Longboat Observer - Thursday, January 20, 2011

Observer

LONGBOAT

NEWS NEW ROUTE

Key FedEx driver plans to deliver in retirement.

PAGE 5A

DIVERSIONS: LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE

NEIGHBORHOOD 18A

Seasonal Forecast

INSIDE | PAGE 1B

Key businesses prepare to weather the tourist tide.

Teenage singing sensation Maria Wirries steals the spotlight.

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

OUR TOWN PEOPLE, PICS & PLACES

+ Kiwanians will have a ball Valentine’s Day The Longboat Key Kiwanis Foundation is sure to have a ball in honor of Valentine’s Day. The group is holding its first Valentine’s Day Ball from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Longboat Key Club and Resort Harbourside Dining Room. The event features a 17-piece band, dancing, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner, and recognition of the 2010 Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key Citizen of the Year. The event will raise money for scholarships for local students. Tickets are $85 per person, $47 of which is tax deductible. Contact Bob Gault at 387-8458 or John Wild at 3834253.

Thursday, JANUARY 20, 2011

by the numbers

Home burglaries rise, total crime level falls Longboat Key saw an 84.6% increase in home burglaries from 2009 to 2010. Vehicle larcenies, however, decreased 64.6% in 2010.

By Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

Recently released crime statistics for 2010 show that home burglaries on Longboat Key rose 84.6% in 2010 from a year ago.

A rise in burglaries, especially in the Longbeach Village, was the primary reason Longboat Key Police Chief Al Hogle asked for and received

permission in 2009 to hire an additional patrol officer and a captain at a cost of $217,000.

From May through October, six homes located north of Broadway in the Longbeach Village were burglarized.

During the entire year, 18 other homes were burglarized throughout the Key, in neighborhoods such as Emerald Harbor, Sleepy Lagoon and

neighborhood watch

+ Observe slice of paradise in this issue This week’s issue of the Longboat Observer comes with a special key to paradise: the 2011 Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce Visitors Guide and Community Directory.

The guide features area history, information about local attractions, colorful photos of island life and a directory of businesses.

See OUR TOWN / PAGE 2A

INDEX Classifieds...............................28A Crossword..............................27A Deal Us In..............................26A Black Tie..................................8B Key Real Estate.....................20A Opinion.....................................6A Weather.................................27A Vol. 33, No. 25 Two sections www.YourObserver.com

GULF OF

 PUBLIC WORKS

Country Club Shores.

The Village break-ins occurred during the daytime and at night, at both locked and unlocked residences.

But the crime data for the entire Key shows that most of the break-ins occurred during daylight hours. Fourteen burglaries occurred during the

VEHICLE LARCENIES

Year 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Vehicle Larcenies 13 30 22 25 16 23 18 79 28

Percent Change -48% 131% -27% 14% -36% 44% -22% 339% -65%

SEE CRIME / PAGE 8A

Crime statistics revealed that 24 home burglaries were reported last year on Longboat Key, compared to 13 home burglaries in 2009 and eight home burglaries in 2008.

MEXICO DRIVE

 AVENUE OF THE FLOWERS  TOWN HALL

 TO ANNA MARIA ISLAND

TO SARASOTA

Longbeach Village • 600 block Longboat Court (May 20) • 7000 block Palm Drive (July 20) • 7000 block Longboat Drive North (Sept. 5; Sept. 17) • 700 block Russell Street (Sept. 13) • 700 block Lands End Drive (Sept. 29) • 600 block Russell Street (Oct. 6) • 7100 block Longboat Drive North (Oct. 9)

Sleepy Lagoon • 6500 block Gulfside Road (Jan. 7) • 700 block Penfield Street (March 27; June 15) • 600 block Lyons Lane (March 23; June 29) Dream Island • 500 block Dream Island Road (July 1)

Gulf of Mexico Drive • 6800 block GMD (June 25) • 6400 block GMD (May 26; Oct. 5) • 4000 block GMD (June 24; Sept. 8) Emerald Harbor • 600 block Old Compass Road (July 22)



Longboat Shores • 600 block Longview Drive (June 26) • Winslow Place (June 26) Country Club Shores • 500 Spinnaker Lane (May 26) • 500 block Gunwale Lane (June 6)

PENSION PROBLEM

Firefighter lodges complaint A Longboat Key firefighter filed a complaint against five town officials Dec. 29, alleging that they interfered with the Firefighters Pension Board and stalled a forensic investigation of the pension plan.

By Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

Longboat Key firefighter/paramedic Daniel Taylor further escalated a growing feud between the firefighters and town officials last month, by filing an ethics com-

plaint against commissioners and the town manager.

The Dec. 29 complaint alleges that Mayor George Spoll and Commissioners David Brenner, Lynn Larson and Phillip Younger interfered with the Firefighters

Pension Board and stalled a forensic investigation of the pension plan that’s now under way.

A separate ethics complaint was also filed against Town Manager Bruce St. Denis and Foster & Foster pension board actuaries

Brad Heinrich and Doug Lozen.

Taylor claims the commissioners, the town manager and the actuaries listed were involved in a conflict of interest when the com-

SEE ETHICS / PAGE 12A

2A

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

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+ Villagers bend over backwards for speaker Kathleen Gallen, massage therapist and yoga instructor, was the guest speaker at the Jan. 5 meeting of the Longbeach Village Association. She focused on posture and noted how various ailments are related to it. Using volunteers, she demonstrated proper ways of sitting and standing.

+ ‘Hooray! It’s a soiree’ Rhea Chiles partnered with her husband, Lawton Chiles, during his 40 years of public service and served as first lady of the state of Florida for eight years. Today, Chiles carries on her husband’s legacy as founder and chair of the Lawton Chiles Foundation. To celebrate Longboat Island Chapel’s Aging in Paradise Resource Center, which will open in approximately three months, the chapel will honor Chiles as a model for senior citizens at “Hooray! It’s a Soiree” from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, at Longboat Key Club and Resort Harbourside Dining Room, 3000 Harbourside Drive. Tickets are $75 per person.

Call 383-6491.

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Cindy Shoffstall and Debbie Comer Courtesy photo

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It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game, right? Beachplace residents and New England Patriots fans Mary Ahern, pictured above, and her husband, Paul, showed their team spirit by inviting over friends to watch the Patriots play the New York Jets Jan. 16. The Aherns had a good time with their friends — which made the Patriots’ 28-21 loss easier to bear.

The Lido Key Residents Association rose early Saturday, Jan. 8, for its annual breakfast at the Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel, on Lido Beach.

Outgoing Sarasota Mayor Kelly Kirschner spoke at the meeting, generating a warm round of applause and well-wishes. But it’s still early in the season for the Lido Key Residents Association. Next month, the group will celebrate its 30th anniversary.

It’s time to put on your game face because Scrabble enthusiasts, poker players and gin junkies across the Key are all gearing up for this year’s Longboat Key Club Game Day to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Game Day is part of the “Go For the Cure” events, which the Longboat Key Club has hosted for the past 11 years. Last year’s events raised more than $72,000, bringing the total amount of money raised to more than $500,000.

This year’s Game Day takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, at the Harbourside Dining Room. The event is open to both Key Club members and nonmembers and will feature gin, mahjongg, canasta, or whatever games participants would like to play.

The entry fee is $40, and participants are encouraged to bring their own game setup. A 50/50 raffle and silent auction will also take place, and brunch will be available for $20.

Sponsorships are available at all levels and can be made in honor of someone who has been affected by breast cancer. Registration is due by Jan. 19.

Contact Bette Hoffman at 383-2562 or Fremajane Wolfson at 383-2275 for more information.

Sports Day takes place Tuesday, Feb. 15 and is open to members of the Longboat Key Club ladies golf or tennis associations. A luncheon in the Harbourside Dining Room will follow play of either nine or 18 holes of golf, along with tennis matches. Sign up at the Harbourside ladies locker room or at the pro shop at the Tennis Gardens.

+ Correction The Jan. 13 issue of the Longboat Observer stated that Lois and Bill Cohodas recently celebrated their 61st anniversary.

But we were wrong — that was so 10 years ago. The couple actually celebrated their 71st anniversary, having married Christmas Day in 1939, in Chicago. And, since then, their love has been a gift that keeps on giving.

Protecting our natural environment for future generations

LISA

LANNON soil & water science

“For three generations my family has worked in Florida Phosphate—my father, his father and now me. And, I hope my kids will too. I study the natural balance between the water and land. I’m proud that we recycle 95 percent of the water we use and plant nearly a million trees each year. It’s a good way of life, with respect for the land. You might just say it’s a family tradition.”

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+ Beachplace residents put on their game faces

+ Lido Key residents rise for annual breakfast

+ Longboat Key Club gears up for annual Game Day

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

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3A

analytical thinking

Pension trustee interrogates investigator A Firefighters Pension Board trustee believes pension investigator Benchmark Financial Services has preconceived notions.

By Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

Firefighters Pension Board trustee Gerald Feder has only been on the board for two months and attended two meetings, but already he has become a vocal member of the board.

Although a $50,000 pension investigation by Ocean Ridgebased Benchmark Financial Services is inevitable (three firefighter board members — a majority — support the investigation), Feder took a stand against the study at a Jan. 12 special meeting.

The firefighters want to analyze all past decisions made by the board and its pension attorney and actuary, even though the board’s actuary and attorney have stated the plan is in good shape.

Pension Board Chairman Keith Tanner says the study needs to be performed, because suspicions about the underfunded pension plan have continued to grow and its members want closure on what caused the issues.

But Feder questioned Benchmark founder Edward Siedle for 45 minutes and explained why he thought Siedle and his company were inappropriate to perform the investigation.

Feder cited an Oct. 19 e-mail sent from Siedle to Tanner’s personal e-mail address.

In the e-mail, Siedle wrote: “I am writing to report my concerns about the Longboat Key firefighters retirement plan. I must bluntly report that I see numerous red

Dora Walters

Firefighters Pension Board Chairman Keith Tanner, right, holds a discussion with Benchmark founder and President Edward Siedle after a special pension meeting Jan. 12, at Town Hall. flags indicating serious fiduciary breaches in the preliminary information I have reviewed about the firefighters’ plan. In fact, I believe it would be a fiduciary breach for your board not to take prompt action. In light of the severity of the issues involved, I suggest that you advise federal and state regulators at the outset of any investigation the fund undertakes.”

Feder said that he found the email shocking.

“What led you in that e-mail to say those things?” Feder asked.

Siedle only responded that he notices several red flags, adding that investment consultant Morgan Stanley was one of his concerns.

“I don’t need to look at all the documents of a fund to determine whether they are red flags,”

Siedle said. “I know you are new to this business, but a lot of this (fund) is public knowledge.”

Feder told Siedle he couldn’t believe he was suggesting that the board make contact with state and federal regulators to alert them to a pending investigation.

“I believe what you wrote can cost funds money,” Feder said. “I don’t believe you had the knowledge that would lead someone to run to the Security Exchanges Commission and other agencies before they even had an investigation performed.”

Pension trustee Shannon Gault agreed with Feder.

“It seems if something is wrong, that’s the time to advise authorities rather than stirring something up,” Gault said.

Feder asked Siedle four times if

he has already made conclusions about the pension plan.

Siedle said that his report would be based on the evidence received from public records requests and financial documents.

“I would never have my opinions trump evidence,” Siedle said.

Feder, however, said he believes the investigation is a bad idea.

“I believe you cannot overlook the potential impact of your own words that were written before you are fully aware of the fund with which you are talking about,” Feder said. “Get someone who doesn’t come in with a preconceived notion of red flags.”

Siedle, who said he’s referred to as a “pension detective,” began his career in the 1980s as a Washington money manager and, later, as the member of a legal counsel for Putnam Investments moneymanagement firm.

In 1989, Siedle founded a series of firms specializing in pension funds and money management for municipalities.

“We dig deeply into the management of money to identify conflicts of interest and other forms of malfeasance,” Siedle said. “The firm uses due diligence techniques to get a complete picture of what’s going on and how it impacts investment returns.

The purpose is to have the fund operate at a higher fiduciary standard.”

Siedle said it could take less than 90 days to complete the pension investigation.

“It’s not a criminal investigation,” Siedle said. “The report will read like any report with no wild conclusions that aren’t supported.”

Pension target: Morgan Stanley A list of information requested by Benchmark President Edward Siedle dated Jan. 4 shows that the pension investigator believes if there is any wrongdoing or money to recover from the Firefighters Pension Board fund, it will most likely come at the hands of pension consultant Morgan Stanley.

Benchmark’s 14 bullet points request copies of all contracts between the fund and Morgan Stanley or any other agents working on behalf of Morgan Stanley. Benchmark also requested any documentation reflecting the execution of trades regarding the fund’s accounts.

Siedle told the Longboat Observer his company has recovered $10 million for a Nashville, Tenn., public-pension fund and $6 million from a Chattanooga, Tenn., public-pension fund. Siedle said his company is also working to recover $20 million from a Burlington, Vt., public-pension fund.

All three of those funds, Siedle said, involved recovering the money from Morgan Stanley, which is the investment consultant for those funds.

Documentation from Benchmark’s website, benchmarkalert.com, shows that pension funds with conflicted investment consultants typically underperform by 1% to 2%.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

Three St. Armands buildings sell for $5.3 million

By Sean Roth and Robin Hartill Staff Writers

Three commercial buildings on St. Armands Circle sold for a total of $5.34 million during the first week of January.

Key Biscayne real-estate investor Max Puyanic, his son, David Puyanic, and several other silent investors, through the limited partnership St. Armands Circle Partners Ltd., bought two of the buildings: the two-story 15,472-square-foot McCarver & Moser Jewelers building for $2.7 million and a 4,054-square-foot building housing Square on the Circle and Loralie Designs for $1.14 million.

The price equated to $174 per square foot for the larger building and $281 per square foot for the smaller singlestory building.

The two buildings are 100% leased, according to Puyanic.

Puyanic is the founder of Commodore Realty Inc., a Key Biscayne realestate brokerage specializing in lowrisk investments. Excluding the St. Armands Circle properties, his company holds a portfolio of eight retail properties statewide with a total of 848,196 square feet. Locally, he owns and manages the Publix- and hhgregg-anchored 191,148-square-foot Sarasota Crossing shopping center, the Publix-anchored 158,000-square-foot Sarasota Commons, 136,000-square-foot Bird Bay Plaza and a 47,867-square-foot Sweetbay, in Palmetto.

“I’ve owned quite a lot of other prop-

erties in Sarasota and have always liked St. Armands Circle,” Puyanic says. “So, when the opportunity became available, we bought it. It was a little diversion from our normal routine, but it’s still retail space. We wanted to give investment in that area a try.”

Lee DeLieto Sr., of Michael Saunders & Co., represented the buyer, and Ryan Hoffman, of Wagner Realty, represented the seller.

In the other St. Armands Circle transaction, Fillmore Management I LLC and Fillmore Management II LLC purchased the former Carman’s Shoes building, at 436 St. Armands Circle, from William II and Judith Carman and Janna Carman for $1.5 million. The 1,775-square-foot, three-story building was originally built for the Old Colony Restaurant in 1949. William Carman said the St. Armands building was the first commercial condominium on the West Coast of Florida.

Sports photographers, The Stadium Gallery store owners and The Rob Arra Collections founders Robert Arra and Loring Weatherholtz headed up the two limited-liability companies that acquired the building. Arra and his companies specialize in panoramic sportsevent photographs.

The Stadium Gallery currently operates from a leased store at 372 St. Armands Circle. Arra declined to comment on his plans for the former Carman’s Shoes building.

Lee DeLieto Jr., of Michael Saunders & Co., handled the transaction.

The building occupied by McCarver & Moser sold for $2.7 million.

The three-story building at 436 St. Armands Circle sold for $1.5 million.

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

The building occupied by Square on the Circle and Loralie Designs sold for $1.14 million.

4A

INBRIEF

+ Mote begins tours of its seahorse conservation lab

+ Beach project delayed due to dredge structural issues Town Manager Bruce St. Denis told the Town Commission in a Jan. 13 e-mail that the north-end beach project will not begin until the middle of February.

The dredge, which was supposed to arrive Jan. 17, has not been certified to sail to Florida yet because steel structures in its bow need to be replaced.

Longboat Key residents on the north end of Longboat Key will notice beach equipment, including tractors, being placed on their beach leading up to the project.

Town staff had been working to receive a permit from FDEP all year, which allows the town to rebuild the entire beach profile, or a 200-foot wide beach that has been swept away from Broadway to north of North Shore Road.

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

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Mote Marine Aquarium now offers tours of its Seahorse Conservation Laboratory.

The tours reveal the threats seahorses face in the wild and information about how Mote breeds them for conservation.

Tours begin at 11 a.m. most Thursdays and last about 45 minutes. Cost is $20 per person. Lab tour prices do not include general admission to Mote Aquarium, which is $17 for adults; $16 for ages 65 and up; $12 for children ages 4 to 12; and free for children 3 and younger.

For information, contact Mote’s group sales department at 388-4441, Ext. 536, or e-mail groupsales@mote.org.

+ Water pipeline upsizing project completed The $2.4 million pipeline upsizing project along Gulf of Mexico Drive from Bay Isles Road south to the end of the Key has

been completed.

Town engineer Anne Ross told the Longboat Observer the project was completed last month and the contract is being finalized with the contractor this month.

The project involved replacing miles of old asbestos cement water main pipes along Gulf of Mexico Drive. The project required homeowners in some neighborhoods to have their water shut off while the new pipes were connected.

The town contracted with Palmettobased Westra Construction Corp. to perform the work, which began in December 2009.

The pipeline project was a component of a water interconnection installed in 2009 between the town and the city of Sarasota’s potable water system.

Previously, the town’s only source of potable drinking water was from Manatee County.

The new interconnection from the city of Sarasota will allow the island greater flexibility emergencies.

Meetings & agendas  Town Commission Regular Workshop — 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20.  Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7.

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

+ Hazardous waste pickup scheduled for Jan. 29 A household/hazardous-waste collection for barrier-island residents will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Coquina Beach bayside parking access area on Anna Maria Island.

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

For information, call the Manatee County Utilities Operation Department at 798-6761.

LBK 2010 - J — Number of days Benchmark Financial Services is expected to take to complete the forensic investigation of the firefighter pension. Page 3A

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Free hoMe DelIverY & SUbSCrIPTIoNS

Free home delivery: The Longboat Observer offers free home delivery to singlefamily homes on Longboat Key, Bird Key, St. Armands Key, Lido Key and Lido Shores. The Longboat Observer also delivers to every condominium, resort and commercial building on Longboat Key and Lido Key. If you wish to suspend or discontinue home delivery or your subscription, call Patti Colby at 383-5509, or e-mail her at pcolby@yourobserver.com.

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5A

TOTAL PACKAGE

Driven employee plans retirement route Delivery digits

Leola ‘Lee’ Meyer has spent 30 years as a FedEx driver and 25 years driving along the keys.

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

Leola “Lee” Meyer’s FedEx truck sits in the parking lot just north of the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. Both Meyer and the truck are regulars at the restaurant, because it is a convenient lunch-break spot on her route, which, for the past 25 years has taken her from Bird Key to Lido Key and St. Armands Circle and along the southern end of Longboat Key, ending at Putter Lane in Country Club Shores.

Passersby recognize her because they have seen her delivering packages around town.

“This,” says a man walking by, “is a very reliable lady.”

Even on her lunch break, Meyer is on duty. A woman pulls up next to her truck and asks if she has missed the pickup time to send a package through the nearby UPS box. With a smile, Meyer tells her that she isn’t too late and helps her with directions.

“Of course, I would rather you send that FedEx,” she says.

Meyer will retire at the end of January after more than 30 years as a driver and 25 years on the same route.

Meyer grew up operating large vehicles on a farm in Burwell, Neb.

“My dad put me in a pickup truck when I was 9 years old and said, ‘Don’t take out a fence,’” she says.

She jokes that after college she became a mail-order bride. Her boyfriend sent her an engagement ring in the mail, although he never proposed. She joined him in Florida, the couple married, and they operated a Shell station in Bradenton together. At the gas station, Meyer’s now exhusband often serviced FedEx trucks, while Meyer washed and fueled them. Eventually, FedEx offered him a job, which he declined because he had the station to run. But he suggested Meyer, who accepted the position, and Oct. 1, 1980, Meyer became the first female FedEx driver in the Sarasota-Manatee area.

Over the years, Meyer has become a total package to her customers.

“You see her coming and you automatically smile,” said Dianne Waters, sales representative at McCarver & Moser, on St. Armands Circle.

Waters said that one night, she had a package that she had scheduled for pickup late in the evening, and Meyer had already crossed the Ringling Bridge. But Meyer turned around and went back to the Circle to pick up the

Robin Hartill

Sue Spry, of Spryco Management, on Longboat Key, receives a package from 30-year FedEx driver Leola “Lee” Meyer. parcel.

Barbara LaMotte, manager of Fresh Produce on St. Armands Circle, said some delivery drivers leave packages behind the store, but not Meyer. She brings the packages inside and stacks them, a courtesy that makes a big difference in a 1,600-squarefoot space. But LaMotte said that Meyer’s personality is what stands out the most. When LaMotte was going through a difficult time, Meyer offered her a place to live.

“You never forget when someone offers you something like that,” she said.

Meyer’s relationships with customers have grown into friendships through years. She has also

befriended many pets on the island with her secret weapon: the dog biscuits that she always keeps in her pocket.

But Meyer insists that her customers have been the total package to her, as well. There was a man who lived at the Sanctuary whom Meyer referred to as her personal rabbi. He gave her advice that she still takes to heart years after he died: “Enjoy life. Smell the roses.”

She follows his advice sometimes when she isn’t in a rush.

