Longboat Observer - Thursday, January 13, 2011

Observer

LONGBOAT

NEWS SILVER STARS

Promenade residents celebrate the condo’s 25th anniversary. 14A

DIVERSIONS: VIRTUOSO REALITY INSIDE | PAGE 1B

Violinist James Ehnes on why he prefers to fly solo.

REAL ESTATE 19A

Sales Snapshot

See how the local real-estate market fared in 2010.

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

OUR TOWN PEOPLE, PICS & PLACES

Thursday, JANUARY 13, 2011

management plan

Beach project in limbo Town Manager Bruce St. Denis wants direction on how the town should move forward with renourishing its beaches.

By Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

Photos by Dora Walters

President of Mystery Florida Inc. Terry Griffin presents a check for $2,000 Jan. 4 to Longboat Library President Amy Roth and library volunteer Don Judd.

+ Griffin checks out Longboat Library

The Longboat Key Town Commission’s decision to approve a $16 million beach referendum last week that largely affects the north end of the island has left lingering questions about how the town wants the rest of its 10 miles of beaches to look.

Town beach projects / PAGE 17A Town Manager Bruce St. Denis told the Longboat Observer he will have a candid discussion with the commission at its Thursday, Jan. 20 regular workshop be-

cause he needs one major question answered.

“I need to know what kind of beach the commission wants moving forward,” St. Denis said.

“I don’t know what the islandwide beach project is anymore.”

The town manager appeared visibly frustrated at the special beach meeting Jan. 6, during

which three separate island-wide beach projects were proposed (for $20 million, $27.2 million and $34.6 million), all of which the commission vetoed, despite St. Denis’ insistence that any project cheaper than the $35 million project proposed wouldn’t work.

The commission eventually voted to place a referendum on the March ballot that would bring

SEE SAND / PAGE 17A

Side-by-side sand comparison

Mystery Florida Inc. holds an annual conference with Florida mystery writers and out-of-state writers whose work is set in Florida. The conference proceeds are donated to the Longboat Library and the Tingle Memorial Library, in Anna Maria.

+ Key residents celebrate 61 years Lois and Bill Cohodas celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on Christmas Day. They were married Dec. 25, 1949, in Chicago. Asked the secret to their long marriage, Lois answered, “Always marry someone you love.”

See OUR TOWN / PAGE 2A

INDEX Classifieds...............................28A Crossword..............................27A Deal Us In..............................26A Black Tie..................................9B Key Real Estate.....................22A Opinion.....................................6A Weather.................................27A Vol. 33, No. 24 Two sections www.YourObserver.com

This August 2001 aerial of the north end of Longboat Key was taken eight years after the town’s previous island-wide beach project was performed in 1993 and five years after an interim beach project placed sand in the area in 1996.

Photos courtesy of the town of Longboat Key

This August 1997 aerial of the north end of Longboat Key was taken just months after a 1996 interim beach renourishment project was completed.

COURT CALL

Attorney disputes association’s claim A dispute has arisen over what a 5% undivided interest in 12 tennis courts obtained by one unit owner means for The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.

By Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

A Sarasota attorney representing an owner of The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort’s 12 tennis courts is disputing a claim by the resort’s condominium association that a unit owner’s

newly acquired 5% stake in the recreational property will clear up a major zoning issue with the town.

Attorney Morgan Bentley, who represents tennis court co-tenant Carolyn Field, sent a letter to Planning, Zoning

and Building Director Monica Simpson and town attorney David Persson Jan. 10 explaining that if the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association acquires the 5% interest in the courts that Colony unit owner Andy Adams bought from previous

owner William Merrill, the 237unit owners would not have the rights to use the tennis courts.

Bentley explains in his letter that unit owners previously had rights to the tennis courts and swimming pool because its association held a long-term lease with recreational property owners Merrill, Field and longtime

SEE COLONY / PAGE 16A

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

NeWS

OUR TOWN

+ Kiwanis seeks nominations for Citizen of the Year

>> Continued from Page 1A

+ SYC hosts First Friday Family Fun Fest

Courtesy photo

+ Seguso family celebrates daughter’s christening

Lennon Shy Charlotte Seguso, the youngest daughter of Robbie and Carling Bassett Seguso and granddaughter of Sue Bassett Klauber, was baptized Jan. 2, at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church. Lennon, who was born April 10, wore a christening gown that has been passed down through five generations of her family. The Rev. David Danner performed the ceremony, which was his second christening since he became the rector at All Agnels six years ago.

Local kids had a fun-filled evening at Sarasota Yacht Club’s First Friday Family Fun Fest, held Friday, Jan. 7, at the club. On the first Friday of each month, SYC juniors between the ages of 5 and 12 can enjoy games, movies and dinner while adults socialize in other areas of the club. At this month’s event, the kids got tangled up in a game of Twister before settling down to snack on pizza and watch “Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.”

+ Villager gets 60-year birthday surprise

+ All Angels art show displays unique watercolor works

Ed Diem was truly surprised when his wife, Chantal, and several Village residents hosted a birthday party for him Jan. 5, at Bayou Tavern in Whitney Beach Plaza. It was the big 6-0 for Diem.

Works by Bradenton artist Susanna Spann are on display in the All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church gallery. An opening Heidi Thomas, left, meets artreception ist Susanna Spann. was held Jan. 7 for the show, which features Spann’s watercolors. A prolific artist, Spann is especially known for her paintings of crystal and flowers. She has received more than 500 awards for her work and recently published a book on watercolor painting. The show can be viewed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday through Friday or by appointment.

Maria Amodio

Cecilia Mould enjoys a game of Twister.

Darlene Kunkel

The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key is still seeking nominees for its 2010 Longboat Key Citizen of the Year award.

And this year’s award presentation promises to be an event attendees will love.

The Kiwanis Foundation will hold its first Valentines Ball at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Longboat Key Club, to raise

money for scholarships for local students.

The event will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dancing, along with the presentation of the annual award.

Tickets are $85. Contact John Wild at johndwild@hotmail.com or Bob Gault at bobgault@comcast.net. Submit nominations to Matt Walsh, mwalsh@yourobserver.com; fax: 383-7193; or 5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Submissions should include a brief explanation for the nomination.

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

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safety first

3A

SAND STALL

State agrees to reduce signage Florida Department of Transportation officials agreed last week to remove 53 state road signs from Gulf of Mexico Drive right of ways.

By Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

Town residents and town officials are winning the battle over a request to reduce state signs along Gulf of Mexico Drive. But avid bicyclists believe the reduced sign count affects their safety.

At a Gulf of Mexico Drive Signage Committee meeting Tuesday, Jan. 4, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) officials agreed to remove 69 signposts and 53 state road signs the department deemed unnecessary.

In total, the state is reducing the number of signposts from 249 to 180 and the number of signs from 299 to 246. (Some signposts hold more than one sign.)

Joe Moccia, chairman of the Longboat Key division of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, expressed concern, however, with the department’s plan to originally remove 32 bicycle signs and said he doesn’t want to see any of the bicycle signs removed.

“Longboat Key is one of the most popular places to ride a bicycle, but it’s also one of the most dangerous,” said Moccia, who asked the department if it were certain the removal of the signs would keep bicyclists safe.

Although FDOT officials said their decision would not harm bicyclists, they

STATE ROAD SIGNS EXISTING Sign types Regulatory Warning Bike lane General Bike lane yield No parking Advance street name Total

Posts Signs 55 66 37 42 65 92 24 31 34 34 32 32 2 2 249 299

Proposed Sign types Regulatory Warning Bike lane General Bike lane yield No parking Advance street name Total

Posts Signs 58 69 35 40 45 84 24 31 10 10 6 10 2 2 180 246

agreed to keep and/or add bicycle signs near the entrances and exits of congested areas such as the The Centre Shops, Bay Isles Parkway and other locations.

In total, FDOT added approximately 18 bike signs back into the mix near entrances of congested hot spots and will

be spacing the rest of the bicycle signs in one-mile increments along the Key. Those signs are included as part of the 246 signs.

The announcement comes four months after FDOT agreed to work with town staff and Planning and Zoning Board members to see if the number of road signs placed along Gulf of Mexico Drive could be reduced.

FDOT engineer L.K. Nandam told the committee it worked hard to come up with the appropriate number of signs that could be eliminated without jeopardizing public safety for both motorists and bicyclists. The bicycle lanes will also be marked with bicycle lane symbols on the pavement.

“We didn’t take the approach we would base decisions on the town saying there are too many signs,” Nandam said. “We took into consideration our standards and the advice of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee.”

FDOT traffic operations engineer Keith Slater agreed.

“This is a compromise between safety and what is actually needed on Longboat Key,” Nandam said.

Nandam said the sign changes will be performed in June and July, once the Town Commission reviews the new sign count and accepts it.

TOP HONORS Dora Walters

The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key took top honors for the most money collected — $12,491.37 — by an organization in the Sarasota County Salvation Army kettle drive this season. Receiving the award from Maj. Philip Murphy, right, during the recognition event held Jan. 9, at the Church of Hope, in Sarasota, were Kiwanis members John Wild and Martin Bobzien.

MISSING MONEY

Save Our Seabirds donations reported stolen The bird-rescue organization told police that $139 was taken Jan. 1 from its office.

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

The donations consisted mostly of small amounts: bills of $1, $5 or $10, along with coins. They totaled $139 and came from two locked boxes outside of Save Our Seabirds, which hold donations intended to help the birds treated inside the facility.

But the donations were reported stolen, according to a Jan. 4 Sarasota Police Department report.

The theft occurred between 10 and 11:30 a.m. New Year’s Day, according to the report. That day, a volunteer went to the office to retrieve the money that was

kept inside an envelope in a desk drawer.

After searching for the envelope, volunteers and staff members concluded that it had been stolen. The incident was reported three days later.

The office where the money was kept was not locked at the time and was accessible to staff and the public, the report states. Approximately six staff members and volunteers were on site the day that the alleged theft occurred, although none reported seeing anything suspicious.

Save Our Seabirds Executive Director Lee Fox, who was out of town when the incident occurred, said she wasn’t sure if the office was left unlocked. According to Fox, the facility is locked at night, but the office could have been left unsecured while a staff member stepped away for a few minutes. The organization will take

new precautions with donations, according to Fox. “We’ve changed our way of doing things, but that’s all I want to say about that,” she said.

Police found no evidence at the scene and recommended that the case be closed “due to the low probability that a perpetrator can be established and successfully prosecuted.”

Fox said that she trusts her staff and volunteers and isn’t sure who would take the organization’s donations. In the more than two years since Save Our Seabirds opened at 1708 Ken Thompson Parkway, the group has never experienced an act of theft.

“I think it’s a shame,” she said. “Whoever this is, I hope that their conscience gets to them — if they have a conscience.”

Rachel S. O’Hara

The town of Longboat Key is undergoing a north-end beach restoration project between Broadway and North Shore Road, which begins this month, to bring sand back to the severely eroded portion of the beach.

North-end project sees dredge delay The emergency beach project will bring 133,000 cubic yards of sand to the north end.

By Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

Residents on the north end of the island who thought they were getting their beach back for Christmas will have to wait a few more weeks.

The town’s beach contractor, Cashman Dredging and Marine Contracting Co. LLC, however, is placing beach project equipment on the sand this week in preparation for the project.

Town Manager Bruce St. Denis informed the Town Commission last week at its Jan. 3 regular meeting that the dredge’s sail to Longboat Key has been delayed.

The project, originally set to begin in late December, will now not begin until the end of January at the earliest.

The dredge, which is sitting in a shipyard in Quincy, Mass., is waiting for necessary certifications that will allow the boat to set sail for Florida.

“The town has received assurances that the contractor is doing everything that can be done to prepare the dredge so the project can move forward,” St. Denis told the commission.

A best-case scenario has the dredge arriving in Longboat Key by Jan. 27.

Public Works Director Juan Florensa told the Longboat Observer that residents would begin seeing bulldozers and equipment being placed on the beach near the North Shore Road beach access beginning Monday.

“The bulldozers will be removing an old, derelict seawall that’s crumbling near Longbeach as part of the project,” Florensa said.

Long pipes used to bring sand to shore from the dredge will follow.

Visit our website to see the beach/ dredging project timeline www.YourObserver.com

WHAT TO EXPECT Longbeach and 360 North condominium residents can expect the beach contractor to begin mobilizing on the beach for the north-end sand project as soon as this week.

“Residents will also notice a long metal pipe that will be laid out on the beach before it’s placed into the Gulf and attached to a barge, or Hopper dredge, that will sit a half-mile offshore,” said Public Works Director Juan Florensa. “Big bulldozers will also be running day and night to smooth out the sand that’s brought ashore by the pipe.”

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

NeWS

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INBRIEF

+ Town seeks volunteers for oversight committee

+ Trolley schedule remains intact until the spring The Longboat Key’s trolley route schedule in both Manatee and Sarasota counties hasn’t changed.

Town Manager Bruce St. Denis told the Town Commission last week that both counties aren’t planning on making the change from half-hour pickups to hour pickups until March or April.

There is a 45-day period required to advertise (printed ads, signs at stops, notification from drivers or notices on buses) a change in the trolley schedule.

The planned conversion this spring will include using two buses, one from Sarasota County and one from Manatee County, that will combine to serve the island and provide one-hour pickups each way.

The town of Longboat Key is seeking applications for appointment to the Sarasota County Citizens Oversight Committee on public school facility planning.

Applicants must be registered to vote in the town of Longboat Key. Submit applications by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, to the Town Clerk. Board appointments will be considered at the 7 p.m. Feb. 7 Town Commission regular meeting.

Applications can be downloaded at longboatkey.org. For information, call the Town Clerk’s office at 316-1999.

+ Longboat Public Interest Committee to hold forum The Longboat Key Public Interest Committee (PIC) will hold a forum entitled “Longboat Key Beaches Under Pressure: What You Need to Know” at 7

p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The event will include an introduction to Key beaches and early beach history, beachdesign principles and strategy, modern beach project history, current beach status and assessment information, details about the proposed plan and March 15 referenda and a panel discussion.

For information, contact Ann Roth at AnnBRoth@comcast.net.

+ Town Hall will be closed for Martin Luther King holiday The town of Longboat Key and its various departments will be closed Monday, Jan. 17 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. All departments will be open at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18.

The town of Longboat Key’s garbage, yard waste and recycling schedule is not affected, however, as a result of the holiday.

Meetings & agendas  Town Commission Regular Workshop — 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20.  Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7.  Zoning Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting — 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 10.  Code Enforcement Board Regular Meeting — 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14.  Planning and Zoning Board Regular Meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15.  Town Commission Regular Workshop — 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17.

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

LBKfrom - 2010 - Iof Mexico Drive rights of way. Page 3A Gulf 53 — Number of state road signs FDOT plans to remove

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

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5A

FACE(BOOK) TIME

Education Center builds its social network

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

Name: Carole Zicherman Lives in: Longboat Key, Florida Interests: Dancing, swimming, arts and crafts, church work Friends: 98 Zicherman’s 98 Facebook friends are all real-life friends and family members. She likes the fact that she can keep in touch with friends who live as far away as Europe and frequently uses the socialnetworking site to look at pictures, although she wishes she could upload her own photographs in a shorter amount of time.

“I’ve been on for a year now, but I guess I’m still technically challenged,” she said.

Zicherman is one of about a dozen people who enrolled in the four-week “Social Networking 101: Facebook and Twitter” class, which began Jan. 6, at the Longboat Key Education Center. She is one of just three students in the class who had a Facebook page already up on the first day of class. (Another couple of students have tried setting up a page since but aren’t sure if they registered successfully.) The remaining members are socialnetworking newcomers. Some, like Bette Balk, are eager to learn more about Facebook.

“My grandchildren are on it,” she said. “And I’m chairman of the search committee for my highschool reunion. I’ve found people through other websites, and I thought Facebook might be the next step.”

But some aren’t sure that they want to be a part of the trend.

“I’m a very private person,” says Carol Siegler, whose grandchildren use Facebook but has thus far resisted the social-networking trend.

“I just think that this whole thing could blow up on us someday.”

Instructor Bonnie Hammer tells the class that when Facebook started in 2004, senior citizens would not have had the option of selecting the year they were born, because, back then, the site was limited to college students. Now, senior citizens are the fastest-growing group on the site. But, she says, it’s OK to have concerns about Facebook.

“It’s very easy to deactivate an account,” she says.

For the Facebook novices, Hammer goes through the registration process, in which users enter their first and last names, e-mail addresses, passwords, genders and dates of birth. They’ll get to Twitter, a microblogging site, during another class. But there are lots of Facebook questions.

“Must you have a page even if I don’t have any intention of joining?” one student asks.

Yes, Hammer says. And having a page with personal information isn’t what should concern students.

It’s how they share it — who they friend, what privacy settings they choose — that is most important.

“Someone says they want to be my friend on Facebook, but I don’t know him,” a man says. “Should I say yes?”

No, Hammer says.

SILVER CELEBRATION

Robin Hartill

Bette Balk and Carole Zicherman work on their Facebook pages at “Social Networking 101: Facebook and Twitter” Jan. 6, at the Education Center.

“If in real life, you see the person in Publix and you would not say ‘hello’ to that person in real life, do not be their friend on Facebook,” she says.

Class members want to know if you can unfriend people. Yes, Hammer says. It’s a frequent way that she deals with “Facebook spammers” — people who send nonstop Facebook messages and wall posts.

Hammer takes the class through what she calls “the boring stuff ” first: privacy settings, which will help students protect their personal information. And she gives them a homework assignment.

“Click on ‘edit profile,’” she says, “and fill in the information.”

She tells students to upload a picture of themselves — if they

know how.

“Have fun with it,” she says. “But when you’re done, log out. Otherwise, it’s like leaving a key in an unlocked door.”

A few days after the class, not everyone is a social-networking devotee. Siegler decided to drop the class because she doesn’t feel she has time to devote to social networking. But some students are embracing it.

Over the weekend, Zicherman took her homework assignment a step further and uploaded an album of holiday pictures. She also updated her Facebook status to say she was taking a computer class. She got two responses, one of which was from her son.

It read, “Great, Mom is going to be on Twitter now.”

The Longboat Key Education Center will celebrate its 25th anniversary this season with its “Baby Grand Series,” a series of four piano recitals. The concerts will feature Robbert de Vries from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30; Judith Alstadter from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13; Michael Royal from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 20; and Katherine Alexandra from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Friday, March 4. Cost per recital is $50 for members; and $60 for non-members. Call 383-8811.

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THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

our view

A good compromise, we hope What a dilemma.

Once again, we find ourselves empathizing and sympathizing with Longboat Key town commissioners over another difficult decision — beach renourishment.

In the end, they shifted last week to a position that makes sense for the time and circumstances — a $16 million bond-issue question that will be placed on the town’s March election ballot.

This was one of those instances when the right answer just didn’t pop out of the Jackin-the-box.

The fact commissioners rejected Town Manager Bruce St. Denis’ scenario for a beachwide renourishment and addressing the north-end erosion in two bond issues totaling about $40 million should not suggest St. Denis’ thinking was flawed.

If voters had the luxury of hearing St. Denis’ arguments, they could have been persuaded. We’ll give him this: He is as much of an expert on beach erosion as any town manager in Florida.

Unfortunately, the fact he was talking about bond issues totaling $40 million — twice the cost of the last total renourishment — sent alarms to commissioners and residents alike. The high dollar amounts caused commissioners and residents to say what you would expect: There must be a cheaper, better, more efficient way.

Add to that a feeling of discomfort among many Town Hall watchers that St. Denis

has relied too long and too much on one beach engineering firm, Coastal Planning & Engineering Inc. That set the stage for a lot of secondguessing among commissioners and residents about the wisdom of going forward with two bond questions totaling $40 million. Commissioners wanted second opinions.

St. Denis complied. He brought in two of the leading experts in Florida on beach erosion — professor Robert Dean from the University of Florida, the dean of beach erosion knowledge; and Paden Woodruff, a Florida Department of Environmental Protection official who has monitored beach erosion projects in the state for more than 20 years. Few people could be more expert than they.

Their recommendation? Keep doing what Longboat Key has been doing, which is renourish every seven to eight years and continue to address the Key’s hotspots.

Exactly what St. Denis had recommended before their visit.

Still, as we saw, that $40 million price tag was difficult to digest. What’s more, commissioners heard increasing objections around town that beachfront voters — who pay 80% of the renourishment tab — would reject a beachwide renourishment topping $30 million.

So the commissioners shifted in the sand. And thanks to Commissioner Phil

Younger, the commission opted for a single bond question on the ballot: $16 million to address the troubled north end (roughly $7 million) and the balance to be used to pour more sand on the Key’s other hotspots.

This is not what St. Denis would do if money were no object. But it’s the approach that often suits government best — a compromise that is palatable to taxpayers.

This was a good outcome. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait several years to see whether it was indeed a wise decision. Let’s hope it will be so.

+ Make all of beach private

Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board member Brad Saivetz has an interesting proposition in his “My View” essay on the accompanying page: He suggests Longboat Key taxpayers get out of the beach renourishment business and return the maintenance of the Key’s beach back to its rightful owners — the beachfront property owners.

Let them take care of their portion of the beach however they see fit — the way they take care of their front yards.

Now that’s laissez-faire thinking!

There is merit to his idea. Perhaps it can become one of the serious topics of discussion at the Longboat Key Public Interest Committee’s public forum on the beach referendum at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at Longoboat Island Chapel.

CORRELATION: GROWTH, JOBS & TAXES + Recruit in Illinois

Instead of spending Florida taxpayers’ money on subsidizing companies with corporate welfare, Florida Gov. Rick Scott should be spending some of that money in Illinois to recruit companies to come on down and bring jobs.

You can be sure thousands of Illinois business owners are thinking about how they can escape. Not the weather, which is bad enough. No, they’re probably researching as we write this how they will be able to flee from a corporate income tax in Illinois that is slated to rise from 4.8% to 8.4% this year. That’s on top of the federal rate of 35%.

To make matters worse, the Illinois Legislature agreed last week on a plan to raise the individual Illinois income tax rate to 5.25% from 3%.

All of these increases are intended to raise more tax revenue to close Illinois’ $15 billion budget deficit.

But here’s a news flash to Illinois lawmakers: Raising taxes at these rates will have the opposite effect. And it will induce individuals and businesses to head for the borders.

With that, it should be one of the best times ever to woo Illinois-based companies to Florida: WHAT WE HAVE • Great weather • Beautiful environment • Lowest housing prices in a decade • Ample supply of housing • No personal income tax • Ample supply of labor • A new governor and Legislature determined to make Florida’s business climate the best in the world.

WHAT ILLINOIS HAS • Lousy weather • Lousy sports teams • Crooked politicians • High taxes This is a no-brainer. Florida’s economic development councils should be rushing to coordinate their efforts, book flights and go door to door.

Let’s get to work!

+ Truism: People vote with their feet

Economist Arthur Laffer and Wall Street Journal editorial writer Stephen Moore have long proven that states with falling tax burdens always outperform states with rising tax burdens.

More recent data bear this out as well.

The accompanying tables show the best- and worstperforming states in 2010 measured by Laffer and the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) on the basis of 15 criteria, which include such measurements as states’ tax rates, tax progressivity, recent tax changes, minimum wages,

ALEC-LAFFER RANKINGS, 2010 20 Best-Performers

U.S. CENSUS RANKINGS, 2000-2010 20 Fastest Growing States

1 Utah 2 Colorado 3 Arizona 4 South Dakota 5 Florida 6 Wyoming 7 Idaho 8 Virginia 9 Georgia 10 Tennessee

1. Nevada......................... 35.1% 2. Arizona........................ 24.6% 3. Utah............................ 23.8% 4. Idaho........................... 21.1% 5. Texas............................ 20.6% 6. North Carolina............. 18.5% 7. Georgia........................ 18.3% 8. Colorado...................... 16.9% 9. Florida......................... 17.6% 10. South Carolina........... 15.3%

11 Nevada 12 North Dakota 13 Arkansas 14 Oklahoma 15 Missouri 16 Louisiana 17 Alabama 18 Mississippi 19 Texas 20 Indiana

11. Delaware.................... 14.6% 12. Washington................. 14.1% 12. Wyoming.................... 14.1% 14. Alaska........................ 13.3% 15. New Mexico................ 13.2% 16. Virginia...................... 13.0% 17. Oregon....................... 12.0% 18. Tennessee................... 11.5% 19. California.......................10.0 20. Montana...................... 9.7%

Worst-Performers

10 Slowest Growing States

50 New York 49 Vermont 48 New Jersey 47 Illinois 46 California 45 Rhode Island 44 Maine 43 Pennsylvania 42 Ohio 41 Oregon

1. Puerto Rico...................-2.2% 2. Michigan.......................-0.6% 3. Rhode Island.................. 0.4% 4. Louisiana....................... 1.4% 5. Ohio............................... 1.6% 6. New York........................ 2.1% 7. West Virginia.................. 2.5% 8. Vermont......................... 2.8% 9. Massachusetts................ 3.1% 10. Illinois.......................... 3.3%

debt service and public employees per 1,000 population.

