Will Longboat Key’s upcoming reality TV star please stand up?
We recently learned that a fellow Longboater will be featured on “The Golden Bachelorette,” a show aimed at helping a 61-year-old bachelorette find love with a range of 24 suitors — one of whom is a man, from Longboat, named Gregg L. But, who is Gregg?
With no last name given by ABC, which is producing the show, all we know is Gregg is a retired university vice president from Longboat Key. We’ve scoured Google, social media and our archives. Nothing.
But if you know Gregg, let us know! Email Carter Weinhofer at CWeinhofer@YourObserver. com so we can learn more about him. Tune in to the first episode of the show at 8 p.m. Sept. 18 to learn more about Gregg ... if we don’t get to meet him first.
Off the clock
The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce members know how to have fun outside of working hours.
President Kim Verreault and Marketing & Member Relations Manager Felicia McDermott hosted an Off-The-Clock networking event Aug. 14 at Sage restaurant in downtown Sarasota. The event brought members out to expand their connections past the island and around the area.
About 70 people enjoyed appetizers and drinks at Sage’s rooftop bar.
Verreault said the chamber is excited to get more established throughout Sarasota and bring more people to the Key.
Petra Rivera Ashley Watts and Anna Fili
Courtesy image
Photos by Kat Wingert
Jaymie and Tommy Klauber, St. Regis General Manager Winfred van Workum, Unicorp National Developments CEO Chuck Whittall, Marriott International CEO Anthony Capuano and Katie and Michael Moulton celebrate the Aug. 16 soft opening of the St. Regis resort.
St. Regis Longboat Key welcomes locals for soft opening
Under construction for nearly three years, the resort unveiled the awe-worthy features of the five-star property.
OBSERVER STAFF
With the sabering of a Champagne bottle, as is its tradition, the St. Regis Longboat Key unveiled the new resort to a select group of community members and media Aug. 16.
The event served as a celebration and a soft opening for the resort, which will have an official grand opening later this fall.
Now that the resort is in a soft opening stage, General Manager Winfred van Workum said it will be a gradual ramp up to get the resort to its full service. Most dining options in the resort are open to the public but will have more limited seating than usual during the soft opening.
The Monkey Bar, located on the property’s beach, will be open in the coming days, and the coffee shop within the resort will open in a few weeks, according to van Workum.
Van Workum said he wants every-
one to know that the other bars in the resort — namely the main bar in the lobby — are open to the public and serving signature St. Regis Longboat Key cocktails.
The St. Regis, which sits on the site of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, has been more than a decade in the making, as pointed out by its developer, CEO Chuck Whittall of Unicorp National Developments.
“It was 14 years to the day since the Colony closed,” Whittall said, with a nod to The Colony’s longtime owner, the late Murray “Murf” Klauber. “This is a new legacy.”
Members of the Klauber family were there to celebrate the new resort that replaced the iconic one owned by their father.
“There’s magic here,” said Katie Moulton, Klauber’s daughter, who served as general manager for The Colony. “There’s fairy dust in the sand that just needed to be stirred, and they did.”
That magic shone in every detail of the five-star property, which features 168 hotel rooms, 69 condo units, a ballroom, spa, two restaurants, a beach grill and three bars, not to mention a four-acre saltwater lagoon, complete with tropical fish and stingrays. There are even two resident tortoises that guests can pet and feed scraps of lettuce.
“It feels amazing,” van Workum said about the opening. “It’s been a lot of work, especially in the last couple of weeks, to put this together, but it’s so incredible to showcase and see the reactions.”
During the opening ceremony, he also gave credit to Whittall for his perseverance in seeing the project through. “He has more tenacity, more passion and more grit than anyone I’ve ever met,” van Workum said.
Throughout the development, buildings incorporated details from Longboat Key and the Sarasota area, everything from lights leading up to the ballroom designed to look like circus hoops to the large sea turtle sculpture above the fountain that welcomes guests to the hotel entrance.
Whittall said 60 of the hotel’s rooms are open, and it will continue opening rooms as construction completes on the property prior to its official grand opening. Until then, some guests are able to enjoy the resort, which has an average rate of $1,200 per night.
Encompassing 18 beachfront acres, the $900 million development is the largest on Longboat Key in more than 50 years.
Van Workum said that over the last few days, the staff has been preparing for this moment, training all the skills necessary for the five-star service.
“I think most satisfying for me, right now, is seeing the team in their performance, seeing them interact with guests and see all of that come to life,” van Workum said.
“There’s magic here. There’s fairy dust in the sand that just needed to be stirred, and they did.”
— Katie Moulton
Photos by Kat Wingert
The bar at the main entrance of the resort is open for business.
An aerialist performs outside the floor-to-ceiling windows as part of the St. Regis unveiling ceremony. It was one of the many touches sought to incorporate the local flavor.
A TOWN (OR TWO) OF HELP
The St. Regis has more than 300 employees, and that number’s growing as the resort works toward its official opening. For context, the town of Longboat Key employs about 125.
According to General Manager Winfred van Workum, most staff took part in a 10-day “countdown,” which included in-depth training on the St. Regis brand and values, along with skills specific to each person’s position. Staff positions range from chefs and bartenders to valet drivers and butlers. Butler service is personalized, with butlers familiarizing themselves with guests before they arrive to anticipate their needs.
Poolside service
Thirsty by the pool and don’t want to leave your spot? On the tables beside every pool chair is a box with two buttons. One button brings a drink refill, while the other calls a butler for whatever need guests may have.
Around the pools and “Mangrove Island” are also private cabanas available upon reservation to resort guests. These cabanas offer a more private concierge experience.
A premium lagoon daybed can be reserved for $200 daily, while a private cabana along Mangrove Island runs guests $550 per day.
TWO TORTOISES AND THE TITANIC
Jack and Rose are two of the St. Regis Longboat Key’s most unique residents: two Aldabra giant tortoises.
The term “giant” is deserved. At about 20 years old, Jack weighs close to 250 pounds and, when fully grown, will be about 500 pounds.
Though the “Titanic” wasn’t the original inspiration for their names, there is a connection. John Jacob Astor IV (nicknamed Jack) founded The St. Regis New York and started the brand. Astor was on the Titanic on that fateful voyage, and became an unsung hero, making sure his pregnant wife got to safety on one of the ship’s life rafts.
Astor’s mother, Caroline’s, favorite flowers were roses, which is the St. Regis’s signature scent. It’s also why the female Aldabra tortoise is named Rose.
Champagne, please
In the middle of the Winding River and Mangrove Island, there’s also a hidden feature: a cavern underneath waterfalls where Champagne can be delivered from the press of a button. And, when dining at CW Prime, guests may enter the high-end steakhouse’s speakeasy room. Inside, a secret button brings an exclusive cocktail.
PLAY US A SONG
Water, water everywhere
The heart of the St. Regis Longboat Key resort is its water features. From the saltwater lagoon to the numerous pools — there are even pools in some of the residences — water is a key theme of the resort. In seven minutes, guests can float through the Winding River, a journey that takes guests around the middle of the resort, which is towered by palms and other vegetation.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
The St. Regis brand is known for its luxury and attention to detail. Here are some of the items that make it special.
Years in the making, the St. Regis Longboat Key became the “best address on Longboat Key” as its leadership unveiled the resort on Aug. 16.
The land of 1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive was already rich with history from The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, but the St. Regis leadership hopes to build on that history with its traditions.
As the St. Regis opens, most amenities will be open to the public, including the spa and seven dining venues. Residents and guests alike will notice the features of the five-star resort that aim to make it a one-of-a-kind experience.
— CARTER WEINHOFER
UNDERWATER EXPERIENCE
Nestled within the 18-acre resort is a 350,000-gallon saltwater lagoon that requires about 110,000 pounds of salt.
Almost 50 stingrays and 2,800 tropical fish live in the St. Regis lagoons, including more than 40 species, ranging from tropical fish to Southern stingrays. There’s also a team of biologists to take care of the underwater wildlife and lead guests in immersive experiences. Don’t worry — the stingrays’ barbs are removed.
SNOW DAY
Snow in Florida. That’s one of the many aspects of the St. Regis spa’s thermal experience. The spa uses hydrotherapy through steam rooms, saunas, vitality waters and, yes, a snow shower. All of that is part of a circuit experience.
Throughout the spa, there are also 14 treatment rooms, a relaxation room and a Celebration Bar to greet guests with Champagne and wellness shots.
Presidential pricing
The Presidential Suite is touted as “the pinnacle of understated luxury.” The suites are more than 3,400 square feet, with floor-to-ceiling French doors that lead to a 1,373-square-foot terrace, three to four bedrooms, and separate living and dining rooms. For $15,000 a night, guests can rent the most luxurious suite in the St. Regis Longboat Key. Understated indeed.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
St. Regis resorts have a tradition of naming suites after influential women who have left their mark in the communities around the resort.
