Longboat Observer 3.6.14

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bserver LONGBOAT

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

COLONY

Candidates sound off

PAGES 6-7A

OUR TOWN + March 10: The great debate The Observer will hold a debate for Longboat Key Town Commission candidates at 7 p.m. March 10, at Bayfront Park Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The public is invited to submit questions for candidates. To submit a question, email News Editor Robin Hartill at rhartill@yourobserver.com by March 7.

WILDLIFE WEEKEND

DIVERSIONS

Judge May converts case to Chapter 7.

PAGE 3A

LBK GENERAL ELECTION 2014

FREE • THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

Former Sarasota Orchestra musicians play in the major league.

INSIDE

community concept

Festivalgoers flock to City Island. PAGE 1B

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

Purchase could yield town center Commissioners unanimously approved the $1.5 million purchase of a 2.8-acre parcel behind Publix Monday night, citing overwhelming support from residents and businesses.

One by one, town residents, business officials and representatives from nonprofit entities took the stand at Monday’s regular Longboat Key Town Commission meeting to discuss the possibility of the town purchasing a parcel of land for $1.5 million to jumpstart a town center concept.

All of them spoke in favor of purchasing the property.

“I’ve been involved with this

community since the day I moved here 14 years ago and I’ve never seen any momentum like this town center concept like I’m seeing here today,” Mayor Jim Brown said. “I don’t see how we could go wrong with this.”

The rest of the commission agreed, unanimously approving the purchase of a parcel of land behind the Longboat Key Publix and Sun Trust Bank for $1,508,000.

SEE A MAP OF THE 2.8-ACRE PARCEL OF LAND THE TOWN PURCHASED / PAGE 2A In a Feb. 26 memo published with the commission’s regular meeting agenda, Town Manager Dave Bullock proposed the commission consider the contract for the purchase of 2.8 acres.

The property, owned by Long-

boat Key resident Joe Wolfer, is the site of the former MODA on Longboat Key luxury condominium project that the developer nixed in August 2008, due to the economic downturn.

Wolfer, who has the property listed for sale, was willing to sell the parcel to the town if the commission agreed to buy the proper-

SEE CENTER / PAGE 2A

FOLDING FRENZY

+ Greg Hoffman SCOREs award Longboat Key resident Greg Hoffman received Manasota SCORE’s Platinum Leadership Award at the organization’s 50th anniversary awards luncheon Feb. 24.

The Platinum Leadership Award is the highest honor a chapter can give to a volunteer.

+ Spring forward for Daylight Saving Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, so turn your clocks forward by an hour before bedtime Saturday night. That means we lose an hour of sleep Sunday — but gain an hour of sunshine.

+ Garden Club will grant scholarships The Longboat Key Garden Club will provide grants to the Florida Federation of Garden Club’s Wekiva Youth Camp, in Apopka, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens summer camps.

Children ages 8 to 14 who have parents or grandparents who live or work on Longboat Key are eligible to apply.

Contact Steve Schield at 383-6506 or sschield@hotmail.com. Applications can be submitted through March 15.

SEE OT / PAGE 21A

Kelsey Grau

JoAnne Entwistle folds shirts in all colors and sizes for St. Mary Women’s Guild’s Royal Rummage Sale. Admission to the general sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 8. Christ Church will also will be having a Sale Away, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 8. Read more on page 22A.

LEGAL LULL

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

Colony hearing on hold until May Commission expresses frustration with legal counsel after Colony public nuisance hearing is postponed due to a due process issue.

The taxpayer bill alone for an anticipated Colony Beach & Tennis Resort public nuisance hearing included $2,400 to reserve Temple Beth Israel, $10,257.75 in attorney fees to prepare for the hearing, $243.50 to mail reg-

istered letters to affected parties and numerous hours of town staff preparation that can’t be calculated.

The only problem is three days’ worth of anticipated hearings scheduled for the Longboat Key

Town Commission to decide if Colony structures at 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive constitute a nuisance never really got started this week.

At the start of the public nuisance hearing Tuesday at Temple

Beth Israel, Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association Attorney Don Hemke informed the commission his client had not been afforded due process, explaining that some expert witness reports from the town were not provided

SEE COLONY / PAGE 10A

INDEX Calendar............ 16A Classifieds......... 13B

Cops Corner....... 17A Crossword.......... 12B

Neighborhood...... 1B Opinion.................8A

Real Estate........ 10B Weather............. 12B

Vol. 36, No. 31 | Three sections YourObserver.com

2A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

Let’s Talk Remodeling

By RUSTY CHINNIS Longboat Key Florida Licensed General Contractor 30 Years of Experience

Evaluating Recommendations If there's one thing I've learned over the thirty years I've been building on Longboat Key, important it's the amount ofyou’ll detailmake thatduring goes into Picking a contractor is the most decision your even the simplest project.

Managing a project to make sure remodeling process. There are many factors to consider and none maythe be designer, client, and all subcontractors have the information they more important than getting recommendations and evaluating them. need is critical to the success of the project.

What do we mean by this?

If you're considering a remodeling project, there aare some very Every contractor can find someone who will write them great reference. important things that you'll need to consider and critical decisions Many contractors get letters of recommendation over the years and the you'll need to make forward. us asWhile we cover good ones strive to bebefore bettermoving each time they doFollow a project. these topics like cost versus value, picking a design professional, gettingof recommendations may be valid at the time they were written, letters and evaluating recommendations understanding references for projects that are recent or for evencontractors, in process give you the up to plans, and reading specifications. We'll help you understand the date information you need. importance of making sure the specifications dovetail with project It’splans entirely that a recommendation for a contractor a year andpossible your expectations.

Other critical issues likewritten insurance, ago or less might be totally irrelevant today.

If you really want to know how permits, and workers compensation (often overlooked by clients) a contractor is administering and pricing a project it’s best to ask someone will be covered in detail here and in-depth on our Web site. who has the experience fresh in mind. Unfortunately some contractors tell people what they want to hear and not what they need to know, resulting help bids, you understand whyand decisions youawill make up front will in We'll inaccurate changes orders ultimately more expensive project. determine the quality and longevity of the finished product. Now, Domore yourthan homework upfront have a much better remodeling ever, it's criticaland thatyou’ll homeowners verify the experience experience and a quality, reasonably priced project. and financial stability of their contractor and the reliability of the subcontractors they'll employ on their project.

ty.Bullock proposed using money from the town’s land acquisition fund to purchase the property.

Wolfer, who already signed the contract that was submitted for the commission’s review, had another buyer for the property and was only willing to sell the land to the town if the commission agreed to the contract Monday night.

Bullock has spent months talking to citizens and property owners along Bay Isles Road to discuss a town center concept that was an integral part of a recent Urban Land Institute report.

Bullock noted the parcel is a key piece of land needed to build a future town center.

“We are about to start a discussion about creating a town center overlay district for this property,” Bullock said. “As soon as we begin this process, we will bring a level of attention that will increase the price of this property and other parcels nearby. I believe if the commission is ready to commit to serious work, securing the site now is a logical step.”

At least 10 people took to the podium in

Follow Online: www.rustychinnis.com/blog Follow Online: www.rustychinnis.com/blog Next Topic: Cost Versus Value NextQuestions: Topic: Understanding Plans rusty@rustychinnis.com Questions: rusty@rustychinnis.com Phone: 941.383.2900 Phone: 941.383.2900

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support of the land purchase.

Realtor Cheryl Loeffler, a 28-year resident of Longboat Key, told commissioners she was representing Ringling College of Art and Design President Dr. Larry Thompson in his absence.

“As soon as the discussion of an arts and cultural center for a town center came up, we (Ringling College) started receiving calls,” Loeffler said. “It’s an excellent time to explore a private-public partnership with the town, and we love the idea of being part of something new in the center of gravity on Longboat Key.” Former mayor George Spoll, acting on behalf as the chairman of the Longboat Key Revitalization Task Force, said “it’s wise to control this key parcel of land.”

Commissioner Phill Younger, who said he came into the meeting with a lot of questions, said he couldn’t deny the overwhelming support for the land purchase.

“Not one person has opposed this,” Younger said.

The town will close on the contract in May. The commission also approved using $200,000 for planning expenses involved with creating a town center overlay district.

He’s Back!

Robby Self

former operator of north Longboat Key Chevron Station

Robby is back on the island and providing the same reputable auto repair and trusted maintenance of years past.

Now operating at Grooms Motors in Holmes Beach, call Robby today to book your next oil change and service check-up.

Longboat Key Town Commission Candidate Forum featuring candidates for the At-Large and District 3 races The Town of Longboat Key General Election will be held March 25 All Longboat Key registered voters will cast ballots for this island-wide race.

Time: 7 to 9 p.m.

Date: Monday, March 11 Place: Bayfront Park Recreation Center 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive Free and open to the public. Refreshments served.

Presented by

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the Longboat Observer

5608 Marina Drive • Holmes Beach

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CENTER / FROM PAGE 1A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

Judge rejects Colony settlement Saying the case’s time in Chapter 11 reorganization had run its course, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May converted it to Chapter 7 liquidation.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May dismissed a proposed settlement between longtime Colony Beach & Tennis Resort owner Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber and the Colony Beach & Tennis Association and converted the case to a Chapter 7 liquidation Feb. 26 — a decision that could dramatically change the handling of the resort’s assets and redevelopment of the resort.

Frustrated by the lack of progress toward a settlement with Colony unit owner and developer Andy Adams and the lack of money available to settle issues, May said the case’s time in Chapter 11 reorganization had run its course. The case spent more than two years in May’s hands, and many Chapter 11 cases take three months to settle.

It was the eighth day of hearings May held since October, shortly after Klauber and the association proposed a settlement that would have given Klauber $3 million over five years through a consulting agreement and distributed $2.3 million to a U.S. bankruptcy Chapter 11 trustee to pay creditors. The settlement also would have absolved the association of a $25 million judgment for damages Klauber won in a bankruptcy appeals court last year.

Colony Lender LLC, the largest affected creditor in the case, had opposed the settlement because it isn’t included in the agreement.

In dismissing the proposed bankruptcy reorganization plan and settlement, May said, “The justifications are plentiful, but insufficient to overcome approval of a settlement.”

As part of his ruling, May will also allow Colony Lender LLC — the case’s largest affected creditor — to auction off resort assets in Sarasota at a date yet to be determined.

The ruling stalled Klauber’s ability to reach a monetary agreement with Colony parties over his interest at this time.

“We don’t believe the judge’s decision was in the best interest of the majority of the Colony’s creditors, the unit owners and certainly our family, as well as the town of Longboat Key,” said longtime Colony General Manager Katie Klauber Moulton. “Our attorneys have discussed several other alternatives and options we can pursue though over the next few weeks that may lessen the impact and be more positive and productive for all of the parties.”

The ruling keeps the $25 million judgment Klauber won in an appeals court against the association intact, making it the property of Chapter 7 trustee William Maloney. Maloney, the trustee of Klauber’s Chapter 7 interests from a previous bankruptcy case, could now sell the judgment

Google Earth

Some of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort assets and its various parcels will now be available for interested buyers to bid on at a future public auction. and the legal and financial risks that go along with it, to a developer or another interested party.

If a developer, for instance, buys the rights to the $25 million judgment and Colony Lender’s assets, the unit owners could be exposed to a $25 million liability that would be assessed at a cost of more than $100,000 per unit owner.

The association, though, has more than $10 million in counter-claims it can utilize against Klauber’s Chapter 7 estate.

The judgment and counter claims, according to association President Jay Yablon, are good incentives for the association and Maloney to work out a “clean deal” that could result in a project free of claims.

May made it known at last week’s hearing he was frustrated with the lack of one settlement party.

Adams, who owns approximately 60 units at the Colony, still hadn’t signed the settlement before the hearing, even though May was told in January signatures from Adams and his Breakpointe LLC entity were forthcoming.

May, though, also had issues with money being distributed to Klauber while no money was offered to Colony Lender, which is owed $14 million from past due Klauber bank loans it purchased.

“I can’t approve this,” May said.

Association attorney Jeff Warren asked for two more weeks to present an amend-

ed settlement.

“There’s no harm in giving us more time,” Warren said.

The comments made Colony Lender attorney Michael Assaf rise to the podium.

“This is the third plan filed and denied confirmation,” Assaf said. “To ask for more time to shock the dead body is ridiculous.

There’s no life left for these debtors in Chapter 11. It’s time to pull the sheet over it.”

May quickly decided to convert the case to Chapter 7 after the arguments.

Colony Lender principal David Siegal told the Longboat Observer the conversion to Chapter 7 “will make things happen immediately.”

“Now that the court has gotten out of the way, you will see developers come in with checkbooks and resolve the issues and buy us all out,” Siegal said.

One of those developers, Siegal said, is Orlando-based Unicorp National Development Inc. managing member Charles Whittall.

Yablon said “the court ruling means that we will get to a redevelopment along a different road than the one we had planned, but we will still get there.”

Mayor Jim Brown called the decision “a little shocking,” but “maybe a good thing if it forces everyone to put the whole property on the market and buy everyone out.”

“Somebody has to come forward now and make a deal,” Brown said.

NEWSBRIEFS + Bridge openings questioned Frustration over traffic congestion on Longboat Key has commissioners questioning whether the island’s two bridges are operating properly and opening and closing at the proper times.

Vice Mayor David Brenner sent an email to Town Manager Dave Bullock Feb. 26 questioning who schedules the bridge openings and noting the openings conflict with buses operating on the island.

“From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at New Pass the bridge could open every 20 minutes and we can only get the buses to stop once an hour,” Brenner wrote in his email. “They both have a negative effect on GMD traffic.”

Bullock responded by explaining the U.S. Coast Guard sets the hours of the New Pass Bridge and Longboat Pass Bridge. But there was an adjustment to the New Pass Bridge at the town’s request a few years back.

The New Pass Bridge opens on the hour and every 20 minutes from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Other openings are made upon the request of boaters.

The Longboat Pass Bridge, however, opens on demand 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

The Cortez Bridge and Anna Maria Bridge, meanwhile, open on the hour and every half hour from Jan. 15 through May 15. Those openings increase to on the hour and every 20 minutes from May 16 through Jan. 14.

+ Early voting begins Early voting for the town of Longboat Key’s March 25 municipal election begins Monday.

Early voting takes place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 10 through March 22 at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.

Election Day voting hours on March 25 will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the town’s two polling locations, which include Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, and Town Hall.

MEETINGS AGENDAS

&

 Code Enforcement Board Regular Meeting — 10 a.m. Monday, March 10.  Town Commission Regular Workshop — 1 p.m. Monday, March 17.  Planning and Zoning Board Regular Meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 18.  Town Commission Statutory Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, March 31.  Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, April 7.

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

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

BOTTOM LINE

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

YourObserver.com Pension plan boards make NORTH AMERICA’S BEST OVERALL LOCAL NEWS SITE

Taxpayer costs for three frozen pension plans could rise from $2.76 million to $3.26 million in the coming fiscal year.

TM

of The Sarasota-Manatee Originals The Observer has partnered with The Sarasota-Manatee Originals and is producing an online video series.

Each episode features one of the more than 53 members of The Originals.

necessary adjustments

Scan th e to watch QR code or visit o the video YourObs ur website, e InTheKit rver.com/ chen.

THIS WEEK Owner and chef Carmine Astuto from Ciao! Italia on Longboat Key shows us their recipe for Veal Elizabeth.

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!

THE GOOD NEWS SERIES: Visit YourObserver.com/TheGoodNews to learn how donors, volunteers and beneficiaries connect through Gulf Coast Good, an initiative of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. And, learn how you can become involved!

The town’s three pension boards are supposed to set policy and make decisions without worrying about how it might affect the town’s budget.

Last week, Retirement System boards of trustees for police and fire pension plans made decisions to reduce the estimated rate of return for the plans that will increase costs in the immediate future for the town.

But eventually, the adjustments will reduce the town’s budget after the town pays down larger chunks of $27 million in unfunded pension liabilities in the next couple of years.

At the Longboat Key Town Commission’s Feb. 18 workshop, Town Manager Dave Bullock explained the town’s three pension boards are working to reduce the estimated rate of return for the frozen plans to a more reasonable 7% rate of return at the request of Tallahassee pension officials.

“We all understand and believe that the rate of return for the frozen plans needs to be lower than it was for the active plans,”

Bullock said at the workshop. “But the lower you make your rate of return, the higher the amount we have to pay back.”

The General Employees Retirement System board of trustees already reduced that plan’s rate of return from 7.75% to 7%.

On Feb. 26, boards for the police and fire pensions also made plans to reduce the rates of return for those plans.

The police board’s 7.5% rate will come down gradually, and the firefighter board is reducing the plan’s rate from 8% to 7.5% with plans to reduce that rate to 7.25% in two years and 7% in four years. The firefighter plan also plans to pay off its unfunded liability in 20 years instead of 15.

Currently, the town estimates an annual required contribution for those pension plans of $2,760,020.

But, if all three frozen plans reduce their rates of return to 7% eventually, the town’s taxpayers will face a $500,0563 pension cost increase that brings the town’s required cost to $3.26 million for the year.

Bullock is planning a strategy to pay off the debt.

IMPACT OF BUDGETARY CHANGE IN ANNUAL REQUIRED CONTRIBUTIONS (ARCS) FOR PENSION PLANS WITH ASSUMPTION RATES AT 7% Pension Plan Police Fire General TOTAL

Current ARC $633,590 $1,526,725 $599,705 $2,760,020

Increase $31,322 $364,431 $104,810 $500,056

Future ARC $664,912 $1,891,156 $704,515 $3,260,583

* Rate hike creates a potential 0.11 millage increase and a 5.3% tax increase.

(Source: town of Longboat Key)

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5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Fla., 34228 PHONE: 941-383-5509 | FAX: 941-362-4808 | WEBSITE: YourObserver.com

ARMANDO LINDE! LBK Commissioner at Large

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Deeply steeped in LBK hot button issues through service on the Fire Pension Board and the town Finance Committee, Linde will “hit the ground running” to look out for your interests.

Decades of experience with the International Money Fund helping countries fix tattered finances has left Linde uniquely suited to help solve Longboat’s challenges. As a member of the Finance Committee, he has already proposed innovative ways to deal with pension debt saving significant tax dollars.

He will: Fight to hold the line on taxes, protect our beaches and critical infrastructure, support zoning changes based on clarity and reason and keep the Key fiscally sound.

Most important: “I am profoundly committed to preserving Longboat’s elegance and premier status”.

Contact Armando:

Armando.Linde@verizon.net • Phone: 941.400.9991 www.VoteForArmandoLinde.com the Right Experience at the Right Time!

VOTE MARCH 25

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TO ADVERTISE Display Advertising: To obtain information, call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301. Advertisers also may obtain all Observer Group Inc. advertising rates and editorial calendars online at www.YourObserver.com.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

campaign contributions

5A

by Robin Hartill | News Editor

Pastor raises $14,530 for commission race The L’Ambiance resident has raised more than double what either his challenger or candidates for the District 3 seat have raised.

Irwin Pastor raised $14,530 through Jan. 31 — more than double what any of the other three Longboat Key Town Commission candidates raised during the same period. Pastor is running for an at-large seat against Armando Linde, who reported $3,100 in monetary contributions through January, $2,000 of which he

loaned to his campaign.

At-large Commissioner Terry Gans, who is seeking the District 3 seat, raised $7,109.41 through Jan. 31, while his challenger, Ray Rajewski, reported $150 in contributions.

For an update on February contributions, check YourObserver.com later this week.

CANDIDATE: TERRY GANS

CANDIDATE: RAY RAJEWSKI

Salvador Diaz-Verson Jr................................ $1,000 Jeremy Gans................................................... $750 Lisa Gans....................................................... $750 Cheryl and Mel Taub....................................... $500 Bruce Rosene................................................. $300 David and Marcia Gutridge.............................. $250 Sherry and Everette Howell............................. $250 Thomas Klein................................................. $250 Susan Landau................................................ $250 Brenda Patten................................................ $250 David Kaplan.................................................. $200 Nora Patterson................................................ $200 Richard and Suzanne Reiman......................... $200 Ann Roth........................................................ $200 Laurence Saslaw............................................. $200 Madelyn Spoll................................................ $200 Dale Strohl..................................................... $200 Gaele Barthold................................................ $100 Thomas Cail................................................... $100 David Gallagher.............................................. $100 Daniel Idzik.................................................... $100 Nenad Kalicanin............................................. $100 Kathleen Osborne........................................... $100 Dick and Dee Pelton....................................... $100 Berry Scher.................................................... $100 Peter Sibinkic................................................. $100 George Spoll................................................... $100 John Strickland.............................................. $100 Ron Johnson.................................................... $50 Diane Gans.................................................... $9.41 Total...................................................... $7,109.41

John Summers..........................$100 Peter O’Connor............................$50 Total.........................................$150

CANDIDATE: ARMANDO LINDE Armando Linde (loans)........... $2,000 Linde Ward............................... $500 Frank Ward............................... $250 Weldon Frost............................ $200 Robert DeKock......................... $100 Philippa Maroney........................ $50 Total..................................... $3,100

CANDIDATE: IRWIN PASTOR Michael Esposito Jr........... $1,000 Sheila Zinder.................... $1,000 Ulysses Brualdi.....................$500 Larry Carroll..........................$500 Charles Ewing.......................$500 Larry Merriman.....................$500 John Mitchell.......................$500 Irwin Pastor..........................$500 Deborah Petchul...................$500 Richard Seidel......................$500 David Stowe.........................$500 C. Evan Tilles........................$500 Gary Cohen...........................$400 Donald Berstein....................$250 Charles Cotros......................$250 Richard Levine.....................$250 Louis Bevilacqua..................$200 Theresa Blumberg.................$200 John Caruso.........................$200 Cheryl Clark..........................$200 David Decker........................$200 Mary Ann Fair.......................$200 Karen Fors............................$200 Maria Georgiev......................$200 Bette Hoffman......................$200 Charles Jennings...................$200 Doris Kaplan.........................$200 Dorothy Lill...........................$200 Martin Marcus......................$200 Burton Sack.........................$200 Marjorie Sandy.....................$200 James Ware..........................$200 Robert White........................$200 Seymour Klionsky.................$180

Alan Stone...........................$125 Barbara Bonina.....................$100 Sherman Cooper...................$100 H.F. Criste............................$100 Carole Feiger........................$100 John Flaherty........................$100 Frank Fleischer.....................$100 Rita Glosser..........................$100 Burton Gold..........................$100 Barbara Karafin....................$100 Gerald Lawlor.......................$100 Bonney Libman....................$100 Anne Lunau..........................$100 Suzanne Lutkoff...................$100 Rudolf Mueller......................$100 Charlotte Paley.....................$100 Edward Rhawn.....................$100 Harold Ronson......................$100 Paul Rudder.........................$100 Marilyn Shuman...................$100 Petar Sibinkic.......................$100 Ron Smythe.........................$100 Anne Summers.....................$100 James Adornetto.....................$75 Frank Child............................$50 Sue Jacobson.........................$50 Bernard Levine.......................$50 Joseph Mendels......................$50 Marilyn Naiditch.....................$50 Peter O’Connor.......................$50 Martin Rich............................$50 O. David Solomon...................$50 Total.............................. $14,530

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ELECTION

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

GENERAL ELECTION 2014

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

Retired economist vies for at-large seat In his bid for Terry Gans’ at-large commission seat, Armando Linde focuses his campaign on fiscal conservatism for the town’s budget.

Country Club Shores resident Armando Linde performed financial work for governments in more than 60 countries for 33 years, leading missions with teams of economists and lawyers that needed financial assistance and economic management structures.

Now, in retirement, he wants to tackle the town of Longboat Key’s measly General Fund of approximately $4 million as an at-large town commissioner.

Linde is running against challenger Irwin Pastor.

“I’ve been asked how I can adjust from all those large numbers I used to calculate for countries to our little town’s budget,” Linde said. “My answer is: All of the same policies, issues and tradeoffs are the same with just smaller numbers involved. This is my community, and I’m ready to help anyway I can.”

Linde moved to Longboat Key three years ago after retiring from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

When he saw a story in the Longboat Observer last year that explained the town’s Investment Advisory Committee was looking for a new member, he applied

ARMANDO LINDE AGE: 71 FAMILY: Wife, Felicity; four children; and four grandchildren FORMER OCCUPATION: Economist HOMETOWN: Born in Havana, Linde left when he was 16 and lived in Washington, D.C. until retiring to Longboat Key three years ago.

HOBBIES: Tennis, walking, swimming INTERESTING FACT: Linde has worked with more than 60 countries on four continents. He lived in India for two years and in Liberia for two years.

and got the position. He took that responsibility on after already receiving an appointment to the town’s new Longboat Key Firefighters’ Retirement System board of trustees.

As an investment committee member, Linde urged staff and

committee members not to attain a bond to pay off the town’s $27 million pension debt, noting the town can continue to budget for the annual required contributions and plan for making more than the annual required contributions to pay down the debt over time.

The committee and the commission agree with that approach.

Linde said he just wants to use the knowledge he’s attained over the years to help the town.

Although Linde says he is happy with the commission’s work to freeze the unfunded pension liabilities, he said there is much more work to be done.

“The commission did a great job stopping the bleeding, but I’m worried about the unfunded liabilities,” Linde said.

Linde also suggests the town can continue to cut its budget and look at outsourcing certain services to either Manatee or Sarasota counties.

“My experience on fiscal issues and the need to maintain fiscal discipline can help,” Linde said.

“I’m ready to try and hold a public platform to discuss the issues with residents to see if they like my ideas of fiscal prudence.”

