Longboat Observer 3.3.22

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Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

VOLUME 44, NO. 30

YOUR TOWN

Cell-pole plan powers up Commissioners unanimously approve Verizon’s north-end proposal. PAGE 2

Courtesy photo

Support for Ukraine The locations are about 5,794 miles apart, but residents of Longboat Key kept residents of Ukraine in their minds in the wake of the Russia’s invasion on Feb. 26-27.

To show solidarity with Ukrainians, resident Anisa Mycak wore a Ukrainian-embroidered blouse on Sunday with the country’s flag over her shoulder. Mycak is Ukrainian-American and has been involved with the country and its American population her whole life. She’s held discussions about Ukrainian issues.

Her community, The Shore condo on the island, also showed its support for Ukrainians. Mycak and husband, George, brought a Ukrainian flag to the community’s Saturday sunset gathering and shared news from their friends and other colleagues in the country.

Social in spirit Community courts a new sport with help of game’s inventor. PAGE 18

Nat Kaemmerer

Lynn Riley uses a backhand swing to hit the ball during a Beckyball match, which includes elements of pickleball and tennis on a clay court.

A+E File photo

Town hosts open house Saturday Step right into the welcoming atmosphere of the town of Longboat Key’s open house on March 5. As they have done in previous years, the fire, police, finance, public works, planning and zoning and IT departments of the town will set up shop to peel back the curtain and show residents how Longboat Key runs.

Town staff will grill hot dogs and hamburgers for attendees, and there will be plenty of activities for the island’s kids, too.

In 2021, the open house was virtual, so the Bayfront Park placement is a return to tradition. Stop by from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive to learn more about the community.

Eric Garwood

Traffic on Fruitville Road in Sarasota has backed up in recent weeks, often prompting other routes to and from the barrier islands to slow down.

Traffic: It’s back again Seasonal snarls return with a new twist. SEE PAGE 5

Vocal athletics.

INSIDE

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

Cell pole proposal passes unanimously

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

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AT A GLANCE On Gulf of Mexico Drive: Seven, ranging from North Shore Drive to the 5000 block. 35 feet high In the neighborhoods: Two; one on Binnacle Point Drive, and one at the corner of Broadway Street and Lois Drive in Longbeach Village. 25 feet high.

Color: Required to be a flat-black color to match the color and general appearance of new streetlights to be installed as part of the town’s underground utilities project.

When: Estimated to be complete in first quarter of 2023.

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Nine small-cell facilities could be working by early 2023, Verizon official tells town.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

B

etter connections for Verizon customers on the north end of Longboat Key could be about a year away after town commissioners approved a plan to construct a network of nine small-cell poles to alleviate years of spotty service.

Concluding a series of public hearings that began in November, town commissioners on Monday unanimously voted to approve a site-development plan and a special exception for Verizon’s request.

Still to come are state and federal regulatory filings and local building permit approvals.

Kerry Burrows, a representative of Verizon, told commissioners that filings with the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration typically take 120-160 days to complete, and work on those couldn’t begin until the town granted approval.

Along with final OK to use state rights of way along Gulf of Mexico Drive for seven of the nine poles, coordination with Florida Power and Light and procurement of materials to meet the town’s requirements, Burrows said the new network would likely take until early 2023 to finish.

“These are custom poles that need to be ordered because they are, in fact, out of the norm,” Burrows said. “Generally, we would have put a higher pole in, but to make sure we kept with the ordinance, now these are going to be custom-made poles.

That will add a little bit of time with the factors as well.”

Town specifications set in 2019 call for poles no higher than 35 feet along Gulf of Mexico Drive and 25 feet on town rights of way in neighborhoods. Seven of the taller poles are planned on the west side of Gulf

of Mexico Drive, from about North Shore Road to the 5000 block.

The two neighborhood poles drew the most opposition based on aesthetics, property values, visibility and potential health issues.

Resident Deborah Cooney, speaking on behalf of the Chiles Group, owner of MarVista Dockside, said a cell pole proposed for the corner of Lois Avenue and Broadway Street would not be a welcome sight for arriving patrons, and she asked if it could be moved 20 feet.

“Please consider this tower will not represent well,” she said, adding that such a facility isn’t in keeping with the character of Longbeach Village.

Residents of Binnacle Point Drive lined up to oppose a pole proposed on the south side of their street. As they had at a Planning and Zoning Board meeting Feb. 15, they pointed to a bald eagle nest across the street and urged changes.

Resident Jim Smith said he spoke to an engineer acquaintance about the Verizon pole locations and came away with the belief that location adjustments could be made.

“Engineers do that, they move things,” he said. “It’s maybe not a one-stamp all, this is how it is. If we move this one, it’s going to affect all the others, I believe that probably will happen, but I believe there can be some tweaking to accommodate that.”

Since the small-cell proposal was made in November, Verizon has stuck with its original locations for the nine poles, saying the town’s 25- and 35-foot height limits made demands on the network design.

Darwin Feliz, a Verizon engineer, said each of the poles is interdependent and that moving one would have a cascading effect. He said additional poles could also be required to fill gaps left by moving pole locations.

Mike Murphy, director of operations for SMW Engineering Group, a consultant with Verizon, said colocating cell equipment on town light poles wasn’t feasible, leading to the plan to erect the nine poles.

While customers of Verizon,

including the town itself and its first responders, will initially benefit from the new network on the north end, company officials said their equipment is designed to accept another company’s gear. But, they said, a company such as AT&T or T-Mobile would have to come to a business agreement with Verizon, and the locations of the poles would have to mesh with the other company’s network needs. Other carriers could make a similar application to the town to erect their own poles, though the town’s 60-foot spacing requirement and other specifications would still apply.

By federal law, local governments can’t ban wireless facilities or regulate them on the basis of location or radio-frequency concerns. The town can regulate height, style, color, spacing and exterior appearance. In 2013, town commissioners left open the small-cell option by banning large-scale macro towers, which can stand 150 feet high.

Commissioners said they were sympathetic to some of the complaints but regarded the issue of cell connectivity on a higher level.

Attorney James Johnston, representing Verizon, reminded commissioners that the 2019 regulations essentially were the answers to residents’ complaints about aesthetics.

Not only does Verizon’s application meet town rules, he said, but photos of its equipment are used by the town as examples of what is acceptable.

“Someone said we hadn’t addressed the human residential needs, well, we have,” he said. “Your code does that. It’s design, siting, spacing requirements. That’s how it’s made for these facilities to have less of an impact on the surrounding property owners.”

CORRECTION

The office of Dr. James Reed can be reached at 941-6777220. The telephone number was incorrect in a story published last week.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

File photos

The crossing at North Shore Road is one of three to be upgraded.

In pitching new crosswalk proposal, FDOT calls for replacing two yellow-light signals with red-light signals.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

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edestrians heading from one side of Gulf of Mexico Drive to the other at the island’s three most-used crosswalks will do so with the benefit of two new lighting systems to alert drivers.

But they might not be able to push a button to activate red flashing lights near Country Club Shores and Bayfront Park or an array of roadside and in-roadway lights north of Broadway Street until 2024, Florida Department of Transportation staffers told the town.

While the safety upgrades were welcomed, Town Commissioner B.J. Bishop questioned the timing: 525 days after the design-build contract is signed in June.

“It seems a little incredulous to me that we’re looking at a year-and-ahalf time frame,” she said. “Knowing the fact we have had deaths on this island because of people crossing in unsafe locations, I would say please do something to expedite this timeline. How many people have to die before we can expedite it?”

Since 2016, FDOT and the town have been working together on where and how to funnel pedestrians across the two- and three-lane thoroughfare of 35 and 45 mph speed limits.

Even now, complaints about locations exist, particularly mid-island, where some crossings don’t connect readily to sidewalks or destinations of pedestrian interest and other sites where pedestrians often cross unprotected.

ORIGINAL SIX CROSSWALKS

Following FDOT’s original six crosswalks equipped with so-called rectangular-rapid flashing beacons, FDOT last year proposed eight more such devices, sprinkled from Neptune Drive to Broadway Street.

But a 2021 state-level change in its governing Traffic Engineering Manual now disallows such crossings in speed zones exceeding 35 mph. All but one of the eight proposed new sites fall into the faster-zones, which render them ineligible.

“We attempted to get a variance to allow these RRFBs (rectangular, rap-

id-flashing beacons) to be installed within this 45 mph zone. However, that variance was denied,” said Walter Breuggeman, an engineer with FDOT’s local traffic operations district. “So where do go, and how do we pivot from there?”

The answer comes in the form of a crossing-alert system familiar to many who drive along Sarasota’s bayfront. Once referred to as a HAWK system, the array of redflashing lights found on Tamiami Trail near First Street is now called a pedestrian-hybrid beacon.

REPLACING TWO SITES

FDOT proposes replacing the crossings at Longboat Key Club Road and Bayfront Park with that type of alert system. Although not technically part of the same project, the FDOT engineer also recommended adding in-roadway flashing beacons to the crossing north of Broadway Street near North Shore Drive because it falls in one of the town’s 35-mph zones.

Almost since their installation on Gulf of Mexico Drive, the signals that feature flashing yellow lights have been derided by residents and town leaders as insufficient or confusing.

FDOT until recently said there was no mechanism to replace the yellow lights with red, which most agreed conveyed a more urgent message.

Town police often found that outof-town visitors or others unfamiliar with the signals didn’t realize that once activated, state law required drivers to stop and yield to crossing pedestrians. Traffic safety advocates urged pedestrians to stay safely off the road until they’d confirmed vehicles were stopping.

Police issued 14 citations for crosswalk violations in 2021, the majority at the crosswalk at GMD and Longboat Club Road.

Breuggeman said the town’s existing on-demand crossing locations will remain for now, even though they no longer conform to statehighway standards.

Breuggeman added that five of the locations once proposed for new crosswalks are slated to receive new street lights as part of the town’s underground utilities work. “Lighting there could very well improve safety,” he said, adding that about 75% of pedestrian-involved fatalities take place at night.

“With a lot of your pedestrians using the beach and crossing back after sunset, it’s a concern that overhead lighting is critical,” he said.

On a spectrum of pedestrian-

crossing warning systems, traffic lights sit at the top, with pedestrian-hybrid beacons falling just below. Systems like the flashing yellow lights, which are allowed only in speed zones of 35 mph or less, fall even further down the hierarchy, with few options bridging the gap.

“There’s not too many opportunities there between those two treatments,” said John Kubicki, a staff planner with FDOT, adding that the state is working on some new midblock crossing warning systems, though they are not ready for service.

Breuggeman said because the North Shore Road crossing update project is separate from the project to update the crossings near Country Club Shores and Bayfront Park, it would be hard to determine which will be completed first.

Additional work by FDOT is extending north from Longboat Key into Bradenton Beach, as well.

Breuggeman also told commissioners that moving any of the existing crosswalks to more desirable locations wouldn’t work because they mostly would be still located in a 45-mph zone and disallowed.

FDOT has performed pedestrian counts on the island to determine where most crossings take place.

Some places where people continue to cross without a crosswalk are impractical for improvement.

One of the proposed additional crosswalks disallowed by the speed limit rule is just south of Broadway Street, which is popular with beachgoers.

PROBLEMATIC CROSSING SITE

A crosswalk closer to the Broadway Street intersection, for example, gets problematic because of the extra width of Gulf of Mexico Drive, owing to the turn lane and other features of the roadway. The town is still hoping for FDOT funding to build an already designed traffic circle at that junction, which would have unsignalled crosswalks built in.

Public Works Director Isaac Brownman said the natural features of a traffic circle slow traffic and give pedestrians a middle-of-the-road stopping point, rather than forcing them to cross all lanes at once.

Brownman said an upcoming update to the town’s corridor plan for Gulf of Mexico Drive will feature recommendations for extended 35-mph zones on the south and north ends of the island.

“Sounds like we’re improving the three busiest ones,” Commissioner Maureen Merrigan said.

KNOW YOUR CROSSING SIGNALS In the world of push-to-cross traffic signals for pedestrians, there are three main types:

n Traffic signals: Walk/Don’t Walk signs are linked to traffic lights. Two intersections are so governed on Longboat Key.

n Rectangular rapid-flashing beacons: Set on roadside signs (and sometimes imbedded in the pavement), RRFBs flash with high-intensity yellow lights, warning drivers that pedestrians are about to cross.

n Pedestrian-hybrid beacon: Often set on poles that overhang the pavement, these feature red lights to alert motorists. They typically include a feature that builds in a delay for repeated uses in an attempt to keep traffic flowing.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

Green initiative looks at past, future projects

We are there when you can’t be.

