Longboat Observer 12.19.24

LONGBOAT

Observer

Parked in style

PAGE 22

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

VOLUME 47, NO. 18

YOUR TOWN

Longboat Police chief steps down Turner had served as top cop since 2021. SEE PAGE 5

Carter Weinhofer

New lights for the dog park Interested in an evening trip to the dog park?

Now, Longboat’s dog owners can enjoy the Bayfront Park dog park with their pups after the sun sets — which is earlier since the clocks turned back in November.

The project cost about $16,000, funds that came from the Longboat Key Foundation. The funds were originally raised to complete the turf installation at the park, but the town decided to fund the project in May. These solar-powered lights mean there’s no electricity cost after installation.

Bayfront Park is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Courtesy image

Teresa and Jim Aikenhead

Seaplace Condominiums deck the halls Seaplace Condominiums celebrated holidays of all kinds on Dec. 11 at its annual holiday party.

June Hessel, chair of the event planning committee, said they prioritized silver decorations to make sure everyone felt included in their holiday celebration. Along with a Christmas tree in the corner, a menorah honored Jewish residents.

One hundred thirty residents attended the event and enjoyed local musician Greg Rohr playing his violin. Everyone was dressed up in holiday sweaters while indulging in appetizers and drinks set up by the event committee.

“It was such a fun time and one of our favorite events of the year,” said Hessel. “Greg matched our requests and fun energy by turning his violin into a fiddle by the end of the evening because we asked him to play ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia.’ It was a blast.” $1.00

Petra Rivera

Kerry Robinson, Jan Henry, Barbara Brizdle, Marci McGovern, Carol Flanagan and Jan Van Iten at the Longboat Key Club Golf course on the morning of Dec. 10.

All for a good Claus

Frosty Frolic ladies use charitable event to have Christmas fun. PAGE 16

A+E

FUTURE IN FLUX Community still in repair mode after hurricanes. SEE PAGE 3

Carter Weinhofer

The narrow streets of Spanish Main Yacht Club were lined with piles of debris in late October after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

‘Illuminate’ the season INSIDE

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

WEEK OF DEC. 19, 2024

Town webinar for recovery resources

“It has been an honor to serve the town of Longboat Key. My professional goal was to leave L.K.P.D. better than how I found it. Mission accomplished.”

The town of Longboat Key will host a community resilience webinar titled “Navigating Recovery After the Storms” at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 19.

The webinar will provide additional information and support during hurricane recovery.

The town’s building department, U.S. Small Business Administration and the Florida Division of Emergency Management will talk about the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s 50% rule, additional funding options, how to protect from future flooding and other state resources that may be available.

A recording of the meeting will also be available on the town’s website after the webinar.

For more information or to register, visit the town of Longboat Key website at LongboatKet.org.

— Chief of Police George Turner. Read more on page 5

BY THE NUMBERS 212

Units in Spanish Main Yacht Club, most of which were impacted by the hurricanes.

PAGE 3

14

Years working with the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee for Karen Holbrook.

PAGE 6

Michael Saunders opens St. Regis office

175

Members of the Bird Key Yacht Club, which recently had its Blessing of the Fleet ceremony.

PAGE 18

CALENDAR

n Town Commission Meeting — 1 p.m., Monday, Jan. 6, 501 Bay Isles Road.

The St. Armands parking garage charges $1 per hour after the first hour.

n Special Magistrate Hearing — 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 8, 501 Bay Isles Road.

Paid parking on St. Armands, Lido to resume Jan. 2

File image

P

aid parking on St. Armands Key and Lido Key will resume on Jan. 2, 2025, after the system was paused during the area’s hurricane recovery.

Following Hurricane Helene, the city of Sarasota paused the paid parking program on St. Armands and Lido. This included the parking garage on St. Armands.

“With the parking equipment repaired, paid parking needs to start back up so we’re in compliance and able to make

payments for the St. Armands Garage,” said Parking General Manager Broxton Harvey in a release from the city.

The city issued $15.6 million in St. Armands Paid Parking Area Improvements Revenue Bonds in 2017 to help fund the construction of the parking garage. The bond requires payments to be made in a timely manner, and the parking program is set up to fund the bond payments.

The city will resume parking

enforcement to stay in compliance with the bond payments.

Starting Jan. 2, the paid parking will resume at these rates: St. Armands Circle street parking: $1.50 per hour; St. Armands garage: first hour free, then $1 per hour (max. $23); Fillmore Lot: $1 per hour; Ben Franklin Drive/John Ringling Blvd. terminus: $1 per hour.

For more information or questions about the parking or enforcement, email ParkingInfo@ SarasotaFL.gov.

Michael Saunders & Co. recently announced the opening of the group’s 18th office.

This new office will be located in the St. Regis Longboat Key. “Michael Saunders & Company proudly serves as the exclusive listing agent for The Residences, and the new office represents a significant milestone for both the company and the local real estate market,” the press release said.

According to the release, the office will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and solidifies Michael Saunders & Co.’s position as a market leader on Florida’s suncoast.

“We are thrilled to announce our newest satellite office at the exquisite St. Regis Longboat Key Resort,” stated Founder and CEO Michael Saunders in the release. “The St. Regis brand is synonymous with luxury, exclusivity and timeless sophistication. Our presence within the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort will provide an unparalleled opportunity and advantage to all our clients – exposing listings and the Michael Saunders & Company brand to a discerning audience.”

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TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

3

On the surface, Spanish Main appears to be doing well, but homes remain uninhabitable Units in Spanish Main are still uninhabitable, but someone tried to spread community spirit with these signs on some units’ doors.

CLEAN OUTSIDE, EMPTY INSIDE CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

T

he streets of Spanish Main Yacht Club are clean, but the units are still desolate.

Most unit owners still cannot return to their villas while contractors work to restore plumbing and electricity to the gutted villas.

With 212 units, it is a Herculean task for the Spanish Main Yacht Club board and residents to restore their community at 5700 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

“We really want to get people back in their homes as quickly as we can,” board member Margaret Dugan said.

IMMEDIATE RESPONSE

After Hurricane Helene’s storm surge, residents had about a week to assess the damage before Milton had its sights on Sarasota.

Immediately after Helene, residents returned to check on their villas.

Dugan said, from the outside, the units looked relatively OK. But once people opened their doors, Helene’s water damage was staggering.

In Dugan’s two units in Spanish Main, one had eight inches of water and another had 18 inches. Many villa owners close to the ground lost almost everything, including furniture, Dugan said.

Dugan and fellow board member Jeffrey Love said the condominium association board looked around for companies for remediation and restoration.

The board chose Servpro, and through collaborating with the company’s Sarasota office, Servpro sent a crew from Michigan.

According to Dugan, it was necessary to find a crew big enough to deal with Spanish Main’s community.

“This was not easy because it’s never happened before,” Dugan said.

“Nobody left us a recipe book on how to manage it.”

Then Milton arrived, and the crew paused remediation efforts. After, crews assessed damage from Milton, which was mainly wind damage to roofs.

Servpro workers started necessary drywall removal and asbestos testing

in villas that had water damage.

From the end of October to recently, the streets of Spanish Main looked like most others in Longboat Key, the sides of narrow streets piled with debris and furniture.

After Servpro handled debris cleanup, its contract with the association was complete. The board then hired a separate contractor to continue doing restoration work in the villas like plumbing and electrical work.

Dugan said the board is still working on finalizing numbers between insurance and its public adjuster. Each villa is insured for up to $250,000, and Dugan said current remediation estimates are still “well within” that number.

The association is responsible for “white boxing” the units, which means restoring the units to a blank slate. This means replacing drywall and restoring power and plumbing.

From there, it’s up to the unit owners how to repair the villas with paint, furniture and whatever else is necessary.

Dugan and Love said the board is prioritizing full-time residents of the community during the next phase of construction, which is to restore plumbing and power.

“There’s about one-third of unit owners who that’s their only home,” resident Tom Freiwald said. “The community is first trying to get those people first on the list.”

Freiwald is a full-time resident of the community and is still moving from apartment to apartment while waiting for his villa to be habitable.

“Once the drywall goes up, our villa is fully functional. We’re planning on moving in quickly,” Freiwald said.

While he is eager to move back, he understands that with 212 units, this is an enormous task for the board.

Freiwald compared the recovery effort to a freight train, with all the individual units as the cars.

“We’re trying to get the cars back on the track,” he said.

During the remediation process, there were some bumps in the hypothetical train track.

For one, some residents were concerned with how Servpro was managing the drywall and content

Piles of water-damaged furniture and other items from a unit in Spanish Main.

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

“This has become more than a full-time job for our board. There’s much to do.”

— Margaret Dugan, Spanish Main board member

removal. Freiwald said some residents thought Servpro was too “aggressive” in the cleanup process, and things like countertops or shower doors could have been saved.

“For sure there were people who weren’t happy with Servpro,” Freiwald said. “But there are others who were satisfied and felt they did their job.”

Again, Freiwald emphasized that 212 unit owners equate to more than 400 residents when factoring those who live as couples or families. Not every story will match up, he said.

“It’s a hard fight,” Freiwald said.

“It’s a really interesting dynamic, but it’s been mostly friendly.”

FUTURE OF SPANISH MAIN

The Spanish Main board was responsible for dealing with insurance companies, public adjusters and remediation crews while also trying to keep residents informed.

“This has become more than a full-time job for our board,” Dugan said. “There’s much to do.”

The Spanish Main board now focuses on restoring the units and getting residents moved back into the villas.

But a handful of residents pondered the idea of exploring the option of bringing in a developer to overhaul and change the community.

Spanish Main is a 55-and-older community with one-story villas that finished construction in 1972.

The community is situated on a unique plot of land with a canal, which is likely why Helene’s storm surge was this damaging to the com-

munity.

“Spanish Main’s land is very valuable,” Freiwald said. “There’s no other property like it on Longboat Key that would become available in the foreseeable future.”

It’s not about money for the residents, though. It’s about the future, Freiwald said.

He took part in some discussions among residents who want to explore the possibility of redeveloping the community to meet modern standards.

Freiwald said there will soon be a survey sent to residents to gauge people’s interest, or lack thereof, in this possibility.

“We owe it to ourselves to explore every option,” Freiwald said. “Until we know what peoples’ intentions are, that conversation isn’t going anywhere.”

Dugan confirmed that there is chatter among some residents concerned about Spanish Main and looking at the possibility, but, to her knowledge, there is not yet a credible proposal.

“The board is really focused right now on doing the things that we are required to do, which is to recover and rebuild. If something were to come along and enough people had interest in it, we could look at it,” Dugan said.

Now, in late December and two months after the hurricanes, Dugan and Love feel the community is making progress.

“As people see the community being restored, I think spirits are lifting a little bit. I think people are feeling more hopeful,” Dugan said.

When residents return, it might still be a shock for some.

“When you see the drywall removed, you don’t recognize the rooms. It’s pretty odd looking. But I think people see that’s the first step in bringing it back to where it was,” Love said.

Through the hardship, Dugan and Love said they had hope when seeing the Spanish Main community come together.

On some doors in the community next to the yellow “restricted use” signs, someone also pasted “I love Spanish Main” signs.

“The real concept, the neighborhood, the fact that you knew your neighbors, and they looked out for you, that really did sell me on Spanish Main,” Love said. “I think we’re still there. We just need to rebuild our houses and regain what we had before.”

“Restricted Use” signs are pasted on the doors of units in Spanish Main while remediation and construction are still ongoing.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Project forces temporary town hall closure

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ongboat Key Town Hall will soon receive necessary reinforcements to strengthen the building for hurricanes.

From Dec. 26, 2024 to Jan. 4, 2025, town hall will be closed to the public while starting construction for the town hall hardening project.

