Longboat Observer 10.14.21

LONGBOAT

Observer

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Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

PAGE 5

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

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FREE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

VOLUME 44, NO. 10

YOUR TOWN

Redo for St. Regis

Unicorp files revised hotel-parking plan, adds 62 ‘lifted’ valet spaces to comply. PAGE 6

Courtesy photo

Garden variety jazz concert St. Armands Key Lutheran Church might have a variety of garden concerts, but its concerts are anything but garden variety. On Oct. 3, the church welcomed jazz duo Chrome 57 to its meditation garden.

The church has been putting on concerts about every month since July 2020, and Chrome 57 was the duo of the day, a husband-andwife jazz band who offered up renditions of 1950s and ’60s classics. They opened the concert with “Shake, Rattle and Roll.” Mark Zauss’ trumpet got plenty of toes tapping in the audience as Kathy Zauss twirled in a polka-dot skirt and sang “Be My Baby.”

A Tony in town

Tom Kirdahy, a part-time resident and board member of the Longboat Key Democratic Club, took home another Tony Award at the 2021 edition of the theater world’s biggest night.

Kirdahy, the lead producer for “The Inheritance,” accepted the Best Play award at the 2021 Tonys and dedicated it to the lives lost to AIDS and COVID-19. Kirdahy’s husband, five-time Tony winning playwright Terrence McNally, died of COVID-19 complications in 2020.

Kirdahy also won for Best Play in 2019 for his work on “Hadestown” and picked up Commercial Producer of the Year, also in 2019.

PAWS & BLESSINGS Friends get their day, even if they chase lizards. PAGE 16

Keeping an eye on traffic safety

Turtle Tracks LONGBOAT Oct. 3-9

2021 2020 Nests 0 0 False Crawls 0 0 Totals since April 25

2021 2020 Nests 1,032 1,136 False Crawls 1,442 1,307 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

Mark Bergin

Longboat Key residents Sheila and Jack Marks say they wait for cars to stop to safely cross Gulf of Mexico Drive.

FDOT to try out crosswalk designs.

SEE PAGE 3

Nat Kaemmerer

All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church’s the Rev. Dave Marshall holds Reba for her blessing.

A+E

Circus in bloom.

PAGE 13

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

Broadway proposal would be first of its kind Plan to redevelop aging apartments into homes would use town’s new rules for nonconforming properties.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

T

he Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board recommends approval of a redevelopment plan in Longbeach Village that would transform a six-unit apartment building at Broadway Street and Longboat Drive North into four single-family units.

Using the town’s Conformance Overlay Redevelopment District process for the first time, Sarasota-based Cypress Cash wants to build the homes at 551 Broadway St., 7009 Longboat Drive N. and 7017 Longboat Drive N. “We’re more here in an advisory and recommendation mode than a final decision-making mode, so I want to make that clear to everybody who’s participating,” board Chair David Green said.

On Sept. 21, the P&Z Board recommended approval of a comprehensive plan amendment, a rezoning and a site development plan for the properties. Town staff had also recommended approval of the proposal submitted by architect Bob Rokop, who is serving as a consultant to the project.

Before the measure heads to the Town Commission, the P&Z

Mark Bergin

Cypress Cash seeks to build four single-family homes at 551 Broadway St., 7009 Longboat Drive N. and 7017 Longboat Drive N.. Among the six apartments there now, only one of them is being rented.

Board asked for Rokop to clarify who specifically would own the plot of land among the four proposed single-family homes.

“Because the property is going to have four single-family homes on a single lot, they don’t necessarily need to meet all the regulations with respect to each other, so the way that that’s going to happen is there’s going to be joint ownership of the land by the owners of the homes,” Rokop said.

The Town Commission is set to review the proposal during its Nov. 1 meeting.

There are three options in Longboat Key for nonconforming properties, which are properties built to a density standard that has changed over the years and is no longer current: n Build the property back to the specifications that had previously existed; n Keep the nonconforming density, but redevelop according to the zoning district standards; or n A CORD application that allows a measure of leeway for developers to build closer to modern-day tastes and market conditions.

“We had, in 1984, a down-zoning of the town, so a significant amount of properties in the town are over density,” Town Planner Tate Taylor said. “They have more density than would be allowed otherwise under the zoning that they are presently.”

Changes made by Longboat Key in 2019 allow some flexibility for developers to rebuild properties to match up better with modern tastes and the marketplace.

Rokop said the plan is a perfect use for the CORD rules.

“It’s like the poster child for

redevelopment, according to our new code,” he said.

Rokop is no stranger to the Longbeach Village neighborhood.

From 1994-2014, he lived on Longboat Drive South. Rokop was also the architect behind Whitney’s, which won LBK North’s Good Neighbor Award in April.

“The way the comprehensive plan is written is they encourage creative methods of rehabilitating properties,” Rokop said. “I think this was very creative thing.”

551 Broadway was built in 1946, with a renovation in 1981. It was initially called Lerfald Landing.

Including the two Longboat Drive North addresses, the property is about 19,635 square feet or about 0.45 acres.

Town documentation shows that each home would be two stories and have about 2,500 square feet of living space. Three of the driveways would be off Longboat Drive North, and one would be on Broadway.

On Sept. 21, the owner’s representative, Steve Ellis of Ellis Consulting Group, said only one of the six apartments is occupied with the hope of proceeding with a redevelopment plan without having to wait for multiple renters’ leases to expire.

Rokop said it’s important for residents to know that the proposal follows the town’s code.

“It’s a little physically denser than other areas, but I don’t think it’s something that’s out of character with what’s there,” Rokop said.

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HIGHLIGHTING SAFETY

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

ON TAP FOR TOWN

Town and state work on crosswalk variations to see if trips across GMD can be less perilous.

In roadway lighting: Similar to a crossing system already in use on South Osprey Avenue near Hillview Street in Sarasota, the crosswalk is bracketed by in-pavement yellow lights that flash in conjunction with the roadside beacons, alerting drivers to pedestrians ready to cross the street.

Pedestrian hybrid beacons are formerly known as the highintensity activated crosswalks: A traffic control device that requires motorists to stop when the light is red. PHBs are utilized along U.S. 41 near First Street in Sarasota.

Photos by Mark Bergin

Longboat Key residents Sheila and Jack Marks say they wait for cars to stop to safely cross Gulf of Mexico Drive.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat Key residents Sheila and Jack Marks enjoy riding their bikes throughout the town.

They wear helmets.

They often wear high-visibility clothing.

They stick to the town’s multiuse pathways along Gulf of Mexico Drive instead of competing for space on the roadway.

They also routinely cross GMD with the help of the town’s pushbutton signals that flash bright yellow lights to warn approaching motorists of something they should already know: Pedestrians have the right of way in a crosswalk.

Still, the Marks are a wary couple.

“We always wait until the cars are stopped,” Sheila Marks said, echoing a widely repeated safety warning for pedestrians.

Pedestrian and cyclist safety along GMD has long been a discussion throughout the town, with tales of near-misses — or worse — hard to avoid, prompting the town to work with Florida Department of Transportation on a pilot project to bring two new styles of crosswalk signals to Gulf of Mexico Drive in the next two years.

The state wants to monitor before and after peak-season results by: n Adding in-roadway lighting at GMD and Longboat Club Road near the Country Club Shores IV North entrance. FDOT said it would cost about $76,800 for construction, which could start this fiscal year. n Replacing an existing rectangular rapid flashing beacon with

a new pedestrian hybrid beacon at GMD at Bayfront Park. FDOT said it would cost about $352,500 for construction, which could start in fiscal year 2023.

While the proposed crosswalk near Bayfront Park would have red lights to get cars to stop for pedestrians crossing the street, the lights in front of the Country Club Shores IV North entrance would remain yellow.

It’s a point that’s been often raised.

“That’s ridiculous. It’s like if anyone needs the red lights, it’s the one over here at Longboat Club Road because there’s been so many near misses of people,” Country Club Shores Unit IV Association President Lynn Larson said.

Two months after the crosswalk signals were installed on GMD in 2016, a pedestrian was struck in a crosswalk near Country Club Shores. The town immediately demanded upgrades or the removal of the crosswalks.

FDOT made the upgrades but did not agree to add small medians near the crosswalk sites, designed to further heighten driver awareness.

There are six on-demand crosswalks on Longboat Key that allow pedestrians to find their way across a thoroughfare with speed limits as high as 45 mph.

That corridor also hosts 12 beach access points, according to the town website, many of which are more than 100 yards from the nearest crosswalk.

Country Club Shores resident Chris Sachs explained how he’s witnessed several close encounters. In May, Sachs said he was almost hit while trying to cross GMD while going to the beach.

“I think because of daylight

hours that yellow is hard to see, and that’s why we’ve always lobbied for a red,” Sachs said.

Sachs also pointed out how a crossing on U.S. 41 near First Street in Sarasota utilizes the redlighted crossing to get cars to stop and let pedestrians safely cross.

“You’re certainly glad that they’re going to do something about it, but yellow lights in the ground I would think during the daylight are even less visible than the ones that are currently in existence,” Sachs said.

FDOT Senior Project Manager Walter Breuggeman explained to town commissioners on Oct. 4 why rectangular rapid flashing beacon can’t use red lights.

He said RRFBs are a proprietary product to serve as an advanced warning to drivers to yield to pedestrians.

“Our RRFBs are actually governed by the Federal Highway Commission,” Breuggeman said.

The Federal Highway Commission issued a memo in March 2018 specifying how an RRFB can be used.

“The memo specifically states, ‘Each RRFB unit shall consist of two rapidly flashed, rectangularshaped yellow indications with an LED array-based light source,’” Breuggeman said. “So that restricts us to where we have to use yellow the way you see them.

“It restricts us. We cannot use red for our RRFBs.” Town Manager Tom Harmer said the switch to a red-light system would require changing out the town’s six RRFB crosswalks to a pedestrian hybrid beacon system, which was formerly known as high-intensity activated crosswalk, or HAWK system.

The town of Longboat Key has six RRFB pedestrian crossings

along GMD at: n Country Club Shores Phase IV (North entrance) and Longboat Club Road (North entrance); n Just north of the Diplomat and Turtle Coffee Bar; n Bayfront Park; n Banyan Bay Club just north of Sandham Place (5200 block of GMD); n North of Companion Way at Cedars West (5600 block GMD); and n Between Broadway Street and North Shore Road.

Longboat Key Police Department spokesperson Tina Adams said police have issued 14 citations for crosswalk violations in 2021, the majority at the crosswalk located at GMD and Longboat Club Road.

Breuggeman also explained how the town’s existing RRFB at GMD and Country Club Road makes it less expensive to add the in-ground lighting whereas FDOT would change out the entire crosswalk system near Bayfront Park.

“With the PHB, that is a more in-depth signal, and it’s also overhead, which has a mast arm,” Breuggeman said. “It’s a totally different system, and this case, it’s an overhead mast arm with a significant foundation, drill shaft and so forth to hold the mast arm, so it’s a lot more to construct the overhead mast arm.”

To measure the systems’ effectiveness, FDOT traffic services engineer Steven Davis said the state typically mounts a video camera to monitor drivers’ reactions to the activated signal.

Those videos are then analyzed and conclusions drawn about crosswalk warning effectiveness.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

St. Armands lot remains on the market

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Sarasota city commissioners said they are disinclined to approve a deal in which the city sells a St. Armands Circle parking lot to a private developer and ends up owing that developer money at closing, but officials remain open to hearing offers for the island property.

The commission recently reviewed some details surrounding its consideration of the sale of the Fillmore Drive parking lot on St. Armands. Although the city has not received a formal offer to buy the property, developer JWM Management has expressed interest in acquiring the land to build a project that includes a hotel, a grocery store and residences.

That proposal also included converting 270 public parking spaces in and around the Fillmore lot into spaces in a garage incorporated into the project. In a Sept. 22 memo, City Attorney Robert Fournier said staff anticipated JWM Management would ask for the cost of constructing that garage to offset the purchase price of the land. At a valuation of $30,000 per spot, Fournier said that could produce an $8 million credit against the cost of buying the 1.98-acre site.