File photo

Retired economist Armando Linde wants a chance to look at the town’s finances closely as a town commissioner.

QUESTION ANSWER with Armando Linde Was the ULI study worth $125,000?

What has it accomplished so far?

A similar study was done before. It was called the Vision Plan. Perhaps we should have revisited that study. On the other hand, there’s a lot of interest that stems from this study about a town center concept. Overall, the money was not spent well, for the simple reason there are many other budget priorities in the next fiscal year. We may look back and believe it was money not well spent.

Time will tell.

vate donations and county parks/recreation money.

Do you support a town center concept for the Bay Isles area? How much of a player does the town need to be to make it happen?

Where is the money coming from for it?

If you want to do it all in the Bay Isles area, it’s mostly all private land. Prices of that land are rising. I’m open to considering a town center because a large segment of town would like to see a center of activity.

I’m not sure there is enough money. There should be a lot of private sector money involved. If there is interest for a cultural center, I wouldn’t spend a single penny from the town budget. It would have to come from private donations.

What amenities should Bayfront Park Recreation Center offer? Do we need something better than the current rec center?

I’m open to considering a limited size community center in Bayfront Park, provided the money comes from Sarasota County. The tennis courts may have to go. Money can be used from the Hilton project open space fund and funds for a rec center could come from a mix of pri-

mission is doing the right thing by handling this problem. The duties should be transferred to the Planning and Zoning Board if this board can’t meet.

would be nice.

Now that all three town pension plans are frozen, how should the town address the plans’ unfunded liabilities?

The last thing the town should do is ask voters to issue a bond or buy an annuity.

It’s not necessary. I’m on record saying we should set aside money every year to pay down the debt.

Is the town heading in the right direction with its beach management plan?

What kind of beach project do we need?

Beaches need to be maintained. Rather than issue a bond, we should set money aside in the budget for beach renourishment. The town has built permeable groins and will build two more soon. But the town shouldn’t spend $4 million just to have sand wash away until a permanent solution is in place.

The commission voted in December to extend the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort’s grandfathered tourism use for the third time. If you don’t see signs of progress before the current deadline of April 30, would you vote to extend the deadline again?

Longboat Key is a premier resort destination and it’s a wonderful retirement community. You need a balance of both.

We lost a lot of tourism units when the Holiday Inn closed. The last thing we need to do is lose more tourist units and revenue if we force the hand of the Colony Association and remove the grandfathering of that property. There’s not much the town can do unless it wants to engage in lawsuits for three years. Developers are salivating at developing that property. At some point, they are going to put money down to take care of all of these issues.

Town employee benefits: Do you think they’re too high, too low or about right?

They are generous, even now. The town was able to cap extremely extravagant pension benefits that now we have to deal with for a while to pay off. I wouldn’t reopen benefits right now. The town’s finances are not in terrible shape, but they can get that way if we aren’t careful.

What, if any, changes should the town make to its codes and Comprehensive Plan?

In general, the comp plans and zoning codes need to be revitalized. They are 30 years old. We need revised codes and a balance between clarity. The Key’s property stock is getting older and needs to be updated.

Residents of the Longbeach Village and Country Club Shores disagreed strongly about the issue of boat and trailer parking. With that in mind, would you support the general concept of creating overlay districts so that restrictions could be made for certain communities without creating a town-wide ordinance?

I’m not sure why we got into that. It wasn’t a burning issue. It’s a non-issue and there’s no need for overlay district.

Is the town operating as efficiently as it should be?

The town manager and finance director are taking a hard look at how the town budgeted in the past. What they have found is revenue projections were poor.

The budget was run shoddily in the past.

We need to take a hard look at the expenditure side. Some things don’t need to be spent.

Is the town overstepping its boundaries by holding a hearing to consider tearing some of the buildings down?

The town is doing the right thing. The town is not about to let the property decay and become a healthy nuisance.

What, if any role, should the town play in encouraging wireless carriers to improve their service on Longboat Key? It seems obvious no one wants a tower.

There’s alternatives available. Maybe later the town can play a role, but not now.

Should the town pursue an offer from Sarasota County to take over emergency dispatch services?

Absolutely, but after we make sure our service will remain the same or enhanced.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has offered to provide a concierge service where we would determine what kinds of calls should be serviced…We could save more than $400,000.

Do you support eliminating the Zoning Board of Adjustment? If so, how would you reassign the board’s duties?

If people don’t show up for meetings, then the board should be eliminated. The com-

What, if any role, should the town play in encouraging commercial development on the north end of Longboat Key? The town has many functions, but if the private sector wants to do something, the town should not stand in the way. Whitney Beach Plaza looks nicer than it did two years ago. The town has the commercial that is needed. A few more restaurants

If you could change any one thing about Longboat Key, what would it be and why? What’s your vision for the Key? We live in a happy place and for the most part, the quarrels that people talk about aren’t that big of a deal. The Key is a vibrant retirement community. The town’s founding fathers for the town had a vision. That vision was not to become Fort Lauderdale. That was then. But now we have an aging capital stock. I don’t have a vision, per se, other than to work and make sure the island remains what it has been and that properties are improved with a proper zoning code. I don’t see the island changing other than remodeling and revitalizing as needed.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

ELECTION

7A

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

Pastor calls for ‘sensible’ redevelopment L’Ambiance resident Irwin Pastor believes a town center concept for Longboat Key is an attainable goal he can help achieve.

Irwin Pastor wants to put the past in the past and concentrate on Longboat Key’s future.

Pastor, a L’Ambiance resident since 2001, is the former vice president of the Islandside Property Owners Coalition (IPOC) that successfully challenged the Longboat Key Club’s former redevelopment and expansion project.

“We helped preserve the Key and push for appropriate change,” Pastor said. “But I’ve resigned from my post and am ready to move on and serve this town.”

Pastor was the man behind the scenes of the coalition the past few years and its unofficial mediator expert.

While IPOC’s mission was to preserve the codes and Comprehensive Plan during the Key Club project, Pastor said he’s a fan of changing the codes as long as it’s done sensibly.

“Change and redevelopment is good,” Pastor said. “But it has to be done correctly, responsibly and sensibly without violating the rights of property owners. It’s so important we do it right.”

Pastor, who lost to Terry Gans last year in his bid to be an at-large commissioner, wants to be a commissioner as the town works to revise its codes

IRWIN PASTOR AGE: 71 FORMER OCCUPATION: Retired chief executive officer FAMILY: Wife, Sylvia; a son; two daughters; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

HOMETOWN: Buffalo, N.Y. HOBBIES: Fishing in the Gulf behind L’Ambiance, ice hockey (played in college) INTERESTING FACT: Pastor’s family once owned the Buffalo Bisons of the American Hockey League, which is now the National Hockey League’s Buffalo Sabres team. and bring a town center concept to the forefront.

Pastor, a businessman with roots in several companies including PepsiCola Bottling Corp., said he has the experience needed to lead and help garner business support for a town center.

His business sense, Pastor said, will make him an asset on the commission.

“I listen first, get consensus, recognize how to go forward and help make things happen,” Pastor said.

Irwin Pastor believes a town center concept can be done if the town finds the right local developer who is willing to create a legacy project.

File photo

QUESTION ANSWER with Irwin Pastor Was the ULI study worth $125,000?

What has it accomplished so far?

Yes. I think what’s it’s going to accomplish is bringing the community together. I’m optimistic about it.

Do you support a town center concept for the Bay Isles area? How much of a player does the town need to be to make it happen?

The town has to find a developer who is in the business and has assets and resources to see if it’s feasible as a private enterprise. That developer has to be local and willing to give back to community and can’t be looking for a normal rate of return. I would like to see the town center happen. It would be nice to have space for people on Longboat Key from all walks of life to get together. They could enjoy a gathering space and little offices where they conduct their business.

I can see a cultural center and a library supported by the county. I see a need for a medical rehab facility. It has to be a private-public partnership though. The town has to have ownership in it, but investments must be private.

We need a gathering place we can support and enjoy.

What amenities should Bayfront Park Recreation Center offer? Do we need something better than the current rec center?

It’s a great opportunity. We are qualified for funding with the county. It makes a lot of sense to enhance the property. It should be recreational centered, not cultural. From my experience in foundation work and making proposals, I looked at projects in their entirety. My approach would be to go to the county and show them everything I want. I would take a look at all of it, even a new rec center building, and try and get funding for all of it.

Should the town pursue an offer from Sarasota County to take over emergency dispatch services?

I have reservations based on the opinion of a friend of mine that used to run ambulance services. He said it’s a big mistake. The reality is there are delays with moving forward, particularly if the dispatchers aren’t geographically familiar with the island. If there’s a great savings, we should look at it. But the staff we have now in those positions are impressive.

The commission voted in December to extend the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort’s grandfathered tourism use for the third time. If you don’t see signs of progress before the current deadline of April 30, would you vote to extend the deadline again?

I would. Avoid additional litigation on this issue at all costs.

Is the town overstepping its boundaries by holding a hearing to consider tearing some of the buildings down?

No. The town has an obligation to protect the health, safety and welfare of its citizens. The only suggestion I would have is if I were the town, I would be more proactive in trying to take that property and prepare it for a developer to come in. If there’s one thing the whole island wants done, it’s to restore the Colony to what it was or something better.

We should create economic value and prepare to build what the community wants built and rezone the property so it’s conforming. Prepare the landscape now to attract developers.

Do you support eliminating the Zoning Board of Adjustment? If so, how would you reassign the board’s duties?

It appears it’s a layer of bureaucracy we don’t need, mainly because we aren’t serving the needs of the people. Reduc-

ing the size of the board is a great suggestion.

Now that all three town pension plans are frozen, how should the town address the plans’ unfunded liabilities?

Set up a reserve fund and start paying it down.

I’m not in favor of issuing a bond for this debt at this time. That could change if the market changes.

Town employee benefits: Do you think they’re too high, too low or about right?

As long as we are competitive, I’m okay with the benefits. We need to monitor them all the time though to make sure we are spending appropriate amounts for personnel costs.

Residents of the Longbeach Village and Country Club Shores disagreed strongly about the issue of boat and trailer parking. With that in mind, would you support the general concept of creating overlay districts so that restrictions could be made for certain communities without creating a town-wide ordinance?

The Key already has five districts. We shouldn’t be dictating what lifestyles should be in certain areas. The town shouldn’t have gotten involved.

What, if any role, should the town play in encouraging wireless carriers to improve their service on Longboat Key? We should be a part of it. We might be able to help solve the problem. We have to look for small cell opportunities and attract carriers. But I would wait for private enterprise to come to the town and help us solve the issues.

What, if any role, should the town play in encouraging commercial develop-

ment on the north end of Longboat Key? The only thing the town should be involved with is land uses. They have created an overlay district for Whitney Beach Plaza to try and prepare for the future.

It appears commercial has never been successful at Whitney Beach Plaza for a consistent period of time. We probably have too much commercial not clustered properly.

Is the town heading in the right direction with its beach management plan?

What kind of beach project do we need?

They (commissioners) have nailed the beach management plan on the head.

I’ve been impressed with the approach.

But they should have put more sand down on the north end a long time ago to protect those homes while we wait for permitted groins.

What, if any, changes should the town make to its codes and Comprehensive Plan?

Absolutely we need to make changes.

If we want to be competitive, you have to redo codes occasionally. As long as we do it sensibly, I’m okay with it. We should change and update the charter, too.

Is the town operating as efficiently as it should be?

Longboat Key has never had to worry fiscally about how the town was managed. I think the town is a pretty efficient operation right now that has good management.

If you could change any one thing about Longboat Key, what would it be and why? What’s your vision for the Key? We have a wonderful community and I would like to see them enjoying themselves more. That’s where a town center would be very beneficial. I don’t think Longboat Key needs a vision. We know what we have. We should try to tweak it, and enhance it. Even a town center is not our vision. It goes back to Arvida’s vision when it built the south end of this town.

8A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

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Time to bring in a pro Among the many business bromides you hear is this one: “Nothing is sexier than buying a business.”

There was a hint of that in the Longboat Key Town Commission Chambers Monday night. You could sense a feeling of elation among the commissioners and many audience members over the real estate deal that garnered a rare 7-0 unanimous vote.

Commissioners voted to purchase for $1,508,000 Joe Wolfer’s 2.81 acres of undeveloped property next to Publix, the public tennis center and Howard Rooks’ restaurant on Bay Isles Road.

Everybody wins. Wolfer finally unloads an awkward, difficult-to-develop property.

The money doesn’t come out of taxpayers’ property taxes; it comes from the town’s land-acquisition, extortion fund. That’s the fund that requires developers of large projects to pay ransom to the town as part of their permitting and development rights.

The money in the fund can be used only for town land purchases and park improvements.

And, this was the biggest win: The proponents of the much-talked-about Longboat Key town center saw the acquisition of these 2.81 acres essential to that effort. One after another urged the commissioners to do the deal: Walter Hackett and Jared Whitehead, members of the town’s Urban Land Institute Implementation Advisory Committee; George Spoll, chair of the Revitalization Task Force; Tom Aposporos, speaking on behalf of the board of the Longboat Key Foundation; and Cheryl Loeffler, Longboat resident and incoming chair of the Ringling College of Art and Design.

(Loeffler carefully worded her remarks, indicating the college’s interest in exploring a public-private partnership for a culturalcenter component to the town center, a sign that Ringling is open to options for the Longboat Key Center for the Arts.)

About the only naysayer to the deal was former Commissioner Gene Jaleski, who urged the town instead to buy the old service-station at the corner of Gulf of Mexico Drive and Broadway before buying Wolfer’s property. That went nowhere.

None of the commissioners had a critical thing to say about the idea. And in a matter of minutes, they unanimously approved a proposed contract to buy the property — a rare show of togetherness.

Mayor Jim Brown was so pleased over the deal and what it means for a future town center, he commented: “I’ve been involved in this town almost since I came here 14 years ago. I haven’t seen any momentum like this since I’ve been here.”

The deal maker behind the deal was Town Manager David Bullock. He told the commission he has been in discussions with Wolfer for more than two years. He told commissioners Wolfer had another buyer for the property (oldest trick in the buyout book) and that now that discussions have resurfaced again in earnest about a town center, “securing the site is a logical step.”

It is a logical step.

While we typically cringe at government bodies expanding their real estate hold-

HISTORIC MOMENT

Times have changed, that’s for sure.

When Joel Friedman, a Sarasotabased planner representing the new Aria condo development on Longboat Key, addressed the Longboat Key Town Commission Monday, he made a public statement that could be a historic first from a developer: Referring to the town’s planning staff, Friedman said: “It was a pleasure working with them.”

Let that be forever recorded: March 3, 2014.

ings, one appealing aspect to this transaction is if a bonafide town-center developer emerges, the town can sell the land. The town is not required to hold it in perpetuity.

But now what?

With this acquisition, the town has jumped into the development pond and is at least $1.5 million deep into creating a town center.

Sure, the town can sit on the Wolfer land and do nothing. It could move the four public tennis courts next to All Angels by the Sea onto the Wolfer property, opening the tennis-courts property next to the Longboat Library for redevelopment.

Or it can follow through on the momentum of which Mayor Brown spoke Monday night to bring a town center to fruition.

If it’s the latter — and this appears to be the highest priority on the Town Commission agenda — the Town Commission must make the commitment to be “all in.”

And that means, if this multi-year project is to succeed, the commission cannot expect the town manager to be the town-center project manager.

Bullock should be credited for pulling together and making the Wolfer deal happen. But creating a town center is far, far greater and complicated than negotiating the purchase of 2.81 acres.

It will take a pro. It will take a bonafide commercial developer on the scale of a Benderson Development, Casto, the Sembler Co. or others with successful track records.

But even before that developer arrives on the scene, the town will need a pro to pull together all of the pieces and players; a pro who can make sure the zoning allowances are in place; to research and recruit the right developer; and then help pave the way for that developer to move forward without much bureaucratic resistence.

That also means the town would need this pro to talk with all of the other connected property owners — restaurant owner Howard Rooks, Publix Super Markets Inc., the U.S. Postal Service and owners of the SunTrust, Bank of America and Premier Sotheby’s office buildings. Whoever ultimately develops a town center won’t want to spend the time and money scratching his way through a process full of contentious negotiations.

The town will need a first-rate professional who has done all of this before.

As noted at Monday night’s Town Com-

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mission meeting, bringing a town center to fruition likely will take at least three years — that is, if everything can occur without lawsuits and protracted town hearings.

And this should be kept in mind as well: The Grand Plan Graveyard is full of towns and cities whose town commissioners and city council members thought they could be developers. In Florida, we know of two prominent cities that languished for at least a decade because of their city commissions’ delusional thinking that government could redevelop their urban cores — Miami Beach and St. Petersburg.

Both failed miserably. Not until the private sector arrived did they experience success — extraordinary success at that.

Next step: Bring on the pro.

+ Don’t take the federal money

Longboat Key Town Manager David Bullock two weeks ago made a convincing case to town commissioners.

He met early in February with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to explore whether and how the town could qualify for federal funds to help pay for beach maintenance.

It’s possible. But as is always the case when you take federal money, there are distasteful trade-offs.

As it is, Longboat Key taxpayers since the early 1990s have funded the town’s beach maintenance with their own money — no subsidies from the state or federal governments, except in a few instances of hurricane damage.

The advantages to this are: Longboat can obtain necessary permits in, say, at least half the time (1.5 years versus three years); and the town has no restrictions on the types of sand it wants to use.

With the Corps, you take what sand you get. What’s more, the Corps has greater requirements on increased beach accesses, a criterion that would not sit well with Longboat taxpayers.

As Adam found out in Paradise, it’s tempting to bite the apple. The feds would pay 50% of the Key’s maintenance costs.

But once you bite the federal apple, you find out how it can be rotten to the core.

Don’t take the federal money.

ALWAYS SLOW TO ACT

As events unfold in Ukraine — with the Russians flexing their military might and the Obama administration twisting in the wind, it’s worth recalling the words of Alexis de Tocqueville: “There are two things which a democratic people will always find very difficult — to begin a war and to end it.”

— Alexis de Tocqueville To put it another way, democracies are always late to act, e.g. Germany, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Islamic terrorists, Benghazi, Syria, now Ukraine.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

+ Greer Island groin would protect north end Editor’s note: The following letter was sent to the Longboat Key Town Commission in addition to the Longboat Observer.

Dear Editor: I am writing this letter because I am concerned about the environment, specifically the north end of Longboat Key and more specifically about the future of Greer Island (Beer Can Island) and the residences affected by its survival or demise.

I attended the Jan. 21 Longboat Key Town Commission meeting and listened to the beach nourishment presentation by the Olsen Associates consulting firm, comments by the town manager, mayor and commissioners, Robert Appel, the Longbeach Condominium president and others. I also gave my own short presentation.

The following week, I learned to my great disappointment that on Jan. 17, the town agreed to a settlement with Joe McClash and the Sierra Club to allow the building of two groins at the

north end of Longboat Key and to drop the building of a terminal jetty on the south side of Longboat Pass. I read in the news that by a 6-1 vote, the town capitulated to lawsuits of former Manatee Commissioner Joe McClash and the Sierra Club on building a terminal jetty at Longboat Pass inlet. The terminal groin most probably would save Greer Island, eventually Longbeach and 360 North condominiums on the Gulf and the homes along North Shore Road. Regarding Olsen Consultants, I assume that they were not asked to include an evaluation of a terminal jetty at Longboat Pass in their contract because of the expected settlement. I think it should have been included in the contract. May I get an answer to this question?

It puzzles me that McClash and the Sierra Club, both entities that purport to want to save the “natural environment” took action exactly opposite to that end. Both entities apparently feel that losing a beautiful natural land mass visited by many residents and tourists each year is more environmentally friendly

The Heart of the Home is the Kitchen

clinical study on wages. The conclusion they reached was: “In general, the more you pay people, the less likely they are to increase or improve performance.”

Long-term pro contracts and payments based on artificial considerations are not likely to improve performance and may even retard it.

I don’t remember who said it, maybe a sales trainer/motivator, but he remarked, “I was never motivated by money, only by a lack of it.”

When one is paid not to perform, why perform? Not everyone is a Pete Rose. I have never been a Pete Rose fan for reasons too numerous to mention, but he earned every dime that he was paid for playing baseball. To be paid $200 million for being fired as an underachieving CEO is a classic example of the fiscal foolishness at large in the land.

Paying people whose full-time job is really running for re-election a lifetime wage if successful one time is an outrage.

As Walter Williams pointed out, the war on welfare is the most expensive war this country has ever waged and lost. Historians may someday call it “The 50 Years War.” We refuse to learn the lessons of history and will continue to repeat them to our collective sorrow.

John W. Minton Jr. Bradenton

on the north end of Long Beach Island (a barrier island) in New Jersey. A north jetty already existed. I gave copies of the report abstract (ERDC/CHL TR-03-9) to David Bullock for distribution to the commissioners.

The full text is available at: dtic.mil/cgi-bin/ GetTRDoc?AD=ADA417600 The abstract and extensive report told of the successful results obtained by adding the south jetty on the inlet between Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic Ocean to stabilize the inlet, causing the accretion of sand behind the jetty, and the saving of threatened Barnegat Lighthouse.

Residents of Long Beach Island and tourists walk along the jetty to sightsee and fish. I have seen these positive results firsthand over the past 20 years.

It is my hope that further analysis and action is taken to modify or rescind the contract agreed upon to eliminate the possibility of a terminal jetty to be constructed for at least five years at the Longboat Pass before Greer Island is completely washed away.

Herman Kruegle Longboat Key

+ History shows welfare’s wastefulness Dear Editor: In the late 1940s, a group of industrial psychologists did a

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

than building a jetty at the inlet that would spare Greer Island, stabilize the inlet, and prevent a future crisis for the homes that will be directly on the inlet if and when the Greer Island buffer is gone. It would also seem logical and in the interest of Manatee County to extend the existing short terminal jetty on the north side of the inlet on Coquina Beach to prevent erosion of sand from Coquina and to further stabilize the inlet.

Commissioner Pat Zunz, representing the north end of Longboat Key was the only dissenting vote, and I give her praise for identifying the future peril that these north end residences face. Zunz correctly pointed out that the eventual loss of Greer Island would eliminate the buffer that protects these dwellings from the Gulf of Mexico and protects specifically all of the homes and condominiums along North Shore Road. Who or what agency will be responsible for protecting these residences in the future?

At the Jan. 21 meeting, I was not aware that the deal with McClash and the Sierra Club had already been concluded.

My presentation on Jan. 21 that a terminal jetty should be installed was based on an extensive (179-page) August 2003 report by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers evaluating the success of the south terminal jetty installed at the Barnegat Inlet

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until Feb. 26 and one report, a wind report analysis, was not released until yesterday.

“Due process requires documents be made available to get counter experts and people to review those reports,” Hemke said. “We haven’t had near enough time to address this.”

Hemke also said it was the town’s duty to inform mortgage holders of Colony property about the hearing.

Former Town Attorney Dave Persson, who sat with the commission at the hearing due to his previous legal knowledge of the Colony and because he works for the same law firm as Town Attorney Maggie Mooney-Portale, agreed with Hemke’s assessment that not enough due process for the association had been made.

Persson made the legal opinion after Assistant Town Manager Anne Ross announced that much of the information for Tuesday’s meeting, including maps, resolutions and inspection reports, were uploaded to the town’s website Feb. 25. And the wind report wasn’t submitted until late Monday afternoon.

“Due process is a meaningful opportunity to be heard,” Persson said.

“If a report was issued yesterday, I don’t think that’s due process.”

Persson, though, said it was his legal opinion that mortgage holders didn’t need to receive notice about the hearing.

Persson suggested continuing the hearing at least 30 days.

Commissioners wrestled with whether to hear some evidence at Tuesday’s hearing, but Persson warned them that an election later this month meant that at least one new commissioner would be on the dais the next time the commission reconvenes.

“I want to do this carefully and cor-

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

BOND REVERSAL The Longboat Key Town Commission agreed at its regular meeting Monday to revise an ordinance that requires the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association to post a bond of $250,000 for the town to use in extreme circumstances. The bond was reduced back to the original $50,000 amount and the association has agreed to withdraw its legal challenge that challenged the increased bond.

The town can revisit the bond amount in future ordinances though. The current ordinance with a $50,000 bond amount is valid through April 30. rectly and not even all of the commission candidates are out in the audience,” said Commissioner Phill Younger.

Commissioner Jack Duncan and others also expressed hesitation with moving forward.

“I don’t want this to be challenged legally,” Duncan said.

Commissioner Terry Gans said it would be a mistake to hear some of the evidence Tuesday and more of it almost two months later.

“I don’t want to hear some of this today and the rest of it later,” Gans said.

The hearing was continued until 9 a.m. May 28 at Town Hall. The hearing could also continue on May 29 and May 30.

Commissioners expressed frustration and apologized to those in attendance, including Colony unit owners and other interested parties that traveled from up north to make the hearing.

“I assure everyone the town takes this matter very seriously,” said Mayor

iffin l Gr Here! l e r er ld H. T els So v o N

Jim Brown. “The town has a $170,000 budget line item to handle this Colony issue and this isn’t an inexpensive process for anyone, but we want to do it correctly.”

After the hearing, Mooney-Portale told the Longboat Observer the town “tried to put pressure on the experts to submit their supplemental reports sooner.”

“We had most of the reports in, but not all of it,” Mooney-Portale said. “Attorneys can question due process and throw up anything on the wall and see what sticks and in this instance, the due process wasn’t met and it stuck.”

