Longboat Observer 6.25.26

LONGBOAT

Observer

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

A library-plan rewrite?

PAGE 5 THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

VOLUME 48, NO. 45

YOUR TOWN

Town’s budget ‘pretty flat’ Tax uncertainty fuels fiscal caution in light of potential shifts in revenue. SEE PAGE 3

NEW MAN AT THE HELM Courtesy image

Boat owners cautioned to keep watch Boat owners in the Spanish Main area are urging neighbors to keep an eye out for thieves.

Longboater Kristen Laviolette took to social media after she said someone stole two navigation screens from her vessel, likely between the evening of June 17 and the morning of June 19. She said nothing else seemed to be missing.

She said she wanted to make the community aware of the possible theft and encourage people to keep watch, especially in the evenings.

Those seeking a police response can call 941-316-1201.

Call 911 in an emergency.

“We just want you to be aware as a community and look out for each other, our beautiful marinas, canals and our homes,” she wrote.

Dana Kampa

Saul Landesberg officially accepts the gavel from outgoing Commodore Tony Britt at the change of watch ceremony on June 20.

Dana Kampa

Bird Key Yacht Club leadership looks forward to clubhouse completion. SEE PAGE 12

Jason Bond opened Longboat Key Provisions at The Centre Shops in December.

North end shop celebrates 6 months

A+E

Longboat Key Provisions held a celebration of its six-month anniversary at The Centre Shops on June 19, inviting guests to sample its new summer treats, such as watermelon salad and picnic-friendly pinwheel wraps.

Jason Bond opened the shop at 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 103 in December. The boutique features charcuterie boards, baked goods and Longboat Key-themed accessories.

Looking forward, Bond said he hopes to explore ideas like hosting live music evenings at the plaza this summer. $0.10

Cultural coup PAGE 9

Elizabeth King

Work was underway along Madison Drive at Boulevard of the Presidents in late May.

Shored-up plans

Popular St. Armands restaurant files formally to rebuild. SEE PAGE 6

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

WEEK OF JUNE 25, 2026

Jewelry, chocolate shops to open on St. Armands

“It’s a small list when you look at all of the skills and requirements to manage a coastal community especially.”

St. Armands Circle will soon be sweeter and brighter with the introduction of two new shops in the coming months.

St. Armands Jewelers is taking the place of Jewelry by Cole with new ownership at 7 N. Boulevard of the Presidents.

New owner Mia Tohar Eylon recently announced she and her family look forward to holding a soft opening of the new jewelry store soon.

The new store plans to also offer custom jewelry services and repairs.

On the other side of the Circle, Chocolate Emporium will be opening a new location at 28 S. Boulevard of the Presidents.

The sweets brand has a shop at 216C Pine Ave. on Anna Maria Island, and the owners look forward to opening the new St. Armands location this month.

The company focuses small-batch sweets, offering chocolate truffles, chocolate-dipped treats and its signature salt water taffy.

Town Manager Howard Tipton. Read more on page 5

BY THE NUMBERS $24.6 MILLION

The general fund budget the town is advancing for the 2027 fiscal year PAGE 3

8,463 SQ. FT.

The amount of space that will be used for the dining component of Shore Restaurant’s three-pronged return to St. Armands Circle PAGE 6

170

Athletes in the local chapter of the Miracle League of Manasota PAGE 14

Anna Maria beach renourishment kickstarted with TDT funds

CALENDAR

n Town Commission Special Meeting — 10 a.m., June 29, 501 Bay Isles Road n Sandbag filling event — 8:30 a.m., July 2, 100 Broadway St. n Town Offices closed — July 3 n Freedom Fest — 9 a.m., July 4, 500 Bay Isles Road

Courtesy photo

St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is offering luxury packages for the World Cup and July 4.

St. Regis offers 5-day, $177,600 package

A

Longboat Key resort is offering a special package for anyone looking to wave the flag on the country’s semiquincentennial July 4 with a little bit of style.

The price tag, a patriotic $177,600.

The holiday-themed vacation stay is at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, which has unveiled what it is calling “The Gilded Gulf,” an exclusive presidential package created to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary next month.

Available as a single booking over the July 4 holiday, the St. Regis says the five-night experience includes a presidential suite takeover, personalized fireworks featuring the guest’s name, bespoke couture, a custom heirloom handbag, private culinary experiences, patriotic spa treatments and more.

The promotion coincides with another package the resort is offering, this one tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026, which began June 11.

That package includes four

nights in the presidential suite at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort following two nights in the presidential suite at its Miami Beach sister property, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort.

The $187,000 package includes a three-hour tour on a 70-foot yacht, a private driver in a Bentley to take you to a game in Miami (match tickets not included), butler service and a chance to watch matches with up to six guests at a “luxury oasis” with stadium-quality sound and nation-inspired cuisine.

A beach renourishment project on Anna Maria Island has been given a $6.18 million boost after the Manatee County Commission gave approval for Tourist Development Tax funds to be used for the project.

The renourishment project will place sand on the eroded “Central Beach” segment of Anna Maria Island from 79th Street North at Holmes Beach to Fifth Street South at Bradenton Beach.

Areas of Cortez Beach and Coquina Beach will also be renourished. Manatee County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are working together on the project, and the Federal Emergency Management Association and State of Florida are major funders.

Work is expected to begin after turtle-nesting season in November and continue through March or April 2027.

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TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

3

Budget uncertainty starts to show The town pushes Capital Improvement Plan projects back in response to changing assessments and state property tax proposal.

S.T. CARDINAL STAFF WRITER

Photos by S.T. Cardinal

T

he town has released a preliminary budget with a $24.6 million general fund.

Police and fire are the town’s greatest expenses (61%) and property taxes are the town’s main revenue source (76%).

With property tax changes possible in the future and property appraisal numbers lower than expected, the town has pushed some capital projects back, and one commissioner is floating the idea of an increase in property tax millage.

NO NEW STAFF

On the town’s website, three open job listings are posted, including that of a firefighter-paramedic. That position is likely to be filled soon as a candidate is finishing up the paperwork, but Fire Chief Paul Dezzi hopes to eventually bring on at least three more to the force.

Early in the monthslong budget preparation process, department heads write to Town Manager Howard Tipton with requests for additional funding. Dezzi made the same request he made last year: more firefighters.

“The staffing that we have here is the same that it’s been since around 2006,” Dezzi said.

Dezzi wrote in a memo to Tipton that Longboat Key Fire Rescue had seen a 35% increase in call volume over the last decade and that firefighters had worked overtime 217 days to ensure minimum staffing.

Dezzi said LKFR’s engines are currently staffed by two firefighter-

Investment earnings: $435,000

Charges for services: $617,640

Longboat Key Fire Rescue received a grant for an extra set of protective equipment that will allow firefighters to wash equipment after every fire.

paramedics, making the department an outlier in the region.

“Most departments now have three-man engines,” Dezzi said.

“Some departments in Manatee County have four-man engines.”

The amount of time spent on each call is also a factor for the requested increase of staff. When a patient needs to be transported to the hospital, that increases the amount of time an ambulance is out, and with it three firefighter paramedics. With current staffing, that means only one firefighter-paramedic is available to return to the station to respond to calls while the patient is transported.

In 2023, one of two firehouses were out of service 92 times because of patient transports to the mainland.

But the fire department will have to make do with its existing staff

All others: $307,710

FY 27 REVENUE SOURCES

Transfers in: $1.9 million Intergovernmental revenue: $1.5 million

TOTAL $24.5 MILLION

Franchise fees: $1 million

Ad valorem (property tax): $18.7 million

FY 27 EXPENSES TOTAL $24,599,517

Fire Rescue:

$9.8 million

Police:

$5.1 million

Public works:

$938,824

Streets:

$874,900

General services:

$907,804

Town Manager's office:

$838,294

Information Technology:

$1.5 million

Finance:

$1.2 million

Planning and Zoning:

$776,077

Parks/Rec:

$439,988

All others:

$2.2 million

FUND BALANCES FY 2027

Encumberance: $190,971

Encumberance:

$14,732

Unassigned:

Unassigned:

$4 million

Economic uncertainty/revenue

Economic uncertainty/revenue

stabilization:

stabilization:

$3.6 million

Extreme events/natural disasters: $2.1 million

CAPITAL COSTS CARRIED OVER

The five-year Capital Improvement Plan Town Commission was presented with in June has had some tweaks since it received preliminary property appraisal totals.

“We were looking at needing to make a $550,000 transfer from the general fund to kind of help cover stuff,” Tipton said. “So we just sent the departments back to the drawing board.”

Those tweaks resulted in $516,776 less spending in the first year of the five-year plan. CIP cuts include a trim to the Australian pine removal program, reallocation of unspent funds from the Quick Point Nature Preserve repair project, and postponed Police Department shower additions and Fire Department office construction.

Also delayed for at least a year is any funding for redevelopment of the town-owned Longboat Library building at 555 Bay Isles Road.

Originally, the town had earmarked $140,000 to “develop options/recommendations for future disposition” of the Longboat Library site.

Some of the ideas for the Longboat Library space — which is between Town Hall and four Longboat Key Tennis Center courts — included a potential move of the town’s Information Technology department to the space or more courts built for the tennis center. Tipton said the building suffered flood damage from the 2024 hurricanes, so it would likely need to be elevated, especially if it were to house the IT department.

With funding pushed back, the future of the site remains uncertain.

A DIET FOR THE SKINNY

FY 2025 $3.6 million

levels for another year at least. Tipton said “this was just not the year to consider” expanding the number of firefighters, which would cost $134,000 per firefighter per year, including pension payments, benefits and overtime.

With preliminary property values coming in lower than expected due to a reduction in assessed values on the Sarasota County side, Tipton describes the 2027 fiscal year budget as “generally pretty flat.” The proposed 2027 budget is $263,722 higher than 2026, or a 1.1% increase.

Despite no increases in staff, personnel costs are increasing $887,272, or 4.6%, attributed to raises and rising health insurance and benefits costs.

$4 million

Extreme events/natural disasters: $2.2 million

A good rule of thumb for politicians to remain in the good graces of their constituents is not to propose raising taxes, but Commissioner Gary Coffin is suggesting just that.

Coffin asked Tipton in an email how much of a revenue increase the town would see if it raised advalorem property taxes from a 1.960 millage to 1.999. It’s a matter of being

prepared for the worst, he described.

“My focus is, and always has been, number one on the employees and two, on the residents. In an effort to increase our fund balance, prepare for potential emergencies, maintenance within ever-aging systems, I feel that an increase is not a luxury but an absolute priority,” Coffin wrote. “If we are to provide our residents with premier community and exceptional service they have come to appreciate and love, we need to do this, particularly in this politically uncertain state and federal times.”

The uncertainty Coffin is referring to at the state level will be decided at the ballot box. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ efforts to reduce property taxes would provide some savings for homesteaded property owners, but could be a death punch for some local governments, Tipton said.

On the barrier island of Longboat Key, where property values more often than not reach into the seven digits, a $250,000 homestead exemption is not expected to be devastating. Finance Director Sue Smith calculated that the town would lose $705,000 in revenue in the first year (with a $150,000 exemption) and a $1.4 million in year two when the $250,000 exemption begins.

“What’s a core service to one city is a not a core service to another city, and that’s part of the frustration with the state, is that they are kind of applying a one-size-fits-all solution where each community is very different,” Tipton said. “I use a kind of a weight loss analogy. The state says that every municipality and county needs to lose 50 pounds. Well, if you’re a city at 150 pounds, you can probably lose 50 and still be alive.

But if you’re starting at 100 pounds, you’re probably going to die. And the state doesn’t care.”

But while the town’s main revenue source would be cut by about 6%, the impacts to the town could be felt in other ways, Tipton said. Lost revenue for agencies such as the county mosquito control departments, West Coast Inland Navigation District, Sarasota and Manatee counties and nearby municipalities will also impact everyday life.

“If they are needing to reduce their service levels, then as a very lean team out here who has these mutual aid agreements, if we don’t have the aid coming, we need to plan differently for that,” Tipton said.

