Longboat Observer 3.24.22

LONGBOAT

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

Outdoor tunes.

PAGE 12

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

VOLUME 44, NO. 33

Future-driven idea

YOUR TOWN

Reimagined Gulf of Mexico Drive concept moves ahead with new vision. PAGE 3

QUEEN

FOR A DAY Costumes come out for a whimsical Purim. PAGE 18

Courtesy photo

Luck on the links

Mondays are better with a little time on the links — and even better when you win. Residents of Beachplace got together for their 17th annual golf tournament on March 7, and Marshall Rose, Steve Hundgen, Stan Levine and David Sufrin went home with the trophy.

Residents gathered before the round for a party, then set off to try their luck on the Links golf course at the Longboat Key Club. Before the top three teams came in, Jeff Gass got a win of his own by picking them in order and thus got to take home the Trifecta prize.

The golf tournament also served as a fundraiser for All Faiths Food Bank.

Nat Kaemmerer

Carole Shaw dressed as Queen Esther and Stuart Sinai was Haman during Temple Beth Israel’s Purim party last week.

A+E Grand-scale art.

INSIDE

Courtesy photo

Great island cleanup

Eric Garwood

Commissioner Maureen Merrigan is sworn in as vice mayor.

Taking the oaths of office Schneier remains mayor; Merrigan named vice mayor. PAGE 5

It was a great day for the Great American Cleanup on March 19. More than 20 volunteers met at the beaches of Longboat Key to keep them beautiful, just like volunteers across the country met at other natural parks on the same day to accomplish the same thing.

The cleanup was organized

by Keep Manatee Beautiful, and volunteers met at the organization’s sign before heading off to their assigned stretches of sand.

After all was said and done, Keep Manatee Beautiful’s Dawn DiFoggio said that the group collected 61 pounds of trash, which was actually less than previous years. On average, 10% of the collected refuse is recyclable.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Eric Garwood

Flood insurance rates could vary from house to house, even in the same neighborhood, such as Country Club Shores, or even within the same flood zone.

New FEMA maps bring changes to flood insurance standards Longboat leaders hear about what’s in store once new Sarasota County maps are in force.

ERIC GARWOOD

will mean for both existing Longboat Key residents and those either moving to the island full time or preparing to buy a vacation home here.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which issues flood-risk maps on which federal flood insurance coverage is based, in August 2021 finalized its work for Manatee County, culminated

by Manatee County Commission approval.

Now, Sarasota County maps are in

MANAGING EDITOR

For Mike Malliard of MIC Insurance, it’s not so much what new federal flood maps will show; it’s what they

the works, though a time frame for completion is not yet known.

According to Malliard and James Linkogle, project manager for Longboat Key’s Public Works Department, big changes are on the way that could cost residents more for flood coverage, even if a property’s flood-risk status stays the same or even improves.

In the industry, experts refer to the changes in the way FEMA assesses risk as Risk Rating 2.0 because of

the broad departure from previous methodology that simply looked at in what type of flood zone a property resided. Now, Malliard said, such factors as building value are part of the mathematics that determine flood insurance rates.

“The flood 2.0 in my industry is really known as the ‘equity change,’” he said. “We’ve talked about elevation, but really the biggest driver of pricing differences under the new FEMA 2.0 is an equity-driven concept. So, if I have two homes the same elevation, the same flood zone, and one is a more expensive home, that policy is going to be exponentially higher in price.”

Rates can’t rise more than 18% a year on an existing contract and carried over from buyer to seller. If an insurance contract isn’t carried over, though, a new owner can be shocked by the instant price climb to market rates, he said.

Malliard said the contract between a policy holder and the federally backed flood insurance provider now is a simple matter of the more valuable that a property is, the more money the insurer is going to charge.

He added that elevation certificates are likely on the way out as a more sophisticated form of mapping takes over from one based on ground surveying to one crafted by aircraft flying above an area and mapping elevation changes with LIDAR, a system similar to radar that can be far more precise from property to property.

Malliard said that under the previous system it was fairly straightforward to quote a flood insurance premium based on a small data set including location, elevation and base coverage. He said it’s long been the case the premiums between primary residences and second residents have differed. (Case in point: $2,500 for a Country Club Shores home versus about $9,000 for the same home as a second residence.)

“The feds were trying to send a signal that they will more heavily subsidize your primary home,” he said. “They’re not going to subsidize your secondary homes. That was the philosophy they were sending.”

Malliard said the new system takes into account not only time of occupancy but also square footage and construction value. Malliard said sellers of homes would be wise to

COMING TO TOWN HALL The business of Town Hall isn’t always the business of planning, zoning and government.

At 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 24, art will be the order of the day. The town’s sixth-annual artist reception is planned at 501 Bay Isles Road, recognizing nearly two decades of local artists’ participation in Town Hall art exhibits. The 12 artists participating in the current art exhibit will be on hand showing additional works. The public is invited to the reception and to view the art on weekdays during business hours. Wine, beer and appetizers will be served at the reception.

optimize their flood coverage before hitting the market and make it known to buyers that it can be transferred during the sale.

Besides the changes in insurance driven by new FEMA maps and policies, town leaders said that they also are preparing for changes to town building codes and regulations.

One issue Malliard suggested was placement of home machinery, such as air-conditioning equipment, water heaters, washers and dryers.

He said it might make sense to either urge or require such machinery to be at the same level as the home’s first living level, which could reduce risk and insurance exposure.

Mayor Ken Schneier said the town in the next months will be working through potential building code changes that could ultimately help save residents and property owners some money.

“As a result of all this, are there recommended changes that we may want to address in our zoning code so that we can, No. 1, comply if that’s the right issue and, No. 2, take advantage of opportunities to perhaps improve our position, our residents’ position vis-a-vis increased insurance rates?” he said. “And those are things we will be looking at some time in the future, the relatively near future.”

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

ROAD TO THE

FUTURE Concepts now under development for Gulf of Mexico Drive would guide a makeover of the town’s north-south artery.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

F

or now, they’re simply images that tell a digital story of how Gulf of Mexico Drive might someday look.

The images show cars of undetermined make and model heading north and south.

They show people with baby carriages, on bicycles or strolling with friends along a multiuse trail on the east side of the highway. Others, on the west side, make their way along a narrower sidewalk.

They show medians with palm trees and switchback crosswalks.

Road shoulders are landscaped.

Bike lanes feature a buffer between cyclists and drivers, marked with double lines and reflectors to raise visibility and driver awareness.

All of them show an idealized version of Gulf of Mexico Drive in the future. And although none of it is real yet, neither is it fantasy.

It’s a vision created by engineering firm Kimley-Horn to help illustrate what town leaders have in mind for the next potential iteration of the island’s main road. Right now, there is no state funding for design or construction. There’s no timetable for implementation, and no consensus on the exact path forward. Yet. But there is an acknowledgement of town officials and residents that safety concerns along Gulf of Mexico Drive will drive changes years into the future.

“This is a long-range planning effort,” said Town Manager Tom Harmer. “To look at the entire stretch of Gulf of Mexico Drive from a holistic standpoint, looking at the entire right of way, the existing multiuse pathway, the sidewalks, bike lanes, potential additional turn lanes, medians, etc.”

Commissioners gave Kimley-Horn some feedback on initial plans late in 2021, and the company returned this week to deliver a follow-up presentation. Still to come are public outreach sessions and more discussion about the vision as plans begin to take shape.

On Monday, commissioners watched and discussed the presentation, then came to a series of intermediate agreements to help the engineering firm further refine the plans with the hope of some day presenting them to the regional Metropolitan Planning Organization and Florida Department of Transportation for consideration.

Two components of the town’s Complete Streets program are in the works: a traffic circle at Broadway and Gulf of Mexico Drive and leftturn lanes into Country Club Shores.

Both are deep into the planning and design stage, but construction dates are not firm.

Other proposals aren’t as visual

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Courtesy renderings

Above: An example of a proposed mid-island switchback crosswalk with a median Below: The proposed roundabout at Gulf of Mexico Drive and Broadway Street on the north end

CONSENSUS ON… Town commissioners informally sought consensus on a number of components to the Complete Streets proposal on Monday. Among them: n Eliminate the Kimley-Horn proposal for reflective pavement markers to delineate the roadway-adjacent bike lake in favor of another way to alert drivers. n Consider a 12-foot-wide multipurpose trail on the east side with a center line. n Maintain the proposal for a 7-foot-wide bike lane. n Turn lanes should trump medians and be built only where they fit and make sense. n West side of Gulf of Mexico Drive sidewalk makes sense, though it might not fit everywhere. n Make no changes to speed limit zones. n Acknowledge that cyclists are generally encouraged not to proceed through roundabouts but rather to use the multiuse trail to bypass the traffic feature for safety purposes.

as the ones presented in KimleyHorne’s multimedia examples, such as a recommendation to enlarge 35 mph speed limit zones on the south and north ends of the island and establish a new one from Bay Isles Parkway to around Bayfront Park.

Colleen McGue, a senior planner with Kimley-Horn, laid out some of the initial specifications that go with the visual representations: a 12-foot multiuse path on the east side, an 8-foot-wide sidewalk on the opposite side where possible, a 7-foot-wide buffered bicycle lane — though commissioners said they worried about the raised reflectors as a hazard to cycling. Even so, the proposed lane is about twice as wide as it stands now.

She said landscaped medians won’t fit everywhere within the existing rights of way. Commissioners said they might not be practical given the number of driveways and side streets.

And they weren’t in favor of broader areas of 35 mph speed limits, either, though Commissioner Mike Haycock said he supported the engineers’ notion. He also said he liked the idea of the 12-foot path up and down the island, mostly to sup-

NEXT STEPS n Hold a public outreach session to generate input on the proposed changes to Gulf of Mexico Drive. n Develop initial cost estimates and a phasing and implementation of the plan. n Present final plans to the Town Commission for approval.

port cyclists hesitant to ride alongside cars and trucks.

“I’m a big biker. I used to be in the road and now retired to the slow guys’ path. But the biggest conflict we have on our current pedestrian sidewalk is bicycles and pedestrians,” he said. “It’s for a couple reasons. We have more walkers who wear headphones, so when you clang your bell, they don’t hear you, and you scare the hell out of them when you drive by.”

He said he would like to see considered a stripe down the middle of the path, making clear to all users that there are two directions to be considered, even though adherence would not be a mandatory thing.

Mayor Ken Schneier said he supported the direction of the overall proposal.

“I think this is really a great plan,’’ Schneier said. “I think actually having another sidewalk on the other side of the street, where it can fit, is a great idea.’’

Cyclists who came to Monday’s presentation expressed broad support for the Complete Streets plan, especially the improvements to the roadway-adjacent bike lanes.

Howard Tessler, president of Longboat Key Bicycle Association, said the state of the lane is “less than ideal’’ from a design and maintenance standpoint.

“Whoever built it did a terrible job,” he said. “It’s very bumpy. There are bike riders who refuse to ride in the lane in Manatee County because of the bumps and the jarring they get.

The possibility of rebuilding Gulf of Mexico Drive has brought the chance of improving the bike lanes.”

He said he hoped the concerns of cyclists would be further taken into consideration as the work of the town and its engineering consultant moves ahead.

Andrea Edson, a cyclist who said she’s more comfortable on the multiuse trails on her “clunky old bike,” said she was encouraged to see that considerations were being made for people like her.

“No way in the world would I ride on the bike lane on Gulf of Mexico Drive,” she said. “I’m a recreational, casual rider. I represent the people who ride with their kids and their families.”

Photos by Eric Garwood

A cyclist heads south on Gulf of Mexico Drive as traffic builds in the late afternoon.

The area between Bayfront Park and Bay Isles Parkway was considered as a 35 mph zone, but town commissioners weren’t convinced such a change made sense.