Asked if the town thought there might be a due process issue leading up to the hearing, Ross said she wasn’t aware of one until right before the hearing.

“Our marching orders were to make everything available as soon as it became available,” Ross said. “That’s what we did.”

Hemke told the Longboat Observer “the town did the right thing.”

When asked if he informed the town if he had an issue with reports coming in later than expected prior to the hearing, Hemke said he did not and only informed town legal counsel about his plans right before the hearing started.

Brown and Commissioner Lynn Larson expressed frustration with its legal counsel after the hearing.

“This was a waste of time and a waste of money,” Larson said.

Brown said he was going to have to investigate the issue further.

“There’s going to have to be questions asked and questions answered from our legal counsel,” Brown said.

“If you think there might be a reason to notify someone, you should notify them. And as far as submitting documents on a timely basis for the other party to review, that seems like a no brainer.”

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

The 411 on Longboat’s 911 calls Police Chief Pete Cumming explains the flow of Longboat Key emergency calls.

PATH OF A 911 CALL FROM LONGBOAT KEY LANDLINE

CELL PHONE

MANATEE COUNTY

The call goes to the Manatee County Emergency Communications Center, where a dispatcher asks about the nature of the emergency and the caller’s location.

LONGBOAT

Longboat Key landlines, along with cellphone calls that ping to a Manatee County cellular tower.

A Sarasota County dispatcher answers the cellphone call if it pings to a tower in Sarasota County.

If the call is police-related, the dispatcher immediately transfers the caller to Longboat Key

dispatchers, while Manatee County handles all fire/rescue calls.

Longboat Key dispatchers sometimes handle multiple calls simultaneously, according to Cumming. The town’s dispatchers respond to an average of 260 emergency 911 calls per month in addition to an average of 2,900

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non-emergency calls per month.

The town spends $368,709 on salaries and benefits for its five dispatch employees. The town’s potential cost savings is currently unknown.

Longboat Key town commissioners have expressed concerns that the county would not provide the level of service that Key

Manatee and Sarasota counties offer the following base salaries to dispatchers.

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The town currently pays the following salaries to dispatchers.

Dispatch supervisor: $45,780.80 Dispatchers (four): $32,531.20 to $42,785.60

$$$$ residents currently receive from dispatch. The Longboat Key Police Department prides itself on responding to what Town Manager Dave Bullock describes as “snake in the toilet calls.” The county has said it is willing to dispatch officers for those types of calls if the town provides a detailed list of what it expects.

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If the call pertains to a police emergency, the county dispatcher routes the call to Longboat Key within seconds. One of two Longboat Key dispatchers are on duty at any given time and handle police calls while also constantly monitoring fire/rescue calls online with Manatee County dispatchers.

If Sarasota County answers the call and it pertains to a fire or medical emergency, the dispatcher routes the call to Manatee County. If Manatee County answers the call, the dispatcher continues to handle the call.

SARASOTA COUNTY The call goes to Sarasota or Manatee County Emergency Communications Center, depending on the person’s location and the location of the closest cellular tower.

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“911, what’s your emergency?”

Regardless of where you call the three-digit emergency number from in the United States, you’ll probably hear those words.

But who is on the line, and where is he or she located?

On Longboat Key, the first person you will speak to after calling 911 is located on mainland Sarasota or Manatee County. If the caller needs police assistance, he or she will be transferred to a Longboat Key dispatcher within seconds.

But that could change if the town accepts an offer from Sarasota County to take over dispatch services. The town is currently scrutinizing the offer and has until next year to make a decision.

Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming recently explained the way the town and county handle emergency calls to the Longboat Observer.

Manatee County dispatchers answer any 911 calls placed from

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

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

TERRY REDMAN When Terry Redman, president of Friends of Sarasota County Parks, thinks about the all-volunteer, nonprofit organization to which he devotes his time, he is reminded of a story he once heard about famed football coach Alonzo Stagg.

According to the story, a neighbor informed Stagg that the group of kids playing football on his lawn would prevent his grass from ever growing.

Staggs simply replied that he wasn’t trying to grow grass — he was trying to grow kids.

“That’s the same way Friends of Sarasota County Parks looks at the projects we work on,” says Redman.

“We’re not just building a facility. We’re building a place for mothers with their strollers, for people to jog and have a healthier life — to ride bikes safely. We’re giving people access to facilities that they might not normally have, and we’re giving them the ability to participate right here in Sarasota County.”

As its name implies, Friends of Sarasota County Parks was founded in 2002 with the mission of working alongside Sarasota County Parks and Recreation employees to pro-

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by Nick Friedman | Staff Writer

Friends of Sarasota County Parks is raising $75,000 to pay for half of a feasibility study for a proposed expansion of the Legacy Trail.

“We’re not just building a facility. We’re building a place for mothers with their strollers, for people to jog and have a healthier life — to ride bikes safely.

We’re giving people access to facilities that they might not normally have.”

— TERRY REDMAN mote, enhance and maintain the county’s parks.

Redman says he has always had a strong interest in parks and that he had a hand in founding the organization.

After petitioning county commissioners, the organization was formed and acquired its 501(c)3 status. It serves as the umbrella organization for approximately 30 chapters within the county that all work together on projects such as dedicating memorial benches, trees and pavers, relocating historic houses, founding the Phillippi Creek and Englewood farmers markets and

YOUROBSERVER.COM/THEGOODNEWS // Visit our website to learn more about the proposed Legacy Trail expansion.

Nick Friedman

Terry Redman is the president and one of the founding members of Friends of Sarasota County Parks, a nonprofit organization that works to promote local recreation. more.

Currently, FOSCP and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation are raising $75,000 to pay for half of a feasibility study for the proposed expansion of the Legacy Trail into Payne Park. The trail currently spans 10 miles from Venice to just south of Clark Road, and the expansion would add 8 miles of recreational trail and create a nearly 20-mile con-

tinuous patch between Venice and Sarasota.

“There would be economic benefits of people coming here just to ride the trail,” says Redman. “It would give cyclists a safe place to ride. We’ve already looked into a bikeshare program. It would really open up the whole community and tie everyone together.

The purpose of this is to get more people on the trail.”

// BY THE NUMBERS number of 1K Total monthly volunteer hours within Friends of Sarasota County Parks

8

Proposed additional miles to the Legacy Trail

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

15A

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5

COMMUNITYCALENDAR

16A

Rotary Club of Sarasota — meets at noon at Marina Jack Restaurant, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota. Membership and weekly meetings are by invitation only, but if interested in more information, call 302-1567 or email dpilston@excite.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 6 Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key — meets at 7:30 a.m. at the Longboat Key Club’s Tavern & Whiskey Bar. Marie Brivik, of Go Touch Down Travel & Tours, will speak. Cost is $10 and includes a breakfast buffet. Call Donna at 388-2847.

Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Network Luncheon — takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at LeColonne Restaurant, 22 S. Blvd of the Presidents. Cost is $25 for members; $30 for non-members. Call 3832466.

Alice Taylor Reed Lecture Series — takes place at 2 p.m. at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. Ron McCarty, curator of the Ringling Museum of Art’s Cà

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

screenings and wellness demonstrations from firefighter/paramedics, information about the budget, water conservation and Longboat Key Public Tennis Center, website demonstration, a chance to inspect town emergency equipment and vehicles and more.

Call 316-1999.

d’Zan, will speak about the VenetianGothic estate that overlooks Sarasota Bay. Program is free. Call 778-6341 for more information.

SATURDAY, MARCH 8

Christ Church Sale Away — takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive. All proceeds benefit the church’s local mission programs. Call 383-8833.

LOOKING AHEAD Go For the Cure’s An Evening at Casino Royale What: Support Breast Health Sarasota by joining in on a night of dancing, gambling and prizes at Go for the Cure’s An Evening at Casino Royale. Dinner and cocktails included. Cost is $45 per person for Breast Health Sarasota plus $25 for Key Club members and $32.50 for nonmembers. Call Cris at 685-6048.

When: 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 12 Where: Longboat Key Club Harbourside Dining Room, 3000 Harbourside Drive

MONDAY, MARCH 10

Royal Rummage Sale — takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The sale features clothing, electronics, art and collectibles, baked goods, furniture and more. Admission is free. An earlybird sale takes place from noon to 4 p.m. March 7. Early-bird admission is $5. Call 383-1255.

Longboat Key Government Community Open House — takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Longboat Key Public Safety Complex, 5490 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The event will include free document shredding from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., blood pressure

All Angels by the Sea Memoir Class — takes place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road. David Rice, a graduate of Yale and a teacher for more than 20 years, will teach this free class. Call 383-8161.

Mote Marine Laboratory Special Lecture Series — begins at 7:30 p.m. at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. Genevieve Brighouse, superintendent of the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa, will discuss “The National Marine Sanctuary of American Somoa — Fogava’a e tasi, a Pacific Strategy of people and place!”

Cost is $12 for Mote members; $15 for nonmembers. Purchase tickets at mote.org/lecture.

will feature gently used clothing from The Lord’s Warehouse coordinated with accessories, which can be purchased following the show. The show will feature a well-known island resident as its mystery guest. Tickets are $25. Call 383-6491.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11 Longboat Key Democratic Club — meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Longboat Key Club’s Harbourside Dining Room, 3000 Harbourside Drive. Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant will discuss “The Challenges of the 2014 Election Cycle.” Cost is $25. Reservations are required by March 6. Call Murray Blueglass at 383-4899.

SUNDAY, MARCH 9 Sarasota Ski-a-Rees Show — takes place at 2 p.m. Sundays through May 4, at Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Stadium, 1608 Ken Thompson Parkway.

The live water ski show is free. Call 388-1666.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 Game Day — takes place at noon at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Play bridge, canasta, mahjong, rummycube, Scrabble and more. The event includes a homemade lunch, 50/50 raffle and door prizes. Cost is $25. Contact Nancy Cohen at ndver@ comcast.net or 387-1455.

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8:18 p.m. — Intersection of Bogey Lane and Ranger Lane. Parking. A man reported that an abandoned car had been parked on the side of the street for four days. The owner said it ran out of gas, and she had it towed to her house.

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5:44 p.m. — 600 block of Bayview Drive. Animal. A woman noticed a multicolored snake while watering her plants and worried it could be poisonous. Police approached the snake with a shovel, and the snake struck at it. Police killed the snake with the shovel and placed it in nearby bushes to decompose.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

COLD CASE (OF CORONAS) 3:07 p.m. — 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway. Larceny. A grocery store employee saw a man take a cart with two cases of Corona beer past registers without paying and place them into a car in which the driver was waiting for him. A store manager wrote down the car’s license plate number. The vehicle is registered to a Homosassa woman whom police were unable to locate.

EX-RATED PICTURES 5:26 p.m. — 500 block of Ranger Lane.

Harassing Phone Call. A woman told police she recently broke up with her boyfriend of five months, but he continues to text her. She believes he was in her yard watching her and her new boyfriend through the window. In text messages, the ex-boyfriend threatened to post compromising photos of the woman on the Internet. The woman said she is afraid of him because of his excessive drinking and past behavior. Police advised the woman not to respond to man’s texts and gave her information about filing a restraining order.

FEB. 25 HOME AWAY FROM HOME 9:37 a.m. — Off the Key. Assist Other Town Agency. Police helped Public Works employees dismantle a hut setup on Beer Can Island that had a loveseat and chaise lounge inside.

MISTAKEN IDENTITY 3:50 p.m. — 2500 block of GMD. Suspicious Circumstance. A woman received a phone call from the office of a physician whom she had not seen in years. She later received a phone call from a drug store in a Michigan city that she has never visited notifying her that her prescription was ready. She asked her bank for alerts about suspicious activity.

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BEST BETS: THE TOP

ATTRACTIONS FOR SEASON March is peak season on Longboat Key — the time of year when spring breakers, snowbirds and Sunshine State residents all savor the sunshine and beaches at the same time. The island is famous for its beaches, but there’s more to Longboat Key than white sand and turquoise waters.

Here are our top suggestions for activities on Longboat and its surrounding keys this March.

2. BE A BEACH BUM. While snow blanketed much of the country last month, Longboat Key had average high temperatures of 74 degrees and lows of 53 degrees, making its 10.8-mile stretch of white sand beaches an ideal escape. The Key’s public beach accesses are small and somewhat hard to find in comparison to Siesta Key’s and Anna Maria Island’s beach accesses — but that makes the beach less crowded.

4. LEARN SOMETHING NEW AT THE LONGBOAT KEY EDUCATION CENTER. 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 212

The nonprofit, not-for-credit Education Center’s busy winter semester is over, but a handful of classes begin in March, including yoga, “Express Yourself Through Writing” and “Teaworld.” The Education Center also continues its lecture series from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Tuesdays and one-time programs at 3 p.m. Fridays. Four Saturday workshops are also on the schedule. For the complete schedule, visit lbkeducationcenter.org.

6. SHOP TILL YOU DROP ON ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE. The renowned shopping district features approximately 130 businesses, including boutiques, restaurants, specialty shops and more. It’s also a frequent venue for car shows and arts and craft shows, along with one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in town.

1. BROWSE THE OFFERINGS AT THE LONGBOAT LIBRARY. 555 Bay Isles Road

3. EXPLORE THE LONGBOAT KEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS AND THE SURROUNDING LONGBEACH VILLAGE.

The private, nonprofit library offers membership for as little as $25 annually. The library has a wide selection of recreational reading materials plus a new collection of 500 DVDs. Hardback and paperback books are always for sale at bargain prices. For information, call 383-2011.

590 Bay Isles Road

Even if you’re visiting, you don’t have to take a vacation from exercise. The Longboat Key Public Tennis Center offers one-and-a-half-hour walk-on sessions for $12 per person. The facility has 10 soft clay courts, a teaching court, teaching professionals, daily organized events and a match-making service. For 24-hour advanced reservations, call 316-8367.

7. MAKE A NEW FRIEND AT SAVE OUR SEABIRDS. 1708 Ken Thompson Parkway

Save Our Seabirds is home to approximately 250 birds and 30 species.

Meet birds such as Gabby, an umbrella cockatoo who frequently sings “Happy Birthday,” and Ghanji, a blueand-gold macaw. Admission is $6 for adults; $4 for children 4 to 12; and free for ages 3 and under. Call 388-3010.

8. VISIT MOTE MARINE AQUARIUM. 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway

6860 Longboat Drive S.

Mote Marine Aquarium’s limited-time “Survivors: Beautiful and Extreme Adaptations” exhibit features the peacock mantis shrimp, with appendages as powerful as a .22-caliber bullet; the blue-ringed octopus, which has some of the strongest venom on Earth; the Vietnamese mossy frog, which is a master of camouflage; and many other species that go to extremes to survive. The exhibit will run through Sept. 14.

Admission is free with paid admission to Mote.

For information, call 388-4441.

The fifth annual Community Juried Exhibition is currently on display through March 27 at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design, featuring the work of local artists. Then, from April 4 through April 25, the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society Juried Exhibition will be on display. After checking out the latest exhibits, take a stroll through the historic Longbeach Village neighborhood, where the Arts Center is located, and view the many historic homes.

S A R A S OTA’ S

5. GET MOVING AT THE PUBLIC TENNIS CENTER.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

REMODELING Kelsey Grau

Of course, with Longboat Key’s scenery, Ancowitz could not spend all his time in meetings. A dedicated runner, Ancowitz entered a few local contests and began to understand the draw of the Key. One particular six-mile run inspired Ancowitz to make the experience more frequent.

After moving here permanently and continuing his study of strokes, Ancowitz needed a few “relaxations,” as he likes to say. These activities, such as writing rhyming poetry, going to the opera and visiting museums, brought out his more creative side. About four years ago, he started tap dancing classes at the YMCA after a YouTube video of Bob Hope and James Cagney tap dancing inspired him.

Ancowitz continues his education in tap with instructor Mike Dunn every week at the Senior Friendship Center in Sarasota, where he appreciates the rhythm of the dance and the workout it provides.

“I enjoy the knowledge that one can aspire to be Fred Astaire or Jimmy Cagney, but never reach that point,” said Ancowitz, laughing. “That motivates me.”

— Kelsey Grau

Fairway Bay 135495

Throughout his years as a physician, Dr. Arthur Ancowitz always held one matter close to his heart: stroke prevention.

In 1967, he created the Stroke Foundation as a way to teach the public about the prevention and treatment of strokes. A nonprofit organization, Neighborhood: the Stroke Foundation Bay Isles also funds research for a cure, such as its curYour neighbor rent efforts at Sarasota since: 1989 Memorial Hospital concerning “ministrokes” or its study at New York University about cerebral blood flow in elderly patients with hypertension.

Recently, the organization set up a website, strokefoundationusa.org.

“You can find a lot of information about stroke prevention, blogs about high blood pressure, how stroke occurs in women and why it occurs … a whole host of subjects in that area can be found on the website,” Ancowitz said.

His career in medicine is what brought him to Longboat Key. Years ago, the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort hosted meetings sponsored by the Syracuse Medical School about updates in internal medicine.

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Melanie Barber, Janet Barber, Claudette Fair and Mark Barber

Garden Club scores home run on 38th annual tour On Saturday, a large crowd of home-and-garden enthusiasts enjoyed diverse stops on the 38th annual Longboat Key Garden Club Home Tour.

This year’s tour featured the Barber home in the Longbeach Village, the Lyons home in Sleepy Lagoon, the Wofsey home on Dream Island Road, the White home in Emerald Harbor and the Boehme garden on Neptune Avenue.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

OUR TOWN

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>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A

Republican Club of Longboat Key Luncheon Meeting Courtesy photo

Cost Memorial Pool Pavilion: It was the day after Valentine’s Day, and many residents were in town for the Presidents Day long weekend. Residents celebrated with appetizers and beverages.

Conrad Beach residents had double the reason to celebrate Feb. 15 at the Vince

Friday, March 14th 11:30 to 1:30 pm Legalizing Medical Marijuana

+ It’s truly a small world, after all

+ Cornfield, new car inspired Reverend Carroll’s career choice

When Temple Beth Israel Rabbi Jonathan Katz met with St. Armands resident Nina Sysak recently, he realized it was not the first time they had met.

In 1978, Katz was studying abroad in Luxembourg and took a trip to London. He visited the Greek embassy there for a research paper he was writing about the European Union and why it had been slow to let Greece join. Sykos told him that she was a cultural attaché at the time and that she would have been the person to handle the inquiry. She didn’t remember Katz’s visit but knew from his description that she did, in fact, meet with him. He remembered her office in detail and that she wore her hair back and that it was black instead of the current reddish-brown shade.

Longboat Island Chapel the Rev. Dr. Vince Carroll was the speaker at the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key’s Feb. 27 breakfast meeting. Carroll informed those in attendance about his experiences as a naval chaplain and how he made his way to Longboat Key. The story of how Carroll decided to become a preacher, though, received a round of applause and laughter from the audience.

Carroll Carroll, who grew up on a farm in Iowa, said he was working in the cornfields when he saw a brand-new car driving up the road. Carroll approached the running car and was intrigued because it was driving in the middle of the summer heat with its windows up.

“It was the first air-conditioned car in Iowa, and our preacher stepped out of the car to greet us looking as refreshed as ever,” Carroll said. “I put my hands in the air and said, ‘Thank you, Jesus, I know what I want to be when I grow up now!’”

Dr. Jim Whitman, Director of Psychiatric Services for the Manatee County Jail and the Honorable Larry Eger, Public Defender, 12th Judicial Services will debate the legalization of Medical Marijuana. Who is for and who is against?

Don’t miss this spirited debate.

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savvy shoppers

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

GIDDY UP

by Kelsey Grau | Community Editor

Church volunteers get set for Saturday sales Volunteers at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church and Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian were hard at work over the past week as they prepped for March 8 sales.

On Feb. 27, St. Mary Women’s Guild members began sorting for the upcoming Royal Rummage Sale, which kicks off with early-bird entry from noon to 4 p.m.

Friday for $5. Admission to the general sale, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, is free.

On March 3, Christ Church members began setting up for its Sale Away, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Christ Church’s first sale in 2012 raised more than $17,000 for the church’s local missions.

by Kelsey Grau | Community Editor

Photos by Kelsey Grau

June Hessel, Gicela Tapia and Nancy Chanos

Jerry and Arlene Schwartz

Seaplace residents gallop into Wild West territory

Photos by Kelsey Grau

Teri Scaring and Mary DelPup organize shoes into piles at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church.

Judy Strauss and Carol Fillmore fold and sort shirts at Christ Church of Longboat Key.

Seaplace residents went country at a Feb. 19 party. Decked out in plaid shirts, colorful bandanas and cowboy hats, attendees enjoyed music from the Jack Tamburin Band and a chicken dinner.

Roselyn Erickson and Sally Kall

Jerry and Barbara Rosenthal

All Angels by the Sea

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

The Episcopal Church on Longboat Key

563 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key All are welcome. Please join us in worship!

383-8161

Sunday Services

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

Ash Wednesday, March 5 - 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Website: www.AllAngelsLBK.org

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

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22A

Sunday at the Chapel

An InterfAIth CommunIty ChurCh founded In 1956

The Rev. Dr. Taylor M. Hill Sunday, March 23 @ 4 PM Fonda Davies, Organ Recital - FREE

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Visitors Welcome

WINTER MASS SCHEDULE

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U

s!

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Last Friday of the Month, 5:30 pm Saturday Morning, 10:00 am

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Please visit our Judaica Shop

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

Confessions before all weekend Masses Msgr. Gerard Finegan, Pastor

Join us at TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM Sarasota-Manatee’s Conservative Synagogue

Jo

A Center of Jewish Life and Learning in the Sarasota Area Share Shabbat and more: Friday Evening, 8:00 pm 941.383.3428 www.tbi-lbk.org

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

135097

Saturday: 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM

www.saklc.com

in

open Mon., Wed. and Sat. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

CATHOLIC CHURCH Welcomes You to Mass

941-388-1234

Contemporary Service of Joy • 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School (Youth & Adult) • 10:00 a.m.

Traditional Worship Celebration • 11:00 a.m.

The Reverend Mark A. Bernthal

Temple Beth Israel

THRIFT SHOP

St. Mary, Star of the Sea,

Sunday Worship Schedule

God’s work. Our hands.

The Rev. Dr. Vincent Carroll Senior Minister

6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Longboat Key, Florida 34228 Telephone: 383-6491 • web: www.longboatislandchapel.org The Lord’s Warehouse

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church 40 North Adams Drive

Adult Education 9 – 9:45 a.m.

Communion and Healing Service at 9:45 a.m.

Worship Service at 10 a.m.

Temple Beth Sholom 941.955.8121

info@templebethsholom.com www.templebethsholomfl.org 1050 S. Tuttle Ave. Sarasota, FL 34237 A WARM WELCOME AWAITS YOU

ONGOING PROGRAMS DAILY MORNING MINYAN Sunday-Friday, 8am MINYAN BREAKFAST Wednesdays, 9am SHABBAT SERVICES Fridays, 6:30pm Saturdays, 9am JUDAICA SHOP, Monday-Thursday, 10am-3pm IDELSON ADULT LIBRARY Monday-Thursday,10am-3pm

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

23A

Ringling College Library Association and Gulf Coast Community Foundation invite you to

An Evening with Michael Bloomberg Benefitting the campaign to build a new library at Ringling College

March 28, 2014 | 7:00 p.m. | Sarasota Opera House | 61 North Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota Limited tickets available. Call 941-328-1300 for ticket information or visit https://sarasotaopera.org/michael_bloomberg.aspx

Thanks to our generous sponsors: Jean Martin and Ernest (Doc) Werlin; Mary Ann and John Meyer

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Michael Bloomberg photo by Platon

24A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

ROGER SELLS LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTY For the fourth time in six years, Roger has been named: #1 Realtor in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties • #1 Single Coldwell Banker agent for all of Florida

ROGER SELLS LONGBOAT KEY

2735GulfofMexicoDrive.com

$6,800,000

ROGER SELLS BIRD KEY

6 bedrooms, 5 baths

Pristine luxury awaits in this custom-built home situated on the powdery shores of the Gulf. Offering designer interior features and stunning laniai.

PARADISE SHORES

1561BlueHeronDrive.com Lovely, waterfront 4BR/4½BA on a deepwater yacht basin, just west of the trail.

Offering almost 200' of frontage with privately-gated entry, wine cellar, soaring ceilings, multiple outdoor entertaining areas and summer kitchen. $2,195,000

L'AMBIANCE LAmbianceL307.com Building II, Areca plan, wonderful sunsets views, wraparound terrace. New windows and sliders. Partially furnished. $1,595,000

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

SANCTUARY

3613FairOaksPlace.com 2BR+den/2BA, open pool deck, lake views.

2-car garage. Private beach access. $879,000

PRESTANCIA 7890EsperanzaCircle.com Splendid Arthur Rutenburg lake front 3BR/4½BA home. New kitchen, expansive layout and wonderful pool deck. $749,900

7100LongboatDriveEast.com Bayfront Rustic Luxe! Upgraded 4BR/3BA home on deep-water dockage with multiple lifts offers two separate homes. $1,395,000

THE OAKS 384BunkerHill.com Beautifully upgraded 4BR/3½BA home in the prestigious Oaks golfing community.