Other line items on local property tax bills are used to pay debt. Those debts will still need to be paid by the town under the contractual terms even if the revenue decreases. The town currently owes $22.2 million.

“If taxable values decrease, a higher mill rate will be necessary to generate the required debt service revenue,” Smith wrote in an email.

Yes, property tax changes will hurt local government pocketbooks, but Tipton says the proposed change is also about Tallahassee making decisions for local governments.

“This is really less about property tax and more about taking away home rule and local control,” Tipton said. “If your community wants after-school programs, it doesn’t matter. You’re not going to get them.

If your community wants paramedics, doesn’t matter, you’re not going to get them. That’s what this does. It takes away the ability for local voices and local priorities to create local priorities, and then figure out how to provide those services. It’s beyond frustrating.”

The town is delaying a $140,000 investment that would determine the future of the Longboat Library at 555 Bay Isles Road.

“If we are to provide our residents with premier community and exceptional service they have come to appreciate and love, we need to do this, particularly in this politically uncertain state and federal times.”

— Gary Coffin, commissioner

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

Strategies for the summer Business owners meet to discuss the offseason lull and possible ideas to promote Longboat Key businesses.

S.T. CARDINAL STAFF WRITER

J

ason Bond opened Longboat Key Provisions in December, just in time to capitalize on the busy tourist season on the barrier island.

It started well, but ever since seasonal residents have returned to their homes up north, business has slowed for Bond.

“I’m six months in, and I’m already two months away from pulling out,” Bond said. “I cannot sustain this community if this is how it is.”

Working on Anna Maria Island previously, Bond was aware of seasonal fluctuations that come with the territory, but the extent of the drop-off has been more pronounced than he thought. Surviving the slow season is part of doing business on Longboat Key, and residents know it as well as business owners.

“I get all the great feedback in the world. Everybody loves my store, says they hope I’m here next year,” Bond said. “That statement alone should tell you something.”

Bond was one of a baker’s dozen of attendees at the inaugural Let’s Talk Business roundtable hosted Wednesday morning by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and attended by town and Manatee County staff.

Earlier this year, the town of Longboat Key expanded its annual survey to include a separate questionnaire directed to small-business owners.

With only 16 respondents, the town worked with the chamber to initiate a recurring in-person event to gather feedback.

For Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman, a big takeaway was that town leaders need to balance the desire of residents to keep Longboat Key an exclusive community with

bringing enough foot traffic into businesses to keep them afloat.

“We want to keep Longboat Longboat, a certain style and character of the island while balancing that with the need for businesses to survive and thrive,” Brownman said. “We had a lot of good feedback.”

The first meeting of its kind, attendees didn’t necessarily leave with immediate solutions to the problems raised, but with issues to think about and questions to ponder.

“How do we help get the message out and promote that the town has businesses here throughout the year, that you don’t have to leave the island? We do have a lot of visitors here even through the summer,” Brownman said. “How do we make sure those visitors are aware of the shops and businesses that are out there now? Where can the town help?

Where can the town help to make the connections among the businesses for promotional opportunities?”

A lot to digest ahead of the next roundtable discussion, which is tentatively scheduled for late September as business owners expressed they would like to have a meeting with Town Manager Howard Tipton as well as the incoming town manager, who is expected to begin with a phased in approach in mid-September.

The first roundtable discussion did lead to an exchanges of ideas, though.

Longboat Key Club Managing Director Rick Konsavage told Bond one way to get the word out about his business could be to approach hotel and resort concierges.

Dana Kampa

Jason Bond, owner of Longboat Key Provisions, had some help from his mother, a designer, to renovate the space in The Centre Shops for its grand opening in December.

Chamber President Kim Verrault said the island is still in a rebuilding phase after the 2024 hurricanes, not a growth phase, but that there are residents here year-round that can support the small businesses on Longboat Key year-round. The trick is persuading more of the 7,500 fulltime residents to leave their houses and spend on the island.

“It’s probably important for us to

remind our locals that these businesses are here, and they’re really here for them, and to get out and explore what’s available to them.

There are some incredible merchants here, there are some incredible restaurateurs that are here, and there are things at their fingertips right now,” Verrault said. “They need to be supported, and we want to make sure they’re here in the future.”

S.T. Cardinal

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and town of Longboat Key joined forces to organize the first Let’s Talk Longboat business roundtable Wednesday, June 17, at Christ Church of Longboat Key.

STICKER REFORM

Representing the West Bradenton/Anna Maria branch of Servpro was Kellie Spring.

At the roundtable, Spring said it was important for Servpro workers to gain access to the island in the event of a storm quickly so the restoration and mold remediation company can provide timely quotes to homeowners. Without a brick-and-mortar location, though, reentry stickers were not able to be obtained with the town’s existing guidelines.

The input was received by town leaders favorably, with Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman leaning over and saying to Town Manager Howard Tipton that “we can talk to (Fire) Chief (Paul Dezzi) about that.”

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

St. Lucie pipeline Town looks to Florida’s east coast once again for new town manager.

S.T. CARDINAL STAFF WRITER

W

hen former Longboat Key Town Manager Tom Harmer announced his retirement in 2022, the town looked to St. Lucie County for his replacement in Howard Tipton.

Four years later, St. Lucie County is in the town’s sights again. As Tipton prepares the town for his retirement, he recommended St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry as his replacement.

Landry, who on June 19 resigned as administrator for the 400,000-resident county on the Atlantic coast county, had worked there since 2023.

He began his 13-year tenure with St. Lucie County as human resources and risk manager before transitioning to lead the public utilities and solid waste departments.

Before that, he received a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars for his service with the U.S. Army. He retired as a first sergeant after 23 years of military service.

“He brings an impressive military background, is a well-respected Florida manager with expertise in serving coastal communities, and has a strong track record of leadership, intergovernmental collaboration, and county-level administration,” Tipton wrote in a memo to the Town Commission recommending Landry for the position.

The Town Commission unanimously approved a five-year contract with Landry on Monday.

Under terms of the deal, his salary will be $255,000 with a $30,000 annual housing expense. The housing expense is contingent upon Landry living within the town's boundaries or within 10 vehicular miles of the town's boundaries. Tipton’s salary was $255,624 and included a $24,000 housing expense.

Image courtesy of St. Lucie County

St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry has been recommended by Howard Tipton to replace him as town manager as Tipton prepares to retire.

“If selected, my role would not be to change Longboat Key’s identity, but rather to help protect, strengthen and enhance it through professional management, responsive service, and collaborative leadership.”

Property tax reform could shelve plans for Longboat Key library A possible general fund impact of $87 million will force Sarasota County leaders to make some ‘tough decisions.’

— George Landry, St. Lucie County Administrator

Landry has met with Tipton, Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman and each member of Town Commission already. He wrote in a letter to Commissioner Sarah Karon that he would embrace the responsibility of leading the town if he were chosen for the position.

“As I learned more about Longboat Key, one phrase consistently stood out: ‘Keep Longboat Longboat.’ To me, that reflects a commitment to preserving the qualities that make this community exceptional while thoughtfully preparing for the future,” Landry wrote. “If selected, my role would not be to change Longboat Key’s identity, but rather to help protect, strengthen and enhance it through professional management, responsive service, and collaborative leadership.”

Landry’s employment agreement includes a provision to start in the position Sept. 14.

5

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

F

or the time being, progress toward the new Sarasota County library on Longboat Key remains on course. If Florida voters approve the property tax referendum in November, though, the county may well check out of the project.

Near the conclusion of the June 17 Sarasota County Commission budget workshop, Director of Capital Projects Carolyn Eastwood told commissioners the library has reached the 70% design stage and that work will continue through completion.

Eastwood’s remarks came during a commission discussion about capital projects at various planning stages that will eventually require annual funding to cover operational costs such as staffing, utilities, maintenance and more.

In addition to the $11 million core library — which would be funded by library impact fees — a Longboat Key philanthropic effort has exceeded a $3.5 million capital campaign goal for enhancements to the library and surrounding property.

The capital to build the library is separate and apart from the gen-

Courtesy image

A May 2024 rendering of the Sarasota County library on Longboat Key.

eral fund, which pays to operate it and could take as much as an $87 million hit beginning in fiscal year 2029 should the proposed $250,000 homestead exemption take effect.

That equals 17% of the projected general fund for fiscal year 2027.

Operating the library, however, at a cost estimated at more than $1 million per year, would come from that property tax-fed general fund, which was enough to give pause to the commissioners regarding a commitment to construction.

County Administrator Jonathan Lewis said the matter would not come before commissioners prior to the election anyway, so no final decision is needed now.

“Looking at the operating impacts, a partial year in 2028 is almost $740,000, and going from $1.1 million (in 2029) up to $1.4 million in 2031,” Deputy County Administrator and Chief Financial Management Officer Steve Botelho told commissioners about library operations costs.

The $3.5 million in enhancements include a larger meeting space to accommodate about 200, as well as a terrace for outdoor gathering space to provide a connection between the library and the Town Center Green and the Karon Family Pavilion.

The Library Foundation for Sarasota County has received the majority of the donations for the project and maintains records of all contributions, and those proceeds have been transferred to the county government.

According to a county spokesperson, in the event the project does not proceed, contributions would be returned to donors.

“I don’t think any of us are saying that these aren’t important,” said Commissioner Teresa Mast about reexamining projects that include ongoing costs. “We’re just saying we have to make some tough decisions.

Part of making that tough decision is prioritizing.”

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6

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

MAINTAINING YOUR LEXUS

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BUSINESS OBSERVER

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CELEBRATING 10+ years

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

ELIZABETH KING

P

lans to create a new location for Shore Restaurant are moving forward after a St. Armands landlord submitted a site plan to the city of Sarasota for a mixed-use project along North Boulevard of the Presidents.

Mindy Kauffman of Kauffman Shore Properties LLC is listed as the property owner of 24 and 28 N. Boulevard of the Presidents, according to the application. There, she is proposing a three-story building that would house retail, restaurant and residential space on 0.33 acres.

Kauffman Shore Properties purchased the two parcels on North Boulevard of the Presidents for $100 apiece from other entities linked to the Kauffman family on Jan. 6, according to Sarasota County property records. Dr. Mark Kauffman is a prolific Sarasota property owner and developer; Mindy is his daughter.

The two addresses on North Boulevard of the Presidents have been vacant since the 2024 flooding, and Mindy Kauffman is proposing to revitalize this part of St. Armands with more than 17,000 square feet of redeveloped commercial space topped with a condo.

“The project includes the renovation of the existing Chase Bank building along with the removal and replacement of the adjacent former candy shop structure to create a unified mixed-use development,” Bill Waddill and Dominic Pardue, both of consulting firm Kimley-Horn, on behalf of Kauffman Shore Properties, wrote with the application.

“By replacing outdated and floodaffected structures with a coordinated three-story, mixed-use building, the project will enhance the continuity of the streetscape while supporting a high-quality destination for residents and visitors.”

The proposal consists of: ■ First floor: 7,023 square feet for retail and 1,820 square feet for a cafe ■ Second floor: Shore Restaurant will provide fine dining in an 8,463-square-foot space

Elizabeth King

■ Third floor: One condominium unit with a centralized pool Shore restaurant, with locations on Longboat Key and near Orlando, previously had a St. Armands Circle location, but it closed in December 2024 after suffering flooding from hurricanes. Shore co-founder Tom Leonard said at the time that infrastructure issues on the circle “forced us to reevaluate our future here.”

The new building on North Boulevard of the Presidents would be constructed with resiliency in mind.

During a December pre-application meeting with Sarasota’s Development Review Committee, officials brought up that the project would need to comply with a FEMA rule that states if repairs or improvements to a building in a flood zone cost 50% or more of its pre-damage or pre-improvement value, then the entire structure must be brought up to current flood-resistant construction standards. That was not addressed in the development application recently submitted to the city.

Eleven parking spaces behind the property would be used for the project, and “coordination has been conducted with the city of Sarasota staff regarding the potential to purchase” eight additional spots, required per zoning code, from the St. Armands public parking garage.

The buildout date for the project is the fourth quarter of 2027.

The case is scheduled to appear before the Sarasota Development Review Committee on July 15.

