Longboat observer 12 1 16 by The Observer Group Inc.

LONGBOAT

Observer Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

Lawn Party: Don’t miss it

PAGE 10A

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 39, NO. 16

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

Zota opening delayed

YOUR TOWN

Resort construction isn’t in a holiday homestretch as planned. PAGE 2A

File photos

Act of interfaith Key gives thanks. SEE PAGE 1B

Light up our lives

Is your neighborhood beginning to look a lot like Christmas? If so, we need your help. We’re on the hunt for lights that are both merry and bright to highlight in our map featuring the jolliest decorations around town. We’re making our list and checking it twice, but we need some advice. Send us photos of your favorite holiday lights around town. It could be featured in our Christmas issue. Submit photos by Dec. 14 to kjohns@yourobserver.com or post them on Instagram using #lightupthenightLBK. Please include the address.

Give the gift of holiday cheer The Cortez Yacht Club’s “Light it Up” 2016 Toy Drive Holiday parade starts at 5 p.m. Dec. 10 at Annie’s Bait and Tackle, 4334, 127th St. W., Cortez. The event benefits Toys for Tots. Two Longboat Key sites are accepting toys: Design 2000 Hair & Nails in Whitney Beach Plaza and the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce at the Centre Shops. Katie Johns

The choir sings “America the Beautiful” as the recessional hymn at the 36th annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service on Nov. 22 at Longboat Island Chapel.

A+E

A VISION REALIZED A local Sinologist’s legacy INSIDE

Holiday scam alert What fraudsters don’t want you to know. SEE PAGE 3A

Pettingell’s sweet tradition continues Nothing says the holiday season more than sweets, and Roger’s Great Pie Extravaganza was no exception. For more than 10 years, Coldwell Banker International sales agent Roger Pettingell has been handing out pies to customers and charities for Thanksgiving. This year, Pettingell donated 130 pies from Yoder’s Restaurant.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

$24M Zota Beach Resort opening pushed to May The luxury resort on Longboat Key originally had a projected opening date of Dec. 1. TERRY O’CONNOR NEWS EDITOR

About those 2016 reservations for the grand opening of the new $24 million Zota Beach Resort. They’ve all been canceled. The luxury resort at 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key originally had a projected opening of Dec. 1. Then it was pushed back to February. Now, it’s shooting for May. “The project is simply experiencing some unforeseen delays, which is nothing unusual for any construction project,” said Sandra Rios, spokeswoman for hotel owner Oceans Properties Ltd. “We’re not going to open Dec. 1.” Construction workers swarm the property every working day, but it still looks far from completion. The pool remains in the skeletal stage, as does the main resort building. Zota Beach Resort had been taking reservations for months but quietly switched its “Opening 2016” banner facing the GMD construction site in October for an “Opening 2017” banner. Whenever opening day does come, Zota Beach Resort will fill a need on Longboat Key, tourism officials say. “Our bureau is thrilled to see Zota open this spring, especially since we desperately need short-

term rental accommodations on north Longboat Key,” said Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Zota is rebuilding on the site of the former Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort. Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce President Gail Loefgren said she’s fielded more than a few calls from people looking for the former Hilton. “They are looking for the old Hilton, and nothing comes up,” Loefgren said. “So that’s when we tell them about Zota Resort.” Construction began in June 2014 on the new resort, which will feature an 84-room hotel tower and a renovated 103-room hotel on site. The project also calls for a new lobby, pool, restaurant and wine bar and 2,758 square feet of meeting space. Its website, zotabeachresort. com, lists Viento Kitchen & Bar as the new gulf-front restaurant and wine bar. No menu or wine list is available. The delayed starting date has heightened interest in checking out the new resort, according to Karen Rangel, regional director of sales for Ocean Properties. “There’s a lot of demand and a lot of curiosity about what’s going on with the property,” Rangel said. The development required improvements to public infrastructure to increase water and wastewater capacity under the Manatee County facility investment fee ordinance. Increasing capacity cost a facil-

ity investment fee of $72,008, which the developer must pay prior to gaining a certificate of occupancy. In return, the town agrees to provide water and wastewater services. Developer agreements were approved Nov. 15, by the Planning and Zoning Board and now go before the Town Commission. Public Works Director Juan Florensa recommended approval. Ocean Properties Vice President Mark Walsh previously said Zota room rates will range from a minimum of $269 a night to a max of $539. Ocean Properties submitted plans to the town for an additional 85 tourism units, a request that was approved. The Zota Beach Resort project was the first to take advantage of a pool of 250 tourism units town voters approved in 2008. Delray Beach-based Ocean Properties owns more than 100

hotels, including the Resort at Longboat Key Club, which it purchased in 2012. It also owns Lido Beach Holiday Inn, Lido Beach Resort and Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach.

AT A GLANCE

Name: Zota Beach Resort Cost: $24 million Address: 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive Construction began: June 2014 Features: 84-room hotel tower, renovated 103-room hotel on site, new lobby, pool, restaurant and wine bar and 2,758 square feet of meeting space. Contact: Go to zotabeachresort.com or call 855335-1102.

Courtesy rendering

The website at zotabeachresort.com lists Viento Kitchen & Bar as the new gulf-front restaurant and wine bar. No menu or wine list is available yet.

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COMMON FLORIDA CONSUMER SCAMS The Florida Consumer Fraud Division lists the following common scams and how to avoid them. CHARITY Charitable donation scams are most popular after a disaster or devastating event. Verify a charity at 800helpfla.com. CHECK CASHING A scammer sends you a check for more than the amount they owe for an online transaction, ask you to deposit it into your bank account and send them the difference. The check bounces, of course. A deposited check takes a couple days to clear, whereas wired money is gone instantly. DEBT REDUCTION Anyone in financial trouble can be targeted by scammers who ask for an upfront fee to help you deal with your debts. Check with the Better Business Bureau or the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for company history and track record. IDENTITY THEFT Safeguard your information by monitoring financial statements and reviewing your credit report annually at AnnualCreditReport.com. IRS Someone calls claiming to be from the IRS collecting your tax debt. The IRS does not use the phone, email, text message or any social media to discuss your personal tax issues involving bills or refunds. JURY DUTY You receive a phone call stating a warrant has been issued for your arrest because you missed jury duty. The court will never request your personal information or immediate payment over the phone. ROMANCE In the era of online dating, be leery of those you meet online and have never met in person. Do not send money to anyone you do not know. TECH SUPPORT Individuals posing as computer support technicians ask to remotely access your computer. Never give control of your computer to a third party who calls or emails you. Go to computer company’s website for support. UNCLAIMED PROPERTY A scammer will tell you that you have thousands of dollars in unclaimed assets. You pay the individual a fee for assistance in locating your funds and never receive any money back. Source: myfloridacfo.com/division/Consumers/fraudscams. htm.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

Holidays mean open season for scamsters On Longboat Key, being too trusting can be costly. TERRY O’CONNOR NEWS EDITOR

’T

is the season for lightfingered Grinches to strip the holiday spirit from unsuspecting families with online scams, telephone rip-offs, gas pump skimmers and home package delivery thefts. Longboat Key Police Detective Bob Bourque said keeping the ho-ho-ho in your holidays means paying attention at a time of multiple merrymaking distractions. “We have the same problem on the island as they do everywhere else,” Bourque said. “There’s just so many different scams.” Many scams target senior citizens, which means Longboat Key is a ripe hunting ground. The median age on Longboat Key is 70.4, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. “They target seniors because they are more trusting,” said Deputy Police Chief Frank Rubino. “They grew up wanting to help the next person and aren’t as suspicious.” On Longboat Key, or any other beach municipality, being too trusting can be costly. It’s no longer a given your goods will still be on the beach after you’ve taken a dip in the Gulf of Mexico, Bourque said. “There are people who travel the entire state going to beach accesses and looking for valuables on the beach and in unlocked cars,” he said. “The biggest way that we, the people on Longboat Key, have a crime is a simple car burglary.” But there’s more. Don’t have holiday packages delivered to an unattended doorstep. Thieves look for that. “Have it dropped at a neighbor’s house or your work,” Rubino said. “Now with tracking numbers, you pretty much know when it’s coming.” One of the newest scams is cracking the PayPal online payment system to access eBay accounts. “Our victims had set up accounts with eBay and somebody got into the eBay system,” Bourque said. “They went into people’s profile and changed addresses and ordered stuff because they had saved their credit card information. They ordered a lot of stuff.” Police detectives check online listings for Longboat Key every day to ensure authenticity, Bourque said. “We go on Craigslist every single day, and look for those on Longboat Key, and mark ones that don’t check out as frauds,” Bourque said. “Obviously, we don’t catch every one of them. But we look for them. And they’ll be there every day.” Another scam — credit card skimmers. Police Chief Pete Cumming said two card skimmers were found recently in gas pumps

TIPS TO AVOID HOLIDAY SCAMS Protect yourself from holiday scams with the following tips from the Longboat Key Police Department and AARP:

Don’t:

Never save credit information after an online transaction. Reinsert it for every purchase.

Do:

Make sure any charity you support is registered with the Secretary of State. Ask how much money goes to fundraising and charitable purposes.

Don’t:

Never buy gift cards indirectly. Buy directly from the store. Have the card scanned to ensure the balance is correct.

Do:

Require a signature on all package deliveries. Write specific instructions for the delivery company on where to leave your package. Consider having your package delivered to you at work.

Don’t:

Use unfamiliar websites. Look for reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau or search the retailer’s name and “scam” to see if it checks out before giving payment information.

Do:

Take care of yourself during the hectic holiday season. Research shows people experiencing an illness, loneliness or financial difficulties are less able to avoid scams.

Don’t:

Never use public Wi-Fi to check sensitive financial information or make credit card buys.

Do:

Use a credit monitoring system.

at the only station on the island. Cumming said consumers should look at the pump for any apparent tampering and protect themselves further by using a pump directly in the line of sight of the store clerk. “Skimmers are all over the place,” Bourque said. Longboat Key residents are not immune from simple fraud. A new twist on an old check-swap scam snagged $1,500 recently from a woman looking for work, according to a Longboat Key Police Department report. She received a $1,650 check from someone she thought was her new employer with a note attached saying it was for expenses. The victim deposited the check and was under the impression it cleared, according to the report. “Sometimes it takes up to two weeks to find out these checks are worthless,” Bourque said. The victim was out $1,500,

according to the detective. Catching online criminals is unlikely, authorities say. Digital reach is global, and the shell game is complex. Cumming and Bourque said a “fraudster” in Ukraine can access private data and send purchases to a drop house operated by an unsuspecting employee hired online. The purchases are shipped overseas and quickly sold. “Try solving that crime,” Cumming said. And, be wary of door-to-door pitchmen. All solicitors require a permit to operate on Longboat Key. “And we don’t issue many of those,” Cumming said. But, it ’tis also the season to keep a charitable spirit toward religious door knockers. “A permissible purpose is a religious endeavor,” Cumming said. “We can’t stop that. It’s a constitutional (right).”

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

Jack Duncan out of commission until 2017

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Longboat Key Mayor Jack Duncan is on the road to recovery — again. Duncan, 67, was hospitalized for less than a week after a quadruple bypass heart procedure Nov. 18. He returned home in time for Thanksgiving weekend, his family said. The mayor said it will be awhile before he wields the gavel again for the Longboat Key Commission. Doctors have placed him on a restricted-movement regimen for 30 days. He can’t lift more than 5 pounds, drive or even sit in the front seat out of concern for the possible damage a deployed airbag could inflict. “They keep telling me the same thing over and over again: You will do up to this amount and that is it,” Duncan said. “You won’t push beyond it.” Duncan described 2016 as a “very, very interesting year” in terms of his health. He said he thought he had a heart attack in January before doctors “drilled out” the carotid artery. Then, he contracted pneumonia in March, which eventually triggered his cardiologist’s attention, he said. When tests showed blockages in arteries to his heart, Duncan was back in the hospital. “(They) thought I had one or two small blockages, but it ended

File photo

Longboat Key Mayor Jack Duncan, 67, is sitting on the sidelines while he recovers from a quadruple bypass heart procedure.

up there were four, and they had to bypass four arteries,” he said. Vice Mayor Terry Gans will fill in for the mayor at the next Town Commission meeting at 7 p.m. Dec. 5. Town Manager David Bullock said he’s coordinated mayoral duties with Gans and anything he would normally take to Duncan will go the vice mayor while the mayor recovers. Duncan, a retired marketing executive, moved to Longboat Key in 1999. He will end a sixyear run on the Town Commission in March, when he reaches his term’s limit. Former Mayor George Spoll, who is unopposed in the March 14 election, will succeed Duncan in the District 2 seat.

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TO SUBSCRIBE Free home delivery: The Longboat Observer offers free home delivery to single-family homes on Longboat Key, Bird Key, St. Armands Key, Lido Key and Lido Shores. The Longboat Observer also delivers to every condominium, resort and commercial building on Longboat Key and Lido Key. To subscribe: Please call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301, or email dcondon@yourobserver.com. MAIL DELIVERY SUBSCRIPTION RATES Standard First-Class One year / $95 One year / $200 Six months / $76 Six months / $160 Three months / $61 Three months / $128

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

Island mayors project $61.5M gap BARRIER ISLAND POPULATIONS IN MANATEE COUNTY Terry O’Connor

Traffic, pictured at the Longboat Pass Bridge, is one of the most obvious tourism pressures on Longboat Key infrastructure.

