Longboat Observer 11.7.24

LONGBOAT

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Local election results

ONLINE AT YOUROBSERVER.COM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

VOLUME 47, NO. 12

YOUR TOWN

Note to snowbirds: Pardon our dust

Seasonal residents hope for the best as they plan their visits. SEE PAGE 6A Courtesy image

Invasive iguana roams LBK While enjoying the beach on Longboat Key, resident Terri Driver saw an unusual animal: a green iguana that she named Iggy.

Green iguanas are considered an invasive species in Florida and should be removed, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. They can be detrimental to native landscaping and can damage infrastructure due to the large burrows they dig.

The large iguanas can grow to over 5 feet in length and weigh up to 17 pounds. They are native to Central America and parts of South America and are seen in the wild as an invasive species in South Florida.

It’s unknown how the green iguana ended up on Longboat Key, but the FWC website says individuals in more northern Florida counties could also be escaped or released captive animals.

CHAIR SHARE Longboat Key salons collaborate after hurricanes. PAGE 1B

Petra Rivera

Bob Mackay, Jonathan Dean and Kasey Deutsch

Longboat Chamber members provide free food Nothing is a mood booster on Longboat Key like free food.

American PHC Construction and JTR Recovery in Sarasota served free hot dogs and hamburgers all day on Oct. 30 at the Centre Shops of Longboat Key to promote positivity and provide hurricane relief.

“We are members of the Longboat Key Chamber and wanted to do something to help because of how much the hurricanes affected them,” said Jonathan Dean, CEO and founder of American PHC. Dean said they served around 100 people that day while informing them about what services they offer.

Petra Rivera

Stylist Sandra LaRose from Design 2000 Salon works with a client at David Gregory Salon. The latter welcomed in stylists after Design 2000 suffered damage from the hurricanes.

Economic rebound

A+E

Regional tourism groups work to boost tourism for season after two hurricanes. PAGE 3A

$1.00

Artists rise up.

INSIDE Carter Weinhofer

A backhoe sits on Lido Beach as Sarasota County continues reopening preparations.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

WEEK OF NOV. 7, 2024

Building permit fee waiver extended

“As far as the sand is concerned, the state plans on starting that part of the removal process the week of Dec. 2.”

The town of Longboat Key recently extended the fee waiver for building permits as residents and business owners work to recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

At the Town Commission’s Nov. 4 regular meeting, commissioners passed a resolution to extend the temporary waiver of fees, which now lasts until April 30, 2025.

After Hurricane Helene, the commission passed the first temporary fee waiver to assist in recovery efforts and make the rebuilding process smoother for the community.

The fee waiver applies for construction permits related to storm damage like lanai screens, seawalls, demolition, air conditioning replacements and concrete repair.

For more information, contact the Planning, Zoning & Building Department at 941-316-1966.

Assistant Director of Public Works Charlie Mopps Read more on page 5A

BY THE NUMBERS $200K

The amount spent by Visit Sarasota County and the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to boost tourism post-hurricanes.

PAGE 3A

180

The estimated number of people that Our Daily Bread in Bradenton has served after the hurricanes.

PAGE 2B

Lido Beach reopened

$288K

The amount of money raised by Plymouth Harbor residents for employees of the community.

PAGE 8B

CALENDAR

n Town Commission Regular Workshop — Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m., 501 Bay Isles Road n Special Magistrate Hearing — Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m., 501 Bay Isles Road n Manasota League of Cities Meeting — Thursday, Nov. 14 at 9:30 a.m., 501 Bay Isles Road

Courtesy photo

Breeze recently announced several new flights from SRQ starting this fall.

Breeze Airways adds multiple routes from SRQ

L

ow-cost carrier Breeze Airways is bringing service to multiple destinations from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport beginning this fall and winter.

On Thursday, the airline began service to and from New York-Westchester, New York, with flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

In addition, the airline has announced flights between SRQ and: Akron-Canton, Ohio, on Wednesdays and Saturdays starting Nov. 20; Portland, Maine, on Wednesdays and

Saturdays starting Nov. 20; Long Island-Islip, New York, on Thursdays and Sundays starting Nov. 21; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, on Mondays and Fridays starting Nov. 22; Richmond, Virginia, on Mondays and Fridays starting Nov. 22; Syracuse, New York, with one stop/no plane change on Mondays and Fridays starting Nov. 22; New Haven, Connecticut, on Mondays and Fridays starting Feb. 7, 2025.

“Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is excited to support the continued expansion of nonstop destinations provided

by Breeze,” said SRQ President and CEO Rick Piccolo in a news release.

Breeze offers premium seating options and high-speed WiFi on its fleet of new Airbus A220300 aircraft.

The airline has been recognized as a four-star low-cost carrier at the 2025 Airline Passenger Experience Association Five-Star and Four-Star Airline Awards. Earlier this year, Breeze was ranked in the top five of Travel + Leisure’s “Best Domestic Airlines.”

Lido Beach reopened to the public Nov. 2, following effects from hurricanes Helene and Milton in the past month.

The Lido Beach Pavilion parking lot, beach access walkways, public restrooms and concession stand are open and lifeguards will be on duty.

Buckled concrete sidewalks were removed and replaced with new concrete slabs. Washed-out beach access points were cleared of storm debris and restored for pedestrians.

An exposed cavity beneath a seawall was backfilled with sand. The restrooms and concession area also were deep-cleaned.

The sand removed from roadways immediately following the back-toback hurricanes and staged in the Lido Beach Pavilion parking lot, has been relocated to the east side of the parking lot and cordoned off.

Some areas near the beach may still be closed to the public due to safety concerns. Beachgoers are urged to obey signs and stay behind caution tape and barricades, including areas in the parking lot.

North Lido Beach and South Lido Beach at Ted Sperling Park are still closed.

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TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

$ Poststorm promos Visit Sarasota County and the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau hope to shine a positive light on the area through campaigns and promotions to key markets.

CARTER WEINHOFER | STAFF WRITER

P

eak season is around the corner, and regional tourism organizations are focused on drawing visitors to local businesses after two hurricanes.

Hurricane Helene spared Manatee and Sarasota Coun-

ties from direct hits, and Hurricane Milton lost most of its strength before hitting Siesta Key in early October. Still, the damage dealt by both storms left the area — specifically the islands like Longboat Key and Anna Maria — in disarray.

Visit Sarasota County and the Bradenton Area Visitors and Convention Bureau are ready to assist local businesses with new campaigns, and to continue promoting the area in a positive way to galvanize the upcoming tourist season.

Staff photo

Director of Partnership and Community Relations for Visit Sarasota County Hunter Carpenter said the process after hurricanes involves both checking on local businesses and helping draw people to those that are ready to open.

“Recovery in the hospitality industry locally is a nuanced journey,” Carpenter said. “Because in addition to the damage and debris in the immediate aftermath, we’re also grappling with perception.”

After Hurricanes Helene and Milton, a major part of Visit Sarasota County’s job was communicating with local businesses to offer resources and check on their status.

This was the same for the BACVB and Executive Director Elliott Falcione.

“One of the most important areas that we focus on is getting that messaging out in a timely manner,” Falcione said. “But we wanted to make sure that the community was ready for it.”

Part of that messaging for both Visit Sarasota County and the BACVB was to help show the full story of this area. Falcione said images on social media and national news showed the area in a tight lens, not zoomed out to show the full picture.

“We had to take a look at the national media, how they were perceiving our destination from a damage assessment standpoint. It was not as accurate as we would have liked,” Falcione said, adding that some of the BACVB’s ongoing marketing efforts target mis-messaging.

Carpenter shared similar sentiments, stating that Visit Sarasota County is also focused on shedding a positive light on post-hurricane

recovery for local businesses.

“We know that people outside of our community were exposed to videos and images and testimonials about the impacts that both Helene and Milton had on our whole community ... and we know that it doesn’t tell the whole story about our destination,” Carpenter said.

While it’s important to show the truth about the damage that both Hurricanes Helene and Milton had on the region, Carpenter said it’s equally important to show the resiliency and to help local businesses move forward.

Marine Max suffered its worst losses with Hurricane Milton. A staff member said damage to its Venice outlet was not as bad.

DRAWING IN BUSINESS

Carpenter and Falcione agreed that Hurricanes Helene and Milton had larger impacts on the barrier islands than on the mainland. The “curb appeal” of the mainland is the lesser issue now, Falcione said.

Both Visit Sarasota County and the BACVB worked quickly to contact local businesses. Falcione described it as assessing the “pulse” of the hospitality industry on the islands.

“Staff is constantly communicating with (local businesses) via telephone so we have a pulse of who’s open, who’s about to be open,” Falcione said.

Falcione’s BACVB focuses on the mainland area of Bradenton and the Gulf Islands, such as Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. According to Falcione, about two dozen restaurants have reopened on Anna Maria Island, with about 40%60% of the hospitality businesses ready for business. On Longboat Key, SEE TOURISM PAGE 4A

WAYS TO HELP For more information on the “Support the 941” campaign, visit the website at VisitSarasota.com/ Support-941. Also, see page 8A for a list of businesses that are open.

Courtesy photo

Visit Sarasota County works to attract nature tourism, capitalizing on activities such as kayaking at The Bay park.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

March 2025 election dates set The general election will take place on March 11, 2025, and a preliminary election, if necessary, will be held on Jan. 28, 2025.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

A

t the town commission’s Nov. 4 regular meeting, commissioners took the first step to officially set dates for the upcoming election, which will determine three commission seats.

According to the ordinance, the upcoming general election will take place on March 11, 2025, and, if needed, the preliminary election will take place on Jan. 28, 2025. The resolution to set the dates was passed to its second reading, which will take place on Dec. 2.

The qualifying period for the three commission seats is ongoing until Nov. 18. During that time, candidates must secure signatures from qualified voters in the town and present the proper documents to the town clerk’s office.

If three or more individuals are running for the same town commission seat, then the preliminary election will need to take place on Jan. 28, 2025, to vote for the candidates who will face each other in the March 2025 general election.

But, if two or fewer candidates run for each of the available commission seats, then the preliminary election will not be held.

Two at-large commission seats will become available this spring.

One of those is currently held by Vice Mayor Mike Haycock, who will reach his term limit and therefore be ineligible for reelection.

Commissioner-At-Large BJ Bishop’s seat will also be up for election, and she has previously stated that she intends to run again for the same seat.

District 5 Commissioner Sarah Karon’s commission seat will be another one on the ballot due to unusual circumstances. Karon is currently serving a 14-month term, for which she earned the appointment by fellow commissioners in January after the resignation of Debbie Murphy.

Murphy cited the state’s new Form 6 requirement as the key reason behind her resignation.

Courtesy photo

Sarasota County's beaches are a main attraction for seasonal tourists.

TOURISM FROM PAGE 3A

File photo

Residents interested in running for any of the commission seats must submit documents to the town clerk’s office by Nov. 18.

Karon then took over the District 5 commission seat for 14 months, until the next general election, which will be the March 2025 election. The candidate who is elected in the March 2025 election will serve the remainder of Murphy’s original term, which extends through March 2026.

Recently, Murphy submitted her paperwork to the town clerk’s office to run for Haycock’s At-Large Commission seat.

Residents interested in running for any of the commission seats must secure 10 petitions signed by qualified voters in the town and submit the documents to the town clerk’s office.

For more information, contact the town clerk’s office at 941-316-1999 or TShinkle@LongboatKey.org.

Falcione estimated that number to be higher, about 60%-80%.

Looking ahead at the upcoming winter and peak tourist season, Falcione is hopeful for a return to normalcy.

“I don’t expect any kind of seasonality shift,” Falcione said. “People are resilient.”

While Falcione said he has heard of cancellations for this winter, he expects those to be restored by other visitors.

“It is peak demand time of the year, so those who have canceled, we feel confident that we’ll replace them with other visitors for this winter,” Falcione said.

Carpenter said some local businesses needed assistance for structural damage, which was available through small business loans and disaster recovery assistance organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“Now that many of our local businesses are opening or planning to be operational in the coming weeks, their main question has been: How can we reenergize our season?” Carpenter said.

Now that businesses are starting to recover and want to ensure a positive tourist season, Carpenter said it was important to launch initiatives like the new “Florida’s West Coast.”

“What they’re more concerned about is the impact on season,” Carpenter said. “And so that’s where these campaigns are coming in to address some of those concerns.”

According to Carpenter, Visit Sarasota County and the BACVB were quick to get on the phone with

each other after the storms and work on joint initiatives.

This joining of forces led to the “Florida’s West Coast” campaign, which launched on Nov. 1. A $200,000 investment — $100,000 from each organization — will help to promote “hidden gems” of Sarasota and Manatee counties to different priority markets for the two organizations.

These priority markets include places like New York, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Part of the campaign is an increase in social media marketing, which Carpenter said is the main method people rely on to choose destinations.

“It’s quite a collaborative effort, and we intend to really lean into this campaign through November and December,” Carpenter said.

Using these marketing strategies, Visit Sarasota County and the BACVB hope to promote a positive perception of the area while businesses recover, which helps to change the idea outsiders might have of the region after seeing images of destruction.

“The idea is, as the world sees the vitality of our region, that battle with perception will start to become easier won,” Carpenter said.

On top of the “Florida’s West Coast” campaign, Visit Sarasota County decided to turn its existing “Fun in the 941” initiative into “Support the 941.”

Carpenter said local businesses don’t need to be partners of Visit Sarasota County to be involved in the “Support the 941” initiative.

Businesses just need to email Visit Sarasota County to get promotions and events added to the calendar.

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debris is removed, it will only be used on Manatee County-owned beaches like Coquina Beach.

At the town commission’s Nov. 12 workshop, commissioners will hear from Mopps and consultants hired by the town about the state of the town’s beaches. Mopps said data is still being finalized, but the initial estimates show a “fairly large” impact from the hurricanes.

Because it doesn’t look hopeful that the town will regain the sand left on GMD, the town will work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to secure funds for future beach nourishment projects.

