Commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with the Social Action Committee at Temple Beth Israel.
Walter Gilbert, past president of the NAACP of Sarasota County and vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, will lead a discussion at the temple about Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day event will be held at 5:30 p.m., with a reception after, on Jan. 17 at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. RSVP by Jan. 13. Call 383-3428 or Office@LongboatKeyTemple.org.
Christmas Concert at St. Mary
Choirs were singing at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church this holiday season.
Venice Symphony performed at the congregation at its annual Christmas concert on Dec. 13. Parishioners filled the church with excitement and holiday glee for one of their favorite events of the year.
Susan Gilmore-Clarke, the chairperson, wanted to put a spin on the yearly concert. Instead of having several singers, she thought the symphony would be a unique performance with a 1950s feel.
Gilmore-Clarke said the symphony provided an experience of enjoying live music and sharing in holiday cheer like no other concert before.
2024: Longboat’s year in photos
JANUARY
BLAST FROM THE PAST Longboat Fire Station 92 hosted a tour day for families that highlighted the impressive kitchen and new weight room. But arguably, no one was more impressed than Greysun Gross-Hendel, who got to test the power of a fire hose.
Despite the impacts from three hurricanes, Longboat Key had plenty to smile about in 2024.
MICHAEL HARRIS MANAGING EDITOR
ongboat Key possesses the beauty of nature’s paradise with its beaches, sea turtles, the array of birds and just inner peace and calm.
Nature also can take an ugly turn as it did with the hurricanes that left a lasting impression and changed the look of the Key.
Debby’s rains, Helene’s surge and Milton’s winds cast gloom on an otherwise beautiful 2024 on Longboat. We experienced the worst nature can dole out, and yet, we bounced back.
But we can overlook the rough patch and go back into what 2024 did offer and see the results.
We saved lives of turtles and birds and released them back into nature; we danced on St. Patty’s Day and renewed love on Valentines and we ate. Boy, did we find some wonderful goodies, tastes and drinks only Longboat can dish out.
When the storms subsided, LBK Strong took over, and we started a return to normal and a welcome back to our seasonal northern friends.
Ian Swaby
Commissioner Kyle Battie speaks along-side Mural Organizer Walter Gilbert.
Petra Rivera
The Rev. Robert Dziedziak and Susan Gilmore-Clarke
2024: Longboat by the numbers
From hurricanes to high ticket sales, here are some of the numbers that defined the year on Longboat Key.
$3.2 MILLION
The previous funding shortfall for the Broadway Roundabout. The Florida Department of Transportation required a redesign of the project about a year ago, which resulted in a more detailed project and higher costs. Later, FDOT would find available funds from other projects that fell through, which moved the project forward. Construction should start sometime in the state’s fiscal year 2026, which begins July 2025.
$21 MILLION
The price paid for a condo at the St. Regis, a sale set a record of the highest sale for a property on Longboat Key. The St. Regis had its soft opening on Aug. 16 to guests, and condo units began closing in October and November.
3-4 FEET 231 MILES
The amount of water that some Longboat Key residents experienced in their homes from Hurricane Helene’s storm surge. Helene brushed past Longboat on Sept. 26 and, with it, brought a strong storm surge that destroyed some houses and impacted hundreds on the island.
The distance traveled by Miami-Dade police officers to assist with Longboat Key’s cleanup effort. The state sent officers from numerous other departments across the state to help direct traffic for dump trucks and increase patrols to deter looters. This extra help expedited Longboat’s recovery after Helene and Milton.
$274,850
The 2021 grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation that allowed the Longboat Key Police Department to pursue accreditation over a three-year-period. On Feb. 22, 2024, the department accepted accreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation for the first time in department history.
8,780 SQUARE FEET
The space required for the core library funded by Sarasota County. The county will fund the core library and operate it, but if the community wants the enhanced version, that will need to private funding. Enhancements would cost $3.5 million and include a terrace and expanded community meeting space.
2 MONTHS
The time that Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium was closed to the public after Helene and Milton. When the facility opened, it also introduced a new resident manatee, Lou, who will accompany Buffett.
6 YEARS
The length of Detective Capt. Robert Bourque’s investigation into the 2017 double homicide that occurred at the Zota Beach Resort. On Jan. 4, a second suspect was arrested in connection to the homicides. Latoya Hanna, the twin sister of the murder suspect Darryl Hanna Jr., is alleged to be the getaway driver that night.
— CARTER WEINHOFER
The cost of the FDOT’s Planning Development & Environmental study for the Longboat Pass Bridge alternatives. Three build alternatives and a “no build” option were studied and presented at community workshops in March. This sparked debate among commissioners and community members, and the highest alternative was widely unaccepted by the town.
407,300 CUBIC YARDS
The amount of sand lost from Longboat’s beaches from all three hurricanes this summer. The town and its coastal consultant will work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on a claim that could allow for a future nourishment project to regain the sand.
Courtesy images
Carter Weinhofer
JANUARY
ROBIN REBORN Roger Kabler is the perfect double of comedic icon Robin Williams and performed some of his classic bits. Kabler shared his story with the Temple Beth Israel audience, talked about his film “Being Robin” and took requests for impressions of other celebrities, such as Robert De Niro, Michael Jackson and Neil Diamond.