Town rolls out blueprint in preparation for strategic planning session, budget season.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

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Rest assured, Town Hall will likely remain white on the outside for some time.

But on the inside, green projects have taken root in a new initiative led

by Support Services Director Carolyn Brown.

From small to large, long-term to things more easily accomplished, projects are lining up that are designed to protect the environment and make the town more sustainable — a goal of town commissioners.

Reality, though, is reality. A battery-powered leaf blower, the realworld utility of which the town’s Public Works Department plans to assess, is on back order.

“The town has a long history of protecting the environment and invaluable natural resources and always wanted this place where resources are available for future generations,” Brown said in introducing the initiative.

Among some of the projects already done of late, the town: n Rolled out an update to its seaturtle protection rules and outreach efforts; n Completed the 2021 beach renourishment project; n Received $1.25 million in state funding to help pay for a relining of the mainland side of the town’s sewer line; n Replaced street lights with LED bulbs as part of the town’s underground utilities project.

Projects that are underway: n Groin tightening at New Pass to hold back more sand on beaches to the north;

Eric Garwood

n Assessing flooding and mitigation

plans in Sleepy Lagoon and Buttonwood Harbour; n Working with Sarasota Bay Estuary program on shoreline restoration; n Planning and permitting for a second sewer line to the mainland; n Planning to purchase in the 2023 fiscal year two to four electric vehicles and charging stations.

Joining Brown in the green initiative are Public Works Director Isaac Brownman and Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons.

“One of their initial efforts was really to start to inventory all of the things the town is doing, and also start to have that look forward at things we know are in the pipeline or things that will be planned as we think out somewhat in the near term,” Town Manager Tom Harmer said.

Commissioner Debra Williams praised the program but wondered why there was no mention of solar power.

Harmer explained that the town had considered solar power panels for the roof of the rebuilt Fire Station 92, but at the time of planning the station the costs outweighed the benefits. Still, though, the building was designed with a conduit to make future installations of such gear easier to accomplish.

Town officials have emphasized environmental initiatives and will consider additional measures in the future.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

sees its own brand of congestion on Bradenton Beach and throughout Anna Maria Island and their bridges, often leading to stalled lines of traffic on the Longboat Pass Bridge and beyond.

“We’re back to where we were concerned we would be,” Haycock said.

Harmer told commissioners the ongoing roundabout work in Sarasota is a concern, but Florida Department of Transportation has been working to alleviate as many slowdowns as possible. In recent weeks, a third eastbound lane has been carved out of the serpentine detour leading off the Ringling Bridge, and changes in traffic light synchronization have been made to keep things moving.

According to FDOT, these components of the project are active now: n Water main work at Palm Avenue and First Street, through March 4. n Electrical connections of recently installed light poles. n Grading of roadway base along Gulfstream Avenue and U.S. 41 between Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue on the east side. n Excavation, roadway earthwork and curb installation on U.S. 41 between Gulfstream Avenue and Fruitville Road. n Continued installation of underground storm drainage on U.S. 41 north and Gulfstream Avenue by Ritz-Carlton Drive, and on U.S, 41 between Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue. Before construction, that area flooded frequently. Part of the road work is designed to keep that from happening. n Installing of storm drainage structure tops on U.S. 41 between Gulfstream Avenue and Fruitville Road.

The Florida Department of Transportation remains in the Phase 1A configuration of its $8.6 million project on U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue. The state’s plan is to finish by fall 2022, with incremental changes coming over the next months that will slowly open access to pedestrians and offer greater driving options on the road leading up to full use of the new traffic layout.

“We knew going in, with the traffic plans for the construction phase, that February and March was going to be really bad,” Harmer said, acknowledging some of the improvements FDOT has made. “I think it’s going to be a messy couple of months. We

Eric Garwood

Traffic on Fruitville Road has backed up in recent weeks, often prompting other routes to and from the barrier islands.

Traffic troubles return, north and south Although immediate congestion was expected, the town is still concerned about long-term placement of pedestrian crossings.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

There was a day not too long ago that Longboat Key Town Commissioner Maureen Merrigan found herself through the looking glass, trafficwise anyway.

At a recent workshop meeting, when the talk turned to seasonal traffic, she related a story of check-

ing a route app for the fastest way from mainland Bradenton to her north-end Longboat Key home.

The routing didn’t go as expected.

“They recommended the fastest way to go, since Cortez was so far backed up on the island, was to actually go south, past the airport, and through Fruitville and up the Key,” she said.

Similarly, Town Manager Tom Harmer told about his experience of coming back to the island from the east, expecting cues from a way-finding app to follow the typical route west on Fruitville Road through downtown, to U.S. 41, then up and over the bridge.

Nope.

The fastest route the app calculat-

ed was essentially around downtown Sarasota to Mound Street, along the bayfront, through the traffic circle construction zone from the south and over the bridge to the barrier islands.

Vice Mayor Mike Haycock said that after working his way home from the mainland recently, he checked on the estimated time for a similar drive he had just made: 80 minutes from downtown Sarasota to his home.

Welcome to Traffic Season 2022.

“It’s just untenable now; it’s horrible,” Merrigan said.

While the focus of late has been on roundabout work at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue in Sarasota, Merrigan reminded Longboat commissioners that the north end of the island

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

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COMING SOON

The next phases of the roundabout work in Sarasota are as follows: Phase 1B: This spring, FDOT is planning to move to its Phase 1B configuration, which means reopening the temporary pedestrian path along the northern part of Gulfstream Avenue and the west side of U.S. 41.

While traveling east along Gulfstream Avenue, motorists will also be able to continue east along Gulfstream heading toward downtown Sarasota. The lane to continue on Gulfstream Avenue is currently blocked.

Phase 2A: Pedestrian access will be restricted along the east side of U.S. 41.

Phase 2B: Traffic will flow through the roundabout, but work will not yet be complete.

anticipated this, but I think it helps to keep reminding (FDOT), and hopefully when the roundabout is in, we won’t have these same issues.’’

One concern remains for the town beyond the construction phase, as it has since the project began.

Harmer said three pedestrian traffic signals remain part of the ultimate plan between Gulfstream and Fruitville, which could bring traffic to a halt with flashing red lights. As it stands now, a red-light pedestrian crossing governs the crosswalk at the Fruitville Road roundabout. He said the town and the city of Sarasota have been in contact with FDOT over potential pitfalls there.

FDOT officials said the redlight equipped crossing signals are designed to lock out immediate subsequent uses by groups of pedestrians to help keep traffic flowing. The delay is about 20-30 seconds, with an eye toward not frustrating wouldbe road crossers to take their chances without the benefit of a signal.

Also, pedestrians who activate a crossing signal can stop traffic only in one direction at a time.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

HAVE YOU MET

BOB?

Nat Kaemmerer

New concept, same business NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

The dining options on Longboat Key just keep growing.

La Norma, the Italian restaurant in the Centre Shops that opened in 2019, has opened a new takeout restaurant called The Italian Market.

Owner Gianfranco Santagati has offered takeout at La Norma but wanted to focus on making the restaurant into the best version of itself while still offering to-go items for the folks on Longboat Key. “Our intention was to come up with a pizza and sandwich takeout to separate the two businesses, but we felt it was in the needs of the town to have another takeout kind of place,” Santagati said.

They’ve had the space for the takeout concept for a while, but then COVID-19 hit. The changing world collided with unfortunate circumstances for several of La Norma’s employees, including two who are still in the hospital after being hit by a car during their bike commute home. With that and the traffic-led difficulty Longboat Key businesses have faced finding employees, Santagati hasn’t been able to field a full team for his two businesses.

FRIENDLY

“In the last year, we didn’t really open every day,” Santagati said. “We were open and closed, open and closed. We were not able to have what we thought we were going to because we didn’t have enough employees to run the two places.”

But that should be changing this week as Santagati prepares to open The Italian Market from 3-8 p.m.

Monday through Saturday. There will be pizza and sandwiches made from La Norma’s homemade dough, and Santagati will be offering a new surprise item on the menu as well.

Santagati’s hope is to make the space between the two eateries into an Italian piazza on Longboat Key. There are already tables and chairs outside, and as the takeout concept gets up and running, diners will be able to order, take a seat and get their food from a window.

Gianfranco Santagati has wanted to get his takeout business open for a while but has struggled to find employees.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

We should be alarmed As we watch the death and destruction in Ukraine, Putin’s invasion should wake us up to the decline in the strength and readiness of the United States.

MATT WALSH

A

ll the while … A growing group of Longboat residents frets over the lack of pickleball courts … St. Armands Key residents worry about a carousel possibly coming to St. Armand Circle Park … Sarasotans wrestle with regulating the trees they can cut down and must plant on property they own … Florida’s LGBTQ citizens protest over proposed legislation that would require public schools to notify parents of certain behaviors … and Congress works (if you want to call it that) part time to destroy the value of your money …

Much of the United States and the world, as this was being composed, was wondering what President Joe Biden would say and do to help Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and stop Vladimir Putin.

Frankly, Americans’ expectations had to be about an inch off the ground that Biden would say or do anything that makes a difference.

As former Defense Secretary Robert Gates wrote about Biden in Gates’ 2014 memoir: Biden has “been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades.”

So far, Biden has kept his Loser streak firmly intact. There was and is no reason to expect anything else.

Of course, no one knows how this attack on Ukraine and its people ultimately will turn out. With 20-20 hindsight, we all know much more could have been done to stop Putin’s invasion. To be sure, NATO countries could have been far more effective deterring Putin’s assault.

And, as always, the debates went on about whether and to what extent the United States should have been and should be involved.

Ukraine, after all, is just another Eastern European throwback rife with government corruption.

But as we witness the death and destruction in Ukraine and watch how the world responds, Putin’s ruthless invasion brings into focus two concepts: the Rule of One and Ronald Reagan’s mantra of “Peace through Strength.”

THE RULE OF ONE

Why should we care about Ukraine?

Does that country really matter to us in the United States?

One answer is economist Arthur Laffer’s Rule of One. The Rule of One in Laffer economics is this: When, say, Congress, a state legislature or a city council wants to adopt legislation affecting taxation or granting an industry or a group special privileges, Laffer says the question to be asked is whether the law would be fair if you imposed it on one person – say, your nextdoor neighbor.

For instance, say your community wants to tax its citizens to build a baseball stadium for a Major League Baseball team. In the Rule of One, Laffer would put it this way: You want to build a baseball stadium for yourself, and you want to tax your nextdoor neighbor to help subsidize your dream. Would you do that?

Would your neighbor go along?

VOTE MARCH 8

Sarasota County voters will decide two ballot questions. The Observer recommends: SCHOOL DISTRICT MILLAGE: Yes COUNTY COMMISSION ELECTIONS: Yes

Most likely, emphatically no.

Now apply the Rule of One to Ukraine, albeit a bit differently.

Say a bully, unprovoked but for the sake of being a jerk, is threatening the use of force to maim your friend and damage his home. Say your friend lives two blocks away.

He asks you for help. Would you do nothing?

Of course not. Even though the conflict between the mob and your friend is not your fight, most likely you would take action with your friend to thwart the thug.

We know people argue that Ukraine is not our friend. Its government is corrupt. But the vast majority of its 40 million people are innocents who don’t deserve to be harmed, die or live against their will as the slaves and sacrificial animals of a ruthless, killer dictator.

But that is what the outcome will be regardless of whether Putin takes some or all of Ukraine. He doesn’t care about people’s individual rights. You can be sure he has more conquests in his ambitions.

Will sanctions stop him?

No. They won’t hurt Putin. Biden and others say the sanctions will cripple Russia’s economy. But what they should say is the economic sanctions will hurt only the average individual Russian people the most.

When they go without money and food, some will starve and some will protest. But Putin still has the guns and power. He will crush the protesters, too.

You can see where this can go: a long time with a lot of suffering throughout the world, all because of one bully’s ambitions.

Back to the Rule of One. If a bully threatens you, what do you do? You crush the bully.

PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH

Now that we have seen war break out, you can see the benefits of Peace through Strength.

If you don’t have the strength, if you don’t have the more-powerful weaponry, and if you don’t have that power in tip-top shape, ready to be deployed, you won’t stop the bullies, tyrants and aggressors.