This former candy store, pictured in April 2025, has been vacant since the 2024 storms.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

7

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FLORIDA MAN ARRESTED ON ALLIGATOR, CHILD DELINQUENCY CHARGES 7:12 a.m., 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive Felony: A police officer on patrol at Bayfront Park ran a license plate and was alerted the owner of the vehicle had a warrant for his arrest. The officer called for backup and waited for their arrival before approaching the vehicle. The officer then approached the driver of the vehicle and confirmed he was the registered owner. The man was taken into custody without incident on charges of illegal killing/possessing/capturing of alligator/crocodilia/eggs and contributing to delinquency or dependency of a child. He was taken to the Sarasota County Jail and was released on bond the same day.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

PICKED UP AND DROPPED OFF 8:25 a.m., 5500 Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious person: An officer was flagged down by a man on a bicycle who had seen someone lying on the sidewalk about a quarter-mile south.

The officer went to investigate and saw a man with a shaggy red beard, a red hat, red shorts, red Crocs and a yellow shirt lying on his back on the sidewalk. The brightly dressed man told the officer he had just been released from the hospital and was walking to a beach near the grocery store. He asked the officer for a ride.

Police drove him to the southern end of the Key and closed the case.

SUNDAY, JUNE 14

SUSPICIOUS PHOTOGRAPHY 12:10 p.m., Gulfside Road Suspicious person: A call to the police was placed by a resident who was concerned about a man taking photos of houses in the neighborhood. Police met with the caller who told them that the picture-taking man had not stepped foot onto his property but took a picture from the street. The officer surveyed the area on the lookout

COPS CORNER

FRIDAY, JUNE 12

for a shirtless man on a bicycle. A man matching the description was approached. He told the officer that he was taking photos of real estate listings from the street and showed him the photos on his phone that backed up his claim. With no crime witnessed, police closed the case.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17

SKY RAT SPOTTED 5:37 p.m., 4800 block Gulf of Mexico Drive Animal problem: Manatee Sheriff’s Office rerouted a call to the Longboat Key Police Department after receiving a call about a bat in the alcove of a condo building. An officer called the complainant who was told the police department could not help with the issue, but advised him to contact his condo association or a local trapper to see how the animal could be removed.

The case was closed.

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IS IT TIME TO TAKE A LOOK UNDER THE HOOD OF YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN? You wouldn’t drive for years without checking your engine so why do it with your wealth?

When it comes to your health, getting a second opinion is common and encouraged. Doctors even recommend it. But when it comes to your wealth, some people may stay the course without ever pausing to ask a simple question: Is everything working the way it should?

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• Are there gaps in my tax, retirement, or estate planning?

• Is my current strategy still right for me today?

Sometimes, the result is reassurance you’re right where you should be.

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And yet, some investors may not be There’s real value in stepping back, clear about the following: asking questions, and making sure • How their portfolio is really your financial plan reflects your life not performing just your past decisions.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

OPINION / OUR VIEW

LONGBOAT

“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 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com

Courtesy image

Although multifamily affordable and workforce housing projects, such as Sarasota Station, will likely continue, cities and counties will have no incentive to add less expensive single-family housing if the property tax ballot proposal is approved.

DeSantis vs. DeSantis One DeSantis encouraged starter homes. The other may have just made them fiscally impossible to approve.

JEFF BRANDES

G

ov. Ron DeSantis has spent years making affordability a central part of his agenda. He pushed insurance reforms, championed housing reforms, signed the Live Local Act and repeatedly argued that Florida’s rising cost of living is one of the biggest challenges facing working families.

That is what makes Florida’s proposed property tax amendment so fascinating.

This debate is no longer simply about taxes. It is about housing.

More specifically, it is about whether Florida is creating incentives to build the starter homes it desperately needs or creating incentives to avoid them.

Most of the debate has focused on the immediate effects of the amendment: how much homeowners save; how much local governments lose; and whether Tallahassee eventually backfills local budgets. Those are important questions. They are first-order questions.

The more important question is what happens next.

Taxes are the first-order effect.

Housing is the second-order effect.

And second-order effects are usually where public policy succeeds or fails.

Florida does not have a luxury housing shortage. It has a starterhome shortage. Teachers, nurses, firefighters and young families are struggling to buy their first homes.

The median price of a new singlefamily home in Florida now exceeds $400,000. The entry point to homeownership continues moving further out of reach.

That reality was one of the driving forces behind the Live Local Act. The goal was straightforward: Increase housing supply and improve affordability. But what if another state policy is pushing in the opposite direction?

GROWTH = REVENUE + COST

For decades, local governments operated under a simple formula: Growth = Revenue + Cost New homes created new revenue and new expenses. Roads had to be expanded. Fire stations had to be staffed. Parks had to be maintained.

But growth also expanded the tax base that helped pay for those services.

The proposed amendment changes that equation: Growth = Cost. The services remain. The residents remain. The infrastructure demands remain. But a growing share of the tax base disappears.

When local governments begin viewing growth primarily as a cost rather than an opportunity, incentives change. And when incentives change, behavior follows. That is not ideology. It is economics.

Imagine you are a county commissioner facing budget pressure.

A developer presents two projects: 200 starter homes or an apartment generating substantially more taxable value per acre.

Which one becomes easier to approve?

The answer matters because incentives matter.

The danger is not that local governments suddenly oppose affordable housing. The danger is that they conclude they cannot afford it.

That may sound theoretical, but we have already seen local governments slow or limit residential growth when they conclude the costs outweigh the benefits. The projects themselves are not necessarily the problem.

The math is.

STRUCTURAL ECONOMIC CHANGE

Supporters of the amendment will correctly point out that homeowners who pay less in property taxes have more money to spend elsewhere. That may be true. But local governments do not fund roads, deputies, fire protection and stormwater systems with good intentions.

They fund them with revenue.

The services new residents depend upon are local. The costs are local. And increasingly, the fiscal benefits of starter-home growth may not be.

The challenge becomes even greater because the homestead exemption does not remain fixed. It grows with inflation. At first glance, that sounds reasonable. But it creates a powerful long-term effect.

A starter home does not simply receive a one-time tax benefit. As values rise, the exemption rises too.

Consider a home with a taxable value of $250,000 today. If both home values and the exemption rise with inflation, much of that home’s value remains shielded from taxation for years to come.

Higher-value homes do not face the same dynamic. They continue generating substantially more taxable value.

Over time, the math increasingly favors expensive housing over starter housing. Expensive homes generate tax revenue; starter homes generate virtually nothing.

That is not a temporary fiscal adjustment. It is a structural change in the economics of housing development.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: LIABILITY?

Fast forward 10 years. You are still that county commissioner. Service costs have increased. Infrastructure demands have increased. Population has increased.

But many of the starter homes built during the previous decade continue generating relatively little

revenue compared to the services they require.

What conclusion do you reach?

At some point, affordable housing stops being viewed as an opportunity and starts being viewed as a liability.

That should concern everyone.

Florida’s housing challenge is not simply that homes cost too much. It is that the housing ladder is already missing its bottom rung. Starter homes are where renters become owners. They are where families build equity. They are where wealth creation begins.

When enough starter homes are built, families move up through the housing market over time, creating opportunities for the next generation of buyers.

When the bottom rung disappears, the entire ladder seizes up.

Renters stay renters. Starter-home demand outstrips supply. Firsttime buyers keep bidding against one another. Existing homeowners stay put longer. Prices rise throughout the market.

The consequences extend beyond housing. Employers need workers, and workers need places to live.

Every starter home that does not get built makes Florida’s workforce harder and more expensive to attract.

Which brings us back to our title: This is not DeSantis vs. his critics.

It is DeSantis vs. DeSantis.

AFFORDABILITY JUST DISAPPEARS

One DeSantis signed the Live Local Act because Florida needed more housing supply. The other is asking voters to approve a constitutional amendment that will change the incentives surrounding starter-home development.

One policy encourages the first rung of the housing ladder. The other may make that rung fiscally impossible to approve. One presses the accelerator. The other may be slamming on the brakes.

Maybe the governor’s office has modeling showing none of this occurs. If so, Floridians should see it. Because good public policy is not measured by intentions. It is measured by incentives.

Local governments will respond to those incentives. Builders will respond to those incentives. Markets will respond to those incentives. They always do.

Gov. DeSantis wants Florida to be more affordable. I do not doubt that for a second. But wanting more affordable housing and creating the conditions for more affordable housing are not always the same thing.

The question voters should ask is simple: Does this amendment help rebuild the first rung of Florida’s housing ladder? Or does it make local governments less likely to approve it?

Because if Florida stops building starter homes, affordability doesn’t improve.

It just disappea ...

Jeff Brandes served in the Florida House and Senate from 2010 to 2022.

He is president and founder of the Florida Policy Project (FloridaPolicyProject.com).

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JUNE 25, 2026

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

COLLECTORS’ EDITION

‘Something Borrowed, Something New’ features contemporary art on loan to Sarasota Art Museum. on their work. Salzberg, who is also in the business of collecting and authenticating rare coins, got ribbed

by Storer. “Because I’m not married, I don’t have to check with anybody to see if it’s OK to buy something,” Storer teased Stanton.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITOR

Vik Muniz’s “Shoeshine Boy, After Lewis Hine (2005)” is on loan to the Sarasota Art Museum from Frank and Katherine Martucci for “Something Borrowed, Something New.”

Image courtesy of John Berens

Derrick Adams’ “Floater,” from the collection of Elizabeth and William Kahane.

Courtesy image

Stanton Storer loaned William Villalongo’s “Mother Tongue” for “Something Borrowed, Something New.”

Ai Weiwei’s “CocaCola Vase” (2014), is on loan from the Mark and Donna Salzberg Collection.

A

s F. Scott Fitzgerald so astutely observed, the very rich “are different from you and me.”

To begin with, they like to live in very big houses and often have several of them. To fill up these spaces, they tend to accumulate stuff — fancy cars, fine wines, custom-made furniture, antiques and valuable art.

Unless you have very rich friends, you might not see these treasures until they end up in a museum or up for auction at Sotheby’s or Christie’s, which publicly display pieces before they go under the gavel.

Until now.

Unless you’re the kind of person who reads Artforum magazine, you may not be aware that a major exhibition of contemporary art loaned by collectors from Southwest Florida is happening in your own backyard. If you’re familiar with 21st-century culture, you’ve heard names like Louise Bourgeois, Chuck Close, David Hockney, Yoko Ono, Kara Walker and Ai Weiwei before.

But did you know some of their artwork is currently on display in the old Sarasota High School? Located at 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, the red brick building houses the Sarasota Art Museum.

Run by Ringling College of Art and Design, SAM also hosts the local outpost of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. The lifelong learners have no doubt heard about the breathtaking exhibition “Something Borrowed, Something New.” But it was easy to miss its April 27 opening at the end of a busy Sarasota social season marked by some centennial celebrations.

You don’t have to be an art connoisseur to see that the exhibition of 85 pieces loaned by 10 collectors from Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota is nothing short of a cultural coup. It’s also testament to the much-vaunted generosity of the region.

“Something Borrowed, Something New” marks the capstone of Rangsook Yoon’s tenure as senior curator at SAM. Yoon left in May to join the Frye Art Museum in Seattle.

“Something Borrowed” is evidence of Yoon’s ability to identify rising stars in the contemporary art scene.

In addition to the boldface names already mentioned, the exhibition includes such cutting-edge artists as Derrick Adams, KAWS, Cara Romero, Hank Willis Thomas, Wil-

MICKEY’S EYELESS COMPANIONS

Images courtesy of Ryan Gamma

A close-up of the artist KAWS’ “4 Ft Companion (Gray), (Brown) and (Black)” on loan from the Mark and Donna Salzberg Collection.

liam Villalongo and others.

To be sure, these artists represent eyes and hands that have been long ignored in the art world. But no one should dismiss “Something Borrowed” as a survey of “woke” art or an overdue nod to representation.

This is a stunning assemblage of what the very rich among us consider worth collecting.

The diplomacy and negotiating skills that Yoon and others at SAM must have employed to bring the paintings, photographs, sculpture and multimedia works to SAM’s galleries can only be imagined.