Featuring a cook’s kitchen, formal living and dining rooms, plus an excellent pool deck with outdoor entertaining areas. $999,000

GULF FRONT CONDOS GulfFrontCondo103.com

LONGBOAT BEACHCOMBER II The pristine shores of the Gulf are just steps

LongboatBeachcomber11.com Walk out to the beach. 2BR/2BA ideal retreat or rental. Furnished. $660,000

LA FIRENZA

602SouthOwlDrive.com New construction, 4BR/4½BA bay front home. More than 5,500 sf includes en-suite bedrooms, office, media room, kitchen/family room, huge garage and more. $5,495,000 650SouthOwlDrive.com Terrific waterfront value! 100 ft of water frontage, pool deck and dock. New roof in 2009. $1,199,000 398BobWhiteDrive.com Charming 4BR/3BA waterfront home offers southern views and recent updates. Sailboat LaFirenzaS301.com water, a newer dock and lift. $1,195,000 Direct Gulf front with southern exposure, LONGBOAT KEY 4,800sf, 4BR/3½BA penthouse with designer details. Wraparound terrace with summer 5861GulfofMexicoDrive.com kitchen, three-car garage. $4,495,000 Direct Gulf to bay estate parcel on Longboat Key, offering a special site for your dream PELICAN HARBOUR beach home and deep water, covered boat PelicanHarbourMH2.com house and bay guest house. $4,295,000 Villa on the Beach! Rarely available 2BR LONGBOAT BAYSIDE beachfront Manor Home. Recent upgrades.

Enjoy the beach in your backyard. $1,495,000

7038HawksHarborCircle.com The epitome of luxury living rests in this private island. Nestled among lush landscape, almost two acres on the open bay. $1,990,000

QUEENS HARBOUR

$4,495,000

away from this furnished 2BR/2BA residence in a quaint community. $599,000

4 bedrooms, 5½ baths

This exquisite bay front home is a statement of luxury living. Offering 5,800 sf of designer features and outdoor entertaining areas with bay breezes.

BIRD KEY

HAWKS HARBOR

585Sanctuary304.com Direct Gulf views and stunning sunsets abound from this 3BR/2½BA residence.

Wraparound terrace, open layout. $1,299,000

627MourningDoveDrive.com

1015BogeyLane.com Stunning 4BR/5½BA plus den with views down the canal out to the bay. Upgraded finishes and designer features. $1,695,000 511BowspritLane.com Custom-built, newer 4BR/3½BA waterfront home situated on an oversized lot. Offering a light and open layout, wonderful views, dock, lift and newer seawall. $1,095,000

BEACH RESIDENCES

GRAND BAY GrandBay263.com Beautifully upgraded 2BR/2½BA Cayman.

Media room, wine storage, cook’s kitchen and custom features throughout. $1,575,000 GrandBay361.com Excellent Antigua with striking views, wraparound terrace and private beach access.

Neutral décor, move-in ready. $1,395,000

GrandBay136.com Enjoy wonderful southern views from this stylishly furnished Antigua plan residence.

Spacious layout, panoramic views from the wraparound terrace. $1,299,000 GrandBay121.com Rarely-available 3BR/3½BA Antigua plan offers panoramic views from the wraparound terrace, bright eat-in kitchen. $1,200,000 GrandBay324.com Enjoy views of Sarasota’s bay, downtown and Harbourside Moorings Marina in this 3BR/3½BA Cayman in Building III. $999,000 GrandBay542.com 2BR/2BA, 4th floor, Bimini, custom details and views of the bay, golf course and downtown. Furnished. $679,000

BeachResidences303.com Lido beach's premiere community offers LONGBOAT KEY ESTATES charming 1,800+ sf residence which enjoys all the amenities of the Ritz Beach Residences 629RountreeDrive.com including Gold membership. $1,095,000 Located on deep sailboat water with newer dock and seawall. This spacious 3BR/3BA COREY'S LANDING home offers formal living and dining rooms.

Deeded beach access. $1,795,000 3436MistletoeLane.com Lovely 4BR/4BA home with soaring ceilings AQUARIUS situated directly on Sarasota’s bayfront, 2-car garage, boat dock and lift. $1,349,000 AquariusClub602.com Gulf front 2BR/2BA, 6th-floor residence BUTTONWOOD HARBOR abounds in far-reaching beach vistas and high ceilings. $649,000 FourWinslowPlace.com AquariusClub402.com Light and open 3BR/2BA bay front home in Wonderful 2BR/2BA beach getaway. You will this secluded community. Ideally located on adore Gulf sunsets from the terrace. $575,000 deep bay water. $1,095,000

Roger has listed and sold more than $1 billion in local property.

ROGER C. PETTINGELL

LUXURY WATERFRONT SPECIALIST #1 SARASOTA REALTOR 2013, 2012, 2010, 2008

941.387.1840 roger@longboatrealestate.com

941.586.6668

www.longboatrealestate.com

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE DEDICATED TO LUXURY ESTATES M OWNED AND OPERATED BY NRT, LLC 129026

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

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

CRAFTS FOR A CAUSE

by Kelsey Grau | Community Editor

Sharon Guy paints a picture of the barred owls at Save Our Seabirds during the festival.

A WEEKEND FOR

WILDLIFE Festivalgoers flocked over the weekend to the Sarasota Wildlife Art Show and Symposium, which featured more than 40 artists, painters, photographers and various craftsmen. The two-

day festival began with a walk through Save Our Seabirds before booths opened. Proceeds will benefit Save Our Seabirds and the Rotary Club of Sarasota Foundation.

Michelle Held, Terry Mason and Ingrid Seals

Photos by Kelsey Grau

Dana Harenda walks around with Ghanji, a blue-and-gold macaw at Save Our Seabirds.

Terry Mason paints as part of Light Chasers, a group of artists who travel around Sarasota County and paint unique scenes.

Carol Cohn tries on her new necklace from Jewelry10.

Keats and Ed Whitcraft appreciate Nicholas Toth’s handmade helmet.

Discriminating Tastes Require Uncompromising Results You Expect More …

ERIC TEOH

MICHAEL RENICK

941-735-2199 Eric@TeamRenick.com

FOR BUYERS & SELLERS Serving Anna Maria Island • Bird Key • Bradenton • Bradenton Beach • Holmes Beach Lido Key • Longboat Key • Sarasota • St. Armands • Siesta Key

www.TeamRenick.com

135507

Like us on facebook.com/TeamRenick

941-400-8735 Mike@TeamRenick.com

2B

different strokes

A Name That’s Extraordinary...

One That Transforms Lives.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

by Kelsey Grau | Community Editor

As a Platinum Sponsor of Southeastern Guide Dogs Sarasota Walkathon

I have the honor of naming a puppy, but I need your help.

Southeastern Guide Dogs WALKATHON represents their biggest fundraiser of the year. They rely on the proceeds to help raise, train and match their amazing dogs with the visually impaired people whose lives are transformed because of their dogs.

2 Easy Ways You Can Help and Have Fun While Doing It...

www.guidedogs.org

Name That Puppy CONTEST

Suzanne Reiman, Marcy Klein, Penny Wolf and Jan VanIten

JOIN THE

Bers Puppy Express Team SATURDAY, MARCH 29 • 8:30AM AT PAYNE PARK FOR THE

Please e-mail your entries no later than March 25th to Andrew@AndrewBers.com If your entry is selected, Andrew will donate $100 to Southeastern Guide Dogs in your name.

Sarasota Walkathon

Photos by Kelsey Grau

Ladies go for the cure On Feb. 25, the Women’s 18-Hole Golf Association celebrated Go for the Cure’s Annual Sports Day with fellow Longboat Key Club golfers and tennis players at the Harbourside Dining Room. More than 140 women attended; each donated $100 or more to benefit Breast Health Sarasota. Now in its 14th year, the event has raised approximately $500,000 since its beginning.

3K WALK • LIVE MUSIC ART & FOOD VENDORS GUIDE DOGS GIFT SHOP

Visit www.GuideDogsWalkathon.org/BersPuppyExpress for More Information.

To learn more, please call me.

Andrew Bers, P.A. Broker-Associate

941.383.2550 andrew@andrewbers.com AndrewBers.com

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

134716

546 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, Florida 34228

Judy Kozlowski and Diane Gans

Marie Borsellino and Suellen Kaeb

IT'S NOT FOR EVERYONE AND THAT'S THE POINT.

DESTINATION INFINITY JUST 11. That’s it. Eleven opportunities to live a spontaneous, free-spirited lifestyle wrapped in an extraordinary coastal contemporary design. It’s a rare combination never before seen on Longboat Key, a chance to customize your surroundings in a place where golden sunsets are the currency of life. n Smartly designed 3,380 – 5,500 sq. ft. three-bedroom/den, four-bedroom and penthouse new-construction residences n Nestled on over three acres with 240 ft. of pristine beachfront immediately outside your door n Distinctive interiors, sumptuous finishes and floor-to-ceiling glass doors looking out to breathtaking views New fully finished residences from $2,900,000 to $4,950,000

Discover coastal contemporary style in an unforgettable setting.

Discover limitless luxury. Discover Infinity.

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECT STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS BY THE DEVELOPER, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTE, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE.

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Infinity Longboat Key | 4765 Gulf of Mexico Drive | Longboat Key, FL 34228 | InfinityLBK.com | information@InfinityLBK.com | 941.744.7441

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

3B

Ackerman

INTRODUCING THE

BARBARA

REALTOR®

GROUP

The #1 Group on Florida’s West Coast and Ranked in the Top .5% of Coldwell Banker Associates Internationally.

ESCAPE THE POLAR VORTEX! RED

A UCED

GAIN

!

P NEW

RICE

P NEW

RICE

PUT THE TOP PRODUCERS TO WORK FOR YOU.

OR ITY AFTE! N U T RT PPO ONT ES O W R NE ACHF BE One Watergate - Downtown Sarasota Rarely available 2BR/2BA ‘A’ floor plan is ready to be customized to your personal vision.

Spectacular views of Sarasota Bay and the Marina from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The perfect downtown location! $490,000 INCL

UDE

S

EE E! PRIC ANCE F

CRE

Lido Regency - Bay and City Views Choice south corner two bedroom two bath apartment on the 10th floor with tons of space, oak wood floors, and spectacular Sarasota Bay and city views! $489,000

Mainland Sarasota - Waterfront Value Beautiful custom built 3BR residence with study and rec room is set back on a 1/2+ acre lot and has water views from most every room! 3-car garage and private dock. $875,000

DIT

NEW MAINTEN

6 MO

NTH

S

On the Gulf - Longboat Key Gated estate on nearly 2 acres with 150’ of pristine beach front on the Gulf of Mexico, built in 2007. 7 BR/6.5 BA, elevator, 2-story library, separate attached guest wing, 4-car garage. $8,900,000

Water Club I - Pied-á-Terre Have a slice of paradise! Fully turnkey furnished, 1BR/1.5BA apartment in a great location with easy access to the beach and amenities ready for immediate enjoyment, a rare opportunity! $569,000

Country Club Shores - Direct Bay Front Lovely 3,700+ SF waterfront home at the end of a cul-de-sac with 3 bedrooms plus study/4th bedroom, stunning open Bay views, infinityedge pool and two car garage. $3,500,000

Grand Bay III - Incredible Views Never lived in custom-designed 2BR + office/3BA apartment on the 3rd floor with sparkling Bay and city views. 2 garage parking spaces included. $1,249,000

N

IST EW L

ING

Westway Drive - Vacant Lot Build your dream home! Gorgeous lot on 113’ of seawall is fenced & gated and has large private $5,000,000 dock with water & electric. Rarely available!

La Bellasara - Best Downtown Views Completely turnkey furnished 8th floor residence with 3 full bedrooms + study, 12 foot ceilings, summer kitchen and private garage. $2,695,000

Grand Bay I - Views Views Views Updated 9th floor Cayman plan residence with 3BR /3.5 BA, soaring 11’ ceilings, and new wood floors. Enjoy sunrises on Sarasota Bay AND glorious sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico! $1,575,000

Siesta Key - Norsota Way Unique gated Bay front jewel walled-in for privacy with four bedrooms, modern bathrooms and kitchen, gleaming wood floors and a covered pool with glassed outdoor entertainment area.

Private dock with 2 boat lifts. $1,890,000

Grand Bay II - Stunning Views Sunrises and sunsets from this beautifully furnished two bedroom plus den apartment at Grand Bay with gorgeous water views. Includes two valuable garage spaces.

Shows like a model. $1,299,000

Islands West - Direct Gulf Front Beach, Views, Location and Opportunity! Magnificent Southwest Beach & Gulf Views from every room of this 6th floor 2BR/2BA residence. $599,000

Siesta Cove - Siesta Key Waterfront 3- story coastal home located on a quiet cul-de-sac with 4BR/5BA has glorious water & tropical views from each level. 4,764 SF with private dock. $1,545,000

Laurel Oak Estates - Lake Front Custom built 4,300 SF home with 3 bedrooms and a possible 4th bedroom in the attached guest house with full bath.

Pool & spa area with summer kitchen looks out to long lake and lush golf course views. $995,000

Ringling Pointe - Historic Sapphire Shores Stunning Direct Bay Front On 145 feet of deep water with 5BR/3.5 BA, a 2,200 SF master suite, 1,000 bottle wine room, private dock. $3,740,000

Longboat Beach House - Direct Gulf Front Updated first floor corner location. 2BR/2BA, fully furnished, walk out to the beach or enjoy nightly sunsets from your lanai! $595,000

LI NEW

STIN

G

Promenade - Gulf Front Style, Sophistication, Simply a WOW on the Beach!

Completely redone with sweeping Southwest views of the Gulf & Sarasota city skyline. Located on the 8th floor, 2BR/2BA & a 23’ terrace. $998,000

N

IST EW L

ING

Sleepy Lagoon - Longboat Key Stunning waterfront home on Marbury Lane with 4 bedrooms + den / 4.5 bathrooms totaling 2,702 square feet. Completely renovated, new appliances, pool, boat dock and even a putting green out back! $1,180,000

941-387-1820 Direct I 800-910-8728 Toll-Free I www.barbaraackerman.com I barbara@barbaraackerman.com Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate I 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite #1, Longboat Key, FL 34228 Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

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All Barbara’s listings are linked Internationally in 19 languages.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

COLORFUL COMMUNITY

Lynne Koy

by Kelsey Grau | Community Editor

presents her

u

PREMIER COLLECTIONu

Marilyn Schneider, Merle Cherney, Bonnie Chisling and Donna Jablo

Waterfront Estate with SPICE BAY - Jewel Box construction on spectacular water views and sunsets! Situated on Siesta Key! British West Indies Antigua floor an oversized lot, this contemporary masterpiece plan features 3BR/3.5BA, courtyard and pool. offers over 6,000 sq. ft. of indoor living space! Builders - Perrone Construction.

BIRD

KEY

-

2,875,000

2,200,000

$

$

Arts Center recognizes local artists at exhibit The Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art & Design held its fifth annual Community Juried Exhibition opening Saturday.

On display until March 27, the exhibit features 2-D and 3-D art, as well as photography by local artists.

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS -

3BR/3BA BIRD KEY - Waterfront Estate with fabulous Penthouse with truly breathtaking views of views of the Bay and Siesta Key! Unique floor the Gulf, Sarasota Bay and the city! Behind the plan with 4BR/4.5BA/2CG. Remodel or tear gates of the Longboat Key Club! down and build new!

1,949,000

1,725,000

$

BAY ISLES -

Fantastic lot available in the Harbor section of Bay Isles, situated at the end of the canal with views into Sarasota Bay. Home plan renderings available.

Right: Maria Timis and Helen Chan

$

GRAND BAY - Panoramic views of the Bay, Intracoastal, and Harbourside golf course from this 8th floor ‘Cayman’ condominium residence with 2BR/2.5BA and a den/family room.

1,395,000

1,349,000

$

$

Bill Ripp, Isabelle Eaton, James Corwin Johnson, juror, and Jane Buckman

$70,000 price reduction! LIDO BEACH - One of a handful of lots Gorgeous 3600+ sq. ft. custom home with on Lido Key! Canal front undeveloped lot beautiful lagoon, garden, and golf course views - 12,785 sq. ft. and 75 ft. of waterfront. One from every room! 3BR/3BA/2HalfBA/2CG. block to the white sands of Lido Beach!

BAY ISLES -

1,200,000

$

1,325,000

$

Peppi Elona and Steven Strenk, juror

941.387.1803

Living and Working on Longboat Key for 40 Years

lkoy@coldwellbanker.com

Tour Lynne’s properties at

www.lynnekoy.com

Cathy C. Meldahl, P.A. Your Longboat Key Community Realtor • Consistent top producer on Longboat Key • In-depth knowledge of the real estate market • Active in our community with Longbeach Village Association Longboat Key Historical Society Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Longboat Key Center for the Arts Longboat Key Garden Club

At The Chart House on Longboat Key

Broker/Associate, CRB, CRS, GRI Previews International Property Specialist, Legends Society

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

135094

DEDICATED TO LUXURY REAL ESTATE SM

Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

Follow me on Facebook / Twitter LinkedIn / YouTube

127076

INVOLVED CITIZEN: Sarasota Opera, SPARCC, Make-a-Wish, Meals on Wheels, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Breast Cancer Awareness RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

Gloria Newcomb received honorable mention in photography.

3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 24228

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

941.724.7228 CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

5B

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

Ian Addy & Gail Wittig

UL

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W

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3 IN

LIS

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545 Sanctuary Drive #503 | Longboat Key | $1,150,000

ES T OG

1281 Gulf of Mexico Drive #906 | Longboat Key | $1,795,000

UT

941.387.0100

+41

%

ER

NE

225 Sands Point Road #7304 | Longboat Key | $365,000

Nancy Smith, Laura Wix and Cheryl Hall

MIN

250 Sands Point Road #5401/02 | Longboat Key | $699,000

Photos by Kelsey Grau

210 Sands Point Road #2507 | Longboat Key | $1,300,000

Patricia Lundy and Christina Wolfe

749 Freeling Drive | Siesta Key |$3,600,000

www. athomesarasota.com

W

RES

IDE

LIS

NC

E

TIN

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Ann Roth and Kip O’Neill

TOP SALES TEAM COMPANY-WIDE

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

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

• Leading Specialists at The Resort at Longboat Key Club • 67+ Years of Combined Real Estate Sales Experience • Team Sales Exceed A Quarter Billion Since 2005 Mari Zevin

• Top Sales Team for 4th Consecutive Year Michael Saunders & Company, Longboat Key Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box. See answers on page 13B.

Barbara Milian, Ian Addy PA, Gail Wittig

Luxury Service • Strategic Marketing •Benchmark Results We invite you to take advantage of our team’s experience and allow us the opportunity to present you with a complimentary market analysis of your property.

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© 2014 Universal Uclick

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA SOUND

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

by Kelsey Grau | Community Editor

Generosity rocks Sarasota Yacht Club Colorful lights and a main stage brimming with musicians transformed Sarasota Yacht Club into a concert venue for its Sarasota Yacht Club Charitable Foundation Rock & Roll Gala Saturday. Rick Derringer, Larry Crane and many other musicians took the stage after attendees enjoyed cocktails, appetizers and dinner. Proceeds benefited the foundation’s scholarship program for studies in marine science, marine engineering or seamanship.

Dick and Margit Gravino with Susan Phillips and Steve Branham

Photos by Kelsey Grau

Right: Jordanna Venters and Kara Nally

Mari Zevin with Mike and Sandy McAdaragh

Carolyn Rule, Johnny Betz, Earl Smith and Michele Smolder

Quite Simply the Very Best Beachfront

Jan Sterett and Andy Zirna

Christy Isaac and Karen Vartanian

Your Country Club Shores Specialist

The Orchid Beach Club Sarasota’s finest luxury residence with breathtaking City, Bay & Gulf views, soaring ceilings, world - class amenities, Gulf front heated pool & spa, and even has a dog run.

A short walk to St. Armands and a short drive to downtown.

From 2,950 sf to 6,000 sf under air starting from $ 1,995,000 to $ 5,950,000

Country Club Shores

100 feet from the open bay! This beautifully maintained home has a breathtaking view, a huge lanai, and gorgeous 30x15 pool. Filled with upgrades inside and lovely touches $1,395,000 throughout. Your perfect home on South Longboat Key.

A 30+ year resident of Sarasota, Gene moved to Longboat Key after a successful career in International Publishing.

Multilingual, Gene has traveled to 150 countries and has lived throughout the world from NYC to Paris to Rio.

Gene Deporis Jr 941. 586 . 6252 423 St Armands Circle

genedeporis@yahoo.com

135517

941/504.0551

www.myrealtycompany.com

Bringing the world to Longboat Key, and Longboat Key to the world.

133702 134381

My Realty Company 438-A St. Armands Circle

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

7B

welcome wagon by Kelsey Grau | Community Editor MICHAEL

MOULTON

Certified Residential Specialist

Licensed Real Estate Broker

#1 Michael Saunders agent on Longboat Key 2013

NE W

Photos by Kelsey Grau

Tonya Atchison, Al Purmort Insurance, Cal Bonnett, First Bank, and Lynette Warnars, Insignia Bank

Stephanie Dluzneski, Take Shape for Life, and Gail Loefgren, president of the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce

Chamber celebrates new Centre Shops location The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce invited members to celebrate the grand opening of its new office and Visitor Information Center in the Centre Shops Feb. 27. Earlier in the day, the chamber held an open house for the public.

LISTI

NG

OAKS BAYSIDE ESTATE - Spectacular 8,500sf residence designed & built by famed architect Bo MacEwen. A3993216 $2,675,000.

CASEY KEY - Spectacular extensively remodeled gulf to bay residence on 1.25 acres. A3968932 $4,595,000

SANDERLING ON SIESTA - Rare over one acre 200’ gulf front estate in a private gated community. $5,650,000

BIRD KEY - Beautifully renovated 4BR canal front residence incl. the kitchen, bathrooms and flooring. A3989659 $1,750,000

NE W

LISTI

NG

Nancy Taussing, Barefoot Weddings, and Marc Mannino, Elegant Entertainment

OAKS BAYSIDE - Courtyard residence that has been beautifully remodeled and replumbed. A3986008 $699,000

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 Office 941.383.7591 | Mobile 941.928.3559 | SarasotasFinestProperties.com 133462

Jay Anderson, Edgewater Contractors, Victoria Jacobson, executive assistant of the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, and Josh Conn, AMR Contractors

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

Steve and Donna Zook, The Beachcomber

Discriminating Tastes Require Uncompromising Results You Expect More …

ERIC TEOH

941-735-2199 Eric@teamrenick.com

MICHAEL RENICK

941-400-8735 Mike@teamrenick.com

For Buyers & Sellers

Anna Maria Island • Bird Key • Bradenton • Bradenton Beach • Holmes Beach • Lido Key • Longboat Key • Sarasota • St. Armands • Siesta Key T JUS

D

UCE

RED

LBK First Floor with Gulf View! $260,000

No stairs to climb as you enter this unit. Lots of potential with this two bedroom, one bath condo. First floor view of the Gulf. Perfect for an Investment Property, Second Home, or a Vacation Getaway. Seaplace Assoc. Longboat Key Condo MLS#: A3990198

Windward Bay LBK

$379,000

Siesta Key Beach

$499,000

Anna Maria

LBK Cute! Cute! Cute!

$399,000

You’ve found it …

$420,000

LBK Direct Gulf View!

Longboat Key Canal Front Villa Fully Furnished, Move-in ready 3BD, 2BA, Split Plan Attached Carport, Separate Inside Utility Room Windward Bay Offers: 2 Pools, 2 Tennis Courts, Fitness Ctr. 2 Marinas with available Boat Docks MLS#: A3978884

Florida living at its finest! This 2 bedroom/2 bath condo looks out over the gorgeous beach. This unit offers many updates/upgrades. Whether you are looking for a primary home, second home or a great investment opportunity, you have found it here! MLS# A3989534

$1,250,000

Based Income Property – 5 Units Spectacular Ocean views from every apartment - corner lot! Great opportunity to live in one unit and make money renting the other units This is a must see for any experienced or new investor! Current Tenants have expressed a desire to remain MLS#: A3988421

H WITT C IVE ACTONTRA C

Unit is priced to sell! Two bedroom, Two Bath unit Boat Slips available for rent on property. Perfect for an Investment Property, Second Home, or a Vacation get away. Windward Bay Assoc. Longboat Key Condo MLS#: A3990197

www.TeamRenick.com

This is the one you have been looking for! Seaplace Assoc.

Longboat Key Condo (G6 Building) Partially Updated, Move-in ready 2BD, 2BA Seaplace Offers 2 Pools, 1 Kiddie Pool, 2 Hot Tubs, 3 Tennis Courts, and more! MLS#: A3985138

the one you’ve been search for! Located within the Villages At Pinetree Spruce Pine Enclave, Move-in ready 4BD, 3.5BA Home features over $109,000 in upgrades since 2010 Salt water pool with energy efficient heat pump MLS#: A3988637

Like us on facebook.com/TeamRenick

$430,000

Great Price! Covered Parking! Great Opportunity!

Seaplace Assoc. Longboat Key Condo (G6 Building) Many Updates, Move-in ready 2BD, 2BA Offered Turnkey Furnished, Seaplace Offers 2 Pools, 1 Kiddie Pool, 2 Hot Tubs, 3 Tennis Courts, and more! MLS#: A3987966

135506

Penthouse Level with Bay View! $299,000

8B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

talk of the town

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

by Kelsey Grau | Community Editor

Country Club Shores III discusses Key issues

NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT

by Kelsey Grau | Community Editor

Country Club Shores III held its annual meeting at the home of Bob and Nancy Guernsey Feb. 24. Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming and Assistant Town Manager Anne Ross spoke to attendees before dinner.