Surely that will be one of the messages U.S. military leaders are likely to be reminding their troops as the Ukraine invasion and its aftermath unfolds. And it’s likely the same message they will try to drive into the inferior noggins on Capitol Hill. It’s a message Congress should take to heart.

That message is frighteningly explicit and clear (see box).

Three weeks ago, Thomas Modly, former secretary and undersecretary of the Navy and now a resident of Sarasota, spoke to the members of the Gulf Coast CEO Forum. The content of his remarks would have left you queasily fearful and bloodthumpingly angry.

Fearful because the facts he presented painted a picture of a U.S. military that is neither the dominant military we thought we had; in fact, China easily has far more sea power than we do. Nor do we have the capability to scale up quickly in time of need; in fact, procuring parts to build and keep our military ready is increasingly difficult.

It makes you angry when you hear and read how Congress and our current president have punted the policy of Peace through Strength in favor of the bogus claim of calamitous climate change, shutting oil exploration in favor of buying oil from Russia, and transgender policies in the military.

When Modly showed his audience the grim realities, he used data from the 2018 report: “Assessing and Strengthening the Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base and Supply Chain Resiliency of the United States.”

Wow. Talk about a scary book.

This 146-page report to thenPresident Donald Trump spelled out major forces that are weakening the United States’ industrial base and military readiness, including lower defense appropriations from Congress; antiquated and bureaucracy-laden procurement practices that delay contracting, discourage innovation and increase

The decline of U.S. might The two tables below illustrate how the United States’ military capabilities (the ability to build the most-sophisticated arsenal) and comparative size have lost to China.

“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

BY THE NUMBERS THE EROSION OF U.S. MILITARY INDUSTRIAL BASE

President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com

1

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

The United States now has only one supplier for each of the following key defense components: Ship/Propeller Shafts for Submarines, Thin-Wall Castings for Helicopter Gearboxes, Large Caliber Gun Barrels, Ammonium Perchlorate (key ingredient in all rocket fuel).

7.1 million

Lost manufacturing jobs since 1979; 5 million since 2000.

90%

Percentage of printed circuit boards manufactured in Asia (more than 50% in Communist China).

-17,000

Fewer DoD prime contractor/vendors since 2000.

1=70%

There is one Unmanned Aerial System (Drone) manufacturer that controls more than 70% of the commercial UAS market globally, including the United States. That is a Chinese company called DJI. DJI alone has 74% of civilian-market share in 2018, with no other company accounting for more than 5%.

8 years/ 70%

On average a major U.S weapon system takes eight years to develop and field. Over that development period, 70% of the electronics employed on the system will be obsolete.

CHINA MILITARY STRENGTH DWARFS THAT OF U.S. IN PACIFIC, 1999-2021 The data below show how the People’s Republic of China has increased its military assets over the past two decades.

UNITED STATES

1999 Nuclear aircraft carriers.......... 1 Destroyers, cruisers, frigates..................................... 9 Fighter jets............................ 67 Anti-submarine patrol planes.....................................12 0 Nuclear submarines

CHINA

1999 Frigates.................................... 8 Fighter jets............................60 Submarines............................. 3 Surface-to-air missiles...... 5-10

2009 Nuclear aircraft carriers.......... 1 Destroyers, cruisers, frigates..................................... 9 Fighter jets............................ 67 Anti-submarine patrol planes...................................... 6 Nuclear submarines............... 3

2009 Destroyers, frigates...............31 Fighter jets..........................450 Submarines........................... 32 Surface-to-air missiles... 30-35

2017 Nuclear aircraft carriers.......... 1 Destroyers, cruisers, frigates.................................... 11 Fighter jets............................ 67 Anti-submarine patrol planes...................................... 5 Nuclear submarines............... 4

2017 Aircraft carriers........................ 1 Destroyers, frigates...............51 Fighter jets..........................638 Submarines........................... 48 Surface-to-air missiles... 30-35

2021 Nuclear aircraft carriers.......... 1 Destroyers, cruisers, frigates.................................... 11 Fighter jets............................ 67 Anti-submarine patrol planes...................................... 5 Nuclear submarines............... 4 Total..................................... 88

2021 Aircraft carriers....................... 2 Destroyers, frigates.............. 80 Fighter jets.................... 1,000+ Submarines........................... 79 Surface-to-air missiles............?

Total............................... 1,161+

costs; declines in manufacturing employment because of disappearing manufacturers and a social demographic that avoids such jobs; and the rise of China.

The report spells out explicit warnings — with the decibels of cannon fire — that China wants to make sure the United States, or anyone else, cannot stop it from whatever it wants. Consider a few excerpts about China: n “Machine tools are power-driven machines used to shape or form parts made of metal, plastic, or composites to support both production and prototyping operations. Critical to creating modern defense and non-defense products, machine tools impact the entire supply chain and multiple sectors.

The U.S. once led the world in the innovation and capacity of its highend machine tools sector, but U.S. standing has dropped significantly since 2000. n “In 2015, China’s global machine tool production skyrocketed to $24.7 billion, accounting for 28% of global production, while the U.S. accounted for only $4.6 billion, after China, Japan, Germany, Italy and South Korea.”

n “China’s capture of foreign technologies and intellectual property, particularly the systematic theft of U.S. weapons systems and the illicit and forced transfer of dual-use technology, has eroded the military balance between the U.S. and China. Such transfers aid China’s efforts to gain a qualitative technological advantage over the U.S. across key domains, including naval, air, space and cyber.”

Finally, take a look at the total number of ships and planes that we and China have in the Pacific — just the Pacific. When Modly was acting secretary and then former acting secretary of the Navy, he hounded the Trump Administration about its commitment to building the Navy fleet that is needed. For years, administrations and Congresses have talked about expanding the Navy’s 245-ship fleet to 355 ships and eventually to 500.

That has been nothing but talk.

Perhaps Ukraine can bring an end to the talk and real action.

Despite the alarm bells, sad to say, don’t count on it.

Executive Editor and COO / Kat Hughes, KHughes@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 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

Source: Thomas Modly, former secretary of the Navy

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SUNDAY, FEB. 20

IT’S IN THE BAG 12:35 p.m., 6200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Animal complaint: Police responded to a report of a dead possum on a residential property. The resident greeted the officer and said she was unsure of what to do. The officer accepted a heavy-duty trash bag for the dead animal and left the package by the side of the road. The officer followed up with an e-mail to the Public Works Department to coordinate pick up and disposal.

MONDAY, FEB. 21

CLOCK WATCHING 7:40 a.m., 600 block of Cedar Street Noise complaint: A caller to police reported two men preparing to work but not yet making workrelated noise, in violation of town codes. One of the workers told the responding officer that they arrived early and began setting up, but no work had actually taken place before 8 a.m. The officer told the worker that to avoid any conflict in the future, remain in the truck until 8 a.m.

BREATHING EASIER 11:30 a.m., police headquarters Found property: The driver of a rental car came to the police department to turn in property found in the trunk, which included a con-

CAN CRASHER 6:33 p.m., 500 block of Yardarm Drive Suspicious incident: Following an incident in which a vehicle knocked over a residential trash can, police were called to investigate. A witness described the vehicle, adding she thought it was parked a few houses away. While the police were on the scene, the driver of the vehicle returned and said he had been on his cell phone when he bumped the trash can. He cleaned up the spilled trash on the driveway and offered to pay damages. Police reported the trash can appeared intact. The resident did not wish to press charges.

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TUESDAY, FEB. 22

HE’S OK 2:01 p.m., 1200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Welfare check: Concerns were raised over a resident who had left for a walk but was overdue on his return. Once on the scene, an officer learned the resident had been found. He had met friends during the course of his walk and stopped to talk to them for a while.

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

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HELP IS COMING 4:10 p.m., 6300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: The driver of a car that lost power flagged down an officer for help. The driver said the vehicle, which was off the road, was disabled. The driver’s roadsideassistance service was alerted and a tow truck was sent.

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WEDNESDAY, FEB. 23

LOOK, UP IN THE SKY 5:20 p.m., 6800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious vehicle: Police were alerted to a low-flying ultra-light aircraft. A caller was concerned about the safety of nearby birds. The officer could not find any aircraft in the area.

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11:16 p.m., 3300 block of Bayou Sound Animal complaint: A police officer responded to a call regarding a snake in a bathroom. When the officer arrived, the caller said the approximately 4-foot-long reptile was nowhere to be found. Officers looked around and theorized the animal might have come and gone through a plumbing access area. The resident said a plumber would be called to seal off any more slithery visitors.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

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Few on the island climb aboard carousel idea Entertainment company says circus-themed attraction would make better use of circle park.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

C

ount Longboat Key town commissioners among those who oppose an idea put forward by an entertainment company to build a destination carousel in the middle of St. Armands Circle.

Sarasota City commissioners last week heard from a marketing representative of Ride Entertainment, a company that has installed similar attractions in other cities and approached Sarasota about a year ago with the St. Armands idea.

“Our goal with this project is to create a wonderful entertainment opportunity that complements the city and brings awesome entertainment to all parties,” Jen Horvat said.

“It would extend the stay of visitors to the Circle and to activate a beautiful park.”

Literally at the same time Sarasota City commissioners were hearing Horvat’s presentation and discussing the matter, Longboat Key commissioners also were in session.

And the carousel proposal wasn’t attracting many riders.

“St. Armands continues to say they rely heavily on all of the various events they hold in that park with art and cars, etc., so it appears a carousel would pretty much eliminate all of those events,” Commissioner BJ Bishop said. “I’m not sure who in Sarasota is coming up with some of their off-the-cuff ideas, but this one is right up there with some of their more-entertaining but not very sensible ideas.”

Mayor Ken Schneier said it was a rare case of synchronicity between residents near St. Armands, Circle merchants and business property owners in opposition to the carousel proposal.

File photo

A rendering of what a proposed carousel might look like in the center of St. Armands Circle.

In a letter to city commissioners, Chris Goglia, president of the St. Armands Residents Association, wrote that the installation of a carousel would essentially turn every day into a peak visitor opportunity, with negative results for other plans Circle merchants might have.

“We believe that a carousel will, in effect, be the equivalent of a yearround special event, which will have detrimental effects on vehicular traffic, pedestrian safety and the ability of the St. Armands Circle Merchants Association to conduct various festivals and shows that bring business to merchants and which our residents enjoy attending,” he wrote.

Commissioners took no action following the presentation, which had been added to the city agenda after

its original pre-meeting posting.

The carousel issue is not the first time the town of Longboat Key has opposed an initiative originating from the mainland side of the Ringling Bridge. In recent years, the two municipalities have differed on a variety of traffic-related issues, ranging from traffic circle construction, an emphasis on multimodal transportation downtown, planning and zoning concerns in St. Armands Circle and a proposal to redevelop a city-owned parking lot into a multiuse commercial site.

Schneier said the town is also paying attention to a proposal to alter zoning rules in St. Armands Circle.

The city’s planning board is expected to discuss that on March 9.

Sarasota City Commissioner

Hagen Brody acknowledged the parking issues the carousel could bring to St. Armands Circle, but said he liked the idea. The carousel could bring revenue and more visitors to the area.

“You live in a destination, and I think there are some side effects to that. But I like the idea,” Brody said.

“We’ve had to try to up the game of St. Armands by investing in the beach, streetscapes and sidewalks.

We want to raise the game.

“I want to be perfectly clear with a vision for that. What we do in St. Armands has to be top of the line in a beautiful, high-end area. I understand people not wanting the side effects of that, but there’s lots of benefits that come with this opportunity.”

Horvat said the proposed carousel would be designed with a circus theme to match the shopping district’s connection with circus pioneer John Ringling and the Circus Ring of Fame, also featured in the center park.

Horvat said Ride Entertainment would be responsible for installation, marketing, payroll, ride operation, supplies, insurance, utilities and security. She emphasized that the carousel proposed for St. Armands Circle Park would be circus themed to fit the current landscape.

“We don’t believe people will come to the Circle just for the carousel,” Horvat said. “It’s supposed to be something that answers the need of many families. It would take up space that’s currently unusable.”

While creating an appropriate theme for the carousel was a priority made by Horvat, Tom Leonard, a property owner on St. Armands Circle, brought up the issue of it potentially disrupting the atmosphere of the park.

“The business improvement district is looking to add condominiums on the Circle, and I think that’s going to be approved,” Leonard said.

“If you put a carousel in the park, who is going to want to listen to that through their windows?”

Amplified music was a top concern for Leonard, but he also said the carousel would be a major investment with a fixed and limited use. With the prime location of St. Armands Circle, Leonard worried that if it became undesirable, the city would be stuck with it for many years.

