Longboat Observer 10.31.13

bserver LONGBOAT

Happy Halloween!

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

NEWS

Iwo Jima veteran receives surprise on 99th birthday.

PAGE 13A

OUR TOWN

Steve Thomas, Kassandra Moore and Keith Bomeline

+ Head back to school The Longboat Key Education Center adds to its course load next week.

Several classes begin during the week of Nov. 4 through Nov. 8, including bridge, Nia yoga, fishing and an introduction to social media. For a full list of class offerings, visit lbkeducationcenter.org and click on “brochure.”

+ Time to turn back the clocks It’s the one time of year when you can turn back the hands of time.

Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 3, so turn your clocks back before you head to bed on Saturday night and enjoy an extra hour of sleep.

DIVERSIONS

THE GHOST HOTEL

Did John Ringling’s hotel site turn into a visitor haven for ghosts?

PAGES 19 AND 21A

road map

Two singers are vocal about how they warm up for Opera House arias. INSIDE

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

ULI: ‘KEY SHOULD EMBRACE CHANGE’ The panel’s report urges the town to create a walkable Town Center concept near Publix and scrap its codes and Comp Plan.

+ Sanctuary turns scary for Halloween Save Our Seabirds held its Scary Sanctuary Day, Saturday Oct. 26. The event, which Kassandra Moore coordinated, invited families to learn about local seabirds with spooky activities that included candy and crafts.

Following the event, CEO David Pilston announced that the crafty activities would continue at the sanctuary for tour groups and guests.

Visitors will be able to learn about four major bird groups: owls, songbirds, seabirds and exotic birds, through craft projects and educational lessons. For more information, visit SaveOurSeabirds.org.

FREE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

Throw away the town of Longboat Key’s codes and Comprehensive Plan and start from scratch.

Relax the 30-day rental restriction mandate — during offseason only — to bring more people to the Key and help businesses survive the summer months.

Make Bayfront Park a future recreational hub of outdoor activities, but don’t build a new community center on the site.

Create a new, walkable Main Street town center concept in the Bay Isles Road area near Publix

EYE ON THE BILL

with 30,000 square feet of new commercial space, a park and a community/cultural center.

Build a roundabout on Gulf of Mexico Drive near Broadway on the north end of the Key. Those are just some of the recommendations an Urban Land Institute (ULI) panel provided to the Longboat Key Town Commission and more than 60 people in attendance Oct. 25, at Town Hall.

ULI spent all last week on the Key, interviewing residents and business owners, touring the is-

land and drafting recommendations that they’ll officially submit to the town in a 40-page document in the next 60-to-90 days. That report will include an implementation strategy to accomplish the suggested goals and create a roadmap for the future.

ULI panelists made it clear that none of the recommendations can be implemented until the town and its residents agree to work together.

SEE ULI / PAGE 2A

INSIDE: • Eight strategies and recommendations presented by ULI / PAGE 2A • Additional costs to taxpayers for ULI’s visit / PAGE 2A • Recommendation breakdown / PAGE 3A

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

IPOC monitors town referenda effort Commissioners are concerned about a letter from IPOC’s attorney stating the group could challenge a petition seeking a modification of a ruling that quashed the Key Club project.

The Islandside Property Owners Coalition is watching a town legal petition closely, according to a letter IPOC attorney Robert Lincoln sent the town last week.

Town Manager Dave Bullock told commissioners at their Oct. 21 regular workshop that the town is petitioning Sarasota County Judge Lee Haworth to re-

consider his ruling that quashed the former Longboat Key Club and Resort Islandside renovation-and-expansion application.

That judgment says the town must hold a referendum to increase density.

But the Legislature’s approval of House Bill 537 in its spring session nixes the referendum

process statewide and also renders any referendum approved on or after June 1, 2011 moot.

That’s a problem because the town charter states: “Present density limitations provided in the existing Comprehensive Plan, as adopted on March 12, 1984, shall not be increased without the referendum approval of

the electors of Longboat Key.” “Well, now, we have legislation that says we can’t hold a referendum,” Bullock said. “So we have a lack of clarity on this issue and conditions have changed.”

Lincoln wrote that

SEE IPOC / PAGE 9A

INDEX Briefs....................4A Classifieds......... 29A

Cops Corner..........9A Crossword.......... 28A

Neighborhood.... 19A Opinion.................8A

Real Estate........ 26A Weather............. 28A

Vol. 36, No. 13 | Two sections YourObserver.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

ULI / FROM PAGE 1A “It’s clear to the panel that the residents and business owners all love Longboat Key,” said ULI panel Chairman Kamuron Gurol. “But divisions and disputes have increased and prevented community adhesion. The Key will be stronger if everyone can work together to face challenges ahead, regardless of which area on the Key you live.”

Once the wounds of past divisiveness, stemming from events like the failed Islandside renovation-and-expansion application, heal, the community can get to work on a wide range of issues that the panel believes starts with outdated codes and a confusing Comprehensive Plan, Gurol said.

“The existing legacy plans and codes are out of date and perpetuate a pattern of negativity,” Gurol said. “Our recommendation is to replace those with new plans tailored to meet the needs of the future. We can’t overemphasize that point enough.”

Relaxing rental restrictions that prohibit property owners from renting homes or condos more than once every 30 days, ULI panelists believe, should also be reconsidered, even if it’s on a trial basis.

“More year-round visitors are needed, and the rental restrictions may do more harm than good,” Gurol said. Panelists noted that they found more than 500 Key properties listed on websites already as

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

ULI RECOMMENDATIONS The following strategies and recommendations were presented to the town Oct. 25, at Town Hall: • Build the community together • Adapt to a changing market • Focus on the future • Relax rental restrictions • Implement early actions • Complete the town center • Locate the community/cultural center at the town center • Improve mobility rentals that don’t adhere to the town’s rental restrictions.

While commissioners were receptive to the idea, they made it clear they won’t relax restrictions like in the municipalities on Anna Maria Island, where residents are complaining of overpopulation.

“We don’t want to disturb the residential feel of the community like Anna Maria is experiencing,” said Commissioner Pat Zunz.

The panel also encouraged the town to abandon the concept of a community center at Bayfront Park and focus on a future community/cultural center somewhere along Bay Isles Road near Publix.

“Focus new investments in the Town Center area where people already congre-

ADDITIONAL COSTS TO TAXPAYERS FOR ULI VISIT Item........................................................................................................... Cost Pattigeorges welcome dinner.............................................................. $1,119.65 SRQ transportation bus tour....................................................................... $450 Sun ‘N’ Fun boat tours.............................................................................. $400 Working lunch...................................................................................... $170.20 Longboat Key Hilton Beachfront Resort reception...................................... $6,639 Special meeting refreshments for ULI panel............................................. $37.50 Total cost.........................................................................................$8,816.35* *The town of Longboat Key budgeted $9,025 for events associated with the ULI study. The $125,000 cost for the study, which was paid with taxpayer funds, included the costs of the panel members’ hotel rooms at the Hilton.

gate,” Gurol said.

Panelists showed two plans for a town center and walkable Main Street, complete with shops and a park.

“We’re not talking about creating a St. Armands Circle on the Key,” said panelist member Donna Lewis. “Just commercial that would attract residents to the town center.”

The panelists believe the town should make Bayfront Park landscaping and park improvements, taking advantage of the Sarasota Bayfront to encourage kayak rentals and create a recreation mecca.

ULI panelists also urged the town to engage with the owners of commercial and tourism property owners.

“Implement early action plans for places like the Colony and Whitney Beach Plaza,” said Gurol, whose panel calls for mixeduse development at the Whitney Beach site to spur occupancy and improvements on the north end. The panel also suggested a better relationship with Ringling College of Art & Design, which the nearby Longboat Key Center for the Arts became part of in 2007, could create occupancy opportunities for Whitney Beach Plaza.

The panel noted that improving mobility on a Key that can’t fix traffic congestion points at St. Armands Circle and in Bradenton Beach would be difficult, but suggested a water taxi service that connected to Key destination points would enhance connectivity issues during Season.

A roundabout at Broadway and Gulf of Mexico Drive on the north end, the panel believes, would reduce crashes and congestion while being pedestrian-friendly.

Pedestrian crossings and islands along busy areas of Gulf of Mexico Drive would also slow motorists and give pedestrians a safe place to wait for cars to pass. Widening the Gulf of Mexico Drive sidewalk and bicycle lanes were also listed as safety suggestions.

While steering clear of the controversial telecommunications issue that ultimately leads to a discussion of a cellular tower, ULI panelists made this recommendation: “The town needs to continue its techno-

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logical improvements because buyers today expect to continue the mobile lifestyle they are accustomed to,” Gurol said. “We can’t advise town on the cell tower issue.

But we recommend the town take advantage of all advancements in mobile technology so there’s consistent and reliable communication. Longboat Key needs to embrace change because this market is in transition, with half of the housing stock changing hands in the last 13 years.”

Lewis told the commission she realizes the recommendations “may seem impossible.”

“But break them down and see where you can find opportunities to make something happen,” Lewis said. “Don’t wait for the final report. Start talking today because things worth doing are rarely easy.”

Commissioners were pleased overall with the recommendations.

“You put plenty of things on our plate to look at,” Vice Mayor David Brenner said.

Mayor Jim Brown said he “could see the wheels turning in people’s heads” as the recommendations were made.

“Many people will hate everything you said and others will love what you said,” Brown said. “We have an opportunity to benefit from your report.”

The commission agreed to start the process right away and Town Manager Dave Bullock scheduled the first meeting to discuss the ULI recommendations 1:30 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 4.

Bullock will be the facilitator for future ULI meetings. Last week he gave the community a glimpse of how his meetings will be run.

“Our No. 1 task is learning how to work together better,” Bullock said. “There is so much in common among the people that live here and visit here that your differences are petty. You all love it here, want to keep it the same, but want to position the Key and keep it attractive for your property values and keep it competitive against other high end communities. The common objective is working together to develop a better future and I think we can accomplish that.”

c

si u m live

savor fish d y inner Help support the Historical Society and join us for our annual all you can eat Fish Fry fund raiser. Enjoy fresh fried fish and other fare, along with two complimentary glasses of wine or beer.

After dinner, participants can dance the night away to the music of Blues Pig.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

case study

3A

by Robin Hartill | News Editor

ULI report highlights Key challenges Urban Land Institute panelists provided a picture of a changing island in their presentation to the Longboat Key Town Commission.

“Focus on the future, instead of the past.”

That’s one of the key recommendations the Urban Land Institute made to the Longboat Key Town Commission in its Oct. 25 presentation.

Still, in order to plan for the future, the town has to understand the past.

The report details issues such as aging housing stock, demographic changes and traffic congestion that the Key will continue to face as it plans for the future.

70 — The median age of

NORTH END ENTRANCE TO THE KEY: Construct a roundabout and pedestrian beach access improvements and install land improvements at the intersection.

REAL ESTATE TRENDS Home prices

A Zillow.com analysis showed that prices are currently 60% to 70% of pre-2006 highs. According to local realestate brokers, Longboat Key’s best-selling:

52.5 — The median age of Sarasota County residents

Less than 8% — The propor-

tion of residents who will be ages 25 to 54 in 2017, according to projections — compared to more than 16% in 2000.

Source: ESRI Community Analyst

The report concluded that Longboat Key’s roadway operates at capacity during season, with two off-Key pinch points: St. Armands Circle to the south and the mini-roundabout at Bridge Street on Bradenton Beach.

18,000 vehicles — The

number of vehicles that travel on Gulf of Mexico Drive daily during season.

14,000 vehicles — The

number of vehicles that a twolane highway like Gulf of Mexico Drive is designed for, according to panelists.

CONDO starting prices are: $500,000............................................. Gulf-front units $200,000................................................ Bayside units

3

LONGBOAT KEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS, A DIVISION OF RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN, 6860 LONGBOAT DRIVE S. The current location within a residential neighborhood makes it difficult to modify the facility or expand it. Consider the possibility of relocating the Arts Center to a site with more visibility.

Past buyers typically purchased vacation or retirement homes, but according to Realtors, more of today’s buyers are younger people who can work from anywhere thanks to technology. Realtors also reported to panelists that families with young children are relocating to the Key from Anna Maria Island and the mainland. Buyers are seeking new construction that’s in short supply with features such as: • Ceiling heights of 9 or 10 feet or more; • Open floor plans • Larger units/more bedrooms • Double master bedrooms • New kitchens with modern appliances • More closets and additional storage space

BAYFRONT PARK: 4052 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE: Install landscape improvements but don’t build a community center on the property.

500 BLOCK OF BAY ISLES PARKWAY: Construct a town center/Main Street in the Publix plaza with space for classes, fitness and events. Work with Sarasota County to incorporate medical and library services. Consider an 8,000-square-foot building on a site that’s large enough for expansion.

Up to 20 minutes — The length of traffic backups when bridges on each end open.

3.5 minutes — The average length of bridge openings.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2007-2011 American Community Survey

Slight population decreases are projected for Longboat Key, while Sarasota County is expected to gain residents.

7,603 2.81%

6,888 -0.94%

2012

6 5

6

POPULATION: LONGBOAT VS. SARASOTA 2010

4

5

Year householder moved into unit.............. % of housing Moved in 2000 or later.......................................47.1% Moved in 1990 to 1999.....................................35.5% Moved in 1980 to 1989.....................................12.7% Moved in 1970 to 1979.......................................4.2% Moved in 1969 or earlier......................................0.3%

2000

3

4

The report states that the Key is a market in transition with nearly half of housing stock changing hands in the past 13 years.

Longboat Key Population Annual growth rate

2

WHITNEY BEACH PLAZA, 6800 BLOCK OF GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE: Endorse mixed-use commercial/hotel development while considering interim uses such as art and a commercial kitchen.

Transition

MOBILITY

1

2

SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES are: $3 million and up...................for homes with Gulf views $500,000 or less...........................for north-end homes

Present and future buyers

Longboat Key residents

1

GUL F O F M E X I C O D R I V E

AGES OF RESIDENTS

MAP OF LONGBOAT KEY

2017*

6,872 6,852 -0.12% -0.06%

LONGBOAT LIBRARY, 555 BAY ISLES ROAD. A larger facility that’s between 6,000 and 8,000 square feet is warranted.

7

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COLONY BEACH & TENNIS RESORT, 1620 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE: Institutionalize the constructed density of tourist residential.

Sarasota County Population 325,957 379,448 382,557 389,840 Annual growth rate 1.73% 1.64% 0.41% 0.38% Source: ESRI Community Analyst *Projection

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

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THIS WEEK

NEWSBRIEFS + Cortez bridge repair work scheduled for April A $4 million Cortez Bridge repair project is scheduled to begin April 28, 2014, with estimated completion in early 2015.

The project aims to add 10 years of service life to the 57-year-old bridge, while officials develop a long-term solution for the structure that would involve either a rehabilitation or replacement.

During repairs, flaggers may close one lane from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Temporary closures could delay traffic by 15 minutes from midnight to 5 a.m.

According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the bridge is currently safe for traffic but has outlived its 50-year design service life by seven years.

+ End of turtle nesting season marks the return of lights

Chef Douglas Jennings shows us Siesta Key Oyster Bar’s recipe for shrimp and avocado ceviche, made with citrus juices and cilantro.

On Nov. 1, you can turn the lights back on, even if they’re visible from the beach.

The six-month turtle-nesting season ends Oct. 31.

Last month, Mote Marine Laboratory reported a strong season for loggerhead turtles, with 2,240 nests in its 35-mile patrol area this year, just behind last year’s 2,462 nests — a record in Mote’s 31 years of patrolling local beaches.

On Longboat Key, nesting numbers were slightly ahead of last year’s totals, with 639 documented nests compared to 628 in 2012.

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE CONTEST: This is the last week of voting for the annual “It’s Read Everywhere” contest. Click the “Contests” tab on YourObserver.com to vote for your favorite photos! Voting continues through October 31.

WEATHER PHOTO SUBMISSIONS: Click the “Contests” tab on YourObserver.com, located in the upper-right hand corner of the homepage, to submit your sunrise, sunset or other weather-related photos, and it could be printed in an issue of the Observer!

DAILY HEADLINES: Register on YourObserver.com and have our award-winning daily video broadcast delivered to your inbox!

Observer LONGBOAT

+ Longboat Library resumes full-day schedule Nov. 1 The Longboat Library will resume its fullday schedule Friday, Nov. 1.

Hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

MEETINGS AGENDAS

&

 Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4.  Town Commission Regular Workshop — 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13.  Planning & Zoning Board Regular Meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19.  Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2.

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

Saturday. Summer hours of 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday will continue through Thursday, Oct. 31.

Patrons can enjoy the latest additions to the library’s collections, such as “The Lowlands” by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri, and titles by Lee Child, Nicholas Sparks, Michael Connelly and Phillipa Gregory.

The library is located at 555 Bay Isles Road.

Memberships are open to Key residents and visitors. Annual fees are $25 for a basic membership; $40 for patron membership; and $350 for life memberships.

For information, call 383-2011.

+ Police department promotes three employees Longboat Key police recently promoted the following employees: Chris Skinner was promoted from sergeant to patrol captain; Randy Thompson was promoted from officer to sergeant; and Tina Gohl was promoted from senior dispatcher to communications supervisor.

Promotions were effective Oct. 6.

Look as

young as you

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5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Fla., 34228

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

planning partner

PARKING WARS

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

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by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

PZ&B signs interlocal Town seeks Bay Isles Road restrictions for elections agreement with UF Campaigners who crowd the entrance and exit of Town Hall in March for the municipal election are forcing staff to evaluate parking enforcement on Bay Isles Road.

SPECIFIC TASKS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA • Review site-plan applications, zoning applications and other land-use applications.

• Coordinate with the town’s various departments to provide comments to applicants regarding pending applications.

• Track projects through the town’s development process.

• Compose and review staff reports and other documents required for the town’s public hearings.

• Attend project review meetings with town staff and applicants.

• Provide support for and attend town public meetings for projects.

• Provide information to property owners and other interested parties regarding the town’s land-development code, Comprehensive Plan and other codes.

• Participate in the Urban Land Institute study and implementation on behalf of the town.

front Resort project back on track.

Because ULI has recommended the town draft brand-new codes and a brand-new comp plan, UF and Spikowski could help with that future process.

“Spikowski could be a consultant for us,” Bullock said. “He brought a level of expertise and gained a lot of knowledge about our codes that I don’t want to lose.

I see this as a nice meshing together.”

The town is wrestling with parking changes on Bay Isles Road that will be effective when voters cast ballots in March at Town Hall.

Town Manager Dave Bullock informed the Longboat Key Town Commission Oct. 21, that staff is seeking to restrict parking within 100 feet of the openings at Town Hall and across the street at the bank entrances on Bay Isles Road during the month of March.

Although the town previously adopted an ordinance that prohibits parking near the entrance and exit of Town Hall, staff noted during last year’s March election that some cars were parked overnight on Bay Isles Road to save spots for campaigning.

The oversaturation of parking led to confusion among voters, who started parking in the Bay Isles Road left-turn lane into Town Hall to cast a ballot. Voters were attempting to avoid the crowds near the parking lot.

“The idea here is we experienced a lot of cars parked permanently in areas that began to impede movement of pedestrians and other vehicles,” Bullock said.

The new proposal calls for no parking in March along Bay Isles Road on either side past the Longboat Library to avoid problems for the town’s next election, which has three commission seats up for grabs.

Some commissioners agreed with the concept, and others suggested there may not be any problem with allowing cars to park close to the entrances and exits.

Commissioner Jack Duncan suggested all parking in that area along Bay Isles Road, not just 100 feet from the entrances and exits, be curtailed.

Commissioner Phill Younger said he has parked along the road near the Town Hall entrance for campaigning purposes; so have other commissioners and commission candidates in the past.

“This is really about candidates hogging a prime area,” Younger said. “We’re all guilty of it.”

Mayor Jim Brown suggested it may not be a safety issue, but Town Clerk Trish Granger informed commissioners there were complaints last March during the election.

“The clerk’s office received numerous complaints about supporters standing on the edge of the entrance,” Granger said.

“Motorists were worried about driving into Town Hall because too many people were crowding the area and they were afraid they might step in front of their cars.”

Granger said Bank of America also indicated election parking was impeding its traffic flow during work hours.

