Longboat Observer 1.20.22

LONGBOAT

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

Learning continues.

PAGE 16

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

VOLUME 44, NO. 24

YOUR TOWN

Dinner is served . . . soon Pair of restaurants aim to keep Longboaters near home, with more coming. PAGE 3

File photos

Been hair before When Tina’s Beauty Salon closed in mid-2021, dozens of loyal clients were distraught at losing their longtime haircut confidantes. Manny Ninos had been cutting hair on Longboat Key since 1987 and had scores of fans up and down the island, including a few multigenerational families.

Owner Tina Panagiotopoulos had plans to move to Design 2000 in Whitney Beach Plaza at 6840 Gulf of Mexico Drive, and at the time, Ninos, 82, said he was retiring. Now, perhaps clients’ hearts can heal snip by snip with the return of their beloved barbers.

Both have returned to the industry via Design 2000. For appointments with either, call 387-9807.

Helping hand Dustin Fisorek and Nick Huffman were on their way to a regular shift at La Norma Italian Restaurant on Longboat Key when a drunken driver hit the traveling 20-year-olds.

Both men survived, but Fisorek broke his leg and required a metal rod to stabilize it, while Huffman’s broken pelvis required an 11-hour surgery.

Both Fisorek and Huffman have a long road to recovery ahead of them and won’t be able to work, but La Norma manager Amanda Mockenhaupt wants to do as much as she can to help the young men keep up with rent and other bills, so she’s turned to the community for help. She said the pair are two of her best employees and very dedicated to their jobs, and she wants to enlist the community to help Fisorek and Huffman, who just started their adult lives, get back on their feet.

So far, the fundraiser has collected $5,040 out of Mockenhaupt’s goal of $75,000.

Visit bit.ly/LaNormaFundraiser to contribute.

Nat Kaemmerer

The AMI String Band performs at the town’s first market at Town Center Green. The market offered produce, food, and arts and crafts items for sale.

MARKET AUDIENCE

Residents deliver rave reviews for town event.

PAGE 14

A+E

Repairs on the way

Time machine.

INSIDE

Utility promises residents’ sidewalk will be fixed soon.

SEE PAGE 2 Mark Bergin

Since October 2021, a portion of the sidewalk on Gulf of Mexico Drive directly in front of the Twin Shores Mobile Home Park has been closed.

2

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

Couple: Get cracking on sidewalk repair A portion of the sidewalk on Gulf of Mexico Drive remains closed directly in front of the Twin Shores Mobile Home Park.

“My question was, ‘Would (Town) Hall allow that to happen if that was done in their driveway?’ Would they allow it if it were at one of their golf courses or at Publix, one of their entrances?”

MARK BERGIN

— Al Van Iten

STAFF WRITER

A

l and Dottye Van Iten enjoy the friendships they’ve developed with their Twin Shores neighbors while wintering in Longboat Key. The couple has spent the past 15 years traveling to the island from Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.

In January, the Van Itens arrived in Longboat and immediately noticed how the Gulf of Mexico Drive sidewalk was torn up in front of their home. “(Normally), we look at the Gulf of Mexico here at the dinner table and it’s a nice, pleasant look,” Al Van Iten said. “Well, now what do you see? A derelict-looking (view).”

Public Works Projects Manager James Linkogle explained how Frontier Communications needed to repair a copper telephone line set, which required digging through the pavement.

“In order to accomplish that repair, they had to tear out a section of the sidewalk and everything,” Linkogle said.

Linkogle said the repair to the telephone line is finished, but Frontier is responsible for resurfacing the sidewalk. He said the town has been in touch with the company, specifically Frontier Communications Manager John Plott.

Linkogle has also contacted the Van Itens about how the town is working to coordinate with Frontier.

AVP Corporate Communications spokesperson Brigid Smith said in an email to the Observer that Frontier planned to make repairs this week.

Smith said work was expected to proceed until new concrete could be poured and the job completed by

Mark Bergin

For 15 years, Al and Dottye Van Iten have spent their winters at the Twin Shores community in Longboat Key.

midweek.

On Monday, Jan. 17, Frontier is scheduled to clean up the area. Smith said new concrete would be poured Tuesday, Jan. 18, or Wednesday, Jan. 19.

“I am asking our folks to reach out to the customers to apologize for the delay,” she said.

Twin Shores neighbors have told the Van Itens that the sidewalk has been closed since October 2021.

Fu

The

said. “Would they allow it if it were at one of their golf courses or at Publix, one of their entrances?”

To find a resolution, the Van Itens have tried traveling to Frontier’s office at 1701 Ringling Blvd. in downtown Sarasota.

“We went up there,” Dottye Van Iten said. “There’s a sign. As of Dec. 19, there’s nobody (there). It’s closed.”

The Van Itens also said the sand

.com e s u ho

e War

re rnitu

Walkers and bikers must traverse along the concrete parking lot area in front of the Van Iten’s home.

Under normal circumstances when the sidewalk is open, it allows cars traveling on GMD to turn in to the Twin Shores community. The only turn-in now is on Twin Shores Boulevard, which runs east and west.

“My question was, ‘Would (Town) Hall allow that to happen if that was done in their driveway?’” Al Van Iten

from the repairs frequently blows into their screened-in porch in front of their home.

“The big problem is what we have to deal with right here in front of our kitchen,” Al Van Iten said. “We get sand, and our view is screwed up. When you sit at the table, you’re looking at a construction site.

“It’s not what represents Longboat Key.” Linkogle explained how the work is related to the town’s undergrounding utilities project.

“Our contractor damaged a couple of telephone lines that were unmarked through that section, and so they had to come and do the repair,” Linkogle said. “Those are old copper telephone lines that are in the ground, and (there are) not that many customers on them, but there are some. Obviously, they can’t just transfer them to some other line.”

Al Van Iten also expressed his frustration regarding the town being due to save $3.7 million in its undergrounding project, but the sidewalk in front of his home is unfixed.

“I’m thinking, ‘Now wait a minute.

Millions of dollars they’ve charged all these people to put all this stuff in, and then an article comes out that they saved a bunch of money, but yet this has been sitting here not complete,’” Al Van Iten said.

For now, flooding remains unlikely given that the Atlantic hurricane season ended Nov. 30, 2021. However, the copper telephone wire remains exposed in the event of heavy rain.

“I just don’t like not getting answers,” Al Van Iten said.

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3

RESTAURANTS ON THE MENU New enterprises coming soon promise new variety without leaving the island.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

C

ourtney Rossler, a longtime Lazy Lobster employee, and her business partner Kevin Pass were hungry after a day of boating last summer.

But, there was a problem.

“Without exaggeration, we went to every restaurant between the Lazy Lobster and Beach House Restaurant (in Bradenton Beach), and everyone was on a two-hour wait,” Rossler said. “We were kind of just like, ‘Wow, we really need more restaurants.’”

The experience Rossler and Pass shared that summer day and the familiarity she has gained while working 11 years for Lazy Lobster owner Michael Garey evolved into a notion, then a plan, then something more.

They recently submitted a new development application to the town for Lo Key Tiki Bar, to be located at 5620 Gulf of Mexico Drive near the corner of Tarawitt Drive.

It’s the second restaurant/bar to apply to do business on the island in recent weeks, while others are also in the works.

La Villa Mexican Restaurant owner announced plans to open in 2022.

And developers of the Buccaneer, on the site of the former Pattigeorge’s, are also moving through the development process.

Beyond more treats for the palate, the restaurant upswing also means something close to Longboaters’ hearts. They can stay close to home for a night out.

“At times, you can’t get off the island both the north and the south of people going to Anna Maria (Island) for sunset dinner to St. Armands or Sarasota for happy hours and dinner,” Pass said.

Navigating traffic congestion is a challenge Longboat Key resident Fred Lawson said he tries to avoid during snowbird season. And he’s not alone, on the road or in his feelings about congestion. He recalled a February dinner reservation he had set for 6 p.m. in Sarasota a few years ago.

The traffic fiasco that ensued meant an hourlong drive to the mainland. Never again, he said.

“Ever since that, (if) we’re meeting friends there, I wouldn’t go to any dinner reservation in Sarasota earlier than 7 p.m. in season,” Lawson said.

“You just don’t.”

Beyond on-the-go delays, Rossler said arrival will be easier at her place, too.

“Anna Maria, that’s their biggest downfall,” Rossler said. “They’ve got twice the amount of restaurants we have, but they have nowhere for anyone to park, and that’s why I think that’s part of the issue with the congestion.”

Pass said he envisions providing Longboat Key something it doesn’t have.

“There’s no Tiki bar on the island,” Pass said. “We want to have an island feel, and everyone loves a Tiki bar.”

Lo Key Tiki Bar is the former site of Tina’s Beauty Salon, which closed at the end of August 2021.

Like Pass and Rossler’s proposal, La Villa Mexican Restaurant owner Estela Villegas also seeks to develop a restaurant unlike others offered on the island.

In December, Villegas already received final approval from the Planning and Zoning Board to allow a special exception request.

“I always wanted to have a place close to the beach,” Villegas said.

“There’s no Mexican food on the island.”

Villegas, who owns and operates the original La Villa Mexican Restaurant in Valrico, seeks to open her Longboat Key establishment by the summer at 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive Suite No. 5. Like many other industries, Villegas said she’s had to deal with disruptions and delays of late.

“Another thing that is taking a lot longer is that kitchen equipment is just not there, either,” Villegas said.

Villegas said she wishes she could

open sooner.

“That’s something that sometimes I worry about, about the seasonal business,” Villegas said. “I feel so bad that I’m missing the high season because right now is when people come to the island.”

Contingent upon P&Z Board approval, perhaps as early as Feb. 15, Pass estimated the Lo Key Tiki Bar could be open in August or September. However, he purposefully does not plan to have the grand opening during snowbird season, preferring to have the business running smoothly before crowds ramp up.

“People want somewhere to go where it’s not necessarily fine dining, but it’s also not dirty…(like) you feel like you need a shower when you leave,” Rossler said.

When Villegas was asked about what customers she hoped to attract, she mentioned the need to make Longboaters and visitors feel welcome.

“I would love to have people that live there,” Villegas said. “I would like to have families that are visiting the island.”

Several other Longboat Key restaurants have opened in recent years: Whitney’s opened in January 2020 and the Shore restaurant opened in 2019.

Shawn Hamilton, the property owner of Lo Key Tiki Bar’s location, purchased the building in January 2019 for $1,125,000. In 2021, Hamilton accepted Pass’ offer to a fiveyear lease for the property.

Pass and Rossler said the preliminary plans would be to seat about 125 people, make the establishment dog-friendly and to gut the existing structure.

“If you notice on the very front of the structure, there’s a garage, we’ll cut that basically in half, take the roof off,” Pass said. “That outline of that garage will be the bar, and that’ll have a Tiki roof over it.”

Pass said there will be a larger Tiki dining area along Gulf of Mexico Drive near the property line.

“Kind of like you see at the Shore, we’ll have the ability to drop down curtains when it’s like today when it’s so windy to provide kind of a socalled indoor atmosphere,” Pass said.

Longboat Key’s parking rules require one parking spot for every 150 square feet of total floor area and outdoor dining areas.

Rossler said it will be bittersweet for her to leave the Lazy Lobster and Garey after more than a decade.

“It’s going to be a sendoff of all sendoffs,” Rossler said.

Rossler said she will slowly transition into a full-time role with the Lo Key Tiki Bar in the coming months.

“He realizes this is her dream, and one thing Michael does is he develops people,” Pass said.

File photos

1. LO KEY TIKI BAR What: An informal spot with food and drinks, with a family friendly atmosphere.

Where: 5620 Gulf of Mexico Drive When: August or September, 2022.

Progress report: Application submitted to town for development

2. LA VILLA MEXICAN RESTAURANT What: The island’s first Mexican restaurant Where: 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive When: Summer, 20022 Progress report: Application approved

IN THE WORKS

1 5

A series of new restaurants have either applied to develop new locations in town or have already begun to build or have completed work.

2

5. HARRY’S CONTINENTAL KITCHENS

3

What: Expanded its indoor and outdoor dining, and increase the number of parking spaces.

When: Work completed in 2021 Progress report: Crews tore down the structure that stood at 547 St. Judes Drive and replaced it with an additional parking lot.

BUTTONWOOD DEVELOPMENTS

Longboat Key Planning, Zoning and Building staff also received development applications for two proposals near the Buttonwood Harbour neighborhood.

Brista Homes founder and President Mark Ursini seeks to build two single-family homes at 597 Buttonwood Drive. Longboat Key voters approved a residential density referendum in November 2021 for the site. The Town Commission will have ultimate authority on Ursini’s proposal to build the two homes, but the P&Z Board will also make a recommendation.

