Longboat Observer 12.18.14

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CROSSWALK TALK

Four crosswalks are headed to GMD. PAGE 3A

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DIVERSIONS

LIGHT UP THE KEY

Our picks for edible gifts that are pleasing to the taste buds — and spirit. INSIDE

Holiday lighting display winners shine with season’s spirit.

PAGE 17A

storied end

by Robin Hartill | Managing Editor

Mar Vista project gets noisy approval A second-story deck receives approval from the planning board after Village residents make their concerns loud and clear.

Robin Hartill

+ Pete Cumming: Bell-ringer in chief Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming took on a shift that didn’t involve police work Tuesday, serving as Salvation Army bell-ringer at Longboat Key Publix.

The Longboat Key Kiwanis Club organizes bell-ringing every year.

You’ll hear the bell a-ringing through Dec. 24.

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub has approval to take dining to the next level. On Tuesday, the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board unanimously approved applications for a special exception allowing for outdoor dining and a site plan allowing owner Ed Chiles to proceed with plans to build a second-story deck for the restaurant.

But before the board members voted on each application, Longbeach Village residents made it loud and clear that they have concerns. Specifically, they said the outdoor deck would make their neighborhood noisier and exacerbate parking congestion.

Resident Stephen Garrod told the board that Chiles had not submitted a noise analysis.

“It doesn’t take a noise expert to say that if you take a noise on the ground and push it outside and up, there’s going to be a noise impact,” Garrod said, describing the deck as a “visual and acoustical intrusion into the Village community.”

Sarasota attorney Chris Van Hise, who represents residents Samir and Corinne Ragheb, said

that because the restaurant’s square footage would increase, parking increases are also necessary. Staff analysis, however, concluded that the restaurant has the required number of parking spaces, which is based on a formula of one space per four seats for restaurants.

Village resident Brian Feeney worried that the deck would be used for events, such as weddings and large parties, and

SEE MAR VISTA / PAGE 2A

FREEZE FRAME Kristen Herhold

Mary Lou Johnson Photography

Models Aubrey and Michelle Hoover

+ Turtle T-shirts: Always in season Need a gift for the turtlelover in your life?

You’re in luck: Longboat Key Turtle Watch’s 2015 T-shirts are available at the UPS Store in the Centre Shops, 5380 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The new shirts are Carolina blue and are available in both quick dry material and regular cotton fabric. Adult sizes range from small to 2X large; toddler’s and children’s sizes are available. Cost is a $15 donation.

UPS Store hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

Pat Lonsdale, Lana McDonald, Melanie Gennet and Nancy Chanos dressed as snowmen for the Women’s 18-Hole Golf Association’s annual Frosty Frolic holiday event Dec. 9, at Longboat Key Club’s Harbourside Dining Room. For more photos from the event, see page 14A.

BUCK STOPS HERE?

by David Conway | Observer Staff

City leases land scrutiny from Chapman Sarasota Vice Mayor Susan Chapman wants to re-examine city lease agreements with groups such as Mote and Save Our Seabirds. Many of the leases are $10 a year or less.

Nineteen organizations have a lease agreement with the city of Sarasota that allows them to operate on city-owned land and pay $10 or less annually in rent.

Vice Mayor Susan Chapman finds this practice troubling — and she’s calling for the city to take a closer look at the land it leases to other entities.

WHICH ORGANIZATIONS ARE ON THE LIST? / PAGE 2A The city leases more than 240 acres of its own land to outside organizations, more than 90 acres of which is leased at a rate of $10 per year or less. Although

some of these are short-term agreements, others are not; an agreement with the Sarasota Orchestra for 1.13 acres of land near the bayfront runs through 2096.

In October, Chapman requested a list of the city’s lease agreements, placing a particular emphasis on the $1 leases given to nonprofit organizations. She

doesn’t want the conversation limited to just that, saying that there are other lease agreements the city has entered into at a rate below market value.

“Given our city’s financial situation, I would like to look at a financial situation on some of

SEE LEASES / PAGE 2A

INDEX Building Permits...27A Calendar...............10A

Classifieds......... 29A Cops Corner..........9A

Crossword.......... 28A Neighborhood.... 17A

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

Vol. 37, No. 20 | Two sections YourObserver.com

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

MAR VISTA / FROM PAGE 1A

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

HOW LOUD IS TOO LOUD?

urged the board not to approve it.

“I think going up a second level is irresponsible for this board,” he said.

Garrod urged the board to consider requiring the deck’s enclosure with something “acoustically competent” and urged Chiles to shield the neighborhood from noise with sufficiently dense materials.

Town staff recommended approval of both applications, which Chiles submitted in September. He initially sought to add 11 seats, which would have increased seating capacity to 180 from the current 169, but he nixed the request after town staff told him it would not recommend the addition.

After board member B.J. Bishop made a motion to approve the site plan, board member Andrew Aitken made a motion for an amendment that would have required Chiles to use “suitably dense material” to shield Broadway and Lois Avenue from noise. The motion failed after it did not receive a second.

Village resident Gene Jaleski said the board showed “visible disdain for residents here and an exuberance to pass these things without discussion” and said it acted without consideration for public purpose.

Bishop disagreed.

“This application is not asking to become a bigger restaurant in terms of seats,” she said.

“This application is to improve an aging building that is in need of refurbishment. That clearly has a public purpose.”

The board has approval au-

What constitutes a noise violation, according to Longboat Key town codes?

Longboat Key Planning, Zoning and Building Director Alaina Ray told the Planning and Zoning Board that town code does not specify a decibel restriction for noise.

“It’s based on what a reasonable person would consider offensive,” she said.

Planning board member Andrew Aitken said the town needs a decibel restriction.

“I hope when we rewrite the codes, we can be a little more specific,” Aitken said.

thority over both applications, meaning they will not go to the Longboat Key Town Commission for approval.

Chiles told the Longboat Observer he plans to pursue construction in the fall and does not plan to close the restaurant for more than a day or two.

The application is Chiles’ fifth attempt at redeveloping the restaurant. Many previous attempts received widespread criticism from Village residents, particularly a plan to restore the historic Rufus P. Jordan House and use it for meeting and event space, which Chiles opted not to pursue.

“Hope springs eternal,” Chiles said after the hearings. “We’re looking forward to continuing to improve what we think is an asset to the Longboat Key community.”

LEASES / FROM PAGE 1A those to see if we can at least get what we lose in taxes,” Chapman said. “We subsidize a lot of different entities, basically.”

One entity Chapman singled out is Mote Marine Laboratory, which leases 9.5 acres of land on City Island via an agreement that runs through 2050.

At the Dec. 1 Sarasota City Commission meeting, Chapman suggested the organization’s purview has shifted toward an entrepreneurial focus. She cited Mote’s recent sale of its caviar and sturgeon operations to a private, commercial entity.

“I wonder if that should trigger our looking at, reconsidering or renegotiating our lease, since it looks like they’re going to be doing entrepreneurial activities rather than charitable activities,” she said.

Michael Crosby, president and CEO of Mote, said the sale of the caviar and sturgeon operations was a way for the organization to share its technology and buoy its other work.

“This spin-off, and any future ones, are intended to help support the many important missions of our nonprofit lab,” Crosby said.

Crosby said the City Island location helps the organization pursue its mission effectively.

He also drew attention to the benefits the city derives from Mote. In addition its environmental work and research, Crosby said, Mote has a $70 million economic impact on Sarasota County.

“This is possible in part because of the welcoming and supportive environment provided by our local municipalities, whose

$10 OR LESS TENANTS Tenant Art Center Sarasota Children First Coastal Behavioral Healthcare Sarasota Orchestra Fraternal Order of Police Glasser Schoenbaum Center Historical Society Humane Society J.H. Floyd Sunshine Village Inc. Mote Marine Laboratory Sarasota County History Center* Sarasota County Law Library* Sarasota County School Board* Sarasota County School Board Sarasota Flotilla Inc. Sarasota Garden Club Sarasota Military Academy* Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Save Our Seabirds Senior Friendship Center TOTAL

Acreage 0.39 0.67 2.97 1.13 2.6 4.77 0.55 1.59 1.65 9.5 0.45 39 18.68 0.43 0.28 1.39 0.4 0.4 1.46 4.28 92.59

Assessed Value Expiration $1,684,400 2029 $388,000 2023 $1,921,400 2041 $5,382,000 2096 $744,000 2018 $3,363,100 2087 $775,600 2025 $632,600 2043 $2,601,100 2088 $37,819,700 2050 $57,042,500 2018 $15,201,200 2017 $5,379,300 month-to-month $230,900 2033 $912,700 2016 $4,113,700 2014 $273,200 2015 $408,600 2017 $1,849,400 2018 $6,685,300 2037 $119,561,800 *Part of a bigger parcel

encouragement helps make Mote one of the jewels in the crown of Sarasota’s nonprofit community,” Crosby said.

City Attorney Robert Fournier said that although Mote’s lease does allow for the city to terminate the deal if Mote loses its nonprofit status, any unilateral action on the city’s end would need to be backed by a specific provision in the agreement.

Otherwise, unless Mote is willing to revisit its lease, the city is stuck with the terms to which it has already agreed.

“A lease is a contract,” Fournier said. “It’s an agreement, and it requires the mutual agreement of the two parties to make a change in its provisions.”

Just down the road on City Island, Save Our Seabirds also benefits from a $1 annual lease agreement with the city. That

agreement, which allows for the use of 1.46 acres of city-owned land, comes up for renewal in 2018; should the city re-examine its leasing policy, Save Our Seabirds could be one of the first groups to feel the impact.

David Pilston, CEO of Save Our Seabirds, said the lease agreement with the city — and the savings generated by it — was crucial to the group’s operations.

“Without this facility at that price, we would not be as successful as we are,” Pilston said.

Although the city may not have options when it comes to longterm leases, Chapman still wants a serious conversation about how the city manages its land.

“In these difficult economic times, maybe we should be looking at what these dollar-a-year leases entail in terms of area and city investment,” Chapman said.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

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3A

WHERE CAN YOU CROSS?

by Robin Hartill | Managing Editor

The following is a map showing proposed crosswalk locations for Gulf of Mexico Drive.

North of Spanish Drive “We met with the community, and based on their input, we decided that may not be a good location,” Nandem said.

Three-day counts from an FDOT study also showed traffic was not sufficient to justify a crosswalk.

Kristen Herhold

The curve at the intersection of Broadway and Gulf of Mexico Drive makes it a poor fit for a crosswalk, according to L.K. Nandem, district traffic engingeer for FDOT, who suggested the town pursue a roundabout at the location.

Commission circles Broadway for roundabout consideration Four crosswalks are headed to an FDOT-controlled thoroughfare near you. That is, unless you live on the north end.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is gearing up to install four Gulf of Mexico Drive crosswalks, but plans do not extend to the Broadway intersection, where many Longbeach Village residents believe a crosswalk is needed.

Instead, the commission consented to a motion directing town staff to add a discussion about a potential roundabout at Broadway to a future agenda during its Dec. 10 regular workshop. Although commissioners briefly considered adding a discussion about a roundabout near Longboat Club Road, they opted to hold off because of uncertainty about the Longboat Key Club property.

L.K. Nandem, district traffic engineer for FDOT, told the commission at the workshop that Broadway is a poor location for a crosswalk because it sits on a curve.

“If you provide a crosswalk, you’re putting out a call saying

this is a good location to cross,” Nandem said.

Traffic counts from a recent FDOT study of traffic on Gulf of Mexico Drive, an FDOT-controlled thoroughfare that’s also known as S.R. 789, did not support a crosswalk or traffic signal, according to Nandem.

“A roundabout would accomplish multiple things,” Nandem said. “It would actually slow the entry speed into the town, and secondly it would actually provide the slow moving around in the intersection that accommodates crossing.”

Nandem told the commission that FDOT safety funds would not be available for a roundabout but said the agency would work with the town to accommodate it.

Town Manager Dave Bullock

THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE

will report back to the commission with information.

“It would be very informative to have some facts about what would happen when you lay it down, rights of way (and) geometry,” he said.

Bullock said he also hoped to provide ballpark costs for a roundabout when the commission discusses the issue.

Earlier in the meeting, Nandem discussed other crosswalks that FDOT will install.

(See map.)

Crosswalks will include flashing signals known as

rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFBs), similar to those on Siesta Key. “They work really well,” Nandem said. “They draw attention of motorists when they are activated by pedestrians, and there is a very high compliance rate from motorists.”

Pedestrians will activate the signals by pressing a button, which will begin flashing within a few seconds. Motorists who do not yield could receive a traffic citation.

FDOT will also install pedestrian lighting at crosswalks and signs that warn motorists that pedestrian crossings are ahead.

The 2012 death of Jo Schatterman, 73, who was struck by an SUV while crossing Gulf of Mexico Drive at dusk, prompted FDOT officials to consider safety improvements, including additional crosswalks.

FDOT used three-day traffic counts gathered during peak season to determine what safety improvements were needed.

Crosswalks will include flashing signals known as rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFB), similar to those on Siesta Key.

“There’s a lot of pedestrian crossing between north and south of Centre Shops,” Nandem said.

Companion Way

Center Shops Banyan Bay Club

KEY Previously recommended locations at which FDOT is proceeding with crosswalks Added location at which FDOT is proceeding with crosswalks Eliminated location Priorities for filling in sidewalk

Beach access near the Diplomat Condominium Beach Resort The location is just north of Bay Isles and connects to a public beach access.

Longboat Club Road FDOT considered the location at the request of the commission.

Although it did not meet FDOT criteria based on traffic counts, officials determined it would make a good location because there is a dedicated easement and a sidewalk for pedestrians.

by Robin Hartill | Managing Editor

Commission gives referendum first stamp of approval Longboat residents could vote in an all-mail election that will determine whether to allow tourism on the Key Club Islandside property.

Voters could decide the future use of the Longboat Key Club’s Islandside property in a May 2015 mail-only vote.

The Longboat Key Town Commission moved forward with an ordinance that could place a referendum question before voters by mail in a special election to determine whether tourism use will be allowed on the property.

Islandside Property Owners Coalition (IPOC) President Bob White urged the commission at the Dec. 10 special meeting to hold any vote by mail because Key Club

owner Ocean Properties Ltd. is seeking to hold the special election in May, after peak season.

“It would give everyone an opportunity to weigh in on what their feelings are regarding the referendum and would not leave people feeling like this referendum was being held on the off-season and they really didn’t have a chance to weigh in,” White said.

To hold an all-mail election, the town needs authorization from the Sarasota and Manatee county supervisor of elections of-

fices and approval from Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner.

In all-mail elections, ballots are sent 20 days before the election, and voters have until 7 p.m. on election day to return them.

Attorney John Patterson, who represents Ocean Properties, said his client will pay for any costs associated with the special election.

According to Longboat Key Planning, Zoning and Building Director Alaina Ray, approval of the referendum would convert no more than 300 allowable units from

residential to tourism use.

The vote is required as the result of 12th Judicial Circuit Judge Lee Haworth’s 2012 ruling in favor of IPOC in its lawsuit against the town. IPOC challenged code changes the commission approved to clarify a past $400 million proposed Key Club project. That ruling required the town to hold a referendum before allowing any use other than residential within three zoning districts, including the one in which the Islandside property is located.

The commission will vote on the ordinance on second reading and public hearing at its Jan. 5 regular meeting.

Ocean Properties will file an application after the special election if voters approve tourism use for the property.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

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Join us in the kitchen with Chef Harry of Harry’s Continental Kitchens as he prepares one of his favorite dishes. Get the recipe and watch the cooking demo at YourObserver.com/ InTheKitchen.

NEWSBRIEFS + Town to hold first town center public workshop The first public workshop for the town center concept and zoning overlay project will take place at 2 p.m. Dec. 18, at Longboat Key Town Hall.

The project is focused on conceptual planning for the area near the intersection of Gulf of Mexico Drive and Bay Isles Parkway that includes Longboat Key Town Hall, the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center and Longboat Library, as well as the new Shoppes of Bay Isles, where Publix is located.

Over the next six to eight months, designers and planners will complete conceptual master plans for three development scenarios with community input. A final master plan will be refined with input from the Longboat Key Town Commission.

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

Headed on a great trip? Make sure to take your Observer along! Snap a photo of you holding your Observer on vacation, then submit it and you could win travel tickets, courtesy of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

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Courtesy photo

+ Arnold Simonsen donates $13,000 to Aging in Paradise Local philanthropist Arnold Simonsen donated $13,000 to the Aging in Paradise

Visit YourObserver.com/itsreadeverywhere to upload your photos!

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5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228

PHONE: 941-383-5509 | FAX: 941-362-4808 | WEBSITE: YourObserver.com

TO EMAIL US Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Robin Hartill, rhartill@yourobserver.com

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 YourObserver.com.

Classified Advertising/Service Directory: For information and rates, or to place an ad, call 941-955-4888. Hours 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To place a classified ad online, visit YourObserver.com, or email your ad to classified@yourobserver.com.

+ Town hires special counsel for bridge damages claim The Longboat Key Town Commission approved hiring attorney Philip Hammersley, of Sarasota law firm Norton, Hammersley, Lopez & Skokos as special litigation counsel after the town received notice that a contractor plans to seek damages against the town for Longboat Pass Bridge repairs.

Infrastructure Corp. of America (ICA), which contracts with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to maintain the bridge, alleges the town’s contractor, TB Landmark Construction Inc., damaged the structure while replacing a water pipe.

ICA estimates repair costs will exceed $750,000, according to a Nov. 25 letter to the town.

+ Town issues permit for $2 million home

AIPRC Executive Director Donna Dunio, Arnold Simonsen, Patty Sabow and Barbara Koetsier

BORA BORA

Resource Center (AIPRC). Simonsen, who is part of the AIPRC Leadership Team, designated $5,000 of his gift for a diamond sponsorship of the Jan. 25 Puttin’ on the Glitz fundraiser. The remaining $8,000 will be used for operations.

The town issued a $2,172,600 building permit for the vacant residential parcel at 6271 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The permit identifies the property owner as Pavlinebea LLC. Previous plans submitted listed Paulinebea LLC, a Delaware company associated with Michael Kors.

Paulinebea purchased the lot at 6271 Gulf of Mexico Drive and the adjacent property at 6281 Gulf of Mexico Drive for $6 million in November 2013.

In May, the Longboat Observer reported site plans filed with the town showed a 6,100-square-foot home. Michael K. Walker & Associates Inc. is listed as the builder.

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TO SUBSCRIBE Free home delivery: The Longboat Observer offers free home delivery to single-family homes on Longboat Key, Bird Key, St. Armands Key, Lido Key and Lido Shores.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

5A

cloud nine by Robin Hartill | Managing Editor

Brown seeks smaller planning and zoning board Could the nine-member Longboat Key Planning Board become the Fantastic Five or Magnificent Seven?

The Longboat Key Planning & Zoning Board is currently a nine-person wonder, but Mayor Jim Brown hopes to whittle down that number.

Brown suggested reducing the number of members from nine to five or seven during the commission comments section at the end of the Longboat Key Town Commission’s Dec. 10 regular workshop.