In an extreme circumstance, if the appraised value of the land was less than $8 million, Fournier said it’s possible such a deal could result in the city owing money to a developer.

Fournier said he anticipated such a scenario would be unacceptable to city officials.

“I can’t imagine somebody would come in and say, ‘We want you to pay us for the lot,’” Alpert

Courtesy rendering

said. “If they can’t come up with a better plan than that, it probably wouldn’t go through.”

Fournier said any development on the Fillmore lot site could not reduce the number of parking spaces without running into issues with the bond used to pay for the Adams Drive parking lot on St. Armands, financed using revenue from paid parking. City Manager Marlon Brown indicated paying to retire the bond and nullify the applicable restrictions prior to 2027 would be cost prohibitive.

“We have to find some way to come up with $16 million,” Brown said. “I don’t have that money.”

Fournier’s update on parkingrelated financial questions didn’t change the commission’s stance on the prospective sale of the lot.

In August, the commission voted 4-1 to affirm it was open to private offers to purchase the property, declining to initiate a formal solicitation for proposals. Mayor Hagen Brody said the absence of any actual negotiations with interested buyers meant there was no need for the city to take any action.

Brody said it was good for interested parties to be aware of the unique dynamic associated with the potential purchase of the Fillmore lot. Fournier said he felt it was good for city officials, too.

“Now that it’s been brought up, you’ll be in a position to ask about it if you’re presented with an offer,” Fournier said.

In May, representatives for JWM Management outlined a concept for a mixed-use project on the Fillmore lot. The city has not received a formal offer, but the inclusion of public parking could shape the proposed purchase price.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

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Village’s permit system settles in From Jan. 1 to Sept. 23, the town of Longboat Key has issued 440 parking citations.

January Warnings issued: 138 Citations issued: 13 February Warnings issued: 52 Citations issued: 38 March Warnings issued: 48 Citations issued: 115 April Warnings issued: 41 Citations issued: 61 May Warnings issued: 21 Citations issued: 65 June Warnings issued: 1 Citations issued: 120 July Warnings issued: 0 Citations issued: 22 August Warnings issued: 1 Citations issued: 5 September Warnings issued: 0 Citations issued: 1 Data provided by the town of Longboat Key

Citations and warnings dwindle as visitors get the message about where parking is allowed.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

L

ongbeach Village residents Carla and Pete Rowan said they are pleased they advocated for a resident-permit parking program in their neighborhood to alleviate issues that are often attributed to beachgoers or patrons of neighborhood restaurants.

It took some time to get it right, they said, as visitors became more experienced with the town’s rules that took effect at the start of the year and signs went up to explain that the neighborhood’s streets are generally regulated by a permit system.

“Less than a year later, we think it’s going quite well now,” Carla Rowan said.

After years of discussion and several interim steps in the residential enclave on the north end of the island, the town pressed ahead in January with resident permits for curbside parking, first with large electronic signs on Broadway Street and weeks of written warnings from police instead of $75 citations. Standard street signs were added as a means to inform drivers from outside the neighborhood of the rules.

Both warnings and citations have dwindled in the past six

months, town records show.

“The town took on an incremental approach to signage,” Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons said. “The intention over time was to try to have the least amount of signage that would be effective.”

The public can park on Lois Avenue or Broadway Street directly adjacent to Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant or the Shore Longboat Key. As of Sept. 23, people in the town have purchased 116 resident parking permits and 98 guest parking permits. The $6,420 in revenue has covered the initial start-up and operational costs of the approximate $5,000 yearly cost to run the program, which includes decals, signs, informational material and staff overhead.

On Oct. 4, Parsons did not have an exact amount for how much the program would cost in 2022.

However, he did say it would cost less than the initial $5,000 startup because of the signs in place.

Each parking permit costs $30.

Town staff is not recommending a price increase for the permits in the second year of the program.

The town estimates there are 290 eligible properties in the Village that can purchase resident or guest parking permits.

Parsons said some Longboat Key residents who do not live in the Village had requested more public parking in the neighborhood to allow for greater public access to the Linley Street boat ramp. He said some of the restaurant customers wanted more parking, too.

File photo

Longbeach Village residents have purchased 116 resident parking permits and 98 guest parking permits as of Sept. 23, according to the town of Longboat Key.

“There really is limited parking, unless you’re getting there early or just happen to be lucky,” Parsons said.

Some residents who spoke before the Town Commission on Oct. 4 mentioned how restaurant employees and contractors took up the limited public parking along Lois Avenue and Broadway Street.

Mar Vista and the Shore must utilize their private parking under the new permit system.

The Chiles Group, which owns Mar Vista, was planning to use a historic cottage to permanently sit at 6920 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The cottage would operate as a satellite office to create a parking lot at the site with 88 spaces.

Plans approved by the Planning and Zoning Board in February call for Mar Vista employees to use 24 of the parking spaces and customers to have the remaining 64.

During peak times, Mar Vista

plans to have its current valet company use a golf cart to shuttle employees and customers between the remote lot and restaurant. The golf cart will charge next to the on-site office when not in use.

The project to build the parking lot is not complete.

“Smart businesses tell their employees to park far away because they want other customers to park close,” Commissioner BJ Bishop said. “So I would hope that perhaps a conversation with people who own retail establishments that aren’t that smart maybe to be encouraged to do what they could to hopefully increase their customers’ opportunities to park close.

“But it’s public parking, and short of the owners of those two establishments deciding that their customers matter more than their staff, I’m not sure how much we can do with that situation.”

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

Parking prompts St. Regis reset before final vote

FAM I LY

Newest proposal calls for 62 mechanical lifts in the hotel parking garage, raising the total and satisfying town rules on how spaces are allocated.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

T

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he developer of The Residences at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort proposes in paperwork filed Tuesday with the town adding 62 mechanical vehicle lifts to add capacity to its hotel valet parking garage.

Town commissioners on Oct. 6 granted initial approval to a series of changes that Unicorp National Developments Corp. requested from its original package, which was approved in 2018. The new parking wrinkle further revises two of the revisions, though town officials on Tuesday said a final vote, planned for Oct. 20, is still possible. Unicorp has scheduled an Oct. 25 invitation-only groundbreaking at the site.

“We’re going to do our best here with the materials that we’ve received first to review it and then incorporate as much as we can in terms of that review into the materials that will be provided to the commission,” Longboat Key Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons said.

At issue is not total number of parking spaces but rather their allocation between the residential towers and the hotel tower.

The parking plan approved Oct. 6 called for 405 spaces, which met town standards. In a letter to Parsons, though, Unicorp attorney Brenda Patten wrote that a conference call on Oct. 8 with town officials raised the question of distribution, with not enough capacity on the hotel side.

“We, in collaboration with staff, determined that we probably did need to add more parking, and we wanted support of the other commissioners as well,” Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall said. “That seemed to be their biggest concern last time, so we decided to add parking.”

Instead of reallocating spaces propertywide, Unicorp now proposes to install lifts on 62 parking spaces within the hotel’s valet garage, bringing the hotel capacity up to 299. The condo side would remain with 169 spaces within a separate, resident-accessed garage, bringing the total to 468 spaces, well above the town’s requirement and within the boundaries of the required allocation.

The project includes 69 condo units and 166 hotel units along with restaurants and other public facilities.

“With the lift system, valet drivers will drive the vehicle to the parking space, drive the vehicle up onto the lift platform and then push an electric switch to move the platform up into the elevated parking space,” Patten explained in a memo to Parsons. “Another vehicle may be parked under the lift platform. To remove the vehicle from the lift, the vehicle below is moved out of the space, and the lift is lowered.”

Town Manager Tom Harmer said he spoke with Whittall on Monday.

“It’s not unusual during public hearings after the first hearing to have some updates and further discussions,” Harmer said. “The key, as I said in the beginning, is really just making sure that the commission has the information they need at the hearing to make that informed decision or they have the flexibility to continue the item if necessary.

“We want to make sure we give them as much information upfront as soon as possible so they can do that.”

Harmer said town staff is awaiting a response from Unicorp about follow-up questions.

“If we have all of our questions from a staff standpoint answered, then we will be able to make a recommendation to the commission in the packet that goes out to them later this week in advance of next week’s hearing,” Harmer said.

The St. Regis parking garage would require no additional modifications, with a ceiling already designed tall enough to accommodate the mechanical lifts.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING & HEARING ORDINANCE 2021-16 October 19, 2021 – 9:15 AM Please take notice that a public meeting and hearing of the Town of Longboat Key’s Planning and Zoning Board will be held to consider proposed modifications to Title 15, Land Development Code, Chapter 158, Zoning Code, of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Longboat Key, as more particularly set forth in Ordinance 2021-16:

ORDINANCE 2021-16 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY, FLORIDA, MODIFYING AND AMENDING TITLE 15 LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 158: ZONING CODE; MODIFYING AND AMENDING SECTION 158.114, PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board on proposed Ordinance 2021-16 will be held on October 19, 2021, at 9:15 a.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, in the Town Commission Chambers at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, Florida.

Courtesy photo

rigan absent and Commissioner Sherry Dominick recusing herself because of a professional relationship with Michael Saunders & Co., the St. Regis project’s real estate sales representative.

Bishop at the time said that she wishes Unicorp had stayed with its original plan the town passed in 2018, providing 457 parking spaces, though the town requires 405.

Since 2018, though, Unicorp dialed back the number of condo units from 78 to 69.

Hotel capacity remains at 166 rooms on the 17.6-acre property.

Residential condos will occupy towers on the south side of the property while the resort will occupy the north end.

Here is a picture of how the proposed mechanical lifts would work.

No verbatim record by a certified court reporter is made of these proceedings. Accordingly, any person who may seek to appeal any decision involving the matters noticed herein will be responsible for making a verbatim record of the testimony and evidence at these proceedings upon which any appeal is to be based (see Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes). In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Town Clerk’s office at 941-316-1999 seventy-two (72) hours in advance of this proceeding. If you are hearing impaired, please call 941-316-8719.

David Green, Chair Planning and Zoning Board Published: 10/14/2021

365786-1

of the misallocation and completely agrees that the hotel must have the full required allocation to operate properly,” Patton wrote in her letter.

Patten wrote that she planned to present Unicorp’s proposal to the Town Commission on Oct. 20.

“Although a lot of paperwork is required to show the addition of 62 lift spaces to the parking garage, it is a simple and contained change to the plans and applications,” Patten wrote.

Last week, town commissioners voted 4-1 to push forward other proposed changes to a final vote Oct. 20.

Commissioners BJ Bishop and Debra Williams voted against the site plan, which passed 3-2 with Commissioner Maureen Mer-

All interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to proposed Ordinance 2021-16 Copies of Ordinance 2021-16 and related material associated with the amendment may be viewed at the Planning, Zoning & Building Department, 501 Bay Isles Road, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays prior to the hearing. Questions may be directed to the Planning, Zoning & Building Department at 316-1966. The proposed amendment will affect property within the corporate boundaries of the Town of Longboat Key as shown on the map appearing at the bottom of this advertisement.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

LONGBOAT

OPINION / OUR VIEW

3 votes affecting quality of life T

hree important votes are on the calendar for Longboat Key residents over the next few weeks.

Let’s cut to the quick: Details aside, all three, if approved, will contribute benefits to the quality of life on Longboat Key and, in one case, in Manatee County and the region at large.

ST. REGIS SITE PLAN AMENDMENT

The first, originally scheduled for Oct. 20, was to be the second and final vote on modifications to The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort (see box).

But that vote became uncertain Monday when Brenda Patten, the lawyer for the developer, Unicorp National Developments, filed new modifications to address a parking glitch that surfaced late last week.

Setting that glitch aside, here’s the point that should alarm and alert Longboat Key property owners and residents: The future of this project is only one town commissioner’s vote away from proceeding or dying.

Longboat residents need to understand the importance of their expressing a forceful show of support to assure the project goes forward.

To be precise, the future of the project hinges on Longboat Key Commissioner Maureen Merrigan.

