Longboat Observer 6.3.21

LONGBOAT

SEASON

SEASON SUMMER 2021

Observer

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THE OBSERVER’S G U I D E TO T H E A R TS AND SOCIETY

Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

INSIDE

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 43, NO. 43

FREE

Courtesy photo

Fire department and Publix employees chatted when the cakes were dropped off.

A slice of thanks

Town broadens options to satisfy state consent order.

SEE PAGE 3

NET STARS Tennis lovers get patriotic for holiday tournament. SEE PAGE 15

Tell us about your graduates The Longboat Observer is looking for graduates to include in an upcoming issue.

Families or graduates of any level — elementary school, middle school, high school, college — who live on Longboat, St. Armands, Lido or Bird Key should get in touch with Nat Kaemmerer at NKaemmerer@ YourObserver.com.

We’ll send a questionnaire and include your class of ’21 student in our upcoming grad package. Submissions must be made by June 9.

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Project plans still to be set

YOUR TOWN

Sometimes, the best way to show gratitude is with cake, which is why the Longboat Key Publix thanks the town’s first responders with personalized cakes decorated in red, white and blue every Memorial Day. Manager Willie McLaughlin and a team of Publix employees dropped off a cake each for the police and fire departments and sent their thanks along to both, as well as the Public Works Department, for keeping Longboat Key running smoothly over the holiday weekend.

Fire department liaison Tina Adams said the store has done this every Memorial Day for several years.

•

Eric Garwood Courtesy photo

Marcia Gutridge and Joanne Forch took part in the round robin Monday at the Tennis Gardens.

Among the plans on the table: a test of shoreline improvements.

A+E

Turtle Tracks LONGBOAT May 23-29 2021 2020 Nests 67 91 False Crawls 64 76 Totals since April 25

2021 2020 Nests 165 251 False Crawls 169 220 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

Courtesy photo

Barry Gaines, Daphnee Avril Bliss and Deziree Rosbeck worked together on his sci-fi film.

Red-hot revue.

PAGE 20

Film idea gains ground Town’s IT specialist building up sci-fi fest . SEE PAGE 17

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

PROJECTS UNDER CONSIDERATION 180KW GENERATOR FOR MASTER LIFT STATION D (Funded in FY 2021 Capital Improvement Plan) ■ Scope: Replace existing 2006 backup generator to Master Lift Station D ■ Cost: $100,000 ■ Status: Accepted WASTEWATER FLOW METER FOR MASTER LIFT STATION D (Funded in FY 2021 CIP) ■ Scope: Install new Electromagnetic Flow Meter ■ Cost: $22,000 ■ Status: Proposed BAYFRONT PARK SEAWALL ENHANCEMENT AND LIVING SHORELINE STUDY (Unfunded) ■ Scope: FWC in partnership with the town examine four approaches to shorelines using Bayfront Park as a test area pilot study.

■ Cost: $160,000 town cost + $20,000 for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and others ■ Status: Proposed The combined total of $282,000 for the three proposed projects surpasses the $281,073 required in the FDEP consent order

ECO OPTIONS

Town rethinks projects that would comply with FDEP consent order.

MARK BERGIN

OFF THE TABLE

STAFF WRITER

T

he town of Longboat Key proposed two environmental projects to the state to fulfill its consent order after the June 2020 sewage break.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection accepted the town’s plan to replace a 2006-model backup generator at Master Lift Station D but rejected the town’s plan for a wet-well lining project.

“They said that it was routine maintenance,” Town Manager Tom Harmer said. “They looked at it said, ‘Sure, it’s a good thing to do that, but you probably should do that anyway and therefore, we’re going to consider [it] routine maintenance.’ ” Harmer said the town considered appealing but instead, the town is now proposing a $180,000 partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to examine four styles of shoreline improvements using Bayfront Park as a test area pilot study.

The town would contribute about $160,000 towards the project while the FWC and others would pay for the remaining $20,000.

Public Works Director Isaac Brownman said the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program has expressed interest in joining as a partner if the town pursues the Bayfront Park shoreline study.

The project would take about three years, and it can be funded in fiscal year 2022 using the general fund contingency money.

The town is also planning to spend $22,000 to install new electromagnetic flow meters at Master Lift Station D. Both the wastewater flow meters and the Bayfront Park study are subject to FDEP approval.

Brownman said the town expects to receive word from the state no later than Aug. 31.

“They’ve been very quick to

Upgrades to the town’s Quick Point Nature Preserve would likely be too costly and complicated.

File photos

Environmental advocates have suggested a project to improve the town’s Quick Point Nature Preserve.

respond, so we would expect an approval to occur prior to that,” Brownman said.

It would cost $100,000 to replace the generator at Master Lift Station D, which is located on Gulf Bay Road.

The combined total of $282,000 edges past the $281,073 required in environmental projects to fulfill the FDEP consent order. In February, the Town Commission voted unanimously in favor of pursuing environmental projects to fulfill the state’s consent order instead of paying the civil penalties and costs.

The town is required to complete the environmental projects within 180 days of approval or

long if the FDEP grants the town more time.

If the FDEP does not approve the projects Longboat Key proposes, the town is responsible for paying the state $188,382 in civil penalties and costs.

Harmer and Brownman are planning to speak with the FDEP about the possibility of pursuing other utility infrastructure projects.

“We have some other quote, un-quote, shovel-ready projects that we would like to talk to them about that would enhance our utility infrastructure,” Brownman said.

Harmer and Brownman are still sorting out what specific projects the state would consider accepting. However, Brownman said it will not include possible improvements to Quick Point Nature Preserve, a project too complex and likely expensive to consider presently.

“We’re not really proposing that to the FDEP because there are several years worth of work that would need to happen,” Brownman said. “[It includes] feasibility type work, environmental mitigation analysis type work.”

Brownman said a project to finish the hiking loop at Quick Point Nature Preserve would have a “significant price tag.”

Several residents and Suncoast Waterkeeper leaders have suggested a project to improve the Quick Point area.

Even though the wet well lining project does not fulfill the state’s criteria for the consent order, Harmer said the town would still plan on pursuing the project.

“We still think it’s a best practice to do, so we’re going to look at trying to do that project regardless,” Harmer said.

OTHER PROJECTS MANATEE COUNTY SOUTHWEST WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY MASTER METER STATION (Funded in the fiscal year 2021 Capital Improvement Plan) ■ Cost: $9,500 ■ Timeframe: 16 weeks ■ Benefits to the system: A supervisory control and data-acquisition panel and pressure monitor allows for remotely monitoring wastewater meter flows and pressure in real-time of Longboat Key’s effluent flow to Manatee County’s facility LONGBEACH VILLAGE SEWER LINE REHABILITATION (Funded in FY 2021 CIP) ■ Scope: Cleaning and inspection of wastewater collection system in northern section (Longboat Drive North, Longboat Drive East, Longboat Court, Russel Street, and Fox Street) ■ Cost: $26,000 ■ Timeframe: 30 days ■ Benefits to the system: Cleaning and inspection provide data regarding the condition of the collection system for future repair or lining as needed.

SMART CITY INITIATIVE FOR WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY WITH BUOYS (Unfunded) ■ Cost: Unknown ■ Timeframe: Unknown ■ Benefits to the system: Use technology and leverage infrastructure to obtain real-time data in Sarasota Bay and/or Gulf of Mexico. Short-term challenges include due diligence to determine a path forward with the right technology, data to collect, cost for device and smart wireless infrastructure. No design, no permits and no funding to implement. The town has contacted Mote Marine and plans to contact the U.S. Coast Guard for an initial conversation on ideas.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Town hopes for a new try at footbridge FDOT rejects plan for temporary structure.

DAVID CONWAY AND MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITERS

Town leaders with an eye on mainland traffic say they wish a temporary footbridge on Sarasota’s bayfront could have worked out but concede there will likely be future opportunities to demonstrate the potential of such a structure.

Florida Department of Transportation worked with Sarasota and Longboat Key on plans for the temporary bridge over U.S. 41 while traffic circle construction was ongoing at Gulfstream Avenue.

Last month, however, FDOT District 1 Secretary L.K. Nandam emailed Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown and Longboat Key Town Manager Tom Harmer to inform them the state agency determined the bridge was not feasible. The barrier island town hoped such a pedestrian overpass would serve as a prototype to potentially demonstrate its ability to keep traffic moving.

Nandam cited longer-than-

expected construction time and costs in excess of three times the initial estimate.

“We all came to the conclusion that this would not be worth it,” Brown said.

Jack Daly, who for years was the town’s representative on transportation matters, said he hoped future traffic circle projects along the bayfront could lend themselves to easier construction of pedestrian overpasses. He said the notion of traffic stopping at on-demand pedestrian signals often defeats the purpose of a traffic circle.

Backups at the critical junction of the John Ringling Causeway and Tamiami Trail can commonly extend over the bridge and into St. Armands Circle or beyond, especially during the winter season.

“That intersection may not be the best prototype in any event,” Daly said of the rejected pedestrian overpass at U.S. 41 and First Street. “I’m thinking there’s a series of roundabouts that are planned, and looking ahead of it, both on Main Street and Ringling Boulevard. Either one of those

File photo

While roundabout construction proceeds to the south, the signalized crosswalk at U.S. 41 and First Street will be deactivated. Officials had hoped for a temporary pedestrian overpass, but state officials rejected that plan.

intersections, soon to be roundabouts, I think would probably be a better, not only prototype but a permanent location where you have a lot more pedestrian traffic probably from downtown to Marina Jacks.”

In addition to accessibility concerns during construction, Brown suggested pedestrian signals are linked to traffic back-ups.

“I was greatly disappointed,” Longboat Vice Mayor Mike Haycock said. “We thought that was a commitment that the city and the state had made to us, and so we’re very disappointed that it’s not going in.”

LONGBOAT

Preliminary construction on the Gulfstream roundabout began in March, and the first full phase is scheduled to start in August.