FEBRUARY REPORTING FOR DUTY Piper Dawson is ready for any fires as she sports her new firefighter helmet. Dawson received the helmet
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
LOVE LONGBOAT STYLE
Longboaters Anne Marie and Jeffrey Jannuzzo spent their Valentine’s Day renewing their vows during the first annual event. The ceremonies were free and held by the town at the Karon Family Pavilion.
MARCH BAYFRONT BARKIN’
The Bark in the Park event that kicked off March brought out many of the fourlegged pals as Diane Weisman and Kim Skaff have fun. The organizers held the fundraiser to encourage donations for dog park improvements.
Pashkow share a laugh and
bevy of
on
greatest snack
of the year — the Super Bowl. Longboat Harbour held
of those who picked the
49ers.
elders and ordained clergy from all faiths put their hands on the Rev. Julia Piermont while praying the prayer of her installation as the first full-time pastor at Christ Church of Longboat Key.
Courtesy image
MARCH
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
TO EMAIL US Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Kat Wingert, kwingert@yourobserver.com TO ADVERTISE Display Advertising: To obtain information, call 941-366-3468, Ext. 345. Classified Advertising / Service Directory: For information and rates, or to place an ad, call 941-955-4888. Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To place a classified ad online, visit www.YourObserver.com, or email your ad to classified@yourobserver.com.
1.
To subscribe: Please call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301 or email dcondon@yourobserver.com
Verified Council 12166 Old Big Bend Road, Suite 210 | St Louis, MO 63122 314-966-7111 | www.cvcaudit.com
Our priority: birds, people?
There is a simple solution to the proposed rezoning of the Smith Farm. The Audubon Society and stargazers should buy it.
It is just never enough. Never enough.
You get the impression if the Florida Audubon Society and similar environmental groups, statewide and locally, were the autocratic rulers of Florida, they would turn all of undeveloped Florida into untouchable, taxpayerfunded, preserved environmentally sensitive park land.
Just watch what happens next month when the Florida Audubon Society, the Sarasota Citizen Action Network and other eviro groups descend on the Sarasota County Commission to block the rezoning of 50 acres of the Smith family farm near the county’s Celery Fields bird sanctuary.
The owners want to rezone their property from its current status of one home per 10 acres to 3.5 homes per acres to allow for the development of 170 homes. The property, by the way, is listed on the county’s future land use map for moderate density residential.
But as these things always go in Sarasota and Manatee counties, the anti-development forces want government to intervene and stop property owners from having the
rightful benefits and use of what they own.
Indeed, we often say that anyone who thinks he owns his home and has the rights that come with ownership — e.g. managing your property for your own use, benefit and enjoyment — is delusional. Earlier in the year, we referred to the current state of property ownership as economic fascism. That is, lawmakers leave ownership in the hands of private individuals (you maintain it; you pay the taxes), but pressures from the mob cause lawmakers to bow and coerce private individuals to cede control of their property to the government.
That’s exactly what they want with the Smith Farm.
In spite of what existing county ordinances and regulations allow, in spite of what the law allows, opponents of the Smith Farm development made their case against development with the standard stuff: Incompatible with the neighborhood; too much traffic; likely to cause flooding of streets.
Incompatible? Uh, look at the accompanying aerial map. If you define the neighborhood only as the Celery Fields to the north and west, maybe so. But if you’re honest, look to the east and south of the Smith Farm. It’s all residential. Look to the
Victim-offender dialogues help victims’ healing process
At its heart, the criminal justice system is a mechanism for protecting rights, sanctioning misconduct and mitigating harm. The government, as the prosecutor, takes on the role of the aggrieved party on behalf of society. The aim is to uphold the rule of law, protect the interests of the public and maintain order. But often, victims in this process are relegated to a secondary position. They often feel disconnected from proceedings and decisions. And as the government pursues conviction or resolution, victims’ needs, concerns and desires can be overshadowed.
A growing trend, however, known as victim-offender dialogue, is showing evidence of addressing many of these needs, while at the same time helping prevent recidivism. Over the past 40 years, states have pursued reforms that establish and protect victims’ rights. Broadly, victims in Florida have constitutional rights “to be informed, to
be present and to be heard when relevant, at all crucial stages of criminal proceedings, to the extent that these rights do not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused.”
This means victims are notified regarding court hearings and other developments in their cases. They are entitled to provide testimony during trial and make a statement at the time of sentencing. Victims may also receive financial compensation through restitution payments or a victims’ compensation fund.
Yet, many victims are left seeking more.
It is common for victims to want to speak with the person who harmed them — to express how the offender’s conduct impacted their life and directly hear the offender accept responsibility for his or her actions.
Victim-offender dialogue — sometimes referred to as restorative justice dialogue or victim-offender mediation — is a tool for addressing the needs, concerns and desires of victims.
Essentially, this process is nonadversarial, and all parties must be willing participants.
There is extensive vetting prior to contact between victims and offenders to ensure no additional harm occurs. Moreover, victims initiate the process, which means that victim-offender dialogue only occurs if the victim seeks it. When these dialogues occur, trained and experienced facilitators mediate them.
Victim-offender dialogue is not appropriate in all cases and is not
stargazers in Sarasota County have been under constant assault from the influx of population. The loss of the Smith Farm to development would be just another horrible “nail in the coffin” of injustice to the birds and stargazers.
The existing 400 acres of Celery Fields simply are not enough for their protection and enjoyment.
Ok, pardon the cynicism. But put these 50 acres in context. For one, anyone can see what has been occurring around the Celery Fields and what has been predicted for decades to occur. That region is in the path of common-sense development.