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Construction is just heating up at the St. Regis property, but Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp National Developments Inc., is already looking forward to opening day. The company has set a tentative opening date of June 6, 2024.

There are now 100 workers on the property, and Whittall said there will be 850 at its peak — bused in from an offsite staging area rather than driving in, much to the relief of trafficbeleaguered residents.

“There’s not going to be a lot of room for parking because we’re building on almost every inch of the job site,” Whittall said. “We have a bus service that we hired to transport them back and forth.”

Whittall visited the island’s service clubs on March 15 and 17, speaking at the Rotary Club of Longboat Key and the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key. He gave an overview of what the finished product will look like. There will be a saltwater lagoon with tropi-

Construction on St. Regis is moving forward.

cal fish and rays where guests will be able to swim with them or attend educational classes, and the pool and spa will be high-end attractions.

The restaurants on the property will be open to the public, while the pool and spa will require day passes.

“We wanted to make it big enough to invite the community in,” Whittall said.

A few vestiges of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, including a Monkey Bar, will remain. The other amenities will take over nearly the entire property, but there will be one tennis court, a wooden deck topped with a clay court and built over a retention pond.

“It’ll pay homage to what was there before,” Whittall said, referencing the iconic Colony resort, which was demolished in 2018.

As for construction, walls will start going up next week, and buildings will take shape in April, said Whittall. Marketing and Events Manager Natalie Farnella said the team is forming footers and installing pilings at the site, meaning that they’re preparing to start on the foundation.

Instead of driving piles in a traditional (and noisy) way, the construction contractor is using an alternative and quieter method.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

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Schneier retains mayoral role for third year Merrigan also chosen unanimously as vice mayor.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

K

en Schneier was chosen Monday morning by his fellow town commissioners to serve a third year as mayor of Longboat Key, and Maureen Merrigan was chosen as vice mayor.

Both Schneier and Merrigan were the only commissioners nominated for their posts, and both gained unanimous support from their peers.

During the town’s annual statutory meeting, commissioners are sworn in for another year and leadership roles are voted upon.

Schneier was nominated by Commissioner BJ Bishop, and Merrigan was nominated by Vice Mayor Mike Haycock, who had served two years in the role.

“I don’t foresee a time when I’m on the commission that Ken isn’t the mayor,” Haycock said of Schneier, whose term runs until March 2023. “I think he’s done an outstanding job, so I would continue to vote for him for mayor.’’

Before the mayor and vice mayor were chosen, Bishop, Haycock and Merrigan were sworn in following their re-election without opposition. The terms of Bishop and Haycock will run until March 2025. Merrigan’s term runs until March 2023.

“I’ve been so impressed with our five new women commissioners, and so I thought it made more sense we had someone else be vice mayor until Ken terms out, so that was the reason for nominating Maureen,” Haycock said. “I think she’s done an absolutely outstanding job.”

Schneier thanked Haycock for his service and welcomed Merrigan to her new post.

“I’m very proud, and the town should be very proud of this commission and what it’s accomplished,” Schneier said. “Two years ago today basically, we held a statutory meeting session and immediately went into

“I’ve been so impressed with our five new women commissioners, and so I thought it made more sense we had someone else be vice mayor until Ken terms out, so that was the reason for nominating Maureen.”

— Mike Haycock

COVID limbo. Two years. Despite that, as one of our presidents said, ‘despite our relative youth and inexperience’ we’ve completed substantially all the priorities on our plate.

At least we’ve advanced them, and it’s a pretty long list.”

He said that among them was an effort to strengthen the relationships the town has with neighboring towns and cities, along with Manatee and Sarasota counties and legislators and state agencies.

“This is so important,” he said.

“We are now fully engaged as ambassadors for the benefit of our community and our region.’’

Merrigan said before she considered seeking to fill the unfinished term of Commissioner Ed Zunz when he stepped down in 2020, she sought advice from Haycock, who said the job of an elected official required about 20 hours a week of reading.

“I said absolutely not,” Merrigan said. “It’s certainly taken more than that time, answering letters and reading all the material.”

Both Merrigan and Schneier said after their swearing in that they thought the town was heading in the right direction following completion of the beach renourishment plan and other projects.

The said they also looked forward to completing the Town Center Green project, which next features a covered stage in Phase 2 and the potential for some kind of building.

Eric Garwood

Town commission, back: Mike Haycock, Sherry Dominick, Penny Gold, Debra Williams; front: Maureen Merrigan, Ken Schneier and BJ Bishop.

THE MAYORS Thirty-five men and three women have held office as the mayor of Longboat Key since Herb Field was appointed temporary chair in 1955. For trivia buffs, yes, there were two mayors named Jim Brown.

Nov. 1955: Herb Field appointed temporary chairman Aug. 1956: Wilfred LePage Nov. 1956: Howard A. Ridyard Jan. 1957: Joseph Zwick Nov. 1957: Lucille Lundblad Nov. 1958: Joseph Zwick March 1960-61: Howard A. Ridyard March 1962-63: Douglas Wray March 1963- 65: Joseph Zwick March 1965-66: Nelson O. Webber March 1967: William Blake March 1968: Michael J. Brescia March 1969-74: Samuel Y. Gibbon March 1974-1976: William J. Kenney March 1977: Edward J. Petrick

March 1978: Sidney A. Ochs March 1979-1980: J. Kennedy McCall March 1981: Claire Bell March 1982: Henry G. Riter IV March 1983-1984: Harry P. Kirst March 1985: James V. Edmundson March 1986: Carleton M. Stewart March 1987: Catherine “Kit” Fernald March 1988: Lewis Pollock March 1989: Hart Wurzburg March 1990-93: James P. (Jim) Brown March 1994: Robert J. Farber March 1995: James H. Patterson March 1996: Robert A. Drohlich March 1997: Raymond W. Metz

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March 1998-99: Harold (Hal) Lenobel March 2000-01: Ken Legler, Jr. March 2002-03: John R. Redgrave March 2004-05: Ronald A. Johnson March 2006: Joan Webster March 2007: Jeremy Whatmough March 2008: Harold (Hal) Lenobel March 2009: Lee Rothenberg March 2010: George Spoll March 2011-14: James L. (Jim) Brown March 2015-16: Jack Duncan March 2017: Terry Gans March 2018-19: George Spoll March 2020-23: Ken Schneier

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

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ERIC GARWOOD

ewly listed properties are barely making it through a workweek on the market before a contract is signed, a condition Realtors, clients and buyers have been experiencing for months.

In the latest batch of residential real estate data released by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee, the key figures driving the local market (and that of Florida, generally) are coming into sharp focus: more buyers than properties.

“The February 2022 housing statistics indicate just how low inventory is and its impact on our market.

There simply aren’t enough homes to sell, leaving us with fewer closed sales than the previous year,” said 2022 RASM President Tony Veldkamp. “The recent uptick in mortgage rates is beginning to impact affordability for many, especially for first-time home buyers looking to buy as a reaction to rising rent prices. Meanwhile, there is still a large demand coming from out-of-state transplants who are looking to buy in our area of Florida. This imbalance of supply and demand contributes to the rapidly increasing prices we continue to see each month.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in 2020, Sarasota-Bradenton real estate numbers have reflected a shift from the typical commuteto-work lifestyle to one allowing for relocating and working remotely.

In both Manatee and Sarasota counties, the median time to contract for homes and condos was six days, less than half the time such a transaction took in 2021. New listings in Sarasota were down in February by 7% and by 8% in Manatee.

Prices have responded to that basic economic principal of supply and demand, too. In February 2022,

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the median price for a single-family home was up 23.9% to $458,450.

At the end of February, there were 1,287 listings combined in both counties, down by 4.5% from January 2022 and down by 42.6% from February 2021.

The inventory of single-family homes decreased year over year by 35.2% in Sarasota County and by 27% in Manatee County. Compared with last year, Sarasota’s condo inventory is down by 63.2% and Manatee’s decreased by 48.8%.

Overall closed sales in the two counties decreased by 17% from February 2021, with a total of 1,811 sales in February 2022. February sales are up by 2.6% from January 2022.

In the single-family home market, closed sales in Manatee County increased year over year by 4.3% to 559 sales and decreased in Sarasota County by 16.8% to 691. Closed sales for condos decreased in both counties, down by 16.8% to 247 sales in Manatee and down by 39.4% to 314 sales in Sarasota.

The benchmark mortgage rate for a 30-year loan last week was 4.4%, up from 4.14% the previous week.

The median time to contract for homes and condos in the region is less than a week.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

7

Amphitheater proposed for St. Armands Sarasota commissioners unsure of their authority over the circle.

BLAKE FUSSELL STAFF WRITER

C

ity commissioners discussed the possibility of adding an amphitheater to the center of St. Armands Circle on Monday, ending in a decision to further research the idea and the legality of adding an attraction to the circle.

The amphitheater proposal, designed and presented by Tom Leonard, a St. Armands resident and property owner, would be placed in the same location Ride Entertainment has asked to build a circusthemed carousel. Leonard, however, said the amphitheater is the better use of the space.

“I try to think of St. Armands holistically, not just for my personal gain,” Leonard said. “St. Armands is a jewel of Sarasota, and this amphitheater falls in line with the master plan. It would be an attractive placeholder for events, spill-over dollars to merchants, bring tax dollars to the city and revenues from parking.”

Leonard said it would be designed in the mid-century modern style.

The amphitheater would be elevated to assist with stormwater and drainage issues in the park while giving guests seated in the back a view over those in front.

In addition to being a venue for events, the amphitheater would provide additional city bathrooms and an area dedicated to honoring the Circus Ring of Fame. While it would maintain the cultural theme of Sarasota, the amphitheater would also solve problems already noted by the commission, according to Leonard.

“It’s going to create shelter for special events; it’s going to create less work for the parks department; it will widen sidewalks, and it will increase property values,” Leonard said. “I think it will also

File rendering

Amphitheater proponent Tom Leonard says the mid-century structure would activate the St. Armands Circle’s center.

help with traffic. My goal is to make St. Armands self-sustaining, and I think that’s what the amphitheater will do.”

Several members of the St. Armands Merchant’s Association and the St. Armands Condominium Association voiced support for the proposed amphitheater, some of whom spoke dismissively of Ride Entertainment’s previous pitch for a carousel. Leonard also spoke when Ride Entertainment discussed the carousel idea in February.

Leonard said the carousel would damage the atmosphere around St. Armands Circle. The carousel’s music and general out-of-place feel would be damaging and a near-permanent decision, Leonard said.

“The Business Improvement District is looking to add condominiums

“St. Armands is a jewel of Sarasota, and this amphitheater falls in line with the master plan.

It would be an attractive placeholder for events. . . .”

— Tom Leonard

on the circle, and I think that’s going to be approved,” Leonard said in February. “If you put a carousel in the park, who is going to want to listen to that through their windows?

“The problem is that this isn’t something we can try for a year and

give it back. This carousel is a multimillion dollar investment that could be there for 50 years. We’d have to live with this thing.”

The carousel would operate on a set schedule and be available for private parties to rent. A system informing riders the time their ride will begin would aim to minimize traffic congestion and parking issues.

Ride Entertainment has developed similar attractions in other cities.

The company’s high-end carousels cost as much as $5 million.

“Our goal with this project is to create a wonderful entertainment opportunity that complements the city and brings awesome entertainment to all parties,” Jen Harvat of Ride Entertainment said in February.

“It would extend the stay of visitors to the circle and to activate a beauti-

ful park.”

Commissioner Hagen Brody said on Monday that he found the amphitheater idea interesting but also reminded the other commissioners of his support for the carousel. He said that even though he supports the carousel, he does not see it as an opportunity for a carnival ride but a way to preserve Sarasota culture.

