Longboat Observer 4.7.22

LONGBOAT

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Golden at 50. PAGE 18 FREE • THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

VOLUME 44, NO. 35

Survey says: traffic

YOUR TOWN

Concerns about off-island projects on the minds of town residents. PAGE 2

Come

Friends’ voyage helps Red Cross. PAGE 24

sail away

Courtesy photo

Mayor joins doctor in ribbon-cutting With the snip of a ribbon, Mayor Ken Schneier welcomed the only full-time doctor on Longboat Key into business.

Reed Medical Group celebrated its official opening on March 24 with a ribbon-cutting and ceremony thanks to the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce.

Attendees were given a tour of the building and the backstory of the business from Dr. James Reed, who opened the practice in February. A physician’s assistant will join the practice soon. Reed is getting his concierge medical group up and running and will be collaborating with other medical providers, like The Paradise Center, which has several providers in the Tidewell Building on a rotating schedule.

Eric Garwood

Karen MacKay enlisted the help of Anna Maria Privateers Jamie VanDenson and Kim Boyd on a surprise fundraising outing with her tennis friends last week.

A+E

Looking ahead Residents want beaches on leaders’ minds. PAGE 3

Bistro biz.

INSIDE

Eric Garwood

The beach was among the most frequent issues mentioned at the town’s Goals and Objectives workshop.

Courtesy photo

Helping the Reading Buddies As long as the Reading Buddies program exists at the 13th Avenue Dream Center, the legacy of Beverly Sutton will live on.

The Christ Church of Longboat Key member and Reading Buddies founder was honored with a plaque and scholarship endowment in her name at the March CCLBK mission dinner.

Sutton founded the Reading Buddies in 2007 and has organized mentorship for more than 1,500 children.

Many CCLBK members also serve as mentors for the kids of the 13th Avenue Dream Center, also known as the United Community Center. In Sutton’s honor, church members and supporters donated more than $100,000 to start the Beverly Sutton Endowment Scholarship Fund to support children attending the program.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

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There’s no getting around traffic issue Longboat’s annual opinionfinding project makes clear town residents’ frustrations over off-island roadwork.

CONSISTENT ISSUES Across the three years Longboat Key has surveyed its residents about service and quality of life, only one topic has consistently landed in the top three responses when survey participants were asked about the most important issues facing the town.

In fact, only five issues have ever reached the top three in 2020, 2021 and 2022: beach erosion, infrastructure, sealevel rise, traffic congestion and red tide.

And although traffic was the 2022’s survey’s top response at 63.6%, beach erosion made it into the top three again, continuing its three-year run. If not for a few percentage points, though, traffic and beach erosion would have been there all three years.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

T

raffic is a hot topic these days — and has been for seasons.

You’ve heard it all by now: “A ride to downtown Sarasota took 95 minutes the other day.”

“We could have flown to Atlanta in the time it took to drive to the airport.”

“Stopped on the bridge, never moved, for 20 minutes.”

But now, more than anecdotes from the road, town leaders have data from Longboat Key’s 2022 Citizen Survey, conducted for the third year in a row by the John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government at the University of South Florida.

Traffic congestion has been a regular headliner in the survey results since the project began in 2020, but this year, questions focused on some of the effects of slowed-down travel to the south and over the bridge to Sarasota and to the north and over the bridge into Bradenton.

“From our three years of doing this now, there’s no bigger issue on Longboat Key than traffic and the effects of what’s happening off the island — at least there’s nothing more on residents’ minds, I should say,” said Stephen Neely, a USF professor who worked with the town on the survey and presented findings on Monday.

Among the most-telling data points: n 73% of the survey’s 1,441 respondents said they have been adversely affected by off-island construction. n Nearly 30% said they have had to add travel time to normal drives or more carefully plan their trips in response to the disruption. n 28% said they have avoided trips, scaled back social outings and been reluctant to leave the island because of the disruptions.

File photo

When traffic is slow, even mid-island locations aren’t immune from backups.

GREENING UP 58% of residents who answered the survey said they planned on attending an event at Town Center Green over the next year.

The most commonly preferred events: n Concerts: 26% n Farmers Markets: 16% n Food or drink events: 11% n Art shows: 11%

n 3% said they rely on smartphone apps or computer software to deal with traffic, though 11% said they would be interested in learning more about them. n 57% said they were dissatisfied by traffic on the island, up from 52% in 2021.

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“What we’re seeing in most places as the COVID-19 pandemic starts to abate, people are going back out and risking more social trips, more social activity, more people being out and about, and here we see a third of respondents saying they’re leaving the island less often, and that seems to be linked directly to the traffic issue,” Neely said.

Longboat Key leaders for years have worked with city, county and Florida Department of Transportation officials to keep the barrier island flow of traffic in mind when planning construction projects, such as the roundabout now being worked on at Gulfstream Avenue and Ringling Causeway in Sarasota.

Also, following the Barrier Island Traffic Study, a series of recommendations were devised to help smooth the flow through such traditional bottlenecks as St. Armands Circle and Bradenton Beach.

Traffic was among respondents’ three most-important issues on the island in the 2021 and 2022 survey and was listed as No. 4 in 2020. Only beach erosion was a more consistent concern.

“It did hit me seeing traffic up there every year, that while most of our goals we have pretty clear metrics, that we get to look at and approve and look for trends, traffic is one we’ve struggled with before and kicked around some ideas,” said Commissioner Mike Haycock.

“But I really think we need to have a way to measure the traffic pain in real live numbers. While we can’t do very much on the island, a lot of things can be done to us on both ends of the island.”

Using public transportation, the survey shows, is a bit of a toss-up.

About 43% of respondents said they would be very likely or somewhat likely to use an on-demand publi-

QUALITY OF LIFE 99% of respondents said the quality of life on Longboat Key was “good” or “excellent.”

transportation system, but only 4% said they had used such a system.

Sarasota County Area Transit launched an on-demand transit service similar to Uber in June, linking the island with downtown either as a destination or a connection point.

Manatee County also offers an ondemand service.

Resident Jim Whitman said many of his neighbors would likely not choose to give up their personal cars.

“Just in passing in regards to public transportation, I have noticed people of means do not take buses,” he told commissioners. “They say they will, but they don’t.”

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

WISH

LIST

Groups’ goals for the next fiscal year offer a glimpse of what direction residents would like to see.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

I

t’s a staple of the spring in Longboat Key. The Town Commission’s Goals

and Objectives meeting is annu-

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

Canals What’s under the water in the town’s canals has been a concern for years, with leaders considering ways to not only dredge them but also how to pay for it fairly and mitigate seagrass loss in the process.

But in at least one case, what’s over the water is a concern, too.

In the case of Sleepy Lagoon, Marie McGregor of the Sleepy Lagoon Homeowners’ Association said mangroves overhanging the canals in her neighborhood are the problem. She said she recently watched a vessel with a flying bridge maneuver past her backyard in a somewhat unnautical fashion.

“As she was passing my house, she was batting the mangroves,” she said. “I guess she didn’t want to get hit in the head.”

Commissioner Mike Haycock asked if the mangroves were on public land or private land, which would determine trimming responsibility.

Mayor Ken Schneier said the seagrass end of the dredging equation, while not necessarily foremost, is a tricky thing to solve. The town would be required to replace at least as much seagrass as it disturbs. “No one has seagrass to sell,” he said. “There used to be seagrass farms, but there isn’t so much of that any more.”

Photos by Eric Garwood

ally a chance that stakeholders, resident groups, organizations and individual citizens have to speak up and make clear their own, well, goals and objectives for the new budget season.

The workshop took place Monday in Town Hall, and though disparate speakers delivered their thoughts, several common themes emerged, many dealing with the town’s quality of life.

From here, town commissioners will meet on April 18 in their annual strategic planning retreat, where they’ll begin to make clear

Building safety David Lapovsky of the Federation of Longboat Key Condominiums, which represents about 6,000 condominium owners, urged commissioners to consider how structural inspections can be enacted.

On June 24, 2021, 98 people were killed in Sunrise when Champlain Towers South collapsed. While the cause is still under investigation, the incident prompted widespread concern, especially in coastal areas, about the safety of older high-rises.

“We’re baffled why the state Legislature didn’t take any action to do something statewide about structural integrity,” Lapovsky said. “And we support any efforts the town can undertake to require the inspection of buildings over three stories tall that are 20 or more years old. This is an urgent need. We don’t want to become the next headline, and I don’t think we will, but we can’t take that risk.”

Commissioner Debra Williams asked if the federation had taken steps on its own to issue voluntary inspection guidelines, which Lapovsky said the group had not but

had sponsored a seminar in December with engineers, lawyers and insurers speaking to the issue.

“While it’s great to have legislation, short of that people really should be taking initiative to preserve their property,” she said. “Any steps in that direction?”

Lapovsky said the deadly incident inspired condo boards to take action, but follow-up is often difficult.

“Can you impose special assessments without the vote of voters?

Under what circumstances can you do that?” she said.

Lapovsky said the federation hoped the town could one day be the repository of information of condos that have performed inspections.

Town Manager Tom Harmer said the town has worked on researching what other towns and cities have done and has scheduled discussions with commissioners later in the spring on actions the town could take.

the direction they’d like to see the town head. Then it’s on to a series

Beaches

of budget workshops in May and

Several groups mentioned the health of beaches, access to them, the appearance of access points and the safety of beachgoers.

“Without our beach, there is no Longboat Key,” said David Lapovsky of the Federation of Longboat Key Condominiums.

Pat Kaufman of LBK North, which represents about 800 residences, said her group advocates for issues beyond the north end of the island.

They suggested finishing the upgrade to the North Shore Road beach access point, but also going a step further.

“Why not continue that program for all public access points to ensure the public is encouraged to respect neighboring properties as well as the use of our beach?” she said, adding that public drop trash routinely,

June leading up to final adoption in September.

“The presenters who are here today . . . are really the engines of our citizens’ contributions,” Mayor Ken Schneier said. “What all of you are doing today in making your suggestions is really the tip of the iceberg of each one your groups’ efforts to help us out.”

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Town Center Sarah Karon spoke to commissioners about moving ahead toward Phase 3 of the Town Center Green project, beyond the second phase in which she and her husband, Paul, are donating up to $500,000 for construction of an outdoor stage on the land.

Town leaders have been in talks with Sarasota County and Sarasota County Public Schools on potential partnerships to build a multiuse structure that could house a public library and other activities.

“We hope the town leadership and our citizens will rally around the envisioning process in order to

prompting the group to organize trash cleanups. “What kind of people would leave garbage on a beach?”

The North Shore Road access recently received a facelift with points of entry to avoid private property, trash cans and more.

She also encouraged the restoration of buoys off the beaches to restrict power boats and personal watercraft and encouraged town officials to work to solve access questions posed by owners of properties that extend to the waterline, which blocks north-south access.

Members of the Longboat Key Turtle Watch said they have been advised by Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium to proceed with walks as normal along the water line. “But only if we have issues will we actually find out,” said Vice President Cyndi Seamon.

“Positive attitude is going to work.’’

imagine a center for arts, culture and education on Longboat Key,” she said. “We support the creation of a new building as part of our Town Center concept.”

She said the site on the Town Center Green holds potential as a community hub with classrooms and a medium-sized county library branch. “Again, this is a dream.”

She said private fundraising is a likely component of the plan but a detailed vision from the town needed to come first before any kind of public-private arrangement. Karon said public dollars from Sarasota County or the school district “is a way to give back to us that serves a real need.”

Mayor Ken Schneier called Karon, a member of the Library Foundation for Sarasota County, which raises private money to supplement the county’s libraries’ services, an “ally of ours in what we are planning to do in the center for phase two and phase three.”

Schneier referenced the town’s planned joint meeting on April 27, the agenda for which will include discussion of the topic. “We know that every community in Sarasota County has at least one library, some like Venice have two, 20,000-squarefoot libraries . . . so we feel we are entitled to have that kind of contribution from the county.’’