An infrastructure funding gap of $61.5 million is expected over the next 15 years, according to a report by the four Manatee County barrier island mayors.

TERRY O’CONNOR NEWS EDITOR

eading into the 2017 tourism season fresh off two record years, the mayors of Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach are appealing to Manatee County to invest more money in its greatest tourism asset: the barrier islands. Without it, an infrastructure funding gap of $61.5 million is expected to grow over the next 15 years, according to a report developed during the past few months by the four barrier island mayors. Public safety, transportation, parks and recreation, public buildings and beaches and waterways projects all contribute to the projected funding shortfall. Florida is on track to shatter its tourism records statewide with 85.5 million visitors through the first three quarters of 2016, according to a report issued last week by Gov. Rick Scott. During the same time in 2015, the state logged 80.59 million visitors. A lot of those feet shuffled

through Longboat Key sands and into its resorts, according to Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Director Gail Loefgren. “You can tell it’s been a record tourism year for Longboat Key just by the traffic,” Loefgren said. “It’s more than usual and earlier. The island businesses were happy with the summer.” Mayors Jack Duncan of Longboat Key, Bill Shearon of Bradenton Beach, Bob Johnson of Holmes Beach and Dan Murphy of Anna Maria Island worked for months on the report, which focuses on reconciling budgets, populations, revenue and expenditures. The funding request focuses on Manatee County alone, said Longboat Key Town Manager David Bullock. “Manatee is different than Sarasota in that they have four cities entirely composed of barrier islands,” Bullock said. “Sarasota only has Longboat Key. Plus, Sarasota has a different structure for its surtax and several other things.” The number of barrier island visitors, estimated at an average

of 9,000 per day by the mayors’ report, is putting pressure on infrastructure. The north half of Longboat Key in southern Manatee County has a permanent population of 2,378 and a seasonal count of 5,483. Barrier island populations are not growing, but demand on infrastructure is mushrooming as more visitors arrive each year. The seasonal visitor and day tripper population is at least 3.1 times greater than the permanent population, which forces island cities to offer services for roughly triple the resident population, according to the report. The pressure is not entirely from visitors. Planned or approved new development near the barrier islands is estimated at as many as 12,000 units in Manatee County and 4,221 units in Sarasota County. The growing tourism impact was illustrated in the report through the increase of more than 100,000 trolley riders in the past five years. Emergency calls are up 62% during the same period. “There’s clearly a trend of addi-

PERMANENT Community Anna Maria Island Bradenton Beach Holmes Beach Longboat Key TOTAL

Population 1,516* 1,178 3,851 2,378 8,923

SEASONAL Community Anna Maria Island Longboat Key Day visitors TOTAL

Population 13,313* 5,483 9,000 27,796

*Anna Maria Island includes the cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. Source: Barrier Island Mayors Report

tional impact of tourism on the barrier islands,” Bullock. “What we’re asking for is in the context of that and the revenues generated by these barrier islands. Everyone in Manatee County benefits because of the barrier islands. We’re just asking for a little bit of help in managing these impacts.” The report will be presented to the Manatee County Commission at its 4 p.m. Dec. 6 meeting.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

Resident donates $2.5 million to Salvation Army KATIE JOHNS STAFF WRITER

A few weeks ago, a man approached Salvation Army Sarasota seeking a way to afford housing that wouldn’t cost him all of his $1,000 monthly income. Through the Salvation Army’s Quality of Life by Choice Program, that man was able to find shared housing and save $400 of his wages each month. The QLife Program was implemented 18 months ago, and thanks to donors like Longboat Key resident Arnold Simonsen, its effects are becoming tangible. At the first QLife Celebration Luncheon on Nov. 10 at The Francis, the Salvation Army announced Simonsen’s donation of $2.5 million to the organization and its QLife Program. His donation will be dispersed throughout the program’s efforts. The program’s mission is to use behavioral science to nudge people experiencing homelessness in the direction they were already hoping to move toward. “What he supported was the framework that helped change the culture of how the Salvation Army serves those experiencing homelessness,” said Major Ethan Frizzell, area commander of the Salvation Army Sarasota.

From Frizzell’s experience, when someone experiencing homelessness is told what to do, they typically decide not to do it. The QLife Program allows those who are homeless to plan out their next steps in the order they want. A house or job isn’t always someone’s first priority, Frizzell said. Frizzell and Simonsen worked together to decide where the $2.5 million would go. Simonsen, former CEO of Simonsen’s Inc., said the program sounded like a good one. He said he is concerned about the homeless in Sarasota, so making his donation to Salvation Army was easy. “They are one of the best run charitable organizations in Sarasota,” he said. Simonsen’s donation, which is called a bundle gift, includes operating funds for the QLife initiative, capital support over the next few years and a bequest. His donation also funds the Quality of Life Center on the GlasserSchoenbaum Human Services Center and will create funds in various other areas for Salvation Army, Frizzell said. “Gifts of this size are rare and notable, but encouraging, I think, to the community,” Frizzell said. When Frizzell and Simonsen first met in 2014, Frizzell knew Simonsen would be a good match to help the QLife Program. “He wanted to make a significant impact for individuals suffering from homelessness,” Frizzell said. “He wanted to do it in a way that dignified the person and

Weather &Nature

File photo

Michael Saunders, Arnold Simonsen and Ronda Montminy at last year’s Aging in Paradise Gala. Simonsen donated $2.5 million to the Salvation Army and QLife Program.

recognized that different people had different needs.” Frizzell said that if you reduce the days of homelessness you reduce the years, and Simonsen had the courage to support the idea of using behavioral nudges

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

Action on traffic While Sarasota and Bradenton Beach officials say nothing new is planned to help relieve congestion, Longboat’s Lenny Landau is urging residents to change behavior.

ou have to give credit to Lenny Landau, Longboat Key’s chief unpaid, volunteer data analyst. He’s a doer, a GSD guy (Get S--Done guy), not just a talker. He wouldn’t make a good politician, that’s for sure. Landau is tired of all the yammering about traffic — and nothing changing. So he’s trying. He’s doing something. Which is more than you can say about some of the officialdom that you would expect to be addressing this region’s most-talked-about issue. See box below. Many Longboaters know Landau. A jet-engine engineer for General Electric and Longboat resident for nearly two decades, Landau thinks quantitatively and by common sense. Voluntarily and as a member of the Longboat Key Revitalization Task Force, Landau has analyzed quantitatively everything from submerged water pipes in the bay to beach erosion to water usage to electric grids. Given all of the angst about traffic, this past summer Landau turned his attention to traffic. He wanted data, but he quickly realized the problems were obvious — too many people trying to go places at the same time and not enough road capacity. But also knowing that state and regional transportation officials and road building take eons to GSD, Landau applied common-sense engineering thinking to this question: What can we do now, requiring little expense? Here’s one thing Landau concluded after his initial research: “We don’t need any other studies,” Landau told attendees at a recent meeting of the Federation of Longboat Key Condominiums. “We know what has to be done.” And he told them, appropriately: “Stop wishing. Start doing.” Indeed. One of Landau’s other conclusions: Longboat residents (and everyone everywhere, for that matter) can implement commonsense changes in their behavior that would help reduce traffic congestion. Beyond that, the region’s residents, snowbirds and visitors are at the mercy of local, regional and state public officials’ and elected leaders’ efforts to address capacity and flow. Clearly, none of them has stepped forward to be the general, generals or commander-in-chief to address what is reaching an annual three- to fivemonth crisis. Yes, it is becoming a crisis. No, scores of people are not dying in their

HOW YOU CAN HELP REDUCE CONGESTION The Longboat Observer published last week Longboat resident Lenny Landau’s recommendations to help reduce traffic congestion. They deserve to be seen and read again: FOR RESIDENTS: n Consider alternatives to off-island trips by patronizing island businesses or not going at all. n Plan off-island trips during nonpeak periods before 10:30 a.m. and after 6:30 p.m. n Use real-time traffic tools such as Google Maps Traffic before leaving home. n Car pool. n Shop online or on the phone. n Schedule annual and semiannual appointments outside of season. FOR BUSINESSES: n Extend early-bird hours to encourage eating at local restaurants by people with event tickets. n Expand medical services available on island. n Establish a park-and-ride service for Sarasota and St. Armands Circle venues. n Change work schedules to redistribute traffic through earlier start times and four-day workweeks. FOR GOVERNMENT n Test traffic ideas by using police. n Improve traffic light tim-

Landau

cars as they sit in barely crawling traffic. But when traffic is all everyone talks and complains about, and when citizens’ groups have formed to stop development because of traffic, the message is obvious: Citizens want leaders to take corrective action.

NO CHANGE IN SARASOTA, BRADENTON BEACH When we called the Sarasota Police Department this week to ask whether it has any new plans or strategies for the season to improve the flow of traffic at the major choke points of the Ringling Bridge and U.S. 41 and Fruitville Road and U.S. 41, the spokesperson for the department said: “We don’t have any real plans to do anything different. We’re increasing the traffic unit from four to five officers. Except for that, it’s going to be status quo.” Asked what the fifth officer will do to affect traffic control, the spokesperson described how this officer would just help with customary traffic patrol, roadside assistance, school crossing needs and ticketing. In Bradenton Beach, the story will be the same: No change. Said Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam

Speciale: “I’ve been here 30 years, and we’ve tried everything. Nothing works.” Speciale said his department has tried in the past to station a traffic officer at the Bradenton Beach circle and the Gulf Drive-Cortez Road intersection, the major choke points. “They left after five minutes, because there is nothing they can do,” he told us. “We still have a five-pound bag, and now we’re putting 100 pounds into it. “And now they’re trying to bring even more people down here.” Moral of the story: You are now officially forewarned. Traffic congestion this season will be a repeat of 2015. That’s all the more reason to take heed of some of Lenny Landau’s self-help suggestions. — Ed.

Proposed ordinance would limit Colony

This is not good news for Chuck Whittall and his Unicorp National Development Corp. — the would-be redeveloper of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort: The Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board this week sent to the Town Commission newly drafted revisions to the town’s zoning code for planned unit developments. Here is a key passage in the proposal: (1) Height. … The town commission may, at the applicant’s request, approve increases in building height above the greater of this maximum height if the required building setback is increased by two feet, for every one foot of additional height requested, or open space is increased by 2% for every one foot of additional height requested, up to a maximum height of 80 feet above base flood elevation.

For Whittall, this can be a problem — based on what he has said he intends to develop. We’re told he has discussed with town officials a desire to construct: 180 five-star hotel units; and 180 luxury condominiums. And he wants to do that on 18 acres, nine of which must be devoted to open space. Altogether, that’s about 20 units per acre. The existing Colony contained 13 units per acre. Now juxtapose those figures against the recently completed Aria luxury condominium just up the road. That development contains 16 units on four floors (four per floor) on five acres. The units range in size from, say, 3,500 to 4,000 square feet. That’s what the luxury buyer seeks today for his $3 million and more. Now imagine 180 luxury condos amid 180 five-star hotel rooms and resort amenities such as multiple tennis courts, swimming pools, restaurants and parking. And imagine: If each floor runs between the 12 and 15 feet high that is custromary today, an 80-foot maximum height would accommodate a six-story building. That’s the number of stories of the Colony’s midrise building, albeit with lower ceilings. Now imagine 180 3,000-squarefoot condominiums in six-story buildings. And say there are 10 units per floor. That would be three sixstory buildings of 180,000 square feet, each the size of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. And that’s not counting what would be needed to accommodate the 180-room hotel. The point is if the Town Commission adopts the revised ordinance for planned unit developments with the 80-foot restriction, Whittall’s development would be more crowded than if he is able to build higher. What’s more, if Whittall wants, say, to build higher than 80 feet, the new ordinance would require him to increase his setbacks and thus reduce his development footprint. As one planning board member told us, for more than two decades the town has resisted the 13- and 14-story high-rises that were built on the beach prior to 1984. Altogether, this pending town ordinance, to be considered by the Town Commission Dec. 12, adds yet another wrinkle of uncertainty to Unicorp’s proposed purchase of the Colony property. Meantime, Manfred Welfonder continues to await his turn.