He also said the carousel would be disruptive to parkgoers seeking a peaceful experience. He cited a lack of financial planning for the carousel’s parking lot and how it would financially benefit the city.

“The problem is that this isn’t something we can try for a year and give it back,” Leonard said. “This carousel is a multimillion-dollar investment that could be there for 50 years. We’d have to live with this thing.”

Reporter Blake Fussell contributed to this report

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*By Luxury Portfolio International, the luxury arm of Leading RE Companies of the World®, 2018 ** William Raveis Real Estate exceeds all other brokers in market share on Jupiter Island and in Hobe Sound according to RAPB Beaches MLS for the period January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021. ** William Raveis Real Estate exceeds all other brokers in total volume and total transactions in Port Royal and Pine Ridge according to the SWFLAMLS for the period January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021. Non-MLS transactions, including non-MLS transactions of William Raveis, are not included in this tabulation. This information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Based on information from the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® for the period 12/1/2020 - 12/31/2021. Data does not include lots and land.

Recognized as the #1 Luxury Brokerage by Luxury Portfolio International (2018)

140 Offices 4,400+ Sales Associates $21 Billion in Annual Sales 8 States - CT, FL, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT

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#1 Family-Owned Real Estate Company in Florida and the Northeast

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

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S E A F O O D E AT E RY I N S O U T H S I D E V I L L AG E

Specialty Menu Live Music Giveaways Gift Basket Raffle 5-9 PM

1812 S. Osprey Ave. Sarasota, FL 34239 941-444-7968

NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS

Michael Saunders Foundation distributes donations Nat Kaemmerer

• LOW $ DOWN • LOW PAYMENTS

The real estate company’s philanthropy arm, MSC Foundation, has donated more than $1 million over 10 years.

1683 Cattlemen Rd. Sarasota, FL

941-925-7150

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NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

r e m r o f e R

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Mat

t’s the season to give at Michael Saunders & Co. On Feb. 22, the Longboat Key office presented checks to three local service organizations selected by agents in the office.

Every year, the MSC Foundation donates tens of thousands of dollars. At the Longboat Key office, SRQ Vets, Streets of Paradise and Selah Freedom each received a $1,500 check.

“This will help us so much,” Selah Freedom Executive Director Stacey Efaw said. “We’re always in search of financial help and volunteers.”

Each organization gave a short presentation about whom they serve with their work and how the money will be spent.

At Selah Freedom, an anti humantrafficking organization, it’s likely that the money will go toward a transportation fund. Women and girls who receive their rehabilitation services receive trauma therapy and counseling in basic life skills as they start working full-time.

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“It is solution-based, so 87% of the people that go through a program did not return to the life, and that’s a very high success rate,” Efaw said.

“We have some great success stories. We have a girl right now going to nursing school, and another one is on her third year of her accounting degree, one graduated with her nail tech degree and she’s booked three weeks out right now. These young people are amazing people. They’re the strongest people I’ve ever seen.”

Agents nominate the organizations that receive money and donate out of their sales commissions throughout the year.

Organizations are selected based on their alignment with the MSC Foundation’s goal to improve lives in the communities served by their agents. Among previous recipients are organizations with a track record of offering shelter, food, education and self-sufficiency training, according to the Michael Saunders & Co.’s August 2021 blog.

The donations happen twice a year at the Longboat Key office of Michael Saunders & Co.; the last time the Longboat Key office donated was in July 2021 to Visible Men Academy, Second Heart Homes and Healthy Teens Coalition.

The MSC Foundation started in 2011 and had donated more than $1 million to more than 235 organizations in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and Lee counties by the end of 2021.

Foundation rep Terri Derr, agent Lisa Sebastian, Rob Kehs from SRQ Vets, Stacey Efaw from Selah Freedom, Sharon Gould, Greg Cruz from Streets of Paradise and agent Adrienne Scott

LONGBOAT KEY DELAYED VIDEO SERIES LAKEWOOD RANCH SERIES SARASOTA SERIES VENICE SERIES

Tickets at the Door Only $10 SARASOTA INSTITUTE OF LIFETIME LEARNING

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

Next Week’s Programs Include:

Music Mondays

MUSICAL CONVERSATIONS WITH GREAT PERFORMERS

Monday, March 7 LBK VIDEO SERIES

donate & shop

Monday, March 14 7:30 PM

Temple Beth Israel

Building Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories | Lamps

Sarasota,10:30 am - Venice, 3:00 pm Longboat Key Video, March 14, 7:30 pm

Stephen Hamilton, Organ

Dr. Hamilton earned acclaim as a popular, distinguished, sought-after virtuoso for over forty years. He has performed concerts throughout the United States and Europe, including Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Global Issues AN INSIDER’S VIEW OF TODAY’S WORLD

Tuesday, March 8

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

Ethiopia and its Prime Minister - From Nobel Laureate to War Crimes William Davison will explain the history of

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmad, 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner, and how this leader, with apparently peaceful intent, has turned bloody.

Wednesday, March 9 Sarasota,10:30 am The Tigray Conflict and Ethiopia’s Contested Federation William Davison will look at the path to conflict

3 Stores n 1 Location Tuesday - Saturday n 10:00am - 5:00pm 2095 17th Street n Sarasota

in the province of Tigray and suggest how consultation could produce stability for this long troubled region.

LBK VIDEO SERIES

Thursday, March 17 7:30 PM

Have large items to donate?

Call to schedule your free pick up. n

www.habitatsrq.org

Our vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live.

Thursday, March 10

Sarasota,10:30 am - Lakewood Ranch, 3:30 Friday, March 11 Venice,10:00 am

Can a Democratic America Compete with a Totalitarian China?

Dr. Robert Lieber will discuss how Chinese leaders believe America faces decline and that their path of Communist Party dictatorship is superior to that of the U.S. He contends China’s model is flawed.

Complete program details:

sillsarasota.org

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(941) 444-5783

Temple Beth Israel

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Longboat Key SILL Video Series www.tbi-lbk.org Check our website for Safety Protocols

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

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Sarasota Parking Division General Manager Mark Lyons gives facts on the trolley.

Photos by Harry Sayer

City commissioners and officials end the tour.

Bay Runner trolley service launches The service covering downtown Sarasota and the barrier islands will be available March 2.

HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

I

t’s no secret that traffic and parking have been difficult in Sarasota of late.

City officials are hoping a free trolley service will help alleviate those problems for locals and visitors looking to easily transit downtown Sarasota and Lido Key. The Bay Runner trolley service was set to debut Wednesday, March 2.

The initial offering will have trolleys carrying up to 28 passengers each through 12 eastbound and

westbound stops, with end points at Main Street at School Avenue and Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach.

They’ll be running from 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, including holidays. Trolleys will run every 20 minutes during peak hours and 30 minutes during off-peak hours.

The trolleys have wheelchair lifts and bicycles storage for those who wish to bike to their next location.

The city approved the initiative with a three-year, $4.4 million contract last November. The service is funded by a $1.59 million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation and the city’s economic development fund.

Washington, D.C.-based CPR Medical Transport will manage the trolley service, much as it does the Siesta Key Breeze trolley.

City officials took Downtown

Improvement District members, St. Armands Business Improvement District members and press on an early tour of the trolley’s route on Feb. 25. City Commissioner Hagen Brody and Parking Management Division General Manager Mark Lyons led one of the trolley rides and spoke about the initiative.

There’s no air-conditioning on the trolley, but the trolley is open air, allowing for full views of the route, which includes going over the John Ringling Bridge.

An additional stop is planned for the Golden Gate Point area upon completion of the 41-Gulfstream roundabout.

A Bay Runner app for tracking the next trolley in real time is planned to be released soon as well.

Above: Senior Communications Manager Jan Thornburg Below: The trolley service will take people between South Lido Beach and Downtown Sarasota.

View the amazing models and communities throughout Manatee and Sarasota Counties at the 2022

February 19 - March 13 Models Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Sun Noon-5pm Visit ParadeofHomesinfo.com for virtual model and community tours information.

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Presented by:

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

TRIBUTES

MONTH-BY-MONTH REAL ESTATE INVENTORY

James H. Matson 1940-2022

January ’21 February March April May June July August September October November December January ’22

Jim Matson, 81, of Longboat Key, FL, passed away February 9, 2022 from complications due to Parkinson’s disease. His wife, Jane, was by his side.

Jim was born in Mankato, MN to Herbert and Gladys Matson. He married Jane (Hall) Matson of Mankato

Sarasota Homes 991 759 680 660 620 618 730 761 771 709 665 568 528

Sarasota Condos 845 614 477 415 324 282 293 283 316 315 298 261 254

Manatee Homes 705 657 467 444 462 464 564 563 579 578 511 456 429

Manatee Condos 425 303 230 203 207 173 218 195 204 183 180 155 137

in 1964.

Jim received his Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University (Mankato State College) in 1963. He served as an officer in the Air Force from 19641970, attaining the rank of Captain and was a decorated Vietnam veteran. He earned his Masters of Business degree at the University of Chicago and had a long career with major companies in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. He retired from Procter and Gamble Corporation as a divisional senior vice president, operations.

Following his retirement, Jim enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, Jane, mentoring his adored daughter in her career, watching his grandson play football through his college years and treasured time with their family in Bachelor Gulch, CO. He also devoted his talent and time to many charitable organizations in Baltimore, MD and Sarasota, FL. His volunteerism included Catholic Charities, Service Corps of Retired

He was a Guardian Ad Litem for children in Sarasota, FL and a small business mediator in the Sarasota County courts.

Executives (SCORE), AmeriCorps; and Citizens Democracy Corps, traveling to Romania and Russia following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, to advise start-up businesses. He was a Guardian Ad Litem for children in Sarasota, FL and a small business mediator in the Sarasota County courts.

Jim was an avid tennis player and a member of the Longboat Key Club.

Real estate inventory remains low

and Patrick Hall.

In Jim’s memory, please consider donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Children’s First, Girl’s Inc. – Sarasota or Tidewell Foundation.

DONATIONS: In Jim’s memory, please consider donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Children’s First, Girl’s Inc. – Sarasota or Tidewell Foundation.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane, daughter Tracey Matson Amadio, a grandson, Michael James Amadio; and brothers-inlaw Michael (Sandy) Hall

Year begins with even tighter market than in 2021’s first month.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

After a year of historically low real estate inventories in Manatee and Sarasota counties, 2022 has begun with even fewer properties actively on the market, data from the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee indicate.

In its first data report of the new year, the real estate organization’s metrics show a total of 1,348 homes and condominiums actively marketed in January 2022 in the two counties, 45.4% fewer than the 2,966 total for January 2021.

And that’s not to say 2021 started off with large numbers.

Homes and condos on the market in January 2021 were off by half or more in Manatee and Sarasota counties compared with January 2020.

Such scarcity has been leading to higher median prices across the region for months, dating to early 2020.

“As buyers see the increase in home prices and interest rates, they are in a tough competition to get into the market before their purchasing opportunity is out of reach.”

— Tony Veldkamp

Sarasota County’s median price for a home in January rose more then 36% to $464,500. The same metric in Manatee rose to $480,000, up 29.7% from January 2021.

Both are records.

“The Sarasota and Bradenton area is growing rapidly, with many outof-state buyers entering our market,” said 2022 RASM President Tony Veldkamp, a senior adviser at SVN Commercial Advisory Group. “That is especially true this time of year when more snowbirds are enjoying the Florida winter lifestyle. As buyers see the increase in home prices and interest rates, they are in a tough competition to get into the market before their purchasing opportunity is out of reach.”

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The Longboat Key Garden Club is proud to present...

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•Catered Sunset Cruise for 4 guests aboard a beautiful 37’ yacht with hor d’ oeuvres, wine, champagne, and beer.

Cocktails: 5:30pm Dinner: 6:00pm Live Auction: 7:00pm Movie: 8:00pm Location: Bayfront Park, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key Admission: $75 per person

•President’s Gift - Private Wine Tasting for up to 12 guests. This 90-minute experience includes 8 bottles of wine, a wine consultant and appetizers!

•Behind the Scenes VIP Tour of Mote Marine Aquarium and Research Lab for 6 people.

•Dinner for 6 guests at Zota Beach Resort.

•Casa Del Mar Beach Resort Stay’cation with Longbeach Café breakfast for 2.

•Complimentary Cannon’s Boat Rental, and MORE! All proceeds are awarded to local non-profits for environmental & beautification grants & scholarships for students focused on environmental, conservation-related studies.

