Longboat Observer 7.29.21

LONGBOAT

Observer Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

Sweet rewards.

PAGE 14

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

•

FREE THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

VOLUME 43, NO. 51

Clear skies

YOUR TOWN

File photo

Once a winner

Canal cleanup

Julie McGue is twice a daughter and now once a winner thanks to a Silver Award from the Nonfiction Authors Association.

Her autobiography, “Twice a Daughter,” chronicles the adopted McGue’s journey to find her biological family.

It is McGue’s first book and came out in May. After just a few months, she’s been high up the Amazon adoption best-sellers list and nabbed the Silver in the Nonfiction Authors Association’s Biography and Memoir category.

McGue will sign books and meet new fans at the Suncoast Local Book Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 2 at Bookstore1, 12 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota.

Workers begin removing power poles. PAGE 5

As red tide affects some areas, the town clarifies its cleanup policies.

SEE PAGE 3

Sitting pretty Even the furry family members got in on picture day July 25 on St. Armands Circle. It was Family Day, and the theme was family portraits, with an emphasis on the four-legged siblings.

Family Day is part of the Circle’s Sol of the Circle summer events, which also include yoga and an evening of busking musicians.

This was the second Family Day, the first having been a day with Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Next, there will be an Author’s Day on Aug. 29 where children’s authors will be embedded around the Circle, followed by an Arts Day on Sept. 26.

Mark Bergin

On July 22, Volt Power Co. crews work to remove light poles from Birdie Lane. Groundman Jared Truxillo is pictured here at the base of the wooden pole.

Mark Bergin

Country Club Shores resident Christopher Sachs was pleased the canal between Yardarm Lane and Bowsprit Lane was mostly clear by the time he returned home from a trip July 17.

Sharks take a breather

Turtle Tracks LONGBOAT July 18-24

2021 2020 Nests 60 68 False Crawls 88 48 Totals since April 25

2021 2020 Nests 979 1,088 False Crawls 1,347 1,278 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

A+E

Nat Kaemmerer

Bonnethead sharks take refuge off Buttonwood Drive.

Hundreds of sharks pack Longboat canals to escape red tide.

SEE PAGE 2

New stage in the making. PAGE 13

2

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

Shark week comes to Longboat Key On Longboat Key, residents can see a few species of sharks looking for easier breathing away from the bay.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

S

harks from Sarasota Bay are crowding the waters of some Longboat Key neighborhoods in an attempt to get a breather from red tide.

There are hundreds of sharks in the canal, said Jack Morris, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s senior biologist in the Sharks and Rays Research Program. After getting a few calls from residents on the east side of Longboat Key, he went to investigate along Buttonwood Drive. He’s seen four species: blacktip, bonnethead, lemon and nurse. Normally, these sharks don’t venture into canals, because there’s not a lot there for them to eat.

“The presence of red tide is basically forcing these animals to actually seek refuge in areas that don’t have red tide,” Morris said. “Right now, that happens to be Buttonwood Harbor, Crane’s Bayou and in that canal adjacent to it. They’re just kind of balled up into that area. … It’s not the optimal conditions for those sharks, but in the presence of red tide,

that’s probably the only safe place for them right now.”

Red tide can cause a decrease in oxygen in the water, so the sharks have left the bay to try to find some easier water to breathe. Morris said there are so many sharks in Buttonwood Harbor that they’re running into each other.

“The local community actually put air stones that are bubbling air into the waterway,” Morris said. “That’s basically helping boost the oxygen content in the water, which could be another reason why the animals are actually seeking refuge into that area because they’re actually getting higher concentrations of oxygen.”

Once red tide decreases, the sharks should find their way back into their usual habitats on the seagrass flats on the west side of Sarasota Bay and in deeper waters, where lemon and nurse sharks like to hang out. If you see sharks while they’re taking refuge, you will probably see bonnetheads and blacktips up near the surface.

“I’m assuming that we probably have equal numbers at the surface as we do below that line, so it’s probably pretty packed with animals right now,” Morris said. “And sharks aren’t the only things that are there. … I’m sure rays and things of that nature have got to be in there as well.”

Morris advised against swimming in canals. Some of the lemon sharks are up to 5 or 6 feet, a size

com use.

Th

Blacktip shark: Blacktips often grow to 5 feet and are known by the black markings on the ends of their fins.

Commonly found in warm waters, including brackish coastal regions, they have been known to make spectacular leaps from the water when attacking schools of small fish. They are often wary of humans but have bitten people.

Bonnethead shark: A relative of the hammerhead, the bonnethead is common in warm, coastal waters. They are typically 2-3 feet but can be larger. Perhaps the only sharks that eat seagrasses, crustaceans and other underwater animals, bonnetheads are not known to be aggressive or a danger to humans.

Lemon shark: They can grow to 11 feet and are named for the yellowish coloring. Found from New Jersey to Brazil, lemon sharks feed often on smaller undersea creatures and bites to people are accidental.

Nat Kaemmerer

Sharks are congregating in waters with more oxygen for them to breathe.

that can do some serious damage with a bite. If they get bumped, the lemon sharks will take a chomp. There are so many that even a quick dip invites a bite.

“These animals are so thick that if you fall in, I swear to God,

you’re going to hit probably five sharks,” Morris said. “It’s most prevalent in the morning there at the surface, at least the bonnetheads are. I feel like I could run across the canal on the backs of the sharks.”

Nurse shark: Considered slow and sedentary, nurse sharks have bitten humans possibly because of inexperienced divers’ inattention to their pokey outward appearance. They can grow to 10 feet and mostly feed on crustaceans, small fish and rays.

TAX FREE HOLIDAY

* 12 MONTHS NO INTEREST PICK UP TODAY OR FREE DOOR DELIVERY TOMORROW** eho War

ture

rni eFu

KNOW YOUR SHARKS

WE OFFER FULL-SERVICE DELIVERY AND SET-UP Need Help Shopping Online? Call 941-359-2255

and sleek Reclining sofa. Gliding console loveseat & recliner available. Also in chocolate.

Simple

elegance Includes counter height round table and 4 chairs. Also in white.

Stores Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 11-6

F U R N I T U R E

Entertain. Engage. Escape.

Entertain. Engage. Escape.

699

$

99 SOFA

499

$

SOUTH SARASOTA 5252 S. Tamiami Trail (at Phillippi Creek) 941-260-9601

99 5-PC

NORTH SARASOTA 4027 N Washington Blvd (Hwy 301) 941-351-8600

Transitional

$

Unique

$

and casual Queen headboard, footboard, rails, dresser and mirror. Also in white.

sleeping experience Serta Luxe Eurotop Queen Mattress

BRADENTON 1100 Cortez Rd W (corner US Hwy 41) 941-749-6069

ELLENTON 5814 18th Street East (across Premium Outlets) 941-479-7900

59999

39999

VENICE 550 S Seaboard Ave (US Hwy 41 Bypass) 941-485-3211

PORT CHARLOTTE 1241 El Jobean Rd (across Sam’s) 941-764-8700

* On Purchases $300 or more with the Furniture Warehouse credit card made between July 29, 2021 and July 28, 2022. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within 12 months, by July 2022. Minimum Monthly Payments required. Offer applies to only single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a nonpromotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. Furniture must be delivered within 90 days for all financing offers. All prices include Hot Buys or Coupon savings. Terms of promotions - Previous purchase excluded, cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Promotion offers exclude Hot Buys, floor models or clearance items, sales tax, furniture protection plans, warranty, delivery, or service charge. ** Next Day Delivery or Pick Up pertains to in-stock merchandise. All items in the ad are in stock now or available within a week, while supplies last.

360491-1

Sporty

F U R N I T U R E

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

|

3

Photos courtesy of town of Longboat Key

Above and below: Longboat Key leaders encourage residents to use floating barriers, such as a boom or a pool noodle, to prevent dead fish from entering the canals.

Mark Bergin

Country Club Shores resident Chris Sachs says he was pleased the canal between Yardarm Lane and Bowsprit Lane was mostly clear by the time he returned home.

SEEING RED Although the dead fish accumulation has subsided, residents hope red tide doesn’t become as severe as in 2018.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

C

hris Sachs was pleased the red tide conditions had somewhat subsided by the time he returned to his Country Club Shores home after being out of town.

“We got back to a relatively clear canal,” Sachs said. “There was still a little bit of foul aroma in the air, but the gist of it had happened prior to that. In fact, one of our neighbors had taken pictures of the canal, and there were quite a few dead fish.”

A picture taken July 15 of the canal between Yardarm Lane and Bowsprit Lane showed an accumulation of dead fish. Although Sachs said the canal was mostly clear July 17, it appears some of the dead fish returned July 26.

“We were actually happy to miss that little state of conditions, and my neighbors told me that it wasn’t pleasant,” Sachs said.

Country Club Shores Unit IV Association President Lynn Larson said she became concerned about the dead fish accumulation and foul odor. The conditions have fluctuated in the past few days.

“It never got to the stage where it has been in our worst years, but my concern was I didn’t want to wait until it got to that point,” Larson said. “I had many residents of the association calling me and complaining, especially the ends of the canal. The rest of it wasn’t too bad, but the ends of the canal (are) where they collect.”

The town encourages residents to use floating barriers, such as a purpose-built floating boom or an improvised string of pool noodles, across a canal to prevent dead fish from entering the canals.

“In some canals, they got together and put up a commercial boom at the end of the canal to stop debris from floating in,” Country Club Shores resident Doreen Dupont said. “Whereas where I live, they’re more concerned about the few people who boat. They’re concerned that it might not be that easy to attach and detach the boom when they

Photo courtesy of Chris Sachs

On July 15, dead fish accumulated in the canal between Yardarm Lane and Bowsprit Lane.

go out.”

The town determines whether to clear the dead fish from canals or the beach using daily assessments based on concentrations, weather and tidal conditions.

Accumulations must be heavy enough and remain in place for three to four tidal cycles before crews will be dispatched.

“We do have a canal cleanup program, once it gets to a certain level of accumulation, but it is a very intensive operation. It’s very hands on,” Town Manager Tom Harmer said. “We have to take our Public Works crew off their current assignments, put them out in our Public Works boat, and it’s really hand work with nets.”

Harmer said the town’s canal cleanup is unique to Longboat Key. He’s not aware of any other local government in the twocounty area that cleans canals; most of them focus on beaches.

The town can hire a contractor to help with cleanup if the town’s Public Works staff deems it necessary. The town has a $50,000 contingency budget for red tide each year. Any unused funds go back into the general fund.

On July 16, the town cleaned a canal in Country Club Shores with a moderate accumulation of dead fish.

“When we do the work ourselves, there’s still some expense,” Harmer said. “There’s probably some overtime expense for our personnel, whether that’s taking the dead fish to the landfill or working extra hours that we would bill to that contingency.”

Asked about the possibility of state reimbursement, Harmer said the town would continue to monitor discussions that Tampa

Bay area leaders are having with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. A declared state of emergency would trigger a different type of reimbursement, Harmer said.

“The town has always been wonderfully responsive to inquiries and questions, and that’s the best part,” Sachs said. “They’ve even had people come out, and they do an assessment, which I think is fair and certainly responsible, especially with limited resources.”

Although conditions have improved, Larson said she disagreed with the town’s initial assessment that there was only “minor” accumulation in the Country Club Shores neighborhood canals.

“When they said, ‘Oh, it’s minor,’ and when he says, ‘minor and neighboring communities don’t do this,’ I mean it’s like, don’t tell me what time it is in China,” Larson said. “I don’t live in China, and I don’t live in North Port, and I don’t live in St. Pete.”

Larson said the conditions caused her dog to start coughing while they took a walk through the neighborhood.

“That’s why I say, ‘It’s only minor if it’s not in your backyard,’ because that wasn’t minor,” Larson said.

It’s anyone’s guess on how long the town will feel the effects of red tide. The town has an ordinance banning the application of fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorous between June 1 and Sept. 30.

“It just depends on how severe the event becomes,” Harmer said.

“Right now, we’re able to manage it within our contingency account

A BLOOMING MESS Town officials say decisions on when to begin cleaning up dead sea life on the beaches or in canals adjacent to public streets are based on several dynamic factors, such as the density of the sea life, how long it’s been in a location, and the outlook for wind and tidal action.

In many cases, a dense accumulation of fish can be flushed out by natural action, which can be more efficient than manual or mechanized removal.

The town categorizes accumulations as mild, moderate and heavy. Images corresponding to each are intended as guides but don’t always look the same everywhere.

Mild: A few fish scattered in a given location

Moderate: A denser accumulation with some areas thicker than others

Heavy: A consistent coverage in a given area According to the town, dead sea life accumulations must meet moderate to heavy assessment levels that remain stationary after three to four tidal cycles to warrant the need to deploy cleanup crews.

and our current employees, but we just don’t know.

“Is this another couple of weeks, or is this a couple of months? And is it going to stay the same, or is it going to get worse? We just don’t know.”

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

Emily Walsh named president of Observer

MOON EYEWEAR MOON & & COMPANY COMPANY EYEWEAR LUXURY & EXOTIC EXOTIC LUXURY &

DAVID CONWAY

Custom Prescription Eyewear Custom Prescription Eyewear

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

SARASOTA’S FINEST FINEST SARASOTA’S EYEWEAR BOUTIQUE BOUTIQUE EYEWEAR

II Y N YA YA KKEE YO OK KO O II N

WE MISS YOU! JULY SPECIAL GIFT

—$100 Available in store or online — COME SUPPORT SHOP LOCAL THIS SEASON off on a &pair of presciption glasses

EXCLUSIVELY ATaMOON & COMPANY and $50 off comprehensive eye EYEWEAR exam.

Our Showroom is Clean & Safe Get a special gift with every purchase from now until December 31st T: 941-260-8523

361512-1

W: mooncoeyewear.com E: sales@mooncoeyewear.com T: 941-260-8523 W: mooncoeyewear.com 105 S Lemon AVE | Sarasota, Fl 34236 E: sales@mooncoeyewear.com

!

W O RR LY! O M ON O S T S EEK T AR W ST WO T

File photo

Matt Walsh said the company has been preparing for Emily Walsh to step into this leadership role for years. Emily Walsh said she was eager to work with the Observer Media Group’s leadership team to ensure the company continues to carry out its mission into the next generation.

“We’re committed to being your local community newspaper for many years to come, and we’re also committed to innovating and elevating, as our vision statement says,” Emily Walsh said.

This week, Emily Walsh announced another promotion among the Observer Media Group’s leadership ranks: Kat Hughes, the executive editor of the Sarasota-area Observers, will serve as the company’s chief operating officer.

