Longboat Observer - December 23, 2010

Observer Merry Christmas!

NEWS Court Control

Colony owners could buy an interest in resort’s tennis courts. 3A.

LONGBOAT

diversions: IT’S A WRAP!

NEIGHBORHOOD 14A

INSIDE | PAGE 1B

Longboat Key shines for Observer’s annual contest.

De-stress during the holidays with Pam Nadon’s movie picks.

‘Light Up The Keys’

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

Thursday, DECEMBER 23, 2010

sand plan

OUR TOWN

Commission OKs project

PEOPLE, PICS & PLACES

The Town Commission approved both a beach project and structures to hold sand on the island’s eroded north end.

By Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

Dora Walters

+ Newtons celebrate 70 wonderful years

Taxpayers will be asked March 8 if they want to fund an approximately $36 million island-wide beach project and a $6.2 million project to bring some structures to the severely

eroded north end of the island.

At its Thursday, Dec. 16 regular workshop, the Town Commission made the decision to place two separate questions on the springtime ballot.

In total, the projects are expected to cost between $35.2

million and $43.2 million after potential savings.

The cost of the project will be about $35 million if a reimbursement from Port Dolphin LLC is received. The naturalgas pipeline company, which recently issued an intent to issue a

permit for its project, will fund the money if the town removes some beach-quality sand before Port Dolphin lays down a pipeline on the bottom of the Gulf.

The commission has the option of performing the beach project in either 2011 or 2012. If the sand is placed island-wide in 2012, though, the sand proj-

SEE SAND / PAGE 8A

Edith and Carroll Newton have returned to their winter residence at Twin Shores. In June, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They were married in 1940, in Berry County, Mich.

CHECKING IT TWICE

Couretsy photo

Founders and organizers Leonard Biberman and Pat Anderson

+ Physics club puts energy into holidays Things got physical Friday, Dec. 12, at Crab & Fin Restaurant. That’s because it was the location of the Longboat Key Physics Club’s annual party. The club meets monthly and has 31 members, each of whom takes a turn speaking on topics such as multiple universes, quantum electrodynamics and NASA explorations.

SEE OUR TOWN / PAGE 2A

INDEX Classifieds...............................24A Cops Corner.............................7A Crossword..............................23A Deal Us In..............................22A Key Real Estate.....................16A Opinion.....................................6A Weather.................................23A Vol. 33, No. 21 Two sections www.YourObserver.com

Loren Mayo

Kylie Inocencio checks Santa’s beard (twice!) to see if it’s fake or real at Sarasota Yacht Club’s Christmas Party Sunday, Dec. 19. For the story and more photos, see page 2A.

OFF THE MARKET

Whitney Beach Plaza sells for $3.7 million The sale marks the beginning of a two- to three-month push to attract tenants to the 85% vacant north-end shopping center.

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

The letters poured in after Brian Kenney, principal of the Boston-based Juliani Kenney Investment Capital LLC, confirmed his company’s plans in October to buy and redevelop Whitney Beach Plaza. Some of the 30 or so letters sent to Kenney’s new office in the plaza included suggestions. Writers wanted every-

thing from a women’s gym to a bank to a Chinese restaurant.

But, according to Kenney, there was a common thread. All of the residents he heard from were enthusiastic about the company’s plans to buy and redevelop the 35,000-square-foot

File photo

The Whitney Beach Shopping Plaza has been for sale since early 2009, originally listed at SEE SALE / PAGE 8A $6.5 million. It sold for $3.7 million Dec. 17.

2A

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECEmber 23, 2010

NeIGHBORHOOD

www.YourObserver.com

OUR TOWN

REINDEER GAMES

>> Continued from Page 1A

+ Mote’s new exhibit offers a shrimp’s-eye view Mote Marine Aquarium’s “Sanctuary Reef” traveling exhibit opened Wednesday, Dec. 22 and offers a new view of coral reefs: a shrimp’s-eye view. The exhibit features a model coral reef cove inside the hull of an overturned ship with models of corals, fish, eels and other reef fauna, while the exhibit’s exterior provides reef-related information.

The exhibit is on display through Jan. 10, at Mote’s Ann and Alfred Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center, 1703 Ken Thompson Parkway. For information, visit mote.org/sanctuaryreef.

+ McKitrick wins her 161st victory Longboat Key amateur golf champion Arlene McKitrick is finishing 2010 on a high note. Earlier this month, she won the American Seniors Golf Championship at Innisbrook —

her 161st championship win on the golf course. The first part of the tournament was difficult for McKitrick, whose glucose monitor wasn’t working in the 48-degree weather. But, suddenly, she got in the swing of things on the 16th hole and upped her game for the victory.

Claire Schmalzer sits on Santa’s lap.

Courtesy photo

Santa brings joy to SYC

By Loren Mayo | Staff Writer

Inside the clubhouse children play, For Sarasota Yacht Club’s Christmas par-tay, Singing songs of holiday cheer, Watching Karen the Elf and her magic reindeer.

Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go? Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go?

Inside the yacht club, click, click, click, The Dec. 19 event was a holiday hit.

Courtesy photo

+ Staffers stuff their stockings Longboat Key Town Hall employees gathered together Dec. 15 for an informal gift exchange and sharing of some holiday treats. Taking part were Sandy Moutoux, JoAnn Mixon, Lisa Silvertooth, Susan Phillips, Sharon Johnson, Gerry Wilson, Trish Granger, Eva Waldroup, Sandi Henley and Arita Mazza.

Noah and Jacob Inocencio

Photos by Loren Mayo

Above: Terri, Owen and Jack Meredith Dora Walters

Right: Mitch Ruzek and Cal Olenec

Making Florida’s future

that much sweeter Florida citrus growers — like so many American farmers — rely on crop nutrients to produce more abundant crops. This means lower food costs for us and more land that can be preserved for the environment. It is our business and our honor to provide farmers across America — and right here in Florida — with the crop nutrients they need to help feed the world. ®

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A better Florida and a better world

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECember 23, 2010

NeWS

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3A

let’s make a deal

TIMETABLE

The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort unit owners now have the option to purchase a 5% interest in the resort’s tennis courts.

hearings postponed

Colony owners seek stake in courts Challenge

By Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

On Dec. 9, Colony Beach & Tennis Resort unit owner Andy Adams purchased a 5% undivided interest in the Colony tennis courts owned by William Merrill. According to the Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court’s website, Adams paid $350,000 for the 5% interest through a limited-liability company called BreakPointe LLC. BreakPointe and the Colony Association signed an agreement Dec. 10, giving the association an exclusive option to purchase that 5% undivided interest from Breakpointe within nine months.

“This means that the 5% interest is now controlled by an

entity fully aligned with the association,” Yablon said. “The association now has the option to purchase that 5% undivided interest if the unit owners approve that.”

With an undivided interest, there is no majority rule, and the unit owners would have as much rights to the courts as longtime Colony owner Dr. Murray “Murf ” Klauber, who owns an 80% undivided interest in the tennis courts.

The association’s acquisition of 5% interest of the tennis courts would clear up zoning issues the town has with the property.

“I will at a later time have more to say about the many reasons why it will benefit the association and the unit own-

ers to approve an acquisition of what will become a 5% undivided interest in the recreational property and how this will advance our global efforts to re-open and revive the Colony under the control of the unit owners,” wrote Colony Association President Jay Yablon in a Dec. 13 e-mail to unit owners. “And I will strongly recommend support for such a acquisition at the appropriate time.”

The purchase would allow the resort to comply with town codes that state a tourism property must provide recreational amenities.

“Obviously, addressing any type of non-conformity that still exists at the resort is a good thing,” said town attor-

Three challenges filed by the Islandside Property Owners Coalition will not begin until spring 2011.

By Kurt Schultheis | City Editor File photo

The Colony’s recreational facilities include 12 tennis courts in the center of the property.

ney David Persson.

Once the association purchases the interest from Adams’ corporation, it will most likely hold further meetings with town staff to provide it with the 5% undivided interest documentation.

GLOW SHOW Rachel S. O’Hara

Promenade’s dazzling display won Publisher’s Choice this year in The Longboat Observer’s annual “Light Up the Keys” competition. See page 14A for the story, more photos and a complete list of winners.

‘BEACHES OF LBK’

Landau presents beach analysis Key resident and Longboat Key Public Interest Committee member Lenny Landau told the commission that the town doesn’t yet need to renourish some portions of its beach.

By Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

Longboat Key resident Lenny Landau made a brief presentation to the Longboat Key Town Commission at its Thursday, Dec. 16 regular workshop that centered on whether the town needs to renourish portions of its beach.

Landau presented a fiveminute presentation, called “The Beaches of LBK,” that offered data that claims not all sections of the town’s beach need sand.

“Some sections are trouble, some are very stable and some are accreting sand,” Landau said.

Landau, who has been asking for and receiving data from the town’s beach engineer, Boca Raton-based Coastal Planning and Engineering (CP&E), for more than a year, says his data shows the town has only lost 10.9% of its sand island-wide

since the town’s last beach project in 2006.

And, if you don’t add the north-end sand losses, Landau states that only 7.8% of shoreline has been lost since the 2006 beach project.

“By 2015, we still would only have lost less than 10% of the sand,” said Landau, who stated that only a major hurricane would take away much of the island’s sand.

“In summary, we should only be taking care of our erosional hot spots,” Landau said. “There is no urgency to renourish and delaying the next project will provide time to get financial assistance.”

CP&E President Tom Campbell, however, disputed Landau’s data at the meeting.

“We look at the same report and come up with a different conclusion,” Campbell said.

“We look at every portion of the island’s beach profile and determine the erosion bio-

Kurt Schultheis

Key resident Lenny Landau questions whether sand renourishment projects are needed every six to eight years.

metrically.”

Campbell and Town Manager Bruce St. Denis said Landau’s data is only showing how far the sand juts out into the Gulf of Mexico, when, in reality, the sand is also de-

pleting in height and is eroding underneath the sand on which people walk. Campbell and St. Denis confirmed after the meeting that the beach has lost 33% of its sand overall, when calculating sand loss biometrically.

Commissioner Phillip Younger, however, disputed St. Denis’ calculations.

“It seems like most of the island’s selling points on the beach is its 130-foot, beachdesign width,” Younger said.

“When we talk about adding more volume, I assume it’s extending the sand further out.

It doesn’t make sense to rebuild areas that already have excessive beach length.”

St. Denis addressed Younger’s concerns.

“There are areas that have no beach fill (sand) planned for placement in the next beach project,” St. Denis said.

“Not every area of the beach will receive sand.”

Every challenge the Islandside Property Owners Coalition levied against the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s Islandside renovation-and-expansion project has been put on hold until spring 2011.

A Tallahassee-based administrative law judge has agreed to postpone any hearings until May 3 regarding IPOC’s administrative appeal of the commission’s code changes that affected the club’s Islandside project.

Town attorney David Persson asked Judge Bram Canter to postpone the hearings while the town makes amendments to the codes it changed, to further clarify its position with the state’s Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and avoid the looming administrative process.

The hearings are now scheduled for May 3 to May 6.

Although IPOC and the DCA filed a motion to reconsider the judge’s request to postpone the hearings, the judge has ruled against the request.

In the meantime, two legal challenges filed against the Islandside project in Sarasota County Clerk of Circuit Court are also on hold until at least next spring.

A judge will not review IPOC’s petition for a writ of certiorari, which challenges the Comprehensive Plan and the Islandside project ordinance the commission adopted, until at least February.

In this petition, a judge relies solely on the record formed from all the project hearings, held at Temple Beth Israel, to make a decision.

An oral argument IPOC requested for this challenge could be heard in February before a judge would make a ruling.

And a request for a de novo hearing, which allows IPOC to ask for a new hearing challenging the Islandside project, does not have a timetable yet.

The de novo hearing, which requires new testimony and does not rely solely on the record the Town Commission used to make its project decision, has no court date set.

Key Club attorney Jim Syprett believes a trial for this challenge will not begin until the summer or early fall.

Both legal challenges could take up to two years to be completed after all appeals are exhausted.

Both the Longboat Key Club and Resort and the town of Longboat Key are listed as defendants in the two legal challenge filings.

The appeals are expected to delay the phasing schedule of the $400 million Islandside project.

“We still feel, quite frankly, very comfortable with where we are,” Syprett said. “The ultimate determination of where all this will come out will be determined by amendments to the Comprehensive Plan.”

4A

INBRIEF + Trolley group moves forward Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce President Tom Aposporos has asked Town Manager Bruce St. Denis for a town contact so that he and his group can learn more about the Longboat Key trolley system.

Aposporos, who is overseeing a trolley working group that hopes to generate revenue for the route through advertising and decrease wait times for the service next year, said the group needs to know as much about the trolley as possible.

Wrote Aposporos in an e-mail dated Dec. 14 to St. Denis: “One of our efforts is to learn as much about the Manatee and Sarasota systems so that we can focus our energies accordingly.”

St. Denis informed Aposporos that Public Works Director Juan

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECEmber 23, 2010

NeWS

www.YourObserver.com

Florensa will work with the committee as a town representative.

Public Tennis Center was forced to pull a permit for an event that was just a few hours long.

Planning, Zoning and Building Director Monica Simpson is verifying whether the Town Commission or the planning board should discuss the matter.

+ Webb seeks change for special events Planning and Zoning Board Chairwoman B.J. Webb hopes the Town Commission will consider making a change to the specialevents section of the town code. In particular, Webb wants the commission or the Planning and Zoning Board to discuss simplifying the process an orgaWebb nization must follow to apply for multiple special events during a calendar year.

Webb, a member of Friends of Tennis, has urged the town in the past to make it easier for non-profit entities to hold special events and place temporary signs onsite, such as those for tennis sponsors. Webb brought up the issue again after the

Free SympoSium

+ Hazardous waste pickup scheduled A household/hazardouswaste collection for barrierisland residents will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Coquina Beach bayside parking access area, on Anna Maria Island.

Residents can take advantage of the collection to dispose of solvents and chemicals, batteries and technology equipment such as televisions and computers.

For information,

call the Manatee County Utilities Operation Department at 7986761.

+ Holiday garbage schedule unchanged The town of Longboat Key’s garbage, yard waste and recycling schedule is not affected as a result of the Christmas Day and New Year’s Day holidays.

+ Christmas tree disposal offered After the holidays, town residents may place Christmas trees curbside by 7 a.m. Wednesdays as part of normal yard-waste collection. Please remove all ornaments, icicles, lights and stands first.

Contact the Public Works Department at 316-1988 if you have any questions regarding this service.

Meetings & agendas Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3.



 FDOT Signage Committee Meeting — 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 4.  Code Enforcement Board Regular Meeting — 10 a.m.

Monday, Jan. 10.  Zoning Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting — 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 13.

All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.

Town Hall

Community eduCation

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Dorothy Hamill was “America’s sweetheart” in 1976, the perky 19-year-old with the famous hairdo – “the wedge” – won an Olympic gold medal for her dazzling figure skating at the Winter Games in Innsbruck, Austria. Her life seemed to glide as easily as her skates. But as Hamill reveals in her frank new book, A Skating Life: My Story, behind the scenes, she was in the grip of serious depression, which ran through her family.

“Lighting Up Brain Pathways: New Ways of Understanding Mental Illness” with Susan Voglmaier, MD, PhD, International Mental Health Research Organization/Staglin Family Assistant Professor.

“Adolescent Development and Mental Health: Hormones, Genes and the Brain” with Elaine Walker, PhD, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience in the Department of Psychology at Emory University. moderated by: Andrew Cutler, MD, CEO and Medical Director, Florida Clinical Research Center There will be a question & answer session with our three speakers.

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECember 23, 2010

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5A

welcome back

COOL CLUBHOUSE

Seaplace residents enjoy sea-ing each other again

By Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

Don Cooks and Jo Zentz

The residents of Seaplace held a Welcome Back party Wednesday, Dec. 15, at their clubhouse. The residents caught up with friends who were back in town for the winter months and also enjoyed food and beverages.

Holiday music put everyone in a jolly, holiday mood.

Photos by Dora Walters

Party organizer Marianna Odlen toasts to Phyliss Barber and Irene Bier.

Party provides a cozy sanctuary for attendees

By Dora Walters | Senior Editor

Sanctuary residents gathered Dec. 13, at the clubhouse, for a festive holiday party.

Organized by Marianna Odlen, the buffet included bowls of shrimp, salads and platters of ham. A popular dessert choice was the miniature cream puffs. The evening’s cool weather was a topic of conversation; many guests gave thanks they were on the Key and not at their northern residences.

Sue Olin and Barbara Struth

Dolores Krinsky and Esther Shapiro

Bob Biller and Mike Serling

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Barcy Grauer, Kathy Naso and Mil Grauer

Dick Antonello and Sue Hoeft

Bunny Herman and her son, Capt. Tommy Herman, with Dr. Jerry Herman and his wife, Judy

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OPINION

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LONGBOAT

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our view

The story surrounding His birth Children love to hear their grandparents and parents recount the details of whence their family came, the genealogy of who they are, how they came about and why they are. Indeed, our heritage depends on the continuous retelling of such important events.

This is why we take pleasure each year at this time recounting some of the lesser discussed details surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. We all know what happened on “Christmas” — as St. Luke masterfully wrote in his Gospel (see box). But having some of the context that led up to this holy, remarkable day adds to its richness.

In truth, Jesus’ birth is a story for Jews and Christians alike. After all, Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph, were Jews.

And the setting for this momentous, monumental event was in the heart of the land that God promised to Abraham and Moses — Israel.