Brown, a past planning board chairman who has said he might seek appointment to the board after he reaches term limits on his District 4 seat in the spring, said he found during his time on the board that the number of members made it “a very awkward board.”

“During the meetings, you ended up with individuals who just wanted to talk, which makes the meetings go longer,” he said.

Brown’s suggestion to discuss the idea received unanimous support from the commission, which has seven members.

“I just think it would be a more efficient board,” he said.

Planning board Chairman Al Hixon had not heard about Brown’s suggestion when the Longboat Observer contacted him last week, but he was on board with the suggestion.

“That is an absolutely marvelous, marvelous idea that sounds very efficient and very simple,” he said.

Hixon said the town’s planning board is so large that it often has to form subcommittees. He suggested that if the commission makes the change, it could reduce the size of the board by not making appointments as terms expire.

“Most other boards are five or seven,” Hixon said. “I’m not sure why this is so cumbersome.”

Planning board member B.J. Bishop said she supports changing the number of board members to seven but not to five.

Bishop, a former mayor of Leesburg, Va., said most communities she has been involved with had equal numbers of commissioners and planning board members, and each commissioner was responsible for making a single appointment to the board.

“Quite honestly, because there are some members who may really go off the reservation for issues, they need to be accountable to who appoints them,” she said.

Bishop said she would not support a five-member board because she believes it would create a lack of accountability.

Planning board member John Wild said he does not believe the commission should shrink the number of seats.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” he said.

Wild is also a former mayor, having served four years in the role in Wildwood, Mo., a city with 16 council members and 10 planning board members. He said having larger boards allows for greater citizen participation in government.

“I think we’ve got some good people,” Wild said. “The more good people you have involved (on the planning board), the more good candidates you get running for seven elected seats (on the commission).”

The planning board has been a stepping stone for many future commissioners. Of the current commission, three members — Brown and commissioners Phill Young-

HOW WE SIZE UP The town gathered information about the number of planning board members in neighboring communities.

JURISDICTION

TO THE NINE

Town staff research shows that Longboat Key has more planning board members than many communities.

Town of Longboat Key City of Sarasota Manatee County Sarasota County City of Bradenton

9 5 7 9 7 regular members; 4 alternates

St. Pete Beach City of Venice City of North Port

5 7 7 regular members; two alternate members; 1 non-voting ex-officio member of the Sarasota County School Board

City of Naples

7 regular members; 1 alternate

The following individuals make up the current Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board.

AL HIXON chairman

• Andrew Aitken • B.J. Bishop • Leonard Garner • Walter Hackett • Kenneth Schneier • George Symanski • John Wild

Source: Town of Longboat Key

er and Pat Zunz — served on the planning board. Former Vice Mayor Dave Brenner, who opted not to run for a final commission term in the town’s election earlier this year, is also a former planning board chairman. District 4 commission candidate Jack Daly is the board’s vice chairman.

The commission appoints planning

JACK DALY vice chairman

board members in May for three-year terms.

Hixon said he has no explanation for the size of the town’s planning board.

“I suspect that somebody had a lot of friends who wanted to serve on the planning board of Longboat Key,” he said. “I don’t know of any other reason.”

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He has moderated numerous televised political debates including the Florida 2002 Attorney General’s race, the 2003 Tampa Mayoral race, the 2004 U.S. Senate primaries and the 2006 Gubernatorial Primaries. He has interviewed hundreds of authors, academics, politicians, artists, and entertainers for his broadcasts. He is a dynamic presenter and will delight you with his stories and perspectives on the political scene today.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

by Robin Hartill | Managing Editor

LBK Foundation to kick off $1 million campaign The nonprofit organization’s first priority is to generate funds to assist a future medical facility with startup costs.

The Longboat Key Foundation has been operating quietly since it formed in late 2013, but now, it’s ready to step into the public eye.

The nonprofit organization will embark on a fundraising campaign this month to raise $1 million within six months to help create a medical center.

“The foundation will support the initial purchase of equipment and the build-out of the space we select, and then, for oneand-a-half to two years, will continue to support the practice and underwrite any losses that may occur,” said Bob Simmons, chairman of the foundation.

Although the foundation has honed in on five areas of focus (see sidebar), a medical center is its first priority.

“It’s been the one issue that’s been raised the most for us that we don’t have primary care,” Simmons said. “We think there’s a void and that there should be a primary care physician on the island, and we’re recognizing that it’s going to take some time to get started.”

Simmons, a retired health care executive and 12-year Key resident, said the foundation has locations it is considering for a medical center but declined to name them, citing ongoing negotiations. The foundation has also been in talks with a Sarasota County physician about practicing at the facility.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital plans to open an urgent care facility at the current St. Armands Medical Center in late 2015 or early 2016, but Simmons does not believe it would compete with a Longboat Key medical center because the St. Armands

FOUNDATION FACTS Five areas of focus

The Longboat Key Foundation will focus on the following five areas: Arts and culture Environment and sustainability Parks and recreation Education Health and human services

Board of advisors

Bob Simmons, chairman Dave Brenner, managing director Bob Coyne Cheryl Loeffler Jeff Mayers Warren Simonds

Courtesy photo

Longboat Key Foundation Chairman Bob Simmons with Vice Mayor David Brenner, board members Warren Simonds and Jeff Mayers, Longboat Key Mayor Jim Brown and Tom Aposporos

Founders

Tom Aposporos Dave Brenner Jim Brown facility will offer emergency services.

“A lot of people would like to have their own doctor, and consequently, Sarasota Memorial is not a primary care doctor,” said Dave Brenner, former Longboat Key vice mayor and current managing director of the foundation.

The foundation’s board of advisers will discuss specific plans for fundraising at a meeting next week, including whether to organize events to raise money. So far, board members plan to start out with individuals they know who might be inter-

ested in donating and “fan out,” primarily through word of mouth, Simmons said.

Although the foundation has kept a low profile during its first year, it has already raised approximately 10% toward its $1 million goal.

The medical center is the foundation’s top priority in the short term, but donors can earmark their contributions to be used toward any of the foundation’s five areas of focus.

“We set those up as focus areas in the event that it appeals to someone in particular, if someone wanted to donate a park or expand a recreational area, for example,” Simmons said.

Cold Water Is For Penguins, Not Your Family!

The foundation also seeks to be involved with an arts and cultural building if a town center in the Bay Isles area becomes a reality.

The Longboat Key Foundation was established through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and exists “for the support and benefit of exclusively charitable purposes in and for the benefit of Longboat Key, Florida and its residents,” according to its fund agreement with CFSC, which provides administrative support and philanthropic expertise. Because the CFSC is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, contributions to the Longboat Key Foundation are tax-deductible.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

7A

by Robin Hartill | Managing Editor

Kids win big at this year’s Gourmet Lawn Party Longboat Key Kiwanis Club members discussed the records it shattered at the Dec. 6 event, which raised at least $65,000 for children’s charities and scholarships.

The Longboat Key Kiwanis Club distributed a record 1,100 tickets to this year’s Longboat Key Gourmet Lawn Party. It has at least $95,000 in the bank from the event and another $5,000 or $6,000 to collect, which, after expenses, will generate more than $65,000 for local children’s charities and scholarships — another record.

“How did we manage that?” asked Kiwanis Club President Armando Linde at the group’s Dec. 11 breakfast meeting. “We had a platoon of volunteers.”

Linde said the club had at least 30 to 35 volunteers at the event — led by Lawn Party Chairman Michael Garey, whom Linde described as the “platoon leader.”

“A platoon leader can set low expectations to exceed them or set high expectations as a challenge,” Linde said. “Our platoon leader actually set high expectations that were exceeded.”

Garey spoke at the end of the meeting and gave credit to sponsors along with other volunteers and organizers, including Corey Schaul, who single-handedly raised $27,000 by signing up sponsors. Garey cited this year’s Lawn Party tagline, “Where kids win big.”

“This year, the kids won big,” he said.

But someone else won big as well at this year’s Lawn Party:

YEAR IN REVIEW Here’s a look at what the Longboat Key Kiwanis Club accomplished in 2014: $109,000 in grants and scholarships awarded — to benefit local children’s charities and students.

37 scholarships — awarded to Sarasota and Manatee county students, totaling more than $66,000, more than double the $32,000 in scholarships the group awarded in 2013.

28 restaurants, 15 sponsors — at this year’s Longboat Key Gourmet Lawn Party

Robin Hartill

Riana Rawson (second from left) accepts the $20,000 check from Lawn Party Chairman Michael Garey (left), Kiwanis Club Secretary John Wild and President Armando Linde.

Riana Rawson, who won the $20,000 cash grand prize in the Longboat Key Kiwanis Foundation’s raffle, and accepted her check at the Dec. 11 meeting.

Rawson isn’t going to Disney World with her winnings; she is taking her two nieces and sister to SeaWorld instead.

“This is such a blessing in my life and my family’s life,” Rawson said.

She purchased her ticket from John Wild (who estimates he has sold at least 800 Kiwanis raffle tickets over the years) the day before the Dec. 6 event after he stopped by Go Touch Down

Travel and Tour’s St. Armands office, where Rawson is branch manager, and asked her to buy a ticket.

“I’m so grateful that I didn’t hesitate,” Rawson said of the $100 purchase. “It’s the first time in my life that I’ve won anything.”

Although Rawson is looking forward to the SeaWorld trip, she will also use the money for a more important purpose: She has been saving for more than two years to sponsor her parents, who live in her native South Africa, to immigrate to the United States.

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“This is going to make that possible,” Rawson said.

Also at Thursday’s meeting, the club presented past president Richard Crawford with the Presidential Zeller Award for his contributions to the group’s success. He is the fourth Longboat Kiwanian to receive the honor.

The club becomes eligible to honor one of its members with the Zeller Award by raising at least $1,250 toward the Eliminate Project, a Kiwanis International and UNICEF effort that aims to eradicate maternal and neonatal tetanus.

27 days of bell-ringing — at Longboat Key Publix, to benefit the Salvation Army 7 — local children’s charities that received grants this year from the Kiwanis Club No. 5 — The Longboat Key Kiwanis Club’s rank out of the 255 Kiwanis clubs in Florida in terms of growth by percentage

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

Observer opinion | our view LONGBOAT

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor / CEO / Matt Walsh mwalsh@yourobserver.com Publisher / Lisa Walsh lwalsh@yourobserver.com Chief Digital Officer / Emily Walsh ewalsh@yourobserver.com Executive Editor / Kat Hughes khughes@yourobserver.com Deputy Executive Editor / Jessica Luck jluck@yourobserver.com Managing Editor / Robin Hartill rhartill@yourobserver.com Staff Writer / Kristen Herhold kherhold@yourobserver.com Digital Editor / Alex Mahadevan alexm@yourobserver.com Managing Editor/Design / Nancy Schwartz nschwartz@yourobserver.com Design Editor / Nicole Thompson nthompson@yourobserver.com Managing Editor/Diversions-Season / Stephanie Hannum, stephanie@yourobserver.com Black Tie Editor / Heather Merriman hmerriman@yourobserver.com Arts & Entertainment Editor / Nick Reichert nreichert@yourobserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh jraleigh@yourobserver.com East County Advertising Manager / Lori Ruth lruth@yourobserver.com Sales Manager / Penny DiGregorio pdigregorio@yourobserver.com Digital Sales and Business Development Manager / Kathleen O’Hara, kohara@yourobserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter lritter@yourobserver.com Advertising Executives / Robyn Didelot, rdidelot@yourobserver.com Austin Holmes, aholmes@yourobserver.com Beth Jacobson, bjacobson@yourobserver.com Robert Lewis, blewis@yourobserver.com Suzanne Munroe, smunroe@yourobserver.com Richeal Parisi, rparisi@yourobserver.com Toni Perren, tperren@yourobserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Managers / Lori Downey, ldowney@yourobserver.com Susan Leedom, sleedom@yourobserver.com Rachel Livingston, rlivingston@yourobserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executives/ Maureen Hird, mhird@yourobserver.com Deedie Parker, dparker@yourobserver.com Director of Creative Services and Information Technology / Kathy Payne, kpayne@yourobserver.com Assistant Creative Services Manager / Brooke Schultheis, bschultheis@yourobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / John Day, jday@yourobserver.com Monica DiMattei, mdimattei@yourobserver.com Jennifer Hogg, jhogg@palmcoastobserver.com Marjorie Holloway, mholloway@yourobserver.com Shawna Polana Luis Trujillo, ltrujillo@yourobserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Keisacker lkeisacker@yourobserver.com Controller / Lisa Schwenk lschwenk@yourobserver.com Office Coordinator / Donna Condon dcondon@yourobserver.com

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Same-sex marriage: It’s here In the battle — or should it be “war”?

— over same-sex marriage, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has provoked demonstrative opposition, particularly in Florida’s gay citizenry.

At just about every turn in this saga, it seems, Bondi is filing a court brief defending and supporting Florida’s oneman-one-woman marriage law. Or, to put it the other way, her detractors see her filing briefs opposing same-sex marriage.

And those detractors especially home in on Bondi’s court-brief rhetoric, in which she has written such passages as: “The promotion of family continuity and stability is a legitimate state interest.

Florida’s marriage laws, then, have a close, direct and rational relationship to society’s legitimate interest in increasing the likelihood that children will be born to and raised by the mothers and fathers who produced them in stable and enduring family units.”

That drives the gay community nuts.

But we’re going to sympathize with Bondi.

Rhetoric aside, she’s doing her job: defending Florida’s constitution and statutes, regardless of their specific merit.

So while her detractors will accuse Bondi of using specious Bondi arguments in her petition this week to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as just another in Bondi’s attempts to stop same-sex marriage in Florida, if you actually read her petition, it makes sense.

If you followed this week’s news, Bondi petitioned Justice Thomas to extend a federal-court injunction against issuing same-sex marriage licenses that is set to expire at the end of the day Jan. 5, 2015.

Bondi is seeking the extension until the U.S. Supreme Court issues a defining decision on same-sex marriage.

The basis of Bondi’s petition is simple, yet complicated.

The simple part is this: Bondi argues that if the injunction, or stay, is lifted, confusion and chaos would follow in Florida’s 67 counties.

Writes Bondi: “… Denying a longer stay has created statewide confusion, with news reports now suggesting that the end of the stay will lead to statewide issuance of same-sex marriage licenses, even though only one of Florida’s 67 clerks of court is a party below.

“Some clerks who are not parties to this litigation have announced, absent a stay, they will begin issuing licenses on Jan. 6.”

But running in the face of that is the advice members of the Florida Association of Clerks and Comptrollers received this week from their attorney. This is the group composed of Florida’s court clerks.

According to Manatee County Clerk Chips Shore, the group’s attorney told them if the injunction against same-sex marriage expires Jan. 5, Florida’s clerks could issue same-sex marriage licenses — but at the risk of being judged a felon.

According to the clerks’ attorney, Shore

DEFINING MARRIAGE IN FLORIDA 2008 ELECTION

State Constitutional Amendment:

“Inasmuch as marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife, no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized.

YES: 4,890,883 / 61.9% NO: 3,008,026 / 38.1%

PROPOSED FOR 2016 A Miami-based organization known as Equal Marriage Florida filed a petition in 2013 to get a constitutional amendment on the 2014 ballot defining marriage as the union of persons.

Unable to secure enough petition signatures, its backer is now targeting the 2016 general election.

Vanessa Brito, a Miami political consultant and lesbian activist, is the chairwoman of the organization behind the amendment.

To reach the ballot, the proposed amendment needs 683,49 valid petition signatures. As of Dec. 16, it had none, according to the Florida Department of State Division of Elections.

Here is the wording of the proposed amendment: Article I, Section 27. Marriage defined. — (a) Only a legal union of TWO PERSONS shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state. (b) A religious organization, religious association or religious society shall not be required to solemnize or officiate any particular marriage or religious rite of marriage in violation of its constitutional right to free exercise of religion.

said, even if the injunction is lifted, Florida law still states that marriage is between a man and a woman. If a clerk issued a marriage license to a same-sex couple, the clerk would no longer fall under the protection of state law.

That means if it turned out later that Florida’s one-man, one-woman marriage law prevailed, and a clerk issued a samesex marriage license illegally, he no longer would have the protection of the law and could be committing a felony crime.

As Shore said, there’s not a clerk in Florida who wants to risk that.

To complicate matters, if the stay is lifted, allowing same-sex marriage in Washington County, portions of Florida government, Bondi argues, “will have to reconfigure the state’s public employee health insurance, retirement and pension systems and recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states in myriad public employment circumstances, and the Health Secretary will have to reconfigure

THE CASTAWAY by Jorge Blanco

various aspects of the state’s vital records system … [T]he order would impose a considerable administrative burden.”

More confusion: Bondi is asking Thomas to extend the Jan. 5 injunction until after the state completes its appeal of a federal court that says the state cannot enforce its one-man, one-woman marriage law.

She is hoping that Thomas will go one step further — that he will extend the stay until after the full Supreme Court takes up the entire issue of the legality of same-sex marriages.

Heretofore, the Supreme Court has rejected hearing the issue, accepting all of the federal court rulings that have said banning same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.

But in her brief, Bondi points out that since the Supreme Court issued its last rejection to hear a same-sex marriage case, five federal courts have accepted bans on same-sex marriage as constitutional.

This now means the federal district courts are split, which likely means the Supreme Court will see a compelling need for a definitive ruling.

So the wait begins.

And while we wait, you can pretty much predict the outcome. It’s coming. It’s here. By January 2017, if not recognized nationally, you can predict that Vanessa Brito’s proposed constitutional amendment (see box) will win Florida voters’ approval.

As it should. How you view marriage is a personal choice, not one for legislators to decide, discriminate or judge.

+ Waterboarding or drone?

From Andrew C. McCarthy in National Review Online, Dec. 10: “If you were to take everyone in America who is serving a minor jail sentence of, say, 6 to 18 months, and you were to ask them whether they’d rather serve the rest of their time or be waterboarded in the manner practiced by the CIA post 9/11 (i.e., not in the manner practiced by the Japanese in World War II), how many would choose waterboarding? I am guessing, conservatively, that over 95 percent would choose waterboarding.

“Now, if you take the same group of inmates and ask them whether they’d prefer to serve the remainder of their time or be subjected to Obama’s drone program (where we kill rather than capture terrorists, therefore get no intelligence from the people in the best position to provide actionable intelligence, and kill bystanders — including some children — in addition to the target), how many would choose the drone program? I am guessing that it would be . . . zero.

“I believe President Obama is too smart not to grasp this obvious point.

“So ignore the blather about how enhanced interrogation is ‘not who we are.’

The so-called Torture Report is a partisan gift to Obama’s Bush-deranged base …

“This report is not just wildly inaccurate (as three former CIA directors attest in a Wall Street Journal op-ed). It further endangers our country, for no good purpose.”

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

LONGBOAT

DEC. 4 SCREEN SCAM 7:32 a.m. — 7100 block of GMD. Fraud. A woman was having problems downloading the application to renew her passport and received a call from a man who claimed to represent Global Services and said her Microsoft license had expired. The man made a diagnostics screen appear on her computer, and he charged $229 to her credit card after she provided him with card information. The woman continued to have problems with her computer and contacted her daughter, who told her she might have been the victim of a scam.