Commissioner Pat Zunz agreed with Granger’s assessment.

“I spent a lot of hours there,” Zunz said.

“We took the spots and saw the turn into Bank of America was a hazard.”

Bullock promised to bring the parking issue back up for future review and discussion before the town’s municipal election in March.

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Town Manager Dave Bullock isn’t happy with the level of service the Longboat Key Planning, Zoning and Building Department is providing, so he’s seeking outside help to alleviate the problem.

“I haven’t met my goal of achieving excellence in planning,” said Bullock, at the commission’s Oct. 21 regular workshop. “I think I can do that by availing ourselves of a deeper level of expertise on an as-needed basis to help us with work, supplement staff and to help us through things that take us through a higher level of expertise and planning.”

To achieve that goal, the commission signed off on Bullock’s proposal to sign an interlocal agreement with the University of Florida (UF) for planning services.

“The agreement will allow the town to use the resources of UF to assist the town with planning initiatives such as implementation of the Urban Land Institute recommendations, immediate help with general planning tasks, assistance in understanding potential impacts of sea-level rise on Longboat Key’s future and other projects to be determined,” Bullock wrote in an Oct. 16 memo to the commission.

The town will use a planning department professional services budget of $25,000 to pay for services. Bullock can also bring forward budget amendments, as required, from the Town Commission Contingency fund.

The town will also use the services of Bill Spikowski, of Spikowski Planning Associates. The town hired Spikowski in January to provide consulting services for short-term changes to the town code to get the Longboat Key Hilton Beach-

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

court continuance

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

Colony drama continues in bankruptcy court Nov. 22

TOUR

of HOMES

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May told Colony Beach & Tennis Resort parties last week he’s ‘sticking to’ a schedule that leaves the day open for motions and a settlement review.

Tour Today until November 17th

Circle your calendars for Nov. 22 if you’re interested in how the ongoing saga of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort will play out in bankruptcy court.

It’s shaping up to be a big day in U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May’s courtroom. That’s when May will hear numerous motions and details of a proposed settlement, along with objections to that agreement.

On Oct. 24, May heard a lengthy discussion involving three acres of recreational property in the middle of the 18-acre shuttered hotel site, including whether it amounts to real or personal property.

Longtime Colony owner Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber and other parties controlled the property that includes the resort’s longstanding tennis courts. When the Colony was operational, the Association, which consists of unit owners, entered into a lease of on-site facilities.

But when May liquidated the partnership that ran the Colony in 2010, effectively giving unit owners control of their units, Klauber and other interests maintained ownership of the three-acre property.

Meanwhile, Colony Lender LLC purchased bank loans on Klauber’s property, including the three acres, and is now seeking to collect on a recent judgment of more than $13 million.

Colony Lender claims it’s the secured creditor on the rental income involved with the lease — a claim Klauber’s entities have disputed in bankruptcy court.

Klauber and the Association argue that Colony Lender didn’t have a secured interest because there was a breach of the agreement, and the recreational property hasn’t generated income in years.

Colony Lender attorney Michael Assaf, though, noted that without the land, there would be no ability to assess rent for the lease. Assaf urged May to con-

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sider the lease and Colony Lender’s 80% interest in the lease as real property.

Although May didn’t rule last week on the argument, he indicated he was siding with the Association on that specific argument.

Following the arguments, May said, “The more I look at it, it looks less and less like real estate.”

May directed counsel for the Association to prepare a motion for summary judgment in favor of the Association, meaning Colony Lender would not have a perfected lien on the recreational property, because other properties involved with the lease haven’t signed off on its claim.

“How can you have a secured interest when Klauber’s companies didn’t have a right to all of the income?” May asked.

Assaf, meanwhile continued to argue that the entire case should be transferred from a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case to a Chapter 7 liquidation, noting that the Association has had ample time to come up with a viable plan to submit a settlement that doesn’t include Colony Lender.

That settlement involves only the Association, Klauber and a U.S. bankruptcy trustee. Colony Lender, meanwhile, is urging May to consider other options, including a settlement that involves Orlando-based Unicorp National Development Inc. as the Colony’s development partner.

Colony Lender maintains the Association has yet to hold any settlement discussions with it regarding its interest as the case’s largest affected bankruptcy creditor.

“It’s unfair to the secured creditors,” Assaf said.

May, though, noted he’s “sticking to” a calendar that involves a hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, to hear various motions and review a settlement.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

WAVE OF SUPPORT

fishy fundraiser

by Harriet Sokmensuer | Observer Staff

7A

by Robin Hartill | News Editor

Festival will celebrate Cedars on the hook for Fish Fry old-fashioned Historical Society event has netted a new importance of Sarasota Bay The location along with the same fried favorites of years past.

The second Sarasota Bay Water Festival surfaces Saturday, Nov. 2. The festival, which celebrates the importance of Sarasota Bay, will offer fun for the whole family. Director Randy Moore has worked closely with local private and public sponsors to make this year’s festival as enjoyable and educational as possible. The Water Festival offers guests a free day full of activities that promote support and appreciation for the body of water.

The event will include hours of live music, dragon boat races, four panel discussions and more. Transportation to the festival via water taxi will be available for those who want to spend time on the water. Beginning at 10:30 a.m., guests can take a free water taxi to and from Marina Jack to the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Rides take 20 minutes and allow guests to enjoy the bay on their way to the event.

One special feature of the festival will be an interactive mural. Guests can contribute to this large piece of art featuring predawn aquatic life. After the festival, the mural will be displayed throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties during 2014.

Moore and his team have included all constituents of the bay, from the bird community to the scuba-diving community. By bringing these different circles together for a common cause, Moore has made it possible for everyone to celebrate the importance of Sarasota Bay to the region’s environment, economy and quality of life. Local artists and wildlife photographers will have their work displayed and on sale; attendees can also

When Halloween’s frightening festivities come to an end Oct. 31, the Longboat Key Historical Society will keep the spirit of season alive.

The group will hold its annual Fish Fry event from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at Cedars Tennis Resort, 645 Cedars Court — a first for the fundraiser.

“It is going to be at a lovely new venue,” said Historical Society President Shirley Beachum.

Fish fries were held annually on the Key in the 1950s to raise money for the Longboat Key Volunteer Fire Department, which started out with 15 volunteers but no fire truck or building. The community began holding fish fries as a fundraiser in the area where the former Longbeach Chevron is located.

The events helped the department buy its first truck, “Red Maria,” and build its first firehouse. The tradition fizzled over the years, but the Historical Society resurrected it in 2005; it held the event annually at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub until this year.

Now, the event raises money for the Historical Society, to fund its speaker series and storage costs, along with working toward the long-term goal of eventually reopening the group’s museum.

This year’s event will feature a menu of grouper and other fried fare, Caesar salad and corn bread, and music by Blues Pig. Raffle prizes will include gift certificates from Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant and Design 2000, along with several prizes from Cedars, including a lesson with a tennis pro, a yoga lesson and dining memberships.

Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the

Wendell Vaught educates Emma Griffith about state parks at last year’s festival.

IF YOU GO

Sarasota Bay Water Festival Where: Ken Thompson Park, City Island When: Outdoor expos run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with live music from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2.

Cost: Free admission and free parking For more information visit www.sarasotabaywaterfestival.com vote for a people’s choice winner in the “I Love Sarasota Bay” photo contest. Local non-profit organizations, such as Save Our Seabirds, will also have their own booths to educate and interest guests. In total, there will be more than 80 exhibitors promoting boating, fishing, kayaking, aquatic sports, scuba diving, conservation, protection of wildlife and more.

“We want the bay protected, we want it to thrive, to be healthy and to be respected,” Moore says. “We are bay people.”

2014 LECTURE SERIES The following speakers are scheduled to give presentations to the Longboat Key Historical Society in 2014. Lectures take place at 7 p.m. at Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

H. Terrell Griffin, Jan. 18: The Longboat Key author will take a trip down memory lane that will probably include several stops at Tiny’s. He’ll discuss Longboat Key’s many colorful characters.

Dora Walters, Feb. 20: The Longboat Observer’s longtime senior editor retired last year after a career in journalism that spanned more than six decades.

Walters will take the audience back in time for a look at all the hot topics she couldn’t put in print.

Jeff Rodgers, March 20: Rodgers is the director of education for the South Florida Museum and director of the Bishop Planetarium. He will discuss Florida’s deep roots, including its plate tectonics, geology, paleontology and archaeology — and how this affects how its cultural, political and economic history unfolded. gate.

Tickets are available at the Cedars Pro Shop; the Centre Shops at Steff’s Stuff and First Bank of Longboat Key; Mediterranean Plaza at the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and MIC Insurance; and Whitney Beach Plaza at Design 2000.

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YourObserver.com

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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 Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer / Lisa Walsh, lwalsh@yourobserver.com Chief Digital Officer / Emily Walsh ewalsh@yourobserver.com Executive Editor / Kat Hughes khughes@businessobserverfl.com Deputy Executive Editor / Jessica Luck jluck@yourobserver.com Managing Editor / Kurt Schultheis kschultheis@yourobserver.com City Editor / Robin Hartill rhartill@yourobserver.com Managing Editor/Diversions-Season / Stephanie Hannum, stephanie@yourobserver.com Managing Editor/Design / Nancy Schwartz nschwartz@yourobserver.com Arts & Entertainment Editor / Mallory Gnaegy mgnaegy@yourobserver.com Black Tie Assistant Editor / Heather Merriman hmerriman@yourobserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh jraleigh@yourobserver.com East County Advertising Manager / Lori Ruth lruth@yourobserver.com Sales Manager / Rosemary Felton rfelton@yourobserver.com Sales Manager / Penny DiGregorio pdigregorio@yourobserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter lritter@yourobserver.com Advertising Executives / Patti Duff, pduff@yourobserver.com Beth Holman, bholman@yourobserver.com Beth Jacobson, bjacobson@yourobserver.com Robert Lewis, blewis@yourobserver.com Suzanne Munroe, smunroe@yourobserver.com Robyn Didelot, rdidelot@yourobserver.com Brand Marketing Manager / Leslie Gnaegy lgnaegy@yourobserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Managers / Lori Downey, ldowney@yourobserver.com Susan Leedom, sleedom@yourobserver.com Rachel Livingston, rlivingston@yourobserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executives/ Maureen Hird, mhird@yourobserver.com Deedie Parker, dparker@yourobserver.com Director of Production and Information Technology / Kathy Payne, kpayne@yourobserver.com Assistant Production Manger / Brooke Schultheis, bschultheis@yourobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Monica DiMattei, mdimattei@yourobserver.com Marjorie Holloway, mholloway@yourobserver.com Jim Knake, jknake@yourobserver.com Chris Stolz, cstolz@yourobserver.com Luis Trujillo, ltrujillo@yourobserver.com Director of Digital Sales / Kathleen O’Hara kohara@yourobserver.com Interactive Art Director / Caleb Stanton cstanton@yourobserver.com Digital Marketing Consultant / Brandon Steinert bsteinert@digitalobservermedia.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Jordon Stone jstone@digitalobservermedia.com Digital Content Producer / Alex Mahadevan alexm@yourobserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Keisacker lkeisacker@yourobserver.com Controller / Lisa Schwenk lschwenk@yourobserver.com Office Coordinator / Donna Condon dcondon@yourobserver.com

Good plan, if you stick to it Sometimes it’s just so easy to be cynical on Longboat Key. You can’t help it.

Town commissioners have this uncanny habit of doing things that seem like they’re putting up big watermelon pinatas just for taxpayers’ enjoyment of splatting them to smithereens for the fun of it.

Take, for instance, the recent visit by the experts from the Urban Land Institute and their preliminary list of recommendations (see box below and story on page 1).

Really? Taxpayers paid $125,000 for that? As we told one resident, we would have WHAT LBK gladly accepted SHOULD DO $25,000 — and ULI panelists presaved the town sented preliminary $100,000 — just by recommendations clipping past edito the Longboat Key torials from yearsTown Commission: old Longboat • Build the Observers and community together putting them in • Adapt to a binders for the changing market commissioners.

• Focus on the Tell us somefuture thing new.

• Relax rental Actually, we restrictions didn’t expect rev• Împlement early elations. Indeed, actions there’s a Madison Avenue truism • Complete the town about convencenter ing focus groups, • Locate the which is what last community/cultural week resembled. center at the town In most focus center groups, roughly • Improve mobility 90% of what you hear validates what you already knew and felt in your gut. Every now and then you get a brilliant idea. But it’s reassuring to hear people — especially expensive experts — say what you’ve been thinking or what your instincts are telling you.

That’s what the ULI panelists did.

So, here we are again — with yet another study full of sensible recommendations.

The hard part is bringing them to fruition.

It’s really hard. And here’s why: As we have written many times before, it is highly unrealistic to think anyone or any one idea can unify 6,900 individuals (the town’s population), plus the 9,000 or so part-time residents and property owners — each of whom has a free will and opinions of how life should be on Longboat Key. Think about it. Just look what occurred with the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s proposed expansion plans. Or look at the battles up in Longbeach Village between residents and Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub owner Ed Chiles over his desire to expand the restaurant. Look how difficult it is to enact change.

Compounding the challenge of “building the community together,” as the ULI-ers recommend, is the structure of our town government — the weak mayor, commission-manager form. Having a ceremonial mayor, whose primary job is to keep order at Town Commission meetings, means there really isn’t a town champion who can set a course and lead the charge.

FIRST DANCE OF FREEDOM When you’re born free, most likely, you take it for granted.

When you’re born in bondage, freedom is profound.

Last weekend, when Sarasota Ballet began its 2013-14 season, 23-year-old Edward Gonzalez, who defected from Cuba only six months ago, danced in his first ballet for the company.

He was cast in one of the lead roles in “Gitano Galop,” a piece choreographed by Sarasota Ballet principal Kate Honea.

After Gonzalez’s first performance Friday night, Gonzalez took the occasion to ask Javier Dubrocq, a former Sarasota Ballet company member who also defected from Cuban nearly 20 years ago, to deliver an important message to Honea. Gonzalez is in the early stages of learning English.

The message: He thanked Honea for casting him in her ballet, and he thanked her for “allowing him to dance his first dance of freedom.”

+ Tea Party is not radical

Courtesy photo

Sarasota Ballet Artistic Director Iain Webb welcomed Cuban defector Edward Gonzalez to the ballet and freedom in March.

Many commissioners view themselves as equals, and if, say, the sitting mayor tries to exert his leadership by pushing an agenda, he or she typically ruffles his colleagues’ egos and gets his ears flicked.

As a result, taxpayers end up with a commission that is all about kumbaya and building consensus. Which means building a horse by committee that comes out looking like a camel.

It’s not quite that bad, but the fact the commission hasn’t undertaken a major rewriting of the town codes pretty much illustrates the point. Many residents may not remember this, but a decade ago, a Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce committee, commissioned by the Town Commission, conducted its own study

THE CASTAWAY by Jorge Blanco Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned

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to come up with recommendations that could help businesses’ survival rates and encourage redevelopment of deteriorating commercial properties.

Two of its chief recommendations were: 1) a complete rewriting of the town’s zoning codes; and 2) relaxing the 30-day rental rule in the summer. Well, those two items are still on the agenda, stuck in limbo awaiting a champion who will lead and drive the process.

Oh for a strong, elected mayor. In the end, that’s what’s needed. It’s fun to dream.

Meantime, there is indeed reason for hope. Unlike a decade ago, there is a big difference now. There is a growing momentum, desire and belief among more and more Longboat Key residents to change for a better future. This is encouraging — with an exclamation point.

In a few weeks, the ULI team will give the town a book on how residents might go about implementing the panel’s recommendations. We look forward to reading the blueprint and helping push forward the process for change.

Like an enrollee of Alcoholics Anonymous, Longboat Key residents appear to be taking the first and most important steps — recognizing the problem and making a commitment to change.

With the right attitudes and leadership, that $125,000 ULI money can be the best $125,000 Longboat Key taxpayers have ever spent. It’s time.

It’s probably safe to assume all American citizens subscribe to the ideals that Thomas Jefferson penned in the Declaration of Independence — “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness.” And most Americans probaby subscribe to the U.S. Constitution, which explicitly spells out limited powers of the federal government.

And yet, when Sens. Ted Cruz, Tom Lee and Marco Rubio espouse these tenets, they are castigated and pilloried as Tea Party extremists, anarchists and radicals.

Indeed, anyone who allies himself or herself with any type of Tea Party affiliation is viewed as an extremist nut case.

But what is extreme about not wanting the federal government to dictate that you must buy health insurance? What is extreme about advocating that the federal government must quit spending more than it takes in? What is extreme about saying the federal government should stop subsidizing farmers and solar-panel makers and oil companies and people who won’t go find a job even though they are able bodied? This is extreme? Radical?

Here is radical: A leviathan government dictating your every move, confiscating your wealth and redistributing unearned benefits to their friends.

Members of the Tea Party are nothing close to radical. They are traditionalists.

They believe in freedom for the individual, low taxation and limited government — the cornerstones on which this nation was built.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

COPS

IPOC / FROM PAGE 1A IPOC will “aggressively and strenuously challenge” an attempt to delete or modify two paragraphs of Haworth’s final judgment based on the passage of the House bill.

The letter concerned some commissioners and town attorney David Persson tried to assuage the commission’s concern last week.

“IPOC’s position is they worked very hard to get that judgment and they are working to preserve it and they are concerned the town is trying to do something that weakens that judgment,” Persson said. “The town has offered to work with them (IPOC) to arrive at a stipulated judgment, though, and I think the town should be congratulated to pursue fixing its charter. I think the town should continue doing what it’s doing.”

As the result of the bill, two referenda the island’s registered voters approved Nov. 6, 2012, allowing two properties to convert from commercial to residential use, allowing for a maximum of six dwelling units per acre, is now null and void. All other referenda approved in previous years, are not affected.

Town staff has been working with lawmakers that sponsored the bill to convince Legislature to reverse its course when it meets again in early 2014.

The town has hired a special litigation attorney and is pursuing two separate court actions.

Commissioners have made it clear they want the charter to remain in effect as is, especially in regard to future density approvals from the Key’s voters.

District 71 Rep. Jim Boyd has agreed to sponsor the bill, and District 26 Sen. Bill Galvano has agreed to be the bill’s Senate companion sponsor. Both legislators are Manatee County residents, and Galvano’s district encompasses a portion of northern Sarasota County.

A Tallahassee-based lobbyist who charges $225 an hour has been hired and has already secured Boyd and Galvano as the amended bill’s sponsor to fix the problem. The lobbyist’s services could be anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000.

The town has also engaged special litigation counsel to seek an opinion from a judge that will provide the town declaratory relief. That attorney’s bill is unknown at this time.

The legal move gives the town a legal opinion it can use if any applicant comes forward to increase town density and is unable to do so because of the hindrance in the charter.

LONGBOAT

OCT. 16 1:17 p.m. — Jewfish Key. Brush Fire. Police responded to the Broadway dock about a fire on Jewfish Key. The fire was a rekindled area from a brush fire two days earlier.

OPEN-DOOR POLICY 11:09 p.m. — 6800 block of GMD. Security Check. Police found the door to a salon unlocked. The owner said an employee probably forgot to lock the door.

OCT. 17 TOOL TIME 4:12 p.m. — 6900 block of Bayside Drive. Noise. After a resident complained about noise, police made contact with a group of people using power tools on a small boat, but determined no violation occurred.

LETTERS TO THEEDITOR + Place Longboat Key ahead of tomorrow’s technology trends Dear Editor: Who wants an unsightly cell tower on beautiful Longboat Key? Recent Observer editorials suggest there are alternatives. There are.

Smaller technology exists. But, is this “skin deep” analysis the limit to this topic? There are a number of considerations when making technology decisions. Cell-tower obtrusiveness is one. There are others that go beyond cosmetics.

Recall back to 2011, when large and small cities alike scrambled to become Google’s first fiber-optic infrastructure. The city of Sarasota’s mayor hopped into Mote Marine’s shark tank to attract Google executives’ attention. Why do you suppose mayors went to such great lengths?

Because technology is important to a community. As the Key strategiz-

The town of Longboat Key’s Charter and 1984 Comprehensive Plan requires that voters approve any density increase.

