Longboat Observer 5.7.26

LONGBOAT

Observer

Pet project

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

VOLUME 48, NO. 38

YOUR TOWN

Bad beachgoer behavior?

Residents complain extra Bayfront Park parking causes issues in the area. SEE PAGE 6A

Dana Kampa

Don Schultz, of Windward Bay, celebrates as his top pick, Golden Tempo, crosses the finish line first at the Kentucky Derby.

Birthday boy beats derby odds Windward Bay residents cheered on Kentucky Derby contestants at a themed watch party May 2. Attendees donned their best Derby-worthy hats and sipped mint juleps while cheering on horses racing in the 152nd elite competition.

The celebration held a special surprise for resident Don Schultz, who was the only one to correctly predict the long-shot win of Golden Tempo, coming up from dead last to win.

This get-together fell before Schultz’s 90th birthday in July, and friends surprised him with a cake and an American flag that had previously flown above the Washington, D.C., Capitol building, to recognize his military service.

“If anybody can keep me young, it’s my wife, Diane,” he told partygoers.

Horsepower with a purpose St. Armands Corvettes show raises funds for veteran Honor Flights. SEE PAGE 4B

Courtesy image

Samantha Esposito celebrates her graduation with grandparents Mabel and Anthony.

Dana Kampa

At his first time participating in Corvettes on the Circle, newcomer Bob Hanstra took home the award for Best in Show. Car enthusiasts brought 150 Corvettes from a variety of years, models and colors to the May 2 car show on St. Armands Circle.

Help celebrate new grads The Observer is looking to celebrate graduating scholars this season.

If you know a student who lives on Longboat, Lido, St. Armands or Bird keys and is graduating from high school or college, please send the individual’s name, school from which they are graduating, contact information and details about any special accolades they will receive so we can run them in a future graduation issue.

Email Dana Kampa at DKampa@YourObserver.com or call 941-366-3468.

Deadline in force for Friday

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S.T. Cardinal

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort installed a stainless steel arch on a private groin, leading to a dispute with the town of Longboat Key over what it says is a violation of its sign code.

With a rule change off the table, town’s overarching timeline for St. Regis to remove landmark ticks down.

SEE PAGE 5A

A+E Cosmic confection PAGE 15A

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

WEEK OF MAY 7, 2026

“If it is not brought into compliance by that date and time, then we need to talk about options.”

Seminar scheduled for disaster preparedness

Town Attorney Maggie Mooney discussing the St. Regis arch.

When living on a barrier island, it’s important to be prepared for the worst.

Longboat Key residents can learn best practices for hurricane preparedness by attending a seminar Thursday, May 14. The event, hosted by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, will feature a panel of experts on subjects ranging from evacuation procedures to insurance to weather trends.

ABC 7 Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan, Secur-All insurance agency Branch Manager Sandra Smith, Rep. Vern Buchanan’s Legislative Aide Chase Babair, Longboat Key Police Chief Russ Mager and Fire Chief Paul Dezzi will make up the panel.

The event will be held at 4 p.m. with doors opening at 3:15 p.m. at Longboat Key Club’s Harbourside Ballroom, 3000 Harbourside Drive.

Complimentary refreshments will be offered and a “go bucket” raffle prize with storm prep and recovery supplies will be given out. More than 20 vendors will be set up at the event. Hurricane season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30.

Read more on page 5A

BY THE NUMBERS 4

The average number of times the New Pass bridge opens to marine traffic per day PAGE 3A

5 P.M.

The Friday deadline set

by Town Manager Howard Tipton for the St. Regis arch to come into compliance PAGE 5A

6

The number of years it took local artist Peg Green to create a tapestry of Quan Yin PAGE 1B

CALENDAR

n Let’s Talk Longboat — 3 p.m., May 12, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive n Disaster preparedness seminar — 4 p.m., May 14, 3000 Harbourside Drive n Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees meeting — 9 a.m., May 15, 501 Bay Isles Road n Town Commission Special Workshop (budget) — 10:15 a.m., May 18, 501 Bay Isles Road

Courtesy image

File image

Kelly Kirschner is the son of the late Kerry Kirschner, who led the Argus Foundation and also was mayor of Sarasota. Vern Buchanan, right, has announced his retirement following 20 years in Congress.

Kirschner running for Buchanan’s seat F

ormer Sarasota Mayor Kelly Kirschner, a Democrat, has officially filed his candidacy for Florida’s 16th Congressional District, an office that will be open after the retirement of incumbent U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan after his current term expires.

In a new set of boundaries for the district represented by Buchanan, the 16th now encompasses portions of Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties and still leans Republican. Kirschner joins a field of 10 other candidates, according to

the Florida Department of State, including Republican Sydney Gruters, wife of national GOP Chair Joe Gruters.

Kirschner, 51, was elected to Sarasota City Commission in 2007 and named mayor in 2010, an office he held before moving on to work at Eckerd College as vice president and dean of the division of executive and continuing education. He remains a consultant for the south Pinellas County institution.

As a neighborhood activist, mayor and commissioner, he

successfully took on interests like Florida Power & Light, Walmart and developers.

His record also included leading the charge in 2009 to pass the strongest municipal campaign finance reform legislation in Florida’s history.

Kirschner was founding director of UnidosNow.org and was a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala.

Primary elections are in August, and the general election in November.

Contract approved for Ken Thompson Park Although a temporary pause in work to repair hurricane damage at multiple waterfront city parks remains in effect, the Sarasota City Commission on April 20 approved a $3.3 million contract for repair and resiliency work at Ken Thompson Park on City Island.

Multiple restoration projects were halted as the partial government shutdown affected FEMA review processes, which would ultimately impact whether the city is reimbursed for the expense. The Ken Thompson Park contract was extended to Tampa Bay Construction Services for both parts of the work there.

Approving the contract with Tampa Bay Construction now positions the project to begin shortly after the pause is lifted.

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TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Built: 1957 Average daily traffic: 20,000 Air draft: 24.9 feet Bridge openings: Average 13 per day Expected lifespan: 50-75 years

The Anna Maria Island Bridge is a bascule bridge with a 24-foot air clearance while closed and connects Bradenton to Holmes Beach. Like its parallel bridge just to the south, the Anna Maria Island Bridge is also soon to be replaced. A 65-foot clearance fixed span bridge will be built about 14 feet to the south of the current bridge. It will have two travel lanes, 11-foot shoulders and 10-foot sidewalks on each side. Construction bids will be accepted starting in July 2028.

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Image courtesy of FDOT

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In the latter half of the 20th century, drawbridges were the preferred method to bridge barrier islands to the mainland in the Gulf Coast, but that doesn’t mean they’re a relic of the past.

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of the Gulf Coast

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S.T. CARDINAL STAFF WRITER

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arrier islands are, by their very nature, separated from the neighborhoods, business districts and communities of the mainland.

2 Cortez Bridge

To get to the paradises of Longboat Key, Lido Key, need to get on a boat or cross a bridge.

More than 100 years after John Ringling led a circus parade across the then-newly built, timber-supported Ringling Causeway, a concrete fixedspan bridge that graces most Sarasota postcards now supports residents and visitors who are headed to or from the barrier islands.

The 65-foot-tall illuminated concrete bridge represents the modern preference for bridge design. It replaced a drawbridge built in the ’50s, one of many drawbridges built in the region in the ’50s. Today, those decades-old bascule bridges are becoming more expensive to maintain and repair. Some, like the Cortez Bridge, are set to be replaced. And, just like the decision made in the early 2000s for the Ringling bascule bridge’s replacement, a high-level fixed bridge is the chosen design.

Drawbridges, though, are not a relic of the past. In the region, they’ve continuously been the design choice of civil engineers and have continued to be built by the state in the modern area. The same year the Ringling Causeway fixed span bridge was built over Sarasota Bay, a bascule drawbridge was also built in Venice.

In 2004, the Circus Bridge in Venice was also constructed.

FDOT writes that the designed service life of a bridge does not denote its expiration date.

“The design service life of a bridge reflects the maintenance tools, materials, and construction practices available at the time of its construction. Reaching the end of this original design life does not necessarily indicate that the bridge is no longer functional,” FDOT District One Public Information Director Janella Newsome said in an email. “With ongoing inspections and improvements in materials and maintenance techniques, a bridge may remain structurally sound and continue to operate safely beyond its initial design service life.”

Here is a list of the bridges connecting the mainland to the barrier islands in the area, as well as some things you may not know about them.

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The best way onto Siesta Key for Sarasota residents north of Proctor Road is Siesta Drive, which includes the Siesta Key North drawbridge. The drawbridge is undergoing a $4.3 million rehabilitation project that includes concrete maintenance, mechanical and electrical rehab, structural steel repairs and protective steel coating replacement.

Built: 1956 Average daily traffic: 15,400 vehicles Air draft: 21.9 feet Bridge openings: Average 14 per day Expected lifespan: 50-75 years

The drawbridge whose end is near, the Cortez Bridge will be dismantled slowly starting this summer as a $135 million bridge is built just north of the existing bridge that will remain in operation during construction. The new Cortez Bridge will be a fixed-span design with a 65-foot clearance and will take 1,200 days for construction, according to FDOT.

Anna Maria Island, Siesta Key and the like, you’ll

3 Longboat Pass

Photos by S.T. Cardinal

Connecting Bradenton Beach to the north end of Longboat Key, the Longboat Pass bascule bridge was a big deal for north-end residents of Longboat Key when it was constructed in 1957. The single-leaf bascule bridge connected the north end of Longboat Key for the first time in decades, replacing a wooden structure built by Manatee County in 1923 and that was destroyed in 1932, when a severe storm rocked the area. Talk has now shifted to what will replace the drawbridge as the structure reaches its 70th birthday.

Built: 1957 Average daily traffic: 17,300 Air draft: 16.7 feet Bridge openings: Average 10 per day Expected lifespan: 50-75 years

4 New Pass

The body of water between City Island and Longboat Key was not always there. The local legend is that an 1848 hurricane formed the pass and William Whitaker, the first permanent white settler in the area, noticed the new feature.

Whitaker’s creative juices must have been lacking that day, as he proposed the name “new pass,” a name which has stuck more than a century and a half later.

Built: 1986 Average daily traffic: 19,200 Air draft: 21.9 feet Bridge openings: Average four per day Expected lifespan: 75 years

File image

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Ringling Causeway

The Ringling Causeway bridge has become an attraction itself. The four-lane bridge is more than 106 feet wide, giving plenty of room for bikers, runners and pedestrians to use the bridge, and use it they do. The bridge has become such a popular venue for exercising that it has been picked as the centerpiece of the city of Sarasota’s Parks and Recreation Department logo.

7 Stickney Point

Siesta Key North

The southernmost access to Siesta Key is via Stickney Point Road and Stickney Point bridge, which traverses a narrow channel of Little Sarasota Bay about 400 feet wide. Stickney Point could undergo a transformation in the coming years after the county OK’d an $18.1 million purchase of 21 parcels at Stickney Point in February, though approval of a loan to finance the purchase has been delayed as commissioners have requested information from staff about plans for the area.

Built: 1968 Average daily traffic: 25,000 Air draft: 14.4 feet Bridge openings: Average 10 per day Expected lifespan: 50-75 years

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Built: 1972 Average daily traffic: 16,800 Air draft: 20.9 feet Bridge openings: Average nine per day Expected lifespan: 75 years

Built: 2003 Average daily traffic: 39,000 Air draft: 65 feet Bridge openings: n/a Expected lifespan: 75 years

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ONLINE

Learn more about South Sarasota County bridges.

See the story at YourObserver.com.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

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ncomplete building-permit applications in Longboat Key will now be promptly returned to sender.

The town has recently implemented some changes to how it accepts and processes applications.

Recommendations were made by a group of staff members participating in the Lean Six Sigma training program in which employees evaluated ways to improve efficiency in workflows of various town processes. Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons said the goal of the new policies is to reduce turnaround time.

“One of the things we found is that processing times can sometimes be extended because of multiple rounds of reviews,” Parsons said. “When a building-permit application comes in and it doesn’t have everything that is needed to perform a complete review, comments will identify missing items. Those comments then put the ball back in the court of the applicant who may hold onto the application for a period of time before resubmitting it. If we have to go through that more than once, the review timeframe from when a permit application is submitted and when a permit is issued can be longer than necessary.”

Changes to the permitting application process include a new checklist provided to contractors, a staff member who will act as “intake coordinator” and new requirements for how attachments are named in the application packet.

Building permits must go to various town departments before they are approved. Parsons said previously applications would go from one department to the next before it was discovered that necessary documents were missing. The staff member in charge of receiving applications will now check whether all materials are included before the process gets underway.

“We want them to be using these checklists, and we’ll be return-

S.T. Cardinal

ing applications back to them for missing items,” Parsons said. “This should have the ultimate benefit of having applications get reviewed faster. That’s a win for applicants because time is money, and it’s a benefit to staff.”