Similar to the action made toward the amphitheater, commissioners decided to further evaluate the carousel idea and what its construction would entail. Brody said that he has wanted to continue building Sarasota as a tourism destination but there are also historical values to be respected.

“I’m interested in the historic preservation issue,” Brody said. “The commission needs to see where we need to be cognizant of historical designations, because sometimes that can limit you so much that you can’t make additions that the community agrees would enhance the experience.”

While the amphitheater’s design proposed that it would assist with stormwater control, Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch raised the question of whether the commission had the authority to build on the property, for it has already acted as a stormwater control entity. She said that the legality of construction should be reviewed before any entertainment options for the center of the circle are decided upon.

Commissioner Liz Alpert seconded Ahearn-Koch’s point and said more information is needed to make the best decision. Alpert made a motion to gather more information.

“I feel the same about the amphitheater as I do about the carousel, and that’s that we don’t have enough information to make a decision,” Alpert said. “We don’t know the size; we don’t know a lot of things. And the most important factor is, can we do anything at all?”

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

OPINION / OUR VIEW

Dead? Not us Weekly newspapers are being shuttered by hedge fund owners. We’re long from being gone at the Observer Media Group.

EMILY WALSH

E

very so often, a headline shocks even us.

Recently, Dan Kennedy, a professor at Northeastern University’s School of Journalism, posted “Gannett goes on a massive spree of closing and merging weekly newspapers” on his blog, Media Nation. The post reported on Gannett’s recent closures of 19 of its weekly newspapers and merging of nine weeklies into four in eastern Massachusetts. Gannett, the largest U.S. newspaper chain, is the parent

company of the Sarasota HeraldTribune and USA Today.

Kennedy went on to reference a tweet by Greg Reibman, president of the Charles River Regional Chamber and a former journalist at GateHouse Media, which merged with Gannett in 2019, that linked to another post titled, “Local newspapers aren’t dying. They’re dead.”

All due respect, sir, but we’d like to disagree.

It’s hard to deny the turmoil that the newspaper industry is facing.

Locally you’ve seen it with Gannett imposing multiple rounds of layoffs of local journalists leaving so few bylines behind in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune that it seems the entire daily paper includes stories from the USA Today network. In May 2021, Gannett closed the Sarasota Herald-Tribune printing press.

McClatchy, owner of the Bradenton Herald and Miami Herald, dropped its Saturday print edition in February 2020. And possibly the most dramatic was when the Tampa Bay Times, the largest newspaper in Florida, dropped all but two of its print editions in April 2020 during the pandemic, saying it was a temporary yet ultimately permanent decision.

While Gannett informed its readers of the closures in statements that said, “It will no longer arrive at the end of your driveway or in the mailbox once a week” we at the Observer Media Group are doing

LONGBOAT

DING! DING! ALL ABOARD We think that the city of Sarasota’s new open-air free trolley service, the Bay Runner, has made Sarasota funner … yes, we know that’s not a word, but it rhymes.

What’s not to like about the whimsically decorated trolleys in turquoise and orange transporting happy passengers back File photo and forth from downtown to the beach? The Observer offices are right across the street from one of the Bay Runner’s stops at 1900 Main Street and it’s a delight to hear the cheery ding-ding of its bell throughout the day.

Apparently if you want to make driving through the Gulfstream and U.S. 41 roundabout construction fun, take a ride on the Bay Runner.

Those trolley riders, who are the only ones smiling, think those twists and turns are even video-worthy while they document the experience on their phones.

And it seems the new service is successful too. According to Jan Thornburg, senior communications manager with the city of Sarasota, in its first three weeks the Bay Runner has had 9,455 riders.

exactly the opposite.

Our print editions in our bigger, bolder new broadsheet size are not going anywhere and our distribution remains strong at 60,000 copies each week. We recently expanded home delivery to select neighborhoods and are in the process of adding more. In fact, if we’re not already in your driveway every Thursday, you can sign up here: YourObserver.com/home-delivery.

If anything, we’re trying to figure out how we can get our news in front of even more eyeballs.

Digitally, we continue to grow and are in the middle of a migration project to a new content management system for our websites to provide an even slicker experience for our largest and fastest-growing audience online.

So, while hedge funds shut down and consolidate their weekly newspapers, these family-owned and -operated weekly newspapers continue to grow and add value to our publications.

Read on below for more.

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Hughes, KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Eric Garwood, EGarwood@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Mark Bergin, MBergin@ YourObserver.com; Nat Kaemmerer, NKaemmerer@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Shawn Candela, SCandela@YourObserver.com Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; José Valle, JValle@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Spencer Fordin, SFordin@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Digital Sales and Business Development Manager / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@ YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Audri Ferguson, AFerguson@ YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Manager / Lori Downey, LDowney @YourObserver.com Advertising Assistant / Sam Johnson, SJohnson@YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma Burke, EBurke@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Marketing Coordinator / Samantha Dischinger, SDischinger@YourObserver.com

He’s back … and still marooned H e’s back! Woo-hoo!

The Castaway is back!

After a too-long hiatus, Sarasota and internationally known artist Jorge Blanco has returned to the Opinion pages of the Longboat, Sarasota and Siesta Key Observers by way of his clever little character The Castaway.

Many of our longtime Observer readers might remember The Castaway. He appeared weekly on our Opinion page from July 2011 until January 2015. The latter date was when we introduced a new design in the Observers and took a breather from Blanco — hoping the Castaway might be rescued from his island.

But lo and behold, and to our and our readers’ good fortune, Blanco’s Castaway is still marooned by himself on his tiny tropical island.

And our readers will get to see his whimsical antics twice a month.

We love the way Blanco explains the concept behind The Castaway: “Everyone needs an escape,” Blanco tells us. “The Castaway is an expression of a yearning for solitude that we might all feel, the urge to escape and take refuge alone, in a quiet imaginary place where Mother Nature will watch over us.

“To tell this solitary story, I work with simple lines and no words, trying to convey that even without belongings (such as clothing), through the power of our thoughts and imagination, we can create a beautiful environment, much like the fantasy tropical island, surrounded by an immense warm ocean of dreams where The Castaway lives and thrives.”

The Castaway, in fact, embodies seven characteristics that Blanco applies to almost all of his art and sculptures. They are: n Original n Universal n No language

Photos courtesy of Barbara Banks

Artist Jorge Blanco and his “Bravo!” sculpture at the Ringling Boulevard and Orange Avenue roundabout.

n Minimalist n No political reference n No religious reference n Refined humor

The last one is the best: Blanco’s refined humor. We’ll guarantee you the humor in The Castaway will make you smile every time you see the strip and, indeed, allow you to escape, even if it’s for a brief moment. Blanco’s imagination is indeed extraordinarily clever.

But this is also true: The Castaway and all of Blanco’s sculptures and art are a reflection of Blanco himself — his kind and cheerful disposition. Even in person, he always makes you smile.

An American born in Venezuela in 1945, Blanco emigrated to the United States in 1999. By then, he was well known in international art circles for his distinctive style. His biography provides an apt description of Blanco’s unique style:

“His art values a positive lifestyle, creating soaring testaments to the optimism of everyday life …

His work embraces scale, landscape, urbanism and technology. In a singular fashion, his art, with its striking colors and impressive scale, imbues the surrounding landscape, architecture and social context with an unforgettable joyful aura.

“Look closely at his subtle and distinctly personal visual lexicon, and you will spot the influence of Alexander Calder, Paul Klee and Joan Miró, the Italian Futurists like Fortunato Depero, among others. Yet there is nothing derivative about Blanco’s emblematic abstractions.

“By using geometric forms, Blanco emphasizes planes in his minimalist creations. His background as an industrial designer can be seen in his use of hardware as intrinsic parts of this sculptures.”

Blanco’s largest body of work is in the United States. He has 25 permanent sculptures in urban spaces in the United States, four in Tokyo, Japan, and one in Caracas, Venezuela. His work is also in private collections in the United States, South America, Europe and Asia.

In Sarasota, two of Blanco’s characteristic sculptures are part of downtown: “The Runners,” the yellow sculptures in the median on North Tamiami Trail just north of Boulevard of the Arts, and “Bravo!” the sculpture at the Ringling Boulevard and Orange Avenue.

Says Blanco: “Art is a form of communication. Through my work, I want to inspire people to be more active and joyful. I want people to smile.”

He does a great job of that. We hope you enjoy The Castaway as much as we do.

Welcome back, Jorge.

— Matt Walsh

Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Director of Information Technology / Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com

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CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles 1970 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

PREDAWN PALM 4:24 a.m., 1600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Traffic hazard: An officer on patrol spotted a large palm frond on the roadway and removed it.

FOUND IT 1 p.m., 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway Citizen assist: An officer helped a resident find a lost handicappedparking permit in a vehicle parked at a shopping plaza. It was on the floor of the vehicle’s passenger side.

NO BARK 8:47 p.m., 500 block of Channel Lane Animal complaint: Police who responded to a call about a barking dog reported hearing no such noise upon arrival. The caller said it was difficult to pinpoint a location.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12

Courtesy photo

Driver cited after parking on beach off North Shore Road Longboat Key police last week cited an out-of-town visitor who drove an SUV on the beach at the end of North Shore Road.

Officers responded to an anonymous call on March 17 about a four-wheel drive vehicle parked beyond the pavement. When an officer arrived, he found a rented 2020 Jeep Wrangler about ¼ mile into the sand.

The incident was reported to police at 6:59 p.m.

The 25-year-old driver, who identified himself with a German passport and a Florida driver’s license with a Bonita Springs address, told the officer he was not aware parking was prohibited on the beach and did not see signs to that effect.

The officer pointed out signs that say no vehicles are permitted on the beach and issued the driver a town parking citation.

The driver removed the vehicle from the beach without incident.

A photo provided to the town of Longboat Key shows a Jeep Wrangler parked on the beach at the end of North Shore Road.

GONE 11:09 p.m., 7200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious vehicle: A caller reported a sedan driving fast southbound in the northbound lane of the Longboat Pass bridge. With only a basic description of the type of vehicle seen, the officer reported back that he saw no cars driving fast or in the wrong lane.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13

LET’S GO TO THE VIDEO 1:10 p.m., Harbourside Drive Miscellaneous boating: Following up on a report of reckless operators of personal watercraft, the town’s marine patrol officer initially found no signs of trouble on the water.

But the next day, a resident called police saying she had video to share with the investigating officer of the previous day’s events. Arrangements were made for the video to be shared with officers.

MONDAY, MARCH 14

SIGHT UNSEEN 12:21 p.m., 3400 block of Winding Oaks Drive Citizen assist: The new owner of a home who hadn’t visited the property in person before buying called police concerned about what looked to her like evidence of an attempted

break-in. The owner said the home had only been viewed virtually, and damage to the sliding glass door handle wasn’t evident. The officer who inspected the door reported the damage appeared to be pre-existing, and there were no signs of pry marks or other signs of forced entry.

TUESDAY, MARCH 15

NO FUELING 2:20 p.m., 6800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: An officer drove up on a disabled vehicle and offered assistance. The driver said the vehicle was experiencing difficulties connected to a balky fuel pump.

The officer helped push the car off the road, and the owner said further help was on the way.

TIME TO GO HOME 5:52 p.m., Bayside Drive and Cedar Street Noise complaint: An officer responding to a report of noise encountered a landscaping team working past the town’s 5 p.m. cutoff for such work. The foreman said the workers would stop.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

HELPING OUT 9:40 a.m., 3000 block of Grand Bay Boulevard Rescue assist: Police responded along with fire-rescue units on a rescue call. No police assistance was needed, and the officer resumed patrol.

