Longboat Observer - Thursday, February 24, 2011

Observer

LONGBOAT

DIVERSIONS: NEWS 1C Master SUPER NATURALS Class

NEWS RESCUE EFFORTS

Father and son help save the life of Beachplace guest.

PAGE 12A

INSIDE | PAGE 1B

Sarasota Opera’s unsung supernumeraries pipe up.

Artist David A. Leffel leads Key workshop.

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

OUR TOWN

Thursday, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

BOUTIQUE BASE

Road to Redevelopment

PEOPLE, PICS & PLACES

Rachel S. O’Hara

+ St. Armands Circle gets exotic look

St. Armands Circle was taken over by Ferraris, Rolls-Royces, Lamborghinis, Bentleys and other exotic cars Saturday, Feb. 19. The Sarasota Exotic Car Fest was open to the public and benefited The Child Protection Center Inc. Thousands of car enthusiasts attended the event and had the opportunity to vote for their favorite cars for the People’s Choice Award.

+ Local artist feature of textile exhibit

Longboat Key resident Ruth Adler Schnee’s designs and a film about her life will be shown at the Museum Palazzo Mocenigo, in Venice, Italy.

The exhibition, “Ruth Adler Schnee: A Passion For Color,” an exhibition of modern Schnee textiles designed

by Schnee, will be held June 4 through Sept. 4. The show will occupy the ground floor space and will feature original handprinted fabrics from the ’40s and ’50s, as well as woven textiles combined with sketches and quotes by the artist.

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Pine Avenue Restoration project partner Ed Chiles strolls to the Pine Avenue business district for a cup of coffee on most mornings. He believes that the revitalized district could become a model for Longboat Key’s business districts.

Since 2008, Anna Maria’s Pine Avenue has been undergoing a transformation. Restoration project partner Ed Chiles thinks the development could offer a model for Longboat.

By Robin Hartill Community Editor

See OUR TOWN / PAGE 2A

INDEX Classifieds...............................15C Crossword..............................14C Deal Us In..............................13C Key Real Estate.......................2C Opinion.....................................6A Weather.................................14C Vol. 33, No. 30 Three sections www.YourObserver.com

Kelly Kary, owner of the Anna Maria Olive Oil Outpost, poses next to vats of olive oil inside her store Friday, Feb. 4, on Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island. She opened the store in March.

Slowly, but subtly, Pine Avenue was changing.

It was 2004 or 2005, when Ed Chiles looked at the tiny, half-mile street of six blocks that comprised the bulk of the city of Anna Maria’s business district; it still looked like the street that he remembered from childhood.

The Sears catalogue cottage, a mail-order home built in 1935, still stood.

The Anna Maria City Hall was still there. As long as Chiles could remember, it had stood on Pine Avenue.

INSIDE: Where is Pine Avenue? PAGE 3A

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Pine Avenue timeline

PAGE 3A

The Anna Maria City Jail still stood. Although it, too, had moved over the years, it was a reminder of the days before Chiles’ time. It was established in 1927 by Anna Maria Mayor Mitch Davis to hold drunks and rabble-rousers for a night.

But six years ago, a key sign of Pine Avenue’s changing character was this: The longstanding Pine Avenue Marina and Deli had closed, and its land was sold as residential land. In its place, three identi-

SEE BUSINESS / PAGE 3A

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

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OUR TOWN

Longboaters’ LIBRARY List

>> Continued from Page 1A

Here is a look at the top-10 books Longboaters read this month at the Longboat Library, 555 Bay Isles Road.

+ Matarese’s gown is a perfect fit

Marty Cooper

Maria Amodio

+ BKYC members showcase their artistic talents Bird Key Yacht Club members showed off their artistic talents at the grand opening of the club’s member art exhibit Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the club. The exhibit features artwork in every medium from watercolor to photography and sculptures.

+ Raffle prize is crown jewel of Kiwanis Foundation Ball Maggie Buterbaugh was the happy winner of the 3.56-carat Tanzanite jewel, the prize of the Kiwanis Foundation Valentine’s Ball raffle. As she said, “I finally got it.”

Buterbaugh and her husband, Noel, had recently been on trip to the Caribbean, where she spotted a Tanzanite jewel she coveted.

But when she looked around for her husband, who had the checkbook, he had disappeared in the crowd. So, she went home disappointed until the night of the ball — where she won the jewel in the grand prize raffle.

Marnie Matarese attended the Kiwanis Foundation Valentine’s Ball Feb. 12 in a stunning tulle-and-sequined gown.

“My mother wore this gown 20 years ago when she went to the Opera Ball, in Vienna,” Matarese said.

It was a perfect fit.

And Matarese recently made history of her own: She and her husband, Allen Hovis, and business partner, Dan Jasmer, opened J Wood Realty, at 330 S. Pineapple Ave., in Sarasota.

+ Monroes celebrate 63 years on Valentine’s Day Congratulations to Betty and Perry Monroe, who celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on Valentine’s Day. Betty was a Smith College student when she met Perry, a Princeton graduate, on a blind date.

They were wed soon Betty and Perry after.

Monroe Longtime Longboat Key residents, the couple now resides at The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch.

Photos by Dora Walters

Kenny Barr gets assistance from his mom, Edith Barr Dunn, as he cuts his cake.

+ Kenny Barr celebrates 70 years with longtime friends Friends and co-workers filled the Sports Page Bar & Grill Sunday afternoon to celebrate Kenny Barr’s 70th birthday.

Barr has operated the downtown sports bar for 16 years and was at Shenkel’s on Longboat Key with his mother, Edith Barr Dunn, for 29 years. Shenkel’s closed in 1994.

Longtime Shenkel’s employees Bernie Gottschalk and Lisa Kelley collected photos from the past and had them on display for all to enjoy.

Thelma Grosvenor, a waitress at The Waffle Stop, which was owned by Barr’s family in the ’60s, recalls Barr washing dishes there.

“He began at the bottom and worked his way up,” she said. “He was always a hard worker and a good kid.”

Ulla Rott, owner of the popular Tail of the Pup on St. Armands Circle from 1960 to 1985, came with birthday greetings and to share memories.

Golfing buddies, restaurant patrons and friends the congenial Barr has made over the years joined the celebration.

Barr never stopped smiling the whole night.

It will surely be a birthday he’ll never forget.

• “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest,” by Stieg Larsson • “Unbroken,” by Laura Hillenbrand • “The Confession,”

by John Grisham • “Handle with Care,”

by Jodi Picoult • “Cleopatra: a Life,”

by Stacy Schiff • “The Help,”

by Kathryn Stockett • “Innocent,” by Scott Turow • “What the Night Knows,” by Dean Koontz • “Tick Tock,” by James Patterson • “Decision Points,” by George W. Bush All of these books are available at the Longboat Library.

NEW TITLES Thirty-five new titles have been added to the library shelves in February. Now available: • “The Autobiography of Mark Twain”; • “Strategic Moves,” by Stuart Woods; • “Electric Barracuda,” by Tim Dorsey; • “Heartwood,” by Belva Plain; • “Treachery in Death,” by J.D. Robb

We know the value of water,

and we work to preserve it Mosaic understands what it means to be good stewards of our water supply. Over a span of nearly 40 years, the industry has reduced its water usage by more than 75%. Today, we recycle more than 95% of the water we use at our mining facilities.

We’re continually seeking new ways to further reduce our water usage, and to preserve vital resources well into the future. ®

A better Florida and a better world

www.mosaicfla.com 52114

2A

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

Opportunity awaits?

Ten miles to the south of Pine Avenue, Longboat Key is also changing.

In 2011, empty storefronts blanket two of the island’s shopping centers. In the last five years, Avenue of the Flowers has lost Philip’s Menswear, Susan Stribling’s New Traditions and Mattison’s Steakhouse at the Plaza from the Town Plaza II that sits directly behind it. The Market, Whitney Beach Deli and Wines, Tiny’s of Longboat Key and multiple restaurants have left Whitney Beach Plaza.

Town officials agreed that revitalization of shopping centers was a priority as they revised the town’s Vision Plan in the past months. The question now is: how?

“Revitalization, according to the Vision Plan is desired, but within a historical balance between residential, tourism and commercial uses,” said town special counsel attorney Nancy Stroud at the Feb. 15 Planning and Zoning Board regular meeting.

Today, Pine Avenue is still changing.

Three-and-a-half years have passed since Chiles and developer Mike Coleman proposed the Pine Avenue Restoration project, a plan that will bring a total of 11 mixed-use Old Florida-style buildings to Pine Avenue. Today, six of the structures are complete. The bottom stories are home to Pine Avenue’s small but growing community of boutique businesses that includes six retailers, two offices, a salon, an art studio and a concierge business service; the top are three-bedroom, two-bath-

Past potential

About the same time Chiles began worrying that Anna Maria’s business district could go residential, Mike and Jane Coleman looked at a black-andwhite photo and thought about what Pine Avenue could have been. They had recently finished building their home on Pine Avenue and visited the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. There, they looked at a photo that showed men donning suits and hats, and women wearing long dresses and carrying parasols.

The photo probably dated back to 1911, the year the Mistletoe began ferrying passengers between the mainland and Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. The ship docked on the bayside of what is now the city of Anna Maria, and passengers paraded down the island’s Pine Avenue en route to the Gulf of Mexico.

Getting a glimpse of the area’s past, the Colemans contemplated what Anna Maria’s main street could have looked like — a bustling center.

Fred Terry reads the paper and drinks some coffee while his dog, Stella, enjoys herself on the porch of the Anna Maria Olive Oil Outpost Friday, Feb. 4.

3A

WHERE IS PINE AVENUE?

HOLMES BEACH

AND RIA ISL A M A NN

To LONGBOAT KEY 

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A

Pine Avenue stretches from Gulf to bay in the city of Anna Maria. It is a half-mile long and stretches six blocks. It is the only part of the island with residentialoffice-retail zoning.

BRADENTON BEACH



PINE AVENUE

 The Waterfront Restaurant

NU E

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PI NE AV E

cal three-story homes were constructed.

Chiles, who owns the Sandbar Restaurant on nearby Spring Avenue, along with BeachHouse Restaurant on Bradenton Beach and Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub on Longboat Key, wasn’t interested in expanding the 1% of the city’s land that made up its commercial zone or the 2% that consisted of the residential-office-retail zone, which includes Pine Avenue. But he worried about what would happen if that tiny strip of land became residential. Just a dozen or so Pine Avenue businesses remained, approximately half of which were offices.

“If that street goes residential as it could,” he thought, “we’ve lost an important part of the character.”

He feared that losing the island’s business district would make Anna Maria more like a neighborhood than a community.

room condominiums for sale for approximately $850,000 each that are currently used as vacation rentals.

And customers are getting the message that Pine Avenue is open for business. Even on a foggy February morning, the wooden chairs on the open porches fill up with shoppers, many en route to the beach, who arrive by foot, bicycle, trolley and car.

“That’s what Longboat needs,” Chiles said. “It needs more oxygen in the blood.”

Chiles said that there might not be an opportunity to follow Pine Avenue’s model exactly; it was a blank canvass on which to draw. But for Longboat Key, he sees what he describes as “pockets of opportunity”: Avenue of the Flowers; Whitney Beach Plaza; and The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.

Although he believes that Longboat Key presents unique challenges, including 30-day rental restrictions, he has also seen reasons for optimism, such as the 2008 approval of a referendum allowing the development of 250 tourism units.

Chiles cautions that a similar project is costly and has to be a long-term investment. Already, he estimates that the Pine Avenue project has cost more than $8 million, and will cost another $3 million. But he believes it to be a worthy investment.

“I don’t think you can be a city or a community if you don’t have a small-business district,” he said. “If you don’t have that, they’re neighborhoods or they’re subdivisions. But they’re not communities.”

www.YourObserver.com

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BUSINESS / FROM PAGE 1A

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UL  The Sandbar F D R. Restaurant

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Timeline  Summer 2007 — Ed

Chiles and Mike Coleman told the Anna Maria City Commission that they had contracted to buy 15 lots on Pine Avenue and presented their plans.

 May 2008 — The project received its first site-plan approval.

Late 2008 — Construction of the current project began.



March 2010 — The project’s first tenant, Anna Maria Olive Oil Outpost, opened.



December 2010 — The Pine Avenue Restoration project received the “Platinum Status” Award from the Florida Green Building Coalition.



 2012 — Chiles and Coleman hope to complete the project.

“I remember thinking it never got finished,” Coleman said. “We said, ‘That’s what Pine Avenue is supposed to be.’”

Chiles and Coleman met through Sandy Mattick, a Pine Avenue resident who owned the Pine Avenue General Store.

They weren’t the only Anna Maria residents concerned about the loss of city businesses. The city began a discussion of its Comprehensive Plan in 2003, with some commissioners expressing concern that businesses would completely leave the district and it would become residential. The closure of the marina that occurred in 2005 highlighted the trend.

Together, they conceived of the Pine Avenue Restoration plan, and in the summer of 2007, they acquired the right to purchase 15 lots. They decided to build two stories instead of the allowed three and used native landscaping and green materials to create an Old Florida feel.

But the development process hasn’t been smooth. Opponents of the plan said that it did not comply with density restrictions or parking restrictions. A battle to require Chiles and Coleman to install driveways and parking lots resulted in multiple lawsuits and the recall of Anna Maria Commissioner Harry Stoltzfus.

Others have said that the development is out of character for

Pink & Navy and Bella by the Sea Home Boutique are two recent additions to Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island.

Anna Maria.

“I think we could have had that proclaimed a historical street so that nobody could change it,” said Carolyne Norwood, who founded the Anna Maria Island Historical Society.

She said she was disappointed by the fact that the historic Sears cottage was moved to a different location, while other cottages were demolished.

“We were trying to make it a historic little street,” she said.

“These are modern buildings.”

Project construction began in late 2008, and by March 2010, Pine Avenue had its first new tenant, Anna Maria Olive Oil Outpost, owned by Longboat Key resident Kelly Kary, who moved her business from downtown Sarasota.

Kary said that she became sold on the Pine Avenue project after visiting the street on various days of the week and seeing that traffic was there. People were walking, biking, heading to the beach — but they didn’t have a place to go. Now, Kary said that traffic has a place to go.

“Traffic is still the same but traffic has a reason to stop,” she said.

According to leasing broker Tom Aposporos, finding the right tenant to pioneer the new Pine Avenue was key. The development didn’t need a nationally known chain to attract tenants; it needed someone unique, someone who would create a culture by offering something different. Soon, Kary’s husband, Bill, opened the Anna Maria Island Business Outpost. Boutique businesses soon followed.

“All of that commercial space that everybody said would never be filled is filled in these times, which I find to be rather remarkable,” Aposporos said.

Model development

Three years ago, Anna Maria resident Mike Pescitelli didn’t have a reason to make the twoand-a-half-mile walk from his house to Pine Avenue.

“It was just a straight road with a parallel walking area,” he said. “It wasn’t appealing at all.”

Today, Pescitelli tries to go every morning. He orders a cup of hot tea at the Olive Oil Outpost, settles into one of the wooden chairs on the porch and reads one of the newspapers that Kary leaves out for customers.

Pescitelli was introduced to the new developments at a Christmas party that merchants had on their porches two months ago. There, he ran into fellow islanders, many of whom he hadn’t seen in a while. Now, on the third Friday of every month, merchants hold “Porch Parties” that draw more than 100 people.

“Some of the men have been saying that they hadn’t been in a shop in 20 years,” said Susanne Arbanas, owner of Anna Maria Island Concierge Services.

Bella by the Sea Home Boutique owner Jo-Ann Lefner said that merchants have formed an association and work together.

They discuss which items retailers are ordering to ensure that each business has something different to offer.

“By not ordering the same items, each of the stores has its own personality,” she said.

The Pine Avenue vision hasn’t yet come to full fruition. Construction on the seventh, eighth and possibly the ninth structures will begin soon. The remaining two or three buildings will be finished in 2012.

“This is a model for any small town,” Coleman said. “This is the Florida I grew up in.”

4A

INBRIEF

mation, contact public information officer Darren Alfonso at 813-767-9532.

+ Two pension meetings scheduled for March

+ Key’s paving project almost complete

A paving contractor hired by the Florida Department of Transportation started applying permanent striping to the Sarasota County portion of Gulf of Mexico Drive Monday.

The work will be performed from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. through Friday.

Weather permitting, the striping operation is anticipated to last approximately two weeks.

The striping operation is the last part of a paving project that removed old asphalt and resurfaced the roadway. The project is expected to be officially complete in March.

For more infor-

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The Town Commission canceled its Tuesday, Feb. 22 pension workshop because presenters and some commissioners were unable to attend. The meeting has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, March 7.

A Longboat Key Public Interest Committee pension forum is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, at Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

+ Sarasota-Havana Regatta postponed Sarasota Yacht Club Charitable Foundation officials decided Feb. 15 to postpone the Sarasota-Havana Regatta because they

didn’t receive permission from the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the U.S. Treasury Department by the Feb. 15 deadline that race organizers had set.

But organizers still have hope that 2011 could be the year that they set sail to Cuba and are leaving plans for another regatta open for modification should the foundation receive approval by mid-March.

According to Vincent Di Pano, Sarasota-Havana Race Committee chairman, the foundation will support a race conducted by the Bone Island Regatta, which will begin May 18, at Sarasota Yacht Club. If the foundation receives approval by next month, it will hold a regatta in which participants will race from Key West to Havana upon completion of the Bone Island Regatta.

+ Early voting will begin the second week of March Early voting for all Longboat Key registered voters for the March 15 municipal election will take place March 7 through

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

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

March 13, at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.

Voting hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, contact the town clerk at 316-1999.

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5A

revitalization plan

RATE CHANGES

Mayor George Spoll proposed last week that the town form an Economic Development Committee that would attract entrepreneurs to help revitalize aging facilities.

Planning, Zoning and Building Director Monica Simpson presented concepts to the Town Commission for new fees.

Town seeks Economic Building department fees Development Committee and permit costs debated

By Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

The town of Longboat Key is forming a committee to help spur economic development on the island. But the Town Commission is still determining the committee’s makeup and mission.

At the Thursday, Feb. 17 regular workshop, Mayor George Spoll made his case for why he believes such a committee is necessary.

Spoll, who attended an Economic Development Council meeting of local municipalities in January, was surprised to discover the town was the only municipality that had no Spoll economic committee.

“I went to this meeting and discovered we have no formalized process in place,” Spoll said.

Commissioner David Brenner suggested the town resurrect an Economic Development Council under the umbrella of the Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce, which included the town’s mayor, three Key citizens and economic development directors from both Manatee and Sarasota counties.

But Spoll suggested the focus of this group should be different.

“There is a concern on the Key we (the town) are trying to bring new

By Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

business here,” Spoll said. “But when we talk about revitalization, I think of improvements to existing shopping centers. That, to me, is Longboat’s revitalization.”

Getting involved in bringing new business and jobs to the island, Spoll suggested, should not be the town’s job.

“The goal should be to figure out what and why we have lost some of our facilities,” Spoll said. “I think the goal of the committee should be more community-oriented.”

Spoll said the town needs a group to encourage ideas.

“If we had a group talking about ways to redevelop sites, it would attract entrepreneurs who might want to help make that happen for us,” Spoll said.

District 2 Commissioner-elect Jack Duncan, who replaces Spoll next month, also entered the discussion.

“I think the commission needs to create an objective first to discover what the town is trying to be,” Duncan said. “We need consensus on a town level on what we want this island to look like.”

There was a consensus to form the committee, and the commission agreed to discuss the concept again at its March regular workshop.

Mayor George Spoll, a retired home builder, can’t believe the town’s Planning, Zoning and Building Department has been, in essence, doing work for free in some cases.

At its Thursday, Feb. 17 regular workshop, Planning, Zoning and Building Director Monica Simpson explained that a new fee schedule is needed, in part, because her department will sometimes perform work for an applicant who later chooses not to move forward with a permit.

“By having an application fee that’s nonrefundable, it ensures we won’t lose money if someone changes their mind,” Simpson said. “I am working to develop a reasonable application fee.”

The six commissioners in attendance agreed with the decision (Vice Mayor Jim Brown was not present at the meeting).

“You want to make the fee big enough so the department doesn’t waste time and money,” said Commissioner Robert Siekmann.

Spoll, however, couldn’t get past the fact that the town has not had an application fee before.

“I spent my life in this business and was accustomed to getting permits,” Spoll said.

“If we are doing plans for no cost or very little cost, it’s amazing to me. This is not a game for amateurs. Right now we collect zero upfront and that’s absurd.”

Spoll said the application fee has to be enough to cover town staff ’s work.

“The building department should not be used as a free design service,” Spoll said.

Simpson agreed and told the commission she will bring back to the commission a recommended permit fee that will be charged moving forward.

The discussion stems from a building permit-fee study the town paid approximately $18,000 for more than two years ago.

The study has been revised several times over the last three years by Anaheim, Calif.,based Willdan Financial Services.

The town, in an attempt to help make the Planning, Zoning and Building Department break even or create a profit, approved the study in May 2008 to make sure its building department is charging sufficient fees.

The study shows the building department could do a better job of recouping fees for renovation permits, which make up the bulk of the department.

Flat fees for simple jobs, such as the replacement of a water heater, would also increase to reflect what neighboring communities and counties charge.

For instance, the replacement of a water heater on Longboat Key would cost $70 for the permit, as suggested in the study. That fee is currently $50.

The commission, however, doesn’t want to raise fees too high, which they feel could deter contractors from pulling permits.

Spoll has suggested the town consider keeping base fees that can be raised in increments, depending on the square footage of a job.

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OPINION

www.YourObserver.com

Observer

LONGBOAT

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

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor and CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@yourobserver.com Publisher/Executive Editor / Lisa Walsh, lwalsh@yourobserver.com Associate Publisher-Multimedia / Emily Walsh Parry, ewalsh@yourobserver.com Managing Editor / Jessica Luck, jluck@ yourobserver.com Assistant Managing Editor/Design / Nancy Schwartz, nschwartz@ yourobserver.com Senior Editor / Dora Walters, dwalters@ yourobserver.com City Editor / Kurt Schultheis, kschultheis@yourobserver.com Community Editor / Robin Hartill, rhartill@yourobserver.com Black Tie Editor / Stephanie Hannum, shannum@yourobserver.com Social Editor / Molly Schechter, mschechter@yourobserver.com Arts & Entertainment Editor / Heidi Kurpiela, hkurpiela@yourobserver.com Staff Writer / Maria Amodio, mamodio@ yourobserver.com Staff Photographer / Rachel O’Hara, rohara@yourobserver.com Director of Advertising /Jill Raleigh, jraleigh@yourobserver.com Advertising Executives / Tracy Bender, tbender@yourobserver.com; Louise Lewis, llewis@yourobserver.com; Suzanne Munroe, smunroe@yourobserver.com; Kathleen O’Hara, kohara@yourobserver. com; Laura Ritter, lritter@yourobserver. com; Lori Ruth, lruth@yourobserver.com; Maria Witty, mwitty@yourobserver.com Account Manager / Victoria Baga, vbaga@yourobserver.com Classified Advertising Supervisor / Pam Cooper, pcooper@yourobserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Maureen Hird, mhird@yourobserver.com Advertising-Production Operations Manager / Kathy Payne, kpayne@ yourobserver.com Advertising-Production Coordinator / Brooke Schultheis, bschultheis@ yourobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Monica DiMattei, mdimattei@yourobserver.com; Shawna Polana, spolana@yourobserver. com; Marjorie Holloway, mholloway@ yourobserver.com; Luis Trujillo, ltrujillo@ yourobserver.com Multimedia Production Manager / Caleb Stanton, cstanton@yourobserver. com Circulation Manager / Paul Simons, psimons@yourobserver.com Circulation/Admin. Assistant / Patti Colby, pcolby@yourobserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Keisacker, lkeisacker@yourobserver.com Accounting Manager / Lori Downey, ldowney@yourobserver.com Accounting Assistant / Kathy Klein, kklein@yourobserver.com Founders: Ralph, Claire and Janet Hunter, 1978-1995

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Publishers of The Longboat Observer, The East County Observer,The Sarasota Observer,The Palm Coast Observer, Season magazine and Gulf Coast Business Review

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 24, 2011

our view

Quicker way to redevelop It’s good to see the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board discussing once again how the town might be able to encourage redevelopment of the Key’s primary commercial centers — Avenue of the Flowers and Whitney Beach Plaza highest on the list.

This has been an issue for more than a decade. We all have watched it unfold.

Indeed, as has been reported in these columns many times, Longboat Key has a surplus of property zoned for commercial use. And with the FEMA rules and town and state zoning regulations as they are, commercial property owners have found little to no financial incentive to redevelop. For one, these regulations typically result in an owner being able to use less of his property to generate income.

And then it’s a vicious circle.

Commercial users are reluctant to come to Longboat Key because of its seasonality and especially reluctant to pay the rental rates that property owners must charge to recoup the costs of redevelopment. If the commercial developers can’t charge the rents, they have no incentive to reinvest.

Planning board members, however, heard from Nancy Stroud, a special town counsel, that they can create some flexibility in the town’s comprehensive plan.

Although that’s a good strategy to pursue, we can imagine how many years that might take.

Perhaps there is another approach, one that former Longboat Key businessman Arthur Falls suggested years ago: Encourage commercial property owners to submit ideas for how they would like to redevelop their properties. In the process, give them some relief from the town’s costly application process — an exchange for spending the money on new designs.

Figure out how to exempt them from submitting plans that conform to every letter of the code. Let them create, and then have the town planning board and commission vote the projects up or down — based on the merits of the projects.

This would avoid huge up-front costs and spur speedier, better redevelopment.

+ High-speed fiasco

None of this has been a surprise.

We’re referring to all of the backlash Gov. Rick Scott has taken since last week over his rejection of $2.4 billion in federal funds to build a high-speed rail line from Tampa to Orlando.