While the project is under construction, town hall staff will still be available by phone by calling 941316-1999.

From Jan. 5, 2025 to Jan. 14, 2025, the town hall building will reopen.

Public access will be rerouted because of the installation of new doors. Signage will direct people to another entrance.

The town hall hardening project includes storm resiliency upgrades such as new windows, doors, roofing material and an upgraded backup generator.

The existing building was constructed in the early 2000s with windows and a roof rated to withstand winds of 110 mph. With the new materials, the building will withstand 150 mph winds equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane.

The current backup generator also only has enough power to back up the Information Technology Department and possibly a bit more.

With the new generator, the entire building will have power, as well as the adjacent Planning, Zoning and Building Department.

During Hurricane Helene, Town

File image

Manager Howard Tipton was stuck in the town hall building. That night, Tipton realized firsthand how necessary these upgrades were while he used cups to catch leaking water and spent the day without power.

“You can actually see outside the weather stripping and everything is kind of gone. I was cleaning up leaks,” Tipton said.

This project dates back to 20172018. At the time, the town pursued a Hazard Mitigation Grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and received $700,000.

Then, the COVID-19 pandemic complicated the bidding process, and the town decided to bid again in 2022. The bids came in higher than the FEMA grant at about $1.6 million.

The town went back to FEMA and asked for an extension and additional funding, and FEMA granted the town $1.2 million with a deadline of February 2025 to use the money.

When the town went out to bid again, the project costs had risen again. At that point, the Longboat Key Town Commission voted in January 2024 to approve a $250,000 transfer from capital reserves to help pay for the project.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Courtesy image

The Longboat Key Police Department accepted its accreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation in February.

File image

Chief of Police George Turner said leading the department to its first accreditation was his proudest moment with the department.

Longboat Chief of Police Turner to leave department in January Turner’s departure was announced to police department personnel on Dec. 12, though specific reasons behind the change remain unclear.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat Key Chief of Police George Turner will step down from his role and leave the Longboat Key Police Department at the end of January.

According to a memo sent by Town Manager Howard Tipton to police department personnel on Dec. 12, Turner will step down effective Jan. 11, 2025, and transition out of the town as of Jan. 24, 2025.

There were no details on the reason for the departure in Tipton’s memo to police department staff, but in an

email Turner sent to his employees he said: “I wanted to take the opportunity to advise all that Town Manager Howard Tipton has recently informed me that he is moving the Longboat Key Police Department in a new direction, therefore I have been told that I will be stepping down from service as the chief of police.”

Tipton’s memo stated he would start conversations with members of the police department and town about what the next steps would be.

He also commended Turner on his nearly five decades of police service and the work he has done in the

Longboat Key community.

Turner served two times with the Longboat Key Police Department, first from 2001 to 2007, then from 2021 to now.

“It has been an honor to serve the town of Longboat Key,” Turner said in an email to town commissioners on Dec. 13. “My professional goal was to leave L.K.P.D. better than how I found it. Mission accomplished.”

When Turner was hired in 2021 by former Town Manager Tom Harmer, he was hired with the goal of leading the department to its first state accreditation, which the department achieved in February 2024.

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“I truly regret not having the opportunity to continue with you all in our pursuit of excellence, our future Florida Re-Accreditation(s) goal and our continued high level of professional police services we provide to our great community. We are all very fortunate to be able to work on such a beautiful island, and enjoy such a high level of community support,” Turner said in the email to his department.

While the town searches for a new police chief, Deputy Chief Frank Rubino will serve as the acting chief of the department.

“I have no idea of the new direction the town manager has in mind, but knowing that Deputy Chief Frank Rubino is named Acting Chief of Police upon my retirement comforts me,” Turner said in his email to the department. “Deputy Chief Rubino will continue in the pursuit of excellence, Florida Accreditation and our high level of community service. I am sure he will have your support, as you have supported me.”

TURNER’S BACKGROUND

Turner’s law enforcement career started in New York in 1976, where he was a part-time officer and rescue diver.

During his time as a rescue diver, he assisted on missions rescuing, recovering bodies and searching for evidence. Then, in 1978, Turner was sworn in as a full-time road deputy.

He served Ulster County first as a road deputy, then rose through the ranks to sergeant, lieutenant, captain and, finally, deputy chief.

After 24 years in New York, Turner

decided to switch from the lakes and rivers of New York to the beaches and canals of Florida.

“It was a great career in New York, but I hated the snow,” Turner said.

That’s when Turner first joined the Longboat Key Police Department in 2001 as the patrol captain.

Six years later, in 2007, the police chief role in Brooksville opened up, and Turner decided to take that opportunity.

During his time as the chief of Brooksville, he led the department to its first accreditation.

Turner retired from Brooksville in 2018 and worked for a short time for the U.S. Marshals Service in Fort Myers.

When he heard the police chief job was opening up on Longboat Key in 2021, Turner moved from Fort Myers and closer to Longboat Key, with the job in his sights. That’s when Turner’s second stint with the Longboat Key Police Department started.

Harmer hired Turner with the goal in mind to lead the Longboat Key Police Department to its first accreditation — something he had experience with in Brooksville.

On Feb. 22, 2024, Turner and his officers received the department’s first accreditation in its history after three years of hard work.

It was his proudest moment in the nearly 10 years he’s worked with Longboat Key. “That was a lot of work,” Turner said. “It was a good department before, but it was much better after. That’s obviously my proudest accomplishment.”

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

A leadership legacy Longtime USF-SM leader and Longboat resident Karen Holbrook receives recognition of her impact at the school upon retirement.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

K

aren Holbrook has served in roles at numerous universities.

However, she says outside of the University of Washington, the University of South Florida is the one she’s stayed with the longest.

She attributes her 14 years with the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, including her seven years as regional chancellor that will conclude with her retirement at the end of 2024, to the excellence of the people and community.

The community turned out for the Longboat Key resident’s retirement celebration on Dec. 11, at an event held at the Student Center and Atala Residence Hall opened in August, at which Holbrook received a key to the city of Bradenton.

Brett Kemker, vice provost and regional vice chancellor for academic affairs and student success at USF Sarasota-Manatee, will succeed her in an interim role.

Rhea Law, president of the University of South Florida, recalled the case Holbrook made at a board meet-

ing for creating the residence hall.

“She presented such a passionate case for why this community should have a residence facility right here on this campus, and because of that, because of her passion for that, here we are, three years later, and look what happened. We are standing in it right here,” she said.

In addition to the residence hall, which was the college’s first new structure since 2006, the college also credits Holbrook with a number of contributions, which include adding and expanding academic programs and facilitating faculty research.

“I think Dr. Holbrook has started so many really unique initiatives, especially around bringing different degree programs to our campus that meet the workforce needs in the community, such as the aviation ecosystem that is really a focus of Manatee County,” said Marrie Neumer, the campus’ associate vice president for advancement.

Neumer said Holbrook has also expanded degree programs in risk management and insurance, and “certainly” health sciences including the commitment to providing

USF official Greg Smogard and Randy Dunn applaud Karen Holbrook.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown presents Karen Holbrook with a key to the city.

nurses, health care, specialists and all different majors in the area.

“We are proud to be able to continue and use those programs as a launch pad for the future,” she said.

Law, speaking during the event, discussed Holbrook’s love of the community.

“I think the thing that most strikes me is her absolute love of people, her love of students, her love of faculty, her love of staff, her love of this community, the real, deep wish that this university would be such an integral part of this community, that we would fight together, that we would work together, and that we would accomplish things together. I think that’s what you’ve done,” said Law. However, Holbrook emphasized the contributions of others.

“I just can’t say enough for being here, and leaving here is incredibly hard,” Holbrook said. “You just can’t believe it. I have loved it here. I love the people I deal with. I love the people I’ve worked with over the years.

And I still want to be seeing you, be friends with you, but I want to also, more than anything, thank every one of you, for all of you and what you have done for this campus and for

this community. It would not be the same without you. It is not ever one person, but it is many people, and the many people who are here are absolutely phenomenal.”

During the event, two initiatives in honor of Holbrook were announced.

The Dr. Karen A. Holbrook Legacy of Leadership fundraising campaign will name the office of the global engagement initiative USF World, found inside the residence hall, in honor of Holbrook.

The Perlman Music Program SunCoast, which has been holding its winter residency program on the campus for the last 17 years, will dedicate its 2024-25 winter residency to Holbrook.

Holbrook previously served USF as senior vice president for global affairs and international research; senior vice president for research, innovation and global affairs; and as senior advisor to the USF president.

She has also served as president of The Ohio State University; senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Georgia; vice president for research and dean of the graduate school at the University of Florida; and associ-

ate dean for research and professor of biological structure and medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

She has served on many boards, not limited to the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Association of American Medical Colleges, as well as local boards, some of which include the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp.

Early in her career, she was an NIH MERIT Award investigator, and has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin and a doctorate in Biological Structure from the University of Washington School of Medicine.

After an extensive career, Holbrook said she isn’t sure what’s next. She said she hopes to spend more time with her family, including her husband, Jim Holbrook, in their Longboat Key home.

“I’m going to go home and get things back in order and just spend some time with Jim and enjoy being with him, and then we’ll see what happens, because I’m hoping something will,” she said.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

A TIME TO KEEP OUR PERSPECTIVE

MATT WALSH

Editor’s note: A version of this editorial has appeared annually since 2010.

I

n this season to be jolly, it is, by golly, sometimes hard to be jolly.

And if you’re not all that jolly, when you think of what you, your family, your friends, your business and your work colleagues have endured in this trying year, perhaps we should put it in perspective — keep our perspective on what this season is really all about.

Compare, for instance, our lives today to those of Mary and Joseph in the year 4 A.D. We all know what happened on Christmas — as St. Luke masterfully wrote in his Gospel (see box).

But having some of the context that led up to that holy, remarkable day adds to its richness.

In truth, Jesus’ birth is a story for Jews and Christians alike. After all, Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph, were Jews. And the setting for this momentous, monumental event was in the heart of the land that God promised to Abraham and Moses: Israel.

The main characters leading up to Jesus’ birth — Mary; Joseph; Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth; and her husband, Zacharias — were anything but celebrities in their day. They were as common as Iowa farmers. And yet, in reality, Mary and Joseph were indeed connected to royalty. Biblical scholars tell us they actually were both descendants from the lineage of King David, the longtime king of Israel.

But at that time — around 4 B.C. — the Jews of Judea (central Israel) were anything but a privileged, royal class. They were living under the rule of Caesar Augustus and his vast Roman empire and under a maniac ruler, King Herod, an Arab-Jew who was a client king for Caesar Augustus.

Imagine life under Herod. The biblical historian Josephus wrote that “Herod inflicted such outrages upon the Jews as not even a beast

could have done if it possessed the power to rule over men.” So vile and monstrous, Herod became infamous for murdering his wife, three of his own sons, his father-in-law, his brother-in-law and 300 of his military leaders.

On top of this, and even though Herod allowed Jews to practice their religion without much interference, the Jews also had to contend with the Samaritans, half-Jew, halfGentile who lived between Judea and Galilee.

“The enmity between Jew and Samaritan was so intense” wrote biblical historian James Edward Talmadge, “that travelers between Judea and Galilee would make long detours rather than pass through Samaria.”

This is what Mary and Joseph faced when they received word of Caesar Augustus’ order for a census. He demanded that everyone register in his hometown.

For Mary and Joseph, this meant traveling from Nazareth in Galilee in the north to Bethlehem in Judea in the south — an 80-mile, four-day journey that would have taken them right through Samaria.

And let’s not forget: Mary was nine months pregnant.

In his gospel on the birth of Christ, St. Luke was sparing on the details of Mary and Joseph’s trip.