The main characters leading up to Jesus’ birth — Mary, Joseph, Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, and her husband, Zacharias — were anything but celebrities in their day. They were as common as Iowa farmers. And yet, in reality, Mary and Joseph were indeed connected to royalty. Biblical scholars write they actually were cousins, both descendants from the lineage of King David, the longtime king of Israel.

But at that time — which was around 4 B.C. — the Jews of Judea (central Israel), were anything but a privileged, royal class.

They were living under the rule of Julius Ceasar Augustus and his vast Roman empire and under the unpredictability of the maniac, King Herod, an Arab-Jew who ruled over Jerusalem and Bethlehem as a “client” king for Caesar.

“Herod inflicted such outrages upon (the Jews) as not even a beast could have done if it possessed the power to rule over men,” wrote the biblical historian Josephus. What’s more, Herod became infamous for murdering his wife, his wife’s father, her brother, three of his own sons and 300 of his military leaders.

Nonetheless, under Herod, the Jews managed to live with what biblical historian James Edward Talmadge called “some semblance of national autonomy.”

They could practice their religion without much interference.

But there was no doubt the Jews did not relish their domination. The Jews kept to themselves and held particular dislike for the Samaritans, a racially mixed people. “The enmity between Jew and Samaritan was so intense that travelers between Judea and Galilee would make long detours rather than pass through Samaria,” Talmadge wrote.

This is what Mary and Joseph would encounter after they received word of Julius Caesar’s order for a census. Caesar demanded that everyone register in his hometown. For Mary and Joseph, this meant traveling from Nazareth in Galilee in the north to Bethlehem in Judea — an 80-mile journey — that would have taken them right through Samaria. And let’s not forget: Mary was nine months pregnant.

In his gospel on the birth of Christ, St. Luke was sparing on the details of Mary and Joseph’s trip. The fact there are few details must mean it was mostly uneventful. But you could imagine it otherwise: Any woman in her ninth month of pregnancy is physically miserable — can’t sit for long stretches, can’t sleep. So imagine Mary and Joseph traveling in a caravan or with Mary riding on a donkey. It was cold at night.

The trip would have taken about four days. On this very day, Dec. 23, they had two days to go before reaching Bethlehem.

And at this point in the trip, they would just be passing through Samaria. Jewish travelers were marks for bandits.

God was watching over Mary and Joseph, of course. They made it, but only to find out that Bethlehem, normally a sleepy little town, was bustling with

… For unto you is born this day …

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

St. Luke, 2:1-16, King James Bible

Jews who had returned to register for the census. There was no room at the inn.

Mary and Joseph, we know, found a stable. But this wasn’t the stable we see on the Hallmark Christmas cards. The stables in those days often were dark, cold caves with “mangers” — animal-feeding troughs carved into the stone walls; they were not wooden cribs padded with dry, neatly arranged hay.

With nowhere else to go, Mary gave birth … under the stars, amid the manure and muck, among the sheep, cows and chickens, no doctors present

WHEN WAS JESUS BORN? According to the Gregorian calendar, by which we measure years, there was no year “0,” which you would expect to be the year Christ was born.

How could he have been born in “B.C.” — Before Christ? Or in “A.D.” — “Anno Domini,” which means after Christ?

Biblical historians have concluded Jesus must have been born in late 5 B.C. or 4 B.C. One of the ways they determined this was the fact King Herod the Great died in 2 B.C. Jesus obviously was born before this, because the Bible recounts how, upon hearing of the Christ child’s birth, Herod ordered the death of all males under the age of 2.

to administer an epidural, with Joseph, her carpenter husband, assisting as best he could. Those who have witnessed birth know its difficulty in a hospital bed.

Imagine the scene in a barn.

Yet, this lowly, humble setting was the way Jesus Christ, the Savior whom God sent for mankind, came into the world.

Contrast the differences: Caesar Augustus maneuvering for worldly power and the biggest worldwide celebrity of his day; Herod the Great, a regional celebrity, abusing his power over his small dominion in unspeakable ways. They were all about status and ego.

Mary and Joseph were the antithesis.

Humble, not materially wealthy, ordinary in all appearances. And yet they were extraordinary. God sent his messenger, the angel Gabriel, and stunned Mary that she would conceive miraculously and bring forth a son — the Son of the Highest who would “reign over the house of Jacob forever.” She would be his mother.

And Joseph, the quiet carpenter, he fretted over what would happen to Mary, his fiancée, if people found out she was pregnant before they were married. The angel Gabriel gave comfort to Joseph, just as he did to Mary.

And with humility and obedience and far below the radar screen of celebrity status, they carried out God’s will, remembering all the while Gabriel’s assurance to Mary: “For with God, nothing shall be impossible.”

This is our heritage. Merry Christmas.

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECember 23, 2010

NeWS

www.YourObserver.com

CORNER

CLASSIC COPS

Dec. 8

Dec. 10

12:10 p.m. — 2500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive (GMD). Lost Property. A woman reported that she lost her gold cloth wallet in Sarasota. The wallet contained her driver’s license and various credit cards.

7:45 a.m. — 400 block of North Shore Road. Suspicious Circumstance. A man told police he couldn’t find the cover of his gas grill. When he went looking for it, he discovered that a condominium storage room contained a pool lounge chair and that there was evidence of someone eating and sleeping there.

Lounge act

Dec. 9

Rooftop recovery 12:03 p.m. — 700 block of Gulf Bay Road. Found Property. A Public Works Department employee found a wallet on top of a car parked at the end of Gulf Bay Road. A note was left on the car that the wallet had been found. The wallet’s owner was believed to be kayaking.

Scrap that 4:30 p.m. — 1600 block of GMD. Field Investigation. Police observed a suspicious pickup truck hauling a bunch of scrap metal on the grounds of the closed Colony Beach & Tennis Resort. Suspicions were alleviated when it was discovered the resort was holding a liquidation sale.

Dec. 11

Valid point 5:02 p.m. — Intersection of GMD and Bay Isles Road. Traffic Violation. A white van was pulled over for driving 55 miles per hour on Gulf of Mexico Drive. It was discovered that the driver, as well as his entire construction crew, did not possess a valid driver’s license. The van was towed away after its owner was notified of the situation.

Police were informed the van’s owner also didn’t possess a valid driver’s license.

Bait-and-switch 4:56 p.m. — 100 block of GMD. Code

Dec. 12

Holiday hootenanny 12:32 a.m. — 4000 block of GMD. Noise Disturbance. An anonymous caller reported loud music, and police found a small group of people in a field having their annual Christmas celebration. They were advised to turn the music down, and they agreed to shut it off altogether.

File illustration by Kevin Dean

Dec. 20, 1982 7:38 p.m. — Hughes Street. Man reports fire in chimney. No damage. partment. The man was not injured, but the car suffered extensive front-end damage.

Scene details

Dec. 13

1:57 p.m. — New Pass. Assist Other Agency. Police were notified that a red Mustang ran into New Pass Bridge and left the scene of the accident. The Mustang was located in the parking garage of L’Ambiance, and the owner told police he planned on filing a report with the Sarasota Police De-

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Up in the air 12:23 p.m. — 600 block of Halyard Lane. Lost Property. A man told police he lost his wallet on a flight from Montreal to Atlanta.

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECEmber 23, 2010

NeWS

www.YourObserver.com

SAND / FROM PAGE 1A

BUSINESS BASICS

ect will cost an extra $4 million (Town Manager Bruce St. Denis estimates that cost should cover additional sand loss between now and when the beach project would be performed in 2012).

The structures for the north end, which could be a combination of groins or breakwaters, will be constructed no earlier than 2012 if approved by the voters.

The decision was not an easy one.

Worried that taxpayers won’t fund a $45 million project unless all other options are exhausted first, the Key’s seven commissioners wanted to make sure the project couldn’t be performed any cheaper by using alternative beach technologies.

But after St. Denis brought Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) official Paden Woodruff and professor Robert Dean, from the University of Florida, to the podium, both who said alternative technologies won’t work to hold the island’s beach, the lingering questions appeared to be answered.

Woodruff reviewed a series of experimental technologies that FDEP has permitted over the years, noting that none of them has worked. Even an artificial seaweed project performed in the early 1980s on the south end of Longboat Key failed, Woodruff noted.

“Getting a permit for an experimental project is difficult,” Woodruff said.

And Dean, who has monitored Florida’s beaches since the 1960s, told the commission that only beach-renourishment projects would keep the Key’s beaches as healthy as they are today.

“Beach renourishment has been proven to be very effective, as have adjustable groins,” Dean said. “Any other innovative technology has generally been ineffective.”

Juliani Kenney Investment Capital LLC Juliani Kenney Investment Capital LLC was founded in 2007 by Brian Kenney and Rick Juliani. The company started out focusing mostly on distressed multi-family residential properties but transitioned into retail development. Recent projects have included finding a national retail tenant for a 37,000-square-foot distressed property, in Somerville, Mass.; the redevelopment of a 160-unit residential community, in Tallahassee; and the 86,000-square-foot New Balance building, in Boston, that the company transformed into office space. to Tiny’s of Longboat Key, which closed March 31.

Kenney estimates that his company will invest $2 million in the plaza during the next year. Although some repairs, such as fixing the hole in the roof of the former post office, will be made over the next few weeks, major renovations won’t occur until tenants are secured.

“We want to improve the property for the tenants as opposed to improving the property and then changing the property for the tenants,” Kenney said.

Kenney believes the plaza will be a prime place to do business because of a lack of amenities on the island.

“The fact that services aren’t on Longboat Key makes it an optimal site,” he said.

He believes that bringing those services to the north end will benefit the entire island.

“There’s an opportunity to provide not just the north side but the entire island with the services that are lacking,” Kenney said.

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“This is completely going to change and revitalize the northern part of the island,” Kenney said. “People are excited about this.”

Now, Kenney is a step closer toward making that vision of revitalization a reality. His company purchased the plaza and its liquid assets, including the liquor license held by former owner Andrew Hlywa, for $3.7 million Friday, Dec. 17.

The commercial short sale has been in the works for four months, although the plaza has been for sale since early 2009, originally listed at $6.5 million by Tina Rudek, of Engel & Völkers Longboat Key/Anna Maria Island. Frontier Capital Group Ltd. initiated foreclosure proceedings in February, according to Manatee County court records. When Rudek reduced the price to $3.5 million, Kenney’s company became interested in the plaza.

Kenney plans to spend the next 60 to 90 days working aggressively to lease space in the plaza, which is currently 85% vacant, to a mix of local and national retail tenants. During that time, he hopes to secure an anchor tenant for the 12,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by The Market and, most recently, Whitney Beach Deli and Wines.

Although he is currently in talks with a national retailer, he is open to leasing the anchor spot to “any business with good credit that will draw traffic.”

“We hope to have the place completely stabilized by September,” said Kenney, who estimates that the plaza would be stabilized at 70% occupancy. “By this time next year, we hope it’s full.”

Kenney said that many residents’ suggestions echo his own thoughts on the plaza. He agrees that it could use additional restaurants and a coffee shop.

He would like to see a local bar, similar

Dean told the commission he reviewed the town’s beach-management plan and has been monitoring the Key’s beaches since 1966. He told the commission that when he monitored Longboat Pass in 1966, he believed “a terminal structure could render that area quite stable.”

“The beach management plan is quite sensible and deliberate,” Dean said. “It’s very much on target.”

Vice Mayor Jim Brown asked Dean if he thought the town could ever control the rising costs of the current renourishment project.

Said Dean: “I would hope costs can be controlled in the future after demand from the dredges subsides. In the meantime, the question you should ask yourself is, ‘What is Longboat Key without its beaches?’”

And Woodruff told the commission that although it may take 10 years to accomplish, the town needs to start applying for federal money to help pay for its projects and working with its counties and nearby cities to regionalize projects to defray costs.

St. Denis told the commission he will bring back a future agenda item that explains the process of securing state and federal dollars for beach projects.

What could be a controversial issue in obtaining those federal dollars, however, is increasing the island’s beachaccess points and parking spaces for those access points, which is required to receive state and federal beach project dollars.

Although the referendum questions will be brought forward to the commission’s 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3 regular meeting for approval, Commissioner David Brenner still wants a second opinion from another beach engineer.

“I am prepared to spend a few extra bucks to make sure this is the way to go,” said Brenner.

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECember 23, 2010

www.YourObserver.com

2010 will end as it began for the housing market in Southwest Florida—on a steady path toward recovery. In between, we were confronted with a few unexpected hurdles; not the least of which was the wildly false perception that oil from a distant spill had somehow overtaken our coastline. Happily our famously white beaches were never threatened; and have never been more spectacular—or pristine—as we prepare to welcome our seasonal guests in the New Year.

News of the economy, as it affects the entire nation, has been very heartening of late. Across the country, factories are busier, construction spending is up, auto sales are on the upswing and sales among the nation’s retailers—according to the latest report out from the Commerce Department—rose more than expected in November, added proof that the recovery gathered a noticeable head of steam during the final quarter of 2010. Plus, consumer confidence—as tracked monthly by the Conference Board—improved in October and got better still in November. Confidence can move mountains in times like these.

Closer to home, we’ve also enjoyed a string of encouraging news about our own recovery, especially with respect to job creation.

Local manufacturers—including PGT, Tervis Tumbler, IntegraClick and others—have announced major plans to hire anew in the face of renewed productivity. This as newcomer, Hollywood filmmaker

535 Sanctuary Dr # A601 $1,465,000 #A3929744 Audrey Singer

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-350-2588

612 Juan Anasco Dr $9,995,000 #A3934242 Saint Cacchiotti

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-809-0787

3049 Bay Shore Rd $2,690,000 #A3919498 Klaus Lang

Sarasota 941-383-7591 941-320-1223

1414 N Lake Shore Dr $2,475,000 #A3922121 Linda Dickinson

7175 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 23/24 Longboat Key $1,098,000 #A3933191 941-383-7591 Maureen Horn 941-539-3384

100 Sands Point Rd # 120 $659,000 #A382144 Peggy Mock

Season’s Givings

Sanborn Studios, throws open its doors in Lakewood Ranch; and Ringling College of Art and Design expresses intent to build a state-of-the-art, post-production movie facility. Moreover, these cinematic enterprises fit perfectly into Sarasota County's loftier goal of leveraging its existing educational and cultural assets in order to build a more stable and diverse economy less prone to booms and busts.

Unfortunately, the benefits of a recovering economy trickle down last to those who need them most. You’d be hard-pressed to convince a freshly laid-off worker or newly homeless family that economic conditions are on the upswing. That’s why we are exceptionally proud of the agents, staff and managers at Michael Saunders & Company, who in spite of exceedingly demanding times in their own professional lives, have never once shied from giving of their time, money and selves to advance the area’s worthiest causes. In the company’s 35-year tradition of involvement within the communities we serve, wherever there’s an important need to fill you’ll always find one of our agents—or indeed entire branch offices—rushing in to lend a hand.

All Faiths Food Bank, Toys for Tots, Charlotte County Homeless Coalition, Meals on Wheels, Mothers Helping Mothers, Habitat for Humanity, the Humane Societies of Sarasota and Manatee Counties, The Community Foundations of Sarasota and Manatee Counties,

9A

Shoes for Kids, The Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice, Women’s Resource Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast, Girls, Inc., Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte Counties and Special Olympics are but a few of the organizations whose missions benefit all year long from the personal involvement of our agents.

Please join us in making sure organizations such as these enjoy year-round support, particularly in this year’s time of record need.

To that end, one of our area’s worthiest organizations is All Faiths Food Bank, which distributes food to more than 7,100 people weekly in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. A donation of $100 provides 159 meals; $500 serves 794 meals. Learn more at AllFaithsFoodBank.org.

You can also give to Season of Sharing, a 10-year-old fundraising partnership for the needy in Sarasota, Charlotte, Manatee and DeSoto Counties. Created by the Herald-Tribune Media Group and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, The Patterson Foundation is matching all new contributions to Season of Sharing, dollar-for-dollar, up to $500,000. If you have never given before, or increase your gift, your donation is doubled. Learn more at cfsarasota.org.

However you plan to celebrate the holidays, on behalf of all of us at Michael Saunders & Company we thank you for caring; and wish each of you a joyous, healthy and prosperous 2011.

1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr # 1101 Sarasota $4,195,000 #A3935859 941-388-4447 Susan Mcleod 941-928-4445

2151 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 2 $3,100,000 #A3909866 Christina Landry

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-376-4498

2399 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 3b1 Longboat Key $2,950,000 #A344892 941-383-7591 Michael Moulton & Annette Rogers 941-928-3559

7100 Longboat Dr $2,700,000 #A3905119 Ann Martin

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3010 Grand Bay Blvd # 492 $1,189,000 #A3927556 Sandi Layfield

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2550 Harbourside Dr # 331 $899,000 #A3913703 Jenifer Schwell

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1485 Gulf Of Mexico Dr $875,000 #A378777 Michael Yawitz

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1095 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 403 $475,000 #A3934589 Terri Derr & Ken Torrington

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5393 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 214 $456,000 #A3895478 Michael Nink

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4551 Tuscana Dr $450,000 #A3919587 Lisa Bradley Marx

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5393 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 104 $450,000 #A287090 William Greene

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3025 W Forest Lake Dr $449,000 #A3930503 Tom Cail and Jason Grande

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1914 Hillsdale Pl $399,000 #A3922351 Jenna Carver

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655 Spanish Way # 139 $395,000 #A3906084 Judy & Jim Heyer

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5107 Saint Albans Ave $349,900 #A3920083 Stacy Liljeberg

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5630 Creekwood Dr $200,000 #A3931212 Donna Baranowski

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10A

SANTA SMILES

BKYC party brings cheer to children

By Maria Amodio | Staff Writer

HAPPY HOLIDAYS COMPANIES YOU YOU KNOW. COMPANIES KNOW.