Brown said the city may revisit the status of the signalized crosswalk on First Street as seasonal activity picks up.

“We may have to take a look at what we do in the OctoberNovember-December-January time frame,” Brown said.

In the meantime, as work progresses the First Street crosswalk and one to the south at Gulfstream will close for the remainder of the year.

The roundabout project

includes plans to improve the roadway on U.S. 41 between Gulfstream and Fruitville Road, where another roundabout opened last year.

Brown referred to the roadwork as a “gap project,” designed to adjust the elevation of the street to address flooding issues that occur in the area of The RitzCarlton, Sarasota.

“Thinking about it now a little bit retrospectively here, a trial with those problems might not have been a good prototype for the permanent one,” Daly said.

“I’m disappointed, but I understand the reasons why.”

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

5

Officials to decide on Freedom Fest The measure is expected to be on the Town Commission’s June 7 consent agenda.

PARADE GRAND MARSHALS ■ 2015: Virginia Sanders ■ 2016: Dave Brenner ■ 2017: David Miller ■ 2018: Susan Phillips ■ 2019: No grand marshal ■ 2020: Celebration and parade canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

P

lans to resume the annual Freedom Festival celebration and parade are moving forward with a Town Commission vote planned next week.

Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce President Gail Loefgren requested permission from the town last week to resume the festivities after canceling last year’s event because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My feeling would be is it’ll be great to celebrate the Fourth of July once again the way we’ve been doing it for 18 years,” Loefgren said. “I think it will be fun to recognize our hometown heroes this year.”

Town commissioners are likely to vote June 7 on the request to close Bay Isles Road for the Sunday, July 4 event. Assistant to the Town Manager Susan Phillips said the measure is expected to appear on the consent agenda, along with a measure to waive the $100 fee, which commissioners routinely do.

The Chamber will work with the town, its police department and All Angels Episcopal Church to make sure religious services aren’t disrupted.

File photo

Susan McGuire and Nancy Rozance led the wave of Rotary Club members in the 2019 parade.

“That is something that staff would work with [the Chamber of Commerce] to make sure that we don’t impact businesses [and] church being on a Sunday and it being on Fourth of July,” Phillips said.

Bay Isles Road ends in a roundabout opposite the church and Temple Beth Israel.

The parade typically begins its return leg there, but several opportunities to turn the parade

around exist near the Post Office and satellite courts of the Public Tennis Center, perhaps making even shorter the parade already whimsically billed as the world’s shortest.

The plan is to hold the Fourth of July event from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Church services typically are scheduled at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

“It’s been on Sunday before many times, but I just don’t remember what we did,” Loef-

gren said.

Loefgren spoke about the importance of having the parade back in 2021 to recognize first responders, workers in the medical industry, frontline workers and people who work in grocery stores.

“It’s a Freedom Fest, not just the parade because the whole thing works together,” Loefgren said.

“Once we get permission to

host the Freedom Fest again, and I’ll reach out to some people that I think can be in the parade that will be representative of those groups.”

Last year, a patriotic film was made instead of hosting the annual parade. The film featured the leaders of Longboat Key’s service clubs — the Garden, Rotary and Kiwanis clubs — gathered at Bicentennial Park for a Fourth of July flag-raising celebration.

Though the parade typically features a grand marshal, it does not always. There was none in 2019.

Phillips was the last grand marshal in 2018.

Beyond Longboat Key’s event, several others are returning to the area.

Among them, the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix in the waters off Lido Key on June 25-27.

A parade is also planned along Sarasota’s bayfront, beginning at 8 p.m. on July 4, with a fireworks show over the bay to follow.

Siesta Key fireworks also will return, beginning at 9:15 p.m.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Nesting swan dies

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hough hopes had been high for baby swans on Longboat Key, there is no chance for any hatching this year after the death of a nesting female.

There had been six eggs in the nest of Chuck and Margie, on the edge of the Harbourside Golf Course, at the corner of Gulf of Mexico Drive and Bay Isles Parkway.

David Novak, who cares for Longboat Key’s swans, said he saw Margie leave the nest last week. He’s not sure what happened, as the swan didn’t seem thin, but he theorized her mate hadn’t relieved her from nesting duties often enough.

“She got in the water and she was drinking the water, but it didn’t seem like she was feeding, so something was going on,” Novak said.

By the evening of May 27, the female died. Before that, when Novak had noticed her abandoning the eggs, he began artificially keeping them warm in the hopes of soon returning them to the nest. Novak confirmed one viable egg, but orphaned cygnets can’t be raised by other adults even if it did hatch.

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“All in all, it’s a tragedy,” Novak said.

Chuck and Margie arrived on Longboat Key in fall 2020 from Illinois. They were named for Charles and Margery Barancik, Longboat Key residents and philanthropists killed in a traffic crash in 2019.

Novak has been trying to grow the flock after another swan couple, Greta and Clark, failed to consistently produce viable cygnets, though on born in 2020 died after less than three months.

He’s going to rearrange nesting grounds before the next mating season.

“We’ll make a decision come October as far as how things will be arranged to maximize potential,” Novak said. “Maybe it’ll give me a chance to fix things in the environment to make a more ideal nesting environment … maybe I’ll propose building a couple nesting areas away from golfers out of the water.”

Novak is still in contact with Bob Knox, the swan expert in Illinois who provided the newest pair, and thinks that getting another female may work, since he knows the male is capable of fertilizing eggs.

“We know we have a viable male, we know we have a pair that aren’t producing and another pair that are reluctant to nest,” Novak said. “It all has to be sorted out but fortunately we know we’ve got an impeccable source (to get another female).”

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

LONGBOAT

OPINION / OUR VIEW

The replacement for gas taxes Mileage-based user fees offer multiple benefits to consumers and governments compared to gas taxes, but a big concern is making them replace gas taxes, not become just another new tax.

HOW MILEAGE MIGHT COMPARE

ADRIAN MOORE

A

s the number of electric cars increases in Florida and nationwide, states and the federal government soon will face another financial dilemma: What to do about declining gas-tax revenue.

In Florida, the average total state gas tax rate is 36.7 cents a gallon. That generates about $4 billion a year to pay for Florida’s roads.

But as vehicles get more fuel efficient and more consumers switch to electric cars, we will pay less in fuel taxes for using the same amount of roads.

Combining data from the Energy Information Administration and Bloomberg, Florida would need to raise the gas tax to 75.6 cents a gallon by 2050 just to keep revenue even.

But a new revenue scheme is gaining traction: mileage-based user fees (MBUFs), sometimes called a road-user charge (RUC).

This is the concept of charging road users based on distance traveled rather than the pergallon gas tax.

MAJOR ADVANTAGES

Here are five major advantages to user fees: n Fairness. Ensures that those who pay the user fees are the ones who receive the benefits. n Choice. Provides users more control of what, when and how often they pay. n Flexibility. Allows transportation departments the ability to adjust revenues and expenditures, as the economy, demand and technology change. n Better incentives. Creates incentives for drivers and transportation departments to think seriously about the efficiency, quality and costs of transportation. n Constraint. Prevents over consumption and negative externalities, such as congestion and pollution.

Source: ITS International, 2017

The fuel tax has been a successful user fee, but its days are numbered. As an alternative, MBUFs are being tested in pilot projects or used in limited cases.

There are still technology, system design and cost issues to be resolved.

New Zealand and Germany have a distance-based fee for trucks. Australia and several European countries are doing pilot projects on applying mileage fees to passenger vehicles.

In the U.S., states have been testing mileage-based user fees for more than a decade. Six years ago, the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act created the Surface Transportation System Funding Alternatives Program (STSFA), a federal program that awards tax dollars

to states to accelerate testing of mileage-based fees.

THE ISSUES n New tax? Some motorists have

raised concerns about MBUFs. There is concern that it will be an additional user fee. But pilots are testing mileage-based fees as a replacement for the fuel tax, not as a new additional charge to drivers. n Privacy. The top concern about mileage-based fees is privacy.

Privacy can be addressed by having users choose to pay a calculated fee with no data collected on their road use. Alternatively, users who choose an option with a technology that measures their road use can choose to own their data; determine what data to share; and use private vendors to

ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES TO MBUFS Any mileage-based user fee program should adopt the following principles: n Road usage charges should replace fuel taxes, not supplement them. n Road use charges are not a tax, but a user fee. n Road use charges should focus on paying for use of infrastructure and attempts to deal with issues such as congestion, emissions, or noise

should be separate. n Road use charges must provide for privacy, and in the event of shared data, ensure that users’ data are protected. n Road-use charge systems should provide users with better information about their travel costs and choices, and when data is voluntarily shared, provide road owners with better information about use of their infrastructure.

ensure that the data is not shared with the state unless users agree to share it. n Cost of collection. Currently, the cost to collect mileage-based fees is higher than for fuel taxes but does appear to come down with scale. Pilot projects are increasingly exploring how to reduce those costs. n Equity. All user fees are levied according to use, not according to income or wealth, so they tend to be regressive. A mileage fee is no more regressive than is the fuel tax, so the shift in user fees will not reduce, or increase, the regressivity of the main transportation user fee. n Rural residents. Many rural residents are concerned MBUFs are not fair to them. But mileage-based fees are better for rural drivers. Rural residents already pay more in fuel taxes, because they travel farther using more fuel and have less fuelefficient vehicles.

Research by RAND and by the states of Oregon, Washington and North Carolina found that rural drivers benefit from a shift to mileage-based fees and would pay slightly less. This is appropriate because rural roads also tend to be less expensive to build and maintain than urban ones.

Some environmental groups are worried that MBUFs will discourage purchase of electric vehicles.

Currently, electric car drivers avoid paying fuel taxes. Asking them to pay a fee for the roads they use is reasonable and fair to other drivers. States that have imposed road use charges on electric vehicles report no change in the trend of EV adoption.

