Longboat Observer 12.25.14 by The Observer Group Inc.

bserver LONGBOAT

Merry Christmas!

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

CENSUS STATS

How does Longboat compare with other communities? PAGE 3A

OUR TOWN

FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

MEMORIES AND MISHAPS

DIVERSIONS Black Tie’s best of fashion and fun in 2014. PAGE 13A

food and drink

Readers share their favorite holiday tales. PAGES 5-9A

by Robin Hartill | Managing Editor

Cigar maker to deliver bar, pizza Giacomo ‘Jack’ Guggino plans to bring a bar back to Whitney Beach Plaza in January — but it won’t be a cigar bar.

Sam and the late Sally Shapiro

+ Program to honor Sally Shapiro Longboat Key resident Sally Shapiro loved music, and a special musical program her husband, Sam, organized will honor her memory. “L’dor Vador, a Tribute and Celebration for the Life of Sally Shapiro” will take place at 4 p.m. Dec. 28, at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. The program will include Mrs. Shapiro’s favorite opera selections, Israeli folk songs and sacred liturgy pieces. A light reception will follow. The Shapiros were instrumental in building the Sally and Sam Shapiro Babies and Children’s Medical Center at the Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center, in Sarasota.

Happy days (and hours) are almost here again for those northend residents who have waited for a bar since 2010, when Tiny’s of Longboat closed at Whitney Beach Plaza. Dr. Giacomo “Jack” Guggino

hopes to open Giacomo’s Lounge in the former Tiny’s location in January. Although Guggino — who is also a pediatric ophthalmologist — is the owner/founder of Giacomo’s Cigars, and his family has

a deep history in the Tampa cigar industry, his bar will not be a cigar bar. The bar will sell Giacomo’s Cigars, but cigar smoking will be limited to an outdoor patio, and possibly, a second-floor deck sim-

ilar to the structure the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board approved last week for Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub. Cigarette smoking will be permitted inside the bar. “It will, hopefully, be a wonderful bar that will cater to the people out there,” Guggino said. “We feel

SEE BAR / PAGE 2A

NAUGHTY OR NICE?

+ Key of Sea seeks new voices Key of Sea Chorus, which sings at assisted-living and retirement homes in the Sarasota area, is inviting new members to join. Members of the Longboat Key Education Center who love to sing created their own chorus in 2000, and in January 2001, the Key of Sea Chorus was born. The chorus sings Tuesday afternoons from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. beginning Jan. 6, at The Players Club, 1401 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Performances will take place in March. There is a nominal fee to cover costs. Call Judie at 383-4664.

+ Learn more about LBK Foundation Want to know more about the Longboat Key Foundation, which is embarking on a $1 million fundraising drive, as reported in the Dec. 18 issue of the Longboat Observer? Visit its website at longboatkeyfoundation.org.

Kristen Herhold

Michael Will and Bill Carrick get into the holiday spirit at the Longbeach Village Association’s annual Christmas party Dec. 10, at Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant. To see more photos from the holiday party, see page 20A.

FUTURE VISION

by Robin Hartill | Managing Editor

Developer eyes area for senior homes Luxury senior housing developer Watercrest Senior Living Group is considering the Bay Isles area for a future community. A Vero Beach-based developer of luxury senior living communities sees the Bay Isles area where a town center could be completed as a place of opportunity. Real estate broker Joe Daniels, director of Integra Realty Resources in Tampa, represents Watercrest Senior Living Group and said at a town center

workshop Dec. 18, that the area would be a good fit for an active senior community. Daniels told the Longboat Observer after the workshop that he first met with Town Manager Dave Bullock to discuss the possibility of building a community a year ago. Although discussions at first focused on the 2.8-acre

property that the town has since purchased from Longboat Key resident Joe Wolfer, Daniels said his client is open to any location within the town center area. Watercrest has not purchased property in the area but wants to be part of a future town center

SEE HOMES / PAGE 2A

Robin Hartill

Joe Daniels is director of Integra Realty Resources in Tampa.

INDEX Building Permits...23A Calendar...............16A

Classifieds......... 26A Cops Corner....... 10A

Crossword.......... 25A Neighborhood.... 13A

Real Estate........ 22A Weather............. 25A

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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: METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD 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:

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HOMES / FROM PAGE 1A

iels said of the community it seeks to build. Evan Johnson, project manager of Tinconcept, Daniels said. “We see the demographics, and we see dale-Oliver & Associates, which the town the need,” he said. “I think a lot of people hired to complete concepts for the town would like to continue living on Long- center, presented at the workshop. Johnson said that alboat, but maybe they though the focus will be don’t want to continue driving or they don’t “I think a lot of people on commercial uses for the town center, residenhave the desire to mainwould like to continue tial uses will be part of the tain a 2,500-square-foot conversation. house.” living on Longboat, Land in the area is too The community Wabut maybe they don’t valuable for single-family tercrest is considering would offer resort-style want to continue driv- homes, but opportunities senior housing or asliving and offer services ing or they don’t have for sisted living remains an such as aquatherapy and physician space, plus the desire to maintain unmet need on the Key, according to Johnson. features such as upscale a 2,500-square-foot At the workshop, the dining and a theater, town center area was disDaniels said. house.” cussed as a good location The company has not — Joe Daniels for such housing because determined how many of its walking-distance units it would build, proximity to Longboat but Daniels estimates it Key Publix, the Longboat Library and would be no more than 100. Watercrest operates Lake Nona, in Or- other amenities. Longboat Key Commissioner Pat Zunz lando, and Watercrest of San Jose, in Jacksonville, according to its website, water- expressed support for senior residences crestseniorliving.com. It lists amenities at the workshop. “People who want to give up driving in and activities such as wine tasting, a spa pool and fitness center and salon services a car would have something right there, so I would hope that it could someday be for those communities. “It’s not just an old folks’ home,” Dan- looked at,” Zunz said.

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The bar will serve additional food through a catering agreement with Longbeach Café, which opened in spring 2014 in the shopping center. Guggino is also considering opening a cigar-smoking room in the space where the Longbeach Post Office was located. Plaza owners Ryan Snyder, a Bradenton real estate and banking attorney and Rich Juliani, principal of Boston-based JKI Investment Capital LLC, have spent nearly $2 million on renovating the plaza over the last two years. Four new businesses opened in the shopping center in 2014, the most recent of which was LBK Liquors, which opened in the other half of the former Tiny’s space in July.

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we can market that bar as a destination. It’s going to be wonderfully decorated to reflect the Tampa tradition of cigars and coffee.” Guggino has not yet submitted plans to the town for the structure, although his representatives have met with town staff. But the bar is just the beginning of Guggino’s plaza plan. He also has plans to open Giacomo’s Pizza, which will serve pizza and chicken wings, in January, and offer delivery services for both food and alcohol. Whether the pizza shop will be located in the space adjacent space north of the bar or in a separate part of the plaza has yet to be determined.

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BAR / FROM PAGE 1A

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

fact finding

by Robin Hartill | Managing Editor

STATISTICAL

SNAPSHOT The American Community Survey, an ongoing survey administered by the U.S. Census Bureau, released five-year statistics for communities for January 2009 to December 2013. We compared Longboat Key’s results for the first survey, which was released four years ago and covered the period from January 2008 to December 2012 to determine how Longboat Key is changing. We also compared the latest statistics with other communities in Sarasota and Manatee counties to determine what makes Longboat Key unique.

6,658

THE ESTIMATED POPULATION OF LONGBOAT KEY. That’s down 9.12% from the 2005-2009 survey, which estimated the Key’s population at 7,326.

AGE

71.4 THE MEDIAN AGE OF LONGBOAT KEY. The median age reflects an increase of three years from the 68.4 median age the 2005-2009 survey found for Longboat Key. The median age is 72.2 for males and 71 for females, according to the latest survey.

2,735 The number of households on Longboat Key with one or more PERSON 65 OR OLDER.

116 The number of households with one or more PERSON 18 OR YOUNGER.

11 The percentage of Longboat Key’s population who are ages 85 and older, totaling 735 residents. That’s a lower percentage than in Venice, where residents over 85 make up 12% of the population.

MARITAL STATUS Never married 6.5% Separated 0.4%

Married 71.7%

Divorced 6.2% Widowed 15.1%

*Of population ages 15 and older

79.8 MALES PER 100 FEMALES. That means there are 4.1 fewer males per 100 females than there were from 20052009, when the Key had 83.9 males for every 100 females.

MEDIAN AGE Here’s how Longboat Key’s median age of 71.4 compares with other Sarasota-Manatee cities and towns: 71.4 — Longboat Key 67.0 — Venice

Longboat Key has a median age of 71.4, and it’s a tough place for a single lady searching for Mr. Right. See what other details the American Community Survey reveals about the Key.

HOUSING

3,686 THE NUMBER OF OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS ON THE KEY. Of those, 3,282, or 89%, are owner-occupied, while 402, or 11%, are renter-occupied.

OF THE 3,686 HOUSEHOLDERS ... moved in 2010 or later

429

moved in 2000 to 2009

1,431

moved in 1990 to 1999

1,080

moved in 1980 to 1989

552

moved in 1970 to 1979

181

moved in 1969 or earlier 13

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME

$92,560 Here’s how the Key ranks compared with other municipalities, in 2013 adjusted dollars. $100,000 $90,000 $80,000

60.3 — Holmes Beach

$70,000

58.2 — Anna Maria

$60,000

54.4 — Bradenton Beach

$50,000

48.2 — Palmetto

$40,000

46.1 — Sarasota

$30,000 ey ria ch ort ice ota ton tto ch t K Ma Bea th P Ven ras den lme Bea a Sa Bra Pa ton bo na es Nor ng An olm o en L H ad Br

41.8 — Bradenton 41.7 — North Port

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

YourObserver.com NORTH AMERICA’S BEST OVERALL LOCAL NEWS SITE

+ New playground installed in Durante Park Installation of a new playground made from recycled materials was recently completed at Joan M. Durante Park, 5550 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The playground is appropriate for children ages 2 to 12. Structural components are made from reclaimed plastic products, such as milk jugs, containers, plastic bags and other items. Products were cleaned and extruded into lumber posts and boards for playground components.

The Observer and The Sarasota-Manatee Originals present an online video series featuring members of The Originals. THIS WEEK: Spicy peanut calamari from SoMa Creek Side

NEWSBRIEFS

+ Town Hall to close for Christmas, New Year’s

VISIT YOUROBSERVER.COM/ INTHEKITCHEN

WEATHER & NATURE

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Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, will be closed Dec. 25 and Dec. 26 and Jan. 1, in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Trash collection typically scheduled for Thursday will occur on Friday for both weeks. For information, call 316-1999.

+ U.S. Army Corps considers shrinking Lido groin The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will consider shrinking the size of a groin set for installation off Ted Sterling Park on South Lido Beach. “The Army Corps is offering up a lessintensive third groin and a future discussion about if there’s even a need,” said Laird Wreford, Sarasota coastal initiatives manager. Wreford said the third groin had been a point of concern for community members, who worried it could impact users’ park experience, particularly if the groin became unburied after erosion.

PHOTO CONTEST Upload your local weather or nature-related photos for a chance to win prizes. WEEKLY WINNERS: Three winners will have their photo printed in the Observer. MONTHLY WINNERS: Three winners will receive a $25 restaurant gift card.

MEETINGS AGENDAS

 Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5  Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees Special Meeting — 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7  Code Enforcement Board Meeting — 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12  Planning & Zoning Board Meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20  Town Commission Regular Workshop — 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 — Town Commission Regular Workshop All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, unless otherwise noted.

The Army Corps is expected to submit revised designs in January.

+ Mediation ends in Arbomar lawsuit resolution A Dec. 12 mediation between the board of Arbomar condominium and former building manager Kent Lagro and his wife, Heidi, ended in resolution, according to a report filed with the Manatee County Clerk of the Court. Terms of the settlement are not disclosed in the report. The Lagros filed a suit Sept. 30, seeking more than $15,000 in damages for causes that include defamation, libel and slander. Lagro, whose management contract with the condo was not renewed in June, had said he believes his termination was retaliatory for working with fellow unit owner Pete DiNicola to document unlicensed contract work by former board president Walter “Chip” Major.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

DELIVERY MAN My wife, Oya, used to take our daughter, Yuki, to a nearby shopping mall to sit on the lap of the shopping mall Santa. Three-and-a-half decades ago, we of course did not have enough money to invite the fellow Santa to come to our home and personally deliver gifts and place them under the tree for our daughter on Christmas Eve, so that was my job! Every Christmas Eve, I put on a Santa outfit, appeared out of nowhere (as far as Yuki’s perception went) rang the bell, shouted “ho, ho, ho” and placed all the goodies for Yuki under the tree, in front of her eyes. Yuki thought I was the real Santa when she was 4 and 5. But when she was 6, I did exactly the same, and Yuki looked as happy as she did in previous years. Unseen by me, however, different thoughts than in previous years were running through her mind. But, being a girl of a tender heart who would avoid hurting the feeling of others at all costs, Yuki said nothing when I was performing my Santa job that year (1980). Soon afterward, however, she secretly told Oya that she saw two things in Santa this time round that made her wonder:

MEMORIES MISHAPS Some holidays are magical, and some result in mishaps. Regardless, the season always results in plenty of memories. Here, we share some of your most memorable holidays stories.