When she delivers a package to a home with a garden, she often takes a moment to literally smell the roses.

170 — The record number of packages that Meyer has delivered in a single day 85 to 100 — The average number of stops that Meyer averages during a single day 30 — The number of years that Meyer has spent as a FedEx driver 25 — The number of years Meyer has spent on her current route 3.5 to 5.5 — The average number of miles that Meyer walks in a day on the job

In retirement, Meyer will put her people and pet skills to use by starting a home- and pet-sitting business. She hopes to continue to work primarily on the island, with the people she has come to know and love.

“I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat,” she says of her career.

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OPINION

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LONGBOAT

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

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

5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, Fla. 34228 941/383-5509 www.YourObserver.com

THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

our view

There’s more to beach than sand There is much more to Longboat Key’s beach than the fine white sand that squeaks beneath your feet.

It is a complex and dynamic system.

And how it works and what is required to maintain it is worthwhile for every Longboat taxpayer to know and understand.

The beach, after all, is the largest annual expense in the town’s budget (if you amortize the cost of renourishment).

What’s more, it serves as the most important insurance policy and primary source of protection for the $5 billion in developed real estate on Longboat Key. Think about the latter point: Although many people see the beach primarily as an export that we sell to visitors, more importantly, it serves as the fortress wall that protects our beachfront properties from washing away into the Gulf. As Town Manager Bruce St. Denis puts it: “The cheapest insurance is to have a whole pile of sand in front of your house.”

There’s more to it than that, though. No one will espouse that fact more than St. Denis. Likewise, no one on Longboat Key knows more about the workings of the Key’s beach than does St. Denis.

We had the privilege recently to view a near hour-long slide presentation compiled by St. Denis that explains how the beach we don’t see — the 100 to 200 yards extending under water from the water’s edge — is as important as having enough sand on the dry portion of the beach. This is where the complexities occur and where beach maintenance is most crucial.

The complexities: We know the Gulf ’s waves into the shore are constantly pushing sand in and pulling it out. And the littoral drift is constantly moving sand from north to south. Top layers of sand are never static.

And this is why, as St. Denis illustrates in his presentation, it is so crucial to have adequate amounts of sand “in the system” beneath the surface of the water.

Indeed, while some data tells us the Key still has more than 90% of the sand from the last renourishment, this is only the dry portion of the beach. St. Denis and the town’s beach engineers can show that, predictably, when you figure in the submerged portions of the beach, the Key has lost 35% of the volume of the sand in the three years since the last renourishment.

To that point, when University of Florida professor Robert Dean, the dean of beach renourishment and erosion in Florida, spoke to the Longboat Key Town Commission last month, he noted that it’s an unavoidable fact of Longboat Key’s beach that it will need constant feeding, constant replenishing, albeit every six to eight years.

The trick is making sure the levels are closely monitored between renourishments to avoid reaching crises, which are often difficult to predict. You never know, for instance, what the Gulf storms will do. Or for that matter, it’s just as difficult to predict how the water flows and currents might change at the Key’s northern tip over multiple years.

All of this is to say, in spite of what it may have seemed — that the town administration and previous Town Commissions have been stuck on a fruitless strategy of dumping large amounts of sand at increasingly higher costs on our beach every six to eight years — there is a thought-out method that isn’t madness.

If you have the time, try to catch St. Denis’ presentation on beach renourishment Saturday morning to the Federation of Longboat Key Condominiums. If not there, consider inviting him to your condominium or homeowners association.

What you’ll learn is important perspective for the next bond-issue referenda on beach renourishment.

BEACH FORUM Who: Federation of Longboat Key Condominiums What: Longboat Key Town Manager Bruce St. Denis will give a presentation on the status of the beach and factors to consider for the town’s renourishment strategy.

When: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 Where: Water Club Community Room/ Clubhouse, 1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive The session is open to the public.

+ The U.S. debt, deficit bombs

Now we shall see. We shall see whether the new U.S. House of Representatives, led by the Republican majority, has the courage of its alleged convictions.

We say “alleged” convictions because we have no definitive actions as of yet to determine whether the Republicans will deliver on their campaign promises and actually cut, reduce, slash and eliminate the national government’s immoral annual deficit spending and immoral debt.

As of Tuesday, with the start of the new Congress, the test of will began. Are they really willing to sacrifice their political power for the financial well-being of future generations?

If they are, severe pain cannot be avoided. It’s as if an economic mushroom cloud is moving our way. Consider: • Inflation. Rising prices for food, gas and other commodities are spreading rapidly, thanks largely to our Federal Reserve Bank flooding the market with dollars, i.e. creating and printing money out of thin air. That in itself — printing money — is inflation.

But now, as predicted and to little surprise, we are seeing the effects. In 2010, the Economist magazine’s commodity price index rose 33.5%; industrial materials rose 37.4%.

This price inflation has spread to India and Asia. History (1971, 1980) says it will not be long before it spreads here.

We’ve already seen it in gas prices and at the grocery counter. Your dollar does not buy as much as it did a year ago. Printing dollars has made the money in your pocket

worth less today than it was a year ago.

Unless directions change, the speed at which your dollars lose value will increase.

• Structural deficits. Look at the graphic below. It provides perspective on how far out of whack our annual government spending is vis-a-vis other spendthrift countries. Structural deficits are how much government spending exceeds income even in a healthy economy. We are the Godzilla — out spending our income by $1.2 trillion a year! What family do you know who can sustain that spending so far beyond its means?

• National debt. Our gross federal debt will reach $14.3 trillion in March.

Borrowing is an addiction. The United States borrows 40 cents for every $1 it spends. And in two months, the federal government’s borrowing will take us to the federal debt ceiling limit once again.

Digest this: In 1917, Congress set our government’s first debt ceiling at $8 billion. Just before World War II, it rose to $65 billion. With Richard Nixon, it reached $431 billion. After 9/11, the debt ceiling was $5.9 trillion. Less than 10 years later, we are soon to top $14 trillion. Our debt has risen 14,000-fold in a century.

William Buckler, a brilliant Australian analyst of global financial issues, writes in his most recent edition of his monthly newsletter, the Privateer: “The progression has become exponential. The end result — the complete collapse of the 20th-century ‘model’ of a financial and monetary system based on governments issuing IOUs — is obviously inevitable. The only remaining question is when will it happen?”

We have reached our economic Rubicon.

The new Republican House must decide whether to raise the ceiling and allow the government to increase the national debt even more or take demonstrative steps that cut spending.

We will find out about the Republicans’ convictions. Meantime, we — all of us — also bear a burden. Just as the Greatest Generation sacrificed in blood and lives to preserve liberty from tyranny in the 1940s, its descendants now face a similar challenge. It’s not war, but it requires similar courage — the courage to support congressman and senators to do what must be done: truly reverse the size of government. Save our children and granchildren from a destiny of a declining standard of living.

HOW NATIONAL STRUCTURAL DEFICITS COMPARE The circles show a proportionate representation of the size of each nation’s annual deficits in dollars. The smaller figure is what percent the deficits represent of national gross domestic product. Of the nations represented, only Ireland’s deficit represents a higher percentage of GDP than the U.S. deficit.

Source: Financial Times

opinion

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

MY VIEW

LETTERS to the EDITOR

In praise of holiday letters

+ Historical Society reflects on its past year, looks forward to 2011

So many people disdain the cheery, chatty holiday letters that some folks send that it seems incumbent upon those who enjoy them to defend them.

How else would I know that Katherine Beauregard is engaged to marry Ben O’Neal this fall? Why do I care?

Well, Katherine’s mother, Virginia Beauregard, worked for me when she was carrying her daughter and had to spend the last trimester in bed, which really messed up the production schedule. In my New York years while married to the late Arnie Rosen, the Beauregards often flew in from Detroit for her late father Kirk’ Beauregard’s Dec. 30 birthday, and the four of us spent many a New Year’s Eve together drinking champagne and eating lobster. You bet I care!

How else would I know that Margie Barter is now Margie Jordan, having wed her longtime beau in June? The Barters lived next door to my weekend home in New Jersey in the early ’80s.

How else would I know that Scott and Charlie McGehee’s dog, Bubba, survived a life-threatening bout of intussusception, expanding their vocabulary if depleting their checking account? Or that they hosted a reunion for old friends from Scott’s days as editor of the Living section of the Detroit Free Press?

Missing from Scott’s reunion was another friend from “The Freep,” one-time editor Kurt Luedtke who decided he had done everything he could do in journalism by the time he was 40 or so. He went on to become

Dear Editor: It is a good time to be reflective, the first month of the new year. This past year has been a good one for the Longboat Key Historical Society Inc. It was my first year as president after serving four years on the board of directors. We made money at three fundraising events and had good attendance for our four speakers. Our new year has begun, and we have an excellent speaker event planned for 7 p.m. Jan. 20, at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts.

Our three fundraising events last year were the “Elegant Dinner” in April at the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort; “The Pioneer Fish Fry” in October at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub; and the town of Longboat Key’s 55th birthday party and wine tasting in November at Harry’s Continental Kitchens.

All together these events provided fun and funds for our membership and guests. We made more than $3,000 on special events this past year.

All of our speaker events were well attended with about 75 people at each event.

I spoke in February about my favorite subjects: my family and our history on Longboat Key and Longboat Key wildlife and environmental issues. Michael Saunders was our March speaker, and she spoke about “Longboat Key Real Estate: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” Our last speakers were Murf Klauber and Tim Field at the Elegant Benefit Dinner. Murf explained his long tenure at the Colony by telling stories about famous guests and by showing photos from the past. Field gave an excellent presentation on the history of the development of Longboat Key. This past year, The Observer Group do-

an Academy Award-winning screenwriter. Kurt’s wife, Eleanor, reports that the state of air travel has turned them into long-distance drivers. One trip was to Chicago to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary; another will be back to Longboat Key for their 16th year renting the same condo.

Charles Surber keeps alive a cherished connection; his late brother, Steven, was my invaluable admin in New York.

High school buddy Janet Birnkrant Levine’s annual report is a photo montage, which this year included husband Ellsworth’s 80th birthday party.

The oldest of Nancy and George Walter’s three adopted treasures is Grady, age 7; how exciting that his science fair project won “most creative.”

And from my step-daughter, Stacie Schechter, comes the news that her daughter, Wenwen, 8, has lost her two front teeth.

I get it that my trip down memory lane does not hold the same interest for you. And I get it that Facebook and its ilk may soon render all letter writing extinct, a sad prophecy if ever there were one. In the meantime, I cherish these chatty missives. They are a celebration of the life with which I have been blessed, thanks to the wonderful people in it then and now.

My message to friends past, present and future is simply … keep those letters and cards coming.

Molly Schechter is a TK-year resident of Longboat Key.

7A

nated a new computer and printer/scanner to our Historical Society. This will help us to keep up with the past and the future, as we will attempt to collect and label old photos and documents into a digital library from which the whole community will benefit.

We will also use it for membership, newsletters, e-mails and website purposes. We would also like to thank our members and corporate sponsors who helped with their contributions this year.

This past year our corporate sponsors were Michael Saunders and Co., First Bank, Kenneth Kandefer CPA, Harry’s Continental Kitchens, Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce, Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design, and the Longboat Observer.

The Longboat Key Historical Museum, located at 6826 Gulf of Mexico Drive, in Whitney Beach Plaza, is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 387-8323 or e-mail: info@longboatkeyhistory.com.

Tom Mayers President of the Longboat Key Historical Society

+ Article misrepresented resident’s cell-phone tower views Dear Editor: In your Thursday, Jan. 6 edition “7 in 11” article on Jim Eatrides, you write that I have “bemoaned a (cell) tower going on the chapel’s site.”

Nothing could be further from the truth.

I have been, I am and I will be unalterably opposed to a 150-foot or 15-story tower anywhere on this very special island. Longboat Key, and everyone who loves this island, should be too!

Jeremy Whatmough Longboat Key

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CRIME / FROM PAGE 1A

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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Offense Aggravated assault Home burglaries Total burglaries Vehicle larceny Total larcenies

Savannah Preserve

Easy recognition At its Jan. 20 regular workshop, the Town Commission will review a request by Police Chief Al Hogle to purchase a license-plate recognition system.

The system would take pictures of license plates as cars drive on and off the Key on the north and south ends of the island. The data would be sent immediately to the Florida Crime Information Center, which would notify the department if any of the images taken contained information about a stolen vehicle or a wanted person alert.

The system is expected to cost between $50,000 and $100,000. for an increase of 339%.

In 2010, only 28 vehicle larcenies were reported.

“I’m very happy the department was able to reduce the number of vehicle larcenies in 2010,” Hogle said.

In total, the town saw a 30.2% decrease in crime in 2010, or 52 less crime incidents than 2009.

2008 1 8 15 18 66

2009 2 13 18 79 149

2010 0 24 24 28 94

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day, and three of the burglaries occurred at night. It is unknown when seven of the burglaries occurred.

There were 24 home burglaries in 2010, compared to 13 home burglaries in 2009 and eight home burglaries in 2008.

Police Chief Al Hogle said the rise in home burglaries was unusual.

“We haven’t had any home burglaries since October,” Hogle said. “We are making all efforts to make sure it doesn’t happen again with extra patrol and visible neighborhood presence.”

But it wasn’t all bad news. Every other crime category listed in the preliminary 2010 uniform crime report data, which is submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, decreased in 2010.

There were no aggravated assault cases in 2010, compared to two cases in 2009.

And vehicle larcenies, which were the biggest problem for the Longboat Key Police Department in 2009, decreased 64.6% in 2010.

That’s a huge turnaround from 2009 crime report statistics, which revealed that vehicle larcenies climbed from 18 reported cases in 2008 to 79 cases in 2009,

LONGBOAT KEY CRIME STATISTICS

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

9A

Outperforming The Market

With the books officially closed on 2010, the bottom line for the real estate market in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte Counties is that it performed better—though only marginally so—than in 2009. Unit sales in the tri-county region were up by 3% and dollar volume was up by .5%. That’s why nothing makes us prouder of this company’s exceptional year-end results than to report that our agents significantly outperformed the market.

recovery has taken place along our part of Florida’s West Coast.

To wit, in one of the most challenging years ever for our market, the sales turned in by the agents of Michael Saunders & Company resulted in $1.432 billion in closed company sales, a 21% increase in dollar volume over 2009.

In the past year alone, some of these tools have included a brand new web site, our company’s fifth since the Internet became the sine qua non of buying and selling real estate in today’s global market. That’s also why our agents can continuously draw from the experience and resources of our seven-member in-house technology team; not to mention our eight-member in-house marketing team.

Likewise, the 4,346 units sold company-wide during the year represent a 29% increase in year-over-year unit sales. In real numbers, that means our agents ignored the nay sayers, rolled up their sleeves and sold nearly 1,000 more than in 2009. Put another way, they sold at an annual rate exceeding one unit every two hours.

The absolute number of properties sold in any given year is always one of the most gratifying year-end results, considering that each sale involved a buyer and seller who have just had their real estate and lifestyle goals achieved. Plus, each new sale puts us one step closer to restoring the necessary ingredient for a stable real estate market—a healthy balance between supply and demand that indicates a healthy

Increased productivity during such challenging times is no mere accident of luck or timing. It has everything to do with the quality and experience of our agents, the skills they bring to every type of transaction, the support of non-selling managers and in-office administrative assistants; and the tools we continuously introduce to supplement their knowledge of our fast-changing market.

Plus, we opened two new offices during the year from which to more extensively cross-promote our sellers’ properties to buyers scouring every corner of our market before deciding on a property. Moreover, as so many of today’s buyers originate from such far flung places as Europe, the U.K. and Canada, we continued to selectively enhance our international brokerage partnerships to effectively exploit the growing interest in our market and the number of worldwide referrals that such interest generates.

Further, to both honor their customers’ desire for “one-stop shopping”

4765 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 401 From $3.3 million #A358142 Klaus Lang & Christina Ashley

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-320-1223

500 S Palm Ave # Ph $3,750,000 #A375712 Klaus Lang

Sarasota 941-383-7591 941-320-1223

228 Seagull Ln $3,495,000 Susan Mcleod

#A3915233

Bird Key 941-388-4447 941-928-4445

1561 Harbor Cay Ln $1,749,000 #A3935657 Sharon Freeman

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-545-0899

800 N Tamiami Trl # 1801 $1,225,000 #A3915852 Maureen Horn

Sarasota 941-383-7591 941-539-3384

1591 Harbor Cay Ln $1,125,000 #A3916374 Marcia Salkin & Paulene Soublis

4525 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 105 $699,900 #A3922400 William Greene

Longboat Key 941-383-5502 941-321-0247

1211 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 404 $679,000 #A3929217 Marilyn Brown

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-388-4447

2425 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 3E $669,500 #A3935734 Mel & Jan Goldsmith

5231 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 303 $499,000 #A3937561 Maureen Horn

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

2036 84Th Street Cir Nw $495,000 #A3917532 Steve Abbott

7065 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 24 $399,000 #A3934359 Hannerle Moore

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

4420 Exeter Dr # L103 $299,900 #A3906859 Cathy Meldahl

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

as it pertains to real estate, they used our MSC Mortgage and MSC Title divisions to not only expedite these vital services but also to more effectively monitor and manage the daily progress of each transaction on the road to ensuring a satisfying and smooth closing.

Throughout the year, we regularly brought in nationally known real estate experts to coach our team on the new complexities of our market. Still, our agents also took it upon themselves to spend countless hours of their own time availing themselves of all the pertinent new programs that are offered daily at the MS&C Career Development Center, on South Tamiami Trail.

More than anything else, our agents and staff kept each other’s spirits high and worked shoulder-to-shoulder at a time when it was much easier to become dispirited and seriously consider other lines of work.

Instead they remained positive throughout the bleakest of economic times, resolute in their core professionalism; and proved daily that teamwork can make any organization dedicated to exceptional service much greater than the sum of its parts.

Performance matters as much in real estate as it does in all other serious transactions. Therefore, we hope you’ll choose an agent from Michael Saunders & Company for their proven ability to significantly outperform the market.

630 De Narvaez Dr $2,999,999 #A3923612 Robert Dardas

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-376-7591

1241 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 707 $2,495,000 #A3919693 Michael Moulton

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-928-3559

565 Sanctuary Dr # B604 $1,800,000 #A3914671 Jonathan Fox

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585 Cutter Ln $890,000 Jim Hanrahan

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

673 Norton St $889,000 Hannerle Moore

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3030 Grand Bay Blvd # 333 $789,900 #A3937464 Sandi Layfield

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

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-356-6673

888 Blvd Of The Arts # 1905 $615,000 #A3933100 Beverly Rabalais

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-320-8935

1920 Harbourside Dr # 1001 $519,000 #A3901961 Jenifer Schwell

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-780-0968

4835 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 305 $499,000 #A3934748 Debra Pitell

Longboat Key 941-951-6660 941-356-0437

Bradenton 941-383-7591 941-374-3003

4825 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # C103 Longboat Key $475,000 #A3932720 941-383-7591 Michael Yawitz 941-587-8091

521 Neptune Ave $450,000 #A3918858 Walter Hackett

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

5393 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 203A Longboat Key $429,000 #A3927780 941-388-4447 Catherine De'Ath 941-350-9799

1900 Ben Franklin Dr #404A $399,000 #A3920034 Lawrence Zeigler

Lido Key 941-388-4447 941-228-2612

800 N Tamiami Trl # 608 $399,000 #A3936607 Tom Delaney

Sarasota 941-383-7591 941-387-3990

5861 Ferrara Dr $380,000 #A3937440 Tara Lamb & Judy Greene

Sarasota 941-349-3444 941-266-4873

500 S Washington Dr # 1B $379,000 #A3932197 Lawrence Zeigler

Lido Key 941-388-4447 941-228-2612

250 Sands Point Rd # 5101 $339,000 #A3937380 Joan Boltax

Longboat Key 941-951-6660 941-350-6390

225 Sands Point Rd # 7106 $335,000 #A3930788 Craig Abbott

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-302-0686

5260 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 403 $299,000 #A3930180 Bobbi Banan

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1100 Imperial Dr # 103 $287,000 #A3927065 Michael Nink

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730 Fox St $270,000 Cathy Meldahl

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8455 Coral Way $267,000 #A3936181 Traute Winsor

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3453 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 235 $235,235 #A3932766 Eileen Burke

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4540 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 203 $195,000 #A3937737 Mirta Matheu Klauber

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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 20, 2011

NeWS

community calendar COPS 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: 3837193 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

‘LBK Beaches Under Pressure: What You Need to Know’ Public Interest Committee (PIC) Forum What: The event will include an overview of the Key, including details about the March 15 referenda and a panel discussion.

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27 Where: Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive Info: Contact Ann Roth at AnnBRoth@comcast.net.

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10:21 a.m. — 300 block of North Shore Road. Vehicle Larceny. A woman reported that someone broke the right front window of her car while it was parked in a condominium parking lot, which caused $500 worth of damage.

Prints on the car came back negative. A nearby car was also broken into. Nothing was stolen from either car.

11:37 a.m. — 200 block of Sands Point Road. Lost Property. A resort employee reported that a coil of electrical wire weighing more than 200 pounds was stolen from a fire panel room.

Jan. 6

Natural wear-and-tear 12:07 p.m. — 1000 block of Longboat Club Road. Suspicious Circumstance. A woman showed police where her door frame had scratches and pry marks. Police determined the interior door frame paint was chipping and that there was no evidence of forced entry.

Jan. 7

Distasteful demonstration 11:49 a.m. — 500 block of Bay Isles Road. Civil Disturbance. A woman told police she wanted them to take away a photograph of the president with an Adolf Hitler-like mustache being displayed by demonstrators. Police explained that the demonstration was orderly and that the First Amendment protected the photograph being shown. The woman was extremely upset that police would not remove the photo and requested the officer’s business card.