The Town Charter states: “Present density limitations provided in the existing Comprehensive Plan as adopted March 12, 1984, shall not be increased without the referendum approval of the electors of Longboat Key.”

.f www

OCT. 21 OPEN ENTRY 9:53 p.m. — 700 block of GMD. Public Service. A woman locked herself out of her house. Police entered through a window that wasn’t locked and unlocked the door from the inside.

PHANTOM SOUNDS

REIGNITED FIRE

RESTRICTIVE DENSITY REQUIREMENTS

CORNER

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10:54 p.m. — 6100 block of GMD. A woman’s children heard loud noises coming from the ground floor of her home. She was worried someone might have tried to enter. Police found no signs of forced entry.

OCT. 21 CALL IN THE GEEK SQUAD 10:56 a.m. — 2300 block of Harbour Oaks Drive. Public Service. A man has a virus on his computer that has infected the machine so that he can’t access his Internet connection unless he pays a fee. The man wanted advice about how to deal with the company.

WATER DAMAGE 3:10 p.m. — 600 block of Rountree Drive. Property Damage. A man returned home after five months and found his sailboat cover open to the

elements and approximately 4 inches of water pooled in the cabin area. The damage appeared to be accidental.

QUIET TIME 5:48 p.m. — 500 block of Halyard Lane. Disturbance. Police discovered a large truck equipped with an installation pump making a loud noise. Police told the property owner that town ordinance prohibits construction noise between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m.

es about its future in areas such as tourism and building stock, consider these facts about technology: 87% of the world’s population are currently mobile subscribers; 300,000 phone apps have been developed in the past three years; there are almost as many mobile-cellular subscriptions as people in the world; mobile-cellular penetration rates stand at 96% globally (128% in developed countries; and 89% in developing countries).

If technology is not a priority in the town’s zoning code and in planning sessions, not only will future needs of the residents be neglected, the very Longboat Key landscape everyone wishes to protect is jeopardized.

Our Longboat Key community must balance the needs of technology-consumers with the industry’s providers. Section 704(a) of the 1996 Telecommunications Act states a local government may not unreasonably discriminate among providers of functionally equivalent services, may not regulate in a manner that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the provision of personal wireless services, must act on ap-

m

plications within a reasonable time period, and must make any denial of application in writing supported by evidence in a written record. One way many municipalities comply with the act is to impose stringent zoning rules with setback limitations, tower-height regulations, etc.

Wireless service providers (WSPs) are adept at maneuvering among zoning laws. The strict zoning approach usually does not eliminate unsightly cell towers and unfortunately locates them in areas, which compromise their effectiveness.

A better solution is for the Key to include technology as a part of its overall zoning plan and partner with WSPs. This approach anticipates infrastructure congestion and right of way purchases and develops a technology strategy for growth and quality. The result is an improved technology experience and improved residential safety.

To say a cell tower is ugly is the first step. Planning and partnering will preserve the island’s beauty, and place Longboat Key ahead of tomorrow’s technology trends.

Laura Friedmann Longboat Key

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THE GOOD NEWS // How donors, volunteers and beneficiaries connect

JEANEEN HALL & SUZANNE HORNER For many people, retirement provides not only a chance to relax and spend more time with family, but it also frees up time to devote to hobbies, passions and, in some cases, volunteering. For recent retirees and transplants Jeaneen Hall and Suzanne Horner, this was certainly the case.

After relocating to Sarasota, Hall and Horner say they were both hoping to get involved in their new community through volunteer service, and they found that chance in Historic Spanish Point.

“I thought it was time to look into doing something to give me a little structure in my life,” says Hall, who moved in 2012 to Sarasota after retiring from her career as a physical therapist in Ohio. “I found the You’d be Perfect for This website, and I thought this position would be nice; it’s low-key and totally different from the medical field I was in all my life.”

As a volunteer, Hall spends two afternoons each week, either greeting customers or fielding their questions as they arrive, or working inside the visitors center. She’s enjoyed meeting fellow volunteers and employees, as well as visitors; learning about the history and beauty of her surroundings has been an added bonus.

“I never would’ve dreamed there would be so many opportunities for volunteers here,” she

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says. “It feels like you’re embracing your community.”

Inside, at the gift shop, Horner has found her own opportunity to give back. The retired elementary school teacher moved in 2011 from Ohio to Sarasota, and after a year of volunteering at an elementary school, she decided she wanted to meet more adults.

She learned about a volunteer position at Historic Spanish Point online, and in June she be-

I never would’ve dreamed there would be so many opportunities for volunteers here. It feels like you’re embracing your community. — JEANEEN HALL, VOLUNTEER gan working each Thursday.

She says it’s been a learning experience, but she’s enjoyed forming relationships with both the customers in the gift shop as well as the other employees.

“It’s been great,” she says. “I’m

a happier person when I have things to do that are interesting and challenging. I’m learning new things every day. After I hear a question that I don’t know the answer to, I try to find it, and I gradually learn more.”

YOUROBSERVER.COM/THEGOODNEWS // Watch a video about Hall’s and Horner’s decisions to volunteer

and learn more about the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and The Good News series.

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6629 Peacock road Cheryl Loeffler & Joel Schemmel 941.302.9674 premiersir.com/id/A3966715 $9,495,000

419 bayview Parkway Richard Bradway & Bonnie Price 941.809.8431 premiersir.com/id/N5782071 $3,595,000

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9216 spring Valley road Brad Tritschler

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16505 baycross drive Beth Pheney

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221 bayshore road, 102 Richard Bradway

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837 White Cap Circle, 10 Bonnie Price

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941.822.9097 $379,900

941.716.1042 $334,900

941.356.8428 $2,250,000

5820 Jamila river drive Stephen Lingley 941.809.7580 premiersir.com/id/N5779086 $1,595,000

1306 3rd street Circle east Arnie DuFort 941.224.8602 premiersir.com/id/A3977041 $359,000

941.405.3506 $556,500

PrestanCia 7500 Calle facil Joel Schemmel

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1939 High Point drive Helena & Per Nordstrom

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941.587.4894 $429,000

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1555 tarpon Center drive, 250 Freya Fuller 941.223.1644 premiersir.com/id/N5780214 $309,900

204 garden Lane Peter Laughlin

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founders CLub 3815 founders Club drive Don Carroll 941.539.2132 premiersir.com/id/A3942105 $525,000

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7820 34th avenue West, 303 Brian & Kathy Maher 941.284.5070 $396,550

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6258 aventura drive Craig Cerreta & Toi Estes 941.993.2502 premiersir.com/id/A3986081 $349,000

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

COMMUNITYCALENDAR 16.99

11.99

Smirnoff Vodka

Fleischmann’s Vodka

Selected Varieties, 1.75 L

Or Gin, 1.75 L

15.99 Seagram’s Vodka

17.99

15.99

1.75 L

750 mL

19.99

22.99

35.99

13.99

1.75 L

1.75 L

15.99

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1.75 L

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27.99

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Jim Beam Black Label 1.75 L

What: It’s St. Armands Circle’s most thrilling night. Stroll this scary Circle and check out the decorated storefronts, frightening characters and trick-ortreating throughout the Circle.

Children can climb on an antique fire truck the Sarasota Fire Department will have at the scene. The Sarasota High School Drama Department performs Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” at 8 p.m. Call 388-1554.

When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31 Where: St. Armands Circle

Trick or treat!

Southern Comfort 1.75 L

FRIDAY, NOV. 8 Republican Club of Longboat Key — meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Resort at Longboat Key Club’s Harbourside Dining Room, 3000 Harbourside Drive. Cost is $25 for members; $28 for non-members. Call Ruth Strauss at 383-5349.

Bacchus on the Beach — takes place at the Resort at Longboat Key Club, 301 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The celebration begins with Vintner Dinners at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, and commences with the Stone Crab Celebration & Wine Tasting from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. The event benefits the Child Protection Center. For information and reservations, call 387-1675.

SUNDAY, NOV. 10 238th Marine Corps Celebration Birthday Ball — takes place at 5:30 p.m. at IMG Academies Golf & Country Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. The celebration is open to the public. Cost is $45 per individual; $75 per couple. Call 744-0332 or 301-4598.

TUESDAY, NOV. 12 Longboat Key Democratic Club — meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Resort

DON’T MISS Longboat Key Historical Society Fish Fry What: Take a bite out of history at this annual event that features a menu of grouper and mullet and other fried fare. After dinner, participants can dance to the music of Blues Pig. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the door. Tickets are available at First Bank of Longboat Key, Steff’s Stuff, Cedars and Shirley Beachum’s home, 7025 Longboat Drive N. When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1; dinner will be served from 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Cedars Tennis Resort, 645 Cedars Court at Longboat Key Club’s Harbourside Dining Room, 3000 Harbourside Drive. Rob Laurie, broadcaster on WEDU, Public Broadcasting in Tampa, will share his perspective on current events. Cost is $25. Call Murray Blueglass at 383-4899.

SATURDAY, NOV. 16 Longboat Key Gourmet Lawn Party — takes place from noon to 2 p.m. at the Resort at Longboat Key Club Islandside driving range, 301 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enjoy signature dishes from 30 restaurants, beverages and a raffle with a grand prize of a 2013 Ford Fusion or $10,000 cash. The event raises money for local scholarships and children’s charities. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the gate. For information, visit YourObserver.com/ lbklawnparty.

The Longboat Key Historical Society truly made history in late October 1997. That’s when the town, working in collaboration with the Historical Society, erected seven historical markers to commemorate the island’s history.

The project had LONGBOAT been a goal of the LORE Historical Society since 1980.

The markers are still standing.

They commemorate the hotel that John Ringling began in 1926 but never completed (it remained vacant for more than 30 years); the island’s farming community that was wiped out during a 1921 hurricane; the Spanish galleons and Indian canoes that began appearing in the mid1500s; the U.S. Army Air Corps’ use of the Key as a bombing range during World War II; the Coast Guard’s patrol of the island when it was used as a target range; the thatched shack built in the Longbeach Village in 1882 by the island’s first settler, Thomas Mann; and the old town dock, where ships picked up and dropped off passengers, fish and produce before the dock was destroyed in the 1921 hurricane.

Grant’s Scotch

Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon

35.99 Patrón Silver Tequila

+ Key is the top town for Retire magazine

122835

Prices effective Thursday, October 31 through Wednesday, November 6, 2013.

Liquor items are only available at Publix Liquors.

Visit publix.com/store to find the store nearest you.

Must be 21 years of age or older to purchase alcoholic beverages. Quantity limits per customer apply.

by Robin Hartill | News Editor

Marker project made Key history

J&B Scotch

750 mL

D-Lakeland/Jacksonville 4C-Thursday

Ferraris on the Circle — takes place from noon to 6 p.m. on St. Armands Circle. More than 75 Ferraris will compete for the “Best of Show” title. Call 727-525-1901.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

10-Year, 750 mL

18.99

promotes the importance of Sarasota Bay to the region’s environment, economy and quality of life, with live music, food trucks, beer and wine, water sports, an art zone, dragon boats and more. For information, visit sarasotabaywaterfestival.com.

1.75 L

31.99

Lauder’s Scotch

Fright Night on St. Armands

Rich & Rare Canadian Whisky

21.99 Seagram’s VO

Sarasota Bay Water Festival — takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Ken Thompson Park on City Island.

Celebrate the bay at the second Sarasota Bay Water Festival, which

Beefeater Gin 1.75 L

750 mL

SATURDAY, NOV. 2

The Kraken Black Spiced Rum

Limón, Coconut, Dragon Berry, or OakHeart Spiced, 1.75 L

Crown Royal Reserve

Rotary Club of Sarasota Keys — meets at 12:15 p.m. Thursdays, at Café L’Europe, 431 St. Armands Circle. For information, visit rotarysarasotakeys.com.

Belvedere Vodka

Selected Varieties, 750 mL

Bacardi Rum

Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key — meets at 7:30 a.m. at the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s Tavern & Whiskey Bar. Jim Braun, of Stifel Financial Corp., will discuss the Longboat Key Kiwanis Foundation.

Cost is $10 and includes a breakfast buffet. Call Donna at 388-2847.

22.99

1.75 L

Malibu Coconut Rum

THURSDAY, OCT. 31

Retire magazine published its third edition of “America’s 100 Best Places to Retire” in 2002 and named Longboat Key the best “Undiscovered Haven & Best Beach Town” in Florida, according to the Oct. 31, 2002, issue of the Longboat Observer.

The installation of seven historic plaques throughout the island was a longtime goal of the Historical Society.

A historic marker on Broadway commemorates the old town dock that was destroyed in a 1921 hurricane.

Sarasota was also recognized as “Best Art Town.”

+ Town sign ordinance declared unconstitutional

A judge declared the town’s sign ordinance illegal during the first week of November 1978.

The American Civil Liberties Union had argued that the ordinance was unconstitutional in a case in which a resident put a political sign on his car in violation of the law.

The ruling meant the town’s sign ordinance had to go back to the drawing board.

Today, town code classifies political signs as exempt from the requirement of obtaining a sign permit, although they must meet other requirements.

+ CLASSIC COPS TARDY TRICK-OR-TREATER Nov. 1, 1982, 3:05 p.m. — Man reports raccoon intrusion in home, DeNarvaez. Racoon treated self to trick-or-treat candy and escaped officer, with candy.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

SEMPER FI

shopping season

by Robin Hartill | News Editor

13A

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor

Samowitz receives salute Centre Shops hosts at 99th birthday party annual Fall Festival How does it feel to be 99?

“Just a little bit older than it feels to be 98,” said Grand Bay resident Marty Samowitz, who celebrated his 99th birthday with family members and friends Monday, Oct. 28.

Samowitz is the oldest living survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima. He was part of the Seventh Fighter Command, 20th Air Force but got orders to ship out to attach to a Marine unit during World War II. Upon returning home, he took a job at a shoe store, then went into the business himself and built the northeastern chain Marty’s Shoes.

Samowitz’s friend, Robert Traphagen, recalled visiting Samowitz, then 87.

Traphagen had just completed his first marathon and was in the best shape of his life.

Samowitz invited Traphagen to swim laps at Grand Bay’s pool. Even at 87, Samowitz could out-swim his marathon-running friend.

“I saw you were laboring, so I stopped,” he told Traphagen after 54 laps.

Observer Media Group CEO Matt Walsh presented Samowitz with a video from the Betio Bastards, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines aboard the USS Kearsarge.

The young Marines thanked him for his service and wished him “hoorahs” and “semper fi” from their ship.

Like a true Marine, Samowitz responded with a salute.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, shoppers took a gander through the tents set up in the Centre Shops parking lot for the Centre Shops Fall Festival.

The weather was gorgeous, and those who stopped by enjoyed coffee and access to a variety of vendors offering

home-baked goods, handmade jewelry and other great finds.

The event was the first of three festivals that Centre Shops will host this season.

Colette Lafuente and Shirley Beachum

Marv Koclan and Dean Congbalay

Photos by Robin Hartill

Clockwise from bottom: Marty Samowitz celebrates with granddaughter Gia Haynes, daughter and son-in-law Lani and Chad Haynes, granddaughter Kayla Haynes and his wife, Paulette.

John, Jinny and Peter Adams

YOUROBSERVER.COM // Watch the video that the Betio Bastards, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines aboard the U.S.S. Kearsarge made for Marty Samowitz.

Patti Colby

Photos by Heather Merriman

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE The countdown is on for the final days of voting for annual the “It’s Read Everywhere” contest. Visit YourObserver.com and click on the “Contests” tab in the upper-right hand corner to vote for your favorite photo. You may vote up to 10 times per day through Oct. 31. Check back in our “Welcome Back” issue in November for the announcement of winners.

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Republican Club of Longboat Key Luncheon Meeting A Special Tribute to Our Veterans Friday, November 8th At Our New Location: Longboat Key Harbourside Dining Room (behind Publix in Bay Isles), 3100 Harbourside Dr.

11:30 to 1:30 pm Special Guest Speaker Christina Bowman of Sarasota Military Academy will speak on “Preparing Students to be Military Service Men & Women”.

ALASKA. Jim Larson and his wife, Longboat Key Commissioner Lynn Larson, took their Longboat Observer along while visiting Juneau, Alaska.

SRQ AIRPORT is the proud sponsor of the Observer’s 2013 “It’s Read Everywhere” contest.

Please call Ruth Strauss 383-5349 to make your reservation

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

15A

Come To Our Hair Show Event...

Gabby celebrates every day at SOS See The All New

by Robin Hartill | News Editor

The 14-year-old umbrella cockatoo soars in her role of greeting visitors at the bird-rescue facility.

Gabby’s owners listed her skills on a sheet of paper that SOS keeps in her file.

In addition to “Happy Birthday,” she also sings “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”

She dances, laughs and frequently says “Hi, Gabby,” and “Pretty bird.”

She’s also especially warm, even for umbrella cockatoos, which are known for their loving personalities.

“I never knew that birds could be affectionate,” Pilston said.

“She loves to cuddle, she loves to be petted, she loves to have her back rubbed, she loves to be carried around on your arm.”

She also has other quirks. She doesn’t just eat her food. She often takes each bite across her cage and dunks it in water, before heading back for the next bite.

The SOS staff noticed Gabby’s talents as a performer and put her to work as the greeter bird at the entrance to the facility, usually during afternoons.

Gabby showed her talents once again on a recent afternoon, when SOS unveiled its new logo that Ringling College of Art & Design students created. The crowd broke out into applause.

“Yay!” Gabby exclaimed before singing “Happy Birthday” to the group — and to herself, of course.

No one at Save Our Seabirds knows Gabby’s actual birthday.

But don’t tell that to Gabby.

The 14-year-old umbrella cockatoo constantly serenades the bird-rescue facility, singing: “Happy birthday to you, “Happy birthday to you, “Happy birthday, dear Gabby, “Happy birthday to you.”

“Every day is her birthday,” said SOS CEO David Pilston.

Technically, Gabby is a “he.”

The bird’s previous owners thought they had a female, but SOS staffers identified Gabby as a male because female umbrella cockatoos don’t have jet-black eyes. Still, they allowed Gabby to keep her feminine name and pronoun.

A Bradenton couple brought Gabby to SOS in 2011, because they could no longer care for her.

Gabby was well cared for, but many people are unprepared for the rigors of caring for a cockatoo, which has a lifespan of 80 to 100 years, according to Pilston — which is why SOS recommends that people don’t buy them to keep as pets.

“It’s basically like having a spoiled 3-year-old for the rest of your life and the rest of your children’s lives,” Pilston said.

Robin Hartill

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

SPOOKY SOIREE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

by Harriet Sokmensuer | Observer Staff

SYC has bash at Monster Mash Members of Sarasota Yacht Club celebrated Halloween at the annual Monster Mash dinner, Saturday, Oct. 26. Attendees went all out with creations ranging from classic costumes to more original Sarasota references, such as a group who came dressed for the fruit streets in Sarasota. The evening started with cocktails in the bar and followed by a spooky dinner.

Photos by Harriet Sokmensuer

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

joyful noise

by Robin Hartill | News Editor

Stephenson-Moe brings peace offering to Vatican The longtime Church of the Redeemer and Temple Beth Israel musician will conduct a piece, composed by her husband, the late Daniel Moe, in Vatican City.

Ann Stephenson-Moe is about said yes.” to achieve the closest thing to the Stephenson-Moe is familiar with holy grail that exists for someone the piece, having conducted it at who makes religious music. least five or six times.

On Nov. 2, she’ll conduct the “I would define it as idiosyn“Cantata of Peace” composed by cratic,” she said. “It has a lot of jazz her late husband, Daniel Moe, dur- harmonies.” ing the 12th InternaThe piece includes tional Festival of Sacred a solo trumpet, organs Music and Art in Vatiand a choir. can City before Pope Moe’s “Psalm ConcerFrancis. tato” will also be perOrganizers were seekformed at the festival, ing an anthem related although Stephensonto peace and found SteMoe won’t conduct it. phenson-Moe through Stephenson-Moe, 65, Google, after reading a knows she’ll be nerdissertation an Arizona vous during the perforstudent wrote about mance. the brass works of Moe, “The trick is to use who died in 2012. Moe it for something posiwrote the cantata dur- Stephenson-Moe tive,” she said. “Fear is ing the Vietnam War. not necessarily a bad He was the longtime composer for thing. I’ll never have an opportuChurch of the Redeemer and music nity like this again in my life.” director for Key Chorale.

