Longboat Observer - Thursday, June 2, 2011

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Look inside for your guide to summer arts and society events.

Key Club’s office dog is a careerdriven canine.

Courtesy photo

Msgr. Gerry Finegan, Rita Stormes and the Rev. Edward Pick

+ St. Mary surprises faithful parishioner

DIVERSIONS

Bob’s Train is one of the best-kept secrets in Sarasota.

PAGE 5A.

INSIDE

OUR TOWN

Thursday, June 2, 2011

sunny outlook

INSIDE.

WHAT’S NEXT?

by Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

Key’s beach plan Pension board on the right path debates

by Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

A beach consultant who performed a peer review praised Longboat’s beach renourishment schedule and maintenance plan as well as the implementation of The Islander groins.

Rita Stormes, a longtime parishioner at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church was honored at a surprise event held recently at the church. Her outstanding contributions of service to the church’s Ladies Guild and ministry were recognized.

next step The Firefighters Pension Board isn’t sure whether it should fire Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, its investment consultant.

across the country, said the town should be proud of its beach and the way it maintains

The Longboat Key Firefighters Pension Board is not sure how it should proceed now that a $50,000 forensic investigation of its pension has been released.

At its Wednesday, May 25 quarterly pension meeting, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney investment consultant Joe Carter denounced the investigation by Benchmark Financial Services President Ed Siedle.

Siedle, who has already been paid for his investigation, targeted Morgan Stanley in his report, which claimed that the company may have breached its contract with the pension board by making improper trades and accepting money from money managers with whom it works.

Carter strongly defended his company and its practices at the meeting.

“We don’t accept a dime of money offered to us by money managers as some others do in the industry,” Carter said. “I am disappointed that one guy can come in and state a bunch of ‘could be’ and ‘would be’ suggestions and they are all presumed as being true. He didn’t prove anything. All he did was collect $50,000, inject a bunch of half-truths and tried to tell the firefighters he could bring a bunch of money back into the plan.”

Even though pension board members agreed they are not sure that some of Siedle’s report is worth investigating, the accusations are troubling for some board members.

Pension board member Gerald Feder suggested the board put out

SEE BEACH / PAGE 2A

SEE PENSION / PAGE 2A

Photo courtesy of Mote Marine

+ Mating manatees require a little space Summer is here, and that means love is in the air … for manatees, that is.

That’s right, it’s manatee mating season, and Mote Marine wants boaters to be aware of their mating rituals. Often, female manatees attempt to evade male suitors, and herds of up to a dozen manatees can quickly form in shallow waters while a group of males surrounds the females. Boaters should give herds a wide berth and remain at least 100 feet away. For more manatee-friendly tips, visit mote.org.

SEE OUR TOWN / PAGE 8A

Turtle tracks Week of May 22 through May 28

Nests...............................10 False crawls.......................6

2011 2010 Nests 34 10 False crawls 34 5

Rachel S. O’Hara

Charles Chappell, 5, and his sister, Claudia, 2 1/2, play in the sand Saturday on Longboat’s beach during their vacation at the Sea Gate Club.

Dr. Kevin Bodge, a beach consultant, engineer and senior vice president of Jacksonville-based Olsen & Associates Inc., told the Town Commission May 27 that he finds no fault with the town’s Comprehensive Beach Management Plan. The plan requires a minimum beach width of 130 feet and that sand be added to town beaches every six to eight years.

“I think your beach design makes sense,” Bodge said. “I see nothing I would do much differently at all, and many communities would be envious of your beach.”

The commission’s goal in spending $15,000 for a review

Longboat Key’s Beach Renourishments Year 1993 1996-97 2005-06

2011

2012 2013-14

Project Sand placed Island-wide 3.3 million cubic yards Mid-Key 891,000 cubic yards Island-wide 1.8 million cubic yards North-end emergency project 833,000 cubic yards Port Dolphin sand project 310,000 cubic yards Island-wide 865,000 cubic yards

of its beach plan was to evaluate the plan and its beach engineer, Coastal Planning & Engineering.

Bodge, a consultant for more than 200 beach communities

INDEX Briefs....................4A Classifieds ........ 24A

Cops Corner....... 10A Crossword.......... 23A

Deal Us In......... 22A Opinion.................6A

Real Estate........ 16A Weather............. 23A

Vol. 33, No. 44 | Two sections YourObserver.com

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

BEACH / FROM PAGE 1A its sand.

“You have joined an increasing amount of communities that have worked to restore the beach yourselves,” Bodge said.

Bodge estimated the town loses the following amounts of sand per year: • 63,000 cubic yards of sand at the north end; • 15,000 cubic yards of sand in the middle of the Key; • 15,000 cubic yards of sand near the Islander adjustable groins; • 45,000 cubic yards of sand per year at the south end.

“Every six to eight years is a good time to renourish because you’re losing about 140,000 cubic yards of sand per year and 1.1 million cubic yards of sand every eight years,” Bodge said. “But you don’t have to renourish unless it’s necessary.”

Bodge also praised the construction of the two Islander groins and believes the structures will hold sand in the area.

“I was very impressed with what I saw with the Islander groins,” Bodge said.

“It’s a whole new frontier with those types of structures, and it’s working pretty well right now.”

Bodge also suggested the commission place a single terminal groin on the north end of the island and warned against placing breakwaters offshore there.

“The north end is a prime candidate for structures and will work to hold sand there,” Bodge said.

He said that the town’s beach plan must continue to be implemented.

“You have fixed the island’s location artificially by renourishing your beach and must maintain it or it will go away,” Bodge said.

Commissioner Jack Duncan asked Bodge if he thought the town was on the right track with its beach plan.

“I would come up with everything you guys are already doing here,” Bodge said.

Duncan was pleased with the answer.

“I think we have been doing the right

RECOMMENDATIONS

PENSION / FROM PAGE 1A

Dr. Kevin Bodge, senior vice president of Jacksonville-based Olsen & Associates Inc., made the following recommendations to the Longboat Key Town Commission last week:

a request for proposals (RFP) to interview other investment consultants, as well as Morgan Stanley, to make sure the board has the best consultant moving forward.

“I’m not comfortable, generally, with the nature of the contracts that exist with Morgan Stanley and the structure of the relationships,” Feder said. “I’m not sure I really trust Morgan Stanley anymore, to be honest, knowing that there have been similar issues in other towns and lawsuits have been filed against them.”

The suggestion upset Carter, who said his company would decline to participate in the RFP process.

“We won’t participate in the RFP process, because if you aren’t happy with us now, you won’t be happy with us during the RFP process,” Carter said.

Carter said his company has done a good job over the last 10 years and noted that the plan had $5.4 million in total funds 10 years ago and now has $11.6 million in funds.

“We have outperformed our benchmarks, and that should mean something,” Carter said. “You will be wasting more money to go through a process you don’t need.”

Pension board member Shannon Gault agreed with Carter on both his assessment of Siedle and the company’s performance.

“We had to pay Mr. Siedle a payment before we were even allowed to meet him,” said Gault, noting that a Burlington, Vt., lawsuit against Morgan Stanley that Siedle was involved in led to no extra money for its pension plan. “I don’t want to end up with a lesser-qualified manager that will cost this fund more money.”

Key resident and former pension board member Arnold Malasky told the board that the pension fund’s performance has outperformed its benchmarks in the last five years. He said that Siedle has not returned his calls to discuss his findings and his request for Siedle’s data, which Siedle says shows the fund has not lived up to its benchmarks.

• Make sure the town has an ongoing permit approved by the state to perform beach projects for emergency purposes.

• Question and scrutinize state requirements that mandate environmental beach monitoring after beach projects are completed, which is expensive and unnecessary.

• Recognize there are substantial increased costs associated with white sand.

• Consider coarser, less-white sand, especially in high-erosion areas.

• Acquire critical oceanfront property whenever feasible, which increases the amount of money the state will pay for a cost-share project and decreases critical erosion problems.

• Don’t enter the Federal Shore Protection Project.

• Promote the growth of sand dunes for beach protection and don’t allow machinery to shape and move around sand.

• Make the sand stay by renourishing and placing structures where they are appropriate. thing for a long time,” Duncan said. “We have a plan in place that appears we are in line with what the experts are telling us.”

Mayor Jim Brown was also pleased with the peer review.

“The desire was never to change what we were doing but to make sure what we are doing still makes sense,” Brown said.

“We have found we are still on the right path.”

Response requested Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, the Longboat Key Firefighters Pension Board investment consultant, must come back to the board at its August quarterly meeting to answer the following questions: • How do money managers get selected to work with Morgan Stanley?

• Would it be cheaper or more expensive to have services with Morgan Stanley bundled, like the plan does now, or unbundled? A breakdown of fees for both ways must also be provided.

• Can the pension plan’s performance numbers be certified that they are all in accordance with industry standards?

• Will Morgan Stanley, in the future, keep the board up to date on what money managers are paying Morgan Stanley to continue using the services of the investment consultant?

Pension board attorney Bob Sugarman told the board members it would be good to solicit RFP proposals to make sure it’s comfortable with its consultant.

Sugarman also encouraged the board to take solace in the fact that, if nothing else, Siedle’s report proved the board that the town and its actuary firm have done nothing wrong.

Sugarman also warned the board that suing Morgan Stanley might not produce any money for its pension.

The board agreed to hold off on the RFP process until Morgan Stanley can answer a list of questions the board has about its practices (see sidebar above).

“I don’t want to spend any more money,” said pension board Chairman Keith Tanner. “I would like to give Morgan Stanley a chance to respond.”

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THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

real estate

by Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

Property values to fall again Taxable values will drop for the fourth year in a row on Longboat Key. Key-wide, preliminary estimates for both Sarasota and Manatee counties reveal a 4.18% decrease, for an approximate $203,000,000 island-wide property value loss.

Based on the town’s current millage rate of 1.8872 mills, the tax roll loss would result in a budget revenue reduction of approximately $371,000.

Preliminary estimates distributed last week by Sarasota County Property Appraiser Bill Furst reveal a 4.7% tax roll

decline in Sarasota island values.

Furst estimated a 2011 Longboat Key tax roll of $3,335,795,728, compared with a 2010 taxable value certified tax roll of $3,503,704,475, for a 4.7% decline.

In total, taxable values in Sarasota County are expected to decline $7 billion, or 12%, compared to a year ago.

In Manatee County, Property Appraiser Charles Hackney estimated a 2011 Longboat Key tax roll of $1,314,122,803, compared to a 2010 taxable value certified tax roll of $1,364,896,458, for

MADE PUBLIC

by Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

a 3.7% decline.

In total, taxable values in Manatee County are expected to decline $1.1 billion, or 4.69% compared with a year ago.

The town’s preliminary taxable value for the coming year is estimated at $4.65 billion. The town-wide taxable value last year was approximately $4.87 billion.

The town’s tax rolls have dropped every year since 2008.

Kelley said he had estimated a 7% tax roll loss islandwide when trying to calculate the 2011-12 fiscal year budget.

When asked if Kelley was prepared to cut the budget to offset the estimated 4.18% decline in island taxable values, Kelley said the town is trying to run the island as efficiently as possible.

“We will present a budget that’s efficient as possible while running a certain level of service,” he said.

Town Manager Bruce St. Denis said it’s up to the Longboat Key Town Commission to decide whether to raise the town’s tax rate to offset the expected shortfall.

Both counties will reveal official assessed taxable values July 1.

Residents will shape Bayfront Park The Longboat Key Town Commission wants to hold public meetings to ensure Longboat residents have input on what amenities a renovated Bayfront Park should include.

The Longboat Key Town Commission wants to make sure the island’s residents tell the town what kind of new park and recreation center they want.

The commission will hold public meetings in the near future to gauge what residents like and dislike about a Bayfront Park concept plan.

The seven commissioners talked for almost an hour at their Thursday, May 26 regular workshop to debate what should be done and how soon the commission should move forward with aspects of a plan that call for park modifications and a proposed recreation center.

Town Manager Bruce St. Denis told the commission it has access to approximately $3 million in the town’s utility fund and $4 million in the town’s unreserved fund balance to use as funding sources for the park.

Commissioner Jack Duncan said the town should hold a referenda before using taxpayer funds.

“We are cutting the taxpayer out of the decision-making process if we don’t go forward with a referenda on the park plan,” Duncan said.

Commissioner Phillip Younger agreed.

“We’re not going to be breaking ground on this anytime soon,” Younger said.

“We could always pose a referenda on a straw poll basis to determine if the voters want to move forward.”

St. Denis said he just wanted to let the commission know that those funds are available.

He noted that a community center project could cost approximately $7 million and that the entire bayfront park project could cost millions more.

Vice Mayor David Brenner made the case for putting the

Kurt Schultheis

The Longboat Key Town Commission will hold public meetings to find out what aspects of a Bayfront Park concept plan are popular with residents. The concept plan currently includes these tennis courts being relocated closer to Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Bayfront Park Concept Plan • A new 15,000-squarefoot community center building • Multi-use sports court • Tennis courts • Separate restroom facility • Dock and boatlift • Kayak pavilion and washdown area • Fishing pier • Half-mile walking loop • Mangrove informational walking area • Multi-use active and passive recreation areas • Covered areas with picnic tables and barbecue grills • Retain existing recreation center for art classes concept plan before the residents, either in the form of subcommittee meetings or

commission meetings.

“We have the cart before the horse,” Brenner said. “We are talking about a concept plan and we’re not sure what we’re implementing from it.

We need to put the concept plan in front of the public to get input.”

Mayor Jim Brown agreed.

“The commission needs to vet this during public meetings to discuss what’s conceptually designed is appropriate,” Brown said. “We have to put this to the people.”

Duncan, meanwhile, worried that too much emphasis was being placed on the park concept.

“It seems we are moving too quickly on this when we have some financial concerns that are more pressing — like the pension problem,” Duncan said. “I think we are pushing too hard on this at this time. The referenda could go down in flames if we push too hard.”

Former Mayor George Spoll, however, urged the commission to still move forward with hiring a design professional to review the concept plan and make sure its scale and size are appropriate.

Spoll, chairman of the Longboat Key Revitalization Task Force, warned the commission to not drag its feet on the park concept.

“We have spent a great deal of time talking about the future of the Key,” Spoll said.

“Unless we take steps to literally enhance and revitalize this Key, we shouldn’t even worry about the pension plan because our property values and interest on this Key are on a major decline. We have to do all these things at the same time.”

The commission agreed to move forward with public hearings about the park plan and hire a design professional to review the concept.

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sign change

by Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

FDOT signs off on GMD sign removal Sixty-eight sign posts and 49 signs will be removed from Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has agreed to remove 68 sign posts and 49 signs from the Gulf of Mexico Drive right of way.

FDOT Assistant District Traffic Operations Engineer Keith Slater told the Longboat Key Town Commission at its Thursday, May 26 regular workshop that his department has signed off on a plan that includes removing: • Seventeen sign posts with two bikelane signs placed on each of them (there are 62 sign posts now); • Twenty-six no-parking signs (there are 32 signs now); • Twenty-five right-turn yield to bike signs (there are 35 signs now).

FDOT will also add two speed-limit signs at the request of Police Chief Al Hogle and remove two hidden driveway signs deemed unnecessary.

After FDOT removes the signs, which is expected to be complete by September, there will be: • Forty-five sign posts that have two bike signs on each; • Six no-parking signs; • Nine right-turn yield to bicycle signs.

The signs will be placed approximately a mile-and-a-half apart.

FDOT agreed to work with the town on its signage after Planning and Zoning Board member Walter Hackett questioned in May 2009 the number of signs along Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Hackett, who presented a signage study to the commission, has counted 405 signs along a 9.7-mile stretch of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Commissioner Jack Duncan expressed concern that the new Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian sanctuary being constructed on Gulf of Mexico Drive at General Harris Street could create parking issues along the state road on Sunday mornings.

“I’m concerned about parking overflow on Sundays,” Duncan said.

Slater told the commission FDOT would install additional no-parking signs near the church at the town’s request, if needed.

Hogle has also promised to monitor the right of way in that area once church services begin, to make sure people aren’t parking along the road for church services.

sign REMOVAL The Florida Department of Transportation has agreed to remove the following number of signs: Two bike lane signs on a post Current......................................... 62 Proposed...................................... 45 Reduction..................................... 17 Right-turn yield to bike signs Current......................................... 34 Proposed........................................ 9 Reduction..................................... 25 No-parking signs Current......................................... 32 Proposed........................................ 6 Reduction..................................... 26 Total number of sign posts removed....... 68 Total number of sign faces removed....... 49 * Information courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation

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NEWSBRIEFS

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THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

+ Commission OKs iPad purchase for its members The Longboat Key Town Commission gave Town Manager Bruce St. Denis permission to purchase iPads for commissioners, which will cost taxpayers $4,200.

The commissioners made the decision at their Thursday, May 26 regular workshop.

Since October, Management Information Systems Director Kathi

Meetings agendas

&

 Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, June 6.  Zoning Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting — 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, June 9.  Code Enforcement Board Regular Meeting — 1 p.m.

Thursday, June 16.

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

Pletzke has been researching the possibility of using iPads for more than one use in Longboat Key government.

The iPad, the first tablet computer developed by Apple Inc. which was first released in 2010, can be used by commissioners to review town agendas, Pletzke said. iPads can also be used in at least three town departments.

Although St. Denis said the iPads wouldn’t save much on paper costs, he said there is a reason for the purchase.

“It’s a one-time expense with multiyears’ worth of benefits,” St. Denis said. “I think we owe it to you seven volunteers to give you something that will make your job more efficient.”

+ Purchasing audit comes back clean Bradenton-based Shinn & Co. has completed an independent audit of the town of Longboat Key’s purchasing policies and procedures. The audit determined there are no

issues with the town’s purchasing procedures.

Neil Unruh, a partner at Shinn & Co., told the Longboat Key Town Commission at its Thursday, May 26 regular workshop that there are no issues with the town’s policies.

+ Task force drafts its mission statement Former Longboat Key Mayor George Spoll and Longboat Key resident Tom Freiwald, chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the Longboat Key Revitalization Task Force, announced the group’s mission statement.

The mission statement reads: “The Longboat Key Revitalization Task Force shall act as a catalyst to sustain and enhance Longboat Key as the premier residential and visitor destination nationally and internationally.”

+ Investment committee will review town reports Vice Mayor David Brenner s s llow e pi sardine a e r f 2 n of se of ca ha & a h purc or set wit matt

YourObserver.com

TOP FIVE

The most read stories online last week were: 1. ‘The end for IPOC’? (May 25) 2. Longboat Key Cops Corner (May 25) 3. Longboat: Classic Cops of the Day (May 25) 4. Colony Lender’s ownership share increases (May 25) 5. Our Town: Some bunny wants to cool off (May 25)

announced at the Thursday, May 26 regular workshop that the town would create a separate finance subcommittee to review quarterly financial town reports and other finance issues.

