Longboat Observer 8.26.21

LONGBOAT

Observer Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

Who are we?

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

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FREE THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

VOLUME 44, NO. 3

Back to masks

Town resumes indoor COVID-19 measures.

PAGE 2

YOUR TOWN

Courtesy photo

Strolling into forever Life on Longboat Key can be so engaging, which regular visitor Heather Durham learned when her now-fiance, Dennis Hurl, got down on one knee Aug. 9.

Durham said yes to her boyfriend of nearly four years while they were on a beach walk behind the Resort at the Longboat Key Club. This was their second year staying at the same hotel, in the same room, and already the island felt like home. Durham was thrilled that Hurl proposed to her there and said it was perfect among the beauty of the island. Durham and Hurl have been together since 2017.

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Lori and David Price bought their Village property in 2019 and recently finished renovations. They have set aside spaces for each of their home offices.

Living in their labor of love

In and out

Longboat couple finishes restoration project on an original cottage from 1930s Whitney Beach resort. SEE PAGE 16

A+E

Traffic troubles (again)

A home for art.

PAGE 15

Residents and town leaders seek answers to a new round of causeway congestion.

SEE PAGE 4 Mark Bergin

Traffic was bumper to bumper last week on Ringling Bridge from St. Armands Circle to downtown Sarasota.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure — and vice versa.

If you’re feeling the need to offload possessions, take your things to St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church.

Starting Sept. 1, the women’s guild will start collecting for the Royal Rummage sale, which for now is planned for March 4 and 5.

On the other hand, if you have the shopping itch or want to update the house with the changing seasons, head to the Lord’s Warehouse at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

It closes for the month Sept. 1 and until then is having a blowout sale.

Turtle Tracks LONGBOAT Aug. 15-21

2021 2020 Nests 2 0 False Crawls 1 0 Totals since April 25

2021 2020 Nests 1,031 1,136 False Crawls 1,441 1,307 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

Mask rules return inside town facilities Pandemic protocols reinstated as COVID-19 numbers, spread rebounds.

ON THE RISE Cases of COVID-19 in Longboat Key. n August 2021*: 24 n July 2021: 36 n June 2021: 1 n May 2021: 5 n April 2021: 13 n March 2021: 16 n February 2021: 31 n January 2021: 46 n December 2020: 41 n November 2020: 35 n October 2020: 15 n September 2020: 6

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

Longboat Key updated its COVID-19 restrictions this week within town facilities, reestablishing indoor mask rules for town offices and other government-run buildings.

“It is unfortunate that COVID numbers have been increasing in Florida and in the two-county area,” Town Manager Tom Harmer wrote in an email to commissioners. “We are experiencing high rates of COVID transmission throughout the area.”

The reestablishment of masks comes after Longboat Key began allowing the public to enter Town Hall without them on May 17.

As of Aug. 21, Florida Department of Health data shows the town’s 34228 ZIP code has had 24 new COVID-19 cases this month on the island.

“We don’t want to overreact, but we also need to do everything we can to keep everyone as safe as possible,” Harmer said.

Last month, the state provided Longboat Key data that showed the town’s residents had a vaccination rate near 100%.

Although vaccines aren’t 100% effective, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found full vaccination was effective for pre-

Florida Department of Health * Through Aug. 21

Graphic courtesy of Sarasota Memorial Hospital

Sarasota Memorial Hospital posted a graphic Monday about how its COVID-19 hospitalizations were higher among unvaccinated people compared to vaccinated people.

“We also know that hospitalizations are way up, and the unvaccinated make up the overwhelming majority of COVID patients.”

— Tom Harmer

venting hospitalization in 91% for Pfizer-BioNTech, 96% for Moderna, and 85% for Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

Longboat Key leaders ask anyone who is unvaccinated to wear a mask at all times while indoors at a town facility. Harmer said the town “has proper masks avail-

com use.

Th

chambers with people spaced 6 feet apart.

Town staff will also put up some barriers back in place inside Town Hall and signs on doorways.

Longboat Key’s Public Tennis Center will require masks inside the pro shop and restrooms.

Indoor use of Bayfront Park is also limiting classes to 12 participants.

“We have been somewhat fortunate on the island, but our numbers have also noticeably increased over the past four to six weeks,” Harmer wrote. “We also know that hospitalizations are way up, and the unvaccinated make up the overwhelming majority of COVID patients.”

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Anyone attending a public meeting in person will need a mask to enter and will need to get their temperatures taken at Town Hall. Anyone with a fever will be asked to leave. Once seated and social distancing is established, Harmer’s email states those in attendance who are vaccinated can remove their mask.

However, state law prevents the town from requiring documented proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

It means Longboat Key leaders must rely on the public’s goodwill to abide by the rules in place.

Limited seating will be available in the Town Commission

Sarasota Memorial Hospital posted a graphic Monday on its social media pages about vaccinated and unvaccinated patients.

The hospital had a record number of 230 patients with COVID-19, of which 205 were unvaccinated.

Among the 51 COVID-19 patients in SMH’s intensive care unit, 48 were unvaccinated. Of the 34 patients on ventilators, 33 were unvaccinated.

“We will be closely monitoring COVID cases both on and off the island and will make any further adjustments (one way or another) moving forward,” Harmer wrote.

“We will reevaluate these protocols at least every two weeks.”

The Longboat Key Town Commission is set to meet next on Sept. 13.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

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LI FE on Longboat Longboat Key has a fulltime population of 7,505 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

MEDIAN VALUE OF OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS, 2015-2019 n Longboat Key: $740,500 n Sarasota County: $251,600 n U.S.: $217,500

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (IN 2019 DOLLARS) FROM 2015-2019 n Longboat Key: $114,762 n Sarasota County: $62,236 n U.S.: $62,843

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

I

f the town feels a little more crowded — oh, by about 617 people — consider yourself 100% correct, at least as far as the 2020 census goes.

Longboat Key’s population grew in the past 10 years from 6,888 fulltime residents to 7,505, according to the most recent count.

But Town Manager Tom Harmer isn’t worried about the rumble of moving van after moving van rolling down Gulf of Mexico Drive.

“Some of that can be people who own a property on the island and are just changing from a part-time resident to a full-time residence,” Harmer said. “We know we’re generally built-out, so it’s not like we’re adding a bunch of new residential units.”

Data from the 2020 census was released earlier this month, capturing a snapshot of Longboat Key life that might otherwise be hard to measure.

Basically, what makes Longboat, well, Longboat.

Longboat Key’s median home values are nearly triple compared to Sarasota County as a whole.

And the town’s median household

income is nearly double Sarasota County as a whole.

“I think part of it kind of describes in a way what Longboat Key is,” Harmer said.

“We are somewhat of a residentialbased retirement area, and it’s also a very high quality of life area with some amenities that draw people from all over the country and even the world.”

Harmer’s sentiments are reflected in the town’s annual survey of town attitudes and views. Nearly 99% of the households that completed the town’s 2021 citizen survey described the overall quality of life on the island as either “excellent” or “good.”

The town’s levels of higher education are also higher than that of Sarasota County and the U.S. “Since I’ve been on the commission, I’ve had the opportunity to attend a number of Florida League of Cities conventions like this and training programs,” Mayor Ken Schneier said.

“The opportunity to listen to some of the issues that other communities face, and just to know how lucky we are to not have to face at least within Longboat Key itself some of the problems, poverty and homelessness and what have you.”

Schneier called Longboat Key “a beautiful island.”

“We have a well-off, successful population on average compared to many other places,” he said. “We have many fewer problems than other towns have.”

Figures courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau

RACE IN LONGBOAT KEY n 98.1%: White alone n 0%: Black or African American

alone n 0.2%: American Indian and Alaska Native alone n 1%: Asian alone n 0%: Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone n 0.8%: Two or more races n 2%: Hispanic or Latino n 96%: White alone, not Hispanic or Latino

RACE IN SARASOTA COUNTY n 91.5%: White alone n 4.7%: Black or African American

alone n 0.3%: American Indian and Alaska Native alone n 1.8%: Asian alone n 0.1%: Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone n 1.6%: Two or more races n 9.6%: Hispanic or Latino n 82.8%: White alone, not Hispanic or Latino

RACE IN THE U.S. n 76.3%: White alone n 13.4%: Black or African

AGE/SEX BREAKDOWN FOR LONGBOAT KEY

AGE/SEX BREAKDOWN FOR SARASOTA COUNTY

AGE/SEX BREAKDOWN FOR U.S.

n 0.1%: People younger than 5 years old n 1.6%: People younger than 18 years old n 69.7%: People 65 years and older n 51.1%: Population that is female

n 3.5%: People younger than 5 years old n 14%: People younger than 18 years old n 37.3%: People 65 years and older n 52.4%: Population that is female

n 6%: People younger than 5 years old n 22.3%: People younger than 18 years old n 16.5%: People 65 years and older n 50.8%: Population that is female

American alone n 1.3%: American Indian and Alaska Native alone n 5.9%: Asian alone n 0.2%: Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander alone n 2.8%: Two or more races n 18.5%: Hispanic or Latino n 60.1%: White alone, not Hispanic or Latino

POPULATION ESTIMATES FOR APRIL 1, 2020

POPULATION ESTIMATES FOR APRIL 1, 2010

PERCENTAGE OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES OR HIGHER AMONG PEOPLE 25 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER, 2015-2019

PEOPLE WHO HAVE A BACHELOR’S DEGREE OR HIGHER AMONG THOSE 25 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER

n Longboat Key: 7,505 n Sarasota County: 434,006 n U.S.: 331,449,281

n Longboat Key: 6,888 n Sarasota County: 379,448 n U.S.: 308,745,538

n Longboat Key: 96.2% n Sarasota County: 93.1% n U.S.: 88%

n Longboat Key: 64.5% n Sarasota County: 35.4% n U.S.: 32.1%

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

Construction concerns A new round of traffic backups frustrate Longboat residents.

EMERGENCY? Emergency patient: Someone not breathing whom first responders are performing CPR on. First responders can use emergency lights and sirens when transporting this kind of patient.

Nonemergency patient: Someone who is ill, sick or injured. First responders cannot use emergency lights and sirens when transporting this kind of patient.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

L

Emily Walsh

Traffic was busy last week for those going to and from the Ringling Bridge.

ongboat Key leaders this week have renewed their concerns about the latest in a series of road changes that slow traffic on and off the Ringling Causeway.

