Longboat Observer 2.13.25

LONGBOAT

Lo’ Key opening.

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

PAGE 10B

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

VOLUME 47, NO. 26

YOUR TOWN

A brewtiful friendship?

Starbucks has grande plans to bring store to Longboat. SEE PAGE 5A

File image

Citizen survey active online Have you sent in your citizen survey yet?

The town mailed out letters to residents last week, which included a unique code to access the online survey. From the survey, the town and its leaders hope to gain insight into the most prominent issues and topics of the community.

Responses from the survey help guide the town commission’s future strategic planning and upcoming budget process.

Residents could access the online forum as of Feb. 10, and the online survey closes on Feb. 28. The survey should take about 10-15 minutes to complete.

For more information, visit LongboatKey.org/Residents/ Citizen-Survey.

KEY TO

GREAT TASTE Taste and Tunes of

the Keys announces its culinary lineup.

SEE PAGE 2B

Dana Kampa

Town Manager Howard Tipton Dana Kampa

Kiwanis talks proposed changes

Executive Chef Michael Decorcie, from Drift at Lido Beach Resort, showcases his arancini special.

Longboat Key Kiwanis Club members heard from Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton and Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman at their Feb. 6 meeting.

The pair touched on upcoming ballot items, including giving the manager freedom to appoint a qualified person to briefly serve as interim town manager when needed, even if they already hold a position with the town.

They also answered members’ questions about replacing the underwater sewer line and updating residents’ water meters, which they said would be a cost saver for users.

The club also agreed to shift its monthly meetings to the second Thursday of the month.

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Carter Weinhofer

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Steve Branham and Deborah Murphy are running for the at-large commission seat, which will become vacant in March.

Candidates converge Town issues at forefront of election forum. SEE PAGE 3A

Hitting the high notes.

INSIDE

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

WEEK OF FEB. 13, 2025

Dock & lift height changes near finale

“This is not an optional project. We need to do it.

It’s good for the utility system; it’s good for the health of the bay.”

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, the Longboat Key Town Commission will hold a special voting meeting immediately after it adjourns the workshop held at 1 p.m.

At this special meeting, the town commission will hold the second public hearing and vote for the ordinance to increase the maximum height allowed for boat docks and lifts.

The ordinance also changes the measurement method for the regulations, making it uniform to being measured from the mean high water line.

In December 2024, the commission directed the Planning, Zoning and Building Department staff and Planning and Zoning Board to expedite this ordinance to assist homeowners who were looking to rebuild docks and lifts after the hurricanes, but wanted to do so higher.

At the first vote on Feb. 3, the town commission unanimously approved the ordinance to be forwarded to the upcoming meeting on Feb. 18.

Town Manager Howard Tipton on the subaqueous force main replacement. Read more on page 6A

BY THE NUMBERS 2

Candidates for the at-large commission seat in the March election.

PAGE 3A

$33 MILLION

State Revolving Fund loan the town is seeking to take out for the subaqueous force main replacement.

PAGE 6A

11

Local restaurants highlighted in the Longboat Key Garden Club’s Taste and Tunes of the Keys.

PAGE 2B

Commissioner advocates in Washington

CALENDAR

n The Market on the Key

— 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 17, Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road n Town Commission Workshop — 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18, Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road n Town Commission Special Meeting — 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18, Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road

File photo

Longboat Key Police will begin patrols aimed at a higher focus of safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

PD increases safety patrols

T

he Longboat Key Police Department will increase patrols focused on cyclist and pedestrian safety as a part of a High Visibility Enforcement program.

Starting now through May, the Longboat Key PD will increase directed patrols focused on speeding, failing to stop for pedestrians, illegal street crossing and bicyclists riding against traffic. These patrols will be focused on roads along the island with the highest accident

rates, a press release stated.

Gulf of Mexico Drive between Yawl Lane (600 Gulf of Mexico Drive) and 1700 Gulf of Mexico Drive near the Aquarius Club were previously identified by the state as being high-risk areas.

The program is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation and the Institute of Police Technology and Management. After Longboat Key officers completed a course in November 2024, the IPTM awarded the department a

$5,000 grant to be used for overtime for these directed patrols.

“Everyone has a role in keeping roads safe,” Sgt. Sean Butler said in the press release. “Follow the rules to protect yourself and others.”

According to Alert Today Florida’s website, Manatee and Sarasota counties are among the 25 counties with the highest rate of crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists resulting in serious or fatal injuries.

Commissioner-At-Large BJ Bishop spent the first week of February in Washington, D.C., to meet with state representatives and to advocate for local issues.

“We had a very productive week meeting with our Senate and Congressional representatives, as well as staff who have been key to our success bringing our issues to the forefront,” Bishop said in a press release.

The advocacy trip was a part of the Florida League of Cities’ Federal Action Strike Team Fly-In. More than 50 local elected officials took part in the trip to advocate for the FLC’s federal priorities.

Some of the topics the FLC representatives talked about were long-term National Flood Insurance Program reauthorization and simplifying the federal grant process.

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TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

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TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY GENERAL ELECTION

HOPEFULS MEET

At an election forum hosted by Miracle on the Key and the Men’s Club of the Temple Beth Israel, the candidates had an opportunity to discuss their positions on town issues.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

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ongboat Key residents filled the Temple Beth Israel social hall on Feb. 9 for an election forum hosted by the Miracle on the Key group and Men’s Club of Temple Beth Israel.

At the event, about 55 residents heard from Town Manager Howard Tipton about charter amendments and a referendum that will be on the March ballot before the two at-large seat candidates had the opportunity to talk about themselves, reasons behind running for commission and perspectives on town issues.

After Tipton explained the charter amendments and referendum, President of the Longboat Key Democratic Club Lucie Lapovsky introduced the two commission candidates: Steve Branham and Debbie Murphy.

Branham and Murphy are vying for an at-large commission seat, which will be vacant in March after Vice Mayor Mike Haycock reaches his term limit.

This will be the first contested commission election in Longboat Key since 2018.

Murphy held the District 5 commission seat from March 2023 to December 2023 but resigned due to the state’s intent to change the financial disclosure from Form 1 to Form 6, requiring candidates to disclose more information about sources of income.

At the time, Murphy said she felt that amount of detail was unnecessary for a volunteer board position and was hesitant to disclose that information due to personal reasons.

Now, the state has rescinded the Form 6 requirement and Murphy is running for the at-large seat.

This time, her platform is centered around her desire to bring another Manatee County voice to the commission.

Out of the seven current commissioners, two live in Manatee County, Murphy said in her introduction.

With many upcoming projects and issues set in Manatee County — including the Broadway Roundabout, Longboat Pass Bridge and resiliency projects — Murphy believes having another commissioner from Manatee County would be a beneficial addition.

Branham served with the U.S. Coast Guard for 37 years before coming to Longboat Key, where he currently serves on the Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees and was involved in organizations like the Kiwanis Club and Longboat Key Garden Club.

Growing up, Branham said his family values taught him to be a servant leader and serve others, leaving things better than he found them.

That’s why he wants to become a commissioner and serve the town in the same way.

Lapovsky took questions from the audience about the candidate’s perspectives on town issues and future projects for the remainder of the forum. Here are some of the questions:

EARLY VOTING If you wish to cast your ballot prior to Election Day, Early Voting will be held at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, from Monday, March 3, to Saturday, March 8, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each day.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Where: Sarasota County voters cast their ballots at Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road. Manatee County voters cast their ballots at Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

When: Election Day is Tuesday, March 11. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What to bring: Current and valid photo ID with signature.

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

Steve Branham and Deborah Murphy speak at the election forum held Feb. 9.

MEET THE CANDIDATES

AT-LARGE COMMISSION SEAT

DEBORAH MURPHY

Background: Retired from family construction business County: Manatee Previous LBK experience: Currently serves on the Zoning Board of Adjustment

Meeting space is a problem.

How do you see solving the meeting space problem on the island?

BRANHAM: I think there’s some work to be done, particularly on the north end that suffered a setback up there with the hurricane taking the space. The question now is, how do you overcome that? The library project on the south end and the community center for the Town Center Green area would be a great thing to fix the meeting space problem.

MURPHY: I’m a cheerleader for the (north-end) community center that’s sitting vacant now at Whitney Plaza. A lot of condo associations that are mid-Key and up suffer from the fact that we do not have dedicated meeting space for board meetings, community meetings. (The community center) would solve that problem on the north end. I’m pleased to hear, even though we’re still awhile out, that the library that’s being built here on Longboat Key is going to be offering space. I think between those two venues that may help to solve some of the problem.

How do you acquire and understand the views of the community?

BRANHAM: Well, you go out and communicate ... to go out and gather information, to meet with various groups — and there are many on this island, as you know — and talk to them, to see what’s on their mind and develop a list of those things that are most important.

MURPHY: It does not matter if I am your representative from District 5 or I’m an at-large commissioner, I represent everyone here on the island. The difference ... instead of hearing directly from my neighbors about issues that they would like me to raise with the commission, I am now privy to questions from all of my neighbors, whether it’s the south end of Longboat Key or the north end of Longboat Key. How would you pay to fix aging infrastructure?

BRANHAM: I see infrastructure in a couple of different categories, one is private and one is public. With respect to public infrastructure, it needs to be resilient, and it also needs to be funded properly. I think

WHAT ARE THE CHARTER AMENDMENTS? The two charter amendments listed on the March ballot are “clean up” items of the town’s charter, in Tipton’s words.

The first deals with the meeting schedule of the town commission.

The charter states the commission needs to have a regular voting meeting in July.

But, it has long been the practice of the commission to hold a voting meeting at the end of June to vote on any last-minute items, then cancel the July meeting and have a two-month summer recess. The charter already allows for no voting meetings in August, but this amend-

ment would change the charter so a meeting is not required for July, as well.

The second charter amendment deals with who Tipton or the commission could appoint as town manager in case of an emergency.

Most of the time, Tipton said the replacement would be Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman.

In case Tipton and Brownman are both unable to act as town manager, this amendment clears up language so the town manager or commission can appoint someone from within or outside of the town for a period of absence.

STEVE BRANHAM

Background: Retired Admiral and CFO of Coast Guard County: Sarasota Previous LBK experience: Currently serves on the Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees

we’re going to face some challenges as we move forward and develop our tax base because there have been a number of properties on the key that have been eliminated. The other part is private ... we have to make it easier for our citizens to be able to make their property more resilient.

MURPHY: There is a very detailed section on infrastructure (in the strategic plan) ... I think whether you’re a single-family homeowner or condo owner, many of these buildings were built 40-50 years ago, maybe longer. That is a huge issue. The environmental resiliency issues that we now see from what happened after the two hurricanes ... I think that, when we look at our budget going forward, we have to be prepared to understand that we are going to be investing quite a bit more into infrastructure projects.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Islandwide OnDemand sustains solid interest

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Despite hurricanes disrupting service, Sarasota County Transit said utilization and response from rideshare service was positive.

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ongboat Key’s new islandwide transit system served well in its first year of implementation.

In January 2024, Manatee County and Sarasota County implemented an agreement to extend the Longboat Key zone for Sarasota County’s OnDemand service to include the Manatee County portion of the island.

This created a unified public transit system for the island, which is divided into two counties.

OnDemand is provided by Sarasota County’s Breeze public transit system. Through the OnDemand service, riders can pay $2 for a “curbto-curb” rideshare program similar to Uber.

According to the latest ridership numbers from Sarasota County Director of Transit Jane Grogg, the riders in the Lido Key/Longboat Key zone remained steady from 2023 to 2024.

Total riders in the Lido Key/Longboat Key zone decreased slightly from 26,958 in 2023 to about 26,300 in 2024. Overall ridership for the OnDemand service increased 18% from 329,000 in 2023 to 388,000 in 2024.

Grogg said while these numbers are steady year over year, the numbers include an asterisk since the OnDemand service lost at least a month of ridership during Hurricanes Helene and Milton when access to the barrier islands was limited.

Of the 26,300 riders in 2024, about 3,300 riders had trips that either started or ended in Manatee County.

That number of riders is close to the number Manatee County pro-

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Courtesy image

jected it was transporting with the former Longboat Key shuttle provided by Manatee County Area Transit.

Grogg said this also presented a cost savings for Manatee County.

Manatee County estimated it was spending between $200,000 and $250,000 a year to operate the Longboat Key shuttle. Now, Manatee County pays Sarasota County about $30 per trip for the services to Manatee County.

At about 3,300 trips, that’s $99,000 in expenses for Manatee County.

After riders complete a ride with OnDemand, they can fill out a survey, which Grogg said the department uses to collect feedback. Overall, it’s been positive.

“Those who work on Longboat Key have appreciated not having an additional transfer,” Grogg said.

“This has at least simplified that trip making and improved that process for those riders.”

Previously, riders had to take a bus through MCAT to Coquina Beach, then take the Longboat Key shuttle to around Publix before booking an OnDemand ride in Sarasota County.

Grogg said her marketing team has conducted outreach programs with resorts and larger employers in Longboat Key, including the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, to ensure that employees know this rideshare service exists.

Sarasota County’s OnDemand service debuted in 2021.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

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Starbucks to open Longboat location The shop, located at 3174 Gulf of Mexico Drive, will emphasize the brand’s ‘community coffee house’ feel with a modern look tailored to Longboat.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

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tarbucks will soon join the shortlist of big-name brands on Longboat Key with a new location expected to open this year.

The mid-Key coffee shop will be located at 3174 Gulf of Mexico Drive, and with a lease signed and permitting in the works, the managerial group expects a mid to late summer opening.

Big-name brands are uncommon on the Key, with Publix, CVS and J. McLaughlin being on the shortlist.

CEO of Topper’s Craft Creamery and Master Licensee for Starbucks Greg Sausaman is bringing Starbucks to Longboat Key with the help of some other local partners.

Located on the 3100 block of the island, the plaza is mid-Key and across from a public beach access point with parking.

The traffic from beachgoers looking for mobile orders, plus the midKey location is what made Sausaman realize the spot’s potential.

Sausaman and his team finalized plans and concept art for the 1,800-square-foot space, which he hopes will embody the look and feel of the island community.

“The environment, the image of the space is really updated,” Sausaman said.

“We’ve got a beachy feel, some murals, so we really asked for the graphics to reflect Longboat as best we can ... We’re just really excited about it.”

The Starbucks brand is also shifting in a new direction, Sausaman said, thanks to CEO Brian Niccol.

“Starbucks is getting back to the roots of the community coffee house,” Sausaman said.

The emphasis on a community

Carter Weinhofer

coffee house and social aspect is one Sausaman hopes will be welcomed.

The idea, Sausaman said, came after he learned there were many former Starbucks executives and employees living on the island. After garnering some interest among people he knew on the island, Sausaman had a small group of partners interested in a Starbucks location.

Sausaman is a master licensee for Starbucks, which is similar to a franchisee.

Starbucks does not technically have franchises, but a hospitality group with a master license could bring the Starbucks brand into places like hospitals or college campuses‚ or, in this case, a small, standalone location without a drive-thru.

After Sausaman had some support, he began working with Tom Johnson III who is the director of leasing for Casto Commercial Real Estate.