LONGBOAT

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

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor / CEO / Matt Walsh mwalsh@yourobserver.com Vice President / Lisa Walsh lwalsh@yourobserver.com Publisher / Emily Walsh ewalsh@yourobserver.com Executive Editor / Kat Hughes khughes@yourobserver.com Managing Editor / Robin Hartill rhartill@yourobserver.com News Editor / Terry O’Connor toconnor@yourobserver.com Staff Writer / Katie Johns kjohns@yourobserver.com News Innovation Editor / Alex Mahadevan alexm@yourobserver.com Copy Editor / Kelly Carson kcarson@yourobserver.com Editorial Designers / Meghan Sasser msasser@yourobserver.com, C.J. Major, cmajor@yourobserver.comz Arts + Entertainment Managing Editor / Nick Friedman, nfriedman@yourobserver.com Black Tie Reporter / Niki Kottmann nkottman@yourobserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh jraleigh@yourobserver.com Sales Manager / Penny DiGregorio pdigregorio@yourobserver.com Digital Sales and Business Development Manager / Kathleen O’Hara, kohara@yourobserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, lritter@yourobserver.com Advertising Executives / JP Clayton, jpclayton@yourobserver.com Diane de Spirlet, ddespirlet@yourobserver.com Robyn Didelot, rdidelot@yourobserver.com Beth Jacobson, bjacobson@yourobserver.com Allison Kummery, akummery@yourobserver.com Robert Lewis, blewis@yourobserver.com Richeal Parisi, rparisi@yourobserver.com Toni Perren, tperren@yourobserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, sleedom@yourobserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Manager Lori Downey, ldowney@yourobserver.com Marisa Merlino, mmerlino@yourobserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executives/ Maureen Hird, mhird@yourobserver.com Director of Creative Services and Information Technology / Kathy Payne, kpayne@yourobserver.com Creative Director / Caleb Stanton, cstanton@yourobserver.com Creative Services Coordinator / Marjorie Holloway, mholloway@yourobserver.com Technology & Development Manager / Adam Quinlin, aquinlin@yourobserver.com IT Operations Manager / Mike Herndon, mherndon@yourobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Thom Gravelle, Shawna Polana, Luis Trujillo, Allison Wampole Chief Financial Officer / Laura Keisacker lkeisacker@yourobserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, rlabrin@yourobserver.com Office Coordinator-Subscriptions / Donna Condon, dcondon@yourobserver.com

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MUSSELS • LOBSTER • ANTIPASTO

very so often, a reader calls me to ask what information to include in an obituary. Usually, they’re preparing it for a family member, but occasionally, I ask the caller who the obit is for, and he or she answers: “Me.” Right now, I feel a little like I’m writing my own obituary, though for the record, I’m not dying. I’m moving on from the place I began my career. I’ve accepted a position as an editor for The Penny Hoarder, a website about personal finance and unique ways to make money with about 16 million monthly readers, based in my hometown of St. Petersburg. I’m excited for the new challenge, but I’m still grappling with this fact: Next week will be the first time in nearly 10 years and three months that my name doesn’t appear in an Observer.

late friends framing artist Terry Petesch, who framed a piece of good news he found in the news each week and delivered it to the subject, or Tiny’s owner Sue Vaught, who risked everything to buy her beloved bar. Technically, neither was famous outside of the community, but they made a difference to so many people. Seldom was writing their life stories a depressing task; instead, after a day of reporting, I would usually look back and say, “Wow. What a life.” Now, as I say goodbye, I can say that you all have given me endless memories from this chapter in my life. The best memories you’ve given me have been when you’ve come together — not to bicker at Town Hall, but for good. There’s no better example than the Longboat Key Gourmet Lawn Party. Chaired by the tireless Michael Garey, it brings the community together for an afternoon of food and drink to raise money for scholarships and local children’s charities. I’m not done making such memories. Although my final day with the Observer is Dec. 2, I’ll still be there Dec. 3 for this year’s Lawn Party. I hope to have a drink with many of you there and toast to the times we’ve shared. Thanks for a great decade.

224356

ROBIN HARTILL

You gave me more than a history lesson. You taught me: Get things right — the first time — and be sure every word you write you know to be true. You taught me to seek both sides of everything. I once reported on an incident of a dog injured during a confrontation with multiple raccoons in Joan M. Durante Park. I got a call from a reader urging me to consider the scene from the raccoon’s perspective and saying I had a pro-dog bias. Guilty as charged, but I guess he had a point. I’ve made wonderful memories writing about you and the passions you pursue: David Novak, Longboat Key’s unofficial swan keeper for more than a decade; Yusuke Horiguchi, a Japan native who can’t speak Spanish but has performed Latin balero music for more than five decades; and H. Terrell “Terry” Griffin, who has pursued a second career as a mystery writer, making many Key people (including yours truly) into characters in his many books, just to name a few. If pressed though, I’d say the obits/life stories I’ve written have been most meaningful to me. There were those who were famous in their fields like Mote founder and “Shark Lady” Eugenie Clark, a pioneering woman scientist, and Dr. Robert Morrison, the inventor of the soft contact lens. And just as important, I wrote about people like my

MY VIEW

Observations from a decade of memories The number of Observer stories I’ve written is surely in the thousands by now, and of those, hundreds have been obits, or life stories, as we often call them. No matter how many obits/ life stories I write, the challenge is the same: So little space, so many stories to include. As I write, I face the same challenge. No news hole could be large enough to recount all of the memories you’ve given me, the things you’ve taught me and the gratitude I have for this opportunity. My first day at the Observer was Sept. 5, 2006. I was 23 and fresh out of the University of Florida. Now, I realize that day was only the beginning of my education, and that you, our readers, have been some of my greatest teachers. I loved all the thank-you notes, emails and phone calls I got from readers when I did something right. But I learned the most when you let me know I’d screwed up. Take this sentence I wrote as a young reporter about military training on Longboat Key during World War II: “Fighter jets soared across Sarasota Bay and swooped down on Longboat Key, firing guns and .50-calliber bullets at their targets.” Duh. Jets, for the most part, didn’t come around until after World War II, and well over a dozen of you called to let me know it.

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Lawn Party ups the ante with return of 50/50 raffle GOOD EATS

The 50/50 raffle has been renamed the ‘Edith Barr Dunn 50/50 Memorial Raffle’ in honor of the late Kiwanis member.

n Amore n Anna Maria Oyster

KATIE JOHNS STAFF WRITER

With more than 30 restaurants on its lineup, the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key Gourmet Lawn Party is bringing a bevy of options to this year’s event. Recent restaurant add-ons include Amore Restaurant, Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar and the Chiles Restaurant Group, including Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub. Sea Smoke Smokehouse of Cortez, a first-time participant, will use the lawn party as its debut. “At the core, this is a food and wine event,” Michael Garey, event chairman and owner-operator of the Lazy Lobster of Longboat, said. “It would not be possible without the generosity of the restaurants who donate the food, their time and their talent and the restaurant suppliers, like Gold Coast Eagle and Sysco and various wine vendors.” Renamed the “Edith Barr Dunn Memorial 50/50 Raffle” in honor of its founder, the raffle is back after a one-year hiatus. The profits of the raffle, along with the other event profits, will be donated to various area children’s charities and help fund the 30 to 35 scholarships the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key awards each year. Tickets for the raffle will be

File photo

sold two for $5, five for $10 and 12 for $20. Lynn Larson offered to help with the event a few months ago, so she was already on board when Garey approached her. The one thing she’s looking for is a Barr Dunn staple: a white Stetson cowboy hat. “I’m excited because it’s something that Edith always did,” Larson said. “Too bad I don’t have one of those big white hats or I would be wearing that, but nobody could be wearing them as well as Edith did. I may put on my red cowboy boots.” In addition to the Blues Pig Band, 2015 Edith Barr Dun Schol-

Jeff Laughlin, Mary Lou Johnson and Frank Cona at last year’s Lawn Party.

arship recipient Nick Karpathy will perform with his jazz quartet at the event entrance. The grand raffle has 250 tickets remaining for purchase at $100 each. The first prize is $20,000 cash. Tickets for the event are $50. Tables for 10 are available for $450. Tickets are available at Longboat Key Sun Bank, the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and at the Lazy Lobster. Of the 1,100 event tickets, approximately 650 had been purchased as of Nov. 25. Tickets could still be available the day of the event, but Garey said he wouldn’t count on it.

IF YOU GO When: Noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 3. Where: The Resort at Longboat Key Club’s Islandside driving range, 301 Gulf of Mexico Drive Cost: $50 per person, or tables of 10 for $450

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12626 Baypointe Terrace $1,695,000 | Web ID A4169885 Frank Lambert & Anita Lambert 941.920.1500

290 Washington Drive North $4,490,000 | Web ID A4105830 Charlotte Hedge & Tom Hedge Jr. 941.350.0100

464 Golden Gate Point #703 $3,250,000 | Web ID A4146157 Joan Koplin 941.315.3221

476 Partridge Circle $2,995,000 | Web ID A4166326 Victoria Stultz 941.387.5676

6302 Riverview Boulevard $2,895,000 | Web ID A4138758 Martha Marlar 941.812.0455

888 Blvd. of the Arts #1901, #1902, #1903

$2,850,000 | Web ID A4155890 Martie Lieberman 941.724.1118

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708 Hideaway Bay Lane $1,895,000 | Web ID A4167428 Charlotte Hedge 941.350.0100

500 South Palm Avenue #22 $1,850,000 | Web ID A4162691 Debra Garrett 941.685.1086

990 Blvd. of the Arts #601 $1,795,000 | Web ID A4157589 Barbara Mei 941.893.7417

35 Watergate Drive #704 $1,699,000 | Web ID A4133750 Joel Schemmel 941.587.4894

628 Key Royale Drive $1,695,000 | Web ID A4150274 Sheldon Paley 941.356.1857

7140 La Lenaire Drive $1,600,000 | Web ID A4151536 Brandi Furlan & Lisa Morreale 941.894.9888

5809 Gulf of Mexico Drive $1,399,000 | Web ID A4152287 Peter Laughlin 941.356.8428

7155 La Lenaire Drive $1,395,000 | Web ID A4153984 Kimberly Freiwald 941.256.6775

3340 Sabal Cove Lane $1,390,000 | Web ID A4162895 Cheryl Loeffler 941.302.9674

7149 La Lenaire Drive $1,275,000 | Web ID A4151158 Kimberly Freiwald 941.256.6775

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250 Sands Point Road #5304 $314,000 | Web ID A4166602 Gregory Van Natter 941.730.1999

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1100 Benjamin Franklin Drive #405 $349,900 | Web ID A4160260 Kate de Villiers 813.695.5283

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7125 50th Avenue Circle East $339,000 | Web ID A4152088 Shellie Young 941.713.5458

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COPS CORNER

NOV. 13

QUARRELING COUPLE 10:45 p.m. — 2600 block of Harbourside Drive Public Disturbance: A man reported a verbal disturbance with a couple arguing loudly at a marina. The male and female continued to argue as they left on foot. Police were unable to find the pair, and the guard at the gate said he had not seen them.

NOV. 15

LOST ... AND FOUND AT SEA 3:43 p.m. — Offshore Longboat Key Overdue Kayaker: Manatee County Marine Patrol requested help from Longboat Key Marine Patrol in finding a kayaker who had not returned as scheduled. The subject was later reported found, and police ended their search.

NOV. 17

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

SWIMMER SHOCK 11:40 a.m. — 100 block of North Shore Road Larceny: A Bradenton woman reported her $30 Toyota key fob with her car key and her iPhone 4 were stolen from the beach during the 20 minutes she was in the water. The car was undisturbed.

DOOR KNOCKERS 7:15 p.m. — 400 block of GMD Suspicious Person: A salesman knocking on doors in Channel Lane was reported, but police could not find the person. Police noted this may be the beginning of people knocking on doors, posing as sales representatives during the Christmas season.

DRIFTWOOD THEFT 4:04 p.m. — 200 block of North Shore Road Suspicious Person: A caller reported people were putting driftwood into a black Jeep. As he was taking photos of the group, a female knocked his phone from his hand. Police could not find the Jeep.

LOCKED IN 10:24 p.m. — 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway Business Alarm: A grocery store alarm was triggered by an employee who had been locked in after closing. The store manager returned to let the employee out and reset the alarm.

ROGUE RIDER 4:08 p.m. — 700 block of Norton Street Property Damage: A man reported a neighbor told him a Waste Management truck driver backed over a back-flow prevention device through his grass and struck a small brick retaining wall and driveway gate. The witness provided a typed statement of what he saw. The damaged property had already been fixed, and the victim did not know what it cost because he didn’t receive bills.

NOV. 18

TRIM TROUBLE 9:18 a.m. — 500 block of Channel Lane Property Damage: A woman reported a tree trimmer damaged a tree, lawn and two solar lawn lights valued at $10 by backing a vehicle onto her property. Photos of the damage were filed with police.

NOV. 13

UFO SIGHTING? 6:31 p.m. — 4300 block of GMD Public Service: A man reported a light appears in the sky almost every night for a few hours. When police called, the man said the light was in the sky now. While en route, the man called back to say the light was gone. He was advised to call again if the light reappears.

... on i t ca y Lo t Ke d 2n oa w ongb o N L

Town of Longboat Key

ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS The Longboat Key Town Commission will be accepting applications for appointment to the Charter Review Committee.

PRE-GRAND OPENING PRICING Mention this ad for DINNER FOR TWO at the Lazy Lobster LBK (right next door) during your kitchen counter top fabrication period plus free hardware with 2016 Pre-Grand opening qualified bath contracts.

Members selected to serve on the Charter Review Committee will be responsible for review of the Charter and will provide recommendations to the Town Commission on any proposed amendments to the Charter. Individuals appointed to this Committee are subject to Florida’s Sunshine Law as provided for in Chapter 286, Florida Statutes, and Florida’s Public Records Law as provided for in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. All applications must be submitted to the Office of the Town Clerk by NOON on January 12, 2017, for consideration by the Town Commission at the January 23, 2017, Regular Workshop. Prior to the January 23, 2017, Regular Workshop the Town Commission will host a Meet and Greet at a date and time to be determined to meet interested volunteers.

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224355

Article II, Section 20(b) of the Town Charter states: The Town Commission, at its discretion, shall appoint a Charter Review Committee to review the Charter but in no event shall such review be less than once in a ten (10) year period from the date of adoption of this Charter.