This time, it’s a new traffic configuration to accommodate the construction of a roundabout at Gulfstream Avenue and U.S. 41.

Town Commissioner BJ Bishop said she received emails from concerned residents about traveling back and forth over Ringling Bridge.

“They were incredibly frustrated and angry, obviously, because they couldn’t get off Longboat,” Bishop said. “The people that I heard from had missed doctor’s appointments and saw absolutely no reason for it to be this backlogged.”

Longboat Key resident Bob Gault offered an analogy for the roundabout construction after driving through the area.

“This is like doing open-heart surgery,” Gault said. “It’s the difference between a mechanic working on a car engine and is certain that it’s stopped, and a surgeon who has to do open-heart surgery on a beating heart.”

Fire Chief Paul Dezzi said he

is concerned with the bumperto-bumper traffic, which started Tuesday even before approaching St. Armands Circle.

Conditions have improved since early last week, with a series of small adjustments and the frequent presence of police officers to help direct the flow that in several places must stop and cross oncoming traffic or merge.

Specifically, Dezzi mentioned the difficulties first responders have had when transporting nonemergency patients, meaning firefighter-paramedics cannot use the lights and sirens on an ambulance or firetruck.

“If we have a patient that’s in the back of the ambulance as an emergent patient, we’re going to (have) lights and sirens,” Dezzi said. “We’re going to be delayed, but it won’t be that much delayed,

in my opinion, because we will have our lights and sirens on.”

Dezzi estimated more than 85% of the patients transported by the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department go to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, including the portions of Longboat in both Sarasota and Manatee counties.

“The concern I have would be with going to the hospital with an emergent patient is one lane going south from Gulfstream (Avenue), and it’s going to be backed up, and we have lights and sirens on, we have to get around those cars,” Dezzi said.

FDOT HOLDS VIRTUAL MEETING

Florida Department of Transportation personnel held a virtual meeting last week to discuss the U.S. 41-Gulfstream Avenue roundabout construction.

“The bumper-to-bumper traffic we’re expecting to mitigate as we go forward,” said Chris Pecor, a CDM Smith senior project engineer.

Pecor said traffic flowed better as the week moved forward.

He said many people had to go through intersections twice — U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue, St. Armands Circle, and U.S. 41 and Fruitville Road — because they were unaware of the detours with the route changes.

Pecor also mentioned minor modifications to create a more efficient traffic flow.

“We’re going to modify the signal at Cocoanut (Avenue) to

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PHASE IA TEMPORARY TRAFFIC MOVEMENTS

FRUITVILLE AVE.

COC ONU T

Westbound along Gulfstream/U.S. 41

basically allow more gaps in the traffic coming from Fruitville that merges into 41,” he said. “Another one was at Sunset (Drive), where we were able to allow that southbound to westbound traffic to actually go in the same movement that the eastbound traffic is coming off the island.”

Pecor asked people who live in Golden Gate Point to return home from the south.

“The 10 months is the overall time frame that we expect this general configuration, meaning the crossovers … and the north-

bound and southbound being detoured out of the intersection, we expect that to be 10 months,” Pecor said.

However, Pecor said there are subphases for the contractor to make minor shifts to the traffic pattern within the current configuration.

He said that process would happen within 100 days.

FDOT leaders are planning to hold another virtual meeting in September.

“This was a major shift. Understandably, (there is) a lot of frus-

AI N M

41

“I

— BJ Bishop

ST .

GOLDEN GATE PT.

Southbound along U.S. 41 and westbound along Gulfstream

Town commissioners have received dozens of emails regarding the traffic. Here’s a sampling:

“We can’t wait until season. This needs to be taken care of now.”

AVE .

41

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

HERE’S WHAT THEY SAID

TRAFFIC MOVEMENT Eastbound along Gulfstream Avenue/ U.S. 41 and northbound along U.S. 41

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tration,” Pecor said. “With a major shift like this, it takes a couple days to actually fully implement.”

LONGBOAT KEY’S PLAN

Bishop said Longboat Key leaders are planning to meet with FDOT representatives and city of Sarasota leaders to try to mitigate the situation before the start of snowbird season, when beachside populations swell.

“I have serious concerns about health, welfare and safety because if traffic is that gridlocked, how do our ambulances safely navi-

gate?” Bishop said.

Dezzi said he would look at the data the next few days to determine if first responders should take transport patients to Blake Memorial Hospital in Bradenton instead of SMH. “Transport time is what we’re looking at,” Dezzi said. “If we have a delay in the transport time — let’s say it takes us 10 minutes to get there from the south end of the Key. It taking us 45 minutes to an hour to get to the hospital, nonemergent? We have a problem. We’ve got to fix that.”

Dezzi also said he would consider examining the fire rescue department’s criteria to call a third-party emergency helicopter based in North Port to transport trauma patients.

“That would be something that I haven’t spoken to anybody really about, but that’s something I’m considering,” Dezzi said.

For years, Longboat Key leaders have expressed their concerns about the $8.6 million project.

Construction is expected to continue until fall 2022.

Bishop advocated for urgency to address the traffic woes even in the short term.

“We can’t wait until season,” Bishop said. “This needs to be taken care of now.”

may buy a helicopter nevertheless. Just need landing pads at both ends.”

“W

e should not feel that if our loved one has an emergency, their critical care could be severely delayed by the bottlenecked traffic between home and hospital.”

“W

e hate to think what it’s going to be like in season, but something must be done to accelerate the completion of construction (or other alternatives) to avoid turning the winter season into a complete nightmare.”

“I

have just come from Sarasota and wonder why construction is not being done during the weekend in order to expedite the work.”

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

ADVERTORIAL

Mark Bergin

The construction value of Aria’s new living quarters and an office space is listed at $1.3 million.

Construction underway on Aria addition Aria is adding new living quarters and an office space for a property manager.

NOTHING BUT HOT AIR?

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

Construction is underway at the Aria condominiums to add living quarters and office space for an on-site property manager.

The Longboat Key Planning, Zoning and Building Department issued a building permit in August for a two-story, 2,026-squarefoot structure located at 2251 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons said the construction value is listed at $1.3 million.

The new building, to be located on the east side of the property, will serve as the property manager’s residence and office. The historic home on-site will serve as a storage area.

Parsons said he was not sure how long it would take for crews to finish the construction at Aria.

Troubleshooting Your “Uncool” A/C

In the spirit of school bells ringing, we thought we’d provide a valuable service and educate you on ways to troubleshoot your cooling system when it’s giving you nothing but hot air.

Check the Stat If your thermostat needs new batteries, replace them. If the blower fan is set to ON instead of AUTO, it runs all the time – not just during a cooling cycle. In between cooling cycles, the air you feel from the vents can be warm. Also, ensure the fan is set to AUTO and the COOL setting is selected at your comfortable temperature. If your thermostat is set to heat… well, expect hot air.

Breaker, Breaker Both the indoor and outdoor components of your HVAC must have power to deliver that beautiful cool air into your home.

If the power supply is interrupted for either, it will cause warm air to blow from the vents. Check your electrical panel to verify the breakers for your system have not tripped and reset them if needed.

Filter Fresh With a dirty filter, the airconditioner cannot properly move air through your home, causing your A/C to blow warm air. Take a look at your air filter to ensure it is

clean. If it’s dirty, replace it with a new, clean filter to see if the warm air issue resolves. We recommend setting a monthly reminder to check the condition of your air filter.

Coil Concerns Your cooling system has two sets of coils, the evaporator coil inside the HVAC unit and the condenser coil outside. The evaporator coil is close to your air filter and picks up heat from your indoor air. A dirty filter can mean a dirty evaporator coil, which impedes air flow and pushes warm air into your home. You outside coil A visual inspection can determine if your outside condenser coil is dirty or full of debris. We recommend maintaining a minimum 2-foot clearance around the outdoor condenser unit at all times.

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The Aria Condominium Association Board did not return the Longboat Observer’s calls and emails. Tom Davis with Davis Construction Consultants and Mark Sultana of DSDG are listed as the project’s licensed architects in the building permits.

In a June email, Davis referenced an ongoing 2019 lawsuit between the owners and buildings and developers of the property.

In February 2020, Aria residents said a new building was necessary because the original building intended to be the manager’s residence was prone to flooding. The old building was a 1930s-era villa built seaward of the property’s coastal construction control line.

The site development plan shows the new structure has a height of 22 feet, 6 inches. It also states the structure is designed for wind speeds of 150 mph, which is higher than the normal design of 116 mph.

Aria will also provide five additional parking spots for a total of 58 spaces. The town requires Aria to have a minimum of 31 parking spots.

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August on the Suncoast means school is back in session – and the sizzling summer heat has hit its stride. This time of year, air conditioning is a critical necessity. There’s nothing worse than trying to cool down in your home and escape the sweltering temperatures only to find warm air blowing from your vents.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

LONGBOAT

OPINION / OUR VIEW

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

President and Publisher / Emily Walsh EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat 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

Mark Bergin

Traffic on a day last week backed up from Bayfront Drive all the way into St. Armands Circle during the afternoon.

OMG! What a shift show EMILY WALSH

A Longboater’s weeklong diary detailing the new traffic pattern at Gulfstream and US 41.

I

n another episode of Sarasota’s saga with roundabouts, we have our best (or worst) installment yet with the construction of the Gulfstream Avenue and U.S. 41 roundabout.

Approved by the City Commission years ago, this particular roundabout has been long dreaded, especially among Longboat Key and the barrier island residents.

We’ve been reporting and writing about roundabouts at the Observer since 2009, when we sent then-City Editor Robin Roy to Carmel, Indiana, to study how traffic worked in the city that had just completed 42 roundabouts and was constructing or designing 33 more at the time.

Also, as someone whose commute includes the two roundabouts on Ringling Boulevard and Palm and Orange avenues and sees at least one person a week literally drive over the roundabout (no joke), I kept wondering: How the heck is this going to work?

Here is the answer. The results of my dealings with the new

roundabout construction over the past week might surprise you: 8:54 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17 — Holy shift! Commute time: 60 minutes While approaching a traffic standstill heading east on John Ringling Boulevard and Bird Key Drive, I realize this is it. It’s the new traffic shift.

Finally, after inching over Ringling Bridge, I get a glimpse of what’s going on. This looks scarier than a diverging diamond.

It’s finally my turn to go.

WHEEE, here we go! Whoa, I’m dizzy. I feel like I’m on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Walt Disney World.

Where am I crisscrossing now?

