Longboat Observer 6.10.21

LONGBOAT

Observer Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

Circle of sound.

PAGE 17

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 43, NO. 44

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On the plus side

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

YOUR TOWN

Town property-tax values bounce back after fall in 2020. PAGE 3

Nat Kaemmerer

Just in time for summer

PILED HIGH Merchandise rolls in at Lord’s Warehouse.

SEE PAGE 20

Luring in awards

Nat Kaemmerer

Dave Wassenstein stopped into the Lord’s Warehouse to browse the books recently and found several he liked.

A+E

Guffaws are back.

PAGE 19

Yes to march in July Freedom Fest gets green light with Dezzi, two others as grand marshals.

SEE PAGE 6

After 20 months of construction, Alvin’s Island on St. Armands Circle has reopened.

Opening day was May 10, and new Assistant Manager Carlie Paquin saw the transformation of the store’s design, which is still one packed to the gills with Longboat Key and Sarasotaspangled merchandise.

The amount of stuff in the store is about the same, she said, just with fewer walls to navigate.

With the right lure, you can pull in anything, and Longboat Key photographer Mary Lou Johnson has pulled in another award for her photography book “The Lure of Sarasota and Her Islands.” This time it’s from the National Indie Excellence Awards, where the collection of captures was named a finalist in the Coffee Table Book category.

“The Lure of Sarasota and Her Islands” is Johnson’s second book, a follow-up to “The Lure of Longboat Key.” The Finalist award is the second the book has received; the first was in the Annual Best Book Awards in the American Book Fest’s photography category.

Turtle Tracks LONGBOAT May 30June 5 2021 2020 Nests 95 111 False Crawls 143 86

File photo

Sophie and Lucy won the most patriotic prize in 2019. Commissioners have agreed to resume the Fourth of July celebration.

Totals since April 25

2021 2020 Nests 260 362 False Crawls 312 306 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

2

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

Holiday brings calls for more parking enforcement Police gave warnings when the Longbeach Village parking permit program started in January. Officers now issue citations when a car is illegally parked.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

M

emorial Day weekend provided Longbeach Village’s resident-parking program perhaps its sternest test.

Twenty citations and a warning later, police say drivers are learning, but school is still in session.

Interim Police Chief George Turner said from May 28 through June 1, officers engaged with 21 vehicles parked improperly.

Ten of the interactions were prompted by officers on patrol, and 11 were from residents calling the police. All but one resulted in a $75 parking ticket.

Several north-end residents emailed town commissioners at the end of May about people violating the Village’s resident permit parking program, which took effect at the start of the year.

Capt. Robert Bourque explained how it’s taken time for beachgoers visiting Longboat Key to become accustomed to the new rules.

“Since we did the Village parking permit only, it was busier, but it’s getting less and less busy in there as people are educated and understand that they’re not allowed to park there, so that citation portion of it has gone down,” Bourque said.

“The beach parking portion of it for holidays normally is full,

but we were in really good shape.

It was a lot better than previous holidays.”

Plus, drainage improvements and sand dredging at Coquina Beach have limited parking there from its normal 675-space capacity. AMI Projects’ website states that a “limited number of parking spaces” are closed during each of the four sub-phases of the project, which is expected to last through the end of the year.

Some residents say the limited parking has prompted beachgoers to come to Longboat Key as a secondary parking choice.

The town’s two northernmost lots don’t offer nearly as much parking as Coquina Beach.

Longboat Key’s website shows North Shore Road has about 30 parking spaces, and 100 Broadway St. has about 31 spaces. The town’s dredging projects have also limited parking, specifically at the 100 Broadway St. beach access point.

However, the dredging projects did not cause parking problems at Whitney Beach Plaza, Owner Ryan Synder said.

“Typically, if something goes wrong, like if the sky is gray, I get a phone call from somebody out there,” Synder said, adding he has not received any phone calls about parking.

Synder said none of his tenants expressed concerns about

om se.c

Courtesy photo by Patricia Lopez

Above: A car was parked improperly near the Shore restaurant in Longboat Key. Left: Hundreds of parking spots at Coquina Beach are closed while crews work on construction.

Mark Bergin

people illegally parking during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Private property owners are responsible for parking enforcement in their lots.

Turner said the Longboat Key Police Department will make similar preparations for the Fourth of July as it did for Memorial Day weekend.

“We have our extra temporary

parking signs that we don’t leave out ordinarily that we put up to remind people that they can’t park along the right-of-ways or in areas that no parking is allowed,” Turner said. “We have our billboards up, and we increase the patrols. So when the parking is full, it’s full.”

Turner said officers patrol the town’s 12 beach access points to

determine when to put up electronic signage on the north and south ends of the island. The electronic signage lets drivers know when beach parking is full.

Also, Town Manager Tom Harmer wrote in an email to commissioners that the police department is working with the Public Works Department on the best approach to the signs that explain the parking program.

“In the past couple of weeks, they installed additional signs on Russell [Street] and are planning on some additional changes to existing signage based on feedback received,” he wrote.

As of May 26, police have issued 284 parking citations since the resident-permit program started.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

3

GROWING AGAIN

Mark Bergin

Several new homes are being built on Magnolia Road near Pine and Hughes streets.

HIGHER THAN ESTIMATED

Documents from the May 18 budget workshop show the town expected to collect about $12.9 million in ad valorem taxes (property taxes) in fiscal year 2022. It makes up 76.27% of the total revenue the town is projected to collect in the upcoming fiscal year.

Based on changes in the valuations without increasing the millage rate of 2.1144, the town is also projected to make $663,752 more

(est.)$6.44B

$6.12B

$6.16B

$5.96B

$5.74B

$5.47B

$5.19B

$4.93B

$4.70B

$2B

$4.58B

$4B

$4.64B

I

t appears Longboat Key’s year-to-year taxable property values will rebound after falling last year for the first time since 2013.

The Property Appraisers Offices in Sarasota and Manatee counties provided the town with its annual June 1 preliminary estimates, and they have rebounded from an unexpected tumble in 2020.

Compared to 2020, Longboat Key’s 2021 projections show a 5.37% increase in combined taxable values between Sarasota and Manatee counties.

“I think when you compare the numbers this year to last year, it’s really good news because we were very surprised last year when the decrease in our tax base occurred on the Sarasota County side, which pulled down our entire tax base on the island,” Town Manager Tom Harmer said. “There’s a financial component to that, but there’s also a long-term concern.”

Final values are not due until July 1.

$6B

$4.87B

STAFF WRITER

How values have changed on the Key over the past 14 years:

$5.36B

MARK BERGIN

TAXABLE VALUE OF LONGBOAT PROPERTY

$5.95B

Early projections show a 5.37% increase in Longboat Key’s property values compared to a year ago.

$0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Budget year

in ad valorem property taxes from fiscal year 2021.

Florida Association of Realtors Chief Economist Brad O’Connor spoke about how the state’s coastal communities have seen an influx of out-of-state buyers.

“Any beach community in our state, they’re all experiencing much [of] the same thing, which is a huge surge of interested buyers who are interested in having properties near the beach,” O’Connor said. “That’s a pandemic response but also a response to these low interest rates that have made it very affordable to buy a second home here in Florida.”

O’Connor said that demand is driving up prices and encouraging sales, often for second homes.

Second homes are not subject to Florida’s homestead exemption, which means those properties can be taxed at close to their full appraised value.

Also, Florida’s Save our Homes provision caps the amount a home’s assessed value can rise each year. But once it sells, the value resets to the full assessment.

“Florida Realtors track the statewide median sale price, and that’s up over 20% year over year right now, but part of that is because we’re seeing a lot more

sales in the luxury segment than usual, and that’s pulling that median up, so it’s more of a math thing than an actual home value increase,” O’Connor said.

For example, Longboat Key’s Serenissima estate sold in November 2020 for $16.5 million, which is the most expensive residential property sale ever in the region.

Earlier this month, a singlefamily home at 5965 Gulf of Mexico Drive sold for $10.15 million.

It marked the highest sales price this year for a residential property on Longboat Key. WHAT CHANGED?

The town hired JTA President John Tuccillo, an economic and real estate expert, in October 2020 to address why last year’s property tax values dropped.

Tuccillo conducted a report that concluded Longboat Key’s older condominiums, traffic issues and mainland competition forced the decrease on the Sarasota County side of the island.

Asked about the difference between this year’s initial valuations and last year’s, Harmer mentioned new construction on the island and how coronavirusrelated issues have subsided.

Crews are continuing to work on the beachfront luxury condo-

miniums known as Sage at 4651 Gulf of Mexico Drive and on the St. Regis development at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive. New homes continue to be built, often in place of older properties.

“That signals activity and new product coming, but I also think it’s kind of COVID-related in that we’re seeing this in migration from individuals either in the Northeast or the Midwest or other areas where they’re recognizing the quality of life here,” Harmer said. “And it’s not just Longboat Key ­— it’s Sarasota, it’s Florida, and we’re just seeing a great amount of interest that we didn’t see to this level in a number of years that is driving some of it.”

Last month, Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons said the P&Z Board won’t consider proposed changes to the St. Regis development until September. Among the new changes proposed, two of the 69 units in the condominium portion of the property would be available for occupancy for fewer than 30 consecutive calendar days or one calendar month, whichever is less. The number of hotel units remains at 166.

Also, the St. Regis developer wants to reduce the number of residential units in the facility from 78 to 69 units. The plan also calls to increase the size of the remaining units.

Harmer plans to update the Town Commission about the early numbers during the June 21 workshop meeting. By law, the Property Appraisers Offices in Sarasota and Manatee counties provide their final values no later than July 1.

The Town Commission will then establish its maximum millage rate during its July 2 regular meeting.

The town’s base millage rate of 2.1144 has remained unchanged since the 2017-2018 budget.

TAXABLE VALUES MANATEE COUNTY

■ 2020

$1.92 billion

■ 2021

$2.02 billion*

■ Projected increase: 5.14% SARASOTA COUNTY

■ 2020

$4.19 billion

■ 2021

$4.42 billion*

■ Projected increase: 5.47% COMBINED

■ 2020

$6.11 billion

■ 2021

$6.43 billion*

■ Projected increase: 5.37% *Based on June 1 estimates

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

Town turns down FPL EV grant program Mark Bergin

Above: Whitney’s at 6990 Gulf of Mexico Drive offers two Tesla electric vehicle chargers for restaurant customers.

Right: Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park offers one level-two electric vehicle charging station.

parking area.

But some condos do not consider parking spaces as common elements. Plus, the condo owner has to pay for installation, operation, maintenance, repair and insurance of the charging station.

Had the town decided to pursue the FPL grant to add the EV chargers, the town would have needed to decide where to put them. The town had proposed adding the stations to Town Hall and the Town Center site.

Vice Mayor Mike Haycock explained why he didn’t think the town should pursue the FPL grant to add the chargers.

“I like the idea of a grant,” Haycock said. “I like the idea of them paying for the capital, but when we can’t charge the person that’s getting the benefit for that, I just don’t think it’s the business we should be in.”

Commissioner Maureen Mer-

rigan pointed out town employees and electric-operated town cars could have used the stations.

Merrigan also owns an EV. “I think it sends the right message for us as a town that is directly linked to climate change with temperatures increasing and storms getting worse, and sea-level rise is in every one of our strategic discussions, to have a couple of chargers for the next couple of years free on the island,” Merrigan said. “Not forever. Not every spot, but I do think it sends the right message.”

Merrigan pointed out if the town does pursue adding EV sta-

tions outside of FPL’s grant, it should be at a destination that is safe and offers restrooms.

Town Manager Tom Harmer said the town would continue to evaluate other EV grants possibilities.

The town of Longboat Key currently offers one EV charging station at Bayfront Park. The NovaCharge NC5025 non-networked, single-port, level-two charging station can accommodate only one car at a time, but it is free. A Sarasota County grant covered $2,734 of the approximate $5,500 it took to install the Bayfront Park charger in 2017.

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ongboat Key leaders have expressed the desire to add electric vehicle charging stations around the island.

However, town commissioners decided Monday afternoon they aren’t interested in pursuing Florida Power & Light’s EVolution grant program. It would have added up to four EV charging spots in public areas of Longboat Key at no cost to users.

“I think it’s absolutely appropriate for government to be involved in education and facilitating the ability — especially at the condos where it’s complicated — to get installations that work,” Mayor Ken Schneier said.

“But it’s just a question of [when] we’re paying for other people’s use with taxpayers’ money, it gets a little tricky.”

