Longboat Observer 3.6.25

LONGBOAT

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

Mascot magic.

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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

VOLUME 47, NO. 29

YOUR TOWN Tick, tock.

Turn forward your clock!

Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. March 9.

No curb appeal on Longboat Country Club Shores voice concerns over planned turn lanes. SEE PAGE 3A

LAWFUL TRANSACTIONS Courtesy image

Gail J. Weiser captured this photo of a beautiful sunset from Isles Beach on Longboat Key.

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church holds its annual rummage sale. SEE PAGE 10B

The secret is out

Longboat Key has taken the first slot in Travel + Leisure’s new list of Top 10 best islands to visit in the South.

The magazine labeled the Key “one of the region’s bestkept secrets,” citing its plethora of activities including kayaking with dolphins and manatees and sunset cruises, available to visitors “even in the depths of winter.”

The article also highlighted the Key’s “typically less crowded” beaches. Other states that made the cut included South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Texas and Mississippi.

Dana Kampa Dana Kampa

“Sheriff of Rummage” Ginny Akhoury greets shoppers at the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church annual rummage sale Feb. 28.

All Angels art fundraiser surpasses $10K All Angels by the Sea surpassed $10,000 with its annual art sale last month, beating the $9,319 raised last year, according to administrative assistant Linn Torres, above.

Community members donated about 470 pieces to support the “New to You” sale, which started Feb. 3. Torres acknowledged the church is immensely grateful for the public’s support, both in donating and buying items this year.

The proceeds go to support Turning Points, which provides help for Manatee County families and individuals facing homelessness.

HEAVY LIFT

A+E

FWC helps a coldstressed manatee.

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$0.10

Carter Weinhofer

Florida Wildlife Commission staff lift the manatee onto the vessel through the flat back of the craft.

Honoring an artist.

INSIDE

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

WEEK OF MARCH 6, 2025

“It’s been a long time coming, but it’s good to be at this point.”

Small Business Administration opens local office

Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman on the project to bury utilities. Read more on page 6A

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced the opening of local Business Recovery Centers in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

The administration can help small businesses and nonprofits after disasters with the SBA’s disaster loan program, which can help the business owners or organization heads to recover after natural disasters.

The SBA disaster loan can be awarded up to $2 million at interest rates as low as 4% for some businesses. Payments for the loans are not due until 12 months after the first disbursement.

Representatives at the local centers can help applicants through the application process.

The closest center for Longboat Key residents is located at the Tingley Memorial Library at 111 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

BY THE NUMBERS 5

Curbed medians included in the Country Club Shores turn lane project.

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1

Manatee rescued from a Bay Isles canal.

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People who attended the Taste and Tunes of the Keys this year.

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Climate Adaptation Center preps forecast

CALENDAR

n Town Shredding Event — 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, March 7, Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road n Town General Election — 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, Longboat Island Chapel (6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive) for Manatee County voters, Longboat Key Town Hall (501 Bay Isles Road) for Sarasota County voters n ManaSota League of Cities Meeting — 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road

Courtesy of the town of Longboat Key Facebook page

Longboat Key firefighter paramedics offer CPR and AED training to Longboat Key residents.

Fire rescue department offers life-saving course

T

he Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department will host free life-saving classes from April through August for Longboat Key residents.

During the one-hour sessions, Longboat Key firefighter paramedics will instruct participants on the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use a automated external defibrillator(AED).

An AED is a commonly used device to help someone who experiences a sudden cardiac arrest. The method of CPR is an

emergency procedure of using chest compressions and artificial breathing when someone’s heart stops working.

This course will teach handsonly CPR, which does not involve breaths. According to the American Heart Association, hands-only CPR is as effective as conventional CPR in the first few minutes.

All courses will begin at 10 a.m. and will be held at the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Station 91, located at 5490 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

These courses are free to the public but spaces are limited to 16 participants per course. The dates for the upcoming courses are: n April 17 n April 30 n May 15 n May 28 n June 18 n July 16 n Aug. 13 For more information or to register for the courses, email LBoggs@LongboatKey.org or call 941-316-1944.

The Climate Adaptation Center announced it will hold its annual hurricane forecast on April 1.

The Sarasota-based organization will hold the event from 8:30 a.m. to noon on April 1 at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus.

In the past, the Climate Adaptation Center (CAC) has been accurate in predicting the number of storms during the hurricane season. For example, the CAC states it predicted the exact number of hurricanes and major hurricanes in 2023, and over-forecasted both metrics by one in 2024.

Tickets for the April 1 forecast presentation event are on sale now through the CAC’s website starting at $49. To learn more or register for the event, visit TheClimateAdaptationCenter.org.

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TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

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Ketch Lane would be one of the Country Club Shores roads to gain a turn lane with the project.

Residents raise median concerns Residents of Country Club Shores have mixed feelings about the addition of raised, curbed medians to some of the lanes.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

T

An example of one of the five proposed turn lane structures for Country Club Shores.

he town of Longboat Key’s project to bring turn lanes into the southern Country Club Shores neighborhoods begins construction this month.

The Country Club Shores turn lane project will add left-turn lanes to several streets that extend into the Country Club Shores neighborhoods, particularly in the Country Club Shores 1, 2 and 3 developments.

The scope of the project includes widening the portion of Gulf of Mexico Drive by 12 feet to become a 44-foot wide roadway section.

Within that section will be two 11-foot travel lanes, a 10-foot turn lane, two 6-foot paved shoulders and five curbed, landscaped medians.

Overall, the project is intended to allow for safer and more efficient turning into the Country Club Shores neighborhoods.

The project has been in the works for nearly eight years. Originally, the idea was to create a single left-turn lane in the middle of the two travel lanes without any medians.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), however, turned down this proposal and added the requirement of medians to break up the left-turn lane, citing safety concerns.

The original funding reimbursement agreement between the FDOT and the town of Longboat Key included a $1.4 million reimbursement from FDOT. With the new additions of curbed medians increasing the scope of the project, construction bids came in higher at around $2.6 million. The bid winner for the project is Superior Asphalt Inc. This bid price caused a delay in the project last year as the town negotiated with the FDOT to up its reimbursement agreement, which the state department eventually agreed to do.

CONCERNS RAISED

Residents within the Country Club Shores community have mixed opinions about the addition of raised, curbed medians.

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

The center turn lane would benefit drivers entering Country Club Shores.

Lynn Larson, Country Club Shores resident and former town commissioner, said some residents were surprised to learn that the project included raised medians.

Larson was a commissioner from 2009 to 2016, when the turn lane project began to take root. Residents came to her with concerns about turning into the Country Club Shores neighborhood.

“They expressed, and they were right, that they didn’t have a turn lane,” Larson said. “So that’s what I had put in a request for that turn lane to extend all the way down.”

If southbound residents try to turn left into the neighborhoods without having a designated turn lane, Larson said it backs up traffic, which can be especially bad in peak season.

“If somebody tries to turn left, it backs traffic up all the way to Publix, so it’s a real mess,” Larson said. “You hope that red light triggers at the Longboat Key Club, or you’re going to sit there for a while.”

Then, for residents turning left out of the communities to go south ­ on GMD , there’s another problem — without a turn lane acting as a “staging” area, it forces drivers to wait for a gap in traffic, which can be hard to come by given the time of year.

“The fact that we haven’t had more accidents because you have an elderly population out here is a shock,” Larson said.

Sometimes, residents are forced to concede, turn right and go to Publix for a turnaround spot.

It’s because of these traffic issues that Larson believes the project is bigger than Country Club Shores.

“It’s not just a Country Club Shores issue, it’s an island issue,” Larson said.

Larson added some residents in her community raised issues about the medians, though, and claim the structures will inhibit the ability to “stage” in the turn lane. Also, when the drivers find a gap in traffic, having the medians in the way may be another obstacle for some drivers because they need to pull out perpendicularly around the median before turning south.

Residents like Lynn Cook feel the project is important to the safety of residents turning into the neighborhoods and are fine with the alterations.

“I’ve been begging for this project

for seven or eight years,” Cook said.

“However they want to do it, whatever they need to put in, I’ll take it.”

At the Country Club Shores Unit 4 recent annual meeting, Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman gave a presentation to the community members, and some were adamant about their opinions, Larson said.

After the meeting, Brownman spoke to the Longboat Key Town Commission at the board’s regular workshop on Feb. 18 and recapped the meeting with Country Club Shores residents.

“Many residents were there and strongly objected to the presence of curbs at all,” Brownman said.

Brownman told commissioners curbs are a standard roadway feature and a requirement by the FDOT for this project. He said he would work to facilitate conversations with the FDOT to see if alterations to the medians are possible to reach a compromise, such as trimming the curbed medians back a couple of feet.

“The FDOT still gets the benefit of breaking up the single turn lane, and then the people exiting now have a car or two car lengths to stage,” Brownman said.

CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE

The project is in the mobilization phase starting the week of March 3. Signs at both ends of the nearly 1-mile project site warn motorists of the roadway construction.

A mid-March to early May time frame is where the bulk of the excavation and base installation for the project will begin.

The contractor has until the end of 2025 to finish construction with Town Engineer Jennifer Fehrs saying asphalt work may begin around mid-May, which would be the final stage of the project.

Fehrs also said the town pursued a request for information (RFI) after hearing some residents’ concerns about the safety of the medians. The FDOT will evaluate the RFI and Fehrs said this could be an aspect of the project still in flux.

Brownman previously told the Observer the contractor’s traffic plan will maintain two lanes of travel throughout construction, something important to the project team, especially starting construction during peak season.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

Manatee County’s red tide response included daily beach raking to clean up dead fish that washed up on the beaches.

RED TIDE

RESPONSE CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

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anatee County parks officials were quick to respond when beachgoers began reporting fish kills, a side effect of red tide, on beaches from Longboat Key to Coquina Beach.

Around mid-February, Longboat Key residents experienced the effects of what seemed to be a red tide bloom. The usual suspects were prominent — piles of dead fish, foul odor and respiratory issues.

Residents, along with local municipalities, began noticing the symptoms around Feb. 14 according to Carmine DeMilio, deputy director for parks and county grounds with Manatee County.

The next morning, DeMilio’s

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The county spent the end of February raking beaches daily to clean up fish kills for beachgoers, and county officials say the area is in the clear for now.

team was mobilized on the beaches by 8 a.m., ready to begin the initial cleanup.

Over that weekend, though, Longboat Key residents reported respiratory issues and fish kill had worsened. On Feb. 17, piles of dead fish covered many parts of Longboat Key’s beaches near the tide lines.

That week and into the following weekend, conditions improved and, since then, red tide symptoms have been miniscule around the island.

Behind the scenes, during that week, Manatee County was cleaning northern beaches every day.

The county’s response included Manatee Beach, Coquina Beach, the Bayfront Park beach and the Manatee County side of Longboat Key. It’s about 2.7 miles of beaches to rake.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

ty has been staying up-to-date with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s red tide reports and updates.

For now, though, it appears the area is safe from red tide effects.

DeMilio said any red tide remnants seem to be offshore, and the current wind conditions are keeping it that way.

“Everything’s offshore right now,” DeMilio said. “But then you can have a change of the winds. You can have westerly winds come in and then push things ashore.”

Currently, southeastern winds are keeping the red tide at bay.

“Wind direction is our friend,” DeMilio said. “In this case, we’re lucking out and our visitors are very happy.”

Recent reports from the Florida Department of Health showed no Karenia brevis cells — the organism responsible for red tide — in the area from Longboat Key down to Venice and Caspersen Beach. Those samples were last taken on Feb. 24.

Mote Marine’s reporting also showed conditions around mid-key were good on Feb. 28, with one report stating there were no dead fish and no respiratory issues that day.

WHAT IS RED TIDE?

Carter Weinhofer

Some parts of Longboat Key’s beaches were lined with dead fish on Feb. 17.

Manatee County cleaned up some beaches in mid-February when red tide effects were on the rise.

Courtesy images

DeMilio said Feb. 13-20 were the hardest-hit days, and crews had to use three rakes on the beaches daily to ensure a clean beach.

The crews mobilized early in the mornings and aimed to be done by 10 a.m. every day, completing at least four passes on each section, according to DeMilio.

“We usually start about 5:30-6 a.m. because we want to be off the beach by 10 a.m. because we don’t want to inconvenience any of the visitors that are trying to set up for the day,” DeMilio said.

Tractors along the beaches pull mechanical rakes to collect the piles of dead fish into a loader.

“That’s not only cleaned and raked but it gets sifted so that there’s no debris left behind, whether it’s fish, a bottle cap or a piece of glass,” DeMilio said.

Since then, DeMilio said the coun-

RED TIDE MITIGATION TESTING

Further south in Venice, Mote conducted the first field-testing of the organization’s newly developed red tide mitigation tools on Feb. 14.

Two of the technologies — Mote’s Clear and Heartland Energy Group’s Xtreme — were used on an active red tide bloom in Venice canals. Mote collaborated with Heartland Energy Group and A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure to mobilize and conduct the field testing.

Mote unveiled these technologies and more during a media event on Jan. 29.

Clear is a biocide developed at Mote that can be distributed anywhere in the water column to safely attack red tide blooms. Xtreme is a similar chemical that can be sprayed onto the water surface.

Mote scientists will continue to evaluate the canals on which the technologies were deployed to take water samples and collect data on the products.

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Red tide blooms, also called harmful algae blooms, can cause side effects of fish kill, respiratory irritation, skin problems, eye irritation, and toxicity poisoning in birds and marine animals.

The most common of these blooms are formed by the microorganism Karenia brevis (K. brevis).

Blooms typically form offshore and then are pushed closer to the shore by wind and currents, according to Florida Sea Grant.

Blooms of red tide can cause water to look discolored, sometimes reddishbrown, hence the name red tide.

According to some reports, an excess of nutrient runoff from things like lawn fertilizer can feed a red tide bloom as it comes closer to shore. This can exacerbate the issue.

When red tide blooms occur and last, the effects can be damaging to local economics, according to the FWC. During one bloom in the 1970s and 1980s, its estimated local economies lost between $15 million and $25 million.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

Almost fully underground

About six switching orders remain and Florida Power & Light anticipates having poles removed by June.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

T

he finish line for the town of Longboat Key’s underground utilities project is closer.