BAH-HUM BUG

Dottie and Al Hixon shades together to the back of the car, like we were newlyweds. The next Christmas, we got a series of boxes, and the second had two little mouse ears and tails. — Al Hixon

First, she saw on Santa’s wrist a watch that she always saw on her Daddy’s wrist, noting that it was my Rolex that was a gift from my older brother. Second, she saw in Santa what cannot be anything other than Japanese eyes. Yuki, by then, was old enough to know, at least vaguely, that the real Santa could not possibly deliver all the goodies that all the kids in the world deserve in one night. Oya told what Yuki told secretly to her (after Yuki’s consent). As a reward for

her astute observation of my Santa job and her mature attitude, we gave her a bonus gift a few days later — a stuffed dog she named Scruffy. Her love for dogs grew as she lived with Scruffy, and she started longing for a real dog. She started taking Scruffy with her to school, a couple of blocks away, not by carrying it in her arms but pulling it chained! Scruffy walked to and from school. Like some grownups’ efforts, it paid off! Yuki got a real dog the next Christmas. — Yusuke Horiguchi

READ MORE MEMORIES AND MISHAPS ON PAGE 6A >>

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We had a tradition where you would draw a name so you didn’t have to buy gifts for everybody. Each couple wrote specifically what we wanted. One year, we wanted a 12-inch white lampshade. I don’t quite remember why, but we interpreted what another couple wrote to mean they had pest control problems, so we bought them mouse traps and a fly swatter. That year, whenever we would open their cards, dead flies and insects would fall out. It became a long-running joke. One day, we got a package, and we opened it and found a dilapidated shade from the dump. Then we got another box and another box with lampshades, about 15 boxes total. We tied all the lamp-

Yusuke Horiguchi delivers gifts on Christmas Eve. approximately 35

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

<< MEMORIES AND MISHAPS FROM PAGE 5A

STRAYED SHEPHERD

• • • •

I worked for a national trade organization, and the big Christmas bonus gift each year was a turkey. We would have this big truck of frozen turkeys come in, and we would each line up to take our turkey. I took it home, and about an hour and a half into cooking, I said, “Something smells weird.” Bob said, “Turn up the fan.” The entire inside was rotten. There had been a blizzard, and we found out after the fact that the truck had languished for days before it got out of the snow, and the turkeys had been refrozen. Everyone’s turkey was rotten. We ended up having spaghetti and meatballs that year. It took days to get the smell out. — B.J. Bishop

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WINTER WONDERLAND

We were going to a party, and my husband, Trevor, was holding a pizza. It fell facedown on the ground, and he managed to slip it back on the tray, perfectly intact. People enjoyed that pizza, never knowing what happened to it. — Linda Gillott

I remember walking up Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on Christmas Eve with a German friend who was only in town for a few days. It was bitter cold, and light snow was falling. Fifth Avenue looked like a wonderland with colored lights and decorations everywhere. We passed by a Protestant church and stepped inside for a moment to get some relief from the cold. A few minutes after we entered, a Christmas organ recital began. What a Christmas Eve! — Mary Elizabeth Carey

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We adopted William, a spaniel mix whose curly golden hair made him look like the Cowardly Lion from “The Wizard of Oz,” from an animal shelter right before Christmas when I was in seventh grade. William loved hunting for squirrels, although he could never catch them. When we put up the Christmas tree, he would stealthily circle the tree for hours, thinking he would find a squirrel. I was sitting in my bedroom, doing homework and heard a loud crash and the sound of glass shattering, followed by my mom screaming “DAMN YOU, WILLIAM!” Yes, in his quest to catch a squirrel, he knocked over the Christmas tree, breaking most of the Christmas lights and ornaments. Lucky for William, he was so cute that my mom couldn’t stay mad at him for long, and Santa still brought him presents for Christmas. — Robin Hartill

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About three years ago, we had Christmas at my son Baron’s house in Bradenton. He had a big German shepherd, and my oldest granddaughter brought her two big dogs along. We were in the living room watching a Christmas show and put the dogs in the garage. They got out, so Baron and his son, Ben, went out to get them and put them back in the garage. We couldn’t figure out how they got out because the button was way too high for them to jump up and reach. But then they got out a second time and a third time. Finally, Baron took the dogs out and put them in the yard. Then, he realized he had the garage door opener in his back pocket, so every time he sat down, the door would open. We’ve never let him forget that. — Shirley Beachum

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MEASURE FOR MEASURE Forty-five years ago, my two oldest sons and I went Christmas shopping. We had completed everyone on our list and were preparing to return home. However, the boys said they had to buy me a present but had no money left. Being a good mother, I gave them $10 ( r e m e m b e r, this was 1969) to buy me a gift while I waited in the car. One of them asked what to do if they did not have enough money, and I said to come get more from me. Then, he asked what to do with any money they had left, and I told him they could just keep it. Imagine my surprise when I opened my present of measuring spoons that cost 39 cents! — Margaret Noble

GUEST OF HONOR This Jewish girl learned to love Christmas as an 11-year-old. My father had a friend and employee who was the oldest of 12 and now married with younger children. Every Christmas Eve, she put her kids to bed, trimmed her tree and had her family over for a great party. I got to learn how to trim a tree, one piece of tinsel at a time. I loved it and felt so special being old enough to do this. This tradition continued for about 10 years. Over time as I became a teenager, I got to go to midnight Mass with her younger brothers and sisters who were my age. I also remember having the very best eggnog in my life at these parties. — Arlene Skversky

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When we (my sisters, mother and father and I) were younger, my mother would get a flocked tree (a tree that’s sprayed to make it look like snow is on it). One year, she decided to get a pink flocked tree and then decided to dye our poodle pink to match the tree. It was a wonderful Christmas. I just don’t know how much the dog enjoyed being pink. — Madelyn Spoll

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THE SHORT STICK The costume store gave me the Mrs. Claus costume for someone 5’-foot-1 not 5-foot8. It looked like I should have been working at the Cheetah Club. — Marnie Matarese

READ MORE MEMORIES AND MISHAPS ON PAGE 9A >>

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 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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Publishers of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Pelican Press, Plant City Times & Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Business Observer, LWR Life Magazine and Season Magazine Chairman / David Beliles Editor and CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh

5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, Fla. 34228 941/383-5509

The story behind his birth Children love to hear their grandparents and parents recount the details of whence their family came, the genealogy of who they are, how they came about and why they are. Indeed, our heritage depends on the continuous retelling of such important events. This is why we take pleasure each year at this time recounting some of the lesser discussed details surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. We all know what happened on “Christmas” — as St. Luke masterfully wrote in his Gospel (see box). But having some of the context that led up to this holy, remarkable day adds to its richness. In truth, Jesus’ birth is a story for Jews and Christians alike. After all, Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph, were Jews. And the setting for this momentous, monumental event was in the heart of the land that God promised to Abraham and Moses — Israel. The main characters leading up to Jesus’ birth — Mary, Joseph, Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, and her husband, Zacharias — were anything but celebrities in their day. They were as common as Iowa farmers. And yet, in reality, Mary and Joseph were indeed connected to royalty. Biblical scholars write they actually were cousins, both descendants from the lineage of King David, the longtime king of Israel. But at that time — which was around 4 B.C. — the Jews of Judea (central Israel), were anything but a privileged, royal class. They were living under the rule of Caesar Augustus and his vast Roman empire and under the unpredictability of the maniac, King Herod, an Arab-Jew who ruled over Jerusalem and Bethlehem as a “client” king for Caesar Augustus. “Herod inflicted such outrages upon (the Jews) as not even a beast could have done if it possessed the power to rule over men,” wrote the biblical historian Josephus. What’s more, Herod became infamous for murdering his wife, his wife’s father, her brother, three of his own sons and 300 of his military leaders. Nonetheless, under Herod, the Jews managed to live with what biblical historian James Edward Talmadge called “some semblance of national autonomy.” They could practice their religion without much interference. But there was no doubt the Jews did not relish their domination. The Jews kept to themselves and held particular dislike for the Samaritans, a racially mixed people. “The enmity between Jew and Samaritan was so intense that travelers between Judea and Galilee would make long detours rather than pass through Samaria,” Talmadge wrote. This is what Mary and Joseph would encounter after they received word of Caesar Augustus’ order for a census. He demanded that everyone register in his hometown. For Mary and Joseph, this meant traveling from Nazareth in Galilee in the north to Bethlehem in Judea — an 80-mile journey. That would have taken them right through Samaria. And let’s not forget: Mary was nine months pregnant. In his gospel on the birth of Christ, St. Luke was sparing on the details of

WHEN WAS JESUS BORN? According to the Gregorian calendar, by which we measure years, there was no year “0,” which you would expect to be the year Christ was born. Biblical historians have concluded Jesus must have been born in late 5 B.C. or 4 B.C. One of the ways they determined this was the fact King Herod the Great died in 2 B.C. Jesus obviously was born before this, because upon hearing of the Christ child’s birth, Herod ordered the death of all males under the age of 2.

… For unto you is born this day … And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. — St. Luke, 2:1-16, King James Bible Mary and Joseph’s trip. The fact there are few details must mean it was mostly uneventful. But you could imagine it otherwise: Any woman in her ninth month of pregnancy is physically miserable — can’t sit for long stretches, can’t sleep. So imagine Mary and Joseph traveling in a caravan or with Mary riding on a donkey. It was cold at night. The trip would have taken about four days. On Dec. 23, they had two days to go before reaching Bethlehem. And at this point in the trip, they would just be passing through Samaria. Jewish travelers were marks for bandits. God was watching over Mary and Joseph, of course. They made it, but only to find out that Bethlehem, normally a sleepy little town, was bustling with Jews who had returned to register for the census. There was no room at the inn. Mary and Joseph, we know, found a stable. But this wasn’t the stable we see on the Hallmark Christmas cards. The stables in those days often were dark, cold caves with “mangers” — animal-feeding troughs carved into the stone walls; they were not wooden cribs padded with dry, neatly arranged hay. With nowhere else to go, Mary gave birth … under the stars, amid the manure and muck, among the sheep, cows and chickens, no doctors present to administer an epidural, with Joseph, her carpenter husband, assisting as best he could. Those who have witnessed birth know its

difficulty in a hospital bed. Imagine the scene in a smelly, cold cave. Yet, this lowly, humble setting was the way Jesus Christ, the Savior whom God sent for mankind, came into this world. Contrast the differences: Caesar Augustus maneuvering for worldly power and the biggest worldwide celebrity of his day; Herod the Great, a regional celebrity, abusing his power over his small dominion in unspeakable ways. They were all about status and ego. Mary and Joseph were the antithesis. Humble, not materially wealthy, ordinary in all appearances. And yet they were extraordinary. God sent his messenger, the angel Gabriel, and stunned Mary that she would conceive miraculously and bring forth a son — the Son of the Highest who would “reign over the house of Jacob forever.” She would be his mother. And Joseph, the quiet carpenter, he fretted over what would happen to Mary, his fiancée, if people found out she was pregnant before they were married. The angel Gabriel gave comfort to Joseph, just as he did to Mary. And with humility and obedience and far below the radar screen of celebrity status, they carried out God’s will, remembering all the while Gabriel’s assurance to Mary: “For with God, nothing shall be impossible.” This is our heritage. Merry Christmas. (Editor’s note: This originally appeared in the Dec. 23, 2010, edition.) — MW

THE PROCLAMATION OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST The following is the Proclamation of the Birth of Christ declared each year in Rome: Today, the 25th day of December, unknown ages from the time when God created the heavens and the earth and then formed man and woman in his own image. Several thousand years after the flood, when God made the rainbow shine forth as a sign of the covenant. Twenty-one centuries from the time of Abraham and Sarah; 13 centuries after Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt. Eleven hundred years from the time of Ruth and the Judges; 1,000 years from

the anointing of David as king; in the 65th week according to the prophecy of Daniel. In the 194 Olympiad; the 752nd year from the foundation of the city of Rome. The 42nd year of the reign of Octavian Augustus; the whole world being at peace, Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to sanctify the world by his most merciful coming, being conceived by the Holy Spirit, and nine months having passed since his conception, was born in Bethlehem of Judea of the Virgin Mary. Today is the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh.