TAG TEAM 1:30 p.m. — Linley Street. Property Found. A man found a motorcycle tag on the seat of his moped and had no idea who put it there. Police called the Cape Coral woman registered as the tag’s owner, who said the tag was either lost or removed from her motorcycle during a recent ride in Sarasota. She filed a police report at the time and replaced the tag.

DEC. 5 GET PUMPED UP 8:06 a.m. — 500 block of Harbor Point Road. Larceny. A pool company employee discovered that an unknown person(s) removed two control valve actuators from a home’s pool pump.

and alcohol. The woman ran through the golf course toward a shopping center when marina staff approached her.

DEC. 6 TOO LEGIT TO QUIT 12:24 p.m. — 3200 block of Bayou Road. Suspicious Circumstance. A woman asked police to verify the legitimacy of a man’s company after he called and said a representative would be inspecting her roof. Police called the man, who refused to believe he was speaking with a police officer and accused police of harassing professional working people for “those rich son-of-a-(expletive) out there.” The man said he would contact his lawyer, hung up, then called back to ask if this was about the “rich (expletive) whose house I went to, and she said she wasn’t home but I know she was.” He said his company is legitimate, does wall inspections and took over the accounts of a company that went bankrupt.

ter the kitchen. The man said Jesus would want him to eat and asked them to let him see what was in the refrigerator. Asked to leave, he threatened to burn the church down, saying its members were not real Christians. Police gave him a ride to Sarasota.

DEC. 7

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4:04 p.m. — 2600-2800 blocks of Harbourside Drive. Suspicious Person. A marina staffer reported that a woman appeared to be under the influence of drugs

4:58 p.m. — 5500 block of GMD. Suspicious Person. Police told a man who was setting up camp in Joan Durante Park that camping is prohibited on the Key. The man said he is from Miami and does not have a current address. He gathered his belongings and left the park on foot.

11:08 a.m. — 500 block of Ranger Lane.

Burglar Alarm. A home’s alarm went off while a rental agent was showing it to a prospective client. He did not have the code to cancel it due to a recent change.

10:20 a.m. — Intersection of Gulf of Mexico Drive and Ketch Lane. Disturbance. Police received a complaint about construction noise. The owner of the home said his friends are helping him paint the interior of his home, but they were not operating machinery. The man said he is being harassed by his neighbor who lives behind him.

DEC. 8 SAFE KEEPING

11:04 a.m. — 2600 block of Harbourside Drive. Property Found. A marina employee found a wallet with a man’s New WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? York driver’s license and University of 10:58 a.m. — 6400 block of GMD. Sus- Tampa ID. The employee emailed the uniTRY ON picious Person. A homeless man became versity, which the student, who TRY ON A Acontacted angry after church members gave him aContact said he would stop by the Police Departthe Penny Hill Group to learn more drink of water but refused to let him en- ment to pick up the wallet.

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3:02 p.m. — 4300 block of GMD. Civil Disturbance. A man said he was uneasy about returning to his condo alone after an argument with construction workers and asked police to accompany him and speak to the crew. The construction supervisor said the man was the one who began yelling at the crew about loud noise. He said the man put a radio out on his balcony and played loud music while walking up and down the walkway, banging pots and pans. The supervisor said the noisy part of the project would only last a day or two.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

COMMUNITYCALENDAR

THE KIDS WON BIG!

We would like to thank the dozens of Volunteers, the Town of Longboat Key, the Resort at Longboat Key Club, the 1,000+ attendees, all raffle participants, our 15 wonderful sponsors, and the 30 amazing establishments and 15 companies who donated their goods and services to our event.

GOURMET

LAWN PARTY PLATINUM SPONSORS:

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17

Rotary Club of Longboat Key — meets at 5:15 p.m. at Amore by Andrea restaurant, 555 Bay Isles Parkway. Appetizers will be served, and beverages will be available for purchase. A $10 donation is suggested. Contact Sydelle Pittas at sydellelaw@aol.com.

THURSDAY, DEC. 18

Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key — meets at 7:30 a.m. at the Longboat Key Club’s Tavern & Whiskey Bar. Glenda Leonard, development director at the Sarasota Salvation Army, will speak. Cost is $10 and includes a breakfast buffet. Call Donna at 388-2847.

Shifting Sands Support Group — takes place from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Thursdays in the Ruth Cushing Room at Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. MiMi Horwitz facilitates the group, which helps members with life’s challenges. Call 383-6491.

FRIDAY, DEC. 19

Tai Chi Class — takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road. Classes take place every Friday until spring. Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that provides health benefits and longevity. Call 383-8161.

SATURDAY, DEC. 20

Santa Jaws at Mote — takes place from noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 20, at Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. Mote mascot Gilly the Shark will be dressed for the holidays and available for photo-ops.

Visiting Santa Jaws is free with regular Mote admission. Call 3884441.

SUNDAY, DEC. 21

Bridge Street Market — takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bridge Street on Bradenton Beach. The event features fresh produce, gour-

MIC INSURANCE

GOLD SPONSORS: Brooke O’Malley &

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met food items, arts, crafts, plants and more. Visit bridgestreetmerchants.com.

TUESDAY, DEC. 23

Transitions Support Group — meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Road. The group is run by counselor Liz Cupo and provides support to those experiencing changes in their lives. Call 383-8161.

SUNDAY, DEC. 28

L’dor Vador, a Tribute to the Life of Sally Shapiro — takes place at 4 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. The program will feature the late Sally Shapiro’s favorite opera selections, Israeli folk songs and pieces from the Sacred Liturgy. A light reception will follow. Call 383-3428.

SUNDAY, JAN. 11

28th annual Circus Ring Fame — takes place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on St. Armands Circle. The newest members of the Circus Ring of Fame, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the Circle, will be inducted at a ceremony. Visit circusringoffame.org.

EXPERIENCE-KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS Our team of professionals provides superior service and expertise for all of your insurance needs.

Danielle Dreznin ~ Scott Hammersand Alex Sandoval ~ Matthew Mailliard

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Premier Beverage Publix Longboat Key Republic National The Resort at Longboat Key Club Rodney Strong Vineyards Sand Dollar Rooftop Restaurant Sarasota Ford Sea Breeze Coffee & Tea Southern Wine & Spirits SYSCO Foods Transatlantic Wines Tyler’s Ice Cream Village Idiot Pizza Waste Management

Thank you from all of us at the Longboat Key Kiwanis Club!

What: Mar Vista and Gold Coast Eagle Distributing invite diners to wear their ugliest sweaters for the first Ugly Holiday Sweater Party. Prizes will be awarded to the three tackiest sweaters. Participants receive a complimentary Budweiser. Call 383-2391.

When: 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 23 Where: Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub, 760 Broadway

Home • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat 595 Bay Isles Rd. Suite 215 | 941.554.8909 | www.micinsurancefl.com

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Island Time Bar & Grill Kacey’s Seafood & More Key Signs Lazy Lobster of Longboat Lido Beach Grille Longbeach Café Louies Modern Lynches Pub & Grub Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant MezzaCorona Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant Nitro Man O’Shucks Raw Bar & Grill Oyster Bay Wines Palm Coast Linen

Mar Vista Ugly Holiday Sweater Party

Mike Mailliard ~ Lacey Weaver

THIS YEAR’S AMAZING ESTABLISHMENTS & SUPPORTERS: Amore by Andrea Anna Maria Island Sun Back Alley Blue Dolphin Blue Marlin Grill Bridge Street Bistro Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar Cafe L’Europe Chart House Columbia Restaurant Crab & Fin Dry Dock Waterfront Grill Euphemia Haye FIJI Water Gold Coast Eagle Harry’s Continental Kitchen

DON’T MISS

Call Ahead Seating/Reservations for 5 or more

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10A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

ANNA MARIA 813 North Shore Drive Terry Hayes

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MANATEE RIVER

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4422 Riverview Boulevard Martha Marlar

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ANNA MARIA 2802 Avenue E Cheryl Loeffler

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941.302.9674 $2,750,000

SARASOTA 1044 Tocobaga Lane Carol Clark & Paul Clark premiersir.com/id/A3991883

941.350.4500 $1,595,000

RITZ BEACH RESIDENCES 1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive, #305 Jessica Montalvo 941.915.5377 premiersir.com/id/A4109473 $1,089,000

LONGBOAT KEY

501 Harbor Point Road

Cheryl Loeffler & Joel Schemmel 941.302.9674

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$3,495,000

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WEST OF TRAIL 995 Whitakers Lane Toi Estes & Craig Cerreta

PALMA SOLA PARK Alcazar Drive Peter Laughlin

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941.356.8428 $2,438,000

GOLDEN GATE POINT

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420 Golden Gate Point, #700PH Maureen & Matt Morris 941.320.3960 premiersir.com/id/A4107304 $4,485,000

2141 Gulf Of Mexico Drive, #3 Cheryl Loeffler 941.302.9674 premiersir.com/id/A4106598 $3,749,000

128 Golden Gate Point, #1001 Thomas Netzel 941.308.1083 premiersir.com/id/A3998680 $3,500,000

ANNA MARIA

PALMA SOLA

LONGBOAT KEY

206 Spring Lane Terry Hayes

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941.302.3100 $2,849,000

2416 85th North West Street Martha Marlar 941.812.0455 $2,800,000

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BRADENTON

990 Blvd Of The Arts, #901 Barbara Mei 941.893.7417 premiersir.com/id/A4107243 $1,789,000

8921 9th Avenue North West Frank Lambert 941.920.1500 premiersir.com/id/A3988572 $1,595,000

LIDO SURF & SAND

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CONDO ON THE BAY

1100 Benjamin Franklin Drive, #702 Carolyn & Gary Collins 941.320.0722 premiersir.com/id/A4106015 $1,349,000

3030 Grand Bay Boulevard, #344 Dennis Girard 941.809.0041 premiersir.com/id/A4106176 $1,250,000

988 Boulevard Of The Arts, #112 Peter Laughlin 941.356.8428 premiersir.com/id/A4100901 $1,129,000

PALMA SOLA

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LONGBOAT SHORES

2005 Palma Sola Boulevard Jackie Kleppinger 941.320.0049 $995,000

510 Kumquat Drive Terry Hayes

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Dennis Girard & Joanne Zimmerman 941.809.0041 $575,000 premiersir.com/id/A4108824

LIDO KEY

LIDO HARBOUR SOUTH 2100 Benjamin Franklin Drive, #301FAI Hoyt Beaty 941.232.9333 $419,000

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ROSEMARY DISTRICT

941.356.1857 $2,750,000

MANATEE RIVER

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3531 Bayou Pointe Sheldon Paley

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7706 Desoto Memorial Highway Martha Marlar 941.812.0455 premiersir.com/id/A4104838 $1,999,500

455 Longboat Club Road, #2 Mark Huber & Erin McWhorter 941.356.2435 premiersir.com/id/A4108270 $1,445,000

1125 Gulf of Mexico Drive, #204 Cheryl Loeffler 941.302.9674 premiersir.com/id/A3983594 $599,000

1700 Ben Franklin Drive, #10C Perry Corneau 941.650.4626 premiersir.com/id/A3974833 $430,000

941.302.3100 $5,300,000

11A

690 Cedar Street Cheryl Loeffler

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941.302.9674 $900,000

613 Buttonwood Drive Charlotte Hedge

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941.350.0100 $740,000

ANNA MARIA 238 Lakeview Drive Terry Hayes

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941.302.3100 $1,124,000

LIDO BEACH 1750 Benjamin Franklin Drive, #PH-G Karin Stephan 941.504.4435 premiersir.com/id/A4102877 $670,000

LIDO AMBASSADOR

PALMA SOLA POINTE

THE SHORE

800 Benjamin Franklin Drive, #510 Sheldon Paley 941.356.1857 premiersir.com/id/A4108688 $550,000

9812 2nd North West Terrace Martha Marlar 941.812.0455 premiersir.com/id/A3997750 $499,000

5757 Gulf Of Mexico Drive, #206 Kimberly Freiwald 941.256.6775 premiersir.com/id/A4108765 $499,000

DOWNTOWN

PALMA SOLA BAY CLUB

LONGBOAT KEY

PALMA SOLA PINES

707 S Gulfstream Avenue, #504 Vittoria Rutigliano 941.962.5867 premiersir.com/id/A4101389 $384,000

7830 34th West Avenue, #202 Brian & Kathy Maher 941.284.5070 premiersir.com/id/A4109535 $359,900

2000 Harbourside Drive #1502 Marty Benson 941.232.9264 premiersir.com/id/A3998505 $345,000

1343 4th Street, #103 Frank Lambert

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7912 25th West Avenue Frank Lambert premiersir.com/id/A4103072

941.920.1500 $304,900

over 15,000 associates | more than 750 offices | 52 countries worldwide | 24 locations CLEARWATER | 727.585.9600

THE PLAZA AT FIVE POINTS | 941.364.4000

BONITA SPRINGS | 239.948.4000

RENTALS | 239.262.4242

SOUTH TAMPA | 813.217.5288

VENICE | 941.412.3323

THE GALLERY | NAPLES | 239.659.0099

VANDERBILT | NAPLES | 239.594.9494

ST. PETERSBURG | 727.898.6800

CAPTIVA | 239.395.5847

THE VILLAGE | NAPLES | 239.261.6161

MERCATO SALES CENTER | NAPLES | 239.594.9400

LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.1526

SANIBEL | 239.472.2735

ESTUARY SALES CENTER | NAPLES | 239.261.3148

BROAD AVENUE | NAPLES | 239.434.2424

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

ST. ARMAND’S | 941.383.2500

FIFTH AVENUE | NAPLES | 239.434.8770

MARCO ISLAND | 239.642.2222

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including but not limited to county records and the multiple listing service, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

neighborhood noel

by Kristen Herhold | Staff Writer

Longboat Key Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi with Country Club Shores board members Alan Rose, President Gary Coffin, Joe Moccia, Charlie Campbell, Jack Kazanciyan and Armando Linde

EVERYONE HAS A STORY

Country Club Shores residents celebrate the holiday season Country Club Shores celebrated the holiday season Dec. 7, at Bird Key Yacht Club.

The holiday party has been an annual tradition since the 1960s, and Longboat Key Fire Chief Paul Dezzi was this year’s keynote speaker. Dezzi spoke about how to make a neighborhood more “neighborly.”

Kathy Neumann and Stacy Smothers

Lynn Coffin with George and Diane Davis

Café Don Giovanni Casual Italian Restaurant Delicious Dinners Mon.-Sat. 4:30 - Close

WE’RE HERE TO TELL YOURS

Osso Buco • Veal Chop • Chicken • Lamb • Fresh Seafood Sea Bass • Dover Sole • Pasta • Pizza

Call for reservations (941) 383-0013 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key

We transform brands through digital storytelling and help them innovate and elevate their businesses. We provide fresh perspectives and strive for highly collaborative relationships with our clients.

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www.DigitalObserverMedia.com 941-366-3468

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

Dr. Charles Krauthammer

Jon M. Huntsman, Jr.

Dan Buettner

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Monday, February 2, 2015

Monday, February 23, 2015

Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Katty Kay

Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson

Dr. Ben S. Bernanke

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Monday, March 23, 2015

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

13A

To become an RCLA member and receive first opportunity to subscribe to the 2016 Town Hall series, call 941-925-1343 or visit www.rclassociation.org Morning Lectures: 10:30 AM — Evening Lectures: 7:30 PM

Thanks to our generous sponsors:

Roberta Leventhal Sudakoff Foundation • Juron Price Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors Gulf Coast Community Foundation • Tidewell Hospice • The Observer Group • Robert W. Baird & Co. Sabal Trust Company • Girls Inc. of Sarasota County • Community Foundation of Sarasota County Oberndorf Family Foundation • Sarasota Magazine • Culp-Henson Private Cardiology and Internal Medicine Sun Hydraulics Corporation • Tervis Tumbler • Williams Parker • First Trust • Florida Blue BMO Private Bank • Shepley Bulfinch / Sweet Sparkman Architects • Willis A. Smith Construction

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atLarge, Inc. • Home Resource • Mattison’s • Morton’s Gourmet Market • The Resort at Longboat Key Club • Treasure Cove II

14A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

big top bliss

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

by Kristen Herhold | Staff Writer

Sarasota Circus theme rings through Frosty Frolic

Front: Lynne Koy and Marlene Wilkening. Back: Carol Scarbrough, Belinda Russell and Sandy Finnegan

Bring them home for the Holidays!

20

$

2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL Hours: M - F 11am -7pm S - S 11am - 5pm 941.366.2404 www.catdepot.org

for Cats and Kittens

Photos by Kristen Herhold

Peggy Hopkins, Carole Zito and Hwei Lin Sung

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Steve Traves Owner

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AMI OUTFITTERS Coastal Gear & Apparel

Open seven days 9 to 6 941-254-4996 505 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria amioutfitters.com

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Joyce Welch and Nancy Chanos

®

Event coordinators Esta Grocer, Ronni Bernard, Fremajane Wolfson, Linda Schroeder, Bette Hoffman and Sandy Skierkowski

132550

The Women’s 18-Hole Golf Association held its annual Frosty Frolic holiday event Dec. 9, at Longboat Key Club Harbourside. The association hosted the Key Niners, and the groups played a round of golf, followed by a luncheon.

The theme was Sarasota Circus, and cotton candy and popcorn were on the menu. Attendees also dressed in holidaythemed outfits.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

SANTA’S HELPERS

15A

by Kristen Herhold | Staff Writer

Christ Church gives gift of reading to children Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian members give the gift of reading year-round to students in the Reading Buddies program at the 13th Avenue Dream Center in Bradenton. On Dec. 11, church members showered their reading buddies with Christmas gifts during a party at the church.

Church members work oneon-one with students, who range from kindergarten to third grade, and provide support and academic assistance at least twice a month from November through April.

Photos by Kristen Herhold

Reading buddies Barry Steiger and Jamal George

Reading buddies Gil Lucas and Gregory Garcia

Mrs. Claus and Santa chat with the children and give them each a present.

Above: Reading buddies Luise Bethencourt and Janiyla Moody Reading buddies Michael Chester and Jamari Willis

Eat In or Take Out

Left: Zyqurrius Rice and Dominique Wilson

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TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY

ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS

The Town of Longboat Key is accepting applications for appointments to the following committee and board:

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All applications must be submitted to the Office of the Town Clerk by December 29, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. All applicants must be registered voters of the Town of Longboat Key. Late applications may not be accepted.

Applications are available at the Office of the Town Clerk or can be downloaded from the Town’s website at www.longboatkey.org. If you have any questions please call the Office of the Town Clerk at 941-316-1999. Applications may be submitted to: Town of Longboat Key - Office of the Town Clerk 501 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key FL 34228

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ST. ARMANDS ONLY St. Armands

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Visitors & Residents Welcome Childcare Available

ry to God in th

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CHRISTMAS SERVICES CHRISTMAS EVE

5 PM – Musical Prelude The Choir of All Angels by the Sea • The Bell Choir of All Angels by the Sea Rebecca Stracener, Soprano Soloist • Sylvia Thompson, Keyboards John Gunkler, Trumpet • Marcy Gobell, Bell Choir Director Dale Hooey, Organist and Director of Music

941-383-8161 www.AllAngelsLBK.com

The Rev. David L. Danner, Rector

157735

5:30 PM – THE CHRIST MASS

December18th 7:00PM Christmas Cantata

“Once Upon a Night” Christmas Eve Services

Candlelight & Carols 5:00PM led by Team Spirit 7:00PM led by Chancel Choir 10:00PM led by Chancel Choir with Holy Eucharist

Sunday Worship 9:00AM and 11:00AM

Longboat Island Chapel 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 383-6491 Adult education is at 9 a.m., and Sunday worship services are at 10 a.m. The Rev. Vincent Carroll is the minister.

