Longboat Observer 5.21.26

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Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

VOLUME 48, NO. 40

YOUR TOWN

Rec center revival resurfaces Talk turns to a privately funded remake of Bayfront Park’s storied centerpiece. SEE PAGE 3

Dana Kampa

The Old Salty Dog on City Island recently reopened the repaired dock on Sarasota Bay that had been damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Dock fix finished at Old Salty Dog City Island’s Old Salty Dog recently celebrated a major step in its hurricane recovery.

The bayside restaurant’s dock is fully repaired from damage caused by the flooding and high winds of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

While the main restaurant reopened five months after the storms, repairing the dock remained on the list of projects to get done.

The restaurant made an announcement on May 8 that the freshly repaired dock is ready to roll, and that the team was grateful to see it reopened.

LIFETIME OF LOVE The secret to Harold Goldstein’s century? Family and friends.

SEE PAGE 17

Dana Kampa

An osprey rescued from an electrocution incident made its first flight after being rehabilitated at Save Our Seabirds.

Rescued osprey takes test flight Edward, an osprey that has called Save Our Seabirds home for an extended stay following an electrical-shock incident, made his first test flight at Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park on Saturday morning.

Volunteer Cyndi Seamon released the bird at the water’s edge, where it took flight briefly, but it wasn’t ready to be released. Seamon brought the bird back to the rescue center so experts could assess its ability to hunt and survive in the wild.

Save Our Seabirds maintains a helpline for bird rescues from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 941-3883010. After hours, the Avian Hospital has a drop box at the building entrance at 1708 Ken

S.T. Cardinal

Harold Goldstein, 100, only recently stopped playing tennis regularly, but he remains connected to those with whom he played for years.

A+E

COMING SOON

Finding his spot PAGE 14

$0.10 Courtesy image

If all goes to plans, the development that would see Shore return to St. Armands would include a cafe and retail on the first floor, restaurant on the second floor and an eight-room boutique hotel on the third floor.

Work begins on a new vision for The Shore, with or without hotel rooms. SEE PAGE 5

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

WEEK OF MAY 21, 2026

Gold, Bishop, Tipton awarded by FLC

“I think that it is fully time to replace it and catch up with the rest of that very high-quality, award-winning park.”

Longboat Key Foundation President Susan Phillips. Read more on page 3

BY THE NUMBERS $5,000

The 1984 cost of moving what is now the recreation center from Far Horizons Resort to its current location PAGE 3

8

The number of hotel units Shore co-founder Tom Leonard wants to bring to St. Armands Circle PAGE 5

57

The number of photographs on display at Plymouth Harbor PAGE 8

CALENDAR n Memorial Day — Town offices closed n Town Commission Regular Meeting — 1 p.m., June 1, 501 Bay Isles Road n Sandbag filling event — 8:30-11:30 a.m., June 4, 100 Broadway St.

S.T. Cardinal

General Harris Street was recently repaved at a cost of $72,550.

Repaving projects underway

S

ome Longboat Key residents will soon catch a whiff of that pungent tar smell as the town prepares to repave several neighborhood roads.

Gulf of Mexico Drive repaving, however, is on the distant horizon.

Last week, repaving work began and ended on General Harris Street. Three other neighborhood streets are soon behind, said Public Works Director Charlie Mopps.

Construction and Facility System Manager Guy Matricciani wrote that the General Harris project cost $72,550 and encompassed the entire street.

Next in line for repaving on Longboat Key are Royal Road, Cedar Street and Palm Drive.

Cedar Street and Palm Drive, two roads near Whitney Plaza and Broadway Street, will cost $68,100. The two roads will be paved at the same time and are considered a combined project, Public Works Office Manager Julie Anderson said.

Royal Road will cost $37,500, but only half will be repaved since the entrance was paved last year, Matricciani said. Mopps said the project was broken into two segments because there was

heavy construction activity in the neighborhood as many homes were being rebuilt.

Gulf of Mexico Drive will also be repaved, starting in 2027 or 2028, Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman said. That repaving project, managed by the state, will be split into two projects, one county at a time.

The Sarasota County half of Gulf of Mexico Drive will be repaved in 2027 or 2028. The Manatee County side of the road will follow after the Broadway roundabout is completed.

Three Longboat Key leaders were recognized for their efforts in advocacy for local government autonomy.

The Florida League of Cities announced that Longboat Key Vice Mayor Penny Gold, Commissioner BJ Bishop and Town Manager Howard Tipton were given the 2026 Home Rule Heroes Award. The award, given to more than 200 local leaders across the state, recognizes local leaders who “went above and beyond during the Legislative Session to advocate for Florida’s cities,” an FLC news release describes.

Gold, who was chosen as vice mayor for the town in March, has served on the commission since 2021 and was on the Planning and Zoning Board for two years before that. In February, Gold was appointed to the National League of Cities Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations Federal Advocacy Committee.

Bishop was elected to Town Commission in 2020 and served on the Planning and Zoning Board from 2008 until her election. She is also President of the Manasota League of Cities.

Tipton began his tenure as town manager in 2023 and has worked in local government for decades, previously as county administrator for St. Lucie County.

Manatee County Tourist Development Board seeks members Two positions are open on Manatee County’s Tourist Development Council, and applications for consideration by county commissioners will be accepted until June 1.

The council is made up of nine volunteer members and advises county commissioners on uses for revenue derived from tourist development taxes and on projects set forth in the county’s tourist development plan.

Members should be involved in the tourism industry. Applicants must be Manatee County registered voters but must not be subject to the county’s 6% resort tax.

Apply at MyManatee.org/Advisory_Boards.

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TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

3

Past, present and future

of the Rec Center Talks of replacing the 56-year-old building have begun again, but this time with private fundraising driving the effort.

S.T. CARDINAL STAFF WRITER

W

hile Bayfront Park has evolved over the years — the baseball diamond come

and gone, the rise of pickleball, a dog park and kayak ramps added — one thing has remained as witness to the transformation: the recreation center.

Now, and not for the first time, talk of a potential replacement of the building is beginning to buzz around the island.

PAST

Built in 1970, according to property appraiser records, the 1,350-squarefoot building sat at another location in its early life.

It lived for 14 years at Far Horizons Resort, which a 1970 New York Times article described as “in many ways the island’s most luxurious resort” where the Reef Dining Room offered “by any measure … the best dining on Longboat Key.” At the resort were two tennis courts and a tennis clubhouse.

In the early ’80s, Murf Klauber took over the Far Horizons property with plans to redevelop it into a spa.

The pro shop, though, was deemed worthy of preservation. Klauber donated the building to Longboat Key Community Center Inc., the group that pushed for the foundation of Bayfront Park, and in 1984, Klauber paid $5,000 to move it to where it stands today.

The town took over operations of the Bayfront Park Recreation Center in 1994.

SISTER BUILDING

Asked about the history of the Bayfront Park Recreation Center building, Klauber’s daughter, Katie Moulton, had to consult with family to determine which of two buildings it actually is.

A similar building was also moved by her father, Moulton said. That building served as the main clubhouse for the “Kidding Around” children’s program at the Colony before it was renovated in the early ’70s. Moulton remembers painting the building to suit its purpose.

“We’re talking the early ’70s, so we were into being cool kids, and thought we were little hippies, so we painted it purple and lime green and all my dad’s favorite colors on the inside,” Moulton said. “There were pinball machines and a pool table and ping-pong and all of these craft areas and toys. It was just a fabulous little space.”

Moulton said her father hated to see the building go to waste, and it was moved to either Islands West or the Veranda as a sales office/con-

struction trailer while the project was under construction, and later repurposed as a tennis clubhouse.

But it’s most remembered by the Klauber clan for the few years as a hub for “Kidding Around.”

Coincidentally, the Bayfront Park Recreation Center also welcomed kids by the dozens.

S.T. Cardinal

PROGRAMMING PAST AND PRESENT

Recreation is a diverse word that can describe anything from canoeing to skydiving, and Bayfront Park’s recreation center has hosted its share of activities.

Twenty years ago, that included a summer camp.

“Back in the early days, they had a summer camp for kids there,” Molly Schechter said. “Kids that came to visit their grandparents in the summertime in Florida.”

Schechter taught classes at Bayfront Park Recreation Center from 1996 to 2017, mostly yoga and Pilates, she said. But yoga didn’t go by that name, instead it was marketed as “joy of stretch.”

“In those days, we didn’t call it a yoga class because nobody would come to take yoga,” she said. “They thought that to do yoga you had to be a vegetarian and, you know, be a strange, down-to-earth person.”

Even decades ago, the facility lacked the polish of other fitness facilities.

“It was never fancy,” Schechter said. “It was the most barebones place I’ve worked in, but it was adequate.”

Uses for the center have evolved over the time. Susan Phillips, who was assistant to the town manager with the town for 27 years, remembers when the porch of the building was where announcers for highstakes softball games sat.

Today, yoga, Pilates and workout classes are still held regularly.

It’s also the venue for various town events such as the informal Let’s Talk Longboat meetings.

Although the building is dated, Parks and Recreation Manager Mark Richardson shared that last year, 3,264 people participated in fitness classes at the recreation center.

Town Manager Howard Tipton said the town has expanded its offerings at the center, doubling the number of classes held.

“But it is old,” Tipton said. “It is certainly functioning and doing well, but it is coming to the end of its useful life.”

REBUILDING, A RECURRING DISCUSSION

When flipping through news archives of Longboat Key, there are several recurring topics: sea turtles, mangroves, canals, density and signs, to name a few. The news is rarely entirely new. And, of course, there’s the community center.

Ever since the Far Horizons tennis clubhouse was moved to its current location, talk of replacing the building has surfaced about every decade.

“We’ve had a conceptual design for years. About every couple years, talks around a new recreation center pop up,” Richardson said. “Architects have been on board since 2003

The Bayfront Park Recreation Center still welcomes thousands for yoga, Pilates and other classes annually, but it’s about 56 years old, and talk of replacement has begun again.

Photo by Joseph Steinmetz, courtesy of Seibert Architects

“It’s been a discussion on replacement for a long time, and it’s just a question of what that actually looks like. The town may put some dollars into some conceptual designs that the Longboat Key Foundation could use for fundraising purposes.”

— Town Manager Howard Tipton

designing this rec center and making slight modifications each time.”

Perhaps the most contentious of those discussions was in 2003 and 2004 when talk of replacing the community center was buzzing after the formation of a Public Interest Committee.

In the March 4, 2004 edition of the Longboat Observer, a letter to the editor penned by Klauber argued that a new community center should be built at Joan M. Durante Park. In the letter, he wrote that “anyone and everyone” was aware that Jim Durante’s donation of the park came with the stipulation that if the town were to build a community center, it be built at the park named after his late wife.

“The solution is to honor our word The Welcome Center at Lovers Key State Park is an example of the type of building that could replace the Bayfront Park Recreation Center in Longboat Key.

Courtesy image

and the original intent with Jim Durante,” Klauber wrote. “Build the new community center at Joan M. Durante Park and keep our recreation center in its present location.”

Town leaders decided in the end that Joan M. Durante Park would not be the location for a new building.

Community Center Advisory Committee Chairman Jim Brown said in March 2004 that the land at Durante Park was not zoned to allow recreational programs and that “putting the center in Durante Park would take away from the essence of what that park really is.”

On the ballot instead was a proposal to implement a property tax assessment to pay for a new, $6.4 million, 3,000-square-foot community center. That proposal was soundly defeated.

Lesson learned, perhaps, as the latest round of talks to replace the center are not by issuing a bond, but through private donations. The Longboat Key Foundation, now led

by Phillips, stated in its goals and objectives letter that it would like to collaborate with the town on a fundraising effort for the replacement of the Bayfront Park Recreation Center.

“I think it’s beyond refurbishing,” Phillips said. “We’ve done the ‘lipstick on the pig’ several times already. I think that it is fully time to replace it and catch up with the rest of that very high-quality, awardwinning park.”

Phillips is looking to a building in Fort Myers Beach for inspiration: the welcome center at Lovers Key State Park, designed by Sweet Sparkman Architecture firm, the same firm that designed the town’s fire station 92.

“It’s just beautiful, and it would give you a beach-to-bay view,” Phillips said. “I think when they see this design, people will get really excited.”

Fundraising would begin when an estimated price tag is determined, Phillips said, and that is contingent on a conceptual design being completed for a new community center.

The town may be on board following a successful fundraising campaign to fund expanded community space at the Sarasota County library being built at the Town Green, also a joint fundraising effort between the town and the foundation.

“It’s been a discussion on replacement for a long time, and it’s just a question of what that actually looks like. The town may put some dollars into some conceptual designs that the Longboat Key Foundation could use for fundraising purposes,” Tipton said. “But it’s going to have to evolve a lot further.”

The Far Horizons Resort was purchased

by Murf Klauber to be redeveloped into a luxury spa, a project that died out after a battle with the town that culminated in a lawsuit where the town was ordered to pay $9 million to Klauber in damages.

The town eventually settled with Klauber by paying him $6.5 million cash.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

Mayors discuss paid parking, phone pings and pier repairs Elected leaders from Longboat Key, Anna Maria and Holmes Beach met to discuss issues facing the barrier islands, along with projects present and future.