Wait, is this the U.K.? Why are we driving on the left-hand side of the road? So confused. OK. I’ve been spit out onto Bayfront Drive in one lane. I know where I’m going now.

11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17 — Post the news Deputy Managing Editor David Conway posts a news story alerting readers that the U.S. 41 roundabout construction is causing traffic delays near Ringling Causeway. The story includes a map from the FDOT that looks like a spaghetti model for hurricanes.

1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17 — Too soon The city of Sarasota posts on its Facebook page that it is looking for artists to create an outdoor landmark sculpture for the U.S. 41/Fruitville Road roundabout. Nice PR stunt. Too soon.

4:50 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17 — Will I make it home? Commute time: 30 minutes Not thinking twice, I leave the office heading west on Ringling Boulevard toward Bayfront Drive. Oh, great. Another standstill. We’re slowly pushed into what seems like a holding cell barricaded by traffic walls over

what used to be Unconditional Surrender’s sacred homesite.

Again, we’re back in the U.K. on the left side of the road.

Finally, we get to start heading west over Ringling Bridge, and I am suddenly horrified at what I see. Season traffic headed east into Sarasota backed up almost to New Pass Bridge.

But wait, isn’t it August? I won’t even get into the nightmare I encountered on the north end of the island trying to get to a dinner in Bradenton. Ugh, ugh and more ugh.

7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17 — I could’ve run home faster. Commute: 2 hours and 15 minutes Longboat Observer Staff Writer Mark Bergin reports he was stuck in traffic for two hours and 15 minutes after leaving Longboat Key Town Hall. Typically, it would take him 20-30 minutes to get to his home adjacent to downtown Sarasota.

Bergin: “This is not an exaggeration: Yesterday, I could have run or biked home faster than waiting in traffic.” And probably a lot less heartache.

8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18 — There are a lot of cops. Commute time: 30 minutes More of the same traffic standstill, but it seems to be moving better today. Maybe people decided to stay away. Or maybe it’s all the Sarasota police helping to direct traffic.

11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18 — Newsroom notes As I recount the past few days of the new roundabout debacle, our entire newsroom stands around our designer’s desk looking at the FDOT’s map of how this traffic shift works. Executive Editor and COO Kat Hughes exclaims, “It’s like an April Fool’s Day joke!”

She suggests I take a time lapse video on my route home. I’m afraid people might get car sick and throw up from watching it.

5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18 — Pro tip: Take Fruitville. Commute time: 20 minutes After getting advice from a friend (and suggesting I move into the office for the next 100 days), our CFO, Laura Strickland, tells me that if you’re heading west to Longboat Key, it’s faster to take Fruitville Road than Bayfront Drive. She’s right.

There are no lights on that route, and you merge straight to Ringling Bridge. So remember, if you’re headed out to the beaches, avoid Mound and Bayfront Drive at all costs. Fruitville is your jam — not a traffic jam.

9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 19 — It’s working. Commute time: 15 minutes I can’t believe it. Either people are avoiding the area altogether, or they are getting used to it.

But I just experienced my fastest commute time ever.

9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 — Oh shift, it has happened again.

Commute time: 12 minutes.

What’s happening now?

There’s a new shift. Hallelujah, you can turn left onto Golden Gate Point now. And if you’re traveling north on U.S. 41, you can U-turn right before Golden Gate Point instead of having to go over Ringling Bridge and U-turning at Bird Key Drive.

Another great find is the opening in the traffic circle headed north at Gulfstream that spits you right into downtown. That’s clear, right? Nope, because it’s still confusing.

8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24 — What a difference a week makes.

Commute time: 11 minutes OK, I’m going to say it: This traffic shift might actually be a good thing. We made it to school drop-off at Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences in record time.

I think we’ll be just fine for the next 93 days.

Emily Walsh is publisher and president of Observer Media Group.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Town seeks help for retirement board

Hoping for a way to walk on the beach

Applications are due by the close of business on Sept. 1.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

The town is accepting applications to fill the Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Sept. 1 to the town clerk.

All applicants must also be registered to vote in Longboat Key. “(The CRBT) established by ordinance, and they are fiduciaries of the plan,” said Finance Director Sue Smith, who serves as the staff liaison to the board.

“They administer it. They also look out for the employees, the members and their beneficiaries. So they have a fiduciary duty to make sure the plan is healthy.”

The nine-member board is responsible for the administration and operation of the town’s Consolidated Retirement System. It also has the authority to interpret provisions of the state laws and local ordinances.

Board member Peter Kasdan can continue in office if he is reappointed by the Town Commission, which is set to meet Sept. 13.

An opening on the board was created by Joe Fabrizio, who moved out of town.

The CRBT meets four times a year. Members of the board serve three-year terms and may choose to serve again.

Mark Bergin

Longboat Key Finance Director Sue Smith serves as the staff liaison to the Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees.

“They do a lot of different tasks,” Smith said. “They create an investment policy. They hire all of the managers that help administer the plan, like the investment adviser, the custodian, the pension administrator.

They also listen to make decisions on investments.”

Members of the CRBT are required to file a financial disclosure form within 30 days after appointment and each year thereafter for the duration of the appointment as required by state law. They are also required to attend a seminar or conference regarding their duties, responsibilities and matters of the investment program at least once each term.

The town created the board Oct. 1, 2014. Before this, the town offered separate police, fire and general employee pensions.

The town shifted to a defined-contribution plan from a defined-benefit plan in late

2013 and early 2014. General employees and police officers joined the town’s plan while firefighters joined the state system.

The board members are as follows: n Police: Martin Sharkey, new member effective as of Sept. 30, 2021 n Fire: Tom Batchelor, term expires Sept. 30, 2022 n General town employee: Steve Schield, term expires Sept. 30, 2023 n Town manager or a designee: Longboat Key Support Services Director Carolyn Brown n Resident: Kasdan (if reappointed) n Resident: Steve Branham, term expires Sept. 30, 2023 n Resident: Frank Cona, term expires Sept. 30, 2022 n Resident: Andrew Sawyer, term expires Sept. 30, 2022

I have been able through the years to simplify the pleasures life offers me. I look forward to a leisurely breakfast, watching and feeding birds, travel, reading, gardening, taking a walk. Perhaps boring to some and by no means extraordinary, these are the activities that are sustaining and comforting — shared by many if not a majority of seniors.

So it came as a truly unpleasant shock to find out that the new owners of the Ohana estate are barring people from walking over their seawall to access the beaches on either side. As I understand it, they are employing a guard dog to prevent trespassers. I guess in the ongoing, twisted state of our country, I shouldn’t be surprised. The pervasive feelings of “Not in my backyard” and “I’ve got mine. Go find yours,” the total self-indulgence and lack of empathy, which seems to have sprung from the current political climate. Respect and compassion no longer seem to hold a place among people who seem to have it all.

What makes this decision of the owners even more disturbing is that this has been an unrestricted path for at least 40 years, as long as I’ve been using it. The Florida law states that access is available to all below the mean high tide line, irrespective of the structures built on it. Unfortunately, this is not a unique fight, but the law appears to be on the side of the public. We will see what

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

9

happens here.

The owners appear to have offered the town several solutions: Indemnify them from liability, install a path around the seawall, or build a guard rail. I suspect most will be rejected by the town because of “the slippery slope” argument.

Would a “cross at your own risk” sign work, or a prescriptive easement?

Regardless of the reasons for denying access, they might not realize the truly lasting negative effects to the community.

For now, I’ll make sure I bring treats for the dog when passing by.

JIM GOODRIDGE LONGBOAT KEY

One man’s COVID-19 vaccination waiver I herby waive my opportunity to receive my dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

I agree that my dose may be given to another recipient desiring to avoid the effects of this disease, either in this country or another.

I agree that I will not seek medical treatment that would displace another person in need of treatment.

I agree that I will complete the information on the toe tag that I will receive in exchange for this waiver.

Signed: Mr. Ig Norant; Member: The Darwin Society CHANDLER SWEETSER SARASOTA

First Physicians Group

Town of Longboat Key

Welcomes Ralph P. Tufano, MD, MBA, FACS

ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS The Town of Longboat Key is accepting applications for appointment to the following board:

We are pleased to welcome our first Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgeon to the First Physicians Group network. Ralph P. Tufano, MD, joins FPG from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Hospital. Dr. Tufano will manage and provide surgical treatment for thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, benign thyroid disease causing symptoms and hyperparathyroidism.

His novel treatment techniques, including scarless transoral thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) will provide more treatment options and improve surgical outcomes for patients with these conditions.

Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees All applications must be submitted to the Office of the Town Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on September 1, 2021. All applicants must be registered voters of the Town of Longboat Key. Late applications may not be accepted.

Any member who fails to attend two of three consecutive scheduled and called regular meetings without cause, and without prior approval of the chairman shall automatically forfeit his appointment, and the Town Commission shall promptly fill the vacancy.

Specialty: Thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, neck lymph node metastases, advanced and recurrent thyroid cancer, goiters, Graves’ disease, hyperparathyroidism, scarless surgery and radiofrequency ablation Board Certification: American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

All members of the Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees are required to file a financial disclosure form within 30 days after appointment and annually thereafter for the duration of the appointment as required by Florida Statues Chapter 112.

Medical School: State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Internship & Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

The Town Commission may schedule a Meet and Greet with applicants at a later date. Please call the Office of the Town Clerk at 941-316-1999 for an application or if you have any questions.

Fellowship: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD

To schedule an appointment, call (941) 262-0500

Applications may be submitted to: Town of Longboat Key – Office of the Town Clerk 501 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key FL 34228

1901 Floyd Street, Sarasota, FL 34239 www.smhthyroidandparathyroid.com • www.firstphysiciansgroup.com

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Savannah Cobb, Deputy Town Clerk Published: 08-25-2021

First Physicians Group Thyroid and Parathyroid Center

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

City advances St. Armands hotel discussion Commissioners spoke positively about a plan to build a hotel and grocery store on the site of a parking lot.

DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

Sarasota’s City Commission said last week it was open to hearing proposals for the sale and development of the Fillmore Drive parking lot on St. Armands Circle, a move intended to allow further consideration of plans for a hotel on the city-owned property.

The commission’s 4-1 vote was a response to a conceptual development proposal the city received earlier this year. In May, developers John Meshad, Gavin Meshad and Dennis McGillicuddy appeared at a commission meeting to detail their vision for transforming the 1.98-acre site. The group proposed a 98-room hotel, 15,000-square-foot Morton’s grocery store, six town homes and 270 covered public parking spaces to maintain the capacity of the existing lot.

