Longboat Observer - Thursday, February 10, 2011

Observer

LONGBOAT

COURTSHIP TENNIS MATCH

One Key couple is brought together through tennis love.

PAGE 5A

DIVERSIONS: IRISH SPRING

Travel Outlook

High-school junior and Irish dancer Caiti Ward gets jiggy with it.

The Energetic Travelers outline 2011 destinations.

NEWS 1C

INSIDE | PAGE 1B

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

Thursday, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

retirement options

OUR TOWN

PENSION COSTS

Commission focuses on pension problem

PEOPLE, PICS & PLACES

Year Total 2005 $830,000 2006 $900,000 2007 $943,000 2008 $1.5 million 2009 $1.7 million 2010 $2.4 million 2011 $2.7 million Total increase 225%

The commission spent more than three hours Monday discussing the town’s increasing unfunded liability in its three pension plans.

By Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

Courtesy photo

+ Younger family gets a new member Longboat Key Commissioner Phil Younger has a new role: Grandpa. Emily Gracen was born to Younger’s daughter and son-in-law, Marston and Jerry Atkinson, Jan. 17, in Atlanta.

The newest member of the family weighed in at 8 pounds and was 14 inches long.

The Longboat Key Town Commission is so concerned with its growing pension problem that it will meet twice a month to discuss the problem until a decision is made to stop the bleeding of the plans’ unfunded liability.

At a special pension workshop

Monday, Feb. 7, at Town Hall, the commission heard from its pension attorney, an actuary consultant and residents on how the town’s pension problems should be solved.

The problems have caused town taxpayers’ costs to rise from $830,000 in 2005 to $2.7 million in 2011, for a 225% increase

(see box at right).

Unfunded liabilities in all three pension plans have risen from $10.5 million in 2003 to $26.3 million in 2009, for a 150% increase.

And the rising costs aren’t over.

Town pension attorney James Linn told the commission that town pension contributions are

expected to increase each year for the next three to four years.

“Most governments are facing the same type of challenge,

SEE PENSION / PAGE 10A

COUNT ON IT

BEAD Cyclists say WORK signs should

stay on Key

Some area bicyclists believe the town should not remove any of the 126 bicycle signs along Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Dora Walters

+ Post office puts its stamp on service

By Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

Customer Appreciation Day took place Feb. 5, at the Longboat Key Post Office.

Serving coffee, orange juice and donuts was Postmaster Rodney Masengale, left. Enjoying the morning snack was Dee Moog.

“We just wanted to say thank you to our customers,” Masengale said.

On most days after work, Police Chief Al Hogle rides his bicycle to the north end of Longboat Key and then heads south to the Sarasota Sailing Squadron before hopping in his sport utility vehicle and heading home.

An avid bicyclist, Hogle calls Longboat Key “the premier bicycling venue in the area.”

See OUR TOWN / PAGE 2A

Hogle said he does not take issue with the recommendations by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to reduce the number of bicycle-related road signs along Gulf of Mexico Drive.

“I tend to want to believe that what FDOT is saying is reasonable,” said Hogle, who says that being a defensive

SEE SIGNS / PAGE 11A

INDEX Classifieds...............................12C Crossword..............................11C Deal Us In..............................10C Key Real Estate.......................2C Opinion.....................................6A Weather.................................11C Vol. 33, No. 28 Three sections www.YourObserver.com

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Above: Virgina Tangeman collects the rosaries she made Tuesday, Feb. 8, at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church.

Every Tuesday morning inside the library of St Mary, there are a half-dozen to a dozen women and men, who volunteer their time making colorful rosaries, which are sent to missions all over the world.

Inset: Sandy Mattacott works on a rosary.

File photo

Bicyclists from around the area recently have written more than 30 e-mails to Town Hall about keeping all of the town’s bicycle signs.

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OUR TOWN >> Continued from Page 1A

+ Longboat Key residents put children first

+ Manatee targets Packers’ Super Bowl victory Mote Marine Aquarium manatee resident Buffett has picked the winning Super Bowl team for the fourth year in a row.

Buffett and another manatee, Hugh, were asked to choose their favored teams Friday, Feb. 4, by swimming to special targets marked with team logos. Buffett swam to the Green Bay Packers logo, while Hugh headed for the Pittsburgh Steelers logo.

The target practice took place during the manatees’ daily training sessions, which are beneficial to their well-being and allow them to participate in research.

Courtesy photo

+ Spanish Main residents exhibit ‘Pack-er’ mentality Among the Spanish Main Yacht Club football fans who gathered at the clubhouse Sunday to watch the Super Bowl were Dee Tornillo and Carol Mae. Both are ardent Packer fans, as easily detected from Tornillo’s gold shirt and Mae’s green-and-gold-painted fingernails.

Children First has announced the appointment of new officers for its board of directors, which will include Longboat Key residents Jo Rutstein and Leslie Jones. Rutstein has been appointed incoming chairwoman of the board, and Jones will serve as vice chairwoman.

“It is an incredible board,” says Rutstein, who has been involved with the organization for two-and-a-half years and currently serves as vice chair of the board. “The organization is so important and so giving to the community that it is an honor to be a part of that.”

Children First serves more than 600 children each year by providing a variety of programs at its 12 locations throughout Sarasota County.

Their mission is to “strengthen children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health and well-being.”

Leslie Jones and Jo Rutstein

Courtesy photo

+ Mini car supports huge balancing act

Cathy Meldahl

+ Village residents start new chapter at meeting The Longbeach Village Association did things by the book at its Feb. 2 meeting and social. Along with the usual drink and potluck contributions, residents brought their old books to exchange. The books that remained at the end of the night were donated to Goodwill.

Photos by Dora Walters

Dee Tornillo and Carol Mae cheer on the Green Bay Packers.

A 24-foot rowing scull, transported atop a Mini Cooper with extensions forward and aft, was spotted in the Observer parking lot last week. It’s all a matter of balance says owner Urs Wunderli.

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service support

Ridership is road to success

3A

It’s official

Transportation divisions for both Manatee and Sarasota counties will work with a Longboat Key trolley working group to boost ridership on the island.

By Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

Officials from both Manatee and Sarasota counties are working together to help increase ridership for the area’s most under-performing route — the Longboat Key route.

At a Friday, Feb. 4 meeting with Manatee County and Sarasota County officials, Sarasota County Area Transit Manager Anthony Beckford said adding advertising to the trolleys will not solve the problem.

“To get the service up to the standard you want, ridership is the key component,” Beckford said.

The Longboat trolley route averages approximately 125,000 riders per year. By comparison, the Anna Maria trolley averages 400,000 riders a year.

Beckford said the Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce can work with the county to sell discounted bus/trolley passes at the chamber, island restaurants and hotels.

“The most important thing is increasing ridership, not advertising,” said Beckford, who also warned SCAT will be raising rates in the coming months from 75 cents to $1.25.

Beckford explained that SCAT offers a $60 monthly pass that is valid in both Manatee and Sarasota counties for unlimited rides. Both counties also provide a $40 monthly pass that’s only valid in each county.

“Increasing ridership makes it easier for us to go before the commission and say operating costs per person for this route went from $9 per person to $4 per person,” Beckford said.

“Those kinds of numbers mean the commission will be more than likely to try the route for another year.”

Beckford said those types of numbers could get both county commissions to keep rider pickup times at every halfhour instead of moving them to hourly to save money.

Manatee County Area Transit Manage r

Ralph Hessler agreed, noting that ridership on Anna Maria Island’s free trolley is more important than the advertisements that are placed on its trolleys.

Beckford also said it would make sense to join forces with the Siesta Key trolley route and add them to the monthly pass, which would make it more appealing to Longboaters traveling south.

Chamber President Tom Aposopros, who is working with the Key’s trolley working group to make the route more profitable, was happy to get the feedback.

He realizes, however, the challenges are tough for a route that only averages 1.5 riders per hour. “We are really swimming upstream here,” Aposporos said. “But we are prepared to do everything in our power to help this effort along.”

HOP ON THE BUS Longboat Key resident Jackie Salvino attended the St. Armands Circle Winter Art Festival two weeks ago, an event that draws thousands of people each year. But, despite the traffic around St. Armands Circle, Salvino didn’t have to worry about finding a place to park her car.

Instead, she parked outside the Longboat Key CVS and rode Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) Route 18 to the Circle.

The ride took between 15 and 20 minutes.

“It was great,” Salvino said. “It’s a safe, cheap mode of transportation.”

Salvino, one of the residents who formed the ad hoc group, Hop on the Bus! with local business leaders through the Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce to study trolley usage on Longboat Key, believes that low ridership is the result of the fact that many residents don’t know about the trolley.

gaining momentum

Pickleball passion nets Key fans

By Robin Hartill Community Editor

If you combined tennis and badminton and added oversized ping-pong paddles, you would have the latest sport to draw Key players — Pickleball. It’s played on a badminton court with a net that is lowered to 34 inches in The the middle.

NAME Like tennis, it can be played GAME in a singles or The sport, doubles forcreated in mat. And de1965, is voted players named for say it’s beyond Pickles, the a hobby — it’s cocker spaniel addictive. of former “With PickWashington leball, it’s one Congressman of those games Joel that once you Pritchard, start it, you one of the really want game’s coto play it evinventors. ery day,” said Pickles used Longbeach to chase stray Village resiballs and then dent Greene hide in the Tussey, who bushes with plans to rethem, so the sume playing game bears once a foot inhis name. jury heals.

He isn’t the only Longboat Key resident who has a passion for Pickleball: More than a dozen Longboaters are among the 56 members of a Pickleball group that plays on three courts at the Anna Maria Is-

Rachel S. O’Hara

Allan Luke, of Longboat Key, goes for a shot during a game of pickle ball with his wife, Virginia, Friday, Feb. 4, at the Anna Maria Island Community Center. land Community Center.

At the Longbeach Village Association’s monthly meeting Feb. 2, resident Allan Luke spoke about approaching the town about putting Pickleball courts at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center.

“It’s good exercise and a good way to meet people,” Luke said.

Luke began playing Pickleball approximately two years ago after seeing it played in The Villages, in Central Florida. According to the USA Pickleball Association’s website, usapa.org, it’s the fastest-growing sport in North America and is played by everyone from grade-school

children to the elderly.

According to Luke, the sport is especially popular with older residents, because it places less stress on the body than many other activities.

“A lot of tennis players start playing because, No. 1, they want to get out of the sun, and, No. 2, they want to play a sport that’s easier on the elbows and knees,” he said.

Village Association President Michael Drake, who has not played Pickleball and learned about the sport from Luke, his neighbor, encouraged residents to contact the town about installing Pickleball courts. And, because of

ongoing discussions about future land uses of Sarasota County- and town-owned land adjacent to Bayfront Park, many residents believe that the timing could be right for a Pickleball proposal.

“I think the timing’s perfect, particularly if they’re looking to put something in that midKey property,” Drake said.

Tussey said that installing Pickleball courts on Longboat Key could alleviate the crowdedness that often results from the sport’s popularity at the community center.

“I have yet to see someone come into the community center at Anna Maria and not come back,” Tussey said.

Dora Walters

Commissioner David Brenner worked on the Vision Plan on the Planning and Zoning Board level.

Commission adopts town’s Vision Plan The commission officially adopted the Vision Plan, a document the town will use to plan the next 20 years.

By Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

After more than five years of discussions, revision and debate, the Town Commission finally adopted the town’s Vision Plan.

The document was originally crafted in 2005 after public hearings to get resident input on what the island should strive to be in the next 20 years.

In 2007, the Town Commission accepted the document that was put together by consultant Herb Marlowe, but chose not to adopt it.

Several commissioners, past and present, debated for years whether the document needed to be officially adopted because much of it included goals, and the major implementation goal — the creation of a pool of 250 additional tourism units — was already approved by the voters in 2007.

But Commissioner David Brenner and Vice Mayor Jim Brown, who worked on the document at the Planning and Zoning Board level, worked to get the document adopted and revised the plan in subcommittee meetings last year with other committee members.

Even though Commissioners Robert Siekmann and Hal Lenobel disagreed last year with the revised 21-page document, the majority of the commission wanted to adopt it.

The commission voted 6-1 to adopt the document, with Lenobel being the dissenting vote.

Siekmann said he knew the adoption of the document was a foregone conclusion and never had an issue with the overall concept of a town Vision Plan.

Town Manager Bruce St. Denis said the commission will review the document at least twice a year, and it will become a focal point of the town’s annual Goals and Objectives Workshop.

The Vision Plan will also be reviewed in the fall after the fiscal-year budget is adopted.

The Vision Plan includes the following goals: • Encourage the modernization and redevelopment of tourism facilities.

• Encourage redevelopment strategies that would enhance retail amenities for residents such as mid-priced restaurants, a small cinema, etc.

• Communicate that the Key wants its local businesses to prosper and that it will regularly review its policies to ensure consistency with this intent.

• Encourage redevelopment of existing retail centers appropriate to the site.

Visit our website to read the entire Vision Plan www.YourObserver.com

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INBRIEF

public islands in Sarasota Bay. “It was decided that the first natural islands to adopt would be Sister Keys,” Chinnis wrote.

Chinnis proposes that Sarasota Bay Watch work with the Public Works Department to continue yearly cleanups and hold discussions on other ways to help enhance Sister Keys.

The commission must give Town Manager Bruce St. Denis direction to form such a partnership.

+ Publix sheds light on dark parking lot questions Longboat Key Publix shoppers and employees have been complaining about the lights in the Avenue of the Flowers parking lot.

The lights don’t turn on until 7 p.m., which makes it difficult for shoppers to get around the parking lot after the sun sets. The lights also turn off at 10 p.m., at which time some employees are leaving work.

Shannon Patten, Publix media and community relations manager, said that the company, which purchased the shopping center in September 2008, will monitor the situation immediately.

“Safety is a top priority for Publix,” Patten said. “We will review our procedures and, if necessary, adjust the timing of the parking lot lights.”

Patten also said the company is still not

File photo

ready to disclose any future renovation plans for the plaza.

+ Sarasota Bay Watch seeks town partnership Sarasota Bay Watch President Rusty Chinnis wants to create a partnership with the town of Longboat Key. In a Feb. 4 letter written to the Town Commission, Chinnis explained that the board of directors resolved to create an “Adopt an Island” program to help clean and protect

LBK - 2010 - I

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

+ Town schedules beach presentations

 Town Commission Regular Meeting — 1 p.m. Monday, March 7.

Town Manager Bruce St. Denis has scheduled the following beach project presentations, titled “Beaches 101,” at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road: • 10 a.m. Feb 14 • 7 p.m. Feb. 16 • 10 a.m. Feb. 18 • 2 p.m. Feb. 28 • 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. March 3 • 2 p.m. March 4 St. Denis is also willing to make the pre-

All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road. sentations, which are intended to inform residents about the beach before a $16 million beach referendum comes before the voters March 15, elsewhere.

To schedule a beach presentation with your condominium or beach association, contact Town Manager Assistant Susan Phillips at 316-1999.

$26.3 million — The amount of unfunded pension liability in all three pension plans. Page 1A

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5A

TENNIS MATCH

Article leads to courtship for tennis player

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

Her name was Francesca Harris. Her favorite tennis player was Pete Sampras. She had played tennis in Murano, Italy, with her late husband, Peter. And when asked about her best skill, she said, “I’m a good net player; I’m steady.”

Al Tripodi, a retired physician, was playing tennis on a fall day two years ago at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center when he saw Harris, who had a career as a reading specialist and lived off and on for seven years in Venice, being interviewed for the “Player of the Week” feature in the Longboat Observer.

He knew Harris as an acquaintance. But there was one thing that stood out about her, both while she was being interviewed and in the article that ran in the paper Nov. 6, 2008.

“Her smile, her smile,” he said.

“No question, it was her smile.”

Tripodi needed a date for a Christmas party for Senior Friendship Centers, where he volunteers, so he decided to give Harris a call.

At first, when she got the call, she thought it was her dentist on the line. (He, too, had called her after the article ran, noting how good her pearly whites looked in the photo.) Tripodi told her that he noticed that her name was Francesca. He had some Francescas in his family. She said that her real name was Frances, also

HIS

& HERS

Favorite travel destination HIS: Venice HERS: London Favorite MEAL HIS:Breakfast. He likes the frit-

tata at Café Americano.

HERS: Breakfast. She is partial to the croissants at C’est La Vie, in downtown Sarasota.

Favorite date destination HIS: Harry’s Continental Kitchens HERS: The Haye Loft at Euphemia Haye known as Fran, but that after years of living in Italy, she often goes by Francesca.

They had a few things in common: Both are widowed and have sons — two for Harris, three for Tripodi — along with grandchildren. And both hail from the state of New York. At first, Harris wasn’t interested in accompanying Tripodi to the party. But, finally, after some convincing from her friends, she agreed to join him. (For the record, Harris didn’t want to do the interview in the first place, but her friend,

Sandra Ceshker, convinced her to do it at the last minute.)

On their first date, they went to the party, which took place at Saks Fifth Avenue, then they headed to Euphemia Haye. The next day, Tripodi sent Harris a bouquet of flowers and a note that said, “Thanks for a nice evening.” On their second date, they headed to Harry’s Continental Kitchens. And the rest is history.

They’ve been a couple for the past two-and-a-half years. They like to watch sunsets and take bicycle rides together and, of course, there’s always tennis. (He says she is the better player, but she says he is the better tennis player.)

“She’s much more social than I am,” Tripodi said. “She cooks, and I don’t. She’s very ebullient and she’s very up. She smiles a lot, and she’s quite intelligent.”

“He has a good sense of humor,” Harris said. “He’s friendly, and there’s nothing phony about him. We can talk about Dante or we can talk about our silly things and still have a good time.”

On Thanksgiving, during a dinner the couple hosted with dozens of their friends and family members, Tripodi made their relationship “semi-official.” He stood up and made a speech.

“Everyone, witness my commitment to this cute little girl from London and Venice and Buffalo and Longboat Key,” he said.

Then, he presented her with a gold diamond ring.

Courtesy photo

Fran Harris and Al Tripodi dance together at a Thanksgiving celebration, at which he says they made their relationship “semi-official.”

Tripodi jokes that now, after two-and-a-half months, he still hasn’t gotten an answer from Harris. She says that her answer is a definitive “yes,” although she doesn’t like to use the word “committed.” (She thinks it sounds like she’s talking about a mental hospital.)

“Who knows,” Harris said.

“Maybe someday we’ll get married, but, for now, we’re happy the way things are.”

On Friday, Feb. 11, Tripodi will join Harris in London, and the couple will celebrate their first

Valentine’s Day in the same city.

Harris said that she likes the fact that Tripodi lets her be who she is. She is more spontaneous, while he tends to be a planner.

Much of their relationship has been a surprise to Harris — everything from the initial phone call to the ring.

But Tripodi said that he isn’t surprised by the fact that one phone call led to a long-term relationship.

“I had a plan right from the beginning,” he said. “I saw what I wanted, and I went out to get it.”

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LONGBOAT

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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, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

our view

Government outside the margins!

Finally, an elected leader who is determined to end government in the margins and government for whiners.

And, boy, are the whiners and protected classes howling. They can’t stand that Florida Gov. Rick Scott is not following the old script and is determined to prove what many, many of us believe: • That you can reduce the size of government and that the results will be more positive than the status quo; • That government should operate no differently than common families — i.e., live within existing means and don’t borrow beyond what you can repay; • That government can and should be run like a business, i.e. be accountable, expect and show results, operate efficiently, compete.

But all that is so antithetical to the historical status quo that those who have been living off of state government and who believe in government altruism cannot imagine doing things outside the margins.

We know it’s early with Gov. Scott. But from what we know about him, he follows through on his word. His record shows it. And with his first budget proposal this week, he is challenging lawmakers to embrace what he promised voters — and that is extraordinary and bold initiatives.

Scott is determined to shrink Florida’s government back to its 2004 levels — cutting state spending from $70 billion in the current fiscal year to $59 billion by the end of his first term.

It can be done, and it can be done without catastrophe. Just ask the business owners who have survived the recession.

They did what was necessary to preserve their businesses.

Here’s what it will require for Scott to succeed: 1) His unwavering energy (no doubt about that); 2) the courage, conviction and will of legislators to stand up to those whose interests are to preserve

the status quo; and 3) voters who also have the conviction to stand behind Scott and their lawmakers for making tough choices.

The fiscal condition of our governments at every level are threatening to bring us down to the levels of Greece, Ireland, and the other failing socialistic Euro nations.

Without dramatically scaling back in the size of government spending, the U.S. debt burden will lower the standard of living for future generations, as will all of the government pension obligations that are hanging over taxpayers at the local and state levels.

Americans know they must change course. And Rick Scott — who, to his credit, doesn’t give a whit what the media pundits say about him — is committed to making this change and making the hard choices from which others have cowered.

What a difference. What a difference between Rick Scott and Barack Obama.

On the same day Gov. Scott was introducing his bold, detailed, strategic plan to create 700,000 jobs by improving Florida’s business climate and reducing the size of state government, Barack Obama stood before members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and told business executives they had a “responsibility to America” to spend their company’s cash to hire out-of-work Americans.

The man has no clue. He has no clue about human action, how business works or how economies grow. Contrast that with Scott. He understands that economies and jobs will grow when people have incentives and conditions to invest, to keep their money. And those incentives and conditions are simple: laissez-faire.

Leave people alone. Let them keep what they earn. Give them the right conditions, and their wealth-generating creativity will be unleashed.

+ RIP: Rainer Josenhanss

Longboat Key was never as interesting

as it was when Rainer Josenhanss lived on the Key. He and his wife, Harriet, sold their home at 6669 Gulf of Mexico Drive in 2002 and moved to The Oaks in Osprey.

We missed him ever since then.

Josenhanss died Monday, less than a month after he and his wife moved into Plymouth Harbor. We spoke to him on the telephone last Thursday, promising to get together soon for a lunch.

Longtime Longboaters will remember Josenhanss for distinguishing himself in the 1990s as one of Longboat Key’s most vocal Town Hall activists and watchdogs.

Indeed, no one at the time was more of a Doberman watching out for taxpayers’ interests than Josenhanss.

He loved to spar with town commissioners at their meetings, always challenging them intellectually and lobbing “zingers” that made the commissioners uncomfortable and often annoyed.

Many commissioners, we’re sure, cringed when they saw Josenhanss approach the citizens’ podium in the Town Hall Commission Chambers. They knew he wouldn’t go back to his seat without a wisecrack slap — a slap that, despite its delivery, usually made sense. Josenhanss was a smart man, and he always offered logical common-sense retorts to some of the loose ideas that came from the commissioners.

Like many accomplished Longboaters, Josenhanss didn’t talk much about his professional business accomplishments.

But on occasion, he could regale you with stories of his early days as the personal assistant for “Hank the Deuce,” Henry Ford II. Josenhanss was an inspiration. He challenged you to strive higher, do better.

He encouraged you with handwritten notes. He was another of many on this wonderful Key who showed that life is best when you stay involved, make a difference.

GOV. SCOTT’S BUDGET WINNERS AND BIGGEST LOSERS, BY AGENCY The table ranks the state’s agencies in the order of which ones would show the largest percentage increase and decrease in dollar amounts. The middle two columns show how jobs would be gained or lost and the percentage of the current total number of jobs that would be gained or lost.

Governor’s 2011-12 Recommendations

Change from Current Budget

BUDGET WINNERS 1. Executive Office of the Governor 2. Military Affairs 3. Agency for Health Care Administration 4. Agency for Workforce Innovation 5. Management Services 6. Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 7. Lottery 8. Parole Commission

Dollars $638,602,487 $66,263,910 $22,047,600,988 $1,642,681,180 $615,402,209 $404,835,731 $135,671,913 $8,380,821

Jobs 420.00 373.00 1,577.50 1,550.50 1,341.00 4,676.50 424.00 128.00

BIGGEST BUDGET LOSERS 1. Community Affairs 2. Veterans’ Affairs 3. Justice Administration 4. Corrections 5. Juvenile Justice 6. Agency for Persons With Disabilities 7. Education 8. State 9. Agriculture and Consumer Services 10. Environmental Protection 11. Legal Affairs

$110,278,097 $45,520,459 $732,254,237 $2,347,509,309 $497,514,691 $842,021,943 $19,109,497,142 $76,411,966 $300,012,241 $1,339,375,546 $169,459,143

40.00 616.50 9,571.25 27,660.00 3,947.00 2,922.50 2,396.00 405.00 3,476.25 3,431.50 1,303.50

(318.00) (506.50) (471.00) (1,690.00) (813.00) (155.50) (92.00) (30.00) (191.50) (120.00) (34.00)

-88.8 -45.0 -4.6 -5.7 -17.0 -5.0 -3.6 -6.8 -5.2 -3.4 -2.5

($668,416,409) ($35,836,770) ($489,713,182) ($82,409,466) ($108,715,468) ($173,897,314) ($3,319,097,227) ($10,992,268) ($36,791,110) ($148,530,468) ($18,403,463)

-85.4 -44.0 -40.0 -33.9 -17.9 -17.1 -14.8 -12.5 -10.9 -9.9 -9.8

MODERATE TO MINIMAL BUDGET LOSERS State Court System $427,432,747 Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission $274,555,283 Citrus $61,903,592 Transportation $6,487,272,229 Children and Family Services $2,774,654,576 Law Enforcement $235,983,442 Health $2,772,440,290 Business and Professional Regulation $123,600,741 Elder Affairs $690,496,236 Public Service Commission $26,529,586 Legislative Branch $180,684,141 Revenue $546,179,133 Financial Services $301,326,064 Total Agencies $65,878,953,592

3,751.50 1,850.00 53.00 6,773.00 11,337.75 1,626.00 16,488.35 1,453.75 428.00 300.00 0.00 5,097.00 2,665.00 118,083.35

(574.00) (97.00) (15.00) (670.00) (1,849.00) (118.00) (879.15) (115.00) (26.00) (23.00) 0.00 (92.00) (80.50) (8,681.15)

-13.2 -4.9 -22.0 -9.0 -14.0 -6.7 -5.0 -7.3 -5.7 -7.1 0.0 -1.8 -2.9 -6.8

($39,594,759) ($23,208,054) ($4,973,294) ($441,533,097) ($178,523,319) ($13,762,193) ($170,884,819) ($6,962,473) ($38,948,404) ($1,470,383) ($6,212,848) ($14,413,028) ($2,182,706) ($4,639,206,749)

-8.4 -7.8 -7.4 -6.3 -6.0 -5.5 -5.8 -5.3 -5.3 -5.2 -3.3 -2.5 -0.7 -6.5

() = negative

Jobs % Chg. 91.00 +27.6 21.00 +5.9 (85.00) -5.1 (24.50) -1.5 80.00 +6.3 209.50 +4.6 (13.00) +2.9 0.00 0.0

Dollars % Chg. $343,072,852 +16.1 $6,542,363 +10.93 $1,214,586,109 +5.8 $80,485,292 +5.1 $27,613,445 +4.6 $13,513,515 +3.4 $481,263 +0.3 $19,070 +0.2

Source: Office of the Governor

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

OPINION

+ Removing Key bicycle signs would be a major safety issue Dear Editor: I am a Longboat Key year-round resident and a person who enjoys cycling on my home Key. I read with interest most of the comments about removing some of the bicycle signs to improve the view for those living on and traveling through the Key. As I understand it, the arguments for removal are as follows: 1. Overall beautification.