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

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Longboat Observer strikes again on April Fools’

We are there when you can’t be.

Some readers were caught off guard by another patch of late-March mirth.

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OK, OK, we get it.

Someone on social media spoileralerted this year’s batch of April Foolishness in the Longboat Observer, but still two things happened that made us smile.

Well, three, actually, with the smiles getting broader each time.

First, we fooled you, which is the prime goal of our early-April, lateMarch made-up mirth.

We heard from a couple at a real April Fools’ event that our take on the discovery of 10,000-year-old “Colony Man” artifacts on Longboat Key was entirely believable.

Also, from a reader: “Truly remarkable. Thank you for covering this in such detail. I trust that the developers will be mindful of the importance of science and archeology as they proceed. Allow me to suggest that there are surgeons in the area who can remove tongues that have been implanted in cheeks.

Such surgery is typically scheduled for April 2 every year and is reversible — usually on March 31.”

(He gets us).

We also saw some comments on the Longboat Key lifestyle Facebook pages that indicated it’s not hard to get fooled, though readers start getting wise to us after years of experience. And thanks, Gracie SWAN Foundation, for liking and republishing Nat Kaemmerer’s hilarious take on a TV show coming soon about Longboat Key’s saucy, spouseswapping swans.

Two, we’ve had a couple of conversations with readers (and one job candidate, believe it or not), about how it all comes together. While often it might seem like the work of addled college kids who took a break from term papers and universitygrade algebra, there really is method to our madness.

File photo

As we’ve said in this space before, new ideas begin not long after the last April Fools’ edition goes to press. In many cases, such as Nat’s swan story, real life just can’t top our own imaginations. So, we often head there first, relying on coffee-stained Post-it notes stuck to the December page of a desk calendar (no fooling, we actually still use them) to be transferred to the next year’s calendar.

By late February or early March, at least one meeting will have already taken place, weeding out ideas whose shelf life didn’t last, trying to generate new ones or bank-shot old premises off new events or news stories.

Then our page designers join the act with novel ideas to make original artwork, use existing artwork or create something entirely new.

So no, if you’re still hanging on to a sliver of hope (or a bet with your kids), there was no Pepperidge Farm Goldfish spill on Longboat shores, no Colony Man, no crushing gambling debt for a pair of beloved manatees.

Oh, that third thing?

The ideas we get from you. Not 48 hours after our newspaper was available, we were out covering an event seen elsewhere in this issue that involved a giant pirate ship/truck and some fun-loving tennis enthusiasts. A bystander called us over and suggested the seeds of a 2023 gag.

We’re not saying what it was.

You just wait.

We cleaned up after ourselves after spilling Goldfish and Swedish Fish on the shoreline of Quick Point Park (on National Cleanup Day 2022 of all things).

LONGBOAT

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

Photo courtesy of Ronda Ryan

Sarasota Bay Watch members gather before the release of clams on Saturday.

Sarasota Bay Watch begins release of 1 million clams BLAKE FUSSELL STAFF WRITER

A

fter collecting funds at its February fundraiser, Sarasota Bay Watch started releasing clams in Sarasota Bay April 2 to help restore water quality and will continue to do so every other weekend until 1 million clams are released.

Sarasota Bay Watch sent 44 peo-

ple on 10 boats to two locations on Sarasota Bay to drop clams. But the process of using clams to improve water quality started long before the releasing process, according to Sarasota Bay Watch Executive Director Ronda Ryan.

“You take the clams that have been brought up by the farmer, and you put them through a machine to get rid of dead shells and miscellaneous growth,” Ryan said. “That makes for a much cleaner product, and that’s how we do our approximations. We did that for about five hours on Friday.”

Also in preparation, Sarasota Bay Watch evaluated historical maps of sea grass to know where not to drop the clams. Because sea grass growth

is in decline and clams can improve sea grass growth, clams were placed where the plant is not present.

A dive team then evaluated the area before the releases took place.

On Saturday, the group made up of volunteers, scientists and students met at Sarasota’s 10th Street boat ramp to begin the releasing process.

“We do these studies ahead of time and then go out on the boat with the dive team and the scientists,” Ryan said. “We’re looking at very specific densities, and the divers evaluate the sediment. We’re very careful with how many clams we drop at each site.”

As of Monday, Sarasota Bay Watch has released about 250,000 clams.

Its goal is to release the 1 million

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that marine animals would eat them, which would be counterproductive to the restoration process.

Many of those present for the release were students from local middle and high schools. While Sarasota Bay Watch has committed ample time for its current projects, education has been a priority for future generations to care for the waters.

“It’s important that we get these young people educated, help them know what the water is supposed to look like,” Ryan said. “We need to do that because when our older population is gone, it will be the younger population’s responsibility. Students are a big part of what we do.”

Although scheduled for every other weekend, clam release dates could vary between Saturdays and Sundays. Weather also has played a factor, as will other projects Sarasota Bay Watch has prioritized.

For example, Sarasota Bay Watch planned to make progress on a Neville Preserve cleanup project this week, but it was canceled due to weather.

Sarasota Bay Watch is also working on a Sister Key cleanup project.

“While we have this vigorous clam restoration project going on, we’re still staying true to other events we like to do and other partners who are working with us,” Ryan said. “It’s all super exciting, and we’ll be in the giving challenge later in the month.”

Sarasota Bay Watch is a nonprofit relying on donations to operate. The bulk of its funding comes from the annual Scallopalooza fundraiser that takes place in February.

This year, Helios Technology donated $10,000 toward the clam water restoration project, which provided Sarasota Bay Watch with the 1 million clam estimate in its plan.

More than 400 people donated and attended the event this year, at which they learned how clams can work.

“We placed a vase filled with algae at each table at the fundraiser. You couldn’t see through it at all,” Ryan said. “Once the clams were placed in the water, the water was completely clear in 30 minutes. I think that showed all you need to know.”

More information about Sarasota Bay Watch can be found on its website at SarasotaBayWatch.org.

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clams it has gained funding for by the end of July.

Sarasota Bay Watch uses southern hard-shell clams, which are native to Sarasota-area waters. When clams can naturally clean the water, the process can allow sunlight to reach aquatic plants, which is vital for the overall health of Sarasota Bay. “Hopefully, with some luck the seagrass will come later. If you clear the water so that sunlight can penetrate it, you can encourage plant growth,” Ryan said.

Farmers who raise the clams wait for them to grow to about 2 inches before they move forward in the process. If they were not allowed to grow beforehand, they would be at a size

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Organization first examines bottom of Sarasota Bay to find best places for the shellfish.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

SPRING

County considers higher tourist tax rate

IS BACK

Sarasota County passed the threshold in 2021 for state certification as a High Tourism Impact County.

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the tax be raised to 6%. On March 30, county commissioners voted 4-1 (with Christian Ziegler dissenting) to schedule an April 26 public hearing on the topic.

If enacted, the new levy would go into effect Oct. 1, with the start of the new fiscal year.

“This is a great opportunity for us to provide additional amenities for our community,” Commissioner Ron Cutsinger said. “A lot of exciting things for our community.”

The additional percentage point adds to a tourism development tax that’s grown from 2% in 1988 to 3% in 1997, 4% in 2007 and half points in 2010 and 2011. Without the state’s designation of a High Tourism Impact County, the tax is capped at 5%. If the county agrees to implement the higher rate, it need not be renewed; it stays at 6% for as long as the county wants, said Kim Radke, the director of the Sarasota County Office of Financial Management.

If the higher rate is rejected, though, the process of recertifying the county’s taxable tourism receipts against the state threshold of $600 million in a calendar year starts all over again.

“Fingers crossed that we meet that threshold again this year or next year in order to be eligible to apply for certification again,” Radke said when asked what would happen if Com-

BEST MONTH EVER According to the Sarasota County Tax Collector, March 2021 was the highest-ever month in terms of tourist tax collection. About $4.5 million was collected from short-term rentals in condos, hotels, houses, online rentals such as AirBnB, campgrounds, mobile homes and more.

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But it wasn’t all traffic and teeming masses. The dollars visitors left behind in the form of fees paid to vacation rentals, hotels, campgrounds and more for their stays of less than six months could add up to an additional percentage point of tourist development tax by next fall, up from 5% to 6%.

That’s about $5.2 million additional with which to maintain and renourish beaches and potentially help fund larger-scale capital projects, such as Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s new aquarium project in Benderson Park.

Why? Because Sarasota’s highest-ever collection of $31 million in tourist tax in 2021 (on about $620 million taxable sales) means the county has crossed a line as a High Tourism Impact County, which qualifies county leaders to consider raising the tourism tax rate.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

7

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM? According to the Sarasota County Tax Collector, here is a breakdown on where the tourist development tax was generated in 2021: n Siesta Key 27% n Sarasota 26% n Online platforms 21% n Sarasota County 13% n Longboat Key 8% n Venice 4% n North Port 0.6%

Eric Garwood

Among the uses for a proposed extra percentage point of tourism development taxes is beach maintenance and renourishment.

missioners didn’t approve.

Without regard to the extra percentage point, the county uses revenue from the tourist development tax for a variety of things: beach maintenance and renourishment, sports tourism, spring training baseball stadiums in Sarasota and North Port, tourism promotion, arts and culture and Nathan Benderson Park.

The additional point’s $5.2 million would be broken down this way: 70%

for capital improvements and facilities, 20% for beach maintenance and 10% for beach renourishment. The capital improvements portion, Radke said, could go toward Mote’s project, for which money was sourced from elsewhere in the county’s tourism development pot.

“If we do enact this, then we’re considering utilizing this money to fund the Mote project,” she said. “It would assist us with that need over the origi-

nal plan of taking it from promotion.”

Sarasota County has pledged $20 million toward the construction of Mote’s aquarium, estimated to cost around $130 million to complete.

Radke said beach maintenance is a crucial chore for the county, especially in light of the crowds of tourists visiting.

“As we know, the beaches are one of our main tourist attractions, obviously, and maintaining them is

important,” she said. “I guess if you asked the parks director and her staff (the beaches) get pretty beat up these days. They’re very popular.”

Nancy Detert, chair of the Tourist Development Council and a county commissioner, called the tax a “winwin” at the March 30 commission meeting, but conceded earlier that it could serve to put back money Visit Sarasota budgets for promotion, money that had been redirected

toward the Mote project.

Virginia Haley, director of Visit Sarasota, said the extra tax wouldn’t harm tourism at all.

“So, instead of looking to her as the source, you would have this as the source,” Detert said. “And her promotion and the stuff that she’s done successfully for years would continue. So a vote for this is a vote to protect Virginia’s budget, kind of in a backsided way.”

Kathleen Lehner, a member of the Tourism Development Council and president of the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce, said she’s spoken to hotel owners who said an extra percentage point on a hotel bill of $300 or 400 a night “wouldn’t even be seen.”

“I guess the name of it says it all,” she said. “Certified High Tourism Impact means that they’re coming.”

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

The $350 million journey The Sarasota City Commission took the bold step to commit to funding 50% of a new performing arts hall. It better focus next on public support.

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

Friedrich Hayek

G

iven the support that comes from the barrier islands of Longboat Key, St. Armands Key and Lido Key for Sarasota’s cultural arts, Longboaters and the homeowners on the barrier islands have a material interest in the city of Sarasota’s efforts to develop a new performing arts hall.

After all, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, or more specifically, what occurs inside the hall, is one of the main attractions for many of the people who have second, third or fourth homes on the barrier islands.

So, Monday afternoon’s Sarasota City Commission meeting was a noteworthy milestone — for the entire region. The commission voted 3-2 in favor of signing an agreement that “lay[s] the foundation” for a financial and operating partnership between the city and the not-for-profit Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation Inc. to develop a $300 million-plus performing arts hall on the grounds of what is now the Bay Park, site of the existing Van Wezel and surrounding 50 acres.

This was a huge deal for the city.

As Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch pointed out, it will be the biggest financial undertaking and commitment for one project in the city’s history. And rightly so, AhearnKoch emphasized the importance of the city commission getting the details right.