The project to bury the Key’s utilites reached a milestone of having all known electrical service conversions complete for the project.

This means all services to homes and businesses on Longboat Key are operating on the underground system.

Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman presented the update at the Longboat Key Town Commission’s March 3 meeting.

Brownman said Florida Power & Light (FPL) and its contractor Wilco Electrical will go through and ensure there weren’t any missed connections, but to their knowledge, the conversions are complete.

There are still some feeder lines and risers that need to be taken care of in the last two phases, Phases 3 and 4. Phase 3 extends from the north end of Country Club Shores up to the county line, and Phase 4 goes from the county line to Dream Island Road.

In Phase 3, 93 of the 95, or about 98%, of the required switching orders are complete and in Phase 4, 111 of the estimated 115 switching orders, or about 97%, are complete.

Phase 1 is the southernmost phase, which extends from the New Pass Bridge to the north end of Country Club Shores. Phase 2 is the northernmost phase, which goes from the Longboat Pass Bridge to Dream Island Road. Both are fully complete.

Brownman said another one of FPL’s contractors, Irby Construction, is working throughout the island to complete overhead pole removal.

According to Brownman, FPL estimates final pole removal will be complete no later than June.

“They loudly and clearly hear that we want them to continue to press for sooner than that,” Brownman said. “As soon as we can get these final pieces of Phase 3 and Phase 4,

Active construction began in 2019 and had an initial timeline of about threeand-a-half years to get the bulk of the underground infrastructure in place.

The budget for the undergrounding project was projected to be $49 million and the town’s finance department is currently tracking a $6 million surplus.

Wilco can do their final conversion work with the feeders and Irby can press through and do those removals that we’re all looking forward to.”

Brownman said the focus of the project now is to convert final feeder lines and risers within Phases 3 and 4 and continue to allow Irby to proceed with pole removal.

“It’s been a long time coming, but it’s good to be at this point,” Brownman said.

Despite delays in the project’s timeline, the budget for the undergrounding project is positive.

The budget was projected to be $49 million and the town’s finance department is currently tracking a $6 million surplus.

Some of those surplus funds will be applied to enhance street signs and highway lights around the island.

This includes $483,245 for new backlit street signs for the town’s

side streets and $1,333,760 for additional highway lights along Gulf of Mexico Drive (GMD).

As Wilco heads toward the end of its part in the undergrounding project, Brownman said the contractor will be asked to address lights that were damaged from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

There was damage to nearly 41 lights along GMD and 76 lights in the neighborhoods. Brownman did not have a timeframe to repair those as of the March 3 meeting.

Town referendums in 2015 and 2016 began the process to bury utilities.

Voters elected to allow the town to borrow $25.25 million for the GMD portion of the project and $23.85 million for the neighborhoods’ portion of the project.

Active construction began in 2019 and had an initial timeline of about

three-and-a-half years to get the bulk of the underground infrastructure in place.

One of the most challenging aspects of the project was the need to acquire easements from property owners, which contributed to a lengthened timeline.

In 2023, the project team discovered an oversight existing underground transformers would not be compatible with the new system.

The need to order about 20 transformers, coupled with supply chain issues, was a setback for the project.

Along the way, hurricanes also temporarily derailed progress as FPL and its contractors responded to areas in need after the storms.

This included Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

It’s an unconvincing case Each side of The RinglingNew College question can make a case. But it’s difficult to be convinced that New College is ready.

LBK ELECTION: WE RECOMMEND Election day for Longboat Key’s registered voters will be next Tuesday, March 11. The Observer recommends the following: ■ Town Commission AtLarge: Steve Branham CHARTER AMENDMENTS ■ State revolving fund loan of not exceeding $33 million to finance construction of a subacqueous wastewater line. Yes Courtesy images

From the cover of The Ringling’s 2023-24 Annual Review.

MATT WALSH

O

f course it was no surprise.

The minute word spread that Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing to shift responsibility for the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art — Florida’s state museum — from Florida State University to New College of Florida, there was horrified gasping, choking and resistance.

That’s the way it always goes around here when someone proposes dramatic change. Especially at New College. What?! There he goes again. Power hungry Richard Corcoran just going after more empire building, and using his buddy to get there.

This is a complicated work of art and politics; a complicated work of vision and business execution (or lack of); and, as most everything does, it involves a lot of money — taxpayer money, to be precise.

Depending on the insiders with whom you speak, everyone can make a good case — for keeping the museum under the FSU umbrella or transferring it to New College.

But the explicit question President Corcoran has thrust into the public square for consideration is: Which institution is most likely to take the Ringling Museum “from good to great” and, at the same time, provide the best benefits to Florida taxpayers?

FSU WON THE BID

Were it not for Bradenton lawyer Bob Blalock, the late Sarasota state Sen. Bob Johnson and former Senate President John McKay back in 2000, the Ringling Museum, Ca’ d’Zan and Circus Museum, minus everything else there now, likely would be as it was — a local, Sarasota museum on the decline, growing financially desperate for a way to stay afloat.

The civic-minded Blalock and Johnson took to McKay the idea to have either Florida State University or the University of South Florida become the stewards of the museum — financially and operationally. With access to state funding, a much wider net of possible donors and possibilities of undergraduate and graduate art programs, one of the universities could sustain the museum and help it grow.

Together, Blalock, Johnson and McKay pitched the idea to each university to bid. Obviously, FSU won. McKay shepherded the idea through the Legislature.

One of the key features of this stewardship was tucking Ringling’s finances within FSU’s billion-dollar operations. That prevented future governors from messing with the Ringling’s finances and turning the museum into a political pawn.

For the past quarter century, you can accurately say the merger has worked.

In that time, the fast-decaying Ca’ d’Zan was restored; the Historic Asolo Theater and Circus Museum were restored; the museum continued to grow in collections and prestige; and new additions gradually filled out John and Mable Ringling’s property, including the Tibbals Circus Model, Glass Pavilion and Center for Asian Art, among them.

Along the way, as part of an FSUwide capital campaign, FSU and the board of the Ringling Museum of Art Foundation Inc., the fundraising arm and overseer of the museum, raised $101 million in 2019 in an FSU-wide capital campaign. The amount exceeded the $100 million goal. Long-time, local

museum supporters were agog that goal could be reached.

They will tell you the relationship with FSU and its donor network certainly contributed to the success. Worth noting is that in The Ringling’s annual list of top donors, FSU and the FSU Foundation are always the museum’s top two donors.

But the benefits go both ways.

The Ringling helps FSU, too.

While New College’s Corcoran makes the case that geographic proximity would create a more dynamic and intertwined relationship for the two institutions, breaking the tie between FSU and The Ringling might be like trying to saw the Sunshine Skyway in two.

Every FSU president who succeeded Sandy D’Alemberte, the president who made sure FSU won the bid, has felt and seen the importance of The Ringling for FSU. To be sure, one of the most important jobs of a college or university president is to raise money.

In that vein, since The Ringling has become part of FSU, we were told, The Ringling typically is always among FSU’s top five colleges for generating the most donor money.

The story goes that when the late T.K. Wetherell became FSU’s president (from 2003-2010), he wanted to give The Ringling to USF. D’Alemberte said once Wetherell sees how much money The Ringling generates, “he will love it.”

Suffice it to say, behind the scenes over the next three months in Tallahassee, there will be intense conversations among powerful FSU-Ringling supporters; the DeSantis-Corcoran-New College contingent; and Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez. Perez is an FSU graduate and has already clashed with DeSantis.

It may get ugly. Don’t put it past DeSantis to use The Ringling as a chess piece. “You give me RinglingNew College, or, Mr. Speaker, I’ll veto your pet projects.”

POSITIVE RESULTS

One of the pro-FSU-Ringling arguments will be that their relationship is working well. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

To that end, if you read The Ringling’s 2023-2024 annual review, you easily can get the impression the museum and its affiliates are thriving. The 28-page book is chockful of reports on the year’s new exhibitions, public outreach programming, arts performances, art acquisitions and restorations of the historic grounds. Mind you, annual reports are crafted to paint the best picture possible.

Even so, numbers do tell a story.

In the past two fiscal years, The Ringling has reported record financial and attendance results.

■ 2023-24 admissions income: $6,072,647, a 19% increase over the previous year and a record.

■ 2023-24 attendance: 406,510, the fourth-highest year, best since post-COVID and a 7.5% increase over the previous year. It was the first time since COVID that attendance exceeded 400,000.

THE RINGLING’S RESULTS 2022-23 Revenues $22.17m Surplus $1.08m Endowment $60.3m

2023-24 $25.55m $674,000 $58.9m

Visitors 30,836 Tour participants 4,265 Student visits 9,847

50,941 19,167 10,678

■ Allow the Town Commission to cancel the Town Commission’s July regular voting meeting. Yes ■ Allow the town manager or Town Commission to appoint a qualified individual to serve as acting town manager in the event of the town manager’s temporary unavailability or inability to act? Yes

NCF President Richard Corcoran

FSU’S INFRASTRUCTURE

Then there is the infrastructure.

Again, read the annual review. You cannot help but sense The Ringling is a complex operation with many spinning plates — all of which take honed expertise.

A key ingredient to The Ringling’s operations has been the hiring of Executive Director Steven High in 2011. Not only had he been executive director of four art museums, his MBA gave him fiscal expertise.

High oversees nearly 500,000 square feet of buildings, 66 acres of grounds, 260 staff members and 400-plus volunteers.

Entwined in that are the services that FSU provides: its development office supports The Ringling’s development team; building maintenance expertise; risk and insurance management; and, as one director noted, “PSI compliance (credit card processing and security) for more than 400,000 visitors.”

Also crucial: the museum’s curators. A proponent of maintaining the FSU relationship, the former director cautioned that a change to New College could bring what often happens when leadership changes in any business: Key people leave.

“Curators are the essence of the museum,” he said. “They have the relationships with the art donors.”

Altogether, the pro-FSU contingent argues that FSU’s Ringling infrastructure would not just change the logos on their shirts to New College. New College would need millions of dollars in state funding to build the people infrastructure to operate The Ringling.

How long and how much would that take? What opportunity cost?

THE CORCORAN CASE

President Corcoran presented part of his case for the merging of New College and The Ringling in the Feb. 20 editions of the Observer.

He called it “an alignment that strengthens Sarasota’s role as Florida’s premier hub for arts, education and scholarship, while ensuring that this historic and cherished museum remains deeply connected to and preserved by the community that has shaped it for nearly a century.”

He argues it’s common-sense geography, which would translate into better use of resources.

FSU and its administration and leadership are 330 miles away. And as every business owner who has multiple locations knows, distance between the home office and the satellites always means there is an “out of sight, out of mind” loss of culture and attention.

You can make a good case theoretically that having the two institutions as physical, next-door neighbors would ensure a more dynamic, more efficient, day-today culture and relationship for growth for both institutions.

Likewise, Corcoran is not making a case that the FSU-Ringling relationship is unsuccessful or broken.

But what we don’t know — nor has he presented — is how much better The Ringling could be or should be

doing. Are there data? Show us the money, say, a cost-benefit analysis.

Part of Corcoran’s argument is that The Ringling’s potential is hampered and held back being a sliver (0.8%) of a $3 billion-a-year FSU enterprise, an institution that pays far more attention to reviving a flagging football team than to maximizing the under-invested value of The Ringling.

Give him the floor, and Corcoran can passionately make the argument that a combined New College and The Ringling would propel his vision of creating the premier liberal arts college in Florida, to be sure, and among the tops in the U.S. For Corcoran, this is not a conservative or progressive issue. It’s a vision. But he also knows he faces institutional resistance to change and doubts among taxpayers that he can execute his vision.

BUGABOO: COST PER STUDENT

You can make a case for that doubt.

For one, Corcoran’s reputation is Trumpish — disruptor.

His style is not to dither and yap.

It’s action. It’s break and throw out what doesn’t fit or what he doesn’t want and do things the way he wants — within the boundaries of state law. Never mind the pieces on the floor or feelings. Corcoran is all about: Measure the ultimate outcomes.

In that vein, when you read the New College board’s evaluation of Corcoran, all of the above is there.

He has eight objectives that can earn him $200,000 on top of his annual $795,000 compensation.

In the most recent evaluation, he listed 66 major milestones and deliverables. Including: ■ An additional $32 million in state funding, on top of its annual appropriation.

■ Increased the New College of Florida Foundation funds 60% with a 54% increase in first-time donors.

■ Increasing enrollment — 360 new freshmen and undergraduate transfers, record numbers two consecutive years. Enrollment totaled 872, 10 students ahead of goal.

(For all 66 milestones, see: YourObserver.com/Opinion) But there is still this bugaboo: New College has a long way to go for Corcoran to tout success. This one measurement hangs over him and New College: The cost to educate a student.

At New College, it’s $107,000 a year. By comparison, at Florida Gulf Coast University, it’s about $22,000. New College tuition and fees account for 3.9% of the college’s annual revenues; at FGCU, they account for 53% of revenues.

Under Corcoran’s vision, New College costs will always be higher than the other state universities because of its academics.

But for taxpayers to make the judgment that it makes economic and management sense for New College to take over the stewardship of The Ringling, if you were an investor with a moderate risk tolerance, a logical conclusion would be to say: Not now. Not yet.

Convince us with more results that the core business is stable, consistent and growing. And make the case with analysis that the idea is more than a grand vision.

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Friedrich Hayek

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

Dana Kampa

A pair of osprey have made a busy intersection their home this nesting season.

There’s more to the osprey on Longboat

generation of ospreys are being nurtured. Watching their progress gives us a feeling of determination — If those birds can rebuild and start again, so can we!

I enjoyed seeing recognition given to the osprey nest at the intersection of Gulf of Mexico Drive and BARBARA SHOCKEY Longboat Key Club Road, but it LONGBOAT KEY was a missed opportunity to tell an inspirational story.

