Issuu

bserver O LONGBOAT

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

free • Thursday, JULY 26, 2012

INSIDE

DIVERSIONS news

Don Wallace’s plays hit close to home. PAGE 18A

Rick Kerby sets the stage for a new home. INSIDE

OUR TOWN

benefit breakdown

Key Club’s golf courses sustain minimal Debby damage. PAGE 7A

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Pension freeze would retire DROP Elimination of the Deferred Retirement Option Plan and other changes are part of a town proposal to freeze pension plans, according to a new Q&A.

Vicki

File photo

+ Vicki hasn’t left the building Vicki the swan is back in the water. Swankeeper David Novak calls her improvement “dramatic.” Although she is better, Novack said it’s hard to say if she will breed next season. In other swan news, Stan and Wendy’s cygnet is being “a wild child,” according to Novak. The cygnet is trying to hang out with the new pair of swans who want nothing to do with it. Novak managed to get the familial trio back together for a feeding. He says the young cygnet is not viable for another six to eight weeks.

To begin receiving monthly retirement benefits, town employees could have to actually retire — as in stop working for and collecting a paycheck from the town. If the town freezes its pension plans, it would drop DROP (the Deferred Retirement Option Program) for employees who aren’t enrolled as of the freeze date, according to

a Q&A placed on the town’s website, longboatkey.org, that answers 75 questions about a proposal to transition employees from current defined-benefit plans to definedcontribution 401(a) accounts, in which employees would receive a town match of up to 13%. Any employee who receives the monthly pension benefits they

earned prior to the freeze date would be required to terminate his or her employment with the town. DROP employees are effectively retired but continue to work for the town, and the town places their monthly pension checks in an interest-bearing account.

LBK CONFIDENTIAL by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Mediation doesn’t end litigation for Longboat Key Club

+ Historical Society on summer hiatus

IPOC President Bob White said that the mediation process was completed but didn’t rule out the possibility of future discussions.

The Longboat Key Historical Society will be closed for the summer and will re-open Oct. 1. If you need to contact the Historical Society, direct inquires to docent Vera Freeman at 383-2952.

+ Kiwanis gives scholarships Out of 77 applicants, the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key, through its tax-exempt scholarship foundation, has granted scholarships to 19 youth from Sarasota and Manatee counties. The group awarded $2,000 scholarships to 14 scholars and $1,250 to five students of Manatee Technical Institute. Scholarship Chairman Weldon Frost and his committee of Dr. Larry Kassouf, Glenn Peterson, Dr. Jim Whitman and Matt Walsh, reviewed every application to arrive choose the recipients.

Turtle tracks

OH, MY DARLIN’

Week of July 15 through July 21

Nests...............................50 False crawls.....................35 2012 2011 Nests 565 243 False crawls 415 198

SEE PENSION / 2A

Rachel S. O’Hara

Clementine Schwartz, 7 1/2, helps to pick up balls after doing hitting drills at tennis camp Monday, July 23, at the Longboat Key Club and Resort Tennis Gardens. This was the eighth week of the 10 one-week tennis camps at the club.

One day of mediation didn’t end more than four years of legal wrangling involving the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s proposed $400 million Islandside redevelopment-and-expansion plan. Town Attorney David Persson wrote in a July 18 email to the Longboat Key Town Commission: “Mayor Brown and I attended a confidential mediation in an attempt to arrive at a settlement regarding the above matters. Regretfully, mediation was unsuccessful. Since the rules of mediation require confidentiality, I am unable to discuss with you what occurred during the mediation. If you would like to discuss anything else, please contact me at your convenience.” The conference took place Wednesday, July 18 with retired Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge George Greer mediating. It took place at Inn on the

Beach, and the Key Club and Islandside Property Owners Coalition (IPOC) each footed half of Greer’s $300-an-hour fee, according to stipulations filed in the Sarasota County Clerk of the Court’s Office prior to mediation. IPOC President Bob White, Sanctuary resident Jim Thomas and L’Ambiance resident Irwin Pastor were listed as IPOC’s representatives for the discussions, while Key Club General Manager Michael Welly, former Loeb Partners Realty President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Brody, and Loeb Vice President Adam Tegge represented the Key Club. Those participating in the conference reserved the hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but Persson emailed commissioners at 4:07 p.m. that day to let them know that discussions were unsuccessful.

SEE KEY CLUB / 2A

INDEX Bridge Bites....... 23A Briefs....................4A

Classifieds ........ 25A Cops Corner....... 10A

Crossword.......... 25A Opinion.................8A

Real Estate........ 15A Weather............. 24A

Vol. 35, No. 1 | Two sections YourObserver.com

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

KEY CLUB / FROM 1A

PENSION / FROM 1A

The failed attempt at mediation leaves litigation involving the project as it was before the parties agreed to discussions. Currently, two challenges over the project remain pending. The Key Club and the town asked the 2nd District Court of Appeals to overturn a ruling by the 12th Judicial Circuit Court that granted a writ of certiorari to IPOC and the L’Ambiance and Sanctuary condominium associations in their challenge of the development order by which the commission approved the project in June 2010. A separate declaratory action in which IPOC is the only plaintiff and the town is the lone defendant also remains pending in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court. IPOC claims in that challenge that the commission’s development order was inconsistent with the town’s Comprehensive Plan. A Sept. 17 trial has been scheduled, which will likely be pushed back because of an amended complaint filed by IPOC that addresses recent changes to the town’s zoning code. Because of confidentiality requirements, none of the parties involved in mediation can comment. But Key Club attorney John Patterson expressed ongoing frustrations with attempts at discussions with IPOC. “What would be acceptable, I have never seen,” he said. “I don’t know what it is. As far as this whole process has been, it’s been like shadowboxing. It’s never been specific, what they would accept.” White said that the mediation process was completed but didn’t rule out the possibility of future discussions. He disagreed, however, with the way Patterson characterized ongoing discussions, referring to a May 7 letter he wrote to Islandside residents and the press, in which he cited an offer from IPOC at December 2009 Planning & Zoning Board hearings and a compromise suggested by then-Mayor George Spoll in the hearings leading up to the project’s approval. “In addition to these efforts, there were three private meetings, one of which included Loeb’s top management, where alternatives were offered. In each case the Club flatly rejected the offers,” White wrote. But, still, White expressed disappointment that mediation wasn’t successful. “We’re disappointed that there was no resolution, and I’m sure that the town and the Key Club are disappointed in that regard,” he said.

For example, in 2008, the Longboat Observer reported that a Planning Zoning & Building employee retired and was rehired at a $92,622.40 salary. Because he enrolled in DROP, he began collecting monthly pension checks of $5,782.90 in a separate account that, with interest, would have totaled more than $346,000 before taxes at the end of five years. Currently, just one general employee and one police employee are enrolled in DROP. The questions were generated from a meeting in May, during which Town Manager David Bullock presented the proposal to general employees, who are not represented by a collective bargaining unit. Any change to firefighter and police pension plans must take place as part of a bargaining process. Bullock has made a similar proposal to firefighters during contract negotiations. Police officers, whose contract doesn’t expire until September 2013, will likely begin contract negotiations in March, according to Lisa Silvertooth, the town’s human resources manager. Police captains, who are part of the police pension plan but are not represented by a union, also submitted questions. According to Silvertooth, the most common question employees asked was about the possibility of allowing vested employees to keep their current benefits while setting up a different system for new hires. Employees also asked about other possibilities that could reduce the town’s pension costs while maintaining a defined-

benefit plan, such as a lower multiplier for future years of service and allowing employees to increase their contributions toward their pension. The town’s response to each question is essentially that the town would still further its risk of further investment losses and increased pension costs — the type of exposure and unpredictability that the town aims to avoid. The Q&A also contains other benefit-related questions. It states that the current policy of allowing vacation payouts to current employees is under review, although the town is currently required to make vacation payouts when an employee retires. Although it states that the town has no plans to change medical payouts, “there are no mandates that the town make these payouts upon retirement.” Another question employees posed: Will “at will” employees — i.e. directors, who were given the option of switching to 401(a)s with a 16% town contribution in 2002 — have their contribution reduced to the 13% proposed for other employees. The town’s answer: “There are no plans to do this at this time. The ‘at will’ employees are in a different employment category.” The town can impose changes to non-bargaining employees’ pension. However, the town is trying to move firefighters and general employees toward the new system at a similar pace, although that may not be possible because of factors such as union negotiations.

Q&A Here are a few questions-and-answers listed on the town’s website. For the full Q&A, visit YourObserver.com. Why are we paying for someone else’s mistake? The town contribution to the cost of pensions ranges from just under 40% of payroll to just more than 80% of payroll. When combined with other benefits, many employees’ benefit costs exceed salary. The cost of pensions has become unmanageable and continues to escalate. This problem can be seen in communities across the nation. The town is attempting to establish a fair and reasonable pension system that, when combined with personal savings, Social Security and other retirement funds, employees can be assured of a comfortable retirement. Does no one care what this change does to our families and futures? The town desires to offer retirement options to employees that allow each employee to plan and manage their retirement affairs so that a reasonable retirement income is achieved. Under the proposed system, employees are responsible for planning and managing their retirement investments. The town will make expert advisers and a variety of investment plans available to each employee to help them make good decisions. Why was the Pension Board not in the loop when it was the one looking out for us? We are not union; we should have been better informed. The Pension Board is responsible for overseeing and managing the defined benefit pension program. The decision of what pension program to offer is up to the Town Commission. The pension boards will continue to manage the frozen plans. What changes in the workforce do you anticipate with these plan changes? The town does not anticipate any reductions in positions due to pension reform. There may be changes in the work force as a result of pension changes or there may not be. If current employees choose to leave, the town will hire new employees.

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Longboat Observer

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THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

ACCUMULATING INTEREST? by Robin Hartill | City Editor

At-large interest Primary election Q&A doesn’t mean it’s SARASOTA County Supervisor of Elections a crowded race elections

by Rod Thomson | Editor-at-Large

Editor’s note: As the Aug. running for a fourth term. 14 primary election nears, the Thaxton had a political war Longboat Observer will be chest of nearly $70,000, and he publishing short profiles and turned it on the Supervisor of Q&A segments from each of the Elections Office. Dent, at that candidates who will represent moment, had raised less than Manatee and Sarasota coun- $2,000 with no opposition. It ties. is almost an issueless cam2012 paign between the two, In this week’s issue, PRIMARY because the job is not we feature candidates ELECTION for Sarasota County Supolicy-related so much as pervisor of Elections. For ministerial. complete responses from all Thaxton, who has cultiprimary election candidates, vated a career as a calm, mildvisit YourObserver.com. mannered politician often focused on environmental and ... growth issues, wasted no time The normally sedate, mun- going negative — something dane race for Sarasota County that is considered a near-neSupervisor of Elections is one cessity in unseating a wellof the most heated local races known incumbent. Thaxton criticized Dent for this year, pitting two longtime, successful Sarasota poli- the well-known controversy over the touch-screen voting ticians against each other. It did not appear it was go- machines in 2006 that resulted ing to be this way. Kathy Dent, in thousands of under votes, supervisor for 12 years, was and her lesser-known decision running uncontested for the to deny a recount to a Charmostly administrative posi- ter Review Board candidate in tion. She wasn’t campaign- 2010. He has made it personal ing or even fundraising. But a against Dent, charging incomcourt ruling that enforced the petence and a lack of personal voter-approved term limits integrity overall in her office. “I think the integrity (issue) blocked Sarasota County Commissioner Jon Thaxton from goes a little further than just

Kathy Dent

Age: 62 Family: Married to attorney, John Dent. Five

children and eight grandchildren

Hometown: Born in Butler, Pa. —

raised in Callensburg, Pa. Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, post-graduate work at the University of South Florida Relevant experience: Elected Supervisor of Elections in 2000, then again in 2004 and 2008; Co-chair of the Florida State Association of Supervisor of Elections’ Education and Training Committee 2002-04 Website: KathyDent.com What would be your top priorities if elected? My priorities, if elected, are to continue to serve the voters of Sarasota County with the same dedication and commitment that I have done over the past, almost 12, years in office. I will continue to be non-partisan, keep politics out of the office and to administer all of the laws regarding elections from the federal and state levels. Sarasota County deserves an elections professional, and I have the qualifications and experience to provide that. Do you favor the current system of primaries, or would you like them changed to closed primaries? Right now, we have closed primaries in the state of Florida. It would take a legislative act to make that change, and it is highly unlikely that either party would want to give up the ability to select the candidates that represent them in the general election. Do more precincts need to be created or should there be fewer? The voting trend in the state of Florida is toward absentee (vote by mail) and early voting. In the 2008 election, 60% of Sarasota voters had voted before we ever opened the polls on Election Day. Because of this state-wide trend, supervisors of elections in Florida have reduced the number of precincts by an average of 34%. Sarasota County has done this consolidation, too, and will save the taxpayers $100,000

the machines,” Thaxton says in debates, referring to the illfated touch-screens six years ago. Dent, clearly taken aback by the attacks on her, was on the defensive at first. But more recently she has come back swinging. She has criticized Thaxton for wrong priorities, taking shots at his status as a layman expert on the endangered scrub jays and being uninformed about the duties of the elections office. Further, she said he was just playing politics with the voting machine issue because he voted to approve buying them as a county commissioner. Both Dent and Thaxton have loyal supporters and high name recognition. In the final quarter campaign finance filing, Dent has raised nearly $15,000 and loaned her campaign $16,000. Thaxton has raised about $11,000 in the same quarter. The candidates each have about $26,000 in their accounts to spend in the final weeks. The office pays $116,000 annually.

per election. At the same time, we will be providing the type of voting that the majority of the voters want. What makes you a better candidate than your opponent? The fact that I am true professional elections administrator. I have conducted 88 elections in my tenure in office and have amassed hundreds of hours of continuing education. I am certified as an elections administrator at both the national and state levels. I have served as president of our state supervisors of elections association. Besides my professional qualifications, I have a passion for the job. Conducting elections get in your blood and then you never want to do anything else.

Jon Thaxton

Age: 54 Family: Married to wife, Dru Hometown: Sarasota Education: Self-employed busi-

nessman since graduating from Venice High School. Relevant experience: Managed family-owned real-estate office; served 12 years as a county commissioner; have extensive experience in making difficult decisions, establishing trust and being accountable to the electorate Website: jonthaxton.net What would be your top priorities if elected? My top priority will be to restore transparency and accountability to the Supervisor of Elections position and improve communication between the supervisor and the electorate. As a county commissioner, I have earned the trust from many groups on opposing sides of an issue. This took a lot of hard work, a willingness to listen to all opinions and the conviction to make tough decisions and disciplined stands. I established my reputation for fairness by always being prepared, transparent and objective. These skills have enabled me to become an effective and trusted county commissioner, known for treating citizens equally and with respect. My goal is for the candidates and the

SEE ELECTION / PAGE 6A

It may come as a shock that the job of Longboat Key town commissioner, which comes with a salary of $0 per year, meetings that can stretch four or five hours and an island full of vocal constituents, doesn’t always attract a lot of interest. But that wasn’t the case last week, when the commission appointed Grand Bay resident Terry Gans to fill the at-large commission seat vacated earlier this month by Hal Lenobel. The town sought résumés from interested citizens and got eight responses for the term, which expires in March. But, at this stage — albeit, an early one with eight months to go until the election — that isn’t necessarily a sign that interest in commission seats is growing. Of the seven remaining residents to express interest, only Village resident Mark Wickersham has taken out candidate papers. According to Town Clerk Trish Granger, Wickersham picked up a candidate packet at the same time he submitted his name for the vacancy but hasn’t returned documentation yet. Wickersham, a Longboat Key native, told the Longboat Observer that he will probably run for one of two at-large seats in March. “I’ve lived out here all my life,” he said. “I just want to see it get better.” The Longboat Observer was unable to reach Jack Daly and former Commissioner Gene Jaleski, both of whom were also interested in the seat, for comment. Bayou resident Ray Rajewski, who ran for the District 3 seat against Vice Mayor David Brenner in March and lost by a narrow 90 votes, was interested in being appointed to the atlarge seat but declined to comment about whether he wants to run in March. “It really is too early for that,” he said. Former Commissioner Randy Clair said that parties whom he couldn’t name approached him about seeking the seat; he indicated that he was unlikely to run

again. “I indicated that I might be interested if I were appointed,” he said. “It will be four years since I was in office last. That’s a long time to not be in elected office. I think we seem to have a lot of good people coming forward.” Leonard Garner, who sits on the Planning & Zoning Board, said that he, too, was approached about seeking the seat but would be unlikely to run. “My philosophy was very similar to what Terry Gans said,” Garner said, referring to Gans’ cover letter, in which he wrote that he wanted the seat only on an interim basis. “I think they made a very good choice,” Garner said. But former Commissioner Woody Wolverton was upset with the process by which the selection unfolded. “The mayor opened up the meeting and said that this is so wonderful that they (interested candidates) want to participate in our government,” Wolverton said. After Mayor Jim Brown made his opening remarks, commissioners began nominating candidates. But, before that, Wolverton thought he would be able to get up and address the commission. “We just got railroaded,” Wolverton said. “None of us got to say one thing. It’s a bunch of bureaucrats running this town.” Wolverton expressed his thoughts in an email to Brown (see sidebar below). Brown’s response included a suggestion that Wolverton consider running for one of the four seats that will be open in the general election next March. In addition to the election for Gans’ seat, Brown and Commissioners Jack Duncan and Phill Younger are up for re-election. Wolverton told the Longboat Observer that he doesn’t plan to run for the election. Other candidates said they didn’t expect to address the commission. “The commission only asked for a résumé and statement of interest,” Clair said. “If they had wanted more information, they could have asked for it.”

