Longboat Observer 2.17.22

LONGBOAT

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Market returns. PAGE 12

FREE • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

VOLUME 44, NO. 28

YOUR TOWN

Sandy landings

Greer site set aside for human-powered boats. PAGE 3

Nat Kaemmerer

Myrtle’s day out Save Our Seabirds hosted a Sip and Shop at J. McLaughlin on Feb. 11. Although the event wasn’t unusual in itself, one of the volunteers was new to the situation. A tiny Eastern screech owl was among those educating people about the work the organization does.

Minuscule Myrtle was the star of the Sip and Shop. She was a little grumpy at being away from home, said Operations and Outreach Manager Jessica Caryll, but when interested passersby stopped or cameras came out, she was happy to preen in the sunshine. She brought inquisitive observers over to the table, and her human counterparts were happy to give out stickers and information to those who stopped by to shop. Caryll said plenty of foot traffic came by from Publix visitors and those who had come from the Market on Longboat Key. Myrtle has been an up-toscratch mascot for Save Our Seabirds for years, for she is one of its permanent residents.

Cookin’ with ‘Seabass’ Chef excels as a well-done career takes shape . PAGE 19

Nat Kaemmerer

Sebastian Villaseca is just getting fired up as the new executive chef at Lazy Lobster.

Courtesy photo

A+E

Changing of the guard The Longboat Harbour Condominium complex hosted its annual Change of Watch ceremony recently to swear in officers of the complex at 4454 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

“We all wear our little captain’s hats and our yacht club shirts, and so we have 15 minutes of formal stuff, and the rest is all having fun,” condo commodore Bill Coughlin said.

Coughlin said Longboat Harbour has hosted many of its recent events outdoors, with an average of about 130 attendees. He said the boater camaraderie is a huge aspect of living in Longboat Harbour.

“Most yacht clubs are kind of formal, and we’re not,” Coughlin said.

Coughlin has served as the condo’s commodore for years.

“The party was great,” Coughlin said. “I mean, we had 120 little bottles of wine, and those were gone.”

Eric Garwood

It’s not uncommon for the three regulation pickleball courts and two temporary courts on one of the tennis surfaces to be in use simultaneously at Bayfront Park.

Sport surges at Bayfront Pickleball enthusiasts flock to town’s park. SEE PAGE 5

Artistic legacy.

INSIDE

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

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Town sends proposed projects list to Sarasota County

LONGBOAT KEY PROPOSED PROJECTS LIST Here is how the town plans to allocate the infrastructure surtax funding from fiscal years 20252039: PUBLIC SAFETY VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT: $7,469,000 n Fire trucks: $1,950,000 n Technology and communication upgrades: $1,702,000 n Ambulances: $1,395,000 n Fire/EMS/Police equipment: $1,278,000 — Bunker gear, hose, stretchers, helmets, defibrillators, extrication, gear extractors and message boards n Fire battalion and administrative vehicles: $574,000 n Contingency and future projects: $408,000 n Fire water vessels and motors: $162,000

If the surtax gets approved

by Sarasota County voters, the town is due to receive about $15.13 million in funding.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

L

ongboat Key leaders have determined how they intend to use millions of dollars in surtax money collected from retail sales around Sarasota County, provided voters approve the countywide measure in November.

The town is due to receive an estimated $15.13 million over 15 years from the county’s 1% sales tax, on top of the standard 6% rate. Since November 2021, Sarasota County has added $2 million to the town’s estimated surtax total, according to Longboat Key Finance Director Sue Smith.

The Longboat Key Town Commission voted 6-1 to send its proposed projects list to the Sarasota County Commission, which is set to discuss each municipality’s proposal. District 1 Commissioner Sherry Dominick cast the dissenting vote.

“I continue to have some significant reservations about the allocations here,” Dominick said.

Dominick said she requested more information and wanted data on how the town is dealing with sea-level rise, flooding and drainage issues.

“I would prefer seeing a significantly higher allocation for that type of thing, and perhaps for canal dredging,” Dominick said.

The town is due to pay a combined total of $168,749 for drainage assessments in the Sleepy Lagoon and Buttonwood Harbour neighborhoods. The eight-month Sleepy Lagoon assessment is due to cost about $90,016 and the six-month Buttonwood Harbour assessment is

File photo

PARKS, RECREATION AND BEACH IMPROVEMENTS: $3,608,000 n Recreation Center: $1,500,000 — Further infrastructure improvements and/o other amenities related to the Recreation Center location within Bayfront Park n Tennis Center: $1,088,000 — Scheduled replacement and upgrades to the underground watering systems, fencing, canopies and deck/picnic area upgrades: n Beach renourishment: $500,000 — Preservation o beaches and improvements to beach access areas n Contingency and future projects: $500,000

The Sarasota County Commission is due to review the town of Longboat Key’s proposal on March 29.

due to cost about $78,733.

Longbeach Village has already conducted two studies, according to Public Works Director Isaac Brownman.

Plus, the town is due to receive about $3.65 million in COVID-19 relief funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).

Town Commissioners have said they would like to apply the ARPA funding toward the sewer line that runs under Sarasota Bay to a mainland treatment plant, and sea-level rise and stormwater management.

Smith explained the eligible uses of the infrastructure surtax.

“We’ve gone over these before, but it’s for mostly local community improvements,” Smith said. “Parks, roads, sidewalks, libraries. It must be capital in nature with at least a fiveyear usable life.”

The town could also use the money to acquire land for public recreation, conservation or protection of natural resources. Other eligible uses include public safety vehicles and equipment and to finance the closure of government-owned landfills.

If the Sarasota County surtax gets approved, the town can use its funding on the Sarasota County side of

Longboat Key, but not the Manatee County side.

Smith said Manatee’s surtax goes from 2017-2032.

In the future, Vice Mayor Mike Haycock said he’d like the town to set aside funding to upgrade the town’s sidewalks.

“When you look at the usage of all the facilities that we have, the No. 1 usage, I believe, is our sidewalks,” Haycock said. “I mean, if you go up and down Longboat Key, you’ll see hundreds of people out on the sidewalks, especially in the morning.”

Haycock said he understood Gulf of Mexico Drive, also known as State Road 789, was ultimately the responsibility of the Florida Department of Transportation.

“At some point in time, I really want to get to the point where we’re looking at what are we going to do to upgrade our sidewalks?” Haycock said.

Town Manager Tom Harmer mentioned the ongoing Complete Streets Corridor Study for GMD. “Separately from that, we’ve been working with the FDOT to tell them that we think the sidewalk conditions now are not good at all, and they really need to do something

sooner rather than later,” Harmer said.

Dominick also said she had requested information on how the town plans to replace its public safety vehicles with specific information about mileage and usage.

Harmer said that the town is projecting out the vehicles that will need replacement in the coming years.

The county uses a populationbased formula to determine how to allocate surtax funding. It’s the County Commission’s responsibility to decide to put the measure, esti-

n Other parks improvements within Sarasota County: $20,000

STREETS AND DRAINAGE: $1,750,000 n Sea level rise/ stormwater and flood control: $1,000,000 n Contingencies and future project needs: $750,000 CANAL DREDGING PROGRAM: $1,500,000 n The town plans to use $100,000 per year on canal dredging. Preservation of navigable waterways through a canal navigation maintenance dredging program. It includes engineering, surveying, monitoring and dredging. The town plans to subsidize the assessment program for common public benefit portions of the system.

IMPROVEMENTS TO PUBLIC FACILITIES: $800,000 n Contingency and future projects: $500,000 n Technology upgrades: $235,000 — Servers, network upgrades, badge and camera security systems and audio-visual equipment n HVAC: $225,000 n Roofs: $140,000 — Tennis Center and Town Hall n Generators n Parking lot resurfacing n Other building improvements and maintenance Figures courtesy of the town of Longboat Key.

mated in value at $2 billion between 2024 and 2039, on the ballot for November’s general election.

Sarasota County voters participating in the Nov. 8 general election will decide whether to approve the surtax for the fourth time.

Earlier this month, Harmer called the surtax funding “a very important part” of the town’s budget process.

He said the town would have to go back and plan other ways to fund its capital projects if the surtax doesn’t get approved.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

3

SIGN SAYS...

Human-powered craft have their own area on Greer Island, but it’s taking boaters a little while to get the message.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

K

ayakers and paddleboarders now have a designated place to land on Greer Island, though the idea hasn’t immediately caught on with powerboat operators.

On a portion of the sand east of the Longboat Pass Bridge, Manatee County leaders added signs to the area affectionately known among locals as Beer Can Island.

“I think it’s a good move in the right direction,” said northend Longboat Key resident Tom Mayers. “All they have to do is enforce it, and nobody is saying we want (police) to put people in handcuffs and haul them off to the jail.”

Mayers said he’s seen people anchor their boats on Greer Island between the signs that designate the area for nonmotorized vessels, such as paddleboards and kayaks. He said he offered his input to the Town Commission.

“I told them they need to make nice-looking signs,” Mayers said. “It should be like Disney World instead of like downtown Bradenton.”

Powerboat operators are welcome to continue beaching west of the kayak areas.

Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan said the county added the signs at the request of the town. Logan said it is the third iteration of signs at Greer Island. It took about a year for the town and county to agree on the language used for the signs.

“It keeps access to that cove open, and it also is pulling boats out of the cove,” Town Commissioner Maureen Merrigan said. “There’s a lot of seagrass back there. That’s actually where we’ve had manatees breed back there.”

Months ago, Longboat Key Turtle Watch Vice President Cyndi Seamon said she was called about a manatee in distress near Greer Island.

“There was a manatee in the lagoon area, and they would go into that area between the bridge and the sandbar, and of course that attracts

Signage at Greer Island cites a town ordinance that alcohol, animals and open flames are not allowed on the beach.

Photos by Mark Bergin

On Greer Island east of the Longboat Pass Bridge, new signage delineates where boaters are legally allowed to anchor.

boaters,” Seamon said.

A Longboat Key marine police officer had to advise boaters to stay a safe distance away.

Seamon said the new signs will be a big help in keeping motorized boats away from areas frequented by manatees.

BOAT NOISE

Merrigan said the signs also move boats and their noise away from northend homes.

“People come with a lot of noise, and they’re having a party, it just starts to move them away and moves the boats a little farther from the residents,” Merrigan said. “It serves a lot of things, but it took forever to get done.”

Loud noise coming from boaters prompted the town to make changes to its sound ordinance in January.

The town’s new noise rules are two-fold: establishing a plainly audible standard of 50 feet of distance and developing decibel-level requirements.

For residential zones, mixed-use communities, tourism areas, open space, office institutional zones, waterways or public right of way: n 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.: 60 dBA n 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.: 55 dBA For commercial zones: n 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.: 72 dBA n 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.: 65 dBA The town code states that anyone not in compliance with the town’s sound rules is given a warning by police or code enforcement. However, Longboat Key Code Enforcement Officer Chis Kopp said the town has the authority to issue citations for failure to comply as follows: n $100 for the first offense n $250 for the second offense n $500 for the third and subsequent offenses.

Violations stay on the town record for five years. For example, if someone gets a citation this year for $100, they would get a $250 fine for a second offense in 2026.

The town does allow for noise exceptions, such as property maintenance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., golf courses, special events with a permit and vessel engines.

Merrigan said she is among the northend residents who have used the canal to temporarily dock a boat on the weekends near her North Shore Road property. “(There are) no boats that are there full time,” Merrigan said.

A challenge of navigating the canal is its comparatively shallow depth for most conventional boats.

“To some degree, if you have a house along the canal, if you can’t use the canal, it devalues the house in a big way,” Merrigan said.

Mayers explained how the issues of navigating the canal near his family’s property go back years. In 2021, the town paid $81,755 for an emergency

NOISE LEVELS Average decibels: 30 dB: Leaves rusting, soft music, whisper 40 dB: Average home noise 60 dB: Normal conversation, background music 70 dB: Office noise, inside a car at 60 mph 75 dB: A vacuum cleaner or average radio 80-89 dB: Heavy traffic, window air conditioner, noisy restaurant or power lawnmower 90-95 dB: Subway, shouted conversation 96-100 dB: Boom box, ATV or motorcycle 101-105 dB: School dance 106-115 dB: Chainsaw, leaf blower or snowmobile 120-129 dB: Sports crowd, rock concert or loud symphony 130 dB: Stock car races 140 dB: Gunshot, siren at 100 feet Courtesy of the town of Longboat Key and WebMD.com.

dredge on Canal 1A. Later in the year, the town added several northend rock groins on the Gulfside of Greer Island for sand stabilization as part of its $36 million beach renourishment project.