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Blue man group 12:41 p.m. — Intersection of Gulf of Mexico Drive (GMD) and Bay Isles Parkway. Suspicious Person. A woman called police to report a man dressed in blue paper clothing was standing near Gulf of Mexico Drive. The man was located and given a ride to a Sarasota shelter.

Family-friendly 1:17 p.m. — 4900 block of GMD. Traffic Assistance. Police assisted an Ohio family whose vehicle had run out of gas.

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

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11:20 a.m. — 10 block of Winslow Place. Disturbance. Two men told police that a neighbor drove past them twice at a high rate of speed, gave them the middle finger and yelled insults at them. The driver denied he was speeding and told police that the rest of the neighborhood was harassing him. No further action was taken.

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9:58 a.m. — 500 block of Sanctuary Drive. Suspicious Circumstance. A woman reported that someone pretending to be a cable man called her home, wanting to come out to fix her system. The cable company knew nothing about the call.

Heavy lifting

Party — takes place at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, at the Stella Maris Activity Hall, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Men and women are invited for an afternoon of games. Cost is $10. Bring your own games. Contact Connie Cosbar at 383-8903.

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 have their original artwork. Call 388-1554.

Longboat Key Education Center Baby Grand Series Concert — takes place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30, at the Education Center, 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 212. The concert will feature Robbert de Vries and is part of a series that celebrated the Education Center’s 25th anniversary. Cost is $50 for members; $60 for non-members. Call 383-8811.

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

Cost is $75. 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.

‘Live New Orleans Jazz’ Nights — take place from 8 to 10 p.m. beginning Thursday, Jan. 20, at the Longboat Key Education Center, 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 212. The first concert features Kid Dutch Uithoven. Cost is a $10 donation at the door. Call 383-8811.

Gathering with Anat Hoffman — takes place at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 23, at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road.

Hoffman, a well-known activist with the Israeli branch of the Reform movement’s Religious Action Center, will share details of her efforts and experiences. The event is free and open to the public. Call 383-3428.

Diva and Dons Concert — takes place at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23, at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 N. Adams Drive. The concert features a variety of musical styles including vocal solos, duets, tri-piano and jazz harp. Call 388-1234.

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Past inductees Tony Scale, “King of the Highwire,” and Tino Wallenda, tightrope walker, pose together prior to the induction ceremony.

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The 24th annual Circus Ring of Fame inductions took place at 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, on St. Armands Circle. Friends and family members of the inductees, as well as circus-lovers, attended the annual event. The Three Atayde Brothers, Ward Hall, Charles Schlarbaum and Jean “Tarzan” Zerbini were the newest circus hallof-famers to be honored.

The master of ceremonies for the event was Chuck Sidlow, and the Windjammers Unlimited Circus Band played music throughout the event. In order to be inducted into the Ring of Fame, the inductees must be elected by living members of the Ring of Fame and by the closet survivors of members who have died.

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Ward Hall shows off his award to the crowd Sunday. Hall said that his induction into the Ring of Fame is “the most wonderful honor I could possibly imagine.”

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

mission voted to make 2008 actuarial revisions to all three pension plans at an April 15 meeting “in order to assist and balance a budget deficit,” the complaint states.

By asking the state to disqualify pension actuarial impact statements in April, the town erased a $3 million funding shortfall and only had to put an additional $200,000 into the plans.

The revisions were made last year after no one from the town’s thee pension plans took advantage of early-out retirement options.

“There is a clear conflict of interest between the Firefighters Pension Board and their actuary, Brad Heinrich, who is working behind closed doors to help balance the town’s budgets using pension funds,” wrote Taylor in his complaint. “The named commissioners have caused an investigation into these actions and others to be delayed by over 90 days.”

The complaint states that the town’s budget deficits “tap into employee pension funds and the unfunded liabilities created are subsequently used against employees as an excuse for the need to decrease pension benefits in negotiations and impasse.

“The commissioners’ bias has clouded their judgment by impeding an investigation that will prove the town manager and actuary Heinrich’s actions are balancing town budgets and are a conflict of interest.”

Town attorney David Persson sent a Jan. 14 letter to the commissioners named in the complaint and stated he has reviewed the facts and believes no violation of the town’s ethics code has been committed.

“Most of the complaint is conclusory, without specific facts regarding the specific conduct that would give rise to a possible ethical violation,” Persson wrote. “I find no probable cause to believe that you have violated the code of ethics of the town of Longboat Key under the facts alleged

in the complaint and recommend to the town clerk that this matter be closed.”

Persson told the Longboat Observer that because he has dismissed the challenge, Taylor’s only course of action would be to file a civil lawsuit against the parties involved or file a separate ethics complaint with the state’s ethics commission.

Taylor told the Longboat Observer he will wait to find out the outcome of the town manager’s complaint before commenting on the issue (Persson told Taylor he cannot file a complaint against the actuaries, only the town manager).

A separate attorney, as mandated by town code, will handle the town manager’s complaint.

Neither the commissioners named, nor the town manager, wished to comment regarding the complaint.

Listed below are some of the claims made in Taylor’s complaint: • “The general welfare of the future Longboat Key taxpayers and current employees has been affected by the gross mismanagement of the town of Longboat Key. The town budget deficits tap into employee pension funds and the unfunded liabilities created are subsequently used against employees as an excuse for the need to decrease pension benefits in negotiations and impasse.”

• “Over the last two years the town’s (wage increases) and cost of living allowances have been frozen town-wide and blamed on the economy and unfunded liability of the pension. Three years prior, the millage rate was lowered, while health insurance costs for employees with families were raised 1,110% in one year.”

• “Commissioner Younger’s bias towards the pension board has even been boasted about in the local paper. Commissioners Brenner, Larson, Younger and Mayor Spoll’s predetermined bias reflects in their clouded judgment and refusal to recognize the firefighters of Longboat Key’s rights in Article II, section 8 of the Florida Constitution.”

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

NeIGHBORHOOD

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13A

See more photos from these events on our website www.YourObserver.com

>> Republican Club >> Democratic Club >> Garden Club

Above: David and Pam Defratus attended the Longboat Key Republican Club luncheon Jan. 14, at the Sarasota Yacht Club.

Mary Lou Winnick chats with speaker Dr. William Cotter and his wife, Linda. “The U.S. Supreme Court: Its Constitutional Role” was the topic of Cotter’s speech, given at the Longboat Key Democratic Club’s Jan. 11 meeting, held at the Chart House.

Commissioner Phil Younger, Jeremy Whatmough, Arbor Day Chairwoman Virginia Sanders, town planner Steve Schield, Longboat Key Garden Club President Jackie Salvino and Alice Blueglass plant a gumbo limbo tree Jan. 14, at Overlook Park, in recognition of Arbor Day.

Right: Dr. Jim Whitman, practicing psychiatrist, spoke to the Longboat Key Republican Club. The topic of his speech was “Obama’s Health-care Plan and What’s Wrong With It.” Photos by Dora Walters

June Ansorge with Linda and Ben Paster attended the Democratic Club’s luncheon.

The gumbo limbo tree the Garden Club planted five years ago stands about 30 feet from the new tree.

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

expressive exhibition

Arts Center hosts exhibits for artistic duo

By Dora Walters | Senior Editor

LBK ’S NEIGHB ORHOOD ITALIAN RESTAUR ANT Since 1990

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Bill Buchman signs his book, “The Expressive Figure,” for Natalie Friedberg.

The Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design, presented two exhibits at its Jan. 13 opening reception: “Life and Still Life,” by artist David Leffel, and “The Expressive Figure,” by artist Bill Buchman.

Joan Partridge and Tiffany Conklin Leffel is widely recognized for Milly Rosenberger and Roz Lurie his revolutionary approach to classic, traditional painting. He will conduct a painting workshop Feb. 21 to Feb. 25, at the Arts Center, with a public demonstration Feb. 23.

A Longboat Key resident, Buchman specializes in abstract painting and figure drawing. He recently published a book, “The Expressive Figure,” which he autographed at the event. Buchman, a jazz pianist, also entertained the crowd during the reception.

Both exhibits will be on display Photos by Dora Walters Barbara Jendrysik and Barbara Harrison study Buchman’s drawings. through Feb. 24.

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

NeIGHBORHOOD

www.YourObserver.com

15A

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Longboat Harbour celebrates Change of Watch

By Maria Amodio | Staff Writer

Milton and Elaine Cohen with Mary Bock

Longboat Harbour residents held their annual Change of Watch ceremony Saturday, Jan. 15, at Bird Key Yacht Club. Officers for 2011 are Commodore Maggie Edger; Vice Commodore Len Trudell; Commodore Emeritus Fred Schwing; Dockmaster Bob Geraci; Treasurer Carolyn Varnum; and Scribe Jane Stephenson. All of the current officers will be hold- Longboat Harbour 2011 officers are Vice Commodore Len Trudell, Commodore Maggie LBO Tennis 6.75 x 12 9/15/10 2:07 PM Page 1Emeritus Fred Schwing, Scribe Jane Stephenson, Dockmaster Bob ing ad their positions for the Edger, Commodore second year in a row.

Geraci and Treasurer Carolyn Varnum.

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16A

collective thought

obituaries

St. Mary Guild gathers donations for SOLVE

Stanley Kent

Dr. Stanley Kent, 92, of Longboat Key and Black Mountain, N.C., died Jan. 9. Born Feb. 14, 1918, he lived in Westchester County, N.Y., for most of his life. He practiced dentistry in Manhattan, N.Y., until he retired in 1996 at age 80.

Dr. Kent is survived by his wife, Ruth; sons Joshua, of Naples, and Martin, of New Rochelle, N.Y.; stepdaughters Kathy Sobel, Anne Sobel and Ellen Winter; four grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and beloved dog, Benji.

National Cremation & Burial Society is responsible for arrangements.

By Dora Walters | Senior Editor

Each year, members of St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Women’s Guild hold a dessert luncheon to recognize SOLVE, Save Our Lives Volunteers Everyway. At the event, members donate clothing, diapers, baby toiletries and toys for SOLVE, which operates three homes for pregnant women in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Speaking at the luncheon, held Jan. 11, at Stella Maris Hall, was SOLVE Director Donna Vellenga. During the past year, SOLVE has helped 51 pregnant women. Usually 12 to 15 are in residence at all times at the SOLVE homes. Also speaking at the luncheon was Shane Dresen, chaplain for Tidewell Hospice.

During a brief business meeting, Guild President Carol Fischbein reminded members of upcoming events.

Royal Rummage Sale Chairwoman Mary Elizabeth Carey asked for volunteers to help prepare for the sale, set for March 4 and March 5.

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

RELIGION

www.YourObserver.com

Marjorie Weiser ‘Margie’ Milas

Marjorie Weiser “Margie” Milas, 71, of Longboat Key and Northport, N.Y., died Jan. 2. Born Feb. 9, 1939, in Bronx, N.Y., she grew up in Cedarhurst, N.Y., and married her husband, Larry, in 1958.

Mrs. Milas volunteered for many years as an assistant teacher in day care centers in New York City and Long Island, N.Y. She was a skilled boater who sailed from Maine to the Bahamas, an avid golfer and a lifelong dancer who, as a child, performed professionally on early primetime TV variety shows, including the “Milton Berle Show.”

Mrs. Milas is survived by her husband, Lawrence “Larry”; daughters Betsy Treiber, of Easton, Mass., and Wendy Zullo, of Middlebury, Conn.; son, Scott, of Torrington, Conn.; sister, Sheila Weiser, of Longboat Key; and nine

Photos by Dora Walters

Carol Hammar, Anne Flinter and Patricia O’Connor

SOLVE Director Donna Vellenga and Joan Webster

Guild President Carol Fischbein speaks.

grandchildren.

A service was held Jan. 6, in Southbury, Conn. Toale Brothers Funeral Homes was responsible for arrangements.

Harriet Vogel

Harriet Vogel, of Monroe Township, N.J., and formerly of Morris County, N.J., Loveladies, N.J., and Longboat Key, died Jan. 14.

Born in Baltimore, Mrs. Vogel attended Friends School of Baltimore, Bryn Mawr College, County College of Morris and Rutgers University. She worked as a computer consultant in New Jersey until she retired.

Mrs. Vogel is remembered as a loving, caring, giving person who was brilliant, compassionate and understanding of her family and friends. She recently served as associate editor of the Bayport Beach & Tennis Club condominium association newsletter and was committed to the opera, symphony and arts. She is remembered as a creative person — intellectually for her writing, painting and needlework talents, along with technological skills.

Mrs. Vogel is survived by her husband of 51 years, Herbert; children David Vogel and Elizabeth Gurevitch; four grandchildren; and sister, Anne Wasserman Luther. A service was held Tuesday, Jan. 18, in Livingston, N.J. Memorial contributions can be made in Mrs. Vogel’s memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, jdrf.org.

All Angels by the Sea

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Educational Exhibition

Country Club Shores A five-bedroom home sells for $1.2 million.

Cedars Tennis Resort hosts pros match for ace event. Page 24A.

See page 22A

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

BUSINESS FORECAST

Last year’s season was one of the coldest in history. Now, local tourism professionals say that last year’s weather could impact this year’s business forecast.

IS ON

The

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

Will season heat up or will snowbirds and tourists give Longboat Key the cold shoulder? The answer, of course, depends on many factors, and is first and foremost on the minds of many in this economy. But the answer will also depend on another factor: the weather.

Key residents and businesses were reminded last season, when high temperatures often didn’t go past the 50s or low 60s, that it isn’t always sunny in paradise.

“People remember very much the weather we had last year,” said Mary Kay Ryan, director of sales at the Longboat Key Club and Resort.

According to Ryan, customers want value in an economy that remains shaky. As a result, the Key Club has experienced an uptick in last-minute bookings from guests who want to be sure that the forecast is sunny before they make plans. One out-ofstate guest arrived during the second week in January and booked a seven-day stay the day she arrived, Ryan said. The Key Club has even seen the shortterm reservation trend carry over to the corporate group market, which typically makes reservations nine-to-10 months in advance.

Still, calls and bookings were up during the holiday season.

But when temperatures dipped during the days following Christmas, call volume dropped as well. The situation was exacerbated by the fact that Florida’s chilly weather made national news, along with the fact that thousands of flights were canceled because of snowstorms.

Ryan estimated that bookings are currently approximately 5% to 7% lower than they were last January.

“The business is very susceptible to the weather here as well as the weather up there,” Ryan said.

But the weather’s impact depends on whom you ask.

D.M. Williams, general manager at Casa Del Mar, said that February through April is look-

ing strong, with numbers set to be about the same as last year.

“The cold weather has increased business,” Williams said.

“It’s colder where (guests) are than it is here.”

However, Williams said that last year’s cold weather has resulted in guests booking later stays.

“Because it was cold last year, a lot of people are waiting until after the 15th of February (to book vacations),” he said.

Wayne Lashway, manager at White Sands of Longboat, a timeshare resort, said that both the economy and cold weather has made renting units difficult.

“I don’t have any problem selling a rental if it’s 80 degrees, but if it’s only going to be a high of 60 and a low of 40, people don’t want to spend the money,” Lashway said.

But at LaPlaya Resort, Manager Dick O’Dowd said that the cold weather has not had a lingering effect on guests’ plans.

“The main thing this past year is that people were not afraid to ask for discounts,” he said.

Naturally, the effects of cold weather — both recent and from last year — have blown into nonhotel businesses that depend on tourism.

David Miller, owner of Cannons Marina, said that business

Photos by Dora Walters

Mary Pedraza, who just moved to the Key from Orlando, reads on the beach Tuesday afternoon, which was one of the warmer days in the last week. for boat rentals and charters is currently slow and was slow during the first four months of last year.

“This business is 100% driven

Harry’s Continental Kitchens co-owner Lynn Christensen said cold weather has a mixed effect on restaurant traffic.

by the weather,” Miller said. “But the good thing is, even as bad as the first four months of the year were last year, we were able to make it up with the remaining eight months of the year.”

Ed Chiles, owner of the Chiles Restaurant Group, which includes Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub, on Longboat Key, the BeachHouse restaurant, on Bradenton Beach and The Sandbar restaurant, on Anna Maria, said that yearto-date January gross sales have been better this year than last.

“December was down so far, and January is up, but we were going against a January last year where we had as bad of weather as we could possibly have,” Chiles said.

However, last year’s cold snap, along with the BP oil spill, has affected the restaurants’ wedding business, because people who were planning weddings last year were hesitant to choose the area because of uncertainty.

At Harry’s Continental Kitchens, co-owner Lynn Christensen

said that the cold weather’s effect on restaurant traffic is mixed.

“When the weather is bad, it does slow down a little bit, but then because people can’t be on the beach and they can’t be playing tennis, they go out to eat,” she said.

Meanwhile, Lazy Lobster Longboat Key owner Michael Garey said that the cold weather usually has a positive effect on business.

“If the weather is either very cold or there’s precipitation, we can count on a busy lunch.”

Most business owners say that peak season is about a month away and typically spans from Valentine’s Day until Easter; the fact that Easter falls later than usual, April 24, could stretch out the season. And, although it’s too early to predict the tourist traffic — or the weather — most are hoping for a sunny forecast.

“If we can get a significant number of days where our weather is out of the media and in the 70s,” Ryan said, “I think that will bode well for all of us.”

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

19A

Coldwell Banker

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FLORIDAMOVES.COM Leading Real Estate Company Along Florida’s Gulf Coast

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Sapphire Shores $1,199,000 Inna Snyder, 941-924-9000 Reward yourself with rich styling in this tile-roofed 4BR/4BA residence. SHF#A3935670 Golden Gate Point $995,000 Kathy Scott, 941-388-3966 You will feel right at home in this irresistible 3BR/3BA home. SHF#A3916579

Bay Palms $525,000 Gabe/Charles Buky, 941-924-9000 A real tempter! You Grand Bay $899,900 Roger Pettingell, 941-924-9000 3BR/3BA condo w/up- Canal Villas $799,900 Baskind Warren Team, 941-388-3966 Tropical Island living in this new 4BR/2BA pool home. Walk to Siesta Beach. SHF#A3933041 will cheer over this 3BR/2BA residence. Storage shed. SHF#A3937553 scale finishes, tile flooring, granite & custom paints. SHF#A3926846

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Pierre $849,000 Bruce Myer/Barbara Ackerman, 941-924-9000 3BR condo on LBK w/views of sunsets over the Gulf from 2 private terraces.

Lido C, Lido Shores $2,800,000 Jo James, 941-388-3966 Reward yourself SHF#A3916303 with rich styling in this fashionable 3BR/3+BA residence. SHF#A3936777 Sea Gate Club $675,000 Barbara Ackerman, 941-924-9000 2BR/2BA Gulf Bird Key $1,800,000 Laura Pearson, 941-388-3966 Bird Key 2 Story, view condo w/wood floors, bright white kitchen & large terrace SHF#A3933691 5BR/5+BA canal front home. 3 car gar, generous floorplan. SHF#A3934755 Beachplace $599,000 Taube Levitt, 941-388-3966 Exceptional 2BR/2BA waThe Beach Residences $1,729,000 Judy Kepecz-Hays, 941-924-9000 Ritz terfront condo. Elevators, foyer, walk-in closets. SHF#A364129 Res, new/never lived in! 3BR, views of bay and skyline, 2 lg pets. SHF#A380085 Beachplace $599,000 Gary McKinstry, 941-924-9000 3BR/2BA Beachplace Bird Key $1,495,000 Lynne Koy, 941-924-9000 Visualize the vibrant charm of condo w/over 1800 sf. Great investment/rental property. SHF#A3915307 this tile-roofed 5BR/5BA home. Fencing. SHF#A3937371 Islander Club Of Longboat $549,900 Patrick DiPinto, 941-924-9000 Lido Shores $1,299,900 Jo James, 941-388-3966 Contemporary 3B/2B Breathtaking, direct Gulf of Mexico views. Furnished 2BR/2BA residence. home by Phillip Hiss. Located between LBK & St. Armands SHF#A3920327 SHF#A3934814 Lido Beach Club $695,000 Lynne Koy, 941-924-9000 Prepare to be im- Seaplace II $549,000 Lynne Koy, 941-924-9000 Get ready to snap up this pressed with this deluxe 2BR/2BA waterfront condo. SHF#A3936126 deluxe 2BR/2BA condo. Walk-in closet. Barn. SHF#A3937198 Lido Key $440,000 Angie Campbell, 941-924-9000 Enjoy this welcoming Fairway Bay $539,000 Barbara Ackerman, 941-924-9000 3BR condo w/ 2BR/2BA waterfront condo, turnkey furnished. SHF#A3935627 Wood Burning FP & pvt garage. New flooring, SS appl & granite. SHF#A3927776

Longboat Key En Provence $3,295,000 Judy Kepecz-Hays, 941-924-9000 3BR direct beachfront residence w/forever sunsets from an oversized terrace SHF#A3904466 Water Club $2,490,000 Kathy Hoonhout, 941-388-3966 Beach front perfection! Sunrise to sunset panoramic views of the Gulf & Bay SHF#A3925948 Sleepy Lagoon $1,795,000 Barbara Ackerman, 941-924-9000 4,700 SF waterfront home w/4 BR+ study, summer kitchen, pool, 3-car garage.