Treasurer Nadine Witzel, President Stew Cloud, Secretary Ruth Strauss and Vice President Steve Koziak

Country Club Shores V residents meet and mingle

Al Neumann with Bart and Carol Basi

On Feb. 25, Country Club Shores V held its annual meeting at Sarasota Yacht Club. Attendees discussed happenings in Longboat Key and the nomination of new board members before sitting down for dinner.

Baba and Ned Jewett

Pat and Greg Watson Country Club Shores III President Susan McAnany and hostess Nancy Guernsey

Left: Lee Pokoik, Connie Parker and Kevin Gottlieb

Jan Grzep and Patty Johnson

BRUCE MYER

SELLING LONGBOAT KEY REAL ESTATE FOR OVER 34 YEARS

THE RIGHT DIRECTION

941.387.1859 | Bruce@BruceMyer.com SABAL COVE NEW LISTING!

Vizcaya

NEW LISTING!

Sanctuary

3318 SABAL COVE LANE - 3BR+Den/4.5BA masterpiece home with wide open floorplan and views over the lake of the Harbourside Blue golf course. $1,995,000

VIZCAYA #3C1 - 4BR/4.5BA, Gulf front stunner with private pool, pirvate walk down to beach and oversized two car garage. $3,995,000

535 SANCTUARY DR. #303 - 2BR+Den/2.5BA furnished home in Gulf front community with partial Gulf views from large wrap around terrace. $890,000

Gulf Front Listings

Bayside Listings

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS - #804S, Elevated 2BR/2BA end residence with open floorplan and panoramic views. $1,195,000

530 HARBOR POINT RD - Freshly manicured canal front lot in Bay Isles Harbor Section. $1,495,000

360 NORTH - 280 N. Shore Road #6, Three levels of splendor $949,000 amid the northernmost beach of Longboat Key.

ATRIUM #535 - COASTAL CHIC Furnished 3BR/2.5BA remodeled condominium home with 2 parking spaces. $1,399,000

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS - #1003S, 2BR/2BA residence on the south tower’s 10th floor with endless views. $949,000

GRAND BAY #354 - 3BR/3FULL/2HB, 5th floor residence with panoramic Gulf and Bay views. Includes 2 covered parking spaces. $1,249,000

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS - #802N, Stunning 8th fl, 2BR/2BA residence with east and west balconies. $990,000 LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS - #803S, 2BR/2BA residence offering Gulf, Bay, golf course and downtown views. $849,000 SEAGATE - #14D, 2BR/2BA with direct, elevated Gulf views from this 14th floor, finely detailed home. $749,000 SEAPLACE - #G3-102, 3BR/2BA ground floor, corner residence with a tropical westerly view. $529,000 ISLANDER CLUB - #22S, 2BR/2BA, furnished home with pleasing Gulf views and one carport. $525,000 SUNSET BEACH - #1401 Furnished 2BR/2BA, 4th floor home with poolside and Gulf views. $499,000

NEW LISTING!

Longboat Key’s Top Realtor

• First in Number of Homes Sold • First in Sales Volume of Homes Sold • First Class Results Source: Mid Regional MLS for Longboat Key,, 2012

1400 HARBOR SOUND DRIVE - Vacant lot with picturesque waterway view to the Bay. $1,395,000 GRAND BAY #344 - Bay, golf and mooring views from this 2BR+Den/3Full/2Half Bath, 4th floor residence. $1,049,000

BIRD KEY - 339 Bob White Way - 4BR/3BA furnished pool home with 540 sq. ft. Florida room, situated on a garden lot. $849,000 COUNTRY CLUB SHORES 572 Ranger Lane - 2BR+Den/3BA canal front pool home with boat dock. $769,000 2043 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE - 3BR/2.5BA courtyard villa with 2-car garage and pleasant golf course views. $499,000 LONGBOAT KEY MOORINGS - The west coast’s largest marina has a 45’ slip just for you! $74,500

BEACHPLACE - BLDG 11-#202 2BR/2BA unfurnished residence with 1 covered/1 uncovered parking space. $419,000

LONGBOATKEYFORSALE

www.BruceMyer.com

coldwell banker residential real estate | 201 Gulf of Mexico Dr. | Suite 1 | Longboat Key, FL 34228

124837

Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

9B

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

REID MURPHY Luxury on the Water

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE Headed on a great vacation? Make sure to take your Observer along!

Visit YourObserver.com/itsreadeverywhere to submit your entries.

We can’t wait to see where The Observer will travel next!

Call REID Today!

941.232.3304

www.reidmurphy.com

LIGHTHOUSE POINT VILLA

Behind the gates of exclusive Longboat Key Club Islandside!

Exquisite 5,000 sq. ft. 5BR custom home behind the gates on a peaceful lagoon w/ boat dock.

$3,490,000

LOVE-LY VACATION. Former Longboat Key Mayor Joan Webster recently met up with her sister, Alice Donahue, in Arizona. The ladies were visiting Donahue’s son, Jim, and his family for a Valentine’s Day celebration. Webster and Donahue enjoyed attending their granddaughter Azara Donahue’s first-grade classroom Valentine’s party.

BEACH HARBOR CLUB 3BR PENTHOUSE $380,000 Gulf to bay community. Beach, fishing pier & boat docks.

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME ON LONGBOAT KEY Wide canal lot on Dream Island Rd. $889,000 Deep water canal in Sleepy Lagoon $600,000

BAYFRONT POINT 4BR ESTATE $8,200,000 One private acre+ separate guest house. Boat docks.

BEACH FRONT ESTATE $3,795,000 100’gulf front estate plus guest house. Beach sunsets & superb privacy.

SRQ AIRPORT is the proud sponsor of the 2014 “It’s Read Everywhere” contest.

941.383.5577 www.WagnerRealty.com

$8,500,000 LIGHTHOUSE POINT SPECTACULAR $5,500,000 WESTWAY ESTATE ON NEW PASS Private master + 3 guest suites. Fabulous in- 4BR home + 4BR guest house. 210’ frontage with dock. door/outdoor living.

JUST STEPS AWAY FROM THE TENNIS COURTS Jr. Olympic heated pool & fitness center. This 2BR/2BA unit is offered turnkey furnished w/open floor plan, oversized garage & screened lanai. $239,000 Mary Moore & Dia Wilson #M5842540

SPECTACULAR PANORAMIC VIEW of mangrove preserve and Sarasota Bay from this beautiful 2BR/2BA 3rd floor condo in Windward Bay. Great mid-key community with tons of amenities. $290,900 Kelly Belisle #M5843015

PENTHOUSE BAY VIEW LBK 2BR/2BA designer furnished, boat docks, beach cabana, pets welcome. A must see. Great complex, shows like a model. Best value on LBK. Hurry! $379,900 Marc Wilson #A3926740

FAIRWAY BAY TOWNHOUSE, 2BR/2.5 BA living room w/fireplace, vaulted ceiling & skylights. 1 car gar. w/tandem parking for 2 cars, heated pool & spa, tennis, clubhouse & deeded beach access. $389,000 Margot Robinson #A3991494

2BR/2BA FABULOUS FULL GULF FRONT condominium. Great income rental potential. Updated, turnkey furnished and completely remodeled and ready for immediate occupancy. $619,900 Mary Moore & Dia Wilson #M5842686

BEAUTIFUL DEEP WATER LOT in the 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. $995,000 Kelly Belisle #M5836272

VACATION RENTALS

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES $2,300,000 SPECTACULAR BAYFRONT ESTATE $8,700,000 4BR custom home w/designer finishes. Deepwater 5BR 10,000 sq. ft. masterpiece. Views plus dock. dock w/lift.

For property management, call Bonnie Wiedeman 941-383-5577

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Suite 101, in the Centre Shops, Longboat Key

135188

WICKER INN GULF BEACH RESORT with charming cottage ambiance, decorated in Florida pastels, surrounded by gorgeous tropical trees and flowering landscape plants. Each suite has white wicker rockers on the porch or patio. Heated pool surrounded by flowers & white sand beach provide absolute serenity. Reservations: 941-387-8344

GRAND MARINER BAYSIDE $1,600,000 - $2,400,000 Luxury 3,200 - 3,600 SF 3BR condos with boat docks.

DREAM ISLAND ROAD $1,624,500 4BR canal home on sailboat water w/dock & lift.

WESTON POINTE WITH BOAT DOCK $1,075,000 Stunning 3/BR bright & open w/private outdoor living area.

HIDEAWAY BAY SAILBOAT WATER $1,500,000 5BR custom family home w/dock for 50’ boat.

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

135489

ADORABLE 2BR/1BA GET-AWAY located mid-key, tastefully decorated, large outdoor entertaining area situated at the end of the street. Twin Shores is a very active waterfront community. $139,900 Mary Moore & Dia Wilson #M5840765

10B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

real estate | transactions

By Adam Hughes | Research Editor

BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Feb. 21 through Feb. 27, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive)

File photo

Unit C-708 at the Sanctuary has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,375 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,805,000.

Sanctuary condominium sells for $1,805,000 The following residential real estate transactions took place between Feb. 17 and Feb. 21.

A condominium in Sanctuary at Longboat Key Club tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Joseph and Ann Higgins, of Galway, Ireland, sold their Unit C-708 condominium at 535 Sanctuary Drive to Ernest Roland, trustee, of Austin, Texas, for $1,805,000. Built in 1990, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,375 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $2.2 million in 2008.

Fairway Bay

Charles Nechtem, of Longboat Key, sold his Unit 1001 condominium at 1920 Harbourside Drive to Harold and Lynn Wellings, of New Milford, Conn., for $650,000. Built in 1982, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,097 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $430,000 in 2012.

Longboat Harbour

Cyrus and Patricia Amato, of Califon, N.J., sold their Unit 104 condominium at 4380 Exeter Drive to Gail Gilvey, of Kinnelon, N.J., for $205,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 928 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $320,000 in 2004.

Address 230 Sands Point Road 240 Sands Point Road 750 Penfield St. 680 Neptune Ave. 670 Broadway 3271 Bayou Road 590 Wedge Lane 4430 Exeter Drive 55 Lighthouse Point Drive 855 Spanish Drive S. 4621 GMD 531 Chipping Lane 4825 GMD 500 Spinnaker Lane 5055 GMD 3351 Sabal Cove Lane 3710 GMD 603 Longboat Club Road 723 El Centro 618-626 Spanish Drive S. 412 GMD

Permit Applicant Amount Alteration 3507 LBK LLC $52,000 Alteration Sunwing Holding Ltd. $35,000 Re-roof Jeanne McFarland $29,000 New roof Mark Kingman $20,585 Re-roof Jackson Sullivan $19,800 Re-roof Kathleen Sweeney $19,954 Re-roof Deborah Cook, trustee $16,866 Doors and windows Jacquiline Murphy $14,818 Garage door Paul Holland $12,697 Re-roof Ireta Wood $11,975 Door and windows Pensco Trust Co. $10,386 Boat lift Victor Mitchell $8,131 Doors Westchester Condo Assoc. $5,696 Garage door Patrick Gaughan $4,014 Alteration Shirley Schoenith $2,200 Alteration Tim Hennigan $2,000 Windows Dave Arnold $1,650 Kitchen wall Ungar Shaashua Florette $1,000 Re-roof Charles Sabin $900 Alteration Stephen Sherman $800 Alteration Dry Dock N/A

BIRD KEY

Phillip Garner and Marie-Laure Garner sold their home at 419 Partridge Circle to Catherine Cassato, trustee, of Georges Mills, N.H., for $960,000. Built in 1973, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,229 square feet of living area.

Emilio and Robin Palermo, of Sarasota, sold their home at 619 Owl Way to Danny and Donna Montgomery, trustees, of Union City, Tenn., for $677,500. Built in 1966, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,732 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $587,500 in 2009.

LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER

2120 Harbourside Dr # 646 #A3993311 $868,900 Robert Dardas

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

1918 Irving St #A3989181 $849,000 Susan Mcleod

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-928-4445

1777 Irving St #A3985909 $799,000 Susan Fox

Sarasota 941-383-7591 941-544-6648

1045 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 403 #A3989080 $775,000 Janis Collier

Longboat Key 941-951-6660 941-313-1212

373 Benjamin Franklin Dr #A3971800 $3,000,000 Stephanie Church

1939 Grove St #A3990758 $725,000 Alison Elizalde

Sarasota 941-349-3444 941-928-9217

1661 Catalonia Ln #A3992454 $709,000 Dede Curran

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-928-3255

1212 Ben Franklin Dr # 202 #A3990339 $696,000 Douglas Parks

Lido Key 941-388-4447 941-400-9087

3070 Grand Bay Blvd # 641 #A3989376 $679,000 Carol Aviles

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-356-6777

3340 Bayou Sound #A3988963 $674,900 Vicki Collier

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-724-5448

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-451-9819

3080 Grand Bay Blvd # 522 #A3991522 $625,000 Kathleen Callender

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-321-3115

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

1095 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 103 #A3993340 $609,000 Klaus Lang

1281 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 906 #A3992856 $1,795,000 Ian Addy Pa

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

521 Ranger Ln #A3986400 $575,000 Michael Moulton

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

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

6628 Schooner Bay Cir # 6628 #A3990974 $525,000 Theresa Riordan

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-441-6644

800 N Tamiami Trl # 1006 #A3993146 $425,000 Robert Lindeman

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-504-2123

690 Linley St #A3967460 $390,000 Tama Traberman

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

613 Norton St #A3987573 $389,000 Sandi Layfield

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

4600 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 206 #A3993321 $382,000 John August

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

1930 Harbourside Dr # 124 #A3982406 $359,900 Saint Cacchiotti

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

4540 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # Ph3 #A3992260 $325,000 Sharon Freeman

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-545-0899

4822 Lake Breeze Ter #A3992124 $319,900 Maureen Horn

Sarasota 941-383-7591 941-539-3384

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

michaelsaunders.com

REAL ESTATE REPORTS

Explore now on your phone or tablet.

By Robin Hartill | News Editor

Cheryl Loeffler was Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s top-selling agent in 2013 for the company’s Sarasota-area market, with $36.9 million in closed sales.

Loeffler also sold more Longboat Key property than any other Premier Sotheby’s agent, closing $23.05 million on the island alone.

With a background in marketing and finance, Loeffler Loeffler has sold more than $1 billion worth of property since 1986.

“The secrets to my success are based on hard work and knowledge, coupled with a platform of systems and services on three levels … Sotheby’s International Realty, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty and what I refer to as the ‘Cheryl Loeffler’ segment,” said Loeffler, in a news release. “I stay very involved in the community and am consistently in touch with my prior clients and referring database. I stay fully staffed and continue advertising to maintain a presence for the next upturn. Despite economic shifts, we have made little adjustment to our strategies and practice.”

Premier Sotheby’s also honored Joel Schemmel as the company’s top agent team leader, with sales of $34.4 million last year.

Schemmel has earned the honor for the past six consecutive years and consistently ranks among the top 5% of Sarasota agents based on closed sales volume.

Schemmel has 15 years of executive experience with firms, including Arthur Andersen, Andersen Legal and Ernst & Young Law Alliance in the United States and Europe. He holds a law degree from Chicago

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

2307 Cass St #A3985230 $289,900 Brigitte Von Kessel

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

+ Coldwell names Pettingell top 2013 Florida agent Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate announced that Roger Pettingell was its topranked sales associate in Florida for 2013.

Pettingell closed 59 transactions that totaled $61.85 million, up from $50.7 million in 2012.

“His accomplishments, hard work and commitment are commendable, and I congratulate him on this impressive accomplishment,” said Clark Toole, president of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Florida, in a news release.

Pettingell was also the top-ranked Realtor for sales volume in Sarasota and Manatee counties in 2013.

+ Patrick DiPinto opens new real estate firm Former Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate broker/associate Patrick DiPinto has opened Ocean Real Estate LLC in Suite 220 at 400 Madison Drive on St. Armands Circle. The firm will focus on Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Circle, Bird Key, Siesta Key and Sarasota to the west of Tamiami Trail. For information, visit myoceanrealestate.com.

Sarasota 941-383-7591 941-266-2174

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

RE N TA L

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-374-6443

RE N TA L

930 Spanish S Dr # 74 #A3992686 $273,900 Mary Jane Goldthwaite

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

Kent College of Law and an accounting degree from the University of Iowa. He is a registered attorney in Florida and Illinois and a CPA in Illinois.

Premier Sotheby’s also named the following top producers for 2013: Shellie Young and Mark Huber in the Longboat Key office; Charles Totonis and Martha Marler in the Lakewood Ranch office; and Terry Herschberger and Robert “Bob” Linthicum in the Venice office.

Collectively, the eight agents closed more than $117 million in sales.

1485 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 406 Longboat Key #A3985932 $4,000-$6,500/month, 90 day min Diann Thelen 941-552-4200

1125 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 104 Longboat Key #A3977082 $3,500-$6,300/month, 30 day min Diann Thelen 941-552-4200

4830 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # V-11 #A3987845 $279,000 Bobbi Banan

2633 Pursell Cir #A3986454 $224,900 Sherri Mills

6051 Gulf Of Mexico Dr #A3983113 $3,795,000 Ann Martin

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-356-7717

35 Watergate Dr # 1606 #A3990187 $2,100,000 Barbara Dumbaugh

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-350-3743

1281 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 1104 #A3963869 $1,995,000 Hannerle Moore

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

571 Putting Green Ln #A3984052 $1,995,000 Sylvia Zimmerman

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

609 Triton Bend #A3990694 $1,774,900 Barbara Najmy

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-383-7591

128 Golden Gate Pt # 202A #A3978317 $1,595,000 Peggy Mock

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-356-3584

3548 Fair Oaks Ln #A3989481 $1,498,000 Richard Perlman

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

1385 Harbor Dr #A3993454 $1,200,000 Diana Michel

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-266-2677

1445 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 502 #A3989515 $1,095,000 Jenifer Schwell

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

660 Marbury Ln #M5843337 $975,000 Jody Shinn

Longboat Key 941-748-6300 941-705-5704

3010 Grand Bay Blvd # 415 #A3983643 $859,000 Julie Klick

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

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

Sarasota 941-383-7591 941-350-7112

RE N TA L

+ Premier Sotheby’s names Loeffler top 2013 agent

11B

1701 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 3 Longboat Key #A3983807 $5,000-$6,500/month, 90 day min Diann Thelen 941-552-4200

VA C AT I O N R E N TA L S 4765 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # S401 #A3989517 $5,733,000 Nell Leffel

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 941-932-0032

White Sands of Longboat whitesandsoflongboat.com 800.230.2428

134001

Veranda Beach Club verandabeachclub.com 800.411.5511

12B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

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, Feb. 25

75

61

87 (1922)

28 (1989)

Wednesday, Feb. 26

76

57

87 (1962)

27 (1967)

Thursday, Feb. 27

68

53

86 (1927)

31 (1974)

Friday, Feb. 28

67

50

88 (1997)

31 (1935)

Saturday, March 1

77

47

87 (1997)

35 (1986)

Sunday, March 2

79

55

88 (1997)

30 (1941)

Monday, March 3

77

56

87 (1963)

30 (1980)

Average Gulf water temperature: 69

MOON PHASES

SUNRISE / SUNSET

March 8 First March 16 Full March 23 Last March 30 New

Sunrise

Sunset

Thursday, March 6

6:50a

6:34p

Friday, March 7

6:49a

6:34p

Saturday, March 8

6:48a

6:35p

Sunday, March 9

7:39a

7:35p

Monday, March 10

7:38a

7:36p

Tuesday, March 11

7:37a

7:37p

Wednesday, March 12

7:36a

7:37p

TIDES

Highs

Thursday, March 6

 Barbara Motter submitted this sunset photo, taken at South Lido Beach.

3:56a

2:58p

Friday, March 7

5:19a

Saturday, March 8

4:33p

Sunday, March 9

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

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

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

CRYPTOGRAMS 1. H G Q H V B V H U Q H E P R E N R M D Z G H U Z G H B B L P Z B C . N R Z N L M D Z MN

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Monday, March 10

12:05p

8:08p

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Tuesday, March 11

11:56a

9:26p

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12:05p Wednesday, March 12

10:25p

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ACROSS

4

MQPZC

8:56a

4:52p

HAVE A BALL! by Mary Jersey

Edited by Timothy E. Parker

WPMSDZQU

Lows

1 Get into 7 Move through mud 12 Like a mobbed-up politician 19 Frosty’s pipe type 21 Invisible emanations 22 Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia 23 Fall sport 25 Dresses up 26 H, spelled 27 Professional athletes, essentially 29 Lawn growth 32 Elder Bush’s onetime domain 34 Bit of inheritance 35 Cover with graffiti, e.g.

36 Wives of a sultan, collectively 37 Ages on end 39 Hamlet was one 41 Bitter brews 42 Major Ukraine port 44 “Are we there ___?”

46 Banish 49 ___ Andreas fault 50 Prefix meaning “new” 53 Sofa accessories 59 Commerce imbalance 62 Trampled (on) 63 Coin-___ (vending machines) 64 Sturgeon eggs 65 Heads off at the pass 67 At ___ (disagreeing) 69 Consort of Zeus 70 One way to watch sports

76 77 78 79 80

Ear projection Impolitely abrupt Annual Sailor’s “yes” It may cook your goose 83Colorless 85Like a ball batted between the lines 89“Blerg” and “Bazinga!”

92 No longer changeable 93 De-squeak 94 A little more than a quart, to a Brit 95 Water blocker 97 Acquired deservedly 100 Bean choice 103 Gorby’s former domain 106 Sudden desire 109 Blush 110 Addresses the crowd 113 Situated above 115 “Please, make yourself comfortable” 116 Electric dart shooter 117 Able to shrink 120 Orchestra offering 122 Rabbit ears, e.g.

123 Some milk containers 128 Boston ___ (dog) 129 Brainy club 130 Italian province or its capital 131 Classroom needs 132 In a crooked position 133 Usher elsewhere

DOWN

1 Be a stage performer 2 Make like a dove 3 Grand ___ (wine

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 24 28 29 30 31 33 38 40 43 45 47 48 51 52 54 55 56 57 58 60 61 66 68 69 70

bottle words) Boxes, in a way Faction makers Like down Formed a lap Auto-service job Arboreal ape (Abbr.)

Added flavor to an ear City not far from Butte Painting unit Group of eight Bind again Picnic spoiler All in your mind Stab Pieces of armor Lawn ball game State with a pennant-shape flag Sign up for more issues Author’s “writer” Air-traffic control device Place to play basketball “___ port in a storm” Paving block Canadian National Leaguer no more Cherub Choked Apple seed Golfing champ Ernie English noble Fiber-___ Took a bus In a curious way Cookie for some twisters Like secondhand clothing Neptune’s realm Palm fruit Holiday brink Buddhist shrine Intrudes by oozing “Wassup?”

Bean used to make miso

71 Lend criminal support to 72 Cenozoic and Big Band 73 Area between big hills 74 All riled up 75 Crazy like a fox 76 Fond du ___, Wis. 80 ___ Beta Kappa 81 Make a decision 82 “No ___ Traffic” (street sign) 84 Biblical birthright seller 86 Something extra 87 Feudal superior 88 Church leader 90 Rattling noises 91 Past tense of 133-Across 96 Post-wedding title 98 Sports Illustrated piece 99 City pests 100 Find 101 Presser, of sorts 102 Chanted word 104 The scarlet letter, for one 105 Paso ___, Calif.

107 Hobbling gait 108 Fancy little sewing cases 111 Sesame Street denizen 112 More down-toearth 114 Piece of timber 118 Motor vehicles 119 In ___ (actual) 121 Dallas Cowboys emblem 124 Noticed 125 “... ___ he drove out of sight” 126 Cell “messenger,” briefly 127 Drunkard

03-06-14

Thursday, March 6, 2014

ItemsUnder Under $200 $200 For Items ForSale Sale

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales Garage/Moving/Estate Sales

Condos For For Sale Condos

ADULT TRICYCLE: excellent condition, 2 large baskets for groceries or favorite pet, $200.

941-383-7248.

AUCTION MID-CENTURY DESIGN SUNDAY, MARCH 9TH @ 1PM Inspection Sunday Day of Sale 11am-1pm The sale will be held at our Auction Gallery located on the Southwest corner of 301N & University Parkway. *****FEATURING: Danish Modern Furniture, Lucite, Signed Modern Art, Retro Lighting Fixtures, Jewelry, Signed Sculptures, Rugs, Glass and Pottery from several local Estates.***** 13% Buyer’s Premium 3% Discount for Cash or Check Elliott Bernstein Auctions AU3504 - AB2545 Gallery Phone: 941-351-3002 Photos & more: www.auctionzip.com Auctioneer ID#8290

JUST LISTED… FAIRWAY BAY CONDO. Beautifully renovated 2BR/2BA, desirable end unit located behind the Bay Isles gates. Remodeled kitchen features maple cabinets, granite counters and stainless appliances. Baths feature new wood vanities with Corian counters. Gorgeous wood floors in LR, DR and Entry, track lighting, built-in closets, two porches, UV/Weather film on windows – along with many other unique design elements – make this sunlit unit a standout!

Coveted garage space and deeded access to Bay Isles Beach Club included. MLS#R4600962.

Photos online at www.1932Harbourside237.com.

To see…call David Brody @ 412-889-8498 or 412-310-3680 Seneca Realty Co.

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 CAR TOP luggage carrier. $50 or best offer.

248-672-1646.

Autos For for Sale 2003 MERCEDES E320. Beautiful classic black, leather, garage kept, 125,000 miles with another 125,000 to go! Call 349-4835 to see, $11,500 o/b/o.

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

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

941-812-3395 60’ BOAT Slip for Sale. Longboat Key Moorings.

Slip H-12, prime location outside the restaurant.