Email exchange Former Commissioner Woody Wolverton and Mayor Jim Brown exchanged the following emails after the Town Commission’s Tuesday, July 17 special meeting in which Terry Gans was appointed as a commissioner. “(I) feel u conducted a meeting today that did not let the people that were trying to run for the commission and (sic) opportunity to tell all of u our qualification. I’ve never felt more rail-roaded than today. U will hear more (from) me.” — Woody Wolverton “Mr. Wolverton, I’m sorry you feel the way you do about the meeting. We ask for and received the resumes and other information from those interested in being considered so that the commissioners could know something about the applicants. Many of us know the individuals well. I spoke at length to you over the phone and I know others did as well. I believe the commissioners had adequate information to make their votes. I’m sure each commissioner voted for the applicant they thought could best do the job for their own reasons. If you wish to be on the commission again, please run for office in March of 2013. There will be 4 seats open in that election including mine.” — Jim Brown

Longboat Observer

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THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

FLORIDA’S NO. 1 WEEKLY NEWSPAPER WEBSITE

IN THE KITCHEN (VIDEO): Kay Kouvatsos of the Village Café on Siesta Key enjoys serving up rice pudding to her family as well as her customers. The recipe was handed down to her from her mother-in-law who got the recipe “eons” ago. MOST READ STORIES ONLINE LAST WEEK: 1. “Woman drowns on Longboat Key” (July 19) 2. “Publix plans for eventful new store” (July 18) 3. “Water advisories in effect for Lido, turtle, north Jetty beaches” (July 20) 4. “gans gets at large seat” (July 18) 5. “In tHe KItCHen WItH: sam Lastinger” (July 16)

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NEWSBRIEFS

+ Woman drowns on Longboat Key A woman drowned late Wednesday afternoon on the beach in the 4300 block of Longboat Key, near Pelican Harbour condominium. Police identified the victim as Jacqueline Landaverde, 36, of Snellville, Ga. She was staying on the Key at Turtle Crawl Inn. A witness told police that he was fishing in an inflatable watercraft and heard calls for help coming from the sandbar area. The witness said that he saw a man “frantically waving and calling out” and the victim being toppled by waves. The witness estimated that Landaverde was under water for three to five minutes. The witness helped to pull her to shore and assisted in attempts to revive her. According to Longboat Key Fire Rescue Deputy Chief David Kyle, Landaverde was likely caught in a rip current. Firefighter/paramedics transported Landaverde to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 5:04 p.m.

last week to talk with residents and business owners who sustained uninsured losses and assist them with the initial claims registration process. For information, call 1-800-621FEMA, or visit disasterassistance.gov.

+ Town software wins ‘best application’ award The Florida Local Government Information Systems Association named software developed by the town for the Fire Rescue Department “Best Application Serving a Public Organization’s Business Needs” at a conference earlier this month. Management Information Systems Director Kathi Pletzke wrote in an email that she demonstrated the software for more than 100 people and fielded questions from attendees who were interested in purchasing it.

+ Key residents eligible for FEMA assistance

+ Publix progress report

Longboat Key residents could be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance for damages sustained during Tropical Storm Debby. FEMA has opened a temporary disaster recovery center for those whose homes or businesses were damaged in Manatee County at the Manatee County Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, with hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. A community-relations team began canvassing Sarasota County

The only thing that can top Publix’s July 12 “topping off” celebration? The actual top going on the grocery-store chain’s new Longboat Key store. Roofing work has been ongoing throughout last week on the new Publix, while scaffolding is going up for the retail shops directly to the west of the new grocery store. Meanwhile, CVS is beginning to look like an operational store, with its wall sign, windows and doors in place.

Robin Hartill

The Things You DON’T See Are The Most Important…

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THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

IN NEED OF SPACE

watchful eye

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Merchants: Parking enforcement crosses line Lido resident arrested St. Armands merchants say that increased parking for Circle burglary Valid excuse? enforcement is taking a toll on their customers. Décor de France owner Jeannie Etheridge was recently having lunch at Terrace on the Circle when she observed from the second story what merchants say is becoming an increasingly common sight on St. Armands Circle: a city staffer issuing multiple parking citations. “They go right down the line,” she said. “If one person is parked over the line, everyone has to park over the line. It’s a domino effect.” Other Circle business owners are concerned that enforcement is crossing the line. Brian Wilson, owner of Madison Avenue Café & Deli, said that his biggest concern is the three-hour time limit now enforced on the Circle six days a week. He feels that it prevents customers from enjoying the Circle. “They can’t get out of their cars, have lunch, go shopping, go to the salon and maybe go get an ice cream without coming back and finding a ticket on their cars,” Wilson said. City Parking Manager Mark Lyons said that there was a citywide shift in enforcement after the Sarasota City Commission voted to bag parking meters in March. “Our focus became more of a parking monitoring and enforcement program so that we could help ensure that there is turnover within those spaces,” he said. Parking staff was previously “more broadly assigned,” Lyons said, but the shift in approach has caused staff to focus more on areas such as St. Armands.

The commission also voted in March to make parking enforcement uniform in downtown, St. Armands Circle and Hillview’s Southside Village, with enforcement hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. That increased the Circle’s enforcement hours, which were previously 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. five days a week. Diana Corrigan, executive director of the St. Armands Circle Association, said at a June 12 St. Armands Business Improvement District (BID) meeting that dinner customers often can’t shop after their meals because of time constraints. Corrigan told the Longboat Observer that she has received many phone calls, emails, letters and visits from customers angry about parking tickets in recent months. “They have come back so angry that they have returned the things that they have purchased on the Circle,” she said. “It’s really hurting the businesses.” Eric Seace, owner of Planet and president of the Circle Association, said that merchants are hoping for a “toned down” approach. For example, if a car is parked just slightly over a line, perhaps a ticket writer could give the vehicle operator a break. “We’re just looking for realistic parking enforcement,” he said. Lyons plans to attend a Circle Association board of directors meeting in August to discuss enforcement with merchants. And, as he pointed out, anyone

Anyone issued a parking ticket has 14 days to dispute the citation. Appeal forms are available at parking.sarasotagov.com. Here are a few reasons for which your citation could dismissed, according to appeal forms: • I’m a current handicap permit holder and received a citation for parking in a handicap space without displaying my permit. • I was involved in an emergency that prevented me from moving my car before the time limit elapsed. • I was incorrectly cited in a numbered space of a paid parking lot where I had already paid the fee and was within the allotted time. These excuses, however, will probably leave you writing a check for $25 (if you were over the time limit) or $35 (if you were outside the line): • I didn’t know the city’s parking regulations. • I had an appointment conflict or was late going to or returning from appointments. • I couldn’t find a valid parking space. who feels that he or she has been unfairly ticketed can appeal the citation and include documentation, such as pictures, to help them make his or her case within 14 days of the citation’s issuance.

Sarasota police say that officer Donzia Franklin’s knowledge of the area helped her nab the suspect. A Lido Shores resident was arrested last week after an alleged burglary at La Malinche Mexican Restaurant, 40 S. Blvd. of the Presidents, on St. Armands Circle. According to Sarasota police, officer Donzia Franklin was on bicycle patrol around 4 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, when she noticed Jeffrey Todaro walking quickly, westbound on John Ringling Boulevard. Franklin, who has patrolled Lido, St. Armands and Bird keys for the past 18 years, often on bicycle, recognized Todaro, 44, as a Lido Shores resident. One minute later, she was dispatched to a burglary scene at La Malinche. The restaurant’s owner, Azore Fontanot, told police that he heard someone moving inside the restaurant and confronted the perpetrator, who shoved the owner and swung at him before running away. Franklin returned to the area where she had been patrolling and found Todaro riding a bicycle northbound on North Washing-

ton Drive, the report states. She stopped him, and Fontanot traveled to the scene and identified him has the perpetrator. Todaro was arrested on charges of burglary of an occupied dwelling. He has 17 prior arrests, including 14 felony and 13 misdemeanor charges. His listed address is in the 400 block of Bowdoin Circle, however, he is not the owner of the property, according to property records. At press time, he remained in Sarasota County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bond. A news release from Sarasota police stated that Franklin was able to make the arrest because she “was doing bike patrol at 4 a.m., and she is active enough in the community to recognize Todaro and know where he was likely to be going.” Franklin has received the Sarasota “Officer of the Year” award, two meritorious service medals and two lifesaving medals. Last year, the Lido Shores Homeowners Association presented her with its Community Service Award.

We know the value of water,

and we work to preserve it. Mosaic understands what it means to be good stewards of our water supply. Over a span of nearly 40 years, the industry has reduced its water usage by more than 75 percent. Today, we recycle approximately 95 percent of the water we use at our mining facilities. We’re continually seeking new ways to further reduce our water usage, and to preserve vital resources well into the future.

80811

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

ELECTION / FROM PAGE 3A issues to dominate the headlines, not the supervisor of elections.

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

Do you favor the current system of primaries, or would you like them changed to closed primaries? I favor the Florida Constitution. Our state constitution was overwhelmingly amended by the voters to require open primaries: “If all candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and the winner will have no opposition in the general election … ” A loophole was created to keep primaries closed when a Florida Division of Election’s staff member interpreted the intent and will of the voters by suggesting that a write-in candidate is “opposition” to candidates whose names actually appear on the ballot. In one case, a Democratic candidate used her own mother as a write-in candidate to close the primary. In another, a candidate hand-delivered her opponent’s paperwork to the elections office to qualify him as a write-in candidate, again closing the primary. This conflict needs to be resolved by elected legislators, or the voters, not an appointed bureaucrat in Tallahassee. Do more precincts need to be created or should there be fewer? As voters move more and more toward absentee ballots and early voting, the need for precincts will decrease. Strategically designed new precinct boundaries will improve efficiencies and save taxpayers’ money, while still maintaining access to the traditional voting on Election Day at the polls for those who prefer it. What makes you a better candidate than your opponent? A supervisor of elections needs to be considered by the electorate as a fair-minded, impartial official; able to maintain open and civil communications with multiple and widely varied groups and political parties. By treating people with respect, maintaining open communications and being attentive to the needs of the community as a whole, I believe that I have attained this difficult-to-reach goal. Last year, I was recognized with top awards from the Coalition of Business Associations and the Gulf Coast Business Exchange for my efforts on preserving Florida jobs and its economy. I was also recognized with top awards from the Florida Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Society, for my work in preserving Florida’s natural environment. The division between these two groups is wide, and rarely do they agree. However, they all agreed that my management style and leadership abilities on significant state issues was deserving of their highest recognition.

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Left: CANADA. East County resident Michelle Crabtree has taken “travel lightly” to a whole new level. Instead of bringing along stacks of reading material, she brought her iPad to pass the time while waiting for the train in Jasper, Alberta, Canada. And, not only did she catch up on all her daily hometown news on YourObserver. com — she creatively thought to snap a photo for our “It’s Read Everywhere” contest. The next time you forget your newspaper at home while on vacation, dig out your iPads or your smart phones and log onto our website to take the digital version of an IRE photo.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Mosquito boom bugs Villagers Mosquito-related calls are up following Tropical Storm Debby, but Debby isn’t the only one to blame for the boom in bloodsuckers.

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experience problems such as algae that can often arise after a major rain event when synthetic fertilizers are used. Reilly estimates that organic fertilization costs 30% to 40% more than typical fertilization methods. The approach results in grass that grows more slowly but also more densely than usual. Additionally, since the Key Club implemented organic methods, it has gotten periodic complaints about the smell. But, Reilly believes the tradeoff is a worthwhile one. “I think if we had had a normal or regular golf course, we probably would have had a lot of turf damage and loss,” he said.

MUSSELS • LOBSTER • ANTIPASTO

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hold stagnant water. “Places like tires, fish ponds, refuge, trash, bird baths,” Lesser said. “The kind of things that people forget about are the kind of areas we see (increased activity).” So, why does the Village seem more plagued by mosquitoes than the rest of the Key? Probably because it has lots of singlefamily homes with backyards, where mosquito-generating containers can accumulate, unlike the rest of the Key, which consists mostly of condominiums. Lesser’s agency will typically spray any home that reports a problem with mosquitoes within 24 hours. In order to conduct spraying efforts via helicopter, the county must document that a larger area of at least 500 to 1,000 acres is impacted by mosquito activity. Still, according to Lesser, Longboat Key’s mosquito population appears to be declining in the weeks following Debby. But the population of mosquitoes biting Braha doesn’t seem to be going away. He is still getting bitten, especially in the early morning and late afternoon — and he is encouraging his neighbors to contact the county to document the issue.

You’ve probably heard about Tropical Storm Debby’s toll on Longboat Key’s beach by now, but what about Debby’s impact on that other island amenity that for many visitors and residents is a favorite place to spend a sunny day? We’re talking about the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s Islandside and Harbourside golf courses, and according to Director of Agronomy John Reilly, the courses held up well. Reilly estimates that the courses were left with just three acres of dead grass out of a total 187 acres. Although cleanup efforts involving downed trees remain ongoing, the Key Club was able to re-open its Harbourside course within three days and its Islandside course within six days of Debby’s impacts. Debby was the first major storm to hit the area since the Key Club began using an organic approach to fertilizing its golf course nearly three years ago, and Reilly believes that the approach mitigated damages to the course. Since September 2009, the Key Club has used animal waste-based fertilizer on its courses, which, unlike synthetic fertilizers, has no salt added. As a result, when the courses flooded with saltwater during the tropical storm, the grass didn’t experience the salt burn that often causes grass to turn brown or yellow. Additionally, the courses didn’t

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Longboat Key Club Director of Agronomy John Reilly attributes Tropical Storm Debby’s minimal impact on the club’s golf courses to a new approach to fertilization.

Critter contacts

Strom

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Key golf courses benefit from low-salt, organic diet

82214

James Braha has an itching desire to get rid of the mosquitoes that have been taking quite a few bites out of him lately in the Longbeach Village. “They became bad consistently three or four months ago,” he said. “They’ve been eating me alive.” If you’re a Village resident, and you’ve been even more bugged than usual this summer, you’re not alone. “We have this every year to varying degrees, but I think this year it’s worse because of the storms,” said Commissioner Pat Zunz, who lives in Land’s End. “We’ve had past seasons that were basically drought seasons.” Manatee County Mosquito Control District sprayed in the Village area earlier this month and will likely return for more spraying. Christopher Lesser, assistant director of the Manatee County Mosquito Control District, said that his agency has been getting between three and five times the number of mosquito complaints it typically receives since Tropical Storm Debby. But the population of the bloodsucking bugs in question, known as the yellowfever mosquito because of one illness they spread (although Florida hasn’t had a documented yellow-fever case in more than 50 years) has been surging throughout Manatee County and, to an extent, the entire state, for reasons that aren’t clear to officials. Their best guess: Increased urbanization throughout the state, which increases mosquito-breeding habitat. Lesser said that the increased mosquitoes are largely bred in containers that

PAR FOR THE COURSE

MUSSELS • LOBSTER • ANTIPASTO

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LONGBOAT Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Observer opinion | our view LONGBOAT

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor & CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@ yourobserver.com Executive Editor / Lisa Walsh, lwalsh@ yourobserver.com Chief Digital Officer / Emily Walsh Parry, ewalsh@yourobserver.com Deputy Executive Editor / Jessica Luck, jluck@ yourobserver.com Assistant Managing Editor/Design / Nancy Schwartz, nschwartz@yourobserver.com Assistant Managing Editor/News / Randi Donahue, rdonahue@yourobserver.com Senior Editor / Dora Walters, dwalters@ yourobserver.com City Editor / Robin Hartill, rhartill@yourobserver. com Black Tie Editor / Loren Mayo, lmayo@ yourobserver.com Arts & Entertainment Editor / Mallory Gnaegy, mgnaegy@yourobserver.com Web Editor / Eddie Kirsch, ekirsch@yourobserver. com Staff Photographer / Rachel O’Hara, rohara@ yourobserver.com Copy Editor / Maria Amodio Editor-at-Large / Rod Thomson, rthomson@ yourobserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, jraleigh@ yourobserver.com East County Advertising Manager /Lori Ruth, lruth@yourobserver.com; Digital Sales Manager / Kathleen O’Hara, kohara@yourobserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, lritter@yourobserver.com; Advertising Executives / Victoria Baga, vbaga@yourobserver.com; Penny DiGregorio, pdigregorio@yourobserver.com; Rosemary Felton, rfelton@yourobserver.com; Darcy Jahn, djahn@yourobserver.com; Chris Kelley, ckelley@ yourobserver.com; Robert Lewis, blewis@ yourobserver.com; Rose Mango, rmango@ yourobserver.com; Suzanne Munroe, smunroe@ yourobserver.com; Kelly Shirmer; kshirmer@ yourobserver.com; Kenji Trujillo, ktrujillo@ yourobserver.com Sales & Marketing Coordinator / Leslie Gnaegy, lgnaegy@yourobserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Danae DeShazer, ddeshazer@yourobserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Managers / Susan Leedom, sleedom@yourobserver.com; Rachel Livingston, rlivingston@yourobserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executives/ Maureen Hird, mhird@yourobserver.com; Courtney Callahan, ccallahan@yourobserver.com Interactive Art Director / Caleb Stanton, cstanton@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; Marjorie Holloway, mholloway@yourobserver.com; Luis Trujillo, ltrujillo@yourobserver.com; Chris Stolz, cstolz@ yourobserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Keisacker, lkeisacker@yourobserver.com Accounting Manager / Lori Downey, ldowney@ yourobserver.com Accounting Assistant / Kathy Klein, kklein@ yourobserver.com Administration-Subscriptions Coordinator / Donna Condon, dcondon@yourobserver.com ©Copyright The Observer Group Inc. 2012 All Rights Reserved

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The responses: ‘enraged’ “He just leaves you breathless, dumbfounded … enraged.” That was the opening sentence to last week’s editorial on this page. And touche, several readers made the same statement about about us. We enraged them, really enraged them. Check out the letters to the editor. Those are the ones readers signed. H. Murray Blueglass, president of the Longboat Key Democratic Club, empatically let us know his organization will no longer purchase advertising space in the Longboat Observer. And as you read the letters, you’ll see that others thought of our comments as “vile,” “hate filled,” “horrific,” “vitriolic” and “disgusting.” One letter writer called the editorial “hateful claptrap.” Another said the editorial “borders on treason” and noted that he is going to recommend to everyone he knows to boycott our newspapers and keep them from being distributed to Sarasota’s condominiums. Another said he would be calling the Secret Service to report the final line of the editorial — the reference to “a call to arms.” The reaction is understandable. We’ve been in their shoes and know how they feel. We’re not hateful. It’s not personal. Barack Obama is like most of us: He’s a husband and father and tries to do what he believes is right and just. But there’s a deep gulf between his “right and just” and ours. It’s not hate. Call our opposition “passion.” We’re passionately opposed to his vision for the United States — an ever-expanding role for the state that punishes American exceptionalism so the state can pick winners and decide how to make everyone more equal. And mea culpa. In hindsight, our reference to “a call to arms” was the wrong choice of words. They were meant to be metaphoric. When they were written, the Aurora, Colo., tragedy had not occurred. That event made that comment all the more incendiary. It was a metaphor to urge those offended by Obama’s “you didn’t build that” to rally for his defeat in the November elections. Those remarks were the once-and-for-all evidence that Obama’s core being rejects what Hoover Institution senior fellow John B. Taylor calls “the first principles of economic freedom upon which the country was founded.” At the risk of offending Obama supporters even more, his words and actions confirm: He’s a collectivist.