For the St. Regis Longboat Key, there’s the Mable Ringling Suite, named after the wife of John Ringling. There’s also the Lora Whitney Suite, a king suite with an ocean view. Whitney and her husband, Gordon, first arrived on Longboat Key in 1935 and built the 13 historic Whitney Beach cottages. Another unique suite is the Katherine Klauber Suite, which is a tribute to the wife of Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber, the longtime owner of The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort. This is one of the larger suites, with two bedrooms, one room with a king and another with two queens and a sofa bed. The Katherine Klauber Suite starts at $8,000 a night.
The Monkey Bar returns It’s back. The legacy of The Colony wouldn’t be possible without the famous Monkey Bar, which has come back to life in the St. Regis Longboat Key. The beach bar offers a “modern twist” on Tiki cocktails. It also serves up light bites, like the Murf and Surf Dog — an homage to The Colony’s Murf Klauber and the Murf Dog of yore. Of course, the St. Regis version of the hot dog is a little more decadent, topped with lumps of lobster meat.
the resort’s main entrance, one of the first things you see is the
and the
that
Photos by Observer Staff
The main lobby of the resort — which also includes one of the main bars — will frequently feature live music. Behind the helm of the grand piano on the Aug. 16 opening day was Joe Micals. Micals, who now has a home at the helm of the St. Regis’ grand piano, was the resident ivory tickler at The Colony before it closed.
FOCAL POINT
At
bar
mural
envelopes it. All St. Regis locations have a mural that acts as a welcoming piece. The St. Regis Longboat Key mural was created by muralist William Savarese and uses floral imagery to emulate the area’s natural features. More than just colorful brush strokes, guests may spot the patterns of popular flowers like bromeliads.
Courtesy image
THE ROAD TO ST. REGIS
CARTER WEINHOFER
STAFF WRITER
The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort was a Longboat Key legacy.
Many long-time Longboaters are familiar with the former resort, and when “Murf” comes up in conversation, locals know the name.
When it first opened in 1954, the Colony Beach Resort was more focused on golf, with a nine-hole pitch and putting course. Then, in the mid-’60s, six tennis courts replaced the golf features.
The Klauber family moved to Longboat in 1968, and Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber began his Longboat legacy when he began leasing The Colony in 1970. Klauber then bought The Colony in 1972 with a business partner, and set a goal to make the resort America’s first “tennis-centric resort.”
The Colony would develop a high reputation through the years, first being inducted into the Nation’s Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame in 1985.
Then, in 1996, Tennis magazine named The Colony the No. 1 tennis resort in the United States. The Colony would go on to earn that title for an unprecedented eight years in a row.
But after 2004, The Colony took a turn. Unit owners rejected three assessments from 2004-2006 to pay for repairs. New board members audited the resort owner and stopped paying operational expenses in 2006.
That began a period of legal battles between Klauber and the Colony Association, which eventually led to The Colony closing in 2010.
During The Colony’s 56-year reign, it left its mark on the island and its residents and drew in big names from across the country. Now, it’s time for the St. Regis Longboat Key to begin a new legacy, bringing new traditions while keeping the memory of The Colony alive.
Here are the milestones on the path of how we got here.
AUG. 15, 2010
The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort closes its doors, and its bankruptcy claim is converted to a Chapter 7 liquidation. This led to the dissolving of the partnership that backed The Colony, led by Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber.
APRIL
2013
The town of Longboat Key holds several workshops to try to help parties reach an agreement as to what happens next with the land. Staff were close to reviewing plans to condemn the property when the commission decided to take a more passive approach.
FAMOUS VISITORS
Some famous names that visited The Colony include:
n Comedy duo The Smothers Brothers
n Former President George W. Bush
n Former President Jimmy Carter
n Actor Denzel Washington
n TV analyst and NFL coach John Madden
n TV personality Jerry Springer
n Musician James Taylor
AUGUST 2016
Unicorp National Developments Inc. officially purchases the former resort’s recreational property, valued at $22 million.
AUGUST 2015
The former resort remains boarded up and unoccupied, and neighbors tell The Longboat Observer it has become an eyesore and a nuisance. Extra police presence is required after the resort closes.
were concerned with the
of
in 2015.
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.
INFORMATION
File photos
Above: Dr. Murray "Murf" Klauber, second from right, shares one last cocktail at The Colony before it closed for good.
Below: Neighbors
shape
The Colony while unoccupied
MARCH 14,
Unicorp’s
JULY 2017
Unicorp presents a new plan, this time with 102 residential units and 166 tourism units within fivestory buildings, and the affiliation with St. Regis is announced.
JANUARY 2018
The St. Regis project draws contention from locals because of the size of the 10,000-squarefoot ballroom
MARCH 2018
In response, Unicorp reduces the number of units to 78 condos and 166 hotel rooms, but all other aspects are kept the same. The plans receive 6-1 commission approval.
JUNE 2018 Legal challenges to the town’s demolition order are denied, and Unicorp wins the bid to demolish all but one building with a zerodollar bid.
MAY 2018
The town issues an emergency order to demolish what is left of The Colony’s buildings.
OCTOBER
approve construction for the St. Regis Longboat Key. Unicorp and town leaders celebrate with a groundbreaking ceremony.
OCTOBER 2020
Before
FEBRUARY 2022
Unicorp receives a milestone building permit for the foundation work after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection signs off. The work was valued at $12.4 million.
JANUARY 2023
Unicorp seeks approval for a parking garage to be included on the site, which would increase parking from 100 to 157 spaces by replacing mechanical lifts and surface parking with a garage.
JUNE 2023
The town commission votes 6-0 to deny Unicorp’s multilevel parking garage proposal after a meeting that lasted nearly six hours.
JUNE 2024
The St. Regis Longboat Key executive staff host a hiring event to fill more than 400 positions ahead of the resort’s grand opening.
OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2022
Construction goes vertical and rolls through the end of 2022. About 200 bathtubs were ordered ahead of time to prevent supply chain issues, and more than 60,500
FEBRUARY 2023
Unicorp celebrates the resort’s topping-off, which signifies that the building’s structure is complete. Companies raffled off 13 televisions, Yeti coolers and tool sets at the event.
OCTOBER 2023
After a continuance is granted to draw up new plans, Unicorp nixes the parking garage and finds space for a net gain of one parking space from the 2021 plans. The reconfigured plans receive commission approval and end the parking dispute saga.
AUGUST 16, 2024
Fourteen years after The Colony closed its doors, the St. Regis Longboat Key opens its own to the Longboat Key community at an unveiling ceremony.
Chuck Whittall, CEO of Unicorp National Developments Inc., was on hand in July 2018, when demolition of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort structures got underway.
Eric Garwood
The beachfront condominium building features terraces and floor to ceiling win- dows.
Carter Weinhofer The sabering of a Champagne bottle is a St. Regis tradition.
Wagging into the night
ment may look at installing similar lights in other areas.
The dog park at Bayfront Park will soon receive its second upgrade of the summer: lighting. Overhead lights will be installed at the dog park in the coming weeks and will allow Longboat’s canine residents to enjoy the park after the sun goes down.
According to Streets, Facilities, Parks & Recreation Manager
Mark Richardson, the Public Works department has the lights in hand and is waiting for the company to set
to sundown. The town has not yet decided how late it will be open once the lights are installed.
There will be three overhead lights that will cover the entire dog park.
Richardson said the light company, Fonroche Lighting America, previously sent a crew to study the area and determine how many lights would be needed to adequately illuminate the park.
The three overhead lights will be powered by solar panels that will also eliminate future electricity costs.
According to Fonroche Lighting America, solar lights can save 80% of the installation time compared with traditional overhead lighting.
Richardson said his department is looking to be more environmentally conscious when possible, and these lights could be a trial run. If these work out well, he said the depart-
Overall, the lights and installation will cost about $16,000, and those funds are coming from donations to the Longboat Key Foundation.
Those funds were originally donated for the Longboat Key Foundation’s campaign to fund the artificial turf installation at the dog park.
But in May, Town Manager Howard Tipton decided to use $175,000 of town funds to install artificial turf at the dog park sooner rather than later. The benefit was mainly for maintenance, Tipton and Richardson both said at the time. Construction for the turf was completed in mid-June.
Tipton and town staff also hosted a “Bark in the Park” event in March to get community feedback about future projects for the dog park. That’s when Tipton said the town would fund the turf, which meant the $16,000 the foundation had raised
IF YOU GO
The Bayfront Park dog park is open from sunrise to sunset currently and is closed on Mondays from 1-4 p.m.
Dogs must wear a current license tag and be up to date on rabies vaccinations. The town does not issue pet licenses, so owners should register their dog or cat through either Sarasota or Manatee County.
Though the park is cleaned by built-in water systems and Public Works staff, owners are expected to clean up after their dogs. No town staff are on duty in the park. More park rules can be found at LongboatKey.org.
could go toward another project. One of the suggestions at that time was overhead lighting.
“It kind of was a win-win,” Richardson said, seeing that the funds were available to install something residents requested.
MORE LIGHT, MORE SOCIALIZATION
On Longboat Key, the Bayfront Park dog park is the go-to spot for dog owners.
In all other areas of the town — including Joan M. Durante Park and
the rest of Bayfront Park outside of the dog area — dogs are required to be on leashes at all times. Dogs are also prohibited from Longboat’s beaches.
