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Read what the Class of 2014 has planned . for their future. PAGE 14A
Property owners . seek residential . rezoning.. PAGE 5A.
OUR TOWN
FREE • THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014
let’s make a deal
Paul Wolfe is proud . to see his students . become masters. . INSIDE.
by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor
Bids for Colony estate still alive The bankruptcy judge in the case postponed approving a contract to purchase the Colony’s bankrupt estate until June to give the trustee time to solicit higher offers.
Courtesy photo
+ Around the world in running shoes Former Longboat Key resident John Wallace is finally retiring his running shoes after 372 marathons in 121 countries. Wallace, 70, recently returned from Pristina, Kosovo, where he competed in the country’s first marathon. A veteran runner, he has completed a marathon in every country of Europe. His total of 121 countries is a world record. And, don’t forget to take the Observer along on your summer travels! Visit YourObserver.com and click on the “Contests” tab to upload your photos.
The fate of a bankrupt estate that will help shape future development of the dilapidated Colony Beach & Tennis Resort is still available for the highest bidder. In his Tampa courtroom Tuesday afternoon, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May postponed
the confirmation of a contract submitted by U.S. Bankruptcy Chapter 7 Trustee William Maloney with Charles Whittall, president of Orlando-based Unicorp National Development Inc., to buy the Colony Partnership’s bankrupt estate for $2.3 million.
If approved, the contract comes with a $23 million judgment ruling against Colony unit owners. The judgment includes the losses and damages owed to longtime Colony owner Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber’s management entity, known as the Partnership, which
is in Chapter 7 bankruptcy for the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association’s failure to pay for assessments and repairs to the resort. Instead of blessing the con-
SEE COLONY / PAGE 2A
POOLSIDE PATRIOTS
Phyona and Paisley Smelt
+ Turtle Watch grants scholarships The Longboat Key Turtle Watch granted two scholarships to sisters Paisley and Phyona Smelt, students at Anna Maria Elementary School, to attend Mote Marine Laboratory’s Summer Children’s Camp. The Turtle Watch has been sending two Anna Maria students to camp each summer. The weeklong camps allow young children to explore marine life through activities, games and crafts. Campers enjoy snorkeling, going on a boat trip around Sarasota Bay and visiting Mote Aquarium.
TURTLE TRACKS Week of May 18 through May 24
Nests..................................20 False crawls........................17 2014 2013 Nests 177 360 False crawls 106 245
Kelsey Grau
Kay and Dave Walker, Uschi Cooper and Karen Gallagher celebrated Memorial Day with a poolside picnic May 26, at Bird Key Yacht Club. The Anna Maria String Band entertained attendees as they enjoyed cocktails and conversation. For more photos, see page 16A.
NO PASS
by Robin Hartill | News Editor
Villagers hit roadblock with alley request The Planning and Zoning Board unanimously denied a request from property owners to close an alley in the Longbeach Village. A group of Longbeach Village property owners sought a change that wasn’t up the Planning and Zoning Board’s alley. The board voted unanimously at its Tuesday meeting to deny a request Allan and Virginia Luke filed to close an alley that runs from Poinsettia Avenue to Long-
boat Drive South, abutting nine single-family homes and two vacant lots, and discontinue an existing 10-foot right of way. There was no indication that anyone sought to develop the alley, but Allan Luke noted that approval of the petition would prevent the issue from surfacing at a
later date. “Opening the alley would be a major blow to our privacy and security to our homes, which we feel would reduce our home’s value. With the alley only being 10 feet wide, it would not allow for safe passage of any vehicular traffic. Also, any utilities that are
present are accessible with this closure, so that would be a nonissue,” Allan Luke wrote in the petition. The Lukes were out of town and could not attend the meeting, however, approximately a half-dozen residents attended to express support. Elizabeth Brown said she isn’t
SEE VILLAGE / PAGE 2A
INDEX Briefs....................4A Classifieds......... 25A
Cops Corner..........7A Crossword.......... 24A
Neighborhood.... 14A Opinion.................8A
Real Estate........ 22A Weather............. 24A
Vol. 36, No. 43 | Two sections YourObserver.com