Two contrasts: If you searched through the editorials at the pro-Socialist, liberal, statist dailies in Florida, they went apoplectic over Scott’s announcement. They called him “clueless” (Orlando Sentinel). The St. Petersburg Times headlined its lead editorial on the subject: “Train wreck of a governor.” The Miami Herald said he did it to please his Tea Party base. And, of course, our altruistic friends across the bay entitled their editorial, “Scott goes off the rails.”

Now contrast that with the reaction Thursday night at the Sarasota Republican Club monthly dinner. When the club’s speaker mentioned Scott’s rejection of the rail, the room of 90 broke into applause and cheers.

The people get it.

This is what is so mystifying about the statist leftists: From where do they think that $2.4 billion is coming? From under a rock?

For the foreseeable future, the U.S. government is expected to continue borrowing more than $1 trillion a year more than it takes in from taxes.

Read our lips: There … is … no … money … to … pay … for … this.

What’s more, the statists cannot seem to comprehend this other economic fact: That $2.4 billion may be spent to create 14,000 jobs in Florida, but that $2.4 billion, which is taken from others (in the form of taxation), will kill 14,000 jobs elsewhere.

This is the broken-window rule. If a

+ Help keep the library free — from the town

Say it isn’t so.

Leaders of the not-for-profit Longboat Library Inc. have asked the Town Commission for a subsidy. Not a big one, mind you.

It would like its building, which it leases from the town for $10 a year, to be added to the town’s property and casualty insurance policy. That currently costs the library about $6,000 a year.

And it would like the Longboat Key Public Works Department to handle the groundskeeping, another $2,000 a year.

The library is struggling. It always struggles — to keep its membership steady and growing; to raise funds; to bring in new books; to stay up with the changing world. But throughout its proud history the Little Library That Could has never been a burden to Longboat Key taxpayers.

We would hate to see that happen.

We would hate to see it let the town’s nose get in the door.

Although the $8,000 a year is not much — especially in the scheme of the town’s overall expenses — and although we’re inclined to encourage the commissioners to take on these expenses (while cutting others), perhaps the library board can strategize about other options to secure its long-term future and maintain its fiscal independence.

rock thrower breaks the bakery owner’s picture window, the bakery owner must spend money to repair his window. That money certainly will create jobs and income for the window maker. But it means the money the bakery owner was going to spend to buy a new suit or shoes will not be there. The suit maker loses out.

There is no net gain.

This is especially so with taxation. When you give to one group (train makers), you make another group poorer (taxpayers).

The statists and politicians cannot see the unseen, however. They only think of what they will see — the high-speed rail jobs in Florida that will make them look like heroes while they are in office.

They pant: “We should take the money.

If we don’t, California will.” As if that makes it right — for Floridians to take money this country does not have in the first place.

+ Scott’s unreported letter

No surprise on this one, either: As far as we could tell, none of the mainstream press in its coverage last week of Gov. Scott’s high-speed rail rejection bothered to report the the rest of the story.

In Gov. Scott’s letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Scott made explicit suggestions on better investments in Florida’s economy than the high-speed rail. Here are excerpts from that letter outlining Scott’s preferences: “I believe that the dollars being made available for proposed high-speed rail projects are better invested in higher yield projects, like those we have discussed in the past few weeks and that are listed

SOUND OFF Where do you stand on the highspeed rail project? Let us know.

Should the state of Florida accept $2.4 billion in federal funds for the project — even if state and federal politicians guarantee Florida taxpayers would not be liable for any costs?

Send your comments to: longboatletters@yourobserver.com or 5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228.

File photo

If there’s a candidate on the Key for a good annual fund-raiser, the library is it. We also have suggested this before: What is the efficacy of combining the library and the Longboat Key Historical Society under one roof? Two heads are better than one — certainly, they can be.

Or what about seeking moneyraising ideas from the library members and patrons or even the citizens of Longboat Key? The Longboat Library has enjoyed its independence since its incorporation 50 years ago. And its members have always been proud they have never become a financial burden to taxpayers — a feat deserving of great admiration, especially in this age of public entitlement.

So if the library needs a short-term subsidy, so be it. Meantime, we urge the library board and others to strategize. We’ll certainly pitch in however we can to help the library maintain its proud legacy as a self-supporting private library.

below.

• “Dredging improvements to the Jacksonville Port Authority • “Intermodal container transfer facility at Port Everglades • “Dredging improvements at the Port of Miami • “I-295/SR 9A interchange at Heckscher Drive in Duvall County • “Improvements to U.S. 331, including new bridge east of the existing bridge over Choctawhatchee Bay • “Widening I-95 in Martin, St. Lucie, Brevard and Volusia counties • “Widening I-4 in Orange County • “Improvements to I-395 in MiamiDade County • “Widening I-275 in Hillsborough County “The long-term job creation opportunities from these projects are greater, the private investment stronger and the economic yield more permanent …

“The high-speed rail project … would likely not pay for itself. Conventional wisdom suggests that this line, like the vast majority of passenger rail lines, will not be economically sustainable … ”

+ Bennett signs the letter?

When 25 state senators (15 Republicans, 10 Democrats) signed a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood last week, they asked for more time “to work with the enterprise” before sending the rail money to another state.

Among the letter signers was our own Sen. Pro-Tem Mike Bennett, R-Manatee.

Huh? We thought he was one of the good guys.

Asked about his signature, Bennett said he spoke to the governor and assured Scott he opposes the project. Nonetheless, Bennett said he “believes in the legislative process” and that he told Scott the governor overstepped his legislative authority.

Bennett says he will continue to work against the project.

Footnote: The last sentence in the letter from the 25 senators said, “Politics should have no place in the future of Florida’s transportation, as evidenced by this letter of bipartisan support.”

Get real. The letter and the jockeying since has made it totally political.

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

OPINION • NeWS

LETTERS

to the

+ I notice tranquil setting not excess signage Dear Editor: I have worked on Longboat Key since 1996. In all that time, I have never noticed excess signage and clearly never remember noticing signage centered around this bicyclist issue. Even now with the issue making front-page headlines, I cannot notice excess signage when driving to and from work. What surrounds my drive is the beauty and peacefulness, the tranquil Gulf or bay surrounding my drive every day. (I) clearly notice all the bikers enjoying the same peaceful surroundings and loving nature and choosing this beautiful Key for a better lifestyle and healthier life.

This is why we call this “paradise”!

Why many visitors find this to be a permanent home.

As well, I do believe our visitors find the same beauty in the surroundings, easily avoiding bikers, and they are not counting the signage on the Key when they arrive.

The traffic flows, and the signage is not counted when you can look beyond at all that Longboat Key has to offer.

In driving home this past week, I still could not count the signage, for I am more focused on all the people enjoying nature, enjoying a more relaxing peace of mind and the many bikers I can move around in my drive to and from work.

Linda Cullen Sarasota

+ Officer Thomas went above and beyond call of duty Dear Editor: I would like to make a public commendation to Longboat Key Police Officer

EDITOR

www.YourObserver.com

BY THE NUMBERS:

TOWN EMPLOYEE SALARIES

John Thomas.

When my daughter and I were faced with a traumatic dilemma of a lost wallet and no photo ID to make our return trip to Cincinnati, Officer Thomas went above and beyond the call of duty to help us with our problem. He was so polite, concerned and compassionate. We were indeed impressed with his professionalism and owe him a debt of gratitude.

Thank you so much, Officer Thomas.

Ann Thompson and Donna Percy Cincinnati

The following is a breakdown of director salaries and total department salaries:

+ Gov. Scott should seek advice from failed businesses Dear Editor: What a novel idea that the state of Florida should be run “like a business.”

Gov. Scott should seek advice from former management at Ford, GM, Chrysler and Enron, among others. He should also consult members of the Bush administration under whose watch these failures germinated and proliferated. The citizens of Florida could then be laughing all the way to bank(ruptcy).

Gov. Scott and your editorialist team would do well to read the novel “1984” by George Orwell.

Dennis Murphy Bradenton To send in your letters: Please e-mail them to jluck@yourobserver.com, or mail them to the Longboat Observer, 5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 34228. the Longboat Observer gives priority to letters of local interest and about local issues. The Observer will print all letters to the editor if it feels they are of general interest, but only if the letter is signed and the author’s street address and phone number are given.

Town Manager Bruce St. Denis

Town Clerk Trish Granger

Finance Director Tom Kelley

MIS Director Kathi Pletzke

Salary.......$178,190 Misc............$49,893 Total.........$228,083

Salary.........$84,126 Misc............$15,408 Total...........$99,534

Salary.........$98,846 Misc............$17,755 Total..........$116,601

Salary.......$108,096 Misc............$19,352 Total.........$127,448

Police Chief Al Hogle

Fire Chief Paul Dezzi

Public Works Juan Florensa

P&Z Monica Simpson

Salary.......$108,096 Misc............$19,045 Total.........$127,141

Salary.........$98,121 Misc............$11,452 Total.........$109,573

Salary.......$106,488 Misc............$18,973 Total.........$125,461

Salary.......$104,952 Misc............$18,728 Total.........$123,680

Total Department Salaries Department.........................................................................................................Salary Fire............................................................................................................. $3,565,054 Police.......................................................................................................... $1,864,393 Public Works............................................................................................... $1,451,047 Planning, Zoning and Building......................................................................... $920,763 Finance........................................................................................................... $500,797 MIS............................................................................................................... $387,457 Town Manager................................................................................................ $356,151 Town Clerk...................................................................................................... $318,116

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

NeWS

www.YourObserver.com

30 years

Sharkey reflects on lifetime of duty

By Dora Walters | Senior Editor

On March 8, 1981, Martin Sharkey joined the Longboat Key Police Department. His plan was to stay a couple of years, then move on to the Manatee County Sheriff ’s Department.

But his plan changed.

Deputy Chief Sharkey, who was been with the Longboat department for 30 years, will retire April 1.

“I just found my niche in law enforcement with the Longboat Key Police Department,” Sharkey said. “I was 21 when Chief Wayne McCammon hired me.

McCammon was bigger than life and a no-nonsense guy. I know without him I would not be where I am today.”

Sharkey spent a couple of years working with his dad, Anthony, in the boatbuilding industry after he graduated from Bayshore High School, in Bradenton.

“But it wasn’t for me,” Sharkey said. “I always wanted to be a cop.”

He spent 13 years as a patrolman; his salary for his first year on the job was $11,398.

For several years he specialized in traffic issues, primarily drunk drivers, and worked a 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. shift.

“I was good at it and was recognized for several years by Mothers Against Drunk Driving,” Sharkey said.

Sharkey advanced in the department, becoming deputy chief in 1996, with John Kintz as police chief.

In 2003, he spent 10 weeks with the FBI Academy in Virginia and returned with 19 college credits. Asked by Police Chief Al Hogle, “What do you intend to do with them?” Sharkey took the hint and went on to get an associate’s degree

Dora Walters

Deputy Chief Martin Sharkey plans to spend some of his retirement days pursuing a lifelong interest: fishing.

in business from Western International College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Bellevue University, both online.

“I had a thirst for knowledge in law enforcement, and I took every course I could get into,” Sharkey said.

He has served in the detective division, on marine patrol, assisted other agencies in drugs busts and performed various administrative duties.

“Without serving in the field, I would

not have been able to be an administra- meeting the same year it was stolen, but tor,” he says. “I couldn’t have done this job it disappeared again and has never been without being in the trenches.” found.

Looking back, Sharkey remembers Sharkey denies any knowledge of the some unusual assignments. second disappearance.

“I remember one commission had us There is a common sentiment that park patrol cars on the sidewalks and Longboat has no crime, but Sharkey decheck bike riders for bike bells,” he said. nies this.

But, there were some mishaps, as well.

“Although we have very few violent “About two years after I joined the crimes, we do have burglaries, fraud and force, we found a soccer ball-sized domestic calls,” he says. “Refirework on gardless, our the beach,” trained officers Sharkey said. never let their “We called the guard down.

Manatee Sheriff You never know bomb squad, and we what the next call decided to detonate it will be.” in a vacant area, which Hogle has high is now Corey’s Landing. praise for Sharkey.

But the bomb squad guy “He has always reached goofed. It exploded into hunout to work with and learn dreds of embers, setting small from other bigger defires in about three acres of partments to raise his wooded area. I heard from skills,” Hogle said.

McCammon on that one.”

In retirement, SharAnd, after 30 years, Shar- The missing softball in one of key plans to pursue a key has a confession: He was its disguises. new career in boating, behind the 1990 abduction both as a captain and in of the Longboat Key Fire Department’s boat maintenance management. He atwinning softball trophy. tended Merchant Marine Captain School In a Longboat Key firemen versus po- and has his 100-ton master’s license. licemen softball game in 1990, the fire“I have been blessed to have this camen trounced the cops. The winning ball, reer,” Sharkey said. “I can’t think of a which was made into a trophy, was on single person I met and didn’t like — exdisplay at the fire department. cept maybe a few who took a little more That is, until it disappeared. A ransom to make them happy.” letter was received, and photos of the ball But, career aside, Sharkey’s proudtraveling to Arizona, Oregon, New York est accomplishment is his 20-year-old and even England were sent. A British daughter, Alexandra, a student at the constable on a trip to the United States State College of Florida Manatee-Sarabrought the ball to a Town Commission sota.

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TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY TOWN OFELECTION LONGBOAT KEY GENERAL MUNICIPAL MARCH 15, 2011 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION MARCH 15, 2011

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Early Voting will take place at the Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Early Voting will take place at the Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FLFLfor Key registered voters.

Longboat Key registered voters.

Isles Road, Longboat Key, forALL ALL Longboat March 7 through March 2011 March 7 through March13,13, 2011 Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.p.m.

Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Saturday 1:00 p.m. p.m.

Sunday 9:00 1:00 a.m. p.m. - -5:00 Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The following schedule has been established regarding the Town of Longboat Key Canvassing Boards for March 15, 2011 General Municipal Election. following schedule hasthebeen established regarding the Town of Longboat

The Canvassing Boards for the March 15, 2011 General Municipal Election.

LOCATION Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office 2001 Adams Lane, Sarasota, FL

LOCATION Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office DATES/EVENTS a.m.Suite for Logic & Bradenton, FL March 1, 2011 @ 8:30 600 301 Blvd West, 108,

DATES/EVENTS March 14, 2011 @ Noon for Canvassing of March 2, Absentee 2011 @ Ballots 9:00 a.m. for Logic & Accuracy Test for Tabulating Equipment

March 11, 2011 @ 8:30 a.m. for Canvassing of March 1,Ballots 2011 @ 8:30 a.m. for Logic & Absentee

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Accuracy Test for Tabulating Equipment

March 17, 2011 @ 4:00 p.m. for Canvassing of Provisional Ballots (if necessary)

March 14, 2011 @ Noon for Canvassing of AbsenteeMarch Ballots 21, 2011 @ 9:00 a.m. for Manual Audit

Accuracy Test for Tabulating Equipment

DATES/EVENTS

Accuracy Test for Tabulating Equipment

March 17, 2011 @ 5:00 p.m. for Canvassing of Provisional Ballots (if necessary)

March 11, 2011 @ 8:30 a.m. for Canvassing of Absentee Ballots March 18, 2011 @ 8:30 a.m. for Manual Audit

March 17, 2011 @ 4:00 p.m. for Canvassing of Provisional Ballots (if necessary)

March 17, 2011 @ 5:00 p.m. for Canvassing of Provisional Ballots (if necessary)

March 21, 2011 @ 9:00 a.m. for Manual Audit

March 18, 2011 @ 8:30 a.m. for Manual Audit

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LOCATION Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office 600 301 Blvd West, Suite 108, Bradenton, FL

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

COPS

NeWS

Homeward bound

6:22 p.m. — 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway. Suspicious Circumstance. A woman reported seeing a suspicious man wearing dark clothing in the Avenue of the Flowers parking lot. He was asking women if he could drive their cars up to the store’s door so they wouldn’t get wet in the rain. The man was gone upon arrival.

6:10 p.m. — 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway. Suspicious Person. It was reported that a woman was hanging outside the liquor store in Avenue of the Flowers and asking people for a place to stay. She was located and told police she would sleep on the beach if no one invited her home for the evening. Police told her that wasn’t going to happen and watched her take a bus back to the mainland.

Easy access 7:31 p.m. — 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway. Disturbance. A man in a wheelchair reported that earlier in the day, a man was parked in the fire lane at Avenue of the Flowers, which restricted his access to the crosswalk leading to the parking lot. The driver of the car and his wife told police the man was being irrational and banged on the side of their sport utility vehicle, even though they weren’t blocking access to the crosswalk.

The driver was told not to park in the fire lane in the future.

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Feb. 10

Drive to succeed

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Office locked and secured 11:53 p.m. — 3100 block of GMD. Security Check. Police secured the door of an unlocked real-estate office along Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Feb. 15

Tire-d of car issues 1:44 a.m. — 3200 block of GMD. Traffic Violation. A man was stopped for swerving along Gulf of Mexico Drive. He passed a sobriety test and explained he had a problem with his right front tire that would be repaired later in the day.

Multiple tickets issued 10:22 p.m. — 1100 block of GMD. Narcotics Violation. Police pulled over a white Jeep for multiple violations, including a missing headlight and swerving. The odor of freshly burnt marijuana was observed, and the driver was issued multiple citations that included possession of marijuana.

CLASSIC COPS Feb. 10, 1984 5:29 p.m. — 2200 block GMD. Woman reports snake on couch. Snake found to be rubber imitation.

Feb. 12, 1984 12:13 p.m. — Chatham Drive. Woman reports raccoon in tree. Police advised her this was not unusual.

Feb. 15, 1999 12:04 a.m. — GMD and Cedar Street.

Suspicious Circumstance.Two arrested.

Might have been trying to break into newspaper stand.

Created from a Dream

Feb. 11

Move it or lose it 8:28 a.m. — 4700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive (GMD). Public Service. A man called to report a vehicle and trailer were parked on private property. A message requesting their removal was left for the owner.

No soliciting allowed 12 p.m. — 500 block of Schooner Lane. Soliciting. Two men were issued written warnings for soliciting in Country Club Shores.

Awaken your vision— experience the new Dalí.

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

Wallet swiped 2:03 p.m. — 3700 block of GMD. Lost Property. A man told police he believes someone stole his wallet while he was riding the bus.

Feb. 13

Secure seat 9:01 a.m. — 700 block of Broadway.

Public Service. A man called police to question whether a donated park bench was still sitting near the Linley Street boat dock. Police located the bench and made sure the Public Works Department secured it firmly to its concrete pad.

No noise on Sundays 9:10 a.m. — Intersection of GMD and De Narvaez Drive. Code Enforcement. A man was told he couldn’t perform yard work with gasoline-powered equipment on Sundays.

Take the trolley 7:50 p.m. — 6600 block of GMD. Traffic Violation. Police pulled a man over for driving a car with no passenger side headlight. He was issued a warning for the headlight and a criminal citation for driving with an expired driver’s license.

The man took the trolley home.

Feb. 14

Shopping steal 8:26 a.m. — 2600 block of GMD. Lost Property. A woman reported that she believes she lost her pocketbook in a St. Armands Circle store. She also believes it could have been stolen while she was shopping.

Boat repossessed One Dalí Boulevard 50380

3:18 p.m. — 2600 block of Harbourside Drive. Vehicle Repossession. A man called police to report he was repossessing a 40-foot boat from the Longboat Key Club Moorings Marina.

|

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

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thedali.org for tickets and info

Now Open.

10A

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

Your Invitation To A Priceless Lifestyle Experience If you’ve ever wondered what luxury living at the water’s edge looks and feels like, then reserve March 4th and 5th on your calendars. These are the back-to-back dates for the 2011 Masterworks Showcase: A Tour of Luxury Homes (and lifestyle expo) presented by the Sarasota Orchestra Association, in conjunction with Michael Saunders & Company, Christie’s International Real Estate and Sarasota Magazine.

Your attendance at this outstanding two-day lifestyle event includes a tour of some of the most exclusive estate homes on Casey Key, in The Oaks, on Bird Key and St. Armands. Proceeds benefit the orchestra’s youth programs.

Even if you already reside at the water’s edge—or aspire to an entirely different lifestyle—this up-close look at ten of the area’s most exceptional waterfront estates is filled with lifestyle advice for everyone, courtesy of some of the area’s best-known celebrity chefs, interior designers, artists, luxury retailers and more.

To kick-off the event in true Sarasota style, tickets are still available to the opening reception on Wednesday March 2nd, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. With the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico hugging the horizon, you’ll join fellow orchestra supporters as they toast another awe-inspiring Florida sunset; then listen as decorative arts specialist Ann Igelbrink—head of Christie’s European Furniture Department— shares her perspective on the latest trends in collecting. All from your

lofty vantage point inside an exquisite waterfront residence in the Beach Residences at The Ritz-Carlton.

The actual tour of homes includes a pair of itineraries spread over two days. Aptly called Opus I and Opus II, your donation of $50 covers admission on both days. A one-day ticket to one or the other is $35.

Opus I features four estate properties on Casey Key; and one in The Oaks. Opus II includes two waterfront homes on Bird Key, two on St. Armands and one in Lido Shores.

Imbedded throughout the homes will be such well-known local personalities as international chef, cookbook author and culinary instructor Giuliano Hazan, restaurateur and Chef Paul Mattison, Executive Sous Chef Fabien Gnemmi—of The Ritz-Carlton; and Bob Weil, cookbook author and Food & Beverage Director at the Longboat Key Club & Resort.

Under the direction of Designer Richard Carpenter, A.S.I.D., Robb & Stucky—the award-winning home furnishings retailer—is showcasing stylish furniture vignettes in one home. In another, Designer Lynn Hunter, A.S.I.D. will share her knowledge of today’s remodeling and design trends. From one of the home’s docks, boaters can hop aboard the hottest new Grady White yacht—from Cannons Marina; and from another, the sleek new motor yachts from Marine Max.

Check out the fashions from Saks Fifth Avenue, The Met Fashion House & Spa and The Dream Weaver Collection. Ladies, be dazzled by a limited edition gem from Sarasota’s family-owned Diamond Vault; and the awardwinning designs of Sarasota jewelry designer Harry Roa. For art lovers, State of the Arts—Sarasota’s finest contemporary fine arts gallery will be displaying original works of art. You’ll also marvel at the exciting works of renowned underwater videographer Tony Ludovico, whose TonyH20 gallery is now open in Sarasota. For the kids, freelance writer, poet and children’s book author Julie Woik will sign and sell her books—The Garden Gathering and The Life and Times of Lilly the Lash—in the children’s wing of one of the estate homes.

It’s impossible to mention all the individuals and vendors who have stepped-up to help support the Sarasota Orchestra’s Youth Orchestra.

Please join us for one or both days of the tour. The lifestyle expo alone is worth the price of admission. What your contribution will do for the cultural life of our youth and community? Priceless.

Tickets may be purchased for $35 for one day; or $50 for both, Tickets are available through March 3rd at sarasotaorchestra.com, at the Sarasota Orchestra box office—located at 709 N. Tamiami Trail; or from the St. Armands office of Michael Saunders & Company—located at 61 S. Blvd. of the Presidents. Additional locations are listed on the orchestra’s web site.

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51372

Vacation Ownership and Rentals LOngbOAt Key

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

11A

ExcEptional REal EstatE oppoRtunitiEs EN 1-4 OP AY ND SU

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941.376.1717 941.374.3200 Michael & Kim ogilvie 1233 Gulfstream, Unit 1101 Judy and Bill nimz 941.374.0196 terri Derr 941.356.6694 anna Kaminski E IC ION PR CT DU RE

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12A

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

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R E N O V A T I O N

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Father’s response aids son’s rescue efforts

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By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

FOOT, KNEE or BACK PAIN?

The man collapsed during a game of tennis and was lying facedown on the court. He was not breathing.

Beachplace Maintenance Supervisor Bob Kolesa heard the 911 call over the radio Wednesday, Feb. 16, as he drove his golf cart through the community.

Instantly, the first-aid training he had received more than a year earlier kicked in, and he sped to the court and used the automated external defibrillator (AED) that residents had already unlocked. He shocked the man — who was a guest of Beachplace resident Barbara Brown — and began compressions. Longboat Key Fire Rescue arrived within minutes to take over, and one of the firefighter/paramedics responding to the scene was Kolesa’s son, Brian, 23, who was hired by the department in November.

“It was a family save,” Brian Kolesa said.

The elder Kolesa, who has worked for Beachplace for 17 years, said that all of the community’s employees were required to learn CPR and first aid.

“I was just the chosen one to jump in,” Kolesa said.

But Brian Kolesa said that his dad’s actions helped to save the man’s life.

“His early intervention was a great asset to what we were doing,” Brian Kolesa said.

An hour-and-a-half after the incident, Kolesa said that he was happy that he had the training he needed to help the man.

He also said that he was proud of his son.

He had seen him going into units for

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Bob Kolesa, with his son, Brian, holds an AED that helped save a Beachplace guest’s life last week.

emergencies before but had never seen him work up close. But Beachplace staff and residents were also in awe of Kolesa’s actions.

“He’s our hero,” said Beachplace Manager Nick Luman. “I’m so impressed — I can’t get over it.”

Brown was also impressed — and to show her gratitude, she walked into the office and gave him a kiss.

“The people who live at Beachplace can feel very blessed and secure that we have the staff that we do,” she said.

Shortly after the incident, Brian Kolesa called his dad to check on the man who had collapsed. There was good news: The man was stabilized.

“Honestly, without him, I think we would have had a different outcome,” Brian Kolesa said.

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medical meeting

CHECK IT OUT

A committee has expressed interest in working with Dr. Letts to ensure island’s health services.

The town will research ways to work with the Longboat Library on its maintenance and insurance costs.