But at Bayfront Park, owners can take their dogs to get some time outside and off the leash.
The Bayfront Park dog park is a social hot spot for residents and visitors alike, and island dog owners are excited to see how the upgrades will improve the park.
Stephanie Nygro said she takes her two dogs, CharLee and Marathon, to the dog park for about an hour almost every day. The dog park is something that has improved the whole atmosphere of the island, she said, adding that the social aspect among dog owners is another attraction.
She said she’s been happy with the last upgrade with the turf and said it’s been a great thing for the users.
Nygro also thinks the lights will be a great addition, especially in the winter months when the sun sets earlier.
Debbi Nettlow frequently goes to the Bayfront Park dog park with her three pups, Louie, Lola and Mitzi, in the stroller. She also said the lights will be especially helpful to let dogs and their owners socialize in the winter months.
Nettlow agreed that the park has become a social hub on the island and said anything that improves the park is welcomed by the users.
“It’s just such a fabulous park,” Nettlow said.
Longboat Key’s pooches soon to have after-dark options with new dog park lighting.
Photos by Carter Weinhofer
Debbi Nettlow and her three dogs — Louie, Mitzi and Lola — enjoy the dog park and the social aspect.
Stephanie Nygro’s dog Marathon enjoys the park for many reasons, one of which is to search for geckos.
LBK’s icon of perseverance
Many Longboaters laughed when a developer in a plaid sport coat said he wanted to buy and redevelop The Colony. Today, we should be grateful for Chuck Whittall, his vision and perseverance.
Absolutely stunning. Fabulous.
On the edge of beyond belief. Congratulations, Chuck Whittall. Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations!
The St. Regis Longboat Key is magnificent.
Last Friday’s soft opening of the new resort could leave its guests no other way: In stunned awe and bubbling with giddiness and happiness to behold the beautiful aura that unfolds once you cross the grand lobby and take in the expansive views looking out to the Gulf of Mexico.
(Our favorite detail: Beveled in the beige carpet in one of the resort rooms was a faint trail of bird tracks, as if a little feathered friend was headed toward the beach.)
Every square inch of detail spoke of vision, creativity, thought, care and impeccable execution. All of it: Masterful.
Hundreds of people were involved bringing what one Marriott official called this “icon of luxury” to life. And to be sure, they all deserve credit — architects, engineers, lawyers, accountants, contractors, construction crews, interior designers and on and on.
But the one to credit most, far and
away, is Whittall.
How this developer of upscale apartments, shops and offices from Winter Park in Orlando and unknown to the Gulf Coast of Florida pulled this off — and pulled it off the way it turned out — defies the enormity of the odds and obstacles that loomed before him 12 years ago.
Surely, had Whittall known before he began all of what he endured for 12 years, that 18 acres of gorgeous, prime beachfront actually could have been dubbed Longboat Key’s Iwo Jima. “I thought we were going to get it done in two years. It took 12,” Whittall told attendees at the soft opening.
Twelve years and $900 million!
We could take up an entire newspaper page, and then some, recounting the agonizing, tumultuous, topsy-turvy journey that Whittall trudged through with the recalcitrant former unit owners of the Colony; bankruptcy trustees and judges; armies of lawyers; both supportive and sometimes undermining town commissioners; and Longboat’s (nit)picky neighbors.
But true to his character and from start to finish, Whittall remained himself — ever the optimist; believing that good and right prevails; unwavering in his determination
Whittall, Founder and CEO of Unicorp National Developments
and vision; patient on the outside; and always a gracious gentleman in public.
There were plenty of times over the course of the 12 years that plenty of developers would have blurted disparaging remarks out of frustration in response to some of the unreasonable demands and criticisms thrown at them. But Whittall remained pleasant, respectful and composed — which is quite a remarkable feat for anyone who tries to develop on Longboat Key, much less a $1 billion resort.
The opening of the St. Regis Longboat Key truly is a new era for Longboat Key. Longtime Longboat residents have always enjoyed their privacy and the semi-obscurity of this idyllic barrier island. But Marriott President and CEO Anthony
State amendments explained
Here are plain English explanations of each of the state constitutional amendments Floridians will vote on this November, along with my thoughts on each of them:
Amendment 1: Partisan elections for district school boards Currently, school board elections in Florida are nonpartisan. Amendment 1 would make school board elections partisan in 2026. Until 1998, Florida had partisan school board elections. But that year voters approved Amendment 11, making school board elections nonpartisan. Amendment 1 seeks to reverse that decision.
Only four other states have partisan school board elections, and five other states allow the school districts to decide if school board elections will be partisan. Nationally, voter engagement in school board elections is low, with turnout ranging from 5% to 10%.
School boards have indeed become more contentious in recent years, with recall efforts on the rise and conflicts over things like masking policies, gender identify and school closures.
That is just as true in places with and without partisan elections, and there is no evidence that partisanship helps or hurts voter engagement in school board elections.
Amendment 2: Right to hunt and fish Amendment 2 would guarantee that hunting, fishing and wildlife taking, including traditional methods, remain preserved in the state constitution as public rights and preferred means of wildlife management.
The amendment would not prevent regulations on game seasons, bag limits, wildlife-taking methods or the protection of certain species. This amendment will make little change to Florida’s current policy
and economic landscape in hunting and fishing. State law already allows hunting and fishing, including traditional methods.
If Amendment 2 passes, the state will still be able to regulate hunting and fishing the same way it always has, with seasons, bag limits and bans on certain species (e.g. bears).
The inclusion of “traditional methods” includes killing and taking methods currently legal and has no retroactive power to re-legalize methods such as gill nets. However, the amendment may prevent any further regulation of killing or capturing methods in the future.
Amendment 3: Marijuana
Legalization
Amendment 3 would amend the constitution to allow adults aged 21 and older to possess up to three ounces of marijuana, including up to five grams of marijuana concentrates, without civil or criminal penalty. It would also allow existing licensees under Florida’s medical marijuana program to sell marijuana for adult recreational use.
The amendment would not allow any new businesses to begin producing or selling marijuana unless the Legislature passes a law to make additional marijuana business licenses available.
Twenty-four states now allow adult recreational marijuana consumption, and 38 states allow medical marijuana.
Based on years of legalized adult marijuana markets in many states, we know several things about the issues that concern people:
■ Teen Use: Federal data and studies on the effects of legalization show that as states have legalized, adolescent use of marijuana has declined, and adult use has been flat.
Legalization has not led to increasing use of marijuana. This is partly because legal sellers obey the age restrictions on sales of marijuana, while black market sellers do not. In my opinion, once marijuana is legal, it is just not cool enough for teenage rebellion anymore.
■ Crime: According to the FBI, crime rates in most states with legal marijuana markets has closely tracked the national average, while crime rates in Maine and Nevada declined faster than the national trend, and crime rates in Alaska and Massachusetts increased more than the national average.
■ Economic Growth: As a group, states with recreational marijuana markets have not expe-
Capuano, a 30-year executive in the industry who has seen magnificent resorts all over the world, told Friday’s audience: “This property is going to set the tone for this part of the state” and draw visitors “from all over the world.”
That is all good. For 50 years, The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort likewise attracted travelers, tennis players, business people and celebrities from all over the world. And many of those visitors became residents and valuable contributors to the rich fabric of life on Longboat Key and around Greater Sarasota.
The St. Regis will do likewise.
When Chuck Whittall showed up on the scene a dozen years ago and said he wanted to buy and redevelop the Colony property, the skeptics laughed under their breath, were suspicious and doubtful. Who is this guy who wears plaid sport coats, jeans and sneakers? Just another hustler who swoops in and turns out to be another Florida con-artist developer who fleeces investors?
Everyone doubted Whittall was for real. And everyone laughed when he said he had a deal for a St. Regis.
No one on Longboat is laughing now. Longboaters instead should be giddy with happiness and grateful that Whittall had the crazy idea, vision and perseverance to redevelop those prized 18 acres of beachfront into the shiny gem of the St. Regis Longboat Key.
See you at the Monkey Bar.
“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944
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rienced a significant difference in economic growth than states without recreational marijuana.
■ Tax Revenues: States with recreational marijuana markets collected nearly $3 billion in marijuana-related tax revenues in 2022, according to the Tax Foundation. However, high tax rates create a price difference that places legal marijuana at a disadvantage relative to illicit marijuana.
Evidence from many states shows that high taxes and overregulation of legalized marijuana cause high prices for legal products, and black markets will continue to thrive.
■ Mental Illness: A large study by Yale University found that recreational marijuana laws are not correlated with any increase in mental health disorders.
The only statistically significant mental health outcome reported is a 3.3% decrease in suicide among adult men.
Amendment 3 would not change the fact that marijuana is still illegal under federal law, nor will it create unregulated sales of marijuana or create more competition in the marijuana market. The Legislature can still legislate who can and cannot sell and under what rules.
Amendment 4: Right to abortion
As of this May, abortion is banned after six weeks of pregnancy in Florida. Amendment 4 would overturn that, adding to the state’s constitution that “no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider.”
Current law in Florida restricts abortion to the first six weeks of pregnancy and when the mother’s life is in danger. Amendment 4 would allow abortion before viability.