MBUFs are a long-term replacement for the gas tax. In the meantime, it is important to continue state pilots, expanding their scale and scope and starting to address the transition issues.

A national MBUF pilot could be helpful if well designed and executed, allowing for larger scale and more extensive testing.

A national MBUF pilot should build on the experience of the states.

Dr. Adrian Moore is Vice President of Reason Foundation and lives in Sarasota.

D.C. inflation destroys middle class “The worst failures of money, the worst things done to money were not done by criminals but by governments, which very often ought to be considered, by and large, as ignoramuses … ” Ludwig von Mises Joe Biden’s $6 trillion budget; his $1.7 trillion infrastructure plan; the two trillion-dollar rounds of pandemic money handed out so people don’t need to work … The feds just can’t print the stuff fast

enough.

Here is perhaps the most outrageous thing of all this: As Ludwig von Mises noted decades ago, the vast majority of the chuckleheads in Congress — Democrats and Republicans alike — have no clue of the damage they have been inflicting and the additional damage they are about to inflict on the American people.

Printing more money is inflation. Rising prices aren’t inflation; they are a result of the increase in

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

The insidious tax: Inflation to 10% a month for Food prices are rising 8% the suppliers. Blame the restaurants. Don’t blame ng too much money. printi for rs Washington loote

SIGNS OF A COMING

CALAMITY?

’s M2 money supply — the increase in the nation The top chart shows on is Congress’ spendprinting of money/inflati inflation. Fueling this nation’s debt below. similar growth in the ing, as indicated by the

power, ing everyone’s purchasing grasping with consumers rarely tragedy. the seriousness of the of work This is the vicious Washington politicians.

As the late Austrian econoMises, mist, Ludwig von 1960s explained inflation in the in a series of lectures: rule “The first rule, or the only everyteach to have which we problems body in explaining the e in increas an that is of money brings MATT WALSH the quantity of money the about for the group, for for the ake a good look at the people, for the society, does who or accompanying two charts emper the for king, e ement of from the Federal Reserv it, a temporary improv this in Bank. the situation. (Think of facie -19 stimuSadly, those are prima COVID the of terms story of orary evidence of the untold lus checks — the “temp killing Washington politicians improvement.”) class only the wealth of the middle “But if so, why do it today the stage and savers and setting repeat it tomorrow? This not and ic n. for another national econom is the problem of inflatio e calamity. problem is not to increas “The — n The The weapon is inflatio the quantity of money. more the quansimply, the printing of problem is to increase dollars be money. Printing more those things which can of tity reck. And if you to feed the stupefyingly gton bought with money ty of less spending of our Washin are increasing the quanti and increaspoliticians — presidents both money, and you are not of which congressional members ing the quantity of things you ; parties alike. can be bought with money start the From this: prices Consider are only increasing the ncy of Donald Trump’s preside the which can be paid for them.” ncy, preside Biden to the Joe That is happening now. stanowner M2 money supply — the A long-time, restaurant dard measurement of money has in Sarasota and Manatee told

dollars. So don’t fall for it when Biden and his puppeteers start blaming business for raising prices.

The fact is the “ignoramuses” in Washington know they can’t raise taxes to pay for their socialistic largesse. But all they have to do is vote to print more money.

T

Left: Observer, April 22 Below: Epoch Times, May 26 A KEY SARA SOTA / SIEST

W OP INI ON / OU R VIE

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

Friedrich Hayek

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EV column wasn’t entirely accurate This responds to some inaccuracies in an inset published with an article about possibly providing battery charging terminals or space for them on Longboat Key, dated May 20.

The inset entitled “Anything but Clean” written

by Benjamin Zycher, an economics professor at UCLA was not accurate and begs for a rebuttal. ( I have owned Tesla cars exclusively since 2014. and I have a Ph.D in electrical engineering.)

The word “clean” refers to the impact of automobiles on our environment. Both gasoline/diesel powered vehicles (internal combustion engine vehicles — ICEVs for short) and battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs) contribute to air pollution. The question is which is better.

There are two kinds of pollution to consider: “Well to Wheel” (the production of carbon dioxide contributing to climate change from the drilling of oil to the manufacture of the cars) and “Direct” (poisonous emissions directly associated with the vehicle type).

Direct pollution is easy.

ICEVs release fuel vapors while refueling and directly from the fuel tank vents of the vehicles and emit harmful gases directly from their exhaust systems, contributing measurably to air pollution.

Similar contributions are made by the trucks that carry the fuel from refineries or

pipeline outlets to service stations. EVs emit no such gases.

Well to wheel contribution to atmospheric carbon dioxide (The greenhouse effect) is a much more complex analysis.

It takes electricity to operate pumps that extract oil from the wells, to operate fuel pumps at service stations, to power factories that build cars and trucks of all types, and electricity to charge the batteries in EVs. The Department of Energy has modeled all these contributors in the form of annual emissions per vehicle measured in pounds of carbon dioxide. EVs contribute about 4,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. ICEVs add about 11,000 pounds a year.

Zycher also says EV batteries can’t be recycled. Those batteries can be recycled as a valuable source of lithium, cobalt, nickel and other constituents of the battery cells.

Tesla has not had much chance to do this yet as they have only been mass producing cars for nine years.

EVs are much more environmentally friendly than gas/diesel powered vehicles.

This includes noise pollution as EVs are so quiet that the federal government now has a requirement that they produce some noise when traveling under 18 mph to warn pedestrians.

GEORGE HAWLEY SARASOTA

Cheers for Matt Walsh This letter offers cheers for the Matt Walsh editorial and comments on Milan Adrian’s excellent letter titled “Totalitarian Crazies will lose Again” from a 93-year-old wartime veteran who will go to his grave with tears in his eyes for what has happened to this once-great country.

Adrian aptly describes the transformation that has taken place by the crazies of the 1960s and ‘70s who were precursors to the chaos of the present. He closes predicting that the crazies lost and will lose again.

I wish that I could feel as confident, but I am concerned that the crazies might win this time.

We have an unprecedented structure in our federal government in which the crazies, led by Sen. Bernie Sanders, have at least as much power and influence in the Democratic party as the moderates.

Add to this a Republican Party in disarray, crippling its ability to provide an effective offset.

And we have a president who is grossly violating the advice of Barack Obama by leaning too far left after campaigning as a moderate.

President Biden is the epitome of a politician who has shown time and time again that he can abandon his basic beliefs when it suits him.

Top this off with the fact that there are millions of young, spoiled, ignorant

brats who embrace socialism along with millions of college educated, affluent liberals who have promulgated hatred of traditional America and believe that white people should apologize for their existence.

They also repeat like parrots that systemic racism dominates this country while they are too lazy to consult a dictionary which totally obviates their claim.

I hope that Adrian is right about the crazies losing.

WILLIAM B. ALLEN LONGBOAT KEY

A few more facts about vaping Just a few facts about tobacco and vaping not completely fleshed out in a recent editorial: Tobacco smoke contains two toxic factors when inhaled: a) nicotine; and b) tars and resins.

Nicotine is addictive; tars and resins are not.

Nicotine is associated with vascular disease, which includes cerebral (stroke), coronary (heart attacks) and peripheral (especially vascular insufficiency in lower extremities).

Nicotine is also associated with periodontal disease, erectile dysfunction and impairment of immune system.

Nicotine, when used with contraceptive pills in women, is associated with significant incidence of vascular thrombosis (blood clots).

Tars and resins may

|

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

cause chronic pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis, emphysema, COPD and lung cancer).

It is true that smokers with chronic pulmonary disease who cannot quit may benefit from switching to e-cigarettes.

This eliminates the tars and resins, but they are still subject to nicotine effects.

E-cigarettes should be carefully controlled. Health education in the schools should present the facts.

Products should have prominent warning labels.

These products are not safe.

Most young people have illusions of invulnerability.

JAMES J. GRIFFITH MD (RET.) SARASOTA

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Send your letters to Eric Garwood at egarwood@ yourobserver.com.

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MAY 18

IT CAN STAY 2:19 p.m., 4200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen dispute: Police were called about a recreational vehicle parked at a residential complex. The code enforcement officer had also been alerted about the vehicle but could not connect with its owner. An officer spoke to a caretaker who said the vehicle was authorized to be in the community.

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

LOST AND FOUND 3:01 p.m., police headquarters Found property: A town employee delivered to the police station a cell phone found at a beach access point. The screen was locked, but a police employee found the telephone number of a person whose name appeared on the screen when the phone rang.

Though that person hung up when the police employee called back, the phone’s owner soon called, identified herself as the owner and arranged to pick up her property. A woman arrived with property credentials and was given her phone back.

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NAUTICALLY NOISY 2:08 p.m., Lands End Drive Noise complaint: A marine patrol officer was sent to investigate loud music coming from a mooredn vessel. The officer was unable to find the noisy boat.

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Floridians areACA now plan eligible the state toApproximately play an active 239,000 role in sign-up one foron $10 less per affordability allorlevels. financial assistance whomonth.* didn’t qualify previously.* Florida Blue, your local Blue Four out ofin wholast sign-up for an ACA planBlue canfor find Ifnyou enrolled anpeople ACA plan year, contact Florida Cross Blue Shieldfive company, has one for $10 or less per month.* help reassessing your financial established bold objectives and assistance and your plan. Our strongly advocates forexplain the interest licensed agents can these recent changes and how they If you enrolled in an ACA plan last year, contact Florida Blue for of may our members, lower your but bills.we know that wehelp cannot work in isolation.

Like-assistance and your plan. Our reassessing your financial minded partners are essential in licensedBlue agents can explain recent and how they Florida has agents who these can speak tochanges you Florida Blue is dedicated to addressing the growing issue. may lower your on the phone or bills. by video chat to explain your personalized services providing While the overall health care options. They’ll take the time to understand to Sarasota and Manatee County system is large, the decisions Florida Blue has whoyour can speak to you Its Florida Blue Center, your budget, youragents situation, needs residents. and financial motivation of each on the phone or by video chat to explain located at University Town Center, and concerns, match you to an your individual healthand carethen organization is currently offering free online options.