PHONING IT IN 10:20 p.m., 100 block of Sands Point Road Domestic disturbance: The sound of a yelling man prompted a call to police. Once on the scene, the caller told officers he had heard the raised voice of a man but wasn’t sure from which until the voice came. While canvassing the area, an officer also heard the sound of a man yelling and knocked on the door of the unit.

The man inside said he was arguing with a family member on the phone.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17

SIGNS OF A VIOLATION 1:01 p.m., 700 block of Linley Street Miscellaneous boating: An officer was sent to the town boat ramp in Longbeach Village on an anonymous

9

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

SUNDAY, MARCH 13

FLY FREE 4:58 p.m., 6300 block of Gulfside Road Animal assistance: A pair of officers who encountered a seagull tangled in braided fishing line gained control of the bird long enough to unsnare it from the discarded line. The bird flew away without incident.

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report of two dinghies tied off to the dock, a violation of town regulations.

The officer found the situation as described and contacted the owner of the boats via cell phone, informing her that the small boats should be moved to an appropriate location. A request was also lodged with the town’s Public Works Department to repair or replace Mooring Prohibited signs.

TROUBLE IS BUILDING 10:37 a.m., 3700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen dispute: Police were called to the site of ongoing construction to look into a dispute between a nearby resident and a construction vehicle operator. The operator said a man in a golf cart was upset that a construction vehicle was blocking access for the cart to approach a trash bin. The operator said the golf cart driver was upset and shouldered aside a mirror on the construction vehicle. The operator told the officer he has permission from the homeowners association to park where he parked. The officer told the golf cart driver that this issue appears to be one involving the homeowners’ group, not the police.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Insurance firm moves north

BUSINESS

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting for the new location of the longtime business.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

T

here was a sense of deja vu at the Secur-All Insurance ribbon-cutting on March 18. Though ribbon-cuttings typically celebrate new businesses, Secur-All has been part of the Longboat Key community for 12 years.

However, the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce festivities were to celebrate the business’s move to the north end of the island.

Sandra Smith, agent and office manager, moved her team there in June of last year. Since opening in 2009, the agency had been on Bay Isles Road, where the Truist building now is.

Smith cut the ribbon at 6350 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

“It was time to get to another part of the Key,” Smith said. “It’s a new neck of the woods where a lot of new life is. It’s smart to have that Gulf of Mexico Drive exposure, and we’re still your neighborhood agents.”

Smith now shares the building with another new business, Reed Medical Group, which she was also promoting at the ribbon-cutting.

She wanted to introduce her clients to the new doctor, who opened a concierge medical group in February, and get their professional relationship going. The building will be renamed the Longboat Key Professional Center, and Smith hopes to work with Reed Medical Group to promote both of them.

“This building has been brought back to life,” Smith said.

Smith’s cooperation and support of her fellow businesspeople is nothing new. She’s been a Longboat Key resident for 25 years and threw herself into her community once she opened Secur-All.

Nat Kaemmerer

Since opening, Smith has made it a point to support philanthropic endeavors like the Kiwanis Lawn Party, which she’s sponsored every year. Her Chihuahua, which serves as Secur-All’s unofficial mascot, also comes to many of her events.

Her Secur-All agency is an offshoot of her father’s, which began on Long Island in the 1960s. Before she opened the office, she worked at the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort and the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center and used her local contacts to grow the business when she started.

At first, she advertised little and grew the business by working with friends to get them the best insurance premiums she could find.

As the business grew, she moved from the office at Harbour Square into the SunTrust building, now the Truist building. Her team works with everyone from homeowners to parttime residents to condo owners to homeowners associations.

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce has traditionally done ribbon-cuttings when a new business opens on the Key, and chamber President Gail Loefgren said that since Covid, more and more businesses have moved here. In the past year, the chamber has hosted three: Ultra-Yacht, Symphony Massage and La Vita Zen. “This year and last has been the most business growth I’ve seen on

the island since ever, and I’ve been here since 1993,” Loefgren said.

“This kind of growth wouldn’t have happened in the ’90s.”

Like Smith, the business community has been supportive of new businesses entering the Longboat Key landscape, and businesses that are good for Longboat Key residents have been thriving. Ambassadors come bearing novelty scissors (which have to be sharpened every few years) to celebrate the new addition to the community. Recently, the family’s been growing at a high rate.

“We’ve had those big scissors forever; we’ve always done ribboncuttings,” Loefgren said.

Ambassadors Darrin Caldwell and Kellie Spring cut the ribbon along with Sandra Smith, the Secur-All team and the Reed Medical Group team.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Savor the Sounds finale draws crowd

T

he tables have been decorated, the sounds have been savored, and for now, it’s coming to an end. The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce hosted the final Savor the Sounds concert for 2022 on March 19.

Shantel Norman and the Shantel Norman Group performed at the finale and brought classic soul and funk tunes to Town Center Green. Before the main act, singer Mike Sales performed an impromptu opening set at the edge of the green.

About 150 people came to set up their VIP tables, unfold lawn chairs or spread out a blanket on the grass.

This was the highest attendance of any Savor the Sounds concert; both of the previous ones drew right around 100 attendees.

Unlike those events, which featured chilly winds in January and early sunset in February, the March 19 concert had attendees seeking out the shadiest spots for their setups.

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

The Secur-All table was set up right in front of the stage.

—NAT KAEMMERER

Mike Sales put on an opening act.

Pete Mitchell and Anne Bergstrom enjoy snacks before the concert started.

Above: The Shantel Norman Group backs up their eponymous leader. Left: Randall Graham, Paula Kramer and Mark Kramer stand in the shade of the Michael Saunders & Co. tent.

Above: The Whisnant family brought a flower arrangement and cloth napkins to their setup. Left: Megan Cassidy and Earl Larson pour drinks at the Michael Saunders & Co. tent.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

March Madness, pickleball style

M

arch Madness started on March 17, but not just on the college basketball court. Residents of Longboat Harbour Condominiums played in their first pickleball tournament, using a double elimination format to move players through the bracket.

Players, often dressed in green for St. Patrick’s Day, drew plastic gold coins from a hat to find their lucky partner in each game, then took to the courts. After each round, a few players were eliminated and others moved on. At the sidelines, about 50 players and spectators watched the action unfold.

Ken Comeforo organized the tournament and spent his day as a line judge along with Suzanne Marschke. The community’s tennis court was converted into pickleball courts several years ago, Comeforo said, when no one was really using the court for tennis.

“We got into pickleball, and since we did that it’s done so well and we’ve had so many play that we decided to do a tournament,” Comeforo said.

At the end of the day, Rob Dice and John Bruno were victorious.

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Ken Comeforo and Suzanne Marschke organized the tournament. Left: Darlene Sedlock hits a point while playing with Mac Pratt.

Above: Andy Tanchel and Mary Dice go for the ball. Left: About 50 players and spectators sat on the sidelines to watch games.

–NAT KAEMMERER

Above: Gretchen Burns updates the bracket. Left: John Bruno and Mike McNeil wore green for the St. Patrick’s Day tournament.

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Above: Sebastian Boucher, Andrew Harvey and other members of the Sarasota Military Academy’s color guard were on hand for the event. Left: Patricia Wilson with Steve and Diana Mallery

Photos by Harry Sayer

Dan Bailey led off the event.

50 years of prayer

J Above: Kay Stone with the Rev. Joyce Woolever Holmes and Donna Bailey Left: Capt. Demitri Konstantopolous of the Sarasota Police Department and Danny Bilyeu

Above: Joy Irwin Schtakleff and Sebastian Rysko Left: Deacon Humberto Alvia and Joel Swallow

gigigigi gigi

an Hamel Solomon remembers helping her father, J.D. Hamel, organize and prepare some of the first Sarasota prayer breakfasts decades ago.

When asked to speak at the event’s 50th anniversary event on March 17, Solomon said it felt like a homecoming.

She and several other local dignitaries took part in the 50th anniversary prayer breakfast at the Hyatt Regency. Nearly 500 people attended the celebratory event, which featured guest speaker William Federer as well as NFL player-turned-motivational speaker Ricky Bolden.

After attendees spent a brief time mingling, the program started with lawyer Dan Bailey thanking the crowd for attending the breakfast. Stephan Dart sounded the shofar to mark the start of the opening prayer led by Joy Irwin Schtakleff. Schtakleff is the daughter of Apollo 15 astronaut James Irwin and president of the High Flight Foundation.

The Sarasota Military Academy color guard presented the colors before the audience was welcomed by Sarasota County Commission Chair Alan Maio.

Jan Solomon and her husband, Tim, relayed a message of peace and prayer before Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee CEO Shep Englander’s Old Testament reading. The Rev. Jerzy “George” Suszko delivered the New Testament reading before Ricky Bolden offered a prayer for leadership.

Guest speaker William Federer took time to speak to the audience before the ceremony ended with a benediction by deacon Humberto Alvia.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Victoria Brill and Jordan Keller Engagement Announcement

Nat Kaemmerer

Lynn Larson, Ken Schneier, Cynthia Craig, Bob Gault, Michael Garey, Chuck Whittall and Jim Brown present the check.

Jack and Antoinette Brill of Longboat Key are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Victoria Brill, to Jordan Keller, son of Cindy Bunge of Du Quoin Il. Victoria is a graduate of George Mason University.

After college she proceeded to graduate with a master’s from the University of South Florida. Victoria is the chief legislative assistant with Florida Sen. Joe Gruters in Sarasota.

Jordan graduated from Park University, where he also received his master’s degree. Jordan is employed as a commercial estimator with Mullet’s Aluminum in the product management field in Sarasota.

The couple met in the

Kiwanis delivers Lawn Party’s largesse

spring of 2020 leading to the proposal at the Finish Tower at Nathan Benderson Park in November 2021.

Victoria and Jordan will be married on Saturday, June 4 at Incarnation Catholic Church. The reception will follow at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. They will reside in Sarasota after the wedding.

The event brought in $90,000, and direct donations from attendees brought in another $30,000.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

T

here was no shortage of green at the March 17 meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key. Club members celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by wearing green and took the day to tie up the final count of the funds brought in from the Lawn Party in December. At the meeting, the club officially passed along its $90,000 check to the Children’s Guardian Fund.

“We’re excited to be doing the rewarding of the green today,” club President Michael Garey said.

All told, the club brought in more than $120,000 for the organization, which helps local children in foster

CEREMONY: Saturday, June 4 Incarnation Catholic Church RECEPTION: Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

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LAKEWOOD RANCH SERIES

SARASOTA SERIES

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care and focuses on getting them tutoring. Funds from the Lawn Party, sponsorships, matches and direct donations from Lawn Party attendees made up the total. Previously, a Lawn Party brought in about $60,000, said Kiwanis Foundation Chair Bob Gault.

“It’s a proud and great day for our club,” Garey said.

To celebrate, Garey invited the event’s biggest sponsors to come for breakfast, including Cynthia Craig, Ken Schneier and Jim Brown from the Longboat Key Foundation.

Chuck Whittall, CEO of Unicorp National Developments, which is building the Residences at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, was the platinum sponsor and provided an update on the construction project.

He hopes to make the St. Regis property a part of the community for events to come.

“We’re happy to be part of this and part of the community, and we will keep doing this,” Whittall said.

Craig is a guardian ad litem with the

Children’s Guardian Foundation and works with the foster children in the program. There are about 1,200 children in the local foster system, and the Children’s Guardian Fund works primarily with children in the care of relatives rather than in licensed foster care, as relatives receive less of a subsidy to care for the children and often struggle to do so.

“The children, when they get to school, they start out behind,” Craig said. “If you can imagine a race, and here’s the starting line, they’re not even in the parking lot. So we have come to recognize that the best thing we can do for these kids is to provide academic tutoring one on one, to get them up to speed as fast as we can. It has been a phenomenally successful program, and until now, we always had more requests for tutoring than we could pay for. Now we can pay for everybody who wants it and needs it, and we don’t have to cut it off. If the child is participating and trying, we’ll keep going as long as the child needs it, and it’s all because of you.”