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

<< MEMORIES AND MISHAPS FROM PAGE 8A

PRECIOUS GIFT In 2008, I met my granddaughter Annika, who was adopted from the Ukraine for the first time. Her parents brought her here to Longboat Key, and she was 2 ½. We had seen her over Skype, but this was the first time we saw her in person. My granddaughter calls me Papa, so Annika took to me instantly because at her orphanage, a worker always said, “Some day, your papa will come to you.” — Bill Upton

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ROMAN HOLIDAY

About 25 years ago or more, we were here over Christmas break with our sons, Bill and Rob, and word was out that Audrey Hepburn was here and going to the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort for dinner. We usually dined at Euphemia Haye who is receiving mental + Gift of friendship on New Year’s health services. For some is priceless Eve with our participants, it is literally boys. We went Dear Editor: lifesaving and for most, early so we While you are rushing it is a highlight of their could come around buying gifts for recovery. The program is home and people on your list, why simple and only requires they could go not think about giving four hours of shared time out with their the gift of friendship? The a month, although for friends after holidays are not a great some, the friendships last a dinner. time for everyone, and lifetime. Of course, for people struggling with Would you look into I figured that depression or other mental your heart and see if there Audrey probillnesses, it could be the SANTA’S LITTLE SPY is room for a Compeer ably went out loneliest and saddest time friend? Donations to keep early as well, being that I felt we were kinMy daughter, Laura, was of the year. When we hear the program running are dred spirits and would choose to do the about 7, and we were living in in the news about highalso welcome: it is costsame thing. I had already had a sneak Connecticut. She wanted a play profile people who end effective and may provide peek of her on the beach. But, I so idolsewing machine, but I went to their lives or continue to the extra TLC that prevents * really enough. ized her that that wasn’t the Singer shop and bought her live in seriously comprohospitalization or homeSo, on the way home from dinner, I a beautiful old, black sewing mised situations we think, lessness — well to worth your *On Purchases $300 or more with your Furniture Warehouse credit card made between August 19, 2014 an d August 18, 2015. Interest will be charged made the kids stop at the Colony. machine with gold lettering — a “That’s a shame,” but don’t consideration. Please help your account from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within 12 months , by August 2015. Minimum Monthly Payments required. So, as I walked into the Colony, guess real sewing machine. necessarily do anything spread the word. Conwho was coming out? You guessed it: We waited until the kids went about it. Compeer offers a tact Compeer Sarasota at Audrey Hepburn. I turned and discreetly to sleep and then hid the presunique opportunity to be a Coastal Behavioral Healthfollowed her out, and my husband, waitents in the attic. Just a few days part of the solution. care Inc., or check out our ing in the car, said that when she smiled later, we asked the kids what Compeer (a French word national website, compeer. at the doorman her face just lit up and it they wanted from Santa Claus. meaning friend or comorg. Call 941-927-8900, Ext. was exactly the way she looked on the silShe said “a sewing machine panion) is an international 1126 for Sandi Kaiser for ver screen. that’s black with gold.” program that has been in more information. I didn’t speak to her — I didn’t want to Busted…It was obvious she existence for more than Bunny Skirboll, bother her or intrude on her privacy — had seen it. — Commissioner 40 years that matches Longboat Key but I have cherished the memory ever Lynn Larson community volunteers in Kathy Maybee, Compeer since. — Fremajane Wolfson friendship with a person program coordinator

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COPS

LONGBOAT

DEC. 11

on Longboat Key on Thursday, January 1 in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday. Residents and Businesses regularly serviced on Thursday will be serviced the following day.

7:42 a.m. — 200 block of North Shore Road. Parking. A man was having cabinets delivered to his home, but a crew member working on the north-end groin project told the delivery driver he could not park on the side of the road. Police had the driver move off the paved portion of the road and told the project leader the driver was almost finished and would leave soon.

TURN OF EVENTS 8:13 a.m. — 500 block of Ketch Lane. Suspicious Circumstance. Police responded to a report of two men arguing and discovered the men walking on Gulf of Mexico Drive. Both men are transients and said they missed their turn while trying to find Sarasota Sailing Squadron and were arguing over being lost. Police gave them a ride.

BOAT BURGLARY 8:34 a.m. — 2600 block of Harbourside Drive. Burglary. A Fire Rescue lieutenant reported that three pieces of equipment were stolen from the department’s boat.

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12:49 p.m. — 2550 block of Harbourside Drive. Rescue. A woman was struck by a female bicyclist while jogging on the sidewalk. The bicyclist stopped to make sure she was OK before continuing on her ride. The woman called after her calf became soar but refused rescue services.

LIVING ON THE EDGE 1:21 p.m. — 60 block of Lighthouse Point Drive. Civil Disturbance. A man reported that another man who was fishing from the water’s edge could be trespassing. The fisherman said he was walking along the high water mark and knows he cannot walk on private property.

SOUNDS SECURE 11:23 p.m. — 3100 block of GMD. Suspicious Circumstance. Police found the back door of a real estate office unlocked and activated the alarm while locking the door.

TRUE STORY 7:14 a.m. — 5700 block of GMD. Suspicious Person. A property manager reported that a man dressed in all black was wandering around the community, possibly looking inside vehicles, and entered the condo’s lobby. The man said he was going to see his ex-wife, but she was not dressed yet and told him to take her car for a drive, but he was tired and did not want to drive far, so he drove to the community across the street. He entered the lobby because he had to use the bathroom and got the button of his sweater caught on a car door as he was passing, which was why he was standing next to a vehicle. The man’s ex-wife corroborated the story.

DEC. 12 LETTER OF THE LAW 3:57 p.m. — 500 block of Schooner Lane. Code Enforcement. Police gave a written warning to a man who was selling books. The man said he believed he could try to make a sale unless there were “no soliciting” signs at a residence.

POINT OF CONTACT 6:37 p.m. — 500 block of Yardarm Lane. Suspicious Person. A man who was selling magazine subscriptions said he lost all contact information for his employer when police asked him for his supervisor’s phone number. The man asked police to take him to a phone so he could call his family but refused to use the officer’s cellphone. Police transported the man to St. Armands Circle and gave him a written warning.

STOLEN SILVER 7:38 p.m. — 2200 block of Harbour Court Drive. Larceny. A woman returned to her home where she hadn’t stayed since April and discovered $4,000 worth of sterling silver flatware missing. She thinks her friend might have taken the items and needed a police report for an insurance claim.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

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ROSEMARY DISTRICT 1343 4th Street, #101 Frank Lambert

941.920.1500 $569,000

premiersir.com/id/A4103095

2425 Gulf Of Mexico Drive, #8F Mark Huber & Erin McWhorter 941.356.2435 premiersir.com/id/A4105056 $795,000

PALMA SOLA PARK

1075 Gulf Of Mexico Drive, #204

premiersir.com/id/A4104131

ANNA MARIA

Carmen Baskind & Marty Warren941.724.1854

L’AMBIANCE 415 L’Ambiance Drive, #D606 Cheryl Loeffler 941.302.9674 premiersir.com/id/A4109201 $2,295,000

WEST OF TRAIL

LONG BEACH

ANNA MARIA

premiersir.com/id/A4108420

premiersir.com/id/M5842256

MARINERS COVE

7706 Desoto Memorial Highway Martha Marlar 941.812.0455 premiersir.com/id/A4108368 $1,075,000

LONGBOAT KEY

premiersir.com/id/A4106684

941.896.2317 $1,395,000

premiersir.com/id/A3993143

BRADENTON

941.302.9674 $1,099,000

BRADENTON 1717 71st NW Street Cindy Pierro

RIVIERA DUNES

629 North Owl Drive Toi Estes & Craig Cerreta

LIDO SHORES 1224 Westway Drive Cheryl Loeffler

661 Dream Island Road Cheryl Loeffler & Daniel Volz 941.302.9674 premiersir.com/id/A4101224 $5,299,000

1201 Alcazar Drive Peter Laughlin

premiersir.com/id/A3998941

8012 18th Avenue West Frank Lambert

941.920.1500 $359,000

941.356.8428 $689,000

PALMA SOLA BAY CLUB 7830 34th West Avenue, #301 Brian & Kathy Maher 941.284.5070 premiersir.com/id/A4109464 $474,990

PALMA SOLA SOUND

premiersir.com/id/A3989330

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PALMA SOLA 8002 19th North West Avenue Jesse Carr & Devon Davis 941.920.6588 premiersir.com/id/M5834917 $319,900

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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premiersothebysrealty.com

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Dale Neuhaus

Dale Neuhaus, 84, of Hudson, Ohio, and formerly of Longboat Key, died Dec. 6. Born and raised in Saginaw, Mich., Mr. Neuhaus graduated in 1948 from Arthur Hill High School. He was an honors graduate of Michigan State University and a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. Mr. Neuhaus served in the Army during the Korean War and worked as a CPA at several accounting firms. He retired from Ernst & Young in 1987. Mr. Neuhaus enjoyed reading, playing bridge, traveling and playing golf and tennis. On Saturday afternoons, he could be found cheering on the Michigan State Spartan teams. He loved sitting on the balcony of his condo on Longboat Key overlooking the Gulf. Mr. Neuhaus is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Cook Neuhaus. He is survived by daughters Sue Black, of Charlotte, N.C., Lynne Gibson, of Washington, N.C., and Amy Blunt, of Aiken, S.C.; son, Tom Neuhaus, of Aiken, S.C.; sister, Jean Wenger, of Palos Verdes, Calif.; companion and partner, Hope Skilling, of Hudson, Ohio; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held Dec. 9, at

Peggy Skidmore

Peggy Skidmore, of Longboat Key and Sea Girt, N.J., died Dec. 14. Born in Jersey City, N.J., Mrs. Skidmore spent her early years in Belleville, N.J. She was an honors graduate of Belleville High School and served as cheerleading captain. She attended Drew University and later worked in banking and insurance. Mrs. Skidmore had a long history of volunteer work, including work for the Overlook Hospital Twig Organization in Summit, N.J. Mrs. Skidmore was also a fashion model who received national recognition when her wedding was featured in Prudential magazine. She served as “first lady” of the U.S. National Junior Chamber of Commerce and resided in Tulsa, Okla., during her tenure. When she returned to New Jersey, she lived in Berkeley Heights for 42 years. She also lived on Longboat Key for more than 25 years. The island was a favorite site of hers and the location of a number of her close friends. Mrs. Skidmore participated in several choral activities with the Key of Sea Cho-

All Angel

Glo

Sea

Episcopal Church

ry to God in th

ea d on n a , hest e hig

Jerry Slansky

Jerry Slansky, 67, of Longboat Key, died Dec. 15. Mr. Slansky raised his family in Glen Ellyn and Lane Geneva, Ill., and worked 36 years as a managing director and “financial pal” at Oppenheimer & Co. Mr. Slansky is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marlene; children Brett and Blake; and two grandchildren. A memorial gathering was held Dec. 18, at Leonard Memorial Home in Glen Ellyn, and a funeral service was held Dec. 19, at the First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn. In lieu of flowers, donations can be

Robert Tucker

Robert Tucker, 78, of Durham, N.C., and formerly of Longboat Key and Pittsburgh, died Dec. 13. Mr. Tucker began his legal career in 1961 as assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. He then served in the Pennsylvania judiciary as a district justice for three decades. After retiring from elected office, he continued to serve in the judiciary as an Allegheny County Night Court judge until his move to Florida. Mr. Tucker will be remembered for his dedication to the many volunteer organizations for which he assumed positions of leadership, including B’nai B’rith, Kiwanis and the Salvation Army. Mr. Tucker is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jacqueline Green Tucker; children Jon Tucker, of Nevillewood, Pa., James Tucker, of Chapel Hill, N.C., and Amy Sloane, of Owings Mills, Md.; eight grandchildren; and siblings Murray Tucker, of Santa Fe, N.M., and Lynne Levenbach, of Walled Lake, Mich. A private memorial service will be held Dec. 30. Memorial donations can be made to the Levin JCC at levinjcc.org or to the charity of your choice.

All Angels by the Sea

563 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL

rth

made to Living Well Cancer Resource Center, Geneva or Comer Children’s Hospital — Children’s Holiday Gift Party.

The Episcopal Church on Longboat Key

563 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

e, goodwill... , peac

All are welcome. Please join us in worship!

Sunday Services:

383-8161 Website: www.AllAngelsLBK.org

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

8:00 am & 10:00 am The Rev. David L. Danner, D. Min., Rector

CHRISTMAS EVE

Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

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

157751

An InterfAIth CommunIty ChurCh founded In 1956

www.AllAngelsLBK.com

The Rev. David L. Danner, Rector

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.

Temple Beth Israel

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

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

941.383.3428 www.tbi-lbk.org

Please visit our Gift Shop

567 Bay Isles Road • Longboat Key, FL

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, CATHOLIC CHURCH Welcomes You to Mass MASS SCHEDULE

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. Saturday: 5:00 P.M. Sunday: 8:30 A.M. & 10:30 A.M. New Year’s Eve : 9:00 A.M./VIGIL @ 4:00 P.M. New Year’s Day - 9:00 A.M. Daily Mass Mon.-Fri. at 9:00 A.M. and Confession before all Masses. Msgr. Gerard Finegan, Pastor

157741

941-383-8161

157736

5:30 PM – THE CHRIST MASS

The Rev. Dr. Vincent Carroll

157771

by the

rus. She was a loyal Giants football fan, an avid reader and grammar expert and loved working on crossword puzzles. She epitomized her strong Lutheran faith by serving others. Mrs. Skidmore was preceded in death by sisters Grace Casey, of Neptune, N.J., and Virginia Carlson, of Beachwood, N.J. She is survived by her husband, James Skidmore Jr.; children Jacqueline Skidmore, of Sea Girt, and James III, of Berkeley Heights; and three grandchildren. A funeral service was held Dec. 18, in Wall, N.J. Condolences may be sent to obrienfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Wounded Warrior Project.

159093

OBITUARIES

the First Congregational Church of Hudson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Hudson Endowment Fund, 47 Aurora St., Hudson, OH 44236.