The subcommittee will officially be appointed at the commission’s 7 p.m.

Monday, June 6 regular meeting. A list of responsibilities for the subcommittee will be created at a future workshop.

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THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

PAWS-ITIVE INFLUENCE

5A

by Robin Hartill | Community Editor

Key Club’s Cash known for dogmatic work ethic Top dog

This employee is truly the top dog when he goes to work.

As the two-day event ended, a human-resources department employee noticed how wellbehaved Cash was and got approval from General Manager Michael Welly for him to become In four-and-a-half years on the job, Cash has an “office dog.” At first, the human-resources never taken a sick day. employee took Cash home at night, although He wakes up at 6 a.m. every morning for his 7 Theoret soon took over because Cash became a.m. carpool ride from northwest Bradenton to attached to her. the Longboat Key Club and Resort. In Like any employee, Cash needed a a nomination for an “Employee of the little training. He learned to sit and Month” award, a co-worker to extend his paw. (Never praised his work ethic, writing: underestimate the value of a “Regularly, rather than take firm paw-shake.) But, overall, an assigned lunch, he frequenthe was a natural for the job. ly uses the time to move will“He adapted here very, very ingly from one post to the other, well,” Theoret said. “He’s very while only taking a little time out well-liked.” for some fresh air and a snack or Today, Cash’s main function two.” is to serve as a morale booster.

Cash is, without a doubt, the He makes employees happier Key Club’s most dogged worker. when he allows them to scratch Since Nov. 15, 2006, he’s been his tummy or graciously acthe Key Club office dog and uncepts a treat. In the past, he’s official “ambassadog.” been called in to attend tough Key Club general cashier human-resources meetings Judy Theoret, who takes Cash to put people at ease. He also home at night and carpools to posed for the card that Key work with him, said Sarasota Club employees receive on Humane Society officials told Cash has modeled for the card their birthdays. her that the Labrador retriever/ that Longboat Key Club employIt’s signed, “From Cash chow chow mix wound up in ees receive on their birthdays. and your Longboat Key Club the organization’s care after he and Resort family.” was abandoned and later rescued by a person Frequently, employees say to office staff: who couldn’t keep him because of allergies.

“Tell Cash, ‘Thanks for the birthday card.’”

But, in November 2006, Cash attended an Cash’s work has impacted other pets in need event that would change his life — not to men- of adoption. Some employees who had never tion kick start his office career. He was one of owned a dog have adopted one since getting two dogs that Humane Society officials brought to know Cash. Ryan said Cash inspired her to to a Key Club wellness fair for employees. adopt two Labrador retrievers, first in 2007 with “As part of our wellness fairs, we always have 8-year-old Tessa, who has since died, and then pets come out because they have such thera- her current dog, Harper Lee. peutic value,” said Mary Kay Ryan, director of But, perhaps Cash’s most important responLBKat-the 2010 I sales Key-Club. sibility is just to be Cash. Take the time Key Dogs like Cash are invited to the wellness fair Club staff had gathered for a serious meeting. in hopes that an employee might adopt them. As they talked business, they could hear Cash

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And although he may be more career-driven than most canines, don’t think this dog’s life is all work and no play. Every year on Nov. 15 — Cash’s adoption date — Key Club employees throw him a birthday party. In the past, he has gotten pricey gifts such as a Coach collar.

Like all Key Club office employees, Cash has his birthday wish listed on a sheet in the kitchen. And, although his birthday is more than five months away, Theoret said he already has a gift in mind.

“He wants Frosty Paws,” she said.

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“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/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 Photographer / Rachel O’Hara, rohara@yourobserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, jraleigh@yourobserver.com Advertising Executives / Victoria Baga, vbaga@yourobserver.com; Tracy Bender, tbender@yourobserver.com; Suzanne Munroe, smunroe@yourobserver.com; Kathleen O’Hara, kohara@yourobserver.com; Laura Ritter, lritter@yourobserver.com; Lori Ruth, lruth@yourobserver.com; Kenji Trujillo, ktrujillo@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/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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THURSDAY, June 2, 2011

opinion | our view

What is the business plan?

We keep reading and re-reading the 34 goals members of a town subcommittee presented to the Longboat Key Town Commission to be adopted into the town’s vision plan.

There are a lot of good ideas — as there often is when the commission asks for residents and business representatives to participate in the annual Town Commission goals exercise. To wit, some of our favorites in this one: • “Resolve the town employee pensionplan issues within the next 12 months.”

• “Support an island-wide revitalization effort.”

• “Improve the island’s communication infrastructure” (the unspoken goal: cell towers for better cell service; it’s still lousy).”

• “Continue to work toward cost containment in the budget.”

• “Adopt a long-term, beach-management plan and renourishment program” (the town has them).”

And then there are the items that often have a twist of special-interest influence to them. To wit: • “Provide for gas lamps and better landscaping on Broadway in the Village.”

• “Purchase property on the north end of Longboat Drive South and Palm Street.”

• “Enhance the school bus stop in the Village with a new bench.”

• “Support continuation of the trolley service on the island.”

• “Encourage the town to implement the development of the Bayfront Park fund and construct a community center at Bayfront Park.”

Many of the suggestions are not so much goals as they are wants. And as is the custom, the Town Commission painstakingly goes down the entire list and prioritizes.

As much as commissioners may squirm at this tedious exercise, it is worthwhile.

It keeps them in touch with what’s on the minds of taxpayers. And out of this process, the town administration often is presented with a to-do list the town staff is expected to accomplish over the next 12 months.

This is good for accountability. Town Manager Bruce St. Denis and his staff have a road map.

Yet, in spite of the good this process creates, it often leaves a sense of falling short, of not going far enough, of failing to create any grand vision or mission.

It should go deeper.

For instance, what are the vision and mission for the town in the eyes of the mayor who takes office after each March election?

What are the vision and mission of the town in the eyes of the commissioners? What are the vision and mission of the town manager?

What is the business plan?

If you think of the town of Longboat Key as a corporation, which it is — an incorporated municipality, it operates like a business. It has a board of directors (commissioners) responsible to its stockholders (taxpayers) and that board sets the overarching vision, mission, strategy, policies and fiscal benchmarks.

Likewise, it has a chief executive officer who is accountable to these directors for carrying out their wishes; who is to lead and manage the company; and who is to be measured on attaining fiscal targets and operational competence.

But rarely does the commission go into this depth of examination with itself or the town manager.

Now would be as good of a time as any to adopt this approach. Indeed, the sitting commissioners have the talent and appear to be more data driven and business- and benchmark-minded than in previous years.

Commissioner Phill Younger, for instance, is a recently retired senior executive, engineer and lawyer from Delta Airlines; and Commissioner Jack Duncan is recently retired as a longtime senior executive with U.K.-based Imperial Chemical Industries and later Zaremba Pharmaceuticals — two largescale corporations. With their corporate experience, these two are wired to want to see more measurement, accountability and a clear business plan for the town’s operations. Or take Vice Mayor David Brenner, who served as a managing partner of Arthur Andersen and later finance and commerce director for the city of Philadelphia.

With these three commissioners in the lead, they could be the catalysts for a new way of thinking on the commission and a new way of operating at Town Hall.

More and more governors — Florida Gov. Rick Scott, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and others — are trumpeting the mantra of measuring and accountability in the face of austere budgets.

With the town’s property values expected to decline another 6% for the coming fiscal year, creating at least a $500,000 shortfall in revenues compared to current expenses, and with the town tax rate having risen 26% last fiscal year, this is yet another moment for commissioners to set the stage. Set the stage for a business plan that requires the town manager to produce consistent gains in productivity and expense reduction.

THE LESSON FROM LEY In the totality of his tenure, Jim Ley performed well as Sarasota County administrator. His resignation last week — or to be more precise, the circumstances that led to his departure — should not forever or indelibly blemish his 14-year record. But the entire saga stands as instructive lesson.

Ley had no direct role — so far as the public knows, and we would be shocked if he did — in the employees who improperly used credit cards, improperly awarded contracts to favored vendors and otherwise unethically executed the county’s purchasing rules.

But viewing the incidents as an outside observer, you Jim Ley can see the transgressions that occurred as examples of what frequently undermines the careers of long-tenured chief executives. Over time, CEOs become comfortable and immune, and so do their boards. The CEOs become complacent in areas where they shouldn’t.

Their successes and achievements in other areas pump them up, inadvertently blinding them to weaknesses and sloppiness that eventually do them in.

Then one day the dam breaks. The trouble that was small in the beginning

grows, spreads and then bursts. And while the CEO has no direct role in what went wrong, ultimately he must accept responsibility. As the sign on Harry Truman’s desk said: The buck stops here.

This is how it appears with Jim Ley. To be sure, Ley was smart, calculating and adept at nurturing and working all of his constituencies — his commissioners/bosses/board of directors; the competing special interests of homeowner/ taxpayers and developers; and the county employees. Ley was a smooth “player,” and you sensed he thrived and enjoyed his position of power and influence. At the same time, his public persona and behavior was that of an ethical chief executive who lived by the code of doing what’s right and in the best interest of the county’s many constituents. Give him credit, Ley was a capable leader.

During his tenure: The county’s property tax rate fell 25%; the county earned a triple-A bond rating, a rarity. While other cities and counties spent all they took in during the real estate boom, Ley championed setting aside $150 million in reserves

EXCERPTS …

On Israel …

If you missed commentator Charles Krauthammer’s assessment of what President Obama did to Israel recently, track it down online.

It’s a masterpiece. One excerpt: Quoting Obama, Krauthammer wrote: “‘The status quo is unsustainable,’ declared Obama, ‘and Israel too must act boldly to advance a lasting peace.’”

“Israel too?” wrote Krauthammer.

“Exactly what bold steps for peace have the Palestinians taken? Israel made three radically conciliatory offers to establish a Palestinian state, withdrew from Gaza and has been trying to renew negotiations for more than two years. Meanwhile, the Gaza Palestinians have been firing rockets at Israeli towns and villages. And on the West Bank, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbs turns down the Olmert offer, walks out of negotiations with Binyamin Netanyahu and now defies the United States by seeking not peace talks but instant statehood — without peace, without recognizing Israel — at the U.N.”

On war …

Author Mark Helprin spelled out in Saturday’s Wall Street Journal how the United States should approach war — great advice for our leaders who have us stuck in Afghanistan: “When in defense of our essential interest we do go to war, not only must we carefully determine war aims — and thus dictate to the enemy the time, place an nature of battle rather than chasing him into the briar patch of his choosing — but we must accomplish them massively, overwhelmingly, decisively, and, if necessary, ruthlessly … Rapid shocks cost less in lives, ours and their, than wars that drag inconclusively for a decade. We must make our enemies understand at the deepest level of apprehension that if we are attacked, we will be quick and they will be dead.”

for the inevitable economic downturn — a move that softened the nasty recession.

Ley also cites as accomplishments road expansions; expanded emergency services; the addition of a new jail; turning the county from being a huge water consumer with no backup supplies to a water-rich county; helping shepherd through the acquisition of thousands of acres; and the passage of sales-tax extensions to fund county infrastructure. We would also cite Ley’s leadership in making sure Sarasota County was well prepared whenever hurricanes headed our way.

He was a competent manager and CEO. You can’t take that away. Except for the blind spot that did him in. Problems in the county’s purchasing department and systems, we now know, persisted going back to 2007. Ley told his bosses on several occasions that he and his managers instituted changes to correct the problems. We also know now those problems didn’t stop.

It’s easy and understandable for the leader of an organization with a $1 billion budget and 2,000 employees not to be aware of operational issues. There is no way Ley could control the actions of all of the county’s employees.

But the circumstances of his departure provide an explicit lesson — to Ley and every CEO. It’s an oft-repeated lesson in the management of any organization: When a cancer appears, eradicate it. Quickly and thoroughly. Your reputation is at stake.

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

opinion | market watch

7A

by George Rauch

The pace of the economy is not accelerating Fifty years ago, you took responsibility for your own family. Now, the family is the government’s responsibility. Fifty years ago, you could trade $1 for one silver dollar. Now it takes $45 to buy that same silver dollar. Fifty years ago, the federal government had virtually no debt and large reserves of gold backing our currency. We now have almost $15 trillion of debt, and the constitutional strings of money being backed by gold and silver have been cut.

Fifty years ago, the government was far less invasive because there were fewer rules and taxes.

There is one number that sticks out like a sore thumb: Fifty years ago, less than 5% of births were out of wedlock; today, it’s 44%.

This has moved lockstep with the increase in size of government services. Government services are why we are so far in debt.

Our 50-year experiment with government services, such as health care, unemployment compensation and Social Security (with government employees having better benefits than we do), has left us flat broke.

Welfare payments go to the most dysfunctional portion of our income earners.

Giving money for no work in return does not work, and that is why the Constitution specifically forbids the social services that have gotten us into trouble. These social services have gotten every great country, and every great society, into trouble. They all went bankrupt. It’s so easy to see how it happens: 1. A country becomes economically successful because the merchants can work freely within the existing legal environment; 2. The contest then begins for government to help us share the country’s economic success “with those of us who are less fortunate”;

The market is highly overpriced for current dysfunctional economic conditions and for the current economic outlook. The Keysian theory of quantitative easing is that it will accelerate the pace of the economy. It’s not happening! The Dow could lose 4,000 points and still be overpriced for what we are facing.

It’s better to be safe than sorry in an environment like this. The cautious investor will remain safely on the sidelines and watch this mess unravel. The bold investor will allocate more of his assets to gold and silver as a hedge against the decreasing purchasing power of the dollar.

Caveat emptor.

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Our own federal government has become the world’s biggest Ponzi scheme: 1. The biggest bond funds (run by Bill Gross) no longer have any government securities in their portfolios.

2. Meredith Whitney (Fortune’s 50 most powerful women in business) estimates 50 to 100 U.S. cities will declare bankruptcy within the next 18 months.

3. The Fed can’t sell $19 billion of debt securities each week in order to meet expenses, so it buys debt from itself.

4. Thirty percent of the states’ welfare money comes from the federal government, and the government is about out of its ability to raise additional cash. In turn, 40% of the welfare paid to cities is paid by the states. The states, too, are out of cash.

This is a perfect Ponzi scheme, and it is mathematically doomed to fail, which must be reflected in the stock market.

Let’s focus on the last number, the $1.6 trillion needed to supplement tax shortfalls, representing 11% of our GDP. This is 73% more expenditures than our tax revenues of $2.2 trillion. It’s simply unsustainable.

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3. An entirely new economic class of people develops who become “experts in government”; 4. This new economic layer develops into an economic class devoted to figuring out how more money can come to the government through taxation and borrowing.

Their future does not depend on a reduction in the size of government; 5. The government class gains enough power over time, so the banks’ greatest deposits are government deposits and that Wall Street’s biggest and most profitable clients are government agencies, such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, both bankrupt. With the banks’ largest customers being government agencies, banks are going to support a large government.

All of the above can only be accomplished with collusion between the large banks and government. This consolidation of economic power is, at this point, too much for our economy to overcome. It’s confusing to the point where the public cannot even understand the real problems. Let’s make it simple by breaking down some of the numbers involved in today’s U.S. economic system:

1. U.S. government debt......... $14.4 trillion 2. U.S. GDP............................... $14.6 trillion 3. Current year U.S. government expenditures............................... $3.8 trillion 4. Current year U.S. government tax income.................................. $2.2 trillion 5. Amount U.S. must borrow this year....................................... $1.6 trillion

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The last few Market Watch articles have focused upon the dangers of the market.

The posture in which the market currently exists, although called a bull market, is so expensive that the public is set up for great losses. Here we are at the beginning of June, and the S&P 500 is no higher than it was in early February, yet look at all the publicity on how great the market has been doing over the last four months. It’s GEORGE just more Federal ReRAUCH serve Bank/Wall Street/ federal government misinformation. There is only one reason the market remains at these levels: QE2. The Federal Reserve’s continuous manufacturing of money ($19 billion per week) and the placement of that money in the large banks stops in June. Will the market go up, or will the market go down? Or will the government figure out some other way to manipulate the market and call it something besides “QE3”? If the market begins to go south, count on the latter.

This is not a time to be accumulating stocks. This is a time to remain liquid, if possible. In spite of what you hear from the government and Wall Street, half of the stocks in this country are selling below their 50-day moving averages. The housing industry remains a disaster. Except for providing brokers with more money with which to speculate in the stock markets, QE2 has failed to provide what the government hoped it would, which is acceleration in the pace of the economy. Businesses are still not borrowing, bond yields are unrealistically low and inflation will probably be off the charts in a couple of years.

8A

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

OUR TOWN

THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

+ All Angels by the Sea is now on summer time

>> Continued from Page 1A

All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road, is now on its summer schedule. Worship services now take place at 9 a.m.

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

+ The L’Ambiance puts safety first The L’Ambiance maintenance staff puts safety first with weekly and monthly fire-and-safety inspections. As a result, L’Ambiance had zero violations on its entire property during fire-prevention instructions. Longboat Key Fire Rescue recognized Manager Beverly Moore for this accomplishment with an Inspection Certificate of Completion Thursday, May 26. According to Moore, the achievement was made possible through a proactive team effort.

Here is a look at the top-10 books Longboaters read in May at the Longboat Library, 555 Bay Isles Road. Summer library hours are 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

+ Anonymous donors pledge $1 million

Courtesy photo

Fire Marshall Lou Gagliardi congratulates L’Ambiance Manager Beverly Moore.

Two anonymous donors have pledged $1 million to Mote Marine Laboratory to fund various initiatives over the next four years.

According to a prepared statement, the donors recently gave their first portion of the pledge, which will be used to support a post-doctoral fellowship program at Mote in addition to red-tide research and outreach efforts.

+ Hope for lots of calm … and no storms

+ See you later, alligator?

Courtesy photo

Hurricane season is here. The six-month season began Wednesday, June 1 and continues through November. Although we’ll cross our fingers and hope that hurricanes blow past Longboat Key this year, as they have for the past six decades, it’s important to have an emergency plan. To learn more about planning for a storm, visit longboatkey.org.

• “Ape House” by Sara Gruen • “Bel-Air Dead” by Stuart Woods • “Caleb’s Crossing” by Geraldine Brooks • “Fifth Witness” by Michael Connelly • “Heartwood” by Belva Plain • “Minding Frankie” by Maeve Binchy • “Split Image” by Robert Parker • “10th Anniversary” by James Patterson • “Wicked Appetite” by Janet Evanovich • “The Wild Zone” by Joy Fielding All of these books are available at the Longboat Library.

NEW SELECTIONS • “On China” by Henry Kissinger • “Sixkill” by Robert Parker • “Final Storm” by Jeff Shara • “Tick Tock” by James Patterson on audio • “I’ll Walk Alone” by Mary Higgins Clark • “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” by Stieg Larsson

50063

On Tuesday, May 24, Longboat Key resident Julie Klick was in her backyard with her dog, when she felt a pair of eyes staring at her. It turns out, those eyes belonged to an alligator that swam up the Bay Isles canal. None of Klick’s neighbors had spotted the alligator before, but Klick reports that town officials didn’t seem surprised at the visitor.