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Global Issues Lectures & Music Mondays Conversations Next Week’s Programs:

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MUSICAL CONVERSATIONS WITH GREAT PERFORMERS

Monday, March 28

Sarasota,10:30 am - Venice, 3:00 pm Richard Sherman, Flute is professor of flute, Michigan State University College of Music, a soloist, orchestral musician, and recitalist.

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Global Issues 26 SPEAKERS JAN - MAR AN INSIDER’S VIEW OF TODAY’S WORLD

Tuesday, March 29

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Our Own Worst Enemy: The Global Assault From Within on Modern Democracy Thomas Nichols challenges us to rethink

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the origins of anti-democratic movements and to consider whether the responsibility rests on the citizens of the democracies themselves

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political campaigns, and viral misinformation alters the fate of nations in a battlespace playing out on smartphones and explain how we can navigate a world increasingly shaped by "likes" and lies.

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All members & guests, regardless of vaccination/test status must wear a mask over their nose and mouth while inside the building, unless eating or drinking. Proof of vaccination, or recent negative PCR Covid-19 test, is also required.

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Wednesday, March 30 Sarasota,10:30 am The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Knowledge and Why It’s a Threat to Democracy Thomas Nichols argues that attacks

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Legacy reclaimed “All of the show business people — Black vaudeville and Black entertainers — they all knew each other whether they were the opening act or the closing act,” said Preston-Folta.

“But when my mother’s husband passed, that’s when my father said to my mother, ‘I’m supposed to take care of you.’

“That was the beginning of their relationship outside of the friendship. As a little kid, even though my father was still married, we traveled with him. He came to the house on occasion. When I was real little, I would actually go on the road, and we’d spend at least a month with him traveling around. That was a great experience.”

Armstrong, said Preston-Folta, purchased a house for her mom in Mount Vernon, New York, and was a presence in her life. Preston-Folta fondly remembers playing the piano and the accordion for him, but she said he never offered to teach her how to play trumpet.

Preston-Folta said her parents had a rupture in their relationship when she was about 12, and four years later, Armstrong died. That robbed her of an opportunity to get to know her father better and increased the stakes of telling people her true identity.

“When I was really little, it didn’t phase me because we were with him a lot,” she said. “When I got older is when it started to bother me. I went to private school all the way through, and back in the ’60’s there weren’t a lot of single parents back then, unless they were widowed. And my mother was widowed, so that’s what people thought. They didn’t ask questions.

But it was lonely, even though I had a lot of family. Especially for my mother. As I got older, I felt it more, and as an older child, you need both parents. It became tough.”

Preston-Folta attended Westchester Community College and Iona College and embarked on a career in radio advertising sales. She worked in New York for decades and moved to Sarasota around 17 years ago. For the past nine years, she’s worked for WUSF, Tampa’s NPR affiliate.

SPENCER FORDIN A+E EDITOR

S

arasota resident Sharon Preston-Folta lived with a momentous secret for most of her life. Now that she’s disclosed it, she’s relishing the chance to set the record straight.

Preston-Folta, the daughter of jazz legend Louis Armstrong, spent decades in the shadows, but she pulled back the cloak of secrecy by writing and publishing “Little Satchmo” as a memoir. A documentary has since been made on her story, and it’s making the rounds on the film festival circuit, including screenings during the upcoming Sarasota Film Festival.

Preston-Folta answered questions at the regional premiere of the documentary, and she’s been proud of the way her story has been received.

“Just for so long, it was really tough to feel I had the right to own my story,” she said of reclaiming her place in history. “It didn’t go without a lot of coaching and encouragement and all of that to get to a place where I felt confident and strong enough to pursue it.”

Preston-Folta’s mother was Lucille Preston, half of a famed dance team with her husband, Luther Preston.

Luther Preston died in 1950, and Lucille began a relationship with Armstrong, but it was a family secret they kept to protect themselves and Armstrong’s legacy.

When she was young, PrestonFolta didn’t really feel affected by that secret. It was only as she got older and began to understand the way it impacted her life that it became an issue.

“There were naysayers and doubters, but they were few and far between.

People embraced me. I selfpublished the book, and when people saw it, they would invite me to speak at their book clubs.”

— Sharon Preston-Folta

TAKING CONTROL OF HER STORY

The big leap in her life came in 2012, when she self-published her memoir and went public with her truth.

“It was empowering,” she said.

“But it was a little nerve-racking to go on that journey. I just felt it was the right thing to do. By the time I decided to do that, I was a grandmother. I was at a place in my life where I was thinking about what kind of legacy I want to leave. I just felt that the family secret was how my parents needed to handle it that way, but I did not.”

Preston-Folta said the aim in telling her story was to empower other people to take control of their own narrative. She has donated memorabilia from her father’s life to the Library of Congress and been thrilled by the way people have reacted to her.

“There were naysayers and doubters, but they were few and far between,” she said. “People embraced me. I self-published the book, and when people saw it, they would invite me to speak at their book clubs. In Mount Vernon, where I’m originally from, they invited me to do a book event. And people shared with me their experiences of him. That was an unexpected pleasure.”

The same process is now playing out with the movie.

The film made its world premiere in Greece and has also been shown at

The Center of Jewish Living on Longboat Key

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

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

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

• Bible Discussion Group meets on Wednesdays at 10 a.m.

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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.

RABBI STEPHEN L. SNIDERMAN, D.D.

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The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard Masks Are Optional

Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchoflbk.org (follow YouTube link)

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

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

er scale and correct the record about Armstrong’s life.

“Now it’s so different with the way social media is. You’re so much closer to your icons,” she said. “It gives a more human touch to who he is as a person. It gives a whole new meaning to his songs when I listen to them.

He had a daughter, and this was the music he was making.”

For Preston-Folta, the revelation has meant so much personally but hasn’t really impacted the way people treat her. She’s still Sharon, she said, and the people who know and have worked with her have no problem reconciling who she is with where she came from.

“It’s a change in that I don’t have to whisper it anymore. But for the most part people are not treating me differently,” she said. “I do get to meet more people that were connected to him or love him. People are coming up to me thanking me for just being brave enough to tell my story.

“So many people have different stories of their own that they just keep inside because they don’t feel they can share them. My story isn’t the prettiest story, but it’s my story.

There’s good in everything, and I’m bringing that part out.”

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!

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festivals in Croatia, Italy and Canada. It is now making the rounds of the film circuit inside the United States.

The documentary will be shown April 3 and 4 at the Sarasota Film Festival, and PBS viewers will have a chance to see it on TV on April 11.

Screening details are available at SarasotaFilmFestival.com.

Producer Lea Umberger, who helped Preston-Folta bring her memoir to the screen, said it was a labor of love to tell the story in another medium.

Umberger said she met PrestonFolta while working on another project and was gobsmacked when she learned about Armstrong.

“I read the book and was like, ‘Oh my God,’” she said. “It was really beautiful because I connected with it as a daughter. I love Louis Armstrong, and I love his music, but it was connecting with the person as a daughter and seeing what she went through. She had a connection with her dad but not a full connection with her dad. That was one of the most important things and the thing we connected on the most. It’s the reason she trusted us with the story.

She could’ve gone to anyone with her information, and she trusted us.”

Umberger said the creative team behind the documentary was thrilled to be able to tell the story on a grand-

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Courtesy photo

Sharon Preston-Folta, daughter of Louis Armstrong, is reclaiming her narrative and telling the world about her childhood.

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Sharon Preston-Folta couldn’t tell people the truth of her parentage for most of her life. Now she tells the world she is Louis Armstrong’s daughter.

Hundreds of Bargain Priced Books – Lightly Used and New

St. Armands Key

LUTHERAN CHURCH

JOIN US WORSHIP

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church • 40 North Adams Dr., Sarasota, FL • 941.388.1234

Saturday • March 26 th 9:00 am to 1:00 pm • • • • • • •

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church

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

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

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Inside Fellowship Hall - Christ Church of Longboat Key 6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

•

941.383.8833 (office)

•

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

www.christchurchoflbk.org

Classifieds 32 Games 31 Real Estate 27 Weather 31

MARCH 24, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Temple members show off their playful sides.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

S

tep aside, Regular Linda: Picasso Linda is here, for one night only.

Linda Rosenbluth, known for a night as “Picasso Linda,” was one of about a dozen Temple Beth Israel members to dress up for the congregation’s Purim party. She wore her actual painting clothes, including her speckled pants and shoes.

“I don’t always dress up on Purim, but it’s fun,” Rosenbluth said. “I never want to let a fun experience pass.”

Her costume didn’t have anything to do with the story of the holiday, but that’s how it is on Purim. Rosenbluth attended with her husband, Robert Rosenbluth, who was a cowboy for the evening. His father-in-law was a real cowboy in Maricopa County back in the day, so he donned his old hat. Pair that with a vest and cowboy boots and you’ve got the Sundance Kid to Rabbi Michael Eisenstat’s Butch Cassidy.

“It’s a carnival-like festival,” Rabbi Stephen Sniderman said. “We dress up, let our hair down, so to speak, and put on our silly little outfits for the fun of it.”

The rest of the costumed crew dressed up in outfits ranging from the Purim-based, like the good Queen Esther or the evil Haman, to the fun and silly, like a couple dressed as peanut butter and jelly.

“I eat peanut butter every morning; that’s why I dressed like this,” Susan Friedman said. “In case anyone’s wondering, you can get just about anything on Amazon.”

Most of the costumes were quick and easy ensembles pulled together from what attendees had in their closets. Roberta Wladis, a Syracuse cheerleader, pulled hers together in about five minutes thanks to her alumni sweatshirt from the 1960s.

On Purim, the tradition of dressing up has a few origins: the hidden Jewish identity of Queen Esther, to reflect the miracles hidden in the events of the Purim story, or to reflect Mordecai’s disguise.

“You’re supposed to dress up for Purim; it’s a costume party,” Wladis said.

Costumed guests made their way into the sanctuary, where Sniderman did the readings for Purim. The story behind the holiday is from the Book of Esther and recounts when the Jewish population of Persia was saved by Queen Esther from the king’s royal vizier, Haman, who planned to kill them all. Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, thwarted Haman’s plans — therefore, you spin noisemakers when Haman is mentioned to drown him out, and you cheer when Mordecai is brought up. As opposed to the High Holidays, which have a serious air, Purim is a party, plain and simple.

Each congregation celebrates a little differently, perhaps with a longer reading or a more raucous party.

“We’re trying to be civilized in our revelry,” Sniderman said. “We’re not going half the night because we need to be in bed.”

A couple shady Hamans and lovely Queen Esthers showed up, including temple President Stuart Sinai and Carole Shaw as the pair, but JoAnn Goldwater took another approach.

Dressed in gloves, pearls and a hat with a red rose, she wore a sign that read, “The Other Queen.”

“All the little girls dress as Queen Esther, so I dressed as the other queen, Elizabeth,” Goldwater said.

Snacks were served after The Other Queen, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Picasso Linda, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, a Syracuse cheerleader, a Dali painting and a few Hamans and Esthers made their way to the social hall. The featured food was hamantaschen made by Arlene Krum. Before attendees parted ways, Elise Galinsky passed out prizes for the best costume, and the Friedmans, as peanut butter and jelly, took home first place.

Above: The tables were decorated with carnival decor.

Right: Walter Frank called his costume “Where’s the beach?” and wore his great-granddaughter’s Mickey Mouse sunglasses.

Above: Faye Dunnick dressed as a Dali painting, complete with the painter’s mask. Left: Picasso Linda, also known as Linda Rosenbluth.