SHF#A3933668 Villa Di Lancia $1,750,000 Patrick DiPinto, 941-924-9000 Magnificent gulf views. Luxurious 3BR/3BA end unit. 2,485 sqft. Gorgeous. SHF#A3934538

Saddle Creek $649,900 Louis Wery, 941-924-9000 4BR/4BA pool home perfect for family living. Gourmet kitchen & wood floors. SHF#A3933460 1350 Main Residential $579,000 Gary McKinstry, 941-924-9000 Live the urban lifestyle in this downtown condo w/wood floors & SS appls. SHF#A3933506 Coquille $449,000 Michael/Mary Nell Moore, 941-924-9000 2BR+loft in a tropical setting near the has granite, SS appl & wood floors SHF#A3933617 Condo On The Bay Tower II $424,900 Martina Coppenrath, 941-924-9000 Secure a happy future with this very special 2BR/2BA condo. Elevators.

SHF#A3937353 Broadway Promenade $239,000 Martina Coppenrath, 941-924-9000 You will exclaim over this welcoming 2BR/2BA condo. Walk-in closet.

SHF#A3936916 Bayou House $89,000 Angie Campbell, 941-924-9000 Roof recently replaced, fresh paint & new AC unit installed, neat & clean. SHF#A3930277

Manatee

Portobello $449,000 Patrick DiPinto, 941-924-9000 Rarely available end unit 2BR/2BA Penthouse w/Gulf views! Lots of ugrades! SHF#A3917184 Riviera Dunes $899,000 Team Vitale, 941-388-3966 3BR/3BA home in a Seaplace V $449,000 Maggie Hicks, 941-924-9000 Updated 2BR/2BA con- gated community. Wide river views can be seen thruout. SHF#A3929839 do in Seaplace. Offering 2 pools, tennis, and fitness. SHF#A3922680 Harbour Landings $479,000 Gabe/Charles Buky, 941-924-9000 MainFairway Bay $395,000 Lynne Koy, 941-924-9000 This 2BR/2BA bay front tenance free patio home. Master w/bay window & master bath w/spa tub. condo offers pvt beach club access, tennis, & pool. SHF#A3924863 SHF#A3927955 Northgate of Longboat Key $349,000 Bruce Myer, 941-924-9000 Views of the mangroves, Gulf & Longboat Pass from this 2BR/2BA condo. Siesta Key SHF#A3933478 Bayside Waterside $845,000 Gene DePoris, 941-388-3966 Siesta Key lifeSands Point $349,000 Linda Fara, 941-924-9000 Prepare to be impressed style, well-cared-for 5B/3B gem on secluded cul-de-sac. SHF#A3921904 with this rewarding 2BR/2BA condo. Elevators. SHF#A3936750

Promenade $1,125,000 Taube Levitt, 941-388-3966 Promenade Penthouse Seaplace IV $249,500 Bruce Myer, 941-924-9000 2B/2B Seaplace condo. w/views from sunrise to sunset. Marble foyer and baths. SHF#A3934505 Tennis, fitness, pvt beach club access & on-site mgmt SHF#A3920590

St. Armand’s Key

Pelican Gardens $149,900 Jonas Forslund, 941-924-9000 Things are so Tangerine Bay Club $1,099,000 Ellen Orlop, 941-388-3966 Quality 3BR/2BA Seaplace $249,000 Roger Pettingell, 941-924-9000 Lovely townhouse with handy in this wheelchair-accessible condo. Central air. SHF#A3935604 Penthouse overlooking olympic pool and Sarasota Bay. SHF#A3919187 loft bedroom & sleeper sofas to accomodate guests. SHF#A3910355 Queens Harbour $1,099,000 Louis Wery, 941-924-9000 Step into the spa- Inn on the Beach $238,000 Inna Snyder, 941-924-9000 Golf course views cious styling of this tile-roofed 3BR/3+BA residence. SHF#A3937111 from 1BR/1B unit at the LBK Club. Golf, tennis & fitness. SHF#A3920570 Water Club $1,095,000 Roger Pettingell, 941-924-9000 2BR+Den Richly appointed with wood and marble flooring and gourmet kitchen. SHF#A3909044

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Grand Bay $1,095,000 Roger Pettingell, 941-924-9000 3BR/3+BA corner Beau Ciel $7,700,000 Judy Kepecz-Hays, 941-924-9000 360° gulf, bay & city Rivendell $449,000 Louis Wery, 941-924-9000 Compare your dream to this tile-roofed 3BR/2+BA home. 3-car garage. SHF#A3937223 residence at Grand Bay with oversized wrap around terraces. SHF#A3916865 views from this 4BR Penthouse, theater & rooftop spa! SHF#A3919993

941.924.9000 ❙ F L O R I D A M O V E S . C O M * Based upon 1/1/10 – 9/31/10 stats from Bonita Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Greater Miami-Miami/Dade, Marco Island, Martin County, Naples, Pinellas, South Broward, Regional (Palm Beach MLS), My Florida ©2011 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned And Operated By NRT LLC.

50030

Residential ❙ Commercial ❙ Mortgage ❙ Rentals ❙ Corporate Relocation ❙ Closing Services

20A

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

4,500,000

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

KEY REAL ESTATE

Kathy

Simonds

50429

$

Broker-Associate

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

941.350.5292

jenifer

n

schwell

classics

n

SE OU. 23 H EN AN OP -4 J 1

Dora Walters

This home at 549 Hornblower Lane in Country Club Shores Unit III has five bedrooms, threeand-a-half bathrooms, 3,839 square feet of living area and a pool. It sold for $1.2 million.

TOWNHOME ONTHE BEACH BAY ISLES WATERFRONT ORCHID BEACH CLUB BEAUTY 39% Off original list price.

4 bedroom suites, office, vanBest buy in OBC. Stunning Private pool, 2-car garage, 3,000 sq. ft. home in the sky ishing edge pool, 4-car garage & sunsets every day. Furnished on gorgeous Lido Beach. World motor court. Seller wants any & all offers. View at in country French. View at class amenities & service. View at www.townhomeonthebeach.com www.orchidbeachclubB404.com www.510harborpoint.com $2,750,000 $1,439,000 $995,000 DOWNTOWN DIRECT BAYFRONT - Golden opportunity on Golden Gate. Magnificent views of the open bay, sunsets & the lighted arches of the Ringling Bridge. Three bedrooms plus a den, marble and Brazilian cherry floors, only 2 units per floor, private elevator lobby, private 2-car garage. View at www.166goldengatepoint.com. $998,000 MARINA BAY - Best luxury bay front buy on LBK. Back to 2002 prices! Over 4000 sq. ft. corner location. View at www.marinabayonlongboatkey.com. $899,000 AQUARIUS ON THE BEACH - Full Gulf views & partial bay from your 27 ft. balcony on the beach. Spacious 2 BR split plan design, new hurricane code windows & doors. Excellent beachfront value. View at www.aquariusclub502.com. $669,000 WATERFRONT TOWNHOME - OWNER FINANCING OFFERED - 3BR’s & a loft/study, fireplace, 2-car plus garage. Private beach club. Turnkey furnished.

View at www.fairwaybaytownhouse.com. NOW $519,000 BANK OWNED - Waterfront home on beautiful St. Armands Circle. Built in 2005 offering over 3000 sq. ft. of fine detail. Marble floors, high ceilings, beautiful cabinetry, stone counters. Dock your boat, swim in your pool, stroll to dinner or the sunsets on Lido Beach. Have it all. NOW $1,745,000 BANK OWNED - Direct bay front point lot in Country Club Shores on LBK. 144 ft. on the Bay & 131 ft. on the canal. Previous list was $3.5. NOW offered by the bank at $1,990,000

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., as receiver for Turnberry Bank, transferred the property at 549 Hornblower Lane in Country Club Shores Unit III to NAFH National Bank, of Aventura, via a quitclaim deed for $1.2 million. NAFH National Bank then transferred the property to Airmann LLC, a Delaware limitedliability company with a Mount Sterling, Ky., address, through a special warranty deed. Built in 2007, the 3,839-squarefoot home has five bedrooms, three-anda-half bathrooms and a swimming pool.

It last sold for $1,783,600 in June 2010.

The sale was the largest of the 13 residential real-estate transactions recorded on Longboat, Lido, St. Armands and Bird keys during the week of Jan. 3 through Jan. 7 at the Sarasota and Manatee county courthouses. Of the week’s sales, 10 took place on Longboat Key, three of which were in Manatee County, while two occurred on Lido Key, and one occurred on Bird Key. Two of the week’s residential sales exceeded $1 million.

ada, corporation with a Toronto address, sold Unit 124 at the 38-unit Villa di Lancia, 2165 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to Stanley Bernstein, Warren Bernstein and Daniel Bernstein, trustees, of Toronto, for $1,016,500. Built in 1996, the 2,448-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. It last sold for $890,000 in January 2000.

Grand Bay

Yetta and Norman Plotnick, of Bethesda, Md., sold Unit 643 in Building VI in the 272-unit Grand Bay, 3070 Grand Bay Blvd., to Wesley and Ingelore Perry, of Pinehurst, N.C., for $475,000. Built in 1995, the 1,329-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $700,000 in May 2004.

Also in Building VI of Grand Bay, MMP Properties LLC, a limited-liability company with a Bainbridge Island, Wash., address, sold Unit 645 to Ira and Debra Davis, of Denver, for $462,500.

Built in 1995, the 1,276-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $595,000 in August 2003.

Villa di Lancia

REID MURPHY

SEE REAL ESTATE / PAGE 22A

SKBJB Villa LTD, an Ontario, Can-

PREsEnts...

Luxury on the Water

Cathy C. Meldahl P.A.

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CEDARS EAST

3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 24228

REGENT COURT GULFFRONT ESTATE – Prestige, privacy and gorgeous sunsets abound. An architectural marvel located behind the gates of The Longboat Key Club directly on the Gulf of Mexico with 150 feet of Longboat Key’s finest beach. $17,500,000 GULFFRONT ESTATE – BEST BUY ON BEACH 1+ acres with a gated entrance and a private boardwalk to beach. Stunning Gulf, Beach and Sunset views! $6,285,000 WESTWAY ESTATE – 210 FT. DIRECTLY on New Pass, views to Gulf, outstanding sunsets. 4 BR main home plus 4 BR guest house. Gorgeous courtyard pool, dock, private beach access. $8,900,000 DIRECT BAYFRONT NEW MEDITERRANEAN MASTERPIECE 5 BR with magnificent pool/patio area bayside plus patio off master suite. Designer finishes + gated w/lush landscaping. $9,500,000 BAYPORT 3 Bedroom direct beachfront corner unit rarely available! Great tennis, beach & pool complex. $675,000 UNIVERSITY PARK – Incredible 3/3 upgraded home with numerous extras on amazingly landscaped private setting with exceptional outdoor patio/pool area. $495,000 ISLANDER CLUB – Fantastic gulf side 2/2 updated condo w/dramatic bay views from every room!

Beautiful beach & many amenities. $545,000 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. $3,500,000 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 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 1266 1st St., Suite 9, Sarasota, FL 34236

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

941.383.5502 or 941.724.7228 CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

Talk to Tina Today - Longboat Key’s International Connection

LAKEFRONT VILLA IN YACHTING COMMUNITY NEw LIsTING Impeccably maintained 2 BR/2BA villa will make your island dreams come true! Completely remodeled with attention to the smallest detail and fine finishes throughout. Separate den/office, inside laundry, outdoor shower and tranquil patio amidst tropical lakeside surroundings.

Offered at $375,000

Longboat Key Realty 51013

6000 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217

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

Even in buyer-friendly times, you need the most capable representation.

Call Maureen to help you fully exploit today’s amazing buying opportunities.

Maureen Horn, GRI

maureenhorn@michaelsaunders.com

Cell: 941-539-3384

http://www.searchhomessarasota.com

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker © 440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Florida 34228

50827

developers Realty inc. Lic. R.e. Broker

51012

Impeccably maintained, updated town home featuring new floors, Pella windows, siding, roof, master and guest baths plus renovated balcony, newer a/c and appliances. View of the bay from master bedroom plus nature views. One car garage with lots of storage. Top tennis resort community includes on site rental program 10 Har-Tru courts and Jr Olympic size heated pool. $349,900

www.reidmurphy.com

50961

50806

941.780.0968 • 866.450.4447 ext. 2922

web site jeniferschwell.michaelsaunders.com OOO Chairman’s Circle e-mail jeniferschwell@michaelsaunders.com

Country Club Shores home sells for $1.2 million

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

21A

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

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

224 Tenacity Lane The Ultimate in Beach Front Living. Sited on the southernmost lot down this secluded lane, this home is perfectly positioned to enjoy unrivaled gulf views to the west and south. Enjoy all that beach front living has to offer with world famous Siesta Key beach and the beautiful gulf waters beyond just steps from your back door. Schemmel Property Group, Joel Schemmel 941.587.4894

$1,295,000 941.350.3362

7030 Firehouse Road Cheryl Loeffler

$1,195,000 941.302.9674

7475 Preservation Drive Cindy Migone

$1,175,000 941.812.7438

1855 Orchid Street Carolyn Collins & Roberta Tengerdy

$887,000 941.321.2292

1800 Bayshore Drive Devon Davis

$879,900 941.720.2053

5440 Azure Way Judie Berger

$825,000 941.928.3424

5050 Commonwealth Drive Schemmel Property Group, Joel Schemmel & Sharon Chiodi

6512 Midnight Pass Road, 406 Joel Schemmel

$799,000 941.587.4894

364 El Greco Drive Terry Herschberger

112 Oak Avenue Terry Hayes

$669,000 941.302.3100

419 Huntridge Drive $639,000 Melissa Caldwell & Terry Herschberger 941.266.8829

500 S. Palm Avenue, 42 Cheryl Loeffler

941.364.4000

$1,595,000 941.302.9674

877.317.7003

SignatureSIR.com

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

$769,000 941.468.8439

$1,699,000 941.587.4894

3009 Avenue E Terry Hayes

$699,000 941.302.3100

1212 Ben Franklin Drive, 809 Karin Stephan

$550,000 941.504.4435

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

51055

737 Eagle Point Drive Bradway / Price Team

$3,955,000

22A

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

50766

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

LIVIN’ THE LIFE” CANAL FRONT GET-AWAY Beautiful 1BR/1BA, screened lanai, water is right outside the back door. New granite counters, wood cabinets, new tile floors, just a few blocks away from the beach. Jerry Cunningham #A3928966 $145,915

CONRAD BEACH

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

UPDATED & FURNISHED glass encl. lanai, washer/ dryer, pools, tennis, clubhouse, fitness room, beach access. Owner financing avail. & will pay main. fee until end of year. Dorothy Cook $275,000 #A3913998.

BAYSIDE WATERFRONT

2BR/2BA with new kitchen, tastefully furnished, 4 pools, tennis, fitness center, balcony overlooks canal. Deeded beach access. Dorothy Cook #A3914276. $329,000

WATERFRONT

BUILDING PERMITS

Sleepy Lagoon

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Jan. 7 through Jan. 13, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive)

Community Bank of Manatee, a Florida corporation, sold the vacant lot at 726 Norton St. in the Sleepy Lagoon subdivision to Pinzon LLC, a Florida limitedliability company with a Bradenton address, for $453,100. The canal-front lot last sold for $750,000 in February 2008.

Elizabeth Drucker, of Clarendon Hills, Ill., sold Apartment No. 720 in Building C1, 720 Bayport Way, in the 136-unit Bayport Beach & Tennis Club to Robert McGregor and his wife, Bernadette McKell, of Helensburgh, Scotland, for $295,000.

Built in 1980, the 1,260-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $418,000 in June 2004.

Longbeach Village

Cheryl Winer, of Ottawa, Canada, sold the home at 720 Russell St. in the Longbeach Village to Elizabeth Kroth for $285,000. Built in 1970, the 1,248-square-foot home has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $155,000 in July 2007.

Fairway Bay VILLAGE OF CORTEZ 3BR/2BA w/bonus room, sun deck & dock on the Bay. Mature landscaping, work shop in back.

You can see Sarasota Bay from your living room. Debra Ibasfalean #M5814790. $495,000

50766

MEDITERRANEAN LUXURY

on North LBK. Sailboat water with 40’ dock, davit & 13,000 lb. lift.

3BR/2.5BA & office, high ceilings and completely renovated! Huge pool, patio & walk to beach.

Jerry Cunningham/ Marta Altizer #A3935452. $779,624

REAL ESTATE / FROM PAGE 20A

Bayport Beach & Tennis Club

PRICE REDUCED 3BR/2BA VILLA

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

Harry Hmura, of Sarasota, sold Unit 222 in Building M-2, 1932 Harbourside Drive, in the 288-unit Fairway Bay to Bernard and Patricia Murphy, of Madison, Ind., for $275,000. Built in 1982, the 1,192-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $180,000 in April 1995.

The Players Club

In what appears to be an intra-family transaction, Amy Cohen, a single woman, of Pittsburgh, and Charles Cohen, a married man, of Naples, sold Unit 408 in Building IV of the 134-unit Players Club, 1425 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to Charles Cohen and his wife, Michele

Address 435 L’Ambiance Drive 5321 GMD 535 Sanctuary Drive 6750 GMD 1465 GMD 4215 GMD 781 Emerald Harbor Drive 3453 GMD 518 Bayview Drive 3453 GMD 3453 GMD 3453 GMD 3453 GMD 3453 GMD 3453 GMD 3453 GMD 3453 GMD 3453 GMD 3453 GMD 3452 Mistletoe Lane

Permit Applicant Amount Alteration Anna Troiano $50,883 Alteration Theodore and Sharon Weeks $50,000 Alteration Susan Benjamin, trustee $32,298 Alteration Donald Ramp $12,004 Alteration John Stangel $11,882.50 Alteration Lorenzo Denino $9,820 Alteration Donald Johnson Jr. $9,000 Alteration John Kowal $8,126 Alteration Bencion Moskow $6,790 Alteration Debra Alexander $4,303 Alteration Merrill Froney $4,303 Alteration Noreen Granum $4,303 Alteration Robert Guernsey Jr. $4,303 Alteration J. Jenkins $4,303 Alteration John Kowal $4,303 Alteration John Kowal $4,303 Alteration John Kowal $4,303 Alteration Andrea Stahl $4,303 Alteration Robert Stepp, trustee $4,303 Alteration Thomas Coyne $1,690

McKinney, for $240,150. Built in 1983, the 1,707-square-foot unit has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It last sold for $257,500 in May 1989.

Cedars East

Sagamore REO III LLC, a Delaware limited-liability company, sold Unit 19 at 531 Forest Way in the 93-unit Cedars East to Thomas Larsen and Robert Larsen for $164,500. Sagamore REO III’s attorney in fact, AtlanticPacific REO Resolutions & Management Inc., of New York City, conducted the sale. Built in 1990, the 1,501-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The unit sold for $165,000 in September 1999.

Bird Key

Michael and Lynn McDonald, of Sarasota sold their home at 611 Owl Way, on Bird Key, to William Edwards and Alissa Shul-

man, husband and wife, for $650,000.

Built in 1966, the 1,930-square-foot home has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a swimming pool. It last sold for $779,000 in August 2007.

Lido Key

Local real-estate investor W. Howard Rooks, 246 Morningside Drive, sold Lots 9 and 10 in Block C of the Lido C Subdivision at 1160 Center Place to Paul Nugent, 1121 Morningside Place, for $425,000.

The property last sold for $625,000 in March 2009.

Also on Lido Key, Michael and Louise DeVincenzo, of Wayne, N.J., sold Unit 511 at Lido Surf and Sand, 1100 Benjamin Franklin Drive, to Michael and Donna Polelle, of Chicago, for $383,000. Built in 1976, the 1,213-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $150,000 in September 1992.

Open House Extravaganza!

Central Park welcomes Cardel Homes and their new model homes!

BRAND NEW M O D E L S O P E N H O U S E

SUNDAY, JANUARY 23RD

Cardel Homes is raffling off Tampa Bay Lightning tickets.

Plus tour over 29 Model Homes in Lakewood Ranch featuring over 15 home builders.

FROM 1:00 PM — 4:00 PM

Dine, shop and catch a movie on Main Street Get a FREE 2-day VIP pass to the Golf & Country Club Go to any Lakewood Ranch Information Center, call or go online for more information.

Central Park

BRADENTON LAKEWOOD RANCH BLVD.

70

EXIT 217

EXIT 213

LAKE CLUB INFORMATION CENTER

UNIVERSITY PKWY.

UNVEILS TWO NEW MODEL HOMES! INTRODUCING 3,000 SQ. FT TWO STORY PLANS

75 41

SARASOTA POLO CLUB

FRUITVILLE RD.

SARASOTA

= LAKEWOOD RANCH INFORMATION CENTER

www.lakewoodranch.com 941.907.6000 Central Park Directions: Take I-75 to exit 213, head east on University Prkwy; left onto Lakewood Ranch Blvd, cross over SR 70; Central Park entrance is on the right.

Or visit any of the three Lakewood Ranch Information Centers for details.

50968

64

LORRAINE RD.

EXIT 220

Lakewood Ranch Information Centers and Model Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.– 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, Noon – 5 p.m.

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

23A

LONGBOAT KEY

Historic Laurel Park Bungalow with Charm and Character! Updated 3BR/2BA $395,000

Inspiring Three Bedroom Grand Bay Unit w/ WrapAround Views and Designer Finishes. $1,295,000

GOLDEN GATE POINT

$2,290,000

Beautiful LaBellasara with over 3100 SF of Marvelous Finishes & Lovely Bay and City Views!

LONGBOAT KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

SIESTA KEY

Very Impressive Conrad Beach Beauty Just Steps to the Beach. $1,195,000

Walled & Gated Gulf Front Paradise w/ Over 6300 SF of Living! $4,850,000

Beautifully Appointed 3400 SF L’Ambiance Walk-Down with 3 Bedrooms Plus Den.