We’re talking about hours, if not weeks and months, of courting and cajoling. And there are strings attached. Certain twin images like Hank Willis Thomas’ “Silver Lining A (No Flash)” and “Silver Lining A (With Flash)” from the collection of Stanton Storer must always be reproduced together. A minor detail to be sure, but one that demonstrates how the owners of artwork still want control over their acquisitions.

But even if the very rich are different from you and me, they are not, like Chekhov’s proverbial happy families, all alike. Some flaunt their wealth, while others keep a low profile.

The rare opportunity to see how the other half lives drew an SRO crowd to a Q&A session moderated

by Yoon on April 18 that brought together Storer and Mark Salzberg, both major lenders to “Something Borrowed, Something New.” Salzberg’s wife, Donna, was in the front row, lending support to her husband.

Like big-game hunters back from safari, Storer and Salzberg traded war stories about discovering artists at Art Basel Miami and traveling to galleries around the country to bid

IF YOU GO ‘SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING NEW’ When: Through Sept. 27 Where: The Sarasota Art Museum campus of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail.

Tickets: $20.

Info: Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

Image courtesy of Harry Sayer

A visitor to the Sarasota Art Museum takes a photo of David Hockney's "Inside It Opens Up As Well," which collector Stanton Storer loaned to the museum for "Something Borrowed, Something New."

When you enter the “Something Borrowed, Something New” exhibition, you are greeted by three Mickey Mouse-like sculptures by the artist KAWS on loan from the Salzberg Collection. Titled “4 Ft Companion (Gray), (Brown) and (Black),” the painted vinyl figures have Mickey’s shoes and gloves, but not his ears. Where an eye would normally be found, there is the letter X. “What does it mean?” pondered a group of SAM visitors on a recent tour led by docent Diane Farber. Like all the docents wearing signature pink aprons and nametags at SAM, Farber is quite knowledgeable about her subject. She confirmed someone’s suspicion that “X’s instead of eyes means erasure or invisibility.”

Erasure is a thread that runs through “Something Borrowed.” In Kara Walker’s “Lost Mountain at Sunrise,” on loan from the collection of Keith Monda and Venorica Brady, the artist has embellished a picture from “Harper’s Pictorial History of the Civil War” by adding Black characters.

Some of the artwork on display in “Something Borrowed” take images that have been appropriated and reclaims them. Foremost among this genre is the huge sepia-toned print

by Cara Romero called “TV Indians,” on loan from the Richard and Ellen Sandor Family Collection.

A registered member of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, Romero photographed family members outdoors under a majestic sky. Dressed in traditional Native costumes, they are flanked by vintage TVs and computer screens with such familiar characters as “Tonto and the Lone Ranger.”

Ai Weiwei’s “Coca Cola Vase” from the Salzberg Collection and the bright red “The Papercut Portfolio (Cats and Dogs; Citizen’s Investigation; New York; Furniture; Haircut; Map of China; River Crabs; Zodiac)” on loan from Storer depict an ancient culture being enlivened but also corrupted by American-style capitalism. Follow the progression of papercuts and you’ll discover the Chinese artist’s disillusionment with life in New York City.

Hard as it may be to believe, the vase with the familiar soda logo is at least 2,000 years old and dates to China’s Han dynasty. Incredible!

To describe “Something Borrowed, Something New” as awe-inspiring is an understatement at best. It’s worth seeing several times.

Before you go, spend a few minutes in front of David Hockney’s “Inside It Opens Up As Well,” which contains many artworks within a piece that is 90 inches wide and 33 inches high.

Hockney, an unapologetically gay Yorkshireman who fell in love with California, died at age 88 on June 11.

Try to spend 10 minutes looking at “Inside It Opens Up As Well.” The artwork-gazing challenge is a TikTok staple and was recently embraced by The New York Times.

As you lose yourself in one of the stupendous pieces at SAM, you’re likely to overhear comments such as, “Do people really keep these pieces in their living room?” Yes, they do.

During the opening day panel discussion, Storer and Salzberg showed photographs of art in their homes.

Lest there was any doubt, the photos confirm that the very rich are different from you and me.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

THURSDAY SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Road $15-$20 Visit Ringling.org.

The Ringling and the Circus Arts Conservatory join forces for their annual Summer Circus Spectacular in the Historic Asolo Theater.

Ringmaster Ashley Vargas, a veteran of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and circuses around the world, presides over a showcase of circus artists in a show designed to appeal to all generations. Among the circus arts represented are clowning, juggling, hand balancing, aerial arts and duo roller skating. For $5 more, make it a circus day and tour The Ringling’s Historic Circus Galleries and Tibbals Learning Center, which contains a miniature circus of 42,000 pieces built by Howard Tibbals. Runs through Aug. 8.

‘DOG MOM’ 7 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $25-$46 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

A New Play National Rolling Network premiere by playwright Tate Elizabeth Hanyak, “Dog Mom” is

DON’T MISS

‘LADY DISDAIN’ Lauren Gunderson, one of America’s most produced playwrights, takes on the world of romantasy audiobooks with “Lady Disdain,” a rolling world premiere at Asolo Repertory Theatre. Like their models in “As You Like It,” audiobook narrators Beatrice and Ben trade witty barbs that mask sexual attraction. Runs through June 27.

IF YOU GO When: Through June 27 Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $31-$77 Info: Visit AsoloRep.org.

being produced by regional theaters in Portland, Oregon, Sunnyvale and Sacramento, California and Sarasota’s own Florida Studio Theatre. Directed by Nancy Rominger, “Dog Mom” follows a hard-nosed New Yorker whose heart begins to melt after she fosters a stray dog. Runs through July 26.

‘HONKY TONK ANGELS’ 7 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. $25-$59 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

THIS WEEK

Country legend Vince Gill brings his “50 Years From Home” tour to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Friday, June 26.

OUR PICK

VINCE GILL Vince Gill is back on the trail again with his “50 Years From Home” tour.

In the years since Gill first hit it big with “When I Call Your Name” in 1990, he has released 20 albums, sold over 30 million records and won 18 CMA Awards, including Song of the Year four times.

Follow three Dolly Parton wannabes on a road trip to Nashville as Angela, Darlene and Sue Ellen chase their dreams of country music stardom and forge lasting bonds of friendship along the way. This tale gives its performers the chance to belt out country favorites like Parton’s “9 to 5” and Tammy Wynette’s “Stand

By Your Man,” among others. Runs through June 28.

IF YOU GO When: 7 p.m. Friday, June 26 Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $85-$187 Info: Visit VanWezel.org.

FRIDAY ‘LOST & FOUND’ 5 p.m. at Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Ave. Free Visit CreativeLiberties.net.

Join Creative Liberties galleries co-founders Barbara Gerdeman and Elizabeth Goodwill for the opening of their joint art show, “Lost & Found” at Art Ovation hotel. The exhibition features Gerdeman’s photos alongside Goodwill’s weavings and 3D work using fiber and found materials. In addition to the reception, the artists will be at the hotel each evening from 4-8 p.m. on June 22-28.

CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘SILENT MOVIE’ 7 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $12 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

Fifty years ago, we were celebrating the Bicentennial so you can be forgiven if you missed one of Mel Brooks’ signature comedy films. Now, as we prepare to toast America’s semiquincentennial, you

Courtesy image

can go back to 1976 with “Silent Movie,” a dialogue-free slapstick comedy where Brooks plays a washed-up director who enlists the help of celebrities to make his comeback project a reality. See Brooks, Sid Caesar, Marty Feldman and Dom DeLuise show us how it’s done in the magnificent, 100-yearold Sarasota Opera House.

‘ROMEO AND JULIET’ 7:30 p.m. at Dingbat Theatre Project, 7288 S. Tamiami Trail $15 and up Visit DingbatTheatreProject.org.

You may have seen “Romeo and Juliet,” but you haven’t seen Dingbat Theatre Project’s version of the Bard’s tale of star-crossed lovers.

This adults-only show features burlesque and drag performances interwoven with club music. This adaptation is created and directed

by Dingbat founder Luke Manual with choreography by Yasha Wilson.

Runs weekends through June 28.

SATURDAY COMEDY LOTTERY 7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St. $15-$18 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Florida Studio Theatre’s own improv troupe takes over Bowne’s Lab with “Comedy Lottery,” giving the audience the chance to select the night’s games. If FST Improv isn’t on your radar, it’s time for a new machine.

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

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

WEDNESDAY PATRIOTIC CLARINETS CONCERT 4 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free Visit SarasotaMusicArchive.org.

Get the party started early for America’s 250th birthday with a free concert of patriotic music featuring three clarinets. Co-sponsored by the Music Performance Trust Fund.

Register in advance to guarantee a seat in the Geldbart Auditorium.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

Meet the Chesleys Retired teachers Jerome and Kathryn are Sarasota cultural ambassadors.

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Monica Gagnier

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Jerome and Kathryn Chesley pose in their living room surrounded by colorful glass art that they’ve collected over the years.

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1874 by a Methodist minister and an inventor, the adult summer camp is dedicated to lifelong learning.

For Jerome and Kathryn, Chautauqua is their summer retreat after a busy season in Sarasota, where Jerome teaches watercolor classes locally and gives workshops throughout the state besides leading excursions with Discover Sarasota Tours.

Asked the secret to their marital longevity, Kathryn says communication is key. Each morning over breakfast they review the day’s schedule to “stay on the same page,” she says.

It’s a tradition that dates back to the beginning of their relationship.

The couple first met in 1972 at a community theater in Cheektowaga, New York, called The Apple Town Players.

The newfound little theater took its name from the Indian meaning of Cheektowaga, “Land of the Crab Apples,” but left the “crab” out because it “sounded better,” Jerome says.

He ended up at the troupe because a friend told him they needed someone who could paint sets.

“The theater was just starting,” recalls Kathryn. “Our first show was ‘The Mikado.’” At the cast party, Kathryn was swept off her feet by Jerome’s jitterbug moves. This led them to team up on the competitive dance circuit and ultimately marry.

Perhaps because they spent their careers teaching, both Chesleys are still constantly learning, whether to prepare a new script for a tour, create a class outline (Jerome) or research a historical figure (Kathryn).

Though not identical to Chautauqua, the idea of a community where residents are devoted to art and education is also part of Sarasota’s history.

Unlike Chautauqua, the Sarasota Art Colony wasn’t a formal institution. But its members revitalized an association that today is known as Art Center Sarasota. This year, Art Center Sarasota celebrated its centennial by reviving its famed Beaux Arts Ball.

Unfortunately, the Chesleys weren’t able to attend because they were in New York City for the Broadway debuts of two of Kathryn’s stuents. Had they gone, they would have fit right in. But their dance of choice would have been out of sync. Even after all these years, they still prefer the jitterbug to the Charleston.

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ADULT

e’ve all heard variations on “the couple that (fill in the blank) together, stays together.” For some, it’s “the couple that plays together.” The more devout might favor “the couple that prays together.”

We’re not going to get a rhyme, but for Sarasota snowbirds Kathryn and Jerome Chesley, who’ve been together for more than 50 years, the expression would be: “The couple that enjoys the arts together, stays together.”

If you’ve spent any time at Sarasota’s cultural attractions, you’ve probably seen Kathryn and Jerome in action, both separately and together. Both retired schoolteachers from Buffalo, New York, the Chesleys can be found leading trolley excursions at Discover Sarasota Tours, ushering at Asolo Repertory Theatre performances and making the most of Sarasota’s arts scene.

A former drama teacher, Kathryn portrays local historical figures, including Bertha Palmer, Marie Selby and Mable Ringling, on trolley tours and at library, club and historical society events.

In addition to elaborate period costumes, Kathryn’s life as a “reenactor” involves a stunning collection of hats with lots of feathers. Some mirror the millinery of the 20thcentury aughts, the heyday of the Gibson Girl, while others are straight out of the Jazz Age. When Tammy Hauser founded her trolley tour company in 2018, she asked Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall General Manager Kyle Turoff to spread the word “through her Big Apple network,” Hauser says.