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church 40 N. Adams Drive, 388-1234 Contemporary Sunday worship services are at 9 a.m.; fellowship and education at 10 a.m.; and traditional Sunday worship services at 11 a.m. The Rev. Mark Bernthal is the pastor.

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 383-1255 Sunday Masses are at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; daily Masses at 9 a.m.; and Saturday Masses at 5 p.m. Msgr. Gerard Finegan is the pastor.

Temple Beth Israel 567 Bay Isles Road, 383-3428 Shabbat services are at 8 p.m. Fridays and 5:30 p.m. the last Friday of the month; and 10 a.m. Saturdays. Jonathan Katz is the rabbi.

Harold Schneider

He worked for the state of Maryland and federal governments, with a stint as a supervisor of disaster relief for the American Red Cross.

After running a family-owned garment company, Mr. Schneider founded the Marine Testing Institute, which is headquartered in Mamaroneck, N.Y., and provides testing and certification for marine products. He served as CEO and president for many years.

Mr. Schneider was preceded in death by his wife, Esther Shedlin Schneider. He is survived by children Jan Schneider, Lynn Schneider Kalish and Seth Schneider; three grandchildren; and his long-time companion, Arleane Stier.

A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. Jan. 23, at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. In lieu of flowers, please support your favorite charities.

158570

Rev. Mark Bernthal, Pastor Visit Our Website www.saklc.com

Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

The Rev. Dr. Vincent Carroll

157750

An InterfAIth CommunIty ChurCh founded In 1956

Christmas Eve Service 4 p.m.

Guest Violinist, Laura Jensen Jennings

All Are Welcome

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

The LORD’S WAREHOUSE Thrift Shop Open Mon., Wed., and Sat. 9 a.m. - 1.p.m.

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, CATHOLIC CHURCH Welcomes You to Mass MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 5:00 P.M. Sunday: 8:30 A.M. & 10:30 A.M. Daily Mass at 9:00 A.M. and Confession before all Masses.

Christmas Eve: 4:00 P.M. & 9:00 P.M. (Carols at 8:30 P.M.) Christmas Day: 8:30 A.M. & 10:30 A.M.

4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 383-1255 • www.stmarylbk.com

Msgr. Gerard Finegan, Pastor

Temple Beth Israel

Jo

in

A Center of Jewish Life and Learning in the Sarasota Area Share Shabbat and more: Friday Evening, 8:00 pm

U

s!

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

941.383.3428 www.tbi-lbk.org 156304

40 N. Adams Dr. • St. Armands Key • 388 - 1234

Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian, USA 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 383-8833 Sunday worship services are at 10 a.m. The Rev. Norman Pritchard is the pastor.

Harold Schneider, 102, of Bird Key, died Nov. 12. Mr. Schneider was a World War II veteran of intelligence services. He was fond of pointing out that he was born Nov. 11, 1912, before that date was designated as Armistice Day and, later, Veterans Day. Born in Towanda, Pa., Mr. Schneider traveled extensively around the country and the world. Throughout his life, he experienced massive social, political and technological changes.

He loved to tell stories of his admiration and work for President Franklin D. and Eleanor Roosevelt, assistance in developing military uses of radar, hunting submarines off the East Coast in World War II and opening WarSchneider ner Robins Air Force Base.

Mr. Schneider attended college and law school at the University of Maryland and the University of Baltimore, respectively.

Us at St. Armands Key Join Lutheran Church “God’work, our hands.”

Philip Magner Jr., 87, formerly of Longboat Key and Buffalo, N.Y., died Dec. 9.

Born May 18, 1927, in Buffalo, N.Y., Mr. Magner graduated from the University of Buffalo Law School after serving in the Navy during World War II. Mr. Magner served as a lawyer for 65 years, and his trial practice concentrated on the representaMagner tion of victims of serious personal injury and wrongful death. As a pioneer in medical malpractice cases, he became so unpopular with many members of the medical profession that he was once admitted to a Buffalo-area hospital under an assumed name.

Mr. Magner was elected by his peers to the American College of Trial Lawyers and was also listed in “Best Lawyers of America” from the date of its first publication until his retirement more than 25 years later at age 76.

Mr. Magner is survived by his wife of 54 years, Monica; sons Steven and Daniel, both of Sarasota; and three grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 20, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Sarasota, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive.

158303

Episcopal Church

563 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL

All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church 563 Bay Isles Road, 383-8161 Sunday worship services are at 8 and 10 a.m. The Rev. David Danner is the rector.

Please visit our Gift Shop

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

157770

Glo

Sea

WORSHIP SERVICES

Philip Magner Jr.

Sermon: “Christmas Trees - Life When All is Dead”

by the

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

OBITUARIES

The Rev. Dr. Norman M. Pritchard

All Angel

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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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 | L O N G B O AT L I F E | R E A L E S TAT E | T R AV E L | W E AT H E R

YourObserver.com

DECK THE HALLS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

by Kristen Herhold | Staff Writer

CESHKER RESIDENCE

SEAPLACE

Seaplace staffers Wendy Cichowski and Gicela Tapia didn’t even wait for Thanksgiving dinner to settle to begin preparing the condo’s holiday display. They began planning the decorations in late summer and completed it the first week of December.

“I think it’s a fabulous display,” General

Manager Bill Deskus said. “There’s all kinds of different decorations with different colored lights and different kinds of lights. We wanted to do something that people of the Key will enjoy.”

Both entrances of Seaplace are decorated with colorful, festive lights. The gates and security booth are strewn with lights, and there are candy cane and reindeer displays.

LIGHT UP

THE KEY

Whew ... judging all of the eye-catching light displays for our annual Light up the Key contest is hard work! This year’s winners outdid themselves with clever, new displays and decorations.

We could really go for a glass of milk and some cookies right now.

Speaking of cookies, our five winners will all receive a tray of holiday cookies along with a bottle of Champagne from Harry’s Continental Kitchens to celebrate their winnings. Cheers to good tidings and happy holidays to all!

YOUROBSERVER.COM // See a map of the best places to see holiday displays in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

3380 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE Santa Claus won’t have trouble finding George and Sandra Ceshker’s home at 3380 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Decorated with several blow-up figures and multicolored lights, this residence stands out with its fun, distinctive display.

Sandra Ceshker has decorated her home every year but one

since moving to the Key 18 years ago. She said the inside of her house is even more decked out than the outside.

“I hope I sparked some people out there to start competing and decorating,” she said. “It’s so much fun to drive by and see these lights, but it’s even more fun to be inside and see people react to it. It makes people happy, including me.”

We searched all of Longboat for the shining stars of holiday decorations for our annual Light up the Key contest. Here, we reveal our five winners.

SEE MORE LIGHT DISPLAYS / PAGE 18A

BEACHPLACE

1000 AND 1100 BLOCKS OF GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE Beachplace has been looking blue since the beginning of December. Residents, however, are not sad — the condo’s holiday lights are predominately the color blue.

The security booth, sign and palm trees are decorated in blue and white lights, and there is also a reindeer and blue tree on display.

Office staffers Keena Kolesa and Karen Darnell, the shining stars behind this year’s decorations, began planning Nov. 1.

“They really put a lot of thought into these lights,” Office Manager Linda Pontarelli said. “They look festive and worked really hard. I think they deserve to win.”

147838

1900 AND 2000 BLOCKS OF GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE

18A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

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

REID MURPHY Luxury on the Water www.reidmurphy.com

LIGHT DISPLAYS / FROM PAGE 17A 4300 AND 4400 BLOCKS OF GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE

LONGBOAT HARBOUR

The entrance to Longboat Harbour bursts with a multitude of colors.

Both the entry and exit sides are decorated, and residents are greeted with a blue tree and two reindeer along with multicolored lights on the bushes and on the ground.

The maintenance workers at Longboat Harbour set up the lights during the days following Thanksgiving.

“We think they look pretty,” administrative assistant Lolita Valencia said. “Everybody so far has liked them. We love for people to drive by and see how nice it looks.”

Call REID Today!

941.232.3304

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!

3 Bedroom 3 Bath Home On Sailboat Water in Country Club Shores Close to everything!

1,095,000

$

4949 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE

DOWNTOWN GOLDEN GATE POINT $3,200,000 New 3 BD unit never occupied w/amazing bay & city views.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT GULFSIDE $8,900,000 Gated 5BR with private beach and gulffront pool.

POSITANO SPECTACULAR BAYFRONT ESTATE $8,700,000 5BR 10,000 sq. ft. masterpiece. Views plus dock.

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

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches.

Positano has a different take on the Christmas tree this year.

The property’s decorations are simple compared with other winners, but what stands out is its palm trees.

Trimmer’s Décor put the white lights on the trees in November, and, unlike most trees, which are decorated with lights only on their trunks, each individual palm frond is lighted.

“I think they’re beautiful,” security officer David Plummer said.

“We have people stopping out here all night long taking pictures of the lights. There’s no other trees out on the island that look like this.”

Living and Working on Longboat Key for 40 Years

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 POSITANO GULF FRONT PENTHOUSE $3,950,000 3BR/3BA + den. Superb amenities & finishes.

157753

SPECTACULAR BEACH FRONT $5,395,000 One-Of-A-Kind 6 BR/ 5 BA Secluded private setting w/ expansive views of gulf waters, beach & sunset.

3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

941.724.7228 CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

Talk to Tina today Enchanting Bayfront Estate

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

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

DREAM ISLAND ROAD $1,623,000 4BR canal home on sailboat water w/dock & lift.

EXTRAORDINARY BAYFRONT HOME $2,345,000 5/BD with deepwater dock & lift, home gym w/ steam room & sauna.

Your international real estate connection

Ich spreche Deutsch

At your service LBKRealEstate.com

157878

157940

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME ON LONGBOAT KEY 3BR PENTHOUSE CORNER LOCATION $348,000 Wide canal lot on Dream Island Rd. $849,000 Two large private porches, no shared walls in Gulf to Deep water canal in Sleepy Lagoon $600,000 Bay community w/ beach, boat dock & fishing pier.

Jungle Queen Way lot close to beach $425,000

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

(941) 920 - 0303

Completely private 5 BR, 4.5 BA Spanish inspired residence with deeded beach access, deep water channel, boat lift and kayak dock, 4 car garage and RV parking by tranquility and lush tropical grounds.

Direct Gulf surrounded Front Residence OFFERED at $1,899,000 157743

Call Tina Rudek

Offered at $2,500,000

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

19A

Ackerman

BARBARA

REALTOR®

GROUP

The #1 Group in Sarasota & Manatee Counties for 2013 The #1 Group on Florida’s West Coast Ranked in the Top .5% of Coldwell Banker Associates Internationally.

GRAND BAY EXTRAVAGANZA LI NEW

STIN

G

LI NEW

STIN

PUT THE TOP PRODUCERS TO WORK FOR YOU.

G P NEW

RICE

Building I - 8th Floor South facing Building I - 9th Floor Penthouse Building III - 3rd Floor Never lived in turnkey furnished 3BR apartment with Turnkey furnished 3BR apartment with 11’ 2BR+ study apartment with Gulf & Bay wood floors, panoramic views $1,129,000 ceilings, rich wood flooring, and exceptional views. Allergy free construction! sunrise & sunset views. $1,395,000 $1,195,000

t Key ngboa 1-4 o L , d en UN riton B & S 607 T N SAT

Islands West – Direct Gulf Front Beautiful 4th floor Northwest corner 2BR/2BA residence at Islands West has stunning sunset views year-around! Light and bright with updated kitchen. Pet friendly community! PC 77470 $895,000

OPE

Laurel Oak Country Club Executive Home situated on a 1 acre lot. 4 bedrooms 6 baths + study and entertainment room built and designed by Arthur Rutenberg in 2002.

Beautiful interiors, resort style screened pool with summer kitchen & 4-car garage.

PC 79272 $1,260,000

L NEW

ISTIN

Triton Bend - New Construction MidLongboat Key British West Indies style with a modern flair and beach access. Four bedrooms plus study three full and 2 half baths, open great room & kitchen. Luxurious pool/spa & 2-car garage. PC 79273 $1,690,000

Promenade Great opportunity to be on a high floor in the largest 2BR/2 FULL BA with magnificent Sunsets & Bay views. Large master suite with 2 walk-in closets & brick terrace overlooking the resort style pool.

Terrific garage parking, concierge services + 24-hr. security. PC 81723 $849,000

G North Casey Key - Villa Crescendo Gulf to Bay luxury with 6,024 SF, 4BR+ den/5th BR/5BA and water views from every room! A private tranquil family retreat with quality appointments throughout, 4-car garage and private dock. PC 79244 $4,900,000

Corey’s Landing - Bay Front Villa Magnificently designed & furnished 3BR+ den villa with a relaxing lake and golf course view from a spacious screened brick patio. High ceilings, open entertaining space, custom builtins and a gourmet granite & stainless kitchen. $689,000 Deeded beach access included!

Country Club Shores - Direct Bay Front 3,700+ SF home with 3 BR+ study/4th bedroom, stunning open Bay views, infinityedge pool, protected boat dock & 257 feet of seawall. PC 79192 $3,500,000

LI NEW

Water Club II - Simple Elegance Sought after Dover floor plan with 3 full bedrooms plus a spacious den and living area shows like a model. Beautiful 24x24 light marble floors and a neutral palette.

Pet friendly. PC 79265 $1,698,000

STIN

4-Plex - West of the Trail Grove Street Mediterranean style multi-family property with 1, 2 & 3 BR units or a great lot to build a single family home! Unbelievable potential!

PC 79233 $629,000

NEW

PRIC

E

G

Bay Plaza – Downtown Sarasota 2 bedroom, 2 bath split plan apartment on the 2nd floor with lovely water views, new wood floors and carpet throughout and freshly painted. Updated bathrooms and wood cabinetry in the kitchen. $619,000

Sleepy Lagoon - Longboat Key Stunning waterfront home on Marbury Ln. with 4 BD+den/4.5 BA totaling 2,702 sq. ft.

Completely renovated, new appliances, pool, boat dock & a putting green out back!

PC 95171 $749,000

Water Club I - Sunsets over the Gulf Beautiful 6th floor Dover plan apartment has 10 foot ceilings and gorgeous Gulf, Bay & Sarasota City views. Pet-friendly community! PC 79223 $1,749,000

Lido Shores - Westway Drive Build your dream home! Gorgeous lot on 113’ of seawall is fenced & gated and has large private dock with water & electric. Rarely available! PC 78634 $5,000,000

Longboat Key - Direct Gulf Front Estate size property over an acre prime for creating your beach front dream. Existing 3BR country rustic home ideal to occupy while your visions unfold. Short distance to shopping, dining and the Longboat Key Club. PC 95103 $3,195,000

4 y #40 y Wa 1 - 4 a B n i n Dolph t & Su 1280 OPEN Sa

Siesta Key - Dolphin Bay Magnificent panoramic Bay views from this 2BR/2BA +den 4th floor 2,042 SF apartment with hardwood floors, porcelain tile & wood cabinetry in a pet-friendly community with $825,000 great amenities. PC 74451

Promenade - Longboat Key Gulf Front Sweeping Southwest Gulf and City views, completely redone to the studs creating higher ceilings. Furnished with modern style and art … move right in! PC 79219 $989,000

…

Call (866) 600-6008 from your smartphone and enter the Property Code to receive photos, details & virtual tour instantly!

158253

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

Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

20A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

match point

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

by Kristen Herhold and Amanda Sebastiano | Observer Staff

Observer Challenge toasts to tennis at annual cocktail party, tournament Tennis players and Longboat Key residents were up to the challenge — make that the 15th annual Observer Challenge, which kicked off Dec. 11 with a cocktail party. The event featured food, friends, a live tennis match and, of course, cocktails. Robbie Salum, Claudiu Retean, Nina Schmidt and Lorie Tennell paired off into teams in the just-forfun match while 150 attendees watched from the sidelines at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center.

The tournament took place from Dec. 12 through Dec. 14. The event pitted coed teams of four against each other in five different divisions.

Each round consisted of teams playing singles, doubles and mixed doubles, and the teams that won the best of five advanced to the next round.

MORE OBSERVER CHALLENGE PHOTOS / PAGE 22A Above: Division One champions Mark Schlobach, Linda Gillott, Beverly Perez and Mark Malinowski Right: Division Four champions Jim Purcell, Roger Blair, Kristin Beeman and Angie Eason

Joan and Frank Harben wait for the match to begin at the cocktail party.

Heidi Smith and Christine Short spend time with friends at the kickoff party.

Exceptional Vacation Accommodations since 1994...

• Half Acre Home sites and up • No CDD Fees • Private Boat Ramp & Fishing Pier • 3 Car Garage • Tile Roofs • From the $400s

99% of our guests state they will rent from us again.

Private vacation homes & condominiums on the beach & on the bay.

HOMES • CONDOMINIUMS • RESORTS

3720 GULF OF MEXICO DR. • LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228

941.306.5892 bwhomes.com

HARBORAGE ON BRADEN RIVER - Enjoy an active lifestyle in this Neal community along the Braden river.

The maintenance free home has 2 bedrooms, a den and 2 baths. The kitchen has wood cabinets, granite counters and stainless appliances. The community offers pool, tennis, hiking trails, boat docks. All this and West of I-75-----20 minutes to downtown Sarasota or Bradenton. ........................................................................NEW LISTING ........$265,000 TIMBER CREEK - a golfing community hidden away in West Bradenton and only 15 minutes to the Gulf beaches, 20 minutes from LBK, major shopping and restaurants closeby.This condo residence has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, an enclosed a/c lanai. It is surrounded by tropical foliage and has a golf course view. The community offers golf ( at a nominal fee), tennis, pool, fitness center and lots of social activities. Pet friendly. ...................................................................$121,000 LONGBOAT HARBOUR -- Bay front residence with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and a glassed enclosed lanai. It’s like living on a cruise ship! The views of the bay are spectacular. The community offers deeded beach access, tennis, 4 pools, clubhouse, boat slips and a variety of social activities. .....................................................................$275,000 TIMBER CREEK---a golfing community tucked away in West Bradenton. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths plus enclosed lanai on the golf course. Golf membership is so reasonable you can’t afford not to play. 15 minutes to the beach. Shopping and restaurants closeby. ...........................................................................................................................................$110,000 SUNRISE, SUNSET - You will enjoy both from the bayfront furnished penthouse with a million dollar view of Sarasota Bay, the Sarasota skyline and Bradenton to the north. Great amenities and deeded beach access. 2 pets allowed--no size or weight restriction!! ............................................................................................................................................$428,900 HISTORIC LONG BEACH -- This vacant lot with beach and bay access just blocks away could be the site for your new home. Enjoy the charm of Village life with its friendly residents, its many neighborly activities and its ambiance. .........................................................................................................................NEW PRICING........$269,900 COUNTRY CLUB SHORES-3 bedroom, 3 bath, den, pool, boat dock, 10,000 lb. lift, totally renovated. 4th house from the bay. A great bay view from the pavered pool deck. ........................................................SOLD....$865,000 NORTH END LONGBOAT KEY-charming rustic home on wide bayou with wildlife preserve across the water. 2 bedroom, 2 bath, wood floors. Bring your nets and catch the mullet! Old Florida at its best.............SOLD ...........$495,000 WINDWARD BAY - view the bay from the screened porch of this corner 2/2 villa. Enjoy a full size laundry room and grilling outside your door.The community offers tennis, 2 pools, fitness room. boat docks, kayak racks. 2 pets up to 25 lbs. This villa lives like a single family home ........................................................................SOLD.....$269,000

CBC #1257342

LBK LIQUORS You’ll Love Shopping At LBK Liquors Where Our Weekly Prices Match Publix!