“The town is currently working through the FEMA process to establish a claim for damages to the beach,” Mopps said. “And what we’ll hopefully be able to do is, through FEMA, reestablish additional dunes and additional beach for losses.”

First, though, the town staff and consultants need to quantify and qualify the loss of sand for the FEMA claim, data that Mopps said will be available at the Nov. 12 workshop.

PRIVATE PROPERTY SAND Carter Weinhofer

Crews work at the sand pile station at Coquina Beach, which sifts sand left behind by Hurricane Helene’s surge.

Sand removal to begin in Dec. The sand removal process will be handled by the state after vegetation, construction and demolition debris removal from Gulf of Mexico Drive is completed.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

W

hen will the sand be removed from Longboat Key’s main road, Gulf of Mexico Drive?

That’s a question many residents ask while driving along the stateowned highway. Town officials say the removal process will start in early December as a part of the cleanup process.

According to Assistant Director of Public Works Charlie Mopps, the Florida Department of Transportation will handle the sand removal process.

“As far as the sand, the state plans on starting that part of the removal process the week of Dec. 2,” Mopps said.

Similarly to the ongoing cleanup process on GMD, the town will not need to contribute any funds to the sand cleanup. This is a part of the state’s commitment to clean up the GMD corridor.

“The FDOT has a contract and a mutual agreement with some agencies to help them along our corridor in the cleanup effort,” Mopps said.

Currently, the state is working on sweeps of GMD to remove vegetation debris and construction and demolition debris. Mopps said the state

needs to clean up those debris types between now and Dec. 1.

When the FDOT gets to the sand removal, dump trucks filled with sand will be taken to the Manatee County sifting site, which likely will be the site currently stationed in the Coquina Beach parking lot.

After the state and FDOT remove the sand and hand it over to Manatee County, the sand will then be “owned” by Manatee County.

“Because they’re the ones operating the sand sifting operation, they’re assuming responsibility of that material,” Mopps said.

Mopps speculated that, after the sand is sifted to ensure harmful

DEBRIS COLLECTION UPDATE On the town’s public neighborhood roads, about 29,387.5 cubic yards of debris have been collected to date. From Oct. 28 to Nov. 3, the debris collected was: n 100.5 cubic yards of construction, demolition and appliance debris n 8,098 cubic yards of vegetative debris

While the sand on GMD might not return to Longboat, Mopps said there’s still an opportunity for sand on private property to be re-utilized on Longboat Key beaches.

According to the Planning, Zoning & Building Department website, private property owners are “strongly encouraged” to remove contaminated sand using a private contractor or place it on the public right-of-way.

If it’s moved to the right-of-way, it must be separated from other types of debris.

But, private property owners can move clean sand back onto the beach.

The town encourages this sand to be placed on the dune and berm areas, which act as a natural storm barrier.

The PZB website states: “Clean sand is defined by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as follows: In general, all fill material shall be sand that is similar to the pre-storm beach sand in coloration and grain size. It shall be free of debris, rock, clay, organic matter or other foreign matter and shall not result in cementation of the beach.”

For more information about placing sand back on beaches, contact the PZB department at 941-316-1966.

Real Estate Values Post Hurricane Can I expect investor interest after a hurricane?

Will damaged homes sell for less after a hurricane?

History shows that home sales happen less frequent and at a lower cost immediately after a storm. However, as the study at Colorado State University found, this negative impact is short-lived. In Texas, after two months from the flooding left by Hurricane Harvey, 31% of residential neighborhoods saw an increase in median home prices.

What is the initial impact on affected real estate?

Locally, we expect to see a short-term increase in demand for new housing in inland locations. This occurred after Hurricane Ian, and we expect the same will occur now. If you are considering this course of action, we help you sort through your options.

How does the FEMA 50% rule affect rebuilding efforts?

A property in a flood zone that suffers substantial damage and the cost to repair exceed 50% of the “market value” of the pre-damaged condition, the structure must be brought up to current code and standards. The market value does not include the value of the land, swimming pool, fences, or other improvements. For more information go to floodplansreview@scgov.net.

Yes, investors often target hurricane-damaged homes for potential flips or rental properties. They look for distressed properties they can purchase at lower prices.

What home improvements can boost value after a hurricane?

Impact-resistant windows and doors, reinforced roofs, and elevated foundations can significantly provide value to your home and therefore attract more buyers.

Should I sell my damaged home or repair it?

This depends on your financial situation, repair costs, and market conditions.

There is a difference between restoring and renovating your property — we can help you understand your options.

How do you sell home after a hurricane?

We would highlight your recent property enhancements and promote resilient features. Leverage high quality visuals, including virtual renovation photography and development high engaging digital marketing using social media. This is when hiring experienced agents is important!

With over 50 years of local real estate experience, we’re here to provide guidance and insights.

Call us at 941-387-1820

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

“Everyone has told me that they start crying even before they get to their house.”

— Sue Reese Courtesy images

Sue Reese’s condominium at Spanish Main Yacht Club had to be cleaned out after the hurricanes while she was in Pennsylvania.

A neighbor sent seasonal resident Sue Reese this photo of her condominium at Spanish Main Yacht Club.

Snowbirds try to stay positive PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

A

s seasonal resident Sue Reese gears up to visit Longboat Key for the first time since Hurricanes Helene and Milton, she can’t help but be anxious to see her condominium in Spanish Main Yacht Club.

“Everyone has told me that they start crying even before they get to their house,” said Reese. “We have been there since 1992, and we have never seen our community this divided. It is hard to be away because we get new reports every day. Everyone has different ideas on how to

Though Longboat was left in destruction after the two hurricanes, snowbirds are preparing to make the most of the season on Longboat Key. move forward.”

Reese’s daughter flew down from Denver, Colorado, right after Hurricane Helene and decided everything would have to be replaced. Reese lost her refrigerator, dishwasher, sink and oven. Her flooring and carpeting had to be ripped up as well.

Just like Reese, many snowbirds have no idea what Longboat Key looks like. She said it is hard for snowbirds to decipher whether it is worth coming back for the season when they are currently in the northern part of the country.

Reese said the biggest concern has been the piles of debris and belongings along the street, which makes it hard to drive down the narrow streets of Spanish Main.

This has caused many of her neighbors to wonder if they want to come back at all. She said new owners are ready to leave, while longtime

snowbirds want to work to restore it.

Reese is en route this week to scope out the situation and decide what her next steps are. She plans to stay with her daughter in Sarasota until she can get back into her condominium.

As their full-time friends fill them in, Reese and other seasonal residents try to stay positive and hope for the best for the season.

Reaching out to her other groups of community involvement, Reese was delighted to hear the Longboat Island Chapel is working to open its annual “Christmas in the Garden” event in December. Reese said these events will motivate the community to move forward and regain its optimistic environment.

Snowbird Mary Del Pup is grateful for communication from her neighbors from Seaplace Condominiums through the hurricanes. It has calmed her concerns about how the

season is going to look this year.

“It will be different,” said Del Pup. “But most of the restaurants are opening, and events are going to be back on at my church and at Seaplace. I think the community is what is making us pick back up. We will always support each other, so I know we will make the most of what we can this year until we are back to normal.”

Del Pup plans to return for the season as normal, coming back the week of Thanksgiving. She said her condominium didn’t have much damage, but the hurricanes did push back renovations on her home.

Del Pup’s neighbor, Gary Kemper, is also looking forward to being back on the island even though it might not be the same aesthetic-wise.

With restaurants and golf courses opening, Kemper said he will be back on Longboat at the end of November, with his schedule seeming normal despite the effect of the hurricanes. For Kemper, Longboat Key is so much more than its paradise-like atmosphere.

“I already have a reservation for Columbia (Restaurant) on the (Nov.) 26, when I get there,” said Kemper.

“But it’s more than that. The people are really what make Longboat, and that is what we are going back to.

Longboat is a very special place with resilient people, and I think it will continue to be that special place.”

“I think the community is what is making us pick back up. We will always support each other ... ” — Mary Del Pup

“Longboat is a very special place with resilient people, and I think it will continue to be that special place.”

— Gary Kemper

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$2,175,000 941.592.6002

8172 Grande Shores Drive Rebecca Zimmerman

$1,590,000 941.539.3287

988 Blvd Of The Arts #810 Carlos Santos

BRADENTON 5730 63rd Street East Kevin Milner

$1,125,000 941.726.0898

$2,099,000 941.224.4824

$2,999,995 941.524.8299

430 Kumquat Court #310 Frank Lambert & Anita Lambert

BAYSO SARASOTA $1,698,500 941.920.1500

301 Quay Commons #1605 Roberta Tengerdy & Carolyn Collins

SHOREVIEW AT LAKEWOOD RANCH

$1,350,000 941.735.8302

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 13853 Siena Loop Gloria Bracciano

3582 Recurve Circle Charles Totonis & Joe Harris

VILLA BALLADA

CONDO ON THE BAY TOWER II

ROSEDALE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 5145 96th Street East Mia McKeehan

HAMPTON LAKES $2,199,995 941.587.6660

701 Sigsbee Loop Marty Warren

$1,249,900 941.302.2408

ESPLANADE 12663 Fontana Loop Mary Ann Hartmann

OSPREY

$975,000 941.229.4000

14041 Bellagio Way #313 Megan George

$1,675,000 941.321.2292

$1,175,000 407.466.1538

SARASOTA $839,000 941.726.1998

435 South Gulfstream Avenue #1005 Louis Wery

$849,000 941.232.3001

The Estates at TerraNova

offer an exquisite blend of expansive country estates, proximity to town centers and world-class equestrian competition. Over 1,000 acres of green pastures on Florida’s Gulf Coast, arranged into 5- to 20-acre estates, provide a serene natural setting for this luxury residential equestrian community. Whether you are a casual rider or a serious equestrian athlete, The Estates at TerraNova is the perfect place to call home.

31625 Clay Gully Road | Myakka City, Florida 34251

941.213.0014

BROKERAGE | RENTALS | RELOCATION | NEW DEVELOPMENT MORTGAGE | INSURANCE | FINE ART CONSIGNMENT

PremierSIR.com VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500

RENTALS | 941.203.3433

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Property information herein is derived from various sources including,but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. Source: BrokerMetrics®.

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SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Mind these businesses

Sarasotans always get behind a good cause. Now it’s time to support the 941. #SUPPORTTHE941

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Get out, shop, dine and support Sarasota’s small businesses, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #SupportThe941 on social media. They need happy.

CITY ISLAND ■ New Pass Grill & Bait Shop ■ MarineMax Sarasota ■ Sarasota Bay Explorers LIDO KEY ■ Drift Kitchen & Bar ■ Lido Beach Concession ■ Lido Beach Resort

Ian Swaby

Rachel Denton; Tami Lanham; her husband Philip Lanham, who is president and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation; and Emily Joslin were among those who staffed the foundation’s trick-or-treat stations at Boo! At the Bay this past weekend.

EMILY WALSH

T

he election is over. (Yay!) Hurricane Rafael has decided to veer west. (Double yay!)

Repairs to our homes and businesses and debris cleanup will continue for weeks and, in some cases, months. Be patient.

During the cleanup, no doubt, we’ll discover new issues or learn how to adjust to the changes that Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton caused to the Gulf Coast.

Some of those changes are good — yay, Midnight Pass! Some of them require big decisions — replacing Longboat Pass Bridge (see story on YourObserver.com). Some of them small: We’re still searching for our red distribution boxes that blew off Longboat, Lido and Siesta during the storms. One turned up in a Siesta Key homeowner’s front yard on Monday.

Floridians are resilient. Much like the resilient shoreline built at the Bay Park in downtown Sarasota — which worked fabulously. In fact, the Bay Park’s two-year anniversary events and concerts held a little more than a week after Hurricane Milton’s historic landfall in Sarasota attracted more than 3,000 people. Sarasotans were ready for something to do. As Boo! At the Bay | Family Halloween Celebration attendee Karen Mills said, “We needed happy.”

So, here’s something else we can do: Support the 941.

After hearing from business organizations like the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Visit Sarasota sprang into action with the Support the 941 social media campaign to highlight the businesses that are open. Many of these businesses that need our support are in the hardest hit areas, the barrier islands — Longboat, Lido, St. Armands and Siesta keys.

Below you’ll find a list of businesses that are open and back in business. To kick-start the reopening efforts of these businesses, Visit Sarasota, the Sarasota Chamber, Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and Blasé Martini Bar of Watershed Hospitality Group are hosting a “We are Open Party” from 5 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 7, at Blasé Martini Bar. To register, visit SarasotaChamber.com.

This weekend, Howard Alan Events is hosting the 35th annual St. Armands Circle Art Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, to Sunday, Nov. 10, which will benefit the St. Armands Circle Association.

St. Armands Circle businesses will also participate in a sidewalk sale during the festival.

When Heather Kasten, president and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber, spoke Oct. 24 at the chamber’s annual meeting, she spoke of adversity and resilience.

“How we handle adversity defines our culture,” Kasten said.

“Do we panic, retreat? Or do we adapt, innovate and lead with resilience? … Remember, adversity reveals the character” of who we are.

“Let’s lead with courage, with compassion and with a vision that extends beyond our own success and into this community that we love and serve.”

That’s great encouragement and motivation for all of us. #SupportThe941!

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Tucked in this week’s Observer, Matt Walsh, owner of the Observer Media Group Inc., publishes the introduction to a new book, “The Pfizer Papers: Pfizer’s Crimes Against Humanity.”

The book provides Pfizer documents showing the company knew its COVID-19 vaccine was not “safe and effective” and, in fact, was harmful and deadly.

“This supplement is a personal journalistic mission,” Walsh says. “It is our responsibility to report and shine the light of truth on the good, the bad, the ugly.”

The section is also at YourObserver.com/News/ Opinion.