We’re pretty sure that Bay Isles residents don’t want to see this alligator later.

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longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

9A

Great Expectations

Some are sure it has. Others that it hasn’t. On one thing, however, the experts are in total accord. While at the very least it is close at hand, we will never know for sure that our real estate market has truly bottomed until several months after it already has.

you’ll learn where today’s stumbling blocks to a smooth and successful closing are most often waiting to trip you up. Become familiar with a contract too; so that you are prepared to write one as soon as you find the right property.

Well-informed buyers, in the meantime, are in no mood to wait while the experts split hairs and historically low interest rates are given the chance to rise. Moreover, the economy is improving, jobs are more secure, unemployment is declining, manufacturing is up; and pent-up housing demand has been on the back burner for way too long. Most significantly, buyer expectation of tremendous value in today’s prices has been met to such a degree by enough sellers that ours is frequently recommended to both buyers and investors alike as one of the nation’s most value-laden markets.

Step 2: The best-priced properties are selling fast, with the most desirable increasingly on the receiving end of multiple, competitive offers. If you are unsure whether a property is priced correctly, consult with your agent to find out. Waiting for additional price reductions—or making too low an offer—could cause you bitter regret if a property “with your name on it” sells to a better-informed, faster-acting buyer.

With property sales at a one-year high as inventories fall to a six-year low, buyers new to the process can master the learning curve much faster by drawing a few lessons from those who’ve bought most recently. They would tell you that to save time and avoid disappointment it’s wise to align your expectations to our fast-changing market from day one of your property search.

Here are some key suggestions for doing just that: Step 1: Even if you’ve purchased a home several times before, take time to review the entire process with your real estate agent. By doing so,

Step 3: In conjunction with Step 2, ask your agent to review the latest statistics on actual property sales within your desired neighborhood and/or price range. For example, there’s been a tremendous amount of hoopla attending the number of additional bank-owned properties that are said to be coming before the foreclosure crisis subsides. Currently, the average foreclosure is being bound to contract within 26 days by buyers who are well-versed on the market and ready to pounce on every new opportunity.

Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This may not seem like a much of a hurdle if your credit, income and employment histories are solid and unassailable. But overly-cautious lenders stung during the downturn are all-too-frequently causing many a worthy transaction to unravel. Plus, that you are pre-approved for a mortgage often adds to

your negotiating leverage once a seller realizes you can not only afford the property you are bidding on; but can also close on it.

Step 5: Discuss the process of home inspections and appraisals with your agent. These are two additional stumbling blocks to a smooth and successful closing in today’s market. In the event of a bad inspection or lowball appraisal, discuss with your agent what your next steps with the seller should be.

Step 6: Don’t invest yourself too emotionally into any one property.

Instead, discuss a back-up plan with your agent in the event that your first choice fails to materialize. That way you won’t spend too much time “mourning the loss” and will be prepared to move forward on your next priority property.

Step 7: If you are still months (or even years) away from purchasing, use the time you have to better familiarize yourself with the area while keeping abreast of the market and its fast-changing nuances.

Step 8: Realize that every major purchase often results in a modicum of “buyer’s remorse” shortly after you’ve made such a momentous commitment. It’s a normal reaction. Still, if you’ve taken all the steps outlined above, any such feelings should be fleeting since you’ve not only taken the most studied approach to buying, but have done so in a market where most buyers will be congratulating themselves for years to come once their expectations are met.

4765 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 203 $3,900,000 #A3913706 Klaus Lang

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

537 Reclinata Dr $2,990,000 #A3939346 Klaus Lang

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

2399 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 3b1 $2,725,000 #A344892 Michael Moulton

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

510 Harbor Point Rd $2,595,000 #A370188 Jenifer Schwell

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

2333 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 1B4 $2,250,000 #A3941721 Sylvia Zimmerman

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

401 S Palm Ave # 902 $1,950,000 #A3941358 Robert Lindeman

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-504-2123

5930 Gulf Of Mexico Dr $999,999 #A3921889 Kathy Simonds

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

380 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 512 $999,000 #A3936822 John August

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

603 Longboat Club Rd # 702N $960,000 #A3923188 Mary Defrank

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

2550 Harbourside Dr # 312 $899,000 #A3923513 Michael Yawitz

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-587-8091

585 Sanctuary Dr # B503 $875,000 #A3943939 Carol Cohen Pa

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-356-3829

601 Longboat Club Rd # 203S $839,000 #A3939117 Anna Kaminski

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-374-3200

635 Marbury Ln $825,000 #A3939792 William Greene

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

20 Whispering Sands Dr # 406 $825,000 #A3941182 Jonathan Winer

Siesta Key 941-383-7591 941-400-8936

536 Hornblower Ln $799,000 #A3939699 Peggy Mock

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-356-3584

2425 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 5F $779,000 #A3940806 Mel & Jan Goldsmith

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

7800 Saddle Oak Trl $625,000 #A3935658 Diana Fischer

Sarasota 941-951-6660 941-685-7680

4545 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 211 $559,500 #A3920336 Susan Smith

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-302-3440

1727 Lakeshore Dr $549,000 #A374863 Marianne Lebar

Sarasota 941-951-6660 941-650-0337

4753 Acorn Cir $525,000 Stacy Hanan

#A3928769

Sarasota 941-951-6660 941-266-0529

1040 Bogey Ln $499,000 Maruta Miluns

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Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-374-9720

4621 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 15C $499,000 #A3932422 Richard Perlman

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

240 Sands Point Rd # 4301 $475,000 #A346178 Gail Wittig

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-228-1985

2011 Harbour Links Dr # 2011 $439,900 #A3944006 Maureen Curtin

Longboat Key 941-383-5502 941-228-5121

3540 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 101 $435,000 #A3941336 Steve Magner

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5393 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 214 $427,500 #A3895478 Michael Nink

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448 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # A306 $409,000 #A3930310 Diana Kryszak

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

210 Sands Point Rd # 2204 $380,000 #A3922584 Judy C Beck

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

2016 Harbourside Dr # 342 $366,000 #A3943457 Bryan Flippen

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8303 Shadow Pine Way $364,000 #A3939744 Elizabeth Holman

Sarasota 941-349-3444 941-356-0709

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

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2100 Ben Franklin Dr # 101 $345,000 #A3906695 Diane Otis Stirling

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-320-4261

4610 Las Brisas Ln $329,000 #A3940146 Alison Elizalde

Sarasota 941-349-3444 941-928-9217

225 Sands Point Rd # 6102 $329,000 #A3943934 Ian Addy Pa

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

4235 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 402 $299,000 #A3934924 Eileen Burke

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6800 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 183 $265,000 #A3935169 Sandi Layfield

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2600 Harbourside Dr # N-07 $119,500 #A3937219 Ryan Heers

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Vacation Ownership and Rentals LOngbOAt Key Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-356-2659

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White Sands of Longboat whitesandsoflongboat.com 800.230.2428

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6800 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 188 $199,950 #A3935680 Bobbi Banan

Veranda Beach Club verandabeachclub.com 800.411.5511

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

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COMMUNITYCALENDAR

10A

THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

on the key

Longboat Library — is open from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The library is located at 555 Bay Isles Road. Call 383-2011.

Mote Marine Laboratory Sea Turtle Walks — take place at 6:45

Corner CLASSIC COPS

Secret stash 4:27 p.m. — North Shore Road Beach Access. Found Property. Police found a Victoria’s Secret bag, which contained clothes and towels, on the beach. The items were returned to the owner.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Lou Newman

The exhibit will feature approximately 50 of Newman's images, including this picture of elephants taken in Sri Lanka.

Leaked information 5:01 p.m. — 700 block of Hideaway Bay Drive. Public Service. A water leak was reported, and police found a large amount of water in the street and driveway of a home. The leak was traced to a pipe in the home’s garage, and the owner was notified of the issue.

Opening Reception for Dr. Lou Newman’s ‘Wildlife Babies’ Exhibition What: Photographer Dr. Lou Newman’s latest exhibition features images of young animals and birds. Call 3652600.

When: The opening reception is 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 7; the exhibit runs through Oct. 20.

Where: Plymouth Harbor Mezzanine Art Gallery, 700 John Ringling Blvd.

10th Annual St. Armands Craft Festival and Summer Sidewalk Sale — takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12, on St. Armands Circle.

More than 175 craftspeople and artisans will participate in the festival in St. Armands Circle Park. Around the Circle, participating businesses will have savings at the summer sidewalk sale. Call 388-1554.

Cancer Support Community Sessions — take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Mondays at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road. The sessions offer support to cancer patients and their family members and friends. Call 9215539 or visit cancersupportsuncoast. org.

LONGBOAT

May 19

‘Live and Become’ Screening — takes place at 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. The film tells the story of a Christian woman in an Ethiopian refugee camp who seeks a better life for her son by pretending he is Jewish during Operation Moses, in which thousands of Ethiopian Jews were airlifted to Israel in the 1980s.

Cost is $7 for non-members. Call 383-3428.

Republican Club of Longboat Key Summer Barbecue — takes place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, at Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd. The event features a cash bar, hamburgers, hot dogs and more. Cost is $20. For reservations, call Ruth Strauss at 383-5349.

Cops

DON’T MISS

Mote World Ocean Day — takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, June 5, at Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. This ocean-sized event will feature the Dr. Seuss theme “1, 2, 3 and the Seas,” along with games, crafts, prizes, face painting and more. Call 388-4441.

May 20

Employee issues 8:01 a.m. — 5600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive (GMD). Suspicious Person. A convenience-store manager told police that a former employee was harassing him and her former co-workers, and he wanted her trespassed from the property.

May 21

a.m. Saturdays, beginning at the Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort, 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

A guide will lead participants on a 1.5-mile walk in which they will learn about turtle nesting and protecting turtles. Call 388-4441.

4:46 p.m. 2300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Officer reported pursuit of stolen auto. The vehicle, which was being driven by its owner, had been recovered earlier but not reported to police.

May 24, 1996 Cleaning house 9:15 a.m. 5055 Gulf of Mexico Drive. An oven that was smoking was determined to be the self-cleaning type. Just doing the job, ma’am.

May 23

Snapped up 9:46 a.m. — 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway. Found Property. A woman turned in a Canon digital camera in a blue case she found in the supermarket.

Citations issued

1:43 a.m. — 800 block of Broadway.

Field Investigation. Police found a man standing in front of a restaurant after hours. He was fishing.

2 p.m. — Intersection of GMD and Longboat Club Road. Traffic Violation. Police pulled over a truck driver for pulling a trailer with an expired tag. He was issued a citation for not having a valid tag and for failure to change his address on his license within 10 days after moving.

Party people 9:52 p.m. — 3000 block of GMD. Noise Disturbance. A man called to report several men in a resort pool who were playing loud music and being loud. The four men were asked to turn the radio off and keep their voices down.

Pickup line

Shifting Sands Support Group — meets at 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and at 3 p.m. Thursdays, at the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Call 383-6491 for information.

Stolen moments

Catch of the night

May 22

Ringling College of Art and Design Creatives Exhibit — runs through July 21, at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design, 6860 Longboat Drive S. The exhibit features the work of Fiore Custode, in the Durante Gallery, and Nathan Skiles, in the Cultural Media Room.

Call 383-2345.

May 24, 1995

10:58 p.m. — 100 block of Broadway.

Suspicious Circumstance. A couple was found on the beach after hours, and a friend came to pick them up because the man’s driver’s license was suspended.

May 24

Steer you wrong 7:33 a.m. — Intersection of GMD and Gulfside Road. Property Damage. Police observed a Jeep parked in the corner of an intersection and noticed skid marks in the front yard of a home nearby. Police found a business card on the windshield with the name of the Jeep’s owner. He was contacted and told police the Jeep’s steering wheel had broken and he lost control of the Jeep. The malfunction caused it to skid through the grass and hit a mailbox.

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THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

MEMORABLE EVENING

Tom Luciani shows off the first cup of soft serve from the new ice-cream machine.

11A

by Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

Bob Petersen and Alexsandra Coles

Bird Key Yacht Club celebrates Memorial Day The members of Bird Key Yacht Club celebrated Memorial Day with a buffet-style dinner and lots of red, white and blue Saturday, May 28, at the clubhouse.

Many members came dressed in patriotic colors and enjoyed an evening with their friends and family inside and outside by the club pool. The club members also tried out the new soft-serve, ice-cream machine for the first time.

Bill and Annette Lloyd, Mark and Cindy Wolfendale and Lou and Barb Sanandres

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12A

longboat Observer

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THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

dinner and a movie by Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

Longboat Key Club throws poolside celebration The Longboat Key Club celebrated Memorial Day and the long weekend with a barbecue and movie Saturday, May 28 by the hotel pool. Club members and those staying at the hotel enjoyed a buffet of food and desserts poolside.

Following dinner, the kids were encouraged to hop in the pool and float on rafts while watching Joan Kiernan, Ronda Manasse and Joyce Hicks Disney’s “Tangled.”

Lauren Rutledge, Lilly Rutledge and Shannon Douglas

Ray Ferrara with his wife, Kim, and father, Peter

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Linda Kunder enjoys some time with her niece, Sophia.

Bob Berns, Barbara Pressman, Bonnie Zeamon and Douglas Pressman

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THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

TEAM SPIRIT

13A

by Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

Golfing teams hit the course for invitational Eighteen teams of four played in the Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce’s 23rd annual Longboat Key Invitational Friday, May 27, at the Longboat Key Club Islandside Golf Course. The golfers enjoyed playing the Islandside course followed by a buffet lunch and an awards ceremony.

Matt Walters, Ken Bennett, Kristi Homan and Kristi Bratzke came in first place with a score of 57.

Winners First – Matt Walters, Ken Bennett, Kristi Homan, Kristi Bratzke (57) Second – Ryan Ingle, Darrell Hill, David Bennett, Mike Foreman (60) Third – Chuck Wickersham, Dan Jackson, Mark Wickersham, Dale Conlon (62) Fourth – Glenn Shecter, Bob McGlynn, Adam Panchero, Skip Ragan (62) Longest drive (2): Kristy Homan Closest to oin (3): Harvey Sheldon Closest to pin (8): Dale Conlon Straightest drive (10): Glenn Shecter

Ken Bennett, Kristy Homan and Matt Walters came in first place with a score of 57.

Mike Brooks writes up the final results in the 2011 Longboat Key Invitational.

Steve Ramsey watches the ball make its way down the fairway.

Above: Casey Martin and Jay Anderson show of some of items they won with their raffle tickets.

Right: Harvey Sheldon hits the ball and takes up some turf during the swing.

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Dan Jackson, Chuck Wickersham, Dale Conlon and Mark Wickersham

INVITES YOU

563 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

Reverend Dr. Bruce Porter SUNDAY SERVICE • 10:00 A.M. SERMoN: “Do You Love Me?”

All are welcome. Please join us in worship!

Sunday Service 9:00 a.m.

Music Director: Dan Hoffman

A

10:00 a.m. Worship Service

The Rev. Kenneth Gill Senior Minister

512 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria

www.roserchurch.com

Share Shabbat and more:

Temple Beth Israel 56203

Confession before all weekend Masses

s!

SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 5:00 pm Sunday: 8:30 am & 10:30 am

U

A Center of Jewish Life and Learning in the Sarasota Area

n

CATHOLIC CHURCH

i Jo

Temple Beth Israel

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

Msgr. Gerard Finegan, Pastor

Celebrating 100 years of Service in 2013

941-778-0414

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

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

Gary Gary A. Batey, Pastor Pastor A non-denominational, traditional non-denominational, traditionalchurch church

Sunday 9Sunday, AM and AM —Traditional Worship 1011 am – Traditional Worship 9 am –Sunday Adult Sunday 10 AM —Adult SchoolSchool & Book Study 10 am – Children and Youth Church School 9 AM —Children and Youth Church School

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The Community Church on Longboat Key

383-8833

www.christchurchoflbk.org

Roser Community Church

Love is the doctrine of this church…

Come join us as you travel your journey of faith.

Shifting Sands Support Group Tuesdays at 11:30 am, Thursdays at 3 pm

Gulf of Mexico Drive

57938

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

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Friday Evening, 5:30 pm Saturday Morning, 10:00 am Please visit our Judaica Shop 941-778-0414 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria 941.383.3428 512www.tbi-lbk.org www.roserchurch.com

Community 567 Bay Isles Road Roser • Longboat Key, FLChurch

57360

Website: www.AllAngelsLBK.org

58004

383-8161

595 Bay Isles Road

Mediterranean Plaza

Bay Isles Pkwy.

of Longboat Key • Presbyterian USA

The Episcopal Church on Longboat Key

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Chris ChurCh

All Angels by the Sea

Gary A. Batey, Pastor

A non-denominational, traditional church

9

Neighborhood B U S I N E S S | C L A S S I F I E D S | G A M E S | K E Y L I F E | R E A L E S TAT E | S P O RT S | T R AV E L | W E AT H E R

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011

NEWS

REAL ESTATE

SPORTS

See this week’s weather photo contest winner.

A four-bedroom Sleepy Lagoon home sells for $1.7 million.

PAGE 16A.

PAGE 20A.

PAGE 23A.

Class of

caps off

Stu Rothbaum made his first hole-in-one in April.

by Robin Hartill | Community Editor

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you the Class of 2011. These Longboat, Lido and Bird key graduates will soon start a new chapter in their lives as they pursue their goals for higher education. But, before they could say goodbye to high school, we gave them one final quiz about their past accomplishments and plans for the future.

Gabriella Doucas LIDO SHORES

Katharine Klens LIDO SHORES

Parents: William and Elizabeth Doucas

Parents: Paul and Mary “Missy” Klens

School: St. Stephen’s Episcopal School

School: St. Stephen’s Episcopal School

College plans: Attend Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C., where she will most likely study international business

Jacob Byers LONGBOAT KEY Parents: Joseph Byers and Annalee Ernst School: Booker High School College plans: Enroll in fall classes at State College of Florida and then transfer to Florida State University to study biology

Summer plans: Travel around Europe with family, and volunteer at Mote Marine, the Community Thrift Shop and Meals on Wheels Favorite high-school class: All four years of Latin Favorite high-school memory: A community service and language immersion trip to the Dominican Republic Hobbies: Photography, traveling, community service, going to the beach, swimming Extracurricular activities and community service: Photo editor of the school newspaper; varsity tennis team; community service trips to Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Peru Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “Probably working with my father at his company (Elutions) in the United Kingdom or France, maybe in marketing.”

Summer plans: Take a road trip with friends to California

What’s something you can’t live without? “My mom. We’re pretty much inseparable.”

Favorite high-school class: A.P. Music Theory

Austin Gill

Favorite high-school memory: Placing first in the nation with his jazz group at the Berklee College Music Festival Hobbies: Music. Byers plays the piano, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon and flute.