Turoff’s parents, Bob and Roberta Turoff, ran the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre in downtown Sarasota for more than 40 years.

Chesley showed up not long after the casting call went out. She was a perfect fit. “As a historic character performer, she has so much knowledge about the history of Sarasota.

She can talk about any aspect, anybody, any street, any place. She’s wonderful, a real gem,” Hauser says.

Chesley was Discover Sarasota Tours’ fifth employee. Today, it has 23 full- and part-time employees, from the actors who perform on themed tours like “Who Killed the Circus Queen?” to the people who run the gift shop.

Hauser hired Jerome when Discover Sarasota Tours expanded from three tours to nine in 2019. “When I heard from Kathryn that Jerome was an artist, I decided he would be perfect to lead a tour of all the public art on display in Sarasota,” Hauser says.

A retired high school art teacher, Jerome is an accomplished watercolorist who is a signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society, where he served as president in 2018. He is also a past president of the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society.

During the summer, Jerome teaches at the Chautauqua Institution in Western New York. Founded in

Classifieds 22 Games 21 Real Estate 19 Weather 21

JUNE 25, 2026

YOUR NEIGHBORS

TAKING THE HELM Photos by Dana Kampa

Bob Keagy, Michael Hunter and Tony Britt

Former Bird Key Yacht Club Commodore Lisa Adams swears in new Board Governor Donna Hillmyer at the Bird Key Yacht Club change of watch ceremony.

Dana Kampa

New Commodore Saul Landesberg dons the Bird Key-branded hard hat gifted to him by outgoing Commodore Tony Britt as a symbol of good luck for overseeing the final stages of clubhouse construction.

New Bird Key leader takes the helm as the yacht club looks forward to its new clubhouse.

DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER

W

hen accepting the role of Bird Key Yacht Club commodore, Saul Landesberg said his father always told him a lucky man can count the number of his close friends on a hand. However, he said it would take both hands, feet, and a bit more to do justice to the genuine friendships he has gained through the club. He especially appreciated the kinship forged with outgoing Commodore Tony Britt.

“Besides being a great commo-

dore, one who has gotten us through a most challenging time, he is an allaround great guy,” he said, applauding his capability and tenacity as a leader.

Britt passed the gavel to Landesberg on June 20 at the Art Ovation Hotel, which served as the ceremony venue in lieu of the soon-to-berebuilt clubhouse on Bird Key. Landesberg thanked his predecessor for helping the club navigate life without a clubhouse.

He credited Britt with finding innovative programming to ensure members still felt a sense of togetherness, rather than shutting down operations while awaiting the new headquarters.

Landesberg, 70, has spent most of his life in Florida, primarily in Tampa and Miami. He and his wife, Debra Landesberg, raised three children in the bustling cities of the Sunshine State.

Debra Landesberg accepts flowers from Bird Key Yacht Club Vice Commodore Lynne Pettigrew.

But he said he and Debra quickly felt at home in the Bird Key community when they moved to the area 10 years ago.

As he prepared to assume his new role, he and Britt often met for weekly catch-up lunches, and Landesberg said he is glad the former commodore will still be nearby, now serving as leader of the Bird Key Homeowners Association and on other club committees.

Britt said he will always be proud of the work he and his team put into moving the clubhouse project forward. Asked what words of advice he would offer to his successor, Britt emphasized the importance of working hard and humbly toward the club’s long-term development goals.

But he added it is equally important to have fun along the way, taking time to enjoy the convivial spirit of this unique group.

From unveiling a time capsule from 2000 to easy-going summer cookouts, members have found ways to remain connected even without a roof.

He also credited staff members, headed by General Manager Tammy Hackney, for their dedication to maintaining high spirits during the transition.

Before passing the gavel, Britt also recognized outgoing board members Colin Wood, Michael Hunter, Bob Keagy and Michael Travis.

Former Commodore Lisa Adams swore in Donna Hillmyer as board governor and new officers Lynne Pettigrew, Dede Moore and Gary Fischman, along with Hillmyer.

Looking forward, Landesberg said his primary goal is to ensure clubhouse construction stays under bud-

get and on time, with an anticipated completion date at the beginning of 2027.

He brings his experience serving in leadership roles with nonprofits, like the Boys & Girls Clubs, and with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He also works part time as a corporate insurance broker.

The new commodore said he finds it immensely valuable to teach onthe-water safety courses, noting, “When people learn how to boat better, they enjoy boating better.”

In the time he gets to spend on the water, he captains the “Floridays,” a nod to the studio album by Jimmy Buffett.

While his wife joined him on the stage to celebrate his new title, she also stood in her own capacity as the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs director. So far, she has visited 22 of the 36 member clubs and hopes to complete the roster over the next year or so. Especially as Bird Key charts a new path forward, she said it has been enlightening to connect with fellow clubs.

Lynne Pettigrew, who ascended from the role of rear commodore to replace Landesberg as vice commodore, said she and fellow Bird Key Yacht Club members have every confidence in his ability to carry the baton at this critical juncture in the club’s development.

Pettigrew said she is also proud to now be one of the four women on the nine-member board at the club.

“What we try to do is get the best

talent we can find, anywhere we can,” she said.

Reflecting on Britt’s past year of leadership, she said, “Tony really is a one-man band. He is so energetic and has really kept the interest of members.”

Landesberg equated Britt’s leadership in navigating choppy waters to the club’s “Winston Churchill during World War II.” Asked what prompted him to begin ascending through the ranks at the yacht club, Landesberg said he was willing to take on the responsibility in service of a tight-knit group of fascinating people he has come to know well.

“It’s just a wonderful group of people from all different backgrounds who just want to be together,” he said. “We’re very fortunate.”

Landesberg acknowledged that, of course, the work doesn’t stop once the clubhouse is finished and the ribbon is cut.

He and Britt said they both certainly look forward to getting to the first moment they will get to take a seat in the waterside clubhouse, reflecting on the journey, and toasting to an exciting new chapter for the club.

As a parting gift, Britt presented Landesberg with a Bird Key Yacht Club-branded hard hat, explaining, “This lets everyone know you are on the job and looking after our interests with this beautiful club to be. I know you are going to take us across the finish line.”

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

PLAY BALL!

SAVE THE DATE

The next Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key pancake breakfast fundraiser is scheduled for Oct. 24 at Lazy Lobster, 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Proceeds are set to benefit the Miracle League of Manasota.

Longboat Kiwanians partner with The Miracle League of Manasota for accessible sports.

Miracle League of Manasota Executive Director Chris Cushman accepts a $3,500 donation from Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key President Danielle Gladding and past President Michael Garey from the latest pancake breakfast fundraiser. The league is the club’s newest charitable partner.

DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER

F

or 15 years, the Miracle League of Manasota has been fostering community connections through America’s favorite pastime. On the baseball field, local children and adults with disabilities get to play ball, unwind, socialize with new friends and celebrate every successful swing and catch.

The 501(c)(3) now has a new fundraising partner on Longboat Key through the local Kiwanis Club chapter.

The club presented a $3,500 check to Executive Director Chris Cushman on June 17. The proceeds are from the club’s spring pancake breakfast.

Originally, the club earmarked the funds for the local SarasotaManatee chapter of Family Promise.

However, when that branch had to close and couldn’t accept the funds, Kiwanians had to find a new charitable partner.

Past President Michael Garey suggested the league based on his daughter Amelia’s experience volunteering with the group as a high schooler.

The league partners participating athletes with volunteer buddies for the games to run the bases with them.

Garey said she took great memories from the experience.

“She loved it so much,” Garey said, adding that there were often a few tears of joy shed at getting to share in such a meaningful connection with community members.

The league hosts two 10-week seasons every year at its ballpark in Longwood Park, in northern Sarasota County. The spring and fall seasons each include a five-week youth league and a five-week adult league.

“We see so much improvement in our athletes,” Cushman said. “They build self-esteem and confidence in themselves. We’re a fun league, and not competitive.”

He said there is nothing quite like seeing the joy on the athletes’

Dana Kampa

Courtesy image

Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key past President Michael Garey said he heard of the Miracle League of Manasota when his daughter, Amelia, volunteered as a buddy to the athletes. Garey suggested the 501(c)(3) as the club’s new charitable partner, which board members recently accepted.

faces as they hear their names being announced at bat or when they celebrate a high-flying hit with their teammates.

Cushman said the funds will go a long way in supporting the mission. Although the program relies upon the volunteer efforts of about 40-50 people during the season, the league still needs to manage maintenance costs for keeping the field at 6050 Longwood Run Blvd. in tip-top shape, and other program expenses.

“We just had the surface redone six months ago, and it looks fantastic,”

TO LEARN MORE

The Miracle League of Manasota gives youth and adult athletes with disabilities the opportunity to play ball at the Miracle League of Manasota Field for two 10-week seasons.

To learn more about supporting the league’s mission to bring accessible sports to local athletes and ways to volunteer or donate, visit MiracleLeagueManasota.org.

he said.

Cushman said he got involved while running his sports photography business. Organizers invited him to photograph a game.

“Honestly, I had never heard of The Miracle League before then,” he said. “I started doing their picture day for a year, got to know some of the board members, and they asked me if I wanted to come on as the executive director.”

Taking the helm was a full-circle moment for Cushman, who graduated from Auburn University with a degree in special education, which he didn’t get to pursue professionally until then. With the encouragement of family members, he took on the leadership role and said it has been even more rewarding than he anticipated.

Throughout the season, athletes forge long-term friendships. Cushman explained that the league is divided into a youth and adult division, with participants ages 4 to 24 filling in the former and adults into their 80s filling out the latter.

Some athletes have been returning every year since the launch of the Sarasota program.

“A lot of our athletes have been with us from day one, 15 years ago,” Cushman said.

The original Miracle League started in the late 1990s in Atlanta when the Rockdale Youth Baseball Association brought a 7-year-old player in a wheelchair to join a team. The effort expanded globally, and now there are more than 350 Miracle League Organizations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico.

Cushman said the local chapter

includes about 170 athletes.

Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key President Danielle Gladding said board members found the league to be in line with the club’s mission of supporting community connection and education.

“The Miracle League is a perfect fit,” she said.

She said the league will also benefit from the upcoming fall and spring pancake breakfasts.

The league is at capacity with enrollment, and Cushman said it always welcomes extra volunteers.

Often, groups will come from local schools, churches, clubs, other sports teams and businesses to help keep things running smoothly on and off the diamond.

One of Cushman’s favorite moments is when teenagers from local baseball teams come out to volunteer.

Some may have never spent any significant amount of time socializing with someone using a wheelchair or diagnosed with autism before then.

He said it is heartwarming to see any trepidation melt away by the end of the day spent encouraging players.

“It’s really neat to see some of these teams come back,” he said. “The athletes see them, and they see the athletes, any everyone is high-fiving.

It’s such a neat Saturday morning.”

He said this support has a twofold benefit of also allowing caretakers the space to sit in the stands and cheer on the players.

Cushman said the league is grateful for all the local support it receives.

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

WORSHIP

Neighbors are family here

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

Safe Happy Hopeful Worship Sunday 10 a.m.

directory

The Lord’s Warehouse summer hours: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Closed July 4th) 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FLSaturday 34228 (941)-383-4738.

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

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

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

Looking for a Spiritual Home?

Catholic Church

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

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

Worship Service Sunday 10 a.m.

Service is live streamed at AllAngelsLBK.org

A Generous & Joyful Community

Join Us For Worship!