Bird Key Yacht Club members had a merry time at their holiday party Saturday, Dec. 18. The party featured a band singing Christmas tunes throughout the evening and a balloon artist who kept children of all ages entertained with balloon animals, swords and hats. The highlight of the evening came when Santa Claus arrived by boat to hand out gifts to all of the children.

During the holiday season and every day of the year, we wish you all the best.

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Bob and Carlene Baime

5-month-old Lucia Ellis was all smiles with her father, Chris.

43529

Savannah and Michelle Gallatin

watch for these

annual favorites …

December 30 Year in Pictures Relive the moments and events that touched us, inspired us and informed us throughout 2010.

Photos by Maria Amodio

John, Gerrit and Kevin McConnin with their baby sister, Lindsay

Henry Castilow got a giant balloon hat and a pair of moon boots from Santa.

‘

January 6 7 in 11: the People to watch

49926

The Observer profiles seven people who can make a difference in 2011.

49716

48751

Stop by now to donate school supplies to The Boys And Girls Clubs of Sarasota SIPC www.edwardjones.com Member Member CIPF

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECEmber 23, 2010

www.YourObserver.com

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECEmber 23, 2010

NEIGHBORHOOD

www.YourObserver.com

11A

auditory affair

NOTABLE SPEAKER

Brenner outlines Key history Spinella serenades Republican at Democratic Club meeting clubs with seasonal songs

By Dora Walters | Senior Editor

By Loren Mayo | Staff Writer

Town Commissioner David Brenner addressed Longboat Key Democratic Club members at the Dec. 14 luncheon meeting held at the Chart House.

A Longboat Key visitor since 1967 and a resident since 1999, Brenner briefly traced the history of changes that he has observed during this time. One significant change he noted was the 2001 closing of the Holiday Inn, which had more than 75,000 guests each year.

The commission is currently discussing the revised Vision Plan; its meetings are public and open to everyone.

World-class tenor Joseph Spinella performed holiday songs at the joint gathering of the Sarasota and Longboat Republican clubs Thursday, Dec. 16, at the Sarasota Yacht Club. Before dinner, everyone buzzed about the room to catch up on the latest happenings.

Left: Joseph Spinella, Mary Alice Volkert and Chuck Volkert Commissioner David Brenner speaks.

Photos by Loren Mayo

Photos by Dora Walters

Andy Maass, Mary Lou Winnick and Alan Sprintz

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w w w. f l v

acati

3720 Gulf of Mexico Dr. • Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-387-9709

Since 1994

• 99% of our guests state they will rent from us again • Great Vacation Rental Properties • Great Services and Staff • We are the best at what we do

36838 49296

923-8808

@ beneva

49868

Tuesday - Saturday Walk-Ins Welcome

REMODEL

383-9215

Danny the barber is at Today’s Cut barber Shop - 3650 Webber Street

49133

Did He Retire? NO DID He Move to Italy? NO Is He at Alberti’s Distinctive Haircuts & Styles? YES

12A

IMPROVE YOUR BRIDGE GAME!!

Tired of losing?

American Contract Bridge League

Learn to win at bridge with interesting Beginner lessons/ Intermediate lessons people, lessons and game practice.

In-Between Bridge Club - Town & Country Plaza

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECember 23, 2010

www.YourObserver.com

present presentation

NW Corner Fruitville & Beneva, Unit 612, Inside Courtyard, Sarasota, FL

941-355-6940

48228

CLASSES BEGIN:

th • 9-11:30 AM SAT., SAT., SEPTEMBER JANUARY 1525 • 9-11:30 AM

Michelle Golden

THE LONGBOAT KEY DEMOCRATIC CLUB Tuesday, January 11, 2011

at The Chart House Restaurant on Longboat Key. 11:30 Social - 12:00 Lunch

Santa Claus, aka Paul Kuell, gives a gift to Marcus Yawn.

“THE U.S. SUPREME COURT: ITS CONSTITUTIONAL ROLE” Keynote Speaker: WILLIAM COTTER, PhD Bill Cotter was President of Colby College, in Waterville Maine, from 1979 - 2000, where he became a life trustee. Prior to joining Colby College, Bill was President of the African - American Institute in New York City. He has served as an associate with a law firm in New York City, Assistant Attorney General in northern Nigeria, as Representative of the Ford Foundation for Columbia and Venezuela and as a White House Fellow. He also served as President and Chairman of the Board of the Oak Foundation, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, from 2000 - 2007. The Oak Foundation is an international philanthropic organization focusing on social and environmental issues around the world. Bill and his wife Linda, live in Concord, Ma. and spend their winters in Longboat Key.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL:

Names of attendees ______________________________________________ Telephone: ____________________________________________________ E-mail:_______________________________________________________ Check in the amount included: ______________________________________

Christ Church fulfills dreams of local kids

By Dora Walters | Senior Editor

For the third year, members of Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian held a Christmas party for students of 13th Avenue Dream Center, in Bradenton. As usual, Santa arrived with gifts for the youngsters, and they all enjoyed Christmas cookies.

As a special gift for the school, church members donated a selection of books for its library.

The students sang their version of “Jingle Bells,” and three students gave readings.

Beverly Sutton organized the party.

Photos by Dora Walters

Andy Sawyer and Gordon Lenci

49756

H. Murray Blueglass 383-4899.

Mail this form with check enclosed to: Longboat Key Democratic Club , PO Box 8025, Longboat Key, FL 34228 The cost of the luncheon is $23 pp. with a prepaid reservation.

The cost will be $25 pp. without a prepaid reservation.

Deadline for reservations is Thursday, January 6th.

Ginnie Dreher dressed as Mrs. Claus.

Don’t you deserve to look your very best?

Let Dr. J. Brian Murphy help you look your best and create the right solution to your dental needs.

Announcing one of our newest “Master Stylists”, Viktoria Banka 13 years experience Artistic techniques of cutting & coloring Trained by Aveda, Kerastase, L’Oreal, Majirel, and Bumble & Bumble

a k n a B a i r o t k Vi Please call to schedule a complimentary consultation

• Board Certified: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Open 7 Days a week • 941.388.3991 • St. Armands Circle • Sarasota

• Board Certified: Oral Implantology and Implant Dentistry

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or an appointment with Viktoria

Since 1967 R U O H Y BAR S HAPP 6 PM PECIA 4 TO $ 00 LS EN & R D L I Prem 4 CH ES I T ium D R A P rinks LARGE OME STONE CRAB RESTAURANT WELC

• Board Certified: American Dental Society of Anesthesiology

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Stone Crabs Are Here

941.923.0033

Proudly serving Sarasota for over 30 years.

By Land: 800 Broadway St. • By Sea: Marker 39 on the Waterway North End of Longboat Key • 383-1748 Call Ahead Seating/Reservations for 6 or more

49771

Hours: 11:30 am to 9:30 pm Daily

3940 Swift Road • Sarasota 34231

www.sarasotaoralsurgery.com

Happy Holidays

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECember 23, 2010

RELIGION

www.YourObserver.com

13A

MUSICAL MEMBERS

St. Mary clubs hold joint holiday party worship services

Photos by Dora Walters

Anita Ross and Michelle Giglio

Bill and Anne Kelley

Dave Carter and Barry Napiecek

Love is the doctrine of this church…

Come join us as you travel your journey of faith.

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church On the Circle

The Rev. Kenneth Gill Senior Minister

6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Florida 34228 Telephone: 383-6491 web: www.islandchapel.com

The Reverend Mark A. Bernthal

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

A Center of Jewish Life and Learning in the Sarasota Area Join Share Shabbat and more: Friday Evening, 8:00 pm

MASS SCHEDULE CHRISTMAS EVE: 4:30 pm & 9:00 pm Concert 8:00 pm CHRISTMAS DAY: 8:30 am & 10:30 am SUN. DEC. 26: 8:30 am & 10:30 am Daily: M-F @ 9:00 am

941.383.3428 www.tbi-lbk.org Temple Beth Israel • 567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL • 941.383.3428

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

Chris ChurCh

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill...

All Angels by the Sea

of Longboat Key • Presbyterian USA

Episcopal Church

The Rev. David L. Danner, Rector

INVITES YOU

ChRisTmas EvE

The Reverend Dr. Bruce Porter

5 pm - musical Prelude

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Organ, Handbells, Choir Adam DeSorgo, Oboe - Diener Trio Jone Fay, Joyce Miller Hooey - Vocal Soloists Sylvia Thompson, Clavinova

December 24, 2010 7PM SERMON: “God Thinks Small Thoughts”

5:30 pm - Festive Eucharist 49438

sUNDaY, DECEmBER 26

383-8161

49339

8 & 10 am - holy Communion

563 Bay isles Road, Longboat Key, FL • www.AllAngelsLBK.org

U s!

Fourth Friday of the Month, 5:30 pm Saturday Morning, 10:00 am Please visit our Judaica Shop

• 41..org 49757

Msgr. Gerard Finegan, Pastor

Jo in

Temple Beth Israel

CATHOLIC CHURCH

4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 383-1255

941-388-1234

Contemporary Service of Joy • 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School (Youth & Adult) • 10:00 a.m.

Traditional Worship Celebration • 11:00 a.m.

49748

Please join us for refreshments before or after the service in the garden.

40 North Adams Drive

Sunday Worship Schedule

7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service The Community Church on Longboat Key

service with Holy Communion is at 10 p.m. Contemporary Sunday worship services are at 9 a.m., and traditional Sunday worship services are at 11 a.m.

The Rev. Mark Bernthal is the pastor. 388-1234.

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Christmas Eve vigil Mass is at 4:30 p.m.; choir program is at 8 p.m.; and midnight Mass is at 9 p.m.

Christmas Day Masses are at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Monsignor Gerard Finegan is the pastor. 383-1255.

Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Sabbath services are at 8 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. Saturdays. Rabbi Jonathan Katz will conduct services.

383-3428.

48931

Lee Dougherty Ross, the Rev. Edward Pick and Mary Elizabeth Carey

All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road. A Christmas Eve musical prelude is at 5 p.m., and Christmas Eve Eucharist is at 5:30 p.m. Sunday worship services are at 8 and 10 a.m.

The Rev. David Danner is the rector. 383-8161.

Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian, 595 Bay Isles Road. A Christmas Eve candlelight service is at 7 p.m.

Sunday worship services are at 10 a.m.The Rev. Bruce Porter is the pastor. 383-8833.

Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

A Christmas Eve service is at 7 p.m. Sunday worship services are at 10 a.m.The Rev. Kenneth Gill is the minister.

383-6491.

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 N. Adams Drive.

A Christmas Eve traditional worship service is at 5 p.m.; contemporary worship service is at 7 p.m.; and traditional

49647

A musical program Dec. 14, featuring pianist Lee Dougherty Ross and soprano Michelle Giglio, was the highlight of the annual holiday party of the Women’s Guild and the Men’s Club of St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church.

Dougherty Ross is artistic

director of the Artist Series of Sarasota; Giglio has toured in Europe and has appeared locally with Key Chorale, the Sarasota Orchestra and others.

Holiday music was included in the program, held at the Stella Maris Hall. Following the musical presentation, Guild members served dessert and punch.

December 26, 2010 Sunday Service 10AM

SERMON: “Wise

People Still Seek Him”

595 Bay Isles Road

Mediterranean Plaza

Publix - CVS

Bay Isles Pkwy.

By Dora Walters | Senior Editor

Gulf of Mexico Drive

383-8833 www.christchurchoflbk.org

BUSINESS

CLASSIFIEDS

KEY LIFE

REAL ESTATE

sports

GAMES

TRAVEL

WEATHER

Neighborhood ■

■

SERVICES

Find a handyman in The Observer Classifieds.

Page 24A.

■

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key real estate

Sales Snapshot

St. Armands Circle Sunglass Express Optical building sells for $850,000.

Number of sales in November increases from ’09. Page 18A.

See page 16A

www.YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010

O, HOLY LIGHTS

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara and Dora Walters

Santa made his way to the rooftop of the 10-story Promenade, which also featured Rudolph on its sign.

Bayport Beach & Tennis Club got into the spirit with a new contemporary wreath.

Tinsel town

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

The Longboat Observer issues a request to readers every holiday season: Let there be lights.

We’re seeking lighted bushes and palm trees, shining Santas and reindeer displays and creative twists on the usual displays for our annual “Light Up the Keys” competition. And, every year, readers respond with their best and brightest decorations.

This year’s holiday season had many stars.

There was Pelican Harbour & Beach Club, which showed its spirit with both Christmas and Hanukkah lights, including a white-andblue menorah. There were the gold Arbomar decorations that always steal the spotlight. And Plymouth Harbor used the same creative redand-white lights that earned it last year’s “Publisher’s Choice” award. But this year’s winners topped our “nice” list. So, read on to learn which properties made it look a lot like Christmas.

Publisher’s Choice | Promenade Up on the condo top reindeer pause, Out jumps good old Santa Claus.

We aren’t kidding about this one. Santa and his reindeer made it to the roof of the Promenade. But with last week’s heavy winds, Santa managed to jump not just out of his sled but off the roof of the condominium. The maintenance crew worked to restore the display just in time for our judges, and the condo community earned this year’s “Publisher’s Choice” award.

Properties hoping to snag the coveted honor next year, be warned: This display will be tough to top, because Promenade is 10 stories tall.

Before Santa’s early departure, Promenade’s maintenance team spent three days putting up decorations and used a ladder to haul materials

The annual ‘Light Up the Keys’ competition on Longboat Key draws out its shining stars.

up to the rooftop. According to Bob McFarlane, manager of Promenade, this is the second year the community has had the rooftop display. This year’s display features additional icicle lights.

“We try to improve each year, and last year, we got an honorable mention,” McFarlane said.

First place | Bayport Beach & Tennis Club All they wanted for Christmas was their new, front wreath.

At Bayport Beach & Tennis Club, the wreath, along with a new Joy sign, were the main additions to this year’s decorations.

“This year’s decorations are more contemporary than in the past,” said resident Pat Shutello, who organized this year’s decorations with neighbor Sue Orlowski.

The multi-colored wreath is suspended between two of the half-dozen or so palm trees at the property’s entrance that are wrapped in lights. It’s a bright idea that helped Bayport to take first place in this year’s competition for its classic, elegant decorations.

“We were very proud to be one of the winners,” Shutello said.

Promenade Manager Bob McFarlane displays Christmas spirit while accepting the award for Publisher’s Choice.

Second place | Beachplace

O, Christmas Tree! O, Christmas Tree!

How richly Beachplace has decked thee!

OK, so the trees aren’t your typical Christmas trees — they’re palm trees — but that’s what we love about Beachplace’s unique decorations.

Earlier this year, Beachplace lost multiple palm trees to the unusually cold weather, so as a re-

Lee Vickman and Jim Wolf, manager at Bayport Beach & Tennis Club, accept the award for first place.

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECember 23, 2010

Neighborhood

www.YourObserver.com

15A

sult, this year the community had just two palm trees to decorate.

But that didn’t stop Beachplace from being among the best and brightest. This year, Beachplace won second place with its red, green and gold lights that wrap around the two front palm trees, along with the ice lights and reindeer display that adorn the roof of the guardhouse.

Pool Manager Keena Robinette, who oversaw the decorating, said that this year’s decorations were pretty much the same as last year’s. The biggest challenge?

“The day that we decorated the palm trees had high winds,” Robinette said.

“Trying to get (the lights) spaced evenly was difficult.”

Third place | Longboat Arms

Baby, it’s gold outside.

And red and green and blue.

This year, Longboat Arms shines so brightly with its colorful lights and decorations that it earned third place in the competition. Maintenance employee Adam Siedzik, who spends approximately three days putting up holiday decorations every year, said that he has used clear lights in past year’s competitions but decided to try something new this season.

“This year, I added some color to it,” he said.

The colorful lights were a new addition to Longboat Arms’ holiday decorations.

At Beachplace, it’s a wrap: Lights circle around two palm trees at the front of the property.

Honorable mention Although they didn’t make our topchoices list, there were so many wonderful decorations this year, we have to give kudos to several dazzling displays. Honorable mentions went to: Longboat Harbour, Casa del Mar, the Arbomar, Beach Castle Resort, Little Gull Cottages, Beach Harbour Club, Longboat Terrace, Plymouth Harbour and the Sea Grape Inn. Congratulations to all. We can’t wait to see what the Key will conjure up next year!

Above: Bobby James, Beachplace Manager Nick Luman and Ken Boyd accept the award for second place.

Left: Longboat Arms President LouWexler, Kathy Sittig, Adam Siedzik and Hannalore Lochner accept the third-place award.

S aint C acchiotti,

REID MURPHY

PA, Realtor Direct: 941.38.SAINT (387-2468) Cell: 941.809.0787 Toll Free: 877.581.3444 SaintCacc@aol.com Happy Holidays ®

PREsEnts...

Luxury on the Water

Call Reid Today! 941.232.3304 www.reidmurphy.com

It takes a lifetime to become an experienced professional and only 5 minutes to realize you’re working with one!

