

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

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

941 - 388 - 2 0 2 1

53 S PALM AVENUE, SARASOTA, FL 34236

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, country records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. Coldwell Banker. All rights reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker system fully supports the principals of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

426485-1

WWW.THEDIPINTOGROUP.COM | @THEDIPINTOGROUP

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

1199 Westway Drive, Lido Shores

149 Mckinley Drive, Lido Key

$12,000,000 | Land | Web# A4587932

$5,495,000 | 9 BR, 8.5 BA | Web# A4610225

Lisa Rooks Morris: M 941.544.3332

Inbal August: M 917.957.8111

4521 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

1632 Floyd Street, Sarasota

$4,000,000 | 4 BR, 4.5 BA | Web# A4611837

$2,850,000 | 4 BR, 4.5 BA | Web# A4593582

Amy Drake: M 941.376.9346 Lisa Rooks Morris: M 941.544.3332

Lisa Rooks Morris: M 941.544.3332 Julie Guirguis: M 440.503.3713

1331 Quail Drive, Sarasota

3540 Bayou Circle, Longboat Key

$2,375,000 | 3 BR, 3 BA | Web# A4588224

$1,999,000 | 3 BR, 3 BA | Web# A4588697

Lisa Rooks Morris: M 941.544.3332 Julie Guirguis: M 440.503.3713

Inbal August: M 917.957.8111

1236 13th Street, Sarasota

6986 Country Lakes Circle, Sarasota

$1,800,000 | 6 BR, Multi-family residence | Web# A4614669

$825,000 | 3BR, 2.5 BA | Web# A4613182

Rex Glasson M: 941.587.6135 Catherine (Cathy) Palmer M: 678.524.1104

Inbal August: M 917.957.8111

1350 MAIN ST, SARASOTA, FL 34236. 941.867.6199 © 2024 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

elliman.com

Make Your Next Move Exceptional

420049-1

32

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33

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, JULY 5

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

High: 88 Low: 81 Chance of rain: 24%

Thursday, July 4

6:39a

8:28p

Friday, July 5

6:39a

8:28p

Saturday, July 6

6:40a

8:28p

Sunday, July 7

6:40a

8:28p

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Monday, July 8

6:41a

8:27p

High: 89 Low: 81 Chance of rain: 24%

Tuesday, July 9

6:41a

8:27p

Wednesday, July 10

6:42a

8:27p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, JULY 7 High: 89 Low: 81 Chance of rain: 46%

July 5 New

July 13 First

July 21 Full

July 27 Last

TIDES Highs Lows

Laura Fajardo captured this photo from Beer Can Island on a beautiful clear day.

Thursday, July 4

10:31a

—

—

7:33p

Friday, July 5

11:15a

—

—

8:15p

Saturday, July 6

—

12:00p

—

8:54p

Sunday, July 7

—

12:46p

—

9:30p

Monday, July 8

4:42a

1:34p

7:34a

10:04p

Tuesday, July 9

4:43a

2:23p

8:42a

10:36p

Wednesday, July 10

4:53a

3:15p

9:46a

11:08p

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/contests. All submissions will be entered for the 2024-25. Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2025, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

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

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

INFINITY POOL by Adam Simpson, edited by Jeff Chen 126 Otherwise

51 ___ toad

127 Winery section

52 Used cursive, maybe

DOWN

53 Canadian territory

3 Tolstoy’s “___ Karenina” 4 Spot for a big needle?

5 Beagle’s bark 6 It might be put through a washer 7 Morales of “Ozark” 8 “I wanna try!”

9 Messing around 10 Alloy producer based in Pittsburgh 11 Name that anagrams to REAL BOT 12 “The Tragedy of Othello, the ___ of Venice” 13 Exhilaration 14 Witticism 15 Candies 16 Eye contest action 18 Bird feeder bit 21 Activist Brockovich 22 Geordi La Forge portrayer Burton 24 “Respect for Acting” ©2024 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 “Ah, well” 5 Biblical bro 9 U.S. island territory 13 “American Dad” network 16 It goes with jam at tea 17 V-Day bouquet 19 Nordic capital 20 “___ so?”

21 *The Bangles ballad that’s still hot?

23 Ozzy, Sharon or Kelly 25 Shine 26 *Cyndi Lauper bop that plays around the clock?

28 Van Gogh flower 29 Living room sets 31 More risque 32 Too much 33 Sports goal material

34 Kinships

what might make the songs

36 “I’m not ___ judge, but ...” in this puzzle go on and on

99 Mila who voices Meg in “Family Guy”

38 Ranks above sgts.

70 *See 68-Across

100 Director Eastwood

39 *Carl Carlton classic

71 Negative conjunction

101 Steal

that’s adored to this day?