The right-hand table shows the fastest- and slowest-growing states in population growth rates over the past decade as measured by the Census Bureau.

It should be no surprise that six of the ALEC-Laffer worstperforming states are also among the slowest-growing states.

Likewise, 11 of the 20 best-performing are among the 20 fastest-growing states in population growth rates.

Once again, you can infer and conclude the old saw that people vote with their feet. Not only do they seek to live in states with pleasant weather, they most certainly go where they keep more of what they earn and where government intervention is less intrusive in their lives.

All the more reason for Florida Gov. Rick Scott to send corporate recruiters and sales teams to Illinois.

OPINION

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

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MY VIEW

Turn ownership of beach back to rightful owners

By Bradford Saivetz | Guest Columnist

In the 1980s, the town of Longboat Key reversed its original position, became a Daddy Warbucks and adopted the stewardship and costs of maintaining the town’s previously “private” beach.

Part of the quid pro quo involved the taking from the rightful owners title to that strip of land between the newly established “bulkhead line” and the waters of the Gulf. This actually converted the land on the west side of Gulf of Mexico Drive from “Gulf frontage” to “Gulf view.” But few of the property owners seemed to mind.

That gesture probably will cost more than $100 million of Saivetz tax dollars up to today — and the future seems even more costly, as the frequency for renourishment seems to increase and the costs of new anti-erosion structures begin to compound.

To this property owner who moved from the beach when this policy became effective and is now content to manage his own seawalls on Sarasota Bay, it is now time to reverse this decision and give the beach back to its previous owners.

As it also becomes accepted policy to continue to construct hard structures and perform renourishments with tax dollars, it becomes crystal clear that something needs changing.

How would it be, for instance, if the city of Sarasota were to take upon itself to assume the responsibility for the structural failure of Dolphin Towers? Ridiculous, right? But is it any different for the town of Longboat Key to install Longard tubes for the Privateer or quasi-Makepeace groins for the Islander? Where will it stop?

Please accept my suggestion to refer to the book, “These Shifting Sands,” by Cornelia Dean. She is the science editor at the New York Times and also lives part time in Chappaquiddick, Mass., thus has first-hand knowledge of beaches.

Her book speaks volumes about the frustration of dealing with the vagaries of beaches. She talks about the natural disasters that have occurred and goes into great detail on the physical impact on the sands and on the ecology. Her final chapter begins with a quotation from Montaigne’s essays: “Let us give Nature a chance; she knows her business better than we do.”

Indeed, our town commissioners would be better served by harkening to this book than by bending to the desires of the many beach advocates and beach activists who have led our town into this futile and costly venture.

As demonstrated by the fabled King Canute, no one is able to stop the tides.

The beach is not a one-size-fits-all solu-

tion. Most of the newer properties on the Key, especially those built after 1975 when the town adopted stringent flood standards, are not at all affected by the threat of flooding. Most of these newer properties have been planned with much higher first-floor elevations, with deeper setbacks, with walkover structures over landscaped dunes and thus with limited direct beach access.

Also, because these properties cost significantly more than the few older properties, they proportionally contribute a significantly larger percentage of the taxation revenue. It does not make sense. This egalitarian policy that the town has adopted is inherently unfair. Why should properties that have been carefully built, with proper setbacks and environmental consideration, be burdened with the perpetual responsibility of maintaining properties where these precautions have been ignored?

The simple truth is that it would be more cost effective if each property owner bought his own “white sand” and spread it on his beach. Each could pay for his own beach enhancement and not be further impacted by having more coarse sand spread across his beautiful beaches.

Other steps the town could take: • End this seemingly mandated order to pursue beach renourishment.

It is embarrassing to see all of our present commissioners dutifully lining up behind the carefully choreographed mantra of “if the width of fine white sand diminishes, our island ceases to prosper.” That is patently ridiculous! By what authority do they make this pronouncement?

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• Consider other worthwhile beneficiaries for the funds from tourist taxes. These include beautification of Gulf of Mexico Drive, advertising the other amenities available here, upgrading the facilities available to visitors, et cetera. This would also satisfy the commercial element and the chamber of commerce.

• Act as a catalyst in permitting properties abutting the beach to protect and/or enhance their own beach ambience.

This would turn back the clock to 1992. Most of us chose Longboat Key because of the way it was then! These owners might find it easier and more financially amenable to do this on their own. Then each owner can create his own backyard beach of fine white, silver or even gold sand.

This would be no different from the way they now treat their front yards. And then the owners would not have to come as mendicants, begging some town commission for salvation.

• Plan for an orderly and equitable means of distributing the largess of sand to which we are entitled from the frequent dredging of the adjacent passes. With a small cost for pumping, borne by the recipient, this could go to the most worthwhile and impacted property; or to a public beach for all the Longboat Key residents.

Thank goodness the people who create bridges and skyscrapers have a better record of success than do those who build structures of sand.

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As beach renourishment costs continue to mount, let beachfront property owners maintain their own sand.

+ Town should seek long-term planning for beach funding Dear Editor: On Dec. 16, I sat for four hours at the Town Commission meeting listening to the presentations and discussions on alternative beach solutions and their respective costs. The local newspaper accounts are more complete on these details.

The costs can vary based on which plan the commissioners select, and the costs range from $30 million to $45 million. The method of funding the project is by approving a bond issue and is on the shoulders of the Longboat Key voter, who in 2011 will be asked to approve a $45 million bond issue. The Longboat Key taxpayer will have the burden for repayment, but I did not hear any discussion on the actual finance costs, payback period or interest costs.

The life or longevity of beach sand replenishment is really unknown based on wave action, currents, storms, etc., but in most cases eight-to-10 years are used, and then another replenishment project

to the

EDITOR

or unknown scope may be needed. It’s easy to see this is not a problem solved by just throwing a lot of money at a current project. Beaches are like any other municipal physical asset, they require maintenance, repair and even replacement. As Mr. Paden Woodruff, Florida DEP representative, recommended strongly that Longboat “needs” to make applications to the federal government for assistance, like almost every other community with the similar needs has done.

Approximately 15 to 20 years ago I presented to then Town Manager Grif Roberts the reasons why Longboat needed to make applications for beach funding assistance from the federal government, and his answer was Longboat doesn’t want to get involved with the feds, our taxpayers can handle and pay for our beach needs, and the same answer has been given by numerous Longboat commissioners during the ensuing years.

The costs have gotten much larger, and what will the obligation be in the future?

Are there limitations on how much debt we will incur?

It is a given that the quality of our beaches are paramount in maintaining our distinctive elegance. The city of Cape May, N.J., where we have a summer home, in cooperation with the two adjoining municipalities secured a 50-year contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to replenish their beaches every eight-plus years, as needed, based on a pre-determined engineering plan, and the costs are funded by the federal government. Achieving this approval was with a great deal of cooperation from government officials at all levels and a determined local management team.

Longboat officials needed to change their attitude and position on federal government assistance. I hope the current and future Longboat commissioners heed the Florida DEP recommendation, and the examples set by many other communities, and move quickly for federal assistance. Without a long-term financial solution, bonding for each beach project, as needed, is without merit. Prudent leadership and management are required by the current administration for consideration of long-term needs and

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Dear Editor: Far too often we lump all the actions along our coast as a beach renourishment project. This typically dilutes the discussion into a white fine-grain or coarse darksand simplicity. Our shoreline protection requirements are much more complex and perhaps should be discussed as a collection of actions or a system approach to encompass shoreline survival. Structural solutions should be installed continuously as they are identified and not delayed to coincide with “renourishment projects.”

For instance, the mid-Key groins in front of the Islander are demonstrating a huge success in the short time since installation.

The sand collection appears to be balanced with the sand passing south. These

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initial results should quiet the naysayers who fought against the project. Beachside residents should visit the Islander property; you will be impressed with how wisely your money was spent.

There are other areas that need permanent solutions, perhaps of lesser magnitude, to prevent accelerating shoreline erosion. I am familiar with the negative erosion impact on the beach several hundred yards both north and south of Younkers wall. This problem doesn’t require a jump-off-the-cliff solution. It deserves a well-thought-out and timely correction.

The No. 1 area, of course, is the north end — Greer Island (aka Beer Can Island) south to Longbeach condominiums, including North Shore Road. Ironically, this is a three- to four-year-old disaster that started eroding six-to-seven years ago with the visible telltale loss of the Australian pine trees.

The solution floating to the surface now, which appears to make the most sense, would be to install a break wall on the south side of Longboat Pass, similar to the existing north side break wall that was probably built around the same time period of the Longboat Pass draw bridge in 1965. The accelerating sand loss from the entire north end of Longboat Key must be stopped without delay, with a well-designed structure.

Perhaps a better ongoing solution with Manatee County, as part of a systems approach, should be a continuous dialogue on multiple subjects to improve results and receiving our fair share of tax money.

A town commissioner with built-in shortterm longevity cannot be an effective liaison.

If the pipeline project with the built-in subsidy doesn’t fit into the town’s schedule, deposit that sand in the Younkers wall area. Sometimes we try to keep everybody happy and lose sight of the main objective of shoreline protection!

Now, the Sand Grabber or Sandsaver sound like entertaining ideas — if used in

9A

limited situations. It doesn’t look swimmer or surfboarding friendly. I can visualize a swimmer surfing a wave and hitting a concrete barrier on Longboat Key. The suggestion that the Great Lakes’ wave conditions simulate Florida coastal waters is totally ridiculous! There are no tides or hurricanes in the Great Lakes area. Thirty years ago, the method of choice to build sandy beaches on Lake Erie was to place old car tires on the shoreline.

The Whitney Beach section of shoreline lost 140 feet of beach in four-and-a-half years, or an average of 30 feet per year.

Barring a major hurricane, the beach will survive until 2012, which would be a sixyear cycle, and we can remain comfortable with property protection, perhaps because we received a mixture of course dark sand during the last beach renourishment. We should look for ideas to reduce the cost of future projects by using darker course, heavy sand instead of the fluffy white sand.

In closing, it is said that, “History repeats itself.” I anticipate that after the 2012 renourishment project completion, we will again go to sleep and not fix the next “hot spot” on the list until 2018 and continue to watch the shoreline erode.

John Sandford Longboat Key

To send in your letters: Please e-mail them to jluck@yourobserver.com, or mail them to The Longboat Observer, 5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 34228.

The Longboat Observer gives priority to letters of local interest and about local issues. The Observer will print all letters to the editor if it feels they are of general interest, but only if the letter is signed and the author’s street address and phone number are given. The editor reserves the right to condense letters.

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

To Patients and Residents of Longboat Key

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We are in the process of enrolling with Blue Cross Blue Shield as private insurance for those of you who do not yet qualify for Medicare.

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

At what point does the gentle touch of a snowflake on your cheek become blunt trauma to the psyche?

The day after Christmas, we’d say. Right after Mother Nature dumped as much as two feet of snow from Atlanta to Boston. Adding insult to injury, the snowstorm was too late for a white Christmas; but perfectly timed to create maximum chaos for holiday travelers.

At first, the media called it Snowmageddon. Or Snowpocalypse. Later it would be officially dubbed The Blizzard of 2010.

Oh how quickly they forget. December’s storm was hardly The Blizzard of 2010. It was, in fact, the fourth major blizzard to make headlines in 2010. Last February, three snowstorms of equal or greater intensity occurred in staccato-like succession.

As we sat in Florida watching the news reports on each new blizzard we were reminded of the airline commercials in which people who suddenly find themselves in messy situations are asked the rhetorical question: “Need to get away?”

Luckily, the first things cleared the moment a blizzard subsides are airport runways and interstate highways, the two most practical escape routes to Southwest Florida. Here, in addition to finding their place in the sun, a growing number of winter-weary buyers from up north and countries like Canada and the U.K. are discovering the most actionable home prices in a decade; prices that are often as much as 50% below the peak of the real

The White Stuff

estate boom at a time when mortgage interest rates are also at historic lows.

So a more appropriate question after the final blizzard of 2010 ushers in the winter of 2011 is, “What are you waiting for?”

Even if you absolutely crave the white stuff, you’ll appreciate it that much more when you can escape it at will—whenever you want, or once and for all. As the New Year gets underway, the Southwest Florida lifestyle has rarely been more affordable—inclusive of every property type, neighborhood, lifestyle community and price range.

With 550-plus agents providing the most complete coverage of Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte Counties from 23 branch offices, Michael Saunders & Company offers you the region’s largest and most experienced team of residential property specialists. In the past 12 months, their inside-out knowledge of our communities, neighborhoods and properties helped them collectively achieve more in total dollar volume sales—across all price ranges—than our next two competitors combined. For properties priced above $1 million they achieved 20% more in dollar volume than our next four leading competitors combined.

Incidentally, for those who might suffer from snow withdrawal, there’s plenty of the white stuff right here in Southwest Florida to help you through the transition. Except our white stuff frequently wins international acclaim and never needs to be scraped off a windshield.

We’re referring, of course, to the magnificent beaches of Southwest Florida.

Stretching from Anna Maria Island to Boca Grande ours are consistently ranked among the most breathtaking beaches in America. As recently as 2010, Crescent Beach—on Siesta Key—was named the best beach in the continental U.S. by Dr. Stephen Leatherman (a.k.a., “Dr. Beach”); due largely to its amazing sand, which geologists have identified as 99% pure quartz. Most beaches are composed of pulverized shells, rocks or volcanic lava. Quartz is pure white, as fine as powdered sugar and always comfortable beneath bare feet.

While we’re on the subject of white stuff, Southwest Florida also boasts its own answer to the “Great White Way” (a.k.a., Broadway). If you won’t miss the snows, but will miss the shows, you’ll find no place under the sun that enjoys a more astonishing range of world-class cultural pursuits.

With our own opera, ballet, symphony orchestra, numerous live theater companies and the state’s official art museum and cultural complex, is it any wonder why the region is called Florida’s Cultural Coast?

Hoping you’ll take time out from shivering and shoveling to explore the best buyers market in our region’s history, we’ll wrap-up today’s column with a little ditty for the snow-weary: Though the weather up north is frightful.

Down here you’ll feel delightful.

And with our home prices so low.

Let it snow. Let it snow. Let it snow

1204 Hillview Dr $7,900,000 #A3934316 Marcia Salkin

Sarasota 941-383-7591 941-376-6121

3250 Old Oak Dr $5,900,000 #A3934926 Tom Cail and Jason Grande

Sarasota 941-383-7591 941-780-2245

8011 Longbay Blvd $3,990,000 #A3934537 Klaus Lang

Sarasota 941-383-7591 941-320-1223

237 S Washington Dr $3,899,000 #A3937299 Tom Cail and Jason Grande

Sarasota 941-383-7591 941-780-2245

741 Hideaway Bay Dr $2,895,000 #A380045 Saint Cacchiotti

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

435 L Ambiance Dr # L707 $1,750,000 #A3928478 Hannerle Moore

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-387-7300

415 L Ambiance Dr # B602 $1,595,000 #A3935483 Hannerle Moore

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-387-7300

485 E Royal Flamingo Dr $1,395,000 #A3931452 Maureen Horn

Bird Key 941-383-7591 941-539-3384

3542 Mistletoe Ln $1,395,000 #A3932875 Maureen Horn

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-539-3384

50 Central Ave # 1206 $1,150,000 #A3933182 Michael Moulton

Sarasota 941-383-7591 941-928-3559

5930 Gulf Of Mexico Dr $1,050,000 #A3921889 Kathy Simonds

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-350-5292

380 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 512 $1,050,000 #A3936822 John August

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-320-9795

597 Cutter Ln $995,000 Jim Hanrahan

#A3923020

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-780-1035

2550 Harbourside Dr # 311 $925,000 #A3919713 Carol Aviles

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-356-6777

392 Firehouse Ln $849,000 #A3933524 Mary Defrank

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-544-0214

500 Buttonwood Dr $750,000 #A3903384 Walter Hackett

Longboat Key 941-383-5502 941-685-3994

3070 Grand Bay Blvd # 632 $685,000 #A3915571 Anne Mitchell

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-725-0227

2109 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 1301 Longboat Key $649,900 #A334195 941-383-7591 Robert Dardas 941-376-7591

4545 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 512 $649,000 #A3937237 Pamela Charron

Longboat Key 941-951-6660 941-993-3388

3070 Grand Bay Blvd # 623 $625,000 #A3930354 Tak Konstantinou

Longboat Key 941-951-6660 941-374-1606

7149 N Longboat Dr $579,000 #A3937245 Timothy Field, P.a.

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-350-0332

5655 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # D106 Longboat Key $475,000 #A3934266 941-383-5502 William Greene 941-321-0247

5393 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 216C Longboat Key $459,000 #A3936999 941-383-5502 Sandi Layfield 941-914-2807

210 Sands Point Rd # 2204 $440,000 #A3922584 Judy C Beck

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-320-2825

2035 Harbour Links Dr # 2035 $419,000 #A3937282 Bobbi Banan

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-356-2659

611 Hibiscus Way $399,000 #A3936592 Ian Addy Pa

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-961-8850

4725 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 208 $399,000 #A3937165 Steve Abbott

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-374-3003

4621 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 20 $375,000 #A3912192 Sandi Layfield

Longboat Key 941-383-5502 941-914-2807

731 Fox St $360,000 Cathy Meldahl

Longboat Key 941-383-5502 941-724-7228

844 Evergreen Way # 29 $349,900 #A3937288 Cathy Meldahl

Longboat Key 941-383-5502 941-724-7228

611 Tropical Cir $349,000 #A3935669 Stacy Liljeberg

Siesta Key 941-349-3444 941-544-6103

800 N Tamiami Trl # 1509 $305,000 #A3934951 Gloria Totti-Cervoni

Sarasota 941-349-3444 941-544-7746

4235 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # G203 Longboat Key $279,000 #A3936274 941-388-4447 Eileen Burke 941-266-8949

750 N Tamiami Trl # 902 $267,000 #A3918509 Jeffrey Weller

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-266-8206

3320 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 107C Longboat Key $249,000 #A3896917 941-383-7591 Doris Bushman 941-383-9253

4118 Entrada Ct $219,000 #A3926346 Peggy Mock

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-356-3584

580 De Narvaez Dr $200,000 #A3925298 Deborah Nelson

2600 Harbourside Dr # N-07 $137,900 #A3937219 Ryan Heers

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-726-1703

#A3921603

Vacation Ownership and Rentals LOngbOAt Key Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-545-6969

4870 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # V12 $209,000 #A3936021 Yolanda Kaufman

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-504-1574

White Sands of Longboat whitesandsoflongboat.com 800.230.2428

Longboat Key 941-951-6660 941-266-5900

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7174 Lakeside Dr $209,900 #A3934810 Jaclyn Smith

Veranda Beach Club verandabeachclub.com 800.411.5511

Colony 941.383.3759 • Mid Longboat 383.5502 • South Longboat 383.7591 • St. Armands 388.4447 • Main Street 951.6660 • Palmer Ranch 966.8000 • Siesta Key 349.3444

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

11A

ExcEptional REal EstatE oppoRtunitiEs terry derr #1

E LU E A V IC ST PR BE EST B joan boltax

hannerle moore #1

addy/wittig

$419,000 EXQUISITE MARINA BAY PENTHOUSE $1,075,000 LONGBOAT KEY CLUB & RESORT $349,000 - $895,000 BEACHPLACE II – LONGBOAT KEY $475,000 988 BLVD. OF THE ARTS #1115 View of lake & Gulf, largest 2BR/2Ba plan, furn. Best value. Mainland Bayfront , gorgeous views, updated 2br/2ba Gorgeous full Bay views, 3,197 sF, 3BR & 2 terraces Enjoy memorable vacations while earning income.

941.350.6390 Hannerle Moore 941.387.0100 terri Derr 941.356.6694 Joan Boltax 941.387.7300 ian addy & Gail Wittig

audrey singer

goldsmiths

jon&susan fox

BIRD KEY WATERWAY $1,900,000 600 PUTTING GREEN LANE – LBK $2,750,000 Beautifully updated home sits on a 26,000+ sF lot Direct Bayfront, 4br/4ba, 4,082 sF in country club shores audrey singer 941.350.2588 Mel & Jan Goldsmith 941.356.6673

birgitte & kristin von kessel #1

DIRECT GULF FRONT – SEA GATE CLUB $685,000 4972 GMD, WINDWARD BAY $429,000 updated southwest corner apartment lBK Bayfront, 3BR/2Ba, optional Boat Dock susan and Jon Fox 941.544.6648 Diana Kryszak 941.993.4078

larry zeigler

k. simonds

AQUARIUS – 1701 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #2-G $429,000 FIRST LIDO - 1900 BEN FRANKLIN DR. $399,000 2br/2ba, 1,551 sF, sunset views, pRicED to sEll! 2br/2ba, 1,068 sF, great Gulf views, walk to st. armands 941.228.2612 Brigitte & Kristina von Kessel 941.266.2174 larry Zeigler

carol aviles #1

EN Y OP DA N SU

judy nimz #1

LONGBOAT – WIDE CANAL FRONT $1,050,000 ORCHID BEACH CLUB – LIDO KEY $1,795,000 updated home, dock & large lot Gulf & Bay views, built in 2005, 3br/3ba, gas grill Kathy simonds 941.350.5292 Judy and Bill nimz 941.374.0196

hannerle moore #2

linda thompson

birgitte & kristin von kessel #2

2232 HARBOUR COURT DRIVE – LBK $1,095,000 L’AMBIANCE CONDOMINIUM $1,345,000 BRADFORD MANOR NEW CONSTRUCTION $163,665 $1,750,000 GRAND BAY – LONGBOAT KEY 4br/3.5ba Bay isles Bayfront w/2car gar., boat dock Exquisite finishes, 2,550 sF, 900’ wrap terrace, 270° beach & Bay views pet friendly. Resort-style amenities. private Gulf beach club. largest model, new const. w/upgrades, overlooks golfcourse carol aviles 941.356.6777 Hannerle Moore 941.400.0805 Brigitte & Kristina von Kessel 941-387-7300 linda thompson 941.266.2174

m. salkin/p. soublis

8334 SANDERLING ROAD $2,990,000 150’ beachfront lot in the sanderling club of siesta Key Marcia salkin/paulene soublis 941.356.0203

4 EN 1 OP AY D UN judy nimz

vivian chester S

#2

maureen horn

WINDWARD BAY #204 - LONGBOAT KEY $274,900 MARINA TOWER - BAYFRONT MISTLETOE LANE - COREY’S LANDING $1,395,000 $1,650,000 2br/2ba, Water & wildlife views, community boat dock 4br/3.5ba, full Bay views, boat dock, kayak Downtown, Beautiful Views, 3,700sF, 3BR+Den Vivian ann chester 941.961.8659 Judy and Bill nimz 941.539.3384 941.374.0196 Maureen Horn

terri derr #2

hannerle moore #3

LONGBOAT KEY BAYFRONT ESTATE $1,995,000 2425 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #3E $669,500 Gorgeous views, 1.2+ acres w/131’ of bayfront, + buildable lot. sea Gate club, 2BR/2Ba w/Direct Gulf Views, 1,470 sF 941.356.6673 Hannerle Moore 941.387.7300 Mel & Jan Goldsmith

carol aviles #2

156 BISHOPS COURT RD. – OAKS PRESERVE $479,900 2550 HARBOURSIDE DR. #311 – BAY ISLES $925,000 3br/3.5ba, 2 lots on cul de sac, flowering gardens, 2 fireplaces 3br/3ba, Marina Bay, lg. 1st fl. w/Bay views, 3,400 sF. terri Derr 941.356.6694 carol aviles 941.356.6777

opEn WEEKEnDs 9:00aM – 4:00pM

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

Main (941) 951.6660 • St. Armands 388.4447 • Colony 383.3759 • Mid Longboat 383.5502 • South Longboat 383.7591 • Palmer Ranch 966.8000 • Siesta Key 349.3444

50420

®

12A

Complimentary Seminar

COPS

Are we in a

Lesson learned 7:34 a.m. — 500 block of Spinnaker Lane. Traffic Violation. Police pulled a man over for driving his car while having multiple suspensions on his record and not paying traffic fines. The man told police he knew he had some unpaid tickets but didn’t know his license was suspended. The man’s car was towed away.

10:41 a.m. — Intersection of Gulf of Mexico Drive (GMD) and Harbourside Drive. Traffic Violation. A man told police he put a tag from a trailer he had sold onto his new trailer. He also admitted to driving with a suspended driver’s license and having an improper tag on his truck.

The tags were confiscated, the trailer and truck were towed away, and multiple tickets were issued.

• Performance of bonds during times of rising/declining interest rates • Things to consider when choosing between: - Individual bonds or bond funds?

