Longboat Observer 5.27.21

LONGBOAT

Observer Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

Parade goes fourth.

PAGE 4

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 43, NO. 42

FREE

YOUR TOWN

•

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Water rates rising?

Town contemplates how to pay for big projects.

SEE PAGE 3

File photo

Feathered felons

Few things are as maddening as losing a brand-new, $3.50 golf ball. Wait, no.

Make that: Few things are as maddening as watching a bird carry off a brand-new $3.50 golf ball.

So when a Bay Isles resident reported hearing what she thought was gunfire to dissuade a feathered fairway felon, Longboat Key Club Golf Director Terry O’Hara said he surmised it was more likely the sound of a track-and-field starter’s pistol and not a Saturdaynight special.

Birds have been known to scoop up a Titleist or Taylormade from time to time, but O’Hara said he’s never heard of a golfer resorting to that caliber of response.

By the way, the Rules of Golf allow the replacement of a purloined ball from the scene of the avian crime at no penalty.

EARTHY PURSUITS Garden Club digs in to make new fire station look a little more like home.

SEE PAGE 18

Tell us about your graduates The Longboat Observer is looking for graduates to include in an upcoming issue.

Families or graduates of any level — elementary school, middle school, high school, college — who live on Longboat, St. Armands, Lido or Bird Key should get in touch with Nat Kaemmerer at NKaemmerer@ YourObserver.com.

We’ll send a questionnaire and include your class of ’21 student in our upcoming grad package. Submissions must be made by June 9.

Nat Kaemmerer

Carole Shawn and Nancy McLean show off their dirt-covered hands while working last weekend at Fire Station 92.

It’s up to the voters

Turtle Tracks LONGBOAT May 16-22 2021 2020 Nests 53 87 False Crawls 43 79 Totals since April 25

2021 2020 Nests 98 160 False Crawls 105 144 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

Mark Bergin

The former bank building at 6960 Gulf of Mexico Drive has sat vacant for years.

Town advances a pair of density issues for the November ballot.

SEE PAGE 5

A+E

The same, only different.

SEE PAGE 20

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Board approves Buccaneer plans The restaurant is subject to the town’s former parking rules.

The Columbia Restaurant Group owns the land at 4120 Gulf of Mexico Drive and the Harbour Square site north of it.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

T

he Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board unanimously approved a site development plan and a special exception for the proposed Buccaneer Restaurant.

Tampa-based Columbia Restaurant Group President Richard Gonzmart, partner Jeffrey Shannon and Matthew Campo of Campo Engineering Inc. spoke before the P&Z Board last week.

Gonzmart said the Buccaneer Restaurant will pay homage to his late father.

“This is the last major project I will do in my career,” Gonzmart said.

The proposed restaurant is at 4120 Gulf of Mexico Drive between Bayfront Park and Harbour Square, which the Columbia owners bought in 2017.

The plan is to build a 196-seat restaurant on the site of the former Pattigeorge’s, which was demolished in June 2018.

Because the Buccaneer Restaurant submitted its application in April 2020 before the June 2020 restaurant parking changes took effect, the project is subject to the town’s previous rules. It means instead of requiring one space for every 150 square feet of floor area,

THE NUMBERS

10,891

Square feet of restaurant space Mark Bergin

1,330

Square feet of secondstory outdoor dining

2,940

Square feet of rooftop dining

the Buccaneer must have one parking spot for every four seats.

The Buccaneer will need 49 parking spots instead of the 101 that would be required under the new parking rules.

The town calculated 101 parking spaces using 15,161 total square feet of the combined restaurant area and outdoor dining areas.

Town leaders sought to revise the rules in response to complaints over curbside parking on Broadway Street. Objections focused on restaurants not being required to account for parking of patrons who were waiting for tables.

“I’m trying to look at it from a perspective of, one: putting them on notice that if you want to do certain types of modifications,

that’s going to trigger parking requirements,” board Chair David Green said. “But on the other hand, certain changes that seem like an onerous result.”

P&Z Board members did express concerns about overflow parking, especially considering the proximity to free parking at Bayfront Park.

Planning, Zoning and Building staff added a condition stating the Buccaneer group must submit an overflow parking plan before the town will issue a building permit.

“Overflow restaurant parking shall not create a nuisance or unsafe conditions to area property, including, but not limited to town property,” the condition reads.

The town must accept the plan and it must address overflow using “multiple mitigating approaches,” including water taxis; employee parking; valet, delivery and take out parking; patron parking; ride share and “other mobility solutions.”

The restaurant has restored 10 boat slips with the intention to add six more, according to Campo. The slips could also help to alleviate the need for some parking spaces.

The P&Z Board also approved a special exception to allow an elevator shaft that exceeds the maximum height by 3 feet and outdoor dining. The maximum height is normally 30 feet for buildings.

Campo estimated the group would submit documents to acquire a building permit in about two years.

P&Z MEMBERS SWORN IN The P&Z Board swore in three new members last week: Paul Hylbert (top) and Margaret Nuzzo (bottom) are set to serve three-year terms. Michael Warnstedt (center) is set to serve a one-year term.

“I want to welcome everyone in, especially our new members being sworn in,” Chair David Green said.

Hylbert and Warnstedt attended the meeting in person while Nuzzo participated using Zoom.

The P&Z Board unanimously voted to reappoint Green as chair. The board also voted unanimously to appoint David Lapovsky to serve as vice chair and Jay Plager as secretary.

The P&Z Board also congratulated Planning, Zoning and Building senior office manager Donna Chipman to celebrate her 34th year working for the town.

“She was 4 years old when she started,” Lapovsky joked.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

WHAT ARE THE PROJECTS? The town is facing several infrastructure projects for water and sewer in the next 10 years. In total, about $42.8 million in work is envisioned. To pay for it, the town assumes $27.1 million (63%) would be financed, with the remaining 37% coming from cash reserves and revenue from user collections. Among them:

GOING UP? Eric Garwood

Water and sewer bills proposed to rise as the town considers critical infrastructure projects in the next five years.

“Costs are going up. We all have to be careful about that, and we’ve tried to minimize the rate increases, but put a program in place to allow us to do these really important infrastructure things that we need to do.”

— Town Manager Tom Harmer

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

T

he Longboat Key Town Commission is set to decide between two proposed increases for water and sewage rates to help fund critical projects during the next decade.

The town has identified about $42.8 million in capital needs through fiscal year 2030.

“The town hasn’t increased its rates for over 10 years, even beyond that, even though we’ve had ongoing cost increases for materials and salaries and insurance and all those things, so we’ve been careful about increasing our rate revenue on our side of the bill,” Town Manager Tom Harmer said. “We have some big projects coming up that are necessary.”

Commissioners are expected to decide between two options: ■ Option one would expand the monthly residential sewer billing cap from 7,000 gallons to 10,000 gallons, spreading most of the increase to high-volume users.

■ Option two would provide across-the-board adjustments on all user rates.

Option one puts more of the financial burden on anyone using 10,000 or more gallons of water per month. Town documents show about 67% of the singlefamily homes in Longboat Key use 7,000 gallons a month or less.

“The typical customer, according to our rate consultant, is 5,000 gallons [per month],” Harmer said.

Because all water doesn’t necessarily return for sewer treatment, water systems typically bill for water and sewer service on a per-gallon basis up to a certain cap. Beyond that, water service is billed without regard to sewer.

During the May 18 budget workshop meeting, each of the seven commissioners indicated they preferred option one.

Town commissioners are set to discuss the rate plan again before the fiscal year 2022 budget goes into effect on Oct. 1.

For the projects it envisions,

RATE POSSIBILITIES OPTION 1* USAGE 2,000

EXISTING BILL $48.47

PROPOSED 2022 BILL $50.89

COST PER GALLON 2.5 cents

5,000

$74.75

$77.74

1.6 cents

10,000

$104.54

$127.44

2.3 cents

Proposed bill for 5,000 gallons rises to $81.63 in 2023; $85.71 in 2024; $90 in 2025 and $94.50 in 2025.

OPTION 2** USAGE 2,000

EXISTING BILL $48.47

PROPOSED 2022 BILL $51.67

COST PER GALLON 2.6 cents

5,000

$74.75

$79.68

1.6 cents

10,000

$104.54

$111.44

1.1 cents

*Expand residential rate cap to 10,000 gallons **Across-the-board adjustment Fast fact: Average water-sewer bills for Florida utilities (5,000 gallons): $92.99

the town has assumed financing of $27.1 million or 63% with the remainder funded through cash reserves and user rate revenue collections. Plus, the town says if it doesn’t address its utility needs, they will become more expensive to fund in the future and it runs the risk of future fines and infrastructure failures.

“Costs are going up,” Harmer said. “We all have to be careful about that, and we’ve tried to minimize the rate increases, but put a program in place to allow us to do these really important infrastructure things that we need to do.”

Harmer also mentioned how the town’s rates are lower compared to the nearby areas, including the cities of Gulfport, North Port, Palmetto, Pinellas Park, Sanibel, Sarasota, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and Venice. Bradenton and Manatee County rates are lower.

There is an estimated increase for the redundant pipeline project, which had an initial projection of $16 million to $18 million.

“So the $16 million to $18 million has been a number we’ve been using for a construction budget,” Public Works Director Isaac Brownman said.

“There’s an additional $1.4 million to accomplish the full final design. The effort we’re going through right now is just the permit to get a preliminary design and get to permit from the agencies.”

Brownman said the remaining funding is a contingency for the possibility of land acquisition and potential lawyer fees.

“These are still planning numbers,” Harmer said. “We don’t have any hard numbers yet.

“We don’t have a design. We haven’t bid anything, so as you think about doing something in 2024 or 2025, we don’t know what the cost will be, so I think the staff is trying to be safe in these estimates.”

Longboat Key could need different types of access for its sewage as the town continues to deal with the fallout from the June 2020 sewage break.

PIPE REPLACEMENT

■ Overview: replacing cement pipes in Country Club Shores that contain asbestos. Thousands of miles of asbestos concrete pipe exist in communities around the county, though the concern over asbestos in drinking water ended new installation.

■ Cost: $7.2 million ■ Timeline: fiscal years 2022-2024

REDUNDANT UNDERWATER SEWER LINE

■ Overview: It’s been nearly a year since the town’s single sewer line to the mainland broke in Bradenton, spilling millions of gallons of sewage. The town had been in the beginning stages of building a replacement under Sarasota Bay. This project would build a parallel line that would one day replace the existing line.

■ Cost: $21.8 million ■ Timeline: fiscal year 2024

OTHER PROJECTS

■ Replacements or slip lining of distribution and collection mains ■ Replacement/ rehabilitating other aging infrastructure, some of which is 50 years old or older ■ Vehicles and equipment

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Chamber seeks consent to resume Freedom Fest Annual Independence Day parade and festivities were canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

It's our 3rd Birthday!

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T

he Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce has requested permission from the town to resume the annual Freedom Festival celebration and parade after missing a year in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a letter sent last week to Mayor Ken Schneier, chamber President Gail Loefgren requested a temporary street closure on Sunday, July 4 for the event, billed as the world’s shortest parade.

“It is with great optimism that the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce would like to request the closing of Bay Isles Road,’’ she wrote, adding she hopes all seven town commissioners agree to take part in the parade.

The chamber also requests the waiver of the $100 permit fee, which is routinely granted for such events.

Loefgren’s letter said the chamber and event organizers will work closely with the town’s Public Works Department, police

and fire agencies in the planning and that all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines will be followed.

Organizers will work with police to accommodate morning church services nearby on July 4.

In 2020, in lieu of the annual parade, a patriotic film was made featuring the leaders of Longboat Key’s service clubs gathered at Bicentennial Park for a flag-raising celebration.

In 2019, the 17th annual parade featured fire and police vehicles, a pet-costume contest and kids on their decorated bikes.

“Basically, it is an old-fashioned community celebration of the Fourth of July,’’ Loefgren wrote.

The event is planned for 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

MEMORIAL DAY save save save

Sophie and Lucy won the most patriotic prize in 2019. The chamber is hoping to bring back the annual celebration after canceling it in 2020.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

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Voters could consider two density changes Voters will consider referendum requests for 597 Buttonwood Drive and 6960 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

Longboat Key voters could get the chance to vote on two residential density issues in November.