13A

New group will explore Town and library on same page at commission workshop island health care

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

A new group has formed through the Bay Isles Association to explore maintaining health services on Longboat Key. And, according to Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce President Tom Aposporos and Commissioner David Brenner, both of whom attended the group’s Feb. 22 meeting, committee members are interested in working with Dr. Pamela Letts, of the Centre Shops Family Practice and Urgent Care, who began discussing last summer the difficulties of operating a year-round, for-profit medical practice on Longboat Key. “This is very promising,” Aposporos said. “I think what will come forward is a cross-fertilization, a joining of efforts.”

Joseph Curl, a Bay Isles resident who has served as director of the Georgetown University Hospital Association and an adviser to the board of Sarasota Memorial Hospital, confirmed the formation of the committee, which he is chairing, last week. Curl did not return a voice message left Feb. 22.

“What we’re talking about is making sure there are medical services available on the Key,” Curl said last week.

Letts, Aposporos and Brenner traveled to the Gasparilla Island village of Boca Grande last summer to examine a model for providing health care for a population similar to that of Longboat Key: the Boca Grande Health Clinic, which is able to offer year-round health-care services to the community’s seasonal population through a non-profit foundation that subsidizes the clinic’s expenses. Letts plans to hold two exploratory meetings on the issue in March, followed by a larger community meeting in April.

Brenner said that the group seemed to be in the early stages of exploring the issue.

“I think they saw that basic health care on the Key was a real concern for them,” Brenner said.

“They agreed that they’ll be much more productive doing this together than separately.”

Letts, who established a board for her clinic last year to explore the issue of establishing a foundation to raise funds, said that she would welcome the group’s participation on her board.

“The more the merrier,” she said. “If Boca Grande can have 52 members on their board, we can certainly have five more on our board.”

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

Faced with rising costs of maintenance and insurance, the Longboat Library is often forced to shelve purchases of new books.

To avoid running deficits and eating into the library’s reserve, Eileen Hassel, board member and six-year volunteer at the library, asked the town at the Feb. 17 Town Commission regular workshop meeting to consider helping out with maintenance and adding the library building to its insurance, with the library paying for the increase in cost. The library building and land at 555 Bay Isles Road are both town-owned and are leased by the library in a $10-per-year, 10-year agreement.

“We are wondering if there are ways the town would be able to help in doing some of the maintenance, such as landscaping, that would be a nice savings for us,” Hassel said.

“A second item is the insurance we carry on the building and were wondering if there was some way we could be under the umbrella of the town, reducing our costs.”

Commissioners agreed that the town should find ways to help the library and directed Town Manager Bruce St. Denis to research insurance costs and report back at a future meeting.

“I suggest the town go through items,” said Commissioner David Brenner. “Insurance is a no-brainer.”

According to library board member Hazel Steskal, who did not speak at the meeting, the library currently spends approximately

File photo

The Longboat Library purchases 30 to 40 new books each month.

$6,000 a year on insurance. In addition to reducing insurance costs by working with the town, the library could save $2,000 if the Public Works Department took over landscaping and maintenance.

“I think they all would like to support the library,” Steskal said. “But we all know it’s going to take some time to look into the options.”

Library President Amy Roth said she was pleased by the response to the presentation.

“I felt that they had a positive reaction and that they would do what they could to help us out,” she said.

The library is staffed entirely by volunteers and runs on an annual budget of approximately $28,000. Currently, the library has more than 900 members who bring in more than $12,000 through membership fees.

Aside from a $4,411 grant that the library received from the town in 2005 to upgrade books on CD, the town generally has not contributed financially to the library in the past.

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

NeWS

www.YourObserver.com

community calendar

girl power

Longboater Bill Johnson recognized as Girls Inc.’s ‘Unsung Hero’

on the key Sarasota Yacht Club Charitable Foundation Fashion Show — doors open at 11 a.m., and fashion show begins at noon Monday, Feb. 28, at Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd.Tickets are $50. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Visit www.syccharitablefoundation.org or call 365-4191.

Mote Marine Special Lecture Series — takes place at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28, at Mote’s Immersion Cinema, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. Michael V. deGruy, CEO of The Film Crew Inc., will discuss his travels around the world while making natural history films in “Whales,Tales and Mishaps — Thirty Years of Filming the Deep.”Tickets are $12 for Mote members, $24 for non-members.Tickets must be purchased in advance. Call 388-4441, Ext. 691 or e-mail lecture@mote. org.

Gulf Coast Writers Meeting — takes place at 1:15 p.m.

Wednesday, March 2, at Island Branch Library, 5701 Marine Drive, Holmes Beach. Author Andy Little will introduce his fifth book, “Wheeler’s Wake.” Free admission. Call 778-7631.

Fourth Annual Royal Rummage Sale — takes place from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday, March 4 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Admission is $5 on Friday, free on Saturday. Proceeds benefit various charitable organizations.

Call 383-1255.

By Maria Amodio | Staff Writer

When it comes to volunteering at Girls Inc., there is nothing Bill Johnson won’t do. From mentoring and coaching sports to landscaping and bus driving, Johnson does it all — but his favorite part of the day is greeting the girls as they get off the bus from school.

“We high-five and hug, and they are so enthusiastic and energized.

I love it,” says Johnson, who is affectionately known around Girls Inc. as “Mr. Bill.”

Johnson was recently recognized for his volunteer work at Girls Inc. by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Wilson Wood Foundation, which presented him with the “Unsung Hero” Award. Each year, the two foundations partner to recognize unheralded individuals in the community who are recommended by anonymous “spotters” throughout the area. A committee of volunteers chooses three winners.

Johnson began volunteering at Girls Inc. two years ago at the suggestion of his wife, Mary Lou. Johnson had never heard of the non-profit organization, which inspires girls to be “strong, smart and bold,” through mentoring programs and activities, but after one meeting with Executive Director Stephania Feltz, he knew that he wanted to get involved.

DON’T MISS

Weddings in Paradise What: See all that St. Armands Circle has to offer brides-to-be at the Circle’s first bridal event. The expo will give guests the opportunity to meet with Sarasota’s premiere wedding experts and enjoy a bridal fashion show under the stars at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but brides who preregister for a fee of $20 will receive a gift bag. Call 388-1554 or visit www.starmandscircleassoc.com.

When: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26 Where: St. Armands Circle

Bill Johnson has been volunteering at Girls Inc. for two years.

Johnson first began volunteering as part of the “GI Guy” program, which pairs Girls Inc. girls with male mentors in order to provide the girls with positive male role models.

“When I first started going I was the only guy in there. It was odd,” says Johnson. “Now, the girls all say, ‘Hi, Mr. Bill.’”

It didn’t take long for Johnson to go from mentoring to taking on the role of facilities manager.

Johnson’s own two girls, his daughters, Randi and Erica, have also gotten involved with Girls Inc. Randi, interned there over the summer in the counseling program, and Erica gave her father

ExcEptional SErvicE, ExcEptional carE onE patiEnt at a timE

Rachel S. O’Hara

the gift of 20 hours of volunteering this past Christmas.

“I go to them whenever I have a question about something going on with the older girls,” says Johnson of his daughters. “They’re my sounding board.”

Johnson spends 25 to 30 hours per week at Girls Inc., mentoring, coaching sports, landscaping, tree-trimming and sometimes just chatting with the girls about what’s going on in their lives.

“Sometimes, I’m the only person standing between a girl and a really bad day or a really bad decision, but I love what I do,” says Johnson.

“I wish I had more hours in the day to do more.”

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

NeWS

www.YourObserver.com

15A

foodie fun

Euphemia Haye cooks up lunchtime learning

By Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Donna Patterson and Jackie Russell talk and take notes on the recipes.This was Patterson’s and Russell’s first time attending one of Arpke’s Lesson Luncheons.

Chef Raymond Arpke makes the salsa for the empanada de horno.

Above: Arpke rolls out the puff pastry dough to make empanadas.

Left: Poached salmon with a grain mustard beurre blanc and steamed asparagus.

Chef Raymond Arpke knows the foolproof recipe for combining fun and food.

He has been offering his Lesson Luncheon series at Euphemia Haye since 1997, and each lesson combines not only cooking tips for his recipes but includes his ever-present humor.

His most recent lesson luncheon Feb. 9 was called “All Shook Up – Ah Haha Yea Ya” (imagine Elvis crooning away).

The three-course menu included empanada de horno with jalapeño salsa fresca, poached salmon with a grain mustard beurre blanc and steamed asparagus and fresh fruit with sabayon for dessert. Twenty-five people attended the lesson luncheon, and for many this was not their first time.

Doris Palmer, from Bradenton, has been attending the luncheons for three years. She enjoys learning from Arpke and has tried making the same dishes at home.

“It never turns out the same,” said Palmer, “but it’s still fun.”

Throughout the lesson, Arpke demonstrates how to properly make the dishes but adds his own flair and humor into the mix, as well. Each course is also paired with wine from National Republic Distributors.

Bev and Gerald Moore, from Ottawa, Canada, have attended many lesson luncheons.

“He does a lot of things we wouldn’t otherwise do,” Bev Moore said.

The 2011 Winter/Spring Lesson Luncheon classes continue through May. See box for more information.

IF YOU GO Upcoming 2011 Winter/ Spring Lesson Luncheon classes with available openings include “Nothing Like a Sunday Brunch” April 10, “Melangerie” April 27 and “Classic Euphemia” May 11.

Classes take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each class is $60 per person.

Call 383-3633 to register or visit www.euphemiahaye.com.

Doris Palmer enjoys her fresh fruit with sabayon. Palmer says she rarely has dessert, so when she does, it is a real treat.

help2welcome License # CGC043438

ADDITIONS CUSTOM HOMES

THE LONGBOAT KEY DEMOCRATIC CLUB Tuesday, March 8, 2011

at the Harborside Dining Room of the Longboat Key Club.

11:30 Social - 12:00 Lunch Guest Speaker: MR. LAUREN RUDD – Nationally Syndicated Columnist “THE ECONOMIC MAELSTORM IN WASHINGTON – WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU AND YOUR INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO”

Nancy Marciniak combines the one-on-one relationship of an advocate with the financial expertise of Merrill Lynch.

Now with access to the resources of Bank of America, a Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor can help you plan, imagine, diversify, rebalance and believe.

Nancy Marciniak Senior Vice President-Investments Wealth Management Advisor

Lauren Rudd is a partner at Day Hagen Asset Management and is the firm’s chief economist. He is also president of Savannah Capital Management, publisher of The Rudd Report. The RuddReport.com website receives over 120,000 visitors per month.

(941) 364-5624 (800) 937-0837

In addition to his more than four decades of experience on Wall Street, as a research analyst and portfolio manager, Mr. Rudd has been a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist for over 22 years, with an estimated audience of over 6 million readers. His column can be found every Friday in the Sarasota Herald Tribune business section. Mr. Rudd also teaches 8 week courses on both investing and economic policies at the University of South Florida. He is a weekly guest on SNN local news 6 and newest talk show host on Talk Suncoast, weekdays, from 3:00 – 4:15 pm.

Merrill Lynch 1819 Main Street, 12th Floor Sarasota, FL 34236

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL: Jane Albaum 362-0520 Luncheon reservations must be prepaid by Thursday, March 3rd.

Please mail this form with check for $23 per person to: Longboat Key Democratic Club P.O. Box 8025, Longboat Key, FL 34228 Important Notice: Lunch site is Harborside Dining Room at Longboat Key Club

Investing involves risk. Diversification and rebalancing do not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

Names of attendees _____________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________________________ E-mail:______________________________________________________

Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured 53137

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MERRILL LYNCH WELCOMES NANCY MARCINIAK, OUR NEWEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR.

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16A

Golf Is

Our Passion.

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

CHANGE OF WATCH

Bird Key Yacht Club inducts new officers

By Maria Amodio | Staff Writer

Is It Yours?

Bird Key Yacht Club members honored their incoming and outgoing officers at the club’s annual Change of Watch, held Saturday, Feb. 19, at the club. Robert Baime was inducted as the new commodore, along with Robert Hunter as vice commodore and William Jacobs as rear commodore.

Sara Bay Country CluB

Photo courtesy of Norm Weber, Bird Key Yacht Club

Thea and Jan Van Glabbeek

Charlene Creel and Eileen Massaro

Commodore Robert and Carlene Baime

Come Share Our Passion.

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

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

Alice and Ed Price

Photos by Maria Amodio

Café Don Giovanni

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Casual Italian Restaurant Delicious Dinners Nightly 4:30-Close

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Sue and William Jacobs, rear commodore, with Marie and Robert Hunter, vice commodore

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.

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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A Fundraiser to Benefit Cat Depot

Games: Texas Hold’em, Blackjack, Roulette, Poker and Craps When: Saturday, March 5, 2011 Where: Polo Grill • Lakewood Ranch Dress: Cocktail or 1920’s attire Tickets: $150 ($2,500 funny money for gambling) Call 366-2404 for more information.

Live and Silent Auction Thanks to Our Sponsors Land Rover Southpointe

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

NeIGHBORHOOD

successful sounds

17A

www.YourObserver.com

MARITIME MEETING

Arts Center audience loves Hefner’s lyrics

By Dora Walters | Senior Editor

Breakfast served daily until 11:30 a.m.

Archaeologist shares unique local discovery

By Dora Walters | Senior Editor

Vocalist Katt Hefner performs.

Little Salt Springs is a sinkhole in South Sarasota County where evidence of the state’s earliest residents, who landed here some 10,000 years ago, has been found.

Speaking at the Feb. 17 meeting of the Longboat Key Historical Society, underwater archaeologist Steven Koski told the group the University of Miami owns the 112-acre sinkhole site.

The late Bill Royal, a diver who also

Photos by Dora Walters

Underwater archaeologist Steven Koski spoke about a nearby sinkhole.

Ronald Bryenton with Roger and Jerry Bryenton

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explored nearby Warm Mineral Springs, made the first discoveries at the site in 1989.

Koski described finding a severalthousand-year-old wooden stake in the springs, but it is still not determined how it got there or for what it was used.

Society President Tom Mayers announced plans for “A Night at the Museum,” a benefit fundraiser dinner to held March 24, at The Bayou Tavern, in Whitney Beach Plaza.

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Cathy Meldahl with Vera and Bud Freeman

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It didn’t take long for Katt Hefner to get the audience singing after she took the stage Feb. 17, at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design, for its “Sound of Music” concert series. As she began singing, “I Don’t Know Why I Love You Like I Do, But I Do,” she asked for someone in the audience to join her.

Audience member Tony Jorolle stepped up to the task.

He performed, and the audience applauded, while he beamed after the performance.

“Love Those Lyrics” was the program’s theme. Hefner cited several examples of the importance of lyrics and interpretations.

The next concert in the series, “Feel the Beat,” takes place Wednesday, March 23.

18A

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

RELIGION

www.YourObserver.com

IN MEMORIAM

Café L’Europe owner’s charm flavored restaurants

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the guys at Café L’Europe had enjoyed.

But it was just an elaborate prank. Days earlier, he had hired a graphic designer to design a fake column.

But there were some things Letschert did quietly. Every year, Letschert anonymously donated hundreds of hams and turkeys to local shelters during the holidays. He also hosted 50 to 60 terminally ill children at Café on the Bay each year.

There, he would charm the children and their families — and then cry in his office for hours.

Looking back on the life of the man they called “Dad,” Garey and Herlihy said that Letschert changed the Sarasota restaurant scene — not just through his own restaurants — but through the many restaurateurs he inspired. Many say they might not be restaurant owners without Letschert’s influence. And, today, in their own restaurants, they still hear the voice with the Dutch accent that always demanded perfection.

“Not a day goes by that we don’t hear his voice,” Garey says. “Every situation, every decision has Titus in it.”

Letschert is survived by his wife, Betsie Coolidge, of Sarasota; brothers Tom, of Holland, and Trudo, of Sarasota; sister, Thea, of Holland; friend Caroline Brown, of Sarasota; and beloved dachshund, Gustav.

A memorial service took place Wednesday, at St. Martha Catholic Church, 200 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org, or Tidewell Hospice and Palliative Care, tidewell.org.

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

J.P. Knaggs, of Bijou Café, and Bob Fracalossy, of the Lazy Lobster, along with Arpke, Garey and Herlihy, were just a few local culinary stars who worked at Café L’Europe before opening their own restaurants.

“All of the people who worked for him ended up becoming very successful,” said longtime Shenkel’s Restaurant owner and operator Edith Barr Dunn.

Later, in 1994, Letschert opened Café on the Bay on Longboat Key, which, in 2009, he sold to Garey, who transformed the restaurant into Lazy Lobster Longboat Key. Although his restaurants were known for specialties such as brandied duck and Chateaubriand served tableside, Letschert’s personality was what gave the restaurants much of their flavor.

“He had the ability to make you feel 10 feet tall,” Garey said.

Garey recalled a night in 1979, three weeks after he was hired at Café L’Europe as a busboy. He was 20 and certain that Letschert didn’t know he was alive. But when Garey brought his parents to the restaurant for dinner, Letschert proclaimed in his Dutch accent: “Mr. and Mrs. Garey, your table will be ready in 10 minutes.” He added: “If your son was working tonight, it would have been ready.”

Letschert was also a known jokester.

Garey and Herlihy remembered a night when Letschert gave them his credit card to pay for an employee’s bachelor party. The next day, he acted angry and showed them a local gossip column that included an item about the wild night

MUSSELS • LOBSTER • ANTIPASTO

MUSSELS • LOBSTER • ANTIPASTO

“The show must go on.”

The next day, Friday, Feb. 18, Letschert Titus Letschert’s voice still echoes died. He was 67. throughout restaurants in the Sarasota Born July 5, 1943, Letschert became area. sold on the restaurant business as a child Ray Arpke, chef/owner of Euphemia in his native Holland, after the executive Haye and former chef at Café L’Europe, chef of Dikker and Thyss Restaurant, hears his old boss say: “Anything less in Amsterdam, showed him around the than your best is not good enough.” kitchen. He graduated from Saint Hu“That always comes to mind bertes Hotel and Restaurant when I think of him,” Arpke School in Amsterdam and said. worked at restaurants in HolLetschert, the longtime land, Germany, Canada and owner of Café L’Europe, was Bermuda before moving to a perfectionist who for years New York City with just $500 personally tasted the lobster in his suitcase. He took a job bisque, soup of the day, dressat CBS founder Bill Paley’s ings and sauces every mornGround Floor Restaurant ing to ensure that they were and went on to co-manage flawless. the Sign of the Dove RestauAt Lazy Lobster Longboat rant and Yellow Finger DisKey, owner Michael Garey, a Letschert cotheque, both on the Upper former Café L’Europe manEast Side of Manhattan, N.Y. ager, often asks himself, “What would It was there that he met Norbert GoldTitus do?” On a recent night, a party ner, who would become his business of 28 people arrived 25 minutes early partner. for their reservation. Garey knew Titus At Sign of the Dove, Letschert caught would break out a few bottles of compli- the eye of Dr. Murray “Murf ” Klauber, mentary wine. who had recently opened The ColoBill Herlihy, who recently left his po- ny Beach & Tennis Resort. He hired sition as long-time Café L’Europe man- Letschert in 1971 to move to Sarasota ager to open his own restaurant, Bridge to work for the Colony. But Letschert Street Bistro, heard Letschert’s voice and Goldner had dreamed of opening a last Thursday, as he prepared for his restaurant together in which they would opening night. The day before, he had combine their Dutch and German influvisited with an ailing Letschert, who as- ences, and on Jan. 21, 1973, they opened sured him that his opening night would Café L’Europe on St. Armands Circle. be spectacular. With less than an hour Some of the area’s top restaurateurs until the doors opened, Herlihy worked learned from Letschert. Harry Chrisfrantically, and he heard Letschert say: tensen, of Harry’s Continental Kitchens,

46002 35396

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

RELIGION

19A

www.YourObserver.com

dinner service

St. Mary Men’s Club goes Italian

By Dora Walters | Senior Editor

was Lenny DiStefano, who gave his hardworking committee all the credit.

Dave Martin, speaker for the evening, shared his experiences of his visit to Our Lady of Fatima Sanctuary, in Portugal. During a critical illness of his wife, Rosemary, he vowed to make the trip if she recovered. She did, and the couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on Mother’s Day last year at the Sanctuary.

Long before the start of the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Men’s Club meeting Feb. 17, there was a buzz of activity at Stella Maris Hall. The tantalizing aroma of spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove permeated the air. The menu for the evening dinner meeting was spaghetti, meatballs and sausage, plus a hearty green salad, all prepared by club members. Chairman

Fred Leahy and Harold Engelke

Dinner coordinator Lenny DiStefano serves the wine.

Jim Greer and Msgr. Gerry Finegan

All Angels by the Sea

Care

Dennis McIvor checks to see if the pasta is done.

for

Li fe Guarantee!

L OCK I N Y OUR F UTURE TODAY

The Episcopal Church on Longboat Key

563 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

Photos by Dora Walters

Tom Vitro and Joe Sever prepare the salad.

WITH A

All are welcome. Please join us in worship!

Sunday Services 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

383-8161

Wednesday 10:00 a.m.

51733

Communion & Anointing

Website: www.AllAngelsLBK.org

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

of Longboat Key • Presbyterian USA

595 Bay Isles Road

Mediterranean Plaza

Bay Isles Pkwy.

Chris ChurCh

INVITES YOU

The Rev. Dr. Bruce W. Porter

Publix - CVS

SUNDAY SERVICE • 10 A.M.

“On Being Depressed” Music Director: Dan Hoffman

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www.christchurchoflbk.org

52707

Gulf of Mexico Drive

SERMoN:

Freedom Village is more than Life Care; it’s a fabulous

Love is the doctrine of this church…

Come join us as you travel your journey of faith.

The Rev. Kenneth Gill Senior Minister

9:00 a.m. Adult Education 10:00 a.m. Worship service Skin Care for Seniors - 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 26 Mardi Gras - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 8

OF CARE FOR

LIFE

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

Monday, March 7th • 10:30 a.m. for lunch or Tuesday, March 8th • 4 p.m. for dinner

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

Complimentary admission and tour Call (941) 798-8122 to join us for one of these events, a free consultation with a Retirement Counselor and a tour of Freedom Village Bradenton.

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Temple Beth Israel

Jo in

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

• Are you afraid you will outlive your financial resources?

• Are you trying to sell your home, but can’t or don’t know how in this market?

• Has your home lost more than 30 percent of its value?

• Is maintaining your home too much work for you?

• Are you interested in living your retirement years as carefree as possible?

• Have you thought about your future long-term care needs?

U s!

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

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

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

Freedom Village Bradenton is a premier Life Care community that provides a safety net of services to our residents. Join us March 7th or March 8th to learn more about our Life Care security and receive a FREE Life Care Retirement Analysis.

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Please call the office to register.

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The Community Church on Longboat Key

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20A

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

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

Roger sells: Harbor Section

Located behind security gates, these 67 homes are each located on deep water which will accommodate the largest of vessels. The lots are oversized, and the homes are substantial. The private Bay Isles Beach Club is just across the street.

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COUNTRY ClUb SHORES 1015bogeylane.com New construction 4BR/5BA, canal views, furnishings available. $1,799,000 511bowspritlane.com 4BR, open plan, lush landscaping, deep water. Short distance to beach. $1,095,000 540yardarmlane.com 3BR/2BA, south side, deep water, exceptional condition! $749,000 551yardarmlane.com 3BR/2BA mid-canal home in terrific condition. $699,000

▲ 512cutterln.com Charming 3BR/2BA on deep water canal has been lovingly updated. $679,000 552rangerlane.com Incredible value, southern facing, deep water 3BR/2BA home. $599,000 PlaYERS ClUb playersclub502C.com Beautiful, light and bright 3BR penthouse with Gulf, bay and city views. $999,000 SaNCTUaRY 545sanctuary201.com Ascot plan offers Gulf and pool views.

3BR/3.5BA plus bonus room. $1,595,000 PROMENaDE promenade402.com Wrapping around the southern corner, this 3BR/3BA is turnkey furnished and views of the Gulf, bay and city. $899,000

SIESTa KEY 9250blindpassroad.com South Siesta Key, the views will inspire and delight you. $2,695,000 541harborcovecircle.com Fantastic, custom 5,500 sf gorgeous home has 5BR. $2,495,000

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▲ grandbay634.com Furnished C plan with floorthrough views of bay and gardens. $499,000 MaJESTIC baY majesticbay401.com Golden Gate Point – 3BR covers an entire floor. $1,695,000 PHOENIX phoenix-602.com 3BR/3.5BA, 6th floor, incredible views of bay, harbor and downtown. $1,695,000 THE laNDINGS 1469landingscircle.com Located in the heart of Sarasota, this 3BR townhome has bay views. $490,000 WaTERFRONT CaNal 700 Tarawitt Drive Incredible building lot on Longboat Key. Call today for info. $249,000 TOWElS COURT 1857morrillstreet.com Two-story home. 2BR/2BA upstairs apartment over your own studio. $499,000

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Roger invites you to visit: www.rogersmarketupdate.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

IN GOOD STANDING

The Observer www.YourObserver.com

thursday FEBRUARY 24, 2011

by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

Heidi Kurpiela

“My classmates don’t get it. They think I’m standing up there with horns on my head,” says Alex Koutelias, far left, with Hercules Della Rocca, Steve Dickman and Harvey Hoglund in the Sarasota Opera House courtyard.

Super naturals

They may not sing, but they sure can talk. The Sarasota Opera performers you don’t hear on stage sound off on their favorite hobby.

T

he four tenors they are not.

Hercules Della Rocca, Steve Dickman, Harvey Hoglund and Alex Koutelias didn’t join Sarasota Opera

to land principal roles. They joined to stand on stage and keep their mouths shut — and to occasionally carry a lit torch.