For multiple seasons, residents Freedom to speak have watched that nest be home to osprey as they patiently sat on and rebuttal their eggs, brought food to their Freedom of the press is alive. young and fiercely chased off Look no further than the Longwould-be predators. boat Observer letters to the editor Watching those birds gave a and recent contribution from sense of well-being — the world Raymond Roitman. Raymond is was spinning as it should be... lucky to share freely his personal but last fall the world on LBK spun apart. Many returned to find thoughts on his description of the wonders of the past democratic destruction and face the difficult achievements. task of letting go and rebuilding.

I bet he was not silenced, Our world was not as it should be.

Even our ever-faithful osprey nest condemned or deplatformed for questioning the science or prowas destroyed. We were all in this paganda coming from the media, together. Smiling was difficult. like many doctors and health care Then one day sticks began professionals have been over the appearing where the old nest 4 years.6:57:05 Raymond extolled once sat.19-1086 Today, appears a new- MECH.pdflast Fall it 2024 Longboat Observer 1 12/22/2024 PM

the virtues of Dr. Fauci. What motivated Biden to pardon a man who has not ‘yet’ been accused of doing anything criminal? A 10-year retroactive pardon just in case? Makes me even more suspicious of wrongdoing. The only thing I’d applaud from Fauci is a vaccine for Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS).

So Raymond says America needs unity, not divisiveness, calmness, and not disruption.

Would the prominent legislators like AOC, Schift, Waters, Hirono, and Schumer, screaming hate from the podium, be shining examples of this scenario? I have yet to hear any democrats condone the abuse, fraud and waste of taxpayers’ funds uncovered by the D.O.G.E investigations. Please, just acknowledge one example of the outrageous misuse of funds. Is that so hard to do?

Hey Raymond, on a positive note, if you look to the skies you will see a dramatic reduction and some days complete elimination

of the chem trails in the skies of our area. The day DOGE suspended funds to USAID the chemical spraying of our skies stopped. It was amazing and many weather watchers noticed. We had days of beautiful, natural blue skies. For more information see GeoengineeringWatch.org.

ANN BRESLIN LONGBOAT KEY

County needs to remove dead fish from beach

HISTORY TOURS

the area, is harmful to humans and aquatic life and that researchers hope to find ways to combat its effects. But just as importantly, your county needs to do its part to address the impacts.

The first thing is to remove the rotting carnage.

As seasonal residents, we pay extremely high prices to stay in this exclusive area. On top of the premium rates, we pay an additional tourist tax. Presumably, recognizing that tourism is a core economic component of the community, these funds are to supply the additional services such as public beach parking, the Siesta Key trolly and other amenities to welcome the additional in-flow of residents during their stay.

According to Florida law, the shoreline where the dead fish end up is not private property. One would think that the removal of massive amounts of dead fish from the waterfront could be organized by state or municipal forces, not just for esthetics but for the physical and fiscal health of the area.

The state may not be able to stop red tide, but your tourist industry will end up like the forgotten dead fish if the thousands who come here like us stop coming because of such mismanagement.

MICHAEL SIDON

My wife and I are Canadians who, along with the majority of American seasonal visitors, enjoy a reprieve from winter by coming to Siesta Key. To us, the beach is one of nature’s most beautiful attractions, but it quickly diminished last weekend.

I understand fully that red tide is a phenomenon that can impact

EXHIBITIONS

LETTERS

The state may not be able to stop red tide, but your tourist industry will end up like the forgotten dead fish if the thousands who come here like us stop coming because of such mismanagement.

9A

SCHOMBERG, ONTARIO / SIESTA KEY

SEND US YOUR LETTERS Have something to tell us?

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

VISITOR CENTER

MUSEUM STORE

Preserving and sharing Boca Raton’s history!

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Boca Raton 1925 – 2025: Addison Mizner’s Legacy November 13, 2024 – May 30, 2025

1925!

July 2, 2025 – December 20, 2025

71 N. Federal Highway in Downtown Boca Raton

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

The FWC crew used a large net to direct the manatee to the back of the vessel where it could then be loaded into the vessel.

FWC rescues manatee The manatee was in critical condition and transported to a rehabilitation facility in Myakka City.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

O

n Feb. 26, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) crew responded to a manatee-indistress call in Longboat Key’s Bay Isles community.

According to the crew on board, concerned citizens reported spotting the manatee in the area for a couple of days before FWC responded to rescue the animal.

In the canal was a large group of about 15 manatees, but one exhibited abnormal behavior and signs of distress. A crew of about 12 FWC members responded by boat to the canal and spotted the distressed manatee in the crowd.

The manatee suffered from cold stress and exhibited abscesses on its skin, some algae on its back and was slightly lethargic.

The FWC crew used a large net to

corral the manatee to the rescue vessel, which had a specially designed back to detach so the crew could easily pull the manatee onto the boat.

A crew member on board estimated it’s the agency’s 10th call this year for this type of injury. The manatee was in rough shape and needed urgent care.

The Observer reached out to the FWC after the rescue and, while the agency could not accommodate an interview, the agency provided an update on the rescued mammal.

“FWC’s marine mammal team rescued a 7-foot cold-stressed manatee on (Feb. 26), and it was transported to Bishop Museum’s satellite rehab facility in Myakka City,” an FWC representative said in a statement. “The manatee is critical, but doing OK so far in rehab.”

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton is part of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership, founded in 2001.

When a partner takes in a manatee in critical condition, it is first taken to a critical care facility at a satellite hospital to receive life-saving care.

Then, the manatee is transferred to a second-stage rehabilitation facility like the Bishop Museum, where rehabilitators prepare the manatee to be released back into the wild.

Staff with FWC evaluate the rescued manatee, which appeared to be in critical condition from cold weather.

MANATEE PROTECTIONS Cold-stress is one of the common natural causes for a manatee to need to be rescued and receive critical care, according to the FWC. This happens when manatees spend too much time in cold weather. If the manatees spend too much time in water temperatures less than 68 degrees, the mammals will begin to show symptoms of cold-stress.

Those symptoms include abscesses, skin bleaching,

sores, a heavy load of barnacles or algae and will appear to be underweight.

Cold stress often happens in smaller manatees, which can grow to about 10 feet long and weigh up to 1,000 pounds.

Manatees are classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The FWC estimates there is a population of about 8,350 in Florida.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act protect these

animals in Florida.

Due to these protections, it’s important not to touch, disturb, feed or give water to manatees, the FWC states.

If a manatee is spotted in distress, sick or dead, citizens can call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404FWCC (3922). Or text 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” and information about the manatee.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

11A

1925 2025

A Century of Care, A Future of Hope In 1925, the people of Sarasota County came together to open a new hospital — their only hospital.

With just 32 beds, it was named simply Sarasota Hospital.

One hundred years later, we have grown into something extraordinary: a healthcare system with two full-service hospitals, a Level II Trauma Center, a renowned cancer institute, comprehensive rehabilitation services, a dedicated behavioral health pavilion, and a vast network of outpatient and physician services. Today, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System stands as an award-winning symbol of excellence, recognized nationwide and respected worldwide.

While our name and reach have expanded, our mission remains steadfast. The promise endures: to safeguard our community’s health, to be there for our neighbors in times of need, and to carry forward the trust that has defined us for a century.

Because at our core, we are still a community hospital. And some things will never change.

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12A

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

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Scan below for a full list of Open Houses, property details, driving directions and more

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

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

HARBOUR LANDINGS 12622 Safe Harbour Drive Carmen Baskind & Laura Pearson

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13A

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The town of Longboat Key requires a new multimillion-dollar sewer line laid on the bottom of Sarasota Bay. Thanks to the efforts of our town’s leadership team, we have an outstanding opportunity to save significant taxpayer dollars on this large infrastructure project.

First, some background. Since sewer lines were installed on Longboat Key in the early 1970s, all our collected sewage has been pumped to the Manatee County treatment plant through a pressurized pipe located on the bottom of Sarasota Bay. Sewage is the No. 1 environmental concern for coastal and bay waters in Florida. Following a sewage leak in 2020, the town of Longboat Key entered into an agreement with Tallahassee to replace the old sewer line. The line replacement project has completed all planning and permitting hurdles and is ready to go pending financing.

We have three options to pay for the project. We can finance it using standard 20- or 30-year revenue bonds issued by the town. Or we can utilize a third option, a lowinterest inter-government loan from the state’s revolving clean water infrastructure program. The town staff have worked long and hard to qualify us for the infrastructure loan, which would be paid off in 20 years. It will save us $8.3 million versus 20-year bonds

and save a whopping $20.9 million versus 30-year bonds. It will also minimize the impact on our credit rating, reducing additional costs for future bonded programs like beach renourishment.

Most states have these infrastructure loan programs. They are always in great demand, with far more projects wanting than approved. Financed by the interest payments, they are not gifts or grants, but true loans. Qualifying for them requires three factors, a genuine public need, a solid repayment plan, and sound municipal finances. It is an indication of how well-managed Longboat Key is that we qualified for a large loan (less than $25 million) on our first try. It also emphasizes Tallahassee’s concerns about protecting the health of north Sarasota Bay. Now that the town manager, commissioners and staff have done their part, we registered voters need to complete the program by voting YES on the town referendum in the upcoming general election on Tuesday, March 11. Early voting will be available at Town Hall 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 3 through March 8.

MARK M HULLINGER LONGBOAT KEY

Mark Hullinger served as a utility commissioner in Washington State from 1993-2005. He has been a Longboat Key resident since 2005.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

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Like in previous elections, the town clerk’s office will offer treats to early voters.

Early voting begins Early voting takes place at Longboat Key Town Hall for the town election.

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arly voting for the town of Longboat Key’s March election began on Monday.

Registered voters on the island can go to Longboat Key Town Hall, located at 501 Bay Isles Road, to cast early ballots. Polls for early voting are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Saturday, March 8.

The town clerk’s office will offer a spread of treats for early voters throughout the week, including root beer floats in the afternoons.

The election includes a contested race for a commission seat, which is a rarity for Longboat Key elections.

The last time Longboat Key had a contested commission race was in 2018.

Steve Branham and Debbie Murphy will vie for the at-large seat that will become vacant as Vice Mayor Mike Haycock terms out.

Also on the ballot is a referendum that asks town voters if the town should be allowed to pursue a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan of up to $33 million for the subaqueous force main replacement project.

The project is necessary, and this

ELECTION DAY VOTING Election day will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 11. Manatee County voters can cast their ballots at the Longboat Island Chapel (6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive) and Sarasota County voters will need to go to the Longboat Key Town Hall (501 Bay Isles Road).

SRF loan offers a lower interest rate than alternative routes, like revenue bonds. If the referendum fails, the town would need to go with bonds at a higher interest rate, which would result in utility rates for residents being re-adjusted.

The last two items on the ballot are charter amendments.

The first deals with the town commission’s summer recess schedule.

The town code already permits the commission to break in August, and it’s been a long-standing practice for the commission to wrap up voting matters during the last meeting in June and cancel July meetings to allow for a two-month recess. This amendment would make that twomonth recess a part of the town code.

The other charter amendment clarifies some language to allow the town manager or town commission to appoint an acting town manager in the event the town manager is unable to serve for some reason.

SAMPLE BALLOT Official Ballot Town of Longboat Key General Election March 11, 2025

11

Boleta Oficial Elección General del Pueblo de Longboat Key 11 de marzo de 2025

21

• Instructions: To vote, fill in the oval completely ( ) next to your choice. Use only the marking device provided or a black or blue pen.

• If you make a mistake, ask for a new ballot. Do not cross out or your vote may not count.

Referendum Regarding Town Commission Meetings

43

Steve Branham

Deborah Murphy

51

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Shall Article II, Section 13, of the Charter of the Town of Longboat Key be amended to allow the Town Commission to cancel the Town Commission's July regular voting meeting with advance notice of at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting date?

Referéndum Con Respecto a las Asambleas de la Comisión del Pueblo

SA M PL

42

Town Commissioner At-Large Seat 1 Comisionado del Pueblo Escaño 1 en General (Vote for One) / (Vote por Uno)

Referendum Questions Preguntas de Referendo

Approving a State Revolving Fund Loan to Finance Construction of a Subaqueous Wastewater Line Shall Town of Longboat Key be authorized to borrow money through a State Revolving Fund loan, not exceeding $33,000,000, bearing interest not exceeding maximum legal rates, maturing over a term not longer than 25 years, payable from revenues of the Town's water and sewer utility system and a backup covenant to budget and appropriate legally available non-ad valorem revenues, to finance the design and construction of a subaqueous wastewater line across Sarasota Bay? Aprobación de un Préstamo del Fondo Rotatorio Estatal Para Financiar la Construcción de un Conducto Subacuático de Aguas Residuales

¿Habrá de estar autorizado el pueblo de Longboat Key para tomar dinero prestado a través de un préstamo del Fondo Rotatorio Estatal que no exceda los $33,000,000, generando interés sin exceder las tasas legales máximas, venciendo dentro de un plazo no mayor de 25 años, a pagarse con los ingresos del sistema de servicios de agua y drenaje del pueblo y un copromiso de respaldo para presupuestar y asignar ingresos no ad-valorem legalmente disponibles, para financiar el diseño y la construcción de un conducto subacuático de aguas residuales a través de Sarasota Bay?

¿Habrá de enmendarse el Artículo II, Sección 13, de los Estatutos del Pueblo de Longboat Key para permitir que la Comisión del Pueblo cancele la asamblea de votación regular de julio de la Comisión del Pueblo con previo aviso de por lo menos treinta (30) días de anticipación a la fecha de la asamblea?

Yes - For Adoption Sí - A Favor De La Adopción

Building Materials | Furniture | Appliances Building Materials Building | Furniture Materials Building | Appliances | Furniture Materials | |Appliances Furniture | Appli ArtArt | Decorative | Lamps Art | Decorative Accessories | Decorative Art |Accessories Lamps Accessories | Decorative Accessories | Lamps | L

No - Against Adoption No - En Contra De La Adopción

Referendum Regarding Acting Town Manager Appointment Shall Article III, Section 3, of the Charter of the Town of Longboat Key be revised to address a potential conflict with the Constitutional prohibition on officers holding dual office and allow the Town Manager or Town Commission to appoint a qualified individual to serve as acting Town Manager in the event of the Town Manager's temporary unavailability or inability to act?