Town commissioners unanimously decided to move forward with referendum requests for: ■ The conversion of 597 Buttonwood Drive from an office-institutional property to a residential use for two homes that would face Buttonwood Drive.

■ Redeveloping the vacant bank building at 6960 Gulf of Mexico Drive to a two-story building with four residential condominium units. The vacant building is zoned as office institutional.

Town Attorney Maggie Mooney explained what the commissioners’ decisions meant.

“You are not authorizing any sort of entitled development,” she said. “You are not approving a particular project. You are not even weighing in your personal opinion about the values and benefits of a particular project.

“All you are doing is considering whether the people of this town should be allowed to determine whether or not there is a density increase for a specific property.”

Land planner Bruce Franklin spoke before commissioners

Photos by Mark Bergin

The former bank building at 6960 Gulf of Mexico Drive has sat vacant for years.

The property owners of 597 Buttonwood Drive hope to convert it from an office-institutional property to a residential use for two homes.

about the 597 Buttonwood Drive proposal. Franklin serves as an agent for American Momentum Bank, the owner of the property, and Brista Homes Inc., the con-

tract purchaser of the property.

“I don’t know what the original purpose of the zoning there was at the time, but it’s remained vacant and actually doesn’t even have

access on Gulf of Mexico Drive,” Franklin said.

Joel Freedman with Shumaker Advisors also spoke to commissioners on Tuesday on behalf of Anthony and Roxanne Marterie about the vacant bank building at 6960 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

“The Marteries have tried to find occupants for the building, very unsuccessfully,” Freedman said.

The Town Commission is set to consider formal ordinances for both the 597 Buttonwood Drive and 6960 Gulf of Mexico Drive properties on June 7, with a second reading set for July.

If approved the items would appear on the Nov. 2 ballot.

The commission also voted 5-2 to deny Ryan Synder’s request for a referendum about the pos-

sibility of adding a maximum of 10 residential units at Whitney Beach Plaza. Commissioners Penny Gold and Debra Williams voted for the measure.

Because the commission did not authorize Synder’s proposal to appear on the November ballot, he can try to qualify for the ballot by gathering petition signatures of 10% of the Longboat Key voters. Longboat Key has about 7,000 voters.

Synder said he would plan to collect the signatures, but he prefers to do it after the November election. If Synder collects the necessary amount of signatures, he said he would be happy to pay for the cost of a special election.

“I would frankly prefer to get out there and knock on doors because I think that’s the only way any of these referendums are going to pass,” Synder said. “I just don’t know with COVID if people wanting us knocking on doors.”

Snyder said he has tried to build interest in his commercial property, which sits within a few hundred yards of the Marteries’ property, to no avail.

“It’s just too much space,” Synder said of Whitney Beach Plaza’s commercial configuration.

Only one such referendum has succeeded: a 2019 request for 1.8 acres at 5630 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The vote was 1,056 for and 838 against.

“I have really struggled over these past eight years getting the ‘market’ space leased, which is 11,000 square feet,” Synder said.

“I have gone as far as to offer free rent to various retailers.”

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Swans hoping for a few cygnets

ADVERTISEMENT

Chuck and Margie are the only pair still nesting.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

S

ometimes, Longboat Key’s swans can resemble the cast of an afternoon soap.

Swankeeper David Novak has been merrily matchmaking the birds for years. There are nine swans on the Key and the couples this year are Clark and Greta, who had a cygnet last year that died after swallowing a hook, Nick and Lacy and newbies Chuck and Margie. Oddly enough, there was also a pair of females — Lily and Meg, which Novak had never seen before. They had 10 eggs in a nest, which sparked Novak’s concern when Illinois swankeeper Bob Knox said that was exceedingly rare.

“One became dominant over the other and they both built the nest together, both laid eggs and take turns sitting on them,” Novak said. “It’s a phenomenon I’ve never seen before, so I’m going to break up the nest because they need to move on because there’s nothing in them.”

Elsewhere, Clark and Greta failed to produce viable eggs.

Novak said there is a good chance that Clark is unable to fertilize an egg, and he will move them out of the breeding rotation next year.

“We’ll have three breeding pairs next year, but Clark and Greta will get out of the breeding business,”

Let’s Get SEER-ious Understanding the SEER rating for your A/C Your cooling system is about to be very busy. As Florida’s temperatures rise, your air-conditioner will be working overtime to beat the heat and keep you comfortable. You’ll notice the difference on your monthly electric bill.

But there is hope. SEER-iously.

Many homeowners today are wellversed in finding energy efficient appliances and fixtures to save on costs. They know to look for the yellow EnergyGuide label, which tells how much it costs to run that appliance with regular usage throughout the year. It also allows you to compare the efficiency of that product to similar models. The more energy efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run, and the lower your utility bills might be.

The same idea applies to your A/C with its SEER rating.

To start, SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating is devised by formulating the ratio of the cooling output of an air conditioner over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy it uses in watt-hours. Why does this matter? Well, if you are considering upgrading your air conditioner, or your existing system is showing signs that it’s at the end of its life, the SEER rating is an important factor to consider when shopping for a new A/C. That’s great… but what does it mean?

Understanding your SEER rating is the first step in making sure you are choosing the most energy efficient unit for your budget and your home. To help, the U.S. government introduced a standard, mandating that residential A/C systems made after 2005 should have a SEER rating of 13 as the minimum. The regulation was further amended in 2015, stating that the minimum rating of 14 is required. So, if your air conditioner was installed before 2015, it’s possible that it is much less efficient than it needs to be.

So, which one is right for you?

There are a few factors to consider in determining what A/C SEER rating is suitable for your needs.

First thing is the location of your residence, followed by the climate in your area and inside your home, the size of your air conditioning unit and how long and how often you will be using the air conditioning unit each day. Currently, the SEER highest rating is 25, but most systems range between 14 and 16. If you need to buy a new A/C, know that the higher SEER rating is equivalent to better efficiency. This comes with a price. However, you will usually make up the difference over the years through lower power costs.

How do I know what SEER rating I have now?

Nat Kaemmerer

Novak said. “If they have a nest on Islandside and produce a cygnet, so be it.”

Nick and Lacy have been mating, but even though Novak built a nest for them and Nick caught on and continued building the nest, Lacy doesn’t want to sit.

Bello, a single male, is doing well on his own.

“We’re down to our last pair,” Novak said. “Chuck and Margie, the newbies, are doing good. They have six eggs in the nest.”

The big question mark was when Chuck and Margie would nest. They’re accustomed to a longer and colder winter, so the birds are off Florida’s schedule.

“I’m checking the nest every morning and it’s close to where we put them in,” Novak said. “She’s in the shade and very comfortable and Chuck’s staying nearby.”

Hopefully, there will be good news in the next couple of weeks as Chuck and Margie’s eggs prepare to hatch.

One of the swans rests by Harbourside Golf Course.

If you have purchased a new A/C unit in the last few years, your purchase paperwork will include your SEER rating. If you have an older system or can’t located the paperwork, the AHRI (Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute) Directory of Certified Product Performance has a directory lookup, allowing you to enter the make/model of your unit to find its SEER rating. You can find it at ahridirectory.org.

The Badger Bottom Line When you are ready to purchase your next air conditioning unit, the SEER rating will be a key factor that impacts your initial cost, but makes up for the difference in your monthly electric bills. Don’t fret, we can help.

With Badger Bob’s, you can be sure of getting the right information, the right choices, the right type of service, and a fair price – every time.

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Waste Management Valued Customer, There will be NO

GARBAGE or RECYCLING collection service on Longboat Key on

MONDAY, MAY 31 in observance of Memorial Day. Residents and Businesses regularly serviced on Monday will be serviced the following day.

This information is provided by the pros at: If you have any questions, please call Waste Management at

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

7

Live Exquisite Captivating amenities celebrate the authenticity of a beach side lifestyle at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort and Residences. For the privilege of ownership please call (941) 213-3300 or visit www.srresidenceslongboatkey.com

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The St. Regis logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates. A Unicorp National Developments, Inc. project. The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key are not owned, developed or sold by Marriott International, Inc., The St. Regis or their affiliates. Unicorp National Developments, Inc. uses the St. Regis trademarks and trade names under a license from The St. Regis. If this license it terminated or expires without renewal, the residential project will no longer be associated with, or have any rights to use, the St. Regis brand trade names or trademarks. All images and designs depicted herein are artist’s conceptual renderings, which are based upon preliminary development plans, and are subject to change without notice in the manner provided in the offering documents. All such materials are not to scale and are shown solely for illustrative purposes.

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

LONGBOAT

OPINION / OUR VIEW

Misguided obsession with race Here is a sampling of how Florida universities are brainwashing students that the U.S. is systemically racist.

M

ost everyone paying attention to current events has heard of it by now — Critical Race Theory.

Over the past four years, and certainly now, it has become one of the most socially and culturally destructive, anti-American trends spreading throughout the classrooms of American high schools and colleges and government agencies.

The proponents of Critical Race Theory hold that U.S. laws and institutions are inherently racist and explicitly function to create and maintain social, economic and political inequalities between whites and non-whites, especially blacks.

It’s being used to brainwash the next two generations of young Americans.

Indeed, if you want to see how this aggressive cancer is spreading, tap into criticalrace.org, a project of the Rhode Island charitable non-profit, Legal Insurrection Foundation. Criticalrace.org is a website that has documented how Critical Race Theory is being promulgated in more than 200 U.S. universities and colleges.

Florida’s state universities are in the vortex of the movement.

And to illustrate what is occurring at them, we are printing excerpts from criticalrace.org. which quotes material from the universities, as well as printing excerpts from materials posted on the universities’ websites.

Each source is noted.

We encourage anyone who has children or grandchildren attending these schools or thinking of attending one of them to explore the website. You should want to make yourself aware of these taxpayer-funded efforts that promote the false, destrucive, divisive, narrative that the United States is systemically racist.

— Editor

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Criticalrace.org: “USF has taken steps to finance research into Critical Race Theory and anti-racism. The provost created a $500,000 research fund to research “systemic racism” and find potential solutions.

USF has also financed the creation of the DARE Dashboard, which collects data on students, faculty and staff. This data will be used to make policies designed to “institutionalize” antiracism.”

From a USF website: “Our goal really as an institution is to institutionalize anti-racism, to really embed that in everything that we do,” explained Dr. Elizabeth Hordge-Freeman, senior adviser to the president and provost for diversity and inclusion.

“It allows us to ask new questions that we haven’t asked before; it allows us to take seri-

ously the fact systemic racism is multi-dimensional, so the data that we collect has to go beyond just the composition of our student body, the composition of our faculty,” she said.

From the Anti-Racism Office of the President: “Our specific focus on anti-racism on these performance dashboards is intentional because it reflects our understanding that systemic racism is real, and the recognition that our success as a university hinges on our ability to eliminate racial inequities.

“Anti-racism describes the active process of re-evaluating organizational structures, policies, practices and beliefs in or-

der to eliminate systemic racism and ensure racial equity.”

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

From Criticalrace.org: “The University of Central Florida has taken multiple steps to commit to ‘equity, diversity and inclusive excellence.’”

“Initiatives include making ‘the position of chief equity, inclusion and diversity officer a vice president and, as such, a member of the president’s cabinet,’ creating a ‘President’s Executive Committee on equity, inclusion and diversity,’ making a ‘requirement that all units and colleges demonstrate their

UF PRESIDENT’S ACTION PLAN ON RACE Here are excerpts from a letter University of Florida President Kent Fuchs wrote students and faculty on June 18, 2020: “Amid global protests and intentional reflection here on campus, many UF colleges, departments and individuals have joined the growing effort to address racism and inequity.

“To build on this important work, we announce today actions that align with our strategic goals in The Decade Ahead plan … ” EDUCATION, RESEARCH, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT n UF will require training of all current and new students, faculty and staff on racism, inclusion and bias. n UF’s Office of Research will make available this academic year competitive grants to faculty on topics of race, equity, justice and reconciliation. n The 2020-21 academic year will focus on the black experience, racism and inequity. Each of our colleges will feature speakers, seminars and courses. Led by faculty, we will also reevaluate and revise appropriate elements of our curriculum. n Student Government will join in this effort by organizing programs and speakers across campus … n The UF Faculty Senate will organize Town Hall meetings and add a standing agenda item as part of their monthly Faculty Senate meetings. n In UF’s spring semester, we will devote a day to community service and learning as guided by local leaders.