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by Blue Cross Florida Inc., DBA(941) Florida 308-2042 Blue. HMO coverage is offered costs canCenter. be addressed is and byBlue Shield ofby calling or at

MAY 22

DOWN BY THE SEA 12:52 a.m., 4400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Noise complaint: A resident called police to complain about a noisy group of people on a nearby beach. No one could be found in the area.

HE WAS NOT OVERLOOKED 10:38 a.m., 200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Welfare check: A caller to police was concerned about an

106060 0521

AT-TENT-ION TO DETAILS 7:01 a.m., Greer Island Suspicious person: A beach walker reported to police a tent on the north end of island. No other suspicious activity or people were seen.

Police said tents are allowed on beaches between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.

emergency signal received from a family member’s cell phone at a town park. An officer found the family member at the park, though no harm had come to him. The family member said his phone was malfunctioning.

The officer relayed word to the original caller that all was OK. A LITTLE LIGHT READING 2:04 p.m., 6800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Animal complaint: An officer handed a dog owner a town pamphlet entitled “Helpful Information for Dog Owners” following a citizen’s report of two small dogs on the beach. The dog owner left the area with the dogs . . . and the pamphlet.

MAY 24

UH, I’LL JUST GET A NEW ONE 7:20 p.m., Police headquarters Lost property: Police spoke to a man who reported losing his wallet, likely while using a portable restroom on a worksite.

The wallet’s contents were noted, but no further investigation was performed.

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who could not find any vessels in trouble in nearby bay waters. The Coast Guard was notified of the police findings.

HARD TO PADDLE 6:16 p.m., New Pass Boating call: Kayakers flagged town the town’s marine patrol officer while struggling to make progress against a current and taking water over the sides. The officer assisted the kayakers back to shore.

MAY 27

MAY 25

UNCLOTHED 2:39 p.m., 3800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Indecent exposure: A woman was issued a verbal warning and asked to leave the beach for the day following a report of topless swimming. Police reported the woman was clothed when officers arrived to speak to her, but she conceded she had been topless while in the water.

SCAT! 8:47 p.m., 2600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Animal call: Staff of a residential complex called police about an unwanted raccoon on the premises. An officer sent to the call reported seeing the animal climbing up and down a tree and jumping back and forth to different levels of nearby scaffolding. The raccoon did not appear aggressive and was reported to be keeping to itself.

The staff was advised to possibly seek assistance from Sarasota County Animal Control or a private trapping company.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

TROUBLE DOWN UNDER The state of seagrass beds in Sarasota Bay are a cause for ecological concern.

BRYNN MECHEM STAFF WRITER

J

File photos

Seagrass beds are critical for the growth and development of about 75% of the marine life of Sarasota Bay.

ust as land animals can be affected by deforestation, marine animals can be affected by a decline in seagrass growth, and recent data shows area wildlife could be in trouble.

Following a variety of environmental and human-made factors, Sarasota Bay is experiencing a 12-year loss in seagrass growth.

Results from the Southwest Florida Water Management District show an 18% decline in seagrass across Sarasota Bay, Roberts Bay and Little Sarasota Bay from 2018 to 2020.

The decline equates to loss of 2,300 acres of seagrass.

“A healthy bay leads to a healthy bay, so everything is tied together,” Sarasota Bay Watch Secretary John Ryan said.

“Having healthy seagrass is really important to our bay ecosystem because about 75% of marine life have some part of their life in seagrass, so this is not great.”

Seagrass levels have not been as low since 2006, when numbers were around 8,854 acres.

Numbers in the 1950s sat at about 10,246 acres and steadily built from there, but now the loss, which scientists say is largely due to red tide and Hurricane Irma, means the area basically has to start over.

“We’re back to where we were 30 years ago,” Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director David Tomasko said.

“The good news is it may be able to stabilize because a lot of things that got us into trouble have been acted upon, and maybe we’ll soon start plateauing and improving.”

Greyson Giguere tries his hand at dip-netting during a 2019 seagrass survey near City Island.

CANARY IN THE COAL MINE

Seagrass is major indicator of water quality because it is sensitive to alterations, particularly those stemming from nitrogen increases as a result of fertilizers, wastewater runoff and pet waste. Elevation in nutrients also stimulates algal blooms, which can reduce the light necessary for seagrass growth.

“Seagrass is considered the canary in the coal mine, and it’s often overlooked because it’s underwater, and not many people stick their head under water,” said Sheila Scolaro, Sarasota County’s sampling and outreach coordinator, in a previous interview.

The decline, which amounts to 31% since 2000, is destructive to the bay’s habitat. Seagrass provides habitat for marine life, stabilizes sediment and captures about 27 million tons of carbon a year.

It also supports about 70% of commercial fish species in Florida and provides food and shelter for marine organisms.

However, local organizations are taking steps to help the health of the bay.

A major step is being made

by Sarasota County to overhaul its wastewater treatment plant into an advanced wastewater treatment plant. The $157 mil-

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Area experts say residents can take a variety of small actions to help limit their nutrient footprint. Here’s just a few of their suggestions: n Turn off your sprinkler system during the rainy season. n Reroute gutter downspouts to avoid emptying on paved ground. n Tell your elected officials water quality should be a priority. n Make sure your glass clippings don’t find their way into stormwater drains. n Leave living shorelines, such as mangroves, alone. n Avoid seagrass meadows when boating. n Skip the fertilizer during the rainy season.

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lion upgrade will reduce the level of harmful nutrients in treated water.

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remove harmful nutrients from the water. Since beginning their programs, Bay Watch has placed more than 100,000 clams into the bay, and START has reused about 60 tons of oyster shells.

“But because of the problem with the seagrass and how bad it’s gotten, we all feel we need to do more and go to the source to keep nutrients out of the water in the first place,” said Sandy Gilbert, the chair of START. To do so, a variety of projects have sprung up throughout Sarasota County, including a program to improve stormwater ponds that are responsible for about 65% of the nutrients in the bay.

A microforest was planted on one-third of an acre at Celery Fields to filter stormwater. The $25,000 project is in the process of being replicated at the Venice Area Audubon Society bird rookery and Nathan Benderson Park.

Tomasko said residents should also try to curtail their nutrient footprint.

“We’re not a natural landscape, and so we need to be more careful moving into the future than we have in the last five to 10 years because I think we took our eye off the ball, and that’s how we got to some of our problems,” he said.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Town may keep Zooming after pandemic Commission hopes to retain option of remote participation in meetings.

UPCOMING

■ Longboat Key Town Commission regular meeting: 9 a.m. Friday, July 2; previously July 6.

■ Longboat Key Town Commission joint meeting: 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, with Manatee County Commission; previously May 26.

■ Longboat Key Town Commission special meeting: Canceled for June 28

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

The COVID-19 pandemic forced governments all over the world to become accustomed to virtual technology.

As long as a physical quorum is met, the Longboat Key Town Commission is considering allowing commissioners to use virtual technology such as Zoom to participate in meetings rather than potentially miss one.

The change would take effect after the state of emergency ends due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which could come in late June.

“With the technology now, I think it’s important to have everybody participate as much as they can, so to put artificial parameters around that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me at this point,” District 2 Commissioner Penny Gold said.

For Town Commission meetings, a quorum means a majority of commissioners are present inside the chambers of Town Hall.

A quorum is required for governing bodies as part of Longboat Key’s Town Code and state law.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to decide by June 26 whether to extend Florida’s state of emergency.

The governor has allowed local governments to use virtual tech-

File photo

All seven members of the Longboat Key Town Commission attended the May 18 workshop meeting.

nology, regardless of physical quorums, to operate since the pandemic took hold in 2020.

Nov. 2, 2020, marked the first in-person meeting for the Longboat Key Town Commission since March 23, 2020.

The town began using a hybrid approach in November 2020 with some commissioners meeting in person and others using Zoom to participate virtually.

All seven commissioners typically attend meetings since each of them has received COVID-19

vaccinations. However, there have been times when some of them have used Zoom when they’ve been out of town.

At-Large Commissioner BJ Bishop advocated for the town to adopt a policy that would allow for commissioners to have the flexibility for maximum participation.

In October 2013, the Town Commission passed a resolution that restricts virtual commissioner participation under normal circumstances, which back

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then likely meant calling in via speakerphone.

Town Manager Tom Harmer mentioned how the commission believed the technology didn’t exist in 2013 to allow for virtual participation among commissioners and the public.

“The commissioners back then were saying at some point in the future, the future commission will need to talk about this because technology is going to advance,” Harmer said.

Town attorney Maggie Mooney

mentioned how the town will need to set some parameters if it moves forward with allowing commissioners to participate virtually.

“We also have to protect against abuse, and I’m not implying that any one of you would ever abuse it,” Mooney told commissioners.

“Please don’t misunderstand me.

“I’m always amazed at how dedicated all of the commissioners and Planning and Zoning Board members are in this town, but I do think that there should be some sort of backstop that protects against abuse.”

During a workshop meeting, commissioners came to a consensus to have Mooney prepare a formal ordinance for future consideration that would allow for virtual participation.

“Will anyone be here to vote on it?” Mayor Ken Schneier joked.

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Longboat Key Club tennis gets patriotic T he Longboat Key Club marked Memorial Day with a round robin at the Tennis Gardens, complete with red, white and blue decor. About three dozen players took part, and the majority of players put their most patriotic feet forward for the day. Players mingled beforehand in their American garb before taking to the courts, where some shed their costumes to get their heads in the game. The round robin tournament lasted much of the morning, though the competition was more friendly than fierce. Afterwards, players gathered in the air conditioning for catching up and cooling off.

