Longboat Observer 9.23.21 by The Observer Group Inc.

LONGBOAT

Observer Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978

Awakening.

PAGE 15

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

•

FREE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

VOLUME 44, NO. 7

One more step

YOUR TOWN

Final OK of revised St. Regis plan heads to town commissioners. PAGE 2

Courtesy photo

Holy after-school treat, Batman!

Interim police chief leads push for accreditation with help from the Barancik Foundation.

MEASURING MARK BERGIN

STAFF WRITER

ongboat Key interim Police Chief George Turner takes pride in his contributions to help law enforcement agencies get accredited — even as

the leader of a department for which he’s not permanently responsible.

SEE PAGE 3

A+E

Moving ahead. PAGE 14

Young Longboat Key resident Easton Nock, 6, requested his parents, Jessica and Eugene, pick him up in the Batmobile from his school bus stop the other day. Fortunately, the Nock family is one of few that could accommodate that request. The family owns a 1966 Batmobile they acquired from friend George Barris, who designed and built the iconic TV vehicles. When the iconic vehicle pulled up to the bus stop, cries of “Awesome!” and “That is so cool!” rang out among the other kids, Jessica Nock said. Even “big kids” stopped their own vehicles to get a peek at their childhood hero’s car.

File photo

Lt. Chris Skinner of the Longboat Key Police and Duke Overstreet examine boat debris in 2020. Police operations, training and other facets will be under scrutiny as part of the state accreditation process.

Vessel still stuck Mark Bergin

State officers said the boat became grounded Aug. 10 outside of the Sands Point along New Pass.

Time running out on beached sailboat. SEE PAGE 4

Tree 1, Developer 0 Unicorp National Developments CEO Chuck Whittall was pleased Friday to receive Planning and Zoning Board approval for proposed changes to the Residences at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. It came with an unexpected price, though. Whittall and his team shattered the rear window on their GMC Denali backing into a Town Hall parking spot over which a low tree branch hung. Then, a storm released a torrential downpour. “At least that’s the only bad news I have to deal with today,” Whittall said.

Turtle Tracks LONGBOAT Sept. 12-18 2021 2020 Nests 0 0 False Crawls 0 0 Totals since April 25 2021 2020 Nests 1,032 1,136 False Crawls 1,442 1,307 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

St. Regis changes get board’s OK Town commissioners in October will have the final say on a series of revisions Unicorp wants for condo, resort plan. MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

t took the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board seven about hours last week to unanimously recommend approval of changes to the Residences at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort proposal, sending the revisions to the Town Commission for final consideration in October. “Our intent on everything we did was to maximize the look, the aesthetics and experience with guests,” Unicorp National Developments CEO Chuck Whittall told the board. In March 2018, the Town Commission voted 6-1 in support of Unicorp’s original plan, with then-Commissioner George Spoll dissenting. Unicorp proposed these changes to the previously approved plan: n A reduction in residential units from 78 to 69. n Two of the 69 condominium units would be available for occupancy for fewer than 30 consecutive calendar days or one calendar month, whichever is less. n An increase (35,173 square feet) in overall building footprint. n An increase (1,001.5 square feet)

Mark Bergin

Unicorp National Developments CEO Chuck Whittall and his team appeared before the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board on Friday.

in the total accessory commercial area. n A 52-space reduction in parking. n A four-seat reduction within the hotel’s accessory commercial spaces. n A number of amendments to the buildings’ setbacks. n The addition of accessory structures (including an event pavilion and several beach-related structures). “We’ve got in extreme detail all the reasons under their code for supporting what we requested, so they did make the right decisions today,” said Brenda Patten, who has legally represented Unicorp throughout the approval and pur-

chase process. Once the 17.6-acre land is developed, it could add about $1.5 million to the town’s tax revenue. The P&Z Board approved Unicorp’s request for a 41.7-foot waterfront setback for the proposed Monkey Bar and a 75.3-foot setback for the event pavilion. Town staff had recommended denying both departure requests. It means Monkey Bar will be 108.3 feet east of the erosion control line, and the event pavilion will be 73.9 feet from the ECL. “(It) would make very little difference,” Patten said. “If you had a hurricane, I don’t think the storm is going to care if the struc-

ture is another 40 or 50 or 60 or 70 feet back. It won’t make any difference.” Patten also provided maps and aerial views showing how some of the old Colony structures were closer ECL than what Unicorp is proposing. “You can see that all of those structures are farther seaward than the event pavilion and the Monkey Bar will be,” Patten said. Plus, Whittall said his team has verbal approval with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection about the proposed location of the Monkey Bar, but it is contingent upon the town. “We’ve been (in) a lot of com-

munication with the state,” Whittall said. “Until we get the approval from the town of Longboat Key, they won’t give us formal approval.” Unicorp and the town also crafted an agreement about when condo owners can begin moving in because the residential buildings on the south side of the property will likely take less time to finish than the hotel building on the north end. “No certificate of occupancy for any residential unit shall be issued until the hotel tower exterior is completed and fully enclosed,” the agreement reads. P&Z Chair David Green said he wanted to respect what previous members of the Town Commission and P&Z Board had approved in 2018, but he added that 2021 is a different world. “I’m very persuaded by the fact that there’s every financial and commercial reason for them to be highly incentivized to get this done as quickly as possible,” Green said. “And I don’t think our local government needs to be concerned about that.” Town commissioners will hold a pair of public hearings Oct. 6 and 20. Mayor Ken Schneier and Commissioner Penny Gold were among those in attendance at Friday’s public meeting. If approved, building permits would follow. Unicorp has planned a formal, invitation-only, ground-breaking ceremony Oct. 25, less than a week after the Town Commission could grant final OKs.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

WHAT THEY’RE LOOKING FOR A sampling of some of the standards and practices sought for examination by Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation: n A written directive that regulates the types of off-duty employment in which agency members may or may not engage n A written directive that requires that members receive copies of and are instructed in the agency’s use of force policy before they are authorized to carry lethal or less-lethal weapons n A written directive that describes the proper use of the following equipment during emergency and nonemergency situations: emergency lights sirens; hazard warning lights; spotlights, if equipped; and public address systems, if equipped n A written directive that establishes an incident reporting system to include: guidelines for when reports must be written, forms to be used, information required, procedures for completing incident reports, procedures for submitting and processing incident reports and documented supervisory review n Access to evidence areas controlled to prevent the alteration, unauthorized removal, theft or other compromise of evidence stored by the agency and to maintain chain of custody n A property records system that provides the following information: current location of property, date and time property was received/ released, description of the property and chain of custody from time of receipt until final disposition n If an agency allows suspects, detainees or prisoners to be secured in a designated area without continuous supervision by agency personnel, a written directive addresses the following: authorization for the use of the room, space or area; member accountability; separation of women, men and juveniles; authorized temporary restraint devices including, if allowed, securing to fixed objects designed for such use; access to water, restrooms and other needs; safety considerations for objects contained in the room, member contact at least every 15 minutes and member training on the use of interview rooms

Mark Bergin

Measuring up FROM PAGE 1

“I have started working for departments that were not accredited, and every department that I’ve ever been in, by the time I left, they were accredited, some directly because of my desire,” Turner said. Turner has more than 40 years of law enforcement, serving as Brooksville’s police chief from 2007-2018 and as a captain for the Longboat Key Police Department from 2001-2007. He was also a police captain from 19782000 in Ulster County, New York. Since being hired by the town in late April following Chief Kelli Smith’s departure after six months, Turner plans to get the Longboat Key Police Department accredited, too. And making it possible is a philanthropic organization founded by Longboat Key residents Charles and Margery Barancik, who were killed in a collision in 2019 with a town police officer. “We should all be demanding that our law enforcement personnel are trained properly, are equipped properly and follow the law, don’t violate people’s rights and that we protect them,” Turner said. “Really, that’s what accreditation does.” Accreditation helps a department establish and follow a series of detailed formal standards designed to increase capabilities, fight crime and reduce liability. The process is conducted by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, which is a division of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. “They’ll send three assessors down, and they’ll go through our department with a fine-tooth comb,” Turner said. In a three-day period, Turner said the assessors will examine the Longboat Key Police Department’s policies, speak with officers, inspect equipment and ensure proper procedures are followed when evidence is collected. There are 264 standards part of the CFA’s accreditation process, of which 156 are mandatory. Departments must comply with at least 80% of the remaining 108 standards to pass. “It’s an expensive venture,” Turner said. “Our training budget would not support it alone. That would have had to been

increased.” BARANCIK FOUNDATION GRANT

That financial need prompted the Barancik Foundation to award the town a grant of $274,850 over a three-year period. The town plans to apply the funding toward accreditation-related efforts, training, policy development and technology. “We wanted to help the community that Chuck and Margie loved so much,” Barancik Foundation President and CEO Teri Hansen said. “They lived there for many, many years, and we felt it was appropriate to reach out and see how we could help.” Margery and Charles Barancik died in a December 2019 traffic crash involving a Longboat Key police SUV responding to a firealarm call. An investigation found that Officer Jeffery Vogt violated police department rules on speed 21 times between September 2019 and Dec. 18, 2019, the day the crash took place. The police SUV was going 84 mph just before the crash, which was in violation of town police policies. He also was found to have turned off his police vehicle’s video and speed recording equipment on other occasions. Vogt was fired following an internal review. “(The foundation was) reviewing what happened to them,” Hansen said. “How we could help to make sure something like that didn’t happen again and improve the lives of people on Longboat Key?” The couple founded the Barancik Foundation in 2014. It is known across the Sarasota area as a philanthropic organization that helps fund education, humanitarian causes, arts and culture, the environment, and medical research. “That family is extraordinary,” Hansen said. “I think they each believe it will help the town of Longboat, the citizens of Longboat and perhaps avoid another accident like the one that took their parents.” NEXT STEPS