Festival music performances will After several discussions, or- take place Nov. 2, Nov. 3 and Nov. 6. ganizers asked Stephenson-Moe, For Stephenson-Moe, the fact that who is organist/choirmaster at she’ll conduct the piece Nov. 2 has Church of the Redeemer in Sara- special meaning. sota and music director of Temple The day would have been Moe’s Beth Israel on Longboat Key, if she 87th birthday. would conduct the piece in the “I keep thinking about how hapVatican. py Daniel would be to know that “I pretty much dropped the his piece was getting this recogniphone,” Stephenson-Moe said. “I tion,” Stephenson-Moe said. was shocked and flattered, and I

SEASONAL SPIRIT

17A

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor

Oktoberfest brings cheers to Longboat Island Chapel Following the worship service Sunday, Oct. 27, Longboat Island Chapel members gathered in the garden to celebrate Oktoberfest.

As members trickled out of the church and into the garden, an accordion player was playing music and volunteers were grilling food and preparing drinks, ready for the party to start. The members were able to catch up with one another, while enjoying the October weather.

Photos by Heather Merriman

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Barbara Koetsier and Cindy Clay

Bill Roecker, Pat Johnson and Clarice Schetter

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YourObserver.com

1929-2013

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

by Robin Hartill | News Editor

Alan Stone paired swans with Harbourside golf course The Harbour Links resident who brought original swans George and Gracie to the Key died Friday, Oct. 25. He was 84. adult mated pairs, three of which still live on the Key, and a handful of new cygnets each spring. One of those pairs is named Alan and Beverly.

Stone, of Longboat Key and Chicago, died Oct. 25. He was 84.

He was a veteran of the Korean War who began his career as a salesperson for a children’s clothing store but wound up becoming a designer and wholesaler of children’s apparel.

According to Stone’s friend and neighbor, David Novak, who took on the role of caring for the swan family in 2007 after Gracie died of botulism,

Stone saw a lot of himself in the swans.

“He wanted to create his own little place around here,” Novak said. “He loved the water and was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary — an avid fisherman, who loved going out on the water.”

Whenever he went fishing, he brought back fresh catches for his neighbors, according to Novak.

Temple Beth Israel Rabbi Jonathan Katz described Stone as “a peach of a man, very approachable and warm with a gentle sense of humor.”

Last week, Katz had planned to discuss peacocks and their

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Alan Stone considered bringing ducks to the Harbourside golf course near his home. His neighbors protested.

Instead, he bought a pair of swans at a Lakeland auction and presented them to his wife, Beverly, as an anniversary gift in 1994. He transported them with help from neighbors.

The Stones named the male George after comedian George Burns and the female Gracie after Burns’ partner, Gracie Allen.

It was the beginning of Longboat Key’s swan family whose members have become the neighborhood mascots. Their progeny now includes four

significance in Yiddish literature at Friday night Shabbat services. That changed when he learned of Stone’s death that day.

“On a day devoted to the peacocks, of all things, I ended up switching birds and talking about swans,” Katz said.

Stone is survived by his wife, Beverly; sons Robert, Jeffrey and Joel; sister, Ruth Odza; and two grandchildren.

A service took place Oct. 27, in Wilmette, Ill. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Northwestern Memorial Foundation in support of Leukemia Research, 251 E. Huron St., Galter 3-200, Chicago, Ill., 60611; or Midwest Palliative and Hospice CareCenter, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview, Ill., 60025.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

BACK IN BLOOM

REAL ESTATE

Longboat Key Garden Club is back in bloom for the Season.

PAGE 22A

Queens Harbour home sells for $1.23 million.

PAGES 26-27A

WEATHER See this week’s standout local weather photo.

PAGE 28A An aerial view of John Ringling’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel in 1952.

HAUNTED HISTORY

by Robin Hartill | News Editor

John Ringling’s Ritz-Carlton hotel stood vacant on the Key for more than 30 years, leading many locals to call it ‘the Ghost Hotel.’

J

ust 90 days stood between John Ringling and his vision, by many accounts.

That vision was a Ritz-Carlton hotel on the south end of Longboat Key that would look more like a waterfront castle than a hotel.

Construction began in March 1926 on the parcel of land near the present-day Chart House building. Ringling poured $650,000 of his own money into his dream.

By late 1926, the exterior of the structure was complete. So were the first of three planned golf courses and the first of the 350 rooms the hotel was to hold.

But that year, as the hotel neared completion, the Florida land boom bubble burst, and Ringling’s huge holdings that included real estate, banks and circuses began to rapidly dwindle. The land boom ended just as the city of Sarasota had increased its taxable land to include the southern tip of Longboat

Photos courtesy of the Steinmetz Collection, State Archives of Florida

Demolition of the hotel was completed in January 1964. A local Realtor proposed making the hotel a convention site in 1962, but Arvida opted to tear it down.

Key, effectively quadrupling the circus magnate’s taxes between 1925 and 1926.

Ringling halted construction on the Ritz-Carlton and other projects in November 1926. The stoppage was supposed to be temporary. But, for the next three-and-a-half decades, Ringling’s failed vision of a seaside castle haunted the south end of the Key.

Many locals called it “the Ghost Hotel.”

Weeds covered the property.

The ornate bronze plumbing and fixtures that had been left around the property when work stopped disappeared quickly. (In Longboat Observer founder Ralph Hunter’s 2002 book, “From Calusas to Condominiums,” he wrote

that some fixtures were reportedly still used in Sarasota homes.)

Visitors came to the property, but they weren’t the luxury hotel guests Ringling envisioned. Many were teenagers who used the site for parties, romantic trysts and fraternity initiations. Some teens dressed as mummies by covering themselves with ACE bandages and scaring those who dared to pass near the area.

The site was especially popular on Halloween.

Adults also visited the site, often out of curiosity.

“We used to come out and if we’d get company, we’d take them out and show them the inside,” said Longboat Key Historical Society President Shirley Beachum, who visited her mother and stepfather on the Key when the hotel was still standing. “It was a little eerie because you could go up

SEE HOTEL / PAGE 20A

SPOOKY SAGA MARCH 1926 — Construction began on the Ritz-Carlton hotel on the south end of Longboat Key. NOVEMBER 1926 — John Ringling ordered construction to stop on the hotel.

DEC. 2, 1936 — John Ringling died in New York City.

1954 — The death of a Sarasota High School student prompted officials to place a steel fence around the hotel.

JANUARY 1964 — Arvida completed demolition of the hotel.

1988 — Construction of the 18,549-squarefoot Chart House building near the site of the old hotel was completed.

20A

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Longboat Harbour welcomes back its seasonal residents Longboat Harbour welcomed seasonal residents back with an evening social in its community clubhouse, Saturday, Oct. 26. The social, organized by the recreational committee, included drinks and a homemade dinner buffet for residents.

Remodeling by Design

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

HOTEL / FROM PAGE 19A

Catch my

HotReal PROPERTIES Estate segment

TOP SALES ASSOCIATE Ranked in the Top .5%

the steps but there was nothing on the side.”

Longtime resident Bud Freeman remembers visiting the hotel.

“We weren’t supposed to be there,” he said. “It was offlimits.”

Teenage boys would race their cars in the sand dunes nearby, where high-rise Islandside condominiums now stand.

Because construction stopped abruptly, the staircases REALTOR BARBARA were in place but the railings were never finished.

According to Sarasota County historian Jeff LaHurd, as many as eight people fell to their deaths in the abandoned The name to know in real estate hotel.

Visitors would later claim to have seen the ghost of Sarasota High School student King Richter, who was one G of those teens who died in the hotel, calling out the names STIN I L of his friends.

NEW After Richter’s death in 1954, officials placed a steel fence around the building. But it didn’t keep the trespassers away.

A July 11, 1962, article in the now-defunct Sarasota Journal reported on a fire at the hotel that police believed trespassers who entered the fenced-off grounds by boat caused.

The hotel’s final chapter came in January 1964. The parGrand Bay II - Stunning Views Sunrises and sunsets from this cel had been part of Arvida’s 2,000 acres, including the beautifully furnished two bedroom plus den apartment at Grand Bay south end of Longboat, along with its surrounding keys. with gorgeous water views. Includes two valuable garage spaces.

Before its demolition, the Sarasota Chamber of ComShows like a model. $1,299,000 merce and Manatee Committee of 100 sponsored an eight-minute documentary film by Hank Swain, of Sarasota, titled “The Ghost Hotel.”

G Much of the fill from the hotel site was used to create ING ISTIN L END P W E City Island.

NE SAL Over the years, Kim Cool, author of “Ghost Stories of Sarasota,” has received reports of ghost sightings around the old hotel’s location, although she hasn’t heard of a sighting in more than a year.

“Some people hear things or some say they see people or shadows,” Cool said. “It depends on the people doing the reporting.”

Country Club Shores - Premier Bayfront Whispering Sands - Siesta Key Amazing Cool never tries to convince readers that ghosts haunt Captivating City & Bay views with 4 bedrooms Sunsets from this Southwest corner 2BR/2BA sites, but, instead, approaches the paranormal from the and 7,452 SF of quality and elegance. Outdoor furnished beach front residence completely perspective of a reporter and a scientist. living at its best! Infinity-edge pool, 2,460 SF renovated directly on one of Siesta Key’s most If ghosts do, in fact, haunt the site, she doesn’t believe $4,495,000 unique beaches. of terraces, boat dock & lift. $785,000 they’re the spirits of those who fell to their deaths in the hotel.

“Maccabre people like to dwell on that sort of thing,” Cool said. “I like to put a happier slant on it, that if we SOLD do have ghosts and we get to choose where we go, why wouldn’t we go to a happy place?”

She cites John and Mabel Ringling asislands an example: west -She direct gulf front hears of many sightings of their ghosts around Ca’ d’Zan, their winter residence.

For the couple, the home carried happy memories of the their travels that helped inspire its design. It makes sense their ghosts would return there, rather than to the Islands West - Direct Gulf Front Completely Siesta Cove - Waterfront Short Sale An site of the failed hotel, she says. remodeled furnished two bedroom, two incredible opportunity to live in a premier So, if you believe that ghosts haunt the hotel property, bath apartment on the 11th floor with neighborhood, on a superb waterfront lot in whose spirits could they be? endless Gulf views. Wood floors, granite a gorgeous 4,869 SF home. Open waterfront “I would think it would have been some of the people $1,805,000 kitchen and baths. Gorgeous! $989,000 views. who were involved in building the hotel, the people who were really hoping it would get built,” Cool said.

Still, many of the building’s past visitors and current tenants are skeptical that the site was or is haunted.

“I was never haunted by ghosts at the old Ritz-Carlton,” LaHurd said.

Roger Pettingell, a longtime broker associate for Coldwell Banker’s Longboat Key office in the Chart House building, also said he hasn’t heard of ghost sightings.

“I’ve worked a lot of late nights here,” he said, “but I’ve never seen a ghost.”

Country Club Shores - Direct Bay Front On the Gulf - Longboat Key Gated privacy Neither has Debbie Stannick, whose store, Exit Art, has Lovely 3,700+ SF waterfront home at on 1.69 acres directly on the Gulf of Mexico. been at the Chart House building for 17 years, although the end of a cul-de-sac with 3 bedrooms 10,000SF, 7BR/6.5BA with attached guest she notes that she feeds a spooky black feral cat that visits plus study/4th bedroom, stunning open wing, plus 5,000 air-conditioned SF of play the business each morning.

Bay views, infinity-edge pool and two and storage area. $9,400,000 “I’ve never really felt any kind of ghost presence here, al$3,500,000 car garage. though it’s not necessarily that I don’t believe in that type of thing,” Stannick said.

Then, she thinks back to recent events in the building.

There have been floods and a fire last week that caused approximately $25,000 worth of damage.

“Then again, we have had our share of crap,” she said, joking that the occurrences could be supernatural signs.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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FLOWER POWER

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor

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Longboat Key Garden Club back in bloom

Sarah Tate and Alice Blueglass

Gardening season has begun, and the Longboat Key Garden Club held its first general meeting Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the Windward Bay clubhouse.

Members caught up with one another and welcomed new faces before the meeting.

Board members reviewed upcoming events and activities with members, and the club reviewed its budget approved for the year.

Following the meeting was a presentation by Mary Zabin, a garden photographer, who discussed her work at the Chicago Botanical Gardens.

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Noon - 2pm • Saturday, November 16th The Resort at Longboat Key Club, 301 Gulf of Mexico Drive Islandside Driving Range Tickets: $25 in advance • $30 at the gate

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Where to Buy Tickets DOWNTOWN SARASOTA: Observer Media Group: 1970 Main St., 3rd Floor LONGBOAT KEY: BP Station: 400 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Sun Trust Bank: 510 Bay Isles Rd. Ace Hardware: 4030 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Lazy Lobster: 5350 Gulf of Mexico Dr. ST. ARMAND’S CIRCLE: Edward Jones: 443 John Ringling Blvd. (above Starbucks)

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

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LIDO BEACH - Canal front undeveloped lot - 12,785 sq. ft. and 75 ft. of waterfront! One block to Lido Beach! $1,200,000

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES - 3BD/2BA/2CG home situated canal with dock, lift, and access to Sarasota Bay! $739,000

Broker/Associate, CRB, CRS, GRI Previews International Property Specialist Legends Society Involved Citizen: Sarasota Opera, SPARCC, Make-a-Wish, Meals on Wheels, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Breast Cancer Awareness

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

M1-403......$319,000

SEAPLACE

G3-302......$299,000

LB HARBOUR

H-301......$269,000

LB HARBOUR

G-106......$250,000

Search Lynne’s website in English and 19 other languages!

BAY ISLES - Beautiful 3BD/3.5BA BEACHES - 2BD/2BA 7th floor home situated on water’s edge. condo with gorgeous full Gulf Custom features, upgrades views and stainless appliances. $699,000 galore! $725,000

ISLANDS WEST - Gulf and beach views from this 2BD/2BA condo!

Fully furnished; completely renovated! $679,000

BEACHES - Stunning full Gulf views! CONDO ON THE BAY - Full Sarasota LIDO REGENCY - 5th floor Remodeled with updates galore! Bay views from this 2BD/2BA 11th 2BD/2BA condo right on Lido floor, Tower I condo. $639,000 beach, with direct Gulf views!

Fully furnished 2BR/2BA condo. $675,000 Secure building. $549,000

DEDICATED TO LUXURY REAL ESTATE SM Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

SEAPLACE – Expansive Gulf and PLAYERS CLUB – Experience SEAPLACE – Fully furnished, sunset views! 2BD/2BA condo with paradise with partial Gulf views 2BD/2BA top floor condo with full gorgeous furnishings included. from this 2BD/2BA condominium. Gulf views! $384,900 $525,000 $499,000

40 MILLION “THANK YOU’S” TO MY CUSTOMERS AND CLIENTS FOR THEIR SUPPORT!

117030

REPORT CARD FOR 2012: 40 SALES $40,000,000 IN SALES VOLUME

24A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

good company

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor

Chamber takes Business After Hours beachside

Photos by Heather Merriman

Howard Rooks, Nancy Taussig and Wayne Genthner

Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce members gathered Tuesday, Oct. 22, on the beachside patio at Casa del Mar Beach Resort for the group’s monthly Business After Hours. Chamber members, resort staff and residents networked over drinks and hors d’oeuvres while enjoying the October evening weather.

Introductions and announcements about upcoming chamber events were made, and prizes were given out for the 50/50 raffle. Prizes included fishing charters by Wolfmouth Charters and a weekend stay at Casa del Mar.

REID MURPHY Luxury on the Water

Get Your New Toilet Today

Call REID Today!

941.232.3304 BEACH FRONT ESTATE

100 Feet Gulf Front Estate Plus Guest House

www.lapenseeplumbing.com 778.5622 * 401 MANATEE AVENUE , HOLMES BEACH

123235

Beach, sunsets and superb privacy .

LIC.#CFC1426956 ~ CPC 1458020

Don’t Stall Any Longer

Top 1% Producer in Real Estate Sales for Sarasota & Manatee County!

www.reidmurphy.com

Laurie Pike and Vanessa Zigich

Jeanette Frint with Rory and Laura Jaret

$3,795,000

MICHAEL

MOULTON

Certified Residential Specialist

Licensed Real Estate Broker

se

se n Hou

n Hou

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME $990,000 HIDEAWAY BAY SAILBOAT WATER $1,695,000 Wide canal lot on Dream Island Rd. A boater’s paradise.

5BR custom family home w/dock for 50’ boat.

y O pe unda

S

S

BAY ISLES - Spectacular 2011 built 4BR home, a must-see for its extraordinary beauty & design details. A3969494 $3,550,000

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES - Remodeled canal front 4BR residence on an oversize lot. A3975981 $1,695,000

NE W

WESTON POINTE WITH BOAT DOCK $1,075,000 BAYFRONT POINT 4BR ESTATE $7,650,000 Stunning 3/BR bright & open w/private outdoor living area. One private acre+ separate guest house. Boat docks.

LISTI

NG

BIRD KEY - Stunning remodeled, pristinely maintained 3BR canal front residence. A3985864 $1,575,000

NE W

LISTI

NG

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES - Canal front lot in this desirable south end LBK neighborhood. A3986400 $575,000

SLEEPY LAGOON BAYSIDE ESTATE $2,550,000 Approximately 2 acres, gated drive, tennis, deepwater dock.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT CUSTOM HOME $3,850,000 COUNTRY CLUB SHORES $2,495,000 Exquisite 5,000 SF waterfront 4BR home w/ dock.

4BR custom home w/designer finishes. Deepwater dock w/lift.

Developers Realty Inc. Lic. R.E. Broker • 1266 1st St., Suite 9, Sarasota, FL 34236

CASEY KEY - Spectacular extensively remodeled gulf ST. ARMANDS TOWERS - Views! Sophisticated 3BR to bay residence on 1.25 acres. A3968932 $4,650,000 plus office furnished penthouse. A3953612 $1,499,000 440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 Office 941.383.7591 | Mobile 941.928.3559 | SarasotasFinestProperties.com 123269

124629

HIDEAWAY BAY HOME $1,995,000 Fishing pier, lift & dock on Sailboat water w/ exceptional bay views.

y O pe unda

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

25A

BUSINESS OBSERVER

An elite team Ian Addy & Gail Wittig for Addy exceptional Ian & Gailproperties.

Wittig

By Robin Hartill | News Editor

www.athomesarasota.com

www.athomesarasota.com

Your elite team for The Resort An elite team at Longboat Key Club.

YEAR-ROUND INCOME THROUGH THE HOTEL PROGRAM

for exceptional properties.

An elite team for exceptional properties.

SPA & FITNESS CENTER 45 HOLES OF CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF MARINA VILLAGE TENNIS GARDENS AAA FOUR DIAMOND AWARD 30 CONSECUTIVE YEARS

Photos courtesy of Foxy Lady South

Lynn Walters and Chris Meyers celebrate at Foxy Lady South’s anniversary party.

+ Foxy Lady South celebrates its first anniversary on St. Armands Circle Foxy Lady South, 14 S. Blvd. of the Presidents, celebrated its first anniversary Friday, Oct. 25.

The event at the St. Armands Circle boutique included a cocktail party and trunk show by Frank Lyman, along with a $500 wardrobe from Lyman as a raffle prize. The raffle benefited Donte’s Den, which provides care for up to 100 dogs on 50 acres of countryside in Manatee County.

Le Colonne catered the event. Foxy Lady South is the second Foxy Lady location on St. Armands Circle.

RESULTS We offer you 63+ years of BENCHMARK combined real estate sales experience and a marketing We set the bar as the top selling agents at The Resort with over $16 million process sharpened to MBA-level sophistication.

We delivered the record-setting strategic marketing in sales last year and the highest Longboat Keyasale in over two years. offer you 63+ Key years of combined estate51 sales experience marketing $6.8 millionWeLongboat sale withrealonly days fromandlisting to contract.

Benchmark results

process sharpened to MBA-level sophistication. We delivered the record-setting $6.8 million Longboat Key sale with only 51 days from listing to contract.