The goal, Parsons said, is for single-family building applications to have a turnaround time of 14 days.

A Lean Six Sigma evaluation of four months of permitting data showed a turnaround time of 18 days.

A single-family residence at 3515 Gulf of Mexico Drive has been under construction for years and is nearing completion.

COMPARE AND CONTRAST

Building permit turnaround times and the number of applications sent back to the applicant for single-family homes in nearby counties and municipalities are listed below.

SARASOTA COUNTY

14 business day turnaround time 52% of permit applications sent back for more information

MANATEE COUNTY

10-15 business day turnaround time Percent/number of applications sent back not tracked

CITY OF BRADENTON

39 calendar day average turnaround time Applications sent back to applicant an average of 1.6 times

LONGBOAT KEY

Mean processing time of 18 calendar days 38% of permit applications sent back for more information

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

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Friday deadline set for St. Regis arch removal CASE LAW

St. Regis owner says they will not comply, likely spurring the disagreement with the town to go to court.

S.T. CARDINAL STAFF WRITER

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t Longboat Key’s Monday Town Commission meeting, the main event was removed from the agenda, leading to the early departure by some in the crowd.

“If you’re here to hear the items 6C and 6D on the agenda regarding the St. Regis sign, they have withdrawn the application, so you’re welcome to stay, but if that’s what you’re here for, you’re also welcome to have your afternoon free and go off and do something fun,” Mayor Debra Williams said. “You are welcome to come up and speak if you want.”

There was no public comment on the subject Monday. The topic has been discussed at length in previous meetings as owners of St. Regis have made a push to alter the town’s sign code to allow a stainless steel arch the St. Regis Longboat Key resort had installed on a private groin extending into the Gulf. Town leaders claim the arch violates the town’s sign code, but Unicorp President Chuck Whittall and legal counsel claim the town doesn’t have jurisdiction over Gulf waters and that a permit issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the arch is all the permission they needed.

Last week, the lawyer for St. Regis developer Unicorp, Brenda Patten, sent an email to the Town Commission requesting continuances on the two ordinances that would allow the sign, writing that Unicorp and the St. Regis are “reexamining their options regarding the sign and whether a sign code amendment is necessary.”

The request for continuance comes after the town’s Planning and Zoning board recommended denial of the ordinances.

About 80 minutes after Williams

S.T. Cardinal

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

said the issue had been removed from the agenda, town leaders discussed next steps in the St. Regis arch saga, noting that a continuance was not granted and the issue looks be headed to court.

“It’s a sad day, really,” said Town Commissioner Gary Coffin. “That it’s come to this is a shame. I thought there would be more cooperation between them and the town.”

Town Attorney Maggie Mooney told commissioners that Town Manager Howard Tipton has given the St. Regis a deadline of 5 p.m. Friday, May 8, to bring the arch into compliance.

“We laid out two paths. One was allow the text amendment to go through and see how that played out.

The other was pursue enforcement to take it down, to bring it into compliance. Without following the path forward on the text amendment because that was withdrawn today,

we still have a structure that is noncompliant with our town code,” Mooney said to the Commission. “If it is not brought into compliance by that date and time, then we need to talk about options.”

That deadline will not be met, Whittall signified.

“We’re not going to take the sign down at this point in time,” Whittall told the Observer. “We don’t want to give away any legal strategy, but we think the town is looking at this incorrectly, and if they take us to court we’ll see what our options are and see where it goes.”

That will likely be district court.

Mooney recommended that the Town Commission enter into an engagement agreement with the law firm Garcia Dell to represent the town in any potential litigation.

“This would be to pursue litigation and engage (attorney Martin

Garcia’s) services to force the structure to be taken down by the property owner,” Mooney said. “So I am asking for the commission to authorize that engagement agreement and litigation in the event that structure is not brought into compliance by the deadline set by the town manager.”

If the sign is not removed, Mooney said the town would elect to skip the special magistrate hearing and take the matter straight to district court.

“Given that they have asserted before that they don’t think we have jurisdiction, we could go to a special magistrate hearing, we can argue they’re in violation of the code and they can argue we don’t have jurisdiction and we can argue, ‘Oh yes, we do,’” Mooney said. “At the end of the day, someone is going to be unhappy because the magistrate would rule one way or the other. Then one of us would appeal to the district court.”

Town Attorney Maggie Mooney explained to Town Commission in a memo that First Amendment protections likely would not be applicable in a court case involving the St. Regis arch.

Mooney cited a Supreme Court decision in Reed v. Gilbert that invalidated a town’s sign code that treated signs differently based on content. While the case result ruled against the town in that instance, the court’s opinion provided guidance on when a municipality may regulate signage.

“The court reiterated that cities have the abilities to regulate content-neutral, time-place-manner aspects of signage, such as physical and location criteria, size, lighting, materials, setbacks, digital vs. static displays and traffic-safetyrelated restrictions,” Mooney’s memo reads.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Park parking problems Residents raise concerns to town leaders about Bayfront Park usage.

S.T. CARDINAL STAFF WRITER

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iving near a park is nice. Living near a beach is even better. But for some Longboat Key residents who live near both a park and a beach, frustrations have arisen as visitors to the shoreline have left trash and taken up parking.

“The beach is a mess,” said resident Tommy Rheinlander.

“They dig holes to build a sandcastle or whatever, and they just bury the trash in it,” said Lorraine Rheinlander.

Cigarette butts, tents left on the beach and dogs on the sand are some other examples of issues raised by residents to town leaders.

Police Chief Russ Mager urges community members to report potential code violations, noting that with a small police force and only two code enforcement officers on town staff, it’s difficult to always have firsthand eyes and ears on all 11 miles of the Longboat Key shoreline.

“It’s a big island. You have to get out on foot or get out on an allterrain vehicle to patrol the beach,” Mager said. “When y’all see anything out there that doesn’t look right, we want to try to get to those people.

Anything that’s out there, any kind of police matter or if something doesn’t look right, we’d rather respond than have the issue fester and get frustrated. Give us the opportunity to try to fix the problem.”

Mager said that since complaints have been voiced by residents at recent meetings, the police department has conducted extra patrols on

S.T. Cardinal

the beach.

“In this month alone we did 38 extra patrols, and that means officers getting out on foot and looking around,” Mager said. “That’s a byproduct of us getting the complaint.”

Naomi Muselman lives across the street from Bayfront Park and is another frustrated resident who raised concerns at recent community meetings. She said the amount of parking at Bayfront Park has grown over the years, which has led to issues for those who want to use the park for pickleball, tennis, shuffleboard or recreation center activities. She said those spots are being used as beach parking, not by residents using the amenities at the park.

“Now, we have 19 or 20 by the playground. We have all these by the recreation center and more by the pickleball courts and the dog park,” Muselman said. “Now, they have made an overflow parking lot without asking anybody with 10 spots. That’s potentially 50 more people at the beach.”

At a Let’s Talk Longboat meeting,

Public Works Director Charlie Mopps said that parking inventory at Bayfront Park was increased in recent years to meet a state requirement that made Longboat Key eligible for beach renourishment grants. It’s a matter of $35 million, Town Manager Howard Tipton said.

“This is the only primary public beach access. We get grant funding that extends a mile in both directions from this access point, which equates to 28% of the beach project paid by the state,” Mopps said. “This is the only space that we have that has enough parking spaces. We need every one of those spots to qualify.”

Expanding parking at beach accesses is fine, but parking expansion should be spread across multiple beach access spots, not just at Bayfront Park, Muselman countered.

“I’m saying they need to improve all the beach accesses on Longboat and cut a little bit of this (parking) out,” Muselman said. “We don’t need an overflow lot.”

GROWING PAINS

With a growing regional population and only so much shoreline to go around, Longboat Key residents Naomi Muselman and Tommy Rheinlander both point out that more visitors are flocking to Longboat Key to avoid the crowds of Anna Maria Island, Lido Key and Siesta Key. “I think the problem is coming because they’re building so many homes.

They’re building more homes than can be handled by the beach,” Rheinlander said.

“They’ve got, what, 7,000 homes being built off 75th? Anna Maria can’t handle the traffic now. Where do you think all those people are going?”

Muselman thinks more people have been headed to Longboat Key, changing the quiet nature of the mostly residential barrier island.

“People are bringing tents, grills, beer cans, drinking, noise,” Muselman said. “So now this Bayfront Park beach is becoming like Siesta. It’s the biggest beach. It’s like Lido. This beach has become like the big city park beach, and it never was in the olden days. That’s the gripe is that now it’s so busy.”

An overflow parking lot with 10 spots is open during the day at Bayfront Park accessible via Gulf of Mexico Drive.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

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ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN FILED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND NO OTHER STATE. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY THE CONDOMINIUM UNITS IN STATES WHERE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION CANNOT BE MADE. PRICES AND AVAILABILITY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE ANYTIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

Verify age, but without data?

Legislators are passing laws to verify the age of social media users — but does it inadvertently require these sites to keep more data than necessary?

“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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ADRIAN MOORE AND NICOLE SHEKHOVTSOVA

F

lorida is now enforcing its sweeping social media law, the Online Protections for Minors Act (House Bill 3), after the 11th Circuit Court of Appeal stayed a lower-court injunction in November.

The law bars children younger than 14 from holding accounts on some social media platforms and requires parental consent for 14- and 15-yearolds. In response, some sites blocked Nicole Shekhovtsova Florida users entirely, rather than comply with a related age-verification requirement.

As Congress debates two federal children’s online safety bills, Floridians are getting a preview of what happens when lawmakers expand the legal standard for when a platform is responsible for knowing a user is a child.

THE FEDERAL STANDARD CONGRESS WANTS TO CHANGE

The federal children’s privacy law since 1998, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, uses an “actual knowledge” standard, meaning general-audience platforms are responsible only when they have been directly informed that a user is under 13. In its 2011 COPPA rule review, the FTC explained that Congress deliberately rejected a broader standard that would have made platforms liable for what they should have known from circumstantial evidence. The FTC again declined to adopt constructive knowledge in its most recent rulemaking and noted that only Congress could make that change.

In February 2026, the FTC announced it will not bring certain COPPA enforcement actions against general-audience and mixed-audience operators that collect personal information solely to determine a user’s age, so long as they use it only for that purpose, delete it promptly, and do not repurpose it.

The practical effect is to make age data collection less legally risky while putting more weight on

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whether a company’s methods are accurate enough to survive scrutiny if enforcement comes later.

The Senate versions of COPPA 2.0 and the Kids Online Safety Act would replace that standard. Both bills say an operator should know a user is a minor when age is “fairly implied” based on what a “reasonable and prudent person” would understand. That is an open-ended standard, applied in hindsight, with no clear threshold for what counts.

Each bill also states that the law should not be read as a requirement to collect new data or build ageverification systems.

Taken together, these two provisions leave companies without a clear answer on how to comply.

If age-gating is not required but self-attestation, just asking users to enter their age or confirm that they are above a certain age, is not enough, the obvious question is: How much age-determination a platform must implement to avoid liability? KOSA points platforms toward signals they already have without explaining what would be sufficient, and it tells the Federal Trade Commission to issue guidance that the bill itself describes as nonbinding.

Florida is already further down this road. HB 3 imposes civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation for “knowing or reckless” failures, and it allows minors to recover up to $10,000 per claim through a private right of action. The implementing regulation defines “willful disregard” of a user’s age as the moment a platform “should reasonably have been aroused to question whether the person was a child and thereafter failed to perform reasonable age verification.” That is constructive knowledge in everything but name.

The Florida Digital Bill of Rights uses the same framing.

PLATFORMS ARE RESPONDING

Major platforms have already begun testing age-inference and ageestimation tools.

Meta uses artificial intelligence to place suspected teens into “teen account” settings even when those

users claim to be adults. YouTube uses an age-estimation model and escalates uncertain cases to government ID, credit card or selfie verification. Every platform will not make the same choices, but age inference and escalation to stronger verification have become part of the ordinary compliance landscape.

When penalties are high and the standard is vague, companies focus on protecting themselves rather than on preserving privacy. Pornhub did so by leaving Florida. Other platforms will respond by collecting more data on every user, not just suspected minors, because that is the easiest path to defend if regulators push later.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Florida lawmakers are not done expanding this approach. In the 2026 session, Sen. Tom Leek’s Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights (SB 482) and a parallel House bill (HB 659) would have extended age verification and parental consent rules to AI companion chatbots. Both died in the House. Gov. Ron DeSantis has signaled he wants them revived in a special session.

Before Florida or Congress goes further, the FTC should evaluate the age-determination tools American companies are already deploying: how accurate they are, what data they collect, how they handle errors and whether they create new privacy risks.

Lawmakers need that record before they decide whether broadening the actual knowledge standard is necessary.

As it stands, abandoning “actual knowledge” in favor of vague notions of what age is “fairly implied” only pushes companies toward invading every user’s privacy to reduce their own liability.

Nicole Shekhovtsova is a policy analyst, and Adrian Moore is vice president at Reason Foundation.