Participation in FPL’s program would have required three things: n A seven-year commitment with the option to renew. At the end of the seven-year agreement, the town would have the option to buy the EV charging stations for their depreciated cost. The town could also choose to install different charging stations at the locations with FPL talking the old ones away; n Dedicated parking spaces for

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the EV charging stations; and n An obligation to cover the EV charging stations’ electrical costs at the typical electric rates.

The town would have been responsible for the estimated $180-$240 a month for the cost of electricity and the total operating costs of about $17,000 during the seven-year stretch. The cost to purchase the chargers after the seven-year term would have been between $35,000-$55,000, plus between $2,000-$4,000 in annual maintenance.

The goal of the program is to provide 600 new EV charging stations at about 100 locations across FPL’s service area. FPL’s typical minimum installation requires two level-two charging stations with dual connectors for a total of four charging spots.

Commissioner Debra Williams, whose husband owns a Tesla, explained why she didn’t think the program would help Longboat Key residents even though she is supportive of EVs. “The biggest obstacle we have is people who live in condos, multifamily dwellings where it’s very expensive for them to run the lines to support these level two charging stations,” Williams said. “Having the town pay for somebody else, probably a visitor, to charge their car here really doesn’t make much sense in my opinion.”

State law says a condo association cannot prohibit an owner from installing a charging station within the boundaries of the owner’s limited common element

359166-1

Commissioners balk at footing the power bill for potential customers.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

5

Town resets vote on turtle rules for July 2 If passed, the proposed changes wouldn't take effect until 2022.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

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ongboat Key’s Planning, Zoning and Building staff will continue revising proposed changes in the town's rules for sea turtle protection, aiming for a final vote July 2, the Town Commission's last planned meeting before the summer break.

Commissioners talked about the rules for about 90 minutes Monday before putting off the ordinance's final vote. If passed, the changes wouldn’t take effect until the 2022 turtle season, which runs each year from May 1 to Oct. 31.

Specifically, commissioners wanted the ordinance to clarify what specifically a “turtlefriendly light bulb” means. The proposed ordinance states they are bulbs certified by the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or a bulb that produces only long-wavelength light, which is at least 560 nanometers.

“I called Home Depot and Lowe’s to ask about turtlefriendly bulbs and got, ‘We have no idea what that is,’” Commissioner BJ Bishop said. “Certainly, none of the local stores seem to know anything about turtlefriendly bulbs.”

Commissioners acknowledged further education is needed to make sure beachfront proper-

File photo

Cyndi Seamon takes a photo of noncompliant furniture on a walk in mid-summer 2020.

ties comply with the proposed changes.

Commissioners also wanted to clarify how the new rules would apply to new construction or a substantial redevelopment of a property.

The town’s proposals include requiring exterior sources of artificial light visible from the beach to be turtle-friendly bulbs; prohibiting beach furniture to be within 5 feet of marked marine turtle nests; adding language to explain the permitting review process; adding a lighting inspection process for new

developments; allowing the use of permitted motorized vehicles to retrieve beach furniture on the beach; prohibiting temporary lights, such as lanterns or tiki torches; and storing portable recreational equipment nightly.

In May, several people who operate Gulf-front resorts expressed their concerns about the costs of the proposed turtlerule changes.

Town staff initially considered window tinting as a potential resolution to fix beachfront-lighting issues. However, it cost too much to switch from 45% of light tran-

sition to 15%.

The town is proposing to change its marine life protections because of its high number of turtle disorientations compared to nearby areas, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission data.

REFERENDUMS

The Town Commission decided to move forward with a densitychange referendum for 597 Buttonwood Drive. The proposal seeks to convert an office-institutional property to residential use for two homes that would face

Buttonwood Drive.

Before the measure can appear before voters in November, commissioners are set to have a second reading on the proposal July 2.

If voters were to approve the Buttonwood proposal in November, the developers would still be subject to several approvals before the Town Commission and the Planning and Zoning Board before any kind of construction could start.

The commission voted 4-3 against a request for a referendum for the vacant bank building at 6960 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The proposal submitted by Joel Freedman called for the redevelopment of the building into a two-story residential condo with up to four units.

Commissioners Penny Gold, Debra Williams, BJ Bishop and Sherry Dominick voted against it.

Mayor Ken Schneier, Vice Mayor Mike Haycock and Commissioner Maureen Merrigan voted for it.

Town Manager Tom Harmer said Freedman won’t have enough time to collect 10% of Longboat Key voters’ signatures to override the commission and appear on the November 2021 ballot.

“Even if you get the signatures, the commission would still have to approve the language for the Supervisor of Elections, and there won’t be enough time to get it to them in time for November,” Harmer said.

Harmer said Freeman could look to collect the signatures for the proposal to appear on the ballot in an subsequent election after November 2021.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

Get ready to celebrate at Freedom Fest festivities

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Changes to the American Changes toRescue the Plan increase financial American Rescue Plan assistance, making increase financial more peoplemaking eligible assistance, for help. more people eligible for help.

MARK BERGIN

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provides additional financial assistance and allows even more that allow more living to the sign-up forneeds affordable Meeting essential when crisis Giving backto toget thepeople community is in Florida Floridians health insurance through Affordable Care strikes something many businesses do. But relief health insurance.

The COVID-19 law (American Rescue Plan) Act (ACA/Obamacare).

Florida Blue has made supporting When the demands on local provides additional financial assistance and allows even more local nonprofits and community nonprofits last year due to the Floridians to get has health insurance through thespiked Affordable Care The government reopened enrollment in ACA plans until organizations essential to also fulfilling pandemic, Florida Blue immediately Act (ACA/Obamacare). its August mission of peopleyou andcan takeconnected 15.helping This means advantagewith of the new financial nonprofits addressing communities health. assistanceachieve optionsbetter that are available.essential needs in the community to government haslocal alsoBlue reopenedoffer enrollment ACA plans support.in The local Blueuntil Cross InThe recent years, as the Blue Shield plan provided 125,000 Cross Blue Shield plan, Florida Blue August 15. This means you can take advantage of the new financial Highlights ofinvested these meals to All Faiths Food Bank, and its foundation have assistance options that are available. donated a combined $50,000 to the approximately $1.5 million in Sarasota recent changes include: and Manatee organizations to support Area Agency on Aging for Southwest and The Connection at-risk combat food insecurity, Highlights of these n Ifyouth, you are currently enrolled in anFlorida ACA plan, youSenior may now be Center to help seniors in Sarasota, provide free water safety classes eligible for more financial assistance toward bill, recent changes include: Manatee andyour othermonthly local counties, to children, enhance mental health orand upgrade your plan for the same The monthly cost andcost. supported other organizations support other essential programs. n If you are currently enrolled in an ACA plan, you may now critical be addressing the community’s roughlyto $50 per person and $85 per policy “Wewill aredecrease working diligently needs. eligible for more financial assistance toward your monthly bill, address key factors that impact on average.* year later,cost the toll of health or andupgrade the quality of life in for the the sameMore your plan cost.than Theamonthly the pandemic continues to communities we serve through you couldn’t receive financial assistance (or a subsidy) in the n Ifwill decrease roughly $50 per person and $85 per policy burden many working families as they our work with local nonprofits,” past because your income was too high, you may be able toface on average.* the possibility of homelessness due to explained Nick Kouris, Florida Blue now. Approximately 239,000 Floridians are now eligible for evictions, prompting Florida Blue to market leader for Southwest Florida.

If you couldn’t receive financial assistance (or a subsidy) in the n financial assistance didn’t qualify previously.* collaborate with United Way Suncoast “We believe in order to be awho good past because your income was too high, you may be able to to find a solution. community partner, it’s essential to n Four out of five people who sign-up for an ACA plan canfor find listen and work collectively alongside now.

Approximately 239,000 Floridians areand nowSarasota eligible Manatee county one for $10 or less making per local organizations toward a residents can benefit from a rental financial assistance whomonth.* didn’t qualify previously.* meaningful impact.” assistance navigator at Gulf Coast Four out ofin five people wholast sign-up for an ACA plan canfor find Legalcontact Services who is Blue focused on Cutting wait times for youth Ifnyou enrolled anat-risk ACA plan year, Florida identifying available resources and family support one for $10 or less per month.* help reassessing your financial assistance and your plan. Our for emergency rental assistance, Centerstone is onecan of the local these recent licensed agents explain changes and how they understanding recent legislation organizations benefiting from the If you enrolled in an ACA plan last year, contact Florida Blue for may lower your bills. and initiatives impacting renters Florida Blue Foundation’s community help reassessing your financial assistance and your plan. and homeowners, and Our serving as a initiatives. Gemma Clayson, resource for other local nonprofits licensed agents can explain these recent changes and how they and Florida Blue has agents who can speak to you Centerstone’s director of communitysupport organizations. based programs, said Sarasota has to explain your may lower your on the phone or bills. by video chat Committed to the community and many resources for youth and families options. They’ll take the time to understand good health struggling with mental health issues, Florida Blue has agents whoyour can speak situation, needs to you butyour highbudget, demandyour causes long waitlists Moreyour than 6.5 million Floridians on the phone or bythen video chat you to explain concerns, and match to an received services as a result forand support services. have options.

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They might be frequently “Good health is a right, not a affordable plan that worksyou for by you. community ready to help visiting running away from home. They may privilege. No one’s health should stillFloridaBlue.com/EnrollNow, be exposed to trauma,” said callingsuffer because they are disadvantaged You can find anor agent locatedour in your 800-670-9271 contacting Clayson. due to environmental, economic community readyBlue to help you Sarasota Center atby visiting or social conditions,” said Kouris.

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■ 2015: Virginia Sanders ■ 2016: Dave Brenner ■ 2017: David Miller ■ 2018: Susan Phillips ■ 2019: No grand marshal ■ 2020: Celebration and parade canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic ■ 2021: Fire Chief Paul Dezzi will be among three grand marshals

versations with Deputy Police Chief Frank Rubino about this year’s parade plans.

Public Works Director Isaac Brownman said the town is working with the Chamber of Commerce and the Longboat Key Police Department.

Longboat Key Fire Chief Paul Dezzi is due to serve as one of the grand marshals of Freedom Fest.

Loefgren said she planned to select two other grand marshals: one who works in health care and someone from the Publix store at the Shoppes of Bay Isles.

“This is a big deal even though it’s a small hometown parade, but I would like to honor our people,” Loefgren said.

Loefgren said Cannons Marina Owner David Miller is again planning to offer $500 to the best float in the parade.

K

he Longboat Key Town Commission approved plans to resume the annual Freedom Festival celebration and parade.

Commissioners voted 7-0 on Monday afternoon to waive the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce’s $100 permit fee. A temporary road closure is also planned for Bay Isles Road on July 4.

“I’m very excited that we can now move forward and start to plan for the parade and for all the other things for the kids,” Chamber of Commerce President Gail Loefgren said.

Last year, the town’s Independence Day festivities got canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s parade is set to close Bay Isles Road from 9-9:15 a.m. Sunday, July 4. Festivities at Bicentennial Park run from 7 a.m. to noon.

During Monday’s Town Commission meeting, Commissioner BJ Bishop asked Mayor Ken Schneier to remove the measure from the consent agenda so that commissioners could discuss the logistics of the parade.

“Obviously, the parade route runs in conflict with people being able to get to church,” she said.

Loefgren said she has had con-

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LONGBOAT

OPINION / OUR VIEW

A response to a response LETTER TO THE EDITOR: YOUR VIEW ON CRT SMACKS OF HYPOCRISY

MATT WALSH

W

hen we published the May 27 editorial, “Misguided obsession with race,” the intent was to inform our readers of some of the activities occurring in Florida’s taxpayer-supported universities with respect to the controversial issue of critical race theory.

Frankly, prior to that, we hadn’t heard much about it. But as more and more stories aired on news programs and in newspapers, we were exposed to the website CriticalRace.org, which has documented how critical race theory is being promulgated in more than 200 U.S. universities and colleges.

Curiosity got us. What about Florida’s public universities?

Surely some taxpayers and, in particular, parents and grandparents who are paying thousands of dollars for their children to attend these schools might want to know.

Sure enough, there was information people would want to know — should know.

Granted, the editorial provided only slices of how our public university administrators have engaged their institutions in this arena. But based on our limited research, there was enough information to prompt us to conclude the taxpayer-funded universities are promoting “the false, destructive, divisive, narrative that the U.S. is systemically racist.”

Well, that did it.

That comment triggered a response from Sarasota resident, Terry Hynes, former dean of the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida (1994 to 2006).

We seldom do this, but Hynes’ thoughtful letter raised questions that challenged whether our objections to CRT were hypocritical, given our laissezfaire, free-market leanings. We felt compelled to respond: n “[I]t is at least surprising that a person who supports a free marketplace for commerce would oppose analyzing critical race theory by applying the classical, libertarian concept of a ‘free marketplace of ideas,’ which assumes that, in a fight between truth and falsehood, ‘truth will out.’”