- Tax free or Taxable bonds?

- Long term or short term bonds?

- High yield bonds or preferred stock?

• Ways to hedge against rising interest rates

Construction creates confusion

*Bond prices fluctuate inversely to changes in interest rates. Therefore, a general rise in interest rates can result in a decline in the value of your investment. *Mutual funds will be discussed at this seminar. Investing in mutual funds involves risk. The principal value and investment return will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

Wednesday, Jan. 19 2:00pm

Bayfront Park Recreation Center 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 (2nd floor of recreation building located directly behind Ace Hardware)

Seating is limited.

Kindly R.S.V.P. to 941-388-6635 or email Andrew.Lowther@wfadvisors.com

10:57 a.m. — 100 block of Lighthouse Point Drive. Property Damage. A woman told police that someone possibly broke into a home she was watching for its owners. Upon entering the home, the woman noticed the stereo was playing and a broken vase was lying in pieces on the kitchen floor. It was determined construction from a nearby home demolition caused the vase to vibrate and fall to the floor. It’s unknown how the construction caused the stereo to play.

Dec. 31

Resolution revolt

Savannah Preserve

Open House Tour Taste

&

Tour our 4 award winning floor plans while tasting the area’s best appetizers!

File illustration by Kevin Dean

Jan. 1, 1995

9:58 a.m. — 1500 block of GMD. Tree cut down by unknown persons.

about getting the couple’s car keys so she could take the car and leave him on the Key. The husband unknowingly struck his wife with his arm while she was holding onto his shirt. The wife agreed to leave the Key and spend New Year’s Eve with other family members. Police gave her a ride back to the mainland.

Jan. 1

Fire starters 12:51 a.m. — 3800 block of GMD. Code Enforcement. Police noticed a large group of people on the beach around a fire. Although the fire was contained in a pit, it was in violation of the town’s openburning ordinance. The group, which was also drinking on the beach, agreed to distinguish the fire and leave.

8:18 p.m. — 4600 block of GMD. Disturbance. Police helped mediate a lovers’ quarrel at a local resort. A woman told police she had a fight with her husband

Visit our website to read more Cops Corner reports www.YourObserver.com

Welcome Margaret Van Leeuwen, Stylist From a Longboat Key Salon Raquel Mathias and Lidia, Stylists Shayla and Kim, Nail Technicians Loan Hertzog Stylist & Colorist

The

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Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2010 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 1010-2128.

CLASSIC COPS

That’s the ticket

Please join us for an enlightening discussion of the following:

Jan. 16, 2011 Noon to 4pm

CORNER

Dec. 30

BOND BUBBLE?

Andrew Lowther Financial Advisor

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

Let our friendly professionals pamper you with a hot stone message, spa pedicure and more.

S alon @ St. Armands

941.706.2506

24 North Blvd of the Presidents Sarasota, Florida 34236 TheSalonAtStArmands@gmail.com

TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS The Town of Longboat Key is accepting applications for appointment to the Sarasota County Citizen’s Oversight Committee for the ILA on Public School Facility Planning.

• Maintenance Free Living • Rock Solid Construction • Custom Upgrades Included • University Park Address • Gated Community

FEATURING: Pei Wei Lee Roy Selmons Red Elephant Bonefish Grill Nearing Closeout Lucky Pelican Act Now Before Its Too Late!

Olive R Twists

From $265,900!

All applications must be submitted to the Office of the Town Clerk by January 19, 2011, at 5:00 PM. The Town Commission may host an applicant “meet and greet” prior to making the appointment.

Board appointments will be considered at the February 7, 2011, 7:00 P.M. Town Commission Regular Meeting.

All applicants must be registered voters of the Town of Longboat Key. Applications are available at the Office of the Town Clerk or can be downloaded from the Town’s website www.longboatkey.org. If you have any questions please call the Office of the Town Clerk at 941-316-1999.

CARRIAGE HOMES AT UNIVERSITY PLACE

For Info Call 360-3838

WWW.SAVANNAHPRESERVE.COM ◆ MON-FRI 10 AM-6 PM ◆ SAT 10 AM-5 PM◆ SUN 12PM-5PM Go to University Parkway (near I-75) Turn north on Cooper Creek Blvd. We are 1/2 mile on left.

OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK Town of Longboat Key 501 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key FL 34228

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Applications may be submitted to:

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

NeWS

community calendar If your organization would like to have meetings or events publicized, mail or fax the information at least one week in advance to The Longboat Observer, Box 8100, Longboat Key 34228; fax: 383-7193 or e-mail: rhartill@yourobserver.com. All announcements must be typed, include hour and date of meeting, complete address of meeting place and a telephone reference number. To ensure accuracy, no telephone calls. Deadline is the previous Tuesday, 5 p.m.

on the key Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce ‘Networking @ Noon’ Luncheon — takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, at the Chart House Restaurant, 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Cost is $20. Call 383-2466.

Republican Club of Longboat Key — meets at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 14, at Sarasota Yacht Club, 700 John Ringling Blvd. Dr. Jim Whitman will present “A Physician’s View of Obamacare.” Cost is $22 for members; $25 for non-members. RSVP by calling Ruth Strauss at 383-5349.

Longboat Key Garden Club Arbor Day Celebration — takes place at 3 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 14, at Overlook Park, behind the Chart House Restaurant at the southern part of Longboat Key. The Garden Club will celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree.

Refreshments will follow. Contact Virginia Sanders at 383-3659.

‘The New Year, the New Longboat: A Celebration of Things to Come’ — takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, at Longboat Key Club and Resort’s Harbourside Dining Room, 3000 Harbourside Drive. Cost is $5 for members; $10 for nonmembers. Call 383-2466.

Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Services Update — takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, at Plymouth Harbor, 700 John Ringling Blvd. Heather Snyder, senior associate director of medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer’s Association, will speak. Contact Suzanne Holmes at 800-272-3900 or holmess@ alzflgulf.org.

Harry’s Continental Kitchens Wine Tasting — takes place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 19, at Harry’s deli, 525 St. Judes Drive. Proceeds benefit Save Our

Seabirds. Cost is $10. Call 383-0777.

American Littoral Society Kayak at South Lido Park/Bird Key — takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, around South Lido Park. Explore the mangrove tunnels and learn about local bird and marine life. All kayak equipment will be provided. Cost is $20 for members; $25 for non-members. For information, including meeting location, contact John Sarkozy at 966-7308.

Aging in Paradise Resource Center Grand Opening — takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, at Longboat Key Club and Resort Harbourside Dining Room,

www.YourObserver.com

3000 Harbourside Drive. The event honors Rhea Chiles and features cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music, auctions and more.

Call 383-6491.

Longboat Key Historical Society — will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, at Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design. Professor Gabrielle Vail, of New College, will speak about “Creation and World Renewal Rituals of the Prehistoric Maya.” Call 383-2345.

Sarasota Yacht Club Charitable Foundation ‘A Toast to Cure Cancer’ Dinner — takes place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at Sarasota Yacht Club, 700 John Ringling Blvd. The event will feature a five-course dinner created by SYC Executive Chef Jack Wenz. A live auction will take place at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $125. Call 365-4191.

Eighth Annual St. Armands Winter Art Festival — takes place from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29 and Sunday, Jan. 30, on St. Armands Circle. More than 175 artists and craftspeople will display their original artwork. Call 388-1554.

13A

DON’T MISS 24th Annual Circus Ring of Fame cEREMONY What: Individuals who have made significant contributions to the circus will be inducted into the Circus Ring of Fame. Call 388-1554.

When: 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16 Where: St. Armands Circle Park

File photo

Michelangelo Nock and William B. Hall III attended last year’s Circus Ring of Fame ceremony.

Created from a Dream Awaken your vision— experience the new Dalí.

You’ll find there is more to Dalí than you ever imagined.

Golf Is

Our Passion.

Is It Yours?

Sara Bay Country CluB Come Share Our Passion.

• Exclusive Golf, Truly Private, A Member Owned Club • Minutes From Downtown Sarasota, Longboat, Lido, Siesta Keys and Anna Maria Island • An Original Golf Course Design

By Donald Ross, Preserved In Pristine Condition Ask about our new 60 day trial “Guest Membership” program.

49477

www.sarabaycc.org

50380

One Dalí Boulevard Contact Gavin Darbyshire, PGA at (941) 355-7658 or gavin.sbcc@gmail.com

|

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

|

thedali.org for tickets and info

Now Open.

14A

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

silver anniversary

Promenade residents celebrate 25 years

Save $25 – $300 per unit on select Hunter Douglas M & M Wallcoverings & Blinds window fashions.

4801 Sof Tamiami Trl Hunter Douglas offers an array attractive colors, fabrics and styles for creating Sarasota FL Select Offer Offer inviting living spaces. With their enduring craftsmanshipSelect and energy-efficient M-F: 9:00-5:00 2 10:00-3:00 designs,Color theyLogo_1 present exceptional value – smart style that’s energy smart, too.

Closed And, now you can enjoy smart savings from January 14 through April 29, 2011 941-925-7800 mmwallcoverings.hdwfg.com with mail-in rebates on select styles. Ask us for details.

By Maria Amodio | Staff Writer

ChooseChoose Choose

Choose Seals Seals Seals Visit Our Beautiful HunterDouglas Gallery or Call for a Free In-Home Estimate Seals 2

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We Accept All Major Credit Cards

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Promenade condominium residents celebrated the residence’s 25th anniversary Jan. 9, at the Promenade condominium complex. The evening began with cocktails and live music in the Promenade’s tea room; afterward, the 80 guests moved on to the dining room for an elegant dinner.

Chairwomen for the event were Joanne Klein and Francine Engle.

50526

19751

941-925-7800

4801 S. Tamiami Trail (Across from The Landings) Website: mmwallcoverings.hdwfg.com

Curt and Janet Mattson, Owners

“Best Public/Semi Private Golf Course in Sarasota”

Event Chairwoman Joanne Klein and Ron Lucchino, president of the Promenade Condominium Owners Association

Bobby Jones Golf Club is a 45 hole municipal facility named for the legendary Robert Tyre Jones, Jr., who personally dedicated the facility on Sunday, February 13, 1927.

Ziona Weber and Nancy Trotta

Winter Hours • Tee Times 6:45 AM - 6:00 PM

We Honor All Discount Cards • 5 Days Advance Tee Times Click or Call

AM

46

26*

plus tax

*Rates are subject to change

AFternOOn SPeCiAL

3458*

$

plus tax

*Rates are subject to change

www.BobbyJonesGolfClub.com 1000 Circus Boulevard • Sarasota, FL 34232

Arthur and Pam Levenson

Photos by Maria Amodio

Margaret Guthman and Lenore Laupheimer

Municipal Bond Offerings

Join Us

2011 AUTHOR LUNCHEON

For a complimentary copy of Municipal Bond offerings please call or email Rebecca Bolletti.

The Literary Council of Sarasota presents

Rebecca Bolletti

Vice President – Wealth Management Financial Planning Specialist Financial Advisor (941) 364-7406 (800) 237-9441 x 406 rebecca.s.bolletti@mssb.com www.fa.smithbarney.com/bolletti

Dr. DEREK BOK, author,

Former president of Harvard University

50064

Bonds are affected by a number of risks, including fluctuations in interest rates, credit risk and prepayment risk. In general, as prevailing interest rates rise, fixed income securities prices will fall. Bonds face credit risk if a decline in an issuer’s credit rating, or creditworthiness, causes a bond’s price to decline. Finally, bonds can be subject to prepayment risk. When interest rates fall, an issuer may choose to borrow money at a lower interest rate, while paying off its previously issued bonds. As a consequence, underlying bonds will lose the interest payments from the investment and will be forced to reinvest in a market where prevailing interest rates are lower than when the initial investment was made. NOTE: High yield bonds are subject to additional risks such as increased risk of default and greater volatility because of the lower credit quality of the issues. © 2010 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

And his provocative new book

THe

poLiTiCS oF

Happiness

Come hear this distinguished educator and commentator interpret the latest research on well-being, and what it means for individual citizens and their governments.

Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, 11 a.m.

Michael’s on east Tickets $50 Call 941-955-0421 A benefit for the adult literacy programs of The Literacy Council of Sarasota, Inc.

50326

50592

941-365-GOLF(4653)

5 Days Advance Tee Times Click or Call

50419

$

www.YourObserver.com

15A

lively SUPPORT

Golf Lessons

We Have

available thru our head professional

Golf Logix GPS Ask about our Seasonal Membership

We’re Now

accepting Golf outings for 2011

Fall Rates

$10 OFF

Photos by Dora Walters

Don Markstein and Ruth Engman

Event Associate Chairwoman Sharon Frankel and Chairwoman Barbara Blumfield

Temple members circle for leadership dedication

By Dora Walters | Senior Editor

$10 OFF

7am-8am

8am-12pm

12pm-2pm

exp. 4/30/11

exp. 4/30/11

exp. 4/30/11

New Restaurant Now Open Breakfast & Lunch 6:30am-dark

6600 River Club Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34202 • 751-4211

The unveiling of the expanded leadership plaque was a highlight of the evening.

Russell Heath and Becca Hill presented a music program, which concluded with an audience sing-along of “The Sunny Side of the Street.”

The event chairwoman was Barbara Blumfield, who was assisted by Sharon Frankel.

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A champagne brunch held Jan. 9, at Temple Beth Israel, honored more than 150 members of its Leadership Circle.

Temple President Earl Gordon thanked the honorees for their financial support that enables the enrichment of temple life throughout the year.

$15 OFF

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

Temple Beth Israel President Earl Gordon addresses the crowd.

David Snyder and Donald Weill

WIRELESS & CELLULAR WIRELESS & CELLULAR LBK BEACHES UNDER PRESSURE: COMMUNICATION ON WHAT YOU NEED TOKEY KNOW COMMUNICATION ON LONGBOAT LONGBOAT KEY PIC (Public Interest Committee) COMMUNITY FORUM PIC (Public Interest Committee) COMMUNITY FORUM Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 7:00 PM

Thursday, January 27, 2011

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16A

COLONY / FROM PAGE 1A Colony owner Dr. Murray “Murf ” Klauber, under his corporation Colony Beach Inc. The unit owners paid $650,000 annually as per the lease.

“The association rejected those leases in bankruptcy, leaving it with no recreational facilities,” Bentley wrote. “In order to get those three acres back, it will need another lease (or purchase) of the properties. If the association believes that the joint owners of three acres (will) allow a 5% owner to use 100% of the three acres, they are misinformed.”

Klauber has an 80% undivided interest in the tennis courts, Field has a 15% undivided interest, and Adams now holds the 5% undivided interest he bought from Merrill in December for $350,000.

Klauber told the Longboat Observer he agrees with Bentley’s assessment.

“I completely disagree with the association’s stance on this issue,” Klauber said.

Bentley said that a 5% owner of three acres of property would amount to that owner owning .15 acres, or 6,450 square feet.

“I am guessing that 6,450 square feet doesn’t satisfy the recreation or openspace requirements,” Bentley wrote, explaining that the unit owners technically wouldn’t even own one tennis court, which is 7,200 square feet.

Town zoning laws mandate that property zoned for a tourism use, such as the Colony, must provide recreational amenities available to resort guests, such as the 12 tennis courts in the middle of the property.

Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association President Jay Yablon, who is out of the country until Jan. 20 and couldn’t be reached for comment on this issue, has stated previously that an undivided in-

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

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www.YourObserver.com

recreational LAND owners These three owners have the following undivided ownership interest in three acres of recreational land that sit in the middle of The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.

15%

5%

80% Colony Beach Inc.

(Owned by Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber)

Carolyn Field Andy Adams terest in the property means unit owners would have as much right to the property as the other co-owners.

“I am pleased to report that rather than challenge the validity of the zoning concerns at this time, the association has acquired the immediate right to use parcels comprising many of the recreational amenities, which should eliminate or

moot any zoning concerns precluding the Colony from re-opening,” Yablon wrote in a Jan. 5 letter to Simpson.

The association signed an agreement with Adams in December giving the association an exclusive option to purchase that 5% undivided interest. Yablon told Simpson in his letter that the association will purchase that interest once the town confirms that the acquisition resolves the issue of recreational amenities.

But Bentley maintains state law mandates that 100% of the unit owners must approve a purchase of a portion of the property, which is unlikely considering Klauber owns multiple units.

“To say that you can buy (a) 5% (interest), use the courts and pay nothing turns the entire historic arrangement upside down,” Bentley wrote.

If Persson submits a recommendation later this week, as expected, clarifying whether the zoning issue has been remedied, the association then hopes to ask unit owners for funds to fix up the buildings in the short-term, while a long-term renovation goal is solidified.

“It’s our intention to get people back in there as quickly as possible,” Yablon told the Longboat Observer last week.

The resort, Yablon said, will begin renovations to some buildings onsite that its Sarasota-based engineering firm, Karins Engineering, has deemed as safety issues, if the town attorney’s opinion is made in the association’s favor.

Persson responded to Yablon in a letter also dated Jan. 5.

“Restoration of the use of the (recreation) property by the unit owners, invitees and guests will avoid the prohibition in the town’s Comprehensive Plan for increasing a non-conformity and, thus, if true, resolve the known zoning concerns,” Persson said.

Persson requested an opinion by Tam-

FORECLOSURE SCHEDULED Longboat Key resident David Siegal, one of the partners of Colony Lender LLC, told the Longboat Observer last week that he and his partner, Longboat Key businessman Randy Langley, are moving foreclosure proceedings forward on $11 million bank loans that were purchased from Bank of America in March 2009 from Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber.

Siegal said he can’t allow any more time to go by without pursuing a foreclosure action on the bank loans his company owns.

A hearing is scheduled Monday, Jan. 24 in Sarasota County Clerk of the Court to calculate the exact amount due on the loans.

Once a judge sets the amount due, an online foreclosure sale will be set in Sarasota County. pa-based Colony Association attorney Donald Hemke, of Carlton Fields.

Hemke confirmed his assessment in a nine-page opinion.

“With the safety and zoning issues being resolved, the Colony plans to reopen units and resume operations very shortly,” Henke wrote in a Jan. 5 letter.

“I would hope the town would agree that the Colony may be re-opened immediately, subject to any inspections of individual units or buildings. Re-opening the Colony immediately is the necessary first step to restoring and revitalizing the resort.”

Although the Colony would re-open to unit owners, it would not be open to the general public until a renovation plan is agreed upon with unit owners and its consultants.

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SAND / FROM PAGE 1A structures to the north end and allow for sand to be extracted from a future naturalgas pipeline corridor at the bottom of the Gulf for placement on the north end and other erosion hot spots.

“The type of project we have been seeking a permit for over the last two years was for a white sand, island-wide project that is projected to cost approximately $35 million,” St. Denis said.

Putting a lesser number on the project, St. Denis said, would have been fruitless because the town doesn’t have a permit for any other type of project. The commission instead decided to delay any island-wide beach project.

“Now we are saying the project is too much and I understand that,” St. Denis said. “But we can’t all of a sudden cut that project by a third and expect the same results.”

For instance, St. Denis says if the town wants a $20 million island-wide beach project in the future, changes need to be made to the town’s beach-management plan.

17A

TOWN BEACH PROJECTS Beach project

Cost Amount of sand placed

1993 island-wide beach project

$9.73 million

3.3 million cubic yards

1996 interim beach project

$4.27 million

891,000 cubic yards

2001 interim beach project at Islander Club

$1 million

105,000 cubic yards

2003 New Pass dredging

Free sand from dredging

100,000 cubic yards

2006 island-wide beach project

$20 million

1.79 million cubic yards

2011 north-end beach restoration $4 million 2012 north-end structures and sand project

133,000 cubic yards

$16 million

agement plan would also adversely affect residents on the north end who depend on the sand every six to eight years.

“I strongly urge storm protection to be the top priority,” St. Denis said. “If a storm comes, you need a high, wide beach, or your structures will not withstand the storm. If storm protection isn’t a top priority, we are saying we are willing to take a risk on certain portions of the island not being in a

1.4 million cubic yards

good position for severe storms.”

Younger, meanwhile, said the town needs more time to assess the renourishment program. The next island-wide project was originally scheduled for 2014.

“I totally support renourishment and maintaining beaches,” Younger said. “But it appears wise to review the renourishment policy and base it more on the triggering of events rather than a set year policy.”

I need to know what kind of beach the commission wants moving forward. I don’t know what the island-wide beach project is anymore .

— Bruce St. Denis, town manager

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Those changes would include wording that finer, white sand is too expensive, a 130-foot-wide and 6-foot-high beach isn’t necessary and the town doesn’t need to renourish every six to eight years.

Any of those changes or a combination of those scenarios would help reduce the project’s cost — and the amount of sand the island receives — moving forward, but St. Denis warns of possible effects if hurricanes threaten the island’s shore.

“We can change how we perform beach projects, but if we have a couple of major storms we will have to do more beach maintenance,” St. Denis said. “Making any modifications moving forward has repercussions.”

Despite Commissioner Phillip Younger’s claim that most of the island’s beach has maintained its overall width, St. Denis says changing the beach-management plan would cause a noticeable difference.

That’s because if sand isn’t put down every eight years, or more frequently in erosion-prone areas, St. Denis says the south-end beach that benefits from sand coming from the north end won’t maintain its width.

St. Denis said changing the beach man-

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

RELIGION

www.YourObserver.com

happy holidays

obituaries

All Angels by the Sea members celebrate Feast of Epiphany

Herbert David Miller

Herbert David Miller, 83, of Longboat Key and Cincinnati, died July 15.

Originally from New Kensington, Pa., he served in the U.S. Army during World War II and graduated from St. Vincent College, in Latrobe, Pa. He was awarded an M.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where he won the Prize for Pediatrics and completed a residency in psychiatry at Western Psychiatric Insti-

By Dora Walters | Senior Editor

Members of All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church celebrated the Feast of Epiphany with a potluck supper on the 12th day after Christmas, Jan. 6. The Social Committee, headed by Phil Kreis, was in change of arrangements. The evening concluded with a carol sing-along led by Music Director Dale Hooey.

WORSHIP SERVICES All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road, will hold Wednesday communion and anointing services at 10 a.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 USA, 595 Bay Isles Drive, will hold Sunday worship services at 10 a.m. The Rev. Bruce Porter is the pastor. 383-8833.

Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, will hold Sunday worship services at 10 a.m. The Rev. Kenneth Gill is the minister. 383-6491.

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

Don and Elenor Maxheim wth Don MacLean

Music Director Dale Hooey leads the sing-along.

563 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key All are welcome. Please join us in worship!

383-8161

595 Bay Isles Road

Music Director: Dan Hoffman

9 a.m. Adult Education 10 a.m. Worship Service

International Dinner

383-8833

www.christchurchoflbk.org

The Community Church on Longboat Key

Wednesday, January 12 5:30 p.m., $5 per person, wine additional $3

The Rev. Kenneth Gill Senior Minister

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

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

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CATHOLIC CHURCH

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WINTER MASS SCHEDULE Saturday 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm Sunday 8:00 am, 9:30 am & 11:30 am Daily: M-F @ 9:00 am Confession before all weekend Masses 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 Msgr. Gerard Finegan, Pastor 383-1255

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INVITES YOU

Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, will hold Shabbat services at 8 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. Saturdays. Rabbi Jonathan Katz is the rabbi. Call 383-3428.

The Episcopal Church on Longboat Key

Loving, Personal Care for Your Dog (All Breeds) Pickup & Delivery Available Dog Sitting Available

of Longboat Key • Presbyterian USA

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, will hold Saturday Masses at 4 and 6 p.m. and Sunday Masses at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Daily Masses are at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday. The Rev. Gerard Finegan is the pastor.

383-1255.

All Angels by the Sea

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hold contemporary Sunday worship services at 9 a.m. and traditional Sunday worship services at 11 a.m. The Rev. Mark Bernthal is the pastor. 388-1234.

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

49884

Photos by Dora Walters

Heidi Thomas and Jane Perin

tute, in Pittsburgh.

Dr. Miller practiced psychiatry until he retired in 1988. He was a member of the American Medical Association and a life member of the American Psychiatric Association and an avid sailor cyclist and bridge player.

Dr. Miller is survived by his wife, Lenore; daughters Wendy Miller, of Sugar Land, Texas, and Bonnie Jeffrey and Kim Miller, of Cincinnati; three grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

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18A

BUSINESS

CLASSIFIEDS

KEY LIFE

REAL ESTATE

sports

GAMES

TRAVEL

WEATHER

Neighborhood ■

■

■

■

SERVICES

Find a landscaper in The Observer Classifieds.

Page 28A.

■

■

■

■

key real estate

Athlete of the Week

Tangerine Bay Club A three-bedroom unit sells for $1.26 million.

Key Club golfer Dave Gallagher has won many tournaments. Page 24A.