2. Because there are not many accidents, the signs are not needed.

3. We should not be cycling on Longboat Key anyway, because it is too dangerous.

4. Some of the residents, and I assume commissioners, just do not want them there.

The argument for retaining them is: 1. Safety.

I would be interested in the explanation as to how we justify removing the signs that were put up there for safety reasons and are doing the job that they were put up to do?

In addition, why would we take tax dollars from the many things that do not get done on this Key to spend it on this project?

I am against removal of the signs for safety reasons.

Dick Gravino Thirteen-year Longboat resident

MY VIEW

My mountain love affair For 54 years I lived on the top of a high and loving mountain. It was a place of happiness, contentment and great accomplishment. My mountain was my life and my anchor. The soft spring rain echoed the feelings of our togetherness and caring. I could see the entire world from this beautiful place that wrapped me in gentle breezes and a constant parade of joyful understanding.

My mountain was carpeted with endless fields of brightly colored wild flowers and emerald green and cinnamon colored trees that offered us shade in our make-believe world.

My 54 years spent high in the clouds gave me love and security. The gentle breezes helped to smooth the few bumps in the road of life as we traveled forward with our dreams and plans.

But then, on June 25, 2010, my wondrous mountain erupted and I slid down the steep, slippery slope into the dismal nothingness of the Valley of Loneliness; a place with a frightening landscape of a dark world of another dimension. I ask myself, “How will I navigate in this unfamiliar terrain?”

Life was not always a fairyland on our beautiful mountain; we weathered our storms, we walked in the rain, we practiced togetherness, and we cared about each other. We shared experiences that no one can steal from my heart and mind.

Here in the Valley of Loneliness no one sleeps — silence is my com-

panion. Restlessness and sadness seem to be everywhere. As I look up from this Valley of Nothingness, my mountain looms higher and higher, and I wonder if I will ever have the strength and fortitude to be able to exit from this valley of sadness. I know that this slow trip back up to my mountain will take time; I must learn to be patient — a virtue that I have never been good at. The time has come for me to rethink, reminisce and re-evaluate and prepare for the eventual journey back up to my wonderful mountain.

People are kind and ask me, “How do you feel?” I reply “OK,” but I don’t mean it. I don’t know how to answer, as I have never been a widow before. I miss being able to share my opinions, my innermost thoughts, my observations and family matters with my mountain partner. He promised me the world and, yes, he kept his promise. We held hands as we cruised the mighty oceans and traveled all over the face of this earth. We traveled by sea and air, by bus, automobile and donkey cart, by elephant, camels and hot-air balloons.

Oh, the wonderful memories that I have!

During his lifetime, my mountain companion projected a macho personality. But I urge you to forget his gruff exterior. He was a man of love, integrity and charity.

Yes, I do have caring friends and loving family here in the Valley of Loneliness. Yet, at the end of each

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day, I find it difficult to concentrate on my many unread books; my piano is silent; and my writing projects are on hold as my mind races back over 54 years on my mountain of togetherness and happiness. Soon, I will have to develop a plan that will show me the path back to my mountain of memories.

From my valley, I look up and see my beloved mountain resting quietly against the cotton clouds and twinkling stars, and I know that I have to live here in my Valley of Loneliness for a little while longer — to gather my thoughts and make plans for my single future.

When I am ready, I will grab onto the rope of life and pull myself — albeit-slowly — out of this sad valley and again climb up to a better place.

He will show me the way.

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

Steve Harney is one of the industry’s foremost experts in negotiation and leadership training for residential real estate professionals. His widely-read blog, kcmblog.com, regularly tackles some of the most complex issues facing the real estate market today. Today we feature in its entirety one of his recent posts addressing the subject of commissions:

This Is A Job For Superman Not Clark Kent

We found this past weekend’s New York Times article entitled “You Don’t Have To Pay It” very interesting reading. It was a piece about whether it makes sense to pay full commission to your real estate agent in today’s market. In the article, there are sellers, buyers and even agents debating what the right commission should be for assisting a consumer in completing a real estate transaction.

The field of real estate is loaded with land mines. You need a true expert to guide you through the dangerous pitfalls that currently exist. Finding a buyer willing to pay fair market value for your home at a time that there are mass inventories of foreclosures and short sales will take a true real estate professional. Finding reasonable financing can also be tricky in today’s lending environment.

We would like to add our two cents to the debate.

Experts in any profession do not discount their fees, especially when the job is becoming more difficult and demanding.

Forget what the actual amount of the commission is. The bigger question is whether you should pay a ‘full fee’ when hiring a real estate expert to guide you through the complexities of today’s rapidly changing housing environment.

If a full fee was the rule in 2006 when completing a deal was so much simpler, why would you now consider cutting the fee of your agent in today’s tumultuous market? You are depending on this person to help you reach your goals in a sale or purchase. In 2006, buyers were willing to pay almost anything to a seller just to get into a home. Banking entities seemed to be willing to mortgage any property for any buyer.

The process was rather simple.

Today, a person looking to buy or sell should be willing to pay a full fee for two reasons: 1. You need an expert guide if you are traveling a dangerous path

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

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

1520 S Lodge Dr $7,350,000 #A3934434 Kim & Michael Ogilvie

2151 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 3 $2,450,000 #A3929322 Michael Moulton

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

6832 Pine St $1,995,000 Hannerle Moore

280 N Shore Rd # 8 $995,000 #A3901150 Jenifer Schwell

2. You need a skilled negotiator In today’s market, hiring a talented negotiator could save you thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars. Each step of the way—from the original offer, to the possible re-negotiation of that offer after a home inspection, to the possible cancellation of the deal based on a troubled appraisal—you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.

When an agent is negotiating their commission with you, they are negotiating their own salary; the salary that keeps a roof over their family’s head and puts food on the table. If they are quick to accept less when negotiating for themselves and their families, what makes you think they will not act the same way when negotiating for you and your family? If they were Clark Kent when negotiating with you, they will not turn into Superman when negotiating with the buyer or seller in your deal.

Sarasota 941-951-6660 941-376-1717

6051 Gulf Of Mexico Dr $3,895,000 #A3925019 Hannerle Moore

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

1010 Seagrove Ln # Bh3 $3,500,000 #A3936773 Karen Chandler

Siesta Key 941-349-3444 941-544-4919

#A3918193

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

501 Harbor Gate Way $1,895,000 #A3938608 Ian Addy Pa

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

4011 Gulf Of Mexico Dr $1,555,000 #A3919487 Diane Otis Stirling

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

7020 Hawks Harbor Cir $850,000 #A3938506 Maureen Horn

Bradenton 941-383-7591 941-539-3384

3914 Somerset Cv Dr # 11 $695,000 #A3937745 Michael Hays

Siesta Key 941-349-3444 941-376-1826

2301 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 81N $579,000 #A3929418 Jim Hanrahan

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

2105 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 3202 Longboat Key $559,000 #A3921870 941-383-7591 Maruta Miluns 941-374-9720

4621 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 5C $549,000 #A3919477 Richard Perlman

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-228-8580

680 Neptune Ave $500,000 #A3918832 Walter Hackett

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

2016 Harbourside Dr # 336 $495,000 #A3938678 Sylvia Zimmerman

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-350-5022

691 Tarawitt Dr $399,900 #A3938849 Sandi Layfield

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

4500 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # Ph4 $399,000 #A3915825 Bobbi Banan

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

Bottom Line We believe that famous sayings become famous because they are true.

You get what you pay for. Just like a good accountant or a good attorney, a good agent will save you money. Not cost you money.

Reprinted Courtesy of the KCM Blog.

Afterword: In 2010, the real estate market in Southwest Florida achieved modest gains over 2009. Combined unit sales for Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte Counties were up by 3% and dollar volume was up by .5%.

At the same time, the agents of Michael Saunders & Company vastly outperformed the market; ending the year with $1.432 billion in closed company sales, a 21% increase in dollar volume over 2009. Likewise, the 4,346 units sold company-wide during the year represent a 29% increase in year-over-year unit sales.

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

612 Indian Beach Ln $3,495,000 #A3923707 Nora Johnson

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600 Putting Green Ln $2,750,000 #A3930804 Mel & Jan Goldsmith

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1510 Bay Rd $1,299,000 Julia Mcclung

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732 N Macewen Dr $1,199,000 #A3926405 Tom Cail and Jason Grande

Osprey 941-383-7591 941-780-2245

1701 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 502 $669,000 #A3935030 Jenifer Schwell

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

816 Jungle Queen Way $649,000 #A3930674 Cathy Meldahl

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1095 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 103 $645,000 #A3934545 Klaus Lang

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621 Cedar St $529,000 Cathy Meldahl

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

615 Dream Island Rd # 308 $525,000 #A3938722 Sylvia Zimmerman

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5055 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 116 $524,900 #A3932824 Maureen Horn

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

3500 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 201D Longboat Key $469,000 #A3932389 941-383-7591 Craig Abbott 941-302-0686

3630 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 303B Longboat Key $449,000 #A3931622 941-383-7591 Craig Abbott 941-302-0686

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

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

448 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # A306 $425,000 #A3930310 Diana Kryszak

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-993-4078

4594 Las Brisas Ln $399,000 #A3925801 Maria Beck PA

450 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # B304 $395,000 #A3927748 Bobbi Banan

2002 Harbourside Dr # 1601 $365,000 #A3931062 Eileen Burke

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-266-8949

600 Sutton Pl # 102 $300,000 #A3928481 Michael Moulton

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

4350 Chatham Dr # E307 $249,000 #A3924240 Saint Cacchiotti

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

8357 E 38Th Street Cir # 306 $133,000 #A3924007 Phyllis Diblasi, PA

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-320-4158

Sarasota 941-951-6660 941-356-0063

#A3936523

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

6800 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 183 $299,000 #A3935169 Sandi Layfield

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

891 Greystone Ln $249,900 #A3937726 Marcia Salkin

Sarasota 941-383-7591 941-376-6121

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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

51334

Vacation Ownership and Rentals LOngbOAt Key

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

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ExcEptional REal EstatE oppoRtunitiEs NG

ogilvie 1

I ND

PE

terri derr 1

barbara dumbaugh

k. simonds

$1,050,000 SARABANDE - DOWNTOWN SARASOTA $2,300,000 GULF FRONT BUILDING LOT(S) $1,900,000-$5,900,000 SAVOY ON PALM - SARASOTA $1,585,000 LONGBOAT – WIDE CANAL FRONT Elegant contemporary decor, 4,545 sF,4BR/4.5Ba, fabulous views. near siesta Village, for 3 homes or multi-family complex. Rarely available 3BR/3.5Ba, 2,975 sF, built in 2006 updated home, dock & large lot 941.350.5292 Barbara Dumbaugh 941.350.3743 Michael & Kim ogilvie 941.376.1717 terri Derr 941.356.6694 Kathy simonds

mel & jan goldsmith 1

judy nimz

4 EN 1 P O AY ND U salkin/soublis S

audrey signer

$7,900,000 $899,000 1204 HILLVIEW DRIVE 600 PUTTING GREEN LANE – LBK $2,750,000 ORCHID BEACH CLUB – LIDO KEY $1,795,000 SARABANDE new, bayfront residence in Harbor acres 2br/2ba with Bay views and downtown location Direct Bayfront, 4br/4ba, 4,082 sF in country club shores Gulf & Bay views, built in 2005, 3br/3ba, gas grill 941.356.0203 941.350.2588 Marcia salkin/paulene soublis Mel & Jan Goldsmith 941.356.6673 Judy and Bill nimz 941.374.0196 audrey singer G

IN

jon & susan fox

diana kryszak

D EN

P

carol aviles 1

terri derr 2

$475,000 $425,000 2550 HARBOURSIDE DR. #311 – BAY ISLES $925,000 BEACHPLACE II – LONGBOAT KEY DIRECT GULF FRONT – SEA GATE CLUB $685,000 BAY HARBOR A306 3BR/2Ba w/enchanting Bay & pool views. so. lBK 3br/3ba, Marina Bay, lg. 1st fl. w/Bay views, 3,400 sF. View of lake & Gulf, largest 2BR/2Ba plan, furn. Best value. updated southwest corner apartment 941.356.6694 941.993.4078 carol aviles susan and Jon Fox 941.544.6648 Diana Kryszak 941.356.6777 terri Derr

maruta miluns

zimmerman

zimmerman/liberman

christina landry

EN PROVENCE $3,100,000 AQUARIUS CLUB CONDO $645,000 TANGERINE BAY CLUB - SOUTH LBK $975,000 870 JUNGLE QUEEN WAY - LBK $2,150,000 4br/4ba, 2car gar., private pool & spa, marble & wood floors south-facing, large balcony, 5th floor, 2 master suites Direct Bayfront, unobstructed views, 2BR+ den/2.5Ba. Water views everywhere, 4BR/5Ba, 4,463 sF. 941.376.4498 Maruta Miluns 941.374.9702 s. Zimmerman/M. liberman (941) 350.5022/955.4810 sylvia Zimmerman 941.350.5022 christina landry

carol aviles 2

zimmerman

mel & jan goldsmith 2

ogilvie 2

2232 HARBOUR COURT DRIVE – LBK $1,095,000 REGENT PLACE - 655 LONGBOAT CLUB RD. $2,495,000 SEA GATE - DIRECT GULF FRONT $469,900 $669,500 TOWLES COURT ART GALLERY 4br/3.5ba Bay isles Bayfront w/2car gar., boat dock panoramic Gulf and Golf views, 3BR/3.4Ba, rarely available. 2425 Gulf of Mexico Dr. 2BR/2Ba, with Full Gulf views. charming, versatile residence/gallery, highly visible. Zoned DtE. carol aviles 941.356.6777 sylvia Zimmerman 941.350.5022 Mel & Jan Goldsmith 941.376.1717 941.356.6673 Michael & Kim ogilvie

terri derr 3

zimmerman

linda thompson’s

sharon freeman

156 BISHOPS COURT RD. – OAKS PRESERVE $479,900 GRAND BAY - LONGBOAT KEY $549,000 Fabulous GRAND BAY – LONGBOAT KEY $1,749,000 $1,345,000 1561 HARBOR CAY LANE – LBK 3br/3.5ba, 2 lots on cul de sac, flowering gardens, 2 fireplaces Bay, Golf course & downtown views, 2BR/2Ba. 4br/4.5ba, 160‘ seawall w/65‘ dock on protected yacht basin Fabulous views; resort-style amenities; pet friendly terri Derr 941.356.6694 sylvia Zimmerman 941.545.0899 941.350.5022 linda thompson 941.400.0805 sharon Freeman

opEn WEEKEnDs 9:00aM – 4:00pM

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

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

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®

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

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www.YourObserver.com

PENSION / FROM PAGE 1A which is the unfunded liabilities that are significantly larger than the normal cost in your three plans,” Linn said.

Three options Linn believes the town has available are closing, freezing or terminating the plans.

Although almost two-dozen Florida cities have closed general employee plans and set up defined contributions for new hires in the last couple of years, Linn said it’s too soon to tell whether those decisions are going to save any money in the near future.

Linn also warned that a hasty decision might not be in the town’s best interest, because the Legislature will most likely be reviewing changes to the Florida Retirement System to save money. The town has the option of entering that system for future employees or creating a definedcontribution plan for them if it terminates its plans.

Other ways to save money are increasing employee contributions to any plan and reducing benefits for new employees.

“But, no matter what you do, you won’t achieve a significant cost-savings until new employees are in the new plan,” Linn said.

Linn also warned that any future pension changes have to be collectively bargained with the police and fire unions. The general employees don’t currently have a union.

No matter what the town decides to do, it’s responsible for funding the current plans for current employees.

“It’s not necessarily a quick

BY THE NUMBERS Town Pension Costs, Fiscal Year 2009-10 Plan Amount % of payroll General Plan $672,000 27% Police Plan $582,000 61.8% Fire Plan $1.15 million 57.7% Total annual cost.............$2.4 million (44% of payroll)

Town Pension Costs, Fiscal Year 2010-11 Plan Amount % of payroll General Plan $794,000 27.8% Police Plan $711,000 68.2% Fire Plan $1.2 million 45.3% Total annual cost..........$2.7 million (41.1% of payroll) Dora Walters

Commissioner Robert Siekmann suggested the entire commission review the town’s three pension plans at least twice a month. process,” Linn said. “Pension plans are long-term negotiations.”

Longboat Key Public Interest Committee Pension Committee Co-Chairman Dick Antoine also made a presentation to the commission, explaining that a group of five residents has been investigating the town’s three pension places since November.

“We understand the town has legal obligations to fund the pension plans for current employees,” Antoine said. “But the path we believe we are on is very concerning.

“We estimate the $2.7 million responsibility to taxpayers today will increase to $4 million to $6 million per year going forward to pay liabilities,” Antoine said.

“The bottom line is we are heading toward a financial crisis and town employees and taxpayers

face difficult situations going forward.”

Antoine stressed the need to make a decision as soon as possible.

“Every year we wait, this hole gets deeper,” Antoine said.

Committee member Larry Linhart urged the town to get out of the pension business altogether.

“Benefits are unaffordable and unpredictable, therefore the town should transition to defined contribution plans,” Linhart said. “We don’t believe the town belongs in the pension business, because it’s too expensive and too complicated.”

Commissioner David Brenner urged the commission to consider forming a working group of three commissioners to discuss future recommendations for the plan.

But Commissioner Robert

Average Town Pension Cost Per Employee General Employee..................................................... $15,880 Police Employee........................................................ $47,400 Fire Employee........................................................... $36,360

Pension Unfunded Liability Year Total 2003 $10.5 million 2004 $12.6 million 2005 $15.5 million 2006 $15.8 million 2007 $21.1 million 2008 $22.7 million 2009 $26.3 million Total increase.............................................................. 150%

Siekmann received consensus for the entire commission to review the pension plans at least twice a month moving forward.

The commission agreed to meet again at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, at Town Hall to discuss the pension issue.

presents

NATIONAL WATERCOLOR SOCIETY

90th Annual Traveling Exhibition February 1st - March 18th, 2011

Todd Levetzow, “Glass Constellation”

Carole Pickle, “Red. Gold and Black”

View the best watercolor paintings in the nation!

ArtCenter Manatee is proud to host this year’s NWS Traveling Exhibition accompanied by the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society “Open, Aqueous Exhibition”.

Visit us and enjoy the vibrant watercolors & special workshops.

51688

for more information visit www.artcentermanatee.org 209 9th st w bradenton fl 34205

51365

Watercolor workshops by nationally acclaimed artists Margaret Hall Hoybach - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday March 8, 9, 10 Janet King - Friday, Saturday, Sunday March 25, 26, 27 Call 941-746-2862 or visit www.artcentermanatee.org to register.

52308

$10 Suggested Donation. Docent Led Tours Available.

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

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final phase

City puts finishing touches on renovated Bird Key Park

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

Construction of Bird Key Park is in its final stages.

According to Neil Gaines, projects manager for the city of Sarasota, the city is currently working on its “punch list” for the park — the final list of details that need to be addressed. But, at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, the city will celebrate the reopening of the park at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of major construction, which began in April.

But the weather has gotten in the way of a few details.

Cones are currently in place in the parking area, where sod had to be re-laid in the past couple of weeks after heavy rain.

“It was kind of like the perfect storm,” Gaines said. “The sod hadn’t had a chance to set, and it was too much, too fast.”

And the cold weather damaged some plants, such as buttonwood trees and shrubbery, not just in Bird Key Park, but throughout Sarasota.

“We’ve had some significant cold weather and will have to see if these

401 Manatee

SAFETY FIRST

bicyclist is the only way to prevent accidents.

But a group of approximately 20 bicyclists, called the Palma Sola Peloton, are upset with town officials and town commissioners for what they perceive as a lack of understanding about bicycle safety.

Other bicycling groups in the area are also upset with the decision.

Key resident Joe Moccia, the town’s appointed bicycle pedestrian representative to the Sarasota Bicycle Advisory Board, says that both his bicycle group (Palma Sola Peloton) and bicyclists from all over the area are not being treated fairly.

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

Thirty-two of those signs are bicyclerelated signs; there are a total 126 bicycle signs currently on the Key. “Those signs are needed to protect novice bikers who don’t know how to ride defensively,” Moccia said.

FDOT has agreed to add back in approximately 18 bike signs near congestion hot spots.

The remaining 94 bicycle signs already on the Key will be spaced out in one-mile increments along the Key on 55 posts (some posts will hold more than one sign).

Hogle says those recommendations are more than reasonable.

But Moccia and Key resident Paul Skversky, also a member of Palma Sola Peloton, want a sign before and after each hotspot, for a total 36 additional signs. And they would also like to see bicycle signs at every half-mile.

Moccia and Cortez resident Steve Bayard exchanged e-mails with Vice Mayor Jim Brown last week. Brown believes the signs are excessive and told the bicyclists to ride elsewhere if they don’t feel safe.

“Speaking for myself, I do not support

Bicyclist Safety Tips • Go with the traffic flow; ride in the same direction as other vehicles.

• Obey all traffic laws.

• Yield to traffic when appropriate.

• Be predictable; signal your moves to others.

• Stay alert at all times.

• Watch for parked cars; and look before turning. * Information courtesy of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Motorist Safety Tips • Bicyclists are different but equal. Treat them as slow-moving vehicles.

• Exercise patience.

• Exercise respect for bicyclists.

• Do not pass a cyclist until you can safely do so.

• Watch for bicyclists when attempting a right turn.

• Watch for bicyclists before backing out of a driveway.

• Do not honk at bicyclists in close proximity.

• Stay at least three feet away from bicyclists at all times. * Information courtesy of Yield to Life

that number of signs currently on Gulf of Mexico Drive, and I believe that FDOT and the Longboat Key Town Planning Board have worked out a reasonable solution to the problem,” Brown said.

The commission will formally discuss the matter at its 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17 regular workshop. Another sign meeting has been scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15.

Happy TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY NOTICE OF CHANGE OF PERMITTED USE PUBLIC HEARING -–FEBRUARY 15, 2011- 9:00 AM Valentine’s Please take notice that a public hearing will be held to consider the following ordinance: Day!

TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY NOTICE OF CHANGE OF PERMITTED USE PUBLIC HEARING –FEBRUARY 15, 2011- 9:00 AM TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY Please take notice thatNOTICE a public OF hearing will be OF heldPERMITTED to consider the following ordinance: CHANGE USE PUBLIC HEARING –FEBRUARY 15, 2011- 9:00 AM ORDINANCE 2011-10 ORDINANCE 2011-10 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING CODEOFOF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING CODE THE CODE OF ORDINANCES Please take notice that a public hearing will be held to consider the following ordinance: OF THE TOWN LONGBOAT KEY, AMENDING CHAPTER 158, ZONING OF THE OF TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY,FLORIDA, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 158, ZONING CODE, ARTICLE I, GENERAL PROVISIONS,2011-10 DIVISION 2. LOT, YARD YARD AND BULK CODE, ARTICLE I, GENERAL PROVISIONS, DIVISION 2. LOT, AND BULK ORDINANCE REGULATIONS, SECTION 158.152, BERMS, BERMS, AN ORDINANCESECTION AMENDING THE ZONING WALLS, CODE OFFENCES, THE CODEHEDGES, OF ORDINANCES REGULATIONS, 158.152, WALLS, FENCES, HEDGES, LANDSCAPE AND FIREWOOD,

BY ADDING SUBSECTION (O), THROUGH OF THE TOWNLOGS OF LONGBOAT KEY, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 158, ZONING LOGS FIREWOOD, BYALLOW ADDING SUBSECTION (O), THROUGH LIC. #CFC057548 CPC1458020 LANDSCAPE LOTS ON GULFAND OF MEXICO DRIVE, TO UP TO SIX YARD FOOT AND FENCE OR CODE, ARTICLE I, GENERAL PROVISIONS, DIVISION 2. A LOT, BULK GULFWITH OF MEXICO DRIVE, TO ALLOW UP TOFOR AHEDGES, SIX FOOT FENCE OR WALL VEGETATIVE SCREENING; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; www.lapenseeplumbing.com LOTS ONREGULATIONS, SECTION 158.152, WALLS, FENCES, BERMS, PROVIDING FOR OF ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT LANDSCAPE LOGSREPEAL AND FIREWOOD,

BY ADDING SUBSECTION (O),HEREWITH; THROUGH WALL WITH VEGETATIVE SCREENING; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; Avenue, Holmes Beach • 778-5622 PROVIDING FOR OF AN EFFECTIVE DATE.TO ALLOW UP TO A SIX FOOT FENCE OR LOTS ON GULF MEXICO PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF DRIVE, ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; WALL WITH VEGETATIVE SCREENING; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A Public Hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board on IN the CONFLICT ordinance willHEREWITH; be held on PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES FEBRUARY at 9:00 a.m.,DATE. or as soon thereafter as may be heard, at the Town PROVIDING 15, FOR2011, AN EFFECTIVE Commission Chambers, Town Hall,and 501Zoning Bay Isles Road,on Longboat Key, Florida.

A Public Hearing before the Planning Board the ordinance will All be held on interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed amendment.

A Public Hearing before thea.m., Planning and Zoning thereafter Board on theas ordinance willheard, be held at on the Town FEBRUARY 15, 2011, at 9:00 or as soon may be Copies of the15, proposed material may be viewed at the Planning, FEBRUARY 2011, atamendment 9:00 a.m., and or asrelated soon thereafter as may be heard, at the Town Commission Chambers, Town Hall, Bay IslesRoad, Road, Longboat Key,p.m.

Florida. All Zoning & Building Department, 501 501 Bay between 8:30 a.m. andFlorida.