LONGBOAT KEY ■ Ace Hardware of Longboat Key ■ All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church ■ Backyard Bike Shop ■ Bank of America ■ Beach Fitness 24/7 ■ Blue Dolphin Café ■ Chart House ■ Chase Bank ■ Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian U.S.A. ■ Creative Kitchens & Baths ■ CVS Longboat Key ■ CW Prime, St. Regis Longboat Key Resort ■ David Gregory Salon ■ Design 200 for Hair & Nails ■ Driftwood Beach Home and Garden ■ Dry Dock Waterfront Grill ■ Euphemia Haye Restaurant and The Haye Loft ■ Exit Art ■ Guppy’s LBK ■ Harry’s Corner Store ■ Holistic Healing & Wellness Center ■ Hugo II Restaurant (located at Cedars East Tennis Resort) ■ J. McLaughlin ■ La Norma Italian Restaurant ■ Lazy Lobster ■ LBK Liquors ■ Le Gardenia Bleu ■ Longbeach Café ■ Longboat Bay Club ■ Longboat Island Chapel ■ Longboat Key Dental ■ Longboat Key Flower Shop ■ Longboat Resort Wear ■ Luxe Med ■ Maison Blanche ■ Michael Saunders – Longboat Key ■ Nails of Longboat Key ■ Paradise Center Longboat Key ■ Penny’s Ice Cream ■ Performance Pilates ■ Pilates Longboat Key ■ Premier Sotheby’s International Realty ■ Publix Longboat Key ■ Reed Medical ■ The Resort at Longboat Key Club ■ Riva, St. Regis Longboat Key Resort ■ RVA Resort Vacations ■ Sand Cay Beach Resort ■ Secur-All Insurance Agency, Inc. ■ Shore ■ Sips ■ Solorzano’s Pizzeria Longboat Key ■ St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church ■ Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key ■ Truist Bank ■ Tyler’s Gourmet Ice Cream ■ UPS Store Longboat Key ■ Ventura’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar ■ Viento Kitchen & Bar, Zota Beach Resort ■ Wagner Realty ■ White Sands Cleaner ■ Whitney’s ■ Zota Beach Resort ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE ■ 15 South by Napule ■ Arcade Monster ■ Aquasandz Nails & Spa ■ Big Olaf Creamery ■ Binjara Traders ■ Blue Dolphin Café ■ Cha Cha Coconuts ■ Cilantro Grill ■ Columbia Restaurant ■ Cotton Club ■ Daiquiri Deck ■ Ephesus Mediterranean

“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.”

President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com

Delights ■ Foxy Lady (opening soon) ■ Gauthier Salon ■ Les Ciseaux Salon and Spa ■ Lynches Pub ■ Merci Boutique ■ The Met Fashion House ■ Michael Saunders & Co. (opening soon) ■ Pepper Palace (opening soon) ■ Sarasota Memorial Urgent Care Center ■ Shore Restaurant ■ Settimi’s Gelato ■ Speaks Clam Bar ■ St. Armands Key Lutheran Church ■ Venezia Italian Restaurant SIESTA KEY ■ A 4 Bedroom in Siesta Key ■ Anna’s Deli ■ Another Broken Egg Café ■ Beach Bazaar ■ Beachside Management ■ Blasé Martini Bar ■ BLVD Beachwear ■ Café Gabbiano ■ Calini Beach Club ■ Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar ■ CB’s Saltwater Outfitters – Boat Rentals & Fishing Charters ■ Clayton’s Siesta Grill ■ Crescent Beach Market ■ Crescent Club ■ Crescent Royale ■ Daiquiri Deck Siesta Key Village ■ Daiquiri Deck South Siesta ■ Foxy Lady ■ Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill ■ Gulf & Bay Club ■ House of the Sun ■ Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota, Siesta Key Beach ■ Il Panificio Siesta ■ Island House Tap & Grill ■ Island Reef ■ Jake’s Ice Cream ■ Kayaking SRQ Tours & Rentals ■ Key Casuals ■ Key Life Charters ■ Key Life Shuttle ■ Lenny’z Pizza ■ Made in Rome Orangic Gelato ■ Midnight Cove II ■ Miguel’s ■ Mojo Risin’ ■ Morton’s Siesta Market ■ Old Salty Dog ■ Our House at the Beach ■ Parasail Siesta ■ Peaks & Palms Vacation Rental ■ Pi Pizza 3.14 ■ Private Custom Charters ■ Ride & Paddle ■ Sandal Factory ■ Sandpiper Beach Club ■ Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club ■ Sassy Hair ■ Sea Shell ■ Siesta 4-Rent ■ Siesta Dunes ■ Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites ■ Siesta Key Bike & Kayak ■ Siesta Key Chapel Presbyterian U.S.A. ■ Siesta Key Jet Ski ■ Siesta Key Oyster Bar ■ Siesta Key Pack and Ship ■ Siesta Sands on the Beach ■ Siesta Tees ■ Southern Tide ■ Spa Experience Siesta Key ■ St. Boniface Episcopal Church ■ St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church ■ Summer House ■ Sun Garden Café ■ Sunset Royale ■ Ten35 Seaside ■ The Beach Club ■ The Cottage Restaurant ■ The Frog Hop ■ The Hub Baja Grill ■ The Palm Bay Club ■ Toasted Mango ■ Tropical Sands Accommodations ■ Turtle Beach Grill ■ Turtles Restaurant ■ White Sands Village

Managing Editor / Michael Harris, MHarris@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 / Jenn Edwards, JEdwards@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com Chief Revenue Officer / 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; Lori Mierendor, LMierendorf@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, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Friends and Neighbors,

The storms we have endured in the past number of weeks have been devastating, and their effects will be felt throughout our community for a long time. Recently, we’ve heard from many friends and past clients who have been seriously affected and are uncertain about their immediate next steps.

Historically, our Seaward Companies have focused primarily on new construction— both residential and commercial—as well as consulting services. However, in light of the many inquiries we’ve received, we are now prepared to extend our services to those in our community who have been most impacted by the storm. We are ready to meet with property owners to discuss the best options moving forward.

Our Seaward team members are here to assist our clients and friends with all of your needs at this time.

• Substantial Home Remodeling

Let us assist you with a full scope of services including initial assessment, engineering, selective demolition, and through the execution of your property restoration.

• New Home Construction

Let our team guide you from architect selection and home design through vertical construction on a new or replacement elevated home with enhanced hurricane resistance safety features.

• Sale of your Property

For owners who desire to sell their property at this time and forego a construction project, we may be able to assist by purchasing your property. Alternatively, we can also connect you with one of our island team members from our real estate division at The DiPinto Group at Coldwell Banker to accommodate your real estate needs.

We at Seaward Companies are happy to meet with you to discuss all options that you may be considering at this time. We understand over the past two weeks that these storms have affected everyone differently and there is no “one size fits all” solution. What we can do now, is provide you with as much information as possible regarding your property options, from local and trusted professionals in our marketplace. With this important information you will be in the position to make the best decision for you and your family moving forward.

Best regards.

Patrick DiPinto Seaward Homes and Seaward Consulting

PLEASE CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION: patrick@dipintocompanies.com matthew@seawarddevelopment.com ndipintorealtor@gmail.com

With a focus on white-glove service building high-end custom homes and full remodels on our barrier islands, our experienced team can assist you in remodeling your property or building you a new elevated home.

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We offer professional construction oversight for homeowners. From reviewing contracts with your selected contractor to monitoring the rebuild process, we’ll act as your trusted advocate every step of the way. In this unpredictable market, let our team safeguard your interests, ensuring your home is restored with integrity.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Photos by Elizabeth King

Sutter Roofing provided the crane to lift the bleachers for the Ski-A-Rees water ski team out of the water. The bleachers had blown into Sarasota Bay as a result of Hurricane Milton.

Sutter Roofing came to the aid of the Ski-A-Rees water ski team recently with the company’s massive crane to help lift the bleachers out of the water. Hurricane Milton blew the bleachers into Sarasota Bay.

Sarasota roofing firm provides pick-me-up Despite seeing his business multiply after the storm, the president of Sutter Roofing says he believes it’s important to take time out to help the community.

ELIZABETH KING BUSINESS OBSERVER

A

roofing company was working with its crane on Longboat Key in the weeks after Hurricane Milton when the superintendent received a phone call. It was someone from Ski-A-Rees, the nonprofit that performs water ski shows on City Island, asking if the company could help: The group’s bleachers had been thrown into the water during the hurricane. Could

Sutter Roofing help get them out with its crane?

“I heard them talking about it, and they said we’re too busy,” Doug Sutter, president of Sutter Roofing, recalled of his team. It’s true: His Sarasota-based company, with $82.78 million in revenue in 2023, has been on nonstop calls since Hurricane Milton. But he felt strongly that it should lend a hand to a group in need. “I said, ‘That’s a great organization for the community. We’re going to help them out.’ We have the equipment and expertise to do that, so I told them to make it happen, and they made it happen.”

Once Sutter Roofing got the call from the Ski-A-Rees, it took a couple of days to coordinate, according to Sutter. At first, he says, his employees thought they might have to take a swim, but the crane ended up getting the job done. Afterward, he said, the

team experienced the gratification that came with providing assistance to an organization in need.

“It feels good to help,” Sutter said.

“We want to be a good corporate citizen and take care of things.”

Ski-A-Rees is a “really good organization,” he added. “I know a lot of people who went through there and sent their kids through there.”

Even before Hurricane Milton arrived, the home of the Ski-A-Rees was damaged. During Hurricane Helene, the group’s costume shed was ripped open and outfits strewn across the water and trees, while its clubhouse was deemed a total loss due to storm surge, according to a GoFundMe page the group set up after the Sept. 26 storm. The campaign had raised $1,375 of its $25,000 goal as of Oct. 30.

Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene left the Ski-A-Rees site in tatters, Hurricane Milton blew through Oct. 9 and tossed the bleachers into the water. The group had to cancel its fall shows as it rebuilds.

“One step at a time, we will get this site fixed back up and ready to perform again soon!” the Ski-A-Rees posted on Facebook Oct. 25, sharing the news of the bleacher rescue.

Both before and after the storms, Sutter said his company has steered its resources toward local causes.

Prior to Hurricane Milton’s arrival, “we helped out on Siesta Key with a bunch of dumpsters to help get all the debris out of Siesta Key Village,”

Sutter said, since there was still much to be picked up from Hurricane Helene. Sutter Roofing also helped with roofing damage at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and was on-site at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa the day after Hurricane Milton because of a roof blowoff, Sutter said.

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Sutter estimates Sutter Roofing has received about 2,000 calls for service. Usually after a big rain event, he says, the commercial roofing company may get 100 calls.

“We’ve added about six trucks since the storm,” he said. “We’re seeing a definite uptick in business. Our service division is super busy. We’re running 40 trucks every day trying to take care of people’s needs. We’re whittling it down.” Tall buildings on the beaches sustained most of the damage from the winds, he said, and his company has been working from Clearwater to Boca Grande on repairs.

Currently, he said the company is booking projects into next year, noting Sutter Roofing was already working on new construction and other jobs when the storms hit. However, he says, his crews will make time to help organizations in the community that are in need.

“If you’re a nonprofit that sustained some damages, we want to help you,” said Sutter. “When the community suffers, we all suffer, so we do what we can to help people out.”

Alustra® Woven Textures® Operating Systems PowerView® Automation

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS heraldtribune.com

WINNER

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

432925-1

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Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

To Residents of the Keys, If you were affected by Helene or Milton and find yourself overwhelmed by the decisions, choices, questions, and options facing you, we can help. We’re hosting 4 educational sessions to provide info on Sarasota’s most popular neighborhoods.

Based on your input, we will invite an appraiser, insurance agent, and real estate attorney to answer questions.

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If you’d like info ahead of the sessions, let us know by calling 941-993-3695.

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

Educational Sessions NOV. 12 DEC. 3 DEC. 17 JAN. 7

AN INTRO TO POPULAR DOWNTOWN CONDO OPTIONS, INS & OUTS OF BUILDINGS LEARN ABOUT UNIVERSITY PARK, LAKEWOOD RANCH, AND FUTURE PLANS IN LWR

HEAR ABOUT POPULAR WEST OF TRAIL NEIGHBORHOODS & THE LANDINGS BE IN THE KNOW ABOUT GOLF COURSE COMMUNITIES

SCAN TO RSVP

LIMITED SEATS LIGHT REFRESHMENTS 4-5 P.M. 1350 MAIN ST.

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

©2024 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved.

All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

Important Note We’re fielding client’s questions about the new rules in real estate.

To receive a simplified explanation of the new real estate landscape regarding buyer compensation, scan the QR code.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

29 luxury residences from 2,200 to over 3,000 SQFT, with designer finishes and generous amenities - set in a coveted location between downtown Sarasota and pristine beaches.

941-210-0987 | OwenGoldenGate.com REPRESENTED BY RONTO REALTY, LLC

Priced from the high $2 Millions.

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ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS MAKE REFERENCE TO THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. COMMUNITY FEATURES, AMENITIES AND PRICING APPROXIMATE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

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YourObserver.com

COPS CORNER

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

2024-2025 LECTURE SERIES PAINTING CURRENT EVENTS QIGONG YOGA MEDITATION BRIDGE MAH JONGG CANASTA SUPREME COURT AMERICAN HISTORY LITERATURE & POETRY MOVIE & BOOK GROUPS MUSIC & ART APPRECIATION JAZZ NIGHTS MORNING FORUMS THEOLOGY WORLD POLITICS FILM FESTIVALS THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES AUTOBIOGRAPHY iPHONE & iPAD BIRDING NATURE WALKS WELLNESS LANGUAGES SUNDAY CONCERTS BROADWAY BIOS CRAFTS SPECIAL ONE-TIME EVENTS & MUCH MORE! y Eve n jo E r yth rn & in g U n d er The S u n To Le a

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WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30

44TH ANNUAL

INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING WORSHIP SERVICE TUESDAY • NOVEMBER 19, 2024 • 5:00 PM ALL ANGELS BY THE SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH

SUSPICIOUS SCRAPPER 4:50 a.m., 3500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Incident: While on routine patrol, an officer observed a man attempting to load an appliance into his vehicle. The appliance had been left on the side of GMD for trash pickup. The officer approached the man and advised him that scrapping along GMD was against town ordinances, and he was given a written warning before leaving the scene.