Founded in 1995 by Matt and Lisa Walsh and David and Ruth Beliles, Observer Media Group publishes the Longboat, Sarasota, East County, Siesta Key and Business Observers; West Orange Times & Observer; LWR Life; and Season magazine.

Observer Media Group President Emily Walsh has spent nearly two decades with the company, working in roles including publisher, chief digital officer, editor and advertising sales executive.

347968-1

105 S Lemon AVE | Sarasota, Fl 34236

Emily Walsh has been named president of the Observer Media Group, continuing a multigenerational lineage at the helm of the Florida media company.

Matt Walsh, Emily Walsh’s father, announced the promotion at the company’s annual meeting in June. Matt Walsh said he will step back from some leadership responsibilities, though he will retain his position as CEO. “In the life of just about every company, there’s a time when it needs new energy and new perspectives,” Matt Walsh said.

“Emily and her team are going to bring that to what the Observers do while at the same time never forgetting our roots: that we are a local news media company that is totally committed to providing relevant, useful local news to our readers.”

Emily Walsh, 41, has served as publisher of the Observer Media Group’s Sarasota-based newspapers, magazines and websites since 2016. She joined the company 20 years ago as a photographer for the Black Tie section of the Longboat Observer, later serving as editor of the Black Tie and Arts & Entertainment sections, an advertising sales executive and chief digital officer.

Walsh has taken a leading role in the company’s digital operations for more than a decade, managing the launch of YourObserver.com in 2009 and the digital marketing and advertising agency Digital Observer Media in 2013.

EXCEPTIONAL VACATION RENTALS

THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY and THE RINGLING present

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

877-705-2459 3720 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228

info@FLVacationConnection.com FLVacationConnection.com

Locally owned and managed since 1994

Starting in 1985...

TRUCK #1

36 YEARS & OVER 50 TRUCKS LATER...

360053-1

Incredible Family Entertainment AT THE RINGLING HISTORIC ASOLO THEATER

FRI JULY 30 – SAT AUG 14

The Ringling

|

5401 Bay Shore Rd

18

$

12

$

LIC. # CFC1426956

LIC. # CAC181 8472

LIC. # CPC1458908

401 Manatee Avenue, Holmes Beach 361580-1

941.360.7399

Happy Anniversary!

MON – FRI 11 AM & 2 PM SAT 2 PM & 5 PM CHILD

TICKETS: ringling.org

Celebrating 36 years of Customer Care...

12 & UNDER

The health & safety of our patrons & artists is our highest priority. Face masks are recommended.

352620-1

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

ADULT

4

778-5622

www.lapenseeplumbing.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

5

Crews begin light pole removal project Crews have started removing light poles from the Country Club Shores neighborhood.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

Longboat Key has started to remove overhead light poles in the Country Club Shores neighborhood as part of its townwide project to bury utilities on the island.

The work marks the last portion of phase one of the project, which extends from the southern tip of the island north through the County Club Shores neighborhood.

“I do my own celebrations privately, but this is a significant moment because this is really what we’ve really been looking for,” Public Works Project Manager James Linkogle said.

Town Manager Tom Harmer mentioned how Florida Power & Light Co. is responsible for the pole removal process.

“It is not something that we control, so that’s why we’re excited to see it happening,” Harmer said.

Last week, FPL had subcontractors Volt Power Co. and Southeastern Traffic Supply work to remove light poles along streets in the Country Club Shores neighborhood. It included Putting Green Lane and Birdie Lane.

“I kind of had one of those hallelujah moments,” Linkogle said.

Linkogle said the crews will

continue removing poles from the side streets out to Gulf of Mexico Drive.

“When you see those poles come down, that’s a real significant milestone because then as you’re entering on the island, you’ll no longer see aerial facilities throughout that section,” Linkogle said.

The process includes the town getting its underground infrastructure in place, turning over the as-built drawings, getting them approved, initiating and completing the switch-orders, and getting conversions done.

Then the town has FPL and its subcontractors strip wires off the poles and salvage them before removing the poles.

“It’s exciting to see that phase of it,” Harmer said. “Really, when the poles start to be removed, you can really see what that final product looks like when (there are) no aerial utilities in the neighborhood, and so it is one of the big final steps in closing out phase one.”

Linkogle said town staff has heard positive feedback from residents.

“They’re just really glad to see it,” Linkogle said. “Their ultimate goal is to see all these lines down as well.”

As of July 23, Linkogle said crews have converted 92% of the homes in phase one of the project.

Phase two continues from the northern tip of the island to Dream Island Road.

“We’re working through the neighborhood sections of remaining areas of phase two,

Photos by Mark Bergin

Above: On July 22, Volt Power Co. workers removed several light poles along Birdie Lane.

Right: Volt Power Co. groundsman Jared Truxillo looked on as workers removed a light pole from Birdie Lane.

and then we’ll continue to pull wires, set equipment and work toward getting the initial switch order established for phase two,” Linkogle said.

Phase three work goes from Country Club Shores to the county line.

“We’re also progressing north in the FDOT right of way in phase three,” Linkogle said. “I would say by the end of this month or next month, we should be (near)

the county line with the main feeder conduits in the Gulf of Mexico corridor in phase three, and there’s not a lot of neighborhoods in the phase three section.”

Phase four goes from Dream Island Road south to the county line.

Linkogle said the town will save $1.8 million in phase four of the project. The savings come from a formula FPL established with the Public Service Commission for

undergrounding work.

Linkogle said the town expects to begin phase four of the project later this summer.

Create the Florida Look

IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

ON ALL IN STOCK FURNITURE*

Coastal - Chic - Beachy - BoHo - Urban Farmhouse - Natural - Neutral

Be Inspired

12 MONTHS INTEREST FREE FINANCING*

www.thepamaroshop.com

5465 University Pkwy University Park, FL 34201 Phone: (941) 359-0025

Pamaro South

4586 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34231 Phone: (941) 923-3299

Pamaro North

7782 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243 Phone: (941) 355-5619

* WITH APPROVED CREDIT. PLEASE NOTE SOME ITEMS PICTURED HERE MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE

360888-1

Pamaro East

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

Dog park temporarily closes for resodding

AIR CONDITIONING • APPLIANCES • PLUMBING • ELECTRICAL

BADGER BOB’S

IS ALWAYS BETTER BY THE NUMBERS

The town plans to reopen the dog park in early September.

A million things can go wrong with your home systems, but it takes just one call to get your A/C, plumbing, appliance and electrical running right. With Badger Bob’s, you can expect exceptional service, special offers and promotions to save you money, and a guarantee of a job well done… at any time, every time.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

Longboat Key has temporarily closed the dog park at Bayfront Park to install new sod.

Longboat Key’s park within a park is set to reopen in early September.

“The town was very, very responsive,” dog owner Peter Larson said. “I am very pleased with how the town of Longboat Key handled this matter, and I personally feel that they did it in a very expeditious manner. I was afraid there was going to be a lot of red tape and bureaucracy.”

Larson and other dog owners who regularly take their furry friends to Bayfront Park pushed town leaders to resod.

Streets, Facilities, Parks and Recreation Manager Mark Richardson said that the town paid Bradenton-based Prestige Sod Service $6,250 for the project. In April, Richardson had estimated for the resodding to cost up to $10,000.

Richardson said the town picked Prestige because the company offered the lowest bid among the three that the town received.

“Everybody seemed pretty excited that the town decided to resod it, so everything’s been pretty positive,” Richardson said.

“Obviously, being closed for two months doesn’t sit well with everybody, but … when you lay sod, whether it’s at your house or whether’s in a park, you have to let it take root so it will last as long as possible, and that’s typically a two-month process with sod.”

Crews laid the sod on Monday. Richardson said August and September tend to be the slowest months for the dog park and also

One Call Really Does it All – 941.777.2004

BADGER BOB’S NEW A/C GUARANTEE

0%

Financing for 60 months!*

10-Year Warranty

on Parts & Labor*

10-Year

Maintenance Plan *Restrictions apply.

ALTERNATE PARK OPTIONS Off-Leash Dog Parks n Holmes Beach Dog Park (62nd Street and Flotilla Drive) n Laurie Crawford Dog Park (2811 51st St. W., Bradenton) n Arlington Park (2650 Waldemere St., Sarasota) Off-Leash Dog Beach n Brohard Beach and Paw Park (1600 Harbor Drive, Venice) On-Leash Parks n Bayfront Park n Joan M. Durante Park n Ken Thompson Park (City Island) n Palma Sola Causeway (State Road 64)

when it is warmest and rainiest.

“You definitely don’t want to lay sod in cool months or in winter months, and it just coincides where the best growing for sod is during the summer when it is raining and it is warmer,” Richardson said, adding that the town would plan to allocate funding in its capital budget to resod the dog park every three years. Bayfront Park’s dog park opened in 2017.

For the next few weeks, Richardson and the usual Bayfront dog park community have relocated their morning routines to Joan M. Durante Park at 5550 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Dogs are required to wear a leash at Durante Park.

The dog park at Bayfront Park is the only public area in the town of Longboat Key that allows dogs to legally be unleashed. However, leashed dogs are still allowed at Bayfront Park even with the resodding process underway.

and repairs

IT ALL ADDS UP TO BETTER

SERVICE, BETTER PRICES & A BETTER EXPERIENCE… ONLY WITH

941-706-4170

Emergency Service

BADGERBOBS.COM

License #: CFC1427129, CAC1815977, EC13009294

Longboat Key, FL 34228

longboatkeyroofing.net Tile. Metal. Shingle. Specialty Systems.

–ROOFING– CCC1331391

360220-1

24/ 7

941.777.2004

5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive

349077-1

6

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

7

File photo

Longboat vaccination rate near 100% MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

If the residents of Longboat Key aren’t 100% vaccinated yet, they’re close.

Chuck Henry, the health officer with the Florida Department of Health’s Sarasota County office, provided Longboat Key leaders data that shows 6,366 residents have completed their COVID-19 vaccine series, and 943 people have received one dose.

“I knew they were approaching that, I guess, technical 100% mark, but it’s important to understand that 100% represents the official census number that I have for the island of permanent residents,” Henry said.

In addition to retail sites on Longboat hosting vaccinations as early as February, a Florida Department of Health pop-up site came to the island in May. On Monday, Town Manager Tom Harmer wrote to the Town Commission that Longboat Key had five positive COVID-19 cases in the past two weeks.

“This is still a low number, relatively speaking, but does require close monitoring,” Harmer wrote.

It comes as the number of new COVID-19 cases has risen throughout the state and throughout the area.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital shared an update at the start of the week that the hospital had 36 patients with COVID-19, including seven people in the intensive care unit. SMH said the majority of hospitalizations are among individuals who have not been

fully vaccinated, which is in line with national data.

Henry said there’s a correlation between Longboat Key’s low number of reported COVID-19 cases and its vaccination rate.

The town had a stretch of several weeks without a reported case of COVID-19.

“I’m always leery of saying no cases on the island because I pull the data out of a complex system, and it’s looking at where people are residents of, and so there could very well have been a visitor that went back home and then became sick,” Henry said. “I never say never.”

Henry said 95% of the positive cases in Sarasota County are of people who are not vaccinated.

“We also know that of those that get sick after being vaccinated, typically the majority of them have a much milder illness and are not hospitalized, and so the vaccines make a big difference.”

According to Henry, about 62% of Sarasota County’s total population has received one or two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as of July 14, which includes the segment of children under 12 not eligible. About 67% of eligible residents are vaccinated, he said.

“I’d like it to be higher than that all around,” Henry said.

Henry said there are a few scenarios where people could have a legitimate reason not to get vaccinated.

“I would encourage people to listen to their providers, but short of that, we certainly encourage everyone else to get vaccinated,” Henry said.

Data from the Florida Department of Health’s Sarasota County office shows that 6,366 Longboat residents are fully vaccinated.

JULY 18 - SEPTEMBER 30 EASTERSEALS IS PARTNERING WITH THE FLANZER TRUST IN A MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN. this week, join ambassadors EASTERSEALS’ LILY SCHOOL TWINKLE TOES NANNY AGENCY ALSO JOIN

RISE & NYE’S EVERY SATURDAY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 IN DOWNTOWN SARASOTA! special thanks to the

75

LOCAL DONORS

WHO ARE EACH TAKING A DAY DURING THE CAMPAIGN TO RAISE FUNDS & AWARENESS.

Go to FlanzerTrust.org and click on the donate button.

Select Easterseals Southwest Florida from the menu.

COME ONE COME ALL

BUY ★ SELL ★ TRADE — 2 Guys —

GUN SHOW

AS WE CELEBRATE 75 YEARS OF ENSURING

AUGUST 14 & 15

ABILITIES SHINE EVERY DAY.

Robarts Arena • 3000 Ringling Blvd • Sarasota Saturday 9am - 5pm • Sunday 9am - 3pm

Guns, knives, accessories, ammo, parts and so much more!

2 Hour FRE $1 OFF admission ParkinE CWP with this ad s g!

Classe

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2021

6PM

Port Charlotte: August 21 & 22

ATTIRE:

BLACK TIE OPTIONAL

Contact Guy 727-776-3442 • 2guysshows.com

358479-1

For more information:

AT CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY SAILOR CIRCUS ARENA

FEATURING:

FUN & CELEBRATION

LEARN MORE AT EASTERSEALS-SWFL.ORG/EVENTS

361516-1

Also join us in

8

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

LONGBOAT

OPINION / OUR VIEW

It’s time for new leadership There comes a time in the life of every company when it needs new energy, new perspectives and new ideas. Unfortunately, that also means some of those who grew the business need to go. A case in point.

MATT WALSH

T

his is hard, giving up what you love to do. Many of you out there know what this is like.

Your mind tells you there is still so much that can be accomplished — and that you could accomplish it.

But it’s as if there are these chains of reality around your wrists and ankles tethered to a rock wall, keeping you from chasing all those other dreams you wanted to catch. The chains: your lower energy and tolerance levels, the new generations in the work force, technology.

The reality is: It’s time.

The same story kept circling over the past year and a half. A few years ago, Tampa entrepreneur John Simmons, principal of Growth Advisors in Tampa, shared a business reality with the members of the Gulf Coast CEO Forum: “The most painful part of being a growth company is outgrowing the loyal employees who have been with you from the start,” he said. “Eventually, you need something else, and the best thing you can do is help them find somewhere else where they will be happy. If you don’t leave them behind, that will be a checkpoint for your growth.”

As the Observer Media Group evolved over the past 18 to 24 months, Simmons’ picture sunk in: He was describing me, the founder and CEO of our company for the past 26 years. The company is outgrowing me, it needs something else, and I’m taking the hints and signs to find somewhere else where I’ll be happy.