Hoglund can barely whistle,

much less sing. Della Rocca won’t even hum his favorite aria in the shower. Dickman, though he’s a member of a local chorus, calls himself a “Dlist singer at best.”

OPERA CONTINUED ON PAGE 2B

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G.WIZ Fab Lab’s Eric McGrath / 4B

BLACK TIE THE SOCIAL OBSERVER

‘ARC SAFARI: THE COMPANION ANIMAL JUNGLE’ PAGES 11 and 12B

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

COVER STORY

OPERA from 1B Even Koutelias, a brainy 13-year-old who joined the Sarasota Youth Opera in the third grade, has no intentions of pursuing a career as a singer.

“I’m more into science,” says Koutelias. “I want to be an astrophysicist or a foreign policymaker.”

They’re called supernumeraries, or “supers” for short. They’re the stoic performers with non-singing parts who show up on stage during an opera performance.

Like any cast member, they report for rehearsals, costume fittings and hair and makeup appointments. What they lack in voice, they make up in character.

If you’ve seen “La bohème” this season, you’ve watched Hoglund march across the stage at the end of Act II dressed as a trench digger.

You’ve seen Della Rocca as both a police officer and an intoxicated customs guard.

And you’ve seen Dickman in perhaps the biggest role for any super in a Puccini opera: a waiter who enjoys more than 20 minutes of stage time.

“The tips are zero,” jokes Dickman, 67.

And the pay is zero. Supers, like ushers, are volunteers. This year, 10 local opera buffs were cast as supers, all of them men.

Because most supers play knights, monks, soldiers and guards, parts for women are rare.

When Dickman’s wife, Sharon, asked to be a super, she was told there were no female roles in the repertoire this year.

“For four years I’ve tried to get her involved,” says Dickman, a retired salesman for a computer distribution company. “This year she’s interested and we don’t need women. Go figure.”

It’s a Tuesday evening, and the foursome is settled into plush chairs in the Opera House’s McCorkle Lounge.

Dickman is dressed in a blue usher’s blazer. Now in his fifth season as a super, the native New Yorker also volunteers as an usher at the Opera House, The Players Theatre, the Asolo Repertory Theatre, Circus Sarasota and the Sarasota Orchestra. In 2008, he was named Sarasota Opera’s volunteer of the year.

“I literally live here,” Dickman says, flashing a printout of his rehearsal schedule. “It’s time-consuming, but it’s the most rewarding job in the world.”

Steve Dickman, Harvey Hoglund and Hercules Della Rocca backstage at the Opera House during Saturday night’s performance of “La bohème.”

IF YOU GO Puccini’s “La bohème” runs through March 19, at the Sarasota Opera House.

Verdi’s “I Lombardi” opens Feb. 26 and runs through March 20, followed by Robert Ward’s adaptation of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” March 5 through March 19.

For more information, call 366-8450 or visit www.sarasotaopera.org.

Heidi Kurpiela

Koutelias, the youngest super on the opera roster, seconds the sentiment. An eighth-grader at Brookside Middle School, the teen will notch his fourth production as a torchbearer in “I Lombardi.”

“Maestro DeRenzi is showing me a real trust of power this year,” Koutelias says. “He’s letting me carry an actual lit torch.”

The other torchbearer in “I Lombardi” is Hoglund, a 66-yearold senior planner with the city of Sarasota.

Up until this year, Hoglund, a first-time super, couldn’t even picture himself on stage in an opera production.

“There’s a kind of irony to it,” Hoglund says. “My father tried to drill good music into me as a kid, and all I could listen to was Jerry Lee Lewis.”

Hoglund didn’t pay much attention to opera until he went on a long road trip with a friend who sang nothing but Puccini.

His curiosities intensified when four years ago he served as the city staff liaison to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation during the Opera House renovations.

Della Rocca, Sarasota Opera’s longest-serving super, nods his head in agreement.

The 79-year-old Coney Island, N.Y., native worked as the director

of a New York State motor vehicles office before retiring to Sarasota 20 years ago. Since then, he’s appeared in 33 productions, playing everything from a resurrected notary to an officiating priest.

A diehard opera fan, Della Rocca admits he still has a hard time not getting emotional on stage.

In the 1996 production of Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi,” Della Rocca — cast as the fallen body of Buoso Donati — almost cheered at the end of his favorite number.

“The prima donna sang it so beautifully,” Della Rocca says. “(It was) all I could do to not rise from the dead and applaud with the rest of the crowd.”

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Diversions

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3B

COLUMN

art scene HEARD

HOT TICKETS GPAC’s ‘Catch Me If You Can’: The comedy

thriller, which involves the disappearance of a new bride, a befuddled detective, a priest and a deli guy stars real-life husband-and-wife duo Steve Carroll and Elaine LevinSmith. The pair just celebrated

by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

+ Paxton makes an unpretentious impression

‘Cirque des Voix’: Key Chorale lends its voice to Circus Sarasota for a first-time circus/choral collaboration featuring aerialist Dolly Jacobs.

The performance is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25 and 2 p.m. Feb. 26, under the Circus Sarasota Big Top. For tickets, call 355-9805 or visit www. circussarasota.org.

their one-year anniversary in January. According to Levin-Smith, the lovebirds are still so starry-eyed the play’s quarreling scenes were a stretch. The show runs through Feb. 26, at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center. For tickets, call 552-5325 or visit www.gpactix.com.

+ Up next on the RCAD guest list: Martha Stewart

Bill Paxton isn’t the only famous face floating through the halls of Ringling College of Art and Design this month. The mother of all domestic divas will be on campus this Thursday.

Martha Stewart joins an A-list lineup of celebrity schmoozing planned for the film department’s spring semester.

Martha Stewart

Courtesy photo

German filmmaker Werner Herzog will return to RCAD

March 15, followed by actor Andy Garcia and producer Paul Schiff April 5.

We can only hope that Stewart has healed since her French bulldog, Francesca, gave her a bloody lip last month.

According to Stewart’s blog, the star bent down to kiss her dozing pooch one night, when the startled dog reared its head with such force it busted open Stewart’s lip. The wound required several stitches.

+ Sarasota throws struggling comic a funny bone

Bill Paxton

Heidi Kurpiela

said. “And I needed him to play a gentleman from 1913.”

Since then, Paxton says he’s taken a “proprietary interest in LaBeouf’s huge success.”

If so, then how do you explain “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen?”

Bill Harvey, a 56-year-old computer technician from Michigan, has finally found a home for his comic strip “THE ODDS.” Harvey created the singlepanel strip years ago after watching his mother interact with one of her friends.

“THE ODDS,” which was loosely inspired by Gary Larson’s “The Far Side” and Bill Hoest’s “The Lockhorns,” focuses on the misadventures of married senior citizens Tad and Elmira Odd. Since September, the strip

has been running in the monthly Sarasota humor publication, Smiles Humor Magazine.

The artist, who grew up infatuated with superhero comic books, has spent much of his life hoping to catch up to his comic idols, Ernie Kovacs and Jackie Gleason.

“Nothing I’ve ever drawn has propelled me to where I could do it for a living,” Harvey says. “Perhaps Sarasota has an older audience that better appreciates ‘THE ODDS.’” Truer words were never said.

“THE ODDS” by Bill Harvey

50221

If only all stars were as humble as Bill Paxton.

The actor/director arrived last Thursday at Ringling College of Art and Design in the mood for good appetizers and good conversation.

Paxton, who was in town to participate in Ringling’s Digital Filmmaking Studio Lab, rolled onto campus a good 15 minutes before the screening of his 2005 golf drama, “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” let out.

After poking his head into the showing, Paxton asked the crowd of reporters gathered outside the auditorium if they’d witnessed any walkouts.

(We hadn’t. Phew.)

After helping himself to a small plate of munchies, a chatty Paxton mingled with the media and posed for pictures with former Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris, an ardent supporter of RCAD’s filmmaking program.

Later, during a Q&A session with department head Bradley Battersby, Paxton revealed that he booted a then little-known Shia LaBeouf (“Transformers”) off the “Greatest Game” set for repeatedly copping an attitude. “(LaBeouf) had grown up selling this street shtick,” Paxton

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

BACKSTAGE PASS by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

The Fab factor

DID YOU KNOW?  When contractors began work on G.WIZ’s Fab Lab, they uncovered wooden rafters that were once a part of the former Selby Library. For aesthetic purposes, the museum decided to install track lighting and keep the rafters exposed.  The Fab Lab will have a sewing machine to make textile designs. Eric McGrath does not know how to sew — yet.  There are MIT-affiliated Fab Labs in Afghanistan, Ghana, Iceland and Kenya, to name a few.

Eric McGrath landed the creative foreman’s dream job.The machinist explains how G.WIZ’s new Fab Lab gives local inventors a high-tech advantage.

Eric McGrath is tucked away inside a quiet classroom at G.WIZ Science Museum.

Away from the clamor of parents and kids, McGrath, a 37-year-old soft-spoken machinist, is bent over a laser etcher, which he’s calibrating for tomorrow’s Fab Lab training session.

“There’s a little laser in here that’s controlled by bars and servo motors,” McGrath says.

“Basically, it can etch plaques, trophies, dog tags, wood … ” As he begins to rattle off the machine’s capabilities, he reaches for a large workbook and flips open to a page illustrating how to make three-dimensional dinosaurs.

“You can piece together 2-D objects,” McGrath says. “You see here? They look like puzzles.”

The machine is just one of several high-tech acquisitions that will go into G.WIZ’s new Fab Lab when it opens in April.

Short for “fabrication laboratory,” the G.WIZ program, which was born at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was made possible last fall through a $400,000 donation, courtesy

of the Faulhaber Foundation, whose Sarasota benefactors — Dr. Fritz and Ping Faulhaber — are innovators in the field of miniature electric motors and micro-drive systems.

Since MIT developed the concept, more than 50 fabrication laboratories have popped up in science museums, schools and colleges all over the world.

According to McGrath, the G.WIZ Fab Lab is the first of its kind in the Southeastern United States.

A Bradenton resident and an adjunct IT instructor at Keiser University, McGrath was hired in September to oversee the lab.

His official title is Fab Lab foreman.

When the lab opens to the public this spring, McGrath will be on hand to teach users how to operate the machinery. The space will be open to anyone with a design idea — students, teachers, business owners and retirees.

“It’s not meant for any one age group,” McGrath says. “An idea is ageless.”

For a small fee, Fab Lab innovators will be able to fab-

Heidi Kurpiela

“I wanted to be a machinist so I could make my own stuff,” says Eric McGrath, pictured here in G.WIZ’s Fab Lab, which is currently under construction in the front wing of the museum.

McGrath’s Fab Lab display in the front lobby spells out the project to G.WIZ visitors. ricate a variety of projects using either their own materials or goods purchased at G.WIZ, such as acrylic, wood, glass, metal or plastic.

For McGrath, it’s the ultimate artistic fabrication-meets-education job.

“My father says my creativity and technology skills have converged,” McGrath says. “I can’t think of another place I’d rather be.”

The son of an artist, McGrath grew up in Western New York, where he studied CNC programming at a trade school in the mid-1990s. The skill taught him

craftsmanship, engineering and the basics of robotics.

These interests, however, always stemmed from a creative impulse.

When McGrath was 10, he created a series of stop-animation videos using his father’s Sony Betamax video camera.

“Later on, CADKEY became my canvas,” McGrath laughs.

CADKEY, a software program, is to machinists what Photoshop is to graphic designers.

When McGrath moved to Florida 13 years ago, he worked for a few small machine shops before going back to school to get a degree in computer networking from Keiser University.

Seven years ago, he began developing online virtual tours for local real-estate companies, a venture that prompted him to build a 30-foot tripod out of PVC pipe, which he now uses to take elevated pictures of houses.

The apparatus, which collapses down to 6 feet so it can fit into

Beautiful Presentations

a car, has a live video feed running to a small black-and-white monitor.

Using the video to guide his camera, McGrath triggers his shutter from the ground via remote control, which captures the same photo as a photographer using more expensive equipment.

“It doesn’t matter what career you’re in,” he says. “If you have a good background in creativity and technology, you’ll always have the upper hand.”

He says he built the tripod in his own garage “fab lab” in an effort to further his photography business. To his delight, the plan worked.

Using money netted from additional photo gigs, McGrath quickly paid off the machines he purchased to fabricate the device.

“Funny how that works,” he says quietly.

Without even realizing it, McGrath has demonstrated the importance of his day job.

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HIGHLIGHTS by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

‘Mad’ gabber returns to FST The quirky co-creator of one of the longest-running nonmusical plays in the world returns to Sarasota for a second stab at ‘Shear Madness.’

IF YOU GO

“Shear Madness” runs through March 7, in the Gompertz Theatre, at Florida Studio Theatre. For tickets, call 366-9000 or visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org. of “Shear Madness.” “It doesn’t matter if you’re 80 years old or 8 years old. Even without the humor, there’s a wonderful whodunit story.”

And for every city that presents the production, the script changes slightly to include local humor.

With the help of the show’s Sarasota crew, Jordan has tweaked the script to include jokes that reference the city’s propensity for fruit-related street names and Bradenton snubs.

“Every day we open the papers hoping some sort of scandal pops up,” Jordan says.

Last year, the Art Nadel scandal was still ripe enough to reference, so Jordan and company folded hedge fund jokes into the usual beauty shop banter.

“In smaller cites, people are delighted by the local references,” Jordan says.

“The first people to get tickets are usually the ones who’ve seen it before. They love to see how it’s changed. It’s more than a play — it’s a game they get to play.”

But, as Jordan knows, when you’re pulling from an arsenal of changing jokes, you run the risk of inserting a bomb into an otherwise airtight script.

Heidi Kurpiela

Bruce Jordan will occasionally perform in “Shear Madness.” The last five times the director showed up on stage it was as snooty society doyenne Mrs. Shubert.

JORDAN’S FIVE BEAUTY SHOP MUST-HAVES Rare chairs

“It’s always hard to find an oldfashioned barbershop chair that can do it all. It needs to spin, move up and down, recline, lock and have a footrest.”

Running water

“Two people get their hair washed, conditioned and cut, so the water in the sink needs to run. The problem was solved very easily here. We ran lines under a sub stage, but in a lot of theaters it’s quite a challenge. Usually we don’t have the pleasure of warm water.”

In 2009, following the death of Michael Jackson, Jordan decided to slip in a few comic jabs concerning the late pop star. The jokes fell so flat they were cut from the script after two nights.

A functioning phone

“We need a real telephone you can actually call out on.”

Cosmetology chops

“Mrs. Shubert gets her hair done, so one of the stylists has to study how to do the hair before the show opens.

We’re pretty sure we’re going to put this Mrs. Shubert (played by actress Lisa McMillan) in hot rollers.”

Towels

“We need 150,000 towels. We go through them constantly.”

“When you have talented actors, you’re not supposed to know whether a joke bombed,” Jordan says. “If it’s obvious, the best thing to do is comment on it in some way. It helps take the sting out.”

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What makes a murder-mystery set in a unisex hair salon so beloved that it’s run nonstop for three decades?

There’s no better person to answer this question than Bruce Jordan, the former high school teacher who co-created “Shear Madness” in the late 1970s with friend Marilyn Abrams.

The original co-producer and director of the famous “hair-raising” whodunit arrived in Sarasota this month to direct Florida Studio Theatre’s production of the play.

After last season’s sell-out run, Jordan jumped at the opportunity to return to FST for a second go at the madness.

Based on a German play about an offstage murder of a concert pianist, “Shear Madness” opened in 1978 in Lake George, N.Y., with Jordan playing the role of Tony, salon owner and head beautician.

Last year, the 55-year-old actor, director and playwright celebrated the show’s 30th anniversary at Boston’s Charles Playhouse.

“When we became the longest-running play in Boston after 27 weeks, we thought that was a big deal,” Jordan says.

“And that was 31 years ago.”

Jordan is seated in a beauty salon chair in an upstairs rehearsal studio at FST. The cast has split for lunch, leaving the director alone with his jokes amid an assortment of barbershop chairs, a sink, an old-fashioned hair dryer and a smattering of shampoo and conditioner bottles.

“We think of ourselves as a wonderful entry-level production,” Jordan says

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

EDIBLES: Recipe & Reservation by Molly Schechter | Food Editor

Sarasota gets its first brasserie The literal translation of the French word “brasserie” is “brewery” or “beer shop,” but it now describes a casual restaurant that serves drinks and simple, typically inexpensive food. The concept has a social meaning, as well. A brasserie is where you meet friends, sometimes for a full meal but sometimes just for a drink, dessert or snack. It is an inherently informal place intended to accommodate a variety of needs and desires.

That seems to be the case with the new Brasserie Belge, which also enjoys the distinction of being Sarasota’s first in its category. It is on the ground floor of the Synovus Bank building on the corner of Main Street and U.S. 301. There are numerous seating choices: an enclosed restaurant, an outdoor terrace and tables in the building lobby. The interior space, designed by owner Christian Zebier and his wife, Sabrina VanBergen, is not formal, but handsome and intriguing.

The same can be said for the menu, which includes frites and chocolate mousse. Perhaps the most notable, though, is the “Spécialités de moules … famous Belgian pot of mussels.”

The mollusks are quintessentially Belgian and apparently so loved that Belgians joke they should be on the flag. They come in four flavors: marin-

RECIPE

Mussels Provençale

Yields two main course or four appetizer servings

BRASSERIE BELGE

Address: 1990 Main St., Sarasota Phone: 706-1944 Hours: Kitchen open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, bar and snack service until 1 a.m.

Website: www.brasseriebelge.com

Photos by Molly Schechter

A steaming pot of mussels provençale, which is a Belgian specialty.

1 small onion 4 stalks celery, finely diced 1 cup heavy cream 1 beefsteak or large Ugli tomato, peeled, seeded and diced 1 tablespoon demi glace* 4 to 5 tablespoons Ricard Pastis or Pernod Salt and pepper 2 pounds Prince Edward Island mussels

*Available at Fresh Market

Holders for Belgian “frites”

Brasserie Belge restaurant Manager Mirco Chiodi ière (celery, onions and butter), crème ail (creamy garlic), vin blanc (white wine) and provençale (tomatoes, basil and Pastis, better known in the U.S. as Pernod). Brasserie Belge buys from a boutique Prince Edward Island farmer who ships every other day. All the varieties are

served steaming hot in a large, white enamel pot, accompanied with Belgian fries and homemade mayonnaise.

Zebier, former caterer to the royal family of Belgium, owned two restaurants in the Brussels area. He still operates a catering services firm there, though he has relocated to Sarasota.

The chef is Karl Neubourg, a Belgian who worked for Zebier in Brussels. The restaurant manager is Mirco Chiodi, an Italian who moved in 1997 to Sarasota and whose considerable local experience includes four years at The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort and five years at Fleming’s.

Combine the first seven ingredients in a deep pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add mussels. Cover and place over medium heat. Without opening the cover, shake the pot after five minutes, then cook five minutes longer (10 minutes total). Shake once again before serving. The mussels will have opened (discard any that have not), and you will have a delicious broth to soak up with crusty bread.

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REVIEW

Film >> And

Best Actress

Annette Bening “The Kids Are All Right” Nicole Kidman “Rabbit Hole” Jennifer Lawrence “Winter’s Bone” Natalie Portman “Black Swan” Michelle Williams “Blue Valentine”

the nominees are ...

Natalie Portman, right, and Colin Firth, below, are nominated for Best Actress and Best Actor for the 83rd annual Academy Awards.

Hands down, Natalie Portman’s deft depiction of a ballerina sinking into insanity is the best performance of the year. Not only does she bowl over audiences with her incredible dancing skills, she simultaneously scares their socks off. If the Academy stoops to awarding an actress based on her body of work, dark horse Annette Bening could walk away with the coveted statue.

Best Supporting Actor

Christian Bale “The Fighter” John Hawkes “Winter’s Bone” Jeremy Renner “The Town” Mark Ruffalo “The Kids Are All Right” Geoffrey Rush “The King’s Speech”

Get ready for the glitz, glamour and always highly anticipated gaffs. It’s the 83rd annual Academy Awards ceremony, and this year looks like an unusually heated race. Exceptional screenplays are taking center stage, which indicates that intelligence and integrity drove voters to recognize the excellence in filmmaking in 2010. But let’s cut to the chase — the Oscars are all about watching our favorite movie stars strut their stuff and humbling themselves to loyal fans. So, bring it on Hollywood. The nominees are:

Best Actor

Javier Bardem “Biutiful” Jeff Bridges “True Grit” Jesse Eisenberg “The Social Network” Colin Firth “The King’s Speech” James Franco “127 Hours”

Although I preferred Jeff Bridges’ performance as the feisty Rooster Cogburn, Colin Firth’s portrayal of the stammering King George VI is absolutely flawless. I don’t think that the Academy would let him lose to Bridges two years in a row. It really is about time for Firth to nab that elusive Oscar.

Best Director

Darren Aronofsky “Black Swan” Joel Coen and Ethan Coen “True Grit” David Fincher “The Social Network” Tom Hooper “The King’s Speech” David O. Russell “The Fighter” My choice is a toss-up between the brothers Coen and Darren Aronofsky.

“Black Swan” is truly the most disturbing psycho-thriller since, well, “Psycho.”

It’s brilliantly shot, scripted and cast. But the scene in “True Grit” where Rooster Cogburn flies across the night sky on his trusty horse with Mattie in his arms is one of those rare film images that forever etches itself in your memory. I’m sensing the Academy may choose Fincher for his film that defined 2010.

Best Picture

Best Supporting Actress

“127 Hours” “Black Swan” “The Fighter” “Inception” “The Kids Are All Right” “The King’s Speech” “The Social Network” “Toy Story 3” “True Grit” “Winter’s Bone”

Melissa Leo is pitch-perfect as the working-class matriarch/control freak who kicks butt almost better than her boxer boys. She and Amy Adams play off one another exquisitely. But Leo, along with Bale, owns this film. She was previously

It’s a tough call. Can sheer entertainment prevail over a social phenomenon?

My choice is “Black Swan.” Most likely, “The King’s Speech” will dance off with the Oscar due to its recent momentum.

But I would be downright pleased as punch if “True Grit” could pull it off.

All of the nominated films are stunning must-sees. So, put them in your queue or get crackin’ and catch them in a theater — where they’re meant to be seen. It’s been a good year at the movies.

Christian Bale delivers a knock-out performance as crack addict Dicky Eklund, brother and part-time trainer to boxer Micky Ward. I’m not certain as to what the criteria is for being relegated to supporting actor when Bale spends more time on screen than any of his co-stars. It’s his first Oscar nomination and a guaranteed win.

By PAM NADON | FILM CRITIC

nominated in the same category in 2008 for “Frozen River.”

Amy Adams “The Fighter” Helena Bonham Carter “The King’s Speech” Melissa Leo “The Fighter” Hailee Steinfeld “True Grit” Jacki Weaver “Animal Kingdom”

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Events

Music Society of Lincoln Center: Presented by Sarasota Concert Association

License AL8951

A Beloved Wife, a Celebrated Journalist...

&the Long Goodbye of Alzheimer’s

Distinguished CBS News Correspondent, Barry Petersen reported overseas from London, Beijing, Tokyo, Moscow and was a veteran war correspondent.

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Books available for purchase along with a personalized autograph after the presentation.

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The Artist Series of Sarasota presents

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REVIEW

>> Chamber

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

Music

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Historic Asolo Theater at the Ringling Museum of Art

Chamber music is, like good caviar and champagne, an acquired taste. My father adored string quartets and piano trios. I thought they were boring until, suddenly, in my 40s, I caught the chamber music bug, and it’s now become one of my favorite forms of music.

When played well, it transports us from a world of noise and frenzy to a place of beauty and peace, understanding and enlightenment, sensitivity and calm.

One of the problems in reviewing a concert by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center is that its musicians are so good they become the intermediaries between the masters Courtesy photo and the audience.

Violinist Arnaud Sussmann Wu Han, the artistic director of the Chamber Music Society, is a among them, and, then, like the consumparticularly inspiring pianist, and when mate chamber musicians they are, with a she appeared on the Van Wezel’s stage in glance and a smile they were all back on the second half of the program last week, track. That showed us that live music is looking for all the world like a brilliant the best. butterfly in her amazing Technicolor dream For my heart, after all, that’s where this coat and bright red slippers, we wondered music finds itself — the Brahms Sextet whether she’d steal the scene from her No. 1 in B-flat was the sublime music musical collaborators, violinist Arnaud making of the day. It’s rich, sonorous texSussmann and cellist Gary Hoffman. But tures (from the “Let the Ball Roll” motif their interpretation of Beethoven’s great in the first movement to the deceptively Archduke trio was inspired; all the musisimple sounding grace of the last) swept cians demonstrated their skill in blending me away, and violinists Erin Keefe and and making seamless transitions between Sussmann, violists Mark Holloway and the treacherous changes in tempo and Paul Neubauer, and cellists Hoffman and meter in each movement. Only once (and Jakob Koranyi did Brahms proud. this is nitpicking) was there a slight slipup — June LeBell

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

COLUMN

black tie tales

+ Black Tie Affair

Event hosted by:

‘A Madcap Evening at the Circus’ Senior Friendship Centers

Senior Friendship Centers, Inc., established in 1973, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping older adults live with dignity and independence in Sarasota, Desoto, Charlotte, Manatee, Lee and Collier counties. Funded in part by State and Federal agencies, and support from private foundations and individuals, Senior Friendship Centers serve more than 20,000 older adults annually.

6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15 • Senior Friendship Center • Ticket $150 • Reservations: call Cheryl Pilch at MISSION 556-3205

Empowering individuals, families and communities through healthy and supportive aging services, and community engagement.

by Molly Schechter | Social Editor

Marx brothers’ fans will instantly recognize J. Cheever Loophole as the slightly shady Groucho Marx character in the 1939 film “At the Circus.” That he is one of the hosts of this event sets a tone of light-hearted fun for the evening. Entertainment includes circus acts by Circus Sarasota, an opera interlude by

Created & Designed By

+ And a small one ...