Plans were then submitted to Starbucks corporate and received approval, according to Sausaman.

This whole process started about a year ago and, speaking from experience, Sausaman said it typically

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takes about a year and a half from the start of this process to being ready to serve coffee.

Sausaman said the recent hurricanes took a toll on the site, but the contractor has been working to get the site back on track. The contractor is now in the permitting stage, Sausaman said, with plans ready to keep moving forward toward what Sausaman hopes will be a mid to late summer opening.

The new location will probably produce about 25 new jobs on the island, according to Sausaman.

The lot is currently zoned C-1 Commercial. Restaurants can be put in C-1, but would need to go through a special exemption approved by Planning and Zoning Board.

SPRUCED-UP SPACE

Johnson is excited about Starbucks and transforming the commercial plaza into a new vision.

“It’s going to be an awesome space,” Johnson said about the Starbucks location.

The plaza also includes retail store Swim City, and Johnson hopes to

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bring in one more addition in the remaining 1,400-square-foot space.

The available space lease is listed as $32 per square foot for a lease term of up to 10 years and triple net, meaning the tenant is responsible for taxes, maintenance and insurance.

With Starbucks slated to have an art deco-style, Johnson said he hopes to bring in either a local or regional food group or a small boutique to go next to the coffee shop.

Either way, he wants to draw a business into the space that fits the overall feel of the modern Starbucks in the plaza.

An office of Michael Saunders & Co. used to occupy the property.

It moved away from the 3174 Gulf of Mexico Drive location in 2023 to combine with the office further south at 440 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

A space in the same plaza, at 3172 Gulf of Mexico Drive, used to be the Turtle Coffee Bar. According to a post on the coffee bar’s Facebook page in October 2024, the shop was unable to reopen after the hurricanes.

The commercial space at 3170-3174 Gulf of Mexico Drive will soon include a Starbucks location, tracking a mid or late summer 2025 opening date.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

“This is not an optional project. We need to do it ...

The question for the voters is: How do we want to pay for it?”

— Howard Tipton, town manager

Photograph of the broken sewer main lying on its side at the town of Longboat Key’s Public Works Department. The breach was in the bottom invert of the pipe.

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DR .

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eplacing Longboat Key’s underwater wastewater pipeline is not optional.

But the town is seeking a low-interest loan for the project, which must be approved by town voters.

In March, town voters will see the referendum on the ballot to either approve or deny the town’s request to pursue a loan of up to $33 million through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

“This is not an optional project. We

Exisiting main

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STAFF WRITER

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CARTER WEINHOFER

need to do it. It’s good for the utility system, it’s good for the health of the bay,” Town Manager Howard Tipton said. “The question for the voters is: How do we want to pay for it?”

The 2.8-mile subaqueous force main — simply put, an underwater wastewater pipe — transports the town’s wastewater across to the mainland, where it is then processed in Manatee County.

The current force main is about 50 years old. In 2020, there was a small leak that resulted in the mainland portion of the pipe being replaced and pushed the town toward a necessary replacement of the underwater portion.

The mainland portion of the pipeline was replaced in 2023 and cost $2.6 million.

This existing pipeline is made of 20-inch ductile iron and would be replaced with a state-of-the-art 24-inch high-density polyethylene pipeline — a type of thick plastic.

The project is important for the health of Sarasota Bay, under which the pipeline is installed.

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The upcoming ballot includes a referendum which, if passed, would allow for a necessary underwater pipeline replacement.

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A vote down the pipeline

75TH ST W.

Courtesy image

“Wastewater is probably the single largest risk to the health of Sarasota Bay,” Tipton said. “Nobody wants to see anything that would cause any damage (to the bay).”

The State Revolving Fund loan presents the town with the lowestcost option compared to the other options, which would be revenue bonds.

But the SRF loan requires a secondary pledge. For example, if the town’s primary method of paying the loan back — in this case, utility rate revenues — would not work out, the town would need to use other funds like tax revenue.

“We have no plans to do it, but it’s just a requirement of the state that there’s a backup pledge, and that’s what triggers the referendum,” Tipton said.

This puts the loan in the voters’ hands.

The town can’t advocate a position for or against the referendum, but Tipton said it’s a fact that with the SRF loan, the town and its residents pay less over time.

“What we have said, and it’s a factual statement: ‘If you vote less, you pay less,’” Tipton said.

The town also received a $3 million state appropriation for the project with the help of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, with another $1.5 million being requested in the upcoming legislative session.

This shows the town’s activeness in seeking other funds, Tipton said, which is also good to show the loan granters.

If the referendum fails, though, it could mean the residents pay more on utility rates.

Without the SRF loan, the town would need to pursue revenue bonds, either at a 20-year or 30-year term.

Either way, the revenue bonds carry higher interest and do not require a referendum.

In September 2024, the town commission approved an updated utility rate schedule that considers the SRF loan payments.

If the revenue bonds are the only option, then the town would have to reevaluate those rates and likely increase them due to the bonds being higher-cost options.

The black line running from the Key to the orange dot represents the town-owned wastewater pipeline.

LOAN BREAKDOWN

TERM FINANCE OPTION

INTEREST RATE TOTAL COST

ANNUAL PAYMENT

State Revolving Fund Loan

20 years

2.89%

$37.6 million

$1.9 million

Revenue Bond A

30 years

5.51%

$58.5 million

$1.9 million

Revenue Bond B

20 years

5%

$45.9 million

$2.2 million

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Deaths rose under Bondi Fewer Americans are drug addicts, yet more people are dying from drug use. Law enforcement’s crackdown on opioids just caused users to shift to fentanyl.

ADRIAN MOORE & JACOB RICH

W

hen President Trump nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to be the nation’s top lawyer, he emphasized her track record cracking down on drugs and fentanyl and essentially promised to take that approach nationwide to save many lives.

And if you remember, Bondi was trumpeted during her terms from 2011-2019 for cracking down on “pill mills,” putting in place restrictions on prescripJacob James Rich tion pain killers and suing the CVS chain for causing the opioid epidemic with loose prescription practices.

Unfortunately, according to Florida Department of Health data, drug overdose deaths in the state nearly doubled from 13.7 per 100,000 residents in 2011, when Bondi took over as the state’s attorney general, to 25.1 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2019 when she left office.

During the pandemic in 2020, overdose deaths increased dramatically nationwide and in Florida.

While overdose deaths have since gradually decreased, they are still well above pre-pandemic levels at 30.8 per 100,000 residents in 2023.

There are several things going on here that provide important lessons and tell us what we can expect in the next four years.

Bondi is a national champion of what is called the “overprescription” hypothesis, which blames rising rates of opioid overdoses starting in the early 2000s on increasing prescribing of opioids starting in the 1990s. There is some truth in that.

As opioid prescribing increased in the two decades before 2010, prescription opioids became the leading cause of drug overdoses.

The response that Bondi helped to champion, which was followed in most states and funded with federal grants, was prescription drug monitoring programs, which are state laws limiting the number of pills a patient can receive.

The Drug Enforcement Administration also ordered prescription opioid manufacturers to reduce opioid production.

These approaches made perfect sense to policy makers at the time.

Bondi made her implementation of the E-FORCE PDMP a centerpiece of her accomplishments as state attorney general, and it probably makes sense to you reading this.

The problem is that everyone involved in drug policy, including

Bondi, had a steady drumbeat of evidence that the PDMP approach caused a rapid increase in opioid overdose deaths. This was true in states nationwide, including Florida, where the rate of opioid overdose deaths remains far more than double where it was in 2010.

Look at the accompanying graph showing what happened in five states and Washington, D.C., when prescription monitoring was put into place between 2000 and 2020.

As prescription rates declined, opioid overdose deaths rose.

At first thought, this seems counterintuitive. But these results should have been easy to expect, and easy to see in the annual data on opioid prescriptions and overdose deaths.

Our history of drug prohibition consistently shows that when government restricts access to something people want, it drives demand to the illicit market.

In this case, abuse of prescription opioids was a growing problem, but it was a fairly safe way to consume opioids. Once PDMP cut off that supply, just as alcohol prohibition in the 1920s pushed bootleggers to switch from beer to potent bathtub gin, opioid traffickers switched to fentanyl and its ilk.

Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health show that pain reliever abuse rates have flattened out since 2002, while heroin and fentanyl abuse rates increased only after opioid prescription rates started to decline.

You can see this clearly in the lower accompanying graph on opioid mortality in Florida. When PDMPs were enacted in 2011 and prescription opioid prescribing declined, deaths from fentanyl and heroin began to skyrocket.

You would think policymakers in Florida and nationwide would look at these data and suspect that PDMP and similar policies are not working. But you would be wrong.

Instead, they have clung to a simple narrative, often used by Bondi in her press releases, that PDMPs reduced deaths from prescription opioids, ignoring data showing vastly more deaths from other opioids.

It is particularly tragic that we are seeing rising overdose deaths at a time when the United States is enjoying an appreciable drop in drug addiction rates.

Opioid addiction, in particular, has been dropping for years.

In 2002, 9.4% of Americans were addicted to a drug, including 0.7% of Americans addicted to opioids.

In 2019, the last year measured with a comparable standard (DSM-IV), 7.4% of Americans were addicted to substances with 0.6% of those being addicted to opioids.

Additionally, record levels of naloxone and addiction treatment medications are being distributed, which means more people received addiction treatment in 2021 than any other year in American history.

Fewer Americans are addicted to drugs and more of those who are addicted are receiving medicationassisted treatment for addiction, yet more people are dying from drug use.

The reality is that drug addiction and drug-related deaths don’t have much of a relationship. Drug-related deaths are almost solely caused by the safety of the drug supply, which is made more dangerous by

DeSantis no longer king of Florida?

From Governing Magazine, Alan Greenblatt, Jan. 30: There have been no real changes to Republican Ron DeSantis’ power as governor, but the way he’s being treated in Tallahassee has changed a lot since his first term, when he got essentially everything he wanted out of the Legislature.

It was just a year ago that DeSantis returned to Florida after his unsuccessful bid for president …

With his return to Tallahassee,

there were real questions about whether he’d still dominate the state as he had before.

This year, it seems that legislators are determined to establish their independence.

On Jan. 27, they overrode DeSantis’ line-item veto of $57 million in legislative support services. That may sound like they were feathering their own nests, but it was the first time the Legislature has overridden DeSantis — or any Florida governor,

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

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U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi

AS OPIOID PRESCRIBING DECREASES DEATH RATES INCREASE

FLORIDA OPIOID MORTALITY AFTER PDMP IMPLEMENTATION

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drug enforcement like PDMPs. The shift from prescription opioids to fentanyl and heroin meant those with substance use disorder began dying at such a high rate that overdoses are spiking despite a shrinking population of regular drug users.

Which raises the question of why do we still have too many people with a substance use problem?

Researchers point to a plethora of causes, including poverty and financial distress, severe fears and anxieties and difficulty getting mental health treatment and addiction treatment. The summary, as best we can tell, is that many people have something in their head or in their life that they are so desperate to escape that they will use even a very dangerous drug like fentanyl to get that escape.

Making a drug illegal has done little to reduce the number of people wanting it. But the false narrative of the drug war is easy to explain and easy to pursue.

Unfortunately, trying to figure out why people are hurting so badly,

and even more difficult, how to help them deal with it in a healthy fashion, is extremely difficult.

No surprise, policymakers tend to choose the easy route, regardless of whether it works. Bondi was no different. Nevertheless, there are other ways that can work.

In France, policy makers addressed their overdose epidemic by relaxing regulations on medication-assisted treatment, which combines addiction therapy with less-dangerous prescription opioids.

The result was a 79% drop in overdose deaths in four years.

We don’t expect Attorney General Bondi to have learned from what her drug policies wrought in Florida or to change her approach when applying it nationwide. So we can look forward to at least another four years of exceptional opioid deaths that could be prevented.

Adrian Moore is vice president of the Reason Foundation and lives in Sarasota. Jacob James Rich is a policy analyst at Reason Foundation.

for that matter, since 2010. All but one lawmaker voted for the override. “This veto was at best a misunderstanding of the importance of the appropriation,” said House Speaker Daniel Perez, “or, at worst, an attempt to threaten the independence of our separate branch of government.”

A bigger fight was soon to come.

DeSantis appealed directly to President Trump to lobby legislators to strengthen an immigration bill meant to align the state with the administration’s enforcement efforts. Lawmakers were happy to accommodate Trump’s requests

— they’d named the bill after him — but they preserved a provision designed to ding DeSantis. The bill would shift most responsibility for immigration enforcement from the governor to Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

After the bill passed Jan. 28, DeSantis vowed to veto it. It’s not certain that legislative leaders will have the votes to override the governor on this one. But it’s clear that they’re no longer afraid of picking a fight with him. “Threatening others to get your way isn’t leadership, it’s immaturity,” Perez said.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

MY VIEW

A spot for Lola Dogs with disabilities, permanent or temporary, still need exercise at their local park.

MANAGING EDITOR

Y

ou have to hate it when you drive around looking for an available parking space close to your destination, only to park a million miles away.

Now do it with three kids in the car, one of them with a disability, and all you want to do is take them to the park for some exercise, socialization and air.

It has to be tough. Personally, I don’t know what it’s like. I did have one “kid” who had a surgically repaired leg. But when she ran around the park, you would never know she had a leg with a plate and a bunch of screws in it.

One of Longboat resident Debi Nettlow’s furry kids does have a disability, and when she goes to Bayfront Park to give the kids exercise, she finds herself having to park in the overflow lot many times.

That’s tough on Lola’s legs. Lola can’t walk a great distance and for her to get to the actual park, well, Debi would have to carry her.

Carrying 55 pounds can be quite heavy when you may have to walk several hundred feet.

So now you’re thinking ...

“That’s an outrage. How can they not have parking for those children?”

Well, here’s the thing: The scenario I describe above could very well be that of a human child with a disability and their parent taking them to the park.

Courtesy image

Longboat resident Debi Nettlow and her dog, Lola. Lola has three legs, and Nettlow asked the town of Longboat Key for a disabled dog parking spot by the dog park at Bayfront Park.

a stray in Tampa and was hit by a car. A Tampa police officer rescued her and she ended up at Satchel’s Last Resort and Pet Sanctuary, just off Clark Road, a couple miles east of I-75.

And that’s where Debi and Lola met.

“I do some fundraising for Satchel’s,” Debi said. “It took about five days of bringing her treats, and slowly she would warm up. Then I had her meet my other two dogs. It took time.”

Debi has had Lola for about five years, and she’s hitting the age of 9, so she is getting up there. So the need to be close to THE spot built for pups to have a little fun is paramount.

So when she presented her idea to the Longboat Key Town Commission, it was not entirely met with a “What? Are you serious?” look from commissioners and

Mayor Ken Schneier. In fact, it was the opposite.

“We have everything to decide on, like a $32 million subaqueous loan, to other things,” Schneier said. “But we try to accommodate people in situations like that.”

Schneier can sympathize with Debi and Lola’s plight. He had a Yorkshire Terrier that needed back surgery, and his pal laid in bed for three weeks. But when ready, the Yorkie needed exercise and rehab, too.