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HAIR • NAILS • SPA Les Ciseaux Salon & Spa has a new owner, Dawn Lewis!

An employee at Les Ciseaux for over 24 years, Dawn recently purchased the business and will continue its legacy of unparalleled service.

To purchase tickets, Visit LBKGardenClub.org or call 941-387-1909 premier sponsor... Kathleen Wingate & Steve Branham Real Estate Advisors

sponsored by...

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EXCITING LIVE AUCTION ITEMS INCLUDE:

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•Fantastic Prizes Awarded throughout the evening

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15

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

TRIBUTES James (Jim) C. Huber 1927-2022 James (Jim) C. Huber, 94, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away January 21, 2022.

File photo

With record low numbers of homes on the market, and a large number of buyers seeking them, properties continue to sell quickly.

While too early to be a reliable trend, Veldkamp said experts are keeping close tabs on some key metrics that might indicate the beginning of a shift.

“New listings tend to rise in delayed response to the increase in prices, and inventory rises when new listings outpace the number of properties that go off market,” he said. “In January, there were more new listings than closed sales in the region. While it’s too early to determine whether this is a trend that will continue through 2022, it is a figure that we will be watching closely.

“As sellers see a continued increase in home prices and interest rates, which eventually will lead toward more supply, they have to decide whether to take advantage of now being the time to sell before the market levels off.”

Seven days from listing to contract is the median in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

James was born to Carl E. Huber and Emma Grau Huber in Racine, Wisconsin on February 20, 1927. He graduated early from Horlick High School in 1944 to enlist in the Navy with his parents permission at the age of 17.

After the Navy, James attended the University of Wisconsin, where he met his wife of 70 years, Joyce Anne Wilson. James and Joyce were married June 30th, 1951 in Wisconsin.

James started a chemical business but due to chemical supply shortages during the Korean War he had to close the business. Shortly after, he traveled Illinois and Iowa selling designer gloves through Founds and Scaporeeli in New York. Following that war, James went to Coral Chemical Company, in Waukegan, Illinois for several years before starting his own chemical business called Surfon in Winfield, Illinois, where he worked with his sons. In the late 70’s, James and Joyce moved to Sarasota, Florida where they first had a condominium on Lido Key and then resided in condominiums that James built on Palma Sola Bay. After they sold out, they moved to Longboat Key where they resided for 30 years prior to moving to Bay Village. In the early 80’s, James opened

Metro Nursing with his son Mark, providing home nursing care to those where needed in Sarasota County.

Sarasota resident Kathy Butler was his office manager for 30 years.

James was an avid traveler with his wife. They cruised through the Mediterranean and Alaska. James and Joyce enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Europe, throughout Mexico, South America, and almost every state in the United States.

James was a man of strong faith and was always active in his church. Whichever church he attended, you could always find him singing in the choir. As a young boy, he remembers singing “Fairest Lord Jesus” on many occasions. James was one of the founding members of the Christ Church of Longboat Key where he was elected as an elder. James was a lover of all music. In high school he played the

His happy, cheerful demeanor, giving spirit, ability to always put others first, and hilarious puns will truly be missed by all. oboe. His instructor would take him by train to the rehearsals for the Chicago Orchestra and would allow him to play in the orchestra with them. James also played the piano and was particularly fond of Jazz Piano. As a teen, James would play piano at bars to earn extra money for his family. Later on, he played piano in the Wisconsin Dance Band and the Navy Dance Band. James donated his Yamaha Baby Grand piano to Christ Church of Longboat Key. He is known by his Great-Granddaughters as “Papa Piano”, whom he adored and loved to watch dance.

His happy, cheerful demeanor, giving spirit, ability to always put others first, and hilarious puns will truly be missed by all.

James is survived by his wife Joyce Huber; his sons Paul and Mark Huber; daughter in law Rebecca Huber; his grandchildren Mark Huber, Heather Messenger and husband Miles, Kristell McCorkle and husband Brian, April Huber, Jay Huber, Katherine Barry and husband Conor, and Laura Minton and husband Greg; great-grandchildren Nichole, Brooke, Ella, Marissa, Grant, Evan, Jacob, Zackery, River, Alyssa, Colton, James Jr, Rachel, Nathan, Lilly, and Zeke; and greatgreat grandkids Isabella and Vincent.

A memorial service for friends and family will be held at 11:00 am on March 5th, 2022 at: Christ Church of Longboat Key 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL SERVICE: Saturday, March 5, 11AM Christ Church of Longboat Key 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Boys and Girls Club or St. Jude’s.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

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TRIBUTES Margaret A. “Marge” Corry 1938-2022

ranted.

At age 17, Margaret lost her beloved mother, whom she bravely nursed at home, to cancer. Upon her Lutheran High graduation, Margaret worked as a secretary in order to finance several aspirations. The first was a year at ValparaisoUniversity, an experience that afforded many happy memories and lifelong friendships. The second was a European travel adventure, which she took with her sister, Mary Ann, and a group of girlfriends.

Margaret’s decision to accept employment as a secretary at the US Steel American Wire division following her travels set the course for the rest of her life, for it was there that she met Charles Corry, formerly of Cincinnati, Ohio. Attempting to secure a date with “The Torch”, a moniker that Margaret, unbeknownst to her, had been given by the admiring young company men on account of her beauty and gorgeous red locks, was initially difficult for Charles, but he persisted with some very creative measures, and soon thereafter their 60 year love story began. And what a story it was! The couple married after a nine month courtship; three daughters, Lynne, Diane, and Elizabeth, soon followed in succession, along with many happy times for the young family.

There was misfortune too; in her mid thirties, Margaret was stricken with a rare eye disease, resulting in the loss of vision in one eye and compromised vision in the other. True to form, she managed with strength and

Formerly of Longboat Key, Florida, and a longtime resident of Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, Margaret died at age 83 on February 18, 2022.

She entered the world in 1938 in Cleveland, and was the middle of three children born to Henry and Anna Stuve, both of whom were recent German immigrants.

As family lore has it, upon Margaret’s birth, her father announced “Oh no, it’s another girl, and she’s a red head from the Devil!”

Henry was soon charmed by his daughter, but he was not entirely mistaken about Margaret’s devilish side.

She was a little girl inclined toward much mischief and the unfeminine, mismatched attire she insisted on wearing was often dirty and disheveled after playing with neighborhood friends.

At her cherished Lutheran High School, Margaret left her tomboy days behind and transitioned into a young lady of grace and elegance, although her spirit and sense of playfulness endured.

She experienced a major disappointment during these years by being denied entrance to the school choir, despite the group needing members. Anyone who has heard Margaret sing knows the Lutheran High choir master’s decision was war-

dedication.

No visitation, but friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of life service, which will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations being made to the Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh.

resolve.

The family moved from Cleveland to Pittsburgh to New York and back to Pittsburgh, as Charles, a tax attorney, made his way up the corporate ladder at US Steel. Charles was later the architect of the Marathon Oil Company acquisition and subsequent renaming of the corporate entities as USX; he retired as Chairman and CEO of USX in 1996.

Through it all, Margaret was extraordinarily supportive while also maintaining an identity of her own; they were a team in the truest sense, a loving partnership of equals.

Margaret was very accomplished in her own right, and Charles would hold her hands and say “I love these hands and everything you have done with them”.

As a young mother, she was a talented seamstress, making many of her and her daughters’ clothing. Margaret painted, did gorgeous needlepoint, made beautiful floral arrangements. Later in life, she learned to play the piano, taught herself computer graphic design, and took up photography; she excelled at all, even winning local awards for her photos. While no one would have ever made the mistake of describing her as an athlete, Margaret was a longtime member of the St. Clair Country Club Nine Holers, winning the Queen Bee championship several times. She baked incredible pies and lovingly taught her daughters and grandchildren of both genders to do the same. She had a keen eye

and a real flair for interior design, making many of the decorative elements herself.

Margaret loved travel, musicals, science and history shows, playing games, and sharing good times with friends. But most of all, she loved her family, to whom she was endlessly devoted. Everything she did for them was infused with love. Behind that, there was a woman of true substance.

Margaret was an independent thinker with great intelligence and an exemplary moral code. She was a beacon of integrity, determination and authenticity, with a wonderful sense of fun.

Margaret was an excellent listener, and when speaking herself, always had words of wit, wisdom, and engaging stories to share.

While the family deeply mourns the loss of their remarkable and beloved matriarch, they are also full of joy that she has been reunit-

She was a beacon of integrity, determination and authenticity, with a wonderful sense of fun. ed with Charles, who passed away exactly 11 months earlier, on March 18, 2021.

They belong together and will remain in our hearts that way. Margaret is survived by three daughters, Lynne Corry-Roberts (Neil), Diane Corry Sladic (Mark), and Elizabeth Daugherty (David), grandchildren Carys and Ava Corry-Roberts, Lauren, Ryan, and Nicholas Sladic, and Erin and Jill Daugherty, sister Mary Ann MacLellan (George), brother William Stuve (Barbara), a nephew, and five nieces. Margaret leaves behind a family whom she inspired to continue her legacy of love and family

DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations being made to the Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh.

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WORSHIP

ST. MARY, STAR OF THE SEA WOMEN’S GUILD ROYAL RUMMAGE SALE XIV

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directory

Early Bird Sale: Friday March 4, 2022 • Noon to 4 PM • Admission $5.00 Regular Sale: Saturday March 5, 2022 • 9AM to 1 PM FREE ADMISSION St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church Father Edward Pick Hall | 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Longboat Key, FL 34228

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions

St. Armands Key

LUTHERAN CHURCH

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

JOIN US WORSHIP

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

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

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

UPCOMING EVENTS:

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

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

Worship With Us at Our Church

Catholic Church

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

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

Masks Are Optional

Visitors & Residents Welcome

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

•

941.383.8833 (office)

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An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

•

www.christchurchoflbk.org

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

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

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

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

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

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Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live:

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

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

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

Temple Beth Israel

The Center of Jewish Living on Longboat Key

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

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

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

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

941.383.3428 | www.tbi-lbk.org

RABBI STEPHEN L. SNIDERMAN, D.D.

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

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Growing in Jesus’ Name

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

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

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• Eyewitness to Dachau presentation, March 9 at 2 pm

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

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CO M I N G TO LI D O B E AC H

65 P RIVAT E RESI DENCES From the $5 millions

N OW AC C E P T I N G R E S E RVAT I O N S

Julia DeCastro 941-812-5176 · Donna DeLoach 239-825-1168 residenceslidokey.com ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE.

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This project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Rosewood Residences Lido Key is owned and being developed, offered and sold by WSR—Lido Beach, LLC (“Developer”). The project is not owned, developed or sold by Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, L.L.C. or any of its affiliates (“Rosewood”). Developer uses the Rosewood marks pursuant to a license agreement with Rosewood, which may be terminated under certain conditions. Rosewood does not assume any responsibility or liability in connection with the condominium. Copyright 2022© All Rights Reserved

Classifieds 28 Games 27 Real Estate 25 Weather 27

MARCH 3, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS BECKYBALL LIVES!

BECKYBALL’S BACKSTORY

Above: For Beckyball, the Club Longboat players use low-pressure tennis balls. Left: Yoram Ariely named Beckyball after his wife, even though she prefers walking to get her exercise.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

E

very morning, a group of Club Longboat residents pick up their pickleball paddles and prepare to parry across the park. But the courts are clay, not hard, and the area is wider and shorter than a typical pickleball court.

So thank goodness it’s not pickleball. It’s Beckyball, a modified form of the sport that brings the social, low-impact version of tennis to even more of the population. Dreamed up

in 2019 by Yoram Ariely, who was looking to establish a more-accessible form of pickleball, the sport has taken off at Club Longboat.

“For people who are hurting from tennis, it’s a good sport to come to, but we just really like it,” organizer Nancy Hart said. “We have 25 people on our list.”

On any given morning, two courts at Club Longboat are reserved for Beckyball players. It’s gotten so big that permanent kitchen lines – the line a serve must clear – were added. On Feb. 23, 10 players showed up, and the lone player out on each court rotated in after a game finished.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, because if we grow much more, then we’re going to need another court,” Hart said.

Hart organized the Club Longboat Beckyball play in 2019 after meeting Ariely. Hart and her husband, Terry,

had been playing pickleball at Bayfront Park and met up with Ariely one day. They corresponded about what types of ball to use, finally settling on a low-pressure tennis ball, and Hart began organizing at Club Longboat. It was a godsend for Terry.