Referéndum Con Respecto a la Designación de un Gerente Interino del Pueblo ¿Habrá de corregirse el Artículo III, Sección 3, de los Estatutos del Pueblo de Longboat Key para atender un conflicto potencial con la prohibición Constitucional a los oficiales con cargo dual y permitir que el Gerente del Pueblo o la Comisión del Pueblo designe a un individuo calificado para servir como Gerente interino del Pueblo en el evento de que el Gerente del Pueblo no esté disponible temporalmente o no sea capaz de actuar?

No - Against Adoption No - En Contra De La Adopción

n 1nLocation n Stores 3 Stores n 13 Location 3 Stores 1 3 Location Stores 1 Location Tuesday -n Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm Tuesday - Saturday Tuesday 10:00am - Saturday Tuesday -n 5:00pm -nSaturday 10:00am -n 5:00pm 10:00am n Sarasota n Sarasota 2095 17th Street Sarasota 2095 17th Street 2095 17th Street 2095n 17th Street n Saraso

Manatee County Precinct: Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive

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Have items to donate? items to donat Call toyour schedule free pick up.

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Yes (For Loan) Sí (A Favor Del Préstamo) No (Against Loan) No (En Contra Del Préstamo)

Yes - For Adoption Sí - A Favor De La Adopción

Sarasota County Precinct: Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road

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• Instrucciones: Para votar, rellene completamente el óvalo ( ) adyacente a la opción de su elección. Use solamente el instrumento para marcar que le proporcionen o use un bolígrafo de tinta negro o azul.

• Si usted comete un error, solicite una boleta nueva. No la tache, pues en ese caso su voto podria no contar.

YourObserver.com

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RACCOON EVICTION 6 p.m., 4600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Animal Problem: Officers were sent to deal with a raccoon that was on the fourth floor of a condominium building for several hours.

The responding officers contacted Manatee County Animal Services, which told the officers it would only respond to emergencies. The Longboat Key officers then had to take matters into their own hands, eventually removing the raccoon with a 5-foot animal snare. The raccoon was released back into the wild with minor injuries, the report states.

MONDAY, FEB. 24

Proven Servant-Leader

LODGING NOT RECEIVED 2:20 p.m., 5100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Civil Disturbance: A citizen called to report she had been scammed out of $7,000. She told the responding officer her home was destroyed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and a neighbor put her in contact with a man from a local resort to arrange a stay. The complainant said she reached out to the man and paid him

Steve Branham

Proven, experienced leader in previous diverse roles:

o Retired from the US Coast Guard o Senior executive in Disaster Response Management o Chairman, Town of Longboat Key Consolidated Retirement System o President, Board of Suncoast Blood Centers o Real estate advisor for the prestigious Premier Sotheby’s International Realty o President, Longboat Key Kiwanis Club o Longboat Key Garden Club Board - 10 years o Longboat Key Foundation Board Your Support is Appreciated By Check To:

SMOKEY DISH 6:14 p.m., 2400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Alarm: Dispatch sent the Longboat Key Police and Fire Rescue Departments to a fire alarm. Fire Rescue responded first and advised the alarm was triggered by cooking smoke and there was no emergency. Police assistance was canceled.

with a $7,000 check for lodging, but she claimed she never was provided lodging. When she tried to confront the man and ask for a refund, he was uncooperative. She then had to relocate out of state until recently and now wants to address the situation. The officer advised her this was a civil matter, which could be taken up in civil court.

THURSDAY, FEB. 27

BEACH CHAIR BEEF 5:59 p.m., 5200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen Assist: A resident reported a group of fishermen using beach chairs belonging to a rental property. At the scene, the officer spoke to the fishermen, who said they were staying at the nearby rental property and claimed they were given permission to use the chairs. The officer advised them about the complaint made, so the fishermen returned the chairs without incident.

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SATURDAY, FEB. 22

SUSPICIOUS, LARGE MARINE LIFE 8:35 a.m., 100 block of Broadway Street Animal Problem: Dispatch sent an officer to investigate a citizen’s report of a dead manatee washed on shore. At the scene, the officer discovered it was not a manatee but rather a goliath grouper dead on the beach. The officer contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to inform them it was not a manatee, and Longboat Key Public Works was notified.

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‘WHAT’S DOWN THERE?’ 3:22 a.m., 3300 block of Bayou Road Alarm: A homeowner reported hearing a security alarm in their residence from the basement motion activation system. An officer arrived on the scene and spoke with the spooked homeowner who asked the officer to check his basement. The officer checked the basement but found nothing out of the ordinary and all windows and doors appeared to be secure.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

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Longboat PD warns of scams The department said it’s important to verify a request if it seems suspicious or marked as ‘urgent.’

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of handing your phone over to a stranger, from which they could then extract data.

Overall, Rubino said the department asks for residents to be aware of the potential scams, not to respond to unknown messages and, when in doubt, verify the request.

“If we can get everybody to be a little more conscious and a little more aware‚ it’s important not to give anything out without checking,” Rubino said. “Nothing is ever that urgent.

Every one of these scams, they’ll tell you it’s urgent. As soon as you hear that and you suspect it’s some type of scam, hang up and verify.”

Additionally, Rubino is sending some officers to training about cryptocurrency security and scams in the coming weeks to stay up to date with modern currency methods.

Rubino also plans to have public sessions at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church and some homeowners associations to boost public outreach and awareness about the scams.

Anyone who may have fallen for a scam could contact the Longboat Key Police Department through the non-emergency line at 941-316-1201.

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ongboat Key Interim Chief of Police Frank Rubino hopes to increase public awareness of rising scams targeting some of the island’s population.

According to Rubino, these scams ask residents to share sensitive information or send electronic payments by phone, text or other messages.

These scams often have messages that claim to be urgent, which Rubino said is the first red flag.

“If it seems urgent and you’re not sure who it is, hang up and verify who it is,” Rubino said.

Rubino said one scam that’s been increasingly popular asks people to purchase gift cards at stores like Publix or CVS and input the numbers from the gift card online to steal the funds.

Electronic payment solicitation has also been on the rise, Rubino said, requesting people to send money through platforms like Venmo, Cash App and Zelle.

Sometimes, the scammers pose as representatives from state, federal or local agencies. For example, the middle of tax season is a common ruse for scammers to pose as the IRS and send fake messages.

“What we’re asking is to be alert about people claiming to represent themselves from any agency or utility company,” Rubino said.

New technology also allows scammers to transfer sensitive information between phones by simply being near another phone.

That’s why it’s important also to be suspicious of strangers claiming their cell phone is dead and asking to use your phone. Rubino suggests asking the stranger for the number to call and dialing yourself instead

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

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Bay Isles recognizes Longboat personnel At its annual community forum, the Bay Isles Association honored Longboat Key town staff and Bay Isles board members for their efforts during hurricane recovery.

T

he Bay Isles Association invited its community members to the second annual Bay Isles Community Forum to honor several Longboat Key personnel and BIA board members.

The forum, held on Feb. 26 at the Longboat Key Club’s Harbourside Ballroom, began with a luncheon and a presentation by Town Manager Howard Tipton.

Tipton informed the audience about the upcoming ballot items for the March 11 election and provided updates about some projects on the island, like the utility undergrounding project.

After Tipton’s updates, BIA President H. Joseph Reiser began the presentation of the Hurricane Heroes Recognition Awards.

“It’s certainly a privilege for me to stand here and recognize the

hard work of our town officials and Bay Isles staff,” Reiser said. “Your unwavering commitment to preparing for extreme weather events, protecting lives and rebuilding our town in the aftermath has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

Among the honorees were Tipton, Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi, Interim Chief of Police Frank Rubino, Public Works Director Charlie Mopps and Mayor Ken Schneier.

Rubino wanted to recognize the department staff for their actions during the two storms. The award, he said, should be for the whole department.

“This is on behalf of the entire police department for all of their hard work,” Rubino said.

Reiser recognized the hard work of public information officers Susan Phillips and Tina Adams during the two hurricanes.

“Importantly, your consistent communications relative to storm

Photos by Carter Weinhofer

Members of the Bay Isles Association Neil Fleet, Philip Deming, Julia Fosson and Mark Hullinger accept awards from the president of the association H. Joseph Reiser (center).

AWARD WINNERS

The full list of honorees at the Hurricane Heroes Recognition Award Ceremony includes: n Mayor Ken Schneier, on behalf of the Town Commission n Town Manager Howard Tipton n Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman n Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi n Interim Chief of Police Frank Rubino n Public Works Director Charlie Mopps n Public Information Officers Susan Phillips and Tina Adams n Managing Director of the Longboat Key Club Rick Konsavage n Director of Agronomy at the Longboat Key Club John Reilly n Bay Isles Association Members: - Mark Hullinger - Julia Fosson - Philip Deming - Neil Fleet

Public Information Officer Tina Adams was honored at the award ceremony, where she accepted an award from H. Joseph Reiser.

impact and access to the island were informative, timely and provided important contact information,” Reiser said.

Within the Bay Isles community, Reiser said the residents came together to show community strength and shared support after the storms.

“What was truly impressive was our communities spontaneously working together, and neighbors helping neighbors,” Reiser said.

Behind the scenes, though, Reiser said people like Longboat Key Club Managing Director Rick Konsavage and Director of Agronomy John Reilly were instrumental in getting the resort and Bay Isles operational again.

Reiser identified the other members of the BIA board who helped to manage the association during and after the hurricanes.

“This committee worked tirelessly

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

WORSHIP

directory

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

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

YOU ARE WELCOME AT ALL ANGELS

941-383-3428

longboatkeytemple.org

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE • MARCH 5 • 10:00 AM

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM

Worship Service Sunday 10 a.m.

Live Stream the 10 a.m. service at AllAngelsLBK.org

Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor

Pet Blessing | Pets of all faiths are welcome Town Center Green | Saturday, March 8th from 10:30 - 1 pm

Men’s Bible Study: Monday @ 9:00 Women’s Bible Study: Wednesday @ 10:00

563 Bay Isles Rd • 941-383-8161

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

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St. Patrick’s Day concert and dinner on March 17th.

AllAngelsLBK.org

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, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church

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

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

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

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

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

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to ensure remote access, disseminate critical information to homeowners, restore vehicle control and begin the arduous process of debris management,” Reiser said.

The presentation included a summary of Bay Isles’ hurricane recovery status.

Reiser said, so far, the BIA has spent about $600,000 in hurricane recovery efforts, which included repairing damage to the beach facilities and canal cleanup. Overall, infrastructure restoration is about 85% complete, according to Reiser.

The cleanup and restoration provided the BIA an opportunity to reevaluate how to replant and analyze procedures — changes that could be a future benefit to the Bay Isles community.

“Get ready for a great new look in the next year or so,” Reiser said.

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STAFF WRITER

WINTER CONCERT SERIES CONCERTS ARE FREE • VISITORS & RESIDENTS WELCOME

SUNDAY • MARCH 9, 2025 • 2:00 PM

The Ditchfield Family in Concert

The Ditchfields are renowned from coast to coast for their close harmony and unique blend. Their individual talents and wide variety of musical styles combine to make them one of the most versatile vocal groups in America today - and they’re all members of one family! They perform a wide variety of styles and musical genres, guaranteeing that this show will be a delight for everyone!

Visitors & Residents Welcome 6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr. • 941.383.8833 (office) • www.christchurchof lbk.org

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CARTER WEINHOFER

YourObserver.com

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AY WE P

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

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22A

Classifieds 20B Games 19B Real Estate 17B Weather 19B

MARCH 6, 2025

YOUR NEIGHBORS Behind the

CASTLE GATES Sand sculptor gives glimpse of his craft.

DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER

L

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ongboat Key is home to artistic creations of every medium, but perhaps one of the most unique resides at Zota Beach Resort.

Visitors need only turn left down the hallway past reception to come faceto-face with one of Patrick Harsch’s handcrafted sand sculptures.

Harsch has been honing his craft since the mid ’90s, and he became the owner of Tampa Bay Sandsculpting Co. in 2023.

His work is consistently on display at the resort, and though his previous creation suffered as many other buildings did in last year’s hurricanes, he recently rebuilt.

The latest piece features half a dozen stacked castle spires layered with roof tiles and window frames; a stoutly boarded gate prevents malicious attackers from storming the Zota castle.

Harsch said in an interview he met his first tutor, his neighbor, while working with a video production house shortly after graduating college.

“He had a sandbox where he would practice, and he showed me the process of how to pack the sand together,” Harsch said. “He had a little bucket, just like you would have at the beach.”

However, this bucket was modified to be open on both ends, as a tube, so the artist can layer the water and sand, then simply lift the bucket, rather than flipping it over.

The assortment of other unique tools like cake-decorating spatulas, cement trowels, melon ballers and palette knives, allows this sculptor to get to work.

“Everything can be ripped off from the kitchen or the garage for sand sculpting,” he added.

His mentor set the challenge of recreating a carnival teddy bear, and Harsch tried his hand at it. He must have done well because he received a job offer on the spot, and he has continued sand sculpting the rest of his life.

Be it for a large-scale competition piece or an intricate design like that found at the resort, the required techniques are fairly similar. Maintaining consistent levels of packing and ratios of sand to water is essential, especially when it’s a long-lasting design.

Harsch said he has made about five sculptures for Zota, and with his experience, it takes about two days to create them. The sand comes in one wheelbarrow at a time, and he uses wooden formwork to make the larger blocks of sand he carves into intricate castle towers.

“The more details you add, the more your eye looks around the piece,” he said, noting how viewers enjoy peering through cut-through windows and other design elements.

However, it is always a balancing act between building awe-inspiring, gravity defying aspects and a structure to last as long as possible.

“You try to push the sand as far as you can push it, but there’s a mantra — safe is pretty,” he said.

The pieces get updated about twice a year, but the impression they make on guests lasts a lifetime.

Fans of his work can also find it on display at other resorts and The Mall at University Town Center.