“Basically, it’s going from one parcel to two individual single-family lots,” Ursini said. “We’re hoping sometime in February to get all the final approvals on that, so we can then apply for a building permit to build the homes.”

Ursini also seeks to develop 3150 Gulf of Mexico Drive into a 14,408-square-foot commercial development for up to eight tenants.

“I’ve been approached by a group of doctors, a group of dentists, an insurance agency and a few others,” he said.

Contingent upon town approval, Ursini said the goal would be to break ground by April 1 and have construction completed within one year.

Ursini said he’s been in “constant communication” with the Buttonwood Harbour Association to keep it informed about preliminary designs.

3. BUCCANEER

What: 196-seat waterfront restaurant Where: 4120 Gulf of Mexico Drive When: Tampa-based Columbia Restaurant Group President Richard Gonzmart said he hopes for the restaurant to be in operation by 2023.

4 4. ST. REGIS What: A resort/condo complex with a specialty restaurant, a three-meal restaurant, a beach grill, a terrace bar, a lobby lounge and a Monkey Bar Where: 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive When: Expected to open in 2024 Progress report: Preliminary construction work began in October.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

Sarasota Bay still needs lots of help, Tomasko says

We are there when you can’t be.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

M

aintaining a healthy Sarasota Bay is vital for the area’s qual-

ity of life and local economy.

Longboat Key’s proximity to the bay connects the water’s health to many facets of island life and business.

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How is the overall health of Sarasota Bay? We really have to be kind of like specific to different regions.

We have three systems south of Siesta Key Drive, and we’ve got continuing concerns in that part of the bay. There’s some evidence of maybe getting a little bit better, but we have continued problematic conditions in the lower two-thirds of the bay, and that’s kind of unfortunate. So we need to find out what we need to act upon.

Then we have Roberts Bay. In that region, we’re actually seeing signs of improvement that seems to be associated with recent things that

David Tomasko

have been done in Sarasota County to act upon what have been problems for the last couple of years. And that is, for about five years, we had overflows of wastewater that were miles away from the bay but nonetheless looked like they brought about an adverse impact to the bay. And those overflows of wastewater — and it wasn’t raw wastewater – it was treated wastewater, but it had a lot of nitrogen in it. Those overflows aren’t really occurring anymore.

Because they’ve acted upon it and because they’re planning on upgrading that wastewater treatment plant to nutrient removal technology, we think that the problem has been solved. And if they actually move forward as quickly as they’re planning on upgrading the wastewater, we don’t think we’re going to have that problem again.

(In the upper bay from Siesta Key Drive to Manatee Avenue), we think that the biggest problem there was really two red tides in 2016 and 2018.

And then, in between the two, we had Hurricane Irma. And Irma didn’t cause a lot of flooding, but it made the bay very turbid.

We had red tide, hurricaneinduced muddy water, and then we had another red tide. (It) set us back a lot in terms of, it caused, we believe, about 2,000 acres of seagrass to die because (it was) just too dark for too long. But the water quality has

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

already responded positively, so we’re already seeing visibility up and that part of the bay is beautiful again.

Is there an area of Sarasota Bay that is most concerning to you?

I would say the upper part of the bay. The water quality is back, but we lost 2,000 acres of seagrass, and we want to get it back, and we don’t want it to take too long. We need to start figuring out whether or not we need to do something other than what we’ve done in the past.

And what I mean is, a lot of people think, “Oh, the Indian River Lagoon and all those manatees starved to death. Well, let’s plant seagrass.’” Well, they’re starving to death because the seagrass has died because the water quality sucks. If you plant seagrass, it’ll just die again.

That’s not the case in the upper part of Sarasota Bay, but we’ve never had to plant seagrass to gain seagrass. We’ve just acted on our water quality, so if we went long enough and the water quality stays good, it might come back by itself, but we may want to jumpstart it with doing some transplanting in that area.

What does it mean to say about 2,000 acres of seagrass is lost?

Roughly that 2,000 lost acres of seagrass probably means there’s something like 30 million fewer fish in the bay, and that’s not all giant keeper snook; it’s little fish. But there’s more fish per square meter in a part of the bay with seagrass than right next to it in an area with no seagrass at all. It’s also a big drop in the food supply for manatees.

You mentioned the possibility of transplanting seagrass to make up for the loss. How would you make the determination of whether to do that?

There (were) a couple steps, and we’ve done some of them already.

When we talk acres of seagrass, it’s from mapping efforts done by the Southwest Florida Water Management every two years from a plane that’s flying at like 9,000 feet.

(The 2,000 acres of sea grass) is not completely gone, but it’s gone or it’s very, very thin. So that’s the first thing. It is a real loss.

The second thing that we’ve done

File photo

is we’ve actually worked with some of the state agencies to go out and look for a seed bank. In other words, if we get the water quality right, will they come back on their own? And we only found a viable seed bank at about 15% of the sites, so the vast majority of the areas where we lost seagrass, it’s still not there, and (there are) no seeds for it to come from.

So the next thing that we need to do is, if we take the seagrass and put it down in like 8 feet of water where we have this loss, is it going to grow? And if it doesn’t, then you just stop. Then, apparently, it’s not good enough water quality. But if it does grow, then we have to come back and say, “All right, what are we going to do about this?’” We can’t dig up 2,000 acres and put it somewhere else, but is there something we could do to kind of jump-start restoration?

What would you urge local leaders to consider or act upon this year?

Longboat Key has a pipeline underneath Sarasota Bay that goes from Longboat Key toward Manatee County Southwest Regional Treatment Plant. The pipeline is … (nearly) 50 years old. And if you go out and swim across the bay where that pipeline is, the bottom above the pipeline has sunk down roughly about 2 feet deeper than the surrounding areas.

One of the things that we think can help is as Longboat Key moves forward with replacing that sewer line.

We hope that (there are) opportunities to raise the bottom of the bay in the area where it’s kind of … down 2 feet or so.

Sarasota County is going to be spending a massive amount of money on wastewater treatment plant

upgrades. And when they do that, – and some of the wastewater treatment plans will happen very quickly, like within the next three years it looks like – as that happens, we should dramatically reduce the possibility of having wastewater issues in the bay.

A 2021 survey showed an 18% decline in seagrass in Sarasota Bay. Seagrass affects more than 75% of marine life.

What can the average person do?

Pick up after your pets; watch that you don’t over-fertilize; don’t blow your grass clippings out into the water, or don’t blow them into a storm drain. Those are things that can absolutely help improve the water quality of the bay.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

COPS CORNER

HAVE YOU MET

BOB?

SATURDAY, JAN. 8

BUBBLE TROUBLE 12:47 a.m., 200 block of Sands Point Road Noise complaint: About a dozen people making noise in a hot tub prompted a call for police assistance. An officer arrived and spoke with a community security guard, who told the officer the issue had been resolved.

FRIDAY, JAN. 7

BANG, BANG! 5:13 p.m., 1900 block of Harbourside Drive Suspicious incident: Several officers canvassed a neighborhood after a resident’s report of sounds that resembled gunfire. Officers found nothing suspicious and were told by a witness that an antique car had driven through the parking lot and backfired several times, adding that the car’s owner lived nearby.

SATURDAY, JAN. 8

NO MORE BANG, BANG! Noon, 2600 block of Harbourside Drive Citizen assist: An officer gave a ride home to the owner of an antique car that had broken down.

NO TIME FOR THE POOL 9:59 p.m., 4800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious person: Police spoke to a woman in a swimming pool after hours. Though the woman did not have a command of English, the officer was able to understand that she was not aware of pool hours. The officer reported being unable to find a posted notice of the pool’s hours, but the situation was resolved.

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Mexico Drive Citizen assist: A resident who locked keys and a cell phone into his car at a park sought help from police he saw nearby. The officers gave him a ride home to retrieve a spare set of keys and a ride back to the park.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 12

WATCH THIS CAR DISAPPEAR 12:25 p.m., 4700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Abandoned vehicle: A manager of a business asked a police officer if a former employee’s car could be removed from the premises. The manager said the vehicle had been there for about a month. The officer replied that the vehicle was on private property and that the manager was within his rights to have it towed.

THURSDAY, JAN. 13

KEYS AND CAR MATCH UP 10:07 a.m., 500 Bay Isles Road Found property: Police met with a Public Works Department staffer who turned over a set of vehicle keys found nearby. The evening before, a car was reported parked overnight because its owner had lost the keys.

Police notified a member of the car owner’s family to come retrieve the keys, then the car.

FRIDAY, JAN. 14

CASTING A WIDE NET 12:36 p.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious incident: Police were called to a town park because a caller believed an angler casting a net from a seawall was breaking the law. The officer informed the caller that there were no legal entanglements with the man’s actions.

MISSING A BOAT? 8:28 a.m., 2800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Found property: Police removed from the surf a rowboat in good condition following a call from a resident who reported finding it. Police were not able to find its owner through a hull-identification number and asked the Public Works Department to bring the boat to the police department for safekeeping until its owner could claim it.

TUESDAY, JAN. 11

BACK AND FORTH 12:02 p.m., 4000 block of Gulf of

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

Two sides are miles apart over 10 feet of changes in St. Armands St. Armands residents and Longboat Key leaders say increasing maximum heights and redeveloping the Fillmore lot could add to traffic congestion.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

STAFF WRITER

File photo

The concept design focuses on changes to a street segment leading into St. Armands Circle from the mainland, attempting to create a visual gateway welcoming visitors into the district.

dents Association survey found that 75% of the 125 total respondents were opposed to the 10-foot height increase. The survey ran from September to October 2021 on the SurveyMonkey platform. It required a unique link to participate, which the association emailed to its members.

Controls were in place to prevent duplicate responses.

“We don’t understand why you want to take our circle that’s always had these two-story buildings and not just go to three (stories), which is what Naples has, but to all the way to four (stories),” Goglia said.

Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier also attended. He called St. Armands Circle a “critical link” between Longboat Key and Sarasota.

“We’ve experienced (an) hour to two-hour delays during season to get downtown for events, but it’s also a safety concern for evacuation purposes and emergency services,” he said. “We understand that redevelopment is also often beneficial.

“We face those issues ourselves on Longboat Key, but bigger and taller isn’t necessarily better, and a 28%

height increase will increase traffic, especially if the intensity of the use is increased as well, which we think hotel use will likely do.”

Vision 2026 does not necessarily coincide with the time St. Armands Circle could finish the proposed changes but marks when the shopping circle turns 100.

“This is not a money grab,” Michel said. “This is a genuine approach to make this a nicer place. Some of these buildings (were) built in 1960, and they’re ready to fall over.”

Michel also detailed how the Vision 2026 proposal seeks to make St. Armands Circle more friendly to pedestrians.

“Our goal is to make this more of a village with the purpose of being able to live here, stay here (and) play here,” Michel said.

Schneier also wrote a letter to Sarasota Mayor Erik Arroyo and the Sarasota City Commission to address the town’s concerns about plans to redevelopment the Fillmore Parking Lot on St. Armands Circle.

The city is considering five proposals for the 1.98-acre site, at prices

Stacey Maloney Attorney at Law, M.B.A.

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Purchaser: Martin Hyde Development plans: None submitted Purchase offer: $5 million Purchaser: Ocean Properties Development plan: 63-room hotel with possible inclusion of a 15,000-square-foot grocery store, 175 parking spaces Purchase offer: $8,175,000 for hotel only; $11,775,000 for hotel and grocery. Price contingent on number of approved hotel rooms and seats at lobby bar

“We have to know what we’re fighting against,” Town Attorney Maggie Mooney said.

Longboat Key Vice Mayor Mike Haycock said he thought it was prudent for the town to hire Smolker.

“I do think we need to be careful,” Haycock said. “St. Armands is going to get rebuilt. It’s old as hell. They’re tearing down buildings now, so redevelopment is going to happen. I think we’ve just got to be consistent with our message. It’s really about traffic.”

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ranging from $5 million to $11.8 million. Three of the proposals include a hotel and grocery store, two feature a residential component and one offer includes no plans for the future of the property.

“The town would be wary of the development of this properly unless correlating road and traffic improvements occur to accommodate the additional traffic that potential development will undoubtedly cause,” Schneier wrote. “Intensification of a use on St. Armands as proposed, on an already failing state road which already is known to create gridlock during tourist season and beyond, is not an acceptable impact to the town.”

The Longboat Key Town Commission also agreed to retain Tampabased attorney David Smolker of the Smolker Matthews firm.

Smolker charges $300 an hour for his work and $125 an hour for a paralegal.

The specific legal options Longboat Key has depend on which plan Sarasota leaders pick for the Fillmore lot.