Excerpts …

“Obama’s supporters claim that he has been falsely charged with being a leftwing ideologue. But based on my reporting, I concluded that Obama is actually in revolt against the values of the society he was elected to lead. Which is why he has refused to embrace American exceptionalism — the idea that Americans are a special people with a special destiny — and why he has railed at the captialist system, demonized the wealthy and embraced the Occupy Wall Street movement.” “Hillary (Clinton) rolled her eyes. “‘I’m the highest-ranking member in Obama’s cabinet,’ she pointed out. ‘I eat breakfast with the guy every Thursday morning. What about loyalty, Bill? What about loyalty? “‘Loyalty is a joke,’ Bill said. ‘Loyalty doesn’t exist in politics. There’s no such word in the political rulebook. I’ve had two successors since I left the White House — Bush and Obama — and I’ve heard more from Bush, asking for my advice, than I’ve heard from Obama. I have no relationship with the president — none whatsoever. Obama doesn’t know how to be president. He doesn’t know how the world works. He’s incompetent. He’s … he’s …’ “Bill’s voice was growing

And that is a rejection of the soul of the United States. As Hoover’s Taylor writes in his new book, “First Principles: Five Keys to Restoring America’s Prosperity”: “At its most basic level, economic freedom means that families, individuals and entrepreneurs are free to decide what to produce, what to consume, what to buy and sell and how to help others. The American vision was that those decisions would be made within a predictable government policy framework based on the rule of law with strong incentives derived from the market system and with a clearly limited role for government.” But ever since his election in 2008, Obama’s goal has been to expand the role of government in your life and shrink the “free” market. This is anathema to our nation’s economic core. As Taylor also notes in his book: “One of the most amazing things about these defining principles of economic freedom is that they also constitute a set of principles for economic success. Economic theory and experience show that they lead to superior economic outcomes, including strong

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR + No more ads for you!

Dear Editor: SHAME ON YOU! Your incendiary editorial, “The antiAmerican president,” in the July 19 edition left me “breathless, dumbfounded and enraged!” While I respect your right of freedom of speech, you have blatantly neglected the responsibilities that accompany those rights. Your “call to arms” is symbolic of yelling fire in a crowded theater. Your less-than-subtle call to insurrection is frightening and worthy of review by the Department of Justice. Your disdain for the president, based on your own ideology, is repugnant to those of us who disagree with you, although we respect your right to print your extreme position. However, this time you have gone too far.

Our organization will no longer advertise in, or support your newspaper. We hope others will join us. President Barack Obama, is an American, of the people, elected by the people, for the people in one of the most difficult times in American history. He is OUR president, whether you like it or not. There are many of us who appreciate all that he has accomplished. We are confident that he will continue to do so during the next four years, in spite of your horrific “call to arms!” H. Murray Blueglass President, Longboat Key Democratic Club

+ Offensive, disgraceful!

Dear Editor: I found your opinion page of “The antiAmerican president” offensive, disgraceful and dishonest.

hoarse — he was speaking a rough whisper — but he looked as though he could go on forever bashing Obama. And then, all at once and without warning, he stopped cold. “He bit his lower lip and scanned the faces in the room. He was plainly gratified to see that his audience was spellbound. They were waiting for the politician par excellence to deliver his final judgment on the 44th president of the United States. “‘Barack Obama,’ said Bill Clinton, ‘is an amateur.’”

economic growth and rising prosperity.” Indeed, it’s not just “right-wing nuts” who see that Obama’s desire for more collectivism has resulted in the historically weak economic recovery. Some on his side of the aisle also see it. To that end, everyone should read author Edward Klein’s New York Times Bestseller, “The Amateur” (see box above). Klein, a former editor of the New York Times Sunday Magazine, a contributing editor for Vanity Fair and former foreign editor for Newsweek — all liberal publications — reported and wrote a stunning, revealing portrait of Barack Obama that definitively verifies our fears. Many of The Observer readers we offended last week (and probably this week, too) should know: 1) We respect your points of view; and 2) the passion we previously mentioned is rooted in the fervent belief that accompanies this page every week, that of the late Austrian economist Friedrich Hayek: “A policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” — Matt Walsh

You are totally ignorant of historical fact to cast such aspersions on this president. You may not like the man, but he does not “resemble Third World socialist, anticapitalist despots.” He has perhaps promised more than he can give, but he and his administration understand that there are now two Americas and this should not be. Indeed, government has the duty to help those who cannot help themselves and functions to provide basic services that individuals cannot. You are pandering to those few who ignore history and are liable to destroy the American Dream. Henrietta Barkey Longboat Key

+ Have you no shame?

Dear Editor: Arguing that President Obama hates America, The Observer’s July 19 editorial attack goes beyond partisanship rhetoric. To criticize an elected leader over public policy with which you disagree is no license to morph into delegitimizing the government. Your oft-expressed hatred of Barack Obama reflects the same opposition at all

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

+ You are so hate filled

Dear Editor: We opened your Pelican Press paper and could not believe the article on “The anti-American president.” I have never read any article so hate filled. You are scary to us. This article was nothing more than an article written to stir up hatred and resentment. What is wrong with these people? They distorted the words he used. I came from Texas. Bush country. I was sick to see what he and Dick Cheney did to this country, but not once did I disrespect the office of the president of the United States. This article, like Fox News, Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity, does nothing but cause mass shootings like we had last week. Not one of those people named in the article got to where he is today without help somewhere along the line. I owned the largest womanowned specialty advertising company in the country for almost

20 years. I received many awards throughout all those years. I never, ever used my business to spread hate and resentment. There were many times I used the opportunities the government offered to help me build my business. Your headline and article so filled with hate just make things worse all the way around. I wish I had not read this article because it broke our hearts. It would have been better to just run a full page ad for Romney than to print this disrespectful article about a sitting president. Ira J. and Peggy Ann Chupp Sarasota

+ Hateful clap-trap

Dear Editor: You hate Obama; OK, we get that. I am not crazy about him, either. But, Good Lord, to compare him to Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro is over the top. The quote-box statements seem pretty mild. A call to arms? Please. You undermine your own credibility by spouting this kind of hateful clap-trap. Better if you had explained to the readers what Obama did to welfare, removing the work requirement. And here’s another thing: Do we need to read this kind of diatribe in the Pelican Press? It is a local paper that does a good job with local reporting. Stick to what you do well! Donna Liberman Sarasota

+ Just plain crazy

Dear Editor: I expect to read strong, right-wing opinions in the Observer, but today’s editorial, “The Anti-American president,” was over the top. To characterize Barack Obama as anti-American, anti-individualism — even Marxist — is just plain crazy, not to mention completely hateful, disrespectful and uncivil.  I just don’t get how you can argue with Mr. Obama’s premise that “If you’ve been successful, you didn’t get there on your own …”  Yes, it is this American system of government with roads and bridges built with taxpayer money by a government; schools built and run by the government with the taxpayer money; and public libraries (to name a few) that allow successful entrepreneurs make their businesses “happen.”

se.c rehou

.furn www

No matter how “hard” you worked, if you didn’t live in a country with the rule of law and a court and criminal justice system paid for with taxpayer money but run by the government, your business could be closed down and your assets taken away at the whim of the people in power.   Successful American entrepreneurs have used their wealth to do many good things around the world, but they would not be able on their own to provide the infrastructure I described above. I hope you will consider a more respectful and civil tone in your future columns. As a retired Sarasota County teacher, I would not have wanted my students to read this column and conclude that your extreme language was an appropriate way to communicate. I might tell them how lucky we are to have the Bill of Rights with freedom of the press and use this column in a lesson to illustrate the abuse of that right.   Candace Fisher Sarasota

+ Praise to the paper

Dear Editor: When I come to Longboat Key, the first thing I do is grab a copy of the Longboat Observer. Not only does it tell me everything I need to know that is going on in the local area, it is a magnificent little paper. Thank you for your candid editorials. I have enjoyed immensely what you do to try to keep our little town of Longboat Key on the straight and narrow. I enjoy reading The Observer more than I can tell you. Ninety percent of your editorials, I wish I had written. They are so good. We are on the same page. Keep up the good work. Jim Bowers Longboat Key; Knoxville, Tenn.

+ How Castro started

Dear Editor: Thank you for the July 19 My View about “the Anti-American president.” A lot of us feel that way, and it’s refreshing when someone so publicly expresses it. This president is showing all the signs of a Marxist. I know, because I left Cuba in 1966, and that’s how Castro started his “change.” Please, keep your opinion going. Ada Perez Siesta Key

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Dewar’s Scotch

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel

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Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay Wine

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25.99

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costs engineered by Republicans in Congress. Congressional Republicans, in lock step, now oppose policies they long advanced — cap and trade, the Affordable Health Care Act mandate. Your editorial can only be read as denying credit to the Obama administration for eliminating Bin Laden; for returning our uniformed men and women from Iraq; and drawing down our forces from Afghanistan. Saving the U.S. auto industry, which Mitt Romney asserts he would not have done, is apparently in your view “antiAmerican” and “anti-capitalist.” I urge The Observer to consider whether your tone and tenor of expressed hatred invites comparison to the pamphleteers who promoted the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror, and the writings of a certain Austrian artist during Germany’s Weimar Republic. That poverty in this country is at levels not experienced for decades and that infrastructure investment and research and education are on the downturn is a reflection of unprincipled distortion of the facts, unbridled determination to bring down Obama, even if it takes down America. Have you no shame? Marvin H. Morse Longboat Key

Rescue Adoption Education Resource Center

120 150

10A

Kittens Rescued

You can help by adopting, donating or lending a hand.

July 8 8:52 p.m. — 5400 block of GMD. Fire. A man told police that burned food activated his smoke detector.

July 9

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2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 Hours: M-F 11am-7pm S-S 11am-5pm

85242

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Party’s over 2:06 a.m. — 700 block of Marbury Lane. Disturbance. Police responded to the site of a reported loud pool party. The man agreed to bring his guests inside.

Lost wallet

Corner Brush stroke 1:59 p.m. — 5300 block of GMD. Property Damage. A restaurant supervisor noticed fresh scratches on his SUV after sending an employee home for not doing his job. He said he believed the employee keyed his car in retaliation. Police noticed that the scratches looked more like scratches caused by a branch or other object that could have brushed against the vehicle but left a message for the employee asking him to contact them.

Out of gas 7 p.m. — 2000 block of GMD. Reckless Driving. Police located a truck reportedly swerving on the roadway. The driver told police he was about to run out of gas and was swerving to try to keep gas in the carburetor. Police gave him enough gas to make it to the nearest station and warned him about swerving. He also received a citation for an expired registration.

July 13 Living space?

12:19 p.m. — 5600 block of GMD. Lost/Missing Property. A man reported that he was missing his wallet, which contained his driver’s license, credit cards and $200.

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1:34 p.m. — 700 block of Marbury Lane. Lost/Missing Property. A man reported that his trashcan had been missing since the recent tropical storm. He said that the trash-collection company told him he needed to file a police report to have it replaced at no cost.

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July 10 Swimming pool shenanigans 81782

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THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Cops

Cats & Kittens Available for Adoption

We are committed, but we can’t do it alone...

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

12:43 a.m. — 3300 block of GMD.

9:14 a.m. — 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway. Suspicious Circumstance. A construction worker told police that he saw a man crawling out from under a vacant restaurant building around 4:30 a.m. The man stood up, said “hello” and walked off. Police found an opening on the lower level of the building and passed the information on to the night shift for extra patrol attention.

Suspicious Vehicle. A man reported that a male and female were running from the pool area from a condominium property and left the complex in a gray pickup truck.

Now you ‘sea’ it ...

Middle of the road

11:58 a.m. — 6100 block of GMD. Lost/Missing Property. A man reported that his kayak, which he usually placed in the sea oats behind his home, went missing. Police agreed to look for the kayak during water patrols and advised him to secure his remaining kayaks.

9:26 p.m. — 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway. Public Service. A driver attempted to turn around on Bay Isles Parkway and accidentally struck the median, causing his vehicle to get stuck.

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Longboat ace Hardware 4030 Gulf of Mexico Dr. • Longboat Key • 383.1313

1582 Main Street | Sarasota, Florida 34236

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85527

3352 East Bay Dr. • Holmes Beach, FL • 778.0999 82655

(941) 365-3435 www.jlbainbridge.com

Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm • Sunday 10am - 4pm

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

2124 Sparrow Ct #A3954673 Maureen Horn

Sarasota 941-383-7591 941-539-3384

$4,499,000

649 Dream Island Rd #A3962661 Cathy Meldahl

$1,450,000

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

511 Harbor Gate Way #A3956278 Linda A. Page

$1,389,000

Longboat Key 941-951-6660 941-504-0123

2105 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 3501 #A3952430 $995,000 Susan Mcleod

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-928-4445

500 Halyard Ln #A3957877 Hannerle Moore

$899,000

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

601 Longboat Club Rd # 403S #A3958183 $899,000 Judy Nimz

Longboat Key 941-951-6660 941-374-0196

1425 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 104 #A3956718 $874,000 Mel & Jan Goldsmith

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

392 Firehouse Ln #A3933524 Mary Defrank

$798,900

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

601 Longboat Club Rd # 303S #A3960190 $769,000 Ian Addy Pa

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

501 Harbor Point Rd Michael Moulton & Deborah Beacham

Longboat Key 941-928-3559 or 941-376-2688

1241 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 707 Longboat Key Michael Moulton 941-928-3559

11A

#A3959515

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245 Bird Key Dr #A3955355 Audrey Singer

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$650,000

Bird Key 941-383-7591 941-350-2588

1485 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # A401 #A3945458 $599,000 Christina Landry

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-376-4498

2109 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 1501 #A3957936 $585,000 Marcia Salkin & Paulene Soublis

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-376-6121

1750 Benjamin Franklin Dr # 11B #A3957701 $569,000 William Greene

Sarasota 941-383-5502 941-321-0247

240 Sands Point Rd # 4301 #A346178 $449,000 Gail Wittig

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

2045 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 105 #A3962998 $439,500 Sylvia Zimmerman

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

1908 Harbourside Dr # 402 #A3960936 $420,000 Julie Klick

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-780-6001

450 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # B103 #A3955983 $379,000 Diana Kryszak

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

6750 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 172 #A3950633 $269,900 Sandi Layfield

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

4380 Exeter Dr # 202 #A3955278 Sharon Freeman

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

6800 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 197 #A3946340 $225,000 Bobbi Banan

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

3806 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 303 #A3961358 $192,500 Stephen Harris

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-780-2352

VACATION RENTALS Veranda Beach Club verandabeachclub.com 800.411.5511 White Sands of Longboat whitesandsoflongboat.com 800.230.2428

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1425 Gulf Of Mexico Drive # D105 #A3951905 $4,500

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

79883

760 Dream Island Rd Longboat Key Jenifer Schwell 941-780-0968

12A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

{ CAMP SPOTLIGHT }

by Loren Mayo | Black Tie

L o c a L L u x u ry. I n t e r n at I o n a L c L o u t. Fabulous opportunity in this direct bay front Marina Bay condominium With its wide wrap terrace and gorgeous views of the bay & ancient oaks this updated, spacious 3500+ sq. ft. floor plan condominium lives like a bay front home. Great location behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club with private beach access.

Photos by Loren Mayo

Gan Director Laura Freedman, Krisztina Campion, Illene Dyrda, Julie Pines, Ashley Fox, Cheryl Brilliant, Lila Biller, Maxwell Jackson, Alexander Nir and Jackson Mitchell

Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh, here I am at CAMP GAN

$865,000

Views of the Gulf & beach to tampa Bay from this Water club Penthouse This furnished 3 bedroom, 4 bath, 3,045 sq ft residence will take your breath away when you enter the penthouse from your private skylighted foyer. Walls of glass off the spacious living room lead to your private balcony. The master retreat has its own private balcony and sitting area.