Extracurricular activities and community service: Vocal jazz ensemble; jazz combo group; saxophone quartet; Rotary Club Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “Hopefully working at a major university in genetic research.”

What’s something you can’t live without? “Music.

It defines everything for me.”

College plans: Major in biology with a minor or second major in art at Eckerd College, in St. Petersburg Summer plans: Visiting friends in her home state of Indiana and enjoying time at the beach and sleep Favorite high-school class: Ceramics or nuclear radiation Favorite high-school memory: A 10th-grade Quebec trip and playing competitive club soccer with Braden River Soccer Club Hobbies: Soccer, painting, digital photography, collecting unusual glass bottles Extracurricular activities and community service: Worked at a health clinic in Bradenton for both community service and a job; worked at Morton’s Gourmet Market; competitive club soccer; volunteered for various projects at school Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “In 10 years, I hope to see myself as an on-the-side potter, a hobbyist filmmaker, a successful glass blower and as the love of someone’s life.”

What’s something you can’t live without? “I won’t make it without my family, my close friends, my birds (two cockatiels that she has had since age 7) and the trust they all place in me.”

LONGBOAT KEY

Parents: The Rev. Kenneth Gill and Carolyn Gill, stepmother Connie Buckler-Gill School: Booker High School College plans: University of North Florida to major in jazz studies Summer plans: Attend his brother’s wedding June 11 and start classes two weeks later Favorite high-school class: Jazz Combo Favorite high-school memory: Being part of the Pops and Jazz performance Hobbies: Playing guitar, going to the beach, listening to music Extracurricular activities and community service: Member of Students Working Against Genocide and Student Board; performed for Jazz Juvenocracy Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “Having established a name for myself on the jazz scene.”

What’s something you can’t live without? “Family and music.”

Forrest Schield LONGBOAT KEY Parents: Steve and Doreen Schield School: Manatee High School College plans: Earn associate’s degree from State College of Florida and transfer to another school Summer plans: Work as a counselor at Wekiva Youth Camp Favorite high-school class: Drafting Hobbies: Playing sports and going to the beach Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “Hopefully pretty successful, but I haven’t decided on a career.”

What’s something you can’t live without? “Probably my computer.”

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

Kristi Wickersham

Anastasia Taylor LONGBOAT KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

Parents: Blair and Mara Taylor

Parents: Mark and Ella Wickersham School: Manatee High School College plans: Attend State College of Florida and transfer to the University of Alabama Summer plans: Work at Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant as a hostess and spend time with friends Favorite high-school class: Junior-year English Favorite high-school memory: Going to football games with friends Hobbies: Going to the beach, shopping and spending time with friends Extracurricular activities and community service: Member of Reinaunce service club Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “Hopefully being a dermatologist.”

What’s something you can’t live without? “My phone.”

School: Bradenton Christian School College plans: University of South Florida, in Tampa, to study international business Summer plans: Get ready for college before beginning classes in June Favorite high-school class: Art Favorite high-school memory: Homecoming

BIRD KEY

Hobbies: Cheerleading, art Parents: David Sulentic and Gwen Kruse, stepfather George Kruse School: Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School

Extracurricular activities and community service: Cheerleader for all four years of high school and captain during the past year; played the flute in band for two years; member of the Key Club; volunteered at ArtCenter Manatee Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “Hopefully working for a company and being very successful in that.”

College plans: University of Miami, in Coral Gables, or Florida State University, in Tallahassee, to take premed courses or study photojournalism

What’s something you can’t live without? “My laptop.”

Evan Walters

Summer plans: Travel to Rome and Africa

LONGBOAT KEY Parents: Barry and Dia Wilson

LONGBOAT KEY

Favorite high-school class: Art Portfolio

School: Manatee High School College plans: University of Florida, in Gainesville, to study chemical engineering

Parents: Joel and Gail Walters

Favorite high-school memory: A prayer service held by students the day that Cardinal Mooney student Joey Powers died of leukemia Nov. 20, the day before his birthday. The next day students held a birthday party in his honor.

School: Pine View School for the Gifted

Summer plans: Spend time with friends before beginning classes at University of Florida in June

College plans: University of Florida Honors Program, in Gainesville

Favorite high-school class: Drafting

Summer plans: Working at Camp Barney Medintz, in Cleveland, Ga.

Hobbies: Exercising, running the Ringling Bridge, anything art-related

Favorite high-school memory: All four years of drafting class.

“It was fun every day. We were always doing something different and got to build a bunch of different things.”

Favorite high-school class: AP psychology Favorite high-school memory: Grad Bash

Extracurricular activities and community service: Played four varsity sports — lacrosse, golf, swimming and tennis — and won her school’s Outstanding Academic Athlete Award; taught an art class at Emeritus Assisted Living

Extracurricular activities and community service: Captain of the varsity baseball and cross-country teams at Booker High School; principal bass player for the North Port Orchestra and Sarasota Youth Orchestra Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “Probably attending some kind of grad school, possibly law school.”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “I really want to be set on what I’m doing career-wise and living comfortably. Maybe I’ll be married by then.”

What’s something you can’t live without? “Camp Barney Medintz.”

Extracurricular activities and community service: President of his school’s chapter of the Science National Honor Society; member of Manatee High School Technology Students Association, Mu Alpha Theta and the Key Club Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “Running my own company or working for a chemical engineering firm making new materials.”

What’s something you can’t live without? “Physical activity.”

Cydni Kantor, daughter of David and Teena Kantor, of Longboat Key, graduated from Trinity College, in Hartford, Conn., with a degree in classical civilization. Kantor is a 2007 graduate of the Out-of-Door Academy.

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941-383-8273

Michael Saunders & Company

Tina Rudek • 941-920-0303 • Tina@LBKRealEstate.com

Cathy C. Meldahl P.A.

GRI

lhansen44@comcast.net or laurahansen@michaelsaunders.com

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

Charles Chocallo, son of William and Christine Chocallo, of Longboat Key, graduated with a music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, at Case Western Reserve University. Chocallo is a graduate of Pine View School for the Gifted. He will pursue his master’s degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Talk to Tina Today - Longboat Key’s International Connection

Special Jumbo Mortgage Rates

941-388-5551

Hobbies: Playing guitar, recreational sports, going to the beach

College graduates

What’s something you can’t live without? “My family.

There’s no way I could be where I am today without them.”

Longboat’s trusted lender since 1995

Blake Wilson

57930

Alexis Sulentic

15A

3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

941.383.5502 or 941.724.7228 CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

16A

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

real estate | transactions

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

Sleepy Lagoon home sells for $1.75 million Michael Ratner, individually and as trustee for The Brooklyn Three Trust, of Brooklyn, N.Y., sold the home at 6405 Gulfside Road in Sleepy Lagoon to Nancy Kozak, of New Canaan, Conn., for $1.75 million. Built in 1953 and remodeled in 1967, the 1,528-square-foot, Gulfside home has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $1.7 million in September 2009.

The sale was the largest of 18 sales recorded at the Sarasota and Manatee county courthouses during the week of May 16 through May 20 on Longboat, Lido, St. Armands and Bird keys.

Of the week’s sales, 14 took place on Longboat Key, five of which were in Manatee County, two occurred on Lido Key, and one each took place on St. Armands and Bird keys. Four of the week’s sales exceeded $1 million.

Grand Bay

William and Nancy Siebecker, of Wausau, Wis., sold Unit 495 at 3010 Grand Bay Blvd. in the 272unit Grand Bay to Jerome Flum and Barbara Schwartz, husband and wife, for $1,075,000. Built in 1999, the 2,143-square-foot unit has three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms. It last sold for $725,000 in January 2000.

In a second Grand Bay sale, Laura Taylor and M. Chris Rashid, successor co-trustees of the Jerry Taylor Living Trust, sold Unit 381 at 3030 Grand Bay Blvd. to James and Debbie Rand for $1.06 million. Built in 1998,

bedrooms and one bathroom.

It last sold for $350,000 in June 1996.

Beachplace

File photo

Unit 495 at Grand Bay has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms and 2,143 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,075,000. the 2,781-square-foot unit has three bedrooms and three-anda-half bathrooms. It sold new for $765,000 in November 1998.

Also at Grand Bay, Andrew and Debra Guerriero, of Dublin, Ohio, sold Unit 194 at 3060 Grand Bay Blvd. to Marvin and Shirley Dubin, of Getzville, N.Y., for $938,500. Built in 1994, the 2,369-square-foot unit has three bedrooms and three-and-ahalf bathrooms. It last sold for $890,000 in February 2001.

In a fourth Grand Bay sale, Joseph Torres and Angela SaccoTorres, husband and wife, sold Unit 455 at 3010 Grand Bay Blvd. to David and Holly Ross, of Princeton, N.J., for $842,000. Built in 1999, the 2,143-square-foot unit has three bedrooms and three-

and-a-half bathrooms. It last sold for $960,000 in May 2004.

Promenade

Barbara Blumfield, of Sarasota, sold Unit 409 at the 120-unit Promenade, 1211 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to Marilyn Sachs, of Clayton, Mo., for $640,000. Built in 1985, the 1,827-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $335,000 in February 1993.

Tides of Longboat

Martin and Elsie Cohn, of Sarasota, sold Unit 103 at the 12unit Tides of Longboat, 5555 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to David and Ellen Odenath, of Philadelphia, for $630,000. Built in 1980, the 1,828-square-foot unit has three

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

David Schmeer, of Dayton, Ohio, Angela Schmeer, of San Antonio, Richard Thompson, of Centerville, Ohio, and Anne Thompson, of Dayton, Ohio, sold Unit 103 at 1055 Gulf of Mexico Drive in the 336-unit Beachplace to Lew and Nancy Kachulis, of West Middlesex, Pa., for $575,000. Built in 1981, the 1,392-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $930,000 in December 2004.

Also at Beachplace, Marvin and Shirley Dubin, of Getzville, N.Y., sold Unit 602 at 1095 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Martha Hildreth, of Murrells Inlet, S.C., for $519,000. Built in 1981, the 1,392-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Inn on the Beach

Nicholas and Mary Fontana, of Bonita Springs, sold Unit 1202 at 200 Sands Point Road at the 221unit Inn on the Beach to Alan Barnett, of Reigate, England, for $405,000. The 638-square-foot unit was built in 1982. It last sold for $333,500 in December 2002.

Castillian

Terrance and Leta Kekich, of Northville, Mich., sold Unit 103 at the 60-unit Castillian, 4525 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to Loren Starcher and Janet Ruggiero, husband and wife, of Sugar Land,

Texas, for $472,000. Built in 1979, the 1,340-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $395,000 in February 2000.

Also at Castillian, Fanny Anderson, of Centerville, Ohio, sold Unit 205 to Robert and Georgeanne Gregory, of Paoli, Pa., for $450,000. Built in 1979, the 1,398-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $235,000 in November 1990.

Jungle Queen Way

Guenther and Irmgard Kloft, of Palmetto, sold their home at 741 Jungle Queen Way to David and Janet Shucard, of Williamsville, N.Y., for $375,000. Built in 1976 and remodeled in 1985, the 1,394-square-foot home has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It last sold for $72,444 in November 1982.

Portobello

Thomas and Margaret Baron, 3330 Bayou Sound, sold Unit B-206 at the bayside phase of the 73-unit Portobello, 3240 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to Stanley and Ruth Gaul, of Ottawa, Ill., for $320,000. Built in 1975, the 1,519-square-foot unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

It last sold for $158,000 in March 1997.

Visit our website to read more transactions www.YourObserver.com

Extraordinary Properties Unrivaled expertise MOuLtOn Exceptional Results MIChAeL Michael Saunders & Company

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

Certified Residential Specialist

Licensed Real Estate Broker

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

(800) 887-2968

(941) 383-1990

★ SaraSota Magazine’S five Star “beSt in Client SatiSfaCtion” award. ’06, ’07, ’08, ’09, ’10, ’11 ★

New LiSt iNg SOLD

• PELICAN HARBOUR

DIRECT BAY VIEWS

2BD/2BA w/ new open granite kitchen. Boat docks, tennis, pool private beach, covered parking, furnished.

MLS#A383192......................................................... $349,000 • BUTTONWOOD HARBOUR Water front home, 3BD/3BA features Great room w/fireplace, cathedral ceiling & opens onto screened deck overlooking spa & pool.

3500 SF includes oversized 2-car garage. New roof. New AC. 6000 lb boat lift. MLS#A3918027... .....REDUCED! $695,000 • HARBOUR OAKS Like a single family home, but no maintenance! 3BD/2.5BA end unit with no steps. Vaulted ceilings, SOLD skylight, kitchen, family room, formal dining, living room, fireplace, turnkey furnished. 2 car garage, membership to Bay Isles Beach Club. A Must See! MLS#A394115......................................$449,000

• BEACHPLACE

Surround yourself with spectacular views: Gulf, Bay & golf course. Beautiful 20” stone tile in all living areas, new stainless appliances, turnkey furnished. Under bldg parking space. 2 BD/2BA. A must see! MLS#A3932712 $449,000 • BUTTONWOOD COVE 3BD/2BA split plan end unit w/water views over cove. New kitchen w/granite & stainless steel appliances & newer furnishings. Wonderful beach to bay complex.

Under bldg parking MLS#A3932389 .....................................$429,000

en PROVenCe - Exquisite 3BR gulf front furnished condo that feels like a private home on the beach. A3929322 $2,450,000

VIZCAYA w/PRIVAte POOL - Tropical paradise spacious gulf condominium w/private pool & covered 1,200SF terrace. A344892 $2,725,000

SOLD

SOLD

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

• BUTTONWOOD COVE

WIDE OPEN WATER

VIEWS highlight 2BD/2BA split plan condo, 5 acres with living room, dining room, kitchen, lanai and all 3 bedrooms. frontage on Gulf & Bay. Granite countertops in completely Beautifully maintained complex offers pool, tennis and remodeled kitchen, club house, pool, tennis, racketball, boat under-bldg. parking. Right on magnificent white sand beach slips & parking garage. Furnished. MLS#A3911622 .. $380,000 MLS#A3918027.. ...................................................... $749,000!

COuntRY CLub ShOReS – New construction 4BR canal front home. A3929970 $995,000

LOnGbOAt VILLAGe - Key West style home overlooking intracoastal waterway. A3934895 $775,000

bAY FROnt eStAte LOt - 100’ frontage to build dream home w/deeded beach access. A3937319 $1,975,000

• SAND CAY BEST VALUE 2BD/2BA. Beautifully • RIVERS RIDGE 4BD/4BA home shows like a model. updated and turnkey furnished in popular Gulf front rental Spacious 2 car garage, patio & pool. Wonderful family home on complex. Gulf view from outdoor balcony MLS#A3937165. “no thru traffic” circle. Walk to DeSoto Nat’l Park and Robinson Steve 941-374-3003 ................................................$399,000 Preserve. 3400 sq. ft. MLS#A3917532. ........................ $495,000 Abbott Group / Sold $850,000 $377,500 $980,000 $712,500 $400,000 $510,000 $860,000 $1,350,000 $425,000

99Th ST. nW BAY DRIVE nO. BAY DRIVE nO. RESORT AT LOnGBOAT KEY CLuB BuTTOnWOOD hARBOuR BEACh RESIDEnCES MOuRnInG DOVE DR. 565 SAnCTuARY DR. CRESTWOOD DR.

For vi rtuAl tou rS CraigAbbott.michaelsaunders.com

BRADEnTOn BRADEnTOn BRADEnTOn LBK LBK LIDO KEY BIRD KEY LBK AnnA MARIA

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Longboat Key, Florida 34228

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

SARAbAnDe PenthOuSe - Come view this spacious 3 bedroom condo in the premier bay front building. A3940572 $2,175,000

wAteR CLub - Coveted southern exposure on the 7th floor w/ beautiful city, gulf and bay views elegantly furnished. A3919693 $2,495,000

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 Office 941.383.7591 | Mobile 941.928.3559 | SarasotasFinestProperties.com

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LBK LBK LBK LBK LBK LBK LBK LBK LBK

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SunRISE ShORES BuTTOnWOOD COVE MARInA BAY BuTTOnWOOD DR. BAYVIEW DRIVE nORTOn ST. CASTILLIAn ThE WATER CLuB WInDInG OAKS

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

17A

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

850 Mangrove Point Road This jewel has been meticulously renovated over the past two years to the highest standards and is truly better than new.

This home represents a rare opportunity for those looking to combine the classic Sarasota School of Architecture design with the intimacy of living on the ground level in the structural integrity and modern conveniences of new construction. Maureen & Matt Morris 941.350.0807 $3,499,000

704 Granada Avenue Stephen L. Lingley

$1,200,000 941.323.3212

$879,900 941.809.7580

4568 Woodside Road Judie Berger

$1,150,000 941.928.3424

891 North Shore Drive Terry Hayes

$994,999 941.302.3100

406 Sunrise Drive Bradway Price Team

$875,000 941.350.3362

1725 Stapleton Street Maralyn Carr

$850,000 941.488.0776

3616 Casey Key Road Malcolm Calladine

5153 Sandy Cove Avenue Judie Berger

$825,000 941.928.3424

14021 Bellagio Way, 411 Stephen L. Lingley

$799,900 941.809.7580

1308 Old Stickney Point Road Kathleen Ucci

1255 Gulfstream Avenue, 901 Darlene Gamble

$795,000 941.323.3212

1340 Westway Drive Carol Budnik

$795,000 914.893.7792

1537 Oak Street, Villa #12 Carol Clark & Paul Clark

8027 Marina Drive Terry Hayes

941.364.4000

$2,190,000 941.302.3100

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.

$2,650,000 941.726.2169

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

$799,000 941.302.2344

$565,000 941.350.4600

51199

572 Gunwale Lane Darlene Gamble

18A

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

Lynne Koy presents her

LuxuRy PReMIeR ◆

COLLeCTIOn◆ BIRD KEY - Classic Mediterranean home on open bay with gorgeous sunset views and deep water docking. www.344WRoyalFlamingo.com $2,995,000

E PRICCED U RED

G

DIN

PEN

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. www.1418JohnRinglingPkwy.com $3,795,000 SE OU NH 4 OPE N 1 – SU

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 $1,995,000 E PRICCED U D E R

BirD KeY - Sprawling sanctuary once occupied by famous movie star with fabulous grounds and partial bay views! www.201Seagull.com $1,495,000

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 $569,000 parking space.

BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of May 20 through May 26, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive) Address Permit Applicant Amount

Club Longboat 5055 GMD Alteration Beach & Tennis $470,000 6327 GMD Alteration O. Wayne Rollins II $145,467 611 Buttonwood Drive Alteration Edward Tiley III $72,900 5757 GMD Alteration The Shore condominium $63,360 1945 GMD Alteration William Pollak $60,000 5055 GMD Alteration Geraldine Kriser $59,073 380 GMD Alteration Marilyn Kushen, trustee $50,000 1115 GMD Alteration Michael Balk $50,000 1211 GMD Alteration Scott Allen $34,100 3552 Fair Oaks Lane Alteration Francis Spinola $28,900 709 Hideaway Bay Drive Alteration Virginia Sanders $24,383 3808 GMD Alteration Russell Hadley Jr. Life Estate $23,346 3806 GMD Alteration Raymond Hall, trustee $23,231 4325 GMD Alteration Tiffany Plaza condominium $18,125 4805 GMD Alteration Joan Bowden $13,369 683-691 El Centro Re-roof Suzanne Daub $10,100 699 El Centro Re-roof Melissa Mans $10,100 4485 GMD Alteration Arbomar condominium $8,075 2365 Harbour Oaks Drive Alteration Gayla Fitzpatrick $7,850 3542 Fair Oaks Lane Alteration Ellen Rothbaum $7,500 3549 Fair Oaks Lane Alteration Morton Skirboll, co-trustee $7,500 610 Longview Drive Alteration Didier Gorbathy $6,554 500 Gunwale Lane Alteration Kevin Pozulp $6,500 585 Sanctuary Drive Alteration The Sanctuary condominium $3,275 660 Penfield St. Alteration Arthur Cohen $3,000 5940 Emerald Harbor Drive Re-roof Sandra Drell $2,400 6833 Hughes St. Alteration Robert McRae $2,065

Christine Rupp 545 Sanctuary Drive Alteration Revocable Trust $625

Temporary 6633 GMD office Robert Hutcheson $0

Temporary 6633 GMD office Robert Hutcheson $0

Come hear the ‘Ragin’ Cajun’ James Carville

He’s smart. He’s glib. He’s quick-witted. He’s inciteful.

Join us for what is sure to be an entertaining, informative and stimulating evening with one of America’s foremost political strategists and no-holds-barred pundits.

BAYOU SOUND – Beautifully furnished 3 bedroom, 3 bath home with updated kitchen on tranquil lagoon with soaring marble fireplace. $749,000

SeAPLACe - Direct Gulf Views!

Fully furnished 2BD/2BA condominium residence with great amenities that include two pools and a club house with fitness center. $409,000

CONDO ON The BAY – Endless day and night views of bay, bridge, and LBK yacht basin, Beautiful 2BR/2BA condominium updated by Barbara Gardner $455,000 of Collins Interiors.

When: 6:30 to 10 p.m., Wednesday, June 15 Where: Michael’s on East Cost: $100 / person ContaCt/reserVatIons:

sarasotatigerbayclub@verizon.net or 925-2970

SUNSeT BeACh – Direct Gulf Views!

Spectacular gulf views and vibrant sunsets from this fully furnished 2BR/2BA condominium that has been meticulously maintained. $509,000

LONGBOAT hArBOUr – 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath fully furnished with beautiful bay views and $299,000 deeded beach access.

SeAPLACe – Recently updated kitchen with warm pecan cabinetry and granite counters in this 2 BD/2BA condominium with gulf views $469,000

The Sarasota Tiger Bay Club

58152

Presented by

G

DIN

PEN

BAYPOrT - Fully furnished CASTiLLiAN – Direct Gulf View!

2BD/2BA condominium w/deeded Tastefully furnished 2BD/2BA $349,000 penthouse with views of the Gulf beach access. of Mexico from most rooms. $559,000

The ShOre - Fabulous gulf front views from this 2BD/2BA updated condominium that is tastefully furnished. $629,000

941.387.1803

lkoy@coldwellbanker.com Tour Lynne’s properties at

www.lynnekoy.com

At The Chart House on Longboat Key

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

30 SALES YEAR TO DATE IN 2011 ◆

Global Marketing: NYtimes.com • Birdkeynews.com • Coldwellbanker.com • Worldproperties.com • Trulia.com •LynneKoy.com • Rightmoves.com • Greatwaterfrontliving.com • Realtor.com • Zillow.com You can search Lynne’s website in Follow me on 13 languages – including English.

Facebook / Twitter LinkedIn / YouTube

57739

◆

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

19A

Coldwell Banker

®

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

Sarasota, St Armands Division John Ringling Ests.

Longboat Key, Grand Bay. $1,195,000 3/3.5/2 $2,995,000 4/3.5/3 SHF#A3943670 Jackie Kleppinger 941-388-3966 SHF#A3941438 Louis Wery 941-924-9000

Longboat Key, Water Club. $1,395,000 3/4/1 SHF#A3940379 Roger Pettingell 941-924-9000

Anna Maria, Shore Acres. $997,500 6/5.5/3 SHF#A3938952 Gabe/Charles Buky 941-924-9000

Nationwide

openhouse weekend is coming!

Anna Maria

Longboat Key, Country Club Shores. $887,000 3/3/2 SHF#A3943121 Bruce Myer 941-924-9000

Whether you’re buying, selling or just dreaming, you’ll want to visit hundreds of beautiful open houses — June 4-5.

FloridaMoves.com

Harbour Oaks $549,000 Linda Weber, 941-924-9000 3B/3B 2200sqft villa on San Marco $394,900 Steve Ivan, 941-388-3966 Discover the way to this LBK Club golf course w/large lanai & cocktail pool. SHF#A3940430 3BR/2+BA condo. Wheelchair access, central H/A. SHF#A3931876

Key Royale $1,850,000 Gabe/Charles Buky, 941-924-9000 Step into the Islands West $549,000 Linda Weber, 941-924-9000 2B/2B w/gorgeous gulf One Watergate $349,000 Kathie Srur, 941-388-3966 Low-chore 2BR/2BA spacious styling of this tile-roofed 5BR/4+BA home. SHF#A3940204 views & sunsets from every room. Secure bldg. SHF#A3943534 condo lifestyle. This home gets high marks. Elevators. SHF#A3933201 Beachplace II $519,000 Maggie Hicks, 941-924-9000 Furnished 2B/2B Bird/Lido Key condo on LBK. Amenities include tennis, fitness & pool/spa. SHF#A3922591 1350 Main Street $339,000 Vicki Lonborg, 941-924-9000 Enjoy an easygoing future in this rewarding condo. Elevators. Garage. SHF#A3912205 Lido Beach $2,499,000 Gabe/Charles Buky, 941-924-9000 3 lots - across Seaplace V $499,000 Roger Pettingell, 941-924-9000 2BR/2BA turnkey furfrom beach. A working 10 unit motel on site. Great location SHF#A360393 nished condo overlooking the gulf, pool & clubhouse. SHF#A3934236 Alinari $325,000 Selina Auvil, 941-388-3966 Upkeep is a breeze in this deLido Key $2,495,000 Don Vercauteren/Patrick DiPinto, 941-924-9000 lightful condo. Community swimming pool. SHF#A3937238 Seaplace II $449,000 Sandy Endres, 941-924-9000 Just look at this tile5BR/5+BA/1CGar Key West style home situated on Lido Key. Grmt kit w/SS roofed 3BR/2BA condo in a gated community. SHF#A3943560 appl SHF#A3907921 Del Sol Village $299,000 Scott Norris, 941-924-9000 Find joy in the warm Lido Beach Club $875,000 Vicki Lonborg, 941-924-9000 2BR/2BA gulf view Longboat Key $439,900 Patrick DiPinto, 941-924-9000 Casual Island living. ambiance of this tile-roofed residence. 4 BR/2 baths. SHF#A3937805 3BR/2BA waterfront home. Walk to the beach! SHF#A3935406 unit has 10 ft ceilings & electric hurricane shutters. SHF#A3919781 Le Chateau $295,000 Laura Pearson, 941-388-3966 Feel right at home in Lido Regency $625,000 Tracy Eisnaugle, 941-388-3966 Beautiful 2BR/2BA Seaplace $419,000 Lynne Koy, 941-924-9000 2BR/2BA turnkey furnished this 1BR delightful waterfront condo next Ritz. SHF#A3936686 condominium with fabulous gulf views! SHF#A3941569 waterfront condo. Elevators. Community swimming pool. SHF#A3934083

Longboat Key

Sand Cay $399,000 Toni Giliberti, 941-924-9000 2BR/2BA Furnished pool- Oak Court $274,900 Martina Coppenrath, 941-924-9000 Add comfort to your life with this fenced 2BR/2BA residence. Oak trees. SHF#A3935584 side end unit with gulf view on ground floor. SHF#A3910155

Longboat Key $8,450,000 Patrick DiPinto, 941-924-9000 Mediterranean- Seaplace $379,500 Sandy Endres, 941-924-9000 Don’t miss this bright & Heritage Oaks $265,900 Lillian Ridgeway, 941-388-3966 Make yourself at style bay front estate. 5BR/5.3BA, pool, dock & boat lift. SHF#A3938145 lovely furnished, remodeled, large 2BR/2BA condo. SHF#A3942130 home in this wheelchair-accessible 3BR/2BA condo. SHF#A3927988 Harbour Court $1,200,000 Judy Kepecz-Hays, 941-924-9000 Bayfront Seaplace II $355,000 Carolyn Donnelly, 941-924-9000 Beautiful updated Broadway Promenade $234,900 Martina Coppenrath, 941-924-9000 home, updtd 3BR & den w/dock; beach access in exclusive Bay Isles. 2BR/2BA condo in beachfront complex, 2 pools, tennis. SHF#A3941465 Choose this appealing 2BR/2BA condo. Elevators. Community swimming SHF#A3940816 Bay Harbour $349,999 Patrick DiPinto, 941-924-9000 Beautifully remodeled pool. SHF#A3940946 Country Club Shores $2,399,000 Judy Kepecz-Hays, 941-924-9000 2BR/2BA penthouse. Southern exposure and bay views. SHF#A3939247 3BR/3+BA bayfront w/views! Deep sailboat water. Deeded beach access inBoca Grove $179,900 Sharon Klein, 941-924-9000 Enjoy a happy haven in cld. SHF#A371944 Seaplace $349,000 Lynne Koy, 941-924-9000 2BR/2BA residence. Includes this tile-roofed condo. 2 BR/2 baths. Garage. SHF#A3938857 2 htd pools/spas, club house & fitness ctr. SHF#A3924866 Longboat Key $1,495,000 Carolyn Donnelly, 941-924-9000 Adorable 3BR direct beachfront vacation home w/gulf & sunset views. SHF#A3943744 Bayport Beach & Tennis $349,000 Lynne Koy, 941-924-9000 2BR/2BA fully Manatee furnished condominium with deeded beach access! SHF#A3943680 Sabal Cove $1,150,000 Linda Weber, 941-924-9000 3B/3B+den estate home Bel Mare Condo $335,000 Team Vitale, 941-388-3966 2/2 Luxury gated w/private setting. Great pool/lanai for entertaining. SHF#A3894897 Mark $239,000 Audrey Marten, 941-924-9000 You will exclaim over this recondo. Spectacular views of Marina, lake & river. Pool/spa SHF#A3940285 warding 2-bedroom condo. Central H/A. SHF#A3941200 Pierre $1,095,000 Barbara Ackerman, 941-924-9000 8th floor; sweeping southwest gulf, bay & city views; 3BR/2BA. SHF#A3942325 Seaplace $235,000 Roger Pettingell, 941-924-9000 Lovely townhouse with Greens At El Conquistador $329,000 Mary Clarke, 941-388-3966 Preloft bedroom & sleeper sofas to accomodate guests. SHF#A3910355 mium lot at IMG Golf Course community. View of 2 lakes and a preserve.

Promenade $999,000 Barbara Ackerman, 941-924-9000 Capture marvelous SHF#A3940252 comforts in this wonderful 3BR/3+BA waterfront condo. SHF#A3943632

Mainland Sarasota

Longboat Key $995,000 Barbara Ackerman, 941-924-9000 Prepare for a delightful lifestyle in this contemporary 3BR/2+BA residence. SHF#A3938728 Sarasota $2,595,000 Gabe/Charles Buky, 941-924-9000 Let your dreams lead the way & make this 10,127 sqft piece of paradise yours! SHF#A3934844 Pierre $924,500 Michael/Mary Nell Moore, 941-924-9000 3BR/3BA w/gulf/ Phoenix $1,695,000 Roger Pettingell, 941-924-9000 3BR/3BA downtown bay/golf views. Tennis/pool/spa/fitness and guest suites. SHF#A3934324 condo with Bay views, marble flooring, & custom lighting. SHF#A3926577 Country Club Shores $825,000 Judy Kepecz-Hays, 941-924-9000 On sailboat waters 3 Bdrm+ den w/pool, hurr. shutters & minutes to beach. Gator Creek $1,600,000 Cathy Giliberti, 941-924-9000 Capture marvelous comforts in this exceptional 4BR/5BA residence. Barn. SHF#A3939465 SHF#A3929053

Hidden Oaks $290,000 Shirley Razick, 941-388-3966 You will cheer over this hospitable 3BR/2+BA residence. Ceiling fans. SHF#A3938078 The Oaks $160,000 Scott Norris, 941-924-9000 3BR/2BA Villa w/large LR w/ vaulted ceilings and wood burning fireplace. SHF#A3912071

Siesta Key

Beachplace III $810,000 Maggie Hicks, 941-924-9000 2BR/2BA gulf view Hidden Oaks $599,000 Kathy Scott, 941-388-3966 4BR/3+BA plus guest La Siesta $359,000 Nikki Boguszewski, 941-388-3966 Spectacular gulf views from top floor condo in Siesta’s best location. SHF#A3933018 suite. Open plan. Just minutes to cultural amenities. SHF#A3927555 condo. Travertine floors, granite, & two new bathrooms. SHF#A3924997 Beachplace $599,000 Taube Levitt, 941-388-3966 Exceptional 2BR/2BA wa- Serenoa $449,000 Linda Ann Remley, P.A., 941-388-3966 Warm & bright with appealing styling! 4BR/3+BA home. Community amenities. SHF#A3935823 terfront condo. Elevators, foyer, walk-in closets. SHF#A364129

St. Armand’s Key

Westchester $560,000 Toni Giliberti, 941-924-9000 Gulf views 2BR/2BA Lennox Gardens $449,000 Joe Cinque, 941-924-9000 Everything is harmo- Kingston Arms $324,000 Peter Brennan, 941-388-3966 Stucco condo star.

Find joy in the warm ambiance of this delightful unit. SHF#A3938669 Turnkey Furn; screened lanai, storm shutters, pool. SHF#A377930 nious in this 3BR/2+BA home in a gated community. SHF#A3943579

FLORIDAMOVES.COM ©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.

57309

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

20A

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

Bruce A. Myer

941.387.1859

athlete of the week

BruceMyer.com

SELLING LUXURY REAL ESTATE FOR OVER 30 YEARS

By Rachel S. O’Hara | Community Editor

Rated in the Top 100 agents in Florida JUST LISTED!

JUST LISTED!

BIRD KEY A truly luxurious 3BR/3.5BA home with over 4,600 sq. ft. of waterfront living beautifully situated on Bird Key. $2,895,000

THE SHORE - 3BR/3BA ground floor condo tastefully updated. Large water views. $699,000

JUST LISTED!

JUST LISTED!

REGENT PLACE Direct Gulf front 3BR/3.5BA upper floor home with over 3,500 sf $2,895,000

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES 3BR/3BA Canal front home w/large caged lanai & pool $887,000

JUST REDUCED!

Rachel S. O’Hara

VILLA DI LANCIA - 3BR/3BA corner residence w/ large terrace. Fully furnished. $1,499,000

JUST LISTED!

QUEENS HARBOUR - 4BR+Den/3.5BA home with SEA GATE Crisp and bright 2BR/2BA Gulf front beautiful bay views and private dock. $2,395,000 condo w/expansive water views $649,000

INN ON THE BEACH Club Suite Bld. 2 offering a great income opportunity

Stu Rothbaum Stu Rothbaum is originally from Cincinnati and traveled all over the world while working for Procter & Gamble for 32 years.

When Rothbaum began planning for retirement 13 years ago, he took up golf. Even though he says he is at a bit of a disadvantage because he started later in life,

Rothbaum has caught up quickly and even scored his first hole-in-one in April on Blue No. 7 at the Longboat Key Club.

See Rothbaum’s tip on relaxing your arms while swinging a club. www.YourObserver.com

Q &A WATER CLUB 2-3BR/3BA Furnished Penthouse with bay/gulf views. $1,395,000

INN ON THE BEACH Club Suite Bld. 4 offering a great income opportunity $429,500

BEACHPLACE 2BR/2BA 2nd Floor

$429,000

Fairway Bay 3BR/3BA

$499,000 Just Listed!

2BR/2.5BA

$449,000 Just Reduced!

2BR/2BA

$329,000 Just Reduced!

Oversized garage and 3 terraces!

2-Story condo with boat dock!

Partially furnished and updated with great bay views!

In the last year I have successfully listed over half of the sales that took place in Fairway Bay!

What is the best part of your game and what are you improving?

My short game is OK, that’s where I make my points, and I’m getting better and better at driving. I’ve finally conceded that I may be a senior. I’ve been using more senior clubs, and I’ve seen the results improve dramatically. I’m trying to improve my chipping when I’m about 10 yards off the green and learning how to put the ball real close using my wedges rather than other clubs.

What is your go-to club?

My go-to club is my 7-wood. That’s the club I use to position the ball so that I can get on the green on the next shot.

VIEW ALL OUR LISTINGS at LONGBOATKEYFORSALE

Whom do you admire in professional golf?

I admire Phil Mickelson for his golf game and for what he does outside of golf. I also enjoy watching Tiger Woods play when he plays well.

What is one of the most interesting courses on which you have played?

The most interesting course I’ve played is in Hawaii, and it’s called Kapalua Bay. It’s beautiful, and it’s by the water. At one of the par-3 holes, you hit right over the breaking waves.

It’s very, very lovely. In fact, at that golf course, the rangers come over and ask you if you’re having a good time rather than trying to speed you up.

What do you like most about the game of golf?

I like golf for a couple of reasons.

It gets me outdoors for four or five hours. It’s got a social aspect to it, and I enjoy playing with other people. You have to be well coordinated to hit the ball well. I enjoy all kinds of athletics, and it brings them all together for me.

I work out intensely with a trainer the other three days a week I don’t play golf, and we work on flexibility and building the right muscles for the golf game.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES 3BR/4BA Exquisite home SUNRISE SHORES - Furnished 2BR + Den/2BA PIERRE- 3BR/3BA Two terraces and Gulf views Offered at $799,000 $349,000 on canal with many upgrades. $1,499,000 with bay views.

I HAVE CLOSED 23 SUCCESSFUL TRANSACTIONS IN 2011 AND HAVE 6 PENDING CLOSINGS!