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In summing up the St. Armands Business Improvement District’s Vision 2026, Chair Geoffrey Michel offered a simple statement in a virtual workshop on Tuesday evening.

“We’re not asking for 10 stories,” Michel said. “We’re asking for 10 feet.”

Other proposed changes to the shopping district and surrounding streets include raising the maximum building height from 35 to 45 feet, increasing residential density and allowing hotel projects.

“The circle is clearly in need of updates,” Michel added.

The proposed changes are subject to approval in the spring before the city of Sarasota Planning Commission and the Sarasota City Commission.

Asked how the city plans to make traffic improvements to account for the added density under the proposal, consulting architect Dan Lear explained the process Sarasota leaders would undergo.

“When a developer submits an application for development, it goes into review, and if they’re adding … residential units, they have to do a traffic analysis to basically determine the effect on the traffic,” Lear said. “And they may or may not be approved for their development based off of that analysis.”

During the meeting, several St. Armands residents expressed their concerns about the increased density, including Chris Goglia, president of the St. Armands Residents Association.

Goglia said a St. Armands Resi-

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Why does town own the land?

What should the Town Center Green become? No surprise, there are competing interests. Answer this: What is the problem to be solved with this land?

W

hat is it going to be?

A park? A library?

An indoor-outdoor gathering center for events? A black box theater? An auditorium?

A farmers market? A place with a bandshell and stage for small concerts?

An education center? A home for the historical society?

A place for exercise and fitness classes? More tennis or pickleball courts?

A place to relax amid the shade trees? A place for art exhibits?

How about outdoor art fairs?

While we’re at it, let’s go back in time. More than a decade ago, when the subject of developing a community center was topic No. 1 on Longboat, there were constituents lobbying for a public swimming pool.

OK, that one is really out there.

There are so many good ideas for the Town Center Green. And based on what we’ve heard, there appears to be growing interest and momentum toward bringing something to fruition.

The third annual Light Up Longboat at the end of November and the Kiwanis Club’s Lawn Party

contributed to raising awareness of the property and buzz about what could be.

But that’s exactly the issue: What exactly should go there?

Count on this: Everyone has an opinion. Which is also the issue.

From the start, back when the town purchased the two properties that now make up the 4.8-acre Town Center Green with the vision of partnering with the Ringling College of Art and Design on a fullfledged arts, culture and education center, we have wanted to be a cheerleader for the vision.

But we have struggled to be optimists, to believe that a Town Commission of seven elected people could take that 4.8-acre, taxpayerowned open space in the shadows of a bank, supermarket and tennis courts and: 1) make it great; 2) make it something on which most taxpayers will agree; and 3) make it so it doesn’t become a financial burden on taxpayers.

Those are all big asks.

Now overlay on those three big asks multiple good, competing ideas for the site. Town Manager Tom Harmer has had discussions with Sarasota County about some

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While so many around the country have consigned the people’s rights to the graveyard,

type of public library extension.

When Temple Beth Israel took ownership of the Longboat Key Education Center, its leaders talked of a possibility of partnering with the town on a new facility that would house the education center.

And earlier this month, former Longboat Key Mayor George Spoll, former commissioners Ed and Pat Zunz and Tom Freiwald of the Longboat Key Revitalization Committee unveiled that they’ve

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obtained commitments of $750,000 toward the construction of a black box theater on the site.

Oh my.

The Town Commission will address this topic at its meeting Monday. We wish them all the luck in creating a vision that fulfills the three criteria above. Toward that, we’ll offer these questions: Why does the town own this property, and what is the problem to be solved with it?

Key Club’s Welly: likable, humble, effective leader Michael Welly, managing director of the Longboat Key Club and Resort from 2004 to 2012, died Jan. 14 in a California hospital after complications from pneumonia and COVID-19.

Welly, 75, had been living with his wife, Lynn Weddington Welly, in Idyllwild, California, a small mountain resort town west of Palm Springs, and serving as president and consultant of Cairn Consulting, a hotel and resort consulting firm.

Recruited in 2004 by the new owners of the Longboat Key Club and Resort, New York-based Loeb Realty Partners, Welly raised the quality, standards and stature and transformed much of the resort and 2,000-member club during his tenure.

Welly renovated and redesigned the club’s golf courses, developed the award-winning Tennis Gardens and hosted the Sarasota Open pro tennis tournament, purchased the 292-slip marina, established a beach club, developed the resort’s spa, and helped the resort’s property owner association remodel its 221 rooms and suites.

“He brought the club to another level,” said Tom Cinquegrano, who was president of the resort’s property owners association during Welly’s tenure.

While overseeing the resort and club’s transformation, Welly also became known in the community for his and the resort and club’s local involvement and philanthropy.

Welly served as chair of the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, was on the board of the Tiger Bay Club of Sarasota, was a founding member of the Gulf Coast CEO Forum, and was involved in the YMCA Foundation, Argus Foundation, All-Star Children’s Foundation and Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

Rare was the occasion that Welly would turn down requests to help local not-for-profit organizations.

And never would Welly seek the limelight or accolades. He made a positive difference on Longboat Key and in Greater Sarasota as a likable, humble, effective leader.

“Michael was a private person,” said Sarasota attorney John Patterson, who worked side by side with Welly in 2010 during the Key Club’s attempts to expand and redevelop.

“A real person of integrity.”

“Always cordial,” said Cinquegrano. “Very professional, approachable, compassionate and concerning. Very low-key.”

Welly came by his low-key, introverted trait honestly. His younger sister, Pam Masitto, remembers Welly being much like their father: “Real quiet.”

WELLY’S 40-YEAR HOTEL CAREER

Courtesy photo

Michael and Lynn Weddington Welly and Como in their backyard in Idyllwild, California.

But while Welly avoided the spotlight, he found himself in the center of it during a three-year period starting in 2008. That’s when Welly unveiled plans to undertake a $400 million renovation and expansion of the resort.

The plans drew intense opposition, mostly from residents of the L’Ambiance condominium next to the resort and condos along Longboat Club Road. Longboat Key residents for and against the project filled more than 20 public hearings at Town Hall and Temple Beth Israel.

Welly and his team eventually garnered a 6-1 vote in favor of the project in 2010, but subsequent court rulings blocked it. In October 2012, Loeb sold the resort and club to Delray Beach-based Ocean Properties.

Welly left the resort in late 2012.

Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Welly was the oldest of three children.

He grew up in Willowick, Ohio, and after high school enlisted in the Army. He served three years, stationed in Texas, Alaska and Germany.

Out of the Army, Welly did not go to college but instead went to work as a bellboy at Sheraton Hotel in Cleveland. That began a 40-year career in the resort and hotel industry, where Welly went on to distinguish himself as a leader and general manager of premier resorts and top executive overseeing dozens of hotel properties (see box).

In the process, Welly developed a reputation for being a quiet leader who always strived for excellence.

“He expected excellence from those who worked with him,” Patterson said. “And he expected excellence of himself.”

“He wanted things to be fivestar wherever he went,” said Cindy Cockburn, who served as Welly’s public relations director for more than two decades. “He was a perfectionist. Sophisticated. Passionate about striving for excellence.

And passionate about letting people do their thing.”

Welly’s management style was to recruit the best staff members he could, not micromanage them, but encourage them to reach higher.

Cockburn said when one of the chefs at one of the resorts Welly managed wanted to open a small pizza shop, “Michael told him to go to Chicago and learn how to make the best pizzas.”

Welly’s style, in turn, won him great respect from his staffs.

Patterson recalled when he, his wife, Nora, and Welly traveled to a Duke University basketball game.

They stayed at the famed Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club in Durham, North Carolina, a hotel Welly previously oversaw.

“It was really interesting to see the respect the staff had for him,” Patterson said.

Welly is survived by his wife, Lynn Weddington Welly; two sons, Michael and Matt Welly, of Tampa

n Cairn Consulting, Cambria, California — president, consultant, 2012-present n Longboat Key Club & Resort — managing director, 20042012 n Cairn Consulting, Galena, Illinois — president, consultant, 2002-2004; hired to manage the takeover of Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa from Troon Golf Accomplishments. Also consulted on Washington Duke Inn, the Charles Hotel, the Waterford Marriott in Oklahoma City and the Marriott West Loop in Houston. n Wyndham International, Dallas, Texas — senior vice president, Resort & Luxury Operations, 2000-2001 n Westin Innisbrook Resort / Tamarron Resort; Walt Disney World Swan / Starwood Hotels, Stamford, Connecticut — area director of operations and general manager, 1997-2000 n The Continental Companies, Miami — executive vice president, director of operations, 1993-1997; led 40+ properties operating under 13 different flags throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and South America. Managed four regional directors of operations. n Walt Disney World Dolphin, Lake Buena Vista, Florida — vice president, area director of operations, general manager, 1988–1993 n Seattle Sheraton, Seattle — vice president, area director of operations, general manager, 1983–1988 n Sheraton Plaza Hotel, Chicago — general manager, 1980-1983 n Sheraton at Steamboat Springs, Colorado — general manager, 1979–1980 n Sheraton Boston, Boston — manager, 1977–1979 n Sheraton Inn, Memphis Airport — general manager, 1975–1976

Bay; sister Pam Masitto (Marty), of Greenville, South Carolina; brother, Mark Welly, of Miami; stepchildren, Blake Livergood (Michelle), of Longbeach, California; Evan Ann Arai (Ed), of Denver.

No services are planned. Contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers and Wounded Warriors.

— Matt Walsh

“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.”

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9

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Richard Kuzmich, Paul Hylbert and Joseph Reiser Far left: Scott Gray and Michael Crosby Left: Janice Menker and Janice Reiser

Republican Club of Longboat Key looks to turn tide in two ways Meeting focuses on more voting activity, focus on aquaculture.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

Members of the Republican Club of Longboat Key met Jan. 11 and discussed the importance of organizing in an election year and learned about the science performed at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

About 55 members came to the meeting, including several new members. Jack Brill from the Sarasota Republican Party distributed sample ballots for the March 8 election and stressed the importance of voting. He said clubs need to start organizing for the midterms and volunteering locally.

Sarasota County voters in March will decide on two referendums: the elimination or retention of single-

member districts for the County Commission and renewal of Sarasota County School’s optional 1-mill property tax. Voters will cast ballots twice more in 2022, with primaries in August and the general election in November.

“This is the year clubs need to be active,” Brill said. “It’s game time.”

The club also heard from Lt. Col. Andrew Lourake, the first abovethe-knee amputee to return to fullflight status in the U.S. Air Force. He now works with Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge (CWVC), which helps give wounded combat veterans opportunities to overcome physical, mental and personal challenges through sailing, snorkeling and mountaineering. CWVC works with Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium on coral restoration projects.

Volunteer divers plant coral polyps that bring dead reefs back to life.

“Mote is the first to close the life cycle of coral and be able to bring coral into the labs, spawn them in

the labs and identify the genetically resilient strains against what killed that coral and replant those corals back out there,” Mote CEO and President Michael Crosby said.

“They grow 40 to 50 times as fast, and they’re genetically resilient to what killed them in the first place.”

Crosby was the main speaker for the evening and focused on three areas of research in which Mote is leading the way.

Crosby said aquarium scientists can bring coral back from the dead and regrow dead coral that’s hundreds of years old. Because the coral is genetically resilient to what killed it, Crosby said, Mote’s methods have seen about a 95% success rate.

He also spoke about how Mote is leading the way in the “blue revolution,” a movement that seeks to make seafood more sustainable. As seafood consumption has increased in recent years, the world has surpassed the ocean’s ability to replace lost stocks.

“To be able to get that amount of protein to human beings, we’re crashing ocean populations all over the globe,” Crosby said. “So what’s the answer? Sustainable aquaculture.”

Most of the seafood in the United States is not produced in the country; China is the leading producer.

Crosby envisions a future in which sustainable aquaculture is a new industry in Florida.

“We are importing seafood from

aquaculture that is not environmentally sustainable, and yet we have the technology right here in the United States,” Crosby said. “This is contributing to our national trade deficit, and it is harming the oceans, yet we have the technology. That’s a big push; that’s what it’s all about at Mote Aquaculture Research Park.”

Crosby ended on a hot-button topic for the area: red tide. Mote is part of a six-year, $3 million-a-year statewide project called the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative. The goal is to decrease the harm done by red tide. So far, at the end of the second year, research is going well.

“We are developing some technologies that are really, really promising,” Crosby said.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

Estuaries gain focus

Taylor Brooke Evans and Alain-Alexandre Vinson Laurent Grangé Engagement Announcement

The Gulf Shellfish Institute seeks to raise $22.5 million through its All Clams on Deck initiative.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

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Taylor & Alain graduated from The Ringling College

Chiles Group CEO and Gulf Shellfish Institute Board Member Ed Chiles had quite the backdrop to announce the launch of a five-year initiative to help restore three national estuaries.