“They dredged the channel, and now the channel is filled back in,” Mayers said. “They’re right back where they were three years ago, but it took a year or two to get the channel permitted.”

Mayers said he thinks the new signs will help if the town enforces the rules.

“There is a history of people just wanting to say, ‘Hey, this is a public beach, we’re the public, (and) we’re going to do what we want to do,’” Mayers said.

Mayers and Seamon said they have seen boaters with obscenities printed on flags.

“We’ve got kids,” Mayers said.

“Our kids, we tell them not to talk like that.”

Mayers said he would like to see the Longboat Key marine police patrol come by to let people know

“I told them they need to make nice-looking signs. It should be like Disney World instead of like downtown Bradenton.”

— Tom Mayers

On Feb. 4, boaters were anchored in an area designated for kayakers and paddleboarders.

if they’re in violation of the rules so everyone can enjoy Greer Island.

“We just want the police to come by and say, ‘Hey, these are new signs.

We understand that you’ve been doing this in the past, but this is what we’ve come up with. Why don’t you put your boat on the other side of the signs and come and use this as a swimming area?’” Mayers said.

Town Manager Tom Harmer said the commission could consider an ordinance to restrict boats and WaveRunners from accessing the canal. The canal is within the town’s jurisdiction.

“We’re looking at vessel-exclusion zones in a couple of different areas,” Harmer said. “One in the lagoon area

by Greer Island and another actually on the beaches.”

Harmer said the commission has options for which kind of restrictions they could enact.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Town establishes fire pit permitting process

We are there when you can’t be.

Developers can now build permanently installed fire pits through a town-issued permitting process.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

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Longboat Key leaders have established a town-issued permit system for developers to build gas fire pits outside of their residential structures.

The Town Commission voted 7-0 on Monday to establish permitting considerations for the propane and natural gas fire pits to build them in places such as yards, patios and pool decks.

“As we spoke back in January, this conversation has come up several times in new development for these gas-fueled fire pits,” Longboat Key Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Jane Herrin said.

The new ordinance adds the following language to section 96.11 of the Town Code: “Outside gas fueled fire pit equipment that is permanently installed in accordance with applicable Florida and National Fire Codes and manufacturer’s instructions shall be permitted. A permit from the Town of Longboat Key for natural or propane gas installation shall be required for any permanently installed fire pit.”

Previously existing language in the town code states that open fires are prohibited in Longboat Key with a few exceptions: n Open fires for the cooking of food for human consumption on other than commercial premises. n Fires to abate a fire hazard, providing the hazard is so declared by the fire department. n Fires for the prevention or control of disease or pests. n Fires for training personnel in the methods of fighting fires. n Fires for the disposal of dangerous materials, where there is no alternate method of disposal and burning is approved by the town manager.

File photo

The fire marshal and building official are responsible for reviewing and approving plans for permitting. They are also responsible for inspections.

The new rules affect only permanently built gas-fired pits. Storebought or wood-fired pits are not affected.

Before Monday’s vote to change the town’s ordinance, Herrin said she had to deny several developers’ requests to build fire pits.

“I’ve gotten a lot of questions since our last meeting, a lot of phone calls,” Herrin said. “So that was good. Education is always good (and) being proactive.”

Several fire pits have popped up around the town at restaurants and condominium developments. Often, fire pits are installed throughout Longboat Key by contractors without a town-issued permit.

“If someone is found to have installed a pit without following the proper permitting process, the town notifies them of the noncompliance and a stop work order (of use) may be issued until the person/complex is in compliance,” Longboat Key Fire EMS Liaison and PIO Tina Adams wrote in an email. “The town notifies them of what they need to complete and we usually see that those steps are taken without further issues.”

If someone refuses to comply within 30 days, the town can fine them $100 a day until they do.

Herrin said the town prefers to educate the public first before issuing a fine.

Longboat Key now has a permitting process for propane and natural gas fire pits outside of structures.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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Pickleball courts crowds

Pickleball expansion is taking place in Manatee and Sarasota counties: n At G.T. Bray Recreation Center in Bradenton, 20 covered pickleball courts are expected to open soon at the facility on 33 Ave. Drive. n 12 courts are under construction at the Pompano Trailhead of the expanded Legacy Trail in Sarasota. Completion is expected in early summer. n Six courts are under construction at Longwood Park in the north end of Sarasota County. Completion is expected this summer. n Six courts are in design and permitting in Potter Park, near Palmer Ranch. Completion is envisioned in 2024. n Elsewhere in the Sarasota area, additional courts have been approved on a conceptual basis in Fruitville Park (four), Twin Lakes Park (six) and the Youth Athletic Complex (six), though funding for design and construction has not been allocated.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

O

Eric Garwood

Above: Vee Arnold and Helen Smitz play a doubles match.

Left: Players say the social aspect of pickleball is one of the biggest draws.

competitive teams. “I travel around all over the place, and it’s the same.’’

Since Bayfront Park opened in 2017 until 2020, there was one opento-the-public regulation court on the island, along with double-use hardcourt tennis facilities nearby. As demand grew, the town began considering ways to expand.

A lot happened in 2019 that allowed for that grand opening of the three current courts in February 2020. After discussions about building courts at the Public Tennis Center, behind the Longboat Key Library, in place of the free-to-thepublic hardcourts at Bayfront Park

The other is lined to allow either fullcourt tennis or two pickleball courts with portable nets, bringing the total court space to five.

The setting is a big draw to an already social sport, said Cam Maddux, a Bayfront Pickleball team player who years ago traded a tennis racket for a pickleball paddle.

“We meet so many people, so many visitors,” she said. “This is a visitor magnet. People come to this island because they know we have pickleball here. Not a lot of places have what we have here.”

Marshall said he’s been keeping informal data and seen the numbers of players rise from around 30 waiting in September to dozens more now. He said it’s not unusual to see games even in the hot summer.

He’s been inquiring with the town about what comes next. “All the courts are going, all day long,” Marshall said.

and other ideas, town commissioners landed on a solution.

The key to making it all work was a 15-foot concrete addition to the north end of what was a full-sized basketball court. The loss was half of the basketball court and one 10-foot hoop. The net gain was two additional regulation pickleball courts.

Total value of the project was about $50,000. Members of the pickleball community agreed to fund the purchase of additional amenities for the new courts, such as paddle racks, benches and public-use pickleballs.

One adjacent hard-surfaced tennis court at Bayfront remains as is.

5

NOT JUST A LONGBOAT THING

Since the expansion of public courts in 2020, the sport’s following has steadily built. The town is keeping an eye on the surge.

ne pickleball challenge awaits pretty much everyone arriving at Bayfront Park most mornings, but especially on a weekend smack in the middle of the winter.

It’s got nothing to do with equipment, strategy or the game’s arcaneto-a-newcomer scoring system.

Nothing to do with heat, humidity or choices of athletic shoes, either.

It’s parking. Just a simple place to shift into “P” and leave a car behind.

The sport’s become that big a draw in the two years since the town expanded public pickleball options at Longboat Key’s mid-island park.

In fact, it has gotten so popular that bicycles can often rival motor vehicles as the most convenient means to arrive on a popular morning.

And, players say, they’re all popular.

On a recent Saturday, about 50 people chatted and waited their turn while 20 others played doubles matches on the five courts.

Eight tennis players queued up, too, on their dedicated court.

It could easily have been an outof-the-ordinary peak park day.

Nope, said Brent Marshall, who’s played the game for about three years and is involved with Bayfront Pickleball, a loose organization of players who enjoy open play at the park. He said 40-50 players gather on many mornings to enjoy a social time outdoors, a component of the sport as common as grip tape and knee braces.

“It’s like that everywhere you go,” said Chris Amstutz, another Bayfront Pickleball member and a player on one of the organization’s two

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Mark Richardson, the town’s manager of streets, facilities, parks and recreation, said the town keeps an eye on usage and considers the current capacity right to maintain the game’s social aspect, especially considering the seasonal ebbs and flows.

Plus, there’s that parking issue, he said.

Richardson said he’s catalogued about 40 pickleball courts islandwide, including the park’s and those on private property, such as condominium communities or the Longboat Key Club. Plus, city leaders have long maintained a need to retain free-to-the-public tennis access and have been adamant about retaining recreational variety at Bayfront Park.

Richardson said pickleball will likely have staying power, owing to its social scene and the ease of tratransitioning from other sports.

“We have to look for a happy median,’’ Richardson said.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

HAVE YOU MET

Town set to make final call on Verizon pole plan

BOB?

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

On Feb. 28, town commissioners are expected to cast a final vote on a plan presented by Verizon Wireless to erect nine cell-service poles on the north end of the island to remedy chronically spotty service for its customers.

On Tuesday, the town’s Planning and Zoning Board, by a pair of 4-1 votes, recommended unchanged passage of the telecommunication giant’s 2021 proposal that, once built, would also bolster all cell users’ ability to reliably connect with 911.

“On the whole, getting the north end of the town adequate emergency connection and adequate service is an important thing to do, and I give some deference to the technical people who have been up before us as to the fact that this was the best solution under the circumstances they came up with,” said Planning and Zoning Board member Jay Plager, who voted in the majority for Verizon’s request for a special exception and a site development plan.

David Lapovsky was the dissenting vote. Member Paul Hylbert, whose home is near one of the nine pole sites, abstained from voting, and chair David Green was absent.

Board members heard from residents concerned about the locations of the 25- and 35-foot-high poles and the town’s police chief, fire chief and information technology director on the necessity of solid cell-technology service.

They also heard from Verizon

NEXT UP Town commissioners will consider Verizon’s plan in a special meeting scheduled for 1 p.m. on Feb. 28 at Town Hall.

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representatives who explained the methodology used to spot seven 35-foot poles along the right of way on Gulf of Mexico Drive and two 25-foot poles in neighborhoods east of the town’s main road.

Mike Murphy, the director of operations for SMW Engineering Group, explained to the board that the nine 4G poles would be placed to work as a unit. A change to the location of even one would create gaps or require additional poles because of differences in local elevations, the effects of nearby metal roofs, adjacent buildings, foliage and even some forms of window glass.

Residents concerned about aesthetics sought locations across the street or down the block for a variety of reasons, including eyeing a location in Emerald Isle across the street from a bald eagle’s nest.

Brooks O’Hara, the real estate and facilities director for The Chiles Group, said a pole planned for the corner of Broadway Street and Lois Street is within about 15 feet of the sign for MarVista Dockside.

“Anything they could do to even make this small move, we would

Verizon wants to erect seven 35-foot poles and two 25-foot poles in Longboat Key.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

7

POLE LOCATIONS 1

2 3

4

1. West side of the 7100 block of GMD 2. Southeast corner of Broadway Street and Lois Avenue 3. West side of the 6900 block of GMD 4. West side of the 6600 block of GMD 5. West side of the 6400 block of GMD 6. West side of the 6100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 7. South side of Binnacle Point Drive 8. West side of the 5500 block of GMD 9. West side of the 5000 block of GMD

5

6

7

8

9

374110-1

appreciate it,” he said.

Ashlie Thomison said heath concerns made her apprehensive about living near a pole to be built at the corner of St. Jude Street and Gulf of Mexico Drive.

“I don’t want to see anyone get sick,” she said. “I don’t want it to be in anyone’s yard if it’s that upsetting.”

Board members originally began weighing Verizon’s request in November but put off a decision until February after a groundswell of opposition formed over the location of the nine poles. The Planning and Zoning Board would have been the final arbiter of the issue, but the City Commission in early February voted to assume authority for final decisions on matters connected to cell phone service.

Though local governments have some latitude in a range of decisions regarding cellular equipment, federal and state laws limit their ability to exert yes or no authority on their installation. Such things as aesthetics and height can be considered.

Following the November meeting’s suspension, Verizon returned with a proposal that placed the poles in the same locations but also offered better explanations for their placement criteria and reasoning.

As part of the town’s presentation, Fire Chief Paul Dezzi, Acting Police Chief George Turner and Information Technology Director Jason Kean explained how critical a robust cell system is islandwide.

Dezzi said that his department depends on the cellular network for a variety of data links first responders use every day, such as connections of an electrocardiogram in the field to a doctor at a hospital, maps and building layouts transmitted to fire-rescue crews on the way to an emergency scene, and as a backup to the county’s regular radio communication system.

Calls for 911 service via cell phones have risen from 73.7% of the total from town in 2016 to 82.7% in 2021, Dezzi said.

Turner said police officers rely on cell technology in a similar way.

“I believe a cell tower issue is an officer-safety issue for us,” he said.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Insurance shocks continue Homeowners insurance will continue to skyrocket.

Lawmakers don’t have the guts to get out of the way.