I don’t think abortion after viability is right, unless there is serious medical need. However, before that point, the decision on abortion should be the choice of the mother and her doctor.
Amendment 5: Annual inflation adjustment for homestead property tax exemption value Florida exempts from property taxes a portion of the value of the primary residence of Florida residents. Amendment 5 would create an annual adjustment of that exemption according to the Consumer Price Index if the change is positive
that year.
The homestead exemption does not apply to property taxes that go to schools.
Florida voters have regularly approved homestead tax exemptions to reduce the property tax burden on homeowning residents, even when that means other property owners will likely have to pay more property taxes as a result.
Tax cuts are almost always good. But because this amendment would only apply to homeowners and not to other property owners, including commercial and rental properties (and therefore renters), it’s not the most effective or fair way to cut taxes.
In Florida in particular, reducing property taxes only on homeowners doubles down on state policies that tax visitors rather than state residents — even for services for which residents are the primary customers.
A cut in all property taxes would be fairer and would not distort property markets. Additionally, it would not suffer the same economic distortions that arise from only cutting taxes for one narrow class of citizen.
Arguments that Amendment 5 would reduce local government revenues are not true. Amendment 5 only adjusts the homestead exemption for inflation, so it reduces the rate of increase in revenue for local governments but does not reduce their revenues. It’s the time-honored tradition of governments arguing that reducing the rate of growth in their revenue is a cut.
Amendment 6: Repeal of public financing for statewide campaigns
Amendment 6 would repeal taxpayer funding of candidates for the office of governor and the cabinet.
Taxpayer funding of elections may sound like a great way to “get big money out of politics,” but that is not what it does. Just as much private money goes into election, but taxpayer money is added. It’s more money in politics, not less.
Worse, taxpayer funding of any qualified candidate means your tax money can fund candidates with whom you vehemently disagree. At least with private campaign finance, people are only funding candidates with whom they agree.
A more detailed analysis of each of these amendments will be available in September at Reason.org.
Dr. Adrian Moore is vice president at Reason Foundation and lives in Sarasota.
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ADRIAN MOORE
Kat Wingert
Chuck
Seaplace works to remove bobcat
After dealing with a rabbit overpopulation, a Seaplace employee spotted a bobcat and took action to catch it.
With the unexpected wildlife of Longboat Key, being a groundskeeper on the island can be a surprise every day.
Seaplace Condominiums Director of Operations Wendy Cichowski said that this has been the summer of wild animals on the Key.
After dealing with an overpopulation of rabbits this year, the Seaplace groundskeeper spotted a bobcat on the property at 2045 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
“He was mowing the lawn one day on a standing mower by one of our drainage pipes,” said Cichowski. “The bobcat was in the pipe, and
WILD, WILD LONGBOAT
Of course, the bobcat reported at Seaplace Condominiums isn’t Longboat Key’s first encounter with wild predators.
In 2020, a coyote was spotted at various spots around the Key, including lounging on the Islandside Golf Course at the Longboat Key Club, walking through the streets of Country Club Shores and strolling past the shops of Whitney Beach Plaza.
Prior to that, summer 2018 had several reports of coyote sightings, leading the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to hold forums on the Key to educate residents about what to do in a coyote encounter.
In both instances, although the coyotes caused worry, there were no reports of aggression and they eventually disappeared as suddenly as they appeared.
we think it got scared by the mower because it immediately came out of the pipe, startling our groundskeeper.”
With the bobcat running one way and the groundskeeper running the other, the mower was left driving along the grass.
When the staff heard the story, they didn’t believe it at first, thinking it was a house cat. At other condominiums dealing with the same rabbit problem, feral cats are used to lower the rabbit population. Cichowski suggested the cat he saw was one that strayed along the beach to Seaplace.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, bobcats are about twice the size of a domestic cat, and can weigh from 12-28 pounds. “Bobcats are stealthy animals and not often seen even though their numbers are abundant,” the FWC said on its website. “Catching even a fleeting glimpse of this secretive and beautiful creature can make anyone’s outdoor experience more enjoyable.”
The FWC lists its favorite foods as rodents, birds and, of course, rabbits.
After later finding rabbit remnants in one of the cages used to catch them at Seaplace, this convinced the employees that perhaps there was something to the bobcat report, and it must still be on the property.
Rather than find the discovery “enjoyable,” they started brainstorming how to catch the animal.
Based on research online, Seaplace staff experimented by using different methods to catch the bobcat, such as cat litter and a spice mix.
“We tried everything,” said Hannah Butler, assistant general manager at Seaplace. “It was very interesting to look up of these ideas and hear
how they turn out. After no luck, we asked one of the trappers for the rabbits to take care of it.”
The solution is a cage trap by the drainage pipe where the bobcat was spotted with raw meat to lure the animal. If it were to fall for the bait, the cage closes, trapping the animal humanely inside so it can be relocated. According to FWC, traps must be checked every 24 hours, and all livecaptured bobcats must be released alive, either at the capture site or on a property in the same county of capture that is 40 acres or larger.
Jeff Norris from Affordable Wildlife Services, who is handling the animal situation at Seaplace, said that the rabbit population is what draws animals such as bobcats to the island. He has seen no signs that the bobcat is still on the property, but continues to tend the cage.
“It is always amazing to see wildlife on Longboat Key and places like it because of how many buildings it has,” said Norris. “But the weather and flooding have really affected where the wildlife ends up.”
If a person happens to see a bob-
cat again on the island, Norris recommends finding an object to put between the person and the bobcat, such as an umbrella. He also recommends getting a horn or an item that makes a loud noise because it will scare the animals off.
According to FWC, the animals are not known to pose a threat to humans, but they may hunt small pets.
The rabbit population has also lowered since Affordable Wildlife Services has tended to the issue.
After having many calls about the rabbits eating the bushes, grass and vegetation, there are about 10 traps around the property. Affordable Wildlife catches the rabbits and takes them to a farm in Manatee County.
Cichowski is grateful to be able to catch the rabbits in an ethical way where they will be taken to a safe place. With hopes that the bobcat is gone, she plans to keep a watchful eye.
“It is always amazing to see wildlife on Longboat Key and places like it because of how many buildings it has.”
—
PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER
Petra Rivera Hannah Butler displays the bobcat trap that is placed where the animal was last spotted.
Jeff Norris, Affordable Wildlife Services
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 14
TOO EARLY OF A START
7:32 a.m., 500 block of De Narvaez Drive
Noise Disturbance: A Longboat Key officer responded to a complaint about construction noise before 8 a.m. Upon arrival, the officer saw workers using power tools at the construction site and asked them to stop. The construction manager was issued a formal warning and advised that no construction noise could occur before 8 a.m.
FRIDAY, AUG. 9
SUSPICIOUS SMELL
10:33 p.m., 1200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Drug Case: While on patrol, an officer saw a vehicle with one inoperable headlight and another with its high beams activated. The officer pulled the vehicle over and, while conducting a traffic stop, smelled a strong odor of marijuana. When asked if she had a medical marijuana card, the driver said she did not, which prompted further investigation due to probable cause. The officer searched the car and found a plastic bag of marijuana next to some work clothes and fresh food. The driver was given a traffic citation and a notice to appear in court.
SATURDAY, AUG. 10
RANDOM RENTAL CAR
1:48 a.m., 300 block of North Shore Road
Suspicious Vehicle: An officer on
patrol noticed a vehicle parked in front of a location with its driver’s door open but unoccupied. The officer checked the vehicle’s registration and confirmed the vehicle wasn’t reported stolen or abandoned, and there were no signs of forced entry. The vehicle was registered to a rental company and the officer was unable to determine who the renter was at the time. For safekeeping, the officer closed and locked the car door.
SPEEDING WITHOUT A LICENSE
1:29 p.m., 6900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Vehicle Stop: While using a lidar speed gun on traffic along GMD, an officer saw a vehicle going 48 mph in a 35 mph zone and conducted a vehicle stop. During the traffic stop, the driver said he did not have a driver’s license but his name was confirmed as the registered owner of the vehicle. The officer retrieved the driver’s infor-
mation and found that his license had been expired since 2022. The driver was issued a criminal citation and a notice to appear in court, and the driver contacted a friend who would pick him and the truck up.
MONDAY, AUG. 12
UNKNOWN REMAINS
1:01 p.m., 6700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Suspicious Incident: Dispatch sent officers to the beach when a caller reported he spotted what could be human remains. When the officers met the complainant at the scene, they located the bones on the dune and sent photos to a medical examiner. The remains were determined to not be from a human, and the case was closed.
TUESDAY, AUG. 13
NO LICENSE TO DRIVE
12:29 p.m., 500 block of Buttonwood Drive
Vehicle Stop: The license plate readers alerted police to a driver operating with an expired driver’s license. An officer located and stopped the vehicle. During the stop, the officer asked for the usual paperwork to which the driver offered a Florida Identification Card and said the vehicle was registered to his mother. When asked if he had a driver’s license, the driver admitted that he never received one but said he was driving because he worked on the island. After giving the driver a criminal citation, the officer advised the driver that he couldn’t operate a vehicle until he obtained a valid driver’s license.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 14
CHECKING ON BUSINESSES
8 p.m., 6000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Open Door/Window: While conducting business checks on patrol, an officer noticed that a business’s front door was unlocked. Upon further investigation, everything appeared normal and no one was inside. As the officer was locking the door on the way out, an employee showed up to get something and said he would lock the door.