On a sunny Saturday morning, Chiles announced the launch of All Clams on Deck at his Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant in Longboat Key. It is Chiles’ plan to raise $22.5 million for the environmental betterment of Charlotte Harbor, Sarasota Bay and Tampa Bay. “We will look at all of the areas in these three national estuaries, and say, ‘Where is the best area for clams?’ and, ‘Where is the best area for seagrass?’” he said. “We don’t want to put seagrass in an area where it doesn’t have a great chance of being successful.”

All Clams on Deck seeks to get support from the federal and state governments, municipalities and Tampa Bay-area residents to restore 650 acres of seagrass. The idea is to strategically plant nursery-grown seagrass into areas where it’s died off. The group also seeks to create 30 high-density clam restoration sites.

It is Chiles’ goal to obtain $15 million from the federal government and $2.5 million in state funding to accomplish the initiative. Private donors and local governments would make up the remainder of the funding, according to the plan.

Chiles said the initial plan is to evenly split the $15 million in federal money between the three estuaries.

Once more data is collected, scientists will help determine which areas need more care.

“We’re going to show how this community used its intrinsic resources to deal with the problems,

tiful beaches,” Robinson said. “And folks like Ed and Sen. Boyd and all of us that live here because of our great water.

“And it’s one of those issues that we’ll never solve. We’ll never stop working on water quality.”

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director David Tomasko recently spoke with the Observer about more than 2,000 acres of lost seagrass in Sarasota Bay alone.

Tomasko identified three aspects that illustrate the importance of having a healthy bay: quality of life, the local economy, and the example of the East Coast’s Indian River Lagoon and its poor environmental health and starving manatees “(It was) literally the worst year on record for manatees. (More than) 1,000 of them dead – more than 10% of (the) population – and the main reason why (2021 was) such a bad year is they’re starving to death in the Indian River Lagoon because their seagrass resource, their food, is down 95% because the water quality has gotten so bad,” Tomasko said.

“And that is just not what I think anyone in Sarasota Bay wants to see: Sarasota Bay become the next Indian River Lagoon.”

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and we’re going to be a model for people to go back to their communities and say, ‘This is what we have in our community that we can do to address this issue,’” Chiles said.

Chiles said he’s been working to launch All Clams on Deck since April 2021. He said he could hear within the next 90 days about whether the Gulf Shellfish Institute receives the $15 million in federal support. Chiles said he would seek the advice of the group’s federal lobbyists on the best course of action.

Two Republican members of the Florida Legislature, State Sen. Jim Boyd and State Rep. Will Robinson, spoke during Saturday morning’s announcement.

“It kind of started after the Piney Point issue that Rep. Robinson and I worked very hard on getting the money to fix and close that forever, and I’m very happy we were able to do that,” Boyd said.

Robinson also said it’s important to prioritize high water quality.

“To Floridians, I think it’s one of the premier bipartisan issues in the Legislature — something we all agree on,” Robinson said. “And to me, this is a great bipartisan project.”

Robinson reflected on his Saturday drive into Longboat Key. “Folks save the entire year to come to our beautiful shores and our beau-

S E A F O O D E AT E RY I N S O U T H S I D E V I L L AG E

LONGBOAT KEY DELAYED VIDEO SERIES LAKEWOOD RANCH SERIES SARASOTA SERIES VENICE SERIES

SARASOTA INSTITUTE OF LIFETIME LEARNING

Mark Bergin

Chiles Group CEO and Gulf Shellfish Institute Board Member Ed Chiles (far right) speaks to a crowd Saturday morning to announce the launch of the All Clams on Deck initiative.

(Cash or Check)

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This Week’s Programs Include:

Music Mondays

MUSICAL CONVERSATIONS WITH GREAT PERFORMERS

Monday, January 31 7:30 PM Temple Beth Israel

Monday, January 24 Sarasota,10:30 am - Venice, 3:00 pm Longboat Key, (Delayed Video on January 31, 7:30)

NY Gilbert & Sullivan Players, Singers

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Laurelyn Watson Chase, Cameron Smith and David Macaluso, all soloists with NYGASP, are graduates of the Manhattan School of Music and have appeared extensively with the company in New York, around the United States and abroad.

Global Issues

GIVE BLOOD

AN INSIDER’S VIEW OF TODAY’S WORLD

SAVE A LIFE!

Tuesday, January 25

Sarasota,10:30 am - Venice, 2:30 pm

Energy Transition: Is It Feasible? What Will It Entail? Amb. Richard Jones will discuss

whether the Biden Administration’s goals are attainable and the ways in which the U.S. energy landscape would need to change to accomplish them.

THERE IS A CRITICAL NEED FOR BLOOD DONATIONS THE SUNCOAST BLOOD CENTER BUS IS COMING SOON TO LONGBOAT KEY!

Wednesday, January 26 Sarasota,10:30 am Political Implications of Energy Transition

Amb. Richard Jones will explain how the U.S. can protect global interests in a time when changes in energy production causes political change.

Thursday, January 27

Sarasota,10:30 am and Lakewood Ranch, 3:30 Longboat Key (Delayed Video February 3, 7:30)

Thursday, February 3 7:30 PM Temple Beth Israel

Friday, January 28 Venice,10:00 am Independence Corrupted: How America’s Judges Really Make Their Decisions

Judge Charles B. Schudson,will bring us behind the trial bench to meet judges analyzing trials and sentencings and will examine the personal, professional, and political pressures threatening judicial independence today.

Check our website for Safety Protocols

• WHERE: Longboat Island Chapel at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key • WHEN: Friday, January 21st, 10am-2pm Saturday, January 22nd, 9am-1pm Walk-ins accepted but appointments are encouraged.

Call the SunCoast Blood Center at 941-954-1600 to schedule.

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LBK VIDEO SERIES

www.instagram.com/observergroup

*All donors receive a FREE $10 Publix Gift Card and a 10% off Coupon for use at the Lord’s Warehouse Thrift Shop.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR LIFE-SAVING DONATION! — The Longboat Island Chapel —

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LBK VIDEO SERIES

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

Last volunteer fire chief on Longboat Key dies

TRIBUTES Doris M. Kaplan 1928-2021

David Bianchi, 78, was a big fan of ‘The Godfather.’

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

D

Kaplan, Doris M. 93, passed away December 28, 2021 in Longboat Key, FL. Born July 24, 1928 to Meyer and Bessie (Bank) Millner.

Beloved wife of the late Sylvan Kaplan for 56 years.

Dear mother of Gary (Jody) Kaplan, Earl (Lily) Kaplan and David (Zelagh) Kaplan.

Loving grandmother of Jason (Aleks), Jonny, Ben, Ananda, Lex, Courtney, Alivia, Kalki, Sunny and Zen Kaplan, Steve (Jonte’) Rosebrough and Jack Cheng. Beloved great-grandmother of Meyer, Scarlett, Sebastian and Cady Kaplan.

Dear sister of the late Gerry (Leo) Bressler and the late Alan (the late Phyllis) Millner.

Dear aunt, cousin and friend to many.

Doris was a rare beauty, both inside and out. A true

pioneer of her generation, Doris was the first female to receive a mechanical engineering degree from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Her positive spirit and love for her family embodied the special relationship Doris had with each and every one of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In her later years, Doris was an avid supporter of her Temple in Longboat Key, FL. Graveside services were Sunday, January 16 at 1:00 pm at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, St. Louis MO. There will a service held in Longboat Key at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL, 34228.

avid Bianchi wore many hats during his life: father, Navy seaman, grandfather, insurance adjuster, restaurant owner. However, it was a fire helmet most Longboat Key residents may remember him wearing. Bianchi was the town’s youngest volunteer firefighter as well as its last. He spent nearly 50 years of his life on Longboat Key and died on Jan. 13 at age 78.

David Bianchi moved to Longboat Key in 1958 when he was 14 and his father became building inspector to the newly established town of Longboat Key. Shortly after that, he wanted to give back to his community and began volunteering as a firefighter.

He fought the many brush fires on the island alongside more experienced men and got paid “$3 a blaze,” daughter Michelle Bianchi said.

“My dad was quoted as saying the equipment was, ‘A stinking little truck that didn’t do much of anything,’” Michelle Bianchi said.

David Bianchi fought fires through his teen years before moving on to Manatee High, Manatee Junior College (now State College of Florida) and the Navy. During his Navy career from 1962 to 1966, he was stationed at Quonset Point in Rhode Island, where he married his childhood sweetheart, Anne Marie Brehens.

Michelle was born and raised on Longboat Key. “When he was done with the Navy, he decided to come back down to Longboat because the town was just developing and his parents were here,” Michelle Bianchi said.

The Bianchi family, including David Bianchi’s parents Lillian and Otto Bianchi and Lillian’s sister Virginia Cupi and her husband Henry Cupi, were instrumental in develop-

Courtesy photo

David Bianchi with the Longboat Key Fire Department.

ing the island.

The family built the Key Apartments mid-island, which are now a set of condos near Harry’s Continental Kitchens. David Bianchi helped with construction and got involved in the community again after moving back, this time as the volunteer fire chief — the last on Longboat Key. During that time, he joined the Manatee City Health Department and founded the Longboat Key Rescue Squad. He furthered the department in 1977 when he became the first to complete the Emergency Medical Technician course, a training that ultimately reduced death by heart attack on the Key. He also attended an arson and bomb investigation course.

“They would send him off to school and then he would start the program for Longboat,” Michelle Bianchi said.

After his firefighting career ended, he became at times a real estate agent, a restaurant owner twice over, an insurance adjuster and a grandfather seven times over. He remained on Longboat Key until the mid-

2000s, and Michelle Bianchi only recently left the island. Her family has many happy memories there, many relating to the fire department.

“I remember when my dad was fire chief and we would have the Fourth of July parade and the fire truck always led the parade,” Michelle Bianchi said. “My sister and I got to ride in the front seat of the fire truck for the parade.”

The Bianchi family was a thoroughly Catholic Italian family, Michelle Bianchi said, and her father was sometimes nicknamed the “Italian Stallion” by friends. His favorite movie was “The Godfather” and the quote, “Leave the gun, take the cannoli,” was his favorite line. Michelle Bianchi said the family is using it on his memorial card.

He is survived by his four daughters Michelle, Elizabeth, Alicia and Lauren and his seven grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Tidewell Hospice House of Lakewood Ranch in honor of David Paul Bianchi.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

13

Rabbi tells TBI crowd that reform is future Scholar in Residence welcomes Israel’s Uri Regev to the Temple Beth Israel weekend event.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

STAFF WRITER

F

rom halfway across the world came a topic that resonated with Temple Beth Israel members on Longboat Key. Rabbi Uri Regev, a lawyer and reform Judaism rabbi from Israel, visited the congregation as a Scholar in Residence from Jan. 14-16 and spoke at three events.

On Jan. 14, the congregation gathered for Shabbat dinner and had the chance to meet Regev before services.

About 60 members attended dinner but close to 100 were in attendance for the special service. Instead of Rabbi Stephen Sniderman delivering the sermon as usual, Regev took over.

Regev is a former member of the Israeli government and focused his discussions on how politics in Israel have become poisonous, as well as what he hopes to reform. As a figure of reform Judaism, he works toward plurality and tolerance of all religions and wants to reform marriage in Israel.

“As a URJ (Union of Reform Judaism) congregation, we really aspire to liberalism when it comes to regulating religion, so that’s a topic that is very close to our heart,” Executive Director Isaac Azerad said.

Overall, Regev’s discussions centered on current affairs in Israel and the topic of religious plurality and acceptance of other religions. Regev’s discussions were well attended each day, and Azerad said the debate was a hit, though the Shabbat dinner and presentation drew the most.

The first night was an introduction of Regev and the topic he’d be discussing throughout the weekend, the second was for development of the topic, and the final day culminated in a debate between Regev and Harold Halpern, a local expert on Israeli affairs. The debate was new and challenged the temple’s AV team to come up with a solution to Halpern being offsite, Regev being at the temple and some audience members livestreaming in.

“It was almost like a game of mirrors,” Azerad said.

During Regev’s second-day discussion, he fleshed out the topic from the previous day and honed in on the deterioration of discussion in Israeli politics. The country’s legislative

body is the Knesset, a 120-member parliament that governs by coalition. No one party has control over the government, but parties compromise to try to get things done — usually.

“In America, it’s a problem because you only have two parties,” Regev said. “In Israel, it’s a problem because when we have elections, we have about 30 parties competing.