HUDSON LANDINGS - Downtown 2-3BR/2BA condo with dock/lift and 1-car garage. $399,000

Bruce A. Myer

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

BOBBIE BANAN, REALTOR® 356-2659 • 383-2659

bobbiebanan@michaelsaunders.com

Michael Saunders & Company

Visit our website: BruceMyer.com

56009

Licensed Real Estate Broker

St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL (941) 388-4447

57929

LIDO BEACH CLUB - Furnished 2BR/2BA, 10th CLUB LONGBOAT - Furnished 3BR/2BA tennis $445,000 floor condo with Gulf view. $699,900 player’s haven on the 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 $4,995,000 GULF FRONT - Corner ground floor 2/2 condo, beautifully updated, decorated and furnished, Pet friendly..................SOLD $549,000 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 $409,000 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................................................................................................................................................................$269,900 BAY HARBOUR - South end of LBK, 2/2 expertly renovated w/ direct bay and marina views. Amenities include boat docks, fishing pier heated pool. ................................................................................................................PENDING $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 $199,000 UNIqUE 1 bedroom, 2 bath ground floor at Whitney Beach. Great amenities. 2 Pets allowed. FURNISHED $199,500 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

Ambassador’s Circle

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

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

real estate reports

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

#1 COLDWELL BANKER AGENT

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

By Robin Hartill | Community Editor

+ LBK Coldwell office ranks among NRT’s top offices Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate announced that its Longboat Key office ranked as the No. 4 office nationwide in 2010 sales volumes for branches with 36 to 50 agents. The ranking was done by NRT LLC, Coldwell Banker’s parent company. The Longboat Key office has ranked in the top five offices of its size for five consecutive years.

In Longboat Key’s ZIP code, 34228, the office closed 142 transactions in 2010 and accounted for 45.3% of all listings of more than $1 million sold on Longboat Key, according to a prepared statement.

“The biggest reason why our office has been so successful is the remarkable dedication of our outstanding sales associates,” said managing broker Bob Stanley in a prepared statement. “Our office was the only nationally recognized Coldwell Banker office in the state of Florida based on sales volume. The office has been home to the No. 1 agent in closed sales volume in Sarasota County for the past four years, and we consistently have five or six agents in the top 10 in sales volume according to the local MLS.”

+ Wagner Realty announces its top agents for April Wagner Realty announced its top agents for the month of April. Listing honors went to Debra Ibasfalean, of the Longboat Key office, and Jim Zoff, of the Anna Maria office. Sales honors went to Curt Bell, of the Longboat Key office, and David Moynihan, of the Anna Maria office.

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 www.barbaraackerman.com

As seen on Sarasota’s

“Hot ProPerties”

Segment Every Other Wednesday!

www.barbaraackerman.com

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

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. $ 11,500,000 www.Johnsonestatelongboatkey.com

La Bellasara – Golden Gate Point

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 amenities and on-site management. Walk to shopping. $579,000

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

LIS

TIN

G

+ Island Real Estate announces new live video

Bird Key - Wide Open Bay Front

Stunning Bay views from this fully renovated contemporary 2-story home on fabulous Bird Key. 3 BR + large office/4th BR, 4.5 baths, family room, private dock with boat lift &2-car garage. $2,195,000

Pierre – Spectacular Views

Gulf, Golf Course, Sarasota Bay, & downtown city lights views from this 2BR + den/3rd BR apartment on the 8th floor with 3 full bathrooms and 2,410 sq. ft. Behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club. $ 1,095,000

RED ROCK TERRACE - Oyster Bay Vacant Lot Lot w/ House Plans

$439,000 GRAND BAY II - Bay & City Views 4th Floor 3BR/3BA 2,781 Sq. Ft.

Promenade - Penthouse Sweeping Gulf and Bay views with sunsets. 2,612 luxurious sq. ft. w/ 10 ft ceilings, fireplace, wet bar, granite & marble baths, 2 terraces, & 2 valuable $ garage parking spaces included.

999,000

$1,395,000

PIERRE - Longboat Key Direct Beach Front 3rd Floor 3 BR/3BA 2,410 Sq. Ft.

BEACHPLACE III – Direct Gulf Front

+ Marie Monsky joins MS&Co. LBK South office

#302 - 3rd Floor 2BR/2BA

Marie Monsky has joined the Longboat Key South office of Michael Saunders & Co. as part of the Saint Cacchiotti & Associates team. Monsky moved in 1996 to Sarasota from New York City, where she worked as a retailing executive with a major department-store chain for more than 25 years and also ran a sleepwear company, for Monsky which she oversaw both domestic and import production and supervised a sales force of more than 20. She entered the real-estate business in 2005.

Deep Water Frontage 3,435 Sq. Ft.

9th Floor 3BR+Den/3.5BA 3,172 Sq. Ft. La Bellasara - Downtown Bay Front Outstanding Bay, Marina, & City Skyline views!

3BR/4.5BA + study or 4th BR with 3,370 SF. w/ summer kitchen, private elevator lobby, 2-car garage Turnkey furnished. Annual lease available $2,395,000

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

$1,985,000

BEACHPLACE III - DIRECT GuLF FRONT #304 - 3rd floor beach front apartment.

$670,000

Siestas Bayside – Deep Water Canal Gorgeous waterfront home fully updated with wood & granite throughout, 2,641 square feet, three bedrooms/ two baths and a large tropical patio area with pool/spa, boat $ dock with lift and floating jet-ski dock.

918,000

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

3rd bedroom doubles as a den with quality built-in’s and renovated kitchen has granite, wood and newer $ 799,900 appliances.

Water Club I - Direct Beach Front Exquisite 3,045 SF luxury on 5th floor w/Gulf views, private elevator foyer, 3BR/4BA, study area in master suite. Beautiful window treatments, plantation shutters, marble floors, full wine bar. $ 1,800,000

Bayport- Sporting Community

Grand Bay I – 9th Floor Bay Front Best of both worlds, sunrises on the Bay and sunsets on the Gulf! 3BR/3.5BA with private elevator foyer, 11 ft. ceilings, his & her baths and two large terraces.

Many unique interior finishes! 2 garage spaces. $ 1,195,000

Beach retreat that lives like a home. Beautifully & freshly remodeled, 3 full BR with sitting areas, and loads of storage, 2 private patios, his/her bath $ areas. Steps to private beach.

649,900

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, LLC 941-387-1820 Direct 37328 54245

$995,000

SAVOY - Downtown & Bay Views

6th floor 3 bedroom, 3 full bath apartment with beautiful water views, private elevator, 10 foot ceilings and two expansive terraces for viewing nightly sunsets. Gated community with excellent amenities. $1,699,000

941-953-6000 941-359-3435

$695,000

LONGBOAT KEY – Boater’s Fantasy

Water Club I - Gulf & Bay Views

LEASING & MANAGING HOMES & CONDOS Annual, Seasonal, Vacation

$799,000

Bird Key – Bay & City Views Gorgeous two-story home on 213’ of waterfront with wide open City, Bay and canal views. 4BR/5 full & 2 half baths, Infinity edge pool & boat dock $ with 20,000 lb lift.

4,950,000

●

●

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

800-910-8728 Toll-Free

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

55352

Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island debuted its new streaming, live web camera at IslandReal.com/AMI-live-web-cam. The feature offers direct views of the Gulf of Mexico and the island’s sunsets.

www.JennetteProperties.com

21A

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

games | deal us in

THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

BRIDGE HAND

By Donna Swan | Contributing Writer

Good play makes winning easy This hand is from a summer duplicate game in Michigan. North can be excused for his three-spade bid. Most bridge players would have a bidding problem with the North hand. South felt that because the opponents held the diamond suit, all of North’s cards would be working, so he ventured to a four-spade contract. East doubled and doubted if the contract could make.

West cashed two high diamonds and shifted to the Jack of hearts. Had

he simply continued with a third diamond, he would surely have set the contract. South was quick to take advantage of this reprieve. He ducked the heart in the dummy and won the queen in his hand when East played low.

Because West surely had the 10 of hearts for his shift to the Jack, declarer continued with a low heart to the eight. East took the ace and exited with a heart to dummy’s king. Declarer ran the nine of spades and led the

Dealer: West

Jack of clubs. When that won, he took another club finesse and cashed the ace of clubs.

The rest was easy. Declarer ruffed his diamond with the ace of trump while East under-ruffed, then Declarer ran the 10 of trump to pick up the suit and make his contract.

West

♠ A 10 9 ♥K85 ♦ 10 7 ♣J8763

♠4 ♥ J 10 6 3 ♦ A KQJ92 South ♣94 ♠ KQ83 ♥ Q92 ♦ 843 ♣ A Q 10

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

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

Bidding: South Pass 3 ♦ Pass Pass

West Pass 3 ♠ Pass Pass

Opening Lead: K

East

♠ J7652 ♥ A74 ♦ 65 ♣K52

North Pass Pass Double

East 1♠ 4♠ Pass

♦

observerSudoku Edited by The Mepham Group

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

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

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

It’s Still

56570

© Tribune Media Services

DUBAI. Longboat Key resident Joan Kiernan brought her Longboat Observer to catch up on all the latest news while visiting the Burj Al Arab hotel, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Behind her is the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

CONRAD BEACH

Mrs.Rogers’

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

Neighborhood

Annette Rogers has ranked among Greater Sarasota’s top-producing Realtors for 37 years.

LONGBOAT KEY 3BR/2BA VILLA

furnished, glass enclosed lanai, new A/C, laundry room & large eat-in kitchen. Pool, tennis, beach access. Seller to pay all maintenance costs to end of year. Dorothy Cook #A3913998

“She is all of the things I’d hoped a real estate agent would be: intelligent, expert, courteous, patient, reassuring and available.

To put it bluntly, she is the consummate professional.”

$275,000

ENJOY THE WATER VIEWS

from this 2BR/2BA turnkey furnished condo. Updated kitchen, W/D, newer air, 2 pools, 2 tennis courts, 2 marinas, beach access, only $12 a month for boat slip. Dorothy Cook #A3939881 $275,000

Legendary Service.

Remarkable Results.

Contact Annette today.

2BR/2BA BAYFRONT

furnished condo on beautiful Longboat Key. 40ft deeded boat slip, updated master bath, heated pool, tennis courts, community boat ramp. Marcia Bayard $385,000 #M5818656

PRISTINE WATERFRONT 3BR/2BA

overlooking Palma Sola Bay. Assigned boat slip.

Retreat to paradise. Luscious landscaping, 2 minutes to beaches on Anna Maria Island. Fish heaven! Debra Ibasfalean #M5820999

$550,000

AMAZING VIEW

941.383.7591 (office) 941.284.7373 (mobile) annetterogers@michaelsaunders.com

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

®

49657

The Observer’s “It’s Read Everywhere” photo contest is now online at YourObserver. com. Visit our website, YourObserver.com, to upload your photo submissions from now until Oct. 15; photos submitted directly to the paper will automatically be uploaded to our website. Online voting takes place from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7. Winners will be announced in the Nov. 10 issue of the Longboat Observer.

Email your entries to nschwartz@yourobserver.com or mail them to the Longboat Observer, 5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Fla., 34228.

Vulnerable: Both

North

53677

22A

Gorgeous white sand beach & Gulf view as you walk thru the door.

Nicely furnished with large screened lanai. Gulf to Bay community, heated pool, tennis & cabana w/ BBQ. Teresa Bradford #M5812253 $669,000

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

Sunrise/sunset

RAINFALL North Mon., May 23 0.00 Tues., May 24 0.00 Wed., May 25 0.00 Thurs., May 26 0.00 Fri., May 27 0.00 Sat., May 28 0.00 Sun., May 29 0.00

Mid 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Month to date: 2011

2.63 in Year-to-date:

South 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

2010 0.47 in.

2011 2010 15.87 in. 11.09 in.

Sunrise

Sunset

Thurs., June 2

6:36

8:22

Fri., June 3

6:35

8:22

Sat., June 4

6:35

8:23

Sun., June 5

6:35

8:23

Mon., June 6

6:35

8:24

Tues., June 7

6:35

8:24

Wed., June 8

6:35

8:24

23A

WEEKLY WINNEr: SHINING EXAMPLE

TemperatureS

Temps.

High Low 90.5 72 89.5 60.5 89.5 73 86 71 90 73 93.5 74 92.5 69

Tues., May 24 Wed., May 25 Thurs., May 26 Fri., May 27 Sat., May 28 Sun., May 29 Mon., May 30

Record Temps.

High Low 95 (1991) 65 (1982) 95 (1991) 67 (1987) 93 (1992) 67.5 (2009) 96 (1982) 61 (1986) 95 (1995) 66 (1984) 95 (1989) 66 (1984) 96 (1981) 60 (1984)

Average Gulf water temperature: 85.1 James Monnig submitted this sunset photo, taken at The Diplomat Resort, 3155 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

TIDE CHART

Highs

MOON PHASES

Lows

Thurs., June 2

3:01a 12:03p

5:52a 7:49p

Fri., June 3

3:39a 12:43p

6:25a 9:29p

Sat., June 4

4:15a

1:27p

7:11a 10:12p

Sun., June 5

4:50a

2:16p

8:10a 10:56p

Mon., June 6

5:26a

3:12p

9:26a 11:40p

Tues., June 7

6:01a

4:18p

10:56a

Wed., June 8

6:37a

5:40p

12:26a 12:34a

June 9 First

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 email them to nschwartz@yourobserver.com.

June 15 Full

Visit YourObserver.com to click on our interactive weather button, which features current weather conditions, weather radar and a five-day forecast.

—

June 23 Last

July 1 New

58129

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

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P W B W O J M L LW Y F U H J W D H J W B A B M O H R A W R L O R O N W H H U , S B W W Y U R LY O J W T T I E O J !

wORKInG IT OUT by Paul Jenn 72 Judge again, as a case 1 Office furnishing 74 Bibliography 5 Fix a hot dog? notation 9 Breathing 75 Conquer partner? abnormality 78 Garb for Caesar 13 Food at the first 79 Petty quarrel Thanksgiving 82 Lennon’s bride 18 “Fifteen Miles on 83 Out sailing the ___ Canal” 19 About, before a date 84 Rig on the highway 85 Holiday icon Kringle 20 “The Last 86 Be in a different Command” Oscar form? winner Jannings 87 Cornrow, e.g.

21 Commonly 88 Heading in this 22 It could begin “Dear puzzle Sir or Madam” 90 “The Boys from 25 Hive member Brazil” novelist 26 “I think that I shall Levin never see ...” poem 91 Presentation 27 Leaning Tower city 93 Gum-producing 28 Green veggie plants 29 Unpack the truck 94 Snake, on occasion 32 Has staying power 97 Poison in classic 34 Pre-game exercises mysteries 38 Most azure 98 Golfer’s aide 39 Farm towers 99 Little Debbie 40 Milk of ___ competitor 41 One billion years 100 Feral shelter 42 Regard highly 101 “90210” actress 44 Tropical pudding Spelling bases 102 Bulgaria’s capital 45 Unlaid lawn 103 Hardly enthusiastic 46 Unaccompanied 106 Baseball, in America 48 Wooden pins 112 “My Cherie ___” 49 Wasted no time (Stevie Wonder hit) 50 Biddy 113 “Fine” or “liberal” 51 Pastoral work (Var.) followers 52 John Paul II’s title 114 “Huzzah!” or 53 Neighbor of Sudan “Hooray!”

55 From the beginning 115 “Et tu” day 57 It has three rings 59 Mount Kilimanjaro’s 116 Wrapped movie monster cover 117 Ark builder 60 Daisylike, late118 X-ray dosages blooming flower 119 Temporary shelter 61 Debilitating bug beds 63 Corporate owner 68 Ending for “brew” dOwn or “hatch” 1 “Runaway” rocker 69 You need speed to Shannon steal them 2 It may come before 71 “___ Lang Syne” long?

ACROSS

3 “Please, make yourself comfortable” 4 Kitchen whistler 5 Located 6 Yea-sayers 7 Take steps 8 “Fargo” assent 9 Upgrades, as factory equipment 10 Off the mark 11 Former Italian currency 12 “A Nightmare on ___ Street” 13 Contemporary people 14 Common chalet style 15 “What was ___ think?”

16 Buddhist sect 17 180 deg. from WSW 19 Whip up 23 Winged god of love 24 ___ salts (bath additive) 28 Indian shrine 29 Daggers, in printing 30 Type of natural disaster 31 Hanky-panky 32 Loyal subject 33 Pub choices 34 Carried on, as a war 35 Capt. Kirk’s command 36 Early settler 37 Singing the blues 39 Vast Russian plain 40 Popular street name 43 Animal’s track 44 Oboe’s predecessor 47 Bulldog booster 50 Possesses 52 Bake sale org.

53 Donald, to Dewey 54 “No news is ___ news!”

56 Humorous in a shrewd way 58 Car gizmo, for short 59 Poker variety

60 “I see,” at sea 61 “Most Wanted” agcy.

62 Manual worker 64 River nymph 65 Ads for new shows 66 Breastplate of Zeus or Athena 67 F.D.R.’s shelter org.

70 Former name of Tokyo 73 Pose a question 75 Noted Galapagos Islands visitor 76 “Love Boat” bartender 77 One of seven, to Salome 78 Towel materia 80 Buenos ___ 81 Kaiser cousins 84 Large quantity 86 Legal org.

87 Waterless, as a desert 88 Broadcast’s sound portion 89 Yom Kippur horn 92 Monotony 93 Truly gaudy 95 Wife of Osiris 96 Radio interference 98 Terra ___ 99 “High ___” (song that mentions a rubber tree plant) 101 Poi source 102 “Mush!” shouter’s vehicle 103 Topper worn with a kilt 104 Aussie non-flier 105 Half a cheerleader’s prop?

106 A Bobbsey twin 107 Cash register co.

108 “Bingo!”

109 Words that end bachelorhood 110 “When Harry ___ Sally ...”

111 Pluralizing letter

Last weeks Cryptograms 1. By the way, did you ever notice that dogs can’t dance very well? There’s a good reason. It’s because they have two left feet!

2. A professor saw a chicken cross the main street and stop halfway. When he asked why, the rooster told him, “she wants to lay it on the line.”

Thursday, June 2, 2011 Items Under $200 For Sale

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales

General Merchandise

Condos/Apts. For Rent

ADVERTISE YOUR merchandise with the total value of $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month, 15 words or less. Price must be included. No commercial advertising. Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks.

Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com or online at: www.yourobserver.com/classifieds

MOVING SALE 10a.m.-3p.m. - Saturday, June 4 375 W. Royal Flamingo Bird Key - Sarasota 34236

THRIFT SHOP: LORD’S WAREHOUSE. Hours: Summer Schedule: Tues. & Sat. 9a.m. to 1p.m. Non-profit. Clothes, jewelry, furniture, other items. 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. 941-383-4738.

STUDIO APARTMENT for rent at Lerfald Landings on a canal across from Whitney Beach. Water included. $700 month.

1 year lease required. (941)565-1401, (941)792-0411.