72 Fish eggs

104 Negative responses

44 Sticks around a diamond 73 All, for nothing?

106 Makeup cleansers

46 Jerk

75 Chasm

109 ___ and outs

47 Italy’s northern border,

76 Stubbed digit

110 Office note

essentially

77 Tom Yum, e.g.

111 *Queen song that keeps

50 Thanksgiving tubers

79 Tokyo dough?

you going?

51 Numbered GPS path

80 Allow to rent

115 Change lanes hastily

54 Business letters?

82 SSW’s opposite

117 Jacket on the slopes

55 Emeril’s catchphrase

83 Bic products

118 *Rod Stewart track that

58 Paunch

84 Doodled

never gets old?

60 Prohibition ___

86 Leaf-eater from Down

120 Thurman of “Pulp

61 Donut shape

Under

Fiction”

63 Blue Hawaii ingredient

88 What snoots might put

121 Not just heard

66 Chicken ___ king

on

122 So, so mad

67 Back of the boat

89 *k.d. lang hit that leaves

123 Fencing weapons

68 *With 70-Across, symbol you hungry for more? of endless repetition ... or

96 Freddy Krueger’s street

124 Confidante 125 That girl’s

author Hagen 27 Extreme pain 30 Show that the movie “Superstar” came from (Abbr.)

34 Walgreens competitor 35 ___-I-am (Seuss character) 37 Egg, in biology 39 UFO pilots 40 Salt, in Marseille 41 Chalky powder 42 Be liable for 43 Will Ferrell Christmas flick 44 Fries and wings with a pint, perhaps 45 Not a pro 48 Nursery vessel 49 Western brawl sites 50 Century units

crispy 56 Cheek-filler for a squirrel 57 Maggie’s mom 59 Shows, as teeth

“RDEF DK RDAF Z GPUEVKFO IFZGYFS ...

EDSKI, DI TDLFK IYF IFKI ZUO IYFU IFZGYFK IYF RFKKPU.” GZUZODZU SZMMFS OSZAF

61 Isn’t decided yet (Abbr.)

62 Bernie Sanders, for VT 64 Avg. size 65 Poetic praise 69 Stockings material 74 55-Down, e.g.

78 Chest muscle 81 “No Scrubs” group

“ZB NJOTLI SDLC OU DRGX OU ZL RG ZB ZUOTLI’D EUZV. R OTRGA R YJG GJZL JVUSO JGB OSGL RG OEU VLJOD.” BJGYB VSOPLI

83 Sty denizen 85 Pot for a stir-fry 86 Radio personality Casey 87 Part of a circumference 88 Farm drone 90 Where a squirrel might feast 91 Hide the ball in a tricky spot, in billiards 92 Some antique cookware 93 He could “sting like a bee” 94 “A Charlie Brown Christmas” composer Guaraldi 95 Health care coverage provider 96 Concludes with 97 Cry for attention,

“IPVGV OGV VJHTVYY JVF UOGSOISXJY XJ PXF IX PZGI O FXEOJ APDYSMOTTD, VEXISXJOTTD, BSJOJMSOTTD OJH YXMSOTTD.”

CTXGSO OTTGVH

Puzzle Three Clue: B equals F

2 Big-eyed primate

55 It can be ordered extra-

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: A equals K

1 Got 100

celebrity cipher

Puzzle One Clue: L equals V

crossword

The Grounded Feeling Everyone will Enjoy

426212-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

© 2024 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

sometimes 98 Like household chores 101 Broadway productions 102 Warning signs 103 “Star Trek” collective in a cube 105 Motor oil company 107 Loan revision, in brief 108 Saw logs 110 Made a barnyard noise 112 Pageant title adornment 113 Spoken 114 Moistens 116 Ilk 119 Flock formation ©2024 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

7-4-24

Made for where you live. Here!

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM

WEEKLY MONTHLY

Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

Merchandise Wanted

Commercial Property for Rent

Condos/Apts. for Sale CONDO FOR SALE: All updated, 2 br/2 ba, garage/pool.

20 mins to beach. $225k 941-650-3744

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale FOR RENT - High/Dry indoor boat slip. Up to 23’. Excellent boating location - S Longboat Key. Easy Gulf/Bay access.

Call 941-544-5597

Boats 2005 SAILBOAT Hunter 170 Perfect for Sarasota Bay - 17ft, open transom, single owner, stored on boat lift, includes custom cushions. $500 OBO (312) 342-9868 BOAT FOR SALE- 1984 vintage Chris-Craft Catalina. 25’.

Best Offer.