The Longboat Key Police Department is in its self-assessment phase of accreditation, according to Turner. “We are just about ready to sign with the state to start our twoyear clock,” Turner said. Plus, the town plans to hire an accreditation manager to help

WHO IS, WHO ISN’T? Here’s a look at which area law enforcement agencies are accredited: n Bradenton Beach Police Department: Reaccredited on Oct. 2, 2019 n Bradenton Police Department: Reaccredited on Oct. 3, 2018 n Holmes Beach Police Department: Not accredited n Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office: Reaccredited on Feb. 1, 2021 n Sarasota Police Department: Reaccredited on June 18, 2020

“We should all be demanding that our law enforcement personnel are trained properly, are equipped properly and follow the law, don’t violate people’s rights and that we protect them.” — Police Chief George Turner

with the process. “(The assessors) will say either we pass or we fail,” Turner said. “Failing is not an option. We will not fail.” Turner was clear about his intentions when asked why he would lead the police department through the yearslong accreditation process despite having an interim title as police chief. “I’m very happy to be back in Longboat Key,” Turner said. “I’d like to end my career here, however long that is. “That is not up to me. That’s up to the town manager.” Even if the town hires someone else to fill the full-time position of police chief, Turner said he wants to put that person in a good position. “If the full-time position were to be offered to me, I would accept it,” Turner said.

Longboat Key Interim Police Chief George Turner is helping lead the police department through its accreditation process with the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, a division of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

Clock ticking on grounded boat, FWC says The boat is stuck outside Sands Point Condominiums.

MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

Mark Bergin

The FWC says the derelict boat became grounded Aug. 10 outside Sands Point Condominium Association near the New Pass channel.

obin Fryzel’s third-floor condominium at Sands Point normally affords her views of sunsets, New Pass and a variety of boats sailing past. But for a month or so, one boat in particular has her concerned and asking questions. Since August, the vessel has been aground on the sand and rocks along the north side of the pass connecting the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. Although she and condo management have tried to learn more about it, and despite others’ efforts to remove it, it remains there, stuck, though state officials say the process has begun to have it removed. “I know there were people that were trying to push it around,” Fryzel said. “There was a group of six men some time.” Fryzel said the condo’s management spoke to Longboat Key Police and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about the boat. The FWC is leading the investigation. Officer Brian Norris, a spokesperson for the FWC, said the boat became unintentionally grounded Aug. 10. State officials identified a man named Dustin Sisk as the party responsible for the craft. Longboat police and fire-rescue personnel helped rescue two adults and two children from the stricken vessel late at night

“I see people walking around it and everything all the time. What if some kids are out playing?” — Robin Fryzel, Sands Point resident

Aug. 8. From there, the sailboat grounded along New Pass. “For so many reasons, it’s dangerous,” Fryzel said. “I see people walking around it and everything all the time. What if some kids are out playing?” Fryzel said she’s seen people navigate around the boat. On a recent visit to the property, waves were breaking over the side of the red hull. An outboard motor bracket was empty, though a mainsail and roller-furled jib remain attached to the single-mast’s rigging. A red document headlined “Notice” has been affixed to the forward deck by the FWC. Although there is not a specific deadline to remove the boat, the state’s derelict vessel investigation process has a defined 21-day waiting period once the responsible party is notified. “In this case, the 21-day waiting period for the owner to request a court hearing or remove the vessel on their own has passed, and the FWC removal process has begun,” Norris wrote in an email. The state’s next step is to send a removal authorization letter to

the West Coast Inland Navigation District, which handles vessel removals in Sarasota County. The letter authorizes the WCIND to begin its process for removal. Norris said the owner can still remove the vessel until the time the tow company hooks up to the vessel for removal. The extent of any damage to the boat is unknown. Also, Florida law states leaving a vessel in derelict condition in state waters is a first-degree misdemeanor and can carry a penalty of one year in jail and a fine up to $1,000 per conviction. It’s not the first time Longboat Key has had boats in places they shouldn’t be. In September 2020, a sailboat washed ashore on the beach in the 4200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive. In November 2020, the state coordinated with the WCIND to hire a contractor to remove debris from the derelict sailboat. It came after Hurricane Eta broke the boat apart, and crews found the remaining parts about a quarter-mile north in front of La Playa Rental Condominiums at 4425 GMD. “Derelict vessels are an environmental hazard and a safety concern,” Norris wrote in an email. “The FWC makes every effort to remove these boats in a timely fashion to reduce these risks, without violating due process for the owner of the vessel.”

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

Firefighterparamedics William Lewis and Ron Koper sit inside one of Fire Station 91’s bedrooms.

Open for business

Right: Each firefighter has an area marked with a nameplate to store their equipment. Below: Station 91’s workout room also got an upgrade.

he renovations to Longboat Key’s north-end fire station are not as elaborate as the complete rebuild of the southside fire station, but the $807,000 project transformed the look and utility of Station 91 with many of the same up-to-date features as the new building. A public waiting room and treatment area have been added, and like the new building for Station 92, firefighters now have their own bedrooms, each with a desk, a twin bed and a locker for each of the department’s three shifts. In all, there are five bedrooms and three bathrooms, with a separate ensuite bedroom for lieutenants. Fire Chief Paul Dezzi mentioned the importance of separate sleeping facilities for male and female firefighters, which the town didn’t have before the renovations.

Photos by Mark Bergin

Above: The Fire Station 91 kitchen has an island, a stovetop, a microwave, a dishwasher and two ovens. Left: The department ‘s beach rescue vehicle moved from Station 92 to Station 91.

—MARK BERGIN

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

ADVERTORIAL

Fire Rescue Department receives carbon monoxide detectors MARK BERGIN STAFF WRITER

A Sarasota County emergency medical services grant has provided the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department six new carbon monoxide detectors for firefighters and paramedics to use when responding to emergency calls. Each yellow BW Clip attaches to EMS airway bags in the department’s six vehicles. “Its only function is to look for carbon monoxide in the air, nothing else,” Assistant Fire Chief John Curran said. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause sudden illness or death. It is measured in parts per million. “If it’s above 35 parts per million, (the device) will go off,” Curran said. “At 100 parts per million, we have to bring everyone out of the house because it’s not safe.” Curran filled out the application with Sarasota County EMS Grants to receive the devices, which cost $100 each. “It took me longer to decide which meter to buy than to fill out the form,” Curran said. Hired in December 2020, Curran said getting the carbon monoxide detectors was something he wanted to accomplish. Curran said he consulted with Fire Chief Paul Dezzi when deciding whether to pursue the grant. The assistant chief said he thinks the devices are “an excellent

LET’S BREAK THE ICE What causes your A/C to freeze up? It’s a sweltering September afternoon in the Sunshine State. It’s 92 degrees out there. Your house is unusually warm inside and you inspect your A/C unit outside to find… ice? In this unforgiving heat? Is it a miracle? Sorry, but nope. When your air conditioning freezes up – literally – it’s less of a miracle and more of a problem that can damage your entire system. Your cooling system operates through a balance of temperature, pressure and airflow. If any of these components falls out of balance, the refrigerant that creates the cold air you enjoy on a hot day can freeze itself, without making your air any colder. In fact, a frozen airconditioner will either blow warm/cool air or nothing at all. So, what causes this to happen? There are many reasons why it is recommended to regularly change the air filter in your A/C system. This is one of them. If your outdoor unit is iced over and you can’t remember the last time you changed your filter, you might have identified your freezing problem. If a dirty filter is the source of your freezing troubles, all you have to do is change it. Just be aware that the ice on your evaporator coil will melt, so you’ll need

to collect or absorb the water before it causes any damage to your home. Wait… it’s still frozen! The second-most common reason for freeze-ups is loss of refrigerant. This can be a much more significant concern, as refrigerant should not leak in a well-maintained system. If refrigerant leaks out, then the coil will freeze. Likewise, you would notice an increase in your electric bill because the air conditioner works harder to produce the same level of cold temperature. If this is causing your big freeze, call a professional. Only a certified HVAC technician can replace refrigerant.

Mark Bergin

insurance policy.” The first reading of the town’s budget shows the town is due to spend about $17.83 million in the upcoming fiscal year, though the grant application means the devices won’t cost the town. “When you’re a young paramedic, … and you save somebody, you felt like you were on top of the world,” Curran said. “As more of an administrator now, I don’t really get that. “Nobody cares if I got my paperwork done correctly or my reports done (perfectly), but to know that I’m influencing the lives of the people that I’m supposed to protect, you don’t often get that opportunity to make a difference. So yeah, it’s pretty awesome to know that even if I’m not here, I could be at home in Bradenton, and this thing could protect one of our guys.”

Each BW Clip attaches to the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department’s EMS airway bags.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPT. 10

NOT EXACTLY BUSINESS HOURS 10:57 p.m., 200 block of Sands Point Road Suspicious persons: Security personnel called police for assistance in helping a man and woman from out of town leave the property. There was no problem, but rather the woman had arrived minutes earlier in a ride-hailing car ready to apply for a job at the resort. An officer who responded suggested an hour before midnight might not be the optimal time for such a business engagement. Both the man and woman were given a ride to the property’s main gate, where they were able to catch a new ride. Police routinely checked the couple for wants or warrants and found none.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 11

WORK HERE IS DONE 2:55 p.m., Longboat Pass Bridge Assist other agency: Police were asked to support firerescue units in a water rescue. An officer soon learned a boat was found in distress about a quarter-mile off Coquina Beach and that rescuers from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office were rendering assistance.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 12

GET THE POINT? 10:45 a.m., 2200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious person: Two swimmasked divers with snorkels and spearfishing gear were reported by a caller in the water adjacent to a beachside residence. An officer spoke to one of them, saying spearfishing is illegal within 100 yards

of a public beach. The diver apologized and put the speargun away.