His business provides opportunities to stay sharp throughout the year, but Harsch always looks forward to the area’s sand sculpting competitions, particularly the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival. Asked about one of his all-time favorite pieces, he said his entry, “The Muse,” holds a special place. He said he was inspired

by Christopher Moore’s book Sacré

Photos by Dana Kampa

Sculptor Patrick Harsch’s latest work is on display at Zota Beach Resort.

Harsch uses wooden frames to hold the base of his castle scuplture.

“The more details you add, the more your eye looks around the piece.” — Patrick Harsch, sand sculptor

Bleu: A Comedy d’Art. The towering sculpture features a figure coming to life from the paint on an artist’s palette. Harsch said the author actually got to see his work after the showcase and shared it online.

This year’s festival has a new element — public input. Voters selected the theme of dinosaurs, upon which sculptors will base their designs this April. For more information, visit SugarSandFestival.com.

Whether people see his works at festivals, resorts or other venues, Harsch hopes viewers get to enjoy the results of his years of training in an ever-changing medium.

Sand sculptor Patrick Harsch works on his latest St. Patrick’s Day-themed outdoor piece at The Mall at University Town Center.

2B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

Paul Grothouse of Cirque St. Armands, a new luxury resort opening this month, dishes up sweets at Taste and Tunes of the Keys.

The Klick Band kept partiers dancing until the end of Taste and Tunes of the Keys.

TASTY TREATS O

rganizers of this year’s Taste and Tunes of the Keys knew the event was sold out. What they didn’t know was just how strongly the community would show out the day of the fundraiser, packing the Longboat Key Club Harbourside Ballroom on Feb. 27.

This year, the Longboat Key Garden Club focused its fundraising energy on helping the community rebuild from last year’s hurricanes through beautification projects.

Club Vice President Lyn Haycock said the club was thrilled with the turnout of about 250 people that evening, who circulated around the room to sample the culinary offerings of the dozen restaurants involved in the event this year.

“All the restaurants do a fabulous job with their food, and we’re just glad everyone is having a good time,” Haycock said.

Photos by Dana Kampa

Trudy Katstra, Kelly Shrout, Linda Crouse and Val Evanko

As they dined, attendees also took the opportunity to hit the dance floor to the tunes of The Klick Band, which delighted the patrons with groovy tunes, including “I Will Survive.”

Pastas, pizza, fresh fish and decadent sweets graced the ballroom tables. A favorite among the crowd, including attendee Kelly Shrout, was the mini crab cakes prepared by the Lazy Lobster.

Tom Huling, the food and bever-

Bart and April Rickerch

age manager at the soon-to-open Cirque St. Armands Beachside, said the team was delighted to join the community event and looks forward to getting more involved after opening.

The high-end, circus-honoring resort features the restaurant Ringside. Huling said he’s particularly excited for future patrons to try out the resort’s raw bar and other restaurant-specific dishes.

Moreover, he looks forward to what the resort will bring to the

bustling Lido Beach area.

Club President Melanie Dale commended Haycock for the tremendous effort she put into making this year’s event a roaring success.

Haycock said she hopes attendees realize just how much they’ve done to help re-energize the island, “not only with the landscape but also with the time they’ve spent together.”

— DANA KAMPA Garden Club President Melanie Dale and Vice President Lyn Haycock

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Dennis Girard

Broker Associate

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

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From festivals to performances and art exhibits, discover the wide variety of events happening in Sarasota and Manatee.

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END UNIT | DIRECT BAY VIEWS PRICE IMPROVEMENT $795,000

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

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

3B

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

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ongboat Key residents shared their appreciation for an event focused on levity and togetherness at the kickoff of this season’s Savor the Sounds concert series, hosted by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce.

The first of three shows took place March 1 at the Karon Family Pavilion, with Big Z Band headlining. Even with overcast skies, plenty of music lovers made their way toward the main stage after the 4:30 p.m. start while opener Mike Sales sang and strummed his guitar.

Sales did his best to dispel the clouds with laidback tunes including “I Can See Clearly Now” and “Smooth” by Santana.

Concertgoers, including Kathy Sanford, said they have been eagerly looking forward to the return of the concerts.

“We came last year, and we had so much fun we’re back with two tables,” she said.

By the time the band had played Gloria Gaynor’s iconic “I Will Survive,” most attendees had gotten on their feet to dance.

Many attendees brought their own picnics, but they also had five food trucks from which to choose: Buonissimo, Charrúa, The Currywurst Truck, The Maine Line and Georgia Girl.

Georgia Reed, owner of Georgia Girl, said it was her first time being part of the concert series, and she was excited to offer her soul food-focused cuisine.

— DANA KAMPA

UPCOMING SHOWS

NEW PRICE!

1045 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #403

750 Tamiami Trail #504 2BD | 2BA | 1,108* SqFt Light, Bright & Ready For Your Personal Touch

Photos by Dana Kampa

Commissioner Gary Coffin gives Jack Helme a toss in the air.

$450,000

2BD | 2BA | 1,503 SqFt Beachfront, Updated Kitchen, 24 Hour Guard Gated Entrance $1,432,000

Richard Fine, Linda Hurwitz, Kathy Sanford and Kathy Grieder booked two tables this year.

Ready to Buy or SELL? Maggie Hicks, Coldwell Banker maggiehicks201@gmail.com 941.321.1759

• 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

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

438136-1

Maggie has been a realtor for 30+ years and focuses on luxury residential real estate in South Florida.

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 595 Bay Isle Road, Ste 250 • Longboat Key, FL 34228

Those hoping to attend the live music nights have two more opportunities. The Dr. Dave Band performs on March 15, and Easy Street Band plays on April 19.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m. at 600 Bay Isles Road, and the bands play from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Individual general admission tickets are $25.

To register, call 941-383-2466, stop by the chamber offices at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, or visit LongboatKeyChamber. com.

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

437797-1

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

Concierge Level Real Estate Services

gigi

SILVERBERG

BROKER ASSOCIATE

LUXURY PROPERTY REALTOR FOR SARASOTA & BRADENTON FOR OVER 20 YEARS

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

Luxury Estate Home in Lakewood Ranch Country Club 13315 Palmers Creek Ter • Over 6100 Sq Ft • At least 4 Bedrooms • 4/2 Baths • Chef’s Kitchen • Billiard Room • Theatre Room * Great Room • Family Room • Resort Style Pool Scan Above to See Active Listings in Downtown Sarasota

Plenty of space for friends and family to play, entertain, and live.

CALL TODAY

941.993.3695

440682-1

4B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

5B

It’s your move.

We’re here to make it smooth.

Work with Coldwell Banker’s

#2 DUO TEAM IN

NORTH AMERICA

BRUCE MYER GROUP

• OVER $130 MILLION PENDING AND SOLD - 2024 • TOP 1.5% OF ALL REALTORS IN THE NATION • TOP FLORIDA 100 REALTOR - COLDWELL BANKER

Learn more at www.BruceMyer.com

CHASE MYER (941) 315-5318

BRUCE MYER (941) 376-5311

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

The offering is subject to errors, omissions, changes, including price, or withdrawal without notice. * COLDWELL BANKER REALTY #2 DUO TEAM IN NORTH AMERICAN IN AGCI.

432593-1

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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

DANA KAMPA

Iconography on display

STAFF WRITER

I

A local artist creates intricate portraits and scenes from Christianity.

Dana Kampa

Christine Hales’ work will hang in All Angels by the Sea until the end of April.

conographers primarily use two mediums for their meticulously detailed works depicting religious scenes and figures: egg yolks mixed with natural pigments and 23-karat gold leaf. As artist Christine Hales explained, that shine is meant to depict God’s light, creating a more interactive experience for the viewer.

Hales hopes viewers have an opportunity to experience that connection when visiting her showing of pieces at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church. They will be on display until the end of April.

She originally hails from New York, but has been a Sarasota resident for the past five years. Right now, between the Longboat Key showing and an extensive display at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in St. Petersburg, almost her entire body of work from the past several decades is available for public viewing.

Hales said in an interview it takes about three months to complete her more detailed pieces, and she often flows between multiple works at the same time, sketching out sacred geometry and layering the unique paints to give the enthrallingly deep sense of iconography.

“The egg tempera gives an almost jewel-like finish,” she explained.

This unique art form dates back to as early as the 16th century, and Hales said she, despite being a contemporary artist, relies on longstanding traditions in depicting Christian religious scenes.

When it comes to selecting a subject, Hales said what inspires her is her scripture reading of the day.

The All Angels display includes 26 pieces, including portraits of Jesus and Mary, as well as scenes depicting the transfiguration of Jesus and the entry into Jerusalem.

“When God gives me an idea or thought, I research it further,” she said. “I go by a feeling of life that starts to feel like a little fire inside, and I follow that and see where it leads.”

Hales said she is immensely appreciative of the Key’s community of artists. This opportunity came about when a friend of hers had a showing at All Angels a few years ago, and she

“When God gives me an idea or thought, I research it further.”

— Christine Hales, artist

met Rev. David Marshall and Linn Torres at the opening.

The positive feedback from her showing last year led to the St. Petersburg showing, and Hales said she was more than happy to return to Longboat Key this year.

“I have so many great artist friends here, and there are so many opportunities,” she said. “It feels like the art community here is really alive and flourishing.”

Working with more than 100 pigments, Hales said she does her best to bring stories to life for viewers.

She created the portrait of Mary currently on display while completing a residency in Vermont.

“For me, it’s a portrait of a beautiful, strong woman,” she said.

“Strong, and yet peaceful and serene in her strength. Whereas here you have St. Michael, who is very strong also, but more warlike.”

She first got into this specific art form while attending art college in Boston. She said her husband, Michael, was photographing monastic gardens.

“We visited convents in France and the United Kingdom and here,” she said. “In France, the nuns introduced me to their iconographer, and I just got transformed. ... I thought, ‘Wow, this is what I’ve always been searching for.’”

From there, she trained with iconographer Vladislav Andreev for her independent graduate studies and went on to make a career of it, studying all over the world with fellow artists and now leading her own classes. Hales said she appreciates how the art has passed from expert to student for centuries and hopes it continues to thrive.

Visitors can see her work during typical opening hours, and Hales said she is happy to lead group tours by request. The St. Petersburg exhibit will be available until April 30.

She invites anyone interested in learning more about the art form or her workshops to visit her website at ChristineHalesIcons.com.

FOR SALE BY OWNER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

441430-1

6B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

7B

WATER

on the

Reid MuRphy PResents

NEW LISTING

15,500,000

$

LONGBOAT KEY BEACHFRONT

WICKER INN -Two acres w/200 ft of frontage on beautiful Gulf beach. Currently a quaint inn w/ 10 suites & a cottage.

Amazing opportunity: approved for two single family homes or six luxury condos... or restore to its recent glory.

6,500,000

$

LONGBOAT KEY HIDEAWAY BAY

SOPHISTICATED WATERFRONT LIVING ON SARASOTA BAY. Postmodern architectural gem. 5,424 sf 4BD/6BA on .834 acre perfectly situated for privacy 275’ waterfront w/deepwater dock, boat lift, kayak launch, deck and elevated 50’ pool.

LONGBOAT KEY GULFFRONT

LONGBOAT KEY LONGBEACH VILLAGE

LONGBOAT KEY NORTH

$

8,900,000

$

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

3,495,000

$

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

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

4,475,000

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY L’AMBIENCE

LONGBOAT KEY BAYFRONT

LONGBOAT KEY L’AMBIANCE

$

4,595,000

$

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

6,200,000

$

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

Sixth floor 2BD/4BA, very private w/ east & west views of the Gulf and Bay. Resort style amenities include 2 lighted Har-Tru tennis courts.

4,195,000

NEW LISTING

LONGBOAT KEY EMERALD HARBOR

2,695,000

LONGBOAT KEY THE BEACHES

2,395,000

$

$

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

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

Beautifully renovated, beachside sixth floor corner 2BD/2BA with southern exposure panoramic views.

2,495,000

LONGBOAT KEY GULFSIDE NORTH

LONGBOAT KEY WIDE CANAL

LONGBOAT KEY PROMENADE

$

1,995,000

$

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

1,995,000

$

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

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

BUYING OR SELLING

CALL REID

1,895,000

for a successful real estate experience!

941.232.3304

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

REIDMURPHY.COM

438601-1

LONGBOAT KEY SLEEPY LAGOON $

8B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

IF YOU GO

ANNUAL RUN FOR THE TURTLES When: April 5, 7:30 a.m. (1-mile fun run) and 8 a.m. (5K Run sanctioned by Manasota Track Club) Where: Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Road Tickets: $40 (virtual option available) Info: Visit Mote.org/ Run. The Mustang, the Ram, Shelley, Mote’s Jake Lasala, Gilly, Morris the Explorasaurus, Petunia, Super Tooth and Floody the Frog prepare to race.

MASCOTS, ASSEMBLE! T

he sunny weather the morning of Feb. 27 didn’t call for heavy attire.

Nonetheless, Cat Depot volunteer John Kloeckner didn’t mind wearing a full mascot costume on the sands of Siesta Key Beach.

“Oh, it’s a little warm, but that’s OK,” he said.

He was among the mascots from various organizations that came together for a quick race promoting the 39th Annual Run for the Turtles, set to be held by Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium on April 5.

A race participant of 10 years, Kloeckner said he gets “a kick” out of representing Cat Depot’s mascot, Petunia, at various events, motivated by his love of cats — but also turtles.

All proceeds from the run support Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program, which monitors 35 miles of beach in Sarasota County.

Program Manager Jake Lasala said the county’s sea turtle population has been steadily growing thanks to efforts in conservation and protection.

“We think that a lot of that growth is because of the citizen science that has occurred in this area, and we’re really excited about that,” he said.

— IAN SWABY

Mote’s Kaitlyn Fusco holds out a trophy in front of Super Tooth from Varone Orthodontics, Petunia from Cat Depot, and the race’s winner, Mustang from Lakewood Ranch High School.

Gilly, from Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, gets some stretches in prior to the run.

Photos by Ian Swaby

The Ram from Riverview High School, and Shelley from Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, head to the finish line.

Lakewood Ranch High School Dean Brandon Ludwig accompanied senior Jayson Corpus, who played the Mustang, the winner of the race.