We are all for a free marketplace of ideas. But we need convincing that is what exists at our universities, especially when all of the CEOs of the universities come across in their actions that they are believers that our nation is systemically racist.

What’s more, when anyone peruses the courses and curricula at, say, the University of Florida and the University of South Florida, just to name two, you can’t help but develop the strong impression and thought

The Observer editor’s recent column opposing the teaching of critical race theory is either ironic or hypocritical, given the editor’s frequent support of his own extreme theory of individualism, as espoused by Friedrich Hayek and Ayn Rand.

Should only the editor’s theories be championed in public and not those he disapproves of or doesn’t fully understand?

On another level of the ironyhypocrisy spectrum, it is at least surprising that a person who supports a free marketplace for commerce would oppose analyzing critical race theory by applying the classical, libertarian concept of a “free marketplace of ideas,” which assumes that, in a fight between truth and falsehood, “truth will out.”

CRT, like the editor’s individualism theory, is an alternative approach to understanding the politics, economy, culture and — especially with CRT — the legal system we live with — why our world is the way it is, how it got that way, its strengths and shortcomings and what we might do to correct the shortcomings “in order to form a more perfect union,” as we patriots say.

CRT, like gender studies and social history, for example, grew out of the cultural revolution of the 1960s and, specifically with CRT, frustration in the 1970s with the stalled progress of civil rights in politics, law and the economy.

Like similar fields, CRT aims to provide a corrective lens to the racism, sexism, et al. of the “great [white] man” theory that dominated much of Western culture for centuries.

The Observer’s editor is so overwrought about CRT’s perceived evil that he fails to identify sources in a fair and balanced way (one right-leaning website does not suffice) or sort out the evidence he would need to make a reasoned and reasonable case against it.

that these universities are not free marketplaces of ideas.

They’re more one-sided.

Maybe it’s just us, but what is one to think when you see that UF’s College of Arts & Sciences offers 35 courses on gender, sexualities and women’s studies?

It offers 25 courses on AfricanAmerican studies. It offers eight courses on Latin American studies. Hispanic students, meanwhile, comprise 19.5% of the UF undergraduate student body; black students comprise 5.6% of the undergrad population.

The College of Arts & Sciences also has a link to what it calls “a comprehensive list” of courses — 192 in all — on race and racism, social justice and social inequalities.

Even the USF College of Engineering has its own division of diversity and inclusion, including a program whose top objective is developing the “advancement of minority women in STEM as faculty.” And, to be

Why should parents, grandparents or any other person with critical thinking skills fear students being exposed to issues related to diversity and inclusion?

Does the editor really think we have eliminated from our schools or other institutions the inequities of racism, sexism and other biases that damage our ability to govern ourselves?

Does the editor who flourishes in a country that supports freedom of expression as a foundational value really think students suffer from exploring ideas that show us where our historical aspirations fall short? I would like to think not.

The editor’s conflating of all the material he quotes fails his readers by not considering elements of CRT that are potentially useful for solving entrenched social problems.

Are there extremes in CRT that deserve objection and rejection? Yes, just as in almost any theory.

In a democratic country and system of public education, however, a search for the truth — or at least a consensus on our shared values — is best achieved by exposing students and others to a wholistic exploration of issues, ideas, events — supported with relevant evidence — that will enable them to reach fair and balanced conclusions about the progress we have made as a nation and how to improve our still-fractured systems, so we may come closer to achieving “liberty and justice FOR ALL.” Democracy is a messy process. With a reasonable willingness to explore alternative ideas and efforts to understand those we might initially reject — in the classroom instead of on the street — it need not be a violent one.

TERRY HYNES SARASOTA

expected, in the USF Department of Economics, you’ll find these elective courses: Economics of Inequality.

Maybe these courses are all legitimate subject matters.

But help us out: Where are the counter-balancing courses about men, heterosexual people, the virtues of capitalism or, heaven forbid, a course that explores the legions of Americans who contributed remarkable inventions that have made this country and the world a better place? God forbid there be a course or two that celebrates the goodness of the greatest nation on earth. n “CRT is … an alternative approach to understanding the politics, economy, culture and — especially with CRT — the legal system.”

“An alternative approach to understanding”? How can there be rational understanding when CRT’s proponents have a foundational belief that U.S. laws and institutions are inherently racist

and function to maintain social, economic and political inequalities between white people and nonwhite people, especially black people? n “CRT aims to provide a corrective lens to the ‘great [white] man’ theory.”

Hmm. Never heard that theory before. Do tell. White men: always the bad guys. n “[H]e fails to identify sources in a fair and balanced way (one right-leaning website does not suffice) or sort out the evidence he would need to make a reasoned and reasonable case against it.”

We know a toad when we see one. Any theory that requires training sessions for white government employees to stand up and denounce themselves for being white doesn’t need evidence of “fair and balanced.”

That isn’t fair and balanced. n “Why should parents … fear students being exposed to issues related to diversity and inclusion?”

As they say on Madison Avenue, “it’s all in the presentation.”

What is “inclusion”? Quotas based on skin color? On skills?

On merit? How does “inclusion” square with a society historically based on merit, or Martin Luther King Jr.’s admonition not to judge by the color of your skin but by the content of your character?

Sorry, diversity and inclusion always smack of quotas. n “Does the editor really think we have eliminated from our schools or other institutions the inequities of racism, sexism and other biases that damage our ability to govern ourselves?”

No. Sadly, they will always exist, some more than others.

There will always be bad people; prejudiced people. Sure, we need to continue to strive to improve.

But compared to most other countries, where would you rather be — Saudi Arabia? n “Does the editor who flourishes in a country that supports freedom of expression as a foundational value really think students suffer from exploring ideas that show us where our historical aspirations fall short? I would like to think not.”

We do not. But in the interest of fair and balanced, do our universities ever explore the ideas and examples that show our nation’s historical achievements in a positive light vis-a-vis, say, China and Russia’s genocidal regimes? All we hear is how awful we are. n “A search for truth … is best achieved by exposing students and others to a wholistic exploration of issues, ideas, events — supported with relevant evidence — that will enable them to reach fair and balanced conclusions.”

Indeed. “Wholistic” is the key.

But how is it “wholistic” when the university presidents and their generals embrace the claim and beat the drum that we are prima-facie systemically racist?

Just as we try to remain neutral and present both, or multiple sides, in our news reporting, it would be far more helpful to the health of our nation if our institutions of higher learning strived for similar balance.

Today, it sure doesn’t appear to be there.

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

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YourObserver.com

As we emerge from this pandemic, we’re probably all looking at our phones a little differently now.

These devices quickly became our lifelines to families, friends and beyond.

I’ve been using my phone to stay in touch with something equally vital this past year. I’ve gotten a notification every time a patient in Sarasota Memorial Hospital has died of COVID-19.

Since the COVID-19 vaccines started becoming available in December, we have seen tremendous progress in staunching this pandemic. Hospital admissions and deaths from COVID-19 have dropped 80% since January, and as May came to a close, we had only 20 patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

That is amazing progress, and I am proud of everyone at Sarasota Memorial for doing their part, just as I am proud of the wider

David Verinder is president and CEO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.

gigi

MARK MEADOR GENERAL MANAGER, CASA DEL MAR

Critical Race Theory is nothing new Your opinion on the obsession with the Critical Race Theory is misguided. It is an old effort to teach realistic American history but is bubbling up as something new by conservatives. By teaching a well-rounded history curriculum, not a restricted curriculum, teachers are assisting their students in examining various points of view, reading closely and engaging in critical thinking. The curriculum you support spoon feeds.

Further, in 1966 as a young

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white woman, I taught 1619 as a required component of the approved Virginia history and geography curriculum. Women were also brought to Virginia that year. The class and I explored the economic implications of the importation of Africans and women. The students weren’t brainwashed as they looked at the historical data from different sources.

During that same class, the students discovered that there were two Thanksgivings before the one in Plymouth. The first Thanksgiving happened in St. Augustine approximately 55 years before the Pilgrims.

Ulysses S. Grant decided that Plymouth, Massachusetts, should be identified as having the official First Thanksgiving because the North won the Civil War. Is that something to hide from students?

For Florida students, it would be a shame if they were never able to learn about their history because being afraid of Critical Race Theory.

I think you need to step back and let schools, the K-12s through the university level, teach their students. Your interference has the very serious potential of dumbing down the curriculum resulting in a bunch of uneducated and miseducated adults.

MICHELLE A. JOHNSTON SARASOTA

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Sarasota community for doing theirs and getting a vaccine.

But not all of the numbers tell such a one-sided story.

Since January, the average age of patients hospitalized at SMH with COVID-19 has dropped from the 70s to the mid-50s, and the average age of those dying has dropped more than 20 years.

While this means many of those most vulnerable are receiving the vaccine, it also means far too many people are still at risk of serious illness or death.

Just this month, we saw four patients die within two days.

Three of them were under 60.

One will never see 50. All of them were too young.

With COVID-19 vaccines now widely available for everyone 12 and older, the responsibility falls on every one of us to get the shot if we can.

Like masks and social distancing these past months, we do this not only to protect ourselves but also to protect our families and those most vulnerable, especially those who might not be able to receive the vaccine because of age or otherwise.

Vaccines save lives. And that’s the simple truth.

This is our shot.

We, at Casa Del Mar, have lost an incredible employee and a beloved friend, Julia Marcado.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ed, Julia’s husband, and Ben, Julia’s son, on their loss.

We hope that they can find peace in the fact that she made so many of us at Casa stop to laugh — really belly laugh — and enjoy one another at work. Julia was an exceptional human being with smarts, wit and a big heart.

The staff, and so many of Casa Del Mar’s guests whom Julia met along the way in her days with Casa, will miss her more than words can say.

Julia, you have left a large space in our hearts today; however, you will never be forgotten.

We will also not forget just how fragile life is.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

$12.9 million home features waterslide ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

F

or $12.9 million, you can buy a beachfront waterslide on Longboat Key — and the 10,000-square-foot, fivebedroom home that goes with it.

The home at 3105 Gulf of Mexico Drive recently was listed with Joel Schemmel of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Downtown Sarasota office. With the usual batch of luxury features befitting a home priced near the top of the Sarasota-Bradenton market, this home stands out with its slide extending from a third-story rooftop deck down to main-level beachfront pool.

“This incredible compound is the perfect pairing of luxury and functionality, offering one of Sarasota’s most coveted lifestyles,” Schemmel said in a released statement. “Designed to maximize jaw-dropping views, it presents a rare opportunity to own a private Gulf-front property on Longboat Key.”

The home at 3105 Gulf of Mexico Drive features 175 feet of beachfront.

From the ground-floor, sevencar, air-conditioned garage up to the rooftop deck, the home features a blend of luxurious touches indoors and outdoor amenities.

Inside, walls of glass and terraces overlook 175 feet of beachfront.

A Manatee County home in Longboat Key, at 5965 Gulf of Mexico Drive, closed last week at $10.15 million, the highest price for a home on the island this year.

It was listed for $11.5 million.

According to the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee, the hot market in the region shows no sign of letting up.

In Manatee County, the median price for single-family homes surpassed $400,000 for the first time, reaching a median price of $405,000 in April, a 19.1% increase from last year. In Sarasota County, the median sales price for single-family homes was $380,000 in April, a yearover-year increase of 21.3%. As for condos, the median sales price is $235,000 in Manatee and $310,000 in Sarasota.

Inventory of both property types in both counties decreased year over year by 75.5%. The month’s supply of inventory for single-family homes stayed below one month in April, with an 80% decrease to 0.7 months in Sarasota, and an 81.8% decrease to 0.6 months in Manatee. Condo inventory decreased by 80.4% to a 0.9-month supply in Sarasota and dropped by 84.1% to 0.7 months in Manatee County.

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Above: The infinity pool features a waterslide from the rooftop.

Left: Floorto-ceiling windows take advantage of the beachfront views.

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$10.15 million home sale tops for island in 2021 Custom home offers 150 feet of Gulf-front on 1.64 acres.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

T

he sale of a waterfront home on Longboat Key is the highest-priced closed deal in 2021 and stands among the all-time highest prices in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Roger Pettingell, the topproducing affiliated agent with Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida, represented the seller of the home at 5965 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Joel Schemmel of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty represented the buyers.

The sales price of $10.15 million was the highest for a residential property on Longboat Key this year.

The custom-built home covers more than 10,000 square feet of living area, with seven bedrooms, six full baths and a half-bath. Situated on 1.64 acres, the property offers 150 feet of beachfront.