MONDAY, SEPT. 13

BUBBLE TROUBLE 8:15 a.m., 600 block of Cedar Street Citizen assist: An officer reported to the Public Works Department a potential water pipe break. He had seen bubbling water coming from the ground about 2 feet from the edge of the street. STICKY PICKET WICKET 11:06 a.m., 6900 block of Poinsettia Avenue Citizen dispute: Police helped clear up a misunderstanding over the repair of a fence. A tenant called police to report work proceeding on a project at his rented home. The tenant said the landlord made no mention of such work and was concerned. The man doing the work said he had an order from an adjacent property owner to replace panels on the fence but that he was not altering the location of the fence. WHERE SHOPPING IS A PLEASURE 12:58 p.m., 6000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Citizen assist: A woman called police from the north end of the island saying she intended to walk to a grocery store but headed in the wrong direction. The responding officer gave the woman a ride to her intended destination. NOT CARD-CARRYING 3:36 p.m., police headquarters Found property: A town staffer came to the police department

with a debit card he found near a work site. An online search for the owner of the card was not successful, so the card was placed into safekeeping. BACK WHERE IT BELONGS 8:13 p.m., 500 block of Neptune Avenue Found property: Police accepted a wallet found by a resident, and an officer was able to return it to its owner who worked nearby.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 14

UNDER (GROUND) SUSPICION 5:14 p.m., 3400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious vehicle: A vehicle parked in a neighborhood, reported by a caller who did not wish to meet with an officer, turned out to be a work truck belonging to a contractor working on the town’s underground utilities project.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 15

NOT THAT DEPARTMENT 5:15 p.m., 3400 block of Bayou Court Citizen assist: An officer responded to address a caller’s issue with water service, but when the officer arrived, the caller said he had been attempting to call Public Works, not police. The officer forwarded the information from the caller to the town department.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 16

TAG, YOU’RE IT 12:10 p.m., 2200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Traffic warning: Police stopped a vehicle with no visible license plate. The driver told the officer the mounting points for the

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

SEA TURTLE RESCUED Everyone needs a pick-me-up sometimes, even juvenile sea turtles. Several Longboat Key firefighters made an usual rescue last week as they were training on the town’s fire boat. While in the area of Jewfish Key, one of the trainees spotted a sea turtle in distress. The group called Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium for guidance, and Mote asked that they catch Courtesy photo the turtle and bring Firefighter/paramedic Chase Bullock it in for rehab. After scooping up the marine reptile, firefighter/paramedic David Oliger, Lt. Jose Rivera and firefighter/paramedic Chase Bullock brought it into Mote. The turtle was subsequently named Pepper, and the firefighters will receive weekly updates on its recovery. —NAT KAEMMERER

plate had broken while he was removing an out-of-date plate and that he had no means of attaching the new one. The driver was advised to visit a hardware store. He was issued a written warning.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 17

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

LONGBOAT

OPINION / OUR VIEW

The silencing of dissent Rattled by the citizenry’s outrage this summer, the Sarasota School Board majority responds, showing its disdain for the people it serves.

ey, Shirley Brown and Jane Goodwin: You asked for it. You wanted the job. Deal with it. It’s your job. Take the heat. Take the criticism. Let the people speak. Sit as long as it takes. Listen. Above all, remember this: You are the servants. It is not the other way around. The taxpayers are not your peon slaves. School boards across the state and country apparently are rewriting their public comment policies in the wake of angry parents criticizing their school boards over mask mandates and the spreading of critical race theory. After being the recipients themselves of what Goodwin called citizenry “acrimony” at recent Sarasota County School Board meetings, not surprisingly, she and board Chair Shirley Brown initiated and produced for Tuesday’s meetings options for rewriting the board’s public comment policies. The overriding theme: Stifle public comment and dissent. Brown and Goodwin would argue otherwise. They will say the proposed changes are intended to assure that school board meetings will be conducted with proper decorum. Goodwin said Tuesday it’s an effort “to get some guardrails on the whole thing.” Yes, this summer’s school board meetings became intense at times. Brown called them “out of control.” But whose fault was that? If you attended or watched any of these meetings, you saw Brown bang her gavel like a flustered schoolteacher, trying to keep her unruly students under control. She barked and yelled and threatened citizens with forced removal from the meetings if they didn’t behave — in effect throwing gas on citizens’ emotions. It should go without saying: Threatening an already angry citizen just begets more anger. Oh, all elected officials will say they are in favor of public comment, mind you. And in the preamble to one of the proposed policy changes, it says the obligatory: The board recognizes “the value” and “importance” of public comment. But then the

VINDICTIVE, NOT A UNITER Joe Biden campaigned that he would unite us. That must explain why he cut Florida’s supply of monoclonal antibody infusion treatments for COVID-19. It’s so obvious. This is Biden’s vindictiveness toward Gov. Ron DeSantis, who refuses to kowtow to Biden’s bungling policies. Uniter? Ha! Divider-inchief.

proposed changes enumerate a laundry list of restrictions. Consider: The current policy consists of only four guidelines (see box). One of the proposals is four pages. What does that tell you? Most outrageous are the proposed new time limits: three minutes per speaker if 10 or fewer citizens sign up to speak, two minutes per speaker if 11 to 20 sign up and one minute if 21 or more sign up. If citizens want to make a comment on a subject not on the meeting agenda, they will be given one minute. This is ludicrous. It is prima facie stifling of speech, debate and dissent — a standard tactic of authoritarians. There’s more to be outraged about: “No person may address or question board members individually.” Nor would citizens be allowed to record any of the proceedings on their phones. No signs or banners? This is just so galling. Elected officials want to make all these rules for the citizens they supposedly serve and yet exempt themselves. There is no limit on how long board members can pontificate. And all boards create video recordings of their meetings. We get it. No one wants public meetings to become raucous circuses, riots and shouting matches. And for the most part, school board and city and county commission meetings are conducted with decorum and respect. But there are those rare times when the citizenry becomes roiled over a controversy. And it’s then that school board members and city and county commissioners need to realize and accept that they should let their constituents say what is on their minds, however long it takes. That is democracy. The right to address and redress grievances. Why should school board members have the leeway of saying what they want to bloviate, but not the citizen? Or think of it this way: When large numbers of citizens show up for a meeting, that is clearly a sign the issue is important, and it is the one time, the rare time, that citizens want to be able to express their views face to face with the people they elect. Emails, text messages, Facebook posts — none of them is as effective as being in person, looking eye to eye and expressing your views. If large numbers of the citizenry go to the trouble to attend a board meeting, this is clearly a sign the board should relax its rules and let the public speak. You board members are there for them. Give them their due. Board members Bridget Ziegler and Karen Rose are right: This is not the time to institute major changes to the board’s public comment policies.

HERE’S ONE OPTION FOR CHANGING THE PUBLIC COMMENT POLICIES The Sarasota County School Board discussed on Tuesday options for changing its policies regarding public comments during board meetings. What follows are excerpts from one option, a four-page document entitled “Potential Bylaw, Public Participation at Board Meetings”: The board recognizes the value to school governance of public comment on educational issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express themselves on school matters of community interest. Members of the public shall be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard on a proposition before the board. For purposes of the policy, a proposition is an item before the board for a vote and includes, but is not necessarily limited to, all items on the agenda noted as unfinished busines, consent and nonconsent. A proposition may also include a vote on a motion to rescind or to amend action previously taken but does not generally include items on the special order agenda. A proposition does not include items wherever found on the agenda upon which the board votes in its quasi-judicial capacity or under board discussion and information. The opportunity to be heard need not occur at the same meeting at which the board takes official action on the proposition if the opportunity occurs at a meeting that is during the decision-making process and is within reasonable proximity in time before the meeting at which the board takes the official action. This policy does not prohibit the board from maintaining orderly conduct or proper decorum in a public meeting. The opportunity to be heard is subject to policies adopted by the board as follows: GUIDELINES ON THE TIME A PERSON CAN ADDRESS THE BOARD: Agenda Items n If there are 10 public speakers or fewer, each speaker shall have three minutes to address the board. n If there are 11-20 public speakers, each speaker shall have two minutes to address the board. n If there are 21 or more public speakers, each speaker shall have one minute to address the board. n Persons will be recognized in the order in which the requests were received. n The time period may be extended by a vote of the board. SELECTION OF ADDITIONAL PROPOSED CHANGES n For all public speakers addressing non-agenda items, each speaker will have one minute to address the board. n Procedures for allowing representatives of groups or factions on a proposition to address the board: Rather than all members of groups or factions for or against a proposition addressing the board at meetings which

SCHOOL BOARD’S CURRENT POLICIES A) Citizens wishing to speak at a board meeting must complete a hearing citizens’ card and submit it to the administrative assistant. Each speaker will be called forward during the designated time on the agenda and will state his/her name. B) Each speaker shall be allowed a maximum of three minutes to speak unless time is extended by the board. C) Speakers addressing the school board shall not make remarks which are irrelevant to the business of the school board or which are abusive, threatening, defamatory, obscene, profane or otherwise of a disorderly nature, or play any CDs, DVDs, or any other audio or video recordings. D) No speaker may yield his or her time to any other persons.

a large number of individuals wish to be heard, the board may require representatives of such groups or factions to address the proposition in their representative capacity. n No person may address or question board members individually. Staff members shall not be expected to answer questions from the audience unless called upon by the board chair or the superintendent. n No taping or video recordings, signs, flags, banners or other similar items will be permitted. PRESIDING OFFICER MAY: n Interrupt, warn or terminate a participant’s statement when the statement is too lengthy, personally directed, abusive, obscene or irrelevant. n Request any individual to leave the meeting when that person does not observe reasonable decorum. n If a speaker is called during the agenda public comment time, but their comment is not in regard to an agenda item, the presiding officer may terminate their comment move them to the nonagenda portion of the meeting. n Request the assistance of law enforcement officers in the removal of a disorderly person when that person’s conduct interferes with the orderly progress of the meeting. The portion of the meeting during the participation of the public is invited shall be limited to a reasonable time to allow the board to conduct its business in an efficient manner. The above scale of time for public comments is deemed by the board to be reasonable; however should a situation arise that the board believes additional modifications to the public comment times need to be made, the board may make additional adjustments with a majority vote of the board.