“I used to play tennis, but this came along, and it’s worked out well,” Terry said. “I couldn’t play on those hard courts anymore. My knees would kill me.”

The soft court is a big draw for the Club Longboat players, and Hart said she’s gotten more players interested in it as they age. However, there are a good number of the condo’s younger residents enthusiastically involved, too, and lots of grandkids pick up a paddle when they come to town.

The Harts no longer play tennis, but several of the other players do. One couple actually started up a tennis game on Feb. 23 when the Beckyball

games dispersed.

“It’s a place where we can come and meet new people,” Jon Riley said.

“It is social, but there are competitive points, but it’s definitely more about having fun.”

Beckyball retains the social spirit of pickleball. It doesn’t matter who doubles up with whom or how badly you whiff a point. Spouses line up across from each other and grudgingly congratulate each other on a good point, and no one fights to stay on the court for long at another player’s expense. Several players are thankful for Terry, who keeps track of the three-number score of the game.

“I can see it being 50/50 with tennis and Beckyball here soon,” Riley said.

Above: Jon Riley prepares to hit a winning point. Left: Pam Stites and Sheila Wentland keep their eyes peeled for the ball.

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One Longboater created a version of pickleball for clay courts that has taken root at the Club Longboat tennis courts.

The differences between Beckyball and pickleball are subtle. A pickleball court has to be created outside of an existing tennis court, with a narrower and longer playing space. Most pickleball is played as doubles, so Ariely widened the playing field for Beckyball to downsize fear of collisions. The idea behind Beckyball was that players who found tennis too taxing on their bodies could make use of the courts they’ve played on for years. Besides the Club Longboat group, a group in Sarasota at University Park Country Club has enthusiastically picked up the sport.

“There are so many existing tennis courts which are not in use, and they can be easily used for Beckyball, which is pickleball on soft courts,” Ariely said.

But who is Becky, anyway? Ariely’s wife. Does she play?

Nope. Her favorite exercise is long walks.

“I name everything for her,” Ariely said.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

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

N IO T C RU T NS O C EPR

RECENT ACTIVITY

BENCH M A R K R E SU LTS • S T R AT EGIC M A R K ET I NG • PER SONA L I Z ED SERV ICE 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

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

IDEAL NORTH KEY LOCATION

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 2067 H A BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 656 TARAWITT DRIVE | OFFERED ATR$2,495,000 L onSpectacular g b o a t K e y opportunity | O f f e re d ato t $build 7 79, 0your 0 0 dream home onLthis on gcanal b o a t front K e y lot | Owith f f e reoptimal d a t $ 7southern 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487 exposure and 120’ of water frontage on the north end of Longboat Key. Work with John Cannon

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

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 750 PENFIELD ST | $2,995,000 L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

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CT A R NT O C

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

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

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

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

I A N A DDY, PA

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

Pet friendly community.

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

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

2109 GULF OF MEXICO DR 1404 | $1,266,000

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

G A I L W IT T IG

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

941.387.0100

I A N A DDY, PA R E A LT O R ®, M B A

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

7360 POINT OF ROCKS | $4,850,000

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R DE N U

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G IN

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Maxine Tauber and Lois Lowsky dined at the same table.

Left: Sylvia Pastor, Kelli Veit, Michael Mendez and Nancy Cohen

We’re all mad hatters here

T

he hats at the Beth Israel Women luncheon on Feb. 21 just got curioser and curioser. The theme of the gathering was a Mad Hatter’s tea party, and attendees came dressed to impress, with towering hats sprouting feathers and springy coils.

Attendees enjoyed an elegant tea party with crustless cucumber and egg salad sandwiches. Sylvia Pastor made the sandwiches and scones, Corrine Sniderman prepared the lemon curd, and Debbie Cohen made the cream puffs. Every tray was a hit. As dessert approached, attendees made cups and pots of tea for the party at their table.

The women were treated to an encore of a performer who recently graced the temple; Michael Mendez from Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe put on a short singing performance after lunch. He was part of the group that performed at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel on Feb. 7.

Above: Corrine Sniderman made lemon curd for the pastries.

Below: Lois Lowsky gets a pastry from Robin Green.

Above: Suzan Friedman and Barbara Mishkin came with hats to block the sun.

Left: Barbara Rosenthal and Gale Frank came with their maddest hats for the occasion.

—NAT KAEMMERER

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

Looking to buy or sell a property on Longboat Key, Bird Key, or anywhere else in the Sarasota Islands?

REAL REAL ESTATE ESTATE SIMPLY SIMPLY DONE DONE

203.605.9582 203.605.9582

J.D., REALTOR ® , LBK COMMISSIONER

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

REAL ESTATE SIMPLY DONE

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

Walter Group is the right choice!

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Living and Working on Longboat Key for 40 Years

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

As 20-year Longboat Key residents, Janet Walter and Steve Walter know the Sarasota Islands and would love to share their knowledge of the local Real Estate Market!

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

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

EXTRAORDINARY

UNRIVALED

JANET & STEVE WALTER

Certified Residential Specialist Broker-Associate

941.928.3559 LD SO

#1 TEAM - LONGBOAT KEY 2020 941.232.2000 | Janet@WalterGroupRealEstate.com 941.809.0907 | Steve@WalterGroupRealEstate.com

845 Longboat Club Road 845 Longboat Club Road| |$19,750,000 Regent Court 19,300 SF | A4440615

A4440615 | 19,300SF | 140’ on the Gulf | $16,500,000 LD SO

Water Club #401 65 Lighthouse Point Drive| |$2,575,000 Gated Community 3,400 SF | A4421764

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A4438181 | 4,933sf | 4BR | Bay Front | $3,510,000

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65 Lighthouse Point Drive

35 Lighthouse Drive | Gated Community 4,933 SFPoint | A4438181 | $3,795,000 A4477572 | 4,430sf | 4BR | Bay Front | $3,300,000 LD SO

501 Halyard Lane 1212 SF Westway Drive | Lido Shores 2,340 | A4448464 | $1,995,000 A4482176 | 4,627sf | 5BR | $3,800,000

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

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 GULF FRONT $1,599,000 Fully furnished Players Club, spacious & bright 2BD/2.5BA completely renovated.

Gulf views, gorgeous beach and resort ammenities: 24 hour guard gate, 4 har tru tennis courts, exercise gym plus an on-site office and under cover parking w/ storage area. Enjoy serene surroundings w/lush landscaping, Gulfside pool & spa.

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

SARASOTA PENTHOUSE $6,995,000 Downtown Ritz Carlton 3BR Ensuite Residence. Magnificent 4,276 sf open floor plan. Spectacular views. World class amenities.

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

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

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

PENDING

SOLD

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

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

Developers Realty Inc. Lic. Real Estate Broker

www.ReidMurphy.com

595 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL 34228

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CALL REID TODAY! | 941.232.3304

YOUR CALENDAR

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

TUESDAYS

SEEKER/KEEPER: OBSERVING CULTURE THROUGH A DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHER’S MIND’S EYE AND CAMERA LENS From 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, documentary photographer Wayne Eastep will give a multimedia presentation on his craft. $15 for members, $20 for others. Call 383-8222 or email EducationCenter@TBI-LBK.org to register.

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

Qi Gong is a mind-body-spirit practice designed to improve mental and physical health. Class is outdoors. Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

BEST BET FRIDAY, MARCH 4, AND SATURDAY, MARCH 5

ROYAL RUMMAGE The Early Bird sale will be from noon to 4 p.m. March 4 in the Father Edward Pick Fellowship Hall at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Admission fee is $5. Masks are recommended. The regular sale will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 5 and is free to enter.

SUNDAY, MARCH 6

BAY AREA WINDS At 2 p.m. at Christ Church of Longboat Key, 6400 GMD, the quintet Bay Area Winds will put on a performance of opera, Broadway, symphonic and chamber music.

The concert is free and open to the community. Call 383-8833 for information.

TUESDAY, MARCH 8

WHAT’S BUGGING YOU? From 3-4:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, learn about microorganisms and microbiomes with Norman Weinberg, Ph.D., electrochemist turned microbiologist, who focuses on microorganisms. $15 for members, $20 for others.

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9

EYEWITNESS TO DACHAU At 2 p.m. at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road, hear from 95-year-old World War II veteran Chuck Palmeri.

Palmeri is the award-winning author of “Boy Soldier: Recollections of World War II” and will discuss his experiences as one of the soldiers who liberated Dachau. Call 3838161 for information.

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.

File photo

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.

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

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 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 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 is $10 for members and $15 for others. Visit LongboatKey.org for information.

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

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

Email Mirabai Holland at mirabai@ MovingFree.com or call 201-9561466

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS

LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT STORE The thrift store will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is located 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 ISSUES III LECTURES 9 From 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road.

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

HULA From 11 a.m.-noon at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Cost is $10. RSVP required. Call 383-6493.

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

ROTARY CLUB Meets at 5 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of month in All Angles Parish Hall, 563 Bay Isles Road. To learn more, call Nancy Rozance at 203-605-4066 or email Info@LongboatKeyRotary.org.

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

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

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

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.

ST. ARMANDS KEY LUTHERAN CHURCH BRIDGE CLUB Every Thursday at 1 p.m. at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 N. Adams Drive, join an ACBLsanctioned game of contract bridge with certified teachers. All skill levels are welcome. There is an $8 suggested donation for each session. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP to 952-9251.

ZUMBA AND MAT PILATES FOR SENIORS From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. The class, designed for active seniors, starts with zumba and shifts to all-level mat Pilates at 10:30 a.m.

Come for 30 minutes or the full hour. Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

THE FOREIGN FILM FEST From 2-5 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road with film critic Gus Mollasis. View and discuss assigned films. Began Feb. 3. $75 for members and $110 for others. Call 383-8222 or email EducationCenter@TBI-LBK.org to register.

FRIDAYS

MEDITATION AND STRESS RELIEF From 11 a.m.-noon at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, take a meditation and stress relief class with Sandi Love. She will take you through a visualization that uses all of your senses and allows you to calm down. Free for members, $10 for others. Call 383-6493.

We’re neighbors covering neighbors.

Jay Heater

MANAGING EDITOR EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Hometown: Middletown, New York Currently Living: Lakewood Ranch Alma mater: University of Arizona Observer Employee: 6 Years What you do when you are not working?

Go to beach and take photographs in East County Connect: jheater@yourobserver.com

A strong newspaper is a wonderful asset to any community, and I believe we work hard to make sure the East County Observer fills that role.

JOIN THE NEIGHBORHOOD //

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

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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 PE

N

N DI

March 3, 2022

G

Ritz-Carlton Managed Residence

L’AMBIANCE

1111 Ritz Carlton Drive #1204 Offered for $3,950,000. 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

January-February 2022 Sales by The Judy Kepecz-Hays Team Community Islander Club The Concession The Beach Residences Tangerine Bay Club The Beach Residences The Water Club Sunset Beach Longboat Key The Beach Residences Fairway Bay

Property Address 2295 Gulf of Mexico Dr Unit 55S 19411 Beacon Park Place 1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr Unit 607 370 A Gulf of Mexico Dr Unit 421 1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr Unit 803 1241 Gulf of Mexico Dr Unit 408 2109 Gulf of Mexico Dr Unit 1404 6211 Gulf of Mexico Dr 1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr PH1201 2110 Harbourside Dr Unit 556

Listed for $788,000 New Con. $2,950,000 $1,100,000 $4,500,000 $2,250,00 $1,200,000 $10,880,000 $5,985,000 $1,025,000

Sold for $740,000 $2,390,000 $2,687,500 $963,000 $4,250,000 $2,200,000 $1,226,000 $10,400,000 $5,400,000 $1,010,000

Sold Date 2/28/2022 2/18/2022 2/18/2022 2/18/2022 2/15/2022 2/10/2022 2/07/2022 2/07/2022 1/10/2022 1/06/2022

Call us today for similar results 941-587-1700 “We wanted to thank you, Judy and team, for the tremendous client services you have provided.

We certainly appreciate everything you have done for us.”