713-552-1101, 713-725-3453.

LBK MOORINGS: 73ft. Boat Slip $165,000. Easy in and out, unobstructed bay view, water, cable, wireless included. Owner Financing. Other slips available 45ft. to 194ft, from $1,274 per ft.

Bettie R. Perry, Broker/Owner. Associated Realty LBK. 941-961-0372 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.

NEW YEAR, New LOW rents from private owner in high and dry Marina. Excellent boating location.

We will beat all prices! Call 941-544-5597.

Boats Boats are selling Very well. Local Professional.

Many References. We also buy boats. Boat Cleaning to Full Professional Detailing Too! www.Islandboatsales.net 941-228-3489. Dave/Owner

ChitwoodCharters.com Cruise or Fish Hyatt Sarasota Docks 32’/53’ Yachts - 2hrs./2 months 941-383-5232 UNIQUE, ERGONOMIC friendly Kayaks. www.wavewalk.com. Kayaks are now available on the Keys. Call Tom or Ari for your free Sarasota Bay demo. 941-524-7272.

Furnishings Furnishings BRAND NEW Serta Queen Pillowtop Mattress Set. Willing to sacrifice for $150. Need to sell quickly!

(941)387-4810.

' / 2 6

955.4888

www.yourobserver.com This week’s Sudoku answers

HOUSE HOUSE LP LP

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS # # 117730 117730

HUGE SALE! Christ Church of Longboat Key. 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Saturday, March 8, 8:30 - 1:30. Clothing, jewelry, housewares, electronics, books & more.

Auctions LARGE ESTATE AUCTION: March 8th at 1p.m.

5912 93rd St. Cir. E. (Fox Hollow Lane), Bradenton.

1993 pickup truck, fishing boat, riding mower (almost new), antiques, 5, 10, 25, 50 cent and dollar silver coins, jewelry, collectibles, art, kids and cook books, yard decor & tools, furniture inside & out, grill, old plow, 3 wheel bike, dishes, cookware, glassware, old Maytag washer (works), refrigerator, Howdy Doody doll, antique high chair, Hossier cabinet, rolltop desk, old toys, lots of box lots and much more! All Florida Realty & Auction Co. #AB923 #AU1333. 941-746-5355. For better pictures: www.afraac.com - Terms: 13% buyers premium.

Personals *ADOPTION*: Loving TV Sports Editor & Pharmacist, Music, Nurturing Family Values awaits 1st baby. Expenses paid. 1-800-552-0045 FLBar 42311 *Lyn & Bob*.

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

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

Help Wanted Help Wanted P/T OFFICE help for condo on Longboat Key. Call 941-383-3844.

Condos/Apts.

For Rent Rent Condos/Apt. For BEACHPlACE, lBk. Casual beachfront living in 2BR/2BA, balcony condo. Olympic pool, health club, tennis courts. Available June through December, $2500/mo. Also available January through March, $5200/mo. Call for info. Contact Elizabeth/NYC. 212-570-2950.

L’AMBIANCE, LONGBOAT Key Club: Beach front 2/bedroom, 3/bath condo on high floor with 270° views over the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota Bay and LBK Club. Sunrises, sunsets over the water thru floor to ceiling windows in all rooms. View at:

www.thephotos.smugmug.com/WaterFront/LBKCondo

Call 203-984-8477 or email garment@optonline.net LBK PORTOBELLO BEACH FRONT: 2BR/2BA Condo on 4th floor.

For details and Virtual Tour, visit: www.BeachAbodeLBK.com Phone 815-919-5357.

LBK: SANDS POINT 1BR/2BA, annual, unfurnished. Behind gates at Islandside. Water view. Non-smoking, No Pets. 941-383-3702.

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.

WANTED IN NORTH LONGBOAT. Annual Rental from April 1st, 2014. 3 + bed house. 2+ Car Garage. Private Setting. Excellent credit and references for for quiet quiet gentleman gentleman with with no no pets. pets. Phone Phone references Sarasota Luxury Luxury Rentals, Rentals, 941-225-1356.

941-225-1356.

Sarasota

Condos Condos For Sale

BY OWNER. OWNER. Turnkey Turnkey apartment, apartment, 2BR/2BA, 2BR/2BA, corner corner BY unit, Gulf Gulf side. side. $550,000. $550,000. Lots Lots of of furniture, furniture, lots lots of of unit, room, room, lots lots of of view, view, feet feet from from the the beach. beach. Call Call 941-383-1741.

941-383-1741.

FREE! What What every every Real Real Estate Estate buyer buyer or or seller seller FREE! needs to to know! know! needs Go to: to: www.yourmarketupdate.com www.yourmarketupdate.com Go GATED GATED BEACHFRONT BEACHFRONT Community Community on on Longboat Longboat Key. Key. 2BR/2BA, 2BR/2BA, updated updated kitchen, kitchen, appliances, appliances, granite in in master, master, heated heated pools. pools. $299,900. $299,900. Brooke Brooke granite O’Malley, CLUB CLUB REALTY. REALTY. 941-726-2677 941-726-2677 O’Malley,

Visit our website at www.yourobserver.com

LBK: BAY ISLES; By Owner. 2BR/2.5BA, 2 car garage, 2400/sq.ft., $565,000. Call 941-383-5944.

LONGBOAT KEY CLUB: INN ON THE BEACH. Private club suite, turnkey, tennis, Golf course view, 650/ sq.ft. $339,000. 708-267-6704.

Homes For Rent Homes Rent LBK: ANNUAL RENTAL. Fully furnished, beautiful, 3BR/3BA +office and media room. Pool, spa, private dock, deeded beach access. $5800/mo. includes pool and yard maintenance. 941-383-8278.

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

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

GUlFFRonT: lonGBoAT TERRACE 2BR/2BA condo. Available starting April Tastefully decorated.

321-279-3610.

LBK C.C. SHORES. 3BR/2BA/2CC. Vacation paradise home. Beautifully furnished, large heated pool, dock, laminated floors in bedrooms, king sized bed, screened lanai, Wi-Fi, plasma TV, phone and cable, W/D, walk to beach.

No pets/non-smoking. Bring your boat. Sleeps/5. $4500/mo. Owner: 941-504-1492, 941-504-1927.

Homes For Sale Homes Sale

LIDO BEACH CONDOMINIUMS Weekly - Monthly - Seasonal

**UPSCALE HOMES** Luxury homes, affordable financing, premium locations. Receive a FREE list w/pictures.

SarasotaWaterfrontLuxury.com Free recorded message 1-800-691-0176 ID # 1049

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

Re/Max Alliance Group ENJOY THE FUN!!

St. Armands Best home is 4,757 sq.ft., Very open & spacious, southside pool.

Convenient to Lido Beach & Opera.

Asking $1,800,000 Glenn Callaghan, LLC Re/Max Alliance 941-928-9020

Lots/Acreage For Sale Lots/Acreage Sale WATERFRONT BUILDING SITE South facing canal lot five lots from bay on Jungle Queen Way. Plans for 2600 ft. custom home included. For sale by owner $310,000. Call 612-723-6437

Out-of-State Property Out-of-State Property JACKSON HOLE GOLF AND TENNIS CLUB. A VIEW TO LIVE FOR!! Single Family Cabin with spectacular views of the Tetons. At the edge of Grand Teton National Park. Great golf, tennis, swimming, world class skiing, fishing and superb dining. Wildlife abundant. 2BR/2.5BA. Designer furnished and decorated. Convenient to airport, historic Town of Jackson. Golf and tennis membership available. Offered at $1,250,000. Joseph Albano 941-400-8877.

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

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

Weekly rates. Lido Dorset. Rental condo.

1-800-734-3370.

LONGBOAT KEY Club Beachfront: 1/BR, 2/Bath.

Sands Point Condo with Gulf views, large living room, den and beautifully renovated kitchen. Call 203-984-8477 or E-mail: garment@optonline.net LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS. Beachfront condo behind the gates. Available winter 2015. 2BR/2BA, direct close-up Gulf view. Call 847-295-9252.

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. 2BR/2BA, professionally designed condo with gulf views, beautiful sunsets, double terrace with private steps leading to beach, pool and jacuzzi. Designated underground parking spot. Available April/May 2014, very flexible time frames. $5800/mo. Virtual tour: www.stephanienigrodesigns.com. Click Floridian Projects, then beachfront property. 941-586-6882.

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.

PORTOBELLO: 3240 GMD on Longboat Key: 5th floor unit, Gulf view, private heated pool, steps to beach, 2BR/2BA. Reserve 1st quarter 2015.

941-223-0061.

62/'

email: info@sarasotaluxuryrentals.com

www.yourobserver.com

This week’s Crossword answers

Personalized attention with professional honest advice.

25 Years Experience - References available

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals Vacation/Seasonal Rentals A BEACHPLACE BEACHPLACE LBK LBK Condo.

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

Available Available June, June, Aug., Aug., Sept., Sept., Oct., Oct., Dec., Dec., 2014.

2014.

Non-smoking/ pets. pets. By By owner. owner. 941-383-1884.

941-383-1884.

Non-smoking/ BAYPORT BEACH: BEACH: 2015 2015 Season.

Season. First First floor, floor, BAYPORT 2BR/2BA, 2BR/2BA, end end unit, unit, gym, gym, nobody nobody above, above, internet, internet, 1650/sq.ft.

1650/sq.ft. 941-387-0070.

941-387-0070.

BAYPORT, LONGBOAT LONGBOAT KEY. KEY. Beautifully Beautifully furfurBAYPORT, nished 2BR/2BA, 2BR/2BA, direct direct Gulf Gulf view, view, lanai, lanai, sundeck, sundeck, nished tennis, tennis, pool, pool, fitness fitness center, center, premium premium cable cable TV, TV, hi-speed hi-speed wireless wireless internet, internet, more. more. Available Available December 2014-January 2014-January 2015.

2015. 954-476-1137, 954-476-1137, December bayportapt@gmail.com bayportapt@gmail.com BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL 2BR/2BA 2BR/2BA condo condo behind behind gates gates of of Longboat Longboat Key. Key. W/D. W/D. Available Available Jan., Jan., Feb., Feb., March, March, 2015. No No pets./Non-smoking. pets./Non-smoking. Call Call 309-689-0830.

309-689-0830.

2015.

MAKE YOUR PHONE RING Team Up Up With With Classifieds Classifieds Team

955-4888

HOUSE HOUSE LP LP

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS # # 56733 56733

2014

This week’s Cryptogram answers

1. A brawl was raging on the baseball field. One of the pitchers tried to step in and cool things down. “Hey, you guys! This is a no hitter,” he shouted.

2. A gardener was irritated with his new seedlings.

“Why don’t you grow up?” he said. “We will when you stop potting us down,” the plants replied.

14B

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

18B Classifieds Vacation/Seasonal Rentals Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

www.yourobserver.com Vacation/Seasonal Rentals Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

SEAPLACE, 1BR/1.5BA, +den. High floor, southwest gulf and bay views. Steps from beach. Fitness center, tennis courts. Available December 2014 through May 2015. 3 Month minimum. Photos w w w. s e a p l a c e a p t . s h u t t e r fl y. c o m / a c t i o n .

941-270-0237.

WEEKLY RENTALS. Luxurious, fully furnished 1 - 4 bedrooms. Condominiums and Cottages.

Beach to Bay. On-site management. Pools, tennis, boat slips. Visit: www.FloridaRent.com for information and virtual tours. 800-333-7335, 941-383-3117.

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

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.wagnerrentals.com

CLASSIFIED LINE AD PRICE $ First 15 words ................. ............ $17.50 15 per week Each Add’l word ..............................50¢

“Your Home by the Sea”

YOUR SOURCE FOR LOCAL CLASSIFIED ADS

Adult Care Services Adult Services

Home Remodeling Home Improvement/ Improvement/Remodeling

COMPANION / HHA available for private care in your home. Part-time or Full-time. Experienced.

References. Call Elena 941-792-7357.

STEVE ALLEN FLOOR COVERINGS

PROFESSIONAL GUARDIAN: Case Manager, Health Care Surrogate, Power of Attorney, Personal Representative, Trustee, Advocate and Companion for Elderly and Developmentally Disabled. Bonded, Patient and Compassionate. Call SueAnn Sanders, National Certified Guardian, Notary. 941-915-3797.

20 YRS. EXPERIENCE

www.casadelmar.net

Air Conditioning Conditioning Air

Weekly/Monthly Condominium Rentals 4 Night Minimum

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

Reservations: 941-383-5549 Fax: 941-383-7925

Auto Transport Transport

PROFESSIONAL TILE & MARBLE INSTALLATION

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE 726-1802 LIC/ INS

TILE TILE TILE All Variations of Ceramic Tile Supplied & Installed.

Free Estimates & Custom Designs.

Office Open 7 Days, 9a.m. - 5p.m.

4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228

RETIRED LONGBOAT KEY police officer. Drive your car North or South and back. 941-713-1596.

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

Fully equipped 2BR/2BA condos with washer and dryer, and wireless internet in each unit.

Catering

Grout Cleaning & Sealing Service Available

HHHHH

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

Extra Large Heated Gulf View Swimming Pool!

BLUE DOLPHIN CAFE

OUR GUESTS RETURN FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNERS ARE BACK AT OUR LONGBOAT KEY CENTRE SHOPS LOCATION!!

Waterfront Property Waterfront Property WATERFRONT “Million Dollar View” - FSBO. Go to: www.tarawittdrive.com Brokers paid.

Check it out.

FRIDAY **MARCH 7**

Adult Care Services Adult Services

4 LIVE MAINE LOBSTER 4 BLUE FIN CRAB CAKES 4 PRIME RIB 4 SALMON WITH

A Lending Hand, Inc.

MANGO CITRUS SALSA

ALL ENTREES SERVED WITH CHEF’S CHOICE STARCH & VEGETABLE

15% DISCOUNT for 4 week Run Yellow color $5 per Week Border as low as $3 per Week Call: 955-4888 classified@yourobserver.com Email: classified@yourobserver.com Online: www.yourobserver.com

THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER Thursday, March 6, 2014

HOMEMADE PIES! AND MUCH MORE... JUST ASK...

Caregivers/Companions Hourly 24/7Care Transportation Social Outings/Dr. Appts.

Housekeeping Meal Preparation Assistance With Daily Living Activities Respite Care 941-809-3725 HCS #230506 NR #30211577

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FRIDAYS NOW OPEN 8A.M.-8P.M. FULL MENU AVAILABLE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER 383-3787 CALL FOR RESERVATIONS BEER & WINE AVAILABLE

Personal Services Personal Services DO YOU NEED A PERSONAL ASSISTANT? Transportation, Personal Errands/Shopping, Doctor Appts, Housesitting, Social EventsTheater, Dinner etc. Light meal preparation/ housekeeping. Call Ms. Schwabe 941-932-2732.

SARASOTA COURIER Your Full Service Company! *Restaurant Pick up & Delivery *Private Executive Car Service *Parcels, Gifts, Flowers, Groceries, Prescription Pick up & Delivery *Professional Packing and Moving *Removal of Unwanted Items *House Clearance Specialists 20 Years Experience - Uniformed Staff

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

BLUE FISH CLEANING INC. 941-705-3812.

Insured, Bonded. Affordable reliable home cleaning, $80, 2 cleaners, 2 hours.

www.sarasotacourier.com 855-776-7363 or 212-804-8525

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

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

Home Remodeling Home Improvement/ Improvement/Remodeling ISLE TILE FOR “QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE” Floors, bathrooms, showers, backsplashes, patio and pool decks.

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

SELL Y E N O M E V A $ AND IT!

Y E N O M E K A M 955-4888

Your source for local Classifieds

Painting/Wallpapering 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.

CUSTOM PAINTING, Wallpaper Removal.

Quality work at a reasonable price.

Free Estimates. Established 1978. Call Daniel at L.L. Armstrong Contracting. Lic./Insured.

941-323-5074.

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

Cleaning

20 years design background.

Licensed - Insured - LBK Resident References upon request.

941-383-2659

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Expert Marble & Travertine Installation Floor & Walls

www.yourobserver.com

YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner Personal & Business Bookkeeping Accounting/ Taxes I come to your home or office.

4 Bill Paying & Account Reconciliation 4 Organizing Personal and Business Files 4 Budgets & Financial Reports 4 Federal and State Tax Returns BONDED & INSURED Over 25 yrs. experience Telephone: 941-749-5646 yourbookkeeper@tampabay.rr.com

Pet Services 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.

Pressure Cleaning Washing

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

GARAGE SALE As low as $17.50 for 1 week!

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

Call 941.955.4888

THE LONGBOAT LONGBOAT OBSERVEROBSERVER THURSDAY, MARCH Thursday, March6,6,2014 2014

15B Classifieds 19B YourObserver.com

www.yourobserver.com

Service Directory HANDYMAN HANDYMAN

PET SITTING SITTING PET

Ole Murphâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Handyman Services

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BLACK TIE ‘A Night at the Rainbow Room’ PAGE 17

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

?

Courtesy photos

Former Sarasota Orchestra members (top row, from left) Joe Assi, Emily Brebach, Keith Carrick, (bottom row, from left) Audrey Good and Toby Oft have all moved on to play for larger orchestras. Who will be next?

PLAYING IN THE MAJOR LEAGUE Sarasota Orchestra’s musicians have gone on to play with some of the best orchestras around the country. Does that make us the minor league?

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: MOVING ON UP

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

PLAYING IN THE MAJOR LEAGUE Sarasota Orchestra’s musicians have gone on to play with some of the best orchestras around the country.

Does that make us the minor league?

B

Sarasota Orchestra employs 41 full-time musicians, and is now directed by Anu Tali (inset).

Photos by Kaupo Kikkas

aseball and orchestra are not a perfect comparison.

For one, there are no baseball caps or jerseys worn to Holley Hall or the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The only score that’s kept is one written by Beethoven or Rachmaninoff. There’s no seventh-inning stretch, peanut shells littering the stadium seats or men interrupting performances with deep-bellied yelling of “Bud Light!” There are no rivalries, albeit, there are plenty of diehard fans. And the only strikeouts are the people who did not get tickets to sold out Anu Tali-directed performances this season.

But, what is cause for comparison is that Sarasota Orchestra, similar to a minor league team, is the breeding ground of up-andcoming talent in the country. For instance, at the end of January, Sarasota Orchestra’s co-principal horn player, Joe Assi, announced his new appointment as Dallas Symphony’s third horn. In the past eight years, a handful of other Sarasota Orchestra musicians have moved on to other major league orchestras.

So, what makes an orchestra major league versus minor

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3

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT league? A few former Sarasota Orchestra musicians who have gone on to the next tier — Toby Oft, Audrey Good, Keith Carrick, Emily Brebach and Joe Assi — all said the same thing: “The Big Five.” The Big Five is a century-old reference to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra. Although that moniker arguably still remains true, there are a few other orchestras that could be thrown in the mix, such as: Los Angeles Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony.

Oft, a former Sarasota Orchestra trombonist who now plays with Boston Symphony Orchestra, thinks what makes an orchestra a major leaguer has a lot to do with tradition. When he’s listening to a top orchestra, he can tell which it is because each has cultivated its own sound and style.

There are a lot of factors that play into this, such as the venue, but he thinks longevity helps. Boston Symphony Orchestra has had 133 seasons; Sarasota Orchestra has had 65. So, could Sarasota Orchestra cultivate a similar tradition? Oft says we’ll see in another 65 years. He also uses the term “destination orchestras,” meaning musicians who play with this type of orchestra have reached his or her final destination — there is no next tier.

Carrick, former principal percussionist at Sarasota Orchestra who is now principal percussionist for Utah Symphony, expounds on this idea.

“In our field, you don’t work a certain position and get a promotion,” he says. “(Moving to the next tier) is eventually what

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA’S GROWING STATISTICS • Musician’s salaries have increased in the last three seasons: In the 2011-2012 season, they increased by 1.5% and they increased by 1% in both the 2012-2013 and 20132014 seasons.

• Sarasota Orchestra’s core, full-time paid musicians, will grow by three in the 2014-2015 season. a promotion is … it’s career advancement, plain and simple.”

In the majority of cases, musicians audition for a particular position (such as principal percussionist, third violin or second horn) and he or she plays in that position for the duration of their time at that orchestra.

“If you want to have the opportunity to make a bigger salary or play with a better ensemble (better being objective), you have to put yourself out and audition,” says Good.

Good now plays horn with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

She thinks having Sarasota Orchestra on her resume helped her land an audition for the Toronto organization. Good explains that even though auditions are blind according to union rules, orchestras don’t have to always accept every resume. Her’s got her through the door.

Brebach, a former Sarasota Orchestra musician, thinks Sarasota Orchestra has a good starting salary. The salary is comparable to other regional orchestras, but the most established orchestras musicians make nearly double.

Nevertheless, most of the mu-

• Pops performances doubled from 2012 to 2013.

• Over the past 10 years, string section base salary has increased by nearly 60%; the employment package for full-time musicians includes a health insurance plan, retirement contribution, paid sick leave and short- and long-term disability sicians interviewed agree: Sarasota Orchestra musicians play above their pay grade. They are like the Tampa Bay Rays, a team with one of the lowest budgets in baseball that consistently makes it to the post-season playoffs.

The most obvious reason for auditioning and playing for a different orchestra is a bigger paycheck, but, for Brebach, it was also a matter of orchestra size.

Brebach plays English horn for the Atlanta Symphony. At Sarasota Orchestra, she played second oboe/English horn. English horn is her niche. Only large orchestras have a seat for just English horn.

The number of full-time musicians in Atlanta nearly doubles the number of full-time musicians at Sarasota Orchestra. Sarasota Orchestra employs 41 full time, and 32 part time. Having a completely full-time orchestra would take Sarasota Orchestra to the next tier.

Pat Joslyn, who is in her 14th season with Sarasota Orchestra as vice president of operations and artistic planning, says the orchestra has steadily been adding musicians over the past 10 years.

And she wants to get something

straight: “I really wouldn’t want us to be looked at as a farm team because I think we’re better than that,” she says.

Joslyn believes Sarasota Orchestra can become one of the biggest players in the major league of orchestras, but says it’s up to the community’s donations. It can’t survive on ticket sales alone, and she suggests increasing the musicians’ salaries would attract even better musicians. Plus, it would also help for the orchestra to have its own large performance venue.

But, in fact, there are plenty of factors that would suggest it is becoming one of the finest regional orchestras in the country. A lot of it has to do with the recent hiring of a new music director, Anu Tali.

Six of seven concerts she directed this season sold out.

Maybe minor league, AAA or farm team is not the appropriate analogy — other than the fact that Sarasota Orchestra breeds up-and-coming talent. Assi says the orchestra pays a competitive wage, especially to its principal musicians. He also thinks the talented musicians here could land any job in the country.

Assi says he will miss the familial aspect of Sarasota Orchestra and the community support. He thinks things are about to change at Sarasota Orchestra under Tali.

One thing he mentioned is that he’s predicting she’ll take Sarasota Orchestra on the road. Touring is one more element of what makes an orchestra part of the major league. Joslyn agrees.

“I think she’s going to shoot us through the roof,” Joslyn says.

“She will elevate the standing and level of the orchestra to incredible new places.”

PLAYER STATS Toby Oft Current Position: Trombone, Boston Symphony Orchestra Years at Sarasota Orchestra: Three nonconsecutive seasons between 2002 and 2006

Audrey Good Current Position: Horn, Toronto Symphony Orchestra Years at Sarasota Orchestra: 2009 to 2011

Keith Carrick Current position: Principal percussionist, Utah Symphony Years at Sarasota Orchestra: 2007 to 2012

Emily Brebach

to 2012

Current Position: English horn, Atlanta Symphony Years at Sarasota Orchestra: 2010

Joe Assi Current position: Co-principal horn at Sarasota Orchestra; will play horn at Dallas Symphony

Orchestra Years at Sarasota Orchestra: 2008 to 2014

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

CALENDAR THURSDAY, MARCH 6

Concert preview with Jonathan Spivey and Guest Conductor Mei-Ann Chen Sarasota Orchestra Association 10 a.m. at Holley Hall Tickets $10. Visit SOAssociation.org.

New Stages 2014 — The Foundry, ‘No Hero’ The Ringling 7:30 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater Runs through Saturday Tickets $30, $25 members, $10 students. Call 360-7399.

‘The Flying Dutchman’ by Richard Wagner Sarasota Opera. 8 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House. Runs through Sunday.

Tickets $19 to $120. Call 328-1300.

FRIDAY, MARCH 7

‘The Barber of Seville’ by Gioachino Rossini Sarasota Opera 1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House Tickets $19 to $120. Call 328-1300.

‘Jazz at Two’ John DePaola, trumpet The Jazz Club of Sarasota 2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church Tickets $7 to $12.

Call 366-1552.

ART

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

LITERATURE

MUSIC

THEATER

First Friday Art Walk 6 p.m. at Palm Avenue Free. Visit palmavenue.org.

Jerry Seinfeld 7 and 9:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Call 953-3368.

‘Text M … for Murder’ Florida Studio Theatre Improv. 7:30 p.m. at Bowne’s Lab Theatre. Runs through April 24.

Tickets $12 to $15. Call 366-9000.

‘Il trovatore’ by Giuseppe Verdi Sarasota Opera 8 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House Tickets $19 to $120. Call 328-1300.

Masterworks Series: ‘Exotic Stories.’ Sarasota Orchestra. 8 p.m. at Neel Performing Arts Center. 8 p.m. Saturday at Van Wezel Performing Arts Center. 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Van Wezel Performing Arts Center. Tickets $30 to $84. Call 953-3434.