The dog parks are the best place to socialize and get back in the swing of things.

With a little bit of discussion near the end of the Feb. 3 meeting, commissioners came up with a bit of a plan, then it was changed, and changed again before settling on a solution.

So the outcome is the town of Longboat Key will designate a

“drop-off” spot for dogs with a disability next to the blue disabled parking spots. Debi can drop off Lola, and put her in the park while she finds a freed-up spot.

It’s a start, and that’s something Debi is thankful for.

If other dog parents get on board, it can lead to an awareness and advocate for our four-legged family members.

“This is progress, and this is making a difference not for Lola but other dogs,” Debi says. I’m very happy.”

It’s not the ultimate goal of having designated spots, but who knows, if Longboat is the first town to do it, maybe other cities will add spots.

We even have a name for them.

“Lola’s Lots.”

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But Lola doesn’t have two legs, she has three, and at one time, she had four.

By now, you know Lola is a dog.

During snowbird season, Longboat’s Bayfront Park has a shortage of parking spots by its dog park, especially with the pickleball courts nearby. But we’re not stepping into that “kitchen;” let’s just put that on the back burner for now.

Debi presented to the Longboat Town Commission what I think, and many other dog enthusiasts will consider, an absolutely wonderful idea.

A designated parking spot, next to the regular designated accessible parking spots for parents who have disabled dogs.

Now you’re thinking, “Sure, but there are so few dogs who have disabilities, would it actually be used?”

Well, no doubt. Here’s the thing, I mentioned my dog — Mauldi — who as a puppy, had a broken leg in a Fort Myers pet store for more than a month before we got her and noticed a persistent limp.

Mauldi’s leg was surgically repaired, but after the surgery, she needed rehab and the best way to do that was exercise.

So if a veterinarian could sign off with a temporary permit for dogs after surgery for, say, six weeks, it ratchets up the usage.

There are many dogs who have to struggle with surgery and the “cone of shame.” The pooch of our own executive editor, Kat Wingert, had leg surgery this week.

Lola’s injury is permanent, as are many other dogs’. There are companies that specialize in dog carts and prosthetics like nonprofit Ruck9 and K-9 Carts, just down the street in Englewood.

So there is a demand.

Lola lost her leg when she was

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Republican Club of Longboat Key, Inc. P.O. Box 8181 Longboat Key, FL 34228-8181 DINNER MEETING Tuesday, February 18th | 5:30 to 8:30 pm Speaker Alice Rothbauer Vice Chair of the Republican Party of Sarasota County.

NEW LOCATION:

Zota Beach Resort 4711 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228

GUEST SPEAKER:

ALICE ROTHBAUER Elected Vice Chair in 2022 and re-elected in 2024, Alice Rothbauer impacts every operation of the Republican Party of Sarasota County. Her responsibilities include organizing Get out the Vote (GOTV) teams, recruiting new members to the Executive Committee and staffing volunteers at the precinct red greeting tents. As the RPOF Region 11 (5 counties) Regional Field Director in 2022, Alice Rothbauer knocked on the doors of over 11,000 voters.

Alice has been co-chair of both the REC Membership Committee and Precinct Committee. In 2023, she was the President of the NOVA (Nokomis Osprey Venice Area) Republican Club.

An activist since the early nineties, Alice was a pro-life crisis pregnancy volunteer and treasurer for The Pregnancy Helpline in Madison, WI. As her family grew, she became an entrepreneur with a home sales and marketing business. The 2020 election and Covid lockdowns inspired Alice to re-engage in political activism.

Currently, she is the Director of Donor Relations at a local college. Married to her husband for over 30 years, they have raised three grown children and enjoy three grandchildren.

Her goal as Vice Chair is to build on the historic election successes of 2024 by gaining a Vote by Mail ballot advantage and ensuring Republicans continue to be the majority on every elected board.

Donors can bring a 25-year vision to life The proposed library/community center hinges in part on donors contributing $3.5 million.

Longboat Key has been a part of my life for more than 50 years. My father was a three-term mayor and a town commissioner for almost 14 years. I have been a seasonal resident for more than 30 years.

For nearly 25 years, Longboat Key has envisioned a central gathering place for our island. Over the years, this vision has taken different forms — from a community center funded by Longboat taxpayers to a donor-funded arts, cultural and education center in collaboration with Ringling College.

While these earlier initiatives did not come to fruition, the dream of a vibrant Town Center remained strong. What was missing was the right partnership.

Now, Longboat Key has found the perfect partner to bring this vision to life, and I am assisting in any way I can to help make this a reality.

The journey began with a partnership between the town and Sarasota County to acquire the land for the Town Center Green, a 4.81acre park at the heart of the Key. To complete the first two phases, town taxpayer money was used, Sarasota County provided a substantial grant and private donors generously contributed — all to fund the pavilion and stage that are now being enjoyed by the community.

Now, Sarasota County has committed $11 million to build a new library/community center at the Town Center Green. Today’s libraries are far more than books. They have evolved into dynamic hubs of technology, learning and community engagement. This new library/community center will feature state-of-the-art technology, gathering spaces and opportunities for lectures, workshops and lifelong learning. Most importantly, all events and programming will be free to the public, ensuring accessibility for everyone.

Through extensive public outreach, residents have voiced a clear desire for a larger and more versatile space to enhance the core offerings of the library/community center.

JEFFREY LENOBEL LONGBOAT KEY

SEND US YOUR LETTERS Have something to tell us?

Send your letters to Michael Harris at MHarris@ YourObserver.com

I LOVE LONGBOAT KEY That is why I want to be your

LBK Town Commissioner.

ELECT

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

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To meet these needs, the town is seeking to raise at least $3.5 million in private donations for critical additions, including: A welcoming plaza with a spacious social area; a larger meeting space for 200+ attendees with built-in versatility to break out into smaller spaces if desired; an elevated and covered outdoor terrace connecting the library/community center to the Town Center Green.

While Sarasota County will allocate $1 million annually for operations and maintenance for the entire facility, the above three essential enhancements will not be county funded. Longboat Key needs the support of donors, large and small, to make this vision a reality.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will bring us closer to transforming the library/community center into a true gathering place — a space for learning, connection and enrichment that will serve our island for generations to come.

I hope many of you will be open to a meeting to discuss this opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on Longboat Key. Your support will help create a space where knowledge, culture and community come together, all free and open to the public.

I would be delighted to set up a meeting with those parties from Sarasota County and the town to provide more specifics on this wonderful project. Alternatively, I can set up individual meetings if that would be your preference.

Please contact me at Jeffrey.

Lenobel@gmail.com or 917-3767000, or Susan Phillips, assistant to the town manager, at SPhillips@ LongboatKey.org or 941-316-1999, x1212.

“Steve Branham Campaign” Mike Haycock

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ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Today is a celebration of love and affection, observed on February 14th each year. It’s a time when people express their feelings for loved ones. Whether celebrating with romantic partners, friends, or family, it’s a day to cherish relationships and spread happiness.

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Courtesy image

Buchanan staff member Mike Jackson, Interim Police Chief Frank Rubino, Fire Lieutenant Kerri Brooks, Officer Gregg Pescuma and Officer Dallas Troyer each received a valentine.

Member SIPC

Congressman Buchanan’s office delivers valentines to veterans

Financial Advisor Michelle Johnson of Edward Jones Receives Certified Private Wealth Advisor® Designation Financial Advisor Michelle Johnson in Longboat Key, FL has achieved the Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, or CPWA®, designation through the Investments & Wealth Institute®. Coursework was provided by the Yale School of Management.

Handmade Valentine’s Day cards made by local students put a smile on the faces of veterans serving the Longboat Key community.

CPWA® designation study topics focus on the needs of high-net-worth individuals and include: • Wealth Strategies: Tax-sensitive investment strategies, portfolio management, risk and asset management • Legacy strategies: Estate considerations, wealth transfer, charitable giving and endowments • Human dynamics: Ethics, applied behavioral finance and navigating family dynamics • Client-specific needs: Business owners, executives and retirees ® ® “At Edward Jones, we’re committed to continuous learning as we serve our clients in achieving Member SIPC their financial goals,” Johnson said. “I look forward to bringing this new knowledge into SIPC the work Member Financial Advisor I do for clients as I continue to help them achieve financially the things that are most important to them.”

Johnson’s office is located at 595 Bay Isles Road, Suite 260, Longboat Key, FL.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

Michelle KJohnson, CFP , CEPA , AAMS

Bay Isles Rd, Suite 260 Start the 595 year with a 34228 Longboat Key, FL Start the 941-263-7821 year with a financial review. financial review.

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Edward Jones is a leading North American financial services firm with 20,000 financial advisors as of Nov. 4, 2024. The firm serves more than 8 million clients with a total of $2.2 trillion in client assets under care as of Sept. 27, 2024. Edward Jones’ purpose is to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of its clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society. Through the dedication of the firm’s approximately 54,000 associates and our branch presence in 68% of U.S. counties and most Canadian provinces and territories, the firm is committed to helping more people achieve financially what is most important to them.

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ongboat Key Police and Fire Rescue officers received an early Valentine’s Day surprise.

Representatives with Congressman Vern Buchanan’s office delivered the surprise to officers and firefighter paramedics within the Longboat Key Police and Fire Rescue Departments on Feb. 6.

The representatives showed up to deliver the Valentine’s Day cards handmade by local students in Manatee County. Each one was personally decorated and unique.

“They each had their own little touch on them,” Fire Administration Manager and Public Information Officer Tina Adams said. “They had these sweet messages inside, thanking them for their service and wishing them a happy Valentine’s Day. It was great.”

Between the two departments, there were 14 veterans — 10 in the

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police department and four in the fire rescue department.

According to an email from Adams, more than 4,000 Valentine’s Day cards were made by students and delivered to other veterans in the area. Adams said Buchanan’s office reached out about a week prior to coordinate the surprise.

The “Valentines for Veterans” initiative, which Adams believes will continue in the future, helped bring a little joy to the officers’ days.

“Our police and fire veterans were honored to have received them and, as you can see, brought smiles to their faces,” Adams said in an email.

Interim Chief of Police Frank Rubino, who also received one of the Valentines, said his officers were thankful for the unexpected delivery.

“They’re very appreciative of anything the community does for them,” Rubino said. “It really meant a lot to them for someone who isn’t even on the island to appreciate them like that.”

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GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION MARCH 11, 2025 EARLY VOTING will take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL for ALL Longboat Key (Sarasota and Manatee) registered voters.

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March 11, 2025, 5:30 p.m.

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March 11, 2025, 5:00 p.m.

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Sarasota: Precinct 201 Polling location: Town Hall 501 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL Published: 02-13-2025

Manatee: Precinct 309 Polling location: Longboat Island Chapel 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL

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GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION DAY - MARCH 11, 2025 Polls Open: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

15A

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

COPS CORNER

Venice Home Show

FRIDAY, JAN. 31

WORK NOT WANTED 9:22 a.m., 3500 block of Bayou Circle Suspicious Person: When a homeowner was away from her residence, a neighbor called her to alert her that a general contractor was at her residence. The homeowner told Longboat Key PD that she did not feel comfortable with the contractor being at her home since they were in the middle of a civil dispute regarding payment for his services. Upon the officer’s arrival at the residence, the contractor was unable to be found and the case was closed.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5

NEIGHBORLY VISITS NOT SUSPICIOUS 1:21 p.m., 500 block of Wedge Lane Suspicious Vehicle: Dispatch sent an officer to investigate a report of two suspicious vehicles parked on the street in front of a residence. The responding officer observed the two vehicles in question and checked the tags, neither of which came back as stolen or abandoned. Upon further investigation, the officer discovered one of the cars on the street belonged to another Longboat Key resident and was there to go fishing with a neighbor. The other car belonged to a citizen visiting a different neighbor. Neither car was suspicious, according to the officer.

2 DAYS ONLY...

FEB. 22 & 23

GAS LEAK SHUTS DOWN GMD 1:33 p.m., 3400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Fire: Longboat Key PD was dispatched to assist the fire rescue department with a reported gas line break. At the scene, the responding officer smelled natural gas and blocked off both lanes of Gulf of Mexico Drive while waiting for Longboat Key Fire Rescue to respond. It was later determined that a 4-inch pipe was cut by contractors working on the property. The fire rescue department handled the scene and GMD was reopened around 3 p.m.

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BRIGHT LIGHTS AND JAIL TIME 9:24 p.m., 2100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Vehicle Stop: While on patrol, an officer spotted a vehicle with its high beams on and, when the driver failed to dim the headlights, the of-

SATURDAY, FEB. 1

BARKING PROBLEM 7:57 p.m., 5600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Noise Disturbance: A resident called to report a barking dog causing a noise disturbance in a neighboring residence. At the scene, the responding officer met with the complainant, who invited the officer into his home to hear the barking dog. Upon entering the home, the officer said he heard a slight barking noise but it was not very loud. The homeowner said the barking was a constant issue and he believed the officer should take custody of the dogs, claiming the owner “should not be a dog owner” and the dogs were often left unattended for hours. The officer said he would not be taking custody of the dogs because barking was not listed as animal cruelty in the Florida State Statute.

Before the officer left, the dog owner returned home and spoke with the complainant. The two exchanged contact information so they could talk about mitigating the barking in the future. Both were happy with the solution.

ficer conducted a vehicle stop. After running the driver’s information through the database, her information was a match for a warrant in Sarasota County for failure to appear in court this past month. The officer confirmed the warrant with Sarasota County and the driver was placed under arrest, handcuffed, and then transported to a Sarasota County jail for booking. The driver’s car was turned over to a towing service.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

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ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS MAKE REFERENCE TO THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. COMMUNITY FEATURES, AMENITIES AND PRICING APPROXIMATE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Late to the party, but still a party

Then-President Garnett Black welcoming everyone to the first Republican Club of Longboat Key dinner of the season in 2023.

After a brief hiatus, the Republican Club looks to return better than ever, starting with its first event Feb. 18.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

T

he Republican Club of Longboat Key soon will start its bounce back into the island’s social scene.

The club’s yearly activities, which were supposed to start in October 2024, were delayed mainly due to the hurricanes that impacted the island for the remainder of 2024. Now, the club is looking forward to getting a start on this year’s events with its first on Feb. 18.

“We’re back and we are thriving.

We have so many people who want to get involved with our club,” said Phyllis Black, acting president of the club.

The club’s first event of the year will feature Alice Rothbauer, vice chair of the Republican Party of Sarasota County.

Dana Kampa

Nick Gladding (left) will take over the presidency of the Republican Club of Longboat Key. Phyllis Black (right) is the acting president.

Black is optimistic this event will be a solid start to what the club expects will be a lineup of speakers for events throughout the year.

“We got a late start, but it’s going to be great,” Black said.

Along with organizing events, the club aims to boost its outreach to Republicans on Longboat Key. Black said the club continues to draw in new residents, including a younger island population. “(Our members) are getting younger and younger now, since more and more younger people are moving to the island,” Black said.

The social aspect of the club’s events is what Black said sets the

File images

The Republican Club of Longboat Key hosts a dinner on April 11, 2023, at the Longboat Key Club.

club apart from other Republican and political clubs in the area.