PARKING

S.T. CARDINAL STAFF WRITER

A

lthough the two barrier islands of Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island measure less than 20 miles end to end, there’s plenty going on.

On May 6, three mayors representing towns on those islands met at Longboat Key Town Hall to catch up.

The potential introduction of paid parking, Anna Maria Pier repairs, Manatee County property valuations, ferry service and traffic backups were all discussed. For Longboat Key’s new mayor Debra Williams, the meeting served as a chance to exchange information on topics that affect all the jurisdictions on Anna Maria and Longboat.

“We’ve got a lot in common with Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria. There’s a lot of things we deal with that we all have to deal with,” Williams said. “They’re different communities than we are, but it’s good just to have that free flow of information to talk about things like we talked about today. For example, the parking. If they do bring paid parking to Coquina (Beach), that’s going to have implications for all of us.”

With Manatee County signifying it may begin charging people to park in county lots on Anna Maria Island, local leaders are evaluating how that could affect their jurisdictions.

Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton described introducing paid parking to squeezing a balloon. The air (in this analogy, the cars) must go somewhere.

“If you have to pay to park there, people will search,” Tipton said, alluding to the fact that beachgoers will start to look at free beaches, such as Longboat’s.

Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short said the town has begun the process of performing a parking study to “evaluate options we may have” and how much parking inventory there is in the city.

“My scariest scenario is if Coquina and Manatee Public and County goes to pay-to-park, people are going to drive right by those places and hunt and search and find any available free spot,” Short said. “That’s why we’re doing this (study) because it’s going to be a significant challenge. Even if they have to walk four blocks to get to the beach, they’ll do that because they won’t have to pay whatever the county might decide to charge.”

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth attended the Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting at Longboat Key Town Hall, along with Longboat Key Mayor Debra Williams and Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short.

Photos by S.T. Cardinal

Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short shares an update on the Anna Maria Pier to Longboat Key Mayor Debra Williams (left) and Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton (right) at a Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting May 6.

ANNA MARIA PIER

Short shared an update on repairs to the Anna Maria Island Pier, which was severely damaged in the 2024 hurricanes. He said the walkway, which was the costliest and most time-consuming aspect of the repairs, is expected to be finished before August.

“The next step for us is to fix what we call the T-end of the pier,” Short said. “We received yesterday the bids to do the remediation work for the buildings, which we need to do first before we do the final repair work to the buildings. We’re also in the process of evaluating what’s going to go in at the end of the pier. Mote (Marine), that used to be out there, is not going back.”

Manatee County is looking to add a Gulf Islands Ferry stop to the pier once it is rebuilt, Short said, but the pier would need to go through alterations beyond what is being done in the renovations. That’s because streamlined permitting documents specified that the pier be rebuilt exactly how it was previous to the storm damage, “which meant no accommodation for a water ferry.”

“The county knows this. They

have to construct their own landing,” Short said. “A boat cannot dock at our pier. It can connect to our pier, possibly, but the whole landing thing is on the county.”

TRACKING VIA PING

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said 7.3 million visitors came to the small beach town last year. How does she know?

“We have an app that tracks through cellphones how many people are coming to your city and where they’re from,” Titsworth said.

The tool uses cellphone pings to track how many people come to a certain area, which can be as narrow as a single beach access.

At Manatee County Public Beach alone, 1 million visited last year.

Using cellphone billing data, the tool not only informs the municipality how many people came, but where they call home. “(Some) 12,000 were Holmes Beach residents, 200,000 were county and the balance (788,000) was from out of state,” Titsworth said.

Williams had heard of the tool before and said she was interested in

potentially introducing it in Longboat Key. “That’s really good data,” she said.

STORMWATER FEE SHAKEUP

The city of Anna Maria may potentially change how stormwater fees are calculated a year after the city doubled its stormwater fee from $2 per hundred square feet to $4.

Short said stormwater fees have traditionally been determined solely based on the size of the parcel. After hearing concern from residents who had small houses on large lots and thought it unfair that they were being charged for lot size, not impervious surface area, a new strategy is being considered. Now, the city is looking to take into account the area of impervious surfaces (roofs, asphalt, concrete, i.e.) each parcel has.

“Our goal is to change that process effective September to change from per-parcel size to potentially a three-step process,” Short said.

“Every parcel gets a flat fee, then based on impervious coverage they get charged an additional fee for whatever that is, and then if their lot coverage exceeds a certain percentage, they would get another charge.”

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

5

Work begins on new vision for Shore Whether hotel units are included is contingent on city of Sarasota approval, but Tom Leonard is making his case early.

S.T. CARDINAL STAFF WRITER

S

hore Restaurant’s return to St. Armands Circle, as Shore cofounder Tom Leonard describes it, could be the beginning of a revitalization of the shopping and dining district.

“It’s time for a little love on the Circle,” he said.

Leonard is showing his love with an investment to develop the former Chase Bank building at Madison Drive and North Boulevard of the Presidents. Leonard has not disclosed the price of the development yet, but “it’s up there,” he says.

A main driver of that high cost is floodproofing measures including water-resistant windows that cost $500 per linear foot to install “that

HOMECOMING

St. Armands holds a special place in Shore co-founders Tom and Susan Leonard’s hearts. In a December press release, the St. Armands concept was described as a homecoming.

“To return now, stronger, reenergized, and with an even bigger vision, is incredibly meaningful after such loss and devastation,” Susan Leonard wrote in the release. “It feels like a rebirth.”

And more of the family is getting involved.

“Now it looks like my daughter (Courtney) and son (Matthew) are kind of going to take over the reins of the business,” Tom Leonard said. “My daughter travels a lot and has always wanted to do her version of a coffee shop. It’s something to add more interest and put something on the Circle that we think is missed. Now that Starbucks is no longer on the Circle, there’s a practical use for it to come back.”

basically makes your building an aquarium.” The floodproofing measures are sufficient to meet FEMA’s 51% rule, Leonard said.

“Could we do it for probably one quarter of the cost if we used regular impact glass? We could. But to protect your asset and protect your product, I think is well worth it,” he said. “FEMA would love to see everybody elevate or try to floodproof buildings. They don’t want these insurance losses that are mounting every time we see storms.”

In November 2024, Shore announced it was closing its restaurant and boutique around the corner at 465 John Ringling Blvd. and leaving St. Armands Circle. At the time, Leonard cited damage from the hurricanes and “the lack of urgency from the city in addressing the infrastructure issues” related to stormwater and flooding on the Circle.

In December 2025, Leonard announced Shore’s plans to return to the Circle, calling it a “full-circle homecoming moment.”

Demolition is underway on the buildings at 24 and 28 N. Boulevard of the Presidents, with the first and second floors taken down to the concrete and steel. A permit for the demolition at 28 N. Boulevard of the Presidents was issued by the city on March 10, and another demolition permit for 24 N. Boulevard of the Presidents is under review by the city of Sarasota.

The vision of Shore’s return to St.

Armands is to construct a three-story, mixed-use building that would include a café and gift shop on the first floor, restaurant on the second and eight hotel units (pending approval by the city) on the third.

There’s been some pushback to the third aspect of those plans. At a recent community meeting where residents were invited to share their vision of St. Armands Circle’s future, “no hotels” was a common refrain.

Leonard says the introduction of hotels should be decided on a caseby-case basis, starting with the top floor of Shore Restaurant.

“I’m not trying to turn St. Armands into one big, gigantic resort by any stretch of the imagination,” Leonard said. “It would be, in my opinion, not an absolute change to the code.

It would be case by case and take commission approval every time, and that would go through public scrutiny.”

Lodging in St. Armands is a vital step if the Circle wants to compete with regional destinations such as Fifth Avenue South in Naples and local competition like UTC, Leonard said.

“How can you be a commercial tourism district and not have a hotel?,” he asks. “We’re not trying to overbuild for the area, but we feel like eight rooms with a rooftop pool would be very appropriate and would add some life and character to the Circle.”

Each hotel room would be about

S.T. Cardinal

Work is underway at 28 N. Boulevard of the Presidents in the first phase of Tom Leonard’s plan to bring the Shore Restaurant back to St. Armands Circle.

Image courtesy of Tom Leonard

500 to 600 square feet, Leonard said.

Although the hotel has garnered some pushback, the restaurant has brought excitement from the Sarasota, Lido Key and Longboat Key communities. Described as “New American coastal cuisine” anchored by fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients, the restaurant’s Longboat Key location has continued to attract diners.

“I think it’s been a huge success up there on that end of Longboat.

Every year, we’re breaking through new numbers, so it’s been great,” Leonard said.

As the project moves along, but with questions remaining on details, Leonard emphasized that it could lead to a wider movement of redevelopment in the Circle.

“I do think we can be a building model for what St. Armands could be. That you don’t need to go over height. You can build a really cool looking building in a two- or threestory, hopefully three-story, capacity, and it’ll be an example,” Leonard said. “All of that could help maybe less T-shirt shops and more higherend retail. And I think that’s how you’re going to get it. The buildings themselves have to be built to attract those types of tenants.”

If all goes to plan, the development that would see Shore return to St. Armands would include a cafe and retail on the first floor, restaurant on the second floor and an eight-room boutique hotel on the third floor.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

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The St. Regis Longboat Key arch is installed on a private groin that extends into the Gulf.

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Town sues St. Regis over beachfront arch Jurisdictional claims, state permit both addressed in town’s case against resort.

S.T. CARDINAL STAFF WRITER

The town last week filed suit against owners of one of the largest resorts on the barrier island.

A lawsuit filed by the firm Garcia Dell on behalf of Longboat Key and signed by attorney Martin Garcia asks the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida for “permanent mandatory injunctive relief” to order the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort to remove the arch from its pier that has become the hot topic of the town. SR LBK and SR LBK II LLC are the plaintiffs listed on the suit.

Installed in August 2025, the stainless-steel arch that stands on a rehabbed beachfront groin was ordered removed by the town for violating several sections of the town’s code of ordinances.

In November 2025, Unicorp, developer of St. Regis, requested the Town Commission consider altering the town’s sign code to allow the arch. After that effort failed, the town gave the resort a deadline to remove the arch of 5 p.m. May 8 to bring it into compliance, which the St. Regis has not done. The town then filed suit May 15.

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One of the main points Unicorp President Charles Whittall and lawyer Brenda Patten make when discussing the sign is that the private groin on which the arch is built extends into the Gulf. They argue that the permit the resort received for the attraction

popular with guests for social media photos was issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. That’s all the permission the company needs, they say.

The town’s suit, however, argues against that point. A map is attached to the court filing that shows the town’s “territorial and jurisdictional boundaries” extending seaward beyond the groin.

“The fact that the FDEP may also have jurisdiction over the groin does not mean the Town does not have concurrent jurisdiction such that its Code of Ordinances also apply as to any construction on the groin Field Permit fine print,” the lawsuit reads.

In its suit, the town argues that the “fine print” on the FDEP field permit further proves its point about FDEP’s jurisdiction not superseding its own.

The field permit, attached to the suit and signed by Whittall in February 2024, states “the permit is valid only after all applicable federal, state and local permits are obtained and does not authorize contravention of local setback requirements or zoning or building codes.”

Furthermore, the town’s suit points out that the developers sought a town building permit in 2022 for initial repairs to the groin even after applying for and receiving a “De Minimis Exception” from FDEP. By requesting a town permit, the developers were “recognizing that the groin was within the town’s jurisdiction and that the rebuilding of the groin was subject to the Town’s Code of Ordinances.”

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

In Focus

LONGBOAT

Plymouth Harbor spotlights local talent with photography exhibit.

“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

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Photos by Dana Kampa

Gunilla Imshaug caught this snowy egret midstrike on Sarasota Bay.

Photographer Barbara Miciak stands beside the image she captured of two terns on Lido Beach. She and 30 other photographers shared their work at a reception for the unveiling of a new gallery at Plymouth Harbor on May 12.

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DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER

P

lymouth Harbor residents are getting a glimpse of life through

the lens of talented local artists via a new photography gallery at the senior-living facility.

Residents chatted with members of the Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club at an artist reception on May 12. The club welcomes experienced and new photographers, and both were

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uplifted at the showcase of works by 35 finalists. A total of 57 images are on display at the first showcase focused solely on photography in recent years.

Among those finalists, five received blue ribbons from a panel of judges, with three taking home the top prize and two honorable mentions.

Linda McKenna and Rick Waid both earned honorable mentions for their pieces, respectively titled “Paddling into the Sunset” and “Wild Mare with Foal.”

Bill Mills won third for his architectural photo, “Casa Vieja,” set in Granada, Spain. The piece captures the character of a quiet side street, centered on “a house the guidebooks forgot.”

Inger Keussen won second for “Early Morning in Tuscany,” a shot featuring a small Italian chapel amid the haze of a September sunrise.

Finally, Dick Foster won the grand prize for his iconic image of a cheetah facing the viewer head-on.

Norris Carroll, one of the competition judges, said it was no easy task narrowing down the 57 original submissions, given the level of talent and creativity on display.

