Longboat Observer 1.16.25

LONGBOAT

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

Cool cats

PAGE 20

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

VOLUME 47, NO. 22

YOUR TOWN

Community center in flux Manatee County finds more obstacles with center’s planned Whitney Plaza space. PAGE 5

Carter Weinhofer

Lo’ Key open for business The island’s newest restaurant, Lo’ Key Island Grille, is now open for business.

The restaurant announced the opening on social media and hosted a grand opening on Jan. 10.

Lo’ Key is marketed as a casual restaurant that specializes in coastal cuisine, small plates and fresh seafood.

Guests can enjoy charcuterie boards, seafood boats and specialty cocktails either inside or on the restaurant’s patio with outdoor seating.

Lo’ Key is located at 5620 Gulf of Mexico Drive and is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, according to the restaurant’s website.

Paddle born Paradise Center teaches pickleball basics.

SEE PAGE 24

File image

Carter Weinhofer

Pete Clausen practices his serve. About a dozen attendees learned the basics of pickleball at the Paradise Center on Jan. 13.

Donation warehouse to reopen Anyone looking for a deal on gently used designer clothes, art or home furnishings can anticipate the grand reopening of one of Longboat Key’s thrift stores that sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Helene.

Longboat Island Chapel is planning The Lord’s Warehouse reopening for Feb. 1 at 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through April.

The church welcomes donation drop-offs Monday through Friday at the chapel’s northeast corner, in the marked storage area. For more information, visit LongboatIslandChapel.org or call 941-383-4738. $0.10

A+E Creative journey INSIDE

Carter Weinhofer

Mayor Ken Schneier and Vice Mayor Mike Haycock both won races with no opponents.

BORING BALLOTS Longboat has history of uncontested races. SEE PAGE 3

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

WEEK OF JAN. 16, 2025

St. Regis to host job fair at LBK resort

“As soon as the weather subsides a bit and the wave action subsides a little bit, we’ll be able to get this ramped up.”

The St. Regis Longboat Key will host a job fair on Jan. 23 at the resort to search for prospective new employees.

The job fair will present applicants with a variety of opportunities at the resort, including front office positions, butler services, food and beverage, stewarding, spa and recreation.

“With roles tailored to different passions and skill sets, there’s a role suited for every candidate,” the press release stated.

The St. Regis Longboat Key opened in August 2024 and was recently featured on Forbes’ top 12 destinations to visit in 2025.

The job fair will be hosted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 23 at the resort’s Astor Ballroom (1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive).

The press release recommends candidates should apply before the job fair. For more information or to apply, visit Careers.Mariott.com.

— Interim Public Works Director Charlie Mopps on the Gulfside Road beach project. Read more on page 4

BY THE NUMBERS 80,000

Cubic yards of sand placed on Gulfside Road for the interim nourishment project.

PAGE 4

$38,934

Raised by the Longboat Key community through the Salvation Army red kettle.

PAGE 6

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Years that Birdie McClaine spent traveling with the Ringling Bros. Circus.

PAGE 18

Grants available for bay projects

CALENDAR

n Planning and Zoning Board Meeting — 9:15 a.m., Friday, Jan. 17, Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road n Town Commission Regular Workshop — 1 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21, Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road n ManaSota League of

Cities Meeting — 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road

Courtesy image

The property at 5965 Gulf of Mexico Drive is still in construction and on the market for $25 million.

$25M beachfront project hits Longboat Key market

A

beachfront estate under construction on Longboat Key is being marketed for $25 million. When complete, it will include a main residence as well as a pool house and guest house.

The property at 5695 Gulf of Mexico Drive is situated on 1.64 acres.

The main residence on the estate includes 11 bedrooms, 13 full bathrooms and four halfbaths. Its primary suite features dual bathrooms and custom closets. A formal dining room, wine cellar, stately office, dramatic foyer, great room leading

to the terrace, state-of-the-art cinema, guest suites with kitchenette as well a rooftop deck round out the offerings.

A guest house and pool house will also be constructed on the property, which will be accented by tranquil water features and resort-inspired landscaping. In addition, a pickleball court and tennis court will be among the outdoor offerings. Providing the centerpiece for the estate will be a pool and spa surrounded by decks for gatherings and alfresco dining.

Sarasota-based Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors

is handling the design, while Joel Schemmel of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Downtown Sarasota office is exclusively marketing the property.

Owners James and Amanda Holanda, of Montgomery, New Jersey, purchased the property in 2021 for $10.15 million, county records show.

“As construction progresses, the estate’s price will evolve” and climb to $40 million, according to a statement from Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program released a statement saying the program’s next round of grant funding for bay-related projects is now open.

The program’s grant committee will review applications for projects and could award up to $10,000 per applicant.

Groups like homowners associations, condominium associations, businesses, schools and nonprofits can apply for the grants.

According to the release, the projects will be “scored” for funding based on environmental benefits and community-building potential.

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 1.

For more information, contact Megan Barry at 941-955-8085 or Megan@SarasotaBay.org.

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TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

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COMMISSION CONTESTS RARE IN RECENT YEARS The last contested town commission race was in 2018 and, since then, the island has lacked campaigning and competition for the town’s most powerful board.

File images

Campaign signs in past commission races lined Gulf of Mexico Drive.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat Key will see an oddity this year: A contested Town Com-

mission race.

The last time a commission seat on Longboat Key had a competitive race was in 2018 and, since then, every time a seat becomes available, it’s either uncontested or one of the candidates drops out before the election.

In March, Longboat Key voters will elect a new at-large commissioner to fill the spot being left vacant by Vice Mayor Mike Haycock, who will reach his term limits in March.

Residents Steve Branham and Deborah Murphy will vie for that seat.

There are two other seats available, but neither is contested. At-Large Commissioner BJ Bishop and District 5 Commissioner Sarah Karon will retain their commission seats.

Despite what seems to be a wealth of uncontested races, Longboat Key does have an election history.

PAST COMMISSION COMPETITION

Mayor Ken Schneier was a part of the 2018 race in which three commission seats were up for grabs, and all were contested.

“Going back a number of years when I first ran, there was some real campaigning that went on,” Schneier said.

Schneier faced off against John Weber for the District 3 seat; Ed Zunz and Randy Langley battled for the District 5 spot; and Irwin Pastor and Jack Wilson campaigned for an at-large seat.

Schneier said contested elections used to garner signs around town, some financial backing and debates sponsored and held by the Observer.

Usually, the campaigns bred friendly competition, but Schneier said some campaigns were more intense, especially during the time of The Colony referendum when candidates had opposing viewpoints.

During his campaign for the District 3 seat, Schneier said he did not spend a lot of money and did not take donations from anyone.

But candidates who do accept donations and spend money on campaigns must retain a treasurer and track expenses so they can be submitted to the town.

Though it might be less work to have an uncontested race, Schneier feels having multiple candidates with different viewpoints is good for the candidates and the community.

“I think it’s healthy, myself,” Schneier said. “I think it’s good for

Longboat Key’s 1979 commission election Image courtesy of Manatee County Public Library System

the community and it’s actually not a bad thing for the candidates.”

Candidates who bring different perspectives can lead to competition and debate, and sharing those viewpoints during a campaign and responding to the public can be a good thing, Schneier said.

“I’m a little sad that we don’t have more of it,” Schneier said. “I’m not sure exactly why.”

The Observer previously hosted debates for Longboat Key commission races.

COMMITMENT OF COMMISSIONERS

Schneier can’t say for sure why contested races aren’t as common anymore, but one speculation is the time commitment associated with being a commissioner.

“It’s a pretty sizable commitment of time to do the job, especially being in two counties,” Schneier said.

“There are various things you need to do within a county as a commissioner and, in two counties, you basically double that.”

That means two counties’ worth of news to keep up to date on, two tourist development councils, two economic development councils and multiple other boards and commissioners to keep relationships with.

On top of that, commissioners are tasked with reviewing all the necessary background information before their own meetings and workshops.

According to Schneier, he’s recommended the idea of commission compensation once or twice during his tenure on the board.

While he agrees with other commissioners who have said serving the town is a privilege, Schneier feels like a commission stipend might encourage some who are unsure if they can give that amount of time.

“I would have to think that anyone declines to run because there’s no compensation,” Schneier said.

The last time the idea was brought up was during the commission’s

planning retreat last April, and a further discussion was moved to a commission meeting a few months later.

Again, the idea was voted down.

VOLUNTEERING FOR THE TOWN

Many of the town’s current commissioners previously served on other town volunteer boards, such as the Planning and Zoning Board or the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

“It’s very, very common for people to work their way up through the boards and learn about the town,” Schneier said.

Schneier himself served on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Planning and Zoning Board for several years before moving up to the town commission.

Schneier also previously went through the town’s Citizens Academy, which he said is another good source of candidates. Many people who attend the Citizens Academy learn and become interested in joining those volunteer boards, he said.

“It’s very advisable for people who want to work in the town on any board,” Schneier said about the

PREVIOUS COMMISSION RACES

COMING NEXT WEEK

Citizens Academy.

The volunteer boards are good for Longboat Key’s population, Schneier said, because many residents are retirees with more time on their hands.

“They’re coming from jobs that were pretty intense and, when you retire, everyone needs to figure out what they’re going to do with the time,” Schneier said.

That’s what led him to become interested in the town’s volunteer boards and, eventually, become a commissioner and mayor.

He’s now on his last term as a commissioner and will term out in March 2026.

“I’ve enjoyed all of the town work, and I’m sort of a news junkie from local up to international,” Schneier said. “To be there as things are going on, I find it to be a tremendous amount of fun.

“I think if you’re going to be involved in government, local government is the place to be ... We’re nonpartisan, which I think is great.

And you actually get stuff done that people recognize.”

COMPENSATION COMPARISON When the idea of commission compensation was brought up in April and May 2024, the town attorney’s office prepared a comparison of local municipalities and commission compensations.

Here is some of the data from that report that shows estimated commissioner compensations in 2019: n Bradenton Beach: $4,800 per year n Anna Maria: $4,800 per year n Holmes Beach: $6,000 per year n Palmetto: $13,112 per year

Look for profiles on each of the two candidates for the at-large seat in an upcoming issue of the Longboat Observer.

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

n Jack Daly won the District 4 seat against Larry Grossman. n Incumbent Phill Younger kept his at-large seat after a race against Gene Jaleski.

No contested races.

n George Spoll earned the District 2 seat in an unopposed race. n Incumbent Jack Daly retained the District 4 seat after a campaign against Larry Grossman. n Jim Brown won an at-large commission seat against Gene Jaleski.

n Randy Clair ran unopposed for the District 1 seat. n Ken Schneier won the District 3 seat against John Weber. n Ed Zunz kept his District 5 seat against Randy Langley. n Irwin Pastor won the at-large seat after campaigning against Jack Wilson.

n George Spoll ran unopposed for District 2. n Jack Daly ran unopposed for District 4. n Mike Haycock ran unopposed for an at-large seat after Randy Langley dropped out of the race.

n Sherry Dominick (District 1), Ken Schneier (District 3), Ed Zunz (District 5) and BJ Bishop (at-large) all ran unopposed.

n Commissioners appointed Maureen Merrigan to fill a District 5 vacancy after Ed Zunz moved out of the district.

n Incumbents Mike Haycock, BJ Bishop and Maureen Merrigan were declared commissioners-elect after no other candidates filed for the election.

n Ken Schneier retained his District 3 seat after no contest. n Deborah Murphy took the District 5 seat with no contest. n Gary Coffin and Jeff Lenobel qualified for the District 1 seat, but Coffin won the seat after Lenobel dropped out.

n Commissioners appointed Sarah Karon to fill the District 5 vacancy left after Deborah Murphy resigned.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

this project done by the end of this month, we would be able to submit for up to 100% of the construction and consulting costs associated with this project,” Mopps said.