914-548-5300

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

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

Bradenton: Condo, 2 bed, 2 bath$229,900 Pet friendly 55+ Sarasota: 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Car Garage House $359,000 Sarasota: Pool home, 4 bed. $649,900 Venice: 2/2 Condo Plantation Golf Club. Call for Price Bradenton: Pool Home, New windows, hvac, Completely Updated $689,900 Longboat Key: 4 pools, beach access. $465,000

Brooke O’Malley | Club Realty Call 941-726-2677

941-955-4888

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

5 ACRES Lake Barn Near Fruitville I-75 Call for Price

Competitive pay, paid time off and health insurance available

First 15 words ................. $ 17.50 per week Each add’l word ...... 50¢

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com /RedPages

Homes for Sale

Gulf Beachfront Home coming soon: 6.9 million

FIND IT IN THE RED PAGES

Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

Updated 2 br/2ba. 1 car garage, water view, vaulted ceilings, plantation shutters, fireplace, jacuzzi tub, turnkey furnished.

Excellent rental history. $499,900 Call 904-556-8900

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

RED PAGES AD RATES

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES

YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

Call 941-383-3338.

Adult Care Services

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

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

Moving NATIONWIDE BEST RATE MOVERS For only $140 / hr get 2 men & a truck plus FREE boxes.

Call 941-465-3000

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

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

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC

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

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

Best care for your loved one.

References avail. Marina 786-906-8103 CAREGIVER CERTIFIED Nursing Assistant. Over 15 years experience providing care of elderly patients including with Dementia and Alzheimer in facilities, hospitals and home. All current certification. Liability Insurance. (941) 225-0602 DAHLIA HEALTHCARE Private Duty Concierge RN Here for all your healthcare needs.

Call Lori Wheeler, RN today.

941-806-8292

This week’s Crossword answers

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR / CABINETS WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

Transportation TOP NOTCH TRANSPORTATION Airport Taxi Service Island to SRQ- $45 Island to Tampa- $90 Add XL- $20 Luxury cars • Over 8,000 trips Regular Hours • Never Late!

Doctors Appts. • All Rides on the Gulf Coast

941-718-9933

www.topnotchtransportation service.com

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Life is like a confused teacher ... first, it gives the test and then teaches the lesson.”

Canadian rapper Drake Puzzle Two Solution: “My father used to sing to me in my mother’s womb. I think I can name about any tune in two beats.”

Yancy Butler Puzzle Three Solution: “There are endless new variations on how to hurt a woman physically, emotionally, financially and socially.”

Gloria Allred

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2024 Universal Uclick

CALL 941-955-4888 / YourObserver.com/RedPages

©2024 NEA, Inc.

BUY & SELL HERE!

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

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

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

You’re only cheating yourself.

AT&T MOBILITY, LLC is proposing to modify an existing 146-foot-tall (155-foot overall height) building telecommunications facility located at 2425 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Manatee County, FL 34228 (N27° 21' 47.3" and W82° 37' 24.5"). AT&T Mobility, LLC invites comments from any interested party on the impact the proposed undertaking may have on any districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering, or culture that are listed or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under National Historic Preservation Act Section 106.

Parties interested in commenting on this Federal undertaking or with questions on the proposed facility should contact Impact7G, Inc. at 8951 Windsor Parkway, Johnston, IA 50131 or call 515-473-6256 and reference project #CS 799/JC. Comments must be received within 30 days of the date of this notice.

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Visa/MC

YourObserver.com/RedPages

THE BUSINESS OBSERVER newspaper is seeking a fast-paced, detail-oriented Proofreader / Typist for a part-time position in Sarasota, Florida.

Hours are 9am-2pm, Mon-Fri. Candidates must be able to type at least 75 WPM with great accuracy and proofread typed material and make corrections. Attention to detail is a MUST. Proofreading entails finding errors in the typed print that varies from the original document, not actually editing the documents for errors.

peekers’ place

Announcements

Autos Wanted

wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com

BUY STUFF HERE!

Help Wanted

auto

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

Reservations 941-383-5577

FOR LEASE: 1,750 Sq. ft. in Bradenton. Office or Medical. Call Frank 941-720-2199

THE MEADOWS GOLF &CC

Items Under $200

Between Houses or Condos

home services

SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

Beachfront, Bayfront and In

Wagner Realty

jobs

stuff

GOLD, SILVER BUYING w/ CASH. RETIRED INVESTOR Diamonds, Coins, Jewelry, Watches & Pocket Watches.

Free House Calls.

Discrete/ Confidential. Call David 813-439-2694

SEASONAL RATES

real estate

The Longboat Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Longboat Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice!

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

YourObserver.com

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

Handyman

Insurance

BLUE BOX

Divorce without Lawyers Divorce is never fun, but it does not have to be nasty & hateful! Protect your family relationships and assets from expensive Court litigation. Consider Divorce Mediation, the peaceful alternative.

Alex Akbaba

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

426594

941.279.5317

Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling • Concrete • Sheeting Drywall • Painting • Fence • Parquet • Stone Flooring • Tiles

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

We have mediated divorces involving up to 15 million dollars of assets over past 30 years.