“I’m honored to represent the seller in the record sale of this magnificent property,” Pettingell said in a statement. “From the elegant custom details through-

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out the home to the grandeur of every indoor and outdoor living space, this home is impeccable.

It overlooks the pristine beach shores that make Longboat Key one of the most sought-after waterfront communities on the Gulf Coast.”

The property last sold in 2015 for $5.3 million. The most recent property tax bill listed with Manatee County totaled more than $81,000.

A Casey Key home sold earlier in 2021 for $16.5 million, equaling the highest-price for a residential property. The other $16.5 million home was sold in 2020 in Longboat Key. At least eight residential properties have sold for more than $10 million since the beginning of 2020.

The waterfront home covers more than 10,000 square feet of living area, with seven bedrooms and six-andone-half baths. The property last sold in 2015 for $5.3 million.

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DIVORCE

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Rotary plants tree at new fire station

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The Longboat Key Fire Department will now be looked over by a ‘shady lady.’

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

FREYA ROBBINS

A

little beautification goes a long way, and the Rotary Club of Longboat Key is hoping to see its treeplanting grow the distance at Fire Station 92 on Longboat Key. The club hosted a tree-planting June 4 to commemorate its donation of a “shady lady” tree, which is actually a black olive tree but gets its nickname from its farreaching branches that grow as it matures.

Former club President Nancy Rozance said the “do-goodery” stems from Rotary’s commitment to helping the island’s first responders.

This was the first Rotary event since the pandemic that has brought people together in person. Rozance sent out the invite and was surprised at how many people came to the planting. A dozen Rotarians showed up to take a tour of the new station, which is still waiting on its six garage doors.

The tree was already in the ground, but Rozance had brought along a small plaque commemorating the club’s donation.

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Bo Fuller replaces the dirt.

Although Rotarians picked up a shovel and lifted a few ceremonious scoops of dirt, the plaque was the only thing that was “planted,” and incoming club President Bo Fuller did the final placement.

The Town of Longboat Key & The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Invite You To The 19th Annual

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

MAY 27

JUST HANGING OUT 11:13 p.m., 100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious incident: A police officer checked on a group of anglers after a motorist flagged him down, worried one of them was about to jump from New Pass Bridge. After chatting with about a dozen people, the conclusion was the motorist mistook someone leaning over the railing while fishing for a person about to leap into the water.

FAM I LY

QUITTIN’ TIME 5:12 p.m., 500 block of Yardarm Lane Noise complaint: A man on a high-lift machine painting a building under construction was told he was violating construction noise rules after 5 p.m. The painter said he was unaware of such rules and stopped working.

TWO KINDS OF NOISE 3:30 p.m., 500 block of Reclinata Drive Noise complaint: A caller who did not wish to leave a name called police to report loud music and the sound of a dog barking coming from a nearby home. The resident was told of the complaint and immediately turned down the music. A verbal warning was issued.

MAY 28

THE CASE THAT SOLVES ITSELF 3:09 p.m., 700 block of St. Judes Drive North Found property: Police were sent to a home on a report of found property. The person there said she had found a cellphone while at an out-of-town nightclub

Family Owned.

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MAY 30

THE WEDDING SONG? 10:29 a.m., 3000 block of Grand Bay Boulevard Noise complaint: As a police officer approached the home of a person who complained about noise, he reported hearing faint music from across the golf course. The officer reported back to the caller, saying a wedding was taking place at a private club, and music was allowed.

and had not been able to find its owner. While the officer was on the way, the woman reported getting a call from the owner of the phone, and arrangements were made to reunite the phone and owner.

EAR OF THE BEHOLDER 8:50 p.m., 700 block of Jungle Queen Way Noise complaint: A visitor to the area for the holiday weekend told police he was unaware his loud music would be a bother and turned it down when an officer arrived following a complaint.

A routine check of criminal warrants turned up nothing untoward.

MAY 29

AH, NATURE 7:58 a.m., 500 block of Companion Way Citizen assist: A complaint about an odor seemingly coming from a nearby marsh was investigated by police and fire

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was able to close a valve, and a police department employee contacted the property owner in order to relay the incident.

YOU NEED HIM ON THAT WALL 8:12 p.m., 7000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Dog on the beach: Police investigating a report of a dog on the beach watched as a small pet, not on a leash, jumped from a seawall on private property to the beach and back again. An officer advised the owner about the town’s rules on dogs and the beach and asked that the dog say on the private side of the seawall.

rescue, which performed a test for leaking natural gas. Nothing was detected, and the smell had dissipated by the time first responders arrived.

NOT KNOTTED 10:46 a.m., 6500 block of Bayou Hammock Road Citizen assist: A resident called police when an uncrewed boat drifted close to her dock and seawall. The resident tied the boat off and called police, who tracked its owner to a home not far away. The boat owner said a relative likely hadn’t tied the vessel properly, which allowed it to drift off.

MAY 31

WATER ALL OVER THE ROAD 3:31 p.m., 6800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: Police determined a large amount of water on the roadway was coming from a sprinkler pipe that had broken from a sprinkler head. An officer

JUNE 3

WHAT SHELL WE DO? 2:06 p.m., 700 block of Dream Island Road Animal complaint: A caller was concerned about a gopher tortoise that had arrived at his front door. The responding officer carried the animal to a patch of trees and released it, relieving the resident.

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

THUR 17TH YOU ARE INVITED Please join Christopher Sforzo, M.D., Christopher Dillingham, M.D., Charles Stewart, M.D. and Philip Meinhardt, M.D. for an open forum discussion on the latest technologies available in Regenerative Medicine including PRP and Stem Cell Therapies.

CHRISTOPHER SFORZO, M.D.

WHEN & WHERE

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Registration begins at 4:15 p.m. Seminar is 4:30pm - 5:30pm at the office of Sforzo I Dillingham I Stewart Orthopedics 5831 Bee Ridge Rd., Suite 300, Sarasota, Florida 34233

CHRISTOPHER DILLINGHAM, M.D.

WHAT

Board-Certified, Fellowship Trained Doctors Sforzo, Dillingham, Stewart, and Meinhardt look forward to answering your questions and CHARLES STEWART, M.D.

sharing their knowledge and clinical experiences to help you make the best treatment choices.

RSVP Please RSVP by emailing Theresa at tgetzen@sforzodillingham.com or calling 941.378.5100.

Please note, forums do fill quickly.

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JUNE 2

COULD BE ANYWHERE 6:51 p.m., 3400 block of Bayou Sound Animal complaint: A resident concerned about a black snake seen in the garage called police.

An officer could not find the reptile, even with the resident’s vehicle moved outside. A small opening was left for the snake to escape, and Animal Services was called. The resident was also told a private animal-removal company might be of service.

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Bird Key Yacht Club gathers to celebrate its Top Coach in America.

who’s who of Sarasota tennis gathered May 28 at the Bird Key Yacht Club to celebrate Jackie Bohannon, the club’s director of tennis who was recently named Tennis Channel’s Top Coach in America.

Bohannon was in the running for Top Coach in America after making it to the top five in the country. She’s transformed the Bird Key Yacht Club tennis program in the past year after being hired during the pandemic, and the club’s tennis players say they adore their director. The club held a short party to commemorate Bohannon’s win, complete with a cake frosted with a tennis ball.

A fourth-generation Sarasotan, Bohannon had several friends and family present, from her grandmother Barbara Collins, who got her started playing tennis, to John Woods, the longtime pro at the Longboat Key Club, where Bohannon worked for about 17 years. She was swarmed in swaths of congratulations for much of the night, and several friends came up to speak about her accomplishments at the club and as Top Coach in America.

“We learned Jackie [Bohannon]

Nat Kaemmerer

is competitive and likes to win, and win she did,” Vice Commodore Lisa Adams said.

Bohannon’s former fellow Sarasota High School tennis player and Sarasota Mayor Hagen Brody came to celebrate his longtime friend in his official capacity. He presented Bohannon with a mayor’s citation to honor her achievements, recognizing her as a daughter of Sarasota.

“I always knew I had a great community and great support behind me, but to see you all here today, I am just the luckiest woman,” Bohannon said.

Mayor Hagen Brody presents Jackie Bohannon with a citation, recognizing the tennis director for her achievements including Top Coach in America.

19TH ANNUAL

ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE

Craft Festival A Socially Distanced Outdoor Event

June 12th - 13th Sat./Sun. 10am - 4pm Outdoors on St. Armands Circle in Sarasota

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Masks Requested

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Songs of the Circle fills St. Armands with music About a dozen musicians set the soundtrack for the early summer night.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

O Guitarist JT Teis entertains Maureen DeVine and Ellen Curreri outside Rico’s Pizzeria on the Circle.

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Russell Jennings gears up for his next song as tourists strolled his way.

Right: Bill Serles plays guitar among the statues.

ver by The Met, guitar music floated on the evening breeze June 1, but on the southwest edge of St. Armands Circle, saxophone music could be heard in front of Dream Weaver. Elsewhere, piano and guitar music trickled out of various nooks and crannies of the Circle as the summer’s first Songs of the Circle event went on.

The dozen musicians scattered throughout the Circle were spaced far enough that their music didn’t overlap, but as passersby walked out of earshot of one performance, they walked into another.

“It’s good exposure for musicians,” musician Russell Jennings said. “And it’s not raining, so it’s going well.”

Jennings played what he called the one song every visitor wants to hear — “Sweet Caroline” — and got some fist-pumping and singing along from visitors as they walked the spoke of the Circle that leads toward Longboat Key. Songs of the Circle will continue on the first Tuesday of every month. Marketing agency Next-

FILL US IN

Do you have live music on Longboat Key? Let us know so we can compile a calendar of the sounds of summer. Email NKaemmerer@ YourObserver.com.

Mark is organizing this event, as well as a monthly yoga series every second Wednesday and a family day every fourth Sunday.

“The real purpose behind all this is really that St. Armands gets great seasonal visitors, but we were tasked with seeing what we can do off peak days to stimulate and provide the community with free events,” Next-Mark President Joe Grano said. “We’ve been working with [St. Armands] since last year, so the next phase of this was we knew people were going to be getting back out, so we wanted to do things where people felt comfortable getting outside.”

Some of the musicians will return, but Grano said a few will change month to month until the event series ends in September.

There were also a few musicians who they hadn’t hired who just showed up and played.

“We just needed to bridge this gap with St. Armands in terms of the art community,” Grano said.

“This is just kind of a fun way to do it and keep it simple.”

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We Serve All Families In this time of need, know who to call.

TRIBUTES Martha Ellen “Miss Marty” Macallister 1936-2021 Martha Ellen “Miss Marty” Macallister passed away peacefully on Monday, May 24, 2021 in Wayne, PA. She was 84 years old. Born on December 15, 1936 in Wilmington, DE she was the daughter of Jane Kay Macallister.

Our firms will serve your family with all precautions, CDC guidelines, and compassionate care.

Dignity Memorial® Robert Toale & Sons

A resident of Longboat Key, FL, Marty was raised in the Philadelphia area, where she adopted and raised her two daughters as a single parent. She spent her career in Philadelphia, as the founder of Miss Marty’s Pre-School. For almost 60 years, she helped shape the lives of her students, staff, and families through her care and service and dedication. She sought to provide greater access to early childhood education for the members of the community she so loved. Expanding on her passion to care for children, she became a Guardian ad Litem in Florida.

For those who knew her, Marty was known as a deeply compassionate, strong and caring person who made everyone feel special; like they were the most important person to her while in her presence. Her quiet strength, perseverance, dedication, and grit were evident in all that she accomplished. She always looked for and found the good in people. Her calming, steady presence was punctuated by her sense of humor that immediately engaged people and made them feel like part of the family.

Marty enjoyed playing bridge and arranging flowers, but most of all, she loved being

In her presence, no one ever felt hungry, uncared for, or alone. with her family and friends. In her presence, no one ever felt hungry, uncared for or alone. Her heart was the hearth around which many gathered and found family.

Marty is survived by her daughters, Janie [David Jr.] Partridge of Wayne, PA and Christina [Bill] Melton of Royersford, PA; grandchildren David Allen Partridge III, Megan Ellen Partridge, Tyler McCarren Melton, Victoria Jane Melton, and Alyssa Ellen Jewell Macallister; her dear friend Maxine Block, her dedicated teachers, and many other friends and family. In addition to her mother, she is preceded in death by her aunt Harriett Wardell, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Arrangements by Kirk and Nice Funeral Home DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Miss Marty’s honor to the Covenant House.

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If you or a family you know would like to discuss options for services, cremation, Life Story Celebrations, or returning to their home state up north, we have answers available.

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READY TO HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

L

es McCurdy has been biding time.