When the Town Commission voted Oct. 6 on a first reading of modifications to the St. Regis site plan, the outcome was 3-2 in favor of the changes, with Commissioners BJ Bishop and Debra Williams voting against.

Commissioner Merrigan was absent, and Commissioner Sherry Dominick recused herself because of a conflict of interest.

That means when the St. Regis site plan amendment comes before the commission again — be it Oct. 20 or later — six of the town’s seven commissioners will be voting.

Now if you assume none of the five commissioners who voted at first reading will change his or her vote, Commissioner Merrigan’s vote will be the deciding vote. She will determine whether the St. Regis will be developed, killed or delayed for many more months, perhaps another year, who knows.

If Bishop, Williams and Merrigan all vote no, while Mayor Ken Schneier, Vice Mayor Mike Haycock and Commissioner Penny Gold continue to vote yes, a 3-3 tie would mean “no action” on the amendment and kill the project in its present form.

Unicorp CEO and Owner Chuck Whittall would then be faced with months of having to restart the whole site plan approval process again — adding more delays, costs and risks to a project approaching 10 years in the making.

Consider this: Up to now, the St. Regis project has consumed eight and a half years of Whittall’s life and nearly $100 million to acquire the property, develop designs, obtain town approvals, market the project and line up contractors and materials.

AT STAKE: ST. REGIS, A SMALL SLICE OF LBK, MANATEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS The Longboat Key Town Commission and Longboat voters will decide the fate of three issues in the next two weeks.

The first issue listed below will be decided by commissioners; the other two by voters.

1. St. Regis Hotel site plan amendment Requesting approval of a …

Final Site Plan amendment to amend the project, including: a reduction of residential units from 78 to 67 units; an increase in tourism units from one to three units; reaffirming the allocation of 165 tourism units from the Town’s Tourism Unit Pool for a reduction of total overall density from 244 units to a total of 235 units; an increase in the building footprint; an increase in the accessory commercial spaces (including the meeting rooms); amendments to the setbacks; and addition of accessory structures.

2. Longboat Key density referendum question May the Town allow the

Suffice it to say, any outcome other than the commission’s approval on second reading of site-plan amendment would be devastating. Call it a devastating tragedy for Whittall and his buyers and a devastating tragedy for Longboat Key, its residents, the town’s reputation and for the region at large.

Sure, Longboat Key and Sarasota have been thriving just fine with that 18-acre expanse of vacant, Gulf-front scrub at the site of the once-famed Colony Beach & Tennis Resort. But do not overlook the opportunity cost — millions and millions of dollars of lost economic activity that would have provided families with jobs and tax revenues that would have benefited Longboat Key and Greater SarasotaManatee.

This tragedy, the 11-year saga of the Colony and its aftermath, must end. It must end with a new beginning: breaking ground on the St. Regis.

And it can — if Merrigan, Gold, Schneier and Haycock show resolve.

In the overall scheme of the project and the bigger regional picture, Bishop and Williams’ objections about parking and whether the proposed Monkey Bar and event center would be too close to the beach are inconsequential concerns.

Whittall and Patten have a reasonable solution to the parking issue: Add parking lifts to a portion of the hotel’s valet parking garage, adding 62 more hotel parking spaces and bringing the project’s total to 467 spaces, 62 more than required.

As for the location of the Monkey Bar and event center, both would be farther landward than what existed in all the decades of the Colony. And not once in all those decades did a tropi-

property located at 597 Buttonwood Drive and comprising approximately 0.86 acres to increase density from OI office-institutional uses (which allows no density) to the R-3SF residential use (which allow a maximum of three (3) residential units per acre), for a maximum total of 2 residential units on the property?

3. Manatee County Ad Valorem Millage Election Shall the School Board of Manatee County continue the current one (1) mill ad valorem millage from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025, as overseen by the Citizens’ Financial Oversight Committee, to increase student achievement through more instructional time and support; recruit and retain teachers and staff with competitive salaries; expand Career and Technical Education, STEM and Visual/ Performing Arts programs; and to distribute proportional funds to Charter Schools pursuant to Florida Statute 1011.71?

cal story or hurricane destroy or hurl any of the Colony’s structures. Both of Unicorp’s structures — albeit small in scale — are integral to Whittall’s goal of a five-star, luxury experience, of which Longboat commissioners should be supportive. That’s important for the Key and its property owners’ values.

Throughout the history of the town of Longboat Key, its elected commissioners have been notorious for inflicting “death by a thousand cuts” on developers.

Enough. Longboaters have waited long enough for a project worthy to replace the Colony.

Whittall’s St. Regis is that and more.

We hope Longboat residents agree and will show up in force to let the town commissioners know they have had enough. It’s time, commissioners, to bring the St. Regis to fruition.

LONGBOAT KEY DENSITY REFERENDUM QUESTION

Come Nov. 2, all Longboat voters will be asked if they will allow the Town Commission to change the zoning on 0.86 acres at the corner of Gulf of Mexico Drive and Buttonwood Drive from commercial use to residential use, allowing the construction of two homes on the site.

This one should be an easy yes.

Although Longboaters historically resist increasing residential density, Mark Ursini, the owner of the Buttonwood property and of Brista Homes, is proposing a two-home development project that would benefit his Buttonwood Harbor neighbors, the town and Longboat residents and taxpayers.

Everybody wins.

But let’s start with how everyone is losing with that property in its current undeveloped state.

For nearby Buttonwood

Harbor residents, the land in question is a drainage nuisance.

For those who have owned the property, the land is a financial drain — a tax drain.

Because it is zoned for commercial use, it’s essentially undevelopable. Longboat has had a glut of commercially zoned property from the day the island was platted.

Still does. Whoever owns the property owns a useless, costly piece of dirt.

The town and its taxpayers, meanwhile, are also losers.

The town receives less tax revenue than it would from two luxury homes, and taxpayers are paying more than they otherwise would if there were two taxpaying homeowners.

Finally, be honest, two new homes on that site won’t create noticeably worse traffic than exists now.

We recommend: Yes on the Longboat density question.

MANATEE SCHOOL TAX

Also on Nov. 2, all Manatee County voters, including the Longboaters who live in the Manatee half of the Key, will be asked to renew the county’s 1-mill school system property tax for three more years, from 2022 to 2025.

For those Longboat voters who stiffen up over any tax votes and who have watched the Manatee County School Board mismanage so many things over the years, there likely is a twitching inclination to vote no.

And there is this: the typical ploy of school boards and teacher unions to conduct these votes outside of general elections to minimize the risk of rejection.

At least the board has agreed to make the next referendum part of a general election.

But take solace and satisfaction. After much turmoil, the establishment of a citizens oversight committee has helped the district improve its fiscal performance and accountability.

For eight consecutive years, the district has generated reserves that exceeded the state’s requirements.

But equally important is this: Not to renew this 1-mill property tax would be a crippling setback for Manatee’s public schools.

The tax generates $43 million a year, 18% of the $234 million generated from property taxes for school operations.

That money helps keep teacher salaries competitive — at a time when that is so crucial. And it is used to extend the school day 30 minutes a day and expand career, technical, STEM and art programs throughout the district.

This alone might be reason to continue to support this tax: To take it away would send a destructive message to current and future employers about Manatee residents’ commitment to public education.

We recommend: Yes on the Manatee school tax

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

9

Dining in high demand as restaurants reopen Traditional late-summer shutdowns allow time for updates, renovations before the seasonal rush begins.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

The best way to tell that fall is coming on Longboat Key is not by the changing temperatures or leaves but by the changing colors of the license plates and restaurant schedules. Popular restaurants, such as Harry’s Continental Kitchens and Euphemia Haye, have reopened after their end-ofsummer shutterings, while others, such as Lazy Lobster, have added lunch services back as they prepare to welcome an influx of seasonal residents.

“We were closed for the month of September, but I didn’t get any days off,” Harry’s Continental Kitchens General Manager Hal Christensen said. “People are coming back early. We see them up at the corner store getting their coffee in the morning. We think it’s going to be a good season.”

Harry’s Continental Kitchens reopened Oct. 7 after its traditional closure during September. It’s the slowest month of the year as vacationers have headed home to start the school year and snowbirds haven’t flown south yet. Restaurant management including Christensen are still working hard, however, as they scrub the place down, do repairs

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

and repaint. They take everything out of the kitchen to degrease and pressure-wash it, wash and seal the patio, and repair shelves.

“In order to keep our standards of cleanliness high, we have to have that deep cleaning,” Christensen said. “We get behind things, take the rugs out. We clean all the time, but you just have to get that deep cleaning done sometime.”

Euphemia Haye, which also closed during September, reopened Sept. 30. Like Harry’s Continental Kitchens, it has closed during the slow month for nearly all of its 40 years of existence. It’s a time of pressurewashing and carpet replacement, said Owner Ray Arpke, who also

we

because we

didn’t get a day off in September.

“We take all the pictures off the wall and plug all the holes, repaint everything and move all the artwork to a new spot so it looks like a new restaurant,” Arpke said.

The biggest challenge Christensen said he’s facing this year is staffing. Some staff quit toward the end of last season, Christensen said, and over the slow summer, that was fine. However, Christensen needs to nearly double the number of staff. It’s difficult to keep up with higher pay standards as supply costs rise too.

“It’s going to be difficult to be as busy as we want to be if we don’t have the staffing,” Christensen said. “We have a strong core, but we have to hire every season.”

Arpke is also dealing with staffing issues. Longboat Key businesses are at a disadvantage because of the drive to get to the island for those who don’t live on the Key, he said. Lazy Lobster Owner Michael Garey, who shuts down lunch service in the summer, said he moved his lunch hours up so his employees could get an earlier start to beat traffic.

“If you’re going to spend an hour, hour and a half in your car coming to work and not getting paid during that time, that’s an issue,” Garey said. “We wanted our employees to be able to come earlier.”

Demand for dining is already high, the restaurant operators said. Christensen is seeing famil-

CARE

Left: Harry and Hal Christensen Above: Lazy Lobster has added its lunch service back with adjusted hours to try to help employees fight traffic.

iar faces return in the corner store and at the restaurant, while Arpke said this is the busiest start to the season he’s had. When they reopened, everyone flooded back in — the Canadians and Europeans who couldn’t get back to Longboat Key during the pandemic, plus new Floridians and snowbirds who returned sooner than normal. Garey reopened his lunch service Sept. 28 and has seen a high demand for outdoor dining especially.

“I think it’s going to be a tremendous season,” Garey said.

“It already is. We’re doing late November numbers in early October. It’s been tremendous.”

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

FRIDAY, OCT. 1

KEY CONNECTION 4:46 p.m., police headquarters Found property: A lost car key and its owner were reunited after a few days, thanks to a good Samaritan and a police department staffer. Police reported a car key had been left at the police station anonymously a few days after an out-of-town visitor stopped by to say he had lost a key to the same make of vehicle. A police department staffer contacted the visitor after connecting the found key to the lost-key report. Satisfied the visitor’s description of the lost key and key ring matched the items left at the station, the police staffer returned the key to its owner.

SATURDAY, OCT. 2

LONG-DISTANCE COMPLAINT 9:03 a.m., 6900 block of Longboat Drive South Citizen dispute: A resident called police to settle an issue involving a landscaping truck.

The resident, who was out of state, saw the truck via remote cameras and asked police to see about moving it. When officers arrived, the operators of the truck moved the vehicle beyond the resident’s property line.

WHAT’S THE HURRY? 11:40 a.m., near Jewfish Key Boating warning: A boater who had been stopped in a slowspeed, minimum-wake zone was not only warned about his speed but also cited for not carrying required safety gear.

In a routine check of the vessel following the stop, a marine patrol officer discovered there was no throwable floatation device onboard, nor were there safety

flares. The boater was warned about the missing flares but cited over the missing floatation device.

FLAT SPOT 2:55 p.m., 3400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: An officer stopped to help a motorist with a flat tire on the side of the road but learned a road-service truck was on the way to help. The officer waited until the vehicle was safely towed away.

MAKING A SPLASH 11:20 a.m., near Jewfish Key Boating warning: The operator of a boat that appeared to be homemade and without visible registration information was warned by a marine patrol officer that the vessel was not properly equipped with a throwable floatation device.