One little, two little, three little aliens; four little, five little, six little astronauts … It’s Friday, July 20, and Temple Gan preschoolers — some in oh-so-stylish handmade tinfoil alien antennas and others cloaked in astronaut suits — are parading in and out of classrooms and striding across campus. The Gan kicked off its first session of camp, “Under the Sea,” with a visit from Mote Marine Laboratory and its mascot, Gilly the Shark. A scuba diver and boat captain made a surprise visit. During the second session, “Mother Earth,” the children learned about our planet, how to take good care of it and participated in some recycling projects. In the latest session, “Outer Space,” the children tapped into the exciting world of space. G.WIZ staff will even be stopping by for a “planetary shuffle.”

$1,995,000 Gorgeous, 3600+ sq ft home w/beautiful lake, garden and golf course views This 3BR+den/4B residence includes a gourmet kitchen and family room, formal dining and living rooms, a den, master suite and two guests bedroom suites. A pool & spa with cascading waterfall, outdoor kitchen and a pool bath are added luxuries. MLS A3962300

$1,495,000

Fabulous location in country club Shores Views down the canal, to the bay from every room of this spacious, 3 bedroom home. Completely reworked floor plan with new bathrooms and kitchen w/ granite. The open great room has vaulted ceilings, skylights and new stackable sliders. Dock with 20,000 lb lift. MLS A3957877

By the numbers 35 aliens 8 astronauts 5 teachers

27 space activities over the three-week session 5 years of camp

$899,000 Spectacular, private, beachfront, european villa You can't see another neighbor from this 3 bedroom + den, Positano residence...just the white sand beach and the turquoise Gulf waters. The stunning, 3343 sq. ft. villa has an enormous wrap terrace and private stairs to the beach. Only the finest materials have been used throughout. MLS A3950796

$3,950,000

Beautiful views from this turnkey furnished, Sunset Beach condominium

Jackson Mitchell

Turquoise blue waters and sunsets year around can be viewed from this 2 bedroom condominium. The entire, corner location, condominium has been remodeled beautifully with stone tile flooring, two new bathrooms and a new kitchen. Great floor plan. MLS A3957661

Emma Zoller and Bella Edelson

$549,999

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 PH 941.387.7300 Fx 941.296.7722 HannerleMoore@michaelsaunders.com www.Hannerle.com

87903

Hannerle Moore

Go to www.Hannerle.com to see a video tour on every property LongboatHomesForSale Ariel Tvishor

Alana Biller

Eli and Phoebe Winters

Sasha Nir

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

cultural celebration

OBITUARIES

Bird Key Yacht Club hosts ‘Passage to India’ evening

Frances D. Feinberg

by Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

Bird Key Yacht Club members attended a “Passage to India” event Saturday, July 21, at the clubhouse. The evening included cocktails, an Indian meal, a live DJ and a performance by a belly dancer. Right: Karen Gallagher applies a bindi, representing the “third” eye of wisdom, on Jean Lexton’s forehead.

Frances D. Feinberg, of Longboat Key, and formerly of Teaneck, N.J., died July 12. She was 99. She was born Dec. 28, 1912, in New York City and was raised on a farm in Hightstown, N.J. Her parents were Jacob and Clara Handel. In 1975, before moving to Longboat Key, Mrs. Feinberg lived in Teaneck. She was involved in Longboat Harbour’s women’s club, The Harbourettes. She decorated for many of their luncheons. She was known for her beautiful work with seashells collected from the Gulf. Mrs. Feinberg was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Sol. She is survived by her daughter, Karen; two grandchildren; and a great-grandson. A funeral service took place July 17, at Cedar Park Cemetery in Westwood, N.J. Arrangements were made by Gutterman Musicant Funeral Home, in Hackensack, N.J.

Donald W. Hike

Marie and Commodore Bob Hunter Faith Griffin and Lyman Carter

Donald W. Hike, of Longboat Key, died July 19. He was 85. Mr. Hike was born in Danville, Ill., and in 1990 he moved to Longboat Key from Sewickley, Pa. Mr. Hike was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army and a corporate business executive who traveled worldwide for many different corporations. He was involved in multiple civic organizations. Hike Mr. Hike was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lois A.; son, Dr. David Scott Hike; daughter, Cynthia Hike Zamikoff; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Services with military honors will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 27, at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72. Arrangements have been made by Brown and Sons Funeral Homes and Crematory 43rd Street Chapel. Memorial donations can be made to Indiana State University, College of Technology, Sylvan A. Yager Memorial Scholarship Fund, 101 N. Sixth Street, Terre Haute, Ind., 47809. Condolences can be posted at brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Gordon Eugene Smith

Emily Spinola and Mary Jo Spinola Jimmy Hayes and Doug Franklin

Gordon Eugene Smith, of Bradenton, and formerly of Longboat Key and Chicago, died July 13. He was 93. Mr. Smith was born in Chicago and was the

13A

youngest of four children of Arthur and Lydia Smith. He grew up in Chicago, where he met and eventually married his high school sweetheart, Natalie Skelton. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, earning the rank of first lieutenant from 1942 to 1946. He married his wife Feb. 27, 1943, while he was still serving. The first two of their six children were born while he was in the military. After returning to civilian life, Mr. Smith became involved in mobile-home sales, a new industry at the time, and eventually established Smith Mobile Homes in Blue Island, Ill. During that period he fathered and raised four more children. In 1980, he retired and moved to Longboat Key, where he and Natalie golfed, sailed and traveled in their R.V. from Alaska to Mexico and places in between. Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 69 years, Natalie; sons, Daniel, John and Thomas; daughters, Pamela Schaetzel, Susan Chapman and Laurel Kern; 15 grandchildren; 13 greatgrandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. July 28, in the Auditorium of Freedom Village, in Bradenton. Arrangements have been made by Brown and Sons Funeral Homes and Crematory 43rd Street Chapel. Post condolences at brownandsonsfuneral.com. Memorial donations may be made to the Freedom Village Scholarship Fund.

Gloria Jean Southern

Gloria Jean Southern, of Longboat Key, died July 15. She was 64. Mrs. Southern was born Oct. 9, 1948, in Indianapolis, Ind., to Hillus and Joyce Gaulden. In 1967 she graduated from Wood High School. In 1969 she married Stephen Southern. Mrs. Southern worked many years in data entry and served in the Indiana National Guard before becoming a full-time homemaker. She was known for her contagious smile and her ability to make others happy. She enjoyed bingo and fishing. She enjoyed life at Whitney Beach, where her family has created countless memories during the last 20 years. Mrs. Southern was preceded in her death by her brother, Gary Gaulden, and her sister, Dayna Browder. She is survived by her husband, Stephen Southern; brother, Dennis Gaulden; son, Justin; daughter, Shannon LaPointe; and three grandchildren. At Mrs. Southern’s request, there will not be a funeral. Contributions in her memory may be made to her friend, Alex Mandarino, a 4-year-old battling neuroblastoma cancer. Please send checks to: Alex’s Army c/o Horizon Bank, 811 Ship St., St. Joseph, Mich., 49085.

Come join us as you travel your journey of faith.

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

Sunday Worship Service

86281

An InterfAIth CommunIty ChurCh founded In 1956

10:00 a.m. The Rev. Earl Nichols, Preacher Sermon : “Knowing When to Hang It Up!”

The Community Church on Longboat Key

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

The LORD’S WAREHOUSE Thrift Shop is open every Saturday this summer 9 am - 1 pm. Donate or purchase clothing, jewelry, furniture and other items. (941-383-4738)

All Angels by the Sea

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

563 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

Welcomes you to Mass

CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Episcopal Church on Longboat Key

Website: www.AllAngelsLBK.org

Sunday Services 9:00 a.m.

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

84092

383-8161

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

Saturday: 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM Daily Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM Confession before all weekend Masses Msgr. Gerard Finegan, Pastor

86311

SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE

All are welcome. Please join us in worship!

Growing in Jesus’ Name

83251

6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive • 383.8833 • www.christchurchoflbk.org

85992

The Reverend Dr. Bruce Porter Sunday Service 10:00AM Sermon “Incurably Religious”

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

REAL ESTATE

BUSINESS

Three-bedroom Lido Key home sells for $1.7 million.

LBK Chamber members turn the (sports) page.

PAGE 14A

See this week’s weather photo contest winner.

PAGE 18A

swing of things

Jeanne Miller, 15, goes to hit a backhanded volley, Tuesday, July 24, at the Tennis Gardens.

WEATHER

PAGE 24A

by Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

Thibaulg Miller, 15, reaches out to hit a one-handed backhand during tennis camp, Tuesday, July 24, at the Longboat Key Club Tennis Gardens.

Benjamin Varah, 12, hits a volley during drills.

Making quite a racket Tennis Camp at the Longboat Key Club is always a “big hit” during the summer. Tennis Camp runs alongside Sports Camp and Golf Camp with 10 one-week sessions. Although many campers stay the whole day, campers have the option of attending half-day sessions as well. The campers spend the mornings warming up, stretching and doing tennis drills followed by an afternoon of fitness drills and match play.

Hadleigh Schwartz, 12, dumps a bunch of tennis balls off her racket and into the hopper.

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Constance Miller, 16, prepares to hit an oncoming ball.

Brenna Keough, 9, runs across the court during a game of “Around the World” Tuesday.

Stefan Stanczuk, 12, changes the score during his match against fellow camper Benjamin Varah, 12, Monday, July 23.

Logan Libertore, 11, had fun picking up balls with the tube.

Longboat Observer

15A

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

real estate | transactions

Remodeling By Design...

Lee Heineman

By Adam Hughes | Research Editor

Construction & Design

Three-bedroom Lido Key home sells for $1.7 million

941.383.9286

The following residential real-estate transactions took place between July 9 and July 13. A home on Lido Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Hugo and Karen Kitzis, of Sarasota, sold their home at 113 Morningside Drive to Robert and Anne Essner, of Sarasota, for $1.7 million. Built in 1957, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,944 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $779,400 in 2004.

Country Club Shores

Alice Landau, trustee, of Ann Arbor, Mich., sold the Units 105-N and 106-N condominiums at 2301 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Timothy Pohl, of Chicago, for $644,000. Built in 1970, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,470 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $500,000 in 1997.

Longboat Shores

Baltimore Partnership LLC sold the home at 620 Longview Drive to Sean and Katie Hart, of Leawood, Kan., for $585,000. Built in 1967, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,559 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $660,000 in 2001.

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Club Longboat

Kenneth and Sandra Paulsen, trustees, of Brookfield, Wis., sold the Unit 431 condominium at 5055 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Judy Riley, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $352,000. Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,484 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $315,000 in 2002.

St. Armands

Stephen Schwarzman, of New York, sold his Unit 2301 condominium at 2101 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Ben and Laura Subin, of Winter Park, for $493,500. Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,358 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $395,000 in 2000.

St. Armands Division of John Ringling Estates Iberiabank sold the home at 308 N. Washington Drive to Randon Carvel, of Sarasota, for $760,100. Built in 1963, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,068 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $270,000 in 1998. Ashwini and Leslie Bahl, of Plant City, sold their home at 55 N. Washington Drive to Jeffrey Kints, of Ontario, Canada, for $750,000. Built in 1960, it has six bedrooms, five-anda-half baths, a pool and 3,071 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $450,000 in 2010.

The Shores

Sarasota Harbour Apartments

Sunset Beach on Longboat Key

JPMorgan Chase Bank sold the Unit 305 condominium at 5757 Gulf of Mexico Drive to John and LuAnne Benson, of Bargersville, Ind., for $450,000. Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,561 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $612,000 in 2011.

WINDWARD BAY - 2 penthouses with amazing bay views, tennis, 2 pools, boat docks, deeded beach access. 2 pets allowed ........................................................................................................................ $269,000 and SOLD $239,000 MARINA AND BAY VIEWS at Bay Harbour on the south end of LBK – just minutes to St. Armand’s Circle. 2/2 with screened porch ...................................................................................................................................................................................$315,000 WhItNEY BEAch - a 1/1 with views of Bishops Bayou and a 1 bedroom, 2 bath with a view of the beautifully landscaped grounds. Beach, bay, tennis, boat docks, fishing pier. Pets allowed.......................... $225,000 and $185,000 BRADEN RIVER - 1/2 acre lot with majestic oaks and stately palms on the river. Build your dream home or vacation home and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle kayaking, canoeing, or fishing. This unique location is secluded yet minutes from shopping and dining............................................................................................................................................................................. $95,000 LONG BEAch - 2 charming homes in historic Longboat Village. This is truly a family neighborhood in walking distance to the Art Center, beach, fishing pier and restaurants................................................................. $395,000 and $399,000 BAYPORt 2/2 in beach to bay community with tennis, Olympic size pool and 27 acres of tropical landscaping..$339,500

Rocco Feravolo, of Narberth, Pa., sold his Unit 21 condominium at 765 John Ringling Blvd. to Dennis and Jill Engerer, of Northville, Mich., for $205,000. Built in 1963, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 816 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $67,000 in 1987.

WILDEWOOD SPRINGS 2/2 updated lakefront villa in wooded setting. 15 minutes to the beach.. ..........$117,500 BOBBIE BANAN, REALTOR® 356-2659 • 383-2659

bobbiebanan@michaelsaunders.com

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

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

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lBk

86202

Posturepedic

941-922-5271 • TOLL FREE 800-265-9124 www.sleepking.net

60336

Authorized Dealer

4134 Gulf of Mexico Dr. #206A

PAMPER YOURSELF and live on the beach at the Beach Residences, a Ritz Carlton managed property. This 4100+ sf residence has 3 bedrooms, a family room, formal living room and dining room. It is exquisitely finished and decorated and has remarkable views of the Gulf, the Bay, and downtown Sarasota.....................................................Furnished $3,895,000

Visit Our NEW Sarasota Location!

s s llow e pi rdine 2 fren of sase of a a a c h & a h purc or set wit matt

81997

Islander Club of Longboat

Rachel S. O’Hara

This home at 113 Morningside Drive has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,944 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.7 million.

86288

Charles and Sharon Ford sold their home at 571 Birdie Lane to Virginia O’Connor, of Lake View, N.Y., for $1,175,000. Built in 1967, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,571 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $1,225,000 in 2009.

Ambassador’s Circle

16A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

SALES ASSOCIATE # 1 SAA GL EN A LLEU S M V OEL U M E T I NTOP ETSI NVSO

BUILDING PERMITS

for Sarasota and Manatee Counties in 2009 ota and Manatee Counties in 2009 #1 Agent in condominium sales #1 COLDWELL BANKER AGENT

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of July 13 through July 19, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive)

Sarasota Manatee for W E L Lin B A N K in& EFlorida R A2009 G ECounties! NT

Ranked infor the 2009 top .5% of Coldwell Banker Associates Worldwide in Florida

Ackerman

BARBARA

Ackerman

REALTOR®

T h e n a m e t o k n o w i n REALTOR r e a l e s®t a t e

www.barbaraackerman.com www.barbaraackerman.com

G NEW LISTIN

to know in real estate

Address 7130 Longboat Drive E. 3434 Winding Oaks Drive 5055 GMD 2120 Harbourside Drive 3343 Sabal Cove Place 435 L’Ambiance Drive 340 GMD 5655 GMD 5931 GMD 510 Harbor Point Road 2301 GMD 3750 GMD 4825 GMD 4454 GMD 2425 GMD 3029 GMD 3806 GMD 4370 Chatham Drive 636 Dream Island Road 541 Wedge Lane 573 Yawl Lane 4300 GMD 761 Emerald Harbor Drive 635 Marbury Lane 5055 GMD

As seen on Sarasota’s

“Hot ProPerties” Segment Every Wednesday!