LOTS

DESIRABLE LOCATION ON LBK

EXCLUSIVE WATERFRONT ESTATE

Private & gated estate on 1.16 acres overlooking a vast expanse of Sarasota Bay. Epitomizing elegance, this residence offers 8,976 SF of every imaginable creature comfort. 2 docks w/lifts and 75’ heated bay front pool. $9,995,000

Magnificent subdivided parcel on LBK with 4 buildable lots, approximately 1.95+/- acres. $3,400,000 Purchase an individual lot w/plans to begin construction on a beautiful 4,000+ SF home. $2,895,000 Purchase the individual lot & build to suit.$700,000

BAYFRONT LOT ON LONGBOAT KEY

Gracious 102’ x 135’ lot located in Hideaway Bay. Private community with estate sized homes, tennis courts and nearby beach Custom residence located in Hideaway Bay featuring access. $1,250,000 280’ ON THE BAY

5,400+ SF of luxurious living space, contemporary kitchen, wine room, pool, spa and private boat dock with lift.

$2,895,000

TIDY ISLAND Enjoy breathtaking Sarasota bay views from this elegant 3br/2.5ba residence with private elevator, wood burning fireplace, beautifully renovated gourmet kitchen, wet bar, volume ceilings, wood floors, 24 hour staffed guard gate, and 2 heated pools/spas. $499,000

LONGBOAT KEy CLuB & RESORT

Surround yourself in luxury with fine dining, generous amenities and dramatic views of the Gulf, lagoon and golf course fairways with graciously appointed condominium/hotel suites. Great income potential! unit # unit Type View Offered at 2607 D Two BR Gulf $1,199,000 3203 Club Suite Gulf $444,900

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!

Michael Saunders & Company, Licensed Real Estate Broker 440 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, FL 34228 • 941-383-7591

Exclusive affiliate of Christie’s Great Estates & Leading Real Estate Companies of the World

48760

Access Virtual Tours & MLS at SaintCacchiotti.com

REGENT COURT GULFFRONT ESTATE – Prestige, privacy and gorgeous sunsets abound.

An architectural marvel located behind the gates of The Longboat Key Club directly on the Gulf of Mexico with 150 feet of Longboat Key’s finest beach. $17,500,000

WESTWAY ESTATE – 210 FT. DIRECTLY on New Pass, views to Gulf, outstanding sunsets. 4 BR main home plus 4 BR guest house.

Gorgeous courtyard pool, dock, private beach access. The ultimate in designer finishes! $8,900,000

GULFFRONT ESTATE – On 1+ acres with a gated entrance and a private boardwalk to beach. Stunning Gulf, Beach and Sunset views! Enjoy the best beach plus privacy. $6,485,000

DIRECT BAYFRONT NEW MEDITERRANEAN MASTERPIECE Magnificent pool/patio area bayside plus patio off master suite. Designer finishes 5 BR gorgeous home w/every amenity and superb decorating. Gated + lush landscaping. $9,500,000

DREAM ISLAND PLUS WIDE DEEP WATER CANAL – Top of the line design through-out home plus 20,000 lb. lift on lg. boat dock. Gorgeously landscaped. $1,998,000 NEW CONSTRUCTION – with custom finishes. Direct Bay views to the north, canal views to the south, protected boating water and walking distance to the beach. $1,875,000 GORGEOUS DREAM ISLAND ROAD CANAL HOMES – Beautiful tropical landscaped entrance leads to a home on wide canal. Dock plus lift with direct access to Bay. $975,000 and $750,000 GORGEOUS NEW CONSTRUCTION – Near St. Armands Circle and the beach. $3,500,000 LONGBOAT CLUB RD HOME – Behind the gates. Exceptional 5,000 sq. ft. custom home. $2,375,000 SABAL COVE – Spacious 4BR w/first level magnificent master suite. Exquisite lakefront! $1,795,000 RITZ CARLTON TOWER RESIDENCE – 10th floor w/ bay & marina view. Large terraces & morning sun. $2,700,000 UNIVERSITY PARK – 3/3 exceptional home & patio/pool area. Golf & tennis. $495,000 ISLANDER CLUB – Gulf side 2/2 updated condo w/bay views from every room & beautiful beach. $545,000 LONGBOAT KEY CLUB -INN ON THE BEACH – Gulf front 2BR $995,000 • Gulf front Club Suite $445,000 BAYFRONT ESTATE – w/ approx. 100 ft. on the bay and canal along one side. $2,435,000

developers Realty inc. Lic. R.e. Broker 1266 1st St., Suite 9, Sarasota, FL 34236

49811

HOMES

16A

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECEmber 23, 2010

real estate

www.YourObserver.com

Season’s Greetings

KEY REAL ESTATE Sunglass Express Optical building sells for $850,000

Happy New Year

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

NORTH SIESTA KEY BAY ISLAND, OVERSIZED LOT WITH APPROXIMATELY 20,000 SF, CHARMING OLD FLORIDA COTTAGE, IDEAL TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME $575,000

SA

LE

N PE

DI

NG

Rachel S. O’Hara

The Shore

CASTILLIAN DIRECTLY ON THE BEACH ENJOY BEAUTIFUL BEACH AND SUNSET VIEWS FROM EVERY ROOM, 4TH FLOOR, SOUTH BLDG,UNFURNISHED $575,000

EW N

COREYS LANDING PRIVATE VILLA WITH GOLF COURSE & LAKE VIEW. GATED COMMUNITY PRIVATE BEACH CLUB, LARGE PETS WELCOMED $535,000

G IN ST LI

SA

VILLAGE Of LONGBOAT KEY AN UPDATED AND LUSHLY LANDSCAPED 3 BEDROOM COASTAL COTTAGE, CLOSE TO BEACH, BAY AND RESTAURANTS $399,000

Paul Oversmith and Margaret Churchill, husband and wife, of Sarasota, sold Unit 216 at the 54-unit The Shore, 5757 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to Mark and Jo Anne Rosenfeld, of Tampa, for $725,000.

Built in 1975, the 1,996-square-foot unit has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

It last sold for $975,000 in May 2006.

L

E EP

ND

IN

Country Club Shores

S&H Realty Investments LLC, a Florida limited-liability company whose post office address is 101 N. Warbler Lane, sold the home at 621 Ranger Lane in Unit IV of Country Club Shores to James Chirgwin, of Edgartown, Mass., for $697,000.

Built in 1972, the 1,958-square-foot home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a swimming pool. It last sold for $900,000 in January 2005.

G

St. Armands LLC purchased the building at 343 St. Armands Circle for $850,000. The 647-square-foot building was constructed in 1959.

Starfish Longbeach

Arden Yakimow, of Bradenton, sold Unit 14 at Starfish Longbeach, 7125 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to Theona and James Pascalides, of East Greenwich, R.I., for $349,000. Built in 1974, the 1,170-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $190,000 in December 1988.

Spanish Main Yacht Club

James and Virginia Bonk, of Centreville, Va., sold their home at 580 Spanish Drive N. in the 212-unit Spanish Main Yacht Club to Nancy Dixon, of South Windsor, Conn., for $312,000. Built in

• Gorgeous New Construction • Almost 1 full Acre • Sweeping Bay Views • 5,400 SF, 4BR/4BA, Den • 4-car Garage • Large bonus room on 2nd level • Spacious Sun Terrace • Deeded Beach Access

fAIRWAY BAY LOWEST PRICED IN BUILDING, FURNISHED 2 BR , BAY VIEWS, GATED COMMUNITY, PRIVATE BEACH CLUB, UNDER BLDG. PARKING $299,000

Longboat Key CLub & ResoRt TWO BEDROOM Price 2803 C+ $895,000 5401-02 B+ $739,000 CLUB SUITES 4301 A+ 6103 A

4,500,000

$

Kathy

Unit Views Gross Revenue 2009 Beach $105,800+ Golf & Bay $ 68,200+

$475,000 Beach $349,000 Lagoon View

49272

SIESTA KEY BAYfRONT pENINSULA BAY ISLAND, 1.1+ ACRES, WATERFRONT ESTATE, NO BRIDGES TO GULF, PRIVATE LAGOON $2,300,000

St. Armands LLC, a Florida limited-liability company managed by Robert and Yvonne Schloss, purchased the building at 343 St. Armands Circle, where their Sunglass Express Optical store is located, for $850,000 from Darol Fry, 178 N. Washington Drive. The 647-square-foot building was constructed in 1959. It last sold for $191,300 in December 1986.

The deed for the sale was filed Dec. 2, at the Sarasota County Courthouse.

Seven Key real-estate sales were recorded during the week of Dec. 6 through Dec. 10, at the Sarasota and Manatee county courthouses. All of the week’s sales occurred on Longboat Key; three of which took place in Manatee County. None of the week’s sales exceeded $1 million.

Simonds

Broker-Associate

Michael Saunders & Co. Lic. R. E. Broker 440 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key

941.350.5292

$ 48,500+ $ 32,400+

Talk to Tina Today - Longboat Key’s International Connection

www.athomesarasota.com 941.387.0100

info@athomesarasota.com • Leading Residential Luxury Specialist

$249,900 $295,000

IMMACULATE END UNIT Spacious 2BR/2BA with Gulf peaks & relaxing garden views

$325,000

LAKEFRONT VILLA IN YACHTING COMMUNITY will make your island dreams come true!

$375,000

CHARMING BEACH BUNGALOW tranquil canal setting within steps to beaches Short Sale

$375,000

PET FRIENDLY TOWNHOME renovated 3BR/2.5BA only steps to private beach & clubhouse

$379,000

GULF FRONT CONDO Endless beach & Gulf views from this spacious “deluxe” floor plan

$470,000

INCREDIBLE GULF FRONT VALUE! Breathtaking Gulf/sunset views in serene Gulf to Bay setting

$499,000

SOPHISTICATED GULF FRONT Completely renovated & sure to delight the modern décor aficionado $575,000

• 55+ Years of Combined Real Estate Experience • Team Sales Exceed $ 183 Million Since 2005

ADORABLE ISLAND GETAWAY steps to beach, great income & rental history.

IMPECCABLE TOWNHOME 2BR/2BA in world class tennis resort Short Sale

PENTHOUSE LIVING serene Gulf views & tropical gardens in spacious condo that lives like a home $599,999

Ian Addy MBA, Realtor Barbara Milian Bilingual Realtor

BEACHFRONT PARCEL 100” x 238” with 2 beach bungalows & building plans for custom residence $1,799,000 KEY WEST TOWNHOMES 8 nearly new 3BR/2.5BA w/ Gulf & bay views 300” to beaches. Bulk Sale $3,800,000

Gail Wittig Broker Associate

THE BEST OF BOTH WATER WORLDS 100x550 Gulf front plus 100x130 on protected sailboat water $5,500,000

Happy Holidays and a blessed New Year to All!

Michael Saunders & Company 49774

Licensed Real Estate Broker

440 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, FL 34228 • 941.383.7591

Longboat Key Realty

49549

6000 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Tina Rudek • 941-920-0303 • Tina@LBKRealEstate.com www.engelvoelkers.com/longboatkey

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECember 23, 2010

real estate

Michael Moulton

BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Friday, Dec. 10, through Thursday, Dec. 16, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive) Address 5655 GMD 1975 GMD 4380 Exeter Drive 3808 GMD 3303 GMD 4401 GMD 3260 Bayou Sound 540 Putter Lane 847 Evergreen Way 415 L’Ambiance Drive 3720 GMD 380 GMD 2045 GMD 690 Longview Drive 4651 GMD 4651 GMD 2358 Harbour Oaks Drive 513 Gunwale Lane 632 Ranger Lane 3328 Sabal Cove Lane 100 Sands Point Road 6200 GMD

Fairway Bay

Farhang and Mahasti Shahab, of Toms River, N.J., sold Unit 226 in Building M-2 of Fairway Bay Phase 1, 1932 Harbourside Drive, to Eugene and Noreen Luca, of Voorhees, N.J., for $310,000.

Built in 1982, the 1,270-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $162,000 in July 1987.

Seaplace

Asquared Ones LLC, a Missouri limited-liability company with a St. Louis address, purchased Unit 102B in Building

Annette Rogers

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

Happy Holidays

SarasotasFinestProperties.com Visit our blog and comment at SarasotaRealEstate.org

G2 in Unit II of the 461-unit Seaplace, 2055 Gulf of Mexico Drive, for $277,500.

Sellers were Charles and Suzanne Busk, who owned a 66.1% interest, and Katherine Mahoney, who owned a 33.9% interest, all of Tampa. Built in 1974, the 1,492-square-foot unit has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $590,000 in December 2004.

VIZCAYA w/Private Pool - Tropical paradise

spacious Gulf front condominium w/private pool & covered 1,200SF terrace. A344892 $2,950,000

en PROVENCE - This exquisite 3BR Gulf front furnished condo feels like a private home on the beach. A3929322 $2,700,000

WATER CLUB - Coveted southern exposure on the 7th floor w/beautiful city, Gulf and Bay views elegantly furnished. A3919693 $2,495,000

CAsEY kEY - Walls of glass bring the panoramic views right into view with great entertaining space. A3905034 $2,475,000

VILLA dI LANCIA - Designer furnished 3BR condo w/staircase from your terrace to the pool & beach. A3921064 $1,675,000

BEAU CIEL - The premier downtown Bay front bldg w/amazing urban architecture & sophistication.

A3927097 $1,250,000

Boathouse on Longboat

James and Mary Franco, 3010 Grand Bay Blvd., sold Boat Slip 1318 at the 194slip Boathouse on Longboat, 408 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to Thomas and Carol Beeler, 3030 Grand Bay Blvd., for $42,500.

The slip last sold for $50,000 in November 2003.

se Hou1-4 n e y Op nda Su

Michael Saunders & Company Exceptional People People & & Properties Properties Exceptional Licensed Real Estate Broker • Exclusive Affiliate Of Sotheby’s International Realty & Leading Estates Of The World

Steve Abbott broker - Associate CrAig Abbott broker - Associate (941) 374-3003

17A

MS&C Top Producing Residential Sales Team

Permit Applicant Amount Alteration Ross Alander $69,000 Alteration Michael Dorrington $47,000 Alteration Susan Summa $26,390 Alteration Carol Measham $25,000 Addition Anthony Deery $18,950 Alteration Donna Walker $16,490 Alteration Terence Walker, trustee $12,500 Alteration French River LP $11,004 Alteration Wells Fargo Bank NA $9,830 Alteration Burton Sack $7,611 Re-roof Longboat Connection Inc. $7,310 Alteration William Chapman II $6,000 Alteration 536571 Ontario Ltd. $5,940 Alteration Margaret Osborn $5,625 Re-roof Sun ’N’ Sea Inc. $5,468 Re-roof Sun ’N’ Sea Inc. $5,468 Alteration Bernard Levine, trustee $4,000 Alteration Louis Benson $2,800 Alteration Patricia Laurin, trustee $2,496 Alteration Frank Fitzpatrick $2,282 Alteration Sands Point condominium $1,264 Alteration Longboat Island Chapel $0

1968, the 1,399-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $375,000 in June 2005.

www.YourObserver.com

(800) 887-2968

(941) 383-1990

PLAZA FIVE POINTs – Custom decorated 3BR condo with incredible views in the heart of downtown Sarasota. A3933182 $1,175,000

TANGERINE BAY - Unobstructed Bay views, totally redesigned and completely upgraded. A3914237 $975,000

sANCTUARY - Views of city skyline, water & golf course w/high ceilings, 750sf wrap around terrace & furnished. A3935694 $1,000,000

COUNTRY CLUB shOREs – Best buy on LBK in this new 3,200SF 4BR canal front home. A3929970 $995,000

COUNTRY CLUB shOREs – New construction 4BR canal front home. Be the lucky owner of this incredible value. A3929975 $945,000

LONGBOAT VILLAGE - Key West style home well maintained overlooking the Bay and Intracoastal Waterway A3934895 $849,000

LONGBOAT hARBOUR TOWERs - Beautifully remodeled Gulf front 2BR condo in remodeled mid-Key building. A3930426 $575,000

sUTTON PLACE - Ground floor location w/remodeled kitchen, Bay views, boat docks and pet friendly. A3928481 $329,000

Our faMily wiSheS yOu a bleSSed hOliday SeaSOn NEW LISTINGS • HARBOUR OAKS Like a single family home, but

no maintenance! 3BD/2.5BA end unit with no steps. Vaulted ceilings, skylight, kitchen, family room, formal dining, living room, fireplace, turnkey furnished. 2 car garage, membership to Bay Isles Beach Club. A Must See! MLS#A394115 $469,000

• buttoNWood HArbour Water front home, 3BD/3BA features Great room w/fireplace, cathedral ceiling & opens onto screened deck overlooking spa & pool.

3500 SF includes oversized 2-car garage. New roof. New AC. 6000 lb boat lift. MLS#A3918027... .....REDUCED! $795,000

• BEACHPLACE

Surround yourself with spectacular views: Gulf, Bay & golf course. Beautiful 20” stone tile in all living • TIDES OF LONGBOAT 3 BD/3BA. Gulf views from areas, new stainless appliances, turnkey furnished. Under bldg living room, dining room, kitchen, lanai and all 3 bedrooms. parking space. 2 BD/2BA. A must see! MLS#A3932712 $449,000 Beautifully maintained complex offers pool, tennis and under-bldg. parking. Right on magnificient white sand beach MLS#A3918027.. ............................REDUCED TO $749,000!