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

William J. Leininger, JD

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

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

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

425477

Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator 677 N. Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 SarasotaDivorceMediator.com 941-727-5555

Health 425480

425487

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Auto Service

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

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

SELL YOUR CAR!

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

FAST • EASY • SAFE

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

Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

WE COME TO YOU 5-Star Rated

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

425488

HoHoBuysCars.com

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

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

Caregiver/Companion

1/10/23, 10:25 AM

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

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

10% offNEED HELP?

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1/1

Find business and service professionals in the Red Pages.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

425476

Windows

CARING HANDS WHILE YOU’RE AWAY FROM HOME.

Contractor

Let our Network Handle All your Building Needs

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Exclusively serving Longboat Key residents.

Storm-ready home preparations Handyman & concierge services

Professional Contractors Network, Inc.

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

427913

CALL TODAY FOR PEACE OF MIND.

941-281-5539 | kathy@longboatkeyhomewatch.com

Painting 426471

Construction Estimating • Custom Homes Design Build • Restaurants-New/Remodels Office Remodels • Financing

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC

Email Project Information: PCNestimating@gmail.com 941-527-9414

Sliding Glass Door Repair

Interior / Exterior / Cabinets.

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

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

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE RED PAGES

425489

UP TO

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

150

25 $

INCLUDING SCREENS, TR ACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

426470

Doors

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

STANDARD WINDOWS

Trades welcome to join our network! Please send email

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

941-248-4734 410036

Home Watch

425493

Luxury for Less

425478

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

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

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

Transportation

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

425494

941.270.4400

MIC INSURANCE

H A N DY M A N

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

425491

Attorney

Insurance

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

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

425490

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, 7/7 1PM-4PM

3464 MISTLETOE LANE JUST RENOVATED in 2024, completely furnished, and move-in ready bayfront Corey’s Landing residence! Offering spectacular direct bay views, this home embodies sophistication and style at every turn. Step inside to discover an open and inviting living space spread across two floors, recently updated with chic, contemporary touches. The neutral palette, paired with modern finishes, exudes timeless sophistication. The renovated chef’s kitchen was redesigned to make the most of the natural light. The secluded primary suite is on the first floor, while the second level is dedicated to guests with family room, guest bedroom and bonus room. Deeded private beach access to the Bay Isles Beach Club is the ideal finishing touch.

$3,500,000 • 3,367 square feet heated • 4 bedrooms + den, family room.

3 bathrooms • New roof in 2019 • New impact windows, sliders, and front door • Brand-new dock, 12,000 lb. lift • Summer kitchen and spa

• ww.3464MistletoeLane.com

MORE THAN $180 MILLION SOLD AND PENDING SINCE JANUARY 2024

6603 GULFSIDE ROAD

$15,000,000

This a brand-new, direct Gulf-front masterpiece, set on over 1/4-acre and crafted by Vertical Design Build, still in the beginning stages so there is plenty of time to make your personal selections to the planned 4,900+SF residence! www.6603GulfsideRoad.com

201 N. WASHINGTON DR

$7,999,000

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

6923 WESTCHESTER CIRCLE

$4,695,000

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

$4,495,000

1300 BEN FRANKLIN #504 $4,495,000

601 LOTUS LANE

$3,495,000

545 SANCTUARY DR #B806

$2,195,000

$1,799,000

380 GULF OF MEXICO DR #513 $1,695,000

4305 MARINA VIEW WAY

$1,695,000

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD #152

$1,395,000

Discover the luxury of new construction on St. Armands! This brand-new 4BR, 3,400 SF John Cannon residence is waiting for you to make your own personal selections. www.201NorthWashington.com

3825 SARASOTA GOLF CLUB

500 HARBOR POINT ROAD

Rare opportunity to build your dream home on five lush acres set among luxurious estate-sized properties in Palmer Farms of east Sarasota. www.3825SarasotaGolfClub.com

Experience resort-style living at this RitzCarlton 3BR +den & office residence exuding the charm and privacy of a single-family home, with 3,500+ SF and 2 parking spaces. www.BeachResidences504.com

Beautiful direct bay views welcome you to this 3BR residence on south Longboat Key. Offering nearly 3,400 SF, 2-car garage, and private courtyard entry. www.TangerineBayClub513.com

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

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

Perched on the 8th floor in a corner location, this sun-drenched residence offers breathtaking bay and city views through new (2023) impact glass sliders and windows. www.545Sanctuaryb806.com

This 3BR bayfront Biscayne residence offers breathtaking views of the verdant Harbourside Golf Course, the serene waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf. www.GrandBay152.com

CA L L TO DAY FO R YO U R EXC LU S I VE TO U R ( 9 41 ) 3 8 7-1 8 4 0 443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F, Sarasota, FL 34236 | Pettingell.com | www.bestSarasotarealestate.net Twitter.com/RealRoger | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell | Roger@Pettingell.com The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. 417316-1

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