At a meeting last week, City Attorney Robert Fournier went over the commission’s legal obligations when it came to considering a private development proposal of the city-owned lot.

Fournier said the city was not obligated to open a competitive bid process before selling the land, though the commission could do

that if it wanted to actively solicit more proposals. But a majority of the commission spoke positively about the hotel plan, expressing an interest in considering a sale of the parking lot to facilitate the project as presented.

“I think it’s a good proposal,” Commissioner Liz Alpert said.

“I think it would be a benefit to St. Armands, I think it would be a benefit to the public, and I’m in favor of moving forward.”

During his presentation to the commission, Fournier also detailed the hurdles a builder would have to overcome to construct a project in line with the one submitted. The developer would need to get the city to approve a series of revisions to existing regulations in St. Armands Circle, rewriting the zoning code and comprehensive plan to allow for hotels, residences and buildings up to 45 feet tall, 10 feet taller than the current maximum in the area.

The St. Armands Business Improvement District, a self-taxing group of property owners that includes Gavin Meshad as a board member, is already in the process of pursuing those changes for the commercial tourist zoning district on St. Armands. Although the parking lot property is zoned for governmental use, Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch suggested the city should hold off on considering redevelopment of the Fillmore site until officials have a chance to evaluate the broader regulatory revisions the BID is submitting.

The BID anticipates its proposal

File rendering

Some members of the public say the city should solicit proposals from other interested parties, but multiple commissioners felt that would be unfair to the group that submitted the hotel and grocery store plan.

will go to the Planning Board and City Commission for public hearings in early 2022. Ahearn-Koch said allowing that application to go through the city’s review process would help illuminate the public’s feelings about hotel development and taller buildings on St. Armands, which could inform the commission’s decision on the Fillmore lot.

“Let’s test the waters, and then we can engage — or not,” AhearnKoch said.

Members of the public who spoke at Monday’s commission meeting also encouraged officials to take their time in considering the prospect of redeveloping the parking lot. Kevin Hennessy is an attorney representing Ocean Properties, a company whose

portfolio includes four barrier island hotels, including the Lido Beach Resort, Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach and Holiday Inn Sarasota-Lido Beach.

Hennessy asserted the city was taking a backwards approach to the potential sale of the Fillmore property, arguing officials should be engaging with the public to determine the best path forward for the site and surrounding area.

“What has the city done to create its vision for St. Armands Circle?” Hennessy said.

Mayor Hagen Brody noted that a 2008 master plan the city produced identified a grocery store and boutique hotel as top needs for the Circle based on stakeholder surveys. Brody said he believed that remained true today, calling

the grocery store in particular a significant benefit for individuals living on the barrier islands. Brody said he was not interested in going through a competitive bid process because he felt it would take additional time and resources without any guarantee a project would be built in the end.

“I’m in favor of getting things done,” Brody said.

Fournier advised against the city jointly negotiating the details of a contract with an interested purchaser, indicating that it could create a perception of bias if the commission were asked to review future development proposals for the land. Instead, the city is inviting a prospective developer to submit a contract proposal for consideration.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 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.

540-546 Bay Isles Road

facility. When the officer arrived, he found the team inside, performing their duties. The officer relayed word to the resident, who replied that she was interested in seeing the work done as soon as possible.

TUESDAY, AUG. 17

LOOK WHAT WE FOUND 1:34 p.m., 600 block of Gulf Bay Road Suspicious incident: A pair of residents digging in their yard unearthed a bone, which concerned them, and brought it to the police station. A supervisor examined and photographed the artifact and forwarded the images to the office of the 12th District Medical Examiner. The bone was determined to be nonhuman and was disposed of.

SATURDAY, AUG. 14

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

TUESDAYS 10-11am Qi Gong 1-3pm Mah Jongg WEDNESDAYS 10-11am Tai Chi 2pm Grieve Not Alone

Bereavement Support Group NEW!

THURSDAYS 10-11am Zumba & Pilates FRIDAYS NEW! 10-11am Mind & Body Balance 11:30-12:30 Tai Chi Closed at 1pm on Fridays in Summer

HELP IS ON THE WAY 5:07 a.m., 5200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: While on patrol, an officer encountered a car on the side of the road with its emergency flashers on. The officer learned from the owner that the vehicle had run out of gas and that a friend was on the way to get gas and would return shortly.

The officer told the owner to call police if further assistance was needed.

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

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THEY’RE IN 9:16 a.m., 500 block of Gulf Bay Road Citizen assist: A resident called police to report a team of workers had been having trouble for about two hours entering a town

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MEDICAL SUITE 544 Bay Isles Road

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BARGING IN 6:48 p.m., 100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious vehicle: An officer reported finding a barge stuck in the mangroves in a town park.

The officer tried to gain access to the barge but was unable to. He was also unable to trace a telephone number painted on a piece of equipment; no such number connected to a marine-contracting business. The town’s marine patrol officer was alerted to the barge’s situation. A day later, the marine patrol officer was able to reach the barge’s owner, who

Keep Your Home and Loved Ones Healthy

1pm Thursday September 9 “Calendar Girls”

MONDAYS & THURSDAYS Primary Care 941.748.8400

A FLYING NUISANCE 1:08 p.m., 3700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious incident: A caller to the police department, who did not wish to be identified, told a supervisor about a remotecontrolled drone that flew near her while she was paddleboarding in Sarasota Bay. The caller said the flying machine came close enough that she could have hit it with her paddle but didn’t.

She said the drone flew back toward the shore after she yelled at it. Police checked the area and found no drones or operators.

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Call each practice directly to make your appointment.

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

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3709 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL

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

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed Sundays

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HELP GETTING HOME 2:53 p.m., 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway Suspicious vehicle: A witness who saw a vehicle park at a store by first running over a curb called police, concerned the driver was having difficulty behind the wheel. As the officer spoke to the witness, two men exited the store. One of them, a caregiver, helped the other into the car. Then the driver of the vehicle exited the store. The officer explained the reason he was there, and the driver allowed the caregiver to drive the vehicle.

MONDAY, AUG. 16

TWO EXTRA WHEELS FOR THE RIDE HOME 9:18 p.m., 4700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious person: A resort employee called police to say a customer who had been drinking at the bar got up and left without any of his belongings and walked outside toward a motor scooter he had parked nearby. Police found him near the beach and asked him what he was doing.

He responded he was looking for his belongings. Police told him he had left them behind and that they now had them. The man said everything was accounted for, but police requested he not ride his scooter home to the mainland.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 18

HARD TO FIND 2:34 p.m., 4700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Traffic hazard: A caller reported to police a car being driven erratically southbound until it made

WHOOPS 5:01 p.m., 500 block of Harbor Cove Circle Property damage, not vandalism: A man whose vehicle had been parked on the side of the road called police when the driver of a commercial vehicle backed into his vehicle, damaging it. The commercial driver said he had not even realized he had struck anything. Damage was estimated at $500. Both drivers exchanged information and were told to contact their insurance companies.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

TRIBUTES

Monique Oliel, 92 passed away July 29th at Venice Regional Hospital, Venice Florida. A long time resident of Longboat Key. She is predeceased by her parents: father, General Pierre Steenberghe, mother Valerie Steenberghe (de Hague), sister Lillian Calymene, ex-husband Serge Oliel, and their daughter Patricia Oliel.

She was a devoted mother, an excellent cook, and an extraordinary hostess. She made friends where ever she and her family resided, and saw to it that the social calendar was always full.

Monique was a fantastic planner, and meticulously put together the families annual month long summer vacation. A new European destination each year, which first and foremost started with her family visit to Belgium.

In 1975 her youngest daughter Patricia (17) had renal failure, and Monique donated her kidney. The surgery was a success, and Patricia lived to be 61, passing only 4 months before her mother.

Monique had a fierce curiosity for learning, loved both foreign language, of which she spoke 5, and traveling, particularly abroad. She traveled to many counties, and continents collecting souvenirs, and taking

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Born in Belgium in 1929, graduated stenography school in 1948. She worked for a law firm in Brussels, before she married in 1955. Newly wed, she moved to Downingtown Pennsylvania, where her husband was assigned the job of mechanizing the bread making for Pepperidge Farm.

Over the years, and many moves, she supported her husband’s endeavors involved in the making of a new line of cookies for Pepperidge Farm. She and the children were often the “tasters” of the cookies, now known commercially as the Milano, the Bordeaux, and the Brussels. Later came Godiva Chocolates, and Goldfish.

Her family moved all over the East Coast of the U.S. with a shorter assignment in Europe. Monique tended to each home with great care. She was a devoted mother, an excellent cook, and an extraordinary hostess. She made friends where ever she and her family resided, and saw to it that the social calendar was always full. She never missed a birthday, or holiday with a card.

a copious amount of photographs.

When she moved permanently to Longboat Key in 1987, her grandchildren affectionately called her “Beach Grandma.”

Monique decided to start a Belgian Club.

Its main goal was to gather French speaking Belgians at local restaurants over French/ Belgian cuisine, speaking only French, or attempting to. The group met monthly.

She was the organizer of the reservations, without the internet! After decades of organizing, and an untold number of meal gatherings, she was honored by the Sarasota Chapter of the Chaine des Rotisseurs.

She will be greatly missed by me, her daughter Chantal Ferland, and husband James Ferland. Grandchildren: Timothy Martin and Gregory Martin, brother inlaw Robert Calymene, nieces, Dominique and Pascale Le Grande, and many seconds cousins.

Call Adella at 941-366-3468, ext. 346; tributes@yourobserver.com or ask your funeral director for assistance.

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Monique Oliel 1929-2021

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15

Photos by Harry Sayer

Above: Craig Palmer says he’s felt a boost of creativity and productivity with his paintings since being at the studio.

Right: Lori Stone says it’s been a fun change to have new people see her fabric art.

Creative collective IF YOU GO ZERO EMPTY SPACES STUDIO Where: Rosemary Square, 1454 Boulevard of the Arts Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. daily Website: ZeroEmptySpaces.com

HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

L

ori Stone has been making fabric art for decades.

The retired Sarasota resident has taught art for years and worked as an interior designer, all while gathering fabrics and materials to make her own art pieces.

Stone makes colorful abstract designs and esoteric figures out of fabric, felt and textures, all of which come from her heart, she said. But never has she felt like she’s making art for others.

“This has always been for me,” Stone said.

For the first time in a lifetime of creativity, that’s changed.