Above: Christina DeCarlo, Kathryn Ekstrom, Laura Esposito and Joanne Forch Left:Marcia Gutridge and director of tennis Brianna Harris Francois

Courtesy photos

Even the dog statue outside the Tennis Gardens got in on the patriotic fun.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Ministerial group celebrates 20 years S everal priests, a few rabbis and various ministers walked into St. Armands Key Lutheran Church on May 26 but it was no joke. They were there to celebrate the Sarasota Ministerial Association’s 20th anniversary. Rev. Ken Blyth, opened the luncheon and thanked everyone for coming. Starting with 12 members in 2001, the group has grown to about 90 ministries. As lunch wound down, Pfaff began the program. After President and founder Tom Pfaff led a ceremonial swearing-in, the group moved to one of the afternoon’s highlights — the Good and Faithful Servant Award.

The annual award, given to a member who “multiplies the grace that God gives many times over,” was presented to Father Fausto Stampiglia from St. Martha’s Catholic Church.

Stampiglia was born in Rome and gradually found his way to Florida. He’s ubiquitous in the community and respected for his willingness to be there for everybody, no matter how long they’ve known him. He always signs his letters with “God loves you and so does Father Fausto.” “Everybody knows him,” congregant Sara Brinn said. “It’s amazing.”

— NAT KAEMMERER

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Humberto Alvia with Jennifer and Jillian Carey Left: Rev. Rod Myers passes the Good and Faithful Servant Award to Father Fausto Stampiglia, who was the 2021 winner.

Above: Rev. Ken Blyth and Tom Pfaff Right: Bette Zaret began welcoming special guests.

Rachel Sesser and Rona Elias

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church

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Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

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

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

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

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5 Ways to Worship at All Angels

All Angels Episcopal Church | 563 Bay Isles Rd

LUTHERAN CHURCH

• Indoor worship services this Sunday at 8 am and 10 am Face covering required.

JOIN US FOR IN-PERSON WORSHIP

• Drive-in Church, Sunday at 10:00. Tune your car radio to 107.5 FM • Walk-up Church, enjoy the garden setting and listen to the service

on Sundays at 9 and 11am.

Or join us online at 9am at www.saklc.com/live or on Facebook

• Live-stream - go to AllAngelsLBK.org to watch on-line

941-383-8161 • www.AllAngelsLBK.org

Growing in Jesus’ Name

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

Temple Beth Israel

Worship With Us at Our Church Sunday Service 10:00 AM The Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard

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

Masks are Optional

Visitors & Residents Welcome Watch Our 10:00 AM Service Live: www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchlbk.org (follow YouTube link)

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

•

941.383.8833 (office)

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

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

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

All TBI physical gatherings are postponed until further notice.

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

941.383.3428 | www.tbi-lbk.org

RABBI STEPHEN L. SNIDERMAN, D.D.

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

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

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

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

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

Classifieds 30 Games 29 Real Estate 26 Weather 29

JUNE 3, 2021

YOUR NEIGHBORS

A WORLD OF

HIS OWN NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

B

arry Gaines, an information technology specialist for the town of Longboat Key, has already created a world of his own with his sci-fi series “A World of Worlds.” But now, as he looks toward the future, he’s looking to create a gathering of creatives of his own with GainesCon. The eponymous convention will be a sci-fi, fantasy, screenwriting, artistry, cosplay, musical extravaganza that Gaines hopes to roll out in November.

This is phase two in his plan, with the series “A World of Worlds” as phase one and a future film studio as phase three. Gaines has been taking mental notes for years as he’s gone to other conventions and is hoping to create a convention-expo hybrid that elevates the artists involved and gets more people into the genre.

“I just want to give anyone a chance who wants to be involved in this type of industry,” he said.

“Building something different than anybody else is really important to me, and just giving people, especially actors, a chance to run around. A lot of the content is very PSA-oriented, or like a romantic comedy. And that’s fine and all good. But sometimes you want to run around and get dirty.”

Gaines envisions a film festival that celebrates all aspects of the genre.

Gaines wants to draw highprofile Hollywood and sci-fi convention eyes to this side of the state to give those just starting out more exposure.

“I want to bring that audience here to Sarasota, to St. Pete,”

Courtesy photos

Above: Barry Gaines and the cast of his film, along with former mayor of Longboat Key, Jim Brown, right, who let Gaines film scenes on his boat.

Left: Gaines outsourced the special effects for his first two films.

Gaines said. “That’s the whole point of this, and I have to start by one foot in front of the other.

Everyone’s always looking to the other side and not over here. And I said, ‘Why not us?’ We have all the resources in the world here.

We got the beautiful beaches. We got the sun. I mean, doggone it, let’s do it.”

Gaines is in the early stages of planning the inaugural convention and has begun accepting submissions, finding sponsors and looking for donations. For now, the festival is open to short films up to 40 minutes long.

Of course, there will be the “Best Picture” and “Best Actor” awards, but they’ll actually be the Dragon Awards — Red Dragon for Best Picture and Golden Dragon for Best Actor and Best Actress.

Gaines will also have awards for Best Action Sequence and a screenwriting award.

In particular, he’s excited about the “No Budget, No Problem” award.

It’s for filmmakers who made something amazing for less than

$1,000.

“Those to me are the ones I really pay more attention to because I’m that guy,” Gaines said.

Giving people a shot in the highbudget sci-fi and fantasy world is above all what Gaines wants to accomplish with GainesCon. He made “A World of Worlds” with local actors and a special effects team spread across the globe, building a world and a movie around his central story.

He’s seen his actors grow over the years and wants to be able to see new people grow too, once he’s met them at GainesCon. “It’s not just doing the story, but it’s contributing to the community as well,” Gaines said.

“That’s a big deal with me. This is for the artists … I want to show what the content creators have gone through.”

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Barry Gaines hopes to give small sci-fi filmmakers and actors a chance to show themselves with a festival in November.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Summer sips lend charitable hand to Paradise Center J. McLaughlin manager Melanie Dale will continue to host Sip and Shop when requested.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

S

Donna Sharp Blaney chats with Mary Scheible.

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Donna Sharp Blaney and Melanie Dale Left: Debby White teaches a class at the Paradise Center and works at J. McLaughlin.

uzy Brenner’s dog, Lahni, was so tired from greeting shoppers at the J. McLaughlin Sip and Shop that she had to spend the rest of her evening napping on May 25.

However, it was well worth it, because the pit bull helped mom and executive director Suzy Brenner of the Paradise Center bring in money for the organization.

Store manager Melanie Dale regularly hosts the Sip and Shop for organizations in and around Longboat Key, after which she donates 15% of the day’s proceeds to the organizations.

Dale collaborates with the Paradise Center twice a year to do these events, usually one in spring and one around the holidays.

Brenner said the amount that comes in from one of these events can vary depending on the time of year, but generally it’s about $1,000.

“It’s a really fun way to make

money,” Brenner said. “We try to help them and bring in some of our regulars who wouldn’t normally shop there.

“Some of their regular shoppers will wait and do their shopping when they know we’ll get some of the proceeds, which is super helpful in the summer when our corporate sponsorships for classes drop down. It helps fill in the gaps.”

Dale plans to host Sip and Shop events throughout the summer, whenever an organization approaches her.

Because it’s slower in the summer, she said she relies on the organization to bring in more foot traffic for the sale.

So far in 2021, Dale hasn’t seen as much of a drop-off of foot traffic this year as she has in other years, so the sales seem to be going well.

“It’s tough with the whole COVID year to tell what’s been good,” Dale said.

“You don’t have a normal year to compare to yet.”

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

MLS# A4483273

I A N A DDY, PA R E A LT O R ®, M B A

I A N A DDY, PA

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

I A N A DDY, PA R E A LT O R ®, M B A

IanAddy@MichaelSaunders.com

D!TO L SOAYSRACT

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

WWW.LONGBOATLIFE.COM

MLS# A4178487

4 D NT CO

G A I L W IT T IG

BROK E R-A SSOCI ATE GAIL W IT T IG

com B R O GailWittig@MichaelSaunders.

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

941.387.0100

G A I L W IT T IG

941.387.0100 354785-1

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

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

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

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

RETURN OF THE ‘RED-HOT MAMA’ Kathy Halenda reprises her role as “Sophie Tucker, The Last of the Red-Hot Mamas” at Florida Studio Theatre.

Her connection to the character goes deep.

IF YOU GO

“SOPHIE TUCKER: THE LAST OF THE RED-HOT MAMAS” When: Through July 11 Where: FST Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota Info: Call 366-9000 or visit FloridaStudioTheatre. org

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

S

ophie Tucker’s career spanned the first half of the 20th century. She was a “superstar” before Andy Warhol coined the term and made a splash (in both Yiddish and English) on stage and on the motion picture screen. Tucker was both a singer and a natural comedian who peppered her singing with wisecracks like, “I’ve been rich, and I’ve been poor. Rich is better.”

Who better to portray this larger-than-life talent than Kathy Halenda — a veteran singer and comedian, who’s constantly on tour, and not shy about making a few wisecracks herself? But Halenda’s connection to Tucker goes deeper.

She was part of the Florida Studio Theatre creative team that first brought “Sophie Tucker: The Last of the RedHot Mamas” to life in 2000.

The show’s been a smash ever since—at FST and around the country. For Halenda, Sophie Tucker is an old friend. And this return engagement at FST is as much a family reunion as a performance.

What’s your approach to the Sophie Tucker character?

I approach her respectfully, but not religiously. I don’t try to impersonate Sophie, but I do give the flavor of her.

even more. I recently lost my own mother, and it really strikes a chord. I’ve always wondered what Sophie Tucker felt when her mom passed.

Now I know how it feels.

Courtesy photo

Kathy Halenda is coming back to the role she helped create in a production on the life and music of Sophie Tucker.

What are a few of your favorite songs in this revue?

That’s a tough question—I really enjoy so many of the songs. “The Last of the Red Hot Mamas” is one of my favorites. “America I Love You” is a stirring piece. “The Man

I Love,” and “Hula Lou” are all wonderful. “Life Begins at 40” is a lovely speaking song.