“It was a challenge because of the variety of subjects, the variety of sizes, and the variety of mediums,” he said.

Artists were invited to use their preferred material, from canvas to metal prints.

However, with the Florida Camera Club Council’s judging criteria as a guide — which prioritize overall impact, composition of elements and technical aspects — the three judges were able to make their final selections.

Carroll said part of what set Foster’s cheetah photo apart is the intensity of its piercing stare, the overall clarity, and the symmetry of the face in the frame.

Pam Truitt, club member and field trip director, said this showcase aimed to highlight the variety of perspectives club members bring to the table. The gallery includes every-

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Pam Truitt has a gator-centric piece in the outdoor section of the Plymouth Harbor gallery.

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS SELECTED FOR SHOWCASE

The newest showcase of artistic talent at Plymouth Harbor shares the works of 35 different photographers. They are: Susan Beausang; Lynnette Beecher; Jim Brady; Tom Cofer; Susan Cruzan; Wojciechl Cwikiel; Kathryn DeYoung; David Ferguson; Frank Forward; Dick Foster; Claudia Gerber; Gary Goodpaster; Marsha Henderson; Gunilla Imshaug; Roger Janzak; Inger Keussen; Debi Lander; Deanne Lay; Liz Liebham; Lois Mauro; Linda McKenna; Barbara Miciak; Bill Mills; Arthur Newman; Giovanni Paulo; Reenie Ram; Bobbie Ray; Morag Reid; Gordon Silver; Pam Truitt; Rick Waid; Jen Walker; Reena Walking; Jeff Widmer; and Jim Zahka.

thing from portraiture to landscapes to, of course, wildlife shots capturing the beauty of Florida’s animals.

Barbara Miciak is one of the featured artists selected for the gallery, and her image of two royal terns was captured on nearby Lido Beach.

While hundreds of photos may be snapped on the popular beach in a single day, it takes just the right elements to align to get the perfect image.

“I’ve spent the last three years chasing the birds here almost every day,” she said.

Other images leaned into the whimsical, like Susan Beausang’s stack of hard-boiled eggs, titled “Defying Gravity.”

Photographer Kathryn DeYoung

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Photographers who contributed to the Plymouth Harbor gallery show explored many subjects, like this landscape of snow-covered mountains by Bobbie Ray.

offered an example of her portrait work. In “Trapped,” a young woman looks off into the distance, separated from the viewer through netting.

DeYoung said she was inspired by the isolation that came during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While some photography competitions maintain strict rules about digital manipulation, this exhibition focused on creativity. DeYoung said she started with a photograph, then hand drew the tear on the woman’s cheek and digitally layered several effects to achieve the emotion she sought.

Truitt, a member of the photography club for the past 10 years, encourages photographers of all experience levels to consider joining — regardless of whether they fall into the Nikon, Sony, Canon or other fan clubs.

“We have about 250 members, and it’s one of the largest photography clubs in Florida,” she said.

In addition to hosting regular meetings to swap knowledge on new techniques and equipment, the club frequently goes on field trips.

One of the most recent was an adventure in the Everglades.

She said the photography club

was inspired to collaborate with Plymouth Harbor by an artist who participated in last September’s multimedia artist showcase. Sasha Madrid, the facility’s communications coordinator, said curators of the gallery space work to showcase a diversity of local talent, and they were delighted to welcome so many perspectives for this show.

“This is very special because it’s something curated by residents, for residents,” she said.

Outside visitors to Plymouth Harbor must have an appointment with the appropriate personnel for a visit, check in at the lobby’s front desk, and be accompanied by a staff member, resident or resident volunteer. Call 941-365-2600 or email Info@PlymouthHarbour.org with questions.

Anyone unable to catch the exhibit can see more examples of the photography club’s work at the Lakewood Ranch Library, located at 16410 Rangeland Parkway.

To learn more about the photography club, visit LWRDPC.WildApricot.org.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

9

Ready or not, be ready Disaster preparedness seminar addressed storm misconceptions, shared forecasts and advice.

S.T. CARDINAL STAFF WRITER

Ian Swaby

Black skimmers gather on Lido Beach.

F

or those living on an island, the beginning of hurricane season always garners interest.

That was evident by the attendance at the Disaster Preparedness Seminar on May 14, for which nearly 200 people filled Longboat Key Club’s Harbourside Ballroom.

With effects from the 2024 season still fresh, town residents paid close attention to advice from panelists.

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce organized the event.

President Kim Verreault introduced the speakers and thanked sponsors and attendees, saying that an informed, connected and prepared populace ensures that Longboat Key remains a strong and resilient community.

the federal emergency declaration is issued.

“That is why accurate reporting is so important,” Babair said. “The information gathered the first few days after a storm helps shape what resources the community receives later on.”

THE FORECAST

EVACUATIONS AND RE-ENTRIES

Although ABC 7 Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan can’t tell whether the Gulf Coast will be hit by a hurricane, he did say seasonal forecasts point to a calmer season.

The “El Niño” weather pattern that NOAA expects to emerge this July means a warmer Pacific Ocean and a cooler Atlantic.

“During El Niño, the storms get ripped apart because of the strong upper-level winds generated by that warming of the eastern Pacific,” Harrigan explained. “The wind shear is much more, and you don’t see as many major hurricanes.”

Regardless of that seemingly promising prognosis, Harrigan said it’s important to be prepared every season.

“It doesn’t matter what the forecasts are. Just remember to prepare,” Harrigan said.

Harrigan also noted that the “cone of uncertainty” that is typically shared as a hurricane approaches does not mean automatic safety if your home is outside of the cone.

“A lot of the people in Fort Myers during (Hurricane) Ian were not in the cone for a long time,” Harrigan said. “Being in that cone doesn’t mean that’s the only people that have to worry.”

DISASTER DECLARATION

Congressman Vern Buchanan, though he could not attend, recorded a video message to share with attendees.

“My office is always there to help,” he said in the video. “If you need any help in terms of FEMA or any other agencies, call my office and we’ll be glad to do what we can to help you quickly.”

In his stead was Buchanan’s Legislative Director Chase Babair, whose address included an explanation of the emergency declaration process and why it matters.

Babair said the process begins in the aftermath of storms when emergency management teams survey an area to determine the extent of damage. That information goes to the state and then the federal government, which determines whether

S.T. Cardinal

The crux of the presentation by Police Chief Russ Mager and Fire Chief Paul Dezzi was: “when we say evacuate, evacuate.”

Town Commissioner Gary Coffin shared a video that drove home that point to the crowd. It showed a river of salt water flowing over Gulf of Mexico Drive at the height of storm surge during Hurricane Helene.

Mager said that during extreme storm conditions, police leave the island, and rescue operations are simply not possible when the island is closed. Anyone who ignores an evacuation order in that case is on their own.

Harrigan advised that it’s good practice to keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full throughout hurricane season.

ABC 7 Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan speaks at the Longboat Key Disaster Preparedness Seminar organized by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce.

INSURANCE

Babair, during his address to the crowd, said that insurance has become one of the biggest concerns for not only homeowners, but businesses across the state.

Invited to speak on the subject was Secur-All Insurance Agency Branch Manager Sandra Smith, who said that the exodus of companies offering property insurance in the state has begun to reverse.

“Thanks to (Gov.) Ron DeSantis, he pushed to put tort reform in place to hold back the attorney fees that have been battling our industry for years,” Smith said.

Still, Smith shared that Florida was the most expensive state for insurance in the country.

That’s especially prevalent on a barrier island with high-valued homes.

“It’s not only expensive to build on Longboat Key, but it’s expensive to insure on Longboat Key,” she said.

Smith said the biggest misconception about insurance is that a general homeowners’ policy covers flooding and that condominium association fees cover flooding or storm damage.

“If the waters rise up from the ground and they enter your home or garage, it’s your flood policy that can make you whole,” she said.

Skimmer season arrives on the Keys A colony of black skimmers continues to thrive on Lido; here’s how to respect their space.

IAN SWABY

HOW TO VOLUNTEER If you would like to volunteer to help the colony, contact Abby O’Donnell at Abby.ODonnell@Audubon.org.

STAFF WRITER

W

ith the holiday weekend of Memorial Day ahead, it’s a time many people are planning to head to the beach.

However, they’re not the only ones who are hoping to make use of the space, and they may be sharing it with some feathered residents.

Currently, a section of North Lido Beach is the local gathering spot for black skimmers, a distinctive medium-sized seabird in the gull family, which are designated a threatened species in Florida.

Abby O’Donnell, Sarasota stewardship coordinator for Audubon Florida, expects their chicks to begin hatching on May 21.

She shared some tips for beachgoers on keeping the bird colony safe and healthy while enjoying the beach over Memorial Day weekend.

This season initially brought 500 black skimmers to North Lido Beach, with about 300 in Siesta Key and 300 in Longboat Key, O’Donnell said.

However, the birds began congregating on North Lido Beach, just north of the public access at John Ringling Boulevard and Benjamin Franklin Drive.

That count of nests is about standard for Lido Key, averaging about 1,000 adults in a colony that usually brings 700 to 1,300 birds and has been nesting on Lido since at least 2011.

Recently, the skimmers were located at South Lido Beach, closer to the public parking. While O’Donnell says their current spot will spare them from activity in the immediate area near the parking lot, people must still be aware of the colony.

One of their biggest threats to survival is habitat loss.

“Their population is declining, so we try to do as much as we can, even if it’s protecting one bird at a time, it makes a big difference,” she said.

Beside the skimmers is also a small colony of least terns, a state-threatened small seabird, with 12 members.

O’Donnell said the skimmers have strong site fidelity and expects them to continue returning to Lido Key, for it is the location where they have seen the most success.

Some of their predators include gulls, fish crows and coyotes, with the latter having a notable presence

on Longboat Key. While the area of the birds, which is opposite the water, is roped off, the young will still be wandering out of the area after they hatch. People can legally walk on the beach outside the ropes, but they are prohibited from disturbing the bird colony.

Often, the birds will be found near the water line, but people should make sure they don’t walk through the areas where they are found.

O’Donnell said disrupting the birds and making them move or fly away can waste energy that they need to conserve to incubate their eggs and raise their young.

“We really want people to give them space, give them room to rest and relax and be able to save that energy to provide for their young when they need to,” she said.

Another important way people can help the colony is by cleaning up their trash, which can blow into the colony and disturb the birds as well as attract predators.

Additionally, dogs are not allowed on the beach, and the skimmers perceive dogs as being their primary predators, even if they are leashed and at a distance.

O’Donnell said that a network of volunteers and stewards on the beach Friday, Saturday and Sunday is helping to keep watch, helping to not only warn beachgoers but also educate them about the birds.

The species has a beak with a bottom part longer than the upper one, and their name comes from the fact that they can be seen using it to skim the water for their food.

Adult birds are recognizable by their distinctive black and white coloration, while their chicks blend in with the color of the sand, which helps them avoid predators.

O’Donnell hopes that people will maintain their admiration for the birds while keeping their distance.

“You can still admire them, still observe them, whether you go further into the water to walk around them, or if you have to come up into the sand a little bit more, just giving them space, and have that admiration for them, but from a distance,” she said.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

COPS CORNER

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SATURDAY, MAY 9 23 MINUTES TOO LATE 5:11 p.m., Hibiscus Way Noise disturbance: Police were called to a neighborhood in response to a noise complaint at 5:11 p.m. When police arrived to speak with the caller, they heard power tools being used nearby at 5:23 p.m. As the town’s noise ordinance dictates, power tools can not be used after 5 p.m. Police interviewed a flooring installer with the company who was advised of the ordinance and issued a citation. The case was closed and the noise stopped.

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LAST PAYCHECK 8:19 a.m., 400 Gulf of Mexico Drive Disturbance: A former employee of a gas station went to pick up their last paycheck, leading to an argument that resulted in a call to police.

When the officer arrived, the former employee and a current staff member were separated and interviewed separately. The former employee told police that she believed she was being denied wages earned and that she needed the money for rent.

The manager of the station said she had attempted to get information from the former employee to direct deposit her last check, but when she came in to pick up the check, the request for information led to a heated argument. With mediation by the police officer, direct deposit information was set up, a trespass order was issued to the former employee, and the case was then closed.

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SUNDAY, MAY 10

BIRD TANGLED IN FISHING LINE 5:42 p.m., 2333 Gulf of Mexico Drive Animal problem: Police were called after a seabird became stuck and tangled in fishing line at a condominium complex. When an officer arrived, the bird made it out of the pool area, “but refused to cooper-

ate” to remove the fishing line from its wing. Police observed that the bird had a badly injured wing. The bird then fled to a nearby area of brush for shelter. Attempts to flush the bird out of the brush to remove the fishing line were unsuccessful.

Police told condo staff to call police if the bird left the area to see if help could be provided. With no success freeing the bird in about 45 minutes, the case was closed.