Ah, yes, the details.

It’s rare when we have sided with Commissioner Ahearn-Koch, but in this instance, she and Mayor Erik Arroyo had valid misgivings about approving the agreement. They were the two negative votes.

One of the primary misgivings was the fact the agreement states: “Co-funding for the … performing arts center shall be a 50% contribution between private philanthropy and a 50% contribution from public funding sources, which shall be outlined in a mutually agreed upon Implementation Agreement.”

This says taxpayer money will be used to fund the hall. As outlined in the agreement, that could include “funds budgeted by city”; federal, state and regional funding; future tourist development tax/penny

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

sales tax revenues; “other local/ regional sources (Sarasota County, Manatee County, etc.)” and allocation from the tax increment financing already in place for Bay Park.

Public funding also could include the city financing its share by issuing revenue bonds that would be paid off from the ticket revenues generated from the center. But that source triggered concerns for Ahearn-Koch and Arroyo.

What if the ticket revenues are not enough to cover the debt payments? From where would the money come?

City Finance Director Kelly Strickland said repayment could not come from property taxes, nor could the city raise its millage rate to cover these debt payments.

That’s a relief.

But the deficiency, she said, would have to come from the city’s general fund sources: fines, communications tax, franchise fees and other taxes. And here’s the catch: If money is drained from the general fund, City Manager Marlon Brown said the effects could result in cuts in some services.

Ahearn-Koch and Arroyo, acutely aware of the financial commitment, balked particularly at the proposal being a binding agreement. Arroyo, a lawyer, said if he represented a client in this situation, he would advise not signing it and instead would prefer a nonbinding letter of intent. Ahearn-Koch was more adamant about revising the proposal in numerous places.

But they did not prevail. Commissioners Liz Alpert and Hagen Brody and Vice Mayor Kyle Battie instead urged the commission not to do to the Performing Arts Center Foundation what the commission and city did to the Sarasota Orchestra: delay, delay, delay until the orchestra ultimately decided to leave the city. Be bold, Battie urged.

Two members of the Bay Park Conservancy, developers of the Bay Park, tried to ease concerns, making the case that the agreement was a repeat of the same type of agreement and path the commission signed with the conservancy.

All sides had valid positions.

But now, what is done is done.

President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Hughes, KHughes@YourObserver.com

WHAT ABOUT THE VAN WEZEL? You can see it coming: A classic city of Sarasota fight over whether the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will be preserved or razed if and when a new performing arts center is completed.

That will be one doozy of a fight.

It’s already beginning.

At Monday’s Sarasota City Commission meeting, Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch passionately noted the importance of Sarasota’s architecture, in particular that of the Van Wezel, to be sure, iconic and unique.

And she repeatedly expressed her objections to the lack of language in the proposed agreement with the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation to preserve the Van Wezel.

She also objected to a provision that would require the city to “convene a Blue Ribbon Commit-

The quest for a new performing arts hall is moving forward. The next step is an implementation agreement, which will require far more specific details that, no doubt, will trigger excruciating debate.

In the fog of Monday’s discussions, while commissioners understandably focused on the agreement’s wording and fear of losing out, they made comments about the risks for the city and taxpayers. Before they proceed to crafting an implementation agreement, it would behoove both sides — the city and the performing arts foundation — to educate city taxpayers.

Post a detailed FAQ, hold public town halls, give taxpayers the opportunity to ask questions and

Disney taking on Florida is a goofy idea

W

hat the government giveth, it also can taketh away.

Disney CEO Bob Chapek and the Walt Disney Co. board of directors apparently did not take that into consideration for their shareholders/owners last week when the company announced that it would become a political activist in Florida.

You heard it, or you saw it.

Disney announced on the leftist, woke, censored social platform of Twitter (of course) that Florida’s newly signed-into-law Parental Rights Bill “should never have passed and should never have been signed into law. Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the Legislature or struck down in the courts.”

Wow. Disney’s top executives and board apparently have declared a culture war on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Legislature. And it appears to be signaling it is willing to spend Disney resources (shareholders’ money) to muster forces to bring about a repeal or wind its way through an expensive legal battle.

This is quite remarkable.

For starters, the last thing Disney executives should be doing in Florida is mouthing off publicly about wanting to overturn any Florida legislation that does not affect the company’s business.

Let us remind the stewards of Walt Disney’s legacy in Florida: To be blunt, you would not have what you have in Florida today were it not for the beneficence of the

tee to determine the viable and financially sustainable options for future reuse, purpose, ownership and/or operation of the Van Wezel … to ensure that the reuse options do not compete directly” with the new performing arts center.

Another provision in the proposed agreement says: “City shall continue to operate the [Van Wezel] (to include ensuring adequate parking spaces) until such time as the new PAC becomes ready for occupancy and operations; whereupon the Hall shall cease operation as a performing arts facility with respect to booking any program or activity that would compete directly with the PAC.” This is going to be an emotionally charged three years at City Hall.

understand what it means for them, and show them the flow of money.

Before the Bay Park plan became reality, its board and proponents spent months meeting with Sarasota citizens explaining the vision, listening to feedback, building community support.

There is little debate the iconic Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is reaching the end of its life and a next generation facility is necessary for the next 50 years.

Given the importance, size and scope of this project, Sarasota city taxpayers — as well as the residents of the region at large — deserve to know as many details as possible before this project reaches the point of no return.

who is elected and sits on the Reedy Creek Improvement District’s fivemember board of supervisors.

This is an unprecedented, enormously priceless, incalculably valuable gift that no one else in Florida has. No other company or individual in Florida can develop its or his property at will, without government interference.

Can you imagine what that is worth?

Of course, Disney executives would be just as quick to flip the coin and point out how much sales tax revenue Disney generates for Florida and property tax revenues for Orange and Osceola counties.

Easily, the most of any entity.

Nonetheless, if Disney executives and its board want to wage a

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HOW DOES THIS FIT THE MISSION? On behalf of the Walt Disney Co. shareholders, here is a question Disney board members should be asking themselves and CEO Bob Chapek: What does the Florida Parental Rights Law have to do with the Disney Co.’s mission?

Here is the Disney Co. mission statement: “The mission of The Walt Disney Company is to entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company.”

Florida Legislature of 1967 and then Gov. Claude Kirk.

That is when Florida bestowed to Disney what is known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District. This law allowed the Disney Co. to create its own government and essentially do practically whatever it wants within the boundaries of its 30,000 acres. In effect, Walt Disney World is Florida’s 68th county – almost its own state.

Neither Orange nor Osceola counties, in whose boundaries Walt Disney World lies — nor the state of Florida — can intervene in any of the development or operations within Disney’s boundaries.

And no one can or ever will challenge what Disney does inside its boundaries because Disney controls

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culture war on Florida on a subject that has nothing to do with Disney’s business, you can be sure the backlash in the Legislature will be just as forceful.

In fact, our sister paper in West Orange County, the West Orange Times & Observer, reported last week that Florida House Rep. Spencer Roach, R-North Fort Myers, and other state legislators have held two meetings to discuss repeal of the 1967 Reedy Creek Improvement Act. Roach tweeted: “If Disney wants to embrace woke ideology, it seems fitting that they should be regulated by Orange County.”

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

First, I would like to commend YourObserver on fairly presenting the outcome of the March 15 Planning Board meeting involving the Lo-Key Restaurant/Bar project. Unfortunately, there are other news sources that did not cover the situation in such an unbiased manner.

I was very disappointed to learn of the outcome of the meeting.

From what I understand, there were some statements from nearby residents regarding child safety, public intoxication, young drunks coming to our neighborhood, etc., which, remarkably, were taken seriously by the board and may have heavily contributed to the decision that was rendered.

I am a middle-aged, 15-year, half-year resident of Longboat Key who lives down the street near Center Shoppes. I walk and run daily on Gulf of Mexico Drive and frequent the local restaurants.

I would like to think I have a pretty good understanding of the changing demographics of Longboat Key and the fact that there are an increasing number of middle-aged people (40s, 50s, 60s) moving to our town, which is great.

Unfortunately, we do not have many places to gather for dinner and cocktails, meet others and responsibly socialize. We desperately need another establishment for adults to hang out.

This community needs to change with the times. We are becoming a younger town, filled with successful, respectful and friendly neighbors. We need more safe, clean, fun places to gather and enjoy each other’s company.

The last thing I would want is a Bridge Street or Siesta Key Village atmosphere, but I am 100% confident in the owners of this proposed establishment that they would put the clamps down on any such behavior.

I am hopeful that the revised plans the project owners plan to present in June will be viewed with an open mind and with best

interests of the entire community in mind.

MARK MOSHIER LONGBOAT KEY

Town needs more places to eat As the busy season here on our sleepy little island is in full swing, I’m still reminded of how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful place. Yet, at the same time, our little LBK secret is clearly not a secret anymore as the traffic and challenge of getting on and off the island has become more challenging by the day, lines at the Publix checkout are often five to seven carts deep and getting a dinner reservation before 8:30 is like solving a Rubik’s Cube.

Never could solve the darn things.

I’m writing today to make a reasoned plea to my neighbors, friends and LBK Planning and Zoning Board to support and allow the Lo’ Key restaurant and grill to proceed with what will be a new greatly modified design and plans.

While I fully appreciate and understand the argument and concern that some suggest exists around a new dining establishment on LBK . . . mostly potential noise, additional traffic, parking issues, etc., the new restaurant owners have taken and will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent those issues from ever happening or being disruptive or troublesome to any of their local neighbors.

The owners are thoughtful and invested in our community and in no way will allow this establishment to be disruptive to the peaceful area around them. They have enthusiastically engaged neighbors and adjusted their plans accordingly with the input of all those concerned. Moreover, they fully intend to continue to listen to any concerns that neighbors may have and make adjustments accordingly.

My wife and I have lived on LBK for six years (visiting here for six years prior to that) and we dine out (or attempt to dine out)

most evenings. Unfortunately however, the idea of dining out on LBK has become increasingly difficult to almost impossible as the area as become much more crowded over the years. To get a dinner reservation before 8 or 8:30 p.m. you often must call weeks in advance or at least many days in advance.

Sometimes advance planning just is not possible however and it leaves little to no quality dining options. It’s frustrating at a minimum and worse, it forces us and many other locals we know to travel off LBK to find alternative dining options. And the notion of getting on and off the island as we all know can be a real trick and challenge in the busy season.

Thus it makes our charming LBK less desirable than it could be if there were more local quality dining options.

I do understand and appreciate the concerns expressed by some, but having known the operator of this planned “lo-key” dining option and reviewed the redesigned plans, I’m highly confident that this new establishment will not disappoint in creating a highly desirable enjoyable dining option on the island and one that will always be considerate of the neighbors and protective of our quiet (no-longer little well-kept secret island) here on Longboat Key. Please join me in supporting a group of friends that want to create a fun new dining option for our not so sleepy little island in paradise ... Lo’ Key Restaurant.

Thanks for your consideration and being opened minded about this exciting new development.

GREG BROWN LONGBOAT KEY

Town is lucky to have Schneier This is with regard to the March 24 article, which reported that Ken Schneier had been unanimously chosen by fellow commissioners for a third term as mayor.

When Schneier first ran for the

commission, I stopped by his table outside and spoke to him briefly.

I was leaning toward voting for him but quickly decided to cast my vote for him based on our interface.

I believe that we are very lucky to have someone of his caliber on the commission and as mayor.

In your Jan. 13 issue you described how former commissioners George Spoll and Ed Zunz were conducting what was clearly intended to undermine the work of the commission on the Town Center.

Schneier was quoted as stating that he was “surprised and disappointed” that a news release on the matter had been sent out without giving him the courtesy of notification in advance.

A subsequent letter described the Spoll/Zunz effort as an “end run,” around the commission which has been working hard on the Town Center.

I think that Schneier acted with restraint in his comments, more so than was warranted.