As laws are passed requiring companies to verify users’ ages, it complicates how they do so without violating data policies.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

MY VIEW

My oath to the law and the taxpayers of Sarasota County While waiting for the attorney general to rule on a disagreement over how to implement state law, costly litigation could have been avoided.

MIKE MORAN SARASOTA TAX COLLECTOR

A

s your tax collector, when I took the oath of office, I made a solemn commitment to faithfully execute the duties of my office and to uphold the laws of the state of Florida. My oath of office isn’t a suggestion, it is a binding promise to every taxpayer that I will follow Florida law, even when it is politically inconvenient.

It does not bend to convenience, public pressure or political disagreement. It is a promise to the taxpayers I serve and one I intend to keep.

There is a current dispute regarding the state-mandated commission charged by the Tax Collector’s Office to the School Board. Let me be clear: This is not a new fee, and it is required by law. Unfortunately, much of the public narrative has suggested otherwise, which has only fueled misunderstanding.

For nearly 24 years, the Sarasota County government has been paying the School Board’s portion of this fee. This practice originated under a prior tax collector who served for nearly half a century.

However, after consulting with highly respected CPAs and legal counsel, it became evident that this arrangement did not align with state law, unless the County Commission voluntarily offered to pay the School Board’s share. In a recent County Commission meeting, the board voted unanimously to stop

paying the School Board’s portion.

Again, this is not a new fee to the Tax Collector’s office, we simply started charging the fee to the School Board instead of the county.

This is not a matter of opinion or preference; it is a matter of legal obligation.

I fully recognize that there is a difference of opinion on this issue.

The Sarasota County School Board believes the county should continue absorbing this cost. I respect their position, even as I disagree with it. In fact, in an effort to avoid unnecessary conflict and expense, I respectfully asked the school district’s superintendent, in person and in writing, to pause any legal action until the Florida attorney general issues an opinion on a nearly identical situation in neighboring Manatee County.

Waiting for the attorney general’s guidance could have provided clarity for all parties and potentially saved Sarasota County taxpayers the cost of litigation. Unfortunately, the school district chose not to wait and took the “lawyer-up” approach that will waste taxpayer money.

That is their right, but I will not break the law or ignore my oath just to avoid disagreement.

I will continue to follow the law as it is written and if the Florida attorney general or courts ultimately determine a different course of action, I will abide by that decision fully and without hesitation.

This situation could have been resolved more collaboratively and at far less cost. I strongly feel my invitation to pause and wait for the attorney general’s response was a reasonable request. We are now in a position of expensive litigation that is not in the public’s interest.

Until then, I remain committed to one guiding principle: the rule of law.

It is not always easy. It is not always popular. But it is always the right thing to do.

COPS CORNER

SUNDAY, APRIL 26

LOUD HIP-HOP MUSIC 3:02 p.m., Jewfish Key Noise disturbance: A police officer on marine patrol was dispatched to Jewfish Key after a resident complained of loud noise coming from an unknown vessel on the sandbar. Police arrived on scene and saw a small center console boat “playing loud hip-hop music.”

The officer signaled to the boaters to turn the music down.

The boaters complied and the officer informed them of the town’s noise ordinance.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25

WARNING UNHEEDED 2:46 a.m., 3100 Gulf of Mexico Drive Vehicle stop: A police officer performed a traffic stop early Saturday morning after issuing a warning to the same driver about 90 minutes before. The officer wrote in a police report that he saw the same black SUV being driven by the same driver he had just issued a warning to, prompting him to pull the driver over. The vehicle had a Tennessee license plate, but a VIN number search showed the vehicle registered in Florida, however, that registration had expired in February.

The Tennessee plate had a registration validation sticker that expired in July 2025. The five in 2025 had been closed to form a six, likely done with a Sharpie, the police officer wrote in the report. The driver of the vehicle was arrested on charges of driving without a valid license, attached tag not assigned to vehicle and unlawful alteration to a validation sticker, and the license plate was seized as evidence.

SOLICITING ON LONGBOAT 2 p.m., Firehouse Road Suspicious person: A solicitor prompted a call to police by a concerned resident in the north end of Longboat Key who told dispatch that a man and a woman were on foot soliciting at condominiums in the area. Police arrived on scene and

saw a man matching the description by the caller and wearing an internet service provider badge. The officer informed the man of the town’s ordinance against soliciting and the man said the company had applied for solicitation permits from the town, but they had not been issued yet.

The cable salespeople left town, and police closed the case.

TUESDAY, APRIL 28

WINDOW BROKEN, BUT HOW? 7:52 p.m., 2400 block Gulf of Mexico Drive Property damage: A woman called police when she returned to her truck and found the rear passenger side window shattered. She told police she parked in the parking lot the day before, locked the vehicle and noticed the broken window upon her return. She said she did not think the window was broken intentionally, and police noted that it seemed that nobody had gained access to the vehicle. The two searched for a cause of the broken window to no avail, and video cameras were not seen anywhere in the parking lot. No rock or other window-breaker was found inside the vehicle. Police gave the woman a case number for insurance purposes and closed the case.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Charter review on the horizon Discussion on beginning the process to review the town’s charter began at the strategic planning retreat in April.

S.T. CARDINAL STAFF WRITER

A

local government’s charter is a big deal.

“It is your municipal constitution,” Longboat Key Town Attorney Maggie Mooney said. “It’s going to describe where your boundaries are. It’s going to talk about elected official’s seats, terms and qualifications. It’s going to talk about what your fiduciary responsibilities are. You’re going to have a description of your legislative body.”

The town of Longboat Key operates under the council-manager form of government. At the town’s strategic planning retreat in April, Mooney explained to the Town Commission the ins and outs of the town’s charter and how the island split by a county line operates compared to other municipalities.

“We are right there on the bubble of two different counties who operate very differently. All of the cities in Sarasota County have councilmanager forms of government, and we lean into that, meaning we have a professional manager who is tasked with leading us and helping us administer those day-to-day items,” Mooney said. “I say we’re on the bubble because we look to the north and in Manatee County they all have strong mayor form of governments, which are different than the way we operate ... We are unlike the other cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, city of Bradenton and Palmetto.”

The town charter is not perma-

nent, though. It’s been amended several times, and the possibility to do so again presents itself next year, when the town’s Charter Review Committee will be reformed and reconvene.

“Charter Review Committee will be coming to you probably in the next year,” Mooney told commissioners at the strategic planning retreat.

“We’re going to be up for a charter review in 2027, so just start thinking about these things.”

The Charter Review Committee last convened in 2017 and, according to the charter itself, must reconvene every decade. Traditionally, the committee consists of residents who are appointed by Town Commission.

The group is dissolved after it meets and makes its recommendations.

“It is considered an ad hoc committee, tasked with reviewing and making recommendations for any charter amendments,” said Town Clerk Trish Shinkle. “The committee sunsets once it submits its final report to the Town Commission.”

At the town’s strategic planning retreat, newly elected Commissioner Nick Gladding requested the topic of forming a charter review committee be discussed at an upcoming Town Commission workshop meeting.

“I had suggested to (Town Manager Howard) Tip(ton) and (Assistant Town Manager) Isaac (Brownman) that we have a timing issue because it has to be done under state law by the end of May or June of 2027,” Gladding said. “One of the advantages of trying to deal with it this year as opposed to next year is we will have two new commissioners next year, and they won’t be elected until March. That would give very little time for them to deal with the charter. My idea was let’s at least throw it out there that we can do it this year.”

Charter review discussion will appear on the agenda of the May 18 workshop meeting, Shinkle said.

S.T. Cardinal

CONSEQUENTIAL CHARTER CHANGES The last time Longboat Key’s charter was amended was in 2018, after voters approved changes recommended by the Charter Review Committee and then greenlit by the Town Commission.

Voters approved the recommended changes in a referendum with 55% of the vote in support of the 30 recommended changes. Most of those changes were described at the time as minor and “administrative,” changing verbiage to align the town with state law. But a few of the changes were notable.

One such change was to extend term lengths for commissioners from two to three years. The charter amendments also allowed the town to hire an assistant town manager. Another change paved the way for the town to pursue bonds up to $5 million without first gaining voter approval.

Decades earlier, there was an even more consequential charter amendment, commonly referred to by town leaders as the most pivotal moment in Longboat Key government history.

In 1985, voters approved an amendment that all but halted the rapid growth the barrier island had begun to see. In a special election, voters approved adding the following section to the Town Charter: “The present density limitations provided in the existing comprehensive plan as adopted March 12, 1984, shall not be increased without the referendum approval of the electors of Longboat Key.” Those 29 words have done more to “Keep Longboat Longboat” than any other town law in the books, for they require any additional requested density on the island to go before voters.

The original 1957 Longboat Key Town Charter is printed on rice paper and stored at Town Hall, along with copies of the original document printed in 1959.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

A serving of history Fifth-generation Columbia Restaurant Group owner discusses restaurant’s endurance with Rotary Club of Sarasota.

Beating the odds Fire Chief Dezzi lauds Longboat’s cardiac arrest survival stats.

DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER

L

Photos by Ian Swaby

Lee-En Chung, James Thompson, Candace Yaeger, President Pam Akins, Casey Gonzmart Jr. and Edward Holbrook.

IAN SWABY

“We know that we’re a beacon over in St. Armands Circle, and we knew that we needed to be the first one to open ...”

STAFF WRITER

T

he Rotary Club of Sarasota is among Sarasota’s local institutions with a long history, having celebrated its 100th anniversary in April.

However, it also had the chance to connect with another long-lived establishment during an April 29 meeting.

The club hosted Casey Gonzmart Jr., the fifth-generation owner of the 1905 Family of Restaurants, which owns the historic Columbia Restaurant on St. Armands Circle.

While the restaurant is the oldest in Sarasota, having opened in 1959, it also grew from another even older establishment.

The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, Tampa, established in 1905, was opened on Dec. 17, 1903, as the Columbia Saloon‚ the same day the Wright Brothers made the first flight, Gonzmart noted.

“We’re talking about going to Mars, and we’re circling the moon, and we’re doing all this amazing stuff, and there’s like thousands of satellites up in the air, and we are still serving beans, rice and beer, doing kind of the same thing that we’ve been doing, just trying to get better every year,” he said.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

The Ybor City location was founded

by Gonzmart’s great-great-grandfather Casimiro Hernandez Sr., who came from Cuba in 1895 with four sons.

It is both the oldest operating restaurant in Florida and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world, occupying a full city block with 15 dining rooms and 1,700 seats.

However, the location started small as a corner cafe, Gonzmart said.

He said over the years, the menu expanded, while the restaurant incorporated entertainment like flamenco dancers, ice skating and his musician grandfather César Gonzmart.

— Casey Gonzmart Jr., owner of Columbia Restaurant

Casey Gonzmart Jr. explains a PowerPoint slide to the club.

He said César Gonzmart was responsible for hiring someone to place the elaborate tile outside the Ybor City location, crediting him with a focus on making the restaurant experience appealing for guests.

He said his father, Casey Gonzmart Sr., would ask César Gonzmart for the money to buy an oven for the St. Armands Circle location, but César Gonzmart would decline, saying, “That oven will be gone in a couple years, but this chandelier, this chandelier will last.”

The restaurant has indeed endured, he says.

Challenges have included COVID-19 pandemic, when it closed for two months while compensating its team and providing meals, as well as the hurricanes of 2024, when it dealt with the surge of Hurricane Helene only to halt its reopening efforts as Milton neared.

The restaurant ultimately reopened six weeks after Hurricane Milton, a proud accomplishment.

“We know that we’re a beacon over in St. Armands Circle, and we knew that we needed to be the first one to open and let people know that there was hope, and so we did that. We opened, and we were really proud of what we were able to do there,” he said.

Gonzmart said he has also had the

chance to break a cycle in his family, stating he is now over 12 years sober.

His mother passed away as a result of alcoholism when he was 14. He credits his wife with helping him realize the impact alcohol was having on his life as the company was taking shape.

He says being sober has allowed him to go to Disney World with his family and do activities he could not do if he were still drinking.

“To this day, I have never taken an Uber. I drive my kids everywhere.

They’re in the car with me. I love it ... so, that’s allowed me to break cycles in my family that I didn’t know, really, that it was a cycle, until I broke it,” he said.

Gonzmart said the company’s longevity is not just “because we care about the community” but also because it has avoided common operational pitfalls.

“Most family businesses fail for a couple reasons,” he said. “One, there’s too many family members who try to get their hands in, or there’s too many directions, and no one knows who to take direction from.”

He noted the business did not split into two branches until its fourth generation. Currently, he owns one half, while his uncle, Richard Gonzmart, and cousin Andrea Gonzmart Williams own the other.

Club President Pam Akins said the meeting was a chance to complement the club’s energy, due to Gonzmart’s dynamic personality and young age.