It captures what being over 40 means. Now that I am over 40, I finally get it. “My Yiddishe Momme” has always meant an awful lot to me. Now, it means

Living and Working on Longboat Key for 40 Years Cathy C. Meldahl, P.A. Your Longboat Key Community Realtor • Consistent top producer on Longboat Key • In-depth knowledge of the real estate market • Active in our community with Longbeach Village Association Longboat Key Historical Society Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Longboat Key Garden Club

The first time you channeled Sophie Tucker was back in 2000 when this show premiered at Florida Studio Theatre. Has your approach to the character changed over the years?

Yes, in many ways. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown to understand Sophie Tucker much better. I can see where she’s coming from now, thanks to my own experience.

Any final thoughts?

FST is where we created Sophie Tucker, and I’m excited to bring her home. Sarasota is kind of like the character’s birthplace. So this is really like a family reunion! I hope audiences will enjoy a fun evening with me and Sophie at FST.

Work with JoDene JoDene Moneuse

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941.724.7228

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Sophie Tucker broke so many barriers for future female comics. What’s your take on her role as a pioneering performer?

Sophie could be naughty, but she was never obscene — I love that about her. She was one of the very few female performers of her era who spoke about

What’s the difference between Sophie Tucker’s stage persona and the real human being?

Every performer has a stage persona that’s not exactly who they are. But with Sophie, I think the persona and the person were very close. It’s hard to know for sure — there’s very little archival video or audio of her. But that’s my gut feeling. I think that Sophie’s style of performing was a lot like mine. When I’m on stage, I’m definitely me. That’s not to say I’m entirely unfiltered. On stage you oftentimes hide your vulnerabilities. I’d say Sophie and I have that in common. But I think she was probably pretty much the same offstage and onstage. As I am.

Realtor ®, Certified Staging Agent

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The pandemic has been hard for all of us. Sophie Tucker also endured hard times. Do you think her strength of character in adversity will resonate with contemporary audiences?

I do. Sophie was a survivor, and she lived through a lot.

She experienced her own pandemic in 1918 and survived that. She also survived several unhappy marriages. Men cheated on her and stole from her, but they never stopped her. Sophie supported her family through hard times like the Great Depression. Sophie was a strong woman — strong willed, but very compassionate, and generous to those she loved.

Whatever life threw at her, she took it in stride and kept going.

her losses in life and love. She talked openly about men who cheated and marriages that fell apart. Her frankness paved the way for Totie Fields, Belle Barth, and other female comics of that time.

941.302.4913

LongboatKeyLiving.com

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

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

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

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PROPERTIES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

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

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

$4,495,000

Price Available on Request

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

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

$1,125,000

THE ACKERMAN GROUP #

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Coldwell Banker Realty Small Team in Florida Again for 2020

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TOP 100 SALES TEAMS

BARBARA ACKERMAN barbara@ackermangroup.net

Want to know what your property is worth?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Asolo season ends with Starry Night

T

he Asolo Repertory Theatre celebrated a completed season with a Starry Night dinner at Michael’s On East on May 24. The dinner was reformatted as an outdoor affair in the courtyard. Guests arrived and mingled over drinks before sitting down for dinner and remarks from Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards and Managing Director Linda DiGabriele.

— HARRY SAYER

Photos by Harry Sayer

Judy Person, Paul Nelson and Asolo Managing Director Linda DiGabriele

Above: Amy and Jay Young with Cassandra Holmes Left: Joan Wood and Deborah Farrington

Above: Michael Donald Edwards with Orlando Sánchez Right: Eva Slane

Now is a GREAT time to SELL!

WHY? Our sellers are receiving multiple offers and top dollar!

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Bruce Myer

Realtor

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

23

®

941.387.1847

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

Just Listed!

PLAYERS CLUB - 1465 Gulf of Mexico Dr., #405 Beautifully updated 2BR residence with expansive terrace and Gulf views. $849,000 1465gulfofmexico405.com

Just Listed!

ISLANDS WEST • 2525 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #14C Spacious 2BR/2BA, 14th floor residence with Gulf, Bay and City views. $1,095,000 2525gulfofmexico14c.com

Reduced!

CASTEL DEL MARE • 1622 Stickney Point Road #101 Beautifully kept, turnkey furnished 1BR/1BA walk-out residence a short stroll to Siesta Key beaches. $249,000

Pending!

BAY ISLES HARBOR SECTION - 510 Harbor Cay Drive Beautiful residence surrounded by 240’ of water on 2 sides, with 2 docks. $4,495,000 • 510harborcaydrive.com

MORE LISTINGS COMING SOON! Wondering where to start your home search?

CALL BRUCE MYER 941.387.1847 The source for details you need!

IN 2021 OVER $68 MILLION IN SOLD & PENDING SALES

Bruce@BruceMyer.com

www.BruceMyer.com

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9

BREATHE: AN OUTDOOR YOGA SERIES From 6-7 p.m. on St. Armands Circle’s inner park, stretch and twist your way into summer. This yoga series will happen every second Wednesday in summer and is free and open to the public. Bring a mat and water. Call 388-1554.

SATURDAY, JUNE 12 AND SUNDAY, JUNE 13

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

RECURRING EVENTS MONDAYS

STRETCH & STRENGTHEN From 10-11 a.m. at the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance. Class is outdoors and led by Suzy Brenner. Fee is $10. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

HULA CLASS From 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Held outdoors with social distancing and led by native Debbie White. Free for members, $10 per person. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

TUESDAYS

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

Qi Gong is a mind-body-spirit practice designed to improve mental and physical health. Class is outdoors. Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

MAH JONGG From 1-3 p.m. at the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Beginning or intermediate players. Held indoors or outdoors, weather permitting. Face masks required indoors. RSVP to check availability and/or be put on a wait list: MaryAnnBrady@TheParadiseCenter.Org or 383-6493.

SWEET AND SPIRITED YOGA From 9-10 a.m. at the Longboat Key Education Center, 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 212. Focus on body awareness, alignment, and breath. Members $88; non-members, $104, or pay as you go. Call 383-8811, email Info@LBKEducationCenter.orgor visit LBKEducationCenter.org.

WEDNESDAYS

TAI CHI From 10-11 a.m. at the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Class is outdoors. Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

THURSDAYS

ZUMBA AND MAT PILATES FOR SENIORS From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. The class, designed for active seniors, starts with Zumba and shifts to all-level mat Pilates at 10:30 a.m.

Class is outdoors. Cost is $10.

Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

FRIDAYS

YOGA AND MEDITATION From 10-11 a.m. at the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Class is outdoors. Walk-ins welcome.

Cost is $10 for non-members, free for members. Walk-ins welcome.

For information, call 383-6493.

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

Eastern screech owl A t 6-10 inches tall, Eastern screech owls are Florida’s smallest owls. These tiny owls are more often heard than seen, as their coloring and feather tufts on the tops of their heads (often mistaken for ears), allow them to blend into their surroundings.

Despite their name, these raptors do not screech; their calls feature horse-like whinnies and soft trills. They sleep during the day, roosting in tree cavities or dense foliage, becoming active at dusk and at night, when they forage. Screech owls mostly hunt from a perch with a clear path to the ground, from which they swoop down on their prey.

Found in all types of wooded habitats, including suburban backyards, screech owls often use abandoned woodpecker holes for shelter, or natural cavities in older trees or snags. Like many birds that depend on cavities for nesting, habitat loss and aggressive tree trimming has made it harder for them to find nesting sites.

Screech owls will often move into artificial nest boxes. They prefer boxes mounted high in a thick tree, with easy access.

They also prefer ample foliage and shade, which allows the male to roost near the box during and

Miri Hardy

after incubation. Screech owls are great neighbors: They’re fun to observe and prey on rodents and roaches. However, as they’re easily poisoned by eating rodents exposed to toxins, forgoing poisons and letting owls, and other raptors, keep pests in check, will help keep all our birds safe and healthy.

— MIRI HARDY, SAVE OUR SEABIRDS

Eastern screech owls swallow small prey whole, with parts that cannot be digested, such as bones and hair, expelled as pellets.

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

OPTIMISM / op • tuh • miz • uhm / noun feeling nostalgic about the future OUR COLLEAGUES IN CARE NAME

Arturo “Tito” Santos

R E L AT I O N S H I P QUOTE

Blue Butterfly Volunteer

After my mom died, I wanted to

give back. I see goodness and hope as the kids heal from their loss.

Volunteering at the Blue Butterfly Family Grief Center, Arturo is known for his genuine nature, and admits he learns more from the kids than he can ever teach them.

By starting with relationships, the Tidewell Foundation is redefining care. It’s how the Tidewell family has done it for 40 years.

Brighten lives today CareRedefined.org 353469-1

YOUR CALENDAR

24

THE TIDEWELL FAMILY OF COMPANIES

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

25

Whether you are Buying or Selling,

REID MURPHY

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

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

NEWLISTING

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

PENDING

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

SOLD

LONGBOAT KEY SUPERB LOCATION $1,395,000 3BR/4BA Open plan w/ground floor master suite. Deeded boat dock w/direct Bay access. Inviting pool in lush privacy. Cross street to beautiful Gulf beach.

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

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

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

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

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

Landscaped & fenced for privacy.

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

Developers Realty Inc. Lic. Real Estate Broker

www.ReidMurphy.com

595 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL 34228

358887-1

PENDING

26

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

REAL ESTATE

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

RESIDENTIAL TRANSACTIONS APRIL 19-23

Sleepy Lagoon Park property sells for $7.5 million TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of May 21-27 in order of dollar amounts.

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS 639 Bayview Drive

PERMIT Replacement

single family

APPLICANT Phillip Bolles Burke

535 Sanctuary Drive #A501 Interior alterations Jeffrey A. Lenobel

511 Birdie Lane Eric Garwood

Behind the gates of 612 Juan Anasco Drive are two homes built in 1998. The first has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 8,080 square feet of living area. The second has two bedrooms, one bath and 896 square feet of living area.