Pine Avenue merchants have a new addition: honey bees that will forage in a 3- to 4-mile radius of their home and produce an estimated 80 pounds of honey per hive each year.

The idea surfaced when Mike Miller, who developed Pine Avenue’s Edible Community Gardens, noticed that pumpkins planted in boxes weren’t doing well. He discussed the issue with Michael Coleman, operating partner for the Pine Avenue Restoration project, who suggested that a lack of bees could be the problem.

The bees are located at an undisclosed, secure location.

Coleman already has a new name for the newest Pine Avenue product: Paradise Honey.

123297

www.WagnerRealty.com Call 941-383-5577

FANTASTIC, INVITING, SPACIOUS, coastal, turnkey inspired Florida mobile home.

Only a short stroll to the beach, the other way boasts all activities the association offers.

Dia Wilson/Mary Moore #M5835734

$139,000

SPACIOUS 2/2.5 TOWNHOME

with oversized garage in active tennis community.

Offered turnkey furnished with many updates throughout. 10 Har-Tru tennis courts, 24 hr. fitness & Jr. Olympic pool. Mary Moore & Dia $239,000 Wilson #M5837881

$6.8 million Longboat Key sale with only 51 days from listing to contract.

Benchmark results luxury service

+ Bees create a buzz on Pine Avenue

Bringing People Home Since 1939

We set the bar with the highest Longboat Key sale in over two years and the highest strategic marketing We offer you 63+ years of combined real estate sales experience and a marketing Siesta Key bay front sale in 2012. process sharpened to MBA-level sophistication. We delivered the record-setting

We’ve leading waterfront specialists word ofand mouth referrals.

We set the bar with thebecome highesttheLongboat Key sale in overthrough two years theand highest reflection of our commitment to concierge-style customer service.

Siesta Key bay frontThat’s saleaindirect 2012.

Steve Gianopolus is the new stylist at Design 2000 in Whitney Beach Plaza, 6840 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Gianopolus has been in the styling business for 40 years and has licenses in Florida and Illinois. He is proficient in advanced hair coloring, foiling and cutting.

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

Benchmark results

strategic marketing

+ Design 2000 welcomes new stylist

WAGNER REALTY

Benchmark results

We set the bar with the highest Longboat Key sale in over two years and the highest Siesta Key bay front sale in 2012.

We set the bar with the highest Longboat Key sale in over two years and the highest Siesta Key bay front sale in 2012.

luxury service

luxury service 440 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, FL 34228

STRATEGIC MARKETING We’ve become the leading waterfront specialists through word of mouth and referrals. offerreflection you 63+ years of combined real estate sales experience That’sWe a direct of our commitment to concierge-style customer service.

We’ve become the leading waterfront specialists through word of mouth and referrals.

941.387.0100 I AtHomeSarasota.com I ianaddy@michaelsaunders.com That’s a direct reflection of our commitment to concierge-style customer service.

strategic marketing and a marketing process sharpened to MBA-level sophistication. We We offer you 63+ years of combined real estate experience delivered the record-setting $6.8 millionsales Longboat Keyand salea marketing with process sharpened toonly MBA-level sophistication.

We delivered the record-setting 51 days from listing to contract. $6.8 million Longboat Key sale with only 51 days from listing to contract.

luxury service LUXURY SERVICE

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

941.387.0100 I AtHomeSarasota.com I ianaddy@michaelsaunders.com We’ve become the leading waterfront specialists through word of mouth and referrals.

We’ve become the leading waterfront specialists through word of That’s a direct reflection of our commitment to concierge-style customer service.

mouth and referrals. That’s a direct reflection of our commitment to concierge-style customer service.

REDUCED

440 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, FL 34228 SPACIOUS 2BR/2.5BA TOWNHOME

941.387.0100 I AtHomeSarasota.com I ianaddy@michaelsaunders.com

with private oversized garage in active tennis community is offered turnkey furnished. 10 Har-True tennis courts, 24 hour fitness center & Jr. Olympic pool. Mary Moore & Dia Wilson $249,900 #M5839653

PARADISE ON BRADENTON BEACH Great income investment. Brand new furnishings. Pet friendly. Private beach access just steps away. Onsite cafe & gift shop. Daily rates available. Mary Moore & Dia $269,000 Wilson #M5835837

water canal opens to beautiful Sarasota Bay with dock and lift. 3BR/3BA plus ofc., granite counters, wood cabinets, tile floors, French doors to pool & hot tub. Dia Wilson & Mary $789,900 Moore #M5839040

BEAUTIFUL LOT in the

DEEP

WATER

secluded community of Hideaway Bay. Cul-de-sac peninsula style lot with deep sailboat water on 3 sides. Great location to build your dream home.

Kelly Belisle #M5836272 $995,000

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

941.387.0100 I AtHomeSarasota.com I ianaddy@michaelsaunders.com

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

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

941.387.0100 I AtHomeSarasota.com I ianaddy@michaelsaunders.com

123468

FANTASTIC 0NE STORY CANAL FRONT home, located on elevated lot. Deep

26A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

TASTY TIMES

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

real estate | transactions

by Robin Hartill | News Editor

Queens Harbour home sells for $1,225,000 Photos by Robin Hartill

Dan and Rhonda Diggins with Kathy and Vic Caserta

Harry’s Continental Kitchens: Cheers to (almost) 35 years

Harry’s co-owner Lynn Christensen with Jeff Gross

Raylene and Jim Wilborn

By Adam Hughes | Research Editor

In February, Harry’s Continental Kitchens will celebrate a major milestone: its 35-year anniversary.

But the restaurant kicked off the celebration early by holding a wine-tasting Wednesday, Oct. 23, to celebrate the start of its 35th season.

The restaurant will hold its next winetasting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, to raise money for Longboat Key Garden Club scholarships and grants.

Dave and Pam DeFratus

The following residential real estate transactions took place between Oct. 14 and Oct. 18.

A home in Queens Harbour tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Robert and Marsha Thomson, of Oklahoma City, Okla., sold their home at 3527 Fair Oaks Lane to Thomas and Sally Sappenfield, of Orland Park, Ill., for $1,225,000.

Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,154 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $570,000 in 1994.

Photo courtesy of Michael Saunders & Co.

Sea Gate Club

Michael Silbert, of New York, and Elisabeth Tanjeloff, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 2-C condominium at 2425 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Chad Thompson, of Atlanta, for $585,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,470 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $62,500 in 1973.

The Players Club

Carolyn Albrecht sold her Unit 106 condominium at 1485 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Raymond and Nancy Hopp, of Montvale, N.J., for $562,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,774 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $285,000 in 1992.

937115 Ontario Inc. sold the Unit 202 condominium at 1485 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Christopher and Deana Iacobelli, of Bradenton, for $400,000. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, three baths and 1,569 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $186,100 in 1991.

Sleepy Lagoon Park

Bank of America sold the home at 724

This home at 3527 Queens Harbour has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,154 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,225,000.

Marbury Lane to Robert Emery, of Longboat Key, for $417,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,849 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $550,000 in 2003.

LIDO KEY

Mote Marine Foundation Inc. sold the home at 1456 John Ringling Parkway to Robert and Susan Thill, of Sarasota, for $1.2 million. Built in 1969, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,618 square feet of living area.

Lido Shores

Barry and Hien Godfrey sold their Unit 507 condominium at 350 S. Polk Drive to Dean and Claudette Panullo, of Port Washington, N.Y., for $370,000. Built in 1977, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,036 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $95,000 in 1980.

LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER

1281 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 703 #A3982353 $1,849,000 Julie Jordan

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

572 Gunwale Ln #A3980750 $1,499,000 Jenifer Schwell

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

213 N Polk Dr #A3938053 $1,495,000 Sylvia Zimmerman

Sarasota 941-383-7591 941-350-5022

210 Sands Point Rd # 2507 #A3985077 $1,250,000 Ian Addy Pa

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

The Ritz-Carlton Beach Residences # 503 #A3981871 $2,950,000 Julia McClung

3524 Fair Oaks Ln #A3970247 $895,000 Michael Yawitz

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

2525 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 8B #A3968382 $709,000 Sandi Layfield

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

2301 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 23N #A3984508 $699,000 Susan Fox

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-544-6648

4600 Bay Shore Rd #A3983290 $649,000 Nancie Kalin

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-928-8833

6821 Hughes St #A3982781 $575,000 Dana Westmark

Lido Key 941-388-4447 941-356-6499

Longboat Key 941-951-6660 941-356-5091

2055 Harbour Links Dr # 2055 #A3967455 $565,000 Douglas Parks

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-400-9087

FAMILIAR FACES. EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS. Showcase your property to over 6,500 affiliate branches in 52 countries.

1485 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # A401 #A3980645 $554,000 Christina Landry

585 Hornblower Ln #A3983924 $2,495,000 Hannerle Moore

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

550 Oakford Rd #A3985889 $549,000 Valerie Telfair

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-315-5488

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

4325 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 406 #A3985818 $545,000 Brigitte Von Kessel

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-266-2174

8640 Dolce Ln #A3986435 $520,000 Cathi Reali

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-232-8200

4485 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 503 #A3979554 $519,000 Steve Magner

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-376-8559

578 Bayview Dr #A3978163 $515,000 Bobbi Banan

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

1770 Benjamin Franklin Dr # 206 #A3986006 $420,000 David Simon

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-400-8764

690 Linley St #A3967460 $390,000 Tama Traberman

Longboat Key 941-383-5502 941-225-3351

2301 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 65N #A3985611 $369,000 Robert Lindeman

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-504-2123

225 Sands Point Rd # 6204 #A3985969 $349,000 Terri Derr

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-356-6694

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

michaelsaunders.com

BUILDING PERMITS

Sylvia Zimmerman Explore now on your phone or tablet.

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Oct. 18 through Oct. 24, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive)

440 Gulf of Mexico Dr. • Longboat Key 941.350.5022

Address Permit

New single 5251 GMD family home 1590 Harbor Cay Lane Alteration

Kitchen and 5201 GMD bathroom alteration 1085 GMD Alteration 2721 GMD Alteration 560 Yawl Lane Dock and seawall 613 Triton Bend Re-roof 5461 GMD Alteration 656 Halyard Lane Re-roof 7141 La Lenaire Drive Demolition 3540 Mistletoe Lane Sliding glass doors 622 Cedars Court Siding 510 Birdie Lane Re-roof 4621 GMD Doors 5621 GMD Windows and doors 596 Halyard Lane Sliding glass doors

4888 GMD Boat lift 3386 Bayou Lane Poolcage 6141 GMD Skylight 959 Spanish Drive S. Concrete repair 570 Golf Links Lane Re-roof 6701 GMD Sliding glass door 4234 GMD Concrete repair 681 Linley St. Re-roof 840 Evergreen Way Siding 3155 GMD Windows 741 Jungle Queen Way Dock 6385 Gulfside Road Re-roof 722 Bayport Way Windows 537 Sloop Lane Garage door

27A

Applicant Wilson Capital Management LLC Andre Butterfield

Sylvia Zimmerman attributes her reputation as one of Southwest Florida’s most outstanding real estate agents to her extensive business background, as well as her intense focus on customer service.

A longtime Sarasota-area resident, Sylvia builds enduring client relationships, possesses a profound facility for bringing buyers and sellers together and offers an intricate knowledge of the many unique communities that beckon newcomers to both Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Drawn to Sarasota by its natural beauty, exciting culture and remarkable weather, Sylvia’s love for tennis and golf found the perfect fit. Having lived on the bay (Siesta Key), on the beach (Casey Key), on a canal (Bird Key) and in two golf course communities (Lakewood Ranch Country Club and Laurel Oaks Estates), she can personally identify with the variety of opportunities available on Florida’s Gulf Coast—a unique advantage she passes on to her clients.

With her years of experience in real estate sales, no one knows the area better!

Amount $1,225,000 $950,000

Karen Webb $101,114 Milton Stein, trustee $81,000 Fred Monaghan $46,000 David Cuthell $41,580 Timothy Bixler $36,645 Greg Ruthven $25,000 Robert Scharff $24,150 Meghan Sue Davis $24,000 Paul Giusti $17,963 John Brown $15,800 Bart Alford $15,300 Wilbar LLC $13,420 Rolando Sanchez $12,400 Melvin Rhinelander $10,898 Windward Bay Condo Assoc. $10,494 Stephen Ellisor $9,750 Robert Dockery $9,510 Nancy Altman Beveridge $9,500 John Hoskins $8,750 Anne Arsenault $7,300 Jerry Cambra $7,000 Jean Blackburn $6,250 Christopher Lopes $5,000 Kim Christiansen, trustee $4,557 David Shucard $4,530 Craig Weiss $2,420 Robert McDade $1,649 Gordon Cooper $1,625

Please visit my website: www.sylviasellssarasota.com

571 Putting Green Lane MLS# A3984052 $1,995,500

4583 Windsor Park MLS# A3981469 $749,500

448 Gulf of Mexico Drive #106 MLS# A3968129 $410,000

Ian Addy & Gail Wittig

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Longboat Key 941.961.8850 | 941.228.1985 Luxury Service n Strategic Marketing n Benchmark Results 4960 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 202 #A3979213 $309,500 Diane Otis Stirling

605 Sutton Pl # 105 #A3986293 $264,900 Bibi-Ann Allard PA

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-320-4261

Longboat Key 941-951-6660 941-685-0422

RE N TA L

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

RE N TA L

4380 Exeter Dr # 102H #A3976328 $275,000 Richard Perlman

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-348-3989

6750 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 148 #A3978064 $300,000 Tammy Mast

4235 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # G203 #A3936274 $239,000 Eileen Burke

The Addy & Wittig team has garnered recognition as Michael Saunders & Company’s top sales team on Longboat Key for 2010, 2011 and 2012. As a consistent top producing Realtor® and Sarasota native, Gail has more than 33 years of local real estate experience. Ian brings a robust financial management background focused on valuation to complement his abilities as a skilled negotiator.

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-256-6543

With the highest sale on Longboat Key in over two years, accomplished with only 51 days from listing to contract and the uncontested leader in sales at the luxurious Longboat Key Club & Resort, this team sets themselves apart from the competition. Focusing on exceptional service, which includes personally accompanying on each and every showing, this results driven team has distinguished themselves as among the very best in the profession.

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

RE N TA L

744 Jungle Queen Way #A3986398 $339,900 Rory Jaret

Please visit www.athomesarasota.com to learn more.

1350 Main St # 1702 Sarasota #A3950341 $6,000-$7,500/month, 30 day min 941-552-4200 Lisa Gullick 941-321-6973

5135 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 203 Longboat Key #A3961760 $4,000-$6,500/month, 30 day min Diann Thelen 941-552-4200

3804 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 301 Longboat Key #A3986071 $2,200-$4,000/month, 90 day min Diann Thelen 941-552-4200

6001 Gulf of Mexico Drive Sold for $6,800,000 2012/2013 Highest Longboat Key Sale

3315 Gulf of Mexico Drive MLS# A3984171 $3,850,000

VA C AT I O N R E N TA L S 551 Harbor Point Rd #A3969494 $3,550,000 Michael Moulton

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

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

MLS#A3984416 $795,000

White Sands of Longboat whitesandsoflongboat.com 800.230.2428

113720

1145 Gulf of Mexico Dr #202

Veranda Beach Club verandabeachclub.com 800.411.5511

28A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

OBSERVER WEATHER

Do you love taking photos? We want your best photos of sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, etc.

Submit your local weather photos for a chance to have your photo published in the paper!

See all of the winning photos each week by visiting The Observer’s Facebook page.

TEMPERATURES

Record Temperatures High

Low

High

Low

Tuesday, Oct. 22

87

71

92 (1993)

46 (1989)

Wednesday, Oct. 23

81

71

90 (1971)

47 (1961)

Thursday, Oct. 24

75

62

91 (1919)

45 (1923)

Friday, Oct. 25

82

60

91 (1971)

44 (1937)

Saturday, Oct. 26

81

60

92 (1971)

45 (1937)

Sunday, Oct. 27

82

57

90 (1960)

43 (1968)

Monday, Oct. 28

82

61

90 (1984)

43 (1957)

Average Gulf water temperature: 75

MOON PHASES Nov. 3 New

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise

Sunset

Thursday, Oct. 31

7:40a

6:48p

Friday, Nov. 1

7:41a

6:47p

Nov. 9 First

Saturday, Nov. 2

7:42a

6:47p

Sunday, Nov. 3

6:42a

5:46p

Nov. 17 Full

Monday, Nov. 4

6:43a

5:45p

Tuesday, Nov. 5

6:44a

5:45p

Wednesday, Nov. 6

6:44a

5:44p

Nov. 25 Last

TIDES

Highs

Thursday, Oct. 31

—

11:05a

5:17a

5:12p

11:55a

10:51p

5:58a

5:35p

—

12:44p

6:39a

6:03p

Sunday, Nov. 3 ­—

1:34p

7:20a

6:31p

Monday, Nov. 4

12:28a

2:25p

8:05a

6:59p

Tuesday, Nov. 5

—

3:22a

8:53a

7:29p

1:09a Wednesday, Nov. 6

4:28p

9:45a

8:04p

Friday, Nov. 1 Saturday, Nov. 2

 Jackie Dixon submitted this sunset photo, taken from Buttonwood Harbor on Longboat Key.

Scan the QR code on your smartphone to submit your weather photos!

Or visit YourObserver.com and click on the “Contests” tab.

UNDER THE BIG TOP by Jill Pepper

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

ACROSS

Edited by Timothy E. Parker

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Lows

1 River of forgetfulness 6 Marathons they’re not 12 Desk go-with 17 Safe from a skunk’s defense 19 Some woodwind musicians 21 Drum sounds 23 Guy behind the counter?

24 Like some stops, in speaking 25 Goddess often depicted in armor 26 Third man from the first man 27 Happening many times 29 One skilled at handling his pride?

31 “Alexander’s Bridge” novelist Cather 33 Dutch painter Jan 35 Map legend, usually 36 Branch of medicine dealing with X-rays 40 Like graduation caps 42 Like a dead weight 43 Change your story 45 50-50, in the Senate 46 ___ chi 49 No less than 52 Elaborate wall tapestry 54 Clears up, as rumors 57 Tell an untruth 58 Prefix with “brewery” or “wave” 60 After-hours school grp.

62 Animal with a hump 63 French G.I. 65 Thin, crisp cookie

127 Throat ailment, 68 Old name for the commonly flu 69 What a circus promises to be DOWN 73 Pressing issue?

1Tire nuts 74 Expression of 2 Alternative to a saber praise 3 Buffoon 75 Suit sizes 4 Act that makes 76 Grocery store people look up pathway 5 67.5, direction-wise 77 Venomous reptile 6 GI ID 78 Search deeply (with 7 A willing partner? “into”) 8 In a bit 80 Sigma follower 9 Strike 10 Letters on a 83 Alternative to cornerstone contacts 85 Run ___ of (conflict 11 Becomes hard and dry, as bread with) 12 Start of some juice 88 Some refuse blend names receptacles 13 Actress McDaniel of 91 TV Tarzan Ron “Gone With the 92 Gobbled down Wind” 94 Midmonth, to 14 Easily accessible 15 Agenda listings Caesar 16 Indian queen (var.)

95 The best and the 18 Whimsical brightest 20 Most guileful 96 Quaking 22 Bakery offering 99 Salad greens 28 “Kiss my grits” 103 Insect’s sense utterer of TV fame organs 30 City near Syracuse 106 Spanish coins of 32 Tiny amount 33 The clink yore 34 “Bye-bye,” to a Brit 107 Lehar operetta 36 100 Iranian dinars “The Merry ___” 37 Proposal foe 108 Largest land 38 Remove, to an animals editor 110 Bed extension?

39 Decade segment 112 Shaving mishap 41 Flowery wreath in 116 Like right-slanting Hawaii type 44 Be half asleep 46 Offer chocolates to 117 Friz Freleng’s real a dieter, say first name 120 Collection of teams 47 Letter before beth 48 Ferry destination, 122 Like some possibly thunderstorms 50 Strike down, 123 Guy in a cockpit Biblically 124 Request from a 51 Bathroom square happy audience 53 Spurt out 55 Scrawny individual 125 Completes the 56 Couples defense 59 Zodiac boundaries 126 Handsome horses 61 Message board

annoyance 63 Bell tower emanations 64 Desert watering holes 66 “Caught you!”