What’s more, the point of creating the Celery Fields was to create a preserve in the path of future development. It was not created to prevent all future land uses.
“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944
President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com
Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com
Managing Editor / Michael Harris, MHarris@YourObserver.com
Staff Writers / Petra Rivera, PRivera@ YourObserver.com; Carter Weinhofer, CWeinhofer@YourObserver.com
Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com
Digital Content Producer / Jim DeLa, JDeLa@YourObserver.com
west of the Celery Fields; it’s light industrial and commercial. There is traffic and human activity all around. Incompatible? Ha. Likely to cause flooding? You can bet that any homebuilder with integrity these days is well in tune with the issue of flooding in East Sarasota County, especially after Tropical Storm Debby. From now on, demands and expectations will be high for homebuilders to design extensive mitigation — not just in their projects, but also to include the surrounding areas. And you can bet smart buyers are likely to be wary of the flooding question before buying. So it will be in any homebuilder’s economic interests to design low flood-risk projects. But even then, the environmental opponents are likely to persist with, shall we say, their laughable objections. They say lights from the homes and street lights will disturb the birds in the Celery Fields sanctuary, and they will spoil the fun for stargazers and local astronomy clubs. Oh, by all means, let’s not forget the rights of the birds and stargazers. Much like the Native American Indians who lost to the encroachment and takings by European and American conquistadors, for the past six centuries, the birds and
a substitute for the traditional criminal justice system. It is just an additional tool to address needs that criminal prosecution does not meet.
With some caveats, research evidence suggests that victimoffender dialogue can have positive impacts on victims’ healing and may even have positive effects against recidivism.
A recent review of research found that victim-offender dialogue programming may help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress among victims of crime. This matters because many victims report they do not receive help dealing with this trauma through the criminal justice system. What’s more, large majorities of crime victims prefer alternative accountability mechanisms over incarceration, according to a recent survey.
Additional studies have reported high levels of satisfaction among victims and offenders participating in victim-offender dialogue programs compared to those exposed solely to the traditional criminal justice system.
In addition, offenders participating in victim-offender dialogue are less likely to re-offend, although some of these outcomes may be attributed to self-selection rather than the dialogue itself. In other words, offenders who voluntarily participate and show remorse may already be at low risk for re-offending, so it is difficult to attribute lower rates of re-offending directly to their participation in victimoffender dialogue.
Nevertheless, the primary objective of victim-offender dialogue is to address the harm experienced by victims, rather than solely focusing on reducing recidivism.
In light of these positive research findings, many states have embraced victim-offender dialogue. In 2020, Florida’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
More, larger context: Consider that 126,700 acres, or 34.4%, of Sarasota County’s 368,000 total acreage are already preserved and off limits to future development, according to Sarasota County data. How much more is needed or necessary?
Now flip the coin. It’s widely accepted and known that throughout Florida, especially in Sarasota County, there is an acute shortage of housing for the lower and middle class working population. Demand far outstrips supply. It’s the No. 1 economic challenge in Sarasota County. So every time Sarasota County commissioners deny and/or restrict development, they drive up the cost of housing and living in general. Which begs the question: What is the greater priority — people or birds?
Actually, there is always a simple solution to situations such as the Smith Farm. In fact, it can apply to every case where people don’t want development to encroach on them. That simple solution is this: Buy the property.
If the Audubon Society, stargazers and birds believe the Smith Farm’s 50 acres are so crucial to their existence and happiness, they can ensure that with one, simple act: Buy the property themselves.
(OPPAGA) released a report examining research evidence on victimoffender dialogue and its use across the country. Thirty-seven states provide some statutory support for victim-offender dialogue or similar restorative justice practices. Many of these states have programs that enable victim-offender dialogues within the adult criminal justice system. Other states, such as Florida, have programming that is limited to the juvenile justice system.
As the OPPAGA report noted, there is only limited statutory support for restorative justice in Florida, and the Florida Department of Corrections does not have any formal victim-offender dialogue programs for adults.
Despite a lack of statutory support and official programming, victim-offender dialogue is occurring in Florida. In pockets around the state, organizations such as the Florida Restorative Justice Association are working with public officials and facilitating victimoffender dialogues. The informal nature of this work unfortunately means that many victims are unaware that victim-offender dialogue is an option in the state.
Florida has made great strides establishing and protecting victims’ rights, but too often, victims are still relegated to a secondary role. It is essential for Florida lawmakers to consider reforms that further enable victim-offender dialogues throughout the state.
Even relatively minor steps such as defining victim-offender dialogue in statute and ensuring that victims are aware of its availability would go a long way.
Vittorio Nastasi is director of criminal justice reform at Reason Foundation and lives in Tallahassee. A version of this article appeared in The Journal of the
Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana
Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com
Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@YourObserver. com
Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com
Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com
Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com
Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned. Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Key Life Magazine, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine
CEO / Matt Walsh
MWalsh@YourObserver.com
President / Emily Walsh
Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles
Vice President / Lisa Walsh (1995-2023)
1970 Main St. Third Floor Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468
MATT WALSH
VITTORIO NASTASI
Courtesy image
The 50-acre
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
TRAINING DAY
Personnel on the three Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department shifts each spent a day in the waters off Bradenton Beach, collaborating with the Manatee County Beach Patrol to refresh their skills on marine rescue maneuvers. JC Rapier
Image courtesy of Melissa Williams Fraley
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
Welcome to Dogs Inc, where hope comes to life. Our world-renowned campus in Palmetto, Florida, will forever change how you view the humancanine bond. Here, extraordinary dogs train for life-changing careers, helping people nationwide. With wagging tails, soft paws, and big hearts, we invite you to experience the magic of our Dogs Inc campus.