LONGBOAT KEY

$2,875,000

LONGBOAT KEY

Direct Gulf Front Three Bedroom/3 Bath Promenade Unit. $999,000

Quiet and Peaceful Beachfront Gem in the Longbeach Complex. $429,000

LONGBOAT KEY

The Ultimate Coastal Living! Gorgeous Three Bedroom Custom Pool Home w/ Amazing Viewing Deck! $1,279,000

CASEY KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

Great Little Beach Getaway with Bay Access $1,950,000

Contemporary Perfection and Great Boating in Bay Isles. $2,349,000

GOLDEN GATE POINT

Grande Riviera Penthouse with Inspiring Finishes and Upgrades. Private Boat Dock.

$4,950,000

Distinctive homes presented by Cheryl Loeffler Today, it is not simply about creating a website or advertisement and waiting for buyers to find your listed property.

It is about developing mixed-media strategies and integrated partnerships that position our brand and your home ubiquitously throughout multiple print and digital platforms, providing more relevant levels of engagement for consumers to seek out your home and the services offered by Signature | Sotheby’s International Realty.

To learn more about our exclusive marketing program, please call Cheryl Loeffler at 941.302.9674.

Signature Sotheby’s Top Producing Agent 2010

Each office independently owned and operated

Signature 50034

Cheryl Loeffler | MBA, Realtor | 941.302.9674 | Cheryl.loeffler@SothebysRealty.com The Plaza at Five Points, 50 Central Avenue, Sarasota, 34236236 www.CherylLoeffler.com

24A

SPORTS

www.YourObserver.com

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

GEENNTT I INN SSAALLEESS VV O O LL U U ME E ### 1 11AAA G E N T and I NManatee S A LCounties E S VinO2009 L UM ME forG Sarasota

LEARNING CURVE

TOP SALES ASSOCIATE forfor Sarasota and Manatee Counties Sarasota and Manatee Countiesinin2009 2009

#1 COLDWELL BANKER AGENT

Ranked the top # 1# 1C C OO LL D WWE E LL Lin EERRofAAGGEENNTT D LB BA AN NKK1% in Florida for 2009 Florida for2009 2009 Worldwide in in Florida for Coldwell Banker Associates

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 www.barbaraackerman.com PRI $88 CE R 0K EDU www.barbaraackerman.com CT

www.barbaraackerman.com

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.

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

ION

Longboat Key - Bay Boating & Beach Lido Shores - Direct Gulf Front Palazzo 4,700 SF waterfront showplace new in ’06 Combines 200 ft. of seawalled Gulf front with private with 4 BR+ study, fireplace, pool/spa, summer Dock and Beach access. This 7,415 SF residence built kitchen, deep water dock, boat lift & jet ski area. in 2003 has 5BR/8BA, exercise room, his and her bath & Walk to beach. $ $ Originally $2,675,000 1,795,000 studies, 50 ft pool/spa & 5-car garage. 8,900,000

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

www.Johnsonestatelongboatkey.com

11,500,000

$

PRI

CE R

EDU

CTIO

N

Rosie Dickson shows off her tennis skills.

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

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

Ritz Tower Residences - Downtown

GRAND BAY I – Longboat Key Bay Front

Gorgeous Bay, Marina, & Gulf views from this 9th 9th Floor 3BR/3BA 2,550 Sq. Ft.$1,275,000 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 FAIRWAY BAY - Longboat Key Townhouse

2BR/3BA 1,626 Sq. Ft.

Cedars Tennis Resort is an ace at fundraising

By Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

Cedars Tennis Resort teamed up with Waste Management of Manatee County to put on Aces for Education Saturday, Jan. 15. The tennis event benefited the Manatee Education Foundation and drew about 150 people.

The event included an exhibition demonstration with children who attend the Eagleton/Ferreira Tennis Academy, a pro competition, an auction to play with the pros and a chance to return serves from the pros. The pros who participated included John Eagleton, Sergui Pletosu, Ellis Ferreira and Robbie Salum.

Mary Glass, executive director of the Manatee Education Foundation, said the event raised about $5,000 for the foundation and will be used to give classroom grants to Manatee County teachers.

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 $ garage & gated security.

2,395,000

$539,000

BEACHPLACE I – Direct Gulf Front 5th Floor 2BR/2BA 1,400 Sq. Ft. $699,000

The co-chairs of Aces for Education were Les Brassington and Penny Klein.

WATER CLUB I - Longboat Key Beach Front 8th Floor 2BR/3BA 2,650 Sq. Ft. $1,250,000 Grand Bay II - Bay, City, & Golf Course Views

Sought-after south facing corner residence KEY TOWER SOUTH - Direct Gulf Front with 3BR/3 Full Baths, private elevator foyer, 7th Floor 2BR/2BA 1,370 Sq. Ft. $549,000 wraparound terrace, wood floors, stainless $ 1,395,000 appliances, granite wet bar.

Queens Harbour – Bay Front 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

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Ellis Ferreira and Sergiu Pletosu high-five each other after winning another point during their doubles match.

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 $ appliances.

895,000

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 .

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

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

●

●

1,985,000

$

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

449,500

941-953-6000 941-359-3435

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.

LEASING & MANAGING HOMES & CONDOS Annual, Seasonal, Vacation

www.JennetteProperties.com

37328 46606

locale. 2 car private garage incl.

50042

PENDING

Savoy - Downtown Bay View

Direct Gulf views from one of the best priced residences 3 BR + den / 3.5 BA in this 3,170 Sq. Ft. downtown showon South Longboat Key. 3BR/3BA with breakfast nook, piece apartment on the 9th floor. Enjoy Sarasota Bay sundouble walk-in closets & tons of storage. $849,000 sets and dazzling city lights from this most prestigious

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

Lynne Koy

25A

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

PRI CE RED UC TIO N

Lido SHoRES - Sweeping views of the Bay, John Ringling Bridge and Downtown Sarasota will mesmerize you from this spectacular custom built 5 BR, 5.3 BA furnished home. www.1418JohnRinglingPkwy.com $3,895,000

Featured Properties

BiRd KEY - Fabulous 4 BD/4.5 BA canal front home on deep sailboat water. Stunning foyer, gourmet kitchen & game room with bay views. www.647Nowl.com $2,395,000

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

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

W

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IN

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G

BiRd KEY -The cool, clean, contemporary LoNGBoAT KEY ToWERS – Gorgeous home is an entertainers dream and the 3BD/3BA with Sunrise and Sunset views perfect residence for extended family – Listed to Pending in 8 days. w/5 BD/4.5BA and a guest suite that $1,299,000 includes kitchen and laundry facilities. www.201Seagull.com $1,495,000

NE

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PRI CE RED UC TIO N

LoNGBoAT KEY ToWERS - Tastefully decorated with spectacular views of the Gulf and Bay from this updated 2BD/2BA, 11th floor condominium home with 2 covered parking spaces! www.603LBKTowers1104.com $1,295,000

PRI CE RED UC TIO N

TIN

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SEAPLACE – Once in a lifetime opportunity!

Direct Gulf and beach views! Penthouse Location! www.1925Seaplace408.com $1,200,000

PE

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

NE

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ND

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GRANd BAY - Bright and light 2 BD /2 BA Penthouse with views of the Bay, Golf Course and Marina with two spacious terraces to enjoy sunrise and sunset views. www.3070GrandBay644.com $499,000

NE

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LIS

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- Beautifully updated BEACHPLACE – Enjoy beautiful “Tommy SEAPLACE - Direct Gulf views from this SEAPLACE and tastefully furnished 2BD/1BA Bahama” style furnishings and brand stunning 2 BD/2BA condo w/covered condominium with Gulf views $489,000 new carpet in this 3 BR/ 2 BA furnished parking $549,000 condominium. www.1085Beachplace205.com $599,000

PE

PE

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SEAPLACE – Rarely available 3BR/2BA corner residence with recently updated kitchen, new carpet and paint throughout. Enjoy partial gulf views from the newly tiled terrace. www.1945Seaplace116.com $399,000

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

IN

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LoNGBoAT HARBoUR – Priced to sell!

Enjoy tranquil water views from this 1BR/1BA 1st floor residence w/deeded beach access. $199,000 www.4350Chatham104.com

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

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

49990

33 CLoSEd SALES iN 2010

ND

IN

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

TRAVEL • GAMES

www.YourObserver.com

BRIDGE HAND

it’s read everywhere

Dealer: South Vulnerable: East, West

North

Deal Us In Lots of errors can be made There are lots of ways to make mistakes in the play of a hand. See if you can avoid one of the most common errors in the play of this hand.

West leads the four of diamonds, you play low from the dummy, and East takes the first trick with the ace of diamonds. East shifts to the four of hearts, and you decide how to play this hand.

You have enough tricks to make your contract, but what about their tricks? They have a diamond in the bank, two sure spade tricks and a possible club trick, so you cannot afford to give them a heart trick as well. This would bring your losing trick count to five.

Win the heart shift, lay down the ace of clubs and continue clubs, taking at least nine tricks: five clubs, two hearts and two diamonds.

When you receive a bad result in a duplicate game, remember that it takes a partnership to play this game.

I find that too many players find it easy to blame their partners for poor results.

UTAH. Lauren Walsh traded the sand for the snow on a trip to Deer Valley Resort, in Park City, Utah. But she brought a ray of sunshine from home: her copy of the Longboat Observer.

♠ J4 ♥J6 West East ♦ KJ5 K 10 8 6 5 4 ♠ A732 ♣ ♠ K 10 5 Q 3 ♥ ♥ 10 7 5 4 2 ♦ Q87432 ♦ A9 South 2 ♣ ♣QJ7 ♠ Q986 ♥ AK98 ♦ 10 6 ♣ A93 Bidding: West

Pass Pass

North East

3 ♣ Pass Pass Pass

Opening Lead: 4

♦

South 1♣ 3NT

Contract: 3NT

the longboat observer Sudoku Edited by The Mepham Group

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

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.”

Michael Saunders & Company Exceptional People People & & Properties Properties Exceptional

Michael

Licensed Real Estate Broker • Exclusive Affiliate Of Sotheby’s International Realty & Leading Estates Of The World

Moulton

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

SarasotasFinestProperties.com

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

(800) 887-2968

(941) 383-1990

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 Office 941•383•7591 / Cell 928•3559

★ SaraSota Magazine’S five Star

“beSt in Client SatiSfaCtion” award. ’06, ’07, ’08, ’09, ’10 ★

NEW LISTI NG

• SANd CAY BEST VALUE 2BD/2BA. Beautifully updated and turnkey furnished in popular Gulf front rental complex. Gulf view from outdoor balcony MLS#A3937165.

Steve 941-374-3003 ................................................$399,000 • HARBOUR OAKS Like a single family home, but no maintenance! 3BD/2.5BA end unit with no steps. Vaulted ceilings, skylight, kitchen, family room, formal dining, living room, fireplace, turnkey furnished. 2 car garage, membership to Bay Isles Beach Club. A Must See! MLS#A394115 .................................... $449,000

• LONGBOAT KEY CLUB & RESORT Club suite offers direct water and city skyline views and all the amenities of the Key Club. Private end unit, newly furnished & under bldg. parking. Great income. MLS#A3930788.. $335,000

ed duc e R Just

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

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

VIZCAYA w/Private Pool - Tropical paradise

spacious Gulf front condominium w/private pool & covered 1,200SF terrace. A344892 $2,775,000

en PROVENCE - This exquisite 3BR Gulf front furnished condo feels like a private home on the beach. A3929322 $2,450,000

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

BEAu CIEl - The premier downtown Bay front bldg w/amazing urban architecture & sophistication.

A3927097 $1,250,000

ced edu R t Jus

• TIDES OF LONGBOAT 3 BD/3BA. Gulf views from

living room, dining room, kitchen, lanai and all 3 bedrooms.

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

LBK LBK LBK LBK LBK LBK LBK LBK LBK

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

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

For vi rtuAl tou rS CraigAbbott.michaelsaunders.com

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

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Longboat Key, Florida 34228

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

49699

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

ed duc e R Just

ing List New

51023

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

Spacious 2 car garage, patio & pool. Wonderful family home on “no thru traffic” circle. Walk to DeSoto Nat’l Park and Robinson 3400 sq. ft. MLS#A3917532 ......................... $495,000 • BUTTONWOOD COVE WIDE OPEN WATER Preserve.

VIEWS highlight 2BD/2BA split plan condo, 5 acres with • BUTTONWOOD COVE 1500 sq ft 3BD/2BA split frontage on Gulf & Bay. Granite countertops in completely plan end unit w/ water views over cove. New kitchen w/granite & remodeled kitchen, club house, pool, tennis, racketball, boat stainless steel appliances & newer furnishings. Wonderful beach to slips & parking garage. Furnished. MLS#A3911622 .. $449,000 bay complex. Under bldg parking MLS#A3932389 ..............$499,000 Abbott Group / Sold

PlAZA FIVE POINts – Custom decorated 3BR condo with incredible views in the heart of downtown Sarasota. A3933182 $1,150,000

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

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

RAINFALL

Mon., Jan. 10 Tues., Jan. 11 Wed., Jan. 12 Thurs., Jan. 13 Fri., Jan. 14 Sat., Jan. 15 Sun., Jan. 16 Year-to-date: 2011

0.45 in

WEATHER

North

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 2010 1.32 in.

Mid

South

0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04 Month to date: 2011

0.45 in

www.YourObserver.com

27A

WEEKLY WINNEr: Radiant waves

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 2010 1.32 in.

TemperatureS

Temps.

Record Temps.

High Low High Low 65 53 87 (1993) 26 (1981) Tues., Jan. 11 Wed., Jan. 12 55.5 44.5 81 (1989) 31 (1981) Thurs., Jan. 13 55 35 80 (1993) 35 (2011) Fri., Jan. 14 65 40.5 82 (1999) 42 (1982) 68 49.5 84 (1990) 37 (1996) Sat., Jan. 15 70 55 82 (1993) 32 (1991) Sun., Jan. 16 Mon., Jan. 17 70 57.5 83 (1990) 34 (1991) Average Gulf water temperature: 58

MOON PHASES Jan. 26

Feb. 3

Feb. 11

Last

New

First

Feb. 18

Full

TIDE CHART

Highs 1:55p — 12:20a 2:15p 1:12a 2:38p 2:09a 3:04p 3:13a 3:36p 4:13a 4:14p 6:28a 4:59p

Thurs., Jan. 20 Fri., Jan. 21 Sat., Jan. 22 Sun., Jan. 23 Mon., Jan. 24 Tues., Jan. 25 Wed., Jan. 26

HVAC # CACO55539 • Plumbing # CFC1428238 • Electrical # EC13004000

Lows 7:52a 6:43p 8:27a 7:42p 9:01a 8:43p 9:32a 9:51p 10:02a 11:07p 10:29a — 12:32a 10:49a

Sunrise/sunset Thurs., Jan. 20 Fri., Jan. 21 Sat., Jan. 22 Sun., Jan. 23 Mon., Jan. 24 Tues., Jan. 25 Wed., Jan. 26

Sunrise 7:21 7:21 7:21 7:20 7:20 7:20 7:19

RED TIDE

Sunset 6:02 6:03 6:04 6:05 6:05 6:06 6:07

Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not detected alongshore Longboat Key and was not detected offshore Friday, Jan. 14, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.

Get your daily weather conditions at Yourobserver.com

HVAC # CACO55539  Plumbing # CFC1428238  Electrical # EC13004000

cooltoday.com

cooltoday.com (800) 940-9297

Air Conditioning • Heating & More

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

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a division of Cool Today Electrical, Solar and Energy Solutions

dAnCE OFF by Matthew Marey

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

a division of Cool Today

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Luca Modica submitted this sunset photo, taken at Seaplace, 2045 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enter your local 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.

60 62 63 66

ACROSS Still in the sack Ball beauty Places for shots Part of a cheer Spelling of TV “___ a Grecian Urn” (Keats) More relaxed Nantes-to-Paris dir.

It’s visible in the east Loyalty to the cause Catchers bend them Emulate Earth Baloney peddler Twiggy willows Some WWII submarines Border patrol concerns Some berths Wool producer Messy one It’s 90 feet from home They’re divided into species Scare and then some Taking care of the situation Kind of hoop or skirt Food processor setting Accelerator particle One of a state’s two, briefly “Were you ____?” (“Don’t be rude”) One way to make tracks Fuss and fret Revered images “Big Brother” host Julie Total disaster Inevitable activity Charm with flattery Bring home the bacon

67 Threefold 68 Glossy cloth 69 Absolute last day for Christmas shopping 70 Soliciting donations, in a way 74 Mop & ___ (floor cleaner brand) 77 Vegetarian’s ammo?

78 Just perfect 79 Word with “fine” and “performing” 80 Light from a lightning bug, e.g.

81 Utensil used to remove cream 83 White ___ of Dover 86 Pizzeria order 87 “You ___ a mouthful!”

88 Launch, as a campaign 89 Attacks from the side 90 Meal 93 Bothers for life 94 Reasons for recusal 95 Carpet layer’s calculation 96 Poll answer choice 97 Doesn’t react well to getting benched 98 Wimbledon climax 102 People of good breeding 107 Trident-shaped Greek letter 108 Rumor unit, perhaps 109 Make a big scene?

110 Where’s iris?

111 “Quiet on the ___!”

112 Like a hunk 113 Country bumpkins 114 Lord’s mate dOwn 1 Source of many bills 2 Shout of disapproval

3 Miss an easy fly 4 Most small and insignificant 5 Gaffes 6 Finishes the lawn 7 Not so much 8 Costello of comedy 9 Lend dignity or honor to 10 Heart of Dixie 11 Nabokov novel 12 Frankenstein’s monster’s features 13 “___ no hooks” 14 Eldest of the March girls 15 Hindu title 16 Skater Sonja 17 Machu Picchu native 18 Jury makeup 24 Powerless to act 26 Suspect’s story 29 Die laughing, so to speak 31 Express one’s views 32 When collegians descend on Florida 33 Skeleton parts 34 Change, as a hemline 35 Italian film star Sophia 36 Abduction vehicles, supposedly 38 Will be, in a Day song 40 Pretense 41 “Can I get you anything ___?”

42 Bars of Avon 43 It’s cast in the water 44 Cletus on “The Simpsons,” for one 46 Schlep 47 Hunger sign 49 Billiard ball with a yellow stripe 51 Elephant-carrying mythical bird 52 “Mangia!”

53 Cupcake topper

54 57 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 67 68 70 71 72 73 75 76 80 82 83 84 85 86 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 97 99 100 101 103 104 105 106

Nine-piece combo Served as CEO of Prompt Like the divingboard end Downspout sites Relative of a husk Thai monetary units Airline predictions (Abbr.)

Acquire Alexander, for one Feudal laborer Arizona tribe members Allow in Sunflower ____ (snack item) Dagger handles Canal features Runs up an account Generous drink serving Oscar-winning songwriter Hayes Refined in manner Clair de ___ (porcelain) Number that is not a fraction Quench, as thirst Selleck TV role Nice girls?

Freeway exits Make blank ___ four (small cake) Israeli seaport Montana city Elitist “... Bojangles and ___ dance for you ...”

Golf goal Mined matter Bird of the Outback Fertility lab stock Was in the forefront Thompson who wrote about Eloise

Last weeks Cryptograms 1. Live a good life, shoot for the moon, and even if you miss it you’re sure to land

among the stars!

2. I thought this could be a good essay topic for my robotics class: artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.

Thursday, January 20, 2011 Items Under $200 For Sale

Furnishings

Schools/Instruction

GOLF CLUBS- Female, complete set.

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

941-778-2641

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!

RINGLING COLLEGE of Art & DesignClasses for the Community: Adults, Teens, and Children Catalogs and Registration online at: www.ringling.edu/cssp Phone: 941.955.8866

NISSAN SENTRA New Haynes Repair Manual. 1982-1994 complete teardown & rebuild $10.00. 966-4412 SNOW SKIS- Brand new. Fischer 200 & 180 cm, poles, boots, travel bag. $150/all.

941-383-3337

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

Terry, 941-349-8560.

Manatee Furniture

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

Autos Wanted

General Merchandise

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

Call Mike, 941-713-2277.

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

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.

REAwDhere!

Every

The Observer

STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer.

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

Help Wanted 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 LIVE IN CAREGIVER for blind disabled diabetic person. 7 days a week, 24 hours.

Longboat Key area. Must have transportation and be totally dependable. CNA/LPN preferred but not required. Private room with bath.

Wages negotiable.

Email: naomicharlesloma@aol.com or call collect 913-856-4444. No smoking or drinking.

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

Condos/Apts. For Rent

CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR with references.

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

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

Annual lease, utilities included. 228-3171

Announcements

It’s

Storage

Health/Fitness/Beauty

FITNESS FITNESS!! New! Next to the Lazy Lobster! Medical equipment!

Oxygen.....just ask!

Beach Fitness, 941-778-2641.

MANATEE RIVER ORCHID SOCIETY ANNUAL ORCHID SHOW AND SALE MANATEE CIVIC CENTER One Haben Blvd. Palmetto, FL Manateeriverorchidsociety.com January 22nd & 23rd 2011 Sat.10a.m.-5p.m. - Sun.10a.m.-4p.m.

Orchid Displays and Sales Admission $4.00

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.

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

941-359-9851

Condos For Sale

STEAL A CONDO! OPEN SUN 1-4PM Why rent a seasonal condo when you can own one?

1724 Starling - The Landings, West of Trail, located 10 minutes from Siesta Key, 5 minutes to anywhere. Impeccable.

Furnished 3/2 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

WINDWARD BAY: waterfront, 2BR/2BA, new quality renovation. Granite, all marble, oak and cherry wood cabinets, hurricane windows. $429,000. Owner, 941-383-9010.