5:00 Commission Chambers, Town Hall, 501 Isles Bay Road, Isles Longboat Key, All Questions may be directed to the Planning, Zoning & Building Department at interestedweekdays. persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed amendment. interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed amendment.

Theproposed proposed amendment amendment and will affect within the corporate of Copies of the relatedproperty material maymay be viewed at boundaries the Planning, Copies of 316-1966. the proposed amendment and related material be viewed at the Planning, the Town of Longboat Key as501 shown on theRoad, map between appearing at a.m. the bottom of p.m. this & Building Department, Bay Isles Isles 8:30 and 5:00 Zoning & Zoning Building Department, 501 Bay Road, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. advertisement. weekdays. Questions may be directed to the Planning, Zoning & Building Department at weekdays.316-1966.

Questions may be directed to the Planning, Zoning & Building Department at The proposed amendment will affect property within the corporate boundaries of verbatim record by a certified court reporter is made of these proceedings.

Accordingly, 316-1966.No The proposed amendment will affect property within the corporate boundaries of the Town of Longboat Key as shown on the map appearing at the bottom of this any person who may seek to appeal any decision involving the matters noticed herein will the Townadvertisement. of Longboat Key as shown on the map appearing at the bottom of this be responsible for making a verbatim record of the testimony and evidence at these advertisement. proceedings upon which any appeal is to beisbased (see Section 286.0105, F.S.). In No verbatim record by a certified court reporter made of these proceedings.

Accordingly, accordance with may the seek Americans withany Disabilities and Section 286.26, F.S.,herein persons any person who to appeal decision Act involving the matters noticed will needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Town be responsible for making a verbatim record of the testimony and evidence at No verbatim record by a certified court reporter is made of these proceedings.these Accordingly, Clerk’ s office upon at 941-316-1999 (48) hours in advance of this286.0105, proceeding.

If you proceedings which any forty-eight appeal to be based (see Section F.S.).

Inherein will any person who may seek to appeal anyisdecision involving the matters noticed are hearing impaired, call 941-373-7002. accordance with the please Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, F.S., persons be responsible making a verbatim record inofthisthe testimony evidence

needing for a special accommodation to participate proceeding shouldand contact the Town at these BJ Webb, Chairman, Planning and Zoning Board proceedings upon which any appeal is to be based (seeofSection 286.0105, Clerk’ s office at 941-316-1999 forty-eight (48) hours in advance this proceeding.

If you F.S.). In Published: 02-09-2011 are hearingthe impaired, please call 941-373-7002. accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, F.S., persons needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Town BJ Webb, Chairman, Planning and Zoning Board Clerk’ s office at 941-316-1999 forty-eight (48) hours in advance of this proceeding. If you Published: 02-09-2011

are hearing impaired, please call 941-373-7002.

BJ Webb, Chairman, Planning and Zoning Board Published: 02-09-2011

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ge n u l P l l ’ We arts Out Our He for You!

SIGNS / FROM PAGE 1A

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Lido Key is the next phase of the West Bayfront Multi-Use Recreation Trail (MURT). According to Gaines, bids for the project will open Feb. 17, and the city hopes to begin construction March 15. Construction will likely span between five and six months.

plants come out from cold damage,” Gaines said.

Last week, the city did a walk-through of the park to finalize plans.

The park project is part of the Bird Key portion of the West Bayfront Multi-Use Recreation Trail (MURT), which will connect the existing Bayfront MURT to St. Armands and Lido keys. The Bird Key phase generated controversy after park users worried that the plan would interfere with water sports and the bayfront view. In November 2009, the Sarasota City Commission approved a motion ordering city staff to go forward with plans for the park in two phases.

Lou Costa, secretary/treasurer of the Bird Key Improvement Association, said that comments about the park upgrades have been positive.

“We have received nothing but kudos about how it looks from the residents,” he said.

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NEXT STOP

Rachel S. O’Hara

The traffic cones in the parking lot at Bird Key Park are intended to allow the new sod time to set.

www.YourObserver.com

12A

Escape route 11:50 a.m. — 4700 block of GMD. Trespassing. A hotel general manager reported a trespasser. The trespasser could not be located.

Travel trouble

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

8:09 p.m. — 600 block of Spanish Drive North. Lost Property. A man told police he lost his wallet in Ohio while en route to Longboat Key.

Jan. 29

Valid point

Jan. 27

10:55 a.m. — 200 block of GMD. Traffic Violation. A man received a ticket for not having a valid driver’s license.

More than ‘meats’ the eye 9:13 a.m. — 2600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive (GMD). Lost Property. A couple called police to report that resort employees were entering their room and taking everything from purses to dirty boxers. Police were able to find the items in question in the room and asked resort employees about the couple’s behavior.

Five resort employees told police the couple accused them of stealing purses, meatballs left in the refrigerator and other items. No further action was taken.

Ex-lovers quarrel 7:11 p.m. — 500 block of Yawl Lane.

Suspicious Circumstance. A woman reported that her ex-husband was destroying items in her home, because he’s upset with the home’s upcoming sale.

Jan. 30 Caller i.d.

11:48 p.m. — 6800 block of GMD. Security Check. Police secured the door of a construction office.

12:12 p.m. — 5400 block of GMD. Found Property. A woman dropped off a cell phone she found on St. Armands Circle. The owner was located and retrieved his phone.

Scam scare

Jan. 31

Office door locked

1:08 p.m. — 3200 block of GMD. Suspicious Circumstance. A woman told police someone called her impersonating her grandson and asked her for money.

Police advised the woman it is a longrunning scam.

Playing it cool 1:45 p.m. — 3600 block of Bayou Circle. Civil Disturbance. A woman told police a contractor installed a used airconditioning system, and she refused to let him back into her house to retrieve his belongings. Police stood by while he collected his things. The air conditioner issue was deemed a civil matter.

Jan. 28 Getting wired 3:15 a.m. — 5600 block of GMD. Fire.

Police stood by as Longboat Key Fire Rescue worked on an electrical problem in a building.

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

“Best Public/Semi Private Golf Course in Sarasota” Bobby Jones Golf Club is a 45 hole municipal facility named for the legendary Robert Tyre Jones, Jr., who personally dedicated the facility on Sunday, February 13, 1927.

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

• Flooring • Tile & Granite Gallery 2319 72nd Ave. East • Sarasota, FL 34243

Pat’s Cabinets 941-224-3247 Licensed & Insured

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

NeWS

www.YourObserver.com

13A

community calendar

Golf Is

Our Passion.

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

Republican Club of Longboat Key — meets at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd. Former U.S. Rep. Dan Miller will speak about current events, including redistricting issues and the Republican majority. Cost is $22 for members; $25 for non-members. RSVP by calling Ruth Strauss at 383-5349.

18th Annual Chapel Jazz Service — takes place at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The service features Al Hixon on drums, along with Tony Swain, Mark Neuenschwander, Paul Mastriani, Austin Gill, Gary Deary and Chris

Brown. A goodwill offering will be taken. Call 383-6491.

Mote Special Lecture Series — continues at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, at Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. Writer, broadcaster and marine biologist Helen Scales will present “Exploring the Romantic World of Seahorses.” Call 388-4441.

LONGBOAT KEY Kiwanis Foundation Valentine’s Day Ball

NY’s 92nd Street Y ‘Live’ Program — takes place at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. The satellite broadcast will feature Shi Lei, who will present the history of Jewish life in Kaifeng, China. The event is free for Beth Israel members and $5 for non-members. Call 383-3428.

Harry’s Wine Tasting — takes place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, at Harry’s Continental Kitchens, 525 St. Judes Drive. Proceeds benefit Mote Marine Laboratory. Cost is $10, $5 of which goes to Mote. Call 383-0777.

‘Love Those Lyrics’ Concert Takes place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 15, at Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design, 6860 Longboat Drive S. Katt Heffner and her band will perform songs from the “Great American Song Book.” Cost is $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Call 383-2345.

DON’T MISS

What: The event features a 17-piece band, dancing, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner and recognition of 2010 Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key Citizen of the Year Matt Walsh.

Tickets are $85 per person, $47 of which is tax deductible. Contact Bob Gault at 387-8458 or John Wild at 383-4253.

When: 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 Where: Longboat Key Club and Resort Harbourside Dining Room, 3000 Harbourside Drive

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

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

Longboat Key Historical Society — meets at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design, 6860 Longboat Drive S. Underwater archaeologist Steven Koski will speak about the history and archaeology of Little Salt Spring, a South Florida sinkhole. Call Tom Mayers at 383-6598.

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

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Please call us. We will review your policies and discuss them in more detail. Your financial health is very important to us.

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Sarasota Republican Club Dinner — takes place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd. Matt Walsh, CEO and co-owner of the Observer Group Inc., will be the keynote speaker. Cost is $25 for members; $35 for non-members. For information or reservations, call Joni Weist at 924-4010 or visit sarasotarepublicanclub. com.

Many investors own annuity policies, often written by several different companies. If you are one of these investors, Stifel Nicolaus offers a Free annuity review service. We can analyze your current annuities to help you understand the current value, historical returns, and current rate of return.

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386 St. Armands Circle • 941.388.2801

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Not all styles availablle in all boutiques. Valid 2/8/11 - 2/14/11.

Northern Trust Plaza 1515 Ringling Blvd., 10th Floor Sarasota, FL 34236

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

NeIGHBORHOOD

www.YourObserver.com

super sunday

TREASURED TOUR

Home and Garden Tour will be in full bloom

By Maria Amodio | Staff Writer

The owners of five unique homes throughout Longboat Key and Lido Shores will be opening their doors to the public during the Longboat Key Garden Club’s 35th annual Home and Garden Tour Saturday, March 5.

This year’s tour will begin on the north end of the Key at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design, where guests will be shown around the Arts Center’s galleries and studios.

Guests will then make their way south, stopping at the homes of Jim and Susan Pressly, Don and Mary Haas, Lenny and Susan Landau and Honey Mann. The final destination will be the Lido Shores home of Ralph and Sheri Trine, where a poolside raffle by award-winning artists and an arts-and-crafts boutique will be held.

The tour will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 5. Tickets are $20 and will go on sale Feb. 22 at various locations throughout Longboat Key, Anna Maria and Sarasota (see box below).

Proceeds from the tour will go to the Garden Club’s scholarships, grants and educational and community projects, such as the club’s help in sending local youth to Camp Wekiva, which special-

Photos by Dora Walters

Party organizer Mel Levy and his “girls”: Pat Bailey, Agnes Forcht and Carol Stephani

Beachplace residents pack the clubhouse

By Dora Walters | Senior Editor

Once again, residents of Beachplace followed tradition and held a Super Bowl party in the clubhouse. As usual, party organizer Mel Levy, assisted by his “girls,” Patty Bailey, Agnes Forcht and Carol

Stephani, was in charge of the setup.

There were lots of nibbles and some informal non-monetary betting, which added up to a fun evening. Well, it was fun for almost all, except a couple of die-hard Chicago Bears fans, who could hardly stand to watch the game.

Tour stops Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design, 6860 Longboat Drive S. 

 

The Pressly Home, 560 Broadway The Haas Home, 6201 Gulf of Mexico

Drive 

The Landau Home, 3518 Fair Oaks



The Mann Home, 3572 Fair Oaks Way



The Trine Home, 1415 Westway Drive,

Lane

Lido Shores

izes in nature study. Last year’s tour netted $14,000, and Garden Club President Jackie Salvino expects this year to be an even bigger success.

“The community has been wonderfully supportive this year,” says Salvino.

The Garden Club has already raised $5,000 through advertisements for its tour booklet, which is given to everyone taking the tour and acts as the ticket to each house.

For more information, contact Salvino at 383-1406 or Sarah Tate at 383-0117.

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS 2011 Home and Garden Tour tickets will be available at the following locations: Anna Maria

• Ginny and Jane E’s, 9807 Gulf Drive Scorekeeper Tony Mazziotti

Holmes Beach

• Irene’s, 5308 Marina Drive Longboat Key

• Design 2000, 6840 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Exit Art (Chart House and Centre Shops locations), 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive and 5380 GMD • Longboat BP, 400 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Longboat Library, 555 Bay Isles Road • Nosh-A-Rye, 23 Ave. of the Flowers

Right: Jerry Rosenthal and his daughter, Amy

Serving The KeyS: Bird/Lido ST. ArmAndS LongBoAT

• Davidson Drugs, 1281 S.Tamiami Trail • Living Walls, 1311 Main St.

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• Davidson Drugs, 6595 Midnight Pass Road and 5124 Ocean Ave. St. Armands

• Circle Books, 478 John Ringling Blvd.

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• Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce, 5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

15A

Coldwell Banker

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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

Lido Shores $8,900,000 Barbara Ackerman, 941-924-9000 Superb appoint- Beaches Of Longboat Key $985,000 Barbara Miller, 941-388-3966 Combine Longboat Key Moorings $140,000 Linda Weber, 941-924-9000 48 x 21 boat ments define this 5BR/6+BA residence. Cathedral ceilings. SHF#A3934496 high style with practicality with this inspired 3BR/3BA condo. SHF#A3929851 slip at the LBK Moorings, part of the Longboat Key Club Resort SHF#A3905510 Bird Key $3,495,000 Roger Pettingell, 941-924-9000 4BR/5BA Dazzling Veinte $879,000 Barbara Ackerman, 941-924-9000 Begin a brand new life in Mainland Sarasota views of the Bay, etched glass doors, and marble floors. SHF#A3909082 this outstanding 2BR/2BA waterfront condo. SHF#A3935769 Lido C, Lido Shores $2,800,000 Jo James, 941-388-3966 Reward yourself Islander Club $790,000 Lynne Koy, 941-924-9000 2 unit 3BR/3BA condo Old Oaks $1,499,000 David Jennings, 941-388-3966 Spectacular home in with rich styling in this fashionable 3BR/3+BA residence. SHF#A3936777 with a terrace off the master w/Gulf & Bay views. SHF#A3929310 Indian Beach. 3b/3b 2-story house classic “Key West” SHF#A3931082 Bird Key $1,800,000 Laura Pearson, 941-388-3966 Bird Key 2 Story, Sea Gate Club $675,000 Barbara Ackerman, 941-924-9000 2BR/2BA Gulf Hidden Oaks $645,000 Kathy Scott, 941-388-3966 4BR/3+BA plus guest 5BR/5+BA canal front home. 3 car gar, generous floorplan. SHF#A3934755 view condo w/wood floors, bright white kitchen & large terrace SHF#A3933691 suite. Open plan. Just minutes to cultural amenities. SHF#A3927555 Lido Shores $1,299,900 Jo James, 941-388-3966 Designed Phillip Hiss & Sea Gate Club $665,000 Barbara Miller, 941-388-3966 Exceptional 2BR/2BA Red Hawk Reserve $549,000 Patrick DiPinto, 941-924-9000 4BR/3BA/3CGar renovated by Architect D. Chappell. Private beach SHF#A3920327 waterfront condo. Community swimming pool and tennis. SHF#A3928267 on quiet cul-de-sac with pool, hot tub and over-sized lanai. SHF#A3908736 Lido Shores $799,000 Lynne Koy, 941-924-9000 3BR/3BA home with an upCasa Del Mar $629,000 Judy Kepecz-Hays, 941-924-9000 Remodeled, Gulf dated kitchen & master & a wood burning fire place. SHF#A3923864 Eagles Point $449,500 Renata Chanoski, 941-924-9000 Beautiful views front 2nd flr vacation getaway or income producing rental. SHF#A3930725 from this corner PH residence w/marble entry & wood floors. SHF#A3921739 Lido Regency $625,000 Tracy Eisnaugle, 941-388-3966 Beautiful 2BR/2BA Beachplace $599,000 Taube Levitt, 941-388-3966 Exceptional 2BR/2BA wawaterfront condo. Elevators. Community swimming pool. SHF#A3934083 Del Sol Village $299,000 Scott Norris, 941-924-9000 Find joy in the warm terfront condo. Elevators, foyer, walk-in closets. SHF#A364129 ambiance of this tile-roofed residence. 4 BR/2 baths. SHF#A3937805 Key Towers South $589,000 Lynne Koy, 941-924-9000 Begin and end your Westchester $599,000 Toni Giliberti, 941-924-9000 Begin and end your search with this beautiful 2BR/2BA waterfront condo. SHF#A3937988 Crooked Creek $219,000 Audrey Marten, 941-924-9000 3BR/3BA condo search with this distinctive 2BR/2BA condo. SHF#A3938267 w/2CGarage snuggled in a wooded area w/walking paths. SHF#A3932435 Longboat Key Grand Bay $499,000 Lynne Koy, 941-924-9000 Enjoy sunsets from this 2BR/2BA Grand Bay Penthouse featuring two terraces. SHF#A3916646 Harbor Oaks $209,500 Anita Caravello, 941-924-9000 You will go for this Gulf Front Estate $11,500,000 Barbara Ackerman, 941-924-9000 7BR/6.5BA w/150’ of beach front on the Gulf. Located on more than 2 acres. Beachplace III $449,000 Bruce Myer, 941-924-9000 Beautiful 2BD/2BA endearing 3BR/2BA residence. Walk-in closet. SHF#A3938565 SHF#A3933339 home is turn-key furnished, freshly painted w/new carpet. SHF#A3925474

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SHF#A3933546 mer model w/upgrades, 10 ft ceilings & wrap around terrace. SHF#A3930683 welcoming condo in a gated community. 2 baths. SHF#A3936070 Water Club $2,499,000 Judy Kepecz-Hays, 941-924-9000 3BR/4BA Gulf Islander Club $399,000 Judy Kepecz-Hays, 941-924-9000 2BR residence Bollettiere Resort Villas $1,100,000 David/Wendy Leventhal, 941-924-9000 3BR Townhome at IMG Academy. Master has spa & custom 5 spray shower view condo w/large terraces, pvt elevator, & travertine floors SHF#A382362 has 38í terrace w/newly remodeled kitchen w/granite counters. SHF#A303203 head. SHF#A3934063 Bay Isles $2,495,000 Roger Pettingell, 941-924-9000 5BR/4BA home w/3 Banyan Bay $399,000 David/Wendy Leventhal, 941-924-9000 Enjoy an easyguest suites, office/5th bedroom & deep water dockage. SHF#A3932809 going future in this charming 3BR/3BA condo. Short Sale. SHF#A3938183 St. Armand’s Key Sabal Cove $1,898,000 Judy Kepecz-Hays, 941-924-9000 Home is currently Fairway Bay $389,000 Bruce Myer, 941-924-9000 Furnished 4th floor Saint Armands $625,000 Kathy Scott, 941-388-3966 Pamper yourself with being built, southern exposure w/lake & golf course views SHF#A3933234 2BED/2BATH condominium with great southerly bay views! SHF#A3938103 luxury in this impressive, fenced 3BR/2BA residence. SHF#A3926873 Villa Di Lancia $1,750,000 Patrick DiPinto, 941-924-9000 Magnificent gulf Seaplace $349,000 Lynne Koy, 941-924-9000 2BR/2BA residence. Includes views. Luxurious 3BR/3BA end unit. 2,485 sqft. Gorgeous. SHF#A3934538 Venice/Osprey/Nokomis 2 htd pools/spas, club house & fitness ctr. SHF#A3924866 Queens Harbour $1,399,000 Barbara Ackerman, 941-924-9000 4BR/3BA home w/unobstructed Bay views, dock w/lift & guest cottage w/bath. Fairway Bay $349,000 Bruce Myer, 941-924-9000 Crisp, clean, 2BR/2BA Bay Point Area $6,900,000 Tracy Eisnaugle, 941-388-3966 Luxurious discondo w/tile floor & contemporary furnishings. SHF#A3936418 tinction of this spacious tile-roofed 6BR/6+BA residence. SHF#A3935682 SHF#A3925540 L’Ambiance 1 $1,295,000 Roger Pettingell, 941-924-9000 Enjoy Gulf views Longboat Pass Condo $299,900 Jonas Forslund, 941-924-9000 1BR/1BA Shakett Creek Pointe $749,000 Tracy Eisnaugle, 941-388-3966 Welfrom this 3BR/3BA condo with 700 ft of wraparound terraces SHF#A3922196 overlooking island w/bay waters that lead to the gulf in minutes. SHF#A3908409 come the good life in this 4BR/4BA stucco residence. Gated community.

Grand Bay $1,275,000 Roger Pettingell, 941-924-9000 Picture yourself luxu- Longboat Key $299,900 Patrick DiPinto, 941-924-9000 Canal front home, SHF#A3937409 one minute to Sarasota Bay, 2BR/2BA, Beach Access. SHF#A3938510 riating in this fascinating 3BR/3+BA condo. SHF#A3934890 Southbay Yacht Club $649,000 Joe Boguszewski, PA, 941-388-3966 BeauSabal Cove $1,150,000 Linda Weber, 941-924-9000 3BR/3BA Single-family Whitney Beach $259,000 Patrick DiPinto, 941-924-9000 Bask in the charms tiful updated 3BR/2+BA home with screened pool and secluded backyard. of this hospitable 2BR/2BA waterfront condo with dock. SHF#A3938680 in the LBK Club. Caged pool & lanai in pvt setting. SHF#A3894897 SHF#A3936939

941.924.9000 ❙ F L O R I D A M O V E S . C O M ©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.

51679

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

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

NeIGHBORHOOD

www.YourObserver.com

fan favorites

fashion sense

Football fans tailgate BKYC members display for a charitable cause their sporty sides at show

By Maria Amodio | Staff Writer

By Maria Amodio | Staff Writer

Duane Harms, Karen Elliot and Judith Harms

Bird Key Yacht Club members modeled tennis and golf fashions from Laurel Oak Country Club Thursday, Jan. 27, at the club. The fashion show and luncheon was the final event of the watch year and was organized

by Cindy Wolfendale, Marie Hunter and Charlene Creel.

Football fans came out to cheer on their favorite teams at the Big Game party held Sunday, Feb. 7, at Sarasota Yacht Club. Approximately 100 people attended the event, which featured Super Bowl coverage on two jumbo-sized projection screens, a 50/50 raffle and a buffet of traditional tailgating fare.

The event, which was open to the public, raised $1,155 for the Sarasota Yacht Club Charitable Foundation grant program to benefit youth educational programs in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Melissa Morrill chaired the event.

Left: Barbara Sanandres and Cindy Wolfendale

Photos by Maria Amodio

Peter Molinari strikes a pose.

Nancy Cox, Don Payzant and Chairwoman Melissa Morrill

Casual Italian Restaurant Delicious Dinners Nightly 4:30-Close

Osso Buco • Veal Chop • Chicken • Lamb • Fresh Seafood Sea Bass • Dover Soul • Pasta • Pizza 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key

50149

Call for reservations 383-0013

Jacqueline Bouma models a colorful golfing ensemble.

SEAFOOD • PASTA • FISH • PASTA • BEEF • SALADS • LOBSTER

Casual Italian Cuisine Hand Tossed Brick Oven Pizza LBK ’S NEIGHB ORHOOD ITALIAN RESTAUR ANT Since 1990

IA L A IT DINNER Nightly 4:30 - 10:00

Early Dining and 2 for 1 Wine or Tap Beer 4:30 - 6 pm Nightly

Located in Mid-Longboat Key in the Centre Shops • 5370 Gulf of Mexico Dr.

Beer & Wine • 383-0010 • Take Out Available

Breakfast served daily until 11:30 a.m.

NOSH-A-RYE RestauRant & Deli

MUSSELS • LOBSTER • ANTIPASTO

Café Don Giovanni

Karen Cogbill walks the runway.

50971

Photos by Maria Amodio

MUSSELS • LOBSTER • ANTIPASTO

Norman Reinertsen and Joan Hayes

Ask us about your Caterin g & Deli-Tray needs.

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Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. sunday: 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

23 Ave. of the Flowers • Longboat Key (behind Publix) 941-387-9300

Golf Lessons available thru our head professional

Stone Crabs Are Here

Ask about our Seasonal Membership

accepting Golf outings for 2011

Fall Rates

$10 OFF

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

Call Ahead Seating/Reservations for 6 or more

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Since 1967

Photos by Dora Walters

Al Hixon plays for the enthusiastic crowd.

rience The Lo n

Dr. Larry Kassouf DDs Directions To The Office of Dr. Kassouf Turn at the traffic light at the corner of Bay Isles Parkway and Gulf of Mexico Drive. Proceed past Publix and CVS and you will see an office building straight ahead. That building is the Mediterranean Plaza building. Dr. Kassouf’s offices are on the first floor in Suite 110.

941.383.6400

50654

An enthusiastic audience greeted Al Hixon and his All-Star Jazz Band Feb. 3 at the second concert in the Longboat Key Center for the Arts’ All That Jazz series.

There was warm applause for bass player Vince Evans, who entertained the crowd with “Ol’ Folks.” The ensemble’s “Sweet Georgia Brown” was another crowd-pleaser. And vocalist Lorri Hafer presented some of her personal favorites, including “World on a String” and “Them There Eyes,” which were equally liked by the audience.

Joining drummer Hixon was Johnny Varro, piano; Jim Wellen, saxophone; Bob Switzer, trumpet; and Evans. The next concert in the series, “Love Those Lyrics!” takes place Feb. 15 and will feature Katt Hefner, vocals; Errol Wise, drums; Matt Bokulic, piano; and Butch Thomas, tenor saxophone.

xp e

By Dora Walters | Senior Editor

Longboat Key DentaL

All-Stars drum up crowd support

ntal Atti tu De d

local legends

oat Ke gb

y

17A

E

www.YourObserver.com

e

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

www.LongboatKeyDental.com

r o C o ar d n I

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Autos, BoAts & RVs Located Two Miles from SRQ Airport

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Right: Jim Wellen hits the right notes on his sax.

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Above: Barcy Grauer with Mort and Lee Sternberg

18A

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

RELIGION

in memoriam

Josenhanss had strong voice at Town Hall

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

he disagreed with a decision his group of dealers made to merge with Mercury Rainer Josenhanss yelled, jumped up dealers. So, in 1959, according to his reand down and waved his arms at Long- sume, he wrote a “strong letter” to the boat Key Town Commission meetings. group vice president and resigned.

Sometimes when he spoke beFrom 1959 to 1981, Josenfore the commission, he did so hanss served as executive vice with such fervor that he looked president and CEO of World like he was praying.

Wide Volkswagen Porsche He sometimes got into Audi, in Orangeburg, N.Y. In shouting matches with mayors that time sales volume somemid-meeting. But his passion times reached 100,000 cars was indicative of his big ideas, per year. From 1981 to 1990, both for Longboat Key and its he owned and operated six car government. dealerships in St. Petersburg.