MATT WALSH

Y

ou can say we were guilty of media hyperbole and doomsdaying. But we’ll categorize it as the story is still unfolding.

About this time last year, we wrote that “rising property insurance rates are on the verge of popping Florida’s housing bubble and the economy — all because of lawsuits.”

We quoted an insurance analyst who spent six months studying Florida’s property insurance industry saying: “Florida’s P&C market is in a free-fall collapse. This market is going to fail.” We quoted a judge who tried thousands of insurance cases and told us: “The sky is falling. It is a financial crisis …”

And we made a list of predictions of what would occur if Senate Bill 76 did not pass. We predicted: n “The real estate sales markets for residential and commercial properties will come to a halt. n “ Property insurance rates — already rising between 20% and 50% in the past year — will double within three years. n “ Florida-based private property insurers will go bankrupt. n “The national carriers will continue to avoid Florida. n “Taxpayer-owned Citizens Property Insurance Co. will be the only source of property insurance, making every Florida taxpayer liable to cover billions of dollars of losses in the event of a major hurricane. n “There will be no such thing as affordable housing, as insurance rates drive up the cost of housing.”

As it turned out, much of SB 76 passed. And some of its provisions have had some positive effects, albeit not much. Sen. Jim Boyd, author of last year’s bill, says a few insurers have reported that the way legal fees are now regulated and

calculated has curtailed the filing of insurance lawsuits.

But for the most part, the condition of Florida’s homeowner insurance market continues to worsen.

Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, one of the Senate’s leading advocates for reforms that would create a rational insurance market, told us this week: “It won’t be long before Floridians’ annual insurance premiums will be more than their mortgage payments.”

Overall, the state of property insurance in Florida is much like the aftermath of a hurricane — a chaotic, costly mess.

A partner of one of the leading insurance agencies in Sarasota told a group of CEOs recently that this past summer his firm received notice from one of the state’s property and casualty insurance carriers that it would not renew 2,000 of this agency’s customers’ homeowner policies. That triggered a mad scramble to notify and secure new policies — in the height of hurricane season. To make the news worse, the new rates were running 30% to 40% higher than what the customers were paying. And that was on top of 10% to 30% increases in 2020.

Insurance carriers, meanwhile, continue to lose massive amounts of money — largely because of lawsuit-driven insurance claims.

There hasn’t been a major hurricane in Florida since 2017. Nonetheless, the state’s 52 Florida-based insurers reported aggregate losses from 2017 to 2020 of $1.32 billion.

In 2020 and 2021, they will have lost nearly $2 billion, a record loss or more than $1 billion in 2021.

What’s driving the losses? The lawsuits. They’re expected to reach a record 100,000 for 2021 — a 25% increase over 2020. For perspective on the scope of Florida’s insurance litigation problem, consider: In 2013, there were only 27,000 insurance-claim lawsuits. What’s more, while Florida accounts for 8% of P&C insurance claims nationally, it accounts for 76% of P&C lawsuits.

That tells you how out of whack the situation is.

Guy Fraker, founder and owner of Key West-based Build Any Future Advisory, who has tracked the state’s P&C industry for more than two years, describes Florida this way: “We don’t have an insurance market in Florida. We have a litigation market.”

In a 110-page report, “The Dark Side of Insurance Innovation: Florida’s P&C Litigation Economy,” Fraker wrote: “Florida’s litigation economy has grown to an annual revenue stream exceeding $5 billion for the benefit of fewer than 100 people. The funds come through insurers, but not from insurers.

This revenue stream is taken from insurance company investors and 9

HOW ROOFERS FUEL INSURANCE LAWSUITS, RATES A Brandon contractor posted a sign in a neighborhood clubhouse with the following message: Sorry I missed you!

We are replacing 100+ roofs per week … And yes, insurance is paying for all of them! :) Most of the roofs here have damage you can’t see from the street from the recent storms.

If I inspect and am comfy signing off on it … Then you’re getting an upgraded new roof too! :) New roof = lower insurance premiums / increased property value = win! win!

million Floridians on an involuntary basis.”

Contractors and trial lawyers essentially have been collaborating since 2018 in a scheme in which contractors comb neighborhoods affected by storms, advertising to inspect homeowners’ roofs for damage. If they find evidence of even a small leak or a few broken tiles, they’ll parlay that into an insurance claim and lawsuit that will result in insurers paying for the full replacement of roofs, plus substantial legal fees.

Read the text from a Brandon contractor in the sidebar above. It is typical of the methodology.

“The carriers are getting crushed with water damage suits in South Florida, roofs in Orlando and lead pipe damage in older homes all over Florida,” Brandes says.

And while SB 76 has provisions that help avoid lawsuits and that bring rational calculations to the awarding of legal fees and thereby reduces the incentive to file lawsuits, Fraker told us some trial lawyers now have a new tactic to extract large amounts of money from insurers: condominiums.

“They found a replacement for what they lost from [the new] fee multipliers,” he said.

Fraker has researched multiple instances of lawyers filing insurance-claim lawsuits on behalf of condo associations. These suits are referred to as “supplemental condo association claims” — essentially reopening closed cases based on the discovery of previously undetermined damage.

Find one condo building in a large complex with evidence of damage or a leak, and then leverage that into requiring the insurance carrier to replace the roofs on the entire complex.

As you can imagine, the dollars

involved are much greater than a roof on one home.

Altogether, Florida’s dysfunctional property insurance market has costly consequences for Florida homeowners and all taxpayers.

For one, as the number of investor-owned, Florida-based insurance carriers shrinks and continues to weaken financially, this means the supply of property insurance will continue to shrink. As supply shrinks, the cost goes up.

“We’re in for a couple more years of paying more for property insurance,” Brandes says.

Which also means housing affordability — already a problem — will continue to grow increasingly worse. Apartment dwellers are seeing 30% increases — driven by inflation and rising insurance rates.

A second adverse effect of Florida’s dysfunctional insurance market is how it affects Citizens Property Insurance Co., now the largest property insurer in the state.

If you can’t buy property insurance in the private market, Citizens is your last resort.

But there is a big catch that most Floridians don’t realize. The more policies Citizens takes on, the greater the risk for Floridians. If a Category 5 destroys much of South Florida, where Citizens insures 33% of the 1.5 million residential properties, and if Citizens doesn’t have enough surplus and reinsurance to cover the losses, all Floridians will be taxed to cover the difference.

In other words, it’s totally not in Floridians’ interest to see Citizens Property Insurance grow. It is in Floridians’ interests to see it shrink.

But that is not happening. In December, Jim Gilway, CEO of Citizens, told his board that because of the shrinking supply of insurers; their reluctance to renew and write new policies; and the continuation of lawsuits, Citizens is taking on 5,000 new policies a week.

He projects Citizens will grow from 775,431 policyholders at the end of 2021 to 1,064,220 policyholders in 2022, a 37% increase.

Brandes is not optimistic that the Legislature has the will to fix Florida’s property insurance market. The trial bar exerts too much influence over the Legislature, and contractors have their own vested interests in the status quo.

“Because of the Legislature, insurers cannot write profitable business in Florida,” he says.

His fix would be dramatic — “a surplus lines market.” In essence, an unregulated, buyer-beware market that would not have Florida taxpayers serving as a backstop.

Homeowners would have to become far more dependent on themselves and from whom they’re buying their policies and no longer relying on other taxpayers to bail them out.

That’s the way it should be.

A local power struggle in the Capitol While Florida’s property insurance market continues toward skyrocketing insurance premiums, a behind-the-scenes political power struggle is developing between two well-known Manatee County business leaders.

Homebuilder, Republican Party contributor and chair of the Citizens Property Insurance Board of Governors Carlos Beruff versus rising Republican state Sen. Jim Boyd.

The issue is a five-word clause in a bill Boyd sponsored and filed, Senate Bill 1728.

The bill is primarily a compendium of adjustments to laws regulating Citizens Property Insurance Co., the taxpayer-owned property insurer in Florida, along with some language to adjust legislation adopted last year.

The five words address who could qualify to serve as chair of Citizens Property Insurance. The proposed words are italicized: “The Chief Financial Officer shall designate one of the appointees with demonstrated expertise in insurance as chair.”

If approved, that would disqualify Beruff from serving a second term as chair (he became the chair last month). And it would preclude

Beruff

Boyd

anyone who has not been in the insurance industry — no matter how smart, how accomplished or how qualified — to serve.

To which Beruff says: “So this means you wouldn’t want to allow someone like Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Ron DeSantis to be the chair? If you do that — only allowing insurance people, isn’t that like letting the fox run the henhouse?”

Responds Boyd: “It is my opinion that the chairman and CEO ought to have some degree of insurance experience. They are in charge of a $2 billion property insurance company that ultimately the policyholders of Florida are on the hook for. Half the board should have this experience, and the chair and CEO the same.”

Asked whether the provision was

his idea or that of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, Boyd, a longtime owner of a Bradenton insurance agency himself, said: “It was a concern of their 20,000 agents in the state, and I share their concern.”

Ah, politics.

When it comes to legislation in Tallahassee, if you peel back the wording of most bills, there typically is a backstory of conflict. That’s the nature of lawmaking — one group trying to use the law for its advantage over another; to protect its advantage; or to punish another.

Knowing what we know about Beruff’s past, you can see how insurance agents who place homeowners’ policies with Citizens and brokers who place Citizens reinsurance policies with reinsurers could see Beruff as a threat.

Beruff has a record of disrupting public agencies, mostly in ways he targets how to save taxpayers money.

When he served as chair of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the board cut its operating expenses from $112 million to $68 million a year and later reduced the water board’s millage rate 42%.

Beruff said he wants to take a similar approach to Citizens. Reason: Citizens’ has reported three consecutive years of annual operating losses since 2018 totaling $476 million. Its net underwriting losses for 2021 are projected to be another $130 million.

Beruff said one of his interests as a Citizens board member is to help it figure out how to make an operating profit.

Attaining an operating profit typically means increasing revenues (e.g. selling more policies and increasing prices charged) while cutting expenses.

In the case of Citizens, one of its goals, however, is to sell fewer policies and take on less exposure. The smaller it is, the less exposure there is for Florida taxpayers.

That leaves cutting expenses as a prime target for operating profitably. One source of expense: Commissions paid to insurance agents and brokers.

Asked whether the language in his bill to require the Citizens board chair to have insurance expertise was directed at Beruff, Boyd said: “This is not aimed at Carlos at all.”

— MW

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

Mercedes driver on Cortez Bridge had been stopped for speeding.

WHO’S A PANHANDLER? NOT ME. 7:23 p.m., 5600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Trespassing: Police spoke to a man reportedly trespassing and panhandling near a retail outlet. The man, with an address not far away, said that at no time was he panhandling and that he understood the consequences of such an offense.

SUNDAY, FEB. 6 SUNDAY, FEB. 6

LONG-DISTANCE DELIVERY 4:23 a.m., 2300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: A delivery driver for a local daily newspaper called police when a security guard would not allow access to the gated community. The officer could not locate the guard. The delivery driver left the newspapers at the gate.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

Longboat Key’s interim police chief stopped a speeding driver going the wrong way on Cortez Bridge last week and took the 25-year-old man into custody when he emerged from his Mercedes sport utility vehicle yelling, “Shoot me, shoot me,” according to a police report.

George Turner, on the job since April 2021, was heading west on the bridge around 9:20 a.m. on Feb. 3 when he spotted the SUV rapidly closing from behind in heavy traffic but in the eastbound lane.

In a Longboat Key Police Department report, Turner wrote that he activated his unmarked vehicle’s emergency lights and siren and pulled into the eastbound lane to attempt a traffic stop of the SUV, which was traveling at about 65 mph. Turner reported that the driver continued westbound in the eastbound lane, eventually coming to “an abrupt stop” in front of another vehicle.

The driver of the Mercedes got out and approached Turner’s vehicle, yelling, “Shoot me, shoot me,” before Turner ordered him to the ground.

After a Bradenton Beach officer arrived, the driver said, “I’m not going anywhere until the president of the United States comes here,” according to the report. Turner reported that the man eventually stood and was led to a police car while yelling, “I can’t breathe.”

Frederick Chinwuba of Bradenton was charged with reckless driving, aggressive careless driving and resisting arrest without violence.

Five members of Longboat Key Police Department responded to the

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

File photo

scene to assist with the investigation and interview witnesses, according to the police report.

Deputy Chief Frank Rubino, in his own report of the incident, wrote that Chinwuba weighs between 350 and 380 pounds and was not cooperative in walking to the Bradenton Beach Police’s pickup at the scene.

He reported that it took four police officers and a firefighter to lift him into the back of the truck for transportation to the Bradenton Beach Police Department.