“Our club is different from other clubs,” Black said. “(The members) look at it as a night out.”

The Republican Club of Longboat Key will also look toward new leadership in April, with resident Nick Gladding set to become the new president.

Like Black said, Gladding is looking forward to continuing the emphasis on speakers from different backgrounds who can bring fresh voices for the club’s members to enjoy.

“What I’m going to try to do is give them good speakers to come listen to. I’m going to work really hard on that,” Gladding said. “The direction is to do that, but it’s really also to help Longboat Key.” Gladding also said he will try to reach more of the registered Republicans living on Longboat Key, especially those who have not been engaged in the club, in an effort to grow the club.

Membership to the Republican Club of Longboat Key starts at $50, with various other membership packages listed on the club’s website.

According to its website, the club was originally founded in 1996 as “The Federated Women’s Republican Club of Longboat Key.” Since then, the club has become the Republican Club of Longboat Key and is chartered by the Republican Party of Florida.

IF YOU GO REPUBLICAN CLUB OF LONGBOAT KEY What: Alice Rothbauer, vice chair of the Republican Party of Sarasota County, will speak about the local elections of November 2024 and the impact Florida had on the election of President Donald Trump.

When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18. A cocktail social will take place from 5:30-6:15 p.m. before the dinner at 6:30 p.m. and Rothbauer’s discussion at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Zota Beach Resort, 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Tickets: $75. The price of admission includes dinner.

Info: RCLBK.org.

The website states that the club “provides a venue for Republicans to meet socially and to speak freely on political topics with no fear of judgment.”

For more information, to become a member or to register for the upcoming event, visit the club’s website at RCLBK.org.

YOU ARE WELCOME AT ALL ANGELS

WORSHIP

Worship Service Sunday 10 a.m.

Live Stream the 10 a.m. service at AllAngelsLBK.org Harp Concert - Wednesday, Feb 12, 3 pm.

5th Annual New to You Art Sale Mon.- Fri. 9-1 100% of the Proceeds go to Turning Points

directory

AllAngelsLBK.org

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18A

563 Bay Isles Rd • 941-383-8161

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

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00 Women’s Bible Study: Wednesday @ 10:00 Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchof lbk.org (follow YouTube link)

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

The Lord’s Warehouse is open Monday, Wednesday, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WINTER CONCERT SERIES

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

CONCERTS ARE FREE • VISITORS & RESIDENTS WELCOME

Catholic Church

SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 16, 2025 • 2:00 PM

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

VALENTINES CONCERT featuring

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The highly acclaimed Astralis Chamber Ensemble presents over sixty recitals each season at venues across the eastern United States. The husband and wife duo, Angela Massey (flute) and Kris Marshall (trumpet), have been performing together for over a decade and are one of the most active ensembles for this pairing worldwide.

Caroline Owen will be joining them on piano to present a brilliant program of Romantic works for Valentine’s Day.

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

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

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

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

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

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

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The concert, “Fantaisie d’Amour,” will include an audience favorite written for the ensemble by Andrey Rubtsov, a French Suite by Widor, and an exciting trio by Jim Stephenson. Please join us for what will be a memorable afternoon of music enchantment.

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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

19A

The Observer Presents:

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Abraham Lincoln revisited as teacher of valuable leadership lessons A New Jersey college professor and Abe Lincoln aficionado, at a Southwest Florida event, details why one of the most famous Americans ever is also an underappreciated leadership expert.

By Mark Gordon Reprinted from the Business Observer It’s hard to overlook Abraham Lincoln.

What is sometimes overlooked with Lincoln—despite the 16,000 books written about him—is the set of soft skills he learned, and then exhibited, about leadership throughout his life. This is the message Louis Masur, a Lincoln expert and Distinguished Professor of American Studies and History at Rutgers University in New Jersey, shared in Southwest Florida in 2024.

Masur was a keynote speaker for a Sanibel Captiva Trust Co. Speaker Series event. His talk, “Lessons of Abe Lincoln: How Effective Leadership Can Change the World,” was given at the Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point in Fort Myers. In a virtual interview, Masur remarked, Lincoln “saved the union and freed the slaves, but what made him such an incredible leader during such a divisive and partisan time?”

Masur, who has researched, taught, and spoken about other historical figures, says Lincoln remains his No. 1 educational and leadership muse. Masur has distilled Lincoln’s leadership into a few powerful lessons: Education: Lincoln’s dedication to selfeducation was critical to his success. Despite his father’s disapproval of reading, Lincoln’s “love of learning” played a pivotal role in his ability to lead. When Lincoln became president in 1861, he had no formal military experience, except for volunteering in the Black Hawk War. To prepare, he read military strategy books from the Library of Congress, immersing himself in the details of military tactics.

Diplomacy: Masur points to Lincoln’s letter to General George Meade after the Battle of Gettysburg as an example of his restraint. Lincoln wrote a letter to express disappointment that Meade didn’t pursue Confederate General Robert E. Lee after the Union victory. However, Lincoln ultimately chose not to send the letter, recognizing that chastising his general would be counterproductive.

Empathy: Lincoln’s empathy and ability to step outside himself were hallmarks of his leadership. Masur tells a story of Lincoln writing a condolence letter to the daughter of a friend who had died in combat. In the letter, Lincoln wrote, “You are sure to be happy again,” sharing his own experience with grief.

This ability to connect with others helped him lead with compassion.

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Principle over power: Lincoln’s commitment to principles is another lesson Masur highlights. During the 1864 presidential election, Lincoln refused to postpone the vote, even though he risked losing.

He believed that “We cannot have free government without elections.” This resolve to uphold democratic principles, even in times of war, defined his legacy.

Masur’s insights emphasize that Lincoln’s leadership was as much about character as it was about strategy. “I just never tire of reading about him and thinking about him,” Masur says.

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For starters, the 16th U.S. president signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, ending slavery in the country. It’s also well known that Lincoln was physically hard to miss, standing six-foot-four, the tallest of the 46 U.S. presidents. And, of course, he was so celebrated for telling the truth that his famous nickname, Honest Abe, lives on 159 years after he was assassinated.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

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Walk to Bird Key Yacht Club and Park. www.279RobinDrive.com

TO

B U YE R’ S

This exceptional 3BR+family room penthouse offers an unrivaled blend of sophistication, breathtaking bay and city views, and unparalleled craftsmanship. www.Plazaat5Points17PHC.com

TO

B U YE R’ S

A rare opportunity to craft a luxurious retreat. Spanning over 11/2 acres, this expansive corner parcel boasts more than 500’ of water frontage on two sides. www.1249SouthBasinLanecom

1560 HARBOR SOUND DRIVE

1300 BEN FRANKLIN DRIVE #504

1714 IRVING STREET

7418 WESTMORELAND DRIVE

$4,295,000

$4,195,000

$3,995,000

$3,995,000

TO

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Modern updates (+ brand-new dock and lift) create the perfect move-in ready experience at this 5BR bayfront home. www.7418WestmorelandDrive.com

TO

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“West of Trail”, this exquisitely updated residence with main and guest homes combines timeless charm with modern luxury. www.1714IrvingStreet.com

TO

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This Ritz-Carlton, 3BR +den & office residence comes complete with 3,550 SF of interior, plus 2 garage parking spaces. www.BeachResidences504.com

TO

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Spanning over 4,200 SF, this updated waterfront residence is a boaters dream with oversized dock and multiple lifts. www.1560HarborSound.com

435 L’AMBIANCE DRIVE #K405

340 SOUTH PALM AVENUE #152

3580 FAIR OAKS LANE

601 LOTUS LANE

$3,795,000

$3,750,000

$3,500,000

$3,299,000

TO

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

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Modern upgrades and sleek finishes welcome you to this impeccable 5BR waterfront home with coutryard entry and separate cabana. www.3580FairOaks.com

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Spectacular bay and city views are the star of the show as soon as you enter this 3,100+ SF downtown penthouse! www.SarabandePH152.com

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Step into this stunningly updated 2,800+ SF Sabal residence and be mesmerized by the spectacular beach-to-bay views! www.435LAmbianceK405.com

2050 BEN FRANKLIN DRIVE #B704

990 BLVD. OF THE ARTS #404

545 SANCTUARY DRIVE #B806

201 NORTH WASHINTON DRIVE

$3,295,000

$2,495,000

$2,195,000

$2,195,000

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The walkable location of this St. Armands home will draw you in. Ideally situated on a 1/4-acre lot to design your dream home. www.201NorthWashington.com

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Perched on the 8th floor in a corner location, this sunny residence offers bay and city views through new impact glass. www.535SanctuaryB806.com

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Discover the essence of downtown luxury living at this gorgeous 3,100+ SF residence in the heart of Sarasota’s city center. www.BeauCiel404.com

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Offering 2,900+ SF of professionally designed interior, this 3BR residence features breathtaking beach-to-bay views. www.OrchidBeachB704.com

537 HALYARD LANE

380 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #513

1211 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #108

5311 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #3

$1,795,000

$1,399,000

$1,299,000

$1,199,000

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

$1,024,000

800 BEN FRANKLIN DRIVE #602

4653 ANTRIM DRIVE

$899,000

$899,000

Furnished and move-in ready! This 2BR beach getaway on Lido Key is in an ideal walkable location to the best of the city. www.LidoAmbassador602.com

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

B U YE R’ S

Turnkey furnished and ready to enjoy or rent. Walk out directly from this 2BR getaway to enjoy the pristine beach shores! www.BeachCastle3.com

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

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1920 LAUREL STREET

Beautiful bay views welcome you to this 3BR residence. Offering nearly 2,500 SF, 2-car garage, and private courtyard entry. www.TangerineBayClub513.com

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

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1065 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #201

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

$799,000

CA L L TO DAY FO R YO U R EXC LU S I VE TO U R ( 9 41 ) 3 8 7-1 8 4 0 443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F, Sarasota, FL 34236 | Pettingell.com YouTube.com/@PettingellProfessionals | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell | Roger@Pettingell.com The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

440761-1

20A

Classifieds 16B Games 15B Real Estate 13B Weather 15B

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Photos by Dana Kampa

Andrea Routh jots down feedback from community members about what is and isn’t helpful in the aftermath of a storm.

COMMUNITY STRENGTH

Tom and Sue Reese discuss their plans for dinner parties and other social activities once their home is rebuilt.

COMMUNITY BOUNCES FORWARD As 2025 is underway, community members have pushed to find new ways of moving forward from the hurricanes.

DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER

L

437889-1

osing access to a home is no easy matter, as Spanish Main Yacht Club residents Sue and Tom Reese well know. But at this point in the recovery from Hurricane Helene and its accompanying storms, they say residents have to seek out hope and moments of positive progress.

The Reeses are just some of the Longboat Key residents who are still waiting to return to their homes after the October storms devastated lowlying areas on the Key. The pair took the time recently to walk about the skeleton of their house, which was almost completely cleared out after mold attacked the drywall and other exposed areas.

Sue walked through, pointing between the beams to bedrooms and bathrooms, where only some tile and a few mirrors remained of the decorations.

She gazed at the living room, pulling up photos on her phone of the shelves that once lined the walls with personal belongings. Looking ahead, she said they plan to select simple white walls and tiles in the interest of moving back in quickly.

Sue Reese extols the importance of seeking hope during the ongoing hurricane recovery.

Sunlight filtered in through the hollow walls, and peering past them, one can see the remains of rose bushes and other decorative foliage. Sue painted a mental picture of orange, yellow and pink rose bushes that would be replanted, and a backyard fit to host events once again.

While it is a far cry from the house where all her belongings lay on the lawn immediately after the storm.

Much remains to be done, and she was unsure whether any neighbors

would be able to return before the end of the season.

“Now, people realize it may be a year or even longer,” she said.

Still, she shared her excitement at working with the housing association to begin selecting decorative elements of the planned rebuild.

The neighborhood remains quiet while residents await the all clear to return home. Some have stayed with family, while others have needed to travel away from Longboat Key for the time being.

Sue was one of the community members who shared her story at a public meeting last month, which offered attendees an opportunity to discuss the challenges they face and find a way to collectively move forward.

The event, led by SRQ Strong, took place at All Angels Episcopal Church, but the organizers welcomed leaders from several faith-based groups on the Key. Instructor Andy Blanch walked participants through the six stages of disaster trauma: pre-disaster, impact, heroic phase, disillusionment, recovery and bounce back.

Community members gladly shared stories from the “heroic phase,” be it a neighbor coming with a chainsaw to help clear debris in the immediate aftermath, or work crews who immediately set to the job of clearing roads, restoring power and addressing the most dire needs.

“We had this idea to get together, share, and talk,” the Rev. David Marshall said.

Many who chose to speak agreed the majority had reached the disillusionment stage, where they faced the challenges of rebuilding permitting and various waiting games.

However, they shared their gratitude for the progress made so far.

‘BOUNCING FORWARD’

Some residents have continued to tackle the recovery head on. Vilia Johnson recently helped organize a community cleanup of Gulf of Mexico Drive to deal with any remaining storm debris.

Along those lines, attendees did propose one amendment to the six recovery stages: replacing “bounce back” with “bounce forward.”

They said Longboat Key never will look exactly the same as before.

However, they agreed they could keep pushing for improvements.

For Sue Reese, recovery includes a specific goal. She looks forward to unpacking the storage pod her daughter assembled immediately after the storm. But she is most excited to once again host one of the dinner parties she so enjoyed with her neighbors. And she hopes that dream isn’t far away.

SRQ Strong instructor Andy Blanch discusses the stages of disaster recovery.

Instructor Andy Blanch walked participants through the six stages of disaster trauma: pre-disaster, impact, heroic phase, disillusionment, recovery and bounce back.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Get ready for Taste and Tunes of the Keys

RESTAURANT RUNDOWN

From sweet treats to Gulf-centric seafood, the following restaurants will be offering bites at the event.

CAFÉ ON ST. ARMANDS

Taste and Tunes of the Keys returns on Feb. 27 with a dozen eateries.

C

irque St. Armands Beachside is a new luxury resort and restaurant opening next month, with its eye-catching aesthetic offering an ode to the area’s storied history with the circus.

But community members can get a teaser of the restaurant’s cuisine at the upcoming Taste and Tunes of the Keys on Feb. 27.

The event, hosted by the Longboat Key Garden Club, is showcasing the cuisine of 11 area restaurants and the musical talents of The Klick Band, which specializes in upbeat hits from the ’60s and beyond.

Club Vice President Lyn Haycock said this year, the proceeds that generally support the club’s activities and beautification projects will specifically go toward helping the community’s continued recovery from the recent hurricanes.

“Everyone loves our island and feels like it looks devastated, which it does,” she said. “The Garden Club would like to give back, not only in money, but also by actually planting things when the town asks us. We love to do it.”

Also new this year is an online silent auction, for which new items will be added daily, that continues until the event. Visit LBKGC.BetterWorld.org/Auctions/TTOTK2025.

Last year was the first time organizers decided to shift away from the former fashion-show theme and toward the food, music and social draws of the evening. She said the event focuses on fresh, in-season fare, with something for everyone.