The owner of McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre in downtown Sarasota said he knew from the early months of the pandemic that his business would be closed down for some time.

“I told my staff a week before we shut down: ‘Save your money. They’re going to shut us down. This pandemic is real, and it’s going to last awhile,’” McCurdy said.

During the shutdown, he’s found ways to occupy himself.

Beyond bonding with his new grandson, he said he’s never spent so much time playing golf and fishing.

But that’s finally set to change. McCurdy’s will reopen June 11 with two shows Friday and Saturday. The planned schedule is to have a series of weekend shows through June and July with up to 250 people in attendance and no mandatory masks. McCurdy said he has spent thousands on a new airconditioning system that will help circulate and purify the air.

Harry Sayer

IF YOU GO MCCURDY’S COMEDY THEATER When: June 11 Where: 1923 Ringling Blvd.

Tickets: $25 Info: Visit McCurdys Comedy.com/shows.

Comedy Theatre faithful will compose the talent for upcoming shows including headliner Flip Schultz, Dale Jones and other comedians from across the Southeast. McCurdy said he wanted to pick “club favorites” who had an established history performing at the theater that he knew would be a reliable draw for people.

The theater will also reprise its drag queen bingo night starting June 13. What’s more is McCurdy is planning to host

St. Armands Key

LUTHERAN CHURCH

• Indoor worship services this Sunday at 8 am and 10 am

JOIN US FOR IN-PERSON WORSHIP Sundays at 10am. Join us between 9-10am for coffee & treats. Or worship with us online at saklc.com/live or on Facebook UPCOMING EVENTS: Worship in the Garden - June 26 at 5pm

Face covering required.

• Drive-in Church, Sunday at 10:00. Tune your car radio to 107.5 FM • Walk-up Church, enjoy the garden setting and listen to the service • Live-stream - go to AllAngelsLBK.org to watch on-line 354647-1

• Zoom service - email dave@allangelsLBK.org for the link

941-383-8161 • www.AllAngelsLBK.org

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

Worship With Us at Our Church

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

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

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

Catholic Church

Masks are Optional

941.383.8833 (office)

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An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

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

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

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

Lord’s Warehouse Thrift Shop is Open Mon., Wed. & Sat., 9 a.m. to noon

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

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Visitors & Residents Welcome Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live:

•

comedian Blue-Collar Comedy Tour alum Ron White for shows in early August.

Although he has friends who are confident he’ll find himself enjoying sold-out shows upon his reopening, McCurdy said he’s still not sure yet if that will be the case. He’s hopeful and excited to keep at it.

“This year I will host [more],” McCurdy said. “People will see me this year more. … I want to be here, and I want people to see me here.”

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All Angels Episcopal Church | 563 Bay Isles Rd

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

The saying goes that comedy is tragedy plus time. Given that we’ve spent plenty of time living through a pandemic, Les McCurdy said people are ready to laugh about it.

He’s already seen comedians joke about the pandemic during McCurdy’s outdoor shows performed earlier this year at the Bazaar on Apricot and Lime.

“Almost any tragedy — once you get far enough past it that you get a little numb to the horror of it — there’s always absurdities around it,” McCurdy said. “When you find the absurdities is, where you can find the humor, … the pandemic has been consistent in it being inconsistent. How people react based on age, their political beliefs, religious beliefs, you’re an idiot or you’re too smart — the inconsistency is where there’s a lot of fodder.”

There’s also the sheer comedy in seeing couples used to working separately and being apart having to spend more time together at home and becoming exasperated — something McCurdy jokes he and his wife, Pam, have felt.

Les McCurdy is ready for the show to start again.

5 Ways to Worship at All Angels

Growing in Jesus’ Name

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

SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 & 10:30 AM Daily Mass at 9:00 AM- Monday through Friday Confessions after daily Mass or by appointment

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

Temple Beth Israel

A Center of Jewish Life and Learning in the Sarasota Area Your health and well-being are of the utmost concern to us!

With the situation engendered by the current public health emergency around the country and the world, we want to err on the side of caution.

All TBI physical gatherings are postponed until further notice.

Please access our Shabbat Services and programs on our website, YouTube, Facebook and Zoom.

941.383.3428 | www.tbi-lbk.org

RABBI STEPHEN L. SNIDERMAN, D.D.

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

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But this won’t be the first time McCurdy has reopened his establishment. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre opened last November, but it was a brief return — McCurdy said he was struggling to get as many as 100 guests into his theater during a week that would typically attract 1,200.

He and his wife, Pam, have been paying close attention to the national numbers for vaccinations but even more so the number of vaccinations for Sarasota and Manatee county residents.

“We knew without vaccines that we weren’t getting numbers into the theater,” McCurdy said. “We felt by mid-June that everyone who wants a vaccine has had one. … I wanted to open at a time where we’re not going to distance.”

It’s been a long year of waiting, though it could have been more financially perilous. McCurdy, 65, said he’s no stranger to adversity with his business and has been saving money for decades in case of an emergency.

“People my age have lived long enough to know that no matter how much you have it together, every now and then you’re going to get suckerpunched in the back of the head,” McCurdy said. “I’ve been saving money for a long time. If we’d been [only] five years in business, we’d be in trouble.”

A number of McCurdy’s

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

NO JOKE?

LAUGH Les McCurdy is hopeful vaccinated audiences will be ready to return to his comedy club June 11.

|

JUNE 10, 2021

Classifieds 30 Games 29 Real Estate 27 Weather 29

YOUR NEIGHBORS UNCOVERING BURIED TREASURE Lord’s Warehouse thrift store always gets treasures, but this year the donation season is lasting longer.

ODDEST DONATIONS From volunteers’ memories, here are some of the stranger things that have been left behind.

■ Cookie jars with cookies inside ■ A glass jar filled with macaroni ■ A (empty) cremation urn ■ About 50 pounds of fertilizer ■ Depends adult diapers ■ Cat litter ■ An annual donation of cashmere sweaters

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

O

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n a recent morning, Lord’s Warehouse volunteers stopped for a moment to savor a small victory. A counter piled high with donated items was now clear. Dozens of clothing pieces, housewares, jewelry and other merchandise was now in the right place.

Onto the next pile.

“If they ever get through this, then they start on this,” volunteer Karen Pashkow said, indicating another jumble of bags just outside the back room. “And then there’s more held in the storage unit, which is full right now.”

The storage unit is supposed to store both warehouse items and Longboat Island Chapel items — the thrift store is connected to the church. But lately, the warehouse items are oozing into the church space.

It’s full right now, mostly because donations continue to roll in at a steady rate later into the season than they normally would.

It’s a dilemma taking place at charities all around Sarasota.

“Usually, season is really big for donations, but it’s continuing, and we’re seeing more donations than usual,” Pashkow said. “Now it’s mostly island people coming, people donating who are going north or those who buy condos as-is, and it’s not their taste. We noticed a lot of our people are going back later.”

As the rainy season takes hold, though, Pashkow said she needs to clear more items off the patio and fast.

“Usually, it takes all morning to clear a pile,” volunteer Shelly Harrison said. “We have to climb over them to get in.”

Items likely to sell stick around

IF YOU GO ■ Hours: 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Wednesday and Saturday ■ Location: Longboat Island Chapel, 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Virginia Luke holds up an ornament that was donated.

Above: Volunteer Shelly Harrison clears another bag of donations May 26.

Left: Harrison checks the brand on a donated item June 2.

to help benefit Turning Points in Bradenton. Also, items rejected

by Lord’s Warehouse are often sent to Turning Points to directly benefit clients.

“We fill up my husband’s truck and take it to Turning Points every Tuesday,” Pashkow said. “The volunteers know us there now.”

Beyond the donation cycle, regular customers know that the steady flow of new merchandise makes for a unique shopping experience almost every time they visit.

“You can come here one day, and the next day they’re open, there’s new stuff,” said customer Dave Weissenstein, who came by to stock up on books for the summer. “The turnover is just amazing.”

Even volunteers make sure to take advantage of the good things that come in. Harrison, who runs Rolling Waves Beach Cottages just up the road, said she gets a lot of the quilts for the cottages here.

She recently revamped a chandelier that came in, added solar lights and put it in her property’s fire pit.

“My friends tell me, ‘You guys must get all the good stuff,’ but there’s no way we could get all the good stuff that comes in,” volunteer Virginia Luke said. “We don’t have enough closet space.”

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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

D!TO L SOAYSRACT

RECENT ACTIVITY

4 D NT CO

D OL S ST JU

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

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

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

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BENCHMARK SALE AT LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS

603 LONGBOAT CLUB RD #704 | LONGBOAT KEY | SOLD AT $1,150,000 After just 4 days, numerous showings and multiple offers, this residence at Longboat Key Towers sold for a benchmark 2 bedroom price.

MLS# A4490852

D!TO L T YS AC SO ABOUR R 2067 H A R LINKS DR I V E, #4 D T 4 ONK e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 L on g b oCat MLS# A4178487

D!O L T SODAY RACT 1 NT CO

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

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200 SANDS POINT RD #1107 | $1,650,000

D!TO L T YS AC SO DA R 6 NT CO

AT2067 SANCTUARY 2067 H A R BOUR LINKSSUNSET DR I V E, VIEWS #4 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 KEY L on g b o at K585 e y |SANCTUARY O f f ere d at $ 7DR. 79, 0#301 0 0 | LONGBOATL on g b o| SOLD at K e y AT | O$1,500,000 f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 After just 4 days, numerous showings and multiple offers, this 3 bedroom corner residence MLS# A4178487 MLS# A4178487 at the Sanctuary closed this month.

MLS# A4483273

I A N A DDY, PA R E A LT O R ®, M B A

I A N A DDY, PA

IanAddy@MichaelSaunders. com R E A LT O R ®, M B A IanAddy@MichaelSaunders.com

I A N A DDY, PA R E A LT O R ®, M B A

IanAddy@MichaelSaunders.com

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

4825 GULF L on gOF b o MEXICO at K e y | DR O f #105 f ere d| $820,000 at $ 7 79, 0 0 0

2251 GULF OF MEXICO DR #303 | $5,000,000

21

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

BIRD OF THE WEEK A closer look at the feathered friends with which we share Longboat.

Thank you to our friends and clients for your trust and loyalty!

THE BEST Just got better

Lifetime Achievement of $1,000,000,000 in residential real estate sales Over 100,000 satisfied customers and clients Over $52,000,000 in Closed and Pending Sales 2020

OUR EXCLUSIVE Luxury Collection WE ARE GLOBAL LUXURY, PROPERTY SPECIALIST Certified Broker/Associate, CRB, CRS, GRI

Arlington Park

Players Club

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1425 GULF OF MEXICO DR #201 3 BR/4BA | 2,107 SQ FT $1,897,500

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See and hear the waves splashing from your 30-foot balcony or your master bedroom here at the prestigious Players Club on Longboat Key.

New Construction

s. Sanibel is a snowy plover who hatched on Sanibel Island in 2017 and has called Sarasota home for a few years. Because she was banded as a chick, we can identify her and therefore gather data about her movements and breeding behavior.

Many shorebirds, including snowy plovers, exhibit “site fidelity,” returning to the same beaches yearly. However, with bridging and development, our shorenesting birds have faced disruption to their nesting attempts, due to habitat loss and degradation. And they are increasingly threatened by disturbances from humans and predators.

When shorebirds including Ms. Sanibel have multiple failed nesting seasons, they move on in search of safer grounds. Indeed, last year, mid-season, Ms. Sanibel flew north to Caladesi Island State

Hundred Palms Ranch

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3BR/4BA | 2,742 SQ FT This true 3 bedroom gulf view condo is designed for today's lifestyle and has an unbelievable 1,200 sq ft garage. Open floor plan and coastal contemporary finishes.

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2BR/2BA/1HB| 2,321 SQ FT | 9.52 ACRES Truly rare property secluded on 9.52 acres of buildable land, moments away from Tamiami Trail, Siesta Key, and I-75.

SOLD

254 S POLK DR #102

Checking back with Ms. Sanibel

SOLD

The Pearl

— MIRI HARDY, SAVE OUR SEABIRDS

Save our Seabirds is a nonprofit whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick and injured wild birds. Follow@ SaveOurSeabirds to learn more.

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609 GOLDEN GATE PT #501 $2,690,000

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Park in Pinellas County, where she hatched two chicks. This year, Ms. Sanibel did not attempt to nest locally. Instead, at the start of the season, she returned to Caladesi Island, where she has already hatched two chicks.

Nesting season is not yet over, and we can still do our part to help give our shore-nesting birds a fighting chance. Always pack your trash out. Providing fish crows (a serious threat to our shorebirds) an easy source of food encourages them to stay on the beach. And keep dogs off the beach and cats indoors.