That last part will be difficult.

I love the Observer Media Group.

I love my associates. I love what we do.

Being a reporter and an editor in the newspaper business is an amazing job. You are paid to meet people of all walks of life, talk to them about what they do and then share what you’ve learned with everyone. It’s the only school in existence where you are paid to learn something new every day of your professional life.

But Simmons is right. Unless I get out of the way, I will be a checkpoint and obstacle for the growth of our company.

If you’ve read the news story on Page 4, you’ve read that my wife, Lisa, and I have elevated our eldest daughter, Emily, to president of the Observer Media Group. We decided to announce it July 28, the 43rd anniversary of the start of our first newspaper, the Longboat Observer, which we purchased in 1995.

This is a role for which Emily

has been in training since she was 15. Her first job in our company was that of janitor, one of three at the Longboat Observer office at 5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Starting in 1995, every Sunday afternoon for several years, Emily; her sister, Kate; and brother, Brian, cleaned the Observer office — emptying trash, mopping and vacuuming floors, and cleaning the toilets in the men’s and women’s bathrooms. They used to leave love notes on the mirror in the men’s bathroom: “If you sprinkle when you tinkle, please be sweet and wipe the seat.”

Emily became a member of the corps de ballet at Sarasota Ballet that year and was intent on making that her professional career.

As often happens, however, an injury ended her ballet career when she was 20.

Home after a semester at Florida State University, Emily informed us she wanted to move to New York City to try to resume her ballet career. Her mother advised her of the cost of New York and suggested she might need to earn some money before heading north.

Lisa said to Emily one day: “We’re short staffed. I need someone to take pictures at a Black Tie event. How about you?”

She did, and much to our surprise, Emily was hooked. Since then, she has held just about every job in a newspaper. As our family’s fourth generation in the newspaper business, she has, as the saying goes, ink in her veins.

Her 20th anniversary at the Observer will be this November.

We’ve been preparing for this transition for about four years, more earnestly the past two. She has told me repeatedly lately: “Let me lead.” She is already bringing that “something else” to the Observer Media Group, all the while staying true to what we do: provide the best local news coverage of any medium in the Sarasota-Manatee market.

When we started this journey in 1995, the Sarasota HeraldTribune had paid circulation of about 120,000. The Longboat Observer had 20,000 free weekly circulation. One of our objectives was to answer these business questions: Can David (the Longboat Observer) overtake Goliath (the Herald-Tribune)? What would it take? And how long?

We predicted it would take 30 years. Last year, during our company’s 25th year in business, the Herald-Tribune’s paid circulation had dropped to 31,700 on Thursdays. The Observers’ four papers — Longboat Observer, Sarasota Observer, East County Observer and Siesta Key Observer — reported audited weekly circulation of 59,200.

The Herald-Tribune still generates more revenue than the Observers, primarily because it is a daily. But every year, our market share has continued to grow.

When we started this journey, we did not want to do business the way most of the other failing dailies were doing business. We believed the idea that providing quality local news coverage —

CIRCULATION OF U.S. DAILY NEWSPAPERS

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

President and Publisher / Emily Walsh EWalsh@YourObserver.com

Weekday

Sunday

Weekday (estimated)

Sunday (estimated) Source: Pew Research

CHALLENGE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION As the post-baby boomer generation continues to fill the leadership roles in the news media industry and now the Observer Media Group, the new leaders face a perplexing challenge — especially in the newspaper business.

We are often asked: How much longer will we be printing newspapers? No one knows.

But when you look at the trend lines and people’s news habits, as the two charts illustrate, the future looks bleak.

For a quarter century, the newspaper industry has been struggling to adjust to what Austrian economist Joseph Schumpeter coined as “creative destruction” — the constant process of innovation. If your business doesn’t innovate, it dies.

This is what the next generation of Observer Media Group leaders is embracing as it works to find a sustainable business model.

As much as we newspaper people still love the printed newspaper, we all know its future as a mass medium is over. The printed newspaper is increasingly a niche medium.

And the Observer newspapers — community weeklies with 100% local news — are a niche within the niche. And they are thriving.

Here’s why: We’re convinced (from experience) that when you cut through all the noise and mayhem of the

and no wire or national coverage — and employing the golden rule to readers and advertisers would be the keys to success.

We’re not perfect, but those tenets continue to work. And Emily and her team are committed to improving on what the Observers do.

As for me, with Emily now president, I’ll be relinquishing a big part of what I have loved — being involved in every detail of our business and trying to steer it in a good, growing direction.

That job will now fall under the leadership and guidance of Emily and her capable team.

I will take on the role that is bestowed on many business founders who can’t let go and need “to find somewhere else” — that of listener, adviser, mentor (when asked). And it will call a new business card that politely casts my title in a way of saying

WHERE AMERICANS PREFER TO GET NEWS Digital platforms Television

52% 35

Radio 7 Print publications 5

world, people who live, work, play and have children in the local schools want to know what’s going on around them.

They want to know who their neighbors are, who’s achieving, who’s not, who needs help, what businesses are opening, where to eat, where to shop, where to heal, where to play, where to worship, where to go to school, what local governments are doing with taxpayers’ money.

The list can go on and on.

And in every community, someone needs to be a trusted source that provides that local information. That someone also needs to be more than a trusted source; it and its associates need to be ingrained as participants in the community.

That has been our company’s formula for 26 years.

Our next generation of leaders continue to embrace it. But their challenge is figuring out how best to be that valuable source and disseminate that information in a digital world.

Watch them. They’re ready for the challenge.

— M.W.

“has been,” “old guy,” “NLI” — no longer important.

For now, though, I’ll continue to serve as the Observer’s voice on the opinion pages, writing editorials, albeit not weekly as done for the past 25 and a half years and gradually fading, as they say, into the sunset.

One of my beliefs about a community’s newspaper always has been that it should have a strong, decisive editorial voice, one that advocates freedom for the individual; free-market capitalism; limited, constitutional government; and for issues and causes that promote a strong, growing, local economy that will make a community a better place to live.

In the words of radio commentator Larry Elder, we have a country to save. And for that cause, I’m not ready to quit.

Executive Editor and COO / Kat Hughes KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Eric Garwood EGarwood@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Mark Bergin, MBergin@ YourObserver.com; Nat Kaemmerer, NKaemmerer@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; José Valle, JValle@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Digital Sales and Business Development Manager / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@YourObserver. com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Audri Ferguson, AFerguson@ YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator / Account Manager Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com Advertising Assistant / Sam Johnson, SJohnson@YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma Burke, EBurke@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Marketing Coordinator / Samantha Dischinger, SDischinger@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Allison Wampole Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Director of Information Technology / Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@YourObserver. com

Observer Media Group Inc.

is locally owned.

Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota Observer, Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Jacksonville Record & Observer, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine

Editor and CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles

5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-366-3468

YourObserver.com © 2020 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

JULY 17

I’LL LET MYSELF OUT, THANKS 12:40 p.m., 6600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Animal call: A caller to police informed officers about a baby raccoon in the property’s swimming pool area. As the officer arrived, he found the animal trying to find a pathway on which to leave. The officer guided the raccoon to an opening, and the baby left the area.

WE SURE LIKE YOUR SEAWALL 2:46 p.m., 500 block of Yardarm Lane Suspicious activity: A police officer cleared a traffic stop and went to a home to investigate a report of three men who rang the doorbell and walked through a gate into the backyard without permission. The officer who arrived spoke to the group, who said they were representatives of a homeowners association.

As part of the approval process for another resident’s seawall construction, they had come to see one similar in design to the one proposed. The homeowner asked the officer to relay that they were not welcome on the property. The group apologized and said they would use a boat if further inspections were needed.

JULY 18

CHARGED UP NOW 2:49 p.m., 3200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: Police responded with fire rescue to help a caller switch a smoke-detector battery.

JULY 22

FINS TO THE LEFT, FINS TO THE RIGHT 8:57 p.m., 600 block of Buttonwood Drive Suspicious person: Two young men apologized to police for shark fishing from a private dock. Although a caller said they were pulling sharks out of the water, the two denied catching anything. They were cleared through national databases for wants and warrants. They collected their gear and left.

to an officer on the beach after a call about suspicious people nearby. The officer sent to investigate found the family with a white flashlight working on a sand castle, in violation of town turtle-nesting season rules. The family remarked they were from out of town and didn’t know the local regulations regarding lights on the beach during turtle-nesting season.

JULY 21

MAKING WAVES 3:08 p.m., near Greer Island Boating warning: The operator of a vessel was stopped by the town’s marine patrol officer after he was seen producing a wake in a no-wake zone. A safety-equipment check was performed, and the boat’s operator was not able to produce a throwable life preserver. Verbal warnings accompanied an explanation of the violations.

JULY 19

IF I WERE A RICH … RACCOON 3 p.m., 2600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Animal complaint: A caller sought help in removing a raccoon that had been on the roof of a vacation resort for some time, frightening some guests.

A Sarasota County animal control officer retrieved the animal and set it free in nearby woods.

FOUND BEFORE IT WAS LOST 4:06 p.m., police headquarters Found property: An officer brought to the police department a wallet found by a good Samaritan in the Gulf of Mexico Drive bicycle lane. A police department employee found a business contact for the wallet’s visiting owner, who acknowledged he did not even know the wallet was missing and was unsure how it ended up where it did. Still, the owner was happy to have recovered his property, even though some cash and a card were missing.

He was advised to alert his credit card companies.

JULY 20

THE SHINING 10:21 p.m., 4300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious person: A family with a small child apologized

CIRCLE OF LIFE 8:42 p.m., 1000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Animal complaint: Police connected with Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium to deal with a sea turtle found dead on the beach. A caller alerted police to the situation, which was relayed to the scientists at Mote. A team from the organization was sent to the scene to collect the remains for study.

JULY 22

WHO’S A GOOD DOG? (SILENCE) 12:20 a.m., 500 block of Neptune Lane Suspicious vehicle: In responding to a call about a suspicious vehicle that had been seen (apparently) empty and parked with its engine running for 20 minutes, an officer encountered the vehicle’s owner nearby. The owner said his dog had not been happy inside the house and had the pet sit in the car until she calmed down.

CONNECTING THE DOTS 1:27 p.m., 500 block of Gunwale Lane Suspicious person: A caller

|

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

alerted police to an unknown person reclining in the resident’s driveway. When the investigating officer arrived, no one was there, but the lawn looked freshly mowed, and a lawn crew was at work mowing grass nearby at other homes.

The caller was reconnected to police, and the officer explained his findings.

GONE 6:26 p.m., Broadway Street and Lois Avenue Citizen assist: A caller who did not wish to meet with police alerted officers to a car parked improperly in a zone set aside and marked for vehicles with resident-only parking permits.

When the officer arrived, the vehicle had already left.

WANT MORE COPS CORNER? We publish a new batch of police reports from around Longboat Key every week.

They're whimsical, sad and serious, and they often point out the kind of service provided by town police officers. Read more by hovering your smartphone camera over the QR code, and click when directed.

348498-1

OPEN HOUSE August 14 & 22 | 10am - 2pm

Harry's Restaurant

Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner

Open Daily 9AM - 9PM - 4 Course Summer Prix Fixe $45 - Wine Wednesday 30% Off Bottles - Thursday Prime Rib Dinner $31.99 *restaurant only

- New Larger Patio! Curbside/To Go

Harry's Gourmet Deli

11 AM-7PM Take-out/Curbside Pickup

- Party Specialties - 10 Take 'n' Bake Dinners Under $20 - Homemade Soups - Gourmet Sandwiches - 20% Off Retail Wine Wed. & Thurs.

360205-1

Harry's Corner Store 7AM to 11PM 5 6 0 0

G U L F

O F

M E X I C O

www.HarrysKitchen.com D R I V E • 9 4 1 - 3 8 3 - 0 7 7 7

A Longboat Key Landmark

9 4 1 . 3 4 3 . 9 3 9 6 | w w w. G r a n t s G a r d e n s . c o m

10% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

REGISTER TODAY!

Call 941.225.6525 or Visit SarasotaBallet.org

LOCATED AT ROSEMARY STUDIOS

1400 Boulevard of the Arts Sarasota FL 34236 Media Sponsor *Discounts and promotions cannot be combined 361854-1

9

10

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

Professor of tennis dies at 93

Ruff organized a group of 40 men through thousands of tennis games during his life.

NAT KAEMMERER

REMEMBERING IAN SHARP

STAFF WRITER

A

termite walks into an English pub and asks, “Where is the bartender?”

That’s the joke John Woods thinks of to describe the humor and smarts that defined longtime tennis player and group organizer Bob Ruff. Woods was sitting in the front row as Ruff walked up to start a tennis association meeting.

“As soon as he finishes that joke, he starts right in on the meeting and everybody, including myself, was like, ‘What?’”

Woods said. “Every 30 seconds or a minute, somebody would start laughing out loud as they got it. People would just be sitting there thinking, thinking, thinking. That shows his sense of humor and command of audience and everything else.”

Ruff died July 13 at age 93. He was known on Longboat Key for organizing the Ruff Group, about 40 guys who played at the Longboat Key Club’s Tennis Gardens. The group started in the 1980s, and Ruff used to organize doubles games six days a week, though it was three days a week more recently.

“I have known and played in Bob’s group for 20 years,” longtime friend Bob Simmons said. “A couple years ago a few of us did a back-of-the-envelope thing trying to calculate how many games of tennis Bob put together. … We came up with over 30,000 games that he arranged at the Longboat Key Club.”

Ruff’s daughter, Kay Ruff, said that her dad never used a spreadsheet to keep track of the schedule — it was all in his

Courtesy photo

Kay and Bob Ruff with Elizabeth and Aaron Rutledge at a birthday party Bob’s tennis group hosted for him in 2018.

head. He was known to many as the professor, and Kay said he was the smartest man she knew. They couldn’t get through a holiday meal without Ruff grabbing the encyclopedia to check some fact or another, and he once even corrected a Trivial Pursuit question. He read constantly and always had two TVs in every room: one for the Tennis Channel and one for news or other programs.

“We used to call (the kitchen) command central,” Kay said.

“Once he found out about computers and that it was basically an encyclopedia for him, that

was it.”

That sharp brain applied to the back and forth of tennis as well as the back and forth of conversation. Ruff was known for his quick quips, especially as he watched the games he put together. Simmons remembered that he would call players out with some gentle teasing for faux pas or missed calls. But he’s remembered more than anything as a gentleman by his old tennis buddies.