“It’s going to be another fun evening of people getting together with their friends and enjoying the food of our local restaurants,” she added.

Tickets are $90 for general admission or $100 for admission with guaranteed seating. Admission covers all food samples and includes two free drink vouchers. Tickets are available for purchase online.

— DANA KAMPA

TASTE AND TUNES OF THE KEYS When: 6-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 Where: Longboat Key Club Harbourside Ballroom, 3000 Harbourside Drive Who: Hosted by the Longboat Key Garden Club. For anyone who can’t make it to the event but wants to support the recovery, the garden club has added the option to donate directly through its website, LBKGardenClub.org.

ELEGANT LADY CHEESECAKE

Type of cuisine: Sweet treats, including cheesecakes in more than 200 flavors, cinnamon rolls, muffins, quiche and donuts with gluten-free options Address: 6842 Gulf of Mexico Drive Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays and Mondays; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays Website: ElegantLadyCheesecake.com Phone: 312-4932 What are you excited for patrons to try at the Taste and Tunes of the Keys? This is our second year at the festival, and we’re excited to bring our donuts and other treats in addition to our cheesecakes. We may not have it at the festival, but I like the maple “California cream,” a riff on the popular Boston cream donut.

— Gary Hagen, owner

THE CHART HOUSE

Type of cuisine: Specializing in seafood and featuring beef cuts including prime rib Address: 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive Hours: 4-9 p.m. Sundays; 4-9:30 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays; 4-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Price: $$$ Website: Chart-House.com Phone: 383-5593 What are you excited for patrons to try at the Taste and Tunes of the Keys? What we like about the festival is that everyone gets to try little bits of everything. That’s the fun part.

— Peter Van Beuren, general manager

LAZY LOBSTER

Type of cuisine: Coastal cuisine, with a focus on the namesake lobster Address: 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30-9 p.m. daily; closed on Sundays Price: $$$ Website: LazyLobsterOfLongboat.com Phone: 383-0440 What are you excited for patrons to try at the Taste and Tunes of the Keys? We are probably going to do our famous crab cakes, with our Cajun rémoulade sauce — consider it a nice zesty mayonnaise. It’s bite-sized, easy to eat and delicious.

— Michael Garey, owner

DRY DOCK WATERFRONT GRILL

Type of cuisine: Fresh Florida seafood is the biggest draw, especially grouper and snapper Address: 412 Gulf of Mexico Drive Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Price: $$$ Website: DryDockWaterfrontGrill.com Phone: 383-0102 What are you excited for patrons to try at the Taste and Tunes of the Keys? It’s the fresh seafood. That’s what a lot of people who come from the Midwest are most excited to try.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see our Sunset Snapper, a pankobreaded fish with honey mustard sauce.

— Scott Nuss, floor manager

Island life begins here.

438128-1

721 Old Compass Rd., Longboat Key MLS#A4638118 | $1,795,000

NEW LISTING 3% Buyer Broker Compensation

NEW LISTING 3% Buyer Broker Compensation

The final six restaurants featured at Taste and Tunes of the Keys

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

941.724.7228

seitreporp esitrepxe stluser

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

YRANIDREXTRAORDINARY OARTXE

DELAVIRNU

3310 Sabal Cove, Longboat Key | MLS#A4634589 | $2,900,000 NEW LISTING | BUILDABLE LOT NEW LISTING 3% Buyer Broker Compensation

1641 Harbor Cay Ln., Longboat Key MLS#A4636529 | $4,995,000

COMING NEXT WEEK

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

NEW LISTING 3% Buyer Broker Compensation

UNRIVALED

LANOITPECXE

941.928.3559

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9553.829.149

MichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com

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2383 Harbour Oaks Drive, Longboat Key 3465 Winding Oaks Drive, Longboat Key MLS#A4609474 | $950,000 MLS#A4635798 | $1,050,000 NEW LISTING NEW LISTING 3% Buyer Broker Compensation 3% Buyer Broker Compensation

2195 Harbourside Drive, Longboat Key MLS#A4635715 | $1,025,000

IF YOU GO

Type of cuisine: Revitalized Mediterranean with a focus on seafood Address: 431 St. Armands Circle Hours: Soleil: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Café on St. Armands 10 a.m. to last call Price: $$ Website: CafeOnStArmands. com Phone: 388-4415 What are you excited for patrons to try at the Taste and Tunes of the Keys? We’re excited for people to experience the new café, so we’ll be bringing something inspired by the new menu. It’ll be a nice surprise.

— Eleni Sokos, executive vice president and managing partner

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Marina Tower #1001 | Downtown Bayfront Direct bay views from numerous rooms of this 5,815sf residence with 4 bedrooms, remodeled kitchen, office, media room, multiple storage rooms and 4 parking spaces. enaL draylaH 105 $6,950,000 | A4626354 104 # bulC retaW 0 0 0,599,1$ | 4 64 8 4 4 4A | FS 043, 2 0 0 0,575 , 2$ | 4 67124 4A | FS 0 04,3 W NE

141 Adams Drive, Longboat Key MLS#A4635347 | $1,600,000

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Living and Working on Longboat Key REALTOR®, MBA 941.780.6001

julieklick@ michaelsaunders.com

Beverly St. Hilaire

REALTOR®, GRI, CLHMS 818.416.2505

Burns Court Villas | 1529 State Street Downtown Sarasota three story, 3 bedroom, 2,052sf townhouse w/elevator beautifully remodeled w/ street entrance.

2,052sf | 3BR | $1,735,000 | A4638435

beverlysthilaire@ michaelsaunders.com

440 Gulf of Mexico Dr | Longboat Key, Florida

438144-1

Julie Klick

441156-1

2B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

3B

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

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

ED T S LI T S JU

RECENT ACTIVITY

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

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

225 SANDS | OFFERED AT $899,000 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR IPOINT V E, #4RD #6204 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L on g b o Peaceful a t K e y lagoon | O f f e views re d aare t $enjoyed 7 79, 0 0from 0 this completelyLremodeled on g b o a t Junior K e y | Suite O f f ewith re d 10’ a t ceilings $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487 in the hotel program. Enjoy the amenities of the Longboat Key Club while using owner time.

MLS# A4639379

S EW I V

Y 7 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 IT C

on g b o at K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

7 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 MLS# A4178487

3080 GRAND BAY BLVD #515 | $789,000

THE RESORT AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E

L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

LD SO

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

on g b o at K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0SANCTUARY ON L on g b o at K e y KEY | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 THE LONGBOAT MLS# MLS# A4178487 545 SANCTUARY DR #B406 | 2067 OFFERED $1,975,000 2067 HA4178487 A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 H A RAT BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L on g b o a t K eExperience y | O f f e reluxury d a t $beachfront 7 79, 0 0 0 living in this 3 bed/2.5 L on gbath b o aoasis t K e behind y | O f fthe e regates d a tof$ 7 79, 0 0 0 the Longboat Key Club.

Enjoy big bay, city and golf course green views from MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487the

floor to ceiling sliders in this creatively updated property.

MLS# A4631653

I A N A DDY, PA IRAEN DDY, PA A LA TO R ®, M B A R E A LT O R ®, M B A

IanAddy@MichaelSaunders. com IanAddy@MichaelSaunders.com

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E

L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 MLS# A4178487

4552067 LONGBOAT RD #504 | $4,150,000 H A RCLUB BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487 B U CL Y KE T OA B NG O L

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E

L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 MLS#DR A4178487 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS I V E, #4

L on g bPOINT o a t K eRD y | #5105 O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 250 SANDS | $499,000 MLS# A4178487

G A I L W IT T IG

G ABIRLOW K EIT R -T A IG SSOCI ATE

BROK E R-A SSOCI ATE GailWittig@MichaelSaunders. co GailWittig@MichaelSaunders. com

941.387.0100 941.387.0100

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

427353-1 431374-1

on g b o at K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

438118-1

7 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

RARELY AVAILABLE GULF FRONT SW CORNER 7TH FLOOR CONDO AT THE “BEACHES OF LONGBOAT KEY” WITH FULL GULF AND BEACH VIEWS

$

Dana Kampa

2,550,000

Historian Susan Benjamin previews her upcoming talk on musician Paul Simon.

3 Bedrooms l 3 Bathrooms l Turnkey Furnished 2,122 Sq Ft Plus Wrap-Around Gulf Front Terrace SCAN TO LEARN MORE 24 Hour Concierge, Garage Parking, 775LongboatClubRoad.com Tennis Courts, Exercise & Social Rooms Direct Beach Access

Tribute to Paul Simon

Barbara D. Miller, PA

The works of an American folk singer/songwriter are set to come to life on Sunday with a lecture and live music.

441353-1

Licensed Real Estate Professional 5 Star Award for Best in Client Satisfaction

941.780.1827

BarbaraMiller@live.com

DANA KAMPA

535 Sanctuary Dr Unit C807 | A4628990 Totally Renovated, Penthouse 3/3, 2,580 sq ft, LONGBOAT KEY OPEN HOUSE SAT & SUN 1-4 NEW LISTING DIRECT GULF FRONT $1,650,000

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

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

END UNIT DIRECT BAY VIEWS $849,900

NEW LISTING RENTAL INCOME $799,900

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

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

IF YOU GO

H

PAUL SIMON LECTURE When: 3 p.m. Feb. 16 Where: The Education Center Info: Register online at TBIEducationCenter.org.

ave you ever wondered about the real story behind the infamous split between Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, or how the folk musician rose to stardom? A local historian promises to dive into those stories and much more during an upcoming music night.

The dynamic team of historian Susan Benjamin, cantor Jay O’Brien and conductor Robert Hanson is slated to delve into the life and times of one of the world’s more interesting musicians this weekend.

Benjamin is a musical biographer who has profiled notable figures including Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Rodgers and Hammerstein and many more. But listeners are in for a special treat with her lecture on Feb. 16, when she will be joined by O’Brien and Hanson for an educational evening brought to life with live music.

O’Brien is a cantor who performs with the Congregation Makom Solel Lakeside in Chicago, skilled in picking up the sounds of many a musician.

He and Benjamin have become good friends, and he will be fly-

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

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-4 DIRECT BAY FRONT NEW PRICE $3,150,000

STAFF WRITER

ing in from Chicago to give voice to Simon’s music.

Simon is the recipient of 16 Grammy awards, perhaps best known for his works with musical partner Garfunkel, including “The Sound of Silence” and “Bridge over Troubled Water.”

Last year, Benjamin lectured on Neil Diamond’s career, and now she has turned her attention to this uniquely folksy American singer/ songwriter.

She claims Simon is one of history’s musical geniuses, deserving of acclaim for his innovative writing.

The lecture series started as an opportunity to help bring people together over a shared appreciation of good music and the people who create it. Benjamin said she is thrilled at how the program has continued to evolve and grow, encompassing a variety of genres.

The Salon at the St. Regis NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Dennis Girard

1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive 440934-1

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

941.330.7246

439679-1

Broker Associate

Concierge Level Real Estate Services

gigi

SILVERBERG

BROKER ASSOCIATE

LUXURY PROPERTY REALTOR FOR SARASOTA & BRADENTON FOR OVER 20 YEARS

941.993.3695 GIGI@GIGISARASOTA.COM GIGI.SILVERBERG@ELLIMAN.COM WWW.ELLIMAN.COM

Luxury Lifestyle at its Finest Longboat Key 3491 BYRON LANE

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941.993.3695

440679-1

Scan Above to See Active Listings in Downtown Sarasota

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,480 Sq Ft Villa in Coreys Landing Breathtaking Lake and Golf Views

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Siesta Key

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Country Club Shores

Promenade

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

3500BayouLouise.com

521 Wedge Lane - $1,948,000 3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,758 sq. ft.

521WedgeLn.com

1211 Gulf of Mexico Drive #211 - $2,300,000 3 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,273 sq. ft.

Promenade211.com

Regency House

Sanctuary

Tangerine Bay Club

435 S. Gulfstream Ave #1004 - $1,128,000 2 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,829 sq. ft.

RegencyHouse1004.com

575 Sanctuary Drive #A303 - $1,899,000 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 1,823 sq. ft.

SanctuaryA303.com

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

Tangerine211.com

Gulf Front Estate

L’Ambiance

Village Gardens

5941 Gulf of Mexico Drive - $8,800,000 Lot Size 100 x 465 sq. ft.

5941GulfOfMexicoDr.com

415 L’Ambiance Drive #A401 - $5,694,000 415 L’Ambiance Drive #A801 - $7,500,000 LAmbianceA401.com - LAmbianceA801.com

5071 Village Gardens Drive #5 - $235,000 2 Beds | 2 Baths | 966 sq. ft. https://birdeye.cx/3ee8wh

L’Elegance

Aria

Emerald Harbor

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

Aria204.com

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

6011EmeraldHarborDr.com

5B

OPEN HOUSE Sunday 1-4pm

1800 Ben Franklin Drive #A403 - $949,000 2 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,350 sq. ft. | Furnished LElegance403.com

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

440930-1

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6B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Photos by Dana Kampa

Charlene Versak, Michele Davis and Sue Gabbett join the Guppy’s Longboat Key watch party.

Philly fans cheer on the Eagles on Sunday at Guppy’s Longboat Key.

Longboat residents celebrate Eagles’ win as fans called out to one another “Go Birds!”

Nearby, football fans also joined a watch party hosted by Longboat Harbour Condominiums.

Darlene Sedlock, who grew up near Philadelphia, said even though she wasn’t the biggest sports follower, she was excited to see the game unfold.

While most viewers said they favored Philadelphia, they were curious to see if Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes could lead the team to pull off a historic “three-peat” title win.

However, the Eagles took soared to a 40-22 victory.

— DANA KAMPA

Love is on the menu...

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Arts & Central

John and Maureen Shea join Bev and Rich Romansky at the Longboat Harbour Condominiums watch party.

CAT DEPOT SUPPLY & GIFT STORE

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Feb. 14th and Feb. 15th Seating Times: Early Seating 5-6:30 PM Late Seating 7:30-9 PM

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Enjoy a 3-course meal by our executive chef and decadent desserts by celebrity pastry chef, Stephanie Boswell

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T

he community of Longboat Key is home to football fans of teams throughout the nation. But those who would otherwise be cheering on the Lions, Patriots, Bills, Browns or another team, largely found themselves rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles over the Kansas City Chiefs at game-day watch parties on the Key on Sunday.

Guppy’s Longboat Key, a Philadelphiacentric sports bar, was packed with greenclad fans watching the game and cheering the team’s early lead.

The restaurant had tables available for reservation, and owner Robin Gupta said he put those booking fees toward supporting Save Our Seabirds, a fitting cause

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

7B

WATER

on the

Reid Murphy Presents

LONGBOAT KEY GULFFRONT

LONGBOAT KEY BAYFRONT

LONGBOAT KEY WATER CLUB

$

8,900,000

$

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

6,200,000

$

Rare Opportunity to build waterfront on 200 feet of bay front property. Located in Bayou Hammock near shopping and restaurants. Deep-water direct access to Sarasota Bay. Walking distance to white sand Gulf beach.