Island life begins here.

VISIT OUR NEW

SHOWROOM

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-4 PM | 3% Buyer Broker Compensation

& DESIGN CENTER

to CUSTOM-ize your outdoor furniture.

3465 Winding Oaks Drive, Longboat Key | MLS#A4635798 | $1,000,000 200’ OF SEA WALL | BUILDABLE LOT

RENOVATE OR REBUILD! 3% Buyer Broker Compensation

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

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

NEW PRICE 3% Buyer Broker Compensation

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

3310 Sabal Cove, Longboat Key MLS#A4634589 | $2,900,000 RENOVATE OR REBUILD! 3% Buyer Broker Compensation

WHEN YOU CAN BUY THE DIRECT MANUFACTURER

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

OUTDOOR FURNITURE HIGH END LOOK & QUALITY AT WHOLESALE PRICING

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FLORIDA PATIO FURNITURE, INC.

FLORIDAPATIO.NET 941-722-5643

beverlysthilaire@ michaelsaunders.com

441159-1

Julie Klick

OPEN to the PUBL IC

2500 US BUSINESS 41 NORTH

|

PA L M E T T O , F L 3 4 2 2 1

438476-1

2383 Harbour Oaks Drive, Longboat Key MLS#A4609474 | $899,000

WHY PAY MORE

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

9B

T H E G R O U P

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

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

100’ PRIVATE BEACHFRONT | LONGBOAT KEY $16,995,000 – Under Construction 4 Beds 5 Baths 6,614 Sq. Ft. Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

120’ OPEN BAY FRONT | BIRD KEY $10,995,000 – Under Construction 4 Beds 4.5 Baths 4,750 Sq. Ft. Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

WEST OF TRAIL BAYFRONT | SARASOTA $9,750,000 – Move in 120 Days 5 Beds 7 Baths 5,328 Sq. Ft. Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

PENDING

STEPS TO SANDY BEACH | LIDO SHORES $6,695,000 – Immediate Occupancy 5 Beds 6 Baths 4,750 Sq. Ft.

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

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

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

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

3408 FAIR OAKS LANE | LONGBOAT KEY $2,999,999 - Bay Isles 5 Beds 5 Baths 4,510 Sq. Ft.

Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

Contract: Tracey Stetler 941-266-9001

Contact: Tracey Stetler 941-266-9001

Contact: Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan 941-928-2922

Contact: Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan 941-928-2922

Contact: Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan 941-928-2922

PENDING

3927 SOMERSET DRIVE | SIESTA KEY $1,995,000 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,758 Sq. Ft. Contact: Jules Mackie 773-704-1438

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

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

PENDING

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

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

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD UNIT 154 | LONGBOAT KEY $1,999,999 - Exceptional Views 3 Beds 4 Baths 2,369 Sq. Ft. Contact: Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan 941-928-2922

941 - 388 - 2021

53 S PALM AVENUE, SARASOTA, FL 34236

425727-1

WWW.THEDIPINTOGROUP.COM | @THEDIPINTOGROUP

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

10B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

Mary Del Pup assists an early-bird shopper in jewelry.

Realtor JoDene

TREASURE HUNT O

Exceptional Service by Your Trusted Longboat Key REALTOR®,

JoDene Moneuse

ne of the early entrants walked into Father Edward Pickering Hall, took a look, and whispered, “This is crazy.”

From wall to wall, and even beyond into the back lot, patrons wove among the laden tables of donated goods for St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church’s legendary annual rummage sale. The sale took place over Friday and Saturday, with the aim of raising as much funding as possible for community organizations.

Eager shoppers lined up as early as 8 a.m., three hours before doors opened, to be the first to search through the rows, according to volunteer Lyn Kennelly. As in previous years, the line of waiting shoppers curled around the hall as the early birds hoped to score the best finds on the Friday morning pre-sale, which had a $5 entrance fee.

It was quite the undertaking to keep the tide of incoming shoppers flowing. Corralling the masses was “Sheriff of Rummage” Ginny Akhoury, who commanded the microphone, wishing everyone luck in finding their treasures and reminding them to be on their best behavior.

Terri Leonard, who was in charge of managing the arts and collectables section, said goods were flying off the shelves just as quickly as volunteers could restock them.

“People have purchased crystal vases,

35 year Longboat Key Resident/Realtor Celebrating 6 years on the Michael Saunders “Best of the Best” list !

SOLD JUST

Gorgeous 4 bdrm home with a backyard oasis 690 Russell Street | $3,000,000

Beautiful 3 bdrm/2.5 bath with Gorgeous Gulf views, 19,400sf lot 6473 Gulf of Mexico Drive $3,200,000.

Beautifully renovated 2 bdrm/2 bath condo The Westchester - 4825 Gulf of Mexico Dr, #105 | $999,000.

Build your dream home on 370ft of Waterfront vacant land in the Village of Longboat Key! 620 Jackson Way | $3,150,000.

Elevated 2 bdrm/2 bath canal home 650 Penfield Street | $1,295,000.

Unique 1930’s cottage, Longbeach Village. Bring your vision to reimagine this special property 7119 Longboat Dr. E. | $625,000.

Reimagine or rebuild in the Village!

Single family home with a separate guest apartment.

651 Fox Street | $650,000.

SEAPLACE 2bdr/2 bath. Beautifully remodeled 2nd floor in sought after G1 Building, 2089 Gulf of Mexico Dr, #G1-205 | $610,000.

Casa Del Mar 2 bdrm/2 bath Your paradise vacation spot with short term rentals! | $699,000.

Beautiful pool on large 10,800sf lot, Remodel or rebuild 611 Hibiscus Way | $899,000

Photos by Dana Kampa

Brent Leonard shows the offerings for golf clubs to Rob Dice, who found a selection of art books at the sale as well.

different pieces of unique silverware, music boxes, religious items and art in various styles,” she said.

She said many shoppers have been searching post-hurricane to refill their homes with art and decor that exemplifies their taste, making it feel like home again.

— DANA KAMPA

941.302.4913 441049-1

442352-1

JoDeneMoneuse@michaelsaunders.com | LongboatKeyLiving.com

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

Siesta Key

11B

Aria

WE PAYTION SA COMPENESSIONAL TO PROFROKERS CO-B

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

3500BayouLouise.com

2251 Gulf of Mexico Drive #204 - $7,685,000 3 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 4,032 sq. ft.

Aria204.com

L’Ambiance

435 L’Ambiance Drive #L807 $3,500,000 | Furnished LAmbianceL807.com

Tangerine Bay Club

415 L’Ambiance Drive #A401 $5,694,000 | Furnished LAmbianceA401.com

415 L’Ambiance Drive #A801 $7,500,000 LAmbianceA801.com

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

Tangerine211.com

Emerald Harbor

Country Club Shores

Regency House

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

6011EmeraldHarborDr.com

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

521WedgeLn.com

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

RegencyHouse1004.com

Gulf Front Estate

Sanctuary

L’Elegance

Promenade

575 Sanctuary Drive #A303 $1,799,000 SanctuaryA303.com

1800 Ben Franklin Drive #A403 $899,000 | Furnished LElegance403.com

1211 Gulf of Mexico Drive #211 $2,300,000 Promenade211.com

5941 Gulf of Mexico Drive $8,800,000 5941GulfOfMexicoDr.com

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

441911-1

Lot Size 100 x 465 sq. ft.

12B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

S U C E S S F U L LY S E L L I N G L U X U R Y WAT E R F R O

W E L C O M E T O C R Y S TA L WAT E R S O N S I E S TA K E Y This extraordinary waterfront estate, set on nearly three acres of pristine Siesta Key bayfront, is a masterclass in architectural elegance and modern coastal living. Designed by the esteemed Stofft Cooney Architects and brought to life by Chris Jorgensen of Florida West Builders, this 2024 custom-built West Indies-style residence showcases impeccable craftsmanship, curated interiors by Phoebe and Jim Howard, and a seamless connection to its breathtaking surroundings. With 217 feet of direct bay frontage and an elevated location for optimal water views, this residence embodies the pinnacle of luxury living. A private, gated entry leads to winding “Tabby” seashell driveways that guide you to the grand entrance. Thoughtfully designed with meticulous attention to detail, the property includes an oversized three-car garage for the main house and a separate four-car garage under the guest house. Inside, walls of oversized, floor-to-ceiling impact glass windows frame uninterrupted bay views, bathing the interiors in natural light. Every element, from the European oak hardwood floors in a warm Milano finish to the bespoke cabinetry by Campbell Cabinetry Designs, has been carefully selected for both beauty and functionality. The home’s intelligent Control4 lighting and sound system, along with a whole-house water filtration system, enhances everyday comfort. The estate’s extensive outdoor spaces create an unparalleled setting for relaxation and entertainment. Call us today to experience this spectacular residence in person.

$31,500,000 • 8501 Midnight Pass Road • 6 bedroom suites. 10 bathrooms • 11,606 square feet heated • Main house and guest house • Built by Florida West Builders in 2024 • Direct bayfront pool deck with summer kitchen and lounge • Tennis court with pavilion • New dock, 20,000-pound lift, and kayak launch • www.CrystalWaters.homes

CALL US TODAY FOR A PERSONAL TOUR (941) 387-1840 443 John Ringling Blvd, Suite F, Sarasota, FL 34236 Pettingell.com | Roger@Pettingell.com Youtube.com/@PettingellProfessionals Instagram.com/RogerPettingell

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

13B

ONT PROPERTY FOR MORE THAN 39 YEARS

GRIS BETTLE VP of Mortgage Lending NMLS#371662 - Mobile: 941.545.4384 - GRA NMLS ID 1598647 www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

WORK WITH THE BEST PROFESSIONALS FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS 441678-1

Affiliated business disclosure: Coldwell Banker and Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC share common ownership and because of this relationship the brokerage may receive a financial or other benefit. You are not required to use Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC as a condition of purchase or sale of any real estate.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

Fascia-nating physical therapy Author and bodyworker to lead workshops.

DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER

F

ascia, the tissues that connect bones, muscles, organs and the rest of the body, are not always apparent for their importance in long-term mobility. But physical therapists like Karen Gabler have been curiously exploring methods for working with the fascial system in the hopes of reducing chronic pain and improving stability.

The Paradise Center is hosting two workshops with Gabler from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. March 21 and 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 22.

Gabler, who is also a licensed massage therapist, has been studying this physical therapy for years, even penning a book titled “Your Body’s Brilliant Design: A Revolutionary Approach to Relieving Chronic Pain.”

She said in an interview that fascia is “like a spider web.”

“If a bug flies into the web, it changes the shape of the web,” she continued. “Then the spider comes in, takes out the insect, and the web bounces back. When we have injuries or poor posture or surgeries, it all changes the shape of the web.”

Gabler said her job is to find the wrinkle in the web and help a client work it out.

She first became interested in this form of physical therapy because she was interested in how physical alignment affects one’s emotions.

“If things are stuck and not moving, it changes the state of mind,” she said, noting she has a background in psychology.

As a Boston-based instructor, Gabler said the collaboration with The Paradise Center came about when one of her regular clients retired to Longboat Key. She noted while such physical therapy can be especially helpful for seniors looking to improve their mobility, it can be valuable to people

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IF YOU GO AWAKEN YOUR INNER CORE WORKSHOPS When: 4-6:30 p.m. March 21 and 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 22 Where: The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key Tickets: $75 Info: Visit TheParadiseCenter.org

Karen Gabler, an author and expert in physical therapy, is leading two workshops at The Paradise Center in March.

of all ages, including athletes.

“In the Western anatomy paradigm, the body is broken down into parts — muscles, bones, joints,” she said. “Muscles are levers, like when you bring your bicep up and down.

But actually, the body doesn’t move that way. We do not move in levers.

We move as a whole. The whole arm is connected to the shoulder, hip, leg and foot. When you reach, you’re reaching from your foot, not just the bicep.”

The workshops take a whole-body approach to strengthening the core.

Gabler said they are open to clients of all fitness levels, as they focus on very particular balancing movements.

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14B

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

BEST BET

THE DARK SIDE OF THE WHITE HOUSE 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road. Hear stories of “sex, scandal, intrigue and deceit” in the history of the country’s highest office in the first of a four-part Thursday lecture series.

Cost is $80 for members and $90 for nonmembers. Call 941-383-8222 or email Admin@TBIEducationCenter.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 8

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road. Join the town of Longboat Key for a free community gathering with live music, food trucks, local businesses and more. Representatives from town departments, nonprofits, houses of worship and other local groups will share information about their activities. All Angels by the Sea plans to host a booth for pet blessings as well.

SATURDAY, MARCH 8

EARLY VOTING ENDS 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road. Early voting in the general election takes place from March 3 to March 8. Visit the town website at LongboatKey.org for more information.

YOUR CALENDAR

THURSDAY, MARCH 6

SUNDAY, MARCH 9

TROUPE PRESENTS SONGS OF ’60S 7:30-8:30 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents the “Men of Soul,” focusing on the late 1960s with songs by Sam Cooke, James Brown and Otis Redding. Cost is $45 for members and $55 for nonmembers. Call 941383-8222 or email Admin@TBIEducationCenter.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11

TAKE WING WITH SOS 6:30 p.m. at Save Our Seabirds, 1708 Ken Thompson Parkway. The Longboat Key Garden Club is holding its monthly meeting at the bird rescue facility. Tour the facility and learn about the wonderful services it provides.

YOUR TICKET INCLUDES: • Live Music by Tim Michael McCaig • Gourmet Chef Catered Dinner Overlooking Sarasota Bay & Movie Under the Stars • Complimentary Beer, Wine, Champagne & Bottled Water • Fresh-popped Popcorn & Candy Concessions • Fantastic Prizes Awarded throughout the evening

EXCITING LIVE AUCTION ITEMS INCLUDE: • OPAL Properties 3-day/2-night stays at: • Opal Key West Resort with Key West Express Ferry for 2 • Reefhouse in Key Largo • Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa • OPAL Grand in Delray Beach • Zota Beach Resort • Cirque at St. Armands • St. Regis Resort & Spa, Longboat Key 3-day/2-night w/ breakfast • Dinner for 6 at Zota Beach Resort

File image

Rev. David Marshall blesses Reva, an 8-year-old labradoodle.