“We bring a lot of activity and impact in our community, and we like to have speakers that embody that too,” she said.

ongboat Key Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi opened his update to community members with one impressive statistic: First responders on the Key had a 67% success rate in reviving patients from cardiac arrest last year. Nationally, 10% of the 350,000 people who experience a nontraumatic, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survive, according to the American Red Cross.

Dezzi attributed their success to two main factors. One is the quick EMS response times made possible through a highly trained team and cross-department collaboration.

The other is residents’ ability to step in and help until first responders arrive.

He spoke from experience, describing to the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key attendees of the April 30 meeting how he aided a neighbor who fell out of a tree and went into cardiac arrest Thanksgiving morning in 2023.

“All the neighbors were there, but no one was doing anything yet,” he said.

Dezzi grabbed the defibrillator from his department vehicle and, with assistance from his son, Ryan, got a pulse.

For those efforts, he and his son received a prestigious Phoenix Award. All four of his sons attended fire training academy, and three have gone on to start careers as firefighters/paramedics.

The American Red Cross shows that successful revival is a race against the clock, and the sooner someone intervenes, the better the patient’s chances. Survival rates decrease by 10% with every minute that passes without immediate CPR and AED use.

Dezzi shared his story in hopes of inspiring others to get educated on the latest in first aid care, especially how to recognize the symptoms of cardiac distress.

The fire chief also answered questions from attendees of the morning

Dana Kampa

Longboat Key Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi explains how robust community education contributes to the island’s success in responding to cardiac distress calls. He touched on response times, disaster response and more at the April 30 meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key.

Kiwanis meeting at Lazy Lobster.

Their interest was primarily in being prepared for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season.

He reviewed how his department collaborates with others in the area to deal with storm preparation, management and recovery efforts.

One key step residents and business owners should be taking now is securing any needed decals for reentering the island after a disaster.

The town of Longboat Key utilizes a tiered process for letting citizens return without overwhelming systems as they come back online.

Dezzi noted the department maintains a database for residents who may need physical assistance evacuating. He encourages family members of anyone who may need to be added to the list to contact the fire department. Station headquarters are located at 5490 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

More details on the reentry process and other hurricane prep are available at LongboatKey.org under the “Hurricane Information” tab.

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce is also hosting a preparation seminar on May 14. Visit LongboatKeyChamber.com.

UPCOMING CPR CLASSES

Longboat Key Fire Rescue encourages community members to take advantage of its free hands-only CPR and AED training. Classes start at 10 a.m. at Station 91, 5490 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Remaining dates this season include May 5, June 9 and July 8. The one-hour course is limited to 16 attendees, so RSVP early by emailing TAdams@LongboatKey.org or calling 941-316-1944.

6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 941 383 4738

WORSHIP

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all God’s People Founded in 1956

Join us for Mother's Day, may 10 Safe Happy Hopeful Worship Sunday 10 a.m.

directory

The Lord’s Warehouse summer hours: Open Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

6140 Gulf of Mexico Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-383-4738.

The Lord’s Warehouse is openDrive, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-383-4738

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

Looking for a Spiritual Home?

Catholic Church

You are welcome at All Angels whether it is for a day, a season, or a lifetime... you are welcome here.

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

Worship Service Sunday 10 a.m.

Service is live streamed at AllAngelsLBK.org

A Generous & Joyful Community Growing in Jesus’ Name

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

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

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

Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor

Join Us For Worship!

Sunday, 10:00 AM

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

Questions? Email us at info@longboatkeytemple.org 461163-1

Watch live or livestream: www.christchurchof lbk.org (follow YouTube link) 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive • 941.383.8833 • www.christchurchoflbk.org

461111-1

461021-1

AllAngelsLBK.org

563 Bay Isles Rd • 941-383-8161

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6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key Florida 34228 941-383-6491 Live Stream available www.longboatislandchapel.org

567 Bay Isles Rd, Longboat Key, FL

941-383-3428

longboatkeytemple.org

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14A

MAY 7, 2026

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

A woman for all

SEASONS In ‘Birthday Candles,’ Rachel Moulton ages 90 years as she bakes a cosmic confection.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITOR

B

efore Rachel Moulton started performing in Florida Studio Theatre’s “Birthday Candles,” she took a trip to Texas in March to celebrate her grandmother’s 93rd birthday with other members of her family.

Moulton used the occasion for a trial run of baking a cake, which she does onstage during Noah Haidle’s play.

As Ernestine Ashworth, Moulton ages from 17 to 107 in “Birthday Candles.” But she does it in a series of snapshots, each of which takes place on her birthday. It’s a day she honors by baking a cake from scratch and recording her height on the kitchen wall. Both traditions are imparted to Ernestine by her mother, Alice.

Ernestine’s birthday cake contains the standard ingredients of butter, flour, eggs and sugar, but it also calls for some unusual elements. According to Alice, the recipe includes “stardust, the machinery of the cosmos” and “atoms left over from creation.” These cosmic ingredients underscore the thread of finding wonder in the quotidian that runs throughout the play .

In a recent interview, Moulton said she wasn’t nervous about aging 90 years during a 90-minute play. After 14 years on the FST stage, Moulton is a veteran shapeshifter. She’s played a variety of leading ladies of various ages and temperaments. Moulton also credits the teamwork among her “Birthday Candles” cast members with helping her pull off her accelerated character development.

What did concern Moulton about playing Ernestine was the logistics of baking the cake that emerges from the oven near the end of the play.

(You can even smell it in the back rows of the theater.)

Experienced bakers know it takes more to bake a cake than mixing all the ingredients together in a bowl unless you’re using a cake mix.

Moulton got the baking lesson she needed in Texas. She and her family also were able to collectively mourn the recent death of her younger sister. As fate would have it, grief is one of the ingredients Moulton uses for her performance in “Birthday Candles.”

Ernestine loses several loved ones during the course of her long life.

Not all of them die; some move away

Images courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

Rachel Moulton leads an ensemble cast in Florida Studio Theatre’s “Birthday Candles.”

At the end of her life, Rachel Moulton is sometimes confused but still wants to bake a cake on her birthday.

from Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the play takes place, while others are lost to mental illness or dementia.

“You know, after losing my sister, in a weird way, it’s like I was given this company of angels,” she says. “I can’t tell you the last time, or if ever, I have worked with such a generous, fierce group of people. I think we all have a sense of theater magic with this piece. A lot of that has to do with the space that our director (Kate Alexander) curated.”

In “Birthday Candles,” while Moulton ages, most of the other actors play multiple roles, displaying their own versatility in the process. Susan Haefner is a standout as Ernestine’s mother, daughter and great-granddaughter.

Other actors deftly juggling multiple roles are Peter Kendall, Freddie Lee Bennett and Sarah Elizabeth Colt. We won’t list all their characters, lest we have to include a family tree the way Russian novels do.

The only other character besides Ernestine who remains constant is Kenneth, a nerdy boy next door played by Rod Brogan. Kenneth’s ardor for Ernestine never dims over the years, despite numerous rebuffs.

They start with a cool reception for a goldfish named Atman (Hindu for “the divinity within”) that he gives Ernestine on her 17th birthday.

Rod Brogan plays Kenneth, a nerdy next-door neighbor who pines for Ernestine (Rachel Moulton) and presents her with a goldfish for her 17th birthday.

IF YOU GO

On her 17th birthday, Ernestine (Rachel Moulton) bakes a cake with her mother (Susan Haefner) in what becomes a lifelong tradition.

“I was wondering why the playwright picked the name ‘Ernestine.’ When I looked up what the name means, one of the first definitions is ‘battle to the death,’ which I love.”

— Rachel Moulton

Atman’s successors remain on the kitchen table during an unspecified period of time that appears to run from the 1920s to the 2020s.

With her fresh-faced, ingenue demeanor, Moulton can pull off playing a rebellious teenager who vows to “wage war with the everyday” and “surprise God.” She admirably demonstrates her stagecraft by persuading the audience that she’s aging as the play skips ahead to her 18th, 41st, 70th and 107th birthdays, with just minor tweaks to her costume and hair.

How does she do it? “Subtly” is the answer.

“Every year, she measures herself and writes the number on the wall.

When she measures herself at 70, she says, ‘Oh, the decline has begun’ because she’s getting shorter. So I just thought how slowly my body would get smaller and also a little bit more stiff. My center of gravity changes. Identifying those physical markers and experiencing them in rehearsals was the most helpful for me,” Moulton says.

Over the years, Ernestine’s voice becomes more muted. As she ages, she speaks more slowly and with more breath between her words.

That’s something Moulton says she and Brogan worked on together as

they rehearsed scenes.

When a theater such as FST licenses a play for production, the script comes with a summary of each character’s background, motivation and personality. But Moulton also did her own research on Ernestine.

Moulton is the daughter of two professors whose work took them to colleges in Georgia, Tennessee and Florida. They passed their love of research down to her.

“I was wondering why the playwright picked the name ‘Ernestine.’

When I looked up what the name means, one of the first definitions is ‘battle to the death,’ which I love,” she says.

Ernestine “has this grit and gusto, and I would say, this radical determination. As she moves through the river of life, she’s always fighting for something — herself, her children, her grandchildren,” Moulton says.

“Even though her journey does not take her where she envisioned it would, she never gives up.”

AN ACTRESS THAT CAN’T BE TYPECAST

Given the odds of succeeding in a competitive profession, actors are usually quite enthusiastic when they are interviewed about their current job. Why? Because they are working!

Occasionally, you hear a complaint about being typecast. Fortunately for the chameleon-like Moulton, it’s not a problem she has ever confronted.

In her tenure at FST, she has been cast in a wide range of roles. In FST’s 2025 production of “The Cancellation of Lauren Fine” she drew on her SEE CANDLES PAGE 16A

‘BIRTHDAY CANDLES’ When: Through May 17 Where: Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. Tickets: $46 Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

“You know, after losing my sister, in a weird way, it’s like I was given this company of angels.”

— Rachel Moulton

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Leadership changes coming to Florida Studio Theatre With the new McGillicuddy Arts Plaza under construction, longtime FST leaders Richard and Rebecca Hopkins are moving upstairs and looking to fill two executive positions.

OBSERVER STAFF

F

Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

CANDLES FROM PAGE 15A

parents’ academic background to portray a professor who gets caught up in campus politics.

In FST’s 2023 Depression-era production “Black Pearl Sings!”

Moulton played a musicologist trying to persuade a Black woman to record African American standards that have been orally passed down.

That role was challenging for two reasons, Moulton says. First, it required her to learn how to play the autoharp. Second, there wasn’t a lot of information about her character, whose music preservation efforts mirror those of real-life “songhunters” Alan and John Lomax during the 1930s.

Moulton’s favorite roles have been in FST’s edgy, Stage III series. They include “Ugly Lies the Bone” (2024), in which she played a veteran who bears both physical and emotional scars from serving three tours in Afghanistan, and “Grounded” (2017), about a female fighter pilot assigned to oversee drone sorties when she becomes pregnant.

“Grounded” left an impression on audience members too. “I was walking with one of my castmates this past weekend on Main Street

and some people recognized us. I’ve had that happen before, with people who saw ‘Grounded.’ That’s when I go, ‘Wow.’ If someone can remember a performance nine years later, they were definitely shaken.”

Being recognized on the street is likely to happen more often since Moulton recently moved here. A graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, Moulton headed to New York City after earning her bachelor of fine arts from Syracuse University. Brooklyn remained home even after she became a regular actor at FST and later joined its fulltime staff as an associate artist and development associate.

After adding the role of director of education in 2024, it made less sense to be “a millennial snowbird,” Moulton says, since her expanded position regularly takes her into schools and elsewhere in the community.

It’s a role she relishes. “This is truly my dream job,” she says. “I never thought it would be possible to work as an actor playing such incredible roles at a theater that truly believes in my artistry. To be able to grow as a teacher and as a theater administrator, I feel really grateful and lucky.”

Rachel Moulton and Luke Brodersen starred in Florida Studio Theatre’s “The Cancellation of Lauren Fein.”

lorida Studio Theatre has restructured its leadership as the organization prepares for the addition of the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza, which is under construction next to FST’s current facilities on First Street.

As part of the transition, longtime leaders Richard Hopkins and Rebecca Hopkins will assume new executive roles while continuing to guide the theater. Meanwhile, a national search for additional leadership to support FST’s continued growth is underway.

Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins will assume the title of executive producer, and Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins has a new title of executive director. The changes reflect the expanding scope and complexity of the organization, according to a news release.

Since joining FST in 1980, Richard Hopkins has led the theater’s growth from a small touring company into a regional theater serving more than 230,000 patrons annually. Under his leadership, FST has expanded to five venues and developed a broad portfolio of programming.

In her nearly three decades with FST, Rebecca Hopkins has helped shape the theater’s creative identity and operational strength. She founded FST Improv and the Sarasota Improv Festival, and has led the development of more than 25 original cabarets. She oversees the organization’s administration, marketing and development.