Ring Sarasota in concert 8 p.m. at Glenridge Performing Arts Center. Tickets $15. Call 552-5298.

SATURDAY, MARCH 8

ArtSlam 2014 Noon at Old Main Street, Bradenton. Free. Call 840-0013.

‘Darling Divas.’ Manatee Players. 2 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center. Runs through

E IN TH T

CAS

HAROLD WILSON ROLE: Daland in Wagner’s

“The Flying Dutchman” at Sarasota Opera through March 23.

HOMETOWN: Mount Holly, N.J.

ART SCENE

‘LAUGHING GULLS’ BY AARON BLAISE

S CHEECF’IAL SP

MEDIUM AND SIZE: Digital. 14 inches by 14 inches.

ON DISPLAY: From March 7

through March 19 at Madeby Gallery, 734 Central Ave.

INSPIRATION: “Having grown up in Florida, I’ve always been attracted to our wonderful bird life as inspiration for my paintings. I especially like to paint shore birds, with various species of gulls dominating my work.

Up until about 10 years ago I did all of my work traditionally (watercolor, oil, drawing).

In the past 10 years, though, I discovered the digital medium.

It’s basically painting with light. I have a computer screen that is March 16. Tickets $26. Call 748-5875.

T.D. Allman. 6 p.m. at Bookstore1Sarasota. Call 365-7900.

‘Colors of My Life’ Sarasota Silver Stars 7:30 p.m. at The Players Theatre Runs through Sunday.

Tickets $18. Call 365-2494.

LAND & SEA

touch sensitive and I can draw and paint with a stylus as if I’m working on a canvas or paper. It has provided me a lot of opportunities to be more spontaneous and experimental in my work. As a result, my traditional work has grown as well.”

SUNDAY, MARCH 9

Poetry LocalMic PoetryLife. 2 p.m. at Bookstore1Sarasota. Call 365-7900.

‘Mardi Gras’ Suncoast Concert Band. 3 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church.

Tickets $5. Call 907-4123.

‘Jérusalem’ by Giuseppe Verdi Sarasota Opera 8 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House Tickets $19 to $120. Call 328-1300

‘Singspiration III: And Then There Was Music.’ Gwyneth Walker, Sarasota Young Voices, Chroma Quartet. 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. Donation $10. Call 955-0935.

IF YOU COULD BE ANYTHING OTHER THAN A MUSICIAN: I would be a

WHAT SONG ALWAYS GETS STUCK IN YOUR HEAD: Usually

professional golfer.

WHAT’S YOUR LEAST FAVORITE SOUND: The sound my golf ball

makes when hitting the water hazard.

a German Coloratura aria by Mozart like one of the Queen of the Night arias from “The Magic Flute” or one of Constanze’s arias from “The Abduction from the Seraglio.” Of course, I’m married

WHERE: The Table Creekside Restaurant and Lounge, 5365 S. Tamiami Trail WHAT: American red snap-

per, short rib cannelloni, rock shrimp with a cherry tomato sofrito served with an organic asparagus reduction for $36.95.

WHAT ELSE: The products that

create this dish are indigenous to the area. There’s both flavor and creativity behind this spin on the surf and turf. As general manager Ila Edwards says, “We are all about the wow factor in everything we do.”

WINE PAIRING: You could

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to a soprano who sings both of these.

IF YOU COULD SING ANY ROLE WHAT WOULD IT BE? Mephis-

topheles in Gounod’s “Faust” or Mefistofele in Boito’s “Mefistofele” — two devilishly difficult roles.

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: SPOTLIGHT

5

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Belle Canto carries on tradition of spotlighting women the poetry used in the songs between performances.

In accordance with the concert, members of Belle Canto have participated in a four-week mentoring program under Geneviève Beauchamp (founder of Sarasota Young Voices) with the Boys and Girls Club. They are teaching 10 girls a piece Sarasota Young Voices is singing in the concert, in the hopes that they will perform alongside them.

“We’re trying to give back to young girls a positive image and let them know what it is to sing together,” Goldstein says.

And, the program doesn’t exclude males. The chorus will also sing arrangements by composer Kevin Memley, who was inspired by poets Sara Teasedale and Ysaye Barnwell. Principal Keyboard of Sarasota Orchestra Jonathan Spivey and the locally based string quartet Chroma Quartet will accompany the performance.

“Our mission is to celebrate and share a passionate celebration of women’s voices,” Goldstein says.

IF YOU GO ‘Singspiration III: And then there was Music’ When: 7 p.m. Sunday, March 9 Where: First United Methodist Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave. Cost: $10 donation Info: Call 955-0935 or visit firstsrq.com/music/fine-artsseries

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“Sometimes we learn about ourselves late in life, and I learned that my true gift is my ability to understand how to get great choral sound,” Elizabeth Goldstein says.

So, given its history, performing a concert for Women’s History Month made sense. Belle Canto is an all-female chorus headed by a female artistic director, after all. In 2012, the chorus began the tradition of a Women’s History Month-themed concert. Belle Canto performs “Singspiration III: And then there was Music” Sunday to continue the tradition.

This year’s concert will celebrate female poets whose words have inspired composers to set music to them.

“I think celebrating women in music is a little like women breaking through that glass ceiling,” Goldstein says.

In her opinion, music written for women’s voices is a fairly recent development compared with the hundreds of years music has been written for both sexes.

She’s noticed an increase in her 20-plus years directing choral ensembles in the amount of text specifically for women.

Gwyneth Walker is one of the composers creating these works.

She’s worked with the chorus in previous years. Walker also sits on the chorus’s advisory board and has worked with the Key Chorale and Sarasota Orchestra’s Brass Quintet. The chorus will sing a series of her songs in the upcoming concert. Her songs were inspired by female poet May Swenson.

The emphasis of this concert is certainly on the X chromosome.

Sarasota Young Voices, the locally based all-female youth chorus, will also perform songs in the program. Georgia Court, owner of Bookstore1Sarasota and founder of PoetryLife, will do readings of

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Elizabeth Goldstein believes the heartbeats of singers synchronize. The founder and artistic director of Belle Canto felt it. In 2011, two months after her husband’s death, the chorus sang “Sing me to Heaven” at a concert at St. Boniface church. She describes the performance as a perfect moment; she says she felt as if there was a string connecting each singer to her. The power of music is what she thinks keeps her going through difficult times.

Goldstein says the theme of Women’s History Month, which Belle Canto’s next concert celebrates Sunday, is women of character, courage and commitment.

Goldstein fits that mission.

Goldstein didn’t plan to found Belle Canto in 2009. The idea for the group sprouted out of her work as director of music and organist at First Methodist.

Goldstein led the women of her church choir in a French piece written for women’s voices. The performance went over well enough that an audience member prompted the idea: Goldstein should start a women’s ensemble. When Goldstein learned there was no adult group doing strictly women’s compositions, she founded Belle Canto, which means “beautiful singing” in Italian.

Today, the group has 20-plus auditioned singers who sing everything from sacred music to contemporary composers and classical to the blues. Some women are also members of Gloria Musicae and Key Chorale — two other notable choruses in the area.

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: BACKSTAGE PASS

Spectacular Views

Annual Read-a-Thon readers narrow 3,000 submissions

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Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

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Top: Thirty-five readers quietly read through the 3,000-plus script submissions.

Right: Betty Schoenbaum

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

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Nearly 35 studious people sit in Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret the afternoon of Feb. 26. Each person quietly concentrates, only pausing to sip on a juice box or to refill a bowl of popcorn. Occasionally, one person erupts with giggles.

The roaring laughs usually signify a check in the “yes” column. These 35 patrons, actors and staff members of Florida Studio Theatre are participating in the 22nd year of the Read-A-Thon.

The Read-A-Thon, originally founded

by FST theater executives Richard Hopkins and Kate Alexander, involves reading through the 3,000-plus script submissions from students around the world ranging in age from kindergarten to 12th grade. It’s part of the Young Playwrights Festival (YPF). YPF brought area students to the theater to attend the production of “Androcles and the Lion.” Then, FST acting apprentices visit classrooms to help students write an original play. The ReadA-Thon helps narrow the 3,000 to around 30 winning plays.

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Sleaf = sleeve Tresher = treasure Facke = fake The winning submissions are categorized by age: the Under Six program (sixth grade and under) and Seven Up program (seventh grade to high school). Beginning March 18, professional actors will present the winning submissions as full-fledged productions complete with set, costumes, light, sound and music. During 10 weeks of performances 12,000 students from Sarasota and Manatee counties will attend.

Today, the readers will barely make a dent in the number of reads that take place. After this, FST staff will read any chance they get: between meetings, during coffee breaks and during intermissions.

Once they decode some of the handwriting, readers are looking for strong characters; a clear beginning, middle and end and strong connected emotional feelings. Some students might not be able to spell treasure the right way yet, but they can still dream up an exciting plot about pirates, booby-traps and buried “tresher.”

The topics range in everything from alien encounters to talking food. For instance,

 Each reader gets a packet of 20 scripts.

Each script is read by at least two readers. one fourth-grader’s submission is a thrilling chase story about a carnivorous hot dog bun chasing a scared and bewildered hot dog. Some are more heartfelt. A fourth-grader submitted a play about the invisible Blob of Nothing who just wants to be noticed by his classmates. Others have morals. One first-grader turned out a script about an alligator with no friends because he eats them all — the lesson learned? Friends taste good.

Extravagantly imagined sets and plots aren’t limitations. If the script calls for an outer space and a flying saucer — they’ll make it happen.

“Our job is to make it come alive,” Kate Alexander, FST’s associate director, says.

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: HIGHLIGHTS

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

The Ringling opens potent exhibit The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art opened one exhibit Feb. 27 that’s coming up roses (and orchids, peonies and gardenias). In its fourth year, Ringling in Bloom enlisted 34 floral designers from around the Gulf Coast to create bouquets and designs inspired by the museum’s collection. Each designer selected her fine art piece, and had unlimited parameters. Some were sculptural and contemporary; others were traditional bouquets. Some mimicked the painting, while others took cues from its texture, colors or feelings.

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

Designer Betty Call speaks to Ringling in Bloom viewers about her piece inspired by “Interior of the Pieterskerk in Leiden”

The Triumph of the Eucharist Series in Gallery 2 inspired Julie Eisele and Joanne Northrup. This design is the biggest, filling a 5-foot round table.  Melinda Earle’s piece, which is inspired by “Judith with the Head of Holofernes.”  Sandy Sanford looks at designer Clare Milligan’s piece, which is inspired by “Madonna and Child.”

 Designer Sue Boyd with her design, which is inspired by “Autumn”  Kathy Myers and her piece inspired by “La Sultana Rosa.”

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

Courtesy

“Too Darn Hot” runs through June 7, at Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret. Call 366-9000 for more information.

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// ‘Too Darn Hot’ There are brilliant composers and lyricists — Cole Porter was both. And what brilliance he had; he was hardly a one-note wonder.

His songs ran the gamut from streetwise to sophisticated to bawdy to romantic to cynical to tear-jerking to laugh-out-loud funny. (And they occasionally offered the full spectrum of emotion in a single song.) Porter could touch your heart and dazzle your mind with verbal pyrotechnics. He was that good.

Some songs age well; some age badly.

Porter’s songs have not aged at all, as “Too Darn Hot” proves. It’s the current revue at Florida Studio Theatre — a reprise of a 2004 review, created by Richard Hopkins, Rebecca Hopkins and Jim Prosser. I enjoyed it the first time. The second time around, the show is as fresh as ever.

The cast is a well-oiled music machine.

Prosser does his light-fingered magic on the piano. Ruthie Stephens, Stephen Hope, Gayle Samuels and Derrick Cobey are the singer/actors.

I say “singer/actors” because this is more than a jukebox revue. The show’s creators put a dramatic frame around Porter’s tunes. (There are snippets of biography.) This musical box is all about Porter’s creative obsessions.

Porter was a worldly wise (and occasionally wicked) sophisticate. Hope embodies this with his snarky, urbane comic persona. He gets in a funny line in “Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love)” — which he describes as a “musical Kama Sutra on Noah’s ark.” No city exemplifies Porter’s brand of tough, knowing urbanity better than New York City. Hope nails that attitude in “I Happen to Love New York.”

Porter also loved Paris — and famously wrote a song to that effect. But that song was not the only one. FST’s musical box is packed

with five lyrical love letters to Paris. But Porter was no tourist. He saw the City of Light’s dark side, too. Stephens takes us there in her heartrending rendition of “Love for Sale” — played here as a Parisian streetwalker’s knowing lament.

Porter was an equal fan of word play and musical high wire acts. Cobey stands out here, particularly in “I’m Throwing a Ball Tonight.”

The tune is a switchback roller coaster full of key changes and tough-to-hit half notes.

Cobey hits them all with a combination of power and finesse.

Porter did not just create songs: He created characters. Every Porter song is either in his voice or the voice of a fully realized human being. The mercurial Samuels is a fine singer in her own right and also a fine actor. She melts into her characters with subtle shifts, not just of voice, but body language and attitude.

Brilliant.

To be fair, granted the revue’s structure, teasing the brilliant performances apart is a tad artificial. Director Hopkins and Musical Director Jeffrey Campos create a constantly shifting musical kaleidoscope. Quartet becomes duo becomes solo act, as the singer/actors constantly change places. The effect is like being invited to the party of the century — and that’s no accident.

Porter was famous (or infamous) for his scandalous parties with the upper crust.

(Unlike Groucho Marx, he was happy to join any club that invited him.) The lyricist/composer bit the wealthy hands that fed him, but did not stop dining and feeding on tidbits of gossip and phrase he worked into his songs.

Porter’s love/hate relationship with the rich filtered into his songs. He dithered between social climbing and sarcasm, sophistication and coarse jokes. His multilayered attitude toward the wealthy does not easily fit in today’s one-note politics, which, perhaps, is why his work is still so entertaining.

Thanks to Porter’s songs, the party goes on.

— Marty Fugate

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

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Audience members are probably starting to get accustomed to Sarasota Ballet Director Iain Webb’s knack for programming variety into each and every show throughout the season, and this spring program was another perfect example of that. The Sarasota Ballet performed Sir Frederick Ashton’s “Monotones I & II,” Ricardo Graziano’s “Before Night Falls” and Agnes DeMille’s “Rodeo.” These pieces presented a mix of classical, contemporary and storyline.

Ashton’s “Monotones I & II” are two pas de trois pieces, with the first featuring two women and one man, and the second, the opposite, with two men and one woman.

The pieces are performed on a stark stage in unitards and skullcaps emphasizing the movements performed by the dancers. In “Monotones I,” the two women, danced

by Ryoko Sadoshima and Samantha Benoit, mirror each other while dancing with Alex Harrison. This piece requires immense control from the dancers, because the choreography calls for many poses in arabesque, développés and sur la pointe.

In “Monotones II,” Graziano and Ricardo Rhodes partnered Victoria Hulland with precision while she balanced in overstretched positions such as a full split on pointe.

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continue to improve, but also his dexterity at contemporary pieces versus the classical and neoclassical styles. “Before Night Falls” was set to music by Ólafur Arnalds, which featured classical strings mixed in with electronic musical undertones. The four different pas de deux demonstrated the different emotions love evokes.

Hulland and Edward Gonzalez were flirtatious while experiencing new love.

Kristianne Kleine and Juan Gil were absolutely glorious in the thrills of new love.

Kleine demonstrated a renewed sense of maturity on stage in both her technique and emotions. Kate Honea begged forgiveness and a second chance in her pas de deux with David Tlaiye. And emotions were charged as Rhodes and Danielle Brown had one last kiss before Brown died in Rhodes’ arms. Each of these pas de deux was interspersed with intense dancing from three couples, which seemed to embody the stresses of life that affect relationships.

DeMille’s “Rodeo” is always a crowd favorite and a classic of all time. With Aaron Copland’s boisterous score, DeMille created an all-American ballet, pairing traditional dances such as the square dance with contemporary dance steps and riding movements. DeMille, who originated the role of the Cowgirl, would definitely approve of Elizabeth Sykes as the Cowgirl. Sykes has a lovely animated face that blends both comedy and emotion along with a crisp technique and dancing style perfect for the role.

Also notable: Logan Learned impressed with his tap-dance solo, while Graziano walked around with just the right amount of swagger, igniting a few yeehaws from the audience.

— Anna Dearing

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

OPERA // Sarasota Opera’s ‘The Flying Dutchman’

Sarasota Opera presents Wagner’s “The Flying Dutchman.” to pounce to life. She’s surrounded by her women friends who spin spinning wheels to please their men with gifts when they finally return from their seafaring adventures.

She’s pledged to Erik, a hunter (sung by the dramatic tenor, Michael Robert Hendrick), but has eyes only for the mythic Dutchman.

The story, like the spinning wheels, weaves a spell that captures the listener and carries us into a land we know cannot exist but wraps us so cleverly in its spectral cloak, we’re carried into the cold, dark seas and woven into its very fabric.

What takes us there is the singing. This is a cast of such compelling, powerful singers, it’s impossible not to be drawn into their persuasive story.

Top among them is Michael Robert Hendrick, the tenor who played such a convincing Lennie last season in Sarasota Opera’s production of “Of Mice and Men.” There, it was his powerful acting and vocal prowess that made us believers. As Erik in this Wagnerian epic, his formidable dramatic

Photo by Rod Millington

tenor takes over, making him a confused, passionate, despairing lover, deserving but spurned.

Dara Hobbs, who began with Sarasota Opera some 11 years ago as an apprentice artist, has since gone to Europe, where she’s immersed herself in the large Wagnerian and Straussian roles, such as Isolde and Ariadne, in major houses from Leipzig, Germany, to Bayreuth, Germany. Sounding like a young Birgit Nilsson, she has a ringing, dramatic soprano voice of polished steel that’s positively thrilling. The more she sings (and Senta sings a lot), the more power she has, cutting over the excellent orchestra like a laser, never pushing and always leaving us with the impression that there’s more.

Hobbs is also a superbly believable actress and, when she throws herself, backward, into the waiting waves to save the soul of her Dutchman, she does it with the same passion and controlled abandon she uses in her singing.

Wilson as Daland, Senta’s father, is making his Sarasota Opera debut with a ringing

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Wagner’s “Der Fliegende Hollander,” (“The Flying Dutchman”), is a larger-than-life, sweeping opera that symbolizes a mythic, “Brigadoon”-like tale and romantic notion that only the love of a faithful woman can save a seafarer from a life worse than many deaths. It’s the saga of a hunky sea captain who’s doomed to sail the seas on a ghost ship that reveals itself only once every seven years, for one day, so the Dutchman at the helm may search for the love of a woman who will remain true to him for eternity. We meet him as his ship materializes on a rocky Norwegian coast — an apparition in red that glows with a spectral, supernatural aura. It’s the first act of “Dutchman,” and Wagner creates a 40-minute bass duet that spews glorious music at us like sea foam flying from crashing waves.

Act one of “The Flying Dutchman” is more of a scene-setter than action-thriller.

The Norwegian sailor, Daland, sung with a strong, robust voice by bass Harold Wilson, has boundless dreams of bounty that will make him rich beyond measure. And, when he meets a stranger (the Dutchman, himself, played with stentorian grandeur and pathos by bass Kevin Short) from the mysterious, looming, blood-red ship, hears his story and sees the abundant riches he’s gathered from his centuries at sea, he decides to give him his daughter in marriage, to fulfill the Dutchman’s dream of a beautiful, faithful wife.

In an hour or so, in the second act, we meet Senta (embodied fully by the incredible soprano Dara Hobbs), the long-suffering, dreamy young girl who’s at home, yearning for the Dutchman whose portrait looms over their home like an phantom waiting

bass voice that, with care, could take him into the dramatic heft needed for Wagner.

Short, the stalwart bass who’s been showing his ample voice in varied roles from his debut here in 1991 as Mephistopheles in “Faust,” to his charmingly comic appearance a couple of seasons ago in “Un giorno di regno,” did some of his finest singing yet as the Dutchman. A former wrestler, Short’s stage presence is masterful. He appears and commands our attention. When he opens his mouth, his large, cutting basso dominates the stage. As they say in commercials, Short is the Dutchman.

None of this could happen without the musical leadership of Conductor David Neely and the impressive Sarasota Opera Orchestra. There may be a lot of music being made on the stage, but Wagner has made sure the instrumental action in the pit is just as formidable and important. From the well-known overture to the final sweeping music lines at the end of this epic, Neely and the orchestra become another important character in the show.

Tom Diamond, the director who brought it all together on stage, was not only making his Sarasota Opera debut, he was also directing his first Wagner opera, and he did it with the light touch needed for such a substantial piece of musical theater. This is an opera that can seem static, especially in the first act. But Diamond seems to have worked with his excellent cast to make each performer a believable, three-dimensional individual, making for an electrifying performance.

David P. Gordon’s brilliant scenic design, especially the phantom ship hovering over the stage, punches home the gripping force of the story. And Ken Yunker’s lighting is pure stage-craft, taking us from stormwhipped seas into a Vermeer-like interior of a seafarer’s home and, finally, that transfixing moment when the ghosts of the ship come alive. All together, they make this a thrilling, chilling, captivating opera.

— June LeBell

366-9000 �oridastudiotheatre.org

1241 N. Palm Avenue, Downtown Sarasota

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

FILM // ‘Like Father, Like Son’

Changing the World One Smile at a Time 941-927-5411

Courtesy

“Like Father, Like Son”

treads touchy subject matter with immense emotional insight. He never stoops to sentimentality but, rather, navigates a steady course of exploration in this beautifully crafted film. The heartbreaking premise is wonderfully balanced with humor, love and exquisite cinematography. Most importantly, there are no villains in his story.

“Like Father, Like Son” presents its audience with a vast array of dilemmas. There are no clear-cut answers. Those are left up to us. It’s a rare film that demands participation by examining our own set of values. And one need not be a parent to become totally immersed in the process. We’re naturally drawn to the characters because they are us ... flawed, fallible and yet wanting to do what’s right.

“Like Father, Like Son” is a perspective on parenting. The director seems to be alluding to the fact that it’s like feeling one’s way around in the dark, hoping to be enlightened.

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The new film “Like Father, Like Son” provides a unique perspective on the dilemma of “switched at birth.” It examines compassionate decision making that greatly alters not only the lives of children but the parents as well.

This is the story of two families. The Nonomiyas are living what they believe to be the Japanese dream. Father Ryota (Masaharu Fukuyama) is a highly successful, workaholic architect. But that success has taken its toll on his wife, Midori (Machiko Ono), and their 6-year-old son, Keita. Yet Ryota’s prioritizing work over spending time with his family goes unmentioned.

The Saikis, on the other hand, live a simple life. Father Yudai (Lily Franky) owns an electrical shop, which brings him and his family great pleasure but little money. Yudai’s interaction with his wife, Yukari (Yoko Maki), and their three children is a constant source of pure joy. His 6-year-old son, Ryusei, especially worships his father.

When a blood test required for Keita to enter school reveals that he is not the Nonomiyas’ biological child, lives begin to unravel. The hospital at fault suggests that the families meet, spend time together and, eventually, exchange sons. After a year of assimilation visits, the switch is made.

Ryota, who expects perfection from a child, initially comments, “Now it all makes sense,” when he learns Keita is not his son.

But when Ryusei moves in, Ryota finds it inexplicable that the child has petty faults.

Does his blood truly flow through Ryusei’s veins? The poor child picks up on his new father’s disappointment and runs away.

Neither Ryusei nor Keita can comprehend being torn away from their family.

Director Hirokazu Kore-eda (“After Life”)

14

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THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

// HOME&GARDEN: TOUR OF THE WEEK

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor

BIRD KEY: WATERFRONT LUXURY There is no shortage of stunning homes for sale in Sarasota — but newly built, clean designs and outstanding views in a sought after neighborhood might be more difficult to come by. However, real estate agent Roger Pettingell has one listed that is just that.

Located on a secluded harbor between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, this newly built home in Bird Key captures the essence of waterfront luxury. With a West Indies flair of architecture, the home’s design plays off the views of the outside. The soft colors on the inside work well to take in the vibrant colors of the Old Florida views.

With a dock that includes a bench seating and lift, the home’s location on the water is picture perfect.

The home, located at 602 S. Owl Drive, was built in 2012 by Murray homes and features more than

This new waterfront home on Bird Key was built in 2012 by Murray Homes.

The master bedroom, which is located on the first floor of the home, has views of the water.

Mahogany floors cover the stairs and hallways, along with a wrought iron designed stair rail.

5,500 square feet of living space. It is up to date with elevation standards and impact glass.

Along with the unique waterfront location, the home is filled with many unique features.

There was no lack of attention when it came to the detail in the ceilings — tray ceilings are the norm for each room, but more intricate work can be seen in the kitchen and living areas. The arched ceiling in the kitchen features beamed work and the living room features a coffered ceiling. A bedroom upstairs also has a coffered ceiling.

Other unique features include an outdoor shower attached to the master bathroom, mahogany floors, gorgeous lighting and glass tile detail throughout the home.

Priced at $5,495,000. For more information, call Roger Pettingell of Coldwell Banker at 387-1840.

Photos by Heather Merriman

The home has full views of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

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// HOME&GARDEN

The master bathroom is spacious, with a garden tub and outdoor shower (right).

The unique tile work on the garden tub (top right) acts as an added design element, along with the simplicity of the faucets and square-shaped sinks (top left).

The kitchen features an arched ceiling with exposed beams.

The fireplace mantle was done with beautiful glass mosaic tiles.

The kitchen features a breakfast bar, island and walk-in pantry. Its counters are dark granite with glass tiles for the backsplash (top left). A nook (top right) showcases spectacular views.