The fact there are few details must mean it was mostly uneventful. But you could imagine it otherwise: Any woman in her ninth month of pregnancy is physically miserable — can’t sit for long stretches, can’t sleep, constant heartburn, hemorrhoids. So imagine Mary and Joseph traveling in a caravan, with Mary riding much of the trip on a donkey.

The nights were cold.

On Dec. 23, they had two days to go before reaching Bethlehem.

And at this point, they would just be passing through Samaria. Jewish travelers who dared that route were marks for bandits.

But we know God was watching over Mary and Joseph. They made it to Bethlehem, only to find out there was no room at the inn.

Bethlehem was normally a sleepy little town, but it was bustling with Jews who had returned to register for the census.

Mary and Joseph, we know, found a stable. But this wasn’t the stable we see on the Hallmark Christmas cards. The stables in those days often were dark, cold caves with “mangers” — animal-feeding troughs carved into the stone walls.

The mangers in those days were not wooden cribs padded with dry, neatly arranged hay.

With nowhere else to go, Mary

FOR UNTO YOU IS BORN THIS DAY And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.”

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”

And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger.

— St. Luke, 2:1-16, King James Bible

gave birth — under the stars; amid the manure and muck; among the sheep, cows, goats and chickens; no doctors present to administer an epidural; with Joseph, her carpenter husband, assisting as best he could.

Those who have witnessed birth know it’s difficult in a hospital bed.

Imagine the scene in a smelly, dark, cold cave.

Yet this lowly, humble setting was the way Jesus Christ, the savior whom God sent for mankind, came into this world.

Now contrast the differences: Caesar Augustus maneuvering for worldly power and the biggest worldwide celebrity of his day; Herod, a regional celebrity, abusing his power in unspeakable ways.

They were all about self-centered status, power and ego.

Mary and Joseph were the antithesis. Humble, not wealthy, ordinary in all appearances. And yet they were extraordinary.

God sent his messenger, the angel Gabriel, and stunned Mary, that she would conceive miraculously and bring forth a son who would “reign over the house of Jacob forever.” She would be his mother.

And Joseph, the quiet carpenter, he fretted over what would happen to Mary, his fiancee, if people found out she was pregnant before they were married. Gabriel gave comfort to Joseph, just as he did to Mary.

And with humility, without complaint and far below the status of celebrity, they carried out God’s will, remembering all the while Gabriel’s assurance to Mary: “For with God, nothing shall be impossible.”

This is our heritage.

If we do anything in this holiday season, we should keep our perspective — give thanks to God and bring “peace on Earth, good will toward men.”

Happy Hanukkah. Merry Christmas.

“Seth himself had learned about this prophecy from his father, Adam, since the star originally had hovered over the Tree of Life, illuminating all of Eden, before Adam’s sin caused the star to vanish.”

Landau describes how the Magi carried out rituals for thousands of years in expectation of one day seeing this bright star. And they did.

“As promised,” according to the text of the Revelation, “the star is indescribably bright, so bright that the sun becomes as faint as the daytime moon; yet because the Magi alone are worthy of guarding this prophecy, the star can be seen by no one but them.

“The Magi enter the [Cave of Treasures] and bow before the star, whose incredible light gradually

dissipates to reveal a small, luminous human! This ‘star child’ reveals to the Magi that he is the Son of God …The star-child instructs the Magi to follow it to Jerusalem so they may witness its birth and participate in the salvation God has planned for the entire world.”

According to the Revelation, the Magi weren’t the three kings — Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, presenting gold, frankincense and myrrh. According to the Revelation, there were 12 Magi: “These are kings, sons of Eastern kings, in the land of Shir.”

In line with Matthew’s reporting, the Magi found the cave where Jesus was born. The Revelation has a twist, however, that isn’t in Matthew’s Gospel: Mary expresses her fear that the Magi had come to take Jesus in exchange for the gifts they brought.

The text of the Revelation says Christ reassured her: “Peace to you, my mother and upbringer …”

Of course, we don’t have the space here for all of the details in this Revelation. They are fantastical and well worth reading.

Are they true? Traditional biblical scholars say the “Revelation of the Magi” is “an apocryphal” account — outside the mainstream. But as Landau noted, “For European Christians in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, this story had immense influence.”

As always, there is more to every story. This one can indeed enrich your views of the greatness of the birth of Christ.

— MW

Who were the 3 kings?

This originally appeared in 2023.

O

ne of the precepts learned in journalism school is there are at least two sides to every story. Truth is, there are more.

Throughout most of Christianity, Christ’s birth has followed that journalistic precept. There are two accounts of Christ’s birth — that of Gospel writers Matthew and Luke.

But their versions differ. Matthew wrote of Magi arriving from the east after following a star. Luke wrote of shepherds in a field, where an angel told them what happened. Matthew wrote of the Magi giving baby Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh. Luke said nothing about gifts.

You wonder: Who were those guys anyway?

In today’s 24-7 media world, you can be sure frothing-at-the-mouth media would be all over that story ad nauseum. They would not just be writing about Jesus, Mary and Joseph. You know they also would be searching madly to find and get interviews with the first outsiders to see the baby Jesus.

What’s their story?

Not surprisingly, there is indeed another version to this story. And it’s a doozy.

Hidden in the bowels of the Vatican Library in Rome is a manuscript said to be written in the third or fourth century A.D. It’s called the “Revelation of the Magi” — a de-

tailed account of Christ’s birth told from the perspective of the Magi.

Brent Landau, an American biblical scholar fascinated by the Magi since he was a boy, happened upon an article about the “Revelation of the Magi” while doing research for his doctorate. In 2010, Landau authored and had published the book: “Revelation of the Magi: The Lost Tale of the Wise Men’s Journey to Bethlehem.”

Landau’s work was extraordinary: the first English translation of this long-forgotten and hidden manuscript, translated from the ancient and little known Christian language of Syriac.

Landau’s translation begins the Magi’s story at the beginning — in the Garden of Eden. Landau: “These Magi are members of an ancient mystical order and reside in a semi-mythical land called Shir, located in the extreme east of the world, at the short of the Great Ocean. The ‘Revelation of the Magi’ says these individuals are called ‘Magi’ in the language of their country because they pray in silence.”

“These mystics … are the descendants of Seth, the third son of Adam and Eve,” Landau writes. “The Magi inherited from Seth a prophecy of supreme importance for the world: a star of indescribable brightness will someday appear, heralding the birth of God in human form.

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

Friedrich Hayek

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Residents share unique holiday traditions

9

From a decorative palm tree to good luck meals, Longboaters share what they do to make the holidays feel special.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

W

hether it’s a favorite meal or a movie to watch while it’s cold out — well, in the 50s or 60s for Floridians — Longboat residents have holiday traditions that they hold dear.

Here are stories from a few residents who shared what traditions bring the holiday spirit alive for them.

Jeff and Terri Driver are active in the Longboat Key community with the Rotary Club of Longboat Key and Longboat Key Turtle Watch.

HEATHER AND RAY SELLERS

The Sellers have two traditions, one of which Heather Sellers said alluded to their eventual move to the island in 2019.

When Heather and Ray Sellers first joined their lives, there were lots of changes, she said, and the couple decided to start a new holiday tradition — decorating a palm tree instead of a traditional evergreen tree.

The family added ornaments from past Christmases and Heather said Ray’s daughters loved the new tradition. Every year, they would look forward to decorating the palm tree.

To this day, the daughters ask for pictures of the decorated palm tree, Heather said.

“And that same tree looks right at home here on Longboat Key, more so than in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where we moved from in 2019,” Heather said.

The Sellers’ other tradition that started years ago was to dress their two greyhounds in festive outfits.

This was a hit with friends and on Facebook, Heather said.

But when one of the Sellers’ greyhounds died in 2023, Heather said the couple lost the heart to pose for the annual photo without one of their pups.

As Christmas drew closer that year, Heather said they started receiving dozens of messages asking about the photo. Their friends and family said they loved the photo and looked forward to it, but they understood the circumstances.

Cyndi Seamon (left) and her group of friends during one of the years of their holiday tradition.

“Realizing these silly posts had become a tradition not just for ourselves, but for others, we had renewed spirit to dress our remaining greyhound up and kept the tradition going.

“Sometimes, especially after loss or tough times, we may ask ourselves ‘Why should we keep doing this silly thing? Why make the effort?’ I have learned through these two instances that we bring so much joy to others, lifting our own hearts in the process.

“Truly, the magic of the season lies in small traditions, where healing and hope become the biggest gifts,” Heather said.

CYNDI SEAMON AND FRIENDS

Every year since 2010, Seamon said she and a group of Longboat Key friends have gathered on a Saturday in December to celebrate the holidays.

On that day around noon, she said the group starts by watching the 1946 classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

After the first movie, the group spends the rest of that Saturday watching other holiday classics such as “White Christmas,” “Elf” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

“Of course we enjoy holiday sweet treats, beverages and crock pots of

Courtesy images

Banyan and Odie, the Sellers’ greyhounds. Behind them is the Sellers’ decorated holiday palm tree.

chili,” Seamon said.

Seamon said the group has kept the tradition alive even through the COVID-19 pandemic. During that year, she said they moved the party outside into a holiday-decorated garage area.

TERRI AND JEFF DRIVER

For some Longboat Key residents, holiday traditions are simple.

Terri and Jeff Driver said their simple tradition is what they eat on New Year’s Day. The couple combines two traditional meals.

One is black-eyed peas and collard greens, and another is pozole. Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup or stew that’s usually made with pork.

Terri Driver said the simple traditional meals are meant to bring good luck in the new year.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Sarasota students write letters to Santa Students at Fruitville Elementary School, Tuttle Elementary School and Suncoast School for Innovative Studies shared what they hope to receive this Christmas.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

C

hristmas is fast approaching, and Sarasota kids have some thoughts about what gifts they hope to receive this year.

From widely sought-after Jordan shoes, to

well wishes for others, students in Sarasota’s

Dear Santa, hope you are haveing a grate christmas! I have been good this year. For christmas this year I want a lego toy car. merry christmas Santa!

Dear Santa, Hi! My name is oliviA. I am 6 yers old. I have been a good gir this yer. I want I what you to help my Mommy because (she works so hard).

JOSEPH SIERRAPINEDA A FIRST GRADER AT TUTTLE ELEMENTARY

OLIVIA SERNA A KINDERGARTNER AT FRUITVILLE ELEMENTARY

elementary schools had many requests.

Teachers from Fruitville Elementary School, Tuttle Elementary School and Suncoast School for Innovative Studies acted as The Observer’s elves to send us a sampling of students’ letters to Santa Claus.

Dear Santa, I have been nice this year. How are the Elfs doing? I want a PS4.

A hovr board. A girlfriend. A math book.

Dear Santa, I always wanted to see u and for Christmas i want to help the homeless and that is what i want.

Dear Santa, I have been good this year. May I have a new Phone and can i get a PC and Jorden and Nike shoes and a soccer ball and a VR head set.

SHAMARI BRYANT A THIRD GRADER AT SUNCOAST SCHOOL FOR INNOVATIVE STUDIES

ISAAC ZAPATA A THIRD GRADER AT SUNCOAST SCHOOL FOR INNOVATIVE STUDIES

DYLAN SILVA A FIRST GRADER AT TUTTLE ELEMENTARY

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

SATURDAY, DEC. 7

COPS CORNER FRIDAY, DEC. 6

UNKNOWN URNS 1:30 p.m., 4200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Incident: A pastor called the police to report that an unknown person dropped off the cremated remains of two individuals on the front steps of the church.

The two urns were left on the steps along with pictures of a male and female presumed to be the deceased in the urns. The pastor told police he researched the names but did not find any affiliation with the church or with any past or present members of the church.