BILL ALLEN LONGBOAT KEY

Bay Runner: Not ‘funner’ for taxpayers I am a longtime fan of the Observer and the Hayek quote on your editorial page.

The opinion you expressed regarding the Bay Runner spoke of the success as measured by a ridership of 9,455 in three weeks.

Unmentioned is the cost, which a quick search determined to be about $1.5 million a year.

Assuming 3,000 riders a week (150,000 per year) yields a cost of $10 a one way ride or $20 for a round trip. Said another way, that is about 200 passenger round trips a day.

Given the daily Bay Runner schedule has an estimated frequency of 100 round trips per day, that amounts to an average of two riders per trolley per round-trip cycle.

Not “funner” for the taxpayer

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

by any means.

ED PINTO AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE SENIOR FELLOW DIRECTOR, AEI HOUSING CENTER SARASOTA

Happy to help

9

LETTERS

More places needed to gather, socialize

|

Greetings from the deadnewspaper guy.

Thanks to the magic of Google alerts, I just ran across your commentary. First, congratulations to you and your organization for a robust news site and content. Very impressive.

Second, I’m glad that my comment about dead newspapers gave you a nice peg for your commentary promoting your publications. Happy to help.

Finally, I assume you know but just in case you don’t, I wasn’t saying all newspapers are dead.

I was specifically referring to the death of 19 print products in my market. Furthermore, I’ve been using the news of Gannett’s decision to stop publishing as a call to arms to inspire our communities to take matters into their own hands by creating their own independent sites.

Again, I wish you continued success. And I’m happy if I helped you champion your cause. I only wish your editorial followed what I consider a best practice in good journalism and hyperlinked to my “newspapers are dead” comment (and to Dan Kennedy’s blog post, too) so truly curious readers could decide if I’m idiot or not, and to provide readers with the context that’s so important in this day and age.

GREG REIBMAN PRESIDENT, CHARLES RIVER REGIONAL CHAMBER NEEDHAM, MASSACHUSSETTS

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

|

Commission delivers initial OK on Buttonwood project

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

T

own commissioners on Monday added their initial approvals to those of the town’s Planning and Zoning Board and about 65% of town voters in advancing plans to build a pair of homes at the corner of Buttonwood Drive and Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Commissioners unanimously supported a long-term land-use change and a zoning change to allow Mark Ursini’s Brista Homes to build at 597 Buttonwood Drive, land that had previously been zoned for commercial use.

A second and final hearing will be scheduled.

In preparing for the build, Ursini last fall had to ask town voters to approve upping the allowed residential density on the land from zero to three units an acre on the 0.86 acres.

Voters supported the request by nearly two-thirds. It’s the first such project to gain voter approval and

advance to commission approval.

“Mr. Mark Ursini and Brista Homes has worked diligently with the homeowners association to come up with these plans as well as go through the whole referendum process,” said Bruce Franklin, representing Ursini to the commissioners.

Brista, who also plans to develop adjacent commercial land to the north without a zoning change, proposes a master plan for stormwater drainage for not only the two residential parcels but also the commercial site to the north and the surrounding area.

According to town documents, Brista is proposing linking the two residential sites with swales and under drains to collect runoff and divert it to a system on the commercial site capable of handling rainwater from the three properties and water that tends to run off Gulf of Mexico Drive into the lower-lying Buttonwood Harbour neighborhood.

The goal is to improve conditions in the entire area, not just simply satisfy a requirement to not exacerbate drainage issues at the corner of Buttonwood Drive and Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The town’s Planning and Zoning Board is expected to consider the commercial parcel’s site plan, which includes elements of the drainage plan, on April 19. The developer has

made clear that he can design standalone drainage system’s for the residential sites should the commercial site plan stall, but that is not his preferred path.

At some point, city leaders will have to consider granting permission to use an easement to the developer to make the drainage system, which would probably be considered once all other approvals are complete.

Permission to use the city-owned easement along Buttonwood Drive would require town commission approval. A second easement will have to be accessed from the Buttonwood Harbour Homeowners Association.

“It’s our recommendation, the town attorney’s office’s recommendation that we only give the easement once all of these matters are heard and all appeal periods have run, so we’re not giving away easements for projects that are not clearly going forward,’’ said Town Attorney Maggie Mooney.

Commissioner B.J. Bishop, who lives in the Buttonwood Harbour community, said Ursini told the residents that his drainage solution would help mitigate water running off Gulf of Mexico Drive, something that isn’t necessarily required to move forward. Franklin said Ursini would likely seek some kind of reimbursement from the town or Florida Department of Transportation for

A Longboat Key Landmark

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his role in solving “a public problem.

But I know he is committed to dealing with it and working it into the master plan, regardless.”

It is the responsibility of the town’s building department to determine if

the systems proposed will have the desired effect on stormwater drainage.

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THE

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1479 Bay Point Drive Louis Wery

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415 L’Ambiance Drive D606 Chris Wetzig

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An officer confirmed the report but found no law violations. The officer called back and informed the caller of his findings.

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GHOST BOAT (JUST KIDDING) 9:55 a.m., east of Putter Lane Boating call: An officer was dispatched to investigate the discovery of a 45-foot cabin cruiser adrift in Sarasota Bay. The officer found the vessel in poor condition, without registration numbers or a name. He alerted the U.S. Coast Guard that the vessel was drifting south and was a hazard to navigation. Arrangements were made for the vessel to be towed to Sarasota.

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NO PARKING 2:24 p.m., Greer Island Boating call: An officer asked a boater who had anchored near the north shore lagoon access point to move his vessel. The anchored boater was told the channel needs to be accessible, and the boater responded that he was unaware of the problem because of the shallow water depth. He moved immediately after speaking to police.

TOO MUCH TENNIS 12:01 p.m., 700 block of Longboat Club Road Welfare check: A potential tennis partner called police concerned that her friend had not shown up for a scheduled outing on the courts.

An officer who went to the woman’s home encountered her husband, who said there had been an inadvertent double booking of tennis outings and his wife was OK. That news was relayed to the original caller.

Citizen assist: An officer on patrol spotted a man riding a bicycle in the dark with no lights. The man told the officer he had lights, but the batteries had died. The officer provided the man with a new set of lights, donated to the department (both red and white) as part of bicycle safety program sponsored by Florida Department of Transportation. The man installed the lights, switched them on and rode off.

THURSDAY, MARCH 31

CONTACT THE UNDERGROUND 9:28 a.m., 3800 block of Hughes Street Suspicious people: A caller wanted police to investigate a trio wearing yellow, high-visibility vests in the vicinity, whom she saw on security video from her offsite residence.

Police confirmed the trio was connected with the townwide project to bury utility cables underground.

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A Broadway Street dog owner was ordered to quarantine her pit bullterrier mix at home for 10 days and could be subject to Manatee County civil citations in connection with a biting incident on March 28, Longboat Key Police reported.

A resident of Bayou Hammock Road called police to report she and her bichon frise mix were both bitten around 10:30 a.m. as they were walking along Broadway Street near a friend’s home.

Tina Anderson reported that the unleashed pit bull mix ran up on them and bit the smaller dog on the hind legs. Anderson reported she immediate picked up her dog and was bitten on the left forearm by the larger canine.

Though fire-rescue units were called, Anderson refused medical assistance, a police report on the

incident says. Anderson told police she would have her pet, Ellie, evaluated at her veterinarian’s office.

Dog owner Tamarra Geno told police her dog, Alli, got away from her while she was tending to another dog she owns.

Police notified Manatee County Animal Control and provided information on the dog’s vaccination records, which indicated a two-year vaccination for rabies is due in April.

Animal control indicated to Longboat Key police that Alli would be allowed to remain in the home as a first offense, though the case would be documented in the case of further issues and Geno would be educating her on proper care and dog-control techniques.

Anderson said Geno has been cooperative as far as Ellie’s veterinarian bills. Both Anderson and Ellie were not seriously injured.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

13

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

Above: Lyn Haycock, Laurie Wolfe, Cyndi Seamon and Nick Gladding Left: Jan Farber, Linda Mitchell and Cecy Siegler

Above: CEO Aaron Virgin and aviary vet Dr. Maria Passarelli with volunteers Dave Gnass, Linda Gnass and Barbara Kerr Right: Nata Loginova paints during the event. Her completed artwork was auctioned off.

Saving seabirds at sunset

S

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

The Dreaming Tree was filled with tiny birds amongst blooms.

ave Our Seabirds’ Sunset Soiree took flight March 24 at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

More than 200 people attended to support the wildlife rescue association at its annual fundraiser.

The soiree was the ninth for the organization but the first for Aaron Virgin, who became CEO in August. Since the last soiree was held, full-time veterinarian Dr. Maria Passarelli also joined Save Our Seabirds, so the pair were meeting many supporters for the first time.

Virgin is focused on the future of the organization, which includes expanding the education program

and services of the hospital.

“Our focus is the birds and the hospital and really upgrading our behind the scenes and the habitats of our non-releasable birds,” Virgin said.

Among the attendees were several volunteers, including Longboat Key residents Dave and Linda Gnass and Barbara Kerr. They’ve made many rescues over the years and are excited to have Passarelli on board.

—NAT KAEMMERER

Sandi Jannetta, Sarah Karon and Amy Goldman

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

15

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

65 P R I VAT E R ES I D EN C ES From the $6 millions

N OW AC C E P T I N G R E S E RVAT I O N S JULIA DECASTRO 941 812 5176 • DONNA DELOACH 239 825 1168

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

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This project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Equal Housing Opportunity. Rosewood Residences Lido Key is owned and being developed, offered and sold by WSR—Lido Beach, LLC (“Developer”). The project is not owned, developed or sold by Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, L.L.C. or any of its affiliates (“Rosewood”). Developer uses the Rosewood marks pursuant to a license agreement with Rosewood, which may be terminated under certain conditions. Rosewood does not assume any responsibility or liability in connection with the condominium. Copyright 2022 © All Rights Reserved

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

Barbara Rosenthal, Sylvia Pastor and Marlene Stowe chat before Rosenthal models.

Jean Gramaglia and Susan Goldfarb catch up at the show.

Nancy Cohen, Lois Lowsky and Elise Galinsky arrived early.

Beth Israel Women on the runway

T

he women of Temple Beth Israel were rather “clothes-minded” on March 28 when they hosted the annual Beth Israel Women Fashion Show.

More than 100 women from the BIW attended for lunch and to see the latest fashions on offer from Evelyn and Arthur.

Even a handful of men from the temple attended the fashion show, including Rabbi Stephen Sniderman. The Michael’s on East ballroom buzzed with attendees catching up with friends, buying raffle tickets and eventually finding their seats for lunch. After dessert was cleared away, the attention turned to the runway.

Six women from Temple Beth Israel worked as models, who showed off multiple outfits from Evelyn and Arthur. Sarasota store manager Aliki Gable announced the details of each as they came down the runway. Gable worked with each model to find the best outfits for her, from the sporty “Let’s Go Shopping” looks to the daytime casual “Let’s Go to Lunch.”

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Susan Gorin strides down the runway.

Right: Bonnie Wilder walks the runway in a blue outfit.

—NAT KAEMMERER

Mother's Day! TREAT

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Above: Sue Boorstein turns around to show her outfit.

Left: Barbara Rosenthal walks the runway.

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Membership benefits include: • Unlimited access to our email newsletters and website; no registration pop-ups when logged in • Quarterly eNewsletter, Extra! Extra!, from the Observer Newsroom • Invitations to member-only events May: Margaritas & Wisdom: A recap of how tourism did this season and learn how Sarasota stacks up with other Florida communities.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

17

TGI-Friars

E

ven though it was Wednesday, the Friday Afternoon Recreational Society gathered for its 28th anniversary dinner on March 30. More than 100 of the organization’s golfers attended the Longboat Key Club event.

The organization started in 1993, but it was only the 28th anniversary because the group didn’t host its annual dinner during the pandemic. Frank Sulzman helped organize the March 30 dinner, and many attendees played golf with each other earlier in the day.