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

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12A

YourObserver.com

new tradition

Jeffrey and Katrin Rudge

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

by Kristen Herhold | Staff Writer

Photos by Kristen Herhold

Madison and Michael Doll

GIVING SPIRIT

Bill Zwick and Jane Hunter Below: Jack and Nancy Rozance

Members of Longboat Key’s new Rotary Club gathered Dec. 17 for a meeting and holiday party. It was the group’s first holiday celebration. The Longboat Key chapter formed in the spring and received its charter in October.

147839

President Sydelle Pittas and board member Andy Sawyer

Rotary Club members brought toys that will be given to the six children of Amber Avalos, who was murdered Dec. 4, in Bradenton.

14A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

elephants in the room

SUCCESS STORIES

by Kristen Herhold | Staff Writer

Republican clubs hold grand old holiday party The Sarasota and Longboat Key Republican clubs held a joint holiday party Dec. 2, at Marina Jack. The fourth annual event raised money for All Faiths Food Bank, Mothers Helping Mothers and Sarasota Ballet’s Dance — The Next Generation. Attendees also brought unwrapped items to donate to Toys for Tots. The show choir from the Sarasota Military Academy performed four songs, including “Carol of the Bells” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

Hector Tejeda, Alan Bandler, David Smash, keynote speaker Cathaleen Kaiyoorawongs and Democratic Club Vice President Howard Veit

Democrats learn about immigration, education The Longboat Key Democratic Club held its monthly luncheon Dec. 9, at Portofino Restaurant. Cathaleen Kaiyoorawongs, director of education initiatives at UnidosNow, spoke about immigration and helping first generation youths receive a college education.

Photos by Kristen Herhold

Jack Brill, president of the Sarasota Republican Club, and Phyllis Black, president of the Longboat Key Republican Club.

2020 S. Tamiami Trail

Paul J Strom, Jr., M.D.

Sarasota, Florida 34239

y Happ ys a d i l o H from

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 3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

941-388-2021

Lat 27.320103 Long 82.577543

Longboat Key . Lido Key . St Armands . Bird Key . Siesta Key . West of Trail

www.ParkResidencesLidoKey.com - Eight Residences Now Pending

Located steps to The Gulf of Mexico

Priced from $1,325,000 Call Patrick for more information at 941-323-0033 or Rian at 941-735-6010 • A Limited-Edition Lido Key Community • Coastal contemporary style with eco friendly materials • Expansive 2,450 sq. ft. open floor plans • Penthouse residences include 2,250 sq. ft. roof-top terrace

Jennifer Horne

Longboat Key ‘Bay Front Estate‘ $7,950,000

Rian Carver

941.724.7228 CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

Exclusively Selling Sarasota’s Islands & West of Trail

Patrick DiPinto III

Rene DiPinto

Dan Idzik with George and Rochelle Stassa

Living and Working on Longboat Key for 40 Years

157754

Eye Center

103616

Strom

2020

Right: Sandy and Chris Albright

When you want to see your best. 941-365-9700

by Kristen Herhold | Staff Writer

The epitome of elegance, luxury and privacy awaits you at Signora Del Mare. This Impressive, custom Bay Front estate has stunning views of Sarasota Bay, 9000 sf of living area and every imaginable convenience - Perfection

Lido Beach ~ Pre-Construction Price ~ Longboat Key ~ Country Club Shores ~ $3,750,000 $2,399,000 BRAND NEW SINGLE FAMILY HOME TO BE BUILT! Beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico! Over 5000 sf of Living area - Pure Luxury in a phenomenal location!

BRAND NEW HOME CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION! This exquisite 3950sf home - only 3 lots from SRQ Bay - will have 4 bedrms, bonus rm, den, 4 full baths, 2 half baths, a huge kitchen & great rm! Private deeded beach access to the Gulf of Mexico!

EXQUISITE ISLAND LIVING • Three bedroom and Three full baths • Desirable single floor living • European kitchen and bath designs • Highest quality craftsmanship and finishes • Two parking spaces available per owner

INNOVATIVE DESIGN

Prices, plans & specifications are subject to change without notice. Offer void where prohibited by law. Broker cooperation welcome. Oral representation cannot be relied upon as correctly stating representation of the developer. For correct representations, make reference to this brochure & to the documents required by Section 718.503, Florida Statutes, to be furnished by a developer to buyer or a lessee. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Longboat Key ~ Emerald Harbor ~ Longboat Key ~ LBK Yacht & Tennis Club ~ Longboat Key ~ Players Club ~ $989,000 $849,900 $659,900 JUST LISTED! Beautiful home on sailboat water, furnished, updated & ready for you to move in! 3 bedrooms; Den/ 4th bedroom; 3 baths and a private guest suite - located in a quiet neighborhood with private deeded beach access to the aqua green waters of the Gulf of Mexico!

SPECTACULAR PENTHOUSE on the Gulf of Mexico! Incredible full Gulf views and SRQ Bay views from the 750+ sf open & private terrace. Beautifully turnkey furnished, impeccably renovated and ready for you to move in! Large 3 bedrooms & 2 baths with built-ins throughout.

PRICED REDUCED! Beautiful 2 bdrm and 2.5 bath residence has unbelievable sunset views on the Gulf of Mexico! Turnkey furnished and move-in ready. Players Club offers great casual beachfront living in a private and exclusive Mediterranean style enclave. Great pool area and tennis courts!

Seaward Development

400 Madison Drive, Suite 220 • Sarasota, FL 34236 • 941-388-2021 • www.MyOceanRealEstate.com

158404

Jeff Rhinelander

• Amenities area complete with resort-style pool spa, fire-pit, & cabanas • Artisan BBQ grill on each residence terrace • Flexible rental terms & welcoming pet policy

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

15A

Happy Holidays

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

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

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! 158254

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

16A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

COMMUNITYCALENDAR LOOKING AHEAD Taste of the Keys and Fashion Show What: Munch on food from more than 16 local restaurants and watch Longboat “celebrities” model clothing from Island Pursuit. The event is presented by the Longboat Key Garden Club, and all proceeds benefit the club’s grants and scholarships. Tickets include two glasses of wine or soft drinks. Cost is $50. Call 383-8030. When: 5 p.m. Jan. 21 Where: Longboat Key Club’s Harbourside Dining Room, 3100 Harbourside Drive

TUESDAY, DEC. 30

Appetizers will be served, and beverages will be available for purchase. A $10 donation is suggested. Contact Sydelle Pittas at sydellelaw@aol.com.

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.

THURSDAY, JAN. 8

TUESDAY, JAN. 6, AND THURSDAY, JAN. 8

Shifting Sands Support Group — takes place Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. 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.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7

Rotary Club of Longboat Key — meets at 4:30 p.m. at Amore by Andrea restaurant, 555 Bay Isles Parkway.

Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key — meets at 7:30 a.m. at the Longboat Key Club’s Tavern & Whiskey Bar. Kiwanis Club President Armando Linde, a retired International Monetary Fund economist, will speak about world economic developments. Cost is $10 and includes a breakfast buffet. Call Donna at 388-2847.

FRIDAY, JAN. 9

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. 383-8161. Republican Club of Longboat Key Luncheon — takes place at 11:30 a.m. at Portofino Restaurant, 2600 Harbourside Drive. Longboat Key Town Manager Dave Bullock will be the keynote speaker and speak about what’s happening on the Key. Cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Call 383-5349.

ONCE & FOREVER

TUESDAY, JAN. 13

Longboat Key Democratic Club Luncheon — takes place at 11:30 a.m. at Portofino Restaurant, 2600 Harbourside Drive. The luncheon will feature Rob Lorei, managing editor of “Florida This Week” on the local PBS station and co-founder of WMNF Radio in Tampa. His topic will be “Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going in Florida Politics.” Cost is $25. Call 383-4899.

Those who have chosen to make Aria their home can live anywhere on earth. They recognize that Aria will be the most architecturally significant, sumptuously finished and exclusive address in the storied history of Longboat Key. So too do they appreciate the value and privacy afforded to the sixteen families who will share this last and most coveted beachfront estate property. Now under construction, with completion in Fall 2015, there remain several spacious three bedroom/den residences, each with soaring walls of glass and expansive terraces. We invite you to join the select few who will once and forever call Aria home. From $3,600,000.

FRIDAY, JAN. 16

Habatat Galleries Opening — takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design, 6860 Longboat Drive S. The exhibition, “Reflections from the Fire,” will feature glasswork from two dozen artists from 13 countries. The art will be on display until Feb. 26. Call 383-2345.

SATURDAY, JAN. 24

Centre Shops Festival and Longboat Lifestyle Expo — takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Centre Shops of Longboat Key, 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Between 30 and 40 dealers will feature and sell their work at the festival, which will include antiques, jewelry, collectibles and art. Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce members will also run tables to promote their businesses. Call 383-1901.

SUNDAY, JAN. 25

Puttin’ on the Glitz — takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. at Sarasota Bay Club, 1301 N. Tamiami Trail. Hosted by the Aging in Paradise Resource Center, the “Downton Abbey” 1920s-themed gala will include dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions. Tickets are $100. Call 383-6493.

TUESDAY, JAN. 27

Longboat Key Garden Club Meeting — takes place at 7 p.m. at Windward Bay condominium, 4888 Gulf of Mexico Drive. This month’s meeting will feature Katie Cornell, who will speak about flower arranging and event planning. Email programs@ lbkgardenclub.com.

LOOKING AHEAD SUNDAY, JAN. 11

Circus Ring of Fame — takes place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on St. Armands Circle. Individuals who have made a significant contribution to the circus will be inducted. Visit starmandscircleassoc.com/ events for more information.

AriaLBK.com | Contact Your Real Estate Professional Or Call 941-376-9346 | amyd@adgcommunities.com 2251 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key | Ascentia Realty Group | Licensed Real Estate Broker

158125

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

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Lynne Koy

17A

presents her

LUXURY ◆PREMIER COLLECTION◆

941.387.1862

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

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

DERCT! UNT RA CON

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 - Pool home on deep water canal with BIRD KEY - 4BR/3.5BA pool home on deep-water no bridges to Gulf! 4BR/3BA/2CG. Light and bright canal with Gulf access; 120’ of waterfront, dock, & Southern exposure! $1,235,000 boat lift! $1,700,000

NYtimes.com

n Opey 1-4! a d Sun

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

LONGBOAT KEY - Spectacular 3BR/3BA bay front COUNTRY CLUB SHORES - 3BR/2BA home situated on multi-level residence offers expansive canal and bay deep sailboat water canal with 113 feet of waterfront, $950,000 views from every level! $1,650,000 offers outstanding boating opportunities

Greatwaterfrontliving.com Realtor.com Zillow.com

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

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

LONGBOAT HARBOUR - Gorgeous SEAPLACE - Garden view 2BR/2.5BA bay views from this 2BR/2BA with multi-floor condo residence two stackable washer/dryer and Corian large private screened balconies! counter tops. $259,900 $349,000

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

148368

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

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

TWO OF A KIND

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

by Kristen Herhold | Staff Writer

Google alerts World War II veterans to shared stories Brad Saivetz, of Longboat Key, and Thomas Creekmore, of Longneck, Del., never knew they shared so much — until this November. But they realized they shared a similar experience in the military after Creekmore received a Google alert about a Nov. 19 “My View” Saivetz published in the Longboat Observer detailing his wartime experience. Creekmore’s Google account is set up to receive alerts every time something is published about the 305th Bomb Group. Creekmore then contacted Saivetz, Saivetz and the two men have been sharing stories ever since. “There’s not many of us left, and when I found out that he was at Chelveston in the same squadron, I got excited.” Creekmore said. “When I made that call, I got goose bumps. There are not many of us around anymore.” Saivetz served in the U.S. Eighth Army Air Corps from 1941 to 1945. From June to November 1944, Saivetz was based in Chelveston, England, as part of the 305th Bomb Group, which specialized in B-17 aircraft. From February to July 1945, Creekmore also served in the

305th Bomb Group in Chelveston. Approximately 8,000 Americans spent time in Chelveston from 1942 to 1945, and members of the bomb group flew 480 combat missions. The bomb group consisted of four flying squadrons — 364th, 365th, 366th and 422nd. Both Saivetz and Creekmore were part of the 365th squadron, and both worked as radio operators. They had much of the same experience and knowledge of World War II. They are the last remaining survivors of their squadron, and they’re part of a group of veterans that is growing smaller: Of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II, only 1.2 million remain to tell their stories, according to the National World War II Museum. “It was very nice to hear from him, and I thought it was great,” Saivetz said. “It’s a very small world. It’s amazing what things like Google can do. It was like finding something out of a grab bag, out of the blue. It’s nice knowing there’s somebody out there. It’s nice talking about the great old days.”