VOLUME CONTROL 3:55 p.m., near Jewfish Key Noise complaints from the water: An officer visited the operators of several boats on the sandbar near the northern end of the island to follow up on a report of loud music. The officer reported ordinary noise levels but spoke to a number of boaters reminding them to keep the music at normal volumes.

They agreed.

MONDAY, OCT. 4

COFFEE BREAK! 7:51 a.m., 6500 block of Gulfside Road Noise complaints from land: An officer spoke to a work crew performing demolition work on the second floor of a home about the town’s regulations regarding noise before 8 a.m.

Through a slight language barrier, the officer made clear the rules, though it was already after 8 a.m. The work crew decided to take a break nevertheless.

U CAN HELP 9:24 a.m., 500 block of Putting Green Lane Citizen assist: A resident called police over construction vehicles parked along her street and partially blocking one side of her U-shaped driveway. The officer said the vehicles were legally parked but that he would speak to the driver of the truck near the driveway. That driver said he had just dumped a load of dirt and was leaving soon.

And he did.

HEATING UP 9:13 p.m., 600 block of Norton Street Citizen assist: A resident needing assistance with her air conditioner called police for help.

Two officers determined there was a problem with the thermostat and advised the resident call the company that installed the system in the morning.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 6

DUTY, NO MATTER WHERE 8:48 a.m., Cortez Road Agency assistance: While driving to a location in Bradenton, a town police officer encountered a live power line blocking an intersection along Cortez Road.

The officer notified the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and assisted with traffic control until Manatee deputies arrived.

TREE TEMPERS 8:33 a.m., 600 block of Cedar Street Citizen dispute: A dispute over

SUNDAY, OCT. 3

NONE SHALL PASS 11:13 a.m., 6500 block of Gulfside Road Citizen assist: A resident called police to complain about a property with a seawall that extends all the way to the water’s edge, blocking access to those who wish to walk the beach. While taking note of signs that read “Guard Dog that Bites” and “Private Property,” the officer told the resident that the town is aware of the situation and that no local codes were being violated.

a tree prompted police to sort out the situation. A resident had been cutting down a tree on his own property when a neighbor said something about it, which drew a profane retort. The neighbor called police to file a report, though officers said no crime had taken place.

ed a resident to call police.

Officers spoke to the man, a representative of a court-services company who was there to collect some records. The resident said her parents weren’t available and that she wanted the man to leave. He did.

SAFE AND SOUND 9:03 p.m., 6900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Missing person: A person who was disoriented and couldn’t tell police officers where she lived or who to contact was returned home safely. Police reported the woman had been walking for five to 0 minutes when she became lost at a north-end eatery. Police ultimately found a relative and released her to go home following a check by fire rescue personnel.

PAPERS, PLEASE 8:30 a.m., 300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen dispute: A difference of opinion over the replacement of a condominium window prompted a call to police but no immediate resolution. A maintenance supervisor called police because he said he was denied entry into an owner’s unit to perform scheduled work.

A representative for the owner said the work permits for the job were not in order and that the owners would not consent to the work until the paperwork was done correctly.

THURSDAY, OCT. 7

A KNOCK ON THE DOOR 4:17 p.m., 600 block of Hideaway Bay Drive Suspicious person: An unexpected man at the door prompt-

FRIDAY, OCT. 8

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DECEMBER 2021 Michael Londra’s Celtic Yuletide ..................................... Dec. 1 The Temptations and The Four Tops ...................................... Dec. 2 The Allman Family Revival ............... Dec. 3 Martina McBride: The Joy of Christmas 2021 ................. Dec. 4 STOMP .................................................. Dec. 5 David Foster: Hitman Tour ................ Dec. 6 George Thorogood And The Destroyers ............................ Dec. 7 Joe Bonamassa ................................... Dec. 8 Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony ......................................... Dec. 14 Jefferson Starship ............................ Dec. 31

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The Choir of Man .............................. Jan. 30 FEBRUARY 2022 An American in Paris ....................... Feb. 2-3 A Tribute to Aretha Franklin ............. Feb. 9 Reza: Edge of Illusion ....................... Feb. 10 Audra McDonald ............................... Feb. 11 The Simon & Garfunkel Story ......... Feb. 12 The Four Phantoms In Concert ....... Feb. 14 Gladys Knight .................................... Feb. 15 Dancing with the Stars: LIVE! ........ Feb. 17 Paul Anka — Greatest Hits: His Way ..................... Feb. 20 Celtic Thunder: Ireland .................... Feb. 23 Stayin’ Alive ....................................... Feb. 24 Engelbert Humperdinck ................. Feb. 28

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ABBA: The Concert ........................... Mar. 27 The Price Is Right Live ..................... Mar. 29 APRIL 2022 Kenny G ................................................ Apr. 5 An Officer and A Gentleman .................................... Apr. 6-7 Terry Fator ......................................... Apr. 10 Rick Thomas: Mansion of Dreams .......................... Apr. 11 Johnny Mathis: The Voice of Romance Tour ............................... Apr. 12 South Pacific ................................ Apr. 14-15 Fiddler On The Roof ..................... Apr. 19-21 Diana Krall ......................................... Apr. 23 Motown With a Twist ...................... Apr. 26 MAY 2022 One Night of Queen ........................... May 7

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GROUP SALES: 941.263.6726 BOX OFFICE: Mon-Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-4 Open later Saturday and Sunday (on show days only)

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Class offers a simple message: Just relax NAT KAEMMERER

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

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TRIBUTES Donald Howard 1930-2021

STAFF WRITER

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Students stretch before meditating.

Left: Sandi Love reads from her notes for a guided meditation.

NO WORRIES

The class is from 11 a.m. to noon every Friday at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended. Class is $10 for nonmembers and free for members. No reservations are required, but call 3836493 for information.

tion involves visualization, so she walks around with photos of the tranquil location she’ll be describing to help her students along. On Oct. 8, it was the redwood trees in California.

“Once they’re really comfortable, I start the guided meditation and take them to a different place each week,” Love said. “I take them on the whole journey.

‘Open your screen door, and walk out to your porch and down the beautiful steps and into the fall forest and down a path.’ It’s very

EXCEPTIONAL VACATION RENTALS

Donald Howard, age 91, longtime resident of New Jersey, initially Short Hills, more recently of Lebanon. He enjoyed his winter home on Longboat Key, FL. He earned his B.S. from Syracuse University. Founder and CEO of Don Howard Personnel from 1959 to 1987, an executive personnel placement agency, with offices in various cities of the US. In 1988 he was an instructor at the School of Management, personnel management, William Paterson College in Wayne, NJ. Married for 58 years to the love of his life, Doris, who passed in 2018. He is survived by his son Gregg and his wife Valerie. Two grandchildren; Michael and Graycen.

Arrangements are under the direction of Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home in Lebanon, NJ.

relaxing. Sometimes I’ll do a brief time of quiet. … It just gives them a time to breathe. As we’re walking through the forest, we come upon a tree stump to relax.”

Love keeps her voice low and slow. The guided meditation helps students remain calm; focusing on a situation or destination helps avoid errant thoughts that get in the way.

Sharp Blaney has joined the class both times it’s been put on so far. “With all that’s going on in the world, who wouldn’t benefit from an hour of self-care?”

Sharp Blaney said. “It seemed like a good fit.”

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“Clear your mind” is a simple enough directive but one that can be hard to accomplish without practice.

Sandi Love and a new class at The Paradise Center are working to solve that for Longboat Key residents.

Love has begun teaching a meditation and stress relief class at 11 a.m. Fridays, drawing in about eight students in her second week. The hourlong class involves stretching and a guided meditation from Love. Donna Sharp Blaney, the community outreach and marketing manager, helped Love develop it for The Paradise Center.

“The reason it came about is there are so many yoga classes on Longboat Key, and ours was not very well attended,” Sharp Blaney said. “A lot of what we were doing in yoga was meditation, anyway.”

Love starts the class with some gentle tapping and light stretching to bring body and mind together before working toward total relaxation.

She incorporates yogic breathing techniques, such as wave breathing and three-part breathing, to bring down her students’ heart rates. Once everyone’s on their way to Zen, Love makes sure they’re comfortable — some students lie down in The Paradise Center’s activity room with pillows surrounding them, while others get comfortable on a cushioned chair. The medita-

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TRIBUTES Arthur Wolcott 1926-2021

Richard J. (Dick) O’Dowd 1934-2021

Arthur Wolcott whose remarkable career spanned over seven decades in the food processing industry died peacefully in Sarasota, Florida on September 24th after a life well lived.

Richard J. (Dick) O’Dowd, age 86, of Bradenton, FL, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 26, 2021.

the slopes he was a member of the Hunt Hollow Ski Club and enjoyed many ski trips to the Rocky Mountains and the European Alps. He was also a member of the Keuka Yacht Club and the Sarasota Yacht Club, competing in regattas and cruising to Europe, the Florida Keys and throughout the Caribbean.

In addition to his wife Audrey of 72 years, Arthur is survived by four children: Bruce Wolcott (Connie), Susan Stuart (Donald), Mark Wolcott (Kari), Grace Wadell (Aaron) and 12 grandchildren.

A service celebrating Mr. Wolcott’s life was held on September 28th at Christ Church of Longboat Key, Florida where he and Audrey have been longstanding members.

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DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, donations in Arthur’s memory may be made to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Buddy Walk, P. O. Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352.

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as Gold” award twice for his contribution of service and enthusiasm. He credits his mentor, motivation expert Earl Nightingale, for teaching him to always do “a little bit more for the lavishing sake.”

Dick is survived by his wife, Karen; children Laura (Jim) Lewakowski, John (Sue) O’Dowd, and Katie (Glenn) Spiegler; 8 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and a multitude of Irish cousins.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later time.

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Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Dick attended Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI, where he met Karen, his future wife. They married on St. Patrick’s Day in 1956 and celebrated their 65th Anniversary this year. He shared his love of all things Irish through the Irish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids, MI, his Irish import business and retail shop, The Irishman’s Corner, in Rockford, MI, and Irish presentations on Longboat Key and the libraries of Manatee County.

Dick’s diverse and adventurous career path ranged from Real Estate in Kansas City, Denver, and Michigan to the hospitality industry in Florida. Beginning with the Disney Institute in Orlando, he segued to The Colony, then LaPlaya Condos on Longboat Key, where owners and guests enjoyed playing chess on the beach, or challenging matches poolside with Dick.

As a chess enthusiast, he collected chess sets from around the world and started chess clubs in schools and libraries in many communities.

He was Condo Association Manager at La Playa for many years and a member of the Condo Managers of Longboat Key. He treasured his continued affiliation with the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and was honored to receive their “Good

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Arthur was born in Corning, New York in 1926. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in both the European and Pacific Theaters. Arthur graduated from Cornell University in 1949 with a BA Degree in Economics.

Arthur married the love of his life and best friend, Audrey Strode in August of 1949. During that same month, Arthur founded Seneca Foods Corporation by leasing a bankrupt grape juice plant in Dundee, New York. Today Seneca is headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin. The company is one of the largest processors of fruits and vegetables in the United States.

Arthur was chairman and president of Seneca Foods from 1949 to 1987, and he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors until his passing. In 2008, he received the Forty-Niner Service Award, the food processing industry’s highest award in recognition of his career. He was an early member of the Young Presidents Organization and a founding member of the Empire State chapter of YPO. For many years, he served as a director of several public companies in addition to Seneca. He was a Presidential Councilor of Cornell University and a member of the Cornell Athletic Hall of Fame.

Arthur was an avid skier and sailor. On

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

Photos by Andréa Martone

David Berry, vice president for visitor engagement and chief museum curator; Jennifer Rominiecki, CEO; and Mike McLaughlin, senior vice president, horticulture, helped bring together the orchid show.

Circus aerialists and orchids share high wire at Selby The Ringling teams up with Selby Botanical Gardens to add a circus element to its annual orchid show.

the Tree Top to the Big Top.” In the gardens’ conservatory, visitors can meander through tree-top canopies woven with orchids that are displayed with the artistry and grand spectacle of circus aerialists.