“The tenderness that Dad has comes across,” Kay Ruff said.

“To have such a smart guy who really appreciated wit and loved

the repartee of conversation, he really had a soft heart. To be able to give it out like he does, he has to be able to take it, and oh, do they give it to him.”

Ruff became a tennis player after starting a team at his high school and was devoted to the game for the rest of his life, bringing tennis clothes on work trips and shoveling snow off courts in winter in his home in Indiana so he could get a game in.

“He played in the group also, but he was such a gentleman (that) if somebody happened to pop in, or they had too many people, he would be the first

When Ruff did play, he played doubles with fellow Longboat Key resident Ian Sharp. Woods estimated that the men played on the same side of the court for at least 20 years.

The tennis partners both died within the same week; Sharp died July 16. He was 89. He played his last game about eight weeks before his death.

“He was just out there daily, just plugging along playing,” Woods said.

Sharp also played often with his wife, Audrey, and they both loved their tennis.

The couple often played in social tournaments at the Longboat Key Club over the years and were at big club events. Kay Ruff remembered meeting Sharp at a party for her father, and like her father, he was an easygoing man who just loved his tennis.

“Hearing about his business was amazing, and that Ian (Sharp) is such a low-key guy with what his accomplishments were was amazing,” Kay Ruff said.

to sit out,” Woods said. “He arranged all the courts and all the matches, and that’s a job in itself. … He did it beautifully in his low-key manner.”

And if you didn’t get Ruff’s joke, perhaps this would help: Where is the bar tender?

www.instagram.com/observergroup

www.manasotaonline.com

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT - 941-366-2404 2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 • www.catdepot.org

4551 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN Special Financing Available

349394-1

362006-1

Adopt, Don’t Shop

360469-1

SMITTEN WITH KITTENS

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

11

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

There has never been a better time to sell your property

LIST WITH US

Global Exposure. Innovative Marketing. Proven Results.

THE PHOENIX 136 Golden Gate Point #501

Mike Warm

LONGBOAT KEY

$4,000,000

941.525.2740

SARASOTA

3105 Gulf of Mexico Drive Joel Schemmel

$12,900,000 941.587.4894

624 South Palm Avenue #5

Lisa Rooks Morris

$3,975,000

941.544.3332

When you list your property with us, you will receive unrivaled local and international luxury real estate services: Brilliant photography and professional video | Custom brochures and direct mailing | Digital marketing | Award-winning website Exclusive exposure on luxury websites | Advertising in local newspapers and magazines | Affiliation with the Sotheby’s

THE PHOENIX 136 Golden Gate Point #302

LIDO SHORES

auction house and affluent clientele

BAYOU BEND

$3,700,000

1440 John Ringling Parkway

$3,400,000

Traute Winsor & Al Wenzel 941.302.2408

Maureen Morris & Matthew Morris

941.350.0807

1112 64th Street NW $3,200,000 Lisa Morreale 941.400.9038

BIRD KEY 411 Pheasant Way Robert Sherman

RIVERVIEW LANDINGS 2412 Landings Circle Martha Marlar

INN ON THE BEACH 230 Sands Point Road #3204

Dennis Girard

$749,900

941.809.0041

LONGBOAT KEY $3,095,000 941.313.1301

LONGBOAT BEACH HOUSE $1,200,000 941.812.0455

WOODLANDS PARK 8224 8th Terrace NW $725,000 Ben Angerami 941.441.5765

107 81st Street Shellie Young

LONGBOAT KEY

$1,850,000 941.713.5458

BAY PLAZA

$964,900

670 Lands End Drive #5 $929,000

1255 North Gulfstream Avenue #206

Sandy Gillette & Thomas Netzel 941.504.0170

Carolyn Collins & Roberta Tengerdy

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA 1257 Fruitville Road Peter Laughlin

HOLMES BEACH

$2,599,900 941.724.1854

941.586.8679

4311 Gulf of Mexico Drive #203

Sandi Ansilio

3476 Mistletoe Lane Marty Warren

BAYVIEW GROVE

$569,000 941.356.8428

606 84th Street NW Jayne Kocher

$889,000 941.320.0722

LONGBOAT KEY

$519,000 941.915.6000

682 Spanish Drive South#105

Kimberly Freiwald

$435,000

941.256.6775

W H E R E S A R AS O TA’ S D O W N TO W N M E E T S T H E BAY F R O N T Priced from the $800,000s, this luxurious 18-story, 149-residence condominium has become the most anticipated address downtown.

VISIT THE SALES GALLERY LOCATED INSIDE PREMIER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

Artist’s Rendering

50 Central Ave, Suite 110, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.220.0828 | Bayso.com

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS AD AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This project has been filed in the State of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Prices and availability are subject to change at any time without notice. This is a limited time offer. Developer may withdraw offering at any time. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Visit or call us for a private consultation

ListWithUsToday.com | 877.539.9865

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541 SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000 LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.1526 VENICE TO PUNTA GORDA | 941.412.3323 RENTALS | 941.364.4032

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

348148-1

PremierSothebysRealty.com

12

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

New members Regina Baker and Patti Bosco with chamber President Gail Loefgren

Businesses bond over bijou bites

M

Bijou Garden Cafe Events Director Josh Schoen speaks to the chamber members in attendance.

embers of the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce stepped out of the office and into the cafe for a Networking @ Noon event July 20.

Business leaders from the Key’s working world met in downtown Sarasota at Bijou Garden Cafe for a midday break, where the 17 members in attendance made sure to make the rounds to all colleagues new and old.

There were three new members at the lunch, and Loefgren said that a few others had approached her about joining. Ambassador Scott Kuykendall introduced the new members — Heather Gaus from Turtle Coffee Bar and Regina Baker and Patti Bosco from My Florida Broker — and asked them to speak about their businesses.

Loefgren proposed a change to the luncheons and asked if members would enjoy a speaker at the noontime get-togethers; they will look into having them every other month.

The next event will be an August networking event at Lazy Lobster.

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Gayle Goodfriend buys raffle tickets before heading in.

Below: Members mingle in the dining room before sitting down to lunch.

—NAT KAEMMERER

PEL HAS DONATED OVER $355,400 TO COMMUNITY YOUTH IN NEED.

Sarasota’s Best Voted One of

Personalized Estate Liquidation Benefiting Youth, Inc.

28 Years in a Row!

DONATE • CONSIGN • SHOP • VOLUNTEER

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

www.personalizedestateliquidation.com | Facebook & Instagram – @pelsarasota

Plants & garden accessories since 1953

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

Voted #1 Garden Center in Sarasota

FARM & GARDEN

Visit us at Facebook

Landscaping: Protect your investment.

A University of Florida study found that: • Well designed landscaping can return up to 175% of cost.

• A poor layout can reduce that return to around 20%.

Our dramatic designs will save you maintenance, time and cost by providing: • low-maintenance grasses • drought-tolerant plants • less use of fertilizers • bushes with no pruning

• Licensed • Insured • Installations • Planning & Design • High quality service at a competitive price Quality plants at a great price.

•

941 366 4954

•

www.YourFarmandGarden.com

360318-1

We design and install landscaping, stonework and water features that will add beauty and value to your home.

High quality service at a competitive price.

735 South Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

3 Acre Garden Center • SW FL Pottery Center • Nursery

Your

Landscape for your lifestyle!

359434-1

941.210.3149 for store merchandise 941.993.8757 for estate sales, donations and consignments

359318-1

1520 N. Lime Avenue • Sarasota, FL 34237 | Hours: Wed - Sat, 10am - 4pm

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

The Players is planning a big move in the future. In the present, it has made a smaller move to a mall.

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

I

Marty Fugate

Charles Cosler, Bill Rusling, Jeffery Kin and Bill Porter discuss the possibilities of The Players’ new space in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall.

sound of a theater being born,” Kin said. “The process really is a lot like going through labor — based on what I’ve heard, anyway.”

We both crack up. Junkins keeps hammering.

“Seriously, the scope of this project is huge. It’s both a relocation and a reinvention — and this is just phase one of our makeover. And, like it always seems to happen, we’ve got almost zero time to get it done. We start our 92nd season tomorrow — well, Oct. 5, really.

But it feels like tomorrow to me.

The clock is ticking, right?”

On the day of this call, The Players’ new home at the mall boasts plenty of open space: 5,400 square feet, to be precise.

It still doesn’t have a stage. Or dressing rooms. Or chairs for theatergoers. That’s all missing.

But what it does have is far more important: a dream team of seriously skilled talent — including hard-working carpenters and

scenic designers who are black belts with hammer and circular saws. (Junkins is clearly one.)

They’ve been transforming this old retail space into a theater at warp speed. But they’re not done yet. The Players will continue to hold its rehearsals and classes at its Sixth Street studio until the new theater is ready. For Kin, that means a lot of driving.

“Gah! The crosstown traffic — even a short trip is nervewracking. I feel like an extra in a ‘Mad Max’ movie.”

Kin expects his scenic talents to wrap up the Banana Republic makeover in plenty of time for The Players’ upcoming 20212022 season. (Junkins hammering seems to accelerate as Kin said this.)

“We’re going to make the deadline,” Kin said. “I’m confident.” And he does sound confident. Not to mention happy.

The Players’ reinvented venue is coming together, and Kin is

definitely upbeat. Still, it must have been terrifying on day one, when he and his creative crew first set eyes on the remains of a long dead shop.

“Nah,” Kin said. “Our designers walked into this space, and they instantly saw its potential.

They were all like: ‘Oh, we can do this. We can do that.’ I basically just got out of their way.”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The hammer’s staccato beat continues in the background.

Then it goes silent — replaced by the whine of a circular saw.

Seconds later, I hear it jam.

Junkins said something colorful. A minute or so later, the saw whines back to life. Kin ignores these offstage noises and just keeps talking.

“Hey, I’ll admit this makeover is a creative challenge,” he said.

“That’s great, if we rise to that challenge. And we totally are!

We’ve all got work to do — brain work, physical work, you name it — and it’s anything but easy.

5 Ways to Worship at All Angels

St. Armands Key

All Angels Episcopal Church | 563 Bay Isles Rd

LUTHERAN CHURCH

JOIN US FOR IN-PERSON WORSHIP SUNDAYS AT 10AM

• Indoor worship services this Sunday at 10 am • Drive-in Church, Sunday at 10:00. Tune your car radio to 107.5 FM

or worship with us online at saklc.com/live or on Facebook Coffee and Treats - Sunday between 9-10am

• Walk-up Church, enjoy the garden setting and listen to the service

UPCOMING EVENTS:

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

Growing in Jesus’ Name

360158-1

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

941-383-8161 • www.AllAngelsLBK.org

360687-1

Family Movie Night featuring “MOANA” - FRIDAY 8/5 AT 6PM SAKLC Bridge Club starts 8/19 - THURSDAYS AT 1PM Worship in the Garden SATURDAY 7/31 AT 5PM

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

Worship With Us at Our Church

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

Sunday Service 10:00 AM The Rev. Dr. Fred Finks

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

Catholic Church

Masks Are Optional

360185-1

www.bit.ly/cclbksermons or www.christchurchof lbk.org (follow YouTube link) •

941.383.8833 (office)

360067-1

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

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

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

Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.org

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

360119-1

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

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it.

We have to downsize and scale back to smaller productions. We also have to educate our audience: ‘Hey, we’re still here! We didn’t go away — we’re in the mall now!’”

I reassure Kin that I know how to find The Players’ new location. I’ll just pretend I’m shopping for slacks at Banana Republic. He laughs. After that, our conversation winds down.

That chat is now old news.

Two weeks later, Kin calls me back with some fresh news.

And it’s all good. This phase of the makeover is pretty much a wrap. Really?

“Really. We’ve reached the final countdown. We’ll be ready to launch in mid-September.”

After that, The Players’ ad hoc theater will be up and running. And the shows will go on.

After that big build-up, Kin dials back my expectations. And sets the dial to “realistic.”

“This is just the first phase of our makeover,” he said.

“It’s kind of like the hold-ittogether-with-duct-tapeand-chewing-gum phase. Our performance space will still be totally provisional. It’ll be more like our temporary-temporary theater.”

According to Kin, The Players’ new venue is going to be a work in progress for a long, long time. But the work they’re doing in the present will be enough to get the season started.

“I’m psyched,” Kin said.

“We’re rehearsing later today — and yes, that’s still happening in the studio. We still have to drive downtown, but that’s going to stop pretty soon. No more fighting traffic and driving across town day after day.

We can finally stay right here and do what we do best: put on a show!”

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

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

Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Pastor

Temple Beth Israel

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

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

All TBI physical gatherings are postponed until further notice.

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

941.383.3428 | www.tbi-lbk.org

RABBI STEPHEN L. SNIDERMAN, D.D.

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

360256-1

n the not-too-distant future, The Players Centre for the Performing Arts will be relocating to a shiny, new, state-of-the-art performing arts facility it intends to build in Lakewood Ranch. It’s an ambitious move that will take a lot of money, planning and time before it can make it. In the interim, the troupe is making a smaller move. To a shopping mall, no less.

Sarasota’s oldest community theater company has quietly settled into temporary headquarters at the Crossings at Siesta Key mall. (That’s the former Southgate Shopping Center, in case you were wondering.)

Its provisional performing arts space was originally a defunct Banana Republic. The Players has now officially claimed it for its Republic of Theater.

Two weeks ago, I called Jeffery Kin for a progress report on The Players’ new home away from home. As the company’s producing artistic director, he’s been at the heart of this relocation. I imagine it’s occasionally stressful. Moving can make you crazy — even a short shift to the other side of town. But Kin said he couldn’t be happier. Really?

“Really,” he said. “That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

I can hear a hammer’s repetitive beat in the background of our call. “Sorry about the noise,” Kin said. “Today’s the day we start building the temporary platform. It’ll be 18 feet across and about 20 feet from front to back. Ken Junkins is working on it as we speak. He’s the guy with the hammer. You can hear him, right?”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Yes. I definitely can.

“What you’re hearing the

13

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

All the mall is a stage

|

Classifieds 30 Games 29 Real Estate 25 Weather 29

JULY 29, 2021

YOUR NEIGHBORS Courtesy photo

Left: Brock Patterson with his mango jam Above: Joe Bertucci makes jars of strawberry jam in his kitchen.

Nat Kaemmerer

WE BE JAMMIN’ STAFF WRITER

T

he harder the work, the sweeter the reward. That seems to apply well to Longboat Island Chapel’s Rev. Brock Patterson and Longboat Key resident Joe Bertucci’s favorite hobby, which is taking fruit and turning it into delicious jams and preserves.