Plan your visit to a world of wonder at dogsinc.org/visit
NOVEMBER
WORSHIP directory
DECEMBER
DECEMBER
A WRAP!
2024 Digital Year in Review
JIM DELA DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER
Observer stories publish on the web first, before the print versions hit the street. And many of the articles you see on YourObserver.com are specific for online consumption.
This digital effort is an important piece of how we deliver news to our community.
But unlike the print version of the Observer, we can track what stories are read online, and after analyzing the data, the most-viewed stories of 2024 reveal some not-so-surprising observations: 1.) The violent weather we experienced this hurricane season affected us profoundly. 2.) We love restaurants; and 3.) We’re paying attention to development in the area.
According to the data, 13 of the 25 most-viewed stories of 2024 were hurricane-related; several were food/restaurant stories; four were business/development related, and one was a breaking news story about a father and son dying in a Manatee County boating accident. Here is a sampling of the top stories of 2024 on YourObserver.com.
NATURE’S FURY
According to the web, the biggest story of 2024 was the weather. In 66 days, three hurricanes slashed through the area, wreaking havoc on the barrier islands and low-lying areas of the mainland. Observer staff were some of the first people on the ground after each of the storms rolled through. The sights of wind and water damage
Thirteen of the 25 mostviewed stories of 2024 were hurricane-related.
captured by reporters and residents made for compelling viewing.
NIGHTMARE FLOODS
Before becoming a hurricane and making landfall in the Panhandle, Tropical Storm Debby whirled past Longboat Key’s coast Aug. 5, bringing heavy winds, heavy rainfall and storm surge.
After expecting a normal rainy weekend in Florida, the aftermath of the tropical storm-turned-hurricane took aback residents.
Debby’s impact surprised Longboater Karen Pashkow. She said the seawall flooded along the walkway of Longboat Harbour Condominium and heavy debris prevented many cars from exiting the parking lot.
Monday morning, Pashkow found herself still watching the rain on Sarasota Bay and thought, “When is this going to stop?”
Rain fell for two days, inundating already-flooded roads on Longboat and Siesta keys.
Low-lying areas, including the Pinecraft neighborhood off Bahia Vista Street, experienced heavy flooding.
HELLO, HELENE
On Sept. 26, Helene, a Category 4 hurricane, brushed past Longboat and Siesta keys, sending 3-5 feet of water into homes and businesses.
Longboat Key Fire Rescue Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Paul Dezzi was stunned by what crews assessing damage were seeing.
“It was shocking with what we found as we moved north,” Dezzi said. “We found that there were homes that were damaged, a few destroyed, lots of debris, lots of sand, lots of construction material.”
The storm made landfall on Sept. 26, and its main impact to Longboat Key came from the high storm surge. Some residents reported 3-5 feet of water intrusion in their homes.
The day after the storm, Siesta Key was closed off as rescuers combed through the area. County Commissioner Mark Smith described the scene, saying, “There’s a lot of property damage. Siesta Village is wiped right now. It’s going to take a while for it to come back.”
Sarasota County Fire Chief David Rathbun said firefighters were as prepared as they could be before the storm hit. “Areas had water of six feet where our vehicles could not go through, so unfortunately those residents who chose to stay behind had to tough it out until the waters began to recede,” he said.
This amount of water flooded out many in Longboat Key’s low-lying areas like Buttonwood, Sleepy Lagoon and the Village. Many homeowners tried to get back to the island as quickly as possible to begin ripping out drywall and restoration.
The town followed a tiered reentry protocol after Helene, which SEE DIGITAL REVIEW PAGE 16
Ian Swaby
The public gathers at the entrance to Midnight Pass as boats make their way through the opening.
Jim DeLa
Large boats washed shore along Sarasota’s Bayfront Park following Hurricane Milton.
Kat Wingert
Just off the Legacy Trail north of Bahia Vista Street, the entire neighborhood was flooded from rain from Hurricane Debby.
#1 LONGBOAT KEY TEAM
Michael Saunders & Company OVER $588MM SOLD SINCE 2007
2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4
Longboat
THE SANCTUARY ON LONGBOAT KEY
545 SANCTUARY DR #B406 | OFFERED AT $1,975,000
Experience luxury beachfront living in this 3 bed/2.5 bath oasis behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club. Enjoy big bay, city and golf course green views from the floor to ceiling sliders in this creatively updated property.
MLS# A4631653
THE PIERRE ON LONGBOAT KEY 455 LONGBOAT CLUB RD #504 | OFFERED AT $4,200,000 Full gulf, bay and city views are enjoyed from this expertly renovated 3 bed/3.5 bath residence. Updates include a reimagined floor plan, hardwood flooring, Lutron Lighting and Sonos systems,
2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4
Longboat Key
2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4
Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487
2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4
Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487
2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4
Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487
2067
resulted in residents being allowed back Sept. 29. According to estimates from the town of Longboat Key, about 2,200 properties in the town were damaged, which resulted in $176 million worth of damage. Some homes, like beachfront properties along Gulfside Road, were almost completely destroyed.