“The show is the perfect intersection of entertainment and nature in a natural environment,” said Jennifer Rominiecki, Selby’s president and CEO. The setting and props for this show are the creation of Angel Lara, the vice president for greenhouse horticulture and the exhibit’s main designer.

Visitors step through an illuminated ticket booth to get into the tropical conservatory.

Once inside, a three-ring circus showcases a clever and playful variety of orchids, bromeliads and ferns perched upon trapezes, high wires, ladders and colorful silks — all reminiscent

ANDRÉA MARTONE A+E EDITOR

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adies and gentlemen, children of all ages. Step right up!

The theme is unique: vintage Ringling circus posters amid a sea of 600 live orchards that work in harmony with one another at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ annual Orchid Show, which runs through Nov. 28.

A collaboration with the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and Selby Gardens, the show is called “Aerialists from

IF YOU GO ‘AERIALISTS FROM THE TREE TOP TO THE BIG TOP’ When: Through Nov. 28 Where: Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. Tickets: Free with admission Info: Visit Selby.org.

of Ringling circus performers.

Visitors can relate the beauty and diversity of epiphytic orchids to the drama and theatricality of 1920s-era aerial acts, depicting wire walkers and trapeze artists. The display features an abundance of orchids of bright colors and bold patterns suspended from various heights and suggestive of certain aerial

A three-ring circus theme was created for the show. No elephants or clowns found here, just orchids and vintage posters that evoke circus memories.

acts. Backdrops include theatrically lit vintage posters strategically placed throughout.

“In addition to the beauty of live orchids, we’re looking at some of the finest examples of fine art in the world,” said David Berry, Selby’s vice president for visitor engagement and chief museum curator.

The colored lithographs — some dating back to the late 19th century — were once used as advertisement in cities across the U.S. to herald the coming of the circus to their town. The history of the circus comes to life through the vast and varied collections, which are only a small part of 8,000 vintage circus posters from The Ringling Museum, the first in the country in 1948 to document the rich history of the circus.

“This exhibit is a wonderful way for us to make parallels with

St. Armands Key

5 Ways to Worship at All Angels

All Angels Episcopal Church | 563 Bay Isles Rd

LUTHERAN CHURCH

JOIN US FOR IN-PERSON WORSHIP SUNDAYS AT 9 & 11AM

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

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

or worship with us online at saklc.com/live or on Facebook

• Zoom service - join meeting number 595-570-1807

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Saturday, Oct. 16 •12:30-4:30 Live Music & Great Food!

OKTOBERFEST WORSHIP - Sunday, Oct 17 9am & 11 am

• Walk-up Church - listen to the service outside

Growing in Jesus’ Name

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

941-383-8161 • www.AllAngelsLBK.org

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

Worship With Us at Our Church

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

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

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

Catholic Church

Masks Are Optional

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www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchof lbk.org (follow YouTube link) •

941.383.8833 (office)

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An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

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

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

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

Lord’s Warehouse hours are 9:00 - 1:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays

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Visitors & Residents Welcome Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live:

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

the circus and botanicals,” Berry said. “It encourages us to experience the show from two separate perspectives. And it works.”

Moving into the main museum’s two rooms, visitors will see seven vintage posters on loan from the Tibbals Circus Collection at The Ringling Museum, including one wall of glass jars holding preserved “spirit specimens” (orchids preserved in alcohol) owned by Selby. Selby Gardens maintains more than 35,000 of these, the secondlargest collection of its kind.

“Orchids are an amazing species, and there are 28,000 of them,” said Mike McLaughlin, Selby’s senior vice president of horticulture. “The diversity is mind-bending and ranges from the size of a pin-head to the size of a Volkswagen bug. And let’s not forget about their scent.”

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

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

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

Temple Beth Israel

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

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OCTOBER 14, 2021

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT The headless horseman rides again The Players expands its production of the classic tale ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ just in time for Halloween.

ANDRÉA MARTONE A+E EDITOR

et’s face it. Everyone loves a ghost story — and what better time to indulge in this pleasure than Halloween?

For the past five years, The Players Centre for Performing Arts recognizes that a really good ghost story is Washington Irving’s classic, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” the 201-year-old classic.

Beginning Oct. 22, The Players will host four dates at two outdoor venues of the spooky production (Sarasota Polo Club and Selby’s Historic Spanish Point). People of all ages will particularly enjoy the story’s main character, Ichabod Crane — a tall, lanky character who is the local schoolmaster and has a strong belief in all things supernatural, including the legend of the headless horseman.

If you need a memory refresh on the theme of this tale, in the 1790s Crane eventually begins courting an heiress, a decision that angers a local man who also wishes to marry her. After asking for her hand in marriage, Crane is headed home alone at night when the headless horseman appears and chases the schoolmaster.

Crane is never seen again.

Philip Troyer, 36, takes the role of Ichabod Crane and said he thoroughly enjoys playing the character, particularly because he loves looking out into the audi-

ence and seeing the families who are mesmerized by the show.

“I’ve been playing the role for four years now, and I love the fact that the character is over the top and outlandish,” Troyer said. “That’s not me in real life.

It allows me to transform. I especially love to speak with a distinct British accent like they did in the late 1700s.”

Troyer volunteers his time as an actor, but his day job is working as a designer with The Rhinestone World, a Bradenton national custom jewelry manufacturer. He grew up in Sarasota and considers himself “a Sarasota lifer.” He said his love of theater stems from middle school when he performed in shows and loved every minute of it. He went on to study photography at the International Academy of Design and Technology.

Jeffery Kin, The Players’ producing artistic director, said the idea of producing “Sleepy Hollow” was conceived more than five years ago when he was driving around the Lakewood Ranch area thinking of ideas.

“I heard the distant sound of a neigh from a horse,” Kin said.

“It was an a-ha moment for me, and I thought of ‘Sleepy Hollow’ immediately.”

Kin said he also likes the idea of establishing community tradi-

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1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

tions, of which Lakewood Ranch only had a few at the time. The tale teaches life lessons to kids, he said, such as two of the seven deadly sins: greed and gluttony.

This year is the first the production will add a second venue to the mix, with three performances at Historic Spanish Point.

“We were touring Historic Spanish Point and thought it would be an ideal location to take our Sleepy Holly production,” Kin said. “(Marie Selby Botanical Gardens) has been enthusiastic about their partnership with us ever since we hosted Broadway on the Bay at their Selby Botanical location.”

This will be the last season for Kin, who, after 15 years with The Players, will leave in January to be the general director of a proposed citywide arts festival. Planned by the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota in conjunction with the Sarasota Downtown Improvement District, the festival’s goal is to bring greater awareness to the Sarasota area arts and culture scene and possibly draw national and international attention.

“I hope that The Players Centre will continue to be mobile and really get out into the Sarasota communities, getting to know our neighbors, drawing families to us and giving them a legacy,”

4551 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

IF YOU GO “THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW” At Sarasota Polo Club When: 6 p.m. Oct. 22; 4 and 6 p.m. Oct. 23 Where: Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane Tickets: $20; students $10; family four pack $50 Info: Call 253-5929.

Philip Troyer plays Ichabod Crane in The Players Centre for Performing Arts’ “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

At Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point When: 5:30 p.m. Oct. 29 and 30 Where: Guptil House at Selby Botanical Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point, 337 N. Tamiami Trail Info: Call 253-5929.

What you need to know: n Bring chairs and/or blankets. Blankets will be seated closer to the stage, but seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. n You can bring an umbrella, but you will be moved toward the back if it obstructs stage views. n There will be food trucks present, but you may bring in your own food (no alcohol). n Arrival time is 45 minutes prior to show.

Kin said. “This is a major initiative for us, and we know it has amazing potential for growth — not just in Lakewood Ranch and in Historic Spanish Point but everywhere in Sarasota.”

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YOUR NEIGHBORS

Below: Reba smiles for her close-up.

Right: Clemmie, Dave Bishop’s dog Far right: Dave Bishop, right, holds the leashes of Chloe and Callie as the Rev. Dave Marshall blesses them.

The blessing of the pets is an early October tradition in Christianity that coincides with the Feast of St. Francis of Assissi. Because St. Francis was the patron saint of animals and the environment, churches set up events to bless the pets of their congregation.

Some churches get out-of-the-box pets, such as an ant farm that Ginny Upshaw once saw, or stand-ins for pets, such as stuffed animals that Marshall got at his previous church. However, on Longboat Key, dogs are the most commonly blessed pets.

BLESSING OUR BEST FRIENDS

Dave Marshall started the tradition when he arrived on Longboat Key in 2019.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

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ife would be ruff without our best friends, and All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church took the time to celebrate all that pets provide on Oct. 7 at the church’s third annual pet blessing.

The Rev. Dave Marshall started the church’s tradition when he was installed as rector in 2019. He had come from a church that had been doing the blessing annually for years and wanted to rectify the blank looks he got when he first mentioned it to his new congregation.

“We bless the humans every Sunday,” Marshall said. “Why not bless the pets?”

Ginny and Ed Upshaw brought their Labradoodle, Reba, for her blessing. The 7-year-old was one of the first pets Marshall blessed and hasn’t missed a year since.

She’s a retired therapy dog but

needs her blessings and forgiveness for the lizards from which she can’t stay away. Dog mom Ginny said rambunctious Reba had caught two that morning.

“She’s just hot on those lizards,” Ginny said.

Soon after, three more dogs made their way to Marshall’s setup on Bay Isles Road, eagerly pulling on their leashes to make it to a new person they could beg for belly rubs.

Tiny Clemmie, wearing the purple and orange Clemson collar of her collegiate namesake, hopped up as soon as she could.

Marshall blessed her last year when she was just a puppy. She’s another year older but no less excitable.

Chloe and Callie, two poodles who belong to senior warden Cathie Wilt, showed up for their blessings, too. Marshall said he had been hearing them on Zoom all year and was glad to finally meet them in person. No cats

came to be blessed this year, but Deborah Duffey said hers needs a blessing after a bird attack they committed last week.

“We just want to make sure these dogs get all the love and blessings they can get,” said Dave Bishop, who brought his dog, Clemmie, as well as poodles Chloe and Callie, who belong to a friend. “We know how much we love our dog and Cathie and David (Wilt) love theirs. They’re part of the family.”

Marshall held each pet close (with the help of a pumpkin dog biscuit) as he gave them their blessing, asking for the continued protection of each pet and thanking them for being such good companions.

“Pets became very important during the pandemic,” he said. “I think they have become a blessing for so many. Pets certainly help with isolation and loneliness. One day a year we get to bless them instead of them blessing us.”

Reba greets Callie and Chloe.

PET FUN FACTS Callie and Chloe are newcomers to the pet blessing this year. Their dog mom, Cathie Wilt, described them as very athletic dogs who love to chase balls and play with their favorite toy, Lambchop. They’re also unaware of their size and want to be as affectionate as small dogs — Wilt can’t sit down without a poodle head in her lap.

Panting pups got a blessing of another kind as they lapped up cold water that Marshall and Linn Torres had put out while their paw-rents chatted. Bishop ran around with the two poodles he came with, getting their extra energy out and letting them sniff all the sticks they wanted, while Clemmie hunted around for extra belly rubs to be had.

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WHY A PET BLESSING?