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

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

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Attack on Biden is not a shock

East Meets West for business mingling

ast and West businesses met in the middle for the annual East Meets West expo Sept. 14 at Robarts Arena in Sarasota. Members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce set up tables to display what their businesses’ specializations. Sometimes, as in the case of Speaks Clam Bar and Nothing Bundt Cakes, passersby partook in the tasty displays. Many participants were members of both the Lakewood Ranch and Longboat Key organizations. Attendees collected a goody bag and passport at the entrance and went around mingling with business owners and getting their passports stamped in the hopes of winning door prizes. The East Meets West event was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic, and participants and attendees alike returned with enthusiasm. The arena boomed with greetings and explanations of business as the event went on. —NAT KAEMMERER

CAROL STAITMAN LONGBOAT KEY

President should be lauded, not vilified It is hard for me to know where to begin to rebut Matt Walsh’s vitriolic, insulting and disrespectful attack on the president of the U.S. for carrying out his constitutional duties to address the public health crisis we are battling against the surge in COVID-19. Do you think that President Joe Biden would proceed with the various parts of his actions to combat the rising spread of COVID-19 among the unvaccinated and unmasked without having the full backing of his legal team? Clearly not. The Constitution is clear: Congress makes laws, and the executive branch carries them out. Perhaps Walsh should read the Constitution again to see how government actually works. The U.S. has arguably the worst record among developed nations on gaining supremacy over the deadly pandemic we have had in our midst for 20 months now. Other countries have done far better. The question is, why? Why do so many people, with seemingly total disregard for their own health and that of their loved ones, steadfastly refuse to wear masks and get vaccinated? The science is clear. If you are unvaccinated, you risk hospitalization 10 times more than the

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vaccinated and 11 times more the risk of dying. What is the survival rate among those hospitalized with COVID-19 who are unvaccinated versus those who have break-through infections who are hospitalized? How many children below the age of 12 who cannot yet get vaccinated are at risk if their parents or teachers are not vaccinated or refuse to wear masks? There have been more than 10,000 deaths in the U.S. in the past three days alone. Masks in schools also significantly stem the rate of infection, as was said this morning by an official in Nashville, Tennessee, where outside of that city, Tennessee now has the highest rate of infection of any state in the union, followed closely by, you guessed it, Florida. Former President Donald Trump fanned the fires of disinformation, debunking of science and made it clear to his followers that his macho approach and denial would simply plow through the virus and conquer it. We all know how that strategy worked, don’t we? Biden was lauded in the first few months of his presidency for getting millions of shots in people’s arms, but clearly it was not enough to get to herd immunity. It is the craziness of the unvaccinated and unmasked who are prolonging this pandemic, and the president is correct in taking the full range of his authority to turn this around. He should be applauded and not vilified for his efforts.

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Nat Kaemmerer

Shylynn Gamble snaps a selfie with Heather Koester, Valerie Viands and Casie Boak.

It’s not shocking the relentless attacks by the Walsh family (owners, operators and opinionators of the Observer) to keep the big lies going strong. So “doddering, incompetent old man” Walsh, in his white supremacist bow tie, proves his ignorance on public health. So too the “boobs” (Matt uses such high-class language) who came up with the Sept. 16 editorial titled “Hey Joe: Take your mandate and shove it.” Let me explain that we have vaccine mandates in this country. Your argument against vaccines would put us back in the dark ages with polio, smallpox, measles and the like. Governments and schools have always mandated vaccines for children. That’s how we stop dreaded diseases. So in order to stop the current pandemic, we need everyone to get on board and get vaccinated, or continue this tragedy of citizens unnecessary dying of COVID-19. This is not about personal freedoms but public good. There is no other choice. Of course your ilk is against abortion, which should be a personal choice, and your insistence on government coercion. Your editorial is filled with the usual Trumpian lies, misstatements and false equivalencies. Your voice in promoting the pandemic instead of trying to stop it is unconscionable. Many will die needlessly, our lives will still be COVIDrestricted, masks needed, and there will be no end to this

American tragedy. Walsh family, take your editorial and shove it!

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

Turtle-safe toy box lands at Cabana Beach Club Caleb Jameson has built his sixth turtle toy box since 2018. NAT KAEMMERER STAFF WRITER

Caleb Jameson and Gail Hochanadel hope an extra-large toy box will lead to extra-safe turtles. Jameson installed one of his lattice-and-PVC boxes Sept. 10 at Cabana Beach Club for beachgoers and resort workers to store beach gear rather than leaving scattered umbrellas and floats on the sand to possibly impede or harm a nesting sea turtle. Hochanadel, the secretary and treasurer at Cabana Beach Club, commissioned the box because she said the club tends to have a lot of larger items left behind. Jameson designed the box with extra supports underneath so it won’t sag with the weight of those big beach accoutrements. It also has a sign explaining the box’s purpose in protecting sea turtles. “They’re the kinds of things that people tend to leave behind, and then there’s nowhere for us to put them,” Hochanadel said. The box is light enough that Hochanadel can move it around or indoors in case of a storm. She hopes the box will become a storage space for guests’ short-termuse beach toys that sometimes get left on the sand. “We are very conscientious about bringing everything off the beach,” Hochanadel said. Among the town’s new turtle-

Nat Kaemmerer

preservation rules taking effect in the 2022 nesting season is a provision requiring temporary structures or portable equipment to be farther than 5 feet of marked marine turtle nests. This is the sixth toy box that Jameson has installed. The first was at Casa del Mar in 2018, which he built and designed with a grant from Klean Kanteen. Jameson is a member of the Longboat Key Turtle Watch and noticed a lot of beach toys left behind. Those then get pulled out to sea and broken up into tiny plastic bits, which turtles can eat. Jameson saw a lot of family traffic at Casa del Mar, so he installed his first one there. In February 2020, J. McLaughlin on Longboat Key hosted a Sip and Shop that brought in funds for Jameson to build more boxes. Since developing his design in 2018, Jameson has started a website, TurtleSafeToyBox.org, that has instructional videos for others to build their own boxes.

Caleb Jameson and Gail Hochanadel hope the latest beachside addition will protect sea turtles.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

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Right: Patricia Okker spoke to her experience and plans for New College. Below: Guests eat at the Bird Key Yacht Club.

New College president introduced

he Sister Cities Association of Sarasota gave a warm welcome to New College President Patricia Okker at the group’s luncheon Sept. 15. The luncheon at the Bird Key Yacht Club had organization members mingling and sitting for lunch before hearing words from Okker, who took over as president in July from Donal O’Shea. The Sister Cities group works to foster international relationships and cultural exchanges with overseas groups. Okker later took questions from the audience. —HARRY SAYER

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

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Emalynn and speaker Katie Roberts —HARRY SAYER

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Left: Board Chair Annette Larkin with Vice Chair Elizabeth Murphy Above: The two-day event included a silent auction.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

CURTAIN TIME Sarasota’s premier performance site kicks off with Jimmy Buffett’s ‘Escape to Margaritaville.’

SAFETY RULES

ANDRÉA MARTONE A+E EDITOR

hen Paul Anka takes the stage at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in early 2022, it will be a homecoming of sorts for the singer who wrote his concert staple “I’m Coming Home” nearly 60 years ago. “I’ve been away from you/ Such a long, long time/ Since I’ve been gone/ The sun won’t shine.” Anka on March 11, 2020, was the last act to perform live at the Van Wezel before COVID-19 prompted broad closures of arts establishments, a shutdown that now is beginning to loosen. “I know that our community longs for a full return to live entertainment, and we will do everything we can do to make it so,” Van Wezel Executive Director Mary Bensel said in a written statement. Opening the 1,741-seat theater on Oct. 29, perhaps appropriately, is Jimmy Buffett’s 2017 musical, “Escape to Margaritaville,” a Broadway production based on the singer’s forgetyour-cares music. The Van Wezel is one of nine Sarasota-area arts organizations that last week rolled out a series of indoor protocols for performers, staff and patrons. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Circus Arts Conservatory, Florida Studio Theatre, The Hermitage Artist Retreat, Sarasota Ballet, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Sarasota Orches-

If attending live performances: n Within 72 hours before showtime, all patrons age 12 and older attending a performance indoors must show a negative PCR COVID-19 test administered by a medical provider/ official testing center or a negative rapid antigen COVID-19 test. (Note: Home testing kit results will not be accepted for entry.) Both physical and electronic presentation of documents will be accepted. Photo ID must accompany the presentation of all documents. n If patrons prefer, CDC or another official vaccination record showing the patrons are fully vaccinated (at least 14 days since the final dose) may be voluntarily presented at the door as an alternative to negative COVID-19 test results. n Masks are required by all indoors.

tra are also participating in the #SafeArtsSarasota endeavor that requires masks and either a negative COVID-19 test or the voluntary showing of vaccine documentation for audience members. Bensel said she hopes recent downward trends in COVID-19 positivity rates continue into the season and that audiences will again feel confident in gathering together. The hall has upgraded its air-handling and filtration systems and taken other safety measures, she said. Following the Oct. 29 opener,

Andréa Martone

Enthusiasm reigns for staff at Van Wezel as they open their doors to a new season.