Then, as the project is completed in phases and the town receives second and third bills, Mopps will submit those to the FDEP for potential reimbursement.

“I’m pretty confident that we’ll get the second billing at least paid for,” Mopps said. “And then my confidence in getting that final bill paid for is fairly high.”

Beach nourishment nears completion

LONG-TERM FIX

Carter Weinhofer

Sand is dredged from the Longboat Pass channel to be utilized in the Gulfside Road beach nourishment project.

While the temporary sand placement will save the beach in the short term, the town’s coastal engineer will start the permitting process for a long-term solution.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

D

riving along the Longboat Pass Bridge, the dredge equipment in the Longboat Pass channel is hard to miss. The equipment indicates the town’s Gulfside Road beach nourishment project is underway.

Interim Public Works Director Charlie Mopps said he hopes the Gulfside Road beach nourishment project will wrap up by the end of January and, if so, is confident that much of the $2.7 million project — if not all — will be reimbursed.

The beach nourishment project will fill 80,000 cubic yards of sand onto the erosive Gulfside Road beach using sand dredged from the Longboat Pass channel.

As of Jan. 9, Mopps said the sand placement portion of the project was about 40% complete.

The project originally was delayed at the end of last year because of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Now, with the equipment on-site, the project experienced more delays because of weather conditions.

“Because of the size of the dredge, the contractor has been delayed numerous times because of the

recent fronts,” Mopps said. “If it’s a minor squall out there, it’s not advantageous for that small dredge to operate.”

Cold weather fronts can cause disruptive wave action that affects the dredge operation. Once the weather passes, Mopps said the project team will look to make significant progress.

“As soon as the weather subsides a bit and the wave action subsides a little bit, we’ll be able to get this ramped up,” Mopps said.

One advantage of getting the project done sooner rather than later is to make sure the beach is clear for the shorebird nesting season, which starts on Feb. 15, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“We’re trying to get this done by the end of the month because, if we have to continue into February, we might run into the requirement to do shorebird nesting monitoring,” Mopps said.

Mopps said the chances are “pretty slim,” but he wants to ensure the project is done by then to eliminate any risk.

Another reason Mopps wants the project closed out soon is to increase the likelihood of a partial or full reimbursement from the Florida

Department of Environmental Protection.

Mopps said a grant program through the FDEP allows for reimbursement of sand-only projects for counties that were impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.

Of the $36 million originally up for grabs, Mopps said there is $15 million still available.

The town will ask for reimbursements through the project billing process. The first request was $773,000, and Mopps said the town received a notice from the FDEP indicating it intends to award the town the reimbursement.

“I’m hoping that if we can get

The nourishment project is an interim, short-term fix to the erosion issue at Gulfside Road. The naturally erosive beach has caused issues for the town for decades.

In June 2024, the town’s coastal engineer consultant — Al Browder with Olsen Associates Inc. — presented an idea for up to seven groin structures to be installed at the Gulfside Road beach as a long-term fix to the erosion problem. “(The project) greatly benefits that area and locks that beach in to reduce the erosional impacts,” Mopps said.

According to Mopps, Browder began the permitting process for this project.

Due to the complexity of the permits and the need to work with multiple agencies like the FDEP and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mopps said the permitting process will likely take a couple of years.

One of the prominent structures along the Gulfside Road beach is the seawall of the Ohana estate, which caused controversy in previous years due to how the seawall cuts off complete beach access.

Gulfside Road

Courtesy image

The proposed groin field on the Gulfside Road shoreline would include seven T-head groins and one structure off of the Ohana seawall.

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

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The front entrance of Manatee County’s leased space at Whitney Plaza.

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

A total renovation of the space at Whitney Plaza would be needed for the county’s community center project.

SEARCH FOR SPACE The county will still try to create a community space on the north end of the island, but where to put that space may be in question.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

M

anatee County is still interested in pursuing an education center on Longboat Key, but the previously recommended building may no longer be the spot county officials want.

According to Longboat Key North co-Chair Maureen Merrigan, the group’s latest conversations with the county suggested there were too

many obstacles at the current location, which is the largest space at Whitney Plaza.

The county already is leasing the space at Whitney Plaza after entering a four-year lease agreement this past year at a monthly rate of $11,256.67.

After experiencing prior construction delays, the building remains in need of expansion for the proposed learning center.

Merrigan’s recent conversations include one with the new Manatee County District 3 Commissioner Tal Siddique, whose territory includes the Manatee County side of Longboat Key. Merrigan said her conversations with Siddique were positive, and Siddique understands the community’s need for a meeting space and arts or recreational space on the north end.

Longboat Key North, a coalition of homeowners and condominium

associations on the north end of the island, has been engaged in conversations with the county for the past three years about the project.

The group started a subcommittee, the North End Space Team group, to work closely with the county’s project manager for the community center.

Those conversations and brainstorming sessions led to the direction of adult education classes at the center, with an art studio and meeting room space.

Manatee Technical College would oversee the classes at the center, which would provide fee-based adult enrichment classes as well as provide meeting space for community groups.

According to Information Outreach Manager for Manatee County Bill Logan, the county is continuing to engage with the location in Whitney Plaza, but “significant hurricane

damage” complicated issues.

Logan also said in an emailed statement that the county’s property acquisition team is looking at other opportunities on Longboat Key for the proposed learning center.

No matter where the learning center is, Merrigan said the Longboat Key North group has an interest and wants to continue the collaboration through the NEST group.

“Longboat Key North represents all the communities on the north end,” Merrigan said. “We would absolutely be willing to help,” Merrigan said.

PAST OBSTACLES

Merrigan’s latest update to the Longboat Key North group reiterated the previous obstacles the county faced at the Whitney Plaza site with Federal Emergency Management Agency regulations.

FEMA’s 50% rule prohibits building improvements if those improvements cost more than 50% of the building’s market value. Those improvements include the total of everything from exterior wall finishes and air conditioning equipment to appliances.

In June 2024, initial permits for the learning center were submitted to the town’s Planning, Zoning and Building Department, and Project

Manager Simona Brinkman learned the project may be subject to the 50% rule.

Then, Hurricanes Helene and Milton impacted the island and left many north-end properties flooded.

This included some of Whitney Plaza and, according to Merrigan’s report, the county’s leased property.

Merrigan’s report said the costs of storm mitigation would be added to the total construction costs, thus making it more difficult to stay under the 50% rule.

It’s been one year since the county entered the lease agreement with Porter Investment Holdings Inc., the group that owns Whitney Plaza.

The architects were working with the NEST group and county project team to design the learning center for the community’s needs, including multipurpose space, computer/ library space, art studio space and a meeting room.

Early construction costs were estimated at around $1.2 million, which were in addition to the monthly lease payments.

During summer 2023, the town held a public input session for the north-end learning center, but initial discussions about a Manatee County-operated community center on the north end date back to 2021.

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ew York City, Los Angeles, Chicago can’t hold a kettle to Longboat Key. That’s a fact, says Capt. Jim Curry of the Salvation Army of Sarasota.

“I’ve represented all of those areas, and none can compare to Longboat Key,” said Curry, who spoke to the Longboat Key Kiwanis on Jan. 9.

Longboat Key has a great reputation for giving to the Salvation Army’s bell-ringers with each passing year and always outpacing the prior year.

This year, not only did donors of Longboat Key outdo themselves, but it’s a wonder the famous red kettle didn’t snap off its chains and tumble to the ground because of excessive weight.

In 2023, the Longboat community donated $24,127.47, which was second in the Sarasota region behind St. Armands Key. This year, Curry is elated to report residents of Longboat donated a record $38,934.19.

Consider the fact with Thanksgiving a bit later this year, it was a shorter season, which begins on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas Eve. That’s a span of 25 days compared to 29 in 2023.

Curry mentioned some of the kettles in those big cities can bring in as little as $150 for the season.

Mike McCullough, a bell-ringer and a member of Christ Church on the Key, knows first-hand of a hefty donation.

“I had a gentleman come up to me and say ‘I’ll donate this money as long as someone can match it,’” he said. “I looked at the check, and it was $10,000, so I said ‘OK.’” Checks like that, from various

Michael Harris

Salvation Army Capt. Jim Curry speaks to the Longboat Key Kiwanis on Jan. 9.

“We were really surprised at how many were giving. Being a veteran of many disasters, people have other necessities to take care of and get back in order or plenty of FEMA paperwork to do. So it’s great to receive what we did.”

— Jim Curry of the Salvation Army of Sarasota

businesses, are the reason the St. Armands kettle led the pack for the second consecutive year. Most of Longboat’s donations came about the old-fashioned way, with passersby dropping some money into the kettles.

The outpouring of donations surprised Curry and his staff simply because of the tumultuous year Longboat Key faced because of the hurricanes.

“We were really surprised at how many were giving,” he said. “Being a veteran of many disasters, people have other necessities to take care of and get back in order or plenty of FEMA paperwork to do. So it’s great to receive what we did.”

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Florida shines fiscally Measured against all states, Florida’s total liabilities per capita are among the lowest, thanks to Gov. DeSantis and the Legislature paying down debt. But local governments’ debt is another story.

“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

ADRIAN MOORE

T

he years since the pandemic recession have been good for state debt and liabilities nationwide, and in particular for Florida.

Reason Foundation has created a unique data set by collecting numbers from state- and local-audited financial reports. We recently compared all 50 states’ debt and liabilities for 2020 to 2022, the most recent year for which full data is available.

The accompanying map graphic gives you a sense of how all states look, color coded by the growth in the ratio of state total liabilities to per-capita liabilities, which better shows growth or reduction in state debt driven by state fiscal policies rather than just by changes in population.

You can immediately see that Florida looks pretty good relative

to most other states. But before we dive into that, there are a few larger takeaways.

First, almost all states saw revenues and asset values grow during the 2020-2022 period. That helped all but one state — North Dakota — to reduce their debt ratio (the proportion of total liabilities to total assets).

Florida, during this period, reduced its liabilities substantially, with the ratio of growth in total liabilities to per capita liabilities falling more than 15%.

Total liabilities fell from nearly $73 billion in 2020 to less than $62 billion in 2022. Per capita liabilities shrank from $3,383 to $2,871. That is excellent, especially compared to other states.

Connecticut has the highest per capita liabilities at $29,607, more than 10 times that in Florida.

But at the same time, Tennessee has per capita liabilities of less than $1,500, about half that in Florida.

So, there is still room for improvement in Florida. What we need is more of what we have seen in the last few years. Gov. Ron DeSantis has aggressively pursued shrinking the state’s debts in recent years, including in most of his budgets hundreds of millions in accelerated debt reduction. That saves many tens of millions of dollars each year in interest payments.

Each budget that includes paying

down debt early and avoiding adding to the debt reduces the state’s liabilities.

One of the largest and most politically volatile sources of state liabilities is employee benefits.

Florida reduced its government worker pension liabilities from $8.8 billion in 2020 to $3.5 billion in 2022 and also reduced other worker benefit liabilities from $91 billion to $7.3 billion.

Those reductions are thanks to a series of pension reforms passed early in DeSantis’ term in office and to resisting adding new debt and making full appropriate contributions to pension plans.

One caveat to this rosy picture, unfortunately, is local government debt in Florida. While the state has managed debt well, local governments have not.

According to Florida Tax Watch, Florida ranks third best in the nation on per capita debt, but local governments rank 19th from the bottom. That is not sustainable, and local governments in Florida should learn something from DeSantis’ fiscal management.

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 / Dana Kampa, DKampa@ YourObserver.com; Carter Weinhofer, CWeinhofer@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Digital Content Producer / Jim DeLa, JDeLa@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com Editorial Designer / Jenn Edwards, JEdwards@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com Chief Revenue Officer / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Regional Sales Director / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal McGuinness, RMcGuinness@ YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@ YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver.com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver.com; Brenda White, BWhite@YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Anna Reich, AReich@YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Account Managers / Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com; Caitlin Ellis, CEllis@YourObserver.com; Lexi Huelsman, Lexi@YourObserver.com

Adrian Moore is vice president at Reason Foundation and lives in Sarasota.