“This is a moment of extraordinary opportunity for Florida Studio Theatre,” said Rebecca Hopkins in the release. “The McGillicuddy Arts Plaza represents not just growth in size, but growth in our ability to serve artists, audiences and our community.”

Image courtesy of Florida Studio Theatre

Richard and Rebecca Hopkins are producing artistic director and managing director, respectively, of Florida Studio Theatre.

Florida Studio Theatre has initiated a national search for both an artistic director and a managing director.

Management Consultants for the Arts, a nationally recognized organization specializing in nonprofit arts leadership, has been engaged to guide the search, which will begin this summer. Both executives are expected to join the organization ahead of the 2027-28 season.

“This is not a sudden change. It is a carefully planned investment in the future,” said Richard Hopkins in the news release. “We are building the structure needed to support the level of work our community is asking of us. By adding leadership capacity now, we are ensuring continued artistic excellence for years to come.”

The eight-story McGillicuddy Arts Plaza will include housing for visiting artists and workforce housing for members of Sarasota’s creative community. The residential phase is scheduled for occupancy in fall 2027, followed by the phased opening of additional performance spaces and public venues.

YOU GAVE US HOPE AT OUR CAUSE 4 HOPE. Thanks to your generosity, you are helping us ensure that Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s can live up to the gala’s theme and our promise. We can tell our Parkinson’s families …

‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ with gratitude, JENNIFER BITNER TOM KOSKI CEO GALA CO-CHAIR

MATT WALSH GALA CO-CHAIR

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16A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

artist Alexander Calder and his abstract moving sculptures, dubbed “mobiles.” Runs through May 31.

GREAT ESCAPES 6: ‘STARRY NIGHT’ 5:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $48 and up Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

THIS WEEK

“Starry Night” features guest conductor Christopher Confessore, who leads the Sarasota Orchestra in such celestial selections as “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Stardust” and Joseph Straus’ “Music of the Spheres.” Runs through May 9.

DON’T MISS Dan Bradica

Hank Willis Thomas’ “Silver Lining A (No Flash)” and “Silver Lining B (Flash)” are on display at Sarasota Art Museum’s “Something Borrowed, Something New.”

THURSDAY ‘ASSASSINS’ 7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $35; $15 students Visit ThePlayers.org.

Scott Keys directs “Assassins,” Stephen Sondheim and James Weidman’s tragicomic musical about the dark side of the American dream. If you’ve ever wanted to learn who Leon Czolgosz was, here’s your chance. Runs through May 10.

‘TUCK EVERLASTING’ 7:30 p.m. at Rise Above Performing Arts, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $25-$35 Visit RiseAboveArts.com.

When young Winnie Foster’s life becomes entangled with the mysterious Tuck family, she’s faced with an existential decision: Live forever or make every minute count.

Runs through May 17.

‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’ 7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $37-$99 Visit AsoloRep.org.

Director Peter Rothstein breathes new life into “Fiddler on the Roof” by casting actor/musicians in Asolo Repertory Theatre’s production.

Set in 1906 Russia, “Fiddler” follows the milkman Tevye’s efforts to find husbands for his daughters. Runs through May 24.

‘LIES, SPELLS & OLD WIVES’ TALES’ 7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $50 Visit WestcoastBlackTheatreTroupe. org.

WBTT Artistic Director Nate Jacobs teams up with his brother, Michael Jacobs, for a musical that plays off stories passed down through the years. Runs through May 17.

‘SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING NEW’ Private collectors in Southwest Florida loaned the works of major modern artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Chuck Close, David Hockney, Yoko Ono, Kara Walker and Ai Weiwei, for this groundbreaking show curated

by Rangsook Yoon. Runs through Sept. 27.

IF YOU GO When: 10 a.m. Friday, May 8 Where: Sarasota Art Museum campus of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $20 Info: Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

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

In this year’s Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is showcasing

IN-STUDIO: VOICES OF SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE 7 p.m. at SCD Home Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300 $15-$30 Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.

Sarasota Contemporary Dance shines a light on new choreographers with this initiative conceived by Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños-Wilmot. Runs through May 9.

SATURDAY HERBIE HANCOCK 7 p.m. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $61-$126 Visit VanWezel.org.

Now in his seventh decade in show business, Herbie Hancock continues to push the envelope in culture, technology and music. The winner of 14 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for “River: The Joni Letters,” Hancock continues his bold explorations, bringing audiences with him like a jazz Pied Piper.

SUNDAY BAROQUE TREASURES 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St. $50 Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.

Enjoy a musical interlude on Mother’s Day with the Artist Series

17A

OUR PICK

‘MARIE AND ROSETTA’ Students of popular music know that Sister Rosetta Tharpe earned the nickname “the godmother of rock ’n’ roll” for transforming gospel music with her spirited guitar playing.

She also influenced the music of Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash and Jimi Hendrix.

Asolo Repertory Theatre’s new production captures the first rehearsal between Tharpe (Maiesha McQueen) and her acolyte, Marie Knight (Alexis J. Roston), as they prepare for a world tour. Directed by E. Faye Butler. Runs through May 31.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7 Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $65-$71 Info: Visit AsoloRep.org.

Concerts program, “Baroque Treasures.” The concert kicks off with harpsichordist Paulo Bordignon performing music by Barch and Couperin. Several Sarasota Orchestra musicians will also perform.

MONDAY 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.

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. For the first time, Ringling’s treasures have a permanent home in Gallery 12 after a decadelong project.

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YourObserver.com

18A

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Rex Jensen with Leigh and Bob Simons.

ESPN’s Mike Soltys, V Foundation President Brandi Broome and the V Foundation founder’s daughter, Jamie Valvano.

A beaming Dick Vitale with his All-Courageous Kids at the 21st annual Dick Vitale Gala at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

Dick Vitale Gala Friday, May 1, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Benefiting V Foundation for Cancer Research

Michigan State head basketball coach Tom Izzo has brought his team to eight Final Four appearances.

Kerry Rohrssen and Sally Muehlenkamp grab a selfie.

Photos by Janet Combs

Jason Hughes with Monica Negandhi

Former professional basketball player Jerod Ward meets University of Houston basketball coach Kelvin Sampson.

Journalist, documentary filmmaker, mom, wife and ardent cancer advocate Katie Couric is the first nonsports figure to be honored at Dick Vitale’s gala.

EARLY

MEMORIAL DAY

“COMMANDING, AND

DEADLINES

FUNNY

LOVABLE JEREMY RADIN AS TEVYE”

“VISUALLY

- Jay Handelman

ARRESTING, 941.351.8000

asolorep.org

MUSICALLY

SUBLIME” - Family Beautiful

“NO,, “NO

YOU CAN’T.

MAY 28TH EDITIONS

[SKIP THIS ONE]!

SHOW SPONSORS

Longboat, East County, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observers, Arts & Entertainment/Black Tie

- Sarasota Magazine

Space Reservation: 11am, Thursday, May 21

“FIDDLER ON THE ROOF AND ASOLO REP ARE THE SEASON SPONSORS

“EMOTIONALLY RESONANT

Materials Due: 3pm, Thursday, May 21

PERFECT MATCH!”

For more information contact your advertising sales representative.

941.366.3468

- Sarasota Scene

TRIUMPH” Observer Media Group offices will be closed on Monday, May 25.

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NOW THRU MAY 24

Photos by Adrian Van Stee

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- Family Beautiful

You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

TIE

MUSIC FOR NEW BODIES EXPERIENCE THE VISIONARY POWER OF MATT AUCOIN AND PETER SELLARS’ NEWEST WORK: A ONE-ACT OPERATIC SYMPHONY EXPLORING HUMANITY’S EVOLVING RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE AND TECHNOLOGY.

FRIDAY, MAY 22 7:30PM SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE Co-Presented by Artist Series Concerts

SCAN FOR TICKETS

Keynote speaker Ian Prosser with Nicole Kaney

tickets and info at www.enSRQ.org

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Wednesday, April 22, at Selby Gardens’ downtown campus Benefiting Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

BLACK

Lunch in the Gardens

19A

Photos by Lori Sax

Event co-Chairs Nikki Sedacca and Montana Taplinger

Lisa Holcomb, Jill Obrochta and Lisa Brakefield

Falicia FracassiPovich, Dona Scott, Rosa Stanfield and Janet Miles

ALEXANDER

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CALDER OLLI at Ringling College Summer Semester: May 18-July 10 Join us for more than 40 classes, lectures, and events.

Mission Green — The Importance of Both Local and Global Forests with Margaret “Meg” Lowman, Ph.D.

Using AI on Your Smartphone with Deshjuana “Desh” Bagley Thursday, June 18 11 am-12:30 pm

Thursday, May 21 10-11:20 am

Origins: Sarasota Artist Colony, 1945-1965 Tim Jaeger and Bill Hartman Thursday, June 4 10-11:30 am

• Wellness Trends 2026: Good, Bad, and Questionable • The Lady of Larkspur Lotion by Tennessee Williams • ChatGPT— Your Brainstorming and Reflection Partner

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• History of Musical Theater

CALDER

• Newtown’s Women of the Movement: Stories of Strength and Sacrifice • Genius Women Erased from History • Gardens That Give Back: Designing for Pollinators in Florida • The Best Mel Brooks Films • Can You Tell When a Financial Panic is Coming?

OLLI is located at Sarasota Art Museum on the Ringling College Museum Campus 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-309-5111 www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org

SELBY.ORG 450722-1

• Steve Arvey Presents: The Sounds of Cigar Box Guitars

ALEXANDER

20A

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

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$400+ MILLION SOLD IN THE LAST TWO YEARS The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker.

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

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Classifieds 14B Games 13B Real Estate 9B Weather 13B

MAY 7, 2026

YOUR NEIGHBORS Stitches of ANCIENT STORIES

Multimedia artist Peg Green explains how stories of creation inspired this particular quilt. A collection of her works centered on ancient goddesses and muses is now on display at All Angels Episcopal Church.

DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER

A

ncient civilizations across numerous cultures and centuries revered figures of goddesses for their strength and compassion. Remnants of their artistic representations have survived the ages in the form of carved bone, poured bronze, clay and stone statuettes. Local artist Peg Green has found her own way of celebrating those enduring images through the art form of quiltwork.

Green’s series on ancient goddesses is part of the collection that recently opened at All Angels Episcopal Church, where she and church administrative assistant Linn Torres hung the pieces on May 2 while the artist explained her creative process.

“Most of these are drawn from archeological discoveries, and they go back to prehistoric times, as far back as 30,000 years ago,” she said.

Her highly detailed tapestries incorporate specific traits of the figurines that inspired them, like the specific movement of a hand upraised in dance. But her works also incorporate her own artistic style, rich with swirling celestial rainbows.

Green, originally from Ohio, has

Longboat gallery features colorful quilts lauding early goddesses. had lifelong passions for both art and history. She earned a doctorate in Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago, tracing language back to its beginnings in ancient Sumer.

She explored many art forms while following her academic pursuits, eventually gravitating toward quilting as a self-taught crafter.

“This just connects all my life experiences,” she said of her fabric work.

While she is experienced in sculpture, painting, wood burning, jewelry making and many other art forms, Green said she particularly likes the tactile nature of working with clothes to create these intricate windows into the past.

“These goddesses go back to the earliest prehistory, even before writing,” she mused. “We don’t always know the specific stories of who was related to whom and where they were born and their feats. We just have a sense of the divine power in each one.”

Each project is a labor of love in a craft she has honed over the past 30 years. One of the largest on display, depicting Quan Yin from Buddhist

IF YOU GO

This piece depicts Quan Yin, a figure in Buddhist beliefs who embodied mercy and compassion.

‘THE DIVINE FEMININE’ When: On display until June 27 Where: All Angels Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road. The public can view the gallery during open hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mondays through Thursdays during May. Viewings are available by appointment in June. Green’s work is also currently on display at Creative Liberties Artist Studios & Gallery in Sarasota.

Info: Call 941-383-8161. For info about her work, visit PeacePeg.com.

Photos by Dana Kampa

beliefs, took about six years to complete.

Green said she appreciates getting to celebrate feminine divine figures from multiple points in history.

Archeological dig sites will often uncover concentrations of the statuettes she finds so fascinating in the same area, all from different periods.

“If you map it out and do it chronologically, you can see how the discoveries have shown the development of art and artistic concepts of women across time and location,” she said. “In the Ukraine/Croatia area, over a period of time, they have found extremely similar designs and styles across communities.”

Her projects delve into the historical significance of these pieces, but they also show her appreciation of

these figures’ spirituality.

“I connect with the divine feminine and a strongly mystical relationship with God,” she said. “As a child, I always had these experiences, especially in nature, where I felt like I belonged to everything. When it comes to my quiltwork, I like to have an ethereal look to it.”

She continued, “They are from different times, but because they’re all my art, there’s a connection among them across the centuries and millennia.”

While she invests significant time into researching and understanding these figures, Green said the analytical part of design isn’t on the forefront of her mind when it comes to actually creating her tapestries.