King bed set & 2 pair of twin beds, original watercolors, 9 wood block prints, sofa/loveseat, wall hung shelves & cabinets, recliner, lamps, 3 TVs, DVD/VCR, love seat, 2 patio sets, dining set, desk, love seat, chests, 3 youth bikes, 3 women’s bikes, 1 man’s, DCS gas grill, HP printer, end tables, router, chest, pool stuff, fishing gear, crib, baby seat, pack & play, stereo, fax, linens, & kitchenware.

Recreation

Autos For Sale 1998 BENZ ML320 SUV- Outstanding shape. Sunroof, Leather, New Radio, Heated Seats, Trunk Liner. Clean inside and out.

New brakes all around. Tires are in good shape. 139k miles. Car has no mechanical problems. Call to come and look! 941-3833313 or cell 201-452-2063 Asking $6,500.

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.

FOR RENT: 24/ft. inside Boat Rack at Boat House on Longboat Key. $295/mo.

(708)267-6704.

Boats BOATS ARE SELLING VERY WELL 16’ Center Consoles to 65’ Motor Yachts.

Island resident 15 yrs., many referrals. “Let’s talk about selling your boat”. I keep it simple.

941-228-3489 - Yachtingflorida@aol.com

Furnishings LAKEWOOD RANCH ESTATEAluminum 5-piece patio (cost $1700Restoration Hardware) now $699; Sofa & loveseat (Robb & Stucky) like new $850.

Henredon and Drexel bedroom sets, Stearns & Foster Beds, Stiffe lamps, Stanley Entertainment Center for plasma/LCD ($350@Robb &Stucky) $995.

5-piece Cherry Home Office w/2-lateral files, La-Z-Boy sleeper, much, much, more.

Sale by Julie McClure www.appraisals4u.biz

FREE STAND Up Paddle Board Lessons.

Fastest growing sport on water. Free lesson and 1hour Board Rental $35.00. Best deal around. Everyday at Bird Key Park, 11AM. MUST BOOK IN ADVANCE www.ikayaksarasota.com ,941-302-2677

Storage STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer.

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

Positions Wanted

SATURDAY, JUNE 4th starting 8a.m.

7120 Longboat Drive East, Longboat Key, north end in village.

;G::

MARINE CORPS mom seeks employment.

Diversified background. Prior military service. 941-773-7731.

Commercial Property For Sale

7ZZ

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.

Limit 15 words.

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

THE PIERRE- Contemporary living behind the gates. Gulf front with full gulf views from every room. 2BR/3BA. Fully furnished.

Available Annual $3800/mo Seasonal $7850/mo. 3 month minimum. 865.603.3126

Condos For Sale BOTTONWOOD COVE, LBK- Beach to Bay Complex. 3BR/2BA, 1700 sq. ft. includes 2 lanai’s. Furnished, granite kitchen, all new appliances & AC. Boat slips, pool and tennis. $429,000. Steve or Craig Abbott, Michael Saunders & Company. 941-374-3003 DISCOVER THE OTHER ISLAND. Tidy Island in Sarasota Bay. Waterfront 3/2/2 condo on private Island. Views of lake, bay & preserve. Former model, sold furnished! $249,900. Katharine Pepper, RoseBay Real Estate 941-792-9459.

LBK GAS Station Site. Corner Gulf of Mexico Dr. & Broadway. Various commercial uses. $850,000 Longview Realty, 941-383-6112. www.longviewrealty.com

Condos/Apts. For Rent ANNUAL RENTAL- Direct gulf front 2/2 furnished condo available 1995/mo. Linda 941-962-4884 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

Ads may also be emailed to: classified@yourobserver.com

FIRST LIDO 1900 Ben Franklin. Large 1BR/2BA condo. Gulf view from all windows, No obstruction. Rent for 6 months or longer. $1500. 513-541-1135.

NO PHONE ORDERS ACCEPTED. NO COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING IN FREE-BEE SECTION.

GULF, BEACHFRONT: 2BR/2BA, lanai, W/D, pool. Pet okay. $1800/mo. O/B/O. 760-944-1124, debbieschaefer@msn.com or www.5201gulfofmexicodrive.com

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA BAYFRONT GULF VIEWS. DOUBLE UNIT - REGENCY HOUSE - 435 GULFSTREAM AVE. 3330+ sq.ft. living area with split 2-3BR/3BA. Totally remodeled, parquet floors, granite kitchen, walk-in closets, office/den with built-ins. Hurricane shutters, a 180 degree view of the keys and the Gulf. A must see unit. Steps to downtown activities and restaurants. Price reduced. RON STAHL REALTY, 941-374-1671.

FIND IT!

Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

in The

Manatee Furniture

Observer Classifieds

3015 1st St. Bradenton, 10 Blocks north of DeSoto mall on US Hwy 41.

941-745-2596

This week’s crossword answers THE OBSERVER LP # 56740

THE OBSERVER LP # 56733

THE OBSERVER LP # 56736

www.yourobserver.com

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

longboat Observer

Condos For Sale Riverfront Condo with dock at your back door! Central Sarasota Location $320,000

www.yourobserver.com Vacation/Seasonal Rentals CONDO & BOAT SLIP RENTALS HARBOUR VILLA CLUB 615 Dream Island Rd. Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-383-9544 Fax: 941-383-8028 www.harbourvillaclub.com

2BR/2.5BA with 2 car garage, 1583 SF Walk off your deck & onto your boat!

Direct access to ICW. Impeccable property, perfect condition. Priced to sell fast.

Harold Lasky 941-780-8514 Prudential Lakewood Ranch

HaroldLasky@gmail.com

Homes For Rent GATED 2BR/2BA +Office, Living Room, Great Room, fully furnished (Ethan Allen), caged pool. Verizon Fios Internet & HDTV, security system & lawn service included. $2200/month. 941-918-4488

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

Immaculate 2005 Mediterranean style architecture with breathtaking Gulf views.

5,146 sq.ft. under roof on N. Anna Maria, 12106 Gulf Drive. $3,400,000 furnished.

Contact Owner/ Broker, 941-920-1699.

ISLAND COTTAGE- 3 bed/ 2 bath home for sale, 601 St. Judes Dr. Longboat Key. Appox. 1400 sq ft. $285.000. 941-387-0136

Real Estate Wanted LUXURY ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED for waiting clients. Furnished or unfurnished.

941-356-5610 or 941-358-7401

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals 392 FIREHOUSE LANE, LBK. Newer upscale & stylish Gulfside home. Steps to beach & pool. 2BR +loft. Annual or Seasonal. No pets. Owner/Agent, 941544-0214, www.LuxuryHomes-Condos.com BEACHPLACE 3BR, UPDATED, TASTEFULLY DECORATED. GULF & BAY VIEWS. AVAILABLE IN SEASON & ANNUAL CALL CYNTHIA 407-492-5749

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

4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key 34228

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

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

Exceptional Vacation Rentals Since 1994 Homes & Condominiums Studios to Six Bedrooms Beachfront, Intercoastal or Garden Excellent Service & Staff Now Offering Beach Castle Resort Nightly and Weekly

FLORIDA VACATION CONNECTION www.FLvacationconnection.com 941-387-9709 877-705-2460 EXQUISITE GETAWAY on Longboat Key (LBK) Beachplace property available for RENT – NEWLY owned - Luxurious 2BR/2BA condo with views of the Gulf of Mexico & private golf course. Private terrace. New appliances. Fully equipped unit with recent upgrades and decorating. Steps to the beach, Olympic size swimming pool, tennis courts, gym, organized social activities and sports are optional. Covered parking, excess closet/storage space. Maid service is optional. By owner: rental options on a monthly basis, from 07/2011 to 12/2012.

Rent is negotiable based on length of stay.

Corner unit. We welcome your inquiries, email kimberley@kpaa.ca or call us at (647)225.3003.

FAIRWAY BAY, 2BR/2BA, furnished condo overlooking Sarasota Bay. Gated community, access to private beach club, pool & tennis on premises. Rent by the season or monthly, 2 month minimum. 412-370-8787 502-456-4361.

LBK BEACHPLACE Condo. Beachfront, 2BR/2BA. Elegantly furnished, heated pool, tennis court, covered parking, exercise room. Available June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct. & Dec. 2011. Non-smoking/ pets.

By owner. 941-383-1884.

LBK- Live at Beach. Huge ranch home.

Private community, has everything! Water views. LPP02@yahoo.com, 773-842-3445 LBK: 1BR condo, Gulf side with Island view.

Minimum required stay of 7 nights.

941-383-1083.

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals LBK: 2BR condo with breathtaking Gulf view. Minimum required stay of 7 nights.

941-383-1083.

25A Classifieds 25A YourObserver.com

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals Weekly/ Monthly/ Seasonal Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos

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.

Reservations 941-383-6127 Visa/ MC 800-352-0367

LIDO BEACH CONDOMINIUMS Weekly - Monthly - Seasonal

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m. M-F

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

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

Rental condo. 1-800-734-3370.

LONGBOAT KEY. Gulf front, heated pool on beach, 1BR/1BA condo, full kitchen, dining, sleeps 4, king pillowtop. 617-328-7145.

LONGBOAT: DIRECT Beachfront condo, 2BR/2BA. Rental $3800 +tax/mo. Jan, Feb, or March. 727-501-3675.

LONGBOAT: DIRECT Beachfront Condo, 2BR/2BA. $2000+ tax/mo. April-December.

727-501-3675.

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.

TOWN HOUSE at Seaplace, steps to 2 miles private beach. Fully equipped, 2BR/2.5BA, lanai, terrace, tropical garden, pools, tennis, clubhouse, barbecue sites, sauna, Jacuzzi. Available for $3800 during season, add 10% tax. mandalka@gmx.de 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.

Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.wagnerrentals.com

Adult Care Services PRIVATE DUTY HOME CARE Licensed Practical Nurse, Insured, experienced, for full or part time. Your cherished one deserves extra special attention and compassion. Geriatric, respite care, cleaning, meals, errands, caregiver relief.

Call 941-928-4611 or email: PrivateDutyHome@aol.com

Cleaning 5 STAR Cleaning Services: Meeting residential clients’ home cleaning needs on the Keys, Sarasota and Bradenton area for over 25 years. Friendly, Reliable, Bonded and Insured. Free Estimates. Call Laura now at 941-302-3992.

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

Affordable & Reliable. Excellent References.

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

RESIDENTIAL/ COMMERCIAL/ Resorts/ House Checks. We take pleasure in pleasing our customers. When quality counts!

941-756-4570.

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

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

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

Find Treasure!

LBK: 1BR furnished condo, water views, includes cable, Longboat Harbor. Covered parking, no pets/ smoking, Gulf/ private beach house access. Boat dock available.

Available May 1st - Nov. 1st. $750/mo. +utilities. 248-231-3793.

Y E N O M E V A $ And Y E N O M E k A M Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

GARAGE SALE As low as $15 for 1 week!

Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

Want to find a great deal on something you’ve always dreamed of?

You never know what you’ll find in the classifieds!

Get a discount when you run your ad in more than one Observer.

Call 941.955.4888

Your source for local Classifieds

LV1247

THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER THURSDAY, june 2, 2011 Thursday, June 2, 2011

26A YourObserver.com 26A Classifieds

longboat Observer THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER THURSDAY, june 2, 2011 Thursday, June 2, 2011

www.yourobserver.com

Computer Services

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

Painting/Wallpapering

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

JOHN GUBERNAT HANDYMAN SERVICES ALL HOME REPAIRS

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.

Health Services Irritable Bowel Syndrome?  Stop Suffering Today!  Amazing New Approach

 Based on 30 Years Research www.SarasotaClinicalHypnosis.com

941-321-9267 Home Improvement/ Remodeling CUSTOM RENOVATIONS/ RESTORATION EXPERT. All phases of carpentry, repairs & fine finishing. Very meticulous, clean, sober and prompt. Insured. 30 yrs. experience.

Paul Beauregard, 941-730-7479.

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

Excellent service. 30 years experience.

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

Professional Services

STEVE ALLEN FLOOR COVERINGS

YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner

PROFESSIONAL TILE & MARBLE INSTALLATION

Personal & Business Bookkeeping Accounting/ Taxes

20 YRS. EXPERIENCE

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

ISLE TILE

Expert Marble & Travertine Installation Floor & Walls

FOR “QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE”

Grout Cleaning & Sealing Service Available

BONDED & INSURED Over 25 yrs. experience

Floors, bathrooms, showers, backsplashes, patio and pool decks.

Call Ashdown Flooring, Inc. LICENSED (941) 726-3077 INSURED

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

20 years design background.

Licensed - Insured - LBK Resident References upon request.

941-383-2659

DID WE get your attention? You bet we did!

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

Call 941-955-4888 to advertise.

Visit us online at www.yourobserver.com

Tile

Personal Services

I come to your home or office.

All Variations of Ceramic Tile Supplied & Installed.

Free Estimates & Custom Designs.

***PERSONAL ASSISTANT*** Organizing, bookkeeping, appointments, shopping, etc. Experienced with references.

Call and leave a message 941-321-9615

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE 726-1802 LIC/ INS

4 Easy Ways To Place your Classified ad Call 941-955-4888 Fax 941-362-4808 Email classified@yourobserver.com

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

Online at

www.yourobserver.com/classifieds We gladly accept all major credit/debit cards.

Observe

what you are missing...

Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

Local News that’s

LOCAL NEWS! YourObserver.com

THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER Thursday, june June2,2,2011 2011 THURSDAY,

longboat Observer

HOME SERVICES

CARPET CLEANING

SPINERGY STONE CARE SOLUTIONS TRAVERTINE • MARBLE • GRANITE • SLATE • TERRAZZO Restorative Cleaning and Sealing / Stain Removal

of INSPECTION CLEANING and RESTORATION

CERTIFIED FIRM

MOVERS

Dave McCarthy

Are You Thinking About Renovations?

LOCAL - LONG DISTANCE FREE ESTIMATES

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941-906-8554

Phone (941) 704-4278 Fax (941) 538-3781

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

We sell boxes!

COMPUTER

PAINTING

Corby J. deKozlowski Specializing in Residential Painting Fully Insured

57458

(941) 388-3580

PATIO REPAIRS Furniture Repairs FurnitureSales Sales &&Repairs 56973 38056

#USHIONS s 3LINGS s 2E POWDERCOATING #USHIONS s 3LINGS s 5MBRELLAS

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Floors ♌ Kitchens ♌ Showers

57317

We Cure Sick Grout!

CHRISTIE’S 778-3924 OR 778-4461

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UĂŠ 7ĂŠ " -/,1 / " ĂŠ UĂŠ , 9ĂŠ- ,6 ĂŠ Family Owned & Operated UĂŠ7 / ,ĂŠ / ,2 Florida State Cert. Master Plumbers UĂŠ- 7 ,ĂŠEĂŠ , ĂŠ ĂŠ #CFC1426596

RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL

941-755-1300

www.groutdoctor.com

Since 1975

DEPENDABLE & ON TIME FREE ESTIMATES

-/ / " ĂŠEĂŠ ,/ 9ĂŠ

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BULLSEYE!

Call: 941-746-5255

Ask About EnduroShield Coatings

$25 Off with this ad

Free Estimates

WINDOWS Lic./Ins. se Window Washin i r n Su d Pressure Cleanin g

Res./Com.

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Environmentally Friendly

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For Senior Citizens Prices Include:

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By Referral or Ad Only

INSURANCE

Pretty Tile, Ugly Grout?

PLUMBING

Reach a Targeted Audience

Honey Do Lists / No Job Too Small ASK ABOUT OUR DISCOUNTS! – 10% Senior Discount

TILE

Regrout ♌ Recaulk ♌ Repair Clean ♌ Seal ♌ Recolor

-!2).! $2 (/,-%3 "%!#( s /0%. 3!4

(OME -AINTENANCE 0ROGRAMS s Home Renovations 2OOM !DDITIONS s #USTOM #ONSTRUCTION

941-584-8616

Classified Ads Bring Results 941-955-4888

PLUMBING

FURNITURE REPAIR

Centrally located near downtown Sarasota.

Also, storing RV’s, Boats, Motorcycles.

57969

58095

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57948

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Discreet, secure, climate controlled/dehumidiďŹ ed storage for your collector car.

57302

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Visit our website at: www.TLHillConstruction.com

Team Up Today With Classifieds 941-955-4888

FLORIDA CLASSIC CAR STORAGE

359-1904

For Free in-home estimates and consulting

CGC1505233

www.wfcgeneralcontractors.com

STORAGE

CLEANING

State Lic #CGC1507489

EcoTechnoUSA.com

“Will move anything from a couch to a household�

in the Service Directory Call today to advertise 955-4888

Affordable Expert

U Spray Foam Insulation U Solar Hot Water and Pool Heaters U Solar PV Electricity U Variable Speed Pool Pumps

CVC56744

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941-504-0903

Reduce electric bills from 25% to 100%!

Free energy analysis and consultation

364-5900

OVING

Dave McCarthy

100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

For Every Size. For Every Budget. Energy Savings for Everybody!

56976

www.fatcatcarpetcleaning.com

CERTIFICATION

M

Dennis Gotthelf

57320

55602

941.387.0607

INSTITUTE

941.266.0562

The Observer Service Directory Call 955-4888 to advertise.

INSURANCE

NBI SUN CONTROL 1-800-TINTING

Auto / Residential / Commercial

56983

TILE / GROUT STAIN CONTROL

Multi-Point Inspections‡Water Plants Car Charge‡ Meet/Arrange Contractors DGotthelf1@Verizon.net - REFERENCES

56892

CERTIFIED & INSURED

House Care Watch 53750

57457

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

REMODELING/HOME IMPROVEMENT

57544

DOCKSIDE BOAT REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

YourObserver.com

57460

BOAT SERVICES

CARPET / UPHOSTERY ODOR CONTROL

Classifieds 27A 27A

www.yourobserver.com

INSURANCE

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY WE HAVE ARRIVED AT OUR NEW LOCATION

941-383-3388

stOp By anD Meet yOuR lOcal agents, sanDRa & geORge ceshKeR

57461

510 Bay Isles ROaD, suIte 1 • lOngBOat Key, Fl (InsIDe suntRust BanK) CHUBB, AIG, UNIVERSAL, UNITED, TRAVELLERS, SAFECO, PROGRESSIVE, CITIZENS, FLOOD. WE HAVE YOU COVERED!

28A

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

r for ’s #1 Realto

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Diversions YourObserver.com

Big kid choo-choo

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011

by Loren Mayo | Community Editor

Loren Mayo

“There are actually more people living outside of the country who know about this train than people living in Sarasota,” Bob Horne says. “It’s designed for small weddings, business meetings and fashion shows. It’s still a work in progress.”

Off the beaten track Once upon a time, Bob Horne owned a diner chock-full of circus paraphernalia. Now, he’s running a circus train that serves lunch and Sunday brunch, hoping it will one day haul passengers from its home base to various cities and offer everything from circus acts to jazz music.