“Rainer was a great advocate Then, in 1990, after selling for the citizens of Longboat his dealerships, he established Key,” said former Longboat Key P.M.A. Worldwide Inc., a marMayor Jeremy Whatmough. keting, consulting and training “And he was a great advocate, company. really, for the government of Josenhanss In the 1990s, after retiring to Longboat Key.” Longboat Key, Josenhanss beJosenhanss, who spearheaded the drive came a regular at Town Hall, one of just for an amendment requiring public votes three or four residents who regularly aton revenue bond issues, which passed in tended commission meetings.

1998, died Monday, Feb. 7. He was 85.

“He was very decisive,” said former “He was a very contentious person,” Longboat Key resident Betty Blair. “He said former Mayor Ron Johnson. “But he didn’t stew over problems. He wanted to asked a lot of questions and caused peo- work immediately and solve them.” ple to think about a lot of things.”

In 1996, Josenhanss generated controBorn Nov. 11, 1925, in Germany, he versy when he circulated a petition for an wrote in a 1995 resume that he was a amendment that would require commisgraduate engineer who trained at the sioners to gain approval via a public referWillesden Technical College, in London. endum for any and all projects exceeding “I came to America for the opportunity $800,000. At the time some, commisto grow and advance,” he wrote. sioners worried that such an amendment He graduated from Austin Motor Co.’s would handcuff the town and politicize apprentice program and served as as- issues. But Josenhanss insisted that he sistant service manager for the company was concerned by spiraling budgets and for five years, beginning in 1950. Then, wanted to give taxpayers a voice. in 1955, he became sales manager for the In 1998, the amendment passed with imported Fords International Division at 77% of the vote.

Ford Motor Co., in Dearborn, Mich. But Josenhanss also served on a facilities

advisory committee that orchestrated a plan for a $4 million bond issue to remodel Town Hall and build a new police station and public-works facility. Voters approved that project in 1999, with 71% of voters in favor. When the project passed, Josenhanss told the Longboat Observer that he was pleased with the decision.

“As I’ve said so often, there are no stupid people on Longboat Key,” Josenhanss said.

Josenhanss and his wife, Harriet, moved to The Oaks, in Osprey (and recently to Plymouth Harbour). But, according to Johnson, Josenhanss still returned to commission meetings on occasion and gave his opinions. Then, during one meeting, Johnson recalls that Josenhanss felt like commissioners weren’t listening to his opinions. He left the meeting and never came back to Town Hall.

Although Josenhanss is remembered as a controversial figure, he had many memorable qualities.

Johnson remembers him as a gracious and gregarious host, one who treated guests in his home with kindness.

Whatmough remembers Josenhanss’ creativity. He helped with the establishment of Solutions to Avoid Red Tide (START) and designed handouts that were effective enough to get attention in Tallahassee. And, althoughhe was a “rabble rouser,” according to Whatmough, he was also a “true gentleman.”

Above all: “He was always himself,” Whatmough said.

As of press time, no services were scheduled. Toale Brothers Funeral Home is responsible for arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota, boysandgirlsclubs.com.

WORSHIP SERVICES All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road, will hold Wednesday communion and anointing services at 10 a.m. Sunday worship services are at 8 and 10 a.m. The Rev. David Danner is the rector. 383-8161.

Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian USA, 595 Bay Isles Drive, will hold Sunday worship services at 10 a.m. The Rev. Bruce Porter is the pastor. 383-8833.

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

383-6491.

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 N. Adams Drive, will hold contemporary Sunday worship services at 9 a.m. and traditional Sunday worship services at 11 a.m.

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

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, will hold Saturday Masses at 4 and 6 p.m. and Sunday Masses at 8, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Daily Masses are at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday. Mgsr. Gerard Finegan is the pastor. 383-1255.

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

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obituaries

Selwyn Lemchen

Selwyn Lemchen, 92, of Longboat Key and Boston, died Friday, Jan. 28.

Born May 31, 1918, he was raised in Brookline, Mass., and began his career in retail as assistant shoe buyer at Enterprise stores, where he worked for his father, Benjamin Lemchen.

After serving as an Army medic during World War II, Mr. Lemchen returned to Boston, where he quickly worked his way to the position of top buyer in the women’s and shoe Lemchen departments.

In 1955, Mr. Lemchen made a risky decision to leave Enterprise and open his first large discount store in an old textile mill. He invested his entire savings in the Kerr Mill Bargain Center, in Fall River, Mass. Over the next few years, he expanded the business into a chain of 11 stores throughout the Northeast. He was an early believer in

The Episcopal Church on Longboat Key

A. Jefferson “Jeff ” Penfield, 83, of Longboat Key, died Feb. 5.

Born Dec. 19, 1927, in New York City, he spent most of his childhood in Montreal. At age 16, he met his future wife, Katharine Eddy Swartz, with whom he sang, sailed and played tennis for 67 years. He graduated in 1949 from Penfield Princeton University, where he rowed lightweight crew, sang in the Nassoons, was

of Longboat Key • Presbyterian USA

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A. Jefferson ‘Jeff’ Penfield

a member of the Quadrangle Club and majored in English literature. He went on to Johns Hopkins University Medical School and served at a medical mission in Newfoundland. He also served during the Korean War from 1955 to 1957 in the U.S. Army Medical Corps at Fort Leavenworth, in Kansas.

Dr. Penfield was a solo practitioner in obstetrics and gynecology in Syracuse, N.Y., for more than 30 years, during which he eventually focused on outpatient gynecological procedures. He also held the position of medical director at Planned Parenthood. He made visits to teach others outpatient surgery throughout North America and in several European and Asian countries. Dr. Penfield also authored medical books about the subject and incorporated the use of sonography in his office-based practice.

In his spare time, Dr. Penfield was an avid small-boat racer both in local clubs and in national events, including in the Flying Scots at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. After retiring, Dr. Penfield and his wife divided their time between the Northeast and Longboat Key. Dr. Penfield volunteered his musical artistry, playing piano in nursing homes and bands and singing in choirs and in barbershop quartets.

Dr. Penfield is survived by his wife, Katharine; son; two daughters; and seven grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Pan Massachusetts Challenge (PMC), in which his son will bicycle in his memory to benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Send checks to Penfield, 1 Sandbar Lane, Orleans, Mass., 02653 with a note indicating “in memory of Jeff Penfield.”

Chris ChurCh

All Angels by the Sea 383-8161

the concept of discount stores and spearheaded the evolution of the conventional department-store chain into what was then one of the country’s fastest-growing discount chains.

At 49, Lemchen sold his company to Interstate Department Store, where he was vice president and director. He founded the company’s Topps division, which eventually became a 42-store discount chain.

After retiring, Mr. Lemchen spent much of his time on Longboat Key, where he enjoyed golf, fishing and taking his family out on his boat, the Lem-Chen.

Mr. Lemchen is survived by his wife of 67 years, Pearl; daughters Louise Millman, of New York City, and Madelene Posternak, of Boston and Boca Raton; sister, Lenore Prague, of Newton, Mass.; and two grandchildren.

Gendron Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., gendronfuneralhome.com, is responsible for arrangements.

The Rev. David L. Danner, D. Min., Rector

Love is the doctrine of this church…

Come join us as you travel your journey of faith.

The Rev. Kenneth Gill Senior Minister

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

52335

The Community Church on Longboat Key

9:00 a.m. Adult Education 10:00 a.m. Jazz Sunday February 13

Bay Isles Pkwy.

Kitty M. Cassis, 55, of Longboat Key and formerly of Cincinnati and New Orleans, died Thursday, Feb. 3.

Born July 16, 1955, in Birmingham, Ala., she began her 25-year commercial real-estate career at Stirling Properties Inc., in New Orleans.

She moved to Cincinnati, where she continued her working relationship with retailers, including Walmart, Sam’s Club, Hobby Lobby and Cassis many small shops and shopping-center developments. She later semi-retired and moved to Longboat Key, but semiretirement did not last long: She formed Cass-3 Investment Group, continuing her commercial real-estate work in Ohio and Kentucky and also became a franchisee of Great Clips Inc., with multiple stores in Sarasota, Venice and Nokomis.

Mrs. Cassis is remembered as the consummate Southern woman, who remained cordial even during the toughest business negotiations and was respectful to all. She is also remembered for her ability to make people feel comfortable and enjoy life and for her love of being a wife and mother.

Mrs. Cassis was preceded in death by her father, Fred Mooney. She is survived by her husband, Mark; daughter, Kiley, of Longboat Key; mother, Pearline Mooney, of Birmingham; brother, Lynn, of Birmingham; and many family members.

A ceremony to honor Mrs. Cassis’ life

will take place at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road. Burial will follow at Palms Memorial Park, in Sarasota.

Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to the V Foundation for Cancer Research, c/o Dick Vitale Inc., 7810 Mathern Court, Bradenton, Fla., 34202, or the Kitty M. Cassis Memorial Fund, The Out-of-Door Academy, 444 Reid St., Sarasota, Fla., 34242.

Toale Brothers Funeral Homes is responsible for arrangements.

“There’s a Ford in the Parlor” Music Director: Dan Hoffman

383-8833

50913

Kitty M. Cassis

www.christchurchoflbk.org

TBI Opera Night February 22 – 7:30pm

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

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

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

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

Tickets

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Artists will perform popular opera and Broadway show tunes.

Help Temple Beth Israel support the Opera Association Call 383-3428 for tickets and information A Temple Beth Israel Men’s Club Event Temple Beth Israel 567 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL 34228

52401

Temple Beth Israel

Jo in

Featuring members of Sarasota Opera’s 2011 Studio Artists Program 50147

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

20A

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

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

The Observer w w w . You r O bse r v e r . c o m

thursday FEBRUARY 10, 2011

STEPPING OUT by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

INSIDE

EDIBLES: Handy, dandy citrus candy / 6B

BLACK TIE THE SOCIAL OBSERVER

CAMERA READY: Sarasota Opera Opening Night Gala / 13B COVER: The Palm Ball / 11B

“I’m completely devoted to it,” Caiti Ward says of Irish dancing. “I’d never give it up for any other dance.”

Heidi Kurpiela

Irish spring

The effervescent Caiti Ward has spent most of her life in Irish dance dresses, curly wigs and tights. The lead bad-girl of ‘Rhythm in the Night’ proves she’s anything but unruly.

C

aiti Ward has the ideal makings of an Irish dancer: long legs, big smile, boundless energy and rigorous self-discipline.

In many ways, it’s easy to forget she’s a teenager.

Perhaps it’s because by the time Ward

was in first grade, she was dancing with her feet turned-out and crossed at the same time, her arms glued to her side, her gaze fixed straight ahead and her hair piled on top of her head in a fountain of corkscrew curls, which she attained by sitting for hours in hot rollers.

WARD CONTINUED ON PAGE 3B

Diana Kelly and Tim Fannin

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

COLUMN

art scene HEARD

HOT TICKETS Pianist Wu Han at the Van Wezel:

The Sarasota Concert Association presents The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMSLC) at 8 p.m. Feb. 16, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. If that seems like a mouthful, let’s boil it down to this: Pianist Wu Han, artistic director of the CMSLC, is an internationally recognized concerto soloist, recitalist, educator and recording artist. She’s played

by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

+ Rosemary boutique comes out of ‘The Closet’ When one door closes, another one opens.

Sure, it’s a stale expression. But it was the first thing that came to mind last month, when merchant Laura Daniel Gale announced that she had plans to transform her Rosemary District boutique, everything but the girl, into a livemusic venue.

After live-music café The Venue closed its doors within three months of opening, music hipsters were crushed.

Gale’s ebtg, which opened its doors six years ago on Central Avenue, has become a beloved haunt for downtown shoppers.

Now the merchant responsible for helping buoy the up-and-coming neighborhood is making sure the district continues to rock.

Gale has partnered with

Scott Braun

Everything but the girl’s Laura Daniel Gale with musicians Mike and Erin Murphy. brother/sister rock duo Erin and Mike Murphy (of local band The Equines) to launch a new a livemusic venue, dubbed The Closet, which will open this weekend in

the ebtg space.

The Murphys, who will run the operation, have already booked several local and regional acts, including Sons of Hippies, Cassolette, Alias Punch, The Pauses and The Broken Inn. Fans of Gale’s eclectic store need not worry. The location will continue to function as a vintageclothing and gift shop during the day.

The Closet’s grand opening is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12.

at Carnegie Hall, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and London’s Wigmore Hall, to name a few. The VW ticket price is worth it for Han’s performance alone. Add to the program violinists Erin Keefe and Arnaud

+ Arts Council forms a new ‘Alliance’ Is the Sarasota County Arts Council having a quarter-life crisis?

The 25-year-old arts institution announced last week that after three months of preparation, it’s officially changed its name to the Arts and Cultural Alliance.

The organization also revealed its new logo, which has retained its signature baby blue color and

Sussmann, violists Mark Holloway and Paul Neubauer, and cellists Gary Hoffman and Jakob Koranyi, and you’re in for one unforgettable evening. For tickets, call 955-0040 or visit www. sarasotaconcertassociation.org.

Courtesy photo

Pianist Wu Han

painterly “A” font.

According to Executive Director Jim Shirley, the name change has been a long time coming. With the recently restructured board of directors and focus on collaboration and unity in Sarasota’s arts community, the word “alliance” better illustrated the organization’s new business model.

We couldn’t agree more.

Quarter-life crisis or not — the word “council” just sounds dated.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

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3B

COVER STORY

WARD from 1B Ward has the presence of a veteran performer because she earned it.

Dressed head-to-toe in black, save for the sliver of ivory ruffles poking out of her leather biker jacket, Ward, 17, is the image of cool.

Even her hair is jet-black. A natural blonde, she dyed it three years ago because she was bored ­— or perhaps because she was hoping to add some edge to her Celtic good-girl image.

Irish dancing isn’t exactly a radical hobby.

“It’s very sophisticated,” Ward says.

“It’s very precise, and it’s less lenient than other types of dancing.”

It’s a Tuesday afternoon at Sarasota High School, where Ward, a junior, is enrolled in honors classes and AP art — her second love.

“My work appeared in an Irish dance magazine,” she says. “I forget which one.

It’s one of the big magazines.”

She reaches for her cell phone and pulls up an image rendered in bright colored pencil. The graphic could easily be marketed to a skateboard company, a potential pitch of which Ward seems to be aware.

“I’ve been asked to make posters,” she says. “I would love to do that.”

There are a lot of things the teen would love to do, starting with opening an art gallery that would double as a bakery; an Irish dance school that would double as a gym; and a non-profit organization that would provide volunteer opportunities for high school students.

Add to that the Ph.D. in business she’d like to get, or the culinary school she’d like to attend, or the art-education degree she plans to pursue.

Coincidentally, Ward is seated in her guidance counselor’s office, where in one corner of the room she’s tossed her books and a blue duffel bag with the words

FANCY FOOTWORK Ward shares the top-five tenets of Irish dancing.

Stiff-arm it

“They banned dancing at one point in Irish history, so the people protested by dancing without using their arms.”

Rock a perma-grin

“Smiling is a show for the judges. It shows them that you’re enjoying what you’re doing and grateful to be competing.”

Think tippy toes

“You’re up on your toes at all times in soft-shoe dancing. You must maintain your feet. I’m always clipping my toe nails short.”

It’s in the bag: Ward’s dance duffel says it all.

Look straight ahead

“It shows confidence. My teacher always says, ‘Look up. The floor’s not going anywhere.’”

IF YOU GO

“Rhythm in the Night” will present its “Irish Dance Spectacular” at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 11, at Sahib Shrine Auditorium, 600 N. Beneva Road. For tickets, call 366-4449 or visit www.twostepproductions.com.

Be a copy cat

“Lift your legs high with your shoulders back. You always want to make sure you’re doing the same thing as the person in front of you.”

“Irish Dance” screen-printed on the side.

A beep comes over the school loudspeaker to signal the start of a new period.

“I have friends who have no idea what they want to do after high school,” she says. “I like that I have a plan, even if it keeps changing.”

One thing that has never changed: Ward’s passion for Irish dancing.

In 2008, she placed 55th in the nation among Irish dancers. She’s since qualified twice for the Irish Dance World Championships, in Glasgow, Scotland.

Ward spent much of her childhood traveling across the country for dance competitions. Last year, she estimates she traveled to 25 different cities for dance engagements alone.

“I was a super hyper kid,” Ward says. “I had ADHD to the extreme. I remember my aunt bought me a ‘Riverdance’ video, and I was so amazed watching it for the first time, my mom spent weeks looking for an Irish dance school.”

At 6, Ward enrolled in classes at the Drake School of Irish Dance, at which she studied under Gillian McCormack-

Aeppli.

Eleven years later, she’s still dancing with McCormack-Aeppli, who several years ago opened her own school — the Irish Dance Academy of Sarasota.

“I was bouncing off the walls when I started with Gillian,” Ward says. “She taught me manners and discipline and how to work with people. She taught me how to skip! That’s how long I’ve been with her.”

Nonetheless, after years of blending in with an ensemble of identically Bo Peepcoiffed dancers, Ward says she’s ready to break out of the stiff-armed mold.

Cast as the lead bad girl in former “Lord of the Dance” performer Justin Boros’ “Rhythm in the Night” troupe, Ward will take center stage this Friday in the company’s “Irish Dance Spectacular,” at Sahib Shrine Auditorium.

Boros, who debuted his Michael Flatley-inspired dance act earlier this fall at Gulf Gate’s Irish Rover Pub, was so taken with Ward’s dancing that he reworked his 90-minute production to include a lead bad guy (played by Boros) and a lead bad girl (played by Ward).

“I’ve seen dozens of lead dancers,” Boros says. “And I’ve never seen anybody do it like Caiti. It’s not just her dancing.

It’s her energy and the way she captures an audience. She doesn’t come across as your typical 17-year-old. She has aspirations most people in their 30s don’t have.”

No one is more aware of this than Ward.

When it becomes apparent that she’s missed most of her afternoon math class, she scoots off to obtain a late pass but not before answering one last question: Is it more fun to play the good girl or the bad girl?

“Bad girl,” Ward replies without hesitation. “In real life I’m not the bad girl. I don’t cause trouble. I don’t get detention.

I get good grades, and I treat people well.

But I’m a teenager, and sometimes I just want to be rebellious.”

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4B

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

BACKSTAGE PASS by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

Scenic drive

SOROKO’S FAVORITE DESIGNS

The multi-tasking April Soroko explains how she pulled double duty for FST’s gritty legal drama, ‘Race.’

IF YOU GO

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet’s “Race” runs now through March 19, at Florida Studio Theatre. For tickets, call 3669000 or visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org. designer built the set and costumes for this season’s screwball spy thriller, “The 39 Steps.”

“Race,” which opened Jan. 26, in the Keating Theatre, has offered a sobering change of pace.

A tense legal drama, controversial for its cutting dialogue and divisive subject matter, the play follows the case of a rich white man charged with raping a young black woman.

Directed by FST’s Richard Hopkins, the play takes place in one place, on one day and required no costume changes.

“The only thing that moves on the set is a door,” Soroko says. “It opens and closes.”

Though the assignment was much less time-consuming than the designer’s usual workload, it required an attention to detail the average theatergoer might not realize, from the stately bookcases stocked with rows of

TM

Heidi Kurpiela

“I like variety,” April Soroko says. “I get bored really easily if I stick to a steady diet of one genre.” Soroko also designed the set and costumes for FST’s “The 39 Steps” and “Beehive, The ’60s Musical.” law encyclopedias to the mossy green walls, which were originally faux-finished to resemble wood.

Perched on the edge of the intimate Keating stage, Soroko rattles off the particulars of the set, starting with the hardwood floor that was installed shortly before opening night.

“We wanted the room to feel very masculine, but well used,” Soroko says. “We wanted to communicate that the office has been around for 20 years and that the furniture isn’t too precious. We didn’t want the pieces to look like a matching set.”

Soroko originally pictured an austere and sparsely decorated law office. After collaborating

 ’Debunked,’ 2004 (Triad Stage, Greensboro, N.C.) “It was a new play by Alexander Woo, who’s since gone on to produce HBO’s ‘True Blood.’ He’s one of the funniest, wackiest, weirdest playwrights out there. I never laughed so hard on a show. My face would hurt at the end of the day.”  ’Orfeo ed Euridice,’ 2001 (New Jersey Opera) “It’s Baroque opera, but they wanted to update it, so I had to find contemporary clothes equivalents. I ended up finding a gorgeous Vera Wang knock-off wedding gown.”

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with the rest of the crew, however, the box set became much more complex.

Even the costumes became fastidiously accessorized down to the width of one character’s wedding band and the length of another character’s facial stubble.

To achieve a subtly disheveled look, actor Ronald Siebert, cast as billionaire and accused rapist Charles Strickland, decided to shave his face at the end of each show, rather than fold it into his morning routine.

“The actors have been so helpful,” Soroko says. “They know their characters better than anyone. Really, there’s only so much I can bring to it.”

 ’The Tempest,’ 2010 (North Carolina Shakespeare Festival) “It was one of the top sets I’ve ever had the opportunity to design. The budget was big, and the scale was huge. We built a two-story revolving tree with a curved staircase. It was definitely a fantasy.”

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April Soroko has no problem getting down to business.

Fairytale sets and costumes are escapist and fun to design, but the serious stuff keeps Soroko grounded and in her own words: “intellectually challenged.”

So, when Florida Studio Theatre hired the Yale-educated setand-costume designer to build the Chicago law library for Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet’s “Race,” Soroko jumped at the opportunity.

“You really get to create the whole world of the play,” Soroko says of set design. “I like doing research on architectural details, digging up historical references. It’s exciting.”

In addition to the set, Soroko was also responsible for outfitting the cast of lawyers in contemporary power suits, which she found at local department stores such as Macy’s and Dillard’s.

Soroko, 40, has worked as a freelance set-and-costume designer for more than 18 years, traveling to theater companies all over the country, in addition to teaching at the University of Miami.

Many FST fans are already familiar with Soroko’s work. The

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

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HIGHLIGHTS by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

Concert band sets the stage for romance The Sarasota Concert Band celebrates Valentine’s Day the only way it knows how: by providing mood music for lovers.

William Barbanera isn’t a particularly mushy guy.

Other than listing the romantic repertoire audiences will hear Feb. 12, at the Sarasota Concert Band’s Valentine’s Daythemed performance, the music director has a hard time rattling off his favorite love songs.

Off the cuff, that is.

After thinking it over for 24 hours, Barbanera, 54, who will also serve as the show’s conductor and a soloist, was able to provide an impressive medley of moving ballads. (See sidebar.)

“I listen to a tremendous variety of music,” he says. “It’s hard to recall only the love songs on the spot.”

Barbanera, an East County resident and longtime woodwind music instructor, is now in his 14th season as conductor and music director of the Sarasota Concert Band.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Barbanera will lead the 40-piece Sarasota Concert Band in a program dubbed, “A Time for Lovers.”

The song selection includes favorites from “My Fair Lady,” “Gone With the Wind,” Bellini’s “Romeo and Juliet” and the second movement of a classical suite

by Gustav Holst.

“It’s a variety of great music with a romantic theme,” Barbanera says. “I tried to pick what the audience would like to hear and the band would like to play.”

The second-oldest musical institution in the area, the concert band is celebrating its 57th season this year.

BARBANERA’S TOP 5 LOVE SONGS ‘Something’

by The Beatles

IF YOU GO

The Sarasota Concert Band will perform “A Time for Lovers” at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center. For tickets, call 552-5325 or visit www.gpactix.com.

“It’s a sweet love song with a nice, pretty melody. I just have so much respect for The Beatles and the way they furthered pop music.”

The organization puts on about 10 concerts a year in Sarasota and Manatee counties. This Saturday marks the group’s second performance at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center.

Barbanera hopes the new venue will help snag more patronage.

“Most people are familiar with only symphonic bands,” Barbanera says.

“They don’t realize that we’re like an orchestra — just without strings.”

The band, which draws its musicians from Tampa to Naples, typically plays an assortment of pop-style concerts, classical marches and, occasionally, Broadway jazz.

For this performance, Barbanera will do something he hasn’t done in several years: play a solo.

A classically trained saxophonist, Barbanera says audiences are always surprised to hear the sound of a classical baritone sax.

It takes them by surprise.

“People are used to hearing it in the jazz context,” Barbanera says. “But the sax was invented 50 years before jazz. It’s original intent was to be a classical instrument.”

He plans to perform a three-movement solo piece by Bach, in part because he

‘You’re My Home’

by Billy Joel

“Everyone knows ‘Just The Way You Are,’ which is fine, but ‘You’re My Home’ is one of my favorite Billy Joel songs. It’s the idea that it doesn’t matter where you are. If you’re with that special person, you’re always home.”

Heidi Kurpiela

“People don’t often get the chance to hear a classical baritone sax,” William Barbanera says of his favorite worn-in woodwind.

wants to set a good example for the dozens of music students he teaches each week.

“I can’t nag them to practice if they don’t see me practice,” Barbanera says.

“Many of them haven’t heard me play in a while. I figured it was about time.”

As for whether his solo is dreamy enough for the concert’s schmaltzy February lineup, Barbanera is ambivalent.

“It’s a beautiful piece,” he says. “But I don’t know if I’d call it romantic. Lyrical, yes. Romantic? Well … you’ll have to see for yourself.”

‘Unforgettable’ by Nat King Cole

“A lot of people don’t know that Nat King Cole was an incredible jazz piano player and not just a singer.”

‘Affairs of the Heart’ by Emerson, Lake & Palmer

“It’s about how people fall in love and get hurt, but it’s still worth it if you’re careful.”

‘Misty’

“It’s an old jazz standard that so many people have covered. The melody is so beautiful. You hear it sometimes with words and sometimes simply as an instrumental.”

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

by Molly Schechter | Food Editor

RECIPE

Candied peel dipped in chocolate, from left: orange, lemon, grapefruit

Candied citrus peel Ingredients: Per medium grapefruit or large orange: 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup sugar Additional sugar for coating

Prep

If the fruit is store-bought, scrub vigorously with a brush to remove any vegetable wax or other coating. Just rinse if the fruit is from your own trees.

Cut lengthwise into quarters (or sixths, if fruit is large).

Slide your thumb under the peel at one end of the piece, and gently separate the peel from the flesh. Reserve fruit for another use, and use scissors to cut peel into strips that are one-quarter-inch to one-third-inch wide.

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Blanch: Orange peel ready to blanch

Handy, dandy citrus candy Citrus season is one of the great joys of living in Florida, especially for those blessed with a tree or two in the backyard. A special pleasure is making candied citrus peel. It takes focus and some patience, but the ingredients couldn’t be simpler, and there is nothing challenging or complicated about the method.