OVERVIEW OF EVERY STATE’S DEBT

Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com

Growth in ratio of total liabilities to per capita liabilities, 2020-22

Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@YourObserver. com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com

Each bar represents the number of states in that category. Florida (the blue triangle) is in the second-lowest category of liabilities per capita.

Source: Reason Foundation

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

TOTAL STATE LIABILITIES SORTED BY PARTISAN LEANING

LIABILITIES PER CAPITA

8

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

YourObserver.com Source: Reason Foundation

© 2025 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

The upcoming project with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program will focus on 300 feet of seawall at Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park.

9

FUNDING SOURCE

Funding for the project comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is a national investment in infrastructure and environmental initiatives, according to the White House.

The National Estuary Program was identified as a key partner, and the SBEP is a part of the National Estuary Program.

The SBEP allocated $2.7 million of its share from the BIL to go toward restoration projects from fiscal year 2024 to fiscal year 2026. Of that, $500,000 will go toward Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park shoreline project.

the water — hence the name — and can improve water quality over time.

For example, some studies estimate that one adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

PROJECT PROGRESS File image

Productive seawall panels coming soon Officials hope for construction of the $500,000 project to start by the end of 2025.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

A

Courtesy image

The concrete panels will look like the prop roots of red mangroves, a common tree in coastal environments.

collaborative project between the town of Longboat Key and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program will establish new underwater homes for marine organisms at Bayfront Park.

The $500,000 project focuses on the installation of concrete panels along about 300 feet of Bayfront Park’s vinyl seawall. The project is reaching the manufacturing stage and residents will likely see installation by the end of 2025.

According to Science and Resto-

ration Manager for the SBEP Ryan Gandy, the panels — dubbed mangrove panels — mimic the look and shape of red mangrove roots.

That shape, along with the concrete material, will help the recruitment of marine organisms such as oysters, barnacles and more.

Gandy said new vinyl seawalls do not allow for organisms like oysters and barnacles to attach as well as they do to concrete seawalls. The reason remains up for speculation, he said, but fewer of those organisms can be detrimental.

“When we replace living shorelines like mangroves and flats and

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things like that with a hard, concrete surface, you lose a lot of those ecosystem services that environment provides,” Gandy said.

The removal of these habitats leaves a “clean slate” and, while the vinyl seawalls do recruit organisms, it’s at a much slower rate, Gandy said.

That’s where the concrete mangrove panels come in.

“By adding this 3D structure there, we’re hopeful that it adds some of that depth and complexity where these critters can hide from predators, where they can grow and then contribute back to the ecosystem,” Gandy said.

Organisms like oysters and barnacles are filter-feeders, meaning they draw in water, collect nutrients and release the water. This process filters

Interim Director of Public Works Charlie Mopps said the town and SBEP finalized the design of the panels in December.

The attachment will need to be secure enough to withstand wave action but also have enough space in between the panel and the wall to allow for hiding spaces for larger organisms like fish.

With the design finalized, the project team will move on to the permitting phase once the attachment method is worked out.

The panels will be at Longboat Key’s public park, Bayfront Park, where residents and visitors can see the mangrove panels in action.

Gandy said the project could serve to show how this type of project could be applied in other places.

“This is a demonstration project to show this concept and then we can look at it over time and see how it’s doing,” Gandy said. “Then it potentially provides something that, if a homeowner wanted to add some structure to their shoreline, they can do that.”

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

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ELECT

STEVE BRANHAM Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired) For Longboat Key Town Commission At Large – Seat 1

and send it to: Mike Haycock 3400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228

Steve Branham Proven, experienced leader in previous diverse roles: o Retired from the US Coast Guard o Senior executive in Disaster Response Management o Chairman, Town of Longboat Key Consolidated Retirement System o President, Board of Suncoast Blood Centers o Real estate advisor for the prestigious Premier Sotheby’s International Realty o President, Longboat Key Kiwanis Club o Longboat Key Garden Club Board 10 years o Longboat Key Foundation Board

MONDAY, JAN. 6

Member: o Save our Seabirds o Longboat Key Turtle Watch o Ringling Art Museum o Marie Selby Botanical Gardens o Sarasota Art Museum For a complete resume email Steve at: jsalor@aol.com

Paid Political Advertisement paid for by the Steve Branham Campaign for Longboat Key Town Commission

CLOTHING THIEF 12:33 p.m., 4600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Information Report: A resident called the Longboat Key police to report a potential theft. The residents claimed that contractors stole items from her home while doing work sometime after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In late December 2024, the resident found that plastic was removed from the ground-level cabinet and it appeared the locked cabinets were forced open. According to the resident, clothes were thrown around the cabinet, and clothes with an estimated value of $350 were stolen. She provided the name of the contractor she knew had access to her home during that time. The resident said she just wanted the incident documented, and the responding officer concluded that no further investigation was necessary.

WHAT’S THAT SMELL? 10:47 p.m., 500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Vehicle Stop: An officer on patrol noticed a vehicle with a defective headlight and initiated a traffic stop.

While the officer spoke to the driver, the smell of marijuana spread from the car as the driver rolled down her window. The officer asked her if she had marijuana inside the vehicle, and she opened her center console to show a partially smoked joint.

After seeing what appeared to be marijuana, the officer asked the driver to step out of the vehicle so the officer could conduct a probable cause search. During the search, the officer found a metal tin with more partially smoked joints, a white container labeled “THC” with edible gummies and a THC vape pen.

The officer detained the driver and conducted a field test on the “green leafy substance” while another officer responded as backup. The tests confirmed the substance was marijuana, and the officers concluded the driver had about 2.35 grams in total. The driver was issued a notice to appear for the possession of marijuana, and a citation for the defective headlight.

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“Steve Branham Campaign”

NEEDED HELP TO FIND FAMILY 6:11 p.m., 5300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Person: An officer was dispatched to a restaurant after staff called 911 to report a suspicious person. According to the 911 call, an elderly woman at the restaurant was asking staff where her family was. Upon the officer’s arrival, restaurant staff advised they contacted 911 and canceled the request because everything was fine.

SATURDAY, JAN. 4

Michael J.O’Neil DDS FAGD

Steve Branham announces he is a qualified candidate for Longboat Key Town Commission election on March 11, 2025 running for the At Large Seat 1 which will be vacated by Vice Mayor Mike Haycock’s term limits.

Resident of Longboat Key for 13+ years.

Married to Susan Phillips – 27+ year resident and 27-year employee of the Town of Longboat Key. Steve is running because he cares very much about the town and is committed to Longboat Key and its residents.

Steve retired from the Coast Guard having served 37 years. He was the CFO for the entire service and later the operational commander of the busiest of nine regions worldwide. Steve has been the Chairman of the Longboat Key Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees for 10 years and has learned a great deal about the Town of Longboat Key and its needs. He is ready to serve in a greater capacity to help support the town and to deal with the issues we face as a community.

Steve is committed to ensuring that “Longboat stays Longboat” and that we remain a “premier community receiving exceptional service”.

If you would like to support Steve’s campaign, make your contribution by check payable to

FRIDAY, JAN. 3

CAN’T CAMP THERE 1:45 p.m., 600 block of Bay Isles Parkway Suspicious Vehicle: While on patrol, an officer noticed a suspicious motor home parked and connected to a town-supplied water tap, as well as a town power supply via an extension cord. Officers knocked on the door of the motor home and asked the owner what he was doing. The owner did not realize it was a problem to camp on town property, but was cooperative and left without issue, according to the police report. The camper was issued an ordinance citation for camping in a motor home on town property.

TUESDAY, JAN. 7

COULD’VE BEEN A WORSE GUN 9:22 a.m., 3400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Lost/Found Property: A citizen reported finding a gun with a long barrel and case near a kayak launch.

Upon arrival, the responding officer met with the caller who led the officer to the gun, which the officer discovered to be a flare gun. The officer inspected the flare gun, which was rusted and not loaded. There were no identifiable numbers on the gun, and the officer took custody of the gun to be inventoried at the police department.

TUESDAY, JAN. 7

NOT FROM AROUND THIS COMMUNITY 3:28 p.m., 5300 block of Sandhamn Place Animal Problem: Residents called to report an unknown man walking two dogs in a private neighborhood.

The responding officer noticed the entrance and exit to the community were open and proceeded to speak with the complainant. The complainant said he knew every resident in the community and did not believe this man to be one of them. According to him, one of the dogs defecated in his yard and he attempted to speak with the man but did not have any luck. The officer canvased the area briefly but did not find any men walking dogs before being called away for a priority call.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 8

CAR LEFT RUNNING 11:57 p.m., 600 block of Emerald Harbor Drive Citizen Assist: An officer on night patrol noticed a vehicle with running lights parked in the driveway of a residence. No one was in the vehicle, so the officer knocked on the front door of the residence and spoke with the homeowner. The homeowner said he did not know his vehicle was still running and appreciated the officer letting him know.

THURSDAY, JAN. 9

SUSPICIOUS SNUGGLE TIME 1:44 a.m., 5300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Vehicle: A Longboat Key officer on patrol noticed a car parked and running in the lot of a business after hours. The officer approached the suspicious vehicle and found a man and woman in the back seat. The man said he and his girlfriend were, “enjoying some snuggle time and watching Netflix,” the report states. The officer explained to the couple that the businesses in this lot were closed, and they needed to move to a more appropriate location to continue snuggle time.

After receiving a verbal warning, the couple was sent on their way to watch Netflix somewhere else.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Brigette Kubin cuts the ribbon for her business, Three Island Monkeys, on Jan. 8.

Chamber recognizes new shop Three Island Monkeys gift store opened in November, but the ribbon cutting was this week.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

T

hree Island Monkeys owner Brigette Kubin was emotional when speaking about resilience and how her business was resurrected through the support of others.

Kubin celebrated the opening of her business, Three Island Monkeys, on Longboat Key on Jan. 8 among friends, family and representatives from the town, including the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce.

Kubin thanked Mayor Ken Schneier, who was in the crowd, for how town leaders keep the town genuine, with a multigenerational feel.

“I hope that our little boutique adds some color to everyone’s life here,” Kubin said.

Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kim Verreault said the ceremony was one of its largest attended ribbon-cutting ceremonies, with about 50 people.

Guests enjoyed a spread of food, wine and prosecco, and admired the elegant floral arrangements, Verreault said. Some of the food was provided by Lazy Lobster, where

Kubin used to work.

“It’s going to be an incredible addition to our community,” Verreault said about the business. “It’s very, very unique.”

Kubin opened Three Island Monkeys at 5620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, in a section of the building co-owned by her friend, Courtney Rossler.

Rossler recently opened Lo’ Key Island Grille on the same lot.

Three Island Monkeys officially opened its doors on Nov. 29 after some setbacks caused by the 2024 hurricane season.

Before that, the business was located on Anna Maria Island and was started by local artist Kandi Kerekes in 2009.

Kubin vacationed on Anna Maria Island for 30 years and always visited Three Island Monkeys when she was in town. In 2015, while on vacation, Kubin found out that Kerekes was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer and wanted to pass the business down to someone with the same mission to spotlight unique finds from local artists.

Kubin bought the store in 2015 and learned from Kerekes how she operated the business during the last

months of Kerekes’ life.

Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, and Kubin had to move Three Island Monkeys to another location. She later had to pause the business entirely to take care of her parents during the pandemic.

A short period of selling products online followed, but Kubin looked forward to reopening a building for Three Island Monkeys.