Fractionals

ASHTON LAKES, 3BR/2BA, 1CG, 1500+ sq.ft., formal DR, W/D. Furnished or unfurnished. Community pool/ tennis. One pet okay. $1100/month, first and last.

Water and cable included. 941-966-8826, 941-228-3946.

VERANDA BEACH CLUB: 2BR/2BA, beachfront unit. Weekly rental from Feb. 26 to March 5. Only $1,300. 2509 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key. By owner.

847-328-3600 Ext. 119.

PALMER RANCH condo: 1BR/1BA, $840/mo. Gated, W/D, new carpet/ paint, pool, parking, gym, tennis. 941-306-0621.

4 Easy Ways To Place your Classified ad

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.

Condos For Sale 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.

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.

LIVE WHERE THE ACTION IS - not fighting bridge traffic to get there. Boutique waterfront building near Ritz. FABULOUS north and west views. Completely renovated condo with pool and private beach 3BR/2BA - $595,000. 941-376-5809.

SOLD! Call 941-955-4888

Fax 941-362-4808

Email classified@yourobserver.com

In The Observer Classifieds

Online at

www.yourobserver.com/classifieds

This week’s crossword answers

THE OBSERVER LP # 39513

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011 THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER

CLASSIFIEDS www.yourobserver.com

Thursday, January 20, 2011 Fractionals

Homes For Sale

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 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.

SIESTA KEY (SANDY HOOK). DEEDED PRIVATE BEACH. Sarasota School of Architecture home designed by Tim Seibert located on 4/10’s of an acre of tropical plantings. Main home is 2BR/2BA with caged lanai plus a 1BR/1BA studio or guest house, heated pool, a few steps to the Gulf of Mexico and near “The Village” for your shopping and restaurants. MSL# 3936380. $635,000.

RON STAHL REALTY 941-374-1671

RECENTLY RENOVATED 2BR/2BA, living, dining, kitchen and sunroom. Located on canal 1 block from beach access. $1250/mo. 941-383-2606.

Homes For Sale DIRECT GULFFRONT 4BR/4.5BA +den, 3 car garage, pool/ spa, elevator, security.

Immaculate 2005 Mediterranean style architecture with breathtaking Gulf views.

5,146 sq.ft. under roof on N. Anna Maria, 12106 Gulf Drive. $3,500,000 furnished.

Contact Owner/ Broker, 941-920-1699.

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

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.

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.

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

LIDO BEACH CONDOMINIUMS Weekly - Monthly - Seasonal

BEACHPLACE 3BR, UPDATED, TASTEFULLY DECORATED. GULF & BAY VIEWS. AVAILABLE IN SEASON & ANNUAL CALL CYNTHIA 407-492-5749

WEEKLY RENTALS GULF FRONT/ GULF VIEW

3BR/ 2BA Longboat Key canal front home with boat dock. Fully furnished. 5 minute walk to beach/ restaurants. Available March & April, $3000 mo. arielsail@aol.com or 941-778-6601 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

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

CASA DEL MAR BEACH RESORT

Homes For Rent

Reservations: 941-383-5549 Visa/ MC Fax: 941-383-7925 “Take our video tour at” www.casadelmar.net SIESTA KEY - GULF VIEW. 4 story, 5BR/4BA, 4041 sq.ft. L.A., double garage, elevator, 2 fireplaces, 3 lanais, private pool/spa, top quality appliances and workmanship, wood/ tile/ carpet floors, 2 blocks to world famous “Crescent Beach”.

Excellent rental potential.............$1,185,000 RON STAHL REALTY 941-374-1671

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

Need

Money?

Turn your TRASH into CASH! Have a

Yard Sale Reserved Space

Is your home or garage cluttered with stuff you don’t use anymore?

LP Reserved Space Are your kids outgrowing their toys and clothes?

Would you like to earn a little extra money for your family?

Reduce the clutter and make some money at the same time with a yard sale.

Think no one wants your old junk?

Remember the old adage: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Yard Sale ads start at just $ 15 a week.

To place your ad call 941-955-4888 or go to www.YourObserver.com/classifieds

29A Classifieds 29A www.YourObserver.com

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”

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 BEACHPLACE Condo. Beachfront, 2BR/2BA. Elegantly furnished, heated pool, tennis court, covered parking, exercise room. Available May 1st. through Dec. 1st.

Also 2012. Non-smoking/ pets. By owner.

941-383-1884.

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.

Resort Properties, Inc. Licensed Real Estate Broker 941-388-3921 - 888-388-3921 941-650-1857 Visit us at: resortproperties.pro

LIDO BEACH GULF BEACH RESORT. Large studio, sleeps 4, heated pool, private beach, Nightly/ weekly rates. www.gulfbeachsarasota.com/condos/305 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. 248-231-3793.

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.

MARCH & APRIL. AMI Island on lake.

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

941-383-4146 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.

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.

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

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.

30A 30A Classifieds 30A Classifieds Vacation/Seasonal Rentals Vacation/Seasonal Rentals www.YourObserver.com

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

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

9a.m.

-- 5p.m.

Longboat Key, FL 34228M-F Rental office 5p.m.

M-F Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m. M-F Ask about about our our special Ask special rates! rates!

Wagner Ask about our special Wagner Realty Realty rates!

Since 1939 Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.wagnerrentals.com Since 1939 www.wagnerrentals.com www.wagnerrentals.com

Waterfront Property Waterfront Property Waterfront Property

BREATHTAKING WATERFRONT WATERFRONT parcel.

BREATHTAKING parcel.

Fully engineered, approved and for BREATHTAKING WATERFRONT parcel.

Fully engineered, approved and ready ready for development of 7 SF homes and 5 boat Fully engineered, andand ready for development of 7approved SF homes 5 boat dock on on fabulous fabulous Palma Sola all development of 7Palma SF homes andOr boat dock Sola Bay. Bay. Or5use use all 3.9 acres for your own retreat.

Will trade for dock on fabulous Sola Bay. use for all 3.9 acres for yourPalma own retreat.

WillOr trade waterfront Sarasota home or negotiate on 3.9 acres for your own retreat. trade for waterfront Sarasota home or Will negotiate on sale. $1.8M Marcia Wood, Broker, waterfront Sarasota home Wood, or negotiate on sale. $1.8M Marcia Broker, marcia@marciawood.com sale. $1.8M Marcia 941-350-2285 Wood, Broker, marcia@marciawood.com 941-350-2285 marcia@marciawood.com 941-350-2285

Adult Care Care Services Adult Services Adult Care Services

TLC FOR FOR YOUR YOUR LOVED TLC LOVED ONES ONES Excellent Group of Caregivers and TLC FOR YOUR LOVED Excellent Group of CaregiversONES and CNAs CNAs Assistance w/every day Excellent Group of Caregivers and CNAs Assistance w/every day living. living.

Availablew/every 7 days week.

Assistance living.

Available 7 days a aday week.

Licensed/ Insured.

Available 7 days a week.

Licensed/ Insured.

941-378-5553 Licensed/1-888-906-6565 Insured.

941-378-5553 1-888-906-6565 941-378-5553 1-888-906-6565

Books CLEAN OUT OUT your your library, CLEAN library, get get paid! paid!

Local media media buyer will come to pay CLEAN OUT your library, getand paid!

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

A tax tax receipt receipt will be be mailed mailed to for charities in Manatee/Sarasota A will to you youCounties. for value value oftax thereceipt donation!

Call (941)321-8222.

A will be mailed to you for value of the donation!

Call (941)321-8222. of the donation! Call (941)321-8222.

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M&B M&B CLEANING. CLEANING. European European touch. touch.

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Computer Services Computer Services

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

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Over 20 years experience PC or or MAC. MAC. Computer service, setup, web Over 20 years experience PC oror MAC. Computer service, setup, tutoring tutoring or web design.

TV/ computer/ stereo integration.

Computer service, setup, tutoring or web design. TV/ computer/ stereo integration.

Digital iPod/ help.

Call design.

TV/ computer/ stereo integration.

Digital camera, camera, iPod/iPhone iPhone help.

CallCort, Cort, 383-3878, 587-5588.

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Home Improvement/ Remodeling

The longboat Observer THE OBSERVER THE LONGBOAT LONGBOAT OBSERVER THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011 THEThursday, LONGBOAT OBSERVER January 20, Thursday, January 20,2011 2011 Thursday, January 20, 2011 Home HomeImprovement/ Improvement/Remodeling Remodeling Home Improvement/ Remodeling TILE TILE TILE TILE TILE TILE TILE TILE TILE All AllVariations VariationsofofCeramic CeramicTile Tile Supplied & Installed.

All Variations of Ceramic Supplied & Installed.Tile Free Supplied&&Custom Installed.

FreeEstimates Estimates CustomDesigns.

Designs.

Free Estimates & Custom Designs.

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

Home HomeServices Services Home Services PET/HOUSE SITTER- Experienced,

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Excellent local references and experiences.

319-362-4996 Iowa teacher loves pets.

Excellent local references and experiences. 319-362-4996 references and experiences. 319-362-4996 Painting/Wallpapering

Painting/Wallpapering Painting/Wallpapering B&B PAINTING, LLC. Professional painting,

B&B PAINTING, LLC. Professional painting, wall removal B&B PAINTING, LLC. Professional painting, wall repair, repair, wallpaper wallpaper removal && texturing, texturing, venetian plaster installation.

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CARLO CARLO DATTILO DATTILO PAINTING. PAINTING. Licensed Licensed && insured.

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

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Wallpaper installation && removal, pressure washing. drywall repair and retexturing. installation removal, pressureWallpaper washing.

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Personal Services Personal Services YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC

YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Owner YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC GailSunray, Sunray, Owner Gail Sunray, Owner Personal BusinessBookkeeping Bookkeeping Personal&&Business & BusinessTaxes Bookkeeping PersonalAccounting/ Accounting/ Taxes Accounting/ Taxes I Icome cometotoyour yourhome homeororoffice. office.

I come to your home or office.  BillPaying Paying&&Account AccountReconciliation Reconciliation Bill Organizing Business  Organizing Personal and BusinessFiles Files Paying &Personal Accountand Reconciliation Bill  Budgets  Budgets&&Financial FinancialReports Reports Personal and Business Files Organizing  Federal State Returns  Federaland and StateTax Tax Returns & Financial Reports Budgets   Federal and State Tax Returns

55 STAR STAR Cleaning Services: Meeting Meeting home cleaning on 5residential STAR Cleaning Services: Meeting residential client’s client’s home cleaning needs needs on the Keys and Sarasota area for over residential client’s home cleaning needs on the Keys and Sarasota area for over 25 25 years.

Reliable, the KeysFriendly, and Sarasota areaBonded for over and 25 years.

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Reliable, Bonded and Home Improvement/ Remodeling Insured.Friendly, Free Estimates.

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New Service: Service: Home Home BONDED Watch.

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Home Improvement/ Remodeling Over 25 yrs.

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COMPLETE HOME/ Business Maintenance: Over 25 yrs. experience Light plumbing, pressure washing, Business Maintenance: COMPLETE HOME/ Lightelectrical, electrical, plumbing, pressure washing, Telephone: 941-749-5646 Telephone: 941-749-5646 painting, deck repair & rebuilding, audio, Light electrical, washing, painting, deckplumbing, repair & pressure rebuilding, audio, yourbookkeeper@tampabay.rr.com Telephone: 941-749-5646 yourbookkeeper@tampabay.rr.com video and all other repairs.

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30 experience. part of your fine meticulous, sober PROFESSIONAL andfinishing. prompt. Very Insured.

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ed Ad How To Write An Effective Classifi

rstood. Avoid using too many 4. Clarity. Your ad needs to be clearly unde of it for the buyer. This will abbreviations; take all the guesswork out g your item, property and/or service. increase your chances of sellin Reserved Space

Reserved Space LP ReservedSpace Space Reserved LP Space out there. Stand out from the competition lot ofReserved LP Reserved Space o, a box around the ad or phot r ground, a colo

5. Highlighting. There’s a rest by adding a color back ns to choose from. It’s imporeven extra white space. There are many optio extra, but if it helps you sell tant to do something different. It costs a little your item it is money well spent.

Again, take the guesswork 6. A picture is worth a thousand words. de a picture of your item or out of it for your buyer. When possible inclu ting and a waste of time if a property for sale. It can be very disappoin looks like, only to find out it’s buyer has his own idea of what your item thus, no sale. cted, completely different from what they expe you or the buyer if the buyer 7. Contact info. Your ad will not benefit in hours of the day, be sure can’t reach you. If you’re only available certa 5-8pm. Or, if you want to screen to indicate it in your ad, i.e. call between SAGE” in your ad. In this day your calls first, be sure to say “LEAVE MES helpful. and age including an email address is also don’t get an immediate 8. Frequency. Don’t be discouraged if you spend their money without to response to your ad. Buyers are not so fast wiser buying decision. As a a ing doing a lot of comparison shopping, mak er than expected. The good long little a result, you may need to run your ad discounts offered by ency frequ ng getti news is you will likely benefit by run. the newspaper, saving you money in the long

ISLE ISLETILE TILE ISLE TILE FOR FOR“QUALITY “QUALITYAND ANDEXPERIENCE” EXPERIENCE” FOR “QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE” Floors, Floors,bathrooms, bathrooms,showers, showers, backsplashes, patio pool Floors, bathrooms, showers, backsplashes, patioand and pooldecks. decks. backsplashes, patio and pool decks.

20 20 years yearsdesign designbackground. background.

Licensed Insured --LBK 20 years- design Licensed Insuredbackground.

LBKResident Resident References upon request.

Licensed - Insured - LBK Resident References upon request.

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941-383-2659 941-383-2659 JOHN JOHNGUBERNAT GUBERNAT HANDYMAN SERVICES JOHN GUBERNAT HANDYMAN SERVICES ALL REPAIRS HANDYMAN ALLHOME HOMESERVICES REPAIRS ALL HOME REPAIRS Carpentry, Carpentry,Painting, Painting, Property Caretaking, Carpentry, Painting, Property Caretaking, Roof Leaks/ Coatings, Property Caretaking, Roof Leaks/ Coatings, Power washing, Roof Leaks/ Dock Coatings, Power washing, DockRepairs.

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Excellent Excellent service. service.30 30years yearsexperience. experience.

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

STEVE STEVEALLEN ALLENFLOOR FLOORCOVERINGS COVERINGS STEVE ALLEN FLOOR COVERINGS PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONALTILE TILE&&MARBLE MARBLE INSTALLATION PROFESSIONAL TILE & MARBLE INSTALLATION INSTALLATION 20 20YRS. YRS.EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE 20 YRS. EXPERIENCE CALL CALLFOR FORFREE FREEESTIMATE ESTIMATE 726-1802 CALL FOR726-1802 FREE ESTIMATE LIC/ 726-1802 LIC/INS INS LIC/ INS

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Classifieds 31A

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BOAT SERVICES

MOVERS

CERTIFIED & INSURED

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Dave McCarthy

49212

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

REMODELING/HOME IMPROVEMENT

MO V I N G

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Residential/Commercial Construction & Renovation – All Phases

+ITCHENS s "ATHS s 2OOlNG s %LECTRICAL s 0AINTING 7INDOWS s 2EPAIRS -ORE

941-906-8554

“Will move anything from a couch to a household�

49266

THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER The longboat Observer Thursday, January 20, 2011 THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

FL LIC# CGC1505233

LOCAL - LONG DISTANCE FREE ESTIMATES Phone (941) 704-4278 Fax (941) 538-3781

Dave McCarthy

Ă€>Â˜ÂˆĂŒiĂŠJĂŠfÇ°xĂ¤Ă‰ĂƒÂľÂ°ĂŠvĂŒÂ°ĂŠUĂŠ >“ˆ˜>ĂŒiĂƒĂŠJĂŠÂ°Â™Â™Ă‰ĂƒÂľÂ°ĂŠvĂŒÂ° *ÂœĂ€ViÂ?>ÂˆÂ˜ĂŠĂŒÂˆÂ?iĂƒĂŠJĂŠfÂŁÂ°ĂŽÂ™Ă‰ĂƒÂľÂ°ĂŠvĂŒÂ°ĂŠUĂŠ7œœ`ĂŠ >Lˆ˜iĂŒĂƒ

Operator/Owner

Installation available on all.

Call Scott @ 941-315-0857

50306

) # # s $/4 &, -/6%23 )-

50902

COMPUTER

SELL IT!

/54$//2 &52.)452% %80%243 s 777 0!4)/2%0!)23 .%4

49281

Ask a Neighbor!

Specializing in Residential Painting Fully Insured

(941) 388-3580

General Contractor Specializing in Kitchen & Bath Remodeling

at Panache Salon (Publix Shopping Center)

941-383-8132 TILE

a FREE estimate!

Š _„Š{ˆ …ˆ fw „Š „} Š f…†y…ˆ„ Y{ ‚ „} h{ƒ…Œw‚ Š mw‚‚†w†{ˆ h{ƒ…Œw‚ Š j{ŽŠ‹ˆ{z \ „ ‰~{‰ Š Zˆ��w‚‚ h{†w ˆC h{†‚wy{ƒ{„Š

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48382

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Corby J. deKozlowski

KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING

Lighthouse Renovations

LAKEWOOD RANCH PAINTING

50295

50774 38056

PATIO REPAIRS Furniture Sales & Repairs 941-504-0903

Ken Schwartz

Now taking appointments

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

FURNITURE REPAIR

#USHIONS s 3LINGS s 5MBRELLAS

LBK’s New Barber

PAINTING 48798

Full-Service Electrical Contractor Security-Fire Alarm Install/Monitoring/CC-TV Home Theater & Home Automation/Media Integration

SALONS

CGC1507388 Lawrence Barnett (941)526-7750

D L O S

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UĂŠ, * ,-ĂŠEĂŠ, "

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Prices Include:

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ELECTRIC

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INSURANCE

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SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY 941-383-3388

4134 Gulf Of Mexico Dr. #206, Longboat Key, FL 34228 • Harbour Square Building (Next To Patti Georges)

CHUBB, AIG, UNIVERSAL, UNITED, TRAVELLERS, SAFECO, PROGRESSIVE, CITIZENS, FLOOD. WE HAVE YOU COVERED!

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Advrtise in The Observer’s Service Directory Call 955-4888 for more information...

49218

We Can help with 1 & 3 •

32A

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

Roger is the #1 Agent in Sarasota for 2010 with over $40 million in closed sales!

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

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

MAJESTIC BAY majesticbay401.com Golden Gate Point – 3BR covers an entire floor. $1,695,000 PHOENIX phoenix-602.com 3BR/3.5BA, 6th floor, incredible views of bay, harbor and downtown. $1,695,000 phoenix502.com Amazing views of bridge/bay, furnished, 3,800 sf, two-car parking. $1,295,000 WATER CLUB waterclub602.com Direct beachfront comfort and elegance, 3BR/3.5BA. Furnished. $2,695,000 waterclub-208.com 3BR, wraparound floor plan with sunset views. Furnished. $1,095,000 SANCTUARY 545sanctuary201.com Ascot plan offers Gulf and pool views.

3BR/3.5BA plus bonus room. $1,595,000 HARBOR SECTION 541harborcovecircle.com Fantastic, custom 5,500 sf gorgeous home has 5BR. $2,495,000 521harborcaydrive.com 3BR plus den, open kitchen, oversized pool/lanai, deep water harbor. $1,495,000 SEAPLACE seaplacem2-411.com Direct Gulf, 2BR/2BA, 4th floor, turnkey furnished. $549,000 seaplaceg7209.com G-7 bldg with Gulf/sunset views. Updated, furnished and ready to enjoy! $349,000 seaplaceg3213.com 1BR/2BA townhouse. Furnished. $249,000 LONGBOAT HARBOUR TOWERS longboatharbourtowers102.com Direct Gulf, only steps to the beach.

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

PENDING

RITZ BEACH RESIDENCES beachresidences1007.com 10th floor, awesome views, incredible finishes, unparalleled services. $1,949,000

Roger sells: Country Club Shores

Roger has sold 2 Country Club Shores homes in the past year. It is a lovely waterfront community on the southern end of Longboat Key. The community was originally created in the 1960s, with most homes on deep water canals and along the open bay front; today, many of the properties have been renovated or replaced by beautiful new homes. Access to Longboat Key’s private beaches is just steps away.

1015bogeylane.com New construction 4BR/5BA, canal views, furnishings available. $1,879,000

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AR T S | E N T E R T A 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

VOICE ACTIVATED

The Observer www.YourObserver.com

thursday january 20, 2011

by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

Heidi Kurpiela

Maria Wirries’ aunt gave her a xylophone when she was still a baby. At 18 months, she started singing nursery rhymes in tune.

Little miss sunshine

East County singer Maria Wirries goes from guest artist to the main attraction.

The little girl with the big voice turns 13 and prepares for her first solo concert.

C

lasses have just let out for the day at Manatee School for the Arts, sending students scampering through hallways and out into the rain-drenched parking lot.

In a matter of minutes, most of the building will empty out, leaving only the kids who have dance practice and other such theatrical afterschool activities.

Inside the front lobby, Maria Wir-

ries and a female classmate tiptoe through a set of double doors, where Maria’s mother, Jeaneen, is sitting near the reception desk, discussing her daughter’s math progress with another mother.

WIRRIES CONTINUED ON PAGE 3B

INSIDE

HIGHLIGHTS:

Dancers sizzle at Sarasota Star Ball / 4B

BLACK TIE THE SOCIAL OBSERVER

GENERATIONS GALA HONORING GLORIA MOSS PAGE 8B

Gloria Moss and Jim Helmich

Camera Ready Starry Night / 11B

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

COLUMN

art scene HEARD

HOT TICKETS ‘La Bête’: Too busy to hit up Broadway this season?