See page 22A

www.YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

SALES SNAPSHOT

2010 normal

The new

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

Uncertainty dominated the real-estate market in 2009, both locally and nationally. The recession and financial collapse left many buyers hesitant, while sellers often didn’t accept the new reality. But local Realtors say 2010 was different: It was the year of the new normal.

“I think the year before was more of a transition year,” said Roger Pettingell, sales associate at Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate. “This year, people understood what the new normal was going to be, with buyers looking for values and sellers being realistic, and there wasn’t as much of a struggle this year.”

Michael Moulton, broker associate with Michael Saunders & Co., said that although sales have been slow in the higher end, activity was strong in 2010 for Key

properties priced under $1.5 million.

“I think that people in general are settling in like this is the new normal,” Moulton said.

Moulton also found sellers increasingly accommodating in 2010; in some cases, clients were willing to price their properties even lower than he suggested.

“I feel that people in general think that prices are near the bottom,” he said.

Tina Rudek, of Engel & Völkers Longboat Key/Anna Maria Island, also said that more buyers believed the market was nearing a bottom in 2010. And, Rudek said that 2011 is already off to a positive start: On her first day of work in the new year, a condominium that she had listed for the past three years finally went under contract.

“I think things are looking up, and I think 2011 is going to tell where we’re heading,” she said.

at a glance

File photo

The 8,800-square-foot New Pass home at 1333 Westway Drive, in the Lido Shores subdivision, sold for $8.4 million in February 2010.

The following residential real-estate sales data was compiled from January 2010 to December 2010.

Longboat Key

Bird Key

Lido Key/St. Armands Key

Condominiums 2010 Total: 226 High: $3.8 million* Low: $115,000 Median: $495,000

Single-family homes 2010 Total: 73 High: $6.65 million Low: $240,000 Median: $825,000

Condominiums 2010 Total: 73 High: $3.85 million Low: $171,250 Median: $431,800

Single-family homes 2010 Total: 38 High: $8.4 million Low: $260,000 Median: $650,000

2009 Total: 235 High: $3.33 million Low: $97,000 Median: $450,000

2009 Total: 79 High: $7,125,000 Low: $220,000 Median: $743,700

2009 Total: 43 High: $2,731,800 Low: $231,000 Median: $520,000

2009 Total: 40 High: $7,423,500 Low: $300,000 Median: $625,000

*(non-MLS sale)

Source: Multiple Listing Service

2010 Total: 33 High: $4.2 million Low: $410,000 Median: $889,000 2009 Total: 30 High: $4.75 million Low: $400,000 Median: $637,500 Source: Sarasota County Clerk of the Court

Source: Sarasota County Clerk of the Court

Courtesy photo

The two-year-old home at 2735 Gulf of Mexico Drive with six bedrooms and six-and-a-half bathrooms sold for $6.65 million in April 2010.

Courtesy photo

Unit 1001 at Ritz-Carlton Beach Residences, on Lido Key, sold for $3.85 million in March 2010.

The 6,735-square-foot home at 429 Meadow Lark Drive sold for $4.2 million in February 2010.

S aint C acchiotti,

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

20A

REAL ESTATE REPORTS

Realtor®

+ Coldwell adds two agents to Longboat Key office

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

HOMES

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

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Coldwell Banker Longboat Key announced the addition of two new agents to its team. Cathy Gilitberti came to the area from New York, where she managed more than 7 million square feet of commercial space. She is a graduate of Barry College and St. John’s School of Law. Pablo Arthur attended law school and has a background in computer engineering.

He spent the early years of his life in the Dominican Republic.

+ Wagner Realty announces top producers in December

Wagner Realty announced its top agents for the month of December. Listing honors went to Jerry Cunningham, of the Longboat Key office, and Rae Ellen Hayo, of the Anna Maria Island office. Sales honors went to Cunningham and the sales team of Becky Smith and Elfi Starrett, of the Anna Maria Island office.

+ Pam Charron joins Michael Saunders & Co.

Pam Charron has joined Michael Saunders & Co. Charron is an Accredited

Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified New Homes Specialist (CNHS) and a Fine Homes Specialist and is Trans International Referral Certified (TRC).

She also holds Green and Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) designations from the National Association of Realtors.

+ Coldwell Banker Longboat Key has record December Coldwell Banker Longboat Key announced a record December last month, with 46 sales and more than $33 million in new pending business. According to branch manager Bob Stanley, 21 of the office’s agents contributed toward December’s totals. In a prepared statement, agent Lynne Koy explained the surge.

“I believe it is two-fold,” she said.

“First, we have worked hard to counsel our sellers in the value of our international reach and the importance of positioning their properties correctly when they enter the market. Secondly, buyers in the luxury home market are recognizing the best time to own a piece of our beautiful city is now. That pent-up demand opened up in December. We are all excited about a very solid 2011.”

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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

Shedding light on

CONtrOvErSiAL iSSuES!

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. $1,877,000 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 NEW CONSTRUCTION – Waterfront adjacent to shops & dining on St. Armands. Deepwater dock, steps to the beach. Architect Cliff Schultz design w/ impeccable finishes. $3,800,000 LONGBOAT CLUB RD HOME – Behind the gates. Exceptional 5,000 sq. ft. custom home. $2,375,000 RITZ CARLTON TOWER RESIDENCE – 10th floor views of Sarasota Bay to Big Pass, plus marina views of Marina Jack. Southeast corner with two large terraces and morning sun. $2,700,000 BAYFRONT ESTATE – Gated, Private. Spectacular sunrise & sunset vistas from home, terraces & pool.

Private beach access. Boat dock & lift – BAYFRONT LIVING AT ITS BEST! $3,500,000 LONGBOAT HARBOUR – Bayfront with boat dock and great amenities. $285,000 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 SABAL COVE – Spacious 4BR w/first level magnificent master suite. Exquisite lakefront! $1,795,000

Local News that’s

LOCAL NEWS! YourObserver.com

49654

1266 1st St., Suite 9, Sarasota, FL 34236

49654

developers Realty inc. Lic. R.e. Broker

50523

You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

21A

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

4510 125th Street Reveling in the historic treasures and significance of the Cortez Fishing Village, Hunters Point is a hidden sanctuary of 2+ acres tucked along the water’s edge and surrounded by rich heritage and native charm. Offering a main house, guest house, restored cottages, 2 lots, 3 docks and boathouse. This private haven gently melds itself into its natural surroundings, proving that meticulous attention to detail, sound building practices and environmental design can merge together to create an impressive one-of-a-kind residence. $4,900,000 Terry Hayes 941.302.3100

1736 Sandalwood Drive Carol Clark & Paul Clark

$1,149,000 941.350.4500

4129 Roberts Point Circle Jo Rutstein

$1,095,000 941.587.9156

561 Halyard Lane Maureen & Matt Morris

$999,000 941.320.3960

125 Poco Place Stephen L. Lingley, P.A.

$948,500 941.809.7580

6300 Midnight Pass Road, 606 Tom Kelley

$899,000 941.320.5530

1919 Grove Street Joel Schemmel

$869,000 941.587.4894

223 Harbor Drive N Terry Hayes

1211 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 409 Sheldon Paley

$799,000 941.356.1857

5880 Midnight Pass Road, 802 Tom Kelley

$695,000 941.320.5530

1763 South Drive Joel Schemmel

$595,000 941.587.4894

4822 Ocean Boulevard, 10B Keith Whitfield

$575,000 941.302.4256

8776 Midnight Pass Road, 203C Kathleen Ucci

$549,000 941.302.2344

1350 Main Street, 1507 Perry Corneau

$525,000 941.650.4626

941.364.4000

$1,395,000 941.320.3960

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.

50104

340 Morningside Drive Maureen & Matt Morris

$1,399,999 941.302.3100

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

NEWS

www.YourObserver.com

KEY REAL ESTATE

BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Dec. 31 through Jan. 6, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive) Address 611 Buttonwood Drive 2721 GMD 6500 Gulfside Road 614 Buttonwood Drive 600 Marbury Lane 2605 GMD 3806 GMD 557 Spanish Drive N. 442 GMD 2800 Harbourside Drive 2800 Harbourside Drive 1975 GMD 2251 GMD 2045 GMD 1485 GMD 3551 Bayou Circle 625 Norton St.

20 Ave. of the Flowers

Permit Applicant Amount Alteration Edward Tiley III $34,000 Alteration Kevin Ruscitti $32,000 Alteration Patrick Bogert $22,600 Re-roof Robert Mailhot, trustee $19,000 Re-roof Robert Hardaway III $18,400 Alteration Four Winds Beach Resort $16,683 Alteration Paul Haffenden $14,150 Alteration William Hamilton $10,000 Alteration Sailboat Square $7,553 Alteration Joseph Franco $6,664 Alteration Longboat Key Club Moorings $5,951 Alteration Gayle Johnson $5,800 Re-roof BBC Key LLC $4,240 Alteration Penn Tex Associates Inc. PSP $4,000 Alteration Cecil Burman $2,650.17 Alteration Morton Wolverton $2,348 Alteration Elena Pinelli $2,244 Temporary event Your Fitness Instructor LLC $0

Rachel S. O’Hara

Unit 131 in Phase I at Tangerine Bay, 340 Gulf of Mexico Drive, has 2,513 square feet of living area, three bedrooms and four bathrooms. It sold for $1.26 million.

Tangerine Bay Club unit sells for $1.26 million

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

A.G. Lafley, of Sarasota, sold Unit 131 in Phase I at the 90-unit Tangerine Bay Club, 340 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to Michael and Elaine Hargarten, of Fairfax Station, Va., for $1.26 million. Built in 1991, the 2,513-square-foot unit has three bedrooms and four bathrooms. It last sold for $1,175,000 in March 2005.

The sale was the largest of six transactions recorded at the Sarasota and Manatee county courthouses during the week

of Dec. 20 through Dec. 24 on Longboat, Lido, St. Armands and Bird keys. All of the week’s sales took place on Longboat Key, with three in Manatee County and the remaining three in Sarasota County. Two of the week’s sales exceeded $1 million.

Beaches of Longboat Key

Cathy Wallach, of New York City, sold Unit 503 in Phase 1 of the 74-unit Beaches of Longboat Key-South, 775 Longboat Club Road, to Allen Schwartz, of Scarsdale, N.Y., for $1.1 million. Built in 1984,

the 2,122-square-foot unit has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It last sold for $762,500 in June 1999.

Castillian

James and Linda Castle, of Orlando, sold Unit 309 in the North Building of the 60-unit Castillian, 4545 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to Michael and Kathryn Launder, of Verona, Wis., for $490,000. Built in 1979, the 1,340-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $475,000 in October 2002.

Portobello

Maureen Long, of Chesterfield, Mo., sold Unit A303 in the Gulfside phase of the 74-unit Portobello, 3235 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to James Connell Jr., of Plant City, for $465,000. Built in 1975, the 1,260-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It sold for $155,000 in March 1992.

Longbeach Village

Thomas and Janet Tuscher, of Glen Ellyn, Ill., sold their home at 7105 Gulf of Mexico Drive in the Longbeach Village to Cathleen and James Dunlop Jr., of Orchard Park, N.Y., for $356,000. Built in 1974, the 1,170-square-foot home has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $395,000 in February 2001.

Spanish Main Yacht Club

Bradley Cook, Sandra Hale Curtis and Johnsie Adams Macdougall, trustees of the Audrey Ziesemer Trust 1999, of Reston, Va., sold Unit 100 at 722 S. Spanish Drive in the 212-unit Spanish Main Yacht Club to CAMA SDIRA LLC, a Pennsylvania limited-liability company, as custodian of the Janet Louise Webb Mac Farland IRA, of Blue Bell, Pa., for $153,000.

Built in 1970, the 1,393-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

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

50385

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

FISHERMEN & BOATERS DREAM 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

Deep water canal, boat dock for 21’ boat. 1BR/1BA unit with access to beach & Durante Park. Curt Bell

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

#M5815136

$159,999

SHORT SALE OUTSTANDING WATER VIEW 2BR/2BA

glass encl. balcony overlooking marina. Clubhouse, 2 pools, 2 tennis courts, fitness rm., beach access, on 23 beautiful acres. Dorothy Cook #A3931481 $219,000

CONRAD BEACH 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

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

Incredible opportunity to own 2 adjoining lots west of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Conrad Beach boasts timeless architecture, com. pool & clubhouse.

Purchase separately or w/ M5815731. Peter Uliano $260,000 #M5815734

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

TASTEFULLY TKF 2BR/2BA

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

BEAUTIFUL 2 BR/2BA

waterfront condo w/a great view of the bay! Deeded 30’ boat slip, updtd. bath, kitchen & nicely furnished. Tennis, large htd. pool, spa & comm. boat ramp. Turnkey furnished.

Marcia Bayard #M5818101 $469,500

ISLANDS WEST 2BR/2BA

50455

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

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 $324,900

condo with direct SW Gulf views from all rooms. Luxury living on the beach, across from Ave. of the Flowers. Lots of light and space with a huge balcony. Jerry Cunningham & Marta Altizer #A3936652. $499,925

50385

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

business

LOCAL FOCUS

GEENNTT I INN SSAALLEESS VV O O LL U U ME E ### 1 11AAA G ET NO T and I NManatee A LL EE SS VinO2009 L UM ME forG Sarasota Counties P SSA

Event to celebrate positive change on Longboat Key

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

Kitchens by Kerrie won’t open its Longboat Key location until mid-February or early March but, already, owners Robert Dinan and Kerrie Ann Lehnert like the changes they’re seeing on the island.

“We’ve really liked the progression that the Longboat Key Club is taking, and we like the changes in Longboat for the positive,” Dinan said.

Dinan has been impressed by what he sees as the town and its residents working together. That’s why Kitchens by Kerrie is one of the presenting sponsors for the Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce’s “The New Year, the New Longboat: A Celebration of Things to Come” event, scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 19, at the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s Harbourside Dining Room.

According to Kristi Bonsack, project development coordinator at the Key Club, the public hearings for the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s proposed $400 million Islandside redevelopment project had the effect of bringing the community together, even if the atmosphere was sometimes contentious.

“So many people want to know about this new momentum,” Bonsack said.

“People worked so hard during the hearing process, and it really has had a ripple effect.”

The chamber event is a celebration of that momentum and of all positive things that are occurring on the island.

The event will feature “Business After Hours”-style displays from participating businesses, along with music, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The event will also feature local business leaders who will speak briefly.

According to Dawn Mims, executive vice president of the chamber, the event could draw approximately 300 people.

“This has moved into more of a community event,” Dinan said. “It’s not going to just be chamber members.”

In addition to the Key Club and Kitchens by Kerrie, additional sponsors are HeartCare and Signs Now.

23A

www.YourObserver.com

forfor Sarasota and Manatee Sarasota and ManateeCounties Countiesinin2009 2009

SE ES CforAIN2009 AT E # 1# 1C C OO LL DA WW LL LO D L BBA NKKEERR AAGGEENNTT in Florida #1 COLDWELL BANKER AGENT Ranked in the top 1% of Florida for 2009 in in Florida for 2009 Coldwell Banker Associates Worldwide

Ackerman Ackerman Ackerman

BARBARA BBAARRBBAARRAA

REALTOR®

REALTOR ® REALTOR

®

The name to know in real estate The nam e to know in real estate www.barbaraackerman.com The name to know in real estate PRI www.barbaraackerman.com CE R EDU CTIO www.barbaraackerman.com N

www.barbaraackerman.com

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.

Ritz Tower Residences - Downtown Queens Harbour – Bay Front Gorgeous Bay, Marina, & Gulf views from this 9th floor residence on the SW corner of the Tower. 3 BR + Den with upgrades in marble, granite & wood.

2 valuable parking spaces incl.

Original Price $2,850,000 $1,975,000

Direct Bay front maintenance free 4BR/3BA courtyard pool home, guest cottage, summer kitchen, private dock & boat lift.

Wide open water views! Bay Isles Beach Club membership $ included.

1,399,000

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

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 on-site management. Walk to shopping. $675,000

Savoy - Downtown Bay View

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

SIESTA COVE - Walk to the Beach NEW LISTING NGSq. Ft.$475,000 Private Setting P 3BR/2BA ENDI2,013 RED ROCK TERRACE – Oyster Bay Vacant Lot Lot w/ House Plans $439,000 GRAND BAY I – Longboat Key Bay Front Deer Creek - Preserve Views Perfect 3 BR plus office / 2 bath home on a large 9th Floor 3BR/3BA 2,550 Sq. Ft.$1,275,000 nature preserve. Remodeled, high ceilings, solar $ heated pool, gated community.

449,500 FAIRWAY BAY - Longboat Key Townhouse 2BR/3BA 1,626 Sq. Ft. $539,000

Water Club I - Direct Beach Front Exquisite 3,045 SF luxury on 5th floor w/Gulf views, private elevator foyer, 3BR/4BA, study area in master suite. Beautiful window treatments, plantation shut$ 1,950,000 ters, marble floors, full wine bar.

BEACHPLACE I – Direct Gulf Front 5th Floor 2BR/2BA 1,400 Sq. Ft. $699,000 WATER CLUB I - Longboat Key Beach Front 8th Floor 2BR/3BA 2,650 Sq. Ft. $1,250,000

IF YOU GO

Lido Shores - Direct Gulf Front Palazzo Combines 200 ft. of seawalled Gulf front with private KEY TOWER SOUTH - Direct Gulf Front $549,000 Dock and Beach access. This 7,415 SF residence built 7th Floor 2BR/2BA 1,370 Sq. Ft. in 2003 has 5BR/8BA, exercise room, his and her bath & studies, 50 ft pool/spa & 5-car garage. $8,900,000

‘The New Year, the New Longboat: A Celebration of Things to Come’ When: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19 Where: Longboat Key Club and Resort Harbourside Dining Room, 3000 Harbourside Drive Cost: $5 for members and nonmembers

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

Pierre – Gulf Front

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 $ 855,000 high ceilings. Private Boat dock .

Grand Bay II - Bay, City, & Golf Course Views

Direct Gulf views from one of the best priced residences Sought-after south facing corner residence on South Longboat Key. 3BR/3BA with breakfast nook, with 3BR/3 Full Baths, private elevator foyer, double walk-in closets & tons of storage. $849,000 wraparound terrace, wood floors, stainless $ 1,395,000 appliances, granite wet bar.

PRI

CE R$880K EDU CTIO N

941-953-6000 941-359-3435

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, LLC 941-387-1820 Direct 37328 46606

www.JennetteProperties.com

Sanctuary III - Behind the Gates Desirable 5th floor Southeast corner 3BR/2.5 BA with wide open Bay, City, and LBK Club Golf Course views.

3rd bedroom doubles as a den with quality built-in’s and renovated kitchen has granite, wood and newer www.Johnsonestatelongboatkey.com $ $ 895,000 11,500,000 appliances.

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.

●

●

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. $ Originally $2,675,000 1,795,000

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

800-910-8728 Toll-Free

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

50041

LEASING & MANAGING HOMES & CONDOS Annual, Seasonal, Vacation

24A

Bruce A. Myer

941.387.1859 BruceMyer.com

Charting the course of real estate for over 30 years!

SPORTING LIFE

Rated in the Top 100 agents in Florida

Athlete of the Week

There has never been a better time to invest in paradise!

JUST LISTED!

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

SPORTS

www.YourObserver.com

JUST LISTED!

JUST LISTED!

Dave Gallagher Longboat Key Club

FAIRWAY BAY Updated & partially furnished FAIRWAY BAY 2BR/2BA Partially furnished HARBOR SECTION 3BR + Den/3.5BA stunner 2BR/2BA w/1 covered parking space $415,000 and updated! $349,000 on deep water canal $1,895,000

JUST LISTED!

JUST LISTED!

JUST LISTED!

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES 3BR/4BA Exquisite LONGBOAT HARBOUR 2BR/2BA Nicely situated home on canal with many upgrades $1,499,000 where the canal meets the bay $ 349,000

WATER CLUB 2-3BR/2.5BA

Can you tell us a little about the golf tournaments you have won?

I won the club championship for two years out here, and I also have been a runner-up here in the club championship.

But the club is getting a lot better golfers, and I’m getting a lot older, so that might be a thing of the past.

$1,375,000

VIEW ALL OUR LISTINGS ON YOU TUBE! CHANNEL ONTO: LONGBOAT KEY FOR SALE Queens Harbour Tower Residence Pierre

2BR+Den/3.5BA 3BR/3BA 3BR/3BA

$2,495,000 $1,995,000 $849,000

Sleepy Lagoon Islander Club Club Longboat Fairway Bay The Shore Fairway Bay

7BR/5.5BA 2BR/2BA 3BR/2BA 2BR/2.5BA 2BR/2BA 2BR/2BA

$679,000 $549,000 $499,000 $499,000 $399,000 $399,000

Kingston Arms

2BR/2BA

$299,000

Dave Gallagher started playing golf while he was in the service and stationed in Thailand when he was just 25 years old. Now, Gallagher can be found playing at least three to four days a week with other golfers at the Longboat Key Club.

Gallagher spends part of the year on Longboat Key and the other part of the year in Atlanta. He also has two tournament wins at the club. We interviewed Gallagher to find out more about him and his love for the game of golf.

Inn On The Beach

What would you like to improve?

My putting. I think that you can really start scoring a lot better if you can

GREAT INCOME OPPORTUNITY!

control the number of strokes you take around the green. That’s one area that I’d drastically like to improve.

Best advice you’ve ever been given?

Probably the best golf advice that I’ve ever been given was given to me by Terry O’Hara, who’s really helped me with my game. He’s gotten me hitting through the ball rather than just slapping at it.

It’s really improved my accuracy and my distance.

— Rachel S. O’Hara

SPORTS PHOTO OF THE WEEK CLUB SUITE CLUB SUITE CLUB SUITE CLUB SUITE

Bldg. 2 Bldg. 4 Bldg. 2 Bldg. 5

Power shot

$469,000 $469,000 $439,000 $239,000

Beachplace

Seaplace

SEAPLACE 3BR/2BA $599,000 SEAPLACE 2BR/2BA $249,500 Just Reduced!

2BR/2BA 2BR/2BA 2BR/2BA 2BR/2BA

Penthouse Penthouse 4th Floor 2nd Floor

$599,000 $525,000 $449,000 Just Reduced! $429,000

JUST REDUCED! Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Sandy Schonhoff gets ready to hit a powerful backhand during a mixeddoubles match Monday afternoon at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center.

Schonhoff’s doubles partner was Bill Shakespeare, and they played against Rich Fiore and Linda Gillott.

SANCTUARY Tastefully updated 3BR/3BA LIDO BEACH CLUB Furnished 2/2, 10th floor condo. MOTIVATED SELLER! $949,000 condo with Gulf & downtown views $749,000

PRIVATEER -Furnished 2BR/2BA with Gulf view $479,000

I PARTICIPATED IN THE SUCCESSFUL CLOSING OF 28 TRANSACTIONS IN 2010 AND HAVE 5 PENDING, EARLY 2011 CLOSINGS! OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY

SUNRISE SHORES Furnished 2BR + Den/2BA with bay views $349,000

JUST REDUCED!

NORTHGATE OF LONGBOAT 2BR/2.5BA FAIRWAY BAY 2BR/2BA Tastefully updated $349,000 OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY 1-4PM $349,000 Townhouse with 6-car garage

Bruce A. Myer

DIRECT: 941-387-1847 CELL: 941-376-5311 EMAIL: Bruce@BruceMyer.com Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 201 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Ste. 1 Longboat Key At the Charthouse

Longboat Key HARBOUR LINKS - An awesome lifestyle awaits you in this corner villa with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a den and a 2 car garage, located on the Harbourside Golf course at the Longboat Key Club. The community is pet friendly and offers Beach Club membership. . ................................................................................................................................FURNISHED $419,000 YOU WILL ENJOY BAY & MARINA VIEWS from the living room, master bedroom & the screened porch of this 2/2 condo located at the south end of LBK. The community offers a heated pool, boat docks, fitness facility. Furnished...........$339,000 BANYAN BAY - Beach to Bay complex. This charming 2 bedroom condo is designed for seaside living. Tennis, pool, fishing pier. Pet Friendly................................................................................................................................................................$299,000 BAY HARBOUR - South end of LBK, 2/2 expertly renovated w/ direct bay and marina views. Amenities include boat docks, fishing pier heated pool. .......................................................................................................................................$395,000 WHITNEY BEACH - BEACH TO BAY - 1/1 in desirable community with boat docks, fishing pier, tennis courts, and a wonderful walking beach. 2 pets allowed .......................................................................................FURNISHED $215,000 UNIqUE 1 bedroom, 2 bath ground floor at Whitney Beach. Great amenities. 2 Pets allowed. FURNISHED $235,000 LBK BAYFRONT - 2/2 condo on Sarasota Bay w/views of Sarasota skyline. Nicely appointed w/updated kitchen. Offered turnkey furnished. Amenities include fitness room, boat docks, pool, tennis courts, & beach access. All this for ...$375,000 BAYFRONT ESTATE on 1.48 acres. This home, designed to maximize bay views from every room, has 6BR, a large living room, 2 fireplaces, wood floors, and covered porches. Moor your boat or fish from the dock........................... $2,500,000 SLEEPY LAGOON - Bermuda style 3/2 bayfront home with wood floors, artist studio, dock, 2 car garage and beach access. .................................................................................................................................................................................$825,000 WINDWARD BAY - Sunrise, sunset! You’ll enjoy both from 2/2 renovated residence with unobstructed bay views.

