Newborn Eliana Adamson is a fresh face at the Longboat Island Chapel. Eliana is chapel member
Alyssa Adamson’s third child, whom she had on May 26. The chapel threw her a baby shower after the Sunday service on July 14.
Adamson started as a soloist at the chapel, but she is now the new choir director. She is taking over for Maurice Overholt, who is leaving Aug. 4.
Member June Hessel said the chapel loves to throw parties like this because it’s fun to mingle after services and encourage more children at the church.
Chapel members showered Adamson with flowers and gifts for Eliana.
Pitching in
Terri Driver was on her normal patrol for Longboat Key Turtle Watch on July 7 when she came across an area with a lot of foliage and branches scattered around. Then she heard a bird cry out for help.
Driver realized it was a great blue heron, but in terrible condition. It tried to swim away, but it couldn’t, she said.
She called Save Our Seabirds, but the facility wasn’t open yet, so she called her friends Ray and Heather Sellers for help.
Before help arrived, Driver said she saw the bird still had plenty of energy, so she approached cautiously. A seasoned turtle patroller, she was prepared with a pair of scissors. She snipped some of the fishing line that was restricting the bird and kept it steady on the shore until the Sellers arrived.
AGE IS JUST A NUMBER
New data shows how the Gulfstream roundabout affects traffic flowing off the Key. PAGE 5
Seagrass plays a vital role in the bay’s ecosystem, and LBK is set to plant more.
PAGE 3
Courtesy image
Terri Driver with a rescued great blue heron.
Courtesy image
Alyssa Adamson and baby Eliana
Courtesy image
Longboat plans to mitigate infrastructure impacts on seagrass by planting several acres of vegetation.
Courtesy image
Comedian Cliff Hornsby takes the stage as “Gerry Atric” at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre.
Back on staff
Former code enforcement officer returns to LBK as new support services director.
Returning to work for the town of Longboat Key felt like a homecoming for Chris Kopp.
Kopp recently took over the role of support services director after a little more than a year working for Manatee County. Before his time with the county, Kopp worked for the town’s Code Enforcement Department.
“When this position (support services director), that opportunity, came back open, it was definitely something I jumped on,” Kopp said.
Kopp spent three years with the town’s Code Enforcement Department before leaving in 2023 to work for Manatee County. There, he became the workforce development manager for the Human Resources Department.
He spent a year and a couple of months there, and while he valued his time there, he still missed being a part of Longboat Key.
“I started day one, on a Monday, and then on Tuesday, I immediately had kind of that regret and wanting to come back,” Kopp said. “But I enjoyed my time over there.”
His first day back with Longboat
Key was July 1, and he had about a week to shadow former Director Carolyn Brown, who retired from the position. Being able to see some old co-workers and familiar faces in Longboat Key was part of the reason Kopp was ready to come back.
“What you put on paper in a job description is nothing compared to the community you work for, the community you work with. That’s something the town of Longboat Key cannot put in the job description, and why I came back,” Kopp said.
The support services director role touches almost every other department in the town. It will also look a little different, now incorporating risk management while handing Public Tennis Center duties off to the Public Works Department.
The department as a whole does
exactly what the title suggests: supports other departments.
“My role is to support them; it’s to support the town manager,” Kopp said. “And then, ultimately, to support the citizens and the commissioners to make the town move forward.”
One of the things Kopp hopes to accomplish is to implement an internal and external dashboard that will allow residents and staff to see what’s going on within the town.
“I want to make sure that our citizens and our internal staff understand what’s going on, the insides and outsides of the town,” Kopp said. “I want to make sure that our citizens can visually see what our town is doing for them.”
He said the goal is to make the dashboard easy to understand with metrics that outline each goal. This will include things like public safety response times, current projects out to bid and financial transactions.
It’s about public transparency as much as it is about project management and efficiency for town staff, Kopp said.
Even though Longboat Key’s staff is small, Kopp said a lot gets accomplished, and it will be effective to have a dashboard where all the projects are displayed and trackable.
“There’s a lot of moving pieces in such a small town,” Kopp said. “We have just as much as our surrounding counties; we just do it smaller, and I think we do it better.”
PASSION FOR PUBLIC SERVICE
Kopp graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, before entering the Marine Corps for eight years.
After his service, he became a police officer for 15 years and, during that period, started a company called Lockdown International. With that company, Kopp organized active shooter safety training courses for organizations across the country and developed a door barricade device.
In February 2018, a tragic school shooting occurred at Kopp’s alma mater. That hit close to home, he said, and it led him to speak on Capitol Hill to the Federal Commission on School Safety.
Lockdown International was doing well until the COVID-19 pandemic began, Kopp said. After the start of
“I want to make sure that our citizens and our internal staff understand what’s going on, the insides and outsides of the town. I want to make sure that our citizens can visually see what our town is doing for them.”
— Chris Kopp
the pandemic, fewer people wanted in-person training. Kopp and his family moved back to Florida, where he began working for the town as a code enforcement officer.
But the desire to continue training others was still in the front of his mind.
“Training was always my passion. I absolutely love training,” Kopp said.
This passion ultimately led to his decision to try the role at Manatee County. Now, as support services director, Kopp will be involved with the onboarding process for town employees and continue that passion.
Kopp said that even while he was absent from Longboat Key’s staff, he stayed connected to the community.
“Even when I left Longboat Key, I gave out my personal cellphone,” Kopp said. “I still stayed in touch with people and it had nothing to do with the work, it was good people. I made friends here, it wasn’t just a job.”
That connection included offering scam prevention courses at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church.
Public service has always been a big part of Kopp’s life, he said, and something he shares with his family. His wife is a teacher, and his sons are in public safety. On a day off, Kopp said he enjoys anything with his family, whether that’s trips to Disney or geocaching around the area.
Carter Weinhofer
Chris Kopp is the town’s new support services director.
GREEN beneath the surface
Two infrastructure projects require seagrass mitigation. If done properly, the planting will help boost Sarasota Bay’s fish habitat.
CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
One acre of seagrass can provide habitat for up to 40,000 fish, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and that same acre of seagrass can also offset the carbon emissions from one car’s annual travel by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Multiply that by 10, and that’s the estimated impact of 10 acres of seagrass, the acreage that Longboat Key may be required to mitigate as a part of two upcoming, necessary projects.
Longboat’s projects — canal dredging and subaqueous force main replacement — are in the town staff’s sights to get underway in fiscal year 2025. Specifically, the subaqueous force main is one that can’t wait any longer, and the town will need to take on debt to get the project underway.
Both of these projects, however, will require dredging the bottom of the recovering Sarasota Bay. Sarasota Bay’s water quality is the best it has been in nearly eight years, according to Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director Dave Tomasko.
Though the recent increase in seagrasses wasn’t caused by planting or mitigation projects, Tomasko said wastewater and stormwater projects are creating conditions good enough for seagrass mitigation projects to take root.
MARINE SANCTUARIES
Tomasko is eagerly waiting for the new seagrass maps from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The aerial photography was shot in 2024, but Tomasko said it will take until 2025 for the agency to interpret the images and deliver the official word.
Tomasko is hopeful. He expects
the report to validate his guess that hundreds of areas of seagrasses have ecovered in recent years.
Seagrasses are important marine ecosystems that support organisms like fish, urchins, sea turtles and manatees. Two of the most common Florida seagrass species — turtle grass and manatee grass — reflect seagrasses’ importance to these marine animals.
“This high level of production and biodiversity has led to the view that seagrass communities are the marine equivalent of tropical rainforests,” said an article from the FWC.
Seagrass can support numerous fish, and Tomasko said that could be juvenile game fish or smaller fish that become food for larger organisms and support the ecosystem at large.
Seagrass meadows are also important blue carbon sources, which means the organisms absorb carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere. Tomasko said some studies estimate an acre of seagrass can offset a typical car’s carbon dioxide emissions in a year.
This characteristic also helps offset the impacts of ocean acidification.
“Ocean acidification is not good. It is happening; we’re seeing evidence of it,” Tomasko said. “And seagrass meadows can offset that as well.”
Ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide reacts with water molecules to create carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the water. A lower pH means more acidic water, which spells trouble for coral reefs and juvenile filter feeders.
IDENTIFYING BIGGER PROBLEMS
With seagrasses proven to be important marine ecosystems, Tomasko said about $20 million has been allocated by the state for seagrass transplanting projects. While trans-
How seagrass helps ...
planting projects have value, Tomasko said planting projects shouldn’t become a red herring.
“My guess is we’re going to see hundreds of acres of seagrass come back when the (2025) maps come out, and we’re not planting any of it,” Tomasko said. “Reduce your pollutant loads, get your water quality to recover, and the seagrass comes back by itself.”
Seagrass growth corresponds directly with water quality, which also impacts available sunlight. Tomasko said seagrass can grow at deeper depths in places with crystal clear water, but the reality is that Sarasota Bay doesn’t have that — which is not to say water quality in Sarasota Bay is bad.
“We know how important that pipeline is, but we also know that it’s going to be a destructive activity that has to be mitigated. And if it’s done correctly, it could be a net positive for the bay.”
— Dave Tomasko, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
To improve water quality, money is better spent on wastewater and stormwater improvement projects, according to Tomasko. One of his SBEP Director’s Notes from June 5 stated that local governments have committed to $400 million in projects in the next five years and $950 million in the next 10 years.
An example is the Bobby Jones Golf Course project, which will convert half of the course to use a regional
stormwater retrofit project. This will retain stormwater flows in a treatment wetland for about two weeks to reduce nitrogen loads before flowing downstream.
Total nitrogen and dissolved inorganic nitrogen are two products of stormwater runoff that can affect seagrasses. Too much nitrogen can be problematic for seagrass growth and could promote the growth of algae, which blocks light, according to a 2000 study.
With water quality on the uptick and local governments committed to stormwater and wastewater projects, the underlying problems are on their way to being addressed. Tomasko said there’s a reason some seagrass isn’t growing in some areas: because these issues aren’t handled first.
ROOTS OF PROPER MITIGATION
Longboat Key needs a new subaqueous force main pipe. The pipe runs under Sarasota Bay, and the mainland portion of the pipe was the cause of a 2020 sewage leak. The mainland replacement was completed in 2023, but new construction estimates for the underwater portion are close to $30 million.
For this project, the town is required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to undertake eight acres of seagrass mitigation. That’s according to a memo from the Director of Public Works Isaac Brownman for a June 28 meeting.
No estimate of cost was given by the town department before publication.
Another upcoming project is the dredging of some Longboat canals to get the conditions back to baseline. The last time the canals were maintained was about 20 years ago, according to town staff. About $500,000 will be used in the upcoming fiscal year to get the project underway, but additional funding will be required the following year.
The canal dredging will require almost two acres of seagrass mitigation and early estimates price the mitigation at $3.8 million.