Thomas Creekmore Both men are now 91 and email each other frequently, sharing their experiences in Chelveston. “We had four different squadrons, and from there, there were 10 men on each plane,” Creekmore said. “Brad could have been any of the 10 in any of the squadrons. It so happens he was in the same squadron in the same position as a radio operator. I can’t believe I found him.”

mind, body, soul by Kristen Herhold | Staff Writer

LBK Education Center to begin winter semester For many Americans, education ends when they receive their college degree. Research has shown, however, that it’s important to keep learning no matter what age you are. The Longboat Key Education Center, which begins its winter season Jan. 5, allows residents to do just that. The Education Center offers more than 150 classes annually and has as many as 500 students each day. Altogether, the center receives approximately 4,200 individual registrations each year. In addition to classes, students can also take field trips to places and events throughout the area and attend lectures. “Nobody can find another place this size that has more to offer,” Executive Director Susan Goldfarb said. “We take pride in allowing people to keep their body, mind and soul healthy.” A variety of classes are offered during the winter season, including art, yoga, movie, music, literature and current event classes, and field trips to the opera, planetarium and ballet. The majority of classes meet once a week throughout the season, but some are offered on a one-time basis or for a few select weeks. A few highlights: Beginning Jan. 21, Harold Bubil will teach “‘More’ Football for Lovers — Super Bowl Foreplay,” a class for those who are clueless about football but hope to learn

BRUCE MYER

MORE INFORMATION For the full list of courses, visit lbkeducationcenter.org or call 383-8811. more about the sport before the Super Bowl. It will teach students to understand their loved ones’ adoration of football and why they yell at the TV so often. On Feb. 28, animal communicator Wendy Cooper will teach a course called “Curious About your Animal’s Thoughts? A Workshop for People Who Love their Pets.” The class is for pet owners and animal-lovers who want to intuitively know their pets’ needs and wants, which can create a better bond between owners and their animals. Other courses include ones on basic Mac OS and iPhone skills, wine appreciation, birding and wardrobes. “There truly is an endless supply of information people can learn in these classes,” Goldfarb said. “Learning keeps the mind active and the spirit young. I just want everybody to really enjoy all that we have to offer and for them to be happy.” The winter season is Jan. 5 to Feb. 28, and the spring semester is from March 2 to April 24. Annual membership is $60 for individuals and $85 for a couple; course costs vary.

SELLING LONGBOAT KEY REAL ESTATE FOR OVER 34 YEARS

THE RIGHT DIRECTION

941.387.1859 | Bruce@BruceMyer.com

May the majestic tranquility of the season capture your spirit, fuel your imagination, and reveal the possibilities of the future.

Happy Holidays! Gulf Front Listings

Bayside Listings

SANCTUARY #C407 - Remodeled and furnished 3BR/3BA residence. Gulf, golf course and downtown views $1,799,000

SABAL COVE - 3318 Sabal Cove Lane - 3BR+Den/4.5BA home with wide open ﬂoorplan. $1,799,000

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS #804S - 2BR/2BA end residence. Updated, open ﬂoorplan with panoramic views. $1,149,000

530 HARBOR POINT RD - Freshly manicured canal front lot in Bay Isles Harbor Section. $1,250,000

PLAYERS CLUB #A102 - 3BR/2.5BA, furnished home. Partial Gulf and pool views, and under-building parking. $699,000

BAYOU - 3280 Bayou Road - 4BR/3BA “built to last” home, oversized pool lanai and serene, private lake views. $899,000

PROMENADE - 2BR/2BA furnished residence with spacious terrace that overlooks courtyard & Gulf. $599,000

GRAND BAY #145 - 3BR/2Full/2HB, beautifully turn-key furnished with golf course and bay views. $889,000

PRIVATEER #204S - 2BD/2BA furnished condominium home in freshly updated gulf front community. $449,000

BAYOU - 3181 Bayou Sound - 2BR/3BA+Den, private pool, spa and dock on deep water channel with no bridges. $895,000

Longboat Key’s Top Realtor • First in Number of Homes Sold

Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

ATRIUM - 2120 Harbourside Dr. #618 - 3BR/3BA home with spanning bay & city views, and private walk-down. $895,000 ATRIUM - 2110 Harbourside Dr. #537 - Bayfront 3BR/2BA $869,000

• First in Sales Volume of Homes Sold home with spacious, open plan. Mostly furnished. Source: Mid Regional MLS for Longboat Key,, 2012

SOLD! Over $1 Billion in Real Estate LONGBOATKEYFORSALE

FAIRWAY BAY #416 - 2BR/2BA home with private walkdown, covered parking and expansive bay views. $459,000 LONGBOAT KEY MOORINGS - The west coast’s largest marina has a 45’ slip just for you! $64,500

www.BruceMyer.com

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

131365

• First Class Results

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

feliz navidad

19A

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

by Kristen Herhold | Staff Writer

REID MURPHY Luxury on the Water www.reidmurphy.com

Call REID Today! 941.232.3304

SPECTACULAR BAYFRONT ESTATE

Gated 10,000 sq. ft. 5 Bedroom Masterpiece Direct Bayfront.

Eleanor Carnese, Beth Waldman, Clarise Pellegrino, Sue Troup and Joyce Mazurek

Views of Sarasota Bay and Sarasota skyline plus dock.

Harbourettes celebrate the Christmas season

8,700,000

The Longboat Harbourettes held their annual holiday luncheon Dec. 17, at Lazy Lobster Longboat Key. The nonprofit organization is a women’s club for Longboat Harbour residents. 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.

LOCATION! LOCATION! $1,095,000 3 BR/3 BA Country Club Shores on sailboat water. Close to everything!

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

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.

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

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.

Photos by Kristen Herhold

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

G ISTIN

A4109140

GRAND BAY PENTHOUSE - Rarely available w/4 en-suite bedrooms & 5,000sf wraparound terrace. $2,600,000 A3968932

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

NEW

G ISTIN

A4109339

WATER CLUB - Direct Gulf front 3BR 3,400sf furnished condo with three terraces and private garage. $2,750,000

NEW

PRIC

A3978333

CASEY KEY - Mid-Century Modern extensively remodeled LONGBOAT KEY GULF FRONT - Rare 1.55 acre lot gulf front residence on a gulf to bay 1.25 acre lot. $4,495,000 spanning 428’ of beautiful sandy beach & gulf. $4,350,000

PRIC

A4105476

BIRD KEY - Bayfront 4BR residence on desirable southern facing buildable lot w/ 130’ water front. $1,795,000

A3996566

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

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

157757

NEW

SAILBOAT WATER ON LBK $1,731,000 EXTRAORDINARY BAYFRONT HOME $2,345,000 4BR/4BA Home w/ deepwater dock & lift. 100’ 5/BD with deepwater dock & lift, home gym w/ frontage direct bay access. steam room & sauna.

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

157879

Gerry Sullivan and Barbara Bellamente

Eileen Devine, Rosie Stieber, Marg Aubry and Judy Blair

20A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

CHRISTMAS CROWD by Kristen Herhold | Staff Writer

Russell Pope, Romana Rainey, Mark Zintel and Beth Doyle

Photos by Kristen Herhold

Longbeach Village celebrates the holidays at annual party Residents of the Village, some of whom dressed as elves and Santa Claus, came out to celebrate the holidays with their neighbors.

Michael Drake and Village Association President Fred Kagi

Al Clarizia and Richard Mayer

Real Estate Savvy MANOR ON NEARLY 4-ACRES! Palatial 6,000+SF main residence & sep 1500+ SF guest cottage, one of a kind, gated & walled w/fine finishes, custom craftsmanship & architectural features in an area surrounded by water & FL’s natural amenities! 2 parcels offered as one sale at $1,595,000

BRAND NEW W/DIRECT GULF VIEWS! 3Br/ Den/2.5Ba w/full renovations & redesigned flr plan, pvt elevator, custom cabinets, walnut flrs, quartz, granite, mother of pearl art, glass tile, balcony & garaged pkg in gated comm. on LBK w/amenities! MLS#A3990234 ........................ $1,995,000

SIESTA KEY COMMERCIAL! Investment property currently being used as a fish market, tenant in place w/new 2-yr lease, sm retail space classified as restaurant w/2 half baths, main thoroughfare near Crescent market area, next to post office on Siesta Key! MLS#A3993284 ................ $300,000

PRESERVE VIEWS! 4Br/4Ba/Den & Bonus Rm/3CG w/tray ceil., crown moldings, built-ins, French doors, oak cabinets, granite & Corian, SS appls., modern spa-like MBa, newly screened lanai & pool, custom drive & tile roof close to Pineview, Legacy Trail, golf, beaches & more! MLS#A4104754 ..................................... $650,000

Pat Clark, Kenny Kyl and Julie Best

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box. See answers on page 26A.

GATED COMMUNITY! 3Br/2.5Ba/3CG w/ hardwood flooring, 2nd level bonus room, lots of tile, Corian surfaces, custom cabinetry, spacious master w/tray ceiling, luxury master bath & lg walk-in closet in a community with amenities; tennis courts, golfing & more! MLS#A4106551 .... $400,000

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT! 3,060SF, 11-12 sep. offices & conference room formerly occupied by a mortgage company, new phone system, furniture & attached parking lot in a well maintained building with easy Downtown access-steps to the courthouse! MLS#A3977006 ...... $17/SF yr (includes CAM)

DOWNTOWN W/BAY VIEWS! Customized end residence 2Br/2.5Ba/balcony, open plan w/ space for Lr, Dr & Study, wood flrs, tile, silestone, wood cabinets, SS appls., MBr w/bonus-sized walk-in & laundry, garaged pkg & close to cultural activities! MLS#A4108231 ............................... $1,100,000

Improve your

♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Bridge Game!!

2-STORY LAKEFRONT HOME! 4-5Br/3.5Ba/2CG w/plenty of space, Lr, Dr, comb Kitch./fam rm., upgrades; Corian, wood cabinets, SS appls., tile, MBr w/tray clg, sec syst., front porch & covered lanai in Harrison Ranch w/full amenities package close to I75 & I275! MLS#A4103013 ............... $245,000

Are you a social bridge player who wants to update your game? Are you a duplicate bridge player who wants to win more? Improve with 10 weeks of lessons and games!

CLASSES BEGIN:

UPDATED BAY PLAZA 3+ BEDROOM! Fully renovated 3-4Br/3Ba/4 Balconies/2CG w/chevron wood flrs, detailed ceil., crown moldings, built-ins, wood cabinets, Quartz stone, ceramic tile, stainless steel appls., lavish finishes, vessel sinks, hurricane shutters & pvt laundry in full service Downtown bldg w/amenities! MLS#A4102683.........$775,000

www.candyswick.com

Beginner and Intermediate Lessons 133996

Frank and Carol O’Brien

Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant was closed to customers for the evening of Dec. 10, as it hosted the Longbeach Village Association’s annual Christmas party.

Dave Myers with Carol and Ken Weiss

Saturday, January 17 • 9-11:30 am American Contract Bridge League

Call Michelle Golden

941-365-7875

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

157951

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

21A

happening holiday by Kristen Herhold | Staff Writer

Luxury Service • Strategic Marketing • Benchmark Results

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday! FEATURED LISTING

Photos by Kristen Herhold

Ruth Greenbaum and Sherry Kaufman

Seaplace residents show their spirit Seaplace residents celebrated the holidays Dec. 10, at the condo’s holiday party. The celebration showed the community’s seasonal spirit, which shines through in this year’s festive holiday décor.

00 5,200,0

25 LIGHTHOUSE POINT DRIVE

This sophisticated 4 bedroom/6.5 bath residence offers tranquil lagoon views, soaring ceilings, chef’s kitchen and a dock with multiple lifts just a minute from the open Gulf waters.

Sonja and John Ellis 749 FREELING DRIVE

$3,600,000 LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS #201S

THE PIERRE

$1,199,000 PROMENADE #210

$1,495,000

$859,000

John, K.C. and Will Bradshaw

711 BINNACLE POINT DRIVE

$815,000

SAND CAY #314

$424,900

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

Bernard Papernick and Jack Stillman

/athomesarasota 155013

/addywittigteam

22A

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

real estate | transactions

By Adam Hughes | Research Editor

Three-bedroom Sanctuary unit sells for $840,000 The following residential real estate transactions took place between Dec. 8 and Dec. 12. A condominium in Sanctuary at Longboat Key Club tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Douglas and Joan Danko sold their Unit A-303 condominium at 545 Sanctuary Drive to Christopher Ontiveros, of Bettendorf, Iowa, for $840,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,375 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $485,000 in 1994.

Seaplace

Gestion Danielle Luc Inc. sold the Unit M2-112-B condominium at 1945 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Judith Baird and Nancy Jo Vermie, trustees, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for $740,000. Built in 1978, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,532 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $525,000 in 2011. Maypel Inc. sold the Unit G1-206-A condominium at 2089 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Brigitte Gee, of Ontario, Canada, for $499,200. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,257 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $180,000 in 1986.

Beachplace

Kathryn Wholley and Martha Hildreth, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 405 condominium at 1135 Gulf of Mexico Drive to John Salpietra, trustee, of Oakland Township, Mich., for $705,000. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,503 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $650,000 in April. John and Ellen Jo Spittell sold their Unit

File photo

Unit A-303 at Sanctuary at Longboat Key Club sold for $840,000.

101 condominium at 1125 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Vincent Quiros and Joanne McNally, of Valley Cottage, N.Y., for $604,000. Built in 1979, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,172 square feet of living area.