Van Wezel has rounded Broadway productions, rock ‘n’ roll headliners, superstar vocalists, comedy shows and a dose of entertainment for kids. n “The Allman Family Revival” was recently announced for a Dec. 3 show, featuring Devon Allman (son of Gregg Allman) who will be anchored by his group, The Allman Betts Band. n One of the season’s earliest shows is “Disney Princess: The Concert,”on Nov. 3, a new touring version of the Broadway Princess Party nightclub shows featuring stars of Disney musicals and other stage performers. n An impressive Broadway and classical music lineup includes timely extended runs of the Broadway musical “Come From Away” (Nov. 23-28), the story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Newfoundland on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. n Van Wezel will welcome the debut of newcomers to the stage including Bruce Hornsby (Nov. 11); George Thorogood and The Destroyers (Dec. 7); Sarah Brightman, known for being in the original cast of “The Phantom of the Opera,” (Dec. 14); and Jefferson Starship (Dec. 31). n Il Divo, an international sing-

FULL SCHEDULE For a full listing of performances, dates and ticket information, visit VanWezel.org.

ing quartet that was originally booked for the hall’s 50th anniversary last year, takes the stage Jan. 6. The season also includes “The Four Phantoms in Concert,” featuring four past stars of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, on Feb. 14 and “The Ten Tenors: Love is in the Air” on March 10. n Comedian Jay Leno returns Jan. 15. Engelbert Humperdinck (Feb. 28), Johnny Mathis on his “The Voice of Romance Tour” (April 12) and Anka (Feb. 20) will also perform. Ventriloquist and Last Vegas performer Terry Fator, who won the second season of “America’s Got Talent” will visit the Van Wezel for the first time April 10. n Also on the slate are numerous tribute shows, including “Proud Tina: The Ultimate Tribute to Tina Turner” on Jan. 13; “A Tribute to Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul” on Feb. 9; “The

5 Ways to Worship at All Angels

St. Armands Key

All Angels Episcopal Church | 563 Bay Isles Rd

LUTHERAN CHURCH

JOIN US FOR IN-PERSON WORSHIP SUNDAYS AT 10AM

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

or worship with us online at saklc.com/live or on Facebook

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

UPCOMING EVENTS:

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

WORSHIP IN THE GARDEN Saturday, 9/25 at 5pm Live Music in the Garden - JAMMIN JAMBALAYA Sunday, 10/3 at 4pm

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. Fred Finks

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

Catholic Church

Masks Are Optional

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

941.383.8833 (oﬃce)

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An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

•

www.christchurchlbk.org

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

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

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.

Simon & Garfunkel Story” on Feb. 12; “Stayin’ Alive” recalling the music of the Bee Gees on Feb. 24; “The Sweet Caroline Tour” offering the sounds of Neil Diamond; the return of “Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles” on March 6; “ABBA The Concert” on March 27; and “One Night of Queen” starring Gary Mullen and the Works, which closes the season May 7. “The magic of live theater is what brings us back — show after show, day after day. I want to hear the music soar through the air to fill our audience with joy,” Bensel wrote in an email. “I want to hear laughter from our patrons when they come to see renowned comedians on our beloved stage. I want to hear our patrons singing on their way out after they’ve just seen one of their favorite artists perform, knowing that they’ll have some of their favorite tunes stuck in their head for a whole week after the concert. “I want to see first dates, family outings, school time performances, anniversary outings, celebrations with friends and the special occasions that bring us together to celebrate life.”

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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Classifieds 25 Games 24 Real Estate 21 Weather 24

SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

YOUR NEIGHBORS

AWAKENING Longboat author tells the story of a woman struck by acquired savant syndrome. STAFF WRITER

Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Diana de Avila and Wilma Davidson Right: Part of de Avila’s “Wave” series. This was created from a section of a fractal that de Avila generated and was created within the past four months.

Courtesy photo

ven though they’ve spent hundreds of hours working together on “Soldier, Sister, Savant,” writer Wilma Davidson and artist Diana de Avila aren’t sick of each other. “I told Wilma that she has to quit having birthdays so I can catch up with her,” de Avila said. “Because we have a lot to do.” The pair of friends has already accomplished something big together: On Sept. 8, they released de Avila’s biography, “Soldier, Sister, Savant.” Through de Avila’s art and Davidson’s writing on de Avila’s behalf, it tells the story of de Avila’s life from her time in the military to her motorcycle crash and to her eventual awakening as an acquired savant. Davidson, a Longboat Key resident, and de Avila, a Parrish resident, met through the Sarasota chapter of the National League of American Pen Women, an organization that gathers artists in art, music and writing. The pair clicked when Davidson, in her role as group president, interviewed de Avila to bring her into the club. “We started talking, and we started working together,” Davidson said. “We were of one mind. It was like we could read each other’s minds like lightning. We still do. As she started to share her story with me, I said, ‘The story needs to be told.’ And she said: ‘I know. People keep telling me that.’” De Avila’s story starts in 1984, when she was in the military and had a motorcycle accident. The immediate focus was on saving her legs, though the force of the crash cracked her helmet. She had symptoms that were ultimately diagnosed as those of multiple sclerosis. But it was in 2017, while relaxing

ACCIDENTAL GENIUS De Avila’s poolside awakening 2017 was the start of something new — or the start of something that had always been dormant in her brain. Sometimes, traumatic brain injuries, such as de Avila’s, in a motorcycle crash years earlier, can knock something loose in the brain and let out accidental genius, especially if the injuries are to the left frontal lobe like hers. While being treated for multiple sclerosis and vertigo, she experienced thoughts of shapes and colors and a need to begin creating. Her art is threaded through with mathematical concepts like fractals, which she never had a solid grasp on before her “wake-up.” Savant syndrome most often manifests in a curiously narrow set of disciplines, including art, music and math. Since her awakening, people have asked de Avila to teach them how she does her art, and she can’t.

by a pool, that she experienced a life-changing moment. Suddenly, shapes and colors popped into her head. “I came home from the hospital, and I felt really amped up (from the MS treatment), and I was doing my taper of steroids,” de Avila said. “I was out by the pool, and the shapes and colors came. And once it started, it never stopped.” She also has synesthesia, which is a condition in which senses get confused. For de Avila, that means that colors have sounds, and in many cases, her art was coming to her in the same way her brain was processing her

“I knew the concepts before I understood what they were,” de Avila said. “They were just coming to me and the self similarity. Then all of a sudden, I realized, ‘Oh, my goodness. I’m using the golden ratio.’” De Avila is an acquired savant, someone who knows things they never learned. Acquired savants are rare, and although de Avila’s manifested from her traumatic brain injury, it is estimated that about one in 10 people with autism have it. Male savants are more common than female, and de Avila is one of approximately 100 female acquired savants worldwide. Hers came about after a traumatic brain injury, but it took awhile to show up. Others have described the same phenomenon as de Avila, that moment when the island of genius just clicks into place, and the urge to act on it kicks in.

synesthesia. When she had her awakening, there was a need to create. She worked with computers, so the manner of creation was an instinct, too. “I had designed web pages and stuff, but the graphic art thing was not really my thing,” de Avila said. “After spending several hundred dollars at Hobby Lobby on brushes and paints and then trying to do it by hand in real time, … I wasn’t advancing. I took my mother’s advice. She said, ‘Maybe you should focus on the digital.’ I could accomplish what I wanted to on a digital format. I downSEE AWAKENING, PAGE 16

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NAT KAEMMERER

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

Awakening

COMMUNITY SUNDAY, SEPT. 26

ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE FAMILY DAY From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., educational and interactive activities will be stationed around St. Armands Circle. Call 388-1554 for details.

FROM PAGE 15

File photo

SUNDAY, OCT. 3

BEST BET

GARDEN CONCERT AT SAKLC At 4 p.m. in the garden of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 N. Adams Drive, pull up a chair for a concert with the Second Line Band. The concert is free, and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Email Michael@ SAKLC.com for information.

SATURDAY SEPT. 25

BEACH CLEANUP Join the Longboat Key Turtle Watch and Keep Manatee Beautiful for a cleanup of the Manatee County beaches on Longboat Key. The cleanup starts at 8 a.m. Email DDInParadise@gmail.com for information on gathering sites.

TUESDAY, OCT. 5

‘HAMILTON’: HOW THE MUSICAL REMIXES AMERICAN HISTORY From 3-4 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, attend a lecture with OLLI at Ringling College. Richard Bell will break down the Tony-winning musical and the craze that swept America. The lecture is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Visit TheParadiseCenter.org.

RECURRING EVENTS MONDAYS

STRETCH & STRENGTHEN From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Focus is on strength-training and flexibility for balance. Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $10. Walkins welcome. For information, call 383-6493. THINKING OUT LOUD: TIMELY TOPICS WITH MIKE KARP From 1-2:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road.