Stone now displays her work at the Zero Empty Spaces art studio in the Rosemary District.

The studio, which opened in early August, is the latest in a series across Florida that rents

vacant properties at low rates to emerging artists to create and display art.

“A lot of (affordable artist) spaces are nonprofit-based or heavily juried,” Zero Empty Spaces co-Founder Evan Snow said. “They generally favor artists that are more experienced. … We’re glad to reward artists who are early on in their careers.”

Artists pay $2 per square foot on a month-to-month basis.

The spaces average between 100 to 300 square feet, and the company pays utilities.

As opposed to showing her textured creations to just close friends, Stone now enjoys seeing people respond to her work.

“It’s so interesting what pieces (people here) go to,” she said.

Around 11 artists work in their personal sections of the studio in what has become a sort of makeshift collective.

There’s a sense of belonging that’s undeniable, and not just for Stone.

Many of the studio’s artistic inhabitants agree that there’s an energy to the space.

Elizabeth Goodwill, a fiber and sculpture artist, has been making fine craft installations for much of her career.

When she’s not working as the education director with Art Center Sarasota, she’s learning more about the construction of fine art crafts and creating multilayered animal masks as an expression of identity.

That art takes time. Goodwill starts by forming wire armatures that she then overlays with the “musculature” materials and finally covers the construct in leather.

Working in an administrative role at the art center through a pandemic has taken Goodwill further and further away from making those pieces. She said one day she woke up and hadn’t

made new artwork in a year — it felt like a blow to her system.

She’s found her creativity again at the studio, where she makes new structures and installations every weekend.

Goodwill’s space is right next to Stone’s, and the two talk about their art constructs and bounce ideas off each other.

Goodwill jokes that she spends all day at her job telling people to make art to improve their outlooks and that she’s finally taking her own advice.

“Being in this group is the same feeling as I had in grad school,” she said. “We all have our studio spaces but as one big group. Everyone’s doors are open. … It’s that energy that’s amazing.”

Painter Craig Palmer said the studio’s energy has revitalized his output and feelings as an artist.

The New York-turned-Sarasota resident has long focused on realism — he specialized in detail-oriented, accurate paintings of humans and animals.

He enjoyed it and was good at it but admits that the technical focus and reliance on model painting stifled his feeling of

5 Ways to Worship at All Angels

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

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SAKLC Bridge Club - THURSDAYS at 1PM Garden Worship - SATURDAY 8/28 at 5PM

Growing in Jesus’ Name

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

941-383-8161 • www.AllAngelsLBK.org

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

Worship With Us at Our Church

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

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

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

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

941.383.8833 (office)

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•

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 will be CLOSED the month of September

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

6400 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

being a true artist.

Palmer often wished to start painting abstract figures — a completely different focus and perspective from what he’d spent his life doing.

Upon joining the studio, he’s done just that. Palmer now spends his days painting abstract designs with acrylic paint that have influences in nature and evoke landscapes like the Colorado mountains.

He said the change broke his brain at first but that he eventually pulled back and applied the fundamentals of painting to different shapes.

What has kept him going strong is the feeling he’s had creating art with fellow artists again and seeing locals come in to admire and purchase their creations. He said he’s been making work he’s proud of more consistently than ever.

“It’s such a great opportunity for artists. There are no affordable studio spaces in Sarasota,” Palmer said. “To be able to come in and share (with everyone).

Everybody is different, the work is different, … but the energy is like being back in art school. It’s a really great vibe.”

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

The Center of Jewish Living on Longboat Key

Please join us for Friday Evening Shabbat Services at 7:30pm each week in our Sanctuary, and morning Shabbat service & Torah Study at 10:00 am every Saturday.

Check our website for more information on upcoming events & programs, including the NEW Education Center at TBI offerings!

If you’d like to join our mailing list, send an email to office@tbi-lbk.org to stay up to date!

Due to the rise of Covid cases in our area, we will require masks & encourage social distancing until further notice.

941.383.3428 | www.tbi-lbk.org

RABBI STEPHEN L. SNIDERMAN, D.D.

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

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Emerging artists showcase creations at the Zero Empty Spaces studio.

Classifieds 30 Games 29 Real Estate 27 Weather 29

AUGUST 26, 2021

YOUR NEIGHBORS

The home is set back from the road and shrouded in trees.

Courtesy photo

The home started on the beach in the 1930s.

Chronicles of a Cottage W The Prices’ home started life as a beach condo in the 1930s, and they tried to keep it true to its Old Florida roots.

NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

THE TREEHOUSE’S TIMELINE The life of the Prices’ home began in 1935 as the sixth of 13 cottages at the Whitney Beach Resort, which was the start of family vacation experiences on Longboat Key. Two of the resort’s cottages were recently moved from Broadway.

After the resort closed in 1957, it was moved across the street to Longbeach Village.

In 1980, the Geeslin family bought it, elevated it and turned it into three pavilions.

It was covered in the Longboat Observer in 1984 when the home was elevated. The sections of the home were connected by walkways, which

had the offer accepted by the following Wednesday.

They started work in July 2020 and received a final certificate of occupancy about a month ago.

While their dream home was being redone, the Prices moved

actually classified the home as three buildings. The Geeslins owned the home until 2019, when Mary Geeslin died. By that time, it needed a lot of work — the Prices uncovered rotten beams in the house, and the roof leaked a lot. In essence, David said, they gutted the home and rebuilt it to create their dream.

“We weren’t looking to renovate an old house, but it just captures you,” Lori said. “We knew it needed a lot of work, but of course as these things happen, it took more money and more time.”

seven times in two years — from Bradenton Beach, to Linley Street, to their guest house, and so on — and all of their belongings were in storage. Finally, after they SEE COTTAGE, PAGE 18

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Lori and David Price Left: The Prices stayed in the small guest house for about a year and changed little about its layout during renovations. They added a window.

The Prices kept as much of the cypress as possible and used it around the house, such as in this door.

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hat started as a renovation became a rebuild and ended as a historic island treehouse.

Lori and David Price bought their Longbeach Village home in 2019, though they just moved in a few months ago. It’s No. 6 of the original Whitney Beach Resort cottages, which started life on the beach in the 1930s and moved across the street in the 1950s. It’s elevated and shrouded in mature palms and trees with dripping Spanish moss. It was a fixer-upper, but it captured the Prices, who were looking for a small, elevated, waterfront home.

Somehow, they found the one that ticked all the boxes.

“It is kind of Old Florida,” Lori said. “David grew up in north Florida, and when he saw this, he said, ‘This is Florida.’”

The Prices first came to Longbeach Village years ago when they would sail from their home in St. Petersburg. Lori would walk the dog around the neighborhood when they were anchored off the Key, and although she liked the little slice of Longboat, she never thought she and David would live there, until they saw the listing in 2019. The house went on the market on a Sunday, and they toured it, made an offer on it and

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

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20672020 HAR BOUR LINKS DR DR #422 I V E, #4 HARBOURSIDE L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 #4 Longboat Key | Sold at $556,000 2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V0E, L on g b o at KMLS# e y | OA4178487 f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

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2067 HSINGLE A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 FAMILY HOMES L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 000 2067 H ALongboat R BOUR Key LINKS | Gulf andDR Bay I V E, #4

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2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L onH g bLONGBOAT atBOUR K e y | OLINKS f f HARBOUR ere d at DR $ 7 79, 0 0 0 2067 AoR Longboat Key | Bayside I V E, #4

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

Cottage FROM PAGE 16

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EARLY LABOR DAY DEADLINES SEPTEMBER 9TH EDITIONS

made their way into the house in April, they moved all their furniture and possessions in during June. As of mid-August, they were still finishing renovations and pouring concrete.

“We sometimes had seven carpenters working here at the same time,” David said.

“This was a carpenter’s dream,” Lori said. “They even thanked us while working on this. ” The home still smells like a carpenter’s dream, too, like the pecky cypress wood that makes up the walls, newly vaulted ceiling and a couple doors. David saved rough cypress from the inside and outside of the home as he worked on the demolition and filled it out with scraps from Sarasota Architectural Salvage. The pine floors are intact, and the Prices rebuilt the original fireplace, too.

They also put a roof over all three of the original buildings to classify it as one home, thereby avoiding multiple insurance policies. In the 1980s, a master bedroom and guest house were added, along with a pod on top of the home that they call the nest.

It’s a bit tricky to find where you are in the home, and the Prices sometimes use a walkie-talkie system to find each other. Now that it’s done, it has the feel of a mountain cottage — just a short walk from the beach.

“It started as a renovation and became a rebuild,” Lori said.

“It’s really a restoration,” David said.

Having moved to St. Petersburg from New Orleans meant that the

Nat Kaemmerer

Prices knew how vital an elevated home can be in a storm-prone area. It’s already served them well. When the Village flooded during Hurricane Eta in November 2020, David had water up to his knees downstairs, but none of it got in the house. After that, their neighbor who also owns a Whitney cottage came over to check out the elevation for her own plans.

Not that the home is all high and dry. One of the biggest problems during the renovation was the complete lack of roof decking.

The entire roof had to be taken off and redone.

“I used to dread when it rained because we had to go around and put the buckets down, but I was thinking the other day that I love it when it rains now,” Lori said.

The Prices installed a twisting staircase to the nest.

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Longboat & East County Observers Arts & Entertainment/Black Tie Space Reservation: 11am Thursday, September 2 Materials Due: 3pm Thursday, September 2

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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.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

Kiwanis Club begins Lawn Party planning

T

he Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key met for the first time since early July for breakfast and brainstorming. On Aug. 19, the club gathered at Lazy Lobster to start putting together plans for a potential Lawn Party.

The last one was held in December 2019 at Longboat Key Club’s Harbourside Ballroom and benefited All-Star Children’s Fund.

This year, the event is planned for Dec. 4 at a to-be-determined location and will benefit Children’s Guardian Fund, a local organization that provides foster children and families with tutoring, school help and meals.

Michael Garey, the incoming club president and Lawn Party chair, said the club was motivated to keep the money raised by the event local.

“It’s always been a great event for a great cause,” Garey said, adding that proceeds from previous editions of the party didn’t always deliver local benefits.

Members agreed that a higher level of optimism toward the pandemic would be needed to make the party a success.

So far there is no location nailed down, but several members are hoping to use Longboat Key’s

“It’s going to take grassroots efforts to sell out, as always.”

— Michael Garey, incoming Kiwanis Club president

town center green.