Mitigation can be costly, especially because the town’s role isn’t over after seagrass is planted. Jenna Phillips, with coastal engineering firm Cummins Cederberg, attended a June 17 commission meeting and said it’s easier to have one large mitigation area rather than small ones scattered all over the bay.
“Regardless of where you mitigate, you’re going to be required to maintain it in perpetuity. So that becomes really difficult when you start doing a little bit in a lot of different areas,” Phillips said.
Conditions for seagrass mitigation projects have to be near perfect, mainly regarding depth. Luckily, the town already has a permitted spot — an old pipe scar and an abandoned Intracoastal Waterway located off the coast of Joan M. Durante Park.
A seagrass mitigation project like this will first require sand to fill those dredged areas to a level where light can sufficiently penetrate the ocean surface.
“Any part of the bay that’s deeper than, say six feet, is going to have a little bit of a hard time supporting seagrass,” Tomasko said.
After sand fills in those areas to a depth where light can reach the bottom, a little bit of seagrass planting can go a long way.
“Take some of the seagrass that’s going to be pulled out and damaged and put it into the footprint of the pipeline that’s been raised to become a little shallower, and you may actually have a really good project,” Tomasko said.
Tomasko added that the SBEP already has a solid relationship with the town of Longboat Key, and the organization is ready to assist with these future projects. If all goes well, the improved wastewater pipe and seagrass mitigation projects could be another good project for bay health.
“We know how important that pipeline is, but we also know that it’s going to be a destructive activity that has to be mitigated,” Tomasko said. “And if it’s done correctly, it could be a net positive for the bay.”
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Commissioner kicks off turtle challenge
Gary Coffin ‘adopts a nest,’ sparking a challenge to other local officials to do the same.
CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
Sea turtle nesting season is in full swing on Longboat Key and across Florida, and District 1 Commissioner Gary Coffin said he wanted to do more for a cause that’s personal to him.
At the commission’s last meeting before the summer recess on June 28, Coffin told his fellow commissioners that he and his wife, Lynn, recently adopted a nest through the Longboat Key Turtle Watch. This put into motion the “Elected Officials Sea Turtle Nest Adoption Challenge,” something that LBKTW had never done before.
“What I wanted to do was to put the challenge out to all the commissioners statewide — and not just commissioners, but any elected officials — to help the local turtle patrol programs,” Coffin said.
Vice President of LBKTW Cyndi Seamon said when Coffin came to the organization with the idea, they worked together to form a plan. Town Clerk Trish Shinkle helped create a formal letter to be sent to neighboring jurisdictions to encourage other local officials.
The challenge calls on elected officials to take part in Coffin’s inaugural challenge by adopting a nest through local sea turtle patrol programs by donating $200. In the letter, Coffin said officials should take part in the initiative to promote environmental stewardship and community engagement. The letter also stated that officials who choose to take part should contact the Longboat Key’s Town Clerk office to be included on a press release, which will also be forwarded to the Florida League of Cities for its Quality Cities Magazine.
Coffin said the motivation behind
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his idea was to try to get the word out to as many other officials and members of the public as possible.
Sea turtle conservation is personal to him, Coffin said, having spent time volunteering at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. He also said that, while living on a barrier island, sea turtle nesting is a big part of the community.
Longboat Key Turtle Watch offers a couple of different ways for people to donate and get involved, including the “Sponsor a Nest” initiative.
For a minimum donation of $30, a donor’s name can be placed on the back of a stake at a turtle nesting site. The donor will also be informed of the location of the nest and sent a picture of the nest and stake. After it hatches, the donor will also receive an update on the success of the nest.
To “adopt” a nest, donors must contribute at least $125. For this, the donor will get their name on the back of a stake, be informed of the location, be given a picture of the nest and be notified of its success. Additionally, adopters will receive a video with a special thank you message from LBKTW. After the nest is excavated and the stakes are removed, the adopter will be given the named stake with a branded LBKTW logo and the year of the nest, as well as a LBKTW shirt.
For more info on Longboat Key Turtle Watch or the “Sponsor a Nest” program, visit LBKTurtleWatch.com.
Circular flow
Roundabout improves traffic flow from Longboat Key to Sarasota, according to FDOT data.
CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
According to data from the Florida Department of Transportation, the Gulfstream roundabout is helping traffic flow efficiently off Longboat Key.
The Gulfstream roundabout opened to traffic in late 2022 and was a part of a 2008-2010 Bayfront Connectivity Study. For Longboat Key residents, it’s a key connection from the island to Sarasota.
Neal Turner, an arterials engineer for the Florida Department of Transportation, compiled data to fulfill a request from Vice Mayor Mike Haycock.
In his role, Turner manages a group that oversees signal timings in FDOT’s District 1, observes and reports traffic trends and looks for ways to make roadways safer and more efficient, he said.
“We do what we can to make sure we’re reviewing it regularly and determining where there are inefficiencies and where we can make improvements,” Turner said.
The data and subsequent graphs reviewed travel times and volumes at peak hours during a day in spring break. Data from 2019 — pre-roundabout — was compared to data from 2024 and represented a route from Bay Isles Parkway to U.S. 41 at Gulfstream.
“We were pretty impressed by the data as well,” Turner said. “The focus was to find the peak of the peak.”
On March 20, 2024, travel time at peak hours — about 5 p.m. — was reduced by about 15 minutes.
To prove this wasn’t an outlier, Turner said he looked at the same data throughout that week in March,
which is typically a spring break week. He said the data showed a similar trend for every day of that week.
Traffic volume remains relatively static from 2019 to 2024, but is increased in some instances. Turner said this proves the effectiveness of the roundabout.
Data shows that the Gulfstream roundabout has been able to take on slightly higher volume than before with similar travel times, though some data points show a decreased travel time of a couple of minutes. During the peak of the peak, though — like the data shown here — there are cases of a large reduction in travel time.
“Depending on what the system is, a roundabout can allow for more vehicles to get through the roundabout faster,” Turner said. “Not speeding faster, but they can move more efficiently … Once that movement gets flowing in a roundabout, that movement can sort of take command of the roundabout.”
Being able to take on a higher volume and keep traffic flowing has to do with a continuous traffic flow.
“With a standard traffic signal, you’ve got a certain amount of delay baked in where you have all red or yellow time,” Turner said. “You lose out on some efficiencies … A roundabout can bring in a more efficient use of all that time, and it also slows people down as well.”
Another function of a roundabout is to naturally slow down traffic. This helps with pedestrian safety, along with the pedestrian hybrid beacons that are placed around the Gulfstream roundabout.
“We’ve seen a lot more pedestrian activity, which, to us, is great,” Turner said. “That’s one of the things you want to see is that you’ve made it so that pedestrians feel comfortable.”
Landscaping doesn’t improve the flow of traffic, but Turner said it makes a roundabout more visually appealing compared to a standard traffic signal.
“It is kind of an attractor,” Turner said. “It looks pretty nice compared to a traffic signal; it’s a lot cleaner.”
Though Turner said his department doesn’t typically deal with communications with the public, he said he has heard positive reviews about the roundabout.
Some factors are out of the control of the roundabout and may slow down traffic and cause frustration,
he said, like heavy pedestrian traffic at St. Armands Circle or drawbridge openings.
Overall, though, Turner said the data shows the Gulfstream roundabout is efficiently moving traffic better than a traffic signal was.
Environment
Working
Preserving
Filtering our water before it
Leading the way for:
into
• 100% renewable, zero emission energy sources by 2030 for municipal operations
• 100 % renewable, zero emission energy sources by 2045 for the entire city
Finding solutions for storm and climate change resiliency.
Making our Downtown more walkable while increasing transportation options such as the
electric scooters and bikes, and dedicated bike lanes.
File image
Traffic circulates around the new roundabout at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue on its first day of operation.
FDOT provided data that indicates the roundabout has helped decrease travel time coming from Longboat Key.
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FRIDAY, JULY 5 DOUBLE-BOOK DILEMMA
10:11 p.m., 600 block of Cedars Court Officer Public Service: This call originally was received as a burglary call, and the responding officer met with the complainant on scene. The complainant said he was sleeping when an unknown person entered the locked residence. He also heard furniture moving. When the bedroom doorknob began to turn, the man said he started shouting and heard the unknown person leave. As the officer was speaking to the complainant, another man approached the officer.
This individual said he and his family had just gotten off a 19-hour flight and arrived at the rental unit, for which they were given the code and key to the unit. After he heard the complainant screaming, he quickly left the rental unit and waited in the parking lot while trying to contact property management.
The complainant said he could not find his paperwork, but had checked in with the rental office to receive the keys for his stay, which was to end the following morning. Both parties were upset to realize that the rental unit possibly was double-booked, and the newcomer said he and his family would find a hotel for the night.
SUNDAY, JULY 7 SEA TURTLE ETIQUETTE
1:05 a.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
FRIDAY, JULY 5
CHIHUAHUA CHASE
9:03 p.m., 6300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Animal Problem: An officer responded to a report of an unleashed dog on the beach and, upon arrival, found a group of people with a Chihuahua on the beach. One of the men in the group told the officer that the dog had escaped from the rental property and they were trying to corral the dog. The owners eventually captured the Chihuahua and the owner was given a warning for the violation of having a dog on the beach.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10
MESSY MIX
12:17 p.m., 5300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Suspicious Vehicle: An officer on patrol noticed a vehicle parked in a business parking lot after hours. A quick observation proved the vehicle was unoccupied, but it was warm to the touch, and the officer saw a large quantity of fishing gear inside. Officers patrolled the nearby beach and found three men with white flashlights. As the officers approached and identified themselves, they saw the men switch the lights from white to red. The three then claimed to have known about the ordinances relating to light on the beach during turtle season. The officers advised the group about the lighting ordinances and beach hours, and the group was given citations for the lighting violations.
Civil Disturbance: Dispatch sent an officer to investigate a possible threat made to an employee at a store. The complainant met with the officer and said a man entered the store and started a verbal altercation, later telling the complainant he would throw him into the Gulf of Mexico. The man also got into a verbal dispute with another employee, but no physical contact occurred and the man in question was not present when the officer arrived. Upon further investigation, the officer discovered the man in question was the father of the store owner and that the store owner was having a relationship with the wife of one of the employees involved in the altercation. The employee and his wife were going through a divorce. Neither the store owner nor his father were around when the officer arrived, and the officer deduced the elements of an assault weren’t met.
The middle way
THREE BUILD ALTERNATIVES
n The lowest bridge option is a low-level bascule bridge that would be about 23 feet high and cost from $147 million to $158 million.
CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
Longboat Key town commission-
ers submitted a letter to the Florida Department of Transportation to formally recommend the community’s preference for a midlevel bascule Longboat Pass Bridge replacement.
A bascule bridge is a type of moveable bridge (i.e. a drawbridge) designed to handle heavy loads.