Topics will include U.S. and world current affairs, popular culture and topics relevant to seniors. Cost is $10. Walk-ins welcome. For information, call 383-6493.

TUESDAYS

QI GONG From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Qi gong is a mind-body-spirit practice designed to improve mental and physical health. Class is outdoors, 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. Fun time for experienced players. To check availability at the tables or to be put on a waitlist for a beginner class, RSVP to MaryAnnBrady@TheParadiseCenter.org or 383-6493.

loaded Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop and just started with some of those.” Since de Avila’s “awakening” in 2017, she has created more than 1,000 pieces of digital art. She now creates NFTs, nonfungible tokens that she said are a great format for her digital art. “That’s how my digital art has morphed, and I found a great group of collectors,” de Avila said. “This is the geeky group that understands my generative art, my algorithmic art, my fractal art. I do use over 100 programs, probably closer to 200 (for my art).” As they were creating the book, de Avila was focused on the art to include, the layout and even the type of paper it would ultimately be printed on. On Davidson’s side of things, she was focused on capturing de Avila’s voice. “There was a lot of mutual trust, and we had mutual admiration, and that’s important,” Davidson said. “We had stickto-itiveness. I didn’t have to face as much adversity as she did, but we’ve each had our issues, and somehow we bounce back. I have such admiration for her. The world needs to know this woman.” Davidson has been a writer most of her life but primarily wrote academic and journalistic material before this. Still, she was well prepared to bring her research skills to the table. De Avila sent Davidson pages and pages of notes from her Army days, her awakening, thoughts on her art and insight from doctors she’s seen throughout her

Courtesy photo

life. Davidson contacted experts in the area about acquired savant syndrome and added that into the book as well. “I’m a researcher, so I just had to find out everything I could that was known about it,” Davidson said. “Every day, (de Avila and I were) just on that phone. … When I would write some part, I’d send it to her. And I’d say, ‘Tell me if I’ve captured you.’ That was to me the most important thing. And she would say, ‘Gosh, every time I read this, it brings me back there.’” Davidson and de Avila filled gaps in each other’s talents to bring the book to completion, and now that they’re finished, they’re proud to look back on what they’ve accomplished in telling de Avila’s story. Davidson wrote her first book, and de Avila now has upcoming gallery presentations to look forward to. They might not stop there, though — de Avila has more she wants to say, and Davidson is happy to be the writer.

Diana de Avila with a canvas of “Messing with Rubik”

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

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2067210 H ASANDS R BOUR LINKS I V E, #4 POINT RDDR #2601 L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 #4 Inn on the Beach | Sold at $1,750,000 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

CALL US TO SEE AVAILABLE PROPERTIES IN THE FOLLOWING NEIGHBORHOODS

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 $Bay 7 79, 0 0 #4 2067 H ALongboat R BOUR I V0E, Key LINKS | Gulf andDR

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 L’ AMBIANCE L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at DR $ 7 79, 0 0 #4 2067 H A RLongboat BOURKey LINKS I V0E, | Gulfside

2067 H A R BOUR LINKS PLAYERS CLUBDR I V E, #4 L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at DR $ 7 79, 0 0 #4 2067 H A RLongboat BOURKey LINKS I V0E, | Gulfside

2067 H AINN R BOUR LINKS DR I V E, #4 ON THE BEACH L on g b o at K e y | O f f ere d at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 2067 H ALongboat R BOUR KeyLINKS | Gulf & DR Bay I V E, #4

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

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I A N A DDY, PA I ARN E A LAT DDY, O R ® , M B PA A R E A LT O R ®, M B A

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L on Price g b o atrange KMLS# e y$1,137,000 | OA4178487 f f ere d- $1,695,000 at $ 7 79, 0 0 0 MLS# A4178487

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G A I L W IT T IG IL TI IG BG RA OK E RW - A SIT SOC ATE

B R O K E R - A S S O C I A T com E GailWittig@MichaelSaunders. GailWittig@MichaelSaunders.com

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941.387.0100 941.387.0100 W W W . L O N G B O AT L I F E . C O M

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

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all migration is underway, and our shorelines are a popular rest stop for migrating shorebirds. This includes high-arctic breeding species, such as whimbrels, which are heading south from their breeding grounds to wintering areas on the north coast of South America. Although their long limbs and dark stripes on the crown of their heads make these large sandpipers stand out, whimbrels’ most notable field mark is their long, down-curved bill. Bird bills, which are bony, keratin-covered structures, vary across species, depending on the food they eat and their habitat. Many birds have straight beaks, adapted to general feeding and use, while other birds, including whimbrels, have highly specialized bills that are adapted to their specific needs. The primary winter food of whimbrels is fiddler crabs. And because the curve of their highly adapted bill matches the shape of fiddler crab burrows, they can reach deep into a burrow and extract their prey. Interestingly, because shorebird species’ bills differ in length, they can forage in the same seaside habitat, which is teeming with life beneath the surface, while rarely competing for the same food. Hunting in the 19th century highly reduced the population of

*Terms of Offer: Submit your rebate ONLINE ONLY at NAPARebates.com and enter code: NAPAAUTOCARE. Submit with the installation receipt, showing the qualifying NAPA® part numbers circled. Must claim online by 05/15/21. Receipt must be dated during promotion period of 03/01/21 through 04/30/21 to be eligible for this offer. Offer may not be combined with any other offer or applied toward warranty service or replacement parts. Group or organization request will not be honored.Dealers, distributors and other resellers are not eligible for this offer.Use of multiple addresses or PO Boxes to obtain additional reward is fraud and may result in prosecution. Employees of participating stores and dealers, and their immediate families are not eligible for this offer.This offer is only valid to US residents. Limit one (1) rebate per receipt or two (2) per household/address. Cards are 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. These cards may be used for purchases at merchants that accept Visa® debit cards.These cards may be subject to fees and certain restrictions on use.See your cardholder agreement and associated materials for details.Void where prohibited.Vendor is not responsible for non-delivered mail due to inaccurate address supplied nor for misprints or typographical errors. By submitting this rebate, you have read and agree to the rebate terms and requirements of this offer.

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these birds. And although they are now protected in the U.S., whimbrels are still hunted for food in parts of South America. Many populations of large, migratory shorebirds are experiencing significant declines at a global scale due to habitat destruction, disturbance and environmental contaminants. As their foraging habitats are compressed by development and sealevel rise, whimbrel populations are particularly vulnerable. We can help visiting migrating birds by giving them the space they need to feed and rest up and by keeping dogs off the beach.

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Open 7 days • 11AM to Midnight 201 N. Gulf Dr., Bradenton Beach 778-0771 or 778-0772

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

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LONGBOAT KEY PRE-CONSTRUCTION

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

Unique opportunity to purchase a waterfront dream home on an extremely private estate-sized lot. 5BR, 5.5BA home,4,400 SF. Pool w/spa. Deep water dock. $3,995,000 LONGBOAT KEY EMERALD HARBOR

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

$3,875,000

SOLD

LONGBOAT KEY GRAND MARINER

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.

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

$1,695,000

$2,295,000

Developers Realty Inc. Lic. Real Estate Broker

www.ReidMurphy.com

595 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL 34228

360113-1

BUYING or SELLING Call Reid for a successful real estate experience! CALL REID TODAY! | 941.232.3304

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

SARASOTA 483 Meadow Lark Drive 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 5,468 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4510572 $6,950,000

SARASOTA The Ritz-Carlton Tower Residences, Penthouse 1701 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,251 Sq. Ft. Beth Afflebach & Joan Dickinson 941-737-1756 A4500204 $5,690,000

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

SARASOTA 473 Partridge Circle 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,226 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4511642 $3,095,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 520 77th Street 2 Beds 2/2 Baths 3,241 Sq. Ft. Leah Secondo & Lynne Callahan 941-545-4430 A4508576 $2,300,000

LONGBOAT KEY 230 Sands Point Road 3207 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,602 Sq. Ft. Thomas Cinquegrano 941-284-5049 A4511867 $1,995,900

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

SARASOTA 1723 Oak Street 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,862 Sq. Ft. Judy Nimz 941-374-0196 A4510139 $1,750,000

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 5430 Eagles Point Circle 203 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,943 Sq. Ft. Tina Von Kessel & Brigitte Von Kessel 941-266-2848 A4511954 $1,250,000

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

SARASOTA 5925 Anise Drive 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,487 Sq. Ft. Lorraine Neal 941-350-0997 A4509323 $1,150,000

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 1771 Ringling Boulevard 1101 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,895 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs & Sara Boudarga 941-374-2920 A4511187 $1,050,000

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

SARASOTA 17773 Deer Prairie Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,360 Sq. Ft. Tina Von Kessel & Brigitte Von Kessel 941-266-2848 A4504988 $899,999

SARASOTA 988 Blvd Of The Arts 1515 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,555 Sq. Ft. Nora Johnson & Klaus Lang 941-809-1700 A4507718 $899,000

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

SARASOTA 4291 Highlands Bridge Road 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,524 Sq. Ft. Amy Chapman 941-225-1500 A4511153 $799,900

LONGBOAT KEY 691 Broadway Street 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,189 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4511396 $789,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY 4234 Gulf Of Mexico Drive A1 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,636 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4504718 $699,000

SARASOTA 2550 Marblehead Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,046 Sq. Ft. Judy Greene & Tara Lamb 941-350-0451 A4511604 $649,000

OSPREY 32 Park Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,256 Sq. Ft. Schuyler Burke 907-223-8161 A4505805 $550,000

BRADENTON 1510 Scarlet Oak Lane 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,825 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4511677 $499,000

SARASOTA 5815 Fairway Lakes Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,009 Sq. Ft. Gregory Zies & Kathy Valente 941-779-3081 A4511033 $400,000

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

361778-1

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

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

SEPTEMBER 6-10

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

condominium in The Beach Residences tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Henry and Dawn Duques, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 1208 condominium at 1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Michael Allen Gruskin and Laura Hope Gruskin, of Franklin, Michigan, for $3.6 million. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths and 5,254 square feet of living area. It sold for $4.46 million in 2005.