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

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BENCH M A R K R E SU LTS • S T R AT EGIC M A R K ET I NG • PER SONA L I Z ED SERV ICE BENCH M A R K R E SU LTS • S T R AT EGIC M A R K ET I NG • PER SONA L I Z ED SERV ICE

LD SO

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HUGHES STREET 2067 H A 6830 R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 Longboat Key Village | Sold at L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $$975,000 7 79, 0 0 #4 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V0E, L on g b o at KMLS# e y | OA4178487 f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

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LD O S

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LD O S

OF MEXICO DRIVE 20672251 H AGULF R BOUR LINKS DR I#303 V E, #4 Aria | Sold at $5,000,000 L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 #4 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V0E, L on g b o at KMLS# e y | OA4178487 f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

2067 A R BOUR LINKSDRIVE DR I V E, #4 1055 H GULF OF MEXICO #106 L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 Beachplace | Sold at $2,201,000 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L on g b o at KMLS# e y | OA4178487 f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

CALL US TO SEE AVAILABLE PROPERTIES IN THE FOLLOWING NEIGHBORHOODS

2067 HSINGLE A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 FAMILY HOMES L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $Bay 7 79, 0 0 #4 2067 H ALongboat R BOUR I V0E, Key LINKS | Gulf andDR

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L’ AMBIANCE L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at DR $ 7 79, 0 0 #4 2067 H A RLongboat BOURKey LINKS I V0E, | Gulfside

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS PLAYERS CLUBDR I V E, #4 L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at DR $ 7 79, 0 0 #4 2067 H A RLongboat BOURKey LINKS I V0E, | Gulfside

2067 H AINN R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 ON THE BEACH L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 2067 H ALongboat R BOUR KeyLINKS | Gulf & DR Bay I V E, #4

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 BEACHPLACE L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at DR $ 7 79, 0 0 0 2067 H A RLongboat BOURKey LINKS | Gulfside I V E, #4

2067 H GOLDEN A R BOURGATE LINKS DR I V E, #4 POINT L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 2067 H A R BOUR Sarasota LINKS | BayfrontDR I V E, #4

L on gPrice b o atrange KMLS# e y$599,000 | OA4178487 f f ere- d$1,995,900 at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

L onPrice g b o at KMLS# e y$1,895,000 | OA4178487 f f ere d- $4,295,000 at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 range MLS# A4178487

L on gPrice b o atrange KMLS# e y$850,000 | OA4178487 f f ere-d$2,000,000 at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

I A N A DDY, PA I ARN E A LAT DDY, O R ® , M B PA A R E A LT O R ®, M B A

IanAddy@MichaelSaunders.com IanAddy@MichaelSaunders.com

L on Price g b o atrange KMLS# e y$1,137,000 | OA4178487 f f ere d- $1,895,000 at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

L on gPrice b o atrange KMLS# e y $915,000 | OA4178487 f f ere-d$5,888,000 at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

G A I L W IT T IG IL TI IG BG RA OK E RW - A SIT SOC ATE

B R O K E R - A S S O C I A T com E GailWittig@MichaelSaunders.

GailWittig@MichaelSaunders.com

941.387.0100 941.387.0100 W W W . L O N G B O AT L I F E . C O M

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L onPrice g b o at KMLS# e y$789,000 | OA4178487 f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 range - $12,900,000 MLS# A4178487

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

COMMUNITY FRIDAY, OCT. 15

DINNER AND A MOVIE At 5:30 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive, the Longboat Key Garden Club will present its Dinner and a Movie event. Cocktails start at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and the movie, “Space Cowboys,” at 8 p.m. There will be a live auction during the event. Tickets are $75 and include dinner, popcorn, beer, wine, sparkling wine and live music. Call 387-1909, or visit LBKGardenClub.org to buy tickets.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 20

FLORIDA AND THE DAWNING OF THE SPACE AGE From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, attend a lecture with OLLI at Ringling College. Josh Goodman will cover how the lead-up to the moon landing changed Florida forever as the Cape Canaveral area was rapidly developed in the 20 years leading up to 1969. The lecture is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers.

RECURRING EVENTS

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THURSDAYS

4420 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941.260.8905 www.shellysgiftandchristmasboutique.com Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

KIWANIS CLUB OF LONGBOAT KEY At 8:30 a.m. at Lazy Lobster, 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive. This service organization meets every first and third Thursday of the month for breakfast and a speaker. Breakfast is $10. Email Lynn Larson at LynnLarson@ comcast.net to register.

ST. ARMANDS KEY LUTHERAN CHURCH BRIDGE CLUB Every Thursday beginning at 1

BEST BET SATURDAY, OCT. 16

MAKING STRIDES FOR BREAST CANCER Starting at 9:30 a.m. at 546 Bay Isles Road, join The Paradise Center in a Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk. The walk will be about 3 miles, and LBK Paradise Striders team captain Liz Yerkes will offer massages for team members afterwards. Visit bit.ly/ParadiseStriders to join the team. For information, call Suzy Brenner at 383-6493.

p.m. at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 N. Adams Drive, join an ACBL-sanctioned game of contract bridge with a certified teacher and director, Peter Cleaves. There is an $8 suggested donation for each session.

Refreshments will be provided.

RSVP to Cleaves at 952-9251.

FRIDAYS

TAI CHI From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Reuben Fernandez teaches the class outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $10 for nonmembers, free for members. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

VIRTUAL COCKTAIL HOUR At 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.

Single Tickets Available 941.359.0099 SarasotaBallet.org

ONE-ACT COMEDY

2022 WINTER OPERA FESTIVAL Puccini's Tosca

FEB. 12 - MAR. 19, 2022

Donizetti's The Daughter of the Regiment FEB. 19 - MAR. 18, 2022

Bizet's The Pearl Fishers MARCH 5-19, 2022

Verdi's Attila

MARCH 12-22, 2022

(941) 328-1300 | SarasotaOpera.org

Martha Graham’s Appalachian Spring Ricardo Graziano’s Sonatina (World Premiere)

MEDIA SPONSOR 364520-1

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Program 1 | 22-24 October 2021 | FSU Center

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

Sarasota’s Best Voted One of

28 Years in a Row!

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com 359444-1

Temple Beth Israel members meet for dinner

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

WE’RE BACK ON STAGE!

M

Top: Attendees make the rounds and say hello to friends before finding their seats.

Above: Neil Blume snaps photos of attendees.

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

embers of Temple Beth Israel met for a “fintastic” dinner at Crab and Fin on St. Armands Circle, organized by the Men’s Club on Oct. 6.

Attendees gathered in a private room, happy they didn’t have to venture over Ringling Bridge and into the construction traffic.

It was one of the Men’s Club’s bestattended dinners yet, with more than 20 people in attendance. Diners made their way to their seats after making the social rounds of the small room and catching up with friends.

The next dinner temple members will attend will be the welcome back dinner Nov. 12, when part-time residents will be returning for the winter.

TICKETS FOR

AND ALL OUR 2021-2022 SHOWS ARE ON SALE NOW. SAVE WITH A 3-SHOW SUBSCRIPTION!

—NAT KAEMMERER

INSPIRING HOPE DINNER 365921-1

westcoastblacktheatre.org

941-366-1505 1012 N ORANGE AVE, SARASOTA

FSU/ASOLO CONSERVATORY FOR ACTOR TRAINING

FRIDAY, NOV. 12, 2021 | 6:30-9:30

EVERYBODY

P.M.

THE RITZ-CARLTON SARASOTA, 1111 RITZ-CARLTON DRIVE, SARASOTA

Sunshine from Darkness presents an inspirational evening featuring two celebrity keynote speakers being recognized for their mental health advocacy and achievements: • Darryl Strawberry: baseball legend Darryl Strawberry

Steve Ford

by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins directed by Greg Leaming

• Steve Ford: actor, mental health advocate and son of former President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty Ford The Lee & Bob Peterson Legacy Award will be presented to the Seidensticker Family in honor of their late father, Steve. Other event highlights include a “Hope Chest” raffle, silent auction, and live entertainment throughout the evening.

2018 Pulitzer Prize Finalist

Witty and moving with the role of “Everybody” played by a different cast member each show.

You’ll need to see it more than once!

Co-chairs: Taylor Karp Teymuri and Sarah Karp. Tickets are $325; numerous sponsorships are available.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

NOV 2–21

Journey to Wellness Symposium

PRESENTERS

SATURDAY, NOV. 13, 2021 | 8:45 A.M.-12:15 P.M.

TICKETS: $32

HYATT REGENCY, 1000 BOULEVARD OF THE ARTS, SARASOTA FREE AND OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY

Eli Lebowitz, Ph.D.

Joyce Carter, Psy.D., LMHC

Jennifer Katzenstein, Ph.D., ABPP-CN

Myrna Weissman, Ph.D.

Andrea Blanch, Ph.D. Moderator

TO LEARN MORE OR PURCHASE TICKETS, VISIT SUNSHINEFROMDARKNESS.ORG

BOX OFFICE: 941.351.8000 ASOLOREP.ORG/CONSERVATORY/SEASON

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Three Continuing Education (CEU) credits will be available at no charge for LCSWs, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors.

Michael H. Bloch, M.D., M.S.

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National and local mental health practitioners and scientists will discuss new treatments, discoveries, and insights on mental health issues. Topics will include better treatments for childhood disorders, creating a trauma-informed community, the impact of COVID-19 on young people, childhood and adolescent anxiety, and the nature of depression; a Q&A will follow the program. The goals of the symposium are to raise awareness of mental health and addiction disorders and to help erase the stigma surrounding them.

@FSUASOLO_CONSERVATORY

19

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

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

LONGBOAT KEY 415 L Ambiance Drive D906 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,634 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4503404 $4,295,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 102 Cedar Avenue 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,290 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4507978 $3,995,000

SARASOTA The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Residences 1204 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,553 Sq. Ft. Joan Dickinson & Beth Afflebach 941-914-0496 A4508463 $3,590,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 867 N Shore Drive 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,507 Sq. Ft. Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4512601 $3,250,000

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

SARASOTA 1635 Prospect Street 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,845 Sq. Ft. Dana Westmark & Donald Geikie 941-356-5091 A4513813 $2,975,000

VENICE 721 Granada Avenue 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,287 Sq. Ft. Margaret Kennedy 941-713-5000 A4511866 $2,950,000

SARASOTA 7434 Albert Tillinghast Drive 6 Beds 4 Baths 4,894 Sq. Ft. Stacy Hanan 941-266-0529 A4513203 $2,000,000

LONGBOAT KEY 230 Sands Point Road 3207 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,602 Sq. Ft. Thomas Cinquegrano 941-284-5049 A4511867 $1,995,900

SARASOTA 505 S Orange Avenue 1103 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,003 Sq. Ft. Susan Fox & Jonathan Fox, PA 941-544-6648 A4510482 $1,850,000

LONGBOAT KEY 647 Marbury Lane 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 2,651 Sq. Ft. Sandi Layfield 941-914-2807 A4503569 $1,799,000

HOLMES BEACH 4003 5th Avenue 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,200 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4514159 $1,750,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2719 Gulf Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,119 Sq. Ft. Melinda Alvarez 941-704-0633 A4506596 $1,599,900

BRADENTON 20504 65th Avenue E 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,738 Sq. Ft. Aaron Corr & Leslie Emery 941-840-2346 A4509727 $1,599,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3540 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 303C 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,568 Sq. Ft. Sean Clark 941-312-1146 A4512315 $1,390,000

SARASOTA 1350 Main Street 1406 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,597 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4513275 $1,250,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1445 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 201 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,274 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4504369 $1,137,000

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

SARASOTA 512 Laurel Park Drive 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,423 Sq. Ft. Phyllis Garfinkel 941-302-6400 A4514157 $899,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1125 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 304 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,503 Sq. Ft. Connie Lyke Brown 941-302-1214 A4513304 $850,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1701 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 303 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,551 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4503585 $829,000

BRADENTON 5519 46th Court W 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,719 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4511976 $798,000

LONGBOAT KEY 691 Broadway Street 1,189 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4511952 $789,000

ST PETE 400 4th Avenue S 1004 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,384 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts & Cathy Palmer 941-266-1450 A4512905 $789,000

BRADENTON 3622 Avenida Madera 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,609 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4507676 $650,000

SARASOTA 555 S Gulfstream Avenue 303 1 Bed 1 Baths 913 Sq. Ft. Marybeth Flynn 941-704-1477 A4512357 $500,000

BRADENTON 5820 2nd Avenue Drive NW 4 Beds 2 Baths 2,149 Sq. Ft. Judy LaValliere & Megg Faillace 941-504-3792 A4512792 $455,000

PARRISH 9044 41st Street E 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,112 Sq. Ft. Barbara A Milian, PA 941-504-0660 A4514024 $429,900

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND 8017 Marina Isles Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,593 Sq. Ft. Kate Enis 941-330-6068 A4500595 $7,250,000

SARASOTA 483 Meadow Lark Drive 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 5,468 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4510572 $6,950,000

LONGBOAT KEY 25 Lighthouse Point Drive 4 Beds 6/1 Baths 6,025 Sq. Ft. Sherri Mills 941-350-7112 A4503359 $5,200,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

SEPT. 27 TO OCT. 1

five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,772 square feet of living area.