Medically cleared by Manatee County fire-rescue, Chinwuba was taken to Manatee County Jail and released on $120 bond.

At 1:20 a.m. on Feb. 4, Chinwuba was again taken into custody on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, firefighter and EMT. A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report said deputies encountered Chinwuba in a parking lot on Tallavast Road following the report of a naked man in the area.

Deputies arrived to find Chinwuba and had attempted to talk with him when he began walking off. According to the report, Chinwuba struck two deputies as they attempted to detain him.

He was again taken to Manatee County Jail.

George Turner has been on the job since April 2021.

FRIDAY, FEB. 4

PAWS IN THE LAWS 3:21 p.m., 3100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Dog call: An officer responding to a report of dogs and their owners on the beach spoke to the people and alerted them to the town’s rules barring pets from the beach. The owners said they were unaware of the regulations and agreed to leave with their four-legged friends.

SATURDAY, FEB. 5

IS IT OR ISN’T IT? 11:50 a.m., 5900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious incident: Following up on a report that a residential property’s water service had been turned off, an officer went to the property and found the lawn sprinkler system running. The officer relayed his findings to the resident via phone.

QUITTIN’ TIME 5:16 p.m., 600 block of Cedar Street Noise: An officer who found a construction crew still on the job after established work hours asked the workers to stop for the day. Work ceased immediately, the officer reported.

FURNITURE AND A LITTLE BIT MORE 10:18 a.m., 3700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Property damage: With the help of a witness and a resident who had recently received a furniture delivery, police were able to piece together an incident in which an unmarked box truck damaged a community clubhouse while backing up. A witness reported the incident in which a gutter and ceramic planter were damaged. Another resident supplied an officer with information on the truck following the delivery of furniture to his home. Eventually, the driver told an officer that he had made the delivery but was not aware of damage that had been done in his wake. Insurance information was passed to the property manager.

9

COPS CORNER

Wrong-way driver tells chief to ‘shoot me’ before arrest

|

MONDAY, FEB. 7

INDOOR VOICES, OUTDOORS 12:43 a.m., 4500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Noise: Police spoke to a group of four to six people on an outdoor balcony following a noise complaint from a caller who did not wish to speak to an officer. The apologetic people told the officer they would return inside to keep the noise level down.

TUESDAY, FEB. 8

STARS AND STRIPES 6:42 p.m., 6900 block of Bayside Drive Citizen assist: Acting on a report of a discarded American flag in the trash, police found a damaged flag on the ground near the town’s boat ramp. An officer recovered the flag and made contact with a VFW post for proper flag destruction. The flag was booked into evidence and placed in a locker awaiting pick up.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Town Center Green to hold Hermitage event Tom Kirdahy and Andy Sandberg will discuss the process of production in the world of theater.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

M

ark your calendars for yet another Town Center Green event. This time it will be a candid conversation with Longboat Key resident and Tony award-winning theatrical producer Tom Kirdahy and Andy Sandberg, another Tony award winner and the Hermitage Artist Retreat chief executive director and artistic director.

The pair will continue a conversation they started on the Hermitage’s beach on Manasota Key in summer 2021 about the link between early development and production of a work of theater. It’s part of the “Artists and Thinkers” series from the Hermitage, and Sandberg is excited about the deep understanding Kirdahy brings to the link between development and production.

“I often say what we do at the Hermitage is to focus on giving artists the space and time to create eight or 10 years before the first premiere or public showing or workshop, that the ground level is really even before the ground level,” Sandberg said. “(Kirdahy) is the kind of producer who, like me, focuses on trying to get involved at that early stage where there is a creative role. It’s not just about coming in and putting on a show. … I think he’s really smart about following a show’s journey.”

Kirdahy moved to Longboat Key shortly before the pandemic with his late husband, Tony-winning playwright Terrence McNally. Before the world shut down, Kirdahy had begun to get involved with the theater scene in his new community, including with organizations such as Asolo Repertory Theater and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Courtesy photo

IF YOU GO The event will start at 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 25 at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road. Registration is required; visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org to sign up.

The event is $5 per person. It’s suggested to bring your own chairs, and social distancing will be followed.

“He’s not only a theater guy, and I think his richness and appreciation for the arts at large informs what makes him so good and well-versed in the world of theater,” Sandberg said. “He’s also just a really engaging speaker. He has such an interesting background through his legal practice and civil rights work, and what he’s done for the LGBTQ community, as well as his passion on the producing end of theaters.”

We’re more than just faucets and tubs…

One of Kirdahy’s strong suits, Sandberg said, is his ability to understand perspectives from the audience to the cast to the artists involved as he’s producing a show. Currently, he’s working on three Broadway productions, including “Little Shop of Horrors.”

The communication with the town of Longboat Key started about a year ago, Sandberg said, after the initial Artists and Thinkers event. The town mentioned doing an event on Town Center Green but told Sandberg it wasn’t quite ready for large events.

“We actually said, ‘It’s beyond ready for us. We love an open field of grass,’” Sandberg said. “Our whole ethos is not about putting on polished production. It’s about coming to see a work in progress or a candid conversation. It’s a space for an audience and artists to share some of the most candid dialogues I think you can get. It’s one of the unique things we offer. So we loved that it was an unfinished space in a community

that we have a number of supporters and friends from and Tom has a number of friends and is a resident.”

So it will be Kirdahy and Sandberg in folding chairs on Town Center Green, talking about the behindthe-scenes work of producing theater. After the discussion, attendees will be welcome to ask questions, and after this event, Sandberg said the Hermitage will likely partner with the town again to bring more events, either to Town Center Green or to other venues on Longboat Key. It’s an opportunity to bring the Hermitage to another part of the community, Sandberg said, and there are already a good deal of supporters and trustees on the island.

“This is designed to be open for the community for anyone who has an appreciation for theater, or just an appreciation for the creative process, which is really at the core of what the Hermitage is about,” Sandberg said.

Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg with Tony Awardwinning producer Tom Kirdahy

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YourObserver.com

Market makes magnificent return T

he Market on Longboat Key was so enticing that an entire hive of bees showed up. On Feb. 11, hundreds came to the second monthly market at Town Center Green. Because it took place on the lawn, one vendor ran afoul of a hive of bees, which proceeded to pay deep attention to her baked goods, but attendees still supported the stand.

Last month, the number of vendors who could set up was limited because the only space available was the parking lot of Town Center Green. There were 66 scheduled last month, but on Feb. 11 there were 103 vendors, including two produce vendors and several artists organized into five aisles on the Town Center Green. Some vendors even had double or triple spaces, organizer Nancy Ambrose said, so there could potentially be

IF YOU GO

The final market will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 11 at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road. Email Nancy@CoquinaMarket.com for information.

even more.

Next month will be the final market of the year, but there is potential for it to come back in the future.

Ambrose said it was difficult to tell if there were more customers or about the same as January because of the larger space, but the first market brought hundreds of people to the lot.

“The people that come out seem to really enjoy it,” Ambrose said.

—NAT KAEMMERER

Above: Pat and Fran McGettigan bought salsa and guacamole. Left: Mary Lou Johnson signs a book.

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Amy Vankirk sells unique water-themed boards for entertaining.

Above: Mariah Hope works on a custom portrait during the market. Left: Selina Gray came from the east coast to participate in the market.

We’re neighbors covering neighbors.

Kat Hughes EXECUTIVE EDITOR & COO

Hometown: Aurora, Colorado Currently Living: Sarasota, Florida Alma mater: University of Missouri School of Journalism Observer Employee: 14.5 Years What you do when you are not working?

Ride my bike, walk my dog and visit our great local libraries to read!

Connect: khughes@yourobserver.com

People tend to focus a lot on national news, but it’s what happens locally — from the roads we drive on to the nonprofits we support — that often impacts our lives the most. The thing I love about the Observer is the stories that we cover reflect the heart of the community.

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This Weekend!

PET PICS

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

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Temple Beth Israel celebrates supporters

M

embers of Temple Beth Israel celebrated a special Shabbat dinner on Feb. 4. The temple hosted a dinner and pre-service program for its members.

Executive Director Isaac Azerad said the dinner was to recognize the temple’s donors and supporters who have pledged funds over the years. Those people include the Leadership Society, which includes people who support the temple beyond their membership, and the families Life and Legacy members, who promise money to the temple after they die.

Temple members gathered for a homemade dinner with friends and lined up to get dinner before returning to their tables. About 100 members and supporters attended Shabbat dinner and services.

After dinner, attendees were treated to a concert with clarinetist Franklin Cohen and temple Music Director Ann Stephenson-Moe.

Barbara and Gerald Rosenthal with Gale and Walter Frank

—NAT KAEMMERER

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Nancy and David Freund Below: The dinner recognized the temple’s supporters.

Above: Karen Gary and Susan Goldfarb Right: Karen Kennedy did the floral arrangements for the evening as a favor.

Above: Carole Shaw and temple President Stuart Sinai Left: Sue Boorstein and Bonney Libman

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One Park is Set to Reshape the Downtown Sarasota Skyline

ARTIST CONCEPTUAL RENDERING

Soaring 249 feet high on the corner of Boulevard of the Arts and North Tamiami Trail, the architectural masterpiece of One Park Sarasota will soon reshape the Downtown Sarasota skyline. As a joint venture between national developer Property Markets Group and Sarasota-based JEBCO Ventures, this 18-story condominium tower will feature 149 bespoke residences. Priced from $1.8 million, One Park will provide an unmatched level of lavish amenities, including a resort-style, infinity-edge pool, spa deck, lounge areas, state-ofthe-art fitness studio, and a Wellness Spa with a Himalayan salt cave room.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

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17

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YOUR CALENDAR

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

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THURSDAY, FEB. 17

Hall, 563 Bay Isles Road. To learn more, call Nancy Rozance at 203605-4066 or email Info@LongboatKeyRotary.org.

GOLF TOURNAMENT With a 7 a.m. registration and 8 a.m. start time, the St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church Men’s Club will host a golf tournament at the Harbourside Golf Course.

The tournament will be an 18-hole scramble with prizes, a raffle and silent auction. The tournament is $150 and includes lunch. Call 3831255 to register.

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAY

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

FRIDAY, FEB. 18

THOMAS CARABASI JAZZ STANDARDS QUINTET From 5-6:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, enjoy a jazz concert with local musicians. $25 for members, $30 for nonmembers.

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

SATURDAY, FEB. 19

SATURDAY, FEB. 19

SAVOR THE SOUNDS At 5:30 p.m. at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road, enjoy a concert by Kettle of Fish. Picnics are encouraged, and attendees can buy tickets for $25 ahead of time or a VIP table for $250. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Longboat Key Chamber office, 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 102, in The Centre Shops on Longboat Key. For information, call 383-2466.

MONDAY, FEB. 21

RACHEL HALVERSON ON VIOLA From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. See Halverson, a Sarasota Orchestra string quartet member and Sarasota Music Conservatory staff member, in a Music Mondays video as part of the Sarasota Institute of Lifelong Learning. $10 per person. Visit SILLSarasota. org or TBI-LBK.org.

THURSDAY, FEB. 24

ST. ARMANDS KEY LUTHERAN CHURCH SPEAKER SERIES At 5 p.m. at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 N. Adams Drive, join for the Speaker Series. The February rendition features Jeannie Perales, the chief experience officer at The Bay Park Conservancy. She will discuss her career in museums. Visit SAKLC.com for information.

RECURRING EVENTS MONDAYS

GENTLE CHAIR YOGA From 9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, with Emme Shapiro, certified yoga instructor.

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

File photo

BEST BET

BEACH CLEANUP At 8 a.m., meet with Keep Manatee Beautiful and Longboat Key Turtle Watch volunteers to clean up the northern end of the island. Email DDInParadise@gmail.com to sign up.

AT THE MOVIES From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Zoom and at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, with film critic Gus Mollasis.

Discuss assigned films over eight sessions, ending Feb. 28. $120 for members, $130 for others. Call 383-8222 or email EducationCenter@TBI-LBK.org to register.

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

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

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY

THINKING OUT LOUD: TIMELY TOPICS WITH MIKE KARP From 1-2:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Topics will include U.S. and world current affairs, popular culture and topics relevant to seniors. Cost is $10.

Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

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

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

LONGBOAT LIBRARY The Longboat Library is open again from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit the library at 555 Bay Isles Road. There will also be a half-price sale on the library’s collection of used books every Wednesday. Call 383-2011 for information.

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

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

Classes are outside. Class is $10 for members and $15 for others.