Photo courtesy of Susan Fox, Michael Sauders & Company

Built in 2005, the condominium has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 5,254 square feet of living area.

1045 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Louis and Teresa Finos, trustees, of DeWitt, Michigan, for $1.28 million. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,392 square feet of living area. It sold for $690,000 in 2015.

Gulf of Mexico Drive to Mary Dawn Seymour, of Longboat Key, for $737,500. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 961 square feet of living area. It sold for $165,000 in 1993.

SLEEPY LAGOON PARK

Sachin and Shelly Kamath, of Ocala, sold their Unit 303 condominium at 1050 Longboat Club Road to Robert and Anastasia Gallo, of Roslyn, New York, for $735,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,409 square feet of living area. It sold for $380,000 in 2018.

Marc and Carrie Goldman, of Sarasota, sold their home at 3314 Sabal Cove Lane to Todd and Lois Karran, of Longboat Key, for $2.63 million. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three-andtwo-half baths, a pool and 4,950 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.83 million in 2020.

Phillip Edward Younger and Fanny Cohen Younger, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 737 Penfield St. to Daren Spinelle Rosemary Younger, of Longboat Key, for $803,000. Built in 1966, it has three bedrooms, four baths and 2,178 square feet of living area. It sold for $888,000 in February.

BEACHPLACE

LONGBOAT HARBOUR TOWER

SABAL COVE

Roy Kenneth Zitomer and Elise Michelle Zitomer, trustees, sold the Unit 102 condominium at

REAL ESTATE

Lido Key condo sells for $3.6 million

Gamil and Amira Debbas, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit PH-6 condominium at 4401

THE PRIVATEER NORTH

LIDO HARBOUR TOWERS

Christine Cowden, of Lebanon, Ohio; Roger Corden II, of Dayton, Ohio; Keith Cowden, of Sarasota; and Tracy Cowden, of Kettering, Ohio, trustees; and Beverly Cowden, of Kettering, Ohio, sold the Unit 707 condominium at 1770 Benjamin Franklin Drive to AnnaMaria Nieswand, of Sarasota, for $679,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,207 square feet of living area. It sold for $125,000 in 1982.

In with the new SALES GALLERY OPEN

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Sept. 10-16 in order of dollar amounts.

L O N G B OAT K E Y

Longboat Key

ADDRESS PERMIT APPLICANT 415 L’Ambiance Drive #B702 Windows and doors Samuel B. Guren

AMOUNT $223,811

6837 GMD

Interior alterations Debra Herschmann

$200,000

5461 GMD Unit 402

Interior alterations NB Sunset LLC

$100,000

561 Harbor Cove Circle

Mechanical

Michael D. Taylor

$74,640

600 De Narvaez Drive

Pool and spa

Anthony J. Marterie

$65,000

2525 GMD #10D

Interior alterations Thomas S. Myers

$64,972

691 Russell St.

Windows and doors Philip M. Sargente

$63,558

415 L’Ambiance Drive #D805 Windows and doors James M. Greenleaf

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

MOVE-IN READY

Downtown Sarasota

$53,390

530 Harbor Gate Way

Dock and lift

Robert P. and Ella D. Cohen $51,486

2063 GMD

Interior alterations James S. Diener

$40,326

572 Yawl Lane

A/C change-out

Marissa M. Corney

$26,154

5910 GMD

Plumbing

Clare Marie Fox

$25,000

608 Bayview Drive

Plumbing

Anthony C. Skidmore

$23,500

4401 GMD Unit 106

Windows and doors Lynda Y. Humphrey

$20,820

4700 GMD Unit PH3

Window

Kevin Brennan

$19,849

Anthony C. Skidmore

$19,822

Richard L. Martino

$19,400

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

MOVE IN FALL 2022

replacement Mechanical

2110 Harbourside Drive #521 A/C change-out 561 De Narvaez Drive

Dock and lift

Jacob K. Rogers

$17,000

660 Cedar St.

Plumbing

Fritz E. Attaway

$16,500

3370 GMD

Pool and spa

Smith Family Revocable $15,000

Trust 4621 GMD Unit 7A

Door

Gary J. Lapaille

$13,250

565 Sanctuary Drive

Doors

Sanctuary II at Longboat $11,250

5231 GMD Unit 308

A/C change-out

Ondrea D. Francy

Downtown Sarasota The Collection | 941.232.2868 | From the $2,000,000’s | Call for appointment. | thecollection1335.com

Sales galleries open and available for virtual or in-person presentations. Virtual home tours | OnDemand local experts | Interactive site and floorplans

$10,500

2450 Harbourside Drive #244 Interior alterations Garnett A. Black Trust

$10,000

641 Ranger Lane

Plumbing

James A. Holanda

$10,000

668 El Centro

Re-roof

Kenneth L. Fearing

$9,500

Source: Town of Longboat Key

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

361763-1

608 Bayview Drive

Licensed Real Estate Broker

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

AS EASTERSEALS HAPPINESS HOUSE CELEBRATES

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

WITH THE

Above: Liana Bryant leads class into mountain pose. Right: Bryant moves into a fullbody stretch.

Stretch it out on St. Armands

s the sun went down, the sun salutations went up on St. Armands Circle. Liana Bryant led the last “Breathe” yoga class for the Sol of the Circle event series Sept. 8. Participants rolled out their mats in the Circle’s center park and doused themselves in bug spray before class started. Bryant walked around to introduce herself to each of the 15 participants. Joe Grano, the president of marketing agency Next-Mark that

JULY 18 - SEPTEMBER 30 EASTERSEALS IS PARTNERING WITH THE FLANZER TRUST IN A MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN, TO HONOR EASTERSEALS’ 75th ANNIVERSARY AND SUPPORT THE MISSION TO SERVE THOSE WITH DISABILITIES.

organized Sol of the Circle, said the summer events were scheduled to take place on off-peak times to draw more people to the Circle. Grano met Bryant, the director at Rosemary Court Yoga, before summer started and thought she was perfect to teach a class. Bryant led students in an hourlong yoga flow that ended as the sun went down. —NAT KAEMMERER

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

941.724.7228

360244-1

this week, join ambassadors MORTON’S GOURMET MARKET GINGER JUDGE

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

It may be Fall but its still hot!

Your AC is working overtime. Call about a Fall Tune Up today!

JOIN US . 25 ON SATURDAY, SEP AT

RISEFO&R OUNR YE’S

DAY SUPER SALTEUBR RATION

941-778-5622

WRAP-UP CE

LIC. #CFC1426956 ~ CPC1458908 ~ CAC1818472

www.lapenseeplumbing.com

Go to FlanzerTrust.org

Select Easterseals Southwest Florida from the menu.

364658-1

and click on the Donate button.

www.instagram.com/observergroup

360061-1

401 Manatee Avenue, Holmes Beach

364648-1

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Bruce Myer

Realtor

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

941.376.5311

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

New Listings Coming Every Week - Call me!

ST. ARMANDS KEY - 171 S. Washington Drive Magnificent waterfront property with over 11,000 SF of living space and protected dock to accommediate up to 70’ yacht.. $11,995,000 171swashington.com

BAY ISLES HARBOR SECTION - 1601 Harbor Cay Lane 4BR/4BA Canal front residence awaiting your personal style and touches. $2,995,000 1601harborcay.com

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

ARLINGTON PARK - 2073 Grove Street, Sarasota New construction Mark Sultana designed 3BR/3BA residence. $1,250,000

Wondering where to start your home search?

Bruce@BruceMyer.com

CALL BRUCE MYER 941.376.5311

www.BruceMyer.com

360539-1

IN 2021 OVER $100 MILLION IN SOLD & PENDING SALES

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FRIDAY, SEPT. 24

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.

Joe Padorr captured this sunset on Longboat Key.