E HOUS PM OPEN Su n 1-a4y D r & Sat 9 Westw 121

ww.barbaraackerman.com Meridian at the Oaks Preserve Fully upgraded former Avigon model corner apartment with sunsets from 14 windows! Three bedrooms, three bathrooms plus a den provide 2,600 square feet of living space. Two garage parking spaces. $329,000

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

E HOUS OPEN1-4 PM rive Su n Tyl er D 763

The Bougainvillea House - Tudor Revival Renovated in 2006 on 3 lots with 4BR/3.5BA + separate guest house totaling 4,857 square feet. Home exudes old world charm while offering today’s modern conveniences. Wood floors, marble, pool, & 2-car garage. $1,290,000

Lido Beach - Best Waterfront Value Gated Mediterranean inspired residence with protected Bay views located within walking distance to Lido Beach and St. Armands Circle. 6BR/6.5BA on 148 ft of waterfront. $3,499,900

COVERT I 2BR/1BA with glassed lanai overlooking

the pool is one of the best buys on Longboat Key. Perfect for the retiree, full time resident or use as a winter retreat. Well maintained, small bayfront complex with deeded beach access and low maintenance fees. A short distance to The Centre Shops, Durante Park with 32 acres of trails and playground, Publix and St. Armands. A3953684 $199,900 86292

E HOUS OPEN1-4 PM D r Su n i rd Key 204 B

BANK OWNED Bird Key - Outstanding Waterfront Opportunity Built in 2007 on a wide protected boat basin. Home has 8,071 square feet, 5BR/5.5BA, guest wing with separate entrance and more! Infinity edge pool, boat dock, and 4-car garage. $3,690,000

Permit Applicant Amount Alteration Sarazona Limited $550,000 Alteration Russell Gill $93,000 Alteration Joyce Celniker $80,650 Alteration Suresh Mollgavkar, trustee $75,000 Alteration Alan and Debbie Wasserman $75,000 Alteration Charles Ewing Jr. $30,200 Alteration Michael Goldman, trustee $21,500 Alteration NWM Group II Ltd. $19,600 Demolition Pamela Ketchum $14,400 Alteration James Lippert $12,780 Alteration Mary Lou Nicholas $11,936 Re-roof Nancy Cornuice $11,920 Alteration William Rees $10,000 Alteration Longboat Harbour Towers $9,550 Alteration Andrew Terzis $7,367 Demolition Randolph Cohen $7,230 Alteration Jamshid Rejai $6,900 Alteration Travis Kringlen $5,849 Re-roof Seth McGowan $5,400 Re-roof Solita Tay $3,400 Alteration Jeffrey Snauwaert $2,395 Alteration John Kloppenburg $2,046 Alteration Christian Thun-Hohenstein $1,820 Alteration Yusuke Horiguchi $975 Alteration Howard Haas $0

3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228

Tessera - Downtown Sarasota Beautiful 3BR/3.5BA residence with higher ceilings, marble floors, expansive terrace & a private 2-car garage. Soughtafter community located in the heart of downtown. $1,198,000

941.383.5502 or 941.724.7228 CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

Michael Saunders & Company Cathy C. Meldahl P.A. Licensed Real Estate Broker

Lifestyle clothing for Dream Weaver Sleepy Lagoon - Direct Gulf Front Beautiful Hampton Style 4 bedroom/3 bath home on 100 ft of pristing beach front. Renovated, down to the studs, in 2007. Wood & marble floors, outdoor jacuzzi and 2-car garage. $3,690,000

Ringling Pointe – Stunning Direct Bay Front On 145 feet of deep water with 5BR/3.5 BA, a 2,200 SF master suite, 1,000 bottle wine room, private dock, wading & lap pool w.spa & 8-car garage. $3,850,000

SAMPLE SALE!! (Values up to $385)

The Landings – Eagles Point Wide open water views! 3BR/2BA in THE best building in The Landings. Turnkey furnished with secure garage parking. $395,000

University Park - Custom Lakefront Beautifully maintained 3BR + Den home with 10ft ceilings, his & her bath, quality built-in’s, & expanded great room overlooking the pool/spa and lake. Two car garage. $449,500

Fairway Bay - Longboat Key Townhouse 2BR/2.5BA turnkey furnished vacation getaway! Fresh, and bright with ceramic tile, central vacuum, fireplace, bonus area and private 1 - car garage. Bring the family! $359,000

Ritz Tower – Bay & City Views UnBELIEvABLE vALUE PEnTHOUSE residence with 4,704 Sq. Ft., 4 BR plus family room and 4.5 bathrooms offers incredible views, wood & marble floors, granite & stainless gourmet kitchen, 10’ ceilings. $2,995,000

July 26-29, 10am-6pm

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, LLC 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite #1, Longboat Key • 941-387-1820 Direct ● 800-910-8728 Toll-Free

87300

Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC.

81569

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

American Original Art Couture 354 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 941.388.1974 www.dreamweavercollection.com

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

17A

2012 is an Olympic year for all of us. Sometimes it takes a team effort to win the gold. Let us be a part of your team. Like us at facebook.com/premiersir, then download our printable 2012 Summer Olympics event schedule.

SARASOTA | 941.364.4000 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110 Sarasota, Florida 34236

LONgbOAT kEY | 941.383.2500 546 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, Florida 34228

THE PROMENADE | 239.948.4000 THE gALLERY | 239.659.0099 26811 South Bay Drive, Suite 130 4001 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 102 Naples, Florida 34103 Bonita Springs, Florida 34134 FIFTH AVENUE | 239.434.8770 776 Fifth Avenue South Naples, Florida 34102

LAkEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541 8141 Lakewood Main Street, Suite 101 Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202

VENICE | 941.412.3323 230 South Tamiami Trail Venice, Florida 34285

CLEARWATER | 727.585.9600 321 Indian Rocks Road North Belleair Bluffs, Florida 33770

VANDERbILT | 239.594.9494 325 Vanderbilt Beach Road Naples, Florida 34108

SANIbEL | 239.472.2735 1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1 Sanibel, Florida 33957

CAPTIVA | 239.395.5847 11508 Andy Rosse Lane Captiva, Florida 33924

THE VILLAgE | 239.261.6161 bROAD AVENUE | 239.434.2424 4300 Gulf Shore Boulevard North, Suite 100 390 Broad Avenue South Naples, Florida 34103 Naples, Florida 34102

MARCO ISLAND | 239.642.2222 RENTALS | 239.262.4242 760 North Collier Boulevard, Suite 101 1395 Panther Lane, Suite 200 Marco Island, Florida 34145 Naples, Florida 34109

Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

78382

premiersothebysrealty.com

18A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

NEIGHBORS

DON WALLACE The 17th floor of Puritan Cove has had a lot of drama in the past few years: There has been a “Dog on the Seventeenth Floor,” “A Ghost on the Seventeenth Floor,” and this February — “A Scam on the Seventeenth Floor.” The 17th floor of Puritan Cove is the fictional location where a series of one-act plays written by Don Wallace take place. Puritan Cove is loosely based on his current residence, an upscale retirement community — Plymouth Harbor. In real life, Wallace lives on the 12th floor, where for the past three years he has written his one-act plays. Wallace writes and directs the comedies that are performed by a cast of about 11 Plymouth Harbor residents; another half-dozen people work backstage. “It’s the first writing I’ve done since I retired,” he says referring to his long entertainment career that ended in 1989. Wallace started out directing, writing and producing soap operas such as “The Edge of Night,” “One Life to Live” and “All My Children.” He’s still an active member of the Directors and Writers guilds of America. “I’ve found that working with amateurs isn’t that different from working with pros,” Wallace says. In the ’50s, he started as a director, then wrote write for CBS’s “The Edge of Night.” Ironically, he was working with late Sarasotan Irving Vendig, who wrote episodes as well. Meetings with Vindig in Sarasota are what prompted Wallace and his family to move in 1992 from Long Island, N.Y., first as snowbirds and then full time in ’98.

Wallace worked with some pretty big names early in his career. He says Judith Light (“Who’s the Boss”) went without a job for eight months before she found work on “One Life to Live,” and it was a scene Wallace wrote that won her her first Emmy. He’s also worked with Larry Hagman (“Dallas”), Jack Lemmon (“Some Like it Hot”), Tony Randall (“Odd Couple”), Tommy Lee Jones (“Men In Black”), Tom Berenger (“The Big Chill”) and Laurence Fishburne (“Boyz ’n’ the Hood”). Wallace refers to Fishburne as “Larry.” He remembers him as an independent 10-year-old whom he’d find hanging upside-down by his knees on streetlights. His stories are numerous: He once had a parking spot next to Jane Fonda’s, he has had Mary Tyler Moore as a guest in his office; he remembers Mary Martin sneaking into the studio to watch her son, Hagman, on-set; and Andy Griffith’s first wife, Barbara, sang at Wallace’s wedding. Wallace was nominated for three Emmy awards for three different episodes of “One Life to Live.” He also won a Writer’s Guild of America award for an episode of “One Life to Live.” But he’s also received accolades closer to home: The annual performances of his plays have filled Plymouth Harbor’s theater to capacity each time. “It’s been very good,” he says. “Maybe people are just being kind, but they always ask, ‘What are you doing this year?’” He’s toying with the idea of courtroom drama — set on the 17th floor, of course. — Mallory Gnaegy

ONLINE: Five Things You Didn’t Know About Don Wallace www.YourObserver.com

Mallory Gnaegy

Don Wallace stands beside the stage at Plymouth Harbor, where the performances of his plays take place.

WAGNER REALTY

www.WagnerRealty.com

Bringing People Home Since 1939

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

Call 941-383-5577

86321

Plymouth Harbor resident remains the writer on the 12th floor.

LITTLE SLICE OF AMERICANA DOWNTOWN W/DIRECT BAY VIEWS! 3-4Br/3Ba/2CG w/pvt elevator, detailed & high ceil, crown molding, marble, builtins, gas fp, granite, imported cabinets, MBa w/jetted tub & bidet, state-of-theart sys, 2 balconies in secure bldg w/ amenities! MLS#A3943537 $1,375,000

on Longboat Key! Charming 1BR/1BA home located in popular bayfront, 55+ community of Gulfshore. Perfect for beach retreat or full time home. Kelly Belisle $105,000 #M5829396

FURN W/PANORAMIC BAY VIEWS! Downtown/2-3Br/2Ba/1CG w/faux & artisan finishes, crown moldings, wood cabinets, ceramic tile, granite, plantation shutters, walk-in closets, open-air balcony & pvt laundry in secure building w/ amenities! MLS#A3929596 $450,000

CONRAD BEACH

Incredible opportunity to own 2 adjoining lots west of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Conrad Beach boasts timeless architecture, com. pool & clubhouse. Purchase separately or w/M5815731. Peter Uliano #M5815734 $260,000

stories: “just the beach”

9th FLOOR WITH BAY VIEWS - DOWNTOWN! Custom remodeled 2Br/2Ba/1CG w/ wood laminate flrs, tile, modern cabinets, built-ins, crown moldings, 2 pvt balconies, hurricane shutters & personal laundry in secure building with full service amenities! MLS#A3951357 $775,000

MANOR IN THE OAKS BAYSIDE! Over 4,000SF, 4-5Br/4Ba w/formal Lr, sep Dr, gourmet kitch., morning rm, study, fitness ctr & theatre rm seating 8, private picturesque grounds & time honored quality w/ fine finishes & custom details in gated CC comm.! MLS#A3963302 $1,295,000

A nice condo on the first floor overlooking tranquil blue waters of the Gulf. Ten unit complex, open floor plan, private lanai. Can be rented by the week. Jerry Cunningham $344,700 #A3955953

SIESTA KEY, REMODELED & FURN! 2Br/2Ba/1CP w/bonus rm, den, raised ceil, tile, plantation shutters, granite, crown moldings, wood cabinets, & w/d included in Island Reef w/resort-like amenities; pools, tennis courts, docks, beach access & more! MLS#A3943588 $389,000

BEAUTIFUL 2 BR 2 BA

water front condo w/a great view of the bay! Deeded 30’ boat slip, updtd. bath, kitchen & nicely furnished. Tennis, large htd pool, spa & comm. boat ramp. Turnkey furnished. Marcia Bayard $379,500 #M5818101

PRISTINE WATERFRONT

BAY VIEWS FROM EVERY ROOM! Downtown 2Br/2Ba/2CG w/9Ft ceil., tile, crown moldings, wood cabinets, granite, SS appls., & pvt balcony in secure bldg w/ amenities; concierge, theatre, fitness ctr, pool, spa & more across from bayfront cultural distict! MLS#A3960414 $415,000

MODERN DOWNTOWN BAY FRONT! 2Br/2Ba/1CG w/marble, granite, Corian, tile & bamboo flrs, furniture quality cabinets, built-ins, architectural elements, fp, updated eat-in kitch. & baths, pvt balcony & laundry, secure building w/ amenities! MLS#A3942652 $400,000

3BR/2BA overlooking Palma Sola Bay. Assigned boat slip. Retreat to paradise. Luscious landscaping, 2 minutes to beaches on Anna Maria Island. Fish Debra Ibasfalean heaven! #M5820999 $495,000

FURN - DOWNTOWN! 2Br/1Ba/den + bonus rm, charming great rm plan w/ hardwood flrs, ceramic tile, mirrored accents, recessed lights, Palladian windows, wet bar, Corian, custom cabinets, built-ins & secure parking in historic bldg w/amenities! MLS#A3953067 $300,000

AMAZING VIEW

Gorgeous white sand beach & Gulf view as you walk thru the door. Nicely furnished w/lg. screened lanai. Gulf to Bay community w/heated pool, tennis & cabana w/BBQ. Teresia Bradford $569,000 #M5812253

U N I V E R S A L

PUZZLE ine

onl

CROSSWORD PENTHOUSE W/WATER VIEWS! 3-4Br/3.5Ba/2+CG w/travertine & marble flrs, high ceil., crown moldings, plantation shutters, built-ins, furniture quality cabinets, granite, Corian, MBr w/lg walk-in + 2 baths & pvt balcony in gated comm. w/amenities! MLS#A3958973 $925,000

A crossword 77502

that saves

your scores

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Lynne Koy ◆

941.387.1803 lkoy@coldwellbanker.com

19A

presents her

Luxury

PrEMIEr COLLECTIOn◆

BIRD KEY 4 BR/3.3BA Location! Location! This beautiful custom home has it all - fabulous downtown views across Sarasota Bay, granite kitchen with milk-glaze cabinetry, “Morning Room” with 8 Step crown molding, gorgeous pool, dock & lift. The first floor master suite has stunning Bay views and the second floor “Great Room” has “forever” Bay views from the terrace. $3,690,000

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

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS Charming Elegance with Breathtaking Gulf, Bay and City Views from this 3BD/3BA Penthouse residence. Soaring ceilings, open floor plan and oversized windows that welcome the sun and the sea. The Eastern terrace was enclosed to welcome a “simply charming sun room.” $2,275,000

ST. ARMANDS Spacious 4BD/3BA custom built

home with elegant marble entryway set on a wide canal, just steps to shopping and dining in world renowned St. Armands Circle! $1,899,000

• Top AgenT in Closed sAles on longboAT Key • Top AgenT in Closed sAles on bird Key

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

PLAYERS CLUB – Wonderful Gulf views PROMENADE - Stunning Southwest PLAYERS from the 30’ long open balcony; w/southern views of the Gulf of Mexico, Downtown exposure. Tastefully furnished 2BD/2.5BA and the Bay from this 2 BR/2BA condominium. $699,000 condominium w/a woodburning fireplace. $679,000

CLUB Fabulous Gulf views with endless winter sunsets from this 2BD/2BA furnished condominium with courtyard entry and additional storage. $575,000

Follow me on Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn / YouTube

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

SEAPLACE Rarely available Townhouse, SEAPLACE

– Completely remodeled and SEAPLACE – Direct Gulf views from this 2BD/2.5BA with attached garage and spacious beautifully furnished, 2BD/2BA with NW gulf views tropical stunner! Impecably decorated and terrace overlooking tropical garden views. and spectacular sunsets. Every creature comfort maintained with loving care this 2 BD/2 BA fully $489,000 is waiting for you, just bring your bathing suit. furnished condominium home is being sold at an $479,000 incredible price. $485,000

DEDICATED TO LUXURY REAL ESTATE SM

KEY TOWER SOUTH - Great Views BEACHPLACE - Priced to Sell! Unfurnished LONG BEACH - Beautifully remodeled 3BD/3BA, of the Gulf, Downtown Sarasota and the John 2BD/2BA residence w/Partial Gulf views w/new 1,350 Sq. Ft. home in Longboat Key’s Historic Village Ringling Bridge from this 2BR/2BA updated paint and carpet! Seller will hold mortgage @ 5.5% of Long Beach, renovated in 2006 with new kitchen condominium home. w/$100,000. $449,000 and baths, tile flooring, hurricane shutters, tropical landscaping, and more. $479,000 $369,000

87541

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

20A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

EXPANDING OUTLOOK

by Sean Roth | Gulf Coast Business Review

Universal Window plans for a growth spurt Universal Window Solutions turned customers away for much of its history. For good reason, too: The Bradenton-based firm, founded in 1981, could afford to do that because business was so good. “We would have people walk in off the street wanting to buy a door or window from us and we’d just send them away; we were too busy doing new construction,” says Bob Smith, the company’s CEO. “We just weren’t set up to handle them.” But even as development and homebuilding business streamed in the door, the owners discussed expanding to consumers. So in 2005, Smith and his business partner and brother, Rocky Smith, devoted 800 square feet of its headquarters to showroom space. Two years later the firm expanded the showroom space to 1,300 square feet and created a new remodeling division. And two years after that, in 2009, the firm opened another location, on Longboat Key. The Smiths hoped the investment would allow the company to sell more directly to customers using a retail model. The pair also wanted to market its products more effectively to its existing commercial clients. It took a while, but the strategy has worked. Today, consumer sales make up 50% of business at Universal, which had $8 million in 2011 sales. Furthermore, using a spe-

The owners of a Longboat Key window showroom hope a new headquarters and larger showroom will yield oversized results. The shift is the culmination of smaller growth moves. AT A GLANCE Year 2009 2010 2011

Revenue $8.5 million $8 million $8 million Source: Universal Window Solutions

cialized lead tracking and accounting system called ACT, the company found a consumer that visits one of its showrooms increases the chances of a sale to 80%. As another bonus, Bob Smith says the company found that using showrooms to make sales allowed the company to offer fewer discounts and incentives. “We found that historically whenever the consumer is engaged and educated we won,” Smith says. “The other advantage is in the end they make a good decision and end up happier; there’s less buyers’ remorse.” Having customers make the buying decisions in the store also led to more natural opportunities to upsell. Universal, with 25 employees, isn’t done expanding. The firm, which recently spent $50,000 to double the size of the showroom again in its headquarters, recently bought a new building to replace it. It paid $900,000 for the 22,584-square-foot building, a former heating and air con-

Mark Wemple

Universal Window Solutions owners Bob Smith, right, and Rocky Smith expect a new headquarters with a larger showroom to pay for itself through more revenue. ditioning facility off U.S. 301 in Sarasota, and has earmarked an additional $200,000 for renovations. The company plans to create an 8,000-square-foot showroom in the new space, which will be nearly triple the size of its current one. It plans to hire new sales and administrative staff to aid the growth.