HISTORY, SYMBOLISM AND DEMONSTRATING BEHAVIORS CONSISTENT WITH OUR VALUES n A presidential task force will document the history of UF in relationship to race and ethnicity, particularly African Americans and Native Americans. n A second presidential task force will review and recommend values, principles and reasons for establishing and maintaining honorary namings, both historic and current. … Ultimately there will be a process to review all historical namings to determine if they should be retained or removed.

n I am personally committed to removing any monuments or namings that UF can control that celebrate the Confederacy or its leaders. n While I know of no evidence of racism associated with our “Gator Bait” cheer at UF sporting events, there is horrific historic racist imagery associated with the phrase. Accordingly University Athletics and the Gator Band will discontinue the use of the cheer. n There are agriculture operations where UF has relied on prison and jail inmates to provide farm labor. The symbolism of inmate labor is incompatible with our university and its principles and therefore this practice will end.

REPRESENTATION, INCLUSION, OPPORTUNITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY n I am charging the university’s leadership, acting within state and federal laws, to intensify our efforts in recruiting, supporting and retaining our students, faculty and employees of color, particularly black students, faculty and staff.

To promote transparency and accountability, we will publish by department and college the race, ethnicity and gender trends for faculty, staff and students and present regular reports to the Board of Trustees. n UF will redouble efforts to support local small businesses and vendor diversity. n UF will work with East Gainesville community leaders and residents to develop specific and sustainable programs and activities that will contribute to improving the community’s educational and economic well-being. … We know that we cannot undo lifetimes of injustice and racism, but we believe we can make progress — in education, in advancing truth, reconciliation and justice, and in antiracism, equality and working to eradicate inequities.

This process will not be easy, and we will need to work together through the imperfections, missteps and complications that always accompany change. But the progress we seek is fundamental to who we are at UF and to our expectations of ourselves …”

own commitment to inclusive excellence, through dedicated resources and training’ and increasing ‘institutional resources and full-time staff who are dedicated to helping deliver on these promises.’ “‘Through the use of three policies — the University’s discriminatory harassment policy, its computer use policy and its Just Knights Response Team (JKRT), the school’s version of a bias response team — the University of Central Florida and its administrators have created a series of rules and regulations that restrain, deter, suppress and punish speech about the political and social issues of the day.’”

From a UCF website: UCF also has an Office of Social Justice and Advocacy, whose role, among other activities, “encompass the Multicultural Student Center (MSC) and LGBTQ+ Services to cover all areas of under-represented communities and exclusivity.”

From the university website: “[Office of Diversity & Inclusion] hosts diversity and inclusion training workshops throughout the year … Students, faculty and staff can engage in individual sessions or complete multiple workshops to earn certificates in various topics, such as “The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow.” Workshops offered over the years have included the “ABCs of Diversity”; “Micro-Messages and Microaggressions: Impacts on Inclusion”; “Race the Power of an Illusion” and “Understanding Power and Privilege.”

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

Criticalrace.org: FSU has not yet taken steps to embed Critical Race Theory into its curriculum.

It hosted a “Collaborative Collision: Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion” event, where more than 36 scholars shared their work and how it related to diversity and inclusion.

FSU also held its spring Social Change Symposium. The symposium was described as follows: “Over the course of three weekends, students from FSU and several regional visiting campuses will be invited to virtually attend workshops and small group sessions on topics such as anti-racism, interfaith inclusion, anti-sexism, transgender inclusion, anti-heterosexism, anti-classism, anti-ableism and anti-xenophobia.”

Florida State University News: “The hope with [the Collaborative Collision] event was that it will lead to a greater understanding of the need to pursue and support compelling research that can provide informed direction to practices and policies that are rooted in social justice,” Vice President for Research Gary K. Ostrander said.

“Faculty who ultimately form collaborations related to diversity and inclusion as a result of the event are eligible for seed funding from the Office of Research Development to help kickstart their work. ORD’s Collaborative Collision seed fund provides up to $25,000 for researchers and helps teams position themselves to apply for external funding for new research initiatives.”

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Mayor asks DeSantis to veto home-based business bill The bill would prohibit local governments from taking certain actions on the regulation of home-based businesses.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

Mayor Ken Schneier joined 36 other Florida mayors in writing to Gov. Ron DeSantis urging him to veto a bill that would limit local control of home-based business.

The Florida League of Cities’ website shows the town is among 37 municipalities that have written the governor in opposition to House Bill 403.

Bradenton Beach mayor John Chappie also wrote in opposition to the bill that would prohibit local governments from taking certain actions relating to the licensure and regulation of home-based businesses.

“We felt it [was] important to take a stance on this, I would say more in solidarity with other municipalities that may be dramatically affected by it than as a result of feared impacts on Longboat Key itself,” Schneier said.

Schneier wrote that if HB 403 if becomes law, it would pre-empt home rule powers and the abilities of local governments to balance competing property rights.

“The bill will void existing local ordinances or regulations that have tailored unique solutions to homeowner and business concerns,” Schneier wrote.

Schneier addressed his concern

about the process of HB 403 narrowly passing the state Senate with a 19-18 vote on April 30.

“In a clear violation of Senate rules, three senators who were present in the Senate Chamber failed to record a vote,” Schneier wrote.

Public records show State Sens. Lauren Book (a Democrat from Plantation), Ileana Garcia (a Republican from Miami-Dade) and Linda Stewart (a Democrat from Orange County) did not vote on the measure.

“It may constitute a defect in the legislative approval itself,” Schneier said.

Also, the three votes could have swung the outcome of the pending legislation.

Florida League of Cities Field Advocacy Director Scott Dudley recognized Schneier and Town Manager Tom Harmer for their advocacy on behalf of the town during the legislative session.

During the May 13 ManaSota League of Cities meeting, Schneier and Harmer each received a Home Rule Hero Award.

In addition to the concerns about HB 403, Dudley also discussed how Senate Bill 522 failed, which would have given the state sole authority over short-term rentals properties.

“There has been a constant

Mark Bergin

“The bill will void existing local ordinances or regulations that have tailored unique solutions to homeowner and business concerns.”

— Longboat Mayor Ken Schneier, in letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis

push by Tallahassee [lawmakers] to pre-empt local issues back to control within the state,” Schneier said.

However, Schneier’s letter to DeSantis solely focused on the home-based bill.

“While the town supports entrepreneurship, it must balance the desire to operate a homebased business with the potential impacts on residential neighborhoods and residential property values,” Schneier wrote. “Zoning is an inherent function of local government.

“The primary purpose of zoning is to minimize incompatible uses and balance competing property rights. In practice, zoning is used to prevent new development or uses from unfairly entering with existing uses.”

Schneier wrote that the town, the Florida League of Cities and its lobbyists “engaged in good faith negotiations with legislators and interested stakeholders” to reach a compromise in Senate Bill 266.

Longboat Key’s mayor outlined three provisions included in SB 266 that were not in HB 403: ■ “The ability of local governments to set common-sense limitations on hours of operation. CS/ HB 403 prohibits local governments from regulating a homebased business differently from other businesses in a commercial zone. The hours of operation for a business in a commercial district may not be appropriate for a business in a residential neighborhood.”

■ “The ability for local governments to place limits on business signs, exterior storage and traffic generated by home-based businesses. Again, these types of matters should be tailored to the residential setting where a home-based business operates rather than defaulting to the same regulations used in commercial or industrial zones.”

■ “The ability for local governments to prohibit business activities from occurring within the view of the street.”

Schneier mentioned how local governments use “commonsense requirements” on commercial uses of residential properties.

“For example, low-intensity uses such as professional offices may be compatible with residential neighborhoods in some cases, while high-intensity uses such as a repair yard or a 24-hour gym, may not be compatible under any condition,” Schneier wrote.

Schneier also mentioned how HB 403 got amended twice on April 29, the second-to-last day of the legislative session.

The Florida Senate requested for the House to return but the House adjourned before responding to the Senate’s request.

Normally, a bill heads to the governor’s desk when it passes the Senate and the House.

However, the Senate’s request is the last dated action on the measure. It’s unclear whether the governor has the authority to sign HB 403.

If HB 403 becomes law, it would take effect on July 1.

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

MAY 15

MAY 15

HOT ROUND 7 p.m., Harbourside Drive and Bay Isles Parkway Fire: Police assisted the fire department with a small brush fire between the eighth and ninth holes of a golf course. A tree lined with underbrush was the cause, and the fire was extinguished.

Changes to the American Rescue Plan increase financial assistance, making more people eligible for help.

TUNE TROUBLE 8:40 p.m., Harbourside Drive Noise complaint: Officers investigating a call about music from a wedding party at a restaurant were told by a manager the music would be turned down and end by 10 p.m. The caller complained the noise prevented him from enjoying his outdoor porch and the issue had been reported previously.

KIDS, RIGHT? 8:36 p.m., Greer Island Juvenile problem: Multiple callers reported three children playing on beach construction equipment. When officers arrived to investigate, the youngsters were gone.

MAY 16

ORDER ON THE COURT 8:43 a.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen dispute: Police were called to a park over a dispute involving tennis courts. A player wished to use a court with a backboard to practice but was unsuccessful in asking a group already on that court to move because of wind issues. Police explained the courts are on a first-come, first-served system.

There have been several recent changes by the government that allow more people living in Florida to sign-up for affordable health insurance. The COVID-19 relief law (American Rescue Plan) provides additional financial assistance and allows even more Floridians to get health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA/Obamacare).

The government has also reopened enrollment in ACA plans until August 15. This means you can take advantage of the new financial assistance options that are available.

RUDE 5:25 p.m., 3800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen dispute: A man and a woman with a service dog on private property yelled profanely at a resident when they were asked if they were residents of the community. When police arrived, officers were told the couple and dog had driven away.

Highlights of these recent changes include:

SEA DOGGIE 5:27 p.m., 1000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Dog on the beach: A complaint

about a dog on the beach ended when police were told the dog and its owner motored off on a personal watercraft.

KNOCKED OVER 8:13 p.m., 200 Sands Point Road Traffic: A witness told a security guard about a vehicle that knocked over a light pole and left without stopping. Police found a vehicle answering the witness’ description with front end damage. Police traced the owner but were unable to contact them.

MAY 17

OUR BEACH 12:22 p.m., Sands Point Trespassing: Police spoke to a beachgoer on the privately owned portion of the shoreline.

The beachgoer explained that he did not know he had been trespassing and agreed to move.

n If you are currently enrolled in an ACA plan, you may now be eligible for more financial assistance toward your monthly bill, or upgrade your plan for the same cost. The monthly cost will decrease roughly $50 per person and $85 per policy on average.* n If you couldn’t receive financial assistance (or a subsidy) in the past because your income was too high, you may be able to now. Approximately 239,000 Floridians are now eligible for financial assistance who didn’t qualify previously.* n Four out of five people who sign-up for an ACA plan can find one for $10 or less per month.* If you enrolled in an ACA plan last year, contact Florida Blue for help reassessing your financial assistance and your plan. Our licensed agents can explain these recent changes and how they may lower your bills.

The Observer Red Pages wants one lucky Dad to be grillin’ & chillin’ for Father’s Day!

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

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MAY 18

BACKING UP TO CRASH 9:41 a.m., Bay Isles Parkway and Gulf of Mexico Drive Traffic crash: The driver of a truck was issued a citation following a collision between his vehicle and the vehicle behind.

The driver told police he had stopped for a red light beyond the stripe on the pavement and tried to back up but hit the vehicle next in line. The driver of that vehicle said she used her horn to warn the truck driver, to no avail.

The citation was for improper backing.

The officer explained that should the beachgoer return, he would be subject to arrest.

DIG THE VIEW 6:48 p.m., 1600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious person: A person who stopped to look at the beach on a vacant lot found his vehicle stuck in the sand. An officer explained the land was private property. The man said he would call for roadside assistance if not successful in freeing his vehicle.

NIGHT FIGHT 11:53 p.m., 400 block of North Shore Road Agency assistance: A couple injured in a fight at a Bradenton Beach bar called police from Longboat Key. Fire-rescue personnel took one of them to the hospital while a Bradenton

TOUGH WEEK FOR LAMP POSTS 6:17 p.m., 4200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Traffic crash: A witness called police to relay word of a car that hit a light pole at the entrance of a community and drove off. The vehicle with three men inside returned but drove off again. The witness passed along a license number which was connected to a driver with a suspended license.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Garage doors delay fire station opening Station 92 is now set to open by July.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

Mark Bergin

Fire Station 92 at 2162 Gulf of Mexico Drive is set to open by mid-July.

set to finish by mid-June.