N

ot even Google maps can give you a good route to the faded red, white and blue railroad car tucked behind Fruitville Road.

Getting to Bob’s Train takes

some work, but it’s part of the fun that surrounds the train-turnedrestaurant’s appeal. Follow the curves of School Avenue north of Fruitville Road, make a hard right after the road bends at Bud-

get Self-Storage, cruise through a half-empty parking lot the size of a football field, continue past a faded, little, pink guard shack and stop just short of a giant warehouse building.

BOB’S TRAIN CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

INSIDE

BACKSTAGE PASS: First-time filmmaker / 4

Black Tie THE SOCIAL OBSERVER

Republican Club of Sarasota County’s Lincoln Day Dinner. 7

Mike Haridopolos and Chuck Volkert

EDIBLES Lee Roy Selmon’s / 5

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THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

COVER STORY

BOB’S TRAIN from 1 On the left, beneath the hunter-green awning laced with dangling gold stars, whose shadows shift on the ground whenever the wind catches them, is the main entrance to the train — your destination.

The train, as you might suspect, sits on top of real train tracks. The dining area is so squeaky clean you could eat a hamburger off the navy carpet without thinking twice.

Standing behind the bar is the owner and chef, Bob Horne. It’s Monday afternoon and he’s long since wrapped up breakfast and lunch and is relaxing in his usual attire — a blue button-down with the sleeves rolled up, which he says complements his blue eyes, and If you go black pants. A halfBob’s Train consumed bottle of is open for Beck’s rests next to lunch from him on the counter, 11:30 a.m. to signaling that the 2 p.m. Monday day’s work is offithrough Friday cially done. and for brunch If you lived in from 10:30 Sarasota five years a.m. to 2 p.m. ago, then you’ve Sundays. It’s definitely heard of located at Horne. If you ever 2211 Fruitville visited Bob’s Place Road, in in the Rosemary Sarasota.

District, you’d remember him and his extensive collection of circus photographs and posters plastered on the diner’s walls. Whether you tasted it or just heard about it, you’d recall his cream of skunk soup and beaver tails. (Don’t worry: Neither dish is made with real skunk or beaver.)

The red, white and blue “bar car” of Bob’s Train was originally a New York day coach that housed back-to-back seats for its trips from New York to Boston. When Amtrak took over the rails and began buying new rolling stock, it was sent to the Vandenberg Airport, in Tampa, and it used to take work crews out to missile launch sites. Horne purchased the bar car and two other cars — the utility car and a main dining car — from the Ringling Bros. Circus in 2005. At the time, the cars were compartmentalized with tiny rooms, similar to military barracks, in which families lived. They were last used during the circus’ 2004 blues show.

“When I was teaching at Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences, the thought was always, ‘If I had a chance to play with trains ... ’ This (train) is 345 feet long right

Loren Mayo

“This last car will be the main dining car that seats 96 people,” Bob Horne says. “It has about 400 or more photos of the world of circus and entertainment. I had a bunch of photos in the diner, but not even one-third of what I have here.” now and more than 250 tons — it’s a pretty good-sized toy.”

The utility and main dining cars contain historical photo galleries of famous people, past and present, who have come to Sarasota. They’ve all been involved in music, sports or the circus, but mostly the circus. There’s a photo of Pope John Paul II receiving his circus top hat and diploma as a circus ringmaster from The Rev. Jerry Hogan. There’s a drawing of John Ringling as a clown at age 18, as well as a photograph of the inaugural performance of the Ringling Circus Oct. 28, 1928, at Central Avenue and 11th Street.

Along one of the walls, Marilyn Monroe can be seen riding an elephant painted pink just for her.

“This is no longer my train,” Horne says, his eyes scanning the walls. “This is a museum, and it’s ending up being owned by the people of Sarasota. I get to play the ham, which is not difficult for me, because I’m a well-cured ham.”

Getting the train up and running has taken longer than Horne thought would be necessary. However, the original concept — a dinner train that runs from Sarasota to Tampa and to Gainesville, Raymond James Stadium and Jacksonville

PRIZED POSSESSION In addition to Bob’s train, Horne’s most prized piece of history is JOMAR — John and Mable Ringling’s private train car that he’s restoring.

Whenever Horne gives tours of the train, he likes to tell the stories of the Ringling’s travels aboard JOMAR. “I moved JOMAR down the street at 4 a.m. in 2004,” Horne said. “It weighed 80 tons. I had a police escort in the front and back, and circus fans watching as we set it back on the tracks.”

When Horne acquired the train, it was rusted through, and the roof was in deplorable shape.

Homeless people had broken into it and been living in it and under it, and anything of value had been stolen for scrap or burned.

Horne plans to return it to its original 1917 state and having the capability of hosting private parties and dinners. As Horne’s way of giving back to the community, JOMAR will become an auction item for organizations to raise money by offering nights on the car for up to three couples. for football games, which he’s gotten approval for through Amtrak — excites him.

“The most fun will be costume-party nights when we have 400 guests and staff dressed to the nines in period costume

from the 1880s and 1920s,” Horne says.

“The trolleys will meet the train and take everyone to the art galleries in downtown Tampa for a private champagne reception.”

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ghostwriter

THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

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COLUMN

art scene HEARD

by Heidi Kurpiela and Loren Mayo

+ ‘Ghost-Writer’ scribe makes a case for hyphens

working for months without my presence, and then I show up at the end and see the fruits of their Playwright Michael Hollinger labor.” made a guest appearance May In addition to attending a per19, at Florida Studio Theatre, to formance of the show, Hollinger, discuss his latest work, “Ghosta professor at Philadelphia’s Writer,” which closes FST’s mainVillanova University, parstage season this weekticipated in a Q&A sesend. sion with audience memDuring his whirlwind bers and a brainstorming 24 hours in Sarasota, tête-à-tête with theater Hollinger, whose critiinterns. cally acclaimed “Opus” It turns out the writer’s ran during the company’s calculated decision to 2008-2009 season, hyphenate “Ghost-Writer” dined with co-producers didn’t go unnoticed by of the play, along with Courtesy photo discerning FST interns.

“Ghost-Writer” Director Asked why he opted Michael Hollinger Kate Alexander. for a hyphen in the title, The 49-year-old writer Hollinger replied, “It admits that although he rarely gets suggests the dual nature of the to meet the people who present ghostwriter in the play.” his plays, the connection is still To see what he means by this “weirdly intimate.” cryptic explanation, check out “My collaborators are usually so “Ghost-Writer” before it wraps June far-flung, especially this late in the 4. For tickets, visit www.floridasturun,” Hollinger says. “They’ve been diotheatre.org.

HOT TICKETS ‘Marilyn: Forever Blonde’:

It’s the award-winning one-woman Marilyn Monroe story starring actress Sunny Thompson.

The play features 17 songs by songwriters from Irving Berlin to Harold Arlen that were all performed by Monroe in her films and are used to help explain her provocative journey. Opening night is at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at Asolo Rep’s Mertz Theatre, 555 N. Tamiami Trail.

Performances start at 8 p.m. and run Wednesday through Saturday, with 2 p.m. matinee performances on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Tickets are $17 to $65. For more information, call the box office at 351-8000.

Courtesy photo

Sunny Thompson as Marilyn Monroe

+ Booker Middle spends a night at the Met For the past few weeks, 35 students from Booker Middle School have immersed themselves in Verdi’s “Il Trovatore.”

Nose in book, they’ve studied the story of the opera, learned the arias of the characters, explored Verdi’s life and documented their

work through journal writing, photographs and video.

The students, who are enrolled in creative writing and visual performing-arts chorus classes at BMS, attended the HD simulcast of “Il Trovatore” from the Metropolitan Opera Wednesday,

May 18, at Regal Cinemas Hollywood 20. They kicked off the evening with an Italian meal at Mediterraneo.

The program is a pilot of The Met: HD Live in Schools, which transmits opera performances live from the Met stage to students.

+ WBTT goes digital with donation The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will be able to ditch its antiquated computer hardware and purchase all sorts of cool, techy devices thanks to a $10,000 grant from The Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

The grant will enable the troupe to communicate seamlessly with each other, and the staff, via new computers, network office computers and provide Internet access at the theater, which will allow for credit card processing.

Courtesy photo

Booker Middle Schoolers attend the HD simulcast of “Il Trovatore.”

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4 ■ Diversions

BACKSTAGE PASS

THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

by Loren Mayo | Community Editor

First-time filmmaker One Sarasota resident is having a sidesplitting time producing a comedy, ‘The Lon Chaney Thing.’

You’d never in a million years picture Mark Troy as a mobster-goon-muscle-guy.

But that’s the exact role he landed for his first film gig two years ago, when a group of college students from the University of Tampa hired him for their film, “The Source.”

“I was Goon No. 3,” says Troy as he props his arm on the nearest pillow of his cushiony couch. He still looks like anything but a mean mobster. “They picked me because I looked kind of heavy built, and I can make a mean face if I have to. I didn’t have any lines — and I was thrilled with that.”

“The Source” helped Troy branch off into other arenas. He graduated from acting in student films and moved up to independent productions with seasoned professionals.

When Troy was 13 years old, he took to his neighborhood with his parents’ 8mm camera, making movies that ranged from science fiction and horror to comedies.

But he knew pursuing filmmaking as a career wasn’t an option, so he put it on the back burner, set his sights on college and entered the corporate world.

Two years ago, after spending 20 years in financial services, Troy knew the timing was right for him to reunite with his longtime passions — acting and filming. Wanting to take some professional lessons, he signed up for standup comedy classes at McCurdy’s Humor Institute, which went nothing like he expected. He bombed.

“At first, they have it set up so that a

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Film faves Jack Nicholson — “He was especially great as R.P. McMurphy in ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.’ He had a big impact on me.”

Jerry Lewis — “You either love him or hate him, but you can’t beat him for over-the-top comedy. I always liked his solo stuff more than his films with Dean Martin.”

Buster Keaton and Lon Chaney Sr. — “Two true masters from the 1920s.

Keaton owned physical comedy and Chaney, of course, ‘The Man of a Thousand Faces.’”

Loren Mayo

“The most fun I had in a role was playing Clint in ‘Sometimes Called Falling in Love,’” Mark Troy says. “He was this egotistical guy going on a blind date, and I ended up faking this overthe-top Southern accent and had camera guys laughing so hard they couldn’t even look at me.” friendly little audience comes in when you give standup, but after that, it’s miserable,” Troy says. “It’s a whole different thing trying to do your own thing with jokes you think are funny, and you’re trying to deliver and there’s dead silence. I still do standup, but only when I’m feeling masochistic and think I need some punishment.”

Troy did 10 to 12 films during his first year acting, but when work started to space out, he started making his own films here and there, but they were more for humor than anything else. One night while watching “Man of One Thousand

Faces” with his significant other, Patricia Woodruff, the two started blurting out silly movie ideas.

“It’s about the life of Lon Chaney, a superstar from 1920s silent movies, who had the ability to transform himself physically into anything you could imagine — grotesque people, women, the Hunchback of Notre Dame,” Troy says. “We thought it would be funny if I made a film of me being a bad Lon Chaney, someone who wants to be a master of disguises but isn’t good at it at all.”

So that’s what Troy did. His first task was

finding someone with the right equipment and a good sense of humor — someone who would see the silliness in the film.

He contacted Joel Godin, of Venice, who happily agreed to co-produce the film and direct the photography. He then tracked down the actors: David Vogel, Sarasota actors Sage Hall and Patrick McCall, and John Smith, who is appearing in the upcoming Robert Redford feature, “The Conspirators.” They started filming May 14 and shot scenes at the HuB, Broadway Bar and L Train, in St. Petersburg.

“This thing is way bigger than me and Patricia filming each other with a flip camera,” Troy says. “Playing (the character of) Mark is a blast, because he’s silly, dumb and doesn’t think about the consequences.

He’s a piece of my alter ego, a goofy child.”

In the film, viewers will see three episodes of Troy’s character trying out newfound methods of expressing himself. One method gets him fired, another gets his wife all fired up and the third finds him physically hurt.

“He does get a victory, but it’s despite his efforts, not because of them,” Troy says.

“Ever since we finished the scenes, everybody has told me to, ‘Please hurry and finish it up,’ because they can’t wait to see it.”

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EDIBLES

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by Molly Schechter | Food Editor

Lee Roy Selmon’s: ‘more than barbecue’ RECIPE

SELMON’S CHOPPED SALAD Yield: one serving

Photos by Molly Schechter

2 cups mixed lettuces, chopped 2 tablespoons red cabbage, chopped 2 tablespoons carrots in matchsticks or shredded 1 tablespoon corn kernels 2 tablespoons cooked bacon, chopped 2 tablespoons red peppers, diced 2 tablespoons tomatoes, diced 2 tablespoons cheddar cheese, grated 5 ounces cooked chicken breast (one breast), chopped finely 1 1/2 ounces honey mustard dressing 1 ounce potato sticks, optional Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish

In a mixing bowl, add lettuce mix, veggies, bacon, cheese and chicken, and toss well with a pair of tongs. Add dressing, and toss evenly to coat.

Mound mixed salad from the mixing bowl high in a salad bowl. Pile potatoes sticks high in the center of the salad.

Sprinkle chopped herb over the salad and serve immediately.

Lee Roy Selmon’s Matt Thomas a busy place. They served 1,238 covers on Mother’s Day; they expect to do that many or more on Father’s Day. It’s no surprise that Valentine’s Day is also a big one.

Thomas has been in the restaurant business 28 years. He started on the grill in the kitchen at Ruby Tuesday and has been with Lee Roy Selmon’s for 10 years. Chef Mike Koertgen is in charge of the kitchen, including the menu’s daily specials.

Selmon’s is a sports bar with a huge bar, lots of big-screen TVs and enthusiastic watchers but without the slightest hint of the grunge that sometimes characterizes the category. At the same time, it is a family restaurant that also does a healthy volume of business lunches. Most of all, Selmon’s is unique to Florida. Thomas says that arriving snowbirds make it one of their first stops. “(They want) Florida staples — what they don’t get a home,” he says.

RECIPE

SELMON’S FRIED GREEN TOMATOES Yield: one appetizer serving 6 to 8 green tomato slices, 1/4-inch thick, cut in half Flour Egg wash Cracker breading (unsalted saltine-type crackers crushed and mixed with flour) Oil for deep frying Green tomato sauce: mayonnaise seasoned to taste with horseradish and Creole mustard.

Toss the tomato slices in flour until coated completely.

Shake off excess flour.

Dip tomato slices into egg wash and evenly coat. Toss tomatoes in the cracker breading until well coated.

Heat oil to 350 degrees and fry slices for three minutes.

Remove and pat with a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Plate with a ramekin of green tomato sauce in the center, and garnish with chopped parsley.

Editor’s note: Egg wash typically consists of one to two tablespoons of water or milk per egg, lightly beaten.

This makes a generous appetizer serving.

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The quote comes from Matt Thomas, the managing partner of this big, friendly place located in University Park. While its signature dishes include the likes of pulled pork, Mama’s meatloaf and wings, the menu is unusually broad. Appetizers range from ahi tuna to cheese fries, and entrées range from citrus-glazed salmon to Hall of Fame ribs. Predictably, there’s a kids menu; less so, there’s a list of everything that’s gluten-free, including a beer — a nice touch.

Named for the famous No. 63 of the Tampa Bay Buccaners, Lee Roy Selmon’s presently numbers six restaurants, two in Tampa and one each in Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Fort Myers and Bradenton. A seventh is set to open in January in Palm Harbor. The Sarasota store seats 220 indoors and out (yes, there is an outdoor area where smoking is allowed). It can be

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THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

REVIEW

Music Without Leif

57369

>> Life

Another swell season begins at

Mic hael’s On Eas t

Michael’s On East is your true Sarasota supper club—

all the alluring glamour of the big city, without leaving town.

Little Italy Night•Mondays $25 per person

Prime Time•Wednesday Prime Rib Three-Course Dinner • $29.95 per person

Lobster Pot•Fridays

Courtesy photo

Sarasota Orchestra’s Leif Bjaland Leif Bjaland is leaving. The announcement that the Sarasota Orchestra’s artistic director and conductor was departing sent shockwaves around the city, but when you think about it for a bit, it really doesn’t come as that much of a surprise.

Bjaland came in 1997 to Sarasota and took over an orchestra that had been under the leadership of Paul Wolf for decades.

Wanting to make his mark on the ensemble, the newcomer slowly etched away at the ranks of musicians, molding them to the sound he wanted and replacing those ready for retirement with a retinue of young, eager, facile instrumentalists.

The repertoire began to change, too.

Commissions were made for new composers to write works specially created for the Sarasota sound. Music that hadn’t made an appearance on a program for many years, if ever, began popping up on Masterworks concerts. Multi-media presentations crept in, illustrating, enlightening and entertaining audiences. And the “showman” side of Bjaland came out in its full glory, speaking, explaining, illumining and cajoling listeners to open their ears, sit up straighter and experience the new along

with the enduring.

The orchestra members were sitting up straighter, too. They were taking tremendous pride in their work because they were being given the opportunity to play, not only as a well-oiled ensemble, but also as soloists and chamber musicians.

Bjaland became an innovator. His “Journeys to Genius” programs illuminating the life of a particular composer or style through music, commentary and videos are nothing short of genius in themselves.

Innovator, orchestra-builder, clear, concise, emotional and inspirational conductor, Bjaland has brought a lot to Sarasota in more than 15 years. But, whether it was his idea to leave or whether it was a mutual decision or, perhaps, a misguided judgment from a well-intentioned board, it probably is time for a change — for all parties. Moving from here can only stimulate growth: for Bjaland, the orchestra and us.

The next two seasons should be fascinating. Let’s hope those making the choice are wise enough to look for someone who will build on the road Bjaland’s paved.

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THURSDAY, june 2, 2011

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CAMERA READY

Molly Schechter’s Birthday Party

Monday, May 23 | Michael’s On East Wine Cellar

Photos by Emily Walsh Parry

Nikki Seddaca, B.J. Creighton, Janet Hunter, Gloria Moss and Vicki Rollo

Molly Schechter and her sister, Sara Alexander

Lee Peterson, Betty Schoenbaum and Jewel Ash

Flori Roberts and Flora Major

Claire Love, Renee Sheade, Rosalie Krone

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Beverly and Ray Broth with Frank and Barbara Hodalski

Lincoln Day Dinner Jennifer Retzer and state Rep. Greg Steube

Republican Party of Sarasota County Wednesday, May 25 | Michael’s On East

Drs. Jacqueline and Thomas Kelly

Debby and Burt Rosenfield

Steve and Inna Snyder with Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos

Guest speaker Sen. Rick Santorum and Joe Gruters

8 ■ Diversions

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Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty and Prudential Palms Realty are sister companies serving Manatee and Sarasota Counties. © 2011. An independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.

Equal Housing Opportunity

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