– Christopher and Jane Tutoki | The Beach Residences – Lido Key, Sarasota, FL

$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

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

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

LONGBOAT KEY 7150 Longboat Drive E 7 Beds 6/1 Baths 5,590 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer & Mark J Baron 941-465-1124 A4525188 $10,995,000

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

SARASOTA 473 Partridge Circle 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,226 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4511642 $3,195,000

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 3218 S Osprey Avenue 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,342 Sq. Ft. Gloria Bracciano 941-229-4000 A4524633 $2,495,000

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

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

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

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7507 Haddington Cove 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,405 Sq. Ft. Stephen Strong 941-201-9662 A4525696 $1,350,000

BRADENTON 396 Aruba Circle 302 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,664 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4525652 $1,349,000

BRADENTON 391 Aruba Circle 402 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,664 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente 941-685-6767 A4524894 $1,200,000

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

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

ST PETE 832 2nd Avenue S 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,941 Sq. Ft. Joseph McDonald 941-375-9646 A4524997 $965,000

LONGBOAT KEY 5135 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 104 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,516 Sq. Ft. Sandi Layfield & Michael Nink, PA 941-914-2807 A4525416 $925,000

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

LAKEWOOD RANCH 13753 American Prairie Place 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,111 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4525247 $699,000

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

BRADENTON 7005 Pointe West Boulevard 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,683 Sq. Ft. Cathy Palmer 941-920-2247 A4525556 $570,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 5007 28th Court E 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,678 Sq. Ft. Pamela Miller 614-632-2801 A4524632 $525,000

SARASOTA 4598 Hamlets Grove Drive 4 Beds 2 Baths 2,019 Sq. Ft. Diana Kryszak 941-993-4078 A4525970 $490,000

BRADENTON 3413 Avenida Madera A 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,773 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4522510 $385,000

SARASOTA 5519 Duncanwood Place 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,465 Sq. Ft. Ann Martin & Joanna Benante 941-356-7717 A4525356 $350,000

SARASOTA 5107 Lahaina Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,405 Sq. Ft. Philip Pisano, III & Natasha Keshmirian 941-468-8603 A4525987 $339,000

PALMETTO 2915 8th Street Court W Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4512663 $225,000

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 580 Birdie Lane 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,504 Sq. Ft. Julie Klick & Beverly St Hilaire 941-780-6001 A4525564 $3,695,000

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

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

373424-1

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

REAL ESTATE

Beachfront home on Lido Key tops $6 million

|

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

FEB. 14-18

THE BEACHES OF LONGBOAT KEY-SOUTH

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in John Ringling Estates tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Darrel Flanel, of Osprey, sold the home at 162 Emerson Drive to Wilson AMI LLC for $6.25 million. Built in 1968, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,982 square feet. It sold for $3.15 million in 2019.

THE BEACH RESIDENCES

Vicki L. James Amended and Restated Revocable Trust Agreement sold the Unit 803 condominium at 1300 Benjamin Franklin to Ralph Bradshaw and Deborah Bradshaw, trustees, of Asheville, North Carolina, for $4.25 million.

Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,861 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,625,000 in 2010.

BIRD KEY

Malaka and Ryan Hilton, of Sarasota, sold their home at 314 Bird Key Drive to Bird Key 314 LLC for $4.1 million. Built in 1978, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,524 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,847,100 in 2007.

FL Capital Assets LLC sold the home at 411 Pheasant Way to Christopher and Penelope Benis, of Sarasota, for $3,295,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,774 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,201,300 in 2020.

Barbara Fleischer, of Sarasota, sold her Unit 208 condominium at 775 Longboat Club Road to St. John Donnie McGrath and Michelle Lee McGrath, of Southwick, Massachusetts, for $2.55 million. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,122 square feet of living area.

SANCTUARY AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Phyllis Ploener, trustee, of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, sold the Unit B-505 condominium at 565 Sanctuary Drive to Paul Jeremy Seed, of Ontario, Canada, for $2.05 million.

Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,580 square feet of living area. It sold for $445,000 in 1989.

Courtesy photo

Built in 1968, the beachfront home at 162 Emerson Drive has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,982 square feet of living area.

Connecticut, for $1,217,000. Built in 1982, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,826 square feet of living area. It sold for $950,500 in 2016.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

Steven and Elaine Koziak sold their home at 510 Putter Lane to RamSea LLC for $1,625,000. Built in 1968, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,056 square feet of living area. It sold for $670,000 in 2002.

TANGERINE BAY CLUB

SLEEPY LAGOON PARK

LBK LLC sold the home at 647 Marbury Lane to Blackwater Holdings LLC for $1.25 million. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,651 square feet of living area. It sold for $592,000 in 2015.

THE PLAYERS CLUB

Rodney and Vicki Saul, of Des Arc, Arkansas, sold their Unit 303 condominium at 1445 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Steven and Laurie Meyer, of Gulfport, for $1.25 million.

Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,982 square feet of living area. It sold for $525,000 in 2020.

Warren and Evelyn Silver, trustees, sold the Unit 125 condominium at 340 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Patrick Ward and Margaret Ward, trustees, of Newburyport, Massachusetts, for $1.2 million. Built in 1991, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,210 square feet of living area. It sold for $751,000 in 2002.

Louis Lasday, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 321 condominium at 360 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Dennis and Mary Hall, trustees, of Longboat Key, for $1.18 million. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,290 square feet of living area. It sold for $445,000 in 1994.

CEDARS WEST OF LONGBOAT

Archie Ferrie and Jennifer Choi sold their Unit 502 condominium at 1445 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Beth Bromberg, trustee, of Stamford,

Edward Sobel and Donna Irvin Sobel, of Bradenton, sold their Unit 203 condominium at 5655 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Robert

Kenneth Dunigan and Krista Kaye Dunigan, of Flushing, Michigan, for $950,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,316 square feet of living area. It sold for $600,000 in 2020.

LONGBEACH VILLAGE

Brian Connelly, trustee, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 23 condominium at 7125 Gulf of Mexico Drive to David and Gretchen Bowker, of Indianapolis, for $895,000.

Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,170 square feet of living area. It sold for $212,500 in 1997.

LONGBOAT HARBOUR

Michael Ferrao Ramalho and Kimberly Cooper Ramalho, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 106 condominium at 4330 Falmouth Drive to Lindsay Bertie, of Burnsville, Minnesota, for $578,000. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,072 square feet of living area.

It sold for $308,000 in 2018.

In with the new

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Feb. 18-24 in order of dollar amounts.

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS 4051 GMD

PERMIT Replacement single

APPLICANT Cherokee Trust

AMOUNT 2,000,000

family residence 501 Yawl Lane

Replacement single

James Lebaron

Longboat Key

738,194

family residence 3449 Winding Oaks Drive

Interior alterations

Christina M. Landry

348,000

3030 Grand Bay Blvd #333 A/C change-out

John Care

230,000

615 Dream Island Road

Douglas Gowan

129,512

435 L’Ambiance Drive #PHK Electrical

Secundino N. Sifuentes

95,000

4651 GMD PH-3

Electrical

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

88,000

4651 GMD 404

Electrical

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

88,000

4651 GMD 403

Electrical

4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive

88,000

4651 GMD 402

Electrical

4652 Gulf of Mexico Drive

88,000

4651 GMD PH-4

Electrical

4653 Gulf of Mexico Drive

88,000

4651 GMD 304

Electrical

4654 Gulf of Mexico Drive

88,000

4651 GMD 303

Electrical

4655 Gulf of Mexico Drive

88,000

4651 GMD 302

Electrical

4656 Gulf of Mexico Drive

88,000

4651 GMD PH-2

Electrical

4657 Gulf of Mexico Drive

88,000

4651 GMD 204

Electrical

4658 Gulf of Mexico Drive

88,000

4651 GMD 203

Electrical

4659 Gulf of Mexico Drive

88,000

548 Halyard Lane

Electrical

Charles and Susan Buccheit

69,500

512 Halyard Lane

Seawall

Marsha P. Hove

66,500

510 Bowsprit Lane

Dock and lift

Rachel Diane Ghormley

56,629

Interior alterations

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

Unit 106

6 Winslow Place

Dock and lift

Richard C. Novetzke, Jr.

51,350

6 Winslow Place

Seawall

Richard C. Novetzke, Jr.

47,885

606 Weston Pointe Court

Re-roof

Fran Van Zandt

46,800

2045 GMD #513

Interior alterations

Doug and Sheila Foerth

40,000

435 L’Ambiance Drive #LHK Interior alterations

Loyal M. Peterman

30,000

512 Halyard Lane

Dock and lift

Marsha P. Hove

28,320

455 Longboat Club

Interior alterations

Elaine Donovan

26,000

Road #406

Declarative Trust

100 Sands Point Road #323 Electrical

Bruce Bernstein

23,000

801 Longboat Club Road

Sylvia M. Thompson

22,347

Life Estimate

635 Marbury Lane

Lift

Craig J. and Katherine Cather

3532 Fair Oaks Lane

A/C change-out

Paulette F. Livesay

Downtown St. Petersburg

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

19,402 16,110

5951 Emerald Harbor Drive Retaining wall

Jerrold W. Hill

15,000

1945 GMD #505

Windows and door

Franklin G. Tate, Jr.

12,139

500 Schooner Lane

Dock and lift

David Ian Schiller

12,041

4485 GMD Unit 501

Door

Robert A. Nagel

11,998

777 Jungle Queen Way

A/C change-out

Judith Silverstein Adler

11,300

Source: Town of Longboat Key

373406-1

Plumbing

NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

25

26

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

THEY’RE BACK...

The Bay project moves forward

NOW AT DESIGN 2000 Please call for an appointment:

941-387-9807

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Tina of Tina’s & Manny the Barber

WHITNEY BEACH PLAZA • 6840 GULF OF MEXICO DR. • LONGBOAT KEY

TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAR AND SAVE BUY 3, GET $25 • BUY 2, GET $20

Get a $25 Prepaid Visa® Card* when you buy a qualifying NAPA oil, air and cabin air filter or Get a $20 Prepaid Visa® Card* when you buy a qualifying NAPA oil and air filter

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5608 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH, 34217

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Silhouette® PowerView® Motorization The Matisse Collection®

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Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

The park conservancy’s chief experience officer spoke about current goings-on and the future of the project.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

T

o bay or not to bay is no longer the question. Now the question that The Bay’s Chief Experience Officer Jeannie Perales is answering is: When can we bay?

Attendees to the St. Armands Key Lutheran Church’s third Speaker Series event on Feb. 24 heard from Perales as she went over Sarasota’s newest public park project, known as The Bay, which is transforming a concrete jungle off of Tamiami Trail near the Van Wezel into a sprawling green space for the community. The movement to create the park began about 10 years ago, and parts of the first phase of the project, such as the mangrove bayou, are open to the public.

“If you’ve been there, and it was a few months ago, come back because you won’t believe how much progress we’re making,” Perales said.

“It’s moving very quickly. Right now, phase one of the park is under construction.”

Perales used to work with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and Ringling Museum in educational programming and has transferred that knowledge to The Bay. The project uses land owned by the city of Sarasota, but it’s a park conversancy, meaning that The Bay is a nonprofit organization. There are only 40 such conservancies in the country and The Bay is the only one in Florida.

“There’s Millennium Park in Chicago, Golden Gate Park, and just as smattering of others that are spread across the country,” Perales said.

“We’re part of a network of other park conservancies, so we’re not kind of out here on our own just making it up. We can benchmark for best practices and learn how to optimize our

Nat Kaemmerer

relationship with the city and county of Sarasota.”

More than 70% of the property is paved, which includes more than 1,000 parking spaces. The site, which includes the city boat ramp and the nearby Van Wezel lots, was never unified, so separate locations have popped up over time. Now that The Bay is dedicated to creating a “green and blue oasis,” the ecosystem has begun to rebound. Part of The Bay’s environmental stability goal is coming to fruition with its water mitigation to filter runoff and nitrates out of stormwater that comes across the site before it seeps into the bay.

“We actually dredged (the mangrove bayou) this past summer and there was three feet of polluted silt that we pulled out,” Perales said.

“There’s these huge black pipes and it was about a three week process, so we got to pull that polluted silt out of the water. Now that ecosystem is really rebounding; it’s looking very good.”

After Perales’ presentation, she took questions from attendees. Several people were interested in the design features of the park, such as the circular boardwalk that is being planned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Others were interested in the timeline, and Perales said the park should be fully complete in seven to 10 years.

Jeannie Perales and Brent Campbell, who is part of the Speaker Series committee, met up after Perales’ presentation.

wind symphony Spring Music Tour

of Concordia University Chicago Dr. Richard R. Fischer, Conductor

March 7 | 7 p.m. & March 8 | 2 p.m.

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church 40 N Adams Dr., Sarasota, FL Tickets are $25 each

Purchase online at saklc.com/concerts, or call 941-388-1234

369510-1

A freewill offering in support of the Wind Symphony will be received.