LETTING THE CAR DRY OUT 10:08 a.m., 4300 block of Falmouth Drive Suspicious Vehicle: Dispatch sent

563 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key

SACRED MUSIC

FRIDAY, OCT. 25

POST OFFICE PROBLEMS 1:02 p.m., 500 block of Bay Isles Road Disturbance: An officer responded to a reported disturbance in which a man refused to leave the Longboat Key Post Office. When the officer arrived at the post office, he observed the man yelling at post office staff members, and the officer asked him to step outside to talk. The man said he had recently lost everything except for some paintings in the hurricanes, and now he wanted to ship the paintings to his house up north. According to the man, a post office staff member said the paintings were too large to ship, and they would not accept them. The man said he argued back and explained he measured the paintings to ensure they were acceptable, but the post office staff member pushed the boxes back at him, which struck him in the stomach.

The post office staff member said he didn’t want to make a big deal out of this, but wanted the man to leave the post office. The officer then spoke with the painting owner again, and he agreed to leave the building.

an officer to investigate a suspicious vehicle that was reported to be sitting in a parking lot with the hood and doors open. At the scene, the responding officer observed the vehicle and saw that it had sustained considerable flooding from the hurricane. In the back seat area were containers used to remove moisture, and the officer confirmed that the registered owner lives in the complex where it was parked.

A SALUTE TO

LED BY AN ALL-FAITHS CHOIR under the direction of David Stasney of All Angels by the Sea

VETERANS! REPUTATION BUILT ON TRUST

THANKSGIVING SERMON Rev. Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor of Christ Church of Longboat Key

Honoring Those Who Serve.

SINCE 1985

FREE-WILL OFFERING TO BENEFIT ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK

• Plumbing Services • Fixture Showroom • AC Services • Gas Installation & Service • Pool Remodeling • Pool Cleaning

Donations of non-perishable food will be accepted at the door benefiting All Faiths Food Bank.

FREE ON-SITE PARKING

778.5622

941.778.5622

INTERFAITH MINISTERIUM

LIC.#CFC1426956 ~ CPC1458908 ~ #CAC1818472

OF ST. ARMANDS & LONGBOAT KEYS

401 MANATEE AVENUE, HOLMES BEACH www.lapenseeplumbing.com

www.lapenseeplumbing.com | 401 MANATEE AVENUE , HOLMES BEACH

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key

LIC. CFC1429635•CPC1459826 •CAC1818472

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All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church Christ Church of Longboat Key (Presbyterian USA) Longboat Island Chapel (Interfaith)

SUSPICIOUSLY SLOW 8:34 p.m., 4500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Vehicle Stop: While on patrol, an officer observed a vehicle traveling around 26-30 mph in a 45 mph zone and was impeding traffic. The officer stopped the vehicle and advised the driver of the reason behind the stop. When the officer asked for the driver’s license and registration, the driver handed the officer a foreign passport and admitted to never having a valid driver’s license. He said he was heading to a residence on Longboat Key to provide a construction quote. The officer issued the driver a criminal citation and other traffic citations and told the driver he could not drive the vehicle any further.

SITTING SUSPICIOUSLY IN THE SEDAN 7:41 p.m., 500 block of Rountree Drive Suspicious Person: Dispatch sent an officer to investigate a report of four suspicious people sitting in a tan sedan. Upon arrival, the officer found the vehicle in question and saw three men sitting in the vehicle with the doors open. The officer approached the men and asked what they were up to, and they said they were part of a construction crew currently working on the residence where they were parked. No criminal activity was observed, and the officer let the men be.

Many Programs Available on Zoom.

THE EDUCATION CENTER AT TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228 VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.TBIeducationcenter.org For a brochure or inquiries call: (941) 383-8222 or email Admin@tbieducationcenter.org

FRIDAY, OCT. 25

SATURDAY, OCT. 26

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REPUTATION BUILT ON TRUST

THE ROTARY CLUB OF LONGBOAT KEY

RO S A L U T E S our V E T ETRHAE N ST A R Y C L U B O F L O N G

our V E T S A L U T E S WE WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS GRATITUDE TO ALL LONGBOAT KEY VETERANS FOR THEIR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.

LongboatKeyRotary.org

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

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It’s Time to Give Your

MEDICARE COVERAGE A CHECKUP To help people with Medicare make informed decisions for the coming year, Sarasota Memorial offers this information about Medicare Open Enrollment, now taking place through December 7.

This year, Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7.

During this time, Medicare recipients can make changes to their health and prescription drug coverage, including:

 returning to Original Medicare (also known as Traditional Medicare)  joining a Medicare Advantage Plan or switching from one plan to another  joining or changing prescription drug plans Health and prescription drug plans can change from year to year, so it’s important to review your coverage during Open Enrollment to ensure it meets your needs.

Any changes made during Open Enrollment will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

ORIGINAL MEDICARE (“Traditional”) Sarasota Memorial and First Physicians Group (FPG) always accepts all Original Medicare and Medicare/Medigap Traditional supplemental plans.

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C Plans) IN-NETWORK with Sarasota Memorial and FPG as of January 1, 2025.

 Aetna  Florida Blue  Florida Complete Care  Freedom Health*

 Optimum Healthcare*  Simply  UnitedHealthcare  Wellcare

*Note: These plans are in-network with SMH and FPG Specialists only

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C Plans) OUT-OF-NETWORK with Sarasota Memorial and FPG as of January 1, 2025.

 Cigna Healthcare  Gold Kidney Health  Ultimate Health  Devoted Health  Humana If you have already made your Medicare selections for the coming year, you can make additional changes through December 7, 2024.

For assistance with health insurance issues, contact SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders), a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the local Area Agency on Aging. Specially trained volunteers can provide one-on-one counseling and information. Call 1-800-963-5337 or visit www.floridashine.org.

This information is not a solicitation and is not intended to persuade you to make any changes to your relationship with any health insurer.

For more information about insurance plans accepted by Sarasota Memorial, go to www.smh.com.

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For more information about insurance plans accepted by First Physicians Group, go to www.firstphysiciansgroup.com.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Furry comfort for firefighters

“... How can you have a bad time when there’s a dog around?”

The Humane Society of Sarasota County has been taking visitors to Sarasota County fire departments.

benefits the fire department, it has also allowed the Humane Society the opportunity to interact with the public, through open house events at the fire stations.

“We strive to provide resources for our community every day, but especially in the wake of disaster,” said Anna Gonce, executive director of the Humane Society, in a written statement to the Observer. “We have amazing Pet Therapy Volunteers who jumped at the chance to show support and express gratitude to our first responders. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to nurture an ongoing relationship with our area first responders.”

Rea noted there is plenty of research on the power of dogs to elevate moods.

“Instead of carrying that (stress) for the next 24 hours, maybe you have a dog at home, now you come back to the station, you get that de stressor immediately,” she said.

Maiure said since all firefighters have different ways of coping with their experiences, the program will offer another avenue for firefighters to attend to their mental health.

“Some people can handle it well; some people can’t,” he said. “Some people have other means of dealing with that, and some people don’t.

So for the people that don’t, this program could be great ... Call a dog.

How can you have a bad time when there’s a dog around?”

Currently, the county also offers an employee assistance program to connect staff with mental health resources.

“We’re just grateful we can provide a little bit of a break from their dayto-day and everything they have to respond to, and try and take their minds off things and put a smile on their face,” Howard said.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

A

t a time when the community is recovering from the impacts of three successive hurricanes, the Sarasota County Fire Department has someone lending a helping hand — and paw.

Firefighter Mark Maiure said at the time of each of the storms, the demands of the role were extensive.

“As soon as they released us at night, we were out running calls and didn’t come back,” he said.

However, since August, a partnership between the Sarasota County Fire Department and the Humane Society of Sarasota County has been

Courtesy image

A therapy pet greets a firefighter.

Hannah Howard, communication coordinator with the Humane Society

offering an additional way to uplift firefighters’ moods — a dose of pet therapy. “(The dogs) are always showing up, and they’re give, give, give and nothing but a bundle of love,” said Paramedic Mary Kate Rea. Hannah Howard, communication coordinator with the Humane Society, describes the organization as “Pretty much on call for (the fire department) all the time.”

PARTNERING FOR PETS

The partnership began when Jesse Schilling, acting battalion chief of safety and recruitment, reached out to the Humane Society.

The first station to be visited was Station 9 on Bee Ridge Road, which was located in an area heavily impacted by the flooding during Hurricane Debby.

“With the rise of first responder suicides, we need to start taking mental health a little bit more seriously, so any extra tool we can have to deal with that is a good thing,” said Maiure.

Additionally, Rea said that not only do firefighters have the task of responding to people on their worst day, but many personnel were also affected personally by the storms, with damage to their homes.

Schilling said due to the size of the department and its wide geographical layout, the humane society, which operates over 80 pet therapy teams in its HSSC Pet Therapy Program, has been well equipped to cover the full area.

Currently, it has traveled to all 25 stations, whose personnel total 540, and by Nov. 1 had clocked about 55 hours with the department.

Stations extend to locations outside Sarasota including St. Armands

Ian Swaby

Sarasota County Fire Department paramedic Angel Wells meets Al and HSSC volunteer Mary Jones.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit HSSC.org/Volunteer

Key, through the fire station at 47 North Adams Drive beside St. Armands Circle, and Venice.

Aid agreements with surrounding agencies mean that the department also assists other departments such as the Longboat Key Fire Rescue.

The therapy animals encompass a variety of dogs from Chihuahuas, to Goldendoodles, to mastiffs, and even

include hypoallergenic dogs and a cat named Marshmallow.

“With this collaboration, it makes a lot easier to spread that emotional toll on an animal, if you will, because these animals also take in a lot of our feelings, a lot of the interactions, and it wears on them,” Schilling said.

Volunteers stop by on an impromptu basis, while firefighters can also schedule time with the animals.

The partnership extends to fire departments with which SCFD shares a cooperative relationship, including the Englewood and North Port fire departments, and Station 7 of the East Manatee Fire Rescue.

At the same time the partnership

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

FIRST NEW CLINIC AT CEDARS The clinic with Grand Slam Champion Ellis Ferreira was postponed due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton and will now be held Nov. 9 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Cedars East. To RSVP, email BSmith@RVAFL.com or call Cedars Tennis Pro Shop at 941-444-4133.

final piece RVA and Cedars needed to propel them into the rebranding phase to try to take the resort worldwide.

APPROACHING A NEW ERA

Carter Weinhofer

Tennis pro John Eagleton hopes to be a key part of the new phase at Cedars Tennis Resort and Club.

Entering a new era The staff at Cedars and new Tennis Director John Eagleton are hoping to lean on Eagleton’s expertise and tennis connections to build Cedars as a popular tennis resort.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

D

ays after tennis pro John Eagleton joined as tennis director of Cedars Tennis Resort and Club, he had Grand Slam Champion Ellis Ferreira scheduled to host a clinic on Longboat Key. It’s that kind of “star power” Sean Halley, vice president of Resort Vacation Accommodations and Cedars, said the resort needed as the final piece to its new vision.

Halley said he and RVA staff have

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Growing Growing in in Jesus Jesus’’ Name Name

prepared for about a year to turn Cedars into a destination on Longboat Key, a place that could draw tennis legends to benefit not only local players but also local businesses.

Although the clinic was postponed to Nov. 9 from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Eagleton said Cedars is still excited about ushering in this next chapter for the resort. He hopes the clinic will provide a fun activity for residents and nearby tennis enthusiasts during a difficult time.

Going forward, though, the team at Cedars wants to make the Long-

boat Key resort a hot spot for tennis players from all over.

“Our vision with Cedars was to not only go through rebranding but kind of a new business thought process of not just having this as a tennis resort ... but to actually turn this into a destination,” Halley said.

SCORING AN ACE DIRECTOR

Eagleton grew up in South Africa, where he started his career in team sports like soccer and rugby. It wasn’t until he was 8 years old that his father bought him his first tennis racquet for $1.

He grew to like tennis more than team sports because he was able to excel on his own accord.

By age 12, he was racking up championship titles, and he realized tennis was the sport for him. He became a star player at the University of Miami and a four-time All-American.

As he shifted more into coaching, Eagleton became a United States Professional Tennis Association Pro

and later co-founded SportsEdTV. The company creates digital sports instruction content that features well-known sports players.

Eagleton speaks proudly of SportsEdTV and how it reflects his style of coaching. The videos on SportsEdTV are meant to reach all levels of players, where people can learn at their own pace.

SportsEdTV will work closely with Cedars’ new events, working to promote the club to a broader audience and introduce a dedicated page on the SportsEdTV site to talk about Eagleton and the offerings at Cedars.

Over the years, Eagleton’s reputation in the tennis world allowed him to grow his connections, which is one of the things that Halley and Eagleton will lean on while growing Cedars as a bigger tennis destination.

John (Eagleton) is able to, at a moment’s notice, bring in the best players in the world, the best coaches in the world,” Halley said.

Halley said hiring Eagleton was the

Worship With Us at Our Church

Eagleton took over as tennis director at Cedars on Sept. 6 and quickly got to work securing the first clinic.

When Eagleton arrived at Cedars, Halley said it brought a different energy to the staff.

“I’m honored to have John here, and that has reinvigorated the staff to make all of us want to be better,” Halley said.

Halley credited RVA owner Larry Starr with allowing him and the staff at Cedars to run with the new vision.

From top to bottom, everyone at RVA is committed to making Cedars a bigger destination.

That rebranding not only has to do with the SportsEdTV partnership but also marketing Cedars as a destination focused on its members.