The discussion around Longboat Pass Bridge replacement alternatives heightened in March, after the FDOT’s public community input sessions where the three build alternatives — and a no-build option — were presented.
Since then, community members have come forward in opposition to the third option, a high-level fixed bridge with a clearance of 78 feet from the mean high water line.
Opposed community members include residents of the Northgate condominium complex because a new bridge would be built directly to the west of the existing one, thus creeping closer toward Northgate. The existing Longboat Pass Bridge is 95 feet away from Northgate, and all the original alternatives would be around 36.5 feet away.
In June, FDOT representatives returned to Longboat Key for a Town Commission workshop, where commissioners had the opportunity to ask questions, and the public once again had a chance to voice concerns.
Additionally, FDOT suggested several suggestions for trimming the width of the bridge to decrease the impact on the Northgate community.
By the end of FDOT’s presentation,
n The midlevel bascule bridge would be 36 feet high and have a price tag of $153 million to $165 million.
n The fixed-span alternative would be 78 feet high. All three alternatives would include a 90-foot-wide clearance for the channel compared to the existing 50-foot clearance.
commissioners seemed to be on the same page that the high-level fixed option was unfavorable, and they encouraged the FDOT representatives to look for those width reduction options.
The commission is now on summer recess, but, before the break, the commissioners gave input for Mayor Ken Schneier’s letter to the FDOT to officially voice their opinions to District 1 Secretary Lakshmikanth Nandam.
“We all understand that the current structure is beyond its useful life and needs to be replaced. The public meeting facilitated an informative session that allowed the Town Commission to come to a series of recommendations for your office to consider for this critical bridge replacement project for our community,” the letter stated.
The primary recommendation from the letter was to nix the fixedspan bridge, and Schneier said this option was wrong for several reasons, the first being the size.
Schneier stated the Longboat Pass Bridge appears to cover a shorter distance than the John Ringling Causeway but will be 13 feet higher.
The Longboat Pass Bridge project
distance is 0.15 miles — or about 792 feet — according to the FDOT project website. The John Ringling Causeway Bridge is 3,097 feet in length and has a 65-foot clearance at high tide.
“That slope will be a significant challenge to many of our residents and visitors to walk or bike,” Schneier said in the letter.
Schneier pointed out that the slope of a 78-foot-high bridge over a shorter span than the John Ringling Causeway would be challenging for many of Longboat’s residents, and possibly cause safety concerns for bicyclists.
“Finally, a 78-foot-high fixed span would be inconsistent with the character of Longboat Key,” the letter stated. “One of the area’s few remaining residential communities immune to high-rises and hotel houses, Longboat has always been connected to its neighbors to the north and south by modest drawbridges over relatively narrow passes.”
With that, Schneier said the commission’s recommendation was the 36-foot-high midlevel bascule bridge. This, he said, would require minimal bridge openings every day and maximize traffic flow.
Schneier also encouraged FDOT to move forward with the recommen-
dations to reduce the bridge width by about 10 feet and continue to look for additional ways to cut the width while maintaining safety.
This also plays into the importance of ensuring how the bridge ties in with Gulf of Mexico Drive and limits the impact on the north-end community. Schneier said that the tie-in spot must be as close to the existing landing as possible.
Overall, Schneier said the commission is in favor of a build option but wants to ensure the bridge continues to reflect the community’s character.
“A bridge that best reflects the communities it connects while keeping biker, pedestrian and driver safety top of mind are complementary ideas our citizens and this commission support,” the letter stated.
DISCUSSION WITH NEIGHBORS
The Longboat Pass Bridge was the only item of new business for the latest Manasota League of Cities meeting on July 11. The league brings together elected officials from local municipalities, including the city of Sarasota, the city of North Port, the city of Bradenton Beach, the city of Holmes Beach, the city of Palmetto and the city of Venice. Longboat Key Commissioner-At-
Large BJ Bishop, also Vice President of the Manasota League of Cities, brought up the bridge to inform the other members about the project and the town’s discussions about the recommendations.
Though she emphasized the Longboat Pass Bridge construction is at least a decade away, it’s important to have these conversations early.
“We have weighed in with further discussion here in Longboat because, while this bridge brings Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key together, on the south end of the bridge it literally is less than 60 feet from residential homes,” Bishop said.
Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce from Bradenton Beach said she heard of the alternatives presented by FDOT and was surprised.
“I was reading and looking over that report from FDOT, and I was just shaking my head the whole time,” Scaccianoce said. “Just ludacris, some of those recommendations, just the length of the bridge doesn’t even support some of that.”
The Project Development and Environment study for the Longboat Pass Bridge alternatives is expected to wrap up in winter 2025, when the department will seek approval of the location and design concept, according to the project website.
Can Buchanan be beaten?
Vern Buchanan is 12-0 in elections. But Eddie Speir, another little-known challenger, believes Buchanan’s RINO-ish voting record makes him vulnerable.
MATT WALSH
Here we are again. Every two years since 2006, former Michigan entrepreneur and Sarasota Ford dealer Vern Buchanan is running for Congress. So far, comparatively speaking, you could say Buchanan has had the proverbial cake walk each time, except for his first election. His record: 12-0 in primaries and general elections. With the exception of his 369vote margin of victory over Democrat Christine Jennings in his entry into politics in 2006, Buchanan’s margins of victory ever since have never been below 53%. In the three primaries he has had against other Republicans from 2008 on, he won more than 80% of the votes. In his 2022 primary, he won 86%; 62% in the general, his highest margins. What’s more, with money a leading determinant of whether a candidate has a chance, forget it. Challenging Buchanan is like trying to break into a bank vault. The federal election system is so rigged in favor of incumbents, it truly is a miracle when a challenger unseats an entrenched incumbent.
Buchanan, for one, is listed as the seventh wealthiest member of Congress with a net worth of $157 million. And federal election records show he has taken in $4.5 million in contributions over the past two years, and through March he had $1.7 million in cash in his campaign bank account. As we said, a vault.
And yet, Buchanan, 73, has a Republican challenger — a firsttime candidate from Bradenton who is giving it his all to unseat Buchanan in the Aug. 20 primary.
Meet Eddie Speir, 55, a former Colorado software entrepreneur who moved to Bradenton in 2010 for his three children to attend IMG Academy; who is the founder and owner of the private, grades 6-12 Inspiration Academy in West Bradenton; and who is campaigning passionately that Buchanan is part of the political Establishment that has gotten us where we are.
Speir’s slogan: “To take down a RINO, you’re gonna need a Speir.” It’s a longshot. A long longshot. START WITH THE MONEY If campaign money is the fuel to get a politician to D.C. and stay there, Speir has little chance to compete with Buchanan.
Take Spier’s campaign contributions. For 2023-24, through July 8, they totaled $1.1 million, with $522,000 coming from Speir himself as a personal loan. Records show 117 contributions made to his campaign, all individuals. Not a dime from a big political action committee. Contrast that with Buchanan. The past two years, he has received 732 contributions, with 61% (448) of them coming from mostly D.C.based PACs that read like a Who’s Who of Forbes 500 companies and industries. The biggest contributor: the Republican House PAC — WINRED, which funnels hundreds of millions of dollars to keep incumbents entrenched in their seats. WINRED alone has contrib-
uted $3.9 million to Buchanan. Meanwhile, Buchanan himself, according to the Federal Election Commission records, hasn’t contributed a dime to his own campaign. He doesn’t need to.
A longtime veteran of SarasotaManatee politics told us it probably would take $10 million for any challenger to have a chance.
But even then, if Buchanan became at all worried, he would just open the money tap and flood District 16 with the tried-andtrue media blitzes directed by Max Goodman, Buchanan’s campaign consultant from the start of his political career.
Goodman is regarded as one of the savviest political consultants in Florida, an expert at emotional advertising that makes his candidate look human and likable and advertising that makes the opponent look unfit for dog catcher.
The veteran political observer estimated to us Buchanan and Goodman likely have spent close to $25 million since 2006 on advertising — probably twice the amount opponents have wasted. Try as they might to sink Buchanan with negative advertising, it hasn’t worked.
Buchanan just keeps going, barely above the radar, plodding through congressional votes as a moderate, rarely if ever drawing attention.
Buchanan has been in office so long he is now the longest-serving Republican congressional member from Florida and serves in Washington as co-chair of the Florida congressional delegation.
Suffice it to say, even if Buchanan is almost never interviewed on Fox News or by other national conservative media outlets the way, say, Sen. Rick Scott is, or the way Ron DeSantis was when he was in Congress, and even if most Floridians outside of his district don’t know anything Buchanan has done or stands for, Buchanan still has remarkable name recognition. Especially in Manatee County. Manatee’s staunch Republicans, where they outnumber Democrats almost 2-1, have carried Buchanan to all of his victories.
On top of that, in the last congressional redistricting, the Legislature gave Buchanan the gift of one of the safest Republican congressional districts in Florida. Along with Manatee, Buchanan now represents southeast Hillsborough County, that county’s most conservative region. No longer does Buchanan have to tussle with a liberal Democrat from Sarasota.
SERIOUS VULNERABILITIES?
Despite these seemingly insurmountable advantages, Speir passionately believes Buchanan has serious vulnerabilities.
For one, wherever Speir campaigns, he raises the question with voters and Republican groups: How many of you have ever met Vern Buchanan or seen him in person? Particularly in Hillsborough
County, few hands go up.
This is a legitimate knock on the nine-term congressman — his low visibility in the district. As time has passed, Buchanan’s presence, especially among the hoi polloi at county fairs or other large public events, has waned.
At the start of a talk in June to the Riverview Republican Club, Speir said this of Buchanan: “If you’ve ever interacted with him, he doesn’t have a social personality. He’s not engaging. He’s not a good speechwriter. He doesn’t inspire confidence.” Buchanan is famous in Sarasota and Manatee for meeting people for the third or fourth time and appearing as if it’s the first.
SPEIR: ENGAGE AND CONNECT
Speir, in contrast, has been on a whirlwind mission since he filed to run for office in June 2023. It started with his team of family members and colleagues from Inspiration Academy walking door-to-door all over Manatee and southern Hillsborough to gather the 5,300 signatures needed to qualify.
“I didn’t want to pay $10,000 to get on the ballot,” Speir told his Riverview audience. “I wanted to actually engage and connect with people.”
Gathering the signatures did two things: It raised his name recognition from zero to something and began his journey toward one of his goals — creating for his candidacy the largest Republican grassroots movement in Manatee political history. In his speeches, he claims it is.
Speir and his volunteers also took their petitions to grocery stores, public parks, the Social Security office, Premier Sports Complex, a chili cook-off in Parrish and the Manatee County Fair. At every one of these, except the fair, authorities booted out the volunteers.
In spite of the resistance, it worked. Speir submitted 6,100 signatures and qualified.