He told the officer the church would bury the remains on the property, and the officer requested to be informed of the date the remains were buried to add to the report.

All Angel

resident. A verbal argument broke out, which the complainant thought was about where the packages were dropped. The complainant said he then walked off and went to the bathroom before calling the police.

The resident cleared things up for the officer and said the argument was not about the packages, but about the complainant using the bathroom. Where exactly the delivery driver used the bathroom was omitted from the report. The officer reported this appeared to be a translation issue, but the case was documented for future reference.

ON A SIDEWALK STROLL 11:36 a.m., 4400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Person: An officer responded to a suspicious person report regarding a man walking around residences and knocking on door handles.

While en route to the location, officers located a man matching the description given by the caller.

The man did not wish to give his full name and claimed the report of him knocking on doors was not true. He also said the responding officer was not an actual police officer.

According to the police report, the man appeared to be suffering from a mental disorder but did not seem to be in danger. The man refused medical attention. The responding officer said the man appeared calm and care free.

At the time, he was not violating any laws, so he was free to continue walking down the sidewalks as he wished.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11

NOT-SOSPECIAL DELIVERY 9:27 a.m., 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway Suspicious Incident: Dispatch sent an officer to respond to a report of a suspicious package marked “fragile” and left next to a store.

The complainant flagged down the officer upon arrival and showed him the brown box lying on its side next to a planter.

After picking up the package, the officer discovered the package was addressed to the business next door. The package was successfully delivered to the business.

TUESDAY, DEC. 10

SO ... WHERE WAS THE BATHROOM? 2:35 p.m., 3000 block of Grand Bay Boulevard Disturbance: A delivery driver requested police assistance for a verbal disturbance. The complainant/driver only spoke Russian, so he used a translator application to communicate with the driver.

Through the translator, the complainant said he was delivering packages and was approached by a

THURSDAY, DEC. 12

GARAGE DOOR ... GHOST? 1:42 a.m., 6100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Incident: A resident

563 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL

called the police after he said his rear garage door opened without anyone pressing the opener. Upon arrival, the officer searched the interior of the garage and noted all other doors were locked. Nothing inside the garage or on the exterior of the home seemed suspicious, and no footprints were found. The officer proceeded to close the garage door for the resident and the case was cleared.

NO CRIME FOR HAVING A GOOD TIME 3:19 p.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Person: A Longboat Key officer investigated a suspicious person report of a man “party dancing and talking to himself.” When the officer arrived at the location, a man was playing a drum while sitting on the back of his vehicle. The officer spoke with the man who said he was just trying to have a good time playing and writing music. He said he was recently “down on his luck” and just wanted to play his drum. The officer asked if he was OK or needed anything, but the man said he was fine. No suspicious activity was observed by the officer, who noted: “The male party appeared to be just enjoying his time.”

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, CATHOLIC CHURCH

by the

Would Like to Welcome & Invite You, Your Family Members Mem bers & Friends to Celebrate Christmas with Our Parish Community

Episcopal Church

Tuesday, December 24, 2024 Regular Weekday Mass - 9:00 a.m.

Christmas Eve Vigil Mass - 4:00 p.m.

Christmas Carols - 8:30 p.m.

Mass - 9:00 p.m.

CHRISTMAS EVE CELEBRATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24TH 5 PM

Wednesday, December 25, 2024 Christmas Day Masses 8:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

Reverend Robert Dziedziak

Christmas

433236-1

www.AllAngelsLBK.org

433545-1

941-383-8161

4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-383-1255 | www.stmarylbk.org

at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church

Christmas Eve December 24 5, 7, & 9pm

Holy Communion, Festive Brass & Timpani at all services Prelude concert begins 20 minutes before each service Live Streamed Service at 7pm www.saklc.com

Christmas Day

Growing in Jesus’ Name

C HRISTMAS E VE C ANDLELIGHT S ERVICE Worship and Celebrate With Us

December 25 10am Worship

Tuesday, December 24 • 5:30 PM

Lessons & Carols

“Love's Light Dawning” Service with Choir, Carols, and Candlelight Visitors & Residents Welcome

Join Us for Our Regular Sunday Service at 10:00 AM

December 29th 9am & 11am Worship

Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor

Watch Our Services Live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchoflbk.org (follow YouTube link)

40 North Adams Drive, Sarasota, FL 941.388.1234 | office@saklc.com | www.saklc.com

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

435629-1

Rev. Dr. Kenneth Blyth, Pastor Michael J. Bodnyk, Minister of Music 435849-1

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

T

Photos by Ian Swaby

“Seaduction” arrives, dwarfed in height by a Santa Claus balloon.

Sienna Kohlbrecker and her friend Emily Cintron were Glinda and Elphaba on the “Defying Gravity” boat themed after “Wicked.”

Holiday spirit shines

The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, organized by Suncoast Charities for Children, featured vessels decked with holiday lights and decor.

he banner “Joy to SRQ,” found on the Lotus yacht, summarized the concept of the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, said Maiya and Stephen Gardner, the owners of the boat, which won first place in the category for private vessels 36 feet and over.

“We only see so much of it, being on the boat,” said Maiya Gardener. “It’s actually more of a spectacle for people looking from land, so we’re just happy to be a part of that experience and the joy, and the festive spirit.”

For 38 years, the event, held Dec. 14, has been organized by Suncoast Charities for Children.

Sienna Kohlbrecker and her husband, Kyle, who brought their friends along on their boat themed after the film “Wicked,” enjoy the parade so much they returned for a fourth year.

The boat won “most creative,” as well as first place in the 21- to 35-foot private vessel category.

“The second he was announced, we all screamed, and then my husband jumped into the water, and it was a very exciting moment,” said Sienna Kohlbrecker. Kyle Kohlbrecker captained the boat.

For 38 years, the event has been organized by Suncoast Charities for Children.

Suncoast Charities for Children offered a chance for residents of The Haven, a nonprofit offering services to those with disabilities, to view the parade from the VIP viewing area at Marina Jack. It also held a toy donation drive, and this year was offered a $5,000 matching grant by the Reinhart Foundation, which was met that night.

Turtle Beach Grill shines brightly as it approaches.

— IAN SWABY

The crew of the “Lotus” celebrates as the yacht makes its way along the parade route.

“Bound in Blue” approaches with a very green Grinch-themed display.

Most Creative: “Defying Gravity”

PRIVATE 21-35’ (P-1) First Place: “Defying Gravity” Second Place: “Seas the Kilt”

PRIVATE 36’ AND OVER (P-2) First Place: Turtle Beach Grill Second Place: “Slip N’ Slide”

CORPORATE 35’ AND OVER (C-2) First Place: MarineMax Aquila Second Place: LeBarge Tropical Cruises

An EcumEnicAl church WElcoming All PEoPlE

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

433563-1

WINNING BOATS

longboatkeytemple.org

Christmas in the Garden 2024 4

December 24th, Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion Featuring Special Music 5:00 PM

435754-1

Fantastic Music, Inspiring Messages, Wonderful People 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive admin@longboatislandchapel.org Follow us on Facebook

Longboat Key, Florida 34228 www.longboatislandchapel.org 941-383-6491

Admission Free

Fort Lonesome - Featuring Robbie Ahlbrandt, Country Western Singer ........ Dec. 19th Alyssa Adamson, Soprano & Stephen Fancher, Piano.............................. Dec. 20th Pine View Elementary School Chorus New Year’s Eve - The Voice of Solid Gold, John Rinell .............................. Dec. 31st

Complimentary Appetizers (This evening’s entertainment begins at 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm) Donations Appreciated!

Christmas Eve Communion & Candlelight Service Tuesday, December 24 • 5:00 pm

436454-1

CHRISTMAS AT THE LONGBOAT ISLAND CHAPEL

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

HOWIE THE HOME SAFETY HOUND DOG

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is helping this Christmas Season!

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DECEMBER 19, 2024

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Rosealie Bergman and Bunny Skirboll

Lari Brochin and Pam Crowe

Jill Reiter, Paula Kapp, Shawna West and Ricki Harvey

FROSTY FROLIC

A

sea of red, green, Grinches and Dolly Partons could be seen on the Longboat Key Club Golf course on the morning of Dec. 10.

“That is probably my favorite part about the Frosty Frolic,” said Noreen Geer. “I’m always wondering what people are thinking when they turn their heads on Gulf of Mexico Drive and see us all dressed in our festive and kooky outfits.”

The Women’s Golf Association of Longboat Key and the KeyNiners partnered for their annual festive event, the Frosty Frolic, on Dec. 10. As they donated for Toys for Tots, the ladies used the charitable event to do their favorite things: dress up, golf and spend time with their best friends.

“Holly, Jolly, Dolly”

Women’s Golf Association of Longboat Key and Key-Niners collected donations for Toys for Tots.

was one group’s inspirations since three of their women are from Nashville. The ladies wore blonde wigs, big sunglasses and outfits with pink accents. Last year, they dressed like Elvis Presley.

Another group took inspiration from the Grinch and wore Grinchthemed sweaters and caps. Others went simple with matching sweaters, reindeer ears, scarves and red and green outfits.

This is one of two events the golf groups attend together. The other is “Go for a Cure,” which raises money for breast cancer research. Many players said their favorite part of these events is getting to know players from each of the groups.

“It was really nice to see everyone all here,” said Rosealie Bergman. “We go all out with our outfits, and it is cool to see everyone come together for a good cause.”

— PETRA RIVERA

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Noel Geer, Shannon Barton, Suzanne Snyder, Shery Price and Cheryl Ruark

Photos by Petra Rivera

Arleen Klein and Lynn Hancock

YourObserver.com

17

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

#1 LONGBOAT KEY TEAM Michael Saunders & Company OVER $588MM SOLD SINCE 2007

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on g b o at K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0THE 0 0 PIERRE ON LONGBOAT L on g b o at K KEY e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487 455 LONGBOAT CLUB RD #504 | OFFEREDMLS# AT $4,200,000 2067 HA4178487 A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 are0enjoyed from this expertly L on g b o aFull t K gulf, e y | bay O f fand e recity d a tviews $ 7 79, 00 L onrenovated g b o a t K e3ybed/3.5 | O f f ebath re d residence. a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 Updates include a reimagined floor plan, hardwood flooring, Lutron Lighting and Sonos systems, MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487 quartz counters, full bath remodels in the primary and both guest rooms and much more!

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18

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Dennis DeWitt, Bob Keagy, Jeff Murphy and Jeff Barlow

Annual tradition anchors yacht club events I

t isn’t the holiday season for Bird Key Yacht Club members until the cannon fires and twinkling lights illuminate its docks with holiday cheer.

Most members consider this 50-year-old tradition to be the highlight of their season and one of their favorite events of the club.

Members, 175 strong, attended the club’s annual Blessing of the Fleet on Dec. 14. This year’s event hit a bit harder after the challenges the community faced during Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“It is great to see it so well attended after everything with the hurricanes,” April Lane Chase said. “We look forward to it every year because of the whole culture around boating and holiday lights are just festive. We also love to see

Fleet Captain Bob Keagy, Commodore Michael Landis, Vice Commodore Tony Britt and Rear Commodore Saul Landesberg

our boats celebrate all holidays: Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza.”

The annual ceremony started with Fleet Capt. Bob Keagy sharing the history of the event, which began among the fishing community on Florida’s Gulf Coast after World War II. The Rev. Brett DeHart from the First United Methodist Church in Sarasota then blessed the fleet to have safe travels as they go into this 2024-2025 season.

The ceremony finished with the firing of the cannon and the lighting of the boats. Local trumpet player Kevin Celebi serenaded the crowd with festive music as attendees walked the docks and viewed the holiday lights.

The Scarlett Lady decorated by Lynn Pettigrew and Jay Plager.