Kubin worked at Lazy Lobster, where she met Rossler, who eventually left Lazy Lobster for her own business venture, Lo’ Key Island Grille. Rossler offered Kubin a section of the lot to reopen Three Island Monkeys, this time on Longboat Key. With the opening of the Longboat Key boutique, Kubin decided to lean more into the unique gifts aspect of the business, focusing on art and specialty items that pull from her local art connections.

Courtesy images

Three Island Monkeys offers unique gifts from local artists.

“I hope that our little boutique adds some color to everyone’s life here.”

— Brigette Kubin, Three Island Monkeys owner

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

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What Would the Founding Fathers Think of America Today?

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By focusing on key writings and speeches of founders such as Washington, Jefferson, Adams and others we can certainly speculate what they’d think about the issues of today. That’s the fascinating and unique idea behind the Observer’s upcoming event in Sarasota on February 6th. It will be presented by renowned Brown University Professor Wendy Schiller, Chair of the Department of Political Science.

Here’s an example. The partisan hostility of our two major parties

has certainly frustrated nearly everyone. It turns out that the “Father of our Country” and our very first President was concerned about that very issue. In George Washington’s words from his famous farewell address in 1796, “There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government and keep alive the spirit of liberty. But then he went on to assert “the constant danger of excess” and ended by referring to a political party as “ a fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance topresent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume” Another subject area that was discussed thoroughly at the start of our country and continues to be a major focus today is the role of religion. While many believe

that the Founders felt that religion should be kept entirely outside political life, that’s really not what most of them felt. James Madison wrote that all men are “equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience”. In actuality the founders were less concerned about religious influences on government than they were with any effort to exclude some religions and favor others. That is what they had experienced as citizens of England and was what they were primarily concerned with.

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issue for as long as our country has been in existence. It was Thomas Jefferson who wrote “That same prudence which in private life would forbid paying our own money for unexplained projects, forbids it in the dispensation of the public monies” Sounds a lot like something you hear every day on TV!

vanced by many founders, and some of their thinking was quite advanced. Thomas Paine wrote of the need to “make some provisions for people become poor and wretched not only at the time they become so. Would it not, even a matter of economy, be far better to devise means to prevent their becoming poor?”

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THURSDAY, FEB. 6

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Cleaning parks by day, bodybuilding by night Matthew Ballew’s busy days working for Longboat Key Public Works are paired with a lifestyle of weightlifting and bodybuilding, which has taught him important life lessons.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

M

atthew Ballew’s days working for the Public Works department on Longboat Key are always

busy.

Whether it’s routine maintenance at Bayfront Park or early morning trash collection before the sun rises, Ballew’s days are tiring, especially in the Florida heat.

But after the workday is over, Ballew’s day doesn’t end. Since high school, Ballew has been passionate about weightlifting and bodybuilding, which he has intertwined with his daily life.

Petra Rivera

In high school, Ballew was involved in a variety of sports — basketball, soccer, football, baseball and track.

Then, in his later high school years, he wound up getting in too much trouble to participate in sports and turned to weightlifting.

He was hooked.

Ballew went to Indiana State after high school to study kinesiology, where weightlifting was a hobby and the main social environment for him.

“From then on, it was like a habit,” Ballew said. “We were all kinesiology majors, sports exercise science, just kind of into that lifestyle and all athletes.”

Ballew lost enjoyment in the college experience and realized his end goal with kinesiology would likely be a personal trainer, something that doesn’t require a college degree.

His parents had been snowbirds after he graduated from high school.

While debating whether to continue his schooling, he took his parents up on an offer to see what the Bradenton area was like.

“I actually had a plane ticket to go back two weeks after, but I ended up staying and found a job on Siesta Beach working for Sarasota County,” Ballew said. “I fell in love with working on the beach and taking care of it.”

For a couple of years, Ballew jumped around in similar jobs for Sarasota County, including working on Lido Key for about six years before working on the Legacy Trail for about a year.

Matthew Ballew playing with a dog in Bayfront Park Courtesy image

In early 2023, Ballew decided he wanted to go back to working near a beach, and his manager at Sarasota County mentioned Longboat Key had a job opening.

Ballew didn’t travel to Longboat often before taking the job, but he chose to give the area a try.

“Over time, I’ve learned that it’s a very peaceful, quiet, safe place,” Ballew said. “It’s very ideal to retire here. It’s like paradise.”

Ballew said he’s been grateful for the town’s emphasis on keeping staff wages competitive, but also appreciates the relationship he’s built with the community members.

“I really love the community part of working here on Longboat and how we try to please our community as much as we can, and be a little more personable and build good relationships with people,” Ballew said. “I’m very grateful for all of that.”

BODYBUILDING IN THE BACKGROUND

Weightlifting and bodybuilding continued to be a big part of Ballew’s life in Florida.

Typically, his workouts are about 45 minutes of weightlifting, a 30-40 minute cardio session and 20 minutes in the sauna — all of that after a day of working outside on Longboat Key. “A lot of days, you do struggle to get in the gym,” Ballew said. “But once you get in there and get the blood flowing, you’re always happy

you made it in there.”

When he first started his job with Longboat Key, Ballew realized he was consistently losing weight — something that spells trouble for weightlifters trying to put on weight in the form of muscle.

“That is definitely a big challenge out here, especially since it’s such a long, hot summer,” Ballew said.

“When I first started this job, I was consistently losing weight and I was a little concerned.”

Then, Ballew found that adding a protein shake or bowl of oatmeal helped maintain his weight. Hydration helps, too, for maintaining energy levels.

Outside of the gym and working long hours with the town, Ballew said meal preparation is essential.

At least once or twice a week, Ballew cooks chicken or a big batch of carbohydrates like rice.

“That’s going to help keep from eating bad food,” Ballew said about the meal preparation.

On Sept. 21, 2024, Ballew took the stage at the Physical Culture Association United States Championships show in Bradenton.

Competing in a bodybuilding show requires a lot of preparation, including a stricter diet, which Ballew started 10 weeks before the show date. This means no alcohol, no fast food or junk food.

His strict preparation earned him second in the Classical Bodybuilding section of the show. It’s a high honor,

WORSHIP

but Ballew did not earn his pro card and “pro status,” which had been his goal for the past five years.

Dieting that hard depletes energy levels, and Ballew said he ate well in the days after the show to get his energy back up — just in time for Hurricane Helene’s arrival on Sept.

26.

“I was able to eat well after the show and kind of get my energy levels back up for the storm,” Ballew said. “And then when the storm hit, we were basically working nonstop for about four to six weeks.”

Ballew said Public Works staff were working 10- to 12-hour days in the aftermath of the hurricanes.

During that time, he said he went to the gym maybe once or twice.

“There’s obviously moments where you’re working hard and you’re just not going to get to the gym,” Ballew said.

Getting back on the bodybuilding stage requires a lot of time and commitment. Currently, Ballew is putting bodybuilding to the side but knows it will always be something that will be there for him. Weightlifting will continue to be a passion of his.

Over the years, weightlifting has been an important outlet.

“I think it’s just a lot of selfimprovement, a lot of discipline — being self-disciplined and achieving your goals,” Ballew said.

“Bodybuilding taught me a lot about discipline and sacrifice.”

“A lot of days you do struggle to get in the gym. But once you get in there and get the blood flowing, you’re always happy you made it in there.”

— Matthew Ballew

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

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

directory

Ballew competed at the Physical Culture Association United States Championships show on Sept. 21, 2024, in Bradenton.

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

438101-1

CAREER BY THE BEACH

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

The Lord’s Warehouse is re-opening on Saturday, February 1 from 9am to 1pm.

YOU ARE WELCOME AT ALL ANGELS

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church

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

Worship Service Sunday 10 a.m.

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

Worship With Us at Our Church

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

Visitors & Residents Welcome

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

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

941-383-3428

longboatkeytemple.org

438166-1

Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00 Women’s Bible Study: Wednesday @ 10:00

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

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

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

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

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

438153-1

AllAngelsLBK.org

563 Bay Isles Rd • 941-383-8161

437898-1

Finding our Strengths Together Community Event Join your neighbors to share about your experiences with the hurricanes and how to find our strength together.

Thursday, Jan 23rd from 2 - 4 pm

437788-1

14

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

15

On Lido Key. A LIFE INSPIR ED.

R E SI DE NCE SL I DOK EY.COM

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

438926-1

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Equal Housing Opportunity. Rosewood Residences Lido Key is owned and being developed, offered and sold by WSR—Lido Beach, LLC (“Developer”). The project is not owned, developed or sold by Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, L.L.C. or any of its affiliates (“Rosewood”). Developer uses the Rosewood marks pursuant to a license agreement with Rosewood, which may be terminated under certain conditions. Rosewood does not assume any responsibility or liability in connection with the condominium. © Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. The Ronto Group®. Rosewood Hotels and Resorts®.

16

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Sotheby’s International Realty ® Affiliate Worldwide*

GOLDEN GATE POINT 188 Golden Gate Point #202 Kimberly Ide

Scan below for a full list of Open Houses, property details, driving directions and more

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PLAZA AT FIVE POINTS 50 Central Avenue #17PHC Roberta Tengerdy & Carolyn Collins

PLAZA AT FIVE POINTS RESIDENCES 50 Central Avenue #16S Thomas Netzel

$4,985,000 941.539.0633

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166 Golden Gate Point, Penthouse #70 Joel Schemmel

$2,264,000 941.920.1500

15906 Kendleshire Terrace Gloria Bracciano

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$1,499,900 941.404.9504

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$1,649,000 941.961.5857

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$2,750,000 941.232.3001

THE ISLES $1,615,000 941.961.5857

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ESPLANADE 12663 Fontana Loop Mary Ann Hartmann

$4,000,000 813.731.3332

BAYSO

$2,980,000 941.447.4875

BRADENTON

COUNTRY CLUB EAST 7833 Valderrama Way Gloria Bracciano

$4,500,000 941.504.9910

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ARTISTRY 8983 Baroque Terrace Christopher Bush & Angie Walters

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$3,995,000 941.809.0041

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THE BLVD SARASOTA

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VILLA BALLADA 430 Kumquat Court #302 Frank Lambert & Anita Lambert

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$1,166,000 941.920.1500

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB $1,099,000 407.466.1538

13853 Siena Loop Gloria Bracciano

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various resources, including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. *Peerage Group Sotheby’s International Realty. Source: BrokerMetrics®

$949,900 941.229.4000

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

FOUNDERS CLUB 3548 Founders Club Drive Jerry Zaback

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE $2,650,000 941.350.6885

764 Tailwind Place Joe Harris & Charles Totonis

HARBOR HOUSE 174 Golden Gate Point #11 Kimberly Ide

ST. ARMANDS TOWERS NORTH

$1,690,000 941.539.0974

1 Benjamin Franklin Drive #121 Mike Warm

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3060 Grand Bay Boulevard #162 Judy Mitchell

17

$1,650,000 941.525.2740

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LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 7758 US Open Loop Mia McKeehan

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LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 7139 Sandhills Place Bridgett Tackett-Byzewski

$860,000 941.780.0462

THE LAKE CLUB 8532 Pavia Way Laura Stavola

$3,890,000 941.447.4875

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE 7996 Sandstar Way Joe Harris & Charles Totonis

LAUREL LAKES

SANCTUARY AT LONGBOAT KEY 545 Sanctuary Drive #A803 Louis Wery

$2,690,000 941.232.3001

RENAISSANCE 750 North Tamiami Trail #1003 Moriah Taliaferro

2886 Grazeland Drive Larry Johns

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RIVERWALK VILLAGE $749,000 941.704.8386

10803 Bullrush Terrace Joe Harris & Charles Totonis

$695,000 941.920.1500

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$735,000 941.539.0974

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The Next Evolution of Waterfront Luxury 78 Grand Bayfront Residences from $3.7 Million

Presentation Gallery Now Open at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Hotel 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.499.8704 | TheResidencesSarasotaBay.com ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. The renderings, terms, conditions, and statements contained in these materials are proposed only, and the Developer reserves the right to modify, or withdraw any or all of same in its sole discretion and without prior notice. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Bay are not owned, developed or sold by Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates (“Ritz-Carlton”). KT Sarasota South, LLC uses The Ritz-Carlton marks under a license from Ritz-Carlton, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made herein. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated.