Both men take pride in their creations, which take about three hours to create at a time.

It involves lots of preparation in cutting the fruit, cooking it, jarring it and cleaning up the mess afterwards, but the reward is sweet — and not just because of the significant amount of sugar in each jar.

They put in the work just to give it away, but they both seem to think that to give is better than to receive.

BROCK PATTERSON

Patterson is the reverend at Longboat Island Chapel, an Arkansan who came to the Key with a useful pickup truck, a friendly dog named Pippa and dozens of jars of fig jam. The preserves were so popular that Patterson has now been saddled with anyone and everyone’s mango crop so he can work his magic on them.

“Church members started bringing me mangoes two weeks ago,” Patterson said. “I cooked

my first batch and then my second batch, and then I took one jar from each and gave them to people to taste test because I’d never made it.”

He has found a happy medium now and has made five cases so far, each containing 12 jars. He cooks the fruit with lemon juice, cinnamon and sugar and has started giving them out at church.

“The flavor profile, I think it’s pretty dang fantastic,” Patterson said.

When Patterson bought his home in Arkansas 20 years ago, there was a fig tree out front, far more than he could eat or even give away. He started cooking them as a way to preserve them.

“I didn’t want to waste them,” Patterson said. “That just drove me crazy. I started giving them to churches I served. Then it became a tradition that the Sunday before Thanksgiving (was) Fig Sunday.

I’d preach about the lesson of the fig tree in the Bible, then unveil that year’s crop of fig preserves.”

Over the years in Arkansas, he made more preserves out of what he had in his backyard — plums, blackberries and apples, as well as peaches. This is his first time doing mangoes, but they remind him of peaches, so that’s how he’s cooking them. When he gets the fruit in the jars and the stickiness off, he gives them to the ladies of the church to label. Each jar gets a little bit of scripture and a nice

ribbon tied on top. Just about every one of his dozens of jars will happily get picked up by a church member at some point.

“God’s given me this opportunity to do this, and now here I am in a condo, no fruit trees, no blackberry vines, and people are bringing me mangoes, so many mangoes,” Patterson said.

JOE BERTUCCI

Some years, Bertucci makes about 250 jars of Joey’s Jam in peach and strawberry varieties, complete with homemade name and ingredient labels. It takes a few weeks and several batches of 30 jars each, but he winds up with a kitchen full of preserved fruit made according to recipes he’s perfected over the years.

“After I retired, I needed something to do besides go to the Circle every night,” Bertucci said.

For the strawberries, it starts with a Dunkin’ straw that Bertucci uses to remove the core and stem. He freezes them, puts them through a chopper, cooks four cups of them with seven cups of sugar and a pack of the fruit pectin Certo to firm it up, and then starts the jarring process.

“I’m boiling lids, boiling jars, keeping everything sterilized,” Bertucci said. “With peaches, it’s a lot more work. You have to blanch them to get the skin off.

Bertucci attends church at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic

Two Longboat Key residents spread the love with homemade jams and preserves.

Church, and when he heard the Rev. Robert Dziedziak say that his favorite fruit was pears, he went to Detwiler’s in Sarasota to pick up a few varieties. He gave Dziedziak a few jars to take home to Poland and dispersed the rest among his usual jam route.

“I give them to people all over the Circle,” Bertucci said. “There are people down there at different stores, at Settimi’s (Gelato), Venezia (Italian Restaurant). I know I’ve given jam to musicians I run into, the people at Dunkin’ Donuts on Holmes Beach. … It’s not hard to give it away. I went to the vet yesterday and brought seven jars and gave it to the front desk people and the doctors. I always have it with me. … No one ever says no.”

Bertucci grew up learning to preserve. Every September, his mom, aunts and grandmother picked ripe grapes off the family’s vines and strained the mash through cheesecloth. Everyone saved their mayonnaise and mustard jars to preserve the jelly they made. On his dad’s side of the family, soda bottles were saved to can tomatoes. Bertucci’s job as a youngster was sticking the basil leaves in the bottles to prepare them to take on the tomatoes that the men of the family cooked in a 55-gallon drum.

“Everybody did a different thing,” Bertucci said. “I picked it up that way.”

Joe Bertucci and his jams

“It’s not hard to give it away. I went to the vet yesterday and brought seven jars and gave it to the front desk people and the doctors. I always have it with me. … No one ever says no.”

— Joe Bertucci

We’re having a

Simply Better

Summer... are you?

360145-1

NAT KAEMMERER

Nat Kaemmerer

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

BE NCH M A R K R E SU LTS • S T R AT EGIC M A R K ET I NG • PE R SONA L I Z ED SE RV ICE

U

T AC R T ONAYS C ER 2 D ND IN

RECENT ACTIVITY

U

2020 HAARBOURSIDE DR #422 | $499,000

GRAND BAY OPULENCE

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD. #182 | LONGBOAT KEY | OFFERED AT $1,400,000 Soaring Sarasota Bay and Gulf of Mexico views from every room of this spectacular 8th floor residence which also offers two under building parking spaces.

MLS# A4504991

EW

LI

T AC R T ONAYS C ER 2 D ND IN

D!

L SO

G! IN T S

N

210 SANDS POINT RD #2601 | $1,750,000

D!

L SO

LONGBOAT VILLAGE GEM

6830 HUGHES STREET | LONGBOAT KEY | OFFERED AT $975,000 Owners will enjoy the 14’ vaulted wood beam ceilings, wood burning fireplace, hardwood flooring and multiple terraces in this charming 3 bedroom pool home located in the heart of Longboat Village.

MLS# A4506649

230 SANDS POINT RD #3101 | $1,397,000

U

I A N A DDY, PA 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

G A I L W IT T IG

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

941.387.0100 360081-1

WWW.LONGBOATLIFE.COM

CT RA T ONAYS C ER 2 D D N IN

G A I L W IT T IG

BROK E R-A SSOCI ATE GailWittig@MichaelSaunders.com 3060 GRAND BAY BLVD #132 | $1,050,000

15

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

The Tidewell Foundation and Stratum Family of Companies welcome you to the Tidewell Foundation Building showcasing an outstanding group of health and wellness organizations ready to brighten the lives of the Longboat Key community. To learn more, call 941-552-7546 or visit TidewellFoundation.org.

COMMUNITY THURSDAY, JULY 29

MIDWEEK MOVIE MATINEE At 1 p.m., watch “Green Book” at tThe Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. The movie follows Don Shirley, a Black pianist embarking on a tour in the deep South, and Tony Lip, Shirley’s driver and a white bouncer from an Italian American neighborhood in the Bronx. Cost is $10 per person or free for Paradise Center members. There will be popcorn. RSVP to ParadiseCenterRSVP@gmail. com.

540-546 Bay Isles Road

TUESDAY, AUGUST 3

MONDAYS 10-11am Stretch & Strengthen 1-3pm Thinking Out Loud Discussion Group

TUESDAYS 10-11am Qi Gong 1-3pm Mah Jongg

546 Bay Isles Road 941.383.6493 Walk-Ins Welcome for Fitness Classes!

FRIDAYS 10-11am Yoga & Meditation 11:30-12:30 Tai Chi Closed at 1pm on Fridays in Summer

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5

‘MOANA’ MOVIE NIGHT AND LUAU Beginning at 6 p.m. in the St. Armands Key Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 40 N. Adams Drive, join the church for a movie night and luau for young families.

Email Michael@SAKLC.com for information.

See All Programs & Events at TheParadiseCenter.org

WEDNESDAYS 10-11am Tai Chi THURSDAYS 10-11am Zumba & Pilates

SONGS ON THE CIRCLE From 6-9 p.m. on St. Armands Circle, you’ll hear musicians as you stroll the spokes. There will be musicians positioned around the Circle as part of the area’s Summer Sol series. Call 388-1554 for information.

$10/person FREE for Members

RECURRING EVENTS MONDAYS

MOVIE MATINEES!

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 led by Suzy Brenner. Fee is $10. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

$10/person FREE for Members Includes Fresh Popped Popcorn!

1pm Thursday July 29 “Green Book” 1pm Thursday August 12 “My Octopus Teacher”

544 Bay Isles Road

MONDAYS & THURSDAYS Primary Care 941.748.8400

Ear/Nose/Throat/ Audiology 941.366.9222

SarasotaFootDoctors.com

FRIDAYS Dermatology 941.926.6553

Call each practice directly to make your appointment.

Be sure to tell them you want to be seen on Longboat Key!

540 Bay Isles Road

Changing Lives Forever Group & Individual Counseling, Caregiver Support, Seminars, Discussion Groups & more.

JFCS is excited to be serving the LBK community!

LORD’S WAREHOUSE From 9 a.m. until noon, shop at the Lord’s Warehouse thrift store.

All proceeds from the store go to charity, and donations are welcome. Indoor and outdoor shopping will be available, but there is a limit of five customers at a time inside the warehouse. Masks are required. Visit LongboatIslandChapel.org for information.

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, weather permitting.

Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome.

For information, call 383-6493.

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

RSVP to check availability and/ or be put on a wait list at MaryAnnBrady@TheParadiseCenter.org or 383-6493.

ROTARY CLUB Meets at 5 p.m. virtually on Zoom, every first and third Tuesday.

Call Nancy Rozance at 203-6054066, or email info@LongboatKeyRotary.org.

Tom was born in Bryn Mawr, PA to the late Thomas and Louise Jones, and raised in Norristown, PA.

LuminaryDermatology.com

JFCS-Cares.org 941.366.2224

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY

Thomas (Tom) H. W. Jones, Jr. October 9th, 1943 to July 9th 2021

WEDNESDAYS Podiatry 941.921.3000

ConnexisMedical.org

THINKING OUT LOUD: TIMELY TOPICS WITH MIKE KARP From 1-2:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road.

Topics will include U.S. and world current affairs, popular culture and topics relevant to seniors.

Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome.

For information, call 383-6493.

TRIBUTES

MEDICAL SUITE

360616-1

16

He attended the Haverford School, and received his BA from the University of Pennsylvania. He was a member of Theta Xi Fraternity. He earned an MA from Claremont College and his Doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia, NY. He married the love of his life, Alison, on June 20th, 1992. He was a professor of Educational Leadership (Emeritus) at the University of Connecticut. He authored several books and articles on school finance.

Since retirement, he served as President of the Sarasota County Historical Commission, Chair of the Longboat Key Police Pension Board, member of the Longboat Key Code Enforcement Board and the Sarasota County Schools Planning Commission. He also worked as a mentor with UNIDOSNOW. He established the Lawrence A. Cremin History of Education Scholarship at Teachers College, Columbia. He was a member of the Longboat Key Historical Society, the Ivy League Club and the Economics Club. He was also a member of All Angels by the Sea, Episcopal Church, Longboat Key where he served on the Vestry, also as an usher, reader, greeter and chalice bearer.

He loved opera, country music, philately, dog shows and watching baseball and tennis. He and his wife enjoyed many 361958-1

wonderful journeys around the world.

Tom is survived by his wife, Alison, of Longboat Key, his mother-in-law, Sheila Cruickshank, of Jersey, British Isles, a cousin, Peggy (Elliott) Riviere of Scottsdale, AZ, and an extended family of cousins.

He was generous and kind to his friends and family and so very brave.

A memorial service will be held at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228 on Saturday, July 31st at 11 am with a reception to follow in the parish hall.

The service will be available to view on the church’s website at www.AllAngelsLBK.org. Funeral Directors: Toale Brothers, Tel: 955-4171 SERVICE: Saturday, July 31, 11AM All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church 563 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228 DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to All Angels Church at the above address or to The Friends of the History Center, FOSCHC, PO Box 91, Venice FL 34284.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THE BEST

Just got better

|

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

17

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

OUR EXCLUSIVE Luxury Collection

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

WE ARE GLOBAL LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALIST Certified Broker/Associate, CRB, CRS, GRI

New Construction - Longboat Key

Players Club

WWW.5840GMD.COM

WWW.1425GOM201.COM

$4,295,000

5840 GULF OF MEXICO DR 4BR/4BA | 2HB | 4,247 SQFT Welcome to your well-deserved paradise! Here on Longboat Key, retreat to a gorgeous, newly constructed, canal front getaway on the East side of this esteemed tropical island.

$1,695,000

1425 GULF OF MEXICO DR UNIT #201 | 3BR/3.5BA | 2,107 SQFT Have you been desperately looking for that 3-bedroom, full Gulf front condo? Boy, have we got news for you! See and hear the waves splashing from your 30-foot balcony or your master bedroom here at the prestigious Players Club on Longboat Key.

The Pearl

The Oaks - Bayside PENDING

St Armands Place

SOLD

WWW.282OSPREYPOINTDRIVE.COM

$1,589,000

282 OSPREY POINT DRIVE 3BR/4.5BA | 4,599 SQFT One of Florida's finest Estate homes, this residence is the definition of luxury and design; situated in the coveted gated neighborhood of The Oaks in Sarasota, known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and gorgeous landscaping.

SOLD

WWW.609GOLDENGATEPOINT501.COM

WWW.254SPOLKDRIVE.COM

$2,690,000

$2,495,000

609 GOLDEN GATE POINT UNIT #501 | 3BR/3BA | 1HB | 2,750 SQFT The most striking 5th-floor penthouse located in the nearly newly constructed Pearl at sought-after Golden Gate Point community is sure to impress the moment you walk through the door.

Gulfstream Towers

254 S POLK UNIT #102 | 3BR/4BA | 2,742 SQFT Relish an open floor plan with coastal contemporary finishes and wondrous full Gulf of Mexico views.

Water Club

La Bellasara

SOLD

SOLD

WWW.33GULFSTREAM406.COM

SOLD

WWW.THE

$344,000

33 S GULFSTREAM AVE UNIT #406 | 2BR/2BA | 1,055 SQFT Beautiful 4th floor residence, where over the treetops, you can see the Bay. Complete with sleek hardwood floors, granite countertops, and the furniture is negotiable.

WWW.464GGPPH9C.COM

LYNNEKOYGROUP.COM

SOLD PRICE OF $1,995,000

1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR UNIT #908 | 3BR/3BA | 2,965 SQFT Dover residence is established with dramatic full Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay views that span out through every room of the unit.

INVOLVED CITIZENS

SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center) | Meals on Wheels | LBK Rotary Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe | Mote Marine Supporters

SOLD PRICE OF $4,700,000

464 GOLDEN GATE POINT PH9C | 3BR/3BA | 1HB | 6,066 SQFT Imagine a luxurious penthouse with views so captivating and vast it satisfies all your desires. Furnished and deeded with a 65' capacity boat dock.