“Even though we didn’t have the dinner, we still played golf during the pandemic,” Sulzman said. “It was nice to still get out and see friends.”

The Friday Afternoon Recreational Society, or Friars, started out with about 20 golfers back in the day, but now they’re up to 120. There are two remaining founding members, including Matt Zito, who attended the dinner.

“We’re getting younger guys and some very good players,” Zito said. “I was the youngest at that time. I was 56, and they called me ‘kiddo.’”

Attendees mingled during the cocktail hour before sitting down to dinner. Part of the tradition of the dinner is giving out the Flinter Award, named after late Friar Bill Flinter. It goes to the most outstanding Friar. This year, a shocked Dave Gallagher won the award, Sulzman said.

Above: Marshall Dinerman brought guest golfer Dan Dinerman to the event. Below: Bill Beckmeyer and Ralph Hughes were the previous winners of the Flinter Award.

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Frank Sulzman, Tom Guarino and Matt Zito catch up on longtime Friars activities.

Above: Attendees snacked on savory treats before dinner. Left: Kevin Milliken and Larry Ross are longtime Friars.

Right: Barbara Ross, Lois Donahee, Gig Donahee and Frank Ross

—NAT KAEMMERER

St. Armands Key

WORSHIP

LUTHERAN CHURCH

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE:

379697-1

directory

Palm Sunday- April 10th, 9 & 11am Maundy Thursday- April 14th, 12 & 7pm Good Friday- April 15th, 12 & 7pm Easter Vigil- April 16th, 7pm Resurrection of Our LordApril 17th, 7 & 10am Garden Service, 9 & 11am Main Sanctuary

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SAKLC Speaker Series April 21st @ 4pm - Dr. Demian Chapman, Director of Center for Shark Research, and Dr. Michael Moore, Special Advisor, Office of the President, of Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium April 28th @ 5:30pm Allen Speer, CEO of Agape Flights

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

Temple Beth Israel

All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions

The Center of Jewish Living on Longboat Key

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RABBI STEPHEN L. SNIDERMAN, D.D.

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

Growing in Jesus’ Name

The Rev. Dr. Norman M. Pritchard

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

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

PALM SUNDAY SERVICES

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

Sunday, April 10 • 8:30 & 10:00 AM Choir Featured at 10:00 AM Service

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

Childcare Available

CATHOLIC CHURCH

MAUNDY THURSDAY TENEBRAE SERVICE

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

Thursday, April 14 • 7:30 PM Choir & Communion Service • Dr. Fred Finks Preaching

MASS SCHEDULE

Friday, April 15 • 1:00 PM Rev. Dr. Norman M. Pritchard Preaching

GOOD FRIDAY: Stations at Noon • Passion Service at 3:00pm SATURDAY EASTER VIGIL: Mass at 8:00pm !

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Sunday, April 17 • 8:30 & 10:00 AM Choir Featured at Both Services

OVERFLOW EASTER SUNDAY MASSES IN FATHER EDWARD PICK HALL: 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive 9:45am Longboat Key, FL 34228 383-1255 • www.stmarylbk.org

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

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•

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GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE

HOLY THURSDAY: Mass at 5:00pm • Adoration until 9:00pm

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

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• Good Friday service 4.15 at noon, in-person and on-line.

Classifieds 32 Games 31 Real Estate 29 Weather 31

APRIL 7, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS

GOLDEN MEMORIES Condominium complex celebrated its 50th year with an anniversary party March 26.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

M

ari Gauff was there on the first day Sutton Place opened to condo owners.

Her parents bought one of the first units in the Longboat Key condominium complex, and now, 50 years later, Gauff is still here. There used to be a diving board and shuffleboard court, and some other differences have cropped up since, but it’s still home to her and dozens of other residents.

The past, present and future mingled at the Sutton Place 50th anniversary party on March 26. More

than 50 residents came to the clubhouse to eat, drink and reminisce.

Several children of original owners, such as Gauff and her husband, Dick, swapped stories from back in the day.

“Communal condo living was new,” Jane Celentano said. “Living with other people who also owned their own homes was new. You had to get along.”

For the most part, Celentano remembers nothing but harmony in the early days of Sutton Place, and the community learned how to live together. The people of Sutton Place even raised a child together: Janet and Bob Shapiro’s son was born and raised at the condo. The couple moved there in 1987.

“We were the only couple who raised a child there,” Janet Shapiro said. “I taught in Sarasota, and my son went to school there. Everybody in the community raised him, and they still ask about him and want to see him when he comes back.”

At the party, the social committee had found old newsletters, photos and documents from Sutton Place’s history, including the Florida Builders magazine from 1972, when Sutton Place was built. Messages from the summer and autumn issue of 1988 included new laundry equipment, the price increase in washing a load and the great deal management got on new maintenance carts — hotbutton issues in communal living.

“One guy taught everyone how to fold a fitted sheet, because we would see each other in the communal laundry,” Celentano said. “To this day when I fold a fitted sheet, I think of that man.”

As their parents got older and moved elsewhere, the younger generation began to populate Sutton Place. Now the complex is full of the second, third, fourth and so on generations of owners, who got together to celebrate their community.

There were golden anniversary

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Left: Vice president Dave Baer, director Cindy Bucklen, secretary Judy Robb and president Rich Pearce. Above: A cake marked the occasion. Right: Owners Dick and Mari Gauff with John and Jane Celentano.

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Jeff Keene, Cheryl Sanmartin and Leon Offman Left: The social committee of M.J. Cecka, Janice Pearce, Patti Baer and Nancy Caven decorated the clubhouse.

TRAVELING BACK IN TIME Sutton Place has been around since 1972, but here are the places that have been around even longer. n The Diplomat: 1960 n SeaHorse Resort: 1960 n Sands Point: 1966 n Islander Club: 1970 n LBK Towers: 1970 n Sea Gate Club: 1972 n Islands West: 1972 n Privateer South: 1972

decorations around the clubhouse and pool area, and an anniversary cake, of course. Attendees browsed the old documents and future plans for the community and caught up over paella throughout the evening.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

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#1 LONGBOAT KEY TEAM 2021 Michael Saunders & Company

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

W NE

RECENT ACTIVITY

G IN T S LI

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

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

CORNER RESIDENCE ON BEACH

2067 H A R BOUR1145 LINKS V E, #4 DR #401 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 GULFDR OFIMEXICO | OFFERED AT $1,599,000 L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 This 2 bedroom/2 bath corner Beachplace residence is directly on the beach with full Gulf views MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487

enjoyed from almost every room! Ideal as an investment or vacation getaway with an ideal south Longboat Key location and excellent rental policy. Call us to schedule a showing before it’s too late!

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4MLS# A4530559 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

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

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

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2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 750 PENFIELD ST | $3,000,000 L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

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

G IN D N PE

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

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

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

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

I A N A DDY, PA

R E A LT O R ®, M B A WESTCHESTER BEACH VIEWS

IanAddy@MichaelSaunders. com 4835 GULF OF MEXICO DR #304 | OFFERED AT $895,000 This 2 bed/2 sits on the top floor overlooking the pristine azure 2067 H A Rperfectly BOURsituated LINKS DR Ibath V E,residence #4 2067 HA R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 water of the Gulf of Mexico.

Excellent amenities and ideal mid Longboat Key location.

L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 L on g b o a t K e y | O f f e re d a t $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A516420 MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487

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

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

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

G A I L W IT T IG

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

941.387.0100

I A N A DDY, PA R E A LT O R ®, M B A

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

7360 POINT OF ROCKS | $4,850,000

G A I L W IT T IG

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

941.387.0100

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379342-1

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

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

Suzy Brenner gives Donna Sharp Blaney a foolish gift: a lottery ticket.

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Barbara Koetzier and Mary Ann Brady welcome guests in some foolish gear.

No foolin’, it’s a fundraiser ter’s annual event has been held off-property, and this was the first year that Brenner could host at the organization’s permanent home, the Tidewell Building. The last in-person fundraiser was in early 2020; Brenner organized a socially distanced auction for the fundraiser in 2021.

“We figured we would just do it here and show off our new building,” Brenner said.

Attendees were encouraged to donate. The Flanzer Foundation is matching donations from $5 to $500, and Brady and Sharp Blaney stood by to collect.

Throughout the evening, foolishly dressed attendees danced in the rec room, played April Fool’s games and sipped Fool’s Gold cocktails.

THE LANDINGS

5450 EAGLES POINT CIR UNIT #305 ACTIVE LISTING $995,000

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

BIRD KEY

Above: Daniel Fugazzotto provides the tunes for the evening. Left: Donna Martin attends as Peggy Lammers’ guest.

—NAT KAEMMERER

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

422 MEADOW LARK DRIVE PENDING $6,995,000

Above: Nicci Kobritz with her buddy Ritzy Right: Paula and Tom Bright came dressed in their April Fool’s Day best.

BIRD KEY

394 BOB WHITE DRIVE PENDING $5,295,000

LONGBOAT KEY

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

LONGBOAT KEY

5809 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE PENDING $2,290,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH: COUNTRY CLUB EAST

15708 CASTLE PARK TERRACE PENDING $1,595,000

375354-1

D

ozens of supporters attended The Paradise Center’s sixthannual fundraiser to celebrate some surprising new things coming to the organization’s space in the coming months, including a golf cart race track and trapeze classes for its busy exercise roster in May. At least, that’s what the table decorations advertised. It would help to know that the party was on April 1, April Fool’s Day, so Executive Director Suzy Brenner, Community Outreach and Marketing Manager Donna Sharp Blaney and Executive Assistant Mary Ann Brady came up with the foolish announcements to the delight of their guests. Board members, frequent class-goers and supporters turned up to eat, drink and give money to the organization.

In the past, The Paradise Cen-

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

21

REAL ESTATE BY A REAL EXPERT OVER $134 MILLION SOLD IN 2021

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD. #175 • , LONGBOAT KEY, FL

1918 HARBOURSIDE DR., #902 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL

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

225 SANDS POINT ROAD #6203 • , LONGBOAT KEY, FL

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD. #175 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL

$1,699,000

Grand Bay I • Spectacular views of Bay, Gulf, city and golf course from this 3BR/3.5BA, 7th floor residence.

1918 HARBOURSIDE DR., #902 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL

$1,195,000

Fairway Bay • Exceptional in every way, completely renovated 2BR/2BA townhome with direct bay views and boat dock.

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

PENDING SALE $1,495,000

St. Armands Key • 3BR/2BA charming and well maintained residence situated on a large, private lot.

PENDING SALE 225 SANDS POINT ROAD #6203 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL Inn On The Beach • Club Suite at the Longboat Key Club with peaceful water views; not in the rental program.

Bruce Myer

Realtor

$650,000

®

941.376.5311 595 BAY ISLES ROAD, SUITE 250 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228

379723-1

Bruce@BruceMyer.com • www.BruceMyer.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

The Observer’s

Weather

&Nature

2022-23 PHOTO CONTEST

A R E F L E C T I O N O F N AT U R E ’ S B E A U T Y

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

The Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Mickey Abbey and President Cindy Noble chat after lunch.

Long overdue welcome

M

any of the “new” faces of St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church’s Women’s Guild have been around for a while at this point, but introductions were still in order on March 31. Seventeen new members were welcomed into the guild with a luncheon with longtime members, leadership and the Rev. Robert Dziedziak.

Guild President Cindy Noble gave a brief history of the guild, which leads the women’s social calendar at the church and puts on large events, including the Royal Rummage, Christmas Bazaar and annual fashion show. Many members had

Submitted by: Diane Suner

been involved with one event or another in the past before formally joining the guild.

“We’re looking forward to fun times, meaningful times and spiritual times,” Noble said.

Attendees got to know one another over a lunch at The Sanctuary on Longboat Key. There were more women in attendance at the 2022 luncheon because last year’s was canceled during the pandemic, so welcomes had built up over time. After lunch, each woman stood to introduce herself to others in attendance.