It seems only yesterday that it opened, but Apple Jelly Studios, the fitness and pole-dancing studio in Midtown Plaza, celebrated its one-year birthday Feb. 4. Owners Kim Mancini and Kelly Blake and Studio Manager Nicole Phillips welcomed a capacity crowd of 175 students and their

Phil and Kim Mancini with Stephanie and Joseph Coccia

+ A big anniversary …

New College’s 50th anniversary weekend Feb. 11 to Feb. 13 was big on every dimension: 1,500 alums and family members at weekend activities, more than 2,000 folks at the free Saturday concert and 575 at the Friday gala. Among them: two who are rarely seen together at the same event — Phil Mancini and Paul Mattison. Mancini’s guests for the evening were his friends since age 5, Joseph and Stephanie Coccia, from Rhode Island. Ringling College of Art and Design President Dr. Larry Thompson was burning up the dance floor with at least three different partners. And Charlie Lenger, class of ’78, was burning up the wires. Hubby Bruce Crissy shared the story later: Lenger had designed a special bodice for her gown, incorporating the school’s

+ Tidbits

Photos by Molly Schechter

Charlie Lenger, class of ’78

50th anniversary logo. Alas, there was a misunderstanding about when it was needed — it was not completed on time, and client and dressmaker were trying to console each other. That’s the sad part, but let’s hear it for school spirit of the most creative kind!

It was a once-in-a-lifetime turnout for a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

A different take on the Oscars … the rumor is that Cornelia Matson is going to Elton John’s Oscar party for her birthday present …

Familiar faces in unexpected places … in the sold-out house for the Willie Nelson concert recently at Van Wezel, Nora and Bob White (he in appropriate headgear), Joyce and Sherman Cooper, Jennie and Mark Famiglio, Janet and Buzz Schaberg, Dottie Baer Garner, ambassador Jeanette Hyde and Monica and Dr. Richard Van Buskirk ... Either/or but not both … fashionistas have a tough

Sarasota Opera, a repeat performance of “Lydia the Harold Ronson, Event Chairman Tattooed Lady,” which Bob Carter, CEO, Senior Friendship Centers & J. Cheever Loophole was such a hit at last Cordially Invite You To Attend... year’s event, and a special-guest appearance by Gibraltar. (Marx brothers’ fans will know who that is.) Even the food is fun, featuring favorites from the film’s era. Chairman Harold Ronson will emcee, and there is talk of an appearance by Groucho himself. A good time will be had by all to benefit Senior Friendship Centers, which annually helps more than 20,000 older adults live with dignity and independence.

friends and families, who enjoyed apple-themed food and drink and gobbled up performances

by United States Pole Dancing Federation competitors, including Sarah Claussen, Brittany Rohr and Allison Cox, not to mention competitive male pole dancer Josiah “BadAzz” Grant. And to think that BT missed it! Boo!

Josiah “BadAzz” Grant

choice to make Thursday, March 3. NeuroChallenge Foundation’s “Cause 4 Fashion” is 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Michael’s On East and features apparel from DreamWeaver’s Planet, Peace of Cloth, Exit Art and others. Models are people with Parkinson’s disease and family members and friends of those with Parkinson’s — including Jeff Torborg, Lee Dougherty Ross, Dr. Steven Silverman and BT. Ticket is $95, including hors d’oeuvres and dinner with wine. Cash bar.

For reservations, call 926-6413.

On the same night is“Undercover,” Sarasota’s lingerie-and-jewelry

show from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. It benefits the Pajama Program, implemented locally by Children First, Child Advocacy Center and JOY. Sources are Sea Cup and Up and Coffrin Jewelers. Models include Dr. Anne Chauvet, Diana Lebed, John Ambrozic and Max Fraga.

Ticket is $85, including cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. For reservations, call 951-2727… A rolling stone … Lina Abirafeh Ph.D., who spoke at the recent Women in Power luncheon, arrived here from Queensland, Australia, and left here for Papua New Guinea …

Courtesy photo

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION PRESENTS

MASTERWORKS

SHOWCASE A TOUR OF LUXURY HOMES OPUS II Saturday, March 5, 2011 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

A Frolic on Bird Key and St. Armands

Tour 10 magnificent homes in the area’s most sought-after neighborhoods and support our Sarasota Orchestra and its Youth Orchestra Program.

GRAPHIC DESIGN: TOBY YHOMPSON

OPUS I Friday, March 4, 2011 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

A Frolic in The Oaks and Casey Key

by Paul Portner; Adapted by Marilyn Abrams and Bruce Jordan; Original direction by Bruce Jordan

“HOWLING WITH LAUGHTER” - Pelican Press

“GREAT FUN” - Sarasota Magazine

Tickets $35 for one day, $50 for both days.

Tickets available at Symphony Center Box Office and other outlets.

- Sarasota Herald-Tribune

The hilarious “whodunit” where the audience gets to solve the crime!

For information or to order online go to www.SarasotaOrchestra.org.

For information only: 941.685.0425.

TM

Michael Kevin Baldwin and Juliana Black.

Photo by Amy Steinmetz

association Tickets $35 for one day, $50 for both days.

Tickets available at Symphony Center Box Office and other outlets.

1241 N. Palm Ave. ~ Downtown Sarasota

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THE SOCIAL OBSERVER

Black Tie

The Observer www.yourobserver.com

thursday FEBRUARY 24, 2011

h

BEST IN SHOW

m

By STEPHANIE HANNUM | BLACK TIE EDITOR

More than 200 safari-themed partygoers enjoyed Animal Rescue Coalition’s “ARC Safari: The Companion Animal Jungle” Saturday, Feb. 19, at Michael’s On East. Chaired by Mary Ann Robinson and Shelley Binion, the evening featured dinner and dancing in a safarithemed room decorated by Christine Fenner, adorable puppies available for adoption and everyone’s favorite part of

the evening — Johnny the monkey, who was dressed up for the occasion and posed for pictures with guests.

Later in the evening, Tom Hudson’s three-legged rescue dog, Pippi, stole the show with 45 people raising their paddles at $200 a piece for ARC’s Emergency Medical Fund, which was how Pippi was saved. What a great night for rescue animals!

Laurel Corriveau, Ed Mehrman and Pam and David Charron Sally Trout and Tom Ross

Johnny the monkey and Pete Resh

Sunny Moss holds an adoptable puppy.

Above: Chris Voelker and Alex Miller

David Brackette with Judy and Dick Radt

Brenda Cannon and Joanna Pace

Carole and Steven Stone

eee

Co-Chairwomen Mary Ann Robinson and Shelley Binion

SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 12B

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

12B >>

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

COVER continued from 11B

Cathy and Bill Goshorn with Brenda Terris

David and Jacqueline Morton

Brenda and Dean DuCray

Shannon and Robert Warren with Veronica Brady

THE FSU/ASOLO CONSERVATORY FOR ACTOR TRAINING PRESENTS

Selby Gallery, February 25 - April 2, 2011

lady from the Sea

Henrik Ibsen’s

Rhythm of Structure: Mathematics, Art and Poetic Reflections

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Monday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

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Selby Gallery is located on the Ringling College of Art and Design campus, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Visit on the Web: www.ringling.edu/selbygallery 52374

Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

Evening: $28 • Matinees: $26 • Students: $14 Pay What You Can Tuesday: Feb. 22 only

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Curator Talk and Preview: Thurs., Feb. 24, 7 p.m.

Opening Reception & Performances: Fri., Feb. 25, 5-7p.m.

Director’s Tour: Mon., Feb. 28, 11:30 a.m.

Drew Morris

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CAMERA READY Nikki DeBlasis and Jay Riggs

Nathan Clary, Leslie Sharp and Valentino Balboni

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Peter Dimmitt and Jaclynn Merk

Luxury Lifestyle Jetport Reception Child Protection Center | Friday, Feb. 18 Rectrix Aerodrome Center

Douglas Barker and Lori Blackburn

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Asolo Rep’s artistic programs are paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues.

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CAMERA READY

Lisa Temple and Daina Strong

Renee Hamad and Debbi Benedict

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

B.J. Creighton with Co-Chairwomen Margarete van Antwerpen and Julie Delaney

Historic Spanish Point Luncheon ‘Tropical Fusion’

Historic Spanish Point | Wednesday, Feb. 16 | Michael’s On East

LeeAnne Gladding and Naomi Smith

Valerie Perkins and Marilyn Royal

Jill Colton, Mary Kay Henson and Karen Grierson

The Broadway comedy thriller at

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15B

So you got engaged for Valentine’s Day? Congratulations!

Make

your next stop!

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Chairwoman Marcella Schuyler, Mollie Cardamone and Judy Amuso

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Caring Hearts Luncheon

First Step of Sarasota | Thursday, Feb. 17 | Michael’s On East

Honoree Paul Welch and Lynne Ross

Rita Shewer, Carol Green and Isabel Norton Alisa Westbury, Nancy See and Monique Joannette

date...

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goodwill street party

12th Annual

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 | Michael’s On East | 6:30 PM

Goodwill turns donations into good jobs, good homes & good neighborhoods.

EVENT SO LD OUT!

come to Sarasota’s Bourbon Street VOTEPlease FOR THE KING & Q OR ONLIN àElaWW Michael’s for authentic New Orleans UEEN CANDIDA W.GOODW TES BY C LINDUbar ALLINGlong. food, music, IL open & fun all night STRIES.O 941.355.2 RG/GET_I 721 NVOLVED /DONATIO NS King & Queen Crowning!

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Street Entertainers!

Jazz Band!

Beads Galore & more!

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CAMERA READY

Paul and Susan Giroux, Brian Clark and Dan and Donna Brierton

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Sarasota Exotic Car Fest Tropical Dinner

Child Protection Center | Saturday, Feb. 19 Longboat Key Club and Resort

Bob and Jill Williams

Roberta Tengerdy and Catie Briggs Jeff and Giovanna McGrath with Wayne Ard

Sunday Brunch at the Cà d’Zan Terrace

Featuring carved prime rib, shrimp cocktail, imported cheese display, frittatas, smoked salmon, assorted salads and desserts, and much more.

Recipient of the 2010 Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” Sunday, February 20, 2011 Sunday, March 20, 2011 Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011 $34.95 Adults/$15 Children (5-12) Free for children under 5. Plus tax & gratuity.

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Presented by 53156

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Floor Model Clearance!

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STILL AVAILABLE

• Home Office Units • Tempur-pedic Mattresses

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Honoree Teri Hansen, Stephania Feltz, honoree Jean Cooper, Nikki Nilon and honoree Molly Jackson

Visit Lazare Gallery ’s Branch in Downtown Sarasota

‘She Knows Where She’s Going’ Honoree Luncheon Girls Inc. of Sarasota County | Friday, Feb. 18 | Field Club

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

CAMERA READY

2010 2011 S E A S O N

Leif Bjaland, Artistic Director & Conductor

orROks MasterwHE H Photos by Stephanie Hannum

JonObservers Swift, Jill Leasure and Steve Altier 5” x 8”

Fat Tuesday Street Party Sponsor Party Feb 17 Feb 24 Mar 3

All passionate, all triumphant, all Beethoven

Goodwill Industries Thursday, Feb. 17 | Seaside Bank

March 11, 8 pm | Neel March 10 & 12, 8 pm; March 13, 2:30 pm | Van Wezel This “all Beethoven” concert begins with his Leonore overture.

Beethoven’s stormy Piano Concerto showcases 21-year-old guest artist Yevgeny Sudbin. And, in a heroic climax, the Eroica Symphony represents Beethoven’s emotional triumph over his oncoming hearing loss.

Sondra Campbell with Antonette and Bill Cunningham

MEDIA SPONSOR:

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Come as you are.

Leave different.

The Rev. Don Roberts and Michael Feduccia

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Bob Morris, Rick Fawley and Rob Morris

Ma s q u e r a FREE BEADS

Celebrate the Season at Longboat Key Center for the Arts!

Join Us As We Celebrate

Durante Gallery

to Everyone!

Ed Brickman CREATIVE COMMUNITY” “OUR “Legal Forging” December 2 – 16, 2010 Opening Reception | Thursday | December 2 | 5 -7 pm Please rsvp to 941.383.2345 by November 30 for the Dec 2 reception.

Longboat Key Center for the Arts

FESTIVE DOG PARADE Reg

· Juried 2011 Members Show

Mardi Gras...

istration at church parking lot: 5:30 pm

A selection of Ed’s work will be for sale to benefit the Longboat Key Center · Winter 2011 Student Show for the Arts Ed Brickman has been making jewelry since he was a teenager and has never lost his enthusiasm for the creative process. His work can be found in the permanent collections of the Newark Museum in Newark, New Jersey, and DURANTE GALLERY/Cultural Media Room the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City. Ed has been teaching March – March 31, 2011 jewelry for3many 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!

St. Armands Style Tuesday, March 8th 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

JUDGING at 6:00 pm in the park

Meet The MARDI GRAS KING!

“Hurricanes” & Drink Specials

Opening Reception:

Thursday, March 3 • 5 -7 pm Cultural Media Room

‘Open Trunk’ Holiday Sale by or lbkca@ringling.edu RSVP to 941.383.2345

HUMANS IN MARDI GRAS COSTUMES WELCOME!

at Circle Restaurants

December 2 - 16, 2010

Interested in holiday submitting your work?

Find that unique gift for your loved ones made by Ringling College students and alumni.

You’ll find paintings, 28 fromjewelry, 10 to crafts, 2 pmand Receiving date: Monday, Februarysculpture,

MASkS

much, much more!!

“Joe Bruno’s New Orleans Hot Dogs”

Hours for the Sale: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm Special Saturday hours!!

Saturday, December 4, 11 am to 3 pm & Saturday, December 11, 11 am to 3 pm

Reception sponsored by:

Dixieland Band 6:30 - 7:30 around the Circle

Opening Reception and Sale | Thursday | December 2 | 5 -7 pm Please rsvp to 941.383.2345 byNeighbor.

November 30 for the Dec 2 reception.

You. Your Your Neighborhood.

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will be available!

re And Mo

Portion of the proceeds will benefit SARASOTA HUMANE SOCIETY

ore!! uch M M , h Muc

6860 Longboat Drive S | Longboat Key, FL 34228 www.lbkca.ringling.edu | 941.383.2345 Hours: Monday – Friday | 9 am to 4 pm

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FASHION by Stephanie Hannum | Black Tie Editor

guestfashioneditor JESSICA KAGAN CUSHMAN BRACELETS

“These hand-poured and handcarved resin bangles each have different sayings or quotes, many of which are well-known movie lines.”

CAMILLE BELL

Young and trendy Camille Bell brings a European flair to her everyday style. As the owner of Fairy Tails Boutique, on Siesta Key, she combines her love for fashion and dogs into a one-stop shop.

SERVANNE GAXOTTE NECKLACE

KHUSSA SHOES

“I’ve been wearing these Indian shoes for more than 10 years now — it’s safe to say I’m addicted!

There is no left or right, they mold to the shape of your feet. They are adorable, comfortable, inexpensive and work with any outfit.”

TOP SHOP DRESS “I found this adorable little piece at the Oxford Street Top Shop, in London. The fabric is so silky soft and lightweight.”

PINKO DRESS

“Every woman has her favorite little black dress, and this is mine. I think it is particularly spectacular because the combination of leather and lace makes it both cute and edgy.”

ASOS SHOES

“Clearly, I love wedges! I am on my feet all day at the shop, so they give me extra height and ensure my comfort.”

“This doll necklace is by a French jewelry designer. They are like gold dust; each one is unique.

The necklace is both delicate and a bit rock-and-roll at the same time.”

“I definitely have more of an European style. I also like to mix soft things with edgy things.”

“I found this at a trade show in Paris. You can really jazz up a pair of jeans with this top, and it can be worn for a day or evening look.”

DIANA WILSON NECKLACE

“I picked this up in a tiny boutique in the Channel Islands. It’s great statement jewelry and really dresses up any outfit.”

DOSHA DOG COLLAR

“I love for my two dogs to be stylish, too — they are a great representation of my store.”

JESSICA KAGAN CUSHMAN HANDBAG “I love my ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ bag; it’s functional and fun.”

SILK TOP

MELISSA PATCHULI SHOES

“These wedges are great, because they are not only super comfy and totally weatherproof, but they also have that fabulous two-tone color combo. I love the red stripe and sole.”

VINTAGE BELT

“I love this vintage waist belt. My mother gave it to me, and I wear it all the time.”

showtime: 6:30 pm

for a madcap evening filled with fun and Marx Brothers antics, all to benefit Senior Friendship Centers

dress: cocktail attire where: Senior Friendship Centers Sarasota Campus

FEATURING

at the

Performances by Circus Sarasota Lydia the Tattooed Lady … back by popular demand An Opera Interlude Dinner by Michael’s on East … open bar 3-Ring Silent Auction Sponsor Packages & Tickets Still Available.

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tickets: $150 per person

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

National Name .

Community Focus.

Personal Service. homes for sale t Shor

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Short Sale, Comm. pool, golf, tennis + beach access to Bay Isles Beach Club. Reduced $20K $339,000 A3934939 Michelle Musto 809-3714 BrOadway PrOmenade, dOwntOwn Post purchase improvements, Concierge, Luxury facilities.

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Page 15C.

See page 2C

Bird Key A five-bedroom home sells for $4.5 million.

290 Washington - RE photo

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

“I'm all excited,” said Arani Annand as she tries to recreate Leffel's palette before starting her painting.

Nancy Markle and Jean Rascher paint one of the many stilllife scenes set up for the artists.

Leffel comes up behind his friend, Barbara Hershey, to give her a hug during a workshop break.

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SERVICES

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Shirley Watson concentrates on her still-life oil painting.

Leffel's paintbrushes and tools lay out on his work table.

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Athlete of the Week

Jack Gibson has been playing golf for 40 years. Page 11C. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

David Leffel paints a still life as the students in his workshop watch and take notes Monday. This is Leffel's fifth year teaching a workshop at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design.

artistic vision

Master minds

By Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

For the last five years, David A. Leffel has been exhibiting work and giving workshops at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design. This week, Leffel, internationally recognized as a 20th century Old Master, is teaching a workshop called “Still Life and Portrait Oils,” which began with daylong sessions Monday and continues through Friday. There are about 20 artists enrolled in this year’s workshop.

According to Anna DeAugustine, one of the artists enrolled in Leffel’s Leffel painted his version of the still-life setup. workshop, it is not easy to find opportunities to be taught by a master.

“You have to take the chance when you can,” she says.

On the first day of class, Leffel demonstrated how he approaches painting.

“Start the finish, then finish the start,” he advised.

He also believes it is important to “make nice paint first and then try to make that nice paint look like something.”

In addition to Leffel’s workshop, an artist demonstration with Leffel takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the Arts Center, 6860 Longboat Drive S. The event, which costs $15, is open to the public.

INSIDE: See page 6C for photos from David Leffel’s closing reception.

Lynn Damp puts her paintbrush in front of her as she tries to figure out how to make her painting of the model proportional and to scale on her canvas.

2C

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

NEWS

www.YourObserver.com

Bruce A. Myer

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KEY REAL ESTATE

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COUNTRY CLUB SHORES 3BR/4BA Exquisite home on canal with many upgrades $1,499,000

CLUB LONGBOAT -Furnished 3BR/2BA Top LIDO BEACH CLUB Furnished 2BR/2BA, 10th floor condo with partial Gulf views $499,000 floor condo with Gulf view $699,900

Courtesy of Deborah Beacham

The home at 623 Mourning Dove Drive has five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a swimming pool and more than 6,000 square feet of living area. It sold for $4.5 million.

VIEW ALL OUR LISTINGS ON YOU TUBE! CHANNEL ONTO: LONGBOAT KEY FOR SALE Seaplace

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Situated where the canal meets the Bay! Partially furnished and updated 2BR/2BA

A home on Bird Key sells for $4.5 million

Inn On The Beach GREAT INCOME OPPORTUNITY!

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

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QUEENS HARBOUR - 4BR+Den/3.5BA home with dock $2,495,000

I HAVE CLOSED 5 SUCCESSFUL TRANSACTIONS ALREADY IN 2011 AND HAVE 7 PENDING CLOSINGS!

The Bird Key home at 623 Mourning Dove Drive went under contract just nine days after it was listed for $4.8 million by Deborah Beacham, of Michael Saunders & Co. The home closed Feb. 7 for $4.5 million — 93.75% of its listing price.

Kathleen Callender, also of Michael Saunders & Co., represented the buyer.

According to the deed filed at the Sarasota County Courthouse, the sellers were Robert and Shannon Warren, of Sarasota, and the buyer was Jacqueline Tilton, trustee, of Chicago.

Built in 2007, the home has more than 6,000 square feet of living space, five bedrooms, five bathrooms and a swimming pool. The property last sold for $4.85 million in November 2007.

“It was a case where the seller was realistic about the market and the buyer had been looking, and it all came together,” Beacham said.

The sale is the highest amount paid for a Bird Key property since May 2009, when the home at 552 S. Spoonbill Drive sold for $4.75 million.

The sale was the largest of the seven sales recorded at the Sarasota and Manatee county courthouses during the week of Feb. 7 through Feb. 11, marking a drop from last week’s year-to-date high of 18 sales in one week. Of this week’s sales, four occurred on Longboat Key; two oc-

curred on Lido Key; and one took place on Bird Key. All of the week’s sales were recorded in Sarasota County.

Grand Bay

Ann Anderson, of Atlanta, sold Unit 313 at 3030 Grand Bay Blvd. in the 272-unit Grand Bay, located behind the Harbourside gates of the Longboat Key Club and Resort, to Nancy Schroeder for $860,000. Built in 1998, the 2,369-square-foot unit has three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms.

It last sold for $885,000 in July 2001.

Country Club Shores

Paul Marshall, a single man, and Robin Marshall, a single woman, of Atlanta, sold the home at 561 Yawl Lane in Country Club Shores Unit II to Richard and Patricia Wagner for $750,000. Built in 1962, the 3,295-square-foot home has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, two half-baths and a swimming pool.

The home sold for $630,000 in July 2000.

Seaplace

Stephen and Mary Delgado, 525 Schooner Lane, sold Unit M2-116-B in Unit V at 1945 Gulf of Mexico Drive at the 461unit Seaplace to Steven and Kathy Guggenheim, husband and wife, and Charles and Sandra McAuley, husband and wife, as joint tenants with full rights of sur-

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WATER CLUB -View of Bay, Downtown & Gulf SLEEPY LAGOON - Unique 7BR/5.5BA home on FAIRWAY BAY - Updated & partially furnished from this 2BR+Den/4BA home $1,375,000 canal with dock/lift MOTIVATED SELLER $649,000 2BR/2BA w/1 covered parking space $415,000

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

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

NEWS

www.YourObserver.com

3C

File photo

Unit 313 at 3030 Grand Bay Blvd. has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms and 2,369 square feet of living area. It sold for $860,000. vivorship, of Cincinnati, for $320,000.

Built in 1978, the 1,532-square-foot unit has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

It last sold for $300,000 in February 2000.

Longboat Beachcomber

ChemStation International Inc., an Ohio corporation, sold Unit No. 201 at Longboat Beachcomber condominium, 2721 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to SeaLion LLC, an Ohio limited-liability company with a Dayton, Ohio, address, for $210,000. ChemStation President George Homan, of Dayton, signed the deed of the sale. Built in 1970, the 675-square-foot unit has one bedroom and one bathroom. It last sold for $243,100 in August.

Lido Key

Robert Sodikoff, successor trustee of the Joseph Palmeri Life Insurance Trust, sold Unit No. PH-A-01 of L’Elegance on Lido Beach at 1800 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Seth and Deborah Hancock, of Paris, Ky., for $1,455,000. Built in 1996, the 2,070-square-foot unit has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It sold new for $515,000 in February 1996.

Also on Lido Key, Elliott Metcalfe Jr. and Becky Titus, husband and wife, sold Lot 2, Block E and the Southwesterly 10’ of Lot 1 in Lido C to Jerry and Jorja Allen, of Centennial, Wyo., for $1.25 million. Details about the property were not available through the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s website, sarasotaproperty.net.

BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Feb. 11 through Feb. 17, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive) Address 1050 Longboat Club Road 1945 GMD 1000 Bogey Lane 705 Jungle Queen Way 1425 GMD 2383 Harbour Oaks Drive 705 Jungle Queen Way 561 Chipping Lane 1425 GMD 648 Dream Island Road 590 Channel Lane 3710 GMD 705 Jungle Queen Way

Permit Applicant Amount Alteration Gage McNally LLC $62,000 Alteration 933777 Ontario Inc. $28,000 Addition Blair Hunter $25,000 Addition Anthony Marterie $20,000 Alteration Donald Briedrick $11,955 Alteration Stuart Tauber $10,808 Alteration Anthony Marterie $10,000 Alteration David Bieker $8,460 Alteration Harry Glasspiegel $4,515 Alteration Neal Horne $2,420 Alteration Jane Wittlinger, trustee $1,600 Alteration Elaine Buckley, trustee $789 Addition Anthony Marterie $0

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EN EB OP -4 F 1

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

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

View at www.fairwaybaytownhouse.com. NOW $519,000 BANK OWNED - Waterfront home on beautiful St. Armands Circle. Built in 2005 offering over 3000 sq. ft. of fine detail. Marble floors, high ceilings, beautiful cabinetry, stone counters. Dock your boat, swim in your pool, stroll to dinner or the sunsets on Lido Beach. Have it all. NOW $1,745,000

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker 41159

941.780.0968 • 866.450.4447 ext. 2922

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

52722

BANK OWNED - Direct bay front point lot in Country Club Shores on LBK. 144 ft. on the Bay & 131 ft. on the canal. Previous list was $3.5. NOW offered by the bank at $1,990,000

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

NeIGHBORHOOD

www.YourObserver.com

WINE TIME

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

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

Jen Foye pours a glass of wine for Chester Warren.