(We’ll honor all advertised liquor prices in current Publix LIQUOR flyer.)

BEER | WINE | SPIRITS | ICE | CIGARS | LOTTO

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

bobbiebanan@michaelsaunders.com Licensed Real Estate Broker

Ambassador’s Circle

157752

Michael Saunders & Company St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL (941) 388-4447

157169

CONNECTION

LONGBOAT KEY • LIDO KEY

941.387.9709 • FVconnect@aol.com www.FLvacationconnection.com

6854 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Whitney Beach Plaza 941-953-1835

158568

VACATION

157525

FLORIDA

Michele Knuese & Jan Jordan, Owners

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

21A

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

Headed on a great trip? Make sure to take your Observer along! Snap a photo of you holding your Observer on vacation, then submit it and you could win travel tickets, courtesy of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

Luxury Service • Strategic Marketing • Benchmark Results

YOUROBSERVER.COM/ITSREADEVERYWHERE

MICHAEL SAUNDERS & COMPANY #1 REAL ESTATE TEAM FEATURED LISTING

OVER THE MOON. Rochelle and Bill Tepperman hiked to the Valley of the Moon, which is 13,000 feet above sea level, in the Atacama Desert in Chile.

The valley is considered one of the driest places on Earth; sand and stone formations there resemble the surface of the moon.

$

00 3,600,0

749 FREELING DRIVE

This 4 bedroom Addison Mizner inspired estate situated on nearly 1/2 an acre with 114’ of water frontage and a deep water dock is a boater’s dream. Located in Bay Island Shores on Siesta Key. Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box. See answers on page 29A. © 2014 Universal Uclick

25 LIGHTHOUSE POINT

$5,200,000 LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS #201S

THE PIERRE

$1,199,000 PROMENADE #210

$1,495,000

State Certified General Contractor

•Porch Enclosures •Parts •Repair

•HURRICANE WINDOWS ALSO AVAILABLE …

IMPACT ENERGY STAR RATED 5330 Ashton Ct., Sarasota

492-5200

157235

921-1113

$859,000

1955 So. Trail, Venice

Since 1969 • www.wilson-window.com

♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Play Bridge!! Beginner Lessons

Learn to

1st FOUR lessons

FREE!

Play in a game your first day!

Modern bridge the easy way in just a few weeks!

CLASSES BEGIN:

Thursday, January 15 • 9-11:30am

UNDER CONTRACT

LANDS END

UNDER CONTRACT

Visit us at www.longboatlife.com for more info on our properties.

Michael Saunders & Company | 440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 | PH 941.387.0100

ianaddy@michaelsaunders.com | gailwittig@michaelsaunders.com

Call Michelle Golden

941-365-7875

/addywittigteam

Town & Country Plaza NW Corner Fruitville & Beneva Unit 612 ♦ Inside Courtyard ♦ Sarasota, FL

157952

|

/athomesarasota 155012

EASYBRIDGE IS HERE!!

BAY ISLES “BAYOU SECTION”

22A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

OBSERVER CHALLENGE / FROM PAGE 20A

Photos by Kristen Herhold and Amanda Sebastiano

Division Two champions Brad Cohen, Karen Adams, Heidi Smith and Andy Adams with coach Claudiu Retean and Kay Thayer, tournament director

The McGrath family — Rich, Sunny and Sassy

Wishing You A Joyous Holiday Season & Peace and Prosperity in the New Year NEW

LISTI

NG

A4109339

Nina Schmidt braces for a serve from her opponent during the match at the cocktail party.

Licensed Real Estate Broker

NEW

LISTI

NG

A4109140

Division Three champions Dominique Kohlenberger, Bob Dreyfus, Helen Smith and Fred Berg

GOTO

Division Five champions Phil Hardy, Kat Hughes, Marie Myers and Ivan Pivko

Michael Saunders & Company

Helen Turner and Holly Parker enjoy the tennis match from the sidelines at the cocktail party.

yourobserver.com to check out this year’s animated holiday scene.

WATER CLUB - Direct Gulf front 3BR 3,400sf furnished GRAND BAY PENTHOUSE - Rarely available w/4 en-suite $2,600,000 condo with three terraces and private garage. $2,750,000 bedrooms & 5,000sf wraparound terrace.

A3993216

OAKS BAYSIDE ESTATE - 8,500sf 5BR residence designed and built by famed architect Bo MacEwen. $2,200,000 A3996566

NEW

LISTI

NG

A4107822

CASEY KEY LOT - Desirable one acre mid-key bay front lot with 250’ on Sarasota Bay. $1,500,000.

NEW

LISTI

NG

A4107019 & A4107037

To view the 2014 Holiday Gift guide go online and click the scene.

BOATHOUSE - Enclosed building boat storage on the south end of Longboat with slips for $34,900 and $24,900.

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

157756

PIERRE - 3 bedroom 2,780sf corner residence w/ stunning views behind the gate of Longboat Key Club. $1,395,000

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

23A

the finest services of real estate

Annette Rogers 941.284.7373

Betsy Sublette 941.284.8483

Daniel Volz 941.893.3757

Cheryl Loeffler, MBA Realtor 941.302.9674

LONGBOAT KEY VILLAGE OF LONGBOAT Inspiring, custom, modern home resting along Sarasota Bay and surrounded by lush, tropical foliage. Tr uly a private sanctuar y on the sea with enormous views. $3,395,000

SAPPHIRE SHORES – SARASOTA

$12,500,000

Grand estate set on two waterfront lots offering stunning views of the Bay, bridge and Downtown Sarasota from most rooms

MCCLELLAN PARK – SARASOTA

$8,995,000

Secluded, historic bayfront hideaway with pool, tennis court, boat dock, guest house and stunning views

CHEROKEE PARK – SARASOTA

$7,499,000

Gated bayfront estate on over 1 acre with more than 8,700 sq. ft. of perfected living space, four-car garage and boat house

DREAM ISLAND – LONGBOAT KEY $5,300,000

GOLDEN GATE POINT – SARASOTA $4,695,000

SIESTA KEY – SARASOTA

$5,999,000

LONGBOAT KEY – BAY ISLES

EN PROVENCE – LONGBOAT KEY

LONGBOAT KEY – L’AMBIANCE

$2,115,000

Custom estate home on fabulous, protected boating water with six bedrooms, private casita, heated pool and spa, five-car garage and all of the finest finishes

$3,995,000

Secluded harbor section home with five en-suite bedrooms and almost 6,000 sq. ft. of inspiring living space

Grande Riviera 8th floor penthouse, custom-designed to take full advantage of the spectacular sights, 5,600 sq. foot. of exquisite taste

$3,749,000

Direct Gulf-front residence with dramatic and inspiring water views and 3,800 sq. ft. of wonderful open floor plan

Architecturally significant sanctuary on over 1 acre of private beachfront

Two bedrooms plus den/office Sabal floor plan with views of both Gulf and Bay. Two parking spaces and hurricane shutters.

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

Property information herein is derived from various sources including but not limited to county records and the multiple listing service, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

158657

The Plaza at Five Points | 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110 | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.308.6554 Cheryl.Loeffler@sothebysrealty.com | CherylLoeffler.com

24A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

HOLIDAY NIGHT

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

o, christmas sea

by Kristen Herhold | Staff Writer

by Kristen Herhold | Staff Writer

Longboat Harbour decks the docks for holidays Longboat Harbour hosted its annual Lighting of the Docks celebration Dec. 6. Residents walked around the property admiring each other’s decorated docks while drinking eggnog and greeting Santa Claus.

Members’ yachts glow during the Lighting of the Fleet.

BKYC lets there be light On Dec. 6, Bird Key Yacht Club held its annual Lighting of the Fleet, during which members’ yachts lit up with holiday lights and decorations.

Gerry Sullivan, Barbara Bellamente, Melanie Johnson and Tim Vitro

Mary and Yoshito Kimura in front of their dock.

Alden and Ginny Keyser Above: Commodore Lee and Jane Peakes Right: Bill Bamberg, Nancy Carlton, Dorothy Cole, Charleen Sessions and Bob Hopkins

Commodore Joe Sever, Ted Janssen, John Shea and Jim Fox

Early Holiday

941.383.5577 www.WagnerRealty.com

NICE AND COZY 2BR/1BA Mobile Home in an active community. Fishing on the bay and shuffleboard are some of the activities available with deeded beach access and marina. $99,900 Dia Wilson & Mary Moore #M5841236

Photos by Kristen Herhold

DEADLINES DON’T MISS THESE SPECIAL EDITIONS!

FANTASTIC 2BR/2BA LIGHT BRIGHT and cheery updated mobile home. Wood laminate floors, light wood cabinets and plenty of room for entertaining. Come see for yourself! $119,900 Dia Wilson #M5903260

January 1 - Year in Review/ Year in Pictures Deadline: Thursday, December 18, 4pm FABULOUS 2BR/2BA meticulously maintained property is ready for immediate occupancy. Light, bright, & plenty of room for company. The updated beach decor makes this home move in ready! $149,900 Dia Wilson & Mary Moore #M5843678

January 8 - Top Issues for 2015 Deadline: Friday, January 2, 9am

UPDATED 1ST FLOOR 1BR/1BA water front condo, located in the popular community of Longboat Harbour.

Tommy Bahama style w/granite, ceramic tile, SS appliances crown moulding and much more. $212,000 Kelly Belisle #M5903147

Reserve your advertising space today!

Contact your OMG representative at 941.366.3468 or email advertise@yourobserver.com.

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. $249,900 Kelly Belisle #M5843015

Happy Holidays from all your friends at The Observer!

SECLUDED PARADISE on south end of Longboat Key. Furnished and steps away from beach and short drive to St. Armands & Sarasota art district. Amenities include golf course, tennis, pool, spa & restaurant. $339,000 Mary Moore & Dia Wilson #M5846581

The Observer Media Group offices will be closed from Dec. 24 - Jan. 1 3BR/3BA RENOVATED home close to the beach including a spacious 1BR/1BA mother-in-law suite. Saltwater screened pool, wood burning fireplace & new high impact windows. Make this your home on Longboat Key. $1,299,000 Dia Wilson #M5903371

158338

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES BEAUTY! This wonderfully updated, roomy, immaculate waterfront home awaits you on Longboat Key. 3BR/3BA w/pool, gorgeous views and deeded beach access too! $995,000 Peter & Gina Uliano # M5902370

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

157772

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

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

Lynne Koy ◆

941.387.1862

25A

presents her

LUXURY

PREMIER COLLECTION◆

LONGBOAT KEY - Welcome to Acqua Vita (‘Water of Life’), the product of a masterful collaboration between the award-winning firms of Perrone Construction and Clifford M. Scholz Architects. Call for details! $8,400,000

lkoy@coldwellbanker.com

Tour Lynne’s properties at

www.lynnekoy.com Follow me on

Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn / YouTube

At The Chart House on Longboat Key

SPICE BAY - The ‘Antigua’ is a breathtaking Dutch BIRD KEY - Endless possibilities! 6BR/6.5BA/5CG West Indies architectural concept by Perrone waterfront compound features 2 homes on 2 lots with Construction; features 3BR/4.5BA. $2,449,000 200 ft of sea wall on Dolphin Waterway. $2,495,000

Broker/Associate, CRB, CRS, GRI Previews International Property Specialist Involved Citizen: Sarasota Opera, Safe Place And Rape Crisis Center Board Member, Make-a-Wish, Meals on Wheels, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Breast Cancer Awareness

Global MarketinG:

BIRD KEY - 4BR/4.5BA waterfront estate designed by BIRD KEY - 4BR/3.5BA pool home on deep-water Tim Seibert, a leading force of the Sarasota School of canal with Gulf access; 120’ of waterfront, dock, & Architecture! $1,725,000 boat lift! $1,700,000

NYtimes.com Birdkeynews.com Coldwellbanker.com Worldproperties.com Trulia.com LynneKoy.com Rightmoves.com

LONGBOAT KEY - Spectacular 3BR/3BA bay front BAY ISLES - 3,400+ sq. ft. two-story 3BR/3.5BA multi-level residence offers expansive canal and bay pool home; situated on canal with access to the Bay! views from every level! $1,650,000 $1,599,000

Greatwaterfrontliving.com Realtor.com Zillow.com

BIRD KEY - Charming 3BR/3BA garden home with BEACHPLACE - Amazing direct Gulf views from lush landscaping, Terazzo floors, and split floor plan. this turnkey furnished 2BR/2BA condominium. $750,000 $699,000 DEDICATED TO LUXURY REAL ESTATE SM Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

LONGBOAT HARBOUR - Gorgeous LONGBOAT HARBOUR bay views from this 2BR/2BA with front 2BD/2BA condo stackable washer/dryer and Corian with many custom counter tops. $259,900

– Canal residence touches! $249,000

REPORT CARD: $41.9 MILLION IN PENDING AND CLOSED SALES YEAR TO DATE! THANK YOU TO MY LOYAL CLIENTS AND CUSTOMERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT!

148367

ISLANDER CLUB - 2BR/2BA south tower; 7th floor. Partial bay & Gulf views from master bedroom! $449,000

26A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

real estate | transactions

By Adam Hughes | Research Editor

Country Club Shores home sells for $1.4 million The following residential real estate transactions took place between Dec. 1 and Dec. 5.

A home in Country Club Shores tops all transactions in this week’s real estate.

Christopher and Janice Grzep, of Sarasota, sold their home at 561 Spinnaker Lane to Marcel Lignon and Fabienne Le Gall, of St. Barthelemy, France, for $1.4 million.

Built in 1967, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,558 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $280,000 in 1994.

Emerald Harbor

Kristen Herhold

David and Rosemarie Carter, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 741 Binnacle Point Drive to Alejandro and Denise Salabarria, of Longboat Key, for $1.25 million.

Built in 1969, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 4,107 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $1.05 million in 2004.

Beachplace III

Farris and Victoria Carpenter, trustees, of Longwood, sold the Unit 202 condominium at 1055 Gulf of Mexico Drive to 1055 Gulf of Mexico Drive LLC for $660,000. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,392 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $230,000 in 1989.

Windward Bay

Campbell Wells Properties LLC sold the Unit PH-1 condominium at 4540 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Brian and Deborah Foster, of Westhampton Beach, N.Y., for $390,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,337 square feet of

This home at 561 Spinnaker Lane has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,558 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.4 million.

living area. It previously sold for $227,000 in 2013.

Longboat Arms

Michael and Carol McCarthy, of Chicago, sold their Unit 303D condominium at 3330 Gulf of Mexico Drive to The Longboat Island Chapel Inc. for $335,000. Built in 1971, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,106 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $269,500 in 2013.

BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Dec. 4 through Dec. 10, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive) Address Permit 6271 GMD New construction 4700 GMD Interior 3615 Fair Oaks Place Addition

2410 Harbourside Drive Bathroom

Doors, siding 660 Marbury Lane and exterior stairs

Kitchen and 603 Longboat Club Road bathroom 435 L’Ambiance Drive Interior 3576 Fair Oaks Way Re-roof 1050 Longboat Club Road New spa 3460 GMD Re-roof Windows and doors 3710 GMD 3810 GMD Windows

Doors for 100 Sands Point Road storage unit 650 Emerald Harbor Drive Window and door 2721 GMD Door and windows Door and windows 2721 GMD 6040 GMD Re-roof 3440 GMD Kitchen wall 280 N. Shore Road Kitchen

Certificate of 760 Dream Island Road occupancy

Applicant Paulinbea LLC Richard Meibach Branton Miller Dick Zwimer and Donna Heggie

Amount $2,172,600 $89,291 $80,000 $75,330

Kent Brown $70,000 Anthony Van Severen, trustee $62,600 Charles Ewing $53,080 Wilbur Reynolds $32,500 Privateer Condo Association $29,000 Rick Allen and Diana Lott $25,600 Lincoln Linscott $18,000 Robert Morgan $12,467 Sands Point Condominium Association $4,950 Jeanne Musorofiti $4,628.80 Strauss Beachcomber LLC $4,490 Sergey Poskotin $4,490 David Miller $3,500 Craig Wood $2,000 Bradley Thompson $2,000 John Sullivan

N/A

Longboat Harbour

Daniel and Rosalie Brogan, of Glen Mills, Pa., sold their Unit 308 condominium at 4330 Falmouth Drive to Ronald Malone and Alan Malone, of Longboat Key, for $275,000. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two bath and 1,092 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $470,000 in 2005.

541 Chipping Ln #A3998188 $799,000 Jonathan Fox

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-544-6649

545 Rountree Dr #A3996752 $769,000 Michael Yawitz

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

1910 Harbour Links Cir # 12 #A3999366 $749,000 Jenine Meyer

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-266-8303

2525 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #A4109332 $749,000 Tom Delaney

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-387-3990

741 Hideaway Bay Drive #A4103504 $2,895,000 Saint Cacchiotti

1115 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #A4108070 $679,000 Lee Dillon

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-928-5012

614 Buttonwood Drive #A4108833 $650,000 Tak Konstantinou

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-374-1606

1085 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #A4107956 $645,000 Jenifer Schwell

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

7001 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #23 #A4108442 $624,900 Maureen Horn

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-539-3384

1770 Benjamin Franklin Drive #A4106941 $600,000 Marianne Lebar

SHARE YOUR

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

Lido Key 941-951-6660 941-650-0337

230 Sands Point Road #A4104807 $525,000 Ian Addy Pa

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

PHOTOS

7125 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 12 #A3998052 $494,000 Richard Perlman

1241 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #A4109339 $2,775,000 Michael Moulton

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

2301 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #A4109049 $465,000 Alex Ley

Longboat Key 941-966-8000 941-504-6377

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

Share using #SaundersSights on your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or upload to TheSaundersBlog.com

YOUR PHOTO MAY APPEAR ON MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

615 Dream Island Road #A4101133 $450,000 Susan Fox

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

4900 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #A4100526 $428,900 Bobbi Banan

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

4725 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #A4106599 $424,900 Ian Addy Pa

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

4621 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 5F #A4107726 $399,900 Maureen Horn

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-539-3384

448 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #A4107336 $399,500 The Collier Group

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

1926 Harbourside Drive #A4108601 $399,000 Julie Klick

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

3500 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #A4108266 $395,000 Steve Magner

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

4340 Falmouth Drive #A4100914 $304,900 Maureen Doherty

Longboat Key 941-951-6660 941-993-3159

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

MERRY MIXER

27A

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

by Kristen Herhold | Staff Writer

Vince LaPorta, of Longboat Key Club, Nancy Taussig, of Barefoot Weddings, Chamber President Gail Loefgren and Suzanne Stacy, of Suzanne’s “J.A.P.” Service

LBK Chamber of Commerce members celebrate the holidays The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce held its holiday Business After Hours event Dec. 11, at the Holiday Inn Lido Beach.