—NAT KAEMMERER

Attendees grab lunch before settling in with their fellow new members.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

23

THE ACKERMAN GROUP 941.387.1820 TOP PRODUCING SMALL TEAM IN SARASOTA COUNTY RYAN ACKERMAN ryan@ackermangroup.net

www.ackermansrq.com

BARBARA ACKERMAN barbara@ackermangroup.net

FEATURED PROPERTIES MERIDIAN 3 — OAKS PRESERVE

MERIDIAN 3 - 401 N. POINT ROAD #703 $949,000 3BR/3BA | 2 Parking Spaces | Hurricane Shutters | Unobstructed Gulf and Intracoastal views, screened terrace,7th floor residence.

HARBOR ACRES ESTATE

HARBOR ACRES - 1309 VISTA DRIVE $18,000,000 230’ Open Bay Front | Gated Estate | Endless Sunsets, City Views | Expansive Views of Ringling Bridge | One-of- a- kind Masterpiece.

MLS #A4491997

GOLF COURSE & LAKE VIEWS

GULF GATE - 7340 CURTISS AVENUE $649,000 1,906 A/C SF | Over .25 Acre private lot | 3BR/2BA | Entierly updated with top-of-the-line appliances, open floor plan, offering golf course and lake views. Room for a pool!

PENDING SALE

3010 GRAND BAY BLVD. 433 $1,895,000

988 BLVD. OF ARTS #1215 $989,000

3509 FAIR OAKS COURT $1,199,000

RECENT SALES

1701 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #103 $1,225,000

99 SUNSET DR. #302 $1,075,000

2089 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #G1-110 $1,889,000

LISTINGS COMING SOON

Siesta Cove 1425 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #201 $1,625,000

500 S. PALM AVE. #52 $3,500,000

Call us to be the first to know!

360 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #321 $1,180,000

595 BAY ISLES RD., SUITE 250 | LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228

Queens Harbour

•

443 JOHN RINGLING BLVD., STE., F | SARASOTA, FL 34236

This is not a solicitation of another broker’s listing.. Market data supplied by Market Quest June 2021.

379696-1

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD. 191 $2,950,000

24

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

In Your Community 415 L’Ambiance Drive C504

y

Longboat Key Club

y

$3,595,000

Exceptional opportunity to own at L’Ambiance on Longboat Key. Located directly on the Gulf of Mexico with fabulous panoramic Sunset views, private Beach Club and 24-hour Security. This 2,828 square foot updated “Sable” floor plan also provides sweeping views of the Golf Course at Longboat Key Club and the captivating skyline of downtown Sarasota beyond.

Where Luxurious Living Meets the Gulf

Photos by Eric Garwood

Above: Karen MacKay and her friends prepare to embark.

Left: MacKay surprises her friends with a nautical day.

SERIOUS ABOUT SELLING? ...SO ARE WE

Discover the Gulf Coast Experience

A few bucks to become buccaneers

K

Broker Associate

(941) 545-8816

REALTOR®

(941) 238-8624 ESTATE & PROBATE SPECIALISTS | LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALISTS STAGING & CONSULTATION SERVICES | OVER 20 YEARS OF REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE

Each office independently owned and operated.

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RE/MAX ALLIANCE GROUP 2000 WEBBER STREET | SARASOTA

aren MacKay had a secret on Friday.

She asked 28 of her friends to donate $10 or more to the Red Cross for Ukrainian relief, and in exchange she gave them a surprise journey.

MacKay, who used to organize worldwide trips as a career, offered few hints, but the flyer she used to sign up her Longboat Key tennis pals featured photos of an Egyptian pyramid and a dog sled.

As her friends arrived on Friday afternoon at Cedars East, they chatted about their theories. A scavenger hunt? An escape room trip? Bar hopping?

Then, down Companion Way, came the

unmistakable sounds of French hornheavy, high-seas nautical music and a pirate ship built on a truck chassis. The Anna Maria Privateers had arrived, though the crew had to use all their seamanship (and seawomanship) to navigate the circle in front of Cedars East’s clubhouse.

“I just love giving back,” said MacKay, who is of Ukrainian descent. After loading the provisions, the vessel set sail, er, drove off toward Anna Maria for a voyage of laughter and good times.

—ERIC GARWOOD

SCHOOL ENDS. HUNGER BEGINS. Over 40,000 children in our community are at risk of summer hunger.

You can help us keep them full until fall. $ for $ Match April 1 - May 15

Give today at allfaithsfoodbank.org

Thank You to Our Lead Investors

8171 Blaikie Ct. Sarasota, Florida 34240

Media Partner

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941.379.6333

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

REID MURPHY PRESENTS

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

941-232-3304

LONGBOAT KEY UNIQUE BAYFRONT

$7,850,000

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

PENDING

SARASOTA PENTHOUSE

$6,995,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY EMERALD HARBOR

$2,750,000

Boater’s dream - new dock, seawall and lift on wide canal w/direct Bay access. Recently renovated 3BR/2.5BA, pool & spa.

SOLD

BLACKBURN BAY OSPREY

$3,195,000

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

PENDING

LONGBOAT KEY - BAY ISLES

LONGBOAT KEY BAYFRONT ESTATE

$6,595,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY BOATERS DREAM

$1,985,000

LONGBOAT KEY SEA GATE

$1,895,000

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

PENDING

$3,495,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY WATER CLUB PENTHOUSE $4,495,000

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

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

Developers Realty Inc. Lic. Real Estate Broker

www.ReidMurphy.com

595 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL 34228

379240-1

CALL REID TODAY! | 941.232.3304

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

Classic British West Indies home on Anna Maria Island featuring, 5 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. Property is situated on a canal with easy access to open water. Over 6,000SF of living area priced at $6,700,000.

Unique Gulfside single-family home. 3BR en-suites+office & 4th bath and 4+car garage.

Two large decks for panoramic views. As a vacation rental, $200,000 projected annual income. $3,195,000

DELAVIRNU

941.928.3559

properties properties UNRIVALEDexpertise expertise results EXCEPTIONAL results UNRIVALED

t silaicep S lai tn edis eR defi it reC e t a i c o s s A - r ek o r B EXCEPTIONAL

9553.829.149

moc.srednuasleahcim@notluoMleahMichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com cMichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com iM

LD SO

LD SO

TASTE OF THE KEYS AND FASHION SHOW From 6-9 p.m. at the Longboat Key Club’s Harbourside Dining Room, join the Longboat Key Garden Club for its 11th annual fashion show. Restaurants from Longboat Key and the surrounding area will be serving light bites, and local models will show fashions from Marcello’s and Foxy Lady. Tickets are $100 and include a raffle ticket. Visit Bit.ly/TasteFashion2022 to sign up.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8

TAI CHI MASTERCLASS From 10-11:30 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, take a master class with visiting tai chi master Max Yan. He is a 27th generation practitioner and has been practicing for more than 30 years.

Tai chi is a gentle form of exercise that involves slow movements and deep breaths. The class is free for members and $20 for others.

AN EVENING OF EXQUISITE MUSIC From 4-5:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, listen to two virtuosos, violinist Daniel Jordan and pianist Solomon Eichner play masterpieces including Beethoven’s “Spring” sonata, Brahms’ “Violin Sonata No. 2,” and other world-class pieces. A champagne reception to meet and greet the artists follows. $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers. Call 941-383-8222 or email Educationcenter@tbi-lbk.org.

YRANIDROEXTRAORDINARY AEXTRAORDINARY RTXE

Certified Residential Specialist LBroker-Associate ANOITPECXE

THURSDAY, APRIL 7

TUESDAY, APRIL 12

377508-1

CALL GREGG BAYER AT AMI BEACHES REAL ESTATE, 941-799-9096 FOR YOUR PRIVATE SHOWING.

seitreporp esitrepxe stluser

YOUR CALENDAR

LUXURY HOMES FOR SALE

RECURRING EVENTS MONDAYS

845 LongboatevClub 65 Lighthouse dPoint irD tRoad nioP esuohthgiL 56 aoR bDrive ulC taobgnoL 548 Lighthouse 19,300 SF | A4440615 |,9$3,795,000 0845 0 0,Longboat 59|7$19,750,000 ,3$ |Club 181Road 834 4|ARegent | FS 3Court 39,4 4,933 SF |70A4438181 0 0 0,057Point 1$Drive | 516|0Gated 4 4 4ACommunity | FS 0 03,91

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

Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

5,474sf | 4BR | Gulf Front | $8,000,000

19,300sf | 140’ on the Gulf | $16,500,000

LD SO

LD SO

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

Water Club #401 501 Halyard Lane enaL draylaH 105 104 # bulC retaW 501 35 Lighthouse 3,400 SF | A4421764 SF | A4448464 0 0 0Halyard ,|5$2,575,000 99,1Lane $ | 4|6Country 4 8 4 4 4AClub | FSShores 043,2,340 2 0 0 0,5| Point 7$1,995,000 5 , 2Drive $ | 4 6| 7Gated 124 4Community A | FS 0 04,3 2,340sf | 3BR | Canal Front | $2,550,000

finest

www.SARASOTAS

finest

PROPERTIES.com

SARASOTAS .com of Florida a di440 rolFGulf ,yePROPERTIES KMexico taobgDr no|LLongboat | r D ocKey, ixeM fo f lu G 0 4 4

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

Call 383-2011.

4,430sf | 4BR | Bay Front | $3,300,000

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY

Get events directly to your inbox

MUSCLES AND MORE WITH ANN ALVIS From 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 GMD, use strength equipment to build flexibility, endurance and balance.

Class focuses on proper lifting technique. Class is $10 for members and $15 for others. Visit LongboatKey. org for information.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 8

LONGBOAT LIBRARY BOOK SALE From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Longboat Library, 555 Bay Isles Road, shop gently used books, games, puzzles and more. Prices are low. In case of rain, the sale will be at the same time on Saturday, April 9.

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

Bring a mat or towel. Classes are outside. Class is $10 for members and $15 for others. For information, email Mirabai Holland at mirabai@ movingfree.com or call 201-9561466

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY

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

MONDAY AND THURSDAY

SARASOTA INSTITUTE OF LIFETIME LEARNING VIDEOS From 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Through Thursday, April 7. $10 per person.

Visit SILLSarasota.org or TBI-LBK. org.

TUESDAYS

QI GONG From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Qi gong is a mind-body-spirit practice designed to improve mental and physical health. Cost is $10. Call 383-6493.

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

SCAN CODE TO SIGN UP

• 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 379355-1

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BEST BET

Living and Working on Longboat Key for 40 Years

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JOIN OUR LIST!

File photo

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

EVERY THURSDAY AT 5:30 PM MARCH 17th THROUGH APRIL 21st For tickets and information visit: SarasotaPolo.com

378290-1

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

27

Coldwell Banker CONGRATULATES the TOP team!

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

1

#

Small Team

Lori Lawson

Judy Kepecz-Hays 941.587.1700

941.735.4385

Steven Kepecz 941.376.6411

Judy Kepecz-Hays Team $2.3 Billion Career Sales

CE EN I PR STM JU D A

T

April 8, 2022

FAIRWAY BAY | BAY ISLES

Ritz-Carlton Managed Residence 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive #1204 Offered for $3,750,000. $3,495,000 www.Ritz-Carlton1204.com Luxury Knows No Limits! Sought after residence at the Ritz-Carlton in the heart of the city. Beyond Imagination, this home affords terrific views of the marina, Sarasota, and her islands.

M

1930 Harbourside Drive #121 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Offered for $850,000.

Bay views from this light and bright large corner residence!

2 bedroom, 2 bath. 1,442 sq. ft. Deeded beach access and endless amenities. One parking space under the building.

E EN! – W PP D HA L SO IT E AD

PE

N

N DI

G

Ritz-Carlton Managed L’AMBIANCE

THE BEACH RESIDENCES

415 L Ambiance Drive Unit B602 Offered for $2,785,000. www.LAmbianceB602.com L’Ambiance, a Longboat Key community synonymous with luxury and exclusivity! 270-degree unobstructed stunning water views that sweep from the Gulf of Mexico to Sarasota Bay and beyond.