LEARN ABOUT THE NIGHT SKY 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road. Astronomy educator Chap Percival delves into the phenomena and history of the mesmerizing aurora borealis, and why it is now showing up as far south as Key West. Cost is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers.

Registration required. Call 941-3838222 or email Admin@TBIEducationCenter.org.

• Catered Sunset Cruise for 4 • Cannon’s Marina Full Day Boat Rental, and MUCH MORE!

Date:

Friday, March 21, 2025

Cocktails: Dinner: Live Auction: Movie: Location:

5:30pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm Bayfront Park 4052 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key $85 per person

Rain Date:

Admission:

March 22, 2025

To purchase tickets, Visit LBKGardenClub.org

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12

CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER 1 p.m. to 2 p.m at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Community members can learn more about best practices for protecting the wellbeing of those caring for others at a talk presented by the Tidewell Foundation. Call 383-6493.

Co-Chairs

Susan Phillips and Steve Branham sponsored by...

Proceeds will be used to fund environmental restoration & beautification of Town parks and public places.

441743-1

GOING TO THE DOGS 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bird Key Yacht Club, 301 Bird Key Drive. Bird Key Women’s Association is “going to the dogs” with its community dog parade. Everyone is invited to join a festive day that includes dog contests, playful rescue puppies, a deejay, raffle baskets, the Maine Line Food Truck, a cash bar and more.

Attendance is free and entry into the parade is $25, with cash votes determining the winners. Proceeds go to Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue. Contact Carolyn Christian at cmchristian4@gmail.com to volunteer.

15B

THREE AMENITY-RICH COMMUNITIES LakeHouse Cove at Waterside, Sarasota Near Close Out

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Shellstone at Waterside, Sarasota

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

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

LONGBOAT KEY 2141 Gulf Of Mexico Dr Unit 4 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,400 Sq. Ft. Bruce A Meyer, PA 941-266-8152 A4640254 $5,500,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 536 Ketch Lane 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,960 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4634879 $3,759,000

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

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

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

LONGBOAT KEY 1591 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 316 1 Bed 2 Baths 1,556 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4628607 $3,200,000

LONGBOAT KEY 535 Sanctuary Drive B604 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,590 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4640937 $3,100,000

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

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

LONGBOAT KEY 3617 Fair Oaks Place 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,950 Sq. Ft. Jennifer Linehan 941-266-7555 A4641478 $2,280,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 1211 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 408 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,827 Sq. Ft. Jonathan Fox, Pa 941-544-6649 A4631601 $1,650,000

LONGBOAT KEY 691 Linley Street 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,820 Sq. Ft. Bobbie Banan 941-356-2659 A4640483 $1,450,000

LONGBOAT KEY 650 Penfield Street 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,579 Sq. Ft. JoDene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4640119 $1,295,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1000 Longboat Club Road 1103 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,409 Sq. Ft. Jenine Meyer 941-266-8303 A4620940 $1,200,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 2012 Harbourside Drive 2104 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,135 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4640574 $1,100,000

LIDO KEY 1212 Benjamin Franklin Drive 607 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,421 Sq. Ft. Michael Yawitz 941-587-8091 A4590874 $1,040,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2195 Harbourside Drive 404 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,906 Sq. Ft. Beverly St Hilaire 818-416-2505 A4635715 $1,025,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 4234 Gulf Of Mexico Drive H2 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,150 Sq. Ft. Jennifer Linehan 941-266-7555 A4640128 $845,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4350 Chatham Drive E307 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,072 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4613210 $699,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4340 Falmouth Drive D104 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,072 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4629065 $645,000

LONGBOAT KEY 5919 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 4 Beds 6 Baths 5,596 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4628022 $12,500,000

LONGBOAT KEY 6161 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,224 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4634003 $11,700,000

LONGBOAT KEY 500 Harbor Point Road 5 Beds 6/1 Baths 6,556 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-809-0907 A4639203 $7,995,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

440835-1

16B

YourObserver.com

17B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

FEB. 17-21

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

W

illiam Goshorn, of Sarasota, sold his home at 340 W. Royal Flamingo Drive to Larry Lieberman, trustee, of Sarasota, for $7.25 million. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, six-anda-half baths, a pool and 6,067 square feet of living area.

REAL ESTATE

Bird Key home tops week’s sales at $7.25 million

LONGBEACH ON LONGBOAT KEY

Kenneth and Jennifer Cobbs, of Bradenton, sold their home at 690 Russell St. to Susan Boll, trustee, of Sparta, Michigan, for $3 million.

Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,614 square feet of living area.

Image courtesy of Barbara May

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

Jorie Riesen, of Longboat Key, sold her home at 611 Ranger Lane to Hertam LLC for $2 million. Built in 1969, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,983 square feet of living area. It sold for $700,000 in 2015.

THE PLAYER CLUB

Maria Mori Brooks and Eugenia Mori McCauley, trustees, of Palo Alto, California, sold the Unit 309 condominium at 1485 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Richard Lawrence Green Jr. and Lori Blaker, trustees, of Longboat Key, for $1.3 million. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, three baths and 1,839 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in 1997.

Barbara May and Fred Sassen sold the Bird Key home at $7.25 million.

LONGBEACH

Emily Jung, trustee, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 13 condominium at 7001 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Longboat Sunshine II LLC for $1.25 million. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,170 square feet of living area. It sold for $455,000 in 2013.

WINDING OAKS

Deborah Adler, Sidney Lansburgh III, Elizabeth Ferro and Deborah Adler, trustees, of Silver Springs, Maryland, sold the Unit 28 condominium at 3455 Winding Oaks Drive to John Flaherty, trustee, of

Longboat Key, for $960,000. Built in 1988, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,112 square feet of living area. It sold for $765,000 in 2020.

LIDO BEACH CLUB

Richard and Alitza Trumpler, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 305 condominium at 1212 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Lawrence and Donna Francis, of Sarasota, for $600,000. Built in 1974, it has one bedroom, one bath and 1,116 square feet of living area. It sold for $431,000 in 2017.

PELICAN HARBOUR AND BEACH CLUB

Arthur Hartmann, trustee, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit Y-1 condominium at 4234 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Roy Hall of Palm Desert, California, for $675,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,150 square feet of living area.

It sold for $272,500 in 2013.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Feb. 21-27 in order of dollar amounts.

LONGBOAT KEY Address

Permit

1561 Gulf of Mexico Drive #401 Building –

Applicant

Amount

S.R. LBK II LLC

$3,000,000

Alt/Renovation 1945 Gulf of Mexico Drive #204 Building –

In with the new

John Dotter and Sharon

NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

MOVE-IN SUMMER 2025

$329,728

Alt/Renovation 761 Dream Island Road

Hurricane Damage

Alastair Hunter-Henderson $284,656

435 L Ambiance Drive #H702 Windows/Doors

Barry Smith

$283,988

3040 Grand Bay Blvd. #285

Windows/Doors

Joseph Collins

$261,249

1125 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Re-roof

Beach Place Condominium $245,355

1145 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Re-roof

Beach Place Condominium $245,355

1105 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Re-roof

Beachplace Association

1115 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Re-roof

Beach Place Condominium $245,335

1075 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Re-roof

Beachplace Association

1135 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Re-roof

Beach Place Condominium $245,335

1055 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Re-roof

Beachplace Association

1045 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Re-roof

Beach Place Condominium $245,335

1065 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Re-roof

Beachplace Association

$245,335

1085 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Re-roof

Beachplace Association

$245,335

3040 Grand Bay Blvd. #233

Windows/Doors

Karen Nixon

$214,491

603 Buttonwood Drive

Re-roof

James Charles

$203,828

5523 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Plumbing –

LBK Rentals LLC

$200,000

4234 Gulf of Mexico Drive #K1 Hurricane Damage

Joseph Miller

$196,830

865 Longboat Club Road

Francis O’Donnell

$164,912

$245,335 $245,335 $245,335

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

MOVE-IN NOW

LIMITED OPPORTUNTIES

GOLDEN GATE POINT

LONGBOAT KEY

New Construction Roof – Hurricane Damage 6803 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Re-roof

Beach Walk Condominium $116,005

525 Hornblower Lane

Roof –

Mark Gorman

$91,555

Stephen Somers

$87,800

Michael Obrien

$86,644

Hurricane Damage Building – Cage/Screen 381 N. Shore Road

Hurricane Damage

7017 Longboat Drive N.

Swimming Pool/Spa David Majher

1105 Gulf of Mexico Drive #303 Windows/Doors

$85,000

Alan Sharaf

$69,440

6871 Longboat Drive S.

Swimming Pool/Spa David Price

$68,000

3060 Grand Bay Blvd. #176

Building – Shutters

Joern Repenning

$66,550

601 Yardarm Lane

Roof –

John and Joanne Forch

$66,346

Hurricane Damage 657 Spanish Way

Hurricane Damage

Winston Register

$63,697

703 Spanish Drive S.

Hurricane Damage

David D’Amelio

$63,697

730 Spanish Drive S.

Hurricane Damage

Kevin Baker

$63,697

7140 La Lenaire Drive

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Halcyon Shores LLC

$60,200

723 Jungle Queen Way

Roof –

Henry Lopez

$56,000

3150 GMD LLC

$50,000

En Pointe | 941.685.1598 | enpointesarasota.com | From $2,995,000

MSC | Developer Services Full Service means something different here.

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

MSCDeveloperServices.com | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida

Hurricane Damage 3120 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Electrical –

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

New Construction

Prices as of January 2025

Source: Town of Longboat Key

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3550 Fair Oaks Lane

18B

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ST EP S

TO

BE A CH

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

1212 CENTER PLACE | Lido Shores | $6,695,000 – New Construction | 5 Beds | 6 Baths | 4,750 Sq. Ft. Fully Furnished | Ready for Occupancy | Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

You’ve dreamed of building your own custom island home for years, but the idea of dedicating three years to making that dream a reality can feel overwhelming. Seaward Homes has the solution: 1212 Center Place in Lido Shores.

This custom-designed home, just steps from your private beach access, is now available. Built by Sarasota’s premier home builder, Seaward Homes, this property is part of our exclusive Seaward Curated Collection. We take pride in delivering a very limited number of custom homes each year, ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 square feet, West of the Trail and on the Sarasota islands.. Our business model focuses on delivering fewer homes while maintaining the highest quality. A reputation we’ve built over the past 30 years.

We use only the finest materials, collaborate with top consultants and trades, and leverage the latest technologies to ensure every detail of each project is a success. Our Seaward Curated homes feature elevated first-floor designs, superior concrete structural elements, and glass systems that often exceed code requirements-ensuring beauty, strength, and durability. Additionally, we offer clients construction schedules, open-book pricing, and a dedicated full-time project manager for added peace of mind. May we assist you with your new build?

• 5 bedrooms | 6 bathrooms | 2-car oversized garage

• Large designer format 24x48 porcelain tile

• Exciting 1,100 sq ft rooftop terrace with views of Sarasota Bay

• Designer quartzite stone countertops in the kitchen

nearly 5,000 sq ft

the Gulf of Mexico, and the Ringling Bridge

• Concrete and block masonry

• Thermador commercial appliance package

• Large second floor family room and dry bar, perfect for guests • Yoga room or art studio

• Cucine Ricci custom fabricated Italian cabinets throughout • Designer Hansgrohe plumbing fixtures

• High quality hurricane safety glass throughout • First floor master suite

• European hardwood floors on the second floor

• Custom Lutron lighting package by Wicked Smart Homes • AV package including home security, shade prewire, and security cameras

• Dramatic 2-story great room

• Summer kitchen with stainless steel appliances

• 10’ tall glass sliding doors

• Gorgeous pool, with waterfall feature and built-in spa

• Custom steel floating staircase • 8’ solid interior doors with Emtek hardware

T H E

• Tim Borden tropical landscape package with shellstone exteriors

Seaward Homes would love to talk to you

G R O U P

941.323.0033

Sarasota’s Fine Home Builder

442322-1

about building your Dream Home.

YourObserver.com

19B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

FRIDAY, MARCH 7

Submit your photos at YourObserver. com/contests.

All submissions will be entered for the 2024-25.

Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2025, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST High: 78 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 6%

Thursday, March 6

6:49a

6:34p

Friday, March 7

6:48a

6:35p

Saturday, March 8

6:47a

6:35p

Sunday, March 9

7:46a

7:36p

SATURDAY, MARCH 8

Monday, March 10

7:45a

7:37p

High: 82 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 8%

Tuesday, March 11

7:44a

7:37p

Wednesday, March 12

7:43a

7:38p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, MARCH 9 High: 82 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 40%

March 6 First

March 13 Full

March 22 March 29 Last New

TIDES Highs Lows Thursday, March 6

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3:49p

12:10a

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Friday, March 7

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4:57p

1:43a

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Saturday, March 8

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6:37p

3:12a

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Sunday, March 9

1:12p

9:18p

5:16a

3:45p

Monday, March 10

1:01p

10:31p

6:03a

5:07p

Tuesday, March 11

1:01p

11:24p

6:37a

6:01p

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1:06p

7:03a

6:44p

Wednesday, March 12 Donna Jablonski captured this photo of cloudy sunset on Longboat Key.

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

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

DIVISION OF LABOR by Priyanka Sethy & Rajiv Sethy, edited by Jared Goudsmit

©2025 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

40 “She ___ and left no crumbs” 1 Binocular vision allows 41 Model Delevingne people to perceive it 42 _erson _f _olor 6 Compatriot 12 “___ No. 5” (Lou Bega hit) 43 Bad-tempered 17 “Madama Butterfly,” e.g. 47 Wing alternative 54 Number that all ZIP 18 Became a paid athlete codes in Guam start with 19 Musical bar offering 55 Most bronzed 21 Judgment that isn’t 56 Young louse unanimous 57 Mariah Carey Christmas 23 “Rear” officer song 24 Extensive properties 59 Sugary coating 25 Singer Rita 60 Roadie’s trip 26 Vote in favor 62 Dish that may be 27 Mini-albums, for short steamed in banana leaves 28 Jar cover 29 South Asian city home to 64 ___ Andreas Fault 65 Curved tubes in the the Charminar kitchen 34 Festive evergreen 69 Lang. in “CODA” 37 Turned into mush 72 Like “pros” and “cons” 39 Sioux subculture

73 Sharp flavor 74 Samba, e.g.

76 Snowboard relative 79 Something placed in roulette 80 ___ Palace (Vegas hotel) 82 Carelessly sit (down) 83 Guidelines that society accepts 88 Like some exfoliating peels, for sensitive skin 90 “Easy” letters 91 Subpar 92 Have debt 93 Novelist Truman 96 Understands 98 OB-___ 99 Newborns’ conduits 104 Graffiti or filmmaking 106 Bro, for one 107 “___ my last email ...”