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

2,195,000

LONGBOAT KEY L’AMBIENCE

LONGBOAT KEY LONGBEACH VILLAGE

LONGBOAT KEY PROMENADE

$

4,595,000

$

DIRECT BEACH FRONT WALKOUT 3BD / 4BA completely redone. Rarely available floor plan w/ front & back terraces. Stunning views. L’ Ambiance amenities include 24 hour guard gate, concierge, plus. two Har-Tru tennis courts.

3,495,000

$

New construction 3BD/ 3BA waterfront home in historic Longbeach village. Corner lot w/ greenspace, water views, boat launch & beach access. 4 car garage or storage.

Behind the gates, beautifully updated 6th floor 2BD / 2BA open plan. Breathtaking sunset and bay views. Resort-style living w/ 400’ of beachfront.

1,895,000

PENDING

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

4,825,000

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

9407 Gulf Dr Anna Maria: 9403 Gulf Dr Anna Maria: 404 North Shore Dr Anna Maria: 2516 Avenue A Bradenton Beach:

8,000,000 $ 8,000,000 $ 6,500,000 $ 6,500,000 $

LONGBOAT KEY DREAM ISLAND ROAD

3,595,000

$

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

LONGBOAT KEY NORTH

LONGBOAT KEY SLEEPY LAGOON

$

2,900,000

$

$

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

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

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

2,695,000

LONGBOAT KEY GULFSIDE NORTH

LONGBOAT KEY WIDE CANAL

$

1,995,000

$

Opportunity to build a beachfront retreat or your dream home on a quiet, private street for the best in coastal living.

Great opportunity to build or remodel 4BD / 2BA corner canal lot. Direct bay and ICW access. Deeded beach directly accross the street.

1,995,000

BUYING OR SELLING

CALL REID

LONGBOAT KEY EMERALD HARBOR

2,495,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 212 Spring Avenue Anna Maria: 212 72nd Holmes Beach: 404 North Shore Dr Anna Maria: 2516 Avenue A Bradenton Beach:

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

for a successful real estate experience!

941.232.3304

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

REIDMURPHY.COM

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LONGBOAT KEY NORTH $

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

THE LONGBOAT KEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Half a dozen models strutted the runway for the Temple Beth Israel Women fashion show.

2025

Savor the Sounds Savor the Sounds nds Sou the or Sav Musical Concert Series

More than 100 turn out for fashion show

A

Longboat Key • 2020 Saturday, March 1st

BIG Z BAND

Saturday, March 15st

DR. DAVE BAND Saturday, April 19th

Photos courtesy of Lynn Burton

The Temple Beth Israel Fashion Show raised money to support the community.

EASY STREET BAND 5:30 pm - 8 pm (Gates open at 4:30 pm) 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

— DANA KAMPA

FEATURING TALENTED LOCAL MUSICIANS

Presented by

The Longboat Key Garden Club

Town Center Green - Karon Family Pavilion 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key Come out and ‘Savor the Sounds’ with live music and food trucks in an elegant, yet casual outdoor picnic setting. Bring your own picnic basket and coolers, set up with lawn chairs, or purchase tables for your group and enjoy a relaxing evening!

VIP Tickets

$250 (Table of 8) Advance purchase only.

Limited availability.

ttendees at the Temple Beth Israel Women’s fashion show were the picture of elegance as they ran with a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” theme for the fundraiser, enjoying fabulous food, fashion and fun inspired by the chic Audrey Hepburn.

Sylvia Pastor, one of the main organizers, said she was pleased that more than 120 people were able to come this year for the event held on Feb. 10 at Michael’s On East.

“It was terrific,” she said. “The hurricane interrupted a lot of things as people left and came back, but we filled 15 tables.”

Pastor and co-chair Maxine Tauber brought the movie to life with black and white satin awning runners and treats in the iconic Tiffany bluecolored boxes. As attendees enjoyed a luncheon, they watched the half dozen models strutting the runway, DJ Harry Wright playing “Moon River” and other tunes. They had three outfit changes from Wearable Art, ending with a final ensemble.

Funds raised from the luncheon and raffle go toward supporting the community, particularly for women’s organizations.

“We try to help out as many organizations in need of funds as we can,” Pastor added. “We send our kids to summer camp and do all we can to help.”

14th Annual

TASTE OF THE KEYS

General Admission

Silent Auction Now Open www.lbkgc.betterworld.org

TUNES

A fun night benefitting the LBK Garden Club Environmental Recovery & Beautification Fund

$25 per person

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27

6 -8 P.M.

Longboat Key Club & Resort Harbourside Ballroom Join us for an amazing evening of great cuisine and music, the Longboat Key Garden Club is raising needed funds for environmental beautification efforts for Longboat Key! Our community, local restaurants and businesses support each other and are working to re-establish the gorgeous natural surroundings that makes Longboat Key the idyllic sanctuary we love.

Fourteen of the very best island restaurants will offer delectable small plates of their signature dishes. Kick up your heels with great music by The Klick Band!

The Resort at Longboat Key Club Lido Beach Resort Zota Beach Resort Cirque St. Armands Beachside Columbia Restaurant

ADVANCE TICKET SALES

The Lazy Lobster Dry Dock The Chart House Harry’s Continental Kitchen Elegant Lady Cheesecake

Mar-Vista of BSH Venturas 15 South/Napule St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

Event Tickets: $100 Tickets available for sale: LBKGardenClub.org

LBKGC is a 501(c)(3) organization

439451-1

Purchase online at www.longboatkeychamber.com or contact the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce at (941) 383-2466, Monday - Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, or visit us at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 102, Longboat Key

Participating Restaurants:

441040-1

8B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

9B

REAL ESTATE BY REAL EXPERTS JUST LISTED

JUST LISTED

JUST LISTED

ORCHID BEACH CLUB • $2,875,000 2050 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DR. #A601, SARASOTA, FL 3BR/3.5BA • 3,242 • Beach to Bay views

LONGBOAT KEY YACHT & TENNIS CLUB - $869,900 4215 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #103 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 2BR/2BA • 1,497 • Furnished

MARINA BAY • $2,295,000 2550 HARBOURSIDE DR., #322 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR/2.5BA • 2,830 • Updated

NEW PRICE

SUTTON PLACE • $375,000 569 SUTTON PLACE LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR/2BA • 1,198 SF • Furnished

THE MARK • $1,399,000 111 S. PINEAPPLE AVE., #100 SARASOTA, FL 2BR/2.5BA • 1,513 SF •City views

GRAND BAY • $1,595,000 3060 GRAND BAY BLVD. #113 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR/3.5BA • 2,550 SF • Two terraces

REGENT PLACE • $4,495,000 675 LONGBOAT CLUB RD., #22A LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR+DEN/4BA • 3,654 SF • Beachfront

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

PROMENADE • $2,250,000 1211 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #401 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR/3BA • 2,100 SF • Gulf & Bay views

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

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS • $1,595,000 603 LONGBOAT CLUB RD., #1102N LONGBOAT KEY, FL 2BR/2BA • 1,458 SF • Gulf & Bay views

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES • $2,490,000 597 CUTTER LANE LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR/2BA • 1,963 SF • 103’ of Waterfront

WEST OF TRAIL • $2,490,000 1886 PROSPECT STREET SARASOTA, FL 4BR/4BA • 3,444 SF • Built in 2016

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

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

NOW PENDING

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

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

NOW PENDING

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS • $1,295,000 603 LONGBOAT CLUB RD., #903N LONGBOAT KEY, FL 2BR/2BA • 1,458 SF • Gulf & Bay views

JUST SOLD

BIRD KEY • $3,150,000 526 N. SPOONBILL DRIVE SARASOTA, FL 3BR/2BA • 2,762 SF • Waterfront

BRUCE MYER GROUP

• OVER $130 MILLION SOLD - 2024 • RANKED #2 COLDWELL BANKER SMALL TEAM IN THE NATION • TOP 1.5% OF ALL REALTORS IN THE NATION • TOP FLORIDA 100 REALTOR - COLDWELL BANKER

Learn more at www.BruceMyer.com

CHASE MYER (941) 315-5318

BRUCE MYER (941) 376-5311

595 BAY ISLES ROAD, SUITE 250 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228

432590-1

This material is based upon information that we consider to be reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied upon as such.

The offering is subject to errors, omissions, changes, including price, or withdrawal without notice.

10B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

2025 Specials 2025 Specials

20% 20% off Bottles of Wine of Daily off Bottles Wine Daily Restaurant and Deli Restaurant and Deli Best Brunch on Longboat Key Best Brunch Longboat $12 Double Mimosa $10on Bloody Mary Key $12 Double Mimosa $10 Happy Hour 3-6, Drink SpecialsBloody Mary HappyDinner HourSpecials 3-6, Drink Specials Nightly

Nightly Dinner Specials

Upcoming Events Harry’s Caymus Wine Dinner Thursday, February 6th, 2025 Upcoming Events

Harry’s Deli

Valentine’s Day Special

438905-1

View our Menu Harry’s Caymus Wine Dinner Reservations Suggested Thursday, February 6th, 2025

Three Course Dinner TOGO

Attendees cut the ribbon for the official opening of Lo’ Key Island Grille on Feb. 7.

Harry’s Deli

Pick up at Harry’s Take-Out Deli Please order 48 Hours in advance.

Available for Pick Up February 13th & 14th

Valentine’s Day Special

Breakfast | Brunch | Lunch | Dinner | Catering | GourmetThree Deli & Bakery | Corner Store TOGO Course Dinner View our Menu www.HarrysKitchen.com • 5600 Gulf of Mexico Drive • 941-383-0777 Pick up at Harry’s Take-Out Deli Reservations Please order 48 Hours in advance.

Suggested Available for Pick Up February 13th & 14th

copenhagen imports

Breakfast | Brunch | Lunch | Dinner | Catering | Gourmet Deli & Bakery | Corner Store

www.HarrysKitchen.com • 5600 Gulf of Mexico Drive • 941-383-0777

Make Your Home Your Winter Escape

Relaxed restaurant throws open doors W ith a snip of a blue ribbon, the pioneers of Lo’ Key Island Grille officially celebrated the opening of the restaurant and the realization of an idea that seemed too good to be true, according to General Manager Courtney Rossler.

She, owner Kevin Pass, and Executive Chef Seth Groseclose have been working diligently to bring the community a fun gathering space that welcomes pets and families, and they celebrated that effort with an official ribboncutting ceremony on Feb. 7.

Diners can opt to enjoy the more mellow seating on the dining patio, sip on a beverage in the more social bar area or try their hand at cornhole and other games on the lawn.

Rossler said Pass first floated the idea on a boat trip. Though she

Now thru March 17

Save 10% on qualifying Stressless recliners, ottomans, sofas, sectionals and accessories - OR $400 on Stressless Power Recliners.

Photos by Dana Kampa

Owner Kevin Pass and Payton Kocinsai

initially thought it was one of those things that arises in pleasant conversation but never materializes, they actually began property hunting the next day.

After they landed on the right property, it was “game on.”

Everything on the menu is made in house, she said, and she knows many diners on the Key will be excited to once again enjoy the cuisine of Groseclose, coming from Beach Bistro.

The restaurant is located at 5620 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Call 387-0089 or visit LoKeyLBK.com to learn more.

— DANA KAMPA

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

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

Additional Winter Savings

Save hundreds elevating your dining area and bedroom as well!

Mon.-Sat. 10-6 • Sun. 12-5 941-923-2569 copenhagen-imports.com

441299-1

7211 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34231 *See Sales Associate for Details

436514-1

FURNITURE+LIGHTING+ACCENTS+INTERIOR DESIGN

COASTAL SIESTA KEY HOME Boating Enthusiasts

Great Protected Water 6934 Belgrave Drive, Sarasota, Florida • Listed at $3,475,000 4 BEDROOMS • 6.5 BATHS • 4,652 SQ FT • 2 CAR GARAGE • MLS# A4597222

• 230’ Seawall on Sailboat Water • 5 minutes to the Intercoastal • A private Oasis setting with a freeform pool

You must see this beautifully updated home!

Open House February 16th, 12:00pm to 3:00pm

441359-1

WWW.SRQHOMETOWNREALTORS.COM Jack Dell’Amico | Jeff Maglione | Kris Niehaus Dedicated to Exceeding Your Expectations

SRQHOMETOWNREALTORS

(941) 376.4950

SRQHOMETOWNREALTORS COLDWELL BANKER 5145 OCEAN BLVD, SARASOTA FL 34242

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

11B

T H E G R O U P

Jules Mackie | Tracey Stetler | Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan | Patrick DiPinto | Rene DiPinto | Steven Moore | Janet Coughlin

Over $150,000,000 Volume in the Past 18 Months

100’ PRIVATE BEACHFRONT | LONGBOAT KEY $16,995,000 – Under Construction 4 Beds 5 Baths 6,614 Sq. Ft.

120’ OPEN BAY FRONT | BIRD KEY $10,995,000 – Under Construction 4 Beds 4.5 Baths 4,750 Sq. Ft.

WEST OF TRAIL BAYFRONT | SARASOTA $9,750,000 – Move in 120 Days 5 Beds 7 Baths 5,328 Sq. Ft.

STEPS TO SANDY BEACH | LIDO SHORES $6,995,000 – Immediate Occupancy 5 Beds 6 Baths 4,750 Sq. Ft.

5444 GULF OF MEXICO DR | LONGBOAT KEY $5,750,000 – Bayfront 1.06 Acres 5 Beds 5 Baths 6,000 Sq. Ft.

3480 BAYOU SOUND | LONGBOAT KEY $4,499,999 - Newly Built Construction 5 Beds 4 Baths 4,000 Sq. Ft. With Deeded Beach Rights

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

109 GARFIELD DRIVE UNIT 201 | LIDO BEACH $1,999,999 - Walk to Lido Beach 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,993 Sq. Ft.