The community offers 2 pools, tennis courts, fitness facility, and boat docks............................................................$399,000 BOBBIE BANAN, REALTOR® 356-2659 • 383-2659

bobbiebanan@michaelsaunders.com

View all of Bruce’s listings at BruceMyer.com

50362

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL (941) 388-4447

50530

JUST REDUCED!

Ambassador’s Circle

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50029

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

GAMES • TRAVEL

www.YourObserver.com

Deal Us In

BRIDGE HAND

Dealer: South Vulnerable: None

North

What should you see in this hand?

Dummy covered the queen of spades at trick one, and East won the trick with his ace. How should East continue?

What should East see when dummy plays the king? East only sees the spades in the dummy. Another East saw the spades in the declarer’s hand.

When dummy covered with the king and East won the ace, East led a spade, which South ruffed, and the top hearts revealed the favorable trump break.

South then started the clubs, and al-

though East ruffed and led a diamond, the defense took only one diamond, one spade and a trump; four hearts were bid and made.

It would have been a better play for South to refuse to cover West’s queen.

West would then be forced to find the switch to a low diamond to defeat the contract.

A different East paused for a quick count after winning the ace of spades at trick one. West’s jump to overcall promised a six-card suit, so it was futile

to try for another spade trick. Instead, East attacked diamonds while he still held trump control. East switched to his 10 of diamonds, which knocked out dummy’s ace, and when East won his natural trump trick, the defenders were in position to cash two diamond tricks to set the contract one trick.

♠ Q J 10 9 8 2 ♥42 South ♦ Q43 ♣64 ♠ 3 ♥ AK865 ♦ J72 ♣ KQ85 Bidding: West North 1

2♠ 3 ♣ Pass 4 ♥ Pass Opening Lead: Q ♠

it’s read everywhere COSTA RICA.

Kristin, Steve, Mary, Casey, Tom and Kathy Van Spankeren enjoyed smooth sailing over the holidays. Not only did they set sail on a catamaran cruise to the shores of Costa Rica, but they brought their Longboat Observer with them to catch up on the news from home.

ThePlaza PlazaatatFive FivePoints Points The The The The Plaza Plaza Plaza atatat Five atFive Five Points Points Points The Plaza Five Points 50 Avenue,Suite Suite110, 110,Sarasota, Sarasota, 34236 50 Central Central Avenue, FLFL 34236 5050 50 Central Central Central Avenue, Avenue, Avenue, Suite Suite Suite 110, 110, 110, Sarasota, Sarasota, Sarasota, FLFL FL 34236 34236 34236 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110, Sarasota, FL 34236 Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Signature Sotheby’s International Realty www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com Signature Signature Signature Sotheby’s Sotheby’s Sotheby’s International International International Realty Realty Realty Signature Sotheby’s International Realty www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com ThePlaza PlazaatatFive Five Points The Points 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 The The The Plaza Plaza Plaza atatat Five atFive Five Points Points Points The Plaza Five Points 941.356.1857 941.356.1857 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 www.signaturesir.com 50 Avenue,Suite Suite941.364.4000 110,Sarasota, Sarasota, 34236 50 Central Central Avenue, 110, FLFL 34236 5050 50 Central Central Central Avenue, Avenue, Avenue, Suite Suite Suite 110, 110, 110, Sarasota, Sarasota, Sarasota, FLFL FL 34236 34236 34236 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110, Sarasota, FL 34236 Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.356.1857 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000

941.356.1857 Sheldon Paley, Realtor® Sheldon Paley, Realtor® Sheldon Sheldon Sheldon Paley, Paley, Paley, Realtor® Realtor® Realtor® Sheldon Paley, Realtor® 941.364.4000

ExpErt MarkEting intErnational propErty proMotion SuccESSful SalES PENDING PENDING SOLD PENDING PENDING SOLD PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING SOLD SOLD SOLD PENDING PENDING SOLD ruStEd profESSional guidancE t

The Plaza at Five Points The Plaza Five Points The Plaza Five Points The Plaza Five Points The Plaza Five Points The Plaza atatat Five Points The The The Plaza Plaza Plaza at atFive Five atFive Five Five Points Points Points The Plaza at Five Points The Plaza Five Points The Plaza Points The Plaza Plaza atatat Five atat Five Five Points Points Points The Plaza Points Central Avenue, Suite 110, Sarasota, FL 34236 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110, Sarasota, FL 34236 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110, Sarasota, FL 34236 5050 Central Avenue, 110, Sarasota, FL 34236 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110, Sarasota, FL 34236 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110, Sarasota, FL 34236 50 50 50 Central Central Central Avenue, Avenue, Avenue, Suite Suite Suite 110, 110, 110, Sarasota, Sarasota, Sarasota, FL FL FL 34236 34236 34236 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110, Sarasota, FL 34236 Central Avenue, Suite 110, Sarasota, FL 34236 34236 34236 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110, Sarasota, FL 34236 5050 Central Avenue, Avenue, Suite Suite 110, 110, 110, Sarasota, Sarasota, Sarasota, FL FL FL 34236 34236 34236 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110, Sarasota, FL 34236 Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.356.1857 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000

Bayou Sound Bayou Sound Bayou Bayou Bayou Sound Sound Sound Bayou Sound $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 SOLD $1,250,000 PENDING SOLD PENDING $1,250,000

1 Weak jump overcall

NEW LISITING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING Islander Islander Islander Islander Islander Islander Islander Islander Islander $500,000 Islander $500,000 Islander Islander Islander Islander $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000

Bayou Sound Bayou Sound Bayou Bayou Bayou Sound Sound Sound Bayou Sound $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000

Queens Harbor Queens Harbor Queens Harbor Queens Harbor Queens Harbor Queens Harbor Queens Queens Queens Harbor Harbor Harbor Queens Harbor $975,000 $975,000 Queens Queens Queens Harbor Harbor Harbor Queens Harbor Queens Queens Queens Harbor Harbor Harbor $975,000 $975,000 Queens Harbor $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000

Grand Grand Bay Bay Grand Grand Grand Bay Bay Bay Grand Bay $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000

GREAT HOME IN DESIRABLE AREA OF BRADENTON

Grand Grand Bay Bay Grand Grand Grand Bay Bay Bay Grand Bay $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000

Licensed Real Estate Broker

CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

Laura D. Hansen, 41 Year Resident of Longboat Key

GRI

941-383-8273

lhansen44@comcast.net or laurahansen@michaelsaunders.com

$398,000 REDUCTION

4BR/3.5BA in gated Landings. New kitchen and luxurious master suite, all mahogany library, bonus recreation room, hurricane protection, large pool, lushly landscaped. $997,000 Michael Saunders & Company

Licensed Real Estate Broker

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 941-383-7591

Bob & Taube Levitt Selling Sarasota’s Select Properties

Realtors

(941) 356-0743

Selling SaraSota and the KeyS!

Islander Islander Islander Islander Islander Islander $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

QueensHarbor Harbor Queens Queens Queens Queens Harbor Harbor Harbor Queens Harbor $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000

PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

1211 Gulf of Mexico

3BR/3BA short sale on a cul-de-sac and convenient to shopping, schools, churches. Large lot. Needs TLC. Lots of square footage for a great price. A3935162 $132,500 Michael Saunders & Company 941.383.5502 or 941.724.7228

50524

3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 24228

Islander Islander Islander Islander Islander Islander $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000

Sabal SabalCove Cove Sabal Sabal Sabal Cove Cove Cove Sabal Cove $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000

$799,000

Cathy C. Meldahl P.A.

NEW LISITING SOLD PENDING SOLD PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING SOLD SOLD SOLD PENDING SOLD

PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING

Sabal SabalCove Cove Sabal Sabal Sabal Cove Cove Cove Sabal Cove $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000

© Tribune Media Services

LONGBOAT HARBOR 2BR and 2 remodeled baths with new windows. TKF. Drastically Reduced! $299,500 WOW!!! PROMENADE PENTHOUSE 1003 3 BR/3.5BA with 2 terraces to enjoy views from sunrise to sunset. Updated kitchen, marbles baths, hallways, 2 walk-in closets in Master suite, fireplace, skylights.

Drastically Reduced! $1,125,000

QueensHarbor Harbor Queens Queens Queens Queens Harbor Harbor Harbor Queens Harbor $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000 $975,000

2016 Harbourside

$849,999

50319

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD Islander Islander Islander Islander

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

South 1♥ 4♣ Pass

49497

ExpertMarketing Marketing Expert Expert Expert Expert Marketing Marketing Marketing Expert Marketing International PropertyPromotion Promotion International Property International International International Property Property Property Promotion Promotion Promotion International Property Promotion SuccessfulSales Sales Successful Successful Successful Successful Sales Sales Sales Successful Sales Trusted Professional Guidance.

Trusted Professional Guidance.

Expert Marketing Expert Marketing Trusted Trusted Trusted Professional Professional Professional Guidance.

Guidance.

Guidance.

Trusted Professional Guidance.

Expert Expert Expert Marketing Marketing Marketing Expert Marketing International PropertyPromotion Promotion International Property International International International Property Property Property Promotion Promotion Promotion International Property Promotion Successful Sales ® Successful Sales Sheldon Paley, Realtor Successful Successful Successful Sales Sales Sales Successful Sales Trusted Professional Guidance.

Trusted Professional Guidance.

Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Trusted Trusted Trusted Professional Professional Professional Guidance.

Guidance.

Guidance.

Trusted Professional Guidance.

The Plaza atPaley, Five Points Sheldon Paley, Realtor® Sheldon Realtor® 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110 Sheldon Sheldon Sheldon Paley, Paley, Paley, Realtor® Realtor® Realtor® Sheldon Paley, Realtor® Sarasota, FL 34236 Signature Sotheby’sInternational International Realty Signature Sotheby’s Realty

Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Signature Sotheby’s Sotheby’s International International International Realty Realty Realty Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Signature Signature Signature Sotheby’s Sotheby’s International Realty Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Signature Sotheby’s International International International Realty Realty Realty Signature Sotheby’s

Sabal Cove Sabal Cove Sabal Sabal Sabal Cove Cove Sabal Cove $1,194,000 $1,194,000 Sabal Sabal Sabal Cove Cove Cove Sabal Cove Sabal Sabal Sabal Cove Cove Cove $1,194,000 $1,194,000 Sabal Cove $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000 $1,194,000

East

3 ♠ Pass

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box. See answers on page 28A.

Sheldon Paley, Realtor® Sheldon Realtor® Sheldon Paley, Realtor® Sheldon Paley, Realtor® Sheldon Paley, Realtor® Sheldon Paley, Realtor® Sheldon Sheldon Paley, Paley, Realtor® Realtor® Sheldon Sheldon Paley, Realtor® Sheldon Paley, Realtor® Sheldon Paley, Paley, Realtor® Realtor® Sheldon Sheldon Paley, Realtor®

PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING ENDING NDING ENDING Sabal Cove Sabal Cove Sabal Cove Sabal Cove

♠ A754 ♥QJ9 ♦ K 10 9 8 ♣73

Edited by The Mepham Group

Expert Marketing Expert Marketing Expert Marketing Expert Marketing Expert Marketing Expert Marketing Expert Marketing Marketing Expert Expert Marketing Expert Marketing Expert Expert Marketing Marketing Expert Marketing Expert Marketing International Property Promotion International Property Promotion International Property Promotion International Property Promotion International Property Promotion International Property Promotion International Property Property Promotion Promotion International International International Property Promotion International Property Promotion International Property Property Promotion Promotion International Property Promotion International Property Promotion Successful Sales Successful Sales Successful Sales Successful Sales Successful Sales Successful Sales Successful Sales Sales Successful Sales Successful Successful Successful Sales Sales Successful Sales Successful Sales Successful Sales Trusted Professional Guidance.

Trusted Professional Guidance.

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Trusted Professional Guidance.

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Trusted Professional Guidance.

Trusted Professional Professional Guidance.

Guidance.

Trusted Trusted Trusted Professional Guidance.

Trusted Professional Professional Professional Guidance.

Guidance.

Trusted Professional Guidance.

Trusted Professional Guidance.

Trusted Professional Guidance.

Grand Bay Grand Bay Grand Grand Grand Bay Bay Bay Grand Bay Grand Grand Grand Bay Bay Bay $999,000 Grand Bay $999,000 Grand Grand Grand Bay Bay Bay Grand Bay $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000

East

the longboat observer Sudoku

Signature Signature Signature Sotheby’s Sotheby’s Sotheby’s International International International Realty Realty Realty Signature Sotheby’s International Realty

PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING Grand Bay GrandBay Bay Grand Grand Bay

♠ K6 ♥ 10 7 3 ♦ A65 ♣ A J 10 9 2

West

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.”

36250

G

26A

Promenade Sold to Date: 102, 204, 207, BEACHPLACE 2/2 walk down, closest 302, 402, 503, 511, 601, 603, 705, bldg. to pool, designer decorated, TKF. Drastically Reduced! $599,000 707, 811, 901, 1001 Coldwell Banker Residential R. E. LLC. • 423 St. Armands Circle www.sarasotarealestatefind.com

xsybarite@aol.com

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

RAINFALL

Mon., Jan. 3 Tues., Jan. 4 Wed., Jan. 5 Thurs., Jan. 6 Fri., Jan. 7 Sat., Jan. 8 Sun., Jan. 9 Year-to-date:

WEATHER

North

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.58 0.00 0.00 0.00 2010 1.32 in.

2011 0.45 in

Mid

27A

WEEKLY WINNEr: SUNSET ON SAFARI

South

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Month to date: 2011

0.45 in

www.YourObserver.com

0.01 0.00 0.01 0.72 0.00 0.00 0.00 2010 1.32 in.

TemperatureS

Temps.

Record Temps.

High Low High Low 70.5 61 82 (1993) 42 (1992) Mon., Jan. 3 Tues., Jan. 4 70 53.5 81 (1989) 31 (1981) Wed., Jan. 5 72 55 94 (1996) 41 (1981) Thurs., Jan. 6 65.5 61 92 (1983) 30 (1986) 63 50 84.5 (2002) 37 (2001) Fri., Jan. 7 Sat., Jan. 8 67 52 82.5 (2005) 34 (2001) Sun., Jan. 9 68 48 88 (1993) 38 (1991) Average Gulf water temperature: 58.5

MOON PHASES Jan. 19

Jan. 26

Feb. 3

Feb. 11

Full

Last

New

First

TIDE CHART

Highs 8:10a 5:50p 6:42p — 7:37p — 4:43a — 12:43p 9:26p 1:00p 10:17p 1:17p 11:07p

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

Sunrise/sunset

Lows 1:43a 11:22a 2:53a — 3:52a — 4:43a — 5:28a 3:22p 6:10a 4:23p 6:49a 5:20p

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

Sunrise 7:22 7:22 7:22 7:22 7:22 7:22 7:21

RED TIDE

Sunset 5:57 5:57 5:58 5:59 6:00 6:01 6:01

Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not detected alongshore Longboat Key and was not detected offshore Friday, Jan. 7, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.

Get your daily weather conditions at Yourobserver.com

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C R Y P T O G R A M S by Myles Mellor 1. Q F H R C X J J W Q F G R , A V J J I G J M I V R E J J Z , C Z W RHRZ

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50020

Susan Vicari submitted this sunset photo featuring the moon over Sarasota Bay, taken at Fairway Bay. Enter your sunset, sunrise or weather-related photos for The Observer’s weather photo contest, sponsored by Cool Today.

Each week’s winner will receive a $50 restaurant gift card. Please send your photos to The Longboat Observer, 5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Fla., 34228, or e-mail them to nschwartz@yourobserver.com.

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ACTIOn! by Matthew Marey

ACROSS 1 Margaret Mitchell

mansion 5 They run in the kitchen 9 Prosperity, as of the public 13 Result of hard braking 17 Bates or Thicke 18 Lecture hall platforms 19 Title for Macbeth 20 Glass panel 21 Favorable, as an outlook 22 Where Abdullah II reigns 23 Certain dreadlocked Jamaican, briefly 24 “___ la Douce” 25 Minor part 28 Skin-related 30 Poem with a pastoral setting 31 Yoko ___ 32 Be light at the poker table 33 Apelike 34 First man of Genesis 36 Functions 37 Make baby booties 38 Hymn sung during the entrance of the clergy 43 Be envious of 47 Capital of Montana 48 Stewbum 49 Ruin 51 Mystical emanation 52 Ruby or Sandra 53 Support, in a way 56 Animated Krabappel 57 Heist haul 58 Timber wolf 61 Draw into a trap 63 Paine and Franklin, e.g.

65 Charlotte ___ (fancy dessert) 67 Anti-pollution org.

68 ___-you-go (purchase plan)

70 Capital of Lesotho 73 Slow movements, in music 75 Boss on a shield 78 Legendary singer Fitzgerald 79 Boggy wasteland 82 Lays above 84 MDs’ org.

86 “___ Who’s Talking” (1989) 87 Ends a chess game 89 Put down, in street lingo 90 Actress Sanford of “The Jeffersons” 93 Without any financial obligations 95 Outline a member of the periodic table?

98 Add more employees 99 Usher’s offering 100 “A __ formality!”

101 Burnout cause 103 Raggedy doll 104 Lofty peak 106 Data for computer processing 110 Lottery winner’s choice 111 Have respectable motives 114 Unbleached hue 115 Prefix with “pedic” or “dontic” 117 Tidal flood 118 Sky shade 119 Pirate’s quaff 120 Sweet nothings whisperer 121 To no ___ (in vain) 122 Phyllis’ 1970s TV husband 123 Miss America’s accessory 124 Retained for oneself 125 Musical Horne 126 Seacoast bird

dOwn 1 Ankle bones 2 For everyone to hear

3 Like Popeye’s voice 4 No particular spot 5 They’re beaten hands-down 6 Part of FDA (Abbr.)

7 Baby grand, for one 8 Turned state’s evidence 9 Creatures in pods 10 “___ on Down the Road” (song from “The Wiz”) 11 Army or carpenter insect 12 Star 13 Supernatural philosophy 14 It was instant, according to Lennon 15 Hero of “Cold Mountain” 16 Reason to shake hands 18 Norm on a golf course 19 Bricklayers’ tools 26 Like days gone past 27 Civil rights pioneer Parks 29 Middle Eastern leader 33 Yarn quantity 35 Exec’s “Right now!”

36 Like an off-pitch violin 38 Scholar’s deg.

39 Suffer the effects of a haymaker 40 Butter alternative 41 “Genius ___ percent inspiration ...”

42 “I goofed!”

43 Weight lifter’s pride, in slang 44 Performing couples 45 Small cavern, in poetry 46 Enjoys a buffet 50 ___-Wee Herman 54 Do followers 55 The Mamas and the ___ 59 Sudden advance, as

60 62 64 66 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 76 77 80 81 83 85 88 91 92 94 96 97 99 101 102 104 105 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 116

in science “___ Day Will Come” Assailed ___ de cologne Some theater productions Oater group Active Japanese volcano Pinochle declaration Lotion ingredient, often Neatness eschewer “Who ___ you kidding?”

Suffix with “meteor” Baseball legend Ruth Sign of the future Rest stops for caravans Fifth quarters, in the NFL World’s longest river Key used with Ctrl and Del to reboot Loud, booming talker Sans ___ (common typeface) Willing to cooperate In ___ of (in place of) Hindu noble Large retail outlets Perfumed sack Pelvic bones Newbies Tequila plant Boston airport name “For Whom the Bell Tolls” woman Motorist’s 180-degree maneuver “We hold ___ truths to be self-evident” Hall hangers Perched on Actress Patricia of “Hud” Marina ___ Rey, Calif.

Potential school

Last weeks Cryptograms 1. A baker, liking his work, told the world: “there’s no business like dough business!”

2. I told a fresh group of science students that the two most common elements in the world are hydrogen and stupidity.

Thursday, January 13, 2011 Items Under $200 For Sale

Furnishings

Storage

Condos For Sale

BLAZER: NAVY, woman’s, size 10, Jones New York, $25. 941-388-2539.

3 MONTHS OLD....Sarasota Estate Just In..

Sofa, Loveseat & Chair (contemporary) $995. 7pc. King Tommy Bahama Bedroom $1550; Daybed w/trundle$345; Queen Sofa Sleeper, Robb & Stucky $699; Reclining Leather Loveseat $399; Contemporary Table, 8 Chairs & Buffet $995; 28x64 Cherry Desk $399; Stanley Marble Top Bar & 4 Stools; Rattan 6 Chair Dinette on casters; Patio Sofa, Chair, Rocker & Coffee Table$699; Baker Secretary Desk; Le Barge Console& Mirror; Ethan Allen Entertainment Center; Sherrill 3pc. Sofa Group; Much, Much More!

STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer.

Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area. 941-809-3660, 941-809-3662

DISCOVER THE OTHER ISLAND! Private island, waterfront, owner financed, furnished, 2BR/2BA/2CG renovated condo; 24/7 guards, pet friendly, nature. $229,900.

Realtor/Owner, Katherine Pepper, RoseBay Real Estate, 941-792-9459.

COMPUTER MONITOR- Sony 17” Trinitron.

Excellent condition. $30. Call 386-446-0316 or e-mail: 4alternate@cfl.rr.com GOLF CLUBS- Female, complete set.

Paid $280 on sale. Used 2 times. $200 obo.

941-778-2641 NORWEGIAN SKI Sweater- New. White wool with black design. Exquisite embroidered bands. $60. Call 941-794-5345

Antiques/Collectibles

3015 1st St. Bradenton 10 blocks North of DeSoto Mall

Autos Wanted

THRIFT SHOP: LORD’S WAREHOUSE. Hours: Mon., Weds., & Sat., 9a.m. to 1p.m.

Non-profit. Clothes, jewelry, furniture, other items. 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

941-383-4738.

Boat Slips For Rent/Sale LBK MOORINGS; 45’ slip near bay for rent by owner. Good monthly or longer rates.

941-383-3103.

PRIME BOAT SLIP Largest (26') indoor upper berth boat slip at Boathouse on Longboat for sale by private owner for $45,000. Please call 941-504-7900.

Boats BOATS UNDER $50K are selling very well.

The economy stinks but people are buying boats. 19 Boats sold in the last 45 days, many in less than 2 weeks. “Big or small, I sell them all”. Let’s talk about selling your boat. Looking for a boat? I may have it.

Dave, 941-228-3489 or Yachtingflorida@aol.com OCEAN KAYAK: Scupper Pro single. $300.

941-387-1770.

4 Easy Ways To Place your Classified ad Call 941-955-4888

Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

Fax 941-362-4808

Email classified@yourobserver.com Online at

www.yourobserver.com/classifieds

Parlez-vous franÇais?

WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN FRENCH?

General Merchandise

WATER PURIFIER: ChungHo Nais Y2K-III with Hot and Cold Dispenser. Superior design for home or office. Has 24-Hour Refiltration System, Convenient Temperature Selection, and Child Safety Lock. Purchased brand new for $1900 in June 2009 with a 48month service plan. Selling for $600 OBO. If interested, please email or call Kristen at kboothroyd@review.net or 941-906-9386.

FRENCH CLASSES

Sarasota's premiere organization for teaching French language and culture

Next session starts January 17th Open House 10am-Noon January 15th

CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR with references.

Private lessons, pilates, yoga, strength training. Introductory special. Increase strength, flexibility. 941-232-4422.

CAREGIVER/ASSISTANT FOR Longboat family, live-in 2 or 3 days per week. Cooking, driving, personal care, light housekeeping.

Seeking intelligent, flexible, patient individual, with computer skills. Clean driving record, non-smoking, references. $12 per hour. 941-780-5490 or avanga42@aol.com

Commercial Property For Sale

12/6 FOUND: BRACELET 12/5 CVS parking lot - to claim call 517-896-4601

LBK GAS Station Site. Corner Gulf of Mexico Dr. & Broadway. Various commercial uses. $999,000 Longview Realty, 941-383-6112. www.longviewrealty.com

Announcements

Condos/Apts. For Rent

TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION Program. Reduce stress, improve health.

600 Scientific studies proof TM benefits. John Zisman, 941-916-2800, jzisman@TM.org

1BR/ 1BA LBK Village. Separate entrance, not furnished, quiet, renovated. $750-month.