Attending events and speaking to Republican groups has kept apace. Speir keeps his itinerary on his website (EddieSpeirfForCongress.com). In the next 10 days: a candidate fair in Sun City; Tiger Bay Club debate, Bradenton; Sun City golf cart parade; and candidate meet and greet at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
“It’s all about name recognition,”
BUCHANAN’S ELECTIONS
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Speir told us. And getting the message across.
THE RINO WHO KEEPS WINNING
Speir’s messaging is focused on what he perceives as Buchanan’s weaknesses and Speir’s America First and constitutional patriotism.
On Buchanan, Speir’s themes are that Buchanan’s voting record proves he is too much of a liberal, a RINO big spender; that he is part of the entrenched Washington establishment responsible for the state of the country; and in spite of
SPEIR TAKES ISSUE WITH BUCHANAN’S VOTES
■ HR 8035 — Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 — A vote to send additional foreign aid to Ukraine without any provisions for securing the Southern Border.
Buchanan: Yes.
Freedom Caucus: No.
■ HJ Resolution 46 (2019) — A vote to support Trump and build the border wall.
Buchanan: Yes.
Freedom Caucus: No.
■ HR 863 — Vote to impeach
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Buchanan: Yes.
Freedom Caucus: No.
■ HR 7888 — Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act
— An amendment to the FISA bill that would require warrants before intelligence agencies can spy on Americans.
Buchanan: Yes.
Freedom Caucus: No.
■ HR 4664 — Amendment 54 — To appropriate $300 million for a new FBI headquarters.
■ HR 9 — Climate Action Now Act — Required President Trump to take environmental; policy actions
previously committed to under the Paris Climate Agreement; blocked Trump from leaving Paris Climate Agreement. Also referred to as the “Green New Deal Act.”
Buchanan: Yes.
Freedom Caucus: No.
■ HR 391 — Global Health Security Act of 2021 — To have the United States participate and fund increased global health systems and establish a pandemic preparedness fund. (Conservatives opposed this for the potential loss of U.S. sovereignty to the WHO.)
Buchanan: Yes.
Freedom Caucus: No.
Source: EddieSpeirforCongress.com
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File photo
Vern Buchanan celebrates his reelection in 2020 with one of his grandsons.
Courtesy image Congressional candidate Eddie Speir
Conservative D.C.-based think tanks, taxpayer and business organizations produce annual rankings and ratings of all congressional members based on their votes. Here is how they score
Congressman Buchanan.
■ Council for Citizens Against Government Waste — 2022: 93% rating; “Taxpayer hero.”
■ Club for Growth — 2023 score: 84%; Lifetime score: 63%; Rank: 78
■ National Taxpayers Union — 2023: 62%
■ American Conservative Union
Buchanan’s longevity in Congress, that Buchanan’s influence there is de minimis
At the start of 2023, when Republicans took control of the House, Buchanan was the senior Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, the tax-writing and one of the most powerful committees in the House. His seniority put him in line to be chairman. What’s more, Buchanan had proven himself a loyal party man, raising $4 million in contributions for the 2022 elections; and, Florida had the secondlargest Republican delegation in Congress. A nice portfolio. But his Republican colleagues on the House Steering Committee passed over Buchanan. Missouri Congressman Jason Smith promised in his bid to the committee to be aggressive defunding an increase in IRS hiring. Buchanan pitched his business background and ability to work across the aisle.
Speir claims to his audiences: “(Buchanan) actually is not wellliked in D.C.” And then he punches more with: “The senior member (of the Florida delegation) should be making waves and doing things for Floridians. But, in fact, he’s not doing that at all.”
Speir harps on Buchanan’s voting record, with a tab on Speir’s website devoted it. It focuses on nine specific topics on which Buchanan voted on the opposite side of the Republicans’ conservative Freedom
— 2022 rating: 75; Lifetime rating: 72.85
■ The Freedom Index — 202324: 65%; Lifetime: 56%
■ Heritage Action for America/ Heritage Foundation — 118th Congress: 71%; Lifetime: 62%
■ National Federation of Independent Business — 118th Congress: 100%; recipient of NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award
■ Conservative Review/Liberty Score — F/57%
■ 2022-23-24 aggregate: 78.5%
■ Lifetime rating: 62.18%
Caucus (see box, Page 8).
Speir says Buchanan’s voting history puts him in a category of spending more money than each of four far-left, progressive members of “the Squad.” Speir directs viewers to the R Street Institute’s SpendingTracker.org site, which shows that Buchanan’s voting through seven sessions totals $5.5 trillion, ranking him average in Congress overall, but “high” in the Republican Party.
Speir documents votes on immigration, the Second Amendment, the Paris Climate agreement, spying on Americans; and the World Health Organization’s effort to subsume U.S. sovereignty in the next world health crisis.
These votes may be news to Republican voters, but they’re not really a surprise. Everyone who has voted for Buchanan since 2006 knows he is nowhere close to the conservatism of, say, Florida Congressmen Byron Donalds or Matt Gaetz or Reps. Jim Jordan or Marjorie Taylor Green. Everyone who has voted for Buchanan knows he toggles between RINO and moderate Republican. He once touted that he was the most bipartisan member of Congress.
In fact, when you look at Buchanan’s ratings among the conservative think tanks and taxpayer and business organizations in D.C., his scores reinforce what voters have long known — and tolerated
(see box). And that toleration explains Buchanan’s longevity and why no one has or is likely to unseat him. After almost losing in 2006 in his first election to Democrat Christine Jennings, Buchanan has always been careful not to go too far right. He has never done so much one way or the other — or, some say, not done much at all — to make voters say: “Vern must go.”
He clearly has learned how to play the political game, which, of course, is all about being reelected. When Gov. DeSantis made his attempt to be the presidential nominee, Buchanan didn’t jump in and pledge his support for the governor. He waited and watched, becoming the eighth — not first or second — Florida congressional member to back not DeSantis, but Donald Trump. Trump, in turn, has endorsed Buchanan once again. Even though Speir positions himself as the “America First,” “Drain the Swamp” candidate, Trump’s endorsement of Buchanan can be viewed as a concrete wall for Speir.
WHO IS JORDAN EDWARD SPEIR?
“This is a David and Goliath situation,” Speir told the Riverview Republicans. “I’m going against the Establishment. I could spend a lot of time on all of the lies and propaganda being used against me on the local level and at the state level that is trying to silence my voice … This is a Marxist war against America and our freedoms.”
Born in Seattle, Speir and his family moved to Colorado when he was 3. He grew up in Denver.
In 1987, he went to the University of Northern Colorado in the hot eastern plains of Greeley, where he competed as a 142-pound wrestler. He admits he wasn’t a model citizen then. “Drugs, fights, I was on a path of destruction” at age 20, he told us.
But he also tells of his conversion to an evangelical Christian. It occurred when he saw a shooting star three times while driving at 3 a.m. on Highway 1 in California on a trip to Seattle. “God got a hold of me,” he says.
After earning a business degree with an emphasis on computer information systems, Speir’s first job was as assistant director for IT
at his university. He did that for a year. Then, in 1993, Speir, 24, started his own company, 3t Systems in Denver, specializing in IT consulting for medical offices.
3t grew over the next decade, expanding into software development for the mortgage origination industry. After a merger in 2004, 3t became the largest IT consultancy in Colorado. At its peak, it reached more than $18 million a year in revenues and 285 employees.
After that merger, Speir spun off the software development operation into a new company, Mortgage Cadence. Its internet-based software became a hit in the post-2008 real estate crash, so much so that the international giant, Accenture plc, acquired 85% of Mortgage Cadence in 2010 and completed 100% of the acquisition in 2013. Purchase price: More than $150 million.
In 2010, with sale proceeds in hand and after Speir’s wife survived a plane crash in the Colorado Rockies (three days, two nights, with wind chill of 40 below zero), they decided to leave the cold of Colorado. They chose Bradenton and IMG.
Then came serendipity.
Speir met Robert Allen Jr., a New College of Florida trustee whose son was attending the tennis academy at Speir’s Inspiration Academy. Speir and Allen’s political philosophies clicked.
This also was the time Allen and Gov. DeSantis had ignited the effort to transform New College into becoming a public Hillsdale College replica. Allen lobbied the governor successfully to have Speir appointed as a New College trustee. It did not go well.
Speir was outspoken, challenged New College’s lawyer and strayed from the tactics and strategy of the new trustees and New College interim President Richard Corcoran. When it was time for the Senate to confirm the new trustees, Speir was the only one not confirmed.
It’s a long, messy story. But here is what it did for Speir: His rejection prompted him to think about running for public office. On the same day he contemplated that, he read the news story about Buchanan losing his bid to be chairman of the
Ways and Means Committee.
“I felt a quickening of my spirits and wanted to get involved,” Speir told us.
FREEDOM FIGHTER DNA
When we spoke about Speir’s chances to win with a Republican who has been in the trenches of Florida politics for 30 years, he said: “He’s delusional.”
Speir doesn’t see it that way at all. When you hear and see his passion and patriotism, it’s palpable and deserving of respect. You can feel he wants what is right to begin the turnaround that’s needed for the country.
“I love this country,” he says. “Freedom-loving people feel like there’s no hope.”
Speir’s platform is simple: Inflation (“You could cut 80% of the federal budget, but they just don’t have the will.”). Secure our borders.
(He visited the Texas border.)
“If we get government out of the way, and not look to the government to solve the problems that the government has created, and get back to true, limited-government conservatism, that will unlock and unleash the massive amount of intellectual capacity that we have.
“I learned this in business,” he tells the Riverview Republicans. “You’ve got to confront the brutal facts, and when you confront the brutal facts, never lose hope that you will be victorious in the end.
“It’s in our DNA. We are freedom fighters. All it takes is political courage and will.”
It is truly rare for a first-time, unknown candidate to slay an entrenched incumbent who has the name-recognition Buchanan has.
But, likewise, we have always been of a mind that serving in Congress should not be a career.
Former Congressman Dan Miller, R-Bradenton, did it right. He said 10 years and stuck to it.
If we had our way, we’d flush out every member of Congress, save for a handful. It’s not personal. It’s about freedom.
Which of the two — Buchanan or Speir — is the freedom fighter for you?
We recommend: Eddie Speir
Tax transfer
County eliminates business tax as a funding source for the EDC, shifts burden to the general fund.
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
Although Sarasota County commissioners on July 9 unanimously approved a revised funding plan in its new contract with the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County, division among the board over the issue of ending the organization-supporting business tax remained evident.
Minutes after passing an ordinance that provides a 50% match on the dollar of private donations to the EDC, commissioners voted 3-2 on a separate ordinance that repeals the tax, which had been in place since 1992.
As they did at their June 4 meeting, when the commission instructed staff to return with a new funding structure for the EDC, Ron Cutsinger and Mark Smith cast the dissenting votes to dump the business tax, which EDC officials told commissioners in June averaged just more than $14 per business per year.