Garey said that three things are essential for making the Lawn Party a success: focusing on selling raffle tickets, getting sponsorships and selling tables. The raffle will be a 50/50 this year, so there’s no pressure to hit a fundraising floor like in years past.

Whoever wins will take home 50% of the total raised, and the club will donate the other half to Children’s Guardian Fund.

“Sometimes we get too caught up in how many restaurants will be there,” Garey said. “That’s important, but those three will make it a financial success.”

There are still unknowns as far as pricing for entry and raffle tickets, but members want to make it as enticing for as many people as possible. They’re hoping for pent-up demand postpandemic and more optimism in regards to COVID-19.

“It’s going to take grassroots efforts to sell out, as always,” Garey said.

BY THE NUMBERS The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key has worked closely with Children’s Guardian Fund in the past year, and the organization will be the beneficiary of the Lawn Party.

318

Number of kids in August who got school clothes

52

Number of kids throughout the summer who got tutoring Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

168

Number of kids who went to summer camp

26,500

Dollars donated since Executive Director Svetlana Ivashchenko began coming to Kiwanis meetings in July 2020

69,000

Total dollars donated from Kiwanis initiatives with matching programs, meaning 69 children have gotten six months of tutoring

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REID MURPHY PRESENTS

LUXURY ON THE WATER BUYING or SELLING

Call Reid for a successful real estate experience!

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

LONGBOAT KEY NEW BAYFRONT $8,700,000 Exceptional new construction 3BD/4BA custom home w/spectacular bay views. Open plan w/ superb outdoor living space. Beautiful heated pool & spa, fire pits, boat dock & lift, plus 4 car garage.

$5,875,000 LONGBOAT KEY PRE-CONSTRUCTION $3,995,000 SARASOTA PENTHOUSE 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.

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LONGBOAT KEY EMERALD HARBOR 3BR/4BA on 100 foot canal front with dock and newer seawall to accommodate water toys and large vessel with easy access to intracoastal and Bay. Deeded beach access across the street. $1,695,000

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

BIRD OF THE WEEK

Work Hard.

Play Hard!

A closer look at the feathered friends with which we share Longboat.

American kestrel T

he smallest and most common falcon in North America, the American kestrel is the only kestrel species in the Western hemisphere. Two subspecies occur in Florida, the northern, which is migratory, and the southeastern, which is a yearround resident.

American kestrels hunt from a perch, diving to snag insects (especially grasshoppers), small mammals, small birds and reptiles.

Because they will often first hover above their prey, these diminutive raptors (the size of a blue jay), which are diurnal, are quite vulnerable to larger birds of prey, such as hawks and owls.

As an adaptation, these colorful opportunistic hunters have two dark “eye spots” on the backs of their head.

By appearing as if they are looking up at potential aerial predators, the false eyes dissuade would-be predators from attacking. And when stationary, these extra “eyes” also help deter attacks from songbirds, which habitually angrily mob would-be predators.

American kestrels are a statedesignated threatened species because of an overall decline in nesting and foraging habitat in Florida.

Miri Hardy

Kestrels are partial to open woodlands, containing widely scattered trees, which have been progressively lost to development.

And because they are secondary cavity nesters, which don’t make their own cavity but rather use existing natural cavities or those previously excavated woodpeckers, removal of old-growth trees and snags has resulted in loss of appropriate nesting sites.

Kestrels are also threatened by pesticides, which deplete their insect-heavy prey base, and by collisions with motor vehicles.

To protect American kestrels and our other native birds, we can avoid using pesticides, preserve snags and install nesting boxes in areas where natural cavities are sparse.

American kestrels are the smallest species of falcon. They are typically the size of a blue jay.

— 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.

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 360241-1

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Bruce Myer

Realtor

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

23

®

941.387.1847

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

New Listings Coming Every Week - Call me!

SILVER SANDS - 5841 Gulf of Mexico Dr., #245 Condo Hotel with great income! Turnkey 2BR/2BA ground floor residence with updates. $489,000 5841gulfofmexico245.com

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

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

Now Pending

BAY ISLES BAYOU- 3300 Bayou Sound Road Spacious 4BR/4BA pool residence offering over 2,900 SF of living space. $995,000 3300 bayousound.com

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IN 2021 OVER $92 MILLION IN SOLD & PENDING SALES

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24

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COMMUNITY THURSDAY, AUGUST 26

PARADISE CENTER MOVIE MATINEE At 1 p.m., The Paradise Center (546 Bay Isles Road) will show “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” in the organization’s recreation room. The 2021 film stars Andra Day as the singer pursued by the U.S. government over her controversial music. The movie is free for members and $10 for nonmembers. Popcorn is provided. Email ParadiseCenterRSVP@gmail. com to reserve a spot.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29

ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE FAMILY DAY From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., head to St. Armands Circle for family fun. There is a different theme every month; previous themes have included Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium and pet portraits. Call 383-1554 for information.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 7

SONGS ON THE CIRCLE From 6-9 p.m., the Circle will have musicians posted around playing live music. Call 3831554 for information.

RECURRING EVENTS MONDAYS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

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.

A bridge beginning

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.

S

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY

LORD’S WAREHOUSE The warehouse will be closed beginning in September. From 9 a.m. until noon, shop at the Lord’s Warehouse thrift store at 6200 GMD. 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.

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Lynn Nieting flips through her bidding box.

Left: Paul Thurner gets a little help from Peter Cleaves.

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 waitlist: MaryAnnBrady@TheParadiseCenter. org or 383-6493.

t. Armands Key Lutheran Church is hoping to bridge the gap between experienced card players and amateurs with its new bridge group, led by member and certified director Peter Cleaves.

The group of a dozen players met for the first time Aug. 19, and after Cleaves took the time to explain the rules of the more formal version of the game, he stood back and let his players go to work. Of course, he was always nearby to help.

“They always say about bridge: The more you learn, the more you realize how little you know,” Cleaves said.

Cleaves was in charge of three tables Aug. 19, a far cry from the times he commanded a room of 20 or 30 tables. Throughout his years as a bridge director, he’s led games on cruise ships and at the Bird Key Yacht Club during the winter. When church leaders approached him about starting a group at SAKLC, he accepted gladly.

“This is our first stab at it, so I’m trying to do everything I can to get organized play rolling,” Cleaves said.

The players gathered at the first game were largely amateurs, though a couple more experienced players came in the forms of Jim Freeman and Roberta Shander. Another table had a group playing the more formal version of the game for the first time.

“We’re party bridge people,” Kathy Rylander said. “This is new because we’re not used to the contract bridge experience.”

A dozen players sit around three tables for their first game.

—NAT KAEMMERER

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FEATURED PROPERTIES NEW LISTING!

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

LONGBOAT KEY 435 L Ambiance Drive PH-K 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,711 Sq. Ft. Cecile Coutret & John Coutret 941-735-4444 A4507096 $7,500,000

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

CORTEZ 12925 42nd Terrace W 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,138 Sq. Ft. Ann Martin & Joanna Benante 941-356-7717 A4502107 $4,750,000

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

BRADENTON 5948 Riverview Boulevard 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,091 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4504528 $2,300,000

BRADENTON 4155 Riverview Boulevard 6 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,962 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4509189 $1,950,000

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2719 Gulf Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,119 Sq. Ft. Melinda Alvarez 941-704-0633 A4506596 $1,749,000

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

SARASOTA 1100 Benjamin Franklin Drive 204 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,576 Sq. Ft. Sherri Mills 941-350-7112 A4509069 $1,200,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1445 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 201 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,274 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4504369 $1,137,000

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 $1,135,000

BRADENTON 1523 1st Avenue W 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,500 Sq. Ft. Fran DeDona & Pam Goodwin 941-812-5023 A4505327 $1,050,000

SARASOTA 1899 Buccaneer Circle 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,942 Sq. Ft. Jami Kellogg 941-809-6931 A4505815 $995,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1701 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 303 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,551 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4503585 $875,000

SARASOTA 1518 Bel Air Star Parkway 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,475 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4506654 $875,000

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

BRADENTON 11430 Perico Isle Circle 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,733 Sq. Ft. Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4509455 $595,000

LONGBOAT KEY 504 Forest Way 504 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,440 Sq. Ft. Bill Anderson & Adrienne Scott 941-313-4059 A4503580 $500,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4621 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 16F 2 Beds 2 Baths 900 Sq. Ft. Richard Perlman 941-228-8580 A4508698 $495,000

BRADENTON 5577 Palmer Circle 206 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,462 Sq. Ft. Joanna Benante & Ann Martin 941-356-7717 A4507556 $440,000

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

BRADENTON 1501 63rd Street W 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,384 Sq. Ft. Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4509399 $395,000

SARASOTA 4274 Riverwood Avenue 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,774 Sq. Ft. Patrick Doherty & Maureen Doherty 941-993-3160 A4499452 $380,000

SARASOTA 3039 Silk Oak Drive 4 Beds 2 Baths 1,738 Sq. Ft. Matthew Voss 941-237-0877 A4509182 $375,000

BRADENTON 984 Sandpiper Circle 984 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,115 Sq. Ft. Bill Anderson & Adrienne Scott 941-313-4059 A4506992 $309,000

ROTONDA WEST 144 Rotonda Circle 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,192 Sq. Ft. Elisa Gersman 941-735-0595 A4509277 $270,000

BRADENTON 4421 19th Street Circle W A & B 1,259 Sq. Ft. Louise Hollander 941-224-4483 A4507731 $250,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 8017 Marina Isles Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,593 Sq. Ft. Kate Enis 941-330-6068 A4500595 $7,250,000

SARASOTA 1400 Ladue Lane 6 Beds 6/2 Baths 9,052 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4491567 $6,650,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 607, 609, 611 Fern Streets & 610 Rose Street 12 Beds 6 Baths 1,568 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4497933 $5,900,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 361776-1

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

AUGUST 9-13

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Bay Isles tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Elaine Johnstone sold her home at 510 Harbor Cay Drive to Hugh and Cynthia Ray, of Longboat Key, for $4.5 million. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, four-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 5,439 square feet of living area. It sold for $2 million in 2003.

27

REAL ESTATE

Bay Isles home sells for $4.5 million

|

CLUB LONGBOAT BEACH AND TENNIS

Casper and Sonia Johnson and Lolita Hoffman, of Tampa, sold their Unit 324 and 324A condominiums at 5055 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Jennifer Emich Campbell, of Staunton, Virginia, for $835,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,484 square feet of living area. It sold for $480,000 in 2013.