In recent years, there’s been a serious problem because of the growing acrimony between left and right, because of the nature of the further fragmentation of the conflict between left and right, even though the mainstream right isn’t so right, and the mainstream left isn’t so left.”

Basically, Regev said, there’s been a trend in politics in recent years to label anyone who didn’t agree with the word of the ruling party as the opposite of whatever the party was.

For example, someone who didn’t agree with Benjamin Netanyahu would be labeled as a leftist, even when there usually wasn’t much “leftist” about them.

“This deterioration of the political discourse has muddied the waters and at times deteriorated into physical violence,” Regev said. “I’m not taking sides between left and right.

We are focusing on one thing and one thing only, and that is religious free-

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Congregation president Stuart Sinai, Rabbi Uri Regev and Rabbi Stephen Sniderman at the Shabbat dinner Below left: Elise Glickman at Shabbat dinner. Below right: Rabbi Michael Eisenstat and Nancy Eisenstat at the Shabbat dinner.

dom and equality, and it is because we are focusing solely on religious freedom and equality that we can reach out to and embrace the political left or right. Interestingly, when it comes to religious freedom issues and pluralism issues and religious equality issues, there are significant overlaps in both the political left and the political right.”

“As a URJ (Union of Reform Judaism) congregation, we really aspire to liberalism when it comes to regulating religion, so that’s a topic that is very close to our heart.”

— Isaac Azerad

5 Ways to Worship at All Angels

St. Armands Key

All Angels Episcopal Church | 563 Bay Isles Rd

LUTHERAN CHURCH

• Indoor worship service this Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

JOIN US WORSHIP

Saturday at 5pm | Sunday at 9 & 11am or worship with us online at saklc.com/live or via Facebook

• Live-stream - go to AllAngelsLBK.org to watch on-line • Zoom service - join meeting number 595-570-1807

372195-1

• Drive-in Church - tune your car radio to 107.5

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

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Dedication of our Church Home

Growing in Jesus’ Name

UPCOMING EVENTS: Bella Notte Dinner Concert Jan 22 at 6pm The Kings Brass Thursday Jan 27 at 6pm

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• Walk-up Church - listen to the service outside

Catholic Church

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM The Rev. Dr. Fred Finks

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

Masks Are Optional

Visitors & Residents Welcome

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

•

941.383.8833 (office)

372269-1

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

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

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

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

The Lord’s Warehouse is OPEN Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 9am -1pm.

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www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchlbk.org (follow YouTube link)

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Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live:

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

WINTER MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:00, 9:30 & 11:30 AM Daily Mass at 9:00 AM- Monday through Friday Confessions after daily Mass or by appointment

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

Temple Beth Israel

The Center of Jewish Living on Longboat Key

Please join us for Friday Evening Shabbat Services at 7:30pm each week in our Sanctuary, and morning Shabbat service & Torah Study at 10:00 am every Saturday.

Check our website for more information on upcoming events & programs, including the NEW Education Center at TBI offerings!

If you’d like to join our mailing list, send an email to office@tbi-lbk.org to stay up to date!

Due to the rise of Covid cases in our area, we will require masks & encourage social distancing until further notice.

941.383.3428 | www.tbi-lbk.org

RABBI STEPHEN L. SNIDERMAN, D.D.

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

372317-1

NAT KAEMMERER

The Scholar in Residence has been going on for at least 15 years at the temple, Executive Director Isaac Azerad said.

It is funded by the Charlotte P. Graver Fund through the Sarasota County Community Foundation. The goal is to choose topics with Jewish themes to mesh with members’ daily lives.

“The idea is to secure the highest level scholar we can, so instead of having a generalized presentation, it’s usually done by world-renowned presenters, whether it’s in music or in culture, or in religion, or the arts,” Azerad said.

Last year, the event went virtual with Rabbi Daniel Cohen speaking about how to better their lives and the world around them, which Azerad said resonated with members amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Classifieds 26 Games 25 Real Estate 23 Weather 25

JANUARY 20, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS

MARKET MAKES ITS MARK HIGHER? LOWER? In true “The Price is Right” form, tell us if you think the prices listed are higher or lower than the actual prices sought by market vendors. The answers are at the bottom.

Handblown glass vase made

by Marc Ouellette: $65

Carved wooden puzzle from Zsolt Szabo: $20

Recycled bubble wrap Longboat Key earrings from Uniquely Yours: $20

Pint of First Leaf Microgreens: $10 Vase: Lower ($50); Puzzle: Higher ($39); Earrings: Lower ($10); Microgreens: Lower ($5)

ANSWERS

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The first of three markets at Town Center Green is a hit with residents.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

B

y noon on Jan. 14, Anna McClement from First Leaf Microgreen Farms was down to her broccoli and red cabbage microgreens. The salad mix and mustard greens had all sold out. Usually, she brings five flats of greens to a market, but because this was the first go-around of The Market on Longboat Key, she only brought three.

She won’t make that mistake again.

“I should’ve brought five,” McClement said. “People in this area, because it’s not so touristy, came out in droves. Them coming out showed their support and how much they want this market here.”

On the day of the first market at Town Center Green, Bay Isles Road was lined with cars seeking parking.

Many people came from other lots on Bay Isles, rode their bikes over or walked by after tennis. Plenty of dogs got their morning walk at the market, too. The busiest time was towards the beginning, and although the crowd thinned as the clock crept toward noon, there were still plenty of perusers.

“It shows the need for something like this,” resident Wendi Bundy said. “People don’t want to leave the island.”

Jason Mellica, who was selling bromeliads and orchids for his business Advanced Bromeliads, has been selling at the Coquina Beach Market for more than 20 years. He said he would always see lots of Longboat folks come, but they would end up frustrated trying to make it across the bridge thanks to the heavy season traffic. Many Longboaters showed up early for the island’s market, but out of excitement rather than an urge to beat the traffic.

“It was amazing today,” said Lynn Shannon from Uniquely Yours jewelry and handpainted demin. “I’ve

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

gone to a lot of first-time (markets), and you get the stragglers coming over, but these people were here so early. There were a lot here by 9. If I didn’t set up early, I would’ve missed out on a couple of sales.”

Shoppers walked around holding huge bags of kettle corn thanks to Poppin Good Kettle Korn — the smell of which wafted throughout the market — bromeliads carefully wrapped in bags from Mellica’s booth and stuffed lobster rolls from The Maine Line food truck. Friends met up with each other or ran into others unplanned.

“It’s really nice to see the island turn out like this,” resident Lynette Emmons said.

Rather than on the green, the market was held in the parking lot because of nearby construction on the town-owned green space. Next month, however, the booths will be on the green itself, said organizer Nancy Ambrose.

That means the parking lot will be open for cars, hopefully easing one of the most common refrains from visitors on how the event could be improved. The other was the lack of fresh fruit and vegetables for attendees to purchase, but Ambrose said the produce vendor who was supposed to be at the first market couldn’t attend. There will be one at

Top: The Maine Line food truck was wildly popular throughout the day.

Above: Wendi Bundy, Lynette Emmons and Laura Forecki Left: Jason Mellica from Advanced Bromeliads

the next market.

Despite a few bumps in the road, vendors and visitors alike agreed they were excited to come back in February. Visitors were enthusiastic about the addition to the outdoor social calendar on the island, while vendors were thrilled at the turnout and new customers.

“It was just amazing today,” Shannon said.

NEXT TIME The next market will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 11 at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road.

Nancy Ambrose is the market manager and can be reached at Nancy@CoquinaMarket.com.

Most vendors accept credit cards.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

Pandemic can’t mask hope at Education Center

NEW CLASSES

Winter-session offerings FOR THE LOVE OF YOUR DOG From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Jan. 20 and 27 on Zoom and in person at the Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road, hear from Gregg Flowers about how to love your dog best. $40 for members and $45 for nonmembers. Call 383-8222 or email EducationCenter@TBILBK.org to register.

The center’s first busy season is here, and at least one teacher can’t wait.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

A

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ NIGHTS From 8-10 p.m. Jan. 25 and Feb. 15 at the Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road, listen to Education Center favorite Kid Dutch and his assembled musicians.

Each night is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers.

Call 383-8222 or email EducationCenter@TBI-LBK.org to register.

POETRY FESTIVAL From 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Jan. 27 on Zoom and in person at the Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road, hear from seven local poets. There will be live music, poetry readings and short talks. $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers.

Call 383-8222 or email EducationCenter@TBI-LBK.org to register.

Nat Kaemmerer

Students during the “World’s Greatest Short Stories” class.

that the dog will eventually respond to, because they have a vocabulary, dogs, you know, of at least a few hundred words. So it’s a wonderful little group size. I always get excited about that.

Many of the classes are one- or two-time seminars focused on the arts. There will be two nights of jazz with Kid Dutch, a New Orleans jazz artist who was popular at the old Education Center of Longboat Key, along with an introduction to Jewish theater and a Jewish film festival.

And Goldfarb is looking forward to a poetry festival scheduled for Jan. 27.

“I know not everybody understands poetry or likes it even, but these poets come and they really entertain you,” Goldfarb said. “You don’t have to be a poetry lover to come to a poetry reading with the live poets, because you can ask them questions, and many of them have humorous, insightful, powerful poetry to recite.”

Most classes will have smaller enrollment than in the days before the pandemic, but Goldfarb knows

that building back will be slow. At the temple, with enthusiastic students returning and a dedicated staff around her, she believes it will stay steady.

“We’re all working together to make it happen, because we know that the best way to do it is to be a cooperative team and to be happy that we all have each other doing things that make the temple a great place to be,” Goldfarb said. “I have a great support system in (Executive Director) Isaac (Azerad) and Vice President Allen Goldfarb. I think after another month like this, we’re going to have it down pretty good, and we’re going to all be very, very secure in what we’re doing and happy with how it’s happening.”

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large class size safely, which wasn’t possible at the Centre Shops.

“We’re going on with life,” Goldfarb said. “We’re trying hard to embrace what’s available to us, and the people that do show up are very

368571-1

Courtesy photo

Susan Goldfarb is the program director for the Education Center.

enthusiastic and happy to be here.

The facility is so much larger than what we had at the Centre Shops.

One of the rooms is smaller, but the other big one where we have most of our lectures and everything is twice the size.”

The fall semester is typically light, so Goldfarb is looking forward to a much busier schedule for the school.

The hits, including chair yoga with Emme Shapiro and Gus Mollasis and Kathie Moon’s movie classes, have returned, and a few short classes have already wrapped up. But during the season, new classes start nearly every week, and there are several every day. One of Goldfarb’s favorite classes, “For the Love of Your Dog,” has returned. As a dog-lover herself, Goldfarb tries to sit in on that class.

“There’s more to loving your dogs than feeding them and walking them,” Goldfarb said. “There’s leadership, and there’s a loving discipline, and there’s a healthy lifestyle for the dog, and what kind of exercise and what kind of food and what kind of talk you can give the dog

373094-1

s she has every year for the past 35, Susan Goldfarb is spending the first weeks of the new year welcoming students into classes, sneaking into a few when she can, and working hard to make sure things run smoothly. The difference is, she’s now doing it with the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel rather than at the Longboat Key Education Center at the Centre Shops. The move for the Key institution happened last summer, and Goldfarb, the program director, is finding her footing in the new place after a light fall semester.

One thing she’s unfortunately taken with her in the new setup is COVID. As the omicron surge has gotten bigger, classes have gotten smaller. A few have gotten canceled due to low signups, but about two-thirds are still on, Goldfarb said.

“All the planning in the world comes crumbling down, and you have to put it all together in a new way that will make everybody happy and serve their needs and wants, and there’s a lot of needs and wants,” Goldfarb said. “People are yearning to come back in person, even though omicron has come to make us frustrated and crazy and afraid, but people still want to get out and away from their laptops.”

So once again, Goldfarb has adapted. There are a few teachers who aren’t comfortable with teaching in-person at the moment, so thanks to her tech team she’s been able to set up a webinar-type experience in which the teacher is projected for the class participants who came in person. Students must wear masks, and the classrooms are set up to allow for social distancing. The social hall of the temple opens up class options and makes it possible to still have a

NaturesGemCBD.com

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

17

Jeff Rhinelander Courtney Tarantino

BIRD KEY

394 BOB WHITE DRIVE | ACTIVE LISTING $5,295,000

BIRD KEY

605 WILD TURKEY LANE | ACTIVE LISTING $1,850,000

UNIVERSITY PARK

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6426 ADDINGTON PLACE | ACTIVE LISTING $550,000

526 BIRD KEY DRIVE | PENDING $2,395,000

BIRD KEY

465 EAST ROYAL FLAMINGO DRIVE | SOLD $2,500,000 BUYER AND SELLER REPRESENTED

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THE KOY GROUP Over $100,000,000 closed and pending transactions in 2021

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941.387.1824

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

THURSDAY, JAN. 20

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE SARASOTA JEWISH THEATER From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Zoom and at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, with actor Carolyn Michel and theater educator Carole Kleinberg. $15 for members, $20 for others. Call 383-8222 or email EducationCenter@TBI-LBK.org to register.