WE SOLD – WE MADE IT HAPPEN! We closed for $2,600,000.

1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr. Residence 1001 Sarasota, FL 34236 Offered for $5,399,000.

BEYOND IMAGINATION with unparalleled amenities in a lifestyle of privacy and comfort await you here – instant enjoyment with hypnotizing views of the Gulf, Bay, Sarasota skyline, and the nature preserve. Beautiful views envelop this meticulously designed 3 bdrm plus a family room of 4200 sq. ft. residence. Ultimate casual elegance. 2 parking spaces & 2 pets welcome no weight limit.

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

Judy Kepecz-Hays | 941.587.1700

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

$134 MILLION IN CLOSED SALES IN 2021

379584-1

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

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

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

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

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

CASEY KEY 503 Casey Key Road 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,358 Sq. Ft. Sarah Macrae 941-587-1195 A4522516 $5,995,000

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

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

SARASOTA 1898 High Point Drive 5 Beds 6/1 Baths 4,102 Sq. Ft. Jeffrey Hinrichs 941-456-1251 A4527192 $4,350,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 1241 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 402 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,400 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4529467 $3,500,000

SIESTA KEY 615 Waterside Way 4 Beds 3 Baths 4,211 Sq. Ft. Ethel Lovelace & Mina Johnson 941-586-7390 A4529531 $3,200,000

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

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

SARASOTA 35 Watergate Drive 603 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,990 Sq. Ft. Joan Dickinson & Beth Afflebach 941-914-0496 A4529059 $2,950,000

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

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

SARASOTA 1704 Arlington Street 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,545 Sq. Ft. Barbara May & Fred Sassen 404-822-9264 A4529406 $2,400,000

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

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

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

SARASOTA 8149 Grande Shores Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,214 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4529184 $1,595,000

SIESTA KEY 6146 Midnight Pass Road 10S 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,204 Sq. Ft. Marlene & George Marshall 941-539-8850 A4527968 $1,500,000

LONGBOAT KEY 750 Fox Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,000 Sq. Ft. Cathy Meldahl 941-724-7228 A4525751 $1,495,000

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

BRADENTON 396 Aruba Circle 302 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,664 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4525652 $1,254,900

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

SARASOTA 1423 Hillview Drive 6 Beds 7/2 Baths 11,588 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs & Kim Ogilvie 941-374-2920 A4525534 $21,600,000

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

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

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

REAL ESTATE

Birdie Lane home sells for more than $4 million

|

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MARCH 21-25

BAY ISLES

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Country Club Shores tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Glen and Sharyn Gale sold their home at 580 Birdie Lane to Louis Phillip Stone and Amy Stone, trustees, of Chesterfield, Missouri, for $4.26 million. Built in 1968, it has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,504 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,925,000 in 2019.

EN PROVENCE

Elissa Berkbigler and Mason Burr, trustees, of Littleton, Colorado, sold the Unit 3 condominium at 2151 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Seed US LP for $3.9 million. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,400 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.1 million in 2018.

TURTLE CRAWL

SJ Villa LLC sold the Unit 84 condominium at 4235 Gulf of Mexico Drive to RMM Properties of Florida LLC for $2.2 million. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,758 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.41 million in 2005.

GRAND BAY

Allen Siegel, of Redding, Connecticut, sold the Unit 463 condominium at 3010 Grand Bay Blvd. to Charles and Kathia Kennedy, of Wexford, Pennsylvania, for $1,997,300. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,369 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.1 million in 2010.

Anthony Douglas and Irina Zaremba, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 3261 Bayou Way to Patrick Banks, of Longboat Key, for $1,725,000. Built in 1980, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,523 square feet of living area. It sold for $935,000 in 2021.

THE PLAYERS CLUB

Gordon and Mary Jo White, of Dayton, Ohio, sold their Unit 204 condominium at to Frank and Maureen Yaquinto, of Plymouth, Michigan, for $1.5 million. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,569 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2020.

SANCTUARY AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Sarah Heltman, trustee, of Norwalk, Iowa, sold the Unit B-302 condominium at 585 Sanctuary Drive to Robert Kriss and Laura Schriesheim, of Winnetka, Illinois, for $1,422,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,823 square feet of living area. It sold for $365,000 in 1990.

Eric Garwood

The home at 580 Birdie Lane was built in 1968. It has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,504 square feet of living area.

TIFFANY PLACE

Pasquale and Susanne Buono, of Quebec, Canada, sold their Unit 115 condominium at 7000 Gulf Drive to Peggy McKewen Kyzer, of Holmes Beach, for $1,095,000. Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,259 square feet of living area. It sold for $162,000 in 1993.

Springs, Colorado, sold the Unit 95-S condominium at 2295 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Start Beachin’ Covey LLC for $817,500. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,235 square feet of living area. It sold for $135,000 in 1991.

INN ON THE BEACH

Marc Micozzi and Carole O’Leary, of Bethesda, Maryland, sold their Unit 303 condominium at 4540 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Matthew Weber, of Fenton, Michigan, for $633,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,096 square feet of living area. It sold for $230,000 in 2015.

Wahoo Inc. sold the Unit 2306 condominium at 210 Sands Point Road to K4 LLC for $929,000. Built in 1982, it has one bedroom, one bath and 740 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2017.

Union Trust Inc. sold the Unit 4403 condominium at 240 Sands Point Road to Richard Lowe, of Longboat Key, for $825,000. Built in 1982, it has one bedroom, one bath and 626 square feet of living area. It sold for $250,000 in 1995.

WINDWARD BAY

CASA DEL MAR

Jayne Robinson sold her Unit 10 condominium at 4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Anthony John Furiato and Michelle Furiato, of Lithia, for $600,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 756 square feet of living area. It sold for $400,000 in 2007.

SEA HORSE BEACH RESORT

Barbara Mancheski, trustee, of Minocqua, Wisconsin, sold the Unit 233 condominium at 3453 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Mossback Investments LLC for $415,000. Built in 1960, it has one bedroom, one bath and 560 square feet of living area. It sold for $145,000 in 1999.

In with the new

ISLANDER CLUB OF LONGBOAT

Ellen Dole, trustee, of Glenwood

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of March 25-31 in order of dollar amounts.

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS PERMIT 1909 Harbour Links Circle Interior alterations

APPLICANT Steve A. Noles

5393 GMD Unit 203

Interior alterations

Niemann Trust LLC

435 L’Ambiance Drive

Windows and doors

Charles Snowden Jones

AMOUNT($) 316,900 300,000 263,381

#M208

Revocable Trust

1401 GMD

Concrete repairs

The Players Club Association 252,600

6669 GMD

A/C change-out

Robert J. Adams

50,276

730 Spanish Drive S.

Interior alterations

Kevin Baker

49,510

3540 Fair Oaks Lane

Re-roof

Virginia M. Spittler

47,312

Revocable Trust

3612 Fair Oaks Place

Michael Iapaluccio

Spa

Longboat Key

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

45,000

6328 Laguna Drive

Windows and doors

Jeffrey P. Johnson

34,643

621 Neptune Avenue

Mechanical

Peter H. Mitchel

33,000

591 Chipping Lane

Mechanical

Clara A. McGonigle

29,330

3255 GMD #A505

Windows and doors

Dean R. Congbalay

29,000

525 Norton St.

Dock

Laurel G. Phillips

28,615

4320 Falmouth Drive

Windows and doors

Vincent J. Falcone

27,532

3531 Fair Oaks Lane

Windows and doors

Glenn A. Cassens E Life Est

23,860

5610 GMD Unit 5

Mechanical

Shawn David Hamilton

21,575

5134 GMD

Entry gate

Bernard J. Ouimette

19,835

5135 GMD Unit 203

Electrical

Nah Holdings LLC

19,249

2089 GMD #105

Windows and doors

Julie S. Bateman Revocable Trust 16,877

Downtown St. Petersburg

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

Unit 304

2 UNITS LEFT

535 Sanctuary Drive #A101 A/C change-out

Herman Frankel Revocable Trust 16,145

682 Spanish Drive S.

Plumbing

Michael Denney Brown

15,794

3482 Mistletoe Lane

Interior alterations

Sherry Winn Howell

15,000

Revocable Trust

3429 Winding Oaks Drive

A/C change-out

Brian F. Landry

15,000

4234 GMD Unit Z2

Windows and doors

Lawrence C. Silton

14,735

670 Old Compass Road

Dock

Emerald Partners LLC

14,250

1640 Harbor Cay Lane

Electrical

Gault Family Trust

14,000

621 Neptune Avenue

Natural gas

Peter H. Mitchel

13,200

4234 GMD Unit A1

Mechanical

Grant Lawrence Smith

12,955

610 Bayport Way

Windows and doors

Kathleen O. Maronek

12,800

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

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

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

Revocable Trust

611 Yardarm Lane

Natural gas

Sticks and Stones Ventures

12,000

551 Wedge Lane

Pool cage

Rick Stephani

10,667

584 Yawl Lane

Natural gas

Jeffry S. Snauwaert Trust

10,500

Source: Town of Longboat Key

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Downtown Sarasota

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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

29

30

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A PROPERTY ON LONGBOAT KEY, BIRD KEY, OR ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE SARASOTA ISLANDS?

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

Walter Group is the right choice!

As 20-year Longboat Key residents, Janet Walter and Steve Walter know the Sarasota islands and would love to share their knowledge of the local real estate market!

Walter Group Real Estate specializes in leveraging state-of-the-art digital marketing - with a concierge service.

The result is Walter Group gets you the maximum exposure to sell your Longboat Key property sold fast and for the most money.

STEVE WALTER 941.809.0907

steve @waltergrouprealestate.com

JANET WALTER 941.232.2000

janet @waltergrouprealestate.com

waltergrouprealestate.com #1 TEAM - LONGBOAT KEY 2020

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SHAGGY CHIC: Gabby, a 7-year-old shih tzu, relaxing at home in Sutton Place on Longboat Key.

FIND YOUR PLACE

ON THE RANCH

The #1 Community in the U.S. for All Ages - 4 Years Running!

Covering more than 50 square miles, Lakewood Ranch is filled with shopping, dining, arts, entertainment, nature, recreation – and all the new home choices you can imagine. With over two dozen villages, each with distinctive homes and amenities, we have something for every size family and every stage of life.

*Prices subject to change without notice. © 2022 Lakewood Ranch

378953-1

COME SEE WHY LAKEWOOD RANCH IS AMERICA’S FAVORITE PLACE TO CALL HOME! | HOMES FROM THE $300S TO OVER $1M*

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, APRIL 8

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

Sunrise Sunset

High: 72 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 2%

31

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

|

Thursday, April 7

7:14a

7:51p

Friday, April 8

7:13a

7:51p

Saturday, April 9

7:12a

7:52p

Sunday, April 10

7:11a

7:53p

SATURDAY, APRIL 9

Monday, April 11

7:10a

7:53p

High: 71 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 0%

Tuesday, April 12

7:09a

7:54p

Wednesday, April 13

7:08a

7:54p

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, APRIL 10 High: 73 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 1%

May 8 First

May 15 Full

May 22 Last

May 30 New

TIDES Highs Lows

Susan Molnar captured this osprey holding a sheepshead fish on North Lido Key.

Thursday, April 7

—

3:25p

—

—

Friday, April 8

—

4:15p

1:01a

—

Saturday, April 9

—

5:31p

2:19a

—

Sunday, April 10

11:56p

7:19p

3:28a

1:58p

Monday, April 11

11:30p

8:54p

4:21a

3:54p

Tuesday, April 12

11:33p

10:03p

5:03a

4:53p

Wednesday, April 13

11:39a

11:00p

5:38a

5:38p

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 2022-23 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2023, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

The Observer’s

Weather ENTER: &Nature

Sponsored by

YourObserver.com/contests KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

379853-1

2022-23 PHOTO CONTEST

A REFLECTION OF NATURE’S BEAUTY

celebrity cipher

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

32 Draw in 1 Goes behind a curtain, say 34 On the ___ (fleeing) 35 Drop by 6 Human rights lawyer 37 (Don’t) Film without Clooney lighting?