• BUTTONWOOD COVE WIDE OPEN WATER VIEWS highlight 2BD/2BA split plan condo, 5 acres with

• RIVERS RIDGE 4BD/4BA home shows like a model.

frontage on Gulf & Bay. Granite countertops in completely Spacious 2 car garage, patio & pool. Wonderful family home on remodeled kitchen, club house, pool, tennis, racketball, boat “no thru traffic” circle. Walk to DeSoto Nat’l Park and Robinson slips & parking garage. Furnished. MLS#A3911622 $449,000 Preserve. 3400 sq. ft. MLS#A3917532 ......................... $495,000

• BUTTONWOOD COVE 1500 sq ft 3BD/2BA split

• LONGBOAT KEY CLUB & RESORT Club • PELICAN HARBOUR DIRECT BAY VIEWS suite offers direct water and city skyline views and all the 2BD/2BA w/ new open granite kitchen. Boat docks, tennis, amenities of the Key Club. Private end unit, newly furnished & pool private beach, covered parking under bldg. parking. Great income. MLS#A3930788.. $335,000 MLS#A383192..................................... REDUCED! $389,000 Abbott Group / Sold LBK LBK LBK LBK LBK LBK LBK LBK LBK

$377,500 $980,000 $712,500 $400,000 $510,000 $860,000 $460,000 $1,350,000 $425,000

99TH ST. NW BAY DRIVE NO. BAY DRIVE NO. RESORT AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB BUTTONWOOD HARBOUR BEACH RESIDENCES MOURNING DOVE DR. 565 SANCTUARY DR. CRESTWOOD DR.

For vi rtuAl tou rS CraigAbbott.michaelsaunders.com

BRADENTON BRADENTON BRADENTON LBK LBK LIDO KEY BIRD KEY LBK ANNA MARIA

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Longboat Key, Florida 34228

$850,000 $600,000 $500,000 $945,000 $941,000 $2,995,000 $4,625,000 $1,875,000 $1,350,000

48900

BUTTONWOOD COVE MARINA BAY BUTTONWOOD DR. BAYVIEW DRIVE NORTON ST. CASTILLIAN LONGBOAT BEACH HOUSE THE WATER CLUB WINDING OAKS

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 941•383•7591 / Michael 928•3559 / Annette 284•7373

47946

plan end unit w/ water views over cove. New kitchen w/granite & stainless steel appliances & newer furnishings. Wonderful beach to bay complex. Under bldg parking MLS#A3932389 $499,000

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECEmber 23, 2010

REAL ESTATE

www.YourObserver.com

SALES SNAPSHOT by Robin Hartill | Community Editor

November sales summary Longboat Key

St. Armands Key

Lido Key

Condominiums

Condominiums

Condominiums

2010

2010

2010

Total: 30

Total: Two

Total: Six

High: $1.5 million

High: $845,000

High: $2,575,000

Low: $175,000

Low: $301,500

Low: $270,000

Median: $399,750

Median: $422,000

Median: $360,000

2009

2009

2009

Total: 21

Total: Two

Total: Three

High: $2,025,000

High: $697,500

High: $2,175,000

Low: $230,000

Low: $220,000

Low: $285,000

Median: $675,000

Median: $458,750

Median: $426,900

Single-family homes

Single-family homes

Single-family homes 2010

2010

Total: Four High: $816,500 Low: $285,000 Median: $497,500 2009

The following is a summary of key residential realestate sales recorded for the month of November at the Sarasota and Manatee county courthouses. Data from November 2009 is also listed for comparison.

2010

Total: Three High: $2.3 million Low: $625,000 Median: $650,000

File photo

Total: One Price: $400,000 2009 Total: Zero

The home at 100 S. Warbler Lane sold for $2.5 million in November, on Bird Key.

Bird Key Single-family homes 2010

2009

Total: Two

Total: Seven

High: $2.5 million

High: $2.45 million

Low: $625,000

Low: $675,000

Low: $475,000

Median: $2.1 million

Median: $1,387,500

Median: $565,000

2009

Total: Three High: $4 million

Total: Zero

Call 941-383-5577 or visit www.wagnerrealty.com

49368

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101, Longboat Key

“Livin’ the Life” CanaL front get-away

PENTHOUSE-RITZ CARLTON! Down-town w/views, 4,704SF, 4Br/4+Ba/2CG w/ exceptional finishes and luxury appoint.; marble, granite, wood floors, handcrafted wood details, built-ins, 2 wet bars, 4 balconies and the list goes on w/5-star amenities! MLS#A3894745 $3,395,000

DEVELOPER CLOSEOUT PRICING! Owner Financing Available - Waterfront homes on Little SRQ Bay w/views & upgrades in a gated comm. w/amenities; pool, spa, fitness plus a full service marina w/Harbor MSTR, docks, rackominiums & wet slips available! Starting at $399,000

FURN W/PANORAMIC BAY VIEWS! Downtown 1360SF/2-3Br/2Ba/1CG w/faux & artisan finishes, crown moldings, wood cabinets, ceramic tile, granite, plantation shutters, walk-in closets, open-air balcony & pvt laundry in secure building w/ amenities!

MLS#A3929596 $500,000

UPDATED DIRECT GULF FRONT! 2360SF/3Br/3Ba/2CG w/unobstructed water views, extended Lr & MBr, tile, plantation shutters, crown moldings, artisan finishes, Corian, granite, marble & private laundry in secure N Siesta Key building w/pool!

MLS#A3933310 $800,000

BREATHTAKING VIEWS DOWNTOWN! 1688SF/2Br/2Ba/1CG 8th flr w/brand new carpet & tile, fresh paint, built-ins, mirrored walls, recessed lts, storage, eat-in kitch., pvt laundry, svc entrance & balcony in secure bld w/amenities; pool, concierge, valet, etc! MLS#A3933654 $499,000

Beautiful 1BR/1BA, screened lanai, water is right outside the back door.

New granite counters, wood cabinets, new tile floors, just a few blocks away from the beach. Jerry Cunningham #A3928966. $145,915

taStefULLy tKf 2Br/2Ba

condo w/water view.

Tile floors, updated kit. w/granite counters, upgraded appliances, new windows, 4 pools, tennis, clubhouse, ex. rm. & beachside cabana. Dorothy Cook #A3932923. $334,900

SPaCioUS 2Br/2Ba LongBoat Key ConDo turnkey furnished, upgraded kitchen. Pools, tennis, beach access. Great view of Sarasota Bay from glass enclosed balcony, Dorothy Cook #A3902429.

$349,000

Bay view on LongBoat Key.

UPDATED SHORT SALE! 2.85 ACRES ON CASEY KEY Siesta Key w/water views; 1508SF/2-3Br/2Ba/1CG split level w/Lr, Dr & bonus room, tile, crown moldings, remodeled kitch., granite, wood cabinets, modern baths, newer a/c & new windows in gulf side building w/amenities! MLS#A3934653 $450,000

GULF & BAY VIEWS! Furn & updated 1615SF/2Br/2Ba/1CP end res w/views in EVERY rm, remodeled kitchen, upgraded baths, neutral carpet & tile, raised panel cabinets & pvt open-air balcony in the renovated Aquarius Club on LBK w/ amenities! MLS#A3934996 $640,000

UPDATED, DOWNTOWN, BAY FRONT! 1380SF/2Br/2Ba w/new carpet, marble, tile, remodeled kitch. w/breakfast bar & pantry, 2 separate covered lanais, pvt laundry & under bldg parking for 2-cars in secure Sunset Towers w/heated pool & pvt beach! MLS#A3934597 $275,000

MeDiterranean LUXUry

on North LBK. Sailboat water with 40’ dock, davit & 13,000 lb. lift. 3BR/2.5BA & office, high ceilings and completely renovated! Huge pool, patio & walk to beach. Jerry Cunningham/ Marta Altizer #A3935452. $779,624

new high enD ConStrUCtion!

49063

FURN PENTHOUSE W/BAY VIEWS! 1405SF/3Br/2Ba/1CG upgraded end res w/designer furniture, wood floors, tile, crown moldings, wood cabinets, new fixtures & lighting, newly installed granite & pvt laundry in secure building w/resort style amenities MLS#A3919159 $500,000

Beautifully furnished in true Florida style with updated kitchen & baths, newer windows, end unit across from pool. Teresia Bradford $405,000 #M5814129.

Tropical, modern pool home with hardwood floors & boat dock on newly dredged canal. Marta Altizer #A3910209. $1,250,000

49693

18A

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECember 23, 2010

www.YourObserver.com

19A

You may not know what you’re looking for, it. but now you know where to

find

To be notified of special events and open houses, we invite you to join our private registry at SignatureSIR.com

232 Bird Key Drive Sleek sophistication on Bird Key. Experience all that this sprawling, elegantly updated waterfront estate has to offer. Tucked at the northwestern end of Bird Key this residence is set on a tranquil secluded inlet on pristine Sarasota Bay. A private courtyard of lush tropical landscaping and a stately exterior welcome visitors. Jo Rutstein 941.587.9156

$3,399,000

6404 Gulf Drive, 4 Terry Hayes

$1,325,000 941.302.3100

301 North Shore Road Cheryl Loeffler

$1,279,000 941.302.9674

407 20th Place Terry Hayes

$1,049,000 941.302.3100

714 Granada Avenue Stephen L. Lingley, P.A.

$899,700 941.809.7580

1733 South Drive Gigi Silverberg

$899,000 941.993.3695

2016 Harbourside Drive, 314 Sheldon Paley

$849,999 941.356.1857

3332 Sabal Cove Lane Darlene Gamble & Cindy Migone

14021 Bellagio Way, 312 Sheldon Paley

$799,000 941.356.1857

806 Jackson Road Bradway / Price Team

$790,000 941.350.3362

774 North Shore Drive Terry Hayes

$699,999 941.308.6494

550 W Flamingo Drive, 405 Courtney Green & Patty Wheeler

$575,000 941.809.8432

2174 Muskogee Trail Dee Gomber

$550,000 941.497.9483

13 Saint John Boulevard Bob Linthicum

$549,900 941.228.9206

941.364.4000

$2,695,000 941.302.9674

877.317.7003

SignatureSIR.com

©MMX Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, licensed real estate broker. ®,™ and SM are licensed trademarks to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

To preview open house selections from your phone, scan this code.

40983

50 Central Avenue, PH17B Cheryl Loeffler

$2,700,000 941.323.3212

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECEmber 23, 2010

REAL ESTATE

www.YourObserver.com

Happy Holidays

REAL ESTATE REPORTS

GEENNTT I IN N SSAALLEESS V V O LL U U ME E ### 1 11AAA G E N T and I NManatee S A LCounties E S VO L UM ME forG Sarasota inO 2009 #1

forfor Sarasota and Manatee Counties Sarasota and Manatee Countiesinin2009 2009

COLDWELL

BANKER

AGENT

# 1# 1C C OO LL DD WW EE LL L L BBA AN NKKEERR AAGGEEN NTT in Florida for 2009 in in Florida for 2009 Florida for 2009

+ Doug Parks joins Michael Saunders’ St. Armands office

Ackerman Ackerman Ackerman

BARBARA BB AA RR BBAARRAA

REALTOR®

®® REALTOR REALTOR

The name to know in real estate nm am et ot ok n kn r ea al l ees st taat tee www.barbaraackerman.com T hT eh en a e oo ww i ni n r e www.barbaraackerman.com www.barbaraackerman.com www.barbaraackerman.com

Marina Tower - Downtown Bayfront Extraordinary 5,800 SF with 365˚ views, priv. elevator foyer, 4BR/4.5BA + study, main & catering kitchens, home theatre & 4 parking spaces. $2,995,000 PRI

CE

RED

Longboat Key – Direct Beach Front “The Johnson Estate” Gated privacy on 2+ acres w/ 150 ft. of Gulf front. 10,000 SF. 7BR/6.5BA includes separate attached guest wing. New in ‘07.

www.Johnsonestatelongboatkey.com $11,500,000

ION

New 3BR/2.5BA with Gulf & Bay views, private elevator foyer, solid wood cabinetry, granite surfaces, and gourmet stainless kitchen. 2 garage spaces. Boat slip available. $1,087,000 now $749,000 WL

IST

ING

Veinte – Direct Gulf Front Penthouse apartment w/2 BR plus den/3rd bedroom & 2 full baths, beautifully updated! 1,900 SF, 9 foot ceilings, granite & marble surfaces, and new tile & $ Berber carpet 879,000

Landings – Sarasota Mainland Gated two-story 4BR/3BA traditional home on one of the largest lots. 3,894 SF with fireplace, screened lanai, large fenced backyard & swimming pool. 2-car $ garage.

592,000

SIESTA COVE - Walk to the Beach NEW LISTING Private Setting 3BR/2BA 2,013 Sq. Ft. $475,000 RED ROCK TERRACE – Oyster Bay Vacant Lot Lot w/ House Plans $439,000 PIERRE – Longboat Key Direct Beach Front 3rd Floor 3 BR/3BA 2,410 Sq. Ft. $849,000

RITZ TOWER RESIDENCES – Downtown Bay Front Key Tower South - Direct Gulf Front Sought-after south facing corner residence 4th Floor 4BR/4BA 3,649 Sq. Ft. $1,495,000 Full Gulf & Beach views from this 7th floor totally renovated & furnished w/ 2 master suites and great room all with 3BR/3 Full Baths, private elevator foyer, overlooking the Gulf. Separate computer room, gourwraparound terrace, wood floors, stainless WATER CLUB I – Longboat Key Beach Front $ 2,650 Sq. Ft.$1,595,000 met granite kitchen & open balcony. $549,000 1,395,000 8th Floor 2BR/3BA appliances, granite wet bar.

Grand Bay-Bay, City, & Golf Course Views

GRAND BAY I – Longboat Key Bay Front 9th Floor 3BR/3BA 2,550 Sq. Ft.$1,275,000

BEACHPLACE I – Direct Gulf Front 5th Floor 2BR/2BA 1,400 Sq. Ft. $699,000 Ritz Tower Residences - Downtown WINDING OAKS – Rare Private Pool Gorgeous Bay, Marina, & Gulf views from this 9th Lakefront Villa 2BR/2BA 2,100 Sq. Ft. $489,000

floor residence on the SW corner of the Tower. 3 BR + Den with upgrades in marble, granite & wood. WATER CLUB I - Direct Beach Front 9th Floor 2BR/4BA 3,045 Sq. Ft. $1,950.000 $ 2,450,000 2 valuable parking spaces incl.

Longboat Key - Bay Boating & Beach 4,700 SF waterfront showplace new in ’06 with 4 BR+ study, fireplace, pool/spa, summer kitchen, deep water dock, boat lift & jet ski area. Walk to $ beach.

2,175,000

PRIC DRAS E RE TIC DUC TION

NE

WL

Water Club I Stunning sophistication & style! South facing Gulf views, 2BR + Den. designer decorated and beautifully furnished. 1 garage space incl.

Sea Gate Club - Direct Gulf Front Floor-to-ceiling glass frames the Beach and Sunsets from every room in this 1,470 SF 2BR/2BA with higher ceilings, wood floors and 2 terraces. Great amentias and $ 1,250,000 on-site management. Walk to shopping. $675,000 NE

WL

●

IST

ING

+ LinkedIn selects Michael Saunders to try new feature LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking website, has selected Michael Saunders & Co. as a charter member for its new “Company Pages” feature. The feature is designed to spotlight a company’s standout products, services and culture among professionals.

— Robin Hartill

Deer Creek - Preserve Views Perfect 3 BR plus office / 2 bath home on a large nature preserve. Remodeled, high ceilings, solar $ heated pool, gated community.

449,500

Lido Shores - Direct Gulf Front Palazzo Combines 200 ft. of seawalled Gulf front with private Dock and Beach access. This 7,415 SF residence built in 2003 has 5BR/8BA, exercise room, his and her bath & studies, 50 ft pool/spa & 5-car garage. $8,900,000

800-910-8728 Toll-Free

All of Barbara’s listings are linked Internationally in 13 languages.

LEASING & MANAGING HOMES & CONDOS Annual, Seasonal, Vacation 941-953-6000 941-359-3435

201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite #1, Longboat Key 48470

941-387-1820 Direct

+ Wagner Realty names its top agents for November

ING

3 BR + den / 3.5 BA in this 3,170 Sq. Ft. downtown showpiece apartment on the 9th floor. Enjoy Sarasota Bay sunsets and dazzling city lights from this most prestigious $ locale. 2 car private garage incl.

1,985,000

●

Barbara Ackerman, of Coldwell Banker Previews International’s Longboat Key office, was recognized for her thirdquarter performance with a letter from Bruce Zipf, president and chief executive for Coldwell Banker NRT. According to the letter, Ackerman ranked 183 out of the company’s 45,000 agents nationwide.

Ackerman was the 2009 recipient of the “Eagle Award” for ranking at the top of Coldwell’s 4,800 Florida agents.

IST

Savoy - Downtown Bay View

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, LLC

+ Ackerman among top associates for third quarter

Wagner Realty announced its top agents for November. Listing honors went to Jerry Cunningham and Marta Altizer, of the Longboat Key office, and David Moynihan, of the Anna Maria office.

Moynihan also received sales honors for the Anna Maria office.

FAIRWAY BAY - Longboat Key Townhouse 2BR/3BA 1,626 Sq. Ft. $539,000

La Bellasara - Downtown Bay Front Outstanding Bay, Marina, & City Skyline views!

3BR/4.5BA + study or 4th BR with 3,370 SF. 28’ balcony w/ summer kitchen, private elevator lobby, 2-car $ 2,395,000 garage & gated security.

+ Lefner joins Island Real Estate rental department John Lefner has joined Island Real Estate’s rental department as its new owner coordinator. Lefner was the CEO and owner of Rely Health Care, a homecare company in upstate New York. He sold the business in 2005 and became a Realtor. He and his wife, Ann, became full-time Anna Maria Island residents this fall.