“The goal is to build this. We got to, first of all, take care of the members,” Eagleton said.

Eagleton, Halley and the staff at RVA want to introduce things like member packages for those who visit Cedars. The resort packages would be a “five-star treatment” for those who visit and feature trips to local attractions, restaurants and more.

Halley said he hopes these packages will benefit the guests and also help boost nearby local businesses to build community relations.

All of this — the SportsEdTV, destination packages and tennis pro clinics — create the vision for Cedars going forward as Eagleton and Halley attempt to make the resort stand out and build the tennis community.

“I think Sarasota and Cedars is the biggest undeveloped gem I’ve seen for tennis,” Eagleton said. “We need to make this a tennis Mecca.”

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions

Worship With Us Worship With Us at Our Sunday Service 10:00Church AM SundayService Service 10:00 10:00 AM Sunday AM Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00

Women’s Bible Study: Wednesday @ 10:00

Worship Service Sunday 10 a.m.

Visitors & Residents Welcome Visitors & Residents Welcome TheWatch Rev.Our Dr. Norman Pritchard 10:00 AM Service Live:

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

Watch www.bit.ly/cclbksermons Our 10:00 AM ServiceorLive:

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

Visitors & Residents Welcome www.bit.ly/cclbksermons www.christchurchof lbk.org (follow YouTube link)

Watch our 10:00 AM service live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons

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or www.christchurchof lbk.org(follow (follow YouTube or www.christchurchlbk.org YouTube link)link)

FOR VETERANS DAY, HONORING HONORING THOSE THOSE WHO SERVED WHO SERVED

Townsend Hugh Moss Morey* Hugh Moss Mary Tshudy Moss* Mary Tshudy Moss* Van Neely Van Neely Harvey Noyes* Harvey Noyes* Wiley Osborne Wiley Osborn Joseph Palumbo LeeJoseph PokoikPalumbo Lee Pokoik George Rauch George Rauch Rich Raymond Rich Raymond Winston ‘Cash’ Register* Winston ‘Cash’ David Reploeg Register Andy Sawyer David Reploeg* George Scherer Andy Sawyer Hank Schreimann George Scherer Winifred Schroeder Hank Schreimann JimWinifred Shepard Schroeder PhilJim Smith Shepard Donald Swanson* Phil Smith John VinsonSwanson Donald Steve Walter John Vinson John David Wild* Steve Walter Gordon John Willett David Wild ArtGordon Wolcott*Willett Art Wolcott* Bob Wolf * deceased * deceased

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

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

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org The Lord’s Warehouse will be closed until further notice.

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 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.

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

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

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

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

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

941-383-3428

longboatkeytemple.org

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Chuck Fuller* Jim Gerding Mike Gardiner Blue Grassfield* Jim Gerding Barbara Grimes JayBlue HaleGrassfield* Bob Hall* Grimes Barbara Bob JayHammond Hale John Himmelspach Bob Hammond Jim Huber* John Himmelspach Ralph Hunter* Jim Huber* Merle Huntington* Ralph Hunter* Nick Kovalakides Merle Huntington * Ed Krepela* NickKveton* Kovalakides Frank FrankLeiser* Kveton* Kimball GilKimball Lucas* Leiser* Don GilMateer Lucas * Bill McClure Bill McClure Jim McConnell* Jim McConnell* Dick Mclaughlin Dick McLaughlin Steve Miller Steve Miller Rich Miner* Rich Miner* Jim Mitchell Jim Mitchell Lynn Moore* Lynn Moore* Douglas Moppert* DouglasMorey* Moppert* Townsend

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James Ahstrom* James Ahstrom* Ross Alander Ross P. P. Alander John Anderson* John E.E. Anderson* Gary Aubry Gary Aubry Harris Barber* Harris Barber* Jack Bornhoeft* Jack Bornhoeft* Robert 0. O. Bridges* Robert Bridges* Bill Buckley Bill Buckley Bob Butler Frank Buzan Frank Buzan Phil Cady* Phil Cady* Stew Cloud Stu Cloud* Duane Compton Duane E.E. Compton Bryan Cordell Dan Crumpler DanCutler* Crumpler Peter John Davis* Peter Cutler Joe D’Eugenio John Davis* Bob JoeDevore* D’Eugenio Bob Dods Bob DeVore* Tom Dunham Bob Dods Bob Eldredge* Tom Dunham Elmer Featherston* Bob Eldredge* Fred Fillmore* Elmer Featherston* McCord Fraser Fred Fuller* Fillmore* Chuck McCord Fraser Mike Gardiner

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6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr. • 941.383.8833 (office) • www.christchurchoflbk.org 6400 www.christchurchlbk.org 6400Gulf Gulfof ofMexico MexicoDr. Dr. •• 941.383.8833 941.383.8833 (office) • www.christchurchlbk.org

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

17A

Exceptional, Elevated Living INSIDE AND OUT.

R E SI DE NCE SL I DOK EY.COM

Now Under Construction • From the $6 Millions • 941-888-3131

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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

AY WE P

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This residence boasts cathedral ceilings and walls of brand-new impact windows and sliders, inviting in abundant natural light while offering sweeping views of Sarasota Bay from nearly every room. Recent updates include a new roof (2019), freshly painted exterior, a brand-new dock with 12,000-pound lift, oak hardwood flooring throughout the revamped open concept layout, updated electrical/plumbing, and fully renovated bathrooms.

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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

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The essence of downtown luxury living awaits at this gorgeous 4th-floor, 3,100+ SF Beau Ciel residence in the heart of Sarasota’s city center. Includes private elevator, two secure parking spaces, and first-rate community amenities. www.BeauCiel404.com

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Immediately fall in love with this gorgeous 11th-floor residence is newer-built and move-in ready, with its chic included furnishings, high-end finishes, open-concept layout, three terraces, 2 parking spaces, and first-rate amenities. www.RitzResidences1101.com B U YE R’ S

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 B U YE R’ S

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This 2024-built, impeccably designed 5BR home showcases an array of special upgrades that highlight its sleek interior and private pool courtyard. Gulf beach access is within walking distance. www.2945PyrulaDrive.com

545 SANCTUARY DRIVE #B806

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WE HAVE MORE THAN $200 MILLION SOLD AND PENDING IN 2024

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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. 417334-1

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Classifieds 16B Games 15B Real Estate 13B Weather 15B

NOVEMBER 7, 2024

YOUR NEIGHBORS “It’s been fun to have them here.”

Gregory Koss, co-owner of David Gregory Salon

Michael Nunes, Mary Bock, Robert Barney, Irina LaRose, Gregory Koss, Victoria Simko, David Roy and Sandra LaRose from David Gregory and Design 2000 salons.

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

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David Gregory Salon opened its doors to Design 2000 Salon after it suffered damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

V

ictoria Simko swears Sandra LaRose’s hair dryer is the strongest.

“Sandy has a very strong blow dryer,” said Simko. “She loves to joke around and blow my hair and clients’ hair while she is next to me. We have loved joking about that.”

With Simko being a stylist at David Gregory Salon and LaRose at Design 2000 Salon, Longboaters would never have thought that these two would be working and joking together as competitors.

But after about a foot of water from Hurricane Helene flooded Design 2000, the LaRoses knew it would be some time before their salon would be back to normal.

Along with replacing drywall and flooring, they had to install new styling stations, chairs, a dryer for towels and a new front desk. They also purchased all new shampoo and styling treatments.

Photos by Petra Rivera

Victoria Simko at David Gregory Salon.

While this was being rebuilt, Design 2000 staff didn’t know where they would be able to take their clients.

“The first thing we did was call Greg and David,” said co-owner Irina LaRose. “We came over here to their salon and had a meeting in our dirty clothes because we’ve been packing everything up. They said they would be glad to rent a chair or two out until the busier months to help us get back on our feet.”

After Hurricane Helene, Design 2000 employees started temporarily working at David Gregory Salon on Oct. 17 while its Whitney Plaza location was rebuilt. Gregory Koss and

David Roy, owners of David Gregory Salon, didn’t hesitate to take them in because they knew they would do the same if the roles were reversed.

“It’s been fun to have them here,” said Koss. “We’re feeling so fortunate that we could come back to the island so quickly, so we had to help our neighbors. Since we are not in peak season, that makes it easier to accommodate them, but we’re making the best of what’s not an ideal situation.”

All stylists agreed this partnership made the salon lighter and busier during a slower time of year.

Irina designated her spot in front of the David Gregory salon with a fold-up table, and greeted everyone while they walked by as she signed in Design 2000 clients. While answering the phones and scheduling appointments, she ran back and forth from Whitney Plaza to grab all the supplies her stylists need.

Irina said it feels like living out of a suitcase since the salons use different products and treatments.

The four stylists from Design 2000 switch off every other day as they are mixed in with stylists from David Gregory.

The combination of employees loved making friends with new stylists across the island. Through fun moments such as sharing food and dressing up for Halloween, the camaraderie has helped make this challenging time less difficult.

“We totally understand that it could have very easily been us,” said Simko. “So we sympathize with them, and it has been a very social thing having them here. It is very refreshing to have friends who are stylists at different salons because that is usually not the case.”

Clients have also enjoyed seeing teamwork between the salons. Resident Karen Pashkow went to get her hair done by stylist Michael Nunes on Halloween and was pleasantly surprised by how busy the salon was.

Nunes said it has been interesting to see what clients attend each salon and how they can collaborate. Irina explained that Design 2000 clients are ecstatic to be able to visit their hair stylists and feel some normalcy.

As they plan to move back to their Whitney Plaza location on Nov. 12, Design 2000 staff is grateful for the fun memories and relationships they have built.

“This really is neighbors helping neighbors,” said Irina. “It has really been great because otherwise, our stylists would have no income coming in. Our customers are also just happy as pie that they have somewhere to get their hair done, so we are so grateful.”

2B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Photos by Petra Rivera

Mike McCullough at the Christ Church hurricane relief food drive.

Left: Holly Braun, Brent Piersma, Ann Quackenbush, Dennis Piermont and the Rev. Julia Piermont. Right: Sue Wertman, Mike McCullough, Michael Gardiner and Andy Sawyer at the Christ Church food drive.

Coming together PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

C

hrist Church member Brent Piersma is always amazed at the number of languages he hears when volunteering at Our Daily Bread in Bradenton.

“Try telling a person who only speaks Creole they can’t have any more diapers,” said Piersma. “Even with the language barrier, volunteering at Our Daily Bread is something that really matters to all of us.”

His fellow congregant, Holly Braun, shared the most heartwarming aspect to her is connecting with the young moms who are looking for support. They will always express immense gratitude to have any food they can get to feed their children.

Sue Wertman has volunteered

alongside Piersma and Braun for seven years. Since then, she has organized an annual food drive to collect for the nonprofit.

After Hurricane Helene and Milton, the number of people they serve has increased to about 180. With shelves low, Christ Church members decided to take this matter into their own hands.

Volunteers from Christ Church of Longboat Key held its annual food drive on Oct. 30 to collect hurricane relief supplies for Our Daily Bread.

Cars lined up in the church’s parking lot, popping their trunks open with different items for the nine volunteers to grab easily. People donated a variety of canned foods such as vegetables, tuna, chicken, meats, dry pasta, ramen noodles, peanut butter, jelly, coffee and condiments.

Longtime volunteers of Our Daily Bread were amazed at the amount of donations church members and Longboaters brought in.

They also received diapers, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes and shampoo.

Wertman said she saw many new faces donating food this year. It warmed her heart to see their desire to help the community even if they didn’t attend Christ Church.

“We have already sent three full cars of items to Our Daily Bread,” said Wertman.

“When we ask them where they heard about the drive, a lot of them say they saw it in the paper or heard from friends. It is incredible to see even people not from the church donate because they want to help after how tragic it has been due to the hurricanes.”

Sue Wertman organized the hurricane relief food drive for Our Daily Bread.

COURTNEY TARANTINO 941-893-7203 | courtney.tarantino@floridamoves.com

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

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on g b o at K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 PORTOBELLO MLS# MLS# A4178487 3235 GULF OF MEXICO DR #405 | $1,100,000 2067 HA4178487 A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 beachfront residence withLimpact L on g b o a t KStunning e y | O f two f e rebedroom d a t $ 7 79, 000 on g b owindows a t K e y offers | O f fbreathtaking e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 views of the Gulf from every room.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Town of Longboat Key

ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS The Town of Longboat Key is accepting applications for appointment to the following boards:

Zoning Board of Adjustment All applications must be submitted to the Office of the Town Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on November 22, 2024. All applicants must be registered voters of the Town of Longboat Key. Late applications will be held for one year for any future board or committee vacancies that may arise.

All members of the Zoning Board of Adjustment are required to file a financial disclosure form within 30 days after appointment and annually thereafter for the duration of the appointment as required by Florida Statutes Chapter 112.

The Town Commission may schedule a Meet and Greet with applicants at a later date. Please call the Office of the Town Clerk at 941-316-1999 to request an application or questions. Applications are also available online at: www.longboatkey.org. Completed applications may be submitted to: Town of Longboat Key – Office of the Town Clerk 501 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key FL 34228 435695-1

Stephanie Garcia, Deputy Town Clerk I Published: 11-07-2024, 11-14-2024

OCTOBER 5DECEMBER 1

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PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

S

chool is back in session on Longboat Key. As of Nov. 4, the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel will start its fall semester with a new series, “Holistic Health and Wellness.”

Education Center Program Manager Susan Goldfarb thought it would be the perfect way to welcome back Longboaters after weeks of stress due to the hurricane season.

“People, right now, need stimulation,” said Goldfarb. “After what we have been through, people need relaxation and healing. This new series will be the relaxing stimulation they need to get ready for the season.”

The series will include four expert lectures beginning on Nov. 14. The first presentation will discuss how feng shui promotes balance and healthy energy throughout your home and life. Students can attend a sound bath the following week to see how it improves focus, boosts energy levels and reduces stress.