The Rev. Brett DeHart

— PETRA RIVERA

Photos by Petra Rivera

Debbie Landesberg, Carol Chrisman and April Lane Chase

Lynn Coffin and Des Trahan

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

19

Wishing you Happy Holidays and Peace in the New Year!

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PIERRE - LONGBOAT KEY

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

REGISTER TODAY!

th 25

ANNIVERSARY

Hank Foster, Melinda Foster, Sandra Smith, Bob Rutland, Chad LaTour, Valerie LaTour, Jan Anderson and Bill Hadley

CHALLENGE

Community concert shows residents’ strength N

Photos by Petra Rivera

Susan Claudio dances to the music of SoulRCoaster.

avy blue shirts spread out across the Town Center Green with the words “LBK Strong” on the front of them.

After receiving the shirts at their staff retreat on Dec. 13, Longboat Key town employees wanted to bring their unity into the next day at the “LBK Strong” community concert.

The shirt is now in high demand from residents after they spotted them at the event.

“Gulf Coast Eagle Distributing donated all the drinks for free,” said Assistant to the Town Manager Susan Phillips.

“The food trucks cost us nothing. The band was $15, while the opener was free. We did get a donation of $2,500 and that helped get some chairs and tables because I originally told people to bring lawn chairs.”

When Phillips began planning the first “LBK Strong” community concert, she aimed to spend as little as possible to bring the community together after the trials of the hurricanes.

The free concert at the Karon Family Pavillion achieved its goal by bringing those on the Key together. Longboat resident and musician Tim Michael McCaig kicked off the evening, followed by local band SoulRCoaster’s dynamic performance of songs from all genres.

About 250 island residents packed the grass area in front of the pavilion, while organizations, nonprofits and businesses such as Christ Church of Longboat Key, the Longboat Key Garden Club and the Holistic Healing and Wellness Center of Longboat Key set up tables around the periphery to share their missions and support the town.

— PETRA RIVERA

JANUARY 17-19, 2025

Gift Cards Available Online!

Best Brunch Daily Get Your Holiday Reservations In!

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Deli New Year’s Eve Special

PRE-TOURNAMENT RECEPTION & CEREMONY Hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, soft drinks Thursday, Jan. 16 | 5 to 7 p.m. at The Resort at Longboat Key Spike ‘n’ Tees, Islandside

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We would like to thank you for your continued patronage & wish you a A Happy and Safe Holiday Season

Friday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 19 Longboat Key Public Tennis Center

NEW FORMAT! OPEN TO ALL

Four Players per Team at Comparable Levels (2 women, 2 men) Two doubles pro sets (men vs. men; women vs. women) Two mixed doubles matches; tie breaker if necessary

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

21

REAL ESTATE BY REAL EXPERTS JUST LISTED

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JUST LISTED

WINDING OAKS • 3455 WINDING OAKS DRIVE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $995,000 3BR/2BA • 2,112 SF • Furnished • Waterfront Offering a 3% buyer broker compensation.

JUST LISTED

COREY’S LANDING • 3444 MISTLETOE LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $2,800,000 4BR/3.5BA • 2,836 SF • Upgraded • Waterfront Offering a 3% buyer broker compensation.

BAYPORT BEACH & TENNIS CLUB • 520 BAYPORT WAY • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $949,000 2BR/2BA • 1,456 SF • Gulf to Bay Community Offering a 3% buyer broker compensation.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES • $5,999,000 596 YAWL LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 5BR/5.5BA • 7,374 SF • 275’ of Seawall • Large lot Offering a 3% buyer broker compensation.

PLAYERS CLUB • $1,095,000 1485 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #201 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR/2.5BA • 1,551 SF • Gulf views • Furnished Offering a 3% buyer broker compensation.

THE MARK • $1,499,000 111 S. PINEAPPLE AVE., #1004 • SARASOTA, FL 2BR/2.5BA • 1,513 SF • Sleek, modern interior • City views Offering a 3% buyer broker compensation.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES • $2,795,000 597 CUTTER LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR/2BA • 1,963 SF • 103’ of Waterfront Offering a 3% buyer broker compensation.

FAIRWAY BAY • $675,000 1932 HARBOURSIDE DR., #242 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 2BR/2.5BA • 1,192 SF • Bay views Offering a 3% buyer broker compensation.

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

SUTTON PLACE • $479,000 569 SUTTON PLACE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR/2BA • 1,198 SF • Furnished • Gulf to Bay community Offering a 3% buyer broker compensation.

BEACHPLACE III • $799,000 1065 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #104 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 2BR/2BA • 1,503 SF • Private walk-down Offering a 3% buyer broker compensation.

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

BRUCE MYER GROUP

• OVER $130 MILLION PENDING AND SOLD - JUST IN 2024 • TOP 10 COLDWELL BANKER SALES ASSOCIATE - 2023 • TOP 1.5% OF ALL REALTORS IN THE NATION • TOP FLORIDA 100 REALTOR - COLDWELL BANKER

Learn more at www.BruceMyer.com

CHASE MYER (941) 315-5318

BRUCE MYER (941) 376-5311

595 BAY ISLES ROAD, SUITE 250 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228

432583-1

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, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Why Leave the Key...

Serving Longboat Key for over 10 Years

436421-1

Peter Norden and Red Hynch sit next to Norden’s red 2019 Porsche.

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

Porsche enthusiasts gather for 20th anniversary of St. Armands show

P

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

941.383.6400 | www.LongboatKeyDental.com

422029-1

orsches new and old filled the streets and grass of St. Armands Circle on the afternoon of Dec. 14.

Suncoast Porsche presented its annual Porsches in the Park event, celebrating the event’s 20th anniversary and a holiday toy run benefiting Toys for Tots.

Porsche enthusiasts and owners walked around the Circle and talked to fellow owners, who showcased their vintage and new vehicles.

Among the owners was George Wienhold, who decked his 1987 Cassis with reindeer antlers and a red nose in time for the holiday season.

Wienhold and his wife, Marlene, have attended Porsches in the Park for at least 14 years and, like most other attendees, collecting the annual shirts is a hit.

He said his favorite part of the event is, “the camaraderie of all the owners and seeing the diversity of the amazing Porsches. It’s amazing.”

Wienhold bought his 1987 Porsche about 16 years ago. After he and his wife quit smoking, they saved all the money he would have spent on cigarettes. Eventually, they saved enough to buy the Porsche for $18,000.

Across from Wienhold and among a row of vintage Porsches, Dennis Bosch used a cloth and cleaned a small stain of bird

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

Geroge Wienhold and his festive 1987 Cassis.

droppings off his 1964 356C Porsche.

On the back, his “SMR LOVN” license plate reminds him of his teenage years.

When he got his driver’s license, this 1964 Porsche was his dream car. At the time, though, he could only afford a Triumph TR2, which he got for $350.

Now, Bosch could finally get his dream car. He had the car painted in a unique fjord green color, which set it apart from others in the row.

— CARTER WEINHOFER

Let Us Celebrate You! Our planners are experts in helping you create the perfect occasion!

Birthdays Anniversaries Quinceaneras

Bridal Showers Baby Showers Graduati ons

Corporate Events and More SCAN FOR INFORMATION

CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTERS

Sarasota | 941.921.5755 Celebration of Life Center

Seat Capacity 95 7454 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota, FL 34231

Lakewood Ranch | 941.932.8100 Celebration of Life Center

Seat Capacity 150 4310 Solutions Ln., Bradenton, FL 34211

rtseventsfl.com

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

L’AMBIANCE

23

415 L’Ambiance Drive #A608 - $7,217,000 Experience luxury living in this epic North/West corner Gulf-front residence at L'Ambiance with year-round sunsets. Exquisitely redesigned by renowned architect Mark Sultana, this home boasts 3,380 sq. ft. of living space, that will take your breath away. Instant enjoyment is waiting for you to create everlasting memories with your loved ones. Walk to the golf course, tennis, state-of-the-art fitness, three guest suites, concierge. Bonus two parking spaces.

LAmbianceA608.com

415 L’Ambiance Drive #A801 - $7,500,000 Beyond imagination with ultimate views of sunrises and sunsets, enjoy casual elegance from this epic southwest corner residence in the south building of L’Ambiance within the gates of the Longboat Key Club. This residence has been recently reconstructed and custom-designed to take full advantage of the spectacular sites. Three bedrooms with ensuites, plus a bonus room or children’s wing with bunk beds.

LAmbianceA801.com

ARIA

GULF FRONT HOME

TANGERINE BAY CLUB

5941 Gulf of Mexico Drive - $8,800,000

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

350 Gulf of Mexico Drive #211 - $1,078,000

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.

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.

This meticulously maintained 2,400 sq. ft. corner residence features lush tropical views of Sarasota Bay and a prime location. The residence boasts an open floor plan with 3 bedrooms, two patios for optimal sunlight and multiple access points including BBQ, and a private 2 car garage.

Pet-friendly policies (two pets up to 22 lbs.).

1

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

%

IN THE WORLD

Coldwell Banker

$3.4 Billion Career Sales

Judy.Kepecz-Hays@floridamoves.com | www.LongboatKeyLuxury.com

Leah George

Judy Kepecz-Hays

941-780-0597 941-587-1700

Steven Kepecz

941-376-6411

100 North Tamiami Trail | Sarasota, FL 34236 | Judy.Kepecz-Hays@floridamoves.com | www.LongboatKeyLuxury.com

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TOP

Aria204.com

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

CAT DEPOT SUPPLY & GIFT STORE

1 PLACE TO SHOP FOR CATS & CAT LOVERS #

NOW OPEN

2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 | www.catdepot.org | 941.366.2404

433521-1 43351 1-1

www.catdepot.org/shop

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

WILD FLORIDA

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

436444-1

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

WE WISH YOU

A

CFC1429635 • CPC1459826 • CAC1818472

435989-1

wwww.lapenseeplumbing.com 778.5622 401 Manatee Avenue, Holmes Beach

Habitat Restoration zone returns to Myakka MIRI HARDY CONTRIBUTOR

H

abitat restoration is the process of repairing an ecosystem to its original or near-original state by reestablishing the ecological functions and biodiversity of a degraded natural community.

It is necessary in areas degraded or destroyed by human activities like deforestation, overgrazing, mining, clearing land for agriculture and damming rivers.

As part of efforts to restore the natural flow of the wild and scenic Myakka River, to the benefit of Myakka’s ecosystems and our community, an exciting habitat restoration project is currently underway at the Upper Myakka Lake. This project commenced in 2022, when a weir built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, which negatively impacted the ecosystem, was removed. A bypass channel created in 1974 was filled in when the weir was removed, to restore a floodplain marsh that previously existed in the area.

Habitat restoration of highly impacted areas to their former health, functionality and diversity takes time. As a floodplain marsh, the newly re-created habitat is seasonally flooded. Indeed, this year, as a result of three powerful storms, this area was completely submerged for months. Native wildlife and plants that live in or along the river depend on such seasonal flooding to survive and thrive. But such hydro periods do create additional challenges for effectively restoring vegetation to this highly impacted area.

While a habitat is recovering, human behavior can be unintentionally detrimental in multiple ways. First, approaching park visitors scare wildlife away, which excludes them, and their role in this ecosystem, from the habitat being restored. And continuous human

Miri Hardy

Myakka’s wildlife respond favorably to the habitat restoration zone, which prevents human disturbances and improves their habitats.

trampling is the main suppressor of natural revegetation, which is critical for rebuilding the habitat and controlling erosion. To aid in these important restoration efforts, Friends of Myakka River volunteers, in coordination with park management, recently re-installed temporary fencing around this sensitive zone. Encouragingly, thanks to reduced foot traffic in the zone, revegetation in impacted areas is slowly reemerging. As evidenced by the dazzling array of native species taking full advantage of their habitat, Myakka’s wildlife is much quicker to respond to the protection offered by the restoration zone.

