Longboat Observer 8.8.24

LONGBOAT

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

Olympian fitness

PAGE 15

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

VOLUME 46, NO. 51

YOUR TOWN

From the water to Mote’s lab Behind the scenes with the team that rescues and researches local marine life. SEE PAGE 10

Courtesy image

Rehab and release

Save Our Seabirds recently released an osprey at Bayfront Park, marking a success story made possible by a collaborative network.

In June, SOS received a call about an injured osprey that was near the main road by the New Pass Bridge. The osprey was unable to fly, and the Longboat Key Police Department arrived on scene to help keep the osprey off the road and out of harm’s way until SOS arrived.

SOS volunteer rescuers Ray and Heather Sellers arrived to meet with the caller and the responding officer. The team was able to rescue the bird and transport it to the SOS facility to be evaluated and rehabilitated.

The osprey spent a month at SOS receiving rehabilitative care, and then was cleared to be released back in the wild.

Debby downer Courtesy image

Debby Debile

Have a seat

The Paradise Center continues to keep Longboaters in their seats with new classes.

Program Manager Debby Debile started teaching chair yoga at the center in August.

Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga practiced while sitting on a chair or using a chair for support. It offers the option of mobility and stability to be accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels.

The class focuses on flexibility, stress relief and improving overall wellness. Debile said she wanted to offer this class to encourage more movement in people’s lives who thought they couldn’t do exercise classes because of health issues.

Chair yoga at the Center is from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. every Wednesday. It is free for members and $15 for nonmembers. Call 383-6493 or visit TheParadiseCenter.org for any questions.

Turtle tracks LONGBOAT July 28-Aug. 3 2024 Nests 4 False crawls 8

Storm saturates region with more rain and flooding than expected.

SEE PAGE 5 Jim DeLa

A truck plows through standing water on Benjamin Franklin Drive on Lido Key on Monday, Aug. 5. Hurricane Debby dumped as much as 16 inches of rain in some parts of Sarasota County.

A+E

Courtesy image

Rendering of the planned Bird Key Yacht Club building.

2023 5 5

Totals since April 21 2024 2023 Nests 1,255 992 False crawls 1,830 1,292 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

Future-proof architecture Bird Key Yacht Club will replace its clubhouse with a new $20 million hurricane-resilient building. PAGE 3

This way to artwork PAGE 11

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

New committee for Commissioner Bishop This will be Bishop’s first year on the Resolutions Committee, which sets the FLC’s legislative priorities.

Transparent town tech

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat Key CommissionerAt-Large BJ Bishop was recently appointed to serve the Florida League of Cities’ Resolutions Committee, which is tasked with setting the league’s legislative priorities.

The FLC is an organization that acts as a unified voice for local municipalities across the state, according to its website. Local municipal officials from more than 400 cities work with the league in various committees tasked with sharing ideas and sometimes attempting to advocate for or against legislation.

The Resolutions Committee appointment is a new one for Bishop, though she has been an active member of the FLC for years prior.

Bishop has been on the Longboat Key Town Commission for a little more than four years and was on the Planning and Zoning Board for 15 years before that. During her time as a town commissioner, Bishop has served on several of the FLC’s legislative policy committees.

Aside from the new appointment, Bishop is a part of three policy committees this year: Utilities, Natural Resources and Public Works; Public Policy Administration; and Federal Action Strike Team.

Bishop said that FLC President Greg Ross asked her to come on board the committee this year. The committee comprises roughly 30 members.

The town’s new digital budget book breaks down info into easy-to-read charts, like this one on population.

Courtesy image

The Resolutions Committee is one of the league’s overarching committees that prioritizes the league’s resolutions for the upcoming legislative year. Bishop said the separate policy committees will all recommend specific legislation to prioritize and submit those recommendations to the Resolutions Committee to select the most important.

Bishop will head to Hollywood for the first meeting of this committee on Aug. 15. The committee will reconvene in October.

Though it’s still early in the process, Bishop said she thinks issues of home rule, short-term rentals and land-use interference will be prominent.

“There are so many issues that keep coming back year after year,” Bishop said. “Home rule issues are always huge.”

Bishop has also historically been an advocate for home rule, which is the ability of a local municipality to address local issues with minimal state interference. For advocacy efforts in the past legislative session, Bishop was awarded a Home Rule Hero award from the FLC, along with Mayor Ken Schneier and District 2 Commissioner Penny Gold.

Commissioner-At-Large BJ Bishop and Scott Dudley with the Florida League of Cities Advocacy Committee.

The Digital Budget Book allows citizens to see more details about the town’s budget, departments and demographics.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

I

nterested in diving further into the town’s fiscal year budget?

The town of Longboat Key recently launched its first Digital Budget Book through a platform called ClearGov. According to the town’s website, staff with the Finance Department were working for a year on the digital tool for citizens.

This digital budget “provides a comprehensive, transparent and easy-to-understand overview of the Town’s finances,” according to a public notice from the town.

A general overview at the start of the digital budget gives citizens insights into the town’s history and current demographics. Some data here includes things like the daytime population of about 9,051, which represents the number of people coming to or leaving the island for work, entertainment, shopping or other activities during a workday.

It also shows an estimate of the population by age group, which is mainly in the range of 65 to 84 years old.

In the digital budget, citizens can see specifics about the overall budget, fund summaries, debt, capital improvements and a detailed overview of each department.

Included in these breakdowns are charts and graphs for fiscal year 2025.

In FY2025, the town is expecting $23.12 million in revenue for the general fund, which is a 9.4% increase from the previous year, according to the digital budget. General fund expenditures are expected to be around $24.63 million, a decrease of 4.2% from last year.

Graphs present the budget in new formats, like the “Total Funding Requested by Department,” which divides the total $79 million requested to the different departments and town areas. This number includes carryover from the previous fiscal year.

Department breakdowns include some specifics of what each department does, department objectives, an organizational flow chart as well as expenditure summaries from FY2020 to FY2025. The expenditure summaries also divide the expenditures by operating expenditures, personnel services and grants and aids.

To explore the Digital Budget Book for FY2025, visit the town’s website then go to “Town Government,” “Departments,” “Finance” and click “Annual Budgets” to find the FY2025 information at the top of the page.

427503-1

2

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

Storied past, future-focused

3

Rendering of the planned new Bird Key Yacht Club building.

Bird Key Yacht Club’s new building will be hurricane-resilient and compliant with federal regulations.

CARTER WEINHOFER

Courtesy images

STAFF WRITER

B

efore Bird Key had a yacht club, it had a castle.

New Edzell Castle was built

in 1914 on the site that now hosts the Bird Key Yacht Club, which opened its doors to its first members in 1960.

Now the club’s leadership is eyeing another transformation.

New Edzell Castle, which would later become Bird Key Yacht Club.

An ae

rial vie w of B

ird Ke y

Club leaders have renderings in hand for a state-of-the-art new club building, which will be hurricaneresilient and compliant with federal regulations. The rebuild will also offer the opportunity to evolve with its membership demographic.

“It’s kind of honoring the footprint that we’ve had for the last 65 years, but, again, just modernizing it and really capturing all the different aspects of what our new membership wants,” BKYC General Manager Tammy Hackney said.

ool in lub’s p

the c lize by ia c o s s Guest

STORIED PAST

The current leadership of BKYC — Commodore Michael Landis, Vice Commodore Tony Britt and Hackney — is well aware that the island’s history played a big part in shaping the yacht club for the past 60 years.

“The history, I think, kind of grounds us and gives us a sense as this little club in this little location that has really been intertwined with Sarasota history for a long time,” Britt said.

The five-acre plot of land that is now BKYC began its story in 1905.

Back then, Bird Key was a 12.8-acre island. After Davie Worcester from Ohio visited the island in 1905 and fell in love with it, her husband, Thomas Worcester, purchased the island, according to “Gulf Coast Chronicles” by Jeff LaHurd.

In 1906, the island fetched $2 an acre. Thomas Worcester purchased the whole island of Bird Key for about $25.

The couple then began dredging the island to expand it while also raising it about three feet. Still, the island was only accessible by boat at the time.

A few years later, in 1911, the Worcesters began building what would become New Edzell Castle, but Davie Worcester died in 1912, two years prior to the castle’s completion, according to LaHurd’s “Gulf Coast Chronicles.”

The home took about three years to build and cost around $100,000.

According to Sarasota History Alive, the home was one of the grandest in Sarasota with electric lighting and gas — rarities in the 1920s.

In the early 1920s, John Ringling purchased the whole island, and three years later constructed the first bridge to connect Bird Key to the mainland.

The island was sold again in 1959, this time to Arthur Vining Davis and the Arvida Corp., according to “The Rise of Sarasota: Ken Thompson and the Rebirth of Paradise” by Jeff LaHurd.

Arvida’s intention was to expand the island to 511 lots — 291 of which would be on the water, plus a yacht club. Lot prices at the time were estimated between $9,000 and $32,000.

Arvida’s plan also included extensive dredging to increase the island by about 10 times its original size, according to Sarasota History Alive.

Arvida also had a plan for New Edzell Castle, which was situated on the island’s premier spot.

View fr Bay. om New Edze Sara l sota oppo l Castle o verlo site. okin

g the

The castle was transformed into BKYC, which opened in the 1960s.

At the time of its grand opening, BKYC was 6,850 square feet with a marina for 40 boats.

BKYC also was one of the 13 founding members of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs, which now has 36 affiliated clubs across the state.

Aside from a few renovations, the structure has remained, but will soon be transformed again.

FUTURE FOCUS

Around the neighborhood, construction crews are just one sign that tells newcomers that the aesthetics of the island are entering a new phase. Homes on the island are modernizing, bringing new looks.

But aside from keeping up with modern looks, a club reconstruction is also about necessity.

In 2021, club leadership realized the building was in desperate need of renovations.

The building was also in need of new windows and new structural materials that can withstand hurricanes. After Hurricanes Irma, Ian and, more recently, Idalia, insurance became a problem not just for BKYC but for many Floridians.

According to Landis, the club realized in 2021 that even if renovations were made, it couldn’t meet the floodplain requirements to get adequate insurance coverage without a total reconstruction. Renovations didn’t change the fact that the building was built below the current floodplain laid out by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The plans were a part of the club’s 2021 master plan, but there wasn’t enough support from members to go

through with it at the time.

This time, leaders spread the word throughout the club, shared renderings and got people excited about what the future of the club could be.

They gained support from over 92% of the members.

About $15 million of the total $20 million necessary for the project was funded by the club’s members. The membership, which is capped at about 375, is like a tight-knit family. Britt said the club is sometimes referred to as the “Cheers” of Bird Key — the island’s local hangout.

The club is working with local firm DSDG to create a building that Principal Architect Mark Sultana called “coastal contemporary.”

This new building will include hurricane-resistant windows, reinforced structural material and be raised above the current floodplain requirements so that it will hopefully serve its members for an additional 60 years.

“We’re really excited about this,” Britt said. “Our goal is to make this like the premier destination in Sarasota.”

The groundbreaking for the new yacht club is expected to be in May 2025, with construction lasting about 16-18 months. If all goes well, the club will celebrate a soft opening of the new building in August 2026.

A CHANGING CLUB

As the BKYC expanded in the 1960s, so did events like the Blessing of the Fleet and the Change of Watch.

Those traditions have added to the yacht club’s history, something highly important to the members.

“We don’t want to lose the yacht club traditions that have been estab-

circa

1920 s.

60s.

the 19

lished here,” Landis said.

With these traditions still at the foundation of the club, the leadership understands that the club is changing now more than ever.

Part of that change is with the member demographics, which have broadened from the 1960s.

“Sixty percent of the membership at that point were actually Bird Key residents,” Britt said. “And now it’s actually reversed. About 60% of our membership is not on Bird Key. Which is great because we’re kind of a Sarasota institution in that regard.”

The average age of the members — who hail from as far as Tampa and Venice — has gone down. Two years ago, the average age was around 75.

Today new members’ average age is closer to 64.

Now, the yacht club isn’t only about boating. Landis and Britt said the members are about one-third boaters, one-third tennis players and the remaining third are members mainly for the social aspect.

This changing demographic — both inside the club and throughout Sarasota — was considered in the new plans, which account for an additional tennis court and state-ofthe-art fitness center.

“We’re looking at the growth of what’s happening. Sarasota is rapidly becoming a year-round city,” Landis said. “That’s why what we’re looking at is what are the new people coming to Sarasota looking for?”

CLUB WITHOUT A CLUB

Britt is set to become the club commodore next year. He’ll be a commodore without a club, but he and Hackney are looking forward to trying out new activities to keep the club together during that time.

Britt, Landis and Hackney also hope that the new chapter of BKYC can include a tighter focus on community outreach, even during a long period without a physical building.

“We want to be not just a premier club for members, but we also want to be a club that participates and contributes to the city of Sarasota and growth of the Sarasota community,” Landis said.

Britt said this could mean events like providing boating lessons to youth in the area, establishing scholarships and giving back to the Sarasota arts community.

“I think everyone (in the club) shares the sentiment that we really want to support the Sarasota community in areas that we can help make a difference,” Britt said.

FAMOUS FACES AT BKYC Having been a staff member, mainly in the kitchen, for 43 years, Terry Burnett has a plethora of funny stories and fond memories to share about the club. He also recounted some of the famous faces he’s seen over the years at BKYC. Walter Cronkite Well-known broadcast journalist who spent much of his career with CBS Evening News.

Dick Smothers A former member of Bird Key Yacht Club, Smothers is known for being half of the comedy group the Smothers Brothers.

Former President Jimmy Carter This particular guest brought with him an entourage of cameras and Secret Service officers.

Stephen King & Jerry Springer Just days apart in their visits, Burnett said the two were humble guests who enjoyed simple dishes like meatloaf.

“We’re really excited about this. Our goal is to make this like the premier destination in Sarasota.”

— Tony Britt, vice commodore

4

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

Hurricane Debby catches Longboaters by surprise After expecting a rainy weekend in Florida, residents were taken aback by the aftermath of the tropical storm-turned-hurricane.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

W

hen warned about Tropical Storm Debby, Longboater Karen Pashkow did her normal storm preparation shopping to stock up on Friday evening.

She went out one more time during the weekend on Saturday and saw people buying the essentials as she did the day before. After doing last-minute chores and preparations, she hunkered down inside her condominium to watch the Olympics and let the storm pass.

Monday morning, Pashkow found herself still watching the rain on Sarasota Bay and thought, “When is this going to stop?”

Most Longboaters like Pashkow were surprised by the impact of

The public beach access at Gulfside Road shows signs of flooding from Hurricane Debby at high tide around 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 5.

Hurricane Debby. She said Longboat Harbour Condominium was flooded along the walkway by its seawall and heavy debris prevented many cars from exiting the parking lot.

Pashkow’s husband, Sparky, and other members of the Longboat Harbour Yacht Club secured its boats on Sunday evening. She said one of their neighbor’s boats was mostly underwater Monday morning.

For those who live on the Gulf side, more precautions were taken.

At Seaplace Condominiums, workers packed up the beach and pool furniture. Resident June Hessel said elevators stopped working throughout the night, and there was some flooding on the ground floor of her building.

“Each year, we get evacuated at least once,” said Hessel. “Last year, we went to a hotel and we were back on the island in two days. This year, we didn’t even get evacuated. I feel like it has been much longer than last year and it affected more. It was the whole weekend and now it is still raining on Monday.”

The Rev. Brock Patterson checked on the Longboat Island Chapel Monday morning and found lots of debris to clean up in the midst of its renovations. He said the worst flooding he saw when driving down Gulf of Mexico Drive was in front of Zota Beach Resort.

Many businesses and community spaces were closed on Monday, including The Paradise Center, the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and Temple Beth Israel. TBI took precautions beforehand on Friday by securing a tarp over its roof because of its roof renovations.

Owner of Longboat Key Fitness Petar Sibinkic drove onto the island early on Monday morning and said St. Armands Circle wasn’t flooded at 7 a.m. Besides a few cancellations due to safety concerns, most of his

Courtesy images

General Harris Street by Christ Church of Longboat Key at high tide around 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 5.

clients came to work out at the gym if they lived nearby. While checking on his friend’s home, Sibinkic did turn around because of flooding by St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

After reading through people’s experiences on Facebook, Longboat Key Chamber President Kim Verreault echoed everyone’s concerns about the impact Hurricane Debby had on the area. She said the one that broke her heart the most was hearing that most of the turtle nests on the beach had washed away.

“I did read somewhere that turtles are very smart, and most of them have multiple nests,” said Verreault.

“So, I hope a good majority of them are safe. Besides that, this ended up being far more than what anybody anticipated. From everyone that I have talked to from the chamber and in Sarasota, the magnitude of this took everybody by surprise.”

The intersection of General Harris Street and Norton Street after Hurricane Debby at high tide around 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 5.

Calling All

LONGBOAT

Pa rty Animals!

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

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

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

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

Sarasota’s

Best Spot for Birthdays!

3 WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE 1. FREE HOME DELIVERY: The Longboat Observers offers free home delivery to singlefamily homes on Longboat Key, Bird Key, St. Armands Key and Lido Shore.