Voted in the Top 12 Realtors of Sarasota, by the readers of SRQ Magazine

GLOBAL MARKETING REACH

NY Times | WSJ | Coldwell Banker International | World Properties | Trulia | Right Moves Realtor.com | Zillow | List Globally | Luxury Real Estate | Unique Homes

443F John Ringling Blvd.

St. Armand's Circle Sarasota FL 34236 Follow me on:

THE LYNNE KOY GROUP

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

Lynne | Courtney

360000-1

www.TheLynneKoyGroup.com Office@TheLynneKoyGroup.com

18

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

TRIBUTES

Ian was born in Dublin, of an Irish mother and Scottish father. He was raised in London and Leeds, with a wartime evacuation to an aunt in Dublin. Ian trained as a fighter pilot in the RAF during his National Service, then studied Engineering at Cambridge University. He was a management trainee in the steel industry, where he encountered the Ferranti Pegasus computer.

Ian emigrated to Canada in 1960, and found a job as chief programmer at Ferranti’s Toronto branch, Ferranti-Packard.

There he headed a small team, (including Audrey, who became his wife), which wrote the operating system and compilers for an early parallel-processing computer, the FP6000, which became the model for the UK ICL 1900 series.

When Ferranti-Packard folded its computer division in 1964, Ian and 6 colleagues formed I.P.Sharp Associates, (IPSA), a computer software consultancy.

Over the next 23 years the company grew into a multi-national enterprise, with about 600 employees in 60 branches in Australasia, Europe and North America. A version of e-mail was available in-house and to customers from 1969. The company specialised in the creation of software to handle very large data bases, and software

Ian was a much-loved CEO, who gave free rein to very bright and driven employees – casual dress and flex-time were taken for granted, back in the 70’s. for process control systems in industrial reactors, air traffic control and military applications. Network applications, decades before the advent of the World Wide Web and Cloud Computing, were customised to large multinational banking and industrial companies. Ian was a much-loved CEO, who gave free rein to very bright and driven employees – casual dress and flex-time were taken for granted, back in the 70’s.

I.P.Sharp Associates was acquired by Reuters in 1987. The IPSA culture of enthusiasm and camaraderie lived on after the company was absorbed into Reuters - 27 years later 200 former colleagues gathered in Toronto for a party to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of IPSA. Ian retired in 1989. He and his wife

Hearts Forever in our

Memorialize your loved one

with a lasting tribute in print and online, a permanent

record of a legacy your family will always cherish.

PROVIDED BY THE OBSERVER MEDIA GROUP

SERVICE: A small gathering of family and friends raised a glass in Ian’s memory on July 24th. An online memorial will be held at a later date for friends around the world.

DONATIONS: Donations, if desired, are suggested to your local Meals on Wheels program, to honor Ian’s longtime service and commitment as a volunteer.

Submit your Loved One’s Obituary Call Adela at 941-366-3468, ext. 346; tributes@yourobserver.com or ask your funeral director for assistance.

SERVING SARASOTA & BRADENTON

FOR OVER 50 YEARS HOMEOWNERS, BUILDERS, DESIGNERS & ARCHITECTS

STONE

CABINETRY

TILE

COUNTERTOPS

MOSAICS

FLOORING

DESIGN STAFF

WINDOW DÉCOR

SARASOTA SHOWROOM 4500 Carmichael Ave. Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.2703 | FloridaDesignWorks.com/Sarasota/

TAMPA SHOWROOM 3609 Henderson Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609 813.336.8366 | FloridaDesignWorks.com/Tampa/

360542-1

INFIN ITE POSSIB ILITIES. ONE SOU R C E. ™

FLORIDADESIGNWORKS.COM

Exclusive Retailer for Luxury Tile Brands & More:

Lunada Bay MiR Mosaic Florida Tile

Atlas Concorde AKDO

339893-1

Ian Patrick Sharp, 89, died peacefully in Sarasota, on July 16th, a few months after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

began spending winters on Longboat Key, and became residents and eventually US citizens. In retirement, Ian became an avid tennis player, only hanging up his racquet 8 weeks ago. He was a 25 year volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and served on the Board of the Children’s Guardian Fund.

Ian is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Audrey, daughter Helen and her husband Greg Flamme, son Matthew and his wife Tove, and three grand-children: Sarah Payne; Beatrice and Charles Ian Sharp. He was pre-deceased by his twin sister Helen Norton and older sister Margaret Clough.

361850-1

Ian Patrick Sharp March 25th 1932 to July 16th, 2021

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Bruce Myer

Realtor

|

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

®

941.387.1847

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

New Listings Coming Every Week - Call me!

Just Listed

ISLANDER CLUB - 2295 Gulf of Mexico Dr., #81-S Gulf views, 2BR/2BA with updated kitchen and baths. $899,000 2295gulfofmexico81s.com

BEACHPLACE - 1045 Gulf of Mexico Dr., #102 Direct Gulf front 2BR/2BA walk-out with updates throughout. $1,295,000

INN ON THE BEACH - 225 Sands Point Rd., #1604 Completely refurbished turnkey junior suite with excellent rental income. $625,000 225sandspoint1604.com

360535-1

TANGERINE BAY CLUB • 380 Gulf of Mexico Dr., #511 Direct bayfront views from this 3BR/3.5BA residence with 2-car garage. $1,149,000 380gulfofmexico511.com

Wondering where to start your home search?

CALL BRUCE MYER 941.387.1847 IN 2021 OVER $86 MILLION IN SOLD & PENDING SALES

Bruce@BruceMyer.com

www.BruceMyer.com

Follow us at www.brucemyerblog.com

19

20

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

TRIBUTES

Robert T. (Bob) Ruff, a 40-year resident of Longboat Key, died at his home in Longboat Key on July 13th, 2021, after having celebrated his 93rd birthday just two months before.

One of his daughters was with him at the time of his passing.

Bob was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin and raised in Springfield, Illinois where he started his high school’s tennis team after discovering his high school did not have one. Once he started playing, his love of tennis began. He attended the University of Illinois where he graduated in 1949 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering while managing the university tennis team. It was at U of I where he met Mary Ann Halpin who would become his wife in 1952. They had a long and loving marriage while raising two daughters until Mary Ann passed in 2012 after 59 years of marriage.

Just after the end of the Korean War, Bob spent two years in the US Army where he perfected his backhand as Captain of the First Army Tennis Team. Tennis had become a lifelong passion he would pursue as an avid player well into his late 80s.

Bob started his working career as a foreman at the LaGrange, Illinois General Motors plant building locomotives. While working for General Motors, Bob also put himself through night school at the Chicago Kent College of Law, graduating in 1957 with a Juris Doctor degree. After completing his law school studies, Bob transferred to GM’s Patent Law Section in Washington,

In recognition of his dedication to tennis at the Longboat Key Club, a new award was created in his honor, the Robert T. Ruff Award, which is to be given to others who demonstrate the tennis leadership qualities Bob demonstrated.

D.C. where he was admitted to the Patent Bar and practiced patent law before the US Patent Office. Bob was also later admitted to the Illinois and Indiana State bars.

After practicing patent law for GM in Washington for several years, Bob and his family moved to Columbus, Indiana where he became a founding member of the newly formed law department at Cummins Engine. There, for more than 30 years, Bob continued to practice corporate law and, for the last ten years of his tenure at Cummins, he acted as lead defense counsel in products liability lawsuits brought against Cummins in various State and Federal Courts and in several contested matters in Europe and Asia.

While living in Columbus, Bob was involved in many civic activities. He was President of the Retirement Foundation of Bartholomew County, President of the Tulip Trace Council of Girl Scouts, Area Governor of Toastmasters International and served on the Board of Directors of the United Way. While raising his family with loving care, practicing law, becoming an

LET’S GO SOMEWHERE!

Introducing our 2021 Sponsor PARKSTONE TRAVEL. You imagine it, they plan it. Top notch trips, unique experiences, hassle-free enjoyment.

avid reader and serving his community, Bob became a licensed pilot at the same time he continued to zealously pursue his love of tennis, taking the title of City Champion numerous times against any and all challengers, including men many years his junior. Bob and his younger daughter, who absorbed her father’s passion for tennis, intimidated the competition and won the City Father/Daughter championship. A formidable pair!

In retirement, Bob’s love of tennis resulted in his decision to volunteer to become the longtime leader and organizer of the Senior Men’s tennis group at the Longboat Key Club where he was also the men’s 4.5 club champion on several occasions. Bob was at the courts most days making sure that as many as 40 men wanting to play were matched up with partners of similar skill sets and abilities. And in the days before spreadsheets, he did all of this in his head! In recognition of his dedication to tennis at the Longboat Key Club,

a new award was created in his honor, the Robert T. Ruff Award, which is to be given to others who demonstrate the tennis leadership qualities Bob demonstrated.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Margaret, and by his loving wife, Mary Ann. Bob is survived by his younger daughter, Elizabeth (Liz), her husband, Aaron Rutledge and their two daughters, Lauren and Lily.

He is also survived by his elder daughter, Katheryn (Kay), her husband Stephen (Steve) Lewis and their children, Remy and Graham, who lovingly called their grandfather “Grumpy” because of his teasing sense of humor.

A private family gathering will take place in Bob’s hometown of Springfield, IL in the coming days and the family will host a memorial gathering to celebrate Bob’s life for family and friends at the Longboat Key Tennis Gardens on October 16, 2021.

MEMORIAL GATHERING: Saturday, October 16 Longboat Key Tennis Gardens DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, donations for scholarships in the name of Robert T. Ruff should be made to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Foundation, 70 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, N.Y. 10604.

362107-1

Robert T. Ruff 1928-2021

Let Us Plan Your Next ADVENTURE!

$ Take your Observer newspaper with you on your next trip.

Snap a photo with your Observer newspaper.

ND

PRI

(2) Two

Z E

GRA

It’s time to have fun again!

250 EL TRAV ERS CH U O V

Enter your photo with your paper at YourObserver. com/itsreadeverywhere for a chance to win.

359719-1

Sponsored by Please visit: yourobserver.com/itsreadeverywhere

The travel experience brings joy, excitement and a lifetime of memories.

Visit us online at

www.ParkstoneTravel.com

941.388.8584 | info@parkstonetravel.com LORI ANN MARINACCIO

Parkstone Travel, an independent affiliate of Admiral Travel International, a proud member of Virtuoso

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

21

REID MURPHY & The Boys PRESENT

LUXURY ON THE WATER BUYING or SELLING

Call Reid for a successful real estate experience!

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

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.

NEWLISTING

LONGBOAT KEY EMERALD HARBOR 3BR/4BA on 100 foot canal front w/dock & newer seawall to accommodate water toys & large vessel with easy access to intracoastal & Bay. Deeded beach access across the street.

$1,695,000

PENDING

LIDO KEY POLK $3,875,000 Close to everything! 3 Level Coastal Home w/Gulf & city views from 20’x20’ roof top deck w/elevator & stair chair service. 5/ BD 6/BA all w/en-suite private baths. Impressive pool area w/ eleveatd spa and rock waterfall. One block to beach.

LONGBOAT KEY GRAND MARINER $2,295,000 Bayfront 3BD/4BA, second floor 2,928 SF. Deep water dock with power, water, pump station & 20,000 lb. lift. Privately coded elevator & 2 car garage.

SOLD

LONGBOAT KEY SANCTUARY $2,895,000 Direct beachfront 3BR behind the gates at LBK Club. Southern exposure. Largest Gulffront floorplan with wrap around terrace.

Developers Realty Inc. Lic. Real Estate Broker

ST. ARMANDS VAN BUREN $3,800,000 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.

www.ReidMurphy.com

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.

595 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL 34228

360105-1

SOLD

HOLMES BEACH ISLAND PARADISE $1,125,000 Gulf front. Furnished 3BD/2BA open plan in this six unit complex with great rental opportunities.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

The Most Respected Builder I N LO N G B OAT K E Y

Brings You The Newest Name

Nat Kaemmerer

Senior hospital technician Jonathan Hande, barred owl Nova and Operations Manager Jocelyn Shearer

Save Our Seabirds to reopen July 30

I N R E A L E STAT E

The bird hospital and research facility has been closed to the public for 16 months.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

A

Now Offering Expertise at Every Step C U STO M H O M E S LU X U R Y R E M O D E L S R E A L E S TAT E

Mark Ursini

Gina Ursini

FOUNDER/PRESIDENT BRISTA HOMES

BROKER/OWNER BRISTA REALTY

BRISTAHOMES.COM • BRISTAREALTY.COM REACH OUT TO US 941.373.0500 361377-1

22

fter 16 months with locked gates, Save Our Seabirds will reopen to the public July 30.

The bird rescue and rehab center shut down in March 2020 like everything else as the COVID-19 pandemic gained momentum. While closed to the public, sanctuary staff has still been taking care of resident birds and birds in need.

The center will reopen with a two-day celebration July 30 and 31, Operations Manager Jocelyn Shearer said. Admission will be free, and there will be snacks and drinks available.

“We’re going to have just a little fun stuff for kids,” Shearer said.

“It’s just been too long. I continue to get many, many calls every day about birds in trouble, (but) it’s not the same as people being able to walk through the gardens and see our resident birds.”

Not much has changed at the facility since visitors were last inside the gates. The staff never really left; they had to be there to take care of the more than 120 resident birds and the 50-60 birds that are in the hospital and going through rehab, Shearer said.

“It’s the same beautiful birds and the same caring staff,” Shearer said. “We’re just very anxious to reengage with the community. … This whole time, we have been continuing to rescue and treat birds.

“We’ve been there all day, every day doing our bird thing. I would say we’re a close team, but we might be getting a bit of cabin fever.”

There are a couple behind-thescenes changes. During the pandemic, the facility hired its first full-time veterinarian, Dr. Maria Passarelli. She won’t interact with the public much but will do

REOPENING

Save Our Seabirds will celebrate its reopening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 30 and 31. The facility is located at 1708 Ken Thompson Parkway.

Attendees can enjoy free admission, snacks and drinks as they get reacquainted with resident birds.

There will be bird talks at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days.

Call 388-3010 or visit SaveOurSeabirds.org for information.

some talks during the reopening festivities. Also, just before the pandemic, CEO David Pilston had announced the launch of a capital campaign to refurbish the facility and make some much-needed upgrades. It was put on pause and will likely be relaunched in the fall.

Pilston in May 2021 announced he was stepping down in August.

A search is underway for a new leader.

“We had such great momentum, and then, well, the world shut down,” Shearer said. “We were off to a very good start, so we’re not picking up from scratch.”