AMOUNT $1,547,919 $196,000

2012 Family Trust

Interior alterations Robert W. Tucker

585 Sanctuary Drive #B202 Interior alterations Madhav Mutalik

$183,336 $142,000

1925 GMD #407

Interior alterations Michael E. Pariseau

$94,175

3272 Bayou Road

Sliding glass

$88,671

doors, windows

Catherine M. Wilt

775 Longboat Club Road #605 Interior alterations Stanley O. Snyder Jr.

$78,000

ADAM HUGHES

1 Winslow Place

$73,568

RESEARCH EDITOR

Revocable Trust

A

562 Juan Anasco Drive

Seawall

MJMR Holdings Inc.

$46,880

5481 GMD Unit 208

Sliding glass

Edward A. Zunz, Jr.

$42,007

LB Key LLC

$34,292

two-property sale in Sleepy Lagoon Park tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Thomas and Mary Holmes, of N. Chatham, Massachusetts, sold two homes at 612 Juan Anasco Drive to Wilson AMI LLC for $7.5 million. The first property was built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 8,080 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1998, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 896 square feet of living area.

REGENT PLACE

Mark Kleinschmidt, trustee, of St. Paul, Minnesota, sold the Unit 19B condominium at 655 Longboat Club Road to Harold and Diane Brierley, of Dallas, for $3.75 million. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths and 3,139 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.3 million in 2007.

SANDHAMN

Andrew and Judith Economos, of Sarasota, sold their home at 5372 Sandhamn Place to Junwei Song, of Longboat Key, for $3.7 million. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,910 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,998,000 in 2016.

Lighting

Nelson Goldner

doors, windows

759 St. Judes Drive N.

Sliding glass

doors, windows

603 Weston Pointe Court

A/C change-out

Warren S. Coopersmith $30,194

3590 Fair Oaks Lane

A/C change-out

Carolyn A. Etten

$24,885

3010 Grand Bay Blvd #422

A/C change-out

James A. Bowers, Jr.

$22,200

775 Longboat Club Road #506 Sliding glass doors Michael Demeo

$21,699

701 Norton St.

70 1Norton St. LLC

$21,499

Herbert M. Ritchell

$20,106

Mark Robert Johnson

$19,974

Re-roof

4330 Falmouth Drive Unit 208 Sliding glass

doors, windows

1050 Longboat Club

Sliding glass

Road #704

doors, windows

455 Longboat Club

A/C change-out

Arlene J. Willis

$16,540

Lift

Peter J. Murray

$15,060

Road #303 550 Putter Lane

Qualified Trust

551 Harbor Point Road

A/C change-out

James and Valerie Brown $13,119

3210 Bayou Sound

A/C change-out

Indenture of Trust of TE $13,000

740 Spanish Drive N.

A/C change-out

Keith Andrew Evans

$12,248

840 Tarawitt Drive

Lift

Joseph C. Dominguez

$12,000

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 28

Source: Town of Longboat Key

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

27

Coldwell Banker

CONGRATULATES Judy Kepecz-Hays &

Steven Kepecz Judy Kepecz-Hays | 941.587.1700 Steven Kepecz | 941.376.6411 Website: www.LongboatKeyLuxury.com Email: Kepecz@JudyHays.com | LBKrealtor@gmail.com

$100+ Million Closed Sales January 1 – May 27, 2021 RITZ-CARLTON MANAGED 5-STAR RESORT STYLE LIVING

1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive #606 $2,675,000 3 bedrooms or 2 master bedrooms en-suite plus a den. 2 parking spaces under building.

Ritz-Carlton membership negotiable. www.TheBeachResidences606.com MLS A4445110

1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive #308 $2,700,000 Furnished Two-bedrooms 2256 sq. ft. Enclosed 2-car garage.

Massive 1100 sq. ft. terrace. Ritz-Carlton beach/spa membership included. www.TheBeachResidences308.com MLS A4497402

1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive #804 $3,750,000 Furnished SUNSET and SUNRISE views. 3 bedrooms plus den or 4 bedrooms. 2 parking spaces under building.

Ritz-Carlton beach/spa membership included. www.TheBeachResidences804.com MLS A4493203

ARIA | 2251 Gulf of Mexico Drive Residence #204 $5.6 Million I represented Buyer & Seller Penthouse #504 $5.9 Million I brought the Buyer

2295 Gulf of Mexico Drive #34S $785,000 Partially Furnished 2 bed / 2 bath. Residence completely updated including new hurricane windows and doors www.IslanderClub34S.com | MLS A4502448

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Real estate

baths and 1,560 square feet of living area. It sold for $900,000 in 2007.

FROM PAGE 26

THE BEACHES OF LONGBOAT KEY

SANCTUARY AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

M. Darren and Michelle Root, of Bloomington, Indiana, sold their Unit A-202 condominium at 545 Sanctuary Drive to John Patrick Courtney and Kathy Bader Courtney, of Iowa City, Iowa, for $2.5 million. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths and 3,394 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,575,000 in 2019.

Robert Parks and Loria Parks, trustees, of Lynnfield, Massachusetts, sold the Unit B-301 condominium at 585 Sanctuary Drive to Agrisys Ventures 2 LLC for $1.5 million. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths and 1,785 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,362,500 in 2007.

Equity Trust Co. sold the Unit 1006 condominium at 775 Longboat Club Road to Joseph and Marcy Padorr, of Highland Park, Illinois, for $895,000. Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,524 square feet of living area. It sold for $770,000 in 2008.

BUTTONWOOD DRIVE

Warren and Emma Platt, of Suwanee, Georgia, sold their home at 601 Buttonwood Drive to Carrie Cimino and Patricia Szakal, of Longboat Key, for $892,000. Built in 1971, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,538 square feet of living area. It sold for $490,000 in 2017.

WINDING OAKS

GRAND BAY

Syma and Jay Cohn, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 482 condominium at 3010 Grand Bay Blvd. to Gary and Beth Kaye, of Scarsdale, New York, for $1,295,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths and 2,143 square feet of living area LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

Benjamin and Sandra Krause, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the Unit N-704 condominium at 603 Longboat Club Road to Peter Remington and Peggy Daitch, trustees, of Birmingham, Michigan, for $1.15 million. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two

David and Susan Gorin, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 53 condominium at 3408 Winding Oaks Drive to Penelope Ann Rezendes and Robert Tupper Rezendes, of Longboat Key, for $850,000.

Built in 1988, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,039 square feet of living area.

It sold for $282,500 in 1991.

LONGBOAT BEACH HOUSE

Christopher Burns, trustee, of Pittsburgh, sold the Unit 504 condominium at 4311 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Santa Fe Real Estate Investments LLC for $785,000. Built in 1977, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,239 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2000.

LIDO HARBOUR SOUTH

Louis Ladimer Najfus and Dahlia Nalinie Najfus, of Auburn, Georgia, sold their Unit 501 condominium at 2110 Benjamin Franklin Drive to John Texada and Courtney Ann Ferris, of Sarasota, for $775,000. Built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,248 square feet of living area. It sold for $510,000 in 2020.

NAUTILUS LONGBEACH VILLAGE

Christopher and Christine Williams, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 13 condominium at 7065 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Raymond and D’Arcy Arpke, of Longboat Key, for $750,000.

Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,170 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2015.

THE PRIVATEER NORTH

James and Lisa Tillman, of Ozark, Missouri, sold their Unit 304 condominium at 1050 Longboat Club Road to Kenneth and Jill Stein, of Dallas, for $680,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,409 square feet of living area.

It sold for $360,000 in 2019.

PORTOBELLO

John Bretti, of Katonah, New York, sold his Unit B-602 condominium at 3240 Gulf of Mexico Drive to David and Brenda Hall, of Franklin, Tennessee, for $625,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,505 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2006.

Thomas and Jacqueline Pynn, trustees, of Phoenix, sold the Unit B-305 condominium at

3240 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Bassam Peter Samani and Elizabeth Samani, of Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, for $470,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,505 square feet of living area. It sold for $485,000 in 2007.

HARBOUR VILLA CLUB AT THE BUCCANEER

Erik and Karin Vonk, of Richland, Georgia, sold their Unit 302 condominium at 615 Dream Island Place to Keith and Heather Gerding, of Madison, New Jersey, for $615,000. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,293 square feet of living area. It sold for $570,000 in 2004.

SLEEPY LAGOON PARK

Paul and Laura Cooper, of Sarasota, sold their home at 562 Juan Anasco Drive to MJMR Holdings Inc. for $585,000. Built in 1955, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,571 square feet of living area. It sold for $172,500 in 1998.

LIDO BEACH CLUB

Edward Allen and Lorraine Gawronski, trustees, sold the Unit 405 condominium at 1212 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Charles Philip Bird and Carla Kay Bird, of Sarasota, for $500,000. Built in 1974, it has one bedroom, one bath and 1,116 square feet of living area. It sold for $265,000 in 2012.

CEDARS EAST

Mark and Nicole Bernardi, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 23 condominium at 539 Forest Way to Seth and Amanda Cooper, of St. Petersburg, for $465,000. Built in 1990, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half

baths and 1,440 square feet of living area. It sold for $380,000 in January.

WINDWARD BAY

Nelson and Deborah Applegate, of Bradenton, sold their Unit 206 condominium at 4500 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Robert and Nina McSparren, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, for $465,000.

Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,152 square feet of living area. It sold for $360,000 in 2017.

PELICAN HARBOUR AND BEACH CLUB

Lauren Lefkovitz, trustee, of Punta Gorda, sold the Unit Q-2 condominium at 4234 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Robert and Karen Darby, of New Fairfield, Connecticut, for $433,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,150 square feet of living area. It sold for $160,000 in 1984.