The next presentation, “The Unconscious — Where All Great Solutions Are Located,” will take students through clinical hypnotism and how to use it to better their lives.

The last lecture will introduce different healing arts from Japan, such as energy healing and bodywork.

For other fall classes, perennial favorites such as yoga, qigong and painting will return. Dissect classic cinema with film guru Gus Mollasis as he leads enticing discussions on “hidden gem” films. Students can also start their new favorite hobbies by learning the tricks of mahjong, canasta and bridge.

In Nordic Walking, Sam DiGiammarino will teach how walking with Nordic walking poles activates nearly 90% of muscles in the human body.

While improving balance and reducing the strain on your bones, it is also a great program to make friends on fun walks around Longboat.

Similarly, discover “The Nature of Longboat Key” on nature walks with longtime lecturer at the Education Center, Elliot Prout. According to Goldfarb, Prout plans to explore how the island’s nature was affected after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Goldfarb is most excited for the winter season, which is when most of her snowbird students will be returning due to the impact of the hurricanes.

Petra Rivera

Susan Goldfarb, program manager at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel.

Staying in tune with current events, the winter semester starts with a two-part series called “Hot Topics.” Anne Golden will lead a civil discussion about the 2024 election season as a way for people to respectfully share their views.

Goldfarb is also excited about the Education Center’s first play reading starring the Temple’s very own Rabbi Stephen Sniderman. Betty Mohr created and directed “Einstein’s Compass,” following the story of Albert Einstein since childhood.

Along with his accomplishments in science, the reading will take the audience through hard times in Einstein’s life, like how Germany’s antisemitism transformed his view of his Jewish heritage.

Along with a variety of new programs, people can enjoy jazz happy hours every week at Wine Down Wednesday starting in January. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is also coming back to perform for the most attended event at the Education Center.

Goldfarb prides herself on the amount of new programs she adds each semester. She said it is important to keep the longtime regulars on their toes.

“I have such a dedicated group of people that have been coming forever,” said Goldfarb. “So, there is this pressure to change everything. They don’t want to look at the same stuff every year. They want new stuff. And frankly, it is my passion to find those new programs.”

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

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53 S PALM AVENUE, SARASOTA, FL 34236 The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, country records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. Coldwell Banker. All rights reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker system fully supports the principals of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

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your

WILD FLORIDA

Storm’s fury not all bad Hurricanes can play an important role in shaping healthy, albeit dramatically changed, ecosystems.

MIRI HARDY CONTRIBUTOR

H

urricane Milton significantly impacted Myakka River State Park, downing and damaging trees. With water levels in the park already high since Hurricane Debby, Myakka’s floodplain marshes overflowed, flooding most roads in the park.

Thankfully, overall damage was substantially less than resulted from Hurricane Ian. Infrastructure impact to the park, which is minimally developed by design, was relatively minor.

Hurricanes bring with them a fury of strong wind, drenching rain and even tornadoes. By rapidly driving natural ecological processes such as erosion, debris deposition and vegetational succession, they play an important role in shaping healthy, albeit dramatically changed, ecosystems.

When trees are downed, a hammock’s canopy opens, allowing different plants to grow due to increased sunlight. This process supports new growth as well as biodiversity.

Heavy rainfall, as hurricanes travel inland, increases the levels of water in streams, rivers and floodplains. As these waters flow through a watershed, they bring with them a mixture of freshwater, organic matter, nutrients and sediments. Scientists have found that hurricane-driven redistribution of organic matter in soils provides nutrients needed for natural communities to bounce back from severe storm impacts. By flushing out floodplains, water helps create new plant and wildlife habitats.

Scientists have long predicted that climate change would increase the frequency of extreme rainfall events. In a warmer world, there is simply more moisture in the air above water and land. Natural com-

Miri Hardy

Though Myakka’s ecosystems adapted to seasonal flooding, increased threats of pollutant runoff from outside the park is concerning.

STILL CLOSED

Myakka River State Park is closed to the public while recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton continue. For updates, please visit FloridaStateParks.org/Parks-And-Trails/ Myakka-River-State-Park.

munities, therefore, have less time to recover between storms, with major implications for ecosystem stability. Moreover, damaged ecosystems don’t bounce back as quickly as they used to because their resilience has been degraded, especially by human development.

With development rapidly encroaching on Myakka River State Park, there is a rising threat of degraded ecosystems and water quality from floodwaters contaminated by pollutants, such as fertilizer, pesticides, oil and bacteria. To protect the park and the river, maintaining adequate buffers from existing and potential development is of utmost importance.

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Together, they are protecting and sharing Myakka’s Magic, to the benefit of future generations. Follow at @FriendsOfMyakkaRiver.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

7B

REAL ESTATE BY REAL EXPERTS

NO INTERIOR STORM DAMAGE

NO INTERIOR STORM DAMAGE SUTTON PLACE • 569 SUTTON PLACE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $479,000 3BR/2BA • 1,198 SF • Furnished • Gulf to Bay community Offering a 3% buyer broker compensation.

JUST LISTED • 3542 MISTLETOE LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $2,900,000 4BR/3BA • 3,396 SF • Updated Offering a 3% buyer broker compensation.

NO INTERIOR STORM DAMAGE

NO INTERIOR STORM DAMAGE THE MEADOWS • 4737 CHANDLERS FORDE #14 • SARASOTA 2BR+OFFICE /2.5BA • 2,050 SF • Updated • $499,000 Offering a 3% buyer broker compensation.

WEST OF TRAIL • 1886 PROSPECT STREET • SARASOTA • $2,599,000 4BR/4BA • 3,444 SF • Built in 2016 Offering a 3% buyer broker compensation.

NO INTERIOR STORM DAMAGE

NO INTERIOR STORM DAMAGE COUNTRY CLUB SHORES • 1180 BOGEY LANE • LONGBOAT KEY 2BR+DEN/2BA • 2,180 SF • New Roof • Furnished • $950,000 Now Pending Sale!

ISLANDER CLUB • 2301 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #25N • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $649,000 2BR/2BA • 1,235 SF • Furnished • Covered Parking Space Offering a 3% buyer broker compensation.

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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.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Condo residents come to employees’ aid After 68 employees applied for hurricane relief, residents pitched in to support them as a way to show their appreciation for everything they do.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

F

or the first time since living at Plymouth Harbor Retirement Community, resident Marie Belcher evacuated with other residents and staff during Hurricane Helene.

As an artist, Belcher was saddened to hear the art room on the ground floor was totaled after the storm.

Thinking that her most recent painting was gone with it, an employee who stayed at Plymouth Harbor during the hurricane was able to cure her disappointment.

While exploring the campus that was flooded with 4 feet of water, the employee opened the door to the art room and saw Belcher’s half-finished painting of a bird floating by. Belcher was taken by surprise when the staff member was thoughtful enough to grab it and return it to her safely.

“That is who our team members are,” said Belcher. “We have an unbelievably positive relationship with them because they care for us. It is so important that we support them.”

Experiences such as Belcher’s had residents at Plymouth Harbor grateful for its hardworking and attentive staff.

When CEO Jeff Weatherhead reached out after getting 68 applications to the Employee Hardship Fund due to the hurricanes, residents didn’t hesitate to donate: 130 resident donors contributed $338,000 to show their appreciation.

“Charity begins at home,” said resident Tom Landers. “For most of us, this is our last home, and our staff is like family. So we, the community, have to take care of family.”

In the seven years of living in Sarasota, Hurricane Milton was the first time the weather affected receptionist Helen Dailey’s livelihood.

The 120 mph winds of Hurricane

Milton took her roof and carport.

A couple of weeks later, she continues to find structural damage in her house, such as the doors of her manufactured home starting to drag, and tarps also now hang over her two front rooms where the roof used to be.

Dailey had no choice but to turn to Plymouth Harbor for help.

“Plymouth Harbor really came through,” said Dailey. “This is the best place I’ve ever worked. The residents do care for their employees.”

HR recruiter Taylor Ormrod spent most of her workday urging staff like Dailey to apply for the fund after hearing their heartbreaking stories. She would fill out forms for them even if they were too humble to ask for help.

Although she was constantly organizing others to get relief, Ormrod didn’t think about herself.

During Milton, she had to be rescued by a FEMA lifeboat after evacuating to intense flooding. When she got back to Sarasota, the storm had damaged the fence of her new home, along with losing her shed and all appliances in her backyard.

When Vice President of Team Member Relations Anthony Baffo encouraged to apply to the fund herself, Ormrod was taken aback. He said it was essential to provide relief for all employees, even if they had been there for a few months like Ormrod.

Baffo was astounded at the outpouring of support from residents.

He said it was heartwarming to see the bond the residents have with the staff.

“Over $300,000 is a lot of money,” said Baffo. “Here is a group of residents that have equaled or surpassed what a lot of big community foundations have done. The people here at Plymouth Harbor work hard to take care of the residents. It is amazing that they stepped in to take care of the staff as well.”

Photos by Petra Rivera

Artist Marie Belcher thought she lost her painting during Hurricane Helene, but a Plymouth Harbor employee found the painting during the storm and was able to return it to Belcher.

Plymouth Harbor employees, back: Taylor Ormrod, Helen Dailey and Denys Semeniuk. Plymouth Harbor residents, front: Kathy Hendricks, Tom Landers and Marie Belcher.

Named one of Forbes’ Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams The Cornerstone Capital Group At Morgan Stanley Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams, 2024

If you would like to learn more about our team please visit our website or: Join us at our office Mondays at

9:30am for an Outlook on the Market and latest thinking from the Morgan Stanley Global Investment Committee.

Please RSVP to Amanda Lewis by calling 941-364-3549 or email Amanda.R.Lewis@morganstanley.com.

Susan Tomlinson Wilson

Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Family Wealth Advisor Alternative Investments Director Financial Advisor

2 North Tamiami Trail, Ste 1100 Sarasota, FL 34236

Website: advisor.morganstanley.com/ the-cornerstone-capital-group

Thomas Bardwell, CFP®

Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Senior Porfolio Management Director Family Wealth Advisor Financial Advisor

T. Michael Osterman

Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Financial Planning Specialist Financial Advisor

Rylan K. Lanham

Financial Advisor Financial Planning Specialist

Susan A. Knight

Sr. Registered Associate Financial Planning Specialist

Adrienne Lambers

Sr. Registered Client Associate

Amanda Lewis

Client Service Associate

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

Source: Forbes.com (Jan 2024) 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams ranking awarded in 2024. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) for the period from 3/31/22–3/31/23. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC, for placement on its rankings.

This ranking is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each Financial Advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC, and may not be representative of any one client’s experience; investors must carefully choose the right Financial Advisor or team for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with SHOOK Research LLC or Forbes. For more information, see www.SHOOKresearch.com.

CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S. © 2024 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC6240443 3/24

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

VETERANS DAY

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

is observed annually on November 11 in the United States, honoring military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. We want to say THANK YOU to all the men and women who are currently serving or who have served in the military.

THANK YOU, MILES RIEKER, FOR YOUR SERVICE.

Headed on a trip? Snap a photo of you on vacation holding your Observer, then submit your photo online at YourObserver.com/ ItsReadEverywhere. Stay tuned for this year’s prize, and happy travels!

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

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TURKISH DELIGHT: Medge and Michael Jaspan in Kusadasi, Turkey, with a copy of the Longboat Observer.

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BRINGING OLD WORLD CHARM TO FLORIDA SHORES

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

1199 Westway Drive, Lido Shores

648 Beach Road, Sarasota

$10,000,000 | Land | Web# A4587932

$8,950,000 | 3 BR, 2 BA, 2 HALF BA | Web# A4621091

Lisa Morris: M 941.544.3332

Inbal August M: 917.957.8111

4521 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

111 S Pineapple Avenue, 605, Sarasota

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

$1,540,000 | 2 BR, 2.5 BA | Web# A4625363

Amy Drake M: 941.376.9346 Lisa Morris M: 941.544.3332

Lisa Morris: M 941.544.3332 Julie Guirguis: M 440.503.3713

8728 Amaretto Avenue, Sarasota

2110 Harbourside Drive, 547

$1,090,000 | 3 BR, 3 BA | Web# A4618925

$1,000,000 | 3 BR, 2 BA | Web# A4620261

Gigi Silverberg: M 941.993.3695

Inbal August M: 917.957.8111

4530 Guava Court, Sarasota

8918 Olde Hickory Avenue, Sarasota

$650,000 | 3 BR, 2 BA | Web# A4590720

$649,000 | 2 BR, 2 BA | Web# A4625336

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

Ken Ipox M: 941.993.7279

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

elliman.com

Make Your Next Move Exceptional

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

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

LONGBOAT KEY 2151 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 5 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,400 Sq. Ft. Susan Alliano & Sally Fox 941-735-6571 & 941-586-0892 A4615514 $5,288,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2333 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 1B1 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,238 Sq. Ft. Robert Delaney 941-315-3185 A4599566 $4,500,000

SARASOTA 609 Golden Gate Point 301 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,750 Sq. Ft. Carol Aviles 941-356-6777 A4590149 $2,400,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2185 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 212 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,448 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4626570 $1,999,000

SARASOTA 8040 Waterbend Trail 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,138 Sq. Ft. Victoria Turner 662-614-2783 A4626641 $1,805,000

SARASOTA 111 S Pineapple Avenue 1009 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,591 Sq. Ft. Richard Perlman 941-228-8580 A4623862 $1,795,000

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

SARASOTA 111 S Pineapple Avenue 903 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,600 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4624999 $1,550,000

LONGBOAT KEY 749 Penfield Street 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,905 Sq. Ft. Tammy Kitt 941-284-7274 N6131408 $1,325,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1000 Longboat Club Road 1103 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,409 Sq. Ft. Jenine Meyer 941-266-8303 A4620940 $1,282,000

SARASOTA 100 Central Avenue F-812 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,532 Sq. Ft. Bibi-Ann Allard PA 941-685-0422 A4627222 $1,150,000

SARASOTA 235 Cocoanut Avenue 113C 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 2,320 Sq. Ft. Sandi Layfield 941-914-2807 A4626018 $1,049,000

LIDO KEY 1212 Benjamin Franklin Drive 607 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,421 Sq. Ft. Michael Yawitz 941-587-8091 A4590874 $1,040,000

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

BRADENTON 287 Compass Point Drive 201 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,994 Sq. Ft. Betsy Hagen & Laura Rulon 513-543-3228 A4605619 $950,000

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

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

LONGBOAT KEY 4440 Exeter Drive N106 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,376 Sq. Ft. Michael Nink, Pa 941-914-2805 A4626044 $710,000

LONGBOAT KEY 6700 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 139 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,305 Sq. Ft. Maruta Miluns 941-374-9720 A4611612 $659,000

LONGBOAT KEY 225 Sands Point Road 6103 1 Bed 1 Baths 642 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy & Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4621529 $625,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3320 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 307C 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,187 Sq. Ft. Lela Pentsa 941-223-5586 A4625446 $610,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4390 Exeter Drive I303 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,152 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4622925 $549,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2850 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 2 2 Beds 1 Baths 695 Sq. Ft. Eddie Campbell 941-841-9690 A4626210 $549,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4310 Falmouth Drive A205 1 Bed 1 Baths 747 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4615749 $427,000

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

BIRD KEY 340 W Royal Flamingo Drive 4 Beds 6/1 Baths 6,067 Sq. Ft. Barbara May 404-822-9264 A4601285 $8,300,000

SARASOTA 360 N Washington Drive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,951 Sq. Ft. Jeff Weller 941-266-8206 A4599067 $5,399,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

OCT. 21-25

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Bay Isles tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. John and Deborah Petchul, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 540 Harbor Point Road to Donald Morris Wimbish Jr. and Elechia Hilton Wimbish, of Granite Falls, North Carolina, for $5 million. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, four-anda-half baths, a pool and 4,444 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.6 million in 2016.