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Sunday, 10:00 AM

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr. • 941.383.8833 • www.christchurchoflbk.org

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

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

Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont, Pastor

Watch live or livestream: www.christchurchof lbk.org (follow YouTube link)

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

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

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

941-383-3428

longboatkeytemple.org

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Growing in Jesus’ Name

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AllAngelsLBK.org

563 Bay Isles Rd • 941-383-8161

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

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

15

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$1,099,000 LAWRENCE POINTE

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

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

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

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

$1,300,000 PLAYERS CLUB III

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

$1,195,000 FAIRWAY BAY - ATRIUM $1,095,000

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

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

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

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

OWN A PIECE OF SARASOTA HISTORY NEW LISTING

WHITFIELD ESTATES | $2,150,000

$4,695,000

MARK SARASOTA

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

Hurricane Impact Windows & Sliders 72” Glass Fireplace • High-Capacity Wine Room • Gourmet Quartz & Stainless Kitchen Hardwood Floors Throughout • Pool w/ Custom Waterfall Wall

CORAL COVE

$1,975,000

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

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

$1,499,500

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

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

7715 WESTMORELAND DR. 5BR/4.5BA • 4,782 SQ FT

Palatial Legacy Estate Built in 1918 for Alfred Ringling • Handcrafted Architectural Details • 21’ Ceilings • New Electric, Plumbing & HVAC • Gourmet Quartzite Kitchen w/ Big Chill Appliances • Hand-Poured Antique Glass French Windows & Doors Original Pine Floors w/ 12” Baseboards • New Roof in 2020

OYSTER BAY ESTATES

$5,595,000

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

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

461554-1

OYSTER BAY ESTATES

16

YourObserver.com

YOUR CALENDAR

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

THURSDAY, JUNE 25

OFF THE CLOCK NETWORKING 5-7 p.m. at Café on St. Armands, 431 St. Armands Circle. Join the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce for the latest social hour. Attendees can enjoy light bites, signature cocktails and fine wines available at the cash bar. Entry is $10 for members; $20 for guests. Visit LongboatKeyChamber.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

PUBLIC TURTLE WALK 6:45 a.m. at Longboat Key Beach Access, 4795 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Participants must be able to walk for about a mile in the sand. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended. No reservation required. Visit LBKTurtleWatch.com.

Palmetto community leaders showed up strong at Longboat Island Chapel’s latest charity drive to support Mount Carmel Resource Center on June 16. From left, Deputy Ken Jewett, Sgt. Joy Jewett, Chief of Police Scott Tyler, Palmetto Mayor Daniel West, Shirley Pearson, executive director of Strength in Action Inc., the Rev. Brock Patterson, Pearson’s sister, Laura Wallace, and Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton.

BEST BET

SATURDAY, JULY 4

FREEDOM FEST 9-11 a.m. at Bicentennial Park, 500 Bay Isles Road. Free. Get ready for a full day of patriotic, family-friendly fun starting with “the world’s shortest parade.” The procession will include entrants into the “Hot Diggity Dog!” pet costume contest held by the Rotary Club of Longboat Key, followed by a rededication of Bicentennial Park, butterfly release, and fairstyle activities and games in the park afterward. For details on volunteering, sponsorships and more, visit LongboatKeyChamber.com.

MONDAY, JUNE 29

‘SINGO’ AND 50/50 RAFFLE DRAWING 5-7:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enjoy this musical twist to classic bingo at a special edition event, where the center will also announce the winner of its June 50/50 raffle. Raffle tickets can be purchased until the day of the drawing, with half of the collection going to the winner and the other to supporting Paradise Center.

Tickets are $5 each; $20 for five; $100 for 30. Bingo cards are $1; $2 for the final round. RSVP by calling 941-383-6493 or emailing RSVP@ TheParadiseCenter.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 2

From food to furniture, Chapel’s programs make an impact

P

designed to improve mental and physical well-being through gentle movement. Cost is $20 for drop-ins or one class pass. Call 941-3836493 or visit TheParadiseCenter.org.

SANDBAG FILLING DAY 8:30-11:30 a.m. at Broadway Beach Access, 100 Broadway St. The town of Longboat Key Public Works Department will be assisting residents with filling sandbags for flood mitigation. Additional dates are scheduled for Aug. 6 and Sept. 3.

Limit 10 bags. Visit LongboatKey.org for more information.

WEDNESDAYS

RECURRING EVENTS

COMMUNITY BINGO 2-4 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Cards are $1 each; $2 for the final round. Call 941-383-6493 or visit TheParadiseCenter.org.

MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS

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

Open to peruse a variety of books.

Call 941-383-2011.

IYENGAR YOGA 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Certified instructor Deborah DiCarlo focuses on alignment, precision, timing and sequencing in this class designed for all ages. Class is on the second floor, accessible via stairs only. Cost is $20 for drop-ins or one class pass. Call 941-3836493 or visit TheParadiseCenter.org.

TUESDAYS

QIGONG 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Experienced instructor Sandi Love leads this class on ancient healing arts,

TAI CHI 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Certified instructor Reuben Fernandez leads this fitness class focused on overall with easy-to-follow exercises and breathing techniques. Cost is $20.

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

THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS

BRIDGE CLUB 1 p.m. at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Reservations required. Contact Patty Mayer at 262-215-2566 or PattySarasota33@gmail.com.

SATURDAYS

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

almetto’s Shirley Pearson has been a longtime community leader, promoting services to ensure families in need are fed, people leaving Manatee County Jail are started on a positive path to recovery, and those seeking higher education can get the resources they need.

That spirit for giving back originated from prompting by her mother, she said.

“I remember when our mom used to tell us to, ‘Get out there, do something and help somebody,’” Pearson said at Longboat Island Chapel’s latest Gather and Give charity drive. “That’s what she did, and we learned from her.”

The inspiration may stem from her mother, but Pearson continued to walk the walk when it comes to building a cross-community support network, as evidenced by the packed Shook Hall on June 16. Representatives from the city of Palmetto’s first responders and elected officials joined Longboat Key congregants and leaders to hear from Pearson.

She offered updates on Strength in Action’s work with the Mount Carmel Resource Center, located at 1314 Second Ave. W., Palmetto.

The center serves hot meals daily to low-income families in the area, distributes emergency food baskets and holds bimonthly food distributions.

Throughout the year, the center collaborates with the Lord’s Warehouse thrift shop to bring donated furniture, clothes and other needed items to Palmetto residents.

She estimated the center has helped furnish about 25 apartments.

The center also focuses on helping residents access educational opportunities.

Among the Palmetto representatives who came to support Pearson was Mayor

Photos by Dana Kampa

Shirley Pearson gives a heartfelt thank you to supporters from Longboat Key as the Rev. Brock Patterson and Jamie Engel present a check to support her and her team’s work with the Mount Carmel Resource Center.

Daniel West. He was new to the position at last year’s chapel event, and over the past year, he said he has come to appreciate her and her sister Laura Wallace’s contributions to others even more.

“They have huge hearts for our community in Palmetto,” he said. “I cannot say enough good things about them. It is my honor to get to work with them on a weekly, sometimes daily basis.”

The Rev. Brock Patterson said the community has been glad to be a long-term partner for the neighboring city.

“The focus on providing support to families is really important,” Patterson said, also crediting Pearson’s sister for her community assistance efforts.

Longboat Island Chapel will continue collecting clothing donations through the end of the month.

— DANA KAMPA

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

Gulfshore of Longboat Key Mobile Home 3710 Gulf of Mexico Dr #F2, Longboat Key 2BR/2BA / A4681154 / $475,000 Marsha Winegarden (248) 563-2820

• 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

WAGNERREALTY.COM 941.727.2800

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

941.724.7228

461093-1

CELEBRATING 87 YEARS OF REAL ESTATE EXCELLENCE

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

seitreporp esitrepxe stluser

YRANIDEXTRAORDINARY ROARTXE

UNRIVALED

DELAVIRNU LANOITPECXE

941.928.3559

t silaicep S lai tn edis eR defi it reC

e t a i c o s s A - r ek o r B EXCEPTIONAL

9553.829.149

moc.srednuasleahcim@notluoMle ahciM MichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com

Anna Maria Island Single Family Home 403 N Bay Blvd., Anna Maria 4BR/3BA / A4682522 / $2,395,000 Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

evirD tnioP esuohthgiL 56 0St.0Regis 0,59Residences 7,3$ | 18#403 183| 4Longboat 4A | FSGulf 33Front 9,4 4,187sf | 3BR | $13,000,000 | A4627926

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461158-1

Runaway Bay Condo Anna Maria Island Single Family Home 1801 Gulf Dr N., #266, Bradenton Beach 519 Villa Rosa Way, Anna Maria 1BR/1BA / A4692935/ $360,000 4BR/4/5 BA / A4671485/ $5,000,000 Becky Smith (941)773-1954 Elfi Starrett (941)720-3528 Ed Taaffe (636) 346-6165

LOCAL, VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1939

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

SCAN QR CODE FOR THIS WEEKEND OPEN HOUSES

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71180Hawks 0 0,59Harbor 9,1$ Circle | 4 64| 8Sarasota 4 4 4ABay | FFront S 04Canal 3, 2 3,267sf | 4BR | $2,475,000 | A4676402

Water 0 0 0Club ,575#804 , 2$| |Longboat 4 6712Gulf 4 4AFront | FS 0 04,3 3,045sf | 3BR | $2,745,000 | A4669837

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Harbor House South Condo 400 Golden Gate Pt #11, Sarasota 3BR/2BA / A4671447/ $1,350,000 Miguel Rosa (941) 477-5928

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

17

Open House T H I S S U N D A Y JUNE 28 • 1:00 - 4:00 PM

WINDING OAKS

EMERALD POINTE SOUTH

3460 WINDING OAKS DR. • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3 BED / 3½ BATH • $1,150,000

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

GULF FRONT CONDOMINIUMS

1211 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #709 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 2 BED / 2 BATH • $1,695,000

415 L’AMBIANCE DR. #A301 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3 BR / 3 BA / 2 HB • $6,100,000

455 LONGBOAT CLUB RD. #402 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3 BED / 3 BATH • $2,095,000

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES & VILLAS

3131 BAYOU SOUND LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3 BED / 2 ½ BATH • $1,650,000

3459 BYRON LANE LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3 BED / 2 ½ BATH • $849,000

5970 EMERALD HARBOR DR. LONGBOAT KEY, FL 4 BED / 3 ½ BATH • $2,795,000

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT INN ON THE BEACH

210 SANDS POINT RD. #2405 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 1 BED / 1 BATH • $1,100,000

225 SANDS POINT RD. #7205 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 1 BED / 1 BATH • $675,000

225 SANDS POINT RD. #6201 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 1 BED / 1 BATH • $675,000

VIEW ADDITIONAL BRUCE MYER GROUP LISTINGS ON OUR WEBSITE

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

BRUCE MYER

941.376.5311

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

www.BruceMyer.com 449594-1 449626-1

CHASE MYER 941.315.5318

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

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

LONGBOAT KEY 775 Longboat Club Road #808 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,122 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman & Daniel Treiman 941.356.9642 A4683021 $2,195,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2185 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #212 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,448 Sq. Ft. Steve Walter & Janet Walter 941.809.0907 A4694656 $1,995,000

LONGBOAT KEY 210 Sands Point Road #2101 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,399 Sq. Ft. Tom Cinquegrano 941.284.5049 A4694354 $1,950,000

LONGBOAT KEY 455 Longboat Club Road #707 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,410 Sq. Ft. Judy Wright 941.232.8041 A4680080 $1,850,000

BAY ISLES 2450 Harbourside Drive #234 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,383 Sq. Ft. Beverly St. Hilaire & Julie Klick 818.416.2505 A4682324 $1,800,000

EMERALD HARBOR 741 Old Compass Road 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,173 Sq. Ft. Steve Walter & Janet Walter 941.809.0907 A4684578 $1,795,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2425 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #14E 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,470 Sq. Ft. Robert Delaney 941.315.3185 A4686539 $1,700,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2425 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #1A 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,513 Sq. Ft. Robert Delaney 941.315.3185 A4688987 $1,595,000

LONGBOAT KEY 603 Longboat Club Road #202N 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,458 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy 941.961.8850 A4696643 $1,250,000

BAY ISLES 3010 Grand Bay Boulevard #432 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,143 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy 941.961.8850 A4683353 $1,245,000

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

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

LONGBOAT KEY 240 Sands Point Road #4104 1 Beds 1 Baths 640 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy 941.961.8850 A4694224 $1,025,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 250 Sands Point Road #5106 1 Beds 1 Bath 634 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy & Gail Wittig 941.961.8850 A4676698 $960,000

BAY ISLES 3435 Winding Oaks Drive #18 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,555 Sq. Ft. Sean Clark 941.312.1146 A4680403 $949,000

BAY ISLES 2110 Harbourside Drive #523 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,031 Sq. Ft. Caroline Mitchell 913.787.3131 A4682869 $659,000

LONGBOAT KEY 528 Forest Way 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,440 Sq. Ft. JoDene Moneuse 941.302.4913 A4695863 $585,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 4440 Exeter Drive #301 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,376 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941.928.3559 A4684917 $545,000

LONGBOAT KEY 546 Spanish Drive S 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,241 Sq. Ft. Jackie Griese 941.718.0045 A4694824 $509,000

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

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

BAY ISLES 2850 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #5 1 Bed 1 Bath 657 Sq. Ft. JoDene Moneuse 941.302.4913 A4691701 $348,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1241 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #408 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,965 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan & Todd Callahan 941.900.8088 A4695733 $3,200,000

LONGBOAT KEY 535 Sanctuary Drive #A603 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,375 Sq. Ft. Steve Walter & Janet Walter 941.809.0907 A4689260 $2,899,000

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

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

JUNE 8-12

3,068 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,169,000 in 2005.