Local business owners and employees gathered to network, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and celebrate the holidays.

Tom Reif, of SRQ Yacht Charters, Judy Tatar, of Grayhawk, and Allan Zuckerman, of Beach Breeze Weddings

Tiffany Cox and David Ricereto, of First Service Residential

225 Sands Point Road #A4100632 $299,900 Rory Jaret

4310 Falmouth Drive #A4105301 $275,000 Bobbi Banan

420 Firehouse Court #A4108648 $229,900 Matthew Cannon

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

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

Longboat Key 941-951-6660 941-228-2030

4440 Exeter Drive #A4104012 $299,900 Sharon Freeman

3810 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #A4107263 $274,900 Stephen Harris

4390 Exeter Dr # 305 #A3991943 $175,000 Sandi Layfield

Chris Cullison, of the Sandpiper Inn, and Rick Lamb, of Waterfront 7 Realty

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

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

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

4440 Exeter Drive #A4106919 $295,000 Sharon Freeman

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

3710 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #M5901950 $149,900 William Vanartsdalen

6051 Gulf Of Mexico Dr #A3983113 $3,950,000 Ann Martin

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

571 Putting Green Lane #A4101858 $2,095,000 Sylvia Zimmerman

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

6540 Gulf Of Mexico Dr #A3997271 $1,895,000 Saint Cacchiotti

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

601 Longboat Club Rd # 201S #A3987049 $1,495,000 Ian Addy Pa

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

455 Longboat Club Rd # 508 #A3996566 $1,395,000 Michael Moulton

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

3563 Fair Oaks Lane #A4109427 $1,395,000 Brigitte Von Kessel

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

556 N Washington Drive #A4100385 $1,200,000 Diana Kryszak

Lido Key 941-388-4447 941-993-4078

3565 Mistletoe Lane #A4104717 $999,000 Julie Klick

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

3010 Grand Bay Boulevard #A4108819 $859,000 Julie Klick

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

392 Firehouse Lane #A4106562 $849,900 Mary Defrank

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

2425 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 12A #A3995797 $747,000 Mel & Jan Goldsmith

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

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

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

Longboat Key 941-383-5502 941-348-9272

VA C AT I O N R E N TA L S 25 Lighthouse Point Drive #A4108131 $5,200,000 Ian Addy Pa

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 941-961-8850

White Sands of Longboat whitesandsoflongboat.com 800.230.2428

158727

Veranda Beach Club verandabeachclub.com 800.411.5511

28A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

EXPLORING NATURE’S BEAUTY

Visit YourObserver.com to submit your local weather photos. Each weekly winner will be entered into a monthly drawing for a $25 gift card. One grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 flooring makeover.*

with

 Dianne Joseph submitted this photo, taken on Lido Beach.

WEEKEND FORECAST FRIDAY, DEC. 19 High: 73 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 0%

YOUROBSERVER.COM/ WEATHER

Visit our website to upload your weather or naturerelated photos and for contest information, including rules and prize information.

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise

Sunset

Thursday, Dec. 18

7:14a

5:39p

Friday, Dec. 19

7:15a

5:40p

Saturday, Dec. 20

7:16a

5:40p

Sunday, Dec. 21

7:16a

5:41p

Monday, Dec. 22

7:17a

5:41p

SATURDAY, DEC. 20

Tuesday, Dec. 23

7:17a

5:42p

High: 73 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 50%

Wednesday, Dec. 24

7:18a

5:42p

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, DEC. 21 High: 70 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 20% Courtesy: wunderground.com

Dec. 21 New

TIDES

Dec. 28 First

Jan. 13 Last

Jan. 4 Full

Highs

Thursday, Dec. 18 Friday, Dec. 19 Saturday, Dec. 20 Sunday, Dec. 21 Monday, Dec. 22 Tuesday, Dec. 23 Wednesday, Dec. 24

10:50a 11:44a 12:29p 1:11p 1:49p 2:26p 3:00p

8:34p 9:13p 9:53p 10:35p 11:21p — —

Lows 4:19a 5:04a 5:47a 6:28p 7:11a 7:53a 8:36a

3:06p 3:48p 4:28p 5:11p 5:58p 6:51p 7:51p

*Must own a home in Sarasota or Manatee counties. Grand prize winner will be announced in October 2015.

4551 N. Washington Blvd.,Sarasota • 941.355.8437 2510 1st Street W., Bradenton • 941.748.4679 1734 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice • 941.493.7441

Awarded 2014 National MOHAWK Dealer of the Year!

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

A MATTER OF DEGREES by Roger D. Ellis ACROSS

Edited by Timothy E. Parker

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www.manasotaonline.com

154713

a a reflection reflection of of nature’s nature’s beauty beauty

1 Lipton and Twinings, e.g.

5 Insect phase 10 One of the Golden Horde 15 Big blowout 19 Bridge toll unit 20 Bishop’s assistant 21 Marks in ancient manuscripts 22 “Do ___ others as ...”

23 Game with hits 25 Place for lowpriority items 27 Walloped, old-style 28 Cold-cuts emporium 29 Covered with soot 30 Some tides 31 Running behind schedule 33 Not naughty 35 Jab, for most boxers 37 Unable to appreciate the symphony 41 And so forth (Abbr.)

42 Kind of walk 46 State firmly 47 Skin cream additive 49 Some beans 52 Haberdashery accessory 53 Astronomer’s unit of distance 55 Hilo souvenir 57 One pointing at a target 59 Price marker 60 “Why, ___ be a pleasure!”

61 Cook’s staple 65 Cotton plant capsule 66 Abbr. next to a telephone number 67 Con ___ (vivaciously)

68 69 70 71 72 74 77 79 80 83 84 86 87 88 89 90 92 94 97 99 100 101 103 105 107 108 109 112 114 117 121 123 125 126 127 128 129 130

Snoozed Dentist’s request Paving block KFC leavings Computer desktop feature Bike with an engine Word with “Water” or “standard” Bargelike boat Hank’s “King of the Hill” wife Release, as an odor “I do” ends it Orthodontists’ org.

Lao-tzu’s “way” Physical strength Formerly known as Lecture hall Involve by necessity Alexandra’s husband Hindu sacred text Competition for the swift Dress with a tight bodice Accomplished Cash for incidentals African antelope “Get out of here, fly!”

“Go no further!”

Raspberry drupelets Sewing-machine inventor Hawaiian guitars, for short Beast of burden Gen Xer’s parent Sans hat Cup part “All kidding ___ ...”

Threesome Grandma Tosses in Appraised

131 Dele revokers 132 Percussion instrument

1 2 3 4

DOWN

Checks in a bar Final, e.g.

A chorus line?

People from the Mayflower, e.g.

5 “If ___ told you once ...”

6 Bridge boo-boo 7 Have a yearning 8 Olympic champion Devers 9 Live-forever plant 10 Cigarette filling 11 Insult badly 12 “Ramblin’ Wreck From Georgia ___” 13 Type of hydrocarbon group 14 BBQ serving 15 Lab liquid measurer 16 “___ and the King of Siam” 17 Flight segment 18 ___ d’oeuvre 24 X-ray shield material 26 Like life 32 Small table on wheels 34 Word often given an incorrect apostrophe 36 Go inside 37 Animal with a snout 38 Like Humpty Dumpty 39 Jocks’ antitheses 40 System of numbering pages 43 Author Sinclair 44Money in Iran 45Author Madeleine L’___ 48Suffix for “Hallow” 50Harsh cries 51 “Them” or “us” 54 Abated 56 Look the other way

58 62 63 64 65 69 70 71 73 74 75 76 78 79 80 81 82 84 85 88 91 93 95 96 98 102 104 106 107 109 110 111 113 115 116 118 119 120 122 124

Spanish doctor Knapsack Committee Unit of gene activity Storage space Behaving like a ruffian On Easy Street Money from Thailand Antifreeze, e.g.

Allotted (with “out”) Sultanate citizen Peter’s Russian cousin?

Genuine, in Germany Wool-coat owners Joyous hymn Bring forth Tasting like wild meat Crystal of Hollywood Accelerate, as an engine Central vein of a leaf Arable place Assumed names Clung ___ de Janeiro Refusal to conform Doesn’t quite believe Burrowing animal Language with click consonants Like a member of 109-Across “Fernando” singers Ace or deuce “What am ___?” (auction query) Fail to mention Go-___ One of the Great Lakes Month on the Hebrew calendar Waiter’s handout First man Paddle kin “For ___ a jolly ...”

12-18-14

Thursday, December 18, 2014

The Observer Classifieds Holiday Early Deadlines . for Dec 25th and Jan. 1st Dec. 25th

Service Directory deadlines Dec. 17th at noon Classified Ads deadline Dec. 18th at noon

Jan. 1st

Service Directory deadlines Dec. 18th at noon Classified Ads deadline Dec. 19th at noon

Happy Holidays To You and Yours!

156450

The Observer Classified Dept. will CLOSE Dec. 23rd at 5pm for the holidays.

We will reopen Friday, Jan. 2nd at 8:30am

Items Under $200 For Sale

Pools/Spas

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

HOT TUB with lounger, never used, maintenance free cabinet, 110 or 220 volt, can deliver, $1895.

941-462-0633.

ANTI-AGING NERIUM day, night, & contouring cream. Science backed research. Sealed box. $150.00. 941-383-2540.

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

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

Antiques/Collectibles

Business Opportunities

STEFF’S STUFF CONSIGNMENT Longboat Key - 5380 Gulf of Mexico Dr. 941-383-1901 steffstufflbk.com

Autos For Sale SNOWBIRD SPECIAL: ‘07 Solara Convertible SLE, blue/tan, fully loaded, only 10,700 miles, excellent condition. <$20K. 319-351-2554

Autos Wanted GOTTA CAR You Wanna Sell?

The good, the bad, or the ugly.

Call now!

727-400-1910.

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

Boat Slips For Rent/Sale EXCELLENT BOATING location, high and dry indoor boat slip available for rent. Private owner has best price. Call 941-544-5597.

FOR RENT: Dry dock boat slip at the Boathouse (dockside LBK). Accommodates 25’ powerboat.

Annual rental $3400 (less than market). Call 708-220-8888, E-mail: jstone@petitami.us

Boats Boats Are Selling Very Well.

Season Is Early - Busy - Busy - Busy www.Islandboatsales.net We Also Buy Boats.

941-228-3489

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

(941)387-4810.

Entertainment DANCE BAND - 6 piece +vocalist. Live music for any occasion. Island Swing Band. 941-383-7696.

SANTA CLAUS for hire. Direct from the North Pole. Available for parties, children’s visits.

941-795-7754.

Storage NEED TO store Classic Car. Now until June around Longboat Key. 941-387-3271 or 508-494-6791.

JAN PRO CLEANING FRANCHISE: $950 Down Required, Financing Available for growth, Includes customers. Earn up to $10,000 Month+.

Call 941-907-8141.

Help Wanted RESORT ON Longboat Key Hiring For: Experienced P/T Front Desk Agent and Engineer/Maintenance. If Interested Please send a resume to: beachresortlbk@yahoo.com

in the

FIND IT!

Condos/Apts. For Rent

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

"SHORT STORIES" direct Gulf view from morning til sunset with balcony, 1 bedroom 1 bath, furnished, Longboat Key. Available January 1, 2015 $4,395. Call Jerry Cunningham, 941-321-8848 K.W. Realty shortstoryes@gmail.com

2BR/2BA LBK Beach Rental. Patio, carport, WI-FI, cable, updated, W/D. $2000 March & April 2015 2/mo. minimum. 55+. 941-232-1357.

LONGBOAT KEY: 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.

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

2BR/2BA LONGBOAT Key. Direct gulf front rental. Beautifully renovated unit in small north end complex with pool and tennis court. Beach view from living, kitchen and master. $20,000 + tax for 3 month minimum, dates are flexible. No pets. (863) 686−3173.

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

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

Go to: www.yourmarketupdate.com

Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.wagnerrentals.com

LONGBOAT KEY BEACH FRONT: 1BR with Den, 2BA condo in Sands Point with Gulf views, large living room, beautifully renovated kitchen. 1500 sqft. $595k. Photos at: www.tiny.cc/SandsPoint 203-984-8477 or E-mail: garment@optonline.net 2BR/1.5BA NORTH Island. Beautiful setting in quiet neighborhood in Dos Palmas. Walk to the Gulf and bring your boat. (941) 650−1266. www.lbkrentals.com/779.html

Real Estate Wanted

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.

WANTED LUXURY ANNUAL RENTALS

THE WESTCHESTER GULF FRONT

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

25 Years Experience - References available

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals LONGBOAT KEY. Gulf front, luxury 2BR/3BA, turnkey furnished. Available 5/1/15 and after, dates flexible. Minimum 3 months. ebstulberg@gmail.com.

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

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

Available February and March, 2015 941-228-5671 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.

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

708-203-2205.

LONGBOAT KEY. Gulf front, pool on beach, free Wi-Fi, 50” TV, 1BR/1BA, kitchen, dining, sleeps/4, king pillowtop. 617-328-7145, 857-939-1049.

LONGBOAT KEY Vacation Rental. Last minute cancellation, makes our lovely home available.

2BR/1.5BA, living room, dining room, fully appointed kitchen, laundry room including W/D, turnkey furnished on large private yard with access to Gulf front beach. All included cable, wireless internet, phone central air, etc. Pets welcome. $3800/mo. or $1400/week. Please call 941-383-2149.

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

This week’s Crossword answers

Merchandise Wanted COINS, STAMPS, GOLD & SILVER WANTED. Paying Spot on Gold Bullion. IMMEDIATE PAYMENT. Suncoast Stamp Company, 8520 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-921-9761 HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 56733

This week’s Sudoku answers

HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 139521

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Your source for local Classifieds

2014

This week’s Cryptogram answers

1. A carpenter and a baker were bragging away about their businesses. “I’m hammering the competition,” said the carpenter. “Maybe,” said the baker, but I’m always rolling in dough!”

2. Santa’s elves wanted a new, more distinguished job description. They juggled many options, eventually settling on “subordinate clauses.”

30A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

30A Classifieds Vacation/Seasonal Rentals LBK BEACHFRONT 1BR & 3BR condos, heated pool, furnished. Starting at $1200weekly.

Outrigger Resort, 941-383-3844.

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

“Your Home by the Sea” www.casadelmar.net Weekly/Monthly Condominium Rentals 4 Night Minimum Reservations: 941-383-5549 Fax: 941-383-7925

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER Thursday, December 18, 2014

www.yourobserver.com Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

Computer Services

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

2BR/1.5BA: SPEND the week on LBK with Santa in a beautifully appointed canal front townhouse in a quiet residential neighborhood. $895. (941) 650−1266, lbkrentals.com/779.html

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

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“THE ROYAL TREATMENT, LLC” A High-End Home Care/Companion Company is currently seeking 10 “clients” for the winter season. Every client will be accompanied by (his or her or couple’s ) own “Exceptional Caregiver/Companion …every day, same companion!

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Transportation ISLAND SEDAN Serving Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, West Bradenton and St. Armands Towncar Service Rates: To or From: Tampa International Airport: $85 St. Pete/Clearwater Airport: $75 Sarasota/Bradenton Airport: $35 Call for rates to other locations Gratuities not included.

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THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014 Thursday, December 18, 11, 2014

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

201 Gulf of Mexico Drive Suite 1, Longboat Key, Florida 34228 office: (941) 387-1840 cell: (941) 586-6668 fax: (941) 827-9444 website: longboatrealestate.com bestsarasotarealestate.net blog: blog.longboatrealestate.com e-mail: roger@longboatrealestate.com

WATERFRONT LUXURY LIVING 415 L’AMBIANCE DRIVE #B802 New on the Market! Direct Gulf, bay and city views will impress

you from every room of this stunning 2BR/2½BA residence at L’Ambiance. Boasting eight-floor, panoramic views, this residence offers floor-to-ceiling glass walls, designer details and custom finishes throughout. The wraparound terrace is the ideal place to enjoy sunrises and Gulf to bay breezes. Offered furnished. Also includes two secure, under-building parking spaces, additional storage unit and a wine locker.

List price: $1,795,000 Website: www.415LAmbianceB802.com

New construction, 4BR/4½BA bay front home. Includes en-suite bedrooms, office, media room, kitchen/family room, huge garage and more.

List price: $4,795,000 Website: www.602SouthOwlDrive.com

7038 Hawks Harbor Circle

Two-acre private bay front island. Custom designed 4BR/4½BA home included, land may be purchased without the home.

List price: $5,995,000 Website: www.7038HawksHarborCircle.com

530 Harbor Gate Way

3060 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #151

1912 HARBOUR LINKS CIRCLE #11

Rarely-available 3BR/31/2BA Antigua in Building I. Panoramic views, open layout, wraparound terrace and first-rate amenities. Access to private beach.

New on the market! Lakefront villa adjacent to the green of Harbourside golf course. Lovely 3BR/3½BA residence also includes a private heated spa.

List price: $1,450,000 Website: www.GrandBay151.com

List price: $679,000 Website: www.1912HarbourLinksCircle11.com

629 Rountree Drive

Just one in from the open bay! Spacious 3BR/3BA custom-built home situated on deep sailboat waters with newer dock and seawall.

List price: $1,595,000 Website: www.629RountreeDrive.com

Panoramic bay views stretch on forever from this 3BR/3½BA Biscayne in Building II. Private beach access.

List price: $899,000 Website: www.GrandBay235.com

3040 Grand Bay Boulevard #235

2729 Gulf of Mexico Drive #11

7322 Westmoreland Drive

1211 Gulf of Mexico Drive #510

1000 Longboat Club Road #703

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2071 Gulf of Mexico Drive #106

Brand new, never-lived-in 4BR/4½BA contemporary home with 200’ water frontage.

Features Italian porcelain tile, custom lighting and audio/visual system, Teak summer kitchen.

List price: $4,395,000 Website: www.530HarborGate.com

Expansive parcel offers more than one-acre of direct bayfront property to begin your dream home. Featuring panoramic water and city views. Sub-dividable lot.

List price: $1,595,000 Website: www.7322WestmorelandDrive.com

5861 Gulf of Mexico Drive

535 Sanctuary Drive #B405

Ideal beachfront retreat offers a spacious 3BR/3½BA layout with two terraces and impressive views from every room. Furnished.

List price: $1,550,000 Website: www.535SanctuaryB405.com

Rarely available, spacious 3BR/3BA doubleunit offers beautiful views, almost 2,500 SF of living space, secure parking, private beach access.