This recipe has been in my family for nearly 40 years. It started with directions that came in the form of a 15-cent air letter to my sister, Sara Alexander, in 1972, when she was living on the Rue D’Alesia, in Paris. Alexander has refined the directions based on her experience with California fruit, and I have amplified them based on my own testing for this column, by using grapefruit from my own tree and

Blanch

This takes out the bitterness.

Put peel in a large saucepan, cover with cold water, bring to the boil, and cook one minute. Drain, rinse, repeat.

Then repeat again. After three

Rachel S. O’Hara

blanchings, taste a bit of the peel before draining. If it’s still bitter, repeat the process one or two more times. Otherwise, continue to boil until the peel is just tender when pierced with a knife, usually within 10 minutes. Better yet, bite a piece. Drain.

Candy

Combine sugar and hot water and cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved and brushing sugar crystals from the sides of the pan with a pastry brush. Add blanched peel, and cook until the peel is translucent and most of the syrup is absorbed; watch closely near the end of cooking to prevent burning. Put strips on a rack over waxed paper. Let dry thoroughly. Plan on at least four hours; overnight is not too long.

Field notes:

You can do this with grapefruit, orange or lemon peel. Grapefruit is the hands-down favorite. Alexander tested pomelo and found them too thick and not as nice in flavor.

Homegrown fruit yields superior peel, no doubt for a variety of reasons, including freshness and cultivars bred for taste versus ability to with-

Candy: Peel near end of candying step – syrup thick, small bubbles and almost boiled away, strips translucent. store-bought oranges and lemons.

Here they are for you to try, especially if you have access to local, homegrown fruit. Enjoy!

Finish

Roll strips in a shallow bowl of sugar. Some recipes call for “superfine,” but we prefer the regular kind. Return them to the rack for an hour or longer so that the sugar can set. Optional: Melt chocolate (grated or small pieces) in a heat-proof bowl over boiling water. Dip one end of each strip into melted bittersweet chocolate. Return to rack until chocolate is firm.

Store

Layer with waxed paper in a plastic container with a tight cover. If you want the chocolate to stay glossy, refrigerate the peels. Otherwise, the peels will keep for several days at room temperature.

stand rough handling in shipping or storage.

Different recipes call for different proportions of sugar-to-water. We find that a 1-to-1 ratio consistently works well, but if your end result is not sufficiently sweet for your taste, you can increase the sugar.

Four ounces of chocolate is sufficient for two grapefruits or three large oranges.

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REVIEW

Dance >> ‘Les Rendezvous,’ ‘The

Rake’s Progress’ and ‘The Grand Tour’

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Octavio Martin performs in “The Rake’s Progress.”

“The Grand Tour” was an entertaining and charming ballet about the antics aboard a holiday cruise attended by Hollywood stars, lively stowaways and an American spinster. The costumes and sets were just as lively as the characters who were expertly played by the cast.

Jamie Carter was perfectly poised as a smoking Noël Coward. Hulland channeled Gertrude Lawrence, while Honea pranced around as America’s sweetheart, Mary Pickford. Danielle Brown kept a sexpot pucker glued on her face as Theda Bara, and Ricki Bertoni was comical as George Bernard Shaw. Most hysterical was Piquer as Gertrude Stein. His role was so convincing he was even given a bouquet of flowers during the curtain call. But certainly the most charming of all was Amy Wood whose acting skills grew to a new level, showing the naïveté of an American tourist in awe of the celebrities around her.

The reprisal of the dramatic “The Rake’s Progress” was a successful one, however it seemed a little slow in between the two lighthearted ballets, “Les Rendezvous” and “The Grand Tour.”

Octavio Martin, who starred as “The Rake,” is exceptional at playing roles that call for extreme drama.

The best scenes in “The Rake’s Progress” are “The Orgy,” where drunken dancing ensues with “ladies of the town” at the Rose Tavern, and “The Madhouse,” when The Rake goes insane. At the asylum, Martin was joined by his crazy crew: Carter, Learned, David Nava and Piquer, whose descent into madness was riveting.

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To the outward eye, “Les Rendezvous” would seem sugar and spice and everything nice — especially with the Bill Fennercreated costumes, which featured giant pink bows adorning the dancers’ heads and shoulders paired with floating white skirts and sleek white tights. But truly, the choreography is filled with technically difficult steps and sequences that fill the dancers’ daily ballet class. Most of these steps — assemblés, fouettés, sautés, sissonnes, emboîtés, soutenus — are incorporated into all ballets. But the extent that Sir Frederick Ashton included these steps would make any ballet dancer go weak in the knees … literally.

But none of them did. Not one of the Sarasota Ballet dancers failed in the technical department. They all attacked the steps with gusto and ease, from the principal dancers Kate Honea and Miquel Piquer (other shows featured Ashley Ellis with Ricardo Rhodes, Victoria Hulland with Ricardo Graziano and Mizuki Fujimoto with Yoohong Lee) down to the six couples that comprised the corps de ballet.

Honea and Piquer were perfect for the part of principal couple. Honea demonstrated that a technically difficult role could be performed with multiple facets — graceful and elegant combined with sharpness and velocity. Her sequence of piqué turns that ended with a flick of the leg in à la seconde twisting to an arabesque was impressive. Piquer, who never fails to astound with multiples of pirouettes, danced with grandeur during both petite allégro and grand allégro segments, with his grand jetés reaching unimaginable heights.

Finally, it’s impressive that Sara Sardelli, Logan Learned and Nicolo Centocchi did not fall into a massive heap at the end of the pas de trois that included a ridiculous amount of emboîtés and entrechats. Not a moment passed without the three dancers jumping around, which makes one recall visions of the four little swans in “Swan Lake.”

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REVIEW

Music >> Sarasota

Opera: ‘La bohème’

For the umpteenth time, I cried when Mimi died, proving everything old is new again in opera, especially in a beautifully shaped “La bohème,” with a stellar cast, excellent orchestra and emotionally affecting sets and lighting. That’s what Sarasota Opera is offering as its opening production, and, no matter how many times you may have seen it, it’s worth another visit.

Puccini really knew what he was doing.

His music transports us in ways that would make contemporary playwrights froth at the mouth; his way with harmonies and melodies is as affecting as Shakespeare’s insights into our hearts.

Puccini took a libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica and turned it into one of the most important love stories since “Romeo and Juliet.” His characters are people we know; they’re us in 19thcentury dress with Italian temperaments.

And when they hurt, we ache. When they celebrate, we rejoice. When they die, they take a little bit of us with them.

In Sarasota Opera’s production, staged with empathy and understanding of each character by Stephanie Sundine, we leave the theater mourning Mimi’s tragic death, and we grieve for her friends, especially her on-again, off-again lover, Rodolfo, a ne’erdo-well poet whose dreams are significantly larger than his talents.

“La bohème” is an opera that grows its characters. From the first-act garret and second-act café, where they frolic like adolescents on their own for the first time, to the chill wintery scene of the third act when Rodolfo’s true character, that of a frightened, phlegmatic, young man and Mimi’s illness come perilously close to the

surface of reality and, finally, the fourth act in which Mimi dies and Rodolfo grows up, we are witnessing on the wings of glorious song, the lives of people who could be you and me.

Putting aside a few opening-night jitters that quickly calmed into a well-done production, this was an impressive cast.

Harold Meers cut a handsome figure with a sturdy tenor sound, both of which should take him far in his career. His bohemian roommates — Marcello, a painter (Grant Clarke), Schaunard, a musician (studio artist Matthew Hanscom), and Colline, a philosopher (the ever-present YoungBok Kim) — made for a well-matched assemblage of singing actors, each with an excellent voice and each drawing his character with well-defined and touching humanity.

Mimi, portrayed with warmth and understanding by Maria D’Amato, had a lovely mix of youthful yearning and mature resignation. Her voice is rich and dark, like the aroma of morning coffee, and her spinto soprano has a marvelous lower extension that manages to retain its gloss through the middle and lower passages of her voice.

But the standout performer of the evening was Carelle Flores, whose Musetta was enchanting, fun, lively and empathetic.

Flores is a studio artist with tremendous promise as a singer and actress. Her energy and apparent joy in being on stage were like spotlights on talent. We remember her fondly as Adele in the company’s “Fledermaus” about five years ago and are thrilled to see her growth since then.

Her well-produced voice carried her above

Courtesy photo

Maria D’Amato and Harold Meers perform in Sarasota Opera’s “La bohème.” the vocal lines into the true character Musetta, the only person in this opera who grows and changes from flighty youthfulness into a mature, caring adult.

In smaller roles, Adam Bielamowicz’s Parpignol, Carlos Monzon’s Alcindoro, Zack Rabin’s Custom Sergeant and Zachary Altman’s Customs Guard were well-sung and well-acted. The kids and chorus did a fine job. Benjamin Gelfand’s portrayal of Benoit seemed misconceived, although he sang and acted his part well; he was much too young and dashing to come across as the crotchety, old, hapless letch-of-a-landlord.

David P. Gordon’s scenery is enchanting. That may seem like a strange way of describing sets for “La bohème,” but his

clever depictions of Dali-esque picture frames dangling on the walls of the garret and the bone-chilling grayness of the outskirts of Paris lent a particular impression on the production that added to the overriding desperation of the bohemians.

Howard Tsvi Kaplan’s costumes were traditional and spot-on.

Finally, the orchestra, under the direction of Victor DeRenzi, gave support, warmth and, particularly in the last two acts, great breadth and sound to the goings-on up top.

Puccini’s “La bohème” is timeless and bears endless encounters. Sarasota Opera’s production stands the test of time and should be revisited often.

— June LeBell

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REVIEW

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REMODELING, & CUSTOM CUSTOM HOMES HOMES REMODELING, ADDITIONS ADDITONS &

Film >> ‘Another

■

PERFECTLY PERFECTLY CRAFTED CRAFTED HOMES HOMES Year’ Ruth Sheen and Jim Broadbent star in “Another Year.”

Courtesy photo

Mary’s unacceptable behavior in response to their son’s good fortune casts a pall on the relationship with Tom and Gerri.

Manville’s portrayal of Mary is the shinning star in this bittersweet film. Although Broadbent’s (“Iris”) and Sheen’s (“Vera Drake”) characters are the solid foundation upon which “Another Year” is based, Manville’s utterly brilliant performance rocks it to the core. I am truly astounded that she did not receive an Oscar nod this year.

Leigh did manage to nab one for Best Original Screenplay. It’s his fifth nomination in the category. “Happy-Go-Lucky” (2008), “Vera Drake” (2004), “TopsyTurvy” (1999) and “Secrets and Lies” (1996) were all nominated but didn’t win the golden boy. Thankfully, it hasn’t seemed to affect his efficacious writing prowess.

One of the saddest parting shots I’ve ever seen in a film is that of the camera fixed on Mary’s quietly desperate face. It breaks your heart.

— Pam Nadon

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Director/writer Mike Leigh is a master at exploring the human condition. His knack for observing the everyday lives of ordinary people is a rare gift, and he always delivers keen insight. In his new film, “Another Year,” Leigh assembles a stunning cast of characters that will wheedle their way into your heart.

Tom (Jim Broadbent) and Gerri (Ruth Sheen) are a happily married couple who have amazingly unhappy friends. The most pathetic is Mary (Lesley Manville), whose jolly facade belies a morbidly morose inner self that requires vast amounts of wine to endure. She’s convinced that her good looks work against her when, in actuality, she could use some age-appropriate dressing tips. Mary’s idea for turning her horrible life around is to purchase a car.

On the bright side, Tom and Gerri have a wonderful son who’s recently found the love of his life. This particular situation doesn’t sit well with Mary who, in her delusional thinking, had hopes of marrying him herself.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

THE SOCIAL OBSERVER

BLACK TIE A Jewel * * * * * an Evening of *

BY STEPHANIE HANNUM | BLACK TIE EDITOR

The rain couldn’t keep away the glamour at The Palm Ball Saturday, Feb. 5, at Bay Preserve. The jewel-toned evening, to benefit Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, treated more than 260 guests to cocktails, dinner, a paddle raise and dancing under a Moroccan-themed tent. Chaired by Amie Swan, Lynn Morris, Nora Johnson, Margaret Wise, Pauline Joerger and Honorary Chairwoman Cornelia Matson, the elegant event benefits critical landconservation initiatives on area bays, beaches and barrier islands.

Right: Elisabeth Waters with John and Betsy KaneHartnett

*

The Observer WWW.YOUROBSERVER.COM

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 10, 2011

Scott and Mindy Dinenberg with Harold and Krista Johnson

Barbara Staton and Nicolas Hemes with Ann and Tom Charters

Anita and Sidney Holec with Honorary Chairwoman Cornelia Matson

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Chairwomen Amie Swan, Lynn Morris, Nora Johnson, Margaret Wise and Pauline Joerger

Barbara Portanova

Betsy Murrin-Colbert, Michael and Tammy Taaffe, Dr. David Shoemaker and Yara Michaels

Bart and Karin Leereveld

Dr. Chris Sforzo and Terri Vitale, Thomas Krug and Sherri Vitale and Valerie Leatherwood

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

COLUMN

black tie tales

+ Black Tie Affair Cooking for Wishes

by Molly Schechter | Social Editor

+ Where do great fundraiser ideas come from?

Sarasota is fortunate to attract leaders who have done charity work in other cities and bring exciting concepts here, and there are two examples coming up. The first is the Asolo Rep’s “Men Who Cook” dinner April 10, at the Longboat Key Club. (Tickets are $150 via 351-9010, Ext. 4712 or e-mail at laura_wood@ asolo.org.) Some two-dozen Sarasota and Bradenton leading men will prepare one of their favorite main dishes for what promises to be a wild buffet.

Beverly Bartner imported this idea from Guilford, Conn., where a more casual version raised many dollars for the Women and Family Life Center. She has also brought aspects of her experience in New York City, St. Croix and elsewhere to bear on other Asolo events, including the upcoming “Studio 54” that she is co-chairing with Helen Sosso.

Diane McNeel was involved with the Red Cross in Tampa for 30 years, and one of the things she developed there was a Mad Hatter Tea. When she and partner Peter Plotkin attended a Red Cross event here, she was disturbed to discover the same void that she had seen years earlier in Tampa:

of chefs who prepare the food right there. Co-Chairwomen are Denise Mei and Terri Klauber.

There will be a “wish auction,” as well as a live one, offering such spectacles as a year’s worth of fun things to do in Sarasota and a Caribbean vacation with a choice of several different locations. At the event, guests will learn of other changes the organization is making, including a new evening event to take place in June and a shift of “Handbags and Happy Hour” to a new date in September.

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida, Suncoast Sarasota Region • 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23 • Michael’s On East • Tickets $125 • Reservations 952-WISH The Central and Northern Florida Chapter of Make-AWish is stirring things up a bit this year. In lieu of a fashion

Beverly Bartner and Co-Chair Helen Sosso

File

the lack of a dedicated fundraising arm of women committed to the local chapter. In the event of a disaster, she says, “Tampa had MacDill Air Force Base to help … we have only ourselves to count on. The feeling among many is, ‘that’s the National Red Cross’ job.’ But it takes time to mobilize

a national rescue, and it is very clear that we need to find the funding to train our local emergency providers. We must reduce our vulnerabilities.”

That’s hard to argue with, and friends climbed on board to create a Mad Hatter Tea series to benefit the Sarasota Red Cross.

Ping Faulhaber offered her Casey Key home for the inaugural Diane McNeel tea April 14.

Tickets are $50 via RisslerN@ usa.redcross.org or 348-9336.

Suggestion: Call soon. A lot of people are going to want to see the Faulhaber home. To follow: a holiday tea at the home of Margaret Wise and another at the new home of Katherine Harris in 2012.

show, it is having its first interactive luncheon, which will feature Michael’s On East’s Chef Al Massa and wine pairings by Michael Klauber. This is one of Sarasota’s most fun formats; each table designates a pair

+ Tidbits Our hearts were young and gay … The signature image at the Technion dinner honoring Robert Rosenthal and his late wife, Mildred, was in the Valentine spirit.

It is their wedding photo circa 1938. And there is deep affection for this organization: Naomi Wertheimer and Marilyn Naiditch have chaired its event together for five years — and Naomi even longer! … A store with heart … Shop at the new Eileen Fisher downtown location in Pineapple Square during its grand opening from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19 — 10% of proceeds will benefit Girls Inc. of Sarasota County. Plus, you get a $25 off coupon, hors d’oeuvres and champagne …

Love for sale … Co-Chairwomen Julie Delaney and Margarete Van Antwerpen are promising a dazzling array of lovers-themed baskets as raffle prizes at the annual luncheon benefiting His-

Courtesy photo

Robert and Mildred Rosenthal’s wedding photo toric Spanish Point Feb. 16, at Michael’s On East. For reservations: 966-5214, Ext. 230.

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CAMERA READY

Storewide Clearance Sale

Visit all Three Locations!

New Shipment Arriving Daily!

Lois and Bill Cohodas

Photos by Loren Mayo

Maram and Larry Schuster

Tree of Life Award Dinner

Jewish National Fund | Saturday, Feb. 5 | Michael’s On East

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Fashion, Flowers and Food: Lilly Pulitzer Fashion Show and Luncheon The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art | Saturday, Feb. 5 | Ringling Courtyard

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

CAMERA READY

Annual Healthcare Education Luncheon

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Thursday, Feb. 3 | Michael’s On East Barbara and Richard Kistler

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Beverly Brown with Susan and Ted Lindenberg

Literacy Council Luncheon

Literacy Council of Sarasota | Friday, Feb. 4 | Michael’s On East Andrea Feldmar, Alfred and Adela Rose and Joan Mendell

Patricia Riley and Richard Clark

Above: Dr. John Bullock, Dr. Peggy March and Gretchen Bullock Left: Jan and Joel Feidelman Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Dr. James Fiorica, Dr. Nancy Wilson, Alex Quarles, Margaret Wise and Gwen MacKenzie

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‘Embrace the Dream’ Fashion Show and Luncheon GulfsidePalm ORT Tuesday, Feb. 1 Michael’s On East

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

by Stephanie Hannum | Black Tie Editor

guestfashioneditor ELENOR MAXHEIM

Celebrate the SeasonTHOSE at Longboat LYRICS Key Center for the Arts!

LOVE

WORTH BELT

“I love the look of this belt with a white satin blouse and slacks. The best part is that you can take the buckle off and wear it as a broach.”

Jazz concert

Durante Gallery featuring Ed Brickman “Legal JazzForging” concert featuring Errol Wise: Drums December 2 – 16, 2010 Kat Hefner: Vocals Butch Thomas: Tenor Opening Reception | Thursday | December 2 | 5 -7 pm Saxophone Matt Bokulic: Piano Please rsvp to 941.383.2345 by November 30 for the Dec 2 reception.

Asolo board member and philanthropist Elenor Maxheim knows how to complete a look with accessories and jewelry. Maxheim always looks polished.

She loves to mix and match different outfits depending if she’s in Sarasota or her and her husband’s second home, in North Carolina.

CHANEL HANDBAG “A great, basic, everyday bag. This Chanel bag never goes out of style.”

A selectionfebruary of Ed’s work will sale to Tuesday, 15be for7:30 – benefit 9:30 the pmLongboat Key Center for the Arts

Advance Tickets $20 / Door $25

Ed Brickman has been making jewelry since he was a teenager and has never Join us as we welcome back Kat Hefner and her band to lost his enthusiasm for the creative process. His work can be found in the LBKCA as she sings from the Great American Song Book. permanent collections of the Newark Museum in Newark, New Jersey, and 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 over 200 pieces from his collection. You’ll not want to miss this show!

Workshop Feature of the Week:

STILL LIfE and PORTRaIT OILS wITH Cultural Media Room david a. Leffel ‘Open Trunk’ Holiday Sale by

february December 221 - 16,-25 2010 9:30 am to 4 pm $850

Find that unique holiday gift for your loved ones made by Ringling College students and alumni. You’ll find paintings, sculpture, jewelry, crafts, and You’ve seen his work in our Durante Gallery. Now experience much, much more!!

CHANEL NECKLACE

his revolutionary approach to the classical tradition of Hours forBeginning the Sale: Monday Friday, 9of amcomposition, to 4 pm painting. with through a discussion Special Saturday hours!! brushstroke, value, edges and color, David leads you through December 4, 11 am to 3 pm & Saturday, December 11, 11 am to 3 pm theSaturday, sculpting of three-dimensional life upon a flat canvas.

AKRIS JACKET

“I really like this brand — this jacket is casual but you can dress it up, too.”

Opening Reception and Sale | Thursday | December 2 | 5 -7 pm Please rsvp to 941.383.2345 by November 30 for the Dec 2 reception.

for registration and tickets call 941.383.2345 or email lbkca@ringling.edu

“My style is pretty traditional, but I like a little flair, too.”

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BOGNER BLOUSE

“This is out of the box for me. It’s great for at-home entertaining when paired with leggings or stirrup pants.”

The Artist Series of Sarasota presents The New York cabaret scene’s hottest singing duo

WILL & ANTHONY

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“I have had this for more than 30 years, and I love it. I will add other chains for a fun, classic look.”

SCARVES

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Praised by The New York Times for their brassy professionalism

Sun – Feb 13 at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.

Tues – Feb 15 at 7:30 p.m.

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Please come to Sarasota’s Bourbon Street à la Michael’s for authentic New Orleans food, music, open bar & fun all night long.

At the Ringling Museum of Art and Historic Asolo Theater offee...

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Coffee from 9:30 a.m.

Concert at 10:30 a.m.

King & Queen Crowning!

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and the morning newspaper Featuring pianist

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Tickets $100 | RSVP by March 1, 2011 | goodwillindustries.org | 941.355.2721

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

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CLARA KASAVINA HANDBAG “I can wear this as a suit or change it out with a more formal skirt. I’m able to get a lot of versatility by changing it around.”

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National Name .

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Gulfshore residents get into the Mardi Gras spirit. Page 6C.

Bird Key A four-bedroom home sells for $1.4 million.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

290 Washington - RE photo

ENERGETIC TRAVELER

One stop on a seven-day Middle East cruise uncovered this partial view of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, in Muscat, Oman.

Photos courtesy of Stuart and Lois Scheyer

One million participants wait to start a one-day “picnic” in Essen, Germany, on a major autobahn, as part of the European Capital of Culture.

By Stuart and Lois Scheyer | Travel Editors

W

e wrote the first of our many Energetic Traveler articles for the Longboat Observer almost a decade ago as comparative youngsters in our early 70s. Our first offering had the somewhat provocative heading: “Jet lag is a myth.” After logging almost 1 million miles since then, we still believe it. We also continue to believe that travel is easy, mentally rewarding and, most important, fun. Yes, even with the headlines about security delays and weather problems, most flights arrive on time. And travel is not really about getting there — the joy comes from what you do there.

In this looking-back story, we will mention some of our destinations in 2010 that might be of interest to our readers for travel this year.

We visited Aspen, Colo., in the summer, which is totally different than Aspen in the winter. Art and culture in all forms take over during the warm weather. You might consider Aspen as part of a wider trip to the Rockies and national parks.

The most exciting trip of the year was our third visit to Dubai, which included a seven-day cruise to the other Middle East countries of Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Oman, and Fujairah. The first question that we always get is, “Is it safe?” The answer is an unequivocal, yes! even now with the events in Egypt and Tunisia. The next question is, “But will we feel welcome?” This usually comes from our Jewish friends. Again, yes!

Royal Caribbean and Costa cruise lines run seven-day cruises that start and end in Dubai. We suggest Costa, which has the newest ships, for more cosmopolitan travelers who might welcome more European shipmates. Cruises are not scheduled in the hot summer months, and even the end of April becomes somewhat uncomfortable. Although flights to Dubai are longer than those to other destinations, connections allow you to stop off and divide the flights. The extra few travel hours are well worth it in magnifi-

The Sultanahmet Mosque (aka the “Blue Mosque”), in Istanbul, is a remarkable engineering achievement.

BON Voyage The Longboat Observer’s travel editors look back on trips taken in 2010 and outline what stops should be on your travel itinerary this year.

cent memories. Highly recommended!

One annual highlight for us is always the European Capital of Culture. This was the 18th year of ECC, which is sponsored by the European Union and continues for an entire year in the selected cities. The sites in 2010 were Istanbul (a rare failure) and Essen, Germany, and the entire Ruhr Valley of Germany (outstanding). Events are truly kaleidoscopes that include technology, art, music for all tastes and extraordinarily creative projects that take place throughout the city and surrounding areas. Some events exist for the entire year, while other venues live for only days, weeks or months.

On any given day, there are dozens of projects to visit.

The ECC has made it easy for visitors in 2011, with the selection of Tallinn, Estonia, and Turku, Finland. The two cities are less than 200 miles apart across the Baltic Sea, which is frequently transited by large ferries. We have checked the websites for each city, and the details are complete. The official websites are in English and have detailed calendars showing daily schedules.

We are planning to attend in early June, which is a compromise between having somewhat warmer weather and preferring to avoid the busy European travel months of July and August. Trips to these two cities can easily be extended by adding visits to nearby Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Russia, Copenhagen, Denmark, or Stockholm.

We started 2011 by stopping in cities perfect for our series titled, “America(s), the Beautiful.” In January, we enjoyed two places in Arizona that are so interesting

The magnificent Burj Khalifa soars over Dubai and reigns as the tallest building in the world. that they can be classified as “destinations.”

We’ll have more on that in our next article.

We are also planning a long overdue trip to the Normandy beachhead sometime in the spring and will take the Eurostar (or Chunnel) in one direction. We had the pleasure of the comparatively short ride

from downtown London to the center of Paris some years ago, and the new track has made the trip even faster. Although Heathrow is only moderately bad for originating and departing flights, try to avoid any connections through that troubled airport.

There are many other destinations that readers might consider during 2011. We still are impressed by our tour of Spain a few years ago with a week of exciting architectural sites and fine dining. It was an easy trip and good fun. Art Basel Miami Beach, in December, is close to home and fascinating. And, of course, our own country is filled with magnificent cities and national parks to excite the mind and eye.

As we experience a few momentary irritations while traveling, we always remember my father’s advice: “This is the price we pay for living a privileged life.” Forget any temporary problems and enjoy your indelible memories and a wider vision. The next time you go to dinner, think how special it will be to enlighten your friends with your travel experiences (and not your medical history!).

Let us know of your own great travels in 2011, and we will be pleased to add your suggestions in future articles.