High: 84 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 58%

SATURDAY, SEPT. 25 High: 84 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 41%

SUNDAY, SEPT. 26 High: 83 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 35%

TIDES

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Sept. 23

7:19a 7:25p

Friday, Sept. 24

7:20a

7:24p

Saturday, Sept. 25

7:20a

7:23p

Sunday, Sept. 26

7:20a

7:21p

Monday, Sept. 27

7:21a

7:20p

Tuesday, Sept. 28

7:21a

7:19p

Wednesday, Sept. 29

7:22a 7:18p

MOON PHASES

Oct. 12 First

Oct.20 Full

Oct. 28 Last

Highs

Nov. 4 New

Lows

Thursday, Sept. 23

1:28a

2:32a

8:41a

8:35p

Friday, Sept. 24

1:46a

3:18a

9:22a

8:54p

Saturday, Sept. 25

2:09a

4:13a

10:06a

9:12p

Sunday, Sept. 26

2:37a

5:27a

10:58a

9:28p

Monday, Sept. 27

3:11a

—

12:01p

Tuesday, Sept. 28

3:53a

—

1:19p

Wednesday, Sept. 29

4:54a

—

2:40p

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

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Fawning flattery 6 Jump like a joey 9 Picket line crosser 13 Erupt 17 Hawaiian island with no traffic lights 18 Birds in barns 20 Story 21 Express feelings onstage 22 First, second, third and so on (Hint: This answer includes five letters from 8-Down) 24 Felt bad about 25 Fowl place 26 Exercised, as authority

941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

LOWER THE SHADES by Paul Coulter; Edited by David Steinberg

27 Sundae topper (... includes five letters from 13-Down) 30 Mouth off to 31 Sansa's older brother on "Game of Thrones" 33 "The loneliest number" 34 Actor Stoltz 35 Suggested, as a deal 38 Seize the opportunity 41 Event with discounts 43 ___ well (succeeded) 44 Mercury and Mars 45 Marginal revenue's subj. 47 Bitter disagreement 49 Streaks in marble 51 Sauce brand

52 Aging (... includes four letters from 53-Down) 56 Key that may pause a game 57 Burj Khalifa's country, briefly 59 Adage 60 Dry run 61 Place-holding folds 63 In ___ (as found) 65 Bread that might be dark 66 Spills (over) 67 Apply to 70 Pres. advisory team 73 Late-night fridge visit 75 Liberals, collectively 77 Actor's goal

104 Philip of "Kung Fu" 105 What melting icicles do 106 Actress Condor or Turner 110 Corporate oversight group (... includes four letters from 101-Down) 114 Advance in a video game 116 Like oily hair 117 Hilo feast 118 Autumn tones, and a theme hint 120 Young hoodlums 121 Mispronounces a word, e.g. 122 Close angrily 123 Present, for the verb "gift" 124 Big boats 125 Open, as an envelope 126 Boot tip 127 Barely beats

79 Haul to a garage, say 82 School support org. 83 Lingerie item 84 "Homeland" star (... includes three letters from 85-Down) 86 Yolk's counterpart 88 Ecological community 90 WNBA great Weatherspoon 91 Luxury hotel chain 92 Animal with a mane 94 Trombone material 98 Blowgun insert 99 Oozing 101 Inedible mushroom 103 Caddie's bagful

DOWN 1 Reduces speed 2 Journalist Shriver 3 Chilean mountain range 4 Nickname Lincoln got from chopping logs for fences 5 One is literally impossible to read 6 Withstand 7 Have the rights to 8 Pipe cleaner? 9 Hair piece 10 Make happen 11 Baldwin of "Dr. Death" 12 Bad hair day phenomenon 13 Person who's kissing 14 Like a D grade 15 Handmade wallet website 16 Dewy 19 Org. issuing nine-digit IDs 21 Bert's bestie 23 Prefix for "nautical" 28 Antlered Eurasian animal 29 Bothers 32 Deg. hidden in "job fair" 36 Mortgage adjustment, briefly 37 Gun, as an engine 38 Rap's ___ Def 39 High or low cards 40 Stress-reducing discipline 41 Animal in a roundup

42 Like a crafter 44 Vitamin chain 46 "This instant!" 47 Rank above cpl. 48 Breaks up 50 Unit of Time 51 One may need to be walked 53 Meir in Israeli history 54 "I" problem 55 Single situp or squat 57 The States, casually 58 "Don't ya think that's true?" 62 Houston baseball player 64 Without equal 68 Latter-day Saints' HQ 69 Moray ___ 71 More rational 72 Colgate rival 74 "Tarzan" extra 76 It often flavors pea soup 78 Org. that scans baggage 79 A couple 80 Resistance units 81 Merlot, for one 83 Coal container 85 Change the look of 87 Neckwear pins 88 Impede, with "down" 89 Progressive ___ 92 Emulated Pinocchio 93 Shoe liners 95 Make food less bland 96 Kazakhstan, once (Abbr.) 97 1998 memoir in which Christopher Reeve described how he coped with an injury 100 Fringe benefits 101 Driving force 102 Crude grp. 104 Pong maker 107 Word after "run" or "tag" 108 Give medicine to, say 109 Church recesses 110 Get fuzzy 111 Sty cry 112 Roll up 113 Failing grades 115 Cast a ballot 116 Hot tub 119 Language of Vientiane

349237-1

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.

"HVVDI PYT EVMLKI PAK RLDK PUURKI PYT VAPYSKI. WNKJ HVWN PAK OAZLW, HZW WPIWK XVEURKWKRJ TLOOKAKYW." IWKUNKY DLYS "GA YRS SLGA O SUZF OZSZVY POW? DZAS SLF ASGTT VFTOYKLRTW SLOS G TRHF – SLOS VOMFA TGEF OYP YOSZUF LOUVRYGIF."

NFRUNF FTGRS

Puzzle Two Clue D equals J

Sarasota

Puzzle One Clues M equals V

CARPET

SUDOKU

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

9-23-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Autos Wanted

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM

WE BUY cars. top $$ paid for your vehicles. Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

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.

4 FT glass patio table set, brown wicker frame, including 4 chairs LWR. $180. 941-388-8916

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE! Advertise items less than $200 for

FREE!

YourObserver.com/RedPages CHANDELIER METAL, BROWN, HARDWARE INCLUDE. LIKE NEW, $45 (941) 920-2494

COINS, STAMPS & PAPER MONEY WANTED We are always buying! Suncoast Stamp & Coin 8520 S Tamiami Trail Sarasota FL 34238 (941) 921-9761 WWW.SUNCOAST STAMP.COM

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale TWO SLIPS BOATHOUSE ON LONGBOAT. For sale by owner. Slips 2304 and 1203. Both currently leased, cash positive. Free indoor boat storage, unlimited in-out. Monohull only, max 8.5’ beam, 30’ LOA. $125,000 for both. 941-951-8929.

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 Call: 941-955-4888 | Fax: 941-362-4808 Email: redpages@yourobserver.com

Place your ad online: yourobserver.com/redpages FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Commercial Property 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

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you! Ho Ho Buys cars. 941-270-4400.

BUY STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area. 941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.

Office Space for Lease 6350 Gulf of Mexico Longboat Key 1,000 or a 2,000 Sq. Ft. Suites Call for Details Jerry Cunningham 941-321-8848 shortstoryes@gmail.com Keller Williams on the Water

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. LONGBOAT KEY: Beachfront Condos, 1st or 2nd floor, 2BR/2BA, W/D in units, free Wi-Fi, heated pool, & parking. Call 941-383-3338.

This week’s Crossword answers

Advertise your business or service in the Observer Advertise your business RED PAGES or service in the Observer

RED CALLPAGES TODAY 941-955-4888 CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Advertise your business Puzzle One Solution: or service in the Observer “Books and movies are like apples and oranges. They both are fruit, but taste completely different.” Stephen King

RED PAGES

Puzzle Two Solution: “Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love – that makes life and nature harmonize.” George Eliot

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

This week’s Sudoku answers

RED PAGES. MADE FOR WHERE YOU LIVE. HERE! TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT WWW.YOUROBSERVER.COM/REDPAGES

Items Under $200

You’re only cheating yourself.

Antiques/ Collectibles

peekers’ place

stuff

ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising. Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer. Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236

auto

Items Under $200

real estate

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

Condos/Apts. for Rent

The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice! The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice! The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice!

RED PAGES

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

SHIP YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States. Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Cleaning CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services. Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin! Residential. Excellent references. 941-773-6895.

Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

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LONGBOAT LIMOUSINE Your local luxury transportation provider since 1994.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

ROGER SELLS

LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES

MORE THAN $191 MILLION PENDING AND SOLD IN 2021

367 WEST ROYAL FLAMINGO DRIVE

$3,995,000

862 GRANDE PASS WAY

$3,100,000

Perfectly positioned directly on the west end of Dolphin Waterway in Bird Key, this 4BR home flourishes in lovely updates and offers the avid yachtsmen multiple enviable boating options. This home’s location places it at the T-junction, offering three unobstructed access points to Big Pass, the Gulf of Mexico, and Sarasota Bay.

Begin your dream beach home at this private, gated enclave on the southern tip of Boca Grande. 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 beach access, fishing options and observation pier.

www.367WestRoyalFlamingo.com

www.862GrandePassWay.com

128 GOLDEN GATE POINT #501B

$1,300,000

535 SANCTUARY DRIVE #A503

$1,295,000

JUST SOLD! Contemporary updates, spectacular views and an ideal location within walking distance to downtown Sarasota creates the perfect environment for you to immediately begin enjoying at this rarely available 3BR plus media room residence in the heart of the city.

Fall in love with a wonderful Gulf-to-bay lifestyle at this beautiful Sanctuary residence in sought-after Building Four. Situated on the fifth floor, in a corner spot, the nearly 2,400 SF layout of this lovely getaway is offered furnished and ready to enjoy as is or embark on a home renovation venture.

www.VistaBayPoint501B.com

www.535SanctuaryA503.com

6154 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD #B11

3727 80TH DRIVE EAST

3804 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #101

This lovely, updated beach to bay getaway is conveniently located just a few sunny steps from beautiful Gulf beach shores of the renowned Siesta Key Beach. You will adore this as a place to escape or as a rental property.

UNDER CONTRACT IN JUST 3 DAYS ON THE MARKET! This newer-built, 3BR lakefront home at University Groves is In a central location just minutes from University Park, a beautiful family-friendly neighborhood.

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.CasaBlancaB11.com

$699,000 www.3727UniversityGroves.com

$599,000

www.BeachHarborClubB106.com

$450,000

443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F | Sarasota, FL 34236 595 Bay Isles Road , Suite 250 | Longboat Key, FL 34228 Roger@Pettingell.com | Pettingell.com Twitter.com/RealRoger | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell Owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC

360571-1

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE TOUR (941) 387-1840