Supporters of Mote pour in for fundraiser

By Dora Walters | Senior Editor

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

Supporters of Mote Marine Aquarium turned out in large numbers for a winetasting benefit held Feb. 16, at Harry’s Continental Kitchens. In addition to a variety of wines to sample, a buffet of cheeses, fruits and assorted hors d’oeuvres were offered. The evening’s temperature was warm, and many lingered to enjoy conversation and wine.

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

Photos by Dora Walters

Martin Sharkey and Lisa Marshall

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

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

Glenda Wright and Ron Johnson

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

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

$475,000 Beach $349,000 Lagoon View

$ 68,800+ $ 40,100+

Above: Roger and Andi Price Left: The buffet line was crowded.

www.athomesarasota.com 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

52318

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

Suzanne Graziano, June and John Shaughnessy and Peter Graziano

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

5C

Coldwell Banker

®

FLORIDAMOVES.COM A Home Search in 13 Different Languages only on FloridaMoves.com.

Sarasota, Lido Key. $3,895,000 5/5.5/3 SHF#A3915393 Lynne Koy 941-924-9000

Longboat Key, Queens Harbour. $1,399,000 4/3/2 Sarasota, Mcintyre Wilson & Potters. $849,000 4/3/2 SHF#A3938989 Linda Ann Remley, P.A. 941-388-3966 SHF#A3925540 Barbara Ackerman 941-924-9000

Longboat Key, Promenade. $899,000 3/3/1 SHF#A3931671 Roger Pettingell 941-924-9000

PREVIEWS

®

T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L S I G N F O R L U X U RY Bird/Lido Key

Longboat Key, Water Club. $2,250,000 3/4.5/3 SHF#A387145 Judy Kepecz-Hays 941-924-9000

Leverage our network of 3,500 sales offices in 50 countries for the results you expect

Country Club Shores $599,000 Roger Pettingell, 941-924-9000 Surrender 1350 Main Residential $579,000 Gary McKinstry, 941-924-9000 Live the urban lifestyle in this downtown condo w/wood floors & SS appls. SHF#A3933506 yourself to the charms of this fenced 3BR/2BA home. SHF#A3937601

The Beach Residences $2,700,000 Judy Kepecz-Hays, 941-924-9000 Castillian Condo $559,000 Lynne Koy, 941-924-9000 Experience the many 3BR/3BA Bayfront w/world class finishes, custom designs in every room. delights of this beautiful 2BR/2BA waterfront condo. SHF#A3937915 SHF#A3904606 Islander Club Of Longboat $549,900 Patrick DiPinto, 941-924-9000 Lido Beach $2,199,000 Don Vercauteren, 941-924-9000 Live admirably in Breathtaking, direct Gulf of Mexico views. Furnished 2BR/2BA residence.

SHF#A3934814 this 3BR/2+BA home. Ceiling fans. Tile roof. SHF#A3936313

Landings Treehouse $490,000 Roger Pettingell, 941-924-9000 Find real comfort in this delightful 3BR/2+BA condo in a gated community.

SHF#A3936886

Beach Residences $1,990,000 Judy Kepecz-Hays, 941-924-9000 Breath- Grand Bay $529,000 Roger Pettingell, 941-924-9000 Follow your dream to taking views! 3BR w/maple flrs, custom built-ins, fireplace and more. this distinctive 2BR/2BA waterfront condo. SHF#A3934884 SHF#A3938691 Beachplace III $525,000 Bruce Myer, 941-924-9000 2BR/2BA PH w/water Beach Residences $1,949,000 Roger Pettingell, 941-924-9000 3BR/2BA views. Beautifully updated &offered turnkey furnished. SHF#A3934482 condo w/views of downtown, the Gulf & Bay from wraparound terrace.

Seaplace III $499,900 Angie Campbell, 941-924-9000 2BR/2B end unit w/ SHF#A3932054 updated granite, 24” tile floors & fully remodeled baths. SHF#A3925268 Key Towers South $589,000 Lynne Koy, 941-924-9000 Begin and end your Inn on the Beach $469,000 Bruce Myer, 941-924-9000 1BR/1BA Gulf front search with this beautiful 2BR/2BA waterfront condo. SHF#A3937988 condo. Gulf views, walks on the white beaches & sunsets! SHF#A341876 Lido Beach $439,000 Patrick DiPinto, 941-924-9000 This Lido Beach income property generates close to $2,400/mo. Walk to beach SHF#A3915757 Sands Point $449,000 Michael/Mary Nell Moore, 941-924-9000 Great 3BR/2BA condo w/partial marina view. Pool/beach/boat dock available Lido Towers $350,000 Barbara Miller, 941-388-3966 2BD/2BA Condo on the SHF#A3933575 third floor of Lido Towers. Gated community. SHF#A3934209 Long Beach $424,900 Patrick DiPinto, 941-924-9000 Walk to the Bay and Lido Harbour Towers $359,000 Inger Lill, 941-388-3966 Charming 2BR/BA beach! Completely remodeled 3BR/2Ba home. Beautiful! SHF#A3938301 condo, located directly on the beach. Turnkey furnished. SHF#A3927085 The Shore $399,000 Bruce Myer, 941-924-9000 2BR/2BA ground level condo w/Gulf views in tropical setting w/open lanai. SHF#A3919309 Longboat Key

One Watergate $375,000 Kathie Srur, 941-388-3966 Experience the rewarding possibilities of this comfortable 2BR/2BA condo. SHF#A3933201

Bay Harbour $349,999 Patrick DiPinto, 941-924-9000 Enjoy a happy haven Gulf Front Estate $11,500,000 Barbara Ackerman, 941-924-9000 in this welcoming waterfront condo. 2 BR/2 baths. SHF#A3939247 7BR/6.5BA w/150’ of beach front on the Gulf. Located on more than 2 acres.

Pelican Harbour $309,000 Phil Schneider, 941-924-9000 Pelican Harbour: SHF#A3933339 Great bay views from 2/2, 2nd flr condo. Exc rental, furn. SHF#A3938131 Water Club $1,375,000 Bruce Myer, 941-924-9000 5th floor, 2 Bedroom+Den/4 Pelican Harbour $275,000 Phil Schneider, 941-924-9000 Pelican Harbour: Bath home with gulf, bay and downtown views. SHF#A3937744 Great bay views from 2/2, 1st flr condo. Exc rental, furn. SHF#A3935789 Longboat Key Towers $1,295,000 Lynne Koy, 941-924-9000 This 2BR/2BA condo offers views of the Gulf, Bay, downtown & golf course. SHF#A3930016 Longboat Key $249,000 Patrick DiPinto, 941-924-9000 Build your dream home on this waterfront lot on LBK 1/2 block from the Bay. SHF#A3922712 Sanctuary IV $1,269,995 Barbara Ackerman, 941-924-9000 Amazing gulf, bay, city & golf course views. 7th flr 3BR/3BA, 2 lg terraces SHF#A3939211 Inn On The Beach $239,000 Bruce Myer, 941-924-9000 Upkeep is a breeze in this delightful condo. Central H/A. Easy lifestyle! SHF#A3935824 Pierre $999,000 Michael/Mary Nell Moore, 941-924-9000 3BR/3BA w/gulf/ bay/golf views. Tennis/pool/spa/fitness and guest suites. SHF#A3934324 Mainland Sarasota Longboat Key Towers $995,000 Judy Kepecz-Hays, 941-924-9000 Updated island-side 11th flr 2br w/sunrise & sunset views, oversized terr. Open Sun 1-4pm. 3049 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. $2,690,000 Barbara Ackerman, 941-924-9000 Gated, 4BR/4.5BA with 120 feet of open Bay front. UnbeSHF#A3908426 lievable value. SHF#A3939203 Pelican Harbour & Beach $949,000 Phil Schneider, 941-924-9000 3BR/2.5BA, SW gulf to bay views, new kitchen/bath, TKF, garage, pets ok. Open Sun 1-4pm. 5824 Tidewood Ave, Sarasota. $1,795,000 Barbara Ackerman, 941-924-9000 Direct Bay views, 4619 SF home on the Bay with SHF#A3938311 4BR/4.5BA, pool & dock. SHF#A3939118 Country Club Shores $895,000 Carolyn Donnelly, 941-924-9000 3BR home one lot from bay on deep sailboat water, pool and bay view. SHF#A3938996 University Park $739,000 Michael/Mary Nell Moore, 941-924-9000 3BR/4BA pool home, outdoor FPL, bonus room, wet bar, office, wine room.

The Shore $629,000 Lynne Koy, 941-924-9000 Bring your dreams to this SHF#A3922087 beautiful 2BR/2BA condo. Elevators, skylights. SHF#A3937892 Stanhope Place $589,000 Michael/Mary Nell Moore, 941-924-9000 Beachplace $599,000 Gary McKinstry, 941-924-9000 3BR/2BA Beachplace 4 BR/3.5BA: 2 story lakefront pool home, FPL, office, outdoor kitchen.

SHF#A3905345 condo w/over 1800 sf. Great investment/rental property. SHF#A3915307

Oyster Bay Ests $395,000 Jo James, 941-388-3966 Discover the delights of this fenced 2BR/2BA Ranch. Ceiling fans. Garage. SHF#A3914152

Hidden Woods $349,000 Anita Boakes, 941-388-3966 Enjoy life in this engaging 3BR/2BA patio home. Wheelchair-accessible. SHF#A3907805 Indian Beach $349,000 David Jennings, 941-388-3966 Bask in the charms of this fenced 3BR/2BA home and studio/workshop. SHF#A3939071 Country Creek $345,000 Gerry Antonetti, 941-388-3966 Sitting on 1+ acres, 3BR/2BA home has heated pool, fireplace & tiled roof. SHF#A3936082 Alinari $325,000 Selina Auvil, 941-388-3966 Upkeep is a breeze in this delightful condo. Community swimming pool. SHF#A3937238 Heritage Oaks $323,000 Lillian Ridgeway, 941-388-3966 Irresistible value & price! 2BR/2BA stucco residence in a gated community. SHF#A3932368 Heritage Oaks $315,000 Glen Ridgeway, 941-388-3966 You will enjoy life in this welcoming 2BR/2BA condo in a gated community. SHF#A3923942 Phillippi Gardens $300,000 Kathy Hoonhout, 941-388-3966 Canal home.

With access to bay and gulf. 3/2 Pool home close to town. SHF#A3931344 Grande Oaks $249,000 Gabe/Charles Buky, 941-924-9000 Follow your dream to this very special 3BR/2BA condo in a gated community.

SHF#A3935167

Manatee Braden Woods $324,500 Jeanne Hamill, P.A., 941-388-3966 Traditional updated pool home on acre + great lake view. Fam rm plus office SHF#A3935395

Siesta Key Seashell $549,000 Judy Kepecz-Hays, 941-924-9000 Totally redone 2BR beach getaway w/tile thru-out, new baths & new kitchen! SHF#A3925765

St. Armand’s Key Saint Armands $1,749,000 Don Vercauteren, 941-924-9000 Lovely 4BA/3BA home; great location. Steps from St Armands on a wide canal. SHF#A3936315 Lido Beach $1,399,000 Patrick DiPinto, 941-924-9000 Location! Estate size waterfront double lot. Dock and lift. SHF#A3935851 Kingston Arms $324,000 Peter Brennan, 941-388-3966 Act quickly to possess this very special 2BR/2BA condo. Central air. SHF#A3938669

Venice/Osprey/Nokomis Southbay Yacht $329,000 Monica Roche, 941-388-3966 To see it is to love it. Delightful 3BR/2BA home with mature foliage. SHF#A3928809

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.

51686

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

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The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

NeIGHBORHOOD

www.YourObserver.com

creative spark

Artistic duo recognized for masterful works

By Dora Walters | Senior Editor

Karen Elliott and Bev Clayton

Artists David A. Leffel and Mark Anderson

Christine Large, Gloria Weissberg, Ed Brickman and Susan Borozan

Caroline and Ralph Garafola

Photos by Dora Walters

Artist David A. Leffel and sculptor Mark Anderson were recognized at a closing reception for Leffel held Feb. 20, at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design.

A show of Leffel’s work currently on exhibit at the Arts Center closes Feb. 24. Leffel will lead an artist demo at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, at the Arts Center. He is an internationally recognized 20th century Old Master.

Anderson, a faculty artist at Ringling, has displayed his sculptures at the Arts Center since January. His pieces will be displayed for one year.

Speaking briefly, Arts Center Executive Director Jane Buckman expressed appreciation for the artists’ participation. The Longboat Key Club and Resort sponsored the private reception.

Above: “Triple Back,” a bronze sculpture by Mark Anderson

Shirley Watson, Margy Rich and Louise Minges

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

53088

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

GORGEOUS GROUND FLOOR CONDO

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

Completely renovated, new SS appl., granite, cabinets, paint, floors & A/C. Beautifully furn. w/ peeks of Gulf & Bay from Fla. rm. Pool, patio, fishing pier & beach access. Teresia Bradford #M5819685 $189,000

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

BETTER THAN NEW

Complete remodel, new A/C & heat, stove, blinds, tile, carpet & granite just to name a few.

2BR/2BA in one of the finest coastal comm. in the SarasotaBradenton area. Curt Bell #M5818807 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

CONRAD BEACH

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

Incredible opportunity to own 2 adjoining lots west of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Conrad Beach boasts timeless architecture, com. pool & clubhouse.

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

SPACIOUS 2BR/2BA CORNER

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 $400,000

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

2BR 2BA CONDO

with direct NW views of Gulf of Mexico, pool & tennis court. An upscale, secure Islands West condo with new carpet & remodeled kitchen. Susan Klement #M5819546 $550,000

“LIVIN’ THE LIFE” ALL ON ONE LEVEL

50688

UPDATED & FUR BEACH TWNHSE! Gulf & Bay views; 896F/2+Br/1Ba/2HaBa/1CG end res w/Corian, diagonal tile, bamboo flr, plantation shutters, French doors & 2 balconies, in renovated bldg across from Bradenton Beach!

MLS#A3929050 $350,000

w/outstanding view of Sarasota Bay. Updated kitchen, new A/C & water heater. W/D, TKF, clubhouse, 2 pools, 2 tennis courts, 2 boat marinas & beach access. Dorothy Cook $329,000 #A3937833

4BR/3BA ranch w/deeded 40’ boat slip. Open floor plan w/granite counters, cherry cabinets & custom crown moldings. Jerry Cunningham #A3930657 $649,313

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

NEWS

7C

www.YourObserver.com

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

SALES ASSOCIATE for Sarasota and Manatee Counties in 2009 REAL ESTATE # 1 CTOP O LRanked D W E L L the B Atop N K1% ER AGENT # 1# 1C C OO LL D DWWE EL LLin L BBAAN NKKEERRofAAGGEENNTT REPORTS in Florida for 2009 Coldwell Banker Associates Worldwide for Sarasota and Manatee Counties in 2009 in Florida for 2009 in Florida for 2009

+ Sylvia Zimmerman joins Michael Saunders & Co. Sylvia Zimmerman has joined the Longboat Key South office of Michael Saunders & Co. Zimmerman is a longtime Southwest Florida resident and specializes in luxury waterfront and golf course communities throughout the Sarasota-Bradenton area.

Zimmerman previously worked for Prudential Palms Realty and was a recipient of the company’s Chairman’s Circle Award and Legends Award. She is a member of The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and has received the “Five Star Best in Client Satisfaction Award” for the past three consecutive years.

“We are absolutely delightZimmerman ed to welcome Sylvia to the company,” said Michael Saunders, founder and CEO of Michael Saunders & Co., in a prepared statement. “With Sylvia’s extensive business background — combined with her real-estate experience, intricate knowledge of the market area and proven ability to bring buyers and sellers together — she will now be able to take all the marketing and technology tools placed at her disposal and take her clients and customers to the highest level of service and satisfaction.”

+ Signature Sotheby’s announces 2010 top agents Signature Sotheby’s International Realty announced its top agents for 2010. Cheryl Loeffler, who has an MBA with a specialization in management information systems from the University of Tulsa, was the top sales associate.

Loeffler has been a Sarasota Board of Realtors Mega Super Star for the past 25 years and frequently speaks at financial and real-estate conferences across the country. She holds a Graduate Realtors Institute (GRI) Loeffler designation and is a Certified Fine Homes Specialist, Custom Client Specialist and e-Certified agent. Loeffler is a director of Insignia Bank and serves on the board of the Asolo Theatre Co. and the Ringling College of Art and Design.

The Schemmel Property Group, which consists of Joel Schemmel, Sharon Chiodi and Toni Schemmel, was the top sales team. Joel Schemmel is an attorney and certified public accountant (CPA) and is currently ranked in the top 1% of Sarasota agents in closed sales.

Chiodi has been a Sarasota resident since 1997 and began her career as a client service representative. Toni Schemmel is the former marketing director for Signature Sotheby’s International Realty and began her career as a financial analyst for Baker & McKenzie, the largest law firm in the United States.

Ackerman Ackerman Ackerman

BARBARA BBAARRBBAARRAA

REALTOR®

REALTOR ® REALTOR

®

The name to know in real estate The nam e to know in real estate www.barbaraackerman.com The name to know in real estate www.barbaraackerman.com NEW NEW LIS LIS TIN TIN www.barbaraackerman.com G G

NEW

LIS

www.barbaraackerman.com

Beachplace III – Direct Gulf Front A breath of fresh air! Professionally turnkey furnished 3rd floor beach front apartment. Crisp blue and white color palette, bright tile floors, and gorgeous $ Gulf views from every room.

695,000 NEW

LIS

TIN

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 NEW

G

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TIN

Gated 4 bedroom waterfront home with 5,215 SF, soaring ceilings, granite-inlaid marble floors, breathtaking sunsets and a fabulous Bay Shore Road location! Extreme $2,690,000 value has never looked better.

G

M BRIOTIVAT NG ED ALL SEL OFF LER ERS

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

G

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 Ski dock included. $995,000 NEW

Indian Beach – Bay Front Luxury Mainland – Bay Front Retreat

TIN

LIS

TIN

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Sanctuary IV – Gulf, Bay, & City Views

3 bedroom, 3 full bath apartment on the 7th floor offers amazing views, daily sunrises and sunsets from the 2 large terraces, spacious interiors and wonderful $ views at an incredible value.

1,269,995

DEER CREEK – NatureD Preserve NG PEN I2,359 Gated Comm. 3BR/2BA Sq. Ft. $449,500 BEACHPLACE III – Direct Gulf Front NEW LISTING 3rd Floor 2BR/2BA 1,503 Sq. Ft. $695,000 RED ROCK TERRACE – Oyster Bay Vacant Lot Lot w/ House Plans $439,000

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

GRAND BAY I – Longboat Key Bay Front Bellasara - Downtown Bay Front 9th Floor 3BR/3BA 2,550 Sq. Ft.$1,275,000 La Outstanding Bay, Marina, & City Skyline views!

3BR/4.5BA + study or 4th BR with 3,370 SF. 28’ bal-

FAIRWAY BAY - Longboat Key Townhouse cony w/ summer kitchen, private elevator lobby, 2-car $ 2BR/3BA 1,626 Sq. Ft. $539,000 garage & gated security.

2,395,000 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. Lido Shores - Direct Gulf Front Palazzo Just Reduced $1,800,000 Sanctuary III - Behind the Gates

Desirable 5th floor Southeast corner 3BR/2.5 BA with wide

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

open Bay, City, and LBK Club Golf Course views. 3rd bedroom PIERRE – Longboat Key Direct Beach Front doubles as a den with quality built-in’s and renovated kitchen 3rd Floor 3 BR/3BA 2,410 Sq. Ft. has granite, wood and newer appliances. $895,000 Just Reduced $799,000

Longboat Key – Direct Beach Front “The Johnson Estate” Gated privacy on 2+ acres w/ 150 ft. of Gulf front. 10,000 SF. 7BR/6.5BA includes separate attached guest wing. New in ‘07. www.Johnsonestatelongboatkey.com $11,500,000

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

Savoy - Downtown Bay View

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

1,985,000

JUS

SEASONAL RENTALS LEASING & MANAGING HOMES CONDOS SEA & PLACE 1975 GMD #208 2br/2b $Vacation 3800 - Patrice Annual, Seasonal,

TR

ED

UC

ED

1935 GMD #211 3br/2b $4500 - Patrice 941-953-6000 1925 GMD #205 1br/2b/den $4k - Kari 941-359-3435 37328

POSITANO www.JennetteProperties.com 4965 GMD 3br/3 ½ b/den $15k - Kari Key Tower South - Direct Gulf Front Full Gulf & Beach views from this 7th floor totally renovated & furnished w/ 2 master suites and great room all overlooking the Gulf. Separate computer room, gour$ met granite kitchen & open balcony.

549,000

BAY ISLES 3360 Bayou Gate 2br/2b $6500 - Teresa

AQUARIUS

1701 GMD #4-D 2br/2b $6500 - Teresa

LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Longboat Key - Bay Boating & Beach Marina Tower - Downtown Bayfront 4,700 SF waterfront showplace new in ’06 Extraordinary 5,800 SF with 365˚ views, priv. elevator foyer, with 4 BR+ study, fireplace, pool/spa, summer 4BR/4.5BA + study, main & catering kitchens, home theatre kitchen, deep water dock, boat lift & jet ski area. & 4 parking spaces. Was $2,995,000 $2,250,000

1,795,000

Walk to beach.

$

3421 Bayou Sound 3br/3b $9k - Teresa

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, LLC

www.JennetteProperties.com

941-387-1820 Direct 46606

941-953-6000

●

●

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.

52955

LONGBOAT HARBOUR TOWERS 4401 GMD #1004 2br/2b gulf $5k -Pauline

8C

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

NeIGHBORHOOD

www.YourObserver.com

sports day

Key Club members show power of pink

By Maria Amodio | Staff Writer

Longboat Key Club and Resort members got into the game at “Go for the Cure” Sports Day, held Tuesday, Feb. 15, at the Key Club. Members sported pink athletic attire in honor of the fight to end breast cancer, while they played golf and tennis and then met for lunch, which also featured a silent auction. Proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation Suncoast Affiliate.

Tennis chairwoman was Debbie Dean, and golf chairwoman was Suzanne Reiman.

Judy Kirzner, Joanie Cohen, Sylvia Samet, Anita Cohen, Bonnie Chisling and Sandra Leshman

Carole Horowitz and Joyce Kolligian

Photos by Maria Amodio

Jean Zakovec, Joyce Welch, Margaret Lachmann and Wezy Stewart

Tennis Chairwoman Debbie Dean

Judy Bloch turned heads in a hot pink wig and matching cowboy hat.

Go for the Cure overall Co-Chairwomen Donna Pettinato and Linda Federici

S aint C acchiotti,

Michael

Moulton

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

Michael Saunders & Company

Realtor®

Licensed Real Estate Broker

SarasotasFinestProperties.com

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

HOMES

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

EXCLUSIVE WATERFRONT ESTATE

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

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

e ous n H y 1-4 e p O nda Su

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

JUST REDUCED

CORAL ShORES BAyFRONT

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

Pamper yourself in the amazing comforts this home has to offer including a chef’s dream kitchen, 2 wet bars, wine refrigeration, Ralph Lauren paint techniques, large terraces, outdoor summer kitchen, infinity edge pool, spa, and dock. $1,700,000

Club lonGboAt - First floor walk out 3BR furnished condo within a tennis complex that feels like living at a resort. A3930517 $449,000

52940

ced edu R t Jus

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

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

BALLENTINE MANOR ESTATES

Car collector’s dream home with A/C garage to accommodate 16+/- cars, 8,900+ sq. ft., overlooking the Bay on over half acre. Endless possibilities await! $999,000

TIdy ISLANd

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

CONDOS

SANCTUARy ON LONgBOAT KEy

Remarkable Gulf front residence located behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club overlooking the glorious white sand beaches. Open floor plan with 2,375 SF, large beach front terrace and private garage parking. $1,299,000

LONGBOAT KEy CLUB & RESORT

Surround yourself in luxury with fine dining, generous amenities and dramatic views of the Gulf, lagoon and golf course fairways with graciously appointed condominium/hotel suites. Great income potential!

Unit # Unit Type View Offered at 2607 D Two BR Gulf $1,199,000 3203 Club Suite Gulf $444,900

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!

Access Virtual Tours & MLS at SaintCacchiotti.com

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

52946

VIZCAYA w/Private Pool - Tropical paradise

ConTRaCT pEnDing

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

Lynne Koy ◆

9C

presents her

Luxury Premier

BirdKeyCOLLeCTiOn◆ BIRD KEY - Classic Mediterranean home on open bay with gorgeous sunset views and deep water $3,495,000 docking. www.344WRoyalFlamingo.com

941.387.1803 lkoy@coldwellbanker.com

Tour Lynne’s properties at

www.lynnekoy.com At The Chart House on Longboat Key

BIRD KEY - Stunning Southwest intercoastal views perfect for building your dream home.