The Longboat Observer also delivers to every condominium, resort and commercial building on Longboat Key. 2. MAIL DELIVERY SUBSCRIPTION RATES Standard First-Class One year / $95 One year / $200 Six months / $76 Six months / $160 Three months / $61 Three months / $128

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

Make your party come alive! Hassle-free parties are our specialty. Various packages are available, including food, all-day admission, animals brought to your party, reserved picnic areas and more! Feeding the flamingos, visiting the petting zoo and exploring our butterfly aviary and gardens are just some of the special ways we celebrate with you!

To subscribe: Please call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301, or email dcondon@yourobserver.com.

3. NEWSPAPER APP: Access your weekly Observer paper, anytime, anywhere with our Print Edition app. You can read page to page, section to section like a newspaper on your phone, tablet or laptop.

Subscribe at YourObserver.com/subscribe

Book your party online and learn more at SarasotaJungleGardens.com

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

AUDITOR INFORMATION Circulation Verified Council 12166 Old Big Bend Road, Suite 210 | St Louis, MO 63122 314-966-7111 | www.cvcaudit.com

FOLLOW US

www.instagram.com/observergroup

WATCH US

www.youtube.com/user/YourObserverVideo

Sarasota's Favorite Family Attraction®

FOLLOW US

X.com/ObserverGroup

SarasotaJungleGardens.com • 941.355.5305

417982-1

www.facebook.com/ObserverGroup

427914-1

LIKE US

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

5

Debby’s damage The storm left many parts of Longboat Key flooded, and water damage was the main issue seen by the town’s damage assessment team. fall. Dezzi said the National Weather Service reported the highest wind gusts on the island were around 56 miles per hour — about 20 mph less than a Category 1 Hurricane.

The brunt of the impacts for Longboat Key came on Sunday and into Monday morning. During that time, Dezzi said there wasn’t an increase in call volume, and no storm-related injuries were reported. There were no calls for water rescues nor requests from residents needing help evacuating.

“The roads were really empty, which we were glad about,” Dezzi said.

From what he heard and saw, Dezzi said Longboaters were staying put in their homes or had evacuated on their own, which is a positive in these situations.

“As far as we’re concerned, that’s good,” Dezzi said. “I think one good thing is, people listened. They took this seriously.”

Dezzi and town staff worked in close communication with Sarasota County, but the emergency management team never had to go to the county’s Emergency Operations Center as they do with major storms.

The town’s main concerns were the lowest-lying areas in the Village, Buttonwood and Sleepy Lagoon areas, which all experienced flooding during Debby, according to Dezzi.

Something that was a pleasant surprise to Dezzi was that St. Armands Circle didn’t have major flooding issues. This was a positive

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

I

n the wake of Hurricane Debby, Longboat Key Fire Chief Paul Dezzi said that while Longboat Key wasn’t free of impacts, things could have been worse.

Dezzi, who also serves as the town’s emergency management coordinator, was in command of the town’s storm operations, which he said began Wednesday. At that time, town staff began watching the storm and, as it got closer, met with Sarasota County officials.

In emergencies, the town follows the direction of Sarasota County, even though the northern half of the island is in Manatee County. This is so there is one unified direction, but Longboat Key officials still coordinate with Manatee County and keep its direction in mind, Dezzi said.

Before the weekend, Dezzi had Public Works staff start to put out signs that cautioned drivers of high water, while the police and fire rescue departments secured vessels.

Dezzi said this is all part of normal preparations for big storms.

From Saturday into Sunday, police and fire rescue crews stayed on the island per Dezzi’s request, and a skeleton crew from Public Works was also out on the island, assisting when needed and ensuring the high water signs were in place.

When Debby brushed past Longboat Key, it was not yet a hurricane, but it brought heavy winds and rain-

Carter Weinhofer

A fallen tree near the Broadway Street public beach access.

that made getting off the island from the south end easier, he said.

But on the north end, a sailboat lodged against the Longboat Pass Bridge caused some trouble, and the U.S. Coast Guard was notified to take care of the issue. The bridge was closed for a few hours on Sunday.

Early Monday morning, Debby became a Category 1 Hurricane as it made landfall in Steinhatchee of Florida’s Big Bend region.

On Longboat, the effects of flooding were experienced into Monday afternoon. Parts of Gulf of Mexico Drive were impassable until about 3 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 5.

From Sunday into Monday, Dezzi evaluated the island’s conditions and made the call that town staff would work remotely if possible. But police, fire rescue, Public Works and Planning, Zoning and Building officials were brought onto the island to begin damage assessment and cleanup.

Assessment crews patrolled the island, some needing to utilize the fire rescue department’s high-water

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,

JOSH SELF!

Though reports won’t be finalized until later this week, Dezzi said crews mainly saw water intrusion damage in the flooded areas. Town facilities still need to be looked at with more detail, but for now, it doesn’t appear there were any major damages, according to Dezzi.

Next, PZB staff will work with residents and those affected by the island’s flooding to compile reports that will be sent to the counties. The damage assessments will include pictures of the damage and calculate a percentage of areas affected, which will be compiled in a report.

Overall, Dezzi said that while there

SHOWROOM & DESIGN CENTER

to CUSTOM-ize

GROOM’S MOTORS & AUTOMOTIVE

5608 MARINA DR. (NEXT TO DOMINOS PIZZA) HOLMES BEACH, 34217 941-896-7898 • WWW.GROOMSAUTO.COM

Thursday, Aug 8 at 7:00pm STRINGS CON BRIO

your outdoor furniture.

WHY PAY MORE WHEN YOU CAN BUY THE DIRECT MANUFACTURER

from

Friday, aug 16 at 7:00pm Jazz daddyo’s (Garden Concert)

QUALITY

Tuesday, aug 20 at 7:00pm ASTRALIS chamber ENSEMBLE

OPEN to the PUBL IC

OUTDOOR FURNITURE HIGH END LOOK & QUALITY AT WHOLESALE PRICING

CUSTOM MADE

Wednesday, aug 28 at 7:00pm Sarasota piano trio

AT OUR PALMETTO FACTORY

OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 9-5.

CLOSED SUNDAYS.

EXTENDED WARRANTY ON ALL FURNITURE

FLORIDAPATIO.NET 941-722-5643

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church 40 North Adams Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236

Concerts are free - All are welcome!

2500 US BUSINESS 41 NORTH

|

PA L M E T T O , F L 3 4 2 2 1

426653-1

FLORIDA PATIO FURNITURE, INC.

429155-1

427268-1

NEXT STEPS

was more water and flooding than originally expected, this wasn’t a hurricane when it swept past Longboat Key. At the time, the storm’s gusts weren’t yet at the level of a Category 1 hurricane.

“This was just a tropical storm and not a hurricane,” Dezzi said. “So what they (residents) saw out there this past weekend, they need to understand that it’s going to be a lot worse (with a hurricane) than what we saw this weekend.”

Dezzi also said people should be aware that Florida summer weather and afternoon showers will continue to saturate the ground, which could cause flooding.

Another important thing is for residents to make sure they are enrolled in Alert Longboat Key, the town’s emergency messaging service. To register for Alert Longboat Key, visit the town’s website at LongboatKey. org. Contact Phillips at SPhillips@ LongboatKey.org or 941-316-1999 with any registration issues.

VISIT OUR NEW

On behalf of the entire team at Grooms Motors, we want to wish you a very happy birthday! Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated, and we hope you have a fantastic day of celebrating. Here’s to another successful year ahead!

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

vehicles to get down more flooded side streets.

“We got more water than what was expected,” Dezzi said.

On Tuesday, some areas to the side of Gulf of Mexico Drive were still flooded, side streets were still damp and crews were starting to take care of some of the debris.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

RACCOON LOUNGE 10:58 a.m., 2200 block of Harbourside Drive Animal Problem: A Longboat Key officer was asked to check out a report of a raccoon lying on top of a resident’s lanai cage. At the residence, the officer spoke with the resident who said the raccoon had been there for a couple hours. The officer thought the raccoon appeared to be sick and asked for backup from animal services. While waiting for backup, the officer used a pool cleaning stick to direct the raccoon away from the house. The raccoon climbed off of the roof and tried looking for an escape route, which led the officer to believe it wasn’t sick after all.

Backup was canceled, and the resident was advised to call again and request animal services if the raccoon returned.

MONDAY, JULY 2 Courtesy image

The 65-foot yacht Steady AF lies partially submerged at a slip in the Longboat Key Club after a fire, possibly caused by lithium batteries, firefighters say.

Yacht sinks after fire Lithium batteries may have caused all-night blaze, officials say.

OBSERVER STAFF

I

nvestigators are trying to find the cause of a fire that heavily damaged a 65-foot motor yacht at the Longboat Key Club Moorings on Aug. 5, fire officials said.

Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department Assistant Chief Jentzen Barton said the owner of the boat, who was in Canada at the time, received an alert from the boat’s security system at about 8:30 p.m.

Seeing smoke on a video feed from the boat, the owner called the Longboat Key Fire Department, which responded to the fire. The owner of the boat, called Steady AF, has not been identified by fire officials.

Barton said the fire may have been

caused by lithium batteries onboard the boat but said the state fire marshal’s office will make any official determination on the cause of the fire.

Lithium battery fires are particularly difficult to fight, Barton said, because the chemical reactions inside the batteries are nearly impossible to extinguish.

When the chemicals mix, it causes extreme heat that sets everything around them ablaze. Water does not have an effect on a lithium reaction, he explained.

“You’re fighting a losing battle,” he said. “You basically have to let it do its thing.”

The fire on the boat burned through the night, Barton said.

The U.S. Coast Guard responded and has set up barriers to prevent water contamination from leaking diesel fuel or chemicals, Barton said.

Preparations are underway to raise the boat, which has partially sunk, for the investigation to continue.

NOT A CONVENIENCE STORE 12:03 a.m., 4700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Disturbance: Dispatch sent officers to respond to a disturbance at a local resort. The responding officers met with the person-in-question, who was upset at the staff because they did not sell cigarettes. According to the officers’ report, the person was intoxicated and being loud, but eventually complied when asked to return to her room. The officers were familiar with her, though, for she was the subject of another call two days prior.

MAY I ORDER AN … OFFICER? 8:55 p.m., 4700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Abandoned 911 Call: An officer responded to an abandoned 911 call placed by a resort guest. The guest said she was attempting to call for room service and misdialed. Everything was fine, but the report did not mention if she ended up getting the room service.

THURSDAY, AUG. 1

NO DAMAGE DONE, BUT NO DRIVER’S LICENSE 10:09 a.m., 600 block of Marbury Lane Civil Disturbance: Officers investigated a reported civil dispute between a homeowner and landscapers. The landscapers parked their truck next to the officers at

Regaining your quality of life begins when you CHOOSE exceptional results in rehabilitation.

For those recovering from a stroke, injury or illness, regaining your best quality of life begins with your ability to choose where your rehabilitation happens. For exceptional results, choose Encompass Health, the rehabilitation hospital referred by doctors and trusted by patients and their loved ones.

COPS CORNER

SATURDAY, JULY 27

the scene and the officers asked the driver to explain what happened. The driver said he was in a verbal argument with a homeowner because he drove over the residence’s grass due to the narrow street, but he said he did not damage the yard. The officer asked the driver for his license so that the incident could be documented, but the driver admitted that he did not possess a driver’s license.

One of the officers called the complainant, who also said the argument was strictly verbal, and both agreed no damage was done to the property. Since the landscaping driver admitted to not having a driver’s license, he ended up receiving a criminal citation.

ILLEGAL WAY TO ENTER THE OCEAN 12:01 p.m., 7200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Juvenile Disturbance: A caller reported that there was a group of juveniles jumping off the Longboat Pass Bridge, and Longboat Key officers responded to check out the scene. At the bridge, an officer spoke with the group, who said they were fishing and jumping off the bridge. The officer advised them that jumping off the bridge was not only dangerous but in violation of Florida State Statute. The group was let off with a warning, but the officer said if they were caught again that they would receive citations.

Please join us at an upcoming

Community Education Program.

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

Community Cardiac Support Group Thursday, August 1st | Noon – 1:00 p.m.

Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce 2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte Lunch provided. RSVP to 941.376.2747

Community Stroke & Cardiac Support Group Thursday, August 15th | Noon – 1:00 p.m.

Fire Station 1, Meeting Room 112 Harbor Drive S., Venice Lunch provided. RSVP to 941.284.0074

Lunch & Learn Wednesday, Sept. 11 • 11:30-1:00 pm 7 Ways to Increase Well-Being & Longevity Presented by Christopher Cortman, PsyD For questions or RSVP to Trish at 941.426.2500, Ext. 106 or seniorlife@sanpedrocc.org San Pedro Catholic Church, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port

Talk to your medical professionals about choosing Encompass Health for rehabilitation.

encompasshealth.com/sarasotarehab

RSVP required. For more information on these programs and others, please scan the QR code or call 941.921.8600. ©2024:Encompass Health Corporation:Patient Choice

417700-1

6

YourObserver.com

7

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

Beyond First Class

™

P r i vat e Bu s i n e s s a n d L e i s u r e Tr av e l

Seamless

Luxury Ground Transportation

Extraordinary Personal Concierge

Efficiency

Spend Time Where it Matters

Connecting you to Premier Global Destinations Worldwide including: SARASOTA | TAMPA | NAPLES | PALM BEACH | MIAMI

Offering an Extensive fleet of Light to Super Mid-Size Jets, Turbo Props and Helicopters.

Pilot Owned. Empty leg flights with flexible schedules available.

The world’s only 100% Carbon Neutral charter company.

428153-1

All pilots and aircrafts adhere to ARG/Us safety standards and FAA regulations.

8

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Enough of the smearing ELECTION ’24

A SLEAZY TAKEDOWN OF A DECENT GUY AND HIS WIFE

Dishonest tactics and dirty falsehoods disgust voters. One Manatee candidate decided not to take it anymore.

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / James Peter, JPeter@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Petra Rivera, PRivera@ YourObserver.com; Carter Weinhofer, CWeinhofer@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Digital Content Producer / Jim DeLa, JDeLa@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com Editorial Designer / Luke Reasoner, LReasoner@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com

MATT WALSH

I

t’s a wonder anyone who is decent, modest and eventempered and whose head and ego don’t swell when speaking to audiences would want to run for public office. It’s such a nasty, ugly, dirty business.

Which often makes it no wonder we end up with the choice of the least worst person on our ballots.

Indeed, other than the few sincerely motivated (naive?) idealists and power-hungry narcissists, who wants to go through what it takes to win an election?

Here in Sarasota and Manatee counties, it sure feels like we are seeing more than usual a surge in the vitriol and sleazy campaign ads.

And the nastiness is coming from all sides (See “Republicans killing their own; ‘go negative to win,’ July 10, YourObserver.com/Opinion).

The consultants swear the sleaze brings victory, but voters are disgusted and turned off. When candidates constantly tear down their opponents or engage in dirty tactics, they tarnish their character and integrity. Trust and likability are diminished. But they just keep doing it.

In Manatee County, one candidate and his wife, to their credit, decided not to take it and not to engage in it, either.

Tal Siddique, 30, is running for office for the first time, seeking the District 3 County Commission seat as a Republican. Siddique and his wife, Kristen Truong, 29, two super nice young adults who are involved in their community — just the kind of people we need more of — have been barraged with what must feel like cannon fire hitting the walls and windows of their home every day — negative, false, truthstretched and twisted mailers and text messages.

Unfortunately, they have the disadvantage of not being part of the Manatee Republican Party establishment. Siddique is running against the chair of the Manatee County Republican Executive Committee, April Culbreath.

And no surprise, Culbreath has the financial backing of the traditional donors, developers and homebuilders. Perhaps most important, Culbreath signed up with the region’s notorious political hit man, Anthony Pedicini.

Pedicini has relentlessly fired Scud-like missiles, one after another, via mailers into District 1 in west Manatee, attempting to viscerate Siddique. He has called him a “Biden Democrat” because Siddique formerly was a registered Democrat. Pedicini alleges Siddique “is connected to the radical, anticop Black Lives Matter Organization”; that he is a “Never Trump” guy; that “the Siddiques are softon-crime Democrats”; and that Siddique’s wife has “ties directly to the Clintons.”

One mailer has a doctored photo of Siddique and his wife standing with the Clintons; another with them wearing sweaters doctored with the Democrat Party mule embroidered on their chests.

At first, Truong took it. “I expected there would be negative campaigning against Tal,” she told us.

“I did not expect to be attacked or have negative campaigning against me as a spouse or a family member, let alone unfactual and defamatory

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

OBSERVER RECOMMENDS

U.S. Senate — Republican: Rick Scott; Democrat: None U.S. House, District 16 — Republican: Eddie Speir; Democrat: Neither Florida House District 72 — William “Bill” Conerly MANATEE COUNTY County Commission — Carol Ann Felts; Talha “Tal” Siddique; Ray Turner; George Kruse School Board — Mark Stanoch; Charles Kennedy Property Appraiser — Charles Hackney Supervisor of Elections — Scott T. Farrington SARASOTA COUNTY County Commission — D1: Now leaning toward Alexandra Coe; D3: Now Undecided School Board — Karen Rose; Gregory Wood Tax Collector — Charles Bear Sarasota Public Hospital Board — Sharon Wetzler DePeters; Kevin Cooper; Pam Beitlich; Sarah Lodge Charter Review Board — Nicholas Altier; Tom DeSane; Greg “Tex” Bukowski

falsehoods put out.