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PURIM PARTY

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Robert Rosenbluth and Rabbi Michael Eisenstat both dressed as cowboys. Left: In total 13 people dressed up.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

19

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Attendees hit the buffet. Below: Joi Ronan, Dan Ronan, Bruce Flory and Patti Meeder

Above: A record number of guests attended the dinner. Left: Akiem Esdaile provides music for the evening, as he does for most Garden Club events.

Below: Judy Kelsey and Dan Kelsey wait to grab some dinner before the movie.

Marian Witte, Cyndi Seamon, Lloyd Witte and Sam Lastinger grab drinks before the movie.

Dinner and a Movie’s second act

D

Cynthia Craig and Jaleigh White

inner, a movie and a beautiful sunset are a recipe for a good evening anywhere, especially on Longboat Key. On March 18, a record number of people took advantage of the Longboat Key Garden Club’s Dinner and a Movie event.

This time, 140 people came out for dinner and to watch “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” on an inflatable projector at Bayfront Park.

Club President Susan Phillips said about 105 people attended the last Dinner and a Movie event, a record at the time. They also raised a record amount of money for their scholarship fund, which helps local students attend summer camps at Mote Marine Laboratory and

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Aquarium and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Usually, Dinner and a Movie happens only once a season, but the October event was a smash hit.

“At the end of the last event, as everybody was leaving they were saying, ‘When’s the next one?’”

Phillips said. “It was just so popular in October, and people are kind of starved for fun and socializing.

It’s a perfect event for this time of year and this location.”

Attendees mingled in Bayfront Park, bidding on auction items and catching up with friends until dinner. The tables were decorated with planes, trains and automobiles to fit the theme.

–NAT KAEMMERER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

LONGBOAT KEY

1507 BAY POINT DRIVE | NEW LISTING $11,500,000

5809 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE | NEW LISTING $2,290,000

21

BIRD KEY

5450 EAGLES POINT CIR UNIT #305 | ACTIVE LISTING $1,195,000

422 MEADOW LARK DRIVE | PENDING $6,995,000

BIRD KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

394 BOB WHITE DRIVE PENDING $5,295,000

5840 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE PENDING $4,960,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH: COUNTRY CLUB EAST 15708 CASTLE PARK TERRACE PENDING $1,595,000

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PHILLIPPI HARBOR

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

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

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

23

REAL ESTATE BY A REAL EXPERT

130 S. BLVD. OF PRESIDENTS • ST. ARMANDS KEY, FL

3010 GRAND BAY BLVD. #485, LONGBOAT KEY, FL

1930 HARBOURSIDE DR., #135, LONGBOAT KEY, FL

130 S. BLVD. OF PRESIDENTS • ST. ARMANDS KEY, FL

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

SATURDAY, MARCH 26

BOOK SALE From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Christ Church of Longboat Key, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, browse hundreds of lightly used, bargain-priced fiction and nonfiction books, jigsaw puzzles and more. The sale will be in the fellowship hall. Free coffee and cookies will be available.

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.

BEST BET FRIDAY, MARCH 25

CLASSES IN THE GARDEN: AL FRESCO SIPS AND BITES From 3-5 p.m. at Driftwood Beach Home and Garden, 6838 Gulf of Mexico Drive, take a class with Tina Anderson on creating an outdoor menu of simple sips and sweet and savory bites. Call 9600568 to reserve a spot.

TUESDAYS

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

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

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

RECURRING EVENTS MONDAYS

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

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

Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

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.

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY

MUSCLES AND MORE WITH ANN ALVIS

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

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

File photo

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, $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

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for members, $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 MUSIC MONDAYS AND GLOBAL

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

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,

• LOW $ DOWN • LOW PAYMENTS

$15 for others. Visit LongboatKey. org for information.

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

Visit LongboatKey.org for information.

WEDNESDAYS

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. Cost is $36 for the six-week program. To register, contact Katz at 366-2224 ext. 166 or jkatz@jfcscares.org.

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.

THURSDAYS

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.

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SARASOTA CONDO ON THE BAY 988 Blvd. of the Arts, #1215 $989,000

LONGBOAT KEY QUEENS HARBOUR 3509 Fair Oaks Court $1,199,000

LONGBOAT KEY GRAND BAY IV 3010 Grand Bay Blvd. #433 $1,895,000

SARASOTA TESSERA 500 S. Palm Ave. #52 $3,500,000

LONGBOAT KEY LONGBOAT KEY AQUARIUS CLUB SEAPLACE 2089 Gulf of Mexico Dr.#110 1701 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #103 $1,889,000 $1,225,000

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443 JOHN RINGLING BLVD., STE., F | SARASOTA, FL 34236 • 595 BAY ISLES RD., SUITE 250 | LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

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

ST. ARMANDS KEY 96 N Washington Drive 3 Beds 4/2 Baths 5,660 Sq. Ft. Eileen (Dee Dee) Burke 941-266-8949 A4525014 $7,899,000

NOKOMIS/NORTH VENICE 503 Casey Key Road 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,358 Sq. Ft. Sarah Macrae 941-587-1195 A4522516 $6,395,000

SIESTA KEY 7108 Midnight Pass Road 6 Beds 5 Baths 4,697 Sq. Ft. Stephen Weeks & Jeff Hinrichs 941-504-3689 A4523915 $4,950,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 820 N Shore Drive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,953 Sq. Ft. Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4524887 $4,500,000

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

SIESTA KEY 472 Island Circle 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 3,339 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4526972 $2,995,000

SIESTA KEY 430 Island Circle 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,282 Sq. Ft. Carol Thomas 941-349-3444 A4525370 $2,700,000

SARASOTA 628 N Owl Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,534 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4526783 $2,595,000

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

SARASOTA 1684 Peregrine Point Drive 5 Beds 5/1 Baths 5,610 Sq. Ft. Michael Hays 941-376-1826 A4527855 $2,399,000

SARASOTA 6326 Midnight Pass Road 508 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,318 Sq. Ft. Karen Chandler 941-544-4919 A4523199 $2,159,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 8171 Abingdon Court 2 Beds 2/2 Baths 2,609 Sq. Ft. Rachel Benderson 941-376-0218 A4525357 $1,650,000

LONGBOAT KEY 775 Longboat Club Road 906 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,524 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4527843 $1,450,000

SARASOTA 1646 7th Street 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,340 Sq. Ft. Valarie Wadsworth 941-780-3858 A4528362 $1,369,000

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 4805 Gulf of Mexico Dr 106 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,393 Sq. Ft. Robert Dardas 941-376-7591 A4526795 $875,000

SARASOTA 3950 Sawyerwood Road 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,175 Sq. Ft. Phyllis Garfinkel 941-302-6400 A4526194 $495,000

SARASOTA 2125 Pine Gardens Trail 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,819 Sq. Ft. Ethel Lovelace & Mina Johnson 941-586-7390 A4526702 $475,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4330 Falmouth Drive C305 1 Bed 1 Baths 667 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4527417 $424,000

SARASOTA 3822 Chapel Drive 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,066 Sq. Ft. Janet Oberholtzer 484-798-7824 N6119723 $350,000

SARASOTA 5360 Hyland Hills Avenue 2622 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,433 Sq. Ft. Kathleen Griffin 941-302-3979 A4527790 $335,000

SARASOTA 5280 Hyland Hills Avenue 1822 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,324 Sq. Ft. Anja Deichmann 941-284-7987 A4527576 $299,900

CASEY KEY 712 N Casey Key Road 8 Beds 9/1 Baths 13,553 Sq. Ft. Brian Loebker 941-735-4393 A4503358 $20,000,000

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

SIESTA KEY 7722 Sanderling Road 2 Beds 3 Baths 2,580 Sq. Ft. Brian Loebker 941-735-4393 A4527041 $9,000,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 373427-1

26

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MARCH 7-11

SLEEPY LAGOON PARK

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Country Club Shores tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Keith and Carole Wennik, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 549 Hornblower Lane to Thomas Richard Gear and Susan Spindel Gear, of Mason, Ohio, for $3,926,000.

Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 3,839 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1.4 million in 2017.

THE WATER CLUB AT LONGBOAT KEY

Kevin McDermott, trustee, of Springfield, Illinois, sold the home at 593 Juan Anasco Drive to Carolynn and Stephen Kranz, of Longboat Key, for $2.5 million. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,882 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,899,000 in 2017.

SANCTUARY AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Christopher and Pamela Ontiveros, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit A-303 condominium at 545 Sanctuary Drive to Joseph and Jennifer Packee, of Delafield, Wisconsin, for $2.2 million. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,375 square feet of living area. It sold for $840,000 in 2014.

Photo courtesy of Jayne DelMedico, ReMax Alliance Group

Built in 2007, the home at 549 Hornblower Lane has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,839 square feet of living area.

JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

Snowbird or Bust LLC sold the home at 365 N. Washington Drive to Michael and Lisa Stanley, of Edina, Minnesota, for $2,162,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,374 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.1 million in 2019.

Jack and Margo Simmons, of Falmouth, Maine, sold their Unit 302 condominium at 1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Daniel and Jilinda Hinrichs, of Leawood, Kansas, for $3,545,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and 3,435 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,528,800 in 1999.

J.F. Real Estate Properties Inc. sold the home at 460 N. Washington Drive to 540 N. Washington Associates LLC for $1,687,500. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,096 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.1 million in 2015.

LIDO

Lois Davidson, trustee, of Washington, sold the Unit 1003 condominium at 1211 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Hatton Family Holdings LLC for $1.95 million. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,612 square feet of living area. It sold for $795,000 in 2012.

David and Laureen Hadley sold their home at 1332 Westway Drive to Michael and Catherine Farello, of Greenwich, Connecticut, for $3.25 million. Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,419 square feet of living area. It sold for $3 million in January.

PROMENADE

L’AMBIANCE AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Rebecca Roth, trustee, of Richmond, Virginia, sold the Unit B-202 condominium at 415 L’Ambiance Drive to Kenneth Alan Goldblatt and Sarah Roth Goldblatt, of Sands Point, New York, for $1.9 million.

Built in 1992, it has two bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,385 square feet of living area. It sold for $787,500 in 2004.

BEACHPLACE

Urs Zuppiger, of Zurich, Switzerland, sold his Unit 204 condominium at 1045 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Hartley Hershenhorn and Nita Wexler, of Ontario, Canada, for $1.45 million. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,503 square feet of living area. It sold for $800,000 in 2013.

LONGBOAT COVE

Jeanie Davis, of Ontario, Canada, sold the Unit 308 condominium at 5481 Gulf of Mexico Drive to

TOP BUILDING PERMITS L O N G B OAT K E Y

581 De Narvaez Drive

Roger Davis, of Ontario, Canada, for $837,000. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,516 square feet of living area. It sold for $214,500 in 1985.

NORTHGATE OF LONGBOAT KEY

P. Cortland LaMee and Mary Candace Berk, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 7 condominium at 490 N. Shore Road to Jason Dumont, of Coralville, Iowa, for $817,500. Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,350 square feet of living area. It sold for $446,000 in 2020.

LONGBOAT LANDING

Elizabeth Yerkes, of Longboat Key, sold her Unit 204 condominium at 5320 Gulf of Mexico Drive to William and Barbara Wetzel, of Whitefish, Montana, for $749,000. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,323 square feet of living area. It sold for $455,000 in 2015.

In with the new

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of March 11-17 in order of dollar amounts.