Save Our Seabirds’ small staff made it difficult to reopen during the thick of the pandemic. A couple staff members had contracted the coronavirus and were out for a month at one point.

“The concern was if four people out of 10 got sick, what would we do?” Shearer said. “We have to be there every day to feed the birds, come rain or shine. And because we have such a small staff, we really didn’t have the ability to institute cleaning protocols and all those things that we felt would have been necessary to have reopened before there was a higher vaccination rate.”

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

FEATURED PROPERTIES JUST LISTED!

DOWNTOWN | PLAZA AT FIVE POINTS | $1,695,000

Bay and City views | 3BR/3.5BA | 2,273 SF |

50 Central Ave., #14H

NEW PRICE!

LONGBOAT KEY | AQUARIUS CLUB | $1,285,000

Penthouse | Sunset Views | 2BR/2BA | 1,551 SF | 1701 Gulf of Mexico Dr., #608 MLS# A4504835

SARASOTA | WEST OF TRAIL | $18,000,000

8,452 SF | 230’ of Unobstructed Waterfront | Harbor Acres Direct Bay Front | MLS# A4491997 | 1309vistadrive.com

We’ve done the research and know how to win in this market.

Call us! 941-387-1820

RYAN ACKERMAN ryan@ackermangroup.net

ackermansrq.com

BARBARA ACKERMAN barbara@ackermangroup.net

CALL US FOR THE LATEST PROPERTIES AVAILABLE IN THESE COMMUNITIES! Golden Gate Point - Downtown

Oyster Bay - West of Trail

Ritz Carlton Tower - Downtown

Oaks Country Club - Osprey

Beachplace - Longboat Key

Grand Bay - Longboat Key

Harbor Acres - Sarasota

Siesta Cove - Siesta Key

443 JOHN RINGLING BLVD., STE., F | SARASOTA, FL 34236 • 595 BAY ISLES RD., SUITE 250 | LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228 This is not a solicitation of another broker’s listing.. Market data supplied by Market Quest June 2021.

360524-1

23

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

LONGBOAT KEY 25 Lighthouse Point Drive 4 Beds 6/1 Baths 6,025 Sq. Ft. Sherri Mills 941-350-7112 A4503359 $5,600,000

HOLMES BEACH 103 75th Street 4 Beds 4 Baths 2,737 Sq. Ft. Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4495220 $3,200,000

SARASOTA 7422 Clark Road 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,158 Sq. Ft. Jami Kellogg 941-809-6931 A4499425 $2,199,000

LONGBOAT KEY 647 Marbury Lane 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 2,651 Sq. Ft. Sandi Layfield 941-914-2807 A4503569 $1,799,000

BRADENTON 6510 200th Street E 4 Beds 3 Baths 4,185 Sq. Ft. Leslie Emery & Aaron Corr 941-400-9710 A4489175 $1,695,000

SARASOTA 1233 N Gulfstream Avenue 602 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,780 Sq. Ft. Barbara May 941-312-1302 A4506289 $1,500,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7004 Brier Creek Court 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,534 Sq. Ft. Victoria Turner 662-614-2783 A4505757 $1,300,000

BRADENTON 8201 17th Avenue W 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,765 Sq. Ft. Becky Sirigotis 941-201-8000 A4504726 $1,200,000

LONGBOAT KEY 370 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 412 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,380 Sq. Ft. Debra Pitell-Hauge & Lisa Sebastian 941-356-0437 A4505583 $1,150,000

LONGBOAT KEY 603 Longboat Club Road 1103N 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,458 Sq. Ft. Debra Pitell-Hauge & Lisa Sebastian 941-356-0437 A4506271 $1,150,000

BRADENTON 528 Mast Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,456 Sq. Ft. Sandi Dietrich 941-704-0697 A4506616 $1,100,000

LONGBOAT KEY 6830 Hughes Street 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,376 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4506649 $975,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1701 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 303 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,551 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4503585 $899,000

BRADENTON 13404 Ramblewood Trail 6 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,009 Sq. Ft. Toma Milbank & Rebecca Milbank PLLC 941-720-5174 A4506789 $785,000

SARASOTA 4619 Hidden Forest Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,623 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4506406 $749,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4234 Gulf Of Mexico Drive A1 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,636 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4504718 $725,000

BRADENTON 3608 W 54th Drive W J101 & J102 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,776 Sq. Ft. Leah Secondo 941-545-4430 A4497828 $699,900

SARASOTA 1720 Southwood Street 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,532 Sq. Ft. Deborah Nelson 941-266-5900 A4506745 $695,000

BRADENTON 9235 43rd Terrace W 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,482 Sq. Ft. Erica Thomas 941-799-9365 A4502020 $599,999

LONGBOAT KEY 4621 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 11D 2 Beds 2 Baths 756 Sq. Ft. Richard Perlman 941-228-8580 A4506198 $525,000

BRADENTON 1320 Perico Point Circle 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,547 Sq. Ft. Maruta Miluns 941-374-9702 A4502932 $489,000

SARASOTA 4535 Olive Avenue 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,530 Sq. Ft. Jennifer Thompson 941-928-0790 A4501193 $475,000

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

SARASOTA 7792 Fairway Woods Drive 1206 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,956 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4506661 $425,000

BRADENTON 4503 101 St Street W 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,440 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4492031 $400,000

SARASOTA 2211 Bay Street 2 Beds 1/1 Baths 925 Sq. Ft. Cole Collins 941-350-8360 A4503526 $399,000

BRADENTON 984 Sandpiper Circle 984 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,115 Sq. Ft. Bill Anderson & Adrienne Scott 941-313-4059 A4506992 $329,000

PERICO ISLAND 303 108th Street W 114 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,083 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4500468 $300,000

BRADENTON 4152 Overture Circle 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,228 Sq. Ft. Ralph & Megg Faillace 941-713-9142 A4502160 $245,000

LONGBOAT KEY 500 Harbor Point Road 4 Beds 6/2 Baths 6,556 Sq. Ft. Jenifer Schwell 941-780-0968 A4491328 $5,475,000

LONGBOAT KEY 415 L Ambiance Drive D906 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,634 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4503404 $4,400,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 112 Mangrove Avenue 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,577 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4502423 $4,350,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 361774-1

24

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

JULY 12-16

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home on Bird Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate.

Dennis Smith, of Mason, Ohio, sold his home at 439 E. Royal Flamingo Drive to David and Theresa Danna, of Sarasota, for $5.05 million. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,583 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.35 million in 2020.

TIFFANY PLAZA

Mary Elizabeth Carey, as personal representative, sold the Unit 202 condominium at 4325 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Jeanna and Del Burchell, of Lakeside Park, Kentucky, for $800,000.

Built in 1975, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,336 square feet of living area. It sold for $685,000 in 2005.

LONGBOAT HARBOUR

Chris and Valerie Dinger, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, sold their Unit 201 condominium at

Nat Kaemmerer

Built in 2002, this home at 439 E. Flamingo Drive has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,583 square feet.

4430 Exeter Drive to Mark and Andrea Sauer, of Hinckley, Ohio, for $625,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,168 square feet of living area. It sold for $226,000 in 2013.

INN ON THE BEACH

Equity Properties Ltd. sold the Unit 7105 condominium at 225 Sands Point Road to Thomas and Hanh-Diep Panaseny, of Tampa, for $610,000. Built in 1983, it has one bedroom, one bath and 642 square feet of living area. It sold for $310,000 in 2018.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of July 16-22 in order of dollar amounts.

L O N G B OAT K E Y

LONGBOAT ARMS

William Fochi and JoAnn Lev, of Glastonbury, Connecticut, sold their Unit 206-C condominium at 3320 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Jay and Elizabeth Phillips, trustees, of The Villages, for $439,000. Built in 1971, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,187 square feet of living area. It sold for $69,500 in 1986.

ST. JUDES APARTMENTS

Bruce and Robin Sozzi, of Redding, Connecticut, sold their Unit 28 condominium at 747 Saint Judes Drive S. to John Mark Smith and Gail Russell, of Mechanicsville, Virginia, for

$350,000. Built in 1967, it has one bedroom, one bath and 667 square feet of living area. It sold for $240,000 in 2015.

CASA DEL MAR

Anita Reed, Michael Brian Reed and Patrick Mark Reed, trustees, of Lakeland, sold the Unit 3-B condominium at 4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Joseph and Amalia Gonzalez-Heydrich, of Longboat Key, for $250,000.

Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 756 square feet of living area. It sold for $100,000 in 2010.

In with the new SALES GALLERY OPEN

ADDRESS 6820 Longboat Drive S.

PERMIT New single-family

residence LLC

520 Chipping Lane

Replacement

APPLICANT AMOUNT Preserve at Longboat $800,000 Richard G. Ayotte

$650,000

Longboat Key

single-family 1241 GMD #701

Interior alterations Scott Vincent Dols

$500,000

603 Longboat Club Road

Interior alterations George Reenstra

$254,625

5481 GMD Unit 207

Interior alterations Edward J. Gutierrez

$218,258

597 Bayview Drive

Interior alterations John Kurgan

$180,762

1945 GMD #308

Interior alterations Scott C. Veazey

$143,846

3240 GMD #B205

Interior alterations John and Carmen

$135,000

#1101

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

MOVE-IN READY

Brannan 1000 Longboat Club Road

25

REAL ESTATE

Bird Key house sells for $5.05 million

|

Interior alterations William Garrison

Downtown Sarasota

$97,421

#201 585 Sanctuary Drive #B301 Interior alterations Nick Vandenbrekel

$95,000

455 Longboat Club Road

$87,220

Interior alterations Frank Cracolici

Risdon on 5th | 941.365.1414 | From the low $600,000s | RisdonOn5th.com

SOLD

#306 415 L’Ambiance Drive #B502 Interior alterations Paul Thomas

$72,778

2110 Harbourside Drive #558 Interior alterations Michael Sirchis

$70,000

3384 Bayou Lane

Re-roof

Rex A. Wetherill

$57,250

3328 Sabal Cove Lane

Re-roof

1239706 Ontario Inc.

$55,750

6201 GMD

Plumbing

Randall S. Welch

5481 GMD Unit 405

Interior alterations John C. Frank

$49,051

660 Russell St.

Pool

$38,564

4725 GMD Unit 113

Interior alterations Linda Noble

2945 Pyrula Drive

Electrical

Steven Marks

$30,000

628 Lyons Lane

Dock

Rahman Wasim

$26,763

5930 Emerald Harbor Drive

Siding

Frank D. Cox

$25,260

2425 GMD

T-Mobile antennas Sea Gate Club

Thomas Palazzolo

$51,843

$36,674

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

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

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

$20,000

Condominium 1611 Harbor Cay Lane

A/C change-out

Tampa Downtown

$18,694

Investment 4127 GMD #N301

A/C change-out

Thomas G. Jones TTEE $16,850 Source: Town of Longboat Key

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

361759-1

Licensed Real Estate Broker

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

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

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

Great horned owl

360239-1

941.724.7228

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

361790-1

G

reat horned owls are the most common owl in the Americas and the largest in Florida.

These voracious raptors, with their massive 5-foot wingspans and enormous yellow eyes, were poetically described by early naturalists as “winged tigers.’’

The tall feather tufts on their heads, which are neither horns nor ears, are called plumicorns, meaning “feather horns” in Latin.

As they break up an owl’s outline, these tufts might be for camouflage; they improve its ability to blend into the environment while roosting in trees. Such an adaptation is advantageous for nocturnal birds, such as great horned owls, which hunt at night and roost during the day.

Great horned owls prefer wooded areas but live in many habitats across Florida. Using their acute hearing and powerful vision, they hunt an extremely wide variety of prey, including rodents, small mammals, birds and even other owls.

Because their wings have softly fringed feather edges, they can fly in near silence, thus taking their prey by surprise. Using their sharp talons and powerful grip, they then subdue and kill their prey. Their grip is capable of exerting upwards of 500 pounds of pressure per square inch. In comparison, a human grip averages about 40-50 psi, and a pit

Miri Hardy

bull terrier’s bite force is 235 psi.

Although they have few natural enemies, like most birds, great horned owls are vulnerable to habitat loss because of to development. And because they consume rodents and other small mammals, they are especially vulnerable to secondary poisoning, which happens when an animal eats prey poisoned by anticoagulant rodenticides. Finally, as they commonly forage at the same height as vehicles, great horned owls are particularly vulnerable to vehicle collisions.

— MIRI HARDY, SAVE OUR SEABIRDS

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

Like many great horned owls hit by vehicles, Archimedes, one of more than 100 residents at Save Our Seabirds’ Wild Bird Learning Center, suffered severe wing injuries and can no longer sustain flight.

The Home Service Pros Who Care

The Area’s most Trusted Name since 1974

New AC System Starting at

4,800!

$

+ 12 Months 0% Financing Available!

Some restrictions apply. This offer applies to a 1.5 T, 14 SEER HVAC System with heat strip and thermostat included. Includes reconnection to existing ductwork, wiring, refrigerant piping and drain. Not valid on prior purchases and cannot combine offers.

Limited time offer.Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 7/31/2021.

250 OFF

100 OFF

$

Reme Halo Air Purifier

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 7/31/2021.

SERVICES INCLUDE: Complete Home Rewiring Standby Generators & Service Repairs on All Generators Surge Protection

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 7/31/2021.

FREE

$

Whole House Water Treatment System

LET AQUA HELP YOU ON YOUR NEXT ELECTRICAL PROJECT!

AND SO MUCH MORE!!

Water Quality Analysis ($99 value)

CALL NOW! 941.866.6210

or visit www.AquaPlumbingSarasota.com

Cannot be combined with other offers. Must present coupon at time of service.Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 7/31/2021.

Lic # cAc1816020 • PLbg cFc1428223 • ELEc Ec13009313 360576-1

26

SEE HOW MUCH MORE YOU CAN SAVE!!

Air Conditioning

Plumbing

Electrical

Water Treatment

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

27

SELLING LOCAL LUXURY WITH G L O B A L C O N N E C T I O N S Judy Kepecz-Hays

Website: www.LongboatKeyLuxury.com Email: Kepecz@JudyHays.com

941.587.1700

Lori Lawson

$2.2 BILLION IN CAREER SALES

Steven Kepecz

Nicole Ristaino

941.376.6411

$108 Million Closed Sales January 1 – July 29, 2021

Coldwell Banker Realty 423 St. Armands Circle Sarasota, FL 34236

Social Room Islander Club | 2295 Gulf of Mexico Drive #34S $785,000 Partially Furnished 2 bed / 2 bath. Residence completely updated including new hurricane windows and doors. Garden views. State of the art fitness center, social room, Jr. Olympic size pool.