“When they brought me in as the spouse, and I’m not a public figure.

Yes, I’m involved in the community. I’m on the Manatee County Foundation board; I was elected to serve on the Bradenton Kiwanis board; I’m out in the community, but I don’t consider myself a public figure. To attack me to discredit his campaign is, honestly, despicable.

“People were calling, texting and emailing me saying, ‘What the heck is this? Why are you on these negative mailers? Why are they attacking you? It doesn’t make sense.’”

Her family members became especially upset when, in one mailer, it implied the Siddique and Truong had just moved to Manatee from Washington, D.C. “I was born here,” Truong said. She is a graduate of St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Bradenton Christian High School.

The tipping point came after mailers on July 25 and 26. “What Pedicini and his candidates have done to this county, which is my hometown, is so sad,” Truong said.

“I said, ‘Enough is enough.’”

So they turned to Tampa lawyer Mike Beltran, a Harvard law graduate and former undefeated light heavyweight wrestler from Brooklyn whose tag line is: “I’ll fight anyone, anytime, anywhere.”

Beltran sent a two-page cease-

and-desist letter to the lawyer representing Pedicini and The Committee to Expose Fake Republicans.

“Fake Republicans’ text message falsely alleges that Ms. Truong is a ‘Democrat,’” Beltran wrote. “In fact, however, Ms. Truong has been a registered Republican since she was 18 years old. She has never been a Democrat.

“Second, the text claims Truong has a ‘direct connection to the Clintons.’ Ms. Truong has never met or spoken to the Clintons, and certainly lacks any ‘direct connection.’”

Truong is vice president of public affairs for the Washington, D.C., lobbying firm Capitol Hill Partners.

One of its partners served as a chief of staff in the Department of Labor during the Clinton administration.

Beltran also takes issue with the doctored photo with the Clintons.

“The fabricated scene … is highly defamatory in that it seeks to show Ms. Truong in a negative light to Republican voters, damaging her reputation.”

On the accusation of Siddique’s connections to BLM, here’s the thin thread: Truong is a registered lobbyist for the D.C.-based not-for-profit, Results for America. Its mission is to “elevate and amplify the voices of community leaders, particularly leaders of color,” and it says it is “inspired by the many groups and evidence-driven organizations that are pursuing solutions to reduce police violence and reform our legal system.” One of those groups it lists: BLM. Clearly, that was the “a-ha” hook to smear Siddique and Truong.

To which, Siddique says: “I do not have any connection to BLM. In public forums I publicly deny any connection to BLM.” Says Truong: “I have never lobbied for Black Lives Matter.”

Beltran went on to demand “full and fair corrections, apologies and/ or retractions” and that they be sent and mailed in the same manner and to the same people as the original mailers and text messages. He also recommended no further smears until after the Aug. 20 primary.

Predictably, Pedicini’s lawyer responded: “(N) o retraction, correction or apology appears to be warranted” and that Beltran’s threat of litigation is “a clear attempt to silence political speech on matters of public importance in advance of an upcoming election.”

For now, Siddique and Truong are pausing on whether to pursue litigation — at least until after the primary. But even then, the likelihood of prevailing in a libel and defamation suit would be difficult and costly. Truong would have to prove the mailers’ authors published false

information with reckless disregard of the truth and that the information caused tangible damage to Truong’s reputation.

They know the hurdles. But as Truong told us: “To me, every penny we paid was worth it, because Pedicini has been getting away with way too much for far too long. The cease-and-desist letter is a start.

Someone needs to put something out there and stand up to him and hold him accountable.”

At the same time, Siddique and Truong also have gone on the offense. On July 27, Siddique posted online: “Open Letter: Why I Joined the Republican Party.” (VoteTal. com/Media/Open-Letter-Why-IJoined-The-Republican-Party.)

Siddique explains how he grew up in the D.C. suburbs in a workingclass family and “experienced firsthand the slow decline which forced many families like mine into poverty or on our streets — the American Dream put out of reach.

My environment in a blue state taught me government should be the answer and that standing in lines for benefits was normal in America.”

But in his late 20s, he began “to enjoy a successful career. I felt I could relate to (Ronald) Reagan’s maxim: ‘Government is not the solution … (O)ne can only help themselves. My beliefs about limited government, personal responsibility and individual liberties aligned more with the Republican Party.”

Astutely, Siddique’s letter also made this point: “Reagan and Donald Trump switched parties based on their core values and vision for America.”

Siddique’s second retaliatory shot was loading his campaign website with a personal dossier that can make voters reach this conclusion: There is no relation between the real candidate Tal Siddique and the one Pedicini has made up.

See for yourself. Go to Siddique’s site: VoteTal.com/#Meet-Tal. And for good measure, add to that dossier Truong’s own history in Bradenton: “I received the Manatee Community Foundation Spirit of Manatee Young Spirit Award in 2013 and Golden Herald honorable mention award for Citizenship in 2013. I’m not a newcomer to being involved in our community.”

Tal Siddique and Kristen Truong are not going to bring an end to sleazy mailers and dishonest campaigning. But if Siddique wins at least his primary, that victory can send a strong message.

Just imagine how the tone of America would be if candidates and their handlers focused on selling the candidates’ competence, qualifications and core beliefs.

Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Regional Sales Director / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal McGuinness, RMcGuinness@ YourObserver.com; Lexi Huelsman, Lexi@ YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@ YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver.com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver.com; Brenda White, BWhite@YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Anna Reich, AReich@YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Manager Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com Advertising/Marketing Coordinator / Caitlin Ellis, CEllis@YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Marketing Specialist / Melanie Melone, MMelone@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@YourObserver. com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned.

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

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

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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

9

Sarasota, St. Armands drying out after Debby’s deluge Many shops slow to open after a weekend of heavy rain and wind.

JIM DELA DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER

D

owntown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle seemed to fare well as Hurricane Debby dropped more than 16 inches of rain in some areas of the county over the weekend.

Several major roads were closed by flooding Sunday night and into early Monday morning.

Floodwaters submerged a large portion of the Bobby Jones Golf Course. By 9 a.m. Monday, water covering entire fairways spilled over a concrete wall and sidewalk, covering two of the three lanes of westbound Fruitville Road, forcing traffic into a single lane.

Firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement were inundated with rescue calls, some that required boats to reach stranded people.

Dana Judge, spokeswoman for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, said from Sunday to Monday, the county’s Emergency Operations Center had logged 500 incidents involving water rescues, vehicles in water or evacuations from flooded houses throughout Sarasota County, including Longboat Key, Venice and Englewood.

By 10 a.m. Monday, Sarasota’s Main Street had little standing water, with small tree limbs littering the sidewalks. Normally bustling on a Monday morning, the street was nearly deserted and most businesses were still closed.

During a break in the rain about 11 a.m., a handful of vehicles were navigating their way through standing water around St. Armands Circle and Lido Key, but most businesses remained closed. Many had makeshift barriers of sandbags and packing tape pressed against storefronts to keep floodwaters out.

The lights of Kilwin’s Chocolates

Emily Walsh

Water passes under the bridge at Myrtle Street and Coconut Avenue in Sarasota.

Jim DeLa

Main Street in downtown Sarasota was nearly empty at 10 a.m. on Monday after Hurricane Debby dumped more than a foot of rain in some areas.

Jim DeLa

A view of plant debris scattered on St. Armands Circle on Monday.

stood out amid the darkened shops.

They were open for business, and Dino Coit, manager, was preparing two batches of fudge on the marble tables by the front window.

“I’m not sure why we’re even here,” he said with a grin as he allowed the fudge to rest before slicing it into individual pieces.

He said the shop was open Sunday,

but business was slow as the storm lashed the island with wind and rain. The shop closed at 5 p.m. but reopened Monday morning.

“We’re open every day,” he said.

Because of the additional rainfall the area received Sunday night, Sarasota County Government offices were closed Monday and Tuesday.

Kat Wingert

A bike and barricade were strewn while a sailboat washed up on shore Monday morning at Bayfront Park in Sarasota.

DIAMONDS & FINE JEWELRY WANTED

donate &&shop onate donate &donate shop shop & shop

Building Materials | Furniture | Appliances g Materials Building | Furniture Materials Building | Appliances | Furniture Materials | |Appliances Furniture | Appliances We are your trusted jewelry buyer ArtArt | Decorative | Lamps t | Decorative Accessories | Decorative Art |Accessories Lamps Accessories | Decorative Accessories | Lamps | Lamps

ensuring a private, respectful experience and immediate payment Cartier • Tiffany • Van Cleef • Webb Boucheron • Rolex • Patek Philippe

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

941.366.1014 SAME LOCATION FOR 40 YEARS

large items tolarge donate?

Have large Have items Have to large donate?

Have items to donate? items to donate?

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA Call to schedule your free pick up. l to schedule to schedule freeCall pick toyour up. schedule free pick your free pick up.

CallCall toyour schedule a courtesy pick up.up.

1515 Ringling Boulevard ~ Suite 990

HIGHEST PRICES PAID FOR GOLD

Licensed Fully Insured | Mon. - Fri. 9:00-5:00 414952-1

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

426342-1

n www.habitatsrq.org (941 ) n444-5783 n www.habitatsrq.org n www.habitatsrq.org Northern Trust Bank Building - Free Parking (941 )www.habitatsrq.org (941 ) 444-5783 444-5783 444-5783

10

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

For Mote, every call counts Information gathered from rescue calls, necropsies and bone study aids research on local species.

questions by doing that (necropsy),” Lovewell said. “It gives us a sense of the health of our local waters in our backyard, the sort of effects we’re having on the animals with human interaction.”

Human interaction, through things such as boat propeller strikes or fishing line, is a frequent cause of death, which is the case for 40% of sea turtle deaths, according to Lovewell.

But, there are times when the team can’t define a specific cause of death.

“If the animals are really decomposed, we can’t always get cause of death, but there’s still a lot of valuable information about life history,” Lovewell said. “We still find value in it.”

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

B

ANIMAL EMTS

On call 24/7, the Stranding Investigations crew receives about 600900 calls per year, according to Lovewell.

The department is fully dependent on public reports, which Lovewell said was made much easier with the introduction of cellphones. That not only increased their call volume, but made it easier to “troubleshoot” the issue with the caller.

For example, sometimes the call is more about educating the public rather than an emergency. Someone may call concerned about seemingly abnormal manatee behavior, but that could just be normal mating behavior that can be described over the phone after the caller sends a video.

But when the call does require a response, Lovewell’s team springs into action.

“When they’re alive, we put on our EMT or rescue hats, and we go out there and try to do the best thing we can for that animal,” Lovewell said.

In some cases, sea turtles or marine mammals that the team responds to can be released right away. This is relatively rare though, Lovewell said, and usually is when an animal is tangled in something like fishing line or buoy markers.

When new patients arrive at

RENOWNED COLLECTION

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

If rescued turtles need rehabilitation, they may end up at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital.

Mote’s hospital, Lovewell said teams immediately start taking things like vitals, blood work and pictures, while also starting necessary medicine and fluids.

Sometimes, the team has some help from local law enforcement.

Lovewell said agencies such as the Sarasota Police Department and Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office frequently assist the Stranding Investigations team on rescue calls given they can launch boats quicker, and some officers have enough experience to help transport the animals.

“So it’s such a great partnership at all levels,” Lovewell said. “It’s remarkable.”

One recent rescue is a prime exam-

ple. Lil’ Dougie, a current patient at Mote’s sea turtle hospital, was named after the SCSO officer that helped rescue her. She was found floating in Blackburn Bay, and upon investigation was found to be missing a piece of her front left flipper, possibly from a shark bite.

Lil’ Dougie arrived at Mote on May 27. She is healing well and almost ready to be released, according to Lovewell.

Releases, Lovewell said, are some of the best days.

“When you see a lot of the sad, awful stuff that our team sees, it’s really good for us to be able to see that full circle,” Lovewell said.

Staff Scientist and Program Coordinator Gretchen Lovewell shows a stingray barb in a dolphin skull, which was found to be the possible cause of death after conducting a necropsy.

WORSHIP

“When they’re alive, we put on our EMT or rescue hats, and we go out there and try to do the best thing we can for that animal.” ­— Gretchen Lovewell

EVERY BIT OF IMPORTANCE

In cases that don’t end in release — whether an animal is found dead or don’t make it through rehabilitation — the job isn’t done.

The next step for Lovewell and her team is a necropsy. Each one is different depending on the species, but could last anywhere from two to eight hours, Lovewell said.

She compared it to being crime scene investigators — trying to find the cause of death and investigating what happened to the animal.

A necropsy is a systematic process. Each one usually starts with photographs and measurements of the animal and an evaluation of any signs of human interaction. Then, the animal is opened up, which is a different process for each animal.

When examining the animal, Lovewell and the Mote staff are looking for any abnormalities in color, smell, texture or shape. Sometimes, tissue samples will be sent for pathological review and samples sent for biopsies.

“We’ve asked a lot of different

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

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

directory

Even after death, an animal can be important for research.

Mote is home to the Ruth DeLynn Cetacean Osteological Collection, named in honor of the Mote volunteer who started the collection and curated it for about 30 years.

“It’s really a biological library,” Lovewell said.

The skeletons, some dating back to the 1970s, have been used for studies on bone density, skull morphology, age, growth and other things.

According to Mote’s website, The Committee on Systematic Collections of the American Society of Mammalogists said the collection is “one of the most important and significant cetacean collections in the world.”

In the collection, skeletons of marine mammals — mostly dolphins — are preserved in boxes on bookshelves, each with an identifying number. Lovewell can go around the room, picking out boxes and telling the animal’s story.

For example, she can tell the story of one bottlenose dolphin, which was the subject of a deep-dive necropsy. Lovewell said the team spent a while trying to figure out the cause of death, when they noticed an abnormal shape on the back of the skull.

Upon further examination, the team discovered part of a stingray barb lodged in the back of the skull.

Lovewell said that the information gathered in all stages — whether it’s the rehabilitation intake or the necropsy — can be valuable information to work toward advocating for more protection for these animals, and to help tell the story of a species.

“If we can do a really good job and document things well enough, we can effect change and help the rest of the animals that are out there which, I think, is really important,” Lovewell said.

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

427335-1

ehind the scenes at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, the Stranding Investigations team takes on every necessary call, and every one could have a different end result.

Staff Scientist and Program Coordinator Gretchen Lovewell said the end result is important no matter the outcome.

If a rescued animal is able to be saved, Lovewell’s team works hand in hand with the rehabilitation teams at Mote, who take over once the animal arrives at the facility on Ken Thompson Parkway.

But even if the animal can’t be saved, what that animal’s necropsy, or animal autopsy, reveals can be equally as important. Any amount of data can help to show what happened to the animal or give insight into the local environment.

“If we don’t tell these animals’ stories, who will?” Lovewell said.

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

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions

Catholic Church

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

Worship Service Sunday 10 a.m.

427219-1

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

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

427242-1

Visitors & Residents Welcome

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

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

941-383-3428

longboatkeytemple.org

427406-1

Growing in Jesus’ Name

427393-1

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

AUGUST 8, 2024

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Akiko Kotani’s 2023 work of crocheted crepe satin, “Neon Forest,” is on display at The Ringling Museum’s “Skyway” exhibition through Jan. 26.

A bridge to art adventure Five area museums collaborate on a fresh look at contemporary Florida art.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

E

veryone knows about the Great American Road Trip. Long before

the NBC reality show of the same name, Mom and Dad would pack the kids in the station wagon and

1. THE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART If it’s scale you’re looking for, The Ringling’s “Skyway” installation won’t disappoint. The museum has devoted its Ulla R. and Arthur F. Searing Wing West, its largest rotating galleries, to the works of 13 artists.

The multimedia exhibition runs the gamut, from small pieces such as Caitlin Albritton’s whimsical jewelry to Kiko Kotani’s breathtaking installations of crocheted crepe satin. A native of Hawaii who lives and works in Gulfport, Kotani drew inspiration from watching her mother sew blankets and clothes when she was a child.

Kotani has two monumental pieces in The Ringling’s exhibit: “White Falls,” whose flowing structure evokes reverence for nature and spirituality, and “Neon Forest,” three conical structures whose lemon, lime and orange hues are plucked straight out of Florida’s fruit groves.

With “State of Waters,” a huge map of Florida

bookended by large images of flowing currents, the collaborative team of Carol Mickett and Robert Stackhouse, of Tarpon Springs, draw attention to the state’s creeping saltwater intrusion and warming waters.

Bradenton artist Jake Fernandez’ “Myakka Fork” invites the viewer to get lost in its 64 wood panels spanning 88 by 154 inches. Fernandez is a conceptual artist who paints representational work termed “durational” because it emerges over a long period of time.

The grandeur of The Ringling’s “Skyway” interpretation is sure to immerse viewers of all ages into a meditation on the beauty of Florida and the encroaching threats to our often paradisiacal surroundings.