3408 FAIR OAKS LANE | LONGBOAT KEY $3,249,000 - Bay Isles 5 Beds 5 Baths 4,510 Sq. Ft.

Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

Contract: Tracey Stetler 941-266-9001

Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

Contact: Tracey Stetler 941-266-9001

Contact: Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan 941-928-2922

Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

Contact: Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan 941-928-2922

Contact: Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan 941-928-2922

PENDING

3927 SOMERSET DRIVE | SIESTA KEY $2,325,000 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,758 Sq. Ft. Contact: Jules Mackie 773-704-1438

4844 BRYWILL CIRCLE | SAPPHIRE SHORES $1,699,000 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,672 Sq. Ft. with Casita Contact: Jules Mackie 773-704-1438

3318 BAYOU SOUND | LONGBOAT KEY $1,699,999 Bay Isles 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,675 Sq. Ft. Contact: Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan 941-928-2922

PENDING

3131 BAYOU SOUND | LONGBOAT KEY $2,299,999 3 Beds 2 Baths 3,023 Sq. Ft. Contact: Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan 941-928-2922

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

941 - 388 - 2021

53 S PALM AVENUE, SARASOTA, FL 34236

426501-1

WWW.THEDIPINTOGROUP.COM | @THEDIPINTOGROUP

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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

SARASOTA 1233 N Gulfstream Avenue 1001 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,815 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4626354 $6,950,000

LONGBOAT KEY 5910 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 4 Beds 4/2 Baths 4,272 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4627997 $7,150,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2151 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 5 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,400 Sq. Ft. Susan Alliano & Sally Fox 941-735-6571 & 941-586-0892 A4615514 $5,288,000

LONGBOAT KEY 415 L Ambiance Drive A701 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,220 Sq. Ft. Mel & Jan Goldsmith 941-356-6673 A4636769 $4,975,000

LONGBOAT KEY 536 Ketch Lane 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,960 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4634879 $3,999,999

LONGBOAT KEY 536 Ketch Lane 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,960 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4634879 $3,999,999

LONGBOAT KEY 3598 Fair Oaks Lane 3 Beds 4 Baths 3,417 Sq. Ft. Elizabeth Van Riper 941-993-6842 A4638110 $3,600,000

LONGBOAT KEY 601 Weston Pointe Court 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,010 Sq. Ft. Maureen Horn 941-539-3384 A4638265 $3,500,000

ORCHID BEACH CLUB 2050 Benjamin Franklin Drive B904 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,936 Sq. Ft. Judy Nimz 941-374-0196 A4630698 $3,400,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 3310 Sabal Cove Lane 4 Beds 4 Baths 4,465 Sq. Ft. Beverly St Hilaire 818-416-2505 A4634589 $2,900,000

LONGBOAT KEY 455 Longboat Club Road 305 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,880 Sq. Ft. Klaus Lang 941-320-1223 A4638124 $2,599,000

LONGBOAT KEY 548 Ketch Lane 2 Beds 3 Baths 2,273 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4636290 $2,400,000

SARASOTA 2133 Oriole Drive 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,862 Sq. Ft. Bibi-Ann Allard PA 941-685-0422 A4638148 $2,275,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1211 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 301 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,100 Sq. Ft. Jonathan Fox, Pa 941-544-6649 A4635601 $2,000,000

LONGBOAT KEY 740 Old Compass Road 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,586 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4636920 $1,900,000

LONGBOAT KEY 721 Old Compass Road 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,262 Sq. Ft. Julie Klick 941-780-6001 A4638118 $1,795,000

LONGBOAT KEY 775 Longboat Club Road 304 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,602 Sq. Ft. Terri Riordan 941-441-6644 A4637512 $1,699,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2301 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 52N 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,235 Sq. Ft. Douglas Parks 941-400-9087 A4637124 $1,650,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 4545 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 408 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,398 Sq. Ft. Susan Smith 941-302-3440 A4630978 $1,189,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2295 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 115S 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,235 Sq. Ft. Michael Nink, Pa 941-914-2805 A4638285 $1,025,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2120 Harbourside Drive 617 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,105 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4629605 $895,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 3810 Gulf Of Mexico Drive F402 2 Beds 3 Baths 1,361 Sq. Ft. Susan Mondello 941-544-3387 A4634713 $695,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1581 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 508 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,017 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4630440 $11,900,000

LONGBOAT KEY 801 Longboat Club Road 5 Beds 5/1 Baths 6,923 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4632774 $11,900,000

LONGBOAT KEY 560 Harbor Point Road 4 Beds 5 Baths 5,245 Sq. Ft. Jonathan Fox, Pa 941-544-6649 A4636226 $11,000,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

440832-1

12B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

JAN. 27-31

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

M

attie Allen, trustee, of Southfield, Michigan, sold the home at 61 S. Washington Drive to Paul and Susan Lacroix, of Simpsonville, Kentucky, for $5.45 million.

Built in 1956, it has seven bedrooms, nine-andtwo-half baths, a pool and 8,691 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.4 million in 2004.

BIRD KEY

David Thomas Ivin and Sallie Maxwell Ivin, trustees, sold the home at 526 N. Spoonbill Drive to Dynan Construction LLC for $3.15 million.

Built in 1965, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,762 square feet of living area. It sold for $430,000 in 1995.

Jonathan and Helen Turner, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 238 Robin Drive to MRP Properties Sarasota LLC for $1.5 million. Built in 1961, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,188 square feet of living area. It sold for $699,000 in 2014.

QUEEN’S HARBOUR

Jay Burchfield, trustee, and Maureen Burchfield, of Springfield, Missouri, sold the home at 3596 Fair Oaks Lane to Peter Osborn, trustee, of Cincinnati, for $2,395,000.

REAL ESTATE

John Ringling Estates home tops week’s sales at $5.45 million

13B

Courtesy of Barbara May

Agents Barbara May and Fred Sassen sold a home for $5.45 million in John Ringling Estates.

Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three-and-two-half baths, a pool and 3,416 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1.35 million in 2015.

Leah Barker sold her home at 3605 Fair Oaks Place to Jim and Rita Kwon, of Alpine, New Jersey, for $1.4 million. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,713 square feet of living area. It sold for $895,000 in 2001.

PROMENADE

Francine Achbar and Stuart Bruce Mushlin sold their Unit 212 condominium at 1211 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Marcia Ann Koehler Bunce, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $2.1 million. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,273 square feet of living area. It sold for $915,000 in 2010.

LONGBOAT SANDPIPERS

Howard and Freedom Chasolen, of Bradenton, sold their Unit 103 condominium at 5635 Gulf of Mexico

Drive to David and Kristin Price, of Avon-by-the-Sea, New Jersey, for $1.45 million. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. It sold for $715,000 in 2020.

ARBOMAR APARTMENTS

Timothy and Patricia McDonald, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 803 condominium at 4485 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Agostino Zentil and Antonietta Zentil, of Ontario, Canada, for $960,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,022 square feet of living area.

It sold for $779,000 in 2006.

PELICAN HARBOUR BEACH CLUB

Renee Vandenbusch, trustee, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, sold the Unit 201 condominium at 4241 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Ralph Brian Stoy and Amy Stoy, of East Jordan, Michigan, for $1.45 million. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,660 square feet of living area. It sold for $335,000 in 1997.

JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

Harry and Margaret Pascal, of Winnetka, Illinois, sold their home at 153 N. Adams Drive to Park Residences LLC for $950,000. Built in 1951, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 1,500 square feet of living area. It sold for $767,000 in 2016.

LIDO BEACH

Corby deKozlowski and Carol Maulsby, trustees, of Phoenix, Maryland, sold the home at 465 Cleveland Drive to CM Lido LLC for $1,275,000. Built in 1957, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,924 square feet of living area. It sold for $262,500 in 1997.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Jan. 31-Feb. 6 in order of dollar amounts.

LONGBOAT KEY Permit

Applicant

711 Old Compass Road

New Construction –

Green Heron

$1,680,000

Amount

New Construction –

MBJ Revocable Trust

$800,000

Residential 652 Lyons Lane

Residential

DTD 4

2233 Harbourside Drive

Alt/Renovation

Stoneman Trust

$294,660

674 Norton St.

Repair – Helene

Daniel Matula

$184,610

701 Norton St.

Hurricane Damage

701 Norton Street LLC $180,000

6603 Gulfside Road

Swimming Pool/Spa

9403 Gulf Drive LLC

$125,000

786 Norton St.

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Gareth Parkin

$122,003

561 Yardarm Lane

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Brian McGinn

$116,796

5231 Gulf of Mexico Drive #106 Hurricane Damage

Pegeen Sternberg

$114,761

795 St. Judes Drive N.

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Kenneth Rollyson

$110,710

573 Outrigger Lane

Dock/Seawall/Lift

American XXVIII LLC

$85,000

771 Emerald Harbor Drive

Swimming Pool/Spa

Todd Gertz

$74,642

749 Lands End Drive

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Patrick Beavers

$70,168

6401 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Building

Jeff Mandler

$61,750

6701 Gulf of Mexico Drive #302 Hurricane Damage

Michael Foley

$60,000

680 Fox St.

Hurricane Damage

Brett Ruthberg

$57,930

673 Dream Island Road

Dock/Seawall/Lift

James Ruthven

$52,443

595 Dream Island Place

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Grand Mariner

$50,250

on Longboat

702 Spanish Drive N.

Hurricane Damage

Michael Demusis

$49,145

706 Spanish Drive S.

Hurricane Damage

Cari Ferreiro

$49,145

710 Spanish Drive N.

Hurricane Damage

Mary Meyers

$49,145

718 Spanish Drive N.

Hurricane Damage

Bennett Struzenberg

$49,145

722 Spanish Drive S.

Hurricane Damage

Jeffrey Case

$49,145

734 Spanish Drive N.

Hurricane Damage

William Walsh

$49,145

740 Spanish Drive N.

Hurricane Damage

Keith Evans

$49,145

756 Spanish Drive N.

Hurricane Damage

Timothy Long

$49,145

6701 Gulf of Mexico Drive #315

Hurricane Damage

Robert Vaccaro

$45,000

6701 Gulf of Mexico Drive #303 Hurricane Damage

Sean Joyce

$42,200

6701 Gulf of Mexico Drive #301 Hurricane Damage

David Franklin

$41,900

6701 Gulf of Mexico Drive #319 Hurricane Damage

James Ciccarello

$39,900

6701 Gulf of Mexico Drive #308 Hurricane Damage

Greg Sinnamond

$39,720

6701 Gulf of Mexico Drive #309 Hurricane Damage

Thomas Steiner

$38,820

6501 Bayou Hammock Road

Demo

Bruce Krone

$38,475

5930 Emerald Harbor Drive

Demo

Jim Johnstone

$35,877

620 Halyard Lane

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Mary Wilson

$27,765

531 Rountree Drive

Demo

Louis Haenel

$26,000

3740 Gulf of Mexico Drive #112 Hurricane Damage

Gary Sykes

$20,200

2161 Harbourside Drive #1302 Deck

Paul Beard

$20,000

609 Bayview Drive

Demo

Donald Bennett

$18,000

619 Bayview Drive

Demo

YDTD 2LLC

$18,000

Tack 2E LLC

$14,658

4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive #2E Repair – Helene

Source: Town of Longboat Key

NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA SOTA Residences & Hotel | 941.462.3900 | From $1.7M | Visit the Main Street Gallery | thesota.com

MOVE-IN SUMMER 2025

DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG 400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From $1M | Call for an appointment | Residences400central.com

MOVE-IN NOW

LIMITED OPPORTUNTIES

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

LONGBOAT KEY

DeMarcay | 941.404.8858 | TheDeMarcay.com | From $5,900,000

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | Memberships Available | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

MSC | Developer Services Full Service means something different here.

49 Years of Experience I 600 Exceptional Agents I 85+ Successful Partnerships

MSCDeveloperServices.com | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of January 2025

440812-1

Address

In with the new

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

YOUR CALENDAR

Downtown Sarasota’s Premier Senior Rental Retirement Residence From Very Independent, Independent with Support, to Assisted Lifestyles Annual, Relocation, Vacation, Respite and Trial Stays

Call 941-955-9099

To Schedule a Tour and Complimentary Meal 440996-1

AldermanOaks.com

Serving Longboat Key for over 10 Years

595 Bay Isles Road, Suite 110 | Longboat Key, FL 34228 Located behind the Publix

941.383.6400 | www.LongboatKeyDental.com

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19

ART HEISTS 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road.

Learn about the thrilling history of infamous art thefts in the 20th and 21st centuries in a two-part lecture series. Cost is $40 for members; $50 for nonmembers. The second lecture takes place Feb. 26. Call 941383-8222.

Courtesy image

Kim Fenwick and Susie Hettmansperger are this year’s Trash to Treasure co-chairs.

BEST BET SATURDAY, FEB. 15

TRASH TO TREASURE SALE 9 a.m. to noon at Gulf Shore Park, 3710 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Join Gulfshore of Longboat Key mobile home park for the annual “Trash to Treasure” rummage sale.

LEAVING A LEGACY 1-2:30 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road. Find how to share legacy passions, interests and skills for generations to come in a two-part lecture series by Barbara Greenspan Shaiman. Cost is $40 for members; $50 for nonmembers.

The second lecture takes place Feb. 26. Call 941-383-8222.

for nonmembers. Email Mirabai@ MovingFree.com or call 956-1466.

THURSDAY, FEB. 20

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

RECURRING EVENTS MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

439316-1

Conveniently Located on Longboat Key

HEAR SOUNDS OF SIMON 3-4:30 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road. Join biographer Susan Benjamin and cantor Jay O’Brien for a special musical presentation on the life and legacy of Paul Simon. Cost is $30 for members; $35 for nonmembers. Call 941-3838222, email Admin@TBIEducationCenter.org or visit TBIEducationCenter.org.

LEARN THE WATCH 1-3 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road. Gain knowledge on how to use an Apple Watch, which is required for participation.

A second session is offered Feb. 26.

Cost is $60 for members; $70 for nonmembers. Call 941-383-8222.

Why Leave the Key...

Michael J.O’Neil DDS FAGD

SUNDAY, FEB. 16

LONGBOAT LIBRARY 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 555 Bay Isles Road.

Call 941-383-6493.

PUMPING THE PRIME 10 a.m. at Bayfront Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Led by Mirabai Holland, classes focus on low-impact cardio and muscle-toning strength exercises.

Recommended that participants can readily lower to and rise from the floor. Cost is $10 for members; $15

PILATES SCULPT 9-9:50 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Pilates Sculpt, led by Wellness Director Debby Debile, is a combination class mixing traditional Pilates exercises into a fun, challenging workout to upbeat music. It will make you sweat, encourage your body to burn calories, and make you stronger and more flexible. This class is for all levels.

Cost is $20. Walk-ins welcome. Call 941-383-6493.

TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

QIGONG 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Fridays at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Experienced instructor Sandi Love leads classes designed to improve mental and physical wellbeing with gentle moves. Cost is $20 for one class pass for members. Call 941-3836493.

FOR SALE BY OWNER

570 Putting Green Lane, Longboat Key Build your dream home on a prime, rarely available sun-facing Country Club Shores building lot, only the 3rd Lot in from the end-cap!

Expansive 103x100 foot waterfront, with NEW $85K raised and widened seawall for peace of mind and a sturdy buttress on which to build your dream home.

This property has been leveled and Geotech-tested for building without pilings.

Included within the price are full, Structurally-Engineered Construction Drawings for a custom home as pictured, designed by Dan Lear of Lear Studios, formerly of the prestigious DSDG Architectural firm.

This property was independently appraised in December 2024 at $2.1MM, without regard to the value of the new seawall or the plans.

This Lot is priced at 2.25MM and only serious offers will be entertained.

Full 3% Buyer-broker compensation will be paid by Seller.

Contact Michael Konig, Esq. (908) 415-8869.

441357-1

14B

YourObserver.com

15B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

SUNRISE / SUNSET

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

FRIDAY, FEB. 14 High: 80 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 17%

Thursday, Feb. 13

7:08a

6:21p

Friday, Feb. 14

7:07a

6:22p

Saturday, Feb. 15

7:06a

6:23p

Sunday, Feb. 16

7:05a

6:24p

SATURDAY, FEB. 15

Monday, Feb. 17

7:04a

6:23p

High: 80 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 7%

Tuesday, Feb. 18

7:04a

6:24p

Wednesday, Feb. 19

7:03a

6:25p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, FEB. 16 High: 77 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 65%

Feb. 20 Last

Feb. 27 New

March 6 First

March 13 Full

TIDES Highs Lows Thursday, Feb. 13

Leslie Combs captured this photo of a white egreat soaring over the ocean near Islands West on Longboat Key.