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

BEACH HARBOR CLUB

DJ Suncoast LLC sold the home at 801 Longboat Club Road to Ronald Grason and Vasoula Kelamis, of Sarasota, for $14.5 million. Built in 1993, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,923 square feet of living area. It sold for $10.25 million in 2025.

BAYPORT BEACH AND TENNIS CLUB

Dana Kampa

Paul Galeski, trustee, sold the home at 424 Bowdoin Circle to Amy Becker, trustee, of Dubuque, Iowa, for $13,375,000. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,882 square feet of living area.

baths, a pool and 1,682 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.4 million in 2025.

BIRD KEY

LONGBOAT KEY ESTATES

Charlene Creel, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 617 N. Owl Drive to Heather Burgett, Lori Gillett and Briannah Them trustees, of Sarasota, for $5.1 million. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,382 square feet of living area.

THE BEACH RESIDENCES

Bruce and Susan Weiner sold their Unit 501 condominium at 1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Timothy Augustine and Rana Augustine, trustees, of Bradenton, for $4.75 million. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 4,194 square feet of living area.

It sold for $2,279,000 in 2007.

JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

Kate Korp, of Sarasota, sold her home at 156 Emerson Drive to James Paul Green and Sheri Kathleen Green, of Frisco, Texas, for $3.45 million. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and 4,486 square feet of living area.

Gary Michael Foster and Marta Foster, trustees, of Columbus, Ohio, sold the home at 409 N. Washington Drive to Stender Properties of Duluth III LLC for $1,631,000. Built in 1952, it has two bedrooms, two

The home at 617 N. Owl Drive sold for $5.1 million. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,382 square feet of living area.

James Jay Cardi, trustee, of Narragansett, Rhode Island, sold the home at 569 Rountree Drive to Mark Wilging, trustee, of Punta Gorda, for $2.89 million. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 3,348 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.36 million in 2022.

L’AMBIANCE AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Gerry and Barbara Van Geyzel sold their Unit B202 condominium at 415 L’Ambiance Drive to Marsha Sobey and William Ryan, trustees, of Longboat Key, for $2,125,000.

Built in 1992, it has two bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,385 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.9 million in 2023.

sold their home at 6810 Longboat Drive S. to Michael James Freeman and Tracie Romanelli, of Longboat Key, for $1.85 million. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, four-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 2,750 square feet of living area.

THE BEACHES OF LONGBOAT KEY

Lemay Building Corp. sold the Unit 203 condominium at 775 Longboat Club Road to Arthur Mulkey, of Dade City, for $1.65 million. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,122 square feet of living area. It sold for $495,000 in 1992.

Angela Lerner, trustee, of Philadelphia, sold the Unit 815 condominium at 815 Bayport Way to TMG Ventures LLC for $750,000. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,416 square feet of living area. It sold for $220,000 in 1998.

TANGERINE BAY CLUB

Robert and Theresa Ruebusch sold their Unit 234 condominium at 350 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Barbara Leone, trustee, of Watertown, Massachusetts, for $700,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, four baths and 2,513 square feet of living area. It sold for $595,000 in 1999.

WESTCHESTER CONDOMINIUM APARTMENTS

Carol and John Rhoder, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 103 condominium at 4805 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Kenneth and Diana Lee, of Longboat Key, for $675,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,393 square feet of living area.

MARINA BAY

Franklin Biggins, trustee, of Atlanta, sold the Unit 324 condominium at 2550 Harbourside Drive to David Robert Duerson and Grace Duerson, trustees, of Longboat Key, for $1,495,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, three baths and

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com.

SANCTUARY III AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

545 Sanctuary LLC sold the Unit B-806 condominium at 545 Sanctuary Drive to Jeffrey Payne and Cassie Marie Payne, of Argyle, Texas, for $1.95 million. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, four baths and 2,375 square feet of living area. It sold for $844,700 in 2020.

PRESERVE AT LONGBEACH

Edwin and Karen Cook, of Naples,

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of June 12-18 in order of dollar amounts.

LONGBOAT KEY Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

560 Broadway

Res. New/Replacement Guadalupe Cardenas$1,769,043

7061 Longboat Drive

Res. New/Replacement Alexander Besaw

3060 Grand Bay Blvd. #182

Comm. Alteration

$1,500,000

David Mashia

$698,000

3540 Gulf of Mexico Drive #303C Comm. Alteration

Matthew Clippard

$300,000

1445 Gulf of Mexico Drive #501 Comm. Alteration

Shawn O’Donnell

$300,000

2640 Harbourside Drive

Dock/Seawall/Lift

Scott Myers

6473 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Res. Windows/Doors

Edward Stroop III

$70,000

570 Emerald Harbor Drive

Res. Roof

Charles Rice

$68,900

532 Spanish Drive

Res. Alteration

Austin Allen

$63,697

775 Longboat Club Road #307

Comm. Windows/Doors Dale Lewis

$62,000

565 Sanctuary Drive #A503

$81,192

Comm. Alteration

Brian Morton

$55,768

5211 Gulf of Mexico Drive #203 Comm. Alteration

Casey Collins

$51,000

2944 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Res. Plumbing New

Paul Christie

$45,000

5056 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Res. Plumbing LP

Ken Detweiler

$30,400

15 Lighthouse Point Drive

Res. Dock/Seawall/Lift Lee Darrell Palmer

3500 Gulf of Mexico Drive #104D Comm. Windows/Doors Dale Lewis 5050 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Res. Alteration

756 Spanish Drive

Comm. Windows/Doors Austin Allen

Matthew Shanley

535 Sanctuary Drive #C506

Comm. Shutters

Bill Spindel

$28,810

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

$27,455 $27,257 $24,927 $23,892 The Edge Sarasota | 941.866.3068 | From Mid $3M Sales Gallery at 1801 Main Street | TheEdgeSarasota.com

$20,500

549 Schoonerr Lane

Res. A/C Changeout

Kenneth Haines

$19,918

547 Bayview Drive

Res. A/C Changeout

Jason Haas

$18,471

1965 Gulf of Mexico Drive #307 Comm. Shutters

Bill Spindel

$15,383

941.951.6650

2110 Harbourside Drive #527

Comm. Alteration

James David Capo

$14,741

MSCDeveloperServices.com

640 Broadway

Res. A/C Changeout

Dennis John Zacek

$13,819

1660 Harbor Sound Drive

Res. A/C Changeout

Todd Thompson

$13,743

1261 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Comm. A/C Changeout Frederick Buckley

$12,478

3251 Bayou Sound

Res. Windows/Doors

Peter Cafaro III

$11,238

Guadalupe Cardenas

700 Longboat Court

Res. Roof

Comm. A/C Changeout Jason Hescock

6701 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Concrete Repair

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

Let’s build something extraordinary together.

455 Longboat Club Road #403 Comm. A/C Changeout Dennis John Zacek

415 L’Ambiance Drive #D706

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

$11,200 $10,549

Christopher Sendker $10,000 Source: Town of Longboat Key

Prices as of January 2025

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

460076-1

LIDO

Raymond Gerard Boyle and Kelly Sue Boyle, of Chicago, and Phillip and Mary Myers, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit E-112 condominium at 3808 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Scott and Diane Cicciarelli, of Peoria, Illinois, for $1,095,000. Built in 1970, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,286 square feet of living area. It sold for $970,000 in 2023.

REAL ESTATE

Regent Court home tops week’s sales at $14.5 million

RES. REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

19

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

IN THE WORLD Leah George

$3.4 Billion Career Sales

941-780-059 7

Casa del Carnevale on St. Armands

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

Judy Kepecz-Hays 941-587-170 0

Steven Kepecz

941-376-641 1

Privateer

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

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

Islander Club

Ritz-Carlton Managed The Beach Residences #809

#709

#301

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

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

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

1300 Ben Franklin Dr #301 $2,400,000 | Furnished BeachResidences301.com

4 BR/4BA or 2x 2 BR/2BA 2301 Gulf of Mexico Dr #11N & #12N $1,225,277 for one | $2,377,000 for both IslanderClub11N-12N.com

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

Villa di Lancia

Pending (last 45 days)

The Beach Residences · $2,150,000 408 Jackson · $2,998,000 Sanctuary · $1,828,000 404 S Polk · $1,700,000

Promenade

Sold (30 to 90 days)

L’Ambiance · $6,700,000 The Beach Residences · $4,708,000 The Beaches · $2,208,000 L’Ambiance · $2,125,000 Water Club · $1,425,000 2165 Gulf of Mexico Drive #115 $2,350,000 | Furnished VilladiLancia115.com

Please call us for similar results: 941.587.1700

1211 Gulf of Mexico Drive #105 $1,648,000 Promenade105.com

Key Tower South

Hideaway Bay

L’Ambiance

1750 Ben Franklin Drive #10G 1,175,000 KeyTower10G.com

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

435 L’Ambiance Dr #L807 $3,200,000 | Furnished LAmbianceL807.com

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

463246-1

20

YourObserver.com

21

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

Submit your photos at YourObserver. com/Contests.

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

High: 91 Low: 79 Chance of rain: 24%

Thursday, June 25

6:37a

8:29p

Friday, June 26

6:37a

8:29p

Saturday, June 27

6:37a

8:29p

Sunday, June 28

6:38a

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SATURDAY, JUNE 27

Monday, June 29

6:38a

8:28p

High: 91 Low: 79 Chance of rain: 24%

Tuesday, June 30

6:38a

8:29p

Wednesday, July 1

6:39a

8:29p

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

MOON PHASES SUNDAY, JUNE 28 High: 91 Low: 80 Chance of rain: 54%

June 29 Full

July 7 Last

July 14 New

July 21 First

TIDES Highs Lows Thursday, June 25

8:56a

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2:54a

5:45p

Friday, June 26

1:07a

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Wednesday, July 1

4:17a

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6:36a

9:28p

Donna Jablonski took this photo of beautiful sunset on Longboat Key.

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

By Luis Campos

ACROSS 1 Many a toddler’s room 5 Make a query 8 Golden Gate Park has 1,017 of them 13 Elaborate party 17 At any time 18 Village People hit named after a community org.

19 Show to be true 20 Oral vaccine developer 21 *Irate?

24 Part of a pitchfork 25 One, in French 26 Direction on a gift box 27 Wrestling surface 28 Throws with effort 29 Boba shop handout 31 *Ideal?

34 Lavish celebrations 36 Homer’s bartender 37 Zen garden tool 38 Folk singer Guthrie 39 Norse god foretold to be swallowed by Fenrir 41 Person seeking office, for short 42 Eyelid issue 46 *iPad? 50 Olive oil and ghee 51 Flabbergasted 52 Peeps heard by BoPeep 53 Salad-grabbing tool 54 Makes illegal 55 Star-studded group 56 Old dartboard wood 57 Beach castle material 58 Players in a play 59 Some songbirds

54 Chesapeake ___ 55 Dog park sounds 57 Protester’s placard 58 Exec who may oversee digital infrastructure 59 Something unconvincDOWN ing, or a watery drink 1 Bistro handouts 62 Dull impact sound 2 Wedding or surprise 63 Neither Dem. nor Rep. party 64 Urge relieved by a 3 Drainage system fingernail 4 Soon-to-be alums 66 ___ review (evaluation 5 Current measure process) 6 Parts of improv shows 68 Meshes together 7 Cosmic comeuppance 72 Future prof’s test 8 National Pet Day month 73 Go on a shopping spree, (Abbr.) say 9 National color of Nepal 74 ___ Peacock (Clue 10 Turn in a circle suspect) 11 Musical set in Argentina 75 Have some jiaozi 12 “Give me a ___!”