BIRD KEY

Christopher and Faye Nantista sold their home at 473 Partridge Circle to Richard and Deborah Smilow, of Westport, Connecticut, for $4,175,000. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,230 square feet of living area.

SANCTUARY AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Thomas and Rhonda Stoughton, trustees, of Carmel, Indiana, sold the Unit C-507 condominium at 535 Sanctuary Drive to Judith DavisFagan, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $2,593,500. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,580 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,495,000 in 2016.

GRAND BAY

Joan and Howard Tykot, of E. Windsor, New Jersey, sold their Unit 152 condominium at 3060 Grand Bay Blvd. to Stephen and Judy Levine, of W. Orange, New Jersey, for $1.2 million. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths and 2,143 square feet of living area. It sold for $565,000 in 1999.

REAL ESTATE

Bay Isles home tops week’s sales at $5 million

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Photos courtesy of Joseph Cinque

PORTOBELLO

Raymond and Mimi Hurd, trustees, sold the Unit A405 condominium at 3235 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Ann Allen Cross and Matthew Weldon Cross, of San Antonio, for $1.1 million. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,260 square feet of living area. It sold for $360,000 in 2011.

LONGBOAT HARBOUR

Shawn Michael White and Chad Arthur White, of Dayton, Ohio, sold their Unit 208 condominium at 4390 Exeter Drive to Eric and Erica Bendickson, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, for $799,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,168 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2022.

John and Deborah Petchul, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 540 Harbor Point Road to Donald Morris Wimbish Jr. and Elechia Hilton Wimbish, of Granite Falls, North Carolina, for $5 million.

THE PRIVATEER

Richard Spriggle, of Lakewood Ranch, sold his Unit 403 condominium at 1000 Longboat Club Road to Helaine Oxman Lasky, of Atlanta, for $740,000. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,409 square feet of living area. It sold for $387,500 in 2015.

In with the new NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

BEACHPLACE

Petro Property LTD sold the Unit 402 condominium at 1125 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Gerson and Donna Fernandes, of Bradenton, for $1.11 million. Built in 1979, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,392 square feet of living area. It sold for $535,000 in 2009.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Oct. 25-31 in order of dollar amounts.

LONGBOAT KEY Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

630 Longview Drive

Repair – Helene

Lynne Boyne

$300,000

3531 Bayou Pointe

Re-roof

Douglas C. Jacobs

$148,690

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

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

MOVE-IN SPRING 2024

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

LONGBOAT KEY

Declaration 573 Ketch Lane

Re-roof

George Luther

$73,000

5809 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Electrical –

John Raftis

$68,000

New Construction 4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Re-roof

Longboat Key Casa Del Mar $66,617

611 Bowsprit Lane

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Dane R Cornell Revcable

$64,972

5050 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Re-roof

Carolyn Feldsine

$62,000

3250 Bayou Road

Re-roof

Roberta L. Greber

$61,500

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

Revoc Living Trust

562 Norton St.

Re-roof

John Ogorzalek

$59,897

593 Juan Anasco Drive

Re-roof

Carolyn Kranz

$57,500

7130 Longboat Drive E.

Repair – Helene

Michaela Hinterstoisser

$50,000

619 Buttonwood Drive

Repair – Helene

Puszkar Revocable Trust

$50,000

5635 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Windows/Doors

Wayne Heus

$49,362

Re-roof

Vishal and Melissa Soin

$48,900

Unit 105 631 Ranger Lane

Family Dynasty Trust

635 Marbury Lane

Repair – Helene

Craig Cather

$47,975

571 St. Judes Drive

Re-roof

St. Judes Condominiums

$37,450

6231 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Mechanical –

Lucia Spotte

$30,600

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

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

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

A/C Change Out 3170 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Re-roof

Judy Johnson LLC

$30,000

879 Spanish Drive S.

Repair – Helene

Susan Edwards

$30,000

Source: Town of Longboat Key

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

Prices as of November 2023

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

nks

As our neighbors recover from hurricane damage — and living costs continue to increase, even more help is needed.

MONDAY, NOV. 11

BEST BET

‘COPING WITH OUR TIMES’ SUPPORT GROUP 1-2:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. The Paradise Center provides a space for people to share their hardships after being affected by two hurricanes. Retired therapist Scott Anstadt will discussion groups on all storm-related topics. Call 383-6493.

NOV. 9-10

35TH ANNUAL ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE ART FESTIVAL From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in St. Armands Circle, 1 St. Armands Circle. 200 artists will come together to reopen St. Armands Circle after the recent hurricanes. Enjoy a variety of art work handmade in America from unique sculptures to paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography and ceramics. Visit ArtFestival.com for more information.

MONDAY, NOV. 14

GO WITH THE FLOW-FIND HARMONY AND BALANCE WITH FENG SHUI 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Join Laurie Pawli, certified Feng Shui instructor, who will help you transform any space with simple adjustments and innovative tips to promote balance and healthy energy flow in your home and in your life. Cost is $20 for members; $25 for nonmembers. Call 383-8222 or email Admin@TBIEducationCenter. org.

RECURRING EVENTS MONDAYS

You can turn empty plates into ThankFULL Tummies.

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; free for members. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

Give today at allfaithsfoodbank.org 941.379.6333

MIXED BEGINNERS BRIDGE From 1-2:30 p.m. at The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Professional bridge player and teacher Larry Auerbach will cover the basic mechanics and fundamentals of the game, combining players who have some knowledge of the game and new players.

Cost is $85 for members; $95 for nonmembers. Call 383-8222 or email Admin@TBIEducationCenter. org.

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TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

SARASOTA MEMORIAL PRESENTS

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; free for members. Walkins welcome. Call 383-6493.

TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE & RELATED DEMENTIAS

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

TUESDAYS

AT THE MOVIES From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Education Center at Temple Beth Is-

As our bodies age, so do our brains. Join us for this special lecture event and learn to identify the signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia, to distinguish between normal aging and dementia-related memory loss, and how to communicate effectively with those living with these conditions. A brief Q&A will follow the presentation.

rael, 567 Bay Isles Road. Enjoy quality assigned films at local theaters and come to class to discuss them with popular film maven and critic Gus Mollasis. Films are assigned a week before class discussion.

Package of six is $95 for members; $105 for nonmembers; pay as you go is $17 per class. Call 383-8222 or email Admin@TBIEducationCenter. org.

WEDNESDAYS

MIXED LEVELS YOGA From 9-10 a.m. at The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. These alignmentbased classes, led by certified yoga teacher Harriet Roberts, are carefully crafted to offer both challenges and modifications for all ages and levels. Improve balance, strength, and flexibility and reduce physical pain. Engage your body, heart, and mind with breathwork and meditation. Package of six is $75 for members; $85 for nonmembers; pay as you go is $15 per class. Call 383-8222 or email Admin@TBIEducationCenter.org.

WATERCOLOR, ACRYLICS, PASTELS, OILS From 9-11:30 a.m. at The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Learn to paint like the masters in your medium of choice with simple techniques offered by award-winning artist Renee DiNapoli. Easy subjects and materials available. Seasoned artists or novices welcome. Personal instruction and demonstrations provided. Package of four, is $175 for members; $185 for nonmembers.

Call 383-8222 or email Admin@ TBIEducationCenter.org.

ADOPT DON’T SHOP

Wednesday, Nov. 20th 4:30 - 5:30pm Danielle Valery, BS, CDP Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias:

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Th

YOUR CALENDAR

Give

OPEN 7 DAYS 10am-6pm - 941-366-2424 | 2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 • www.catdepot.org

Lee Heineman

An Overview of Cognitive Changes

CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

SMH-SARASOTA

Sarasota Memorial Hospital Auditorium - First Floor 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239

Serving a Discerning Clientele that Demands Excellence in Service, Design, and Craftsmanship.

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Light refreshments served. RSVP required.

Reserve your space by phone at (941) 917-7777 or online at smh.com/lectures.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, NOV. 8

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

High: 84 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 16%

Thursday,Nov. 7

6:45a

5:42p

Friday, Nov. 8

6:46a

5:41p

Saturday, Nov. 9

6:47a

5:41p

Sunday, Nov. 10

6:48a

5:40p

SATURDAY, NOV. 9

Monday, Nov. 11

6:48a

5:40p

High: 85 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 7%

Tuesday, Nov. 12

6:49a

5:39p

Wednesday, Nov. 13

6:50a

5:39p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, NOV. 10 High: 85 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 36%

Nov. 8 First

Nov. 15 Full

Nov. 22 Last

Nov. 30 New

TIDES Highs Lows

Leighton Allenby captured this photo of a juvenile yellow crowned night heron in a nest on Bay Isles, Longboat Key.

Thursday, Nov. 7

1:44a

—

11:18a

—

Friday, Nov. 8

2:53a

8:29p

12:24p

11:28p

Saturday, Nov. 9

4:29a

8:30p

—

1:25p

Sunday, Nov. 10

6:12a

8:43p

1:22a

2:17p

Monday, Nov. 11

7:48a

8:57p

2:36a

3:02p

Tuesday, Nov. 12

9:10a

9:13p

3:35a

3:40p

Wednesday, Nov. 13

10:21a

9:33p

4:28a

4:12p

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

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

DOWN 1 Bisected

68 Even bigger 69 Having posted bond 70 Made a smooth transition

2 Grieve 3 Lavigne who sings “Sk8er Boi”

72 “Tender ___” (Robert Duvall film) 74 Stood up

4 Shrewd 5 Smartphone download

75 Bowler or boater

6 Angela who played Queen

78 Overly

8 “Look what I did!”

86 Enemy

Ramonda in “Black Panther” 81 Cast one’s vote 84 ER’s sorting task 7 Awesome victories 9 Sir’s counterpart 10 Huge, in France 11 Opposite of SSE 12 Fruity red wine concoc-

89 Last word of some French films 90 Is unwell 91 Jones-Perry on the U.S.

egoist

94 Zest

13 Where the hot people are? national volleyball team 92 Movie previews 14 First concern, for an

16 Overtake, in an impressive way 17 Bleaching chemical 18 Japanese currency 24 Home of the NCAA’s Bulldogs 25 Trans activist Erlick 30 Artist using a steel nib 32 Lovable idiosyncrasy 34 “Eat ___ eaten” 35 Earth-shattering

©2024 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Apple desktop 5 Be a partner in crime 9 The “M” of YMCA 13 Stinky 19 Explosive star 20 Dad 21 Actress Kendrick 22 Assent at sea 23 *Flip the bird?

26 New York Grand Slam tennis tournament 27 Squeeze dry 28 It has magnitude but no direction, in math 29 Hereditary factor 31 Not many 33 *Divine being who’s a little fishy?

39 Asa Butterfield’s “Sex

Education” role

73 *Fawn in a surly manner? 108 “You don’t have to

36 Licorice-flavored liqueur

41 George Orwell’s given

76 British afternoon tea treat explain that to me”

37 Noodle bar option

name

77 Surgically remove

114 Chop ___

38 Trippy tab (Abbr.)

42 Serious disagreements

79 Store away

115 John or Paul

40 Shows the door, in a way

43 *One hogging the stand? 80 Civil rights org.

117 Spot often featuring

43 Panhandler

50 “Curses!”

82 “Notorious ___” (former

mountain roads

44 Fentanyl’s classification

51 Preppy clothing brand

Supreme Court justice)

118 Help

45 Total strangers, in slang

52 Gov. emissions testing

83 Tree supports

122 Putting on a stellar

46 The Liberty Tree, for one

location

85 Sieve, as flour

performance, and a hint to

47 Paneled wall section

53 Accept a lesser option

87 Writer Henry David

this puzzle’s theme

48 Gas additive brand

55 Goads

89 Consideration

125 Doughssant’s kin

49 Show solidarity for

58 Disreputable saloon, in

91 Comeback

126 Plough pullers

54 Texter’s hilarious

slang

93 “___-daisy!”