—

1:29p

7:31a

7:06p

Friday, Feb. 14

12:25a

1:36p

7:54a

7:49p

Saturday, Feb. 15

1:08a

1:50p

8:16a

8:32p

Sunday, Feb. 16

1:54a

2:09p

8:37a

9:18p

Monday, Feb. 17

2:44a

2:32p

8:53a

10:09p

Tuesday, Feb. 18

3:41a

2:58p

9:04a

11:09p

Wednesday, Feb. 19

4:58a

3:27p

9:03a

—

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/contests. All submissions will be entered for the 2024-25. Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2025, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

HINDQUARTERS by Zachary Gallardo, edited by Taylor Johnson

125 Trudge heavily

55 Hoppy beer, briefly

126 Ferocious

56

127 “Definitely!”

59 Seek office

128 Droops

60 “___ be my honor!”

129 Like lemon pepper

61 Prefix for “logic” or

130 Japanese piano brand

“graphic”

DOWN

Tousle

63 Like many a flannel shirt 64 Many Iraqis

1 Split hairs?

65 Farm tower

2 Done

67 Barracks bed

3 Impose, like a tax

68 “Eureka!”

4 “American Auto” actress

69 Lip

Gasteyer

70 Laundry unit

5 Genre popularized by Korn 71 Detective’s tips and Slipknot

73 Night class subj.

6 Use up

74 Colorful carp

7 Kleenex product

77 Tool that needs a bit to

8 Fireplace remains

work

9 Iditarod vehicle

80 Age range for most col-

10 Mister, in German

lege freshmen

11 “Finally!”

81 “I can’t ___” (“This is too

12 Account for

much”)

13 Yellowstone herd

83 Representative

14 NYC neighborhood

84 Distorts, like data

15 Some ceramics

85 Amp (up)

16 Not emotionally affected

86 French fashion magazine

17 (More details below)

87 Bug spray ingredient

18 Band whose fans are

89 Thus

known as “ARMY”

90 Green gems

25 Frequently, poetically

91 Supermodel Carangi

26 Conga ___

93 Ideology suffix

keeper on NPR’s “Wait Wait... 96 ___ and conditions apply

29 Mineral hardness scale

94 Nail polish remover

43 Shares, for pre-X Twitter

Don’t Tell Me!”

97 Fib

inventor

95 Pillages

posts

72 *Organizing consultant

98 Cathedral topper

32 Cancel, like a launch

98 Ostracize

45 Baltimore ballplayers

who asks “Does it spark joy?” 101 Search like vultures

33 Nonbinary possessive

99 Swear under oath

46 Genre for All Time Low or

75 Only U.S. state with a

103 *Star of the 1923 film

35 Move to solid food

100 Latvia neighbor

“Anna Christie”

37 Initials in fashion

102 A-listers, e.g.

105 Worth

38 Singer-songwriter

103 Jewish stuffed crepe 104 Like fried chicken

©2025 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Where bagels originated 7 “Empire” actress Smith 12 ___ up (come clean) 16 PC port

“Star Wars” universe

19 Vermont, e.g., in Monopoly Paramore 20 Archipelago component 47 Princess’s crown 21 Boatloads 22 Badminton divider 23 Overhaul 24 *Literary detective in “A Study in Scarlet” 27 Attempt 28 National Mall trees 30 It might be rough 31 Sour cream and ___ 32 Dined at a restaurant 34 Stash away

nonrectangular flag 76 “Slow and ___ wins the

48 ___ Taco (American fast-

race”

106 By mouth

Gonzalez

food chain)

78 Additionally

108 Believes in

39 Vicinity

107 Additionally

49 Cook, like a tuna steak

79 Dish wrapped in a corn

109 Become narrower

40 Prejudice

110 Ostrich cousin

50 *Pseudonym for Ameri-

husk

111 Jungian feminine side

41 Hesitation sounds

112 Stallion’s mate

can columnist Judith Martin

82 Broadcast

114 A fan of

42 Puccini opera set in Rome 113 Singer Tori

53 Asian island nation

83 Canceled

115 Opus ___

44 Long hike

115 Cartoon explorer

118 Well-known people, and

47 Florida city nicknamed

116 Apiece 117 Notion

57 Dot follower

88 *Portrayer of Lafayette

58 Brand of single-serve

and Jefferson in Broadway’s

a hint to the homophones at

“The Big Guava”

coffee makers

“Hamilton”

the end of the starred clues’

50 Painter Claude

118 “Yoo-hoo!”

62 Made, like a spiderweb

92 “Twin Peaks” actor

answers

51 Mother, to a toddler

119 Dot follower

63 Argentine grasslands

MacLachlan

121 Bit of progress

52 Kind of wrestling in a

120 CPR pro

123 Finish

dohyo

122 “Man on the Moon” band

124 Pebblelike candy

54 Shaming sound

93 Response to “Who’s 36 Diplomatic representative 66 Video call button 38 *Sluglike crime lord in the 67 *Former judge and score- ready?”

437912-1

celebrity cipher

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“A’H MBRH FWG DNHG JYNTGF ND LNUAL ZRIAG.” / “AF’D N BGNY VRHMRBF CRTG ... FR MGGY NYAGT.” FAYLN DIATFRT

“NWGO Z WJSG PJC CJVB, Z FEBU GJU IDUB DR TWDTDIJUG ZTG TKGJA JOC CJOTG UD UWG ‘IZDO XZOH’ BDEOCUKJTX.”

PIJXG IZSGIV

“BWM UMHRPO VPK YHOB BP HDB LR BP DPOBLOKM BP MFCZPUM MXMUV JLGGMUMOB CHUB PG BWM WKTHO CRVDWM.”

NMRRM CZMTPOR

Puzzle Three Clue: J equals D

crossword

Puzzle Two Clue: E equals U

Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

The Grounded Feeling Everyone will Enjoy

Puzzle One Clue: M equals F

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

© 2025 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

©2025 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

2-13-25

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

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

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

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

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

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

Free House Calls.

Confidential & Honest. Call David 813-439-2694 SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

2 BEDROOM, 2 bath condo available with covered parking (1) on Golden Gate Point. Water views from every room, 5 min walk to downtown Sarasota, access to shops, restaurants, marina, theatre...condo overlooks beautiful inlet at Marina Jack's; daily dolphin and pelican viewing.

No Pool.

Long-term rental preferred.

Furnished or unfurnished, optional. Rent: 7.0k/ month.

If interested, please text: 248.941.9590

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

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

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

SELL YOUR STUFF FAST!

GARAGE SALE Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Motorcycles

OUR ONLINE TOOLS MAKE IT EASY TO PLACE YOUR AD

YourObserver.com/RedPages

real estate

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

OLD MOTORCYCLES WANTED *1920-2010* ALL Makes & ModelsAny Condition! $ CASH PAID $ Call 845-389-3239 cyclesndmore10@gmail.com

Homes for Rent

L’AMBIANCE, LONGBOAT KEY Beach front 2BR/3BA condo on high floor with wrap-around terrace, 270 degree views over the Gulf, Sarasota Bay and LBK Club.

Sunrises, sunsets through floor to ceiling windows. View at: www.thephotos.smugmug.com Call John at: 203-984-8477 or E-mail: garment@optonline.net LONGBOAT KEY: Beachfront Condos, 1st or 2nd floor, 2BR/2BA, W/D in units, free Wi-Fi, heated pool, & parking.

Call 941-383-3338.

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

Made for where you live. Here!

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

EPIC HOME CARE Personal Care-Respite Care Alzheimer’s Care Light Cleaning Med Administration Meal Prep Shopping, Errands & More Call for a FREE Evaluation!

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

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

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

FIND IT IN THE RED PAGES 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

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

This week’s Crossword answers

TREASURES found here.

RED PAGES

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

WEEKLY MONTHLY

3BR/2.5BA BAY ISLES golf course villa. Quiet & modern 2400sf. Private pool/hot tub.

Garage. Beach club. Walk to Shoppes. 3 mo. min. By Owner.

References. (303) 831-8281

Looking for something?

Your lucky discovery is closer than you think.

Adult Care Services

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888 Painting Advertise your business SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC or service in the Observer

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR /

CABINETS RED PAGES WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL orTODAY TEXT Don CALL 941-900-9398

941-955-4888

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

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos.

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I’m from the same planet as David Bowie.” / “It’s a real comfort zone ... to feel alien.” Tilda Swinton Puzzle Two Solution: “When I have bad days, I just eat lots of chocolate ice cream and dance to the ‘Lion King’ soundtrack.”

Blake Lively Puzzle Three Solution: “The reason you want to act is to continue to explore every different part of the human psyche.”

Jesse Plemons

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2025 Universal Uclick

Merchandise Wanted

Condos/Apts. for Rent

You’re only cheating yourself.

ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

Autos Wanted

peekers’ place

Items Under $200

auto

stuff

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

©2025 NEA, Inc.

Real Estate Wanted

Paint the town RED! Paint the town RED!

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

home services

RED PAGES

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Attorney

Home Watch

Remodeling/Home Improvement

CUSTOM HOME CONSTRUCTION

Divorce without Lawyers

REMODELING • CONDO RENOVATIONS

CARING HANDS WHILE YOU’RE AWAY FROM HOME.

Exclusively serving Longboat Key residents.

Storm-ready home preparations Handyman & concierge services

941-544-1152

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

CBC1265487

Find anything in the RED PAGES

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

Roofing

941-955-4888

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

Insurance

William J. Leininger, JD

MIC INSURANCE

440905

Auto Service

SELL YOUR CAR!

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Transportation

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

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

5-Star Rated

941 - 248 - 4734 439549

WE COME TO YOU

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

Handyman 439532

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

Windows

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

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005 Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

439988

Painting

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

CREATE BUZZ!

UP TO

Exterior / Interior / Cabinets

Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

CALL OR TEXT 941-900-9398 TODAY! OWNER: DON HUBIAK

Call 941-955-4888

440904

Health

Real Estate

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

WE ARE THE MOST EFFICIENT, COST EFFECTIVE, HASSLE FREE WAY TO SELL YOUR HOUSE FOR CA$H TODAY!

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

You Pay NO Realtor Commissions or Fees!

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

We Pay All Closing Costs!

Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239

SOLD

439531

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

heroes found here.

• Fair Cash Offers • We Also Buy Land and Condos

WE ALWAYS PAY CASH

Relax. You’ve got better things to do. Find a professional here in the Observer Red Pages.

Closer is better.

Call us FIRST at

941-202-6957 Bradenton Cash Home Buyers Your Local Home Buyers

www.BradentonCashHomeBuyers.com

440899

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senior citizen discount.

Neighborhood

• We are Local Cash Buyers • We Provide The Flexibility You Want • No Need For Repairs • Any Situation, Any Price Range • Water Damaged Houses are OK • We Buy In “As Is Condition”

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439546

HoHoBuysCars.com

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

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

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

FAST • EASY • SAFE

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

Building & Roofing Contractor

439550

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

439548

441207

CALL TODAY FOR PEACE OF MIND.

941-281-5539 | kathy@longboatkeyhomewatch.com www.longboatkeyhomewatch.com

439547

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410036

Divorce is never fun, but it does not have to be nasty & hateful! Protect your family relationships and assets from expensive Court litigation. Consider Divorce Mediation, the peaceful alternative.

941.270.4400

17B

941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Insurance

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

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

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

438025

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY

18B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025

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

ING 4 T S LI N 1W U NE EN S OP

of Coldwell Banker Realty Agents Globally

3

$ + BILLION

in Career Sales Volume

49+ YEARS Selling Sarasota & Manatee Counties

ST. ARMANDS - PANSY BAYOU

400 N. WASHINGTON DR. • 5BR/4BA • 3,348 SQ FT

$6,750,000

Custom Art Rutenberg Home • 110’ of Direct Waterfront • Gorgeous Interior Finishes Wood & Travertine Floors • Summer Kitchen w/ Grill and 1,200 SF of Terrace Saltwater Pool & Spa • 2 Blocks from St. Armands Circle & Lido Beach

W NE

Ryan Ackerman 941.387.1818

G TIN S I L

Barbara Ackerman 941.387.1820

HARBOR ACRES - WEST OF TRAIL

$2,395,000

1735 FLOWER DR. • 3BR/3.5BA • 2,840 SQ FT

Tropical Paradise in a Prime Location Close to Southside Village & School, Downtown & Sarasota Memorial Hospital • No Storm Damage • New Roof Salt-Water Pool • Single Story Perfection!

LIGHTHOUSE POINT - LONGBOAT KEY

$13,950,000

50 LIGHTHOUSE POINT DR. • 6BR/6 FULL & 1 HALF BA • 7,450 SQ FT

Gorgeous Gulf Front Home • New Roof • Newly Resurfaced Pool • Private Boat Dock Behind the Gates of The Longboat Key Club • Expansive .83-Acre Lot

HARBOR ACRES - DIRECT WATERFRONT 1430 HARBOR DR. • 7,049 SQ FT OF LIVING SPACE

$9,600,000

Completely Renovated in 2023 • 110’ on Deep Protected Boat Basin • 1,100 Bottle Wine Room • In Home Elevator • All New Hurricane Impact Windows & Doors

TWO INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITIES IN GRAND BAY

VIRTUALLY STAGED

GRAND BAY IV - LONGBOAT KEY

3010 GRAND BAY BLVD., #493 • 2BR/4BA • 2,550 SQ FT

$2,225,000

9th Floor Cayman with Gorgeous Sunrises, Sunsets, Bay, Beach & City Skyline Views Blank Palette • Includes 2 Prime Side-By-Side Parking Spaces on Main Level and Private Beach Club Membership • Gated, Pet Friendly Community

OYSTER BAY ESTATES - NEW CONSTRUCTION

$5,995,000

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

GRAND BAY II - LONGBOAT KEY

3040 GRAND BAY BLVD., #283 • 3BR/3BA • 2,550 SQ FT

$2,195,000

Direct Sunrise & Sunset Views • Custom Updates • Private Elevator Foyer • 8th Floor Cayman Plan • Beautiful Wood Floors • Gorgeous Updated Kitchen Gated Community Resort-Style Amenities • Includes Private Beach Club Membership

LONGBOAT KEY MOORINGS

$405,000

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

NEW OPPORTUNITIES COMING SOON

PROMENADE LONGBOAT KEY High Floor • Terrific Views Spacious Plan

BAY POINT GOLDEN GATE POINT Magnificent Bay & Bridge Views • Totally Renovated

HARBOR ACRES HILLVIEW Estate-Sized Buildable Lot on Large Boat Basin

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

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

SUN N SEA SIESTA KEY Duplex • Great Investment Income Opportunity 440688-1

WATER CLUB I LONGBOAT KEY Completely Renovated • High Floor • Stunning Gulf Views