UCT

Summer Cove - Siesta Key

NE

Country Club Shores - Canal Front Completely renovated in 1999. 3,367 SF with den and exercise room with long canal views to Sarasota Bay. Wide open and stylish. Wood floors, custom built-ins and $ high ceilings. Private Boat dock .

855,000

Doug Parks has joined the St. Armands II office, 330 John Ringling Blvd., of Michael Saunders & Co. Parks graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in engineering and spent seven years in construction management and another 15 years in sales and marketing. He moved in 2004 to Sarasota and obtained his Florida real-estate license.

Parks was recognized in 2009 in Prudential’s President’s Circle, an honor awarded to the top 3% of agents within the company’s nationwide network. He specializes in waterfront and boating properties on Longboat, Lido, St. Armands and Bird keys.

www.JennetteProperties.com

37328 46606

20A

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECember 23, 2010

www.YourObserver.com

Lynne Koy

21A

941.387.1803 • lkoy@coldwellbanker.com Tour Lynne’s properties at www.lynnekoy.com At The Chart House on Longboat Key 30 SALES YEAR To dATE

Featured Properties nE

W

LIS

TIn

Lido SHoRES - Sweeping views of the Bay, John Ringling Bridge and Downtown Sarasota will mesmerize you from this spectacular custom built 5 BR, 5.3 BA furnished home. www.1418JohnRinglingPkwy.com $3,995,000

G

BiRd KEY - Fabulous 4 BD/4.5 BA canal front home on deep sailboat water. Stunning foyer, gourmet kitchen & game room with bay views. $2,395,000

CoUNTRY CLUB SHoRES - Fabulous custom built 3 BR/3.5 BA + Den residence offers superb views across Sarasota Bay and a spectacular gourmet kitchen. www.580PutterLn.com $1,499,000

Global Marketing: NYtimes.com, Birdkeynews.com, Coldwellbanker.com, Worldproperties.com, Trulia.com, LynneKoy.com, Rightmoves.com, Greatwaterfrontliving.com, Realtor.com, Zillow.com

BiRd KEY - Drastic Price Reduction on this 4 BR/3.5 BA completely updated canal front home with a newly screened and resurfaced caged pool. www.299RobinDr.com $1,475,000

LoNGBoAT KEY ToWERS - Tastefully decorated with spectacular views of the Gulf and Bay from this updated 2BD/2BA, 11th floor condominium home with 2 covered parking spaces! www.603LBKTowers1104.com $1,400,000

iSLANdER CLUB – Expansive gulf to bay views from this combined two unit condominium with 2,470 sq. ft. and 3 full bedrooms and baths. www.2301IslanderClub105-106.com $790,000

Lido SHoRES - Charming 3Br/3Ba residence with updated kitchen and baths. Spacious light filled Master Suite and 2 car attached garage added in 2003. www.1224Westway.com $849,000

LIDO BEACH CLUB – Direct Gulf Views from this 2BD/2BA tastefully furnished condominium with one covered parking space. $695,000

SEAPLACE - Enjoy the direct Gulf views from your terrace. Beautifully decorated and completely renovated with stainless steel appliances. www.2039Seaplace206.com $659,000

GRANd BAY - Bright and light 2 BD /2 BA Penthouse with views of the Bay, Golf Course and Marina with two spacious terraces to enjoy sunrise and sunset views. www.3070GrandBay644.com $539,000

THE BEACHES – Tastefully furnished 2 BD/2BA condominium with sweeping golf course views in a Gulf Front community behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club. www.775Beaches204.com $509,000

CASTiLLiAN – Spectacular Gulf Views from every room in this 2BR/2BA condominium with covered parking and additional storage closet. www.4525Castillian205.com $545,000

DU

iSLANdER CLUB – Enjoy fabulous direct gulf views from this fully furnished 2BD/2BA condominium in the South Tower. www.2301IslanderClub22S.com $590,000

BiRd KEY – Best priced 3 BD/2 BA pool home with fabulous upgrades and a great floor plan. www.529BlueJayPl.com $500,000

CE

D

LoNGBoAT HARBoUR - Stunning 2 Bd/2 BA condominium with long views down the canal. Artfully designed and fully updated. This unit is a must see. www.4380Exeter304.com $299,900

Follow me on Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn / YouTube Broker / Associate, CRB, CRS, GRI Previews International Property Specialist International President’s Premier, Involved Citizen: Sarasota Opera, SPARCC, Make-a Wish, Meals on Wheels, Breast Cancer Awareness

You can search Lynne’s website in 13 languages – including English.

49435

RE

22A

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECEmber 23, 2010

GAMES • TRAVEL

www.YourObserver.com

Deal Us In North’s hand is a little light North may be a bit light for his opening bid of one club. His jumpshift usually shows 10 points or more, but it is OK to jump-shift with fewer points if the hand has only four losers.

South has this hand. North’s threespade bid does not show spade values; with spade strength North would have bid three notrump. This bid is asking South for a spade stopper. With a powerful seven-card suit, South has a shot at a slam.

West leads the queen of spades,

which the ace takes. All follow to the ace of diamonds, but West discards a low spade on the king of diamonds.

How do you continue?

With a certain loser in diamonds, you have to get rid of a spade loser.

The only place to do this is to place the spade on an extra club winner.

Two plans are cash the king of clubs and finesse the Jack of clubs; or cash the king of clubs and play a club to the ace, planning to trump the good clubs.

After the ace and king of diamonds,

BRIDGE HAND

Dealer: West Vulnerable: E, W

North West

cash the queen of diamonds and the king of clubs, play a club to the ace and ruff a club. When East turns up with four clubs, take the heart finesse, which wins, and ruff another club.

A heart to the ace allows you to play dummy’s fifth club. East can ruff, but you pitch your spade loser.

♠ Q J 10 6 2 ♥KJ962 ♦ 10 ♣ 10 8

Donna Swan is a resident of Longboat Key, an ardent bridge player and an American Contract Bridge League certified director who plays “for the fun of it.”

Bidding: West Pass Pass Pass Pass

it’s read everywhere

♠ 985 ♥AQ43 ♦5 ♣AJ742 South

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

♠ K43 ♥ 10 7 ♦ J963 ♣Q953

A7 85 AKQ8742 K6

North 1 ♣ 2 ♥ 1 3♠ Pass

Opening Lead: Q

East

♠

East Pass Pass Pass Pass

South 2♦ 3♦ 6♦

Contract: 6

♦

1 Fourth-suit forcing

the longboat observer Sudoku Edited by The Mepham Group

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box. See answers on page 24A. © Tribune Media Services

CANADA. The 41 Ringling College of Art and Design supporters aboard the Crystal Symphony in October showed they

have vacationing down to an art. They took their Longboat Observer with them on an art-oriented cruise up the St. Lawrence River and down the Atlantic Coast from Montreal to New York City.

Cathy C. Meldahl P.A. LONG BEACH VILLAGE

what you are missing...

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Cute cottage in the historic area of LBK. 2BR/2BA only a short distance to public beach, bay, boat ramp, LBK Art Center, restaurants & shops. Great value for a home on Longboat Key. A3920012 $270,000 3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 24228

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECember 23, 2010

WEATHER

KEY WEATHER RAINFALL

Year-to-date:

Mid

South

0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.13 0.01

0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.29 0.00

0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.39 0.01

Month to date: 2010

2.77 in

2010 2009 36.51 in 44.30 in.

23A

Please send your sunset (or sunrise) photos to The Longboat Observer, 5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Fla., 34228, or e-mail them to nschwartz@yourobserver.com.

North

Mon., Dec. 13 Tues., Dec. 14 Wed., Dec. 15 Thurs., Dec. 16 Fri., Dec. 17 Sat., Dec. 18 Sun., Dec. 19

www.YourObserver.com

Oat-cean VIEW

2009 2.01 in.

TemperatureS

Temps.

Record Temps.

High Low High Low Mon., Dec. 13 67.5 53 84 (2007) 49 (1989) Tues., Dec. 14 54 47 83 (2009) 48 (2010) Wed., Dec. 15 50.5 38.5 84 (2007) 35 (1981) Thurs., Dec. 16 64 38 87 (1992) 30 (1989) Fri., Dec. 17 72 50 85 (1992) 35 (1981) Sat., Dec. 18 66.5 54 83 (1992) 35 (1981) Sun., Dec. 19 60 53.5 83 (1992) 46 (2003) Average Gulf water temperature: 60

MOON PHASES

Dec. 28

Jan. 4

Jan. 12

Last

New

First

Full

TIDE CHART

Highs 3:05p — 12:40a 3:29p 1:37a 3:29p 2:43a 3:57p 4:05a 4:28p 5:52a 5:02p 8:02a 5:41p

Thurs., Dec. 23 Fri., Dec. 24 Sat., Dec. 25 Sun., Dec. 26 Mon., Dec. 27 Tues., Dec. 28 Wed., Dec. 29

Kathy Powers submitted this sunset photo, taken at Seaplace, 2045 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Jan. 19

Sunrise/sunset

Lows 8:29a 6:48p 9:10a 8:01p 9:50a 9:23p 10:30a 10:53p 11:08a — 12:26a 11:44a 1:53a 12:19p

Thurs., Dec. 23 Fri., Dec. 24 Sat., Dec. 25 Sun., Dec. 26 Mon., Dec. 27 Tues., Dec. 28 Wed., Dec. 29

T H E O B S E R V E R C R O S S WO R D Edited by Timothy E. Parker

32 33 34 36 38 39 40 43 50 52 54 55 57 59 60 61 63

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Sunset 5:42 5:43 5:43 5:44 5:44 5:45 5:46

Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not detected alongshore Longboat Key and was not detected offshore Friday, Dec. 17, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.

wELL-COnnECTEd by Aaron Plame

1 7 10 13 17 18 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 30 31

C R Y P T O G R A M S by Myles Mellor

Sunrise 7:17 7:18 7:18 7:19 7:19 7:19 7:20

RED TIDE

ACROSS “Hark!”

Catch, to Hamlet River of Spain?

All over again Turkey’s capital Fencing weapon Couple’s possessive Music’s Horne Jam feature Mosquito or mole, e.g.

Clay pigeon tossers Turned chicken Proposer’s fear Right and proper Platform under a platform Not be well Card game for two More piercing Cost of a phone call, once Without this, a maid is mad Little corn grower Part of a stock exchange?

300th anniversary Drivel Coins with profiles of Nehru Excellent tennis serve An elf-made man?

“When do we want it?” response Old Faithful eruption “___ Shook Up” Kind of vow Homer Simpson’s shout High school subj.

Calm Not skillfully Refrain syllables Baseball stratagem Thai currency Common ailment in soap operas Modeling session

78 79 80 83 84 86 87 88 89 90 92 96 97 99 100 102 107 108 109 113 114 116 117 118 120 123 124 125 126 127 128 129

activity Retirement plan Group of whales Trying one?

Third word in “America” West Point beginner Balaam’s beast Ammonia derivative Word with “legs” or “air” Dark volcanic rock Notwithstanding, briefly City in northern Spain on the Bay of Biscay Last mo.

Spigoted container Wheel bolt holder Remote button Beckons Cause of a duel, maybe Little man Grant and Remick of the screen [Not my mistake] Cries Archaeological enterprise Crusading Nation One way to go to a party Chinese menu dish In addition “Ecto” opposite Not a figment of your imagination Flat dweller Abound 1860s gp. with 11 members Word after “evil” or “blind”

130 Some jacket fabrics

dOwn 1 Endures 2 Lead-in

3 “Here’s to your health!”

4 Drew on, as a resource 5 Distinctive times 6 One of the Bobbseys 7 Fit for the throne 8 Knowledgeable about 9 Risked sum 10 Chaka Khan became its lead singer in 1972 11 “When ___ Eyes Are Smiling” 12 Felix’s roommate 13 Lofty peak 14 Sewing supplies 15 Come after 16 It springs from springs 19 Off-target 20 Light switch position 23 More in need of moisturizer 24 Nest above the timberline 29 Burning 32 Iowa State’s city 33 Abate 35 Prune larger branches 37 Tabloid twosome 40 “___ Dalloway” (Virginia Woolf novel) 41 Farthest from the center 42 Court quickie 44 Start for “graphy” 45 Success and acclaim 46 Big ATM manufacturer 47 Subject of the book “Sting Like a Bee” 48 PG, R, G, et al.

49 Ten jiao 51 It has six holes 53 Apollo 11 lander

Last weeks Cryptograms

56 Big, thick piece 58 ___ and wherefores 60 Loss of language ability 61 Secondary field of study 62 Does the numbers, in a way 66 Part of Batman’s garb 68 Beach playthings 69 Andulasian appetizer 70 Doesn’t have a clue 72 Bar mitzvah and baptism 73 An Eastern Christian 76 Ideologies 81 Miller or Jillian 82 “Without a doubt!”

84 Act like a hot dog 85 “And more,” in store names 88 Spice rack member 89 Data transfer unit 91 Hockey legend Bobby of Boston 93 George or T.S. 94 University treasurer 95 Post-pupa insect 98 Collar 101 Pass, time-wise 102 Valuable or useful possession 103 Nobleman’s designation 104 Trig. ratio 105 Dots on a state map 106 ___ tear (cry) 108 Fine glove thread 110 Worn away unevenly 111 Goofed up 112 Former talk host Wanda 115 Great Society agcy.

116 Normandy event 117 Yacht staff 119 Rock with a band 121 Born, in Bordeaux 122 Highest (Abbr.)

1. You remember the wacky lady who continually burned her bills? She was nicknamed “Bernadette.”

2. Some wacky people swear by this simple axiom: if it isn’t broken, fix it until it is. It’s similar to: keep backing up until you hit something.

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, DECEmber 23, 2010

www.YourObserver.com

Happy Holidays from our family to yours Roger, Jake (6), Max (4) and Alisa

Roger invites you to visit: www.rogersmarketupdate.com.

Sign up to receive your customized, free, monthly market snapshot. You will receive, by email, the industry’s most impressive market reports, packed with up-to-the-minute MLS market and property information, plus interactive photos, maps and graphs.

HARBOR SECTION 541harborcovecircle.com Fantastic, custom 5,500 sf gorgeous home has 5BR. $2,495,000 521harborcaydrive.com 3BR plus den, open kitchen, oversized pool/lanai, deep water harbor. $1,495,000 SIESTA KEY 9250blindpassroad.com South Siesta Key, the views will inspire and delight you. $2,695,000 SANCTUARY 545sanctuary201.com Ascot plan offers Gulf and pool views.

3BR/3.5BA plus bonus room. $1,595,000 575sanctuary402.com 3BR/3BA wraparound terrace and sunset Gulf, golf course and bay views. $899,000 SEAPLACE seaplacem2-112.com Oversized 3BR with direct Gulf views, parking for 2 cars. $618,000 seaplacem1508.com Rarely available, 3BR beachfront in good condition. $599,000 seaplacem2-411.com Direct Gulf, 2BR/2BA, 4th floor, turnkey furnished. $549,000 seaplaceg7209.com G-7 bldg with Gulf/sunset views. Updated, furnished and ready to enjoy! $395,000 seaplaceg3213.com 1BR/2BA townhouse. Furnished. $249,000 BIRD KEY 611mourningdove.com 4BR/5BA, direct bayfront. Cook’s kitchen, travertine, wine storage. $3,495,000 258robindrive.com Over 5,000 feet of living space surrounded by luscious gardens. $1,150,000 523nspoonbilldrive.com Completely renovated, new roof, kitchen, baths, plumbing, electric. $699,000

Roger sells: L’Ambiance

Roger has sold 4 L’Ambiance residences this year. It features the finest in south Longboat Gulf front living! Located on 18 acres and comprised of 136 residences in two nine-story buildings, L’Ambiance features a 24-hour guard gate, concierge service, two tennis courts, private elevators, 10-foot ceilings, guest suites and more.

415lambiancedr402.com Wraparound terrace and views of the bay, Gulf and city. 2,350 feet. $1,425,000

415lambiancedr302.com Southern corner, 3BR/3BA Areca plan with outstanding finishes. $1,295,000

Roger sells: Phoenix

The Phoenix is a wonderful contemporary building located on Golden Gate Point just a short distance from downtown Sarasota. Each of the 13 residences offer amazing bay front views.

PENDING

phoenix-602.com 3BR/3.5BA, 6th floor, incredible views of bay, harbor and downtown. $1,695,000

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES 1015bogeylane.com New construction 4BR/5BA, canal views, furnishings available. $1,879,000 511bowspritlane.com 4BR, open plan, lush landscaping, deep water. Short distance to beach. $1,095,000 540yardarmlane.com 3BR/2BA, south side, deep water, exceptional condition! $799,000 551yardarmlane.com 3BR/2BA mid-canal home in terrific condition. $699,000 512cutterln.com Charming 3BR/2BA on deep water canal has been lovingly updated. $679,000 RITZ BEACH RESIDENCES beachresidences1007.com 10th floor, awesome views, incredible finishes, unparalleled services. $1,949,000 MAJESTIC BAY majesticbay401.com Golden Gate Point – 3BR covers an entire floor. $1,695,000 LONGBOAT HARBOUR TOWERS longboatharbourtowers102.com Direct Gulf, only steps to the beach.