David Hirson’s Molièreinspired comedy about 17thcentury street performer Valere runs Jan. 7 to Feb. 20, at the Asolo Repertory Theatre.

The play, which is currently enjoying a successful run on Broadway with an A-list

by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

cast that includes “Frasier” star David Hyde Pierce, stars Danny Scheie as the charmingly madcap Valere.

For tickets, call 351-8000 or visit www.asolorep.org.

‘Marvin Gaye: The Man and His Music’: The

+ ‘Twelve Angry Men’ equals one happy director

Photos by Heidi Kurpiela

The cast of “Ain’t Misbehavin’”: Ariel Blue, Donald Frison, Whitney Johnson, Jnana Cherie and Leon Pitts II

+ Nobody does ‘Misbehavin’’ like WBTT No local watering hole was as sexy as the 1920s Harlem nightclub The Westcoast Black Theatre created this month for its production of “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”

The Tony Award-winning Fats Waller revue was that escapist.

Cast members Ariel Blue, Jnana Cherie, Donald Frison, Whitney Johnson and Leon Pitts II brought all the right elements to the swinging musical: rowdiness, humor, relentless energy and intoxicating feistiness.

The production, which opened Dec. 15, closed last weekend after having sold out of every one of its dates.

Longboat Key resident Marianne Hart showed up for the troupe’s Jan. 14 performance with a gaggle of girlfriends.

A WBTT season subscriber for two years, Hart had yet to visit the troupe’s new Orange Avenue theater, so she and her theater companions arrived 30 minutes early just to be safe.

They weren’t the only ones.

The WBTT parking lot was so full, patrons had to park on the grass and along the street.

“The show is just absolutely delightful,” Hart gushed during intermission.

Further proving that Sarasotans just want to have fun, when the voluptuous Blue (cast as Armelia) shimmied up to an older gentleman sitting in the front row during the first act, the man audaciously reached his arms out and pretended to squeeze the singer’s behind.

Hey, it ain’t misbehavin’ if the crowd keeps cheering.

Westcoast Black Theatre troupe is on fire. “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” which kicked off the troupe’s 2011 season, sold out of its 10-day run in a matter of days. WBTT fans would be wise to purchase tickets now for the troupe’s next show: “Marvin Gaye: The Man and His Music,” which runs Jan. 26 to Feb. 20. Call 366-1505 or visit www.wbttroupe.org.

+ Art under the boardwalk, down by the sea

Director Frank Galati was all smiles Friday night as people spilled into the lobby of the Asolo Rep Theatre after watching the opening night of his “Twelve Angry Men.” The director, who won two Tony Awards in 1990 for his adaptation of “The Grapes of Wrath,” was mobbed by fans after the show let out.

In the middle of posing for pictures, the alwaysaffable Galati paused to give his contact info to theatergoer Ellen Berman, who confessed to the director that his version of the Reginald Rose drama was better than the production she saw on Broadway two years ago. (Berman is currently producing a play for a non-profit the-

Finally. Siesta Key has caught onto Downtown Sarasota’s art-walk trend.

Beginning Feb. 1, The Boardwalk at Boat Yard Village, located just south of the Stickney Point Bridge, will begin hosting an art walk every Tuesday featuring fine art, jewelry, photography and wares by 30 local and regional artists.

The walk is free and open to the public from noon until dusk. For more information, call 539-7972.

Director Frank Galati ater in New York City.)

“I’m sort of surprised by the reaction,” Galati said. “Obviously the play struck a chord with the public, which pleases me.

As a rule, I don’t typically hang around the lobby on opening night.”

Exciting news for Sarasota’s theater district: The director and his partner of 40 years — Peter Amster, who will direct the Asolo Rep’s “Deathtrap” this spring — recently sold their place in Miami and moved into a condo in downtown Sarasota.

+ ‘Being Human’ opens at Selby Gallery

An exhibit featuring the work of photographers Emmet Gowin and Tina Barney, as well as painter Harvey Dinnerstein, opened last week at Ringling College of Art and Design’s Selby Gallery.

Not only do the pieces offer a study in heredity, environment and class, Barney and Gowin will discuss the work first hand at an “Artist Talk” luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, in Roskamp Hall on the Ringling campus.

Michael’s On East will cater the event.

Tickets are $40. To make a reservation, call 359-7563.

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3B

COVER STORY

WIRRIES from 1B

IDOL WORSHIP

“Math has never been Maria’s thing,” Jeaneen Wirries says, “But she’s learned to like it since she started here.”

Approaching her mother, Maria, 13, takes off her backpack and turns to face her friend.

“As much as you can like math,” she says softly to the girl, adjusting the spandex on her black leotard.

The girl giggles and bounces away.

Maria has just come from a ballet rehearsal, which explains the leotard, hushed mannerisms and ruler-like posture.

An East County resident, Maria is only in her first year at the Palmetto performing-arts school and already she’s performed in three shows — “Footloose,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Secret Life of Girls,” which she and a group of classmates will take on tour to area middle schools this spring.

“I decided to take ballet because I’m a tad bit not graceful,” Maria says. “I was doing a really high lift the other day and I didn’t get my butt up in the air quick enough and I slipped onto the shoulders of one of the male dancers. Poor guy.”

The hobby is new for the eighth-grader, who has a habit of engaging in more extracurricular activities than she has time.

“I try to stick my hands in everything,” she says.

An articulate dynamo in a tiny package, Maria is no stranger to the spotlight.

A competitive ice skater since she was 3 years old, she spent her childhood performing on the ice and singing at county fairs, boxing matches, rodeos and swap meets around the state.

“I sang a lot of country music in cowboy boots and straw hats,” says the singer.

“We’ve had some silly experiences on the road that teach you stuff. It humbles you in a way.”

Meryl Streep “She is such an amazing actress. Every time I see her in something I hope I can one day be that accomplished. She never seems to do anything wrong.”

Julie Andrews “She’s done so much in her life and she has such a lovely voice.

She just seems like a lovely person. She’s got this happy, elegant look to her.”

Bernadette Peters “She’s sassy with her big red hair. She’s very confident in what she does. If you’re that confident, you can do anything.”

Celtic Thunder “I just fell in love with this group from Ireland and Scotland. They’re just really cool guys. They were my first concert. I was 11 years old. I’ve got all their CDs, DVDs and T-shirts. I’ve even got a (Celtic Thunder) teddy bear.”

Heidi Kurpiela

Maria burst onto the downtown Sarasota arts scene three years ago when she belted out “New York, New York” at The Players Theatre’s 2008 “Talent Explosion.”

At the urging of her Juilliard-trained piano teacher, Maria, then 10 years old, auditioned for the competition, slipping onto the program as a late entry at the last minute.

The experience changed her life.

More than 30 acts performed that day and though the singer didn’t place first, she received a standing ovation that lasted nearly two minutes.

“It never really sank in until then,” Maria says. “The applause was so big. It was like, ‘Oh, they’re clapping for me!’ After the show, people began mobbing me and asking for my autograph. It was overwhelming.”

In the throes of the chaos, Jeaneen

See Maria Wirries in concert at 4 p.m.

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Wirries says her daughter turned to her and asked if they might need a security guard to escort them to their car.

It was clear. The unheard of Haitianborn singer from Myakka City was a crowd favorite.

In the weeks that followed the show, Maria was offered solo gigs performing with dozens of local arts organizations, including the Artist Series of Sarasota, Sarasota Senior Theater, the Sarasota and Manatee Players and the Jacobites Pipe and Drum Band, for which she learned to sing in Gaelic and play the tenor drums.

“In my life, I’ve never met anybody — child or adult — who is as enthusiastic, motivated, talented and poised as Maria,” says Jacobites drum major and Executive Director Greg Gregory. “I think there’s

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“My head can sometimes be in the clouds,” Maria Wirries says. “But I was taught at a young age to be modest and not to be diva-y.”

no doubt we’re going to see her name in lights.”

If Maria’ talent show debut put her on the map, her numerous guest appearances singing the national anthem with the Jacobites helped secure her spot among Sarasota’s up-and-coming child performers.

“She does indeed have a following,” Gregory says. “People come to see the Jacobites, but Maria is certainly a presence unto herself.”

This explains why Maria, who was recently named the Critic’s Choice at the 2010-2011 Florida State Thespians District Competition, is headlining her first solo concert next month at Faith Lutheran Church, in Sarasota.

The singer is no longer regarded as an opening act, which at Maria’s age is a pretty promising trajectory.

“I feel more famous I guess,” Maria says with nary an ounce of conceit. “People are coming just to see me. It’s a whole different feeling. It feels like I’m achieving a new goal in my ladder.”

She pauses to envision the things in store for her at the top of that ladder — Broadway shows, award-winning films, glossy magazine covers, evening gowns and red carpet interviews.

“I’ve always wanted to be the center of attention,” Maria says. “When I realized I could get attention by doing good stuff, I realized how lucky I am. Not a lot of kids get these opportunities.”

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

HIGHLIGHTS by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

Simply ballroom

Dress courtesy of CoCo’s Couture

Professional dance champions sizzled last weekend at the Sarasota Star Ball competition, at the Hyatt Regency.

Elizabeth Cartier

Photos by Heidi Kurpiela

Carey Harpe in a CoCo’s Couture dress

Sid Pocius and Christina Stewart

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dancer, who happens to be friends with a few “Dancing With the Stars” professionals.

“When I’m ready to talk about it, you’ll know.”

50059

Ballroom dancing has never been hotter. Sid Pocius knows this.

Three years ago, Pocius, a champion ballroom dancer from Lithuania, organized a five-star ballroom dance competition called the “Sarasota Star Ball.”

At the time Pocius, 34, was working as a freelance dance instructor in Sarasota. He knew planning the two-day event would be an undertaking, but, like any visionary, he knew it would grow.

Now in its third year, the competition, which was held Jan. 15 and Jan. 16, at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, proved it’s a worthy stop on the five-star ballroom circuit thanks to jaw-dropping performances by Latin dance champions Misha Valsov and Danielle Wilson and World Smooth champions Slavik Sochacki and Marzena Stachura.

Pocius says he plans to shake up the competition next year by adding a few spicy changes to the program. As to what exactly those changes are, Pocius is playing coy —for now.

“It’ll be big stuff,” says the

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

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5B

BACKSTAGE PASS by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

Mysterious ways Surapsari and Indra Sampranata explain the significance of the strange masks, movements and mystic motifs of Balinese dancing. life that we all have,” Sampranata says. “And often times we get caught up in the hardware.

Balinese dance stirs the inner mystery so that we can begin to marvel at the unknown. Some people call it the universe. Other people call it God. For me, it’s so important to communicate with that world.”

To illustrate his point, Sampranata, a native of Puerto Rico, raps his knuckles on the coffee table in front of him.

“Balinese dance helps us break identification with the form,” he says. “It’s the embodiment of mysticism.”

Balinese dance originated as a way to communicate between the real world (“Sekala”) and the spiritual world (“Niskala”), which means the dance was never intended to be entertainment.

Like any ceremonial dance, it was intended for the deities.

Before each performance, Surapsari and Sampranata mist their costumes and the stage with holy water.

Throughout the performance Sampranata dons different

Purnama Sari Balinese Dance Company will perform dances from “The Island of the Gods” at Rising Tide International Spiritual Center, 5102 Swift Road, Sarasota. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children.

For more information, call 320-9666 or visit www.purnamasaribali.com.

Indra Sampranata and Surapsari are planning to tour the Southwest this summer with their Balinese dance company.

masks that represent the faces of gods, heroes, kings, warriors, Balinese elders and street people.

Surapsari performs ritualistic gestures, sporadic facial expressions and intense eye movements.

Often, their 12-year-old son, a student at Island Village Montessori School, joins the couple on stage. Like his parents, he also has a stage name: Dewa Bumi.

If the program includes an elaborate dance drama, the cast can be padded with additional dancers, although Surapsari and Sampranata have had a hard time finding skilled Balinese dancers in Sarasota.

“Here in the West we dance for the audience,” says Surapsari, who’s originally from Japan. “In Bali, they dance for the ancestors.”

When she began studying the

art 12 years ago, she had a hard time mastering the intense eye movements that accompany many of the gestures.

“It’s not an easy dance to run,” Surapsari says. “I’ve taught workshops where people come with such excitement and leave with disappointment because the body gets into such an unnatural form. The music alone takes several years to learn.”

She once taught the techniques to a friend who had studied modern dance.

The friend quit after one lesson. According to Surapsari, she found the dance to be too stifling.

“We need to empty our ego and let the spirit and the character of the dance come to the body,” Surapsari says. “We’re dancing for the gods, whether somebody shows up or not.”

Heidi Kurpiela

Heidi Kurpiela

Not all Balinese masks are pretty.

WHAT’S UP WITH THE MASKS? Regarded as sacred purveyors of ancient spirits, Balinese dance masks are hand-carved

by Balinese dance priests from a soft wood called “pule” and then covered in endless coats of acrylic paint.

The men select the materials on specific dates and perform a prayer ritual before carving.

Although ancient kings and gods inspired most of the masks in Indra Sampranata’s collection, some of the faces have been modeled after clowns and villagers with physical deformities.

Sampranata realizes some of these faces might scare small children.

In fact, that’s the point.

“The idea is to scare the nasty energy away,” Sampranata says.

50221

Sarasota loves its dance.

Ballet. Modern dance. Ballroom dance. Butoh dance. Burlesque dance. The list goes on.

Now we can add Balinese dance to the mix.

Meet Surapsari and Indra Sampranata, founders of the Purnama Sari Balinese Dance Company.

The husband-and-wife duo relocated this fall from Bali to a quiet subdivision in Nokomis.

They brought with them an impressive collection of traditional masks, a closet full of colorful costumes and 12 years of professional Balinese dance experience that’s so deeply rooted in a spiritual-belief system that dancing is as much who they are as what they do.

Within minutes of sitting down with the couple in their quiet canal-front living room, you sense that Balinese dancing is the fabric of their being.

The pair, who met in 1997 as graduate students in Cambridge, Mass., wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I think there’s this ordinary

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

EDIBLES: Recipe & Reservation by Molly Schechter | Food Editor

Soups star at Star Keeper Café In a winter that seems intent on setting records for cool temperatures, nothing is more heartening than a bowl of soup billowing steam. And a lovingly created new spot in downtown Sarasota has just the thing.

It is Cindy and John Snyder’s Star Keeper Café, located in a historic house formerly occupied by C’Arina on Bamboo Lane, a one-block, one-way street between Ringling Avenue and Main Street, east of the Post Office and right behind the Ranola Hotel. The Snyders leased the space in August, spent three months renovating and opened their tiny treasure Nov. 1.

The three soups on the menu

this time of year are mushroom barley; coconut, ginger, chicken and veggies; and basil tomato with Parmesan ice cream.

“It sounds weird,” says Cindy Snyder, “but it’s really good.”

It is also simple to prepare at home, and the Parmesan ice cream requires no special equipment — you simply melt the cheese in heavy cream and freeze it.

Star Keeper is as funky as it is charming. Interior features include an old sewing machine topped with vintage Simplicity sewing patterns, a Victorian breakfront and assorted silver, glass and china treasures that once belonged to Cindy Snyder’s late mother — not to mention an oversized apothecary jar filled with homemade marshmallows. The Snyders bill their food as “fresh, healthy (but still a little Southern) ‘comfort food’ made from the memories of our grandmothers’ kitchens and church potlucks.” An example is the Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich (from the Brown Hotel, in Louisville, Ky.,): turkey, bacon, Parmesan cheese sauce and tomatoes. At $9.75, it is the most expensive sandwich on the menu. The least is PB&J at $3.75.

The ambience at Star Keeper is enhanced by an abundance of fresh flowers — a fringe benefit of the Snyders’ other business, which is wholesale flowers. The entire restaurant (which seats

RECIPE

Cindy’s basil tomato soup with Parmesan ice cream

Star Keeper’s owner and chef, Cindy Snyder

STAR KEEPER CAFÉ

Address: 1734 Bamboo Lane Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Phone: 955-9434 Website: www.starkeepercafe. com Owners: Cindy and John Snyder 30 inside and another 15 in a charming back garden, weather permitting) can be rented for private evening events.

Cindy’s Basil Tomato Soup with Parmesan Ice Cream Yield: 12 servings

Parmesan ice cream

1/4 pound unsalted butter 1 quart heavy cream 2 cups fresh basil, chopped 8 tomatoes, chopped 2 quarts tomato juice

1 quart heavy cream 3 cups parmesan, shredded Combine cream and cheese in a saucepan and heat until cheese is completely melted. Let cool to room temperature, then freeze to use as needed.

Melt butter, then add rest of ingredients.

Cover and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes.

Editor’s note: It would make sense to freeze this much cream in small batches. Use a couple of tablespoons per serving of soup.

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MICHAEL LASSER: SAT, JAN. 29, 8 PM BELLE CANTO: SAT, FEB. 5, 8 PM

WORKSHOPS 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

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Get tickets online now at GPACTIX.com 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota | 552-5325

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

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7B

REVIEWS

Film

Music

>> ‘Rabbit

>> Sarasota

Hole’

It’s a given that Academy Awardwinner Nicole Kidman is one of the best actors out there.

But in the new film, “Rabbit Hole,” she gives a career-defining performance as a mother whose soul has been shattered by the loss of her only son.

In a surprising yet brilliant casting move, director John Cameron Mitchell (“Hedwig and the Courtesy photo Angry Inch”) chose Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart star in “Rabbit Hole.”

Aaron Eckhart even manages to inject some pretty hilari(“The Dark Knight”) to play Kidman’s ous moments into the story. One involves husband. Their chemistry is sheer perfection. As the film opens, we learn that Becca Howie sharing a joint with a fellow griever (Kidman) and Howie (Eckhart) have tragi- (Sandra Oh) before attending group therapy. cally lost their child in an accident eight Oscar winner Dianne Wiest (“Bullets months ago. Never visually depicted, the Over Broadway”) is phenomenal in her 4-year old boy ran after his dog and was role as Becca’s mother. The two share a hit by a car. As Becca puts it to Howie, common bond of both having lost a son.

“Things aren’t nice anymore.”

Becca resents her mother’s constant refThe couple is drifting apart, unable to erence to her brother’s death being as find common ground in their grieving. He devastating as her loss but eventually she forgives the dog. She gives it away. She comes to understand. In a wonderful scene forgives the teenaged driver, Jason (Miles Teller), and forges a secret bond with him. together Kidman and Wiest discuss how grief will wane but never disappear.

The overwhelming obstacle for Howie and The film’s title is a reference to Alice’s Becca is that they can’t forgive themselves. access into Wonderland. It’s also the title Mitchell never stoops to playing the of a cathartic comic book that Jason blame game in this beautifully constructed writes and gives to Becca to read. “Rabbit film. The horror of losing a child easily could have come off as morose or maudlin, Hole” is about where we turn for comfort and how it lies in the least likely of places. but Mitchell expertly dances around the touchy subject matter with soft shoes. He — Pam Nadon

Orchestra: Masterworks

It’s rare that we attend a performance that’s so overwhelming and so well executed we swear we’ll remember it for the rest of our lives. But that’s what happened at the Sarasota Orchestra’s recent Masterworks Concert.

The concept was simple: Weave several works with a central theme — music from or about Spain — segueing seamlessly, without breaks and without applause, so the audience could be transported into a world of mesmeric musical textures and sensations.

Artistic director and conductor Leif Bjaland opened the program with a short introduction, describing what we were about to hear as a “sonic kaleidoscope” without breaks. Then the lights dimmed, and on a fully blackened stage, one spotlight picked up flutist Betsy HudsonTraba as she hypnotized us with her solo performance of Debussy’s compelling “Syrinx.” Before we could recover from its beauty, the lights came up on the entire orchestra for the rhythmic, pulsating “Conga” by Miguel del Aguila, a sort of classical Spike Jones piece with a Spanish twist and lots of bells and whistles.

Lights out and, poof! Guitarist Robert Belinic magically appeared with Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s heart-stoppingly beautiful Guitar Concerto in D. From the sublime to the hilarious: Peter Schickele’s waggish “Last Tango in Bayreuth” for four solo bassoons, followed

by Britten’s “Playful Pizzicato” from his “Simple Symphony” and Chabrier’s joyous “Espana” (think “Hot Diggity, Dog Ziggity” and Perry Como … ).

Sarasate’s passionate “Carmen Fantasy,” performed by virtuoso violin-

2011 Boys & Girls Clubs Showhouse

Courtesy photo

Violinist Caroline Goulding performed with the Sarasota Orchestra.

ist Caroline Goulding, kept us hurtling ahead. Soprano Jeanine De Bique’s sensuous singing of the Villa-Lobos “Bachianas Brasileiras” No. 5 with eight cellos reduced us, again, to tears.

Christopher Rouse’s “Ku-Ka-Ilimoku,” for what seemed like a zillion percussionists, palpated into the solo snare drum that opened Ravel’s “Bolero” and swept us to a breathless climax with every listener up and cheering.

This is great programming, beautifully performed and executed with musical integrity, giving us an opportunity to hear rare and well-known music in a fresh, energetic, vigorous setting that was stimulating and exciting.

— June LeBell

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THE SOCIAL OBSERVER

Black Tie

The Observer www.yourobserver.com

thursday JANUARY 20, 2011

By Molly Schechter | Social Editor The Jewish Housing Council’s 17th annual Generations Gala honored philanthropist Gloria Moss and her family Sunday, Jan. 16, for their support of so many Sarasota arts and human-services organizations. Their support reaches to Community AIDS Network, Circus Sarasota, Goodwill Industries, Sarasota Opera, The Pines, Center for Great Apes, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation and many more.