MILTON MAKES
LANDFALL
Barely two weeks later, on Oct. 9, Hurricane Milton made landfall near Lido and Siesta keys at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 9 as a Category 3 storm. Debris that had been piled up for pickupafter Helene was scattered again from Hurricane Milton.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall suffered significant water intrusion damage from Hurricane Milton, as did the Little Ringling Bridge.
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport was closed for several days after it sustained major damage at the passenger terminal and on buildings surrounding the airfield, including two sections of roof over the main concourse and several private hangars destroyed or damaged.
More than 226,000 FPL customers lost power at some point, 76% of all county customers.
FOUR-LEGGED
CELEBRITIES
DRAW CROWDS
Everyone loves seeing a celebrity in their backyards, and in February, Lakewood Ranch residents got the chance to see eight of the biggest stars on TV, the Budweiser Clydesdales, up close.
Clydesdales are one of the largest horse breeds in the world. And to be a Budweiser Clydesdale, a horse has to stand at least 18 hands — that’s 6 feet — tall and weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds.
So, when the team made famous by Super Bowl commercials and parades made a series of public appearances in the area, hundreds turned out on Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street to see them, and thousands more viewed on Yourobserver.com.
LET IT FLOW
An inlet between Siesta Key and Casey Key, Midnight Pass was closed 40 years ago due to human intervention after two homeowners feared the impacts of erosion to their properties.
It also caused decades of protest from environmentalists who said the closure prevented the exchange of tidal waters in the area, resulting in poor water conditions in Little Sarasota Bay.
This fall, Mother Nature took matters into her own hands and used hurricanes, Helene and Milton, to reopen Midnight Pass.
Hundreds converged on the site Oct. 26 to join in a massive boat parade celebrating the reopening.
LET’S EAT!
Our readers are always on the lookout for a new epicurean experience and 2024 saw some new restaurant
debuts. Accordingly, we offered readers some advice on where to find the best of whatever you may have a hankering for.
Our community is a magnet for awesome culinary endeavors, with new restaurants seemingly opening every day. But the success of these newbies stands on the shoulders of a few historic eateries.
In January we offered an appreciation of six longtime favorites that have paved the way for the rest and put Sarasota on the map as a foodie destination.
In March we told you about a new upscale sports bar in East County. The Greyson offers every sports package available for viewing. There are 28 TVs inside and eight on the dog-friendly patio, with canopy and roll-down screens.
In June, we dug into some of the culinary comfort food that made its way across the pond and into our Gulfside community — fish and
chips. It definitely struck a chord with readers.
In July, you read about Jason Starkman adding to his family’s legacy in the restaurant business with a new The Original Wolfie’s grab ‘n’ go and delivery service in Lakewood Ranch. And, of course, after the hurricanes, we kept an eye on when things were reopening.
In December, you read that Shore, a longtime restaurant and retail store on St. Armands Circle, is leaving after hurricane damage was too much to overcome, and that Cafe L’Europe, a 51-year staple on the Circle, is coming back in 2025 with a new name and concept.
AN EYE ON DEVELOPMENT
Development and housing has always been a hot topic in our area, and our readers proved it remains so with traffic to stories on the subject.
In April, we learned the Bradenton-Sarasota-North Port region led the nation in residential housing market price reductions, according to a report from real estate data company Redfin.
That data said 48% of all real estate listings in our area experienced a price cut, followed by Tampa, where 44% of listings had a price cut, Indianapolis with 43% and Cape Coral with 41%.
South Sarasota will have a new mixed-use town center in the coming years as the Sarasota County Commission gave the go-ahead to redevelop the largely vacant Sarasota Square Mall.
The project hopes to convert the 93-acre site into a mix of retailers, restaurants, offices and apartments, bringing an upscale lifestyle experience to the site just south of the city adjacent to Palmer Ranch.
In March, it was announced that the Heritage Golf Group purchased the Lakewood Ranch Country Club and its amenities, the country club, its three 18-hole golf courses and its tennis center.
“This is a monumental day. This will be our flagship club,” Heritage Golf Group CEO and President Mark Burnett said. “This is one of the best residential communities in the U.S. and this is what we do.” Lakewood Ranch Country Club will be the Heritage Golf Group’s 37th club in the eastern and central U.S. to go along with three clubs in Denver. The Lakewood Ranch Country Club will be its eighth in Florida.
TRAGEDY ON THE WATER
A father and his young son died in a boating accident April 13 on Ward Lake in east Manatee County, a story that garnered sympathy from readers.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says the bodies of Wayne Raber, 36, and Josiah Raber, 4, of Wilmot, Ohio, were recovered from behind the water treatment facility on Ward Lake, a freshwater reservoir fed by the Braden River.
Authorities said fishermen often navigate into a lagoon behind the treatment plant to catch shad using cast nets.
Liz Ramos
Everyone’s phone camera was busy as the Clydesdales make their way down Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.
Cops Corner: Best of 2024
JUMP SCARE!
4:19 a.m., Jan. 8, 7000 block of Firehouse Road
Suspicious Person: While on patrol, an officer observed a man “jump out of the bushes” in this location. The officer spoke with the man, who said he was on the phone with his brother because he is an overnight truck driver. He also wanted to mention that he likes coming to the beach at night.