BECAUSE EVERY HOME IS UNIQUE. JUST LIKE YOU. JUST LIKE US.

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500

RENTALS | 941.203.3433

438311-1

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

Classifieds 32 Games 31 Real Estate 27 Weather 31

JANUARY 16, 2025

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Birdie McClaine plays a tune on his accordion while his dog, Lady Haha, performs. He used to travel with the Ringling Bros. circus.

Paws and Applause CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

O

437885-1

n a day in St. Armands Circle when flashy sports cars filled the streets and revved up engines drowned the chatter, Birdie McClaine and his white Chihuahua, Lady Haha, stole the show.

The duo performed on a bench next to one of the famous St. Armands Circle statues. McClaine donned a vintage black circus cap and a serious smile.

He played a tune on his accordion.

As McClaine struck the keys and compressed the accordion, he barked commands at his partnerin-crime, Lady.

“Sit pretty,” he said.

She obliged and sat on her hind legs in the small rocking chair. The chair seemed to rock back and forth with McClaine’s forearms as he squeezed the accordion.

A passerby offered up a tip in appreciation. “Give it to her,” he said. He smiled as if he had a trick to show.

Lady walked over, held the dollar bill in her mouth and took it to the hat lying on the ground in front of McClaine. She dropped it in the pile and retreated to her rocker.

Though McClaine lives in Tennessee, where he’s from, part of his history connects to Sarasota’s own.

Almost 50 years ago, McClaine was a graduate of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College in Venice.

Then, from 1976 to 1979, McClaine traveled as a juggler and clown with the Ringling Bros. Circus. The famous circus and Ringling name is rooted in the Sarasota area, where he sat and performed.

Since he was a boy, McClaine had a knack for juggling and riding a unicycle — skills that transferred to his tour with the Ringling Bros. com-

A pre-holiday afternoon was busy on the Circle, but a random street performer with a Ringling Bros. history stood out the most. pany.

During his time with them, he traveled the country by train.

What was his favorite part about the tour?

“Probably just living on the circus train,” he said.

It wasn’t only people who rode the train, but the animals, too. Monkeys, elephants, you name it.

“It was just one big party,” he explained.

The accordion is something he picked up about 15 years ago, and now McClaine spends most of his time traveling and performing.

“I’m basically retired,” he said. “So I just come out and play music with

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

my dog.”

Lady is no ordinary chihuahua.

She doesn’t yap and misbehave like most Chihuahuas.

Instead, she sits calmly on her rocker, waiting to do a trick with McClaine. Sometimes, it’s taking a dollar bill, while other times, she vaults over his legs or takes a bow.

McClaine enjoys coming to perform in the Sarasota and Tampa Bay areas. One of his favorite spots is the St. Pete Pier.

But during the holiday season, St. Armands was at the top of his list.

He said it’s the holiday feel and decorations on the Circle that he loves the most.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

19

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

BENCH MBAER KHRMEASU AT EGIC I NG Z ED NC R K LTS R E S U •LTSST• R ST R AT EGIC M M AARR KK ETET ING • P E •R SPER O NASONA L I Z E D SLEIRV I C E SERV ICE

TY CI

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545 SANCTUARY DR #B406 | 2067 OFFERED AT $1,975,000 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 HAR BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L on g b o a t K eExperience y | O f f e reluxury d a t $beachfront 7 79, 0 0 0 living in this 3 bed/2.5 L on gbath b o aoasis t K ebehind y | O f the f e regates d a tof$ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487 the Longboat Key Club. Enjoy big bay, city and golf course green views from the

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on g b o at K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0SANCTUARY ON L on g b o at K e y KEY | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 THE LONGBOAT MLS# MLS# A4178487 575 SANCTUARY DR #A201 | OFFERED AT $1,850,000 2067 HA4178487 A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 Sweeping the0 0Gulf L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d views a t $ 7of 79, 0 of Mexico are enjoyed L on g bfrom o a t every K e y room | O f fof e rethis d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 3 bed/2.5 bath residence.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Sarasota’s Zack and Greta Hamric sit in their 1956 Jaguar XK 140MC Roadster formerly owned

by Hollywood stars Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Dan Parke and David Sunter look inside a car.

Purrfectly iconic

S Photos by Ian Swaby

Above: Santiago Fuintos, 13, and Alma Fuintos explore the cars.

arasota’s Zack and Greta Hamric spend 100 hours each year maintaining their 1956 Jaguar XK 140MC Roadster formerly owned by Hollywood stars Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

When they saw it at the St. Louis Car Museum & Sales four years ago, they quickly decided to purchase the vehicle.

In addition to the average of 12 miles per week they drive the car, they enjoyed showcasing it at St. Armands Circle Park, during Concours d’Elegance on Jan. 11.

Zack Hamric called the event “tremendous” because of the number of Jaguar enthusiasts present, calling it a “great show” with a “beautiful job” of production.

Held by the Sun Coast Jaguar Club, the free event allowed the public an opportunity to view the British luxury vehicles, which came mainly from around Florida, as well as for members of the club and affiliated clubs to gather together.

Originally scheduled for Oct. 12, it was postponed due to Hurricane Helene, and Hamric noted he was glad for the chance to support the businesses of St. Armands to help them move forward into the new year.

Club member Craig Green said members enjoy gathering together “because we love Jaguars, because we enjoy the legacy of Jaguars, the beauty of the car.”

— IAN SWABY

Peter Goldreich, of Sarasota, displays his 1969 Jaguar E-Type Series II

A brighter, healthier future is coming.

THE KOLSCHOWSKY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION INSTITUTE A hub for research, medical education and innovation, the Institute will nurture next-generation clinicians and attract top physicians from around the world. It will ensure SMH remains at the forefront of medical excellence.

Community support is the lifeblood of the Institute.

Learn how you can make an impact, call 941.917.1286 or visit smhf.org.

Learn more.

432422-1

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

21

Local Roots, Legacy of Experience: One Family, Two Generations TOP 1%

of Coldwell Banker Realty Agents Globally

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49+ YEARS Selling Sarasota & Manatee Counties

Ryan Ackerman 941.387.1818

Barbara Ackerman 941.387.1820

HARBOR ACRES NEW LISTING $9,600,000 1430 HARBOR DR. • 7,049 SQ FT OF LIVING SPACE Completely Renovated in 2023 • 110’ of Deep Boat Basin Waterfront 1,100 Bottle Wine Room • In Home Elevator • All New Hurricane Impact Windows & Doors • Private Dock • Outstanding Entertaining Areas & 4-Car Garage

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1429 N. LAKE SHORE DR. • 5BR/5 FULL BA & 2 HALF BA • 4,545 SQ FT Open Plan • Gourmet Kitchen • Wine Room Resort-style Pool & Spa

$4,595,000

ICE PR

LONGBOAT KEY MOORINGS

2800 HARBOURSIDE DR. #E-22 • SPACIOUS 70 FT. SLIP Deep-Water Access • Harbor Master & Security Electric, Water & WiFi

$405,000

NEW OPPORTUNITIES COMING SOON

GRAND BAY - LONGBOAT KEY Incredible Views • High Floor • 2-Parking Spaces • Private Elevator

LIGHTHOUSE POINT - LONGBOAT KEY Private Beach • Boat Dock • Direct Open Gulf & Bay Views

ST ARMANDS - JOHN RINGLING ESTATES HARBOR ACRES - HILLVIEW Over 100’ of Waterfront on Pansy Bayou Estate-Sized Waterfront Buildable Lot on Move-In Ready Large Boat Basin

ESPLANADE BY SIESTA KEY Beautiful Home in a Gated, West of the Trail Community

PROMENADE - LONGBOAT KEY High Floor • Terrific Views Spacious Plan

CLUB LONGBOAT BEACH & TENNIS Value Priced • Perfect For Tennis & Beach Enthusiasts

The Ackerman Group | Coldwell Banker Realty • 443 John Ringling Blvd., Ste. F | Sarasota, FL 34236

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SUN N SEA - SIESTA KEY Duplex • Great Investment Income Opportunity

22

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

WILD FLORIDA

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At Myakka River State Park, imperiled native species, such as black skimmers, find undisturbed habitats and abundant food.

Myakka counts record black skimmers

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Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

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©2025 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved.

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

FOR THE FLORIDA LOOK! SCAN for a Peek at our Showroom!

O

n Dec. 16, 2024, 44 participants gathered for the annual Myakka River Christmas Bird Count.

Now in its 78th year, the count took place in a 15-mile-wide circle, within which all birds seen or heard were tallied.

The CBC is a National Audubon Society community-science project that helps highlight conservation action required to protect birds and the habitats they need to survive.

As this year’s count took place in the aftermath of three major storms, resulting impacts on habitats critical for countless bird species were widespread. Nonetheless, 120 species were tallied, only four less than last year’s count, with a count total of 11,853 birds!

Of note, 158 black skimmers, a Florida State-threatened bird, were spotted in three areas of the park.

Skimmers were first sighted during the Myakka CBC in 1954, then off and on in the 1960s-80s. Since the 1990s, skimmers have only been spotted seven times. The previous record, set in 2003, was 28 skimmers. Strictly coastal in most areas of North America, black skimmers are threatened by habitat loss from development, storms, rising sea levels and human disturbance.

They’re also impacted by oil spills and chemical pollution, which threaten fish populations — their

food source.

In winter 2023, with red tide conditions persistent in the gulf and bay, a flock of over 90 skimmers took shelter in the park. Interestingly, coastal red tide blooms are prevalent again this year, whereas at Myakka, ample untainted food is available.

Seasonal low water levels, work to restore the natural flow of the river and reduction in invasive vegetation — all of which create favorable loafing and feeding areas for skimmers — are also factors that likely attract these boisterous birds inland to the park. Thanks to bird band sightings, we know that both local and migratory skimmers winter in the park. In previous years, skimmers from the Lido Key colony, as well as ones from New York and New Jersey, were spotted at Myakka.

And on the first day of 2025, H64, a banded young black skimmer from North Carolina, who migrated south for the first time this year, stood up to be counted, too.

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

The Salon at the St. Regis

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1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

23

REAL ESTATE BY REAL EXPERTS

WINDING OAKS • $1,195,000 3427 WINDING OAKS DRIVE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR/3BA • 2,555 SF • Golf Course & Water Views

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS • $1,395,000 603 LONGBOAT CLUB RD., #903N • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 2BR/2BA • 1,458 SF • Gulf & Bay views

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES • $2,695,000 597 CUTTER LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR/2BA • 1,963 SF • 103’ of Waterfront

SUTTON PLACE • $409,000 569 SUTTON PLACE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR/2BA • 1,198 SF • Furnished

THE MARK • $1,499,000 111 S. PINEAPPLE AVE., #1004 • SARASOTA, FL 2BR/2.5BA • 1,513 SF • Modern interior • City views

PROMENADE • $2,350,000 1211 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #401 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR/3BA • 2,100 SF • Gulf & Bay views

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES • $5,999,000 596 YAWL LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 5BR/5.5BA • 7,374 SF • 275’ of Seawall • Large lot

COREY’S LANDING • $2,800,000 3444 MISTLETOE LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 4BR/3.5BA • 2,836 SF • Upgraded • Waterfront

BAYPORT BEACH & TENNIS CLUB • $949,000 520 BAYPORT WAY • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 2BR/2BA • 1,456 SF • Gulf to Bay Community

FAIRWAY BAY • $675,000 1932 HARBOURSIDE DR., #242 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 2BR/2.5BA • 1,192 SF • Bay views

WEST OF TRAIL • $2,580,000 1886 PROSPECT STREET • SARASOTA, FL 4BR/4BA • 3,444 SF • Built in 2016

WINDING OAKS • $995,000 3455 WINDING OAKS DRIVE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR/2BA • 2,112 SF • Furnished • Waterfront

ISLANDER CLUB • $649,000 2301 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #25N LONGBOAT KEY, FL 2BR/2BA • 1,235 SF • Furnished

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

ISLANDER CLUB • $799,000 2301 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #85N LONGBOAT KEY, FL 2BR/2BA • 1,235 SF

HARBOR OAKS • $699,000 2215 HARBOURSIDE DR., #304 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR/2BA • 1,906 SF • Updated

BRUCE MYER GROUP

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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

432586-1

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, JANUARY 16, 2025

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

Residents learn pickleball basics

A

bout a dozen interested Longboat Key residents gathered on Jan. 13 at The Paradise Center to learn the basics of pickleball from fellow residents Terri Noyes and Elizabeth Apmann.