Quilting expert Peg Green finalizes the order of her series on ancient goddesses for a gallery showing at All Angels Episcopal Church. She envisioned this figure as perhaps celebrating her wedding day, adorned with hundreds of shells.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Katlyn Deak, left, listens to Linda Emery, Tracy Bell and Grace Harvey share information about Pet Perfect’s products and services for pets. The newly franchising business sponsored the Off the Clock social on April 29.

Puppy love

Photos by Dana Kampa

At the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce’s April 29 Off the Clock meetup, Humane Society of Sarasota County Executive Director Connie Boros introduces members to her newly adopted dog, Poncho. Chamber member Andrew Vac welcomed guests before they toured the facilities.

A

nimal lovers at the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce’s latest Off the Clock social were in for a treat.

They took a behind-the-scenes tour of the Humane Society of Sarasota County facilities April 29 at the meetup sponsored by DOGPerfect.

Executive Director Connie Boros welcomed guests with the help of her newly adopted dog, Poncho.

Boros highlighted several upcoming events, including a May 16 adoption event with the Sarasota Police Department and Nov. 6 “Unleashed in the Kitchen” interactive dinner at Michael’s On East.

This is the first time the humane society is holding an interactive dining experience with a chefinspired, multicourse meal.

Boros thanked attendees for their support of the no-kill shelter.

“The actual cost for us to save a life is $1,490,” she said. “We charge

Patrick Casenhiser, Amy Torrington, Beth Robertson and Deanna Mesghali attend the April 29 Off the Clock meetup at the Humane Society of Sarasota County headquarters.

anywhere from $50 to $300 for an adoption. So, we really rely on community support and partnerships to continue doing the good work that we do.”

For more on upcoming adoption and fundraising events, visit the Humane Society of Sarasota County Facebook page.

— DANA KAMPA

JoDene Moneuse

Eddy the dog curiously checks out visitors.

Heather Cleary says hello to Florence, a resident at the Humane Society of Sarasota County, at the April 29 Off the Clock meetup.

CELEBRATING MOTHER’S DAY With Mother’s Day right around the corner, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible women who do it all. Mothers, grandmothers, stepmoms, and mother figures, you are the heart of our families and the backbone of our communities. At Grooms Motors, we’re grateful for the trust you place in us and honored to serve such an amazing community filled with strong, caring women.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Fueling future flights S

aturday’s Corvettes on the Circle car show was a first for newcomer Bob Hanstra, and it was certainly a memorable experience for the owner of a 1967 Shocktop Orange convertible.

He took home the title of Best in Show, which he said was particularly meaningful to him, considering the effort he personally put into refurbishing the classic car.

“I’ve been a car guy my whole life,” he said. “I rebuilt a 1939 Ford coupe that I bought when I was in high school, which I still have in Indiana. I got married in it, drove my bride away in it, and then 30-some years later, my son drove his bride away in it from his wedding.”

While winning awards is a perk, visitors to the 28th annual car show took equal delight in swapping such stories about their unique cars.

Hanstra is a member of the Village Vettes Corvette Club, one of many groups that participated in the May 2 show on St. Armands Circle.

Allen Harmsen, show chairman and vice president of the Skyway Corvette Club of Sarasota-Bradenton, said this year’s show had

a remarkable turnout. They had so many participants interested in registering that they had to cap it at 150 entrants.

Net proceeds from those registration fees, along with raffle ticket sales and donations, go toward supporting the Southwest Florida Honor Flight.

This organization transports veterans to Washington, D.C., to be honored at memorial sites.

“They do a really great job,” Harmsen said of the flights, which take place in October. “We’ve attended a few homecomings in Sarasota. It was great because one of the veterans was one of our club members. So, our show helped pay for him to go, and then we were there walking him home. That was amazing.”

Many participants are veterans themselves, and longtime supporters said they are touched to witness such robust community support for service people shown every year at the car show.

Those wishing to donate to Southwest Florida Honor Flight can visit SWFLHonorFlight.org.

Veteran Stuart Stegall, of Port Charlotte, said the rare paint job on his 2014 Lime Rock Green C7 is just part of what makes this car stand out.

— DANA KAMPA

Photos by Dana Kampa

Allen Harmsen, Corvettes on the Circle show chairman and vice president of the Skyway Corvette Club of SarasotaBradenton, stands beside one of the vehicles showcased by presenting sponsor Sunset Chevrolet. He said 150 people entered into this year’s contest.

Joy and Lee Hale and Andy Shaw educate car show visitors about the Southwest Florida Honor Flight program.

t ncoas u S

thank you!

Event Hosts and Suncoast Remake Learning Days Partners

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On behalf of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and The Patterson Foundation, we’re grateful to the passionaries who bring this 15-day festival to life—adding sparkle through free, hands-on learning experiences for families across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.

gradelevelreadingsuncoast.net/beyond-the-blog @suncoastcglr @suncoastcampaign facebook.com/SuncoastCampaignForGradeLevelReading

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Connecting Communities, a Beyond The Blog Podcast

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

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Living in Bay Isles on Longboat Key, Florida, offers a premier, resort-style coastal lifestyle. Bay Isles delivers serene, lowmaintenance luxury living across diverse homes—from condominiums and villas to elegant single-family estates—ideal for those seeking privacy, active recreation, and the tranquil beauty of barrier-island living. Residents enjoy 24/7 manned gated and guarded security, making it one of Florida’s safest enclaves, along with exclusive access to the private Bay Isles Beach Club featuring cabanas, volleyball court, grills, picnic areas, and direct access to the island’s Gulf beaches. The community boasts a world-class marina with deep-water slips,, tennis courts, fitness centers, and multiple pools. Many neighborhoods provide waterfront views and dockage, with optional membership at the nearby Longboat Key Club.

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

STAY INFORMED & BE PREPARED STAY INFORMED & BE PREPARED

2026 2026 S T A Y I N F O R LONGBOAT MED & BE PREPARED LONGBOAT KEY KEY DISASTER PREPAREDNESS DISASTER 2026 PREPAREDNESS SEMINAR SEMINAR LONGBOAT KEY

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS May 14, 2026 May 14, 2026 SEMINAR May 14, 2026

Longboat Key Club Harbourside Ballroom Longboat Key Club Ballroom 3000 Harbourside Dr.Harbourside Longboat Key, FL 34228 3000 Harbourside Longboat Key, FL Doors open at 3:15 PM Dr. | Event begins promptly at 34228 4:00 PM

Marcelle Landry, Carol Kelleher, Lori Blaker, Jill Anderson and Carole Leish, also known as “The Chicklettes,” celebrate another season with the Women’s Golf Association.

Doors open at 3:15 PM | EventBallroom begins promptly at 4:00 PM Longboat Key Club Harbourside 3000 Harbourside Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228

Fairway farewell M

Doors open at 3:15 PM | Event begins promptly at 4:00 PM

Featured Presenters Featured Presenters

Legislative Director for Representative Vern Buchanan - Chase Babair Legislative Director forInsurance Representative Vern Buchanan - Chase Babair Secur-all Agency - Sandra Smith Featured Presenters Secur-all Insurance Agency Sandra Smith Chief Meteorologist, ABC7 -- Bob Harrigan Legislative Director for Representative Vern Buchanan - Chase Babair Chief Meteorologist, ABC7 --Bob Harrigan Longboat Key Police Chief Russ Mager Secur-all Insurance Agency - Sandra Smith Longboat Key Police Chief - Russ Mager Longboat Key Fire Paul Dezzi Chief Meteorologist, ABC7 - Bob Harrigan Longboat Key Fire Chief - Paul Dezzi Longboat Key Police Chief - Russ Mager

embers of the Women’s Golf Association celebrated the end of the season with a morning scramble and luncheon on April 28 at the Longboat Key Club, enjoying fair weather on the fairway.

Reflecting on the season, the club celebrated having only two event cancellations all year.

“And that was because we had 30-mile-an-hour winds, and 28-degree windchill,” member Mary Taylor said. “I know none of us really wanted to be out there in that.”

Association leaders also commended players for keeping delays to a minimum, making for some excellent afternoons on the course.

Members also applauded Director of Golf Terry O’Hara and his team for helping the mornings run smoothly so players could get out playing as quickly as possible.

Longboat Key Fire Chief - Paul Dezzi

r iste e Reg t s r hierre ter Reg s i g Re he e e her

Special Thanks to our Sponsors

SpecialSpecial Thanks Thanks to our Sponsors to our Sponsors

FREE ADMISSION | COMPLIMENTARY REFRESHMENTS | RAFFLE PRIZES

FREE ADMISSION | COMPLIMENTARY REFRESHMENTS | RAFFLE PRIZES FREE ADMISSION | COMPLIMENTARY REFRESHMENTS | RAFFLE PRIZES

For more information the LBK LBKChamber Chamber For more informationcontact contact the at at (941)(941) 383-2466 or or visit www.longboatkeychamber.com 383-2466 visit www.longboatkeychamber.com (941) 383-2466 or visit www.longboatkeychamber.com

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ForMeet more20+ information LBK Chamberand at recovery experts! trusted contact disasterthe preparedness For more information contact the LBK Chamber at (941) 383-2466 or visit www.longboatkeychamber.com

Photos by Dana Kampa

Mary Taylor and Brenda Baril

Lisa Tyson and Katrina West ring in spring with the Women’s Golf Association.

— DANA KAMPA

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AWA R D -W I N N I N G | I N T E R I O R D E S I G N | F I N E F U R N I S H I N GS

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

7B

IN THE WORLD Leah George

$3.4 Billion Career Sales

941-780-059 7

St. Armands Key

Judy Kepecz-Hays 941-587-170 0

Islander Club

12 ft Ceiling

941-376-641 1

Lido Beach

Steps to the Beach

4 BR/4BA or 2x 2 BR/2BA

408 Jackson Drive $2,998,000 408JacksonDr.com

Steven Kepecz

2301 Gulf of Mexico Dr #11N & #12N $2,377,000 IslanderClub11N-12N.com

404 S Polk Drive $1,700,000 404SPolkDr.com

Casa del Carnevale on St. Armands

Ritz-Carlton Managed The Beach Residences #809

#709

Membership to the Ritz-Carlton Beach Club available with this residences immediately!

1300 Ben Franklin Dr #809 $4,800,000 | Furnished BeachResidences809.com

1300 Ben Franklin Dr #709 $3,450,000 | Furnished BeachResidences709.com

139 S Washington Drive $14,950,000 | Furniture Negotiable CasaDelCarnevale.com

Our expertise is undeniable—deeply understanding the local market and truly listening to our clients.

Sanctuary

Hideaway Bay

Villa di Lancia

757 Hideaway Bay Drive $7,488,000 757HideawayBay.com

2165 Gulf of Mexico Drive #115 $2,350,000 | Furnished VilladiLancia115.com

Epic Views of Sarasota Skyline and Longboat Key Golf Course

The Oaks

402 MacEwen Drive $1,750,000 402MacEwenDr.com

Privateer

1000 Longboat Club Road #403 $974,500 | Furnished Privateer403.com

1000 Longboat Club Road #304 $874,500 Privateer304.com

L’Ambiance

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

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545 Sanctuary Drive #B506 $1,828,000 SanctuaryB506.com

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

CHEROKEE PARK 3000 Southwest Drive 5 Beds 4/3 Baths 8,125 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie & Lynn Morris 941.376.1717 A4672971 $13,250,000

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 $6,750,000

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

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

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 2 Baths 2,173 Sq. Ft. Steve Walter & Janet Walter 941.809.0907 A4684578 $1,895,000

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

BAY ISLES 3511 Fair Oaks Court 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,579 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan & Todd Callahan 941.900.8088 A4684840 $1,559,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 691 Gulf Bay Road 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,581 Sq. Ft. Angela Scott 941.928.7462 A4684077 $950,000

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 4621 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #14F 2 Beds 2 Baths 900 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy & Gail Wittig 941.961.8850 A4664627 $710,000

LONGBOAT KEY 5757 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #115 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,561 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy 941.961.8850 A4685205 $709,900

BAY ISLES 2110 Harbourside Drive #523 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,031 Sq. Ft. Caroline Mitchell 913.787.3131 A4682869 $699,000

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 Beds 1 Baths 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 $409,000

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

SOUTH LIDO KEY 361 S Boulevard Of The Presidents 6 Beds 5/3 Baths 7,037 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie & Lynn Morris 941.376.1717 A4689343 $12,500,000

LONGBOAT KEY 415 L Ambiance Drive #A701 3 Beds 3/2 Baths 3,380 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy 941.961.8850 A4685660 $6,750,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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8B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

ISLANDER CLUB OF LONGBOAT KEY

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Larry Schonbrun and Robert Clarke, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 91-N condominium at 2301 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Christopher and Ilene Smith, of Dallas, for $725,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,235 square feet of living area. It sold for $49,000 in 1972.