FOR THE LOVE OF YOUR DOG From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Zoom and at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, with “All About Dogs” columnist Gregg Flowers. Two sessions. $40 for members and $45 for others.

FRIDAY, JAN. 21

EDDIE CANTOR AND AL JOLSON From noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom and at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, with Susan Benjamin, musical biographer. Enjoy stories of Al Jolson and Eddie Cantor’s personal lives intertwined with examples of some of their best performances.

The second session is Friday, Jan. 28. $40 for members, $45 for others. Call 383-8222 or email EducationCenter@TBI-LBK.org to register.

MONDAY, JAN. 24

HOPE SEEDS From 1-3 p.m. at Christ Church of Longboat Key, 6400 GMD, join the Hope Seeds volunteers. Participants pack seeds to be sent to countries experiencing food shortages. Call 383-1731 to sign up.

TUESDAY, JAN. 25

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ NIGHTS AT TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL From 8-10 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, musician Kid Dutch performs. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for others. Call 383-8222 or email EducationCenter@TBI-LBK.org to register.

RECURRING EVENTS MONDAYS

GENTLE CHAIR YOGA From 9-10 a.m. at the Education

Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, with Emme Shapiro, certified yoga instructor.

Eight sessions, but can be prorated. $88 for members and $104 for others. Call 383-8222 or email EducationCenter@TBI-LBK.org to register.

STRETCH & STRENGTHEN From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance. Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $10. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

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. Cost is $10.

Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

GUIDED AUTOBIOGRAPHY From 1-2 p.m. on Zoom with the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel with Melissa Kotler Schwartz. Eight sessions began Jan. 10 but can be prorated for four sessions. $145 for members and $155 for others. Call 383-8222 or email EducationCenter@TBI-LBK. org to register.

HOLLYWOOD ICONS THROUGH THE DECADES (1920S-1950S) From 1-4 p.m. on Zoom and inperson at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, with film critic Gus Mollasis. View movies followed by discussion. Available on a prorated basis. $75 for members and $85 for others. Call 383-8222 or email EducationCenter@TBI-LBK.org to register.

PUMPING THE PRIME WITH MIRABAI HOLLAND At 10 a.m. at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 GMD, take this low-impact cardio and strength class. Participants should be able to get up and down from the floor. Bring a mat or towel.

Classes are outside. Class is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. For information, email Mirabai Holland at mirabai@movingfree.com or call 201-956-1466

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS

LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT STORE The thrift store will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is located at 6140 GMD. Donations are accepted during business hours. Call 383-4738.

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, weather permitting.

Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

HULA From 11 a.m. to noon at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road.

Cost is $10. Call 383-6493.

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

PILATES SCULPT WITH DEBBY DEBILE From 9-10 a.m. at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 GMD. Class is $10 for members and $15 for others. Visit LongboatKey.org for information.

FEEL GOOD YOGA WITH DEBBY DEBILE From 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 GMD, get into this therapeutic yoga style, which combines gentle vinyasa, alignment and restorative yoga. Suitable for all levels. Class is $10 for members and $15 for others. Visit LongboatKey.org for information.

WEDNESDAYS

TAI CHI From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Class is outdoors, weather permitting.

Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

GRIEVE NOT ALONE At 2 p.m. at The Paradise Center,

BEST BET SATURDAY, JAN. 22

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

MUSCLES AND MORE WITH ANN ALVIS From 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 GMD, use strength equipment to build flexibility, endurance and balance. Class focuses on proper lifting technique. Class is $10 for members and $15 for others. Visit LongboatKey.org for information.

MAH JONGG From 1-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Fun time for experienced players. To check availability at the tables, email MaryAnnBrady@TheParadiseCenter.org.

File photo

SAVOR THE SOUNDS At 5:30 p.m., enjoy the first Savor the Sounds Concert from the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road.

Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones will play. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door, or $250 for a VIP table of eight.

Tickets are available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Longboat Key Chamber office, 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 102, in The Centre Shops on Longboat Key. For information call 383-2466.

546 Bay Isles Road. This new peer -support group will bring together people who have experienced a loss. Refreshments are served.

RSVP by calling 383-6493.

THURSDAYS

ST. ARMANDS KEY LUTHERAN CHURCH BRIDGE CLUB Every Thursday beginning at 1 p.m. at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 N. Adams Drive, join an ACBL-sanctioned game of contract bridge with certified teachers. All skill levels are welcome. There is an $8 suggested donation for each session. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP to 952-9251.

ZUMBA AND MAT PILATES FOR SENIORS From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. The class, designed for active seniors, starts with zumba and shifts to all-level mat Pilates at 10:30 a.m.

Come for 30 minutes or the full hour. Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

FRIDAYS

MEDITATION AND STRESS RELIEF From 11 a.m. to noon at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, take a meditation and stress-relief class with Sandi Love. She will take you through a visualization that uses all of your senses and allows you to calm down. Free for members, $10 for others. Call 3836493.

TAI CHI From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Reuben Fernandez teaches the class outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $10 for non-members, free for members. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

VIRTUAL COCKTAIL HOUR 5 p.m. on Zoom with Temple Beth Israel, join for a themed cocktail hour. The Temple is holding “My Jewish Journey,” a series of talks from congregation members. The hour leads into the temple’s virtual Shabbat dinners. Contact iazerad@tbi-lbk.org or info@tbi-lbk.org for information.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

19

REID MURPHY PRESENTS

LUXURY ON THE WATER BUYING or SELLING Call Reid for a successful real estate experience!

941-232-3304

Reid Murphy is an expert realtor backed by 30+ years of experience in the luxury real estate market of Longboat Key and surrounding areas. Passionate about providing realtor services beyond ordinary, and his ability to understand individual needs, along with a commitment to deliver a smooth transaction makes him one of the most sought after real estate agents in the region.

Buying or selling, Reid will lead you through a smooth and successful real estate experience throughout Sarasota, the islands, Bird Key, Lido, and St. Armands.

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20

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

Chris Christie headlines RCLA lecture F ormer governor of New Jersey Chris Christie visited the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to headline the second lecture in the Ringling College Library Association Lecture Series on Jan. 17.

More than 1,500 interested RCLA supporters made their way to the Van Wezel to hear from the Republican politician during morning and nighttime presentations.

Christie met with donors and supporters before the lecture to speak on his thoughts on the coming 2024 election. He then made his way to the Van Wezel stage to cheers and spoke to his experiences in politics.

—HARRY SAYER

Photos by Harry Sayer

Mary Pat Christie and Larry Thompson

Above: Chris Christie speaks with supporters before the lecture. Below: Executive Director Stephanie Grosskreutz opens the lecture.

Right: Town Hall Chair Ashley Brown welcomes the audience.

Debbie and Rick Wholey with Holly and Jay Logan

Chris Christie and Caroline Pope

Savor Sounds the Sounds Savor the

Savor the Sounds Musical Series Concert

Presented by

Longboat Key • 2022

Saturday, January 22nd DOUG DEMING AND THE JEWEL TONES 5:30 pm - 7 pm (Gates open at 4:30 pm) 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

Come out and “Savor the Sounds,” and enjoy an elegant, yet casual, outdoor picnic setting. BYOPB! Bring a picnic basket and blanket. (Lawn chairs, tables and coolers are welcome.)

Pre-order boxed dinners from Publix by calling (941)383-1502.

Beer and wine will be available to purchase courtesy of Gold Coast Eagle Distributors.

VIP Tickets

General Admission

$250 (Table of 8)

$25 in advance

Advance purchase only.

Limited availability.

$35 at the door

Weather permitting - No Refunds

ADVANCE TICKET SALES Monday - Friday from 9 am to 5 pm Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce 5390 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, Suite 102

outdoor furniture is back in stock .

-

Upcoming Savor the Sounds Concerts: FEBRUARY 19 - Kettle of Fish MARCH 19 - Shantel Norman and the Shantel Norman Band

includes Adirondack Balcony Chairs Adirondack Balcony Sets Adirondack GS Chairs Adirondack Gliders Chaise Lounges Folding Adirondack Chairs

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For cancellation information, call (941)383-2466 or check facebook.com/lbkchamber.

available at 3737 Bahia Vista St. Sarasota, FL 34235 941.952.5646

6100 N Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 941.960.2942

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

SELLING LOCAL LUXURY WITH G L O B A L C O N N E C T I O N S

Judy Kepecz-Hays

$2.3 BILLION IN CAREER SALES

941.587.1700

|

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

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As an owner of a Ritz-Carlton Residence, you will be pampered with world-class services and amenities within a luxurious lifestyle in Sarasota. This residence provides a generous amount of square footage (3,600 sq. ft. under air) featuring three bedrooms, and a Grand Room of floor-to-ceiling walls of glass overlooking an expansive terrace for entertaining and relaxing. Southern Exposure features beautiful bay views from every room. Two parking spaces included and two pets welcome.

Offered for $3,950,000. www.Rtiz-Carlton1204.com

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THE BEACH RESIDENCES OF LIDO KEY

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Epic views, day and night from this very private casual elegant residence. Walls of glass showcasing the beauty of Sarasota Bay and Skyline as your backdrop. When you step out of your private elevator into your 3,352 sq. ft. residence, you’re welcomed into a bright open floor plan that offers you 3 bedrooms 3 baths or 2 bedrooms plus den. Two parking spaces included and two pets welcome no weight limit.

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$134 MILLION SOLD Year to Date

21

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

SARASOTA 4645 Ainsley Place 7 Beds 6 Baths 4,272 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4514309 $22,000,000

SARASOTA 483 Meadow Lark Drive 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 5,468 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4510572 $6,850,000

SARASOTA 1335 Second Street PH 5 Beds 5/2 Baths 5,883 Sq. Ft. Jonathan Abrams 941-232-2868 A4516602 $6,450,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 112 Mangrove Avenue 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,577 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4502423 $3,999,000

SARASOTA 473 Partridge Circle 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,226 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4511642 $3,095,000

LONGBOAT KEY 647 Marbury Lane 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 2,651 Sq. Ft. Sandi Layfield 941-914-2807 A4503569 $1,599,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3010 Grand Bay Boulevard 445 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,143 Sq. Ft. Mel & Jan Goldsmith 941-356-6673 A4520071 $1,495,000

LONGBOAT KEY 711 Russell Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,862 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer & Mark J Baron 941-465-1124 A4520114 $1,400,000

BRADENTON 10012 Kingfisher Road E 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,473 Sq. Ft. Ken Kavanaugh, Jr & Maureen Horn 941-799-1943 A4516775 $1,295,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7003 Lancaster Court 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,439 Sq. Ft. Robert Krasow 617-840-1181 A4515333 $1,269,000

LONGBOAT KEY 741 Fox Street 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,390 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer & Mark J Baron 941-465-1124 A4520104 $1,195,000

LONGBOAT KEY 680 Fox Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,544 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer & Mark J Baron 941-465-1124 A4520803 $1,030,000

BRADENTON 1523 1st Avenue W 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,500 Sq. Ft. Fran DeDona & Pam Goodwin 941-812-5023 A4505327 $999,750

LONGBOAT KEY 656 Tarawitt Drive 10,799 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4518192 $950,000

BRADENTON 5211 Lake Overlook Avenue 4 Beds 4 Baths 2,882 Sq. Ft. Noel Morton & Mark Boehmig 941-348-9129 A4520776 $949,000

SARASOTA 7700 Iguana Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,550 Sq. Ft. Lee Byron & Sue Keal 941-350-5542 A4512842 $899,998

LONGBOAT KEY 100 Sands Point Road 323 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,941 Sq. Ft. Peter Salefsky & Rachelle Golden 941-724-5107 A4517962 $895,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1701 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 207 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,551 Sq. Ft. Brigitte Von Kessel 941-266-2174 A4519006 $895,000

SARASOTA 707 S Gulfstream Avenue 101 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,247 Sq. Ft. Marybeth Flynn 941-704-1477 A4518888 $850,000

BRADENTON 348 Snapdragon Loop 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,469 Sq. Ft. Stuart Lawrence & Laura Lawrence 941-894-4001 A4519347 $795,000

LONGBOAT KEY 450 Gulf Of Mexico Drive B107 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,586 Sq. Ft. Diana Kryszak 941-993-4078 A4520786 $725,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4410 Exeter Drive K206 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,168 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4520093 $625,000

BRADENTON 7518 Birds Eye Terrace 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,424 Sq. Ft. Mark McCann 941-685-7624 A4521780 $529,000

SARASOTA 750 N Tamiami Trail 704 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,180 Sq. Ft. Jalina Beck & Maria Beck, PA 914-844-4665 A4521638 $475,000

SARASOTA 5427 Sawgrass Road 4 Beds 2 Baths 1,919 Sq. Ft. Tammy Mast 941-256-6543 A4521799 $430,000

370918-1

SARASOTA 66 N Washington Drive 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,983 Sq. Ft. Kristina Waskom 941-266-8658 A4519666 $10,900,000

LONGBOAT KEY 70 Lighthouse Point Drive 4 Beds 5/2 Baths 4,979 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs & Sara Boudarga 941-374-2920 A4518073 $8,500,000

SARASOTA 3300 Old Oak Drive 4 Beds 4/3 Baths 6,428 Sq. Ft. Barbara May & Fred Sassen 404-822-9264 A4520464 $8,495,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in John Ringling Estates tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Russell Lee Schoenherr and Joan Catherine Schoenherr, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 171 S. Washington Drive to William and Rebecca Miller, of Ruston, Maryland, for $10.06 million. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, sevenand-two-half baths, a pool and 11,246 square feet of living area. It sold for $7.4 million in 2007.