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2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 • www.catdepot.org Adoptions available by appointment • 941.366.2404

We have more than 1,500 rack locations. To find one near you visit YourObserver.com/RackLocations

LV9705

355179-1

1624 S JEFFERSON AVE

5840 GULF OF MEXICO DR.

Miri Hardy

After many failed nesting attempts on Siesta Beach, Ms. Sanibel has nested on Caladesi Island for the past two years.

THE LYNNE KOY GROUP

provides sophisticated real estate service with exceptional personal attention and unmatched market experience. The Lynne Koy Group can provide you with the experience you deserve. For real estate representation built on trust and client satisfaction, call now at 941-387-1824

AND MEMBER OF 356126-1

Follow me on:

PROUD CONTRIBUTOR TO THE MSC FOUNDATION

BOBBIE BANAN, REALTOR® 356-2659 | www.bobbiebanan@michaelsaunders.com

THE MSC FOUNDATION

Michael Saunders & Company

ADVISORY COUNCIL

St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL (941) 388-4447

Licensed Real Estate Broker

Ambassador’s Circle

354794-1

356126-1

EXPERIENCED & KNOWLEDGEABLE. Call Bobbie to sell your Longboat Key or Sarasota property.

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PROPERTIES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

SIESTA KEY | BEACHFRONT Gulf-front estate | 4BR/5.5BA | 5,239 SF 107 Ocean Place | MLS# A4499132 | 107oceanplace.com

OYSTER BAY ESTATES New construction 4BR/4BA/2HB 1421 N. Lake Shore Drive | MLS# A4487508

$4,495,000

Price Available on Request

SARASOTA | WEST OF TRAIL $18,000,000 8,452 SF, 230’ of Unobstructed Waterfront Harbor Acres Direct Bay Front | MLS# A4491997 | 1309vistadrive.com

LONGBOAT KEY | PROMENADE Turnkey Furnsihed | Gulf Views | 3BR/2 BA | 2,100 SF 1211 Gulf of Mexico Dr., #302

$1,125,000

THE ACKERMAN GROUP #

#

1

Coldwell Banker Realty Small Team in Florida Again for 2020

8

Coldwell Banker Realty Small Team in North America 1ST QUARTER 2021

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TOP 100 SALES TEAMS

BARBARA ACKERMAN barbara@ackermangroup.net

Want to know what your property is worth?

Call us! 941-387-1820 JOIN OUR SUCCESS! HERE’S WHAT WE DID IN MAY:

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

PENDING

RITZ TOWER RESIDENCES - SARASITA 35 WATERGATE DR. #802 $3,175,000 REPRESENTED BUYER

OAK WOODS 4728 ACORN CIRCLE $1,850,000 REPRESENTED BUYER

SOUTH SARASOTA 5329 PALOS VERDES DRIVE $1,083,000 REPRESENTED SELLER

AQUARIUS - LONGBOAT KEY 1701 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #209 $915,000 REPRESENTING SELLER

PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING SAGE - LONGBOAT KEY SEAPLACE - LONGBOAT KEY NEW CONSTRUCTION - UNIT 304 2089 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #G1-105 $5,800,000 $569,900 REPRESENTING BUYER REPRESENTING SELLER

THE Q - DOWNTOWN 267 COSMOPOLITAN COURT $1,779,000 REPRESENTING SELLER

SOLEMAR - POMPANO BEACH 1116 N OCEAN BLVD. #PH1 $5,750,000 REPRESENTING BUYER

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY | 443 JOHN RINGLING BLVD., STE., F | SARASOTA, FL 34236 This is not a solicitation of another broker’s listings.

355758-1

MARINA BAY - LONGBOAT KEY 2410 HARBOURSIDE DR., #132 $1,695,000 REPRESENTING SELLER

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YOUR CALENDAR

SUNDAY, JUNE 13

SKI-A-REES WATER SKI SHOW 2 p.m. at 1602 Ken Thompson Parkway. Free. Call 388-1666, or visit SkiARees.com.

RECURRING EVENTS

TUESDAYS

MONDAYS

STRETCH & STRENGTHEN From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road.

Focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance. Class is outdoors and led by Suzy Brenner. Fee is $10. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

HULA CLASS From 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Held outdoors with social distancing and led

by Hawaiian native Debbie White. Free for members, $10 for nonmembers. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

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

Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome.

For information, call 383-6493.

File photo

DON’T MISS SATURDAY, JUNE 12 AND SUNDAY, JUNE 13

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY

20TH ANNUAL ST. ARMANDS CRAFT FAIR More than 175 artists and crafters will present their creations in and around St. Armands Circle. Free. Call 813-962-0388.

LORD’S WAREHOUSE From 9 a.m. until noon, All proceeds go to charity, and

properties properties expertise expertise results results

UNRIVALED UNRIVALED

941.928.3559 941.928.3559

ZUMBA AND MAT PILATES FOR SENIORS From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road.

The class, designed for active seniors, starts with Zumba and shifts to all-level mat Pilates at 10:30 a.m. Come for 30 minutes or the full hour. Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

MAHJONG From 1-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road.

Beginning or intermediate players. RSVP to check availability: MaryAnnBrady@ TheParadiseCenter.org or 3836493.

FRIDAYS

ROTARY CLUB Meets at 5 p.m. virtually on Zoom, every first and third Tuesday. Call Nancy Rozance at 203-605-4066, or email info@ LongboatKeyRotary.org.

TAI CHI From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Class is taught

by Reuben Fernandez. Cost is $10 for nonmembers, free for members. Walk-ins welcome.

For information, call 383-6493.

WEDNESDAYS

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

Class is outdoors. Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

THURSDAYS

KIWANIS CLUB OF LONGBOAT KEY At 8:30 a.m. at Lazy Lobster, 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive. This service organization meets

YOGA AND MEDITATION From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road.

Cost is $10 for nonmembers, free for members. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

VIRTUAL COCKTAIL HOUR 5 p.m. on Zoom with Temple Beth Israel, join for a themed cocktail hour. The Temple is holding “My Jewish Journey,” a series of talks from congregation members. The hour leads into the temple’s virtual Shabbat dinners.

Contact iazerad@tbi-lbk. org or info@tbi-lbk.org for information.

• 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

EXCEPTIONAL EXCEPTIONAL

MichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com MichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com

LD SO

941.724.7228

354807-1

LD SO

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

Qi gong is a mind-body-spirit practice designed to improve mental and physical health.

Class is outdoors. Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

every first and third Thursday of the month for breakfast and a speaker. Breakfast is $10.

Email President Lynn Larson at LynnLarson@comcast.net to register.

Living and Working on Longboat Key for 40 Years Cathy C. Meldahl, P.A. Your Longboat Key Community Realtor

EXTRAORDINARY EXTRAORDINARY Certified Residential Specialist Certified Residential Specialist Broker-Associate Broker-Associate

donations are welcome.

Indoor and outdoor shopping available with a limit of five customers at a time inside.

Masks are required. Visit LongboatIslandChapel.org for information.

Water Club #401 Water Club 65 Lighthouse Point Drive#401 | Gated Community 3,400SFSF | A4421764 | $2,575,000 3,400 | A4421764 $2,575,000 A4438181 | 4,933sf | 4BR | |Bay Front | $3,510,000

440 Gulf of Mexico Dr | Longboat Key, Florida 440 Gulf of of Mexico DrDr | Longboat Key,Key, Florida 440 Gulf Mexico | Longboat Florida

Work with JoDene

LD SO

JoDene Moneuse

Realtor ®, Certified Staging Agent

501Halyard Halyard Lane Lane 1212501 Westway Drive | Lido Shores 2,340 | A4448464 | $1,995,000 2,340 SFSF| A4448464 | $1,995,000 A4482176 | 4,627sf | 5BR | $3,800,000

finest finest

www.SARASOTAS SARASOTAS SARASOTAS

PROPERTIES.com PROPERTIES .com PROPERTIES .com

3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr | Longboat Key, FL 34228 | 941.383.7591 | michaelsaunders.com

Hanging Baskets all

on

SALE! 20% OFF

HANGING BASKETS through 6/16

VOTED #1 GARDEN CENTER IN SARASOTA 735 South Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 941.366.4954 • www.YourFarmandGarden.com

Visit us on Facebook

941.302.4913

LongboatKeyLiving.com

Top Agent 2019 & 2020 in units sold 2019 & 2020 Masters Award winner 31-year Longboat Key resident Michael Saunders & Company’s “Best of the Best” top performers 2019 & 2020 Five-Star customer service award-winner Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

356725-1

LD SO

Lighthouse Point Drive 6565Lighthouse Point Drive 35 Lighthouse Point Drive | Gated Community 4,933|SF SF| A4438181 | A4438181 | Front $3,795,000 4,933 | $3,795,000 A4477572 4,430sf | 4BR | Bay | $3,300,000

354823-1

845Longboat Longboat Club RoadCourt Club Road 845845 Longboat Club Road | Regent 19,300 | A4440615 | $19,750,000 19,300 SFSF| A4440615 $19,750,000 A4440615 | 19,300SF | 140’ on| the Gulf | $16,500,000

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

FARM & GARDEN Your Farm & Garden offers a wide variety of top quality plants and products perfect for your Florida garden, landscape, office or home.

Local Garden Specialists are on hand to make sure your project gets off to the right start.

PLANTS & GARDEN ACCESSORIES SINCE 1953 3 ACRE GARDEN CENTER • NURSERY SW FL POTTERY CENTER

Installations • Licensed • Planning & Design • Insured • Referrals Upon Request

354900-1

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

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Whether you are Buying or Selling,

REID MURPHY

WILL LEAD YOU TO A SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE! Photo taken by Reid Murphy

CALL REID TODAY! | 941.232.3304 | www.ReidMurphy.com NEWLISTING

NEWLISTING

SARASOTA PENTHOUSE $5,875,000 LONGBOAT KEY PRE-CONSTRUCTION $3,995,000 Downtown Ritz Carlton 3BR Ensuite Residence. Magnificent 4,276 sf open floor plan. Spectacular Unique opportunity to purchase a waterfront dream home on an extremely private estate-sized views. World class amenities. lot. 5BR, 5.5BA home,4,400 SF. Pool w/spa. Deep water dock.

PENDING

BIRD KEY BOATERS PARADISE $5,500,000 LONGBOAT KEY SANCTUARY $2,895,000 Beautiful Bird Key custom home. 4BD/4BA +nursery/office w/master. Many upgrades inside and Direct beachfront 3BR behind the gates at LBK Club. Southern exposure. Largest Gulffront floorplan out 100ft Sarasota Bay frontage w/ bay front infinity pool. Deep water slip w/new dock, large lift with wrap around terrace. & 2 jet ski lifts. Four car garage.

LONGBOAT PRESERVE $1,695,000 3BD/3.5BA home in the exclusive new enclave of 12 new construction, light filled & luxurious coastal contemporary homes in the Preserve of Longboat Key.

LONGBOAT KEY BAYFRONT $2,295,000 Amazing opportunity to build your Bayfront dream home on north Longboat Key. Great location. Only minutes from the open water.

LBK RARELY AVAILABLE CONDO $645,000 Covert Gulfside 3BD corner third floor. Beautiful beach. Great location, close to restaurants and shops with Gulf and sunset views.

LIDO KEY JACKSON $3,315,000 Gorgeous 3 level Coastal Home w/ elevator 6/BD - 5w/en-suite baths. Balcony off the Master + shared balcony on 3rd level. 3 minute bike ride to beach 3 minute walk to St. Armand’s Circle.

Private heated pool w/covered gaming area & bar. 2 car garage.

ST. ARMANDS VAN BUREN $2,945,000 Stunning 3 Level Coastal Home features 5BD/4.5BA - including a Huge Master Bedroom with En Suite Bathroom - w/3 Living Spaces. Multiple Balconies & Patios, private heated pool & spa.

Landscaped & fenced for privacy.

HOLMES BEACH GULF FRONT $1,250,000 Island Paradise 2/2 beachfront penthouse available in this six unit complex with great rental opportunities directly on the Gulf.