S

cott McDonough, trustee, of Tavernier, sold the home at 5910 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Gregory John Crawford and Tonya Sue Crawford, of Longboat Key, for $4.9 million. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,272 square feet of living area. It sold for $5.8 million in 2023.

Thomas and Gwendolyn Watson, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 412 condominium at 1591 Gulf of Mexico Drive to KKM Longboat LLC for $3.6 million. Built in 2024, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,143 square feet of living area.

It sold for $3,017,000 in 2024.

COREY’S LANDING

David Doyle, of Birmingham, Michigan, sold his home at 3540 Mistletoe Lane to Nancy and Gary Pescinski, of Palm Beach Gardens, for $3,575,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,165 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.11 million in 2024.

BIRD KEY

MRP Properties Sarasota LLC sold the home at 483 Partridge Circle to Suzanne and Rosario Catarinicchia, of Sarasota, for $1,995,000. Built in 1970, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,208 square feet.

It sold for $1.65 million in 2025.

SEAPLACE

Timothy Hall and Sarah Bosco, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit G5-406-B condominium at 1965 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Randall and Deborah Tobias, of Carmel, Indiana, for $1.9 million. Built in 1977, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,804 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.45 million in 2020.

Dorothy Pirolli, of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, sold the Unit M1-108-J condominium at 2045 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Peggy Ann Schwass and Gary Schwass, trustees, of Presto, Pennsylvania, for $731,000. Built in 1974, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,532 square feet of living area. It sold for $180,000 in 1992.

SEA GATE CLUB

Wisdom One LLC sold the Unit 9-B condominium at 2425 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Joseph Valenza, trustee, of Park Ridge, New Jersey,

KEY TOWERS SOUTH

Joyce Degrazia Waterbury, trustee, and Ronald Conners, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 9-G condominium at 1750 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Vincent and Annette Flaherty, of Falmouth, Massachusetts, for $650,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,403 square feet of living area.

Dana Kampa

The home at 5910 Gulf of Mexico Drive sold for $4.9 million. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,272 square feet of living area.

for $1.5 million. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,470 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.47 million in 2021.

bedrooms, two baths and 1,389 square feet of living area. It sold for $600,000 in 2013.

LONGBEACH

HARBOUR OAKS AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

FAIRWAY BAY

BEACHPLACE

Russell Chinnis and Christine Killeen, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 7091 Longboat Drive E. to Paul and Lindsay Fiasconaro, of Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, for $1.4 million. Built in 1920, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,613 square feet of living area. It sold for $57,500 in 1987.

Lynn Wellings, of Hingham, Massachusetts, sold her Unit 1001 condominium at 1920 Harbourside Drive to Thomas Pedulla III and Janet Pedulla, trustees, of Southborough, Massachusetts, for $1,225,000. Built in 1982, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,135 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2014.

Michael Konig, trustee, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 404 condominium at 2195 Harbourside Drive to Edward Gerard Patrylow and Marie Victoria Netrosio, of Tuckahoe, New York, for $850,000.

Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,906 square feet. It sold for $805,000 in 2021.

Robert Gale sold his Unit 603 condominium at 1065 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Smith Construction Group of Ohio Inc. for $725,000. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,503 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 1997.

LONGBOAT KEY CASA DEL MAR

Woodland Rental Properties LLC sold the Unit 16B condominium at 4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Robert Cruikshank, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $625,000. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 900 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2020.

SUTTON PLACE

Karri Haffner, of Longboat Key, sold her Unit V-7 condominium at 576 Sutton Place to Bart and April Richert, of Franklin Tennessee, for $325,000. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,270 square feet of living area. It sold for $360,000 in 2021.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com.

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS

Louise Joseph, trustee, of New York City, sold the Unit N-402 condominium at 603 Longboat Club Road to David Macrae and Susan Macrae, trustees, of Sarasota, for $1.1 million. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,458 square feet of living area. It sold for $640,000 in 2002.

MARK TWAIN APARTMENTS

James and Patricia Ludwig sold their Unit 2-A condominium at 1336 Benjamin Franklin Drive to David Levy and Mariama Levy, trustees, of Sarasota, for $1.1 million. Built in 1966, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,587 square feet of living area. It sold for $770,000 in 2003.

ST. ARMANDS TOWERS NORTH

Barbara Jane Rosovsky, trustee, of Alpharetta, Georgia, sold the Unit 55 condominium at 1 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Mary Carla Walker and William Korn, of Sarasota, for $900,000. Built in 1968, it has two

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of April 24-30 in order of dollar amounts.

LONGBOAT KEY Address

Permit

Applicant

535 Sanctuary Drive #A201

Comm. Alteration

Amount

Darrell Seitz

$470,000

603 Longboat Club Road #1103 Comm. Alteration

Ashley Matherly

$295,000

2333 Gulf of Mexico Drive #1A1 Comm. Alteration

Christopher Welty

$250,000

620 Buttonwood Drive

Res. Alteration

Francisco Figueroa

$250,000

870 Jungle Queen Way

Res. Dock/Seawall/Lift Brian Wood

7105 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Comm. Alteration

6701 Gulf of Mexico Drive #308 Res. Alteration

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

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$162,220

Thomas Dale Senevey $98,794 Rafael Echemendia

Res. Dock/Seawall/Lift Scott Myers

$95,371

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

$93,717

2525 Gulf of Mexico Drive #12E Comm. Alteration

John Pritchard

$61,070

80 Lighthouse Point Drive

Swimming Pool/Spa

John Allan Quickel

$58,632

6321 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Res. Roof

James Robinson

$50,000

800 Saint Judes Drive #2

Res. Windows/Doors

Andrew Werner Sr.

$50,000

650 Spanish Drive

Res. Alteration

Austin Allen

$49,145

651 Spanish Drive

Res. Alteration

Austin Allen

$49,145

652 Spanish Drive

Res. Alteration

Austin Allen

$49,145

658 Spanish Drive

Res. Alteration

Austin Allen

$49,145

659 Spanish Drive

Res. Alteration

Austin Allen

$49,145

667 El Centro

Res. Alteration

Austin Allen

$49,145

Source: Town of Longboat Key

941.951.6650 MSCDeveloperServices.com

Prices as of January 2025

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

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THE CONDOMINIUM RESIDENCES AT LONGBOAT KEY

581 Kingfisher Lane

APRIL 13-17

REAL ESTATE

Gulf of Mexico Drive home tops week’s sales at $4.9 million

RES. REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

9B

10B

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YOUR CALENDAR

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

THURSDAY, MAY 7

INAUGURAL ‘TURTLE CRAWL’ 6-8 p.m. at pre-assigned participating restaurants.

Attendees of the first-ever, soldout Longboat Key Turtle Crawl will dine at three of the island’s premier restaurants: Harry’s Continental Kitchens, Lazy Lobster and Lo’ Key Island Grille. Guests will park at the starting restaurant to be confirmed via booking email. Funds raised benefit the Longboat Key Turtle Watch. Visit LBKTurtleCrawl.com.

THURSDAY, MAY 14

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS SEMINAR 4-6 p.m. at Longboat Key Club Harbourside Ballroom, 3000 Harbourside Drive. Learn how to be prepared for the Atlantic hurricane season at this seminar, open to all homeowners and business owners.

Hear from the experts and become educated with the most up-todate information on hurricane readiness, insurance, weather trends, evacuation procedures and recovery planning. Doors open at 3:15 p.m. and the program starts at 4 p.m. Free entry, with complimentary appetizers and beverages. For information, contact the chamber at 941-3832466.

RECURRING EVENTS 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.

health and have a blast. No dance experience needed. Accessible via stairs only. $20 drop-in or one class pass. Call 941-383-6493 for more information or visit TheParadiseCenter.org.

MONDAY, MAY 11

CREATIVE TEA TIME 1:30-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enjoy organic tea, snacks and adult coloring at this relaxing, free afternoon get-together.

Reserve a spot by emailing RSVP@ TheParadiseCenter.org or calling 941-383-6493.

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

Dana Kampa

Carol Peschel, Executive Director Amy Steinhauser and Barbara Koetsier participate in a relaxing afternoon of drinking tea and coloring at The Paradise Center.

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.

TUESDAYS

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 or contact President Terri Driver at TDriver1@ comcast.net or 703-517-8925.

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.

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 941-383-6493 or visit TheParadiseCenter.org.

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 262-215-2566 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, and registration is not required.

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

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

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©2026 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved.

All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

FELTZ COLLINS ARCHITECTURE

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

11B

A LI FE AQUATIC .

A PRIVATE MARINA & UNOBSTRUCTED CITY AND BAY VIEWS FROM EVERY RESIDENCE .

By the water, in the water, on the water. Whenever you wish.

Wherever you want. All this, steps to Sarasota, yet tucked privately away on Golden Gate Point. This is the incomparable life Amara, unquestionably, Sarasota’s most exciting and remarkable residences, ever.

NOW AC C EPT I NG C O NT R ACTS Visit Our Sales Gallery | 1819 Main Street, Suite 110 | Sarasota, FL 34236

C O N D O M I N I U M R E S I D E N C E S F R O M $ 3 . 9 M | 9 4 1 . 8 6 7. 7 1 6 0 | A M A R A S A R A S O TA . C O M

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

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

ADVERTISEMENT

Where Prestige Meets Performance Redefining Real Estate Excellence

BY ADNAN DEDIC

TOP 1% RE AL ESTAT E AG E N T IN T H E CO U N T RY

$1 BILLION TOTAL SO L D T R AN SACT I O N S

#1 RES I D E N T I AL R E AL ESTAT E B RO KE R AG E IN T H E U. S .

E XC LU S IVE LY F E AT U R E D I N : FO R B ES YAH O O BU S I N ESS I N S I D E R S RQ 3 5 U N D E R 3 5 N E W YO R K W E E KLY PHOTO CREDIT: JOHN REVISKY

WA L L ST R E E T T I M ES

THE NEW STANDARD OF SARASOTA LUXURY

PROVEN RESULTS

In Sarasota’s hyper-competitive market, Adnan Dedic doesn’t just participate—he

With career sales approaching $1 billion, Adnan Dedic remains

leads. Recently ranked among the top 500 brokers nationwide, Dedic has built a

the first choice for high-net-worth individuals seeking discretion

reputation on three pillars: technological innovation, fearless negotiation, and a

and results. His command of Sarasota’s most coveted address-

work ethic forged in a remarkable personal history.

es — from the shores of Siesta Key to the glittering waterfront corridors of Sarasota — is unmatched. Dedic consistently rep-

A LEGACY OF RESILIENCE

resents the area’s most significant properties, including a $30

Before closing $100 million in annual sales, Dedic was a child refugee fleeing

listings in the region — a testament to the trust that ultra-high-

conflict in Bosnia. This early exposure to upheaval instilled a “grit-first” mentality

net-worth clients place in his hands.

million waterfront estate that stands among the highest-priced

that would come to define every chapter of his career. It is this same resilience — the ability to rebuild, adapt, and thrive under pressure — that caught the attention

What sets Dedic apart is the standard of service he delivers.

of both Forbes and SRQ Magazine’s “35 Under 35,” two of the most competitive

In a world where timing can mean millions, he operates with a

recognitions in business and real estate. Selectors pointed to a rare convergence of

24/7 commitment, providing the urgency and care demanded

qualities: an immigrant’s hunger, an entrepreneur’s instinct, and a producer’s results.

by his clients’ most consequential financial decisions. Whether navigating a discreet off-market acquisition or a high-profile

Dedic converted the drive to outperform into tangible results, becoming one of

waterfront sale, his clients benefit from a partner who under-

the region’s youngest agents to cross the $100 million threshold in annual sales

stands that true luxury is an experience defined by unmatched

— a milestone reached by fewer than 1% of realtors nationwide. His success has

quality, absolute availability, and a total investment in their

since earned him a feature on Yahoo Finance, placing him among an elite tier of

outcome.

professionals whose impact extends into the national business conversation.

What further separates Dedic is his background as a tech venture founder. In a market moving at the speed of data, he leverages proprietary tools and advanced analytics to give clients a measurable competitive advantage. He treats every listing like a high-stakes launch, blending Silicon Valley strategy with the high-touch service expected in the multi-million dollar waterfront sector. Recognized not simply

Adnan Dedic Luxury Real Estate Advisor 941.726.2917 adnan.dedic@compass.com

for what he has sold, but for how he sells — with precision, purpose, and a personal story that resonates — Dedic represents a new archetype in luxury real estate: the resilient entrepreneur who never forgot where he started.

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

460355-1

12B

YourObserver.com

13B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

FRIDAY, MAY 8 High: 89 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 8%

Thursday, May 7

6:46a

8:06p

Friday, May 8

6:45a

8:07p

Saturday, May 9

6:44a

8:07p

Sunday, May 10

6:43a

8:08p

SATURDAY, MAY 9

Monday, May 11

6:43a

8:09p

High: 89 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 11%

Tuesday, May 12

6:42a

8:09p

Wednesday, May 13

6:42a

8:10p

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, MAY 10 High: 91 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 8%

May 9 Last

May 16 New

May 23 First

May 31 Full

TIDES Highs Lows

Donna Jablonski captured this photo of a group of swans walking a golf course on Longboat Key.