377339-1

Learn more at saklc.com

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

Sunrise

Sunset

Thursday, March 3

6:52a

6:32p

Friday, March 4

6:51a

6:33p

Saturday, March 5

6:50a

6:34p

Sunday, March 6

6:49a

6:34p

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

Monday, March 7

6:48a

6:35p

High: 79 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 6%

Tuesday, March 8

6:47a

6:35p

Wednesday, March 9 6:46a

6:36p

High: 78 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 6%

27

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

|

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, MARCH 6 High: 80 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 6%

March 31 New

April 8 First

April 16 Full

April 23 Last

TIDES Highs Lows Thursday, March 3

—

1:02p

7:22a

7:05a

12:41a

1:14p

7:45a

7:52a

Saturday, March 5

1:27a

1:30p

8:04a

8:39a

Sunday, March 6

2:15a

1:50p

8:22a

9:28p

Monday, March 7

3:11a

2:14p

8:38a

10:23a

Tuesday, March 8

4:25a

2:43p

8:48a

11:28a

—

3:19p

—

—

Friday, March 4 Stan Singer captured this sunset from Beachplace on Longboat Key.

Wednesday, March 9 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

YourObserver.com/contests KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

2022-23 PHOTO CONTEST

A REFLECTION OF NATURE’S BEAUTY

celebrity cipher

54 Water-filled defenses 55 Swivel 58 Santa’s “surname” 60 Department with attorneys 67 ___ chic 68 Up, on a map 69 Lake by Buffalo 70 Tabby calls DOWN 71 Actor Gosling 1 Go down a snowy hill 75 Neighbor of Guinea 2 Small bit 76 Part of UAE 3 Band you wouldn’t see on 77 Corncob ___ a first date?

78 Final 4 Nasal cavity 79 Liger’s counterpart 5 COVID-tracking org.

80 Indian instrument 6 Raise for discussion 82 Leaning Tower’s site 7 Grave 83 Tequila order 8 Obama health law, for 84 Simplicity short 85 It’s intact when cracked 9 Brooklyn NBA player open 10 Actor Robbins 87 St. John’s ___ (herbal 11 Small meat cut remedy) 12 Incredible 88 Designer Boss 13 Amnesty Int’l, e.g.

89 Invalid 14 Tycoon 90 Palindromic super15 Engaging in self-indul- model gence 93 Youngster in a den 16 Has to 95 Pride events 17 Egyptian snakes 98 “Check back later” 20 Banana skin letters ©2022 Universal Uclick 21 Tragic king 100 Windows ISP 31 It has two equal sides 62 Name that anagrams to with “cow” ACROSS 27 NOLA hero?

102 ___ Tots 94 The Giving Tree, (Letters 9-12 & 14-15 ... and, “naan” 1 Enjoys tea 30 Name within “magne- 103 Baby’s cry ultimately separately, 13) 63 Belly button stuff 5 “Survivor” network sium” 104 Rumor starter?

96 Meh 37 Apple’s mobile platform 64 Five-star review 8 Marching insect 32 Mother pig 105 11:50 or 12:10, but not 97 “It’s getting late” 39 Physicist Niels 65 Clicking devices 11 Operate 33 ___ Island (immigration 12:00 99 Princeton, for Michelle 40 Author Tolstoy 66 Movie technology 14 NYC gallery where museum site) 106 Tortoise’s opponent Obama 41 Word after “phone” or (Letters 7 & 9-11 ... and, Marina Abramovic sat for 34 Observed 107 Attire for a show at a 101 Majorettes, notably “game” separately, 8) 700+ hours 35 Frogs’ relatives gay bar (Letters 7-9 & 11 ... and, 42 Navigation tech 72 Hurry 18 Chicago’s Lightfoot 36 “Hearts and Minds” 108 Jazz singer James separately, 10) 45 Market index, familiarly 73 Minecraft material 19 Overhead expense at country, familiarly 111 Items in some boxed 47 Court appeals 74 “It’s too early to leave!” 105 “Heavens!” the office? (In this clue’s 37 “You won’t like this!” sets 109 Content sound 75 Trees to tap answer, note letters 2-4 & 6 49 “If ___ serves ...”

38 All-Star pitcher/hitter 112 Crusty end 110 Enthusiastic agreement 51 Alley cat, e.g.

79 Groups of three ... and, separately, 5) Shohei 113 Cookie with a Java Chip 115 Sharp projectile 52 Mental download 81 Expired 22 Burden 43 “Amen!” flavor 86 Solos for Renee Fleming 116 Discontinues cable, and 23 British boarding school (Letters 1-4 & 6 ... and, 44 Australian metropolis 114 Distort 87 Chardonnay, for one a theme hint (Bonus: Note separately, 5) 24 Fighting words 46 ___ Lama 117 “I have one card left!”

(Letters 4 & 6-9 ... and, what the single indicated 56 Stuffed 25 Surprised reaction 47 Singer LaBelle 118 Movie passes, for short separately, 5) letters spell) 57 Get-out-of-jail money 26 Block from flowing 48 Toyota sports car 119 Business address abbr.

91 Greeting in Guangzhou 123 Designer Wang 58 Paint layers 28 Honest ___ 50 Molten rock 120 Top exec 92 Track circuits 124 “Phooey!”

59 Go bad 29 Consumed 52 Really heats up?

121 Pop star Rita 93 Tree limb that rhymes 125 “Workers of the world, 61 “___ Torino” 30 Mother’s sisters 53 Dressing type 122 Get ___ of (toss)

“YCTYSC MCC ... NFC PSXRTWTHM MJZC, DHN NFCL ZTU’N MCC LTH NWXKCSJUP 600 RJSCM X UJPFN, CXNJUP NWHOA MNTY ITTZ.”

– VXMTU XSZCXU

“PGPMF YBELKP KXHESMJVXA, LMJDPMF YAJMP, PGPMFACBEL BY DXKKPS ‘KHZBAX’ BE VPTBDJ.” – WPEFXE VPTBDXE XDAMPYY KHZBAX EFJEL’J “U ODFXYYNL USSLHOLNM CUDZ PLNLIFUDULO JA WNN TUHVO. U YLD PNWSSM ZWHVO WHV DXFH W NUDDNL RXFRNL.”

– IFMPL VWNNWO ZJCWFV Puzzle Three Clue: R equals P

___!”

126 Eagle’s nest 127 Doe or stag 128 Saturn game console’s maker 129 Cross person?

130 Highways, e.g.

131 Pig food

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: A equals B

NOW STREAMING by Hanh Huynh. Edited by David Steinberg

Puzzle One Clue: A equals K

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

3-3-22

371163-1

Weather ENTER: &Nature

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

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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.

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

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

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

REAL LOCAL STUFF HERE!

WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos

Adult Care Services

Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC

YourObserver.com/RedPages

101 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

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

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

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

Owner/agent $530,000.

- Transportation - Meal Preparation - Light Housekeeping - Personal Care - Dementia Care - Companionship - Medical Reminders Schedule your free in-home consultation today!

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

Sorrento Shores Waterfront 3 Bed 2 Bath Fantastic Views, New Dock $995,000 Stroll to Siesta Key Beach 4 Bed 2 Bath Heated Pool, 2 Car Garage $799,000

NEED ASSISTANCE? A LENDING HAND HOME CARE

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As low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888 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

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com /RedPages

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! Perfect Solutions For Seniors

Restaurants

*Caregivers/Companions *Personal Care * CNA’s/HHA’s

BLUE DOLPHIN CAFE

* Assistance with Daily Living Ac-

Phone (941) 809-1438

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

Auto Transport

FRIDAY ** MARCH 4TH **

tivities * Hourly 24/7 Care -Affordable Rates * Licensed/ Bonded/ Insured

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage CALL 941-955-4888

Cleaning CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

 LIVE MAINE LOBSTER  BLUE FIN CRAB CAKES  VEAL MARSALA  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

Painting

GARAGE SALE

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

Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

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

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

Longboat Key, FL 34228

Homes for Sale

Adult Care Services

HHA# 299994819

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

real estate

stuff

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

RED PAGES AD RATES

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.

Professional Services

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

Transportation LONGBOAT LIMOUSINE Your local luxury transportation provider since 1994.

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

New luxury Sedans and SUVs. Fully Licenced and insured.

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

SELL YOUR STUFF FOR FREE! Items Up to $200

YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

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

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

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

This week’s Crossword answers

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “People see ... the glamorous side, but they don’t see you traveling 600 miles a night, eating truck stop food.”

Jason Aldean Puzzle Two Solution: “Every single laundromat, grocery store, everything is called ‘Lupita’ in Mexico.”

Kenyan Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’oPuzzle Three Solution: “I struggle immensely with celebrities of all kinds. I get clammy hands and turn a little purple.”

Bryce Dallas Howard

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2022 Universal Uclick

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©2022 NEA, Inc.

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

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

You’re only cheating yourself.

Autos Wanted

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

Call 941-726-2677.

peekers’ place

auto

Call for coming soon listings.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

Auto Service

Dog Grooming

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

29

Personal Services

SELL YOUR CAR! FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU

941.270.4400

374733

5-Star Rated 375315

Beauty

Furniture Repair

SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

Power Washing

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

Pressure Washing

375171

941-504-0903

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

Handyman

Naji Aoun

Carpet Cleaning

941-544-1066

GladysKhabbaz@gmail.com 805 Molly Circle, Sarasota

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

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

Health

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

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

941-778-2882 • 941-387-0607 Like Us on Facebook

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. (941) 345-5264 Building & Roofing Contractor

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

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

941-626-3194

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

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

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

376688

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

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

Concrete

Insurance

CRACK REPAIR

SIDEWALKS • DRIVEWAYS

MIC INSURANCE

BUZ CORP D/B/A

CONCRETE FUSION

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

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

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

Sliding Glass Door Repair

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

374673

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

376689

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

Showcase your products or services each week in the Red Pages.

CALL 941-955-4888 Windows

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

Doors

RED PAGES

WITH THE RED PAGES

595 Bay Isles Rd. Suite 215 941.554.8909 | www.micinsurancefl.com Find anything in the RED PAGES

941-955-4888

Res./Com.

Lic./Ins.

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

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

ws

140

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

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

374672

Roofing

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

TIME TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS

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

Doors and more!

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

Check out our 5 Star Reviews on Google

#1 in IR REPA Crack %

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

376686

Serving AMI, LBK and Bradenton for 25 years

941-345-5264

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

DRIES IN HOURS – NOT DAYS • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

| scaperotta@aol.com

Italian American Owned

374674

377180

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

BEFORE

AFTER

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

377176

AMANDA

376690

375170

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

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

Pressure Washing

374675

377179

HoHoBuysCars.com

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

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022

ROGER SELLS

LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES

MORE THAN $206 MILLION CLOSED IN 2021

1313 WESTWAY DRIVE - LIDO SHORES

$11,995,000

3731 INDIAN BEACH PLACE

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

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

www.1313WestwayDrive.com

www.3731IndianBeach.com

5249 CAPE LEYTE DRIVE - SIESTA KEY

$4,250,000

3060 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #112

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

This beautifully refreshed, direct bayfront residence at the sought-after Grand Bay community overlooks the lush landscape of Harbourside Golf Course, out to the peaceful waters of Sarasota Bay. Fall in love with the move-in ready condition of this 3BR, sun drenched getaway. Offering an open-plan layout adorned with walls of glass sliders that lead out to the spacious wraparound terrace, lovely eat-in kitchen and a private master suite. This resort-style neighborhood includes many first-rate amenities to enjoy.

www.5249CapeLeyte.com

www.GrandBay112.com

15111 GADDY UP RANCH ROAD

$3,995,000

862 GRANDE PASS WAY

$6,495,000

$1,450,000

$2,995,000

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 cultural lifestyle and fine dining amenities of Sarasota. Offering newer structures, 6-stall horse barn, underground electric, deep-water well and space to build your own family compound.

Begin your dream beach home at this private, gated enclave on the southern tip of Boca Grande, featuring breathtaking sunset views highlighted by the perfect backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico, Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande Pass. One of only 19 homesites in the exclusive Hill Tide Estates community, this spectacular parcel boasts more than a quarteracre of direct beachfront property to enjoy, with beach access, fishing options and observation pier.

www.GaddyUpRanchSRQ.com

www.862GrandePassWay.com

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE TOUR (941) 387-1840 00

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

371481-1

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