76 Emmy winner Glazer 13 Bargain hunter’s haunt 78 Slimy garden creature 14 Superior to 79 Kind of list with tasks 15 Summer fabric 80 Up and about 16 Existential dread 83 Cuddly kitties 18 Yammer 86 Egg parts in orange 20 Say something curd 22 Sprinter Asafa 87 Hate with a passion 23 Cartoon frame 88 Formally withdraw 28 Gets better 89 Used a stencil 60 ___ Speedwagon 85 “Sinners” director 30 Natural hairstyles 90 Inventor Nikola with 61 *Icon?

Coogler 32 Dubai dignitary a coil 65 Dot on a domino 87 Parent honored on the 33 Moves like a pony 91 Shenanigan 67 Chica who has your third Sunday of June 35 Crunchy tortilla dish 92 Kimchi liquid back 88 Lip tint alternative 38 Instant when every93 Showed again on TV 69 “That’s terrible!”

90 *Islander? thing clicks 94 “Barbie” actress Issa 70 GPS predictions 96 Cook quickly in a wok 39 www.good360.___ 95 Test out in a fitting 71 “Where ___ They Now?” 100 Register for a class 40 ___ Moines River room 72 “Hoodwinked!” actress 101 And so on (Abbr.)

41 Some big felines 97 Data plan measurement Close 102 Understood by few 43 Double-item bundles 98 Foods often filled with 73 Small earring 104 Charlie Parker’s jazz 44 “You betcha!” carnitas 74 Eli Lilly competitor instrument 45 Summer hrs. in Philly 99 Crowd member on a 76 Slurpee alternative 105 Corn dog holder 46 App similar to Lyft film set 77 Payment for a flat 106 Lose a staring contest, 47 Beers lighter than 103 Turndowns 78 Floored it or a phonetic hint to mak- stouts 106 ___-free plastic ing sense of the starred 79 *Islam?

48 Muscle quality 107 Decryption tool clues 81 Direction 90 degrees 49 References in the back 108 Actor Curry 109 Parts of a chain from norte of a book 110 Thick adhesive 82 Snow Bros. console 50 Like some fashion and 111 Celebratory poems 83 Completely stumped food 112 Henchman in “Anora” 84 Stretches of time

“WGZHZ GQLZ TZZX CIVZHGZHB RMUAC WGQW M WGMXJ QHZ THMUUMQXW VMZYZC BR QHW ... OZ OQXW WB TZ YQVWMLQWZF QXF WQJZX QOQK.” HKQX HZKXBUFC

“OXZ FYM’B LX CSXML UO CSTBTML CAYB OXZ RMXC. IJIM TW OXZ’SI Y AXSSTUKI CSTBIS, OXZS XCM RMXCKINLI YMN IQDISTIMFI TV ZMSTJYKIN.”

TVVY SYI

“CW HEGTYAPO PNALI AB PT NEGO PZT BJYAVPB EP PNO BECO PACO, ELQ BPMQW PNOC BACMXPELOTMBXW AL PNO UAPJNOL.” JNYABPTVNOY ZEXUOL Puzzle Three Clue: L equals N

113 High euchre cards 114 Unable to sit still 115 Nancy Drew’s beau 116 Painted Desert landform

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: Z equals U

SPACE OUT by Zhouqin Burnikel, edited by Jared Goudsmit

©2026 Universal Uclick

celebrity cipher

Puzzle Two Clue: C equals S

crossword

Flooring Made for Your Family

457539-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

sudoku

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

©2026 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

06-25-26

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

RED PAGES Condos/Apts. for Rent

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

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

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale

Homes for Sale

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

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

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

Merchandise Wanted

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

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

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

Over 1 Acre Beachfront House $6.5 million Sailboat Access Canal 4 Bed Pending $675,000 Plantation Golf Course View Condo 3 Bed $294,000 House on Canal with Pool & Dock $1,250,000 Pool Home Completely Upgraded $545,000

CALL 941-955-4888

Antiques/ Collectibles

2007 JAGUAR XK convertible.

Baby blue 43467 Mileage. $18500 (941)350-6544

jobs

auto Autos for Sale

Positions Wanted

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

POSITION NEEDED Accountant/Bookkeeper needed part-time for a small HVAC Company in Bradenton. Please send resume'/inquiry to Sales@ckphvac.com. or Rae@ckphvac.com (330) 413-2740 Rae@ckphvac.com

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

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

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

941-400-8811 RED PAGES AD RATES

Cleaning

Residential & Commercial.

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We work with the most beautiful properties in the Sarasota and surrounding areas!

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

This week’s Crossword answers

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

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

Condos/Apts. for Sale

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

Place your ad online: yourobserver.com/redpages

CARL 941-448-8468 35+ years experience.

Beachfront, Bayfront and In

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

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

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

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

Honest & reliable.

For Free estimates call

SEASONAL RATES

real estate

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

Painting

WEEKLY MONTHLY

ANTIQUES WANTED

WANTED

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

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR / CABINETS

SELL YOUR STUFF

SEAPLACE LBK gulffront highrise.Peaceful greenbelt & bay views, elegant turnkey-furnished 2BR/2BA, hurricane-impact ready, half mile beach, next to clubhouse pool, gym & sauna, 2 properties from St. Regis restaurants & beach bar $549,000 (619) 787-7811

GARAGE

SALE

©2026 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage

Near South bridge to Siesta One level, heated pool, stroll to shops. 3Bed-2.5Bath $1,250,000

FIND BUYERS AND SELLERS HERE!

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

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

Residential/Commercial, Vacation Rentals, Real Estate, Clubhouse/Amenities.

Luxury Sarasota Bay views 4 Bed 5 Bath with Boat Dock $1.76 million

Where Clean Meets Care Delivering reliable, top-quality cleaning for homes and businesses.

Contact: (407) 528-6401

SARASOTA PAINTING & DESIGN

Auto Transport

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

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

Call 941-383-3338.

peekers’ place

stuff

BOAT SLIPS FOR LEASE ON LONGBOAT KEY

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

(941) 928-0079 kimberley@kpaa.ca

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

Cleaning

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “There have been superhero films that I think are brilliant pieces of art ... We want to be captivated and taken away.”

Ryan Reynolds Puzzle Two Solution: “You can’t go wrong by writing what you know. Even if you’re a horrible writer, your own knowledge and experience is unrivaled.”

Issa Rae

Puzzle Three Solution: “My favorite thing is to have two scripts at the same time, and study them simultaneously in the kitchen.”

Christopher Walken

This week’s Sudoku answers

Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

©2026 NEA, Inc.

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

SELL YOUR CAR!

Transportation

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

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463495

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23

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RED PAGES

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463450

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463493

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463496

When life changes, let’s review your goals.

Whenlet’s life changes, let’s review fe changes, review your goals. your goals.

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Insurance

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

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STUFF

found here.

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

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

441238

Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388

24

YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

B U YE R’ S TO

TO

TO

B U YE R’ S

B U YE R’ S

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

Sunday, 6/28 1p-3p

$4,199,000

This 4BR, Key West-inspired waterfront residence blends timeless coastal design with extensive updates and exceptional indooroutdoor living. Set along 101’ of water frontage with direct bay access, the property offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a boating lifestyle in one of the area’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

www.476MeadowLark.com

3548 FAIR OAKS LANE

www.3548FairOaks.com

TO

TO

TO

667 MOURNING DOVE DRIVE $10,995,000

6001 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE $9,995,000

401 QUAY COMMONS #805 $8,495,000

1199 WESTWAY DRIVE $6,999,000

www.6001GulfofMexico.com

www.RitzResidences805.com

www.1199WestwayDrive.com

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

TO

TO

TO

B U YE R’ S

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

TO

B U YE R’ S

B U YE R’ S

www.667MourningDove.com

Gulf-Front 6,900 SF masterpiece perfectly placed on nearly an acre of direct beach frontage along Longboat Key’s shoreline.

B U YE R’ S

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

2116 CASEY KEY ROAD $6,995,000

8017 MANASOTA KEY ROAD $3,995,000

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

7689 COVE TERRACE $3,499,000

www.2116CaseyKeyRoad.com

www.8017ManasotaKey.com

www.LaBellasara304.com

www.7689 CoveTerrace.com

TO

B U YE R’ S

TO

B U YE R’ S

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

TO

B U YE R’ S

This 5BR estate offers a bay-to-Gulf lifestyle that Walk to the best that downtown Sarasota offers from this 3BR La Bellasara getaway with a combines deep-water boating access and a private 2-car garage and boat dock. private beach to enjoy on Manasota Key.

TO

B U YE R’ S

Gulf-to-Bay 4BR, 5,500 SF estate on Casey Key with deeded private beach access, 100+ feet of deep-water bay frontage, and lovely updates.

$2,895,000

This thoughtfully updated 4BR, 3,417 SF residence offers a refined blend of privacy, comfort, and waterfront living in Queens Harbour. Designed around a lush central pool courtyard, this inviting getaway offers an impeccable contemporary layout with an effortless indoor-outdoor flow.

TO

B U YE R’ S

B U YE R’ S

www.LAmbiancePHF.com

476 MEADOW LARK DRIVE

B U YE R’ S

$12,995,000

Perched atop the coveted South Building at L’Ambiance, this extraordinary beach-to-bay 4BR penthouse redefines luxury coastal living. Encompassing nearly 5,000 SF of refined interior and 3,600+ SF of wraparound terraces, offering panoramic views of the Gulf, bay, golf course, and downtown’s city skyline.

B U YE R’ S

415 L’AMBIANCE DRIVE #PH-F

705 JUNGLE QUEEN WAY $2,795,000

2410 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE #142 $2,695,000

35 WATERGATE DRIVE #1506 $2,499,000

2050 BEN FRANKLIN DRIVE #B-704 $2,495,000

www.705JungleQueen.com

www.MarinaBay142.com

www.TowerResidences1506.com

www.OrchidBeachB704.com

TO

TO

B U YE R’ S

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

TO

TO

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

B U YE R’ S

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

B U YE R’ S

B U YE R’ S

This newer-built 4BR boater’s escape offers resurfaced pool, newer dock, lift, and seawall that perfectly complements a coastal lifestyle.

1513 OAK STREET #18 $1,449,000

1055 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #504 $1,299,000

5320 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #101 $999,000

1350 SIESTA BAYSIDE DRIVE #1350B $949,000

www.1513OakStreet.com

www.Beachplace8504.com

www.LongboatLanding101.com

www.1350SiestaBayside.com

Sat + Sun, 6/27+28 1p-4p

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Experience turnkey island living at this 3BR townhome residence a short walk from famed Siesta Key Beach. Includes private 1-car garage.

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

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Furnished, direct Gulf-front getaway boasts an average of $70,000/year in rental income!

Includes covered and additional parking spaces.

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

3295 ALEX FINLDAY PLACE $879,000

5311 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #5 $799,000

1350 MAIN STREET #712 $589,000

2374 ARLINGTON STREET $579,000

www.3295AlexFindlayPlace.com

www.BeachCastle5.com

www.1350Main712.com

www.2374ArlingtonStreet.com

Perfectly placed on an oversized corner parcel, this 3BR, 2,273 SF courtyard home is waiting for your personal touches.

Turnkey furnished and updated, this 2BR Beach Castle getaway is steps from the Gulf, offering proven rental potential.

This walkable, 7th-floor residence is the epitome of downtown living, in a pet-friendly community with many convenient amenities.

Updated 3BR move-in ready Arlington Park home is a blend of comfort and prime location, minutes from parks, downtown, and beaches.

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

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

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