5401 Bayshore Road. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 8 p.m. Thursdays. $30. (Free Mondays.)

Through Jan. 25, 2025. Visit Ringling.org.

head for national parks, Disney or Busch Gardens, staying in Howard Johnson’s or camping along the way.

But what if you’re an art lover and prefer to while away the dog days of summer in air-conditioned galleries before adjourning to the museum gift shop or cafe? We’ve got just the road trip for you.

Five area museums — two in Sarasota, one in St. Petersburg and two in Tampa —have collaborated to bring you the freshest in Florida art.

Their joint exhibition is called “Skyway,” after the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Interstate 275 that serves as the gateway to Tampa Bay. Best of all, the cultural institutions — The Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Art Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, the University of South Florida’s Contemporary Art Museum in Tampa and the Tampa Museum of Art — are offering reciprocal admission.

That means you can see all five “Skyway” exhibitions for the price of one. Consult each institution for details.

To do all five shows in one day (or two), you’ll want to get the timing right. The window when all the exhibitions are open at the same time runs from Aug. 28 to Oct. 27.

This is the third “Skyway” collaboration — the others were in 2021 and 2017. It also marks the first time that five museums are included in the tri-

ennial show. This year’s newcomer is the Sarasota Art Museum.

THE RINGLING TAKES THE LEAD

Each museum and its curators have taken their own approach to the exhibition, which attracted submissions from nearly 300 artists.

Of these, 63 artists were chosen by the participating museums’ curators with the help of guest curator Evan Garza, a curatorial fellow at MASS MoCA, in North Adams, Massachusetts.

The big difference between this “Skyway” show and earlier iterations is the breadth and quality of the works, says Christopher Jones, curator of photography and media arts at The Ringling. “A lot of artists have moved to the Tampa Bay area since 2017, the year of the first exhibition,” Jones says.

Some of the newcomers came to study or teach art at Tampa Bay edu-

cational institutions and remained in the area.

How did the curators decide how the works of the show’s artists would be divvied up among the participating museums? Evidently, a bit of “horse trading” was involved, but some people in the rarified art world prefer not to call it that.

Read on for each museum’s take on “Skyway,” which explores such themes as identity, community and environment. The statement by the participating curators in the catalog says, “This exhibition is an investment in bold ideas, aspirational values and resilience in the face of division.”

In other words, prepare to be dazzled.

SEE MUSEUMS, PAGE 12

12

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

Museums FROM PAGE 11

2. SARASOTA ART MUSEUM “Piedra.” Although the white milky material conveys ephemerality, says SAM Senior Curator Rangsook Yang, the plants are capable of traveling great distances.

Bradenton resident and New College Professor of Art Kim Anderson creates paintings that look like photographs. Her images at SAM let the viewer know that its female subjects are always conscious of the male gaze, Yang notes.

Those who like scale and color will be pleased with the works of Sue Havens, originally from Rochester, New York, and Kirk Ke Wong, who was born in Shanghai. Wong’s mural, “GimGong Road” honors the contribution of an Asian American to Florida’s citrus industry more than a century ago.

1001 S. Tamiami Trail. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. $15. Through Oct. 27. Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

New College Art Professor Kim Anderson’s paintings have a photo-like appearance, are part of the “Skyway” exhibition at the Sarasota Art Museum.

Courtesy images

The 2024 acrylic painting “1974 (Mother’s Embrace)” by Emily Martinez hangs next to the baroque painting “The Mystic Marriage of St. Catherine” by Fabrizio Santafede at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg.

3. MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS As is the fashion these days among museums, the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg has placed its contemporary art selections for “Skyway” within its existing galleries, allowing them to engage in “conversation” with legacy pieces.

Sometimes the dialogue is muted, as is the case with Anat Pollack’s bronze-cast fertility objects inspired by the Venus of Willendorf. They seem right at home among the other pieces in the MFA’s ancient Greek and Roman galleries.

The interchange between two marriage-inspired artworks in the MFA’s baroque gallery is more animated. The two pieces in dialogue here are the 2024 acrylic painting, “1974 (Mother’s Embrace)” by Emily Martinez, and “The Mystic Marriage of St. Catherine”

by Fabrizio Santafede.

While some of the art world’s conversations between old and new seem forced and even hamfisted, these brides — one who is marrying a human and the other who is forging a spiritual union with God — communicate brilliantly, as do other juxtapositions of “Skyway” pieces within the MFA’s galleries.

After conducting a tour of the MFA, Stanton

4. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA CONTEMPORARY MUSEUM OF ART

www.manasotaonline.com

255 Beach Drive N.E, St. Petersburg. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. $22. Through Nov. 3. Visit MFASt.Pete.org.

5. TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART

Some participating museums in “Skyway” don’t have a theme for their exhibition. That isn’t the case for the University of South Florida’s Contemporary Museum of Art, which has named its exhibit “12 Ways of Looking at Landscape.”

In the interest of full disclosure, of the four “Skyway” exhibits I saw, this was my favorite. The USF galleries aren’t as elaborate or well-appointed as some of the others in the exhibition and the show is primarily paintings, with a few multimedia exceptions.

But the kaleidoscope of colorful, large-scale images of Florida’s landscape seems apt for a time when Earth has just experienced the highest temperatures on record.

Many images by artists such as Eric Ondina and Andres Ramirez include comforting symbols of the Sunshine State like Mickey Mouse, bountiful farms and poolside cocktails. Then they’re turned sideways or set against terrifying backdrops like wildfires. Paradise may Courtesy images not be lost yet, but it’s under assault.

Keith Crowley’s painting, “Mid-Morning, 1639 10th Street Still, there’s much left to savor and even unexpected (Letter to John),” depicting the studio of the late Sarasota treasures to be found, stashed away in garages, attics artist John Sims. and even lying on the ground.

One of the first pieces in the exhibition, “Archipelago” artist’s vision, notes Leslie Elasser, the museum’s curaby Elizabeth Condon, looks like a cross between a putttor of education, because the interplay of shadows seen putt golf hole and a topographical map.

Among the found objects embedded in the work made in the painting isn’t possible in real life.

Another piece by Crowley, the watercolor “Dawn, from detritus, polymer and acrylic is a golden charm Sunshine Skyway Bridge (A Letter to Strangers),” shows from a baby cake traditionally served at Mardi Gras a closeup of the fence installed to stop suicides on the celebrations. bridge. Sometimes, it’s just not possible to “Have a Nice Finding the baby in your slice of cake is said to signify Day,” despite the signature yellow smiley face and riot good fortune. But it also brings responsibility because of flowers across the hall in Karen Tucker Kuykendall’s the finder is usually asked to provide the cake at next “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.” year’s party. As Floridians, what is our duty to the environment?

Fans of the late Sarasota artist John Sims, who died 3821 USF Holly Drive, Tampa. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. unexpectedly in December 2022 at age 54, will want to Monday through Friday, until 8 p.m. Thursday and 1-4 make the trip to USF to see Keith Crowley’s painting, p.m. Saturday. Free. Through Nov. 23. Visit USFcam.

“Mid-Morning, 1639 10th Street (Letter to John).”

USF.Edu/cam.

Crowley’s depiction of Sims’ studio is definitely the

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

Thomas, curator of collections and exhibitions, encourages visitors to “exit through the gift shop.” Of course, Thomas is riffing on the 2010 documentary about the London street artist Banksy. But he’s also leading visitors in the direction of the last installation in the museum’s “Skyway” exhibition.

The work is a faux gift shop, which Tampa artist Emiliano Setticasi calls “Department of Contemporary Art, Tampa, FL is Selling Out.” Visiting the “shop” is an exercise in frustration, especially if you’re a fan of souvenirs. None of the tote bags, T-shirts and other collectibles is for sale.

Perhaps selling reproductions in an installation called “Selling Out” would be anathema to the artist. Not being able to buy any tchotchkes certainly makes them more coveted and can prompt reflection on the relationship between perceived value and scarcity.

Luckily, the Museum of Fine Arts has a real gift shop where visitors can get their fix of retail therapy before leaving the museum.

4551 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

The “Skyway” exhibition at the Tampa Museum of Art doesn’t open until Aug. 28, but the “Skyway” catalog includes the artists whose work will be on display, providing some clues about its interpretation of the show.

A familiar name to Sarasota residents whose work will be in Tampa is Joe Fig, the department chair of the Fine Arts and Visual Studies programs at Ringling College. His multidisciplinary works focus on artists’ studios and the process of creating art. Fig is known for his miniature reproductions of artist studios.

One piece in the “Skyway” exhibition may be familiar to those who saw Marina Shaltout’s show at Sarasota’s Spaaces gallery in late 2023.

Titled “Affirmation #1,” the work is made of tile, plywood and human hair forming the words “Live Love Laugh.”

Shaltout’s work takes a deep dive into what she terms Courtesy images the self-care industry, whose Seminole tribe member Corinne Zepeda’s products run the gamut, from 2024 digital print, “Greetings from Florida,” scented candles and bath oils reimagines the typical tourist postcard. to pictures with reassuring slogans.

As technology increases the demands upon our fragile selves, it takes more than a smiley face to keep us looking on the bright side, even in the sunny state of Florida.

120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday and until 8 p.m. Thursday. $25. Runs Aug. 28 to Jan. 5. Visit TampaMuseum.org.

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN Special Financing Available

427687-1

Since Sarasota Art Museum, an arm of Ringling College of Art and Design, is, by definition, a contemporary art museum, the works of “Skyway” artists don’t seem unexpected in the galleries of the former Sarasota High School.

In some ways, the “Skyway” exhibition is just another day in the life of SAM. That’s not a bad thing. It’s a reminder of how lucky we are to have a museum dedicated to contemporary art in Sarasota 365 days a year.

SAM’s presentation isn’t as grand as the “Skyway” show across town at The Ringling, but its juxtapositions of multimedia works speak to the important contributions of Florida immigrants from places as diverse as Upstate New York and Cuba.

Some of the most arresting creations are by Havana native Tatiana Mesa Paján, who uses white “puffballs” from dandelion plants to surround religious statues and other objects, one of which is called

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

THIS WEEK THURSDAY

SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road $20 adults; $15 kids Visit Ringling.org.

The 2024 Summer Circus Spectacular is heading into its final days.

Presided over by Ringmaster Jared Walker, the summer circus includes contortionist Uranbileg Angarag, acrobatic hand balancers The Bello Sisters, hair hang artist Camille Langlois, slack wire performer Antino Pansa and clown Renaldo, a veteran of the Big Apple Circus. Runs through Aug. 17.

JAZZ THURSDAY AT SAM 5:30 p.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail Free to $20 Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

Jazz Club of Sarasota presents the

DON’T MISS

‘DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE’ 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 lifechanging pen-pal relationship with Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress living in the Big Apple.

Runs through Aug. 11.

IF YOU GO When: 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 9 Where: FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. Tickets: $29-$46 Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

13

OUR PICK

GREEN DAY’S ‘AMERICAN IDIOT’ Come get your grunge on at the rock opera created

by Michael Mayer, Broadway director and playwright (“Spring Awakening,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”), and Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong. This explosive production, directed by Brian Finnerty, is just the cure for the summertime blues. Runs through Aug. 16.

Gustav Viehmeyer Quartet on the Marcy and Michael Klein Plaza. The evening also features extended hours in the galleries, the Bistro and the gift shop.

ANDY HENDRICKSON 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $26 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 8 Where: The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130 Tickets: $30/ Student $13 Info: Visit ThePlayers.org.

During his 20-year career, Andy Hendrickson has appeared on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Late Late Show” on CBS and NBC’s “The Guest List” and has performed his brand of clean comedy at clubs and festivals around the world. Runs through Aug. 11.

‘ANYTHING GOES’ 7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $32-$42 Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com.

Courtesy image

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

Can’t get enough Cole Porter? Then this Manatee Players revival of the 1934 musical “Anything Goes” is the show for you. Set sail on the SS American as two unlikely couples try to chart a course to lasting love.

Runs through Aug. 18.

Everyone’s a winner in this FST Improv show where audience members select the night’s lineup of games, replete with scenes, sketches and songs designed to provoke laughter.

Runs Saturdays through Sept. 28.

‘THE FOUR C NOTES’ 8 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave. $18-$42 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

With “The Four C Notes,” Florida Studio Theatre’s summer cabaret continues the tradition of doo-wop.

This Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons tribute show, created by John Michael Coppola, has been a hit in the Midwest. Runs through Oct. 13.

MONDAY Courtesy image

FRIDAY ‘CLYDE BUTCHER: NATURE THROUGH THE LENS’ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Historic Spanish Point, 401 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey $20 Visit Selby.org.

Venice photographer Clyde

Butcher’s large-scale photographs of Florida flora and fauna are on display at Selby’s Historic Spanish Point campus overlooking Little Sarasota Bay. The 30-acre waterfront park is filled with landmarks such as a prehistoric burial ground, Sarasota pioneer Bertha Palmer’s gardens and a Victorian chapel with a cemetery. Through Aug. 31.

JAZZ JAM SRQ 5:30 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Thanks to the efforts of Jazz Club of Sarasota, the jazz scene is growing in Sarasota. This bi-monthly jam session is open to professional and amateur musicians alike. Come play, sing, watch and enjoy jazz.

?

GET YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW! SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW.

Daniel Pratt | Photography by Matthew Holler

429350-1

941.359.0099 | SarasotaBallet.org

14

YourObserver.com

REVIEWS

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

Taking aim at the politics of stupidity Find out what happens when a nerdy lieutenant governor suddenly finds himself running the state.

MARTY FUGATE THEATER CRITIC

P

aul Slade Smith’s “The Outsider,” now on stage at Florida Studio Theatre, is a lightweight political satire with a heavy target. Hold that thought.

The play begins right after a sex scandal forces the governor of an unnamed state to leave office. His entire staff goes too — except for Dave Riley (Gil Brady), his former chief of staff.

Ned Newley (Sheffield Chastain), the former lieutenant governor, instantly becomes the new governor. The man’s a genius-level math whiz. He was once a state treasurer and still thinks like one.

Newley hates crowds, public speaking and TV cameras. Hiding in his office and running budget numbers is his idea of a good time.

That’s no longer an option. Before Newley knows it, he’s mumbling the oath of office while surrounded by a firing squad of TV cameras. The embarrassing video goes viral.

Arthur Vance (Roy Stanton), a James Carville-esque political flack, sees it — and spots political gold. He flies in and sweet-talks the mortified Newley with twisted logic. Yes, the viral vid made him look like a moron. But that’s a good thing!

That’s what the people want!

Keep acting like a moron and you’ll do fine. Riley’s disgusted by this fraudulent play-acting.

But Newley plays along, and puts on a lumberjack shirt for his next TV interview. The Q&A begins. The idealistic reporter

(Tatiana Williams) and her taciturn cameraman (Kevin Cristaldi) know something’s up, but Newley keeps playing dumb. And gets away with it — until Lulu (Eileen Ward) a scatterbrained temp with a Minnesota accent, barges into the shot and ruins his act.

What’s her job? Ditz that she is, Lulu has to think about it. Gee. Lieutenant governor, maybe? The interview ends, with no time for correction. Lulu’s now running for office! It’s on TV, so it’s official.

Vance is delighted to his toes to be her campaign manager. If Newley’s political gold, Lulu’s platinum. This chick doesn’t have to pretend to be clueless. She really is clueless! In the play’s topsy-turvy world, this airhead just might win — or go further. But Governor Newley just might get real.

That sounds like a tight political satire. But my summary paves over a few plot holes. The first act underwhelms. Its fast-talking screwball comedy dialogue’s funny. But it’s loaded with heavy exposition, and that drags it down.

Instead of showing you, the first act tells you. You hear about this scaredy-cat new governor, but he’s usually off-stage. Kooky characters, wacky situation. Haha. I chuckled a few times, and that’s it.

But the second act won me over. Gov. Newley finally shows up — and sticks around. He now feels like an actual character, not a rumor. The other characters also snap into focus. After that, I invested in their story — and started laughing out loud.

Director Kate Alexander has a

Image courtesy of John Jones

Florida Studio Theatre’s comedy “The Outsider” runs through Aug. 18 at the Gompertz Theatre.

IF YOU GO

‘The Outsider’ When: Through Aug. 18 Where: FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. Tickets: $25-$42.

Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

knack for comedy. She distracts you from the first act’s story problems with slapstick. When the second act gets the story straight, she takes it to comedy town. And makes the audience howl.

But the actors get credit, too.

Chastain’s Newley is a smarter, kinder cousin of Stephen Root’s character in “Office Space.” He’s a quiet man, a shadow man, a man who isn’t there. Chastain shines when his character drops the dummy act and explains how government works to the cameraman.

His eloquent words are sincere and from the heart. It could’ve been a cornball scene, but Chastain makes it feel real.

Riley’s great as a sane man in a mad, mad world. His character heroically keeps a positive attitude, thinks the best of his crazy colleagues and always does the right thing. On top of all that, he

struggles to keep his own sanity.

Stanton does a spot-on James Carville impression as the Vance character. (I’m not sure if that’s in the script, but Vance nails it.)