For information, email Mirabai Holland at mirabai@movingfree.com or call 201-956-1466

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS

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

MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS

SARASOTA INSTITUTE OF LIFETIME LEARNING VIDEOS OF

TUESDAYS

QI GONG FOR HEALTH & VITALITY From 9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, with Brian Nell.

Improve your balance, loosen your joints and increase flexibility with this gentle movement. Eight sessions end Feb. 22. Join on a prorated basis; $88 for members and $104 for others. Call 383-8222 or email EducationCenter@TBI-LBK. org to register.

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

Qi Gong is a mind-body-spirit practice designed to improve mental and physical health. Class is outdoors, weather permitting.

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

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

Cost is $10. RSVP required, call 383-6493.

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

ROTARY CLUB Meets at 5 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday in All Angles Parish

371511-1

372196-1 372199-1

The Wind Symphony of Concordia University Chicago 3/7 at 7pm & 3/8 at 2pm Tickets available at www.saklc.com/concert

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

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church

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

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

Masks Are Optional

Visitors & Residents Welcome

Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live:

372273-1

www.christchurchoflbk.org

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

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

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

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

372309-1

372659-1

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

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

FUNCTIONAL FITNESS From 9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, with certified fitness trainer Gerald Scott. Increase strength and balance for all fitness levels. Eight sessions end Feb. 24. $88 for members and $104 for others. Call 383-8222 or email EducationCenter@TBI-LBK.org to register.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Worship With Us at Our Church

•

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

Speaker Series featuring Jeannie Perales of “The Bay” 2/24 at 5pm - Reception to follow

8th Annual Scottish Service • Kirkin’ O’ The Tartans • February 27 • 1O AM

941.383.8833 (office)

THURSDAYS

JOIN US WORSHIP

• Eyewitness to Dachau presentation, March 9 at 2 pm

•

YOU’VE GOT TO SEE THIS MOVIE From 1-2:30 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. on Zoom and in person at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, with movie critic Kathie Moon. Discuss assigned movies. Eight sessions end Feb. 23. $120 for members and $130 for others. Call 383-8222 or email EducationCenter@TBI-LBK. org to register.

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

• Live-stream at AllAngelsLBK.org to participate on-line

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

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

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

LUTHERAN CHURCH

• In-person worship services Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Growing in Jesus’ Name

BEREAVEMENT GROUP From 2-3:30 p.m. weekly through March 23 at the JFCS office at 540 Bay Isles Road, facilitated by Community Chaplain Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz. $36 for the six-week program. To register, contact Katz at 366-2224 ext. 166 or jkatz@jfcscares.org.

St. Armands Key

• We’ve ramped up, anyone of any mobility is welcome

563 Bay Isles Rd • 941-383-8161 AllangelsLBK.org

WEDNESDAYS

MUSIC MONDAYS AND GLOBAL ISSUES III LECTURES 9 From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road.

Through Thursday, April 7. $10 per person. Visit SILLSarasota.org or TBI-LBK.org.

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions

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

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

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

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

Temple Beth Israel

The Center of Jewish Living on Longboat Key

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

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

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

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

941.383.3428 | www.tbi-lbk.org

RABBI STEPHEN L. SNIDERMAN, D.D.

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

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Classifieds 30 Games 29 Real Estate 27 Weather 29

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS

FIRED UP Sebastian Villaseca is Lazy Lobster’s new executive chef, but he’s not new to the Longboat Key staple.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

I

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

love the restaurant business. I know a lot of cooks. They just like to cook, but they don’t know anything about front-of-house.”

He’s done it all, starting with washing the dishes and busing tables. After about four years at the Lazy Lobster as server and bartender, there was a need for a new general manager and chef at Kacey’s Seafood, which Garey and Fracalossy also own.

Villaseca was the first person Garey asked, and he accepted his ascension into the path of restaurant management. He ran the show, from the back office to the schedules of servers and how quickly food could be prepared at the busy establishment. When he came back to the Lazy Lobster, he was ready.

“I used to be a soccer player, so now it’s kind of like becoming professional, getting into the top leagues now,” Villaseca said. “I treat it almost like a sport, and that’s how much I like the restaurant business… . That’s the goal: to keep growing.”

As captain, he’s changing up the organization of his team a bit. He’s shifted some things in the kitchen to suit his style, and he’s been incorporating specials into the menu since he started. Because he’s held every position in the restaurant business, he knows how to keep everything running smoothly from the time an order comes in until the moment a customer leaves.

“I know how hard it is to be a dishwasher, and how hard it is also to be a head chef with the responsibility and all the stress and dealing with the employees,” Villaseca said. “At the same time, I also know how hard it is to deal with customers as servers.

Above: Sebastian Villaseca cooks up shrimp in the kitchen.

Left: Villaseca has been around the industry since he was a teenager; he’s now 28.

Cooks and a lot of crews don’t know about what it is to do customer service, so sometimes they might not understand what the server is saying… . We’re not wasting time fighting over something. The food has to come out, the customer still has to wait, and the customer doesn’t know what’s going on behind… . This has really helped me to just have good communication with everyone and have the place running smooth.”

His dedication and know-how

have gotten into the folks around the restaurant. They’re happy to have “Seabass” back, and he’s happy to be there. As he gets his feet under him, he’ll start bringing back old favorites, like the flounder francaise of yesteryear.

“I’m playing around and getting the hang of everything,” Villaseca said. “I think the main thing is just staying consistent, keeping up the good work and getting better and better.”

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f you’ve eaten at the Lazy Lobster since Dec. 30, chances are you’ve already been won over by executive chef Sebastian Villaseca.

The familiar face recently became just the third head chef in the restaurant’s 12-year history, but he’s not eager to change too much. He’s been around long enough that he knows what works at the Longboat Key staple — he started as a server running around on busy nights about six years ago.

“I know what the customers like here because I used to serve them,” Villaseca said. “I’ve been here for a long time, so I know how the customers like everything, and why change something that is not broken? So, I’m not here to change everything because I personally love the menu.”

So, while your dining experience won’t change much, you might see a new menu item crop up here and there or a new presentation on your plate, directed by a young chef eager to establish himself and keep rising in an industry that he loves.

“I like being here, and it’s definitely a great company to work for,” Villaseca said. “Michael (Garey) and Bob (Fracaossy), both of the owners, they do a great job. They keep everyone motivated. I think we are a really good team. It’s definitely a challenge.

I mean, this is a huge operation …

But ever since I went to high school, I wanted to be an executive chef.”

Villaseca, whose nickname around the restaurant is “Seabass,” has been around the industry since he was a teenager; he’s now 28.

His family moved to Bradenton from Chile when he was about 14, and he took culinary classes at Manatee Technical Institute after graduating from Bayshore High School. One of his teachers at MTI was the head chef at Euphemia Haye, so Villaseca spent time there learning the basics.

He’s been everywhere around the Sarasota area, from picking up line cook jobs to cooking for the Baltimore Orioles during spring training.

About six years ago, he landed at the Lazy Lobster, first as a server, then as a bartender.

“I’ve been working with Michael (Garey) ever since, and he taught me a lot about front-of-house,” Villaseca said. “Why I think we get along so well is because we know we both

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

West Coast Black Theatre Troupe rocks the Education Center

T

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Syreeta Banks, Raleigh Mosely II and Ariel Blue perform Motown music.

here was no mountain high enough and no space big enough to contain the joy at a West Coast Black Theatre Troupe performance at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel on Feb. 7. About 200 people filled in the sanctuary for a special performance.

This was far from the first time WBTT has been involved with Program Director Susan Goldfarb or the temple. When Goldfarb was in charge of the Longboat Key Education Center, there would be an annual performance. The evening was sponsored in part by Sy Goldblatt, who used to sponsor the event at the old version of the education center with his late wife, Shelley. On the temple’s side, the men’s club had sponsored the evening in the past, so President Lou Moyer helped put the event on, too.

But Goldfarb was responsible for the jovial mood of the evening. She said she dreamed up the concept of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” one night and pitched it to founder Nate Jacobs and Executive Director Julie Leach at WBTT. “It’s been more than a year since we’ve been able to see them perform, and I feel like everyone is down in the dumps and finally leaving their homes and laptops, so I wanted this to be a really extraordinarily uplifting night,” Goldfarb said. “Let’s make this music make us feel how we want to feel.”

Performers Raleigh Mosely II, Michael Mendez, Syreeta Banks and Ariel Blue put on a rollicking show of 1960s and 1970s music and encouraged the audience to sing along to songs by the Temptations. Soon, the sanctuary was full of tapping feet, bobbing heads and clapping hands.

After the performance, guests gathered in the adjoining room for a champagne reception.

—NAT KAEMMERER

Andi Munzer, Karen Gardiner and Julie Leach

Robert Mapplethorpe, Hyacinth, 1987. Courtesy of Graphicstudio, University of South Florida Collection and Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation.

PRESENTING SPONSORS Drs. Joel Morganroth and Gail Morrison Morganroth

LEAD SPONSORS Marianne and William McComb

SELBY.ORG

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Jackie Tauber and Vivian Leahy

Shyamala Badrinath and Natja Erochin

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

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Homes to customize to your taste or use your own builder. Floor plans and renderings available.

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4MLS# A4524096 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

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

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 750 PENFIELD ST | $2,995,000 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

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CT A R NT O C

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 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

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I A N A DDY, PA

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OFFERED AT $1,700,000 bath residence withDR over SF, east and2067 west terraces optimal views ofDR Sarasota 20672 bed/2.5 H A R BOUR LINKS I V2,300 E, #4 H A R for BOUR LINKS I V E,Bay, #4 Downtown Sarasota and sunsets over the Gulf.

Pet friendly community.

L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4522696 MLS# A4178487 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

2377 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE 2D4 | $3,450,000

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

G A I L W IT T IG

BROK E R-A SSOCI ATE GailWittig@MichaelSaunders.com 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4

941.387.0100

I A N A DDY, PA R E A LT O R ®, M B A

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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

7360 POINT OF ROCKS | $4,850,000

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

941.387.0100

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Sarasota’s Best Voted One of

28 Years in a Row!

YOUR HOME DESERVES Hunter Douglas!

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS Pirouette ® Window Shading

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com 4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Gridiron gathering

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

T

Roser Concert Series SUN, FEB 20 • 4:00 PM

Doors open at 3:00 • Free-will offering

Brandon Kouri RoserChurch.com

“...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”

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IN CONCERT Piano favorites—Liszt to Chopin, Billy Joel, and ragtime classics.

Multiple instruments, some magic, yo-yo tricks, chemistry, and the crackle of an Edison phonograph.

Above: Chuck Sobieck and Lenny DiStefano put together pulled pork sandwiches.

Below: Bob Soper bets on the winner.

hough there were no Cincinnati Bengals or Los Angeles Rams fans in attendance, everyone at the St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church men’s club Super Bowl get-together had an opinion on who would win the big game.

At a social event for the group on Feb. 9, the Super Bowl picks were split nearly down the middle. Nine attendees picked the Bengals, while seven will be rooting for the Rams on Feb. 13.

Men’s club President Chuck Sobieck helped organize the party at which attendees donned the colors of their hometown teams. There were Packers fans, Bills enthusiasts, Patriots aficionados, Bears devotees and, of course, Buccaneers supporters.

There were grilled hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches to snack on, along with a vat of Chuck DiNatale’s homemade chili. Lenny DiStefano and Chuck Sobieck dished up the sandwiches and put them out next to the dessert table, which featured cookies and beer. After getting their fill of tailgate food, the men settled in to play football trivia.

—NAT KAEMMERER

941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch LONGBOAT KEY DELAYED VIDEO SERIES LAKEWOOD RANCH SERIES SARASOTA SERIES VENICE SERIES

GET THE BEST

Tickets at the Door Only $10

AIR CONDITIONING, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL SERVICE

SARASOTA INSTITUTE OF LIFETIME LEARNING

A Lifetime of Learning in Two Exciting Series Longboat Key, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Venice - in Person or Video On Demand

Next Week’s Programs Include:

Music Mondays

MUSICAL CONVERSATIONS WITH GREAT PERFORMERS

LBK VIDEO SERIES

Monday, Febuary 28 7:30 PM Temple Beth Israel

Monday, Febuary 21

Sarasota,10:30 am - Venice, 3:00 pm Longboat Key Video, February 21, 7:30 pm

Matthew Vickers, Tenor

Hailed as “a gutsy performer whose glowing tenor voice has interestingly dark, baritonal undertones”, Matthew Vickers has performed throughout the United States and first performed with the Sarasota Opera in 2016.