TIME TO MOVE ON 6:36 p.m., 4011 Gulf of Mexico Drive Family disturbance: A woman who broke up with her ex-boyfriend two months ago was approached by him at the beach “to talk,” and she called the police. The woman, who was at the beach with her family, told the officer that she has felt at numerous times since the breakup that she was being followed and has blocked the man’s number on multiple devices. An hour from home, she felt the two being at the same beach at the same time was not coincidence, and called police after he refused to leave her alone. Police documented the case with a police report in case other action such as a restraining order was deemed necessary. Police closed the case.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

The woman behind the ‘whodunit?’

Bird Key Women’s Association members heard from murder mystery author Susan Hanafee at their latest meet-up.

DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER

B

irds of prey circling overhead typically aren’t a sign of something good. But in the world of murder mysteries, they are the sign of an intriguing storyline about to unfurl.

At the Bird Key Women’s Association meet-up on May 13, attendees discussed the book “Scavenger Tides,” penned by author Susan Hanafee. They also took the chance to chat with the author herself, who joined the group to share insights into the characters and writing process.

The opportunity came about through Hanafee’s friendship with Bird Key resident Joan Love, who hosted the gathering. They connected while Love was working in the oncology department of the nearby hospital, helping coordinate visits from therapy dogs and similar activities.

“We enjoy one another’s company and are both authors, so we have a lot in common,” Love said when introducing Hanafee to the group.

Hanafee has written four books in the mystery series following the character of Leslie Elliott. She has also written several others, including collections of short stories inspired

by Florida living and a few children’s books, “Rachael’s Island Adventures.”

Set in Sarasota, “Scavenger Tides” follows Elliott as she stumbles upon a flock of raptors making their way into a neighboring house, where she is met with a grisly scene. Tensions only escalate as body parts suddenly appear — and even more concerningly disappear — from along the shores of the gulf.

What unfurls is a murder mystery with plenty of nods to the Southwest Florida city, from mention of Mote Marine to debates on the evolution of real estate.

Hanafee self-publishes her works, relying on her experience as a former reporter with The Indianapolis Star and her team of editors.

Attendees questioned her about the process of self-publishing, and

Hanafee said it takes dedication to tackle everything from crafting an outline to selecting the cover art. But it comes down to a labor of love for the author.

As the daughter of an attorney and a school teacher, she grew up with a love for books and reading.

In fact, her father wrote a book, but as Hanafee recalls, it ended up being used as scrap paper.

She brought with her a T-shirt that warns, “Be careful or you could end up in my novel,” and Hanafee said there is some truth to it. She often draws inspiration from colorful characters she meets in Florida.

She makes a habit of writing almost every day, taking her outline and character inspiration and letting them blossom through her fingertips. She lets the storyline flow where it naturally goes, but one guideline she tries to follow is that any mys-

Photos by Dana Kampa

tery should be fair to the reader.

There should be enough hints along the way for the observant to hazard a guess, with the odd twist and red herring to keep things interesting.

Between books, she regularly publishes blogs on her website, SusanHanafee.com.

She has new projects, as well, including a new mystery she cowrote with her grandson that is scheduled to publish in September.

Hanafee said working on the project

together was a bonding experience she treasures, one that has helped her better understand his perspective.

Without giving too much away, Hanafee said a future book may also be on the way, inspired by a Palmer Ranch retirement facility.

“Scavenger Tides” is available in print and electronic formats through BookBaby.com and other online retailers.

Author Susan Hanafee shares insights into the selfpublishing process with members of the Bird Key Women’s Association.

Bird Key Women’s Association members heard from author Susan Hanafee (second from front right) about her murder mystery set in Sarasota.

Friend Joan Love (front right) hosted the May 13 meet-up.

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MAY 21, 2026

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

A fiddler finds his roof

After a musical family escapes war in Ukraine, two brothers land at Asolo Repertory Theatre.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

I

n Africa, they say it takes a village to raise a child. And it took a village of sorts to transport

Andrii Padkovskyi out of war-torn Ukraine to a roof in the mythical village of Anatevka in Asolo Repertory Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Since arriving in Sarasota County in 2022 with the help of a family friend, violinist Andrii, 16, and his brother, clarinetist Yurii Padkovskyi, 21, have been embraced by the musical community spanning the Tamiami Trail from Sarasota to Venice. That’s how the brothers both ended up on stage in Asolo Rep’s “Fiddler.”

To breathe new life into the Broadway musical based on the Yiddish tales of Sholem Aleichem, Asolo Rep Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein decided to cast actors who are also musicians. On opening night, Rothstein told the audience that he auditioned about 1,000 performers, both locally and in New York City, to find the 26 members of his cast.

Andrii Padkovskyi got the titular role. He’s playing on the roof as the musical’s protagonist, Tevye the Milkman (Jeremy Radin), ponders the existential and societal threats to his Jewish family in 1905 Russia.

Yurii plays clarinet with the ensemble cast.

The Padkovskyi brothers’ journey to the stage of FSU Center for the Performing Arts, where “Fiddler” is playing, began in February 2022. As Russia invaded Ukraine, Andrii and his mom piled into their car and left their home in the city of Lviv. Traffic was backed up for miles, and it took the family nearly two days to travel the 40 miles to the Polish border, says Yurii, who acts as the spokesman for the family.

At this time, Yurii and his older brother, Sasha, a pianist, were studying in the Czech Republic. They later reunited with the rest of the family in Poland. “People were scared and wanted to leave because Lviv is near a military base and they thought it would be bombed,” explains Yurii.

“So people were heading to Poland in cars, on bicycles, even walking with their things. Sasha and I had a safe place for them. We waited for them to come, but it was really long.”

Of the family, Yurii is the most fluent in English. He translated answers to a reporter’s questions during a recent interview in the Observer’s offices. He is quite protective of his younger virtuoso brother.

Photo courtesy of Adrian Van Stee

The Padkovskyi brothers and their mother were able to find their way to Florida through the help of a former neighbor in Ukraine who was then living in Port Charlotte. The woman’s son used to play with the brothers and take music lessons with them in Lviv, says their mother, Tamara Doroshenko.

After the family settled in Venice, they started attending the Venice Presbyterian Church. The church’s music director, Donna Smith, steered violinist Andrii to Marcus Ratzenboeck, concertmaster of The Venice Symphony, who also plays violin with Sarasota Orchestra.

The Venice-Sarasota music network had started to kick in. Ratzenboeck brought Andrii to the attention of Lena Kampis. A violinist and violist on hiatus from the Sarasota Orchestra, Kampis is the co-founder and executive director of the Sarasota Music Conservatory.

The nonprofit conservatory helps train promising young musicians and prepare for competitions. Winners of the conservatory’s competitions get to play side by side with performers in organizations such as the Perlman Music Program Suncoast and The Pops Orchestra.

SETTING THE ORIGIN STORY STRAIGHT

Success has many fathers, so it’s no surprise that everyone wants credit for helping to discover Andrii Padkovskyi. Kampis wants to get the

IF YOU GO

‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’ When: Runs through May 24 Where: at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $37-$99 Info: Visit AsoloRep.org.

origin story straight.

“We discovered him (Andrii) at our yearly concerto competition in November 2024,” she says. “Marcus is my friend and colleague and we were discussing the Sarasota Music Conservatory Competition. He said, ‘I have this new student you should look at.’”

Along with one other winner, Andrii was given the opportunity to perform with The Pops Orchestra, which plays regularly at Riverview Performing Arts Center and SCF/ Neel Auditorium in Bradenton. It was at The Pops that the future “Fiddler on the Roof” came to the attention of Asolo Rep’s Rothstein, says Robyn Bell, artistic and managing director of The Pops, a community orchestra.

“For our March 2025 concert, ‘Love It Like a Local,’ we featured nine local performers and partnered with the Sarasota Music Conservatory to present the first- and secondplace winners of their November 2024 concerto competition. Andrii had come in second place for that

Monica Gagnier

Andrii Padkovskyi, his mother, Tamara Doroshenko, Yurii Padkovskyi and Yurii’s partner, Valeriia Dulyba, pose in front of a fountain on Main Street in Sarasota.

competition, so he performed his piece with us, which was the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto,” Bell said.

Another performer at that fateful Pops concert was Asolo’s senior props manager, Frank J. Paul, who is also a talented vocalist. “Peter (Rothstein) came to our concert at Riverview Performing Arts Center to watch Frank perform. That’s where he discovered Andrii, who performed on the second half of the program,” Bell says. “About a week later, Peter reached out to me for Andrii’s contact information.”

When Andrii connected with Rothstein and others from Asolo Rep, he told them about his clarinetplaying brother. That’s how Yurii won the chance to audition for the musical.

For two relatively recent arrivals to the U.S., being thrust into long hours of rehearsal with professional Asolo Rep players was both exhilarating and confusing.

“People talk about how it’s hard to sing and dance at the same time, but it’s also very hard to play your instrument while moving,” Yurii says. “It’s like being in a marching band but without the music in front of you.”

What smoothed the transition from classical music lessons to life on an Actors Equity stage was the patriarchal presence of Radin, who plays Tevye. “He really brought the cast together. He’s funny and he tells jokes, just like his character,” Yurii says as Andrii nods with his sweet but inscrutable smile.

What is it about Andrii that has inspired so much support for him in Sarasota and Venice? According to Kampis, part of it is his family’s dramatic escape from war in Ukraine and finding a safe home in Florida.

But that’s only part. It’s Andrii’s shy, unassuming manner, coupled with outsized talent, that makes people open their hearts, she says.

“He’s got a violin personality,” Kampis says. “He’s tall and very obviously at ease on the instrument.

He’s a musician at heart. Of course, when people learn he came from Ukraine, it’s very endearing. People like a story, but there’s something more. There’s a soul to Andrii’s playing. You can’t teach that. But you can work with it to help it come out.”

That’s what the musical village in Sarasota County has been doing.

Andrii Padkovskyi plays the fiddler in Asolo Repertory Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”

YourObserver.com

ART OPENING 5 p.m. at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail Free Visit ArtSarasota.org Celebrate the opening of the latest exhibitions at Art Center Sarasota, where admission is free and works are for sale. The exhibitions include “Anja Palombo: Composed,” “Designing the Cultural Coast” (cocurated by Marty Hylton),“Cat Tesla: Living by the Water” and “Medium Mutiny,” juried by Ed Swan Jr. Complimentary valet parking available.

Runs through July 31.

LEAVING ON A JET PLANE’ 7 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave. $42 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Created by Aaron Gundy, “Leaving on a Jet Plane” features an acoustic trio who take you on a flight to the

feel-good era of folk music in the late 1960s and 1970s. Among the singer/songwriters whose works are featured in this upbeat show are Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, Crosby, Stills & Nash and the Lovin’ Spoonful. To quote the Spoonful, this show “didn’t have to be so nice;” we would have loved it anyway.

‘MARIE AND ROSETTA’ 7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $65-$71 Visit AsoloRep.org.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe earned the nickname “the godmother of rock ’n’ roll” for transforming gospel music with her fierce guitar playing. She also influenced the music of Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash and Jimi Hendrix. Asolo Repertory Theatre’s latest production captures the first rehearsal between Tharpe (Maiesha McQueen) and one of her acolytes, Marie Knight (Alexis J. Roston), on the eve of their first tour. Directed by E. Faye Butler. Runs through May 31.

DON’T MISS ‘MUSIC FOR NEW BODIES’ Got a hankering for a modern, cutting-edge opera? “Music for New Bodies” is just the ticket for you. A co-production of contemporary classical music group ensembleNew SRQ and Artist Series Concerts, “Music for New Bodies” is making its Sarasota premiere after being presented in a handful of cities, including Houston, New York, Seattle and Aspen, Colorado. The opera was inspired by the poetry of Jorie Graham and the writings of environmentalist Rachel Carson. Its creators, Matthew Aucoin and Peter Sellars, are coming to Sarasota to participate in the culmination of ensembleNewSRQ’s 10th anniversary season and Artist Series’ Concerts’ 30th.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. Friday Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets: $50 Info: Visit EnSRQ.org.

‘CONFEDERATES’ 7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $41 adults; $16 students 25 and younger and active military Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.

Past and present collide as two stories of Black women fighting oppression unfold centuries apart in “Confederates,” Dominique Morisseau’s time-travel drama produced

by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in its Howard Millman black box theater. Runs through May 24.

SATURDAY ‘PIPPI LONGSTOCKING — THE MUSICAL’ 2 p.m. at Tree Free Productions, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $25 Visit TreeFortProductionsProjects. com.

Tree Fort Productions founder Katherine Michelle Tanner creates her own musical inspired by Pippi Longstocking, the headstrong young heroine with red hair created by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren in the 1940s. Since her debut in print, Pippi has gone on to become a star of TV and movies around the world.

This show features members of Tree Fort’s Youth Production Company.