Existing home if very livable. www.375WRoyalFlamingo.com $2,395,000

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

BIRD KEY - Drastic Price Reduction on this 4BD/3.5BA completely updated canal front home w/a newly screened & resurfaced caged pool. www.299RobinDr.com $1,449,000

BIRD KEY - Cool, clean, contemporary home, an entertainers dream & perfect for extended family w/5BD/4.5BA +guest suite w/kitchen & laundry. www.201Seagull.com $1,495,000

Broker / Associate, CrB, CrS, Gri Previews international Property Specialist international President’s Premier, involved Citizen: Sarasota Opera, SPArCC, make-a Wish, meals on Wheels, Breast Cancer Awareness

◆

15

SALES YEAR TO DATE IN 2011 ◆

Follow me on Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn / YouTube

LIDo ShoRES – Sweeping views of the Bay, John Ringling Bridge & Downtown Sarasota will mesmerize you from this spectacular custom built 5BR/5.3BA furnished home. $3,895,000 www.1418JohnRinglingPkwy.com

CoUNTRY CLUB ShoRES – Fabulous custom built 3BD/3.5BA + Den residence offers superb views across Sarasota Bay and a spectacular gourmet kitchen. $1,295,000 www.580PutterLn.com

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

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

LIDo ShoRES – Charming 3BD/3BA residence with updated kitchen and baths. Spacious light filled Master Suite and 2 car attached garage added in 2003. $799,000 www.1224Westway.com

KEY ToWER SoUTh – Fabulous full gulf views and expansive white sand beach surround this 2 BD/2BA turnkey furnished condominium home that is tastefully decorated w/one covered parking space. $589,000

D

UCE

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

RED

ISLANDER CLUB – Enjoy fabulous direct gulf views from this fully furnished 2BD/2BA condominium in the South Tower. $545,000 www.601Longboatkeytower22S.com

SEAPLACE – Once in a lifetime opportunity! Direct Gulf and beach views! Penthouse Location! $995,000 www.1925Seaplace408.com

CASTILLIAN – Spectacular Gulf Views from every room in this 2BD/2BA condominium with covered parking and additional storage closet. $495,000 www.4525Castillian205.com 52704

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

10C

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

GAMES

www.YourObserver.com

Observe

SCOREBOARD

what you are missing...

Now more than

Jan. 27

Feb. 3

Merrill Duplicate Bridge Club

Merrill Duplicate Bridge Club

North-South 1. Fran Nitscke and Martha Caesar 2. Claire Brinn and Charlotte Schwartz 3. Frances Rothchilde and Fern Jaffe

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Jan. 29

Merrill Duplicate Bridge Club

become your future customers

North-South 1. Jean Simon and Barbara Thoman 2. Pat Amato and Cotton Stephenson 3. Jack Wilber and Larry Auerbach East-West 1. Sally and Al Leverino 2. Roz Sommer and Charles Greenhouse 3. Isabella Wagner and Barbara Raphael

Feb. 1

LBK Duplicate Bridge Club

North-South 1. Julie Woods and Cotton Stephenson 2. Joann and Herb Bruch 3. Marshall Kaufman and Jim Brown

sRQ/63,000 ECO/46,200 lBO/35,100

East-West 1. Syd Pearl and Marty Fiderer 2. Bonney Libman and Erika Beyer 3. Julie Caron and Gary Harris

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East-West 1. Joan Sinder and Karyn Rex 2. Alice Gurel and Bill Gomer 3. Carol Skiles and Jonathan Friedland

Feb. 5

Merrill Duplicate Bridge Club

North-South 1. Julie Woods and Cotton Stephenson 2. Lois Kittredge and Mel Weisel 3. Roz Sommer and Fahn Tishkoff East-West 1. Rochelle and Herb Bass 2. Sheila and Hal Goodman 3. Aileen and Donald Bechman

Feb. 8

LBK Duplicate Bridge Club

Section A North-South 1. Julie Woods and Cotton Stephenson 2. Lu Ganley and Harry Hutzler 3. Barbara Thoman and Madeline Gordon East-West 1. Ben Pekeles and Bob Lurie 2. Char and Hank Stein 3. Barbara Stone and Maurice Segal

LBK Duplicate Bridge Club

North-South 1. Barbara Struth and Bette Hoffman 2. Pam Wilford and Gail Beggs 3. Ann and Earl Mumford

Section B North-South 1. Hope Zawatsky and Renee Pekeles 2. Judy Corney and Cele Schwartz 3. Jordan Hecktman and Zeke Wohlman

East-West 1. Irwin Liebowitz and Al Bronstein 2. Diane Davis and Liz Ladd 3. Esther Cole and Betty Corn

East-West 1. Temple St. Clair and Dale Neuhaus 2. JoAnn and Herb Bruch 3. Rochelle and Herb Bass

Feb. 1

Call or email to request your Media Kit today!

LBKC Women’s 18 Hole Golf Association

advertise@yourobserver.com 941.366.3468

Two Better Ball of Foursome First flight 1st gross: Tina Skestos, Marcy Klein, Joyce Welch and Manni Newell; 168 1st net: Linda Abrahamson, Esta Grocer, Uschi Cooper and Sue Orlowski; 130 2nd net: Carole Zito, Linda Weber, Margery Hetzel and Barbara Herz; 132

Reach the neighbors

YOU WANT TO REACH! YourObserver.com

North-South 1. Betty Rourke and Joyce Steele 2. Mary Lou Thomas and Chuck Prizer 3. Myra Gavon and Jean Simon

Hole-in-one

51211

51211

You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

Second flight 1st gross: Susan Coyne, Marlene Wilkening, Ronni Bernard and Susan Levine; 199 1st net: Lois Fishman, Sylvia Levine, Marie DeLisi and Sylvia Langton; 138 2nd net: Kay Walker, Shan DiNapoli, Marilyn Lamb and Proxy; 138

Hugh Farrington made a hole-in-one Jan. 31 on hole No. 5 on the white course at the Longboat Key Club Harbourside. It was his third career ace, and he used a 7-iron on the 158-yard hole.

Witnesses were Steve Stein, Al Polimac and Jules Willen.

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

NeIGHBORHOOD

11C

www.YourObserver.com

SPORTING LIFE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Jack Gibson

It’s a toss up

Jack Gibson got into golf when he was a young boy living outside of Philadelphia. His father was a caddy at a country club, and that sparked Gibson’s interest in the sport.

Gibson has been playing golf for approximately 40 years and has been living on Longboat Key for five years.

What is the best part of your game?

I would say that would be putting. It used to be chipping. But as one gets older, one loses the touch. But I’m working on that with Terry (O’Hara at the Longboat Key Club). I’m in “therapy.”

Do you have a favorite club?

It used to be the 4-iron, but lately it’s the 5-iron, because I am hitting more woods than I am irons. I find, again, as you mature, you seem to depend on the woods more so than you did in the past. But, still, when I’m in trouble, I go back to the 4- or 5-iron to get out of trouble, which is often, and it seems to still be working.

Whom do you admire in the golf world?

It has always been Fred Couples. He has always been one whom I have admired. His work ethic is a little bit different than most because he has so much natural talent … he’s been able to maintain humility for the amount of talent he has.

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Alan Rosenstein prepares to return the ball over the net to his son, Josh, during a tennis game Monday, Feb. 21, at Bayfront Park Recreation Center. The Rosensteins are visiting William and Selma Tucker, who live on Longboat Key during part of the season. The Tuckers are Alan Rosenstein’s in-laws and Josh Rosenstein’s grandparents.

Atlantic City Country Club, in the suburbs of Atlantic City, N.J. I was a member there for 20 years. As far as a course I have played and still favor, Sea Pines, in Hilton Head, S.C., I enjoy very much, and I’ve really begun to really enjoy the island course here, which I didn’t when I first came down here.

— Rachel S. O’Hara

Watch the video online to learn more about Gibson.

Do you have a favorite place to play?

My favorite course would have to be the

www.YourObserver.com

Do you know someone who would make a great Athlete of the Week? E-mail rohara@yourobserver.com.

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603 Longboat Club Rd., Unit 1201 Longboat Key Towers

Directly on the beach of Longboat Key, this fabulous penthouse offers views of the Gulf, Bay or City from every room. Updated 3 bed/3 bath unit with gourmet kitchen and semi-private elevator access. $1,675,000

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373 S. Washington Dr. St. Armands Circle

St. Armands waterfront home with 81’ of extra wide canal with boat dock and lift on 12,869 sq ft lot. Over $200K in renovations, 4 bed/3 bath, 2,665 sq ft, heated pool, furnished, and two master suites. $1,695,000

PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING

Bayou Sound Bayou Sound Bayou Bayou Bayou Sound Sound Sound University Park Bayou Sound $1,250,000 $1,250,000 7323 Kensington Court, $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000

PENDING SOLD PENDING SOLD PENDING PENDING PENDING SOLD SOLD SOLD PENDING SOLD Grand Islander Grand Bay Bay Islander Grand Grand Grand Bay Bay Bay Islander Islander Grand Bay Islander 2016 Harbourside Islander $749,000 $999,000 $500,000 $999,000 $500,000 $359,900 $999,000 $999,000 $999,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $999,000 $500,000

2 bedrooms plus den, 2 baths 1802 SF with Lakefront views

L’Elegance

Views of the Bay by day and city lights by night from this 2 bedroom, 2½ bath unit in L’Elegance on Lido Key. Features high ceilings, split floor plan and bonus room $ for office, den or 3rd bedroom.

799,000

PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING

101 Ben Franklin Dr., Unit 54 St. Armands Towers South

Across from Lido Beach and two blocks to St. Armands Circle, this 5th floor unit offers tremendous value. 2 bed/2 bath unit with spacious 40’ balcony. Updated building is pet friendly. $399,000

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

PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING

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

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

$469,000

4 bedrooms, 3 baths, Large pool area and lovely lake views

PRICE REDUCED

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

53100

1800 Ben Franklin Dr., Unit 608B

3 bedrooms, 3 baths and 2462 SF with Spectacular Bay views

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

$295,000

36250

D SOL

12C

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

HEALTH

www.YourObserver.com

AEROBIC GRANDMA

Baxter Bell to lead ‘energetic’ yoga classes if you go What: Baxter Bell, M.D., RYT 500 hosts workshops presented by Yoga from the Heart.

When: March 4 to March 6, at the Sarasota Memorial Healthplex, 5880 Rand Blvd., Sarasota. Friday workshop is 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday workshops are 9 a.m. to noon and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday workshop is 9 a.m. to noon.

Price: Pre-registration prices are $50 for Friday evening, $75 for Saturday morning, $50 for Saturday afternoon and $75 for Sunday morning. Day of prices are $55 for Friday evening, $85 for Saturday morning, $55 for Saturday afternoon and $85 for Sunday morning.

Info: For more information and to register online, go to Yogafromtheheart.com. Private sessions are also available. and I-75.

“Laughter, a Light Heart and Yoga,” billed as a playful session that will focus on the sheer joy of movement, the therapeutic benefit of laughter and the support of the community, takes place from 6 to 8 p.m.

Friday, March 4. The class will include some arm balances and the use of locks, or bandhas.

“Regaining our Power” will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 5. It speaks to the role that yoga can play in handling the stresses of daily living and will include inversions and pranayama.

“Discharge to Recharge: Yoga for Insomnia and Your Wrists” takes place from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. This session includes ways of addressing insomnia through yoga techniques and is an obvious

Laura D. Hansen, 41 Year Resident of Longboat Key

choice for those who have discovered this particular curse of the aging process.

“The Wind Beneath Your Sails — Vayus and Backbends” takes place from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, March 6. The title comes from the literal translation of “vayu,” which is “wind,” and refers to how prana, or energy, flows through the body in various positions. Opening the heart region is the essence of backbends and will be addressed in this session.

The workshops are billed as appropriate for students of all levels, and the classes are large. (The room can accommodate 80 students.) Longboater JoAnne Dickerson, who attended a workshop last year, reports that Bell “makes everyone relaxed and comfortable and gives individual instructions.”

Molly Schechter is an ACE-certified personal trainer with a specialty in older adult fitness plus YogaFit Instructor Training, SCF Yoga Fundamentals and Power Pilates™ Mat Certifications. She teaches classes at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center and the Longboat Key Club. E-mail her at aerobicgrandma@verizon.net.

SLEEPY LAGOON ON LONGBOAT KEY For those who truly enjoy privacy, this gracious 4BR/3BA Key West Victorian-style home offers that and more. Ten foot ceilings, polished oak floors, custom-crafted crown & floor molding, gourmet kitchen, split plan, roomy walk in closets, surround-sound speakers, central vac system, oak spiral stairway are just some of the amenities. The large pool and spa with paver patio is the perfect place for entertaining or just relaxing in a tropical setting. A 50’ dock with deep water dockage, boat lift and all the necessary utilities are at your backdoor. Looking for the perfect island getaway? Look no more! A3937968 $1,195,000

941-383-8273

lhansen44@comcast.net or laurahansen@michaelsaunders.com

52428

$398,000 REDUCTION

Michael Saunders & Company

Says Bell: “In all of the sessions, I make it a point to present easy-to-more-difficult options. There is almost always something everybody can do.”

It also appears that there is much here for more advanced students, particularly in the Saturday morning class. Bell does not teach a strong vinyasa flow but structures sessions thoughtfully to build toward more challenging poses. Namasté.

Cathy C. Meldahl P.A.

GRI

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

Courtesy photo

Baxter Bell, M.D., RYT 500 holds a side-angle pose.

Licensed Real Estate Broker

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 941-383-7591

3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 24228

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

941.383.5502 or 941.724.7228 CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

GULF

➡ 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 LBK 2 bedroom and a den Village home - lovely treed lot - close to beach and bay.......................................... $489,000 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 SLEEPY LAGOON - Bermuda style 3/2 bayfront home with wood floors, artist studio, dock, 2 car garage and beach PENDING access. .................................................................................................................................................................................$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

LONGBOAT KEY BAYFRONT - Price Reduced $1,600,000

Secluded haven situated directly on Sarasota Bay, open Gulf waters just seconds away.

A mariner’s paradise, this waterfront oasis features three boat docks with lifts with bay views and views of Jewfish Key. Several guest quarters, multiple gathering spaces and kitchens. Screened pool area with spa and large deck overlooking the brilliant water. 2 fireplaces. 5br/3 ba, 3200+ sq. ft., 4+ car garage. www.UltimateBoathouse.net $2,700,000

bobbiebanan@michaelsaunders.com

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL (941) 388-4447

52378

BOBBIE BANAN, REALTOR® 356-2659 • 383-2659

53142

53129

It so happened that during the height of the recent oil spill that so drastically affected our shores, physician-turned-yogi Baxter Bell was reading the Yoga Yajnavalkya, the original hatha yoga text published in A.D. 200. He was struck by its discussion of how humans “spill” energy, of how it leaks out of the body and into the space surrounding us, where it is effectively lost. This led Bell to think of yoga practice MOLLY as a way to reduce, if SCHECHTER not entirely prevent, such “spills” of our precious life force and in turn led him to the concept of “sustainable yoga.” This concept views yoga as a source of energy that, kept fresh and relevant, can actually increase its production. And sustainability is the theme of the weekend’s worth of workshops that Bell will teach in early March in Sarasota.

If you are not into yoga, you may well be scratching your head and wondering what this is all about. That’s to be expected.

Knowledge of yoga typically starts off as superficial and body-oriented — the asanas, or poses, and their value to physical conditioning. And if that is where you are at the moment, you will still find plenty to master in these classes. Students who are open to learning, however, will discover or enhance their understanding that yoga offers amazing benefits for the mind, for stress reduction and for however one spiritually connects to the world.

This will be Bell’s third annual visit to Sarasota under the auspices of Lynn Burgess and Yoga from the Heart. He has four workshops scheduled, all at the Sarasota Memorial Healthplex near Clark Road

Ambassador’s Circle

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

TRAVEL • GAMES

it’s read everywhere

Deal Us In

BRIDGE HAND

How to set up an end play

AUSTRALIA. Maybe Sarasota resident Joe Horgan was feeling a little (Tas-

manian) devilish, because he figured he would need some reading material for his time spent at Port Arthur Penal Colony, in Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia. That’s why he brought his copy of the Longboat Observer on his journey to the famed penal colony.

ISRAEL. You never know where the Longboat Observer will wine-d up.

Leonard Barrett and Elizabeth Ann Dohan, of Montreal, brought their newspaper to the Golan Heights Winery, in Israel.

West’s lead of a heart was devastating for the declarer, because it knocked out his only entry to the dummy. Declarer could lose a trump, two diamonds and a club.

He decided that the only chance he had to make the contract was to set up an end play.

Declarer won the ace of hearts and ruffed a heart and then led the king of trump. West won the ace and exited with a trump. Declarer drew the remaining trump and cashed the ace of clubs. Declarer then led the king of diamonds.

A careless West would follow low, and the contract would make. East would win and force declarer with a heart. Declarer would lead another diamond, and West would be forced to win and lead a diamond — declarer’s loser suit would be gone.

West saw the possibility of an end play and dropped the queen of diamonds under the king. East allowed declarer’s king to win, and declarer was helpless. Declarer continued with a diamond, which East won with the 10. He then cashed the ace and led another heart. Declarer was forced to trump and knew there was no way he could make his contract.

West had all the remaining clubs, including the queen.

No matter how well you may play and bid a bridge hand, an alert defensive team may keep you from making a contract.

Kathy

Simonds

North

West

♠ 97 ♥ A 10 3 ♦ J973 ♣ J 10 5 4

♠ A543 ♥J8 ♦ Q5 ♣Q9832

East

♠2 ♥KQ97654 ♦ A 10 8 4 ♣6 South

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ Bidding: West Pass Pass

K Q J 10 8 6 2 K62 AK7

North Pass Pass

Opening Lead: J

East 4 ♥ Pass

South 4♠

♥

the longboat observer Sudoku Edited by The Mepham Group

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box. See answers on page 15C. © Tribune Media Services

REID MURPHY PREsEnts...

Luxury on the Water

Call Reid Today! 941.232.3304 www.reidmurphy.com

52118

4,500,000

Dealer: West Vulnerable: Both

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.”

• 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 $

13C

www.YourObserver.com

Broker-Associate

941.350.5292

Bob & Taube Levitt Selling Sarasota’s Select Properties

Realtors

(941) 356-0743

Selling SaraSota and the KeyS!

51241

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

Drastically Reduced! $1,125,000

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

xsybarite@aol.com

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. $449,000 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 SEA GATE CLUB – Gorgeous gulf views. Spacious 2 BR w/ split floor plan. $737,000 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

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

53067

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

14C

RAINFALL

North

Mid

South

0.27 0.00 0.00 0.42 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.30 0.00 0.00 0.29 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.37 0.00 0.00 0.30 0.00 0.00 0.00

Mon., Feb. 14 Tues., Feb. 15 Wed., Feb. 16 Thurs., Feb. 17 Fri., Feb. 18 Sat., Feb. 19 Sun., Feb. 20 Month to date: 2011

0.98 in

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

WEATHER

www.YourObserver.com

Year-to-date:

2010 1.92 in.

2011 4.16 in

WEEKLY WINNEr: SWEEPING VIEW

2010 4.29 in.

TemperatureS

Temps.

Record Temps.

High Low High Low 70 48 85 (1984) 39 (2006) Tues., Feb. 15 Wed., Feb. 16 71.5 51 85 (1984) 43 (1987) Thurs., Feb. 17 75 54 88 (1989) 45 (2007) Fri., Feb. 18 76.5 59 82 (1996) 47 (1984) Sat., Feb. 19 76 58 89 (1997) 37 (2007) 79 57.5 87 (1999) 35 (1998) Sun., Feb. 20 76 59.5 86 (1997) 43 (1992) Mon., Feb. 21

Average Gulf water temperature: 63

Sunrise/sunset Sunrise 7:00 6:59 6:58 6:57 6:56 6:55 6:54

MOON PHASES

Sunset 6:28 6:29 6:29 6:30 6:31 6:31 6:32

Feb. 24 Last

PHOTO CONTEST: 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.

March 4 New

Visit YourObserver.com to click on our interactive weather button, which features current weather conditions, weather radar and a five-day forecast.

March 19 Full

March 12 First

52544

Thurs., Feb. 24 Fri., Feb. 25 Sat., Feb. 26 Sun., Feb. 27 Mon., Feb. 28 Tues., March 1 Wed., March 2

Jane Freeman submitted this sunset photo taken at the Broadway beach access on the north end of the Key.

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

HOLd On! by Jill Pepper

1 5 9 13 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 29 31 32 33 34 38 40 44 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 59 61

C R Y P T O G R A M S by Myles Mellor 1. H B U F

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72 75 77 81 82 83 86 87 88 90 92 93 94 95 97 98 101 102 104 106 110 113 117 118 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129

Staff reader Get a firm hold on Soda can features Olympic contests Common denominator To the rear, on a boat ___ in the ointment Warbled In-favor-of arguments Bank contents He played Opie Hogs’ fare Eclectic assortment Voyager 2, e.g.

Easily maneuvered, as a yacht Hopeful hanger-on Make another sheepshank Smart ___ (wise guy) Spreadable cheese Argentine dance Acknowledge the loss of an election Hope against hope Birthplace of Astaire and Brando Co-star of Woody in “Mighty Aphrodite” “What hath God wrought!” sender Young hawk Cuts, as apples for pie Vigorously eager Mountaineering tool Fewer than few A private eye might tape one Kind Burn a bit See 53-Across

dOwn 1 Opening in the Navy?

2 Where the ancient

Greeks shopped 3 You may be punished for breaking them 4 Blending 5 Some lap dogs, for short 6 1991 war zone 7 Follow in sequence 8 Leaves high and dry 9 World’s largest river by volume 10 Drop one’s jaw 11 Center of a cyclone 12 Times that weren’t enlightened?

13 1960s TV dog 14 Something to shake in defiance 15 Baptism, e.g.

16 “Cradle of Love” singer Billy 17 Bear lairs 19 Baseball club 27 Imbeciles 28 “I” problem?

30 At any time 33 Give birth to 35 Somewhat harmless sword 36 Card game with four jokers 37 “The Lord of the Rings” creature 39 Yeas and ___ 41 Make happy 42 Royal sari wearers 43 Apprehensive feeling 44 China set components 45 Lacking color 46 Barbecue spoiler 47 Asian language 52 Certain eucalyptus tree 57 Prague populace 58 Country great Haggard 59 Fulfilled 60 That Geller feller

62 64 65 66 68 69 72 73 74 76 78 79 80 82 84 85 88 89 91 94 95 96 99 100 103 105 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 119

Canned-fruit choice It takes a while Fond du ___, Wisc.

Add to the value of World Series mo. “___ the season “ In need of straightening It hangs from the soft palate Casa mister Xmas fill-in “Super Fly” hairstyle Classic 1958 horror film (with “The”) “Auld Lang ___” Animated critter Step lively with them Keyboard user Table setting element Hockey venue Stick used in a stroke Yet to be paid Pertaining to earthquakes Target of a swift kick Use a rasp on Woman’s supporter?

“Last, but not ___” Geologic time period City leader African term of address Useful talent Egyptian Christian church member Epps of “House” Not one, in Dogpatch See 75-Across A, in geometry Russian ruler “___ and the City” Trellis-climbing plant

Last weeks Cryptograms

D A L W , 1. What do a philosopher and a CPA have in common? They both come up with some

O A C X P J V B L P U V A L D TJ G N B F X J I T F U M Z T O B F X XTSPE!

63 65 67 70 71

ACROSS Do damage to ___ Piper of Hamelin Like some cheddar Very caustic Chills and fever ___ out (proven) Ancient civilization of the Yucatan Playground feature Bridge use fee Gather up Follow-the-leader sort Grand ___ (Wyoming peak) It can cause economic pressure Unpopped popcorn pieces Member of a certain Jewish sect Word in logic Great destruction Bro’s daughter Merchant ship capacity Queen of Olympus Pants type with a lot of pockets Affirm with confidence Verve “Dream Team” letters Tithe fraction Some deli breads “Shucks!” ___ Beta Kappa “Master and Commander” setting Topmost points Civvies In ___ (matching, as audio and video) Took forcibly Most mistrustful Type of ticket Part of a joule Motion defeaters

very brilliant deductions.

2. After the electrician finished removing all of the old wiring in the house, his nervous customer was delighted!

Thursday, February 24, 2011 Items Under $200 For Sale

Furnishings

General Merchandise

Investment Opportunities

TV STAND for flat screen TV, +stereo components, 30”hx30”w, 4 glass shelves.

Was $400. Now $150. 941-387-1230.

DREXEL “BOMBE” China Cabinet $699.

Stanley Bar, Marble Top, 4 Stools. 3-piece Robb & Stucky Leather Sofa Group.

5-piece Marble Top Home Office $799.

Henredon Secretary Desk $899; 68” Detagon Aluminum Patio Table & 6 sling chairs $599; 5-piece Rattan Dinette on casters $399; 3-piece White (Cottage) Klaussner Wall Unit $850. Cherry Regency Buffet “Baker” $699; 3-piece Sofa Group (Lloyd Flander) $995. Herman Cherry Desk & Hutch $245. Giant 4-poster Bed with Armoire & 2 marble-top night stands (Collezione).

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.

INVESTOR WANTED - $125,000 for 24 months. 8% annual interest with payments monthly. Well secured/ insured 941306-6715.

Health/Fitness/Beauty

ISLAND CONSIGNMENT Store- Well Established. Over 50 Fine Artists. Includes NEW Web Site. Cozy / Profitable Family Business. $12,000. 941-348-9494 (Lv. msg.)

941-745-2596 3015 1st St. (US Hwy 41) Bradenton

MISSING. CALICO cat, Country Club Shores area. Neutered and declawed.

941-383-2222.

SARASOTA BARGAIN Thrift Store & Consignment Center. 1635 12th St., Sarasota. Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators, Freezers. Furniture, Beds, Dressers, Sofas, Tables, TV’s, Records, Books, etc. Don’t give your items away, let us sell them for you!

Delivery & pick-up available. 941-812-0587

Medical Supplies/Equipment

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

Terry, 941-349-8560.

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 (29.5') indoor upper berth boat slip at Boathouse on Longboat for sale by private owner. Please call 941-504-7900.

Boats 18/FT. 4 Winns 1997 Runabout 130HP Johnson. No trailer. Runs well, looks good. $6000 O/B/O. Longboat Harbour 941-387-8786 Boats Under 50K Are Selling Very Well.