Photo courtesy of Bruce Myer

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 28

Built in 2006, the home at 510 Harbor Cay Drive has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,439 square feet of living area.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of August 13-19 in order of dollar amounts.

SALES GALLERY OPEN

L O N G B OAT K E Y ADDRESS 620 Hibiscus Way

In with the new

PERMIT New single-family

APPLICANT Larry S. Kress

AMOUNT $775,000

residence 565 Sanctuary Drive #B205 Interior alterations Victor Keen

$500,000

2362 Harbour Oaks Drive

Interior alterations Peter Lanzavecchia

$160,000

510 Bay Isles Road

Re-roof

Suntrust Bank Gulf Coast $139,500

3235 GMD

Lanai

Portobello Owners

Longboat Key

$121,470

Association 3240 GMD

Lanai

Portobello Owners

$121,470

Association 3030 Grand Bay Blvd. #373 Interior alterations Martin B. Zimmerman

$84,000

525 Gunwale Lane

Interior alterations Luis Fernandez-Moreno $79,828

4540 GMD Unit 301

Interior alterations Kevin Kihnke

510 Bay Isles Road

Re-roof

741 Binnacle Point Drive

Windows and door Alejandro Salabarria

$59,607

511 Birdie Lane

Re-roof

Robert W. Tucker

$34,885

2425 GMD #6C

Electrical

Zuluaga Family Revocable $27,000

$75,000

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

MOVE-IN READY

Suntrust Bank Gulf Coast $74,950

Trust 3029 GMD

Replace garage door Randolph Cohen

$24,700

4380 Exeter Drive Unit 205

Sliding glass doors Margaret LaFlamme

$22,067

691 Binnacle Point Drive

Electrical

Thomas A. Blakely

$21,000

6920 GMD

New foundation

High Ground LBK LLC

$20,000

5941 Emerald Harbor Drive

Pool cage

Dolores M. Stevens

$19,956

Joseph A. Chiarella

$19,600

Downtown Sarasota

replacement 783 Marbury Lane

Re-roof

600 Sutton Place Unit 304

Sliding glass doors Janet S. Andres

$19,400

781 Spanish Drive N.

Re-roof

Larry A. Freed

$18,250

4410 Exeter Drive Unit 106

Windows and door Raul Castano

$18,000

691 Binnacle Point Drive

Mechanical

Thomas A. Blakely

$16,500

500 Schooner Lane

Windows

David Ian Schiller

$15,320

1281 GMD #408

Electrical

Flanigan Family Revocable $15,000

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

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

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

Trust 435 L’Ambiance Drive #G701 A/C change-out

Sylvan Kaplan TTEE

2219 Harbourside Drive #301 Hurricane shutters Jeffrey Rudolph

$14,000 $13,360

Source: Town of Longboat Key

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

361761-1

Licensed Real Estate Broker

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

AS WE CELEBRATE 75 YEARS OF ENSURING

ABILITIES SHINE EVERY DAY WITH THE

Photos courtesy of Bruce Myer

510 Harbor Cay Drive offers canal access to Sarasota Bay and a view from the living room.

JULY 18 - SEPTEMBER 30 EASTERSEALS IS PARTNERING WITH THE FLANZER TRUST IN A MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN,

Real estate FROM PAGE 27

TO HONOR EASTERSEALS’ 75th ANNIVERSARY AND SUPPORT THE MISSION TO SERVE THOSE WITH DISABILITIES.

LIDO SURF AND SAND

Timothy Koch and Susan Berk, of Mequon, Wisconsin, sold their Unit 312 condominium at 1102 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Timothy and Jennifer O’Shea, of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, for $784,000. The condominium was built in 1976 and has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,379 square feet of living area. It sold for $615,000 in 2019.

this week, join ambassadors RENEE ARMBRUSTER JOHN HART BAYSIDE PET RESORT EASTERSEALS’ THERAPY INSTRIDE THERAPY

BANYAN BAY CLUB

Rafael and Terry Guzman, of

Longboat Key, sold their Unit 308 condominium at 5265 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Russell and Mary McConnell, of Yardley, Pennsylvania, for $775,000. Built in 1974, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,498 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in 2014.

WHITNEY BEACH

Blanche Roslyn Abramov, of New York City, sold her Unit 144 condominium at 6700 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Anita Decosimo, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, for $538,900. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,287 square feet of living area. It sold for $242,500 in 2010.

During July and August get $20 back via prepaid Visa card with qualifying purchase of NAPA Batteries, Starters and Alternators, after rebate if you wish, give back a portion up to its entirety, to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund

ALSO JOIN

RISE & NYE’S EVERY SATURDAY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 IN DOWNTOWN SARASOTA!

Valid at both NAPA AUTO PARTS Stores and participating NAPA AutoCare Centers. Offer valid July 1- August 31, 2021. Claim ONLINE ONLY at NAPARebates.com by September 15, 2021. This offer is only valid to US residents. Limit of two (2) Battery rebates and a limit of one (1) Starter and Alternator rebate per customer or household/address. *Cards issued by Bank of America, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa Inc.These cards are not credit cards and expire six (6) months from issue and have no value after that date. See your cardholder agreement and associated materials for details.Void where prohibited.

360198-1

special thanks to all of the

LOCAL DONORS

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

5608 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH, 34217

(NEXT TO DOMINOS PIZZA) 941-896-7898 • GROOMSAUTO.COM

DIVORCE

without ATTORNEYS

Divorce is never pleasant, but it doesn’t have to be full of hate & bitterness. Protect family relationships and assets from expensive, adversarial litigation, Explore Mediation: the Positive Alternative.

Go to FlanzerTrust.org

and click on the Donate button.

Select Easterseals Southwest Florida from the menu.

Call me for a Free 15-min Consultation, before you call an attorney!

COME ONE, COME ALL! SATURDAY, OCT. 2, 2021

• Family & Divorce Mediation

• Pre & Post Nuptial Agreements

• Marriage Mediation

• Elder Care Mediation

FREYA ROBBINS

LEARN MORE AT EASTERSEALS-SWFL.ORG/EVENTS

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Supreme Court Certified Mediator Certified Divorce Financial Analyst 361520-1

28

ZollingerMediation.com 941-366-0202

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, AUG. 27

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.

Melanie Smith captured this photo of a gray heron coming in for a landing on the beach on Longboat Key.

29

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

|

High: 90 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 58%

SATURDAY, AUG. 28 High: 89 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 45%

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Aug. 26

7:07a 7:57p

Friday, Aug. 27

7:07a

7:56p

Saturday, Aug. 28

7:08a

7:55p

Sunday, Aug. 29

7:08a

7:54p

Monday, Aug. 30

7:08a

7:52p

Tuesday, Aug. 31

7:09a

7:51p

Wednesday, Sept. 1

7:09a 7:50p

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, AUG. 29 High: 89 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 40%

Sept. 20 Full

TIDES

Sept. 28 Last

Oct. 6 New

Highs

Oct. 12 First

Lows

Thursday, Aug. 26

3:34a

3:58p

10:13a

10:29p

Friday, Aug. 27

3:56a

4:53p

11:06a

10:53p

Saturday, Aug. 28

4:23a

6:04p

12:06a

11:16p

Sunday, Aug. 29

4:56a

7:50p

1:16p

11:37p

Monday, Aug. 30

5:38a

—

—

2:36p

Tuesday, Aug. 31

6:33a

—

—

3:56p

Wednesday, Sept. 1

7:47a

—

—

5:04p

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

CROSSWORD

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 "Nightline" network 4 Stooge known for throwing pies 7 Strong wind 11 Most unlikely, as a chance 18 Lock the shop's doors 20 Saunter 21 Like a creaky hinge 22 Reaction to an amazing TV ad?

24 Southwestern flowers 25 "Smart" machine 26 Available for use 27 Ancient Mesoamerican 28 Frenziedly

941.748.4679 | Venice

BLENDED TOGETHER by Steven E. Atwood; Edited by David Steinberg

29 Oklahoma city 30 Miss ___ mile 31 To-do list item 35 180 degrees from WSW 38 Group of songs 39 Nice child's Christmas?

41 Zest 42 Tech restoring internet access?

46 Someone to go around being annoying with?

48 Falcons' and Hawks' city (Abbr.)

49 Nursing garment 50 College green 51 Coach's encouraging phrase

52 Superficial river mammal?

56 Where to put compost 57 Bubbly beverage 58 In itself 59 Ruin, as a surprise 60 Conduits sealed with gray tape 62 Paint shades like Candy Apple and Lava 63 Deadly snake 64 Home project letters 65 Fey who satirized Sarah Palin 69 Planes and axes 72 Star-___ mole 74 Most Riyadh residents

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

44 Overly loud radio sound 45 Many have metal teeth 46 Propane, for one 47 "That just ___ do" 50 Stick in the medicine cabinet?

53 Leary wasn't leery of taking it 54 Iridescent gemstones 55 ___ and turn 56 Soon-to-be owner 60 Vertebral cushion 61 Double-shift worker's need 64 They bear fawns 66 Tax-deferred plan, briefly 67 Cheesy chip 68 2020 A.L. MVP Jose 70 Prefix with -vore DOWN 71 Marmalade ingredient, 1 Capital of Ghana often 2 Flower 72 CBS military drama 3 Small jazz group 73 ___-eyed (naive) 4 What parallel lines never do 75 On its way 5 Not just my 76 Muslim's faith 6 Theme park near Orlando 77 Trapezoid or triangle 7 Run as the anchor in a relay 78 Steam bath 8 Yoga position 79 Thin pasta 9 Indecent 81 Teeny 10 Potato sprout producer 82 Illegally off base (Abbr.)

11 Imprecise reasoning 84 Cry of discovery process 85 Paddle relative 12 Singer Baker or O'Day 89 Roves (about) 13 "I don't like your ___!"

90 "You're not fooling 14 Solutions used in herbal anyone!" medicine 91 Walk the earth 15 Archie Manning's third son 92 "Let's hear it!"

76 "Insecure" star Rae 16 Caribbean ___ 95 Cold, fruity dessert 80 Mme., in the U.S. 17 Some are celebrated with 98 Bed/sofa 81 Scoop shop covering a goal-post dunks (Abbr.)

99 Financial liabilities large lot?

19 Meat-curing appliance 100 Largest city in Egypt 83 '50s revival group 20 Composer Gustav 102 Enjoyed home cooking formed in 1969 23 Occupied 103 Flood stopper 85 Soul singer Redding 27 Cain's brother 104 Wave's high point 86 "1917" conflict, briefly 32 Invite for 106 "Fool me ___ ..."