Do you know about the Longboat Key Foundation? It is an all volunteer organization helping identify and pursue initiatives to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors to our island community. Did you know that its first project was to bring primary care medical services back to the island so that you do not have to leave Longboat if you need a doctor? The doctors’ office, and a neurology practice specializing in brain health, and also a physical therapist have opened their practices to serve the people of Longboat and their visitors at 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive (the Centre Shops) on the second floor.

Per Resolution 2010-17, the Town Commission wishes to have members of the community appointed to serve on ad hoc committees. The Town Commission has the discretion to solicit volunteers outside of the application process. Applications are available at the Office of the Town Clerk or can be downloaded from the Town’s website at www.longboatkey.org.

Think about Longboat Key’s other needs and aspirations and learn about how the Foundation can help to realize them.

For additional information on the application process, please contact the Office of the Town Clerk at 941-316-1999. Applications may be sent via e-mail to Trish Granger, Town Clerk at tgranger@longboatkey.org or J o A n n M i x o n , D e p u t y To w n C l e r k a t jmixon@longboatkey.org, or submitted in person or by mail to:

Visit www.longboatkeyfoundation.org or call (941) 556-7160.

Town of Longboat Key, Office of the Town Clerk 501 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key FL 34228 218808

The Longboat Key Foundation is a component fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 222812

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LBK Foundation ad 9.2016.indd 1

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Cost is $10. Call Susan Brill at 216-9600.

SATURDAY, DEC. 3

KIWANIS CLUB GOURMET LAWN PARTY Takes place from noon to 2 p.m. at the Longboat Key Club’s Islandside driving range, 301 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enjoy dishes from more than 30 restaurants. Tickets are $50. Tables of 10 are available for $450. Raffle tickets will be sold for $100 apiece. Call 383-0440.

WEDNESDAYS

WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS BOOK SALES Take place from 9 a.m. to noon at the Longboat Library, 555 Bay Isles Road. Gently used books will be discounted by 50%. Paperbacks will be 25 cents, and hardbacks are 50 cents to $2.50. Call 383-2011.

NOV. 30- DEC. 4.

ROTARY CLUB OF LONGBOAT KEY Meets at 5:15 p.m. at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road. Cost is $10. Call Jack Rozance at 383-5659.

CATEGORY II LONGBOAT KEY SENIOR MEN’S TOURNAMENT Takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 29 to Dec. 4 at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center, 590 Bay Isles Road, the Longboat Key Club, 220 Sands Point Road, and Cedars Tennis Club, 645 Cedars Court. Call 316-8367

THURSDAYS File photo

THURSDAY, DEC. 1

Zander, 5, Tara, Roger and Kian Ley, 8, at the 2014 Holiday Night of Lights

SIP & SHOP Takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. at J McLaughlin, 515 Bay Isles Parkway. The event is hosted by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce’s community outreach committee. Fifteen percent of sales will benefit Salvation Army Adopt-a-Family. For information, call J McLaughlin at 960-2071.

DON’T MISS FRIDAY, DEC. 2

HOLIDAY NIGHT OF LIGHTS Takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. at St. Armands Circle Park. Kick off the holiday season with an event featuring performances by the Sarasota High School Theater Dance Group and Chamber Choir, a Christmas carol sing-a-long, tree lighting and a special visit from Santa Claus. Call 388-1554.

ISLAND BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria Island. Enjoy a networking event for the Manatee, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key chambers of commerce members and guests. There will be a cash bar, complimentary appetizers and door prizes. The event is free for members and $10 for guests. Call the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce at 383-2466.

SUNDAY, DEC. 4

RUN FOR THE BIRDS Check-in begins at 7 a.m., the race begins at 8 a.m. at Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St. Join Save Our Seabirds and the Baltimore Orioles for a 5K and 1-mile run to benefit Save Our Seabirds. Cost is $35 for the 5K and $25 for the 1-mile run. Call 388-3010.

SATURDAY, DEC. 3

CHRIST CHURCH TOY AND FOOD DRIVE Takes place from 9 a.m. to noon at Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive. New, unwrapped toys, books and bikes for children of all ages will be accepted. The donations will be given to Turning Points, an agency that provides services to the homeless in Manatee County. The church will also collect canned goods for Our Daily Bread, an agency that provides nutritional needs for the needy. For more information, contact Sue Wertman at 383-1731.

MONDAY, DEC. 5

LUNCH & LEARN: HOW TO STAY INDEPENDENT AT HOME Takes place from 10 a.m. to noon at Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Michael Jones, owner of Comfort Keepers, and other panelists will discuss how to create increased income, avoid the pitfalls of home care, eliminate mortgage expenses and other topics. A Q&A will take place during lunch. Cost is $10, and lunch

is provided. RSVP to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or call 383-6493.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7

NETWORKING @ NOON Takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Surf Shack, 326 John Ringling Blvd. Enjoy lunch while networking with chamber members and guests. Cost is $25 for members and $35 for guests. Call 383-2466.

RECURRING EVENTS MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

MOVEMENT, MUSCLES AND MORE Takes place from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. This full-body workout incorporates balance, stretching and strengthening. Cost is $8. RSVP to maryannbrady@ aginginparadise.org or by phone at 383-6493.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS

LORD’S WAREHOUSE Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the south end of the Longboat Island Chapel campus behind the parking lot, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Gently used women’s and men’s clothing, accessories and home goods will be discounted by 50%. Call 610-301-2796 or 383-6491.

KIWANIS CLUB OF LONGBOAT KEY Meets at 7:30 a.m. at Longboat Key Club Tavern and Whiskey Bar, 3110 Harbourside Drive. Cost is $10, including a breakfast buffet. Call Donna at 388-2847. BEGINNER ZUMBA Takes place from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Cost is $10. Call 383-6493 or email maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org. SHIFTING SANDS SUPPORT GROUP Takes place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Ruth Cushing Room of Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Call 383-6491. CONNECTED WARRIORS Takes place from 4 to 5 p.m. at Feel Good Yoga, 6350 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Debby McClung’s trauma-conscious teaching methods can help service members, veterans and their families. Cost is free. Call 904-610-7565.

FRIDAYS

BEGINNERS BRIDGE OR REFRESHER COURSE Takes place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Cost is $10. RSVP to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or call 383-6493.

SUNDAYS

CHRIST TEENS PROGRAM Takes place at 10 a.m. at Christ Church of Longboat Key, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The group is open to ages 12 to 18 and includes a discussion on faith, life and participants’ futures. Call 383-8833.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

Lori Sax

Jim and Renee Strickland, with Strickland Ranch in southeast Manatee County, are longtime cattle ranchers.

THERE’S THE BEEF

BY MARK GORDON BUSINESS OBSERVER

A new model in farming, getting food to the customer faster and fresher, isn’t for the faint of heart.

im Strickland’s promotion at his Myakka City family-run cattle and citrus farm came suddenly and tragically. It was in 1973. Hiram Strickland, Jim’s dad and onetime Manatee County tax assessor, had died unexpectedly. The multigenerational cattle-ranching family looked to the younger Strickland, then 17, to take over. More than four decades later Jim Strickland,

60, remains at the helm of Strickland Ranch, now working in tandem with his wife, Renee. Strickland Ranch, about 27,000 acres, has mixed survival years with periods where it thrived, much like other farms in Florida. Both Stricklands, also like many other Florida farmers, say they are in it for the passion and heritage, not necessarily sales and profits. “I’m just a cowboy,” Jim Strickland is fond of saying. The Stricklands are also just one of a handful of cattle farms statewide to lead the way on a new, albeit risky business model: Going farm-to-table with cattle, specifically, and for now exclusively, selling high-end beef to prominent Tampa restaurateur Richard Gonzmart for use in Gonzmart’s restaurants Ulele and Goody Goody. The Gonzmart family also operates Columbia, with seven locations, and recently purchased the Pattigeorge’s site on Longboat Key to build a new restaurant. But for now that side of the business doesn’t get its beef from Strickland Ranch. Ulele is a high-end eatery with a Native Americaninspired menu. Goody Goody is a historic Tampa brand, specializing in burgers and pies. Gonzmart and his team recently resurrected the Goody Goody concept. “Jim is a fourth-generation rancher, his wife, Renee, is fifth generation. I’m the fourth generation co-owner and caretaker of the Columbia, and I believe family businesses provide better products because it’s not just business, it’s family,” says Gonzmart. “It’s my personal reputation on the line, just as it is theirs.” The risk in farm-to-table is in the process: It costs up to $1,000 extra per animal, in feeding and

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Strickland Ranch has always been a cow-calf operation. That’s a farm that produces young beef calves, usually for about six months, and then sells the lot to processing plants. The processors — Strickland works with companies from Texas to Nebraska — fatten and slaughter the cattle. Other entities take the yield and sell it to food distribution companies, grocery stores and restaurant chains. The cow-calf model is big business in Florida. There are some 1 million head of cattle and about 15,000 beef producers statewide, according to Florida Beef Council data. The state ranks No. 9 nationwide for total cattle and calf SEE PAGE 16A

PI NC |S ar as ot a

16 GLOBAL SPEAKERS. ONE DAY. ALL DAY. EXQUISITE CUISINE. EXTRAORDINARY. THIS IS PINC.

monitoring, to run what’s called a feeding farm, where calves travel as little as possible before ending up with the end user. The more common way to run a cattle ranch is called the cow-calf model. “It takes a lot more time, costs us a lot more money to do it this way,” says Jim Strickland. “We are starting to change the model. This doesn’t mean Florida will turn into a feeding state. But we are trying to do something different.” Other farmers in the state recognize the emerging trend, but so far have been slow to embrace it, says Ned Waters, president-elect of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. That’s partially because of the costs involved, Waters says, but also because farm-to-table, at least with cattle, is complicated and new. Many ranch farmers are unsure of the process. “The fresh-from-Florida movement has some legs to it,” says Waters, “but it has a ways to go.”

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

15A

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220035

Longboat Key 941.383.6411 | Sarasota Downtown 941.366.8070 | St. Armands Circle 941.388.3966

Administered by American Home Shield

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

Beef FROM PAGE 14A

sales, with $487 million in 2013, the council says it in its latest annual report. Calf market share leaders on the Gulf Coast include Polk County, with a 5.84% share; Hillsborough, with a 3.8% share; and Manatee, with a 2.26% share. Strickland Ranch, about 65 miles southeast of Tampa, is one of the more active cattle sellers in the state. The Stricklands decline to disclose annual sales, only to say business has been steady of late, after a dip in cattle prices nationwide a few years ago. “We are definitely larger than most,” Renee Strickland says, “but we pale in comparison to a few huge ones in Florida.” GROWING DEMAND

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

While it’s not the largest cattle farm, Strickland Ranch has taken a big leadership role in adding an element of farm-to-table to its business model, in conjunction with Gonzmart. The Stricklands and Gonzmart met through mutual acquaintances in agriculture, and after several chats they realized they had an old family connection. Strickland’s father worked with Gonzmart’s father on a project in the 1980s. “We have a special relationship with Mr. Gonzmart,” says Renee Strickland. “He’s not only a business partner, but a friend.” The calves for Ulele and Goody Goody, branded separately than the other calves on Strickland Ranch, remain on the farm for up to nine months. These Black Angus calves are fed differently, including Florida-grown corn and grain from Ulele’s brewery.

The Stricklands have worked with Gonzmart exclusively on the farm-to-table model since 2014. After the calves leave Strickland Ranch, the process is nearly 100% made-in-Florida. There are three stops: one for more feeding and fattening; one for processing and slaughtering; and one for butchering into specifications and sizes for the restaurants. All three places in the supply chain had been in Florida, says Jim Strickland, until one entity recently filed for bankruptcy. He had to get special permission from the Florida Department of Agriculture for the calves to leave Florida, for no more than 21 days, where the lot gets fed in a plant in Georgia. Gonzmart and his team are the final stop in the supply chain. They buy the beef and store it and treat it in an aged process. Up next: the kitchen, and finally, a customer’s plate. The Strickland Ranch name is even on Ulele’s menu, in the section describing the origin of products used in the dishes. “I always prefer to do business with someone I’ve met,” says Gonzmart. “I’ve been to the Strickland Ranch to see his operation. We shook hands on our deal. I have complete confidence that we’re providing our guests the very best Florida beef.” Ashley Hughes, executive director of the Florida Beef Council, says the marketing push in working with someone like Gonzmart is a big perk for Strickland Ranch. “People want to know where their beef comes from, and there is a lot of customer demand for Florida beef,” says Hughes. “The Stricklands can now put a face to the name with what they are doing.”