Cleaner Air

ONLY $59

Global Issues

Drain Cleaning *

A/C TUNE-UP

AN INSIDER’S VIEW OF TODAY’S WORLD

Includes our 6 Month no breakdown guarantee

Tuesday, February 22

*With recommended repairs Must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offers

Safer Home

ONLY $99

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LANDSCAPE LIGHTS

*

*

Residential Drain Cleaning Only

Buy one light, get one free!

Up to 3 BOGO deals per customer.

*Some restrictions and fees may apply if access is limited.

Excluding main drain line. Cannot be combined with any other offers Expires 3/31/22

Must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offers

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

Military Assistance vs. Military Operations: A Cure for the Forever Wars Amb. Charles Ray will discuss how the U.S. military can deal with terrorists organizations and still prepare for possible defense operations by focussing on military assistance and training. This could minimize operations that mire our defense establishment in “forever wars”

Wednesday, February 23 Sarasota,10:30 am

U.S. Military Presence in Africa: The Limits of Engagement Amb. Charles Ray will discuss the appropriate LBK VIDEO SERIES

Thursday, March 3 7:30 PM

Temple Beth Israel

limits on U.S. military engagement in Africa to deal with violent extremism and terrorism.

Thursday, February 24

Sarasota,10:30 am - Lakewood Ranch, 3:30 Friday, February 25 Venice,10:00 am

New Hardline President Raisi and U.S.–Iran Relations Dr. Mohsen Milani discusses Raisi’s hardline views

and their impact on nuclear talks, global and regional power rivalries.

Call Today. CoolToday.

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Complete program details:

Never an Overtime Charge h 7 Days a Week h Call Today to Schedule!

Longboat Key SILL Video Series www.tbi-lbk.org

(941) 343-8543 h CoolToday.com

Check our website for Safety Protocols

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sillsarasota.org

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Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

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23

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

REID MURPHY PRESENTS

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

941-232-3304

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

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

LONGBOAT KEY BAYFRONT ESTATE $6,595,000 Rare opportunity to build your dream home! Oversized Bayfront lot, 100ft on the bay, beach access across the street w/ side canal for privacy. Elevated separate guest house w/parking beneath is a bonus structure no longer permitted for new builds.

SARASOTA PENTHOUSE $5,875,000 Downtown Ritz Carlton 3BR Ensuite Residence. Magnificent 4,276 sf open floor plan. Spectacular views. World class amenities.

LONGBOAT KEY SEA GATE $1,895,000 Direct Gulf Front, pristine 2nd floor end-unit 2BR/2BA. Floor to ceiling sunsets.

Covered balcony for relaxing beachside. Beachside heated pool and a long stretch of beach dotted with tiki huts and lounge chairs. Resort-like amenities.

BLACKBURN BAY OSPREY $3,195,000 Boater’s Dream 4BR/3.5Ba on .58 acres w/private dock + sandy launch for small watercraft. Direct access & extensive views of Intracoastal and sunsets over Casey Key.

PENDING

SOLD

LONGBOAT KEY PRE-CONSTRUCTION $4,795,000 Unique opportunity to purchase a waterfront dream home on an extremely private estate-sized lot. 5BR, 5.5BA home,4,400 SF. Pool w/spa. Deep water dock.

HOLMES BEACH ISLAND PARADISE Two available in this six unit Gulf front complex w/ great rental opportunities: Furnished 3BD/2BA open plan $1,500,000 2BD/2BA Beachfront Penthouse $1,125,000

SOLD

LONG BEACH VILLAGE $2,6000,000 Pre-Construction Custom 3BD/3.5BA Coastal Living Home. Beach to Bay access on the north end of Longboat Key. Quality craftsmanship, open plan, indoor/outdoor living w/ private pool.

Developers Realty Inc. Lic. Real Estate Broker

www.ReidMurphy.com

595 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL 34228

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CALL REID TODAY! | 941.232.3304

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Shooting the breeze at Viento

W

Above: Kellie Spring, Dee Dee Mesghali and Ramin Mesghali Below: Tim Arbagy, Chris Pfahler, Brian Wiffin and Julie Wilson

here better to shoot the breeze with your fellow Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce members than a restaurant named for the Spanish word for wind? On Feb. 9, members took a break from their workdays to meet for a Networking at Noon event at Viento Kitchen and Bar at Zota Beach Resort.

About 30 chamber members and guests attended, and for many, it was their first time at Zota. Hotel event manager Crystal Russell spoke briefly to the group about how the industry seems to be picking up after the worst of the pandemic.

She’s seen more corporate groups coming back and has several social events on the calendar, too. The chamber will also be more social in the coming weeks, as members enjoy several chamber-specific and public-facing events after a few cancelations.

As lunch was being served, members went around and introduced themselves and their businesses. Andrew Vac also introduced two new members and a few guests.

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Peg Pluto and Bob Dunn Below: Tryla Larson, Jimmy Bonner and Brad Morrow

—NAT KAEMMERER

Above: About 30 chamber members and guests attended the lunch. Left: Crystal Russell said she’s seeing more corporate groups come out again.

Mallory Bauer checks in with Caitlyn Zaborowski.

Living and Working on Longboat Key for 40 Years

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

BEAUTIFUL SARASOTA BAYFRONT HOME $6.65mm

• 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

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SOLD

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

J.D., REALTOR ® , LBK COMMISSIONER J.D., ,, LBK REAL ESTATE SIMPLY DONE J.D., REALTOR REALTOR LBK COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER ® ®

REAL REAL ESTATE ESTATE SIMPLY SIMPLY DONE DONE J.D., REALTOR ® , LBK COMMISSIONER

® J.D., J.D., REALTOR REALTOR ® ,, LBK LBK COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER

REAL ESTATE SIMPLY DONE

203.605.9582 203.605.9582

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REAL ESTATE DONE • Certified LuxurySIMPLY Home Marketing Specialist • On Longboat Key since 2002 • Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist • On Longboat Key since 2002 • LBK Commissioner • 2020 Michael & Company • LBK Commissioner SaundersSaunders & Company Sarasota Memorial Hospital volunteer • 2020 Michael “Top Sales Associates” • Sarasota Memorial Hospital volunteer “Top Sales Associates” • Recent in:Isles-Harbor Bay Isles-Harbor | • Recent salessales in: Bay | • 35 of legal experience • 35 years of years legal experience Promenade The Pearl | Tangerine Promenade | The |Pearl | Tangerine Bay | Bay | 2020 Masters Award Winner Sands | Fairway Bay | Harbour Award Winner Sands PointPoint | Fairway Bay | Harbour Villa Villa• 2020•Masters ClubClub | Perico Bay | Longbeach | Perico Bay | Longbeach

FLAWLESS EXECUTION FLAWLESS EXECUTION

Highest Price Resale PSF on Bird Key

Walter Group represented the seller of this custom built Mediterranean home on Bird Key. Let us know if you’d like to discuss our unique marketing approach to listing (and selling) your luxury waterfront home - at the best price, and with the least hassle.

JANET & STEVE WALTER #1 TEAM - LONGBOAT KEY 2020 941.232.2000 | janetwalter@michaelsaunders.com 941.809.0907 | stevewalter@michaelsaunders.com

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www.waltergrouprealestate.com

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

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SELLING LOCAL LUXURY WITH G L O B A L C O N N E C T I O N S Lori Lawson 941.735.4385

Judy Kepecz-Hays 941.587.1700

Steven Kepecz 941.376.6411

ACTIVE LISTINGS

February 17, 2022

We Made it Happen!

WE WE LIST SO ED LD IT IT

Judy Kepecz-Hays Team

L’ Ambiance 415 L Ambiance Drive Unit B602

Enjoy 270 degrees of unobstructed Bay with Gulf views in this exquisitely designed residence.

This southern exposed 2,500 sq. ft. residence offers 2 bedrooms plus a den and 2.5 baths. When you step out of your private elevator it opens up to your private foyer. Panoramic walls of glass sliders in every room and a 700’ wraparound terrace. Located behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club enjoy the luxury lifestyle that living on the beach offers. Only minutes away from St. Armands Circle famous restaurants and boutiques. One small pet welcome.

Offered for $2,785,000. www.LAmbianceB602.com

WE WE LIST SO ED LD IT IT

Ritz-Carlton Managed Residence

LONGBOAT KEY | 6211 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Offered for: $10,880,000 | Sold for: $10,400,000

Ritz-Carlton Managed THE BEACH RESIDENCES|1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr #803

SO L

Ritz-Carlton Residences 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive #1204 As an owner, you will be pampered with world-class amenities a luxurious lifestyle in Sarasota. This residence provides a generous amount of square footage featuring 3 bedrooms, and walls of glass overlooking an expansive terrace for entertaining and relaxing. Southern Exposure with beautiful Bay views from every room. Two parking spaces included and two pets welcome.

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

D

Offered for: $4,500,000 | Sold for: $4,250,000

Call us today for similar results

941-587-1700

THE WATER CLUB |1241 Gulf of Mexico Dr #408 Offered for: $2,250,000 | Sold for: $2,200,000

Judy Kepecz-Hays | 941.587.1700

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

423 St. Armands Circle | Sarasota, FL 34236 595 Bay Isles Road, Suite 250 | Longboat Key, FL 34228 Email: Kepecz@JudyHays.com Website: LongboatKeyLuxury.com

$134 MILLION IN CLOSED SALES IN 2021

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$2.3 BILLION IN CAREER SALES If you’re thinking of buying or selling, please call us for exceptional service.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

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

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

LONGBOAT KEY 3606 Fair Oaks Place 5 Beds 3 Baths 3,842 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4523345 $3,500,000

SARASOTA 1329 N Lake Shore Drive Ann Martin & Joanna Benante 941-356-7717 A4508035 $3,450,000

LONGBOAT KEY 656 Tarawitt Drive 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,330 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4524096 $2,495,000

SARASOTA 1335 Second Street Villa 2E 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,520 Sq. Ft. Brian Loebker & Jonathan Abrams 941-735-4393 A4522536 $2,399,900

TAMPA 3624 S Gardenia Avenue 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,149 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4524115 $2,000,000

SARASOTA 8036 Grande Shores Drive 4 Beds 2 Baths 2,146 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4524395 $1,600,000

ANNA MARIA 240 Gladiolus Street 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,124 Sq. Ft. Tammy Mast 941-256-6543 A4524550 $1,500,000

BRADENTON 5520 Title Row Drive 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,392 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4524258 $1,495,000

LONGBOAT KEY 370 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 412 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,380 Sq. Ft. Debra Pitell-Hauge & Lisa Sebastian 941-356-0437 A4524610 $1,300,000

VENICE 9054 Allapata Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,172 Sq. Ft. Marcia Cullinan 941-662-5878 D6122419 $1,299,900

SARASOTA 2203 Hillview Street Tim Koons-McGee 941-320-7073 A4518090 $1,250,000

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

SARASOTA 1917 Rose Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,839 Sq. Ft. Maria Beck PA & Jalina Beck 646-531-4118 A4521547 $1,150,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4311 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 401 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,293 Sq. Ft. Victoria Lear 941-350-1064 A4522542 $1,100,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4525 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 104 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,340 Sq. Ft. Bruce A Meyer, PA 941-266-8152 A4524359 $975,000

SARASOTA 3624 S Lockwood Ridge Road 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,013 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon 941-234-3991 A4508564 $895,000

LONGBOAT KEY 656 Tarawitt Drive 10,799 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4518192 $845,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7407 Lake Forest Glen 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,185 Sq. Ft. Maurice Menager & Lin Dunn 941-809-2154 A4524327 $799,000

ELLENTON 5531 70th Drive E 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,654 Sq. Ft. Dan Desoto, Jr 941-567-8006 A4523681 $769,000

VENICE 19152 Jalisca Street 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,516 Sq. Ft. Robert Brooker 941-445-0861 N6119560 $765,000

NORTH PORT 6275 N Biscayne Drive 4 Beds 2 Baths 1,840 Sq. Ft. Sandi Dietrich 941-704-0697 A4522693 $695,000

SARASOTA 350 S Polk Drive 502 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,036 Sq. Ft. Pamela Miller 614-632-2801 A4524031 $625,000

SARASOTA 2988 Seasons Boulevard 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,363 Sq. Ft. Janice Perry & Pam Sweeney 941-228-0848 A4523887 $625,000

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

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

BRADENTON 7708 Desoto Memorial Highway 4 Beds 5/1 Baths 6,431 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4524252 $5,500,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

373422-1

26

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home on Lido Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. SRQ Home Holdings LLC sold the home at 1440 John Ringling Parkway to Pamela Sowder, of Sarasota, for $4.9 million.

Built in 1970, it has five bedrooms, four-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 3,772 square feet of living area.

It sold for $3.9 million in 2021.