This coffered ceiling is in one of the guest bedrooms upstairs.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

// FOOD&COOKING:

COLUMN

TIDBITES

by June LeBell

STATION 400 TAKES A STAND IN TWO VENUES

Contributing Columnist june@junelebell.com

DEREK’S IS DIFFERENT

W

e were up in Bradenton recently to speak with the Bradenton Opera Guild about Verdi’s rarely performed, “Jerusalem.” That worked up a hunger and, since we finished talking at lunchtime, Sheila and Joe Varady, who put the Opera Prologues together, generously suggested we have lunch in the new incarnation of Derek’s.

The restaurant recently moved from Central Avenue, in Sarasota, to Manatee Avenue West, in Bradenton.

Derek Barnes is a hands-on chef and he was very much in evidence, greeting patrons as they entered, stopping by tables and letting us know he was around if we needed anything extra.

As you’ll remember, Sarasota’s Central Avenue, in the Rosemary District, is a sort of funky neighborhood with quirky boutiques, groomers (of humans and dogs), and antique shops that remind me of SoHo in downtown Manhattan. It’s a relaxed, fun area with a wonderful individuality that sets it apart from other downtown Sarasota neighborhoods. Derek’s, when it was on Central, stood out as an upscale restaurant with a reputation for excellent food and a romantic chic that made it a great spot for quiet dining after 6 p.m.

Derek’s on Manatee Avenue West is different. Now open for lunch and dinner, the food remains terrific but the setting is more adventurous and fun. In fact, it looks more now like the Rosemary District than it did when it lived there.

June LeBell

French Napoleons with powdered sugar at Michael’s On East

MICHAEL’S ON EAST: THE BEST FOR GALA DINNERS Derek Barnes

Courtesy photo

Derek’s lunch menu is modern, featuring popcorn, in various flavors and guises, popping up in soups, salads and sandwiches. It’s good, adding texture to standbys as in their “Cracker Jack” salad, a spinach salad that goes out of the box with country ham cracklin’, caramel corn, peanuts, farmer cheese and a roasted apple vinaigrette. Derek’s flatbreads are thinly crusted with unusual toppings, from smoked pulled pork with rustic peach barbecue, to roasted vegetables with a popcorn pesto.

The lunch and dinner menus are small but inventive and, while they change almost daily, they’re always packed with good, casual, rustic cuisine. Warning: you may need reservations. Even for lunch.

W

e all know Michael’s On East.

The dining room is elegant but comfortable. And the food is always beautifully prepared, making it the go-to place for a great meal. But, especially at this time of year, we find ourselves attending big, somewhat fancy, fundraising dinners.

In season there are lots of them but the ones that truly stand out have been held in Michael’s ballroom, just down the atrium from the regular restaurant. Of course, when you have a sit-down dinner, complete with speeches and entertainment, you have a planned menu. And the one put together by the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota last week was positively memorable.

We had to make our choice in advance and, being rabid carnivores, we went for the beef,

which turned out to be exceptionally tender, beautifully seasoned, medium rare, tasty, juicy filets that cut with a fork. The dessert, which we usually skip, was positively smashing.

Consistently great food is a given at Michael’s. What was a revelation was Michael Klauber, himself, acting as the best auctioneer I’ve ever heard. Zesty, smart and wily, he knew how to cajole, tease, threaten, and time the evening’s live auction so perfectly, he brought in a ton of money for this worthy music organization. I used to do that kind of thing in New York City for little groups like the New York Philharmonic and the Center for Contemporary Opera. The other night, I learned a thing or two from Klauber about good timing and great taste, in food and auctions.

We love Station 400 and go there quite often, when we can get in. Living equidistantly between its two venues — the one on Lemon and Fourth, and the one on Main Street, Lakewood Ranch — we favor the one downtown simply because we love the outdoor garden with its flowers and fun sense of going to a party for breakfast, brunch or lunch.

Station 400 has some great specials but, because it relies more on fresh ingredients than publicity, it doesn’t plan ahead more than a few days. Specials or staples, it always does great things with eggs, like the corncake benedict it featured recently: two poached eggs, roasted tomato, arugula, pesto Hollandaise on savory corn pancakes.

The restaurant’s salads are fresh and crisp, and you can get them the way you want them. We’re partial to the chicken cobb salad, but we like ours chopped and tossed.

Occasionally, I change and get the cobb with crabmeat and ask them not to chop or toss it so I have a heaping mound of fresh crabmeat to glom into.

The only downside to Station 400 (and, hey, it’s not down for the owners) is that it’s so popular — especially in season — we sometimes can’t get in. But that’s the cost of fame and great food.

Our trick is to get there after 1 p.m. when the brunch and lunch crowd is leaving. Then we relax amid the flowers and listen as they pipe in Sirius/XM channel 4, with its old standards, and have a good time catching up with the friendly, welcoming staff.

In The

Kitchen

Owner and chef Carmine Astuto of The Sarasota-Manatee Originals Visit YourObserver.com/InTheKitchen For The Recipe And Video

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INSIDE: Cooking for Wishes PAGE 20

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Alex Herrington and Carol Caminer

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

Jim Meekison and Carolyn Keystone, Steve Wilberding and Teri Hansen and Debbie and Larry Haspel

Charlie Ann and Jim Syprett

 Co-Chairs Carol Phillips, Nikki Sedecca and Nikki Taylor

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor If The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota ballroom has ever been completely transformed, it was on Saturday, for Asolo Repertory Theatre’s annual gala, themed “A Night at the Rainbow Room.” Vases of long-stemmed red roses, crystal chandeliers, gold table linens and an outstanding re-creation of the New York City skyline projected behind the stage where Michael Andrew & The Atomic Big Band played, all perfectly embodied the New York City hot spot. Michael Andrew & The Atomic Big Band was also a former Rainbow Room headliner.

More than 350 guests were

dressed in elegant fashions — snazzy suits and ties and dazzling gowns (glitter, fur and feathers was most popular for the women).

Following the dinner and live auction, guests danced on the round dance floor (simulating the rotating dance floor of the real Rainbow Room) and many continued the party at Jack Dusty following the event.

The event, which benefits Asolo Rep’s entire 2013-2014 season and education and outreach programs, was co-chaired by Chris Cogan, Carol Phillips, Nikki Sedecca and Nikki Taylor.

Jennifer Dawes, Aimee Cogan and Brenda Edens

Jerry and Wendy Feinstein

Congressman Vern and Sandy Buchanan with Myrna and John Welch

Photos by Heather Merriman

Linda DiGabriele, Robert Stuffings and Flori Roberts

Patricia Anderson, Glo Reber and John Lucas

Drs. Hardy and Allison Schwartz

BLACK TIE COVER PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

18

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THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

// BLACK TIE: COLUMN

BLACKTIE&TALES

by Black Tie Staff

LIGHTS, CAMERA, CLIFF!

T

S TIDBIT

Surprise sightings … BT was so excited to see legendary comedian and actor Bob Newhart walking through The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota last weekend and, while thumbing

Joy McIntyre, John Goodman and Edie Winston

ONE SARASOTA TREASURE SALUTES ANOTHER

E Photos by Molly Schechter

The birthday boy with hostess Margaret Wise and Teri Hansen Sarasota Orthopedic Associates, has told her she’ll be back on the courts this summer.

through the new Michael Kors catalogue, a picture of the rumored newest resident of Longboat Key on what looks like a familiar beach access … Flambé magic … Phil Mancini commented it was the scariest thing he’s ever seen in the ballroom as the sold-out crowd lit their flambé desserts at Cooking for Wishes Feb. 27 … It’s a family affair … Sarasota Opera lovers are a multi-generational family as was evident at the annual Co-Producers Luncheon Feb. 24. Grant Massey escorted his proud grandma, Jacqueline Morton. New coproducer Jim Devellano attended with his mother, Jean Devellano.

die Winston, aided by Renee Hamad, put together a highly personal and entertaining luncheon tribute for John Goodman, who recently retired as president of the Sarasota Concert Association.

The lovefest featured highly personal gifts for the honoree (guests, too), and piano centerpieces built

by John Fischer. There were and

New opera co-producer Jim Devellano and his mom, Jean Devellano.

AG JEANSJBRAND

DAFTBIRD WON HUNDRED SPLENDID KATIN

JACK SPADE

SLVDR ANALOG WELLEN

PAPERBACK

tales of Goodman’s accomplishments from writing his high school musical in 1954 to his 38 years at Boston University. And everybody loved the performance of “bad boy” songs by baritone Jason Stearns, who explained his preference for his vocal range: “The tenor gets the soprano … but the baritone gets the tenor.”

Other new co-producers included Barbara and Ronald Archbold. “Best Hat” recognition is due to Joey Frye (no surprise there) and Donna Hecker … The best surprise is no surprise? … Planned Parenthood is celebrating 20 years of service by Barbara Zdravecky at its annual dinner March 13.

BT has it on the QT that the team has something up its sleeve to honor her remarkable tenure. Read more about her on page 27 …

Michael Ford looking altogether like another sculpture on the bayfront.

Who sculpted that? It started out innocently enough. On Feb. 19, Michael Saunders real estate agent Barbara May was the docent guiding Marie Connelly from New York City and sister Sheila Connelly from Yardley, Penn., through the Season of Sculpture exhibit on the bayfront. Near the end, the threesome encountered a startling statue that wasn’t on May’s guide.

It turned out to be Michael Ford, a member of the Florida Mandalorian Mercs costume club, testing out his newest get-up. Ford and his friend, Laurie Davis, dress up for fun and to benefit local nonprofits. Contact them at 321-2752 … Condolences … to Edie Chaifetz whose mom Tosia Schwartzbaum passed away in Boca Raton Feb. 21, as well as Janet Walter who lost her mom and was notably missing from South Florida Museum’s Couture in the Courtyard March 3. May their memories be a blessing …

GELLNER TRUNK SHOW featuring

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here was a power lunch at Sarasota Yacht Club on Feb. 20 to celebrate the birthday (61, if you must know) of society shooter Cliff Roles. Margaret Wise and Mollie Nelson were the hostesses; guests included Sharon Black Floyd, Nancy Blackburn, BJ Creighton, Katherine Harris, Ping Faulhaber, Teri Hansen, Flora Major, Marjorie North and Peggy Woods. The bevy of beauties gifted Roles with various items for his upcoming summer walkabout through the Antipodes. Sarah Massey, celebrating her own birthday that day, popped by to say hi. The excursion was North’s first in many months; she is recovering from a shoulder injured while pole dancing. OK … playing tennis. Dr. Johnny Gibbs, the new guy at

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Valerie Leatherwood and Harry Leopold

(continued from page 15)

Andy Sandberg, Ellen Berman and Gary Sweetman

Mark and Kim Standish with Pamela Hughes and Chelsea Potthast

Cheryl Burke and Richard Carpenter

Jessica and Octavio Ortiz

Tom and Betsy Marshall with Holly and Jay Logan

Photos by Heather Merriman

Sponsored in part by:

133275

// BLACK TIE COVER PHOTOS

19

20

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THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY COOKING FOR WISHES Benefiting Make-A-Wish of Central and Northern Florida | Thursday, Feb. 27, at Michael’s On East

Pauline Bennett and Gwen Kruse

Co-Chair Terri Klauber, featured wish guest Naya Hoffman and Co-Chair Julie Edelman

Kyla Weiner, Meredith Piazza, Laura Jessen, Victoria Snyder and Nicole Kaney

Photos by Heather Merriman

Phil Mancini, Jamil Pineda and Michael Klauber

Meg Huntley and Sarah Robbins

Michele Schlossberg and Kelly Engel

Elaine Meshad and Jennifer Meshad

APRIL 3, 2014

Chillounge Night

Thursday • 6pm

WHEN: 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 8

The Dean Home on Bird Key

WHERE: Westfield Southgate Mall

Join us for an intimate dinner with harpist, Cheryl Losey, and guest conductor, Philip Mann.

COST: $25 in advance, $30 at the gate and $90 for VIP Party in style at this seventh annual outdoor lounge-style event. Presented by BMW of Sarasota and benefiting Girls Inc., this year’s event features a new location, as well as live music and other performances.

You will hear the stories behind their passion for the classics.

RSVP: Mar y Hoffman

For a list of local ev ents, or to submit your own, visit ThisWeekI nS

(941) 487-2737

arasota.com/calen da

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Hosted by Jack Buhsmer and Anne & Frank Folsom Smith.

Dinner catered by Michael’s on East with a special musical interlude by the Sarasota Orchestra Wind Quintet.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

21

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY ‘ALL THAT JAZZ’ Benefiting Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Michael’s On East

Lynne Stansell and Carol Peschel

Photos by Heather Merriman

Co-Chairs Karen Iezzi and Mary Cook

Jay D. Berman, Lydia Bohn and Arthur Siciliano

Don and Jo Ann Burhart

Bob Cutler and Barbara Staton

Sponsored in part by:

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Iris Roosa, Judy Alexander and Marion June

22

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THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY WOMEN AND MEDICINE LUNCHEON Benefiting Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Friday, Feb. 28, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Jennifer Saslaw, Jim Syprett, Lois Lucek and Charlie Ann Syprett

Photos by Heather Merriman

Amanda Pileggi, April Woods and Ashley Dooley

Peggy Allard, Pat Riley and Marilyn Maleckas

Dr. Brian Garby, Carolyn Garby, Donna Garby and Alex Quarles

Co-Chairs Ann Charters and Deb Knowles

Janice Tibbals, Cheryl Clark, Anna Maria Troiano and Christine Jennings

KISS OF THE WOLF TRUNK SHOW MARCH 13-15 10AM - 6PM

Unmask your passion.

DESIGNER LORI BACIGALUPI, WILL BE HERE WITH HER LATEST HAND-PAINTED/DYED SILK SHIRTS, VESTS & DRESSES.

A Night at the Opera SUNDAY, MARCH 16 • 7 PM First United Methodist Church 104 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota

HORS D’OEUVRES & WINE WILL BE SERVED

Featuring great choruses and duets from beloved operas

Opulent beauty, intense drama, sordid tales of intrigue, and fabulous voices Featured tenor soloist Adam Bielamowicz and Gloria Musicae soloists

Tickets: 941-953-3368, Van Wezel Box Office or GloriaMusicae.org

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THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

23

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY 19TH ANNUAL EVENING OF EXCELLENCE Benefiting Education Foundation of Sarasota County | Friday, Feb. 28, at Michael’s On East

Sarasota High School student Andre Johnson

John and Jackie Cutrone with Brandy Solomon

Janet McIntyre, Ashley McIntyre and Stacy Freeman

Co-Chairs Taylor Collins and Alix Morin

Venice High School student Yuwen Liu and Suncoast Polytechnical High School student Clarissa Choi

Janel and Brian Dorn with Judy Jones

S A R A S OTA

POLO

Photos by Heather Merriman

CLUB

2014 SEASON BUY TICKETS AT THE GATE Public Always Welcome Every Sunday at 1:00 pm NOW – April 6 Gates Open at 10:00 am Admission: $12 each Children12 and under Free

941.907.0000

sarasotapolo.com Take University Parkway 3.5 miles east of I-75 and turn right on Lorraine Road.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME! Polo is the perfect way for family and friends to spend a Sunday afternoon! Pack a picnic lunch and a cooler and come tailgate fieldside up close to the action!

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THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY 21ST ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF IMAGINATION ‘VINTAGE VEGAS CASINO NIGHT’ Benefiting Temple Beth Sholom Schools Saturday, March 1, at Michael’s On East Photos by Heather Merriman

 John Boyle and Shannon Fedder with Kelli and Adam Jaco

 Melissa and Jimmy Protigal with Jessica Balno

Darren and Rachel Saltzberg

Claudia Pertosoff and Eileen Levin

Peter and Chairwoman Kristina Engelsberg

Graig O’Brien and Christie Dean

Over 200 Quilts Including All America Cities Quilt

SUNCOAST QUILT EXPO Friday, March 7 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

countdown to Mardi Gras

Saturday, March 8 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

2014

Ticket: 7 at door

$

Bradenton Area Convention Center

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1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto FL

Like Us

The Bassett, Vita, Vining and Hermann Group at Morgan Stanley

on Facebook!

Michelle & John McKay

Voted “Best Social Media Initiative” - 2012 Local Media Association

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/ObserverGroup

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THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

25 GIVE THE GIFT OF

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

DANCE

Social Dance Club | Competitive | Ballroom | Latin

Private & Group Lessons • Social Dancing Parties • Meet New People • Learn New Steps • Great Exercise

NO PARTNER NECESSARY

2272 Main Street, Sarasota 34237

| dynastydanceclubs.com

941-955-8558

TEMPLE SINAI 2014 COMMUNITY HUMANITARIAN AWARD GALA HONORING ANNE WEINTRAUB Benefiting Temple Sinai Saturday, March 1, at The Francis

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Complimentary Dance Lesson with this ad

 Stanley Weintraub, honoree Anne Weintraub, Betsy and Dr. James Granite and Janice Weintraub

Join the Sarasota Concert Band for An Evening that is “Out of This World” As they present the “Harmony of the Spheres” Concert, downtown at the First United Methodist Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave. March 8th, from 4pm to 6pm With the purchase of a ticket you will receive a coupon from select Restaurants to use towards your dinner after the concert.

Tickets are $15.00- Children 12 and under, free no reserved seating Tickets can be purchased at the door, Or go on line to http:firstsrq.com/resources/facilities-rental Photos by Heather Merriman

Karen and Bill Witte with Doris Benice

Steve Dore and Gisele Pintchuck

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(coupons will be handed out at the church the day of the concert)

march

16-21, 2014

FOR TICKETS and COmplETE InFO

SInglE TICKET: $10 FESTIval paSS: $54 paTROn paSS: $72 EvEnT SpOnSORS

www.jfedsrq.org/filmfestival.aspx PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

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TICKETS by phOnE: 941.552.6304

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JEWISH Club of lAkEWooD RANCH

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THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

“FLORIDA ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS GAVE ME BACK MY SWING!” Florida Orthopedic Specialists provides expertise in a broad range of orthopedic treatments and dedication to the best patient experience. With a state-of-the-art facility featuring the latest in technology and a highly skilled team, you can expect unparalleled patient care.

Arielle Fischer and Caitlin Balno

Ruth and Ahron Haspel

AMERICAN TECHNION SOCIETY GALA DINNER

Dennis & Graci McGillicuddy

Benefiting American Technion Society Saturday, Feb. 22, at Fête Ballroom

“After tearing my rotator cuff, not only was I experiencing pain but my quality of life was diminished. Playing golf and working out were painful rather than enjoyable. Graci and I sought out the team at Florida Orthopedic Specialists. I was treated non-surgically and am now pain free, mobile and enjoying everything I did before.” Dennis McGillicuddy

Photos by Nick Friedman

CONSULTANTS FOR

 David Eisenberg and Gerry Hirsch

• PREMIER SPORTS CAMPUS AT LAKEWOOD RANCH • THE OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY • SARASOTA ORCHESTRA • IMG ACADEMIES CHRISTOPHER R. SFORZO, M.D. CHRISTOPHER L. DILLINGHAM, M.D. BOARD-CERTIFIED. FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED. ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS.

941.378.5100 • fossm.com 123247

5831 Bee Ridge Road • Suite 200 Sarasota, FL 34233

Gerry Daniel, Bruce Wertheimer and Theodore and Joan Krengel

Body FX The future is here!

SAILOR CIRCUS PRESENTS ITS

H 65TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW H

leGacY

Non-surgical alternative to Liposuction

before

after

Non-invasive liposuction-like results are now available!

Radiofrequency technology provides precise and optimal heating of the skin for tightening and contraction. Subcutaneous deep heating of the fat and high voltage energy blast causes fat cell destruction for body contouring.

Amazing!

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Call for Free Consultation

941-552-6616

Design Consultant

Proud partner of:

IN THIS PHOTO: US Coast Guard member and Legacy of Valor veteran, Anibal Martinez with Sailor Circus students

Building, Renovating or Just Want a Fresh Look?

THURS MaRcH 27 – SaT apRil 5 Adults $16 / Children $12

SAILORCIRCUS.ORG | 941.355.9805 SAILOR CIRCUS ARENA 2075 BAHIA VISTA ST., SARASOTA

126881

TickeTS on Sale now!

SW Corner of Stickney Point and 41

valerie oechslin

FREE BAG OF POPCORN! When you bring in a canned food item to benefit All Faith’s Food Bank Veteran’s Program.

1960 Stickney Point Rd. Suite 207, Sarasota

Simple, Practical Design Guidance

941-724 -2704

valoechslin.com valerie.oechslin@gmail.com

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New Era Medical Ali Shaygan, MD

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THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

// BLACK TIE: SOCIAL STUDIES

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by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor

BARBARA ZDRAVECKY Barbara Zdravecky, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, is being honored for her 20 years of leadership at the March 13 annual dinner. We sat down with the organization’s CEO in her office — “Central Avenue, that’s where I hang out,” she says — to find out more about her life and who she is, beyond her public image.

I GRADUATED from Indiana

University of Pennsylvania, where I was just honored as an Alumni of Leadership. My mother went with me when I accepted the honor, seven weeks before she passed away. It was a wonderful experience. I’m really sorry my parents can’t be here for this event.

WHEN I GRADUATED college, I couldn’t find a job. A friend of mine, a roommate actually, had a contact in Manatee County and she got a job down here. I said,“I don’t want to spend another winter in Pennsylvania,” so I drove down in my old Coronet 440, with no air conditioning, and got my first job. I was a waitress at the old Seafood Shack. Then I took a test to be a social worker — I lasted six months and on my six-month anniversary, I took at job at what is now Manatee Glens. I was doing rape crisis and crisis intervention work. My background is in psychiatric nursing, so I was contracted to do all the screenings for Baker Acts and drug detox cases.

self as the head nurse of psychiatrics — I did that for a couple of years and after that, I took a break and moved to Key West where I helped start a hospice program when AIDS broke out in the Keys.

I was the patient coordinator during this unique experience. I would go into bohemian villages, with chickens running around the kitchens and then the next day I’d be in a very fancy, highend Sassoon house. There was a lot of wild stuff.

TAKING CARE of patients is

definitely one of the most intimate jobs I’ve had. I truly value my experience with that. When you work with families and one of them is dying and you help them with coming to terms with death and the pain and sadness that come with — it was amazing.

I THINK at some point I’ll go back and work with hospice, as a volunteer. It’s the beginning life decision and ending life decisions.

Self-determination, we sure need a lot more of that on the ending part of life.

PRIOR TO taking this job, I had

been a volunteer at Planned Parenthood. My predecessor was going to law school and the search committee called and asked if I was interested in doing it. I decided to go for it, because what could be a better job?

BEING HONORED is certainly

Courtesy photo

humbling and I’m very honored.

I have a lot of pride working for an organization that has had the impact it has had on women in America, as well as an organization that continues to keep a stiff upper lip, who believe in people, believe in women and their potential. I have met some of the best and brightest, most welltraveled, sympathetic individuals that understand the importance of women having the choice of when and whether they will start a family.

I NEVER EXPECTED to be here

my work— my public image has blossomed because of Planned Parenthood.

start my day. It really is a very simple, inexpensive, wonderful way to learn to relax and let go.

I READ a lot. I like to nestle in my home and read. I have a little house on the beach and it’s been my refuge for many years. When I’m at home I am my daughter’s mother first and foremost, a neighbor and a friend. I like to cook, I walk the beach, I go to Pilates, I do yoga, I enjoy special times with friends — I’m really just like anybody else. I have been really fortunate to have a great community of friends that I’ve developed over the years.

MY DAUGHTER Maggie is the

[in Florida] this long. I expected it to be a winter thing, to get a job as a waitress until something more permanent came along.

But things kept happening, opportunities that I stumbled upon that have gotten me where I am now — a lot with the help of a lot of strong women who were supportive and opened doors for me.

ONE OF THE BEST things I’ve

I AM AN INTROVERT by nature,

I MEDITATE every morning to

which seems incongruent with

done for myself recently was going to a Buddhist retreat, headed

by Buddhist monk Thich nhat hanh, in Mississippi. I went for five days in September and it’s had a really profound impact on me with staying connected to the moment and not totally losing grip on things. center myself before I go out to

one I want to celebrate at this event. She did a lot of sacrificing to be my daughter — I traveled a lot and there was a lot of notoriety that came along with what I did. She crossed the picket line with me — between the leafleting of our home from our neighbors to that moment when her teachers would say “I know who you are,” just to see what kind of effect that would have on me. She has lived this and grown up with Planned Parenthood and I’m extraordinarily proud of her.

LOOKING BACK on these 20

years, I’m just so grateful for the astonishing array of people I have met, that have taught me so much. I can’t imagine that anybody could have had a more fulfilling experience. The experience I have had here has been truly remarkable.

The Anna Maria Island Art League presents the 26th Annual

Springfest

Fine Arts & Crafts Festival

March 8 & 9, 2014 Sat. & Sun. 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Holmes Beach City Hall Field Juried Art Exhibit Live Music - Food “Young at Art” Children’s Exhibit & Activity Area Community Booths Free Admission & Parking

www.islandartleague.org

941 778 2099

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MY FAMILY held a great value on us succeeding — I think that what I’ve experienced is so much bigger than anything they had every dreamed of experiencing.

THEN I SUDDENLY found my-

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I’M FROM a small coal-mining town outside of Pittsburg, less than 1,500 people. I went to Catholic school and I was the first person in my family to go to college — truly living the American dream.

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