10 Tiff 43 Praline ingredients 14 Playtex undergarment 46 American uncle 17 It may be pimiento47 Goals stuffed 48 Louvre Pyramid archi18 Smokes minus the tect I.M. smoke 49 Hybrid utensil 20 Pop flies’ paths 50 Sour mood 21 Hard rain 22 (Do) Visualize the actor’s 52 ___ Light (beer brand, movements before filming? informally) 54 Veggie in homemade red 25 “Do ___ Otters: A Book hair dye, say About Manners” 55 (Do) Decide on a 26 Binary digit soundtrack?

27 Window shade 58 It gets under your skin 28 Event with floats 59 Simple top 29 Dazzle 60 Like a bad “twin” 30 Cheek or lip

61 Word before “chocolate” or “sauce” 62 Dogs with many hybrid breeds 64 Huge fan 65 Porcupine descriptor 67 The Matterhorn’s range 68 Spreading unchecked 71 ATM digits 72 Word after a sigh 73 Potential lead for a detective 76 Point in soccer?

77 (Don’t) Edit out the good-looking extra?

81 Lions are big ones 82 Like a haunted house 84 “U r 2 funny!”

85 From Havana, say 86 Doctor’s org.

87 Musical work

88 Also 89 Wipes up or wipes down 90 (Do) Keep filming during fight scenes?

96 Port-au-Prince’s Caribbean country 97 Actor McKellen 98 Blue-green 99 Burial place 103 “Me, Myself & ___” (Jim Carrey film) 105 Christmas beverage 108 Edinburgh native 110 Bestie, e.g.

111 At no charge?

112 (Don’t) Get in front of your camera?

115 Likelihood 116 One might be compulsive 117 Use mousse on, maybe

“C YZFHK DZT ZCW WRRM DCA YCMMTE XR YTVICARK DFEZ C YZFHK DZT KTRWM’E UMTD DZCE DCA FW RJYRIE OATV ERHRPFWFTM.”

– WTIZFC HTARM

“RJ DGJ DFF VUGL MU PAJ -- MKJ PAXXJGJLYJ AN MKJ ALMJLNAMB RAMK RKAYK RJ YKUUNJ MU FAHJ.” – EALD FUFFUVGAEAPD “M DTIB CWLDMCY MC GJ XMKB UBVMPBV GJ OWEA. M TG WUVBVVBP OMLD ML. M XBTIB GJ DWZVB WCXJ ODBC M’G KWENBP LW.” – TVMT TEYBCLW © 2022 NEA, Inc.

Puzzle Three Clue: N equals C

53 Affectedly creative 54 What duvets cover 56 “Dear ___ Hansen” 57 Nice dinnerware 58 Summer treat on a stick 62 Hunter-gatherer diet 63 “I’m ___, and I like warm hugs” (“Frozen”) DOWN 64 Whirlpool tubs 1 Hostess snack cakes 65 Goad into action 2 Glazer of “Broad City” 66 Feel sorry for 3 Jumps headfirst 68 Steerable toy vehicle, 4 Anticipatory night familiarly 5 Something to save for a 69 Hertz competitor friend 70 Black Sabbath super6 “___ Q” (musical inspired fans, e.g. by “Sesame Street”) 72 De Armas of “Knives 7 “Om,” for one Out” 8 Fitting 73 It’s big in jazz 9 Bound upward 74 Tehran’s home 10 Sausage such as sop75 Writes pressata 77 Bread or cabbage 11 Poke 78 Fail like a movie 12 “You can’t deny this” 79 “This is no longer for 13 Disapproving sound me” 14 Slippery item in comedy 80 Whom a host hosts 15 Cracker brand 82 Roasting skewer 16 Source of a soothing gel 83 Honeybunch 19 Winding ski race 87 Boo-boo 21 Muggy 88 Voices below altos 23 Does a dairy farm task 89 Moretz of “Kick-Ass” 24 German sausage, 91 Goes over well, as a joke familiarly 92 Detroit team with a 29 Primates Jane Goodall striped mascot studied 93 ___ Mae Lee of “Pitch 31 False ___ (racing Perfect” blunder) 94 Maker of Nerds and 33 Nail polish brand Goobers 36 “Heavens!”

95 Secret stores 38 Pic under a sock, maybe 100 Diva’s realm 39 Berets, e.g.

101 Wayne ___ (Batman’s 40 “Great” detective of home) kid lit 102 Give divine favor to 41 Peter Parker portrayer 103 Revered person Carney 104 Second try 42 High-flying toys 106 Stats on college apps 43 Wordless “Hey!” 107 Post-punk subculture 44 Olympic sword 109 Bygone Russian 45 Pigeon’s place autocrat 50 Time on a job 112 Low key?

51 Anaheim Ducks’ org.

113 Big Apple sch.

52 “High” time 114 $$$ exec 118 Hairstyles for Diana Ross and Pam Grier, sometimes 119 ___ Angeles 120 Model Holliday 121 Magenta and others 122 Crowd sounds

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: B equals Y

DOS AND DON’TS OF FILMMAKING by Taylor Johnson and Christina Iverson. Edited by David Steinberg

Puzzle One Clue: O equals F

crossword

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

4-7-22

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Cleaning

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941-955-4888 Painting 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.

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THE LONGBOAT KEY POLICE DEPARTMENT IS HOLDING A BLACK HUFFY BICYCLE WHICH WAS TURNED IN AS FOUND DURING THIS TIME PERIOD OF 02-01-2022 THRU 03-23-2022.

IF NOT CLAIMED BY OWNERS, ITEMS SHALL BE DISPOSED OF AS AUTHORIZED BY F.S.S. 705.103. INQUIRES 941-361-6411 x1928

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PUBLIC NOTICE LOST OR ABANDONED PROPERTY Held by Longboat Key Police Department 5460 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

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

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

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

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

Auto Service

Beauty SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

SELL YOUR CAR!

378030

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

Call 941-726-2677.

BEACH HARBOR CLUB, LONGBOAT KEY FLORIDA: 2 Bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,046 sq. ft. 3rd floor, water view.

Fully upgraded and equipped.

Walking distance to Sarasota Bay and Gulf. Rent is $2,0004,000/month. Contact (440)371-5008 lin44139@yahoo.com

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

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

(941) 780-5669 Www.siestaflooring.com

FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU

941.270.4400

HoHoBuysCars.com

5-Star Rated

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

This week’s Crossword answers

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “A child who has seen war cannot be compared with a child who doesn’t know what war is except from television.”

Sophia Loren Puzzle Two Solution: “We are all born to die – the difference is the intensity with which we choose to live.

Gina Lollobrigida Puzzle Three Solution: “I have nothing in my life besides my work. I am obsessed with it. I leave my house only when I’m forced to.”

Asia Argento

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2022 Universal Uclick

©2022 NEA, Inc.

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

ISLANDER CLUB LBK, on the beach. Beautiful, direct gulf view from all rooms. 1,300 sq. ft., 2BR/2BA. Available after October 1st. Rent is $7,400-8,200 depending on the number of months. Prefer 4+ months.

773-456-5768

Home Services

378819

Autos Wanted

FOR RENT (Summer at the Beach) – Anna Maria Island Updated 5 Star Condo - Available May to November. (Monthly with Multi-month discount) Million$ water view, first floor, 2BR/2BA, walk to beach, pool, tennis, carport included. Smoke free.

Call or Email NOW: 570-239-0431 rentamiwaterview@aol.com

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

You’re only cheating yourself.

auto

LEFT HANDED golf clubs. Plus bag. Used. 347-564-9897

Condos/Apts. for Rent

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

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

peekers’ place

Items Under $200

real estate

stuff

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

Paint the town RED!

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

Health

Power Washing $100 COUPON

379550

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

Check out our 5 Star Reviews on Google

Like Us on Facebook

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Concrete CRACK REPAIR

Honesty, Integrity and Pride

379116

378897

Insurance

MIC INSURANCE

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

Roofing

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

(941) 345-5264 Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

378339

941-955-4888

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

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

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Massage

Dog Grooming

Chrissy Stites LMT, CMCE

609-820-4251

By appointment only

Made for where you live. Here!

RED PAGES

MediCupping & Massage Therapy services for healing

Rest your mind & body.

Connect with your spirit.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Personal Services

Windows Res./Com.

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s ing n s a S u n u n w r o i s n e k Wind S erly Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

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

25

UP TO

Furniture Repair 379546

Patio Furniture Repairs.com Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

140

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS 378032

SPECIAL 00

Handyman

CONSTRUCTION HANDYMAN • Home Repairs & Maintenance • Interior & Exterior 941.504.2745 • Garage Floor Paint 941.400.1563 • Power Wash GladysKhabbaz@gmail.com 805 Molly Circle, Sarasota

RED PAGES

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

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

CALL 941-955-4888

5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

379548

941-504-0903

378327

379537

WITH THE RED PAGES

379541

941-345-5264

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

| scaperotta@aol.com

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

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

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

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

Call to reserve your ad space

941-544-1066 Italian American Owned

Rescreening & Repairs

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

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

BEFORE

AFTER

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

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

Sliding Glass Door Repair

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!

378948

378031

Pressure Washing

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

• Deck/Paver And Much More

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Doors

378893

FREE INSTANT ESTIMATES when you Call RICK for SCHEDULING

379529

379535

CONCRETE FUSION

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

Naji Aoun

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

Pressure Washing

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

BUZ CORP D/B/A

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

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

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

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

PRESSURE WASHING

WE ARE THE SOFT WASH PRESSURE WASHING PROS

$100 COUPON

Serving AMI, LBK and Bradenton for 25 years

SOFT WASH

379539

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

941-778-2882 • 941-387-0607

#1 in IR REPA Crack %

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

DRIES IN HOURS – NOT DAYS • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

GET YOUR LIFE BACK! CARPET, TILE, UPHOLSTERY CLEANING ODOR CONTROL • AREA RUG SPECIALIST

33

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

$100 COUPON

Carpet Cleaning

|

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

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

3731 INDIAN BEACH PLACE

$6,495,000

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

www.3731IndianBeach.com

5249 CAPE LEYTE DRIVE

$4,450,000

Direct waterfront, new construction is a rarity on Siesta Key. The modern, custom design of this 5BR John Cannon home in Siesta Isles will be built with exceptionally high standards. Covering more than a half-acre, boaters will love the brand-new seawall, deep water composite dock and lift, with shore power and water.

www.5249CapeLeyte.com

5207 HIDDEN HARBOR ROAD

$3,795,000

1835 LINCOLN DRIVE

$2,995,000

3533 FAIR OAKS LANE

This well-maintained, 4,600+ SF, waterfront home in the sought-after Siesta Key neighborhood of Hidden Harbor is ideally located close to the best that Sarasota offers.

Southern exposure West of the Trail!

Gorgeous updates are the star of the show inside and out at this beautiful 4BR waterfront home resting along Hudson Bayou.

This furnished 4BR home is in ideal, move-in ready condition. Swaths of glazing sunlight welcome you, framing the lush courtyard entry, a wonderful enclosed adds the perfect amount of privacy.

www.5207HiddenHarbor.com

www.1835LincolnDrive.com

www.3533FairOaksLane.com

15111 GADDY UP RANCH ROAD

$3,995,000

862 GRANDE PASS WAY

$2,995,000

3060 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #112

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

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

This 3BR sun drenched getaway at Grand Bay is in ideal condition, featuring bay views, open-plan layout adorned with walls of glass sliders that lead out to the spacious wraparound terrace.

www.GaddyUpRanchSRQ.com

www.862GrandePassWay.com

www.GrandBay112.com

$1,995,000

$1,450,000

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

379683-1

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