“Otherwise, those are going well,” Brownman said. “You see the stations, especially the south station, coming together.”

Longboat Key town Projects Manager Charlie Mopps said ice storm damage at the Houston factory earlier this year caused the disruption.

“There is like a material short-

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The contractor offered Longboat Key an alternate door system, but the town rejected it.

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“On a 30- to 50-year piece of infrastructure like this, a building that could be around for a while, you want to do it right the first time,” Brownman said.

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Longboat Key firefighters will have to wait about a month or two longer to begin working in the new fire station.

The town’s contractor experienced a delay in the delivery of garage doors because of a manufacturing disruption at a plant in Texas, according to Longboat Key Town Manager Tom Harmer.

“The supply chain is still not where it should be,” Harmer said.

Public Works Director Isaac Brownman told town commissioners that crews are set to finish construction by early July on Fire Station 92 at 2162 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The town is planning a grand opening in July.

Renovations at the town’s north-end station, Station 91 at 5490 Gulf of Mexico Drive, are

but may not look right with the entire holistic way the building was designed.”

Mopps said the backup generator is already in place at Station 92, along with the completion of landscaping and painting.

The station does have some remaining cabinet work.

South-end firefighters have operated out of a trailer north of the construction site since June 2020.

“It is frustrating because right now they’re still operating out of that temporary trailer,” Mopps said.

Mopps said the garage door delay creates a “snowball effect” because the town has to rent the temporary trailer at $3,000 per month for the extra two months.

The south station’s driveway wraps around the structure and is also built so emergency vehicles only need to pull forward.

There is also a slight incline to the driveway so the structure could be built to elevation standards set by FEMA codes.

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Town offers its look behind the scenes in June The town of Longboat Key will offer its free virtual “IntroLBK 2021” class again in June.

Longboat Key leaders are planning to hold the program in three 90-minute Zoom sessions starting at 10 a.m. on June 22-24.

“Registration is expected to fill quickly as our class size is capped at 20,” Assistant to the Town Manager Susan Phillips wrote in an email.

It’s the second time this year Longboat Key has held its “IntroLBK 2021” course, similar to the town’s previous in-person citizens’ academy.

The town first hosted the virtual event from March 23-25.

To register or to find out information about this year’s program, email Phillips at SPhillips@LongboatKey. org with your name, Longboat Key address and phone number.

Residents can also call the town manager’s office at 941-316-1999 and ask for Phillips.

|

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Low levels of red tide detected

Environmental groups prepare suit

SMH resumes normal visitation

Florida’s Department of Health in Manatee County last week issued a red tide advisory for the waters off Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key following the detection of low levels of karenia brevis.

Low levels were found midweek at sampling sites at New Pass, Greer Island, the Holmes Beach boat ramp on the bayside of Anna Maria Island and the northern tip of Anna Maria Island.

Low levels persisted through the weekend and into early this week, according to the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission.

No red tide was detected at bayside sample sites on Longboat Key, nor was it found at a sampling site in the 3000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

No reports of fish kills or other outwardly noticeable effects have been reported.

The health department said such levels of red tide in nearby waters can trigger short-lived respiratory symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation. Those with chronic breathing problems could be more adversely affected.

In keeping with state law, a group of environmental action groups alerted state officials last week of their intention to sue over damage done following the breach at Piney Point.

The groups — the Center for Biological Diversity, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, Suncoast Waterkeeper, ManaSota-88 and Our Children’s Earth Foundation — are represented by the Law Offices of Charles M. Tebbutt.

Facing a catastrophic failure at Piney Point in April, state officials issued an emergency order authorizing HRK Holdings to discharge up to 480 million gallons of polluted wastewater into Tampa Bay. The 215 million gallons of wastewater dumped into Tampa Bay continue to spread throughout the estuary and into Sarasota Bay, the groups said.

The lawsuit seeks to shed light on the involvement that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection had in decisions leading to two emergency situations at the former fertilizer facility during the past decade.

Visiting hours have returned to normal at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

Beginning last week, the hospital resumed 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. visiting hours for most patients.

The return to normal was prompted by a drop in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and a rise in the rate of vaccinations locally.

In general, visitors must be 16 or older. Certain departments, including the Mother-Baby Unit, Critical Care and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, have department-specific guidelines people should check before visiting. In the Mother-Baby Unit, for example, siblings may visit from 3 to 5 p.m. daily, and one visitor may stay overnight.

Visiting hours at Blake Memorial Hospital in Bradenton remain from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. Temporary visitor restrictions for COVID-19 were last updated there in late January.

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

The art winners display their pieces at the front of the room.

Pen Women award scholarships

Above: Ann Verhagen performs with Arico and Cooper on “Solemn Hour.”

Left: Colin Leonard performs his piece “Color of Twilight on the piano.”

P

enning a scholarship can change a student’s life, and the Sarasota chapter of the National League of American Pen Women wrote 14 of them for the Launching Leaders luncheon on May 19 at the Bird Key Yacht Club. About 80 people flocked to the yacht club for the luncheon.

Music winners performed during lunch, and other winners read their essays after lunch and accepted their scholarships.

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

15

TRIBUTES

She first arrived in Manatee County in 1956 and moved to the Village of Longboat Key. Jeanne will always be remembered for a life of caring and service, her wonderful sense of humor and her musical gifts.

Jeanne was born in Melbourne, Australia, to an Irish mother and a Scottish father who met in India while both were working on the staff of Lord Louis Mountbatten. They married and then chose to honeymoon in the Himalayas. Her mother returned to Australia for the birth of her daughter and so she could be baptized in the Presbyterian Church. When Jeanne was 4 months old, she returned to New Delhi, India, with her mother and was cared for by an Indian nanny. Her mother worked throughout her career for Ml6 as a secret agent in India, China and Singapore, and her father was a structural engineer who designed and built many of the bridges in India.

At the age of 5, she was sent back to Australia to live with her grandparents and attend The Methodist Day School. While living with her grandparents in Melbourne she attended Sunday school in the nearby Presbyterian Church. Later, as there were

no girl Presbyterian schools nearby, she attended the Methodist Ladies College [high school]. In 1945 at the age of 17 she joined her mother in Singapore, where she was also on Mountbatten’s staff. She was a classical music announcer for the BBC. During this time she met many of the relocated prisoners from the Japanese prisoner of war concentration camps. This made her realize that she wished to do more by helping and caring for people.

This inspired her to return to Australia to become a nurse. She attended the Alfred Hospital Nursing School attached to the University of Melbourne. After graduation she left for London to work at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. While in London she was recruited to work at a native mission hospital in Rhodesia [now Zimbabwe], located in Southern Africa, where she would work for three years. This was not an easy assignment and was exasperated by the many health risks and no air conditioning.

On a return to Europe in 1955 for rest and relaxation she met an American artist, Robert McFarland, in Spain. They fell in

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DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice or Christ Church of Longboat Key.

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A Life Well Lived Jeanne is survived by her loving spouse of 46 years, Niki Muller, her two daughters, Hannerle Moore and Deborah Rybak, and granddaughter, Carlie Luong.

love and were married in London and soon departed to the Isle of Rhodes in Greece, where they set up residence. Soon Jeanne was pregnant, and after a year in Greece they decided to return to Southern California, where his parents resided. With his excellent artist credentials, Robert was offered a fine arts teaching position at the Ringling School of Art and Design.

While living in the Village of Longboat Key, they were part of a group that started the Longboat Key Village Art Center on Longboat Key. A second baby soon arrived and they moved to Bradenton. Once the children were old enough to go to school, Jeanne went to work at Manatee Memorial Hospital as one of their head nurses. She worked at Manatee Memorial Hospital for 14-plus years. In 1971 the marriage ended.

In 1976 she met the new love of her life, Niki Muller M.D. This changed her life and she moved to Silicon Valley, California, just outside of Palo Alto to manage her new partner’s medical practice, which she did for 35 years and where she continued her loving care of people. Jeanne and Niki always kept a home in Manatee County either on Longboat Key or Anna Maria island and returned to Longboat Key in 2013 to live permanently. Services to be announced at a future time. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice or Christ Church of Longboat Key.

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Jeanne Elisabeth Bisset McFarland 1928-2021

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

We Serve All Families In this time of need, know who to call.

TRIBUTES Carl Dilsaver 1931-2021 Carl was born in Mattoon, Illinois and graduated from the University of Illinois. He was a natural leader in his career and personal life. He rose to SVP at Skill and President of the Inverness Golf Club in Inverness, IL.

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Most importantly, Carl was the leader of our family, giving us advice and when needed, a stern talking to. He was married to the love of his life, Lorraine, for 38 years.

He was father to Timothy (deceased), David, Hillard, and Dona and has six beloved grandchildren, Timothy Jr., Jennifer, Madison, Taylor, Ryne, and Madeline.

A story Carl told us recently was about a Chicago Cubs baseball game he went to in 1955. It was a monumental game in which Toothpick “Sam” Jones pitched a no hitter.

Carl laughed that he couldn’t tell a soul that he was there, except maybe a priest, because he was playing hooky from work that day - just one of many great stories we were fortunate enough to hear from our beloved Carl.

He was drafted out of college by the Cubs farm team. However, his very practical father told him to get a real job, which he did. He continued to be life-long Cubs fan teaching every generation how to correctly keep a score card.

Carl was scratch golfer and, while as a member of Inverness Golf Club, made a hole in one at the 9th hole. He was elated until he discovered that meant he had to buy the whole club a round of drinks.

Carl was a great lover of animals. He

Carl was scratch golfer and, while as a member of Inverness Golf Club, made a hole in one at the 9th hole. loved his Sophie and all of his many adopted dogs throughout the years. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Humane Society of Sarasota County, Inc. https://www.hssc.org/ Carl went home to join his wife, Lorraine and his son, Timothy who preceded him in death and his brother Jewel who passed away in The Battle of the Bulge. We will miss him.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Carl at The Grand Bay Club on June 5, 2021 at 2:00 pm.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Saturday, June 5, 2PM The Grand Bay Club DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Humane Society of Sarasota County, Inc. https://www.hssc.org/

358513-1

16

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

17

FACING FORWARD Churchgoers have begun shedding masks and returning to fellowship.

DOING THEIR PART

STAFF WRITER

O

n May 23, the refrain at churches up and down Longboat Key was simple and similar: “It’s nice to see faces again.”

The fourth Sunday in May marked a significant back-tonormal stride as masks became optional and in some cases, fellowship hours returned. At All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church and St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, the choirs sang loud as vaccinated singers shed masks, and at Christ Church of Longboat Key, members lingered after service for the first time since before the pandemic.

“We’ve been waiting almost a year and a half,” Christ Church pianist Jeremy Silverman said.

“Such an important part of the church experience is fellowship, and I think that’s what people have been missing. That and the food.”

The Centers for Disease Control put forth new guidance on May 13 that vaccinated Americans could dispense with masks, and Longboat-area churches are moving forward with gusto as a result.

SAKLC sent a survey to members on May 16, and 82.6% of respondents said they supported going forward without restrictions.

“There’s so much more joy, so much more singing, so much more participation,” SAKLC member Sandi Love said. “It’s not fun to

sing with a mask. Everyone was so much more friendly and there was a lightness of spirit.”

At St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church and SAKLC, there is still a section of the pews reserved for those who feel more comfortable social distancing or continuing to wear masks, but these churches, along with All Angels, CCLBK and Longboat Island Chapel have done away with requirements. The Rev. Robert Dziedziak from St. Mary’s is particularly excited to reach this milestone, for he came to lead his church right when the pandemic began.

“I had never seen the majority of my parishioners without masks,” Dziedziak said. “For me it’s a joyful time. I can see their faces and register how they smile.’’

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Judy Strauss and Holly Finks at Christ Church of Longboat Key. Top: Michael Bodnyk led a maskless choir at St. Armands Lutheran.

At All Angels, the Rev. Dave Marshall was happy to start communion again as normal.

Throughout the pandemic, communion had been outdoors and given carefully with tiny tongs.

Now, it’s back indoors.