La Playa

John Stewart, trustee, of Roxbury, N.Y., sold the Unit 109-A condominium at 4425 Gulf of Mexico Drive to V.J.R. Ski Corp. for $515,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,008 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $155,000 in 1988.

Longbeach Village

Jay and Caroline Robertson, of Bradenton, sold their home at 730 Fox St. to Carol and Wayne Burgess, of Merritt Island, for $363,000. Built in 1965, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,050 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $205,000 in 2013.

BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Dec. 11 through Dec. 17, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive) Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

6031 GMD

Alteration

Virginia Kaul

554 Sutton Place

Interior

Anna Quattrone

$85,740

620 Yardarm Lane

Pool

Keith and Kristie Harrison

$83,764

572 Gunwale Lane

Re-roof

Scott Petersen

$59,050

940 Spanish Drive N.

Interior

Margaret Hoover

$52,900

2043 Harbour Links Drive Interior

David Campbell

$50,000

2525 GMD Antenna

Islands West Condominium Association

$35,000

1485 GMD

Door and window

Affitti Properties LLC

$31,515

435 L’Ambiance Drive

Interior

Thomas Sweet

$31,310

$135,641.60

3454 GMD

Pool

Beechwood Property LLC

$27,950

4401 GMD

Doors and shutters

Timothy Vincent

$26,890

3040 Grand Bay Blvd.

Interior

Joe Henson, trustee

$24,000

1955 GMD

Kitchen

William Sikorski

$22,000

1485 GMD

Door

Additti Properties LLC

$15,760

626 Buttonwood Drive

Porch

Carolyn Wedekind

$15,340

5655 GMD

Doors and window

Allison Ausband

$14,500

524 Hornblower Lane

Re-roof

Kenneth Pozulp

$14,000

7020 Firehouse Road

Re-roof

Milton Hendrickson

$12,250

6568 Gulfside Road

Window

Advanta IRA Services LLC

$11,000

626 Buttonwood Drive

Re-roof

Carolyn Wedekind

$8,400

4485 GMD

Door

902 Long Boat Inc.

$4,950

415 L’Ambiance Drive

Enclose terrace Dorothy Lill, trustee

$4,525

3240 GMD

Window

William Graham

$3,613

Dock 3590 Mistletoe Lane 750 Bayport Way Window 513 Yawl Lane Dredge

Joel D. Fedder Revocable Trust Dale Maronek David I. Cohen Revocable Trust

1211 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #A4107681 $859,000 Ian Addy Pa

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

1241 Center Place #A4100991 $849,000 Alison Elizalde

Lido Shores 941-349-3444 941-928-9217

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

5444 Gulf Of Mexico Dr #A3997003 $3,999,500 Richard Perlman

6608 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #A4104091 $750,000 Saint Cacchiotti

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

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

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

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

2425 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 5 #A3995790 $735,000 Mel & Jan Goldsmith

SHARE YOUR

$2,488 $2,350 $2,300

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

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

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

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

PHOTOS

614 Buttonwood Drive #A4108833 $650,000 Tak Konstantinou

1425 Westway Dr #A3993944 $3,990,000 Stephanie Church

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

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

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

Lido Key 941-388-4447 941-724-5448

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

YOUR PHOTO MAY APPEAR ON MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

1770 Benjamin Franklin Drive #A4103886 $525,000 Marianne Lebar

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

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

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

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

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

4900 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #A4100526 $399,999 Bobbi Banan

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

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

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

1926 Harbourside Drive #A4108601 $399,000 Julie Klick

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

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

TINSEL TIME

23A

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

by Kristen Herhold | Staff Writer

Circle Association rocks around St. Armands St. Armands business owners, employees and residents gathered Dec. 16, at Crab & Fin for the St. Armands Circle Association’s annual holiday party. Guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres, drinks and desserts while they networked with their co-workers around the Circle.

25 Lighthouse Point Drive #A4108131 $5,200,000 Ian Addy Pa

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

St. Armands Circle Association Assistant Mary Czernyk and Executive Director Diana Corrigan Judy and Glynn Armitage

Stephen and Karyn Powell, of Jewelry by Cole, and Andrew Vac, of RE/MAX Alliance Group

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

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

4310 Falmouth Drive #A4105301 $275,000 Bobbi Banan

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

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

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

740 Fox Street #A4109613 $369,000 Bruce Meyer

4440 Exeter Drive #A4104012 $299,900 Sharon Freeman

3320 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #A4103710 Doris Bushman

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

Longboat Key $249,000 941-383-5502

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

3060 Grand Bay Boulevard #A4109140 $2,600,000 Michael Moulton

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

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

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

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

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

6401 Gulf Of Mexico Drive #A4109699 $1,395,000 Maureen Horn

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

230 Sands Point Rd # 3005 #A3987939 $1,250,000 Ian Addy Pa

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

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

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

573 Juan Anasco Dr #A3992657 $899,000 Diana Kryszak

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

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

Photos by Kristen Herhold

Jack and Nancy Peffley

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-266-8152

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

2002 Harbourside Drive #1601 #A4101871 $330,000 Eileen (Dee Dee) Burke

4440 Exeter Drive #A4106919 $295,000 Sharon Freeman

6750 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 179 #A3897503 $187,900 Sandi Layfield

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

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

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

VA C AT I O N R E N TA L S 5871 Gulf Of Mexico Dr #A3996985 $7,900,000 Christina Landry

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 941-388-4447 941-376-4498

White Sands of Longboat whitesandsoflongboat.com 800.230.2428

158680

Veranda Beach Club verandabeachclub.com 800.411.5511

24A

YourObserver.com

Coastal Elegance … Extraordinary Lifestyle

c o n t e st

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

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. YOUROBSERVER.COM/ITSREADEVERYWHERE

4955 Gulf of Mexico Drive #101

Positano of Longboat Key Offered at $4,200,000

Beautifully designed and appointed waterfront retreat with magnificent Gulf of Mexico views. This luxury condominium boasts 3123 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath, study, 2.5 car garage, elevator and private pool and spa with a 1529 sq. ft. open air terrace overlooking glistening gulf water for quiet relaxation and breathtaking sunsets. Offered Turn-Key furnished, the former builder’s model combines exquisite interior design, finishes and furnishings along with beautiful owner appointments for transitional appeal. A quiet sanctuary, situated on 10 acres and 748’ of pristine beach with Tuscan inspired architecture, 29 residences, paver walkways meander through the natural beauty of tropical landscaping just steps to the beach and Owner’s Club with fitness center, gathering room, pool and spa. RE/MAX Alliance Group

NATIONAL NEWS. Marlene Campanaro and Sally Keyes crossed a few places off their bucket lists when they took a two-week, 1,881-mile road trip in November. The two attended a wedding in Arizona and from there headed to the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest National Park, a Navajo Indian reservation, Sedona, Ariz., and every national park in between.

Kotaska Team

Dennis Kotaska, Terri Kotaska & James Lorenz

941.815.6772 dennis@sarasotahousing.com www.sarasotahousing.com

157928

941.383.5577 www.WagnerRealty.com

GREAT BEACH ESCAPE! Looking for the perfect getaway or investment paradise? This is it! Spacious TKF condo w/ view of pond. Enjoy all Runaway Bay has to offer, swimming, tennis & fishing. $314,900 Teresia Bradford #M5900309

FAIRWAY BAY 2BR/2.5BA TOWNHOUSE has lovely garden and pool views and skylights. Permitted lower level w/ storage area and oversized garage with parking for 2 cars. $349,900 Margot Robinson #A4106051

DESIGNER FURNISHED PENTHOUSE with 2BR/2BA and views of the Intracoastal AND the Bay! Deeded beach access, beach cabana, two heated pools and more. Pets welcome. $379,900 Marc Turner #A3926740

157941

SWEET CONDO IS FURNISHED and ready to go! 2BR/1.5BA is great investment or week-end getaway. Two pools, boat docks when available, private beach, kayak storage & much more. $224,900 Kelly Belisle #M5900074

LBK LIQUORS ATTENTION INVESTORS 2BR/2BA UNIT was completely renovated in 2005. New kitchen & bathrooms. Oversized screened lanai for maximum garden view. Nightly rentals available. $399,000 Mary Moore & Dia Wilson #M5835441

BEAUTIFUL GULF VIEWS from just about every room. Enjoy sounds of the waves & brilliant sunsets on your wrap around balcony. $809,900 Dia Wilson #M5904221

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.) HOLIDAY SPEICALS AT THE WICKER INN BEACH RESORT Need an extra room? Nightly and weekly availability. FREE night w/ weekly rental. Relax by the pool or lounge on the beach. Charming cottage ambiance, decorated by Florida pastels, surrounded by gorgeous tropical landscaping. Come and enjoy the absolute serenity. Reservations: 941-387-8344 For property management, call Bonnie Wiedeman 941-383-5577

BEAUTIFUL DEEP WATER LOT In the secluded community of Hideaway Bay. Cul-de-sac peninsula style lot with deep sailboat water on 3 sides. Great location to build your dream home. $995,000 Kelly Belisle # M5836272

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

158569

157773

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

LONGBOAT OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

EXPLORING NATURE’S BEAUTY

25A

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

WEEKEND FORECAST

FRIDAY, DEC. 26 High: 71 Low: 57 Chance of rain: 0%

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise

Sunset

Thursday, Dec. 25

7:18a

5:43p

Friday, Dec. 26

7:18a

5:43p

Saturday, Dec. 27

7:19a

5:44p

Sunday, Dec. 28

7:19a

5:44p

Monday, Dec. 29

7:20a

5:45p

SATURDAY, DEC. 27

Tuesday, Dec. 30

7:20a

5:46p

High: 74 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 10%

Wednesday, Dec. 31

7:20a

5:46p

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, DEC. 28 High: 71 Low: 57 Chance of rain: 20% Courtesy: wunderground.com

TIDES

YOUROBSERVER.COM/WEATHER Visit our website to upload your local weather or nature-related photos and for contest information, including rules and prize information.

Jan. 13 Last

Jan. 20 New

Highs

Thursday, Dec. 25 Friday, Dec. 26 Saturday, Dec. 27 Sunday, Dec. 28 Monday, Dec. 29 Tuesday, Dec. 30 Wednesday, Dec. 31

 Carolyn Eliason submitted this sunset photo, taken on St. Armands Circle.

Jan. 4 Full

Dec. 28 First

1:08a 2:10a 3:18a 4:37a 6:15a 8:26a 10:21a

3:35p 4:10p 4:48p 5:29p 6:14p 7:03p 8:00p

Lows 9:18a 10:00a 10:42a 11:24a 12:59a 2:23a 3:35a

8:58p 10:12p 11:34p — 12:07p 12:55p 1:47p

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

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

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 Edited by Timothy E. Parker

TRIVIA FOR THE BRILIANT by Rob Lee ACROSS 1 7 10 13 17 18 20 21 22

25 26 27

28 30 31 32 33 34 36 38 39 40 43

CRYPTOGRAMS

1. V J G C O J G V J G P O H Z G I S P W W E B G S O J G W N X C H Z G I S N H B O G P I Z C U OJG V P O G X , OJG W N XC H Z G I S BP Z S OJG XG V PB C ’O P U X P Z C N H OXEOJ ZC ZO!

50 52 54 55 57 59 60 61

Q Z T Q O L DR G B SH V C QW R H LT R , LT R SDI , “M L SM DR Z QM M LT

63 64 65 67

V D Z I Q O I T C Q R D M D N S Z M T I .”

2. N L T Z S A R T I H S W R S B T R X S Z O Q A Z I S G D W I L S I X S I T S X T R R Q Z

www.manasotaonline.com

154715

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from our family to yours!