2BR/2BA, renovated. $495,000

phoenix502.com Amazing views of bridge/bay, furnished, 3,800 sf, two-car parking. $1,295,000

Roger sells: Water Club

This is one of south Longboat Key’s finest beach front addresses. The two gated buildings are especially designed to maximize the views of each residence. The 18,000 ft. ▲ PROMENADE clubhouse offers a community experience with all the amenities of a private club. promenade402.com Wrapping around the southern corner, this 3BR/3BA is turnkey furnished and views of the Gulf, bay and city. $949,000 WATERFRONT CANAL 700 Tarawitt Drive Incredible building lot on Longboat Key. Call today for info. $249,000 TOWELS COURT waterclub-208.com waterclub602.com 1857morrillstreet.com 3BR, wraparound floor plan with sunset Direct beachfront comfort and elegance, Two-story home. 2BR/2BA upstairs views. Furnished. $1,095,000 3BR/3.5BA Arlington plan. Includes apartment over your own studio. $499,000 custom furnishings. $2,695,000

Roger sells: Grand Bay Roger has sold 4 Grand Bay residences in the past year.

grandbay261.com Antigua plan with sweeping views of bay, downtown and golf course. $1,275,000

Visit rogersbestdeals.info if you would like a copy of my list. You may also click on this QR code, call our office, or send us an email.

grandbay211.com The Antigua value with oversized terrace, wood floors, 3BR/3.5BA and amazing views! $1,095,000

Grand Bay is a wonderful community, with warm people who are pet friendly! The views of the bay, city, new bridge, marina and golf course are truly amazing! There are seven different floor plans, ranging from well-appointed two bedrooms to spectacular penthouses. The amenities include pools, jacuzzis, private club with bayfront workout center, tennis and a wonderful Beach Club.

grandbay455.com Overlooks Harbourside Moorings marina and golf course, 3BR/3.5BA. $899,900

roger c. pettingell

{ 941.586.6668

Luxury Waterfront SpeciaLiSt

941.387.1840

grandbay322.com Vistas of view, Biscayne 3BR/3.5BA with wrap around terraces. $829,000

e-mail: roger@longboatrealestate.com

and sold Roger has listed million 75 more than $9 in luxury homes. and waterfront

}

www.longboatrealestate.com

grandbay642.com Charming, bright 2BR/2BA with lovely bay views. $599,000

Residential Real estate d e d i c at e d t o L u x u ry e S tat e S M

46059

28A

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A R T S | E N T E R TA I N M E N T | S O C I E T Y | F O O D | F A S H I O N | D é C O R

INSIDE

www.YourObserver.com

thursday DECEMBER 23, 2010

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December is the most wonderful time of the year at the movies.

It’s when Hollywood releases the crème de la crème in anticipation of upcoming award ceremonies. So give yourself the gift of de-stressing during the holidays at your local theater.

‘HOW DO YOU KNOW’

Three-time Oscar winner, writer-director James Brooks is, thankfully, back helming a film that he wrote specifically for Reese Witherspoon.

She plays the apex in a love triangle that includes Owen Wilson and Paul Rudd. It gets better. Once again, Brooks casts his pal, Jack Nicholson, who’s always “as good as it gets” in anything.

CAMERA READY: Starry Night Dinner / 10B

COVER: JFCS Gala / 8B Marty Hurwitz and Marsa Truscott

‘RABBIT HOLE’

Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart play a grieving couple whose young son was killed less than a year ago.

They each have their own way of dealing with the horrific loss.

He insists on group therapy. She takes a passive-aggressive approach, unsure of where to place her anger. The two disconnect in this devastating and elegant film, directed by John Cameron Mitchell.

‘TRUE GRIT’

It’s not a remake but a kookycool Coen brothers adaptation of Charles Portis’ novel. Jeff Bridges (“The Dude”) re-teams with the brothers, portraying Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne’s role in the original). Bridges could quite likely make Oscar history by nabbing two in a row after having received it for Best Actor last year in “Crazy Heart.” This is rumored to be one of the most authentic Westerns ever made. It also stars Josh Brolin,

Matt Damon and Hailee Steinfeld, in a breakout role already garnering Oscar attention.

<< ‘ANOTHER YEAR’

Auteur director Mike Leigh once again treads familiar waters in a British characterdriven piece about happiness — and the lack of it. A lonely alcoholic single woman (Lesley Manville) latches onto a blissfully content couple with whom she works. Over the course of a year ordinary people interact with one another, exploring the human condition. It’s a great cast, including Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton and Ruth Sheen.

‘BIUTIFUL’

Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu creates another “Babel”-like, racially diverse story about a man who must come to terms with his own mortality. Set in Barcelona, Javier Bardem plays a dour man diagnosed with terminal cancer while raising two children.

In an unavoidable downward spiral, he finds healing and hope. Inarritu’s haunting style of filmmaking always goes for the jugular (“21 Grams” “Amores Perros”).

PREVIEWS CONTINUED ON PAGE 3B

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010

COLUMN

art scene HEARD

+ Small hosts open studio at bayou bungalow

by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

+ Springer to appear in celeb-packed VW show

Of course Jerry Springer agreed to join the cast of the Jan. 11 production of “Celebrity Autobiography,” at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. It’s not as if Springer, a Bird Key resident, has far to go for the performance.

Shoot, he could bike to the hall, Jerry Springer if he were so joins the cast of inclined.

“Celebrity AutoCreated biography.” by writer/ performers Eugene Pack and Dayle Reyfel, “Celebrity Autobiography” is a Drama Desk Award-winning act featuring a rotating cast of actors

and comedians performing passages from actual celebrity memoirs.

The show, which debuted more than 10 years ago, in Los Angeles, has enjoyed a long shelf life as an Off-Broadway production, thanks to the bounty of self-indulgent celebrity tomes penned every year.

Cast members have included Matthew Broderick, Kristen Johnston, Kristen Wiig, Joy Behar, Richard Belzer, Alan Cumming, Brooke Shields and Rachel Dratch, to name a few.

Springer and actors Tom Booker, Karen Ziemba and Annie Golden will perform material from the works of Suzanne Somers, Tommy Lee, Elizabeth Taylor, Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher and others.

“Celebrity Autobiographer” runs for two performances at 7 and 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11 at the Van Wezel.

If only all house parties were as hip as the one Sabrina Small threw recently at her Whitaker Bayou pad.

Small, a member of the artist co-op s/ART/q, turned her otherwise serene home and studio into a rocking gallery space Dec. 11, complete with a bonfire lounge, wine-and-food stations, live music and a modern-dance act.

The event, which Small hosted to raise funds for an upcoming project with Fuzión Dance Artists, drew more than 200 people to the 1936 bungalow.

The highlight of the night was a Fuzión dance performance that entailed Small painting a cluster of white-clothed dancers in black paint –– an unusual move for the typically shy artist.

“I sort of begrudgingly agreed to do it,” Small says, “I’m not a performance artist, but it turned out great. I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. It was fun to use the body as a canvas.”

Small and Fuzión founder Leymis Bolaños Wilmott will premiere the final art/dance collaboration March 25, on stage

HOT TICKETS ‘One-Man Star Wars Trilogy’: Give your nerdy brother

Photos by Daniel Perales

Jen King Elliot and Sabrina Small

the ultimate Christmas present this year: tickets to Charles Ross’ “One-Man Star Wars Trilogy,” playing at the Historic Asolo Theater at 5 and 8 p.m.

Dec. 28 and Dec. 29. Not only is the recreation a comedic feat of genius, it’s also performed at George Lucas-endorsed “Star Wars” conventions. For tickets, call 351-8000.

Black Diamond Burlesque’s ‘New Year’s Eve Speakeasy’:

Small painting Fuzión Dance Artists at the Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

The piece, along with costumes

by New York-based designer Jen King Elliot, will be inspired by artwork from Small’s Siamese twin series.

Start the New Year off on a sexy foot with a party by Plush Entertainment, at the First Street Chop House. The revelry costs $60 per person and includes a champagne toast, party favors, two drinks, music by some of the area’s hottest DJs and entertainment by Black Diamond Burlesque. Doors open at 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31. For tickets, call 954-8800.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010

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3B

COVER STORY

PREVIEWS from 1B ‘SOMEWHERE’

Stephen Dorff portrays a burned-out actor in Sophia Coppola’s quiet heartbreaker.

Holed up in LA’s Chateau Marmont hotel, Dorff’’s character’s life takes a new direction when his 11-year-old daughter (Elle Fanning) suddenly moves in with him. Two things I already love about this film: the seldom-seen and-brilliant Dorff; and Sophia Coppola’s gift for quirky insightfulness that was so perfectly applied in “Lost in Translation.”

‘BLUE VALENTINE’

Two of today’s best actors, Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling, star as a couple whose marriage is falling apart.

The film chronicles the beginning and end of their relationship in an out-ofsequence format. Billed as “smart and

explosively emotional,” the film’s trailers look raw and riveting. Directed by Derek Cianfrance who postponed shooting the film in 2008 out of respect for Michelle Williams after Heath Ledger’s death. She was his one and only choice for the lead.

‘THE WAY BACK’

In this harrowing epic set in 1940, seven prisoners escape from a Russian gulag, in Siberia. They set out on a grueling 4,500-mile trek with little food and few supplies. Although their efforts are almost certainly doomed,

they’d rather die free than as Stalin’s captives. The characters are fictional, but the story is inspired by actual prisoners who escaped the labor camps. It is directed by the masterful Peter Weir and stars Colin Farrell and Jim Sturgess.

‘THE KING’S SPEECH’

‘BLACK SWAN’

Director Darren Aronofsky doesn’t make timid films (“The Wrestler”; “Requiem For a Dream”). Natalie Portman stars as a mentally-unstable ballerina in his latest exploration into the psyche of people who push themselves to extremes. He also delves into the emotional and physical violence lurking behind the “erotic mystique” of ballet. Vincent Cassel plays the devious and manipulative artistic director. It also stars Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey and Winona Ryder.

Is Colin Firth ever going to snag that elusive Oscar? Perhaps his best shot will be for his performance as King George VI, the 20th-century monarch who was plagued by a crippling stutter.

When his country needed him most, he sought the help of an Australian speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush) who made it possible for the king to rally his subjects and declare war on Hitler’s Germany. This film is being hailed as a crowning achievement powered by a dream cast, which also includes Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce and Michael Gambon. Directed by Tom Hooper.

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4B

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010

HIGHLIGHTS by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

PMP development director hits the stage running Lynn Rasys is using her marketing chops and people skills to propel the Perlman Music Program/Suncoast into 2011.

Next week when 35 young, prodigious musicians arrive in Sarasota for the Perlman Music Program’s two-week winter residency, Lynn Rasys will still feel like the new kid on the block.

Rasys, the former executive director for the Florida Suncoast Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, is less than two months into her position as development director of the prestigious program.

A newcomer on the PMP scene, Rasys is still adjusting to life in her new office — an unmarked building between the USF Sarasota-Manatee and New College campuses, which she shares with PMP/Suncoast Executive Director Elizabeth Power and a handful of volunteers.

The volunteers, whom Rasys describes as “invaluable and indispensable” have the spent the past two days laminating lanyards for the program’s Member Lanyard Night, which marks the first event of PMP’s seventh winter residency, and Rasys first event as a staff member.

“It’s not been overwhelming, just busy,” Rasys says. “The phone has been ringing off the hook with people looking for tickets to the gala, tickets to rehearsals, directions to USF ... ” More than 12,000 people flock the residency’s outdoor performance tent each year to watch the organization’s free events.

Rasys says her biggest challenge right now is raising funds for the 2011 season, which she plans to do by building strategic partnerships within the community.

IF YOU GO

The Perlman Music Program kicks off its winter residency Dec. 28, with 18 free orchestra and chorus rehearsals, master classes and student recitals running through Jan. 7, at USF Sarasota-Manatee.

“Lakewood Ranch Night” begins at 6 p.m. Jan. 6, in the Selby Auditorium.

The program concludes at 5 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 8 with a celebration concert at the Sarasota Opera House. For a complete schedule of public events, visit www.perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org. For tickets to the celebration concert, call 366-8450, Ext. 1.

Heidi Kurpiela

“Of course there’s a learning curve,” Lynn Rasys says. “I’m learning everything as fast as I can. It’s going to be a challenging year, but it’s going to be a good year.”

For a woman whose only performance experience was as a majorette in her high school marching band, Rasys is an interesting choice for development director.

Rasys, who spent 13 years working for Tropicana Products in the communications department before joining the Susan G. Komen team, is brimming with fundraising and marketing ideas.

She spent the first few weeks with the organization meeting with local businesses and networking with community leaders.

Two weeks ago, she met with the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, which led to the creation of PMP’s first “Lakewood Ranch Night,” an outreach reception and student recital aimed at bringing more

Lakewood Ranch residents and business owners to PMP events.

“Sometimes it’s just a matter of getting more people out to see these kids,” Rasys says.

Each year PMP/Suncoast raises $500,000 to help support the residency and it’s a new education outreach program, which earlier this year placed PMP’s Vinca Quartet in 12 Sarasota and Manatee County schools for three weeks of interactive lessons and community concerts.

Rasys feels her two children might not have given up on their instruments so soon — her daughter played viola and her son played bass — had Vinca been around when they were in middle school.

“They were absolutely fantastic,” she says of the New York City-based quar-

tet. “I think that’s a piece of the program that’s important for the community to be aware of. It’s in our schools and it’s reaching such a diverse array of students.”

Rasys’ immediate goal is to roll out a strategic plan for the following season that includes forming more community partnerships, seeking more grant opportunities and courting more major donors.

She says she’d like to expand the PMP program book to include paid advertisements from area businesses, as well as encourage more families to take advantage of the organization’s free events.

“Mr. and Mrs. Perlman love children,” Rasys says. “If a family comes to the tent, an usher brings them to the front row. I can’t think of a place where I walked in with my kids when they were little and that happened!”

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lost his enthusiasm for the creative process. His work can be found in the – Spin Magazine “YOU HAD BETTER START permanent collections of the Newark Museum in Newark, New Jersey, and Cultural Media Room Cultural Media Room INVESTING IN A LIGHT Cultural Media of Room the Museum Arts and Design in New York City. Ed has been teaching SABER” ‘Open Trunk’ Holiday Sale by THE EXPRESSIVE FIGURE ‘Open Trunk’ Holiday Sale by –The New York Times jewelry for many years at LBKCA. This is the first time Ed will be showcasing December 2 - 16, 2010 “IMMEDIATELY Artist: Bill Buchman December 2 - 16, 2010 over 200 pieces from his collection. You’ll not want to miss this show!

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EDIBLES: Guest Food Editor RECIPE

Lois Scheyer’s Seafood Platter for Ten

A seafood platter in all its glory 5 steamed lobsters, halved Juice of two lemons 30 jumbo shrimp, deveined and cooked with tails on 10 Alaskan King Crab legs (12” long, if available) 20 oysters, shucked 10 stone crab claws 5 lemons, halved and wrapped in cheesecloth 3 bunches radishes Arrange seafood on a large platter; sprinkle lemon juice over all. Garnish with radishes and lemons. Serve cold with sauces. You may also offer melted butter.

Notes: Scheyer stuffs the lobster cavities with “Russian Salad,” which she describes as “your favorite recipe for home-made potato salad with the ingredients cut into very small bits.” All the seafood may be purchased already cooked from a good fish market. Lois Scheyer uses and recommends Walt’s Fish Market (4144 S Tamiami Trail, (941) 921-4605)

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by Molly Schechter | Food Editor

Love in the Kitchen If you are sitting down, Lois Scheyer will feed you. It’s really not even necessary that you sit — just that you be there. She loves food, loves cooking, loves feeding people.

That’s the explanation of how the photo shoot for this column turned into a luncheon for 10 lucky guests. The menu is a Scheyer classic — the seafood platter for which she is famous. It is remarkably simple, albeit not inexpensive to make: You buy the seafood fully prepared from your favorite fish market, whip up a few sauces, arrange everything beautifully on a big platter and sit down to feast.

For this occasion, Scheyer served homemade gazpacho as a first course; French bread and “Russian Salad” as side dishes; and an elegant pistachio cheesecake for dessert. It happened the Monday after Thanksgiving, but the concept would make an equally festive lunch or supper anytime during the holiday season.

Scheyer says her passion for cooking comes from having an appreciative husband. “Stuart Scheyer raved about everything I made. It was like going for applause — the more he applauded, the more I loved to cook,” Scheyer says.

The praise continues to this day, 59 years later. So does the teasing.

The way Stuart tells it, “Lois never made a simple dinner in her life. There is no such thing as entrée-starch-veggie. Whether she is feeding four or 40, a typical Friday night dinner starts with two soups, two salads, two en-

Guest food editor Lois Scheyer and her famous seafood platters trees plus a pasta for the children plus innumerable starches and sides. And inevitably, we find at least one forgotten item in the fridge or the oven.” (For this meal, it was butter unmelted in the microwave.)

Lois Scheyer wishes everyone would catch the joy of creating food and that it wouldn’t be looked upon as a chore.

She celebrates “the nurturing quality of feeding people you care about.”

“I love taking nothing and turning it into something really special,” Scheyer says. “I love the process, the smells, the tastes, the color. It’s an art form for me; I love everything about it.”

What does she like least? “There’s nothing that I don’t love about it. Even cleaning up. I like the feeling of everything being done and put away,” she says.

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

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3 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed 1 cup mayonnaise 4 cloves garlic, pressed or mashed 2 tablespoons lemon juice Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Finely chop basil leaves in a food processor.

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Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mustard Mayonnaise ½ cup Dijon mustard 1 cup Mayonnaise

Whisk ingredients together to combine.

Cocktail sauce

Buy Crosse & Blackwell or another good brand and add lemon juice and horseradish to taste.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010

REVIEW

Music 49850

>> The

American Spiritual Ensemble: A true Christmas present

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A nIght to

Celebrate Israel

There are some experiences that are so special, so indelibly written on our hearts we never forget them. We had one recently, when William and Casiana Schmidt brought the American Spiritual Ensemble to the Sarasota Opera House for a pair of concerts, under the direction of founder and Music Director Dr. Everett McCorvey, to honor Susan Danis, the dynamic executive director of the Sarasota Opera.