Walk to Publix. Ready for instant enjoyment. www.IslanderClub34S.com | MLS A4502448

“We have worked with Judy over many years, buying & selling property on Longboat Key. Each time, Judy and her team carry out their duties with honesty, integrity and respect - very often going that extra mile! We were kept informed every step of the way and knew each time that the sale/purchase was in safe hands – very reassuring when we live in the UK.”

“Judy took the time to understand exactly what we were looking for in a new home, and used her extensive knowledge and contacts in the area to find great options for us in a limited market. We always knew she was looking out for us to find the right property.”

– Michael & Helen McArdl Newcastle, United Kingdom | April 16, 2021

– Ed Michael Evanston, IL | June 2021

RITZ-CARLTON Managed 5-Star Resort Style Living

Two pets welcome. No weight limits.

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

Oversized 1100 sq. ft. terrace. Ritz-Carlton beach/spa membership included. www.TheBeachResidences308.com MLS A4497402 361963-1

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

28

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

WARD GRAND A

57

AWARDS

28

AWARDS

The Observer Media Group won 50 awards at the 2021 FPA Weekly Newspaper Contest, including 18 first place wins. The Longboat and Sarasota Observers each took first place in General Excellence.

The Creative Team was awarded 28 awards, including 10 first place wins and the Grand Award in the 2020/21 Florida Newspaper Advertising and Marketing Executive Creative Excellence Contest.

361792-1

M E D I A

G R O U P

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

Jane Novacek captured this egret while enjoying lunch at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant on Longboat Key.

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, July 29

6:52a 8:20p

High: 87 Low: 80 Chance of rain: 35%

Friday, July 30

6:53a

8:20p

Saturday, July 31

6:53a

8:19p

Sunday, Aug. 1

6:54a 8:18p

SATURDAY, JULY 31

Monday, Aug. 2

6:54a

8:18p

Tuesday, Aug. 3

6:55a

8:17p

Wednesday, Aug. 4

6:55a

8:16p

High: 88 Low: 80 Chance of rain: 24%

SUNDAY, AUG. 1

29

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, JULY 30

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.

|

MOON PHASES

High: 87 Low: 80 Chance of rain: 35%

Aug. 22 Full

TIDES

Aug. 30 Last

Sept. 6 New

Highs

Sept. 13 First

Lows

Thursday, July 29

4:49a 4:29p

11:09a 11:33p

Friday, July 30

5:18a 5:43p

— 12:23p

Saturday, July 31

5:51a 7:22p 12:03a

Sunday, Aug. 1

6:29a

9:26p

12:35a

2:59p

Monday, Aug. 2

7:14a

11:24p

1:09a

4:09p

Tuesday, Aug. 3

8:06a

—

1:47a

5:09p

Wednesday, Aug. 4 9:00a — —

6:00p

1:42p

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 941.748.4679 | Venice

CROSSWORD GR-R by Sebastian L. Iger; Edited by David Steinberg

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

1 Lazy people 7 Sao Paulo’s country, in Sao Paulo 13 Strong part of a mussel 18 “Look who’s back!”

20 “Us” star Nyong’o 21 Shove forward, as a chair 23 More out of reach than the coarse file?

25 Mysterious to many 26 Students’ cards 27 “Scram!”

28 Columbus sch.

30 Amounts of medicine 31 Brownish photo tint 32 Tirade against the

government?

35 Comment after taking a break from peeling an orange?

40 Environmental activist Thunberg 41 Actor Page 42 Lily pad’s place 43 Doe, for instance 44 Ask too much?

47 Spend too little 48 Song for two 50 “___ voyage!”

51 Where Mongolia is 52 Spigot 53 Realtor’s remark during a tour?

58 Stereotypical cafeteria food 60 Before, in poetry 61 Wonder Woman’s enemy 62 Granola morsel 63 Faster alternative to the Constitutional Convention?

70 Painting or photography 71 Lofty 72 Where Moldova is (Abbr.)

73 They may get back together 75 Movie about a “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” heroine’s many nuances?

81 Granola morsel

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

46 Orange or purple root 48 Laura of “Little Women” 49 Material in a typical surfboard 50 Meatloaf meat 51 “Glee” character Abrams 53 Gets warmer?

54 Solemn promises 55 Noisy med. test 56 Grizzled 57 Have pad thai, perhaps 59 Certain H.S. exams 64 Attempt 65 Bumper cars or carousel DOWN 66 Effortlessly gain wisdom?

1 Coming-out phrase 67 Billiards sticks 2 Baltic Avenue card, e.g.

68 City near Ventura 3 Installs, as tile 69 Like axons and synapses 4 Word before “ideal” or 74 Hairdo “trip” 75 Applicant’s expense 5 Surface for a pan 76 “___ so sorry!”

6 Secondary pile in poker 77 Regarded disapprovingly 7 Chicken cordon ___ 78 Sweeties 8 Corrosion on an old car 79 Oil grp.

9 Credit card interest letters 80 Bean type in some falafel 10 Singer hidden in “Enrique 85 Climb, as a tree trunk Iglesias” 86 “c++;” could be a line of it 11 “How strange ...”

88 One has many pretty 12 Failure of judgment faces 13 Where to wear a mud 89 Egyptian snake mask 90 Southeast Asian 14 Person who overcomes language many obstacles 91 Holiday ___ Express 15 Accompany 92 Certain Louisianans 16 Indoor guard dog at a 94 Home of Canada’s ParliaTibetan palace ment Hill 17 Pillowcase material 95 Young math genius, say 82 Organs missing from 19 Cry in a game of tag 96 ___ and kin many emojis 22 Cardinal’s home 97 Proofreader’s catch 83 83/83 24 Comedian Trevor 98 Situp surfaces 84 Make no play 29 Time-sensitive 99 Instruments that rhyme 85 Like goblins 31 Low-fat kind of milk with “kotos” 87 ___ rap (Lil Peep genre) 32 Swim flipper 100 Starts to melt 88 Striped candy shape 33 The 31st, for July 104 “Sure, I guess” 90 Actor Schreiber 34 All bets ___ off 105 Late July births 92 Written for singers 35 Outperforms 106 Two twos, for one 93 Less desirable 36 Subject of a basic chem- 107 Refer to 95 “What is flat yet freistry lesson?

108 Winter toy quently flipped?” say?

37 Like some sunglasses 110 Body part with a “corner” 98 With 111-Across, comedy 38 Largest fencing sword 112 Scooby-___ about a quest for an altar 39 Campus military grp.

113 Pot ingredient part?

43 Spies’ files 114 Single-stranded mol101 “Fame” singer Cara 45 2016 Olympics host ecule 102 Helps criminally 103 Pronoun for Beyonce 104 Evil robot in an “Avengers” film 106 Many gaming laptops 109 As yet 111 See 98-Across 115 Ocean route 116 “Yay!” 117 Get back together 118 Like an old baguette 119 Garments that become multicolored 120 Had mercy on

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.

“B’UP GPN HPFHVP TRF CWP MCOOVPZ MI JRBVZWPS, CX NRFDER NRPI TPWP SPUPW JRBVZWPS NRPGXPVUPX.” GCIC WDZFVHR “IYASBI GI U WMBUYXAS EAS AFMSHAWGLZ AOIBUHCMI ULV UHXGMFGLZ UZUGLIB ZSMUB AVVI.” OGCC OSUVCMN Puzzle Two Clue E equals F

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

Puzzle One Clues E equals G

Sarasota

349229-1

KARASTAN, MOHAWK, AIRO, SMARTSTRAND, ALL PET

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

07-29-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

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

Homes for Rent 3BR/3BA LBK Beautiful large canal front, 2-story home, private deeded beach, office, TV/den, dining room, large kitchen, pool and spa $10,200 Monthly or annual (941) 809-4554

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

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

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

SELL YOUR STUFF FAST!

GARAGE SALE Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

CALL 941-955-4888

Items Under $200

YourObserver.com/RedPages

ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less.

Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales

WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

SELL IT NOW! YourObserver.com/RedPages

101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

941-955-4888

Announcements

Autos Wanted

ISLAND SWING BAND Every Monday 6-8 pm, since November 2018 Scarpino’s Italian Restaurant & “All That Jazz”!

6152 -14th St W (Bayshore) Reservations 941-756-8100

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale

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

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

Marina slip for sale. Longboat Key Club.

Moorings Lot C-01. $150k.

62 x 21.

Call Steve: 727-898-9388.

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

Call 941-383-3338.

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

LONGBOAT KEY: Gulffront, 2BR/2BA +den condo, 1455/sq.ft., totally remodeled.

Live right on the beach. Fabulous views of Gulf, sunsets, lush gardens, pool, spa. 941-3831731.

Adult Care Services CAREGIVER/CARE COORDINATOR. Available AM Shift or PM shifts.

941-448-5486

Auto Transport

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES

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

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

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

Cleaning

Transportation

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady.

Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential.

Commercial. New Construction. 941-400-2866.

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

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing.

Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

This week’s Crossword answers

LONGBOAT LIMOUSINE Your local luxury transportation provider since 1994.

New luxury Sedans and SUVs. Fully Licenced and insured.

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

RED PAGES AD RATES First 15 words .................. $ 17.50 per week Each Add’l word ....... 50¢ 15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

Call: 941-955-4888 Online: yourobserver.com

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “I’ve met people who are baffled by children, as though they were never children themselves.”

Maya Rudolph Puzzle Two Solution: “Sports is a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and achieving against great odds.”

Bill Bradley

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2021 NEA, Inc.

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

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

You’re only cheating yourself.

WURLITZER ORGAN omni 5000 keyboard, computer, like new $200 941-744-0404

Advertise items less than $200 for FREE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

941-955-4888

auto

MEDICAL LIFT with swing canvas chair. Never used. $200 941-800-4476

MOVING SALE Friday July 23, 8:00 AM-3:00 PM - , Saturday July 24, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM - Rain or Shine 13934 Wood Duck Cir Furniture, Antiques and more!

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

Condos/Apts. for Rent

peekers’ place

stuff

FURNITURES AND Fixtures Desks, Chairs, Examining Table, Pictures, Paintings, file cabinets, X-ray viewer, electronic equipment, dictating equipment, books, CD’s and more.

941-356-0770

real estate

Furnishings

The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice!

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

home services

RED PAGES

©2021 Universal Uclick

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Auto Service

Furniture Repair

SELL YOUR CAR!

Handyman

5-Star Rated

CONSTRUCTION HANDYMAN

361625

HoHoBuysCars.com

MIC INSURANCE

• Home Repairs & Maintenance • Interior & Exterior • Garage Floor Paint • Power Wash

Beauty SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

941.504.2745 941.400.1563

GladysKhabbaz@gmail.com 805 Molly Circle, Sarasota

AMANDA 424-333-0713 | rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com www.rockstarmobilehairsalon.com

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

Health

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

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Power Washing

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Carpet Cleaning

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat

359636

361950

Naji Aoun

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

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

361623

941.270.4400

outdoor furniture experts• • www.patiorepairs.net

361904

WE COME TO YOU

361885 38056

941-504-0903 941-504-0903 FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY FREE ONSITE QUOTES

FAST • EASY • SAFE

31

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

Insurance

Patio Furniture Repairs.com patio RepaiRS FurnitureSales Sales &&Repairs Furniture Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating Cushions • Slings • Umbrellas

|

Pressure Washing

Pressure Washing

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

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

QUALITY THAT MATTERS WITH A HIGHER STANDARD OF CLEAN

361099

DRIES IN HOURS – NOT DAYS • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED 941-778-2882 • 941-387-0607 Like Us on Facebook

Like Us on Facebook

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

CALL 941-955-4888

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roofing Repair & Installation • Metal Roofing & Tile Roof Repair Specialists

361387

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

Doors

Sliding Glass Door Repair

CREATE A LOT OF BUZZ!

New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936 361231

Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE” 361884

AMI SUN - COLOR AD Find anything in the RED PAGES | 941-955-4888 2X2 165000 07-14-21 EDS

| scaperotta@aol.com

Roofing

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Showcase your products or services.

941-544-1066

BEFORE

Italian American Owned

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

AFTER

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

Call 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

Satisfaction guarantee Satisfaction Guarantee Pool cage Restoration/ Rescreening specialists Manufacture and Workmanship Warranties

361906

Serving AMI, LBK and BRADENTON for 25 YEARS

360978

CARPET, TILE, UPHOLSTERY CLEANING ODOR CONTROL • AREA RUG SPECIALIST

941-345-5264

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

Insurance

Doors and more!

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY (941) 345-5264

Sandra Smith

| 941.383.3388

510 BAY ISLES SUITE 1 •DRIVE LONGBOAT KEY, FL (Next to SUNTRUST 6350 GULFROAD, OF MEXICO | LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228BANK)

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

TREASURES FOUND HERE!

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT YOUROBSERVER.COM/REDPAGES

361622

RED PAGES

Honesty, Integrity and Pride • Roofs • PoolCages Cages•• Decks Decks ••Driveways • Roofs • Pool Driveways • Deck/Paver Sealing • Gutter Cleaning • Deck/PaverAnd Sealing • And Much More Much More!

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

ROGER SELLS

LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES

MORE THAN $181 MILLION PENDING AND SOLD IN 2021

3731 INDIAN BEACH ROAD

$6,495,000

1300 CASEY KEY ROAD

$3,495,000

Built in 2006 with the exceptionally high standards of Triangle Construction, designed with energy efficient and sustainable materials, this 5BR, lavish bayfront residence is the epitome of luxury waterfront living. The perfect place to escape, with its enviable central location minutes from downtown, verdant gardens protecting the nearly one-acre of property, and a beautifully elaborate interior that is ready for you to immediately enjoy.

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.

www.3731IndianBeach.com

www.1300CaseyKey.com

2202 MCCLELLAN PARKWAY

$1,495,000

128 GOLDEN GATE PT, 501B

$1,395,000

This beautifully updated and well-maintained colonial style home perfectly complements the family-friendly, historic neighborhood of McClellan Park.

Set on an oversized corner parcel spanning nearly half an acre, you will love the recent renovations found throughout the exterior and interior of this 5BR residence that preserve its original architectural details while also creating a fresh and sunny ambiance in every room.

Views of Sarasota Bay and downtown are the perfect introduction to this private fifth floor, bayfront residence. From your private, two-car garage, take the secure elevator directly to the glass double-door entry of 3,000-square-feet of living space with an open concept of the dining room, kitchen, and living room. Wraparound walls of glass provide breathtaking sunset vistas.

www.2202McClellanParkway.com

www.VistaBayPoint501B.com

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

360562-1

32