The event cost $15 per person and offered an hour-long course where participants learned the basic rules, scoring and practiced some mock matches on a makeshift court at The Paradise Center.

Noyes said to her, pickleball is great because it offers fun, fitness and friends.

She and Apmann said not much is needed to start playing pickleball, mainly court shoes, water and a paddle. Apmann suggested glasses or a hat, too, to protect from getting hit in the face with a shot.

Both Noyes and Apmann are certified pickleball instructors and avid players, often at Bayfront Park, the island’s main public place.

Though scoring can be difficult and lead to disagreements, Noyes

and Apmann said the game is all about fun. At the end of the day, people are on the court to have a good time.

After going over the basics of the game, Noyes and Apmann brought attendees on the court to practice serving, volleying and started some mock games to learn the scoring first-hand.

Pete Clausen and his wife, Kim, attended the clinic after seeing an ad about it in the newspaper.

“We wanted something different to do, something active,” Pete Clausen said.

The pickleball basics clinic is held monthly at The Paradise Center, and beginners are always welcome at the Bayfront Park courts, Noyes said.

For more information on future clinics, visit The Paradise Center’s website at TheParadiseCenter.org or call 941-383-6493.

About a dozen attendees learned the basics of pickleball at the Paradise Center on Jan. 13.

— CARTER WEINHOFER

Elizabeth Apmann hands Franklin Cohen a ball to practice his serve.

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

GULF & BAY VIEWS NEW PRICE $3,995,000

• 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

NEW LISTING DIRECT GULF FRONT $1,650,000 OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-4

LONGBOAT KEY 3606 Fair Oaks Pl | A4632238 4/3, 3,842 sq ft, New Roof

LONGBOAT KEY 2105 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Unit 3303 | A4632024 Totally Renovated, 2/2, 1,463 sq ft

END UNIT DIRECT BAY VIEWS $849,900

NEW LISTING RENTAL INCOME $799,900

LONGBOAT KEY 826 Bayport Way | A4619094 2/2, 1,676 sq ft, Rent Min 30/12 Times Year

LONGBOAT KEY 4621 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Unit 16B A4632978 2/2, Totally Renovated

ADOPT DON’T SHOP

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

Dennis Girard

422031-1

Broker Associate

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

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

438450-1

DIRECT BAY FRONT NEW PRICE $3,250,000

941.724.7228

438126-1

535 Sanctuary Dr Unit C807 | A4628990 Totally Renovated, Penthouse 3/3, 2,580 sq ft, LONGBOAT KEY

439204-1

24

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

25

WATER

on the

Reid MuRphy PResents

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY GULFFRONT

LONGBOAT KEY WATER CLUB

8,900,000

$

$

One acre gated Gulf front estate. 4 BD home has a separate guest house and Gulf front pool. Incredible views of azure Gulf waters, beautiful white sandy beach, abundant wildlife and spectacular sunsets.

Spectacular Gulf front 3rd floor 3BD/4BA Brighton floor plan the south building of the sensational Gulf front Water Club complex on south Longboat Key. Private elevator to open floorplan & sensational views.

2,595,000

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY BAYFRONT

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

7,200,000

$

Rare Opportunity to build waterfront on 200 feet of bay front property.

Located in Bayou Hammock near shopping and restaurants. Deep-water direct access to Sarasota Bay and Intracoastal Waterway. Walking distance to white sandy gulf beaches. Beautiful views and fabulous sunrises.

15,000,000 6,500,000 $ 6,500,000 $ 3,600,000 $

Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach - 8BD/7BA: North Shore, Anna Maria - 5BD/6BA: Avenue A, Bradenton Beach - 8BD/9BA: 72nd St., Holmes Beach - 4BD/7BA:

$

LONGBOAT KEY EMERALD HARBOR

LIDO KEY NEW CONSTRUCTION

$

$

Newly renovated 5BD/5BA w/elevator and high-end finishes. Breathtaking Sarasota Bay and ICW views. 10,000lb boat lift, 3 car garage & more.

2,495,000

$

Exceptional opportunity to remodel 2BD/2BA or create your own retreat. New seawall, large dock, w/ 2 lifts + space for additional watercraft. Easy access to Gulf & Bay.

Stunning 5BD/7BA 3 level coastal home w/elevator. Beautiful Gulf, beach & downtown views from multiple balconies. Short walk to beach & St. Armands shopping. Perfect family vacation home.

LONGBOAT KEY NORTH

4,825,000

5,500,000

PENDING

LONGBOAT KEY SLEEPY LAGOON

LONGBOAT KEY NORTH

2,695,000

LONGBOAT KEY DREAM ISLAND ROAD

$

$

$

Great opportunity to build on a private cul-de-sac with private sandy beach access to Gulf of Mexico.

Boater’s Dream. Gated 1/2+ acre lushly landscaped on wide canal. 3BR/2BA across the street from the beach w/new dock & seawall.

Double lot on a wide canal that is 1.06 acres with 200 ft of waterfront. Update the current 4BD/3BA retreat or build a new waterfront home, or possibly two canal front homes. Great tranquil location.

2,900,000

3,595,000

TOP 2024 SALES SOLD

SOLD

LONGBOAT KEY OHANA ESTATE

LONGBOAT KEY LIGHTHOUSE POINT

LONGBOAT KEY GULF FRONT

$

19,750,000

$

10,000 sq. ft. home on 2.67-acre Gulf front property.

12,250,000

$

Behind the gates at Longboat Key Club.

Casually elegant 3BD/3BA Key West style estate Breathtaking views.

BUYING OR SELLING

CALL REID

9,970,000

for a successful real estate experience!

941.232.3304

DEVELOPERS REALTY LBK, INC. | LIC. REAL ESTATE BROKER

REIDMURPHY.COM

438594-1

SOLD

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

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

LONGBOAT KEY 545 Sanctuary Drive B406 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,375 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy & Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4631653 $1,975,000

LONGBOAT KEY 575 Sanctuary Drive A201 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,823 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy & Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4633357 $1,850,000

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 671 Emerald Harbor Drive 2 Beds 2 Baths 2,632 Sq. Ft. Judy Wright 941-232-8041 A4633346 $1,700,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1211 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 706 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,598 Sq. Ft. Tim Koons-McGee 941-320-7073 A4631985 $1,499,990

LONGBOAT KEY 380 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 525 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,255 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs 941-374-2920 A4634202 $1,475,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1901 Harbour Links Circle 1 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,376 Sq. Ft. Michael Nink, Pa 941-914-2805 A4632893 $1,399,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2301 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 21N 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,235 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4618051 $1,299,000

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 1211 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 105 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,598 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4632629 $1,199,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1904 Harbourside Drive 204 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,135 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4632715 $1,175,000

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 2120 Harbourside Drive 617 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,105 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4629605 $969,000

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 4900 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 205 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,312 Sq. Ft. Richard Perlman 941-228-8580 A4632746 $795,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3330 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 205D 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,362 Sq. Ft. Sherri Mills 941-350-7112 A4632901 $795,000

SARASOTA 101 S Gulfstream Avenue 15B 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,320 Sq. Ft. Melissa Gissinger 941-404-2722 A4626116 $724,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4430 Exeter Drive M108 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,168 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4632106 $719,000

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 4350 Chatham Drive E307 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,072 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4613210 $699,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 4440 Exeter Drive 104 2 Beds 2 Baths 992 Sq. Ft. Susan Fox, Pa 941-544-6648 A4631274 $450,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 565 Sanctuary Drive A203 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,375 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4633772 $2,650,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

437205-1

26

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

DEC. 30-JAN. 3

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Corey’s Landing tops the week’s real estate.

David Doyle, of Birmingham, Michigan, sold the home at 3464 Mistletoe Lane to Michael Konig, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $3.3 million. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,367 square feet of living area. It sold for $2 million in 2024.

JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

George and Ellen Featherstone, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 143 Harrison Drive to Surf Rider Lido LLC for $1.6 million. Built in 1972, it has eight bedrooms, eight baths and 3,300 square feet of living area. It sold for $385,000 in 1997.

REAL ESTATE

Corey’s Landing home tops week’s sales at $3.3 million

27

Courtesy images

The veranda of 3464 Mistletoe Lane features a spa and a view of Sarasota Bay.

RINGLING

Philip and Cathy Byler, of Palmetto, sold their home at 750 Saint Judes Drive N. to HOTH LBK LLC for $600,000. Built in 1958, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,224 square feet of living area. It sold for $570,000 in 2004.

LIDO HARBOUR TOWERS

Jerry and Diane Pate, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 103 condominium at 1770 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Russell and Saundra Schuster, of Sarasota, for $800,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,168 square feet of living area. It sold for $495,000 in 2004.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

The home at 3464 Mistletoe Lane has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,367 square feet of living area.

In with the new The open floor plan at 3464 Mistletoe Lane features cathedral ceilings, quartz countertops and Thermador appliances.

NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Jan. 3-9 in order of dollar amounts.

LONGBOAT KEY Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

501 Bay Isles Road

Re-Roof

Town of Longboat Key

5145 Gulf of Mexico Drive #1

New Garage/porch LBK Rentals LLC

$236,200

527 Putter Lane

Roof –

$136,886

Diane Garback

$326,418

Hurricane Damage 683 Marbury Lane

Damage – Helene

Robert Smith

$112,920

591 Putter Lane

Damage – Helene

JR Florida Revocable Trust

$75,000

3609 Fair Oaks Place

Re-Roof

Pamela Connelly

$71,000

7164 Longboat Drive N.

Hurricane Damage Michael Vickers

$70,000

578 Jessmyth Drive

Roof –

$67,136

Cengiz Aygun

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

Hurricane Damage 650 Spanish Drive S.

Hurricane Damage Candice Benjamin

$49,145

6937 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Swimming Pool

Sea Pines

$45,000

580 Chipping Lane

New Dock

David Verinder

597 Halyard Lane

Hurricane Damage Neil Liston

$44,641 $39,820

4235 Gulf of Mexico Drive #81 Hurricane Damage John Behrend

$39,780

4430 Exeter Drive #308

Robert Tosby

$36,136

Nicholas Gladding

$28,565

Building – Windows/Doors

3554 Fair Oaks Lane

Building – Windows/Doors

561 Schooner Lane

Re-Roof

Ronald Sturm

$28,396

3800 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Building –

Beach Harbor Club

$25,481

Windows/Doors

Association

Electrical –

Scott Carlson

$20,000

602 Buttonwood Drive

Hurricane Damage 3596 Fair Oaks Lane

Re-Roof

Jay Burchfield Trust

$19,800

707 St. Judes Drive S. #3

Electrical –

Torin Lacher

$18,560

4835 Gulf of Mexico Drive #104 Hurricane Damage John Barton

$18,000

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

Hurricane Damage Re-Roof

1701 Gulf of Mexico Drive #104 Plumbing –

Jess Goodman

$17,158

Robert Ham

$14,380

Gary Jacobson

$13,500

Alt/Renovation 541 Yardarm Lane

New Dock

781 Emerald Harbor Drive

Hurricane Damage Blair Carter

$11,000 Source: Town of Longboat Key

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

437220-1

619 Jungle Queen Way

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

YOUR CALENDAR

THE GALLERY HOUSE NOW AVAILABLE Nestled in Sarasota’s prestigious Lido Shores, 1354 Westway Drive is a stunning 3-bed, 3-bath residence that epitomizes luxury coastal living with a chef’s kitchen, 2-car EV garage, 3 outdoor living areas, pool, spa, and private community beach.