67 Cheesy dish 68 Offspring’s inheritance 69 Cook, in a way 70 Express anew 71 Spanish appetizer 72 Star that brightens and then fades 73 Barred enclosure 77 Behind, asea 79 “What ___ can I say?”

80 Best part of the lobster, to many 81 Pony up for a hand 82 Brings into play 84 “In one ___ and out the other” 86 Type of dirt for a builder 87 Laudatory poems 89 Comic book character, often 90 It may involve a bucket of fake water 93 Ipecac, e.g.

96 Brandy-making fruit 97 Souvenir stand item 98 Low men at La Scala 100 Bake sale goods 101 Org. with covert operations 102 Discombobulate 103 Architect I.M. and family 104 Take in or let out 105 Exit 109 Biggest diamonds on a table 110 Bottom of the foot 111 Walked heavily 113 Transylvanian lab assistant?

114 Remedy 115 Hold on to 118 Fit for the job 119 Tool’s partner 121 Cincinnati trio 10-31-13

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Items Under $200 For Sale

Personals

Homes For Rent

ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month, 15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

(No phone calls please.)

(Please provide your name and address) Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group P.O. Box 3169 Sarasota, Fl 34230

ADOPTION: CARING and understanding Teacher and Physician Assistant promise unconditional love and education to child. Expenses paid. Sandy and Clint, 1-800-968-9851. www.sandyclintadopt.com.

FL Bar #0474835.

TROPICAL PARADISE on St. Armands: 3BR/2BA, fireplace, formal living room, Florida room, 2 blocks from the Circle and beaches. Annual rental: $2300/mo. +utilities. All other services included.

941-228-1984.

Schools/Instruction

Lots/Acreage For Sale

BIKE: WOMANS Boss Cruiser, new 26” tires, 3 speed, pink with carrier rack, $100.

941-383-1184.

PIANO LESSONS in your home. All ages, all levels.

Recent conservatory graduate, first lesson complementary. Call Charles, 770-424-4749, cgc16@case.edu

Storage STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area.

941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.

Help Wanted

Autos Wanted

PART TIME Guest Liaison for beach resort on Longboat Key needed. Must have excellent customer skills, good verbal and written communication/ phone skills required. E-mail: kamilawnowak@gmail.com

WE BUY CARS. TOP $$ PAID FOR YOUR VEHICLES. Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

Condos/Apts. For Rent

STEAM CLEANER: Haan, steam tile cleaning, floor sanitizer, used once. $60. 941-383-4146.

Boat Slips For Rent/Sale 45’ BOAT Slip for rent: Longboat Key Moorings.

941-812-3395 BOAT SLIP for sale. Boathouse, S. LBK, fully enclosed, top level, S.W. corner, will accommodate 32/ft. boat. Make an offer. Mark, 941-383-4381 bradtma@yahoo.com

BEACHPlACE, lBk. Casual beachfront living in 2BR/2BA, balcony condo. Olympic pool, health club, tennis courts. Available June through December, $2000/mo. Also available January through March, $5000/mo. Call for info. Contact Elizabeth/NYC. 212-570-2950.

LBK: SANDS POINT 1BR/2BA, annual, unfurnished. Non-smoking, No Pets. $2000/month.

941-383-3702

BOAT SLIP: bottom level. Make an offer. Dry storage, well managed, 25' length 7.2' height 8.5' beam. South Longboat Key, attached to great restaurant. Call now!!!! Richard, 941-383-7011.

LBK: TIFFANY Plaza Beachfront Condos, 1st floor, 2BR/2BA, W/D in units, walk out to beach.

Furnished, heated pool, covered parking. 1 mo. min. 941-383-3338.

BOATHOUSE ON LBK. High and dry storage, second level. Must sell. Bargain, $20,000.

317-431-9253.

LONGBOAT KEY - FAIRWAY BAY - Two level townhouse available January-April. 2 master bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, two month min/max., no pets. Beautifully furnished. Pool, tennis and exercise room, private beach access. Call 303.440.7009 or 720.440.1779.

LONGBOAT KEY: Indoor boat slip for rent. Top Level, 30/ft. length x 8/ft 6” beam x 9/ft. 10” height. 941-806-8500.

Boats Boats are selling very well, 85 this year. Gearing Up For Season, Buying Boats. Reputable/ Local 18 Year Resident. I do “Business on a Handshake” Please visit: www.Islandboatsales.net Buy-Sell-Consign-Donate Call Dave, (owner) 941-228-3489.

ChitwoodCharters.com Cruise or Fish Hyatt Sarasota Docks 32’/53’ Yachts - 2hrs./2 months 941-383-5232 SAILBOAT: 20/FT. 1990/95 COM-PAC, (Hutchins) 9/3, 8HP Honda, with 27 hours, fully equipped, like new, $6900 O/B/O. Must see. 941-383-3337.

Furnishings BRAND NEW Serta Queen Pillow Top Mattress Set Willing to sacrifice for $150! (941)387-4810.

SECTIONAL SOFA: high quality Thomasville brand, like new, hardly ever used, ivory. $2230 new.

Sacrifice for $400. Denny, 941-780-8789.

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales MULTI-FAMILY SALE, 540 Putting Green Lane, Friday/Saturday 9am-2pm, tools, golf, fishing, furniture.

General Merchandise THRIFT SHOP: Longboat Island Chapel, 6140 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Open Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays, 9a.m.-1p.m.

Volunteers welcome! 941-383-6491.

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

WANTED TO RENT: LBK, Condo, Gulf Front/ Full View, washer/dryer, senior couple. Call Bob, (860)919-7823.

Condos For Sale FREE! What every Real Estate buyer or seller needs to know!

Go to: www.yourmarketupdate.com LBK CONDO: turnkey, for sale by owner.

2BR/2BA, 2nd floor unit overlooking the Bay, nicely furnished. $270,000. John, 352-751-4343.

LONGBOAT KEY Club complex. By Owner.

Private club suite, tennis, pool, view, 650/sq.ft. $349,000. 708-267-6704.

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals Exceptional Vacation Rentals Since 1994 Homes & Condominiums Studios to Six Bedrooms Beachfront, Intercoastal or Garden Excellent Service & Staff FloRIDA VACATIon ConnECTIon

BIRD KEY. Prime Sarasota Bay lot. SSE exposure.

Waiting for your dream house. For sale by owner.

No brokers please. 631 Mourning Dove. See our lot on www.forsalebyowner.com. $2,800,000.

941-388-7832

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

Real Estate Wanted CASH BUYER from Europe is looking for 2-3BR condo or house on Lido, Longboat or Anna Maria.

Call Keller Williams Realty on Manatee.

941-592-8853.

WANTED LUXURY ANNUAL RENTALS

LIDO BEACH CONDOMINIUMS Weekly - Monthly - Seasonal Resort Properties, Inc. Licensed Real Estate Broker Full Service Condominium Management 941-388-3921 - 888-388-3921 941-650-1857 Visit us at: resortproperties.pro

For Qualified Waiting Clients Contact - Sarasota Luxury Rentals 941-225-1356 email: info@sarasotaluxuryrentals.com Personalized attention with professional honest advice.

25 Years Experience - References available

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals 3 BEDROOM Longboat Key beach rental.

Seasonal ($3200/mo. includes tax) or Annual ($1900/mo). Across from private beach. Garage.

Unobstructed views beach and sunsets. Updated, patio, fully furnished, 55+. 941-232-1357.

A BEACHPLACE LBK Condo. Beachfront, 2BR/2BA. Elegantly furnished, internet access, heated pool, covered parking, exercise room.

Available December, 2013 & February, March, May, June, 2014. Non-smoking/ pets. By owner.

941-383-1884.

AAA SUNSETS, Space, Luxury on Sarasota Bay. You could toss a pebble from the window into the water (but you wouldn’t). Lawrence Pointe 2BR plus office, 2.5BA, 2200+ sq. ft. Completely renovated 2011; beautifully furnished and equipped.

Walk to downtown, St. Armands, Van Wezel.

3 month minimum Jan-Feb-Mar $7,500/month including weekly maid service plus security, taxes.

No smoking or pets.

Email for photos spaciousandstunning@gmail.com. 941-383-9729.

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

Weekly rates. Lido Dorset. Rental condo.

1-800-734-3370.

LONGBOAT KEY. 3BR/2BA furnished house on canal. Sleeps 6. Internet, cable, pool, lanai.

No smoking/ pets. Available January 1-March 31, three month minimum, $7000 per month. By owner.

917-705-8166.

LONGBOAT KEY. Gulf front, heated pool on beach, 1BR/1BA condo, full kitchen, dining, sleeps/4, king pillowtop. 617-328-7145, 857-939-1049.

LONGBOAT KEY: Sunset Beach condo, Gulffront, beautiful 2BR/2BA, completely updated, 2/mo. minimum. Available December through April.

708-203-2205.

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. 941-351-5101.

SEAPLACE: 2BR condo. 2 month minimum or longer. Clubhouse, 2 swimming pools, gym. No pets. 201-344-5906.

SEAPLACE: 2BR/2BA, beautiful Gulf view, beautifully decorated. Available January 1 through June.

443-829-2142.

THE WESTCHESTER GULF FRONT 2BR/2BA, open, direct views, tennis court, 2 heated pools, steps away from the sand.

Recently remodeled.

941-228-5671.

TIFFANY PLAZA 2BR/2BA Condo: Recently renovated, full gulf view, walk out to beach. Ground floor. N/S. Available 12/1/13 to 1/15/14. $1150 per week, 2 week minimum. 317-374-7373.

This week’s Crossword answers

Premium Box Ads This week’s Sudoku answers

HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 117730

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HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 56733

2013

This week’s Cryptogram answers

Your source for local Classifieds

1. Forget “once upon a time.” Modern fairy tales all start with the ugly words, “If I am elected, I promise.....”

2. All office holders should heed a powerful political fish in Washington, D.C.: the Senate herring.

30A YourObserver.com 30A Classifieds

LONGBOAT OBSERVER THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013 Thursday, October 31, 2013

www.yourobserver.com

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

Air Conditioning

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

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.

GULFSIDE A/C & Heating, LLC. SALES & SERVICE, FREE ESTIMATES! 10 MINUTE RESPONSE. Visa/MC/Disc. Lic. #CAC1816929 941-962-6863.

STEVE ALLEN FLOOR COVERINGS

Weekly/ Monthly/ Seasonal Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-6127 Visa/ MC 800-352-0367 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m. M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939

www.wagnerrentals.com

Auto Transport SHIP YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV anywhere in the United States. Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

Cleaning 30 YEARS experience. We take pride in pleasing customers. Homes, schools, churches, resorts, offices. 941-756-4570.

Reservations: 941-383-5549 Fax: 941-383-7925 Office Open 7 Days, 9a.m. - 5p.m.

4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 Fully equipped 2BR/2BA condos with washer and dryer, and wireless internet in each unit.

Extra Large Heated Gulf View Swimming Pool!

OUR GUESTS RETURN FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.

Classified Ads Bring Results 941.955.4888

Personal & Business Bookkeeping Accounting/ Taxes

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE 726-1802 LIC/ INS

I come to your home or office.

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria.

Residential/ Commercial. Meticulous Cleaning.

Excellent References. Free Estimates. Reliable.

Lic./ Ins. 941-400-3342.

All Variations of Ceramic Tile Supplied & Installed.

Free Estimates & Custom Designs.

BONDED & INSURED Over 25 yrs. experience

Expert Marble & Travertine Installation Floor & Walls

Computer Services

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

Grout Cleaning & Sealing Service Available

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

ISLE TILE

Weekly/Monthly Condominium Rentals 4 Night Minimum

20 YRS. EXPERIENCE

TILE TILE TILE

BLUE FISH CLEANING INC. 941-705-3812. Insured, Bonded. Affordable reliable home cleaning, introductory offer $60 3 hours.

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

www.casadelmar.net

YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner

4 Bill Paying & Account Reconciliation 4 Organizing Personal and Business Files 4 Budgets & Financial Reports 4 Federal and State Tax Returns

OWN A MAC/iPHONE/iPAD? MacTutor has 21+ years experience teaching Apple products.

I speak English, not “Geek”! (941) 812-3887 www.FLMacTutor.com

“Your Home by the Sea”

PROFESSIONAL TILE & MARBLE INSTALLATION

Personal Services

FOR “QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE” Floors, bathrooms, showers, backsplashes, patio and pool decks.

20 years design background.

Licensed - Insured - LBK Resident References upon request.

941-383-2659

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

' / 62

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

Masonry ALL TYPES OF MASONRY Specializing in concrete driveways, pavers, decorative concrete, stone work, patios.

Call for free and honest estimates.

941-525-2435

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.

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, rlsteakley60@gmail.com

CLASSIFIED LINE AD PRICE First 15 words ........................................... $15 per week Each Add’l word .......................................................50¢

15% DISCOUNT for 4 week Run

955.4888

Pet Services DOGGY HOTEL/GROOMING. 24 Hour Daycare.

FREE Daycare with groom (we are the best).

3925 Brown Avenue behind Sleep King. doggyhotel.net 941-554-4620.

TIKI TIME PET SITTING! In-Home Pet Sitting! Leave your fur kids in their environment with trusted, loving care! Providing quality pet care for 10 years! No extra charge for multiple pets & Holidays! Excellent references.

480-694-0756 tikitimepetcare@gmail.com

Pressure Cleaning PRESSURE WASHING: Residential and Commercial. ECO Cleaning. Roofs, lanais, pool areas, etc. Roof coating also. 941-756-4570.

Transportation ISLAND SEDAN Serving Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, West Bradenton and St. Armands Towncar Service Rates: To or From: Tampa International Airport: $80 St. Pete/Clearwater Airport: $75 Sarasota/Bradenton Airport: $35 Call for rates to other locations Local and Long Distance 941-730-8803 islandsedan@gmail.com www.islandsedan.com

Yellow color $5 per Week • Border as low as $3 per Week Call: 955-4888 • Email: classified@yourobserver.com Online: www.YourObserver.com

in the

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YOUR SOURCE FOR LOCAL CLASSIFIED ADS

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

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OVING

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31A

INSURANCE

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32A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Max (7)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

Jake (9)

Happy Halloween ROGER SELLS LA FIRENZA

$4,995,000

3 bedrooms, 3½ baths

Direct Gulf 4,800+ sf penthouse with endless beach views in a community of only 10 residences. “Transitional coastal” interior with custom finishes and upgrades throughout. A wraparound terrace overlooks the turquoise waters with a summer kitchen while two bayside terraces provide the best of both worlds.

SARASOTA BAY

350southshoredrive.com Palatial 5BR/3½BA estate with bay and city views. Heated pool, 3-car garage. $2,445,000

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Backstage Pass: Emma Thurgood PAGE 5

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

HOME

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PAGES 8 and 9

BLACK TIE

CANDance “Dancing with Our Stars” PAGE 11

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT TWO ACTS by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

“Small roles are different from title roles,” Angela Mortellaro says. “Sarasota Opera was an incredibly positive experience … I feel really comfortable here.”

DAY

IN THE

“I had a bigger voice than the other girls and I was going to sing louder than all of them,” Monica Gonzalez says.

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

LIFE

Two singers will perform arias in November at Sarasota Opera House — one a teenaged aspiring opera singer; the other, a professional principal.

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

2

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: TWO ACTS

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor (continued from page 1)

DAY IN THE LIFE Two singers will perform arias in November at Sarasota Opera House — one a teenaged aspiring opera singer; the other, a professional principal.

Angela Mortellaro, above, is a principal Studio Artist with the Sarasota Opera. She will be playing Adele in the company’s upcoming performance of “Die Fledermaus.” Monica Gonzalez, right, will play a lead role in the Sarasota Youth Opera’s upcoming production of “The Little Sweep.”

Prelude to school

It’s 5:30 a.m., and Monica Gonzalez is walking Milo, her American Eskimo puppy. She makes her bed, washes her face, makes herself toast with pineapple and prepares Cuban coffee for herself and her mother, Gina Arabitg. If she has time, she does a load of laundry and the dishes. Most parents would kill for a 17-yearold like this.

After she drops her younger sister, Jessica, off at the bus stop, she heads to Cardinal Mooney an hour before school starts. By 7:55 a.m., she’s in first period, where she’s the teacher’s assistant.

“The chemistry teacher, Vanessa Santos, loves me,” Gonzalez says. “She’s even coming to see the show!”

Gonzalez is referring to Sarasota Youth Opera’s production of Benjamin Britten’s “The Little Sweep,” in which she plays one of the leads, Rowan.

“I feel incredibly different from my peers,” she says. “My priorities, the way I view life — opera opens a completely different world.”

By the time she’s 30, she hopes an international opera company, via the route of a conservatory and graduate school, competitions, summer programs and apprentice programs, will hire her.

She’s currently undecided on schools.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

3

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT Professional’s overture

At 8 a.m., 31-year-old Angela Mortellaro goes for a run. She’s had breakfast with her all-important cup of coffee, and by 10:30 a.m., she’s ready to warm up her voice. As a principal Studio Artist, she lives in housing downtown, two minutes away from the opera house. Today, she goes there for her ideal hour-and-a-half vocal warm-up.

Interestingly enough, her first big professional performance after graduate school was at Orlando Opera; she played Ida in “Die Fledermaus.” This time, she’s playing Ida’s sister — Adele.

This is not how Mortellaro expected it would be. When she was 17, she took choir. Her teacher gave her a solo — only once — and she completely crashed and burned.

“I hated it,” she says with a roaring laugh. “I didn’t want the pressure of having a solo.”

Mortellaro worked many hours at the Brookfield, Wis., grocery store her father, Robert, owned.

She said she was independent and strong-willed — two qualities she’d later need as a singer. Although Mortellaro enjoyed music and playing the piano, she never saw herself performing.

“I thought I’d be in Wisconsin, maybe a music teacher somewhere, married with lots of children right now,” she says. “I thought I’d follow a more traditional path.”

She is married to a fellow professional Sarasota Opera singer, Jeffrey Beruan, who is currently singing at an opera in Kansas City, Mo., and who will arrive this winter in Sarasota. They speak two times a day by phone.

It wasn’t until late in her undergraduate student career at the University of Wisconsin when a

Q&A How many people do you have to work with to prepare for a role?

Gonzalez: My voice teacher, Maestro Jesse, is my vocal coach; Miss Martha is my director. And I work with a teacher from Oberlin via Skype on how to tackle this role.

Mortellaro: My vocal teacher; if I don’t know the language then a language coach; and a music coach.

Do you take voice lessons?

Gonzalez: I take voice lessons over Skype with my teacher, Rose Marie Freni, who moved to North Carolina. Every two months I go there to stay with her for a weekend (of lessons).

Mortellaro: I study with Stephen King (at Rice University) whenever I can get to Houston. I go for a week two times a year and take as many lessons as I can.

What are your parents’ names and what do they do?

Gonzalez: My dad’s name is voice teacher, Carlene McMonagle, pointed out Mortellaro’s singing talent.

“People told me in high school, but I didn’t listen,” she says. “I listened to her.”

She went to Rice for graduate school, and that was her turning point.

“There’s not a set path to be an opera singer,” she says. “And, I still feel like I’m really getting started in this business.”

Her first big role with a professional company was Gretel in Sarasota Opera’s 2010 production of Engelbert Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel.”

“Sarasota Opera took a chance on

Dr. Julio Gonzalez, and he’s an orthopedic surgeon who goes to law school at Stetson at night (he’s running for state representative).

My mom, Gina Arabitg, is a gynocologist and an incredible painter.

She’s good at singing, too, but would never sing in front of people.

Mortellaro: Martnie Mortellaro, my mom, is a choral director at a church, and my father, Robert Mortellaro, is retired. He owned Century Foods grocery stores.

Earliest memory performing: Gonzalez: I was in preschool singing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and the teacher came up, took me out of class and had me sing it for the other teachers in the faculty room.

Mortellaro: Singing in choir at church because my mom was the choral director, and we had a really great group of singers in that choir.

All of those people were really good musicians. me, and it really paid off and helped me learn I could do it,” she says.