“The most impactful thing for me is that having communion

St. Armands Key

355710-1

5 Ways to Worship at All Angels

indoors during the service like we normally do, there were quite a few welled-up tears,” Marshall said. “That was one of the signposts that we have moved through a particular phase of this pandemic. It’s not done yet, but we successfully got through that.”

The next thing that will pick

All Angels Episcopal Church | 563 Bay Isles Rd

LUTHERAN CHURCH

• Indoor worship services this Sunday at 8 am and 10 am

THIS MONTH AT SAKLC

Face covering required.

Sunday 5/30 at 4pm - Free Memorial Day Weekend Concert featuring the “Swing Sisters”

• Drive-in Church, Sunday at 10:00. Tune your car radio to 107.5 FM

FREE Admission and Complimentary Beverages

• Walk-up Church, enjoy the garden setting and listen to the service

JOIN US FOR IN-PERSON WORSHIP

• Live-stream - go to AllAngelsLBK.org to watch on-line

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Growing in Jesus’ Name

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• Zoom service - email dave@allangelsLBK.org for the link

941-383-8161 • www.AllAngelsLBK.org

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church • 40 North Adams Dr., Sarasota, FL • 941.388.1234 • Questions? Contact: michael@saklc.com

Worship With Us at Our Church

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

Sunday Service 10:00 AM The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard

Would like to Welcome & Invite You, Your Family Members & Friends to Celebrate Mass with Our Parish Community

Catholic Church

Masks are Optional

•

941.383.8833 (office)

354754-1

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

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

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

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6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

back up is fellowship hour at SAKLC and in-person discussion groups at several of the other churches. SAKLC is bringing fellowship back in June and All Angels is bringing back in-person discussion groups in mid-June.

Longboat Island Chapel is taking a more reserved approach and will spend the summer slowly relaxing requirements.

“Over the next several weeks we’ll go step by step and ease back into it,” Longboat Island Chapel’s Rev. Brock Patterson said.

“Everybody’s been able to stay healthy, so we’re hoping to just continue that.”

Church leaders agree that summer is a fortuitous time to start relaxing COVID-era mandates, because pews are less full in the offseason, meaning churches won’t be going from half-full to packed in a week.

“We are out of season, so a lot of our parishioners went up north,” Dziedziak said. “I think it’s a good time, because it’s not overly crowded. We’re trying to restructure and reorganize ourselves.”

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

SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 & 10:30 AM Daily Mass at 9:00 AM- Monday through Friday Confessions after daily Mass or by appointment

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

Temple Beth Israel

A Center of Jewish Life and Learning in the Sarasota Area Your health and well-being are of the utmost concern to us!

With the situation engendered by the current public health emergency around the country and the world, we want to err on the side of caution.

All TBI physical gatherings are postponed until further notice.

Please access our Shabbat Services and programs on our website, YouTube, Facebook and Zoom.

941.383.3428 | www.tbi-lbk.org

RABBI STEPHEN L. SNIDERMAN, D.D.

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

355133-1

NAT KAEMMERER

Director of Music Michael Bodnyk of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church organized a vaccine clinic May 23 after Hedges Pharmacy was looking for sites. At about 11:30 a.m., two-and-a-half hours into the clinic, about 20 people had been vaccinated.

“We thought it would be good for us with older folks in our demographic who struggled with reservation systems and then gave up and waited,” Bodnyk said.

“We’re still trying to be careful opening up but encourage people to get their vaccines.”

MAY 27, 2021

Classifieds 30 Games 29 Real Estate 25 Weather 29

YOUR NEIGHBORS BEGINNING TO

BLOSSOM The uncompleted fire station got a beautiful boost from the Longboat Key Garden Club.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

A Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Carole Shaw and Susan Phillips work together to put some ixora plants into the ground.

354611-1

Above: Steve Branham and Jim Brown Right: Tom and Dee Harmer, with shovels in hand, are among the volunteers who came to add some natural beauty to Fire Station 92.

s Longboat Key Garden Club volunteer Jim Brown stomped on a shovel to loosen soil for a waiting ixora, a fire-rescue vehicle blared its siren and sped out of Fire Station 92. On May 22, it was business as usual for the Longboat Key Fire Department.

Elsewhere, other Garden Club members continued their business as usual, too, as they worked on the club’s latest beautification project at the soon-to-befinished Fire Station 92. About a dozen members showed up bright and early, armed with sensible shoes and grubby gloves to plant native flora around the station.

“Government buildings are typically austere, but not in the town of Longboat Key,” Garden Club President Susan Phillips said.

The morning kicked off with a tour of the fire station led by Chief Paul Dezzi.

Once the gardeners were let loose on the waiting plants, it was a matter of about 30 minutes before the whole project was complete. Members broke off into groups with a shovel each and dug into the soil before plopping the plants in and covering the hole with shells. Phillips said the club purposefully went for droughtresistant, native plants to stand up to the island’s salty soil.

“I think with what we have here now, our job is just to maintain it,” Dezzi said.

CONTRIBUTIONS

■ 1969: Created the Bicentennial Park Butterfly Garden and planted trees, which continues to this day ■ 1980s: Undertook “This Bloomin’ Key” project and planted flowering trees along Gulf of Mexico Drive ■ 1990s: Began planting trees in Joan M. Durante Park when the park was first being developed and continues adding trees to this day ■ 2000s: Donated the thatched roof chickee hut at Overlook Park ■ 2008-2016: Provided trees to finish tree-planting along Gulf of Mexico Drive where government stimulus funds for infrastructure enhancements left off. The club continues planting trees within parks and properties.

■ 2016: Donated $6,175 to add shade trees to Bayfront Park during its expansion and redesign ■ 2018: Paid for electric fans in the Durante Park pavilion ■ 2019: Re-landscaped the Public Works Complex ■ 2020: Completed ornamental planting at the post office and performed maintenance on 40 oak trees and palmettos

In front are ixora with red flowers, which match well with the fire-engine red accents on the building, and a bed of cordgrass.

Out back are royal palms, which were planted by contractors, and schefflera with its variegated leaves.

The Garden Club has a long history of community involvement and does a civic beautification project every year. Recently, it landscaped the Public Works building and did some ornamental planting at the post office.

“It’s wonderful to come back and see what we’ve done,” board member Linda Gidel said.

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Sarasota Music Festival returns with revised format HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

IF YOU GO

J

2021 SARASOTA MUSIC FESTIVAL When: June 12-19 Info: SarasotaOrchestra. org/festival/concerts

effrey Kahane said there’s a certain spirit to the annual Sarasota Music Festival — a sort of consistency that makes the event what it is.

A typical schedule for the Sarasota Orchestra’s annual event features three weeks of concerts, master classes and programs that bring in countless visitors and music lovers to enjoy classic works and pieces from revered artists.

This year, some of that has changed. But, there’s that event spirit shining through, again.

“The circumstances made it impossible for us to do anything approaching the scope and scale of what we normally do,” said Kahane, the event’s musical director. “... We decided we needed to do something to create an event that would symbolically stand for the festival and let people know that the festival is alive and represent the main parts.”

He said the 2021 Sarasota Music Festival accomplishes that goal. The eight-day event offers in-person concerts as well as a lecture that Kahane said will evoke the festival prop-

er, albeit in a scaled-down way.

It will also include streamed events from Holley Hall.

The festival begins June 12 with a “Voices of Violin” concert from longtime festival participant Angelo Xiang Yu and pianist Feng Niu performing works of Mozart, Britten and Beethoven. The subsequent three concerts will have performances from senior faculty including Kahane with pieces

by Brahms, Chopin, Schumann and more. The final concert will feature the Calidore String Quartet playing Schumann and Mendelsohn.

Kahane on June 13 will host a lecture on the Romantic Revolution in which he plans to play excerpts of piano and give an overview of romanticism looking at a generation of composers who pushed each other to grow.

It’s a topic Kahane has discussed

Angelo Xiang Yu will perform the violin for the first concert.

Courtesy photos

Jeffrey Kahane will perform in the festival and host a lecture.

frequently and is something he says is close to his heart.

“The very end of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century is the period of music where I have lived most deeply and played the most music,” Kahane said. “It seemed like something that’s a natural thing to talk about and share. I haven’t done something like it at the festival before.”

Audiences will then hear music from those composers for the duration of the festival.

Kahane said the concerts and performances have a thread of logic and cohesion in their selection and scheduling that

almost delivers a narrative for audiences. “... The idea was finding something that wasn’t just a random selection throwing things together but something with a coherence and internal logic for those who want to hear all he concerts will find satisfying,” he said.

It’s not the same as usual but Kahane is thrilled to deliver live music to the orchestra’s guests.

“It’s small in quantity but large in its spirit and symbolism in its message that the festival is very much alive,” he said. “This was the right choice at the right time.”

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

21

Whether you are Buying or Selling,

REID MURPHY

WILL LEAD YOU TO A SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE! Photo taken by Reid Murphy

CALL REID TODAY! | 941.232.3304 | www.ReidMurphy.com NEWLISTING

NEWLISTING

SARASOTA PENTHOUSE $5,875,000 LONGBOAT KEY SANCTUARY $2,895,000 Downtown Ritz Carlton 3BR Ensuite Residence. Magnificent 4,276 sf open floor plan. Spectacular Direct beachfront 3BR behind the gates at LBK Club. Southern exposure. Largest Gulffront floorplan views. World class amenities. with wrap around terrace.

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LONGBOAT KEY EXQUISITE BAYFRONT ESTATE $7,800,000 LONGBOAT KEY PRE-CONSTRUCTION $3,995,000 Casually elegant behind private gates. Stunning features & panoramic views. One of the finest Unique opportunity to purchase a waterfront dream home on an extremely private estate-sized properties on Florida’s west coast! 75’ heated pool on 600’ of frontage deep bay water w/3 boat lot. 5BR, 5.5BA home,4,400 SF. Pool w/spa. Deep water dock. slips, guest house & 8 car garage.

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LONGBOAT KEY SUPERB LOCATION $1,395,000 3BR/4BA Open plan w/ground floor master suite. Deeded boat dock w/direct Bay access. Inviting pool in lush privacy. Cross street to beautiful Gulf beach.

LONGBOAT KEY BAYFRONT $2,295,000 Amazing opportunity to build your Bayfront dream home on north Longboat Key. Great location. Only minutes from the open water.

BIRD KEY BOATERS PARADISE $5,500,000 Beautiful Bird Key custom home. 4BD/4BA +nursery/office w/ master. Many upgrades inside and out 100ft Sarasota Bay frontage w/ bay front infinity pool. Deep water slip w/new dock, large lift & 2 jet ski lifts. Four car garage.

LIDO KEY JACKSON $3,315,000 Gorgeous 3 level Coastal Home w/ elevator 6/BD - 5w/en-suite baths. Balcony off the Master + shared balcony on 3rd level. 3 minute bike ride to beach 3 minute walk to St. Armand’s Circle.

Private heated pool w/covered gaming area & bar. 2 car garage.

ST. ARMANDS VAN BUREN $2,945,000 Stunning 3 Level Coastal Home features 5BD/4.5BA - including a Huge Master Bedroom with En Suite Bathroom - w/3 Living Spaces. Multiple Balconies & Patios, private heated pool & spa.

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HOLMES BEACH GULF FRONT $1,250,000 Island Paradise 2/2 beachfront penthouse available in this six unit complex with great rental opportunities directly on the Gulf.

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Living and Working on Longboat Key for 40 Years Cathy C. Meldahl, P.A. Your Longboat Key Community Realtor • 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 354805-1

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3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr | Longboat Key, FL 34228 | 941.383.7591 | michaelsaunders.com

properties properties expertise expertise results results

LD SO

845Longboat Longboat Club RoadCourt Club Road 845845 Longboat Club Road | Regent 19,300 | A4440615 | $19,750,000 19,300 SFSF| A4440615 $19,750,000 A4440615 | 19,300SF | 140’ on| the Gulf | $16,500,000

LD SO

Water Club #401 Water Club #401 65 Lighthouse Point Drive | Gated Community 3,400SFSF | A4421764 | $2,575,000 3,400 | A4421764 $2,575,000 A4438181 | 4,933sf | 4BR | |Bay Front | $3,510,000

440 Gulf of Mexico Dr | Longboat Key, Florida 440 Gulf of of Mexico DrDr | Longboat Key,Key, Florida 440 Gulf Mexico | Longboat Florida

501Halyard Halyard Lane Lane 1212501 Westway Drive | Lido Shores 2,340 | A4448464 | $1,995,000 2,340 SFSF| A4448464 | $1,995,000 A4482176 | 4,627sf | 5BR | $3,800,000

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SONGS ON THE CIRCLE 6-9 p.m. every first Tuesday in summer on St. Armands Circle.