127 Spanish miss (Abbr.)

acronym

60 Digital junk

94 Henry with six wives

128 Have ___ (know some-

56 Mars, e.g.

61 Altar boy, perhaps

95 NYSE debut

body)

57 Disappears, theatrically

62 Flit (about)

97 *One of the big bucks?

129 Relaxed, as an activity

59 ___ Vegas

63 “Rad!”

99 Finger of the sea

130 Inquisitive, to put it

61 Lady ___

65 Curiosity org.

101 Top-notch

politely

64 Throw up in the air

67 Mars’ smaller orbital body 103 Oom-___ (tuba sounds)

131 “Hey, you there!”

66

71 Basic units of matter

132 Some whiskeys

ing some rays

104 *Cat out of the bag?

“LX TN, HP SHZN, HZ MXV BYCN Y ANPAN XZ BVTXI YRXVL HL, LBYL’A BXJ MXV ENYS JHLB YPMLBHPK.” IYSDB TYOOBHX

88 D&D, for one

tion

15 Fair-hiring letters

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“OJHOIJ BDHSIXU’Y FJ GPNGLX HP YDJLN WHEJNUKJUY. WHEJNUKJUYB BDHSIX FJ GPNGLX HP YDJLN OJHOIJ.” GIGU KHHNJ

96 Multi-sided figure 98 Menacing words 100 Something you might tear into?

102 Nonbinary people, in slang 105 Featherbrained

“ILDDJII SIV’U PJXILAJY HE GMXU ENL XDMSJCJ, SU’I PJXILAJY HE UMJ NHIUXDKJI ENL NCJADNPJ.” JUMXV MXGRJ

106 “They killed ___!” (Recurring “South Park” line) 107 Wilt 109 Take on a role 110 Baltimore Ravens QB Jackson 111 Literary source of wry humor 112 “White Teeth” author Smith

Puzzle Three Clue: H equals B

ANIMAL CRACKERS by Ilana Levene, edited by Jeff Chen

celebrity cipher

Puzzle Two Clue: E equals V

crossword

426212-1

Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

The Grounded Feeling Everyone will Enjoy

Puzzle One Clue: M equals Y

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.

113 Utopias 116 Recipe unit (Abbr.)

118 Knee part repaired for some NBA players 119 “All seats taken” theatre sign (Abbr.)

120 Scatter seeds 121 Fountain pen need 123 Kitchenware brand 124 Posed for a portrait

Nook for catch©2024 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

11-7-24

Made for where you live. Here!

RED PAGES DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card 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.

Real Estate Wanted

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

CASH HOME BUYER - We make fair cash offers on houses based on its condition. Water damaged property is ok. We can close quickly. Call Jeff at 941-202-6957.

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Motorcycles

STORM ANGELS - Cash or Contract for your property. 48 hrs.

Call Tony 573-216-7000

Rentals Wanted WANTED TO RENT South LBK January thru April 2025 Two senior professionals Please email marketreps@aol.com or call 570-239-0431

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

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

Free House Calls.

Discrete/ Confidential. Call David 813-439-2694 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

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.

HURRICANE RECOVERY SERVICES We hope this message finds you safe in the aftermath of the hurricane. As our community begins to recover, RIM Express is here to support you every step of the way, and we have expanded our range of services to include Storm Debris and Fallen Tree Removal, Mitigation and Remediation, Water Damage Restoration, Demolition, and Cleanup. Our Home Remodeling Services will continue uninterrupted.

(941) 888-4434 www.storm-cleanup.com

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

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

This week’s Crossword answers

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

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

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RATES Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101

HOUSE FOR SALE, gated, 4/2, community pool/tennis, 3333 Yonge Avenue Meadows, 2/2 furnished condo for sale, seller concessions, move in ready.

Alterations/Upholstery

(941) 225-8602 www.mkcsinc.com

Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

RED PAGES IN PRINT AND ONLINE

THE ATRIUM -direct bayfront.

3bd/2ba. Totally remodeled & updated. Call 941-957-8130

Homes for Sale

TRANSFORM YOUR HOME with MK Construction Group LLC. Upgrade your kitchen, bathroom, or remodel your entire home with MK Construction Group LLC. Our expert team delivers high-quality craftsmanship and personalized service to bring your vision to life. Visit mkcsinc.com to schedule your consultation today and start your journey to a beautifully remodeled space.

FL CRC1334351

Longboat Key, FL 34228

Condos/Apts. for Rent

Stephenweeks@michaelsaunders.com

L’AMBIANCE, LONGBOAT KEY Beach front 2BR/3BA condo on high floor with wrap-around terrace, 270 degree views over the Gulf, Sarasota Bay and LBK Club.

Sunrises, sunsets through floor to ceiling windows. View at: www.thephotos.smugmug.com Call John at: 203-984-8477 or E-mail: garment@optonline.net

A POWERFUL COMBINATION 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Auto Service

Puzzle Two Solution: “People shouldn’t be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.”

Alan Moore Puzzle Three Solution: “Success isn’t measured by what you achieve, it’s measured by the obstacles you overcome.”

Ethan Hawke

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2022 NEA, Inc.

Construction Estimating • Custom Homes • Design Build We Prepare Estimates to Challenge Insurance Companies *Hurricane/Flood/Fire

5-Star Rated

435579

M-F 10 to 4 / Sat 10 to 1

HoHoBuysCars.com

Puzzle One Solution: “To me, in life, if you have a sense of humor about it, that’s how you deal with anything.”

Ralph Macchio

Let our Network Handle All your Building Needs

WE COME TO YOU

941.270.4400

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Professional Contractors Network, Inc.

& UPHOLSTERY

7300 Manatee Ave W Beachway Plaza (941) 545.7319

©2022 Universal Uclick

Contractor

Nora’s SELL YOUR CAR! Fabrics FAST • EASY • SAFE 433654

Painting

433655

YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, Vacation Rentals, and Construction Cleaning. Power washing and windows.

Detailed and dependable.

941-744-7983.

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC

You’re only cheating yourself.

REAL LOCAL STUFF HERE!

OLD MOTORCYCLES WANTED *1920-1999* ALL Makes & ModelsAny Condition! $ CASH PAID $ Call 845-389-3239 cyclesndmore10@gmail.com

real estate

GRILL BLACKSTONE Outdoor Griddle Black 4 Burner/propane w/ Cover $175 (941) 920-2494

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

Call 941-383-3338.

Adult Care Services

Home Services

peekers’ place

stuff

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

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

Items Under $200

auto

Autos Wanted

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

Cleaning

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Attorney

Home Watch

Remodeling/Home Improvement

CUSTOM HOME CONSTRUCTION

Divorce without Lawyers

REMODELING • CONDO RENOVATIONS

CARING HANDS WHILE YOU’RE AWAY FROM HOME.

CALL TODAY FOR PEACE OF MIND.

941-281-5539 | kathy@longboatkeyhomewatch.com www.longboatkeyhomewatch.com

CBC1265487

941-955-4888

William J. Leininger, JD

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

Insurance

435578

MIC INSURANCE

Made for where you live. Here!

RED PAGES

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

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

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

Transportation

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

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

General Contractors

941 - 248 - 4734 435582

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

FLORIDA PERMIT EXPERTS 433688

Full Service General Contractor All Industrial/Commercial Projects Residential Jobs Over $50,000.

Windows

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005 Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

Painting 433657

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC

FloridaPermitExpert.com - 689.286.1509

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

Handyman

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

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

Health

Realtors

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

SPECIAL 00 5

WE MAKE FAIR CASH OFFERS BASED ON THE CONDITION OF THE PROPERTY

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

We Pay All Closing Costs!

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

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239

SOLD

433687

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

• Fair Cash Offers • We Also Buy Land and Condos

WE ALWAYS PAY CASH

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

Call us FIRST at

941-202-6957 Bradenton Cash Home Buyers Your Local Home Buyers

432980

• Close When You Want • No More Uncertainty

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

CREATE BUZZ!

• We are Local Cash Buyers • We Provide The Flexibility You Want • No Need For Repairs • Any Situation, Any Price Range • Water Damaged Houses are OK • We Buy In “As Is Condition”

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

senior citizen discount.

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

You Pay NO Realtor Commissions or Fees!

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

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

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

$

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

160

25 $

STANDARD WINDOWS

433808

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

435294

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

UP TO

Exterior / Interior / Cabinets

435583

Investor & Property Management Company Assistance Resolving Stop Work Orders Engineer/Architect Referrals

Call 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

www.BradentonCashHomeBuyers.com

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

510 BAY ISLES ROAD, SUITE Located 1 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL (Next to SUNTRUST BANK) Office Temporarily at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Ste 105

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

435577

CGC1507540

All Florida Airports, Concerts & Dinners - Hourly Cruise Ships & Medical | See Specials at: www.blacklabelcarservice.com

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

SPECIALTIES:

Lic. in FL since 2004

Roofing

Find anything in the RED PAGES

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

435580

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

941-544-1152

DCCoastalLLC@gmail.com www.DCCoastalLLC.com

435581

433673

Exclusively serving Longboat Key residents.

Storm-ready home preparations Handyman & concierge services

410036

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.

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

17B

18B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024

L’AMBIANCE

OPEN HOUSE: Sunday 1-4 PM

ARIA

415 L’Ambiance Drive #A401 $5,840,000

521 Putting Green Lane- $1,899,000 Value-Location, instant enjoyment is waiting for you in this 3BR bedroom home w/deeded beach access on protected, sailboat water w/direct access to SRQ Bay w/no bridges. It is located in desirable Country Club Shores. This home offers Newer HURRICANE IMPACT GLASS/Sliding glass throughout the entire home. Newer roof, air conditioning, pool and spa, newer seawall and lift rated for a 10,000-lb capacity.

Sarasota bustles with many art galleries and antique shops.

From New York bagels to elegant bistros and world-class restaurants, its marinas, and golf courses.

No water intrusion in this home from the storms.

521PuttingGreenLn.com

2251 Gulf of Mexico Drive #204- $7,999,000

Experience luxury with this stunning Southwest corner residence featuring a spacious wraparound terrace for breathtaking sunsets. Enjoy private elevator access, a custom-designed interior with new windows, kitchen, and baths. The Royal floorplan includes three ensuite bedrooms, a powder room, and a bonus room. Residents have access to concierge service, a 24-hour guard gate, pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, game room, library, wine room, and guest suites. Small pets are welcome. One underground parking spot is included. No water intrusion in this home from the storms. lambianceA401.com

GULF FRONT HOME

5941 Gulf of Mexico Drive -$9,500,000 This charming single-story beachfront home offers an incredible opportunity for those seeking a slice of paradise.

Sold as-is, the property is situated on a generous lot, making it ideal for a family compound or a personal retreat.

With ample space for outdoor gatherings, this property is perfect for families looking to create lasting memories by the beach. Whether you're looking to renovate, build your dream home, or simply enjoy the existing structure, the potential here is limitless. 5941GulfOfMexicoDr.com

Epic Gulf-front corner residence, which feels like a home on the beach, offers 3 bedrooms plus an office (or 4 bedrooms) and 3.5 bathrooms in a lavish 4,032 sq. ft. space. Revel in your own 3,400 sq. ft. terrace featuring an infinity pool, fire pit, and summer kitchen, with private stairs leading straight to the beach. With a gourmet kitchen, social room, guest suite, fitness center, and a stunning 5-car garage, Aria delivers unparalleled luxury and on-site management.

No water intrusion in this home from the storms.

Aria204.com

SIESTA KEY

WATERCLUB

21 & 25 Lands End Lane-$16,000,000

1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive #105 - $2,575,000 FURNISHED

Rare beachfront and bayfront estate-size homesite on North A rare gem at The Water Club on South Longboat Key. 3 bed, Siesta Key! This prime property offers stunning views of 2.5 bath, 2,585 sq ft. Nearly new with garden and partial Gulf downtown Sarasota, Bird Key, and Lido from its expansive 120-foot private beach. Features include a deep water dock views. Southern exposure, 10 ft ceilings, wood flooring, and expansive terraces. Well-managed community with on Big Pass and 2 deeded boat slips in Bayou Louise's protected sailboat waters. Capture both sunrise and sunset. clubhouse, Olympic-sized pool, tennis, and pet-friendly policies. No Water Intrusion in this home from storms.

21LandsEndLane.com WaterClub105.com

WE PAY PROFESSIONAL FEE ON OUR LISTINGS TO THE BUYERS AGENT

NEW LISTING

415 L’Ambiance Drive #F608- $6,900,000 -FURNISHED

435 S GULFSTREAM AVE, #1004-$1,289,000

Experience luxury living at its finest with this stunning Royal floorplan within L'Ambiance at Longboat Key Club: Turnkey furnished residence, thoughtfully curated, only a few items excluded. This exquisite residence features three bedrooms, office or bonus room, and three beautifully appointed bathrooms. Private elevator, soaring 10foot ceilings, living and dining area adorned with stunning herringbone-patterned wood flooring. The residence has been fully renovated to the highest standards by Mark Sultana of DSDG, featuring premium Thermador appliances and new windows and doors. L'Ambiance on Longboat Key is not just a residence; it's an exclusive lifestyle waiting for discerning buyers seeking the pinnacle of luxury living.

No water Intrusion in this home from the storms.

This tranquil section of Palm Ave. highlights this recently updated 1,829 sq. ft. residence with split floor plan. The living room boasts spectacular views to the north and west, featuring expansive vistas of downtown's bayfront and Marina Jack's Park. Thoughtfully planned upgrades include newer flooring, a neutral color palette, and a modern kitchen outfitted with stainless LG appliances and a Bosch induction cooktop. Updated bathrooms and an abundance of closet space w/brand new closet organizers. Large storage room/bonus room, in-residence washer and dryer . 24 hour concierge.

No water intrusion in this home from the storms.

RegencyHouse1004.com

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

435681-1

CONTRACT AVAILABLE FOR ASSIGNMENT