MAYBE A BIT SHAKEN UP
9:07 a.m., Jan. 11, 3100 block of Bayou Sound
Animal Problem: A concerned citizen reported a raccoon jumping and appearing unwell. Upon arrival, the officer found the raccoon to have calmed down, but possibly injured. The raccoon left the location under its own free will, and the two went their separate ways.
WHAT’S IN THE TRUNK?
1:15 p.m., Jan. 15, 300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Suspicious Person: A Longboat Key officer was sent to meet with a complainant who explained he observed a vehicle’s trunk opening and closing with a person’s hand inside the vehicle. The officer approached the vehicle and was met by the owner, who said her car was rear-ended about a week ago and now the trunk would not stay closed. She said she had been trying to tie down the trunk from inside through the rear seats, hence the hand poking out from the trunk.
OFFICER, WHERE’S MY CAR?
2:31 p.m., Feb. 1, 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway
Officer Public Service: An officer was flagged down by a woman in a grocery store parking lot. She said she had been searching the parking lot for a long time and could not locate her vehicle. After telling the officer the make, model and license plate number, the officer went looking for the vehicle while the citizen waited in the squad car. The officer was able to find her vehicle and reunite the owner with her car.
DOORKNOB MALFUNCTION
8:25 a.m., Feb. 25, 300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Officer Public Service: Dispatch sent a Longboat Key officer to respond to a lock-in. At the scene, the homeowner told the officer the door handle to the baby’s room broke off and they were unable to get inside the room. The Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department was also called to the scene. Fire Rescue used a ladder to climb up to the balcony and get into the bedroom through a sliding glass door and open the other door from the inside. The baby was safe.
DOG IN DISTRESS
11:16 p.m., Feb. 29, 500 block of De Narvaez Drive
Officer Public Service: A resident called for police assistance in locating his dog, who was crying somewhere in the canal. Longboat Key Police units were able to find the dog in the canal and rescued it. The dog had minor cuts from barnacles, and officers advised the owner to clean the dog’s wounds and seek a veterinarian’s care.
‘WHAT DO I DO WITH THIS?’
7:14 p.m., March 12, 600 block of Cedar Street
Lost/Found Property: A resident called to report a box of dog food that was left outside his house. Upon arrival, an officer spoke to the resident, who said he did not know what to do with the dog food since it wasn’t his. The officer advised him to throw it out.
SUSPICIOUS ROOM SERVICE
1:56 a.m., March 28, 6800 block of Pine Street
Suspicious Incident: A Longboat Key officer responded to a suspicious incident call in the middle of the night. Upon arrival at the scene, the officer spoke with a group of people who said they were staying in the main house while their grandmother was in the other house in the back. The group was hanging out by the pool and when they returned inside, two previously unmade beds were made up. About 20 minutes later, the group said they found the third bed was also made. They said they didn’t
see anyone on the property and be lieved the grandmother was intoxi cated enough to be ruled out. One of the family members also said she was in her closet and a cloud of dust came out from the overhead attic access. The officer searched the house and didn’t see any signs of forced entry or a disturbance. The call ended with a consensus that the grandmother could have possibly made the beds without the family’s knowledge.
CAN’T STAY HERE
2:33 p.m., April 8, 500 block of Bay Isles Road
Bogey Lane
Suspicious Incident: Dispatch sent an officer for a reported suspicious incident. At the residence, the officer spoke with the homeowner, who said she was concerned someone was putting dog feces in and around her pool, which is secured with a fence and locked gate behind the residence. The officer walked with the homeowner to the pool to see the feces, which the officer realized was from a raccoon and not a dog. Upon further investigation, the officer found that the residence was surrounded by shrubs that had more raccoon feces around it.
DUCKLING POOL PARTY
Suspicious Person: Dispatch sent an officer to respond to a report of a man lying in public in his underwear. At the scene, the responding officer found the man in red swim trunks sitting in a beach chair and watching a movie on his computer. After speaking to the officer, the man said he would find a better spot.
FECES IDENTIFICATION
8:07 a.m., April 17, 1000 block of
4:46 p.m., April 24, 2700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Animal Problem: A caller reported four baby ducks in her pool, which prompted a police response. Upon arrival, the officer met with the caller and she led the officer to the pool area where there were four small ducks huddled together and swimming in the pool. The caller said she had already called Save Our Seabirds, but no one was available until the following morning. She also said that the same thing happened a couple of weeks ago, but the mother duck had returned to the pool. Now she was worried because the mother duck had not come back. The officer said if she was OK with the ducks being in her pool, it was probably best to wait until someone from Save Our Seabirds could respond.
STILL LEARNING ABOUT THE NEW HOUSE
6:42 p.m., May 4, 7000 block of Firehouse Road
Lock Out: Dispatch sent an officer to
CRASHING ON THE BALCONY
9:24 p.m., May 8, 6600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Trespassing: While conducting a property check request, an officer noticed a vehicle parked in the driveway. The vehicle was known to be driven by a former caretaker of the home. The officer then proceeded to check the property and found the vehicle’s owner sleeping outside on the second-floor balcony. He said he was currently homeless and had permission from the property owner to stay on the property, though he did not have keys to enter. Then, the officer contacted the property owner’s daughter, who said he hasn’t been a caretaker for a year and did not have permission to be on the property. The man was issued a trespass warning and left the property.