15’ center consoles - 32’ Sea Rays. Island resident, references. 20 Boats sold in 40 days, many in less than 3 weeks.

Business on a handshake. Let’s talk about selling your boat. 941-228-3489, Yachtingflorida@aol.com

D L SO

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales ANNUAL FLEA MARKET Saturday, February 26th, 8a.m.-1p.m., Palma Sola Harbour Condos, 9400 Cortez Rd. West.

Appliances large & small, furniture, clothing, sporting equip., jewelry, bikes, plants, shells.

Lots of cabinets, a Broadway ORGAN. Lunch available. Info: 792-3475.

WAREHOUSE SALE! March 4th thru 6th, 8a.m.-6p.m. Northgate Business Park, 1839 Northgate Blvd. (off 301 between Fruitville & University). Up to 85% off. VISA, M/C accepted. Home furnishings, apparel, men’s and women’s activewear, jewelry, shoes and more! Nike, Ralph Lauren and one of a kind items.

Auditorium. Saturday, February 26, 10a.m.5p.m. & Sunday, February 27, 10a.m.-4p.m.

For info: 954-4165.

CHEROKEE PARK: Multi-family yard sale, Sat. 26th, 8a.m.-3p.m. Osprey/ Webber area. Household, military, antiques, children.

General Merchandise

Observer Classifieds

THE OBSERVER LP # 39513

WINDWARD PATIO TABLE: 36”x54”, never used. 941-383-3427.

Lost & Found FOUND: CAMERA Longboat Beach access.

Call to describe, 803-412-9402.

ACT: OXYGEN, wheelchairs, walkers. Drop shipment special orders. Right next to Lazy Lobster. 941-778-2641.

2 TICKETS: Boston Pops for March 15th, Van Wezel sold out concert. Orig. $130 each Excellent seats, will sell for $100 each. Call 941-387-9777.

Storage STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer.

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

Help Wanted SALES POSITION. P/T. Must be available evenings & weekends. Located on Anna Maria Island. Retirees Welcome.

727-244-5906.

Musical Instruments 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.

Team Up Today With Classifieds 941-955-4888 Pets

Waterfront Fine Dining

Best $$ TIPS $$ IMMEDIATE INTERVIEWS Experienced All Positions

FREE SUBSCRIPTION: Pet Newsletter.

Monthly, educational, informative, knowledgeable. Act now!

E-mail: furrytailsinc@yahoo.com

Excellent health & dental benefits, paid vacation, discounts!

Apply in person daily 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive in Longboat Key LandrysRestaurants.com EOE

Commercial Property For Rent

  FLEA MARKET. Sarasota Municipal

Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

in The

Manatee Furniture

BEACH FITNESS 24/7 Fitness. Free enrollment. VIP access. #HS8848. Next to the Lazy Lobster! 941-778-0120.

YORKIE MINI CKC- Adorable Tiny Teddy Bears. Home Raised. SUPER Tiny Teacups Available Meet The Parents. We have a wonderful selection .941-322-6709 $495.-$995.

Good Things To Eat

BEACH FRONT- Sunset Beach, LBK. 2BR/2BA, Pool, spa, no pets. 2 month rental.

Available May-Dec. 2011, Jan.- March 2012.

248-330-7675

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

Krystal’s Culinary Delights. Personalized Grocery Shopping and Low Fat, High-Taste Meals Prepared in YOUR Kitchen! Call today and receive a FREE 30 minute consultation with this ad! Contact Krystal at 941-993-7302.

Reserved Space LP Reserved YouSpace can go

online to You can go classified online to place your your classified adplace in your local paper. ad in your local paper.

www.yourobserver.com www.yourobserver.com – Classified Ads, to Sell ReadyReady WhenWhen YouYou AreAre – Classified Ads,The TheWay Way to Sell

It’s

REAwD here!

Every

The Observer

This week’s crossword answers

16C 16C Classifieds

www.yourobserver.com

Condos/Apts. For Rent

Condos For Sale

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 PALM AIRE: 1BR/1BA, upstairs (private entrance), screened patio, W/D, pool/ tennis available. Annual $650/mo. First/ security.

No pets. N/S. 366-3282, 355-3915 evenings/ weekends.

PALMER RANCH condo: 1BR/1BA, $840/mo. Gated, W/D, new carpet/ paint, pool, parking, gym, tennis. 941-302-0621.

Condos For Sale 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.

Homes For Sale

THE THURSDAY, LONGBOAT OBSERVER FEBRUARY 24, 2011 Thursday, February 24, 2011

Condos For Sale

Homes For Sale

FOR SALE Longboat Harbour Condominiums

MOBILE HOME 21 Twin Shores 55+ community. Best deal on LBK. Turnkey, completely remodeled, access to Gulf, docking available. $89,900 includes share price. 941-387-1232 or 941-388-7284.

Sunny 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1st floor end unit, furnished. $299.000.

OPEN SUN 12-3PM

Emmy Lou Gilbert Michael Saunders & Co. 941-807-1764 ENJOY THE Downtown Lifestyle at "1350 Main" the best location in town.

2BR/2BA with pool & city views, 1336 sf, wood floors, custom built-ins, $495,000.

2BR/2BA 1395 sf with dynamic Bay & Marina views from 40' terrace. This home has 12' ceilings, California Closets,murphy beds/desk unit in guest room, bamboo wood floors $559,000 2BR/2BA + separate dining room 1597 sf with wrap around terrace giving 180 degree view of Bay and Main St $599,000.

Call Michael Granston 941-504-8018 Prudential Palms Realty

O

Say You Saw it in

The longboat Observer

CLASSIFIEDS

www.YourObserver.com

GULFSTREAM AVENUE apartment: full bay view, 2BR/2BA, concierge 24/7, exquisitely appointed. Investors welcome. $400,000. 941-951-0234.

LONGBOAT HARBOUR 1BR/1BA. Newly furnished, updated, remodeled kitchen.

Glass and screened lanai with beautiful water view. Many amenities. $180,000.

941-383-7301

Fractionals

Real Estate Wanted

LONGBOAT KEY

2012 JANUARY-FEBRUARY. Gulf front 2b/2ba. No Smoking/Pets.. 1-2 people maximum occupancy, internet, telephone. goldmickey@aol.com

Fairway Bay Condo 1930 Harbourside Dr. Renovated 2 Bed/2 Bath 1270 sq. ft. + Porch Partially Furnished

WANTED SEASONAL Rental- 3 months Jan- March 2012. 2bed/ 2bath, Internet, land phone. No smoking, no pets. mbfleming1996@sbcglobal.net

PRICED TO SELL at

Mark P Riley

Direct Line: 941.350.2700

53050

$399,000

Licensed Real Estate Broker

1336 Ben Franklin Drive Unit 1F, Lido Key Direct Gulf Front!

Walk out to Lido Beach. 2 Bed / 2 Baths $899,900

125 Seagull Lane, Bird Key Bay View. Great Income Property 3 Bed / 2 Baths 1,985 sq ft living area. Pool $749,900

Su O n., PE Fe N H b. O 27 US 1- E 4p m

• New Kitchen with Granite Counters and Stainless Steel Appliances.

•New Bathrooms with Granite & Tile.

•New Maribou African Wood Floors and Bedroom Carpet.

•New Window Treatments and Lighting throughout.

•Pool & Private Beach Club.

•Beautiful Sarasota Bay Views.

For more information or to see, call Owner/Broker, David Brody, Licensed Broker, Seneca Realty Co.

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

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

Homes For Rent

Brokers Welcome!

FAIRWAY BAYS

Full Bay View.

Contemporary Architecture.

70 foot Boat Dock. $2,695,000

450 Gulf of Mexico Drive Bay Harbour Apts. Unit B101 3 Bed / 2.1 Baths Bay View. Boat Slip.

Just Reduced! $499,900

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

877-731-0891 or 941-383-4678

561 Harbor Cove Circle Bay Isles on Longboat Key

Million Dollar View of Sarasota Bay For Less Than Half The Price. More Than Twice The Normal Sized Main Patio. Oversize End Unit. Additional Side Patio. Small Office.

First Floor. Private Walk Down. Watch Boats in Channel 30 Yards Away. See Mangroves and Birds 40 Yards Away. Watch Dolphins Frolic Less Than 300 Yards Away. Watch Ships and Boats In The ICW. 703-200-6021 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.

Observe

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

WANTED: COUNTRY Club Shores, LBK: pet friendly house, 3BR, king in master, enclosed lanai, wireless internet. Jan., Feb., March, 2012. Call 615-397-2917.

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

2 LONGBOAT KEY BEACH RENTALS. March/April, 2011, 2012. 2BR/2BA, mid island, steps from private beach, updated, spacious, 55+, no pets, non-smoking, W/D, $2000/mo. 3BR/3BA, Gulf views and sunsets, directly across from beach, garage, W/D, $2600/mo. Booking now for 2012 + off season. 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 BAYFRONT CONDO- PANORAMIC VIEWS 3BR/ 2BA Pelican Harbour & Beach Club Available 2011 & 2012. Private Beach, Pool, Tennis, Dock. Call: 941-383-7901 or 513-608-4320. richwoodkids@hotmail.com BEACHPLACE

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.

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

what you are missing...

Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

Local News that’s LOCAL NEWS! YourObserver.com

The longboat Observer THE LONGBOAT THURSDAY, FEBRUARYOBSERVER 24, 2011

17C Classifieds 17C

CLASSIFIEDS

www.YourObserver.com

www.yourobserver.com

Thursday, February 24, 2011 Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

BAYPORT, LONGBOAT KEY. Beautifully furnished 2BR/2BA, direct Gulf view, lanai, sundeck, tennis, pool, fitness center, premium cable tv, wireless DSL & more. Monthly/ seasonal. (954)565-9902, (954)647-2786, or bayportapt@gmail.com

COVERT II 2BR/2BA with 30’ glass screened enclosed lanai on the gulf. Heated pool, non-smoking, no pets. Available starting March 2011 weekly or monthly. Also available Jan, Feb, March and April 2012 monthly. 513-871-9120 or 513-702-0418

LONGBOAT KEY. Gulf front, pool on beach, 1BR/1BA condo, kitchen, dining, sleeps 4, king pillowtop. 617-973-7552 or 617-328-7145.

BEHIND GATES of LBK - 2br/2ba condo.

Newly decorated. W/D in unit. 3 month minimum No smoking/ pets 941-383-8635

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.

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.

MILITARY DISCOUNT: Book now for next season. Longboat Key, direct beachfront.

3BR/3.5BA and 1BR/1BA. 941-383-3844.

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

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

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.

SUNSET BEACH LBK. 2012 Season. Large 2br/2ba first floor with walkdown from large terraces overlooking pool & gulf. Garage parking. Elevator also. Call 863-660-2931.

View at: http://web.me.com/kristenvkane

Now Offering Beach Castle Resort Nightly and Weekly

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.

WEEKLY RENTALS GULF FRONT/ GULF VIEW

www.FLvacationconnection.com 941-387-9709 877-705-2460

Reservations: 941-383-5549 Visa/ MC Fax: 941-383-7925

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

Call 727-501-3675

“Take our video tour at” www.casadelmar.net

LONGBOAT KEY Towers. Beachfront condo available winter 2012, 2BR/2BA. 3/mo. minimum. Call 847-295-9252.

Office Open 7 Days, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key 34228

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

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

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.

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

Rental condo. 1-800-734-3370.

LBK BEACHPLACE Condo. Beachfront, 2BR/2BA. Elegantly furnished, heated pool, tennis court, covered parking, exercise room. Available May 1st. through Dec. 31st.

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

941-383-1884.

PLAYERS CLUB - Direct Gulf! Upscale 2BR/3BA. Available December 1, 2011.

Four month minimum. No smoking.

847-634-1991

Waterfront Property BREATHTAKING WATERFRONT parcel.

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

Adult Care Services 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

Weekly/ Monthly/ Seasonal Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos

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

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

SPANISH MAIN: 2BR/2BA, fully furnished/ updated decor. Lanai & patio overlooking lake, clubhouse, pool. Avail. January through April, 2012. 3/mo. minimum. $2800/mo.

Non-smoking. No pets. 847-295-4800, ask for Dave.

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

724-3519.

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

SEAPLACE: 2BR/2BA CONDO: remodeled, full equipped. Available Jan. - Feb., 2012.

941-379-4832 or jrderrick@verizon.net

Exceptional Vacation Rentals Since 1994 Homes & Condominiums Studios to Six Bedrooms Beachfront, Intercoastal or Garden Excellent Service & Staff

FLORIDA VACATION CONNECTION

CASA DEL MAR BEACH RESORT

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.

CNA/HHA WILL take care of your loved one.

Excellent references. Great rates. Flexible hours. Call 941-726-0392.

IN HOME PERSONAL CARE

Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.wagnerrentals.com

Experienced & Caring. Meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, doctors appointments.

Excellent references.

941-961-4674 PRIVATE CAREGIVER with references from Longboat Key. Flexible hours. Call Lucy at 941-539-0421

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.

WANTED: BEACHPLACE, January through March, 2012. Gulf front, third floor or above, updated, king bed - master, internet.

215-783-1904 or 215-783-4903.

THIS IS It Home Companion Services.

Cook, clean, laundry, errands, doctor visits, etc. Very reliable, energetic, easy going, love working with people. References upon request. I would love to hear from you.

Please call Sandy, 941-301-6398.

RENT SEASONAL/YEARLY- 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH, 4TH FLOOR, GULF FRONT CONDO W/WRAP AROUND BALCONY @ SUNSET BEACH, LBK. 217-493-6216

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

Get all 3 Observers for only $99

Buy Now

Stand out from the crowd and get widespread exposure with The Observer ‘Make Your Move’ real estate ad. Your ad will appear in all 3 Observers – reaching prime prospects in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Reserved Space The Longboat Observer The Sarasota Observer The East County Observer

LP Reserved Space

That’s over 53,500 in circulation and more than 110,000 readers!

The Observer You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

M A

Ad Specifications Ad Size: 2.5” x 3” Photo size: 2.5” x 1.5” Avg # of words: 40 Full color available!

No logos.

Designate your headline.

To advertise your listing call (941) 955-4888 or email classified@yourobserver.com

e l P

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absolutely elegant home in silver oak.

Model perfect Biscayne floor plan by Bamboo Builders. One of best lots w/lake & Private Views. Over 3400 sq. ft. under air. 4 BD + den, 3 1/2 BA. Gourmet kitchen w/wood cabinets, granite counters, stainless appl. 3 car gar., large htd pool & spa w/outdoor kitchen. Built in 2001! $899,900. John Doe Real Estate.

John Doe

941-555-5555

18C 18C Classifieds

www.yourobserver.com

Adult Care Services

Cleaning

Worry Free Help at Home!

CARLA’S PROFESSIONAL HOUSECLEANING Only $20 per hour.

Honest, reliable and great references.

Call Carla 941-894-9262

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

M. LOPEZ Cleaning Company. Residential/ Commercial. Good rates, good references.

10 years experience. Licensed & Insured.

941-306-6394.

Auto Transport

Computer Services

RETIRED LONGBOAT KEY police officer & associate. Drive your car to the North and back. 941-720-0426, 941-713-1596.

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.

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

FRIDAY **FEBRUARY 25**

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

COMPUTER REPAIR, Installation and Training.

Fast and Reliable.

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

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.

ISLE TILE

YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner

Floors, bathrooms, showers, backsplashes, patio and pool decks.

20 years design background.

Licensed - Insured - LBK Resident References upon request.

941-383-2659

Got

Specialist in Medical Hypnosis

941-321-9267

www.SarasotaClinicalHypnosis.com

KEY REHAB Medicare Certified Physical Therapy at the Centre Shops. Call 941-387-8450

KEY Visit usREHAB online at Medicare Certified Physical Therapy at the www.yourobserver.com Centre Shops. Call 941-387-8450 Home Improvement/ Remodeling JOHN GUBERNAT HANDYMAN SERVICES ALL HOME REPAIRS

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.

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

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

Home Services LBK HOME WATCH. Year ‘round LBK resident will check your house, condo, pool, car or boat, weekly or monthly. Will provide transportation to Publix, airport, doctor.

References. Call Ron, 383-9119.

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

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

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

35+ years experience.

Personal Services PERSONAL TRAINER I come to you! 10+ years experience.

Weight-loss, Strength-training, Motivation.

Improve your health! (941)807-2219 www.kelliefitness.com

4 Easy Ways To Place your Classified ad

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

Call 941-955-4888 Reserved Space LP Reserved Space Fax 941-362-4808

Email classified@yourobserver.com Online at

www.yourobserver.com/classifieds

BOAT SERVICES

CARPET CLEANING

DOCKSIDE BOAT REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

SPINERGY STONE CARE SOLUTIONS

CERTIFIED & INSURED

PROFESSIONAL TILE & MARBLE INSTALLATION 20 YRS. EXPERIENCE CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE 726-1802 LIC/ INS

Tutoring LEARN ITALIAN. Native speaker from Florence, 20 years experience. All levels.

Longboat Key location. 941-383-2867 or 202-494-9306.

FREE

Bee!

Classified

Free Classified when the total value of your merchandise is $200 or less (each item must be priced). Run 2 consecutive weeks in any Observer. Only one Free-Bee per month.

Fax your ad along with your name, address, phone # and which Observer you want to be in to 941.362.4808 or mail to

The Observer Group P.O. Box 2234 Sarasota, FL 34230-2234

No phoNe orders accepted.

No commercial advertisiNg iN Free-Bee sectioN.

COMPUTER

LP Missing: # 52614

CAREGIVER/COMPANION

CARPET / UPHOSTERY ODOR CONTROL 52614

Sensitive, caring, compassionate, honest and dependable CNA/caregiver with 3 years experience. Insured and bonded.

TILE / GROUT STAIN CONTROL

941.387.0607

www.fatcatcarpetcleaning.com

INSTITUTE of INSPECTION CLEANING and RESTORATION

CERTIFICATION CERTIFIED FIRM

100% SATISfACTION GUARANTEED

GET YOUR NAME OUT THERE!

$15/hour or $100/day.

Contact Bill Spence

Phone: 941-993-7994 E-mail: bill@billmycaregiver.com Web Site: BillMyCaregiver.com

Advertise your business in

52727

CNA Lic# 223777

STEVE ALLEN FLOOR COVERINGS

TRAVERTINE • MARBLE • GRANITE • SLATE • TERRAZZO Restorative Cleaning and Sealing / Stain Removal

51766

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

Tile

Ads may also be emailed to: classified@yourobserver.com

Excellent service. 30 years experience.

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

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

All Variations of Ceramic Tile Supplied & Installed.

Free Estimates & Custom Designs.

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

Dr. David Sewell AP

I come to your home or office.

BONDED & INSURED Over 25 yrs. experience

Painting/Wallpapering

IBS?.... Hypnosis WORKS!

Personal & Business Bookkeeping Accounting/ Taxes

TILE TILE TILE

Health Services

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

383-3787 CALL FOR RESERVATIONS BEER & WINE AVAILABLE

Personal Services

FOR “QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE�

SARASOTA GRILL CLEANING SERVICES Specializing in rust removal and polishing of stainless steel grills. Contact Matt, 941-914-8508.

ALL ENTREES SERVED WITH CHEF’S CHOICE STARCH & VEGETABLE

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

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

51769

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THE Thursday, February 24, 2011

The Observer Service Directory.

Call 941-955-4888 to advertise

FURNITURE REPAIR

PATIO REPAIRS Furniture Sales & Repairs #USHIONS s 3LINGS s 5MBRELLAS

941-504-0903

52745 38056

Catering

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 LONGBOAT OBSERVER

CLASSIFIEDS

www.YourObserver.com

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31 Years Experience, Prompt, Reliable Service, I Call Back My Customers, Keep My Appointments, AND Your Satisfaction is My Goal.

Fully Insured

(941) 388-3580

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CHRISTIE’S 778-3924 52297

scottmwoolf1@gmail.com

PLUMBING

Emergency Service: 941-400-2349

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RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL

DEPENDABLE & ON TIME FREE ESTIMATES

Free at home consultation National Brands, Competitive Pricing Limited Lifetime Warranty Seasonal Discounts

-!2).! $2 (/,-%3 "%!#( s /0%. 3!4

LBK’s New Barber

Now taking appointments Tues. & Fri.

at Panache Salon (Publix Shopping Center)

Home Visits Available

t $FMM

Pretty Tile, Ugly Grout?

Regrout ♌ Recaulk ♌ Repair Clean ♌ Seal ♌ Recolor

American Philatelic Society Dealer Since 1969

We Cure Sick Grout!

Floors ♌ Kitchens ♌ Showers

941-755-1300

51743

52812

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

359-1904

TILE

RONALD FRANK

MOVERS

www.groutdoctor.com

REMODELING/HOME IMPROVEMENT

Ask About EnduroShield Coatings

$25 Off with this ad

Free Estimates

WINDOWS

We sell boxes!

Lic./Ins. se Window Washin i r n Su and Pressure Cleaning g

MO V I N G

Environmentally Friendly

We save you money. Guaranteed.

h,EAVE 9OUR $IRTY 7INDOWS 4O 5Sv

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Essential home repair and improvement solutions to help you create your ideally perfect home, while saving you money.

LOCAL - LONG DISTANCE FREE ESTIMATES

10%

51825

Schedule a FREE consultation Visit dwellgreen.com or call 941. 375. 5522

“Will move anything from a couch to a household�

h50 4/ 34!.$!2$ 7).$/73 s v

West Florida Contractor, Inc.

Phone (941) 704-4278 Fax (941) 538-3781

Operator/Owner

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

941-906-8554

PAINTING

51985

52736

Residential/Commercial Construction & Renovation – All Phases

FL LIC# CGC1505233

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OFF + Additional

For Senior Citizens

Free Estimates

Prices Include:

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Dave McCarthy

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Ken Schwartz

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BUYER OF ALL STAMP COLLECTIONS

Lic #CCC-1320924

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CGC1507388 Lawrence Barnett (941)526-7750

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Senior Citizen Discounts

Insured

52615

General Contractor Specializing in Kitchen & Bath Remodeling

Fully Licensed and Insured

800-776-7663

OR 778-4461

Since 1975

KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING

www.lightreno.com

Residential & Commercial RooďŹ ng Specialists

PLUMBING

941-536-1770

Lighthouse Renovations

Allen RooďŹ ng 53056

Specializing in Residential Painting

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Corby J. deKozlowski

ROOFING 52206

PAINTING

SCOTT WOOLF HANDYMAN EXTRAORDINAIRE

U.S. DOT No. 1915800

www.YourObserver.com

www.yourobserver.com

HANDYMAN

Call Anytime

19C Classifieds 19C

CLASSIFIEDS

Thursday, February 24, 2011

53069

The Observer THElongboat LONGBOAT OBSERVER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

BULLSEYE! Reach a Targeted Audience

Painting by Karen 52201

“No Job Too Small� (941)

320-1397

INSURANCE

Ă€>Â˜ÂˆĂŒiĂŠ ÂœĂ•Â˜ĂŒiĂ€ĂŒÂœÂŤĂƒĂŠJĂŠfÇ°xĂ¤Ă‰ĂƒÂľÂ°ĂŠvĂŒÂ°ĂŠUĂŠ >“ˆ˜>ĂŒiĂƒĂŠJĂŠÂ°Â™Â™Ă‰ĂƒÂľÂ°ĂŠvĂŒÂ° *ÂœĂ€ViÂ?>ÂˆÂ˜ĂŠĂŒÂˆÂ?iĂƒĂŠJĂŠfÂŁÂ°ĂŽÂ™Ă‰ĂƒÂľÂ°ĂŠvĂŒÂ°ĂŠUĂŠ7œœ`ĂŠ >Lˆ˜iĂŒĂƒ Installation available on all.

Call Scott @ 941-315-0857

52220

Professional Interior Painting

"ASIC 0AINTING s $ECORATIVE 7ALLS s &URNITURE s ,IGHTS s -ISC )TEMS

The Observer Service Directory Call 955-4888 to advertise.

INSURANCE

INSURANCE

New Year’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 • 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.

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

52062

We Can help with 1 & 3 •

20C

The longboat Observer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 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

3638 San Remo Terrace Stunning Carl Abbot bay front residence. This 4 bedroom plus den/office, 5 bath home has been masterfully designed to capture the essence of waterfront living. Unique architectural elements and warm modern interior finishes blend harmoniously with the contemporary exterior & surrounding landscape to create this magnificent bay front residence. Peg Davant 941.356.4522 $3,499,000

1320 Ocelot Road Stephen L. Lingley

$1,495,000 941.809.7580

1050 Gulf Winds Way Valerie Dall’Acqua

$1,299,000 941.445.7295

10 Riverfront Drive Brad Tritschler

$1,190,000 941.716.1042

2830 Norwood Lane Melissa Caldwell

$1,000,000 941.266.8829

5312 Hunt Club Way Jane Rees

$959,000 941.586.3970

1771 Ringling Boulevard, PH203 Maurice Connaughton

$889,000 941.465.2862

21 Lands End Lane Schemmel Property Group, Joel Schemmel

4127 Las Palmas Way Joel Schemmel

$839,000 941.587.4894

6342 Midnight Pass Road, 417 Carol Clark & Paul Clark

$719,000 941.350.4500

525 75th Street Terry Hayes

$699,000 941.302.3100

5547 Merrimac Drive Maureen & Matt Morris

$599,000 941.320.3960

4822 Ocean Boulevard, 8C Keith Whitfield

$585,000 941.302.4256

4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 4A Martha Marlar

$549,000 941.812.0455

941.364.4000

$2,695,000 941.302.9674

877.317.7003

SignatureSIR.com

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

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

51153

50 Central Avenue, PH17B Cheryl Loeffler

$2,700,000 941.587.4894