CATTLE ON THE GULF COAST County

Market share Polk 5.84% Hillsborough 3.8% Pasco 2.29% Manatee 2.26% Charlotte 1.27% Sarasota 1.02% Lee 0.76% 0.66% Collier Pinellas 0.03% Source: Florida Beef Council

THE PROCESS

Better branding, says Jim Strickland, doesn’t necessarily translate to higher margins in selling fresh cattle directly to an enduser such as Gonzmart. While the premiums can be higher, Strickland says he’s beholden to the cattle market, and when the price of cattle is down, like it has been nationally, he drops his prices, too. “The price doesn’t just go up,” says Strickland, for merely doing it this way. The Stricklands, instead, say the work with Gonzmart has paid off in several other ways. For one, Strickland points to a reduced carbon footprint. He’s not having to ship as many calves out west in trucks. Another benefit, says Strickland, is education on a new way of farming. “This process has made us much more knowledgeable and caring farmers,” he says. “It has made us better because now we take a look at the entire life of the calf.” Not that the Stricklands were ranch novices before working

YOU’RE GIVING

THE GIFT

with Gonzmart. Jim Strickland, in addition to his family history and decades in farming, has held several leadership posts with statewide beef and agriculture organizations. And Renee Strickland also has a long background in farming and cattle ranches. Her father was head rancher at what’s now Babcock Ranch, a massive master-planned community under development in Charlotte and Lee counties. Renee Strickland also runs a global cattle brokerage business, where she matches farms from Pakistan to Ecuador with cattle, usually from the United States. Together, the Stricklands have been lauded for some of their farming practices, even before working on this new model with Gonzmart. The list includes implementing a grazing system that rotates to make the pasture last longer; installing wells for cattle that protects wetlands while providing a consistent water source; and regular soil samples to make sure each pasture gets the right amount of fertilizer. It’s that kind of pride in the product that’s the final motivation to keep going with Gonzmart. The Stricklands say they are unsure if they will expand the farm-totable model to other restaurants or buyers, but they are happy to have gotten this far. “It’s nice to know your meat is as good as you thought it was,” says Jim Strickland. “That means a lot to us.”

Hannah Gaunt and her dau

ON THE RANCH Some facts about Florida cattle ranching include: n Seven of the top 10 counties for cattle and calf population growth from 2004-2013 are the Panhandle and Big Bend region. n Walton County, between Pensacola and Tallahassee, has more than doubled its herd size in the past decade. n The Florida Heartland counties in lower-central Florida — DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands and Okeechobee — make up 31% of the entire Florida cattle population.

Source: Florida Beef Council

ghters, baby Rosaleen and Abigail

at the Fruitville Library.

OF READING HELP US RAISE $160,000 BY DEC. 31

Thanks to its generosity, the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation has awarded a capping grant of $50,000 to the Library Foundation for Sarasota County’s Children’s Literacy Endowment. To receive the Barancik Foundation grant, we must raise $450,000 toward our goal of $500,000. All we need is $160,000 more! Your gift will allow the Foundation to provide learning programs to Sarasota County children whose need for early literacy skills is the greatest.

TO LEARN MORE, CALL 941-228-6274

HELP US REACH OUR GOAL TODAY! To contribute: • By check: Payable to the Library Foundation for Sarasota County; mailed to P.O. Box 17903, Sarasota, Fla. 34276-0903. • By credit card: Call 941-228-6274. • Online: sarasotalibraryfoundation.org.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR LIBRARY FOUNDATION FOR SARASOTA COUNTY, INC. (REGISTRATION NO.CH35489) MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

215902

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

17A

SANTA’S FLIGHT ACADEMY Needs Heroes

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Enjoy a visit with Santa as an official member of his flight crew.

Save time by pre-registering with The Mall at University Town Center app or by visiting mallatutc.com

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

For the love of the game Dolores Levy started the tennis group about six years ago, but it’s turned into something bigger than she planned. KATIE JOHNS STAFF WRITER

he ladies are woven together as tightly as the strings on the tennis rackets that bring them together. Their moods are light and the banter is quick, just like their feet on the tennis courts. From one court comes, “This isn’t bird watching, ladies.” From another comes, “How are you? How is your cold?” The women chatting are just 16 of the 77 women on Dolores Levy’s email list for Rombo, a tennis group that meets Saturday mornings. Levy began the group about six years ago after her U.S. Tennis Association team needed extra

people to help them practice. Rombo, Levy said, is an amalgamation of thought. The name was picked out of the air, she said once. It’s a secret, she said another time. It’s a derivative of round robin, she finally settled on. Whatever the origin, Rombo is really a thing. Eventually, the USTA team stopped, but Rombo kept growing. Those who organize tennis matches for the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center started asking Levy if new members could join. Levy agreed because, as she puts it, she wants to play forward and pay forward. She’s a big advocate for the tennis center. Not only does she call it a wonderful place to meet people, the center helped her through a tough time. Levy, 84, moved to Longboat Key with her husband in 1993. He died from Alzheimer’s disease in 2003, leaving Levy alone. “They took me in, and it’s just, you know, it filled a spot in my life that could have been very empty

Chantal Diem, Dolores Levy and Virginia Lipton smile after a Rombo tennis match Nov. 12.

because my kids are all grown and had their own lives, and I was all alone. And it was a good place to meet people and make new friendships,” she said. Joining the tennis center made Levy branch out to new activities, too. She now plays golf. She’s not the only one who’s made friendships. The ladies are also in bridge and mahjong groups, and they play tennis at their respective condominium courts. But on Saturday mornings, it’s all about Rombo. “When I see four courts full of women playing tennis and all having a good time, it just makes me feel good,” Levy said. The process is simple for Levy, but it’s one that keeps her week going. Every Monday she emails the 77 women asking who can play. They respond yes or no, and based off that, Levy makes up courts of four. She follows up on Wednesdays to confirm the number of players. When Saturday morning rolls around, Levy hands out cards to the women telling them what courts they will be playing on. After 45 minutes, they switch. The women never know who they are going to be playing with. It changes each week and each round. Watching the women interact, especially with Levy, a word that might come to mind is gratitude. “They enjoy doing it,” Levy said. “They enjoy taking part in it. They enjoy making it a success. They’ve been appreciative to me.” That is the reason Levy feels

Photos by Katie Johns

like she’s doing something good for the tennis center. And as much as Levy appreciates the women who participate, they appreciate her just a little more. “She brings together loving women who love tennis,” Ginny Lipton, a four-year Rombo member, said. As Lipton puts it, it’s as much about the friendship as it is the tennis. While the group is competitive, there isn’t a reward for winning. “It’s good tennis, but we totally enjoy the camaraderie,” Sally Steele said.

Jayne Meth and Mary Dykun high-five during a Rombo tennis match Nov. 12.

DON’T MISS

These Special Editions! DECEMBER 22 - Holiday Stories including Holiday Lights Guide Deadline: Wednesday, December 14, 4pm

DECEMBER 29 - Year in Pictures Deadline: Thursday, December 15, 4pm

JANUARY 5 - Look Ahead - People to Watch in 2017 Deadline: Wednesday, December 21, 4pm

RESERVE YOUR ADVERTISING SPACE TODAY!

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Contact your OMG representative at 941.366.3468 or email advertise@yourobserver.com

The Observer Media Group offices will be closed December 26 through January 1.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

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OBITUARIES JUDITH LITVIN

Judith Litvin, 89, of Longboat Key and formerly Newton Mass., died Nov. 24. She is survived by her brother, Herbert Hurwitz; son, Andrew Litvin; daughter, Chaya; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial donations can be made to Rofeh International, 1710 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02445.

HENRY RETEK SR.

Henry Retek, 78, of McHenry, Ill., died Nov. 21. He was born Oct. 12, 1938, in Chicago, to the late Frank and Amelia Retek. He was a plumber who enjoyed fishing, boating, tennis, pool and spending time at his second and third homes in Crystal Falls, Mich., and Longboat Key. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Roy Feltson Jr. He is survived by three children, Mike Retek Jr., Joe Retek Sr., and Toni Feltson; their spouses; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; companion, Diana Bauman; former spouse, Marisa Retek; and former spouse and mother of his children, Sally Retek. Memorial donations can be made in Henry’s name to any hospice.

Photos by Katie Johns

Rod Johnson and Sean Moloney check out “At the Center of the Cyclone: Tap Dancing Through a Storm of Knives.”

‘Drawing Re-Imagined’ premieres at art center fruition is magical,” Corr said. The Longboat Key Center for the Arts’ website, ringling.edu/ LBKCA, says drawing is the art of creating images usually consisting of lines. The two artists use line, gesture, shade and pattern to form their points of view in their work. The exhibit is on display until Jan. 13 at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, 6860 Longboat Drive S. An artist talk will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7. — KATIE JOHNS

An InterfAIth CommunIty ChurCh founded In 1956

Visitors Welcome

The Lord’s Warehouse

All Angels by the Sea

THRIFT SHOP open Mon., Wed. and Sat. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. CATHOLIC CHURCH Welcomes You to Mass

563 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

MASS SCHEDULE

Saturday: 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM Confessions after all day Masses

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All are welcome. Please join us in worship!

224353

Sunday Service:

The Rev. David L. Danner, D. Min., Rector

The Rev. Bill Friederich Interim Minister

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

The Episcopal Church on Longboat Key

8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship Service

6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Longboat Key, Florida 34228 Telephone: 941-383-6491 • web: www.longboatislandchapel.org

224369

directory

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

Msgr. Gerard Finegan, Pastor

Temple Beth Israel

A Center of Jewish Life and Learning in the Sarasota Area Share Shabbat Friday evenings, 8:00 p.m.

Sermon:

“The Royal family (3) Ruth”

Services begin at 5:30 p.m. on the last Friday of the month.

Saturday mornings, 10:00 a.m.

941.383.3428 | www.tbi-lbk.org 224238

Website: www.AllAngelsLBK.org

Send obituaries to Katie Johns at kjohns@your observer.com.

Polly Waldman and Jerry Soble

WORSHIP

941-383-8161

SUBMIT OBITUARIES

Cindy Phillips, Makena Corr, Steve Vermillion and Echo Herron

Join Us!

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

224367

hen Jack King thinks of his artwork, he imagines it hanging in a studio covered in dust. Which is why seeing his sculptures, paintings and drawings hang in the Longboat Key Center for the Arts was so strange. “It’s interesting,” he said. “I never see them the way you see them.” King’s artwork makes up half of the “Drawing Re-Imagined” exhibit that debuted Nov. 18. The work of Will Corr comprises the other half of the exhibit. “To see it all come to

20A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES

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

6857 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE

1055 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #106

JUST COMPLETED, NEW CONSTRUCTION! BRAND NEW BEACH HOME situated directly on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico! This five-bedroom home, built to the highest standards by Mason Martin Builders, is equipped with the latest in high-end finishes, Smart Home conveniences and features clean lines with a chic, modern decor. Two Gulf terraces, an open pool deck and a uniquely-designed heated swimming pool and spa open to your own private beach path that leads to miles of unspoiled Longboat Key beach.

Breathtaking views! The convenience to the Gulf offered at this rarely-available THREEBEDROOM residence at Beachplace will be hard to ever leave! Walk down to pristine beach shores from the wraparound terrace of this direct Gulf-front retreat. Showcasing azure water views from every room, plus west and east facing terraces to relish relaxing breezes year-round. Walls of glass offer picture-perfect views and enhance the light and bright layout. Ready to enjoy or renovate, including newer furnishings.

www.6857GulfofMexicoDrive.com

www.Beachplace8106.com

$1,299,000

66 NORTH WASHINGTON DRIVE

670 MOURNING DOVE DRIVE

620 MANGROVE POINT ROAD

3030 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #384

Steps to St. Armands Circle! The captivating views of John Ringling Bridge, Sarasota Bay and the twinkling lights of downtown greet you from every room of this private 4,000 SF home. Modern upgrades include a new gourmet kitchen, new windows and deep-water dock.

Overflowing with charm and allure, this stunning 4,000 SF designer home in the exclusive community of Bird Key will impress you. Built in 2006, this beautiful estate features custom finishes inside and out. Ideally situated just three homes in from Sarasota Bay.

The Prairie-Modern design of this waterfront home includes upgrades from top to bottom, offering a four-bedroom layout and 4,000+ SF of interior space. The open lanai features a summer kitchen, heated swimming pool and spa. Enjoy a bike ride to Siesta Key Beach.