Their increased presence benefits the habitat’s stability and resilience, while delighting park visitors.

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Together, we’re protecting and sharing Myakka’s Magic, to the benefit of future generations, and our own. Follow us @FriendsOfMyakkaRiver

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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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

25

T H E G R O U P

Jules Mackie | Tracey Stetler | Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan | Patrick DiPinto | Rene DiPinto | Steven Moore | Janet Coughlin

Over $150,000,000 Volume in the Past 18 Months We are a collaboration of savvy real estate professionals with decades of local experience. We focus on selling exceptional properties located in downtown and on our local islands. We represent buyers and sellers in our marketplace with a unique viewpoint, as we live in the communities that we sell. This local perspective makes us experts in our field, allowing us to provide you all the information for you and your family to make the best decision in your real estate endeavor.

SIESTA KEY RECORD PRICE

PENDING

4136 HIGEL AVE | SIESTA KEY $16,995,000 – SOLD!!

5 Beds 7 Baths 8,964 Sq. Ft.

1690 ARLINGTON ST | WEST OF TRAIL $2,275,000- 2965 Sq. Ft. 4 Beds 4.5 Baths with Guest Apartment

549 SLOOP LANE | LONGBOAT KEY $3,900,000 - Country Club Shores 4 Beds 5 Baths 4,127 Sq. Ft.

5440-5442 GULF OF MEXICO DR | LONGBOAT KEY 6,900,000.00 – Vacant Land 2.08 Acres Proposed for 7 Buildable Lots

109 WARBLER LN | BIRD KEY $11,399,000 – Under Construction 4 Beds 4.5 Baths 4,750 Sq. Ft.

5444 GULF OF MEXICO DR | LONGBOAT KEY $6,900,000.00 – Bayfront 1.06 Acres 5 Beds 5 Baths 6,000 Sq. Ft.

3621 SAN REMO TER | SARASOTA $9,750,000 – Under Construction 5 Beds 7 Baths 5,328 Sq. Ft.

6489 GULFSIDE ROAD | LONGBOAT KEY $16,995,000 – Under Construction 4 Beds 5 Baths 6,614 Sq. Ft.

569-571 CHANNEL LANE | SOUTH LONGBOAT KEY $1,050,000 – Multi-Family Renovation Or Build Your New Home Here

1212 CENTER PLACE | LIDO SHORES $6,995,000 – New Construction 5 Beds 6 Baths 4750 Sq. Ft.

BIRD KEY - Sarasota’s premier residential island and Yacht Club experience. Water front homes from the $2 millions.

610 YARDARM LN | LONGBOAT KEY $4,699,000 – 1 House from the Bay 4 Beds 4 Baths 4,138 Sq. Ft.

Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

Contact: Tracey Stetler 941-266-9001

Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

Contact: Janet Coughlin 941-323-3736

Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

Contract: Tracey Stetler 941.266.9001

Contact: Tracey Stetler 941-266-9001

Contact: Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan 941-928-2922

Contact: Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan 941-928-2922

941 - 388 - 2021

53 S PALM AVENUE, SARASOTA, FL 34236

426497-1

WWW.THEDIPINTOGROUP.COM | @THEDIPINTOGROUP

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

26

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Longboat Key lights up the night PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

W

ith the sun setting earlier, Gulf of Mexico

THE VILLAGE

Drive seems darker these days without the holiday season.

But, never fear, your favorite holiday displays are

Photos by Petra Rivera

AQUARIUS CLUB

here to brighten things up a bit.

Longboaters pulled through with some fun, festive decorations this year. Here are some must-add spots for your holiday lights tour of Longboat Key.

The Aquarius Club is the main event when driving down Gulf of Mexico Drive this year.

Powdered with an archway of white lights crawling up its trees, it creates a festive ambiance. For a pop of color, multicolored strings and tree-shaped lights hang from its branches.

Red, white and green. These classic colors of Christmas bring the holiday alive. Palm trees are lit with these colors between a field of white twinkle lights and decorations in the Village.

Also, for a second year in a row, this house on Broadway Avenue, across from the Shore restaurant, is something to admire.

The mix of the palm trees with festive colors, with its Christmas garland and wreath, makes it a beautiful stop on the holiday tour. The big ornament in the middle adorned with snowflakes ties in everything for the perfect holiday flair.

BAY ISLES ROAD

LONGBOAT HARBOUR Adding to the list of best holiday houses on the Key, Country Club Shores brings some of our favorites with their bright display of lights.

For the second year in a row, this house on Bogey Lane brings its multicolored holiday display for some Christmas joy. If you’re lucky, you might see its beautiful Christmas Tree in the window.

TURNING

Santa is always watching as you drive down of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Longboat Harbour Condominiums takes the award of most festive with its red and green lanterns, white twinkle trees, large ornaments and giant presents.

You also can’t miss Santa’s reindeer peeking out behind the sign as you pull in to enter.

Don’t forget to catch a peek at the side of The Sea Club I Beach Resort building for a festive message. Windward Bay also has a beautiful set of wooden reindeer as you enter its complex.

Lastly, make sure to drive by Longboat Key Fire House Station 92 to see it lit up with an assortment of colorful lights and a giant blow-up Firefighter Santa.

EXCEPTIONAL EXCEPTIONAL EXCEPTIONAL VACATION RENTALS RENTALS VACATION VACATION RENTALS

Dreams

your

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Specializing in Specializing Specializing Longboat Keyininand Lido Key Longboat Key Lido Longboat Keyand andHomes, LidoKey Key Private Vacation Condominiums Private Vacation Homes, and Beachfront Private VacationResorts Homes,Condominiums Condominiums and Beachfront Resorts and Beachfront Resorts

941-387-9709 941-387-9709 3720 Gulf of Mexico Drive 941-387-9709

into an ADDRESS

3720 Gulf Key, of Mexico Drive Longboat FL 34228 3720 GulfKey, of Mexico Drive Longboat FL 34228 info@FLVacationConnection.com Longboat Key, FL 34228

Locally owned and Locally owned managed sinceand 1994 Locally owned managed sinceand 1994 managed since 1994

info@FLVacationConnection.com FLVacationConnection.com info@FLVacationConnection.com FLVacationConnection.com FLVacationConnection.com

416806-1

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

You can’t have a Florida Christmas without some palm trees festooned with lights. Right next to Publix, Bays Isles Parkway is sparkling with holiday joy as you exit back to Gulf of Mexico Drive.

With a switch-up from last year, the trees are bejeweled with multicolored lights instead of the simple white lights they were in previous years.

These simple decorations make driving around Longboat more festive.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

JANET!

1055 Gulf of Mexico Drive #504

1065 Gulf of Mexico Drive #104

$1,549,000

$799,000

2BD | 2BA | 1,503 SqFt Beachfront, Turnkey, Rentals in place

2BD/2BA/1,503 SqFt Garden View, Southern Exposure

You bring so much joy, laughter, and warmth into our lives, and we are so lucky to have you by our side. We hope today is filled with love, happiness, and everything that makes you smile.

Cheers to another year of amazing memories together!

438014-1

GROOM’S MOTORS & AUTOMOTIVE

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

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

seitreporp esitrepxe stluser

YRANIDEXTRAORDINARY ROARTXE

DELAVIRNU LANOITPECXE

941.928.3559

UNRIVALED t silaicep S lai tn edis eR defi it reC

e t a i c o s s A - r ek o r B EXCEPTIONAL

9553.829.149

moc.srednuasleahcim@notluoMle ahciM MichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com

1045 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #403

The Renaissance

2BD | 2BA | 1,108* SqFt Light, Bright & Ready For Your Personal Touch

$499,000

2BD | 2BA | 1,503 SqFt Beachfront, Updated Kitchen, 24 Hour Guard Gated Entrance $1,475,000

Ready to Buy or SELL?

evirD tnioP esuohthgiL 56 0 0 0,597,3$ | 181834 4A | FS 339,4

daoR bulC taobgnoL 548 0 0 0,057,91$ | 5160 4 4 4A | FS 0 03,91

Maggie Hicks, Coldwell Banker maggiehicks201@gmail.com 941.321.1759 Marina Tower #1001 | Downtown Bayfront

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

moc.SEITREPORP

tsenif

SATOSARAS

Florida a di440 rolFGulf ,yeofKMexico taobgDr no|LLongboat | r D ocKey, ixeM fo f lu G 0 4 4

435805-1

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

433073-1

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 595 Bay Isle Road, Ste 250 • Longboat Key, FL 34228

enaL draylaH 105 104 # bulC retaW 5,815sf | 4BR + Office | $7,795,0000 0| 0A4626354 0 0 0,599,1$ | 4 64 8 4 4 4A | FS 043, 2 ,575 , 2$ | 4 67124 4A | FS 0 04,3

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

27

JEFF RHINELANDER 941-685-3590 | jef f@jef frhinelander.com

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

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

7298 BELLEISLE GLEN, LAKEWOOD RANCH $600,000

2BD/2BA • 1,608 Sq.Ft. • Open Concept • Supreme Style • Meticulously Maintained & Updated • Picturesque Views

BIRD KEY 453 EAST ROYAL FLAMINGO DRIVE, SARASOTA BIRD KEY $8,495,000

453 EAST ROYAL FLAMINGO DRIVE, SARASOTA 5BD/6BA • 4,500 Sq.Ft. • Pre-Construction $8,495,000 Canal Front Property • Stunning Views of the Water 5BD/6BA • 4,500 Sq.Ft. • Pre-Construction Canal Front Property • Stunning Views of the Water

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

7298 BELLEISLE GLEN, LAKEWOOD RANCH $600,000

2BD/2BA • 1,608 Sq.Ft. • Open Concept Supreme Style • Meticulously Maintained & Updated Picturesque Views

PENDING

TIMBERLAKES

4583 TRAILS DRIVE, SARASOTA $668,000

3BD/2BA • 2,092 Sq.Ft. • Timeless Design & Comfort Versatile Den/Office • Lush, Tropical Backyard

DOWNTOWN COUNTRY CLUB SHORES 505 S ORANGE AVE, #401, SARASOTA

585 GUNWALE LN, LONGBOAT KEY $2,215,000 $5,995,000 3BD/3.5BA 3BD/3.5BA • 3,003 Sq.ft.

• Elegance MeetsWater Modern Comfort • 4,733 SF • Open •Breathtaking Private FoyerCity • Set The Desirable Burns Area & In Bay Views • Large BoatCourt Dockage

BIRD KEY

BIRD 410 MEADOW LARKKEY DRIVE, SARASOTA 410 MEADOW LARK DRIVE, $3,895,000 SARASOTA $3,895,000 4BD/2.5BA • 3,257 Sq.Ft. • Waterfront Living

4BD/2.5BA • 3,257 Sq.Ft. • Waterfront Living • Open-Concept Floor Plan Open-Concept Floor Plan 16,000 LB Boat Lift

16,000 LB Boat Lift

CONTACT TODAYFOR FOR YOUR TOUR CONTACT USUS TODAY YOURPRIVATE PRIVATE TOUR

437064-1 436105-1

443F John Ringling Blvd | Sarasota, FL 34236

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Longboat Key 1561 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 403 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,187 Sq. Ft. Georgia Kopelousos 941-928-7585 A4627926 $13,250,000

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 509 Golden Gate Point 3 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,439 Sq. Ft. Brittany Perrone 941-685-1598 A4630262 $3,795,000

Longboat Key 1591 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 316 1 Bed 2 Baths 1,556 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4628607 $3,400,000

Longboat Key 598 Lyons Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,659 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4630668 $3,395,000