Bruce Myer

Although the company’s revenue dipped from $8.5 million in 2009 to $8 million in each of the past two years, Smith says the business’ new retail focus allowed it to expand its margins. It also was able it to stretch the size and complexity of its jobs. Smith projects annual revenues at the firm will increase 15% in the new building, which would

amount to about $1.2 million more in sales. It expects to have fully moved in to the new building by September. “I think we’re positioned better today than five years ago,” Smith says. “We’re certainly more diverse. We’ve added more product categories and we’re healthier today than we were before the crash.”

941.387.1859

Selling Luxury Real Estate for over 32 years! TWO NEW LISTINGS IN MIDRISE #3!

Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

FAIRWAY BAY FAIRWAY BAY - 2BR/2.5BA stylishly up- FAIRWAY BAY - 2BR/2BA Furnished cor#312 - 2BR/2BA with private walk down and beautiful bay views. $339,000 dated and furnished townhome with ner Penthouse. One covered parking $429,000 #326 - 2BR/2BA with large views of bay, downtown and Ringling bridge.$369,000 boat dock. $399,500 space. PENDING!

PENDING!

GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE - 3BR/2.5BA COUNTRY CLUB SHORES - 3BR/3BA Up- BAYPORT - Furnished 2/2 with expan- LIDO BEACH CLUB - #1009 -2BR/2BA estate on large lot with bay views & dated canal front home w/large caged sive Gulf views and deeded beach ac- Furnished with Gulf to Bay view from private canal. $1,979,000 lanai & pool. $799,000 cess. $399,000 3 terraces. $649,000 PENDING!

of all Sarasota & Manatee Realtors Rated in the Top 100 agents in Florida

Bruce@BruceMyer.com BruceMyer.com

COULD BE SHOWCASED

BEACHPLACE - Direct Gulf front 2BR/2BA furnished residence with 3 year rental history. $649,000

HERE!

LIDO BEACH CLUB - 2BR/2BA Fur- GRAND BAY - 2BR+Den/3.5BA with Bay, golf course & downtown views. nished with partial Gulf views. $995,000 $459,500 Offered furnished. PENDING!

INN ON THE BEACH!

PIERRE - 2BR+Den/3BA furnished LONGBOAT HARBOUR TOWER- Fur- SLEEPY LAGOON - End lot-2BR/2BA #2603-04 Gulf front double $1,025,000 residence. Modified, open floorplan nished 2BR/2BA, direct Gulf front DIRECT AND ENDLESS WATER VIEWS! #5103 Golf Course view $239,000 with partial Gulf views. $949,000 views from terrace. $439,000 $895,000 Club Suite #2202 Gulf front $439,000

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate • 201 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Ste. 1 • Longboat Key • At the Charthouse

82832

Top 1%

YOUR PROPERTY

JUST REDUCED!

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

21A

Coldwell Banker

FLORIDAMOVES.COM Build your career with Florida’s industry leader. Visit JoinCBToday.com today.

Longboat Key, Villa Di Lancia. $1,499,999 3/3 MLS#A3955494 Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

Longboat Key, Country Club Shores. $995,000 3/2.5 MLS#A3954792 Judy Kepecz-Hays 941-387-1825

Open SUN 1-4pm 204 Bird Key Dr Longboat Key, Pierre. $949,000 2/3 MLS#A3960074 Bruce Myer 941-387-1859

University Park. $769,900 3/3 MLS#A3950197 Michael/Mary Nell Moore 941-321-8592/941-266-7740

Sarasota, Bird Key. $3,690,000 5/5.5 MLS#A3956290 Barbara Ackerman 941-387-1820

Thanks to Our Realtors and Clients, REALTrends 500 Ranks Us ®

1 Residential Real Estate Brokerage Company in the U.S. # 1 Residential Real Estate Brokerage Company in Florida

Mainland Sarasota

1. Our parent company, NRT, is ranked #1 in both closed residential transaction sides and sales volume in 2011 in the U.S. Data obtained by REAL Trends Survey, May 2012. 2. REAL Trends ranked Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate number one in closed residential transaction sides in Orlando, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Naples/Fort Myers, Miami/Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach.

Sarasota, Coral Cove. $999,000 Sandy Endres, 941-735-2527 Beautiful & private Bay front, 1/4 acre+ lot with dock & boat lift. MLS#A3955827 Sarasota, Alinari. $339,900 Martina Coppenrath, 941-724-3339 Elegant Alinari downtown condominium w/tons of high end developer upgrades. MLS#A3962912

The Keys Sarasota, Lido Beach. $3,100,000 Ellen Orlop, 941-388-3966 Incredible 3/4+ home, charm & elegance, finest in craftmanship and design. MLS#A3960047

Longboat Key, Longboat Harbour Towers. $649,000 2/2 MLS#A3960500 Roger Pettingell 941-387-1840

Longboat Key, Longboat Key Towers. $2,275,000 Lynne Koy, 941-3871803 Breathtaking views of the Gulf, Bay & Downtown from this 3BR/3BA Penthouse. MLS#A3961679 Longboat Key, Bay Isles. $2,145,000 Mike Greve, 941-806-9444 Stunning custom wtrfrnt home in prestigious Harbor section of Bay Isles. MLS#A3953976 Sarasota, Saint Armands Division. $2,000,000 Carolyn Donnelly, 941-3509900 Stunning 4BR/3.5BA waterfront home, tropical pool, on desirable St Armands. MLS#A3962835 Longboat Key, Grand Bay. $1,495,000 Roger Pettingell, 941-387-1840 Panoramic views, stunning sunsets. Charming 3BR/3+BA Antigua. MLS#A3942023 Sarasota, 524 Beach Road. $1,150,000 Ellen O’Day, 941-366-8070 Gulf of Mexico, beachfront PH, 3/2. Sunsets from your balcony. MLS#A3962337 Longboat Key, Bay Isles. $799,000 Linda Weber, 941-504-2000 3BR/3.5BA custom southwestern home of 3008 sq.ft. on LBK club golf course. MLS#A3956755

Holmes Beach, Marina Isles. $1,572,000 4/2.5 MLS#A3951651 Gabe/Charles Buky 941-387-1864

Sarasota, Lido Regency. $599,900 2/2 MLS#A3951944 Tom Fynes 941-504-9282

Sarasota, Bird Key. $799,000 Lynn McDonald, 941-366-8070 Bird Key, Updated and Turnkey Furnished! 3BR/2BA Garden Home. MLS#A3962892 Sarasota, Lido Beach Club. $459,500 Bruce Myer, 941-387-1859 Furnished 2BR/2BA condominium on Lido Beach with partial Gulf views! MLS#A3955217 Longboat Key, Fairway Bay. $449,900 Leah George, 941-780-0597 Panoramic views of Bay,Ringling Bridge & dwntwn from this bayfront 2BR/2BA. MLS#A3957129 Sarasota, Lido Surf & Sand. $425,000 Barbara Miller, 941-388-3966 2/2 TKF Condo. Gulf-front Heated Pool and Jacuzzi. Walk to St. Armand’s MLS#A3943096 Longboat Key, Seaplace. $349,000 Lynne Koy, 941-387-1803 Rarely available 3BR/2BA, 1,492sqft condo w/garden views & 2 lanais. MLS#A3950449 Longboat Key, Cedars East Condo. $339,900 Michael/Mary Nell Moore, 941-321-8594/941-266-7740 Cedars East updated 2BR/2.5BA townhouse; fulltime residence/rental income. MLS#A3958914

Sarasota, Le Chateau. $429,000 2/2 MLS#A3961079 Lynn A. Luken 941-388-3966

Sarasota, Myakka Valley Ranches. $425,000 5/2 MLS#A3962949 Michael Wallace 941-366-8070

Venice/Osprey/Nokomis Osprey, Oaks II. $1,240,000 Brian Maher, 941-388-3966 High style & practicality with this tile-roofed 3/4 home. Gated community. MLS#A3956689

Residential ❙ Commercial ❙ Mortgage ❙ Rentals ❙ Corporate Relocation ❙ Closing Services 86495

FLORIDAMOVES.COM © 2012 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC.Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International, the Previews International logo and “Dedicated to Luxury Real Estate” are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 1. Our parent company, NRT, is ranked #1 in both closed residential transaction sides and sales volume in 2011 in the U.S. Data obtained by REAL Trends Survey, May 2012. 2. REAL Trends ranked Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate number one in closed residential transaction sides in Orlando,Tampa/St. Petersburg, Naples/Fort Myers, Miami/Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach.

22A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

AFTER HOURS

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

by Nick Friedman | Community Editor

Longboat Chamber members mingle at after-hours event Members of the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce met for an after-hours social event Tuesday, July 17, at The Sports Page Bar and Grille. Members enjoyed food provided by the bar before socializing and networking with fellow chamber members.

Photos by Nick Friedman

Tammy Halsted of Touch of Africa

Bob and Lynn Shaeffer of ABC Rentals

Ray Printz of Sports Page, Edith Barr Dunn and Bob Richards, owner of Sports Page

Robert Dinan of Dinan Enterprises, Allie Hueter of Building Connections, and John Wojtyna of Aqua Plumbing and Air

Joey Dangler, Kevin Rehall and Katie Holmes of the Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel

LET’S TALK SHOP!

the new STORE AROUND THE CORNER blog

MOULTON Certified Residential Specialist

MICHAEL

Michael Saunders & Company

Click the blog button on top of YourObserver.com to meet Danae DeShazer, your Local Shopstress. She’ll guide you through the best business events, services, promotions and offers in the Sarasota and Manatee area!

Licensed Real Estate Broker

NEW

LISTI

BIRD KEY - Custom 2001 built 3,500sf bay front home, top of the line throughout. A3963202 $2,575,000

Nancy Taussig of Barefoot Weddings; Jack Elka of Elka Photography; Dawn Mims, executive vice president of the chamber; Tom Aposporos, president of the chamber; Kathy Shumway and Gordon and Lynda Hall of Green Ginger.

RITZ BEACH RESIDENCES -Elegantly designed 3,300sf 3BR condo. A3959431 $2,800,000

Look for the featured Store Around the Corner ads throughout the paper and scan the QR codes to view videos* *download BIZ BARCODE for free from the app store to scan your QR Code today

ST. ARMANDS TOWERS - Sophisticated furnished 3BR Penthouse. A3953612 $1,695,000

NEW

StoreAroundTheCorner

PRIC

360 NORTH - North end Longboat 3BR townhome overlooking the gulf. A3956001 $950,000

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

87754

LBK BAYFRONT LOT - 100” wide with deeded beach access. A3937319 $1,975,000

StoreAroundTheCorner

86770

WATER CLUB - Direct Gulf front 3,400sf 3BR furnished condo. A3957287 $2,650,000

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

23A

games | bridge bites By Brian Gunnell | American Contract Bridge League

Ian Addy & Gail Wittig

A dummy reversal

North

♠ AQJ ♥875 ♦ 7532 ♣QJ8 East

87 A J 10 9 AK86

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ 10 9 2

South

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

♠ 642 ♥ K6 ♦ Q J 10 9 4 ♣643

K 10 9 5 3 Q432 — AK75

3315 Gulf of Mexico Drive | Longboat Key | $3,800,000

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

440 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, FL 34228 GailWittig@michaelsaunders.com

Bidding: South 1 ♠ Pass 3 ♠

941.387.0100

West North East Double Re-double 2♦ Pass 2 ♠ 3♦ Pass 4 ♠ All pass

• Leading Specialists at Longboat Key Club & Resort • 61+ Years of Combined Real Estate Sales Experience • Team Sales Exceed $195 Million Since 2005 • 2010 & 2011 Top Sales Team Michael Saunders & Company, Longboat Key

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box. See answers on page 25.

Barbara Milian, Ian Addy PA, Gail Wittig

We invite you to take advantage of our team’s experience and allow us the opportunity to present you with a complimentary market analysis of your property.

West

912 Boulevard of the Arts | Condo on the Bay | $795,000

Vulnerable: None

Longboat Key Club & Resort | From the low $200’s to $1,000,000’s

BRIDGE HAND

3616 Fair Oaks Place | Queens Harbour | $2,290,000

Contact Brian Howard, owner/director of the Bridge Center of Bradenton, at 795-8981.

3080 Grand Bay Boulevard #535 | Grand Bay | $549,000

Visit www.acbl.org for more about the game of bridge or email marketing@acbl.org.

WWW. ATHOMESARASOTA.COM

601 Longboat Club Road # S303 | Longboat Key Towers | $769,000

N-S stumble into 4♠, and West leads A♦. Declarer can count five Spade tricks and four Clubs. That’s nine — where’s the 10th? A ruff in the “short hand” is a common ploy for an extra trick, but that won’t work here, because Dummy has no short side-suits. Any ideas? Does ruffing the opening Diamond lead generate a 10th trick? No, that is a ruff in the long hand; that still leaves us with only five trump tricks. But suppose that Declarer ruffs three Diamonds. Now he gets six trump tricks via Dummy’s three high trumps plus three ruffs by Declarer (the long hand). In effect, Dummy becomes the master hand, the hand which will be used to draw the enemy trumps after Declarer has gotten his ruffs. Therefore, the sequence of plays is: Ruff the Diamond lead, cross to the Q♠, ruff another Diamond, cross to the J♠, ruff a third Diamond, cross to the Q♣ and draw the remaining enemy trump. This line works whenever trumps are 3-2. The thing to remember here is that Declarer needs three ruffs for the Dummy Reversal to produce an extra trick. It’s that third ruff that reduces Declarer’s trumps to a shorter length than Dummy’s. Actually, it would even be possible for Declarer to get a fourth ruff, but there are insufficient entries to take advantage of this. So, 10 tricks it is.

24A

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

TemperatureS

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Temps.

Weather Photo Contest Winner

Record Temps.

High

Low

High

Low

Tues. July 17

98 (1969)

68 (1967)

Wed. July 18

98 (1969)

68 (1974)

Thurs. July 19

96 (2007)

68 (1972)

Fri. July 20

95 (1991)

69 (1972)

Sat. July 21

95 (1999)

68 (1976)

Sun. July 22

98 (1984)

67 (1976)

Mon. July 23

98 (1969)

68 (1978)

Average Gulf water temperature: 88

TIDE CHART

Thurs. July 26

Highs 5:58 a 8:07 p

12:09 a

Lows 2:19 p

Fri. July 27

6:52 a 10:32 p

12:43 a

3:46 p

Sat. July 28

7:56 a

—

1:19 a

5:03 p

Sun. July 29

9:04 a

—

6:07 p

Mon. July 30

10:11 a

—

6:59 p

Tues. July 31

1:37 a 11:11 a

5:01 a

7:43 p

Wed. Aug. 1

1:59 a 12:05 p

6:06 a

8:20 p

MOON PHASES

Sunrise/sunset Sunrise 6:51 6:51 6:52 6:52 6:53 6:53 6:54

Sunset 8:23 8:22 8:22 8:21 8:20 8:20 8:19

Harry Cunningham III took this photo from the balcony at Gulf Tides, 3008 GMD. July 26 First

Aug. 1 Full

Aug. 9 Last

Aug. 17 New

PHOTO CONTEST: Win an iPad 2 or Canon EOS T3 camera. Enter your sunset, sunrise or weatherrelated photos for The Observer’s weather photo contest, sponsored by . To enter your photos, visit YourObserver.com, and click on the “Contests” tab in the upper-right corner. Weekly winners will have their photo printed in the paper and will be entered into a drawing for that month. The monthly winner will choose between an iPad 2 or Canon EOS T3 camera.

87736

Thurs., July 26 Fri., July 27 Sat., July 28 Sun., July 29 Mon., July 30 Tues., July 31 Wed., Aug. 1

Edited by Timothy E. Parker

CRYPTOGRAMS 1. R V Y B Y F N U N M Y B P C B N O Y A S W W P W Y R R Y B Y X U K C Z L S R U K X Y RV Y I L U U ’ U L A A K OY: “ Y B B L B U V N M Y I Y Y Z G N X Y: L RV Y B U F K W W I Y I W N G Y X .” 2. Z A A D E D X V Z U U Y C H L A M J G Z P C , U Y C X C H C R J G L T C C G L L M C Q KJ

ZXQ WZH

“UYC

UYDW

NCZUDXVW

D R JA L E C W.”