List price: $895,000 Website: www.FairwayBayM3344.com

1070 Westway Drive

1511 South Lake Shore Drive

3613 Fair Oaks Place

Direct Gulf to bay estate parcel on Longboat Key, offering a special site for your dream beach home.

List price: $3,995,000 Website: www.5861GulfofMexicoDrive.com Modernernist gem in Lido Shores. Situated on two lots overlooking Pansy Bayou, this 4BR/5BA waterfront home is an immaculate oasis.

List price: $3,495,000 Website: www.1070WestwayDrive.com

125 Big Pass Lane

A rare find, this oversized parcel boasts almost one acre of Gulf front property for you to begin your dream home. More than 100’ of water frontage.

List price: $2,495,000 Website: www.125BigPassLane.com

3440 Mistletoe Lane

Upgraded from top to bottom! Immaculate contemporary 3BR/3½BA residence at Corey’s Landing is a must see. Furnished.

List price: $1,795,000 Website: www.3440MistletoeLane.com

2024 Alameda Avenue

2014 new construction! 4BR/4½BA custombuilt home. More than 100’ of water frontage on two sides.

List price: $1,599,000 Website: www.2024AlamedaAvenue.com

This secluded, lakefront home is a wonderful haven nestled among lush landscaping, with recent upgrades throughout.

List price: $1,249,000 Website: www.1511SouthLakeShoreDrive.com

1300 Ben Franklin Drive #303

Walk out to the beach from this splendid 2BR/2BA offers excellent Gulf, bay and city views. Furnished.

List price: $899,000 Website: www.Promenade510.com

2BR+den/2BA waterfront home offers an open pool deck, lake views. Private beach access.

List price: $879,000 Website: www.3613FairOaksPlace.com

7655 Donald Ross Road West

Lovely 2BR/2BA villa in Lido beach’s premiere community. Includes Gold Ritz Members Club membership.

List price: $1,095,000 Website: www.BeachResidences303.com

Gorgeous 4BR/3BA home on estate-size lot in Laurel Oak. Manicured lanscaping, expansive layout, designer details and beautiful wooded views.

List price: $759,000 Website: www.7655DonaldRossRoadWest.com

511 Bowsprit Lane

7890 Esperanza Circle

Custom-built, newer 4BR/3½BA waterfront home offers open layout, boat lift. Furnished.

List price: $999,000 Website: www.511BowspritLane.com

573 Bird Key Drive

Beautifully-updated garden home in Bird Key is simply ready for you. Recent upgrades to this 3BR/2BA home include newer roof, new windows in 2010, new A/C, a revamped layout, new heated pool and spa.

List price: $949,000 Website: www.573BirdKeyDrive.com

Roger has been ranked among the Nation’s Elite this year by Real Trends/The Wall Street Journal as #238 Realtor in the country!

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate owned and operated by NRT, LLC.

Splendid Arthur Rutenburg lake front 3BR/4½BA home with brand new kitchen, new hardwood flooring, spacious pool deck.

List price: $735,000 Website: www.7890EsperanzaCircle.com

1055 Gulf of Mexico Drive #201

Walk out to the beach directly from this 2BR/2BA ideal retreat or rental. Turnkey Furnished List price: $649,000 Website: www.LongboatBeachcomber211.com Upgraded 2BR/2BA residence offers Gulf-tobay views and neutral decor. Two terraces.

Move-in ready. Turnkey Furnished List price: $634,000 Website: www.Privateer703.com Rarely-available 2BR/2BA beach home at Seaplace with a private 1-car garage. Just steps to the Gulf shores. Furnished.

List price: $599,000 Website: www.SeaplaceT1106.com

1060 Bogey Lane

Excellent value in Country Club Shores. This 3BR/2BA garden home offers easy beach access, manicured landscaping and a spacious layout.

List price: $465,000 Website: www.1060BogeyLane.com

2039 Gulf of Mexico Drive #212D

Wonderful 2BR/2½BA residence at Seaplace is a flourish of upgrades throughout. Enjoy beautiful Gulf views, excellent amenities. Steps to the beach.

List price: $449,000 Website: www.SeaplaceG3212D.com

1064 N Tamiami Trail #1227

2BR/2BA newer residence in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Enjoy the lively city lifestyle.

List price: $279,000 Website: www.BroadwayPromenade1227.com

Breathtaking views of the Gulf from nearly every room of this direct beachfront 2BR/2BA retreat. Includes one parking space. Furnished.

List price: $699,000 Website: www.Beachplace8201.com

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Diversions YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

A&E

H&G

Students fly high at Sailor Circus PAGE 2

BLACK TIE

’Tis the season for holiday decor PAGE 6

‘Serengeti Nights’ PAGE 11

MIX O

N’ S

FOOD& COOKING NAUGHTY AND NICE

F RU IT

RM FA

by Randi Donahue Contributing Writer

CI T R US SAMPLER

DE R IE PL ATTER

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MORTON’S BEEF

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EDIBLE

ELATION

Christmas is quickly approaching, but there is still time to shoot straight to the top of your friends’ and family’s nice list.

Inside are Diversions’ picks for local edible gifts that can be as pleasing to the taste buds as the spirit.

FOOD&COOKING COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

2

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: SERIOUSLY CIRCUS

by Nick Reichert | A&E Editor

BIG TIME

V

ibrant characters of various shapes and sizes fly through a metallic dome while moving with physical prowess and balletic grace. This isn’t a sequence from a fantastical daydream or some silverscreen illusion; it’s Sailor Circus Academy students maneuvering through the arena on the corner of Bahia Vista Street and South Tamiami Trail.

The circus is one of the oldest family-oriented entertainments in the country. But as the traveling circus business model waned in popularity, the resident circus school has grown. According to Pedro Reis, founder and CEO of the Circus Arts Conservatory, when he emigrated from South Africa to the United States in 1984, there were approximately four schools in the United States dedicated to the circus arts. Today there are more than 100 schools and institutions that teach circus performance.

“In the past, there were families that passed down their craft and skills within their family from generation to generation,” says Reis. “Now the general student body of any given town with a circus academy can learn them.”

The Circus Arts Conservatory and its Sailor Circus Academy annually recruit and train dozens of kids between fourth and 12th grade to produce quality circus spectaculars. This is big time under the big top.

“Sailor Circus Academy is over 60 years old, and we don’t evaluate students based on their age

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

3

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

For me, circus is family.

— Alli Pierce

Photos by Nick Reichert

Sarasota students Emma Clarke and Alli Pierce have found a home and passion at the Sailor Circus Academy.

Pierce. “They aren’t aware of any of the other acts or major things that are a part of the circus.”

For the younger students, such as fourth-grader Emma Clarke, who is in her first year at the academy, it’s about learning and having as much fun as possible.

“I was involved in acrobatics, but the circus academy looked really fun,” Emma says. “At first it felt weird having people watch me perform, but it felt really good to do it and hear their applause.”

The Sailor Circus’s large productions reflect the program’s fusion of education and entertainment. “The Enchanted Wand” was conceived from a brainstorming session with Reis

and the rest of the artistic and directing staff who aim to deliver a show that is always an original concept with an equally positive message. Running from Dec. 27 to Dec. 30, the basic story is of three dysfunctional children who received a magic wand from the Fairy Queen. The only way the powerful wand can function is when the three children settle their differences and work together.

Teamwork, entertainment and a dash of wonder are at the heart of every Sailor Circus performance.

“I want the audience for my first show to feel happy and just laugh,” Emma says. “I just want to make someone’s day.”

IF YOU GO ‘The Enchanted Wand’ When: Dec. 27 through Dec. 30 Where: Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St. Tickets: $18 for adults, $12 for children 12 years old and under Info: Call 355-9335 or visit circusarts.org.

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“For me, circus is family,” says Alli Pierce, an 11th-grade aerialist student of the Sailor Circus. “I spend more time here than my actual home.”

This familiarity and closeness is evident during an early run-through of Sailor Circus’s winter show, “The Enchanted Wand.” Pierce and the menagerie of circus students run into the center of the arena’s stage with complete comfort, hitting their marks and climbing, contorting and launching themselves into poses and routines that would make an origami artist envious.

“Whenever I tell someone I know that I perform in the circus, they always ask if I’m a clown and can I juggle,” says

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but on their ability,” says Reis.

“Our degree of difficulty and our standards are pretty high and as close to professional as you can get.”

No matter what age students begin their studies at the academy, everyone starts with the basics of the academy’s exoticsounding disciplines such as silks, the Spanish web, side-byside, the flying trapeze, unicycle and the storied Nik Wallenda high wire.

As students progress they are cast in various roles, based on their respective strengths, in the Sailor Circus’s winter holiday and spring shows. And for those who fully embrace the training, the circus becomes much more.

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: IMPROVISATIONAL EDUCATION

by Nick Reichert | A&E Editor

All that JAZZ

Vintage black-and-white photos of jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie and Chet Baker look out upon the tight and cozy office space. Opposite the legendary trumpeters in their framed jazz club confines are colorful art deco posters advertising past jazz festivals.

Filling out the office are other Dave Walrath assorted relics from America’s original art form: trade magazines, current touring artists’ photos and contact information for different venues and artists in the Sarasota area.

This concentration of all things jazz is the administrative home of the Jazz Club of Sarasota. Located on the sleepy side of South Pineapple Avenue, the Jazz Club of Sarasota is one of the largest and most active jazz organizations in the U.S. Hal Davis, jazz expert and publicist to swing bandleader Benny Goodman, founded the organization in 1980. The approximately 650 members support local talent, attend concerts and keep the rich American tradition of jazz alive in Sarasota through various concerts and events large and small. Each year culminates with the club’s annual jazz festival, now entering its 35th year.

Outside of the jazz club’s ef-

The Jazz Club of Sarasota serves and protects the city’s jazz community.

Photos by Nick Reichert

Jazz Club of Sarasota performers Johnny Moore, Dominic Mancini, Tommy Goodman, Greg Nielsen and Bob DeAngelis have more than a century of jazz experience combined. forts, the region’s population of jazz artists would have hardly any opportunities to perform and play, says Dave Walrath, president of the Jazz Club of Sarasota.

The club is constantly seeking to cultivate new converts.

“If there was no club, there’s no jazz in Sarasota,” says Walrath.

“I’m afraid to say that our main goal is to keep jazz alive; we’ve

learned through the years that the music refuses to die.”

Walrath, who is a percussionist himself, spearheads the club’s performance and education initiatives along with a zealous board of directors. Larger Sarasota arts organizations have departments and staff members dedicated to public relations, fundraising and education.

GELLNER TRUNK SHOW

Though the Jazz Club of Sarasota doesn’t have comparable size or resources as its organizational peers, its members and board have just as much drive to deliver quality performances.

Regional jazz veterans and amateur journeymen looking for a stage to express their improvisational chops have the weekly “Jazz at Two” concert series held

OF SARASOTA SARASOTA

at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota almost every Friday afternoon between October and April; various larger concerts throughout the year; Sunday “Jazz Jams” at Libby’s Café + Bar where local jazz artists can sit in with the Jazz Club’s house rhythm section; and the ultimate event of the club’s season: the Sarasota Jazz Festival.

By holding various concerts throughout the year, the Jazz Club hopes to attract a younger fanbase. One of the club’s main goals is to provide education of the improvisational music form.

“We’re striving to bring younger people into jazz and let them know that loving jazz and other musical genres isn’t a mutually exclusive idea,” says Walrath.

Given its modest size and resources, the Jazz Club prides itself on being able to award scholarships to high school students who plan to study music in college. The club also lobbies to put more music and jazz education back into school curriculum to balance STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and math) lesson plans.

“We don’t just want to see students exposed to jazz; (we want to) have their education balanced with the arts,” says Walrath. “If we can inspire one student to attend a show who wouldn’t be there otherwise, we will try our hardest to get them there.”

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DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: FILM PICKS

5

by Pam Nadon | Film Critic

HOLIDAY FILM PREVIEW ing all. Directed by Rupert Wyatt and also Take the hectic out of holiday burnout by catching a great movie. It’s all about substance and style as award hopefuls are abundant in theaters this starring Jessica Lange, John Goodman and Brie Larson. Dec. 19 time of year. The following look as if they’re capable of raising eyebrows as well as spirits this holiday season. Cheers!

‘TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT’ That’s how long Marion Cotillard’s character has to persuade fellow workers to reject a bonus for her to keep her job.

Belgian brothers Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne direct and script this social commentary on the fragility of job security among members of the lower class. The film has to be described as a “work of desperate optimism.” Dec. 24

‘MR. TURNER’ Director extraordinaire Mike Leigh assembles a superb cast of actors (buddies from previous films) in this biographical drama about the prolific painter J.M.W. Turner. Timothy Spall portrays the 19th century British artist who helped lay the foundations for impressionism. His performance won the award for best actor at Cannes this year. Dec. 19

Chock-full of Oscar winners (Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon and Benicio Del Toro), this film looks deliciously deranged. Phoenix plays a stoner private-eye investigating the disappearance of his exgirlfriend’s boyfriend in 1970s L.A. Directed and written by the always cutting-edge Paul Thomas Anderson. Now showing.

‘EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS’ Director Ridley Scott goes for the spectacular in this epic story of Moses’ (Christian Bale) escape from Egypt with 400,000 slaves. Joel Edgerton plays boyhood friend and eventual archenemy, Ramses. The visuals look so breathtaking it seems to demand an audience on that count alone. Now showing.

Quoted to be, “the least boring 196-minute movie ever made,” this award-winning Turkish film charts the course of a failing marriage. It also examines the “cynicism of the rich toward the poor.” Director Nuri Bilge Ceylan shoots on location in the steppes of Cappadocia, one of the most picturesque destinations in the world. It’s also home to wild horses. Tough on the heart but easy on the eyes. Dec. 19

‘THE GAMBLER’ A remake of the original film based on Dostoevsky’s novella: This time around it stars Mark Wahlberg as a college literature professor/high stakes gambler. Teach gets in so deep he offers his own life as collateral. If his performance is anywhere near as riveting as James Caan’s (in 1974), Wahlberg could be the winner tak-

Love

If You Like Staying Here

You’ll

The shot of a child in the crosshairs of an American soldier’s rifle lends insight into how gripping this film might be. Clint Eastwood directs, and Bradley Cooper portrays Chris Kyle, who was credited for 160 kills (the most in U.S. history). Once again Eastwood explores chaos within a civilized society. Thankfully, this guy doesn’t stop making important films. Dec. 25

‘SELMA’

‘WINTER SLEEP’

‘INHERENT VICE’

‘AMERICAN SNIPER’

The trailer for this film is so powerful that I was brought to tears. David Oyelowo portrays Martin Luther King in this searing expose about black people struggling to secure voters’ rights. The casting looks spot-on with Tim Roth as George Wallace, Tom Wilkinson as President Lyndon Johnson and Dylan Baker as J. Edgar Hoover. Ava DuVernay directs while Oprah Winfrey produces and stars as well. Dec. 25

‘BIG EYES’

‘UNBROKEN’

‘A MOST VIOLENT YEAR’

Angelina Jolie gets up close and personal behind the camera to direct this true World War II epic. American soldier Louie Zampernini (Jack O’Donnell) survives 47 days at sea after his plane crashes, only to be rescued by the Japanese and imprisoned for two years. Tagline: “If I can take it, I can make it.” The trailer looks painful and powerful. Dec. 25

A film about “money, control and fate,” set in 1981 New York City, Oscar Isaac plays a desperate immigrant chasing the American Dream. Jessica Chastain portrays his ferocious wife who supports his ruthless behavior, having come from a family involved in organized crime. J.C. Chandor directs and writes what could possibly be one fantastic modern crime thriller. Dec. 31

Remember the doe-eyed paintings of dour children back in the 1960s by Margaret Keane? Well, it seems hubby was taking credit. Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz play the troubled couple in an era when women were often submissive. In a surprise move, the wonderful Tim Burton directs.

Just imagine Waltz charmingly chirping, “People don’t buy lady art.” Dec. 25

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

// HOME&GARDEN: DECK THE HALLS

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Editor

home for the HOLIDAYS The holiday season is a special time for families, and for some, the Christmas holiday is the most important of all — the trimmings, the tree, the holiday cheer — and it deserves more than just the four weeks following Thanksgiving to be celebrated. We took a tour of two local Sarasota families’ homes to admire the décor, hear about their family traditions and find out why Christmas starts early in their homes.

THE MEI FAMILY

A total of nine trees are placed throughout the home during the holidays, including trees in each bedroom, 3-footers in the window bays and Mei’s Madame Alexander tree in the formal living area.

“Our daughter likes Christmas to start the day after Halloween,” says Denise Mei. Once Halloween has passed, the Meis bring out their holiday boxes to begin decorating for the family’s favorite holiday. Red bows, garland, poinsettias, lights and a plethora of trees adorn the interior and exterior of the home.

This is the first year the Meis have used an artificial tree. Every year the family has had a real tree, but Denise Mei’s favorite ornaments are large Christmas balls, and the real trees can’t hold the weight, so this year, she opted for an artificial tree and is loving it.

Mei has been collecting Madame Alexander dolls for years.

She had so many of the holiday dolls that she wasn’t sure what to do with them and thought, “Why don’t I make a tree?” she says.

The Madame Alexander tree is adorned with her collection of holiday dolls, which began in the early nineties.

Mei has added Christmastree-scented candles to the coffee table décor to bring in the smell of a real Christmas tree, because they have opted for an artificial tree this year.

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

7

// HOME&GARDEN THE LAHNERS FAMILY

In previous years, another tree stood against a wall in the family room, but after rearranging some furniture one no longer fits the space. Still needing something for that wall, Lahners found this winter stag to fill the space.

“Christmas is my husband’s favorite holiday,” says Crystal Lahners, “He wants it to feel like Christmas for as long as possible.”

Because the Lahners have their tree up well before the Thanksgiving holiday, their tree is artificial, but to add some real pine in the home, fresh greens are used in the garland on the fireplace mantel. The fresh garland brings that Christmas aroma, which lasts as long as they enjoy their décor being up. The decorating begins in early November each year and Crystal Lahners’s interior designer, Alejandra Brady, helps her with the bulk of it.

Lahners uses a mix of blues (her favorite color) and golds in her Christmas décor.

Photos by Heather Merriman

Lahners puts the Christmas cards they receive each year on a ring to be displayed on the coffee table in the living room. “It’s a nice way to keep the photos together and to display them during the holidays,” says Lahners.

The children have their own trees, decorated to their own interests in their bedrooms. William’s tree is adorned with technologythemed ornaments such as Xbox controllers and cell phones and Ella’s is a white frosted tree with cupcakes and other dainty ornaments.

In addition to the living room tree, is another full-size tree in the front room of the house.

This tree is decorated with all of the ornaments the children have made over the years as well as decorative picks and sticks from Lux-Art Silks. The kids help decorate this tree every year. “I have all the ornaments out and ready to decorate when they come home from school,” says Lahners.

Gifts

DISCOVER WHAT’S ON GREET THE LIGHT cELEbRaTIon DEC 20, 7:00 PM

for the holidays (or all year round)

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$15 / $10 for Members

This holiday season, make charitable giving personal, meaningful and fun!