108 Tennis champ Swiatek 109 “You’re in our group!”

113 Stir-fry veggie 116 Difficult job ... such as each divided set of circled letters 119 Brush up on 120 Primped 121 “Star Trek” actor George 122 Cuts in some skirts 123 Gave lip to 124 Certain lock-screen notification

DOWN 1 One tablet, e.g.

2 Tauheed K. ___, aka 2 Chainz 3 Bombard with snowballs, say 4 Error’s partner

5 Respectful acknowledgment 6 Bench press muscle, for short 7 Singer-songwriter DiFranco 8 “Quite strange ...”

9 Church topper 10 Like an excited crowd 11 “___ Sequitur” (comic strip) 12 Got by 13 Branch of an organization 14 ___ tai 15 Not engaged 16 Animal aka the Congolese giraffe 18 Director Anderson 19 Inuit boat 20 Princess Anna’s sister 22 Figures out 26 Ancient adding tools 29 Word before “mentality” or “immunity” 30 Span between birthdays 31 Bajillions 32 Hairy Addams family member 33 Popular 2010s dance move 34 “Truth be told ...”

35 New York city 36 Limit, like spending 38 Tirade 42 Winter hours in S.F. 44 One in a “deadly” septet 45 Explosive stuff 46 Vote in favor 48 Erin Burnett’s channel 49 Pelvic exercises 50 E pluribus ___ 51 “Encanto” protagonist 52 Lombardy lake 53 Bollywood actor Shah Rukh ___ 58 Small burger 60 Grind ___ halt 61 “Barn” bird 62 Bit of ink 63 Is, pluralized

66 Sci-fi’s Skywalker 67 Jewish rite 68 “___ Never Sleeps” (banking slogan) 69 Like a watch with hands 70 Zany 71 Abate 72 “What If?” genre, informally 75 Tempe sch.

76 Speedometer stat 77 Hello, in Sao Tome 78 Neither/___ 79 English channel 80 VIPs who often have MBAs 81 Girls in Tech founder Gascoigne 84 Certain Turk 85 Cain’s brother 86 Drove too fast 87 The ___ (feelings of attraction) 89 “2001: A Space Odyssey” villain 94 Certain woodwind players 95 Indian or Atlantic 96 Social ___ (good manners) 97 Starbucks size, or an Italian number 99 Onetime country in a Beatles hit 100 Digs for ore 101 Game aka hoops 102 Car that’s an anagram of “Erica” 103 Fairy-tale villains 105 Receipt word below “tip” 109 Ref. that added “sglods” in 2024 110 Counterfeit 111 Computer owner 112 Humorous sketch 114 Fashion designer Guo 115 Bit of butter 116 Some printers 117 A, in Toulouse 118 Guided

437912-1

celebrity cipher

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“AYXWHPXWA P TWH NZ PCWN LYS KPZWXN. NZC MUWZ IYE TWH NZ PCWN HUNH IYE LNFF PZ FYGW MPHU, HUPA PA N TFYSPYEA CNI.”

CNGPC FIZKU

“N RIZ ZI UF LGNFKEP ONZB EVCNE HMKXB OBFK OF OFGF UIZB VZ SKNCFGPVH MFVGP VRI. ... N’J RINKR ZI JNPP BNJ. G.N.T. EVCNE.” AIBK XVGTFKZFG

“EK CHWJN SI RBZR ETYB LTJJPW OPYZTIP S MVPC BSE ZVN RBZR ETYB PEDRSPW VHC RBZR BP’I XHVP.” MKJP EZYJZYBJZV HV NZUSN JKVYB Puzzle Three Clue: D equals P

crossword

Puzzle Two Clue: X equals C

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

The Grounded Feeling Everyone will Enjoy

Puzzle One Clue: K equals C

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

© 2025 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

©2025 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

3-6-25

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM

WEEKLY MONTHLY

Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Items Under $200 ADULT TRICYCLE 3 wheel, like new, no scratches, large carry basket (207) 659-5232 ANCHEER ELECTRIC BIKE. Excellent condition. 2 new batteries & charging mounts. Lock & cable. $200 941-799-0091

LUCKY FINDS...

HERE!

www.yourobserver.com/redpages

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

Free House Calls.

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

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

This week’s Crossword answers

Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Homes for Rent

Since 1939

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

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

References. (303) 831-8281

SELL YOUR STUFF FAST!

GARAGE SALE

Autos Wanted

Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

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

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Motorcycles

CALL

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

Sunrises, sunsets through floor to ceiling windows. View at: www.thephotos.smugmug.com Call John at: 203-984-8477 or E-mail: garment@optonline.net

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Available January-March 2026 3 month minimum 2 bedroom/2 bath Portobello 4th Floor Fully renovated Spectacular views Call 214-986-2287 LONGBOAT KEY: Beachfront Condos, 1st or 2nd floor, 2BR/2BA, W/D in units, free Wi-Fi, heated pool, & parking.

Call 941-383-3338.

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

Painting

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

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

Handyman Services

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

www.rentalsonlongboat.com

home services

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE

Between

Wagner Realty

auto

stuff

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

Beachfront, Bayfront and In

The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice!

Items Under $200

SEASONAL RATES

real estate

The Longboat Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Longboat Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

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

26 YRS. EXPERIENCE Chicagoland handyman looking for new projects in Florida.

Call 773-456-3780

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

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.

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR / CABINETS WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle Two Solution: “I got to be friends with David Lynch when we were both at Universal years ago. ... I’m going to miss him. R.I.P. David.”

John Carpenter Puzzle Three Solution: “My world is that much fuller because I knew him and that much emptier now that he’s gone.”

Kyle MacLachlan on David Lynch

This week’s Sudoku answers

Attorney

Health

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Divorce without Lawyers

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

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

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224 Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

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

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

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

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

William J. Leininger, JD

©2025 NEA, Inc.

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

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

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

441229

Puzzle One Solution: “Sometimes I get an idea for cinema. And when you get an idea that you fall in love with, this is a glorious day.” David Lynch

441819

peekers’ place

You’re only cheating yourself.

©2025 Universal Uclick

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

Roofing

SELL YOUR CAR!

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

941 - 248 - 4734

WE COME TO YOU 5-Star Rated

441242

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit and Fascia • Metal & Shingle Roofing • Pool Cage, Pan Roofs & Lania Fabrication • Aluminum Welding & Fabrication

FAST • EASY • SAFE

Trees

941-626-3194 kennethfuhlmaninc.com

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

441239

CREATE BUZZ!

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

441490

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772 KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

Tree Removal Tree Trimming Lawn Maintenance and More!

Home Watch

Pinnacle Home Watch.com Stop Worrying About Your Home While Away

Call 941-955-4888

20 years local experience

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Licensed & Insured

FREE ESTIMATES, CALL TODAY!

Painting

luislopeztreeandlawnservices.com

Exterior / Interior / Cabinets

GROW

441248

Dave and Connie Grundy

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

YOUR BUSINESS

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

441820

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

CARING HANDS WHILE YOU’RE AWAY FROM HOME.

Insurance

Sarasota Cash Home Buyers

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

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

Your Local Home Buyers

You Pay NO Realtor Commissions or Fees!

Windows

We Pay All Closing Costs!

• No More Uncertainty

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

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood 595 Bay Isles Rd. Suite 215 941.554.8909 | www.micinsurancefl.com

NEED HELP?

Find local business and service professionals in the Observer Red Pages.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

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

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

• We Also Buy Land and Condos

SOLD

WE ALWAYS PAY CASH Call us FIRST at

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

www.SarasotaCashHomeBuyers.com

441826

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

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

Remodeling/Home Improvement

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

CUSTOM HOME CONSTRUCTION

SPECIAL 00

REMODELING • CONDO RENOVATIONS

5

$ 941-544-1152

DCCoastalLLC@gmail.com www.DCCoastalLLC.com CBC1265487

160

25 $

senior citizen discount.

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

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!

441238

441230

Sarasota Cash Home Buyers

441240

441207

CALL TODAY FOR PEACE OF MIND.

Advertise as low as $85 per week.

Real Estate

Exclusively serving Longboat Key residents.

Storm-ready home preparations Handyman & concierge services

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

(941) 544.5663

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC

441445

Handyman

441243

HoHoBuysCars.com

MIC INSURANCE

All Florida Airports, Concerts & Dinners - Hourly Cruise Ships & Medical | See Specials at: www.blacklabelcarservice.com

441730

941.270.4400

Transportation

410036

Auto Service

21B

22B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025

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

W NE

G TIN LIS

of Coldwell Banker Realty Agents Globally

3

$ + BILLION

in Career Sales Volume

49+ YEARS Selling Sarasota & Manatee Counties

WATER CLUB I – LONGBOAT KEY

$4,550,000

1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #604 • 3 FULL BR/4 FULL BA • 3,045 SQ FT Beautifully Renovated • Sunset Views • Private Elevator Foyer • 10’ Ceilings Primary Suite w/ Study • Gated Pet-Friendly Community w/ World Class Amenities PM -4 1 N SU N E OP

Ryan Ackerman 941.387.1818

Barbara Ackerman 941.387.1820

LIGHTHOUSE POINT - LONGBOAT KEY

$13,950,000

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

Gorgeous Gulf Front Home • New Roof • Newly Resurfaced Pool • Boat Dock Behind the Gates of The Longboat Key Club • Expansive Backyard • Private Beach

LAUREL PARK - DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

$1,685,000

310 S. OSPREY AVE. • 3BR/3BA • 1,842 SQ FT - 2-CAR GARAGE Own a Piece of Sarasota History with this Historical Urban Compound • This Unique Landmark Property Includes the 2BR/2BA Frederickson House, Completely Restored w/ Quality Craftmanship and an Additional Separate 2023-Built 2-Story 1BR/1BA Separate Guesthouse w/Kitchen, Family & Dining Room Plus Oversized 2-Car Garage

HARBOR ACRES - WATERFRONT

$9,600,000 GRAND BAY II - LONGBOAT KEY

1430 HARBOR DR. • 7,049 SQ FT OF LIVING SPACE Renovated in 2023 • 110’ on Deep Protected Boat Basin 1,100 Bottle Wine Room • In Home Elevator • All New Hurricane Impact Windows & Doors • 12’ Elevation • 4-Car Garage

350 GOLDEN GATE PT., #11 • 2BR/2BA • 1,693 SQ FT Stunning, Renovated Waterfront Luxury • Ground Floor WalkOut to Private Deck • Sunset Views over Sarasota Bay and John Ringling Bridge • Glassed-In Lanai • Pool & Day Dock

$2,395,000

$3,395,000 ST. ARMANDS - PANSY BAYOU

$6,750,000

1919 IRVING ST. • 5BR/5.5BA • 4,956 SQ FT Beautifully Remodeled Home in a Tropical Resort-Style Setting Gorgeous Outdoor Entertaining Lanai w/ Summer Kitchen & Retractable Screens • Large 100’ x 150’ Lot

1735 FLOWER DR. • 3BR/3.5BA • 2,840 SQ FT Tropical Paradise in a Prime Location • Close to Southside Village & School, Downtown & Sarasota Memorial Hospital No Storm Damage • New Roof

400 N. WASHINGTON DR. • 5BR/4BA • 3,348 SQ FT Custom Art Rutenberg Home • 110’ of Direct Waterfront Gorgeous Interior Finishes • Wood & Travertine Floors • Summer Kitchen w/ Grill • 1,200 SF of Terrace • Single Story Home 2 Blocks from Beach • Whole Home Generator • High Ceilings

W NE

PROMENADE - LONGBOAT KEY

$1,595,000 CLUB LONGBOAT BEACH & TENNIS

1211 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #701 • 3BR/3BA • 2,100 SQ FT 7th Floor Corner Residence • Stunning Beach, Gulf, Sunset, Bay & City Views • Blank Palette Ready for your Personal Vision

$3,995,000

1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #1005 • 3 FULL BR/3 FULL BA • 2,650 SQ FT Beautifully Renovated Beachfront Residence Stunning 10th Floor Bay, Gulf, Downtown Skyline & Sunset Views 10’ Ceilings • Single Parking Space in a Private Garage Resort-Style Amenities Pet Friendly Community

$2,195,000 HARBOR ACRES - WEST OF TRAIL

3040 GRAND BAY BLVD., #283 • 3BR/3BA • 2,550 SQ FT Direct Sunrise & Sunset Views • Custom Updates • Private Elevator Foyer • 8th Floor Cayman Plan • Beautiful Wood Floors

BAY POINT - DOWNTOWN SARASOTA $1,245,885 AVONDALE - DOWNTOWN SRQ

WATER CLUB I - LONGBOAT KEY

G TIN S I L

$649,000 SUN N SEA - SIESTA KEY

5055 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #411 • 2BR +DEN/2BA • 1,484 SQ FT Beautiful Turnkey Furnished Beachside Walk-Out Residence Large Entertaining Terrace • Pet-Friendly Community Perfect for Tennis & Pickleball Enthusiasts

$1,625,000

1141 SUN N SEA DR. • DUPLEX W/ TWO 2BR/1BA UNITS 1,392 SQ FT • Investor Alert!!! Terrific Duplex With Excellent Rental Income Potential • Turnkey Furnished • Across The Street From Crescent Shops • Deeded Beach Access • Pet Friendly

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

442349-1

W NE

G TIN S I L