Photo by Salvatore Piccolo

OUR PICK

‘BLOCKBUSTED’ What’s the best entertainment bargain in town? No, it’s not a movie ticket ($15.99 at the Regal Hollywood 11). It’s not Netflix ($19.99 month for standard service). It’s the Saturday night performances of Florida Studio Theatre Improv, which top out at $18 a ticket. You’ll laugh so hard you cry at these ever-changing improv programs. “Blockbusted” takes audiences back to the days of the video store as fearless improvisers face off against each other in sketches powered by audience suggestions. It’s the perfect date night for young and old. Runs through May 30.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St. Tickets: $18 Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

SUNDAY ‘SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING NEW’ 11 a.m. at the Sarasota Art Museum campus of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail $20 Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

“Something Borrowed, Something New” features major modern artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Chuck Close, David Hockney, Yoko Ono, Kara Walker and Ai Weiwei. Their works have been loaned by private collectors in Southwest Florida to SAM for the show, which runs from through Sept. 27.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

ANCIENT ART FROM CYPRUS AND THE MEDITERRANEAN 10 a.m. at The John and Mable Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road Free with $30 admission; Mondays free Visit Ringling.org.

ALEXANDER CALDER: THE NATURE OF MOVEMENT 10 a.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. $28 Visit Selby.org.

In 1928, circus magnate John Ringling moved beyond collecting Baroque paintings with a major acquisition of more than 2,000 pieces of Cypriot art at the Anderson Galleries in New York, where the Metropolitan Museum was selling parts of its ancient art collection. For the first time, Ringling’s treasures have a permanent home in Gallery 12 after a decadelong project.

In this year’s Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is showcasing artist Alexander Calder and his abstract moving sculptures, dubbed “mobiles.” Calder’s interest in suspension provides a provocative pairing with Selby’s collection of epiphytes, or air plants. Runs through May 31.

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THIS WEEK THURSDAY

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

ALEXANDER

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

CALDER

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ALEXANDER

Photos by Lori Sax

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MAY 21, 2026

YOUR NEIGHBORS

100

YEARS LOVED

Centenarian Harold Goldstein’s keys to longevity are no secret — the best way to stay young is to have fun with your family and friends.

DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER

P

lenty of people joke that they are a certain number of “years young” rather than “years old.”

But that seems to hold some special truth for Longboat Key resident Harold Goldstein, who last week celebrated his 100th birthday.

The first thing someone will say when introducing this centenarian is that you won’t be able to guess his age, especially when catching him out on a tennis court. He only retired from playing regularly at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center this year, though he still maintains close relationships with his friends there.

“If it wasn’t for tennis, none of us would be here together,” he said in an interview at his home. “This is how everybody meets, and how people find a whole new group of friends here. A lot of people come from the north, all alone, and ask what they are going to do. Before long, people are going out to dinner and have a new crew of friends.”

Those friends and his family members helped ring in Goldstein’s 100th birthday on May 11 at Rosemary and Thyme in downtown Sarasota.

Goldstein moved to the north end of Longboat Key 37 years ago with his late wife, Phyllis. The two met in his home state of Massachusetts. He grew up in the Chelsea/Everett area of the state with an older brother and sister, who always looked out for him.

“We used to do a lot of walking, roller skating and biking around,” he said.

But before he and Phyllis met, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the DE-113 USS Clarence L. Evans at 17 years old. He served for about three years, and that was when he first become a resident of Florida. He took on interesting roles, primarily working as a radio operator on four cross-ocean trips.

“I was one of the lucky ones,” he said. “We sailed to England on an escort duty, taking over troops and food. It was an interesting experience, especially on the first trip over ... everybody got sick. But by the final trip, no one did, partly because we knew we were going home.”

One day, while on guard service, he met an officer who also hailed from Massachusetts. They bonded over shared friends, and the officer eventually recommended Goldstein leave the ship to pursue further education.

He still clearly recalls the day the end of World War II was announced.

While there was joy, he was also filled with sadness as he and fellow servicemen stood on a baseball field in Plymouth, England, and watched lines of prisoners of war pass, many of them still only teenagers.

Not long after leaving the service, he met Phyllis on a blind date.

“After going to the movie theater, we went swimming in the ocean,” he reminisced.

As is their style, they had a big wedding with many friends and family members, then traveled to the West Coast briefly to start married life together.

“We took a plane out there — we had them then,” he laughed.

As he described it, every day from

Harold Goldstein, center, recently celebrated his 100th birthday with friends and family, including Larry Panza, Beth Goldstein, Dawn Walsh and Liz Grant.

Dana Kampa

In a room packed with family members — adjacent to another room with several times as many additional friends — longtime Longboat Key resident Harold Goldstein celebrated his 100th birthday May 11 at Rosemary and Thyme.

their honeymoon on was filled with love. They lived in Swampscott, Massachusetts, for 52 years.

Goldstein took up a career in fruit sales, in the same line of work as his family, before eventually assuming a role with his wife’s family business in clothing retail under a brand called Rook’s. They welcomed their children, Beth, Anne and Alan.

Although Phyllis wasn’t too keen on retiring to Florida, he said she fell in love with its natural beauty at first sight upon seeing Whitney Beach.

Regardless of where he goes, Goldstein inevitably makes friends along the way.

One of the first close friends he met through the Tennis Center was Larry Panza, who, after a bit of goodhearted ribbing, admitted that he found Goldstein to be affable and a good conversationalist.

“How could you not love the man?” Panza asked.

Many of those tennis friends packed the restaurant that day, continuing the now annual tradition of a large-scale bash. Collages of photos surrounded the dining room, where people paused to point out their favorite shots.

One of his daughters, Beth, is convinced that the secret to Goldstein’s youthful personality is not because of any specific diet or exercise habits, as many people suspect. She said it stems from his fruitful social life, which he has tended with care, she said.

Goldstein said he is incredibly thankful for the friendships he has gained here. Another tennis friend, Joe Salvino, made a point of calling Goldstein every morning to make plans for breakfast or some other activity after Phyllis died at the age of 82.

“From then on, Joe called every day at 9 o’clock,” he said. “It’s still that way.”

To anyone new to the island, Goldstein highly recommends finding a group for the sport or hobby they enjoy and making time to connect

with others. Birthday party attendees said what they appreciate most about the friendships he has encouraged is how everyone grows to be there for each other, through thick and thin.

In his toast, Panza said, “Harold has been the glue that has held this group together for more than 25 years. He has always been the voice of reason, who remains calm and sensible, and whose advice is right on the money. It’s an honor to know him, and an honor to be called his friend.”

Harold and Phyllis Goldstein

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40+ YEARS OF SERVICE

18

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

Photos by Dana Kampa

Karen and Gregg Sweeney, Chris and Cathy Goglia and Debbie McPeak socialize at the Longboat Key Club’s farewell lawn party on May 15.

Seasonal soiree Big Z Band helps Longboat Key Club members say goodbye.

DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER

Beneath a tent filled with twinkling lights, Longboat Key Club members took a final chance to celebrate the end of season with departing friends.

On May 15, about 70 guests joined the lawn party for an evening of din-

ing, getting on the dance floor to the tunes of The Big Z Band and sharing their summer travel plans.

The end-of-season social replaced a Kentucky Derby-themed event previously rained out by heavy storms.

Longboat Key Club event manager Stephanie Kaelin-Bare said it is one of the last major events at the club — which total about 250 annually — until the island welcomes back many traveling residents in the fall.

However, there will still be plenty of activities for members to enjoy over the summer.

The Big Z Band took the stage at the May 15 farewell lawn party for Longboat Key Club members departing for the season.

Photos by Dana Kampa

Debby Debile joins fellow Longboaters in enjoying a relaxing afternoon at The Paradise Center, where a summer kick-off event featured tea and coloring.

Tea-off time Longboaters cruise into summer with relaxing social at The Paradise Center.

DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER

L

ongboaters are getting into the swing of summer, and they eased into the mellow mindset with an afternoon of tea, finger foods, meditative music and coloring.

The Paradise Center held a free social hour on May 11, inviting the public to join the afternoon teathemed gathering.

Executive Director Amy Steinhauser often highlights the psychological benefits of staying socially engaged through the center’s programs, and lowering stress comes with a bevy of physical benefits, as well.

Hard-working individuals are likely familiar with the immediate effects of high stress levels on the body, from disrupted sleep rhythms to headaches. But the Mayo Clinic notes that prolonged untreated

stress can lead to health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity and diabetes.

However, the clinic also points to activities like coloring as effective stress relievers. Other activities it recommends are spending quality time with a pet or volunteering at an animal shelter, trying deep breathing exercises, unplugging by reading a book, or even massaging pressure points in the earlobe.

That afternoon, attendees quickly fell into a quiet rhythm as they filled in pages of flowers, bamboo and birds, all while swapping end-ofseason updates and noshing on mini scones with cream.

Steinhauser said The Paradise Center will offer programs during the summer such as yoga and meditative sound bath. Visit TheParadiseCenter.org for the full schedule.

WHEN CRAFT MATTERS...Inspiration Inspiration Starts Here!

Inspired by English afternoon tea, The Paradise Center’s latest social included organic tea, finger foods and coloring for adults.

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YourObserver.com

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

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3010 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #432

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941.387.0100 941.387.0100

461075-1

7 H A R BOUR LINKS DRatI V E, #4 Longboat Key | Offered $6,750,000

225 SANDS POINT ROAD #6103

443770-1

415 L’ AMBIANCE DRIVE #A701

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

YOUR CALENDAR

Celebrating 50 YEARS of Living and Working on Longboat Key Cathy C. Meldahl, P.A. Your Longboat Key Community Realtor • Consistent top producer on Longboat Key • In-depth knowledge of the real estate market • Active in our community with Longbeach Village Association Longboat Key Historical Society Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Longboat Key Garden Club

461088-1

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

JoDene Moneuse

THURSDAY, MAY 21

MEDITATIVE SOUND BATH 2-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Take in a deeply relaxing sound bath experience with the soothing vibrations of crystal and Tibetan bowls, gongs, chimes and more. Settle into a zerogravity chair with a cozy blanket and eye pillow while unwinding and letting go. Led by Reiki master teacher and sound healing practitioner Amy Steinhauser. Free, with donations welcome. RSVP to 941-383-6493 or RSVP@TheParadiseCenter.org.

EXOTICS REMOVAL AT DURANTE PARK 9 a.m. to noon at Joan M. Durante Park, 5550 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Join Oyster River Ecology to help remove invasive plants, including pepper trees and carrotwood. With hatchets and herbicides, teams will carefully work to identify and remove these species. Required PPE will be provided, but participants should wear closed-toe boots or other sturdy shoes, long pants and long sleeves.

Visit EventBrite.com to register.

to view my fabulous listings and recent sales!

941.302.4913 461662-1

JoDeneMoneuse@michaelsaunders.com LongboatKeyLiving.com

EXPERIENCED

PAINTING SERVICES

RECURRING EVENTS

· Residential · Commercial · Institutional

MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS

LONGBOAT LIBRARY 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 555 Bay Isles Road.

Open to peruse a variety of books.

Call 941-383-2011.

456504-1

Call Today for a FREE Estimate!

IYENGAR YOGA 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Certified instructor Deborah DiCarlo focuses on alignment, precision, timing and sequencing in this class designed for all ages and body types. Class is on the second floor, accessible via stairs only. Cost is $20 for drop-ins or one-class pass.

Call 941-383-6493 or visit TheParadiseCenter.org.

1352 Manhattan Avenue, Sarasota | 941.359.9553 | ProgressivePaint.net

WAGNERREALTY.COM 941.727.2800

TUESDAYS

Sands Point Condo 100 Sands Point Rd. #225, Longboat Key 2BR/2BA / A4676681 / $950,000 Donna Turnbaugh (410) 382-4692 Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

McCalls Beach Castle Condo 5310 Gulf of Mexico Dr., #16, LBK 2BR/2BA / A4673264/ $699,000 Miguel Rosa (941) 477-5928

BEST BET SATURDAY, MAY 23 THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 24

ST. ARMANDS FINE ART FESTIVAL 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Armands Circle, 300 Madison Drive. Paragon Festivals is offering free admission at this twoday outdoor showcase on St. Armands Circle. Featured works include sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, glass, ceramics, mixed-media, metalwork, fiber art, woodworking and more.

Visit ParagonFestivals.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 22

SCAN the QR CODE

CELEBRATING 87 YEARS OF REAL ESTATE EXCELLENCE

COMMUNITY

ROTARY CLUB 5 p.m. at All Angels Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road. The Rotary Club of Longboat Key typically meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month to hear from community guest speakers and plan upcoming events. Visit LongboatKeyRotary.org to learn more, or contact President Terri Driver at TDriver1@comcast. net or 703-517-8925.

One Particular Harbour Condo 376 Aruba Circle #301 2BR/2BA / A4688563/ $624,900 Becky Smith (941) 773-1954 Elfi Starrett (941) 720-3528

POP-UP LIBRARY 10 a.m. at the Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road. The Sarasota County Pop-Up Library hosts services on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, with storytime beginning at 10:30 a.m. and other services available from 10-11:30 a.m.

Anna Maria Island Single Family Home 403 N Bay Blvd., Anna Maria 4BR/3BA / A4682522 / $2,549,900

Dana Kampa

QIGONG 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Experienced instructor Sandi Love leads this class on ancient healing arts, designed to improve mental and physical well-being through gentle movement. Cost is $20 for drop-ins or one-class pass. Call 941-3836493 or visit TheParadiseCenter.org.

WEDNESDAYS

JUST DANCE 11-11:45 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Debbie White teaches this popular, high-energy class. Boost cardio health and have a blast. No dance experience needed. Accessible via stairs only.