THURSDAY, AUG. 15
DOG DISPUTE
9:30 a.m., 500 block of Golf Links
Lane
Animal Problem: A resident called for police assistance after she claimed another dog was aggressively running toward her dog and tried to attack it. She said the owner of the dog was picking up dog litter and her dog got loose, which is when the dog started running toward her dog. No bite marks or punctures were found on the complainant’s dog. The complainant described the other dog and its owner, but the officer was unable to locate them in the area.
NO LIGHT ON THE BEACH
9:46 p.m., 3200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Suspicious Person: An officer was dispatched to investigate a report of suspicious people on the beach with flashlights. Upon arrival at the beach, the officer saw two teenagers on the beach playing on their cell phones. Neither had a flashlight on, but the officer advised them to stay off of their cell phones because white lights aren’t allowed on the beach during sea turtle nesting season. The two teenagers apologized and agreed to stay off of their cell phones on the beach.
FRIDAY, AUG. 9
FISHING POLES LOST AT SEA
12:44 a.m., 7200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Lost Property: An officer was dispatched to a report of missing fishing poles. The fishermen said they were fishing from the center drawbridge where fishing is prohibited and lost two poles. At first, the two thought someone had stolen their fishing poles that were hanging over the side of the bridge. The officer wasn’t able to determine whether the poles fell into the water or were stolen, and neither of the fishermen had descriptions of the poles. Neither wanted an official police report, and the officer closed the case.
Chris Udermann captured pictures of flooding in the Village following a weather event in April 2024.
Got flooding? The town wants to know
Details from those who flooded during Hurricane Debby will help the town’s grant applications.
The town of Longboat Key is seeking resident reports of recurring flooding in the low-lying areas of Sleepy Lagoon, Buttonwood and the Village.
According to posts on the town’s social media pages, anyone who experienced flooding during Hurricane Debby is encouraged to share information to the town, especially those living in the three low-lying areas.
Residents are asked to share details such as water depth from intrusion into homes and garages to the town by Aug. 30.
The town is working with the state on several grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
“All this information will be used to support these grant applications,” said Assistant Public Works Director Charlie Mopps.
The grants are for upcoming drainage improvement projects in Sleepy
Lagoon, Buttonwood and the Village.
The projects include elements like increased road elevation and additional drainage structures.
In April, estimated costs were about $8.5 million for the Sleepy Lagoon project, $5 million for Buttonwood and an undetermined amount for the Village. First on the list is a project for Norton Street in Sleepy Lagoon.
The HGMP is a program that helps projects that assist in “rebuilding after a major disaster in a way that reduces future disaster losses,” according to FEMA. These grants are associated with past emergencies. In this case, the grants are related to Hurricanes Ian and Idalia.
Mopps said that while the town is working on these grants, the state needs to develop a cost-benefit analysis model, and part of the necessary information is showing the repetitive impact of flooding. That’s where resident reports are important.
To submit details and photos to the town by Aug. 30, residents can email Mopps at CMopps@LongboatKey. org and Grants Coordinator Kalee Shaberts at KShaberts@LongboatKey.org.
Courtesy image
Award of a lifetime
Senior Friendship Centers CEO Erin McLeod received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
STAFF WRITER
Declan Sheehy, chief development officer at Senior Friendship Centers, said Erin McLeod was the kind of CEO who would probably be too humble to seek out an award for herself. That is why staff at the nonprofit decided to fill out the application for the Lifetime Presidential Achievement Award without her knowledge. In fact, Sheehy said he handed her the award while driving her to a meeting, knowing the fact that he was driving would lessen her reac-
tion.
On behalf of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the award was presented to McLeod in an Aug. 14 ceremony at the Sarasota campus of Senior Friendship Centers.
The event was also attended by Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert, who read a city proclamation recognizing Aug. 14 as Erin McLeod Day.
McLeod said the prestigious award, which recognized her 6,500 hours of community service in her lifetime, ultimately celebrated the community.
“I’m really overwhelmed,” she said.
“It’s hard to come up with words for it, as somebody who’s usually without pause for a word. But when I look at this, I’m really thinking, it’s not really about me. It’s really about all the people that I work with, the volunteers that help us do what we do, all my friends in this community that do good work. This is a group award,
and I’m accepting it on behalf of all of us because I think the work we do as a community is amazing.”
AN EXTENSIVE CAREER
With McLeod’s background, the difficult part of the application was condensing it into a limited number of pages, said Sheehy.
McLeod has worked for Senior Friendship Centers since 2004, serving as its second CEO since its founding in 1973.
The regional nonprofit, which spans four counties, provides seniors, families and caregivers with services and programs through its $20 million annual budget.
It provides more than 30,000 meals each month to those who might otherwise go without a meal, said Kathy Silverberg, vice chair of the organization’s board of governors.
“Erin’s journey into humanitarianism began with a simple but
COMMUNITY ROLES OF ERIN McLEOD
Board member of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
Board Chair for HCA Florida
Sarasota Doctors Hospital
Board member of Empath LIFE (PACE)
Past president of the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association
President-elect for the Florida Council on Aging
profound belief that every person, regardless of their age, is entitled to dignity, to respect and a sense of belonging,” said Jennifer Pilate, the certifying agent for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award Program, at the podium. “This belief has served as the foundation of her work here at the Senior Friendship Centers, where she has tirelessly advocated for the elders, ensuring that they are not just cared for but also cherished.”
Pilate said one of McLeod’s most notable accomplishments has been her support for intergenerational programming, noting the activities and opportunities available at Senior Friendship Centers.
“She has recognized that bridging the gap between the young and the elderly promotes mutual respect and understanding,” she said. “Erin’s initiatives have provided opportunities for younger generations to learn from their elders’ wisdom and experiences, while also bringing joy and renewed sense of purpose into the lives of seniors.”
She also said McLeod’s community work has influenced local and national policies to ensure the needs of seniors are addressed.
“Erin has a wide ranging influence in Florida, so not just at the local level, but at the state level as well,” she also said.
She said another factor in the award was McLeod’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When we were all kind of hidden away in our homes … that didn’t stop Erin,” she said. “She was out and about, making sure that the seniors were OK, making sure that they had food.”
Member of the Aging Society of America
Member of the National Council on Aging
Member of National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs
Longtime parishioner and volunteer at Church of the Redeemer
Beyond her work at Senior Friendship Centers, McLeod is also active in the community.
Among other roles, she serves as a board member of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and HCA Doctor’s Hospital of Sarasota, and is president-elect for the Florida Council on Aging.
A resident of Sarasota since 1983, her experience also includes consulting, health care and hospitality, and she holds a degree from the University of Florida in public relations.
At the ceremony McLeod received a certificate signed by President Biden, as well as a congratulatory letter signed by Biden and an official pin and medallion.
Also on stage were Pilate’s husband, Felton Pilate, a musician and record produced and a former member of R&B and funk band Con Funk Shun; Heather Kasten, president and CEO of the Sarasota Greater Chamber of Commerce; Kathy Silverberg, vice chair of Senior Friendship Centers’ board of governors; and McLeod’s parents, Wes Estey and Dora Mae Estey.
Wes Estey placed the medallion around McLeod’s neck, while Dora Mae Estey placed the lapel pin on McLeon and Felton Pilate presented her with the award and letter.
The other attendees on stage also offered speeches.
“It is fitting that Erin has found her niche in an organization that includes the word friendship in its name,” said Silverberg. “She is the epitome of a friend, one who lifts up all around her, who exudes joy in all that she does, and who leads with a clear vision of enriching lives.”
IAN SWABY
Ian Swaby
Jennifer Pilate, Erin McLeod and Felton Pilate celebrate McLeod’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
Getting into the groove at Fogartyville
Ariel Aparicio-Jerro talks about his new job managing the music venue and its sister radio station, WSLR.
With a commitment to eclectic arts programming and social justice, WSLR/Fogartyville founders Arlene Sweeting and David Beaton put their imprint on the radio station and music venue they established in Sarasota’s Rosemary District in 2013.
In April, the couple announced they were stepping down from managing WSLR/Fogartyville and moving to Michigan, although they plan to become snowbirds.
A month earlier, Ariel AparicioJerro had joined the cultural nonprofit’s team. Today, the CubanAmerican musician and producer and former restaurateur is the manager of WSLR/Fogartyville.
Like managers at other arts organizations in town, Aparicio-Jerro was the recipient of unwelcome news in July, when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in arts funding from the Legislatureapproved 2024-25 budget.
Then, along with the arts exhibitions Embracing Our Differences and the Chalk Festival, WSLR/Fogartyville was denied funding by the Sarasota County Commission.
Aparicio-Jerro recently spoke with the Observer to talk about his new job and what’s ahead for WSLR/Fogartyville. This is an edited version of the conversation.