Scan the QR code to discover this unique haven for art and architecture enthusiasts.

MONDAY, JAN. 20

MARKET ON LONGBOAT KEY From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road.

Join the fun every first and third Monday through April. Try the many food trucks while you do your local shopping. You will find artists, apparel, sandals, fresh flowers, plants and more. Follow The Market on Longboat Key or Markets by Nancy on Facebook and Instagram to see who will be there and what they will be bringing. You can also pre-order pies, cakes and breads to be ready and waiting upon your arrival. Call 289-4141.

BEST BET SATURDAY, JAN. 18

SHARKTOBERFEST 7-10 p.m. at Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. Raise a glass with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium during Sharktoberfest, a craft beer festival in the aquarium after hours. Tickets start at $55. For tickets or more information, go to Mote.org.

RECURRING EVENTS MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

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

seitreporp esitrepxe stluser

436516-1

MONDAYS

YRANIDEXTRAORDINARY ROARTXE

UNRIVALED

DELAVIRNU LANOITPECXE

941.928.3559

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

PRIVATE PIANO LESSONS Thirty-minute appointments starting at 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., at The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Learn to read music and play your favorite songs the “easy” way with popular piano instructor Betsy Tomasso.

Eight lessons. Members, $280; nonmembers, $320. Call 383-8222 or email Admin@TBIEducationCenter.org.

9553.829.149

moc.srednuasleahcim@notluoMle ahciM MichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com

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Marina Tower #1001 | Downtown Bayfront Direct bay views from numerous rooms of this 5,815sf residence with 4 bedrooms, enremodeled aL draylaHkitchen, 105 office, media room and 4 parking 104 # bspaces. ulC retaW 0 0 0,599,1$ | 4 64 8 4 4 4A | FS $7,375,000 0 43 , 2 0 0 0 , 5 7 5 , 2 $ | 4 6 7124 4A | FS 0 04,3 | A4626354

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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. The focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance. Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $20. Walk-ins welcome.

Call 383-6493.

STRATEGIC APPROACH TO BRIDGE BIDDING AND PLAY — ADVANCED PLAYERS From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Advanced players can hone their skills and learn new strategies with certified bridge teacher Dick Wegman. Four sessions. Members, $60; nonmembers, $70. Call 383-8222 or email Admin@TBIEducationCenter.org.

TURNING

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

PILATES SCULPT From 9-9:50 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Pilates Sculpt is a combination class mixing traditional Pilates exercises into a fun, challenging workout to upbeat music. It will make you sweat, encourage your body to burn calories and make you stronger and more flexible. Cost is $20. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

TUESDAYS

KUMIHIMO: THE ART OF JAPANESE SILK BRAIDING From 10 a.m. to noon at The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Louise Gallagher, a Florida West Coast Bead Society member, will teach students a Japanese braiding technique and provide beads for creating beautiful jewelry that you will be excited to wear or give as gifts to friends or family members. Four sessions.

Members $130; nonmembers, $140.

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

Dreams

your

NEW LISTING

HOLLYWOOD ICONS THROUGH THE DECADES (1920S-1950S) From 1-4 p.m. at The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Film critic Gus Mollasis will show and discuss three iconic Hollywood films, followed by stimulating discussions. Three sessions.

Members, $60; nonmembers, $70.

Pro-ration available. Call 383-8222 or email Admin@TBIEducationCenter.org.

into an ADDRESS

L’ELEGANCE #A1003 LIDO KEY $1,495,000

SOLD

ST. REGIS #408 LONGBOAT KEY $7,995,000

1055 Gulf of Mexico Drive #504

1065 Gulf of Mexico Drive #104

$1,525,000

$799,000

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

1045 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #403

The Renaissance

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

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

$499,000

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

Ready to Buy or SELL?

Cell. 941-350-8083 chris.wetzig@premiersir.com www.chriswetzig.com

ANGELA WETZIG

Cell. 614-260-0038 angela.wetzig@premiersir.com

CHRISTOPHER WETZIG TEAM Your Sarasota & Longboat Key Real Estate Experts

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

439668-1

CHRIS WETZIG

Maggie Hicks, Coldwell Banker maggiehicks201@gmail.com 941.321.1759

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

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

437794-1

28

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

1

TOP

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

%

IN THE WORLD

IN G

Coldwell Banker

PE N D

29

$3.4 Billion Career Sales

Leah George

Kepecz@JudyHays.com | www.LongboatKeyLuxury.com

941-780-0597 941-587-1700

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

Steven Kepecz

Judy Kepecz-Hays

941-376-6411

SIESTA KEY

524 Gunwale Lane - $2,150,000 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2,135 sq. ft.

524GunwaleLn.com

EMERALD HARBOR

3500 Bayou Louise Lane - $10,000,000 5 Beds | 5.5 Baths | 6,300 sq. ft.

3500BayouLouise.com

ARIA

GULF FRONT HOME

SANCTUARY

2251 Gulf of Mexico Drive #204 - $7,999,000 3 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 4,032 sq. ft.

Aria204.com

5941 Gulf of Mexico Drive - $8,800,000 3 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 2,417 sq. ft.

5941GulfOfMexicoDr.com

575 Sanctuary Drive #A303 - $1,999,000 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 1,823 sq. ft.

SanctuaryA303.com

L’AMBIANCE

415 L’Ambiance Drive #A401 - $5,890,000 3 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 3,380 sq. ft. | Furnished LAmbianceA401.com

415 L’Ambiance Drive #A801 - $7,500,000 3 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 3,380 sq. ft.

LAmbianceA801.com

TANGERINE BAY CLUB

350 Gulf of Mexico Drive #211 - $1,078,000 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2,394 sq. ft.

Tangerine211.com

WATER CLUB

MIDNIGHT COVE

L’ELEGANCE

1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive #105 - $2,575,000 A3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2,585 sq. ft. | FURNISHED WaterClub105.com

1700 Cove II Place #311 - $598,000 2 Beds | 1.5 Baths | 860 sq. ft.

MidnightCove311.com

1800 Ben Franklin Drive #A403 - $998,000 2 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,350 sq. ft. | Furnished LElegance403.com

100 North Tamiami Trail | Sarasota, FL 34236 | Kepecz@JudyHays.com | www.LongboatKeyLuxury.com

439214-1

6011 Emerald Harbour Drive - $2,495,000 3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,929 sq. ft.

6011EmeraldHarborDr.com

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

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.

1212 CENTER PLACE | LIDO SHORES $6,995,000 – New Construction 5 Beds 6 Baths 4,750 Sq. Ft.

4844 BRYWILL CIRCLE | SAPPHIRE SHORES $1,600,000 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,672 Sq. Ft. with Casita

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

3480 BAYOU SOUND | LONGBOAT KEY $5,200,000 - Newly Built Construction 5 Beds 4 Baths 4,000 Sq. Ft. With Deeded Beach Rights

5444 GULF OF MEXICO DR | LONGBOAT KEY $6,900,000 – 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.

3927 SOMERSET DRIVE | SIESTA KEY $2,325,000 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,758 Sq. Ft.

109 WARBLER LN | BIRD KEY $10,995,000 – Under Construction 4 Beds 4.5 Baths 4,750 Sq. Ft.

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

Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

Contact: Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan 941-928-2922

Contact: Jules Mackie 773-704-1438

Contact: Jules Mackie 773-704-1438

Contact: Tracey Stetler 941-266-9001

Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

Contract: Tracey Stetler 941-266-9001

SIESTA KEY RECORD PRICE

569-571 CHANNEL LANE | SOUTH LONGBOAT KEY $1,050,000 – Multi-Family Renovation Or Build Your New Home Here Contact: Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan 941-928-2922

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

5 Beds 7 Baths 8,964 Sq. Ft. Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

551 SOUTH POLK DRIVE | LIDO BEACH $3,749,000 - Canal Access & Boat Lift Walk to St. Armands and Lido Beach 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,565 Sq. Ft. Contact: Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan 941-928-2922

941 - 388 - 2021

53 S PALM AVENUE, SARASOTA, FL 34236

WWW.THEDIPINTOGROUP.COM | @THEDIPINTOGROUP

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

426499-1

30

YourObserver.com

31

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

FRIDAY, JAN. 17 High: 67 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 6%

Submit your photos at YourObserver. com/Contests.

All submissions will be entered for the 2024-25.

Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2025, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Thursday, Jan. 16

7:21a

5:59p

Friday, Jan. 17

7:21a

6:00p

Saturday, Jan. 18

7:21a

6:01p

Sunday, Jan. 19

7:21a

6:01p

SATURDAY, JAN. 18

Monday, Jan. 20

7:20a

6:02p

High: 72 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 24%

Tuesday, Jan. 21

7:20a

6:03p

Wednesday, Jan. 22

7:20a

6:04p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, JAN. 19 High: 71 Low: 56 Chance of rain: 75%

Jan. 21 Last

Jan. 29 New

Feb. 5 First

Feb. 12 Full

TIDES Highs Lows Thursday, Jan. 16

12:23a

3:00p

8:37a

7:53p

Friday, Jan. 17

1:12a

3:10p

9:06a

8:49p

Saturday, Jan. 18

2:03a

3:25p

9:34a

9:47p

Sunday, Jan. 19

2:57a

3:48p

10:00a

10:50p

Monday, Jan. 20

3:59a

4:15p

10:22a

—

Tuesday, Jan. 21

5:19a

4:46p

12:00a

10:37a

Wednesday, Jan. 22

7:52a

5:23p

1:16a

10:22a

Diane Fairey took this photo of a night heron on Lido Beach.

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 also be a ceiling?”

119 Stringed instrument with 51 “It’s been ___” a chin rest

53 Arizona tribe

120 Try out

57 Mount where Noah made

121 Actor’s “Wait, what do

landfall

I say?”

60 “Rhinoceros” lizard

122 “___ it ironic?”

61 Baton Rouge sch.

123 Chastises

63 White-feathered wader

DOWN

©2025 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Causes concern in 7 Almost gets a birdie 11 “A rolling stone gathers no ___” 15 Quarrel 19 Go bananas 20 Piracy-fighting org.

21 Biblical preposition 22 Target’s target, e.g.

23 *Like “runny” and “sonny”?

25 Academic figure with a list 26 B ___ banana 27 Utensil that stirs things up 28 Not distracted 30 Right away 32 Least stained

65 Someone who might go 66 Military academy frosh

2 Sequence that repeats, in

67 Caesar’s betrayed words

coding

68 Films like “Kiss Me

3 Business colleagues

Deadly”

4 Like folktales

69 Titular Verdi princess

5 “Now We Are Six” author

70 On ___ (not commis-

6 Very messy room

sioned)

7 Trimmed hedges

71 Chewy cinnamon candies

8 “You’re lyin’!”

75 Sushi named for its

9 Charged toward

avocado “scales”

10 Utters

76 Great Lakes people

11 Wet earth

77 Flat fees?

12 Fairly weak poker hand

79 “My fingers are crossed!”