Live performers will be spaced throughout the Circle, so visitors can be serenaded at every turn.

Call 388-1554 or visit StArmands CircleAssoc.com.

HULA CLASS From 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Held outdoors with social distancing and led by native Debbie White.

Free for members, $10 per person. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

Lighthouse Point Drive 6565Lighthouse Point Drive 35 Lighthouse Point Drive | Gated Community 4,933 SF| A4438181 | A4438181 | Front $3,795,000 4,933 | $3,795,000 A4477572 |SF 4,430sf | 4BR | Bay | $3,300,000

354821-1

LD SO

TUESDAY, JUNE 1

STRETCH & STRENGTHEN From 10-11 a.m. at the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road.

Focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance. Class is outdoors and led by Suzy Brenner. Fee is $10. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

EXCEPTIONAL EXCEPTIONAL

MichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com MichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com

LD SO

MEMORIAL DAY GARDEN CONCERT 4 p.m. Meditation Garden at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 N. Adams Drive. Pull up a chair to listen to music from the Swing ‘N’ Sisters. Dressed in costumes and hairstyles from the ’40s, they’ll sing in the smooth, crooning styles of the past. The free concert is open to all. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Visit Saklc.com.

MONDAYS

UNRIVALED UNRIVALED

941.928.3559 941.928.3559

SUNDAY, MAY 30

RECURRING EVENTS

EXTRAORDINARY EXTRAORDINARY Certified Residential Specialist Certified Residential Specialist Broker-Associate Broker-Associate

YOUR CALENDAR

22

THINKING OUT LOUD: TIMELY TOPICS WITH MIKE KARP From 1-2:30 p.m. at the Paradise

Center, 546 Bay Isles Road.

Topics will include U.S. and world current affairs, popular culture and topics relevant to seniors. Held outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

TUESDAYS

QI GONG From 10-11 a.m. at the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road.

Qi Gong is a mind-body-spirit practice designed to improve mental and physical health. Class is outdoors. Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

MAH JONGG From 1-3 p.m. at the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road.

Beginning or intermediate players. Held indoors or outdoors, weather permitting. Face masks required indoors. RSVP to check availability and/or be put on a wait list: MaryAnnBrady@ TheParadiseCenter.org or 3836493.

WEDNESDAYS

TAI CHI From 10-11 a.m. at the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Class is outdoors. Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

FRIDAYS

YOGA AND MEDITATION From 10-11 a.m. at the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Class is outdoors. Walk-ins welcome.

Cost is $10 for non-members, free for members. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

23

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355756-1

OYSTER BAY ESTATES NEW CONSTRUCTION

24

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

BRADENTON 8499 Lindrick Lane 6 Beds 8/4 Baths 15,223 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4475594 $10,850,000

LIDO KEY 1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive 1208 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,254 Sq. Ft. Susan Fox & Jonathan Fox, PA 941-544-6648 A4492990 $3,900,000

HOLMES BEACH 103 75th Street 4 Beds 4 Baths 2,737 Sq. Ft. Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4495220 $3,200,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1511 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 202 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,940 Sq. Ft. Carol Aviles 941-356-6777 A4481414 $3,075,000

BRADENTON 2708 Bay Drive 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,689 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4494263 $2,750,000

LONGBOAT KEY 431 N Shore Road 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,641 Sq. Ft. Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4497877 $2,400,000

LIDO KEY The Ritz Carlton Beach Residences, 406 2 Beds 3 Baths 3,014 Sq. Ft. Joan Dickinson & Beth Afflebach 941-914-0496 A4417010 $2,385,000

BRADENTON 541 Fore Drive 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,296 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4496407 $1,750,000

LIDO KEY 437 Cleveland Drive 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,774 Sq. Ft. Judy Nimz 941-374-0196 A4497923 $1,595,000

BRADENTON 1908 72nd Street NW 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,368 Sq. Ft. Sharon Ingram 941-224-6447 A4495621 $1,250,000

BRADENTON 524 Mast Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,607 Sq. Ft. Sandi Dietrich 941-704-0697 A4499113 $1,175,000

SARASOTA 3299 Glenna Lane 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,142 Sq. Ft. Phyllis Garfinkel 941-302-6400 A4500028 $899,000

SARASOTA 1860 Boyce Street 2 Beds 1/1 Baths 1,372 Sq. Ft. Barbara May 941-312-1302 A4500522 $899,000

BRADENTON 3608 W 54th Drive W J101 & J102 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,776 Sq. Ft. Leah Secondo 941-545-4430 A4497828 $850,000

SARASOTA 1750 Benjamin Franklin Drive 8G 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,403 Sq. Ft. Jill Berg 941-315-1199 A4497670 $675,000

LONGBOAT KEY 250 Sands Point Road 5104 1 Bed 1 Bath 634 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4496014 $639,000

LONGBOAT KEY 580 Companion Way 2 Beds 3 Baths 1,792 Sq. Ft. Adrienne Scott & Bill Anderson 941-264-5266 A4498694 $609,000

SARASOTA 2557 Ringling Boulevard 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,445 Sq. Ft. Matthew Voss 941-237-0877 A4497940 $590,000

PALMETTO 615 Riviera Dunes Way 205 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,696 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4497161 $429,000

BRADENTON 310 36th Street NE 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,974 Sq. Ft. Stephanie Okuley 941-773-2677 A4500228 $369,900

LONGBOAT KEY 668 Spanish Drive N 157 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,393 Sq. Ft. Cathy Meldahl 941-724-7228 A4496279 $365,000

SARASOTA 325 Golden Gate Point 6 2 Beds 1 Bath 716 Sq. Ft. Dede Curran 941-928-3255 A4490453 $360,000

SARASOTA 435 S Gulfstream Avenue 907 1 Bed 1 Bath 1,201 Sq. Ft. Pamela Wall & Gladys Carrasco 941-504-5019 A4488260 $329,000

LONGBOAT KEY 729 Saint Judes Drive S 2 2 Beds 2 Baths 840 Sq. Ft. Cathy Meldahl 941-724-7228 A4488291 $304,999

BRADENTON 303 108th Street W 114 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,083 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4500468 $300,000

SARASOTA 3947 Panola Lane 180 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,372 Sq. Ft. Rachelle Golden & Peter Salefsky 941-538-8998 A4500731 $209,900

LONGBOAT KEY 571 Saint Judes Drive 8 1 Bath 391 Sq. Ft. Barbara Dumbaugh & Victoria Lear 941-951-6660 A4480695 $205,000

SARASOTA 5401 Tri Par Drive 9 862 Sq. Ft. Joanna Benante & Ann Martin 941-356-7717 A4498798 $199,000

BRADENTON 921 16th Street W 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,280 Sq. Ft. Michael Habony 941-920-2494 A4498240 $199,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 607, 609, 611 Fern Streets & 610 Rose Street 1,568 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4497933 $5,900,000

LONGBOAT KEY 500 Harbor Point Road 4 Beds 6/2 Baths 6,556 Sq. Ft. Jenifer Schwell 941-780-0968 A4491328 $5,595,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

357379-1

SARASOTA The Ritz-Carlton Tower Residences, Penthouse 1701 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,251 Sq. Ft. Beth Afflebach & Joan Dickinson 941-737-1756 A4500204 $5,950,000

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MAY 10 - 14

of Sarasota, sold the Unit 63-S condominium at 2295 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Salvatore Catalano and Karen Fleming Catalano, of Merrick, New York, for $955,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,235 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2012.

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home on Bird Key tops all transactions.

Margaret Ellen Ludwig and Helen Ludwig, of Oakland, California, sold their home at 122 Seagull Lane to James and Deanna Lightman, of Sarasota, for $2.72 million. Built in 1977, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,776 square feet of living area. It sold for $635,000 in 1994.

SLEEPY LAGOON

Henry Tomme, of Longboat Key, sold the home at 6321 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Robert Emil Glanville, of Greenwich, Connecticut, for $2.45 million. Built in 1951, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,620 square feet of living area. It sold for $750,000 in 1999.

SANCTUARY AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Steven Marks and Jekaterina Selakova, of Sarasota, sold their Unit B-706 condominium at 545 Sanctuary Drive to James and Charmaine Dwyer, of Minneapolis, for $2.2 million. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,375 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.08 million in 2019.

LONGBOAT SHORES

Michael Gautier, of Nokomis, sold his home at 550 Buttonwood Drive to John James Varley and Virginia Varley, trustees, of Windemere, for $2,175,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,562 square feet of living area.

JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

William and Jeannine Halbritter, of Siesta Key, sold their home

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

LONGBOAT COVE

Courtesy photo

Built in 1977, the pool home at 122 Seagull Lane on Bird Key has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,776 square feet of living space.

at 327 S. Washington Drive to OTK Partners LLC for $2.1 million. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,963 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,625,000 in 2019.

Pennsylvania, for $1,201,000.

Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,491 square feet of living area. It sold for $520,000 in 2011.

Steven and Cindy Trumbull, of Estero, sold two properties at 145 Cleveland Drive to 145 Cleveland Dr. LLC for $1.25 million.

The first property was built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,084 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1937, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,369 square feet of living area. They sold for $950,000 in 2020.

Bernard and Frances Orbach, trustees, sold the Unit 345 condominium at 3030 Grand Bay Blvd. to Graydon David Pirie Arthur, trustee, of Ontario, Canada, for $1,045,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,143 square feet of living area. It sold for $925,000 in 2004.

Peter Guy Cutter, of Tucker, Georgia, sold the 171 McKinley Drive home to 2508 Tri Star LLC for $1 million. Built in 1951, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,193 square feet of living area. It sold for $200,000 in 1996.

LA LENAIRE ISLE

Randall Broach and Renae Farrah, of Sarasota, sold their 7147 La Lenaire Drive home to Kaleta Island LLC for $1.77 million. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and 3,503 square feet of living area.

GRAND BAY

ISLANDER CLUB OF LONGBOAT

Gina and Gary Yee, trustees,

CCJ Longboat LLC and BCJ Longboat LLC sold the Unit 209 condominium at 5481 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Heacock Family LLC for $950,000. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,516 square feet of living area. It sold for $976,000 in 2005.

THE PRIVATEER NORTH

Magda Kovacik, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the Unit 706 condominium at 1050 Longboat Club Road to Steven Kuhn and Janet Yerokhina, of Longboat Key, for $898,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,409 square feet of living area. It sold for $270,000 in 1999.

LONGBEACH VILLAGE

Ryan Strong and Cristina Fernandez sold their Unit 24 condominium at 7065 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Andres and Barbara Martin, of Apopka, for SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 26

In with the new SALES GALLERY OPEN

Longboat Key

ISLANDS WEST

David and Stacy Rolfe, of Chesterfield, Missouri, sold their Unit 6-E condominium at 2525 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Edwin Aksel Abrahamsen and Mary Ann Abrahamsen, of Lake Winola,

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From the $2,000,000’s | Call for appointment. SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

MOVE-IN READY

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

Downtown Sarasota

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of May 14-20 in order of dollar amounts.

Risdon on 5th | 941.365.1414 | From the mid $500,000s | RisdonOn5th.com

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS 344 Firehouse Lane

PERMIT APPLICANT Interior alterations Jean A. Cooper

1425 GMD

Concrete repair

The Players Club Assn. $167,488

1445 GMD

Concrete repair

Players Club West

AMOUNT $325,000 $157,389

Interior alterations Todd and Jamie Pond $155,060

1465 GMD

Concrete repair

580 Golf Links Lane

Interior alterations Ruthellen Rubin

2165 GMD #122

Interior alterations Kathy A. Miller

NOW SELLING NEW PHASE

Homeowners Assn.