Annual lease, utilities included. 228-3171

Investment Opportunities OWN A Walgreens, McDonalds, or other national retailers without running the business. 15 - 25 year leases. Nice long term investments. 941-284-4117.

Investor Wanted INVESTOR WANTED for home rehab business and foreclosures. Serious inquiries only.

941-284-4117.

SUNRISE COVE. Deluxe 2BR/2BA, unfurnished, bay view. Annual rental, no pets/ smoking. First month and security deposit required. $1375/mo. 366-3282/ daytime, 355-3915/ evenings.

STEAL A CONDO! OPEN SUN 12-4PM Why rent a seasonal condo when you can own one?

Located 10 minutes from Siesta Key, 5 minutes to anywhere.

Impeccable. Furnished 3/2 condo overlooking lake. Move in ready. $249,900. Rita Ferrrell Lasky Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty 941-780-3579 WATER CLUB II Dover floor plan with panoramic Gulf and Bay views, 2-3/BR or den, 4BA. High ceilings, hardwood floors, granite countertops, marble baths, exquisitely decorated.

One of South Longboat’s Key’s finest beachfront addresses. $2,495,000. Owner/Agent, 941-224-7110

This week’s crossword answers

It’s

REAwDhere!

Every

Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

Schools/Instruction MATH TUTOR- Knowledgeable in any math subject and any age group. In your home.

941-359-9851

LIDO BEACH, on Gulf: 1BR/1BA, large condo unit, upgraded, nicely furnished, large terrace with Gulf view. All amenities: pool, party room, gyms. Reduced to $329,000.

Financing available. 941-228-7261.

Classes at all levels, beginner to advanced, with native teachers.

Weekdays, evenings, Saturdays.

Small Classes.

Call us at 941-955-0700 or www.afsarasota.org

Help Wanted

Lost & Found

Emmy Lou Gilbert Michael Saunders & Co. 941-807-1764

at the

ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE SARASOTA

Health/Fitness/Beauty

FITNESS FITNESS!! New! Next to the Lazy Lobster! No contracts! Medical equipment! Oxygen..just ask! Beach Fitness, 941-778-2641.

FOR SALE Longboat Harbour Condominiums Sunny 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1st floor end unit, furnished. $299.000.

Manatee Furniture

BUYING OLDER paintings; landscapes, beach, watercolors, any subject. Early furniture, oriental rugs, silver, etc. Quality items.

Terry, 941-349-8560.

AUTOS WANTED! Let me take the hassle out of selling your car. Cash offered today!

Call Mike, 941-713-2277.

Things To Do

The Observer

THE OBSERVER LP # 39513

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011 THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

CONDO & BOAT SLIP RENTALS HARBOUR VILLA CLUB 615 Dream Island Rd. Longboat Key, FL 34228

LONGBOAT KEY - FAIRWAY BAY. Two level townhouse available January- April, 2 master bedrooms, 2½ baths, two month minimum. Beautifully furnished. Pool, tennis and exercise room, private beach access. Call 303-440-7009

ST. ARMANDS: 2BR/2BA condo. Steps to beach, all amenities. Avail. Feb/March $3000/mo. 941-730-4465.

941-383-9544 Fax: 941-383-8028 www.harbourvillaclub.com

VERANDA BEACH CLUB For Sale: Rarely available direct gulf-front wrap-around corner penthouse apartment.

Newly designer updated and furnished 2BR/2BA. Prime season weeks 3,4,5 & 6 Resort offers numerous outstanding amenities and is rated a “Premier Resort” by Interval International. Contact, Steve Nursey, 941-383-5511 www.verandabeachclub.com Michael Saunders and Company, Licensed Real Estate Broker.

Homes For Rent LBK ANNUAL 3BR/1.5BA main residence, large private entrance guest apartment, 2 car garage, all appliances. 6889 Poinsettia Ave. $1500 Unfurnished. (518) 321-2890 RECENTLY RENOVATED 2BR/2BA, living, dining, kitchen and sunroom. Located on canal 1 block from beach access. $1250/mo. 941-383-2606.

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals 392 FIREHOUSE LANE, LBK. Newer upscale & stylish Gulfside home. Steps to beach & pool. 2BR +loft. Annual or Seasonal. No pets. Owner/Agent, 941544-0214, www.LuxuryHomes-Condos.com A LONGBOAT KEY Condo, 2BR/2BA, 10th floor, completely remodeled. Excellent view of gulf/ bay, beach, pool, & tennis courts.

Non-smoking. Available starting Immediately Minimum 3 mos. or longer. 941-377-4177.

BEACH HARBOR, LBK- 2br/2ba. Private beach on gulf and docks on bay. Fully furnished. 1st floor unit. Private patio overlooking courtyard. Botanical wonder. $2500 month includes everything. 215-859-3275 BEACHPLACE 3BR, UPDATED, TASTEFULLY DECORATED. GULF & BAY VIEWS. AVAILABLE IN SEASON & ANNUAL CALL CYNTHIA 407-492-5749

CASA DEL MAR BEACH RESORT WEEKLY RENTALS GULF FRONT/ GULF VIEW Reservations: 941-383-5549 Visa/ MC Fax: 941-383-7925 “Take our video tour at” www.casadelmar.net Office Open 7 Days, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key 34228

WASHER/ DRYER IN EVERY UNIT BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS LARGE HEATED POOL GULFSIDE FREE Wireless High Speed Internet

“Where People Return Year After Year” “INTENTIONALLY BETTER”

www.YourObserver.com

www.yourobserver.com

Thursday, January 13, 2011 Fractionals

29A Classifieds 29A

CLASSIFIEDS

DIRECT BEACH FRONT CONDOLongboat Key 1st time rental by Owner.

Take tour: http://zingding.com/112257414 2BR/2BA, LR, DR, Kitchen, Tennis Court, Pool. Possible annual. Owner Email: opal1000@gmail.com

Exceptional Vacation Rentals Since 1994 Homes & Condominiums Studios to Six Bedrooms Beachfront, Intercoastal or Garden Excellent Service & Staff FLORIDA VACATION CONNECTION www.FLvacationconnection.com 941-387-9709 877-705-2460

FOR RENT OR SALE. LONGBOAT KEY townhouse: 3BR/3.5BA, furnished, $1250/week. Also, 1BR/1BA, screened balcony, direct Gulf view. $1000/week.

941-383-3844.

LBK, FAIRWAY BAY. Available 2011 Season. Gated community, private beach access, swimming pools, walking paths, exercise room. Newly decorated 2BR/2BA, canal/ mangrove/ bay views, extended patio, secure garage parking. Non-smoking.

No pets. Competitive rates. 863-651-1905, 863-439-1304.

LBK: TIFFANY Plaza Beachfront Condos, 1st floor, 2BR/2BA, walk out to beach.

Beautifully furnished, heated pool, covered parking. 1 mo. min. 941-383-3338.

LONGBOAT KEY PORTOBELLO 2BR/2BA, 4th floor Bayside with beautiful Gulf views.

Completely remodeled.

Jan., Feb., March, April 2011 & 2012 Everything is brand new Fully furnished.

214-676-0366 rhett_miller@sbcglobal.net LONGBOAT KEY. Gulf front, pool on beach, 1BR/1BA condo, kitchen, dining, sleeps 4, king pillowtop. 617-973-7552 or 617-328-7145.

LONGBOAT: 2BR/2BA, updated unit.

Gorgeous bay views, beach, tennis, pool, boat/ fishing dock. Available March, 2011. 941-387-6486.

MARCH & APRIL. AMI Island on lake.

Lavista, 1 block from, beach 2br/ 2ba + den & lanai. W/D, boat dock $3000 month.

941-383-4146

RARELY AVAILABLE RESORT STYLE LIVING Private beach, tennis, heated pools, 2BR/2BA, Whitney Beach, Longboat Key, downstairs, Bayou/ dock frontage.

724-3519.

SEASIDE GARDEN Retreat/Longboat Key. Small private resort with 1bd cottages and 2bd villas with heated pool in lush gardens steps from beach. w w w. s e a s i d e - g a r d e n - r e t r e a t . c o m / 941.312.1747.

Seasonal Rentals on the Gulf!

Resort Properties, Inc. Licensed Real Estate Broker

Available: 2 Bedroom Condos on the beach with heated pool!

5655 Gulf of Mexico Drive

LIDO BEACH GULF BEACH RESORT Large studio, sleeps 4, heated pool, private beach, Nightly/ weekly rates. www.gulfbeachsarasota.com/condos/305

WEEKLY RENTALS. Luxurious, fully furnished 1 - 4 bedrooms. Condominiums and Cottages. Beach to Bay. On-site management. Pools, tennis, boat slips. Visit: www.FloridaRent.com for information and virtual tours. 800-333-7335, 941-383-3117.

Weekly/ Monthly/ Seasonal Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-6127 Visa/ MC 800-352-0367 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m. M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.wagnerrentals.com

ON THE Gulf w/pool. 1BR condo, sleeps 4.

Nicely furnished, cable, phone, full kitchen, living, dining area, W/D in building. Weekly or Monthly. May through January. $1600/mo.

351-5101.

LIDO BEACH CONDOMINIUMS Weekly - Monthly - Seasonal

941-388-3921 - 888-388-3921 941-650-1857 Visit us at: resortproperties.pro

WANTED TO rent: 2 bedroom condo. Must be Gulf side in Longboat Key for the month of March, 2011, preferably south of The Avenue of the Flowers. Replies to e-mail address: Merton@zonis.fsnet.co.uk or telephone number: 44-161-767-8031.

CEDARS WEST

LONGBOAT KEY, FL 941-383-4666 or 866-383-4666 www.Cedarswest.com Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.WagnerRealty.com

Waterfront Property BREATHTAKING WATERFRONT parcel.

Fully engineered, approved and ready for development of 7 SF homes and 5 boat dock on fabulous Palma Sola Bay. Or use all 3.9 acres for your own retreat. Will trade for waterfront Sarasota home or negotiate on sale. $1.8M Marcia Wood, Broker, marcia@marciawood.com 941-350-2285

Adult Care Services QUALITY COMPANION/ Helper.

Long-time B&B owner, educated, thoughtful, upbeat, cheerful. 941-527-1263. www.ErrandsAndCompany.com TLC FOR YOUR LOVED ONES Excellent Group of Caregivers and CNAs Assistance w/every day living.

Available 7 days a week.

Licensed/ Insured.

941-378-5553 1-888-906-6565 CLEAN OUT your library, get paid!

Local media buyer will come to you and pay YOU for the books, CD's and DVD's that we can use and donate the rest to local charities in Manatee/Sarasota Counties.

A tax receipt will be mailed to you for value of the donation! Call (941)321-8222.

LIDO BEACH Vacation paradise. 1 & 2 bedroom condos overlooking beautiful Lido Beach. Weekly rates. Lido Dorset.

Rental condo. 1-800-734-3370.

LONGBOAT DIRECT Beachfront2 bedroom, 2 bath Rental. $1800 per month.

Call 727-501-3675 LONGBOAT HARBOR 2011 Season price reduced!

2BR/2BA, bay view, private beach, W/D, second floor. Non-smoking.

No pets. 410-984-4435, 941-374-2099, andytanchel@verizon.net LONGBOAT HARBOR, LBK: 1BR furnished condo, water views. Newly decorated, private parking, 4 pools, walk to beach and much more. Available now. Off Season (May 1st.) $900/mo. No pets. 734-502-7702.

LONGBOAT HARBOR- 2/2 All New! Available January, February. Beach facilities.

941-776-7696

THE OBSERVER LP # 39514

www.yourobserver.com

Ready When You Are – Classified Ads, The Way to Sell

30A 30A Classifieds

Cleaning



M&B CLEANING. European touch.

House, Condo, Office. Free estimates.

Call 941-704-9667. www.europeantouchcleaning.vpweb.com

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNERS ARE BACK AT OUR LONGBOAT KEY CENTRE SHOPS LOCATION!!

FRIDAY **JANUARY 14**

 LIVE MAINE LOBSTER  BLUE FIN CRAB CAKES  PRIME RIB

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011 THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER Thursday, January 13, 2011

www.yourobserver.com

Catering

BLUE DOLPHIN CAFE

The longboat Observer

CLASSIFIEDS

www.YourObserver.com

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

RESIDENTIAL/ COMMERCIAL/ resorts/ house checks. When quality counts! $20 off 1st time cleaning. 941-756-4570.

Computer Services Cmagik - lbk.cmagik.com, LBK resident.

Over 20 years experience PC or MAC. Computer service, setup, tutoring or web design. TV/ computer/ stereo integration.

Digital camera, iPod/ iPhone help. Call Cort, 383-3878, 587-5588.

ISLE TILE FOR “QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE” Floors, bathrooms, showers, backsplashes, patio and pool decks.

20 years design background.

Licensed - Insured - LBK Resident References upon request.

941-383-2659

Painting/Wallpapering CARLO DATTILO PAINTING. Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing. Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing.

Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable. Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

Personal Services YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner Personal & Business Bookkeeping Accounting/ Taxes

JOHN GUBERNAT HANDYMAN SERVICES ALL HOME REPAIRS

I come to your home or office.

 Bill Paying & Account Reconciliation  Organizing Personal and Business Files  Budgets & Financial Reports  Federal and State Tax Returns

ALL ENTREES SERVED WITH CHEF’S CHOICE STARCH & VEGETABLE

COMPUTER REPAIR, Installation and Training.

Fast and Reliable.

Call “The Computer Doctors”. 941-586-8535.

HOMEMADE PIES! AND MUCH MORE... JUST ASK...

OWN A MAC? MacTutor offers 21 years experience. Unlimited free telephone follow up. (941)812-3887 www.FLMacTutor.com

Excellent service. 30 years experience.

BONDED & INSURED Over 25 yrs. experience

QUICK, EASY, Affordable Training. Microsoft Certified Trainer. LBK Resident. Call 941-383-9458.

941-383-5765 Home 941-962-4867 cell LBK Resident Licensed/Insured

Telephone: 941-749-5646 yourbookkeeper@tampabay.rr.com

TILE TILE TILE

383-3787 CALL FOR RESERVATIONS

READY FOR Tax Season? Save Time and Money! Learn QuickBooks. Call QuickBooks advisor. 941-383-9458.

BEER & WINE AVAILABLE

Furniture Repair

FRIDAYS NOW OPEN 8A.M.-8P.M. FULL MENU AVAILABLE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER

Cleaning 5 STAR Cleaning Services: Meeting residential client’s home cleaning needs on the Keys and Sarasota area for over 25 years. Friendly, Reliable, Bonded and Insured. Free Estimates. New Service: Home Watch. Call Linda now at 941-302-3992.

A CLEANING EVEN YOUR MOTHER-INLAW WILL APPROVE! Every time, guaranteed! Licensed/Insured. Bonded. www.CleanTimeServices.com Pamela, 941-320-0023.

EDLA’S CLEANING SERVICES: Residential Commercial, New Construction. Meticulous, deep cleaning top to bottom. We Guarantee.

Affordable & Reliable. Excellent References.

Free Estimates. Licensed & Insured. 30% off first cleaning. 371-9869.

ALBERTO’S REFINISHING Of Fine Furniture, Antiques, Gold Leaf, Cane, Rush, Upholstery. Quality Work. Call: 941-296-5427.

Home Improvement/ Remodeling COMPLETE HOME/ Business Maintenance: Light electrical, plumbing, pressure washing, painting, deck repair & rebuilding, audio, video and all other repairs. 30 years experience. All Pro Maintenance Company, 941-894-4440.

CUSTOM RENOVATIONS/ RESTORATION EXPERT. All phases of carpentry, repairs & fine finishing. Very meticulous, clean, sober and prompt. Insured. 30 yrs. experience.

Paul Beauregard, 941-730-7479.

HANDYMAN SERVICES. No job too small!!

Over 20 years experience... New York work ethic. Free Estimates.. Professional & Clean!! Brian 1-941-737-0835

Carpentry, Painting, Property Caretaking, Roof Leaks/ Coatings, Power washing, Dock Repairs.

All Variations of Ceramic Tile Supplied & Installed.

Free Estimates & Custom Designs.

Expert Marble & Travertine Installation Floor & Walls Grout Cleaning & Sealing Service Available Call Ashdown Flooring, Inc. LICENSED (941) 726-3077 INSURED

Home Services PET/HOUSE SITTER- Experienced, retired Iowa teacher loves pets. Excellent local references and experiences. 319-362-4996

Painting/Wallpapering B&B PAINTING, LLC. Professional painting, wall repair, wallpaper removal & texturing, venetian plaster installation. 941-779-3672.

Pools DT POOLS- Maintenance and Repairs 941-224-8242. dtorino1973@gmail.com

Pressure Cleaning RESIDENTIAL/ COMMERCIAL. Roofs, Pool Areas, Driveways, Lanais, etc. When Quality Counts! 941-565-3935.

Professional Services PROFESSIONAL PERSONAL TRAINERSeeking FEMALE personal trainer for female client with home gym located here on LBK. Need three days per week. chez45@att.net

Tile STEVE ALLEN FLOOR COVERINGS PROFESSIONAL TILE & MARBLE INSTALLATION

DID WE get your attention? You bet we did!

Make your ad stand out with COLOR. Only in The Observer Classifieds.

Call 941-955-4888 to advertise.

Visit us online at www.yourobserver.com

20 YRS. EXPERIENCE CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE 726-1802 LIC/ INS

Sell your service with success.

Advertise in The Observers’ Service Directory – Call 955-4888 for more information...

Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

Classifieds 31A

CLASSIFIEDS www.yourobserver.com

BOAT SERVICES

MOVERS

DOCKSIDE BOAT REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SMS Mobile Marine Service *36 )LVKILQGHU ,QVWDOODWLRQ ‡ 2XWERDUGV , 2ªV ‡ ,QERDUGV Call for appointment ‡ 941-232-3523

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49212

CERTIFIED & INSURED

REMODELING/HOME IMPROVEMENT

AGE-IN-PLACE REMODELING

FREE ESTIMATES LOCAL LONG DISTANCE

O V I N G

INDEPENDENCE IN YOUR OWN HOME

“Will move anything from a couch to a household�

CARPET CLEANING /, 6 ,/ Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; , Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; , / Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;- / Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;/ ,, <<" ,iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x160; Â?i>Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160;-i>Â?Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2030;Ă&#x160;-Ă&#x152;>Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;,iÂ&#x201C;Â&#x153;Ă&#x203A;>Â?

Bus. Phone (941) 748-8838 Fax (941) 538-3781 Mobile (941) 704-4278

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Dave McCarthy Operator/Owner

IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN YOUR HOME 49499

SPINERGY STONE CARE SOLUTIONS

www.YourObserver.com

A Division of Oakhurst Enterprises, LLC CRC# 1327179

CALL 941-957-8262 www.AgeProofYourHome.com

38246 49087 SP2674

THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER The longboat Observer THURSDAY, 2011 Thursday,JANUARY January13, 13, 2011

West Florida Contractor, Inc.

Residential/Commercial Construction & Renovation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; All Phases

of INSPECTION CLEANING and RESTORATION

CERTIFICATION

941-906-8554

359-1904

CERTIFIED FIRM

100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

U.S. DOT No. 1915800

Fully Licensed and Insured

SALONS LBKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Barber

Ken Schwartz

49281

PAINTING

Now taking appointments

at Panache Salon

LAKEWOOD RANCH PAINTING

(Publix Shopping Center)

941-383-8132

Š Interior & Exterior Painting & Wallcovering Š Full Service Interior Design & Color Selection Assistance Š Over 30 Years Experience Need a Referral? Matt Arndt, Owner Call today for

Corby J. deKozlowski Specializing in Residential Painting

ELECTRIC 941-756-5465

941-726-7077

www.unitedelectric.biz

Fully Insured

(941) 388-3580

...and more!

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Pretty Tile, Ugly Grout?

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Professional Interior Painting

48798

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a FREE estimate!

50295

49217

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FLOORING

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320-1397

PET SITTING

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#USHIONS s 3LINGS s 5MBRELLAS

941-504-0903

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PATIO REPAIRS Furniture Sales & Repairs

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General Contractor Specializing in Kitchen & Bath Remodeling

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Prices Include:

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Since 1975

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with this ad

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50306

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49266

Classified Ads Bring Results 941-955-4888

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www.YourObserver.com

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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

The Observer w w w . Y o u r Obse r v e r . c o m

thursday JANUARY 13, 2011

CLASS ACT by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

INSIDE

EDIBLES: The fruits of winter 101 / 4B

BLACK TIE THE SOCIAL OBSERVER

CAMERA READY: Perlman and Pearls Gala / 11B COVER: Sunshine From Darkness Gala / 9B

Heidi Kurpiela

“Many orchestral musicians might find being on the road impossible,” James Ehnes says. “But in the solo world, there’s an intoxicating sense of control and a great deal of artistic freedom.”

Virtuoso reality East County violinist James Ehnes takes a rare break at home before hitting the road with the Toronto Symphony.

I

t’s funny. When you walk into the home of a Grammy Award winner you expect to see the Grammy on display in the front foyer.

You think you’ll see the gold gramophone on a pedestal with a small spot-

light illuminating it from the ceiling.

You assume you’ll be introduced to the trophy as if it’s another occupant of the house, which of course is ridiculous, unless you’re dealing with an egomaniac, which James Ehnes is not.

EHNES CONTINUED ON PAGE 3B

Connie and Peter Woodruff

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

COLUMN

art scene HEARD

Attendees of the first HuB Cup at the Sarasota Polo Club donned their best Hollywood-inspired duds Sunday afternoon as HuB founders Rich Swier and Matt Orr announced the A-list lineup for the 2011 Vinyl Music Festival (VMF).

Swier and Orr used the grassy backdrop of the polo grounds to make this VMF news official: the three-day electronic music event, now in its third year, will be held April 8 to April 10 to coincide with the Sarasota Film Festival.

When SFF organizers asked Swier if he’d be interested in moving the popular music festival from July to April, the collaborationhappy entrepreneur immediately jumped at the chance.

“We wanted to create unity and synergy among the two events,” Swier says. “We wanted to go from having our own fiefdoms to brining all the components together.”

Swier says VMF fans can expect 35 DJs at a handful of familiar locations, in addition to a main party at Michael’s On East with four DJs spinning at once.

He says he hopes this year’s acts will draw electronic music lovers

by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

+ Former Sarasota ballerina’s star rises in Houston Ballet

It should come as no surprise to Sarasota Ballet patrons that Lauren Strongin-Ciobanu is wooing audiences in the heart of Texas.

Strongin-Ciobanu shocked Sarasota dancer-lovers in 2009 when she left her principal post with the Sarasota Ballet to join the corps de ballet at the Houston Ballet.

It was a risky, yet calculated move for the 27-year-old dancer, who yearned to perform for a bigger company in a larger market.

Well, this month it paid off.

Stanton Welch, the Houston Ballet’s artistic director, promoted Strongin-Ciobanu, now in her second season with the company, to demisoloist.

A fan favorite for years, StronginCiobanu returned to Sarasota last

+ Glitz up your weekend at the Five-Star Ball

+ The HuB Cup runneth over with Hollywood glamour

Amitava Sarkar

Lauren Strongin-Ciobanu in Houston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.”

month to perform two duets with Houston partner Joseph Walsh before a sold-out crowd at the inaugural Carreño Dance Festival.

The ballerina and her husband, former ballet teacher Adrian Ciobanu, will join the Carreño faculty this summer to lead intensive workshops in Sarasota alongside festival founder and American Ballet Theatre principal Jose Manuel Carreño.

Heidi Kurpiela

Larry “Frank Sinatra” Cadman and Lorraine Stanick

from near and far thanks to these industry superstars: DJs Cosmo, Darude and Honorebel.

If HuB Cup’s attendance is any indication of what’s to come from overlapping the two festivals’ schedules, then Swier and Orr are off to a good start.

Larry Cadman, a dead-ringer for Frank Sinatra, and Lorraine Stanick were among dozens of people to turn out for the announcement last weekend decked out in retro-hip Hollywood garb.

The Sarasota Star Ball — a five-star ballroom competition organized by Sarasota ballroom dancer Sid Pocius— returns to the Hyatt Regency Sarasota for a third year.

The two-day event begins with a red carpet cocktail reception at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, followed by dinner and dance performances by Latin dance champions Misha Valsov and Danielle Wilson and World Smooth champions Slavik Sochacki and Marzena Stachura.

The ball continues through Sunday, Jan. 16 with all-day dance competitions until 7:30 p.m., concluding with a dance extravaganza at 10 p.m.

For tickets and a complete list of events, call 888-784-4318 or visit www.5starballroomevents.com.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

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3B

COVER STORY EHNES from 1B

LINER NOTES

On his 2008 Grammy win

“It’s flattering, like any sort of award or accolade in this business. I’m proud of the work I do and you never know when or if the industry will pick up on something.”