Instead, resident Shari Thornton pointed out during the public hearing that money will now come from the general fund courtesy of all county taxpayers.
“As a taxpayer, knowing that the businesses supported paying this business tax for this service, it doesn’t seem quite right that it come back to the taxpayers to pick that up,” Thornton said. “As a taxpayer, I object to that.”
Director of Governmental Affairs
Rob Lewis reminded commissioners of that tax burden shift, which is capped at $500,000.
“To be clear, that money is going to come from general fund. The local business tax is not part of this
agreement,” Lewis said. “We will have general fund money that will contribute to that, and it will also continue to include the per capita.”
The per capita fee is the product of an interlocal agreement between the county and city governments as a funding source for the EDC. For the county, that amounts to $288,097 of the $464,223 total in per capita funding for next fiscal year. That will remain in place. Should the EDC reach its private fundraising goal of $575,000, the county will pay an additional $287,500 from the general fund.
The EDC’s total fiscal year 2025 budget is $1.82 million. Of that, the county will contribute $575,597, and potentially up to $788,097, including the capped amount of the match should the EDC raise $1 million or more.
Citing the commission’s affirmation of the max millage rate for next fiscal year at 3.30 mils earlier in the July 5 meeting — touted as the lowest rate in 37 years — Commissioner Neil Rainford praised his colleagues for what he called yet another taxcutting measure despite a unanimity of business owners, who at the June 4 meeting spoke in favor of taxing themselves.
“This is another opportunity to put tax dollars back in local busi -
“I’m not sure everyone was represented here when we had a few public comments, but certainly they’re hard at work, trying to run their businesses, and every dollar we can put back in their pocket is important to me.”
—
Neil Rainford, county commissioner
nesses,” Rainford said. “I’m not sure everyone was represented here when we had a few public comments, but certainly they’re hard at work, trying to run their businesses, and every dollar we can put back in their pocket is important to me.”
Cutsinger, a member of the EDC Board of Directors as the County Commission’s representative, in contrast to the June 4 discussion, did not speak to the matter. Smith, however, had some final words on the subject.
“When you have a group of businesses that are lobbying us to continue to tax them to support the EDC and then you decide not to do that as we’re cutting the millage rate, and so now we’re going to use general fund money to support the EDC — which is worthwhile — I just think this is not a wise idea, to be honest and polite,” Smith said.
His attempt at civility, though, was brief.
Town of Longboat Key per capita: $4,776
County private business investment match: $287,500*
Tourist Development Tax (film/creative): $125,000
Earned interest: $8,930
Total: $885,653
*Based on $575,000 private contributions, capped at $500,000.
He said of the multitude of business owners he has spoken with in casual settings he has yet to hear of one who was familiar with the EDC. And, with respect to the business tax, they’d prefer to use that money elsewhere.
“If they want to support it,” Neunder said, “they have a checkbook, and they have the address.”
“I can’t support the motion,” he added in the same breath. “Because I just think it’s, quite frankly, dumb.” Neunder, who had not planned to speak to his second of Rainford’s motion to approve abolishing the business tax, was compelled to respond.
Erin Silk is president and CEO of the Economic Develop Corp. of Sarasota County.
Named one of Forbes’ Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
The Cornerstone Capital Group At Morgan Stanley Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams, 2024
TRIBUTES
William “Bill”
Joseph Beckmeyer MD
Thomas Bardwell, CFP®
If you would like to learn more about our team please visit our website or: Join us at our office Mondays at 9:30am for an Outlook on the Market and latest thinking from the Morgan Stanley Global Investment Committee. Please RSVP to Amanda Lewis by calling 941-364-3549 or email Amanda.R.Lewis@morganstanley.com. 2
William “Bill” Joseph Beckmeyer MD, a beloved husband, father, grandfather passed away peacefully on July 3, 2024, at the age of 94.
Born May 20, 1930, to his parents William and Henrietta, Bill grew up in Fort Thomas, KY. He attended St. Xavier High School followed by Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. where he earned his undergraduate degree. He continued for an additional four years at Georgetown University School of Medicine. Upon graduating with honors, he interned at Detroit Receiving Hospital followed by serving in the Army for two years in the Medical Corps. It was in Detroit where Bill met his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth Anne “Betty” Beckmeyer (deceased), they married and returned to Fort Thomas, KY where Bill started his pediatric practice. He devoted his career to caring for children,
“His gentle demeanor, unwavering patience and genuine compassion made him a
earning the admiration and respect of so many parents and families for over fortyyears. His gentle demeanor, unwavering patience and genuine compassion made him a beacon of hope and comfort for countless families for 3-plus generations. His contributions to the medical field and commitment to helping others will forever be deeply valued by so many. Bill was a family man. He was a proud father to William Peter (Susan) Beckmeyer MD; Mark Christopher (Theresa) Beckmeyer and Anne Therese (Paul) McSwigan, and grandfather to Alexandra “Lexxie” Keel (Fletcher Keel); Sydney Beckmeyer; Nicholson “Nick” McSwigan; and Shea Harding (Sean Harding). He cherished every moment spent with his family, always putting their needs before his own. His wisdom, kindness and humility are what his children would say have made them the individuals they are today. Upon his retirement, Bill moved to Longboat Key, FL. LBK, as it is known to so many, was a place Bill and his wife Betty considered their second home. They had spent twenty-plus years vacationing there with their children and life-long friends. There was never any question where they would be spending their “golden years”. In retirement, Bill could be seen on the golf course, tennis courts, taking long walks with his beloved golden retrievers (Sammy and Francie), or sitting on his porch reading a good
“His wisdom, kindness and humility are what his children would say have made them the
book. More so, a faithful and devoted Catholic, you could find Bill attending Mass daily. After Betty’s death, Bill remained in LBK and married Marie Watts. For the last nine years, they have built a life together enjoying each other’s companionship and similar passions - tennis, golf, travel and much more. Bill’s spirit, love and legacy will continue to inspire his family and loved ones.
to Right: Rylan Lanham, Adrienne Lambers, Mike Osterman, Tom Bardwell,
Unwrap the joy of a Christmas in July special opportunities at two premier Sarasota communities
invites you to explore move-in ready and to-be-built homes with hundreds of personalization options. Jingle your way through the festive open house tour on July 20th and 21st, between 10 am and 6 pm, daily. With contemporary single-family homes in Sarasota East and active-adult designs in Lakewood Ranch, see why we’re celebrating year-round!
TRIBUTES
William Michael O’Neil III 1935-2024
William Michael O’Neil III, age 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday May 19, 2024 in Sarasota, Florida.
Bill was born in Akron, Ohio in 1935. He served his country as a member of the United States Army, stationed in Hawaii. Following his service, Bill earned a B.A. from the University of Miami and a law degree from the University of Akron.
“Bill was an avid reader and a devoted Christian. He was a kind and generous man and will be missed.”
Bill had a distinguished legal career in Florida, practicing in Miami and later in Tallahassee. He was also a member of the Texas Bar. In 1997 Bill retired to Longboat Key, Florida, where he enjoyed tennis and kayaking. He continued to serve the community by providing hundreds of hours of pro bono legal service through Legal Aid of Manasota.
Bill was an avid reader and a devoted Christian, having read all of C.S. Lewis’s works. He is survived by four children, numerous grandchildren, and several great grandchildren. He was a kind and generous man and will be missed.
Donald Edwin Swanson 1932-2024
Donald Edwin Swanson, 92, of Bristol, WI, formerly of Longboat Key, FL and Mount Prospect, IL, passed away peacefully in his home July 5, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Don was born in Chicago, IL to Edwin and Elsie Swanson of Crivitz, WI where he enjoyed many summers and family reunions.
Don was an accomplished pianist who went to Chicago Christian High School then attended Navy Pier College to study tool and die. He enlisted in the US Naval Reserves where he worked as a machine repairman. He was honorably discharged at the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer after 12 years of service. He had a long and successful career in tool and die at Portage Tool where he retired as General Manager. He became a “Snowbird” with his wife Bev splitting
their time between Longboat Key, FL and the lake house in Bristol, WI.
Don leaves behind his beloved wife, Beverly, “Hun 2”, of 67 years, sons, David (Mary) Swanson, Don (Sandra Kurdas) Swanson, daughter, Shari (Dal) Ferbert and grandchildren, Steve Swanson, Courtney Ferbert and Dalsen Ferbert. He is preceded in death by his father Edwin and Elsie Swanson, sister, Carol (Swanson) Olesen and infant brother, David Swanson.
SERVICE:
Visitation Wednesday, July 24th, 10:00 a.m. until Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 407 N. Main St, Mount Prospect, IL. Entombment Memory Gardens, Arlington Hts., IL
DONATIONS:
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your local Hospice in Don’s name. Funeral information call 847255-7800 or www.friedrichsfh. com
A WORLD of WONDER
Escape the heat and life’s cares at the Summer Circus Spectacular.
MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Imagine a world where doctors would treat depression and anxiety, not by writing a prescription for Wellbutrin, but with one for the orchestra, the ballet or the circus.
It’s not as far-fetched as it seems. Academics, such as Dacher Keltner at the University of CaliforniaBerkeley, have been studying the healing benefits of wonder.
Keltner has written a book called “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life” and was a consultant on Pixar’s “Inside Out.” In case you haven’t heard, “Inside Out 2” has been a surprise summer box-office smash and spotlights a character with the features of anxiety.
Sarasota’s arts institutions are no strangers to the power of wonder. The Ringling Museum recently jumped on the bandwagon with a conference of the same name. (Check out the cool “Wonder” merch in the museum gift shop.) Meanwhile, Sarasota’s nonprofit Circus Arts Conservatory held a concert named “Wonderball.”
Cool beans, huh? That’s what the comedy duo Cheech and Chong used to say back in the day, long before they were promoting cannabis gummies.
Some boomers aren’t ready to leave their wonder years behind. But marijuana isn’t legal in Florida, and tickets to the Dead & Company’s Las Vegas residency at the immersive entertainment venue the Sphere are pretty pricey ($150), especially when you add airline tickets, hotel and food.
Why not find wonder in your own backyard? The Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theater is just what the doctor ordered, especially if you’ve got restless kids around the house and temperatures are in the 90s.
Ready to escape the heat with a trip up north? You’re in luck. Sarasota’s Circus Arts Conservatory, presided over by the husband-and-wife team of Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs, is having a residency of its own, in the Massachusetts Berkshires. “SommerSaults in the Berkshires” will run July 19-28 at the Duffin Theater in Lenox, Massachusetts.