She’s called for a 12:30 p.m. rehearsal for Sarasota Opera’s “Die Fledermaus,” then she gets to take a three-hour break at 4 p.m. when she eats lunch, has another important cup of coffee and calls her husband. She’ll look over her lines and music, but likes to stay quiet to rest her voice. She reads Colum McCann’s “Dancer” until her 7 p.m. rehearsal with the chorus.

Finale out of school

Gonzalez tailored her classes to her passion. She switched from taking Spanish to taking French, and she’s now in a class with all

IF YOU GO Johann Strauss Jr.’s ‘Die Fledermaus’

Benjamin Britten’s ‘The Little Sweep’

When: Opens 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1. Runs through Nov. 15

When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, and 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10

Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.

Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.

Cost: Tickets $19 to $125

Cost: Tickets $10 to $20

Info: Call 366-8450 or visit sarasotaopera.com

Info: Call 366-8450 or visit sarasotaopera.com

freshmen. At 1:40 p.m., Gonzalez has study hall, and she utilizes her time to take college-level online music-theory classes. If her voice is tired, she tells her friends she’s on vocal rest and avoids talking.

When school lets out at 2:30 p.m., she listens to Russian operatic soprano Anna Netrebko and drives to Sarasota Opera House — her ritual.

Gonzalez loves Netrebko. It was watching a DVD of one of her live performances that inspired her “to get serious” in summer 2012.

“She looked on stage how I felt when I sang,” Gonzalez says. “And the way the audience was responding, I wanted the audience to fall in love with me like that.”

That’s all it took. Gonzalez called her voice teacher with plans to go professional. She’s devoted her adolescent life to acquiring this dream — “The Little Sweep” is her first big role.

Even though her voice teacher moved from Sarasota, she has Skype coaching sessions every Wednesday, in addition to three rehearsal days a week.

Today, she warms up for 20 minutes before her first hour-long rehearsal. Gonzalez spends her 30-minute break with a tutor at Selby Public Library, and then she is back for the evening rehearsal that will last until 8:30 p.m.

She gets home, does her homework and any loads of laundry she didn’t finish that morning.

She takes a shower and tries to be in bed by 10:30 p.m. On the weekends, or if she doesn’t have rehearsal the next day, she’ll act like a 17-year-old and hang out at a family friend’s house swimming with peers until 2 a.m.

Curtain call

It’s been a long day of rehearsals for Mortellaro. She finishes the evening telling her husband goodnight, but sometimes she’ll go out with her opera friends for an hour or so. She tries to get to bed by 11:30 p.m.

With rehearsals six days a week, she likes to spend her off days like a teenager — sleeping in, eating a late brunch and enjoying the Florida weather.

YOUROBSERVER.COM // See a video of Mortellaro and Gonzalez speaking about their upcoming roles at Sarasota Opera House.

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: HIGHLIGHTS

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Iain Webb dedicates his 2013 Arts Leadership Award to Ulla Searing’s memory Fuzión Dance Artists

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

Champions and supporters of arts recognized Graci McGillicuddy, patron of the arts and past winner of the Arts Leadership Award, said it the best: “People come here for the beach and stay here for the arts.”

And that was clear at the Arts and Cultural Alliance annual Arts Celebration, which recognized Sarasota arts and its supporters Monday, Oct. 21, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Performances from Sarasota Jazz Project in collaboration with Jazz Club of Sarasota, Fuzion Dance Artists and Sarasota Opera entertained between awards.

Vocalist June Garber joins Sarasota Jazz Project in collaboration with Jazz Club of Sarasota

Executive Director of the Arts and Cultural Alliance Jim Shirley, Lucia and Steve Almquist and Paul G. Hudson

Mary J. Kelly wins the performance arts John Ringling Towers Fund

Ricardo Graziano, Sam Lowry and Richard Russell

Alexis Ortega wins the literary arts John Ringling Towers Fund

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: BACKSTAGE PASS

5

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Emma Thurgood curates excitement Emma Thurgood bet on her college education. She could study art at her parents’ expense, if she graduated with straight A’s and made the dean’s list.

“It was a real deal,” she says.

They signed a contract.

Ringling College of Art and Design brought her to Sarasota, where she’s now the exhibitions coordinator at Art Center Sarasota. Her art, along with remnants from past and upcoming exhibitions, decorates her office.

She picks up a plush navy and pink polka-dotted egg sculpture she made. It’s happy-looking, like Thurgood.

“This season is exciting,” she says. “It’s so different from what we’ve done.”

Four exhibitions launch the season at Art Center Sarasota Thursday, Nov. 7, one of which, “Pulp Culture: Of and About Paper,” she curated.

“Pulp Culture” examines all of the other ways “the unsung hero” is used aside from something you paint on, such as: paper installations, sculptures, origami and bookmaking, for example.

She walks to the back room where boxes of art are waiting.

Thurgood works with a 10-person volunteer committee and Director Lisa Berger to decide the season; then, Thurgood does the legwork. According to her pedometer, she walks seven miles a day during a change of exhibitions.

“Nothing I do is exceptionally difficult, but you have to have a love for it to do it well,” she says.

tter ying ce.

‘CUBEMUSIC,’ ‘Pulp Culture: Of and About Paper,’ ‘Art Center Sarasota Instructor’s Show’ and ‘miniatures’ When: 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7. Runs through Jan. 3 Where: Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail Cost: Free Info: Call 365-2032 or visit artsarasota.org

Mallory Gnaegy

Emma Thurgood checks in on her favorite permanent piece at Art Center Sarasota, “Fighting Crime in Florida,”

by Jack Dowd.

Her excitement belies her passion.

Her biggest headache is the packing process. She opens boxes one layer at a time, and takes a photo of each layer so she can send it back exactly the way the artist shipped it. She pulls out a paper antelope sculpture by Tasha Lewis. Letting out a giddy yelp of excitement, she makes it leap through the air. It’s her favorite in the exhibit.

“They’re so cute!” she says.

She displays equal excitement about March’s Confluence Project, featuring the work of Sarasota’s sister cities.

With help from the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, Tel Mond, Israel, will be the first sister city exhibited this March.

The exhibit will challenge misconceptions of Israel. Vladimir, Russia, is 2015’s sister city.

Thurgood continues her display of happiness as she discusses last season’s Jackie Peters

Cully’s community leaf project and installation. It was such a success that ACS staff decided to do one every year. This year’s community project will be architectural paper structures that link together from Netherlandsbased artist Noa Haim — Thurgood has a couple on her desk.

For the first time, Thurgood’s passion turns from giddy to serious. When she was in art school, people told her not to get involved at ACS because it doesn’t

help local artists. Those people were wrong, she said.

Last year, ACS paid local artists more than $25,000 for work sold at the center. Thurgood’s challenge is serving both artists and art viewers. Exciting exhibitions of nonlocal artists in one gallery brings people in to see the community-featured work in the others. Two of the four upcoming exhibits feature locals.

Thurgood’s goal is perpetual improvement. And, we’ve learned, so far, that her determination wins bets; whether it’s, as she says, “stepping up the game” at Art Center Sarasota or graduating with straight A’s on the dean’s list — she’s prone to success.

“They drill it into you in art school that you’re going to fail,” she says. “I’m actually way ahead of where I thought I was going to be at this point in my life.”

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6

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

DANCE // ‘Theatre of Dreams’ Opening up the 23rd season of the Sarasota Ballet with a program featuring the works of its own dancers in “Theatre of Dreams” was a great way to kick off what’s expected to be a knock-out year for the ballet company. The entire show always surges with energy — excitement from the dancers who are given the opportunity to choreograph; excitement from the dancers performing their peers’ works; and excitement from the audience witnessing the hard work and passion the entire company has for its craft.

Three of the pieces on the program were created by veteran “Theatre of Dreams” choreographers — Kate Honea, Logan Learned and Jamie Carter — and three pieces were by virgin choreographers — Alex Harrison, David Tlaiye and Kelly Yankle. The program offered a variety of styles and themes offering delight to many styles and tastes. Of course, the veteran choreographers’ pieces were more notably full of depth, levels of complication and length, due to more experience.

Every piece was an achievement in itself.

Kate Honea’s “Gitana Galop” set to Johan Strauss’ “Five Gallops from Kettentanz” was a glittering array of waltzing couples in and out of formations along with solo dances from audience-favorite Logan Learned and lead couple Emily Dixon and Edward Gonzalez.

Honea has mastered multilayered choreography, in which different groups of dancers are dancing different sequences of steps to several different sections of music at the same time. This gives the piece a full-effect, making even a small cast seem larger-thanlife.

Logan Learned always delights the audience with his high-flying leaps, double tour en l’air and multiple entrechat six. The wonderfully talented (both technically and

Courtesy

Kate Honea rehearses Emily Dixon and Edward Gonzalez in her piece “Gitana Galop.”

YOUROBSERVER.COM // Read film critic Pam Nadon’s review of “The Counselor” and Popcorn Bob’s Movie Magic Reviews online.

dramatically) Emily Dixon has found herself a nice partner in Edward Gonzalez, the newest member of the Sarasota Ballet after defecting from Cuba. Gonzalez has all the makings of a Cuban dancer with the Cuban signature knack for being able to pull-off multiple pirouettes.

Edward Tlaiye’s “Xibalba” was a contemporary piece set to Radiohead’s “Videotape.”

The premise of the piece was a love affair gone wrong with Sareen Tchekmedyian leaving Ricki Bertoni for Juan Gil. Bertoni was the star of this piece. His ability to perform diverse styles of dance, from the classical to the utmost contemporary, like in this piece where his body is contorted into a multitude of difficult movements, is astounding.

Tlaiye’s piece was an interesting, and, in fact,

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// ‘The Last Banquet’ by Jonathan Grimwood

A recipe for three-snake bouillabaisse?

Check. A blind pet lion with milky eyes?

Check. A sex scene replete with melted candle wax on bare skin? Check.

“The Last Banquet” by Jonathan Grimwood is a sense-feast of a novel spanning 18thcentury France. Tracing the life of its speaker-protagonist, Jean-Marie D’Aumout, the novel opens with D’Aumout’s earliest memory: snacking on dung beetles in a dung heap outside his childhood home (his parents, destitute nobles, starved to death inside). Through a combination of good fortune, unique intellect, courage and kindness, D’Aumout follows his taste buds down a charmed path that restores his family’s legacy, at least for a time, and aids him on a quest for the perfect flavor.

The stringy flesh of an old lion sautéed with onion? Check. A secret Corsican cheese made from women’s breast milk and tied in muslin? Check.

He continues his quest until the very end of his life, as the French Revolution literally knocks on his chateau’s gates. Although this is a novel that revels in the riches of the senses, it is as much a history lesson mapping the fall of the French aristocracy, as D’Aumout observes the growing discontent of the peasant class — eventually so destitute that they defecate openly in the streets. He winces at the crumbling opulence of Versailles, where princes and tiny dogs dwell together in the stench of bodily functions and rotting meat.

Wolf wrestling? Check. A recipe for braised flamingo tongue? Check. Discarded animals from Versailles’ menagerie? Check. A whole warthog jarred in brine? Check.

This is a sensuous, sensual, engaging and sometimes risqué novel peppered with

slightly disturbing, with Tchekmedyian smothering Bertoni to death with a pillow, start for this new choreographer.

Alex Harrison’s “The Blue Hour” was a beautiful pas de deux set to Frederic Chopin’s “Nocturne No. 27 Opus 2) featuring Danielle Brown and Ricardo Graziano, who are the absolute best at dancing pas de deuxs that portray passion and giddy love.

This pas de deux had the lyrical qualities much like Antony Tudor’s “The Leaves are Fading.” Kelly Yankle’s “Ne Me Quitte Pas” set to Edith Piaf’s song of the same name, was another pas de deux featuring David Tlaiye and Sara Scherer. This pas de deux was more contemporary in nature and reflected more on the ending of a relationship.

Logan Learned went the opposite direction this year with his piece “Nebulous.” Last year his piece certainly had a “story” and this year his piece was more along the lines of the neoclassical non-story ballets, much like his title describes. “Nebulous” was set to Philip Glass’ “Violin Concerto Movement 3” and featured some of the company’s strongest dancers in three couples — Kate Honea and Juan Gil, Victoria Hulland and Ricardo Rhodes, Elizabeth Sykes and Ricardo Graziano. Not to take anything away from the lovely ladies, but the three men were certainly powerhouses in this piece.

Jamie Carter is a whimsical choreographer, always surprising his audience with interesting themes. This year “The Tarot” describes the process of tarot cards through dance set to specially commissioned music by Louis Mander that was played live on stage. The large cast was costumed in original pieces designed by Bill Fenner. Ryoko Sadoshima who danced the role of “The Moon” was a true standout in this piece. Her quality of movement in sweeping pas de bourrée couru across the stage and elegant balances in arabesque were a delight to watch.

“Theatre of Dreams” is always one of this critic’s favorite programs of the season and it was a pleasure to have it be the first one of this year’s lineup.

— Anna Dearing

D’Aumout’s exotic recipes. It is, in fact, a story about taste, a story about seeking pleasure in a sad world, a portrait of 18th-century France.

And it’s as much a story about love and friendship: D’Aumout is a husband twice, a father, a lover, a lifelong friend. His interactions with other characters form the backbone of the narrative.

A locked Corsican cave with only live bats for nourishment? Check. An old dog tried by a court of children on behalf of its owner, hanged and cooked? Check.

Despite some dizzying tense changes (perhaps a device Grimwood used to make us question the nature of memory and time and to create passages of present-tense visceral experience), “The Last Banquet” is a fascinating sensory experience written in a mostly engaging first-person voice.

Ben Franklin in a cameo appearance?

Check. One of the most unbelievably strange and strangely likeable protagonists I’ve read in years? Check.

— Alexis Orgera “The Last Banquet” is available at Bookstore1, 1359 Main St., Sarasota. Call 365-7900.

Top 10 fiction titles at Bookstore1 this month: 1. “Flight Behavior” by Barbara Kingsolver 2. “English Girl: A Novel” by Daniel Silva 3. “Bad Monkey” by Carl Hiassen 4. “Shoemaker’s Wife: A Novel” by Adriana Trigiani 5. “Sycamore Row” by John Grisham 6. “Doctor Sleep: A Novel” by Stephen King 7. “Sweet Tooth: A Novel” by Ian McEwan 8. “Local Souls” by Allan Gurganus 9. “Beautiful Ruins: A Novel” by Jess Walter 10. “City of Thieves” by David Benioff

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

7

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

THEATER

// ‘Young Frankenstein’

// ‘Crazy for You’

You can’t keep a good monster down — or a good monster story. Case in point, Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” Science-fiction authors from Asimov to Zelazny have played with the concepts; James Whale and other horror filmmakers have scared our pants off with them. The mad doctor as wannabe God. The creature as the doctor’s rejected son. It’s a great story — probably one of the greatest.

Like any great story, it inspires great storytellers to find new ways of telling it.

This was Mel Brooks’ and Gene Wilder’s stroke of genius in the original “Young Frankenstein” film from 1974. They didn’t mock or deconstruct “Frankenstein.” They lovingly worked within the tradition. Their movie wasn’t just a satire; it was a sequel.

(In case you missed it, Dr. Frankenstein’s grandson, Frederick, reluctantly follows in his forbearer’s “footshteps”). The original movie didn’t trash Shelley’s concepts. It stitched them together, gave them a new zap of electricity and made them come alive. Brooks and Wilder built on the original story, and it worked.

Mel Brooks’ 2009 musical, (co-written with Thomas Meehan — and now rampaging on the Manatee Performing Arts Center stage) works for the same reason. It’s surprising how much tissue survives from the original film. The horses neigh in terror at Frau Blucher’s name; Igor’s hump shifts from side to side. The gags (both smutty and clean) still make audiences howl.

Director/choreographer (Dewayne Barrett), actors and all the technical wizards involved are clearly enjoying themselves.

Controlled anarchy isn’t easy on stage, but Barrett pulls it off like it’s no big deal. As to the actors: Brian F. Finnerly pushes away from Gene Wilder’s characterization. His Frederick Frankenstein is a nebbishy overachiever, not a sublimated wild man. Mark Netherly’s Igor, on the other hand, is an

“Crazy for You” (the 1992 Broadway hit now hitting The Players stage) is basically a fix-up of “Girl Crazy” (the 1930 Broadway hit). The reincarnation juggled the original plot elements and gave the story more zip — not that the new story makes any more sense. It’s charmingly preposterous. You not only have to suspend your disbelief, you have to put your disbelief in concrete overshoes, drop it off the Brooklyn Bridge and change your address. Simply put …

Back in the 1930s, Bobby Child (Logan O’Neill), a rich, young fellow in New York City, just wants to dance. Bela Zangler (Chip Fisher), the Flo Zeigfeld clone, wants him to dance in somebody else’s theater. His mom (Donna DeFant) wants him in the family business (banking, that is) and sends him to Deadrock, Nev., to foreclose on a cowboy theater. There, Bobby falls in love with Polly Baker (Kathryn Parks), the theater’s cowgirl proprietor. Complications and misunderstandings ensue. Bobby and Polly put on a show to save the theater. They do. (Spoiler alert: They also live happily ever after.)

This short synopsis sounds nearly sane.

Trust me, it’s not. Hilarious, yes. Logical, no.

But the plot’s not the point. As with the original “Girl Crazy,” the story’s just an excuse to put the George and Ira Gershwin songbook on stage. These crowd-pleasers include “I Got Rhythm,” “Bidin’ My Time,” “I Can’t Be Bothered Now,” “They Can’t Take That Away from Me,” “But Not for Me,” “Embraceable You and Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Naughty Baby,” “Stiff Upper Lip,” “Nice Work if You Can Get It” and, of course, “K-ra-zy for You.” This ear candy is delivered via Jared E. Walker’s screwball direction, Kyle Turoff’s high-voltage choreography and a cast bubbling with chemistry. O’Neill is a snappy dancer (tap and non-tap), a great singer

Courtesy

“Young Frankenstein” runs through Nov. 10, at Manatee Players. homage to Marty Feldman’s original. (You were expecting maybe Peter Lorre?) Karen Lalosh puts in her own deadpan homage of Cloris Leachman’s Frau Blücher, but gets into kinky depths at which the movie only hinted. Andrea Wright’s Inga (not derivative of Teri Garr!) is her own Transylvanian temptress. Robert Austin’s wooden as Inspector Kemp — but his character’s supposed to be wooden — at least partly. (That’s the gag.)

Danae DeShazer sizzles as Elizabeth, Dr. Frankenstein’s narcissistic, teasing-but-sexually-frozen fiancée. DeShazer makes the role her own; Madeline Kahn would be proud.

William E. Masuck’s Creature is less Peter Boyle, more Lou Abbott. His misunderstood monster is a regular Joe, putting up with mopes and dopes in an Eastern European backwater. Space doesn’t permit props for all the mad scientists behind the minimal but effective sets, wacky costumes and joyfully over-the-top lighting effects.

And joy is what this musical’s really all about. (Surprising in a monster story, but there it is.) The original Dr. Frankenstein rejected his stitched-together son. Young Frankenstein doesn’t. In a pep talk worthy of a Jewish mother, he says “This is not a monster, this is a good boy!” In the end, creator and creature swap their best, uh, features, and the villagers put down their pitchforks and go home to have cake.

Don’t you wish all monster movies ended this way?

— Marty Fugate

Courtesy

“Crazy for You” runs through Nov. 3, at Players Theatre. and a fine physical comic, too. Parks brings the same level of talent — nicely playing the down-to-earth comic foil to the untethered balloon of Bobby’s optimism. Fisher’s Zangler is the classic domineering, temperamental, bearded impresario seen in nearly every Marx Brothers movie — though he’s not a heel. Speaking of which, O’Neil (disguised as Zangler) and Fisher (as the “real” Zangler) bring down the house in a spin on the mirror scene in “Duck Soup.” That scene alone is worth the price of admission. But Jeffrey Kin (as Lank, the bad-guy saloon keeper) and Lindsey Nickel-de la O (as Irene, Bobby’s ex-fiancée, who proves to be a naughty baby, indeed) are equally sidesplitting. There are no weak links in the cast’s comedic chain — or weak legs, in the killer congeries of chorus girls. Fine orchestration, great costumes and clever fly-away sets, as well.