Paige Caldwell’s pollster digs his Machiavellian, chess-master mind — and probably digs him. Williams is perfect as Rachel — a low-level TV reporter with high journalistic standards. She’s constantly forced to compromise by bosses with no standards. Williams makes you feel Rachel’s simmering frustration.

Cristaldi’s grunting cameraman reminds me of every cameraman I’ve ever known.

But Ward’s clueless Lulu steals the show. Her scatterbrained character can’t remember anybody’s name, which intercom button to push or where to find the door to the governor’s office.

But ignorance is bliss, at least for Lulu. Despite her constant screw-ups, Lulu is always a beam of sunshine. Thanks to Ward’s hilarious portrayal, she always gets big laughs.

Smith’s political satire unfolds in a Bizarro World where up is down, competence is stupidity and idiocy is the ideal image. It’s over the top and never even tries to be realistic.

Daniel Ciba’s Technicolor costumes are a perfect fit for

the playwright’s looking glass universe. But Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay’s drab governor’s office is realistic. Their set’s dominated by a grinning portrait of the disgraced ex-governor, and stuffed with cheap, shabby furniture. There’s zero glamor, and it’s utterly believable. Little else is in Smith’s play. “The West Wing” it ain’t.

But the playwright’s not going for verisimilitude.

“The Outsider” is a surreal political satire. As noted, the world of the play is Bizarro World.

I didn’t believe in it for a second, but so what? It got me laughing, and that counts for a lot.

But I have one gripe. “The Outsider” is a political satire with very little politics. Its satire aims at a single political target. Just one. And it’s a narrow one.

The politics of stupidity. That’s Smith’s satiric target. His play hits the bull’s eye on that one.

“The Outsider” ignores a massive shooting gallery of other political targets. But it’s still pretty funny. And it ends with a note of hope.

When Governor Newley finally drops the dummy act and reveals his high IQ, his voters love it. They might not be as stupid as Vance thinks.

LAST WEEK! DON’T MISS OUT THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY & THE RINGLING present

CAT CARE CLINIC

Affordable Veterinary Services

Open to the Public

By Appointment Only - 941.366.CATS (2287)

Incredible Family Entertainment

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

AT THE RINGLING

NOW – SAT AUG 17 20

$

15

$

MAY 23 - AUGUST 31

THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY 7PM & 9PM

12 & UNDER

941.360 .7399

11 AM & 2 PM 2 PM & 5 PM CHILD

ringling.org

TUE – FRI SAT

ADULT

TICKETS:

427490-1

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

$15

Drinks and snacks available for purchase.

420873-1

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

425206-1

201 10TH STREET WEST | BRADENTON, FL 34205 W W W. B I S H O P S C I E N C E . O R G

Classifieds 30 Games 29 Real Estate 27 Weather 29

AUGUST 8, 2024

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Resident Olympian Personal Trainer Petar Sibinkic, a two-time Olympian, helps Longboaters reach peak fitness.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

W

hen watching the 2024 Paris Olympics, Petar Sibinkic remembers where he’s from.

It was 1996, when he was the second man in a four-man canoe representing his home country of Serbia in the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. He trained twice a day for eight years for that one race.

Sibinkic said they moved like a machine, putting their paddles in the water simultaneously as fast as they could.

Most Longboaters know him as the owner of Longboat Key Fitness, a trainer and a friend. But watching this year’s Olympic Games reminds Sibinkic who he is first and foremost: a two-time Olympian and threetime European kayaking champion.

NATURAL-BORN COMPETITOR

429381-1

Sibinkic grew up in Serbia near a river. His elementary school teacher trained local children in kayaking, so it was only natural that the river became his backyard.

The sport challenged him physically and mentally. As a result, he and his younger brother immediately fell in love with it. When Sibinkic was 12 years old, he entered kayak racing competitions.

Being naturally competitive, Sibinkic started to train by kayaking twice a day. He said he didn’t race to just participate; he raced to compete.

This was a mentality he saw in most of his Olympian colleagues.

Sibinkic described kayak racing as an intricate and unpredictable sport.

Each stroke had to be completely in sync with the other paddlers on the boat or it would move it in the wrong way. The team also had to take into account the wind and how it would affect their chances of winning.

Through his teenage years, Sibinkic trained and competed to become the best in his country. Along with kayaking around 20 miles a day, he incorporated weight and interval training to build stamina. His team also went cross-country skiing during the winter to improve their cardiovascular conditioning.

Sibinkic won three kayak championship medals in the Canoe Sprint European Championships.

ONE AMONG HIS OWN

At 20 years old, Sibinkic qualified for the kayak and canoe sprint at the Olympic trials in 1996. He said he’d always felt a call to the U.S. and he was excited to finally answer it at the Atlanta Olympics.

On July 19 of that year, Sibinkic walked out with a small group of athletes from his country at the Centennial Olympic Stadium. Roughly 3.5 billion people were watching around the world, which made it the mostviewed opening ceremony in Olympics history at the time, according to Axios Atlanta.

“That’s the dream of every athlete to compete,” said Sibinkic. “We were surrounded by the best athletes in the world. Hearing the national anthems, and seeing the flags, it was electric to carry the spirit of the modern Olympic Games, which has so much history.

“The camaraderie was just incredible. We were enemies on the field but friends on the sidelines.”

Sibinkic’s days started with breakfast in the Olympic Village. This was his time to mingle with other athletes from across the world.

Sibinkic said the energy of the Olympic Village was indescribable.

It was a cluster of cultures in every corner. Each athlete had a story that most people watching didn’t know about.

Though he was experiencing different lifestyles from across the world, he noticed how all the athletes had the same mentality: a love for competition, an openness to make friends and a passion for their countries. Sibinkic is still amazed that he was surrounded by many of the

“The work ethic and the mindset are the most important thing I got from the Olympics. I wouldn’t be standing here today enhancing people’s lives if I didn’t go to the Olympics.”

— Petar Sibinkic

Photos by Petra Rivera

Petar Sibinkic, owner of Longboat Key Fitness

greats, such as wrestler Aleksandr Karelin and basketball player Shaquille O’Neal.

THE REAL DEAL

Sibinkic and his competitions took place in Gainesville, Georgia, which meant a roughly hourlong bus ride to the competition venue. When he arrived, Sibinkic immediately got on the water to feel how the winds would affect his racing and prepare for his event.

“Before every race you have to deal with this initial anxiety,” said Sibinkic. “But when this pistol fires, anxiety leaves you out and you immediately start paddling. I would find that so interesting, but it was a crucial part of my competition experience.”

Sibinkic placed eighth in the semifinals in the 1996 Olympic Games.

After he finished his events, Sibinkic watched other sports, such as basketball, and cheered on new friends.

On one of his days off, he got lost wandering around the Olympic Village. In search of assistance, he ran into a crowd.

“It was Muhammad Ali,” said Sibinkic. “He was with a group of people and reporters and I came to him, and he shook his hand. For a 20-year-old who had only heard of or seen him on television, it was one of the most inspiring moments.”

In 2000, Sibinkic competed in the Sydney Olympics for Bulgaria. He felt more experienced and determined that time around, which resulted in him placing fifth.

ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE KEY

After the Sydney Olympics, Sibinkic followed his dream of moving to the U.S. in 2005. Sibinkic hung up his paddle after getting his degree in sports technology training. With his vast knowledge of how the body

Petar Sibinkic remembers his love for the sport after kayaking for the first time in months.

works from being a professional athlete, he wanted to help others grow their health and life span.

To do this, he followed a friend to Longboat Key to work as a trainer at the Longboat Key Club for a year.

After making a name for himself as a trainer in Sarasota, he bought his own gym on the island because, for him, all roads lead to Longboat Key. “By training the way I did as a professional athlete, I have so much knowledge of the human body,” said Sibinkic. “I can tell how to push people when working out and when to stop pushing. I can tell by their breath, in their face and how their bodies move. It feels amazing to turn around the years of training to better myself and use it to improve longevity and help people reach their goals.”

At Longboat Key Fitness, Sibinkic trains about 50 people per week.

Using his Olympian determination, he tailors his training to promote

peak health as people get older and get the desired results in the lives of Longboaters. Living here for about 20 years now, Sibinkic calls his clients his extended family and prides himself on the community atmosphere of his gym.

With the Olympics airing this year, he has found himself reminiscing. He loves having the sporting events on at the gym so he can constantly share moments from his past with his clients.

Sibinkic found himself on a kayak for the first time in months recently and said he had forgotten how much he loved the feeling of paddling his way around the water.

“This experience shaped me as a person,” said Sibinkic. “The work ethic and the mindset are the most important thing I got from the Olympics. I wouldn’t be standing here today enhancing people’s lives if I didn’t go to the Olympics.”

16

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024 Alustra® Architectural Shades with PowerView Automation®

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS heraldtribune.com

WINNER

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com Photos by Petra Rivera

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

Brad Marner and Michael Garey

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

Networking event sets record

427863-1

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

N

etworking at Noon hit record numbers for a summer networking event with the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, according to Chamber President Kim Verreault.

Fifty-five people attended the monthly event on July 31 at Lazy Lobster to meet with local businesses and spread the word about their companies’ mission. There were eight new members and guests who attended the event.

Lazy Lobster co-owner Michael Garey welcomed back his longtime friend, Brad Marner. Garey surprised everyone with ice cream samples from Tyler’s Gourmet Ice Cream next door.

Marner used to work at the Fidelity and Ameris Bank in the Centre Shops of Longboat Key. He became well-acquainted with other business owners and employees in the area. Along with being a part of the chamber, he also joined the Longboat Key Rotary Club.

In 2019, he moved with his branch to work in its Bradenton office after the bank at Centre Shops closed. While attending the chamber’s Savor the Sounds concert series this year, Marner met employees from Bank of America. After hearing he could come back to work on Longboat, he leapt at the opportunity to become financial manager at Bank of America on the Key. Marner said it was the relationships he formed through the chamber and Rotary Club that brought him back.

OPEN HOUSE 1 - 4PM SUNDAY JULY 11TH

ISLANDER CLUB OF LBK 2301 GMD #21 North | $1,399,000 Beautiful remodeled 2/2 located in the north corner end unit to enjoy privacy, the sound of the surf, incredible sunsets on the large corner terrace of “turn-key” furnished residence, fabulous amenities abound at the Islander Club. MLS A4618051

THE LIFESTYLE YOU DESERVE WITH

THE REALTORS who WHO DELIVER the realtors deliver

— PETRA RIVERA

KATHY CALLAHAN 941.900.8088 | kathy@lbkathy.com TODD CALLAHAN 941.224.0624 | todd@lbkathy.com LBKathy.com

Danielle Gladding

429771-1

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228

Kim Verreault and Ramin Hashemi

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

LOCAL, VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1939 LONGBOAT KEY Wagner Realty WELCOMES BACK MARY MOORE, REALTOR®

LONGBOAT KEY

821 Evergreen Way, | Cedars East Townhouse |MLS#A4608771 | 2/2.5 | Great investment w/strong rental history |$729,000 | Mary Moore (941) 757-6061

Greg Guevara, Ashley Watts and Andrew Vac

You can reach her at our Longboat Key Office, via email at marymoore@wagnerrealty.com, or by phone at 941-757-6061.

NOW OFFERING

LONGBOAT KEY

Call to schedule your cleaning today!

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

TILE & GROUT CLEANING

4370 Chatham Drive, Unit 104| Longboat Harbour MLS#A4592435 | 2/2 - 1,040 sf | Great amenities | $520,000 | Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

Any Room

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

Longboat Key Office

428327-1

427433-1

99 $139

$

3 Rooms + FREE Hallway Steam Cleaned

5 Rooms + FREE Hallway Steam Cleaned

8 Rooms + FREE Hallway Steam Cleaned

AREA RUG CLEANING

20% OFF Plus an additional 10% discount cash and carry

Exclusions and Environmental fees may apply. Carpet Cleaning: Steam Clean Only, rooms up to 250 sq. ft. Stairs may be interchanged for a room.

Area Rug: $49 pick up/drop off fee for area rugs. Must bring rugs to office location and pay invoice with cash. Tile & Grout: Up to 150 sq. ft. Additional sq. ft. 66¢ per sq. ft. Ceramic or Porcelain tile only. Walls are additional. $92 minimum order. Discounts cannot be combined. Offers expire 8/31/24

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

941.383.5577

99

$

CARPET CLEAN-

TeasdaleSarasota.com 941-229-7020 Water & Mold Damage 24 Hour Emergency: 941-205-7262

YourObserver.com

17

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

#1 LONGBOAT KEY TEAM Michael Saunders & Company Follow on Instagram @LongboatLife

BENCH MBAE R KHRMEA SU ARRKK Z ED NC R K LTS RESU• LTSST• R S TAT R AEGIC GEGIC M MA ETET I N IGNG • P E•R SPER O NASONA L I Z E D SLEIRV I C E SERV ICE

TY CI

S EW I V

RECENT ACTIVITY

BENCH M A R K R E SU LTS • S T R AT EGIC M A R K ET I NG • PER SONA LLO I Z ED SERV ICE EL B O RT O P

on g b o at K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E

L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 MLS# A4178487

3235 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #405 | $1,249,000

SANCTUARY SUNRISES

GULFDR OF IMEXICO | OFFERED AT $1,949,000 2067 H A R BOUR 545 LINKS V E, #4 DR #B406 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

L on gSweeping b o a t K e views y | Oover f f e rethe d treetops a t $ 7 79, 0 0 city skyline and theLgolf on gcourse boat K | O f f efrom re d this a t $37bed/2.5 79, 0 0 0 of0the aree yenjoyed MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487 bath southeast corner residence. Expertly renovated throughout with the finest appointments, a

wraparound terrace and resort-style amenities.

MLS# A4576305

G

N LO

OF O R

7 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 EW N

on g b o at K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

L on g b o aBt K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 U MLS# A4178487 CL Y E K AT O B

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E

L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 MLS# A4178487

250 SANDS RD #5105 | $599,000 2067 H APOINT R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

ST JU

7 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

on g b o at K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0QUEENS 0 L onELEGANCE g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 HARBOUR MLS# MLS# A4178487 3605 FAIR OAKS PLACE | OFFERED AT $1,625,000 2067 HA4178487 A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 Club L on g bThis o a t 4Kbed/3.5 e y | O fbath f e reprivate d a t $corner 7 79, 0lot 0 0 residence located behind L on g bthe o a tgates K e yof|the O fLongboat f e re d a t Key $ 7 79, 000 offers volume ceilings, a heated pool, 2 ensuite guest bedrooms, dedicated laundry room, 2 car garage, a MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487 new roof and membership to the Bay Isles Beach Club.

MLS# A4578278

I A N A DDY, PA IRAEN DDY, PA A LA TO R ®, M B A R E A LT O R ®, M B A

IanAddy@MichaelSaunders. com IanAddy@MichaelSaunders.com

LD SO

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E

L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 MLS#DR A4178487 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS I V E, #4

L onOF g b MEXICO o a t K e y DR | O#15B f f e re |d$1,450,000 a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 2525 GULF MLS# A4178487

G A I L W IT T IG

G ABIRLOW K EIT R -T A IG SSOCI ATE

BROK E R-A SSOCI ATE GailWittig@MichaelSaunders. co GailWittig@MichaelSaunders. com

941.387.0100 941.387.0100

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

427348-1

7 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

18

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

Ship-shape service UPS Store on Longboat Key makes house calls and ships cars.

Why Leave the Key...

Serving Longboat Key for over 10 Years

PETRA RIVERA

429455-1

STAFF WRITER

Michael J.O’Neil DDS FAGD Conveniently Located on Longboat Key

595 Bay Isles Road, Suite 110 | Longboat Key, FL 34228 Located behind the Publix

941.383.6400 | www.LongboatKeyDental.com

to

years!

Harry’s Restaurant Specials WINE DINNER ALERT!

New World vs. Old World $129 - Friday, August 9th Dinner 4 Course Prix Fixe $45 Harry’s Island Nights Specials! $10 Cocktails $12 Tapas $29 Entrees

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

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

Buy Two Soups, Get One Free!

20% OFF Retail Wine Every Day

View our Menu Reservations Suggested

427310-1

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

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

www.HarrysKitchen.com • 5600 Gulf of Mexico Drive • 941-383-0777 Proudly representing these fabulous Longboat Key properties

E

xpensive paintings, copper eagles and mermaid statues.

These are only a few of the items that the UPS store on Longboat Key has shipped.

Because shipping options are limited on the island, the store is trusted by many snowbirds to handle their prized possessions and new purchases when the season ends.

Owner Mike Rusnak said this causes the Longboat Key branch to see some of the most unique shipping items across UPS stores. The store’s main goal is to make moving these items easy by accommodating customers and providing as many options as possible.

According to Rusnak, the store became the first UPS store in the area to ship cars.

“I saw the great demand for shipping cars here,” said Rusnak. “We also live in a unique area where snowbirds come back and forth, so I thought it was important to expand the shipping options here and how people can ship things. I think we are the first store in the country to ship cars.”

After seeing the struggle car carriers have on the Key, Rusnak thought he could make it more accessible by having a specific location for shipping cars. After working closely with UPS headquarters, he was able to start the car-shipping process this year.