What’s your background?
I grew up in Miami and went to college at NYU (New York University). I studied music and audio engineering. I started making music and releasing cassettes. I did festivals and toured around the country. Then I met my partner, who is now my husband, and we decided to give a try to the restaurant business. We opened a restaurant called Joya, in Brooklyn’s Cobble Hill neighborhood, about 25 years ago. It was super successful, and we opened three over the years. A couple of years ago, we made the decision to say goodbye and to sell the restaurants. We were living in Westport, Connecticut, at that point.
How did you get to Sarasota?
I grew up in Florida. We visited Clearwater, but then a friend told us about Sarasota. My husband flew down with our son. We decided it was a beautiful place. We bought a house close to downtown across from Payne Park in July 2022.
Did you move here to work at Fogartyville?
No. Fogartyville wasn’t on our radar. Later, I saw a job opening on Indeed.com. It was right for me because I have extensive front-ofthe-house experience, and I’m also a musician.
What is your role there?
My title is director. I’m involved in all of it. WSLR and Fogartyville are one team. I’m there for community meetings, performances. I make sure it’s staffed properly. David (Beaton) and I are booking together. Eventually I’ll be doing that 100%.
Are you going to do anything differently than your predecessors?
I plan to honor the tradition that David and Arlene created. We present an amazing array of talent and variety. David and Arlene have brought in singer/songwriters, Americana roots bands, world music performers and jazz musicians. I’d like to bring in more indie rock flavor but keep the feel of Fogartyville.
We are a listening room with about 100 seats. There are another
50 seats outside. We can open the garage doors when the weather is good. But we’re not an auditorium, so the acoustics don’t always work for a heavy band.
Will you continue with art openings, film screenings, tastings and the like? Absolutely.
What’s the situation with food?
We have a guest food truck for the evening, usually for the live shows. Sometimes it’s tacos. Other times it’s empanadas or Greek food.
What role does WSLR/Fogartyville play in the community?
We play several roles. WSLR is fantastic radio station, really focused on local issues. In addition to being a listening room, Fogartyville is a community event space. We support other community organizations.
Can you talk about the recent funding cuts? Statewide, we were cut by $36,000. We were cut $27,000 by the county commission.
Why do you think your funding was cut?
I can’t speak for them, but we stand behind the entertainment we provide to the community. We showed evidence that we are a ticketed organization. We gave them everything they asked for.
How are you going to offset the funding cuts?
We have to step up our fundraising and increase our revenues. Last year, we had 66 live music events. We’re going to need more. We’re also boosting outreach in our community of listeners and patrons. We’ll be having our fall membership drive from Oct. 9-15 and holding our open house for the community on Oct. 16. We’re encouraging people to become members. Our theme this year is “Many Voices, One Community.”
Is there anything you’d like to add?
I’m thrilled to be part of this community. It’s perfect for me and my family. We’ve found our home here. Sarasota is like a warm bubble bath.
MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER
Courtesy images
Ariel Aparicio-Jerro has taken over the reins of WSLR/Fogartyville from founders Arlene Sweeting and David Beaton.
Fogartyville often hosts music jams for professional and amateur musicians and listeners.
When the ears no longer have it
Becoming hearingimpaired threatened this critic’s livelihood, so he took action.
MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR
Now hear this!
When it comes to the performing arts, the ears have it.
But sometimes they need a little help.
I’m a theater critic with hearing aids. A recent development — but let’s not get ahead of our story. Let’s rewind the tale before my audio augmentation.
My hearing deteriorated for a variety of reasons. An exploding bike tire; too many rock concerts; earplugs gone bad. Whatever the causes, the loss wasn’t that bad at first. But it gradually got worse, like so many turns of the screw. Conversations were harder to catch in crowds. Talk in the next room was impossible. But the screw kept turning. Until people talking right in front of me became harder to follow. I’d hear most of what they said. But there were always missing words. Initially, I could figure it out. Despite my increasing hearing loss, I could still fill in the gaps in one-onone conversations. But live theater was a different animal. It got to the
point where the actors on stage all sounded like Charlie Brown’s parents. I had to face the music … or the silence.
I had a big-time case of hearing loss.
For a professional reviewer, that’s a pain. But what could I do?
After years of dragging my feet, I checked into the Marlowe Center for Hearing. Dr. Sarah Chicorelli, one of their resident audiologists, tested my ears. I scored poorly on both the left and right ears. The graphs of their hearing ranges resembled steep cliffs. The diagnosis: “Profound hearing loss.” Damn. But earthly salvation was at hand …
After additional tests, Dr. Chicorelli fixed me up with hearing aids. Trial versions, at first. But they worked.
What should I expect? “Many patients experience a dramatic difference in audio quality,” she said. “It can be life-changing, especially to lovers of music and theater.”
Dr. Chicorelli’s words stuck a chord with me. And proved to be right.
I loved the new sonic clarity. My new devices filled in the conversational blanks. I stopped saying “What?” all the time. Ian Anderson and my other prog-rock pals sounded great.
The difference was, indeed, dramatic. Hey! Come to think of it, I was a lover of music and theater.
That gave me an idea … Why not put the devices to work? Professionally, that is.
Hearing loss had impacted my job
“You’re
basically sticking teeny tiny little speakers in your earholes. But do it anyway. It’s far better than noise, babble and silence.”
— Marty Fugate
as a critic. Would my new hearing aids make it better? To find out, I’d put them to the test with a beforeand-after piece on the Asolo Conservatory’s recent production of “Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” With that professional goal in mind, I got two tickets to the Bard’s take on star-crossed lovers. I attended one before I got my new, tiny audio gear and the other after. Boy, did I get an earful. Along with a humbling lesson.
Here’s my before and after story …
EAR BEFORE Sans hearing aids, I’d caught the emotional vibe of Shakespeare’s play on my first go-round. Theater isn’t algebra, folks. What the characters feel counts. Well-trained actors don’t need words to share their feelings. The Conservatory’s student prodigies had a well-stocked toolbox of nonverbal communication.
Thanks to body language, intonation and speech rhythms, I caught the feelings of Shakespeare’s play. But my naked ears fumbled Shake-
speare’s ideas. When your ears go bad, it’s like reading fine print without reading glasses. Words blur. And words are the delivery system of a playwright’s concepts. With Shakespeare’s ideas, that’s heavy freight. I missed a lot the first time. But I didn’t know what I was missing.
Until my second go-round …
EAR AFTER For my “Romeo and Juliet” redux, I came equipped with hearing aids. But that’s not all I had. Using my iPhone app, I tuned into the theater’s audio system. This time around, I didn’t miss a word. Or the Shakespearean ideas they delivered. Including a few dirty jokes …
Sampson: When I have fought with the men, I will be civil with the maids; I will cut off their heads.
Gregory: The heads of the maids?
Sampson: Ay, the heads of the maids, or their maidenheads. Take it in what sense thou wilt.
On my second pass, I didn’t miss the innuendo.
I’d had a general sense of Shakespeare’s prurient puns the first time. They were crystal clear the second time. That surprised me. It’s the difference between listening to an argument behind walls in the next room — and one right in front of you in the same room.
For a critic, that clarity was a revelation.
Now, I finally knew what I’d been missing — and what my procrastination had cost me. Hearing assistance vastly improved my plunge
into Shakespeare’s sonic world. The difference was dramatic, and it’s perfect for my job.
But I don’t want to oversell it. Today’s hearing aids use cuttingedge digital technology. But let’s be clear: That edge is going to move. Tomorrow’s hearing aids will get even better. Even when they do, they’ll fall far short of Mother Nature’s original high-fidelity audio equipment.
You’re basically sticking teeny tiny little speakers in your earholes. But do it anyway. It’s far better than noise, babble and silence.
Bionic ears definitely boost audio art appreciation. The $5,000 price tag wasn’t exactly in my budget, but you can’t put a price on being able to hear clearly, especially if your livelihood depends on it.
Hearing aids also help connect you to other human beings.
That’s good too.
HOW TO FIND HELP
Hearing Loss Association of America offers resources and advocacy for people with hearing loss. Their support includes educational programs, local chapter meetings, and access to hearing assistance technologies. Call (727) 233-8663 or visit HLA-FL.org/HLAA-Sarasota-Manatee-Chapter.
Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine
Hearing loss could be career-ending for a theater critic like Marty Fugate unless it’s addressed.
THIS WEEK
THURSDAY
‘THE MUSIC OF LAUREL CANYON’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
If you know, you know. But not everyone knows about Laurel Canyon, the neighborhood above West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip that became home to folk musicians such as Joni Mitchell, Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young and The Mamas and the Papas. Runs through Sept. 1.
‘THE FOUR C NOTES’
8 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave.
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
For fans of Frank Valli and the Four Seasons, the doo-wop sound never
OUR PICK
JOSÉ RAMIREZ: ‘BAD
HOMBRE’
Join international blues star José Ramirez for the premiere of his documentary film, “Bad Hombre” and the new album of the same name recorded at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe during his 2023 tour. In addition to the screening, Ramirez will perform an acoustic set.