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

waterfront home on Bird Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Earl Wayne Shelton and Marjane Shelton sold their home at 231 Robin Drive to Michael and Catherine Farello, of Sarasota, for $6.5 million. Built in 1962, it has five bedrooms, four-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 5,819 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.4 million in 2007.

BIRD KEY

R. David and Alexandra Openshaw sold their home at 360 Bobwhite Drive to Suzanne Alexander and Mark Alexander, trustees, of Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, for $4.18 million.

Built in 2011, it has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,427 square feet of living area.

LIDO C

John Micera sold the home at 1440 John Ringling Parkway to SRQ Home Holdings LLC for $3.9 million. Built in 1970, it has

SLEEPY LAGOON PARK

William Jackman and AnnCharlotte Ehrling, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the home at 545 General Harris St. to Peter Allen Bosma and Venessa Bosma, trustees, of Prescott, Arizona, for $1.95 million. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,294 square feet of living area.

WESTON POINTE

Eric Garwood

Jill Johnson, of Mercer Island, Washington, sold her home at 600 Weston Pointe Circle to John and Mayra Schmidt, of Longboat Key, for $1.7 million.

Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,649 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.3 million in March.

100 Sands Point Road to Thomas Ralph Muller and Tamara Peth Muller, trustees, of Longboat Key, for $1.4 million. Built in 1966, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,941 square feet of living area.

DREAM ISLAND

THE AQUARIUS CLUB

D.G. Island Properties LLC sold the home at 651 Emerald Harbor Drive to John and Kimberly Wise, trustees, of Pacific Palisades, California, for $1.63 million. Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,860 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1.25 million in June.

SANDS POINT

Paul and Kathleen Saxton sold their Unit 115 condominium at

The Bird Key home at 231 Robin Drive includes five bedrooms, four-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 5,819 square feet of living area.

David and Diane Marsh, of Wheaton, Illinois, sold their Unit P-H condominium at 1701 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Double-T LLC for $1.16 million. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,551 square feet of living area. It sold for $541,000 in 2015.

LIDO BEACH CLUB

Kevin Kehoe and Pamela Kehoe,

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

of Bettendorf, Iowa, sold their Unit 1002 condominium at 1212 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Dale Zude, trustee, of Port Byron, Illinois, for $1.08 million. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,532 square feet of living area.

TANGERINE BAY CLUB

Rhoda Cooper sold her Unit 511 condominium at 380 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Philip and Andrea Benza, of Mount Kisco, New York, for $1 million. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,476 square feet of living area. It sold for $560,000 in 1994.

Debra Pitell-Hauge & Lisa Sebastian

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of October 1-7 in order of dollar amounts.

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive | Longboat Key | 941.356.0437 941.554.5413

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS 3591 Bayou Circle

PERMIT APPLICANT Interior alterations James A. Harkin III

AMOUNT $500,000

604 Rountree Lane

Windows and doors Andrew C. Kober

$238,600

Revocable Trust

585 Outrigger Lane

Robert R. Rahaim

Dock and lift

Why hire Debra and Lisa to market or buy your residence on Longboat Key? Because they offer their clients service way beyond the expected and with exceptional results. With 40 plus years of success they make a difference. Contact them today whether you are thinking of buying or selling. References and testimonials available upon request.

$225,959

Revocable Trust

559 Bayview Drive

Interior alterations 559 Bayview LLC

$77,600

3540 Bayou Circle

Windows and doors Timothy English

$66,598

561 Halyard Lane

Dock and lift

Thomas L. McCollum, Jr. $50,976

3543 Fair Oaks Lane

Re-roof

Jan Hurwitz Trust 1999 $43,946

571 Birdie Lane

Windows and doors Virginia O’Connor

3527 Mistletoe Lane

Re-roof

Gloria H. Hartman Restate $37,850

573 Cutter Lane

Seawall

Steven Gordon Fraser

21

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

REAL ESTATE

Bird Key home sells for $6.5 million

|

debrapitell-hauge@michaelsaunders.com lisasebastian@michaelsaunders.com

$43,172 $37,581

Revocable Trust

6326 Laguna Drive

Interior alterations Michael J. Reichert

$35,000

455 Longboat Club Road

Shutters

Eric Oyen William

$33,865

Dock

Jennifer M. Fischley

$31,027

#301 525 Cutter Lane

1281 GMD #201

Revocable Trust

Motorized hurricane Ruth B. Kreindler

$28,970

shutters 3240 GMD #b205

Windows and doors Carmen M. Brannan

1955 GMD

Electrical service

$28,578

Seaplace Association Inc. $27,815

LONGBOAT KEY 1211 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 905 2 Beds 2.5 Baths 2,135 SF A4503364 $1,579,000

SOLD

LONGBOAT KEY PENDING/Backups Desired 370 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 423 2 Beds 2.5 Baths 2,350 SF A4511785 $1,200,000

LONGBOAT KEY 603 Longboat Club Road 1103N 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,458 SF A4506271 $1,150,000

SOLD

LONGBOAT KEY 1095 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 404 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,503 SF A4502167 $775,000

change C. Joseph Collins

$26,193

1904 Harbourside Drive #201 Interior alterations Jane Vargas

$25,000

1425 GMD #202

Windows and doors Judith L. Peters TTEE

$24,497

1425 GMD #302

Windows and doors Joy S. Kruyswyk

$24,322

601 Birdie Lane

Seawall

740 Spanish Drive N.

Windows and doors Keith Andrew Evans

$24,060

6700 GMD Unit 110

Interior alterations William R. Connor

$18,800

690 Russell St.

Mechanical

$17,000

Cardwell Hill House Farm $24,220

Kevin Slachciak

Source: Town of Longboat Key

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3040 Grand Bay Blvd. #285 A/C change-out

SOLD

Licensed Real Estate Broker

22

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

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

BIRD OF THE WEEK

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

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

Common ground dove

365385-1

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

Run for the Kitties

FIND US IN YOUR

NEIGHBORHOOD

From Wherever You Call Home and

HELP SAVE LIVES!

CONTESTS, PRIZES, FUN AND MORE!

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

FIND US IN YOUR

NEIGHBORHOOD

Looking for a copy of the

Registration

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

NOW OPEN

at catdepot.org (ends 10/31/21)

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

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Our Water Heater pricing will knock you dead!

T

he smallest doves in North America, common ground doves, are permanent residents of Florida’s open sandy habitats. You will often find these birds on the ground in semiopen habitats with low brush and grass, such as prairies, fields and dunes. These ground gleaners forage for seeds, grains and some insects. And when startled, they flush loudly, making a fluttering rattle suggestive of creatures at least 10 times their size.

Common ground doves mate for life. You’ll usually spot them in pairs or even larger groups.

In addition to reflecting strong familial and social bonds, staying inLV9705 groups is a defense mechanism because their small size makes them easy prey to many avian, as well as terrestrial predators.

Hatchlings are completely dependent on their parents for protection and food. And because they can’t digest seeds, both parents produce crop milk, a semisolid excretion high in fat and protein, to care for their young.

Unlike in mammals, crop milk is not generated by mammary glands; it is produced in the crop.

In recent decades, a serious decline in the U.S. population of ground doves has been noted.

Because these ground-dwellers are especially vulnerable to attacks by domestic cats, now considered the second most serious threat to bird populations

Miri Hardy

MEET THE BIRDS OF THE WEEK Check out more than 60 species of birds, along with Miri Hardy’s reports on each one and her stunning wildlife photography. Hover your smartphone camera over the QR code to see.

As ground doves nest on the ground, in shrubs or low trees, their nests and nestling are also extremely vulnerable to predation.

worldwide (after loss of habitat), we can help these sweet birds by keeping pet cats indoors.

— MIRI HARDY, SAVE OUR SEABIRDS

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

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

23

REID MURPHY PRESENTS

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

JUST LISTED

LONGBOAT KEY WATER CLUB $3,795,000 Arlington floor plan, direct Gulf-front, 3rd floor, South Tower 3BR/3.5BA 3,500sf premier condo. Elevator to private-foyer. Luxurious, resort-style ammenities w/24hr staffed gated-access in the heart of Longboat Key. Minutes from great restaurants, shopping, golf, marinas, Mote Marine, St. Armands Circle & downtown Sarasota.

CASEY KEY GULF FRONT

LONGBOAT KEY GRAND MARINER

Spectacular opportunity!

Gulf front estate lot directly on the beach. Includes a Bayfront dock w/ power, water & hydraulic lift for 40 ft. boat plus excellent water depth. 12 ft above sea level, mature landscaping for great privacy.

Bayfront 3BD/4BA, second floor 2,928 SF. Deep water dock with power, water, pump station & 20,000 lb. lift. Privately coded elevator & 2 car garage. $2,295,000

$6,000,000 LIDO KEY POLK Close to everything! 3 Level Coastal Home w/Gulf & city views from 20’x20’ roof top deck w/elevator & stair chair service. 5/ BD 6/BA all w/en-suite private baths. Impressive pool area with eleveatd spa and rock waterfall. One block to beach.

HOLMES BEACH ISLAND PARADISE Gulf front. Furnished 3BD/2BA open plan in this six unit complex with great rental opportunities. $1,125,000

Developers Realty Inc. Lic. Real Estate Broker

CALL REID TODAY! | 941.232.3304

www.ReidMurphy.com

595 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL 34228

365359-1

$3,875,000

24

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FRIDAY, OCT. 15

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

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

Patricia Muller captured this photo of a butterfly on an early Longboat Key morning.

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Oct. 14

7:30a 7:02p

High: 87 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 9%

Friday, Oct. 15

7:30a

7:01p

Saturday, Oct. 16

7:31a

7:00p

Sunday, Oct. 17

7:32a

6:59p

SATURDAY, OCT. 16

Monday, Oct. 18

7:32a

6:58p

Tuesday, Oct. 19

7:33a

6:57p

Wednesday, Oct. 20

7:33a 6:56p

High: 85 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 10%

SUNDAY, OCT. 17 High: 85 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 22%

TIDES

MOON PHASES

Nov. 4 New

Nov. 11 First

Nov. 19 Full

Highs

Nov. 27 Last

Lows

Thursday, Oct. 14

6:32a

11:08p

—

3:48p

Friday, Oct. 15

8:29a

11:14p

3:03a

4:42p

Saturday, Oct. 16

9:52a

11:25p

4:26a

5:23p

Sunday, Oct. 17

10:54a

11:38p

5:21a

5:56p

Monday, Oct. 18

11:46a

11:49p

6:06a

6:22p

Tuesday, Oct. 19

—

12:32p

6:44a

6:43p

12:00a

1:15p

7:20a

7:01p

Wednesday, Oct. 20

MANASOTA FLOORING INC CROSSWORD

941.748.4679 | Venice

SLIDERS by Freddie Cheng; Edited by David Steinberg

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Swing states?

6 Potato bud 9 "Babe" 12 Business with treatments 15 Continuous ranges 17 Epic Cali Bacon Burrito seller 19 Fancy 21 Presenting a fast-food side?

23 Basil-based sauce 24 Mount St. Helens' output 25 Just all right 26 SFO guess 27 Individual 28 The thing over there

30 Yearning felt before Halloween?

35 Easy gait 38 Matches, as a poker bet 39 Like some wine barrels 40 Combed (through) 42 "Pretty Woman" co-star Richard 43 Peer group?

45 M.A. seeker's test 48 One who walks right off the catwalk?

50 "... ___ lack thereof" 51 Lite 53 And others (Abbr.)