SaraSota 35 Watergate Drive 503 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,985 Sq. Ft. Joan Dickinson & Beth Afflebach 941-914-0496 A4601273 $2,750,000

Longboat Key 6940 Longboat Drive S 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,550 Sq. Ft. Bill Anderson 941-313-4059 A4627373 $2,250,000

Longboat Key 720 Old Compass Road 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,393 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4629724 $1,799,000

Longboat Key 3607 Fair Oaks Place 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,339 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4630053 $1,799,000

Longboat Key 1211 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 408 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,827 Sq. Ft. Jonathan Fox, Pa 941-544-6649 A4631601 $1,747,000

Longboat Key 2301 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 21N 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,235 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4618051 $1,350,000

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

Longboat Key 4545 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 408 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,398 Sq. Ft. Susan Smith 941-302-3440 A4630978 $1,275,000

Longboat Key 230 Sands Point Road 3505 1 Bed 1 Baths 634 Sq. Ft. Ann Martin & Joanna Benante 941-356-7717 A4627411 $1,118,000

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

Longboat Key 611 Hibiscus Way 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,723 Sq. Ft. JoDene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4631189 $950,000

Longboat Key 3070 Grand Bay Boulevard 632 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,276 Sq. Ft. Richard Perlman 941-228-8580 A4627468 $869,995

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

Longboat Key 2089 Gulf Of Mexico Drive G1-203 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,214 Sq. Ft. JoDene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4629775 $749,000

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 $569,000

Longboat Key 3320 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 307C 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,187 Sq. Ft. Lela Pentsa 941-223-5586 A4625446 $549,500

Longboat Key 565 Sutton Place V-9 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,198 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4629601 $525,000

Longboat Key 4440 Exeter Drive 104 2 Beds 2 Baths 992 Sq. Ft. Susan Fox, Pa 941-544-6648 A4631274 $525,000

Longboat Key 2850 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 2 2 Beds 1 Baths 695 Sq. Ft. Eddie Campbell 941-841-9690 A4626210 $519,000

Longboat Key 5919 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 4 Beds 6 Baths 5,596 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4628022 $12,500,000

Longboat Key 5910 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 4 Beds 4/2 Baths 4,272 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4627997 $7,150,000

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

888.552.5228 | michaelsaunders.com EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

DEC. 2-8

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

condominium in L’Ambiance at Longboat Key Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Lee Martin John Evans and Heather Patricia Evans, trustees, of England, sold the Unit F-608 condominium at 415 L’Ambiance Drive to William James Reimer, of Longboat Key, for $6.5 million. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, three-and-twohalf baths and 3,220 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.7 million in 2009.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

Leslie Marshall, as Personal Representative, of Fairfield, Connecticut, sold the home at 571 Golf Links Lane to Jennifer Margaret Petrie, of London, England, for $2 million.

Built in 1968, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 1,745 square feet of living area. It sold for $789,000 in 2018.

SLEEPY LAGOON PARK

Rachid Baligh and Rosalla Belem Baligh-Ortega, of Scottsdale, Arizona, sold the home at 714 Norton St. to ALVA Property Group LLC for $1.2 million. Built in 1967, it has two bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,518 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.74 million in 2023.

THE PRIVATEER NORTH

Mark Edward Kolivosky and Jacquelynne Kidd, of Charleston, South Carolina, sold their Unit 904 condominium at 1050 Longboat Club Road to James Kellock and Mary Kim Kellock, of Peoria Heights, Illinois, for $960,000.

Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,409 square feet of living area. It sold for $680,000 in 2021.

REAL ESTATE

L’Ambiance at Longboat Key Club condo sells for $6.5 million

29

Images courtesy of Judy Kepecz-Hays

Lee Martin John Evans and Heather Patricia Evans, trustees, of England, sold the Unit F-608 condominium at 415 L’Ambiance Drive to William James Reimer, of Longboat Key, for $6.5 million.

CLUB LONGBOAT BEACH AND TENNIS

Jeffrey and Lisa Richert, of Chicago, sold their Unit 413 condominium at 5055 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Esther Emmerman, trustee, of Chicago, for $720,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,484 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2020.

LIDO TOWERS

Edward and Annette Eliasberg, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 401 condominium at 1001 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Gregory Long, of Silver Spring, Maryland, for $720,000. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,293 square feet of living area. It sold for $195,000 in 1999.

LONGBOAT HARBOUR

William and Bernadette Coughlin, of Somerset, Massachusetts, sold their Unit 303 condominium at 4390 Exeter Drive to Daniel Jordon Weisberg and Jennifer Anne Weisberg, of Wilmington, Vermont, for $462,500. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,152 square feet of living area. It sold for $280,000 in 2004.

ONLINE

In with the new NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

See more transactions

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

at YourObserver.com

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Dec. 6-12 in order of dollar amounts.

LONGBOAT KEY Address

Permit

Applicant

501 Bay Isles Rd

Building – Other

Amount

Longboat Key Town

$1,921,652

2101 Gulf Of Mexico Dr Re-roof Sunset Beach Club Condominium

$938,688

825 Penfield St

$208,816

Repair – Helene

Ross Fletcher

5210 Gulf Of Mexico Dr Re-roof

Covert III Owners $192,853 Of 5210 Gulf Of Mexico Dr

6750 Gulf Of Mexico Dr

Repair – Helene

Terry Segal

$147,958

3563 Fair Oaks Ln

Windows/Doors

Richard Sarver

$146,500

640 Rountree Dr

Roof –

Michael Patrick Rutz

$145,933

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA 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

Unit 177

Hurricane Damage Revocable Trust 775 Longboat Club Road

Windows/Doors

The Beaches Of Longboat

$133,822

Key-South Owners

3800 Gulf Of Mexico Dr

Roof – Hurricane

Beach Harbor

Damage

Club Association

Repair – Helene

Bryan Roberts

$102,833

Repair – Helene

Elizabeth Lowes

$102,833

761 Norton St

Re-roof

Edward Eucker

$55,586

3616 Fair Oaks Pl

Re-roof

Sarah Dearman

$54,000

4825 Gulf Of Mexico Dr

Repair – Helene

Westchester Condominium $50,000

6700 Gulf Of Mexico Dr

$117,717

Unit 140 6750 Gulf Of Mexico Dr Unit 176

Apartments Jeffrey Pikel

$42,360

2089 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 107 Repair – Helene

591 Wedge Ln

Repair – Helene

William Zyblock

$35,456

435 L Ambiance Dr # M908

James Whitehurst

$35,000

Electrical –

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

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

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

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

Alt/Renovation Re-roof

James Vining

$34,000

6430 Gulfside Rd

Repair – Helene

James Black III

$32,000

5393 Gulf Of Mexico Dr

Alt/Renovation

Jean Marie Olson

$32,000

Unit 103

Source: Town of Longboat Key

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

427654-1

685 Norton St

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

YOUR CALENDAR

PET PICS

MONDAYS

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

Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $15; free for members. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

Have photos of your four-legged family members? We want to see them! Share them at YourObserver.com/Contests/PetPics to be published online and for a chance to see them in print!

THURSDAYS File image

Amy Steinhauser taps and circles each singing bowl to provide a mix of different frequencies.

MONDAY, DEC. 23

HOLIDAY SOUND BATH 2-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Amy Steinhauser will lead a fully immersive experience using singing bowls, a gong, chimes and more. Suitable for all ages, her sound baths will relax you with healing frequencies that balance your body and mind. Advance registration is required since space is limited.

Members pay $25; nonmembers pay $40. Call 383-6493.

RECURRING EVENTS The Paradise Center will be closed Dec. 24-25. The Education Center closes for the holidays on Dec. 18. Its winter semester starts Jan. 6.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

LONGBOAT LIBRARY From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 555 Bay Isles Road. Call 383-2011.

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

JUST DANCE From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. In this house class, Debbie White will show you how to move your body for fun and health purposes.

FRIDAYS

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

Cost is $15; free for members. Outside if weather permitting. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

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

BOWLED OVER: Mittens (aka Mitty) relaxes at Longboat Cove.

PO Box 13 Flooring Solutions Fort Worth, TX 7 Toll Free: 1.866.818.

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31

More than a Pro.

A Giver

Of Joy. Today, my Christmas wish comes true.

The season of giving calls.

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With steady paws and a warm heart. . .

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Today, I light up the world as a true gift of hope.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Exclusive offer for Obse rver Readers!

Give the Gift of Knowledge!

The Observer Presents:

Unwrap the past with our exciting speaker series featuring renowned scholars from top universities. Each lecture brings history to life with fresh insights and fascinating stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

THURSDAY, FEB. 6

WENDY SCHILLER Brown University

What Would the Founding Fathers Think of America Today?

Let’s look back 250 years! By focusing on key writings and speeches of founders Washington, Jefferson, Adams and others we can speculate and discuss what they’d think about federal bailouts, healthcare, the federal deficit, immigration, and much more.

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Take a journey through America’s wealthiest figures—past and present— exploring how they shaped the nation’s economy and continue to impact society today.

OBSERVER READER SPECIAL OFFER

LOCATION

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The Ora 10 AM – 12 Noon (Doors open at 9:30 AM) 578 McIntosh Rd. Sarasota, FL 34232

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Premium reserved seating in the first three rows Exclusive luncheon with the speaker at Ora’s private dining room, catered by Michael’s on East.

Lunch begins immediately following the lecture.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

SUNRISE / SUNSET

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

FRIDAY, DEC. 20 High: 68 Low: 51 Chance of rain: 7%

Thursday, Dec. 19

7:14a

5:39p

Friday, Dec. 20

7:15a

5:39p

Saturday, Dec. 21

7:15a

5:40p

Sunday, Dec. 22

7:16a

5:40p

SATURDAY, DEC. 21

Monday, Dec. 23

7:16a

5:41p

High: 60 Low: 78 Chance of rain: 2%

Tuesday, Dec. 24

7:16a

5:41p

Wednesday, Dec. 25

7:17a

5:42p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, DEC. 22 High: 65 Low: 50 Chance of rain: 4%

Dec. 22 Last

Dec. 30 New

Jan. 6 First

Jan. 13 Full

TIDES Highs Lows

Gary Wise took this photo of a grasshopper on Longboat Key.

Thursday, Dec. 19

1:09a

4:57p

9:52a

8:36p

Friday, Dec. 20

2:08a

5:12p

10:33a

10:04p

Saturday, Dec. 21

3:12a

5:32p

11:12a

11:31p

Sunday, Dec. 22

4:24a

5:57p

11:51a

—

Monday, Dec. 23

5:51a

6:25p

12:54a

12:30p

Tuesday, Dec. 24

7:46a

6:56p

2:08a

1:08p

Wednesday, Dec. 25

9:39a

7:28p

3:12a

1:42p

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

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

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

BRANCH MANAGERS by Kruno Matic and Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen

124 Famed daredevil Evel

54 Office note

126 Long, hard journeys

55 Clay of “American Idol”

127 “That was solid!”

fame

128 Keeps the heat on low

57 Minecraft find

129 Sailing

59 Peron of Argentina

130 Savors, as a dog with

62 Cannes subject

a bone

65 Pic refreshed for a new

131 Light and airy chocolate generation dessert

DOWN 1 Origami verb

66 “Climb aboard!”

68 ___ reader

celebrity cipher

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“EVX THVM SVM EVX PLH UIWW USLU EVX’NI BIUUAHB NILWWE VWY? HVZVYE JLEJ USI MVNY ‘YILUS’ LNVXHY EVX LHEKVNI.”

69 People voting against

K. IKKIU MLWJS

71 Cushy cafe options

2 Heightened travel require- 72 Green legume holder that make people people

processed

74 “To the ___!” (“The

4 “___ be such a pleasure!”