Stuart and Lois Scheyer bracket the 80-year mark and are residents of Longboat Key. They each log more than 100,000 air miles a year. They will be pleased to answer any travel questions and can be reached by e-mail at EnergeticTravel@aol.com. Travel Easy – Travel Light – Travel Now

2C

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

NEWS

www.YourObserver.com

KEY REAL ESTATE

Bird Key home sells for more than $1.4 million

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

Drive to Michael Balk, of Atlanta, for $425,000. Built in 1979, the 1,503-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

husband and wife, of Northfield, Ill., for $1.05 million. Built in 1968, the 4,091-square-foot home has four bedrooms, five bathrooms and a swimming pool. It sold for $850,000 in June 2000.

Albert and Myra Burstein, of Sarasota, sold their home at 636 Mourning Dove Drive on Bird Key to Denis Kavanagh for $1,437,500. Built in 2000, the 4,009-square-foot home has four bedrooms, three-and-ahalf bathrooms and a swimming pool. The property last sold for $505,000 in April 1998.

The sale was the secondlargest of 12 transactions recorded during the week of Jan. 24 through Jan. 28, on Longboat, Lido, St. Armands and Bird keys at the Sarasota and Manatee county courthouses.

The largest was the $7,494,500 deal reported in the Jan. 27 issue of the Longboat Observer, in which Christopher and Lynette Unnerstall, of Eureka, Mo., transferred the home at 290 N. Washington Drive, on St. Armands Key, to Sarasota Vacation Property LLC, a Missouri limited-liability company. Of the remaining sales, nine took place on Longboat Key, including two in Manatee County, and two occurred on Bird Key. Five of the week’s sales exceeded $1 million.

In a second Bird Key sale, Walter Corey III, individually and as trustee of the P.G.C. Trust, and his wife, Julie Corey, of Yarmouth, Maine, sold the home at 492 Partridge Circle to Charlie Moore and Nancy Barry,

Longboat Shores

Venkatesh and Denise Manda, of Stillwater, Minn., sold their home at 602 Buttonwood Drive in the Longboat Shores subdivision to Robert and Carol Erker, of Barrington, Ill., for $488,000. Built in 1961, the 1,796-square-foot home has two bedrooms, three bathrooms and a swimming pool. It last sold for $475,000 in October 2007.

The Pierre

Joseph and Ora Mendels, of Villanova, Pa., sold Unit 804 at the 66-unit Pierre, 455 Longboat Club Road, to 3292 LLC, an Illinois limited-liability company with a Lake Forest, Ill., address, for $1.35 million. Built in 1990, the 2,880-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms. It last sold for $700,000 in February 1991.

Longboat Key Towers

Alexander and Phyllis Wilhelm, of Longboat Key, sold Unit S-801 at the 88-unit Longboat Key Towers, 601 Longboat Club Road, to Charles Howey Jr., of Grosse Ile, Mich., for $1,299,000. Built in 1970, the 2,420-square-foot unit has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It last sold for $655,000 in September 1996.

Spanish Main Yacht Club Rachel S. O’Hara

This home at 636 Mourning Dove Drive has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half bathrooms, a swimming pool and 4,009 square feet. It sold for $1,437,500. for $937,500. Built in 1991, the 2,394-square-foot unit has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It last sold for $675,000 in May 1999.

The Players Club

Dan and Mary Phelps, of Oak Brook, Ill., sold Unit 202 at 1445 Gulf of Mexico Drive in Tangerine Bay Club Unit III of the 134-unit Players Arthur and Susan Warshaw, Club to M. Darren and Michelle 3334 Sabal Cove Lane, sold Root, of Bloomington, Ind., for Unit No. 111 in Building 1A at $750,000. Built in 1982, the 340 Gulf of Mexico Drive in the 1,621-square-foot unit has two Expert Marketing Expert Marketing 90-unit Tangerine BayMarketing Club to bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Expert Expert Expert Marketing Marketing Expert Marketing International Property Promotion International Property Promotion Leon Wechsler, of Fairfax, Va., It last sold for $782,500 in FebInternational International International Property Property Property Promotion Promotion Promotion International Property Promotion

SuccessfulSales Sales Successful Successful Successful Successful Sales Sales Sales Successful Sales Trusted ProfessionalGuidance.

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Marketing® Expert Marketing

Sheldon Paley, Realtor Expert Expert Expert Marketing Marketing Marketing Expert Marketing

Certified International Property SpecialistPromotion International Property Promotion International Property International International International Property Property Property Promotion Promotion Promotion International Property Promotion SuccessfulSales Sales Successful Successful Successful Successful Sales Sales Sales Successful Sales 941.356.1857 Trusted ProfessionalGuidance.

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Trusted Professional Trusted Trusted Trusted Professional Professional Professional Guidance.

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Jspaley@comcast.net Sheldon Paley, Realtor® Sheldon Paley, Realtor® Sheldon Sheldon Sheldon Paley, Paley, Paley, Realtor® Realtor® Realtor® Sheldon Paley, Realtor® www.SheldonPaley.com Signature Sotheby’sInternational International Realty Signature Sotheby’s Realty

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

Silver Sands

Lee Shangold, of East Setauket, N.Y., sold Unit 233 at the 35-unit Silver Sands condominium, 5841 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to James and Elizabeth Pelinat, of Getzville, N.Y., for $130,000.

Built in 1953 and remodeled in 2004, the 450-square-foot unit has one bedroom and one bathroom. It last sold for $395,000 in March 2005.

Michael

Moulton

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

SarasotasFinestProperties.com

Signature Signature Signature Sotheby’s Sotheby’s Sotheby’s International International International Realty Realty Realty Signature Sotheby’s International Realty ThePlaza PlazaatatFive FivePoints Points The

The The The Plaza Plaza Plaza atatat Five atFive Five Points Points Points The Plaza Five Points Reduced $100,000 50 Avenue,Suite Suite110, 110,Sarasota, Sarasota, 34236 50 Central Central Avenue, FLFL 34236

5050 50 Central Central Central Avenue, Avenue, Avenue, Suite Suite Suite 110, 110, 110, Sarasota, Sarasota, Sarasota, FLFL FL 34236 34236 34236 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110, Sarasota, FL 34236 Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.356.1857 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000

SF with Lakefront views

Robert and Sylvia Pearce, of Lakeland, sold Unit No. 205 in Building 11 at 1085 Gulf of Mexico Drive at Beachplace III to Placido and Filene Blanco, of Coral Gables, for $532,500.

Built in 1981, the 1,819-squarefoot unit has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $550,000 in October 2003.

In a second Beachplace sale, Ben Kessler, of Highland Park, Ill., sold Unit No. 303 in Building 4 at 1115 Gulf of Mexico

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

New ListiNg

Bayou Sound Bayou Sound 7323 Kensington Court, University Park Bayou Bayou Bayou Sound Sound Sound Bayou Sound $1,250,000 $1,250,000 2 bedrooms plus $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 den, 2 baths $1,250,000

Beachplace

ThePlaza PlazaatatFive FivePoints Points The The The The Plaza Plaza Plaza atatat Five atFive Five Points Points Points The Plaza Five Points 50 Avenue,Suite Suite110, 110,Sarasota, Sarasota, 34236 50 Central Central Avenue, FLFL 34236 JuSt SoLd: 6980 74th St. Circle 5050 50 Central Central Central Avenue, Avenue, Avenue, Suite Suite Suite 110, 110, 110, Sarasota, Sarasota, Sarasota, FL FL FL 34236 34236 34236 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110, Sarasota, FL 34236 Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com EastSheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com in River Club $350,000 Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com Sheldon.Paley@sothebysrealty.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com PEndinG: 7608 Camden Harbor in www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com www.signaturesir.com 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 Heritage Harbour $400,000 Signature Sotheby’s International Realty Signature Sotheby’s International Realty 941.356.1857 941.356.1857 941.356.1857 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 941.364.4000 941.356.1857 941.364.4000

2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 5 Star Best in Client Satisfaction

PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING

ruary 2006.

Peter Guion, of Alpharetta, Ga., sold Unit 5 at 541 N. Spanish Drive in the 212-unit Spanish Main Yacht Club to Burton and Carolyn Beam, of Neptune, N.J., for $135,000. Built in 1968, the 1,365-square-foot unit has one bedroom and one bathroom. It sold for $70,000 in May 1990.

VIZCAYA w/Private Pool - Tropical paradise

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

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

CountrY Club shores – Best buy on LBK in this new 3,200SF 4BR canal front home. A3929970 $995,000

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

Club lonGboAt - First floor walk out 3BR furnished condo within a tennis complex that feels like living at a resort. A3930517 $479,000

sutton PlACe - Ground floor location w/remodeled kitchen, Bay views, boat docks and pet friendly. A3928481 $300,000

PENDING SOLD PENDING SOLD PENDING PENDING PENDING SOLD SOLD SOLD PENDING SOLD Grand Bay Islander Grand Bay Islander 2016 Harbourside Islander $749,000 $359,000 Grand Grand Grand Bay Bay Bay Islander Islander Grand Bay Islander $999,000 $500,000 $999,000 $500,000 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and$500,000 2462 SF with 1802 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $500,000 $500,000 $999,000 $500,000 Spectacular Bay views

Reduced $30,000

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

1211 Gulf of Mexico

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

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

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

$769,000 Staghorn in Deer Creek

2 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1827 SF with full Gulf views

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

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

$469,000

52176

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

PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

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

Bellagio at Osprey Harbor $799,000 Alinari at Rosemary Place

Contact me about my other available listings 440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 Office 941•383•7591 / Cell 928•3559

$304,000

36250

PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

REAL ESTATE

www.YourObserver.com

3C

BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Jan. 28 through Feb. 3, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive) Address

Permit Applicant Amount

1211 GMD

Alteration

Jane Rattray

$95,000

7125 Firehouse Road

Alteration

James and Theona Pascalides

$80,028

435 L’Ambiance Drive

Alteration

Morton Siegler, trustee

$76,417

812 Spanish Drive S.

Alteration

Albert Mondus Jr.

$24,546.12

1701 GMD

Alteration

The Aquarius Club

$14,000

591 Ranger Lane

Alteration

Rosalyn Simon, trustee

$8,900

501 Putter Lane

Alteration

William Cloud

$6,200

3221 Bayou Way

Alteration

Michael Ryan

$5,000

561 Harbor Point Road

Alteration

Peter Platten III

$2,450

6828 GMD

Temporary event Steff’s Stuff

2010 TOP SALES TEAM FOR MICHAEL SAUNDERS & CO. LONGBOAT KEY

LONGBOAT KEY GULF FRONT PANORAMIC GULF VIEWS & SUNSETS, APPROX. 3900 SF, PRIVATE HEATED POOL, IDEAL MID-KEY LOCATION $3,490,000

$0

Talk to Tina Today - Longboat Key’s International Connection

LAKEFRONT VILLA IN YACHTING COMMUNITY Impeccably maintained 2 BR/2BA villa will make your island dreams come

NE

W

LIS

TIN

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

G

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 52367

6000 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217

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

Special Jumbo Mortgage Rates

941-388-5551

Loans up to 3 million

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

LE SA

G N DI N PE

52230

Longboat’s trusted lender since 1995

3.75% - 0 pts - 5/1 arm APR 3.596 4.0% - 0 pts - 7/1 arm APR 3.704

BAY ISLES LONGBOAT KEY UPDATED WATERFRONT 3700+SF, POOL & SPA, DOCK FOR 50’+ YACHT, PRIVATE BEACH CLUB $1,895,000

Rates effective as of 02/01/11. All above rates available for purchases or refinances on single-family owner-occupied and second homes. Annual Percentage Rates (APR) reflect a minimum 25% equity based on appraisal or sale price, whichever is lower. Additional terms and conditions apply. Rates are subject to change without notice. 5/1 and 7/1 arm margin 2.5% plus 1 yr labor index 2/2/6 caps.

REID MURPHY

SOUTH SIESTA KEY 17,000+SF LOT ON HERON LAGOON, +/- 118 FEET OF WATER FRONTAGE, PRIVATE DOCK, READY TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME $399,000

PREsEnts...

Luxury on the Water

Call Reid Today! 941.232.3304 www.reidmurphy.com

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

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

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 BR direct beachfront corner - rarely available! Great tennis, beach & pool complex. $625,000 UNIVERSITY PARK – Incredible 3/3 upgraded home with numerous extras on amazingly landscaped private setting with exceptional outdoor patio/pool area. $475,000 ISLANDER CLUB – Fantastic gulf side 2/2 updated condo w/dramatic bay views from every room!

Beautiful beach & many amenities. $545,000 LONGBOAT HARBOUR – Bayfront with boat dock and great amenities. $270,000 NEW CONSTRUCTION – with custom finishes. Direct Bay views to the north, canal views to the $1,875,000 south, protected boating water and walking distance to the beach.

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

$ 68,800+ $ 40,100+

941.387.0100

info@athomesarasota.com • Leading Residential Luxury Specialist • 58+ Years of Combined Real Estate Experience • Team Sales Exceed $ 186 Million Since 2005

Ian Addy, PA Barbara Milian, PA

Michael Saunders & Company

Gail Wittig Broker Associate

SCAN TAG TO VIEW LISTINGS

Licensed Real Estate Broker

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

52031

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

$475,000 Beach $349,000 Lagoon View

www.athomesarasota.com

52375

developers Realty inc. Lic. R.e. Broker

CLUB SUITES 4301 A+ 6103 A

Unit Views Gross Revenue 2010 Beach $ 78,000+ Golf & Bay $ 74,200+

4C

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

NeWS

www.YourObserver.com

REAL-ESTATE REVIEW

January sales snapshots

The following is a summary of key residential realestate sales recorded for the month of January at the Sarasota and Manatee county courthouses. Data from January 2010 is also listed for comparison.

Lido Key & St. Armands Key

Longboat Key Condominiums 2011 Total: 31 High: $1.4 million Low: $120,500 Median: $410,000

Single-family homes 2011 Total: Eight High: $2.6 million Low: $145,000 Median: $464,050

2010 Total: 12 High: $1.75 million Low: $225,000 Median: $617,500

2010 Total: Five High: $2.5 million Low: $530,000 Median: $960,000

Condominiums 2011 Total: One Price: $383,000 2010 Total: Eight High: $2.85 million Low: $200,000 Median: $379,000 Single-family homes 2011 Total: Two High: $7,494,500 Low: $425,000 Median: $3,959,750 2010 Total: Three High: $8.4 million Low: $650,000 Median: $1.5 million

The home at 290 N. Washington Drive, on St. Armands Key, was transferred in a $7,494,500 deal in January.

Bird Key 2011 Total: Three High: $1,437,500 Low: $650,000 Median: $1.05 million

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

The home at 601 Putter Lane in Country Club Shores sold for $2.6 million in January.

2010 Total: Two High: $889,000 Low: $495,000 Median: $692,000

The home at 534 Bird Key Drive sold for $889,000 in January 2010.

Information compiled by Robin Hartill

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

52309

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

CONRAD BEACH

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

Incredible opportunity to own 2 adjoining lots west of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Conrad Beach boasts timeless architecture, com. pool & clubhouse.

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

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

MLS#A3929596 $500,000

VILLAS ON THE BAY LBK

Beach & Marina, 4 New 2BR/2BA, Boating, Deeded Beach Access, Custom Thru-Out, Stainless Appliances, Granite Counters, Co-Op, Over 55+.

Marc Turner #A3938577 From $269,000 PENTHOUSE-RITZ CARLTON! Down-town w/views, 4,704SF, 4Br/4+Ba/2CG w/ exceptional finishes and luxury appoint.; marble, granite, wood floors, handcrafted wood details, built-ins, 2 wet bars, 4 balconies and the list goes on w/5-star amenities! MLS#A3894745 $3,750,000

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

MLS#A3933310 $800,000

PELICAN HARBOUR

BREATHTAKING VIEWS DOWNTOWN! 1688SF/2Br/2Ba/1CG 8th flr w/brand new carpet & tile, fresh paint, built-ins, mirrored walls, recessed lts, storage, eat-in kitch., pvt laundry, svc entrance & balcony in secure bld w/amenities; pool, concierge, valet, etc! MLS#A3933654 $475,000

Walk-out unit with full bay view. 2BR/2BA, turnkey furnished including washer/dryer.

Screened lanai, boat docks, pool, tennis and beach! Dorothy Cook $299,000 #A3913245.

ISLANDS WEST 2BR/2BA

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

MLS#A3934653 $425,000

GULF & BAY VIEWS! Furn & updated 1615SF/2Br/2Ba/1CP end res w/views in EVERY rm, remodeled kitchen, upgraded baths, neutral carpet & tile, raised panel cabinets & pvt open-air balcony in the renovated Aquarius Club on LBK w/ amenities! MLS#A3934996 $625,000

UPDATED, DOWNTOWN, BAY FRONT! 1380SF/2Br/2Ba w/new carpet, marble, tile, remodeled kitch. w/breakfast bar & pantry, 2 separate covered lanais, pvt laundry & under bldg parking for 2-cars in secure Sunset Towers w/heated pool & pvt beach! MLS#A3934597 $250,000

JUST LIKE BRAND NEW!

3BR/3BA with bonus room, private elevator, gorgeous new kitchen & baths, flooring & paint, new pool surrounded by lush tropical landscaping, steps to beach and shopping.

Teresia Bradford #M5819230. $499,000

CAPTIVATING AND VERY SPACIOUS

50687

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

condo with direct SW Gulf views from all rooms. Luxury living on the beach across from Ave of the Flowers. Lots of light and space with huge balcony. Jerry Cunningham & Marta Altizer $463,925 #A3936652.

top floor condo overlooking the Gulf, pool & gorgeous tropical grounds. Completely updated & beautifully decorated. Pets OK. Teresia Bradford #M5815650. $689,000

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

NeIGHBORHOOD

REAL ESTATE REPORTS

2009 & 2010 Top Individual Producer for Michael Saunders & Company’s Longboat Key Offices

+ Charlotte Hedge honored as Humanitarian of the Year Charlotte Hedge, broker/associate with Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, was honored as 2010 Humanitarian of the Year by the Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR).

Hedge is active with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, where she has taught weekly knitting classes to children for the past five years. She Hedge and her husband, Tom, have served as board members of the organization since 1993.

“I believe children are important to our future (and) to our community, and I have hope and confidence that our work is shielding and actually guiding our children for brighter futures in a robust Sarasota,” Hedge said in a prepared statement.

Hedge also donates a hand-knitted scarf from her “Charlotte’s Webs” collections each month to help raise money for WCR. She has been a Realtor since 1992.

+ Wagner Realty welcomes Robert Welch as associate Robert Welch has joined Wagner Realty as a sales associate. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, he lived in Key West before moving to Bradenton. Welch is a graduate of Ohio State University and the Missouri Auction School. He holds realestate licenses in Florida and Ohio.

BUSINESS OBSERVER + Patchington sale benefits domestic-abuse victims Shoppers at Patchington, 6 Ave. of the Flowers, can save money while helping victims of domestic violence Feb. 22 through Feb. 28.

Customers who bring a gently used item of clothing will get a discount on new items.

Donate a blouse or top and get $10 off a new blouse or top; give pants or a skirt, and get $15 off new pants or skirts; and get a $20 discount with the donation of a dress or jacket. Call 387-0146.

—Robin Hartill

5C

www.YourObserver.com

Moore homes are sold – $7,118,000 sold in the last 50 days LD

LD

SO

Water Club II

SO

$1,475,000*

LD

LD

LD

LD

St. Armands Bay Front

LD

Emerald Harbor

LD

SO

St. Armands Bay Front $3,625,000

Harbor Villa Club

$400,000

Emerald Harbor

$1,150,000

SO

$449,000

Emerald Harbor

$625,000

LD

SO

$575,000

St. Armands Bay View

LD

LD

SO

$710,000

SO

Bay Isles Bayou Section $1,750,000

Sunset Beach

Emerald Harbor

LD

SO

LD

$1,375,000 Conrad Beach

$1,400,000

LD

SO

$1,500,000

SO

SO

$850,000

L'Ambiance

LD

LD

SO

$1,500,000

$1,600,000

SO

LD

SO

SO

LD

Water Club II

St. Armands Waterfront $1,895,000

LD

SO

$3,250,000

$449,000*

SO

Promenade Penthouse $1,400,000

Longboat Key Beach Front $2,400,000 Emerald Harbor

Sleepy Lagoon

LD

LD

SO

Longboat Key Water Front $1,200,000

Emerald Harbor

Longboat Key Bayfront $3,050,000

LD

SO

$1,095,000*

SO

SO

St. Armands Waterfront $2,450,000

360 North

SO

LD

LD

SO

SO

$699,000*

SO

Bay Isles Harbor Section $1,888,000

LD

Emerald Harbor

LD

SO

LD

SO

St. Armands Bay View

LD

SO

$715,000

Atrium

$725,000

These are just some of the properties Hannerle has sold throughout the worst recession in 70 years.

LEASING & MANAGING HOMES & CONDOS Annual, Seasonal, Vacation HannerleMoore@michaelsaunders.com 37328 46606

www.JennetteProperties.com

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 * Sale Pending

www.michaelsaunders.com

PH 941.387.7300

FX 941.296.7722

www.longboatlife.com 52358

941-953-6000 941-359-3435

6C

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

NeIGHBORHOOD

www.YourObserver.com

KINGS FOR A DAY

Gulfshore celebrates Mardi Gras early

By Dora Walters | Senior Editor

It was a festive Mardi Gras celebration Feb. 3, at Gulfshore of Longboat Key, where more than 100 people gathered in the clubhouse. Among those attending were guests from the adjacent Twin Shores.

The menu included traditional Cajun fare and featured red beans and rice, pork and a king cake. The Island Swing Band played for the group, which held court on the dance floor.

In charge of party arrangements were Mary and Chuck Schultz, assisted by Joan and Joe Callen. The event, founded by the Schultzes, began three years ago.

Emmalene McConnell

Photos by Dora Walters

Jackie Winter, Ellen Laurent and Charlotte Barsalow

Marty Vaughn and Jean Hanna

Karolyn Capps crowns her husband, Kent, as king.

Marilyn and Steven Chapin

Chairmen Mary and Chuck Schultz

The #1 RE/MAX in Florida!

www.AllianceGrou pFL.com

bird key is the perfect location for waterfront living near the entertainment of St. Armand’s Circle and the convenience of Downtown Sarasota. Don’t miss this 4BD/2.5BA home featuring breathtaking canal and partial bay views. Renovated 2009. $1,395,000. Ramona Glanz, 941-730-8767

bay Front Tree Top Hideaway! Romantic, Euro style residence with full bay views situated on a beautifully landscaped acre of land. Sarasota Bay sunsets nightly overlooking the pool & magnificent grounds. $849,000 Andrew Bers, 383-3741

west oF trail. This 4 bedroom, 3 bath home in historic Avondale is delightful. Exceptional renovation with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship includes every feature you’d expect and more. #A3929241 www.1950AltaVista.com $749,000 Andree Huffine, 941-232-4053

University Park cc. Custom built Neal home on the Braden River. 3BR+den/3BA, 2717SF. Circular drive, lush landscaping & a fabulous water view. Tiled flrs, spacious MA, open FR to updated kit.

Office w/ built-ins. Spacious pool/lanai w/ lovely river views. $599,000 Marcia McLaughlin, 941-316-6539

lake & Preserve views. 4 bedroom, 3 bath with 2nd floor bonus room plus a den/office; caged pool with spa & outdoor kitchen; incredible upgrades. Gated community. 4568 Tuscana Dr, Sarasota $599,000 Larry Brzostek, 941-993-3125

longboat key! Short Sale. Cradled within a tropical canopy of large oaks & palm trees. Open floor plan, high ceilings and updated kitchen. Pool and patio area perfect for entertaining. The Best of LBK is now a Best Buy. $549,000 Andrew Bers, 383-3741

warner’s bayoU. Fabulous 4-BR home directly on the Bayou with access to Manatee River and Gulf of Mexico. Heated pool and spa; dock and lift. Updated kitchen includes granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. $499,900. Call Richard Capps at 941-920-7500

the oaks. Best buy in the Oaks Clubside. Open Great room plan with spacious living areas. Beautiful lot with mature trees, circular drive. #A3920062. $450,000. Andree Huffine, 941-308-6752 www.YourSarasotaRealEstate.com

Moorings at edgewater. Lakewood Ranch. 3BR/3BA, 2 CG, 2438 SF villa. Updated w/ 18’ diagonal tile, crown molding, upgraded light fixtures. Kit. has granite & a center island. Clubhouse w/ pool table, exercise rm & heated pool/spa, & boardwalk. Walk to LWR Main Street! $359,000 Marcia McLaughlin, 941-316-6539

wake UP to sUnrise over palm trees.

Beautiful 2BR/2BA with bay view. Heated pool right outside your front door. Lovely turnkey furnished.

Active clubhouse, exercise room, saunas, tennis courts, community boat docks, under building parking. Beach access. $339,900. Call Alina Mazzaferro, 941-993-7245

watch the sUnrise as you drink your morning coffee in the breakfast nook. Bright corner end unit. 2 BR, 2 BA. Beach to Bay community, beautiful grounds, private beach access, oversize heated pool. Priced to sell! $339,000. Call Alina Mazzaferro, 941-993-7245

longboat key. Short Sale. Exquisitely updated island retreat with expansive views of the bay and downtown Sarasota. Longboat Key Club and beaches just across the street.

Impeccably maintained complex. $322,500 Andrew Bers, 383-3741

OPEN SUNDAY 1-3

tara Preserve. Exceptional 2BR + Den pool home. Open plan with vaulted ceilings, loaded with upgrades. Spectacular sunset views over the 17th Tee and across the lake. This is everything you want for Florida living. $265,000. #A3938656. YourSarasotaRealEstate. com Andree Huffine, 941-232-4053

at the cottages in rivendell. $259,900.

Osprey maintenance free home w/2100 sq.ft. 3BD/ 2BA, bonus room off Master bdrm. LR/DR, Fam Rm w/fireplace. Corian kitchen counters, extended lanai.

Community pool, ride to Legacy Trail. 10 min. to beaches & all. Toula Xistris, 941-468-0258

HOUSE HUNTING ON THE GO?

wake UP to beaUtiFUl views of the Gulf of Mexico! Corner End Unit, Beach to Bay Community, 2BR/2BA Turnkey Furnished.

Private Beach Access. Current Owner Is Interested In Leasing Back; $239,000. Great Investment.