LONGBOAT KEY

Amy Katz, of Sarasota, sold her home at 3475 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Jeffrey Horowitz, trustee, of Suffern, New York, for $9.25 million.

Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 7,608 square feet of living area. It sold for $7 million in 2016.

BIRD KEY

Jeffrey Rhinelander and Jacqueline Bohannon, of Sarasota, sold their home at 526 Bird Key Drive to JRMR Florida Bird LLC for $2.3 million.

Built in 1965, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,858 square feet of living area. It sold for $725,000 in 2014.

BAY ISLES

Carmen Heck, of Longboat Key, sold her home at 3151 Bayou Sound

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

23

REAL ESTATE

St. Armands home sells for $10 million

|

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

JAN. 3-7

to Scott and Dale Guenther, of Longboat Key, for $1.8 million. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,263 square feet of living area. It sold for $510,000 in 1992.

BEACHPLACE

Lou and Yolanda Uzel, trustees, sold the Unit 203 condominium at 1045 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Kelli Turner, of Raleigh, North Carolina, for $1.19 million. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,503 square feet of living area. It sold for $255,000 in 1983.

PRIVATEER SOUTH

Shashi Bala Daga, of Athens, Pennsylvania, sold the Unit 506 condominium at 1000 Longboat Club Road to Patricia Cecchi, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $1,045,000. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,409 square feet of living area. It sold for $690,000 in 2014.

FAIRWAY BAY

Robbin Everett, Augustus Carriero and Patricia Carriero sold their Unit 556 condominium at 2110 Harbourside Drive to Francis Eugene McDaniel and Cynthia McDaniel, of Longboat Key, for $1.01 million.

Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,031 square feet of living area. It sold for $630,000 in 2001.

SLEEPY LAGOON PARK

Margery Meltzer, trustee, of Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, sold the home at 548 Lyons Lane to James Theiss and Margaret Theiss, trustees, of Cincinnati, for $975,000. Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,560 square feet of living area. It sold for $180,000 in 1995.

ARBOMAR APARTMENTS

Randall and Jami Swafford, of Tampa, sold their Unit 304 condominium at 4485 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Jo Ann and Kyle Koontz,

Courtesy photo

Built in 2006, the week’s top-selling home has four bedrooms, seven-and-two-half baths, a pool and 11,246 square feet of living area.

of Longboat Key, for $820,000.

Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two-and-two-half baths and 1,175 square feet of living area. It sold for $531,000 in 2015.

for $705,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,152 square feet of living area. It sold for $335,000 in 2019.

PORTOBELLO

1116003 Ontario Ltd. sold the Unit M1-513H condominium at 2045 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Sheila Foerth, of Longboat Key, for $743,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,265 square feet of living area. It sold for $177,400 in 1995.

Matthew and Lysette Daniels, of Smiths Grove, Kentucky, sold their Unit B-207 condominium at 3240 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Joseph and Laura Thiroway, of Jamison, Pennsylvania, for $680,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,290 square feet of living area. It sold for $429,000 in 2016.

LONGBOAT HARBOUR

REVISED LONGBEACH

SEAPLACE

Patrick Michael Brennan and Shannon Marie Brennan, of St. Claire, Michigan, sold their Unit 302 condominium at 4420 Exeter Drive to Benjamin Kenney and Heather Mathews, of Longboat Key,

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Jan. 7-13 in order of dollar amounts.

Pinellas Equities LLC sold the home at 690 Fox St. to Schryver & Co. LLC for $600,000. Built in 1967, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,496 square feet of living area.

In with the new SALES GALLERY OPEN

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS 612 Juan Anasco Drive

PERMIT APPLICANT Replacement single Wilson AMI LLC

family residence

1620 Harbor Cay Lane

New single family

AMOUNT $3,340,000

Christopher J. Donato

$2,395,000

Longboat Key

home 4011 GMD

Replacement single Naomi A. Muselman

family residence

511 Putting Green Lane

Interior alterations

Jeffrey L. Tushar

$314,974

4888 GMD

Re-roof

Windward Bay

$204,271

585 Gunwale Lane

Seawall

Alvin G. Neumann

$161,288

2301 GMD #75N

Interior alterations

Tisha M. Paredes

$154,896

525 Spinnaker Lane

Window and door

Mak Revocable Trust

$147,923

$1,021,000 The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From the $2,000,000’s | Call for appointment. SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

SALES GALLERY NOW OPEN

replacement 570 Birdie Lane

Seawall

Ronald E. Webber

531 Yardarm Lane

Interior alterations

Frank James Fanto

2204 Harbour Court Drive Window and door

$77,792 $43,000

Joseph J. Morsman III

$41,624 $36,441

Downtown St. Petersburg

replacement 3475 Byron Lane

Re-roof

Burgess Living Trust

1055 Bogey Lane

Interior alterations

Charles and Susan Buccheit $35,650

611 Yardarm Lane

Re-roof

Sticks and Stones Ventures

615 Dream Island Road

Door

Earl R. Larson

$32,000 $31,547

400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $1,000,000’s | Call for appointment. | Residences400central.com

MOVE IN FALL 2022

Unit 212 690 Russell St.

Re-roof

Kevin Slachciak

$30,000

1050 Longboat Club

Window and door

David S. Eaton

$26,300 $25,500

Road #903

replacement

621 Neptune Aev

Plumbing

Peter H. Mitchel

3350 Mistletoe Lane

Re-roof

Daniel F. Rife

4805 GMD Unit 205

Window and door

Diana R. Foster

$22,988

Andrew C. Kober Revocable

$20,000

$24,211

Downtown Sarasota

replacement Pool and deck

Trust

1611 Harbor Cay Lane

Tampa Downtown Investments $19,640

A/C change-out

565 Sanctuary Drive #A302 A/C change-out

Beverly Ann Giordano Trust

$17,505

3330 GMD #204D

Interior alterations

Jean-Guy LaLonde E Life Est

$16,825

4725 GMD

Interior alterations

Sand Cay

$15,965

636 Dream Island Road

Demolition of single OSG Coastal LLC

family residence

and pool

585 Gunwale Lane

Dock

Alvin G. Neumann

$13,744

5231 GMD Unit 306

Glass door

Christopher G. Carle

$12,046

7135 GMD Unit 22

Window and door

Donald C. Pearce

$11,900

$15,777

replacement

The Collection | 941.232.2868 | From the $2,000,000’s | Call for appointment. | thecollection1335.com

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

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

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

Source: Town of Longboat Key

Licensed Real Estate Broker

370930-1

604 Rountree Drive

24

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

Donate in Honor of Betty White’s 100th Birthday!

Join us in the #BettyWhiteChallenge!

She was an avid animal lover and by donating in her honor we can make her 100th birthday week the movement she deserves!

DONATE TODAY AT

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

CATDEPOT.ORG

370185-1

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT 7 DAYS | 941-366-2404 2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 | www.catdepot.org

Claim a Prepaid Visa® Card* with qualifying purchases: $10 on NAPA Legend Battery $20 on NAPA Legend Premium Battery $20 on Qualifying Starter or Alternator Offer valid November 1 - December 31, 2021 at participating NAPA AutoCare Centers.

Claim ONLINE ONLY at NAPARebates.com by January 15, 2022. This offer is only valid to US residents. Limit of 1 claim per receipt, with a maximum of $40 payout. Limit two (2) rewards per customer account, household, family or address. *Cards are issued by Bank of America, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa Inc. These cards are not credit cards and expire six (6) months from issue and have no value after that date. See your cardholder agreement and associated materials for details. Void where prohibited.

372219-1

5608 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH, 34217

(NEXT TO DOMINOS PIZZA) 941-896-7898 • GROOMSAUTO.COM

Sarasota’s Best Voted One of

28 Years in a Row!

YOUR HOME DESERVES Hunter Douglas!

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

372409-1

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

POOLSIDE PET: Andre is a 2-year-old Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen living his best life in Sleepy Lagoon.

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

FIND YOUR PLACE

ON THE RANCH

LAKEWOOD RANCH IS Now the #1 Community in the U.S! Covering more than 50 square miles, Lakewood Ranch is filled with shopping, dining, arts, entertainment, nature, recreation – and all the new home choices you can imagine. With over two dozen villages, each with distinctive homes and amenities, we have something for every size family and every stage of life.

372683-1

COME SEE WHY LAKEWOOD RANCH IS AMERICA’S FAVORITE PLACE TO CALL HOME! | HOMES FROM THE $300S TO OVER $1M*

*Prices subject to change without notice. © 2021 Lakewood Ranch

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, JAN. 21

High: 73 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 61%

Thursday, Jan. 20 7:21a 6:02p

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

25

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

|

Sunrise Sunset

Friday, Jan. 21

7:20a

6:03p

Saturday, Jan. 22

7:20a

6:04p

Sunday, Jan. 23

7:20a

6:04p

SATURDAY, JAN. 22

Monday, Jan. 24

7:19a

6:05p

High: 63 Low: 50 Chance of rain: 33%

Tuesday, Jan. 25

7:19a

6:06p

Wednesday, Jan. 26

7:19a

6:07p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, JAN. 23 High: 61 Low: 50 Chance of rain: 10%

Feb. 16 Full

Feb. 23 Last

March 2 New

March 10 First

TIDES

Thursday, Jan. 20

Patricia Muller captured this sunrise from the north end of Longboat Key.

Highs Lows 12:16a

2:40p

8:34a

7:25p

Friday, Jan. 21

1:00a

2:59p

9:05a

8:24p

Saturday, Jan. 22

1:50a

3:23p

9:36a

9:30p

Sunday, Jan. 23

2:48a

3:51p

10:07a

10:44p

Monday, Jan. 24

4:00a

4:24p

10:39a

—

Tuesday, Jan. 25

5:39a

5:02p

12:05a

11:09a

Wednesday, Jan. 26

8:04a

5:48p

1:31a

11:34a

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 2021-22 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.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC KARASTAN, MOHAWK, AIRO, SMARTSTRAND, ALL PET 941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

celebrity cipher

IT’S A LIVING by Ross Trudeau. Edited by David Steinberg 58 Antipasto bit 59 Using TurboTax, say 60 Boba, e.g.

65 What makes a bettor worse 67 Brooding music genre 68 Houston MLS team DOWN 70 Broadcast team 1 Hairdo seen in “The Get 72 “Right you are” Down” 76 Slithering reptile 2 Only big cat that lives in 77 10-Across wader a group 78 Answer an invitation 3 Sitting around 79 LeBron James’ home 4 Achieves great success state 5 Sweet, in Sicily 80 Group with horns 6 Sound of a connection 82 Caramel-topped being made? custard 7 Lines in a sun drawing 83 Printer maker 8 The final lineup of Des- 84 Where icicles may form tiny’s Child, for one 85 “Level Up” singer 9 Karate teacher 86 “Bel Canto” author 10 Zine Patchett 11 Bama’s state (Abbr.)

88 Some members of 12 Tomato type the 1% 13 Lose, as fur 93 Carrier based near 14 Tastes wine, say Kuala Lumpur 15 “You’re so helpful!”

94 It’s NW of LAX 16 Family film?

96 One may gently roast 17 The “U” of UX a groom 18 BIC products 98 Pic on a temple, 24 Hammer’s striking end perhaps 25 “___ minute?”