The high-floor location of this beautiful, eighth-floor Cayman residence means breathtaking views of Harbourside marina, golf course, Sarasota Bay, the Gulf and lush grounds of Grand Bay. Enjoy unlimited, year-round access to the private Bay Isles Beach Club.

www.66NorthWashingtonDrive.com

www.670MourningDoveDrive.com

www.620MangrovePoint.com

www.GrandBay384.com

$4,930,000

BAY ISLES 3170 Bayou Sound

Almost every aspect of this four- bedroom, secluded home in the Bayou Section of Bay Isles has been upgraded. Offering gorgeous private lake views, a new kitchen and custom built-ins. www.3170BayouSound.com $1,179,000

2016 Harbourside Drive #334/335

Direct bayfront, 3BR/3BA Fairway Bay residence offers lovely bay and city views, newer flooring and storm shutters, as well as two charming terraces. www.FairwayBayM3334.com $719,000

BIRD KEY 604 Mourning Dove Drive

Fall in love with the coveted location, designer finishes and lovely upgrades offered in this five bedroom, 5,000+ SF waterfront estate in Bird Key. www.604MourningDoveDrive.com $2,895,000

386 Bob White Drive

Private, three-bedroom waterfront home simply waiting for you to add your personal touch. Offering an open layout with many updates throughout. www.386BobWhiteDrive.com $1,499,000

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES 584 Hornblower Lane

SOUTHERN EXPOSURE! This amazing view could be yours to enjoy everyday! The superb, south-facing point-lot location of this direct bayfront home is a yachtman’s dream. Offering more than 240’ of water frontage and 90’ of deep-water dockage. www.584HornblowerLane.com $2,895,000

551 Birdie Lane

Ranch-style, three bedroom home in Country Club Shores completely redone in 2014! Meticulous renovations include a new roof, windows and sliders. www.551BirdieLane.com $1,199,000

$2,999,000

GRAND BAY 3030 Grand Bay Boulevard #345

Desirable direct views of the Harbourside Marina, golf course, Sarasota Bay and downtown greet you from this Biscayne residence. Glass walls bring the outside in, opening to an expansive wraparound terrace. www.GrandBay345.com $1,015,000

3040 Grand Bay Boulevard #215

Charming three-bedroom Biscayne residence offers floor-to-ceiling walls of glass, a generous extended terrace and endless bay and city views. www.GrandBay215.com $799,000

3070 Grand Bay Boulevard #642

You will LOVE this very private, two-bedroom residence located on the corner of Building VI. Furnishings and two parking spaces included. www.GrandBay642.com $659,500

LONGBOAT KEY 5080 Gulf of Mexico Drive

”Notre Paradis” is situated on almost a full acre of property overlooking Sarasota Bay. Featuring 9,000 SF of designer living space and over 2,300 SF of terraces and balconies covered in Travertine tile. www.5080GulfofMexicoDrive.com $6,990,000

1011 Longboat Club Road

Surround yourself in the beauty found at this custom-designed, 5,000 SF estate. Only one of seven single-family homes on Islandside golf course, within walking distance to the beach. www.1011LongboatClubRoad.com $2,795,000

415 L’Ambiance Drive #D906

Direct Gulf-to-bay views will mesmerize you from this ninth-floor Sabal residence in the south building at L’Ambiance. The three-bedroom layout offers floor-to-ceiling glass walls and lovely terraces. www.415LAmbianceD906.com $2,600,000

$2,595,000

435 L’Ambiance Drive #K306

712 Marbury Lane

4239 Gulf of Mexico Drive #MH2

536 Lyons Lane

Beautifully furnished Sabal residence is ready for you. An open, three-bedroom layout, excellent for entertaining, features 10’ ceilings, hardwood flooring and designer built-ins. www.435LAmbianceK306.com $1,649,000

Completely updated BEACH HOME! This 2BR/21/2BA direct Gulf-front home, in a pet-friendly community, features beautiful updates inside and out. Relish pristine shores of the Gulf in your backyard. Includes unlimited access to bayside community amenities. www.PelicanHarbourMH2.com $1,345,000

1021 Longboat Club Road

Take advantage of this unique chance to design your dream home behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club. This half-acre property is literally steps to the beach. www.1021LongboatClubRoad.com $999,000

$1,249,000

Enjoy a secluded, waterfront lifestyle in this elevated, 3BR home offering lovely updates throughout. Includes two-car garage with workspace and direct access to Sarasota Bay. www.712MarburyLane.com $729,000

An ideal getaway or rental property, this 2BR home is perfectly situated on a deep-water canal with deepwater dockage. Offering many upgrades. www.536LyonsLane.com $699,000

SARASOTA 16210 Clearlake Avenue - The Lake Club

Serene lakefront living! Built by Marc Rutenberg in 2010, this impressive, custom-designed 4,000 SF home is a contemporary gem, simply waiting for you to make it your own. www.16210ClearlakeAvenue.com $1,690,000

1445 Gulf of Mexico Drive #203C

7213 Greystone Street - Lakewood Ranch

1125 Gulf of Mexico Drive #103

SIESTA KEY

Ease into island living in this furnished 2BR/21/2BA residence while enjoying Gulf and pool views at every turn. Enjoy brand-new community amenities. www.ThePlayersClub203C.com $679,000

Walk down directly from the terrace of this furnished, updated two-bedroom residence to relish lovely community amenities or take a refreshing dip in the Gulf. www.Beachplace3103.com $629,000

3240 Gulf of Mexico Drive #B501

The spotless decor and charming furnishings create a wonderful environment at this spacious twobedroom Deluxe residence overlooking the Gulf of Mexico at Portobello. www.PortobelloB501.com $529,000

Perfectly placed on the rolling greens of Lakewood Ranch Country Club, this stunning four-bedroom home boasts designer finishes and a new gourmet kitchen. www.7213GreystoneStreet.com $949,900

636 Beach Road

“The Belle of the Beach” is a private Gulf-front home featuring four spacious bedroom suites, 2,000+ SF of beachfront balcony space and a private footpath leading to the quartz-filled shores of Siesta Beach. www.636BeachRoad.com $6,750,000

5151 Jungle Plum Road

Delight in serene bayfront living at this spacious six-bedroom estate, on more than a half-acre of bayfront property. COMPLETELY REMODELED in 1998. www.5151JunglePlumRoad.com $3,195,000

201 Gulf of Mexico Drive Suite 1, Longboat Key, Florida 34228 office: (941) 387-1840 cell: (941) 586-6668 fax: (941) 827-9444 website: longboatrealestate.com e-mail: roger@longboatrealestate.com Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC

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$3,995,000

Classifieds 17B Games 16B Real Estate 8B Weather 16B

DECEMBER 1, 2016

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Photos by Katie Johns

The Rev. Bill Friederich, of Longboat Island Chapel; the Rev. Frederick Emrich, of All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, the Rev. Keith Copeland of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, the Rev. Norman Pritchard, of Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian; Mary Elizabeth Carey, of St. Mary; Mimi Horwitz, pastoral care assistant for Longboat Island Chapel; Louise Dodenhoff Hauser, of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, the Rev. David Danner, of All Angels; and Rabbi Stephen Sniderman, of Temple Beth Israel.

Interfaith

community

KATIE JOHNS STAFF WRITER

emple Beth Israel Rabbi Stephen Sniderman knows how much eating goes on during the holidays. But eating doughnuts and other treats isn’t the sin, he said. The sin, Sniderman told attendees at the 36th annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service, is the number of people who go hungry. Sniderman’s message during the Thanksgiving Interfaith Service was simple. Listen to God’s word, and then act on it instead of just listening.

Sniderman and eight other clergy and faith representatives led the service Nov. 22 at Longboat Island Chapel. Sniderman became Temple Beth Israel’s rabbi during the summer, so this was his first time participating in the service. “Let us try to translate these words into reality by partnering with God to make this world a better place,” he said. Those in attendance were asked to bring a canned good. The canned goods and all monetary donations will be given to The Food Bank of Manatee and All Faiths Food Bank.

Offerings collected will go to The Food Bank of Manatee and All Faiths Food Bank.

Geri and Fred Nelson An interfaith choir with members from each place of worship sang throughout the service.

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MORE PHOTOS, SEE PAGE 2B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

Church

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

FROM PAGE 1B

Jane Crowther, Becky Jones, Nancy Hart and Pat Burns

Julie Mailliard, Larry Steagall and Donna Dunio

Frank Cerullo and Tom Vitro

Photos by Katie Johns

The interfaith choir walks down the aisle of Longboat Island Chapel during the Nov. 22 service.

Redefining Service for

Luxury Real Estate

Are you looking for the best value in your real estate transaction? I’m Jeff Rhinelander and here’s why you will want to make sure I’m your representative buying or selling your Sarasota or Longboat Key condo or home. I bring you 10 years of experience in the negotiation of high-stakes contracts on behalf of one of the largest health care companies in North America. My professional experience has taught me the importance of building relationships and the value of hard work, honesty and integrity. You can rest assured that with me as your Sarasota real estate agent, you will receive the best price on the home of your dreams along some of the most desirable coastline in the world. For me, being a real estate agent isn’t just about the transaction. It’s about developing relationships. It’s not just about property. It’s about families and building life-long memories. Whether you’re a seasoned investor looking for property, a first time home buyer or a professional seeking a vacation property with a private deck, I can help you find the best property for the right price.

Contact me today to find the perfect real estate solution for you.

Jeff Rhinelander • REALTOR ® • Ocean Real Estate

400 Madison dRiVE, suitE 220 | st aRMands CiRClE | saRasota, FloRida

220335

For more information call 941.685.3590 or email Jeff@JeffRhinelander.com Visit JeffRhinelander.com today.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

Ian Addy PA, MBA | Gail Wittig Broker-Associate

Luxury Service | Strategic Marketing | Benchmark Results CALL THE #1 LONGBOAT KEY REAL ESTATE TEAM AT 941 - 387- 0100

L’Ambiance #D706

Spellbinding views are seen from this 7th floor 3 bedroom/3 bath Gulf to Bay floor plan with 10’ ceilings. Overlook the turquoise waters from the main terrace and living areas, as well as the master suite. From the kitchen, guest bedrooms and east terrace owners will enjoy views of the Islandside golf course, Sarasota Bay and the city skyline.

Water Club #506

Completely renovated 3 bedroom/3 bath residence offers direct views of the Gulf of Mexico from every room. The updated kitchen has been opened to maximize water views and for ease of entertaining. Marble flooring, a one touch shade and Lutron lighting system, his and hers custom walk-in closets and the resort-like amenities at Water Club all make this the pinnacle of Longboat Life.

2,199,000

1,649,000

Country Club Shores

Sand Cay #310

Longboat Key Towers #201S

Grand Bay #456

5 bed/4 bath split floor plan home on 100’ of water just 3 lots from Sarasota Bay with volume ceilings, sauna, dock with lift and fine details throughout.

2 bed/2 bath 3rd floor renovated residence with vaulted ceilings, flexible owner time and an excellent rental history.

3 bed/3 bath offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico with deep crown moldings, walls of windows, custom built-ins and a split floor plan.

3 bed/3 bath southeast facing corner residence with views of Sarasota Bay, Gulf of Mexico, Longboat Moorings and the Sarasota city skyline.

1,849,000

599,000

1,475,000

Longboat Key Towers #202S

Sand Cay #113

Inn on the Beach #6106

2 bed/2 bath expertly updated residence with opened kitchen, expanded master bath, plantation shutters and direct beach views.

2 bed/2 bath 1st floor walk out condo offers flexible owner time and a great rental history just a few steps away from the beach.

1 bed/1 bath Junior Suite overlooking the lagoon with over $67K in 2015 gross income. AAA four-diamond beachfront resort with 1st class amenities.

859,000

1,695,000

525,000

Inn on the Beach #2403 1 bed/1 bath Junior Suite overlooking the Gulf of Mexico with over $87K in 2015 gross income. AAA four-diamond beachfront resort with 1st class amenities.

339,000

224231

941-387-0100 | LongboatLife.com 440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 | ianaddy@michaelsaunders.com | gailwittig@michaelsaunders.com

492,000

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

Save Our Seabirds sings praises

Stefania Orofino, Carolyn Firth and Gunilla Imshaug

Photos by Katie Johns

John Hartmann, Beth and Bob Scheible and Lisa Hartmann, a board member for Save Our Seabirds

Maggie Hicks

thank you. “We’ve come so far in the last few years, and we couldn’t have done it without any of the people in this room,” he said. The event featured performances by opera singers Carol Sparrow, Randolph Locke, Johanna Fincher and Robyn Rocklein and a raffle, with a prize of six bottles of Seabirds Vineyard wine.

he fourth annual Arias in Flight had a slight change in theme this year. While the lunch was still honoring Save our Seabirds, this year’s event was a donor appreciation event. Sixty donors were present Nov. 19 at Sarasota Yacht Club for the luncheon. Save Our Seabirds CEO David Pilston said this is the organization’s way of saying

— KATIE JOHNS

Marcie Mackman, Polly Stark and Terry Roth Hal and Marlene Liberman

Maggie Hicks Turning your dreams into an address!

We’re

Turning Your Dreams into an Address

We’re

Beachplace

Recently Listed Properties

J US

LD SO

Largest two-bedroom Gulf-front unit at Beachplace, re-modeled from the studs out with raised ceilings and every easy-living Beachplace | $630,000 Beachplace | $580,000 amenity. The 1125 Gulf of Mexico Drive #404 living2 area. Beds:the 2 | Bath: | Sq. Ft.: 1400 sq. ft.

1095 Gulf of Mexico Drive #401 Beds: 2 | Bath: 2 | Sq. Ft.: 1172 sq. ft.

JoDene Moneuse REALTOR

941-302-4913 | jodenemoneuse@gmail.com

W NE

BEACH TO BAY ACCESS! Charming 2BR/1.5BA is ready to update to your taste. One of the few condos on the Key with a garage. Make this your home on the island. $285,000

UR B BOCLU R HALLA VI

E IC PR

NEW LISTING Best bay views in Beachplace! There are views of Sarasota Bay, the This three bedroom residence has been completely updated with neutral colored tile in the living areas, a new kitchen and covered parking.

COZY CANAL FRONT ESCAPE, 2BR/2BA condominium adjacent to Durante Park on LBK. Tastefully updated with wood cabinets & granite counters. Easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway. $299,900

SPECTACULAR BAY VIEWS from this updated 2BR/2BA beach inspired get-away. Bring your boat and launch it right at your boat slip. $529,900

L IS

R DE AN

UB CL

Gorgeous views of the grounds, swimming pool and Gulf of Mexico, from this corner residence in Bldg. 3. The southwestern exposure allows

Ready to Buy or Sell?

IMPRESSIVE ONE-STORY 3BR/3BA canal front home built on an elevated lot in the Sleepy Lagoon neighborhood. Deep water canal, lift, outdoor shower, pool & Jacuzzi. Close to deeded beach. $769,000

ES SL YI A B

Seasonal Rental Beachplace | $8,400 /month Direct Beachfront | Available Seasonally Beds: 2 | Bath: 2 | Turnkey Furnished

218567

Maggie Hicks Coldwell Banker Previews maggiehicks201@gmail.com 941-321-1759 Mobile

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

Maggie has been a realtor for 20+ years and focuses on luxury residential real estate in South Florida.