Easily bent Faux ___ Wharton grad “Hey, mac!” “It’s a deal!” Strain for Domingo “___ Ha’i” Need liniment Plant with buttercuplike flowers Smacking sound Generals’ staff members Frankenstein’s monster’s birthplace In a corpulent manner Vein find William Wallace, for one Tony of “Leave It to Beaver” By 212, to New Yorkers A distant point Those elected O’Hara’s Joey “So, there you are!” Greek estimator of Earth’s circumference “What’s up, ___?” Kind of ship? “Little” Stowe girl Yemen capital JFK watchdog Fruity-smelling compound Historic starter The whole ___ (everything) Final amt. Highest deg. Physicist Fermi British conductor Sir Thomas Lofty nest

71Canine job 74 Soils with chimney grime 75 Architectural ornament 77 Workers’ collective disposition 78 Batman and Robin are a dynamic one 79 Diner’s prerogative 80 Beyond the megalopolis 83 ___ Lobos (“La Bamba” group) 84 Cum laude modifier 86 ___ Paulo, Brazil 87 Deodorant type 88 N.Y.’s Madison, for one 89 Send again 90 Point-of-purchase equip. giant 92 Deterrent example 96 Tit for ___ 97 Common Market initials 99 Paintings, sculptures, etc. 100 ___-Napoca, Romania 102 Dialect expert, e.g. 107 Prefix for degradable 108 “Runaround ___” 109 White as a sheet 113 “A Bug’s Life” bug 114 Limit on utility charges 116 Naught 117 Plant parts 118 Unadultered 120 Hindmost part of the brain 123 “Under the Net” novelist Murdoch 124 Issued a command to 125 Canoer’s worry 126 Aaron Burr was

one, once 127 Splinter group 128 Shrewd 129 Marina ___ Rey, California 130 Barnum’s “attraction”

DOWN

1 Lengthy narratives 2 Finno-___ (Hungarian language family) 3 Museum in Madrid 4 100 centimos 5 More or ___ (approximately) 6 Tokyo’s ex-name 7 Tree with oblong leaves (var.) 8 Saudi native 9 Title for Arthur Conan Doyle 10 Italian marble city 11 More depressed 12 Supermarket walkway 13 Dog foot 14 Philosophy 15 Archaeological bit 16 Sioux shelter 19 Put holy oil on 20 Teacher’s deg. 23 Plants of a region 24 Cause embarrassment to 29 Imitate an annoying dog 32 “Nuts!” 33 It’s a charge 35 Hardly Mr. Right 37 “Cape ___” (‘91 De Niro film) 40 Aldous Huxley’s “___ and Essence” 41 Like the New World 42 Regarding humans as all-important 44 Tin-lead alloy 45 Conspicuous 46 Suffix with Vietnam or Japan 47 Capture, as a burglar 48 Supplies with the

49 51 53 56 58 60 61 62 66 68 69 70 72 73 76 81 82 84 85 88 89 91 93 94 95 98 101 102 103 104 105 106 108 110 111 112 115 116 117 119 121 122

means Sober-minded Muscular rigidity Emergency worker Dark and Middle, e.g. Poor-box contents Throw into disorder Grafting shoot Gardener, at times “___ la Douce” (1963 film) Musical postscripts Works as a thespian ___ out (manages) Trombone slide Emollientproducing plants Former Canadian athlete British rule in colonial India “Ciao!” Course listings Quick-witted Sax type 66-Down, for MacLaine Normal size (Abbr.) Secret group of plotters Hardest hit to get Long oar Junkyard canine Coastal diving bird Stone at the Forum? Habituate Metrical units Take the wrong way? Type of bear Greek and Roman female oracle No longer fresh Highly dislikes 1999 and 1492 Billiards stick Orbital point “___ as a bug in a rug” Shakespearean suffix Do some math Poetic form

12-25-14

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Items Under $200 For Sale

Help Wanted

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

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

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

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.

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

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

Antiques/Collectibles 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.

Condos/Apts. For Rent 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.

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

Pools/Spas HOT TUB with lounger, never used, maintenance free cabinet, 110 or 220 volt, can deliver, $1895. 941-462-0633.

Storage NEED TO store Classic Car. Now until June around Longboat Key. 941-387-3271 or 508-494-6791. STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area. 941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.

Business Opportunities JAN PRO CLEANING FRANCHISE: $950 Down Required, Financing Available for growth, Includes customers. Earn up to $10,000 Month+. Call 941-907-8141.

This week’s Sudoku answers

HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 139521

FOR “QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE”

Reservations 941-383-6127 Visa/ MC

Floors, bathrooms, showers, backsplashes, patio and pool decks.

800-352-0367

20 years design background. Licensed - Insured - LBK Resident References upon request. 941-383-2659

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m. M-F Ask about our special rates! Wagner Realty Since 1939

WANTED LUXURY ANNUAL RENTALS

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

www.wagnerrentals.com

TILE TILE TILE All Variations of Ceramic Tile Supplied & Installed. Free Estimates & Custom Designs.

For Qualified Waiting Clients Contact - Sarasota Luxury Rentals 941-225-1356

Expert Marble & Travertine Installation Floor & Walls Grout Cleaning & Sealing Service Available

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

“Your Home by the Sea”

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

www.casadelmar.net

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

Weekly/Monthly Condominium Rentals 4 Night Minimum Reservations: 941-383-5549 Fax: 941-383-7925 Office Open 7 Days, 9a.m. - 5p.m. 4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 Fully equipped 2BR/2BA condos with washer and dryer, and wireless internet in each unit.

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

THE WESTCHESTER GULF FRONT 2BR/2BA, open, direct views, tennis court, 2 heated pools, steps away from the sand. Available February and March, 2015 941-228-5671 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, luxury 2BR/3BA, turnkey furnished. Available 5/1/15 and after, dates flexible. Minimum 3 months. ebstulberg@gmail.com. LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS. Beachfront condo behind the gates. Available winter 2015. 2BR/2BA, direct close-up Gulf view. Call 847-340-8247. 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

Extra Large Heated Gulf View Swimming Pool!

OUR GUESTS RETURN FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION. 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

Adult Care Services CNA CAREGIVER/COMPANION. Honest, Reliable. Excellent references. Short-term & long-term. 941-323-2716. No agency calls please.

CLASSIFIED LINE AD PRICE First 15 words ..................................... $17.50 per week Each Add’l word .......................................................50¢ 15% DISCOUNT for 4 week Run Yellow color $5 per Week • Border as low as $3 per Week Call: 955-4888 Email: classified@yourobserver.com Online: www.YourObserver.com

YOUR SOURCE FOR LOCAL CLASSIFIED ADS

Auto Transport

This week’s Crossword answers

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

Cleaning BLUE FISH CLEANING INC. 941-705-3812. Insured, Bonded. Affordable reliable home cleaning, $80, 2 cleaners, 2 hours.

Computer Services Cmagik - LBK resident, servicing our island year round for over 12 yrs. Bachelors Degree with 20 yrs. experience, PC or MAC. Professional help with computers, iPad/iPhones and tutoring. References upon request. Call Cort: 383-3878, 587-5588 cmagik.com OWN A MAC/iPHONE/iPAD? MacTutor has 21+ years experience teaching Apple products. I speak English, not “Geek”! (941) 323-2363 www.FLMacTutor.com

bserver LONGBOAT

N #1

ER AP SP W

FREE • THURSDAY,

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS.

Golden Gate Point: Share a condo. 941-953-4162.

Pet Services LOYAL DOG CARE. Senior gentleman available for dog walking, sitting, feeding. Reliable, educated, dog lover on Longboat. 941-383-1790.

Air Conditioning

’S AMERICA

LBK BEACHFRONT 1BR & 3BR condos, heated pool, furnished. Starting at $1200weekly. Outrigger Resort, 941-383-3844.

Painting/Wallpapering CARLO DATTILO PAINTING. Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing. Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable. Free estimates. 941-744-1020. 35+ years experience. RICK STEAKLEY PAINTING. Interior/Exterior. Pressure Washing. Wallpaper Removal. Drywall Repairs. Reasonable. Reliable. Professional. 30+/years experience. References available. Free Estimates. Lic./Ins. 941-228-7605, rlsteakley60@gmail.com

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

Furnishings

Houses or Condos

Real Estate Wanted

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

BRAND NEW Serta Queen Pillowtop Mattress Set. Willing to sacrifice for $150. Need to sell quickly! (941)387-4810.

ISLE TILE

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

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

Boats Are Selling Very Well. Season Is Early - Busy - Busy - Busy www.Islandboatsales.net We Also Buy Boats. 941-228-3489

Weekly/ Monthly/ Seasonal Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between

FREE! What every Real Estate buyer or seller needs to know! Go to: www.yourmarketupdate.com

Boat Slips For Rent/Sale

Boats

RN FOR Home Private Duty RN for your home. Experienced ICU, ER, Home Health Meds set up, catheter care, wound care + more. Long−term, short−term. Honest professional. (941) 812−7311, www.rnforhome.com

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

Condos For 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

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.

Health Services

CELEBRATION

The island was awash in red, white and blue for the Fourth of July. PAGES 13A-17A

NEWS

Save Our Seabirds receives clean inspection. PAGE 3A

OUR TOWN

retirement options

| Community Editor by Robin Hartill

Employees seek DROP

Aug. 14 will Commission’s decision The Longboat Key Town of town employees and taxpayers. was futures home that she for employee’s two affect the financial without an option able to purchase

+ Patriotic painting to hang at Town Hall some

is frozen the ﬁnally retirement, or entering ago. $750 a month. Options years so hard emergen- early That’s the amount Maureen Deferred Retirement “This house I worked house love, this cy-services specialist Program (DROP). for, this house I to keep. Longboat Key no longer afford $743 a month. Monahan told the she expects mortgage I can fair, Mr. BullThat’s the monthly Town Commission Your plan is not beneﬁts if the 25-year town to lose in monthly payment of the pension plan general employees

JULY 11, 2013

DIVERSIONS

Classic modern style complements a Lido Shores home. INSIDE

benefit

who was ock,” said Monahan,employees one of three general July to address the commission 1.

25 years, or $875,000 over $35,000 per year. bill for That’s the estimated if the Longboat Key taxpayers general emcommission allows

SEE PENSION / PAGE

It’s READ Everywhere!

were Apparently, there in the patriotic young Picassos Fest. crowd at Freedom Fourth After the parade on games of July, children enjoyed paintand activities, including Park. ing, in Bicentennial Part of the masterpiece soon will painting they created be on display at Longboatthe part of Key Town Hall as in Town ongoing art exhibit Commission chambers.

+ Send in your fun summer snapshots

Going on vacation? of the Snapping pictures sunset? the Don’t forget about and Longboat Observer YourObserver.com. 60 sec

INDEPENDENCE SPIRIT

Yaryna Klimchak

nationThe singing of the Bicentennial Park. 17A. parade July 4, at pages 13A and Key Freedom Fest more photos, see annual Longboat the parade. To see in a wagon in the Finn Fluker, 4, rides release and children’s games followed l them a butterfly

www.yourobserver.com

HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 56733

2014

This week’s Cryptogram answers

1. When the wheatfield accused the cornfield of stealing the water, the cornfield said there wasn’t a grain of truth in it! 2. When a used car salesman found a bird had made a mess on one of his black Porsches, he said, “that is not the kind of deposit I wanted.”

THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER Thursday, December 25, 2014

www.yourobserver.com

CLEANING

HEAT BUSTERS

PERSONAL SERVICES

Call Liz for the Best Price

Take Control of Your Lifeâ€Ś Hire

House/Condo/OfďŹ ce Cleaning Carpet & Floor Care FREE ESTIMATES Lic. # 46264

158966

Move Ins/Move Outs

FURNITURE REPAIR

Air Conditioning & Heating LLC

PATIO REPAIRS, INC PATIO REPAIRS 941-504-0903

TIKI TIME PET SITTING IN-HOME PET SITTING!

Leave your fur kids in their environment with trusted, loving care! Providing quality pet care for 10 years! No extra charge for multiple pets & Holidays! EXCELLENT REFERENCES

480-694-0756

156630

SMS Mobile Marine Service GPS/Fishfinder Installation â€˘ Outboards I/Oâ€™s â€˘ Inboards Call for appointment â€˘ 941-232-3523 CERTIFIED & INSURED

HAULING PREMIER TRANSPORT, LLC â€œSpecialty Items Transportedâ€? custom motorcycles expensive artwork unique furniture pieces, etc. Licensed & Insured

CHRISTIEâ€™S 778-3924

PLUMBING

5508 MARINA DR., HOLMES BEACH â€˘ OPEN SAT

The Service DirecTory

147063 157474

LP Missing: # 157357

INSTITUTE of INSPECTION CLEANING and RESTORATION

CERTIFICATION

WorkS for you!

CERTIFIED FIRM

Call 955-4888 to reserve your space.

100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED MOVERS

CLEANING

WINDOWS

MO V I N G

Lic./Ins. se Window Washin i r n Su d Pressure Cleanin g

Res./Com.

Dave McCarthy

(941) 927-2128

941-447-0127 â€˘ 941-284-5880

â€œWill move anything from a couch to a householdâ€?

Carpet, Upholstery and Tile Floor Cleaning

â€œUP TO 25 STANDARD WINDOWS â€˘ $109.00â€? SPECIAL

Dave McCarthy Operator/Owner

INSURANCE

Phone (941) 704-4278 Fax (941) 538-3781 dmccarthy114@hotmail.com

157475

LOCAL - LONG DISTANCE FREE ESTIMATES I.C.C 361253 â€˘ DOT 812623 FL MOVERS #IM1102

156631

ServiceMaster of NW Sarasota & The Meadows Proudly serving Sarasota since 1987 Bill & Fonda Davies, Owners/Managers

Environmentally Friendly

â€œLeave Your Dirty Windows To Usâ€?

10%

Free Estimates

5.00

OFF + Additional $

For Senior Citizens Prices Include:

2 Bath Mirrors â€˘ 2 Fans â€˘ Tracks â€˘ Screens

157478

157357

Since 1975

DEPENDABLE & ON TIME BACKFLOWS

TRAVERTINE â€˘ MARBLE â€˘ GRANITE â€˘ SLATE â€˘ TERRAZZO Restorative Cleaning and Sealing / Stain Removal

www.fatcatcarpetcleaning.com

â€˘ REPAIRS & REMODELING â€˘ NEW CONSTRUCTION â€˘ EMERGENCY SERVICE â€˘ WATER HEATERS Family Owned & Operated â€˘ SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING 2 Florida State Cert. Master Plumbers #CFC1426596

INSTALLATION & CERTIFY

KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING

SPINERGY STONE CARE SOLUTIONS

941.387.0607

OR 778-4461

RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL

(941) 365-3551 â€˘ premiertransportllc@verizon.net

CARPET CLEANING

tikitimepetcare@gmail.com

PLUMBING

156632

DOCKSIDE BOAT REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

3 Document Creation 3 Special Projects

This space could be yours!