There we were, sitting in our seats for the 6 p.m. performance. The house lights dimmed, the back doors flew open, and from the lobby of the theater, the most heavenly, divine sound of voices soared around us with a spirit, velocity and blend unlike anything — and I mean anything — I’d ever heard.

For the next two hours we were treated to the richness and musicality of these 26 professional singers, soloists all, who blended into such an incredible mass of sound, we were enveloped in richness more divine and holy than anything I’ve heard

since the hay days of the Robert Shaw Chorale and the Roger Wagner Singers.

This is the way choral music is supposed to sound, and every singing group in this country (and city) could benefit from hearing it.

All the singers were outstanding but we have to single out soprano Hope Koehler, whose voice in “I Wanna Be Ready” had the richness of Marilyn Horne at the bottom and the clarion clarity of Leontyne Price at the top. And then there was bass Kevin Thompson who delivered an “Ol’ Man River” so powerfully moving it brought the entire audience to its feet in a truly rip-roaring ovation.

How I wish you could have been there.

In fact, all my singer-friends have gotten an earful about this concert, which was so special we can only hope there will be some way to bring the ensemble back to Sarasota to be heard by a larger audience in the near future.

— June LeBell

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 • 7:30pm

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall With honored guest

Featuring Israeli pop star

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7B

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010

THE SOCIAL OBSERVER

Black Tie

The Observer www.yourobserver.com

thursday DECEMBER 23, 2010

By STEPHANIE HANNUM BLACK TIE EDITOR

A sell-out crowd of more than 500 packed The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota for the Jewish Family and Children’s Service Gala, “Celebrating Silver,” Sunday, Dec. 19.

Chaired by Gerri Aaron, the evening served as a musical salute to JFCS and featured performances by the Sarasota Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Leif Bjaland, as well as a tribute to Rose Chapman, JFCS president/CEO. Board President Marie Monsky made the “salute” to Chapman, referring to her as “the heart of JFCS.” Chapman then told the story of how Monsky, Aaron and Andria Bilan talked her into being honored at the event — the ladies kept her in a room and wouldn’t let her out until she agreed. Chapman steadfastly refused the use of the word “honor,” so the event was billed as a “salute” to her.

“Tonight is not about me but about all of you who do so much to make it possible for us to do the work we do,” she said.

Left: Fran Lambert, Debbie Haspell and Edie Chaifetz

Scott Anderson, Hillary Steele and Nate Benderson

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Chairwoman Gerri Aaron, honoree Rose Chapman and Marie Monsky

Lou and Sandra Hanan

Willard and Lois Cohodas

Gail and Ben Klein

Betty Schoenbaum with son and daughter-in-law Jeff and Sue Schoenbaum

Bernice Lasberg, Valerie Jones, Alice Berkowitz and Lois Stulberg

Jean DeLynn with David Weis and Rita Glosser

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010

>>

â&#x2013;

Diversions

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â&#x2013;

9B

COLUMN

black tie tales

+ Tidbits

by Molly Schechter | Social Editor

+ A new newlywed team for Van Wezel

Last year, Monica Slater Van Buskirk co-chaired the Van Wezel Foundation gala with her new husband, Dr. Richard Van Buskirk. This year, her co-chair is Annarita Nora Scott, who is still hand-writing her married name on her business cards. The two have assembled an effective team for the 10th annual Van Wezel Foundation Gala, which will take place Jan. 23, and feature the performance of Dionne Warwick. Subcommittee Chairs Kathy Martella, Lucille Smith, Elizabeth Battaglia, Marjorie Broughton and daughter, Nikki Taylor, Cameron Icard and staffer Carol Bridwell all report they are at or near their goals. The bottom line

+ Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dancing in her dreams ...

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was dancing toward Octavio Martin and fell when I leapt into his arms.â&#x20AC;? Octavioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response was, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;If you were running to me, you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have missed.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

Even better: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was dancing with George Birkadze, the new dancer from Georgia (thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Russia, not the state), who is so beautifully muscled. His response was to

Molly Schechter

Van Wezel Foundation Gala CoChairs Annarita Nora Scott and Monica Slater Van Buskirk

is that only a few reservations are available. You can make yours via Carol Bridwell at 366-5011 or cbridwell@vwfoundation.org. flex his biceps and say, in effect, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Really?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? All this was Ballet Board President Hillary Steeleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s explanation for her knee brace.

The not-quite-so-glamorous reality: She was wearing high heels while walking the dog and a heel got stuck in a crack. But the beautiful balletomane was very much out-and-about at the Ballet Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holiday Luncheon Dec. 13. See photos on Page 11B and at www.YourObserver.com.

Two much of a good thing?... Nikki Sedacca and Lauren Walsh wore similar stunning bracelets from the Unmistakably Nikki collection to a recent holiday luncheon â&#x20AC;Ś Renovation results â&#x20AC;Ś friends of Harold and Wanda Rayle Libby got to see what was accomplished in the 10-month renovation of their home at their annual holiday party â&#x20AC;Ś The Homecoming of Jenny, take two â&#x20AC;Ś if you missed Marvin Albertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10-minute play when it won an award at last springâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2010 Theatre Odyssey, you have another shot at seeing it on Jan. 21, at the Longboat Key Education Center. Afterwards: a discussion with Theatre

+ Black Tie Affair Animal Rescue Coalitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Night Out â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Bow Wow Bistroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14 â&#x20AC;˘ Saks Fifth Avenue â&#x20AC;˘ Ticket $55 person, $25 dog â&#x20AC;˘ Reservations 941-957-1955, Ext. 7.

Molly Schechter

Nikki Sedacca and Lauren Walsh

Odyssey founder Tom Asosporos, the cast and the playwright â&#x20AC;Ś See you in 2011 â&#x20AC;Ś Black Tie & Tales will return at the beginning of the new year.

Send news and views to mschechter@YourObserver. com.Thank you for reading and writing, and Happy New Year!

+ Strange stove, familiar faces

Super chef Sean Murphy and a team from his restaurants, Beach Bistro and Bistro at The Concession, cooked a performance dinner at the James Beard House, in New York, earlier this month. A cadre of Sarasota supporters made the trip with them, including Peter and Patricia Estes, of Lido Key; Dr. John and Deborah Ayres, of Bradenton; and Jerry and Wendy Feinstein, of Longboat Key, who reported that the dinner was â&#x20AC;&#x153;over the top.â&#x20AC;?

Courtesy photo And whom did the Feinsteins meet Sean Murphy at this very special dinner? New Yorkers Doug Roberts and his wife, Nancy, who recently visited Sarasota when his mother, Flori Roberts, was named the YMCA Citizen of the Year. Six degrees of separation indeed.

Their people go out so often, turning on the lights and the music or TV to keep their pooches company. So you can bet that the canine contingent is looking forward to Dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Night Out. The three young co-chairs are Molly Klauber, Eric Massey and Michael Krempel â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all new to the event. They are ramping up this perennial favorite with new content, including parallel menus for people (by Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On East) and pets (by Holistic Pets, Woof Gang Bakery and Maxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dog Bakery), a Chinese auction of dog-related products and services and a Saks Fifth Avenue fashion show coordinated by Pat Wiewel. Some models will walk with their own doggies: Shelly Binion and Dixie (Chihuahua); Molly Klauber and Bentley (Brazilian Mastiff); and Adam Schiffman and Raja (Shiba Inu). Showing off adoptable pooches: Mirta Klauber, Alicia Stevens, Bonnie Lancaster, Lisa Vignola, Pam Taylor, Jennie Famiglio, Veronica Pastore, Dawn Horowitz, Sherryl Jenkins and Travis Garner.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010

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Mel and Meryl Cohen with Judy and Michael Bloom

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Photos by Pam Eubanks

Starry Night Dinner Series highlighting ‘La BÊte’

Asolo Repertory Theatre Wednesday, Dec. 15 | The Lake Club

Actor Bryan Torfeh with Eva Slane

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Today, I taught my daughter the power of compassion.

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Today, the need is great.

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THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA COUNTY, INC. MEETS ALL REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED BY THE FLORIDA SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS ACT. A COPY OF OUR OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES

BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352, WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT (100%) OF EACH CONTRIBUTION IS RECEIVED BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION. REGISTRATION #SC02471.

THURSDAY, December 23, 2010

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11B

CAMERA READY

aVailable

Home Offices • Murphy Beds Custom Closets • Garages • Patries Photos by Molly Schechter

Iain Webb and Mary Ann Servian

Co-Chairwomen Pat Fennessey and Virginia Page

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941.926.7000

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2010

941.907.2000

PrudentialPalmsrealty.com

lakewoodranchrealty.com

Defining Luxury Real Estate in Sarasota

Longboat Penthouse

$1,995,500

bayfront reduced $106,000

Longboat Key $1,789,000

Longboat reduced $151,000

Longboat reduced $112,500

Islander Club $1,325,000

Beau Ciel $1,599,000

Bay Isles Harbor

Gulf/Bay views 3BR/3BA penthouse totally renovated residence 3100SF end Residence with water views from every Completely redone 3BR/3BA + office condo w/separate balco- 3BR/3.5BA , access & views of Sarasota Bay, on deep and buildings with Gulf side pool. Sylvia Zimmerman 350-5022 room. Bayfront Terrace. Linda A. Page 504-0123 nies with Gulf views + Bay/Golf views! Team Cashi 527-9088 water w/40’ dock. Jan Murphy 504-9765

siesta reduced $750,000

anna Maria reduced $100,000

LOnGBOAT/ LIDO KEyS & DOWnTOWn

Reduced $616K $3,379,000 Lido Beach Waterfront Yachtman’s Paradise! 6000+ SF & 1800SFof recroom/storage & 4 Car Garage. Exquisite Features & Incredible Views! Linda A. Page 504-0123 Reduced $204,999 $995,000 Longboat Key Boater’s Paradise deep sailboat water . Key West 3BR on canal. Access to Bay & Gulf . Close to St. Armands & Beach. Sylvia Zimmerman 350-5022 $665,000 Aquarius Club Magnificent completely renovated beach LBK condo 2 master suites w/views of pool & gulf, large balcony. Tennis & Secured. Bruce & Jenine Meyer 266-8152 Short Sale Reduced $70K $479,000 Longboat- Sleepy Lagoon 2BR/2.5BA Canal home w/dock & davit.

Updated kitchen & private pool. Access the intercoastal & Gulf by boat. Bruce & Jenine Meyer 266-8152 Reduced $50K $449,000 Longboat- Fairway Bay 2BR/2BA pet friendly, turnkey furnished condo. Full Bay views, Covered prkg, community amenities pool, tennis, fitness. Mark Huber 356-2435 $2,950,000 Siesta Key Reduced $110K $379,000 Buttonwood Cove Great view from this 2BR/2BA condo, under building parking $1,299,000 La Casa Costiera Historical SRQ Schl of Arch. gem & a new modern master- & storage, private beach access, boat dock & great amenities. Owner/agent Charles Beeler 587-4943 Gulf front complex! 2-3BR/2.5BA condo, gourmet kitchen, piece designed w/attention to details. Lisa Morris 544-3332 Short Sale $349,000 Longboat – Fairway Bay 2BR/2.5BA townhouse exceptionally appointed. Updated fireplace and designer furnishings. Michelle Musto 809-3714 kitchen & appl. , bonus rm; 2 car garage. Comm. Pool, tennis & beach access. Michelle Musto 809-3714 Longboat reduced $100,000 Lakewood ranch reduced $25,000 Reduced $164,100 $284,900 Seaplace Totally Remodeled, 2BR/2BA w/granite countertops/upgraded tile. 2 parking spaces. Contact agent directly for gate access. Gary Hoskins 809-7709

SIESTA & WATERFROnT Header: Siesta & Waterfront Reduced $174K $925,000 Siesta- Siesta Estates 5BR/5.5BA, Close to beach & Village. Built in 2000, built-ins throughout, 3 zone cooling/heating. Owner/agent Kim Madden 650-4416 $699,000 Mainland Bayfront Best Waterfront Value near Downtown! Remodeled home & Pool - Fantastic Location - Bayfront Parcel & Dock included! Linda A. Page 504-0123 $445,000 Casa Del Mar Immaculate 2BR/2BA condo boasting stunning upgrades. Beautiful end unit with partial gulf view. Being sold turnkey furnished. Teri Sax 228-5578 Short Sale! Reduced $36K $429,000 Osprey- Bellagio Harbor Village Stunning bay and sunset views $1,575,000 Emerald Harbor from this spacious condo 3BR/2.5BA condo. Exquisitely maintained Condo. Charlene Hutson 376-5112 : Mainland Waterfront lot situated at the end of cul-de-sac, boasting 150’ of Header MAInLAnD bayfront scenery. Coastal living at its finest. Teri Sax 228-5578 $1,449,500 Lakewood Ranch – Country Club Village Lakefront upscale & upgraded model home 4 BR/3.5BA, 4304SF Master suite w/office, game room. Summer kitchen & fireplace .Sylvia Zimmerman 350-5022 Longboat reduced $80,000 $710,000 Lakewood Ranch – Country Club Village 4BR/3BA + off. Exquisitely renovated! Private lot w/ pavered lanai, pool, new pool heater & new pebble tec surface! Jim Soda 961-5857 Short Sale $630,000 E. Sarasota – Deer Hammock Huge home on 5 acres w/ additional 2880SF bldg + adj. 5 acre lot. Equestrian estate or work-from-home. Rayman/Tan 504-9232 $575,000 Sarasota- Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club Spacious 4BR3BA with office & heated pool&spa.

Golf course view. Gated golf community w loads of amenities. Membership incl. Karen Geiger 928-8889 $524,900 Sarasota - Deer Creek Lake views & lots of sq. footage. Pruitt built. Den & 2 fireplaces. Possible 3car gar. Dramatic decor makes this a winner! Wellman/Moffatt 923-1813 Reduced $30K $449,900 Mote Ranch This lovingly cared for home sits on large lake view lot with mature, lush landscaping. Pristine home, just move in & enjoy! Candria Crisp 726-5822 Reduced $79,900 $369,000 Sarasota – Oakleaf Lakefront! Fabulous former model loaded w/custom $1,295,000 Grand Bay features 4BR/3BA/3 car garage, pool & spa, fireplace, built ‘96. Kim Gilliland 809-5151 Panoramic Views of Bay, Golf Course & Marina from 8th floor Short Sale $333,000 Lakewood Ranch – The Moorings Make the first step to better living! Ibis model 3BR/3.5BA condo. Tennis, pet friendly. David & Lori Simon 400-8764 w/open flr plan, many upgrades, kit. island, granite countertops. Jim Soda 961-5857 Reduced $10K $275,000 Sarasota – Village Walk 3BR/3BA Maint. Free townhouse with private pool, 2 Longboat reduced $345,000 car garage. Fitness center, lap & resort pool, tennis & many more. Sylvia Zimmerman 350-5022 $269,000 Lakewood Ranch- Edgewater Cove Maint. Free, gated. 2BR + den home w/greenbelt view.

Walk, bike, community pool, gazebos. Possible Seller financing. Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty, Bob Bronston 705-0811 Short Sale, Reduced $8K $255,000 Manatee- Greyhawk Landing 4BR/3BA pool home overlooks preserve & lake. Loaded with value added features! Marty Benson 232-9264 $189,900 Sarasota – Westwoods II @Sunrise Spectacular villa, 2BR/2BA/2CG, fam rm, den & lanai.

Garden tub, shower, dual sinks. New paint, new tile roof. 1794SF. Carol Trigg 356-0907

$1,273,500

Country Club Village

½ acre lot w/golf/lake views. 4BR/3.5BA + office. fireplace, pool/spa + summer kitchen. Jim Soda 961-5857

waterfront reduced $200,000

$1,200,000 Harbour Landings Estates

Mins to Anna Maria beaches. Boat dock with gulf access.

Pool home w/water and nature view. Rayman/Tan 504-9232

Magnificent bay Views!

REnTALS

Header: Rentals

$2800/mo. Waterlefe Annual/ unfurn. H-U-G-E!! Over 4,000SF, 4BR/4BA,3-car garage home. Heated pool $1,050,000 Beaches of Longboat Key & spa, family room, wine cooler plus office. Gated golfing community. Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty, $939,000 Hawks Harbor 3BR/2.5BA Key West style home. Wood floors, stone fireplace, Gulf front 3BR/3BA masterpiece. Total redo by the finest artisans. Alba Lange 704-3026 private dock and boat lift & bay view. Marty Benson 232-9264 Decorator furnished & move in ready. Mark Huber 356-2435 $1595/mo. Tara annual unfurn. Start 2011 in this 2BR + den/2BA condo overlooking golf course. 2-car garage, comm. pool & tennis. Sm. pet welcome. Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty, Kim Young 302-9820

braziL

downtown reduced $374,000

RENTALS

From Gulf to Golf rental properties in all price ranges • Short-term • Vacation Rentals • Seasonal Rentals • Annual Rentals

941-552-3931 $925,000

1350 Main $5,000,000

Prala Brava Beach

Water & Sunset views from this 12th floor 2280 s.f condo in Down- Eco-Hotel, 10 chalets & 17 suites w/sea or garden views. town. Never occupied. Huge Master. Michael Granston 504-8018 A/C, fully equipped kitchens. Rayman/Tan 724-0519 © 2010, An independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.

941.926.7000

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