Celebrate in the Museum of Art Courtyard. Entertainment will include fire dancers and a DJ. Food and drinks available for purchase. Tickets on sale now!

Purchase a Giving Spirit Card and share the joy of giving.

Select a Giving Spirit Card from a number of holiday designs and load it with a value of $25, $50, $100 or more. Cards can be conveniently redeemed online to benefit any 501(c)(3) public charity in the United States. You receive a charitable tax deduction at the time of purchase, and the receiver experiences a gift that pays it forward. For more than 35 years, we have been the Giving Spirit and Heart of Sarasota County.

And we’re proud to share this avenue for charitable giving.

Purchase and redeem Giving Spirit Cards from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County online at CFSarasota.org or by calling 941.955.3000.

aRT afTER 5 DEC 18, 5:00 – 8:00 PM, $10 / Free for Members Enjoy discounted admission to the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, and select events including:

RInGLInG by THE bay Dance by the bay to live music by Yesterdayze.

GaLLERy waLk & TaLk: Story of the Nativity Using paintings from the museum’s collection, this talk will illustrate the narrative of the birth of Christ.

HoLIDay nIGHTS aT Ca’ d’Zan Explore Ca’ d’Zan during extended evening hours.

Ask about bulk orders and customized cards featuring your company logo.

bayfRonT GaRDEnS ToURS FRI & SAT, 10:30 AM, $20 / $10 for Members

Give. Feel Good.

Repeat.

From the soaring banyans to Mable’s roses, tour the “living collections” of the Bayfront Gardens.

Tickets and Information:

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

// FOOD&COOKING: NAUGHTY AND NICE

by Randi Donahue | Contributing Writer (continued from page 1)

edible ELATION With less than a week left till Christmas, it doesn’t matter if you are purchasing gifts for the naughty or the nice, your boss or your best friend, your next-door neighbor or your long-distance relative, it’s impossible to go wrong with an edible delight. There is no need to travel to the North Pole for these tasty treasures because even though most can be shipped, they are all also available right here in Sarasota.

ONLINE // See more gift recommendations at YourObserver.com

SAVOR THE FLAVOR

PIES TAKE THE CAKE

GRILL GURU

CRAB GRAB

Vom Fass, 365-2137 sarasota.vomfassusa.com Liven up the hostess gift with a basket full of unique oils and vinegars ranging from tangerine extra virgin olive oil to grape with ginger and lemon balsamic vinegar. Main Street Vom Fass storeowners Robert and Debbie Kay are there to help with the selection of a pre-made basket, such as the Savor the Flavor basket. Think cranberry and apple vinegars, and orange, plum and pumpkin seed oils. Vom Fass also encourages customers to taste before they buy, and the store is happy to build you a custom gift basket. While there, be sure to check out the unique variety of wines and spirits, from a 41-year-old Armagnac (French brandy) to authentic absinthe.

Gift basket prices range from $35 to $120 and up.

Der Dutchman, 955-8007 derdutchman.com Although any of Der Dutchman’s fresh-made pies are worthy of a bow, this time of year the restaurant offers a seasonal strawberry pie sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Or go with the restaurant’s signature custard pie, which uses a recipe by Nettie Chupp, a Der Dutchman baker of more than 20 years (she still makes the pie a few days a week). Pies are not the only tasty treat you’ll find at the Amish restaurant and bakery.

During the holiday season, there’s a cookie platter filled with festive cookies, as well as fudge and candy, all made fresh. Cookie platters are available in four sizes, 1 to 5 pounds, and the prices range from $14.99 to $43.99.

Cookies and pies are available daily and you can call and order ahead.

Morton’s Gourmet Market 955-9856, mortonsmarket.com For the grill master, our pick is a basket filled with everything a meat-lover needs to enjoy a gourmet steak dinner at home.

The Beef Eater basket includes top-choice steaks, wine, Portobello mushrooms, asparagus, potatoes and the ingredients to make a Caesar salad. If you like the idea of this basket but aren't buying it for a red meat-eater, substitute the steak for fresh salmon or tuna.

Order online or call to schedule a local delivery. Baskets can also be picked up in the store. Twenty-fourhour notice is required. Pricing ranges from $95 to $210. And if gifting something to the grazer, the hors d’oeuvres basket offers wine, pâté, cheese, crackers, olives and other gourmet goodies, and makes a great hostess gift. Morton’s also offers custom baskets.

Walt’s Fish Market and Restaurant, 921-4605 waltsfishmarketrestaurant.com Stone crab season is short, lasting only from October to May, and so far this season has been especially plentiful. If you’re looking for a way to impress your friends and family in the much colder northern latitudes, ship them a box of fresh, locally caught stone crab claws. Walt’s Fish Market ships the claws in an insulated cooler overnight anywhere in the U.S., with accompanying mustard sauce. Available in medium, large, jumbo or colossal size, Walt’s charges market value, which fluctuates within a range of $19 to $45 per pound, plus shipping charges. And if you’d rather gift them locally, swing by the market and Walt’s will put them on ice for you. To ship the claws, call the market 24 hours in advance.

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Join us in the kitchen with Chef Harry of Harry’s Continental Kitchens as he prepares one of his favorite dishes. Get the recipe and watch the cooking demo at

YourObserver.com/InTheKitchen

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

9

// FOOD&COOKING HOMEMADE TREATS

GLUTEN-FREE GIFTS

STEEPED IN LOVE

RAW EXCITEMENT

Gabriella Chocolates & Confections, 227-2253 gabriellachocolates.com Impress a friend with a gluten sensitivity by giving the gift of a gluten-free chocolate mint truffle cookie from Gabriella Chocolates & Confections. Chicago-born, classically trained pastry chef Nancy Byrne and her husband, Mike, own the business, where delights are made fresh daily.

During the holidays, they also offer chocolate peppermint toffee, as well as their collection of liquor-based “spirited” truffles, which make the perfect ending to a holiday meal when paired with a cup of coffee or a glass of Champagne. Shop online or stop by and sample the sweet goodies.

Local Coffee + Tea, 726-1660 localcoffeetea.com Let comforting flavors reminiscent of some of Sarasota’s favorite locations fill the tea cups of loved ones with the Celebrating Sarasota Collection of Teas from Local Coffee + Tea. Owner Michael Duranko created the variety of loose tea blends to represent each local treasure, such as the Selby Select Rooibos, which includes vanilla — the only orchid that produces edible fruit. Buy each tea in the collection separately or receive a $6 discount when you purchase the collection gift, which includes four bags in the collection and a box of 100 tea sacks. The cost is $36. Order your teas online or pick them up at the Sarasota Farmers Market.

Sarasota Central Farmers Market aloeorg.com Make your honey gift purchase go to a good cause: Aloe Organics recently started selling three varieties of local, raw honey at the Central Sarasota Farmers Market on Saturdays. The bees are kept alongside the organic produce at Aloe Organics, which was created as a legacy of Allison Hall Nelson, who died from breast cancer at the age of 31. Through the Center for Building Hope, Aloe donates a portion of its seasonal, organic produce to families with children with cancer. Varieties of honey include saw palmetto, orange blossom and wildflower.

Each 12-ounce jar sells for $10 and comes labeled with a handstamped tag.

CHOW-DER DOWN

popularity, the owners made the chowder available to everyone, year-round. It’s available in canned kits that can be picked up at the gift shop on Siesta, or take advantage of the free shipping when you go online to order 1- and 5-gallon kits ($47.96 to $95.92) during the holiday season.

Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar 349-3885 captaincurts.com In 2007, Captain Curt’s won the Great Chowder Cook-Off in Rhode Island with its 20-year-old chowder recipe. As a result of the victory and in response to its local

Phoebe’s Chocolate Cherry Almond Biscotti adapted from Ellie Krieger’s recipe featured in Fine Cooking INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour • 1 ¼ cups whole-wheat pastry flour • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder • ½ teaspoon salt • ½ cup sugar • 2 large eggs • ¼ olive oil • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • ½ cup dried tart cherries, finely chopped • ½ cup raw almonds, finely chopped • 2 ounces of 60% to 70% dark chocolate, finely chopped INSTRUCTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• In a medium bowl, whisk flours, baking powder and salt.

• In a separate large bowl, beat

sugar, eggs, oil, zest, and vanilla until well combined.

• Add flour mixture to large bowl a little bit at a time, forming a dough.

• Fold in cherries, almonds and chocolate.

• Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead.

• Shape into a log about 10 inches long, 3 inches wide.

• Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.

• Transfer to a wire rack and let cool 15 minutes.

• With a serrated knife, cut the log across a diagonal into ½ inch-thick slices.

• Arrange cut cookies on baking sheet, cut side down, and bake 5 to 10 minutes longer.

• Transfer to wire rack to cool.

If you want to take a step further, dip one side of biscotti in milk, dark or white chocolate.

masterworks c o n c e r t: “ i n l o v e ” Make Date Night Musical This program features three of music’s most celebrated love stories. Strauss’ Death and Transfiguration narrates the final hours of a man as he reminisces about his memories, ideals, and loves. Tchaikovsky’s arresting Romeo and Juliet Overture needs no introduction. Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé shimmers with delicate sensuality. You’ll have the rare treat of hearing the flugelhorn performed by a soloist renowned around the world for his mastery.

January 9 - Neel January 10 & 11 - Van Wezel Anu Tali, Music Director | Sergei Nakariakov, flugelhorn

Tickets from $30 941-953-3434 www.SarasotaOrchestra.org Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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All year leading up to Christmas, Sarasota resident Phoebe Bishop collects recipes for her homemade gift of packages of cookies and candy. Bishop calls her gfts an “economic and heartfelt ” way of gift giving.

For five years, Bishop and her husband, Steve, have logged hours preparing the cookies and candy to send to friends and relatives all over the world.

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YourObserver.com

DIVERSIONS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

THEATER

Celebrate Your Holiday Season DaRuMa Style!

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// ‘The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical’

New Years

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Deck the halls with cat fights, kegnog and badly wired Christmas displays. “The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical” is rolling into Venice Theatre this month. The folks from Armadillo Acres mobile home park are back in a plot that’s two parts Charles Dickens, one part Jerry Springer.

Somewhere in lovely Starke, Armadillo Acres glistens with tacky Christmas decorations and a gnarly tree topped with a mud-flap angel on a star. Christmas is 12 days away, and Lin (Laura Priscilla Hoffman), Pickles (Liz Pascoe) and Betty (Cara Herman) are hoping that Mobile Homes and Gardens will make the season merrier with a hefty cash prize for their holiday bling. Darlene (Kaitlyn Terpstra, as the designated Scrooge) hopes the baubles wind up in the Dumpster. They’re all hoping the Armadillo Acres “Christmas curse” doesn’t kick in. Then Darlene catches her good-hearted redneck neighbor Rufus (James Bock) stealing her cable, and she gets shocked into amnesia and a giddy Christmas spirit when she tries to pull the badly spliced plug. Chaos, a love story, a visit from assorted Christmas spirits (and one angry Native American tree spirit) ensue.

It’s easily the most original musical I’ve seen in an age — and the funniest.

Nothing feels recycled; Betsy Kelso’s R-rated dialogue is side-splitting; David Nehls’ catchy songs are a laugh-out-loud hit list (and not overworked, like so many musical numbers). Brevity is the soul of wit, as the Bard himself observed. Kelso and Nehls get it. They make their point, make you laugh, then move on.

Director Kelly Wynn Woodland gets it, too. She’s starting with great material, to be sure. She keeps it moving at a snappy pace but slows down for the occasional “What the hell was that?” take. She has a fine comic instinct, and has the audience howling at her introduction of the play alone.

The actors (mostly veterans of Venice Theatre’s original “The Great American Trailer Park Musical”) know what they’re doing, too. Hoffman’s Lin (bedecked in an amulet containing the electrocuted ashes of her late husband Earl) is saucy and sassy; Pascoe’s Pickles is not the brightest bulb on the tree — only proving that stupidity is comedy (attributable to “Beavis and Butt-head” creator Mike Judge, not the

Bard). Her wide-eyed reactions telegraph her every hilarious thought. Cara’s bad Betty slays the audience repeatedly with her machine gun fire one-liners. Three great performers — they click as a great comic trio.

Depending on the application of voltage, Terpstra’s sexy Darlene goes from naughty to nice at the drop of the hat. Bock’s Jeter is also no Rhodes scholar, but he’s a decent guy and suitable romantic magnet for the bipolar Darlene. Travis Rogers Jackson “Jackie” Bourdreaux is no Mr. Nice Guy, but he’s extremely funny as an Elvis wannabe running a Hooters-style pancake joint named (what else?) Stax.

All that and wicked funny music direction by Peter Madpack and choreography

by Laura Priscilla Hoffman. They made all that comedy move, groove and sing.

On top of that, you get a hilariously tacky trailer park by John Michael Andzulis (including a crèche populated by “Star Wars” action figures) and mega-gaudy Christmas costumes by Stephanie Gift.

They brilliantly create the funny world where this fractured fairy tale unfolds.

It’s an unbelievably funny night of theater. Why? Hard to say, folks. Comedy’s a slippery thing. I could explain until I’m blue in the face — but that’d just be boring — and still fall short. You can’t boil comedy down to a formula. If you could, a robot could make you laugh. Maybe I missed it in the last MIT Technology Review, but, as far as I know, the robots are still bombing on the stand-up circuit.

So, forget the Turing test. A sense of humor is the most human trait, and knowing how to make other people laugh is the rarest of traits. Whatever that deeply human magic is, Woodland and friends have it.

If the robots ever put on a play this funny, they’re welcome to the planet.

— Marty Fugate

“The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical” runs through Dec. 21, at Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave. Call 488-1115 or visit venicestage.com for more information.

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Honorary Co-Chair Mary Ann Robinson and Chairwoman Ida Zito

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

Photos by Heather Merriman

Jonathan Prato and Kellye Christensen with Geoff and Poppy Spencer

Uta Christ-Janer and Jennifer Gemmeke

SERENGETI NIGHTS Passport to Elegance Gala Dinner and Style Show Benefiting Designing Women Boutique | Sunday, Dec. 7, at Michael’s On East Honorary Chairs: Mary Ann Robinson and Betty Schoenbaum | Event Chair: Ida Zito Dolly Jacobs and Pedro Reis

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Editor Every year, Designing Women Boutique hosts its Gala Dinner and Style Show, and every year the event exceeds expectations both in charitable funds raised and the night itself. This year’s theme, “Serengeti Nights,” was one for the books. Imagine Safari-inspired décor — animal prints, African art, African-drums and tribal music — African inspired auction items (including a trip for two to Africa), performances by the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and to top off the evening, the Serengeti Nights-themed style show designed

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Ashley Pawelczyn appli es tribal-i makeup to model Niki Ba nspired ldun

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BLACKTIE&TALES

by Black Tie Staff

MAGICAL MUSICALE

Ronald Taub and his daughter Marcia Jean Taub

I

A VOTRE SANTÉ Photo by Cliff Roles

The Sarasota Opera’s Co-Producers Dinner took place on the set of this upcoming season’s production of “The Golden Cockerel.”

SINGING FOR THEIR SUPPER

G

ood food and great music were on the menu for the Sarasota Opera’s Dec. 9 CoProducers Dinner. The opera goes all out for this event, the only event it hosts on the stage, this year using the set of “The Golden Cockerel.” The dashing duo of Victor DeRenzi, artistic director, and Richard Russell, executive director, welcomed a full stage of 140 guests. The performance by baritone Sean

S TIDBIT

Once more with feeling … The good news is that USF’s Dennis Stover and Andrea Stevens are back on their feet. They suffered minor injuries in a bizarre accident; incredibly, someone rear-ended their vehicle three times … With a song in their

Anderson ranged from murderous rage (“Un Amico de la Patria” from Andrea Chenier) to romantic love (Sigmund Romberg’s “One Alone.”) Guests enjoyed appetizers and dinner

by Phil Mancini at beautifully set tables with floral design

by Elegant Designs Floral Art Studio. Teri Hansen, Veronica Brady and Scott Anderson represented dinner sponsor Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

hearts … The Dec. 9 date of the Opera Co-Producers Dinner marked six years to the day since June LeBell and Edward Alley had their first date. They wed in New York City a mere six months later … L’amour, l’amour … Acknowledging that it might embarrass her, Richard Russell announced to

Peter Acker

t’s a rare event in which the content, the cause and the crowd are in perfect harmony, but it happens regularly with La Musica’s Sonata a Due. This year’s party took place Dec. 8 at the Charles Ringling mansion at New College. There was lots of news for board President Frederick Derr to share, beginning with Simply Sonatas, a new addition to the April concert. He also introduced new board member Jerry Bilik, a composer and former professor of music at the University of Michigan, whose credits include scoring big-name TV shows like “Charlie’s Angels.”

Federico Agostini and Derek Han performed Mozart, Brahms and Saint-Saëns at Sonata a Due, which was a sellout for the first time in its 25-year history, attracting more than 200 guests including Teri and Dan Callender, Kathleen Gurney and Mel Syrbnik, Kameron and Bart Hodgens, Hillary Steele, Terry and Robyn Sullivan, Stephen and Linda Rei, Brigitte Von Kessel and Judy Zuckerberg with her son Michael Zuckerberg.

S

arasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation hosted its 20th annual Corinthian Society Celebration Dec. 11, at Bird Key Yacht Club. Phil Delaney, president of long-term event sponsor Northern Trust, cited the remarkable growth from the original 35 guests to 225 plus this year. Foundation President Alex Quarles reported a total of $60 million raised for the hospital. And hospital President and CEO David Verinder, making his first presentation in that role, reported that Sarasota Memorial has the lowest readmission rate in the country for hospitals with 500 or more beds.

The foundation welcomed new

members to the Corinthian and Legacy Societies, and honored new doctors and pillars of philanthropy. Its highest honor, the Ambassador of Philanthropy for vision and leadership went to the Roberta Leventhal Sudakoff Foundation, represented by Gary Buckholz. Among the guests were Margaret Wise; Sharon Black Floyd and Bill Davidson; Charley Ann and Jim Syprett, vice chair of the foundation board; Flora Major; Flori Roberts; foundation board member Susan Brennan; and, happily, Marcia Jean Taub and her recently recovered father Ronald Taub, looking great.

Sarasota Opera Co-Producers Dinner guests that development assistant Claire Wallace and baritone Joseph Ryan, who met at the opera house, would marry Dec. 13 … Blessings for Betty ... Beloved nonagenarian Betty Schoenbaum, who is the oh-soaspirational role model for so many

Ray Watson, who says of us, was hospitalized that it’s going to take some briefly last week for retime, but Schoenbaum is spiratory problems. At doing more every day. press time, she was recovering at home with nursing care, her Betty Schoenbaum at daughters who are her 97th birthday dinner Molly Schechter rotating in from out of in September with her town and her wonderful assistant brother Marvin Frank, 92.

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19 - 20 December 2014

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

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30TH ANNUAL POINSETTIA AND PEARLS LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW

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CHRISTMAS IN CANDYLAND Benefiting Make-AWish Central and Northern Florida Saturday, Dec. 13, at Michael’s On East

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