54 Weep loudly 55 Signal for male sheep?

57 Base for a Chinese sauce 58 Support 60 ID theft datum 61 Sometime in the future 62 Non-mainstream watercolors, e.g.?

68 Sounded like a lion 71 Crew team's leader, informally 72 Stereotypical Canadian sentence enders 73 Make darker 76 Where to stick a corncob holder?

79 Archery skill 81 Combo meal drink 82 Socket inserts

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com 107 Mostly closed 111 Soccer medalist Hamm 112 Version of someone else's song 113 Business of looking after grazing land?

118 Kevin of "Dave" 119 Lofty level to surpass 120 Takes a bite out of?

121 Word bookending "lease out" 122 Flamenco yell 123 Automaton, for short 124 Goodbye, in Grenoble

55 Forensic show with a Vegas revival 56 Heavy weight 59 Pour, as pinot noir 60 See 95-Across 62 Enchanted prince, maybe 63 Officials in striped shirts 64 NAACP co-founder ___ B. Wells 65 "___ favor" 66 Defrosts 67 "Really?"

68 Taken-back auto 69 Word after "Employees" or "Exit" DOWN 70 Feature blocked by paren1 Compromised equitably tal controls 2 Birth mo. for many Libras 73 Budget list?

3 Big name in elevators 74 Original thought 4 1962 Bond movie 75 Perseverance rover's place 5 Succumbs to gravity 77 Like September or the 6 www.stanford.___ letter "I" 7 Thus far 78 Roxy Music's Brian 8 Small toymaker 80 TV host's device 9 Port-au-Prince's country 81 Rollerblade, for one 10 Jellyfish's habitat, usually 84 Spiderweb fiber 11 Phone book listings (Abbr.)

85 Medieval music maker 12 Turn abruptly 86 Funny smell 13 It doesn't stay hot 87 Camp bed 14 Playwright Chekhov 89 Sets of parts 15 Lovers' disagreement 93 Hamster or beaver 16 Door directive 94 Conductor Previn 18 Tough journeys 95 "So frustrating!"

19 Give a TED Talk, say 97 One can lift a car 20 Godzilla's foe in a 2021 film 98 Reef around a lagoon 22 Alley-___ 99 Microsoft Outlook service 27 Hope's partner 100 Overindulge in Netflix, 29 All-out maybe 83 Traveler's stopover 31 Pre-owned 101 The "S" of UCSF 84 Expert at patiently elicit- 32 Trifling 103 Key holder ing giggles?

33 Orange coat?

104 Exams scored from 400 88 Olive of classic comics 34 Aquarium decoration to 1600 89 What a Scout learns to tie 36 Limit one ___ customer 108 Pinkett Smith of "Girls 90 Birth control options, 37 "Slow Churned" brand Trip" briefly 40 Takes to court 109 Improved over time, 91 Cuddly marsupials 41 Excited about perhaps 92 Feature 42 Hold nothing back 95 With 60-Down, common 110 Mortgage update, for short 43 Actress Woodward jazz instrument 113 P, to Pythagoras 44 One may start with https:// 96 Jazzy James 114 Flow out 46 Avatar of Vishnu 97 Evidence as to who tasted 115 Asada known for her triple 47 Crafty website too many filled scones? axels 49 Complainer's sound 102 Goofs 116 Getty Museum contents 51 Like a two-hour lecture 105 In conflict 117 0"Sallie" or "Ginnie" 52 Unrefined deposits 106 Space station until 2001 follower

349240-1

349230-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

"ZN HKA CXDM RKEY NLKG X NJXL, WPJ UPKBW KN WPXW NJXL YJSJL UKJB XEXH. ZW RZGZYZBPJB FJKFOJ."

PAUP IXDMGXY

"NCS EXGU UC IK X EJPUKJ, VCG'U MGCE TCE CJ ETKG? DPGV X HSPKU LFXBK, SAK X TSYIFK LKG." LXSF APYCG Puzzle Two Clue H equals Q

Sarasota

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, BEDROOMS & MORE

Puzzle One Clues M equals K

HARDWOOD

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

10-14-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM

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

Call 941-383-3338.

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

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.

Autos Wanted

Items Under $200 ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less.

Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

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

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Fax: 941-362-4808 Email: redpages@ yourobserver.com Online: yourobserver.com

WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

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

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

auto

stuff

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

real estate

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

The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice!

The The CRYSTAL CRYSTAL CLEAR CLEAR choice! choice!

RED PAGES

Condos/Apts. for Rent LOOKING FOR a condo to lease for 3 months. In LBK, Lido or Downtown Sarasota.

Must be at least 2,000 sq ft no steps, and nicely furnished 3 bedrooms. December - February or January - March. Brokers welcome. Respond to:Brenbrook234@gmail.com

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

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

Homes for Rent 3BR/2BA RANCH home Sleepy Lagoon on canal with heated pool, large covered lanai, southern exposure, one car garage $4,700/mth avail monthly Jan -May 2022 (302) 420-4289

RED PAGES Advertise your business or service in the Observer

BUY & SELL HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

or service in the Observer

RED CALLPAGES TODAY

364609-1

This week’s Crossword answers

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888 AdvertisePAGES your business RED 941-955-4888

8x3

Foodies Contest Campaign MARKETING HOUSE ADS 181551

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

Calling all

FOODIES!

We want you to share the inside scoop and tastiest takeaway from the best local places to eat and drink.

CHANDELIER METAL, BROWN, HARDWARE INCLUDE. LIKE NEW, $30 (941) 920-2494

SNAP A PHOTO

of your favorite local dish or drink.

UTILITECH ELECTRIC sump pump, $75. Workforce 10” miter combination saw $75.

Bikes $50 and up.

941-350-9431

Health/Fitness/ Beauty EXPERIENCED FLORIDA Cosmetologist Experienced Florida Cosmetologist needed for Busy beauty salon, in an upscale retirement facility. No clientele needed!.

No weekends!.

(941) 666-2543

YourObserver.com/OMGFoodies.

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “If you back down from a fear, the ghost of that fear never goes away. It diminishes people.”

Hugh Jackman Puzzle Two Solution: “You want to be a writer, don’t know how or when? Find a quiet place, use a humble pen.”

Paul Simon

$

YOUR PHOTO COULD WIN YOU $250 ... now that’s some cheddar!

This week’s Sudoku answers

PRIZE SPONSOR

©2021 NEA, Inc.

364609-1

YourObserver.com/RedPages

You’re only cheating yourself.

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE

peekers’ place

SELL IT FAST HERE!

ENTER YOUR FOODIE PHOTO AT

©2021 Universal Uclick

PARTY SPONSOR

SELL IT FAST! Place Your Ad Online YourObserver.com/RedPages

Auto Transport

Painting

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

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

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

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing.

Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

BUY STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

Cleaning

CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady.

Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential.

Commercial. New Construction. 941-400-2866.

Your local luxury transportation provider since 1994.

New luxury Sedans and SUVs. Fully Licenced and insured.

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

Honest and best prices.

30+ years exp. Fully ins/lic.

716-474-8492.

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

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

Watch Batteries Installed

6 8 4 2 G u l f of M e x i c o D r i ve , L o n g b oa t Ke y, F L 3 4 2 2 8 9 4 1 . 2 6 0 . 9 1 1 4 | c o o l s t u f f 4 u l o n g b oa t @ g m a i l . c o m

Auto Service

CONSTRUCTION HANDYMAN • Home Repairs & Maintenance • Interior & Exterior • Garage Floor Paint • Power Wash

Naji Aoun GladysKhabbaz@gmail.com 805 Molly Circle, Sarasota

Dog Grooming

GET YOUR LIFE BACK! Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

FAST • EASY • SAFE

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

365840

HoHoBuysCars.com

364791

5-Star Rated Registered member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA)

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression provides safe, gentle & effective relief for upwards of 90% of patients that qualify for care.

Financial Services

SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

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Beauty

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365844

Made for where you live. Here!

Furniture Repair

Patio Furniture Repairs.com patio RepaiRS FurnitureSales Sales &&Repairs Furniture Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating Cushions • Slings • Umbrellas

941-504-0903 941-504-0903 FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY FREE ONSITE QUOTES

364544 38056

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

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Investment Guaranteed by SW Florida Real Estate

For More Information: (941) 544-8873

WITH THE RED PAGES

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

424-333-0713 | rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

941.504.2745 941.400.1563

Health

SELL YOUR CAR! WE COME TO YOU

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Handyman

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Gifts and Vintage Jewelry

941-955-4888

Advertise items less than $200 for FREE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

Sliding Glass Door Repair

We Buy & Sell Costume Jewelry, Coins, Watches

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

E-mail: longboatlimousine @yahoo.com

Doors

Cool Stuff 4 U

941.270.4400

LONGBOAT LIMOUSINE

Call/Text 941-383-1235 CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

Antiques/Collectibles

365887

Transportation

364545

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.

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

RED PAGES YourObserver.com/RedPages

outdoor furniture experts• • www.patiorepairs.net

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

365264

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

|

364543

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

home services

26

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Power Washing

MIC INSURANCE

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

Honesty, Integrity and Pride

364793

Mike Mailliard ~ Lacey Weaver Allen Hovis ~ Chloe Gardner Matthew Mailliard ~ Julia McIlrevey Haley Jestings ~ Samantha Ryan Jaimie Simpkins

941-544-1066

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

AFTER

| scaperotta@aol.com

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

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

Massage

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

359636

Lic./Ins.

w & Pressure Cl indo345-5264 eani et W(941) s n ng wn as Sunrise Win o n k Su y l r e d Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Building & Roofing Contractor

941-626-3194 365266

364792

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

MM40360

Windows

Res./Com.

Roofing

Harbour Square 4134 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Suite 208 941-524-9700 SymphonyMassage.com Open 7 Days a Week | Covered Parking & Elevator Access

Doors and more!

BEFORE

Italian American Owned

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

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

Satisfaction guarantee Satisfaction Guarantee Pool cage Restoration/ Rescreening specialists Manufacture and Workmanship Warranties

941-345-5264

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

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

CREATE BUZZ!

Advertise your business in the Red Pages.

Call 941-955-4888

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

120

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY

Sandra Smith

| 941.383.3388

510 BAY ISLES SUITE 1 •DRIVE LONGBOAT KEY, FL (Next to SUNTRUST 6350 GULFROAD, OF MEXICO | LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228BANK)

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

TREASURES

found here.

Looking for something? Your lucky discovery is closer than you think.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

365841

365842

Screening Pressure Washing

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

27

364549

Pressure Washing

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

364546

Insurance

|

28

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

ROGER SELLS

LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES

MORE THAN $191 MILLION PENDING AND SOLD IN 2021

862 GRANDE PASS WAY

$3,100,000

250 SANDS POINT ROAD #5101

$625,000

Begin your dream beach home at this private, gated enclave on the southern tip of Boca Grande, featuring breathtaking sunsets views highlighted by the perfect backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico, Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande Pass. 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 enjoy, with beach access, fishing options and observation pier.

First-floor walkouts do not come on the market often at this coveted resort-style community on the renowned grounds of Longboat Key Club.

This coastal contemporary updated Inn on the Beach residence is offered turnkey furnished and situated in a corner, end location, this is an A+ unit, which means it is extra-large.

www.862GrandePassWay.com

www.InnontheBeach5101.com

1300 BEN FRANKLIN DRIVE #907

$2,950,000

3804 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #B106 $450,000

Striking beach and bay views perfectly complement this 9th-floor getaway. The open-concept interior is spread across 3,000+ SF, offering a sunlit atmosphere, hardwood flooring, and walls of glass that lead out to wraparound and guest terraces. Also includes two private, under-building parking spaces. In harmony with the world-class tradition of Ritz-Carlton managed properties, this exceptional community is located on a pristine stretch of Lido Key beach.

This lovely beach to bay getaway is conveniently located on the first floor, just a few steps from beautiful Gulf beach shores. Ready to enjoy as a place to escape or as a rental property, the interior of this 2BR residence’s open layout features a newer kitchen, plus a wall of sliders that open to the private garden patio.

www.BeachResidences907.com

www.BeachHarborClubB106.com

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE TOUR (941) 387-1840

365516-1

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