The CAC’s inaugural Berkshires residency builds on Sarasota’s heritage as the longtime home of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. With the exception of one act, Duo Alexander, the lineup in Lenox is the same as last year’s Summer Circus Spectacular in Sarasota. That show included third-generation circus artist Heidi Herriott as master of ceremonies, clowns Dick Monday and Slappy, crystal balance act Serge Sergeev and Aurika Annaeva, speed juggler Tersit Asefa Dersu and Garrett Allen on aerial rope. Locals may remember Dersu and Allen from their triumphant performances at March’s Cirque des Voix, the collaboration between the CAC and Key Chorale.
A SUMMER HOME IN THE BERKSHIRES FOR THE CAC?
Does this mean the performers currently on stage at The Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theater, or the HAT, could be heading to the Berkshires next summer? CAC Executive Vice President Jennifer Mitchell hinted at such a possibility in a statement.
“After several visits to the Berkshires, we felt there were significant similarities between our communi-
ties — especially the focus on arts and culture — and felt that a summer show would be a great way to jumpstart any potential continued presence there,” Mitchell said.
The Berkshires tickets cost a little more ($25-$30) than those of the Sarasota Summer Circus Spectacular ($15-$20). Both shows are in air-conditioned venues and run for an hour, which most children can sit through.
Helping to keep kids engaged from the get-go at the summer circus is the chance that Renaldo the clown could tap any one of them as assistants in his juggling, plate-spinning and magic routines.
At a recent show, about a dozen kids were recruited from the audience as well as an adult or two. (One man was so adept at throwing and catching objects with Renaldo, he seemed like a plant. But maybe he just played sports in high school.)
Don’t let the mention of clowns derail your trip to the Summer Circus Spectacular. Over the years, clowns have gotten a bad rap, and some parents are afraid they will frighten children. Rest assured, the CAC’s clowns are not scary. Co-founder Dolly Jacobs knows a little something about clowns, since her father was the legendary Ringling Bros. clown Ed Jacobs.
A CLOWN WITH CONTINENTAL FLAIR
Renaldo, whose real name is Al Calienes, speaks a weird patois that sounds like a mishmash of English, Spanish and Italian. Along with his zany, family-friendly antics, Calienes exudes a continental flair that fits right in with the European flavor that Reis, a native of South Africa, and Jacobs have given to CAC performances, both during season and in the summer.
In a telephone interview before leaving for the Berkshires, Reis reflected on the growth of the Summer Circus Spectacular, which started in the summer of 1998 at a place called the Wagon Room. “Those were our first ticketed performances,” Reis says.
The summer circus moved to The Ringling at the urging of former Art of Performance Curator Dwight Currie, Reis says, who was a circus fan. Then the summer residency at The Ringling was interrupted by renovations at the museum. The summer circus returned after they were complete.
In the early days of the Summer Circus Spectacular, Jacobs, a veteran of Ringling Bros. and Big Apple Circus, performed as an aerialist, Reis recalls. Jacobs has since retired from performing and is more likely to be wearing an evening gown in her appearances at the circus than a sparkly leotard.
Reis says he’s been pleased with the growth of the summer circus, which this year runs through Aug. 17.
“It’s become very popular. Kids are out of school, and we make it affordable for families in a beautiful airconditioned theater,” he says. “Each year is better than the year before.”
A PERFECT VENUE FOR AUDIENCES OF ALL AGES
The HAT is easy for those with wheelchairs and walkers to negotiate, and there’s room to store the devices on the first floor of the 530seat theater. Indeed, many multigenerational groups, with members ranging from roughly 8 years of age to 80, were in evidence at a recent performance of the circus.
There was plenty of wonder to be found on stage. Slack wire performer Antino Pansa got things started with his brand of derring-do after Renaldo warmed up the crowd.
The hypnotic performance of
SEE CIRCUS, PAGE 16
performance.
“Kids are out of school, and we make it affordable for families in a beautiful airconditioned theater. Each year is better than the year before.”
— Pedro Reis
The Bello Sisters demonstrate strength and grace in their Summer Circus Spectacular
Slack rope performer Antino Pansa defies gravity at the Summer Circus Spectacular, which runs through Aug. 17.
Images courtesy of David Shapiro
FROM PAGE 15
“hair hang” artist Camille Langlois, who performs acrobatics suspended from a rope attached to a bun on her head as a mesmerizing soundtrack plays in the background, entranced the crowd.
The haunting broken doll performance of contortionist Uranbileg Angarag was an edgy complement to Renaldo’s baby with a bottle and a Teddy bear act that it followed, but it was not too dark.
The Bello Sisters, an acrobatic trio, were the crowd pleasers of the afternoon (performances are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.), with their stunning teamwork showcasing both strength and grace.
Ringmaster Jared Walker did a masterful job of introducing the performers, engaging in hijinks with Renaldo and keeping the show moving.
If there’s a performance at the summer circus that doesn’t transport you, not to worry: It’ll be over in a few minutes. Each act is less than 10 minutes long.
MAKE A CIRCUS DAY OF IT WITH MUSEUM DISCOUNTS
If you’ve never studied gymnastics
or dance, you may not fully appreciate the training and talent on stage at the Summer Circus Spectacular. The performers make everything look deceptively easy. That’s the wonder of it all.
If you’re ready for more circus, you can take your ticket stub to The Ringling box office and learn about circus history at the Tibbals Learning Center and Circus Museum for just $5, a $25 savings on the admission price of $30. The circus center is not included in the museum’s free Monday admissions.
The Ringling recently added a new installation on the second floor of the Tibbals Learning Center called the “Greatest Show on Earth.” The multimedia exhibit is dedicated to the modern Ringling Bros. circus as it evolved under the ownership of Feld Entertainment, which acquired it in 1967.
There are no selfies or videos allowed during the summer circus, but audience members can pose for free with the cast in the lobby of The Ringling. When an audience member remarked how quickly the line was moving, a Ringling employee responded, “These people are pros, on and off stage.”
The Paisley Craze, a talented band playing all your favorite music from the 1960s, covering the incredibly wide range of styles of that historic decade.
Performers include Marty Bednar, Bob Dielman, Bob Lunergan, and Dave Mankes.
Monica Gagnier
A family poses with members of the Summer Circus Spectacular, including Ringmaster Jared Walker (left) and Renaldo the clown (right).
THIS WEEK
THURSDAY
PAT GODWIN
7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.
$26
Visit McCurdysComedy.com.
A veteran of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” “The Howard Stern Show” and “The Bob & Tom Show,” Pat Godwin effortlessly combines music and humor. Runs through July 21.
‘THE MUSIC OF LAUREL CANYON’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$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’
8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.
$29-$46
OUR PICK
NEWISH JEWISH PLAYS:
‘ORIGINAL TENANTS’
If it’s summer in Sarasota, it’s time for play readings. The Sarasota Jewish Theatre enters the derby with Newish Jewish Plays, a three-play series on three consecutive Mondays. The second selection is Carole Braverman’s “Original Tenants,” about a daughter whose memories are stirred when she visits her sick mother in Brooklyn.
IF YOU GO
When: 7 p.m. Monday, July 22
Where: The Players Centre, Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail
Tickets: $12 or $30 for three-play series Info: Visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org.
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.
‘RHINESTONE COWGIRLS’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave.
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Created by Nancy Allen Productions, this musical tribute 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 Aug. 4.
FRIDAY
DISNEY’S ‘THE LITTLE MERMAID JR.’ SHOW
7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $20 Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com.
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.” looks at the sacrifices we are willing to make to be loved and accepted. What makes these Disney Jr. shows perfect for children? The adaptations of beloved musicals are just one hour long.
CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘AMERICAN GRAFFITI’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $12 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
This classic movie of California cruising in the 1950s recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Directed by George Lucas (“Star Wars”), “American Graffiti” helped propel the careers of stars like Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Cindy Williams, Mackenzie Phillips and Harrison Ford. It also provided the inspiration for the long-running 1970s TV show “Happy Days.”
THE FUNKY BONZ
8 p.m. at Joyland, 8341 Lockwood Ridge Road 18-20, $26.13; 21 and older, $10.45 Visit JoylandSarasota.com.
The band will play soulful melodies from artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Bruno Mars and Dua Lipa in a performance that promises to be a musical tour of the decades.
SUNDAY
HD AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘II PURITANI’
1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $12-$20 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
In 2007, soprano Anna Netrebko wowed New York audiences in the role of the fragile Puritan maiden Elvira. Filled with exciting arias and ensembles, this bel canto treasure also stars Eric Cutler as Elvira’s love, Arthur, Franco Vassallo as her suitor, Riccardo, and John Relyea as her Uncle Giorgio.
DON’T MISS SCD IN-STUDIO: JESSICA OBIEDZINSKI
After a spinal injury left her exploring modes of healing beyond traditional medicine, Jessica Obiedzinski spent two weeks tapping into her subconscious at the Hermitage Artist Retreat. In this “sneak peek” performance, she reveals her discoveries.
IF YOU GO
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 20
Where: at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300
Tickets: $22
Info: Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance.org.
WEDNESDAY
JAZZ HAPPY HOUR
6 p.m. Geldbart Auditorium, Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free with registration Visit JazzHappyHour.org.
Sarasota Music Archive presents the Jazz All Stars with the program, “The Art of Jazz and Improvisation” featuring Jamie Tremps on vocals.
ZACHARY BARTHOLOMEW QUINTET
7 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court $14-$28 Visit WSLR.org.
Award-winning pianist, composer and educator Zachary Bartholomew will be accompanied by Marty Quinn on bass, Rodolfo Zuniga on drums and David Fernandez on saxophone. Bartholomew will also be joined by Emmy-nominated jazz trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III.
“Rhinestone Cowgirls” runs through Aug. 4 at the FST’s Goldstein Cabaret.
Courtesy Images
Love letters fly as bombs drop
FST’s ‘Dear Jack, Dear Louise’ is a funny tale punctuated by moments of sheer terror.
en Ludwig’s “Dear Jack, Dear Louise” is now playing at Florida Studio Theatre. Based on the playwright’s track record (“Lend Me a Tenor,” “Crazy for You” and “Moon Over Buffalo,” etc.), you expect clever comedy, engaging characters, snappy dialogue and high-concept situations.
This play meets all those expectations — with one surprise. For Ludwig, the material is very personal.
Jack and Louise aren’t fictional characters — they’re the playwright’s parents. Ludwig didn’t even change their names. This play recalls the courtship of the playwright’s parents. It was a long-distance courtship, delivered via air mail.
How did that happen?
The playwright’s father, Jack (Jordan Sobel) was an Army physician — taciturn, stoic and dutiful. Ludwig’s mother, Louise (Maggie Lou Rader), was an aspiring actress and dancer with Broadway dreams.
Ludwig’s grandfathers were both Jewish refugees who had fled the pogroms of Eastern Europe and come to America. They suggested their kids should write — and they did.
The couple’s correspondence began in 1942 but they didn’t actually meet until the war was over. Their love story unfolded in their revealing letters. Sadly, the playwright’s mother destroyed them. Happily, Ludwig reimagined them — and retells his parents’ love story in this play.