SPANISH MAIN YACHT CLUB

LuLu Lancaster LLC sold the Unit 120 condominium at 562 Spanish Drive S. to Ira Jeffrey Love and Teresa Olson Love, of Ellicott City, Maryland, for $400,000. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,403 square feet of living area. It sold for $227,000 in 2013.

WHITNEY BEACH

EB3 Investment Properties LLC sold the Unit 175 condominium at 6750 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Michael and Deborah Chaplo, of Long Valley, New Jersey, for $399,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,449 square feet of living area.

It sold for $405,000 in 2007.

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FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

Sherry Packard captured this image of a seagull flying on a nearly clear day over Longboat Key.

29

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

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FRIDAY, JUNE 4

Submit your photos at YourObserver. com/ Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 202122 Weather and Nature photo contest.

In February 2022, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

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High: 84 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 32%

SATURDAY, JUNE 5 High: 84 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 33%

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, June 3

6:35a 8:22p

Friday, June 4

6:35a

8:22p

Saturday, June 5

6:34a

8:23p

Sunday, June 6

6:34a

8:23p

Monday, June 7

6:34a

8:24p

Tuesday, June 8

6:34a

8:24p

Wednesday, June 9

6:34a

8:24p

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, JUNE 6 High: 86 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 33%

June 24 Full

TIDES

July 1 Last

July 9 New

Highs

July 17 First

Lows

Thursday, June 3

9:08a 8:16p

2:30a 3:26p

Friday, June 4

9:27a 9:43p

3:10a 4:30p

Saturday, June 5

9:47a 10:58p

3:46a

5:20p

Sunday, June 6

10:06a

—

4:17a

6:02p

Monday, June 7

12:03a

10:26a

4:44a

6:41p

Tuesday, June 8

1:02a

10:47a

5:05a

7:17p

Wednesday, June 9 1:57a 11:11a

5:22a

7:52p

MANASOTA FLOORING INC KARASTAN, MOHAWK, AIRO, SMARTSTRAND, ALL PET

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ROAD TRIP by Zhouqin Burnikel; Edited by David Steinberg

110 She-Ra’s twin brother 112 Internists’ org.

113 Hopeless, as a situation 114 Weep 116 “When pigs fly,” e.g.

119 Around the year of 121 “The Weight of Water” author Shreve 124 Home of a New York zoo 127 Knob on a church instrument 129 Text on a tablet?

130 Frothy morning drink 131 Vegetable in potato soup 132 Double-reed woodwind 133 Bumble meetups 134 Change 135 Medical lab liquids 136 Badminton barriers

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Asks for a dog biscuit 5 Liver output 9 Tibet Museum’s city 14 Bear with 19 Its state insects are honeybees 20 Tibet’s continent 21 “This ticks me off!”

22 Identified 23 One may start after dark 25 Sheets’ storage site?

27 Anne or Calvin of fashion 28 A rabbit has 28 30 Queen’s tenure 31 Persona ___ grata

32 Similar 34 Mouse’s bigger cousin 35 Vendor’s stall 37 Unfortunate return on a bond 42 Preppy jacket fabric 44 Cheer in a Spanish soccer stadium 45 Took command 46 Catcher’s stance 49 Garment for an Indian bridesmaid 51 Chick tenders 53 Makeup artist McEvoy 55 Post-op regimen 57 Sitcom interruption

58 Available, as ale 60 Take to task 62 Plenty 64 Gloomy music genre 65 Fritter away 66 Student advocacy grp.

67 What a walkie-talkie transmits 70 Concerning 72 Money, slangily 74 Red-haired biblical twin 75 “I played already” 79 Hi-___ images 81 Inexperienced gamers 85 Fri. preceder 86 Mix, as miso soup

87 Ward off 89 Drained of color 90 Part of every 1-800 number 92 Join forces 94 Expand upon 97 Dog on the Yellow Brick Road 98 Not many 99 Move from Kansas to Missouri, say 101 Opposite of ‘neath 102 Hailed vehicle 103 Surprise ending 106 Performer’s badge, perhaps

41 Expected 43 “The Queen’s Gambit,” e.g.

47 Cardamom-flavored 93-Down 48 Rings over angels’ heads 50 Ed Sheeran, to Sheerios 52 Classic Thai street food 54 Longtime SeaWorld orca 56 Office manager 59 Philippine coins 61 Hive male 63 Disney princess voiced by Anika Noni Rose 66 ___ over (examining) 68 Had the nerve 69 Podcast invitee 71 Skirt with an attached bodice, usually 73 Trying experience 75 Chichen ___ (Mayan ruins) DOWN 76 Software piracy, e.g.

1 Cheap way to buy, with “in” 77 “Oh, what the heck!”

2 Footnote abbr.

78 Huey, Dewey and Louie, 3 Ones making boarding e.g. announcements 80 Urgent care pro 4 Johnson who co-founded 82 Question following an BET unexpected knock 5 “___, humbug!”

83 People often find bugs 6 “Very much so!” in them 7 Biographical focus 84 Pretentious sorts 8 Casual restaurant 88 Ryokan floor mat 9 Match alternative 91 Toddler’s scrape 10 Med. insurance plan 93 Pekoe or sencha 11 Love, to Latin lovers 95 Many a summer intern 12 Saltimbocca herb 96 Words after a guess 13 Improvise 100 Lazy person 14 “Coming up next ... “ 104 Smug smiles 15 Where glasses are washed 105 “Voila!” regularly 107 December songs 16 “Ah, this is amazing!”

108 Graceful waterbird 17 “Whip It” band 109 Attaches, as a corsage 18 Where the serpent 111 Nabisco wafer brand tempted Eve 114 Looped in via email 24 Agitated mood 115 Country singer McEntire 26 Grand slam in showbiz 117 Milky-colored gemstone 29 Martial art similar to qi 118 ___ James (2021 gong Bachelor) 33 Highlander’s garment 120 First Nations people 36 Diagnostic procedure 122 Steam whistle sound 37 “Ain’t happening!”

123 Tailless primates 38 Justice Kagan 125 From head to ___ 39 Formal proclamation 126 Numbered hwy.

40 Parent company of 128 Nora Lum ___ Awkwafina Lancome

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“XSYM J LBTUB XUJBJMK LZMKL TMF JB BIUML JMBZ TM ZPYUDC OYDTOZUYF JMBYDDYVBITD RUZVYLL, J HILB BSUZX JB ZIB.” TDTMJL NZUJLLYBBY

“IR LPNR VW ER DXSXVPHVG YWO BXHZHRGG, GAENROGXNR YWO GIRRVHRGG PHZ OPZXJPSG YWO VRHZROHRGG.”

JWOHRS IRGV

Puzzle Two Clue: U equals A

Sarasota

Puzzle One Clue P equals V

CARPET

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

06-03-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

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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.

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

CLEAN OUT YOUR GARAGE! CALL 941-955-4888

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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “When I start writing songs and it turns into an overly belabored intellectual process, I just throw it out.”

Alanis Morissette Puzzle Two Solution: “We have to be militants for kindness, subversive for sweetness and radicals for tenderness.”

Cornel West

This week’s Sudoku answers

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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

ROGER SELLS

LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES MORE THAN $113 MILLION SOLD SINCE JANUARY 2021

1588 NORTH CASEY KEY ROAD

$9,500,000

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

$669,000

This lovely, updated home in the wonderfully private and family-friendly community of Oak Ford is located on nearly one-acre of property adjacent to a lush preserve area that protects your privacy. An ideal spot to escape, this 4BR residence offers beautiful renovations inside and out that you will immediately appreciate.

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3731 INDIAN BEACH PLACE

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Direct bayfront estate! Built in 2006 with the high standards of Triangle Construction, designed with energy efficient and sustainable materials, this 5BR, lavish bayfront residence is the epitome of luxury waterfront living.

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An enviable direct Gulf-to-bay location is the highlight at this 3BR bungalow on the private island of Casey Key. This unique parcel offers nearly 100’ of direct beach frontage with an additional peninsula that juts out to the sailboat waters of Little Sarasota Bay, and includes a protected dock in a sheltered basin with multiple boating possibilities. Create your own dream-home experience at this remote jewel.

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CALL TODAY FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE TOUR (941) 387-1840 443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F | Sarasota, FL 34236 595 Bay Isles Road, Suite 250 | Longboat Key, FL 34228 Pettingell.com | www.bestSarasotarealestate.net Twitter.com/RealRoger | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell | Roger@Pettingell.com Owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC 358650-1

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• Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics • Member of American Academy of Implant Dentistry • Post Doctoral Instructor of Full Mouth Reconstruction

• Member of the International Association of Orthodontics • Member of American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

Phenny Polpornvitoon, DMD • Member of American Dental Association • Member of American Association of Women Dentists • Member of American Academy of Implant Dentistry • Member of International Congress of Oral Implantologists

• International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology

Advanced Care and Dental Technology at One Location Stay Connected With Us

(941) 999-3205 | 3951 Swift Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231

356478-1

Est. 1987

Cosmetics, Implants and Bite Reconstruction Actual Patients

Smile Makeovers and Veneers

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Dental Implant Surgery and Reconstruction

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On-Site Laboratory with Master Technicians to Customize and Control Results Implant Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

Orthotropic Orthodontics

• Digitally Guided Implant Surgery

• Conservative ‘No Prep’ Veneers

• Airway Ortho for Children and Adults

• On-Site Cat Scan

• Nonsurgical Facelifts

• PRP and PRF Blood Enhancers

• Bite Correction

• Orthotropic Ortho for Children and Adults

• Bruxism Treatment

• IV Sedation

• Lumineers®

• Bone Grafts and Sinus Lifts • Zirconia and Titanium Implants • Laser Assisted Surgery

• Botox, Fillers, PDO Threads, Microneedling • Laser Assisted Gum Tissue Treatment

• Crooked Teeth and Bite Correction • Receding Chin Correction • Smile Broadening • Non-Extraction of Permanent Teeth

(941) 999-3205 | SarasotaDentist.com 3951 Swift Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231