IF YOU GO
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 Where: Westcoast Black Theatre, 1012 N. Orange Ave. Tickets: $35 Info: Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
goes out of style. With “The Four C Notes,” Florida Studio Theatre continues the tradition of presenting Four Seasons tribute shows inspired by “Jersey Boys” starring performers from the Broadway smash hit’s touring production. Runs through Oct. 13.
FRIDAY
‘THE MOUSETRAP’
7:30 p.m. at the Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice
$35 Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
Scott Keys directs the Venice Theatre’s production of Agatha Christie’s murder mystery, which has been playing in London’s West End since its November 1952 opening. Runs through Sept. 15.
SATURDAY
‘SKYWAY’ ART EXHIBITION
10 a.m. at The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bayshore Road and the Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
$30 at The Ringling (free Mondays); $15 at Sarasota Art Museum Visit SkywayTampaBay.com.
The triennial contemporary Florida art exhibition encompasses five museums in the Tampa Bay area. Even if you don’t have time to visit all five “Skyway” museums, check out The Ringling Museum of Art and the Sarasota Art Museum. The Ringling features the multimedia works of 13 artists, running the gamut from Caitlin Albritton’s whimsical jewelry to Kiko Kotani’s breathtaking crocheted installations. SAM’s juxtapositions of multimedia works speak to the important contributions of Florida immigrants, including Havana native Tatiana Mesa Paján, Sue Havens, originally from Rochester, New York, and Kirk Ke Wong,
who was born in Shanghai. “Skyway” runs through Jan. 25 at The Ringling and Oct. 27 at SAM.
COMEDY LOTTERY
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St. $15-$18
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
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.
MONDAY
JAZZ JAM SRQ
5:30 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota Free Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
DON’T MISS THE BERMUDA MAVERICKS
It’s not often that McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre co-founder Les McCurdy takes the stage. This time, he’s one half of the Bermuda Mavericks. The other half is Ken Sons. Together, these brothers from different mothers deliver the right amount of stand-up comedy and improv. Runs through Aug. 25.
Thanks to the efforts of Jazz Club of Sarasota, the jazz scene is growing in Sarasota. This bimonthly jam session is open to professional and amateur musicians alike. Come play, sing, watch and enjoy jazz.
TUESDAY
MANATEE COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND
7 p.m. at Waterside Place, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch Free Visit LakewoodRanch.com.
Sights + Sounds at Waterside Place presents the Manatee Community Concert Band, whose members hail from all walks of life and have collectively racked up 2,100 years of musical experience. The band performs a wide variety of music, including marches, Broadway and film hits, swing classics and more. Seating is limited, so bring a lawn chair. No outside food or drinks permitted.
YOUR NEIGHBORS
GIRL POWER
A new nonprofit hopes to honor the legacy of charitable women while also inspiring a new generation to get involved with the community.
PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER
Former U.S. Congresswom-
an Katherine Harris and Sarasota resident Margaret Wise met when Harris first joined the Junior League of Sarasota. She was the chair of its Holiday Tour of Homes fundraiser and asked Wise if she would consider allowing the group to include her home in the tour.
Since then, the two have been inseparable, cultivating a strong friendship over their common passion for getting involved in the community.
“When I tried to get everyone to run for the (Florida) Senate back in 1994 because I didn’t feel that we were being well represented, Margaret and a few others actually talked me into running myself,” said Harris. “I had no interest in running for politics whatsoever. I didn’t realize how much she was involved in that, but we have always enjoyed a great friendship where we encourage each other.”
Now 40 years later, Harris and Wise teamed up this year to start a new nonprofit: Women in Philanthropy of Sarasota. The new organization will honor past and present women leaders of philanthropy while at the same time connecting them with younger generations of women in Sarasota to mentor them on how they can make a difference.
Women In Philanthropy of Sarasota held its first honoree meeting Aug. 14 at Cafe L’Europe. Ninety-eight of the most influential women in philanthropy in the area attended the event to learn about the 12 honorees of its first soiree, planned for November.
Through their many years of friendship, Wise and Harris talked about how women play a big part in the philanthropy scene in Sarasota but don’t get the recognition they deserve for their work.
Along with her involvement in the Junior League of Sarasota, Harris has served on the boards of everything from the Asolo Repertory Theatre to the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. In addition to founding her business, Private Duty Home Health Care, Wise is known for her involvement in organizations such as the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, Pines of Sarasota and Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Women In Philanthropy hosted its first meeting April 19 at Wise’s house. Since then, the group has held monthly luncheons to build its network of women while also inspiring them by featuring local speakers who present opportunities for them to give back in the community.
“These women are involved in all areas: the health care arena, education, social services,” said Harris.
“They are involved in assisting those who have less. There’s a plethora of women who are engaged in something far bigger than themselves and outside of themselves, so we want to honor them and present them as role
THE INAUGURAL HONOREES
Margery Barancik
Ariane Dart
Judith Economos
Mary Kay Henson
Marie E. Johnson-Colbert
Sherry Koski
Flora Major
Graci McGillicuddy
Elizabeth Moore
Lee Peterson
Nikki Sedacca
Virginia Toulmin
models for younger women.”
Wise and Harris intend for the organization to be an inspiration to younger women who want to get involved in local charities.
Since starting this journey, the pair has mentored committee members Tatyana Sharoubim Stewart and Dayle Hoffman and encouraged other members to do the same for younger members of the group.
Harris said she was moved by the number of attendees at the honoree meeting. She believes that the mission resonated with people and is excited to see the impact this organization can have on the area.
“I have five girls,” said Bill Villafranco of Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, as he announced the honorees at the Aug. 14 meeting. “To think that this organization can teach my five daughters a lesson or two about the importance of standing up, being in the front and leading the charge means the world to me.”
INAUGURAL SOIREE
The organization plans to host its first end-of-the-year soiree as a way
to celebrate the legacy of Sarasota women philanthropists.
Women in Philanthropy will hold its Inaugural Soiree on Nov. 9, at Cap De Joie, Katherine Harris’s home. At the event, the nonprofit will honor 12 local women who are leaders in Sarasota’s charitable scene.
After a cocktail party in the autocourt with a cigar lounge, guests are invited to meander through the home to experience a “fashion couture experience” designed by Sharoubim Stewart, creative director. Then guests will enjoy dinner while celebrating honorees and enjoying a live auction, a band and dancing.
Half of the proceeds of the event will benefit Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. The other half benefit various nonprofits through the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
Graci McGillicuddy, Nikki Sedacca and Elizabeth Moore are three of the 12 honorees for the Women In Philanthropy soiree in November.
Photos by Petra Rivera
Tatyana Sharoubim Stewart, Katherine Harris, Margaret Wise and Dayle Hoffman
Gary Hagen plans to shift the focus of Elegant Lady Cheesecake Parlor to serve up unique donut flavors on the island.
PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER
hen serving a variety of items that includes cheesecakes, shaved ice and chicken pot pie, Gary Hagen didn’t think donuts would be a standout item on his menu at the Elegant Lady Cheesecake Parlor when he started experimenting with adding them to the mix. But, when all his donuts were sold out by 8:30 a.m. every day, he thought it was time to reconsider his focus.
After making famous cheesecakes around the country since the 1980s, Hagen is transforming his Elegant Lady Cheesecake Parlor into Longboat Key’s newest donut shop, Donuts By Design, this month.
“My brand now is going to be Donuts By Design and Longboat Gary’s Donuts with Attitude,” said Hagen. “I have done cheesecake for a long time, but I’m excited for this change. I love changing things up and learning to make new things. It’s just fun. That is what my shop is about. So if people want donuts, that is what they will get.”
Hagen opened his first cheesecake shop, Elegant Lady Cheesecake, in the 1980s in Monterey, California. After opening a cheesecake factory from that shop and 10 other restaurants nationwide, Hagen moved to Bradenton to help care for his mother
IF YOU GO
ELEGANT LADY
CHEESECAKE
When: Open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday and Monday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday Where: 6842 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key Info: Call 941-312-4932 or visit ElegantLadyCheesecake.com.
in 1989.
Hagen opened the Hollywoodinspired Elegant Lady Cheesecake Parlor in Whitney Plaza in February. After mastering the art of making cheesecakes, Hagen decided to focus more on donuts after being inspired by a customer.
“This lady came in one day to buy two donuts before going kayaking,” said Hagen. “She told me, ‘I haven’t had a donut in 10 years because gluten affects my stomach.’ When I was telling her how I make the donuts, she looked at me and said, ‘That’s gluten-free.’ I didn’t even know I was making them gluten-free. She ended up coming back to buy a dozen more later.”
The knowledge that Hagen’s donuts were gluten-free helped the word spread. It made the shop one of the go-to dessert places on the island because it provided options for everyone, even if they had dietary restrictions. This also opened up catering opportunities at events, parties and businesses around the island.
Hagen’s menu spans from his famous cheesecakes to donuts, ice cream, cupcakes, gluten-free pies, waffles, chicken pot pie, New York-
week.
style bagels, hot dogs, sandwiches and shaved ice. He said he will continue to offer these items but plans to spotlight his 25 flavors of donuts in different forms. He has the classic flavors such
as glazed, jelly and frosted donuts with sprinkles, but he loves to create his own flavors as well. Hagen’s newest invention is a “California cream” donut because of his California roots. The unique sweet treat
is a Boston cream donut with maple syrup on it.