Developers Realty Inc. Lic. Real Estate Broker

www.ReidMurphy.com

595 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL 34228

359175-1

SOLD

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 8017 Marina Isles Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,593 Sq. Ft. Kate Enis 941-330-6068 A4500595 $6,500,000

BRADENTON 2708 Bay Drive 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,689 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4494263 $2,750,000

LONGBOAT KEY 431 N Shore Road 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,641 Sq. Ft. Jodene Moneuse 941-302-4913 A4497877 $2,400,000

SARASOTA 534 Bird Key Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,793 Sq. Ft. Ann Martin & Joanna Benante 941-356-7717 A4501329 $2,000,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4325 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 603 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,672 Sq. Ft. Melinda Alvarez & Hannah Hillyard 941-704-0633 A4500702 $1,695,000

BRADENTON 541 Fore Drive 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,296 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4496407 $1,649,000

SARASOTA 3520 Trebor Lane 4 Beds 5 Baths 3,300 Sq. Ft. Ann Martin & Joanna Benante 941-356-7717 A4488570 $1,500,000

SARASOTA 988 Blvd Of The Arts 1912 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,729 Sq. Ft. Nora Johnson & Klaus Lang 941-809-1700 A4501149 $1,395,000

SARASOTA 1924 Grove Street 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,607 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs & Sara Boudarga 941-374-2920 A4500966 $1,300,000

SARASOTA 1711 Baywood Way 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,358 Sq. Ft. Jami Kellogg 941-809-6931 A4488310 $1,200,000

SARASOTA 1860 Boyce Street 2 Beds 1/1 Baths 1,372 Sq. Ft. Barbara May 941-312-1302 A4500522 $899,000

BRADENTON 3608 W 54th Drive W J101 & J102 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,776 Sq. Ft. Leah Secondo 941-545-4430 A4497828 $800,000

NOKOMIS/NORTH VENICE 516 Tamiami Trail S 302 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,158 Sq. Ft. Tammy Kitt 941-284-7274 N6112877 $779,000

ENGLEWOOD 1375 Beach Road 101 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,821 Sq. Ft. Scott Johnston & Helene Johnston, P.A. 941-232-5482 N6114551 $699,000

SARASOTA 800 N Tamiami Trail 511 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,323 Sq. Ft. Bibi-Ann Allard PA & Kevin Moran, PA 941-685-0422 A4501405 $675,000

LONGBOAT KEY 250 Sands Point Road 5104 1 Bed 1 Baths 634 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4496014 $639,000

LONGBOAT KEY 580 Companion Way 2 Beds 3 Baths 1,792 Sq. Ft. Adrienne Scott & Bill Anderson 941-264-5266 A4498694 $609,000

SARASOTA 2557 Ringling Boulevard 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,445 Sq. Ft. Matthew Voss 941-237-0877 A4497940 $590,000

SARASOTA 981 Caloosa Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,838 Sq. Ft. Deborah Beacham & Victoria Beckham 941-376-2688 A4501199 $575,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 6132 Palomino Circle 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,293 Sq. Ft. Pam Sweeney 941-266-9622 A4500924 $525,000

BRADENTON 7304 24th Avenue W 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,527 Sq. Ft. Maria Christenson & Karla Davidson 941-920-3583 A4499897 $450,000

PALMETTO 615 Riviera Dunes Way 205 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,696 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4497161 $429,000

SARASOTA 4274 Riverwood Avenue 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,774 Sq. Ft. Patrick Doherty & Maureen Doherty 941-993-3160 A4499452 $399,000

SARASOTA 325 Golden Gate Point 6 2 Beds 1 Bath 716 Sq. Ft. Dede Curran 941-928-3255 A4490453 $360,000

VENICE 750 Brightside Crescent Drive 26 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,656 Sq. Ft. Bambi Utton & Kristen Wheat 941-228-4881 N6115353 $329,000

LONGBOAT KEY 729 Saint Judes Drive S 2 2 Beds 2 Baths 840 Sq. Ft. Cathy Meldahl 941-724-7228 A4488291 $304,999

VENICE 435 Wexford Circle 78 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,365 Sq. Ft. Susan Brooker 941-223-6055 N6115476 $257,900

LONGBOAT KEY 571 Saint Judes Drive 8 1 Bath 391 Sq. Ft. Barbara Dumbaugh & Victoria Lear 941-951-6660 A4480695 $205,000

SARASOTA 3712 Colby Street 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,250 Sq. Ft. Jeffrey Maglione & Kris Niehaus 941-302-4891 A4500056 $174,900

LONGBOAT KEY 500 Harbor Point Road 4 Beds 6/2 Baths 6,556 Sq. Ft. Jenifer Schwell 941-780-0968 A4491328 $5,595,000

LIDO KEY 1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive 1208 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,254 Sq. Ft. Susan Fox & Jonathan Fox, PA 941-544-6648 A4492990 $3,900,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1511 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 202 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,940 Sq. Ft. Carol Aviles 941-356-6777 A4481414 $3,075,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

357380-1

26

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MAY 24-28

$1.09 million. Built in 1972, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,468 square feet of living area. It sold for $580,000 in 2019.

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

F

rancis and Theresa Buzan, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 6161 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Daniel Fangmeyer and Janet Belle Fangmeyer, of Longboat Key, for $6.4 million. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,224 square feet of living area. It sold for $5.2 million in 2003.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

33418 Egypt Crossing LLC sold the home at 581 Wedge Lane to Donald and Anne Pollard, of Greenwich, Connecticut, for $2.5 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 3,127 square feet of living area.

THE WATER CLUB AT LONGBOAT KEY

Kenneth Press and Susan Harrison Press, of Summit, New Jersey, sold their Unit 204 condominium at 1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Mark and Ellen Richmond, of Highland Park, Illinois, for $1.89 million. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, four-anda-half baths and 3,054 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.2 million in 2012.

COREY’S LANDING

Jeremiah and Jane Cronin, of Sarasota, sold their home at 3448 Mistletoe Lane to John and Michelle Shehadi, of Chatham, New Jersey, for $1.6 million.

Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,503 square feet of living area. It sold for $900,000 in 2007.

LONGBOAT KEY ESTATES

James and Diana Irving, of Aventura, sold their home at 532 Rountree Drive to Ronald and Sabrina Amato, of Easton, Penn-

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

27

REAL ESTATE

Sleepy Hollow home sells for $6.4 million

|

THE PRIVATEER NORTH

Kenneth Brochin and Christine Sens Brochin, of Toledo, Ohio, sold their Unit 201 condominium at 1050 Longboat Club Road to Mohammed Farouk Hassan and Mona Hassan, of Lakeland, for $850,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,409 square feet of living area.

It sold for $789,000 in 2005.

TARAWITT DRIVE Courtesy photo

Built in 1997, the home at 6161 Gulf of Mexico Drive has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,224 square feet of living area.

sylvania, for $1.5 million. Built in 1960, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,398 square feet of living area. It sold for $800,000 in 2020.

SEA GATE CLUB

Guppy Homes Inc. sold the Unit 9-B condominium at 2425 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Wisdom One LLC for $1.47 million. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,470 square feet of living area. It sold for $775,000 in 2018.

FAIRWAY BAY

Scott Bakal, trustee, of Glencoe, Illinois, sold the Unit 555 condominium at 2110 Harbourside Drive to Richard Knapp and Lourdes Quintero Knapp, of Longboat Key, for $1.45 million.

Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,632 square feet of living area. It sold for $530,000 in 1992.

THE BEACHES OF LONGBOAT KEY-SOUTH

Sam and Connie Perkins, of Olathe, Kansas, sold their Unit 1007 condominium at 775 Longboat Club Road to Andrew and Judith Economos, for Sarasota, for $1.2 million. Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,578 square feet of living area. It sold for $280,000 in 1984.

ISLANDS WEST

Nathan Frederick Farming and Leasing LLC sold the Unit 3-C condominium at 2525 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Annie HolmesInserra, of Longboat Key, for

Pamela Rogers, of Longboat Key, sold her home at 673 Tarawitt Drive to Jay and Pamela Claeys, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, for $845,000. Built in 1961, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,841 square feet of living area. It sold for $330,000 in 2013.

ARBOMAR APARTMENTS

Gary and Judith Spiezio, of Osprey, sold their Unit 401 condominium at 4485 Gulf of Mexico Drive to John and Lisa Dempsey, of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, for $799,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,175 square feet of living area. It sold for $765,000 in 2006.

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 28

In with the new SALES GALLERY OPEN

SLEEPY LAGOON ADDITION

Gregg and Daleen Simmons, of Sheridan, Wyoming, and Carlyn Vigil, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 572 Lyons Lane to Gregory Crawford and Tonya Sue Crawford, of Fort Thomas, Kentucky, for $1.33 million. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,381 square feet of living area. It sold for $760,000 in 2020.

Longboat Key The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From the $2,000,000’s | Call for appointment. SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

MOVE-IN READY

TOP BUILDING PERMITS Downtown Sarasota

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of May 28 to June 3 in order of dollar amounts.

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS 4651 GMD

Risdon on 5th | 941.365.1414 | From the mid $500,000s | RisdonOn5th.com

PERMIT APPLICANT Foundation, pilings 4651 GMD

AMOUNT $668,580

655 Longboat Club Road #15B Interior alterations Carolyn Ontiveros

$500,521

1281 GMD #408

Interior alterations Tom & Gail Flannigan $300,000

100 Sands Point Road #118

Interior alterations Residences Trust

4600 GMD Unit PH

Interior alterations Anthony M. Martinic

5881 GMD

Electrical

LB Key LLC

$207,862

Northwest Bradenton

$54,615 $140,929

601 Longboat Club Road #101 Interior alterations Thomas R. Joseph

$133,700

5881 GMD

$132,000

Re-roof

THE FINAL RESIDENCES

LB Key LLC

565 Sanctuary Drive #B506 Interior alterations John Bullock

$111,278

6501 GMD

Interior alterations Jody Rodgers

$92,650

4234 GMD Unit X2

Interior alterations Robin Cefalo

Palma Sola Bay Club | 941.216.7436 | From the high $400,000s | PalmaSolaBayClub.com

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

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

$76,032

435 L’Ambiance Drive #H902 Interior alterations Kathleen A. Cole

$75,000

1281 GMD #304

Electrical

Irene K. Hess

$50,000

7031 Bayside Drive

Restore rock

Joseph P. Genova

$45,000

415 L’Ambiance Drive #A501 Electrical

Michael Brookshire

$45,000

Revocable Trust Source: Town of Longboat Key

WWW.MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM/NEW-HOMES | 844.591.4333 | SARASOTA, FLORIDA Prices as of June 2021.

357301-1

Licensed Real Estate Broker

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

Real estate

Make Dad’s Day!

FROM PAGE 27

Get the Gift of Adventure this Father’s Day!

NAUTILUS LONGBEACH

Dorothy Cibotti McCourt, of Bradenton, sold the Unit 12 condominium at 7065 Gulf of Mexico Drive to McGue Family LLC for $789,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,170 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2015.

LONGBEACH

James and Vashti Braha, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the home at 680 Fox St. to Craig and Katherine Cather, trustees, of Traverse City, Michigan, for $725,000. Built in 1967, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,544 square feet of living area. It sold for $154,000 in 1997.

BEACHPLACE

Edward Burstein, of Morristown, New Jersey, sold his Unit 401 condominium at 1125 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Roger Pettingell, trustee, of Sarasota, for $700,000. Built in 1979, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,172 square feet of living area. It sold for $778,000 in 2008.

ISLANDER CLUB OF LONGBOAT

Dennie Garner, of Azle, Texas, and Linda Latham, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 13-S condo at 2295 Gulf of Mexico Drive to William Cummings, of Longboat Key, for $685,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,235 square feet of living area. It sold for $335,000 in 2010.

EXCEPTIONAL VACATION RENTALS

BAYPORT BEACH AND TENNIS CLUB

Sanford and Joan Goldberg, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 727 condo at 727 Bayport Way to Dennis and Nancy Spinazze, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, for $655,000. Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,456 square feet of living area. It sold for $540,000 in 2016.

INN ON THE BEACH

Scott Zion, trustee, of Lakeville, Massachusetts, sold the Unit 6206 condominium at 225 Sands Point Road to FL Properties LLC for $630,000. Built in 1983, it has one bedroom, one bath and 642 square feet of living area. It sold for $485,000 in 2006.

WINDWARD BAY

Nigel Bogaert, of Orlando, sold his Unit PH-5 condominium at 4960 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Michael and Gay Sullivan, of East Dennis, Massachusetts, for $565,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,096 square feet of living area.

It sold for $335,000 in 2020.

GRAND BAY

Susan Foley, of Chicago, sold her Unit 612 condominium at 3070 Grand Bay Blvd. to Brian and Lauri Pruitt, of Longboat Key, for $540,000. Built in 1995, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,276 square feet of living area. It sold for $640,000 in 2016.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

Specializing in Longboat Key and Lido Key Private Vacation Homes, Condominiums and Beachfront Resorts

877-705-2459 Locally owned and managed since 1994

info@FLVacationConnection.com FLVacationConnection.com

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3720 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228

Zip•Climb Swing•Soar The Ground Is Overrated BRADENTON

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www.TreeUmph.com

FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL With the purchase of one adult ticket for adventures on June 19 or June 20.