87 Layer of eggs 33 Horse for a king 107 Paint shades like Desert 88 Donkey-hyena hybrid?

34 Creamy Indian dish Camel and Baguette 90 Way past a tennis court's 36 Most virtuous 108 Stag's gender fence?

37 Greek currency 109 EMT's skill 93 Sleep condition 39 Not far from 110 What's groundbreaking?

94 Actor Sinise 40 Original, or unoriginal 111 Samuel Adams Rebel ___ 95 Type of drive 41 Job for a musician 112 Drink a little of 96 A Southeast Asian 42 Yellow jacket, e.g.

113 Gearhead's pride people 43 Heavens, in poetry 97 "Square" part of a diet 98 "I'm ___ up!"

99 Ancient Greek column style 101 Soothing powder 105 Week's 168 107 Reality star Giudice 108 Unit of length 109 Tuscan wine region 112 Night before a professor's time off?

114 Lady Gaga, e.g.

115 Espionage yield, for short 116 Prepares for a comeback 117 Bump from behind 118 Hushed summons 119 Rock such as bauxite 120 Gross minus expenses

349233-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

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.

"EC KCSOW OSIODIDG VL GOWJJIG, FDK V FCIVCMC KWC XJGK VXUJAKSLK YJAXDIS VG OJDASTC UIDG PACSXG CZDSIG GDOOCGG." XSAICC XSKIVL

"BYXP NGXC. VGIEN BNZJ OYI LZZV VMPZ HXOMJE. PZZK GJ YKZJ AMJC, YKZJ ZOZF GJC GJ YKZJ FKMXMR." XGHNGZV XGO Puzzle Two Clue I equals U

Sarasota

Puzzle One Clues Z equals Q

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

8-26-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Condos/Apts. for Rent

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM

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

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages 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.

25’ ROLLUP Fire escape Ladder $40 864-430-4808

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

Mid-Century Modern furniture , MCM Dining room table and chairs, MCM sofa sectional, chairs, end tables and accessories, Lamps, art, vases, Native American Indian pottery, Vintage bar accessories, Bedroom suits, Offi fic ce furniture, Vintage cameras, Beautiful antique quilts, Chest lots, Waterford crystal, Sterling silver fl fla atware, Vintage clocks, Lots of kitchen accessories and Patio Vintage electronics, Stereo system, 1963 and 1964 Corvette parts, Shop Smith with all accessories and attachments.

Lots of tools, garage items and bric--a -bracs

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.

Information call Ken at: 941-356-3318 For photos please visit antiquesandchatchkes.com

Estate Sales Conducted By: Antiques & Chatchkes

Bicycles To claim any of the above listed property, you must present a valid ID, proof of ownership and sign a property release form.

If you wish to claim any of the above listed property, please contact the Property and Evidence Section of the Longboat Key Police Department at 941361-6411 EX: 1928 to make an appointment.

auto

PURSUANT TO Florida Statute 705.103, the following property is being posted as found property that has been turned into the Longboat Key Police Department.

SEEKING ESTATE Manager / Care Taker Position. Eliminate your estate ownership worries - If you are a discerning owner looking for someone to manage your property on LBK or Sarasota, we are a professional couple with extensive experience seeking a live-in opportunity. Confidentiality, and discretion ensured.

(917) 834-5767

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

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

WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL Rates

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

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

Cleaning

Between

Reservations 941-383-5577

Home Services PRIVATE DUTY Registered Nurse Non-smoker, pet lover, available part-time to assist with bathing, wound care, errands, shopping, transportation to doctors appointments and around town. Will help with laundry, meal prep and give motivation to get moving and enjoy life.

Fully Vaccinated. $35hr (412) 851-0840

Landscaping/ Lawn Services GARDNER WANTED For Flowers, weeds and maintenance. Lawn and mowing taken care of separately.

941-388-2083

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.

Transportation LONGBOAT LIMOUSINE

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

Beachfront, Bayfront and In Houses or Condos

CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady.

Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential.

Commercial. New Construction. 941-400-2866.

BUY & SELL HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

This week’s Crossword answers

wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939

YourObserver.com/RedPages

EUREKA VACUUM and Shark steam mop, $25 each. Toaster, Pannini and Waffle makers, $10 each. 941-925-3084.

Announcements

Position Wanted

BUY STUFF HERE!

CHANDELIER METAL, BROWN, HARDWARE INCLUDED. LIKE NEW, $45 (941) 920-2494

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

CALL 941-955-4888

Aug 27, 28, & 29 from 9am to 6pm. # out at 8am

www.rentalsonlongboat.com

Condos/Apts. for Rent LOOKING FOR a condo to lease for 3 months. In LBK, Lido or Downtown Sarasota.

Must be at least 2,000 sq ft no steps, and nicely furnished 3 bedrooms. December - February or January - March. Brokers welcome. Respond to:Brenbrook234@gmail.com

BUY STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

©2021 Universal Uclick

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

Call 941-383-3338.

RED PAGES AD RATES First 15 words .................. $ 17.50 per week Each add’l word ....... 50¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Fax: 941-955-4808 Email: redpages@ yourobserver.com Online: yourobserver.com

You’re only cheating yourself.

Items Under $200

1BR/1BA LONGBOAT Key furnished Silver Sands Resort condo, Gulf view, heated pool, parking, beach, BBQ, daily rental. $420,000 (516) 767-3729

CLEAN OUT YOUR GARAGE HERE!

2322 59th st Sarasota Florida 34243

jobs

stuff

Deadline for classified advertising in the September 2nd issue will be due on FRIDAY, September 3rd at 3pm.

MID CENTURY MODERN BONANZA ESTATE SALE

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

real estate

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING EARLY DEADLINE The Observer will be closed on September 6 th in observance of Labor Day.

Autos Wanted

peekers’ place

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales

Condos/Apts. for Sale

home services

RED PAGES

Cleaning

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “We teach calculus in schools, but I believe the most important formula is courage plus dreams equals success.”

Marlee Matlin Puzzle Two Solution: “Work hard. Laugh when you feel like crying. Keep an open mind, open eyes and an open spirit.”

Rachael Ray

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2021 NEA, Inc.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Furniture Repair

941-504-0903 941-504-0903

MM40360

Handyman

5-Star Rated

Pressure Washing

CONSTRUCTION HANDYMAN

362049

HoHoBuysCars.com

Power Washing

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

Beauty SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

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

941.504.2745 941.400.1563

362252

GladysKhabbaz@gmail.com 805 Molly Circle, Sarasota

941-544-1066

Roofing

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Carpet Cleaning

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

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

941-626-3194

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

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

Serving AMI, LBK and BRADENTON for 25 YEARS

QUALITY THAT MATTERS WITH A HIGHER STANDARD OF CLEAN

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936 362536

Screening

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

361099

DRIES IN HOURS – NOT DAYS • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED 941-778-2882 • 941-387-0607

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

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

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

Like Us on Facebook

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

Like Us on Facebook

Doors

941-345-5264

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

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

MIC INSURANCE

363105

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

AMI SUN - COLOR AD 2X2 165000 07-14-21 EDS

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS

Mike Mailliard ~ Lacey Weaver Allen Hovis ~ Matthew Mailliard Chloe Gardner ~ Julia McIlrevey Simone Paton 362804

Registered member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA)

Warranties

Res./Com.

Lic./Ins.

d Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005 ows

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

362017

Manufacture and workmanship

w & Pressure Cl indo345-5264 W(941) eani t e s ng s a S u n n w r o i s n e k W Sun y in erl

Insurance

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Windows

Doors and more!

362535

Sliding Glass Door Repair

| scaperotta@aol.com

Italian American Owned

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

BEFORE

AFTER

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

Naji Aoun

363101

Pressure Washing

Honesty, Integrity and Pride

363116

941.270.4400

/ DELIVERY FREE PICKUP ONSITE QUOTES outdoor furniture experts• •FREE www .patiorepairs .net

363117

FAST • EASY • SAFE

Harbour Square 4134 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Suite 208 941-524-9700 SymphonyMassage.com Open 7 Days a Week | Covered Parking & Elevator Access

363115 38056

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

360946

Patio Furniture Repairs.com patio RepaiRS

SELL YOUR CAR! WE COME TO YOU

Massage

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat

120

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

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

Find anything in the RED PAGES | 941-955-4888

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

363118

Auto Service

31

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

|

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY | 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!

362802

Sandra Smith

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

ROGER SELLS

LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES

MORE THAN $188 MILLION PENDING AND SOLD IN 2021

862 GRANDE PASS WAY

$3,100,000

501 NORTON STREET

$1,495,000

Begin your dream beach home at this private, gated enclave on the southern tip of Boca Grande, featuring breathtaking sunsets views, highlighted by the perfect backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico, Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande Pass. One of only 19 homesites in the exclusive Hill Tide Estates community, this spectacular parcel boasts more than a quarter-acre of direct beachfront property to enjoy, with its own private access to tiered beach shores, fishing options and a unique observation pier. Cleared and ready for you to embark on a new design project.

Life on Longboat Key’s north end is a tranquil experience that few can match. This elevated 5BR waterfront home in Sleepy Lagoon rests on an oversized corner lot surrounded by lush landscaping, waiting for you to make it your own.

Boating enthusiasts will love the more than 100’ of water frontage, multiple deep-water docks and lift, with Gulf beach access only a sunny walk from the front door.

www.862GrandePassWay.com

www.501NortonStreet.com

128 GOLDEN GATE POINT #501B

$1,395,000

Relish an ideal city lifestyle at this chic 3BR residence located in the heart of downtown, with its striking views of Sarasota Bay and the city center’s bustling activity as the perfect introduction to this 3,000 SF residence. Within walking distance to the best that Sarasota offers, you will appreciate the best of both worlds at Vista Bay Point, offering single-family inspired living complemented by enviable amenities.

www.VistaBayPoint501B.com

3804 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #B106 $450,000 This lovely, updated beach to bay getaway is conveniently located on the first floor, just a few steps from beautiful Gulf beach shores. Ready to enjoy as a place to escape or as a rental property, the interior of this 2BR residence’s open layout features a newer kitchen with custom cabinetry and granite countertops, plus a wall of sliders that open to the private garden patio.

www.BeachHarborClubB106.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

360566-1

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