ADDRESS 1211 GMD

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

REAL ESTATE

Hornblower Lane home sells for $3.9 million

|

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

PERMIT Plumbing

APPLICANT AMOUNT($) Promenade Condo Owners 1,061,688

New single family

CS Funding LLC

500,000

Fernandez Marina Plaza

450,000

Susan Infeld

375,000 303,064

residence 15 Lighthouse Point Drive

Interior alterations

3040 Grand Bay Blvd #266 Interior alterations 5393 GMD Unit 115

Interior alterations

Rosemary Olson

1241 GMD #306

Interior alterations

Carolyn W. Jacob Living Trust 225,000

4655 GMD 203

Plumbing

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

4234 GMD

Interior alterations

Pelican Harbour and

Longboat Key

171,702 155,400

Beach Club

619 Bayport Way

Re-roof

Bayport Beach and Tennis

144,354

619 Bayport Way

Re-roof

Bayport Beach and Tennis

116,400

825 Longboat Club Road

Re-roof

825 Longboat Club Road

112,000

619 Bayport Way Bldg B1

Re-roof

Bayport Beach and Tennis

103,200

619 Bayport Way Bldg B3

Re-roof

Bayport Beach and Tennis

102,228

4805 GMD Unit 206

Interior alterations

Stephen J. McAuliff

98,688

513 Outrigger Lane

Interior alterations

Vincent J. Meaney

90,000

4234 GMD

Interior alterations

Pelican Harbour and

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From $2.4MM to $10.9MM | Call for appointment | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

Downtown St. Petersburg

83,678

Beach Club

4234 GMD

Interior alterations

Pelican Harbour and Beach Club 71,722

4651 GMD 404

Plumbing

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

71,702

4651 GMD Ph-4

Plumbing

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

71,702

4651 GMD 104

Plumbing

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

71,702

4651 GMD 204

Plumbing

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

71,702

4651 GMD PH-1

Plumbing

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

71,702

4651 GMD PH-2

Plumbing

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

71,702

4652 GMD 102

Plumbing

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

71,702

4653 GMD 103

Plumbing

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

71,702

4654 GMD 202

Plumbing

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

71,702

4656 GMD 302

Plumbing

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

71,702

4657 GMD 303

Plumbing

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

71,702

4658 GMD 304

Plumbing

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

71,702

4659 GMD 402

Plumbing

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

71,702

4660 GMD 403

Plumbing

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

71,702

4661 GMD PH-3

Plumbing

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

71,702

617 Kingfisher Lane

Seawall

Richard G. Young

70,292

561 Edlee Lane

Electrical - Solar

Gregory M. Ciccolo

57,849

2161 Harbourside

Windows and doors

Paul Beard

47,682

3419 Winding Oaks Drive

Doors

Bonnie L. Platten

45,059

541 Harbor Point Road

Plumbing

Dominic R. Zaccone II

40,300

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

415 L’Ambiance Drive #E207 A/C change-out 5881 GMD

Foam wall

Sanford H. Orkin Revocable

28,947

LB Key LLC

28,000 Source: Town of Longboat Key

373409-1

Drive #1302

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, MARCH 24, 2022

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

More than 150 women showed up for the event.

Women’s Guild fashion show

Above: Ronda Montminy, Fran Dragotta and Toni Ann Vitelli browse the raffle baskets.

Left: Sandy Montrone models a nautical shirt.

O

rchids and over-the-top outfits were the theme of the day at Harbourside Ballroom when the women of St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church came around. The Women’s Guild hosted its fashion show on March 15, and the models were members of the guild itself.

The women gathered for cocktails before lunch and browsed the many raffle baskets and selected items on display from Foxy Lady. Meanwhile, models got their hair and makeup done in the back, and their assistants made sure everyone’s outfits were in place. The show began after lunch.

Jodi Frauhiger, general manager at Foxy Lady, hosted and gave details of the outfits as the models strode down the stage. Models were often also longtime Foxy Lady customers, so Frauhiger gave context about their style as they showed off their outfits.

After lunch, winners collected their gift baskets, and the volunteers left their modeling days behind them as attendees went back out into the day.

Above: Bonnie Patten, Martha Merizon and Susan Clarke started mingling when they arrived. Left: Gayle Sobieck strides down the runway. Right: Linda Olsen shows off a colorful outfit.

—NAT KAEMMERER

EXCEPTIONAL EXCEPTIONAL EXCEPTIONAL VACATION RENTALS RENTALS VACATION VACATION RENTALS

Living and Working on Longboat Key for 40 Years

Specializing in Specializing Specializing Longboat Keyininand Lido Key Longboat Key Lido Longboat Keyand andHomes, LidoKey Key Private Vacation Condominiums Private Vacation Homes, and Beachfront Private VacationResorts Homes,Condominiums Condominiums and Beachfront Resorts and Beachfront Resorts

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

941-387-9709 941-387-9709 3720 Gulf of Mexico Drive 941-387-9709 Locally owned and Locally owned managed sinceand 1994 Locally owned managed sinceand 1994 managed since 1994

377547-1

info@FLVacationConnection.com FLVacationConnection.com info@FLVacationConnection.com FLVacationConnection.com FLVacationConnection.com

372297-1

3720 Gulf Key, of Mexico Drive Longboat FL 34228 3720 GulfKey, of Mexico Drive Longboat FL 34228 info@FLVacationConnection.com Longboat Key, FL 34228

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

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.

JOIN THE NEIGHBORHOOD //

Support independent local journalism today at YourObserver.com/newsies

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

29

REID MURPHY PRESENTS

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

941-232-3304

JUST LISTED

LONGBOAT KEY UNIQUE BAYFRONT

$7,850,000

Best views on Longboat Key. 6,000 sf, 4 en-suite bedrooms + 5th den/bedroom. Bruce Saba luxury built with panoramic views & pool at treetop level.

JUST LISTED

LONGBOAT KEY EMERALD HARBOR

Boater’s dream - new dock, seawall and lift on wide canal w/direct Bay access.

Recently renovated 3BR/2.5BA, pool & spa.

$2,750,000

SARASOTA PENTHOUSE

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY - BAY ISLES

$6,995,000

Downtown Ritz Carlton 3BR Ensuite Residence. Magnificent 4,276 sf open floor plan. Spectacular views. World class amenities.

PENDING

$3,495,000

Exceptional 4,600sf 4BR/7BA estate on 1/4 acre w/ views of Bayou Sound. Private beach, personal gym in 6 car garage. Golf club just outside the gates.

LONGBOAT KEY BAYFRONT ESTATE

$6,595,000

Rare opportunity! Build your dream home Bayfront on oversized lot, 100ft on the bay, beach access across the street & side canal for privacy. PLUS elevated separate guest house is a bonus structure no longer permitted for new builds.

LONGBOAT KEY WATER CLUB PENTHOUSE $4,495,000

Completely remodeled 4BR/4BA in south tower. Designer touches w/ added windows offer unique Bay, city, and amazing sunset views. Just minutes shopping, golf, marinas, Mote Marine, St. Armands Circle & downtown Sarasota.

NEW LISTING

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.

LONGBOAT KEY SEA GATE

$1,895,000

Direct Gulf Front, 2BR/2BA 2nd floor end-unit. Floor to ceiling windows, covered beachside balcony. Resort-like amenities include beachside heated pool & tiki huts.

LONGBOAT KEY BOATERS DREAM

$1,985,000

Waterfront 2BD/2BA renovated home on 135 feet of canal, second in from Sarasota Bay. Newer seawall, dock+ lift and room for other water toys. Deeded beach access.

Developers Realty Inc. Lic. Real Estate Broker

www.ReidMurphy.com

595 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL 34228

377284-1

CALL REID TODAY! | 941.232.3304

30

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Coldwell Banker CONGRATULATES the TOP team!

The #1 sales team in the state of Florida $134 Million Sold in 2021

1

#

Small Team

Lori Lawson

Judy Kepecz-Hays 941.587.1700

941.735.4385

Steven Kepecz 941.376.6411

Judy Kepecz-Hays Team $2.3 Billion Career Sales

CE ENT I P R TM US J AD

PE

N

N DI

March March 17, 24, 2022 2022

G

Ritz-Carlton Managed Residence

L’AMBIANCE

1111 Ritz Carlton Drive #1204 Offered for $3,950,000. $3,750,000 www.Ritz-Carlton1204.com

415 L Ambiance Drive Unit B602

Luxury Knows No Limits! Sought after residence at the Ritz-Carlton in the heart of the city. Beyond Imagination, this home affords terrific views of the marina, Sarasota, and her islands.

L’Ambiance, a Longboat Key community synonymous with luxury and exclusivity! 270-degree unobstructed stunning water views that sweep from the Gulf of Mexico to Sarasota Bay and beyond.

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

Testimonial: “We have worked with Judy over many years, buying & selling property on Longboat Key. Each time, Judy and her team carry out their duties with honesty, integrity and respect – very often going that extra mile!

We were kept informed every step of the way and knew each time that the sale/purchase was in safe hands – very reassuring when we live in the UK” ~Michael & Helen McArdle | Newcastle, United Kingdom Helen McArdle with Prince William

Call us today for similar results 941-587-1700 $2.3 BILLION IN CAREER SALES

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

378122-1

If you’re thinking of buying or selling, please call us for exceptional service.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, MARCH 25

Sunrise Sunset

High: 74 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 9%

31

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

|

Thursday, March 24

7:29a

7:43p

Friday, March 25

7:28a

7:43p

Saturday, March 26

7:26a

7:44p

Sunday, March 27

7:25a

7:44p

SATURDAY, MARCH 26

Monday, March 28

7:24a

7:45p

High: 75 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 4%

Tuesday, March 29

7:23a

7:45p

Wednesday, March 30

7:22a

7:46p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, MARCH 27 High: 73 Low: 51 Chance of rain: 2%

April 23 Last

April 30 New

May 8 First

May 15 Full

TIDES Highs Lows

Michael Cohen captured this pelican landing after catching a fish on Lido Beach.

Thursday, March 24

—

4:14p

12:39a

—

Friday, March 25

—

5:23p

2:12a

—

Saturday, March 26

—

7:09p

3:39a

—

Sunday, March 27

12:38p

8:59p

4:45a

3:16p

Monday, March 28

12:24p

10:20p

5:36a

4:53p

Tuesday, March 29

12:28p

11:21p

6:15a

5:52p

—

12:37p

6:46a

6:40p

Wednesday, March 30 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.

The Observer’s

Weather ENTER: &Nature

Sponsored by

YourObserver.com/contests KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

371166-1

2022-23 PHOTO CONTEST

A REFLECTION OF NATURE’S BEAUTY

celebrity cipher

DOWN

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

32 Writing about a dot?

36 Film type at Sundance 1 Org. that does stellar 40 Sass work?

42 Titular teen of comics 5 Bowls over 43 Every rough patch has 9 Soaks (up) one 13 Fist bump 44 Writing about a land?

16 Depravities 47 Polite request to leave 18 Start over on 50 “That being said ...”

19 Less tanned 51 Spend the night 21 Enemy of the Jedi 22 Writing about claiming 52 Geopolitical conflict 53 Metal oiled by Dorothy lottery winnings?

54 Plopped down 25 On the subject of 26 Painting on the Sistine 55 ___-party (post-prom event) Chapel’s ceiling, e.g.

57 Writing about a club’s 27 Squad get-together?

28 “Today” competitor, 61 Canoodling on the for short subway, e.g.

29 Like flimsy evidence 30 Guitarist’s repeated bit 62 Attach, as a patch

63 Energy measure 64 Thick thing to puff 68 Writing about a word that makes people smile?

72 Jumpy 73 Absurd 74 Des Moines resident 75 Big Blue co.

77 Writing about a minor dispute?

79 Served, as a meal 82 Reggae precursor 8 Wrigley Field player 86 Animation collectible 87 Singer-songwriter ___ Case 88 Fish for a grizzly 91 Good public speaker 93 Writing about Queen Elsa and Olaf?