When shipping a car with the store, customers will park in the parking lot of the Centre Shops of Longboat Key and leave their keys with the team.

Then, Rusnak works with a trusted car carrier to ensure it’s shipped in about three days.

Customers can also leave their luggage with UPS to make the trip

Courtesy image

even easier. Many customers have told Rusnak it removes the stress of returning home because all they have to do is catch a flight and their belongings will meet them at their destination. Along with shipping cars and belongings, Longboaters are known to collect interesting objects from the numerous shops in the area.

Rusnak and his team make many home visits to package these usually heavy and fragile items to ensure a safe trip back.

“Not a lot of UPS stores do house visits,” said Rusnak. “Once, we shipped a lady’s whole pottery collection. We went to her house and packed it all up. We have done a bunch of lightsabers from trips to Disney. There is this one guy ... every time he comes in, he talks about this huge lion statue that he sent to the Detroit Lions. The owner wrote back and said they displayed it in their locker room.”

Originally from Texas, Rusnak resigned from being a fire chief to live out his dream of moving to Florida and owning his own franchise. He bought the UPS store three years ago.

Rusnak’s favorite part of owning the UPS store is finding unique ways to help customers with their shipping needs. He said that he loves that the variety in his clientele keep presenting him with new challenges.

Alexia Cheever and Ryan Parker pack up a guitar.

Island life begins here.

Your trusted Longboat Key Resident REALTOR®,

JoDene Moneuse

35 year Longboat Key Resident/Realtor 4507 Coral Blvd, Bradenton Renovated 4 bdrm/3 bath canal home | $1,195,000.

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

2143 Harbourside Drive 1201 3BR | 2BA | 2,224 SF A4592954 | $875,000

RARE 165ft of gorgeous beachfront property!

3341 & 3351 Gulf of Mexico Dr | $10,500,000 2383 Harbour Oaks Drive.

3BR | 2.5 BA | 2,222 SF $950,000 | A4609474 JUST SOLD - $1,662,500

JUST SOLD - $1,300,000

JUST SOLD - $3,000,000

UPDATED and HIGH AND DRY! 3 bdrms/2 baths on a nice canal.

550 De Narvaez Dr | $1,450,000

1800 Benjamin Franklin Dr. A602 1918 Harbourside Drive 901 6485 Gulf of Mexico Drive 3BR | 3BA |1,980 SF 3BR | 2BA | 2,135 SF 3BR | 3BA | 2,000 SF A4587573 | $2,000,000 A4588451 | $1,400,000 A4600758 | $3,500,000

Living and Working on Longboat Key

JoDeneMoneuse@michaelsaunders.com LongboatKeyLiving.com

Julie Klick REALTOR®, MBA 941.780.6001

julieklick@ michaelsaunders.com

Bringing you HOME is my Business

Beverly St. Hilaire

REALTOR®, GRI, CLHMS 818.416.2505 beverlysthilaire@ michaelsaunders.com

429767-1

941.302.4913

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

521 Broadway St | $950,000

427371-1

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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

19

THERE IS NO OFF-SEASON IN REAL ESTATE TOP 1%

of 1.46M Realtors

Top Small Group Sarasota/Manatee Counties

$3+ Billion

Career Sales Volume

Think the summer real estate market in Sarasota slows down? This has not happened in

Top 100 Agents RealTrends — All Florida

years!

48 Years

• Sarasota has experienced explosive growth in recent years, becoming the second fastest-growing region in the U.S. in 2022 and 2024. Population and employment have surged, dramatically transforming the area.

Selling Sarasota & Manatee Counties

• Sarasota’s typical retiree and snowbird demographic has shifted significantly to include families and young professionals, a trend that is expected to accelerate over the next 10 years. www.ackermansrq.com RYAN ACKERMAN (305) 205-7700

THE ACKERMAN GROUP

BARBARA ACKERMAN (941) 780-6045

941.387.1820

• Every summer, buyers flock to Sarasota, seizing the chance to explore properties in a more relaxed setting.

They aim to secure their winter homes before January 1, reaping significant tax advantages and making Sarasota their ultimate retreat.

• Recognized for unparalleled expertise in the Sarasota/ Manatee region, The Ackerman Group is consistently ranked among the top 0.5% of all Coldwell Banker agents globally, and provide their clientele with unmatched local expertise.

NOTABLE SUMMER SALES

LIGHTHOUSE POINT 80 LIGHTHOUSE POINT DR. SOLD $10,800,000

FAIRWAY BAY 1922 HARBOURSIDE DR., #1101 SOLD $705,000

SEA BREEZE 9008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 SOLD $2,400,000

ROYAL ST. ANDREW 555 S. GULFSTREAM AVE. #901/901A SOLD $1,700,000

PROMENADE 1211 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #801 SOLD $1,800,000

QUEENS HARBOUR 3584 FAIR OAKS LANE SOLD $2,300,000

LAWRENCE POINTE 101 SUNSET DR. #402 SOLD $1,850,000

BAYSO SARASOTA 301 QUAY COMMONS #903 SOLD $1,580,000

SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES NEW LISTING

THE LANDINGS | $1,775,000 4812 PEREGRINE POINT. CIR.. W. 5BR/4.5BA | 3,579 SF

WATER CLUB I | $4,545,000 1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #401 3BR/5BA | 3,400 SQ FT

CLUB LONGBOAT | $1,089,000 5055 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #436 3BR/3BA | 1,632 SQ FT

CONDO ON THE BAY | $1,199,000 988 BLVD OF THE ARTS #816 2BR/2BA | 1,555 SQ FT

NEW CONSTRUCTION

GRAND BAY II | $2,295,000 3040 GRAND BAY BLVD., #283 3BR/3BA | 2,550 SQ FT

COMING SOON

Artist Rendering OYSTER BAY ESTATES | $5,995,000 1429 N. LAKE SHORE DR 5BR/5 FULL BA & 2 HALF BA

GRAND BAY I | $1,775,000 3060 GRAND BAY BLVD., #112 3BR/2BA | 2,250 SQ FT

THE LAKES ESTATES | $835,000 1755 OAK LAKES DR. 3BR/2BA | 2,583 SQ FT

ESPLANADE BY SIESTA KEY LAKEFRONT DETACHED VILLA

429333-1

GRAND BAY III | $2,569,000 3030 GRAND BAY BLVD. #386 3BR/3.5BA | 2,925 SQ FT

20

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

SIDE OF RANCH

JAY HEATER

Aspiring butler hopes to clean up in his new profession Editor’s note: The following column ran in the July 18 edition of the East County Observer.

T

he U.S. Marines boot camp is known as one of the most grueling training regimens in the world.

About 10% of men don’t make it through.

I might have found something tougher.

Lakewood Ranch’s Michael Gula attended the International Butler Academy in Simpelveid, Netherlands.

It’s a 10-week program to produce butlers for private service.

Gula, a 2015 Cardinal Mooney graduate, has completed eight weeks of the program. Of the five people who signed up, two dropped out. That’s a 40% loss, which Gula said is not unusual for the program.

They dropped out despite paying $16,000 to attend the program.

Yes, they paid big bucks to be a butler. Go figure.

If you are like me, your exposure to butlers has been through the movies. When I hear “butler,” I think of the old classic comedy “Arthur.” Actor John Gielgud introduced us to the profession by playing the character “Hobson,” who took care of lovable alcoholic Arthur. He won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his work.

Time’s Gary Susman wrote about the role that Hobson “displays a frosty hauteur, his every syllable dripping with sarcasm and contempt.”

Thus, that’s what I think of when I hear “butler.”

There have been many other movie and TV butlers who have carved our image of the profession as well. Batman, on both TV and in the movies, always had Alfred, Louis Winthorpe in “Trading Places” had Coleman, and in the TV series, the Owens family had “Mr. Belvedere.” Heck, the Addams Fam-

TURNING

File image

Lakewood Ranch’s Tony Gula has supported his son, Michael, as he enters his new profession of being a butler. He’ll ply his trade at the St. Regis Lonboat Key.

ily had Lurch.

All were stiff, sarcastic, proper, and all-knowing. They were a mix of valet, maid, cook and psychologist. Seldom, in the movies, did you see a butler actually having fun.

They often take abuse from their quirky clients.

So my question to Gula, who spoke to me by phone from the Netherlands, was “why?”

Kids often want to be like their parents (Dad Tony Gula was an air conditioning supervisor for the New York City Transit Authority and mom Roseann Gula was a career educator) or perhaps a fireman, policeman, doctor, professional athlete. But a butler?

What attracted him to such a profession?

“My story is that, growing up, I was fortunate to have been able to do a lot of traveling,” Gula said.

“With that, you become used to being in the hospitality environment. It is a fun, exciting environment.”

But isn’t it more fun and exciting to be on the receiving end of the hospitality?

“I want to make people happy,” he said. “I can create extra special moments.”

So, after high school, Gula earned his degree in hospitality management from the University of South Florida. Then he started looking around for a job. He found information about the International Butler Academy, which calls itself “the best butler academy in the world.”

The academy’s website notes, “Immerse yourself in a transformative journey where every detail matters, where etiquette and precision intertwine, and where the true art of service becomes a way of life.

We are honored to serve some of the wealthiest families and most discerning employers in the world, and they rely on us for staff training, recruitment and highly specialized consulting services.”

It’s not an easy 10 weeks.

While the International Butler

Dreams

your

Academy doesn’t offer the kind of physical grind of a boot camp, it does familiarize those who sign up with a schedule that simply can wear them out mentally. It prepares its students for a job that can be relentless.

“I will be working all the hours that nobody wants to work,” Gula said with a laugh.

Butlers often are required to serve breakfast and lunch and dinner. They have duties first thing in the morning, and at night, and on weekends, and all the times in between. They basically are on-call 24-7. The responsibilities can seem to be never ending.

None of it scares the 27-year-old Gula, who said he has total support from his parents.

“They have always told me, ‘We are OK if this is what you want to do,’” Gula said. “And all of this is so fascinating to me.”

He also noted that private service butlers can earn six-figure incomes.

He said his first eight weeks at the International Butler Academy were interesting and informative. The building itself is a former monastery that is set up to function like a private household. It also has dedicated space for subjects such as a Flower Room, a Candle Room, a Porcelain Room, a Table Decoration Room and more.

Two three-hour classroom periods are worked into a day where they clean, do laundry, serve food and take inventory of all the household needs.

“It’s kind of like a royal household,” Gula said. “Someone is assigned to be the head butler each day, and I’ve been that four times.”

The classes cover subjects such as their recruitment for a position, how to interview and lessons on etiquette. The academy scheduled field trips to places that support luxury lifestyle, such as a Bentley dealership, luxury interior designers and five-star hotels.

Some of the lessons centered on

appearance.

“We learn how to present ourselves, how to walk in and how to exit rooms,” Gula said.

The academy has a placement agency that works with clients who know any potential butler who has been through the 10 weeks will be well-schooled.

Gula will not be going into private service. Before he left for the International Butler Academy, he attended a job fair by the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort and was hired to be a hotel butler with an early August start date. While it isn’t private service, Gula will use much of what he learned at the academy in his new job.

Eventually, he will try to move up at the resort or he could even pursue private service if he decides to go that direction.

“You do have more flexibility in a hotel,” he said. “You need to produce surprises for your guests and go the extra mile. It’s still luxury hospitality, and you need to have a special talent to be able to predict the needs of your guests.”

That sparked my memory to one of my favorite scenes in “Arthur.”

Hobson goes to the apartment of the female lead (Linda Marolla played by Liza Minnelli) and tries to convince her to pursue Arthur.

At one point he asks her to get him some aspirin, which she does. They finish talking and Hobson gets ready to leave when she tells him, “You forgot your aspirin.”

Hobson quips, “The aspirins are for you, my dear.”

Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver.com.

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

into an ADDRESS

535 Sanctuary Dr Apt C807 | A4612424 Totally Renovated, Penthouse 3/3, 2,580 Sq Ft, Longboat Key NEWLY LISTED AVAILABLE $1,595,000

1055 Gulf of Mexico Drive #504 2BD | 2BA | 1,503 SqFt Beachfront, Turnkey, Rentals in place

$1,595,000

1065 Gulf of Mexico Drive #302

2BD | 2BA Southern Exposure with Covered Parking $ 850,000

1145 Gulf of Mexico Dr Unit 301 | A4616017 2/2, Full Gulf Views, Renovated, Longboat Key

SOLD

DIRECT BAY FRONT $799,900

1125 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #402

2BD | 2BA | 1,392 SqFt Completely Updated, New Impact Windows, Covered Parking $1,250,000

3070 Grand Bay Blvd #625 | A4608605 2/2, Direct Bay Views, Under Building Parking, Longboat Key

1055 Gulf of Mexico Drive #605 2BD/2BA / 1,503 SqFt Penthouse level

1,790,000

$

Ready to Buy or SELL?

Dennis Girard

Maggie Hicks, Coldwell Banker maggiehicks201@gmail.com 941.321.1759

DEDICATED TO LUXURY REAL ESTATE Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

428431-1

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Ste. 1 • Longboat Key, FL 34228

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

427458-1

Broker Associate

Maggie has been a realtor for 30+ years and focuses on luxury residential real estate in South Florida.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

21

REAL ESTATE BY REAL EXPERTS OVER $110 MILLION PENDING AND SOLD JUST IN 2024

SCAN FOR MORE

JUST LISTED GRAND BAY IV • 3010 GRAND BAY BLVD. #482 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,695,000 3BR/3.5BA • 2,250 SF • Furnished • Bay, Golf, City & Gulf views from wraparound terrace

SCAN FOR MORE

JUST LISTED THE MEADOWS • 4737 CHANDLERS FORDE #14 • SARASOTA, FL • $ 575,000 2BR+OFFICE /2.5BA • 2,000 SF • Updated

SCAN FOR MORE

NEW PRICE COUNTRY CLUB SHORES • 1180 BOGEY LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $950,000 2BR+DEN/2BA • 2,180 SF • Furnished • Large fenced yard

SCAN FOR MORE

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

SCAN FOR MORE

WEST OF TRAIL • 1886 PROSPECT STREET • SARASOTA, FL • $2,799,000 4BR/4BA • 3,444 SF • Modern Elegance • Built in 2016 • Close to Downtown

NOW PENDING

NOW PENDING

BIRD KEY • 470 E. ROYAL FLAMINGO DRIVE • SARASOTA, FL • $1,725,000 3BR/2BA • 2,480 SF • Open Floor plan • Pool with oversized yard

NOW PENDING

BEACHPLACE • 1055 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #605 • LONGBOAT KEY FL • $1,790,000 2BR/2BA • 1,503 SF • Penthouse Level • Direct Gulf front

COREY’S LANDING • 3514 MISTLETOE LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $2,100,000 3BR/2.5BA • 2,502 SF • Bay Views

BRUCE MYER GROUP

RANKED #10 COLDWELL BANKER INDIVIDUAL REALTOR IN THE NATION

www.BruceMyer.com 595 BAY ISLES ROAD, SUITE 250 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228

BRUCE MYER (941) 376-5311

This material is based upon information that we consider to be reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied upon as such.

The offering is subject to errors, omissions, changes, including price, or withdrawal without notice.

417371-1

CHASE MYER (941) 315-5318

22

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

File image

The Rev. Brock Patterson and Longboat Island Chapel, through a campaign to raise $640,000, are looking toward a summer project to renovate restrooms, staff offices, conference rooms and a small prayer chapel.

Worship in the works LBK congregations use summer to renovate properties.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

R

eligious congregations are taking advantage of the slow months of summer to renovate and improve their properties.

The Longboat Island Chapel and Temple Beth Israel both started renovations in June, funded by dedicated congregants.

TBI’s Executive Director Isaac Azerad and the Rev. Brock Patterson shared the progress and what renovation plans they have for the future.

After receiving $500,000 from the late Harold Ronson, Temple Beth Israel is in the process of renovating

funded by a campaign that raised $200,000.

Services have not been disturbed due to the safe path that they created through the building to the synagogue.

The generosity of Ronson and the age of the building have inspired congregants to be open to the new changes and contribute to TBI’s goals of moving forward.

Renovations are scheduled to be finished by October before the season starts. Azerad said the next step will be to raise enough money to renovate the social hall.

LONGBOAT ISLAND CHAPEL

After 10 years of small renovations, Longboat Island Chapel has launched a new campaign with a goal of raising $640,000.

Patterson said the campaign has raised more than 25% of its goal for renovations, which are still in their early stages.

This summer’s project is to renovate the restrooms, staff offices,

Courtesy image

Thanks to a gift from the late Harold Ronson, Temple Beth Israel is renovating its entrance lobby and restrooms.

conference rooms and its small prayer ­chapel.

“The Chapel is a hub of activity on the island,” said Patterson. “We have so much social interaction with organizations. A lot of places use the chapel for events. We also have been growing immensely. So it is very important to make sure everything is top of the line and convenient for use.”

Instead of having the staff separated on two floors, all offices will be on the ground floor. For the restrooms, the crew plans to replace the plumbing, which has been there since the chapel opened in 1956. Patterson also mentioned the small prayer cha-

pel will be moving locations.