Cost is $20 drop-in or one-class pass. Call 941-383-6493 or visit TheParadiseCenter.org.

COMMUNITY BINGO 2-4 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Caller Renee Fannin runs the show for this fun and lively game. Cards are $1 each; $2 for the final round. Call 941-383-6493 or visit TheParadiseCenter.org.

THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS

BRIDGE CLUB 1 p.m. at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. This American Contract Bridge League-certified group meets twice weekly. Reservations required.

Contact Patty Mayer at 262-2152566 or PattySarasota33@gmail. com.

SATURDAYS

RUN CLUB 7 a.m. at Sips coffee shop, 6830 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Join this community running club for a morning jog at your own pace. The group is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

MEMORIAL DAY

LOCAL, VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1939

Anna Maria Island Single Family Home 519 Villa Rosa Way, Anna Maria 4BR/4/5 BA / A4671485/ $5,000,000 Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

Longboat Key Office 5360 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 941.383.5577

SCAN QR CODE FOR THIS WEEKEND OPEN HOUSES

459796-1

CELEBRATING 10+ years

5608 Marina Drive Holmes Beach (Next to the Ugly Grouper)

FELTZ COLLINS ARCHITECTURE FELTZARCH.COM

455998-1

461153-1

Runaway Bay Condo 1801 Gulf Dr N., #266, Bradenton Beach 1BR/1BA / A4692935/ $360,000 Becky Smith (941)773-1954 Elfi Starrett (941)720-3528

As Memorial Day approaches, we take time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage and selflessness are the reason we have the freedoms we enjoy today. This day is a time for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance. In observance of Memorial Day, Grooms Motors will be closed Monday, May 25 so our team can spend time with family and reflect on the true meaning of this important day.

We will resume normal business hours Tuesday, May 26th.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

21

Local Roots, Legacy of Experience: One Family, Two Generations #1 Individual Agent SW FL Coldwell Banker 2024 & 2025 Ryan Ackerman 941.387.1818

Barbara Ackerman 941.387.1820

GATSBY MANOR

HARBOR ACRES

1240 HILLVIEW DR. • 4BR+STUDY/3.5BA • 8,000 SQ FT UNDER AIR

$16,950,000

Bayfront Gated Estate • Premier Waterfront for BOATING ENTHUSIASTS • Deep Water, New 20,000 LB Lift and Seawall • Spectacular South Views • 15 Car Motor Court • 2-Story Library All Level In-Home Elevator • 700+ Bottle Wine Room • Ground Level A/C Bonus & Play Space

AQUA

$5,600,000 MARK SARASOTA

280 GOLDEN GATE PT. #600 • 3BR+ OFFICE/3.5BA • 4,101 SQ FT • Stunning

Full-Floor Residence • 180° Unobstructed Bay Views Private Elevator Foyer • 10’ Walls of Impact Glass • Deeded Boat Slip • Private 2-Car Garage • Excellent On-Site Amenities

$1,499,500

111 S. PINEAPPLE AVE. #1013 • 2BR+ DEN/2BA • 1,711 SQ FT • 2-PARKING SPACES • Modern Downtown Residence

South / Southwest Bay & City Views Hurricane Impact Windows & Sliders • 10’ Ceilings • Just Steps to Elevator • Pet-Friendly

AY ND U S EN -3 PM P O 1

PLAYERS CLUB III

$1,195,000 LAWRENCE POINTE I

1445 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #101 3BR/3BA • 2,092 SQ FT

Corner Unit with Sunset Views • Unique Floorplan w/ 36’x11’ Sun Room • Private 1-car Garage AND Covered Parking Space Expansive Balcony with Beach & Gulf Views

101 SUNSET DR. #301 2BR/2BA • 1,778 SQ FT

$1,300,000 SLEEPY LAGOON

Unobstructed Direct Bay & Sunset Views Corner Location • Meticulously Renovated 2 Private Balconies • Gated, Pet Friendly Community • Covered Parking Space

$5,995,000 FAIRWAY BAY 3 - ATRIUM $1,095,000

6381 GULF OF MEXICO DR. • 4F, 2H BA 4,224 SQ FT • 3 + CAR GARAGE Modern Coastal Estate on Rare Double Lot Unobstructed Direct Gulf Views • Built in 2021 Concrete w/ Steel Framing • Income Potential In-Home Elevator to All Levels • Turnkey Furnished

2120 HARBOURSIDE DR. #623 3BR/2BA • 2,031 SQ FT

Beautifully Updated • Corner Residence w/ Direct Bay Views • Large Balcony off Living Room & Primary BR • Garage Parking Excellent Amenities Incl. Bay Isles

E

W

NE

IC PR

CORAL COVE

NG

I ND

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$1,975,000 WATER CLUB I

7430 COVE TER. • 3BR+OFFICE/3.5BA 4,200 SQ FT • Elevated 2-Story Home on

109’ of Waterfront 25x18 Owners Suite w/ Separate Gym or Nursery & Private Sun Deck Sprawling Screened and Open Air Wood Deck Swim Spa • Private Trex Dock • 2-Car Garage

$3,350,000 GRAND BAY IV

1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #803 3BR/4F BA • 3,045 SQ FT 2 GARAGE PARKING SPACES

Amazing Gulf to Bay Views • Beautifully Renovated Designer Kitchen and White Marble Bath • All New Wood & Porcelain Tile Floors

$1,879,000 SOLEIL WEST

3010 GRAND BAY BLVD., #493 • 2BR/4BA 2,550 SQ FT • 9th Floor Cayman Plan with Gorgeous • Sunrises, Sunsets, Bay, Beach & City Skyline Views • Blank Canvas • 10’ Ceilings • 2 Prime Side-by-side Parking Spaces • Dual Gated • Pet-Friendly

$468,000

2858 ORIOLE DR. • 3BR/2BA 1,844 SQ FT • 2-CAR GARAGE

Move-in Ready • Bright Open Split-Floor Plan Porcelain Tile Floors Throughout • Modern Custom Light Fixtures • Large Lanai • Fully Fenced Backyard • Excellent Amenities

NG

I ND

FAIRWAY BAY I

$599,000 LA BELLASARA

1932 HARBOURSIDE DR. #242 2BR/2BA • 1,192 SQ FT

Private Beach Club Access • First-floor End Unit • Sarasota Bay Water Views • Updated Kitchen Finishes • Move-in Ready Resort-style Community Amenities

$4,295,000 PROMENADE

464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #702 3BR/5BA+DEN • 3,377 SQ FT • Bayfront

Bayfront Panoramic Views • Private Elevator Entry Open Floor Plan • Boat Dock Available • Expansive Outdoor Terrace w/Summer Kitchen • Private 2-Car Garage • Gated Pet-Friendly Community

$1,590,000 ORCHID BEACH

1211 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #301 2BR+DEN/3RD BR/3F BA • 2,100 SQ FT

Beautifully Updated • Gulf, Beach, Sunset, Bay & City Views • High-End Stainless Kitchen Appliances Split Floor Plan • Two Private Terraces • Resort-Style Amenities & Grounds

Front 7th Floor Lido Beach Residence Unobstructed Beach, Gulf, Sunset & Bay Views • 10’ Ceilings Bamboo Floors • Large Waterfront Terrace w/ Built-In Grill

P

$1,139,000 OYSTER BAY ESTATES

1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #109 2BR/2.5BA • 2,000 SQ FT

Beautifully Furnished Plaza-Level Residence 10’ Ceilings Brazilian Cherry Wood Floors Top-of-the-Line Kitchen Appliances • Floor-toCeiling Impact Glass Windows & Sliders

$5,595,000 OYSTER BAY ESTATES

1429 N. LAKE SHORE DR. • 5BR/4F, 2H BA • 4,545 SQ FT • 3-CAR GARAGE Brand New Construction • Modern Oasis All on One Level • Open Floor Plan • Quartz & Stainless Chef’s Kitchen • Oak Wood Floors 175-Bottle Wine Room

G

IN

D EN

WATER CLUB I

$4,695,000 TANGERINE BAY

1421 N. LAKE SHORE DR. • 4BR/4F, 2H BA • 4,217 SQ FT • 2-CAR GARAGE Hurricane Impact Windows & Sliders 72” Glass Fireplace • High-Capacity Wine Room • Gourmet Quartz & Stainless Kitchen • Hardwood Floors

$4,175,000

2052 BEN FRANKLIN DR. #D702 3BR/3.5BA • 3,654 SQ FT • Direct Gulf-

$749,000

350 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #234 3BR/3.5BA • 2,513 SQ FT • 2-Story

Penthouse • Bay, City & Lagoon Views • Gas Fireplace • Custom Fitted Walk-In Closets • 2 Large Terraces • Private 2-Car Garage • Pet Friendly Community • Turnkey Furnished

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

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

THE RESIDENCES AT THE ST. REGIS LONGBOAT KEY 1561 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #304 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,891 Sq. Ft. Lynn Morris & Kim Ogilvie 941.400.4526 A4685495 $13,000,000

LONGBOAT KEY 535 Sanctuary Drive #A401 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,115 Sq. Ft. Susan Alliano & Ingrid Walker 941.735.6571 A4685033 $3,265,000

LONGBOAT KEY 535 Sanctuary Drive #A603 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,375 Sq. Ft. Steve Walter & Janet Walter 941.809.0907 A4689260 $2,999,000

THE RESIDENCES AT THE ST. REGIS LONGBOAT KEY 1591 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #216 1 Bed 2/1 Baths 1,556 Sq. Ft. Lynn Morris & Kim Ogilvie 941.400.4526 A4665247 $2,750,000

LONGBOAT KEY 536 Ketch Lane 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,960 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan & Todd Callahan 941.900.8088 A4686553 $2,599,000

BAY ISLES 3421 Bayou Sound 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,768 Sq. Ft. Stephen Strong 941.201.9662 A4684177 $2,499,500

BAY ISLES 3610 Bayou Circle 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,192 Sq. Ft. Mike Prisco & Eileen Prisco 941.812.1291 A4688141 $2,400,000

ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE 41 S Adams Drive 2 Beds 2 Baths 3,913 Sq. Ft. Jenifer Schwell 941.780.0968 A4672116 $2,050,000

EMERALD HARBOR 741 Old Compass Road 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,926 Sq. Ft. Steve Walter & Janet Walter 941.809.0907 A4684578 $1,895,000

TANGERINE BAY CLUB 360 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #333 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,581 Sq. Ft. Sherry Dominick 203.605.9582 A4675387 $1,795,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2425 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #1A 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,470 Sq. Ft. Robert Delaney 941.315.3185 A4688987 $1,595,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2425 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #2E 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,470 Sq. Ft. Robert Delaney 941.315.3185 A4691707 $1,400,000

BAY ISLES 3511 Fair Oaks Court 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,579 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan & Todd Callahan 941.900.8088 A4684840 $1,399,999

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA 111 S Pineapple Avenue #904 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,513 Sq. Ft. Lynn Morris & Kim Ogilvie 941.400.4526 A4689993 $1,260,000

LONGBOAT KEY 726 Jungle Queen Way 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,384 Sq. Ft. Steve Walter & Janet Walter 941.809.0907 A4684733 $1,090,000

BAY ISLES 3435 Winding Oaks Drive #18 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,555 Sq. Ft. Sean Clark 941.312.1146 A4680403 $1,050,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1955 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #G6-311 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,492 Sq. Ft. Bruce Meyer & Jenine Meyer 941.266.8152 A4687954 $1,049,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2301 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #43N 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,235 Sq. Ft. Steve Nursey 941.356.7010 A4686190 $1,000,000

BAY ISLES 2110 Harbourside Drive #547 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,105 Sq. Ft. Mimi Kruk 941.587.5188 A4681901 $929,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1065 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #402 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,392 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy & Gail Wittig 941.961.8850 A4666641 $845,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4440 Exeter Drive #301 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,376 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941.928.3559 A4684917 $585,000

LONGBOAT KEY 6700 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #117 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,449 Sq. Ft. Kelly Sallee & Amy Cullen 941.914.0400 A4687787 $550,000

LONGBOAT KEY 729 Saint Judes Drive S #3 1 Bed 1 Bath 630 Sq. Ft. Steve Schield 941.650.1010 A4685189 $449,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4350 Chatham Drive #106 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,072 Sq. Ft. Michael Yawitz 941.587.8091 A4687361 $399,000

BAY ISLES 2850 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #5 1 Bed 1 Bath 657 Sq. Ft. JoDene Moneuse 941.302.4913 A4691701 $368,500

THE RESIDENCES AT THE ST. REGIS LONGBOAT KEY 1581 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #406 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,347 Sq. Ft. Lynn Morris & Kim Ogilvie 941.400.4526 A4685503 $6,600,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4127 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #N102 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,521 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie & Lynn Morris 941.376.1717 A4680618 $4,900,000

LONGBOAT KEY 5422 Sandhamn Place 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,802 Sq. Ft. Richard Perlman 941.228.8580 A4686120 $3,499,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MAY 4-8

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

F

rancis O’Donnell Jr. sold the home at 865 Longboat Club Road to Kathleen O’Donnell, trustee, for $17.5 million. Built in 2001, it has six bedrooms, six-and-two-half baths, a pool and 9,328 square feet of living area.