DUST IN THE WIND
4:02 p.m., May 22, 700 block of Marbury Lane
Officer Public Service: An officer was sent to a citizen assist call when a report came in regarding pavers cutting with the wrong type of saw, which was throwing dust in the air. At the scene, the officer observed a worker cutting pavers for a new driveway. The officer then spoke with the complainant, who said he had health-related issues with his lungs and the dust from the pavers was causing irritated breathing. He said he believed the worker was in violation of the town code by not using a wet saw, but the officer checked the town ordinances for “dust” and “wet saw” but came up empty-handed. The officer advised the complainant that he couldn’t make the worker stop, but the complainant could contact code enforcement for more information.
CALLING FOR (A) BACKUP
1:47 p.m., May 25, 3300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
caller reported someone who entered the Gulf with no clothes on. Officers responded to the scene and spoke with the swimmer, who was then wrapped in a towel. The swimmer said he had a tough day at work and wanted to go for a swim so he could forget about the day.
HELPING A HERON
12:15 p.m., June 23, Jewfish Key Animal Problem: While on marine patrol, an officer was dispatched to check on someone yelling for the police. Upon arrival, the officer found the individual calling for help, who said he rescued an injured great blue heron bird. The officer took the bird from the boater and transported it to the town boat ramp. A Save Our Seabirds member met the officer at the boat ramp and took possession of the bird.
SISTER KEYS FIGHT CLUB
structed back porch ceiling. The officer located the cat in a small crack in the ceiling since it was sticking a paw out to try to free itself. Over the phone, the homeowners gave the officer permission to remove a small section of the ceiling. The officer freed the cat from the ceiling and the case was closed.
NOT A CONVENIENCE STORE
12:03 a.m., July 29, 4700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Disturbance: Dispatch sent officers to respond to a disturbance at a local resort. The responding officers met with the person in question, who was upset because they did not sell cigarettes. According to the report, the person was intoxicated and being loud, but eventually complied. The officers were familiar with her as she was the subject of a two days prior.
SUSPICIOUS WASHING MACHINE
and waited in the lobby for an Uber to pick him up and take him home. The man left the resort, leaving behind all of his items in the room with the women. Staff members insisted the women were “call girls” and also speculated the man left a briefcase with a firearm up in the room. All of these events happened three hours before police were contacted. The officer advised staff members that this was a civil matter but said they should call LBKPD if assistance is needed later.
JUST WALKING HOME
9:27 a.m., Sept. 30, 1200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
TECH SUPPORT
6:20 p.m., May 27, 900 block of Spanish Drive South Officer Public Service: An officer responded to a welfare check request when the caller said she could not get a hold of her father for the past 24 hours. When the officer arrived at the father’s house, he said his phone was not working correctly, so the officer contacted his daughter for an update.
TOUGH DAY ALL AROUND
Officer Public Service: An officer responded to a citizen assist call from dispatch. When the officer arrived at the location, he met with the caller who said she was unable to back her truck out of a parking spot. The officer assisted her with backing the truck out of the spot safely.
8:31 p.m., June 17, 200 block of Sands Point Road Marine Rescue: An anonymous
10:50 a.m., June 28, Sister Keys Disturbance: An anonymous caller reported that two citizens planned to fight at the Sister Keys sandbar over the weekend. A day after the tip came in, an officer located one of the potential fighters on his vessel and asked him about his involvement in the altercation. The man said he and the other person had been involved in verbal altercations about vessel speeds. He also claimed the two had not seen each other in a few days, and he was not planning on fighting him at Sister Keys. The officer called the other man involved, who said he had been avoiding the other man and would not engage in a physical altercation. A Bradenton Beach Police officer was also notified of the report.
CEILING CAT
11:21 p.m., July 15, 600 block of Russell Street Officer Public Service: A Longboat Key officer met with the daughter of the caller, who said her cat was stuck in the newly con-
3:10 p.m., Aug. 24, 1900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Suspicious Incident: A condominium employee called 911 after she heard a washer turn on when she entered a unit that no one was supposed to be in. Longboat Key officers responded to the suspicious incident and entered the unit. All rooms were cleared, and it appeared that the sound the employee heard was an air conditioning unit. No signs of forced entry were observed, and an officer contacted the unit’s owner to let him know of the situation.
LEFT IN A HURRY
3:26 a.m., Sept. 10, 1000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Officer Public Service: A Longboat Key officer was dispatched to a local resort about a civil issue.
The officer met with resort staff who advised that a male guest paid for a room and then invited two female guests, who the staff members speculated were sex workers. The staffers said the male guest returned to the lobby after a short time in the room and appeared to be intoxicated by his demeanor. He appeared distraught, according to the staffers’ account,
Suspicious Person: An officer responded to a suspicious person call referencing a man walking on the island with no shoes. The officer canvassed the nearby area and found the man who said he was walking home to his residence from downtown Sarasota. He explained that someone took his shoes from him the night prior, but he still had his wallet and cell phone. The man denied the officer’s offer to report the shoe theft, and he continued his walk home.
STUCK IN THE SHOWER
2:03 p.m., Oct. 20, 600 block of Old Compass Road
Assist Other Agency: An officer was asked to assist the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department to help free a homeowner stuck in a glass shower and unable to open the door. Before the officer arrived, though, the LBKFRD arrived on the scene and freed the homeowner.
RACCOON STUCK IN CAR GRILL
12:35 p.m., Nov. 17, 6700 block of
Assist Other Agency: While on patrol, an officer was flagged down by a concerned citizen who said he was traveling along Gulf of Mexico Drive when he hit a raccoon that ran onto the road. The man said he pulled over somewhere
and found the raccoon resting behind the front grill of his car. Manatee County Animal Control was asked to assist and arrived at the scene to retrieve the raccoon, which was miraculously uninjured. According to the animal control officer, the raccoon was later released.