157783

BOAT SERVICES

3 Record Keeping 3 2IĂ€FH 7DVNV 3 +RXVHKROG 7DVNV

PET SITTING

941.955.4888

Lic# CAC1816809

E-mail: jamerkt@comcast.net

Gift Certificates Available

call for more information about The service directory!

www.heatbusters.net

Office: 941.379.6302 Cell: 941.928.4325 www.yourveryownassistant.com

/54$//2 &52.)452% %80%243 s 777 0!4)/2%0!)23 .%4

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TILE / GROUT STAIN CONTROL

3 De-cluttering 3 Organization

Judith A. Merkt

158498

941-518-8550

CARPET / UPHOSTERY ODOR CONTROL

Providing personal and administrative support to individuals and small businesses.

FurnitureSales Sales &&Repairs Furniture Repairs Cushions â€˘ Slings â€˘ Re-powdercoating #USHIONS s 3LINGS s 5MBRELLAS

Prompt, Professional A/C/ Service

27A

158961

AIR CONDITIONING

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157358 38056

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

157477

30A Classifieds LONGBOAT OBSERVER

INSURANCE

SECUR-ALL INSURANCE AGENCY 510 BAY ISLES ROAD, SUITE 1 â€˘ LONGBOAT KEY, FL (INSIDE SUNTRUST BANK)

941-383-3388 STOP BY AND MEET YOUR LOCAL AGENTS, SANDRA & GEORGE CESHKER CHUBB, AIG, UNIVERSAL, UNITED, SAFECO, PROGRESSIVE, CITIZENS, FLOOD. WE HAVE YOU COVERED!

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

ROGER SELLS BIRD KEY

$949,000

ROGER SELLS L'AMBIANCE

$1,795,000

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath

5861GulfofMexicoDrive.com Direct Gulf to bay estate parcel, offering a special site for your dream home, deep water boat house and bay guest house. $3,995,000

SARASOTA BAY 2024AlamedaAvenue.com 2014 new construction! 4BR/4BA with beautiful sunsets. Sailboat waters, open pool deck and newer seawall. $1,599,000

HAWKS HARBOR

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

7038HawksHarborCircle.com The epitome of luxury living rests in this 2-acre private island on the bay. Customdesigned 4BR/4½BA home included, may be purchased without the home. $5,995,000

511BowspritLane.com Custom-built, newer 4BR/3½BA waterfront home situated on an oversized lot. $999,000 1060BogeyLane.com Excellent value! This 3BR/2BA garden home offers easy beach access, manicured landscaping and a spacious layout. $465,000

QUEENS HARBOR 3613FairOaksPlace.com Great value, 2BR/2BA + den featuring an open pool deck, lake views. 2-car garage. Private beach access. $879,000

PROMENADE Promenade510.com Excellent Gulf, bay and city views at every turn from this splendid 2BR/2BA. $899,000

SEAPLACE SeaplaceT1106.com Rarely-available 2BR/2BA beach home with a private 1-car garage. $599,000 SeaplaceG3212D.com This wonderful 2BR/2½BA beach retreat in a Gulf front community is just steps to the beach. $449,000

BROADWAY PROMENADE BroadwayPromenade1227.com 2BR/2BA newer residence in downtown. Enjoy the lively city lifestyle. Just minutes from beaches and the marina. $279,000

SIESTA KEY 125BigPassLane.com A rare find, this oversized parcel boasts almost one acre of Gulf front property. More than 100' of water frontage. $2,495,000

RITZ BEACH RESIDENCES BeachResidences303.com Lido beach's premiere community offers this lovely 2BR+den/2BA with a great layout and spacious Gulf terrace. $1,095,000

FAIRWAY BAY FairwayBayM3344.com Rarely available. Beautiful views. Spacious 3BR/3BA double-unit with almost 2,500 sf, secure parking and deeded beach access to private beach club. $895,000

LAUREL OAK 7655DonaldRossRoadWest.com Gorgeous 4BR/3BA home on estate-sized lot. Manicured lanscaping, expansive layout, designer details and wooded views. $759,000

$679,000

2 Bedroom, 2½ Bath

415LAmbianceB802.com Direct Gulf, bay and city views will impress you from every room of this stunning eighth-floor residence. Offered furnished.

573BirdKeyDrive.com Beautifully-updated garden home. Newer roof, new windows in 2010, new A/C, a revamped layout, newer heated pool and spa.

LONGBOAT KEY

ROGER SELLS EMERALD POINTE SOUTH

3 Bedroom, 3½ Bath

1912HarbourLinksCircle11.com Lakefront villa behind the Bay Isles gates. This recently updated residence feautures cathedral ceilings, serene atmosphere and a private heated spa.

LIDO SHORES

BIRD KEY

1070WestwayDrive.com Modernernist gem, 4BR/5BA waterfront home situated on two lots overlooking Pansy Bayou. An immaculate oasis. $3,495,000

602SouthOwlDrive.com Stunning bay views and sunsets from this 5,500 sf new 4BR, 4½BA home on the open bay. Offers media room, office, eat-in kitchen, 3-car garage and more. $4,795,000

COREY'S LANDING

LONGBOAT BEACHCOMBER II

3440MistletoeLane.com 3BR/3BA with stunning bay and city views from nearly every room. Offering a cook’s kitchen, loft-style family room, pool and private dock. $1,795,000

LongboatBeachcomber211.com Walk out to the beach from this 2BR/2BA ideal retreat or rental. Furnished. $649,000

PRIVATEER

WHITFIELD ESTATES 7322WestmorelandDrive.com This expansive parcel offers more than oneacre of direct bayfront property. Featuring panoramic water and city views. $1,595,000

SANCTUARY

Privateer703.com Gulf and bay views at every turn. Upgraded 2BR/2BA retreat; open kitchen, new flooring, custom lighting. Furnished. $634,000

OYSTER BAY

1511SouthLakeshoreDrive.com 535SanctuaryB405.com This beautiful, secluded 4BR/3BA lakefront home is a wonderful haven with recent Ideal beachfront retreat offers a spacious layout with two terraces and impressive views upgrades. Ready to move right in! $1,249,000 from every room. Furnished. $1,550,000

BAY ISLES HARBOR

LONGBOAT KEY ESTATES

629RountreeDrive.com 530HarborGate.com Spacious 3BR/3BA home just one in from the Brand new, never-lived-in contemporary with open bay with newer dock, seawall. Deeded 200' water frontage. Features Italian porcelain beach access. $1,595,000 tile, custom lighting and a/v system and PRESTANCIA summer kitchen. $4,395,000 7890EsperanzaCircle.com GRAND BAY Lake front 3BR/4½BA home. New kitchen, expansive layout, wonderful pool. $735,000 GrandBay151.com Rarely-available 3BR/3½BA Antigua plan. BEACHPLACE Panoramic views, open layout, wraparound terrace and first-rate amenities. $1,450,000 Beachplace8201.com GrandBay235.com Breathtaking views of the Gulf from Bay views stretch on forever, 3BR/3½BA nearly every room if this direct beachfront Biscayne in Building II. Wraparound terrace, 2BR/2BA retreat. Includes one parking space. eat-in kitchen, private master suite. $899,000 Furnished. $699,000

ROGER PETTINGELL LUXURY WATERFRONT SPECIALIST

941.387.1840

941.586.6668

roger@longboatrealestate.com

www.longboatrealestate.com

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

155097

28A

Diversions YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

A&E

H&G

Art groups honor their greatest helpers. PAGE 2

BLACK TIE

Three things: Home for the holidays PAGE 6

BLACK TIE | LOOKING BACK

JFCS Gala PAGE 11

by Stephanie Hannum | Diversions Managing Editor

Nicaj, Xiomara Velez, Mimoza as, Naom Th Hope Russo, Tara aj at Nic a an Alv d dia Morgan an n's me Wo r’s nte Ce er nc Moffitt Ca on he Cancer Awareness Lunc b. 12. “Cure on the Runway” Fe

Montana Ta plinger wit h her daugh ter, Annabelle at Children First’s “Flip Flops & Fa sh ion” Oct. 3 0.

Movie star Richard Dreyfuss hid in shame as his Aunt Gertrude was delivered in handcuffs to Ringling College of Art and Design’s “An Evening at the Avant Garde: The Swinging Sixties” March 22.

best of BLACK TIE Jennifer Horiuchi and Tracy DeRamo at American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball April 11.

As the 2014 social calendar comes to a close, Black Tie reviews the year in pictures.

Alex Mahadevan models the Business Observer’s suit at Art Center Sarasota’s iConcept March 28.

File photos

Katie Raymond, Maks Lototskyy and Sarah Haworth at Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART)’s “Great Gatsby” Interactive Dinner Jan. 24.

Susan Jones and Katie Jones at Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s Key to the Cure Oct. 14.

BLACK TIE COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Merrill Bonder and Pat Martin at YMCA Foundation of Sarasota’s Going for the Gold gala May 3.

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: XMAS REFLECTIONS

by Nick Reichert | A&E Editor

UNSUNG HEROES During this holiday season, Sarasota’s arts institutions recognize the people and events that helped make their 2014 special. THE RINGLING

One of the most overlooked groups at the Ringling is the volunteer docents (above), who are often the public face of the institution for most visitors. In the last year alone, the number of visitors served on docent-led tours was approximately 104,912. The corps of 116 volunteer docents gave 10,013 individual tours to the Ringling’s patrons with an estimated $369,465 worth of revenue generated.

WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE

Courtesy

The corps of The Ringling’s volunteer docents are just one of the numerous valued yet overlooked components of Sarasota’s arts community.

“Our organization would like to recognize an unsung hero, our stage manager, Juanita Munford. We are so fortunate to have an extensively experienced professional like Juanita on our team. The Juanita blessing and curse Mumford of being a stage manager is that people only recognize what you do when things go wrong onstage. With Juanita, she has largely flown under the radar because she is so good at her job. During her time with us, she has been an invaluable asset to our artistic director, Nate Jacobs, and all of our guest directors. We hope Juanita knows how

much we respect and appreciate her significant contributions to our continued growth and success.” — Richard M. Parison Jr., executive director

ART CENTER SARASOTA

“Dotty Terry, volunteer extraordinaire. Her priceless talent for us is her skill in overseeing the over whelming task of coordinating the juried exhibitions. Seven times a year DotDotty Terry ty prepares weeks in advance for receiving day, when more than 300 pieces of artwork from hundreds of artists arrives. “I also have to give a shoutout to another volZach unteer, Zach GilGilliland liland, emerging artist and former exhibitions coordinator here at the center. Zach always seems to be here for us whenever we need him to help hang a show, oversee an event, build a podium or give advice. I have truly never met someone so generous with his or her time.” — Lisa Berger, executive director

Live musical performances that Entertain, Engage, and Inspire!

OF SARASOTA SARASOTA

Presents Three Concerts Featuring the Music of Edvard Grieg In Conjunction with the 2015 Grieg Festival in Florida

January 9, 7:30 p.m. u Historic Asolo Theater

Featuring songs based on the poems of Hans Christian Andersen, choral music, and solo piano pieces reflecting Norwegian folklore. Alan Dunbar, bass-baritone | Gregory Martin, piano | Gloria Musicae Singers OF SARASOTA

January 10, 7:30 p.m. u Historic Asolo Theater

Featuring songs of Norwegian and German poets and piano music, including the celebrated Holberg Suite, Op. 40. Antonio Pompa-Baldi, piano | Njal Sparbo, bass-baritone | Einar Rottingen, piano

Color gradient January 11,

7:30 p.m. u Historic Asolo Theater

Bring in the New Year with The Pineapple Drop!

Featuring songs of Norwegian poets, piano works from the “Lyric Pieces,” and the “Piano Sonata.” Antonio Pompa-Baldi, piano | Njal Sparbo, bass-baritone | Einar Rottingen, piano Three rare opportunities to hear both familiar and seldom-heard Grieg compositions performed by some of the world’s finest musical interpreters of his compositions.

Tickets/details 24/7 at www.artistseriesconcerts.org

n Children’s Rides, Games & Prizes at The State Street Midway n Food, Fun & Dancing in the Streets!

Media Sponsors

C O N C E R T TICKETS BY PHONE – DAILY 10A-4P – $25-$45

941-360-7399

12 Noon to 1AM n Downtown Sarasota www.sarasotanewyearsparty.com

ALSO PART OF THE FESTIVAL Lectures, Competitions, and Exhibits Celebrating of the Music of Edvard Grieg • THESE EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC •

MUSIC ON FOUR STAGES!

DJ DJs LX8, Doug Deming & The Griswolds Circus Freek Presented by Unisyn & Kensi The Jewel Tones Presented by

Presented by

Performances and Exhibit – January 9, 10:30 a.m. – Selby Public Library Competition Finals for Voice and Piano – January 11, 2:00 p.m. Holley Hall Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center

PARTICIPATING

Complete information at: www.griegfestivalinflorida.org