Besides having to use temporary restrooms, services have continued without interruption. The renovations are scheduled to be finished by December.

Once the chapel finishes its interior renovation project, it plans to remodel the whole exterior of its property. Since its garden is used for many events on the island, Patterson said chapel members are ready to give it a makeover and make it a welcoming place that appeals to all Longboaters.

Take it Easy. Take Visit scgov.net/breeze for information on how to ride.

428786-1

TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL

its entrance lobby and restrooms.

“This year’s theme is renovation, which was prompted by a generous gift from our beloved Harold Ronson,” said Azerad. “We have been thinking about renovating for a while now. We had put together some aspirational goals that were not concrete in the sense that we did not have funding for them. When the gift came, we decided to proceed with certain items on our wish list.”

With Ronson’s gift, the lobby walls and ceilings were replastered and rewired for electrical and internet security. The construction crew just began to tile the floors in time for the custom doors to be installed.

The restrooms were completely torn down. Azerad said the plumbing was replaced due to its being 40 years old. It will have all new fixtures, cabinets, mirrors and accessories.

As the renovations progressed this summer, Azerad said they noticed parts of the building were out of date.

Because of this, TBI is also renovating the roof and air conditioning,

YourObserver.com

23

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

149 Mckinley Drive, Lido Key

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

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

Lisa Rooks Morris: M 941.544.3332

Inbal August: M 917.957.8111

4521 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

1632 Floyd Street, Sarasota

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

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

Amy Drake: M 941.376.9346 Lisa Rooks Morris: M 941.544.3332

Lisa Rooks Morris: M 941.544.3332 Julie Guirguis: M 440.503.3713

1331 Quail Drive, Sarasota

1701 Hillview Street, Sarasota

$2,295,000 | 3 BR, 3 BA | Web# A4588224

$1,950,000 | 4 BR, 3 BA | Web# A4617068

Lisa Rooks Morris: M 941.544.3332 Julie Guirguis: M 440.503.3713

Gigi Silverberg: M 941.993.3695

301 Quay Commons, 703, Sarasota

3047 Bougainvillea Street, Sarasota

$1,599,999 | 2 BR, 3 BA | Web# A4617536

$775,000 | 3 BR, 2 BA | Web# A4616382

Lisa Otte: M 941.281.5472

Allison Werner: M 941.961.3212

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

420050-1

1199 Westway Drive, Lido Shores

elliman.com

Make Your Next Move Exceptional

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

YOUR CALENDAR

BACK TO SCHOOL HVAC 101 • Replace Unit Air Filters • Schedule Fall Maintenance for your HVAC Unit • For more tips, visit LaPenseePlumbing.com!

LIC.#CFC1429635 ~ CPC1459826 ~ CAC1818472

427322-1

941-778-5622

www.lapenseeplumbing.com

RECURRING EVENTS

BEST BET

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.

MAKE YOUR OWN TERRARIUM 1-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Create your own self-contained plant terrarium with a sand landscape and self-watering mini garden. Supplies and plants provided.

The fee is $10 for members; $25 for nonmembers. RSVP by calling 3836493 or email Amy Steinhauser at Amy@TheParadiseCenter.org.

TUESDAYS

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

This class is for all levels. Cost is $15.

Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

IS CONCIERGE MEDICINE RIGHT FOR YOU?

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

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

WEDNESDAYS

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

Dr. Arne

427823-1

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

941-366-2194 | gulfshorepc.com

MONDAY, AUG. 12

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.

401 Manatee Avenue, Holmes Beach

Stock image

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.

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

FRIDAYS

INTERMEDIATE TAI CHI From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Reuben Fernandez teaches Chen style class.

Outside if weather permitting. Free for members; $15 for others. Walkins welcome. Call 383-6493.

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

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

941.724.7228

427365-1

Our Expertise Is Dental Implants

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

Personalized, gentle, and comprehensive patient care is our highest priority

Bone Grafting Dental Implants Teeth in one day IV Anesthesia Wisdom Teeth

Dive into Daily Crossword Fun!

Board-certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Dual Degree Licensed Dentists (DMD) & Physicians (MD) Professional & highly trained staff Patient centered solutions backed by cutting-edge technology

Hillview Tamiami Office

Bee Ridge Office

Todd Reuter DMD, MD Scott Roemer DMD, MD (941) 365-3388

Scott Middleton DMD, MD (941) 926-9100

C H A L

sarasotaoms.com

C C

L E N G E

Indulge in daily brain-teasers! Our website serves up fresh puzzles and clues daily, designed for your enjoyment. With a user-friendly interface and questions tailored for just the right level of challenge, it's crossword fun at its finest!

PLAY NOW yourobserver.com/crossword

Five Star Rated

A

SPONSORED BY

P T E D

426947-1

Call us!

Why Choose Us?

425505-1

24

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

1

TOP

25

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

%

$3.4 Billion Career Sales

IN THE WORLD

Leah Leah George George

941-780-0597

941-587-1700

Steven Kepecz

941-376-6411

August 8, 2024

AD

P JU RI ST CE M EN

T

Coldwell Banker

Judy Kepecz-Hays Judy Kepecz-Hays

ARIA

WE PAY 3% PROFESSIONAL FEE ON OUR LISTINGS TO THE BUYERS AGENT

A2251 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #204

$8,600,000

Better than new, this beachfront boutique enclave home offers the ultimate living experience. This luxurious 4,032 sq. ft. residence features a modern design with 3 bedrooms + office (or potential 4th bedroom) and 3.5 bathrooms. Enjoy expansive ocean views and direct beachfront access from your 3,400 sq. ft. private terrace, complete with a private pool, summer kitchen, and private stairs to the beach. With a rare 5-car garage, this exceptional beachfront home is not to be missed!

Discover more at 2251GulfofMexicodr.2seeit.com

WE PAY 3% PROFESSIONAL FEE ON OUR LISTINGS TO THE BUYERS AGENT

WE PAY 3% PROFESSIONAL FEE ON OUR LISTINGS TO THE BUYERS AGENT

Open House on Sunday 08/11 from 1 to 4pm Open House on Sunday Point 07/28 Drive from 1 to 4 pm 65 Lighthouse

3500 Bayou Louise LN $10,750,000 Located on the coveted northern tip of Siesta Key, this exquisite, gated estate offers unparalleled views of the Gulf Coast.

Spacious 6,300 square feet of living space, this meticulously designed residence features 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms.

Step into luxury with a grand 40x20 pool/spa, boat lift, w/12x20 platform. Main level includes a primary suite with panoramic views, library, chef's kitchen equipped with top-of-the-line appliances. Spacious 4-car garage. Residents also enjoy exclusive access to a private, deeded beach just steps away.

Discover more at www.3500BayouLouise.2seeit.com

$8,150,000 Luxury waterfront architectural masterpiece on South Longboat Key. Modern 4 bed + den/office + bonus area, 4.5 bath, 4,941 sq ft. Features include a stunning living room with fireplace, gourmet kitchen, and spacious family area opening to a pool and patio with water views. Includes a 3-car garage with ample storage and a private 40' dock on a wide protected basin with direct Gulf access.

Explore more at www.65Lighthouse.com

WE PAY 3% PROFESSIONAL FEE ON OUR LISTINGS TO THE BUYERS AGENT

WE PAY 3% PROFESSIONAL FEE ON OUR LISTINGS TO THE BUYERS AGENT

L’Ambiance 415 L’Ambiance #A401 $6,254,000

3312 Sable Cove Lane $3,380,000

Luxury living awaits at L’Ambiance on Longboat Key. Updated former model, 3 bed plus flex room, 3.5 bath, 4000 sq ft. Southwest exposure with year-round sunsets, and wraparound terraces with Gulf views. Private elevator, 10 ft ceilings, porcelain floors, gourmet kitchen. Casual elegance with endless amenities, steps from pristine beaches.

Pet-friendly.

Island living at its finest on Longboat Key. Lakefront home with southern exposure in Bay Isles Harborside. Features 4 en-suite bedrooms + den + bonus room, 2 half baths, totaling 5,150 sq ft. Chef's kitchen with high-end appliances and custom cabinetry. Ample space with 3-car garage. Includes deeded beach access.

Explore more at www.lambianceA401.com WE PAY 3% PROFESSIONAL FEE ON OUR LISTINGS TO THE BUYERS AGENTS

Discover more at www.3312SabalCove.com

WE PAY 3% PROFESSIONAL FEE ON OUR LISTINGS TO THE BUYERS AGENT

WE PAY 3% PROFESSIONAL FEE ON OUR LISTINGS TO THE BUYERS AGENT

408 Jackson Drive $2,888,000

North Siesta Key

The Water Club

WE ALWAYS PAY 3% PROFESSIONAL FEE TO THE BUYERS AGENT

11241 Gulf of Mexico Drive #105 $2,575,000

A rare gem at The Water Club on South Longboat Key. Turnkey Spacious 3-bedroom-plus-den/3-bath home, with an optional Rare beachfront and bayfront estate-size homesite on North furnished 4th bedroom, features a private pool, lush garden, and Siesta Key! This prime property offers stunning views of 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,585 sq ft. Nearly new with garden and partial contemporary updates. Highlights include a modern kitchen, downtown Sarasota, Bird Key, and Lido from its expansive 120Gulf views. Southern exposure, 10 ft ceilings, wood flooring, and vaulted ceilings, and a versatile family room. A separate casita foot private beach. Features include a deep water dock on Big expansive terraces. Well-managed community with clubhouse, adds extra comfort. Enjoy elegant outdoor spaces and a prime Pass and 2 deeded boat slips in Bayou Louise's protected Olympic-sized pool, tennis, and pet-friendly policies. sailboat waters. Capture both sunrise and sunset. location near St. Armands Circle.

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

429338-1

Explore more at www.WaterClub105.com Explore more at www.408JacsonDr.2seeit.com Explore more at www.21LandsEndLane.com

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

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

LONGBOAT KEY 6940 Longboat Drive S 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,550 Sq. Ft. Bill Anderson 941-313-4059 A4602353 $2,250,000

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

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

LONGBOAT KEY 2301 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 52N 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,235 Sq. Ft. Douglas Parks 941-400-9087 A4615871 $1,695,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3605 Fair Oaks Place 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,713 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy & Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4578278 $1,625,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2525 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 3C 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,468 Sq. Ft. Kaitlin Kuhn 941-400-7861 A4616196 $1,490,000

CORTEZ 12527 Gulf Breeze Terrace 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,678 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4615389 $1,445,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 3235 Gulf Of Mexico Drive A405 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,260 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy & Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4602938 $1,249,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 1000 Longboat Club Road 706 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,409 Sq. Ft. Jim Sauter 941-999-8901 A4615167 $1,000,000

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

CORTEZ 3850 Mariners Walk 723 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,942 Sq. Ft. Pam Sweeney 941-266-9622 A4600870 $899,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 4350 Chatham Drive E307 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,072 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4613210 $749,000

ANNA MARIA 520 Spring Avenue A 2 Beds 1 Baths 492 Sq. Ft. Deborah Schlener 651-894-3916 A4591412 $745,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4350 Chatham Drive E108 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,092 Sq. Ft. Sean Clark 941-312-1146 A4616367 $729,000

CORTEZ 3905 Mariners Walk 813 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,829 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente 941-685-6767 A4595981 $725,000

BRADENTON BEACH 117 10th Street N 122 2 Beds 2 Baths 873 Sq. Ft. Deborah Schlener 651-894-3916 A4588152 $699,000

LONGBOAT KEY 529 Forest Way 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,440 Sq. Ft. Cathy Meldahl, PA & Susan Smith 941-724-7228 A4603909 $659,000

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

CORTEZ 4107 129th Street W 203 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,468 Sq. Ft. Dede Curran 941-928-3255 A4597114 $595,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 4310 Falmouth Drive A205 1 Bed 1 Baths 747 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4615749 $469,000

ANNA MARIA 242 Oak Avenue 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,722 Sq. Ft. Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4616540 $9,789,500

LONGBOAT KEY 510 Bowsprit Lane 5 Beds 6/1 Baths 4,234 Sq. Ft. Lynn Morris 941-400-4526 A4609109 $5,250,000

LONGBOAT KEY 620 Jackson Way 2 Beds 2 Baths 2,140 Sq. Ft. Cathy Meldahl, Pa 941-724-7228 A4606443 $2,950,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

427583-1

26

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home on Bird Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Suzanne Steelman and Michael Yourison sold their home at 614 Owl Way to Judith Christian, trustee, of Sarasota, for $2.4 million. Built in 1970, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,366 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1.2 million in 2008.

REAL ESTATE

Bird Key home tops sales at $2.4 million

27

LIDO

Thomas Roach III, of Bradenton, and Susan Thompson, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1130 Center Place to Lido Center LLC for $1.7 million.

Built in 1952, it has three bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths, a pool and 972 square feet of living area.

Images courtesy of Joel Schemmel

Suzanne Steelman and Michael Yourison sold their three-bedroom home at 614 Owl Way to Judith Christian, trustee, of Sarasota, for $2.4 million.

LIDO HARBOUR

Gregory Klingsporn, trustee, of Menlo Park, California, sold the Unit 305 condominium at 1900 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Robert Grady Penley and Faith Penley, of Sarasota, for $1.1 million. Built in 1967, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,131 square feet of living area. It sold for $685,000 in 2016.

LONGBOAT SANDPIPERS

Juris and Kimberly Shibayama, of Bell Buckle, Tennessee, sold their Unit 105 condominium at 5635 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Wayne Heus and Cynthia Heus, trustees, of Longboat Key, for $1.1 million. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. It sold for $860,000 in 2019.

WHITNEY BEACH

Edward and Annelise Gillespie, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, sold their Unit 156 condominium at 6750 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Daniel Sherry and Sandra Kay Sherry, of Georgetown, Texas, for $650,000.

Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,377 square feet of living area. It sold for $122,000 in 1981.

SUTTON PLACE

Markus and Lois Waite, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 302 condominium at 600 Sutton Place to Rif Real Estate LLC for $550,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,132 square feet of living area. It sold for $385,000 in 2020.

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

In with the new

JULY 22-26

LIDO DORSET

NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

MB Lido Properties LLC sold the Unit 218 condominium at 475 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Lydell Troyer and Karmen Renee Troyer, of Goshen, Indiana, for $495,000.

Built in 1963, it has one bedroom, one bath and 593 square feet of living area. It sold for $310,000 in 2021.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of July 19-25 in order of dollar amounts.

LONGBOAT KEY Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

700 Dream Island Road

Alt/Renovation

James Willis

$527,664

6661 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Swimming Pool/ Spa

Peter Laviolette

$367,150

435 L’Ambiance Drive #K905

Alt/Renovation

Kenneth Edgar

$320,000

5055 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Alt/Renovation

Hale Group Holdings LLC $175,920

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

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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

MOVE-IN SPRING 2024

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

GOLDEN GATE POINT

LONGBOAT KEY

Unit 213 1955 Gulf of Mexico Drive #309 Alt/Renovation

Mary Del Pup (TTEE)

$149,640

4401 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Alt/Renovation

Peggy Sturman

$147,114

1930 Harbourside Drive #143

Alt/Renovation

Joyce Jefferson

$123,413

3437 Winding Oaks Drive

Windows/Doors

Douglas A. Baker

$76,149

Unit 1004

Revocable Trust

2241 Harbourside Drive #103

Mark Feldman

Windows/Doors

$72,870

1955 Gulf of Mexico Drive #401 Windows/Doors

Teresa Scaring (TTEE)

$72,655

1065 Gulf of Mexico Drive #603 Windows/Doors

Robert Gale

$72,382

2211 Harbourside Drive #305

Victor Cuco

$71,990

1105 Gulf of Mexico Drive #304 Windows/Doors

Windows/Doors

Barbara T. Miller

$71,395

Revocable Trust

550 Golf Links Lane

Diane Georgov

Roof

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

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

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

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

$69,165

New Construction Dock/Seawall/Lift Anthony Misitano

$55,416

1125 Gulf of Mexico Drive #401 Windows/Doors

Jay Stemler

$49,816

3802 Gulf of Mexico Drive #A203 Alt/Renovation

Robin Hoyle

$49,000

2063 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Lindsay and Robert Elmes $42,456

Windows/Doors

Source: Town of Longboat Key

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

427635-1

573 Yawl Lane

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

T H E G R O U P

Rene DiPinto

John Schafer

Tracey Stetler

Patrick DiPinto

Janette Schafer

Steven Moore

Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan

The Dipinto Group offers 3% Professional Fee to Buyer Agents | $104,720,770 Volume in the Past 18 Months 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.