1065 GMD #205

4430 Exeter Drive Unit 208

25

REAL ESTATE

Home on Bird Key sells for $2.7 million

|

Northwest Bradenton

The Players Club Assn. $153,881 $148,631 $148,000

Palma Sola Bay Club | 941.216.7436 | From the high $400,000s | PalmaSolaBayClub.com

Revocable Trust

Interior alterations Kevin B. Glynn

100 Sands Point Road #122 Interior alterations G Slam and J

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

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

$129,216 $46,420

Mike & Stephanie Smith $43,700

3807 GMD #R112

Minor work

4725 GMD Unit 109

Interior alterations Spe #222 LLC

$36,674

567 Bay Isles Road

New exterior

Temple Beth Israel

$35,860

egress door

of Longboat Key

3030 Grand Bay Blvd #393

Rewire

Kenneth F. Gorman

$33,000

Source: Town of Longboat Key

WWW.MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM/NEW-HOMES | 844.591.4333 | SARASOTA, FLORIDA Prices as of May 2021.

357300-1

Licensed Real Estate Broker

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Real estate FROM PAGE 25

$815,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,170 square feet of living area. It sold for $300,000 in 2011.

Mark and Lynda Arrimour, of Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, sold their Unit 3303 condominium at 2105 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Mark and Janice Pennink, of Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, for $780,000.

Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,463 square feet of living area. It sold for $722,500 in 2018.

9 4 1 . 3 4 3 . 9 3 9 6 | w w w. G r a n t s G a r d e n s . c o m

HARBOUR VILLA CLUB AT BUCCANEER

Memorial Day Concert

Martina Ulrike, trustee, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 310 condominium at 615 Dream Island Place to Ronald and Kathleen Henrichs, of Evanston, Illinois, for $640,000. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,293 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2013.

May 31st, 2021 5-7pm, Free

SEAPLACE

Ivy Hill Real Estate LLC sold the Unit M2-201-A condominium at 1945 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Jennifer Lazar and Lauren Marie Lazar, of Longboat Key, for $599,900. Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,265 square feet of living area. It sold for $300,000 in 2013.

SUTTON PLACE 358508-1

348496-1

SUNSET BEACH ON LONGBOAT KEY

Asquared Claytonia LLC sold the Unit 205 condominium at 600

Sutton Place to Shari LeMonnier and David Staniszeski, of Munster, Indiana, for $539,500. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,208 square feet of living area.

BAYPORT BEACH AND TENNIS CLUB

Steven Cheng, James Cheng and Cynthia Crumpton, trustee, of San Francisco, sold the Unit 834 condominium at 834 Bayport Way to Richard Pollock and Nancy Pollock, trustees, of St. Charles, Missouri, for $477,000.

Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,601 square feet of living area.

WHITNEY BEACH

MMR Serenity Investments LLC sold the Unit 104 condominium at 6700 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Jack Lee Pickering and Susan Stroink Pickering, of Bloomington, Illinois, for $385,900. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,161 square feet of living area.

Paul and Jamie Stern, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 137 condominium at 6700 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Daniel Leitzke, of Longboat Key, for $325,000. Built in 1969, it has one bedroom, one bath and 936 square feet of living area.

LIDO AMBASSADOR

Edmund Wronski and Dennis Diaz sold their Unit 303 condominium at 800 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Salvatore and Sonia Settineri, of Parsippany, New Jersey, for $375,000. Built in 1978, it has one bedroom, one bath and 900 square feet of living area. It sold for $382,500 in 2007.

FSU/ASOLO CONSERVATORY

season 2021-22 Subscriptions On Sale NOW! Hair ♥ Our Town ♥ Grand Horizons ♥ The Great Leap Knoxville ♥ Eureka Day ♥ Hood 941.351.8000 | asolorep.org/subscribe

EVERYBODY BELLEVILLE THE LEARNED LADIES TWELFTH NIGHT SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE | ASOLOREP.ORG/FSUSUBS 358509-1

26

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

27

Coldwell Banker

C O N G R AT U L AT E S Judy Kepecz-Hays &

Steven Kepecz $100+ Million Closed Sales January 1 – May 27 2021

Judy Kepecz-Hays | 941.587.1700 Steven Kepecz | 941.387.1825 Website: www.LongboatKeyLuxury.com Email: Kepecz@JudyHays.com | LBKrealtor@gmail.com

RITZ-CARLTON MANAGED THE BEACH RESIDENCES

Ritz-Carlton beach/spa membership included

1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive #606

1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive #308 $2,700,000 Furnished WOW! Two-bedrooms 2256 sq. ft. The perfect beach retreat! “Walk down” your private stairs to pool, spa, fire-pit, or the BBQ — Spectacular open floorplan with expansive views. Very intimate feel, much like that of a single-family home, you even have your enclosed 2-car garage! Travertine floors in the main living areas; neutral, clean palette; generous gourmet kitchen with gas cooktop and massive 1100 sq. ft. terrace. www.TheBeachResidences308.com | MLS A4497402

1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive #804 $3,750,000 Furnished Rarely available, phenomenal floor plan with SUNSET and SUNRISE views. 3 bedrooms plus den or 4 bedrooms. No need to remodel this residence, ready for instant enjoyment. 2 pets allowed, no weight limit. 2 parking spaces under building. Ritz-Carlton beach/spa membership included. www.TheBeachResidences804.com | MLS A4493203

357670-1

$2,675,000 3 bedroom or 2 master bedrooms en-suite plus a den. This residence is custom-designed with elegant details. Features and displays stunning views of both the Gulf of Mexico and twinkling lights in Sarasota.

2 parking spaces under building.

Ritz-Carlton membership negotiable. www.TheBeachResidences606.com MLS A4445110

28

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

BIRD OF THE WEEK Beth Jacobson Multi-Media Account Executive 8 Years with The Observer

A closer look at the feathered friends with which we share Longboat.

Yellow-crowned night heron W

Growing!

We’re

New positions are being added to our team.

Outside Advertising Sales Are you an innovative self-starter? Are you persuasive, energetic and focused? Do you build strong relationships? We are looking for a strong sales candidate to sell our complete media offerings including print, digital and niche publications to local businesses in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

Top candidates will have a proven track record of overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.

Advertising Sales Coordinator This new position will be responsible for coordinating and supporting our dynamic, fast-paced sales team.

The ideal candidate will have strong administrative skills, attention to detail, excellent written and communication skills and possess an upbeat, positive attitude.

ith their slate-gray bodies, black heads with white cheek patches and bright namesake crowns, these distinctive herons have long called Sarasota home: The earliest recorded fossil of a yellow-crowned night heron, found in the Macasphalt Shell Pit (now Benderson Park), is 2 million to 2.5 million years old.

One of two night heron species (the other being black-crowned night herons), they are the most specialized crab-eating heron. As an evolutionary response, their bill size varies geographically according to local crab size. Their name implies otherwise, but they are quite active during daylight.

Their activity is dictated more by the tide, which affects crab fishing, than time of day.

In an illustration of the importance of predatory species for maintaining ecosystem balance, 46 yellow-crowned night heron nestlings from the Alafia Banks heronry in Tampa Bay were imported to Bermuda in the 1970s. Rather than using poison, the birds would be used to keep the abundant land crab populations in check.

Often, transplanting species from one ecosystem to another leads to bigger problems. However, these yellow-crowned night herons were strategically chosen, as fossil research indicated that a sub-species previously resided on the island, but was hunted to extinction in the 1600s. It was hypothesized that land crab populations had exploded, with dire ecological consequences, because of the removal of these birds, the crabs’ natural predators.

And the experiment worked.

Miri Hardy

The return of yellow-crowned night herons reduced the number of land crabs on the island to sustainable numbers, with other native plant and wildlife species, previously suppressed by the crabs, restored to balance as well.

— MIRI HARDY, SAVE OUR SEABIRDS

The yellowcrested night heron does a fair amount of hunting during the day.

Crabs are its favorite meal.

Hover your smartphone over the QR code and tap the screen to see all 42 birds of the week.

Save our Seabirds is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick and injured wild birds. Follow @SaveOurSeabirds to learn more.

FIND US IN YOUR

NEIGHBORHOOD

Marketing Coordinator

The ideal candidate will possess a basic understanding of all marketing and advertising communication channels, the consumer experience, plus a burning desire to contribute as part of a team.

http://www.guidedogs.org/puppycam/

FIND US IN YOUR

NEIGHBORHOOD

Looking for a copy of the http://www.guidedogs.org/puppycam/

ADOPT DON’T SHOP

Join the Observer Media Group team!

Be part of our success.

We have more than 1,500 rack locations. To find one near you visit YourObserver.com/RackLocations

LV9705

355177-1

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and handson Marketing Coordinator to join our team and drive awareness for consumers and advertisers of our print and digital products across Florida.

For more information: yourobserver.com/jobs

EXPERIENCED & KNOWLEDGEABLE. Call Bobbie to sell your Longboat Key or Sarasota property.

PROUD CONTRIBUTOR TO THE MSC FOUNDATION

357706-1

AND MEMBER OF

BOBBIE BANAN, REALTOR® 356-2659 | www.bobbiebanan@michaelsaunders.com

THE MSC FOUNDATION

Michael Saunders & Company

ADVISORY COUNCIL

St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL (941) 388-4447

Licensed Real Estate Broker

Ambassador’s Circle

354793-1

Please send resume and cover letter to: Observer Media Group 1970 Main Street, Floor 3 Sarasota, FL 34236 pdigregorio@yourobserver.com

LV9

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH Submit your photos at YourObserver. com/ Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 202122 Weather and Nature photo contest.

In February 2022, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

FORECAST

FRIDAY, MAY 28

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, May 27

6:36a 8:18p

High: 83 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 11%

Friday, May 28

6:36a

8:19p

Saturday, May 29

6:36a

8:19p

Sunday, May 30

6:35a

8:20p

SATURDAY, MAY 29

Monday, May 31

6:35a

8:20p

Tuesday, June 1

6:35a

8:21p

Wednesday, June 2

6:35a

8:21p

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, MAY 30 High: 84 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 15%

June 17 First

TIDES Thursday, May 27

29

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

SUNRISE / SUNSET

High: 84 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 15%

Richard Moskovitz captured a photo of this great blue heron at sunset on Longboat Key beach.

|

June 24 Full

July 1 Last

Highs

3:04a 12:17p

July 9 New

Lows

6:17a 9:08p

Friday, May 28

— 12:59p

— 10:03p

Saturday, May 29

— 1:45p

—

11:00p

Sunday, May 30

—

2:36p

—

11:58p

Monday, May 31

—

3:37p

—

—

Tuesday, June 1

8:51a

4:54a

12:53a

11:19a

Wednesday, June 2 8:51a 6:34a

1:44a

1:49p

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 349220-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

CROSSWORD

941.748.4679 | Venice

F IN FILM CLASS by Matthew Stock; Edited by David Steinberg

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com 114 + 115 “Pinocchio” quote?

120 Originally unflavored chips brand 121 “In that case ...”

122 South Carolina tribe 123 Porsche model with an arachnid-inspired name 124 Showered affection (on) 125 Comes to a end?

54 Fruity dessert 55 Altar words 56 Stray cat’s home, perhaps 57 Vegetables related to radicchio 58 Cause to change course 63 Eagle’s nest 64 Edges of the fashion world?

66 Muslim greeting 67 Tugboat’s task 68 Facing trouble DOWN 70 Chopping tool 1 Table-wiping cloth 73 Former quarterback Tim 2 Bygone anesthetics 3 What you may catch or hold 75 Sandwich not found at a kosher deli 4 Four of clubs, e.g.

76 Touch with a stylus 5 Suffix with “lemon” 77 Bygone airline 6 Goofs 79 Ancient harplike instru7 Kangaroo motion 8 Lang. in which “I” is a raised ments 80 Olympic speed skater pinkie Davis 9 Person with no seat 81 Washed (down) 10 ___ de gallo 82 Walked back and forth 11 Sunflower support 87 Flash drive initials 12 Quarterback Prescott 88 Politician’s chance for 13 Forbidden fruit’s garden 14 When doubled, a fish taco a pic 89 The “heart of Black culture option in Boston” 15 Atomic variant 91 “Two thumbs up from me!”

16 “The usual” 17 Word after “eagle” or “evil” 93 General principle 95 Slows from a canter 19 ___ scheme 96 Corned beef dish 20 “Hey, pops!”

97 Irish poet W.B. 22 ___ Perce 99 ___ to (hint at) 23 Volcano flow 100 Not masculine or 29 Fleeting feminine 30 It’s never a bad thing ©2021 Universal Uclick 101 Shares, as gossip 31 Attempt again ACROSS 29 Hawklike bird of prey 61 Rest atop 85 Sincerely wish 105 “How interesting!”