On meeting his idol, pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy

“I was at a concert in Naples. He was playing in the evening, and I was playing in the afternoon. I’ve since gotten to know him extremely well, but there are still those pinch-me moments. As a little kid, he was like this mythical character that didn’t exist in reality.

He was my superhero.”

On listening to classical music

“It takes a fair amount of concentration. We live in a multi-tasking age, where if you just sit down and listen to music, despite being an intellectual activity, it can feel lazy because you’re not doing something else at the same time.”

On living out of a suitcase

“A lot of people tend to structure their lives. This isn’t the job for that.

You have to learn to roll with the punches and get your work done in a very unorthodox fashion.”

Instead Ehnes, who won a 2008 Grammy for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance for the release of “Barber, Korngold, Walton: Violin Concertos Pour Violin,” keeps his ego — and his Grammy — tucked away inside the music room in his Manatee County home.

“All my music-related stuff is in there,” says the violinist, who recorded the awardwinning album with the Vancouver Symphony in his native Canada five years ago.

“I think it would be a bad idea psychologically to think of it as the peak of my life. I would hope there are a lot of other things to look forward to. But it’s nice when I’m practicing to have it in the corner of my eye, reminding me of past happiness.”

That, in a nutshell, is how Ehnes keeps his hubris in check.

Although he doesn’t take his accomplishments for granted, he refrains from fixating on them. At 34, his glory days have just begun.

Once regarded as a youngster in an industry ruled by veteran violin virtuosos such as Itzhak Perlman, Ehnes, a graduate of The Juilliard School, made his orchestral solo debut at age 13 with the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal.

By 25, he had won back-to-back Juno Awards and received the title Young Artist of the Year at France’s Cannes Classical Awards for his “Six Sonatas & Partitas for Solo Violin” by Bach.

“It’s a world that’s fascinated with young people,” Ehnes says of the classical-music industry. “At this point, I’m not even the young one anymore.”

A highly sought-after soloist, Ehnes is ranked among the world’s top violinists, having performed in more than 30 countries on five continents.

In the last six months alone, Ehnes has played in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Europe, South America, Canada and throughout the United States.

The musician estimates he spends only

Heidi Kurpiela

James Ehnes hopes to one day purchase his 1715 “Marsick” Stradivarius, which is currently on extended loan from the Fulton Collection.

six to eight weeks a year at his home in Bradenton, and his 2011 tour dates show no change in that routine.

Earlier this week, Ehnes kicked off a six-city tour of Florida with the Toronto Symphony. His Jan. 10 stop was comfortably close to home — the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. From there he goes to Fort Lauderdale, then West Palm Beach, followed by Orlando and, later, Daytona Beach.

“It would be nice to have more time home,” Ehnes says. “But I realize to do that would mean spending less time per-

forming, which I don’t want either. I guess what I’m saying is, I wish there was more time than there are days.”

Even his downtime is filled with business obligations. On this particular day — an overcast Tuesday after a holiday weekend — Ehnes is juggling back-toback phone interviews as wife Kate, a former dancer with the Sarasota Ballet, sits quietly behind a laptop computer at the kitchen table.

The couple’s home is surprisingly livedin thanks to a bevy of family members who live nearby and pop in often to housesit.

Ehnes, who grew up in Manitoba, Canada, purchased the two-story home on the Manatee River in 2002.

He says Bradenton is as much his home turf as is his hometown in Canada, which he left to attend Juilliard when he was still a teenager.

“In the solo world there’s this intoxicating control,” Ehnes says. “You enjoy a great deal of artistic freedom. Plus, it’s a great way to see the world.”

For the first time in 45 minutes, Ehnes’ wife perks up from her perch at the kitchen table.

She says she gave up dancing a few years ago to travel with her husband, a decision that has brought the two closer.

During a recent stop in Sydney, the couple was invited to go on a sailing trip. The experience took Kate Ehnes’ breath away.

“It was like, ‘Pinch me! Is this really happening?’” gushes the former ballerina.

Ehnes smiles. Australian sailing adventures are what he commonly refers to as “job perks.”

“We’ve had some pretty amazing nonmusical experiences,” he says. “But it’s not like you can party every day on the road like you’re a rock star.”

Kate Ehnes begins to giggle.

“You never party like a rock star,” she says.

With that, her jetsetter, Grammy Award-winning husband nods his head in agreement.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

HIGHLIGHTS by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

FST’s ‘Brassy Broads’ get boisterous The women of Florida Studio Theatre’s “Brassy Broads” pay homage to the wild, iconic women of Hollywood who came before them.

Were you familiar with the music before you read the score?

Sadrina Renee: “I grew up with my grandmother, who was a pretty wild woman. We would listen to many of these women’s albums, so hearing the songs brings back memories. There’s this one, ‘Delta Dawn.’ I sing that one for her.”

BEIBEINGHUMAN NGHUMAN BEINGHUMAN Selby Gallery, January 10 - February 19, 2011

What do you get out of performing in a show like this?

Natalie Renee: “It’s the same with any show. I just get up on stage and let everything out. I’m a ridiculous person on stage, so I can be a normal person in real life.”

Sakolove: “It’s like therapy.”

Natalie Renee: “Yeah. It’s better than making everyone else deal with your drama.”

SelSelbyby GalGallery, lery, JJanuary anuary 1010 -- February February 19, 19, 2011 2011 Heidi Kurpiela

“I’m excited to be able to play me and be sassy, which is really the only way to be,” says Sadrina Renee, center, with her fellow “Brassy Broads” cast members Natalie Renee, left, and Carly Sakolove. channel anybody. I channel myself.”

What makes you a brassy broad?

Natalie Renee: “I’m sassy and sultry and spicy and basically anything that starts with an ‘s.’”

Sakolove: “I’ve always been someone who puts themselves out there. On stage

and in my personal life, I’ve never been someone who blends in with the world. I was thrilled when I found out I would get to be myself on stage.”

Sadrina Renee: “I keep getting typecast as these saucy characters. I’m normally really shy.”

Sakolove: “Shy? You?”

Who are the brassy broads of current pop culture?

Sadrina Renee: “Madonna, Cher … and I hate to say it, but Lady Gaga. She’s just such a character. Nothing she does surprises me.”

Is it harder to be a brassy broad today than it was 50 years ago?

Natalie Renee: “Yes. It’s more of a challenge to shock people.”

Sadrina Renee: “We’re so desensitized to everything.”

Sakolove: “It’s harder these days to push the envelope.”

Opening Reception: Gallery I: Fri., Jan. 14, 5-7 p.m. Portraits by Photographers Emmet Gowin Opening Reception: Gallery I:Barney and Ti n a DiFri.,rectJan.or’s14,Tour:5-7 p.m. Portraits by Photographers Emmet Gowin andlTina Barney Director’ s Tour: Gal e ry II: Mon. , J a n.

17, 11: 3 0 a. m .

Mon., Jan.g Recept 17, 11:30 a.m. Gallery II: Openi n i o n: Gal l e ry I: Sel f Portrai nter Harvey nnerstein Harvey DiDinnerstein ArtArtistist TalTalksks && lluncheon: uncheon: Self Portraitsts byby PaiPainter 3 2 4 Portrai t s by Photographers Emmet Gowi n .

FriThurs. ., Jan., JJan.a14,n. 20,20,5-72011; p.m. catcatered N Thurs., 2011; A J Monday Saturday, 10:00 a.m.

4:00 p.m. e red Theatre k o o C

by Michael’s on East, $40. SelTuesdays a.m.Monday - 7:00p.m.- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

by GalTilne-ry10:00 Hours: and a Barney DibyForrMiectreservations ochaelr’s Tour: 2700 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34234 ’s on Eastcall:, $40. Tuesdays 10: 0 0 a. m .

7: 0 0p. m .

Phone: 941.359.7563 or 941.351.5100.

941.359.7563; deadline is Gal l e ry II: Mon. , J a n.

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Paid for Us: in part County 2700byNortSarasota h Tami941. ami Trail,3Sarasot51. a, FL,834234000 ForFri.,reservat ons call: Contact Jan. 14,i2011.

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Sel Art941.i3st59.Tal7563;ks &deadl luncheon: Phone:f Portrai 941.359.7563tsorby941.Pai351.n5ter 100. Harvey Dinnerstein ine is Thurs. , J a n.

20, 2011; cat e red Paid for in part by Sarasota County Selby Gallery Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Fri., Jan. 14, 2011. byBEINGHUMAN Michael’s on East, $40. TouriTuesdaysst Devel-10:0o0pmenta.m. -Tax7:00p.revenues. m.

For reservations call: Contact Us: 2700 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34234 Phone: 941.359.7563 or 941.351.5100.

941.359.7563; deadline is Paid for in part by Sarasota County Fri., Jan. 14, 2011.

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THE FSU/ASOLO CONSERVATORY FOR ACTOR TRAINING PRESENTS

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Selby Gallery Hours:

r for FSU Cente rts ormUs:ing A PerfContact

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Who are some of the brassy broads you’re channeling for this performance?

Sakolove: “Sophie Tucker and Bette Midler.”

Sadrina Renee: “Eartha Kitt, Marilyn Monroe and a little Tina Turner.”

Natalie Renee: “I don’t really need to

“Brassy Broads: The Next Generation” is up now through March 26, in the Goldstein Cabaret at Florida Studio Theatre. For tickets, call 366-9000 or visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org.

Sadrina Renee: “Shy and sarcastic.”

Evening: $28 • Matinees: $26 • Students: $14

Pay What You Can Tuesday: Jan. 4 only

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BEINGHUMAN Selby Gallery, January 10 - February 19, 2011 Selby Gallery, January 10 - February 19, 2011

Opening Reception: Fri., Jan. 14, 5-7 p.m.

Opening Reception: Fri., Jan. 14, 5-7 p.m.

Director’s Tour: Director’s Mon., Jan. Tour: 17, 11:30 a.m.

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It’s not easy being a brassy broad. People expect you to pack a certain amount of panache, sex appeal, comedic timing and, well, controversy.

Ordinary women might crack under the pressure.

But, then again, ordinary women are not gracing the Goldstein Cabaret stage in the Dennis Courtney-directed and choreographed “Brassy Broads: The Next Generation” at Florida Studio Theatre.

Actresses Carly Sakolove, Sadrina Renee and Natalie Renee (no relation) were thrilled when they heard they’d be performing iconic numbers by some of the pluckiest female entertainers in Hollywood, including Bette Midler, Sophie Tucker, Ethel Merman, Mae West and Carol Channing.

The revue, which opened Jan. 7, was the perfect fit for all three performers, none of whom seem offended by the term, “broad.”

Instead, they say they’re flattered. And like the feisty doyennes they emulate, they intend to use their feminine wiles to keep audiences captivated throughout the show’s nearly three-month run.

“Who knows,” says Sakolove. “Maybe we’ll be the brassy broads of tomorrow.”

IF YOU GO

Gallery I: Portraits Gallery I:by Photographers Emmet Gowin

and Tina Barney Portraits

by Photographers Emmet Gowin and TinaII: Barney Gallery Gallery II: by Painter Harvey Dinnerstein Self Portraits Self Portraits by Painter Harvey Dinnerstein

Selby Gallery Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Tuesdays - 10:00 a.m.Monday - 7:00p.m.

Selby Gallery Hours: - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

- 7:00p.m.

Tuesdays Contact Us: 2700 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34234 Phone: 941.359.7563 or 941.351.5100.

Contact Us: 2700 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34234 Phone: or 941.351.5100.

Paid for941.359.7563 in part by Sarasota County Tourist Tax revenues.

Paid for Development in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

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5B

BACKSTAGE PASS by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

Designing woman Kaylene McCaw is a thrift store junkie, skilled seamstress and gifted actress.The costume designer explains how she gets into character.

Kaylene McCaw is having a good clothes day, the kind of clothes day that would send any costume designer into a giddy fit.

Someone delivered a bag of hats, coats and dresses to The Players Theatre earlier in the day. And not just any bag of hats, coats and dresses — these pieces were vintage.

Consequently, McCaw, a costume designer at The Players Theatre for eight years, spent the morning modeling outfits for the staff, parading around the lobby in 1950s derby caps and fur-collared coats.

“One of the perks of the job is getting to play dress-up for a living,” McCaw says. “We get a lot of garbage donations, but it’s worth picking through for the jewels.”

To a woman such as McCaw — an avid Goodwill shopper whose wardrobe mostly consists of funky finds from second-hand stores — the donation was especially exciting.

“I’m frugal,” McCaw says. “It’s a big part of who I am and what I do. A lot of designers come in here expecting to buy everything. Our budgets are basically nothing. My job is to make a nickel look like $500.”

And that she does with almost every costume she creates, from the lav-

Heidi Kurpiela

“I like to think of myself as a fabric engineer,” Kaylene McCaw says. “You give me something soft, and I can make it into almost anything.”

WARDROBE MALFUNCTIONS Kaylene McCaw weighs in on her top-two costume pet peeves.

Velcro

“It’s overrated. I have a personal hatred of Velcro.

It’s not as strong as everybody thinks. It’s a beautiful thing when used properly, but in most cases I use old-fashioned snaps and buttons.”

Inflated egos

“People get insane. I have to keep reminding them that they have to look like their character, even if the character isn’t pretty. Some actors feel since they dress themselves every day, they have the authority to dress themselves in shows.”

ish Edwardian-era gowns of “Titanic” to the drab housecoats and kerchiefs of “Fiddler on the Roof.”

It helps that McCaw is also an actress.

She knows how challenging it is to move on stage in an ill-fitting costume. She knows how a piece of fabric can transform you into a character and transport you to another place and time.

She experienced this as a teen when she was cast as the title character in “Little Red Riding Hood” and when, in 2009, she shaved her head to play the part of cancer-stricken Vivian Bearing in “Wit.” “I’ve had beautiful experiences where someone might be having a hard time feeling a character and they put on the clothes and suddenly get it,” says McCaw, who joined The Players staff eight years ago. “That’s why I wish people would still get dressed up to go to the theater. You take it more seriously. There’s something grand about it.”

McCaw grew up in Walla Walla, Wash., where she served as the president of her high school’s drama club and performed in community theater productions staged in her hometown meeting house.

As a girl, her mother taught her the basics of sewing. The skill served McCaw well as she got older and her personal style became more bohemian.

“I’ve always had tastes that were different,” McCaw says. “If I couldn’t find what I wanted at the mall, I could always hit the sewing machine and make it myself.”

The conversation returns to McCaw’s love of thrift-store shopping — again. Scanning her outfit, she points out that everything, excluding her shoes, came from a Goodwill, the exact location of which she won’t reveal.

“It’s a secret goldmine,” she says of the store. “I want to keep it that way.”

McCaw is currently costuming “Big: The Musical,” which opens Jan. 13, at The Players. According to the designer, the musical is “a simple show,” requiring three costumes for each actor in the 30-person cast.

Her teenaged daughters, both students at Booker High School, are performing in the show.

She gestures toward a heap of colorful Converse sneakers, which she borrowed recently from Florida Studio Theatre for the “Big” kids to wear during ensemble dances.

“I prefer shows where the clothes make the character come to life,” McCaw says. “When the clothes are perfect, people just believe they belong to the actors. It can be frustrating because you want people to notice your work, but you never want the costumes to get in the way.”

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EDIBLES: Fresh Ideas

by Molly Schechter | Food Editor

RECIPE

The fruits of winter 101

ORANGE AND ONION SALAD SERVES 4

4 small oranges 1 small onion peeled 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 clove garlic, cut in half 1/4 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper Crisp salad greens 1/2 cup pitted green olives (optional) • Peel oranges and remove membranes. Slice oranges and onion into thin slices and separate onion slices into rings.

• Combine olive oil, vinegar, two tablespoons water, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir well, pour over oranges and onion and refrigerate, covered, until well-chilled — two hours or more. Remove and discard garlic.

• Put greens (and olives, if using) in salad bowl. Add orange/onion/dressing mixture, toss well and serve.

Rachel S. O’Hara

Tangerines, Ruby Red grapefruits and navel oranges make great additions to recipes.

Winter in Florida is a virtual parade of edible sunshine. First, starting in late fall, come the navel oranges and ruby red grapefruit, followed by tangerines.

In January — and only in January — the much-coveted Honeybells appear. Crimson grapefruit follow for a brief period in February. Then Valencia oranges and golden white grapefruit finish out the season, which ends in May. These are the stars of Florida’s fruit season. Even the names are mouthwatering. The fruit is as healthful as it is delicious, and its season is one of the joys of living here.

Whether you get your citrus in the supermarket, from a grower or from a tree in your backyard, these fruits are virtually guilt-free. They are universally low in calories and sodium (with the peculiar exception of kumquats) and rich in vitamins A, B and C and various other nutrients. They have a decent amount of dietary fiber and zero grams of fat. Sugar content ranges from two to three grams each for a lime or lemon to eight grams for an orange and 11 for a tangerine.

From a nutrition and taste standpoint, they are real winners.

They are also stars in the kitchen with roles to play far beyond juice or the conventional half-grapefruit-sectioned-forbreakfast. That same half grapefruit can take a topping of light brown sugar straight from the package, go under the broiler until the sugar bubbles and emerge as an instant dessert. Got leftover champagne? Martha Stewart pours it over citrus sections in saucer glasses for another instant ending. Or bake a sweet tart base, spread with marscapone mixed with some finely chopped candied ginger, a bit of grapefruit juice and some confectioners sugar, top with perfect grapefruit

sections, and you have a spectacular dessert with little effort.

Citrus fruits shine in salads, in which oranges and onions are especially great companions. One recipe follows. For an intriguing variation, combine oranges with watercress and red onion, pine nuts and an olive oil/red wine vinegar dressing seasoned with a bit of dried marjoram. Individually or in combination, citrus fruits star in sorbets and other desserts, drinks, preserves, cakes, cookies, tarts, spectacular scones and more.

These may well be the most versatile of fruits. Epicurious.com delivers 117 citations for “grapefruit” alone; recipes are that easy to find.

So is great fruit, because Sarasota has a major, local grower — Albritton Fruit Company. It was founded by Karl Albritton in 1880 and calls itself Florida’s oldest family-owned business. And well it might; it buds onto rootstock from a sour orange tree planted during the Civil War. Today’s management is the third generation.

Albritton grows in Sarasota, Arcadia and Hardy counties; its business is roughly 50% wholesale and 50% retail. There used to be multiple Albritton stores, including a sorely missed one on Longboat Key and another on South Tamiami Trail not far from the hospital. Today shipping is 90% of its retail business (they send fruit worldwide), and there is only The Grove on Proctor east of Honore. But you can still get a free taste of its 100% pure orange or grapefruit juice.

If you are a Honeybell fancier, get over there straightaway: The fruit is here, but the season is short. Whatever you are buying, consider this advice from Tom House, Albritton Fruit’s general manag-

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

Molly Schechter

Tom House, general manager of Albritton Fruit Company, displays some of the season’s best.

er, “People buy fruit by look and size,” he says, “and those things don’t really matter. (It’s) better to judge by density; heft the fruit and get a sense of how juicy it is.”

House explains that although wholesale customers buy a year ahead then test the actual crop for sugar and acidity to meet their standards, “What we sell in the store, we select by taste and experience. We eat, pick, ship.”

To experience just how sweet and juicy a fruit of winter can be, take an early tangerine, for example, which can be hard to peel. Split it in half and eat it from the inside out — standing over a sink or wastebasket to catch the juice that runs off your chin. You’ll be doing it kind of like the citrus guys do it in the field. It’s messy, but it sure is fun — and delicious!

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7B

REVIEW

Music

The Perlman Music Program: Celebration Concert

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Itzhak Perlman rehearses with PMP orchestra students, the culmination of which was the Celebration Concert Jan. 8.

Courtesy photo

will pay off manifold in the future, and by keeping the selections short, it was hardly an infliction on the ears of the audience.

After a quick stage change, the musicians returned with their real instruments — violins, violas, cellos and basses — to do what they do best. And did they ever do it! Itzhak dubbed their selections a sort of musical menu, starting with an appetizer of Mozart (three movements from a divertimento), followed by a sandwich of a Perlman-constructed chamber work: the first movement of Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden” Quartet (transcribed for string orchestra by Mahler); the second movement of Beethoven’s Opus 18, No. 4 Quartet; and the final movement of the Schubert.

With his ample charm and charisma, Itzhak, on the podium, called this the “entrée of the dinner” with the opening Schubert being “a big steak” and the Beethoven “a foie gras course.”

For my taste, the rich, sonorous sounds the orchestra made in the Schubert/Mahler were more like a luscious rib roast (bone in, of course!), while the clarity and beautifully resolved dissonances in the Beethoven were like a palate-cleansing soupcon of sorbet.

There were two surprises. This time, rather than ending with a fun romp through the “Carmen” Suite as they have in past years, Itzhak chose an encore of the Brahms “Hungarian Dance” No. 5. This made a really rich dessert course, complete “mit schlag,” in one of the best Hungarian-style drones (violins leaning into an up-bow crescendo) we’ve ever heard. It was delicious.

The only not-so-good surprise had nothing to do with the performers. It was the packed audience that seemed very unSarasota-like in its understanding of the concert. Applauding at several inopportune moments (including in the middle of a phrase), this seemed to be an audience that turned out because it was the thing to do. Let’s hope those who were attending a classical concert for the first time learned as much as those kids on the stage and that this experience will have them return for more in the future.

— June LeBell

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Now in its seventh Sarasota season, the Perlman Music Program has taught us what to expect when we attend its Winter Residency Celebration concert, so there were only a few surprises this past Saturday at the Sarasota Opera House — and they were almost all good ones.

Attending one of these performances is like discovering a great video on YouTube.

The stage is crammed with some of the most talented string players in the world.

The surprise for the uninitiated is that they’re mostly teenagers: focused, brilliant, poised and on the verge of major careers in music.

Their mentors, the violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman and his insightfuland-inspirational wife, Toby, have a home life that’s been filled with five of their own children. Years ago, in a conversation I had with Toby, she told me the reason they had so many kids is they had so much love to give, and they simply had to spread it among them. This same philosophy seems to prevail in their treatment of the student musicians who participate in the Perlman Music Program.

Itzhak, who has occasionally moonlighted as a baritone in concerts and operas, feels it’s important for instrumentalists to learn to sing. And is he ever right! It’s not so much that they become great singers with beautiful voices, but when instrumentalists sing in an ensemble, like The PMP Chorus, they learn phrasing, breathing, stage deportment and, most importantly, the art of listening to each other. All of this is then translated into their chamber music, orchestral and solo instrumental performances.

So, as in most past years, Saturday’s concert began with chorus master Patrick Romano and The PMP Chorus (including Itzhak and Toby Perlman), using their “original instruments” in singing excerpts from an early Mozart Mass, Mozart’s “Ave Verum Corpus” and a well-known “Coronation” Anthem by Handel. Was it great singing? No. It was strident, thin and, at times, pushed. But the musical and emotional lessons learned by the singers

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

REVIEW

Film

>> ‘Country

Strong’

10th Anniversary Cattle Barons’ Ball “White Out Cancer”

April 16, 2011 Michael’s On East

Sponsorship opportunities available For information contact Iris Starr 941-328-3760 iris.starr@cancer.org

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Courtesy photo

Gwyneth Paltrow stars in “Country Strong.”

45711

2010 2011

If you’ve got a hankering to see “Country Strong,” take a pillow to the theater. It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up on some lost sleep. From beginning to end, this film just rips off other movies, as well as its audience.

In this comeback-kid flick, Gwyneth Paltrow plays Kelly Canter, country-western superstar who’s fallen from grace and landed in rehab. Her husband/manager, James, played by Tim McGraw (who surprisingly doesn’t sing a note), signs her out early, primarily due to greed. He wants Kelly back on the circuit — ready or not. Meal ticket aside, we’re supposed to believe he really loves her.

Rehab orderly Beau (cutie pie Garret Hedlund) quits his day job and goes on tour with Kelly. Ironically, he too, is a country singer. Although Kelly loves James, she also loves Beau (it’s a superstar thing). Beau loves Kelly, until young little upstart Chiles (Leighton Meester) enters the picture. It doesn’t get any sudsier than this even on daytime TV.

“Country Strong” suffers from a syrupy screenplay by its director, Shana Feste (“The Greatest”). Had that not been a major issue, the film may have soared.

Blatantly stealing scenes from “Walk the Line” (the June Carter/Johnny Cash duet) and “Crazy Heart” (heaving into a trash can backstage) detracts from her credibility as a professional. It undermines Paltrow’s fabulous singing voice and some impressive camerawork.

Given Kelly’s propensity for breaking down crying at any given moment, the rivers of mascara running down her cheeks get old, really fast. Waterproof mascara has been around for decades. Minor things such as that add up to bothersome predictability throughout the film.

It’s sad when an amazing cast and superb score are wasted on such a sorry script.

“Country Strong” would have been more effective as the source for a song rather than an endlessly boring movie.