SLEEPY LAGOON

Gulfside Villa LLC sold the home at 6603 Gulfside Road to 9403 Gulf Drive LLC $3.42 million. Built in 1974, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 3,051 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.8 million in 2021.

THE BEACH RESIDENCES

Ronald Keith Hallam, by Lisa A. Camp, Attorney in Fact, sold the Unit 1105 condominium at 1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Lee Gunn IV and Tracy Raffles Gunn, of Sarasota, for $2.95 million. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, three baths and 3,302 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,775,000 in 2005.

BIRD KEY

Scott Lawrence Dorf and Kelly Copeland, of Wells, Vermont, sold their home at 525 Bird Key Drive to Michael Dahl and Diane Dahl, trustees, of Sarasota, for $2.9 million. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,527 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.95 million in 2020.

THE WATER CLUB AT LONGBOAT KEY

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

JAN. 31-FEB. 4

Michael Kelly, trustees, of Longboat Key, for $2.35 million. Built in 1977, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,069 square feet of living area. It sold for $114,500 in 1977.

GRAND BAY

Ronald and Catherine Darilek, of Bradenton, sold their Unit 315 condominium at 3030 Grand Bay Blvd. to Rodney and Lisa Ragland, trustees, of Dallas, for $1,399,000.

Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,143 square feet of living area. It sold for $822,000 in 2017.

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS

GSCB LLC sold the Unit N-802 condominium at 603 Longboat Club Road to Chuck and Aave Rauck, of Columbus, Ohio, for $1.3 million. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,458 square feet of living area. It sold for $975,000 in 2015.

Courtesy photo

Built in 1970, the home at 1440 John Ringling Parkway has five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,772 square feet of living area.

THE BEACHES OF LONGBOAT KEY-SOUTH

Thomas Nelson Jr., of E. Amherst, New York, sold his Unit 406 condominium at 775 Longboat Club Road to Vicki Lynn Grasman, of Hudsonville, Michigan, for $1,195,000.

Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,524 square feet of living area. It sold for $285,000 in 1991.

SLEEPY LAGOON PARK

Palm Tree Bay LLC sold the home at 563 Juan Anasco Drive to GERLRAD International LLC for $1.05 million.

Built in 1951, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,527 square feet of living area. It sold for $722,000 in 2017.

LONGBOAT BEACH HOUSE

EBB Property Enterprises LLC sold the Unit 203 condominium at 4311 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Kevin and Kim McLaughlin, of Byron, New York, for $955,000. Built in 1977, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,140 square feet of living area. It sold for $780,000 in 2005.

Martin Sneider, of St. Louis, sold his Unit 704 condominium at 1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive to John Robert Oppenheimer and Judith Levinson Oppenheimer, trustees, of New York, City, for $2.6 million. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, four baths and 3,054 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,025,000 in 1999.

SANDS POINT

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

CLUB LONGBOAT BEACH AND TENNIS

Kenneth and Dawn Drost, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 609 Halyard Lane to Darlene Kelly and

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

REAL ESTATE

Ringling Parkway home sells for $4.9 million

|

sold their Unit 121 condominium at 5055 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Adriana Pereira, of Longboat Key, for $775,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,484 square feet of living area. It sold for $775,000 in 2007.

LONGBOAT HARBOUR TOWER

JoAnne Lambkin, of North Port, sold the Unit 904 condominium at 4401 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Ronald Moniz and Mary Anne Moniz, of St. James City, for $740,000. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,524 square feet of living area. It sold for $615,000 in 2018.

NORTHGATE OF LONGBOAT KEY

Kevin McDermott, trustee, of Springfield, Illinois, sold the Unit 2 condominium at 490 N. Shore Road to Bradley James Connolly and Kirstin Connolly, of McMinnville, Oregon, for $650,000. Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, one bath and

1,176 square feet of living area. It sold for $415,000 in 2015.

SARASOTA HARBOUR EAST APARTMENTS

Loys Charbonnet III, of Jacksonville, sold his Unit 25 condominium at 777 John Ringling Blvd. to Drew Michael Wittman, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, for $540,000. Built in 1965, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 882 square feet of living area. It sold for $117,500 in 2004.

BEACH HARBOR CLUB

Donna Esposito, of Long Beach, New York, sold her Unit B-106 condominium at 3804 Gulf of Mexico Drive to John and Barbara Franklin, of Corrales, New Mexico, for $437,500. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 976 square feet of living area. It sold for $507,500 in 2005.

In with the new

Barbara Holt, of Longboat Key, sold her Unit 323 condominium at 100 Sands Point Road to Bruce Bernstein, of Sarasota, for $850,000.

Built in 1966, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,941 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2019.

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Longboat Key

Marcelo Santos Oliveira and Cristiane Lopes Oliveira, of Bradenton, The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From $2.4MM to $10.9MM | Call for appointment | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Feb. 4-10 in order of dollar amounts.

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS 590 Chipping Lane

PERMIT Seawall

APPLICANT James E. McNally, Jr.

AMOUNT 171,632

762 St. Judes Drive N.

Lanai enclosure

Secundino N. Sifuentes

91,856

5610 GMD Unit 5

Interior alterations

Shawn David Hamilton

76,000

5861 GMD

Roof

Longboat Key Property LLC

74,995

585 Tarawitt Drive

Seawall

John F. Cummings, Jr.

73,287

3471 Bayou Sound

Electrical

David W. Scheible

70,600

Plumbing

Christopher J. Donato

Roof

Randall S. Welch

45,990

53,133

444 GMD

A/C change-out

Dry Dock LLC

39,350

501 Harbor Point Road

Roll shutters

Glass Family Living Trust

37,000

2330 Harbour Oaks Drive

Windows and doors

Karin M. Graham

35,322

3607 Fair Oaks Place

Re-roof

Rorie Russell

34,105

2450 Harbourside Drive

Window and roll

Steven E. Grob

33,049

#223

shutters

674 Norton St.

Dock

Daniel Steven Matula

24,465

614 Norton St.

A/C change-out

Kalathia Axay Shanti

23,000

1000 Longboat Club #603 Windows and doors

Philip L. Bronstein

20,500

3634 Fair Oaks Place

Jeri L. Drucker

18,865

435 L’Ambiance Drive #PHG A/C change-out

Ulysses Brualdi

18,699

100 Sands Point Road #302

Benjamin J. Steiner

17,042

Roof

Donald A. Fancher

16,750

3010 Grand Bay Blvd #475 Door

Steven H. Einstein

16,030

100 Sands Point Road #218 Windows

Dragana Cupic Ravecable

15,692

604 Rountree Drive

A/C change-out

Andrew C. Kober Revocable

15,209

575 Linley St.

Dock Lift

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

100 Sands Point Road

Carport repair

Sands Point Condiminium

11,000

2328 Harbour Oaks Drive

A/C change-out

Paul D. Tippet

11,000

1601 GMD

Electrical

Unicorp Acquisitions II LLC

10,000

Source: Town of Longboat Key

2 UNITS LEFT

Downtown Sarasota

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

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

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

373404-1

1620 Harbor Cay Lane 6201 GMD

Downtown St. Petersburg

MichaelSaunders.com/New-Homes | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of February 2022.

Licensed Real Estate Broker

27

28

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Courtesy photos

The view from 6211 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

$10 million sale is highest of 2022 on Longboat Home features 100 feet of beachfront and a two-story library.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

A beachfront estate in Longboat Key with a special feature recently sold for $10.4 million, the highest price in the town this year.

The Mediterranean-style residence at 6211 Gulf of Mexico Drive was represented by Judy KepeczHays of The Judy Kepecz-Hays Team. The Longboat Key-based team of global luxury specialists is

the top-producing affiliated team with Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida, according to a statement.

The seller was a group of representatives of the trust of Ronald Thomas George Platt, which had owned the property since 1989. The buyer was Vicki L. James as trustee of The Vicki L. James Amended and Restated Revocable Trust Agreement, based in Auburn, Indiana. The property was listed in November at $10.88 million.

“This is prime property in one of the most exclusive and in-demand luxury markets of the Gulf Coast.

You’re surrounded by the sound of the waves, the ocean views and the natural landscape that make this

home a perfect and private retreat,” Kepecz-Hays said in the statement.

The 4,980 square feet of living space features five bedrooms, a six-car garage and a flex room that can accommodate a game room or home gym. The property, adjacent to Longboat Island Chapel, is gated and offers 100 feet of beachfront.

The home, designed in a Mediterranean style, has mahogany touches throughout, along with oak floors, custom windows and Spanish tiles.

The three-level home delivers beach views from most of the living area.

But what most likely is the most unusual part of the home is a twostory library.

Above: The property is built in a Mediterranean style. Below: The home’s pool

Reason to Give...

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LONGBOAT

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, FEB. 18

Sunrise

Sunset

Thursday, Feb. 17

7:05a

6:23p

Friday, Feb. 18

7:04a

6:24p

Saturday, Feb. 19

7:03a

6:24p

Sunday, Feb. 20

7:02a

6:25p

SATURDAY, FEB. 19

Monday, Feb. 21

7:02a

6:26p

High: 66 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 15%

Tuesday, Feb. 22

7:01a

6:26p

Wednesday, Feb. 23

7:00a

6:27p

High: 71 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 22%

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

29

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

|

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, FEB. 20 High: 74 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 3%

March 18 Full

March 24 March 31 Last New

April 8 First

TIDES Highs Lows Thursday, Feb. 17

—

1:20p

7:32a

6:48p

12:21a

1:33p

7:57a

7:34p

Saturday, Feb. 19

1:06a

1:50p

8:22a

8:24p

Sunday, Feb. 20

1:56a

2:13p

8:46a

9:21p

Monday, Feb. 21

2:55a

2:41p

9:09a

10:26a

Tuesday, Feb. 22

4:12a

3:15p

9:28a

11:45a

Wednesday, Feb. 23

6:23a

3:58p

9:24a

—

Friday, Feb. 18

Diane Suner captured this photograph of a great blue heron on North Lido Beach.

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 2021-22 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2022, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

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

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

celebrity cipher

ART ACQUISITION by Drew Schmenner. Edited by David Steinberg 128 Artisan’s trade

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

“Fast & Furious” character?

1 Equine moms 44 Came up 6 Chum 46 Field of expertise 9 Wall St. debut 12 Did great at a drag show 47 Heavy lode’s contents 48 Wizards’ org.

18 Himalayan native 49 Textile seen in the Scot20 Ties, like a score tish countryside?

22 Day to blast the AC 54 One working with a 23 Basic suggestion for range of incomes? (Abbr.) fixing a laptop?

56 ___ Alamos, N.M. 25 Shrewd 57 Word before “lodge” 26 PC copying shortcut or “lift” 27 Clipper or cruiser 58 Bakery hot spot 28 Spreads sloppily 29 Not least, idiomatically 59 Prescribed amount 61 Hybrid stone fruit 32 Altar affirmative 63 London art museum 33 Actor Guinness 65 Small hill 35 Cold cubes 67 35-Across, informally 36 Not in fashion 68 Successfully lifting a 37 Anthem for many a shot glass with your palm,

tying a cherry stem with your tongue, etc.?

74 Heavy volumes 75 Speak to the masses 76 Yellow part of an egg 77 Name hidden in “dire need” 78 Drench 79 Name that anagrams to “Rami” 81 IRS identifier 84 De Armas of “No Time to Die” 85 Chimpanzee or gorilla 87 Tiny gin/vermouth cocktails?

92 Kylo ___ (“Star Wars” villain) 93 It can end with .gov 95 Kerfuffles 96 Ludicrous

97 Start of a bulletin to Michigan State students?

104 Caress, as a cat 105 What it takes to tango 106 Polar bear’s perch 107 Troop support grp.

108 Untidiness 109 Narcissist’s claims 111 Country icon McEntire 114 Drug bust figure, in slang 116 Famous TV collie 117 Celebrations with carving contests?

122 Subsides 123 Dancer Adele 124 Hype 125 Some Venmo users 126 “___ cares?”

127 “The Simpsons” neighbor

54-Across 60 Canon option, for short DOWN 62 Secures, as a mortgage 1 N.Y. Knicks’ arena rate 2 Poke bowl tuna 64 Away from land 3 Give some gas to 65 Color for safari clothes 4 Build 66 It can hang from a rim 5 Barbecuer’s rod 68 Yellow jacket relative 6 Trickle through a coffee 69 “That wasn’t clear on filter, say my part ...”

7 Fifth or Park, in NYC 70 Slime 8 Not so much 71 Disney World convey9 Book before Jeremiah ance 10 Alice Walker’s titular 72 Fashion’s Banks color 73 “The Lion King” sound 11 Decide 74 Dazzling headwear 12 Hoax 78 Letter flourishes 13 Hit the roof 79 Secure, as a boat 14 Add to an email 80 “That shocks me!”