Thursday, May 7

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3:13a

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Friday, May 8

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4:16a

12:31a

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Saturday, May 9

9:11a

5:37p

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Sunday, May 10

9:23a

7:08p

2:22a

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Monday, May 11

9:37a

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3:10a

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Tuesday, May 12

9:51a

9:59p

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10:06a

11:12p

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Wednesday, May 13 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

MEETING PLACES by Kareem Ayas, edited by Jared Goudsmit console) 124 Compares (to) 125 Mothers who bleat 126 “Tragically ...”

127 W-2 ID 128 Word aptly spelled out in the four intersections of

57 “Waterloo” band 59 Went down a snowy hill 60 Big cat such as Rajah 61 Tizzies 63 French “Yes!” 65 Anniversary for a pet adoption 66 “Laughing” mammal circled words 67 Flip out 68 High hairstyles DOWN 1 Unspoken yet understood 69 Place to go when you gotta bounce 2 Make amends 71 Scaloppine meat 3 Three-card ___ (scam) 72 Name hidden in “whole 4 Gold bar milk” 5 Texter’s “Ha!” 74 Tony winner Hagen 6 College students earn 77 A long time ___ them, for short 79 “The Juice That Starts It 7 His and ___ (words on All” brand some towels) 80 Lead-in to “mall” or 8 “ur almost here, right?”

“Millions” 9 Femme ___ 83 Muesli grain 10 Silk Road desert 85 Meetings 11 Tiebreakers, for short 12 “Common Sense” writer 87 Sicilian peak 90 Animal on many an ice 13 Assembly line “limb” cream carton 14 Gifts 91 Yalie 15 Humility 17 Conversations in board- 93 Soak (up) 97 NBC sketch show on rooms, e.g. ©2026 Universal Uclick which Adam Driver played 19 Enthusiasm an oil baron 20 Ye olde poet arts school 34 Beverages that may have 62 Bout enders, for short ACROSS 99 Dudes on boats 23 Southern nana 92 Tarbooshes, fedoras, etc.

64 Cry loudly 1 Language that “catama- foam art 100 Chore to “run” 25 Brain ___ (online slop) 94 Seer’s “skill,” for short 35 Beaver’s barrier 65 Small pickle ran” comes from 102 Light bulb units 29 Mayo-and-garlic sauce 95 Perched on 36 Seized auto 67 ___ feeling (instinct) 6 Pro in a toque 104 Mini-golf strokes 32 Altar promise 96 Nacho topping 37 Director Anderson 70 Fort Collins sch.

10 Understood 105 New York canal 33 Corn chips in a Tex-Mex 98 Front part of an airplane 38 “Carpenter” insect 71 Chinchilla doc 13 Engine speed stat 107 “Pop ___” (singing show “pie” 101 “Screech” bird 39 Fruity drink sometimes 73 It bobs in the sea 16 Many, many with an “American” spinoff) 34 Jumped 103 Baby ___ (cloths) served with lamb korma 75 Model Hadid 18 Stick a new label on 108 Mathematical group37 “Stop pouring, please” 20 Not just one or the other 45 Festive welcoming event 76 ___ Daily (magazine once 106 Not yet potty-trained ings 39 Parent to whom a tattoo 109 ___ Lama in Hawaii called O) 21 Gold, in Spanish 109 “Bro!” might be dedicated 111 Nobelist Marie 78 Romantic couple 22 Certain big corporation 48 Stench 110 Once more 40 Small bit of gel 113 Young chap 80 Dull finish 24 Took in, like information 49 California city with a 112 Unpopular slices of 41 Filmmaker Ephron 114 “You ___ my fire / The number in its name 81 Hurl, in slang 26 Call ___ question bread 42 Nana one desire” 82 “___ for Strings” (slow 27 Merlot and other wines 51 Shaken instrument 116 Biological strands hid43 Pre-finals round 115 Country club? ... or a 53 Sounded like a 90-Down Samuel Barber composi28 Game company that den backward in this clue 44 Brat tion) hint to this puzzle’s inter54 Up to made Swordquest 117 Zero, in soccer 46 Burden 84 Bold poker action secting circled words 55 Trite 30 Antlered animal on 118 Parent’s boy 47 Reaction to pollen, e.g.

86 Facial breakout 119 Place for a poser?

56 “Gee, what a swell Maine’s flag 120 Poet Scott-Heron 50 Bread ingredient 88 OR workers 122 Mar, like a car party!”

31 When to start driving?

121 Alias letters 52 Expose, like a fibber 89 Claremont (Calif.) liberal 123 ___ Switch (game 58 Robins’ homes 33 Gender-___

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.

“K EIIP JH BSKJI ... KJ OIINT QI JLKEOKER. K’Q GWSGKP JLGJ KW K TJHN BSKJKER K’MM TJHN JLKEOKER GEP TJGSJ WIIMKER.”

FGSSKI WKTLIS

“RCUH VQX BUK ZUQZDU KQ ZIFKETEZIKU EH HQHOEQDUHK ITKEQH ... ZUQZDU PUU VQX, ZUQZDU IFU DUIFHEHB YFQA KCIK ITKEQH.” NQDQFUP CXUFKI

“KX GUK EWIZHLWZHE KX BGITTI DGF EZ OT G STLTYJ GYJ DUY GF KGYX EUESTF GF U BZHSJ ... EWGE DGF DWGE KZEUPGETJ KT.” HFGUY OZSE Puzzle Three Clue: Y equals N

crossword

Puzzle Two Clue: E equals I

457538-1

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

Come Shop our Showrooms!

Puzzle Two Clue: T equals S

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

05-07-26

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

RED PAGES Condos/Apts. for Sale

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

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

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

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

Confidential & Honest.

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

auto

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

Al Tomlinson

Autos Wanted

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

941-400-8811

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

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

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Between

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

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

Plantation Golf Course View Condo 3 Bed $294,000

REAL LOCAL STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

RED PAGES IN PRINT AND ONLINE

A POWERFUL COMBINATION 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

This week’s Crossword answers

To place an ad

Call 941-955-4888

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

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

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.

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “I need to write ... It keeps me thinking. I’m afraid that if I stop writing I’ll stop thinking and start feeling.”

Carrie Fisher Puzzle Two Solution: “When you get people to participate in nonviolent action ... people see you, people are learning from that action.”

Dolores Huerta Puzzle Three Solution: “My aim throughout my career was to be a legend and win as many titles as I could ... That was what motivated me.”

Usain Bolt

This week’s Sudoku answers

SEARCH the RED PAGES for GREAT DEALS

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

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Houses or Condos

House on Canal with Pool & Dock $1,250,000

2BR/2BA LONGBOAT key Florida Contemporary, fully renovated ,fully furnished 6 months ago, 2 bedroom 2 bath , top tier furniture, marble walls, new high tier appliances, wine rack storage, modern furniture... swimming pool , sauna, gym access, FULL OCEAN FRONT at LBK TOWERS (502) 644-7833 more photos on request.

PLACE YOUR AD:

Beachfront, Bayfront and In

Longboat Key, FL 34228

Pool Home Completely Upgraded $545,000

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

SEASONAL RATES

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

Over 1 Acre Beachfront House $6.5 million

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

WEEKLY MONTHLY

101

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

Antiques/ Collectibles

ANTIQUES WANTED

Condos/Apts. for Rent

LONGBOAT KEY: Beachfront Condos, 1st or 2nd floor, 2BR/2BA, W/D in units, free Wi-Fi, heated pool, & parking.

Call 941-383-3338.

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

Sailboat Access Canal 4 Bed Pending $675,000

You’re only cheating yourself.

Items Under $200

Merchandise Wanted

Homes for Sale

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

©2026 Universal Uclick

FIND IT IN THE RED PAGES

peekers’ place

stuff

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.

real estate

BOAT SLIPS FOR LEASE ON LONGBOAT KEY

2BR/2BA TURNKEY furnished end unit in Ironwood 55+ West Bradenton Wake up above the tapestry of manicured turf at a quiet bird's eye view! This 6th floor condo is clean with many updates. Natural light fills the home with uplifting energy. The views outside your 12' sliding glass door to the lanai are calling you to relax with a beverage of your choice. Includes private locked storage and a deeded carport. Walk to the heated pool, fitness, shuffleboard, clubhouse.

Pickleball and tennis are available too. Optional golf at Ironwood/Pinebrook is pay as you play or become a member. Near GT Bray Park, downtown Bradenton and the walkable Riverfront District, the dog-friendly Palma Sola Beach, Anna Maria Island beaches, shops, and dining. Listed by Owner/Broker/Agent Kimberly Jatich QUARTZ COAST REALTY INC $140,000 (941) 504-3874 https://www.quartzcoastrealty fl.com

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

First 15 words ................. $ 15.00 per week Each add’l word .......25¢

©2026 NEA, Inc.

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

RED PAGES AD RATES

home services

Made for where you live. Here!

YourObserver.com

15B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Auto Service

Health

SELL YOUR CAR!

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

5-Star Rated

462546

HoHoBuysCars.com

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

941-626-3194 kennethfuhlmaninc.com

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Carpentry

Transportation

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

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

941 - 248 - 4734

462373

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

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

Windows

461717

461719

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Remodeling, Renovations, Repairs, and More..

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE RED PAGES

Financial Services

461718

WE COME TO YOU

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

410036

FAST • EASY • SAFE

941.270.4400

Roofing

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888

> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC

> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC

Insurance

MIC INSURANCE

John M. Campora, ChFC®, CRPC™

Retired? Let usM.help with your needs.

Financial Advisor John Campora, ChFC®, income CRPC™ Financial Advisor 6400 Manatee Avenue West, Suite B

® ™ John M. Campora, ChFC , CRPC Bradenton, FL 34209 6400 Manatee Avenue West, Suite B

941-779-2499 Financial Advisor Bradenton, FL 34209

EJB-19325-A-E-DA-2

EJB-19325-A-E-DA-2

462547

941-779-2499 6400 Manatee Avenue West, Suite B Bradenton, FL 34209 941-779-2499

EJB-19325-A-E-DA-2

Handyman Carpentry • Painting Pressure Washing

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Accepting Credit Cards

941.302.5850

SERVING SIESTA KEY & SARASOTA COUNTY

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

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

462600

C.T. MALLETT

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • Flood

461705

461906

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES INTERIOR RENOVATIONS • DRYWALL • PAINT • TRIM • DOORS • TILE • FLOORING • SHOWER TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

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Formerly known as Sunrise Windows UP TO

160

25 $

STANDARD WINDOWS

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

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$

senior citizen discount.

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461720

> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC Unsure whether you can retire?

Call to schedule a one-on-one.

Retired?

Let us help with your income needs.

ON TARGET OBSERVER RED PAGES Call 941-955-4888 to reserve your ad

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY 510 BAY ISLES ROAD, SUITE 1 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL (Next to SUNTRUST BANK)

CHUBB, AIG, UNIVERSAL, UNITED, SAFECO, PROGRESSIVE, VAULT, FLOOD, WE HAVE YOU COVERED!

STUFF

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!

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 941-955-4888 or visit YourObserver.com/redpages

441238

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

16B

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

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

’S ER H T MO-3 PM N 1 E OP DAY

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

G

IN

W

NE

$2,350,000 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

FAIRWAY BAY I

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

WATER CLUB I

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

$599,000 LA BELLASARA

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

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

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

Gorgeous • Sunrises, Sunsets, Bay, Beach & City Skyline Views • Blank Canvas • 10’ Ceilings • 2 Prime Side-by-side Parking Spaces • Dual Gated • Pet-Friendly

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

Brand New Construction • Modern Oasis All on One Level • Open Floor Plan • Quartz & Stainless Chef’s Kitchen • Oak Wood Floors 175-Bottle Wine Room

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

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-

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

$4,695,000 CLUB LONGBOAT

1421 N. LAKE SHORE DR. • 4BR/4F, 2H BA • 4,217 SQ FT • 4-CAR GARAGE

$468,000

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

$1,590,000 ORCHID BEACH

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

$5,595,000 OYSTER BAY ESTATES

1429 N. LAKE SHORE DR. • 5BR/4F, 2H BA • 4,545 SQ FT • 3-CAR GARAGE

$1,879,000 SOLEIL WEST

3010 GRAND BAY BLVD., #493 • 2BR/4BA 2,550 SQ FT • 9th Floor Cayman Plan with

$4,295,000 PROMENADE

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

$1,139,000 OYSTER BAY ESTATES

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

$3,350,000 GRAND BAY IV

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

$565,000

5055 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #412 3BR/2BA • 1,484 SQ FT

Ground Floor Walkout • Private Beach Access Tennis Pickleball Courts • Flexible Living Layout • Pet-Friendly Community

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

461546-1

CORAL COVE

T LIS