Promo Code: DAD50 *Cannot be combined with any other offer.

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344888-1

28

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

High: 86 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 19%

SATURDAY, JUNE 12 High: 85 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 12%

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, June 10

6:34a 8:25p

Friday, June 11

6:34a

8:25p

Saturday, June 12

6:34a

8:25p

Sunday, June 13

6:34a

8:26p

Monday, June 14

6:34a

8:26p

Tuesday, June 15

6:34a

8:26p

Wednesday, June 16

6:35a

8:27p

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, JUNE 13 High: 85 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 22%

July 1 Last

TIDES

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 2021-22 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2022, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

29

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, JUNE 11

Bob Gary captured this photo of a bald eagle at Winding Oaks on Longboat Key.

|

July 9 New

July 17 First

Highs

July 23 Full

Lows

Thursday, June 10

2:49a 11:39a

5:36a 8:29p

Friday, June 11

3:39a 12:12p

5:48a 9:06p

Saturday, June 12

— 12:49p

—

9:46p

Sunday, June 13

—

1:31p

—

10:28p

Monday, June 14

—

2:17p

—

11:13p

Tuesday, June 15

6:17a

3:10p

9:01a

11:58p

Wednesday, June 16 6:46a 4:3p

10:42a

—

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 349222-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

CROSSWORD

941.748.4679 | Venice

COMBINATION by Rebecca Goldstein; Edited by David Steinberg

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com 112 Put in the overhead bin 113 Heckle 114 Island country named after a woman 117 Spill the tea 119 Yes vote 120 One who’s kvetching in more simple terms?

126 ___ Gala, event where Lena Waithe wore a pride cape 127 “Oh, no you ___!”

128 Not mainstream 129 Garden guardian 130 Some are targeted 131 Stockpile 132 Accord or Accent 133 Face moisturizer

43 Shout before “Polo!”

45 March Madness org.

49 British-based relief org.

50 Tree fluid 51 And others (Abbr.)

52 Substance like shellac 54 Many Libras’ birthstones 58 Jacob’s twin 59 Evite request 60 Closest pals, informally 61 Edible part of a beet 62 Land measures 64 Mall Santa’s sidekick 65 Brownstone’s porch 67 Place for a peel or scrub 68 Defiant retort 70 That special something 72 Best Picture winner set in Iran DOWN 76 “Longtime listener, first1 Video taker, informally time ___” 2 Slugger’s stat 77 Broadcasting 3 They may be flashed at a 78 Capote’s nickname bartender 4 Figure at a restaurant with a 80 $$$ sources at bodegas 81 Nasal walls conveyer belt 85 People try to make them 5 Ballet bend meet 6 Bike for two 87 Secret sauce?

7 Theater chain 89 Org. chaired by Jaime 8 Where Simone Biles won Harrison four golds 91 Lavish affection (on) 9 “My treat” 92 Added to an email chain 10 BLT ingredient 93 Volt, e.g.

11 Universe-related 12 King David’s rebellious son 94 Cartoon clown fish 95 Doodled 13 Solution for a hairy situ97 Grotesque monsters ation?

100 Word before “party” or 14 Wild way to run “pants” ©2021 Universal Uclick 15 PC connection 101 Sat or stayed, say 16 Sauce with falafel ACROSS 29 Woodsy scent 56 Romantic outing 86 Group of fields that 102 Basic bedding 17 “No clue” 1 Crunchy 30 Not in favor of 57 News anchor Anderson includes CS 103 Hangs on the wall 18 Glossy fabric 6 The Sun deck?

33 Some canvas shoes 60 Supportive undergarment 88 It can be dressed and 104 Walking speed 24 Winemaking wood 11 Birth ___ (passageway for 36 Hard work 63 Heist targets tossed a baby) 37 Good, in Nice 66 Quarterback’s directional 90 Animal shelter disinfec- 25 Metal whose symbol is Fe 105 Egyptian underworld god 29 Stores with edible arrange- 106 Paper marker 16 Lead-in to “the season” 38 V-sign’s meaning sense? tant?

111 Nada ments?

19 Singer Paula 40 Much ado about legisla- 69 An ellipse has two 96 Static issue 114 ___ pickings 30 Each 20 Essential acid type tion?

71 High, in Honduras 98 Bespectacled dwarf 115 “And here it is!”

31 Hated Roman emperor 21 “Becoming” author 44 “___ Black” (2010s sci-fi 73 “New Rules” singer Dua 99 One may smoke a joint 116 Oily skin concern Michelle show) ___ 100 Die-hard environmental- 32 Brewpub fixtures 118 Succumbs to gravity 22 Early programmer 46 AOC, for one 74 Serb or Croat ist, when cleaning up after a 34 Quad complex 120 Outdoor kiss, e.g., briefly 35 Procedure part Lovelace 47 Palace guards?

75 Luxurious military base? protest?

121 Not even 37 Top’s opposite 23 Incentive for SpaceX 48 Person who pretends to 79 Grannies 107 Crunchyroll cartoon 39 Countesses’ counterparts 122 Soccer icon Hamm sales reps? be on Bach’s level?

82 “How you doin’?” genre 41 Device with a click wheel, 123 Neither’s partner 26 Shelter such as a sukkah 53 Prefix meaning “straight” 83 ___ Urquelle (“Family 108 Detest 124 Tall bird 27 What’s under a hat 55 Plant with high-fiber Matters” alter ego) 109 Drag show accessories once 125 “Losing My Religion” band 42 Calf’s cry 28 Allocate, as funds seeds 84 Fabled man-eater 110 Garden in Genesis

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.

“VSRZWSWE RVOW V TWDSVPF ESJUUADFFWEE SRVS TVDDPWE JE SRDAJNR VFB KVLWE JE BA SRPFNE SRVS CWACZW EVI GW TVF’S BA.” LPK TZPMESWDE “ZPGTZ CP Y FYMCU, XPM WB, GR YR WHOI Y DBYMTGTZ BLFBMGBTOB YR, UPH JTPV, RGCCGTZ GT Y DBOCHMB.” TYCYDGB FPMCWYT Puzzle Two Clue: V equals W

Sarasota

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, BEDROOMS & MORE

Puzzle One Clue M equals J

HARDWOOD

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

06-10-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

RED PAGES Homes for Rent

EDGERS STONE for walkways & garden landscaping, 50 cents, like new (941) 920-2494

BUY & SELL HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

Announcements LBK FULL time residence looking for POKER PLAYERS. High low, no crazy games, $10$30, once a week on Tuesdays.

Email for further information: pokerjoe333@gmail.com

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale Marina slip for sale. Longboat Key Club.

Moorings Lot C-01. $150k.

62 x 21.

Call Steve: 727-898-9388.

Furnishings LIVING ROOM Set All Italian leather (seating & back areas) living room set: Sofa 78" wide; Loveseat 59" wide; Chair 37" wide (all 34" high; 35" deep; 16" seat height); 3 Ottomans 24" sq; 3 Glass end tables 22" sq; 2 Lamps 26" high. $1,000 (386) 263-2133

auto

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

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

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

RED PAGES AD RATES

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

Call: 941-955-4888 Online: yourobserver.com LONGBOAT KEY: Beachfront Condos, 1st or 2nd floor, 2BR/2BA, W/D in units, free Wi-Fi, heated pool, & parking.

Call 941-383-3338.

WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577

Condos/Apts. for Rent

wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC

OR RENT ANNA MARIA FO ISLAND UPDATED 5 STAR CONDO. Available September November (monthly with multimonth discounts) millions $ waterview, first floor, 2br/2b, patio, walk to beach, pool, tennis, smoke free, boat slip available. marketreps@aol.com

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Located in the Resort at Longboat Key Club

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

(1) BEDROOM DIRECT BEACHFRONT MONTHLY RENTAL MINIMUM

502 - 558 -7845 VRBO #2082812

Adult Care Services CNA: 20 years experience, with doctors recommendations.

Available for days, nights, and traveling. COVID vaccinated.

941-536-5339.

CALL 941-955-4888

Transportation LONGBOAT LIMOUSINE Your local luxury transportation provider since 1994.

New luxury Sedans and SUVs. Fully Licenced and insured.

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

BEACH HARBOR Club Gorgeous penthouse condo with access to beach/boat/pool/fitness.

3BR/2BA, 2 large terraces, sunrise/sunset views. $5500/mo in season.

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

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

358813

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

LOOKING FOR a ground floor efficiency on Longboat Key or Siesta Key with storage area for my tools. Working, professional man. Call (678)755-3804

358813

Items Under $200

Rentals Wanted

real estate

stuff

COZY COTTAGE Sandpiper AMI 55+. 1.5 minute walk to the beach or bay, near pool. 1BA/1BR, W/D for sale or rent.

Call: 941-251-4767 leave message.

CLEAN OUT YOUR GARAGE!

Paint the town RED!

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.

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

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing.

Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

This week’s Crossword answers

Epic Home Care Personal Care-Respite Care Alzheimer’s CareLight Cleaning Med AdministrationMeal Prep Shopping, Errands & More Call for a FREE Evaluation!

941-536-6372 EpicHomeCare@yahoo.com Rosa Torres- Owner

GARAGE SALE As low as $17.50 per week!

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.

Cleaning CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady.

Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential.

Commercial. New Construction. 941-400-2866.

K & R CLEANING SERVICES No job too small, I can clean it all! Bonded and Insured. Lots of experience. Free estimates.

Call 941-799-0414

©2021 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

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

Painting

peekers’ place

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Athletes have a certain stubbornness that carries us through and makes us do things that people say we can’t do.”

Kim Clijsters Puzzle Two Solution: “Going to a party, for me, is as much a learning experience as, you know, sitting in a lecture.”

Natalie Portman

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2021 NEA, Inc.

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Health

• Roofs • PoolCages Cages•• Decks Decks ••Driveways • Roofs • Pool Driveways • Deck/Paver Sealing • Gutter Cleaning • Deck/PaverAnd Sealing • And Much More Much More!

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression provides safe, gentle & effective relief for upwards of 90% of patients that qualify for care.

358394

Carpet Cleaning

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

CARPET CLEANING • TILE • GROUT UPHOLSTERY STAIN • CONTROL

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED Dries in hours - not days.

Serving AMI/LBK/Bradenton Area for 25 years

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

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MIC INSURANCE

Doors

Sliding Glass Door Repair

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Furniture Repair 358396

FurnitureSales Sales &&Repairs Furniture Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating Cushions • Slings • Umbrellas

358077

Screening

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

358796 38056

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

RIGHT ON TARGET

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941.504.2745 941.400.1563

358798

OBSERVER RED PAGES

Naji Aoun

Windows

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

Res./Com.

Lic./Ins.

w & Pressure Cl indo345-5264 W(941) eani t e s ng s a S u n n w r o i s n e k W Sun y ind erl Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat

Handyman

CONSTRUCTION HANDYMAN

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Doors and more!

199923

outdoor furniture experts• • www.patiorepairs.net

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

Satisfaction guarantee Satisfaction Guarantee Pool cage Restoration/ Rescreening specialists Manufacture and Workmanship Warranties specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

Mike Mailliard ~ Lacey Weaver Allen Hovis ~ Matthew Mailliard Chloe Gardner ~ Julia McIlrevey Simone Paton

Patio Furniture Repairs.com patio RepaiRS

941-626-3194

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

ROGER SELLS

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MORE THAN $175 MILLION PENDING AND SOLD IN 2021

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This secluded and exquisite beach-to-bay estate is perfectly situated on almost three-acres on the private and gated northern Gulf shores of Casey Key. Wonderfully updated and partially rebuilt, you will love the charm it exudes, complemented by a beautifully maintained 4BR main residence and a separate 2BR guest house. The impeccable finishes, impressive outdoor entertaining, and your own private beach are the perfect finishing touches.

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The stunning Gulf views that stretch from azure waves to the calming waters of Sarasota Bay and downtown’s cityscape beyond are the highlight throughout this lovely 8th-floor, 3BR residence at Orchid Beach Club.

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

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PLACE YOUR ORDER! SCF.edu/FallMenu | Text 941-304-5443 | Call 941-752-5050 State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, religion, age, national origin/ethnicity, color, marital status, disability, genetic information or sexual orientation in any of its educational programs, services and activities, including admission and employment. Direct inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies to: Equity Officer, 941-752-5323, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207.

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Beauty is Our Business OFFERS GOOD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

6277 Lake Osprey Drive Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 6118 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 MUST BOOK AND PREPAY. Must bring this ad in to receive offer.

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Limited availability. Se habla español.

Offers expire 6/30/2021.

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