13 Fab Four drummer

80 Dipper Pines’ real name

14 Williams ___ (cookware

81 One-percenters, e.g.

brand)

83 Soda originally called

15 Powerful attempt to

“Brad’s Drink”

score in ice hockey

85 Funny writer

16 Time for playoff games

87 Cell service letters

17 Spry

88 Like sandpaper

18 Broadway awards

91 Go “Blah, blah, blah ...”

24 140-syllable poem

95 Capital of Minnesota

62 House worker, for short? 93 Obtain

“masses”?

63 Winds down

94 Iowa city

29 What takes the L in a

97 Pupa protector

36 Eager

64 *Like “sneaking” and

96 Repetitive learning

famous board game?

98 Adjusted in advance

38 Ctrl+Z

“spearing”?

method

31 Fish out of water

99 Sarcastic “You poor

39 “Riverdale” actress

69 Like a dirty barbecue pit

97 Form 1040 pros

33 German luxury cars

thing!”

Reinhart

72 “So ___ me!”

99 “Final” video game

35 Make overjoyed

100 Chance to get away

40 Athlete/activist Arthur

73 Super-

enemy

36 Historical record

41 “Empire” actress Long

74 Opposite of chaos

42 Exalting poem

78 NYSE debut

from home?

100 *Like “dine” and “dose”? 37 “Air” actress Davis 101 “Get out!”

103 Nobel-winning author 39 Ants on a ___ (snack with 102 Indian megacity

43 Actor Humphrey

79 “You listening?”

Toni

celery)

45 Gets sudsy

82 GPS guess

105 Untidily unwrap

103 Thinks (over) 42 Closing part of a YouTube 104 Marcus Aurelius, philo-

48 *Like “fight” and “sight”? 83 Political adviser Karine

106 Chimichurri and mayo

video

sophically

52 “Now you’re going down!” Jean-___

108 Synagogue scroll

43 Polish bread roll

107 ___ bowl (Brazilian snack)

54 Some indigenous

84 Remove barbs from

111 Indonesian island

44 Capital of Kansas

Alaskans

86 *Like “curtain” and

112 Ren faire beers

46 Growth on bread

55 Giant isopod’s home

“pertain”?

114 *Like “dome” and

56 “I’m a Little ___”

89 Misbehave

“hose”?

109 In the thick of 47 Sega Genesis competitor 110 Egg layers (Abbr.)

113 “___ Drives Me Crazy”

58 Futbol cry

90 Where a pop-up may

116 Madison, Pennsylvania,

49 Ask

(1988 hit)

etc. (Abbr.)

50 Artist who said, “Are you

115 Pieces of surfing equip-

117 “Big yikes ...”

really sure that a floor can’t

ment?

60 Poker declaration

92 Call of Duty: Black ___

“FLOLM TLMJLCOL DFGNPCFH DV XLCFH CFLOCNDXSL WM TMLKLVNCFLK. NPL WFSG DXVWSENL CV EFJLMNDCFNG.”

to a help desk

1 Charitable relief

34 *Like “hisses” and

59 Barcode scanner’s beam direct you

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

SCWFLS VEHHV

“OEXMU JLESA LH UKX VZMOVDMUVLD MEX DLU BELYPRXY NPVRSTG DLE YL UKXG UMSX NPVRS XHHXRU LD UKX BLBPTME ZVDY.”

CLKD YLA BMAALA

“VT SXZBPD ZJIO VP TJG BXKP ZFJ IJKPN MH TJGD IMSP: FBXZ TJG OJ XHO ZBP UPJUIP TJG’DP FMZB.” VXDMJ KXH UPPRIPN Puzzle Three Clue: S equals F

118 Spiky succulent

Puzzle Two Clue: N equals Q

ONE-OFFS by Aidan Deshong, edited by Jared Goudsmit

celebrity cipher

Puzzle One Clue: F equals N

crossword

Flooring Made for Your Family

437914-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

© 2025 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

©2025 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

1-16-25

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Real Estate Wanted

Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card The Longboat Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Longboat Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

KEVIN'S APPLIANCE SERVICE Kevin Weisenbacher / Owner / Technician Homecall - Diagnostic $89.95 941-216-7351 kevin@kevinsapplianceservice.com www.kevinsapplianceservice.com

RED PAGES AD RATES First 15 words .................. $ 17.50 per week Each add’l word ....... 50¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com /RedPages

* Experienced * Medium, small dogs and cats * Pets that are contained *Available weekdays, weekends and if needed, overnight at your location * Own transportation * No reptiles or ferrets please Call for pricing, ask for Cindy 704-907-2732

BUY STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

www.BradentonCashHomeBuyers.com

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

Call 941-383-3338.

WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RATES Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

Reservations 941-383-5577

RED PAGES

wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

Condos/Apts. for Sale WHITNEY BEACH CONDO AT REDUCED PRICE Spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath Longboat Key condo for sale for a limited time at pre-restoration price of $569,000. Condo will be completely restored by late spring. Buy now and you can choose your own flooring, appliances, kitchen cabinets and more. Contact 941-374-9702

101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

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

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage

CALL 941-955-4888

Call 941-955-4888 or visit YourObserver.com/redpages

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

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

LOCKSMITH: Since 1978, Trust Lock and Key has delivered unparalleled services. 10,000 jobs completed, and 1,600 sites serviced. Licensed and insured.

(941) 981-3001 Trustlockandkey.com

This week’s Crossword answers

Find a place where you can visit listings, not just imagine them.

Made for where you live. Here!

Call for a FREE Evaluation!

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

Home Services

YOUR HOME found here.

RED PAGES

EPIC HOME CARE Personal Care-Respite Care Alzheimer’s Care Light Cleaning Med Administration Meal Prep Shopping, Errands & More

Wagner Realty

Homes for Rent FOR RENT -3BR/2BA House on Emerald Harbor Dr. Longboat Key. The house has been fully renovated on a beautiful canal.

Pool and electric car charger in 2 car garage. 941-383-5426

Adult Care Services

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888 Painting CARLO DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

Wallpaper installation & removal, Advertise your business pressure washing. Residential & or service in the Observer commercial, condos.

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

RED PAGES

CALL PAINTING, TODAYLLC SARASOTA 941-955-4888

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

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Never perceive anything as being inevitable or predestined. The only absolute is uncertainty.”

Lionel Suggs Puzzle Two Solution: “Great works of the imagination are not produced quickly nor do they take quick effect on the popular mind.”

John Dos Passos Puzzle Three Solution: “My father told me you have two loves in your life: What you do and the people you’re with.”

Mario Van Peebles

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2025 Universal Uclick

Appliances

DOG WALKER/ PET SITTING Bradenton and the surrounding area within a 25 mile radius

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

Pets

peekers’ place

Items Under $200

SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

auto

stuff

BUYING GOLD, SILVER W/ CASH. RETIRED INVESTOR Diamonds, Coins, Jewelry, Watches & Pocket Watches.

Free House Calls.

Confidential & Honest. Call David 813-439-2694

real estate

Merchandise Wanted

BRADENTON CASH HOME BUYERS: We buy off market properties including single family homes, condos and land. Distressed properties are ok. We always pay Cash. Call us first at 941-202-6957.

©2025 NEA, Inc.

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM

The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice!

The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice!

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

home services

RED PAGES

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

Attorney

Home Watch

Remodeling/Home Improvement

CUSTOM HOME CONSTRUCTION

Divorce without Lawyers

REMODELING • CONDO RENOVATIONS

CARING HANDS WHILE YOU’RE AWAY FROM HOME.

Exclusively serving Longboat Key residents.

Storm-ready home preparations Handyman & concierge services

941-544-1152

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

CBC1265487

Roofing

Insurance

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

MIC INSURANCE

William J. Leininger, JD

439333

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

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

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

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

Auto Service

SELL YOUR CAR!

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

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

FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU

Transportation

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

438027

941 - 248 - 4734 438030

HoHoBuysCars.com

436722

5-Star Rated

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

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC

Health

Exterior / Interior / Cabinets

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• We Buy In “As Is Condition” • No Need For Repairs

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Formerly known as Sunrise Windows UP TO

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INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

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Insurance

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

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

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025

AY WE P

3IS% TO SION

L COMM SSIONA E F PRO ROKERS CO-B

258 GOLDEN GATE POINT #801

$4,495,000

Experience the perfect blend of contemporary downtown living and breathtaking bay and city views in this rarely available 3BR+media room residence at Majestic Bay. Nestled in the desirable Golden Gate Point enclave, this exclusive residence offers comes complete with a private 2-car garage, dock and lift, plus unparalleled access to Sarasota’s vibrant city center, and the Sarasota Bayfront just steps away. www.MajesticBay801.com

B U YE R’ S

435 L’AMBIANCE DRIVE #M408

TO

$3,795,000

2050 BEN FRANKLIN DRIVE #B704

TO

TO

TO

601 LOTUS LANE

990 BLVD. OF THE ARTS #404

537 HALYARD LANE

$3,600,000

$3,299,000

$2,495,000

$1,900,000

TO

B U YE R’ S

TO

B U YE R’ S

This waterfront parcel in the sought-after Country Club Shores is ready for you to create your dream coastal getaway! www.537HalyardLn.com

TO

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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

B U YE R’ S

Escape to paradise on Siesta Key at this 2017 waterfront 3BR + office residence that exudes style. Dock, lift, 3-car garage. www.601LotusLane.com

$3,695,000

Offering nearly 3,000 SF of professionally designed interior, this 3BR residence features breathtaking beach to the bay views, world-class amenities and two parking spaces. www.OrchidBeachB704.com

TO

B U YE R’ S

As you step into this stunningly furnished and updated 2BR + den residence, beach-to-bay views showcase the enviable location just a sunny walk from the Longboat Key Club. www.435LAmbianceK405.com

B U YE R’ S

435 L’AMBIANCE DRIVE #K405

3460 MISTLETOE LANE

Embrace the ultimate coastal lifestyle at this turnkey furnished, COMPLETELY UPDATED 4BR, 3,000 SF bayfront home. www.3460MistletoeLn.com

$5,495,000

Perched on the 4th floor of Building II at L’Ambiance, this corner Royal residence offers breathtaking Gulf and sunset views,. Spanning 3,380 SF, this 3BR+study getaway showcases panoramic beach and sunset vistas. www.435LAmbianceM408.com

B U YE R’ S TO

$3,995,000

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 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

B U YE R’ S TO

7418 WESTMORELAND DRIVE

TO

500 HARBOR POINT ROAD

B U YE R’ S

$15,000,000

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

B U YE R’ S

6603 GULFSIDE ROAD

TO

TO

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MORE THAN $221 MILLION IN CLOSED SALES IN 2024

4207 MARINA VIEW WAY

3825 SARASOTA GOLF CLUB BLVD.

380 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #513

1211 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #108

$1,750,000

$1,699,000

$1,399,000

$1,399,000

$1,049,000

B U YE R’ S

B U YE R’ S

B U YE R’ S

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

TO

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

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

TO

1920 LAUREL STREET

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

TO

B U YE R’ S

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

TO

4653 ANTRIM DRIVE

1065 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #10-201

2374 ARLINGTON STREET

$899,000

$799,000

$699,000

Designed with intention, this newer 2022-built, 3BR home is overflowing with contemporary sophistication. www.4653AntrimDrive.com

This Beachplace residence is waiting for your personal touches to create an ideal beach retreat. Includes brand-new windows (2024). www.Beachplace10201.com

This charming, move-in ready 3BR home, is nestled in the heart of Arlington Park, blending comfort and prime location. www.2374ArlingtonStreet.com

CA L L TO DAY FO R YO U R EXC LU S I VE TO U R ( 9 41 ) 3 8 7-1 8 4 0 443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F, Sarasota, FL 34236 | Pettingell.com YouTube.com/@PettingellProfessionals | 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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