REAL ESTATE

Regent Court home tops week’s sales at $17.5 million

23

POSITANO

Denise Anne MacNeil, of Ontario, Canada, sold the Unit 101 condominium at 4955 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Michael Absher, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $5.25 million. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,122 square feet of living area. It sold for $4.1 million in 2021.

LA FIRENZA

Donna Witt, trustee, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit N-101 condominium at 4127 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Jeffrey Scott Sims and Kimberly Laverne Sims, of North Bend, Ohio, for $4.75 million. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, three-and-twohalf baths and 3,582 square feet of living area. It sold for $3,256,000 in 2007.

L’AMBIANCE AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Janet and Richard Hoyle, of Ontario, Canada, sold their Unit J703 condominium at 435 L’Ambiance Drive to Craig Cowman, trustee, of Dublin, Ohio, for $4,237,500. Built in 1994, it has two bedrooms, two-and-twohalf baths and 2,634 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.75 million in 2020.

THE CONDOMINIUM RESIDENCES AT LONGBOAT KEY

Speed-Wing Investment Co. LLC sold the Unit 507 condominium at 1581 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Rose Allison, of Ontario, Canada, for $2,975,000. Built in 2024, it has one bedroom, one-and-a-half baths and 1,684 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,248,700 in 2024.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

Vincent and Karen Meaney, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 513 Outrigger Lane to Carl Cooper and Patricia Cooper, trustees, of Longboat Key, for $2,175,000. Built in 1963, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,162 square feet of living area. It sold for $760,000 in 2020.

FAIRWAY BAY

Carl and Patricia Cooper, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 628 condominium at 2120 Harbourside Drive to Nicholas and Lisa Preddice, of Goldens Bridge, New York, for $1.65 million. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,550 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,375,000 in 2022.

Image courtesy of Reid Murphy

The home at 865 Longboat Club Road sold for $17.5 million. Built in 2001, it has six bedrooms, six-and-two-half baths, a pool and 9,328 square feet of living area.

BEACHPLACE

Donn Knight, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the Unit 605 condominium at 1135 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Allan and Tina Gottesman, of Longboat Key, for $1.6 million. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,503 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.55 million in 2023.

Gail Russell and John Mark Smith, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 603 condominium at 1145 Gulf of Mexico Drive to John Kelly Coleman, of Livingston, Tennessee, for $1,599,000. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,503 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.85 million in 2022.

SLEEPY LAGOON PARK

Bruce and Angie Dragt, trustees, of Huntington Beach, California, sold the home at 601 Norton St. to Pavel Richter and Jitka Richterova, of Longboat Key, for $1,545,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,956 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,575,000 in 2024.

LLC for $1.3 million. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,403 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.5 million in 2022.

and 1,275 square feet of living area. It sold for $43,500 in 1969.

WINDWARD BAY

Anthony DiNallo Jr. and Marybeth DiNallo, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 223 condominium at 100 Sands Point Road to Blue Mountain House LLC for $1.05 million. Built in 1966, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,941 square feet of living area. It sold for $540,000 in 2018.

Robert and Mary Morrison, of Broomfield, Colorado, sold their Unit 205 condominium at 4900 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Jeffery Raymond Gordon Anderson, trustee, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, for $670,000.

Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,096 square feet of living area. It sold for $375,000 in 2008.

ST. ARMANDS TOWERS

BUTTONWOOD COVE

SANDS POINT

Cheryl Brause, of Larchmont, New York, Karen Bokor, of Columbus, Ohio, and David Vigder, of Deerfield, Illinois, sold their Unit 73 condominium at 101 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Alan and Jessica Zirkelbach, of Sarasota, for $1.02 million. Built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, two baths

Bruno Florida LLC sold the Unit 104 condominium at 3500 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Vivian Chester and Michael Chester, of University Park, for $615,000. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,486 square feet of living area. It sold for $255,000 in 1994.

The Red Fish Cottage LLC sold the home at 591 De Narvaez Drive to Clyde Alstrom and Rose Ellen Alstrom, trustees, of Longboat Key, for $950,000. Built in 1967, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 926 square feet of living area. It sold for $375,000 in 2019.

THE WATER CLUB AT LONGBOAT KEY

Ginger Kaplan, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 203 condominium at 1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Double-T LLC for $1,537,500. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, four baths and 3,045 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.4 million in 2016.

KEY TOWERS SOUTH

John and Kimberly Jetts, of Washington, Michigan, sold their Unit 1-D condominium at 1750 Benjamin Franklin Lane to Rollin in the Deep

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of May 4-8 in order of dollar amounts.

LONGBOAT KEY Address

Permit

Applicant

5870 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Residential New

Edward Albert

Amount $2,033,000

/Replacement

Currier III

655 Longboat Club Road

Commercial

Brett Randall Markley

$850,000

#14A

Alteration

3060 Grand Bay Blvd. #191

Commercial

Ben Blackshear Chapin

$244,000

Chris White

$239,957

Michael McEnany

$210,518

Bruce Howard Smith

$207,226

Christopher Lisinski

$200,000

Gregory Betz

$183,005

For nearly 50 years, Michael Saunders & Company has led Southwest Florida real estate. Our Developer Services Division offers unmatched expertise from concept to sell-out, partnering on 85+ landmark projects like the St. Regis Longboat Key Residences, The Collection, The Mark and The Ritz-Carlton Residences with innovation and integrity.

Waldorf Astoria Residences Sarasota From From $2.5M to $30M+ | WAResidencesSarasota.com

400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From $1.3M Call for an appointment | Residences400central.com

Let’s build something extraordinary together.

Alteration 2525 Gulf of Mexico Drive #12F Commercial Alteration 2018 Harbourside Drive

Commercial Roof

1485 Gulf of Mexico Drive #201 Commercial Alteration 1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive #404 Commercial Alteration 5393 Gulf of Mexico Drive #107 Commercial

The Edge Sarasota | 941.866.3068 | From Mid $3M Sales Gallery at 1801 Main Street | TheEdgeSarasota.com

941.951.6650 MSCDeveloperServices.com

1916 Harbourside Drive #801

Commercial Roof

Michael McEnany

$100,000

1918 Harbourside Drive #901

Commercial Roof

Michael McEnany

$100,000

1920 Harbourside Drive #1001

Commercial Roof

Michael McEnany

$100,000

1910 Harbourside Drive #501

Commercial Roof

Michael McEnany

$100,000

Source: Town of Longboat Key

Prices as of January 2025

Issa Homes at SeaFlower | 941.491.7879 From $1.29M | SeaFlower.IssaHomes.com

460071-1

Alteration

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

REAL ESTATE BY REAL EXPERTS NEW LISTING • PRIVATEER

ISLAND LUXURY: • COMMUNITY POOL / SPA

• DIRECT BEACH ACCESS

• PICKLEBALL & TENNIS COURTS • CATERING KITCHEN • BIKE STORAGE • FITNESS CENTER

1050 LONGBOAT CLUB RD. #903 LONGBOAT KEY, FL

TURNKEY FURNISHED & UPDATED RESIDENCE 2 BED / 2 BATH • 1,409 SF • $995,000

EMERALD POINT S.

L’AMBIANCE

FAIRWAY BAY

SEAPLACE

1914 HARBOUR LINKS CIR. #10 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3 BED / 3 ½ BATH • $1,445,000

415 L'AMBIANCE DR. #A301 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3 BED / 3 FULL + 2 HALF BATH $6,100,000

2020 HARBOURSIDE DR. #417 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 2 BED / 2 BATH • $899,000

2055 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #G2-102 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3 BED / 2 BATH • $699,000

MARINA BAY NEW LISTING

NEW PRICE FAIRWAY BAY

GRAND BAY I

2110 HARBOURSIDE DR.#536 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3 BED / 2 BATH • $749,000

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD. #155 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3 BED / 3 ½ BATH • $1,145,000

GRAND BAY II

ISLANDER CLUB

3040 GRAND BAY BLVD. #234 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3 BED / 3.5 BATH • $1,150,000

2295 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #23S LONGBOAT KEY, FL 2 BED / 2 BATH • $1,295,000

2410 HARBOURSIDE DR. #131 LONGBOAT KEY, FL

CORNER RESIDENCE WITH BAY VIEWS 3 BED / 3.5 BATH • 3,825 SF • $1,849,000

VIEW ADDITIONAL BRUCE MYER GROUP LISTINGS ON OUR WEBSITE • RANKED #2 COLDWELL BANKER DUO IN THE NATION • TOP 1.5% OF ALL REALTORS IN THE NATION • TOP FLORIDA 100 REALTOR - COLDWELL BANKER

CHASE MYER 941.315.5318

BRUCE MYER

941.376.5311

595 Bay Isles Rd, STE 250 Longboat Key, FL 34228

www.BruceMyer.com

449594-1 449621-1

24

YourObserver.com

25

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

FRIDAY, MAY 22 High: 87 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 24%

Thursday, May 21

6:38a

8:14p

Friday, May 22

6:37a

8:15p

Saturday, May 23

6:37a

8:15p

Sunday, May 24

6:36a

8:16p

SATURDAY, MAY 23

Monday, May 25

6:36a

8:16p

High: 87 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 38%

Tuesday, May 26

6:36a

8:17p

Wednesday, May 27

6:35a

8:18p

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, MAY 24 High: 87 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 56%

May 23 First

May 31 Full

June 8 Last

June 14 New

TIDES Highs Lows Thursday, May 21

Cory Jones captured this photo of a glowing sunset on Longboat Key.

—

3:33p

—

—

Friday, May 22

8:52a

4:49p

12:38a

10:57a

Saturday, May 23

8:39a

6:17p

1:31a

1:17p

Sunday, May 24

8:56a

8:00p

2:20a

2:56p

Monday, May 25

9:16a

9:39p

3:02a

4:13p

Tuesday, May 26

9:37a

10:59p

3:38a

5:11p

Wednesday, May 27

9:57a

—

4:09a

5:59p

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Contests. All submissions will be entered in the 2026-27 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2027, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

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

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

PARDON MY FRENCH by Will Pfadenhauer, edited by Jared Goudsmit 60 “Inferno” author 61 Like watery coffee 63 Take the L 65 “Pick me! Pick me!” on them?

68 It may be hard to swallow DOWN 69 Berry from a palm 1 Exchange 70 Kraken liquors 2 Grizzlies’ feet 71 Maine-to-Florida highway 3 “Well, hello!”

73 D.C. MLBer 4 Also 75 Trumpets’ relatives 5 Vacay without a group 78 Jogging pace 6 ___ out (fall asleep) 80 Slalom, biathlon, etc.

7 ___-cold beer 83 Animal that flies by night 8 Church seat 84 The “A” of IPA 9 Prosecutor’s field 86 Recede like the tide 10 Musician Yoko 88 Altar vows 11 Ringlets of hair 89 Org. with Messi 12 Wakes 13 ___-ace (queer identity) 90 President after Roosevelt 14 “Exactly correct!”

93 Bit of trickery 15 Very calm 94 Totally agreeing (with) 18 Narrow cut 96 Many moons ___ 20 Still asleep 97 Stone-into-water sound 21 Actress Thompson 98 Sad Snack’s music genre 23 Consumed 99 Big success 24 AOC or FDR 100 ___’s razor (philosophi29 Golf club option for a cal rule) long bunker shot 101 IT overseer 31 Point of view on life 102 On the ___ (free) 32 Forensic analysis site, ©2026 Universal Uclick 103 Person who makes a for short 101 Ice Bucket Challenge 64 Snakes in South America 37 Make a guarantee ACROSS goal 33 Female chickens letters 66 Pond buildup 40 Glimpsed 1 Glimpses 108 Exchange 34 Surname hidden in 104 Prefix for “metric” or 67 Big fuss 41 School support org.

6 Plastic bag brand 109 _ver-_he-_ounter “cure-all” “cache” 68 Sport with wall runs 42 AQI-monitoring org.

12 Taxis 110 Cupid’s Greek equiva35 Verb suffix 105 Tartan garment 72 Olympic great Jesse 43 Offering a positive 16 “Whoopee!” lent 36 Tavern 106 Cared for a purr-fect pet 74 Made into law recommendation, or a hint 17 Titan overlooking the 111 Mojito fruits 37 Lhasa ___ 107 Portrayal of a Bond 76 Hosp. area to the inserted word in Trevi Fountain 115 ___ mortal 38 “No ___ thing as a free villain receives rave reviews?

77 Two-toed mammal 95-Across 19 Get situated 116 Confirmation ___ lunch” 112 Includes on an email 79 Autumn tool 49 Spot for dandruff 22 “Aladdin” song, or a 117 Genre for Billy Joel 39 Huge fan 113 Secure, like a boat 81 Aptly named parent shampoo hint to the inserted word in 118 “Fire” insects 44 Apple Maps tech 114 Type of dish in a lab company of WWE 50 Text before “thx” 121-Across 120 Apple Maps guess, for 45 Signs off on 115 Lobster ___ and cheese 82 Insult comedy event at 25 Actress/activist Marilyn 51 Joint with a cap 46 Not distracted from work short 116 Supportive undergarthe Packers’ stadium?