33 Like hot wings 1 Zoom date need 32 Former soldiers’ hosps. 62 Whitlock Jr. of “Your 86 Poker pot starter 108 It has a low pH 35 Consultation price 7 Hinged fasteners 34 “That punch hurt!”

Honor” 87 Hullabaloo 109 Words per minute, for 37 Church chorus?

12 Downfall 36 Piano key next to A 65 “Go team!”

90 Swanky functions one 39 “Aargh!”

18 Online brokerage 38 “Coco” quote?

66 Sailor’s plea 92 Pet adoption org.

111 “___ no one ever” 19 Sticky note 43 “Other” category (Abbr.) 67 Leans 94 “The Wolf of Wall Street” 40 Skips, as syllables 112 Welcome desk offering 41 Australian bird’s liquid 20 Got one’s voice heard 45 Swipe 69 South Asian lentil dish quote?

114 Study, as for the ACT 21 “Field of Dreams” quote? 46 Get in the way of 71 Shape of flying geese 98 Return to a lower court product 115 RB’s distance units 42 Uncorks, perhaps 24 Enjoy a book 47 You, biblically 72 Greek letter hidden in 102 Cereal container 116 Negative conjunction 44 Game with melds 25 Rep. such as Mazie 49 Assert “talk the talk” 103 Mrs., in Spanish 117 Letters next to cellphone 47 Bat mitzvah’s text Hirono 51 Olympics city where 74 Cut smaller than a 104 Caught on tape bars 48 Japanese fruit candy 26 Person with a mobile Simone Biles won five med- porterhouse 106 Garland traditionally 118 “___ Mubarak” (Muslim brand home? als, briefly 76 Concert passes, for short returned to the earth greeting) 50 Exclusive pass holder, 27 “Day ‘n’ ___” (Kid Cudi 53 Actor’s prompt 77 Long-lasting ‘do 107 Skier’s lift 119 Oolong, e.g. briefly hit) 54 “Interstellar” quote?

78 “Moulin Rouge!” quote? 110 “Do the Right Thing” 52 “... but the price is flexible” 28 The Earth without it is 59 Curved trajectories 83 Chesapeake or Hudson actor Davis (Abbr.) just “Eh” 60 Fist bump 84 ___ Mahal 113 Rep. from the Bronx

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“NR EUU WEFR WDKITUEYY MSTKIRY; ADKI YEHP XKYG YRGGURY SH PSMMRIRHG OUEZRY.” DZGEFSE YORHZRI

“B TYUI FJ AYM, DGTT B CBCS’I TYUG BI, B ESYD DXGVG BI BU, IXGVG’U AWUI UYFG YIXGV LWJ CYBSL BI SYD.” MYMRZI LYTCIXDZBI Puzzle Two Clue: E equals K

Sarasota

OUTDOOR KITCHENS, DECKS, WALKWAYS AND MORE

Puzzle One Clue F equals V

PAVERS

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

05-27-21

Made for where you live. Here!

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM

BEACH HARBOR Club Gorgeous penthouse condo with access to beach/boat/pool/fitness.

3BR/2BA, 2 large terraces, sunrise/sunset views. $5500/mo in season.

248-202-6865 or 440-623-9068.

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.

EXPENSIVE ROOM Darking Curtains - 4 pinch-pleated curtain panels (2@ 80”wx80”l) and (2@62”wx80”l). Needs cleaning $75 for all. 941-922-4122 ICE MAKER, countertop, $65, Holmes floor fan 3’ tall $30, Keurig coffee maker - new $30, office chair has wheels $30 941-359-8460

CLEAN OUT YOUR GARAGE HERE! CALL 941-955-4888 LARGE METAL toolbox loaded with tools of all kinds, 2 levels $50 for all. 941-349-4875 WHIRLPOOL ELECTRIC stove 15 months old, cooktop works, oven doesn’t $10.

941-565-4546

auto GARAGE SALE As low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888

Reservations 941-383-5577

MARCELLO SPORT Men’s Fashions St. Armands, parking provided, 15 hrs. a week, independent, people skills, sales. No heavy lifting.

Vaccination proof, references needed.

Call/text 404-295-9819 Marcellosportsrq_jrm@ icloud.com

Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

OR RENT ANNA MARIA FO ISLAND UPDATED 5 STAR CONDO. Available May-November (monthly with multimonth discounts) millions $ waterview, first floor, 2br/2b, patio, walk to beach, pool, tennis, smoke free, boat slip available. marketreps@aol.com Located in the Resort at Longboat Key Club

(1) BEDROOM DIRECT BEACHFRONT MONTHLY RENTAL MINIMUM

502 - 558 -7845 VRBO #2082812

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, May 23, and May 30 from 1-4 pm Windward Bay 4900 Gulf Of Mexico Dr. B 303 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Condo, completely remodeled, 2BR/2BA. Every room has unobscured panoramic view of Sarasota Bay. Marina with boat slips available. Deeded access to beaches on the Gulf. Must See! For photos https://sjones598.wixsite.com/ website or call 812-499-2215.

SELL STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

Homes for Rent COZY COTTAGE Sandpiper AMI 55+. 1.5 minute walk to the beach or bay, near pool. 1BA/1BR, W/D for sale or rent.

Call: 941-251-4767 leave message.

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

Call 941-383-3338.

K & R CLEANING SERVICES No job too small, I can clean it all! Bonded and Insured. Lots of experience. Free estimates.

Call 941-799-0414

Painting CARLO DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing.

Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

BUY STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

101 Longboat Key, FL 34228

Transportation

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

M-F

LONGBOAT LIMOUSINE

Ask about our special rates!

Your local luxury transportation provider since 1994.

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

New luxury Sedans and SUVs. Fully Licenced and insured.

Call/Text 941-383-1235

Condos/Apts. for Rent

Condos/Apts. for Sale

Help Wanted

wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com

E-mail: longboatlimousine @yahoo.com

home services

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

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

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

Houses or Condos

358072

Items Under $200

Autos Wanted

jobs

stuff

Deadline for classified advertising in the June 3rd issue will be due on FRIDAY, May 28th at 3pm.

Between

real estate

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING EARLY DEADLINE The Observer will be closed on May 31st in observance of Memorial Day.

SEASONAL Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale Marina slip for sale. Longboat Key Club.

Moorings Lot C-01. $150k.

62 x 21.

Call Steve: 727-898-9388.

WEEKLY MONTHLY

CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady.

Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential.

Commercial. New Construction. 941-400-2866.

Adult Care Services CNA: 20 years experience, with doctors recommendations.

Available for days, nights, and traveling. COVID vaccinated.

941-536-5339.

BUY & SELL HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

Auto Transport AIRPORT RIDES to Tampa, St. Pete., Sarasota from surrounding islands. Super ride, super fares. Call/text Anna: 941-932-1600 SHIP YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States.

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

Cleaning CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

Home Services LBK HANDYMAN Serving the Longboat Key area!

No job too small!

(941) 216-1900 www.lbkhandyman.com

This week’s Crossword answers

©2021 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

Cleaning

peekers’ place

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice!

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “We all have hourglass figures; your sand just settles in different places.”

Octavia Spencer Puzzle Two Solution: “I lost my job, well I didn’t lose it, I know where it is, there’s just some other guy doing it now.”

Bobcat Goldthwait

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2021 NEA, Inc.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Auto Service

Health

THE BEST

5-Star Rated

• Roofs • PoolCages Cages•• Decks Decks ••Driveways • Roofs • Pool Driveways • Deck/Paver Sealing • Gutter Cleaning • Deck/PaverAnd Sealing • And Much More Much More!

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Screening

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Handyman

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357141

OBSERVER RED PAGES

941.504.2745 941.400.1563

Windows

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

Res./Com.

Lic./Ins.

w & Pressure Cl indo345-5264 W(941) eani t e s ng s a S u n n w r o i s n e k W Sun y ind erl Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

199923

outdoor furniture experts• • www.patiorepairs.net

941-345-5264

Doors and more!

Mike Mailliard ~ Lacey Weaver Allen Hovis ~ Matthew Mailliard Chloe Gardner ~ Julia McIlrevey Simone Paton

Patio Furniture Repairs.com patio RepaiRS

• Pool Cage Restoration • Rescreening Specialists • Specialty Screens • Paint • Doors and more!

Satisfaction guarantee Satisfaction Guarantee Pool cage Restoration/ Rescreening specialists Manufacture and Workmanship Warranties specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

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

Furniture Repair FurnitureSales Sales &&Repairs Furniture Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating Cushions • Slings • Umbrellas

358077

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MIC INSURANCE

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941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Insurance

358074

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GladysKhabbaz@gmail.com 805 Molly Circle, Sarasota

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

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

Roofing

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

We Are So Thankful for our Customers

| scaperotta@aol.com

Italian American Owned

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Carpet Cleaning

Naji Aoun

941-544-1066

BEFORE

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Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

“Medical Breakthrough Technology for bulging, herniated and degenerative disc ...

No Pain, No Drugs, No Injections, No Surgery”

358394

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Pressure Washing

Honesty, Integrity and Pride

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION PHYSICIANS IN AMERICA

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941.270.4400

Pressure Washing

358076

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31

Power Washing

This Doctor is Among

FAST • EASY • SAFE

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Call 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

120

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

357143

SELL YOUR CAR!

|

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY | 941.383.3388

510 BAY ISLES ROAD, SUITE 1 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL (Next to SUNTRUST BANK)

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

RED PAGES. MADE FOR WHERE YOU LIVE. HERE! TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT YOUROBSERVER.COM/REDPAGES

358395

Sandra Smith

32

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

ROGER SELLS

LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES MORE THAN $113 MILLION SOLD SINCE JANUARY 2021

1588 NORTH CASEY KEY ROAD

$9,500,000

This secluded and exquisite beach-to-bay estate is perfectly situated on almost three-acres on the private and gated northern Gulf shores of Casey Key. Wonderfully updated and partially rebuilt, you will love the charm it exudes, complemented by a beautifully maintained 4BR main residence and a separate 2BR guest house. The impeccable finishes, impressive outdoor entertaining, and your own private beach are the perfect finishing touches.

$669,000

This lovely, updated home in the wonderfully private and family-friendly community of Oak Ford is located on nearly one-acre of property adjacent to a lush preserve area that protects your privacy. An ideal spot to escape, this 4BR residence offers beautiful renovations inside and out that you will immediately appreciate.

www.1905PalmViewRoad.com

www.1588NorthCaseyKey.com

3731 INDIAN BEACH PLACE

1905 PALM VIEW ROAD

$6,495,000

1300 CASEY KEY ROAD

$3,495,000

Direct bayfront estate! Built in 2006 with the high standards of Triangle Construction, designed with energy efficient and sustainable materials, this 5BR, lavish bayfront residence is the epitome of luxury waterfront living.

The perfect place to escape, with its enviable central location minutes from downtown, verdant gardens protecting the nearly one-acre of property, and a beautifully elaborate interior that is ready for you to immediately enjoy.

An enviable direct Gulf-to-bay location is the highlight at this 3BR bungalow on the private island of Casey Key. This unique parcel offers nearly 100’ of direct beach frontage with an additional peninsula that juts out to the sailboat waters of Little Sarasota Bay, and includes a protected dock in a sheltered basin with multiple boating possibilities. Create your own dream-home experience at this remote jewel.

www.3731IndianBeach.com

www.1300CaseyKey.com

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE TOUR (941) 387-1840 443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F | Sarasota, FL 34236 595 Bay Isles Road, Suite 250 | Longboat Key, FL 34228 Pettingell.com | www.bestSarasotarealestate.net Twitter.com/RealRoger | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell | Roger@Pettingell.com Owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC 357234-1

. . . t i a W But

S ’ E R THE !

E R MO

XNLV19038

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30,000

20,000

59,286

Sarasota Observer Longboat Observer East County Observer Siesta Key Observer

Sarasota Herald-Tribune** 31,712 Bradenton Herald*** 18,632

10,000

*Source: Verified Audit Circulation Annual Audit ending March 31, 2020. **Source: Alliance for Audited Media Annual Audit ending Dec. 31, 2019, does not include Venice and North Port in Sarasota or Charlotte counties. ***Source: Alliance for Audited Media, 24 months ending Dec. 31, 2019.

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