As the play opens, Jack is stationed at an Army base in Medford, Oregon. Louise writes from a boarding house in Brooklyn, New
York. In Jack’s letters, he vents his frustration with a commanding officer who won’t grant leave,and his revulsion at the futile horrors of war. (Jack’s seen it first-hand, treating an endless stream of wounded from the Pacific Theater.)
When she’s not trying to crack Jack’s emotional reserve, Louise writes breathlessly of her ups and downs trying to break into show biz. Her roommate stole the dream role she auditioned for in “Arsenic and Old Lace.” But “Hellzapoppin” has another dream role — and they’re auditioning right now!
The couple is geographically distant but emotionally connected. In Ludwig’s inventive staging, they share the same stage. (He’s on stage left and she’s on stage right.) The letters fly back and forth. They never physically meet, but words unite them.
Jack and Louise read their letters out loud — a continual calland-response. Their conversation theoretically spans continents. But that’s make-believe. In reality, two actors are talking to each other in the same room. It sounds like a normal conversation — with one key difference. The actors never interrupt each other.
The couple’s back-and-forth dialogue resembles the film technique of cross-cutting. It’s a snappy approach, but it could easily feel forced. Director Kristin Clippard smartly captures Ludwig’s rat-a-tat rhythms.
Louise (Rader) is a bouncy, bubbly chatterbox. She’s flamboyant and tries to accentuate the positive, though she can get boiling mad. Whatever’s on her mind goes straight into her letters. Rader’s character wears her heart on her sleeve.
Sobel’s Jack is a man of few words, but he’s got heart too. He’s
IF YOU GO
‘Dear Jack, Dear Louise’ When: Through Aug. 11. Where: FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. Tickets: $25-$42 Info: Visit FloridaStudio Theatre.org.
a patriot, but that doesn’t blind him to the brutal stupidity of war (or the stupid generals making bad decisions). They’ve both got plenty of chemistry. Rader and Sobel sell you on their growing attraction.
Moriah and Isabel Curley-Clay do a swell job creating the divided world on stage. On one side, Jack’s office is spare and spartan. On the other side, Louise’s apartment is stuffed with knickknacks, mementos and makeup.
Behind both spaces, letters in the backdrop seem to soar like birds in flight. It’s set design as characterization, and it works beautifully. Daniel Ciba’s period
Ringling,
costumes nicely turn back time. Louise is a 1940s rainbow; Jack’s in uniform. Kudos also to Nicholas Christensen’s sound design — especially in the scenes where Jack is under fire. (You get some idea of what “shell shock” means.)
While we’re on the subject, that’s another twist on the playwright’s expectations. This is a very funny play — but it’s punctuated by moments of sheer terror.
World War II is constantly raging in the background. By the end of the second act, it’s coming on strong like a Category 5 hurricane.
Jack winds up stationed in Europe — on the front lines treating the casualties of D Day and the Battle of the Bulge. And sometimes running for his life.
Pretty suspenseful. (Seeing as how Ken Ludwig was born, it’s a good bet his father survives.)
Knowing that, you’re still on the edge of your seat.
Ludwig’s epistolary play has a great premise. It’s a love letter to his parents — and the “greatest generation,” too. But that sweet notion is packed with nostalgic
baggage.
With a lesser playwright, that material could easily have been sentimental schlock. But Ludwig’s an honest scribe. His comedy is reality-based. As I said, the reality behind the playwright’s fiction is highly personal. Like Proust, Ludwig was trying to recapture lost time. Unlike Proust, the lost memories weren’t his own. His mother burned the love letters, and he had to imaginatively recreate them. Imagine what that means …
Most love affairs click from countless variables, including body language, appearance, physical chemistry and pheromones. What you say counts, but also how you say it. But with letters, words are all you have.
Before their love affair could begin, Jack and Louise had to imagine the person behind the words. It took powerful words to do that. And a powerful playwright to reimagine them. Ludwig did — and that’s his real accomplishment.
Ken Ludwig’s “Dear Jack, Dear Louise” runs through Aug. 11 at FST’s Gompertz Theatre.
Image courtesy of John Jones
YOUR NEIGHBORS
Age is just a ... joke
Longboat’s Cliff Hornsby, 84, lives his dream as a stand-up comedian.
PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER
It’s the late show at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre. Weekend shows are filled with a younger crowd, which is usually not the target audience for the guest comedian of the night.
Cliff Hornsby, 84, slowly walks up the stairs, holding onto the railing. Then he grabs his walker and finally makes it to center stage. Faces in the audience fall a bit. They don’t know what to expect from Hornsby. He’s not the typical comedian you see on stage.
“My name is Cliff Hornsby,” he starts. “Please do not make a Silver Alert call. I left a note on my bed at the nursing home saying that I would be home late.”
Audience members of all ages start laughing. Then Hornsby unzips the vest he is wearing. He throws it across the stage to reveal a T-shirt with his stage name written in big letters.
Welcome to the stage, perhaps Longboat’s most relatable comedian: “Gerry Atric.”
DREAM DELAYED
Longboat resident Hornsby has always met stress with laughter.
Originally from Atlanta, he has been making people laugh since childhood. His philosophy is that for every negative in life, a positive can always be found.
Now, he is finally accomplishing his dream of making people laugh for a living — and excelling at it.
Even with his gift to make people laugh, he didn’t think it was possible to make comedy his career until his 80s. Hornsby pursued many other
jobs throughout his life, including banking, developing houses and cemeteries, working in the Southern Gospel music industry and real estate.
“Now I’m a full-time comedian,” said Hornsby. “I wish I would have done it 40 years ago. I might have starved, but it would have been worth it.”
Hornsby moved to Longboat Key 38 years ago. In 2022, he and his wife were hosting family at their home. He couldn’t stop himself from cracking jokes and telling funny stories. His company laughed for 30 minutes straight.
After his first unofficial comedy set, his family members told him that he should consider going into stand-up.
This encouraged him to sign up for courses at McCurdy’s Humor Institute to pursue his dream.
His first classes ended with a showcase on the last day. This is when he became Cliff “The Geezer” Hornsby.
He said he was nervous for his first official set. But once he got his first laughs, nothing could stop him from continuing.
DOUBLE ACT Hornsby said his favorite part about doing comedy is the people he has met.
He was introduced to his mentor, Al Ernst, through a fellow comedian at McCurdy’s. Ernst has been a comedian for 35 years and has done shows all over the world.
Ernst’s mentorship has helped form Hornsby into the comedian that he is today. Ernst started by watching Hornsby’s shows and giving him pointers based on his own experiences.
Ernst emphasized the importance of on-stage presence and delivery.
He said you can have the best jokes ever, but if you don’t deliver properly, you won’t get the same reaction from the audience.
Hornsby retired the “Geezer” after he noticed that his main audience was older adults.
“I looked out into the audience, and I just saw a bunch of old people,” said Hornsby. This is where “Gerry Atric” was born.
With Ernst’s help, Hornsby perfected his “Gerry Atric” character and set based on his life experiences and relatable situations.
Ernst said it is now difficult to book a show without Hornsby because of how much people love him. Along with being mentor and mentee, the two have become close friends.
LAUGHS ON LONGBOAT
After two years of perfecting his sets, Hornsby has now performed all over Florida, as well as in Atlanta. He
“I sometimes walk here on stage and forget what I am doing. It’s like walking in a room and you don’t remember why you walked in there and then I find out it’s not even my kitchen. Well, I borrowed this from a football player. Since my name is Cliff. I have this wristband and these are my ‘Cliffs Notes’ so just in case I get lost, I can look at them.”
“If you’re wondering why I’m trying to do comedy at this age,
has won multiple audience-choice awards for his comedy sets.
With the help of Ernst, Hornsby wants to put his performances on streaming services to reach people outside Florida. The two have also been working on upgrading their social media presence.
Hornsby’s other goal is to have a show on Longboat Key. He wants to perform at the Town Center Green to bring stand-up comedy to the island and give the proceeds to a Longboat nonprofit.
“The thing about Cliff is that
I’m doing it so I can improve my social calendar, something besides doctor appointments.”
“My doctors suggested acupuncture for back pain. I did it, and it helped me. When I called the acupuncturist back for another appointment, he said, ‘Cliff, you can’t come back.’
I said ‘Why?’ He said, ‘Your blood is so old that you rusted all my needles.’”
he is always coming up with jokes throughout any conversation you are having with him,” said Ernst. “His superpower is that he has a super unique style of comedy. He made up this great character and learned to develop and deliver it so well that people just love him. He is the person that, at first, younger audiences or any audiences are quiet about, but later on, they decide this old guy is cool.”
“I wish I would have done it 40 years ago. I might have starved, but it would have been worth it.”
—
Petra Rivera Comedian and mentor Al Ernst and comedian Cliff Hornsby, aka “Gerry Atric”
Cliff Hornsby
CLIFF’S NOTES: HORNSBY’S FAVORITE JOKES
Partner for life
Local author honors late husband’s fights for justice in the world of aviation disaster law.
PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER
Lee Kreindler is a household name in law, and he’s often been called “the founder of air disaster law” thanks to his work representing victims and their families in many of the major aviation disasters of the 20th century. But in his fights for justice, few people realized he had an invisible partner — his wife, Ruth Kreindler. She was there for every aspect of his cases, whether that meant hosting for dinner people involved in a case or simply talking through research with him.
Twenty-one years after his death in 2003, Ruth, a Plymouth Harbor resident, has self-published “The Fight For Justice,” a book about her husband’s most challenging case and the deadliest terrorist attack on American civilians before 9/11 — Pan Am Flight 103. She hopes it will help readers understand Lee’s passion and impact on aviation today.
FATHER OF AIR DISASTER LAW
In 1950, near the start of his legal career, Lee started a firm in New York with his father, Kreindler & Kreindler.
In November 1952, a woman told the firm that she had survived the crash of National Airlines Flight 101 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. When her husband found out about the plane crash, he had a heart attack and died. The woman had asked three other law firms to help her sue the airline. All three had turned her away because they were only interested in auto accidents. Before his father dismissed the woman, Lee began researching to see if he could find an angle to help her. Lee learned as much as he could about planes to see if he could figure out why the plane crashed. He started his research by working at a propeller shop for 10 days. He then spent the next six months interviewing the surviving passengers and consulting with experts. After discovering that the crew didn’t check the oil level before takeoff, Lee filed a lawsuit against National Airlines and won a settlement for a payout to families of over $1 million.
Afterward, Lee was approached to help many more plane crash survivors or victims’ families. He wrote several books on air disaster law that are used in law schools today.
PARTNER ON THE JOB
Lee met his wife, Ruth, at a debutante ball in 1952. He saw her dancing and was immediately smitten. He called her the next day to ask her on a date.
When they met, Ruth told him she had thought she was meeting someone completely different.