NEW YEAR’S
YOUR CALENDAR
RECURRING EVENTS
The Paradise Center will be closed on Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. 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.
MONDAYS STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN
After Jan. 6, From 10 to 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.
TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
PILATES SCULPT
After Jan. 6, From 9 to 9:50 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Pilates Sculpt is a combination class mixing traditional Pilates exercises into a fun, challenging workout to upbeat music. It will make you sweat, encourage your body to burn calories, and make you stronger and more flexible. This class is for all levels. Cost is $15, free for members. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.
YOGA
After Jan. 6, From 11:15 to 12:15 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Debby Debile of Feel Good Yoga & Massage leads a gentle yoga class that can be done on a mat or in a chair. Cost is $15, free for members. Call 383-6493.
TUESDAYS MAHJONG
After Jan. 6, From 1 to 3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Fun time for experienced players. RSVP only. To check availability at the tables, email amy@theparadisecenter.org.
THURSDAYS
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
BEST BET
TUESDAY, DEC. 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE AT CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDEN
From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The gardens of the Longboat Island Chapel will be enhanced with holiday music and lighting and decorated Christmas trees donated by community organizations, businesses and friends. Ring in the New Year at the garden with a special performance by John Rinell, “The Voice of Solid Gold.” Complimentary appetizers and refreshments will be served. Free admission. Call 383-6491.
breakfast and a speaker. Breakfast is $15. Email Lynn Larson at lynnlarson@comcast.net to register.
JUST DANCE
After Jan. 6, From 10 to 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
After Jan. 6, From 10 to 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.
Petra Rivera
Becky Jones, Barbara Koetsier and Lesley Rife with the snowman tree decorated by Rife’s daughter.
Jules Mackie | Tracey Stetler | Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan | Patrick DiPinto | Rene DiPinto | Steven Moore | Janet Coughlin
2024 TOP REAL ESTATE SALES
The Ohana estate leads the year’s top sales at $19.75 million.
ADAM HUGHES
YONKER Ohana Trustee LLC, trustee, sold two homes at 6633 Gulf of Mexico Drive to SISP 33704 LLC, trustee, for $19.75 million. The first property was built in 1950; it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,933 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,296 square feet of living area. They sold for $11.4 million in 2019.
LIDO
Thirteen Twenty Five LLC, Linda Hargreaves, trustee, and David Hargreaves sold the home at 1325 Westway Drive to Matthew Grady DeSoto and Desiree Kristen DeSoto, of Sarasota, for $12.5 million. Built in 2011, it has four bedrooms, fiveand-two-half baths, a pool and 6,590 square feet of living area.
LIGHTHOUSE POINT
Charles and Mary Kubicki sold their home at 80 Lighthouse Point Drive to Rajesh Soin and Indu Soin, trustees, of Longboat Key, for $10.8 million. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,976 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.05 million in 1999.
L’AMBIANCE AT LONGBOAT KEY
CLUB
Paul Arnold Levinson, of Longboat Key, sold his Unit PH-A condominium at 415 L’Ambiance Drive to Michelle Sue York, trustee, of Atlantic, Iowa, for $10,595,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two-and-two-half baths and 4,912 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.2 million in 1993.
LIGHTHOUSE POINT
Justine Skestos, of Columbus, Ohio,
sold her home at 60 Lighthouse Point Drive to Hershel Fred Newman, of Germantown, Tennessee, for $10.15 million. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, four-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 7,170 square feet of living area. It sold for $4.2 million in 2001.
BONAIRE
William and Patricia Werzyn, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, sold their Unit 3 condominium at 5005 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Schutte LBK LLC for $9.16 million. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, five-andtwo-half baths, a pool and 4,638 square feet of living area. It sold for $7.2 million in 2020.
LIDO BEACH
Douglas Libertore, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 160 Bryant Drive to Thomas and Jane Freeman, of Sarasota, for $8,995,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, fiveand-a-half baths, a pool and 5,486 square feet of living area.
LIGHTHOUSE POINT
Sharon and Michael Tetterton sold their home at 55 Lighthouse Point Drive to Walter George Glaser, of Cos Cob, Connecticut, for $8.5 million. Built in 1995, it has five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,159 square feet of living area. It sold for $4.5 million in 2017.
SLEEPY LAGOON
Randall Welch and Cynthia HeitWelch, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the home at 6111 Gulf of Mexico Drive to SYM USA Real Estate LP for $8.5 million. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,320 square feet of living area. It sold for $6.1 million in 2021.
BIRD KEY
Flamingo FLCO LLC sold the home at 469 E. Royal Flamingo Drive to David and Karen Behrens, of Sarasota, for $7,999,000. Built in 1977, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,279 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.3 million in 2023.
Image courtesy of Candy Swick
Ohana Trustee LLC, trustee, sold two buildings at the Ohana estate at 6633 Gulf of Mexico Drive to SISP 33704 LLC, trustee, for $19.75 million.
Kip Hall took this photo of the sun setting from the Longboat Key Towers beachfront.
Donna Brown took this photo of this snowy plover chick on Whitney Beach, Longboat Key.
Jenelle Alber captured this photo of a stunning sunset at Beer Can Island on Longboat Key.