Call Alina Mazzaferro, 941-993-7245

CALL (941)

FabUloUs lakewood ranch golf course & sunset views from screened balcony. 2 bdrm, DEN, 2 baths, 1 car garage. Gated, community pool & spa. Tile, wood floor in den, crown molding, upgraded cabinets, hurricane film on all windows. $218,000 Kathy Liga, 941-920-6070

747-9000

Peridia isle. 4043 E. Caddie Dr. $199,900. Drastic price reduction for immediate sale!!! Gorgeous patio home overlooking lake. 2 bedroom, 2 bath + Den. Open House Sunday 02/13 1-3. Linda Quintero, 941-730-1592

oPPortUnity to own on longboat key for only $185,000! Handy man special, ready for your updates. 2BR/2BA, beach to bay community, private beach access, oversized heated pool, beautiful grounds, low maintenance fee. Call Alina Mazzaferro, 941-993-7245

Enter the house number.

Get ALL the details.

ANY home for sale in the MLS.

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

BUSINESS

www.YourObserver.com

Bruce A. Myer

fashion forward

Taffy’s Menswear gets new location, new look

By Maria Amodio | Staff Writer

but Peffley says the showroom square footage will be about the same.

After 48 years at its St. Armands Circle The location isn’t the only part of the location, the oldest retail merchant on store’s makeover — the merchandise is the Circle, Taffy’s Menswear, is moving — being updated, as well. Although the two doors down. store will continue to According to Taffy’s carry its trademark owner Jack Peffley, the bold-colored suits, ties men’s apparel store will and sport coats, newer, be moving in May from more casual styles will 14 S. Blvd. of the Presibe added to accommodents to 18 S. Blvd. of date current fashion the Presidents. trends.

“We’re very excited “Customers today are about the move,” says different,” says Peffley.

Peffley, who cites esca“Restaurants and yacht lating rent and outdated clubs aren’t requiring facilities as primary reasport coats and tuxedos sons for the change in like they used to.” location.

One recent addition The new building, is denim jeans, which which is currently occuTaffy’s began selling for pied by R&R Bond Galthe first time last year. lery, has a more updated The stretch-denim trouinterior and exterior, sers by luxury menswear which Peffley hopes will brands St. Croix and draw new clientele.

Utility have been popu“It’s like buying a car,” lar with customers, PefRachel S. O’Hara says Peffley. “If you don’t Jack Peffley, owner of Taffy’s fley said. like the way it looks on Menswear, is excited for the Peffley has also added the outside, you’re not store’s move in three months. more golf attire to the even going to look at the store’s selection, includinside.” ing Loudmouth Golf, Cutter & Buck and Peffley says he will also be putting in Greg Norman. new flooring and bringing the new buildEven with all of the changes taking ing’s windows out toward the sidewalk to place, there is one thing about Taffy’s that expand the interior and make the store- Peffley says will remain the same. front more visible to customers. The new “We’re still the only place in town building is about 2,500 square feet com- where you can get a pink sport coat,” Pefpared to Taffy’s current 3,400 square feet, fley says.

If You Think All Homes Are Created Equal...

BruceMyer.com

Rated in the Top 100 agents in Florida There has never been a better time to invest in paradise!

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FAIRWAY BAY Updated & partially furnished FAIRWAY BAY 2BR/2BA Partially furnished THE SHORE 2BR/2BA ground floor condo w/new 2BR/2BA w/1 covered parking space $415,000 and updated! $349,000 A/C instalLed in 2010 $399,000

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COUNTRY CLUB SHORES 3BR/4BA Exquisite home on canal with many upgrades $1,499,000

PRIVATEER -Furnished 2BR/2BA with Gulf view WATER CLUB -View of Bay, Downtown & Gulf $449,000 from this 2BR+Den/4BA home $1,375,000

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

4BR+Den+ Office /3.5BA Lovely home with dock $2,495,000 Seaplace

3BR/2BA

$599,000

Club Longboat

3BR/2BA

$499,000

Fairway Bay

2BR/2.5BA

$499,000

Beautifully remodeled ground floor condo!

Furnished with partial Gulf Views!

Townhouse with boat dock!

Fairway Bay

Inn On The Beach GREAT INCOME OPPORTUNITY!

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

Beachplace

2BR/2BA

$399,000

Longboat Harbour 2BR/2BA

$349,000

Northgate of LBK

2BR/2BA

$349,000

Kingston Arms

2BR/2BA

$299,000

Furnished with Bay views!

Furnished ground floor condo!

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

Penthouse Penthouse 4th Floor 2nd Floor

JUST REDUCED!

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SANCTUARY Tastefully updated 3BR/3BA condo. MOTIVATED SELLER! $899,000

Furniture and Decorations Not Included.

941.387.1859

Charting the course of real estate for over 30 years!

Situated where the canal meets the Bay!

...Think Again!

7C

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

SUNRISE SHORES - Furnished 2BR +Den/2BA SEAPLACE - A GREAT BUY! Beautiful 3rd $249,500 with bay views $349,000 floor 2BR/2BA condo

I HAVE CLOSED 2 SUCCESSFUL TRANSACTIONS ALREADY IN 2011 AND HAVE 8 PENDING CLOSINGS!

EVERYTHING

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Maintenance Fees Only $257-$325

PIERRE 3BR/3BA Two terraces and Gulf views Offered at $849,000

(depending on floor plan)

DIRECT: 941-387-1847 CELL: 941-376-5311 EMAIL: Bruce@BruceMyer.com

52481

Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm • Sat 10 am-5 pm • Sun 12pm-5pm 941-360-3838 • www.savannahpreserve.com

View all of Bruce’s listings at BruceMyer.com

51143

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 201 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Ste. 1 Longboat Key At the Charthouse

CARRIAGE HOMES AT UNIVERSITY PLACE See us for posted disclaimer.

LIDO BEACH CLUB Furnished 2/2, 10th floor condo with Gulf & downtown views $699,900

Bruce A. Myer

Rock Solid Construction Maintenance Free Single Level Living Gated Community Upscale University Park Location Walk to Over 20 Restaurants....Really!

Go to University Parkway (near I-75) Turn north on Cooper Creek Blvd. We are 1/2 mile on left.

SLEEPY LAGOON - Unique 7BR/5.5BA home on canal with dock/lift MOTIVATED SELLER $649,000

8C

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

NeIGHBORHOOD

www.YourObserver.com

SPORTING LIFE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Carole Thoms

Learning curve

Longboat Key Public Tennis Center Carole Thoms learned how to play tennis from her husband, Andy, years ago when they were dating. Since then, Thoms has enjoyed playing tennis, especially on Longboat Key. Thoms has played in leagues at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center for years and specifically enjoys playing singles matches.

What is the best part of your game?

The best part of my game is my steadiness. I try to get to the ball, and I try to return it. Hopefully, I don’t try to do too much with it, but just keep it in play and hope that I wear the other person down.

What would you like to improve?

Well, I think probably my serve. If I had a bigger serve, I could really do more damage right off. If I had a serve like Rafael Nadal or even Kim Clijsters, I’d be in good shape.

So, your husband got you into the game?

I remember when we had one of our first dates he took me to play tennis … all he remembers is what I wore! My husband, Andy, is a good player — he’s an excellent player. I’m an OK player.

Visit our website to see a video of Thoms warming up.

Who do you like to watch professionally?

I like, even though she’s not an American player, Samantha Stosur’s style.

www.YourObserver.com

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Briana Harris, Longboat Key Club and Resort tennis pro, gives Phillip McCormick, 14, a lesson Monday, Feb. 7, at the Tennis Gardens. McCormick comes to Longboat Key to take tennis lessons with Harris twice a week after school.

S aint C acchiotti,

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

Do you know someone who would make for a great Athlete of the Week? E-mail rohara@yourobserver.com.

Bob & Taube Levitt

Realtor®

Selling Sarasota’s Select Properties

Realtors

(941) 356-0743

Selling SaraSota and the KeyS!

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

HOMES

CONDOS JUSt redUced

SANCTuArY ON LONgBOAT KEY

280’ ON THE BAY

Remarkable Gulf front residence located behind the gates Custom residence located in Hideaway Bay featuring of the Longboat Key Club overlooking the glorious white 5,400+ SF of luxurious living space, contemporary kitch- sand beaches. Open floor plan with 2,375 SF, large en, wine room, pool, spa and private boat dock with lift. beach front terrace and private garage parking.

$2,895,000

Promenade Sold to Date: 102, 204,

$1,299,000

contract pending

51240

JUSt redUced

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

Drastically Reduced! $999,000 BEACHPLACE 2/2 walk down, closest bldg. to 207, 302, 402, 503, 511, 601, 603, 705, pool, designer decorated, TKF. 707, 811, 901, 1001 Drastically Reduced! $599,000 Coldwell Banker Residential R. E. LLC. • 423 St. Armands Circle

www.sarasotarealestatefind.com

xsybarite@aol.com

YourObserver.com You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

BALLENTINE MANOr ESTATES

LONgBOAT HArBOur

Enjoy views of the harbour and Gulf from this 3rd floor, Car collector’s dream home with A/C garage to 1,047 sf unit. Sold Turnkey furnished, in move-in condiaccommodate 16+/- cars, 8,900+ sq. ft., overlook- tion, 4 community pools, private beach access w/pavil$249,000 ing the Bay on over half acre. Endless possibilities ion, and community docks available. await! $999,000 LONGBOAT KEy CLuB & RESORT

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

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

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!

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

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

51422

Access Virtual Tours & MLS at SaintCacchiotti.com

Click. Read. Repeat.

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

GAMES

www.YourObserver.com

9C

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

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

SCOREBOARD Jan. 6 Merrill Duplicate Bridge Club

North-South 1. Norma Cohen and Denise Mattingly 2. Hope Zawatsky and Renee Pekeles 3. Lois Kaufman and Barbara Thoman East-West 1. Ben Pekeles and Bob Lurie 2. Kathy Sachs and Eileen Sill 3. Keota Holyrod and Jack Chambers

Jan. 11 Longboat Key Duplicate Bridge Club

Bayfront Recreation Park North-South 1. Julie Woods and Cotton Stephenson 2. Jordan Hecktman and Zeke Wollman 3. Hope Zowatsky and Renee Pekeles

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 NEW www.barbaraackerman.com NEW LIS LIS TIN T ING G www.barbaraackerman.com

www.barbaraackerman.com

La Bellasara – Golden Gate Point

Sparkling water views from this amazing 5,585SF Penthouse apartment with 4BR/5BA, private his & hers studies, wine cellar & separate tasting area, media room and large terrace overlooking the Bay and downtown. Private boat dock & 2 car garage.

$5,950,000

Mainland – Bay Front Retreat Warm and welcoming with 4600 SF, 5 BR, upper and lower master suites, wood floors, gourmet kitchen, & fireplace. Pool & outdoor entertainment area w/ large deck & private dock right on the Bay! $1,795,000

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

LIS

TIN

G

East-West 1. Jo Ann and Herb Bruch 2. Nancy Lurie and Joyce Levy 3. Mary Lou Thomas and Chuck Prizer

Jan. 12 Longboat Key Duplicate Bridge Club

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

Longboat Key Club North-South 1. Barbara Struth and Arleen Klein 2. Laota Myers and Carolyn Albrecht 3. Catherine and David Burke East-West 1. Hannah and Danny Casden 2. Nancy Harris and Brenda McDonald 3. Barbara and Norm Gross

JAN. 13 Merrill Duplicate Bridge Club

VEINTE- Direct Gulf Front GFt. $879,000 INSq. Penthouse 2BR+Den 1900 PEND

Longboat Key - Bay Boating & Beach

4,700 SF waterfront showplace new in ’06 with 4 BR+ study, fireplace, pool/spa, summer kitchen, deep water dock, boat lift & jet ski area.

Walk to beach. $1,795,000

Bayfront Recreation Park North-South 1. Ina Becker and Cotton Stephenson 2. Hope Zawotsky and Renee Pekeles 3. Jack Wilber and Larry Auerbach East-West 1. Mary Lou Thomas and Chuck Prizer 2. Mimi Farrell and Dale Neuhaus 3. Erika Beyers and Elaine Lieb

Longboat Key – Boater’s Fantasy 3,435 SF home with 114 feet of DEEP water frontage!

Extra large rooms, with living area on one level and tons of ground floor play space. Covered 45x20 slip and Jet www.Johnsonestatelongboatkey.com $995,000

$ 11,500,000 Ski dock included.

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.

Key Tower South - Direct Gulf Front Full Gulf & Beach views from this 7th floor totally renovated & furnished w/ 2 master suites and great room all overlooking the Gulf. Separate computer room, gour$ met granite kitchen & open balcony.

549,000

RITZ TOWER RESIDENCESI–NDowntown ND G $1,975,000 P+EDen 9th Floor 3BR WATER CLUB I – Gulf Front G DINSq. Ft. $1,495,000 7th Floor 3BR/3BA PEN3,045 THE LANDINGS – Gated G NSq. DICommunity PEN3,894 2 Story 4BR/3BA Ft, $592,000 COUNTRY CLUB SHORES NG Front I–Canal PEND Boat Dock 3BR/3BA 3,367 Sq. Ft. $855,000 NGBeach Front SUMMER COVE NDIKey P–ESiesta 4th Floor 3BR/2.5BA 2,166 Sq. Ft. $749,00 RED ROCK TERRACE – Oyster Bay Vacant Lot Lot w/ House Plans $439,000 GRAND BAY I – Longboat Key Bay Front 9th Floor 3BR/3BA 2,550 Sq. Ft.$1,275,000 FAIRWAY BAY - Longboat Key Townhouse 2BR/3BA 1,626 Sq. Ft. $539,000 BEACHPLACE I – Direct Gulf Front 5th Floor 2BR/2BA 1,400 Sq. Ft. $699,000 GRAND BAY II – Bay & City Views 4th Floor 3BR/3BA 2,781 Sq. Ft. $1,395,000 WATER CLUB I - Direct Beach Front 9th Floor 2BR/4BA 3,045 Sq. Ft. $1,950,000

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

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

2,395,000

M BRIOTIVAT NG ED ALL SEL OFF LER ERS

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

Jan. 15 Merrill Duplicate Bridge Club Bayfront Park Recreation Center North-South 1. Barbara Thoman and Lori Brickman 2. Lu Ganley and Julie Woods 3. Anna Davis and Cotton Stephenson East-West 1. Isabel Wagner and Barbara Rafael 2. Nancy and Bob Lurie 3. Mary Lou Thomas and Chuck Prizer

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

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 locale. 2 car private garage incl.

1,985,000

$

Jan. 18 Longboat Key Duplicate Bridge Club

East-West 1. Joanna and Herb Bruch 2. Syd Pearl and Martin Fiderer 3. Judy and Gene Krasnow

Water Club I - Gulf Front Stunning sophistication & style! South facing Gulf views, 2BR + Den. designer decorated and beautifully furnished. includes 1 under-building $ garage space.

1,250,000

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

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

●

●

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

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.

51142

Bayfront Park Recreation Center North-South 1. Anne Clemente and Fern Jaffe 2. Julie Woods and David Stevensen 3. Norma Cohen and Denise Mattingly

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

TRAVEL • GAMES

Deal Us In

BRIDGE HAND North

How to claim a lucky-guess contract The opponents have forced you with their pre-emptive bidding to guess where you should try to play this hand. If you double, your partner will most likely pass for penalties. If you bid four diamonds, your partner may pass and you may miss a game.

On the whole, dummy is not a disappointment and it looks like there are two early losers outside the trump suit. The lead looks ominous. How can you give yourself the best chance of making this contract?

If the Jack of spades is a singleton,

there is nothing you can do; East wins the trick and returns a spade that his partner can ruff. However, if the Jack of spades is a doubleton, playing the queen of spades at the first trick will effectively force an entry to the dummy.

If East wins the ace of spades, you can unblock the king and enter dummy with the 10 of spades whenever you choose. If East plays low on the queen of spades at trick one, you can underplay from your hand and leave the lead in the dummy.

Your only chance for success is to find East with the doubleton king of trump. You lead a trump to the Jack in your hand, cash the ace of diamonds and watch the king drop. You extract West’s 10 of diamonds with your queen and claim a lucky-guess contract, conceding a trick to the ace of clubs.

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.”

it’s read everywhere

♠ Q 10 8 3 ♥9532 ♦3 ♣ K 10 9 4

West

♠ J2 ♠ A9754 ♥ Q J 10 8 6 4 ♥K7 10 7 2 ♦ ♦ K6 South ♣A7 ♣8653 ♠ K6 ♥ A ♦ AQJ9854 ♣ QJ2 Bidding: West 2 ♥ 1 Pass

North Pass Pass

Opening Lead: J

East 3 ♥ Pass

♠

the longboat observer Sudoku

ENGLAND. The Longboat Observer stayed ahead of the curve when it visited the Royal Crescent, in Bath, England, with Longboat

Key residents Victoria and Gordon Lyons.The famed structure is laid out in a crescent shape and dates back to the 1700s.

Cathy C. Meldahl P.A.

© Tribune Media Services

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box. See answers on page 12C.

WINDWARD BAY only $275,000 THREE BEDROOM/TWO BATH furnished, updated villa with glass enclosed lanai & laundry room. Amenities include 2 boat marinas, $12 per month for boat slip, 2 tennis courts, 2 heated pools and beach access. The clubhouse has fitness & meeting rooms plus a library. Owner will pay maintenance & assessment fees from time of closing to end of the year and will consider owner financing. $ MLS#A3913998 275,000

OPEN HOUSE 52377

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 13, 2011 11-4 -3 LANDS END, #6 3BR/2.5BA $599,000 Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

South 5♦ 1 Weak-two bid

Edited by The Mepham Group

3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 24228

East

941.383.5502 or 941.724.7228 CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Ste. 101 Longboat Key

Call Dorothy Cook 941-383-5577 or 941-730-9715

52361

Laura D. Hansen, 41 Year Resident of Longboat Key

Longboat Key GULF FRONT - Wonderful 5 bedroom, 5 bath home on 1.2 acres with 44 ft. beach side lap pool. Other features include a kitchen with stainless appliances, 4 car garage and abundant fruit trees. ...........................FURNISHED $5,440,000 HARBOUR LINKS - An awesome lifestyle awaits you in this corner villa with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a den and a 2 car garage, located on the Harbourside Golf course at the Longboat Key Club. The community is pet friendly and offers Beach Club membership. . ................................................................................................................................FURNISHED $419,000 YOU WILL ENJOY BAY & MARINA VIEWS from the living room, master bedroom & the screened porch of this 2/2 condo located at the south end of LBK. The community offers a heated pool, boat docks, fitness facility. Furnished...........$339,000 BANYAN BAY - Beach to Bay complex. This charming 2 bedroom condo is designed for seaside living. Tennis, pool, fishing pier. Pet Friendly................................................................................................................................................................$299,000 BAY HARBOUR - South end of LBK, 2/2 expertly renovated w/ direct bay and marina views. Amenities include boat docks, fishing pier heated pool. .......................................................................................................................................$395,000 WHITNEY BEACH - BEACH TO BAY - 1/1 in desirable community with boat docks, fishing pier, tennis courts, and a wonderful walking beach. 2 pets allowed .......................................................................................FURNISHED $215,000 UNIqUE 1 bedroom, 2 bath ground floor at Whitney Beach. Great amenities. 2 Pets allowed. FURNISHED $235,000 LBK BAYFRONT - 2/2 condo on Sarasota Bay w/views of Sarasota skyline. Nicely appointed w/updated kitchen. Offered turnkey furnished. Amenities include fitness room, boat docks, pool, tennis courts, & beach access. All this for ...$375,000 BAYFRONT ESTATE on 1.48 acres. This home, designed to maximize bay views from every room, has 6BR, a large living room, 2 fireplaces, wood floors, and covered porches. Moor your boat or fish from the dock........................... $2,500,000 SLEEPY LAGOON - Bermuda style 3/2 bayfront home with wood floors, artist studio, dock, 2 car garage and beach access. New pricing............................................................................................................................................................$725,000 WINDWARD BAY - Sunrise, sunset! You’ll enjoy both from 2/2 renovated residence with unobstructed bay views.

The community offers 2 pools, tennis courts, fitness facility, and boat docks............................................................$399,000 REALTOR®

BOBBIE BANAN, 356-2659 • 383-2659 Licensed Real Estate Broker

St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL (941) 388-4447

$398,000 REDUCTION

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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 941-383-7591

• 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

$

Simonds

Broker-Associate

52378

Michael Saunders & Company

941-383-8273

lhansen44@comcast.net or laurahansen@michaelsaunders.com

Kathy

bobbiebanan@michaelsaunders.com

Ambassador’s Circle

GRI

52428

www.YourObserver.com

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

941.350.5292

52117

10C

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

RAINFALL

Mon., Jan. 31 Tues., Feb. 1 Wed., Feb. 2 Thurs., Feb. 3 Fri., Feb. 4 Sat., Feb. 5 Sun., Feb. 6 Year-to-date:

WEATHER

North

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.47 0.01 2010 3.77 in.

2011 3.52 in

Mid

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.32 0.01 Month to date: 2011

0.34 in

www.YourObserver.com

11C

WEEKLY WINNEr: RADIANT RAPTURE

South

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.24 0.00 2010 1.40 in.

TemperatureS

Temps.

Record Temps.

High Low High Low Tues., Feb. 1 78 57 83 (1992) 32 (1985) Wed., Feb. 2 76.5 67 83 (1992) 35 (1985) Thurs., Feb. 3 75.5 65 83 (1992) 35 (1985) Fri., Feb. 4 78 66 85 (1997) 26 (1981) Sat., Feb. 5 69.5 62 87 (1997) 34.5 (2009) Sun., Feb. 6 69 59.5 86 (1990) 43 (1991) Mon., Feb. 7 72.5 60 85 (1990) 43 (1996) Average Gulf water temperature: 63.5

Bob Lurie submitted this sunset photo, taken near Banyan Bay Club in the 5200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Enter your local sunset, sunrise or weather-related photos for The Observer’s weather photo contest, sponsored by Cool Today. Please include where you took the photo when submitting photos, as well as your mailing address. 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.

MOON PHASES

Feb. 11

Feb. 18

Feb. 24

First

Full

Last

March 4

New

TIDE CHART Thurs., Feb. 10 Fri., Feb. 11 Sat., Feb. 12 Sun., Feb. 13 Mon., Feb. 14 Tues., Feb. 15 Wed., Feb. 16

Highs 5:13a 3:55p 4:46p — 5:51p — 7:06p — 8:19p — 11:53a 9:23p 12:04p 10:20p

Sunrise/sunset

Lows 9:33a — 12:51a — 2:12a — 3:22a — 4:18a — 5:04a 3:35p 5:45a 4:38p

Thurs., Feb. 10 Fri., Feb. 11 Sat., Feb. 12 Sun., Feb. 13 Mon., Feb. 14 Tues., Feb. 15 Wed., Feb. 16

Sunrise 7:11 7:11 7:10 7:09 7:08 7:08 7:07

Sunset 6:19 6:19 6:20 6:21 6:21 6:22 6:23

RED TIDE Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not detected alongshore Longboat Key and was not detected offshore Friday, Feb. 4, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.

52544

Visit YourObserver.com to click on our interactive weather button, which features current weather conditions, weather radar and a five-day forecast.

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

wATCH IT! by Candice Everly

1 5 9 13 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 28 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 38 41 43 47 48 49 51 52 53

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

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ACROSS Reveille’s opposite Opposite of flushed Guitar blasters Go for Neglect to mention Triple Crown trio Appliance button Size up visually In a competent way Something from the oven Samantha the actress Gas in lights Hitchcock classic Superlatively suitable Tiny groove Forensics focus, often Harem Result of a belly flop Pretty agile Common street name Unobtrusive attention-getter Druggist’s stock-intrade Signs of joy or sorrow The Black Stallion and others Western scene, sometimes They’re needed to see some movies No 99-pound weakling ___ and cranny Money for the senior yrs.

Upholstery fabric, perhaps Kind of division What may start climactically?

Chooses Break from work Hold in regard Was blown away Mentalist Geller

68 What yes men do dOwn 70 Words before “road” 1 Warty amphibians or “pet” 2 External boundary 73 Tiny piece of sand 3 “For Whom the Bell 75 Sickly, as a Tolls” character complexion 4 Salon employees 78 Make a bundle in 5 Satirical piece the field 6 Oak seed 79 Space-shuttle 7 Assumption for the launcher sake of argument 82 Seagoing defense 8 Biblical twin groups 9 Sea between Greece 84 Sound of and Asia Minor amazement 10 Rom. Catholic title 86 Chowder morsel 11 Stew veggie 87 Wild dog of Asia 12 Subway standee, 89 Stan of Marvel perhaps Comics 13 Makes impure 90 Wasilla’s 14 Double-curved whereabouts moldings 93 Branches off 15 Walk through 95 Wood gum puddles 97 Soda fountain drink 16 Shelter for 98 Subtle quality that Ringling’s rings surrounds a person 18 Brit. fighter pilot 99 Tar’s hail group 100 Belgrade native 19 Like an Irish terrier, 101 Type of potatoes perhaps 103 Captain’s record 26 Kind of syrup 104 Venomous Nile 27 Swell from a reptile stadium 106 Empty spaces (Var.) 29 Common man of 110 Yield ancient Rome 111 Post-winter tidying 33 See-through wrap up brand 114 What natural gas 35 Like many on a fixed lacks income (Abbr.)

115 Lie in store for 36 Spa employee 117 For the second time 38 Tire-pressure letters 118 Tehran’s land 39 Tender in France 119 It has more than 40 Lose it 5,000 feet 41 Like a shrinking 120 Does some mending violet 121 Octad in a gallon 42 Wax-coated Dutch 122 Unit of land cheese measure 43 Latin 101 verb 123 Spanky and 44 Unrivaled rating Buckwheat, to Alfalfa 45 Quickie 124 The shallowest correspondence Great Lake 46 Type of milk 125 Weightlifting units 50 North Pole 126 Yeas’ counterparts toymaker 54 Grabbed a bite

55 Muslim holy book 59 Carpenter’s devices 60 Won at musical chairs 62 At long last 64 Salty expanse 66 Small explosive weapon 68 Visitor to Earth 69 Word from Beaver Cleaver 70 Start of an alphabet song 71 Surrealist Salvador 72 Royal Norwegian name 73 Young lady in a square dance 74 Iris locale 76 Welcomer 77 Pair up, as oxen 80 In first place 81 Mariner’s call for help 83 “___ to you, fella!”