Hagen is looking forward to his newest menu item: donut sundaes. A customer gave him the idea after asking to add donut holes to his ice cream order. Now, the slow moments in the day are left for Hagen to test different sundae combinations.
Hagen said the shop is about more than making money to him. It is about the people he meets and the food he shares with them. Connecting and hearing about his customers’ lives makes the long hours of baking and managing the shop worth it.
“This island is so amazing,” said Hagen. “My customers are always inviting me to things and making me feel like a part of the community. I’m so grateful for them. They love me, and I love them. So, I’m excited to bring something new and different to Longboat.”
Photos by Petra Rivera
Gary Hagen makes donut sundaes at the new Donuts By Design.
Gary Hagen makes around 25 flavors of donuts that he circulates throughout the
Jazz in the Garden
St. Armands Key Lutheran Church transported its music lovers to Bourbon Street on the evening of Aug. 16.
About 30 people lounged in lawn chairs while The Jazz DaddyOs, a jazz swing band from St. Petersburg, performed in the church’s garden as the second installment of its free Midsummer Music on the Circle concert series.
The trio of musicians Eric Enfield, Wayne Pearson and Mary Miller combined their talents of wind instruments, piano and vocals to perform vintage jazz hits from New Orleans and other famous jazz cities for all of St. Armands Circle to hear. The night featured tunes from Frank Sinatra and other classic singers.
Vocalist Miller said the Jazz DaddyOs’ mission is to revive the jazz and vintage music scene and inspire more children to play instruments. The musicians said they were thankful to bring their music and mission to the Circle.
SAKLC’s Minister of Music and Director of Operations Michael Bodnyk created the Midsummer Music on the Circle series to make music more accessible around Sarasota. He said the church chose to have the concert in its garden to contrast the Strings Con Brio concert from the previous week.
“Usually, this wouldn’t be the time of year to a concert outside,” said the Rev. Ken Blyth. “But, people love it when we do concerts in the garden, so we thought it would be perfect to change it up and also hopefully bring some joy to people walking around the Circle tonight.”
Sarasota Memorial Presents
FREE LECTURE SERIES
September 2024
Advanced Solutions for Joint Pain & Injury
From head to toe, the human body contains more than 250 joints — each a potential hotspot for chronic pain as the body ages. But with continued advances in medical technology and technique, our physicians are repairing, restoring and replacing these joints better than ever before. Join Sarasota Memorial’s Orthopedic Surgeons and Pain Specialists this September to hear more about the latest breakthroughs and patient options. A brief Q&A will follow each presentation.
Wednesday, September 4, 4:30-5:30pm
} Ashvin I. Patel, MD - New Approaches to Treating Common Spinal Disorders
Wednesday, September 11, 4:30-5:30pm
} Patrick J. O'Neill, MD - How to Prevent and Treat Common Foot and Ankle Problems
Tuesday, September 17, 4:30-5:30pm
} Michael J. Moustoukas, MD - Treatment Options for Shoulder Arthritis
Wednesday, September 18, 4:30-5:30pm
} Donald L. Erb, DO - Basivertebral Nerve Ablation: A Paradigm Shift for Low Back Pain Treatment
Thursday, September 26, 4:30-5:30pm
} Adam S. Bright, MD - Painless Total Knee: Attempting the Impossible
Sarasota Memorial Hospital Auditorium - First Floor 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239 SMH-SARASOTA
This is a FREE LECTURE SERIES with FREE VALET PARKING at main hospital entrance. RSVP required. Light refreshments served. Reserve your space by phone at (941) 917-7777 or online at smh.com/lectures.
Ashvin I. Patel, MD
Patrick J. O'Neill, MD
Michael J. Moustoukas, MD
Donald L. Erb, DO
Adam S. Bright, MD
— PETRA RIVERA
Photos by Petra Rivera
Mary Miller entertains the crowd.
Eric Enfield, Mary Miller and Wayne Pearson from the Jazz DaddyOs.
Music lovers from St. Armands Key Lutheran Church enjoy a jazz concert in its garden.
Pastor Ken Blyth thanks the crowd for attending the church’s
Midsummer Music on the Circle concert series Aug. 16.
YOUR CALENDAR
MONDAY, AUG. 26
COLORIZE YOUR PHOTOS WITH PAN PASTELS
1-3
p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Bring a photograph or choose from the ones provided and transform it into a hand-colorized art print to display or give as a gift. Supplies provided. The fee is $10 for members; $25 for nonmembers. RSVP by calling 383-6493 or email Amy Steinhauser at Amy@ TheParadiseCenter.org.
RECURRING EVENTS
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS
LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT
STORE
The thrift store will be open 9 a.m. to noon at 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Donations are accepted during business hours. Call 383-4738.
MONDAYS STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN
From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. This class is mostly seated and great for all fitness levels. Focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance. Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 3836493.
THINKING OUT LOUD
1-2:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Retired attorney Mike Karp will lead a lively discussion on current topics such as world affairs, national politics and local issues. Bring questions, thoughts and an open mind. Call 383-6493.
TUESDAYS MAHJONG
BEST BET
THURSDAY, AUG. 29
SOUND BATH
2-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Amy Steinhauser will lead a fully immersive experience using singing bowls, a gong, chimes and more. Suitable for all ages, her sound baths will relax you with healing frequencies that balance your body and mind. Advance registration is required because space is limited. Members pay $25; nonmembers pay $40. Call 383-6493.
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
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.
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.
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.
Petra Rivera
Amy Steinhauser will ring the gong to center everyone during a sound bath.
Bird Key home tops sales at $1.7 million
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome on Bird Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. George and Holleh Poulos, of Sarasota, sold their home at 470 E. Royal Flamingo Drive to Michael Wallace Liddle and Sally McGee Abraham, of Sarasota, for $1,675,000. Built in 1972, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,480 square feet of living area. It sold for $850,000 in 2020.
LIDO BEACH CLUB
Paul Bragg and Katharine Gillis, of Ontario, Canada, sold their Unit 801 condominium at 1212 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Ben Franklin 801 Corp. for $1.2 million. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,532 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2008.
GRAND BAY
Douglas Kenneth Investments LLC sold the Unit 114 condominium at 3600 Grand Bay Blvd. to Kathryn Stuart, of Indianapolis, for $1.12 million. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,369 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2000.
KEY TOWERS SOUTH
Albert Van Creveld and Scott David Levin, of Orlando, sold their Unit 8-D condominium at 1750 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Mia Spiaggia LLC for $1.1 million. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,403 square feet of living area. It sold for $120,000 in 1985.
HARBOUR VILLA CLUB AT THE BUCCANEER
Brian Thomas Bennett and Jessica Kim Bennett, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 210 condominium at 615 Dream Island Place to Jennifer and Darren Bridges, of Tampa, for $985,000. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,293
RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS AUG. 5-9
square feet of living area. It sold for $1,145,000 in January.
RINGLING
Anchor JEMM LLC sold the home at 608 St. Judes Drive to Ben Jerman, of Sarasota, for $890,000. Built in 1956, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,491 square feet of living area.
SUTTON PLACE
Anthony Scott, of St. Petersburg, sold his Unit 101 condominium at 605 Sutton Place to Daniel and Amanda Smith for $675,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,148 square feet of living area. It sold for $525,000 in 2023.
TOP BUILDING PERMITS
of Aug.9-15 in order of dollar amounts.
CEDARS EAST
Sandra Burns and Sarah Burns, of Ontario, Canada, sold their Unit 7 condominium at 507 Forest Way to 507 Forrest Way LLC for $610,000. Built in 1990, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,440 square feet of living area. It sold for $233,000 in 1990.
Gregory and Rita Faber, of Woodstock, Georgia, sold their Unit 4 condominium at 607 Cedars Court to Brenda Romina Mana Pastrian and Flavia Cristina Bonaldo Alves, of Longboat Key, for $595,000. Built
in 1988, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,332 square feet of living area. It sold for $239,000 in 2002.
LONGBOAT HARBOUR
Hadrian Rori, of West Bloomfield, Michigan, sold his Unit 204 condominium at 4390 Exeter Drive to Luis Mondragon and Gloria Ledesma-Mondragon, of Orlando, for $385,000. Built in 1970, it has one bedroom, one bath and 837 square feet of living area. It sold for $405,000 in 2022.
Courtesy image by Bruce Myer
George and Holleh Poulos, of Sarasota, sold their home at 470 E. Royal Flamingo Drive to Michael Wallace Liddle and Sally McGee Abraham, of Sarasota, for $1,675,000.
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.
Tracey Stetler
Steven Moore
Patrick DiPinto
Rene DiPinto
Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan
John Schafer
Janette Schafer
NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH
FORECAST
MOON PHASES
TIDES
DOING THE SPLITS by Daniel Hrynick, edited by Jeff Chen
By Luis Campos
Jenelle Alber took this photo during a morning walk along Greer Island on Longboat Key.
INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888 redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages
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