201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Ste. 1 • Longboat Key, FL 34228

ENDLESS DIRECT GULF VIEWS from every room in this fabulous 2BR/2BR rarely available penthouse unit. Views of the bay and downtown Sarasota are also picturesque. $849,000

BEAUTIFUL DEEP WATER LOT in the secluded community of Hideaway Bay on LBK. Cul-de-sac peninsula style lot with deep sailboat water on 3 sides. Great location to build your dream home. $890,000 For Longboat Key’s Premier Property Management Services Call 941-383-5577

RARELY AVAILABLE spacious 3BR/3BA maintenance free villa located behind the gates of Bay Isles Harbourside. Impressive views overlooking the sparkling lake and one acre golf course. $899,000 Nightly and weekly rentals available: 941-387-8344

www.WagnerRealty.com

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Suite 101, in the Centre Shops, Longboat Key | 941.383.5577

224268

building. Available furnished with covered parking for $610,000

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

Looking for Luxury Living on the Water?

REID MURPHY

WILL LEAD YOU TO YOUR DREAM HOME!

Photo taken by Reid Murphy

Call REID Today! 941.232.3304 Ester and David Pilston, CEO of Save Our Seabirds

The raffle prize was six bottles of Seabirds Vineyard wine.

JUST LISTED - WATER CLUB BEACH FRONT LONGBOAT KEY

$1,539,000

Unique, spacious plaza level residence. 2BD/3BA + den w/10’ ceilings, floor to ceiling windows for stunning views of the Gulf and the tropical Florida landscaping. Plus the convenience of stepping out to the beautiful Water Club amenities without using the elevator. The Water Club is a premier Gulf front condominium with exceptional amenities and services.

$690,000 STUNNING BAYFRONT HOME BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME ON LBK $830,000 LONGBOAT KEY CANAL HOME $5,200,000 Wide canal lot on Dream Island Rd. Direct bay North Longboat Key 3BD/2BA home on oversized Custom Built w/ amazing views extraordinary lot with boat basin and views over the bayou. access. A boater’s paradise! finishes. Boat dock & deeded beach access on LBK.

ICE

Janet and Mark Hammer LUXURIOUS KEY WEST STYLE $998,000 GATED WESTWAY ESTATE $6,900,000 WHITAKERS LANDING DEEP WATER LOT $1,750,000 3BR/3.5BA home with Gulf views from multiple Exquisite w/ stunning views, expansive windows & One lot from Bay w/100 ft seawall on a deep rooms and only a minutes walk to the beach. verandas. Dramatic pool w/jacuzzi. New dock & lift. channel. Gated community.

Since 1969 5330 Ashton Ct., Sarasota

State Certified General Contractor

www.wilson-window.com

921-1113 219270

LBK OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD $2,200,000 MAGNIFICENT LBK BAYFRONT $4,495,000 BEAUTIFUL LBK CANAL $995,000 Incredible Country Club Shores lot w/ Magnificent Bayfront Spectacular Skyline Privacy plus a beautiful canal with direct Bay expansive Bay views & deepwater dock. Views Deep Water Dockage. access. 3BD/3BA bright & open with elevator.

Developers Realty Inc. Lic. R.E. Broker • 1266 1st St., Suite 9, Sarasota, FL 34236

www.reidmurphy.com

224233

• Repair • Replace • Condos • Homes

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

Kim Bassos-Hull, a senior biologist at Mote Marine Laboratory, spoke to the Garden Club about her work with dolphin, stingrays and other marine research and conservation efforts.

Garden Club talks marine conservation

Alex Boyland and Cathy Meldahl

he Longboat Key Garden Club got a lesson in marine life conservation Nov. 15 at its monthly meeting. Kim Bassos-Hull, a senior biologist at Mote Marine Laboratory, spoke to the club about her research and conservation efforts on dolphins, stingrays and other marine wildlife. She also spoke about her company, Flow Paddle Tours, which gives customized kayak and stand-up paddleboard tours, along with classes in Sarasota Bay. The members enjoyed sweet treats and coffee before the meeting started. The club is gearing up for season and getting ready for its welcome back luncheon.

Vicki White, Carol Peschel and Gail Wyer

Photos by Katie Johns

Garden Club President Susan Phillips, Kimberly Roberts and Palma Panza

Deborah Marino and Diane Blake

— KATIE JOHNS

“If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.”

LIST WITH LOUIS Sav v y. Discre et. Proven.

Kim Freiwald,PA Realtor

941 256 6775

LBKIM

KimFreiwald@gmail.com Kimfreiwald.PremierSothebysRealty.com

LOUIS WERY 941.232.3001

Sarasota Magazine 5-Star Customer Service Award 2010-2016

louis.wery@sothebysrealty.com Languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian

ESSEX HOUSE 707 S. Gulfstream Avenue #904 • $510,000

CASEY KEY

THE LOOP OF NW BRADENTON

2116 Casey Key Road • $4,850,000

1801 97th Street NW • $645,000

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

Largest parcel of waterfront property on LBK for sale. Located on Bishops Bayou it is meticulously landscaped and the ideal combination of privacy, serenity and beauty. This parcel offers unlimited opportunity for four individual homes, family compound or a solid buy and hold investment. Lovely and well maintained 1800 sq. ft. home on the property with private deeded beach access.

4004 Commodore, Cortez, FL $1,395,000 MLS#A4165866

Custom Built Gorgeous Courtyard Home with waterview. Gated in Marina boat slip. 3 bed, 3 1/2 bath. 3 car garage - 4175 sq. ft. Harbour Landings.

7155 La Lenaire, Longboat Key, FL $1,395,000 MLS#A4153984 Jewfish Key. Custom Island Log Home with your own Private Beach -One-Of-A Kind Amazing water views of Gulf and Bay. 2336 sq. ft. 3/4 acre lot.

223749

KANAYA 505 S. Orange Avenue #603 • $1,125,000

GORGEOUS AND RARE 2.45 ACRE WATERFRONT PROPERTY WITH BOAT DOCK. 6680 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key FL 34228 $2,200,000 MLS#A4122564

217090

SIESTA KEY 3625 White Lane • $1,395,000

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

the finest services of real estate

Kelly Mooney, REALTOR® 941-587-8430

CASEY KEY

$5,795,000

BAY ISLES - LONGBOAT KEY

L’AMBIANCE – LONGBOAT KEY

$2,795,000

BAY ISLES – LONGBOAT KEY

FROM $1,650,000

$1,199,000

Key West Style Gulf to Bay compound on over 3/4 of an acre offers coveted island living only available on Casey Key.

Ninth Floor residence with 12’ ceilings and amazing views of Gulf, Bay and city Skyline! Sophisticated updating. New impact rated doors and windows.

GOLDEN GATE POINT

Eight unique residences with floor-to-ceiling windows. Resort style pool/spa, cabana, individiual garage space and private elevator foyer.

DOWNTOWN-LAUREL PARK

Open and spacious 3 bedroom custom home with detached fully-equipped guest house, hand-scraped wood floors, two car garage, and magical water feature!

$5,495,000

Cheryl Loeffler, MBA, REALTOR® 941-302-9674

Betsy Sublette, REALTOR® 941-284-8483

GOLDEN GATE POINT

$5,495,000

$2,749,000

RITZ TOWER – SARASOTA

$1,890,000

SABAL COVE-LONGBOAT KEY

$1,390,000

PIERRE-LONGBOAT KEY

$1,299,000

BEACHPLACE – LONGBOAT KEY

$529,000

Bayfront home perfectly situated along a protected deep waterway. Incredible bay and city views with an abundance of native fauna.

Open and bright Harbor Section home with over 4500 sq. ft. of sensible living area. Lovingly maintained with southern exposure and protected boating.

Delightful lakefront home provides the perfect privacy. Spacious 4 bedroom with volume ceilings & generous pool deck.

Largest, two-bedroom unit with sunny southern exposure, recent updates and views of the Gulf, pool and community lake.

Third floor grand residence with 5,658 SF, 4 bedrooms, 5 baths, 2 terraces with water and city views. Private boat dock and 2 car garage.

Sophisticated corner residence with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, generous terraces for viewing, meticulous finishes and 2 parking spaces.

Mesmerizing views of the Gulf! Elegant penthouse unit with three bedrooms, three baths, generous terraces and two parking spaces.

DOWNTOWN DREAM OFFICE

$499,000

Converted historic bungalow just blocks from downtown. Two private offices, reception area, conference room, and media room. Parking for 7 cars.

224395

REAL ESTATE

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

The Beach Residences condo sells for $3.45 million

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

NOV. 14 - 18

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

condominium in The Beach Residences tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Robert and Maureen Ruscher, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 902 condominium at 1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Charles and Faine Smith, of Avon by the Sea, N.J., for $3.45 million. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,964 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $2,873,900 in 2011.

BAY ISLES

Norman Epstein, of Ontario, Canada, sold his home at 3400 Bayou Sound to Rene Siwy, of Sarasota, for $625,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,368 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $325,000 in 1986. BEACHPLACE II

Michael Wilson, trustee, of Buffalo, N.Y., sold the Unit 301 condominium at 1095 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Ramel Diab, of Palos Heights, Ill., for $510,000. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,172 square feet of living area. It sold for $530,000 in 2003.

SEAPLACE II

Donald Cooks, trustee, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit M1-110F condominium at 2045 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Robert Gablin, of Chicago, for $463,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 928 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $382,500 in 2002. LONGBOAT HARBOUR

Harris and Harriett Barber, trustees, sold the Unit 208 condominium at 4420 Exeter Drive to Armando and Patricia Gonzalez, of Orlando, for $300,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,168 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $117,500 in 1989. ST. ARMANDS KEY JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

Mark Scheffee, of Sarasota, and Elizabeth Scheffee, of Windham, Maine, and Jennifer Peterson, of Grand Isle,

Vt., sold their home at 101 N. Adams Drive to Josef Gombert and Jessica Seitz, of Fulda, Germany, for $630,000. Built in 1958, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,481 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $97,000 in 1986.

560 Chipping Lane A4125400 $1,849,000 Ian Addy Pa

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-961-8850

435 L Ambiance Drive H202 A4167486 $1,695,000 Klaus Lang

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-320-1223

723 Jungle Queen Way A4163126 $1,500,000 Marcia Salkin

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-376-6121

1135 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 506 A4169819 $1,325,000 Jenifer Schwell

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-780-0968

641 Ranger Lane A4138569 $5,850,000 Michael Moulton

240 Sands Point Road 4601 A4164942 $1,250,000 Chris Wetzig

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-350-8083

513 Hornblower Lane A4160876 $1,100,000 Jenine Meyer

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-266-8303

6322 Laguna Drive A4157415 $899,000 Tina Rudek, Pa

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-920-0303

3384 Bayou Lane A4169419 $879,500 Ryan Heers

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-726-1703

2425 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 1E A4160613 $799,000 Mel & Jan Goldsmith

Built in 2005, Unit 902 at The Beach Residences has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,964 square feet of living area.

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-928-3559

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-356-6673

6701 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 303 A4170272 $729,000 Tina Rudek, Pa

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-920-0303

ur exclusive global connections place our entire collection in front of millions of prospective buyers and increase awareness of Florida’s Gulf Coast as an incomparable destination.

LOCAL LEGACY. GLOBAL VISION. 625 Norton Street A4166167 $720,000 Cathy Meldahl

596 Outrigger Lane A4158567 $4,500,000 Maureen Horn

Longboat Key 941-383-5502 941-724-7228

392 Firehouse Lane A4145219 $710,000 Mary Defrank

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-544-0214

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-539-3384

2425 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 2F A4167488 $697,000 Mel & Jan Goldsmith

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-356-6673

3475 Byron Lane A4167239 $685,000 Peter Salefsky

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-724-5107

501 Juan Anasco Drive A4169173 $685,000 Richard Perlman

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-228-8580

2159 Harbourside Drive 801 A4155328 $679,000 Jenifer Schwell

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-780-0968

1920 Harbourside Drive 1004 A4165378 $625,000 Julie Klick

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-780-6001

6945 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 23 A4158692 $538,500 Sharon Freeman

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-545-0899

4725 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 113 A4169667 $525,000 Ian Addy Pa

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-961-8850

6937 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 23 A4167650 $489,000 Janet Walter

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-232-2000

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Nov. 17-22, in order of dollar amounts.

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS 3317 Sabal Cove Drive

PERMIT Residence

1115 GMD

APPLICANT David Gutridge

Reroof

AMOUNT $1.05 million

Beachplace Condo

$320,000

Assoc. 5757 GMD

Doors The Shore Condo Assoc. $55,280

7081 Binnacle Point Drive

Lift, dock and

Preston Speers

$50,200

seawall 601 Putter Lane

Reroof

Lisa Lane Libman

$45,010

903 Spanish Drive S.

Doors

Mark Dugan

$37,440

585 Halyard Lane

Reroof

Hunt Brothers

$35,115

Development Inc.