96 Miracle-___ 97 A-sharp’s equivalent 99 Place to live like a pig?

100 What some Romans wore over tunics 101 Writing about sororities and fraternities?

104 Shakespeare’s “King ___” 106 Wine lover’s mecca 107 In the past 108 Instrument that tunes an orchestra 111 Stacked messily 116 Just barely 117 Writing about Kim Kardashian’s eldest?

121 Nintendo consoles 122 One of a tent’s anchors

1 Foam toy producer 2 Assert 3 Slaw or pasta salad 4 Drinks in pint glasses 5 Pop star Grande, to fans 6 Served as a guinea pig, say 7 Barely beat (out) 8 Couch 9 Relaxation destination 10 Grain used in some milk 11 Prepare to charge up 12 Preacher’s speech 13 Voiced harsh criticism 14 Space for clutter and cobwebs 15 Ringing thing 17 Skeletons in the closet, e.g.

20 Peruse or skim 21 Smooth and glossy 23 French pronoun Miss Piggy uses 24 Hire 31 Buzzing picnic pest 33 Where Scandinavia is (Abbr.)

34 Way cool 35 Eddie Vedder’s band 36 Puts frosting on 37 PBS science show 38 Tune for two 39 Lodging in Cincinnati?

41 “SNL” star Davidson 45 Word before “trip” or “warrior” 46 Matchbox toy 47 Goat’s bleat 48 Lasses 49 Hitting all the right notes 52 Perform without practice 56 9-Down treatment

involving a mask 57 “What did I tell you?”

58 Night ___ (no early bird) 59 Dove sound 60 Triumphed 61 One who slices and dices 62 Nine-digit ID 64 Networking giant 65 Run up, as expenses 66 Trash holder 67 Name found twice in “Panama Canal” 69 Compete in a sack race, say 70 Female sheep 71 Corn portion 76 Pear variety 78 For each 79 Red, flat-topped hat 80 Squeezes (out) 81 “Hold on to my hand!”

82 Self-satisfied 83 Hawaiian coffee region 84 Crawling picnic pests 87 “Come back later” 89 Gendered term for a performer 90 Bathroom, in Britain 92 Walks (on) 93 Winter bug 94 Pickup truck brand 95 Affirmative at sea 97 Capital of Colombia 98 Like a design featuring roses 101 Nibbles persistently 102 3:2, for example 103 Food drive donations 105 Word of discovery 109 Ray of light 110 Norwegian capital 112 Flea market caveat 113 Breathe quickly 114 Waffle brand 115 Like Barry White’s voice 118 Bout ending, for short 119 Second half of a giggle 120 Legal notebook

“RO SUDXHV DUGYXD RH ... DXUD TMDXLTY FLII HJHV KH AHVSHBD, WM PGWD NHHA RMJLTY UTC CM OMGV KHWD.”

– WBMDD HUWDFMMC

“FYDNHGYGA NU CG MGKHWDHWZHK JUJMFCNYUG YD VUT IUM OHAYG NU MGKHWDNCGK NVHR CGK DHWZH NVHR OHNNHW.”

– XUGDNCGXH TM

“UIHPDV HIWVL MBBY ZIDV BX CVD IEEVIDIUZV. GCIH JIWVL UIHPDV PMFO AL HCV NVCIRABD BX CPJIU NVAUML.” – IWADI WPDBLIGI Puzzle Three Clue: F equals L

123 Bit of pond growth 124 Burn slightly 125 Sun, in Spanish 126 ___ vera 127 Lighting may alter it 128 “Halt!”

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: R equals M

CREATIVE WRITING by Drew Schmenner. Edited by David Steinberg

Puzzle One Clue: P equals J

crossword

© 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

3-24-22

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

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

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

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale LBK MOORINGS Slip Rental, 60‘ x 18’ Open Water View R/8 Dock. $700.00 per month.

Jennifer 727-831-3133

Sporting Goods CRYSTAL KAYAK Double seated crystal kayak. Used twice. Immaculate condition. Includes paddle. Purchased from crystalkayak.com for $1,800. $1,200 (314) 409-4431 PANASONIC LIGHTWING folding bicycle. Super lightweight and portable. Mint condition, $600.

Originally $2,000. LBK. 941-383-8593.

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

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

Condos/Apts. for Rent SEAPLACE OWNERS Inquiring about a 2 or 3 bedroom rental for next (2023) season. Our rental will have been updated and has a water view.

I was an original owner in G-5.

Contact for dates & photos. rnelson137@outlook.com

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com /RedPages

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Homes for Sale

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

BLUE DOLPHIN CAFE

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

FRIDAY ** MARCH 25TH **

 LIVE MAIN LOBSTER  BLUE FIN CRAB CAKES  GROUPER OSCAR  PRIME RIB 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

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

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

SELL YOUR STUFF

Cleaning

GARAGE

SALE

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

Advertise your business or service in the Observer Advertise your business or service in the Observer Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES RED PAGES RED CALLPAGES TODAY 941-955-4888 CALL TODAY 941-955-4888 CALL TODAY Home Services 941-955-4888

TILE, STONE, and vinyl plank installers. We do showers, backsplashes, floors, and more.

(941) 780-5669 Www.siestaflooring.com

Professional Services HOME CARE (KNOWLEDGEABLE CARE) Small upcoming business serving surrounding Beach areas.

At this company, there is 23+ years of experience altogether. We are happy to serve your needs when you need a Professional for the task. You can call us anytime, thanks. OWNER: Tammy (941) 5678499

Transportation LONGBOAT LIMOUSINE Your local luxury transportation provider since 1994.

New luxury Sedans and SUVs. Fully Licenced and insured.

Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

Beauty SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU

941.270.4400

HoHoBuysCars.com

WEEKLY MONTHLY

5-Star Rated

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

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 Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty

FAMILY SECURITY DRIVER 941-735-4732.

Ask for Eddie.

Many years experience with rock stars, wild teens, children, elderly, and foreign families.

Feel safe, Be safe 24/7 Licensed and Legal.

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

SELL YOUR CAR!

Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

You’re only cheating yourself.

Autos Service

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

Call 941-726-2677.

PRIVATE DUTY - Registered Nurse Registered Nurse: petlover, non-smoker, fully vaccinated for both covid and flu.Over 10+ years experience. Help with all medical needs, following doctors orders, personal care etc.

As well as transportation, meal preparation, light housekeeping.

No new faces, one consistent nurse/caregiver. Daylight hours only, 5 hour shifts or more.

References available. $35hr Call or text Jessica (412) 851-0840

Restaurants

Auto Service

peekers’ place

auto

LONGBOAT KEY Incredible views Private boat dock Owner/agent $650,000

Adult Care Services

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.

378030

MATTRESS TWIN, Brand New, Foam, Firm/Plush Still in Orignal Pkg, $100 941-920-2494

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

LBK BHC Penthouse Condo 3BR/2BA, 2 Terraces.

Gulf views, private beach/boat/pool/fitness.

Minimum 3 months rental.

248-202-6865 or 440-623-9068

Painting

This week’s Crossword answers

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “My father taught me ... that nothing will ever be perfect, so just keep moving and do your best.”

Scott Eastwood Puzzle Two Solution: “Listening to an underserved population is how you begin to understand them and serve them better.”

Constance Wu Puzzle Three Solution: “Nature takes good care of her appearance.

What makes nature ugly is the behavior of human beings.”

Akira Kurosawa

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2022 Universal Uclick

©2022 NEA, Inc.

Items Under $200

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

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

real estate

stuff

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

377179

Autos Wanted

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

MOW OVER the competition!

MOW OVER the competition!

MOW OVER the competition!

RED PAGES

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

Power Washing $100 COUPON

DRIES IN HOURS – NOT DAYS • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

Health

941-778-2882 • 941-387-0607 377692

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Check out our 5 Star Reviews on Google

Like Us on Facebook

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Concrete CRACK REPAIR

Pressure Washing

Pressure Washing

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression provides safe, gentle & effective relief for upwards of 90% of patients that qualify for care.

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

377176

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

Doors

941-544-1066

Rescreening & Repairs

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

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

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

941-345-5264

Insurance

MIC INSURANCE

377632

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Dog Grooming

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

Roofing

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

(941) 345-5264 Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

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

941-626-3194

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

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Windows

378339

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

Neighborhood

For

Chrissy Stites LMT, CMCE

609-820-4251

By appointment only

STANDARD WINDOWS

MediCupping & Massage Therapy services for healing

Rest your mind & body.

Connect with your spirit.

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

UP TO

ws

140

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00

377435

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s i Sun merly known as Sunrise Windo ng

Massage

Patio Furniture Repairs.com 941-504-0903

Res./Com.

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

Furniture Repair

378032

Personal Services

5

$

heroes found here.

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

Closer is better.

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

RED PAGES

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

377664

Purified water window cleaning available!!

377661

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS Showcase your products or services.

CALL 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!

377185

378031

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood Registered member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA)

| scaperotta@aol.com

Italian American Owned

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Sliding Glass Door Repair

BEFORE

AFTER

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

377662

CONCRETE FUSION

Honesty, Integrity and Pride

• Roofs • Pool Cages • Decks • Driveways Deck/Paver Sealing• •Decks Gutter• Driveways Cleaning ••Roofs • Pool Cages AndSealing Much•More!

• Deck/Paver And Much More

378327

BUZ CORP D/B/A

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

FREE INSTANT ESTIMATES when you Call RICK for SCHEDULING

378329

377631

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

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

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

SIDEWALKS • DRIVEWAYS #1 in IR REPA Crack %

PRESSURE WASHING

941-CLEAN IT 2 5 3 - 2 6 4 8 $100 COUPON

Serving AMI, LBK and Bradenton for 25 years

$100 COUPON

SOFT WASH

WE ARE THE SOFT WASH PRESSURE WASHING PROS

377474

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

GladysKhabbaz@gmail.com 805 Molly Circle, Sarasota

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON

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

Naji Aoun

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

33

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

377180

Handyman

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

$100 COUPON

Carpet Cleaning

|

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

ROGER SELLS LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES MORE THAN $206 MILLION CLOSED IN 2021

3731 INDIAN BEACH ROAD

$6,495,000

Built in 2006, this gorgeous 5BR estate offers exceptionally high quality construction, designed with energy efficient and sustainable materials. The enviable central locale minutes from downtown, plus spectacular bay and sunset views perfectly complement the lavishness at this custom residence.

www.3731IndianBeach.com

5207 HIDDEN HARBOR ROAD

$3,795,000

This well-maintained, 4,600+ SF, waterfront home in the soughtafter Siesta Key neighborhood of Hidden Harbor is ideally located. Offering lush landscaping, a brand-new roof, elevator, a custom design, plus Travertine pool deck. The deep-water dock and unobstructed bay access are the perfect finishing touches.

www.5207HiddenHarbor.com

862 GRANDE PASS WAY

$2,995,000

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.

www.862GrandePassWay.com

15111 GADDY UP RANCH ROAD 3060 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #112 This 3BR sun drenched getaway at Grand Bay is in ideal condition, featuring bay views, open-plan layout adorned with walls of glass sliders that lead out to the spacious wraparound terrace.

www.GrandBay112.com

$1,450,000

$3,995,000

Country breezes rustling through century old oaks and pines welcome you to this unique, 82.5-acre property known as the Gaddy Up Ranch. Located in Sarasota County, nearby to Myakka River State Park, this Gentleman’s Ranch is a quiet, private retreat, while still being close to the Sarasota’s “cultural coast”.

www.GaddyUpRanchSRQ.com

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE TOUR (941) 387-1840 443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F | Sarasota, FL 34236 595 Bay Isles Road, Suite 250 | Longboat Key, FL 34228 Pettingell.com Twitter.com/RealRoger | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell | Roger@Pettingell.com Owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC 371484-1

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