Princess Bride” quote)

5 Agra wrap

75 Vogue competitor

6 Run away to get hitched

77 Cable upsell for special

7 Bird in some hieroglyphics events

©2024 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 “Top Gun: Maverick” star 7 “You didn’t need to tell me that” 14 Not at all promising 19 Enterprise offerings 21 “That seems like it’s going to go very wrong ...”

22 “Wednesday” star 23 Pendant hanging from a lobe 24 Leading 25 Skirt around

33 That, in Tijuana

61 Insta uploads

ment

34 Major division of the

63 Opposed (to)

96 Goddess of the dawn

economy

64 Some Pennsylvanians

98 ___ prize

37 Terrible actor

67 Out of ___ (awry)

99 Two twos, for one

38 Murphy of “Beverly Hills

68 Fad

100 “Shameless” channel

Cop: Axel F”

70 “Well done,” in Italy

(Abbr.)

40 Setting

72 Decorative line on a

101 Dodges

42 “___ knew?”

Yankees uniform

104 ___ Beach (California

44 Scruff of the neck

76 Barely ahead

city near San Luis Obispo)

47 Greek god of desire

77 Highly effective

107 A real beaut

49 Really fun, in slang

80 Record of a year’s events 109 Open, as a gift

50 Person adjusting a baby

81 Big brand in snowmobiles 111 Danson of “A Man on the

grand

84 Source of music for a

Inside”

road trip

113 A couple of bucks

86 Zippo

114 Foam on the briny

53 Chemical in some win-

87 Hardly digging at all

116 ER hookups

dow cleaners

89 Flapjack topper

117 Roulette spinner

56 Point on a saw

90 Ljubljana citizen

119 Harsh cleaning agent

58 Going on forever

93 Deets

120 Aired again

60 “Narcos” org.

94 Invites into one’s apart-

121 Cuspid’s neighbor

26 Amber or pale draft pick 52 Spun some records, for 27 “This bridge hand is the short pits!”

29 Part of a gym set 30 Ships off 31 “The King and I” land

8 “Gosh darn it all!”

78 Bobby of hockey fame

9 Without any spots

79 Align, as with a level

10 Tool for a bomb squad

81 Barber’s action

11 Add a pet to the family

82 Big Island coffee region

12 “Star Wars” character

83 “That’s so typical ...”

Kylo ___

84 Sch. in Fort Collins

13 “Food’s getting cold!”

85 No spring chicken

14 Full of oneself

88 Island near Maui

15 Saying for a teachable

91 Alley ___ (NBA highlight)

moment

92 Nullify

16 Many a Wharton ap-

95 “___ of a gun!”

plicant, for short

97 With 105-Down, “Late

17 Base’s opposite, in

Night” host

chemistry

102 Ropes, as a calf

18 Tots

103 Goes looking for

20 Muscle twinge

105 See 97-Down

“S HCYRVTM (ZXZ) MBJCK PTRXPM ‘ZJXKMT XK ZJXKMT’ SK DB NSPLY HTTO CY HXPO CY RZL. SY HCL ...

SKRPTMSZJT.”

OPSL OPSLYXNNTPLXK

Puzzle Two Clue: T equals E

73 Thoughts and emotions

3 Messages still to be

Puzzle One Clue: Z equals B

ment (Abbr.)

“C VBPWA KWYYW AIPCR SUWE C SIR VCYYVW IEA SUWE C SIR KCT IEA SUWE C TBY BVA.” © 2024 NEA, Inc.

TWEI DBSVIEAR

Puzzle Three Clue: V equals L

crossword

The Grounded Feeling Everyone will Enjoy

426212-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

sudoku

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

28 Garden material

106 Threat ender 32 “The Farm” painter Joan 108 Group prizing high IQ 34 Take a breather on the 110 Religion with covens sideline

112 Blue jeans material

35 Possess

114 Miss, in Madrid (Abbr.)

36 Perlman of “Barbie”

115 Chipper

39 It’s such a stretch

117 Architect Christopher

41 Teensy

118 Stretched-out ride

43 Church instruments

121 Big Dutch-based bank

45 Writes

122 Writer Anais

46 Slight advantage

123 Singer on “Double

48 Nurse, as a soda water

Fantasy”

51 Hesitant sounds

125 Big Australian bird

53 Sandler of “Hustle” ©2024 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

12-19-24

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

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

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

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

OUR ONLINE TOOLS MAKE IT EASY TO PLACE YOUR AD

Motorcycles

Brooke O’Malley CLUB REALTY Call 941-726-2677

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

Free House Calls.

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GARAGE SALE Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

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WEEKLY MONTHLY

WE BUY THE KEYS! Flooded Home? Cash Offers?

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SEASONAL RATES Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577

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Seasonal Rental “Reset Your Mind to Soak Up the Shine”

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Seasonal beachfront rental on Longboat Key with breathtaking ocean views. 3bd/2bath. $10,587 per month Available Jan. - Mar. 2025 Call for details jerry cunningham, jr 941-321-8848 shortstorieslongboatkey@gmail keller williams on the water

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

M-F Ask about our special rates!

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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “You know how you can tell that you’re getting really old? Nobody says the word ‘death’ around you anymore.”

M. Emmet Walsh Puzzle Two Solution: “I watched (Bob) Dylan record ‘Blonde on Blonde’ in my first week at work at CBS. It was ... incredible.”

Kris Kristofferson Puzzle Three Solution: “I loved Bette Davis when I was little and when I was big and when I got old.”

Gena Rowlands

This week’s Sudoku answers

SEARCH the RED PAGES To place an ad

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

www.rentalsonlongboat.com

This week’s Crossword answers

for GREAT DEALS

Call for a FREE Evaluation!

941-536-6372 Epichomecareprovider@gmail Rosa Torres- Owner

Visa/MC

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals 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

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wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com

Auto Transport

Real Estate Wanted

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

DOCK WANTED for Sale or Lease Seeking a dock for a 50' sailboat. Need 6' minimum depth Will consider purchase or lease (216) 409-6958

Venice: 2/2 Condo Plantation Golf Club.

Gulf Beachfront Home New construction $6.9 million

SELL YOUR STUFF FAST! YourObserver.com/RedPages

Sarasota: Block House with 2 Bed, 2 Bath, Huge Lanai, and carport. $370,000

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Antiques/ Collectibles AVID COIN COLLECTOR paying higher prices than any dealers for coins, silverware, and jewelry: 321-236-1075

Bradenton: 55+Condo, 2 bed, 2 bath-$149,900 Pet friendly

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

©2024 Universal Uclick

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Homes for Sale

You’re only cheating yourself.

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

Autos Wanted

peekers’ place

Items Under $200

real estate

auto

stuff

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

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Adult Care Services

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Made for where you live. Here!

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

Attorney

Home Watch

Remodeling/Home Improvement

CUSTOM HOME CONSTRUCTION

Divorce without Lawyers

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CARING HANDS WHILE YOU’RE AWAY FROM HOME.

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941-544-1152

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CBC1265487

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

MIC INSURANCE

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

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Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

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RED PAGES

Transportation

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Exterior / Interior / Cabinets

941 - 248 - 4734 436681

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

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436694

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437010

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410036

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436706

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436680

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941.270.4400

35

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

Health

WE ARE THE MOST EFFICIENT, COST EFFECTIVE, HASSLE FREE WAY TO SELL YOUR HOUSE FOR CA$H TODAY!

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

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You Pay NO Realtor Commissions or Fees!

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• We Buy In “As Is Condition”

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

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

AY WE P

3IS% TO SION

L COMM SSIONA FE PRO ROKERS CO-B

435 L’AMBIANCE DRIVE #K-405

$3,795,000

As you step into this stunning 2BR + den L’Ambiance residence, beach-to-bay views showcase the enviable location just a sunny walk from the Longboat Key Club. Offered furnished and ready for immediate enjoyment, the open-concept layout includes newer storm shutters, chef’s kitchen, a serene private primary suite, and exceptional community amenities. Secure parking and storage add convenience to this coastal retreat. www.435LAmbianceK405.com

B U YE R’ S TO

$4,295,000

7418 WESTMORELAND DRIVE

$3,995,000

B U YE R’ S

Set on more than half an acre, this modernized 5BR bayfront home seamlessly combines contemporary upgrades with versatile outdoor living and a convenient location. www.7418WestmorelandDrive.com

TO

B U YE R’ S

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

$3,600,000

Embrace the ultimate coastal lifestyle at this COMPLETELY UPDATED 4BR, 3,000 SF bayfront home.

Turnkey furnished, new roof, brand-new dock and lift. www.3460MistletoeLn.com

888 SOUTH ORANGE AVENUE #PH-B

$2,799,000

This exclusive 3BR penthouse residence is nestled in a quaint neighborhood across from Selby Gardens. Includes its own 2-car garage, storage, dock and rooftop terrace. www.HudsonCrossingPHB.com

TO

TO

TO

B U YE R’ S

3460 MISTLETOE LANE

B U YE R’ S

$7,999,000

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

TO

B U YE R’ S

2945 PYRULA DRIVE

TO

B U YE R’ S TO

$3,695,000

Offering nearly 3,000 SF of professionally designed interior, this 3BR residence features breathtaking beach to the bay views. Includes two parking spaces! www.OrchidBeachB704.com

500 HARBOR POINT ROAD

TO

B U YE R’ S

$4,495,000

Discover the luxury of new construction on St. Armands!

This brand-new 4BR, 3,400 SF Walsh Design residence is waiting for you to personalize to your luxury tastes. www.201NorthWashington.com

2050 BEN FRANKLIN DRIVE #B704

$9,995,000

A rare opportunity to craft a luxurious retreat overlooking the serene coastal beauty of Little Sarasota Bay. Spanning over 11/2 acres, this expansive corner Sanderling Club parcel boasts more than 500’ of water frontage on two sides. www.1249SouthBasinLane.com

TO

B U YE R’ S TO

201 NORTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

1249 SOUTH BASIN LANE

B U YE R’ S

$15,000,000

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

B U YE R’ S

6603 GULFSIDE ROAD

TO

TO

B U YE R’ S

B U YE R’ S

MORE THAN $200 MILLION IN CLOSED SALES IN 2024

990 BOULEVARD OF THE ARTS #404

545 SANCTUARY DRIVE #B806

4207 MARINA VIEW WAY

3825 SARASOTA GOLF CLUB BLVD.

$2,495,000

$2,195,000

$1,850,000

$1,699,000

1211 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #108

$1,495,000

$1,399,000

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

Sunny southern views, gorgeous updates, and serene courtyard vistas welcome you to this nearly 2,000 SF, 2 BR beach retreat. www.Promenade108.com

B U YE R’ S

B U YE R’ S

Rare opportunity to build your dream home on 5-acres among luxurious estatesized homes in east Sarasota. www.3825SarasotaGolfClub.com

TO

380 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #513

Move right into this waterfront 3BR turnkey furnished home, just a short walk to Anna Maria Island Gulf beaches. www.4207MarinaView.com

TO

B U YE R’ S

Perched on the 8th floor in a corner location, this sunny residence offers bay and city views through new impact glass. www.545SanctuaryB806.com

TO

B U YE R’ S

Discover the essence of downtown luxury living at this gorgeous 3,100+ SF residence in the heart of Sarasota’s city center. www.BeauCiel404.com

TO

1920 LAUREL STREET

4653 ANTRIM DRIVE

$1,049,000

$949,000

Create your own city dream escape at this oversized parcel in Sarasota’ s historic district, adjacent to downtown. www.1920LaurelStreet.com

Designed with intention, this newer 2022-built, 3BR home exudes contemporary sophistication inside and out. www.4653AntrimDrive.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.

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