15 “Wait a minute, we do 82 Head of Slytherin have one!”

House 16 Sinus drs.

83 Dressed to the ___ 17 Ruby of “A Raisin in the 86 Word after “stay” or Sun” “well” 19 Sun-filled lobbies 88 Upper limit 21 Like the final degree 89 Nutritional stat 24 Supermarket chain 90 “___ but a scratch” 28 Rare (“Monty Python” line) 29 Do nothing 91 Match makers?

30 Distinctive glows 94 Virtual chortle 31 Baby deliverer, in 98 Discarded PCs and folklore such 34 Prefix with “system” 99 More prying 37 “___ Haw” (old TV 100 “Take your time!” variety show) 101 Appear as if 38 Kelly Marie of “The 102 “Pronto!”

Last Jedi” 103 “Don’t Know Why” 39 “Jingle Bells” contrac- singer Jones tion 108 Engine 40 Pic that can be 109 ___ ghanoush removed 110 Possible nickname for 41 One of many for a Theresa bodybuilder 112 ___-free plastic bottle 42 Kindle offerings 113 Related (to) 43 Prepares for a blood 115 Gator’s relative test, say 116 Drink like a cat 45 Lovestruck 117 Cub’s foot 50 Indian flatbread 118 Rage 51 “Frozen” reindeer 119 Hoppy brew 52 Sun-dried brick 120 Will Ferrell holiday 53 Bourbon St. locale comedy 55 Busy time for a 121 Took a chair

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“FE, M RECV IEK WVYZKFV PXV VHPMTV KHMCVTFV YEHFBMTVS PE XVRB OV LMHS IEK.”

– BZKRE YEVRXE

“NCE IMYAO NCEM TADI BFO NCE GBYSAO LYDAMBTSN. IWA SADDCF YD: FAPAM IMN.” – WCLAM DYLXDCF (LBII KMCAFYFK)

“ONAV CVNCRV TVS IUMY OSPWFUHT XISUDUMUXR UHSVRRUTVHMV. AV, U AXEV ANHVF OSPWFUHT HXSPIXR OSPCUWUSF.

– MXIR UMXYH

Puzzle Three Clue: D equals F

crossword

371154-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

Puzzle Two Clue: P equals V

Sarasota

Puzzle One Clue: W equals B

CARPET

© 2022 NEA, Inc.

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

2-17-22

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

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

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WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F

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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 20” SONY, flat screen TV and a Sony DVD. $199 (941)387-6418 CHANDELIER METAL, BROWN, HARDWARE INCLUDE. LIKE NEW, $20 (941) 920-2494 GOLF CLUBS- Ping Eye 2 irons Green Dot. Many other golf accessories. All for $125.

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Autos Service

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

FAMILY SECURITY DRIVER 941-735-4732.

Ask for Eddie.

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

Owner/agent $530,000.

Call for coming soon listings.

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

Call 941-726-2677.

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

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

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

BEACH HARBOR Club Gorgeous penthouse condo with access to beach/boat/pool/fitness. 3BR/2BA, 2 large terraces, sunrise/sunset views. $5500/mo in season.

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

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Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

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Stroll to Siesta Key Beach 4 Bed 2 Bath Heated Pool, 2 Car Garage $799,000

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

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real estate Luxurious Lake Club 4 Bed 4 Bath Built in 2019 Lakefront Lakewood Ranch $2,500,000

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Homes for Sale

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

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

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

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

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

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

WANTED TO rent; Whitney Bay side. 2 bedroom condo, Jan 1/23 - Mar 31/23. Retired Canadian couple. No pets. Responsible homeowners. Repeat possibility. contact Donna Gunn at 941-3832180 or iswig@sympatico.ca

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE! 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

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.

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

Transportation LONGBOAT LIMOUSINE Your local luxury transportation provider since 1994.

New luxury Sedans and SUVs. Fully Licenced and insured.

Call/Text 941-383-1235 E-mail: longboatlimousine @yahoo.com

Restaurants BLUE DOLPHIN CAFE

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNERS ARE BACK AT OUR LONGBOAT KEY CENTRE SHOPS LOCATION!!

FRIDAY **FEBRUARY 18 TH**

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage

CALL 941-955-4888

home services

Items Under $200

auto

stuff

Ask about our special rates!

Painting

 LIVE MAINE LOBSTER  BLUE FIN CRAB CAKES  PRIME RIB  SALMON WITH CITRUS MANGO SALSA

ALL ENTREES SERVED WITH CHEF’S CHOICE STARCH & VEGETABLE ENTIRE REGULAR DINNER MENU ALSO AVAILABLE! INCLUDING HOMEMADE PIES! AND MUCH MORE... JUST ASK...

FRIDAYS OPEN 5P.M.-8P.M. SERVING DINNER ITEMS

941-383-3787 CALL FOR RESERVATIONS BEER & WINE AVAILABLE

Government PUBLIC NOTICE LOST OR ABANDONED PROPERTY Held by Longboat Key Police Department 5460 Gulf of Mexico Dr. THE LONGBOAT KEY POLICE DEPARTMENT IS HOLDING A ROWBOAT, WALLETS, AND ELECTRONICS ALL TURNED IN AS FOUND DURING THIS TIME PERIOD OF 12-01-21 THRU 0126-22. IF NOT CLAIMED BY OWNERS, ITEMS SHALL BE DISPOSED OF AS AUTHORIZED BY F.S.S. 705.103. INQUIRES 941361-6411 x1928

This week’s Crossword answers

Adult Care Services

©2022 Universal Uclick

Perfect Solutions For Seniors *Caregivers/Companions *Personal Care * CNA’s/HHA’s

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

Phone (941) 809-1438 HHA# 299994819

PERSONAL TRAINER by Physical Therapist (A) for 55+ Are you in pain? Having difficulty getting up in the morning and feeling weak/tired during the day? This may be because of a lack of physical exercise or your body telling you it needs some extra attention. Contact us today for Free in Home Assessment! (941) 730-2899 https://www.sunshinestrengthandbalance.com

You’re only cheating yourself.

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

peekers’ place

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Cleaning

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “So, I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.”

Paulo Coelho Puzzle Two Solution: “You tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is: Never try.”

Homer Simpson (Matt Groening) Puzzle Three Solution: “Some people get rich studying artificial intelligence. Me, I make money studying natural stupidity.”

Carl Icahn

This week’s Sudoku answers

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

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

©2022 NEA, Inc.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

Auto Service

Dog Grooming

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

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Personal Services

SELL YOUR CAR! FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU

941.270.4400

374733

5-Star Rated

Handyman

374136

424-333-0713 | rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com www.rockstarmobilehairsalon.com

CONSTRUCTION HANDYMAN • Home Repairs & Maintenance • Interior & Exterior 941.504.2745 • Garage Floor Paint 941.400.1563 • Power Wash

Naji Aoun

Carpet Cleaning

FREE INSTANT ESTIMATES when you Call RICK for SCHEDULING

Roofing

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

Health CARPET, TILE, UPHOLSTERY CLEANING ODOR CONTROL • AREA RUG SPECIALIST

941-778-2882 • 941-387-0607

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

373496

Check out our 5 Star Reviews on Google

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

Concrete

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression provides safe, gentle & effective relief for

CRACK REPAIR

SIDEWALKS • DRIVEWAYS BUZ CORP D/B/A

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

CONCRETE FUSION

941-345-5264

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

Doors and more!

Windows

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

Res./Com.

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Call Bobby • FREE Estimates 319-693-8800 or 941-374-7670

The Only Thing You Have To Lose ... Is The Pain!!

Doors

Insurance

Sliding Glass Door Repair

MIC INSURANCE

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

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

CREATE BUZZ! Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

Call 941-955-4888 373440

YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

Lic./Ins.

w & Pressure Cl indo345-5264 W(941) eani t e s ng as Sunrise Wi n w o n k Sun y l nd er Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

UP TO

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

374673

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

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

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

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

140

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE RED PAGES Call to reserve your ad space

941-955-4888

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY

Sandra Smith

| 941.383.3388

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

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

374137

374672

9 EPLACE Don’t R Concrete d of Goo only 5% when cked! is cra

Screening

374674

Like Us on Facebook

#1 in IR REPA c Cra k 5%

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

373439

Serving AMI, LBK and Bradenton for 25 years

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

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

DRIES IN HOURS – NOT DAYS • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

House Washing, Roofs, Screen Cages, Pavers, Driveways and Walkways.

941-CLEAN IT 2 5 3 - 2 6 4 8

GladysKhabbaz@gmail.com 805 Molly Circle, Sarasota

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

PRESSURE WASHING

373441

AMANDA

$100 COUPON

SOFT WASH

WE ARE THE SOFT WASH PRESSURE WASHING PROS

373769

375171

941-504-0903

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

375170

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

Power Washing

374675

375315

374135

Furniture Repair

$100 COUPON

Beauty

$100 COUPON

HoHoBuysCars.com

Registered member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA)

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

ROGER SELLS

LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES

MORE THAN $206 MILLION CLOSED IN 2021

1313 WESTWAY DRIVE - LIDO SHORES

$11,995,000

3731 INDIAN BEACH PLACE

This custom-designed marvel was the 2005 vision of famed fashion/home designer Adrienne Vittadini, architect Cliff Scholz, and luxury home builder Perrone Construction. From almost any room in this waterfront 6BR house, you can relish sunset views and look out into the azure waters that flow out to New Pass and the Gulf of Mexico. The newer, rebuilt Trex dock with bench seating is a wonderful finishing touch. Enjoy a sunny walk or drive that will take you to Lido Shore’s private, gated beach access.

Built in 2006 with the exceptionally high standards of Triangle Construction, designed with energy efficient and sustainable materials, this 5BR, lavish bayfront residence is the epitome of luxury waterfront living. The perfect place to escape, with its enviable central location minutes from downtown, verdant gardens protecting the nearly one-acre of property, extensive updates, and a beautifully elaborate interior that is ready for you to immediately begin enjoying.

www.1313WestwayDrive.com

www.3731IndianBeach.com

5249 CAPE LEYTE DRIVE - SIESTA KEY

$4,250,000

1211 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #1003

Now under construction! Direct waterfront, new construction is a rarity on Siesta Key. This custom- designed John Cannon home in Siesta Isles will be built with the exceptionally high standards. Covering more than a half-acre, boaters will love the brand-new seawall, deep water composite dock and lift, with shore power and water. The modern design of this 5BR custom home encompasses nearly 4,000 SF of interior space and features a unique layout optimizing beautiful views around every corner.

This 3BR, 10th-floor penthouse residence is a rarity, flourishing in gorgeous sunny views of the Gulf of Mexico. Offering more than 2,600 SF, this beach getaway is waiting for you immediately enjoy. The bright and airy atmosphere welcomes you, with 10-foot ceilings, lovely hardwood and marble flooring, as well as walls of floor-to-ceiling glass sliders in nearly every room that open to two Gulf-front balconies. Each penthouse residence at Promenade conveniently includes two secure, under-building parking spaces.

www.5249CapeLeyte.com

www.Promenade1003.com

2410 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE #141

$1,995,000

This 3BR sun drenched getaway at Grand Bay is in ideal condition, featuring big bay views throughout. Offering an open-plan layout adorned with walls of glass sliders that lead out to the spacious wraparound terrace, lovely eat-in kitchen and a private master suite. Many first-rate amenities to enjoy.

www.MarinaBay1141.com

www.GrandBay112.com

$3,995,000

$1,995,000

3060 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #112

This turnkey furnished, fourth-floor residence in Building I offers nearly 3,900 SF, with a layout encompassing two terraces, three bedroom suites, eat-in kitchen, plus media room/den. Also includes two secure, underbuilding parking spaces and deeded access to private beach club.

15111 GADDY UP RANCH ROAD

$6,495,000

862 GRANDE PASS WAY

$2,995,000

$1,450,000

3070 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #626

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

Create your dream beach home at this private, gated enclave on the southern tip of Boca Grande. Offering more than a 1/4-acre in the exclusive Hill Tide Estates community.

Stunning bay views from every room, that stretch out to downtown Sarasota beyond welcome you to this 2BR residence. Walk in an fall in love with this move-in ready getaway.

www.GaddyUpRanchSRQ.com

www.862GrandePassWay.com

www.GrandBay626.com

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

$899,000

443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F | Sarasota, FL 34236 595 Bay Isles Road , Suite 250 | Longboat Key, FL 34228 Roger@Pettingell.com | Pettingell.com Twitter.com/RealRoger | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell Owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC 371479-1

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