6320 GMD

Pool

Mateos FL LLC

871 Spanish Drive S.

Windows

Cary Campagna

690 Old Compass Road

Windows

Margaret Pescatello

$9,831

781 Emerald Harbor Drive

Lift-davit

Donald Johnson

$8,054

100 Sands Point Road

Window

William Blake

917-925 Spanish Drive N.

Windows

Richard Hyland

$4,270

6041 GMD

Reroof

Longboat Investors

$2,100

$35,000 $12,770

5060 Gulf Of Mexico Drive A4145711 $8,200,000 Beverly St Hilaire

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-504-3303

$6,511

Group LLC Source: Town of Longboat Key

ONLINE

LIDO KEY LIDO TOWERS

Edward and Elizabeth Kasper, of Farmington Hills, Mich., sold their Unit 511 condominium at 1001 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Dominic and Carole Cristiano, of Ontario, Canada, for $288,000. Built in 1980, it has one bedroom, one bath and 813 square feet of living area.

615 Dream Island Road 308 A4110859 $475,000 Sylvia Zimmerman

3240 Gulf Of Mexico Drive B407 A4162850 $445,000 Crystal Cosby

4500 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 305 A4162445 $410,000 Bobbi Banan

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-350-5022

Longboat Key 941-966-8000 571-230-5013

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-356-2659

4500 Gulf Of Mexico Drive PH2 A4167934 $475,000 Bobbi Banan

4500 Gulf Of Mexico Drive PH6 A4168620 $425,000 Bobbi Banan

4621 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 18F A4151519 $376,500 Richard Perlman

6051 Gulf Of Mexico Dr A3983113 $3,950,000 Ann Martin & Joanna Benante

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-356-7717

6101 Gulf Of Mexico Drive A4166781 $3,650,000 Sandi Layfield

Longboat Key 941-383-5502 941-914-2807

435 L Ambiance Drive M908 A4157628 $3,625,000 Robert Dardas

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-376-7591

6695 Gulf Of Mexico Drive A4165951 $3,500,000 Bobbi Banan

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-356-2659

529 Putter Lane A4136340 $3,445,000 Michael Moulton

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-928-3559

655 Longboat Club Road 17B A4161520 $3,300,000 Jenifer Schwell

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-780-0968

5362 Sandhamn Place A4167782 $2,995,000 Michael Moulton & Connie Lyke-Brown

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-928-3559

584 Gunwale Lane A4167651 $2,850,000 Tom Delaney Pa

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-387-3990

6540 Gulf Of Mexico Dr A3997271 $1,849,000 Saint Cacchiotti & Marie Monsky

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-809-0787

3571 Bayou Circle A4163238 $1,795,000 Beverly St Hilaire

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-504-3303

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-356-2659

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-228-8580

722 Bayport Way 722 A4165465 $449,000 Maruta Miluns

4410 Exeter Drive 306 A4165912 $419,000 Malihe Karimi

5260 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 401 A4152740 $349,500 Kathy Valente

Longboat Key 941-383-5502 941-374-9702

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-386-5099

Longboat Key 941-748-6300 941-685-6767

VA C AT I O N R E N TA L S 6633 Gulf Of Mexico Drive A3989550 $19,900,000 Deborah Beacham

Mid Longboat 383.5502 • South Longboat 383.7591 • St. Armands 388.4447

Longboat Key 941-951-6660 941-376-2688

White Sands of Longboat whitesandsoflongboat.com 800.230.2428

215776

Veranda Beach Club verandabeachclub.com 800.411.5511

10B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

Living and Working on Longboat Key for 40 Years

Cathy C. Meldahl, P.A. Your Longboat Key Community Realtor

3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

Photos by Katie Johns

Pat Geraci, Hazel Steskal, Rush Strauss and Louise Rich LV9930

Private Stairs to Beach

Penthouse Unit

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-4

2105 Gulf Of Mexico Dr #3104, Longboat Key, 34228, 2 beds 2 baths 1,463 Sq. Ft.

JUST LISTED

$949,900

1050 Longboat Club Rd #1004, Longboat Key, 34228, 2 beds, 2 baths 1409 Sq. Ft.

$629,900

Penthouse Unit

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-4

1701 Gulf of Mexico Dr #604 Longboat Key, 34228, 3 beds, 2 baths 1551 Sq. Ft.

$749,900

Library turns page on new season efore Longboat Key Library volunteers could enjoy their lunch, they first had to get to know one another. Attached to each of their backs was the name of an author featured in the library. The 25 volunteers had to walk around the room and ask others “yes” and “no” questions to figure out which author they had been assigned. The room quickly filled with laughter and chatter as volunteers caught up on their summers and made new friends. The game was part of the library’s welcome back luncheon Nov. 17 at Windward Bay condominium, which featured a buffetstyle lunch. The library runs on the support of membership fees and a staff made up entirely of volunteers. Volunteers make their own schedules usually work a half day one to three times a month. The library is always looking for new volunteers. For information, call 383-2011.

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-4

1050 Longboat Club Rd #303, Longboat Key, 34228, 2 beds, 2 baths, 1,409 Sq. Ft.

$449,900

Chet Pletzke and Carolyn Mangel

Carol Gibbon and Marcia Sexton

— KATIE JOHNS

LONGBOAT KEY – Corner penthouse in desirable mid key location. Direct Bayfront with 2 bedroom/2 baths plus bonus room; Community has great amenities and is pet friendly $425,000 5841 Gulf of Mexico Drive #242, Longboat Key, 34228, 1 bed, 1 bath 520 Sq Ft

$365,000

LONGBOAT KEY – Gulf front home with 120 feet of beach frontage and 443 feet in depth. Enjoy a magnificent beach and ultimate privacy in this 4 bedroom, 4.5 baths, family room, great room, heated gulf side pool and spa, wooden decks and screened porch across the entire home $ 3,500,000

3503 Fair Oaks Cr, Longboat Key, 34228, 4 Beds 4 Full Baths 1 Partial Bath 3,462 Sq. Ft.

SARASOTA MAINLAND – Situated on a 2 acre site, this waterfront home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, pool, spa, 3 car garage ....................................................................... SOLD $599,000

$1,375,000

WINDWARD BAY – Penthouse with spectacular views across the Bay. Watch manatees and dolphins frolic in the marina. Enjoy deeded beach access and a multitude of community amenities. Pets allowed. Enjoy beautiful tile and travertine floors in this 2/2 sunny residence. ...... $475,000 WINDWARD BAY – This bay front residence is for the young at heart. Two bedrooms, two baths, large lanai tastefully decorated and furnished as a seaside getaway. The community amenities include 2 pools, tennis, pickle ball, fitness room, kayak racks, boat docks, deeded beach access and an abundance of social activities. Two pets up to 25 lbs. ........................................ $410,000 WINDWARD BAY – 2 bedroom, 2 bath with unobstructed bay views. The community offers pools, boat docks, tennis, pickle ball, kayaking, fitness room. 2 small pets allowed. ...SOLD $389,000

Dennis Girard

Broker Associate Over 30 Years Experience.

WINDWARD BAY – direct bay front 2/2 residence with LG bonus room, excellent amenities including tennis, pools, pickle ball, docks, deeded beach access. 2 small pets allowed... SOLD $379,000

540 John Ringling Blvd. Sarasota Florida 34236 Cell: 941-809-0041 Fx: 941-556-4664 DennisGirard.PremierSothebysRealty.com dennis.girard@premiersir.com

PROUD CONTRIBUTOR TO THE MSC FOUNDATION AND MEMBER OF THE MSC FOUNDATION ADVISORY COUNCIL

BOBBIE BANAN, REALTOR®

356-2659 • 383-2659 • bobbiebanan@michaelsaunders.com

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

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

Ambassador’s Circle

170233

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

224058

224236

• 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 Center for the Arts Longboat Key Garden Club

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

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100% 100% 100% Canal) Fits up to CIC 40CIC db Micro Micro Micro CIC

Loss (Completely-in(Completely-in(Completely-in100% Canal) Canal) Canal) Fits uptodb to40CIC 40dbdb Micro Fits up to 40 Fits up Micro CIC Loss Loss (Completely-inLoss

Digital Hear but find it di cult to understand clearly 100% OTHER DIGITAL SPECIALS Open-Fit BTE Digital ITE Digital CIC $595 Micro CIC NOW $395 NOW $395 $395 $395 NOW NOW NOW NOW $495 $495 $595 NOW NOW Need others to repeat what they are saying 100% Digital 100% 100% - $1190 100% Was - $1190 Was $1190 Was $790 Was $790 Was $990 Was $495 - $990 Was - $1190 Was NOW $395 $395 NOW NOW $595 NOW Open-Fit BTE Digital ITE Digital CIC Micro CIC NOW NOW NOW NOW Find yourself up the television NOW NOW turning NOW NOW NOW (In-the-Ear) NOW NOW (Completely-inNOW (Open Fit Behind(Completely-in$1190 Was $790 Was $990 Was $1190 the-Ear) Fits up to 40 Was db Canal) Canal) Was -Was $1190 Was -noisy $790 Was - $990 Was - $1190 Wasdi - $1190 Was --hearing $1190 Was - $790 Was --$790 Was $990 --$990 Was - $1190 Was --$1190 Have culty environments NOW NOW Factory Authorized Fits up to 40 db in Loss NOW FitsNOW up to 40 db Fits up to 40 db NOW NOW NOW NOW Loss Loss Loss We Carry & Service All These Was $1190 Was $790 Was $990 Was $1190 NOW NOW NOW NOW Dealer Was - $1190 Was - $790 All Was - $990 Manufacturers Was - $1190 WeWas Carry & Service These - $1190 Was - $790 Was - $990 Was - $1190 Appointments Are Limited Our Professional staff of Doctors of Audiology, Board NOW NOW NOW NOW FT-0000520983

FT-0000520983

(In-the-Ear) Fits Fits up to 40 dbup to 40 db Loss (In-the-Ear) Loss Fits up to 40 db Loss

(Completely-inCanal) Canal) Fits up toFits 40 up dbto 40 db (Completely-inLoss Canal) Loss Fits up to 40 db Loss

(Completely-inCanal)Canal) up to 40 db Fits upFits to 40 db Loss Loss

$395 $395 $495 $395 $395$395 $395 $495 $495$595$595 $595 $395 $395 $395 $495 $495 $595 $595 $395 FT-0000520983

FT-0000520983

(Open Fit Behindthe-Ear) the-Ear) Fits up toFit40Behinddb (Open Fits up to 40 db Loss the-Ear) Loss Fits up to 40 db Loss

Canal) Fits up to 40 db 100% Loss

FT-0000520983

$395

www.floridamedicalhearing.com Was - $1190 Was - $790 FT-0000520983

SARASOTA NORTH

2807 University PKWY Sarasota, FL 34243 941-822-8919

$495

(Completely-inCanal) Fits up to 40 db Loss

$595

Certified Hearing Aid Specialists and Audioprosthologists

Was - $990

Was - $1190 VENICE BEACH

SARASOTA SOUTH 6529 Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 941-925-0022

4250 S Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941-496-7600

OTHER DIGITAL SPECIALS

100% Digital Open-Fit BTE

100% Digital ITE

100% Digital CIC

100% Micro CIC

222773

• • • •

100% Micro CIC

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

15B

Photos by Katie Johns

The Longboat Key Democratic Club recites the Pledge of Allegiance before the beginning of its meeting Nov. 16. Photos by Katie Johns

Democratic Club takes time to vent

Seaplace members enjoyed a potluck dinner Nov. 16.

Seaplace welcomes back its residents

efore Rob Lorei, a political analyst for WEDU and moderator of “Florida This Week,” spoke to the Longboat Key Democratic Club, club President Murray Blueglass addressed the crowd about the recent election. Members of the club were given 30 seconds to unleash any curse words they had been holding in since Nov. 8. While most members just laughed, one woman let out a short scream. Blueglass then reminded those present how important it would be to vote again in four years. While guests enjoyed lunch their Portofino Ristorante and Bar, Lorei spoke to the crowd about the recent election results and consequences.

ith plates piled high and wine glasses filled, Seaplace residents gathered Nov. 16 for their Welcome Back Party. The dinner took place in the clubhouse, where 70 partygoers enjoyed watching the sunset sink into the Gulf of Mexico. It was the first event of the season, and residents enjoyed reuniting after summers of vacation and family time. Guests brought various dishes such as fruit salad, carrot cake, deli wraps and other bites to make the dinner a potluck. — KATIE JOHNS

Edward Mankes and Howard Veit Harold Kaufman and Kathy Neudorfer

Leslie Housman, Tessie Jose, Arlene Skversky and Terry Guzman Elinor Burstein and Terry and Jamie Schneider

CAN’T BE AT THE DOWNTOWN

SARASOTA PARADE? Go to fb.com/observergroup for live highlights of the Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade!

7PM | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 or relive all the highlights on Sunday, December 4 on yourobserver.com

— KATIE JOHNS

ANNUAL CHALLENGE December 9-11, 2016 Party/Exhibition date: December 8 Longboat Key Public Tennis Center Open to All Four Players Per Team (2 men, 2 women) Four Levels of Play

$35 Entry fee includes:

Players Tournament Party & Pro Doubles Exhibition at LBK Public Tennis Center 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., Dec. 8

Harry’s hors d’oeuvres provided; beer, wine, cash bar Tournament shirt • Trophies • Balls and Refreshments

Party & Exhibition for nonplayers: $10

Wilson Sporting Goods • Longboat Key Tennis Center

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