5444 GULF OF MEXICO DR | LONGBOAT KEY $6,900,000.00 – Bayfront 1.06 Acres 5 Beds 5 Baths 6,000 Sq. Ft. Rooftop Terrace and Private Beach Contact: Tracey Stetler 941-266-9001

109 WARBLER LN | BIRD KEY $11,750,000 – Under Construction 4 Beds 5 Baths 5,292 Sq. Ft. 125’ of Bird Key Bayfront Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

4136 HIGEL AVE | SIESTA KEY $16,995,000 – Under Contract 5 Beds 7 Baths 8,964 Sq. Ft. 1 Acre Modern Compound Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

610 YARDARM LN | LONGBOAT KEY $4,699,000 – 1 House from the Bay 4 Beds 4 Baths 4,138 Sq. Ft. 130’ of Water Frontage Contact: Nicholle DiPinto 941-928-2922

405 28TH STREET | ANNA MARIA ISLAND $3,600,000 – 3,735 Sq. Ft. 5 Beds 4 Baths 80’ of Waterfront Contact: Steven Moore 401-767-7180

5440-5442 GULF OF MEXICO DR | LONGBOAT KEY 6,900,000.00 – Vacant Land 2.08 Acres Proposed for 7 Buildable Lots w/Private Beach Contact: Tracey Stetler 941-266-9001

3621 SAN REMO TER | SARASOTA $9,750,000 – Under Construction 5 Beds 7 Baths 5,328 Sq. Ft. 400’ Wide Bay Inlet Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

1212 CENTER PLACE | LIDO SHORES $6,995,000 – New Construction 5 Beds 6 Baths 4750 Sq. Ft. Rooftop Terrace and Private Beach Contact: Steven Moore 401-767-7180

6489 GULFSIDE ROAD | LONGBOAT KEY $16,995,000 – Under Construction 4 Beds 5 Baths 6,614 Sq. Ft. 100’ of Beachfront Contact: Steven Moore 401-767-7180

941 - 388 - 2 0 2 1

53 S PALM AVENUE, SARASOTA, FL 34236

WWW.THEDIPINTOGROUP.COM | @THEDIPINTOGROUP

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

425712-1

28

YourObserver.com

29

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, AUG. 9

Sunrise Sunset

High: 88 Low: 82 Chance of rain: 32%

Submit your photos at YourObserver. com/contests.

All submissions will be entered for the 2024-25.

Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2025, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Thursday, Aug. 8

6:58a

8:13p

Friday, Aug. 9

6:58a

8:12p

Saturday, Aug. 10

6:59a

8:11p

Sunday, Aug. 11

6:59a

8:11p

SATURDAY, AUG. 10

Monday, Aug. 12

7:00a

8:10p

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

Tuesday, Aug. 13

7:00a

8:09p

Wednesday, Aug. 14

7:01a

8:08p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, AUG. 11 High: 88 Low: 80 Chance of rain: 37%

Aug. 12 First

Aug. 19 Full

Aug. 26 Last

Sept. 2 New

TIDES Highs Lows Thursday, Aug. 8

3:21a

3:04p

9:34a

10:11p

Friday, Aug. 9

3:42a

3:54p

10:24a

10:34p

Saturday, Aug. 10

4:07a

4:51a

11:20a

10:54p

Sunday, Aug. 11

4:36a

6:05p

12:26p

11:07p

Monday, Aug. 12

5:08a

8:24

1:42p

10:58p

Tuesday, Aug. 13

5:49a

—

—

3:04p

Wednesday, Aug. 14

6:45a

—

—

4:21p

Andrea Dombrowski took this photo of an egret striking a pose on Longboat Key.

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

WAITING IN THE WINGS by Adam Simpson, edited by Jeff Chen 120 “The Andy Griffith

48 “This is putting me to

Show” kid

sleep!”

121 State tree of Massachu-

51 Real words?

setts

54 Believes the lie

122 “Yes, Cap’n!”

56 Second word of a fairy-

123 Rake in

tale opening

124 Exam for HS students

57 It gets spent in Spain

125 Takes a financial risk

59 Tentacled sea invertebrate

126 “Video Games” singer

60 Musical rattlers

Lana Del ___

61 Pet adoption agcy.

DOWN

62 ___ Pueblo (UNESCO site)

1 Grandson of Adam and Eve 2 By hand 3 Leave in the oven for too long 4 Classic sitcom alien 5 Apt name for a fisherman?

6 EPA concern 7 Pulls 8 Mediocre 9 Descriptor for the Chrysler Building 10 Ball gown fabric 11 Derive 12 Mushroom-headed friend to Mario 13 Vase 14 ___ fly (baseball play) ©2024 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Fall Out Boy genre 4 Mystery writer Christie

poetry

64 Thesaurus wd.

92 Taking out on dates

36 Wearable swag

65 Swallowed

93 “Live ___” (Taco Bell

39 Device that reveals

66 Foots, as the bill

slogan)

68 Electric spinner

94 Spotted wildcat

69 Pool tester

96 Cosmetics giant

42 Spinner on a roof

70 USC supervisors

98 Calm

44 Kind

71 ___ Rica

99 AM/FM host

45 Baroque aesthetic

73 Daft Punk genre

106 Many Fortnite players

47 “Well, that’s terrible”

74 Mai tai ingredient

107 Gucci competitor

49 Turn bad

75 Lawyer’s org.

108 Food preserver

50 No, in Moscow

76 Korean airline

110 Roll around a rink

52 “The ___ La La Song”

78 Flood escape vessels

112 MMORPG connection

53 Prepared to scare

79 Prefix for moms-to-be

113 Flirty flutter ... or what’s

someone

80 Brilliant move

depicted by the circled

54 Some autobahn cars

82 “The weekend begins!”

letters?

55 Actress McClanahan

83 Run out of power

116 Where some people run

58 Strands that make you

84 Meal for a grizzly

in place

you

86 “Riverdale” redhead

117 Heart check, for short

60 Yoga roll

89 CPR provider

118 “That’s hilarious!” in text 43 Sci-fi creatures 119 “Able was I ___ I saw 46 “Please stop”

10 Burgess of “Unbreakable location 41 Winter hrs. in St. Louis Kimmy Schmidt” 16 Cushy boot brand 19 ___ system (GPS) 20 Liquid sold in bars 21 Parka relative 22 Each 23 Number of eyes for a cyclops 24 Maiden voyage for the subject of this puzzle?

26 Book fair org.

27 Certain 29 Cold relief brand 30 Fragrant necklaces 31 In another country 35 Rhythmic structure, in

15 Blue expanse

61 Tommy’s dad in “Rugrats” 90 Lawyer (Abbr.)

63 Hawaiian platter

91 Broken TVs and laptops

Elba”

16 Humerus site 17 Infomercial line 18 Mardi ___ 25 Breakfast bowlful 28 ___ on the side of caution 30 Actress Tyler 32 Above, poetically 33 In the past 34 Airflow conduit 36 Evened the score 37 Show Emma Stone has hosted five times (Abbr.)

38 “Good cholesterol” letters 39 Last word in some old movies 40 Stores competing with Macy’s 42 Creamy pasta option

63 Process the subject of this puzzle must go through before spreading its wings?

67 Job title for the subject of this puzzle?

celebrity cipher

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“C LROK RV KMDGRZCJV MKUXKK IXJP ZLK DVCOKXECZS JI PCVVKEJZR, RVM C ARE R ZKRGLKX IJX RYJDZ R PCVDZK.” TJVC RVMKXEJV

“YDP AKYD YR URUPTYZ RL SCPKYTPZZ JT WRHC IJLP BJII GP AKEPN, JT AKCY, BJYD WRHC ZAPFYKFHIKC LKJIHCPZ.” IPZIJP RNRU OC.

68 Political system based on talent 72 “Secret” In-N-Out option 73 “Voila!”

77 Boat behinds 79 Fence panel 81 Comedian LaMarr 84 Of value and for purchase 85 Missing GI 87 Trying to get one last TD, maybe 88 Escape hatches 95 ___ al-Fitr (Muslim holiday) 97 “A mouse!!!”

99 Squeal 100 “Come As You ___”

“UDDFCBET HMJD PBY EM, XBFDTT LMX YMB’V UDDF VADJ. VADB VADL TVPL, PBY AXNV, PBY ENMI ODPN-TAPODY PBY IDCNY.”

YPKCY YXHAMKBL Puzzle Three Clue: I equals W

crossword

Puzzle Two Clue: F equals C

426191-1

Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

Come Shop our Showrooms!

Puzzle One Clue: D equals U

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

© 2024 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

(Nirvana song) 101 Stunts 102 Prefix for “red” or “structure” 103 Parliament newbie?

104 Canada ___ (ginger ale) 105 Dylan of the Wallflowers 107 “Not guilty,” e.g.

108 Asterisk 109 Mario conduit 111 Award Cloris Leachman won eight times 114 Thurman of film 115 Model for a shoot

©2024 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

8-8-24

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

RED PAGES Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

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

WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RATES

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

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

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

Autos Wanted

Longboat Key, FL 34228

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

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

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

Please email your resume and WPM typing speed for immediate consideration to kboothroyd@businessobserverfl. com. Please also specify your available date to start. *This position must be performed in the office. No remote work is available.

Competitive pay, paid time off and health insurance available

auto

SELL YOUR STUFF FAST!

GARAGE SALE Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

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

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

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

Well-maintained, clean, and perfect for families. Enjoy a fenced-in backyard, washer/dryer, and a short walk to Siesta Key Beach. $5,000/month, annual lease.

Contact us for details!

941-350-4122

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

Call 941-383-3338.

Auto Transport

Health Services CARING HOUSEHOLD TECHNICIANS

Adult Care Services **SPACIOUS 4BR, 3BA, 1500 SF HOME WITH POOL**

Call for a FREE Evaluation!

941-536-6372 Epichomecareprovider@gmail Rosa Torres- Owner

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

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

home services

real estate Homes for Rent

Wagner Realty

EPIC HOME CARE Personal Care-Respite Care Alzheimer’s Care Light Cleaning Med Administration Meal Prep Shopping, Errands & More

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

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

Best care for your loved one.

References avail. Marina 786-906-8103

RED PAGES IN PRINT AND ONLINE

A POWERFUL COMBINATION 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Complete Care: Baths - Laundry - Meals Running Errands & More!

Joyce: 941-725-4851

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

YourObserver.com/RedPages

RED PAGES

Painting

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

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

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

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC INTERIOR / EXTERIOR / CABINETS WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

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

Doctors Appts. • All Rides on the Gulf Coast

941-718-9933

www.topnotchtransportation service.com

Windows

Personal Services HOME WATCH Key Holder, Maintenance, handyman, security, and errands.

(941) 599-0714

WINDOW CLEANING Commercial & Residential Monthly / Quarterly service We are the Best. Fully Insured.

Call/Text Don @ 941-900-9398

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

This week’s Crossword answers

Puzzle One Solution: “I have an education degree from the University of Minnesota, and I was a teacher for about a minute.”

Loni Anderson Puzzle Two Solution: “The path to moments of greatness in your life will be paved, in part, with your spectacular failures.”

Leslie Odom Jr. Puzzle Three Solution: “Feelings come and go, unless you don’t feel them. Then they stay, and hurt, and grow pearshaped and weird.”

David Duchovny

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2024 Universal Uclick

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

Free House Calls.

Discrete/ Confidential. Call David 813-439-2694

Ask about our special rates!

You’re only cheating yourself.

Merchandise Wanted

Visa/MC

M-F

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

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

Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com

Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

peekers’ place

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

jobs

stuff Items Under $200

Between Houses or Condos

101

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Beachfront, Bayfront and In

RED PAGES. MADE FOR WHERE YOU LIVE. HERE! TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT YOUROBSERVER.COM/REDPAGES

©2024 NEA, Inc.

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM

Adult Care Services

MOW OVER the competition!

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

YourObserver.com

31

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

Alterations/Upholstery

Handyman

Painting

Nora’s KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC Fabrics TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772 KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

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

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Attorney

Divorce without Lawyers

Roofing

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

Divorce is never fun, but it does not have to be nasty & hateful! Protect your family relationships and assets from expensive Court litigation. Consider Divorce Mediation, the peaceful alternative.

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

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

941-626-3194

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

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

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

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936 1/10/23, 10:25 AM

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

Luxury for Less

941-248-4734

428028 428023

Auto Service

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

1/1

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Exclusively serving Longboat Key residents.

Storm-ready home preparations Handyman & concierge services

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

CALL TODAY FOR PEACE OF MIND.

WE COME TO YOU

941-281-5539 | kathy@longboatkeyhomewatch.com

Insurance

5-Star Rated

428024

MIC INSURANCE

Contractor

Professional Contractors Network, Inc.

Let our Network Handle All your Building Needs

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

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

428043

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

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

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

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

Trades welcome to join our network! Please send email

429734

CREATE BUZZ!

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

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows UP TO

150

25 $

STANDARD WINDOWS

INCLUDING SCREENS, TR ACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

428029

429315

FAST • EASY • SAFE

Advertise your business in the Red Pages.

Call 941-955-4888

Windows

CARING HANDS WHILE YOU’RE AWAY FROM HOME.

SELL YOUR CAR! HoHoBuysCars.com

10% off

Airports, Concerts, Dinners & Cruises www.towncarservicebradenton.com 410036

Home Watch

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

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

Transportation

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

William J. Leininger, JD

428041

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

M-F 10 to 4 / Sat 10 to 1

941.270.4400

Interior / Exterior / Cabinets.

Health

429733

GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE RED PAGES

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

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

510 BAY ISLES ROAD, SUITE 1 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL (Next to SUNTRUST BANK)

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

TREASURES FOUND HERE!

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT YOUROBSERVER.COM/REDPAGES

428025

428695

7300 Manatee Ave W Beachway Plaza (941) 545.7319

428026

& UPHOLSTERY

429786

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

AY WE P

3IS% TO SION

L M COM ESSIONA F S PRO ROKER CO-B

2425 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #3B

$2,100,000

Elevate your coastal lifestyle with this completely updated beach residence at Sea Gate Club. Perfectly positioned to offer direct views of stunning Gulf waves, this nearly 1,500 SF retreat is move-in ready and furnished. From the new impact windows and modernized kitchen, to the Travertine flooring, and new bathrooms, every detail is designed to offer luxury, convenience and breathtaking views. www.SeaGateClub3B.com

B U YE R’ S TO

$2,195,000

251 COSMOPOLITAN COURT

$1,950,000

This turnkey furnished, 3BR waterfront residence is the pinnacle of coastal living that offers both luxury and sustainability just a short walk from the beaches of Anna Maria Island. Includes dock and lift! www.4207MarinaView.com

4317 MARINA VIEW WAY

$1,495,000

Introducing the new construction, waterfont community of Hunters Point, where contemporary coastal living blends effortlessly with luxury and an ideal sustainable lifestyle. Bike to Anna Maria beach! www.HuntersPointFL.com B U YE R’ S

B U YE R’ S

$1,245,000

Built to the highest standards, relish the opportunity to immediately enjoy exceptional living at Hunters Point.

This 3BR new build effortlessly combines coastal living with luxury and sustainability. www.HuntersPointFL.com

4207 MARINA VIEW WAY

B U YE R’ S

$1,695,000

Nestled within a secure gated community, this brandnew 3BR home graces Florida’s enchanting southwest Gulf coast. Hunters Point, where contemporary coastal living blends effortlessly with luxury and sustainability. www.HuntersPointFL.com

TO

B U YE R’ S

4305 MARINA VIEW WAY

$4,495,000

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

TO

B U YE R’ S

Perched on the 8th floor in a tranquil corner location, this sun-drenched Sanctuary residence offers panoramic views of Sarasota Bay and downtown’s skyline through newly installed (2023) impact glass sliders and windows. www.545SanctuaryB806.com

TO

B U YE R’ S TO

$1,799,000

Discover this rare opportunity of five expansive, lush acres to design your own home in East Sarasota!

Located amongst oversized luxury estates, this property offers many possibilities! www.3825SarasotaGolfClub.com

4322 MARINA VIEW WAY

545 SANCTUARY DRIVE #B806

201 NORTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

TO

B U YE R’ S

$3,295,000

This direct Gulf-front getaway is on the 5th-floor, immediately ready to make your own. Spectacular direct beach-to-bay views through walls of new impact glass are the perfect introduction to this 3BR lovely getaway. www.535SanctuaryC507.com

3825 SARASOTA GOLF CLUB BLVD

$7,999,000

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

TO

B U YE R’ S TO

535 SANCTUARY DRIVE #C507

500 HARBOR POINT ROAD

B U YE R’ S

$15,000,000

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

TO

6603 GULFSIDE ROAD

TO

TO

B U YE R’ S

B U YE R’ S

WE PAY 3% COMMISSION ON OUR LISTINGS TO BUYER’S AGENTS

TO

$925,000

Contemporary walkable downtown living is yours to enjoy at this impeccably placed modern getaway.

Inside, two levels offer 1,700 SF of interior and plenty of sunlight in the heart of Sarasota’s bustling city center. www.251CosmopolitanCourt.com

2374 ARLINGTON STREET

$699,000

This charmingly updated 3BR home nestled in the heart of Sarasota’s desirable Arlington Park, is a wonderful blend of comfort and prime location. Move-in ready and minutes from parks, downtown, and beaches. www.2374ArlingtonStreet.com

CA L L TO DAY FO R YO U R EXC LU S I VE TO U R ( 9 41 ) 3 8 7-1 8 4 0 443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F, Sarasota, FL 34236 | Pettingell.com | www.bestSarasotarealestate.net Twitter.com/RealRoger | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell | Roger@Pettingell.com The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. 417321-1

32