Improbability aside, the story framing the songs is sharply penned. Ken Ludwig (the playwright behind the musical’s “book”) is self-consciously working in the pre-Sondheim, pre-Andrew Lloyd Webber tradition of American musical theater. (With plenty of post-modern winks to the audience.)

As crazy as it is, his story makes you care.

Ultimately, it’s a heartfelt love story — to the music of George and Ira Gershwin.

And that ain’t so crazy, after all.

— Marty Fugate

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

// HOME&GARDEN

THINGS

by Robert Plunket | Contributing Writer

TROPHY HOMES TO MATCH A CELEBRITY’S LIFESTYLE

The news that Rosie O’Donnell bought a $5 million home on Casey Key has the whole town talking. The four-bedroom, 4,700-square-foot beachfront residence seems perfect as a second home for the comedian and her family (wife Michelle and five kids), but we can’t help but wonder — what other properties did Rosie look at? So, just in case buyer’s remorse sets in, or you happen to know any other house-hunting celebrities, here are some other trophy homes that are just special enough to tempt the lucky few who can afford the ultimate.

1. THINKING BIG 7922 S. HOLIDAY DRIVE

For the celebrity who collects cars or other large objects, here’s a mainland waterfront estate with a 20-car, air-conditioned “motor salon.” It’s walled and gated and located on the bay, with a sunset view toward Siesta Key. Extra touches abound — two elevators, three fireplaces, a wood-paneled library, an outdoor kitchen, a 125-foot dock and enough lawn for several simultaneous soccer games. It also has a state-of-the-art security system with surveillance cameras to keep overeager fans at bay. An elegant yet kid-friendly home with five bedrooms, which is just a few minutes from Siesta Beach.

Priced at $7.9 million. For more information, call Joel Schemmel of Premier Sotheby’s at 941-587-4894.

NOV 16

•

Photos courtesy of Premier Sotheby’s

The Junior Leagues of Sarasota and Manatee County, in partnership with the Legacy of Valor Campaign, cordially invite you to join us as we honor the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families.

8PM

The Legacy of Valor Celebration Luncheon Thursday, November 7, 2013 11:00 A.M. Dolphin Aviation 8191 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida

NOV 17

•

7PM

GueST SpeAker

Hosted by Jerry Springer!

Former Army ranger, Sgt. keni Thomas For tickets and information please contact www.jlsarasota.org or www.jrleaguemanatee.org

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. US & Canada legal residents (excl. NY, RI, PR, Quebec), 18+.

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TICKETS! 941.953.3368 OR VANWEZEL.ORG

BOX OFFICE: MON-FRI 10AM-6PM • SAT 10AM-4PM • OPEN LATE AND SUNDAYS ON SHOW DATES

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

9

// HOME&GARDEN

2. OLD FASHIONED CHARM 7321 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD This home, built in 2001, has the look and feel of an old-fashioned country house, with wide porches and verandas overlooking Sarasota Bay. It’s located on Siesta Key, on 2.8 acres of land, well screened from the road. There’s the obligatory elevator, four fireplaces, a wine room and a whopping seven bedrooms, all with intricate wood detailing.

The master suite has his-and-hers offices — or, in Rosie’s case, hers and hers — and the grounds boast giant oaks and a lagoon-style pool with a waterfall. The only thing missing is a tennis court, but there’s plenty of room to put one in.

Priced at $6.95 million. For more information, call Michael Hayes of Michael Saunders at 941-376-1826.

Photos courtesy of Coldwe ll

Banker

3. BEACHFRONT BEAUTY 4125 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE, UNIT S301

A sensational penthouse on Longboat would be a great choice for a celebrity.

The security is excellent, there’s no maintenance to worry about, and you’re right on the beach. This 4,800-square-foot unit in a smaller mid-Key complex fits the bill perfectly. There’s a wraparound terrace with incredible views of the Gulf, complete with a summer kitchen. The real kitchen has Wolf appliances and cherry-wood cabinets, and the master

suite has a wet-bar, a private sitting room and its own terrace overlooking the water. On the ground floor of the building is a private three-car garage. With only three bedrooms, Rosie’s kids would have to double up, but for a celebrity couple looking for a hassle-free beach retreat, this place would be ideal.

Priced at $4,995,000. For more information, call Roger Pettingell of Coldwell Banker at 941-387-1840.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

// FOOD&COOKING: COLUMN

TIDBITES

by June LeBell

EAT HERE OUT THERE

Contributing Columnist june@junelebell.com

COOKING FOR KIDS

W

hen I was a kid, called us regarding my parents, preparing lunches for wonderful, inventive them, it was like a sign and artistic cooks, from above. not only gave me so“Adults know what called adult food, they they like,” he says, also let me help out “but kids are still open in the kitchen. We not to new tastes. When only ate really well, cooking for adults, I we all loved devising marry many flavors new recipes, never together and the dish to be quite the same becomes the sum of again. the parts. I keep the Then I had kids’ food very simCourtesy sleepover dates Larry Barrett of Simply ple, not marrying too with girlfriends and Gourmet Caterers many flavors. Keeping found they were not the tastes simpler for only eating dinner earlier and at the the kids helps me isolate what they children’s table, they were eating really enjoy.” spaghetti that came in tins, mystery Who’s fussier? “A child alone with meats smothered in more mysterious family can be a real problem. Food sauces and bland, tasteless things I can sometimes become a weapon, pushed around my plate. a way to manipulate. But adults are Now there’s Larry Barrett of Sim- fussy in their own way. The older we ply Gourmet Caterers. Chef Larry, get, the more we become creatures who’s cooked for U.S. presidents of habit. At the Church of the Palms, and heads of state, has taken on all the students eat the same meal. an even more important challenge: When they see their peers enjoying cooking for children. lunch, the world is a beautiful and or“I started cooking for myself ganized place. when I was seven, so the first child “The only way to get kids to enI cooked for was myself,” says Chef joy food is to expose them to all the Larry, whose Grandma Minnie was a good stuff — fresh foods with texture, fantastic cook and instilled a culinary taste and color. The more diverse passion in him. “I became a profes- their culinary experience, the more sional chef at 22. When it was time they can appreciate not just food, but for our son, Dylan, to go off to kinder- other cultures.” garten, we were shocked to see that Kids aren’t the only ones who the bar had not been raised on pub- can sample and enjoy Chef Larry’s lic school food. We knew right then cuisine. His headquarters, Simply we wanted to contribute to creating Gourmet Caterers, is located at 4783 better cuisine for kids. When Saraso- Swift Road, and can be reached at ta’s Church of the Palms preschool 941-929-0066.

LEARNING TO COOK AS AN ADULT

C

hef Jeremy HammondChambers and Chef Danny Gibbons have started “Innovative Dining,” a series of cooking classes at 1725 Barber Road in, of all places, Finecraft Cabinetry, where there’s a demo kitchen with space to sit and enjoy the show, as well as the cuisine.

Recipes and how to cook them properly are not just demonstrated; the results are served, accompanied by wines, all for $70 per event. In November, the chefs take a look at Mexican recipes by

QUICKS BI T E

Polo Grill, in Lakewood Ranch, has a new executive chef.

Stephane Pierre, the 44-year-old Belgian-born chef who started in the business cleaning fish at a Brussels restaurant, has put on his Top Toque and is just about ready for the re-launching of the Polo Grill in just a few days.

“Chef Pierre is an exciting and welcome addition to the Polo Grill

family,” says Tommy Klauber, the restaurant’s chef and proprietor.

Taste of Asia is now open in its new digs at 4413 S. Tamiami Trail.

The restaurant, most recently on Siesta Key, needed more space to accommodate its devoted clientele, and its new full bar. There’s also abundant parking and both indoor and outdoor dining. Chef Lam’s family says, just ask for what you want. “If Lam can, he will.”

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the talented chef and cookbook author, Rick Bayless; and there’s a Fall Vegetarian Class. In December, they explore the olive oils of Spain, France, Italy and Greece.

And, later, they look at great recipes from modern Japanese culture via the splendid skills of Nobu.

Seating is limited to 16 per class, so you’re sure to get personalized attention and your questions will be easily answered. For reservations, call 941-378-1901 or go to http://innovative-dining.com/.

web

with Chef

video

Kitchen

Courtesy

Eat Here, the exceedingly inventive restaurant that’s fun and fancy-free, is more than a friendly neighborhood hangout.

It’s one of the best places in town for great cuisine at pocketfriendly prices. We were in the newest branch on Siesta Key a couple of weeks ago and got to meet the entire cast of characters who make up this personal place, starting with its heart and soul, Sean Murphy.

This flamboyant restaurateur loves what he does, from socializing with his patrons and making sure his original concept is never diminished, to working with his chefs to ensure highquality cuisine infused with creativity. Although there are now three Eat Here establishments — Holmes Beach, Main Street Sarasota and Siesta Key — this is not a chain restaurant where everything is like a carbon copy of what you’ve had before.

“Things change all the time, even the weather,” Murphy told us at dinner. And he’s right. How many times have you made your favorite recipe and it’s come out tasting different because it was an especially humid day and you had to adjust the cooking time or the recipe, itself.

But, when it comes down to it, Murphy knows the food we love. Not Mama’s pot roast is just what Mama ordered. And Eat Here’s island-style ribs will keep you coming back to, well, Eat Here.

™

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& Owner Beth Owen-Cipielewski

of The Sarasota-Manatee Originals

YOUR SARASOTA DIGITAL AGENCY

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INSIDE: Safe Sex Halloween Bash ‘Studio 13: The Undead Disco’ PAGE 13

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Max Lotofskyy and Cinde Carroll

 Chris Voelker, Dini Russell and Kristi Dorman

Photos by Cliff Roles

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

Bill and Elle McComb, Brian Lofton and Lauren McComb

by Molly Schechter | Contributor Community AIDS Network’s CANDance “Dancing with Our Stars” gets better every year, and the event Saturday, Oct. 26, at Michael’s On East was no exception. Chaired by Jackie Rogers and Penny Hill, the event was a sellout, and, while numbers are not known at press time, the live auction yielded more than $43,000 (auctioneer Michael Klauber outdid himself, even doubling down on a few items).

More than 340 guests packed the red-hued ballroom (the attire also called for red dresses and black tie) to see the hard work of local celebrities pay off. Dance pairings included Lee Anne Swor

 CoChairs Jackie Rogers and Penny Hill

Grant and Danielle Beatt

Blake, Dr. John, Heidi and Tyler Fezza

David Ashe with Cindy and Michael Cuffage

Dr. David and Yara Shoemaker

and Sid Pocius, Will McComb and Sabrina Paxman, Cinde Carroll and Max Lotofskyy, Ramses Serrano and Ivana Varga, Wendy Feinstein and Luis Pena, Dr. John Fezza (who even took off his shirt, which became an ad-hoc auction item with spirited bidding to $1,100) and Marina Gando and Eve Caballero and Dwayne Barrett.

Grace, style and range of motion displayed by competitor Cinde Carroll made the best possible argument for Pilates and the other kinds of fitness that she teaches, but in the end, Eve Caballero took the trophy for most money raised and Wendy Feinstein won for best performance.

Wendy Feinstein and Luis Pena won the evening’s dance competition.

Howard Millman and Carolyn Michel

Dancing duo Lee Anne Swor and Sid Pocius

Bambi Famous Kane and Shannon Willits

Carol Phillips, Mary Anne Robinson, Ron Carter and Jim Neal

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

// BLACK TIE: COLUMN

BLACKTIE&TALES

by Black Tie Staff

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Food & Wine November 8 - 9, 2013

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f you have your ticket for Wine, Women and Shoes Signature Luncheon Nov. 15, consider yourself lucky, because this will be another sellout year. The event kicked off with the Solemen reception, Oct. 22, at Michael’s Wine Cellar. Competition is fierce and these men are eager to sell some wine.

The “Solemen” include these team captains: Team Armani’s Tim Beury, Team Gucci’s Andy Tack, Team Ferragamo’s Chris Pinckney, Team Milly’s Rob Lyons, Team Burberry’s Robert Stroud, Team Fendi’s Ted Dunn and Team Louboutin’s Wayne Rollins.

An addition to this year’s lineup is the beautiful book, “A Day in my Shoes Sarasota,” which celebrates Forty Carrots Family Center’s 20th anniversary. The high-fashion coffee-table book’s cover features Terri Klauber (on the cover of the 13” x 11” book) and Diana Kelly (on the cover of the 10” x 8” book).

The books will be available for purchase at the luncheon, or by calling 365-7716.

The name game … The atrium of the Sarasota Opera House is sporting a new identity. Board member Harold Ronson named the prominent spot to honor the memory of his late wife, Kay, who was a great fan and introduced him to the art form. The fact that her favorite was Wagner’s ring not Sarasota’s Verdi cycle matters not

S TIDBIT

Select Winemakers from around the world and renowned Chefs come together to collaborate with The Resort at Longboat Key Club in a celebration of food and wine in an event that will dazzle your eyes and thrill your palate.

VINTNER DINNERS

BLACK TIE R AFFAI

‘ROCKIN’ LOBSTER’ LOBSTER BOIL AND BEACH PARTY

Benefiting: Children First When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 Where: Sharky’s on the Pier Tickets: $125 | Call: 953-3877, Ext. 124

in the least. It’s never too soon … The debut of its “Top Dog” benefit attracted some 270 guests and 80 dogs and the folks at Donte’s Den have already told BT that they’ve booked the Municipal Auditorium for Oct. 4, 2014.

And to think that some of you haven’t completed your listings for this season’s events!

Send your info to stephanie@yourobserver. com.

Friday, November 8

A unique evening of culinary delights. Choose from four vintner dinners, hosted by guest winemakers at scenic locations throughout The Resort at Longboat Key Club. $135

STONE CRAB CELEBRATION & WINE TASTING Saturday, November 9

This event is the highlight of our Festival weekend. Our talented culinary staff will prepare and serve dishes from tasting stations that showcase our fabulous West Coast of Florida, and of course, the reason for the season—plenty of stone crab claws. This promises to be a night of foodie fun and great wines. $200 CELEBRATION PASS includes attendance to: Choice of one Vintner Dinner on Friday, November 8, Passion of the Pig on Saturday, November 9 Festival Demonstrations (Taste Like a Master,

Wine Blending Class, The Art of Cooking) on Saturday, November 9 and Stone Crab Celebration on Saturday, November 9. $350

Presented by

To benefit

Thanks to our Media Sponsor

For event reservations and information, please call 387-1675.

Visit us at www.longboatkeyclub.com.

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f it were up to BT, Wendy Feinstein would have won a few more awards at Saturday’s CANDance — best dress for her custom design by Bradenton couturier Maria Dela Luz of Purabel Fashions and for the most family in attendance. The local celebrity dancer’s fans filled four tables, which included husband Jerry, mother Betty Clowson, sister Tammy Breymaier, daughter Lindsee Street and many, many more … as well as three babies elsewhere with a babysitter.

A few more tidbits from the evening …

The last of the taxi dances (No. 15) is always a “surprise” and this year’s was Miley Cyrus’ famous song for her “twerking” — ignored by most, but credible versions provided by Carolyn Michel and Brent Greeno … A handsome first-timer was noticed at the event — Michael Zuckerberg, son of Judy, recently relocated to Sarasota from Fort Lauderdale … Gene Noble says he is taking ballroom lessons now so he can dance with his date, Pat Talbott, who is quite an expert and showed her form during the taxi dances … Instructor Ivana Varga had no lifts in the routine she performed with Ramses Serrano for good reason — she is “with child.” … CAN board President Ed Schaye brought daughter Elizabeth Ballis from Chicago and son Robert Schaye from Beloit and his friend, Tracy Meints … The emcees gave Ron Carter and his partner, Jimmy Neal, some stage time to plug the next Community AIDS Network benefit, which is the Black & White GAYLA drag show Nov. 18.

DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

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Christina Fraser  Christian DeBlasis, Lauren Prechitti, Zara Barrie, Eduardo Anaya and Skye Stern

 Amy and Chris Shaffer, Kevin Friedman and Tammy Walsh

SAFE SEX HALLOWEEN BASH ‘STUDIO 13: THE UNDEAD DISCO’ Benefiting Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida Friday, Oct. 25, at Michael’s On East

Lauren Brenzel and Mia Newell

Chris Clayton and Bobbi Jo Donner

Mike Pawlus and Audrey Scherer

Sisters Laura and Santa De Oliveira

Silke and Rudi Weiss

Photos by Heather Merriman

Jan Loomis and Sue Tankersley

Michael Pandrella and Briana Martin

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S s w au 14 ie rm 20 ev lede r ee p ie F Fr val re D i fo St be Fe mins

Verdi’s American Home

Don't miss the laughter, fun & well-known melodies of The worlD'S moST popular opereTTa!

Die Fledermaus

JohaNN STRauSS, Jr. | Nov 1, 5, 7, 13 8pm | Nov. 3, 15 1:30pm at the historic Sarasota opera house, Downtown Sarasota performed in english | featuring

The Little Sweep BRITTEN

youth opera

nov 9 (5:30pm) nov 10 (12:30pm)

(941) 328-1300 | SaraSotaopera.org SeaSon SponSor

THE LiTTLE SwEEp MeDia SponSor

paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural affairs, and the Florida Council on arts and Culture.

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Silvia Miskovic and Martha Bandinel

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Peter Bellile and Mari Zevin

14 The Sarasota Military Academy is a proud participant in the Unified Legacy of Valor Opportunity.

DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

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If SMA’s Cadets have made an impression upon your life, now is a great time to let them know.

SMA thanks Sarasota for its support over the last thirteen years!

 Local musicians/ physicians battled for the title of “Doctor Idol”

Donate online

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SarasotaMilitaryAcademy.org and your gift will be MATCHED by the Patterson Foundation until Nov. 15th.

‘DOCTOR IDOL!’ Benefiting The Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County Friday, Oct. 25, at Hyatt Regency Sarasota

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 Whitney Prewitt, Jennifer Tojun, Alex Miller and Jennifer Rubenzer

Jesse Bono and Kiki Steinberg

Photos by Heather Merriman

Renee and Randy Halbert channeling ZZ Top.

LECOM GALA

Dawning of a New Season:

Benefiting Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Saturday, Oct. 26, at Hyatt Regency Sarasota

Anu TAli in her first concert as Music Director.

Dvorak No. 7 & Rachmaninoff

Dr. I.J. and Valerie Pober

Hear

Rhapsody with

pianist

Lukáš Vondráček

november 8, 9, 10 Van Wezel | Tickets from $30

941-953-3434

www.SarasotaOrchestra.org

Kinga and Jesse Jakubowski

Chairman Michael Polin and Mary Hawk-Polin

Come as you are.

Leave different.

5

th

AnniversAry

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1949 - 2014

John and Marilyn Ingold with Sally and Kim Schoeffel

Photos by Heather Merriman

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

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 Christine Jennings with Jane and Andy Reeves Judy Altier, Mike McMullan, Colleen Blumenthal, Steve Altier and Sommer Altier Henri Zwick and Don Shaver

GOODWILL AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS DINNER

‘THE SHOW OF SHOWS’ Benefiting Mental Health Community Centers, Inc. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at Michael’s On East

Bunny Coelingh, Betty Schoenbaum and Rosemary Chase

Judy Cuppy, Chairwoman Sophia La Russo and Carolyn Eagen

Photos by Heather Merriman

Bob and Alice Brittingham

Josh Burch with Goodwill Manasota Employee of the Year Margaretann Villani

Benefiting Goodwill Manasota Thursday, Oct. 24, at Hyatt Regency Sarasota

Honoree Tana Sandefur with John and Deborah Sandefur

Photos by Heather Merriman

Susie Walters and Honoree Stu Gregory

Allen Conrad, honoree Peter Crowley and Dr. Joseph Arme

TRUNK SHOW

Wednesday, November 6

10am – 6pm

Peter & Susan Migliaccio invite you to experience the

warmth, comfort and world-class food at their NEW, downtown Italian Restaurant.

Call for Reservations 941-366-1840

www.evelynandarthur.com

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1480 Main Street, Sarasota 941.365.2210 124674

Monday - Saturday 4:00-11:00 Closed Sunday’s 1213 N. Palm Ave. | Sarasota, FL 34236 | In the Theatre District casanticarestaurant.com | casanticarestaurant@aol.com

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

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