85 Used to own 88 Advises earnestly 91 Stage before the pupa 92 Qintar spender 94 River of Essen 96 Ranger Smith’s cartoon nemesis 99 Kind of skiing 100 Gymnastic feats 101 TV, radio, etc.

102 Ringlike coral island 104 Texas A&M player 105 In short supply 107 Around, in a date 108 Having but one component 109 Moorehead of “Bewitched” 110 Frolic 111 New Delhi dress 112 Short snoozes 113 Winning trio?

116 “Saving Private Ryan” backdrop

Last weeks Cryptograms 1. Drilling for a bit of oil is a bit boring. Drilling for gas is a gas.

2. A basketball player and a jockey teamed up to rob a jewelry store. The police are looking high and low for the infamous duo.

Thursday, February 10, 2011 Items Under $200 For Sale EXERCISE EQUIPMENTSchwinn Stationery Bike $100. Body Shaping +AbBlaster w/mat & CD $100. 941-349-5363 LOVESEAT- DUAL recliner w/center console. Light brown microfiber. Good condition. $175. 941-756-0388 MARBLE PEDESTAL- White Marble Column 40" High-10"Square Top- 15"Octagon Base. $175. 941-383-3966 NORWEGIAN SKI Sweater- New. White wool with black snowflake pattern Exquisite embroidered bands. $110. 941-794-5345

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

Terry, 941-349-8560.

Autos For Sale 2011 CHEVY AVEO LTLess than 200 miles. Includes On-Star, extended warranty.

Great M.P.G. & Fun. Priced Below 2010 Model! $10,500.

Call 941-348-9494 Autos Wanted AUTOS WANTED! Let me take the hassle out of selling your car. Cash offered today!

Call Mike, 941-713-2277.

Boat Slips For Rent/Sale 32FT. BOAT slip for rent, Boat House of LBK, 3rd level, dry. Call 718-974-5269 or 718-979-8017.

BOAT SLIP. High and dry, indoor, for sale or lease. Southend of LBK at the Boathouse.

Owner financing available. For info call 941-544-5597.

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. Please call 941-504-7900.

Boats Boats are Selling very Well. 15’ center consoles - 32’ Sea Rays. Local resident, references. Business on a handshake. Let’s talk about selling your boat. 941-228-3489.

Boats

Pets

Condos For Sale

19’ BAYLINER Deck Boat- 90 HP Merc- Dry Stored, Custom Made Cover, Optimax Motor with all current service Trailer used Once (300 mi.). Depth/ Fish/Navigation. All Supplies. $9,500.00 Call 941-348-9494 Leave Message

2 ADORABLE SPRINGER DOODLES FOR SALE- Two Lovely Springerdoodle brothers, cannot be separated. They are 2.5 years old, well trained, healthy, great temperments and very lovable. 50lbs. Jack 941-928-5732

DISCOVER THE OTHER ISLAND! Tidy 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.

Local Boats For Sale 32’ Sea Ray 2003 25 Grady White 1988/2000 214 Cobia - 2007 2690 Triton - 2004, 2001 25 Cobia WA 22’ Sterling CC 2007, 21’ Hurricane DB 2002 20’ Beach Cat DB 2004 19’ Grady White 1988/1994 16.5’ Action Craft 2006 941-228-3489 TIP TOP Canvas Shop. Book now to be completed before summer! Premium canvas shop featuring Makrolon semi-ridged windows for fly-bridge enclosures, aft deck enclosures and dodgers for sail and center console boats. Completed on time, on budget and exceeding every expectation of discriminating boat owners. Dock side service. 941-932-8872.

E-mail: TipTopCanvasShop@gmail.com Web: TipTopCanvasShop.com

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales   FLEA MARKET. Sarasota Municipal

Auditorium. Tuesday, February 15, 10a.m.5p.m. & Wednesday, February 16, 10a.m.4p.m. For info: 954-4165.

General Merchandise 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.

Health/Fitness/Beauty BEACH FITNESS 24/7 Fitness. Free enrollment. VIP access. #HS8848. Next to the Lazy Lobster! 941-778-0120.

Jewelry ESTATE JEWELRY: One art deco style platinum diamond cluster brooch set with 76 round brilliant diamonds and 2 baguette diamonds of varying sizes. Total weight 1.7CTs of VS2-SI1 clarity and G-H color.

Mounting weight 6-4 penny weight, $2495.

One 14 carat gold 16” length serpentine necklace with 29 single cut diamonds bezel set, total weight 87 carats of SI clarity and 1-J color, gold weight is 2 penny weight. $695. Appraisal is available.

Jewelry can be seen by appointment only, 941-378-9323.

Medical Supplies/Equipment ACT: OXYGEN, wheelchairs, walkers. Drop shipment special orders. Right next to Lazy Lobster. 941-778-2641.

YORKIE PUPPIES- Tiny tiny teacup puppies, raised in my home. Cute as a button and expected to be 2 to 5 lbs. $1200- $2500 depending on size, quality, and sex. Cash only. 941-799-4564 leave message.

Investment Opportunities INVESTOR WANTED - $125,000 for 24 months. 8% annual interest with payments monthly. Well secured. 941-306-6715.

ISLAND CONSIGNMENT Store- Well Established. Over 50 Fine Artists. Includes NEW Web Site. Cozy / Profitable Family Business. $19,500. 941-348-9494 (Lv. msg.)

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

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

Storage STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer.

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

Help Wanted STAR REALTY GROUP has openings for Realtors with proven track records. Generous Compensation.

Call Steven 349-0330

Positions Wanted LONGBOAT TEEN will feed or walk your pets, do odd jobs. Available afterschool hours and weekends. Please call Preston at 773-0943

Classified Ads Bring Results 941-955-4888

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

GORGEOUS 2BR/2BA Condo at “1350 Main”. Enjoy the downtown lifestyle from this designer decorated beauty with 12' ceilings, 40' terrace, bamboo floors, California Closets. On amenity level, so just steps to pool, spa, fitness room, BBQ. Best location in downtown with 24 hour concierge, guest suite and secured parking. Pet friendly.

Please call Michael Granston 504-8018.

Prudential Palms Realty 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. 2003 Price: $595,000.

941-376-5809.

Condos/Apts. For Rent

LONGBOAT HARBOUR 1BR/1BA. Newly furnished, updated, remodeled kitchen.

Glass and screened lanai with beautiful water view. Many amenities. $180,000.

941-383-7301

BEACH-TO-BAY CONDO at Bayport BTC. First floor, end unit. Newly decorated 2 bed/2 bath. Free local phone, cable and wireless Internet. Pictures and details: www.bayportbtc.com. Contact owner at 615-376-9448

SARASOTA- ELEGANT Brand New Townhouse.

3br/3ba patio, garage.

Furnished. Never lived in. 5 minutes to airport & dog track. Beautiful gated community. Pets welcome. $324,000 obo.

941-706-2709

DIRECTLY ON the bay: furnished, 2br/2ba, 55+ community. No pets. Walk to St. Armands/ Lido Beach. $1000/mo. / year’s lease. 941-383-8246.

PALMER RANCH condo: 1BR/1BA, $840/mo. Gated, W/D, new carpet/ paint, pool, parking, gym, tennis. 941-302-0621.

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

This week’s crossword answers

Condos For Sale 2BR/2BA TOWNHOUSE: near Centre Shops Tennis, pool, boat dock, beach access, animal friendly. $247,000. 941-383-5781.

Musical Instruments

BEHIND GATES of LBK - 2br/2ba condo.

Newly decorated. W/D in unit. Jan-March 2012. No smoking/ pets 941-383-8635

BABY GRAND Piano and bench: Krakauer, 1930’s, refurbished in 1980’s, brown mahogany. Superior condition and tuned. $3500 o/b/o. 941-355-5220.

DID WE get your attention? You bet we did!

Visit online Make your ad us stand out withatCOLOR. Only in The Observer Classifieds. www.yourobserver.com Call 941-955-4888 to advertise.

THE OBSERVER LP # 39513

The longboat Observer THE LONGBOAT THURSDAY, FEBRUARYOBSERVER 10, 2011

CLASSIFIEDS www.yourobserver.com

Thursday, February 10, 2011 Condos For Sale

Open House

WATERVIEW VILLA- 2BR/2BA. Spanish Main Yacht Club. 5700 Gulf of Mexico.

Longboat Key. 885 North Spanish Drive.

Boat marina & docks. Beach easement.

Available now. $350,000. R/E Max Alliance Group 941-256-6775 or 941-954-5454.

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13 1-4 PM

Fractionals

Fairway Bay Condo 1930 Harbourside Dr. #136 Renovated 2 Bed/2 Bath

PRICED TO SELL at $399,000 New Kitchen with Granite Counters and Stainless Steel Appliances.New Bathrooms with Granite & Tile. New Maribou African Wood Floors & Bedroom Carpet. New Window Treatments & Lighting throughout.

Beautiful Sarasota Bay Views!

For more information or an appointment to see, call Owner/Broker, David Brody, Licensed Broker, Seneca Realty Co.

VERANDA BEACH CLUB

412-889-8498 or 941-383-4678

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.

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.

Homes For Rent 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

Homes For Sale CANAL FRONT Home, Siesta Key- 3/2 Split Plan, upgraded kitchen, new A/C, tile floors, well maintained, pre-inspected, ready to move in! OPEN EVERY SUNDAY 1 to 4. 5049 Higel Ave. $537,000.00 941-388-2460 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.

OPEN SUN 12-3PM

Real Estate Wanted 2012 JANUARY-FEBRUARY. Gulf front 2b/2ba. No Smoking/Pets.. 1-2 people maximum occupancy, internet, telephone. goldmickey@aol.com WANTED SEASONAL Rental- 3 months Jan- March 2012. 2bed/ 2bath, Internet, land phone. No smoking, no pets. mbfleming1996@sbcglobal.net

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

4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key 34228

WASHER/ DRYER IN EVERY UNIT BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS LARGE HEATED POOL GULFSIDE

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

ARTIST LOOKING FOR STUDIO- Artist looking for 'year round' small facility with water and bathroom access. Mid island near Publix would work best. Will be neat and clean. Please call 412-760-2199

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals 2 LONGBOAT KEY BEACH RENTALS. March and April, 2011. Across from private beach, 2BR/2BA, updated, 55+, no pets, non-smoking. $2000/mo., & April 2011 and 2012 Season: 3BR/3BA, full Gulf views, 30 steps to beach, updated, garage, W/D, 55+, no pets. $2500/mo. Would consider annual.

Call 941-232-1357.

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

Non-smoking. Available 2011: Feb-May or Oct.-Dec. 3 month minimum. 941-377-4177 BEACHFRONT, BANYAN BAY #103.

Full Gulf views! Walk right onto beach from bright, charming 2BR/2BA first floor condo near Centre Shops, restaurants.

In-unit washer/dryer. Sunsets, pool, tennis, fitness center, clubhouse, fishing pier. lindaladrian@aol.com, 941-383-6650.

BEACHPLACE

6 OPEN HOUSES IN ONE NEIGHBORHOOD! ROSEDALE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Gated, golf, clubhouse, tennis, No CDD Fees. SR70, BRADENTON. STOP AT Rosedale Realty Office at 5415 87th St. E. for map. 941-751-9070

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

FREE Wireless High Speed Internet

Room For Rent

3BR, UPDATED, TASTEFULLY DECORATED. GULF & BAY VIEWS. AVAILABLE IN SEASON & ANNUAL CALL CYNTHIA 407-492-5749 DIRECT GULF FRONT at Beachplace: 2BR/2BA, nicely furnished, wireless internet.

Available starting November 2011 through April 2012. Prefer 4-6 month minimum. Nonsmoking. Call Diane or Mike 847-913-4562.

Waterfront Property BREATHTAKING WATERFRONT parcel.

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

13C Classifieds 13B www.YourObserver.com

CONDO & BOAT SLIP RENTALS HARBOUR VILLA CLUB 615 Dream Island Rd. Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-383-9544 Fax: 941-383-8028 www.harbourvillaclub.com DIRECT GULF front: 2BR/2BA condo.

Nicely furnished, small upscale building.

Non-smoking. No pets. 1 month minimum.

Available from June 1, 2011. 201-694-9222.

Exceptional Vacation Rentals Since 1994 Homes & Condominiums Studios to Six Bedrooms Beachfront, Intercoastal or Garden Excellent Service & Staff Now Offering Beach Castle Resort Nightly and Weekly

FLORIDA VACATION CONNECTION www.FLvacationconnection.com 941-387-9709 877-705-2460 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 VILLA: 2BR/2BA, in SMYC. Seasonal or Annual 2011. Beautifully furnished villa, pool, marina, deeded beach, carport, lanai.

678-523-5593.

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

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

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

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

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

724-3519.

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals LIDO BEACH CONDOMINIUMS Weekly - Monthly - Seasonal

Resort Properties, Inc. Licensed Real Estate Broker 941-388-3921 - 888-388-3921 941-650-1857 Visit us at: resortproperties.pro 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 KEY Towers. Beachfront condo available winter 2012, 2BR/2BA. 3/mo. minimum. Call 847-295-9252.

LONGBOAT KEY. Gulf front, pool on beach, 1BR/1BA condo, kitchen, dining, sleeps 4, king pillowtop. 617-973-7552 or 617-328-7145.

LONGBOAT KEY: direct beachfront, 1BR condo. Also, 3BR/3.5BA garden view.

941-383-3844.

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.

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.

RENT SEASONAL/YEARLY- 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH, 4TH FLOOR, GULF FRONT CONDO W/WRAP AROUND BALCONY @ SUNSET BEACH, LBK. 217-493-6216 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. 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.

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

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.wagnerrentals.com

Adult Care Services A LENDING HAND SERVICES INCLUDE: Personal Care Help with Transportation Meal Prep Shopping and much more!

Companions & Certified Nursing Assistants available from 4 hours to 24/7.

Same Day Service Available.

Call for info: 941-809-3725 or 877-507-4040

14C 14B Classifieds

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011 LONGBOAT OBSERVER

CLASSIFIEDS

www.YourObserver.com

THE Thursday, February 10, 2011

www.yourobserver.com

Adult Care Services

Catering

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

Painting/Wallpapering

A&V PERSONAL ASSISTANT- Private care, House keeping, cook meals, Make Appointment, Run Errands, Organize your home and Laundry, etc. 15 years of experience. Licensed CNA's. Call (941)544-1569



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

PASTEL PAINTING. Interior/ exterior, neat, reasonable. Wallpaper/ wallpaper removal.

Supplying LBK clients with over 17 years experience and customer service.

Licensed/Insured. Owner operated. Paul, Cell: 941-315-3033.

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

IN HOME PERSONAL CARE

FRIDAY **FEBRUARY 11**

Experienced & Caring. Meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, doctors appointments.

Excellent references.

941-961-4674

 LIVE MAINE LOBSTER  BLUE FIN CRAB CAKES

PRIVATE CAREGIVER with references from Longboat Key. Flexible hours. Call Lucy at 941-539-0421 TLC FOR YOUR LOVED ONES Excellent Group of Caregivers and CNAs Assistance w/every day living.

Available 7 days a week.

Licensed/ Insured.

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

Worry Free Help at Home!

Meal prep, transportation, bathing, light housekeeping, lots more. Certified companions, HHA’s and CNA’s. Drug free, licensed, bonded/insured, background checked. We specialize in live-in, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Hospice Care. Few Hours to 24 hours.

FREE 2 Hour Trial (limited time offer) FREE RN Consultation and Assessment Call 941-366-0801 or 1-877-685-3889 RIGHT ACCORD Private Duty-Home Health Care www.rightaccordhealth.com HHA299993655 HCS230906

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

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

CARLA’S PROFESSIONAL HOUSECLEANING Only $20 per hour.

Honest, reliable and great references.

Call Carla 941-894-9262 HOMEMAID CLEANING Service. Fourteen years on the Key. Reasonable rates.

LBK References. 795-1705, 401-835-0503.

O

SARASOTA GRILL CLEANING SERVICES Specializing in rust removal and polishing of stainless steel grills. Contact Matt, 941-914-8508.

BIG TYPE.

The

EASY READ. FAST RESULTS.

Observer Classifieds

955-4888

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

Paul Beauregard, 941-730-7479.

 PRIME RIB ALL ENTREES SERVED WITH CHEF’S CHOICE STARCH & VEGETABLE HOMEMADE PIES! AND MUCH MORE... JUST ASK...

FRIDAYS NOW OPEN 8A.M.-8P.M. FULL MENU AVAILABLE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER 383-3787 CALL FOR RESERVATIONS BEER & WINE AVAILABLE

ISLE TILE

PERSONAL TRAINER

Floors, bathrooms, showers, backsplashes, patio and pool decks.

I come to you! 10+ years experience.

Weight-loss, Strength-training, Motivation.

Improve your health! (941)807-2219 www.kelliefitness.com

20 years design background.

Licensed - Insured - LBK Resident References upon request.

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

Auto Transport RETIRED LONGBOAT KEY police officer & associate. Drive your car to the North and back. 941-720-0426, 941-713-1596.

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

Computer Services

TILE TILE TILE

Cmagik - lbk.cmagik.com, LBK resident.

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

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

All Variations of Ceramic Tile Supplied & Installed.

Free Estimates & Custom Designs.

OWN A MAC? MacTutor offers 21 years experience. Unlimited free telephone follow up. (941)812-3887 www.FLMacTutor.com QUICK, EASY, Affordable Training. Microsoft Certified Trainer. LBK Resident. Call 941-383-9458.

Health Services Got

IBS?.... Hypnosis WORKS! Dr. David Sewell AP

Specialist in Medical Hypnosis

941-321-9267

www.SarasotaClinicalHypnosis.com

KEY REHAB Medicare Certified Physical Therapy at the Centre Shops. Call 941-387-8450

 Bill Paying & Account Reconciliation  Organizing Personal and Business Files  Budgets & Financial Reports  Federal and State Tax Returns BONDED & INSURED Over 25 yrs. experience Telephone: 941-749-5646 yourbookkeeper@tampabay.rr.com

Tile STEVE ALLEN FLOOR COVERINGS PROFESSIONAL TILE & MARBLE INSTALLATION

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE 726-1802 LIC/ INS

Call Ashdown Flooring, Inc. LICENSED (941) 726-3077 INSURED TWO PALMS Home RepairSeasonal Maintenance, Home Repairs.

941-915-4809

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

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

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

35+ years experience.

SPINERGY STONE CARE SOLUTIONS

Tutoring LEARN ITALIAN. Native speaker from Florence, 20 years experience. All levels.

Longboat Key location. 941-383-2867 or 202-494-9306.

4 Easy Ways To Place your Classified ad Call 941-955-4888 Fax 941-362-4808 Email classified@yourobserver.com Online at

www.yourobserver.com/classifieds

COMPUTER

51766

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CARPET / UPHOSTERY ODOR CONTROL 49108

Make Your Phone Ring 941-955-4888

I come to your home or office.

Grout Cleaning & Sealing Service Available

DOCKSIDE BOAT REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

Team Up With Classifieds

Personal & Business Bookkeeping Accounting/ Taxes

20 YRS. EXPERIENCE

CARPET CLEANING

CERTIFIED & INSURED

YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner

Expert Marble & Travertine Installation Floor & Walls

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

PERSONAL ASSISTANT/ COMPANION/ CPR Certified. Responsible, mature, compassionate, professional. LBK resident.

Seeks immediate position. Home/ office. Will travel. References and resume will be provided. Call Laurel, 941-306-6715, lsheltonannerwe2@aol.com

FOR “QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE”

Excellent service. 30 years experience.

COMPUTER REPAIR, Installation and Training.

Fast and Reliable.

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

Personal Services

TILE / GROUT STAIN CONTROL

941.387.0607

ÜÜÜ°v>ÌV>ÌV>À«iÌV i> }°V

100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

INSTITUTE of INSPECTION CLEANING and RESTORATION

CERTIFICATION CERTIFIED FIRM

51769

CNA/HHA WILL take care of your loved one.

Excellent references. Great rates. Flexible hours. Call 941-726-0392.

THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER The longboat Observer Thursday,FEBRUARY February10, 10, 2011 THURSDAY, 2011

ELECTRIC

MOVERS

REMODELING/HOME IMPROVEMENT

www.unitedelectric.biz

West Florida Contractor, Inc.

...and more!

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

PATIO REPAIRS Furniture Sales & Repairs

Professional Interior Painting

UĂ&#x160;, * ,-Ă&#x160;EĂ&#x160;, "

UĂ&#x160; 7Ă&#x160; " -/,1 / " Ă&#x160; UĂ&#x160; , 9Ă&#x160;- ,6 Ă&#x160; Family Owned & Operated UĂ&#x160;7 / ,Ă&#x160; / ,2 Florida State Cert. Master Plumbers UĂ&#x160;- 7 ,Ă&#x160;EĂ&#x160; , Ă&#x160; Ă&#x160; #CFC1426596

at Panache Salon (Publix Shopping Center)

941-383-8132

Since 1975

TILE

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Pretty Tile, Ugly Grout?

Regrout â&#x2122;Ś Recaulk â&#x2122;Ś Repair Clean â&#x2122;Ś Seal â&#x2122;Ś Recolor

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

We Cure Sick Grout!

MOVERS

MO V I N G Dave McCarthy

Floors â&#x2122;Ś Kitchens â&#x2122;Ś Showers

BUYER OF ALL STAMP COLLECTIONS

941-755-1300

American Philatelic Society Dealer Since 1969

www.groutdoctor.com

Ask About EnduroShield Coatings

$25 Off with this ad

Free Estimates

WINDOWS Lic./Ins. se Window Washin i r n Su and Pressure Cleaning g

Res./Com. 51743

48382

RONALD FRANK FREE Appraisals Throughout Sarasota Until April 30, 2011 Will travel Florida to Maine and all points in between phone or fax 941.387.1255 email Frankslr@aol.com

51825

Now taking appointments

OR 778-4461

-!2).! $2 (/,-%3 "%!#( s /0%. 3!4

CGC1507388 Lawrence Barnett (941)526-7750

Environmentally Friendly

h,EAVE 9OUR $IRTY 7INDOWS 4O 5Sv

LOCAL - LONG DISTANCE FREE ESTIMATES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

s

Advertise Your Rental Property for FREE @RentMeFlorida.com

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Full Service Property Management & Collections

Call Mary Hank 877-400-0354

51231

50902

ONLY $59 per month (ďŹ&#x201A;at fee)

10%

00

OFF + Additional

For Senior Citizens

Free Estimates

Prices Include:

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INSURANCE

51233

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Will move anything from a couch to a householdâ&#x20AC;?

INSURANCE

LBKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Barber

Ken Schwartz

RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL

DEPENDABLE & ON TIME FREE ESTIMATES

Free at home consultation National Brands, Competitive Pricing Limited Lifetime Warranty Seasonal Discounts

Operator/Owner

SALONS

50742

52297

PLUMBING

General Contractor Specializing in Kitchen & Bath Remodeling

Dave McCarthy

Schedule a FREE consultation Visit dwellgreen.com or call 941. 375. 5522

CHRISTIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 778-3924

KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING

Phone (941) 704-4278 Fax (941) 538-3781

Essential home repair and improvement solutions to help you create your ideally perfect home, while saving you money.

PLUMBING

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50778

Fully Insured

(941) 388-3580

320-1397

52206

52201

Specializing in Residential Painting

31 Years Experience, Prompt, Reliable Service, I Call Back My Customers, Keep My Appointments, AND Your Satisfaction is My Goal.

www.lightreno.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;No Job Too Smallâ&#x20AC;? (941)

Corby J. deKozlowski

SCOTT WOOLF HANDYMAN EXTRAORDINAIRE

Lighthouse Renovations

We save you money. Guaranteed.

"ASIC 0AINTING s $ECORATIVE 7ALLS s &URNITURE s ,IGHTS s -ISC )TEMS

HANDYMAN

scottmwoolf1@gmail.com

Installation available on all.

Call Scott @ 941-315-0857

Painting by Karen

Team Up Today With Classifieds 941-955-4888

941-536-1770

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PAINTING

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Call Anytime

Fully Licensed and Insured

52212

U.S. DOT No. 1915800

50774 38056

941-504-0903

We sell boxes!

FL LIC# CGC1505233

52220

359-1904

FURNITURE REPAIR

#USHIONS s 3LINGS s 5MBRELLAS

941-906-8554

51985

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

48798

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

www.YourObserver.com

51391

941-756-5465

Classifieds 15B 15C

CLASSIFIEDS www.yourobserver.com

INSURANCE

New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resolution 2011

1. Be Happy 2. Lose Weight 3. Save Money on Insurance

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY 941-383-3388

4134 Gulf Of Mexico Dr. #206, Longboat Key, FL 34228 â&#x20AC;˘ Harbour Square Building (Next To Patti Georges)

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

Sell your service with success.

Advertise in The Observerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Service Directory Call 955-4888 for more information...

49218

We Can help with 1 & 3 â&#x20AC;˘

16C

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

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

find

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

916 Indian Beach Road Rare private, double bayfront lot with historic estate on approximately 2.5 acres. Drive through the columns of Old Oaks into a private enclave past six beautiful homes to this impressive columned neotraditional manse sitting on azure Sarasota Bay with a panoramic view of the barrier islands on the far horizon, and exquisite sunsets. Jaci Krawtschenko 941.284.3789 $4,750,000

572 Gunwale Lane Darlene Gamble & Cindy Migone

$1,395,000 941.323.3212

4568 Woodside Road Judie Berger

$1,249,000 941.928.3424

624 Casey Key Road S Sandy Gillette

$1,226,000 941.504.0170

891 North Shore Drive Terry Hayes

$1,100,000 941.302.3100

716 Hideaway Bay Lane Linda Bradway

$899,000 941.809.3555

1771 Ringling Boulevard, PH1204 Maurice Connaughton

$889,000 941.465.2862

941.364.4000

$1,495,000 941.302.9674

877.317.7003

$1,750,000 941.809.0041

707 Gulfstream Avenue S, 1007 $635,000 Dennis Girard & Joanne Zimmerman 941.809.0041

1759 Grande Park Drive Bob Linthicum

$599,900 941.228.9206

301 17th Street N, 15 Karin Stephan

$575,000 941.504.4435

2174 Muskogee Trail Dee Gomber

2530 Dick Wilson Drive Keith Whitfield

$549,000 941.302.4256

314 Dolphin Shores Circle Terry Herschberger

$549,000 941.468.8439

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.

$550,000 941.497.9483

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

51149

500 S Palm Avenue, 32 Cheryl Loeffler

4235 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 84 Dennis Girard & Joanne Zimmerman