— Pam Nadon

S E A S O N

Leif Bjaland, Artistic Director

POPS: ON BROADWAY

JOHN STERLING ARNOLD, DAVID BREITBARTH, & JAMES CLARKE. PHOTO BY ALICIA DONELAN.

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THE SOCIAL OBSERVER

Black Tie Winter

The Observer www.yourobserver.com

thursday JANUARY 13, 2011

Wonderland

By STEPHANIE HANNUM | BLACK TIE EDITOR

From the moment more than 250 guests entered a snowy ballroom at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, they experienced a winter wonderland perfectly appropriate for the presence of 1976 Olympic gold medalist ice skater Dorothy Hamill. Hamill, author of “A Skating Life,” was honored with Sunshine from Darkness’ annual Luminary Award, which is presented to those who have done outstanding work combating the stigma associated with mental illness. Sunshine from Darkness’ 14th annual gala took place Saturday, Jan. 8.

Chaired by Lee Peterson and Emily Walsh Parry and Honorary Chairs Bob Peterson and Bob and Joyce Tate, the gala featured an exclusive jewelry bar, presented

by Judith Ripka as the silent auction, and a special appearance by 2010 Winter Olympics pairs skaters Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig. Guests danced the night away (even starting the fun earlier, in between each course) to the sounds of Scott Blum & Friends.

Proceeds benefit mental-health research through the International Mental Health Research Organization.

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

See more photos / Page 12B

Above: Dorothy Gordon and Margaret Ferguson

Garen and Shari Staglin, honoree Dorothy Hamill, Lee and Bob Peterson and John MacColl

Art and Fran Timmins with Joan and Peter Wells

Joyce Tate and Flora Major

Janet Ladwig, Olympic skaters Mark Ladwig and Amanda Evora and Jim Peterson

Chairwoman Emily Walsh Parry and The Hon. Rick DeFuria

Mike and Jewel Ash

Karen and Hugh Miller

10B >>

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

COLUMN

black tie tales

+ Black Tie Affair The Catholic Charities Ball 2011

Catholic Charities of Sarasota and Manatee Counties 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29 • The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota • Ticket $200 • Reservations 941355-4680, Ext. 311

by Molly Schechter | Social Editor

It is one of our town’s most established events, formerly known as “The Bishop’s Ball” and still called that by many supporters. The invitation says “Bishop Frank J. Dewane requests the honor of

your presence for a special evening…” and it’s tough to say “no” to the Bishop! The quartet of co-chairs includes Sarasota leading ladies Mary Kenealy-Barbetta, Julie Delaney, Bridget Spiess and Linda Whitacre. Honorary chairs Eileen Donovan and Maria DeSanto, long associated with the event, further strengthen its appeal. The band, Mainstream, will play for the third consecutive year – by popular demand. This year’s auction includes a trip to Australia, along with the always-popular “Dinner with the Bishop.” And the raffle is year’s free tuition at any Catholic school in Sarasota or Manatee County – not a bad bet for a $25 ticket. Pick your reason and make your reservation by calling the number above. And give our best to the Bishop!

+ Tidbits …

Molly Schechter

Deva O’Donnell, Rochelle Nigri, Molly Klauber, Vanessa Opstal, Kelly Dowd and Sharon Petrik

+ What were you doing New Year’s?

Getting a spiritual lift from a drum circle in Sanderling … ogling the cookie queen’s sequined boots on Siesta Key … being delighted by a friend’s spectacular new place in Ocala … celebrating with friends at Lan before going out on Main Street for the pineapple plop … enjoying the same dinner (corned beef and cabbage and black-eyed peas with a dime embedded for good luck) with the same friends for a half-century … going off to the beach with a girlfriend to focus on joys and sorrows of the year ending and plans and resolutions for the one ahead … skipping planned stops on a holiday cruise due to worries about pirates(!) … enjoying a progressive dinner when you always thought you hated that format … and, almost universally: “celebrating being alive and, thankfully, healthy.”

Courtesy Photo

Cynthia and Richard Clark (foundation trustee), new Corinthian Society Honorees pictured with Patricia Riley, foundation trustee.

+ Hospital hospitality

Sarasota Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Corinthian Society of donors of $5,000 or more welcomed 41 new members at a celebration at the Bird Key Yacht Club before the holidays. The event also recognized seven new “Doctors of Philanthropy” who have committed $50,000 or more.

They are: Bank of America Client Foundation, The Bolger Foundation, The Charlotte Geyer Foundation, Jones Family Foundation, KBR Foundation, Inc., Anonymous and Dan, Rob and Mike Snyder, founders of the Patricia Snyder Golf Tournament.

Courtesy photo

Sherman and Joyce Cooper, granddaughter Lindsay Eldredge and her beau, Michael Yormark

couples who regularly rent a vacation home in Mexico from artist and former Sarasotan Linda Kauffmann. The world just keeps getting smaller! ...

Lovely and engaged … Over the holidays, Ed Sarbey presented Shelley Binion with an engagement ring. And if BT’s earlier referral to Ivana Lucic and Renzo Rivolta as affianced was, shall we say, premature, a recent e-mail from Ivana says, “Now that all of our families are here ... I can definitely say that we are engaged!”

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Talk about a changed definition! “Girlfriends’ Time of Month” is now an informal, multigeneration group of friends organized by Molly Klauber. The 50 or so guests at its holiday gathering at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

included Molly’s mom, Mirta Klauber, aunts Jaymie Klauber and Katie Moulton, and friends Maria Sharoubim, Shelley Binion, Kelly Dowd, Vanessa Opstal, Sharon Petrik, Jennie Famiglio and Rochelle Nigri.

The one brave fella attending was Eduardo Anaya.

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+ New girls’ network

Red ahead for redhead …

Mary Ann Robinson will be hosting one of four VIP dinners benefiting the YMCA Foundation. She’s promising to pull out all the stops in terms of romance for “Be My Valentine” to be held Feb. 14, at Michael’s Wine Cellar.

Seating is limited to 34, and tickets are $200 per person at 951-1336 … Party perfect …

Sherman and Joyce Cooper entertained friends to celebrate the new year and the visit of their niece Lindsay Eldredge, who attends Curry College outside of Boston, and her boyfriend, Michael Yormark, a student at Syracuse University …Sailing, sailing …

Nancy Lee and partner Fred Mackenzie are aboard the Oceania Nautica which sailed from Capetown, South Africa.

So are fellow Longboat Key residents Heloisa and Charles Jennings and two Canadian

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Presented with support from

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

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11B

CAMERA READY

‘Perlman and Pearls’ Celebration Gala The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast Saturday, Jan. 8 | Michael’s On East

Photos by Molly Schechter

Sheila and Jules Rose, President of the Perlman Music Program/Suncoast

Co-Chairwomen Liz Barzell, Fran Lambert and Debbie Haspel

Violin autographed by the Perlmans and their “pearls” was an auction item.

Student Valerie Kim with former student Peter Dugan

Toby and Itzhak Perlman

Madge and Bill Berman

John and Mary Ann Meyer

C elebrate

a community

Treasure

Tribute Dinner February 11, 2011

6:30 p.m. Dinner, Dancing & Live Music featuring GetBack! Cast of Beatlemania. Tickets: $250/ea.

All proceeds enhance the academic excellence of New College.

Reserve your seat today.

call 941.487.4800 or visit 50th.ncf.edu 47183

golden anniversary

12B

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

SUNSHINE FROM DARKNESS

Brenda and Weldon Frost

(Continued from 9B)

Pauline and Albert Joerger

50439

Above: Dorothy Hamill’s coach, Bobby Denard, with Alison Smith and Cal Warren

January 15 - 16

Left: David Peterson and his niece, Annabelle

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To see rental models available visit www.Cannons.com

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Amateur

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Pro/Am

Cannons Marina features Sarasota Bay’s largest and newest fleet of boats for half and full day rentals. Whether you’re cruising, fishing, water skiing or snorkeling, a day on the water is the BEST way to enjoy our local waters.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

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13B

Earn and Redeem Connoisseur Club Points Every Time You Travel

‘La Bête’ Opening Night Dinner Asolo Repertory Theatre Friday, Jan. 7 | Asolo Repertory Theatre

Ruth Kreindler and Dudley Keyes

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Photos by Molly Schechter

Jim Buck and Bob Coppenrath

are you a Member of the Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club? admiral travel is celebrating its one-year Connoisseur Club anniversary with 25,000 Points to sPEnd on dininG, winE and futurE travEl!

Ted Voss and daughter Cooper Voss

Earn 25,000 Points whEn you book with our toP 25 travEl PartnErs Visit www.admiraltravel.com/travelconnoisseur for a complete listing of our partners along with terms and conditions. Be sure to sign up for our e-newsletter to stay on top of your Connoisseur Club travel benefits.

Margaret and Bill Wise

Marty and Paulette Samowitz

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE HE

O D L

!

R E V

Just imagine all the food, wine and future travel experiences you can enjoy with the $2,500 in points you will earn simply by booking with admiral travel.

“Engaging and energetic”

FeAtured PArtner: earn 25,000 points on

the spirit of Europe with Celebrated hosts

- Sarasota Herald-Tribune

the Champagne houses of france Prestige cuvées with Olivier Krug at Krug’s Tasting Room JuNe 4 -10, 2011

il Palio: window views of sienna’s historic horse race Award-winning Super Tuscans with Salvatore Ferragamo JuNe 29 - JuLy 5, 2011

Book & Lyrics by Joe DiPietro

Zythology: Celebrate the beers of Europe

Music by Jimmy Roberts

VIP brewery access with Anheuser-Busch Brew Meister George Reisch

“You’ll love it, and you won’t want to change a thing!

SePteMBeR 12 - 20, 2011

- Creative Loafing

Gil Brady and Stacey Harris.

Photo by Amy Steinmetz

A Virtuoso Member Agency

Richard Hopkins, Artistic Director

www.floridastudiotheatre.org

Call 941.951.1801 or visit AdmiralTravel.com 1284 N. Palm Avenue Downtown Sarasota • MGA Commerce Plaza Lakewood Ranch

50153

366-9000

50422

1241 N. Palm Ave. ~ Downtown Sarasota

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

CAMERA READY

Ed Winddancer plays a Native American welcoming song.

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Yara Carvalho, Lais Pfitzenreiter and Artab Pangallo

Jack Dowd stands between two of his sculptures that he made of Andy Warhol in 2007.

‘Looking Into the Crystal Ball’ Selby Public Library Teen Center Friday, Jan. 7 | Selby Public Library

Pat Kaufman was one of the artists who showed off their skills during the Friends of the Selby Public Library event.

Evelyn McFarland Miller shows Don and Linda Bruns her collection of flutes that she had on display.

Charlotte and Ron Thompson

Observe

what you are missing...

SAVE THE DATES! Our Winter Season opens with Celebrate the Season at Longboat Key Center for the Arts!

THE HUMAN FIGURE: REVERED AND REVEALED Durante Gallery sponsored by Ed Brickman “Legal Forging” December 2 – 16, 2010 Opening Reception | Thursday | December 2 | 5 -7 pm Durante Gallery Please rsvp to 941.383.2345 by November 30 for the Dec 2 reception.

LIFE AND STILL LIFE Artist: DavidofLeffel A selection Ed’s work will be for sale to benefit the Longboat Key Center January for the13ArtsFebruary 24 Opening Reception: Thursday, January 13 5-7 pm Ed Brickman has been making jewelry since he was a teenager and has never World renowned painter, writer and “20th Century Old Master,” lost his enthusiasm for the creative process. His work can be found in the Leffel’s portraits and still lifes illuminate their subject creating permanent collections of the Newark Museum in Newark, New Jersey, and dimension, mystery and atmosphere. the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City. Ed has been teaching

David Leffel Workshop February 9:30 amEd– will 4 pm jewelry for many years at–LBKCA. This21-25 is the first time be showcasing $850 over 200 pieces from his collection. You’ll not want to miss this show!

David Leffel Demo – February 23 5:30-8 pm $15

The best source for

bOW tiES & bALLgOWNS!

Cultural Media Room

Cultural Media RoomSale by ‘Open Trunk’ Holiday THE EXPRESSIVE FIGURE December 2 - 16, 2010 Artist: Bill Buchman Find that unique holiday January 13-February 24 gift for your loved ones made by Ringling College students and alumni.

You’ll find January paintings,13 sculpture, Opening Reception: Thursday, 5-7 pm jewelry, crafts, and much, much more!!

Nationally recognized faculty at LBKCA, Buchman’s vibrant abstracts andHours expressive figure drawings convey palpable motion and for the Sale: Monday through Friday,a 9 am to 4 pm rhythm that dance off the surface.

Special Saturday hours!!

Saturday, December 4, 11“Expressive am to 3 pm &Figure Saturday, December 11,Demo 11 am to 3 pm Buchman Book Launch Drawing” and Tuesday, 18and Sale 5-7 pm OpeningJanuary Reception | Thursday | December 2 | 5 -7 pm $15Please rsvp to 941.383.2345 by November 30 for the Dec 2 reception.

Local News that’s

LOCAL NEWS!

RSVP required, please call 941.383.2345 6860 Longboat Drive S | Longboat Key, FL 34228 www.lbkca.ringling.edu | 941.383.2345 Hours: Monday – Friday | 9 am to 4 pm

YourObserver.com

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You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

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15B

FASHION by Stephanie Hannum | Black Tie Editor

BETSEY JOHNSON BELT

“Belts make an outfit — I put them outside jackets and around dresses. Anytime I can belt something, I belt it.”

“My style is sophisticated with an urban twist.

I like to wear conservative clothing, but with a modern pop like studs, ruffles or bright colors.”

guestfashioneditor SABRINA CULLEN

Sabrina Cullen, a communications specialist with Coldwell Banker Real Estate, has a young fresh look. The young professional has fun mixing and matching styles, which she discovers while folding and hanging her laundry.

OFFICE LONDON SHOES

“I wear these shoes to work with suits.

They add a funky pop to a simple black suit, which is very much my style.”

PINS AND NEEDLESTOP “I can wear this top to work and then go out — it easily transitions from day to night.”

FOREVER 21 JACKET

BETSEY JOHNSON DRESS (Back shown) “From the front, this is just a striped dress, but it has ruffles on the back. I can wear it with leggings, boots or pumps. It’s a great dress to dress up or down.”

ABS COLLECTION DRESS

“This is my party dress — it’s one of those dresses that you see in the store and just know it’s one you’ll love. It reminds me of Carrie Bradshaw from ‘Sex and the City.’”

“This is my Michael Jackson jacket. I like to buy very trendy items at Forever 21, because they are affordable, so it’s OK if they go out of style next year. This is one of those items that people are afraid to pick up but when they see it on me, they realize it is wearable.”

WILLIAM RAST JEANS

“These jeans fit really well and are different; I don’t think a lot of people wear this brand. I like brand names that are stylish and high-end but not what everyone is wearing.”

Today, my mom lost her job and I might have to go live with my grandma.

GIANNI BINI SHOES

“I love the bright color of these shoes — it makes my outfits more playful than wearing just a black heel.”

TORI SPELLING NECKLACE

“I was up watching HSN (Home Shopping Network) one night and saw this necklace. It’s one of those necklaces that I can pair with a T-shirt and jeans and it will dress it up.”

Today, I helped families stay together.

Today, the need is great.

Too many local families are living on the brink of homelessness. Sometimes it seems there is no way to alleviate the hurt and fear.

Serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties

www.CFSarasota.org

But there is a way. Since 2000 those in need in our community have been helped by the Season of Sharing fund, which distributes money to agencies that provide assistance in emergency situations. There is no red tape or administrative fees.

All of the money – 100% – goes directly to those who need it most.

You can help.

Your donation to Season of Sharing helps others stay in their homes and care for their families. It helps them get through extraordinarily difficult times.

48361

Economic recovery is slow, while community needs continue to grow. Your assistance is needed more than ever. Today, please make your donation at www.CFSarasota.org.

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.

16B

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941.926.7000

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011

941.907.2000

PrudentialPalmsrealty.com

lakewoodranchrealty.com

Defining Luxury Real Estate in Sarasota

Longboat Reduced $345,000

$2,150,000

Longboat Reduced $500,000

Longboat Key $1,995,000

Longboat Reduced $985,000

Longboat Reduced $10,000

Country Club Shores $1,389,000

Country Club Shores $3,000,000

Sabal Cove

Custom built to ultimate standards with beautiful water views- Bay views from every room. Perfectly designed home. Pool, Waterfront 4bd/4.5ba residence with views of Sarasota Bay & 4BR/5BA, 3456SF, gourmet kitchen, heated pool & spa. feels like you are on a cruise ship! Sylvia Zimmerman 350-5022 spa, dock w/direct bay access. Mark Huber 356-2435 downtown. State of the art outdoor kitchen. Teri Sax 228-5578 Private beach access & gated. Michelle Musto 809-3714

biRd Key Reduced $196,000

Reduced $254,000

LOnGBOAT/ LiDO KEyS & DOWnTOWn

Reduced $200K $2,495,000 Longboat- Regent Place Rarely Available Direct Gulf front w/panoramic views of Gulf, Bay & Golf Course. 3BA/3.5BA, 3139SF, 2 parking spaces. Sylvia Zimmerman 350-5022 Reduced $400K $2,195,000 Golden Gate Point - Grande Riviera “The Crown Jewel” of Golden Gate Point! Panoramic bay view, private 2-car garage, full time concierge service. Sylvia Zimmerman 350-5022 $1,795,000 Longboat- Water Club Amazing Gulf views from all main rooms in this exquisite customdesign condo with expansive terrace & private elevator. Linda A. Page 504-0123 $725,000 Longboat- Pointe @Mariners Cove Thrilling views from this 3BR/2BA turnkey condo. Gated community overlooks the Intracoastal & Gulf of Mexico. Boat slip incl. Teri Sax 228-5578 $665,000 Longboat- 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 $589,900 Longboat - Harbour Oaks- Beautifully remodeled & appointed 3BR/2.5BA Harbour Circle attached $2,499,000 Bird Key villa behind the gates of the LBK Club Harbourside. Caged pool w/pond & fountain view. Mark Huber 356-2435 Canal front on Bird Key! This custom 3/4 Bedroom , 3.5 Bath. Just Listed $495,000 Downtown- 1350 Main Beautiful 2BR/2BA condo with wood floors and custom home is a showpiece of modern design. Ziad Sleit 928-5493 bulit-ins at Downtown Sarasota’s best location. Great amenities! Michael Granston 504-8018 $489,000 Longboat Landing 3BR/2BA condo w/ Bay views. Updated kitchen/baths. Comm. pool, tennis, bayfRont Reduced $30,000 boat docks & beach access. 2 covered parking spaces + storage. Pet friendly bldg. Marty Benson 232-9264 Reduced $100K $390,000 Downtown- Villas on Laurel 3BR condo near Main Street. Fine design w/ hdwd flooring, granite counters & stainless appliances. Maint. Free living. Lisa Morris 544-3332 Reduced $100K $349,000 Longboat- Buttonwood Cove Great view from this 2BR/2BA condo, under building parking & storage, private beach access, boat dock, and great amenities. Owner/agent Charles Beeler 587-4943 Reduced $96K $329,000 Longboat- Fairway Bay Enjoy club life& bay/city views from lux 2/2 condo.

Pool. Tennis. Private Beach Club, new paint & designer tile. Pet friendly! Louise Hamel 780-7474 $265,000 Longboat Harbour Towers Spectacular direct Gulf Views from this 7th floor condo with extra large balcony. Great bldg with many amenities. Low fees. Maureen Curtin 228-5121 SiESTASiesta & WATERFROnT Header: & Waterfront $699,000 Siesta – Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club Best buy in building Y. Closest to the beach. Great $1,299,000 Beau Ciel rentals. 2/2 ground floor, gulf views! Act now before season gets here. Rudy Dudon 234-3991 3,134 SF with Bay, Yacht Harbor & City views. Sep. LR & DR $699,000 Mainland Bayfront Best Waterfront Value near Downtown! Remodeled home & Pool - Fantastic Location - Bayfront Parcel & Dock included! Linda A. Page 504-0123 with oak wood floors & more! Linda A. Page 504-0123 Short Sale! Reduced $36K $429,000 Osprey- Bellagio Harbour Village Stunning bay & sunset views from this spacious condo 3 BR 2.5 BA condo. Exquisitely maintained Condo. Pam Hagan 400-6682 Longboat Key Reduced $62,600 $299,900 Sarasota Phillippi Gardens Custom designed pool home w/boat ramp, dock & deck. Skylights, fireplace. 2 car gar + 2 car carport. A Bargain! Wellman/Moffatt 923-1813 MAinLAnD Header: Mainland Short Sale Reduced $149,900 $750,000 E. Sarasota - Founders Club Magnificent Lee Wetherington home in prestigious Founders Club. 4BR/4BA/4 car garage. 4202SF. Ellen Gesell 320-3432 Reduced $20K $729,900 Lakewood Ranch - Edgewater Pointe One of a kind Lake View! 2886SF, 3BR/3BA, Den, 2 car + heated pool/ spa. Denny King 807-2572 $534,000 E. Sarasota – Serenoa Exceptional Value! Priced under appraisal! 3,200SF Masterpiece.

4BR/4BA with Bonus Room, Amazing sunsets & golf course view. Rayman/Tan 504-9232 Reduced $99,600 $499,900 Lakewood Ranch – Edgewater Shows like a model! Perfect for Gourmet Kit., Decorative ceilings, 4th bdroom opens to lanai. Loaded w/upgrades! Sylvia $899,000 Beachplace II entertaining, Zimmerman 350-5022 Direct Gulf Front renovated condo w a staircase right out to the beach! Reduced $79,900 $369,000 Sarasota- Oakleaf Lakefront! Fabulous former model loaded w/custom Sunsets views, 2BR/2BA, pool & tennis. Bruce & Jenine Meyer 266-8152 features 4BR/3BA/3 car garage, pool & spa, fireplace, built ‘96. Kim Gilliland 809-5151 $248,000 Ashley Trace @ University Place Gated community, 3BR/2BA home where details & upgrades abound!

Longboat - JuSt LiSted Private terrace overlooks preserve, Comm. pools, fitness center, trails + kayak launch. Johns Team 266-8814 Reduced $14,900 $215,000 Manatee- Stoneybrook @Heritage Harbour 3BR/2.5BA two story home on corner lot. Mstr. BR downstairs, loft area, pool, Corian & more! 1 yr warranty. Candria Crisp 726-5822 $199,000 Sarasota – Tamaron Centrally located off Bahia Vista & McIntosh, nice 3BR/2BA home with lg screened pool. Private backyard. New roof in 2007. 2 car garage + storage. Marty Benson 232-9264 $140,000 Sarasota – Pelican Cove End unit set in a quiet corner w/ updated kitchen, extra living space in enclosed Florida room, and terrace off kitchen. Rayman/Tan 504-9232

$1,695,000

Founders Club

4BR/5.5BA residence w/ golf views. 2 fireplaces, Gated. Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty, Pat McMillan 544-4538

Manatee RiveR Reduced $250,000

$950,000

The Inlets

Estate Lot and home on the Manatee River. Deep water dock for up to a 70’ boat. Courtney Campbell 806-7238

downtown Reduced $374,000

$925,000

1350 Main

Water & Sunset views from 12th floor 2280 SF condo in Downtown. Never occupied. 2 terraces. Michael Granston 504-8018

SieSta Reduced $540,000

REnTALS

Header: Rentals

$5900/mo. Longboat Key Seasonal, Direct Gulf views from every room! 2BR/2BA vacation condo w/1-car garage. Enjoy miles of sandy white beaches & shopping at St. Armand’s Circle. Gated community. Cassie $859,000 Grand Bay Lupinacci 320-0053 $900,000 Siesta Beach $1700/mo. Lakewood Ranch Annual/unfurn. Move right in! 3BR/2BA + den home w/family rm, formal Beachfront home or duplex built in 1999. 5BR/5BA w/ 4BR/4.5BA condo on Longboat, exquisitely turnkey furnished, dining rm., 2-car garage + rent even incl. lawn care. Pet friendly, too. Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty, views of Siesta Beach. Bob Stahlschmidt 266-2684 2 car garage beautiful views. Michael Granston 504-8018 Alba Lange 704-3026

downtown PenthouSe

inteRnationaL

RENTALS

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

941-552-3931 from $899,000

Rivo at Ringling From $20,000

Las Tierras Altas

Each over 3,000+SF, balconies, Sarasota & Bay views! Luxury Planned community of condos & single family homes.

3BR/3.5 BA, Pet Friendly. Lynn & Michael McDonald 302-0054 Full or fractional owner ship. Rayman/Tan 724-0519 © 2011, An independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.

941.926.7000

Prudential is a service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Do you OWE More than your property is worth?

Are you concerned about losing your property?

Time to act now!

Call the short sale experts at