“(Lee) brought justice for these people through his integrity and the hard facts. While doing that, he made airplane flying more safe.”
— Ruth Kreindler
They laughed about the mix-up and decided to continue on the date anyway. The couple got married that same year in September.
In her day job, Ruth was an interior and architectural designer. But when she came home to her husband, she was Lee’s partner in his cases.
Every night, he would share everything that happened at the law firm and in court. Their “pillow talk” tradition, as Ruth called it, was the start of her assistance in his cases.
THE BOOK’S CASE
The Pan Am Flight 103 bombing took place Dec. 21, 1988, over Lockerbie, Scotland. A terrorist bomb exploded in the cargo hold of the passenger plane, killing all 259 people on board, 35 of whom were Syracuse University students. Eleven more people on the ground were killed.
Lee and Ruth were about to leave for a vacation to Longboat Key when they heard the news. Lee’s name was given to one of the families of the col-
WORSHIP directory
PAN AM FLIGHT 103
On Dec. 21, 1988, terrorists bombed Pan American World Airways Flight 103, a Boeing 747, over Lockerbie, Scotland, while it was en route from London to New York. The 259 people killed on board and 11 people killed on the ground were from 21 countries. It’s considered to be the most significant air disaster case of the 20th century.
Kreindler & Kreindler began first with a case against Pan Am in 1991. Pan Am was eventually found liable due to misconduct, resulting in a total payout of over $500 million to victims’ families.
In 1996, the firm filed suit against Libya on behalf of 117 families of the victims. The final three-phase settlement was reached in 2003. Libya agreed to pay $2.7 billion to the victims’ families. It marked “the first occasion that a foreign state has appeared in a U.S. court, accepted responsibility and paid damages for a terrorist act,” according to a Kreindler & Kreindler case summary.
lege students. His colleagues knew he was the right one for the case.
After they arrived in Florida, Lee’s relaxation was cut short. NBC News flew to the island by helicopter the second day he was there to get his opinion. Ruth recalled being furious this was happening during their vacation. This kicked off the start of a case that would consume the Kreindlers’ lives for the next 15 years.
Ruth said the case was present in almost every conversation. Before bed, Lee would lay drawings of jet engines on the floor to help him think through different parts of the
case. Ruth was there next to him with markers, listening and talking things through with him.
At one point, they were attending a dinner with multiple teams from the case. So Lee and Ruth tag-teamed the dinner. Lee talked with one of the teams while Ruth entertained the others.
Lee spent the next roughly 15 years traveling, researching and discussing the case. Ruth was with him every step of the way, taking notes and sharing her opinion.
HONORING HIS MEMORY
Lee died in February 2003 before the final settlement from Libya. Ruth said she could barely get out of bed immediately afterward. While she was still grieving, she found a manuscript that Lee wrote before dying. It was supposed to be a book about Pan American World Airways Flight 103.
Ruth tried to read it, but she was overwhelmed with grief. Lee’s writing inspired her to write her own book on her late husband, though. She wanted to honor his memory by showing his dedication to the case and the affected families.
She partnered with local writer Chris Angermann because she found it hard to write by herself without getting emotional. She and Angermann began the writing journey two years ago.
While Ruth recalled her memories with the aid of her notes from Lee’s cases, Angermann recorded her and took his own notes.
They released “The Fight For Justice” in July.
“Lee was the most exciting man I ever met,” said Ruth. “He brought justice for these people through his integrity and the hard facts. While doing that, he made airplane flying more safe.”
Ruth hopes readers will see Lee the way she did, as a David fighting Goliaths to amplify victims’ voices.
Petra Rivera
Ruth Kreindler
Courtesy image
Lee Kreindler
Conservation cultivation
Garden Club provides scholarships for 16 students to attend summer camp.
The Longboat Key Garden Club sent
Sixteen children who live on Longboat Key or whose parents work on the island got fully funded scholarships for weeklong camps at Mote thanks to members specifically donating to the summer camp fund.
Garden Club President Melanie Dale said it’s one of the best ways to support the club’s mission of encouraging an interest in environmental concerns from a young age.
“We adopted a new motto this year: The community is our garden,” said Dale. “This has nothing to do with whether or not financially they can take care of it. It’s just our way of giving back and saying thank you to the people that are on Longboat and for all the support and donations
that they give the Garden Club year after year and season after season.”
The only requirements for this scholarship are that the children have to be between the ages of 5 and 12 and they have to live on Longboat or be children of people who work on Longboat. This year, children of Longboat Key first responders and Publix employees were sent to the camps in June.
Dale hopes she will continue to get more Longboat children to sign up for the scholarship next year. There is no limit on how many children can sign up. The Garden Club does not reject any applications.
This is one of five scholarships the Garden Club sponsors. The club also offers scholarships for children to attend Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ camps, the Gulf Coast Conservancy Youth Education Nature Program and Mote’s one-day camps.
“We had people this year writing checks specifically for summer camps because of the amazing impact they have,” said Dale. “We just want this to be an opportunity to spark an interest in these kids for ecology and taking care of our planet. So, we love to see when kids come back through us and apply for the scholarships every year.”
Anja Sandstrom attends a Mote summer camp thanks to the Garden Club.
YOUR CALENDAR
Franklin, Tina Turner, Etta James, Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye, The Righteous Brothers, The Temptations and many more. The combination of Motown and soul will create an experience you won’t want to miss. Call 383-4606.
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 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.
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, 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.
BEST BET
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24
LECTURE BY DR. ASHBY
1:30-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Dr. Coeurlida Ashby will be leading a free interactive discussion on how to calculate your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Bring your most recent cholesterol and blood pressure readings. This will also be available via Zoom. Call 383-6493.
MAHJONG
From 1-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Fun time for experienced players. To check availability at the tables, email Amy@ TheParadiseCenter.org.
ROTARY CLUB
Meets at 5 p.m. on first and third Tuesdays in All Angels Parish Hall, 563 Bay Isles Road. To learn more, call Nancy Rozance at 203-6054066 or email Info@LongboatKeyRotary.org.
WEDNESDAYS
BEGINNER TAI CHI
From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 3836493.
MARIACHI MUSIC
From 5:30-8:30 p.m. at La Villa Mexican Grill, 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enjoy dinner and a serenade by Mariachi Contemporaneo. Call 383-8033.
THURSDAYS
ZUMBA & TONING
9:45-10:30 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.
Courtesy image Dr. Coeurlida Ashby
Farewell, Longboat
If you ask anyone at Longboat Harbour Condominiums who is an island icon, the answer would be Larry Bateman.
After 25 years of residency on Longboat Key, Bateman is moving back to Chicago to be closer to family. Longboat residents threw Bateman a goodbye party to commemorate his involvement on the Key.
Bateman is a former commodore of the Longboat Harbour Yacht Club, an avid kayaker and the toughest man in the gym, according to friends. Around 30 Longboat Harbour residents came to Chubby’s Lounge to celebrate Bateman on July 11.
Bateman and other men from the condominium have been coming to Chubby’s for happy hour every week for three years. Bateman, Sparky Pashkow and Turk McCardle started the weekly happy hour to help their friend through the grief of losing his wife.
The happy hour became a weekly tradition as more men joined. These weekly hangouts grew a brotherly bond between the men of Longboat Harbour. The three friends have matching Chubby’s shirts to show their dedication to the bar.
“I really didn’t expect this many people to be here,” said Bateman as he walked in the back door of Chubby’s.
Pashkow and his wife, Karen, organized the party. People had drinks and pizza from Ventura’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar while reminiscing about their good times with Bateman.
“Larry is one of the nicest guys I have ever met,” said resident Christina Filkins. “He would do anything for anybody. It is going to be a big change not having him around.”
— PETRA RIVERA
Photos by Petra Rivera
Christina Filkins signs Larry Bateman’s goodbye card.
Larry Bateman and Georgianna Vicari
Larry Bateman and Sparky Pashkow
Karen Pashkow, Drew and Larry Bateman
Bird Key home tops sales at $5.7 million
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome on Bird Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. William and Patricia Geyer, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 443 E. Royal Flamingo Drive to Bill and April Ann McEntee, of Saddle River, New Jersey, for $5.7 million. Built in 1977, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,426 square feet of living area. It sold for $3,045,000 in 2006.
BIRD KEY
David and Susan Cohen, of Sarasota, sold their home at 486 E. Royal Flamingo Drive to George Poulos and Holleh Poulos, trustees, of Sarasota, for $2.8 million. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,825 square feet of living area.
LONGBOAT KEY
Nicholas and Jennifer Lambert and JNL Holdings LLC sold the home at 830 Tarawitt Drive to Michael and Susanne Leonardson, of Wilmette, Illinois, for $2.7 million. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,447 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,724,900 in 2023.
Ronald and Stephanie Ann Simon, of Brandon, sold their home at 690 Jungle Queen Way to Robert Michael Coco and Josephine Coco, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,325,000. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,317 square feet of living area. It sold for $610,000 in 2021.
ST. ARMANDS TOWERS NORTH
Marc Hayman, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 91 condominium at 1 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Thomas Patrick Kirwan, of Sarasota, for $1.4 million. Built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,389 square feet of living area. It sold for $235,000 in 1994.
SLEEPY LAGOON PARK
Margaret and James Theiss, trustees, of Cincinnati, Ohio, sold the home at 548 Lyons Lane to Michael and Caroline Galati, of Tampa, for $1,135,000. Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,560 square feet of living area. It sold for $975,000 in 2022.
WHITNEY BEACH
William and Patricia Connor, of Livingston Manor, New York, sold their Unit 110 condominium at 6700 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Gordon MacRae and Anne Clark, of Medford, Massachusetts, for $699,500. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,025 square feet of living area. It sold for $315,000 in 2017.
INN ON THE BEACH Binford Property Group LLC sold the Unit 6105 condominium at 225 Sands Point Road to Ana and Stewart Nelson, of Longboat Key, for $595,000. Built in 1983, it has one bedroom, one bath and 642 square feet of living area. It sold for $270,000 in 2018.
WINDWARD BAY
Jeffrey Lane Harrington, of Oxford, Mississippi, sold his Unit 6-V11 condominium at 4770 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Glenn Davis and Linda Davis, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $450,000. Built in 1974, it has one bedroom, one bath and 812 square feet of living area. It sold for $505,000 in 2023.
TOP BUILDING PERMITS
Key
Courtesy images by Bruce Myer
David and Susan Cohen, of Sarasota, sold their home at 486 E. Royal Flamingo Drive to George Poulos and Holleh Poulos, trustees, of Sarasota, for $2.8 million.
Tracey StetlerSteven Moore Patrick DiPintoRene DiPintoNicholle 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.
NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH
TIDES
SUNRISE /
MOON PHASES
UH, RIGHT by Sam Koperwas, edited by Jeff Chen
Luis Campos
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