52 Name that becomes a 26 Letter after chi 122 “I’m not impressed” 47 Distribute cards ment 27 Tree associated with Elon religion if you add an “M” to 85 Formation of geese 123 Poem in Morse code?

48 ___ de los Muertos 87 Schism the end 119 Tel Aviv’s country University 124 Zilch 53 “At once!”

91 “Mona ___” 56 “Alas!”

121 Getting sent back from 28 Feudal lord 125 Actor Patel 54 Bury the ___ 92 Clamp or trowel 57 Pro-recycling ad, e.g. the MLB to a Triple-A team, 30 Obtains 126 Merch table shirt 55 Yankees great, for short 93 Fly catcher 58 Brownie mix instruction, e.g.?

31 Slugger Mel 57 Singer Abdul 94 Nepal’s neighbor or a hint to the inserted 127 Must 32 Certain holiday gift, or a 58 Apt rhyme of “maw” 95 Remove a classroom 128 More squalid hint to the inserted word in word in 82-Across 59 Beta testers, etc. skeleton’s tibia?

62 Greeting in Porto 129 Flinch or gasp, say 107-Across 130 Harvest 131 Postpone, like a project 132 Much has been written

457540-1

celebrity cipher

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“D’KX QXXY KXVW QEXCCXA DY PW LXVCZYHE EDRX HYA DY PW JHVXXV HYA D OHKX YXKXV QXXY TYFVHSXRTE RZV GOHS D OHKX.”

PHYAW LHSDYUDY

“VYOG IYNGSQ UJO SRNGS QVOOIHL UGE XOUZOPFHHL, XHOUQO XUFQO U CRCOGI, UGE IYOG QUL RFI HRFE, ‘NP IYNQ NQG’I GNZO, VYUI NQ?’” TFJI BRGGOSFI

“XPF XMCDB L KWKZ IKS NMNOF? L’Q HMS YGWLHI GHFVMBF’Y DLTK. SPKZK GZK BMNSMZY XPM YGWK DLWKY ... L’Q QGOLHI QMWLKY.”

EKHHLTKZ DGXZKHNK Puzzle Three Clue: W equals V

crossword

Puzzle Two Clue: Y equals H

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

The Grounded Feeling Everyone will Enjoy

Puzzle Two Clue: W equals Y

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

sudoku

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

©2026 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

05-21-26

THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

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

WEEKLY MONTHLY

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

SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

East County/ LBK: Deadline Thursday, May 21nd, 12:00pm Sarasota/Siesta Key: Deadline Friday, May 22rd

WANTED

12:00 pm The

Observer

will

be

CLOSED Monday, May 25th for the Memorial Day Holiday.

We will reopen Tuesday, May 26th for normal business hours.

Call 941-955-4888 To Place Your Ad

Paintings •B Bronzes •P Sculptures •O Oriental Rugs •S Asian Art •A Antique Furniture •A

Al Tomlinson 40+ years in Sarasota Honest Evaluations NO ONE PAYS MORE!

941-400-8811

RED PAGES

stuff

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Boat Slips for Rent/Sale

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

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

Condos/Apts. for Rent 2BR/2BA FAIRWAY Bay Harborside Longboat Key Luxury 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhouse behind the gates in Fairway Bay. 2-car garage plus extra space for hobbies and storage. Kitchen, floors, appliances, and baths all recently updated. The home is minutes from private beach access, LBK Club, and local shopping. Fully furnished or unfurnished options.

(941) 928-0079 kimberley@kpaa.ca

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

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

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

Health Services LICENSED CNA SERVICES Companionate caregiver, 10 yrs experience, good references.

Helps with medication, transport, errands, light cleaning.

Great for all types of patients 941-400-1667 lahego90@hotmail.com

Painting CARL DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & condos.

Honest & reliable.

For Free estimates call CARL 941-448-8468 35+ years experience.

Professional Services AUTOBIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR Edited and Published HighCottonPublishing.com 941-706-2463

Over 1 Acre Beachfront House $6.5 million Sailboat Access Canal 4 Bed Pending $675,000

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

House on Canal with Pool & Dock $1,250,000 Pool Home Completely Upgraded $545,000

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

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

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421. ©2026 Universal Uclick

Luxury Sarasota Bay views 4 Bed 5 Bath with Boat Dock $1.76 million Near South bridge to Siesta One level, heated pool, stroll to shops. 3Bed-2.5Bath $1,250,000

Use the

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

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

Auto Transport

This week’s Crossword answers

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

Confidential & Honest.

FREE HOUSE CALLS. Call David (941) 499-6417

Call: 941-955-4888 | Email: redpages@yourobserver.com Online: yourobserver.com/redpages

101 Longboat Key, FL 34228

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Brooke O’Malley CLUB REALTY Call 941-726-2677

PLACE YOUR AD:

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

941-955-4888

Merchandise Wanted

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

Visa/MC

Homes for Sale

Plantation Golf Course View Condo 3 Bed $294,000

Annual and monthly leases are available. Deep water slips up to 40 ft with water and electrical service. Easy access to Sarasota Bay, ICW and Gulf Call 941-500-3895.

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com

Wagner Realty

Autos Wanted

BOAT SLIPS FOR LEASE ON LONGBOAT KEY

RED PAGES AD RATES

Between Houses or Condos

Looking for Position PRIVATE DUTY CERTIFIED HHA 40 years experience working with elderly. 6 years experience with Dementia, alzheimers, and Hospice patients. Care includes meds, meals, bathing, transportation, and emotional support.

(941)376-4840

TREASURES FOUND HERE!

RED PAGES to clean out your garage

CALL 941-955-4888 Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals L’AMBIANCE, LONGBOAT KEY Beach front 2BR/3BA condo on high floor with wrap-around terrace, 270 degree views over the Gulf, Sarasota Bay and LBK Club.

Sunrises, sunsets through floor to ceiling windows. View at: www.thephotos.smugmug.com Call John at: 203-984-8477 or E-mail: garment@optonline.net LONGBOAT KEY: Beachfront Condos, 1st or 2nd floor, 2BR/2BA, W/D in units, free Wi-Fi, heated pool, & parking.

Call 941-383-3338.

You’re only cheating yourself.

CLASSIFIED ADS

ANTIQUES WANTED

Beachfront, Bayfront and In

peekers’ place

for May 28th edition

Merchandise Wanted

auto

EARLY DEADLINES

Antiques/ Collectibles

jobs

MEMORIAL DAY

SEASONAL RATES

real estate

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

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

home services

Made for where you live. Here!

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I’ve been very blessed in my personal life and in my career and I have never been ungrateful for what I have.”

Mandy Patinkin

Puzzle Two Solution: “When things are going sweetly and peacefully, please pause a moment, and then say out loud, ‘If this isn’t nice, what is?’”

Kurt Vonnegut Puzzle Three Solution: “Why would I ever get cocky? I’m not saving anybody’s life. There are doctors who save lives ... I’m making movies.”

Jennifer Lawrence

This week’s Sudoku answers

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27

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

SELL YOUR CAR!

Transportation

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YourObserver.com/RedPages 463012

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Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

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

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found here.

The Red Pages is the perfect store to buy and sell locally! You’ll find a wide selection from antiques to furniture to condos!

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John6400 M. Campora, ChFC West, , CRPC Manatee Avenue Suite B

UP TO

463015

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463011

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026

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E XC L US I V E L I S T I N G S - TO U R T H E S E L U X U RY H O M E S TO DAY

Sunday, 5/24, 1p-3p

www.3530MistletoeLane.com

111 SOUTH PINEAPPLE AVENUE #1103

www.TheMark1103.com

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667 MOURNING DOVE DRIVE $10,995,000

401 QUAY COMMONS #805 $8,495,000

1199 WESTWAY DRIVE $7,999,000

476 MEADOW LARK DRIVE $4,495,000

www.667MourningDove.com

www.RitzResidences805.com

www.1199WestwayDrive.com

www.476MeadowLark.com

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This 4BR, Key West-inspired waterfront residence blends timeless coastal design with extensive updates and exceptional indoor-outdoor living.

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This Gulf-front property is an exceptional opportunity to build a signature coastal estate on nearly half an acre with 127’ of water frontage.

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Furnished and highly customized, this 3BR, 8th-floor Ritz residence is a showcase of panoramic views, offering high-end finishes and a private garage.

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This stunning direct bayfront 5BR Murray-built estate spans nearly 6,600 SF and captures panoramic bay views that stretch out to the Gulf.

575 SOUTH SPOONBILL DRIVE $4,495,000

464 GOLDEN GATE POINT #304 $3,775,000

7689 COVE TERRACE $3,695,000

8250 HUGH ALISON PLACE $3,249,000

www.8250HughAlisonPlace.com

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www.7689 CoveTerrace.com

Custom 5BR, 5,100 SF residence captures the essence of Laurel Oaks’ golf-course lifestyle, on nearly an acre with sweeping fairway views.

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www.LaBellasara304.com

Just three homes in from the open bay waters, this updated 4BR waterfront residence is on a quiet cul-de-sac with nearly 100’ of water frontage.

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www.575SouthSpoonbill.com

Walk to the best that downtown Sarasota offers from this 3BR La Bellasara getaway with a private 2-car garage and boat dock.

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This furnished and newer custom-built Bird Key residence is spread across two levels, spanning nearly 4,000 SF. Ready to enjoy immediately!

$1,299,999

Recently enhanced with thoughtful upgrades and design refinements, this 2BR+den downtown residence is perched on the 11th floor of the perfectly placed Mark building, capturing spectacular city views. Residents of The Mark Sarasota enjoy premier amenities, plus secure parking and storage.

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$2,495,000

This direct bayfront residence is a combination of waterfront views, thoughtful renovations, and a low-maintenance Longboat Key lifestyle. Spanning 3,102 SF across two living levels, the 4BR layout is designed to maximize natural light, functionality, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

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www.6001GulfofMexico.com

3530 MISTLETOE LANE

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$9,995,000

This Gulf-front masterpiece is perfectly placed on nearly an acre along Longboat Key’s shoreline. Stunning, multi-level architecture with more than 6,900 SF of refined interiors, resortinspired outdoor living, and panoramic beach and sunset views that stretch endlessly across ocean waves.

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6001 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE

340 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #136 $2,995,000

2410 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE #142 $2,695,000

2050 BEN FRANKLIN DRIVE #B-704 $2,650,000

35 WATERGATE DRIVE #1506 $2,499,000

www.MarinaBay142.com

www.OrchidBeachB704.com

www.TowerResidences1506.com

This 15th-floor Ritz-Carlton corner residence is the epitome of downtown luxury living with stunning views. Includes 2 parking spaces!

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Beach-to-bay views abound from every room of this turnkey furnished 3BR executive getaway at the Orchid Beach resort-style community.

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www.TangerineBayClub136.com

Beautiful updates throughout this direct bayfront, nearly 3,400 SF residence, offered fully furnished with secure parking and beach access.

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This reimagined 3BR getaway showcases breathtaking panoramic views with two coveted terraces and private two-car garage.

355 SOUTH SHORE DRIVE $2,295,000

3930 ELYSIAN WOODS LANE $2,149,000

541 FORE DRIVE - HARBOUR WALK $1,850,000

1513 OAK STREET #18 $1,594,000

www.355SouthShore.com

www.3930ElysianWoods.com

www.541ForeDrive.com

www.1513OakStreet.com

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This 3BR, two-story, 1,900+ SF residence offers the privacy and comfort of a single-family home with the walkability and energy of downtown.

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The epitome of coastal contemporary living at this gorgeous 5BR home. Designer finishes, seamless outdoor living, and new dock (2025).

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Coastal Elegance on Phillippi Creek! With 198’ of peaceful water frontage, this 4BR, 3,500+ SF home blends privacy and an ideal location.

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Design your waterfront dream home in the heart of one of Sarasota’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Unobstructed bay access!

5320 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #101 $999,000

4235 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #T101 $825,000

1125 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #101 $799,000

1111 NORTH GULFSTREAM AVENUE #10E $749,000

www.LongboatLanding101.com

www.TurtleCrawl101.com

www.Beachplace3101.com

www.OneWatergate10E.com

Rarely available within the intimate community of Longboat Landing, this updated, turnkey 3BR bayfont residence offers effortless island living.

Beautiful custom updates adorn every inch of this beachfront escape. Unlimited possibilities abound with a weekly rental program.

Offering true walk-down convenience from its wraparound terrace, this 2BR retreat includes impact windows/sliders and covered parking.

Located on the 10th-floor, this nearly 1,600 SF downtown residence offers captivating city, bay, and bridge views. Includes 2 parking spaces!

$400+ MILLION SOLD IN THE LAST TWO YEARS 443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F, Sarasota, FL 34236 | PettingellProfessionals.com | 941.387.1840 YouTube.com/@PettingellProfessionals | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell | Professionals@Pettingell.com

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The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker.

All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.