RLUDEZUDLXZG WDVX HDGG

PLXUDXKC

NT YDW

KXUDG

QCWM: RLAZGC

On THE LInE by dame Copperfield

ACROSS 1 Lure and snare 7 Chauffeured 12 Stephen King title: “ ___ Things” 19 Act as a go-between 20 Rowing a boat 22 Too old 23 Having plenty of dough? 25 Jumps the tracks 26 In a cold manner 27 Old twosomes? 29 Formal court order 30 Having feathered wings 33 As the result of 34 Wine barrel stopper 36 Straighten, as wheels 37 What debaters debate 40 ___ out a living (just gets by) 42 X-ray unit 45 Wild stab 46 Simpson boy 47 Forthcoming 49 “Yadda, yadda, yadda,” briefly 50 “Be that ___ may ...” 52 Melancholy 55 Between here and there 56 Sent back through school 60 Chutzpah-driven 62 “National Velvet” author Bagnold 63 Odds’ partners 64 Apollo 11 lander 66 Mountains in Chile 67 “My” follower, in Vietnam 68 Certain math symbol 72 Fuel 73 Process metal

75 Not suited to the job 76 Sewing notions holder 78 “... to ___ and to hold” 79 Glide on blades 81 Group of islands in the western Indian Ocean 87 Repeat oneself 89 “Up” positions 91 Ellington of jazz 92 Psychology 101 topic 93 Exotic wallet material 94 Jannings or Ludwig 96 Treat with contempt 98 Homer Simpson’s shout 99 Laundry appliance 101 Pitter-___ 103 Like many windows 104 Unimaginably long stretches of time 106 Accumulate 108 Narrow at the base, as leaves 110 Clunker of a car 112 Lifeguard’s beat 113 Man from Muscat 114 Antiquated 117 Comparatively flat and shiny 123 Sweater vest’s lack 124 Apollo Theater locale 125 Giggle sound 126 Produces sorrow 127 Actress Patricia, and others 128 Misprints

dOwn

1 North Pole toymaker 2 Nothing on a soccer field

3 Letter following sigma 4 Insurrections 5 Refuse receptacles 6 Plover’s cousin 7 Decayed, as wood 8 Cheerleader’s word 9 Middle Earth meanie 10 Overpass spans 11 Comes after 12 Silent assents 13 Adam’s mate 14 Bard’s “always” 15 Sketched 16 Carnival’s setting 17 Hybrid citrus fruit 18 “___ we forget” (Kipling) 21 Steps leading down to a river 24 “Would ___ you down?” 28 She doesn’t have antlers 30 Cellphone precursor 31 Remove by dissolving 32 Uncle’s special little girl 33 Brief instruction? 34 Clarinetist Goodman 35 Former world power 38 “In memoriam” notice, for short 39 Chopped liver dish 41 Capital of the Ukraine 43 Musical Shaw 44 Title documents 48 Focus of a pedicure 50 Monogram of Sherlock’s creator 51 Business letter encl. 53 Feelings of anxiety 54 Store with lots of meats 57 Card shufflers 58 Apartment, to a landlord 59 Overwhelm with noise 61 Gas pump abbr. 65 Ring king

66 67 69 70 71 73 74 77 79 80 82 83 84 85 86 88 90 95 96 97 100 101 102 105 107 109 110 111 112 113 115 116 118 119 120 121 122

Muhammad Chills and fever fit Cool in a crisis Sine ___ non Golden Rule word Bottle or guitar feature Drew back, like a startled horse San ___, Calif. Article in many titles Awakens Number-picking game Do newspaper work Season for a log Former hotelier Helmsley Long-plumed heron Balloon used in atmospheric probes From the same mold Beach Washington, McKinley et al. (Abbr.) Human leech Nitpicky person Not, to a Scot Classic arcade game “Arrivederci ___” Made a choice Prepare potatoes, in a way Moisten, as a turkey Little Joe’s biggest brother Fitzgerald of jazz Harry Truman’s wife Electrical engineer’s measure “... or so ___ heard” Chess pieces Suffix with “pay” ___ Aviv Sleuth’s cry Tennis-match part “The Old Man and the ___”

CROSSWORD_072612

O B S E RV E R C RO S S WO R D

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Items Under $200 For Sale

Business Opportunities

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

GUITAR: SEDONA acoustic, small, metal strings, nice sound, $35. 941-355-9193.

FREE BUSINESS Seminar. Sat., July 28. AmericINN, 5931 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, 8:30AM-1PM. Carole Kay, 941-737-9171.

BEACHPLACE

LIDO BEACH Vacation paradise. 1 & 2 bedroom condos overlooking beautiful Lido Beach. Weekly rates. Lido Dorset. Rental condo. 1-800-734-3370.

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 FOR SALE OR RENT, fantastic high and dry boat slip, superb S. Longboat location. Call 941-371-1866. LONGBOAT KEY Moorings Boat Slip for Rent. Yacht Club Slip N-7, accommodates up to 45 ft. Boat with Electric, Water, & Wi-fi. $400/mo. 941-928-1542.

Boats Boats are selling very well. 75 boats this year, many in less than 2 weeks. Center Consoles, Deck boats and Walk Arounds are definitely in demand. Keeping it simple, “Business on a Hand Shake”. Let’s talk about selling your boat. I buy boats too. Island Boat Sales. 941-228-3489. LET ME HELP YOU SELL YOUR BOAT And I'll do all the work! I'll take photographs, Create and Manage Ads, Coordinate Showings, Negotiate Offers, and Handle Documentation No Contract, No Commission, No Commitment, Simply Consignment. Laurie - 319-631-2010.

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

Merchandise Wanted SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, time pieces, coins, jewelry and antiques. Please call Marc, 941-321-0707.

Seminars DINNER SEMINAR Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Financial Advisor Joe Lasota Topic: Secure Your Legacy Sign of the Mermaid Restaurant on Anna Maria Island, August 8th @ 5:30pm Limited Space, please R.S.V.P to: 941-364-7476 joseph.lasota@mssb.com

Storage STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area. 941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.

This week’s Sudoku answers

HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 87127

3BR, UPDATED, TASTEFULLY DECORATED. GULF & BAY VIEWS. CALL CYNTHIA 407-492-5749

LOOKING TO GO INTO BUSINESS FOR YOURSELF? IF YOU HAVE $10,000, I WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO GENERATE AN AVERAGE INCOME OF OVER $3700 A WEEK FOR THE NEXT 2 YEARS. 15 YR OLD DEBT FREE COMPANY. CALL FOR APPT. 941-600-7156

CASA DEL MAR BEACH RESORT

Help Wanted CAREGIVER FOR Longboat lady: Three 12-hour day shifts, 11am-11pm. Must have private duty experience in personal care, wheelchair transport, cognitive issues. Seeking patient, intelligent lady, college degree preferred, healthy cook, pet friendly. Clean driving record, no smoking, references. Start $13+/hour, paid on W-2. 941-780-4284 or Avanga42@aol.com.

RENTALS 4 NIGHT MIN. GULF FRONT/ GULF VIEW Reservations: 941-383-5549 Visa/ MC Fax: 941-383-7925 “Take our video tour at” www.casadelmar.net

Condos/Apts. For Rent BEACH-TO-BAY CONDO at Bayport BTC Newly decorated 2bed/2bath. First floor, end unit. Free local phone, cable, Wi-Fi. Monthly rentals beginning May 2012. Contact owner at 615-376-9448.

Office Open 7 Days, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key 34228

LONGBOAT KEY - ON THE BEACH AT THE PIERRE: Fabulous views. 2,410 sq/ft. 2 bedroom plus den/convertible 3rd bedroom. 3 baths. Available 5/1/2013. Photos:ebstulberg@gmail.com

FREE Wireless High Speed Internet

“Where People Return Year After Year”

LONGBOAT LIL GULL CONDO UNIT 4: Aug. 4 to Aug. 11, Sleeps 4 and UNIT 16: Aug. 11 to Aug. 18 Sleeps 10, 4BR 3BA. 813-541-8876.

KEY ROYALE home on beautiful Anna maria Island with direct boating access to Gulf of Mexico. protected sailboat water canal. Custom built 3BR/3.5BA with 88 feet of water. $775,000. Call 941-778-5822.

“INTENTIONALLY BETTER”

Exceptional Vacation Rentals Since 1994 Homes & Condominiums Studios to Six Bedrooms Beachfront, Intercoastal or Garden Excellent Service & Staff FLORIDA VACATION CONNECTION

Open House OPEN SUNDAY July 29th 1:00 to 3:00pm Treymore in The Villages of Palm Aire. 4736 Carrington Circle. 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms plus study. Large heated pool on preserve lot. $449,000. The Hendrix Group Dick Rozic 941-928-8166

Real Estate Wanted WANTED LUXURY ANNUAL RENTALS For Qualified Waiting Clients Contact - Sarasota Luxury Rentals 941-225-1356

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

214-676-0366 rhett_miller@sbcglobal.net

LONGBOAT KEY. Gulf front, heated pool on beach, 1BR/1BA condo, full kitchen, dining, sleeps/4, king pillowtop. 617-328-7145, 857-939-1049. 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. SUNSET BEACH, LBK. Quiet and private 2BR/2BA first floor walkdown overlooking pool and gulf. Elevator. Call 863-660-2931, or email jkane@wfafinet.com for information

www.FLvacationconnection.com 941-387-9709 877-705-2460

This week’s Crossword answers

LBK BEACHFRONT 1BR & 3BR condos, heated pool, furnished. Starting at $900 weekly. Outrigger Resort, 941-383-3844. LBK SEAPLACE - Available January-April. Lovely 2BR, fully equipped, W/D in unit, lanai, garden view, steps to beach, pool, tennis, full clubhouse amenities. Great! Non-smoking/pets. 770-314-6321.

HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 56733

LBK, PRIVATEER Condo: beachfront, 2BR/2BA, newly furnished, heated pool, tennis court, exercise room. Available January to April 2013. Non-smoking. No pets. 941-383-9473. LIDO BEACH CONDOMINIUMS Weekly - Monthly - Seasonal

email: info@sarasotaluxuryrentals.com Personalized attention with professional honest advice. 25 Years Experience - References available

LONGBOAT KEY PORTOBELLO 2BR/2BA, 4th floor Bayside with beautiful Gulf views. Completely remodeled. October, November, December, 2012 Minimum 1 month

WASHER/ DRYER IN EVERY UNIT BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS LARGE HEATED POOL GULFSIDE

LONGBOAT BAYPORT BTC- 2BR 2BA Gulf front views- wifi-Monthly rentals 813-541-8876.

Homes For Sale

LONGBOAT EXCLUSIVE BEACHFRONT Privately owned beachfront 2000sq.ft. home on Gulf, 13 steps to the beach. 2BR/2BA, sleeps up to 10 - perfect for 2 couples or large families. Fully furnished gourmet kitchen, laundry, covered parking, heated pool, outdoor gas grill, private beach. Spectacular references. No pets. Non-smoking. Photos: http://zillivilla.com Weekly or monthly: jim@zillihospitalitygroup.com

2012

Resort Properties, Inc. Licensed Real Estate Broker Full Service Condominium Management

2BR/2BA CONDO on Bay. Mid-Key location. Available now, 30 day min. Great amenities, 813-390-0366.

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

This week’s Cryptogram answers 1. There was a very gracefully lettered sign outside the boss’s office: “errors have been made: others will be blamed.” 2. Arriving at the workplace, the new employee looked up and saw this motivational sign by his desk: “the beatings will continue until morale improves.”

Observe

what you are missing... Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

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Reach us online 24/7 www.YourObserver.com/classifieds

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Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

Auto Service

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.

WE WANT TO BUY YOUR VEHICLE!!! Any Make, Any Model, Any Condition. No Title - No Problem! Bank Lien - No Problem! Paying up to $30,000 for Vehicles. Call AJ now at 813-335-3794 for a Free Quote or 813-531-4298.

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

Computer Services

Weekly/ Monthly/ Seasonal Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-6127 Visa/ MC 800-352-0367

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

Ask about our special rates! Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.wagnerrentals.com

Adult Care Services CNA OFFERING Care for your loved one in her private home 24/7. Also, Daycare & Respite Care available. Over 20 years experience. Excellent references. For more info: 941-323-5626. CNA/HHA SEEKING live-in position as a caregiver/companion. Live in or out. Excellent references. 941-799-0180. HOME HEALTH Aides and Nursing Assistants are available to work for you at a fraction of the cost of big company's. Reasonable rates and quality care. Call Lacrisha @ 536-5292, also ref. available. MEDICAL ASSISTANT/NURSING ASSISTANT CERTIFIED - FT or PT. Light cooking & housekeeping, doctors appointments, shopping, free to travel anywhere, personal care. Overnights available. Own vehicle. Non-Smoker. References available. 4 languages. Kati, 941-228-4183. RN EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER Excellent references. Negotiable hourly rate, as discussed at interview. Call Joan at 941-747-7660.

JOHN GUBERNAT SERVICES Residential/ Commercial. Handyman Repairs, Roof Repairs, Coatings, Painting, Power Washing, Property Management, Home Watching. LBK Resident. Lic./Ins. 941-962-4867.

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

TILE TILE TILE

Cmagik - LBK resident, servicing our island year round for over 12 yrs. Bachelors Degree with 20 yrs. experience, PC or MAC. Professional help with computers, iPad/iPhones and tutoring. References upon request. Call Cort: 383-3878, 587-5588 cmagik.com

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

Longboat Observer THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012 Thursday, July 26, 2012

All Variations of Ceramic Tile Supplied & Installed. Free Estimates & Custom Designs. Expert Marble & Travertine Installation Floor & Walls

$20 AN HOUR WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING BONDED AND INSURED. VERY HONEST & TRUSTWORTHY HANDYMEN. REFERENCES CAN BE SUPPLIED. REPAIRING ALL DIFFERENT TYPES OF HOME/OFFICE, YARD, DEBRIS REMOVAL, GARDENING PROJECTS OR PROBLEMS.

   

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

Grout Cleaning & Sealing Service Available BONDED & INSURED Over 25 yrs. experience

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

Home Improvement/ Remodeling HANDY MAN SERVICES RELIABLE HANDY MAN SERVICES, LLC.

I come to your home or office.

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

Painting/Wallpapering CARLO DATTILO PAINTING. Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing. Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable. Free estimates. 941-744-1020. 35+ years experience. DEEP SUMMER SAVINGS Custom interior/exterior painting, drywall repair including all textures, expert wallpaper and popcorn removal. All pressure washing with roof tile restoration services. Serving SRQ since 1990. Fully insured. Gordon, 941-400-6607. RICK STEAKLEY PAINTING. Interior/Exterior. Pressure Washing. Wallpaper Removal. Drywall Repairs. Reasonable. Reliable. Professional. 30+/years experience. References available. Free Estimates. Lic./Ins. 941-228-7605, rlsteakley@comcast.net

CALL DEXTER: 536-3869

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Diversions YourObserver.com

On Broadway

THURSDAY, juLY 26, 2012

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

“It’s so consuming to me that if you took that identity away from me that I don’t know what I would be, what would be left of me,” Rick Kerby says of musical theater.

bringing down

Mallory Gnaegy

the house Producing artistic director for The Manatee Players, Rick Kerby, is in his ninth season playing just about every role at the company. With a new theater opening in March, the sky’s the limit for Kerby and his players.

ick Kerby sits on the edge of The ShowKidz camp counselor, aka the stage talking to a fully-cos- Peter Pan, is filling Kerby in on what tumed Peter Pan, who’s sitting he has missed that morning. She’s in the audience eating a Lean Cuisine. singing to him between bites: “Hula

Hana of Kamana Whala Hula Bay.” He laughs as he turns a costume headdress made of fruit over in his hands. This is nothing out of the ordinary.

COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

INSIDE

HOME

O ccasions Anne Weintraub and Sal Diaz-Verson Jr. SEE PAGE 8

Longboat Key residence glitters like gold / PAGE 5

BACKSTAGE PASS James Lemons dons a hard hat for his latest role. / PAGE 6

2 ■ Diversions

COVER STORY

Kerby has been cooped up in his small office in the back of the theater all morning. The banter is friendly and relaxed, mimicking small talk among family members who have just sat down for dinner. “There’s nothing like a theatrical family,” Kerby says. “You’re so bonded and emotionally attached to each other that they really are a family.” He speaks quietly, but with passion — it’s as if he’s performing a climactic monologue, but it’s genuine and from the heart. Aside from his partner, Jonathan, and his cat, Mr. Kitty, Kerby doesn’t have any family here. He spends his days doing office work and administration for the theater and, then, starting at 6:30 p.m. he’s in rehearsals until 10 p.m. Kerby is the artistic eye for the Manatee Players. He does all the hiring, the majority of the directing and choreographing, oversees the proceedings in the back of the house and is in charge of the artistic vision of the strictly musical theater. Aside from the KidzCamp rehearsal’s of “Pippin,” lately, he has been working with professional actress and model Robin Givens on “Joy in the Morning,” a play she wrote, based on a book authored by her mother, and which she is now directing. Givens’ sons go to school in the area, and that’s how she found the theater.

In the Studio with Rick Kerby. www.YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

(continued from page 1)

Mallory Gnaegy

A stack of scripts of what The Manatee Players performers are working on this season. The group will unveil its new theater in March with a production of “Miss Saigon.” “It’s an interesting concept that hasn’t really been explored in live theater,” he says of her play. Several characters have older and younger selves played by different actors; they talk and relate to each other as they perform memories. Kerby says it has been fun watching Givens get up on stage to demonstrate, and it’s a unique experience for the actors to work directly with a playwright. His hope is that she will continue to work with the theater. Not to mention, “she’s the prettiest director we’ve ever seen,” he adds. Kerby is not bad-looking, either. He’s classic-Hollywood handsome: tall with dark, wispy hair, brown eyes and broad shoulders. He has been work-

ing with Manatee Players since his move to Bradenton in 2003. It was a change of pace after having lived in Manhattan for 20 years. Kerby had visited the area many times, touring to the Van Wezel in shows such as “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” To Kerby, this area was paradise, and, despite a lack of community theater experience, it was easy for him to make the move when a friend told him about the artistic director position. “I came as a snobby New Yorker caught in a ‘Waiting for Guffman’ episode, but was astounded by the talent in this area,” he says. Kerby has an extensive back-

ground in performance, from singing and dancing his way across stages all over the U.S. to performing 3 a.m. shows in Las Vegas. Before he took on his current role, he was the entertainment director for the USO of Metropolitan New York and was tasked with of finding the talent. Kerby’s presence at the Manatee Players has brought an increasing audience size with each season. But recently, The Manatee Players outgrew its riverfront britches and is in the process of building a new theater expected to open in March with a performance of “Miss Saigon.” The space, named Manatee Performing Arts Center, will seat 380 — a big jump from the Riverfront Theatre’s 238-seat capacity. In addition to a main theater, there will be a second space that seats 100. “It’s a lot harder to put 400 people into a theater than a 100, so we can take a little more risk with a 100-seat theater,” he says. The new space will also contain an educational wing that Kerby feels will become the theater’s biggest area for growth. Kerby says the execution and planning of the new space has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his job. During the concept phase of the project, the architect asked Kerby, “If you could dream anything, what would you want this space to be?” Kerby answered and now says that 99% of those ideas were incorporated in the new place. “It’s bigger than I dreamed it could be, so the possibilities are endless,” he says excitedly.