99 Desperate request 30 Potpie bit 100 Tuba sound 32 Aspiring esquires’ 101 Flexed exams 105 Wish fulfiller 34 Ctrl-___-Del 106 Gnus’ group 35 Small, blue toon 107 Bay ___ (Oakland’s 37 Oozes region) 38 Forestall 108 Soaks up some sun 39 Put new film into 109 Make laugh and laugh 41 “Well, hello!”

111 Until 42 Rebounds, in billiards 112 Use a 52-Down 43 Idris of “Luther” 114 Overhaul 44 Fingers or toes 115 Split ones are often cut 45 Disposal site?

116 “Keep commerce hu46 Seize man” website 48 “___ All That” (Addison 119 Have bills to pay Rae movie) 120 “Nothing but ___!”

52 Sci-fi device that lets (basketball announcer’s someone blast off line) 53 Even (with) 121 Taxing org.

55 With apparent timidity 57 Kermit, e.g.

126 Family punsters, stereotypically 127 To this point 128 Knight’s animal 129 All up in others’ business

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

36 Line of stitches 1 Alter ego of Sacha Baron 37 See-through wrap brand Cohen 5 Pub game that requires 40 Content moderator, e.g.? good aim 47 At any time 10 Where reeds grow 48 “ROFL!” 15 Defeat big-time 49 Bright, solar-powered 19 Generic dog name 20 Midwestern airport in bulb?

50 Nike rival “Home Alone” 51 Snaky fish 21 Greeting on the Big 52 ___ Tull (rock group) Island 54 Former “notorious” 22 Nylons justice, briefly 23 Toy tester, e.g.?

55 Move like a hunting cat 26 “Can I get an ___?”

56 Preacher, e.g.?

27 “Hold on!”

61 Scrape (by) 28 Not good, not bad 62 Word after “false” or 29 Travelers’ electrical “flying” devices 63 Timbuktu’s country 31 Just *know* 33 Waze guesses (Abbr.) 64 Suckling spot

66 Took steroids 69 Like milk on a Brit’s floor 71 “Land ___!” (“Goodness!”)

73 Venison descriptor 74 Tel ___ 75 Words said while conceding 78 Overcharge by a lot 81 Convention runner, e.g.?

87 Film character who says “Ogres are like onions” 89 Peak in Switzerland 90 Like low-quality footage 91 Put a black coat on?

92 Vaccine container 93 Accumulate 95 Name hidden in “rel-

evance” 96 Eco-friendly commuter’s ride 97 Electrician, e.g.?

101 Attack from all sides 102 Leading lady, perhaps 103 ___ contendere (legal term) 104 Like, for-EV-er 106 Zoological environments 110 Outback sprinters 113 Main course 117 History text chapters, say 118 Colorist, e.g.?

122 Payment for digs 123 Blown away 124 Missile Command game company 125 Contributes

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“HKMG PN LKR V BGVU, NTPLGHGNN GAKRPKL; PR PN V TKBGXZFH AKXVH ZKXOG KL RWG NPYG KZ DFNRPOG.” – CGXLPOG UPLE

“MR ESK’CB FSMAF VS VBUC OSTA U GBCS, ESK LGSKXO ABPBC RSCFBV VGUV ESK’CB VBUCMAF OSTA LSNBSAB BXLB’L GBCS.”

– DBPMA ZSLVABC

“O AXF’M MXPV XGBTM EN WOFDOFD. O’E OFWOKU OM. IBL AXF NBT KUWASOGU WBEUMIOFD NBT’SU OFWOKU BC?” © 2022 NEA, Inc.

– HXFOW HBZPOF

Puzzle Three Clue: V equals K

crossword

371149-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

Puzzle Two Clue: N equals M

Sarasota

Puzzle One Clue: M equals V

CARPET

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

1-20-22

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

RED PAGES DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card The Longboat Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Longboat Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

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

Help Wanted

Antiques/ Collectibles WANTED VINTAGE Jewelry I buy costume jewelry, antiques & Vintage clothing.

(978) 390-8803

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Fri. Jan. 21st 9-2

UPRIGHT PIANO-MARTIN BROS-BENCH-EXCELLENT 88 key ,wood upright piano made by legendary Martin Brothers.

Matching bench. Excellent condition, well cared for by my father years ago. Measures 57" long, 26" wide, 39" high. 3 pedals. If you see it, you will want it! $400 (561) 434-2705

Health/Fitness/ Beauty BICYCLE LIKE new Biria three speed bike with basket, helmet, lock and bell. Almost never used. $500 (347) 598-3982

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888

jobs

593 Juan Anasco Dr.

General Merchandise

Homes for Sale Luxurious Lake Club 4 Bed 4 Bath Built in 2019 Lakefront Lakewood Ranch $2,500,000

Stroll to Siesta Key Beach 4 B e d 2 B a th Heated Pool, 2 Car Garage $799,000

Sat. Jan. 22nd 9-12

Pix: www.estatesales.net Sale by Julie McClure

SEASONAL Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between

wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com

Sorrento Shores Waterfront 3 Bed 2 Bath Fantastic Views, New Dock $995,000

ESTATE SALE

Pair Stratton sofas, electric swivel recliner, dining table & chairs, coffee table, La-Z-Boy sleeper sofa and loveseat, media cabinet, marble pedestal, Sonos Barber speakers & sound bars, Yamaha sound bar, pair leather giraffes, cabinet, Tommy Bahama king bed set, king mattresses and king bed, floor lamp, chair & ottoman, media cabinet, marble top console table, pictures, mirrors, Bausch & Lomb telescope, TV’s, giraffe table lamp, 3 swivel bar stools, All-clad cookware, Ballard china, Frigidaire & Gladiator freezers, Kenmore refrigerator, Hanebrink electric terrain, Schwinn & Diamond Back bikes, wet suits, patio furniture, metal shelves, garden wagon, hand tools, fishing rods, Teeter inversion board, storage bins, linens, full kitchen, & much more!

WEEKLY MONTHLY

Help Wanted MARINE AQUACULTURE / Biologist / Aquarist Marine Aquaculture Facility, E-Commerce and Phone Support for two marine businesses/ Part-time $15-$19/ hour. Flexible Schedule. Great job for a marine biology student or aquarium hobbyist. Contact EdK@CulturedCorals.com for details.

Longboat Key Beach House: on Canal, 2BED-2BATH, Dock.

Owner/agent $530,000.

Call for coming soon listings.

Buy or Sell with Brooke O’Malley as your Realtor, and CLUB REALTY will Pay your title insurance.

Call 941-726-2677.

Real Estate Wanted BIRD KEY HOME WANTED TO BUY! Cash with 30 day closing. No realtor commission or fees to seller. Direct sale.

Call Don 717-319-1159

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals I PAY you to watch your house!

11 year resident needs efficiency and will act as a caretaker, plus pay rent. Call Tom 941-586-1573

ESCAPING ICE AND SNOW Retired Canadian couple, quiet, responsible, seek 1 or 2 bedroom Longboat condo for 1 month Dec/Jan. No pets. North end (Whitney, Sea Pines etc) required.

Call Donna 941-383-2180

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE! Advertise items less than $200 for FREE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! Perfect Solutions For Seniors *Caregivers/Companions *Personal Care * CNA’s/HHA’s

* Assistance with Daily Living Activities * Hourly 24/7 Care -Affordable Rates * Licensed/ Bonded/ Insured

Phone (941) 809-1438 HHA# 299994819

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

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

Longboat Key, FL 34228

Cleaning

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

BUY STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

GARAGE SALE

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.

Painting ES HANDYMAN & REMODELING. Hardwood flooring, kitchens, drywall, painting and electrical.

Honest and best prices.

30+ years exp. Fully ins/lic. 716474-8492.

Pools POOL MAINTENANCE Opening February 1st STELLAR POOL SERVICE LLC We offer "Stellar" service at affordable rates. Call or email us today for a free estimate!

(941) 524-1173 stellarpoolservice1@gmail.com

This week’s Crossword answers

Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888

Adult Care Services

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.

Looking to hire for part time work.

Some qualities: punctual, organized- looking for someone who is VERY organized, decisive, hard-working, good character, ability to think ahead of someone needs (with vision and foresight), With Ease of Expression.

Respectful. Very responsible. Looking for someone to perform various duties including- Knowledge of Apple OS ...Various admin duties * Experience as a personal assistant / skills for organization will be valued. Contact Krystina Muller, 941-306-9689

Email: RedPages@YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com/Red Pages

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

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

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Fax: 941-362-4808

Auto Transport

101

First 15 words ................... $ 17.50 per week Each Add’l word .........50¢

Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

Visa/MC

home services

OAK PEDESTAL Table, Cane seats, ladderback chairs, pads, 2 leaves, $199. 941-795-8180 Leave Message

LONGBOAT KEY: Beachfront Condos, 1st or 2nd floor, 2BR/2BA, W/D in units, free WiFi, heated pool, & parking. Call 941-383-3338.

Reservations 941-383-5577

real estate

Items Under $200

Adult Care Services

LONGBOAT KEY, BEA CH H ARBO R C LU B AN D B A Y P OR T T EN N I S C LU B FLORIDA : 2 Bedrooms, 2 baths. Over 1600 Square feet.

Ground 1st floor. 75” TV’s, fully upgraded. Monthly annually.

Contact lin44139@yahoo.com or linetsky2021@icloud.com or with desired rental price. Rent various: $2,000/month $3,000/month. Sales tax and fees are included.

Houses or Condos

auto

stuff

PART-TIME MAINTENANCE at vacation rental company on Longboat Key. Light maintenance and repairs in vacation properties. Vehicle and tools provided.

FL Vacation Connection. 941387-9709 or submit resume to Info@FLVacationConnection.com

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

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Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY

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

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022

ROGER SELLS

LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES

MORE THAN $206 MILLION CLOSED IN 2021

3731 INDIAN BEACH PLACE

$6,495,000

Built in 2006 with the exceptionally high standards of Triangle Construction, designed with energy efficient and sustainable materials, this 5BR, lavish bayfront residence is the epitome of a luxurious waterfront lifestyle. Thoughtfully designed to showcase breathtaking bay vistas and crimson sunsets from just about every corner of its 6,000+ square foot interior space, this home is spread across two living levels. Boasting all the amenities required for a resort-style experience, offering thousands of feet of elaborate outdoor entertaining areas. The perfect place to escape with its enviable central location minutes from downtown, verdant gardens protecting the nearly one-acre of property, extensive updates, and a beautifully updated interior that is ready for you to immediately enjoy.

15111 GADDY UP RANCH ROAD

$3,995,000

•

5 Bedrooms. 41/2 Bathrooms. 6,172 SF

•

Situated directly on the tranquil waters of Sarasota Bay, offering beautiful sunset and water views that stretch out to the twinkling city skyline

•

Gorgeous updates adorn every corner of the lavish interior, complemented by lush manicured landscaping surrounding many options for relaxation and boating

•

www.3731IndianBeach.com

3060 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #112

Country breezes rustling through century old oaks and pines welcome you to this unique, 82.5-acre property known as the Gaddy Up Ranch.

Located in Sarasota County, nearby to Myakka River State Park, this Gentleman’s Ranch is a quiet, private retreat, while still being close to the cultural lifestyle and fine dining amenities of Sarasota. Offering newer structures, 6-stall horse barn, underground electric, deep-water well and space to build your own family compound.

This beautifully refreshed, direct bayfront residence at the sought-after Grand Bay community overlooks the lush landscape of Harbourside Golf Course, out to the peaceful waters of Sarasota Bay. Fall in love with the move-in ready condition of this 3BR, sun drenched getaway. Offering an open-plan layout adorned with walls of glass sliders that lead out to the spacious wraparound terrace, lovely eat-in kitchen and a private master suite. This resort-style neighborhood includes many first-rate amenities to enjoy.

www.GaddyUpRanchSRQ.com

www.GrandBay112.com

862 GRANDE PASS WAY

$2,995,000

4235 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #84

Create your dream beach home at this private, gated enclave on the southern tip of Boca Grande. One of only 19 homesites in the exclusive Hill Tide Estates community, this spectacular parcel boasts more than a quarter-acre of direct beachfront property to make your own.

Your guests will appreciate the sunny, coastal interior of this updated villa.

Located directly on the Gulf shores of Longboat Key’s mid-island, this nearly 1,800 SF vacation rental boasts lucrative rental options with no restrictions, lovely amenities, and a walk-out to enjoy the beach in the backyard.

www.862GrandePassWay.com

www.TurtleCrawl84.com

$1,450,000

$2,200,000

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 Roger@Pettingell.com | Pettingell.com Twitter.com/RealRoger | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell Owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC 371475-1

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