Friends and family turned out more than 250 strong for the occasion, which was chaired

by Christine Jennings, Michael Shelton and Carolyn Michel. Celebrating Gloria’s stint as a nightclub dancer, the Michael’s On East ballroom was decked out as the Copa Cabana (kudos to the husband-wife team of Marco and April Moscoti), complete with stunning chorines wearing costumes from Sarasota Ballet’s production of “Cà d’Zan” and a nightclub photographer on impossibly high heels. The honoree herself provided part of the entertainment, performing two ballroom numbers with her dance partner, Jim Helmich.

Dolly Jacobs

Photos by Molly Schechter

Co-Chairs Christine Jennings, Michael Shelton and Carolyn Michel

Above: Jerry Levinson and Darlene Arbeit Left: The Moss Family — Grandson Jeffrey Album, daughter Peggy Moss, honoree Gloria Moss, daughter Marian Moss and her husband, Robert Batey

Sanford Milter, Judy Cahn, Lois Shulman and Brian Lipton

Nate Benderson, Anne Virag, Gina Benderson and Shaun Benderson

Nicolette Fornasari and Madison Fenner

Margaret Ross, Ed Kalin and Paula Weisman

Stephen Sieg and Mary Ann Robinson

Nikki and the Rev. Jim Nilon

Marilyn Naiditch and granddaughter Jessica Torf

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

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9B

COLUMN

black tie tales

+ And the winner is …

Now begins the run-up to the 2011 Greenfield Prize of the Hermitage Artist Retreat. This year, the $30,000 award will go to a nationally significant playwright, and the winner will be announced at a patron party Jan. 22. The guest speaker at the March 27 dinner will be Oskar Eustis, artistic director of New York’s Public Theatre. According to Chairwoman Flora Major, attendance will be limited to maintain the intimacy and special character of the event.

Tickets are being offered first to past attendees and patrons. For more information, contact The Hermitage at 475-2098 or go online at www.

HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

by Molly Schechter | Social Editor

+ Scene stealer The big names were out in force for Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation’s “A Night to Celebrate Israel” Jan. 12, at Van Wezel. Co-Chairs Len and Helen Glaser and Jack and Susie Steenberger organized a major gifts and sponsor dinner that attracted 250 guests and recognized a long list of supporters.

Then, a capacity crowd of 1,700 filled Van Wezel to see former federation President Dr. Lewis Hanan interview Natan Sharansky, a deputy prime minister of Israel, followed by a performance

by Israeli pop star Noa. With all that, the highlight for many guests was a dinnertime piano interlude by 9-year-old piano prodigy Maya Tamir.

+ Something new under the sun … And in the most unexpected place — the silent-auction table.

A new system called BidPal will make its first Sarasota appearance at Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida’s annual dinner celebration. BidPal preprograms an iPod Touch for each guest who can then use it to bid, to keep tabs on who else

+ Tidbits

Maya Tamir

Molly Schechter

See more photos online at www.

YourObserver.com

is bidding — and even make donations. It even sends notifications when you are outbid.

BidPal sounds as fun as it is high tech. Try it out at the Planned Parenthood event Tuesday, March 1, at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Sally Yanowitz is back for her second year as co-chairwoman, joined by Judy Cahn and Betty Schoenbaum.

Tickets are $150; call 365-3913, Ext. 1124.

A big night for white … Two different florists served up two similar centerpieces for the Perlman & Pearls and Sunshine from Darkness galas, both Jan. 8. White hydrangeas and white dendrobium orchids starred at both parties … No such thing as a free lunch … but 375 people showed up last week for Sarasota Ballet’s On Pointe luncheon. “It was insanity at Michael’s,” according to one observer ...

Stephanie Hannum

Sunshine from Darkness

Molly Schechter

Perlman and Pearls

Courtesy photo

The Greenfield Prize Dinner Committee: (standing) Lisa Rubinstein, Sally Yanowitz, Brad Goddard, Alexandra Jupin, Hillary Steele, Ina Schnell, Ellen Berman, Teri Hansen, Veronica Brady, Caroline Andrus, Pauline Joerger, Debbie Benedict.

Seated: Patricia Caswell, Sheila Weiss, Gerri Aaron, Chairwoman Flora Major, Bruce Rodgers and Vivian Kouvant

+ Black Tie Affair

Sarasota Opera

2011 Winter Opening Night Gala • 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 • The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota • Ticket $225 • Reservations 366-8450, Ext. 402 It seems like only yesterday.

The Opera Ball held Dec. 22, 2001, was the first event to take place at the just completed Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. It was a “can’t miss” if ever there were one, an important first in Sarasota hospitality and a new benefit for the opera — a second gala, in addition to opening night. The Opera Ball continued at the Ritz-Carlton

until 2005 when it was suspended to focus resources on the capital campaign, and the opening-night celebration in a tent downtown once again became the opera’s only major gala. Now, Executive Director Susan Danis says, “I think everyone loved the tent experience, but they are ready for a change. Given all the changes downtown … we thought it best to reinvent opening night once again and move it to the Ritz.”

The 2011 Winter Opening Night Gala follows the performance of “La bohème.” (Guests will valet at the Opera House, travel to the Ritz in luxury coaches and retrieve their vehicles there.)

It fuses the grand traditions of opening night, and the opera ball and has all the markings of another “can’t miss.”

together

we can...

Birds of a feather give together Harry and Victoria Leopold, dressed as Pappageno and Pappagena from the Sarasota Opera’s production of The Magic Flute, will do anything to get you to attend the opera!

In fact, they love and support the whole gamut of the arts in Sarasota and would bring everyone in the world here to share their enthusiasm if they could.

When it comes to giving back to their community and strengthening the arts, the Leopolds put their trust in the expertise of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. By partnering with us, they learn of the best opportunities for their charitable giving, while enjoying peace of mind and the added value of leadership, stability and donor service.

Costume Design by Howard Tsvi Kaplan

30 Y E A R S 941.955.3000 | www.CFSarasota.org

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Together we make beautiful music.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

CAMERA READY

Dogs’ Night Out ‘An Evening at the Bow Wow Bistro’

Animal Rescue Coalition | Friday, Jan. 14 | Saks Fifth Avenue

Frosty and Tana Sandefur Above: Sally Schule and a couple of the pups that were up for adoption

Photos by Molly Schechter

Co-Chair Molly Klauber and Raja

Leah Carroll and Lucy as shepherdess and lamb

Ella Lahners and Gracie

TM

Irwin and Sylvia Pastor with Fannie Mae

Lula

Time for a New Look?

2010 2011 S E A S O N

Leif Bjaland, Artistic Director & Conductor

sE Masterwork ROM Observers 5” x 8” Jan 20

An Italian affair to remember

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Berlioz’ Roman Carnival Overture was a success from the moment it premiered. A brilliant Italian guest artist renders a Mozart Piano Concerto with remarkable beauty.

we do it all!

Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony and Respighi’s Roman

Celebrating 25 years in business

Festivals round out this Italian affair.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

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11B

CAMERA READY

Starry Night Dinner Series highlighting ‘Twelve Angry Men’ Asolo Repertory Theatre | Saturday, Jan. 15 | Home of Dr. David Shoemaker

Photos by Molly Schechter

Carolyn Keystone and Jim Meekison

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Lorene and Mike Donahue, Lisa and Walter Gotsch, honoree Les and Carol Brualdi and Alaa and Christine Mira

Winter Gala Bradenton Opera Guild | Sunday, Jan. 16 Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club

Myrna and Dr. John Welch

Joyce Cooper, Marsha Roth and Anna Maria Troiano

le

Sale 20-50 percent off!

Ad Proof for The Islander to run: 01-19-10 reply via e-mail to your sales rep with corrections or The Islander assumes the ad is oK as is to publish.

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Ken and Jennifer Tarasi with Suzanne and Hank Foster

Salena Wilhoit

Aimee and Chris Cogan

Hosts Dr. David Shoemaker and Yara Michaels

Sale! 3 stores, 3 showrooms of mark downs

Prices are marked up to 5O percent off throughout each store.

Additional discounts on selected items at all three showrooms.

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NEXT DAY DELIVERY! NEW SHIPMENTS ARRIVE DAILY!

“The Florida Look Since 1950”

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

CAMERA READY

On Pointe Luncheon

Sarasota Ballet | Monday, Jan. 10 Michael’s On East

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Dr. Elizabeth Callahan, Sara Sardelli and Jamie Carter

Susan Brennan, Bishop Frank Dewane and Giovanna McGrath

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Catholic Charities Ball Patron Party

Above: Simon Mumme, Paula Clemow and Ricardo Graziano Right: Nina Schmidt and Janet Sperling

Catholic Charities of Sarasota and Manatee Counties | Tuesday, Jan. 11 Northern Trust

Antonette and Bill Cunningham

Ceil and Jerry Mallgraf

Alison O’Donoghue, Leslie France, Retta Wagner, Julie Dooley and Kelly Collins LEFT TO RIGhT: ANGELA SAUER, KATE hAMPTON & KIM hAUSLER. PhOTO bY FRANK ATURA.

1960s: 3 STEwARDESSES, 2 bAChELORS, 1 APARTMENT, You do the math.

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OPENS JANUARY 21

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Asolo Rep’s artistic programs are paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

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13B

Earn and Redeem Connoisseur Club Points Every Time You Travel

Photos by Michael Eng

Lisa Botticelli, Anne Francis and Julia Robinson

Beertopia

Junior League of Manatee County | Saturday, Jan. 15 Gold Coast Eagle Distributing

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!

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Earn 25,000 Points whEn you book with our toP 25 travEl PartnErs

Helena Williams and Chairwoman Heather Kortzendorf

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.

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Dress Up for the Season!

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il Palio: window views of sienna’s historic horse race

14B

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

CAMERA READY

Co-Chairs Len and Helen Glaser and Susie and Jack Steenbarger

Photos by Molly Schechter

A Night to Celebrate Israel

Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee | Wednesday, Jan. 12 Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

50578

Betty Schiff

First Concert of the Season!!

Celebrate the Season at Longboat Key Center for the Arts!

HARMONY AND JAZZ

Dr. Joshua and Julie Green

Durante Gallery Ozanda Gray, Vocals John Lamb, Bass Ed Brickman Michael Royal, Piano Scott Blum, Drums “Legal Forging” December 2 – 16, 2010 Opening Reception | Thursday th| December 2 | 5 -7 pm Wednesday, January 26 Please rsvp to 941.383.2345 by November 30 for the Dec 2 reception.

Guest Speaker Natan Sharansky, Ruth Ades and Sara Ades Goodwin

The Original

Creative Kitchen & Baths The Name You Can Trust!

Begins: 7:30 pm

A selection of Ed’s work will be for sale to benefit the Longboat Key Center Advance Tickets $20 / Door $25 for the Arts

by Bob Elmes, Inc.

State Certified General Contractor CG-C060087

Bring your heart and soul and take your place in the chorus to Ed Brickman has been making jewelry since he was a teenager and has never connect in the communal spirit of song. This concert features lost his enthusiasm for the creative process. His work can be found in the thepermanent incredible voice of ofthe Ozanda along with New the Jersey, best of collections Newark Gray Museum in Newark, andthe areas musicians to bring you and evening of Harmony and Jazz. the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City. Ed has been teaching jewelry for many years at LBKCA. This is the first time Ed will be showcasing

Buyover the200 whole series concertsYou’ll before andshow! get 20% off! pieces fromof his5collection. notJanuary want to 26th miss this Cultural Mediafor Room Sign up now February classes!

‘Open Trunk’ Holiday Sale by

2 - 16, 2010 GoDecember to our website at www.lbkca.ringling.edu for a complete listing.

Find that unique holiday gift for your loved ones made by Ringling College

Check this out! students and alumni. You’ll find paintings, sculpture, jewelry, crafts, and

Herbie Rose Waterscape Workshop much, much more!!

January 31the – Sale: February 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Hours for Monday1through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

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15B

FASHION by Stephanie Hannum | Black Tie Editor

guestfashioneditor LISA MERRILL

With a long career as an international flight attendant, Lisa Merrill picks up trends during her many exotic travels. Merrill likes wearing color while in Florida but sticks to simple lines and easy-to-travel clothing while working.

THEA HANDBAG

“I met Thea in Hong Kong — she designs great bags.

This one is big enough to hold everything and is a great travel bag. Everything to me is travel-related.”

JORYA DRESS

“A great, easy dress but with something unexpected. It’s a straight sheath, but the sequins give it a pop, and it can be worn during day or night.”

“My style is individualized, and I’d say, European-based and fashion-forward because I travel all the time.”

EMILIO PUCCI SHOES

MARLENE BROWN BANGLES

“This is a happy dress, especially because I wore it to my son’s wedding. It has a ‘Mad Men’ look with the full skirt.”

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE SHOES

“There’s a light of elegance to these shoes — not to mention I love pink.”

TUNIC SOPHIE LEMAÎTRE HANDBAG

“I bought this in France; it’s very fun. It’s different and grabs attention.”

“These are great daytime shoes, and I really like slingbacks. I get dressed fast — I certainly cannot be late for work — so these are great.”

“My friend designs this jewelry in New York. These bangles are fun and go with everything. They have a simple look but make a big statement.”

CARLISLE COLLECTION DRESS

“I bought this tunic in India, but it’s perfect for Florida.

Sometimes I wear tunics as dresses or with white jeans.

Linen is a great fabric, cool and comfortable, and the embellishments are fabulous.”

DONNA KARAN SKIRT CARLISLE COLLECTION SKIRT “I love the colors — the beading is like a work of art. It’s fun and happy.”

“I love the movement of this skirt. It started as a longer skirt, but I like to make skirts shorter and give them my own twist, because I know what works for me.”

LAUNDRY DRESS

“This is the best dress for summer — it’s comfortable and perfect for Florida.”

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO HANDBAG

“This bag is very architectural, a work of art. I like things with a lot of style.”

The Artist Series of Sarasota presents

LIZ CALLAWAY LIVE! Award-winning actress, singer, and recording artist

With Alex Rybeck musical director/pianist

Songs by Sondheim, the Gershwins, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and more...

Sun – Jan 23 at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.

Tues – Jan 25 at 7:30 p.m.

In the Historic Asolo Theater at the Ringling Museum of Art

50570

Tickets online 24/7 at www.artistseries.net or call the box office 50917

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360-7399

Presented with support from

16B

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Diversions

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941.926.7000

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2011

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roBerts Bay

LOnGBOaT/ LIDO KEyS & DOWnTOWn $1,789,000 Downtown – Beau Ciel Spectacular Bay Views! 3100SF end Residence with water views from every room. Designer Finishes thru-out. Bayfront Terrace. Linda A. Page 504-0123 $859,000 Grand Bay Wrap-around views of Sarasota Bay & LBK golf course. Professionally decorated 3BR/3.5BA 2,250 SF residence. Underground parking & private elevator entrance. Luxury Amenities. David & Lori Simon 400-8764 $689,900 Bay Isles Homes individually designed; flowing floor plan, lush landscaping; pool & paver deck.

Private membership – Beach Club. Stephanie Shaw 544-3770 $595,000 Sleepy Lagoon 17000 sq ft Lot close to the beach on Secluded Gulfside Road. Lots of possibilities. Bruce & Jenine Meyer 266-8152 $589,900 Harbour Oaks Beautifully remodeled & appointed 3BR/2.5BA Harbour Circle attached villa behind the gates of the LBK Club Harbourside. Caged pool w/pond & fountain view. Mark Huber 356-2435. $549,900 Sleepy Lagoon Park Deep Water Canal Home! 2 story, 2BR/2BA, Deep Water Dock & Lift. Easy access to Gulf. Open floor plan, Cathedral ceilings, Pool, Den/Office on 1st floor. Courtney Campbell 806-7238 Reduced $24K $525,000 Islander Club Fabulous full gulf views from 10th floor condo on Longboat Key. Great amenities including club house, tennis & fitness. Hutson/Hagan 400-6682 Reduced $50K $499,000 Privateer Spectacular southern views Gulf, Bay & City skyline 2BR/2BA. Renovated 6th fl condo, Open kitchen, granite ,Beach, Pool & Tennis. Bruce & Jenine Meyer 266-8152 Short Sale Reduced $114K $485,000 Seaplace II Spacious, updated TKF condo. Resort style living by the beach. Flat screen tv, fully equipped kitchen, W/D in unit, 2 pools. Jan Huff 735-8700 Reduced $54K $445,000 Casa Del Mar Immaculate 2BR/2BA condo boasting stunning upgrades.

Beautiful end unit with partial gulf view. Being sold turnkey furnished. Teri Sax 228-5578 Reduced $50K $449,000 Fairway Bay 2BR/2BA, 1,442SF turnkey furnished, corner unit. Large bay front terrace, Bay views. Covered parking space. Amenities & pet friendly! Mark Huber 356-2435 $435,000 One Watergate Great Downtown, Bay & Marina views. 2/2 flrpln has office/den, garage parking.

Close to the cultural & downtown activities. Marty Benson 232-9265 Reduced $74K $395,000 1350 Main Lowest priced 2BR/2BA unit at the best condo in downtown Sarasota. Pool/city views. Perfect move in condition. Michael Granston 504-8018 Reduced $141K $269,000 Conrad Beach Oversized vacant lot located on Conrad Beach. One of the areas most sought after communities. Great gulf views. Teri Sax 228-5578 $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 Short Sale ,Reduced $20K $219,900 Central Park West of Trail 2BR/2B updated, end unit condo.

500SF rooftop patio. Near downtown, beach. Kayak from dock to Bay. David & Lori Simon 400-8764 SIESTaSiesta & WaTERFROnT Header: & Waterfront $725,000 Siesta – Siesta Dunes Rarely available 3BR on Siesta Key beach. Split plan, cathedral cielings, partial gulf views, w/d, huge master suite. Rudy Dudon 234-3991 $699,000 Mainland Bayfront Best Waterfront Value near Downtown! Remodeled home & Pool - Fantastic Location - Bayfront Parcel & Dock included! Linda A. Page 504-0123 $625,000 Siesta- Tivoli Gorgeous 2BR/2BA , 4th floor end unit w/balcony. Turnkey furnished with split floor plan. Updated baths, hurricane shutters. Washer & dryer in unit. Mitchell Team 586-1754 $525,000 Tidy Island Live on Private Island! Updated 3BR/2.5BA, 2764SF, Bay views, fireplace, elevator, gated, pool, spa, fitness, tennis. Michelle Musto 809-3714 MaInLanD Header : Mainland Reduced $50,000 $749,000 Osprey The Oaks 3BR/4.5BA custom home with many upgrades!

Oversized lanai w/pool/spa + kitchen. Golf & lake views. Shirley LaGrange 894-4297 $639,000 E. Sarasota – Trillium Elegant 3750SF family pool home with 3.5 car garage and many upgrades.Gated community. Rayman/Tan 504-9232 Short Sale, Reduced $60K $570,000 E. Sarasota – Deer Hammock Huge home on 5 acres w/ additional 2880 sq ft bldg, plus adj. 5 acre lot. Equestrian estate or work-from-home. Rayman/Tan 504-9232 Reduced $68K $370,000 Manatee - River Club South 4BR/4BA + 2 Offices, 1/2 acre private lot overlooks lake & preserve. Tile & wood floors. No CDD fees + Easy access to I-75. Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty Claudia Schwab 962-9453 $365,000 Palmer Ranch - Isles of Sarasota 3BR/3BA home w/Open floor plan+ den w/built-ins. Many Amenities: fitness, htd pool, sports pavilion, tennis & clubhouse. Jan Murphy 504-9765 Bank Owned! $300,000 Sarasota – Country Club Of Sarasota Spacious 3BR/3BA, 3200SF, backs to golf course. Huge Master BR, Newer tile roof & updated plumbing. Gated. Gary Hoskins 809-7709 Short Sale, Reduced $16K $179,000 E. Sarasota – Heritage Oaks Great 1st floor end unit & shows like a model. Golf community w/bundled amenities including country club. Pam Hagan 400-6682 Header: Rentals REnTaLS $5800/mo. The Concession Annual/unfurn Rarely available in prestigious gated golfing community. Almost 5,000SF, 4BR/5BA, gourmet kitchen, family & media rms + 3-car garage. Heated pool/spa; preserve & lake.

Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty, Cliff Kaplan 739-3220 $2000/mo. Lakewood Ranch Furn. 2BR/2.5BA townhome has 2 master suites, wood flooring + 2-car garage. Lake views, avail. with a 30-day minimum from 2/15/11. Gated complex close to shopping & restaurants. Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty, Alba Lange 704-3026

Nokomis

Waterfront views of Roberts & Dona Bays. 4BR/3BA + office. Updated & maintained. Attached 1BR/1BA guest house. Gina Penzotti 809-2152

Bayfront reduced $30,000

$1,299,000

Beau Ciel

3,134 SF with Bay, Yacht Harbor & City views. Lives like a single family home with sep. LR & DR. Linda A. Page 504-0123

east sarasota reduced $149,000

$1,350,000

East Sarasota

Home on 5 Acs. Upgraded Oak floors, Elaborate stone fireplace & sunken media area. Room for Horses. Greg Hudson 302-1485

Waterfront Penthouse

$999,000

Phillippi Landings

3BR + Den penthouse, 2857SF w/1200+ patio/deck.

One of a kind says it all! Harold Lasky 780-8514

RENTALS

Panama

east sarasota reduced $100,000!

$1,449,000

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

941-552-3931 $799,900

Laurel Oak Estates From $73,500

Shady Pines

One story home w/ 4-5BR/4BA + den/office. Large, private wood- Enclave of single family homes on large lots in Boquete. ed lot. Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty Jerry Richter 224-1350 Full or fractional ownership. 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.

50331

lonGBoat reduced $100,000