Kerby predicts that in another 10 years, the Manatee Players will have outgrown their space again and will need to add a third story. He expects they’ll be that successful there. “That’s my focus — making sure we deserve that beautiful space we are in,” he says.

IF YOU GO ‘Joy in the Morning’ A presentation of a play with music and words written by actress Robin Givens. When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2; 8 p.m. Aug. 3 Where: Manatee Players’ Riverfront Theatre, 102 12th St. W., Bradenton Cost: Tickets are $26 to $50 For more information: Call 748-5875

Courtesy photo

Robin Givens wrote “Joy in the Morning” based on a book her mom wrote.

2 0 1 2

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Photo entries will be accepted until September 30. Anyone can vote online October 1-31. The grand prize winner will receive a $1,000 travel voucher. One first place winner from each paper will receive a $350 travel voucher. Winners will be announced in the Observer’s annual “Welcome Back” edition in November. For complete rules or to submit your photo click the “Contests” page on YourObserver.com. 86307

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

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Diversions

YourObserver.com

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COLUMN

art scene

+ Harping on a particular subject

+ Death of a local art supporter

HEARD

Veronica Bravo died July 13 at the age of 75. Bravo was the wife of WQXR’s Bob Sherman and a dear friend of Diversion’s longtime contributing columnist, June LeBell. Bravo was a resident of Ossining, N.Y., as well as Sarasota. Early in her performance career she was a stage dancer in London’s West End. When she moved to the U.S., she became a regular performer on the “Sing Along with Mitch” TV series. Later in her career, she went on to classical-music arts management and publicity. Bravo will be remembered as a warm, elegant, gracious and dynamic woman with an irreverent sense of humor. She filled her home with plants and artwork, was a passionate animal-lover and a strong advocate for personal freedom of choice and human dignity.

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Photo courtesy of Cliff Roles

Hot tickets

Cliff Roles, third from right, with some of the other finalists

+ An earnest, or Ernest, photographer One hundred fifty Ernest Hemingways made their way last weekend to Key West to participate in a particular contest. The 20th-century esteemed writer had a permanent home in Key West, but this story is about a different “Old Man and the Sea” — none other than local photographer Cliff Roles participating in the 32nd Photo courtesy of Cliff Roles annual Hemingway look-alike contest at Cliff Roles as Ernest Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Duval Street. Roles grew a long white beard and Hemingway donned his best fishing hat and a pensive face to join the ranks and see if he had what it takes. He placed in the first round of finals but did not make it to final five. He bid a “Farewell to Arms,” rather Key West. But he thinks the “Sun Also Rises” on an opportunity for a Sean Connery look-alike contest once he finds it.

Do you remember the story former A&E Editor Heidi Kurpiela wrote about Sarasota Orchestra’s principal harpist, Cheryl Losey? Well, even if you don’t, Losey is planning the second Gulf Coast Harp Festival. It’s a weeklong summer program for serious harpists in the area. And because harpists’ fingers are like lightning, never striking the same chord progression twice, you don’t want to miss the free recital taking place at 3 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail. Don’t break her harp, make sure to go!

Courtesy photo

+ Players seeking players

>> ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’: Venice Theatre will perform “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” as its summer stock musical. The musical about Miss Mona Stangley’s brothel on a chicken ranch outside of Texas runs July 25 to Aug. 5, on MainStage at Venice Theatre. Tickets $25, call 488-1115 or visit venicestage.com. See photos from the show online at YourObserver.com.

Cheryl Losey

Courtesy photo

The Players Theatre first building, The Pecky Cypress building, on North Tamiami Trail and Ninth Street, circa 1936.

The Players are getting older. The group has been around since 1930 when 281 patrons each paid $2 to subscribe to the one-act plays they performed. The Players Theatre is searching for stage veterans from 1930 to 1990 to be honored at a benefit in November. They are looking for anyone who appeared on The Players stage during that time, or anyone who knows how to reach those who did. Call 953-9599.

ONLINE

Popcorn Bob’s latest Movie Magic reviews feature “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Ice Age: Continental Drift” and “Ted.”

at the Jane B. Cook Theatre FSU Center for Performing Arts 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota BOX OFFICE (941) 351-2808 banyantheatercompany.com

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GARDEN

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■

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

by Rachel O’Hara | Staff Photographer

Jungle boogie

In 2000, Jim and Barbara Pappas built their home on Longboat Key. Five years later, Gardening South Inc. turned the property’s landscape into a tamed jungle. To create the tropical aesthetic, various types of palms, as well as, a plethora of colorful landscape plants and flowers were planted, including macho ferns, landscape begonias, fiddlewood, wild coffee, Mexican petunias and freeflowing dracaenas. You’ll also find various ixora, red-hot hibiscus and imperial blue plumbago. The Pappases’ backyard also features an infinity pool overlooking Sarasota Bay and a tiki hut near the mangroves that runs along the north end of the property.

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THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

HOME

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Diversions

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by Loren Mayo | Black Tie Editor

ode to Versace Lauren Ann and Bernard Walsh may have a beachside condo on Longboat Key, but there’s not an ounce of ocean flair to their Promenade abode. “Someone was moving and I saw that they had a table, so I got it,” says Lauren Ann Walsh. “I had to have a crane take it up. The first crane was not tall enough — I’ve never needed a crane before. I had everyone hanging off their balconies saying, ‘I love your table!’” “Dick Zimmerman of Z Portraitures did the cover of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ album and came to Sarasota for one of the art shows, so I grabbed his card. He’s been called ‘an artist to the stars.’ You have to give him six months. Bernard and I sat for half of an afternoon. He took the chair and stacked it on top of books — you should have seen me getting up.”

Lauren Ann Walsh should have been born in the Catherinian Era. She should have risen every morning in a majestic four-poster bed dressed in Medusa fashions before roaming the hallways of her castle, passing sleek furnishings with chunky gilding on her way to the kitchen for a four-star breakfast. Seven years ago, when the Walshes moved into their new space at the Promenade, the look was modern contemporary. Four years ago, Lauren Ann Walsh set sail on a trip to the Baltic and fell in love with the European style. Her next trip took her to Russia. “I wanted Catherine’s palace,” Walsh said. “To me, it’s over the top and more interesting. I like things that pop, and I want to be uniquely different.” When she found out one of her friends was transitioning from Versace to modern and selling his collection, she jumped on it. Now, there’s Versace everywhere. Versace in the living room, Versace in the dining room, Versace in the bedroom and even Versace in the kitchen. And, because she’s so involved with the Sarasota Ballet, Walsh added a couple of tutus and pointe shoes to the mix. “I love the gilded era,” Walsh said. “You see the red with the gold.”

“I absolutely love my curio cabinet. Parker Robinson told me it’s actually called a vitrine, and the flamboyant gold accent pieces are called ormolu.”

“We heard a friend was selling his collection and going modern. I didn't want beach furniture … the plan was how to get Versailles here.” “I just got this table. I wanted something in that space, and I walked into a store and thought, ‘I want these men!’ The mother of pearl on top of it is so cool.”

“I wanted something an emperor would have. I thought, ‘What would Catherine (the Great) have slept in?’ I found the bed at Baer’s, and Parker Robinson did the coverings and used Versace colors. It's a big room, and there's so much more I want to do.”

“It looks like something I'd see in a castle.”

“I met Su Griggs (Allen) at her art show and bought this piece, called ‘Thinking Outside the Box.’ I’m still trying to think of what the key would be, unless it’s the key to knowledge.”

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6 ■ Diversions >>

YourObserver.com

BACKSTAGE PASS

■

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

By Heidi Kurpiela | Contributing Writer

Man at work

As Florida Studio Theatre’s general manger for two years, James Lemons is a jack-of-all-trades. As the company moves along on its new Gompertz Theatre project, Lemons’ job has become even more hands-on.

love: directing theater. A graduate of Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, Lemons spent 10 years as the associate artistic director at WaterTower Theatre, a 32,000-square-foot professional theater in Dallas. A fan of musical comedies, Lemons carved a niche for himself, directing what he describes as “the most modern, crass musical theater you can think of.” “If it was classy,” Lemons says, “I never did it.” Despite his penchant for lighter fare, the director was burned out on musical theater and craving a new adventure. He says he found it at FST. And, no, he’s not had the itch to direct anything … yet. “Right now I’m focused on construction deadlines,” he says. “I’m Type A enough that I like getting this work done. I like crossing it off my list. In two weeks I’ll be able to cross off stuccoing. Is it wrong that I’m getting excited about seeing my Sharpie roll across the page?”

ONLINE: See photos of the new Gompertz Theatre. www.YourObserver.com

Heidi Kurpiela

“I know more about city codes and construction than anyone wants to know,” jokes James Lemons, Florida Studio Theatre’s general manager. Lemons joined the FST staff two years ago and has since spent most of his time guiding the Gompertz expansion project.

BY THE NUMBERS

the Gompertz Theatre

160,000 — The number

18,000 — The number of

of people that FST reaches with its current programming

11,000 — The number of subscribers in FST’s Mainstage series

6,000 — The current

number of square feet inside

square feet FST will add to the current Gompertz Theatre

$5.6 million — The cost of the Gompertz construction campaign $1 million — The cost of

the property at the corner of First Street and Cocoanut Avenue

230 — The number of new seats FST will add to its campus

5 — The number of months until the Gompertz’s grand opening

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ences, too. Sets are built for speed and efficiency. We build it up and tear it down. The Gompertz needs to last for a long time.” As most longtime theatergoers are aware, the building has already stood the test of time. Built in 1925 at the corner of First Street and Cocoanut Avenue in downtown Sarasota, the Gompertz has undergone several transformations in its 87 years. Originally a movie theater, it closed down in the 1930s and reopened in the early 1950s as the Palm Tree Playhouse, a 160-seat venue for live theater founded by Sarasota actor Stuart Lancaster, the grandson of circus magnate Charles Ringling. When Lancaster shut it down in 1962, it remained vacant until the Asolo Stage Two Theatre moved in 10 years later, followed by Theatre Works in 1985, followed by FST in 2004. “The Gompertz has had a revolving door for years,” says Lemons, who unearthed evidence of the theater’s many tenants when renovations began on the building. “We found boxes of old ticket stubs and playbills from the Palm Tree Playhouse that hadn’t seen the light of day since the 1950s.” Among some of the found treasure: handwritten movie tickets, old inkwells and employee pay stubs buried in the sand under the floorboards. According to Lemons, some of the checks were for $25 — one week’s pay. “We kept a lot of what we found,” he says. “We’re not sure what we’re going to do with it yet, as far as preservation goes.” Lemons has been so focused on overseeing construction, he’s had little time to think about his first

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ately it seems James Lemons has been spending a lot of time in a hard hat, so much so that he even has one with his name on it. Well, except for today. Today, a construction worker putting up drywall inside Florida Studio Theatre’s new Gompertz Theatre is walking around wearing Lemons’ hat. Lemons, the theater’s general manager of two years, doesn’t seem to mind. According to his hat, he’s Bruce Price, FST’s production manager. “At least it fits,” he says with a grin, as he waltzes past the mangled fence separating the Gompertz construction site from the rest of the FST campus. “Structurally, we’re finishing a lot of things now. We’re just about ready to move onto interior work: colors of walls, carpet details, lighting sconces. Fancy stuff.” Last year, when FST Artistic Director Richard Hopkins announced that the theater would break ground on a $6 million construction project to renovate and expand its 100-year-old Gompertz Theatre, Lemons, 34, didn’t realize how much of the project would impact his day-to-day job. The manager serves as the liaison between the Bradenton-based NDC Construction firm and FST, a job that he says has come with its fair share of pressure and excitement. Lemons, a native of Henrietta, Texas, hasn’t breathed in this much sawdust since he remodeled his first home in Dallas. “A friend of mine once told me that remodeling a house is a lot like building a set,” Lemons says. “Of course, there are a lot of differ-

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

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REVIEWS

theater >> ‘The Piano Teacher’

ters with conflict throughout his dramatic portrayal of the mysterious and damaged piano prodigy, Michael, whom Mrs. K struggles inwardly not to remember. He speaks of himself and the other piano students as “pure imagination walking around in skin.” The nearly flawless opening-night production has been greatly abetted by the addition of dramatic sound cues by sound designer Steve Lemke and creative lighting by Michael Pasquino, lighting designer. Timothy Beltley’s costume design added credibility. Technical director Shane Streight and production stage manager Jon Merlyn contributed a smoothness of acceleration to the overall ambience. There was no intermission, nor was one needed, because the production held each audience member in the palm of its hand throughout. If you like wellconstructed theater, you should definitely

get out and see “The Piano Teacher,” produced by the Banyan Theatre Company playing through Aug. 5 at the Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. — Paula Atwell

IF YOU GO Banyan Theatre’s ‘The Piano Teacher’ When: 8 p.m. July 26 to July 28, and Aug. 1 to Aug. 4; and 2 p.m. July 28, July 29, Aug. 4 and Aug. 5 Where: The Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Tickets: $28.50 Call 351-2808

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Contemporary playwright Julia Cho is also an actress and TV writer, who has won many awards for her theatrical work. She has been a resident playwright at New Dramatists since 2004, and her plays include “The Language Archive,” “Durango,” “The Winchester House,” “BFE,” “The Architecture of Loss” and “99 Histories.” Banyan Co-Producers Jerry and Terri Finn picked another winner for their summer series with this understated, psychologically spiked thriller about a suburban, retired piano teacher, whose life trajectory has been subtly, but tragically, altered by her marriage to her foreign-born, now-

deceased husband, whom she considered as a “refugee” who “looked up at me like he was dying of thirst and I was rain. I loved feeling like rain.” Director Jim Wise has created an almost Hitchcockian suspense throughout the play, which opens on Mrs. K, the piano teacher, admirably played by Donna Gerdes. The sweet widow speaks of her passion for cookies and even passes some out on a tray to the audience in a grandmotherly fashion. The audience watches enthralled as a strange undercurrent of fear subtly builds throughout her long monologue. Megan DeLay portrays Mary Fields, one of Mrs. K’s students, with a perfect balance of pleasantry and concern. She brings a natural believability to the unfolding drama of unspeakable horror that informs the rest of the play. Christopher Swan trembles and sput-

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THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ccasions ENGAGEMENTS + WEDDINGS

The Newlyweds: Anne Weintraub and Sal Diaz-Verson Jr.

BRIDE’S PARENTS: Stanley and

Janice Weintraub

HOW THEY MET: “My first thought was, ‘This is the smartest man I’ve ever met.’ I remember Googling him. He asked me to dinner, but a week later I saw him again, and he hadn’t called me. I confronted him and said, ‘You don’t even remember my name!’ He said, ‘It starts with an A!’ and snapped his fingers. Our first date was at Euphemia Haye.” THE PROPOSAL: “He proposed

at the Michael’s On East piano bar Feb. 18. I knew he was going to do it. That morning, he had asked me to go out to dinner. We don’t do formal invites like that. I said, ‘What are you going to do, propose to me?’ Four days later — right after Valentine’s Day — he did. I was almost annoyed because he got me an iPhone (for Valentine’s Day) instead of a proposal. After we got engaged, he went to Califor-

nia and by the time he came back, I had the date, time and venue. I would equate it to taking the Florida Bar — that’s how stressed I was.” THE DRESS: “I picked the first one from the window. I don’t know the designer. It fit like a glove, but the dress itself had to weigh like 30 pounds. I swear, it’s like its own person. On the second fitting, I celebrated by going out for ice cream at Big Olaf.” THE WEDDING: “I was engaged Feb. 18 and got married May 27, at the Ritz-Carlton. We had 325 guests in attendance. I did not even use a wedding planner. I had the colors, the flowers, the food, and I was done. I was working full-time, and my parents were living with us for six months during the entire thing. Talk about stress! We did our own vows and spoke from the heart. I even gave the thumbs-up sign when I finished. Rabbi Geoff Hunting had to tell

me to calm down because we weren’t done.” THE RECEPTION: “I never thought when I was a little girl that I’d get married. I’m 34 and have been married to my career. My objective for my wedding was to show love. I go to so many weddings where it’s a carnival and not sincere. We brought in Ace Factor band from Tampa. It’s a ninepiece band with a DJ. From the time we were introduced, everybody was dancing. We danced into the room to ‘Celebration.’ At this point in our lives, we figured it was more appropriate to donate to the charity we both love — Boys and Girls Club. Sal’s been on the national board since the ’80s. I’ve been on board for five years. We raised $17,000 (at our wedding).”

Photos courtesy of Andrea Hillebrand

BRIDE-AND-GROOM’S FIRST DANCE: “Michael Buble’s ‘My

Everything.’ My father-daughter dance was Kenny Rogers’ ‘Through the Year.’ Sal’s dance with his daughter was Nick Lachey’s ‘God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You.’” HONEYMOON: Seattle and San

Francisco

FUN FACT: “My strap came off during the reception. I took the other one off and made it strapless.” — Loren Mayo

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Submit your story: Send your engagement and wedding announcements to Black Tie Editor Loren Mayo at lmayo@yourobserver.com.